Hong Kong: FS visits German businesses in Berlin Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday visited an artificial intelligence company and an insurance technology firm, and met representatives from European family offices, as he began a trip to Berlin. On the two company visits, Mr Chan learnt about the German firms operations and development plans, and exchanged views with their leaders on technology trends. He also briefed them on Hong Kongs strategies to develop its innovation and technology (I&T) sectors, including measures to attract talent and to encourage strategic enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong. The finance chief stressed that Hong Kong attracts capital and talent from around the world, and that the Greater Bay Area has excellent advanced manufacturing and product commercialisation capabilities. Highlighting the implementation of policies that facilitate cross-boundary flows between the Mainland and Hong Kong, Mr Chan said the SAR offers German I&T companies an excellent base for scientific research and for developing their business in the Mainland and the wider Asia region. Mr Chan also met representatives from companies acting on behalf of European family offices to discuss opportunities for investing in Asias financial and I&T sectors. He invited European family funds to utilise Hong Kong to tap into Asian markets. In addition, Mr Chan had a lunch meeting with representatives from the German Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and later dined with representatives from the German Private Equity & Venture Capital Association. During these meetings, Mr Chan spoke to attendees about opportunities for further collaboration on trade between the two places, and about Hong Kongs business environment and economic situation. Mr Chan met Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Germany Zeng Yingru in the morning. This story has been published on: 2023-09-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Kenyans will now access quality medical care at their doorstep, President William Ruto has said. This follows the unveiling of kits to Community Health Promoters in Nairobi on Monday. He said the radical step will further Universal Health Coverage in the country. The President noted that the more than 100,000 health promoters in 47 Counties will be supervised by professional medics. Kenyans will now be served at their homes in the spirit of our transformative tact to serve the people, he said. He noted that the National Government will remunerate the workers in the form of stipends. I urge the healthcare workers to serve Kenyans with zeal; we must win the struggle for freedom from disease. He spoke on Monday when he flagged off 100,000 Community Health Promoters Kits to all 47 County Governments at Uhuru Park, Nairobi County. He pointed out that health promoters are facilitated to provide a defined package of preventive and promotive health services. Each promoter is charged with serving 100 homes. They will be provided with basic equipment for household health screening. They will also have smartphones to help transmit information, instruction, and advice. President Ruto explained that the Government will employ 20,000 healthcare workers in a bid to bring the ratio of healthcare workers to population to 23:10,000. Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Governors, among other leaders. Mr Gachagua said the intervention is geared towards the transformation of Kenya, especially at the grassroots level. OLE Health announced that Gabriela Bermudez, MD, has returned to its network of nonprofit community health centers after taking a sabbatical to pursue a masters degree in health economics, policy and management. Bermudez will see patients at both the OLE Health Calistoga health center and the St. Helena health center as well, according to a news release. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Bermudez back home, said Dr. Teresa Shinder, chief medical officer for OLE Health. Bermudez first started at OLE Health in 2006 and served as medical director for its UpValley sites from 2019 through 2022 when she made the decision to pause clinical practice and pursue additional education. She enrolled in a health economics, policy and management masters program in Oslo, Norway where she has been living for the last year as she pursued her studies, according to the release. "Calistoga and St. Helena are very special to me, and I am so glad to be back at OLE Health and caring for many of the same families I saw for 16 years," said Bermudez. "Continuing my education and being abroad was incredible, and it's been wonderful to be able to come back and rejoin this tight-knit community." Prior to her sabbatical, Bermudez carried a panel of nearly 2,000 patients, making her one of OLE Healths busiest and most in-demand providers. Lisa Anderson is the owner of Bougie Napa, but chandler is her official occupation. Thats a historical name for candlemaker, which is what Anderson makes and sells. Bougie Napa sells hand-poured luxury coconut apricot wax candles with custom-created fragrances, said Anderson. The business also makes scented room diffusers and wax melts. Anderson said it was the COVID pandemic that led her to a new career. After losing her job as an innkeeper at Poetry Inn due to the pandemic shutdown, a light bulb went off in my head, wrote Anderson. Anderson said she burns a candle at her home every day, and Napa does not have a candle store downtown like Sonoma does, so why not try to start a business that would bring light and love to our community? As my expertise grew as a chandler and I was really honing my craft, it was recommended to me to begin selling at the local farmers markets. Bougie Napa candles are now sold at the Napa, Calistoga, and Sonoma farmers markets as well as online. We have a loyal following, she said. The company also recently moved into a commercial manufacturing space on Coombs Street. 1. What was your childhood ambition? In high school, I wanted to become a marine biologist. I was that kid who was so passionate about the plight of whales and had the record album of whale songs and everything. 2. What was your first job? Lifeguard at the Marine World waterslides in Redwood Shores. 3. Whats the worst job you ever had? Singing telegrams. I can not sing! 4. What job would you like to try/not try? Try: Anything legal, ethical, animal-friendly and low-calorie. Not try: Anything the opposite of above, except maybe, not the low-calorie part! No rides into space. 5. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced? Affordable retail space to sell at. A store such as mine really caters to not only locals but tourists as well. Having our name Bougie Napa on the label makes it a really nice gift or memory from visiting this wonderful region. By the way, did you know that bougie (pronounced boo-zhee) means candle in French? We also like to play on the popular word bougie meaning luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character. We also have our vessel reuse program up and running where our customers can bring back their vessel for a discount on their next purchase and I will clean and reuse the vessel and keep it out of the landfill. 6. Whats one thing Napa could do to help local business? To really look at the incredible artisans, local to our community, who add so much to the Napa Valley experience going beyond just wine and food, making it instead a synergistic experience. Artists struggle with trying to make a living wage doing what they love and are good at, and if there was more of a way to share desirable downtown space and incorporate the artisans, I feel it would be a win-win for all. 7. If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be? To not have shipping costs be 25% of my expense. I source as locally as I can, and when I have the opportunity, I will go to pick up products in our electric car, but the candle-making supplies in this area are limited. 8. What are some of your favorite charities or nonprofits? Akumal Monkey Sanctuary in Mexico (we pay monkey support every month!), Charlies Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma, Osa Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica, and Napa Wildlife Rescue. 9. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you? I was Hefty Smurf in the traveling ice show the Ice Capades for two years, as well as a performer in many other numbers. From 2009 to 2015 my husband and young son traveled approximately 18,000 nautical miles on a 55-foot sailboat to 19 countries as far as Australia. 10. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you havent yet? American Canyon is seeing homes and businesses being built on its vacant spaces and is looking at where it might grow in future decades. Napa Countys southernmost city of about 21,000 residents is updating its general plan through 2040. Land use and growth are big parts of a discussion that could extend into next summer. Last week, the City Council talked about both todays growth and what could lie ahead. The city is seeing a growth spurt rare in slow-growth Napa County. Hundreds of homes are to be built in Watson Ranch, along with a hotel, amphitheaters and town center. Warehouses are being built in the industrial area. Apartments are being built along Highway 29. For one resident, all of this is disconcerting. She told the council during public comments that the city seems to be developing at breakneck speed. You look one day, you see an apartment building, the next day its a hotel, whatever, she said. Its just kind of crazy. It seems like the roadways and the traffic congestion is worsening. City Councilmember David Oro said the city hadnt seen much growth for about a decade. What youre seeing here is about two decades' worth of comments and input from citizens over that time period, Oro said. Wanting the town center. Wanting to improve the highway. Wanting to create jobs that are in an industrial base. It just so happens it is happening all at the same time. According to the U.S. Census, American Canyon in 2010 had 19,454 residents. That increased to 21,843 in 2020, then fell to 21,432 in 2022 just about when today's building spurt began. Looking ahead, city officials see another possible growth area: The 280-acre Hess-Laird properties, along Highway 29 between the city and South Kelly Road. The owners in 2021 approached Napa County about changing the unincorporated lands zoning from agricultural/watershed to industrial. The county has yet to take action. American Canyon's community development director Brent Cooper pointed out that local urban development is usually done in cities. American Canyon provides sewer and water services to the area. The property is a Highway 29 gateway to the city. Cooper described the Hess-Laird properties as a "piece of the puzzle" that could be added to American Canyon. Seems like a natural, he said. City Council members agreed. Under the general plan update, this land would become a special study area for potential future annexation. As it stands, such an annexation would be unlikely before 2030 at the earliest. The city has voter-approved growth boundaries lasting until then that dont include the Hess-Laird lands. That raises a question of development could take place while the land is still under county control. Then American Canyon wouldn't be annexing a blank slate it could help shape to meet its own desires, whether it be industrial development or something else. Councilmember Mark Joseph on Monday told the Napa Valley Register that ideally, if the county Board of Supervisors is open to rezoning the land, it would work with American Canyon. Some sort of cooperative planning effort is important, he said. Property owner representatives couldnt be reached Monday to comment on the land possibly being annexed to American Canyon someday. Joseph said the Hess-Laird land would allow for an extension of Newell Drive to South Kelly Road. Newell Drive is to be one of two city routes designed to provide Highway 29 alternatives. Residents can understand, theres a game plan here, he said. Another general plan growth issue is two vacant properties owned by the Napa Valley Unified School District. One is 5 acres next to the new Napa Junction Elementary School. The other is 15 acres near American Canyon High School, which at one point was set aside to become the city's second middle school. The school district has asked that both properties be rezoned for residential development, city officials said. Im not entirely opposed to that, but theres an issue of timing, Joseph said at last week's council meeting. First, obviously, our community is getting a little frustrated with all the development. Also, the city met its state mandates to set aside land for 622 homes by 2031, actually reserving land for 1,556 homes. Joseph said that the school district properties might be needed to meet future state housing mandates after that date. City Manager Jason Holley said California could pass housing laws affecting residentially zoned land. Owners might be able to build subdivisions meeting affordability standards by going to the Planning Commission or by right and never appear before the City Council. Mayor Leon Garcia brought up another factor to consider. I cant help but think that the population will continue to grow in American Canyon, given the space were looking at for future annexation, development, etc., and were going to need a school site, he said. And we may in fact need a middle school site. The council agreed not to rezone the sites for the present, but to study what might happen next. PHOTOS: Vintage loses homecoming football game to American Canyon 16-13 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 1 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 2 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 3 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 4 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 5 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 6 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 7 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 8 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 9 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 10 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 11 Vintage High players Vintage vs. American Canyon football 13 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 14 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 15 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 16 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 17 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 18 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 19 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 20 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 21 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 22 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 23 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 24 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 25 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 26 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 27 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 28 Vintage vs. American Canyon football 29 You ask a new car dealership salesperson if you can take a test drive in a car youre thinking of buying. The salesperson says Sure, but only if you pay the dealership $100. After being flabbergasted, you ask if that fee can be applied to the purchase price. The dealer says no. In real life, this scenario simply doesnt exist. So, now replace the above scenario with a winery tasting room. Want a sip to see if you like the wine? Pay up. Its obvious how ludicrous are some of the exorbitant tasting room fees that have been established throughout California lately. I think such fees are an audacious afront to anyone seeking whether to buy a bottle of a recently released wine. Decades ago, on my first trips to wine country areas, I could taste lots of wines that wineries were trying to sell and there never were any fees. One of my first visits (1977) was in New Yorks Finger Lakes, where I tried Rieslings. I needed to know if they were sweet or dry. Some winery servers couldnt explain the wines; the only way to see if I liked something was to taste it. The same thing occurred in Napa Valley (1978) with what then were expensive ($9 a bottle) Cabernets. One-ounce pours of any wine cost wineries very little and if it leads to the sale of a bottle, that should be seen as just one aspect of a direct-to-consumer marketing plan. On one early visit to Napa Valley, about 1980, I met a man whose name then was Daryl Sattui at his V. Sattui Winery, which then didnt charge for tasting. He told me his marketing costs were one bottle per case for every bottle he poured in the tasting room, hed sell roughly 11 bottles. If a winery can boast that its marketing costs are less than 10%, you can be certain that the company is on firm financial ground. Im certain that many wineries survive on tasting room sales, but over decades, several factors changed in how wine is marketed. One part of the problem is that there are now so many consumers who abuse the tasting room system that wineries have incurred costs they never had. Wine tasting had become a free vacation for some people. As a result, so-called tire kickers began to show up for free tastes and never bought any wine. Crowds stole valuable spaces at winery tasting bars, sullied restrooms, jammed roads, tossed trash on properties, filled up parking lots, and did other disrespectful things. Charging for tastes became inevitable. At first it was $10 for several wines, but soon fees began to rise, some to ludicrous heights. Nominal fees are expected, but some wineries have made this a major profit center. And charging high fees to taste tiny sips of wine risks defeating the goal of educating consumers about the style of wine being produced. When some once-modest tasting experiences rise to hundreds of dollars per person, it has a deterrent effect. And it runs counter to why wineries love to become destinations for upscale buyers. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales are the most profitable form of marketing. Moreover, milking novice wine drinkers can backfire. It makes sense to entice wealthy buyers into your tasting room, but at some point, such tactics may create a backlash effect. For one, passionate wine lovers who are on a budget can be so turned off by the haughty nature of such exorbitant experiences that it sours their views for years, or forever. (A good friend visited a Sonoma wine tasting room about 1980 to try a specific wine he had read about. A disagreeable server refused to open that bottle with snide remarks including, Were here to educate, not intoxicate. My friend never again bought a single bottle of that winerys wine. Some 40+ years later, hes still miffed, and he has told thousands of people to avoid that brand as well.) When a winery charges for tiny tastes and rebates the tasting fee if a bottle is purchased, often thats a fair trade-off. But not always. Assume a tasting fee is $50 and the winerys cheapest wine is $90. So, how much does the wine cost? No, not $40. It still cost $90 even if the buyer didnt like it! Then there is what tasters get for their fees. One Healdsburg tasting room charges $30 for tastes of five of its wines. On one visit, I saw a server pour so little into each glass that Im sure no one got as much as an ounce of each wine! Thats equivalent to serving 25 people from one bottle a gross profit of $750 per bottle. Not a bad return on investment! DTC is the most profitable sale of a bottle because the winery gets all the profit without having to pay a secondary marketing tier. Tasting room sales thus are cherished. An added benefit is that buyers are already at the winery and are prime candidates to be asked to join the winerys club program. Club programs differ from winery to winery, but in most cases, members agree to regular wine shipments that are paid automatically by credit card. Wine clubs can be hugely profitable. Some tasting experiences are so formalized that reservations are required. At small wineries, where space is limited, this is understandable. However, some visitors dont realize their privacy is at risk. I have heard of wineries employing sophisticated software that could turn reservation tastings into targeted marketing. A friend who has lived in Napa Valley for decades and has worked inside the industry told me recently of some wineries that employ computer software that can take the names and addresses of those who make tasting reservations and analyze visitors financial status by going through finance magazines or databases, such as Barrons. The wineries want to get the financial profile of some reservation guests, said my informant, to see how wealthy they are. If theyre rich enough the winery can use special enticements. One example: a high-end Napa winery that serves Champagne to wealthy guests, even though Champagne is made in France! Said my informant, Im not sure thats even legal! When tastings were still only $10 or $15 to taste several wines seems fair, but charging $25 or more for three tastes begins to sound manipulative. Part of the reason is that the price of a bottle of wine and the cost to make it are always radically different. It rarely costs more than $15 for the liquid in even the most expensive wines, even those selling for $500 or $1,000 a bottle. Some tastings come with special added attractions, such as cave tours or the tour of a modern-day castle. The aforementioned Dario Sattui, to pay homage to his Italian heritage, built such a castle in Napa, south of Calistoga. His Castello di Amorosa does several elaborate tastings starting with just a few wines all the way to a two-hour tasting and complete tour of the impressive castle he imagined and then built. Another special visit once was Sterling Vineyards, whose aerial tram was a delight to newcomers. Gondolas took tasters up the mountain to the edifice. It has been closed for renovations after it was damaged in the October 2020 Glass fire. The company intends to reopen it soon. Today almost all Napa wineries charge for tasting. One of the last to have no tasting fee was Paloma. It now charges fees ranging from $35 to $75 per person. One fee is waived if a patron buys two bottles of wine. Paloma wines start at $72 a bottle. Cutting-edge NASA imaging technology can detect early signs of a plant virus that, if unaddressed, often proves devastating for wineries and grape growers, new research has found. The breakthrough is potential good news for the wine and grape industry in California, the Napa Valley and elsewhere, which loses billions of dollars a year to the crop-ruining disease. Eventually, it could help global agriculture as a whole. Using intricate infrared images captured by airplane over the Central Valley, researchers were able to distinguish Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines that were infected but not showing symptoms before the point at which growers can spot the disease and respond. The technology, coupled with machine learning and on-the-ground analysis, successfully identified infected plants with almost 90% accuracy in some cases, according to two new research papers. "This is the first time we've ever shown the ability to do viral disease detection on the airborne scale," said Katie Gold, an assistant professor of grape pathology at Cornell University and a lead researcher on the project. "The next step is scaling to space." As NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working on sending its airborne imaging instrument a spectrometer known as AVIRIS-NG into space, the research team is hopeful more routine aerial images and data from the launched machine could be used to more widely monitor crops. "The ultimate vision is to be able to do this from space and not just for grapes and not just this one disease and not just a few places in California, but to be able to do this for farmers all over the world, for many different crops and many different diseases and pests," said Ryan Pavlick, a research technologist at JPL who worked on the grape project. The implications of such a venture if successful on a global scale could "benefit the whole food system," Gold said. "If we can detect disease before it's really spiraling out of control at its early stages (and) make a targeted intervention, we can then more strategically use our resources, reduce the amount of chemistry we're putting into the environment, as well as make overall operations more sustainable, both from an environmental and financial standpoint," Gold said. Less disease and crop loss would mean more limited pesticide use and land use for agriculture better for human and Earth health as well as financial benefits, she said. But that's still a far-off vision, Pavlick said, with much more research necessary before the spectrometer is set to head up to space at the end of this decade. This latest study, focused on vineyards and the grapevine leafroll virus 3, or GLRaV-3, is a promising example of how this powerful technology can be leveraged, he said. The leafroll virus is primarily spread across vineyards by the endemic mealybug, and once the disease takes hold the only treatment is removal costing the U.S. wine and grape industry some $3 billion in damage and losses annually, researchers said. Right now, the virus is detected by growers only through laborious vine-by-vine analysis and expensive molecular testing, which usually provides results too late, once the virus has already ruined crops and spread. "This issue is so financially devastating," said Stephanie Bolton, the research and education director at the Lodi Winegrape Commission, a winegrower advocacy group that assisted in the research. "Once it's noticeable, it can be pretty widespread throughout a vineyard," downgrading grapes' quality and leaving vines completely unusable. That's because the leafroll virus has a latent period of one year, Gold said. "By the time a grapevine is showing symptoms, it's already been infected for a year and it's been spreading the virus to all of its neighbors," Gold said. So finding a way to identify early infection was key, she said, a challenge that led to the 2020 "wine tour" over Lodi vineyards, a collaboration between JPL and Cornell. Researchers flew the AVIRIS-NG, or the next-generation Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer developed at JPL, over about 11,000 acres of vineyards near Lodi. The spectrometer captures data from hundreds of channels of light, including those far beyond the visible spectrum "down into the ultraviolet and well above the infrared," Pavlick said. As the machine flies over an area, it creates a map of squiggly lines, full of information on how the light was reflected that can be useful for applications such as detecting methane leaks, measuring the size of a snowflake or understanding the biochemistry of a vegetative canopy. "From the shape of each of those squiggly lines, we can infer all kinds of things about the earth," Pavlick said. Using that data, the research team developed and trained computer models to distinguish the infection, while vineyard collaborators analyzed grapevines for symptoms and provided samples scouting over 300 acres of vines for two years. "This work would not have been possible without their commitment," Gold said. While grape growers elsewhere in California cope with different vine-attacking microbes, a move to airborne scanning may hold long-term promise for other winemaking regions possibly including Napa Valley, according to Molly Hodgins, a viticulture instructor at Napa Valley College. The main viral threat in the North Bay in recent years has been the red blotch virus, which Hodgins said mirrors leafroll virus in its pattern of slow, months-long incubation that doesnt become visible in plants until its spread is far advanced. First observed locally in research plantings in Oakville in 2008 and DNA-sequenced four years later, red blotch is spread by the threecornered alfalfa hopper, a sap-sucking insect, and lowers vineyard yields by preventing the grapes from fully ripening. Fruit affected by red blotch also retains more acid than grapes from healthy vines and must be offered at lower prices, if it can be sold at all, according to Hodgins. Early detection would be fantastic, she said. Whats exciting for me is if they can develop (the technology) enough to do it for red blotch. Theres no reason they shouldnt be able to; it just is going to take some more time. Earlier detection of red blotch may become especially valuable in Napa County because Cabernet Sauvignon grapes the most valuable type locally is more vulnerable to the virus than other types, Hodgins added. In the Central Valley, Bolton of the Lodi Winegrape Commission said the recent testing was work that Lodi growers were excited to be a part of. "The growers here are really committed to learning and solving their problems and teamwork," Bolton said of the community of about 750 growers, many of them farming families. "We were pretty excited with the potential." Though the study was successful, Gold said it's not logistically or financially feasible to expand the project with further airplane flights over the thousands of vineyards in California and all over the world which is why their eyes are on space. "Space offers the opportunity to monitor at the scale at which production occurs," Gold said. With reports from Los Angeles Times reporter Grace Toohey and Napa Valley Register city editor Howard Yune. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is officially set to take on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a long-awaited debate this fall on Fox News. The political rivals will meet on Nov. 30 at a location in Georgia with Fox News host Sean Hannity as moderator. Fox News on Monday announced the 90-minute event, which it is marketing as the Red State vs. Blue State Debate. Im looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American, Hannity said in a statement. Newsom has been clamoring for a confrontation since September 2022, when he first began pushing the idea of a debate on Twitter (now X). Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly youre struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with peoples lives, Newsom tweeted at the time. Since you have only one overriding need attention lets take this up & debate. Ill bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day. The debate equation likely changed for DeSantis in light of his struggling Republican presidential campaign. A national television appearance against a Democratic governor whom GOP voters hate could give him a needed boost. Nearly all polls show him trailing former President Donald Trump by large margins. After DeSantis expressed interest in the debate, both governors camps began floating memos suggesting different debate setups. Newsom preferred a format without a live audience, with four-minute opening statements from each governor. He suggested presidential battleground states Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina as potential locations. DeSantiss team pushed for an audience and two-minute opening statement videos allowing each governor to make the case for their governing philosophy. They suggested Georgia and Iowa as possible debate sites. The Fox News release was unclear about specific event details, including whether an audience will be present. Newsom in early September refuted reports that President Biden opposes the debate. The governor said at a West Sacramento event he received a call from the White House after an NBC News story suggested advisers to the president and Vice President Kamala Harris are irked by the event. When asked whether he still planned to debate the Florida governor, Newsom was noncommittal. Well see if it lands, he said at the time. If it doesnt, it doesnt. If it does, it does. A political spectacle A Newsom-DeSantis debate will be a highly unusual event, virtually unprecedented in modern American politics. Unlike most debates, there are no firm rules of engagement set by political parties or, in the case of general election presidential debates, by a nonpartisan commission. The participants arent running against one another. Theres unlikely to be a live audience. All that is likely to make it difficult to gauge the impact. For instance, will Democrats tend not to watch, since the debate is to be moderated by Hannity, a conservative commentator who has been sympathetic to Trump and appeared at a 2018 rally for him? Would a traditional Democratic voter watch the debate? asked Gordon Stables, director of the School of Journalism at the University of Southern California. Or will they see it through social media? If so, which 15 seconds will come across to them? Will Republicans focus largely on DeSantis and virtually ignore Newsom, who many already loathe? Turn on Fox News and theres often a story about Crazy California, said Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire. About the only modern parallel is the November 1993 prime time debate between Vice President Al Gore and 1992 presidential candidate Ross Perot over trade policy. The Clinton administration was trying to win approval for the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would ease commerce between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. A lot of Democrats, and the labor unions that supported them, were opposed, so Clinton needed to woo Republicans as well as some Democrats. An estimated 16 million people watched as Gore calmly outlined the Clinton plan while Perot came off as angry and frustrated. Polls after the debate showed dramatically increased support for the trade agreement. Eleven days after the debate, the Senate approved the plan on a bipartisan vote. Proposals being submitted to EU delegation regarding support for forcibly displaced Armenians from Karabakh discussed Armenia ombudsperson sends petitions to relevant agencies regarding Karabakh ex-defense minister Levon Mnatsakanyan Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem cancels controversial deal related to Cows' Garden estate Germany FM to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan Vahan Kerobyan, Alkis Vryenios Drakinos discuss projects being implemented by EBRD in Armenia (PHOTOS) Head of EU civilian mission in Armenia briefs President on details about their monitoring Dollar, euro fall in Armenia Armenia Anti-Corruption Committee chief: We have solved March 1, 2008 case Armenia deputy PM, Japan envoy discuss opportunities for development of bilateral trade, economic relations Karabakh parliament speaker imprisoned by Azerbaijan contacts relatives twice from Baku Samkharadze: Georgia wants to become regional leader by contributing to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization Yerevan received, responded to Russia proposals on process of Armenia ratification of Rome Statute, MFA says Border with Azerbaijan is calm, there is no tension, head of EU monitoring mission in Armenia says in Yeghegnadzor Karabakh president negotiated with Azerbaijan special services? 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Maestro Sergey Smbatyan: Process that could have had only one outcome is resolved Legislature vice-speaker complains about reduction of programs in Armenia IT sector UNICEF Armenia: Next batch of humanitarian aid sent to Syunik Province Central Bank of Armenia reduces refinancing rate by 0.25 points, sets it at 9.5% Martin Schuepp: Red Cross is helping people left in Karabakh Finance minister: Armenia economic growth potential currently estimated at 5.5% Armenia official: The money we were allocating to Karabakh should be enough to fund all programs Parliament deputy speaker: Armenia has no contender in high tech Newspaper: Karabakh army handed over ammunition not to Azerbaijan, but to Russian side Canada ambassador about sanctions on Azerbaijan: There is also dispute within Armenia regarding them Audi Q6 e-tron launch delayed until at least Spring 2024 Armenia Investigative Committee official: 8 of 16 persons captured by Azerbaijan are Karabakh leadership members 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 New legislation introduced by US Congressman Chris Smith, Chair of the House Global Human Rights Subcommittee, aims to avert further atrocities and prevent ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijani forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, informed Smiths official website. Named the Preventing Ethnic Cleansing and Atrocities in Nagorno-Karabakh Act of 2023 (HR 5686), Smiths legislation requires the State Department to create a detailed strategy to promote long-term security and well-being of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh through important security provisions, including among others: Dispatching US diplomats to the region to monitor the situation and immediately report any further abuse; Instituting 24-hour video monitoring of Armenian cultural sites; Authorizing humanitarian assistance to Armenians harmed by the blockade and recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh; Imposing new sanctions on officials who directed the blockade and attack on Nagorno-Karabakh; Providing foreign military financing to the democratic Republic of Armenia, now threatened by Azerbaijan; and Terminating US military aid to Azerbaijan by repealing the presidential waiver of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh are in grave danger, said Smith, an internationally recognized human rights defender who met with Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, twice in Bakuin 2013 and again in 2014to discuss Aliyevs egregious record of abuses. Smith later authored the Azerbaijan Democracy Act in 2015. Tragically, they have been forced to disarm and surrender their independence to a ruthless dictator whose government has repeatedly committed horrific abuses against them over many years, expressed its will to ethnically cleanse them, and even initiated a genocide by starvation with the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, said Smith. We must work with them to ensure that the transition is not marked by continued human atrocities. Smiths legislation comes on the heels of a series of congressional hearings he has chaired examining the plight of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, including an emergency hearing earlier this month. The Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh have, as ever, every right to continue to live in their ancient homelandand to do so in safety, Smith said. My legislation will bring some relief and push the Biden Administration to act now to save innocent lives in the region. In a recent article on the AEIdeas portal, senior fellow Michael Rubin highlights the pressing need for the United States to support Armenia in rejecting the creation of a corridor through the region, a development that threatens the security and sovereignty of Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Rubin underscores the precarious situation following the ceasefire agreement signed on November 9, 2020, which aimed to end the 44-day war waged by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh, an autonomous region founded by the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh after the Soviet Union's dissolution. That agreement called for a corridor secured by Russian peacekeepers to ensure unimpeded access between Armenia and Artsakh through Lachin, as well as transport connections through Armenia between Azerbaijan proper and Nakhchivan through Armenias Zangezur region separating the two. Azerbaijan never lived up to any of its agreements. First, for 10 months, it blockaded the Lachin corridor, starving Artsakhs 120,000 Christians in what former International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo labeled a genocide. Then last week, it launched a subsequent attack to conquer the rest of the territory, again unilaterally violating a ceasefire. While Acting Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim declared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, We will not tolerate any attack on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Biden administration did just that. Azerbaijani telegram channels now incite murder and sexual assault against Armenian children and women in online activity reminiscent of the Islamic State during the Yezidi genocide, he wrote. Azerbaijans dictator Ilham Aliyev is triumphant. So too is his chief mentor Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders will celebrate today in Nakhchivan. While the 2020 ceasefire never called for a corridor across Zangezur, Azerbaijani officials increasingly demand just that. Russia, Azerbaijans chief backer as Armenia flips to the West, also favors a corridor across southern Armenia that they might protect in order to justify a continued presence of Russian troops in the region, he added. Rubin argues that the US should stand with Armenia in rejecting any corridor, asserting that Azerbaijan's conquest of Nagorno-Karabakh invalidates the November 2020 ceasefire agreement. Agreeing to a corridor through Zangezur would be detrimental to Armenia, as it would further isolate the country and undermine its main export route to the south. The United States should back Armenia in saying no to any corridor. Azerbaijans conquest of Nagorno-Karabakh voids the November 2020 ceasefire. To acquiesce to any corridor across Zangezur would be national suicide: With Azerbaijan and Turkey continuing to blockade Armenia proper and Georgia increasingly under Russias sway, Armenias chief avenue to export goods is to the south. In effect, the corridor becomes a noose to allow Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia to do to Armenia proper what they did to Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani President Ilham Alivev, meanwhile, has openly declared his desire to conquer Armenia, Rubin wrote. Rubin suggests that the US consider deploying its own forces temporarily in southern Armenia to deter further aggression, if the White House is serious about protecting Armenia. He highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to prevent the Azerbaijan-Turkey-Russia alliance from endangering the world's oldest Christian nation. In the wake of a devastating conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, thousands of displaced persons are fleeing their homes in search of safety, embarking on a perilous journey fraught with uncertainty. According to AFP, over 13,350 people have already crossed the border into Armenia, and more are expected to follow in the days to come. These refugees, like countless others around the world, are bound together by the shared trauma of displacement. Their stories are heart-wrenching, and their futures are shrouded in darkness. They have lost their homes, their communities, and their sense of security, and they grapple with the haunting question of whether they will ever return. For many of these displaced families, the journey across the border is a painful farewell to a way of life they once cherished. The familiar landscapes of Nagorno-Karabakh, where they have built their homes over decades, are now distant memories. The bonds of community and shared history have been severed, and they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. One refugee, while awaiting the arrival of her relatives at a border checkpoint, speaks of the anguish felt by so many: "We are not just waiting for our families... We are waiting for the whole of Nagorno-Karabakh. How do we get back? Our Karabakh no longer exists. There is no help from any country, not a single country has stood up for us." In the border town of Goris, which has received thousands of refugees, there is an outpouring of compassion from both local residents and humanitarian organizations. The Red Cross provides much-needed sustenance, offering food and drink to weary travelers before they continue their journey to other towns and cities in the region. But Goris is just a transit point, and many refugees remain lost, uncertain about their next destination. They are still in shock, mourning the life they once knew. We took the children and left our homes to come here, to find refuge, says Rodmila, holding back tears. Our nation has been sold out by a government that doesn't know what it is doing. The Armenian government has pledged to provide refuge for 40,000 displaced families, a testament to their commitment to aiding their fellow citizens during these trying times. My brother was seriously wounded, he was evacuated to Yerevan. But, fortunately, my husband, children and I were able to get out. We saw things that I cant even describe - how can we live together with the Azerbaijanis after this? Liana, a 36-year-old nurse from Stepanakert, told Politico. Gennady Yusunts, another refugee, took his four-day-old son home from the hospital. Within hours, he had to transport his wife, newborn baby and six other children to an orphanage in his hometown of Martakert. There, his nursing wife and family spent days without food or sleep in a crowded basement as he headed to the front lines in a desperate defense of his homeland. Yusunts, one of more than 6,000 refugees who have fled Nagorno-Karabakh since Sunday, said his son was healthy despite everything. But his face darkens when asked about the short tour of duty he served before the Nagorno-Karabakh defense forces laid down their arms. I cant talk about it, he said gloomily to the Guardian. After housing thousands of refugees, border towns appear to be at risk of overcrowding, with city hotels and hostels fully booked and refugees crowding around municipal centers with all their belongings strapped to the roofs of their cars. Two elderly disabled people were pulled from the back of the ambulance and carried on mattresses to the local administration, where they joined hundreds of other people who had registered as internally displaced persons. As heavy rain fell on Monday, a young girl sobbed into her mother's lap in central Goris as they stood holding a plastic bag on a street corner. I spent 30 years building my house, and the only thing I have with me is this bag, she said. My home is in this bag. They should be very happy that we are leaving, because we left them our homes. My wealth is with me, Yusunts said, referring to his children. "I don't care about the rest." How to avoid fraudulent schemes and keep your personal data and finances safe? How to install apps removed from App Store on iPhone? Hundreds of people in Spider-Man costumes gather in Argentina Proposals being submitted to EU delegation regarding support for forcibly displaced Armenians from Karabakh discussed Armenia ombudsperson sends petitions to relevant agencies regarding Karabakh ex-defense minister Levon Mnatsakanyan Innovative methods revolutionizing energy efficiency in building design Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem cancels controversial deal related to Cows' Garden estate Germany FM to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan Vahan Kerobyan, Alkis Vryenios Drakinos discuss projects being implemented by EBRD in Armenia (PHOTOS) Head of EU civilian mission in Armenia briefs President on details about their monitoring Dollar, euro fall in Armenia Armenia Anti-Corruption Committee chief: We have solved March 1, 2008 case 28 countries adopt declaration on safe use of AI Armenia deputy PM, Japan envoy discuss opportunities for development of bilateral trade, economic relations Travis Barker announces Kourtney Kardashian's due date revealing the name of their baby boy Karabakh parliament speaker imprisoned by Azerbaijan contacts relatives twice from Baku Samkharadze: Georgia wants to become regional leader by contributing to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations normalization Yerevan received, responded to Russia proposals on process of Armenia ratification of Rome Statute, MFA says Experts: Azerbaijan uses Pegasus as cyber weapon against Armenia - with Israel's permission Patient who underwent world's second heart transplant with genetically modified pig heart dies A giant peacock: Another shocking Halloween look by Heidi Klum Border with Azerbaijan is calm, there is no tension, head of EU monitoring mission in Armenia says in Yeghegnadzor Karabakh president negotiated with Azerbaijan special services? EU monitoring mission in Armenia opens headquarters in Yeghegnadzor Holding Snoop Dogg concert in Armenia is vital, PMs office says Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issues Red Flag Alert for Azerbaijan in Armenia Why do new Xiaomi 14 overheat and is it worth worrying about? Armenia, Romania MFAs hold political consultations in Bucharest World Bank: Economic activity growth increases, insignificant inflation recorded, exports drop in Armenia Armenia, Iran sign memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation, workforce exchange Alexander Spendiaryan 152nd birth anniversary events kicking off in Yerevan Blinken mentions Armenia during US Senate hearing Why its not a good idea to charge your iPhone 15 with wireless chargers in cars Newspaper: Armenia PM announces cancellation of point 9 of November 2020 trilateral statement TUMO Labs launches an 12-week AgriTech incubation program Paris Masters: Alcaraz out in his opening match Paris Masters: Karen Khachanov advances to Round of 16 Saudi Arabia to host FIFA 2034 World Cup NASA's New Horizons data hint at hidden ocean beneath the surface of Pluto Karabakh president receives French, Italian members of European Parliament Russian peacekeepers continue to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russia MoD says Why did Windows Phone smartphones fail? Red Cross helps elderly people left in Karabakh to relocate to Armenia (VIDEO) Central Bank chief: Armenia residents deposits increased by about 25% EBRD regional director to Armenia finance minister: We are ready to assist those displaced from Karabakh Armenia labor, social affairs minister attends Armenian-Iranian forum in Tehran European Union increases humanitarian funding to Armenia by about 1.7M WhatsApp has a new useful feature Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Armenia PM, Poland envoy address humanitarian situation of forcibly displaced people from Karabakh Ardshinbank has been recognized as the "Best Corporate" and "Best ESG Bank" in Armenia by Euromoney magazine Turkey border bridge renovation, furnishing underway, Armenia official says Armenia official: Enclaves issue will be clarified when peace treaty with Azerbaijan is signed Armenia official: Positive thing about North-South project is that we entered construction phase in some sections Ethnic cleansing in Karabakh received pin-drop silence by American media, US presidential nominee says Armenia economy minister: Trade relations with Russia are very important to us NASA's Lucy probe flies up to Dinkinesh Belt asteroid: Meeting to take place tomorrow Armenia official: We have certain idea about construction of railway in Meghri sector, we are waiting 74 films to be screened in Armenia during 19th Rolan International Film Festival for Children and Youth Yeraskh steel plant project being implemented, it is being moved, it will be nearby, Armenia economy minister says Azerbaijan pledges guarantees to Karabakh Armenians after its blockade, genocide Karabakh ombudsman: Who needs forums, lengthy speeches if international community fails to prevent genocides? How much is X worth now and how much did Elon Musk overpay for it? Maestro Sergey Smbatyan: Process that could have had only one outcome is resolved Legislature vice-speaker complains about reduction of programs in Armenia IT sector UNICEF Armenia: Next batch of humanitarian aid sent to Syunik Province Central Bank of Armenia reduces refinancing rate by 0.25 points, sets it at 9.5% Martin Schuepp: Red Cross is helping people left in Karabakh Finance minister: Armenia economic growth potential currently estimated at 5.5% Armenia official: The money we were allocating to Karabakh should be enough to fund all programs Parliament deputy speaker: Armenia has no contender in high tech Vahan Bichakhchyan: I got very attached to Pogon, fans, city, everyone Apple introduced new MacBook Pro and iMac with M3 chips: What are they and how much do they cost? Newspaper: Karabakh army handed over ammunition not to Azerbaijan, but to Russian side Messi wins 8th Ballon d'Or award Canada ambassador about sanctions on Azerbaijan: There is also dispute within Armenia regarding them Audi Q6 e-tron launch delayed until at least Spring 2024 Armenia Investigative Committee official: 8 of 16 persons captured by Azerbaijan are Karabakh leadership members Is OnePlus 12 most powerful smartphone of 2023? Device sets AnTuTu record 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 Bringing innovations to the region, implementing unique technologies: Regional manager of Visa shares their goals 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 Independent developers release horror game 'Don't Scream' on Steam's early access 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 What new devices does Apple plan to unveil at October 31 event? Lisa Kudrow thinks Matthew Perry may have drowned 'after taking something that did not mix with warm water' 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 Collaboration between Moscow and Yerevan in economy has a significant contribution to the development of Armenia and cannot be compared with the level of collaboration between Yerevan and Washington, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to TASS. "Of course, the US and Armenia are sovereign countries, they have their own directions in which they develop interaction and dialogue. We are developing in our own directions," said Peskov. Speaking about energy and several other sectors, he noted that "there is hardly anything comparable to the depth of integration that Armenia has with the Russian economy." "Hardly anything can be compared with the indirect subsidy of Armenias economy. Let's not forget that supplies of various natural resources are quite preferential, [don't forget] the assistance that Russia gives. This is a very significant contribution to the development of Armenia and the Armenian people. Russia has done it and will continue to do it," Peskov said. "Therefore, of course, it is hardly possible to compare the level of our interaction, our engagement with the engagement of the Americans in this interaction," concluded the press secretary of the Russian president. Given the scale of the needs that the people in Nagorno-Karabakh are facing, the US will provide 11.5 mln dollars in humanitarian assitance, Samantha Power, administrator of the USAID, told reporters in Kornidzor, Syunik. During the nine months that the government of Azerbaijan had locked this corridor, it created excruciating humanitarian conditions for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh: blockages of food, medicine and supplies created dire shortages inside Nagorno-Karabakh, she added. According to Samantha Power, humanitarian organizations, independent eyes and ears were shut out; the government of Azerbaijan did not allow independent access and entry to be able to meet the humanitarian needs of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh. As you all know, the military attacks of last week have made a dire situation even worse. It is absolutely critical that humanitarian organizations be granted full an unimpeded access to Lachin corridor and into the villages and towns of Nagorno-Karabakh. On the instructions of President Biden, I came here to talk with the RA authorities, most importantly, with the civilians who are leaving Nagorno-Karabakh. It is hard to see and hear everything these families are going through. As you know, the experiences these families have had are harrowing. Many of them fled their villages under shelling and many who have arrived here are according to the doctors that we spoke to suffering severe malnutrition. As am sure many of you have seen the trauma and exhaustion is visible on the face of so many of the people that one encounters here. It is absolutely critical that independent monitors as well as humanitarian organizations get access to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh who still have dire needs. We know that there are injured civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh who need to be evacuated and it is essential that evacuations be facilitated by the government of Azerbaijan. The matter of transferring the dead bodies has been organized until now, and the work in that regard continues today as well. Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan noted about this during a press conference Tuesday, presenting the process of transporting the bodies of the dead from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the transfer of those who suffered burns and are in severe condition as a result of the explosion at a gasoline station in Artsakh to Armenia. "A few hours ago, the bodies that were related to the recent events were transported to Armenia through Kornidzor [checkpoint of Armenia], and as a result of proper assistance, they will be delivered to people's relatives to organize a proper funeral. "But also, in this tense situation, we are making especially great efforts to be able to quickly transport to Armenia those people who have serious health damages in connection with these same incidents, and not only because in the previous days there were also people in hospitals whose health condition required fast transfer. "Why do I say there were difficulties? Because you know that only one road connects [Armenia to Artsakh], where due to a large flow of people at the same time, yesterday evening there was such a situation that the traffic was possible only on one side, and due to the accumulation of cars in five rows, it [i.e. the aforesaid road] became impassable for long kilometers; that is, it was very difficult for us to go to [Artsakh capital] Stepanakert even with the greatest physical desire. "In those difficult circumstances, the Ministry of Health [of Armenia], our other partners who had to agree on certain procedures, including with the Russian peacekeepers, were able to agree on the transfer of some of the people in poor health by air transportation," said Tigran Khachatryan. Also, he recalled that today around 3pm it became finally possible to send more than two dozen ambulances to Artsakh capital Stepanakert, which are to transport people with serious health conditions there to Armenia. Furthermore, Tigran Khachatryan reminded that a few hours ago, seven people who were injured in the aforesaid gasoline station explosion were helicoptered to the burn center in Yerevan. Little Amal, the 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl, soon will arrive in Atlanta as part of her trek to 15 countries and 35 U.S. towns and cities to bring her message of hope and solidarity for displaced people everywhere. To celebrate her arrival, the Michael C. Carlos Museum and Emory Libraries will present an event focused on the plight of the ever-growing refugee population. Comedy and Conversations a critical, concerned and sometimes comic look at the world around us will be held at the Carlos Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Prior to the program, attendees can view the Carlos Museums exhibition You Belong Here: Place, People and Purpose in Latinx Photography from 6-7:30 p.m. Comedian David Perdue and social curator/activist Munir Meghjani host Comedy and Conversations. Understanding that comedy can be provocative as well as productive, they founded Comedy and Conversations to focus on the human and sometimes absurd aspects of difficult issues. The Sept. 27 program is designed to bring attention and action to Little Amals expression of hope. Complex topics have become more depressing or contentious. We wanted to experiment with having difficult conversations that were engaging and productive, that allowed us to come together, find common ground and, perhaps, even some joy and laughter. As an immigrant with deep ties to the refugee community, these topics are both personal to me and momentous in our society today, says Meghjani. Participants in Comedy and Conversations will include: Alpa Amin A leading voice in public interest immigration law in Georgia, Amin serves as executive director of Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN). Amin has worked with GAIN since 2008, during which time she built and managed the Victims of Violence program serving Georgias immigrant survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault, and served as GAINs first director of legal services before taking on the top executive role. She is a past chair of the Georgia Immigration Collaborative and the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force, where she helped create the groundbreaking Statewide Labor Trafficking Roundtable and Report. Angel Contreras Contreras is an Atlanta-based up-and-coming comedian. She is a regular at the Laughing Skull Lounge and has performed across the country and internationally. Her comedy touches on her Mexican American upbringing, her day job, witchcraft and more. When shes not on stage, shes in court defending the public. Gilbert Lawand An Atlanta-based comedian whose style is a mix of social commentary and silliness drawn from a unique background, Lawand was born in Baghdad to Catholic parents before moving to a small town in south Georgia, where he grew up on a farm. Hes opened large theater shows for Dave Chappelle, Eric Andre, Aziz Ansar and Tom Segura, and performed in several festivals including the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, High Plains Comedy Festival and the Laughing Skull Festival (where he was a finalist). He also produces the annual Red Clay Comedy Festival in Atlanta. Arturo Lindsay Lindsay is an artist/cultural investigator/educator whose work is informed by the scholarly research he conducts on African spiritual and aesthetic retentions, rediscoveries and reinventions in America. His research findings are manifested in works of art, as well as books, scholarly essays and lectures. A proud native of Colon, a seaport city on the Caribbean coast of the Republic of Panama, Lindsay migrated to the United States with his family at age 12 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. Munir Meghjani A progressive thinker and a social and civic entrepreneur, Meghjani has used his professional experience and community engagement to make connections and bring together diverse groups in Atlanta and across the Southeast. He is the executive producer and host of the podcast Real Tall Tales, a broker with Sands Investment Group and president of the Emory Alumni Board. A serial entrepreneur and commercial real estate broker, Meghjani is also deeply involved in the nonprofit sector focused on arts, education, interfaith and justice. The mantra he adopted at an early age is, I cant do all the service the world needs, but the world needs all the service I can do. David Perdue Perdue is an Atlanta comedian who has appeared on Comedy Central, FuseTV, EPIX and Kevin Harts LOL Network. He is also an actor appearing in Love Is . . . on OWN and Bobcat Goldthwaits Misfits and Monsters on truTV. Perdue co-hosts the sports/comedy podcast Forth and Ten as well as the political/comedy podcast The Confused Caucus. In 2022, he was selected as an Arts and Social Justice Fellow at Emory University. Perdue is many things, but most important, he is not a former U.S. senator. About Emory Libraries Ranked among the top 20 Association of Research Libraries in North America, Emory Libraries serves as an interdisciplinary, intellectual commons for campuses in Atlanta and Oxford, Georgia, with more than 5.8 million volumes and 430,000 electronic journals, 1.8+ million e-books and internationally renowned collections. About the Michael C. Carlos Museum Set in the heart of Emorys Atlanta campus, the Michael C. Carlos Museum is a dynamic, interdisciplinary center for study of art and culture, with collections from Africa, ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East, ancient Greece and Rome, the Indigenous Americas, South Asia, and American and European Works on Paper. Through its permanent collection galleries, engaging special exhibitions and innovative programs for audiences of all ages, the Carlos Museum connects the past with the present and the campus with the community. Museum educators reach across the museum, campus and city to develop opportunities to engage the intellect and the imagination of university students and faculty, pre-K-12 students and teachers and the larger Atlanta community. Emory Vaccine Center researchers say they have identified the Achilles heel of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Part of the viral fusion machinery seems to stay the same among several viral variants, and this vulnerable machinery is what the antiviral peptide Yongshi targets. A peptide is a small protein or fragment of a protein. Derived from a natural antiviral peptide produced by wild boar, Yongshi (meaning warrior in Mandarin) can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting host cells. The scientists are now studying how to adapt the peptide for clinical use. The results were published in Scientific Reports. Yongshi throws a wrench into the machine that allows SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cell, says senior author Joshy Jacob, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at Emory University School of Medicine. Jacobs Vaccine Center lab is based at Emory National Primate Research Center. An advantage for Yongshi is that it appears to be active against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the recent XBB.1.16. It is also active against the related viruses SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. For comparison, monoclonal antibodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 variants have often lost activity as the virus continues to evolve and new variants emerge. This is important because drug makers and the public in general has to catch up whenever a new viral variant takes the stage, Jacob says. A peptide-based antiviral approach might allow us to stay ahead. The origin of Yongshi was in cathelicidin peptides, which are produced by mammals, birds, amphibians and fish and have long been studied for their antimicrobial properties. Working in Jacobs lab, former graduate student Troy von Beck tested cathelicidin peptides from several types of animals, including bats, pangolins, humans, whales, snakes, cats, koalas and wallabies. He settled on one from wild boar, which was the most active, and then modified it to reduce toxicity against human cells. Pigs are not susceptible to SARS-CoV2, and it is unclear whether their cathelicidin peptides may be partly responsible. To understand the mechanism of Yongshis antiviral activity, the Emory researchers collaborated with computational protein-modeling experts Jeffrey Skolnick, PhD, and Mu Gao, PhD, at Georgia Tech. In a computer simulation, they identified interactions between Yongshi and part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein known as the helical bundle. Further experiments with the Emory-based labs of Mehul S. Suthar, PhD, and Renhao Li, PhD, supported this model. Previously discovered helical bundle peptide inhibitors are expected to be cross-reactive with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and may be ineffective in vaccinated or convalescent individuals. Jacobs lab has a track record of finding antiviral peptides from the natural world. In collaboration with Indian herpetologists, his team isolated an anti-flu peptide from frog skin secretions. They later found another peptide from frogs against Zika and dengue viruses. Developing antimicrobial peptides into effective drugs has been a challenge, partly because enzymes in the body can break them down. Jacob says that further modifications to the peptide are necessary to generate a therapeutically viable product. This may include chemical modification, which could both reduce the necessary dose of peptide and improve its stability following administration. Also, Jacob suggests that mRNA technology used in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 vaccines could be a way to deliver Yongshi to patients long-term, either as a single-dose therapeutic following infection or as a prophylactic prior to infection. The research was supported by an Imagine, Innovate and Impact research award from Emory University School of Medicine. Saudi envoy seeks to reassure Palestinians Nayef al-Sudairi, (right), told Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas that justice for the Palestinians will be "a cornerstone of any upcoming deal" with Israel. Photo: AFP A Saudi envoy on a rare visit to the occupied West Bank pledged on Tuesday that the Palestinian cause will be "a cornerstone" of any normalisation deal the oil-rich kingdom may strike with Israel. The delegation headed by Nayef al-Sudairi was Saudi Arabia's first in three decades to the West Bank, which Israel has occupied along with other territories since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The visit comes as Washington has urged its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalise diplomatic relations, following on from similar deals involving the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco. The Palestinians have labelled those agreements a betrayal of their quest for statehood but Sudairi sought to reassure them that Riyadh stands by their side. "The Palestinian matter is a fundamental pillar," Sudairi told journalists after meeting top Palestinian diplomat Riyad al-Maliki in Ramallah. "And it's certain that the Arab initiative, which was presented by the kingdom in 2002, is a cornerstone of any upcoming deal." The 2002 initiative proposed Arab relations with Israel in exchange for its withdrawal from the West Bank, east Jerusalem, Gaza and the Golan Heights, and a just resolution for the Palestinians. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, 87, last week again stressed strong reservations to Arab countries building ties with Israel. "Those who think that peace can prevail in the Middle East without the Palestinian people enjoying their full, legitimate national rights would be mistaken," Abbas told the UN General Assembly in New York. Sudairi, the Saudi envoy to Jordan, was last month also named ambassador for the Palestinian territories and consul general for Jerusalem. (AFP) Former Watergate prosecutor, MSNBC legal analyst to discuss pioneering career in SIU Laws Lesar Lecture by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks will discuss her pioneering career and the barriers that women are still facing when the author, businesswoman and MSNBC legal analyst presents the Hiram H. Lesar Distinguished Lecture on Oct. 4 at Southern Illinois Universitys School of Law. Wine-Banks presentation, Breaking Barriers for Equality, But Still Dancing Backwards in High Heels: How Womens Success Benefits All, is at 5:30 p.m. in the Lesar Law Building Auditorium. This is the 26th lecture in the series established to honor founding Dean Hiram H. Lesar. A reception starts the festivities at 5 p.m. in the law schools formal lounge. The event is free and open to the public. Jill Wine-Banks is a trailblazer, School of Law Dean Camille Davidson said. She recognizes all we have accomplished as women, while also being aware there are still too many firsts taking place in 2023. We look forward to her insights as our school of law celebrates 50 years of serving the public good. Davidson added that Wine-Banks visit fits with the universitys Imagine2030 strategic plan and its pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Law, Wine-Banks began her career as the first woman to serve as an organized crime prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. At just 30 years old, Wine-Banks trial capabilities and win record resulted in her selection in as the only woman among three assistant Watergate special prosecutors in the obstruction of justice trial against President Richard Nixons top aides. Wine-Banks was a major player in the Watergate tapes hearing, where she cross-examined Rose Mary Woods, Nixons secretary, about the 18 minute gap in a key White House recording. Media availability Jill Wine-Banks will be available for interviews prior to the lecture. To arrange for interviews, contact Carly Holtkamp, director of external relations, SIU School of Law, at carly.holtkamp@siu.edu or 618-453-8312. While the barriers for women in the legal profession are not as prevalent as they were in the 1970s, Wine-Banks said that without passage of the Equal Rights Amendment women in all professions and as homemakers face discrimination and will never be equal. Most discrimination today is more subtle, so it's harder to fight and easier to ignore, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission now exists, women support each other more and the numbers are too large to ignore now, she said. When I started, few women were in any profession. Only 4% of all lawyers were women, and almost none of those were litigators, so I had to make up the rules. Wine-Banks career after the Watergate case included private practice in Washington, D.C., and then being named general counsel of the U.S. Army by then President Jimmy Carter. After returning to private practice as a partner at Jenner and Block, Wine-Banks was appointed Illinois first solicitor general and later the states first female deputy attorney general, where she argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Illinois Supreme Court. Wine-Banks was the first woman appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Bar Association and had a corporate career with Motorola and Maytag. Wine-Banks, author of the 2020 book The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President, said she hopes those who attend the lecture will see where we were, where we are, where we have to be and be motivated and inspired to help us get there. Both in terms of the ERA and speaking up to get what you want and deserve. Watergate and the impeachment of President Donald Trump have many similarities, she said. Both were based on evidence presented in congressional and impeachment hearings. In one of Trumps cases, the conduct was seen on television in real time, she said. There were a few lessons learned from Watergate, Wine-Banks said, including that our country can survive crime in the Oval Office and upper echelons of government; that the pardon of Nixon by President Gerald Ford was not best for the country and its future and that agreed facts and bipartisanship are important. A delegation led by Uttarkhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has travelled to London with the aim of attracting investors for the upcoming Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit. The event, scheduled to take place in Dehradun this December, has garnered significant attention, prompting a roadshow led by the Chief Minister himself during this London visit. The delegation's endeavours kicked off with a program titled "Destination Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit 2023" held at the Hotel St James Court by Taj, scheduled at 5.30 pm London time. The event began with a warm welcome address by India's Ambassador to London, Vikram Doraiswami. Subsequently, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed potential investors, outlining the state's investment prospects and opportunities. The program also featured a screening of a film showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Uttarakhand. In addition, the event provided a platform for the presentation of Uttarakhand's policies, and ongoing projects, and an interactive session where investors engaged directly with the state's representatives. Upon his arrival in London, CM Dhami expressed his gratitude for the warm reception by the expatriate Uttarakhand community. He was particularly moved by the traditional folk songs, highlighting the cultural connection between the people of Uttarakhand and their homeland. The captivating performances made him feel at home despite being in a foreign land. Dhami said, On reaching London, I was overwhelmed by the grand welcome given by the people of expatriate Uttarakhand through traditional folk songs. Due to the captivating presentation based on Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsar folk songs, I did not feel as if I was in a foreign land. Seeing our people in large numbers, it felt as if a small UK (Uttarakhand) resides in the UK (United Kingdom). The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of this visit, stating that it is a privilege to serve the people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and invite NRIs and other investors living in London to invest in the state's development. It is my good fortune that as the Chief Servant of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, I got the opportunity to come to London to invite NRIs and other industrialists living in London to invest in Devbhoomi, said Dhami. Furthermore, Chief Minister Dhami praised India's advancements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing progress in various fields such as science, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. He highlighted India's global role as a leader and exemplar in these domains. CM Dhami stated, Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country's honour, respect and self-respect have increased today. Today India is showing the way to the whole world as a world leader in science, technology, health, telecommunication and other fields. In his address, CM Dhami encouraged Uttarakhandi migrants to visit their home state annually and apprised them of the state's progress in religious tourism, spirituality, education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. The Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit aims to harness these advancements and opportunities to further the state's growth and development. (ANI) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended the Rozgar Mela program held at a private hotel in Chennai, where she distributed appointment letters to newly appointed individuals. The event marked a significant moment for the 51,000 individuals who received their appointment orders for various job positions in their respective states. During her address at the event, Finance Minister Sitharaman stressed the importance of embracing local languages when individuals are posted to different regions. She highlighted the significance of providing job opportunities to local residents and addressing language-related challenges. Sitharaman said, It is critical that you learn the local language wherever you are stationed. Today, a total of 51,000 people will get employment appointment letters in their respective states. Vacancies were announced by several departments where jobs in our state should go to our state citizens. Sitharaman emphasized the need for vacancies announced by various departments to be filled by residents of the respective states. In Tamil Nadu, the appointment letters included positions at the Gazetted and Officer levels. Today, appointment letters are to be issued for both Gazated and Officer positions in Tamil Nadu, added Sitharaman. She also acknowledged situations where job vacancies attracted applications from across the country, and due to the selection process, individuals from other states might secure these positions. In such cases, she recognized the language barrier that employees from other states might face when dealing with customers who speak the local language. For example, if there are 100 open positions such as puny or attender, 300 people will apply and 100 will be chosen through a written exam. If only 60 people come from Tamil Nadu, the remaining 40 will come from other states. In such cases, jobs that have direct contact with consumers from other states have a language barrier, which is a fair criticism, said Sitharaman. The Finance Minister encouraged Tamil Nadu's youth to take advantage of opportunities for employment and secure positions in their state. She expressed her concerns about the language barrier affecting service quality when employees from other states need time to learn the local language. Sitharaman stated, Only positions in our state can be filled if a large number of young people apply. We are unable to fill vacancies if applications are not received. Those who come from other states for work are advised to learn the local language. People's service will be disrupted while they learn. Sitharaman pointed out that in India, individuals can be posted anywhere in the country due to the nature of all-India exams. In Tamil Nadu, you should take use of such opportunities to find work. This is a source of sadness for me. Anyone can be posted anywhere in an all-India test. If a Tamilian is placed in UP or Bihar, he will find Hindi difficult; if they come here, they will find Tamil difficult. As a result, it is critical that you learn the local language wherever you are placed, added Sitharaman She stressed the importance of adapting to the local language when posted in different regions, emphasizing that learning the local language is essential to ensure effective service delivery. The Finance Minister's address underscored the importance of embracing linguistic diversity and fostering a sense of inclusion and cultural integration in workplaces across India. (ANI) PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 26: Vijaya Raghavan, a debut author, unveils his latest literary masterpiece, Tales From the Home of Wags and Wiggles. This exclusive gathering was an unforgettable experience for pet lovers and avid readers alike. This event featured a captivating evening filled with author readings, engaging discussions, book signings, and much more. It was a fireside chat with Smita Ranjan, who anchored the event. Vijaya Raghavans heartfelt connection with his beloved dog, Casper, beautifully depicted in his book, created an extraordinary bond with his audience. They found themselves transported into a world where the unconditional love between a pet and their human was at the forefront. This relatable narrative became a catalyst for a profound sense of community among the audience at the event. Inspired by the book's warmth and authenticity, the gathering began to share their own heartwarming and sometimes humorous pet parent stories, forging a unique connection. When asked about the inspiration behind the book, Vijay told us about the remarkable connection he has with Casper and how they communicate through glance, gestures, and the unspoken language of love. He said that this connection was something too beautiful, too precious to keep to himself and wanted to express and share this love with the world. Vijay also mentioned that this book is also about his transformation from someone who once held indifference towards animals to becoming a passionate advocate for their rights. Vijay then announced that the journey continues and that there is a Sequel in the works. He invited the audience to help complete this Sequel by featuring some of their heartwarming tales and unforgettable memories with their beloved pets. The audience was thrilled to hear the news and promised to send him their drafts. Debut author Vijaya Raghavan then concludes by saying If the world needs anything more, its Empathy. If the world needs anything more, its Care. He asked the audience to reflect on this and encouraged them to stand against animal cruelty. Vijay said that he created a platform via his book to talk about this. This exclusive event was attended by the Honorary Consul of Spain, Surbhi Sharma, and SV Nathan, Partner at Deloitte India, who lent their distinguished presence to the occasion. Their gracious participation added an extra layer of prestige and significance, making it an unforgettable gathering. To request press credentials or to schedule an interview with Vijaya Raghavan, please contact: 9620484494 || 9535688118 Follow Vijaya Raghavan on social media for more insights. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayaraghavan1973/ About Tales From the Home of Wags and Wiggles: Theauthor,VijayaRaghavan(Vijay),previouslyknownforaregrettableincidentinwhich he had confronted & abused a stray dog that had attacked a child on the street, has undergone aprofound transformation. He is now a passionate advocate for animal rights, actively opposingcruelty to animals in all its forms worldwide. This transformation was catalyzed by his bond withanadopteddognamedCasper. Thebooknarratesacollectionofshortstoriesinspiredbyreal-lifeevents,focusingonthetransformative power of Casper's unwavering love and dedication in the lives of variousindividuals. Coming from a Brahmin family, Vijay follows a vegetarian lifestyle, aligning with his beliefs. In his current professional role, he serves as the Managing Partner at ZingHR. It is available for purchase at leading bookstores and online retailers. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Lalbaugcha Rajais a Lord Ganesha idol kept at Lalbaug, a locality in Mumbai, during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Sonu can be seen wearing a white kurta pyjama while his wife Sonali Sood opted for the suit. Look at the other pictures: Not only Sonu but Shreyas Talpade and Shekhar Suman also seek blessings of Bappa. The history of theLalbaugcha Rajais quite famous as it is the popular Ganesh idol ofLalbaugcha RajaSarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, located at Putlabai Chawl, a place of worship founded in 1934. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol has been taken care of by the Kambli family for over eight decades. Lalbaugcha Rajas first look was unveiled earlier on Friday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month 'Bhadrapada' and this year the festival commenced on September 19. The auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'. It is believed that Lord Ganesh arrives on Earth during the festival and after the 10 days of blessings he showers on his devotees, he returns back to his parents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on 'Kailash Parvat'. Coming back to Sonus work front, Fateh stands as a thrilling action-packed film that has already ignited anticipation due to its captivating storyline and the involvement of Hollywood stunt coordinators. The conclusion of the San Francisco shoot adds another layer of excitement. The breathtaking backdrop of San Francisco has seamlessly enhanced the film's crucial action sequences and dramatic moments. Fateh is based on real-life instances of cybercrime experienced by people during the Covid-pandemic. Helmed by Vaibhav Mishra and the film stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Shivjyoti Rajput and Vijay Raaz in prominent roles. Some of the best names from Hollywood including the director of photography, research team, and action choreographers have been roped in for this film. (ANI) Author Zoleka Mandela, the grandchild of former South African president Nelson Mandela died at the age of 43, People reported. Zoleka's family reported her death on Instagram in astatementshared by the family spokesperson, Zwelabo Mandela. On Monday, September 18th, Zoleka Mandel was admitted into hospital for ongoing treatment for metastatic cancer to the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain and spinal cord, the statement said. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxo-ZxXNgXL/ Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli. The statement continued, Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th surrounded by friends and family. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her. The Nelson Mandela Foundation also issued a statement in response to the news, praising her as a tireless activist for healthcare and justice. The Nelson Mandela Foundation extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night. We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation. The statement continued, Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time. Hamba Kahle Zoleka, we will remember you. Zoleka was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 and was in remission when the cancer resurged last year. She had been receiving treatment for metastatic cancer in her spinal cord, liver, hip, lung and ribs, according to herInstagram, where she documented her treatment journey. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpzld1aDfqp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D Zoleka was a passionate champion for problems other than cancer. According to the BBC, after losing her 13-year-old daughter in a vehicle accident in 2010, she became an advocate for road safety and was honest about her personal issues with depression and sexual abuse as a youngster, as per People. Winnie Mandela, Nelson's second wife, is Zoleka's grandmother. She was ten years old when he was released from prison after a 27-year sentence in 1990. Zindzi, Zoleka's mother, died in 2020 at the age of 59, two years after Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson's ex-wife. South Africa's anti-apartheid leader died in 2013. (ANI) Actor Adah Sharma, On Tuesday, lauded the passage of the women's reservation Bill in Parliament. Adah went to the Ganpati pandal where she shared her views on the women's reservation bill with ANI, saying, "Any bill that is in support of anybody is a good thing and we always stood for women's empowerment and that's how we should encourage women. " She added, "I am very happy that women are getting a voice to speak." The draft legislation, which was passed by an overwhelming majority in both Houses, provides for a 33 per cent reservation for women not just in the Parliament but also in state legislative bodies. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Bill in the first sitting of the Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building, during the Special Session that was convened recently. The Bill was named Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Introducing the Bill in the House, the minister said, "This bill is in relation to women empowerment. By amending Article 239AA of the Constitution, 33 per cent of seats will be reserved for women in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Article 330A reservations of seats for SC/ST in the House of People." The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' was the first Bill passed by Lok Sabha after it shifted to the new Parliament building on Tuesday. On September 21 (Thursday), the Parliament passed the historic draft legislation, with the Rajya Sabha clearing it unanimously. A total of 214 members in the Upper House, voted in support of the Bill and none voted against it. The members welcomed the passing of the Bill by thumping their desks. BJP members raised slogans hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and greeted him after the legislation was passed. Marking a giant leap in the empowerment of one-half of the country's population, chants of 'Modi Modi' were raised by women MPs as they took turns to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the passage of the draft legislation. Women members from both Houses of Parliament, including PT Usha, and Union Ministers Meenakashi Lekhi and Smriti Irani, were all smiles as they presented a bouquet to Prime Minister Modi on the historic passage of the Bill in Parliament. Lok Sabha passed the Bill on Wednesday in the Parliament's Special Session with 454 members voting in favour of the legislation and two against it. Earlier Rajya Sabha passed the Women's Reservation Bill in 2010 during the Congress-led UPA government but it could not be taken up in the Lok Sabha. The new Women's Reservation Bill was passed during the Special Session of Parliament which began on Monday. The two Houses were later adjourned sine die. (ANI) 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. The Uttar Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making rapid strides towards its goal to remove potholes and rejuvenate its roads. According to the Public Works Department, it has already achieved 30 percent of its target regarding pothole clearance and street restoration in the state so far in the financial year 2023-24. Besides, in National Highways, 75.30 per cent of the restoration target has been achieved. It is worth mentioning here that the Yogi government has set the target of restoring 62,000 roads and ridding these of potholes in this financial year and has implemented an action plan in this regard. In line with CM Yogis vision of a pothole-free Uttar Pradesh, the Public Works Department has so far this year allocated Rs 275 crore for the renovation of streets across all districts and the government is monitoring the works being carried out by the department regularly, read UP Government press release. There are a total of 1.14 lakh km of roads under the Public Works Department in Uttar Pradesh, out of which the government is working on the restoration of more than 62,000 roads this year. Out of 62,000 roads, the government has set the target of removal of potholes from 44869 and renovation of 17588 roads. So far, potholes have been removed from 1711 streets whereas 5277 roads have undergone a complete makeover in the current financial year. Thus, the Public Works Department has completed works on a total of 6988 roads with pothole removal constituting 3.81 per cent of the works and road restoration 30 per cent of the works. It is noteworthy that under the Public Works Department, roads related to Mandi, Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, Rural Development, Urban Development, Sugarcane, Housing and Urban Planning and Infrastructure and Industrial Development departments come. Meanwhile, a total of 364 works related to the removal of potholes and restoration of National Highways have been completed so far in the year 2023-24. In terms of percentage, 28.35 percent success has been achieved in pothole removal works while restoration works have been completed on 75.30 per cent of roads. It is noteworthy that four zones of the National Highways Department are working in the state. Among these, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI-West UP) has performed the best this year, achieving 62.57 per cent success in achieving the set targets of pothole removal and 85.79 per cent success in completing restoration works. (ANI) Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Monday interacted individually with Chiefs of Armies who arrived here to attend the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference 2023, officials said on Monday. According to the officials of the Indian Army, the Army Chief interacted individually with them to deliberate on ways for further enhancing the Defence Cooperation between the respective Armies. "The chiefs he met included Gen Morishita Yasunori of Japan, Gen Simon Stuart, Australian Army, US Army chief Gen Randy George, Vietnam Peoples Armys Dy Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Mguyen Doan Anh & Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru, Commander, Kenyan Army," officials said. "Discussions on a collaborative approach for strategic & constructive partnership to promote peace & stability in the Indo-Pacific region were also carried out during the interactions," they added. The armies of India and the United States will host the 13th biannual Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the 47th annual Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS), the 9th Senior Enlisted Forum at the Manekshaw Center in the national capital from September 25-27. The gathering is notably the largest conference for land forces (army, marines, etc.) in the region. The objective of these meetings is to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship. Senior land commanders will have a venue to share opinions and ideas as well as grow and deepen their connections through this, the official release of the US embassy said. This year's conference's theme is Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. There will be both larger plenary sessions and more intimate break-out sessions at the conference. Participants will take part in vibrant conversations on subjects including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid/disaster relief, leadership development, and women's emancipation as well as hear from eminent guest speakers. Participation in IPAMS has grown from nine nations at the first conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1977, to 31 nations in Seoul, Korea in 2017. IPACC is now held every two years and is co-hosted by the United States Army and the hosting country. IPAMS is the longest-running land forces conference held every year. In 2014, the SELF was added allowing senior enlisted members to experience the same fellowship, discussion and sharing opportunities, but from a different perspective, the US Embassy release read. An opening ceremony will kickstart at 9:30 am on September 26 at the Manekshaw Center, preceded by a joint press conference at 9 am with the Indian Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, and General Randy George, US Army Vice Chief of Staff. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday attended the launch event of the book on complete works of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in the Assamese language here in Guwahati. The launch event was of the book titled Deenadayal Upadhyaya Rachanasamagra, the Assamese edition of Deenadayal Upadhyaya Sampoorna Vangmaya (Complete Works of Pandit Deenadayal Upadhyaya) The book has been edited and compiled by Dr Mahesh Chandra Sarma, the Assamese version of the publication has been edited by dictionary writer Sumanta Chaliha and published by Publication Board Assam. Addressing the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the contemporary political scenario in the country was based on the political thinking of Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya, said the Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader emerged as an idol for the society through his works. Chief Minister Dr. Sarmasaid Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya realised the importance of having a strong foundation of social and cultural life, as he was of the opinion that political freedom alone was not sufficient for a nation to keep moving ahead in the path of progress. Referring to the term integral humanism, coined by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Chief Minister Sarma said it meant human beings are at the core of the social, political and economic model. It is opposed to both Western liberalism and Marxian socialism which it views as materialistic ideologies incapable of dealing with native problems. Referring to the concept of Antyodaya of Pandit Deendayal Upadhaya, Chief Minister Sarma said its notion remains a key component of integral humanism. Sarma said the current dispensation at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been following the concept of Antyodaya in its day-to-day policy implementations, offering and actionable model of community development based on self-reliance. Speaking on other scholastic works currently being undertaken by the Government of Assam, Chief Minister Sarma said works related to the translation of the book written by writer Arup Kumar Dutta on Mahabir Lachit Borphukon into 24 Indian languages are going on in full swing and that in next few months, there are plans to release these books across the country. "This would help the people of those States learn more about the great medieval era Army general from Assam. Further, works on a book with a book with the theme 'Political History of Assam' was also underway," he added. Todays event was also attended by Ministers of Assam Cabinet Ranoj Pegu and Jayanta Malla Baruah, Member of Parliament and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Pabitra Margherita, Vice-Chairman of Publication Board Assam Sumanta Chaliha, New Delhi-based Research and Development Foundation for Integral Humanisms Ambar Agarwala, along with a host of other dignitaries. (ANI) Congress on Monday hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed by Parliament recently, is an 'election gimmick' and questioned why the legislation is not being implemented ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Congress Committee spokesperson Dolly Sharma said that the Congress has always kept women empowerment as its priority and its example is that five women including Pratibha Singh, have held the party state unit's top post in the past. "It is an election gimmick of the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Now they are talking of census and delimitation. The women will get their reservation (in the law-making bodies) in 2029 and in Himachal in 2031-32. If you (BJP) are so serious on this (increasing women's participation) then why it is not being implemented before the 2024 elections," Dolly said. She said that if the bill, to provide 33 per cent reservation in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, is implemented before the 2024 general elections then the Congress party will welcome it. The Bill merely reads that it shall come into effect after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first Census taken after the commencement of the Bill is undertaken." It doesnt specify the cycle of elections from which women will get their due share. The current Bill does not provide womens reservation in the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils. The Rajya Sabha currently has lower representation of women than the Lok Sabha. Representation is an ideal that must be reflected in both the Lower and Upper Houses. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, cleared its final legislative hurdle at the Rajya Sabha on September 21 with 214 members voting in support and none against. Earlier on September 20, the bill was cleared in the Lok Sabha with the brute majority of 454 votes in favour and just 2 against. The Rajya Sabha had earlier passed the Womens Reservation Bill in 2010 during the Congress-led UPA government but it was not taken up in the Lok Sabha and subsequently lapsed in the lower House of Parliament. In 1996, under the United Front Government (an alliance of 13 political parties) headed by then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, the bill was brought but it faced opposition from the alliance parties due to the latter's demand to take into account the OBCs. Since then, the bill had been in limbo for 27 years. (ANI) Reacting to the arrest of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu in the multi-crore skill development scam case, his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari said that her husband has now been jailed for 17 days on false corruption charges. As part of the ongoing protest, Nara Bhuvaneswari participated in a relay hunger strike organized by women in the Jaggampeta area of the Kakinada district on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Bhuvaneswari said, "It has been 17 days since the unethical arrest of TDP Chief and former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu in false cases filed by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRC) government." Since the first day of his arrest, people across the country have come out to condemn the arrest and show their solidarity with him, she said. She further said that Chandrababu Naidu's political career, spanning 45 years, has been closely associated with the people, and his goal is to lead them forward. The wife of the former Chief Minister also pointed out that her husband had been unjustly jailed for 17 days on false corruption charges. The wife of the TDP Chief further questioned whether Chandrababu Naidu's mistake was working hard for Andhra Pradesh and its people. She expressed strong hope that the former CM would come out of prison like a lion and continue to serve the people. Talking about Naidu's vision for transforming Hyderabad into a Hi-tech City from an area of stones and gravel, Bhuvaneswari mentioned that many had initially scoffed at the idea of a high-tech city in a place lacking facilities. Now thousands of people work there, and the government generates revenue through IT products, she said and described Chandrababu as a leader who creates wealth. Bhuvaneswari also questioned whether it was wrong to work diligently for the state and its people. She highlighted that those who have benefited from skill development programs now hold high positions and earn significant salaries. She also mentioned incidents where IT professionals were stopped from entering Andhra Pradesh when they were coming from Hyderabad to Rajamahendravaramto express their solidarity with Chandrababu Naidu's family. Bhuvaneswari became the first to sign the one lakh signature collection pamphlets in support of N. Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu is currently in judicial custody at Rajamahendravaram Central Prison after his remand was extended till October 5 on Sunday by the Anti-Corruption Bureau court (ACB) in Vijayawada in the multi-crore skill development scam case. The case involves alleged misappropriation in the establishment of clusters of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with a total estimated project value of Rs 3,300 crore. Agency officials claimed that the alleged fraud had caused a huge loss to the Andhra Pradesh State government in excess of Rs 300 crore. Bhuvaneshwari also claimed that her husband was a "people's man" and his only "mistake" was he "served the people". Saying that Naidu is getting support from different sections of society, she exuded confidence that he will come out from jail soon and "fight for the people again". The Supreme Court on Monday asked counsel of Naidu to mention on September 26 his plea seeking to quash the FIR registered against him in the skill development scam case. As senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Naidu, tried to mention for urgent hearing the plea, which was not listed in the mentioning list, the bench asked him to mention it tomorrow. Luthra told the bench that the case is related to the State of Andhra Pradesh where the opposition is being curbed. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, Come tomorrow in the mentioning list. Naidu approached the Supreme Court against the High Court order which declined to quash the FIR on Friday. (ANI) Mumbai police's crime branch has filed the fourth supplementary chargesheet in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on Monday. The crime branch has named Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana in the 405-page chargesheet. Rana is accused of being an operative of ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba. In the chargesheet, Rana is accused of supporting the 26/11 attacks' mastermind David Coleman Headley, who conducted the recce of the Mumbai attacks. Rana had stayed in a hotel in Mumbai for 10 days before the terrorist attack, the crime branch has submitted a copy of Rana's passport in the charge sheet which Rana had submitted while staying in the hotel. Rana had booked a hotel room in his name from November 11 to November 21, 2008. The hotel stay and other evidence that the police received from the hotel, have been filed in the charge sheet. Tahawwur Rana is currently lodged in jail in the United States in the case of the murder of a journalist. The case may be heard in court today. Earlier Ujjwal Nikam, the special public prosecutor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, had said the possible extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the case, was now a question of a few months. It would all depend now on the US administration as to when Tahawwur Rana is to be sent back to India for trial. The moot question is where he will be tried, whether in the NIA court at Delhi or elsewhere, those questions will be decided by the investigating agency, the special public prosecutor of the 26/11 case added. Nikams statement came on the heels of US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patels remarks to call for those involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to be brought to justice. Patel, however, said that the extradition process of Tahawwur Rana is a pending matter. A US court denied the writ of habeas corpus filed by Tahawwur Rana, paving the way for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to issue a certification for him to be extradited to India, where he is facing charges of his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana was arrested in the US on an extradition request by India for his role in the Mumbai attacks that killed 175 people, including six Americans. Indian authorities allege that Rana conspired with his childhood friend David Coleman Headley to assist the Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba in orchestrating the terror attacks. David Headley had pleaded guilty and testified against Rana. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, started on the evening of November 26, 2008, shook the city of Mumbai. Ten terrorists infiltrated into Mumbai from Pakistan using the sea route and carried out a series of attacks that resulted in the death of 175 people. The attackers had targeted prominent locations like the Leopold Cafe, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, The Trident Hotel, CST Railway Station and the Nariman House. (ANI) Ahead of Shardiya Navratri, in a step towards women empowerment, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all police senior officials that a woman police officer should also be given charge of an additional police station. Chief Minister Yogi emphasized the need to assign a dedicated team of skilled and diligent police personnel to support these women SHOs. All police superintendents and commissioners are expected to take prompt action to ensure compliance with this order. The Chief Minister gave these instructions on Monday during one of his unprecedented initiatives, where, for the first time in the state, the Chief Minister simultaneously communicated with all the SHOs, circle officers, police captains, police commissioners, IG Range and ADG Zone. While communicating from the newly inaugurated CM Dashboard office located at Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan building, the Chief Minister directed the police to take strict action against crime and criminals with a policy of zero tolerance. He said that No matter how big the criminal is; strictest action should be taken against him as per the rules. The Chief Minister said Public interest is the topmost priority of the government. Negligence with this cannot be accepted. The increase in criminal incidents and the delay in their charge sheet and disposal show the negligence of the concerned police station, circle, and police superintendent. Every police station, circle, district, range, and zone is being directly monitored at the government level. If any negligence/irregularity is confirmed, then not only will he be removed from the post, but he will also be given compulsory retirement. No incident should be considered insignificant, as there is something to be learned from every situation. The seriousness of each incident should be understood, and senior officers should personally visit the scene, he added. Addressing the SHOs, the Chief Minister said that they should give respect to every complainant. Listen to his/her pain and provide appropriate solutions. Appreciating the work of the women beat officers, the Chief Minister encouraged the SHOs to communicate with the women beat officers and gram chowkidars once a week. While giving instructions to take action against bike stunt performers and vehicles bearing religious symbols, the Chief Minister directed continuous patrolling in sensitive areas. He also gave instructions for the deployment of qualified policemen in GRP and border police stations. The next phase of the 'Mission Shakti' campaign, widely applauded across the country for its focus on women's safety, respect, and self-reliance, is set to kick off on the first day of the upcoming Shardiya Navratri. The Chief Minister said This phase will be useful from the point of view of awareness of women's safety and rights. As part of this initiative, every week, two women police personnel, along with Asha sisters, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, BC Sakhis, Rozgar Sevaks, and others, will engage with women in a selected Gram Panchayat to educate them about their rights and inform them about government efforts to ensure their safety, Yogi Adityanath said. (ANI) Farmers in Bengaluru staged half-naked protest on Tuesday amid the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The protest comes as farmers called for a bandh in Bengaluru against the order by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Bengaluru police said that only Freedom Park has been given permission to protest. "Farmers' association members were detained at Mysore Bank Circle in Bengaluru after they staged a protest here," Bengaluru police said. On Monday, the National South Indian River Interlinking Farmers Association under the leadership of Ayyakannu held a protest in Tamil Nadu's Trichy by holding parts of the skeleton" human skeleton and demanded the sharing of Cauvery water. The protestors demanded the sharing of Cauvery water to save the standing kuruvai crop cultivation in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, bus services from Tamil Nadu towards Karnataka have been disrupted. Reports have emerged that several buses from Tamil Nadu were stopped at Zuzuvadi in Krishnagiri district of the state. On the other side, police in Bengaluru said that they have made adequate bandobast and no protest or procession will be allowed by farmer outfits. Farmers across Karnataka have been protesting since the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordered the state to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, effective from September 13. Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the CWMA order. Disappointed with the Supreme Court's Thursday order, a strike in Mandya was called by activists and farmers. HD Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of having failed the people of the state on the issue. "Cauvery water is our lifeline water. This year we didn't get proper rain. We have been fighting for many years for Cauvery water. Every day we are watching these protests on TV. There has been a Rs 30,000 cr loss for our farmers as per a government report. The government has failed on the Cauvery water issue," he said. (ANI) Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a party of workers, whatever responsibility is given to workers, it is their religion to fulfil it. Scindia made the remark in view of the BJP releasing its second list of 39 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh which includes four party MPs and three Union Ministers. BJP is a party of workers, whatever responsibility is given to every worker, it is our religion to fulfil that responsibility, Scindia said. The new list of the BJP, was announced on Monday hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive gathering of BJP workers in Bhopal. The BJP's second list features three central ministers -- Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of State (MoS) for Food Processing Industries Prahlad Singh Patel, and Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste. Coming down on the Congress party, Scindia said, Congress creates its narrative within four walls with four people on four pages. Narrative is not created in a closed room. Narrative is not created by limited people by writing on pages. Narrative is created by the people of this country by writing in their hearts. And I have full confidence that nine crore people of Madhya Pradesh have PM Modi in their hearts, just as PM Modi has Madhya Pradesh in his heart. When asked about Congress alleging BJPs nervousness over fielding of central leaders in its second list, the union minister said that the public would decide within 60 days who panicked and who didn't panic. The Congress Party which has become in the habit of dreaming. The Congress Party which was well described by the Prime Minister yesterday that it (Congress) is such an iron which got rusted. Whatever dreams the Congress keeps dreaming, the public will put the reality before the Congress again as it has done many times before, he added. When asked about whether he will be contesting in assembly polls, Scindia only said that he is a party worker. Earlier Congress general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Randeep Singh Surjewala took on the BJP saying that even the presence of 3 central ministers in the candidate list wouldnt save the BJP from losing power. "After the announcement of these tickets, Shivraj and Scindia are saying that our power is slipping away but let's make sure these leaders lose their power as well. Its clear that the BJP is scared of the image of Malikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Just look at the anger of the people of MP. 1 CM, 2 Central Ministers and 7 MPs will be unable to save the Shivraj government" said Surjewala in a post on X. The state is scheduled to go for the Assembly polls later this year. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permission to Ashish Mishra to visit Delhi to take care of his ailing mother with condition not to interact with the media relating to the subjudice Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, among others. A bench of justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta modified its earlier order granting interim bail to Ashish Mishra with conditions not to visit Delhi NCT. On Tuesday, the top court lifted the stay on the condition that Ashish Mishra should not enter the Delhi NCT, however, directed him not to participate in any public function or address media in connection with the case. The court extends its interim bail till further order. Ashish Mishra has sought to modify the top court's earlier order which prohibited him from visiting Delhi NCT. The top court today permitted him to visit the hospital in Delhi to take care of his ailing mother and to get medical treatment for his daughter. On January 25, the top court granted interim bail for eight weeks to Ashish Mishra and imposed various conditions. Later it was extended from time to time. The Supreme Court had directed to Ashish Mishra that during the period of his interim bail of eight weeks, he shall not stay in the State of Uttar Pradesh or in NCT of Delhi. The top court had also directed Ashish Mishra to inform the concerned court about his location. The Supreme Court had also clarified that any attempt by Ashish Mishra or his family to influence witnesses and trying to delay the trial may lead to cancellation of his bail. The court has also directed Mishra to mark his attendance in the concerned police station of his location. Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, moved Supreme Court challenging Allahabad High Court which denied bail to him in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. On July 26, 2022 the Allahabad High Court denied bail to Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. The bail was rejected by the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court. The said order is challenged by Ashish Mishra in the Supreme Court filed through advocate on record T Mahipal. Mishra is facing a case of murder for the incident that took place on October 3, 2021, in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri. Mishra allegedly ran over the farmers who were protesting against the Centres three farm laws. He was arrested on October 9 and granted bail in February 2022. Mishra, again moved to the High Court as the Courts earlier order was set aside by the Supreme Court in April 2022 and had ordered fresh consideration of his bail plea. The top court earlier had set aside the Allahabad High Court order dated February 10, 2022, and remitted the matter back to the High Court. The top court had said that the order of the Allahabad High Court cannot be sustained and had to be set aside and the bail bonds of the respondent/accused are cancelled. The Court had directed Ashish Mishra to surrender within a week. Family members of the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident moved the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court order, which granted bail to Ashish Mishra. The top court cancelled the bail plea of Mishra. Earlier, the Supreme Court had appointed a committee headed by retired Punjab and Haryana high court judge Rakesh Kumar Jain to monitor the probe into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. (ANI) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday accused opposition parties Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka of "doing politics" over Cauvery water sharing row. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, CM said, "It's most unfortunate that BJP and JDS both are doing politics in Cauvery issue. It is just because of politics, not for the people of the state or the people". The CM said the Supreme Court or the Cauvery Water Management Authority should come up with a distress formula for sharing water between two states whenever there is less rain in the state. "So far no distress formula has been implemented. We have been praying for the distress formula in Cauvery water sharing issue. SC or CWMA have not given distress formula solution, whenever there is less rain, there should be distress formula to share water" he said. Siddaramaiah welcomed the letter written by HD Devegowda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a team of experts to study the water and standing crop situation in state. "But he said state government has failed, that's a political statement. State government never stepped back and will never step back". Replying to queries on Bengaluru Bandh, the CM said, "Any bandh can be called, we have no objection to that. Though there is a Supreme Court verdict, but we won't disturb them, let them call the bandh." "Top Court had said that we should not disturb the rights of others while exercising our fundamental rights" the CM said. On HD Kumaraswamy calling Congress a "B team" of DMK, Siddaramaiah said, "They should not make any "political comments" after joining hands with the BJP. Speaking on the protests Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that people have the right to protest. "We don't want to get involved with the rights of people. They have every right to protest. I'm happy about the law and order situation remaining in control and people blue behind harassed. Government is with the farmers" he said The Deputy CM said the state was unable to fulfill the demand of even 5000 cusecs of Cauvery water as ordered by the Water Management Authority. "There is a meeting. We'll submit that we're not able to release 5000 cusecs. We'll request for it to be reduced. Last time Tamil Nadu demanded 25000 cusecs of water. It's not possible to cater to their demands. We have requested the court. Today, we've made our stand clear" DK Shivakumar said. DK Shivakumar also said that the BJP can take its protest on the Cauvery release to the central government instead of protests in the state. "The ball is in their court. Let the BJP fight. Now, even the authority has asked why Karnataka can't be allowed to go ahead with the Mekedatu project? Let JDS and BJP pressure the central government" he said. Meanwhile, the farmers in Karnataka's Mandya are protesting to stop water from being released from Karnataka dams to Tamil Nadu. Farmers across Karnataka have been protesting since the CWMA ordered the state to release 5000 cusecs of water to its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, for 15 days, effective from September 13. (ANI) The party has announced the list for the Schedule Tribe (ST) reserved Amarwara assembly constituency in Chhindwara district. The BJP has fielded Monika Batti from the seat. She has recently joined BJP after leaving the Gondwana Gantantra Party. Earlier on Monday evening, BJP released its second list of 39 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh which includes four party MPs (Member of Parliament) and three Union Ministers. Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel have been fielded from the Dimani and Narsinghpur constituencies respectively. Similarly, Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste will contest from the Niwas constituency. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and BJP MP Rakesh Singh have been fielded from Indore-1 and Jabalpur Paschim constituencies respectively. Other notable candidates in the list included MPs Ganesh Mantri, Rakesh Singh and Reeti Pathak. On September 13, the BJP Central Election Committee (CEC) held a meeting to discuss Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections at the party's headquarters in the national capital. The meeting was attended by PM Modi including BJP President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other members of the election committee and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The BJP released its first list of candidates for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on August 17, revealing the names of 39 candidates. The state is scheduled to go for the Assembly polls later this year. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. (ANI) SP Shukla also thanked the forces for making his visit to Kinnaur a "memorable one". On his visit to the border areas, the Himachal Pradesh governor met the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Jawans at Lepcha. Appreciating the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces in the adverse topographical conditions he said, "enthusiasm of the jawans is unmatchable, it is impossible for the enemy to escape from their hawk eye." "The enthusiasm, courage and dedication of the Indian soldiers towards Mother India at the Lepcha post on India's border with Tibet is unmatched. It is impossible for the enemy to escape from their watchful eyes. For me, it was a great honour to come to the last military post. I express my gratitude to the military authorities for making my visit memorable... Jai Hind", he posted on X. The Governor also visited the villages of Himachal and interacted with locals, under the Vibrant Village scheme. (ANI) The Delhi High Court said there is no copyright on the reproduction of original religious scriptures but adaption or dramatic work out of the same is entitled to copyright protection. The High Court is dealing with a petition moved by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust created by the scholar and spiritual leader Srila Prabhupada against alleged copyright violation of their work by the Trust by several websites, mobile applications and social media accounts. HC said that such piracy of the copyrighted works of the Plaintiff-Trust cannot be permitted. If such piracy goes unchecked, the copyright in the said works would be considerably diluted leading to immense loss of revenues to the Plaintiff - Trust. The High Court has granted ex parte interim injunction and restrained the respondents from printing, reproducing, communicating or disseminating any part of the Plaintiffs works. The bench also directed Google and Meta to take down the infringing mobile applications from their respective platforms. It directed the authorities to block access to the infringing websites/other platforms. Justice Prathiba M Singh said, "There can be no doubt that the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered ancient scriptures in the world. The Bhagavad Gita along with the other scriptures like Bhagavatam which are written about by the Author are all `public domain works." "However, any adaptations of the said work including providing an explanation, summary, meaning, exegesis/interpretation or creating any audiovisual works for eg., television series like Ramanand Sagars Ramayana or B.R. Chopras Mahabharata; dramatic works created by drama societies based on scriptures etc., being transformative works, would be entitled to copyright protection - being original works of the Authors themselves," Justice Singh added. "Thus, there can be no objection to the actual reproduction of the text of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita or similarly other spiritual books. However, the manner in which the same is interpreted by different gurus and spiritual teachers being varied in nature, copyright would vest in respect of the original parts of the literary works which preach, teach or explain the scripture," Justice Singh said. The bench observed, " A perusal of the record would show that the books being made available by the Defendants are complete reproductions of the works of the Plaintiff, which were authored by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada. "These are not mere reproductions of the original scriptures as it is, i.e., the shlokas but their (Anuvaad) and (Tatparya), summary, introduction, preface, cover etc., have all been reproduced" the bench added. The high court perused the record and saw the extracts from the infringing websites, mobile applications, Instagram handles, etc. Justice Singh observed, " Some of the platforms in fact reveal that there is a large-scale infringement that has been carried out in the reproduction of a substantial number of copyrighted works of the Plaintiff-Trust." It is noticed that piracy has been done in several of the languages in which the Plaintiffs works are published, the high court said. The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 12, 2024. (ANI) This gesture was followed by Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Commissioner Anish Yadav, Superintendent of Police Shashank Kumar Sawan, and all security personnel, who also reached the airport without using cars. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the Chief Minister said that collective efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city can yield visible results for society as a whole. He underscored the importance of a clean environment in today's modern era, stating that trees and plants play an important role in providing shade, and fruits, and even contributing to rain. He stressed that our connection to nature is irreplaceable, as it has endowed us with precious resources that need protection. Environmental conservation is paramount for our lives, he added. Appealing to the citizens, the Chief Minister encouraged everyone to use bicycles or motorcycles for their daily commuting on Car Free Day. By adopting these modes of transport, individuals can contribute to a pollution-free lifestyle and the betterment of the environment, he added. (ANI) Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield Few in B.C. will argue that we need a plan to reduce our impact on our environment. The governments CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 outlines the province's trajectory for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 40% below 2007 levels by 2030. However, the governments communication seems to be selectively transparent. While it proudly emphasizes the estimated GHG reductions and mentions generating approximately 18,000 direct and indirect jobs with a GDP increase of 19%, it meticulously avoids discussing the net economic cost, particularly job losses and GDP reduction stemming from a surging carbon tax and other climate policies. This past month, a report on the economic cost of following CleanBC was largely ignored by the media or thought of as too extreme. Over the past two weeks, other reports from two of Canadas large five banks have been released, echoing the same sentiment following the CleanBC plan will end up costing British Columbians. Why is this important? The government has glossed over significant economic repercussions forecasted in its own modelling, focusing instead on the projected achievements in GHG reductions. A closer look at the CleanBC document reveals an alarming absence of comprehensive discussion on the broader economic implications. The report briefly mentions increased fossil fuel costs and measures to mitigate impacts but refrains from any further exploration of the policys economic consequences, leaving the readers with an incomplete and arguably deceptive representation of the modelling results. According to the governments own analysis, the implementation of CleanBC policies will curtail B.C.s economic growth to historically low levels, resulting in a $28 billion smaller economy in 2030, thereby dialing back our provinces prosperity by over a decade. Digging into the available modelling results posted on the Ministry of Environments website unveils a sobering reality. The CleanBC scenario projects a substantial slowdown in economic growth, especially from 2025-30, when numerous emission reduction measures come into full effect. This reduction paints a grim picture, setting the stage for the weakest economic growth in B.C.'s history. This all sounds terrible but how does this reduced economic activity affect you? With CleanBC policies in play, British Columbians faces a future of limited job opportunities and a significant decline in overall prosperity. In addition, government revenue from an active economy will be significantly restrained. That means spending on the services we all depend on, like health care, infrastructure, and social safety nets, are all at risk. Sadly, the government has yet to openly acknowledge or discuss these consequences to their policy, As the Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change Strategy, I advocate for transparency, accountability, and a balanced approach to climate policy. Dollars spent by this government must be associated with a tangible reduction in emissions, or they should not be spent under the auspices of green. While addressing emissions is crucial, it is equally vital to evaluate and communicate the economic trade-offs comprehensively. The governments reluctance to openly discuss the economic repercussions of CleanBC underscores a concerning lack of straightforwardness and warrants a reevaluation of the policys overall impact on the livelihoods of British Columbians. B.C. cant afford a misspend of its tax dollars and British Columbians deserve a transparent and honest account of the economic ramifications associated with the CleanBC policy agenda. Is there a better way? There must be. Looking at Norway, it has managed to ensure great prosperity for its citizens, while boasting the lowest emissions in the world. Surely there are programs and best practices that would show us the path to both. Balancing environmental stewardship with economic prosperity is a complex task, and it necessitates an honest and open dialogue. The government must reconsider its approach, acknowledge the projected economic setbacks, and work collaboratively to establish a climate strategy that safeguards both our environment and the prosperity of British Columbia. My question to you is this: How much can you afford to spend or sacrifice on cleaner emissions? I love hearing from you and read every email. Please email me at Re[email protected] or call the office at 250-712-3620. Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Tuesday offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple situated in Ujjain district after being fielded from Indore-1 seat in the upcoming state assembly polls slated later this year. Vijayvargiya reached the Mahakal temple along with his wife and his both sons. Everyone entered inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and performed worship to Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva). After worshipping, the BJP leader interacted with the media persons and said that good work begins with the blessings of Mahakal, that is why he visited Baba Mahakaleshwar temple. Good work begins with the blessings of Baba Mahakal. That's why we have come here. The party has given me a new responsibility. I prayed to God that the fame and glory continue and God gives me so much strength that I can serve the public, Vijayvargiya said. He added that he would fully live up to the decision taken by the party. In the forthcoming assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party would win more than two-thirds of the assembly seats in the state. The state is scheduled to go for the Assembly polls later this year. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. After the BJP fielded Vijayvargiya in MP Assembly polls, the party supporters started celebrations in Indore on Monday evening. The BJP supporters celebrated outside the residence of Vijayvargiya in Indore. BJP on Monday evening released its second list of 39 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh which includes four party MPs (Member of Parliament) and three Union Ministers. Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel have been fielded from the Dimani and Narsinghpur constituencies respectively. Similarly, Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste will contest from the Niwas constituency. BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya and BJP MP Rakesh Singh have been fielded from Indore-1 and Jabalpur Paschim constituencies respectively. Other notable candidates in the list included MPs Ganesh Mantri, Rakesh Singh and Reeti Pathak. Earlier today, BJP released its third list containing a single candidate for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The party has announced the list for the Schedule Tribe (ST) reserved Amarwara assembly constituency in Chhindwara district. The BJP has fielded Monika Batti from the seat. She has recently joined BJP after leaving the Gondwana Gantantra Party. (ANI) The TDP national general secretary, Nara Lokesh, accompanied by some of the party MPs, called on President Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtapathi Bhavan on Tuesday and brought to her notice the illegal arrest of the party supremo Chandrababu Naidu, and informed her that the voice of the Opposition is being stifled using the State machinery. In two separate letters one signed by Nara Lokesh and the other signed by the party MPs, they told the President that though no evidence has been found, Chandrababu Naidu has been taken into custody only to sling mud at him. They produced the information available to them and also the evidence to support their arguments. Making an appeal to the President of India to uphold the democratic values in Andhra Pradesh, Lokesh and the MPs, Kesineni Naani, Kanakamedal Ravindra Kumar, Galla Jayadev and Ram Mohan Naidu requested her to stand by the people of Andhra Pradesh to ensure that their Constitutional rights are protected. "Your action in this matter will undoubtedly reinforce the faith of the citizens in the democratic institutions of the nation," they said in their letters. In the five-page letter, they said that the Skill Development scam is a fabricated one as there is absolutely no evidence of the involvement of Chandrababu and no evidence of a money trail connecting him or his family members. "The names of the officers, Premchandra Reddy, then managing director of the APSSDC and Kallam Ajay Reddy, then Finance secretary and chief advisor to the Chief Minister who were the authorised signatories for the release of funds in this project are surprisingly missing from the FIR," the letter read. Also, suspicions arose from the shared IP address between the forensic auditor in the case and the auditor of the companies owned by the Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, cast doubt on the audit's objectivity, they said in their letters. Additionally, the same forensic auditor was instructed not to verify assets physically at the Skill Development sites, they mentioned their letters. They also said in the letters the evasion of tax by companies connected to DesignTech should not implicate the government of Andhra Pradesh as the tax matters are the responsibility of the companies, not the government. Significantly, Chandrababu's contribution to skill development reflected in AP's top rank in 2016, 2018 and 2019 and second rank in 2017 providing jobs to 80,000 students, they said. Understandably the arrest of such a distinguished statesman has incited outrage not only within the global Telugu diaspora but also among the wider business, political and civic community, they said in their letters. "If a leader of such a vision and character can be treated in such an unjust and unfair manner what incentives are we creating as a political system to attract the best of our youth to serve our nation," Lokesh and the MPs said in their separate letters. (ANI) In the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Rs 2,000 crore with the French cable car company POMA ropeways for investment in the state under the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit in London on Tuesday. On this occasion, CM Dhami said that through this investment new employment opportunities will be created in the state. "Our government is continuously working to strengthen the economy of the state along with achieving the target of investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore through Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit-2023," Dhami said. CM Dhami reached London Airport on Tuesday morning to attract investors for the upcoming state Global Investor Summit slated to be held in Dehradun in December. The Indian diaspora welcomed Dhami at the airport with the playing of traditional musical instruments of Uttarakhand. "DHC @sujitjoyghosh welcomed CM of Uttarakhand @pushkardhami, leading a delegation from Sept 25 - 28, for promotion of the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit. Uttarakhand offers exciting opportunities for investment in tourism, life sciences, and energy sectors," tweeted the High Commission of India, London. The state government delegation accompanying the Chief Minister will remain on UK tour till September 28.According to a statement by the Chief Ministers Office, CM Dhami will hold roadshows in London on September 26 and in Birmingham the next day. The delegation will hold meetings with the world's big business houses in London and Birmingham and extend invitations for the Global Investors Summit to be held in the month of December.Dhami left for the United Kingdom on Monday to invite Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and industrialists to the Global Investors Conference to be held in Uttarakhand in December. Leaving today for London and Birmingham to meet and invite NRI and international industrialists to the Global Investors Conference being held to achieve the goal of a strong Uttarakhand, Dhami wrote on social networking site X. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met representatives of many leading industrial houses in London and discussed with them the possibilities of investment in his state on Tuesday. CM Dhami is in London to attract investors for the upcoming state Global Investor Summit slated to be held in Dehradun in December. The Chief Minister invited investors to come to Uttarakhand for the Global Investor Summit. During this meeting, Uttarakhand Government signed an MoU worth Rs 2,000 crore with Poma Group. In the presence of the Chief Minister, Secretary Industries Vinay Shankar Pandey signed the MoU on behalf of the state government. The Chief Minister said that considering the geographical conditions of the state, there is immense potential for investment in the field of eco-friendly tourism in Uttarakhand. Poma Group is a leader in ropeway manufacturing across the world. He said that Poma Group has a long experience of working in Uttarakhand. Poma Group has provided technical support in the Auli Ropeway of the Chamoli district. Presently Poma is also providing technical support in Ropeway, Dehradun-Mussoorie Ropeway and Yamunotri Ropeway projects. The Chief Minister said that Poma Group has expressed its desire to invest in technical support and a Center of Excellence for the ropeway in Haridwar and many other religious and tourist places. The Chief Minister said that the focus of the state government is not only on tourism but also on ecology and the economy. He said that the state government is looking for such avenues for investment in which the balance between development and environment is maintained. While addressing the investors in London, the Chief Minister said that London is a big centre of the service sector, hence big investors in the fields of tourism, IT and healthcare are working here. Due to Uttarakhand being a mountainous state, the agricultural climate here is also different from other states. He said that in today's era, there is a special demand for organic products from all the countries including Europe. Through the summit, Uttarakhand's products can be transported abroad more effectively. The Chief Minister said that Britain is a leader in the field of health care and life sciences. Uttarakhand is also reputed as the pharma hub of India. There are 3 pharma clusters in the state, in which more than 300 industries are functioning. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday urged for the amendment in the norms for providing relief packages for hilly states. CM Sukhu made this demand in his address at the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council held in Amritsar and Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Chief Minister stressed the amendment in the prevailing norms of disaster relief funds at the National and State level. "These norms were currently affecting the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. The formula for providing compensation packages for hilly states like Himachal which have tough topography should be amended. The parameters of providing financial assistance during disasters should be on the higher side and demanded practical amendments in these norms," CM Sukhu said The Chief Minister also demanded a special relief package from the Centre to his disaster-affected state in the aftermath of the heavy rains during the southwest monsoon. The heavy rains triggered floods and landslides and caused a loss of nearly Rs. 12,000 crore besides the loss of 450 precious human lives, according to the state officials. He said that the government was trying to recover from one of the worst destruction ever witnessed in which as many as 13,000 houses were completely damaged. The State Government with the help of the people of the State, immediately started relief and rescue operations during the disaster and now has taken up the task of rehabilitating the homeless. The state government has created Disaster Relief Fund-2023 for the same, he said. The Chief Minister thanked the Governments of Haryana and Rajasthan for extending financial assistance for carrying out relief and rehabilitation works. The Chief Minister also sought cooperation from the Punjab Government in handing over the 100 MW Shanan Hydroelectric project, as its lease period will expire in March 2024. A request has also been made to the Central Government in this regard. CM Sukhu said that Himachal has always made its full contribution to nation-building and the people of the state had to suffer due to the construction of hydropower projects. He said that in view of Himachal's 7.19 per cent share in the projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), there should be a regular full-time member on the BBMB Board of Directors. The Chief Minister urged for providing 12 per cent free energy royalty to Himachal in BBMB projects. He also advocated for increasing the royalty from the existing 12 per cent to 30 per cent in the hydropower projects of central undertakings viz: National Hydro Power Corporation, (NHPC) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). He also urged to get released the outstanding amount of Rs 4,000 crore from BBMB as per the decision of the Supreme Court of India. He stressed the need to use an early warning system and get inundation mapping done before releasing water by reservoirs in the state. It was seen that during the recent disaster in the state, the sudden release of huge amounts of water from the Pong Dam, Pandoh Dam and Parvati-3 reservoir caused widespread devastation even in the adjoining states. He said that it was the moral responsibility of the management of Hydel Projects to compensate for this loss and ensure voluntary participation in rehabilitation works. In the meeting, CM Sukhu also demanded to resolve the border disputes with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said that border disputes at Mohal Theka Dhar Padhri in Chamba district and Jammu and Kashmir and the Sarchu border dispute between Himachal and Ladakh were long pending and need to be resolved at the earliest. He said that the Himachal government has done concrete work on the decisions taken in the last meeting of the council. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Council meeting will further strengthen the mutual coordination and cooperation of the member states and promote economic and social empowerment. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended four-year sentences of former Rajyasabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda and Businessman Manoj Jaiswal in a case relating to alleged irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh allowed the application seeking suspension of their sentence. The court decided to suspend their sentence till the pendency of their appeal challenging the trial court judgment against them. Earlier, the Court had granted interim bail taking into account that they were never arrested and remained on bail and said that "they be admitted to interim bail subject to conditions they shall not leave the country and make themselves available as and when available". Advocate Vijay Aggarwal appeared for the appellants in the matter. Earlier, The Special Coal Court of Delhi had sentenced four years imprisonment to Former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda, M/S JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd's Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal for four years in a case relating to irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. In the matter, the trial court Judge Sanjay Bansal also sentenced ex-Coal Secretary H C Gupta, and two senior public servants K S Kropha and K C Samria for three three-year Jail terms in the same case. The Court later granted all three public servants bail in the matter. M/s JLD Yavatmal Energy Ltd, a company that was recently u/s 120-B IPC, 120-B r/w S. 420 IPC and 13 (1)(d)(iii) r/w 13(2) PC Act has been also fined with Rupees 50 lacs. According to the trial Court order, Manoj Kumar Jayaswal was punished with four years imprisonment and 15 lacs fine. Vijay Darda was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and Rs 15 lacs fine. Special Judge Sanjay Bansal recently held all of them guilty convicted them under offences under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code and under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the Court acquitted the accused under 409 IPC (Criminal Breach of Trust by Public Servants). Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the court that JLD Yavatmal Energy Limited got Fatehpur East Coal Block in Chhattisgarh as part of the alleged criminal conspiracy by misrepresentation facts on the eligibility conditions. The coal-related cases have been registered by CBI in connection with the allegations related to getting coal blocks allocated on the basis of misrepresentations and false claims in the applications, presentations and connivance or lack of due diligence on the part of public servants. (ANI) Over 28 issues were discussed in the 31st Northern Zonal Council meeting at Punjab's Amritsar on Tuesday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah making an announcement for anti-drone system on India's borders "soon". Some crucial issues concerning the member states in particular and the country as a whole were discussed in the Northern Zonal Council meeting, mentions the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement. "Issues discussed in the 31st Northern Zonal Council meeting were related to sharing of inter-state river waters, coverage of villages by bank branches and postal banking facilities, effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer for Social Sector Schemes, issues relating to Punjab University, road connectivity under PMGSY, prevention of cyber-crimes, Jal Jeevan Mission, resumption of flights under UDAN Scheme, Speedy investigation of cases of sexual offence/rape against women and children, Implementation of the Scheme of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO Act cases, Strengthening of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Law purchase of Agriculture Land," it said. Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Lt Governors of Delhi, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, Administrator of Chandigarh, Senior Ministers from member States, Union Home Secretary, Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat, Chief Secretaries from the Member States in the Northern Zone and other senior officers from the states and UTs and Central Ministries and Departments participated in the meeting. Noting that the role of zonal councils has changed from advisory nature to action platforms in the last five years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said the meet is an important place from the point of view of development and security of the country as 21 per cent of the country's land, 13 per cent of the population and more than 35 per cent of the food grains are produced in the Northern region. Shah said that the majority of personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Army, guarding the country's borders, come from the states and Union Territories in the Northern Zonal Council. Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has been successful in cracking down on narcotics and terrorism. He further said that "the Modi government is committed towards strengthening the security system on the border, soon anti-drone system will be deployed on our countrys borders." The Home Minister further requested all the member states of the Northern Zonal Council to resolve their disputes related to water sharing with an open mind and mutual discussion. Shah asked all the member states to pay special attention to issues like cooperation movement in the country, dropout rate of school children and malnutrition, terming them as collective priority. He said that not even a single child should remain malnourished in the country, it is the responsibility of all of us to reduce the school dropout rate, and, giving impetus to the cooperative movement will help in taking more than 60 crore people of the country towards prosperity. He also urged all member states to adopt natural and organic farming, as it will be hugely beneficial for the farmers of the country. Union Home Minister assured all possible help from the Centre to the Himachal Pradesh government to deal with the flood situation in the state and said that the whole country is standing by Himachal in this hour of crisis. On the call of the Union Home Minister, the Northern Zonal Council welcomed the spectacular success of Chandrayaan-3, the worldwide appreciation of India's leadership and global welfare at the G20 Summit and the historic Women's Reservation Bill passed by the Parliament. While appreciating the role of the Zonal Councils, Shah mentioned that though the Zonal Councils are advisory in character, over the years, they have proved to be a significant factor in promoting healthy bonds of mutual understanding and cooperation in various spheres. The Zonal Councils provide the opportunity for personal interaction at the highest level amongst the members and serve as a useful forum for resolving issues of a difficult and complex nature in an atmosphere of amity and goodwill. Through discussion and exchange of views, the Zonal Councils help in developing a coordinated approach among the States on important issues of socio and economic development. The Zonal Councils also discuss and make recommendations on issues of common interest of the states. Shah also mentioned that the meetings of the five Zonal Councils are now being convened regularly by the Inter-State Council Secretariat of the Ministry of Home Affairs with the cooperation of the state governments. He observed that there has been a substantial increase in the number of meetings of the Zonal Councils and its Standing Committees. Since June 2014, in the last 10 years, a total of 54 meetings of the Zonal Council and its Standing Committee have been held making the frequency more than double in comparison to the meetings held during the 10 years from the year 2004 to May 2014. "Good Practices adopted by member states and UTs were also shared in the meeting," added the statement. (ANI) China Should End the Three Child Policy Immediately NEWS PROVIDED BY Women's Rights Without Frontiers Sept. 26, 2023 WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Reggie Littlejohn, President of Women's Rights Without Frontiers: On September 25, 1980, China unleashed its brutal One Child Policy, under which the CCP's "Womb Police" succeeded in limiting births through forced abortion, forced sterilization, and even infanticide. In 2009 they boasted that they had "prevented" 400 million births through the One Child Policy their contribution to the fight against global warming! I believe that the total number of lives "prevented" through forced abortions and sterilizations today is likely closer to 500 million. The One Child Policy shifted to a Two Child Policy in 2016 and to a Three Child Policy in 2021. Through all these policy shifts, the CCP has maintained the right forcibly to abort out-of-plan or "illegal pregnancies." Now, the CCP finds that it is facing a population decline that is as devastating as it is irreversible. Apparently, the CCP thought that it could simply relax the policy and count on people suddenly wanting to have more children. Not so. The Two and Three Child Policies have failed to deliver the increase in births desired by the CCP, and now China faces a demographic disaster. Earlier this year, Sichuan Province announced that it was lifting all birth restrictions, allowing all couples and even single parents -- to have as many children as they want. The rest of China should follow suit. Why did Sichuan make this move? China has announced that its population declined in 2022 by 850,000 people the first such decline in 60 years, since the disastrous Great Leap Forward. This decline in work force will have devastating economic consequences. The decrease in the labor force will stifle China's ability to support its "severely aging society." Indeed, demographers forecast that by 2035, 400 million people 30 percent of the population -- will be 60 and above. The CCP has no ability to support this swiftly aging population. Nevertheless, many couples are choosing to have no children at all. Indeed, the Zero Covid policy has driven some young couples to despair. One such couple in Shanghai was confronted by covid police dressed in hazmat suits, known as "Big Whites," who attempted to drag them away to a quarantine camp because they had had contact with someone who tested positive. The police threatened three generations of their family, to which the husband calmly replied, "We are the last generation." This indictment of life under the tyranny of the CCP expressed by the refusal to bring children into this world -- went viral in China. Under the Three Child Policy, it remains illegal for women to have a fourth child, or to give birth if unmarried. China has announced that it will no longer enforce fines on couples who have more children than permitted. What about single parents? Further, will the relaxation of the rule apply to Uyghur families in Xinjiang, or will it apply only to Han Chinese? Countless couples in Xinjiang have been placed into "labor camps" for having "too many children." Their children have been removed from their parents and placed in orphanages and boarding schools. Credible reports exist that the CCP is practicing forced abortion and involuntary sterilization in Tibet as well. Because of son preference, most babies aborted in China have been female; there are an estimated 35 million more males living in China than females. This gender imbalance is driving sexual slavery within China and from surrounding countries. The sex-selective abortion of some females leads to the sexual slavery of others. There is no more violent form of gender discrimination than gendercide, the real war on women. Meanwhile, in the Chinese countryside, impoverished women are still being pressured to "give away" their baby girls or are struggling to feed them. Women's Rights Without Frontiers has enabled hundreds of women in the Chinese countryside to keep and feed their infant daughters through our Save a Girl Campaign. Given China's desperation to increase the birth rate, maintaining the Three-Child Policy or any other coercive population control policy -- is preposterous. The CCP needs to retire its Womb Police. It is reprehensible to dictate to women how many children they can have, no matter the number. We call upon the CCP to end all coercive population control, to make forced abortion and sterilization illegal, including in Xinjiang and Tibet, and to institute effective measures to save girl children, immediately. We call upon them to release all parents in Xinjiang who are currently in detention camps because they have "too many children." Reggie Littlejohn, attorney and President of Women's Rights Without Frontiers, has been working to stop forced abortion and gendercide in China for many years. SOURCE Women's Rights Without Frontiers CONTACT: Reggie Littlejohn, 310-592-5722 Share Tweet Photo: The Canadian Press An ethnic Armenian woman from Nagorno-Karabakh waits to receive humanitarian aid at a temporary camp in Armenia's Goris in Syunik region. At least 20 people were killed and nearly 300 others were injured in an explosion at a crowded gas station in Nagorno-Karabakh as thousands of people rushed to flee into Armenia, the separatist region's authorities said Tuesday. More than 13,500 people about 12% of the region's population have fled across the border since Azerbaijan defeated separatists who have governed the breakaway region for about 30 years in a swift military operation last week, Armenia's government said Tuesday morning. Residents of Nagorno-Karabakh scrambled to flee as soon as Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockade on the region's only road to Armenia. That blockade had caused severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel. While Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of Armenians, many residents feared reprisals. The explosion took place as people lined up to fill their cars at a gas station outside Stepanakert, the region's capital, late on Monday. The separatist government's health department said that 13 bodies have been found and seven people have died of injuries from the blast; another 290 people have been hospitalized and scores of them remain in grave condition. The cause of the blast remains unclear, but Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan said initial information suggested that sabotage was unlikely. Armenia's health ministry said a helicopter brought some blast victims to Armenia on Tuesday morning, and more flights were expected. The Russian peacekeeping force in Nagorno-Karabakh also reportedly was bringing in victims to Armenia by helicopter. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on X, formerly Twitter, that hospitals in Azerbaijan were ready to treat victims, but not if any had been taken there. Azerbaijan has sent in burn-treatment medicine and other humanitarian aid, he said. Azerbaijan also said Tuesday that 30 metric tons (33 U.S. tons) of gasoline and 34 metric tons (37 U.S. tons) of diesel fuel were being sent into the region. The Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in a 24-hour blitz last week, forcing the separatist authorities to agree to lay down weapons and start talks on Nagorno-Karabakhs reintegration into Azerbaijan. Gasoline has been in short supply in Stepanakert for months, and the explosion further adds to anxiety about whether residents will be able drive the 35 kilometers (22 miles) to the border. Cars bearing large loads on their roofs crowded the streets of Stepanakert, and residents stood or lay along sidewalks next to heaps of luggage. Nagorno-Karabakh authorities asked residents to hold off on leaving in order to keep the road clear for emergency services and said buses would be provided for those who want to leave. Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region within Azerbaijan under the Soviet Union, but separatist sentiment grew in the USSR's dying years and then flared into war. Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During a war in 2020, Azerbaijan took parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that it lost of control of during the earlier conflict. Under the armistice that ended the 2020 fighting, Russia deployed a peacekeeping force of about 2,000 to the region. CBI has today conducted searches at around 6 locations, including Behala, Salt Lake, Kolkata, and Howrah, at the premises of private persons related to private companies, during further investigation of a case. During searches, incriminating documents and articles have been recovered, according to a CBI official. The case was registered on June 9, 2022 on the orders of the Honble High Court, Calcutta, on the allegations of giving appointments to ineligible candidates as assistant teachers in primary schools, the official said. A charge sheet was filed on May 18, 2023, and further investigation was kept open, the official added. (ANI) The Haryana Government on Tuesday raised the issue of equal distribution of water between Haryana and Punjab at the 31st Northern Zonal Council meeting in Amritsar. Speaking at the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattarsaid that Punjab is misleading on the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link. "Punjab government is continuously misleading on the construction of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL). They are continuously saying that the availability of water has reduced, but the construction of the canal and the availability of water are two different issues," the Haryana Government said. He also demanded the completion of the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) canal in the Punjab region. The government further alleged that the surplus unchanneled water of Ravi, Sutlej and Beas goes to Pakistan. "In the last 10 years, an average of 1.68 MF of Sutlej water and 0.58 MF of Ravi and Beas water went towards Pakistan. For the proper utilization of this national wastage, production of SYl is necessary," they added. "There is only one carrier channel from Bhakra Dam to Haryana i.e. 61 km long Nangal Hydel Channel which is 68 years old. In case of any emergency, if there is no water supply in Haryana, in such a situation SYL will also work as an alternative channel,'" they said. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann that the state has no spare water to share with any other state so instead of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the project should be now conceived as Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL). He said "The Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that water from the Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through the Satluj River." The Chief Minister said that the SYL canal is a highly 'emotive issue' for Punjab and that the construction of this canal will lead to serious law and order issues and will become a national problem, with Haryana and Rajasthan also suffering the impact. He said that Punjab has no surplus water to share with Haryana and reassessment of availability of water is required as per international norms adding that setting up a new Tribunal as per new Terms of reference and changed circumstances including Yamuna waters is the only solution of the water Dispute. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabs 76.5 per cent blocks (117 out of 153) are over-exploited where the stage of groundwater extraction is more than 100 per cent, whereas in Haryana only 61.5 per cent (88 out of 143) are over-exploited. Strongly opposing the demand of Rajasthan for members in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that BBMB is a body constituted under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966, which primarily deals with the successor States of Punjab and Haryana. He said that the state of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh or any other State for that matter is not concerned at all under provisions of the above said Act. Mann therefore, strongly opposed the proposal of having a third member in the BBMB from the State of Rajasthan or Himachal Pradesh. He said that the directions issued to BBMB by the government, are not acceptable to the state of Punjab and need reconsideration by the government as in the wake of water agreements, no water is required to be allocated to the state of Himachal Pradesh out of the River Sutlej and Beas. Mann said that moreover, the work of BBMB is only for administration, maintenance and operation of the dam and reservoirs adding that it is not authorized under the Punjab Reorganization Act to give any water out of the rivers to any State other than the partner States. Himachal Pradesh is not a partner state also. (ANI) CBI Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar will reach Manipur on Wednesday in a special flight along with other officials to investigate the murder of two students by suspected armed men, official sources said. On Monday, a fresh protest in the state has flared up after two students were brutally murdered by suspected armed men. "CBI Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar will reach Manipur on Wednesday in a special flight along with other officials. Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay will also accompany the team in Manipur," sources mentioned. Earlier Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday confirmed that the CBI Director will be visiting Manipur on Wednesday. CM Biren posted on X and said, "In light of the distressing news that emerged yesterday (Monday) regarding the tragic demise of the missing students, I want to assure the people of the State that both the state and central government are closely working together to nab the perpetrators." "To further expedite this crucial investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, along with a specialized team, will be arriving in Imphal tomorrow morning on a special flight. Their presence underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter. I have been constantly in touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice," he further added. On Monday, students staged a protest and in view of the prevailing situation, the government reimposed suspension of internet services for five days and announced that all schools in the state will be closed till Friday. (ANI) During the meeting, CM Khandu and the Arunachal Pradesh governor discussed education, vibrant village programmes and the ongoing developmental projects in the State. The Governor, who participated in the two-day conference of higher and technical education, advised the Chief Minister to set up a Think Tank, which will recommend to the State Government the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. "He also shared his concern about the slow progress of infrastructure construction at Arunachal Pradesh University. The Governor stressed strengthening the youth activities, especially the National Cadet Corps (NCC). He discussed the need to promote NCC in all educational institutions," an official statement said. Governor Parnaik also shared his observation about the Vibrant Village programmes with the Chief Minister. "He suggested all-weather roads, dedicated banking facilities, community hall and playgrounds for sporting activities in the remote villages," an official statement said. Earlier, Chief Minister Khandu briefed the Governor about his meetings in the national capital. CM Khandu also apprised the Governor about ongoing projects in the State. (ANI) West Bengal Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday slammed the Khalistani supporters of Canada and urged the Indian government to take all necessary measures against those anti-India terrorists. Without mincing any word I do strongly condemn the heinous act of Khalistani elements in Canada who even dared kicking a cardboard figure of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt down an Indian flag. Indian government should take all necessary measures against those anti-India terrorists, he said in a post on, X. Dozens of Khalistan supporters on Monday outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver held a protest against the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar amid Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that the Indian government was behind his slaying. Protesters waved Khalistan flags, played music and shouted slogans. Some of them burnt India's flag in a garbage can outside the Indian Consulate. Similar protests were held in Toronto as well. Protesters called Nijjar's killing an "assassination" and called for a public inquiry into the case, Canada-based CTV News reported. The protest was one of several planned by Khalistan supporters in cities across Canada. Ties between India and Canada have been strained after Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged Indias involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canada's Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. India, however, rejected the allegations, terming them "absurd" and "motivated". We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated," the MEA added in its statement. (ANI) Aam Admi Party MLA Durgesh Pathak on Tuesday participated in Harvard University's Scholars Program in the United States. "Aam Admi Party MLA from Rajendra Nagar, Durgesh Pathak was invited by Harvard University in the United States to participate in their scholar program. There, he had the opportunity to discuss the 'Kejriwal Model of Governance' with the university's students and professors," an official statement said. Durgesh Pathak said that discussions on Kejriwal's governance are happening internationally, which is a matter of pride for the entire country, including the national capital. "Today, I feel even more proud that the Aam Aadmi Party's fame has reached a prestigious university like Harvard. Experiencing the deep interest of the American people in the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal has brought me great joy," AAP MLA said. MCD in-charge Durgesh Pathak stated that it is a matter of great pride when the work of Delhi government is being discussed abroad. "The impact of the work of the Kejriwal government, which has been working for the welfare of the people of Delhi for the past 8 years, is being acknowledged globally. Today, the popularity of the Kejriwal Model of Governance has reached the US. The Aam Aadmi Party has earned this reputation by working for the people. First of all, I would like to thank Harvard University for inviting me to discuss the Kejriwal Model of Governance in their scholar program," he said. Durgesh Pathak further added, "Standing on the prestigious platform of Harvard University is an honor for me. There, I had the opportunity to have discussions with students, alumni, and professors who had a deep interest in the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal. "We had an engaging discussion on the Kejriwal Model of Governance, healthcare, education, MCD, Indian democracy, and more. It was a splendid discussion where there were many prestigious and enthusiastic individuals present," he added. (ANI) While the diplomatic standoff between India and Canada continues to escalate, Indian families are worried about their safety and security. Raj Bheda, brother of a NRI living in Canada's Calgary said, "My sister lives there with her family. They are green card holders. My father has also gone there on a tourist visa. The controversy has snowballed to the extent that it has become unbearable." Early last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an explosive statement accusing the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar a claim that India has outrightly rejected, calling it absurd and motivated. "The Indian government should allow passengers to return back those who have a genuine visa and the government should take strict action on illegal visa holders. Our demand is that the Indians living in Canada should be safe. We are in touch with our relatives in Canada but they are also very scared. They have purchased the groceries for the entire month in one go as they are worried that Indians may not be allowed to enter the stores," said Bheda. He further said that he was worried about his father as his father was scheduled to return via the Netherlands. "Once his flight takes off from the Netherlands then only we can be sure that he will return back safe," he added. Meanwhile, India has suspended its visa services in Canada, following Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing. Amid strained ties, India issued an advisory for its citizens and those who are travelling to Canada to exercise utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence" in the country. Nearly 2,26,450 Indian students went to Canada in 2022, as per data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). (ANI) The Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) under the Army Training Command, organised a seminar focusing on 'Artificial Intelligence for Military Applications'. The seminar was held over two days on Sept 25-26, 2023, at MCEME, Secunderabad aimed at innovative exploitation of Artificial Intelligence for meeting the present and future challenges of the Indian Defence forces. The seminar was presided over by Lieutenant General Tumul Varma, Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers and Senior Colonel Commandant, Corps of EME delivered the Keynote Address for the seminar. "He complimented the Commandant, MCEME and the College in organising such a relevant seminar. Lt Gen JS Sidana, Commandant, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers and Colonel Commandant, Corps of EME welcomed all the participants and delivered the Inaugural Address focusing on multifarious applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain for Maintenance and Sustenance of the Military Equipment, Autonomous Systems, Svl, Data Analytics, etc," an official statement issued by Defence PRO said. He further emphasized the need to harness other niche Techs like Big Data, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Drone Tech etc. to develop and maintain a technological edge over the adversary. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Telangana Govt highlighted the state governments perspective, initiatives, ecosystem and policies on the development and proliferation of Artificial Intelligence for civilian Defence applications. "Participants, including industry representatives from all over India, distinguished officers from Tri-Services Organisation and representatives from different PSUs engaged in fruitful and collaborative discussions through physical attendance and video conferencing," the statement said. "Structured across three sessions, the seminar facilitated in-depth presentations on use cases of Predictive Maintenance, Autonomous Systems and Data Analytics for military use. This information-rich exchange focused on a comprehensive understanding of the respective strengths of the academia, industry, startups, and Government bodies towards finding AI-based solutions for National Military applications of the armed forces wherein this key technology can be utilised," it added. The sessions featured presentations by Academia, military, startups and industry experts, focusing on niche technological domains and innovative solutions tailored to address specific challenges of the Armed Forces. The seminar also comprised a product and equipment display showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements with huge potential for military applications. The collaborative exchange underscored the successful alignment of industry, academia, and Defence sectors in pursuit of cohesive solutions to the complex challenges, statement mentioned. Major General Ajay Sharma delivered the vote of thanks acknowledging the immense contribution of the eminent panelists, speakers and participants online and offline and their efforts in making the seminar a great success. (ANI) A three-day-long photo and banner exhibition in front of the United Nations office in Geneva was launched tohighlight the plight of indigenous Baloch people in Pakistans largest and resource-rich province of Balochistan. It also highlighted the abuse of human rights and rising incidents of enforced disappearances in Pakistans Balochistan province. The exhibition has jointly been organised by the Baloch Voice Association, Voice for Baloch Missing Persons and Baloch Peoples Congress. The organisers have been demanding urgent UN intervention to protect the lives of the Baloch people, who have been facing the worst human rights violations. There have been continuous incidents of enforced disappearances of political activists, students and other intellectuals and they are being tortured and their bodies are thrown in isolated places.Speaking to ANI, Baloch Voice Association President Munir Mengal said, The main objective of us is to be here organising this exhibition to seek the attention of UN and UN bodies and UN member states towards Balochistan." He added, "Pakistan Army is abusing the fundamental rights of the people on a daily basis and every day we receive through social media information that people have been. And also, we have been receiving information that those who have been abducted by the Pakistan army, are throwing their dead bodies in different areas." Munir said that in the last two weeks, 20 mutilated bodies of those people who had been victims of enforced disappearances by the Pakistani forces have been found. However, the Pakistan army claimed that they had killed them in a clash.This is how Pakistan is doing her kill and dumb policy and the world has not taken interest on this issue. For this purpose, we are here to seek the attention of the UN and Pakistan, a member state of the UN and member states should take notice of human rights which the Pakistan forces are doing over there, said Munir. Earlier in August, Amnesty International slammed Pakistan over the multiple cases of enforced disappearances, and secret and arbitrary detentions and called out the authorities to take action and work towards ending this practice. It also announced that the organisation will present a number of such stories from Pakistan where innocent people were suddenly abducted with no whereabouts known to their families. Pakistan must end the practice of enforced disappearance & secret & arbitrary detentions. Authorities must immediately & unconditionally disclose the whereabouts of the forcibly disappeared, to their families. As we approach the International Day of the Disappeared, presenting some emblematic cases of this crime with @dohrpk, Amnesty International South Asia stated on X (formerly Twitter). (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press Unifor national president Lana Payne. Contract talks between Unifor and General Motors Canada begin today. The negotiations cover about 4,300 workers at the automaker's St. Catharines Powertrain Plant, the Oshawa Assembly Complex and the Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre. Unifor announced GM as the next target company in its negotiations with the U.S. automakers on Monday. The talks come after workers represented by the union at Ford Motor Co. of Canada voted on the weekend to approve a new contract that Unifor plans to use as a pattern agreement in its talks with GM and Stellantis. The Ford deal included wage hikes, pension and benefit improvements, and special EV transition measures for workers at Ford's assembly plant in Oakville, Ont. It also added two new paid holidays. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from India participated at the 54th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council informing the world about the country's efforts towards women's empowerment and gender equality. Speaking during the UNs Annual discussion on the 'Integration of a Gender Perspective', a social activist and founder of Akshar Foundation, a women-led NGO based in India, Parmita Sharma said they believe the goals of poverty eradication and gender equality go hand in hand. In her intervention, Parmita Sharma said, To achieve the goal of equal integration of womens perspective in the human rights council and other UN bodies, and in government more broadly, we need a stronger focus on girls education. She said that Akshars model school of poverty eradication measures to increase literacy and employability among underprivileged girls, two of the main factors that contribute to gender discrimination in underprivileged communities. With vocational training in nursing, tailoring, teaching, electronics repair, combined with apprenticeships to professionals, we can ensure girls secure gainful livelihoods and the ability to provide for themselves and their families, Parmita told the United Nations. "We also provide training for girls in self-defence and the National Cadet Corps with mostly girls training for potential careers in law enforcement. With these measures, we have witnessed girls staying in school for longer and a reduction in child brides in the underprivileged communities we serve with girls delaying marriage and child-rearing until adulthood a departure from their mother's generation," she further said. She said that India has recently passed a new law reserving one-third of Parliament seats for women. We ask the Council and other international bodies to do more to increase participation of girls and young women from developing nations in sessions like this one with scholarships and travel assistance, she said while adding that this will have a multiplier effect, letting all the girls in their communities know that they can aspire to be more and participate on a global stage. A side event was also organised by Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS) with a theme titled Ensuring Gender Equitable Practices at Every Place through SAMATVA and highlighting good approaches to development and achieving SDGs. Speaking to ANI, Hansraj Singh, Communication manager of Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan said, At UNHRC we have shown the new campaign known as Samatva which means equitable practices. It means every girl and woman should have equal opportunities at every business and every government house or at every workplace so that the women and girls would be working from top to bottom level and it will ensure that equitable practices are followed all around the world. He further said, "We also showed a Samadhwa logo which could be followed by everyone like the workplaces which are showing equitable practices, they could adapt our Samadhva logo which could mean that they are following Equitable practices and women are giving priority." Shweta Tyagi, Chief functionary of India Water Foundation said, that all the developments taking place in India for the past decade have been women-led. She spoke about the various schemes that have been introduced in India like Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission which have helped women. All the developments that are happening right now in India for the past decade are women-led. If you look at the different schemes that India has brought out especially Water and Sanitation at I spoke on, women are at the basis of all those schemes. See if you talk about the rural area there are schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission or the Swachh Bharat Mission that have been working and these schemes helped the maximum number of women because it was the onus of women to bring water from distances, kilometers and the women were going through the indignity of open defecation without toilets and belligers. So now it is them who have benefited the most," Shweta Tyagi told ANI. "And all the development that is happening, whether you look at the Ujjwala Yojana or other schemes that have been brought out in India, they are all women-led. So I think this is something that we should showcase at every platform that India is a country which is to make a lot for women and every of their development is women-led," she added. Recently, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill in India, which will reserve one-third of seats in national and state parliaments for women. This landmark bill, passed by both houses of parliament, will also constitutionally entrench womens representation in parliament, and be a transformative move in upholding the right to participation for women and gender equality in India. According to the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, the UN High Commissioner called on parliamentarians around the world to adopt legislative measures, including, where necessary, gender quotas in order to ensure womens voices at the centre of their nations political discourse, in full parity with others. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday (local time) held a meeting with United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar stated, "Warm meeting with @ASteiner, UNDP Administrator. Appreciated UNDPs engagement with Indias G20 Presidency initiatives. Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit." Earlier, EAM S Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN Headquarters in New York. Jaishankar and Guterres discussed how Indias G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening the UN's sustainable development agenda. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Jaishankar stated, "Pleasure to meet with UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres at UN Headquarters. Discussed how Indias G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening @UNs sustainable development agenda. We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year. Appreciate UNSGs strong commitment to reforming International Financial Institutions." India hosted the recently concluded G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9-10. The mega G20 Summit was held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. Jaishankar held a meeting with United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis. Jaishankar and Francis agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues that exist in today's time. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Began the morning by meeting @UN_PGA Dennis Francis at UN Headquarters. Welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of Indias G20 Presidency. Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assemblys discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times." After meeting Jaishankar, the UNGA president said the meeting focussed on key issues and priorities, including the UNSC reforms. He congratulated Jaishankar on India's successful G20 Presidency. In a post shared on X, Francis stated, "Delighted to meet External Affairs Minister of India, H.E. @DrSJaishankar. Congratulated Indias successful #G20 Chairmanship, especially on Indias unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South. Discussed #UNGA78 priorities and key issues, including UNSC reform and building on the outcomes of the #SDGSummit ahead of the Summit of the Future. EAM Jaishankar also met Madagascar counterpart Yvette Sylla. The two leaders discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defence cooperation. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "A warm meeting with our SAGAR partner, FM of Madagascar, Yvette Sylla today. Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defense cooperation." Jaishankar is in New York leading the Indian delegation for the UNGA session. He will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, according to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. After concluding his visit to New York, he will travel to Washington, DC. (ANI) A group of NGOs and social activists informed the United Nations about the Indian Constitution which protects the country's linguistic minorities, especially in the Northeast region. They were speaking at a side event organised by Sindhi Adhikar Manch (Association) titled Linguistic Minorities & Human Rights in India during the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The panellists included Gobind Gurbani, CEO of Sindhi Adhikar Manch (Association), Parmita Sarma from Akshar Foundation and Arvind Kumar from Focus Global Reporter. Gurbani addressed the audience and emphasised that Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution provided a fundamental right to linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutes of their choice. Article 350 A empowers the state to establish and impart primary education in the mother tongue Gurbani added that Sindhis came to India empty-handed after partition in 1947 but have been supported by the government as partners in nation-building. Sindhis are also contributing to Indias GDP. Gurbani said: "Our constitution is well defined to linguistic minorities, to minorities, everything is defined. But people from international platforms raise unnecessary issues to malign our government." He further said that external forces want to malign Indias image. There are a lot of people. You see, I was here for the last eight days and I saw a lot of countries coming against Indians for mining, also for Kashmir. See our constitution. See their constitution. You will understand how India is so a very good and powerful country. Meanwhile, Parmita highlighted developments in the North Eastern region of India in the last ten years. She commended Indias 2020, which is a major step to preserve culture, and heritage and provide employment to aspiring students. She cited that the Indian government has taken all steps to develop the NE region and the Prime Minister of India has visited North East 60 times in his tenure, which is now full of healthcare hospitals, technological schools and Management institutes, changing the lives of people of North East. Arvind Kumar explained about Manipur and said that the state has an indigenous population, mainly Meitis and Nagas. Kuki - Zo ethnics mainly came from across the border, that is Myanmar and Bangladesh. Manipur state has a linguistic diversity based on their ethnicity as well they are practising Christianity and Hinduism. Recent clashes in Manipur between Meitis and Kuki Zo community were not religious as falsely propagated by countries like Pakistan and the Western media, he said adding, that the media had a vital role to play in checking their facts while uploading images and captions and hashtags in their Social Media handles. Arvind Kumar conveyed the message that Kukis migrated and settled as refugees from Myanmar. Kukis started poppy cultivation and claimed illegitimate land rights as there are 4000 Kuki refugee settlers in Manipur. Ethnic clashes in Manipur took a toll of vandalising more than 200 Churches, whereas more than 300 Meiti temples were also damaged and not reported by the media, especially from the West. Interestingly, eight Meiti churches were vandalised by the Kuki community in Churachandpur in Manipur. Therefore, there have been losses on both sides, and the clash had no religious motivation. (ANI) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday met his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City. The two ministers appreciated the rapid progress in India, UAE bilateral cooperation and valued regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues. Always a pleasure to meet FM @ABZayed of UAE, this time in New York. Appreciate the rapid progress in our bilateral cooperation. Value our regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X formerly Twitter on Tuesday. UAE and India along with Saudi Arabia, the US and European Union (EU), had recently announced an ambitious infrastructure plan the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This initiative launched at the G20 summit in New Delhi, seeks to reshape the trade route between the Gulf, Europe and South Asia, connecting them by rail and sea links Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar will address a High-Level session of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today. The EAM is in New York to lead the Indian delegation at the UNGA session. EAMJaishankar on Monday met President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dennis Francis inNew York. TheEAMalso held a meeting with Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the 78thUNGA. The two leaders affirmed a "strong bilateral relationship." "On the sidelines of #UNGA78, met with @AraratMirzoyan FM of Armenia. Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship,"Jaishankarposted on X. Jaishankaralso met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konakovic. The two leaders discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy. Jaishankar also met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Barcena. The two leaders discussed taking forward the partnership between the two nations with a focus on business, science and technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. engaging in meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the event. During hisNew Yorkvisit, Jaishankar interacted with several world leaders. A video shared on the social media platform X captures Jaishankar's interactions with his counterparts, including Sameh Shoukrey of Egypt, Gen Jeje Odongo of Uganda, Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, Carlos Pereira of Guinea Bissau, and Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Additionally, he also paid a visit to Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia during his stay inNew York. In the video, Jaishankar is also seen meeting the Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji, Dominica's Foreign Minister Vince Henderson and Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugg Todd, among many others. Meanwhile, theEAMwhile speaking on Saturday evening during an event South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities. Further, citing the example of theCOVID-19 pandemic, the minister also stressed that "it is still a world of double standards." "There is a growing sentiment in the world and theGlobal Southin a way embodies it. But theres also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change", saidEAMJaishankar during the event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission ofIndiato the United Nations, United NationsIndiaand the Reliance Foundation. "They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, its a world very much of double standards," he added. Speaking about theGlobal SouthandIndias G20 Presidency, Jaishankar highlighted howIndiawas the voice of theGlobal South and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the real problem of the G20. After concluding his visit to New York, Jaishankar will travel to Washington, DC. (ANI) Following the act of honouring a former Nazi soldier in Canada's parliament, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said that the decision to invite the Ukrainian veteran was "deeply embarrassing", reported CBC News. While speaking at a news briefing, Trudeau stopped short of calling for Parliament speaker Anthony Rota to step aside from the role he's held since 2019. "It's extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized. But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians," Trudeau said. He further warned that this situation may fuel Russia's propaganda as Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the Ukraine conflict is about rooting out Nazis, according to CBC News. "I think it's going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian disinformation and continue our steadfast unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week by announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russia's illegal war against it," Trudeau said. On September 22, during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's speech in Canadas Parliament, 98-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the first Ukrainian division, also known as the SS division "Galicia" during World War II was honoured by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Anthony Rota. Canada's Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre criticised this act and the two opposition parties said that it was not enough for Rota to apologize for inviting Hunka to the day's festivities, reported CBC News. Currently, Rota is facing calls to resign from the New Democratic Party and Bloc Qubcois. Although, Rota did not offer any suggestion about his intention to resign. Moreover, Rota is expected to hold a meeting with the government and opposition House leaders at Tuesday noon, CBC News reported. However, the Bloc Qubcois originally requested the meeting with Rota and the other parties's House leaders, according to a letter, reported CBC News. The letter, from BlocHouse leader Alain Therrien, said Hunka's invitation has created "a crisis of confidence without precedent" in the House of Commons. NDP MP Peter Julian, the party's House leader, said "regretfully and sadly" Rota cannot continue in his role after this incident. "The Speaker has to be above reproach," he said. "This is an unforgivable error that puts the entire House in disrepute. Unfortunately, I believe a sacred trust has been broken." Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre blames Trudeau stating that the Prime Minister's Office should have vetted a guest list drawn up by the Speaker. "Canadians are sick and tired of a prime minister who never takes responsibility for the things that happen on his watch," Poilievre said, adding there's "constant international embarrassment" with Trudeau at the helm, reported CBC News. While pointing to Rota, Poilievre said, "He always finds someone else to throw under the bus. Are you that person?" According to recent development, Russia will seek a clarification from Canada over the honour accorded in Canadian Parliament to a Ukrainian Nazi who served in one of the units of Adolf Hitler's Waffen SS during the Second World War, TASS reported. "The Embassy is sending a note to the Canadian Foreign Ministry and the Prime Ministers office demanding clarification. The SS is recognized as a criminal organization by the decisions of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which are an integral part of international law. By honouring a member of this criminal community, the Canadian cabinet and members of parliament violated not only moral but also legal norms," Russian Ambassador to Ottawa, Oleg Stepanov said. (ANI) Following the worsening situation in Afghanistan, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar Majed Al-Ansari said that the complete isolation of Afghanistan will not work and the only way forward is engagement, reported TOLO News. We fully understand that the situation in Afghanistan today is not easy for the international community to engage with the current government, but complete isolation is not the situation, it didnt work, it will not work and the only way forward is engagement," he said. Moreover, Ansari highlighted that Qatar is working to mediate in Afghanistan and the rest of the world. Afghanistan is a very important topic for Qatar. We are highly invested in that issue. We are working on mediating between Afghanistan and the rest of the world basically. So, a lot of things to be done, he added. Meanwhile, according to some political analysts, it is important to have a mediator to resolve the current situation in Afghanistan, TOLO News reported. Sayed Qaribullah Sadat, a political analyst said, The issue of China and Taiwan is a problem, and a mediator is needed. The issue of Saudi Arabia and Iran has a problem, and a mediator is needed, similarly, Afghanistan's position from a political and economic point of view and the challenges that Afghanistan's politics face, needs a mediator." Another political analyst noted that Qatar can be a good mediator in the ongoing situation of Afghanistan as its political journey began from Qatar. Qatar can both pave the way and become a good mediator in the current situation because the political journey of the Islamic Emirate started from Qatar, said Mohammad Ajmal Zurmati, a political analyst. Moreover, according to TOLO News, Ansari said Qatar's Foreign Minister and the Taliban leader have discussed various issues in a meeting, including women's right to work and education, reported TOLO News. Earlier this week, the UN special rapporteur for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett said that women and girls in Afghanistan have lost trust in the global community and the international community has betrayed Afghan women, reported Khaama Press. Bennett made these remarks during a session titled Combatting Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan" on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly held on Friday. Further, he called for practical measures to end gender apartheid in Afghanistan. He stated that Afghan women and girls have been left isolated and a sense of mistrust towards the global community has developed among Afghan women. Afghan women have been facing discrimination and injustice for two years now. Be it in terms of education, jobs, or life, they have been suffering since the Taliban took over. Taliban leaders have also disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan's domestic affairs. (ANI) The President of Baloch Voice Association (BVA), Munir Mengal on Tuesday questioned the Canadian authorities for not investigating the mysterious death of Human rights activist, Karima Baloch and requested them to public the evidence they found in the case. To the Canadian government and particularly to the Prime Minister of Canada, we Baloch are looking to your organization and we are asking you please do reinvestigate the case of Karima Baloch and whatever facts your organizations, your authorities, your police has. Please publish that and give us under what circumstances she was killed and who was behind that killing, Mengal said. BVA President shared that a document was given to the Canadian government to seek response from them about the update in the case but he said they didnt get any follow-up from the Canadian authorities. He added, We submitted a document to the Canadian embassy and they said that we will contact our government and we will reply you as soon as possible. Unfortunately, approximately three years passed. Till now, we have not received any information from the Canadian authorities when Karima was eliminated. And after that, we saw a statement by the police authorities that there's no wrong doing in the case of her death. Claiming that his organisation has lots of evidence against the Pakistan security force ISI and alleged that ISI is behind the killing of Baloch based Human rights activists. Mengal further said, Baloch people, we as an organization, we have a lot of evidences that in such sort of cases there's the Pakistani secret services that's called ISI. And she's very much notorious and she has a lot of experience with respect to this. And there are many cases and incidents that Pakistani security forces ISI has done this sort of killings where their hands are masked. Karima Baloch was a Baloch human rights activist and a dissident. She was granted asylum in Canada in 2016. She was found dead after having gone missing in Dec 2020 in Toronto. She was slated to be buried on January 25, but, before the corpse could be transported from Karachi to Balochistan, Pakistani authorities forcibly took Karima's body along with her family from the airport to her hometown, Balochwarna reported. Later, she was buried under Army watch as thousands who came to pay their last respect weren't allowed near her, the Balochistan Times reported. Prior to her burial, the mobile services were suspended in the district, and Tump and surrounding areas were put under strict lockdown. Karima's death sparked protests across Europe and North America as the Baloch diaspora took to the streets in Toronto, Berlin and Netherlands calling on the Canadian government to investigate. Karima had campaigned vigorously against the disappearances and human rights violations in the troubled Balochistan province of Pakistan. (ANI) Photo: Glacier Media Provincial legislation to reform the Law Society of B.C. will be introduced next spring, instead of this fall, as the government continues to iron out details of a new single legal regulator that promises to make many legal services cheaper and easier to understand for the public. The ministry continues to work on a legislative proposal that would see the creation of a single regulator for lawyers, notaries and a new category of regulated paralegals. We are working towards introducing the legislation by the spring legislative session, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General of B.C. told Glacier Media Friday. The single regulator could transform how the public accesses legal services and the extent of proposed changes has, as put lightly by the societys president Christopher McPherson, highjacked the entire year. Providing an update on the coming reforms at a meeting for society benchers (society board of directors) on Friday, McPherson only highlighted the most controversial matter from the societys perspective: the independence of legal regulation from government and the need for a majority of lawyers to direct the new regulator. We dont know where thats going to end up; well have to keep an eye on that, said McPherson. The ministry also stated, No final decisions have been made on the structure of the proposed new board. However, it is understood that the new board will entail elected members, members appointed by the elected members plus members appointed through an independent process. B.C. lawyers have been split on the matter, with some contesting bringing notaries and paralegals into the fold. But society benchers and the executive have been largely united in the new single regulator, arguing it will improve public confidence and trust in the legal system the currency that gives the system credibility. One issue that is being explored is the new ability of licensed paralegals to provide limited legal advice. This could bring down costs for legal work and broaden access for the public. The rationale for change is simple. Far too many people in B.C. cannot afford the cost of a lawyer, stated the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General in its September 2022 intentions paper. Another issue is attorney-client privilege. All parties appear to agree this will be maintained, but the question becomes how to regulate notaries. According to Society of Notaries Public of BC executive director John Mayr, B.C. notaries support having to report to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), unlike lawyers, who view this as an infringement of that privilege. Solicitor-client privilege in financial transactions has been protected by a Supreme Court of Canada ruling in 2015; however, this has led to concerns about money laundering through lawyers trust funds a matter highlighted by the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in B.C. in June 2022. The societys disciplinary rulings often mention this matter and, therefore, the need for strong regulation of lawyers up to the point of respecting that privilege. The ministry stated it has not yet decided on whether solicitor-client privilege will be extended to notaries and paralegals. Furthermore, the society has made itself clear that it would litigate any new board composition that does not give lawyers a majority. Changes to the legal regulatory landscape are in line with a suite of other professional regulatory body amalgamations by the current B.C. NDP government. Since 2020, there have been several amalgamations of health-care regulators, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, and the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. In 2021, the government ushered in the B.C. Financial Services Authority, which absorbed the the Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate and the Real Estate Council of British Columbia. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) organised a protest rally in Geneva accusing Pakistan army for sponsoring terrorism and carrying out gross human rights violations. The rally started from Lake Geneva to Broken Chair in front of the United Nations and was attended by Pashtuns from Pakistan and Afghanistan. During the rally, the protesters raised slogans against Pakistan Army for carrying out genocide of Pashtuns by supporting terrorist outfits like Pakistani Taliban. The Afghans also accused Pakistan for targeting Afghan refugees and carrying out atrocities on them. Regarding the human rights violation and surge in terrorism in Pakistan, Pashtun Human Rights Activist, Fazal-ur-Rehman Afridi said that the Pashtuns are facing a tough time in Pakistan. Speaking to ANI, he said, "You know Pashtuns are going through a very critical period of their life. You know the Pakistani Army is committing gross human rights violations like extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture, but this time we are concentrating on one of the most important points, that is the systematic use of torture by Pakistan Army." "For last few months , they are arresting the activists of PTM and then torturing them in custody and then forcing them to publish the videos against PTM...that is an important issue as UN convention on torture states that no torture is acceptable in any way," he added. Meanwhile, the protesters also raised accused Pakistan Army of abducting Pashtun political activists and torturing and killing them. Lambasting the Pakistan military, another activist, Malik Bazai, the PTM Europe coordinator said, "In Pakistan, not only Pashtuns, but even Baloch, Sindhi, Kashmiri, none of the communities are happy." He said, "Pakistan Army is spreading terrorism, and fear and the Pashtuns are experiencing it on their own land. It is because of them, this terrorism that over 70,000 of our Pashtuns have been killed and at least 2 lakh homes of the community have bene destroyed," Bazai told ANI. In another statement, Hasham Utmankhil, representing PTM, France, said the activists have gathered here to give a clear message that Pashtuns are very peaceful people. "Right now, as you can see, we are here in front of the United Nations..we are giving a clear message to the UN that Pashtuns are very peaceful people .The Pashtuns are nothing related to the terrorism and Pakistan Army keep supporting the terrorists ....The Pakistan Army keep killing, target killing Pashtuns, Baloch people, and Kashmiris...," Utmankhil said. (ANI) After joining the G20 bloc under India's 2023 presidency, the African nations are all set to explore the power of Indian Systems of Traditional Medicine and Integrative health care. The diplomats from Namibia Ethiopia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda visited the Ayurvedic institution premises. Prof (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director, AIIA, Pramod Kumar Pathak, Consultant, Ministry of Ayush, Puneet R. Kundal, Joint Secretary, (East & Southern Africa Division), Ministry of External Affairs and staff of the institute welcomed diplomats & explained to them about various achievements of India in Traditional Medicine. In his video message, Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed the African delegation and said that this visit will help in achieving the objective of Universal Health Coverage in African nations through the potential of traditional medicine systems of India. Taking to X, the Ministry of Ayush shared about the delegation visit saying, Diplomats and representatives of East and Southern African Countries today visited @AIIA_NDelhi. They were apprised about how AIIA is working towards providing high standards of education, research and patient care through Ayurveda. (ANI) Abu Dhabi [UAE], September 26 (ANI/WAM): Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of The Kingdom of the Netherlands, have agreed to deepen collaboration on industries of the future during a CEO roundtable in Dubai held under the theme Energizing the Future. They both expressed the desire to catalyze investment flows and joint ventures in priority sectors such as renewable energy, space industry, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, agri-tech and smart mobility solutions, and concluded the meeting by witnesses the signing of an agreement to cooperate on water management. Mark Rutte was leading a Dutch delegation to the United Arab Emirates to seek stronger trade and investment ties between the two nations, including the establishment of a sustainable economic corridor that can leverage the opportunities created by Net Zero and the drive for decarbonized value chains. This includes the potential for the transportation of green hydrogen between the two nations. The UAE and The Netherlands have been expanding bilateral relations in recent years, with The Netherlands among the UAEs top-five trading partners in the EU. In the first half of 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached AED11.2 billion, representing a 20.4 percent increase on the same period in 2022. Al Zeyoudi said that the roundtable, which also featured Gerard Paul Marie Hubert Steigs, Ambassador of The Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, helped underline a commitment to working together to develop pioneering solutions to the worlds most pressing issues. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a long-standing ally in our journey to develop an agile economy that is built on knowledge and innovation. Our private sectors have already forged important joint-ventures in sectors such as agri-tech and energy transition, and we believe that there are many more high-value opportunities to explore on the path to Net Zero. We both share a vision of long-term, sustainable growth based on technology and talent, and believe our meeting today will spark a new wave of cooperation on multiple fronts. Prime Minister Mark Rutte agreed that both sides have many synergies on the issue of sustainability. The United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands have a lot in common. We are both trading nations with a big global impact, so its only logical that our relationship has a strong focus on trade and investment. But we also both have major ambitions for green hydrogen and thats why we are strengthening ties to create a green hydrogen corridor of the future. The minister also invited Dutch entities to take advantage of the many incentives offered within the UAEs dynamic business ecosystem, which include full foreign ownership, flexible tax policies, and fast-track business setup and licensing. He also highlighted the nations global connectivity, which is supported by world-class infrastructure and a new generation of trade deals under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement program. UAE-based exporters now have seamless access to the markets of India, Israel, Indonesia, Trkiye and Cambodia, which represent almost a quarter of the worlds population. (ANI/WAM) Anthony Rota, the Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons resigned on Wednesday amid building pressure over the controversy that erupted after his recognition of a Ukrainian war veteran who fought in a Nazi unit, Canada-based Global News reported. Rota announced his resignation in the House of Commons Tuesday afternoon. His resignation takes effect at the end of business day Wednesday, he added. I must step down as your Speaker, he said. I reiterate my profound regret On September 22, during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy's speech in Canadas Parliament, 98-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the first Ukrainian division, also known as the SS division "Galicia" during World War II was honoured by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Anthony Rota. This brought criticism from Senior Liberals, the NDP, the Bloc Quebecois, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, all of whom urged Rota to resign, Global News reported. After facing criticism, Rota apologized twice first on Sunday when Hunkas background emerged and then again on Monday. He said that he had no knowledge of his history, and expressed regret for his decision. Despite the apology, the Opposition MPs said it wasnt enough and demanded his resignation from the role. The Parliament entrusts the Speaker to guide this Parliament through challenging circumstances, said New WestminsterBurnaby MP Peter Julian on Monday in remarks directed toward Rota. Unfortunately, I believe a sacred trust has been broken. Its for that reason, for the good of the institution of the House of Commons that I say sadly, I dont believe you can continue in this role. Regrettably, I must respectfully ask that you step aside, Global News quoted him as saying. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Franois Blanchet also called for Rotas resignation in a statement on Monday. The Bloc Quebecois can only note, on the one hand, the damage caused by the presidencys error, and on the other hand, the loss of confidence of the House which it needs to exercise its function, he said. He added, Consequently, we invite the Speaker of the House to act responsibly and renounce his function. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre blamed Trudeau stating that the Prime Minister's Office should have vetted a guest list drawn up by the Speaker. "Canadians are sick and tired of a prime minister who never takes responsibility for the things that happen on his watch," Poilievre said, adding there's "constant international embarrassment" with Trudeau at the helm, reported CBC News. While pointing to Rota, Poilievre said, "He always finds someone else to throw under the bus. Are you that person?" Earlier, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had also called the incident deeply embarrassing. "It's extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized. But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians," Trudeau said at a news briefing. (ANI) Amid the quest for energy transition and ambitious net zero goals, India and the US are looking to collaborate in the fields of battery technologies and critical minerals, said Tarun Kapoor, the special advisor to the Prime Minister. He was speaking at the 20th Indo-US Economic Summit, organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC). The theme of this years summit is Sharing ideas & potential for a substantial partnership between India and the US for the next 25 years. Addressing a session on infrastructure, road transport and highways, he noted that both countries are already collaborating to set up funds for renewable energy, and are also working on payment security mechanisms for electric buses. We have a good scope of collaboration even further in terms of getting more investments into the country, partnerships between companies in India and US companies particularly considering the technology play which is happing all over the world, he said. Batteries and critical minerals are two areas where we are looking forward to good collaboration because in order to secure our energy requirements we have to move from absolutely basics which means the materials that go into these minerals also need to be tied up which are so critical, lithium and others, they also need to be tied up for which we have discussions going on at present, Kapoor added. Observing that India has witnessed rapid growth in terms of manufacturing in the electric vehicle space, he stressed that there is a need to set up good charging infrastructure in the country. Public charging infrastructure is very essential. We have this plan of covering 22,000 petrol stations with charging infrastructure. In the next 2-3 years we will have very good charging infrastructure, he said. Further, with the need to set up charging infrastructure along national highways, he said that the sector would require a lot of investment. Throwing light on the governments focus on improving the road infrastructure in the country, he said that India will have access to expressways in the range of 50 km to 100 km from any part of the country. He said that currently 25 per cent of cargo movement is done through railways, and there is a target to take this to 40 per cent. Kapoor further said that given that Indian Railways has turned electric, it will eventually turn green with the complete greening of the power grid. As far as roads are concerned, the efforts of the government are to have a better network of roads, he said. Given that highways and rural roads have been constructed over the years in the country, Kapoor said that there is a need to ensure that the networks of roads are seamlessly integrated. Addressing the programme, Damon DuBord, Energy Unit Chief, US Embassy in India said that electrifying the transportation sector will be important and promoting e-mobility is an important component of both countries' journey towards net zero. The session was chaired by Sunil Jain, Regional Council Member, IACC and the other speakers included Gunita Pahwa, Joint Managing Partner, S&A Law Offices, Amol Chitnis, Co-Founder and Director, Reliable Autotech Private Limited. (ANI) Calling Canadas allegations on India regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar as concerning, the US State Department reiterated its stand urging New Delhi to cooperate in the investigation. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated there needs to be a full and fair investigation. During the State Department briefing, Mathew Miller said, ...We have noted the allegations by Prime Minister Trudeau and we are quite concerned by them. They are such concerning allegations that we think there ought to be a full and fair investigation. Canada has said it is committed to doing that. We believe the Indian Government should cooperate with it...I'm not going to comment on law enforcement matters, he added. On being asked about the India-Canada relationship and its impact on the US-India relationship, Miller said that India remains an important partner for the US, but on this matter, Washington is urging New Delhi to cooperate with the Canadian investigation. "...We are obviously, quite concerned about the situation in Canada. We've, cooperated, closely with our Canadian counterparts. We have urged India to cooperate in that investigation, and we'll continue to do so. India remains, an important partner of the United States. We work with them on a number of issues, but of course, we, on this matter, urge them to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, he further said. Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had also said that Washington is "deeply concerned over the Canadian allegations, adding that the US wants to see accountability and called it "important" that the investigation runs its course and leads to the result. While addressing a press conference in New York, Blinken said that the US has engaged directly with the Indian government. Blinken said that the US is consulting "very closely" with Canada and coordinating on the issue. He called it important that India works with Canadians on the investigation. "And from our perspective, it is critical that the Canadian investigation proceed. And it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it's important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result," Blinken said. This comes after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged India's role behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has out-rightly denied such allegations calling them absurd and motivated. This triggered a diplomatic standoff between the two countries, with both nations expelling a senior diplomat of each other and New Delhi also suspending the visa service in Canada. (ANI) Sindhi political activists gathered in front of the United Nations on Tuesday and slammed Pakistan for "targeting minorities" like Hindus and exploiting natural resources of the Sindh province. They held a demonstration during the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. It was joined by Baloch, Pashtuns and Kashmiri activists. The protesters were carrying banners saying Pakistan Stop Ethnic Cleansing of Sindhi Hindus, Cutting Karoonjhar is a crime against nature, Sindh and Humanity and Millions of Sindhi flood victims remain abandoned. They also put pictures of the Sindhi political activists who were abducted, tortured and killed by Pakistani secret agencies. Pictures of Sindhi Hindu girls were also showcased who were forcibly abducted and converted to Islam. Lakhu Luhana, the Secretary General of the World Sindhi Congress said that the state is collapsing and the human rights situation is worsening in the region. Speaking to ANI, Luhana said, There are 1000 issues. What is happening in Sindh, as the state is collapsing? There is literally no other institution, other than intelligence. They are becoming more aggressive, more ruthless, more cruel. So the human rights situation is every front is worsening. The forced abductions, enforced disappearance, forced conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls. The Pakistan government is sponsoring gangsthey come, kidnap people, and even when the ransom is given, they are not releasing. These gangs come on social media and chant Army Zindabad, so you know where they are coming from, he added. Luhana further added that the Pakistan government is grabbing the lands of poor people and the locals have been completely abandoned amid situations of malnutrition and poverty. He also called upon the international community to put pressure on Pakistan to stop its atrocities in the region. They are taking our lives because the land is our lives. They decided they would take 1.3 million acres of land. People are dyingof hunger, of malnutrition, of poverty. Recently there were floods, it is the worst situation, and as rogues, they are not ready to listen. They dont care. They dont bother. Therefore, we request the international community and all the powers to press Pakistan to stop these crimes. They should act now before its too late, Luhana added. (ANI) One person was killed and three others wounded in shootings Monday afternoon in Dallas, according to police. Officers responded to the 4800 block of Elsie Faye Heggins Street around 2 p.m. to find three people , two women and a man, shot inside an apartment. Another man was shot outside a nearby business in the 4600 block of the same street. Savannah Rodriguez, 19, died after being shot in the apartment. The other three victims were taken to the hospital where they are in stable condition. Police said the investigation is ongoing and have not released any other details, including a description or identity of a suspect or suspects. This article was originally published in Michigan Advance. Ten of Michigans 15 public universities have committed to admitting high school graduates with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher during their fall 2024 admission cycle. Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, and Wayne State University each agreed to participate in the Michigan Assured Admission Pact, and will work to promote the initiative to high school students, parents, secondary school partners and college access organizations throughout the state. This initiative is aimed at supporting the states goal under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for 60% of working-age adults to have a college degree or other post-secondary credential by 2030. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter According to a news release, universities participating in the pact believe a uniform, widely communicated admission standard will help reduce uncertainty and anxiety in the admissions process and help empower students to meet their educational goals. College attendance among Michigan high school graduates has declined each year since 2013 with 52.8% of graduates attending college in 2022. Higher education is the surest path to prosperity for our state and its residents, yet college enrollment has been declining each year over the past decade, said Daniel J. Hurley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities. [The Michigan Assured Admission Pact] aims to counter this trend by assuring that every high school graduate in Michigan with a 3.0 or higher will be admitted to all ten participating public universities across the state. Combined with the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship, this collaborative effort will send a powerful message that a public university education in Michigan is more accessible than ever before, Hurley said. The five public universities that arent part of the agreement are: the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Michigan Technological University and Grand Valley State University. Related Gen Zs Declining College Interest Persists Even Among Middle Schoolers Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Susan Demas for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Follow Michigan Advance on Facebook and Twitter. Re: Report finds long-term facilities' profit outpacing staff, care costs in B.C. ( Castanet, Sept. 25/23) B.C. Seniors Advocate Isobel Mackenzie says in her latest report that a review of 181 facilities contracted to provide long-term care shows profit in 2022 increased 113 per cent over five years. The report also found: Not-for-profit facilities spent 25% more on resident direct care and 27% more on indirect care than for-profit facilities For-profit facilities spent 66% more per bed on building costs than not-for-profit facilities For-profit facilities earned 7 times as much profit as not-for-profit facilities Not-for-profit facilities delivered 93,000 hours more of direct care than they were funded to deliver, and for-profits delivered 500,000 hours less than they were funded to deliver in 2021/22. At the local for-profit care home where my mom resided, I regularly brought food for her, such as dinner buns and yogurt. I also brought the special foods she loved, such as Italian gnocchi. From a for-profit care home perspective, it would cut into care home profits and shareholder dividends to provide even the occasional dinner bun to residents who like them. I think for-profit care home companies are essentially real estate and development companies masquerading as care homes. The federal and provincial governments should, at the very least, freeze the construction of additional for-profit care homes in Canada. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh went even further. Before the October 2021 federal election, Singh said an NDP government would end for-profit long-term care. He also said for-profit long-term care homes were the scenes of the "worst conditions" during the pandemic. "We would work with provinces and territories to accelerate making sure there is no more profit-driven delivery of care, Singh said. We need it to be publicly-delivered. We know the evidence is clear when its public, when its not for profit, there are better outcomes, people are better off (and) we save lives." From the 2020 PressProgress.ca analysis of Canada's four biggest for-profit care home chains (Chartwell, Extendicare Inc., Revera and Sienna Living): "Despite holding life-and-death decision-making power over tens of thousands of elderly Canadians, the countrys biggest for-profit nursing home chains are largely dominated by corporate directors with no real medical expertise." From the British Medical Journal (The BMJ) article, The world expected more of Canada (July 24/23): "A particular disgrace is Canada being at the top of wealthy nations for covid related deaths in care homes for older people, despite more than 100 reports foreshadowing a nursing home crisis. In much of the world, covid-19 exacerbated existing inequalities. But it is no less an indictment that an abundantly wealthy countrys response to a public health emergency failed to protect its most vulnerable citizens." Here's a snapshot from 2022 to drive home the point: On Feb. 2, 2022, the NIA Long-Term Care COVID-19 Tracker listed 16,217 COVID-19 deaths, plus 32 staff deaths across Canada. Would the Canadian media and the Canadian public have reacted differently if those 16,217 COVID-19 deaths were children, and the 32 staff deaths were 32 school teachers? Do provincial and territorial premiers, health ministers and health officers consider those who died of COVID-19 while in care homes to be acceptable collateral damage? David Buckna, Kelowna A 10-year-old boy in North Miami was killed by gunfire Monday night, in what police believe was an accidental shooting. The child, who was home with his father and aunt, was alone when he found the weapon in his fathers bedroom, police said. According to police, the childs father and aunt ran to the bedroom when they heard the single gunshot and found the child injured, the gun at his side. He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. We dont at this time, think that there was any foul play, said North Miami Police Chief Cherise Gause. Gause said the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office will work with North Miami Police on the shooting investigation. The shooting happened at a home in the 14000 block of Northwest Fifth Place at about 8 p.m. North Miami Police Major Kessler Brooks said the child was found on the floor of his fathers bedroom. The father is estranged from the childs mother, police said. Kessler said he wasnt sure exactly where the gun was stored, but that his agency encourages safeguards like placing a weapon in a locked gun box or safe. Its tragic, he said. Kennewick police arrested a 14-year-old high school student on Monday after he allegedly threatened to shoot up multiple schools last week. The student named Kennewick High School, Southridge High School and Highlands Middle School as targets. Kennewick Commander Christian Walters said they were made aware of the threats made on the social media site Snapchat on Sunday. Police were able to identify the student through his username and with the help of school resource officers. We always take threats to any schools very seriously and investigate them fully, Walters said. We want our schools to be a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. The student, whose name was not released, was booked into the Benton-Franklin Juvenile Justice Center in Kennewick on suspicion of felony threat charges. We are grateful to the Kennewick Police Department, including our school resource officers, and the quick response to reported safety concerns, wrote district spokesperson Robyn Chastain in a provided statement. Last week, the Pasco Police Department investigated similar allegations that turned out to be rumor at Ray Reynolds Middle School. Security was increased for a day at the school as the circulated rumor was investigated out of an abundance of caution. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities and we have protocol in place to address such situations, read a letter from school administrators. Archaeologists found stone tools humans used to butcher animals in what's now Oregon. The tools were below ancient camel and bison tooth fragments that were over 18,000 years old. It's among the earliest evidence of human occupation in the US. Ancient hunters used a rock-shelter in the Oregon desert to butcher camels, bison, mountain sheep, and horses during the Ice Age. In 2012 and 2015, archeologists found blood-stained stone tools buried below teeth from the extinct animals. Recent testing dates the teeth to over 18,000 years old, and the tools could be even older, providing evidence of some of the earliest human occupants in the US. "Ultimately, we think that the site was occupied for somewhere around 11,000 years, between about 7,000 and 18,000 years ago," Patrick O'Grady, staff archaeologist with the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, told Insider. The stone tools were below fragments of animal teeth, and both were covered by volcanic ash. The ash landed after Mount St. Helens erupted over 15,000 years ago. The teeth belonged to a Camelops and bison relative, both extinct for about 10,000 years. Radiocarbon dating revealed the tooth enamel to be 18,250 years old. Now that they know how old the teeth are, O'Grady and the team plan to publish the findings in a peer-reviewed study. Since the tools were below the teeth, the researchers estimate they're at least as old, or older, than the 18,250-year-old teeth. It's basically like if you were to try and date the laundry in your laundry basket for the week, O'Grady said. The clothes you tossed in on Monday will sit below whatever you tossed in on Thursday, as long as no one's dug through it already (or, in the case of archaeological finds, as long as there wasn't a geological shakeup.) A Stone Age Swiss Army knife Both tools are made of orange chalcedony, a type of quartz. "It's a really high-quality tool stone," O'Grady said. Right away, O'Grady and his colleagues were surprised to find that type of stone. "It didn't look familiar to anybody," he said. They determined the stone's place of origin was at least 50 to 75 miles away. Artist-in-residence Nancy Pobanz gives a presentation at the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter archeological site. Patrick O'Grady The tool they found in 2012 is a bit smaller than the size of a wallet with a rounded, rectangular shape. "It had three edges that had different kinds of flaking done to them," O'Grady said, a curved blade, a flatter side, and sawtooth edge. "You could easily hold the thing and use all three of those different functioning edges," O'Grady said, like a multi-purpose tool or Swiss Army knife. The other tool is also orange chalcedony and is about 3 inches long and appears to be only lightly used. It may be a chipped-off piece of another tool. Bison blood and camel teeth The researchers tested the multi-tool and found bison blood on it. Newer tools researchers found at the site contained remnants of mountain sheep and horse blood. The blood and many camel and bison teeth fragments suggest people used the site as a place to butcher animals instead of as a full-time residence. "It was a camp that people came to from time to time, and especially when they were hunting," O'Grady said. Some of the tooth enamel found at the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter is over 18,000 years old. Thomas W. Stafford, Jr. The Rimrock Draw Rockshelter, where the tools were found, is a 65-foot cleft in a basalt rim near an ancient, now-dry stream. There could be more-permanent dwellings in the area archaeologists have yet to find. The oldest evidence of humans in the US For decades, experts believed the Clovis people were the first humans in North America, having crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia to Canada 13,000 years ago. But recent discoveries have indicated a pre-Clovis culture that's thousands of years older. Oregon and surrounding states contain some of the oldest evidence of ancient human habitation in the US. Coopers Ferry, in Idaho, is about 240 miles to the northeast of Rimrock Draw. Its storage pits and evidence of animal consumption date to about 16,000 years ago. Paisley Cave, about 75 miles away from Rimrock, has 14,400-year-old preserved human excrement. There's still a lot to learn about how humans arrived and dispersed throughout North and South America. "We just don't have a lot of evidence going back that far in time," O'Grady said. But he thinks it's only a matter of time before someone finds even older evidence of human occupation. "It's a very exciting time to be doing archaeology," he said, "having one site that's pretty old right now and could be superseded by another one in no time at all." Read the original article on Business Insider A woman and her dog were shot to death as they slept, Louisiana deputies say. Now her 19-year-old son is charged with murder. Johnathan Kliebert called 911 at about 1:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, and told dispatchers he had shot his mother at the home they shared in Ponchatoula, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office. Deputies found Kliebert in a hospital parking lot, where he was waiting to turn himself in, the department wrote on Facebook. Authorities also responded to the familys home and found a 46-year-old woman, later identified as Ashley Kliebert, shot in the head, deputies said. The familys dog had also been shot and was lying nearby. Kliebert told investigators he woke up angry, grabbed a shotgun and killed his mother and her dog as they slept in bed, deputies said. He faces multiple charges including murder, armed robbery and animal cruelty. Authorities didnt release additional information. Ponchatoula is about 50 miles east of Baton Rouge. Man kills wife on call with 911 while 3-year-old son in the home, Texas cops say Fight about divorce ends in woman shooting estranged husband in bed, Arizona cops say Airport worker killed co-workers boyfriend after she refused advances, CA officials say Read the full article on Motorious A tale of personalized revival. For many car enthusiasts, customizing a car is a profoundly personal journey, aimed at achieving a singular vision of automotive perfection. Its a journey of metamorphosis, where every modification is a reflection of the owner's personality and preferences. The transformation of a 1966 Chevy II Nova restomod exemplifies this ethos, with owner James Harris and Lakeside Speed and Shine in Arizona meticulously crafting a vehicle that is unique to Harriss vision and passion. Check out a Cuda pulled from hiding here. James Harris embarked on this project after encountering issues with the Powerglide transmission of his well-preserved Chevy II Nova. Initially envisioning a subtle transformation, Harris aimed for a simple LS swap and a mild cage. However, his aspirations evolved, leading to an elaborate six-and-a-half-year endeavor that reshaped the car into a full custom masterpiece. The reimagined Chevy II Nova houses a revved-up 454 LSX V8 engine, revealing a plethora of performance-enhancing modifications, including new pistons, rods, cams, and cranks, boosting the output to an estimated 800 horsepower on pump gas. Power is seamlessly transmitted to the rear wheels via a Hughes Performance-built GM 4L80-E automatic transmission and a robust Curry nine-inch rear end. This automotive marvel flaunts its roots with a hydrographic treatment on the intake and valve covers, spotlighting Las Vegas-themed graphicsa nod to Harriss personal connection to the city. The design choice is a reminiscent emblem of Harris's experiences and marriage in Vegas, a city where he once resided. This one I was building basically for myselfit doesnt matter how it looks to anybody else because Im building it for myself, Harris expresses, emphasizing the personal nature of this build. To manage the augmented power, the Chevy II Nova is fortified with a TCI independent front clip with Ridetech coilovers and a TCI four-link in the rear. The renovation also saw the integration of substantial new metalwork to replace parts affected by rust, further solidifying the cars resilience. Inside, the Chevy II Nova melds aesthetics with functionality, featuring a mild roll cage and harnesses, juxtaposed against a striking red upholstery that accents the gray cage and dash, blending vibrancy with a subdued elegance. The 1966 Chevy II Nova restomod is a captivating illustration of automotive artistry, embodying the intimate relationship between an owner and their vehicle. It stands not just as a testament to technical prowess but as a personal emblem of James Harriss journey, memories, and aesthetic sensibilities. Through this build, Harris and the team at Lakeside Speed and Shine have breathed new life into a classic, creating a timeless piece of automotive individuality. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In 1995, a Florida womans body was dumped in a drainage ditch off Interstate 95 in South Carolina. Police are now asking the public for help in identifying a possible suspect, who also has ties to the Sunshine State. Police believe that Maria Telles-Gonzalez, who lived in Kissimmee, was murdered in Florida before her body was left in Yemassee, South Carolina, a town more than an hour west of Charleston. Theyre also eyeing a man only known as Carlos as a possible suspect in the killing. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Carlos may have lived in the Orlando area. Investigators suspect he may be responsible for or at least have information about the murder of Telles-Gonzalez, a 36-year-old wife and mother of three. The body of Maria Telles-Gonzalez was discovered in a South Carolina ditch in 1995, but it was only until December 2022 that she was positively identified. Carlos, FLDE says, is between 58 and 510 and speaks both English and Spanish proficiently. Telles-Gonzalez, who was never reported missing, was found strangled to death by South Carolina state employees mowing grass nearby, according to the Island Packet, a newspaper owned by McClatchy, the same company that owns the Miami Herald. She was killed at least 36 to 48 hours before her body was found. She had no wallet. No purse. No ID. All she wore when found was a pair of Leonisa underwear, a brand made in Colombia and sold throughout Latin America. Her identity was shrouded in mystery for close to three decades. READ MORE: Her family now has answers: Beaufort Countys Jane Doe from 1995 is identified In 2020, investigators in South Carolina submitted the womans DNA to Parabon NanoLabs, a DNA technology company, which ran the sample through ancestry databases, identifying possible distant relatives, the Island Packet reported. Maria Telles-Gonzalez of Kissimmee, Florida, had been known as the Beaufort County Jane Doe for 27 years. Gonzalez, who was 36 at the time of her death, was a wife and mother of three children. After making a match, investigators then traveled to Florida to interview Telles-Gonzalezs family. Her children said they last saw their mother in 1995 when they were headed to school. Telles-Gonzalez had just returned from a trip to Puerto Rico. Police say her husband, whose name hasnt been released, was at home with her before she vanished. She was publicly identified as the slain woman in December 2022. Anyone with information about the murder of Maria Telles-Gonzalez or the identification or whereabouts of Carlos should contact Beaufort County cold case investigator Bob Bromage at 843-816-8013. null South_agency/Getty Images Ice Poseidon and Sam Pepper hired a sex worker for a stranger for $500 and streamed it. The woman left in the middle of the recording, calling the situation "creepy." People are criticizing the pair, and the platform Kick, saying the stunt was "immoral." The streaming platform Kick is facing backlash after two creators hired a sex worker for a third man and livestreamed the encounter. Paul Denino, better known by his online alias Ice Poseidon, and fellow creator Sam Pepper hired the escort for $500 while on a trip to Brisbane, Australia. The two hid in a hotel suite as the man began the encounter with the woman, but she said it felt "creepy" and left. Many viewers found the stream repulsive, and criticized Kick for seeming to edorse it, especially as the platform's cofounder seemed to be watching the stream. The video begins with Denino and Pepper asking the woman over the phone if she was happy to be filmed, and she said she was for an extra fee. The escort arrived at the hotel room, where a man named Andy who Denino and Pepper seemed to meet on the street earlier that night was waiting. Cameras were set up, pointed at the sofa, so viewers could watch everything that unfolded. In a video Denino posted after the event, Andy pointed the camera out to the woman, who again consented to being filmed. After a few minutes of talking, Andy and the escort seem to be moving to the bedroom. There was another camera set up in the bedroom, but it's unclear whether the woman knew about it. The woman then received a message on her phone from a friend, telling her it was a "set up" and that two more men were in the apartment hiding. This appeared to make her uncomfortable, and she put her shoes back on and got ready to leave. Andy then blocks her from leaving, telling her she had already been paid. "This is creepy," she said, and tried to leave again. "Why is it creepy?" Andy asked. He then told her it was just "you and me" even though Denino and Pepper were in the next room. The woman then opens the door to leave again, and Andy follows her out, demanding a refund. The issue viewers have taken with the stream is not that it was illegal, but they believed it to be immoral. (Regulated prostitution is legal in Queensland, Australia.) Gaming influencer Jake Lucky shared a screenshot of the livestream, saying there were around 20,000 viewers at one point. He said watching it back, it was clear "how unbelievably uncomfortable" the woman was. "This content is so weird and disgusting," he said. "It's a shame this is what's popping on Kick." Another creator named MsSavage, who streams on Kick, said she had personally had positive experiences on the platform, but this was "not okay." "I do not stand by this kind of content and watching this made me feel so uncomfortable," she said. "Point blank: Kick dropped the ball on this one and action needs to be taken immediately." YouTuber Mutahar Anas, of the popular gaming channel SomeOrdinaryGamers, also called the stunt "fucking gross." Denino responded to Anas, sharing the video where Andy pointed out the camera to the escort. The clip also showed Denino telling Andy he shouldn't have tried to stop her from leaving. "If you would have stood there for a second longer, I was about to fly out of the room and just try to resolve everything," Denino said. "Don't really know what the context was supposed to add," Anas replied. "Didn't say what you did was illegal in any way, I just found it gross." The livestream occurred on September 21, but was more widely shared from September 24. It was later taken down. After the escort had left, Pepper and Denino went back out onto the streets of Brisbane. In one clip, it looks like police are waiting for them, which stirred rumors that they had been arrested for sexual assault. Denino later confirmed the police had shown up because they had been "swatted" a term coined by the streaming community to describe what happens when viewers call law enforcement on a creator, often claiming illegal activity so that armed police show up as they are streaming. "I got swatted after not arrested," Denino wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He also said the police "wrote off" the content as "legal and safe." Insider contacted the Queensland Police Service for further information. Screenshots that have been circulating on social media since the stunt have also included close-ups of the livechat that was occurring throughout. Some noticed that Kick's cofounder Ed Craven, known as Eddie, was present in the chat and appeared to be laughing. Craven has not responded directly to that, but Kick posted a statement on its X account on September 24. The statement did not reference Denino's livestream directly, but said the platform was assessing "where the balances sits" and would change its guidelines and enforcement policies. The note said that "community & public safety cannot be compromised in the process of making 'content.'" "We're continuously learning where this balance sits and are making changes daily." Denino was once a popular streamer on Twitch, but was banned from the platform in 2017 after a video he was in featured a bomb threat. He was on an American Airlines plane waiting for takeoff in Phoenix, Arizona, and a viewer called in a bomb threat in his name, Vice reported Denino later said he didn't endorse the stunt. "You swat my house, whatever, fuck you," he said in a response on his YouTube channel at the time. "You swat a plane? That's a whole other level. You don't expect that to happen." Pepper, a former "Big Brother" star, also has a controversial past, with several women claiming in 2014 that he had sexually harassed them, BBC Newsbeat reported. His attorney told he outlet he "denies any and all accusations that have been made against him." Insider reached out to Kick, Pepper, and Denino for comment. Read the original article on Insider On Monday, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) became the second and third Democratic senators to call for the resignation of their peer, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), after federal prosecutors indicted him on corruption charges last week. In a 39-page indictment, federal prosecutors in New York accused Menendez and his wife of accepting bribes including cash, a luxury vehicle and gold bars from three businessmen to push forward the agenda of the Egyptian government. Menendez has said the allegations are falseand has rejected pleas from several Democrats who are pushing for him to step down from his seat. On Monday, Brown became the second Democratic senator to condemn Menendez, following Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate, Brown said in a one-sentence statement. Welchs statement followed. Senator Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence. But the people of New Jersey and the United States Senate are entitled to an effective Senator. The shocking and specific allegations against Senator Menendez have wholly compromised his capacity to be that effective Senator, he said. I encourage Senator Menendez to resign. A spokesperson for Fetterman, the first Democratic senator to push for Menendezs resignation, said on Monday that he would return Menendezs $5,000 campaign donation. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence, but he cannot continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations, Fetterman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday. I hope he chooses an honorable exit and focuses on his trial. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other Democratic Party leaders have also called for Menendezs resignation. At a Monday press conference, Menendez said that the lawmakers urging him to resign have rushed to judgment ... on a limited set of facts. He added: I will be exonerated and continue to be the senior senator from New Jersey. Menendez was previously indictedin 2015 after being accused of accepting bribes from a Florida doctor, but the trial concluded with a hung jury, and the judge dismissed the case in 2017. Related... Were rolling in literary riches this fall a new book by each of two North Carolina favorites Ron Rash and Joseph Bathanti . The Caretaker (Doubleday, $28) is Rashs eighth novel and his 20th book. The Act of Contrition (Eastover Press, $19.99) is Bathantis second collection of linked stories that continue the adventures of Fritz Sweeney. Its also his 20th book. And in yet another coincidence, each writer turned 70 this year Bathanti on July 20 and Rash on Sept. 25. Both have long and prestigious academic titles Bathanti at Appalachian State in Boone and Rash at Western Carolina in Cullowhee. Bathanti was N.C. Poet Laureate 2012-2014, and Rash was a PEN-Faulkner finalist for his bestselling 2008 novel Serena. Rash grew up in Boiling Springs, and he sets his latest in the mid-1950s in and around Blowing Rock. Bathanti grew up in an Italian-American neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and thats where he sets these mid-50s to mid-70s stories. Author Ron Rash Start with Rashs The Caretaker, and allow yourself a one-sitting read. Here, youll meet Blackburn Gant, stricken with childhood polio and shunned by most of his peers. Gant has taken on the role of resident caretaker for a hilltop cemetery, where he lives mostly solo among the dead, keeping immaculate graves. But when his best friend, Jacob Hampton, is drafted into the Korean War, Gant also consents to be the caretaker of Jacobs pregnant wife Naomi. Jacobs parents loathe the beautiful but backwoods Naomi and disinherit their only child for marrying down. With Jacob due home from Korea soon, they hatch a ghastly plot it will shock even the most conniving parents to end Jacobs marriage. Its Rash at his best, showing us the roiling, destructive underside of what we pretend is love and how we can delude ourselves into believing that our acts of brutal selfishness are really acts of devotion. The Act of Contrition The Caretaker is full of triangles, and theres a dandy one in Bathantis The Act of Contrition. Its the boy Fritz and his outrageous, made-for-TV parents, Travis and Rita. In one exquisite story after another, you might fall on the floor laughing or feel a sob trying its best to strangle you. Travis and Rita work nights in restaurants, sleep most of the day. Fritz gets himself off to school, attends Mass by himself on Sundays. Says Fritz: My mother was always on the verge of slipping away often for weeks at a time when she would walk silently, like a sleepwalker, past my father and me, refusing to look at or speak to us, as if we were invisible. His dad, Travis, does all the cooking and leaves Fritzs supper on the stove under aluminum foil. Fritz appreciates his dads resigned bemused detachment, as if he had gauged the underbelly of human nature so flawlessly, that to despise people for being assholes was like despising a bee for having a stinger. Bathanti captures a family, a town, its population, its food, its dogs, its sidewalks, its beefs, and its raptures. If we were dropped down in East Liberty, wed know exactly where to go for bread. Author Joseph Bathanti Bathanti, Rash Q and A Now listen as these two writers discuss talent, writers slump and ambition as it relates to the writers trade. QUESTION: What significance does turning 70 hold for you? BATHANTI: Its not so much at all how I feel I feel strong but that seven followed by that zero is a bit of a freaker, only because when I was a kid, 70-year-olds were finished. They sat on the porch and waved at traffic. And theres Simon and Garfunkels song, Old Friends, and the line, how terribly strange to be 70. And it is strange, but Im OK with strange. RASH: Its a time for reflection and gratitude. Q. What is the most important thing you teach your students about writing? BATHANTI: I try not to over-mystify the craft of writing. It should be treated as a blue-collar enterprise: Its work and it doesnt get done unless you show up habitually at your table. I also harp that they need to read, read, read. For writers, reading is like an athlete watching game films. You have to have practiced, published writers to mimic, and influence you, until you discover your own voice. RASH: To be a good writer requires a huge amount of reading those who have come before you. Q. How important is talent? BATHANTI: Thats a tricky one. We hear about so many things that talent cant be taught, and I guess I agree. But I think that zeal, sheer desire, can sometimes lead to talent or at least a kind of facility. But what a gift to have raw talent. Perhaps desire is more important than talent. RASH: Talent is important, but often talent cannot be fully revealed until an immense amount of effort has been put forth first. Too many potentially good writers give up too soon. Q. Do you have a writing ritual? BATHANTI: There was a time when I did, but once Joan and I had children, and my life as a teacher and writer became dramatically more intense so much more time-consuming I had to find ways to integrate my writing into the seams between my sacred familial obligations and my professional obligations. I still dream about romantic mornings in my cozy, quiet, book-lined study with coffee and the dog at my feet. But its all much messier than that still joyous and I get it done. RASH: Yes. I like writing in the morning or early afternoon, a 32 ounce cup of iced tea, pad, pencils, laptop always in the same place. Q. What is your favorite piece of advice about writing? BATHANTI: Robert Frost: No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader. RASH: Cliched writing is cliched thought. Martin Amis. Q. You both have taught at the college level for many years. Is there another occupation that would be as compatible with writing? BATHANTI: In truth coming up on 47 years of teaching I cannot imagine another occupation so nurturing to a writer. In my profession, Im expected to be a writer. Its not looked on as an aberration, and Im habitually among like-minded folks. Its pretty dreamy, actually. Ive been incredibly lucky. RASH: Fire tower spotter in national forest. Q. Do you believe in writers block or in writers slump? BATHANTI: I dont believe in writers block, but of course a writer can slump, in the same vein that great hitters like Lou Gehrig or Tony Gwynn can inexplicably slump. You have to keep showing up and keep swinging. RASH: I do, though Ive been fortunate in avoiding the block part. Q. Do you ever write badly? And do you know when you do? BATHANTI: I often write badly and thats really OK. One of the true blessings of having written, and having taught writing, for nearly a half century, and having been an editor and rabid reader, is that Ive developed a sense of objectivity about my work. I know when things arent working, even if how to fix it isnt immediately apparent. I keep returning to the table until I get it right, and I do not let go of it until I get it right or as right as I can get it. Again, theres no writing, only rewriting. RASH: Alas, all too often, especially in this last novel, Ive written badly, which is why I do so many drafts. (Over 20 for my new novel). I wrote over a thousand pages before I had the final 256 pages. Q. What has been the role of ambition in your writing career? BATHANTI: Ambition in the sense that I began burning to be a writer, probably much earlier in my life than I consciously realize, but it became a conflagration once I reached North Carolina in 1976 and actually began writing every day, rather than just dreaming of being a writer. I engaged in what Flannery calls the habit of being. I began to practice the way an athlete or a musician practices because I wanted to get better and because I wanted to be a writer so badly. RASH: Ive always been driven when I attempt to do something well in high school and college running track, later as a writer obsessively so. There is a competitive aspect to this, but ultimately a competition with myself did I write as well and as honestly as I could with whatever ability I have. Want to go? Who: Joseph Bathanti What: Reads from his new book When: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Where: Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Charlotte Get ready, Dr. Frasier Crane is back! After a 20-year absence, "Frasier," is returning to the small screen with Kelsey Grammer reprising his role of pompous-but-loveable shrink, Dr. Frasier Crane, for 10 episodes. The series, which aired from 1993 to 2004, is getting a reboot and will stream on Paramount+ beginning on Oct. 12. There've been plenty of changes since we last saw Crane, starting with his location. In an effort to reconnect with his now-adult son, Freddy, the new sitcom finds Crane leaving Seattle to return to his former home in Boston. Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Kelsey Grammer, John Mahoney, and Peri Gilpin from Fans may remember that Boston is where Crane and wife, Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth), were first introduced to the TV viewing audience as regular bar patrons on the long-running series "Cheers." Shortly after "Cheers" ended in 1993, the spin-off "Frasier" was launched and revolved around the newly-divorced Crane as he relocated to the Pacific Northwest to host a call-in radio show and care for his elderly father, Martin ( John Mahoney ). Along with Grammer and Mahoney, the all-star cast of the original "Frasier" included David Hyde Pierce , Jane Leeves, Peri Gilpin and featured memorable guest appearances by Patrick Stewart, Jean Smart, Michael Keaton, Bill Gates and dozens of others. Over the course of 11 seasons, "Frasier" earned 107 Emmy nominations and won 37, the most ever for a comedy series, making it the most successful spin-off in history. Now that beloved sitcom is returning, you might be wondering which original cast members are coming back and which ones you won't see on the reboot. Here's what you need to know. Which original cast members are returning to 'Frasier?' According to a Paramount+ press release, Grammer will be leading a brand new cast in the "Frasier" reboot which includes Jack Cutmore-Scott as Crane's son Freddy, along with Nicholas Lyndhurst, Toks Olagundoye, Jess Salgueiro and Anders Keith in supporting roles. As far as original cast members returning to the show, TODAY reported earlier this spring that Peri Gilpin is expected to make a guest appearance as Frasier Crane's sarcastic radio producer, Roz Doyle, as is Neuwirth, who'll reprise her role as Lilith in a guest-starring turn. Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan in Who won't be returning to 'Frasier'? While Neuwirth and Gilpin will make appearances on the show, some of the original series' most notable principles will not be back including Hyde Pierce, who won four Emmys portraying Crane's neurotic brother, Niles Crane. Leeves, who played Martin Crane's nurse (and Niles' love interest), Daphne Moon, also won't be returning. David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, Kelsey Grammer, and John Mahoney on When asked about the pair during a segment on TODAY last spring, Grammer said, If there is a spot for a one-off appearance, and theyre interested, Im sure we would do something like that. But its a new world. Its a new life. Frasiers going back to Boston to put himself back in a place where he didnt feel like he quite made it. Receiving two Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Crane's cantankerous father, Mahoney died in 2018 at the age of 77. Director James Burrows tells EW that the actor is fondly remembered in the first episode of the "Frasier" reboot. "Its a wonderful scene at the end of the show, Burrows says, according to the article. Its about two-and-a-half, three minutes without any laughs. Youve got to be brave to do that. The series also pays homage to the actor by naming the local bar that Crane and his friends frequently patron, fittingly enough, "Mahoney's." As for Eddie, Martin Crane's mischievous Jack Russell terrier, the dog that played the memorable canine, whose real name is Moose, died in 2006. Moose's trainer, Mathilde Halberg, tells TODAY.com that toward the end of the original series, Moose aged out of the role and was replaced by his son, Enzo, who has also since died. "Being on the show for 11 years, its a long time. And it was so much fun. It was such a delight to be part of this," Halberg says of the experience. "It was so much laughter all the time." As for plans to be part of the new series, Halberg says "I wish it would be part of the reboot somehow, but I don't think that's in the works." Jean Smart and Kelsey Grammer in How to watch the new 'Frasier' The first two episodes of the new "Frasier" will stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV in the U.S. and Canada on Oct. 12, and internationally on Oct. 13. After that, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays. There will also be a special, back-to-back, airing of the first two episodes of "Frasier" on CBS on Tuesday, Oct. 17, beginning at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT. According to the Paramount announcement, this fall marks 30 years since the original series debuted on television back in 1993. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Keeping the lights on. Thats the goal of a nearly $20 million project meant to reduce power outages and increase safety in Coralville. The Ulitiliy Resilience Project will take aim at lowering Mid-American's power lines into the ground and repositioning lines from backyards to the front. Most of the initiative will be funded by federal grant money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities program. Coralvilles $13.87 million application for its resiliency program was one of 14 proposals and the second most expensive Iowa application selected for further review by FEMA in August. The agency is expected to decide whether to fund the project by the end of the year. The city held a public meeting in January to let residents know they had applied for the grant, seeking additional feedback. If the money is approved, Coralville will hold additional public meetings once project development begins. A memorable storm for the wrong reasons The devastating 2020 derecho inspired the Utility Resilience Project, Coralville deputy city administrator and project lead Ellen Habel said. Although the storm did not hit Coralville as hard as other places, Habel said it revealed glaring issues with the city's ability to endure severe weather and keep fueling power to homes and businesses. The derecho left some residents without electricity for more than a week. Lowering the chance for weather-induced power outages became a serious need. Many of the homes that were impacted most during the 2020 derecho had power lines in their backyards that were blown out of place by high winds. In many cases, that same debris created significant roadblocks, preventing emergency crews from restoring power promptly. People are losing food in their refrigerators and freezers, they may have medical equipment they can't use, which was a really serious issue, Habel said. Air conditioning or in the winter, heating, is down. If you're working or learning from home, that's probably out. So in communications, more and more, we rely on power for that. Those same problems also reared their head during a recent spring storm that produced a tornado. Power lines will start moving next summer Habel said on-the-ground work will begin next summer if the funding application is approved. Officials estimate that the project will be completed within a two-year time frame. Much of the power line burial will be done in the citys older neighborhoods, south of Interstate 80 in the MidAmerican service area, with most of the movement done between 1st Avenue and 22nd Avenue. Pulling lines out of backyards and burying them underground will also help revitalize the in-town tree population, which is often trimmed near power lines as a safety measure. You get those lines and poles out of yards, it really opened up sightlines and people can plant more trees because they're not worried about them hitting the lines, Habel said. You're going to get a better tree canopy and better habitat for birds. I think it's really positive from those aspects as well. We all know trees have lots of benefits as far as cooling and oxygen and a better natural environment. The utility project will get a boost from $6 million in state grants, while MidAmerican assistance will keep homeowners from paying into the project. A map showing where the city's Utility Resilience Project will move power lines from resident's backyards to underground. The area in blue, center, will be where most of the work will take place, deputy city administrator Ellen Habel told council. 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: Coralville's $20 million utility project looks to keep the lights on Marriage is full of highs, lows and a whole bunch of ordinary moments in between. Somehow married people on X, formerly known as Twitter, continue to find humor in the minutiae of married life. Every other week, we round up the funniest marriage tweets on the platform. Read on for 21 relatable ones that will have you laughing in agreement. Me: Hey did you know Wife: I told you that two days ago, thats how you know. Me: makes sense Simon Holland (@simoncholland) September 15, 2023 Me: Hey did you know Wife: I told you that two days ago, thats how you know. Me: makes sense Simon Holland (@simoncholland) Simon Holland (@simoncholland) September 15, 2023 "> Husband, day 1 of owning a dog: Its just a dog. Husband, day 2 of owning a dog: We should give the dog a middle name. Jessie (@mommajessiec) September 22, 2023 Husband, day 1 of owning a dog: Its just a dog. Husband, day 2 of owning a dog: We should give the dog a middle name. Jessie (@mommajessiec) Jessie (@mommajessiec) September 22, 2023 "> My husband told me we were out of BBQ sauce because he couldnt find it so I went to the fridge & looked behind the milk & OMG its a miracle: were not out of BBQ sauce. Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) September 21, 2023 My husband told me we were out of BBQ sauce because he couldnt find it so I went to the fridge & looked behind the milk & OMG its a miracle: were not out of BBQ sauce. Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) September 21, 2023 "> Ive never watched a horror movie so I was just asking my wife about various ones and she couldnt super remember until I asked about Scream. She took a huge breath and said Okay Neve Campbells wearing a jean jacket and now shes been going for 30 minutes. Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) September 18, 2023 Ive never watched a horror movie so I was just asking my wife about various ones and she couldnt super remember until I asked about Scream. She took a huge breath and said Okay Neve Campbells wearing a jean jacket and now shes been going for 30 minutes. Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) September 18, 2023 "> All I want is to live in a house so big that I cant hear my husband pooping. I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) September 16, 2023 All I want is to live in a house so big that I cant hear my husband pooping. I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) September 16, 2023 "> *before marriage her: watcha thinking? *after marriage her: wHaT wErE YoU ThInKInG?! Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) September 14, 2023 *before marriage her: watcha thinking? *after marriage her: wHaT wErE YoU ThInKInG?! Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) September 14, 2023 "> Husband: I trust you not to eat my food while I go to the bathroom. Me: That would be a mistake. sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) September 13, 2023 Husband: I trust you not to eat my food while I go to the bathroom. Me: That would be a mistake. sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) September 13, 2023 "> Finished assembling an IKEA bookshelf! Im very excited for my wife to see it and reassemble it the right way Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) September 15, 2023 Finished assembling an IKEA bookshelf! Im very excited for my wife to see it and reassemble it the right way Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) September 15, 2023 "> I need everybody to be really cool and not tell my husband that I lost my wallet today after just this morning lecturing him about how many times he loses his wallet. Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) September 13, 2023 I need everybody to be really cool and not tell my husband that I lost my wallet today after just this morning lecturing him about how many times he loses his wallet. Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) September 13, 2023 "> Working from home with your spouse is just each of you trying to look busy when the other one walks by while youre screwing around. SpacedMom (@copymama) September 22, 2023 Working from home with your spouse is just each of you trying to look busy when the other one walks by while youre screwing around. SpacedMom (@copymama) SpacedMom (@copymama) September 22, 2023 "> I listed a record player for sale that I got for my husband years ago for Fathers Day. He has never once used it. Of course, now that I have someone coming to pick it up tomorrow, he decided he wanted to keep it. So I made him buy it off me. He just Venmoed me. Mediocre Mom (@MediocreMamaa) September 24, 2023 I listed a record player for sale that I got for my husband years ago for Fathers Day. He has never once used it. Of course, now that I have someone coming to pick it up tomorrow, he decided he wanted to keep it. So I made him buy it off me. He just Venmoed me. Mediocre Mom (@MediocreMamaa) Mediocre Mom (@MediocreMamaa) September 24, 2023 "> Me: [getting into bed] Wife: I can't get comfortable Me: sorry. I'm also sorry I'm about to be asleep in under 3 minutes Wife: I hate you Dadman Walking (@dadmann_walking) September 26, 2023 Me: [getting into bed] Wife: I can't get comfortable Me: sorry. I'm also sorry I'm about to be asleep in under 3 minutes Wife: I hate you Dadman Walking (@dadmann_walking) Dadman Walking (@dadmann_walking) September 26, 2023 "> My husband has been exposed to dangerous rhetoric. He keeps talking about us waking up at 5 AM to workout. Jessie (@mommajessiec) September 14, 2023 My husband has been exposed to dangerous rhetoric. He keeps talking about us waking up at 5 AM to workout. Jessie (@mommajessiec) Jessie (@mommajessiec) September 14, 2023 "> Wife *from the kitchen*: I love you!! Me *from the living room*: I Love you too! Wife: That was for our dog, not you Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) September 13, 2023 Wife *from the kitchen*: I love you!! Me *from the living room*: I Love you too! Wife: That was for our dog, not you Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) Vinod Chhaproo (@Chhapiness) September 13, 2023 "> My husband just gave a presentation at this dermatology conference and I didn't understand a damn word he said but it took everything in me not to stand up in the aisle and stage mom him like he was doing Jingle Bell Rock anyway. Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) September 16, 2023 My husband just gave a presentation at this dermatology conference and I didn't understand a damn word he said but it took everything in me not to stand up in the aisle and stage mom him like he was doing Jingle Bell Rock anyway. Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) Eli McCann (@EliMcCann) September 16, 2023 "> There should be a tv game show where couples have to scroll through every streaming service looking for something they both want to watch and if time runs out, they get divorced. Drew (some assembly required) (@dmc1138) September 15, 2023 There should be a tv game show where couples have to scroll through every streaming service looking for something they both want to watch and if time runs out, they get divorced. Drew (some assembly required) (@dmc1138) Drew (some assembly required) (@dmc1138) September 15, 2023 "> I just said Very nice! in a Borat voice and watched my husband fall in love with me all over again. sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) September 26, 2023 I just said Very nice! in a Borat voice and watched my husband fall in love with me all over again. sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) sixfootcandy (@sixfootcandy) September 26, 2023 "> *My kids were roleplaying my wife and I* 8yo *Being me*: Is this tweet funny? Can I post it? 5yo *Being my wife*: Can you please leave me alone for 5 minutes to drink my coffee?! My Life As Dad (@milifeasdad) September 18, 2023 *My kids were roleplaying my wife and I* 8yo *Being me*: Is this tweet funny? Can I post it? 5yo *Being my wife*: Can you please leave me alone for 5 minutes to drink my coffee?! My Life As Dad (@milifeasdad) My Life As Dad (@milifeasdad) September 18, 2023 "> A game show where husbands are shown their wives shower products without labels and have to name them and describe their function. The Dad (@thedad) September 21, 2023 A game show where husbands are shown their wives shower products without labels and have to name them and describe their function. The Dad (@thedad) The Dad (@thedad) September 21, 2023 "> me: I fought the law and the law won wife: you got a speeding ticket, sent an angry email and had to spend four hours in Saturday traffic school, get over it Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) September 22, 2023 me: I fought the law and the law won wife: you got a speeding ticket, sent an angry email and had to spend four hours in Saturday traffic school, get over it Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) Dad Moon Rising (@raoulvilla) September 22, 2023 "> My husband never says bless you when I sneeze like Im the mother of his children and he doesnt even care if evil spirits take over my soul or whatever its rude I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) September 25, 2023 My husband never says bless you when I sneeze like Im the mother of his children and he doesnt even care if evil spirits take over my soul or whatever its rude I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) I Hide From My Kids (@IHideFromMyKids) September 25, 2023 "> Related... The Ex-treasurer of a Hilton Head Island POA still owes over $22,000 despite paying back the nearly $200,000 that was first reported missing. In July, the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette reported on a letter which was sent out to homeowners of Broad Pointe, a private neighborhood across from Indigo Run on Hilton Head Island. The letter detailed how the former treasurer of the Broad Pointe Owners Association, Patricia Butville, withdrew $196,924.50 from the associations reserve account between December 2018 and April 2023. Patricia prepared and circulated misleading financial reports which were presented to the Board and then by the Board to the Owners, said Vince Murphy, the president of the Owners Association. At the time, Butville had already paid back $150,500 of the missing funds, but still owed the association $46,324.50. On August 24, Butville paid back the remaining funds returning the entirety of the $196,924.50. But, as of the time of writing, Butville still owes the POA $22,249.81 which she obtained through improper operating expense submissions to the Indigo Run Community Owners Association, according to a new letter from the POA to homeowners, obtained by the newspapers. Unfortunately, our work is not yet finished, Murphy said in the letter. The letter, dated September 30, also says that if the full amount is not paid within 30 days, [Butville] will be responsible for principal plus interest and any legal fees resulting from the collection. According to the letter, any decision to pursue the prosecution of Butville resides with the Beaufort County Sheriff and 14th Circuit Solicitors Office. In June, a criminal case against Butville was closed after she signed a confession of judgment. However, the case has since been reopened according to Sheriffs Office spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens. The Sheriffs Office is currently in the process of gathering information, she added. Butville responded to a phone inquiry with a no comment response via text messaging. Families, advocates and lawmakers gathered once again Tuesday coming to ask the Massachusetts Legislature to create the Harmony Montgomery Commission in honor of the foster child who was allegedly murdered by her father in December 2019. The state and courts turned over Harmony to her father, who is now indicted for her murder. Our system tragically fails this little person, State Rep. Carol Doherty , a Democrat representing the 3rd Bristol district, said. She never had a chance, said Blair Miller, who adopted Harmonys biological brother. Supporters say a proposed new commission would bring together experts from child welfare, the courts, and state officials to examine how cases involving vulnerable children are handled, and how the state weighs the best interest of a child while upholding constitutionally protected parental rights. What is the best interest of the child and the representation from the state, State Sen. Michael Moore, a Democrat representing the 2nd Worcester district, said. As we saw in this case, it was reunification over the safety issues of the child. Sen. Moore and Rep. Doherty are co-sponsoring the bill calling for the commission. Anchor and Investigative Reporter Kerry Kavanaugh has followed the story from the beginning. Kavanaugh broke the story last year when lawmakers tried to create this commission through a budget amendment. It died during reconciliation. The Office of the Child Advocate had recommended the state launch the commission in a scathing 2022 report. This session, a bill was filed to create the Harmony Montgomery Commission. Advocates say this commission is necessary to ensure the state is prioritizing the safety and well-being of the thousands of kids in state care. Retired first justice of the juvenile court of Worcester, Carol Erskine, helped write the legislation. To have a commission looking at whats in the best interest of these children, I think is key to preventing child fatalities in the future in Massachusetts, Erskine said. In 2022, we learned Harmonys disappearance went unnoticed and unreported for two years. As 25 Investigates has documented, Harmony and her little brother Jamison were in and out of the foster care system for much of their young lives. Ultimately, they were separated. In February of 2019, a judge granted custody of Harmony to her biological father, Adam Montgomery. He lived in New Hampshire and had a long criminal history and little to no history with his daughter. 25 Investigates obtained documents showing Manchester Police and local child welfare authorities were aware of problems at the home where Montgomery lived with her father as early as August of 2019. And, as 25 Investigates was first to report, Harmony left Massachusetts without an interstate agreement in place to check up on her. Whats being done to change the system, whats being done to prevent another Harmony Montgomery from happening? Miller said. And the truth is, nothing has changed in the time that people have known about this. Blair Miller our own Washington Correspondent and Jonathan Bobbit-Miller are the adoptive dads of Jamison, Harmonys little brother. They came to Boston to support calls for the commission. The two said they tried to keep Jamison connected to his sister but got no help from the state. And we tried every avenue from DCF, from his birth mom, we reached out to her birth father and the stepmom, and we were met with roadblocks every turn, Bobbit-Miller said. Now, they say Jamison is left with heartbreaking questions questions they hope no other child will have to ask. Bobbit-Miller said: Why did someone hurt my sister? Why did no one protect her? And can she see me from heaven? Yes, we know they have a lot going on, Blair Miller said. But if were not taking care of our kids, what are we doing? Harmonys body has never been found. This year, Adam was found guilty of all charges in his firearms trial. Adam is facing charges of second-degree murder, tampering with witnesses and informants, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse in his daughters death. The murder trial could begin later this year. Harmony was literally handed over to someone she barely knew because he was a blood relative and he was also accused of attempted murder, Bobbit-Miller said. But yet it was the best placement for her. That decision that day sealed her fate. Committee members will now vote this favorably or unfavorably out of committee. And depending on how that goes, it could move on to Ways and Means. 25 Investigates will follow the legislation every step of the way. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW This embedded content is not available in your region. Forty years ago, in 1983, John Ruskey embarked on a raft trip from home state of Colorado, traversing rivers in an attempt to get to the Gulf of Mexico. Five months into the expedition, he wound up shipwrecked on an island in northern Mississippi. That experience eventually led him back to Mississippi, where he started Quapaw Canoe Company, and 25 years after that, he said, "We are still boogying up and down the Mississippi." Ruskey, along with his crew, provide wilderness adventures by canoe, kayak or paddle board on any section of the last 954 miles of the Mississippi River, from Cairo Illinois down to the Gulf of Mexico. They also serve the Atchafalaya River of Trees, and many other tributary feeder rivers, such as the Arkansas. Quapaw Canoe Company has guided more than 30,000 people on the Mississippi River in the last 25 years. He landed in Clarksdale in the early 1990s for the blues music scene and even worked as the curator of the Delta Blues Museum. Oldest restaurants in Jackson: What are the oldest restaurants in Jackson? These six have stood test of time Hiking Mississippi: Tank of Gas Getaway: Rocky Springs offers a ghost town, a cool spring-fed creek and more He bought a canoe and started offering people canoe trips, one trip at a time in a 17-foot aluminum canoe in the largest river in North America. That is how Quapaw Canoe Company started in 1998. John Ruskey happened upon Mississippi 40 years ago while rafting. Now he has been running Quapaw Canoe Company for 25 years. Since then, Ruskey estimates he has safely guided more than 30,000 people on tours of the river, which include church groups, schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, families, couples and individuals. In his estimation, there was never before or isn't now another modern guiding and outfitting business anywhere along the lower Mississippi River. "That raft trip in the '80s really put something in my heart for Mississippi," Ruskey said. "There is an incredible intersection of music and the river in Clarksdale and that's part of the reason I am there." The name Quapaw comes from the Quapaw Nation of Native Americans, that inhabited areas from Oklahoma to the Midwest and down the Mississippi River as late as the 17th century. Quapaw Canoe Company has guided more than 30,000 people on the Mississippi River in the last 25 years. Quapaw landing is the closest landing on the Mississippi River to Clarksdale, due west of town. He added 10 more aluminum canoes and then hand-crafted a 20 foot cypress-strip canoe, named the Lady Bug, that now has many brothers and sisters that carry customers all along the river. "We call The Lady Bug the Queen of the Mississippi River," Ruskey quipped about the 11-person original wooden canoe. Former New York Giants defensive back Mark Peoples is Ruskey's right-hand man and has been along for the ride from the beginning. "You know, the river just speaks to me," Peoples said. "It's the lifeblood of our country." Quapaw Canoe Company offers everything from day trips to multi-week adventures When not on the water, Peoples mentors Delta youth and educates them on the importance of the protection and preservation of our national treasure for generations to come. While he has guided literally thousands of people up and down the river, Peoples has said that one of the most interesting trips he had was guiding a group that included a couple from Norway. He said the wife was 9 months pregnant and ultimately went into labor soon after the completion of their expedition. Ruskey said most of the people who take the river expeditions have never been on the Mississippi River previously, and in many cases have never paddled any type of vessel anywhere. Former New York Giants defensive back Mark People's is a long-time member of the Quapaw team. Here, he gives instructions to a group before embarking on a expedition. There have been mayors, business people, kids, adults, journalists, photographers as well as the secretary of transportation for the state of Arkansas. And all of them have to help paddle along the way. He shared a recent experience involving a group of high school girls who started a weekend trip afraid of any bug that got near them. By the end of the trip, Ruskey said they were picking up large beetles and asking him to identify them. "By the way, it was the Eastern Click Beetle," he said. "By the end of the trip one of the young ladies was so affected by the trip, she had applied to our apprenticeship program." He has expanded on that and has created a summer camp program to help educate people on the importance of the Mississippi River Valley and what it means. It is a traditional style canoe camp that focuses on survival skills, teamwork and leadership. This is the whole Quapaw Canoe Company team at present, from left, Matthew Burdine (Memphis), Mark "River" Peoples, John Ruskey, Heather Crosse and Layne Logue. Mostly, however, Quapaw is a custom trip company that caters to anyone wanting a river experience, whether that be a day trip, a weekend experience or a week-long expedition. The longest trip runs from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico and lasts for six weeks. "We don't do that one very often," Ruskey said. "But our mission is to share the raw, wild Mississippi River with whoever wants to see it." The mission has been so successful that Quapaw is now running expeditions out of Memphis and Vicksburg as well as Quapaw Landing near Clarksdale. Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: 25 years of Quapaw Canoe Company (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc's chief executive said on Tuesday that almost 250,000 courses of the drugmaker's oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid were being administered per week as cases surged in the United States. Speaking at the Cantor Fitzgerald Annual Healthcare Conference, Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla said the company is still uncertain about when Paxlovid, which is currently being distributed by the government, will receive approval to be sold in the U.S. commercial market. Paxlovid, taken for five days beginning shortly after onset of symptoms, is used to treat adults at high risk of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19. Bourla, however, said Pfizer is ready to supply its COVID-19 vaccines with a smooth transition to the commercial market. "There is enough product that has been already manufactured and we keep manufacturing," Bourla said. "We are very confident that the market will be very well supplied." In the first week after updated COVID-19 vaccines became available in the U.S., there have been hiccups with its rollout as people have reported being turned away from pharmacies for the shots. Pfizer has sold nearly 24 million courses of Paxlovid to the U.S. government, which has distributed only about 15 million courses so far, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data. According to IQVIA data published by research analysts, the oral antiviral COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid hit around 217,000 prescriptions in the U.S. in the week of Sept. 1, but has dropped since then. (Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal) A young Maryland tech CEO has been found dead with signs of blunt-force trauma, police said. Pava LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies, was discovered dead in an apartment on Monday. Police are now searching for a suspect who they say "will kill and he will rape." A young Maryland tech CEO who recently made it on the Forbes 30 under 30 list has been found dead at an apartment complex with what police described as signs of blunt-force trauma. The Baltimore Police Department said that 26-year-old Pava LaPere, the founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies, was discovered dead in an apartment in the Mount Vernon neighborhood by officers on Monday at around 11:35 a.m. At a press conference on Tuesday, acting BPD commissioner Richard Worley announced a warrant for the arrest of a 32-year-old suspect in the murder of LaPere, Jason Billingsley. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at the conference that Billingsley is on parole after he was convicted on a first-degree sex offense in 2015. He was sentenced to 30 years at the time. Scott added that there "was no way in hell" that Billingsley should have been released in October 2022. "This individual will kill and he will rape," Worley said at the conference, adding a message to Billingsley. "Every single police officer in Baltimore city and the state of Maryland, as well US Marshals, are looking for you." Earlier Tuesday, the department said in a news release that authorities found LaPere's body while responding to a call for service at the apartment complex. Police said that a missing persons call was made about LaPere shortly before her body was found. "Homicide detectives responded and assumed control over this investigation," the Baltimore Police Department said. Authorities would not provide Insider with details on who reported LaPere missing. EcoMap Technologies | The Ecosystem Company (@EcoMapTech) September 26, 2023 LaPere's Baltimore-based tech company announced her death in a statement on Tuesday, saying it was an "unimaginable tragedy" and that the circumstances surrounding LaPere's death were "deeply distressing." EcoMap Technologies said LaPere was "not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader." "Her untiring commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the critical work of ecosystems across the country, and to building a deeply inclusive culture as a leader, friend and partner set a standard for leadership, and her legacy will live on through the work we continue to do," the company added. The incident comes months after a disturbing murder case involving a tech CEO in San Francisco. In April, CashApp founder Bob Lee was stabbed to death in San Francisco, and police charged Nima Momeni, an acquaintance whose sister Lee dated, with murder. Momeni has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is set to face trial. Prosecutors in San Francisco claim that Momeni and Lee were together in the early morning hours of April 4 in Momeni's BMW, before Momeni fatally stabbed Lee. The killing happened after an argument about Momeni's sister, according to CBS. September 26, 2023: This story has been updated with information released by police about the suspect. Read the original article on Insider Republican presidential candidates, from left, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and former Vice President Mike Pence, before the start of a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX Business Network and Univision, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark Terrill) The seven candidates on stage for Wednesday night's second presidential debate went after President Joe Biden , one another and the absent GOP front-runner. The at-times chaotic event featured staple questions about immigration, economics and abortion but also spawned a new nickname for Donald Trump , included some cringey sexual references and kept our fact-checkers busy. Here's what to know An overview of tonights debate, where candidates went after Biden and Trump. Christie calls Trump Donald Duck, DeSantis knocks former president and other debate highlights. Trump again skipped the debate. Heres what he was doing instead. See more of our 2024 coverage. Who would you vote off the GOP island? As the debate neared its end, moderator Dana Perino asked the candidates to write down which of their on-stage competitors should be voted off the 2024 GOP island. But they didnt bite. With all due respect, I think that thats disrespectful, DeSantis said in response to the Survivor-style question. Christie said Trump should be booted given his decision to skip the debate, and he accused him of dividing the country. Ramaswamy slipped in the last word, praising Trumps legacy but saying he was the better candidate to push forward an America first agenda. And with that, the second Republican primary debate was over. Ramaswamy levels criticism toward Ukraine Ramaswamy is leveling criticism toward Ukraine in answer to a question about continuing U.S. support for the country. Just because Putin is an evil dictator does not mean Ukraine is good, Ramaswamy says. He also says China, not Russia, is the United States real enemy, and argues that the hard U.S. line toward Russia is driving Russia further into Chinas arms. DeSantis rejects idea that anti-abortion stance costs GOP elections DeSantis is rejecting the idea that Republicans have been losing elections because of their opposition to abortion, and he says his reelection as Florida governor last year is proof hes right. Democrats have leaned into the debate over abortion rights since a conservative majority on the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. Voters have repeatedly supported abortion rights, and Democrats and even Trump have said its a big reason for the partys better-than-expected performance in the midterms and in other elections since then. DeSantis signed into law a ban on abortions at six weeks of pregnancy, before some women know theyre pregnant. He signed the ban after winning reelection. Asked about the possibility that swing state Arizona will have an abortion question on its ballot next year, making it tougher for Republicans to win there, DeSantis dismissed the idea. He also called out Trump, who said it was a terrible mistake for DeSantis to sign the ban. DeSantis said Republicans must go on the offensive and hit Democrats for their extremism on the issue. Scott's job goals would be extremely difficult to meet Scott floated some ambitiously lofty job goals at the GOP debate, suggesting his policies could create 10 million jobs in a year and drive growth at 5%. That would be an unusually large and unlikely set of hiring. More than 7 million jobs were created in 2021 under President Joe Biden, as the economy recovered from the pandemic. But deficit spending and inflation accompanied those gains both points of attack by the Republican candidate. Scott said he could create 3.5 million jobs if we unleashed all our energy resources. That would be impressive as oil and gas extraction account for just 118,700 jobs right now, according to the Labor Department. Secondly, Scott said he could create jobs by bringing back factory jobs. Manufacturing work has rebounded under Biden to nearly 13 million jobs, the most since 2008. But few economists see manufacturing work as returning to its 1979 peak of more than 19 million jobs. South Carolina family feud Theyve long had an intertwined political history, and even shared political consultants, but Haley and Scotts differences took center stage on Wednesday. The two South Carolinians sparred on stage after being asked why one should be elected president over the other. Scott touted his work on 2017 tax cuts legislation, said hed love to have an opportunity to have this country pass a balanced budget amendment and promoted his plans to bring jobs back to America. I appreciate Tim, weve known each other a long time, Haley said, but hes been there 12 years and he hasnt done any of that. Scott shot back, pointing out that Haley - who has called for an end to the federal gas tax as part of her campaign - actually asked for a gas tax increase in South Carolina. Weve waited, and nothing has happened, Haley said, turning back to her critique of Scotts time in the Senate. It was Haley as governor in 2012 who appointed Scott to the seat in the first place. Haley pivots debate conversation to China again and again Warning about the threats she perceived are posed by China is key to Haleys stump, and its on full display in the debate. Several times, Haley has pivoted her part in the conversation by noting that some U.S. supplies of amoxicillin come from China. Several times, she has pointed to Ramaswamys ties to the country, from business deals to his presence on TikTok, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd. Haley also went after Trumps China policy, saying that she feels the former president was too focused on the U.S.-China trade relationship and did too little about possible threats from the country. Haley defends sendi ng special ops to deal with Mexican cartels Mexico has been a critical partner on border enforcement with the Trump and Biden administrations, but Haley defends sending special operations to deal with Mexican drug cartels, a common position among those on the debate stage. Its a nonstarter for Mexicos leaders. Mexico has deployed thousands of troops to its southern border to stop U.S.-bound migrants. In January, it agreed to take back people from Cuban, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela if they enter the United States illegally, a major concession to deal with populations that are difficult to deport. Going against medical professionals, Ramaswamy calls being transgender a mental health disorder Ramaswamy called being transgender a mental health disorder and confusion in response to a question about parental notification about their childrens gender identities. That's in direct contrast to guidance from the American Psychiatric Association, which says diverse gender expressions are not indications of a mental disorder. To make his point, Ramaswamy noted that he recently met two young women who later regretted their gender-affirming surgeries. While its possible, regret after a gender transition is rare. In a review of 27 studies involving almost 8,000 teens and adults who had transgender surgeries, mostly in Europe, the U.S and Canada, 1% on average expressed regret. Haley tells Ramaswamy: We cant trust you' For a moment, it was Haley vs. Ramaswamy, round two. As they did in last months debut debate, Haley and Ramaswamy had a split-screen sparring back-and-forth in which Haley went after the political newcomer for inexperience and, she alleged, dangerous ideas. Asked about his recent conversation with a TikTok influencer, Ramaswamy defended his use of the platform. Im the new guy here, and so I know I have to earn your trust, Ramaswamy said. Im here to tell you, no, I dont know at all. I will listen. Interjecting by calling TikTok dangerous, Haley went on to address Ramaswamy directly and personally. Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber for what you say, Haley said. We cant trust you. Ramaswamy responded by saying that I think we would be better served as a Republican Party if were not sitting here hurling personal insults, before the moderators moved on to another topic. Moderator threatens to cut Burgum's mic The debate is getting chaotic at times, with candidates shouting over one another and the moderators scolding them for not waiting their turns. At one point, moderator Dana Perino warned Burgum, who was trying to interrupt the questioning, that they would have to cut off his microphone if he didnt stop interjecting. I dont want to do that, she said, pleadingly I dont. Moderators also told candidates multiple times that the cross-talking meant they would get fewer questions. Scott says there is no redeeming quality in slavery The topic of education also led to the issue of teaching about racism in public schools. Under DeSantis, Florida approved a controversial curriculum that suggests some enslaved people learned useful skills while they were in bondage. Scott, the only Black candidate on stage Wednesday night, reiterated his criticism of the curriculum under DeSantis by saying, There is not a redeeming quality in slavery. He also suggested that the United States had turned the page on its history. We are the greatest nation on earth because we faced our demons in the mirror, Scott said. He added that, America is not a racist country. Debate brings the cringe A question about education took two uncomfortable and unexpected turns at Wednesday night's presidential debate. Saying that Americas public schools are run by the teachers unions in this country, Christie said U.S. schools would continue to struggle because, in his view, the Biden administration is too close to the unions. When you have the president that states sleeping with a member of the teachers union, there is no chance that you can take the stranglehold away from the teachers union every day, Christie said. In a later question, Pence chimed in, saying that he had been sleeping with a teacher for 38 years No new ground broken on immigration at debate Candidates have devoted significant time to discussing the border but said nothing significantly new. Their policy prescriptions were largely in line with each other and with Trump, who made it a signature issue. Pence, ignoring a question about what he would do to protect immigrants who came to the country as young children, spoke about a Trump-era policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for U.S. court hearings and cracking down on asylum. Ramaswamy spoke about repealing a constitutional right to birthright citizenship, a position that Trump has entertained. Candidates spoke as if the influx of asylum-seekers began under Bidens watch, but it began years earlier. By 2017, the United States became the worlds most popular destination for asylum-seekers, a position it has held ever since, according to the U.N. refugee agency. Migration has unquestionably grown sharply under Biden. Border arrests topped 2.2 million at the Mexican border in the 2022 fiscal year, which runs from October to September, the highest on record and more than twice the peak year of 852,000 under Trump in 2019. Arrests topped 400,000 during Obamas last full year in office. People arriving in families with children under 18 are again behind surging numbers, reaching 93,108 arrests in August, surpassing the previous high of 84,486 under Trumps watch in May 2019. So far, no talk of funding for Ukraine The debates more than halfway done, but there has been no mention so far of the big political issue that is threatening a government shutdown as soon as this weekend funding for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. Much discussion in the candidates first debate on Ukraine funding. Youngest candidate says teens should avoid addictive social media Hes the only GOP presidential candidate on TikTok, but Ramaswamy is talking about teens staying away from addictive social media. In a question about security, Ramaswamy pivoted to a discussion of border security, talking about teens turning to social media like Snapchat to procure pharmaceuticals. If youre 16 years old or under, you should not be using an addictive social media product, period, he said. Ramaswamy, who at 38 is the youngest candidate on stage, has referred to TikTok as digital fentanyl but earlier this month joined the platform, with his campaign saying he was angling to appeal to younger voters. The platform has been met with bipartisan criticism that it is a potential spy mechanism for China. Border wall won't stop fentanyl from coming across border DeSantis raises the possibility of military intervention in Mexico when asked about fentanyl. Ramaswamy calls for more border wall when asked about fentanyl. Both ignore some critical facts about how the drug gets into the country. Fentanyl seizures occurred predominantly at official land crossings, where commuters and visitors smuggle drugs on their bodies or in their vehicles. From September through August, 11.4 tons of the 12.8 tons of fentanyl seized at the border Mexico were discovered at land crossings, while the remaining 1.4 tons were in between border crossings, where people enter the country illegally. At a hearing July 12, James Mandryck, a Customs and Border Protection deputy assistant commissioner, said 73% of fentanyl seizures at the border since the previous October were smuggling attempts carried out by U.S. citizens, with the rest being done by Mexican citizens. Trump gets a nickname of his own: Donald Duck Christie has a new name for Trump Donald Duck. A former ally who broke with Trump over his election denial, Christie awarded the moniker to the absent Republican front-runner for skipping the debate. Speaking into the camera, Christie said, I know youre watching because you cant help yourself. And he accused Trump of being absent because youre afraid of being on this stage and defending your record. No one up here is going to call you Donald Trump anymore. Were going to call you Donald Duck. Pence reminds voters of his time as VP Pence is using his time onstage to remind viewers hes a White House alumnus. Twice asked a question about working to protect immigrants from deportation if they came with their parents as young children, Pence ignored it and emphasized his resume instead. The former vice president recalled how during the Trump administration, he had negotiated the policy to make asylum seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in the U.S. This is no time for on the job training, Pence said. Im going to be ready on Day 1. Scott accuses Ramaswamy of being in business with CCP Scott briefly shed his Mr. Nice Guy reputation to flame Ramaswamy for being in business with the Chinese Communist Party. The attack line, a reference to Ramaswamys former career as an entrepreneur, fulfilled a promise from Scotts campaign that the South Carolina senator would be more aggressive after being overshadowed in the first debate. Ramaswamy responded angrily, leading to a long stretch of crosstalk that the moderators struggled to rein in. When you all speak at the same time, no can understand you, said Univision anchor Ilia Calderon. Some of DeSantis' ideas for China match Biden's actions DeSantis says the United States needs a totally new approach to China. Part of what he calls for Biden is already doing. That includes strengthening U.S. hard power in the Indo-Pacific. DeSantis does call for decoupling the U.S. economy from China. Biden is trying to wean the U.S. supply chain off China but denies seeking to decouple the two economies. Burgum not waiting for his turn Burgum is looking for more talking time and hes not being shy about it. The North Dakota governor interjected a couple of times in the first 20 minutes of Wednesday nights debate, talking over moderators and his fellow hopefuls, in one response interjecting, Nobody answered the question after others were asked about child care. We will get you some questions, said moderator Dana Perino. But you will have to let us move on. There have already been several moments where the moderators struggled to get candidates to stop talking among themselves and focus on the question at hand. Candidates agree US economic future should be powered by gas GOP presidential candidates started their second debate by mostly agreeing that the U.S. economic future should be powered by gasoline. In lockstep, they all demonized the Biden administrations support for electric vehicles. Its a shift that is meant to limit the damages of climate change, but presidential candidates say it would hurt the U.S. auto sector and enrich China. The unanimity reflected the challenge candidates face to stand out on policy issues. Joe Bidens Green New Deal agenda is good for Beijing and bad for Detroit, Pence said. Burgum said unionized autoworkers are striking because their employers need two-thirds less workers to build an electric car. Ramaswamy went to his refrain that he would unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear energy. DeSantis takes early swing at Trump in debate After taking criticism for going soft on Trump, DeSantis took a swing at him early in the debate. And you know who is missing in action? Donald Trump is missing in action, DeSantis said, blasting the former president for skipping the debate. The criticism came shortly after a similar attack from Christie, who said Trump hides behind the walls of his golf clubs instead of answering questions. DeSantis swipe at Trump marks a definite shift for the Florida governor, who largely avoided pointed criticism of the former president in the first debate. Scott angling to be more of the conversation Scott didnt have much talking time during the first GOP debate, but he started to make up for that as soon as Wednesday nights gathering got underway. The first question went to Scott, who caught criticism for saying you strike, youre fired about the United Auto Workers dispute. Scott quipped that Biden should not be on the picket line, he should be on the southern border, turning the rest of his answer to concerns about border security. Scott also was asked to respond after Pence said Biden belongs on the unemployment line, saying he disagreed with Scott. Theres no doubt that Joe Biden needs to be fired, Scott said. Thats why Im running for president. Republicans turn questions about autoworkers strike into Biden attack The debate started with questions about the United Auto Workers strike, but the Republicans kept the focus squarely on Biden. Joe Biden should not be on the picket line. He should be on the southern border, said Scott, who got the first question. Next up was Ramaswamy, who said the workers should go picket in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., because thats really where the protest needs to be. Pence took a swing at it next. Joe Biden doesnt belong on the picket line. He belongs on the unemployment line. Trump's mug shot appears in debate intro Trump skipped the Fox Business-Univision debate but appeared briefly in its introduction - or at least his mug shot did. The debate at the Reagan library started with a montage of the former president followed by clips of the seven candidates who are appearing on stage. Trumps mug shot from one of the criminal cases against him, filed in Georgia flashed on screen as a voiceover questioned: Would Reagan even recognize the country today? The United States child poverty rate more than doubled from 2021 to 2022, according to data released by the Census Bureau earlier this month. The primary driver of the jump, from 4.6% to 12.4%, a surge affecting millions of children, was the end of the child tax credit expansion at the end of 2021. As part of the COVID-19 relief plan, the child tax credit provided parents with an extra $250 to $300 per month per child. While President Biden, the Democrat-controlled House and the vast majority of Democratic senators supported extending the program, it faced resistance from Republicans and democratic Sen. Joe Manchin . The data from the Census Bureau follows previous studies showing massive spikes, including a Columbia University report that showed nearly 4 million kids fell into poverty in the first month after the enhanced tax credit program ended. Yahoo News spoke about the issue with Nikhil Goyal , a former staffer for Sen. Bernie Sanders , who has written about the topic in his 2022 book, Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty, and in a New York Times op-ed published this week. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. How was the recent spike in child poverty a policy choice? The census found that between 2021 and 2022, some 5 million children were plunged into poverty, the single largest yearly increase in recorded history. It is a direct consequence of the failure to pass Build Back Better, which would have included a permanent expansion of the child tax credit. I worked very hard with my colleagues on the Senate Budget Committee and other offices in the Senate to try to pass that piece of legislation, but unfortunately, one Democrats and 50 Republicans were opposed, and so it's a great scandal, a moral scandal, that millions of children are suffering in chronic and desperate poverty because of a series of policy choices that were made by the Senate in 2021. We heard from Manchin and others that among their concerns is that families were not using the money wisely, that they'd be spending it on drugs and other items, that it creates dependency on the welfare state. These are just unfounded assertions. The research shows very clearly that when the expanded child tax credit was first implemented in July 2021, up until the end of the year, it dramatically reduced child poverty and food insecurity and overall economic hardship. This is an issue that affects not just people living in poverty, but people in the middle class and the working class. The child tax credit in particular has reduced the cost of living for middle income families who have used that on child care, on housing, on food or clothing and other basic essentials that help children grow up and thrive during their childhoods. Politics and public policy are a matter of life and death. The decisions that people in Washington, in our state legislatures or school boards make, have enormous implications for how we live our lives and affect all of us. Read more: US poverty rate jumped in 2022, child poverty more than doubled: Census, from ABC News What are some of the long-term effects of child poverty? In my book, I traced the lives of three Puerto Rican children who grew up in the poorest neighborhood of Philadelphia Kensington and the toll that child poverty has on their lives is just astonishing. They have to endure evictions and housing insecurity, they run out of food by the end of the month and so they are hungry. They are living in neighborhoods that are afflicted by gun violence and other forms of violence. That means that they cannot walk down the street without the fear of getting shot. The issues that children are enduring don't get left behind when they enter school, leading to educational instability. The trauma and anxiety and other mental health conditions that come out of poverty deeply affect a child's ability to learn. I think it's a profoundly important issue and one that has major implications for children's well-being and development. What are some programs that could be put back in place or instituted for the first time that could help alleviate this? The first and obvious one is reinstating the expanded child tax credit, but also to pass the Build Back Better legislation. That was a piece of legislation that ran the gamut all the way from universal free preschool to affordable child care to home health care, Medicare expansion, tuition-free public college and the expansion of free universal school meals. The bill affected literally almost every aspect of a person's life and would have created a cradle-to-grave social democracy that would have provided real dignity and economic security to all. On the state level, there are ongoing efforts to implement programs and I'm really encouraged by New Mexico, Minnesota and Massachusetts, among others that are really trying to invest in programs like universal free school meals, child care, tuition and free public college. Poverty is not simply a shortage of money and income. It's also the shortage of access to dignified public goods that allow people to live lives of meaning and prosperity. Read more: New Mexico's free child care program a lifeline for working parents where available, from Albuquerque Journal Voters are most likely to blame both political parties for a potential government shutdown, as lawmakers scramble to come to a funding agreement, a new poll found. The Morning Consult poll found that 46 percent of voters said fighting between Democrats and Republicans is responsible for disagreements on funding the government despite the infighting occurring among House Republicans. Another 20 percent said the risk of a shutdown is due to Republicans being unable to agree on appropriations for federal agencies. Roughly 11 percent said the same for Democrats and 22 percent said they did not know. Congress is barreling toward a shutdown as House Republicans have yet to come to a consensus on spending bills ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. A handful of holdouts in the House have opposed any sort of short-term funding measure, which is preventing Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from passing a GOP-only stopgap bill before compromising with Democrats. When asked who they would blame for a potential shutdown, 34 percent said Republicans in Congress, 23 percent said President Biden and 21 percent said Democrats in Congress. The poll also found that most voters are unaware about a possible lapse in funding. Just 23 percent of voters said they had seen, read or heard a lot about a looming shutdown, with Democrats more likely to say they had heard a lot about it than Republicans. Forty-one percent of voters who have heard more about the shutdown blame Republican infighting for it, while 34 percent blame fighting between both parties. Just 21 percent blame internal fighting among Democrats. The poll was conducted Sept. 21-24 among 1,969 registered voters and has a margin of error of 2 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden joined United Auto Workers strikers on their picket line Tuesday as their work stoppage against major carmakers hit day 12, a demonstration of support for organized labor apparently unparalleled in presidential history. You deserve the significant raise you need, Biden said through a bullhorn while wearing a union baseball cap after arriving at a General Motors parts distribution warehouse located in a suburb west of Detroit. Advertisement He walked along the picket line, exchanging fist bumps with grinning workers. He encouraged them to continue fighting for better wages despite concerns that a prolonged strike could damage the economy, saying stick with it. Advertisement He said yes when asked if UAW members deserved a 40% raise, one of the demands that the union has made. No deal, no wheels! workers chanted as Biden arrived. No pay, no parts! He was joined by UAW President Shawn Fain, who rode with him in the presidential limousine to the picket line. Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to stand up with us in our generation-defining moment, said Fain, who described the union as engaged in a kind of war against corporate greed. We do the heavy lifting. We do the real work, Fein said. Not the CEOs. Labor historians say they cannot recall an instance when a sitting president has joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of the more ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labor leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute. Biden arrived one day before former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination, goes to Detroit to hold his own event in an attempt to woo auto workers even though union leaders say hes no ally. Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and Biden joined picket lines with casino workers in Las Vegas and auto workers in Kansas City while seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Advertisement But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have long wanted to stay out of the strike fray until Biden. This is absolutely unprecedented. No president has ever walked a picket line before, said Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and an expert on U.S. labor history. Presidents historically avoided direct participation in strikes. They saw themselves more as mediators. They did not see it as their place to directly intervene in a strike or in labor action. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan that Biden is fighting to ensure that the cars of the future will be built in America by unionized American workers in good-paying jobs, instead of being built in China. Bidens trip to join a picket line in the suburbs of Detroit is the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also earned a joint endorsement of major unions earlier this year and has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers amid the writers and actors strikes in Hollywood. During the ongoing UAW strike, Biden has argued that the auto companies have not gone far enough, although White House officials have repeatedly declined to say whether the president endorses specific UAW demands such as a 40% hike in wages and full-time pay for a 32-hour work week. I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry, Biden said Monday from the White House. He said workers should benefit from carmakers riches now that the industry is roaring back. Advertisement Biden and other Democrats are more aggressively touting the presidents pro-labor credentials at a time when Trump is trying to make inroads in critical swing states where unions remain influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is leaning on his union support at a time when labor enjoys broad support from the public, with 67% of Americans approving of labor unions in an August Gallup poll. The United Farm Workers announced their endorsement of Biden on Tuesday, calling him an authentic champion for workers and their families, regardless of their race or national origin. Bidens campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, the unions co-founder. The UAW has not endorsed Biden. Asked about that after landing in Michigan, Biden told reporters that Im not worried about that. Trump is skipping the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday and will meet with striking autoworkers in Michigan, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administrations push for more electric vehicles a key component of its clean-energy agenda. If it wasnt for President Trump, Joe Biden would be giving autoworkers the East Palestine treatment and saying that his schedule was too busy, said Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, referring to the small Ohio town that is still grappling with the aftermath of a February train derailment. Biden said he would visit the community but so far has not. White House officials dismissed the notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden was headed to Michigan at the request of UAW President Shawn Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers. Advertisement He is pro-UAW, he is pro-workers, that is this president, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. He stands by union workers, and he is going to stand with the men and women of the UAW. Yet the UAW strike, which expanded into 20 states last week, remains a dilemma for the Biden administration since a part of the workers grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized. Carolyn Nippa, who was walking the picket line Monday at the GM parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, was ambivalent about the presidents advocacy for electric vehicles, even as she said Biden was a better president than Trump for workers. She said it was great that we have a president who wants to support local unions and the working class. I know its the future. Its the future of the car industry, Nippa said of electric vehicles. Im hoping it doesnt affect our jobs. Still, other pickets remained more skeptical about Bidens visit Tuesday. Dave Ellis, who stocks parts at the distribution center, said hes happy Biden wants to show people hes behind the middle class. But he said the visit is just about getting more votes. Advertisement I dont necessarily believe that its really about us, said Ellis, who argued that Trump would be a better president for the middle class than Biden because Trump is a businessman. The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington. An ambulance patient died and two EMTs were seriously injured in a fiery crash on the way to a hospital, Ohio cops say. The crash happened at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, in Chardon, about 30 miles northeast of Cleveland. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers said a driver of a Jeep failed to yield at a stop sign, striking an ambulance. The ambulance overturned, and the Jeep caught on fire, according to a news release. The patient, William Maley Jr., of Dorset, died from injuries sustained in the crash, highway patrol said. Its unclear why he was being taken to a hospital. The EMTs were taken to separate hospitals, both with serious injuries, troopers said. One of them was in surgery Tuesday, while the other was recovering from his injuries, South Central Ambulance EMS Chief Shaun Buehner told the Star Beacon. The 36-year-old driver of the Jeep, Jason Slepsky, was wearing a seat belt and suffered non-life threatening injuries. Authorities said its believed he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Court records show Slepsky was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and failure to stop at a stop sign. Slepsky was jailed on a $500,000 bond, WJW reported. Woman steals ambulance, crashes it during high-speed police chase, Georgia deputies say Paramedic mistakenly shot while loading patient into ambulance, NC officials say TechCrunch Apple has warned over a half dozen Indian lawmakers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's main opposition of their iPhones being targets of state-sponsored attacks, these people said Tuesday, in a serious digital espionage charge just months ahead of next year's general elections. Rahul Gandhi, Indian opposition leader, said in a media briefing Tuesday that his team had received the said alert from Apple. Shashi Tharoor, a key figure from the Congress party; Akhilesh Yadav, the head of the Samajwadi Party; Mahua Moitra, a national representative from the All India Trinamool Congress; and Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena, a party with notable influence in Maharashtra reported that they too had been notified by Apple regarding a potential security attack on their iPhones. WASHINGTON - The Republican National Committee has finalized the list of candidates who will hit the stage Wednesday in Simi Valley, Calif., for the second GOP debate and not every presidential hopeful made the cut. Seven candidates made it: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who qualified for the first debate, did not make the stage this time. Former GOP Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, pastor Ryan Binkley, radio host Larry Elder and businessman Perry Johnson did not qualify for the first or second debate. The Republican frontrunner also won't be on the stage Wednesday. Former President Donald Trump, who didn't attend the first debate, is skipping the second debate. Why Asa Hutchinson didn't qualify for the second GOP debate To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 50,000 unique donors and poll at least 3% in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and 3% in one early state poll from two carve out states recognized by the committee. They must also have signed the Beat Biden pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee. Hutchinson, a vocal critic of Trump who was the last to qualify for the first primary debate, struggled to meet headway with the requirements this time around. While he polled at least 3% in one national poll, he still needed one more national or state poll to qualify, according to a Politico analysis. In a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Hutchinson wrote that despite falling short of the requirements, he will continue his campaign "to bring out the best of America with events scheduled in Iowa, New Hampshire, and across the country in the next several weeks." "My goal is to increase my polling numbers to 4% in an early state before Thanksgiving," Hutchinson wrote. "If that goal is met, then I remain competitive and in contention for either Caucus Day or Primary Day." Meanwhile, Trump last month said in a Truth Social post he would skip the primary debates, citing his big lead in the polls, and said in an interview that he wouldnt sign the Beat Biden pledge. His campaign confirmed he will visit the Detroit area Wednesday to speak with striking autoworkers. The second primary debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, Calif., and will be hosted by FOX Business, Univision and Rumble. "Given the challenges and opportunities facing our country, there is no better place for presidential contenders to make their case as they honor the man Ronald Reagan who rebuilt Americas military and economy, and changed the world, said David Trulio, President and CEO of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in a press release. Candidates are likely to change their techniques and where they focus their attacks during the two-hour event that night. For example, DeSantis, who trails behind Trump in the primary polls, could take aim at the GOP frontrunner while Ramaswamy will likely take center stage again over his lack of political experience. Haley, who surpassed Pence in some national polls after her performance in the first debate, will likely face scrutiny from her rivals while Christie will convey his anti-Trump perspective on stage as a topic in the debate will likely focus on the former president's indictments. Pence, Scott and Burgum will likely seek big breakout moments to boost their image among voters. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 7 candidates qualified for the second GOP debate on Sept. 27 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) Eight people were hospitalized Monday after being injured during rough skies on a flight to Florida. Passengers and crew aboard the JetBlue flight experienced sudden severe turbulence as the plane approached Florida from Guayaquil, Ecuador, according to a statement from the airline. Medical crews responded to the plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Seven passengers and one flight crew member were taken to the hospital. In a statement, a JetBlue spokesperson said the airline is working to support their customers and crew members. The plane involved in the incident is out of service pending an inspection. Flying soon? Airplane turbulence may be worse than usual. Heres why The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating, the agency told ABC. Last month, 11 people were hospitalized after their Delta Air Lines flight encountered turbulence. The flight from Milan, Italy was traveling to Atlanta when the crew reported severe turbulence, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight was able to land safely. Eleven passengers and crew members were taken to the hospital, Delta said, but details on injuries or conditions werent available. No shoes, no service? What can happen if you fly barefoot Another Florida-bound hit turbulence in July, injuring four passengers and flight attendants. The flight dropped from about 18,000 feet to 13,000 feet in less than two minutes, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website. There was a sudden burst of turbulence and then major, major turbulence, Paul Harris, a passenger on the Allegiant flight told Nexstars WFLA. The plane felt like it dropped pretty considerably. Several people, including a lady in my row, hit the ceiling. WFLAs Kevin Accettulla and The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Here are 9 clean, family-friendly detective and mystery shows to stream. | Heather Miller, Paramount Pictures Mystery shows are essential to a balanced television-watching schedule. They add excitement and intrigue to the mix. Watching along as a detective solves a crime can be one the the most entertaining forms of TV. It is one of the joys of life your kids dont deserve to miss out on. Here are nine clean, family-friendly detective and mystery shows to stream. 1. Monk After the mysterious unsolved murder of his wife, Adrian Monks (Tony Shalhoub) obsessive compulsive disorder worsens. His intense fear of germs, contamination and need for neatness costs him his job as a homicide detective at the San Francisco Police Department. With the help of his trusted assistant and former boss, Monk continues to solve crimes throughout the city, using his OCD as a superpower. Bit by bit, he works to solve the puzzling murder of his late wife. Rating: TV-PG for some violence and frightening scenes. Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Philo. Related 2. Columbo Its not the typical detective show. Viewers see the crime happen at the start of each episode and stay to watch Columbo (Peter Falk) figure it out. Los Angeles homicide detective Lt. Columbos bumbling demeanor gets to the bottom of every crime. Often amused by the unorthodox detective, criminals often falsely believe they will get away with murder. But beneath his clumsy exterior, Columbo is a dogged investigator. Rating: TV-PG for some frightening scenes. Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Philo. 3. Psych Thanks to his retired detective father, Shawn Spencer (James Roday Roderiguez) has extraordinary skills of observation and he has convinced the police he has psychic powers. Shawn and his reluctant best friend, Gus (Dule Hill), are hired as consultants for the Santa Barbara Police Department to solve murder cases. Rating: TV-PG for mild sexual material and some language. Where to watch: Apple TV, Peacock, Amazon Prime, Philo. 4. Wednesday Amateur sleuth Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) is sent to her parents alma mater, Nevermore Academy a school for outcasts so she can hone her psychic ability. While attending Nevermore, Wednesday investigates a puzzling murder spree, but her cold, emotionless personality makes it difficult for her to connect with her peers and find a home at Nevermore. Rating: TV-14 for some violence and frightening scenes. Where to watch: Netflix. 5. The Hardy Boys Based on the classic book series created by Edward Stratemeyer, the Hardy brothers, Frank (Rohan Campbell) and Joe (Alexander Elliott), are amateur detectives. After the sudden and mysterious death of their mother, the Hardy Boys and their father (James Tupper) move to the small town of Bridgeport, where they set out to uncover the truth about their mothers death. With help from their new friends, the Hardy Boys dig up something more sinister than they bargained for. Rating: TV-PG for some frightening scenes. Where to watch: Hulu. 6. Alex Rider Following the mysterious death of his uncle, ordinary teenager Alex Rider (Otto Farrant) is recruited by a subdivision of MI6 as an teenage spy. Alex reluctantly takes on his first mission and goes undercover at an isolated boarding school located in the French Alps. The boarding school claims to help troubled teens, but as Alex digs beneath the surface, he finds something far more sinister is at play. Rating: TV-14 for some violence and frightening scenes. Where to watch: Amazon Prime. 7. A Series of Unfortunate Events Following the mysterious death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny, begin investigating the puzzling tragedy and uncover dark family secrets. As the orphaned siblings are shuffled between foster homes, they must outsmart the sinister Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), a distant relative after the Baudelaire childrens inheritance. Rating: TV-PG for frightening scenes. Where to watch: Netflix. 8. Magnum, P.I. Private eye Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) is an ex-Navy lieutenant and Vietnam Special Ops veteran living on the Hawaii estate of multimillionaire author Robin Masters (Orson Welles). He travels all over Oahu in his red Ferrari, righting wrongs and solving crimes with the help of his closest friends, Theodore T.C. Calvin (Roger E. Mosley) and Orville Rick Wright (Larry Manetti). Rating: TV-PG for some violence. Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Philo. 9. Murdoch Mysteries Set during the late 1890s, young detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) uses unconventional tactics paired with up-and-coming forensics techniques to solve Torontos most gruesome murders. Up against skepticism and prejudice from his superiors, detective Murdoch continually surprised his colleagues with his sleuthing skills. Rating: TV-PG for some violence and frightening scenes. Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Acorn TV, YouTube TV. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The 8 News Now Investigators obtained 911 calls Monday from the morning two teenagers allegedly went on a crime spree, intentionally hitting at least two cyclists with a stolen car, killing a former police chief. The Clark County District Attorneys Office filed criminal complaints Monday against Jesus Ayala, 18; and Jzamir Keys, 16. The teenagers are accused of intentionally hitting and killing 64-year-old Andreas Andy Probst. Probst, a retired California police chief, was riding his bicycle in a designated bike lane near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway on the morning of Aug. 14 when the suspects are accused of hitting him with a stolen car. Probst later died at the hospital. Both Jesus Ayala, 18; and Jzamir Keys, 16 were facing charges in the death of Andreas Andy Probst, 64, a retired California police chief. (KLAS) Several 911 calls flooded into Las Vegas Metro police dispatchers in the moments after the hit-and-run. Dispatcher: Do you see the color of the vehicle? Caller: Yea, it looks like its a black sedan. The man standing next to the person, I dont know if the mans alive because he was just screaming bloody murder. Dispatcher: Let me get medical on the line with this, dont hang up. And you said its a black sedan? Caller: Yes, maam. Another 911 call came from Probsts Apple Watch, which alerted dispatchers that he had fallen. The owner of this Apple Watch has taken a hard fall and is not responding to their watch, the call said, providing Probsts location. Several other calls included dispatchers attempts to get the make and model of the car involved as well as a description of the driver. Dispatcher: Im going to start with the driver, were they black, white, Hispanic or Asian? Caller: Sir I youre asking me questions I didnt see. I was so concerned about the gentleman that got hit. I just pulled over and got out of the car and ran over to help him. Other 911 calls include callers from other drivers who said they saw a car speeding away on three wheels. Caller: Theres a car spinning down the road and hes only on three wheels and he almost crashed in the intersection of Ann Road. Dispatcher: Are you following? Caller: I am but I am going the speed limit and I can vaguely see him way up ahead sparks are flying out of the car. The stolen car that Ayala and Keys allegedly used to murder Probst was found ditched near Craig Road and Jones Boulevard less than 10 minutes from the crash site, sources told the 8 News Now Investigators last week. The stolen vehicle was located with blood on its windshield. About a half-hour before Probsts murder, the teenagers allegedly attempted to hit another bicyclist in the area of Fort Apache and Washburn roads, police said. In the hours after Probsts death, the teenagers allegedly stole two more cars in the area of Lake Mead Boulevard and Torrey Pines Drive, sources said. Keys was allegedly the driver in the first bicyclist hit-and-run, which police are classifying as an attempted murder. Ayala is accused of driving the stolen car in Probsts death, police said. The person on the bike also called dispatchers. Caller: He ran me over on purpose. Dispatcher: Why do you say that? Caller: He got behind me, I was watching in my rear-view mirror, and I was going, Oh [expletive]. He kept blowing on his horn, just kept on blowin. Documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Monday indicate police suspected a Kia SUV was involved in that crash. The vehicle continued towards the curb and eventually struck [the victims] bicycle from behind causing him to fall to the ground, police wrote in documents. [The victim] believes due to the way the suspect was honking repeatedly without making a gesture to get out of the way that it was intentional. Cell phone data from both Ayala and Keys placed them in and around the site of Probsts murder, as well as several other alleged crimes, from the morning of Aug. 14, documents said. Detectives later obtained cell phone video of a fight involving Keys from mid-September, which showed him wearing the same shoes as seen in the videos on Aug. 14, documents said. Both teenagers appeared in adult court last Thursday for their initial appearances. They were expected to return to court Tuesday to be formally arraigned. Both declined the 8 News Now Investigators requests for interviews. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Fears are swirling that Congress could be headed for its first government shutdown in years. Lawmakers have until Saturday to strike a deal to prevent a lapse in government funding and there isnt a deal in sight. Heres what a shutdown could mean for Americans: Furloughs for federal workers The nation saw its last shutdown roughly four years ago, when a nasty fight between the Trump administration and a Democratic-led House over funding for the then-presidents proposed border wall consumed Washington for more than a month. The longest shutdown in modern history led to hundreds of thousands of federal workers being furloughed or working without pay. However, that lapse was only a partial shutdown because Congress had already passed some of its full-year funding legislation for agencies including the departments of Defense, Labor, and Health and Human Services. But both chambers seem a long way from finding common ground to report any of their 12 full-year government funding bills out of Congress. The White House said on Tuesday that more than 1 million active-duty troops could see pay disruptions as a result, adding hundreds of thousands of their civilian colleagues in the Department of Defense would also be furloughed. Some lawmakers are already pushing for legislation to help ensure service members remain paid if the government shuts down. That includes a bill offered by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), which also seeks to protect the Coast Guard from pay disruptions. Officials said that branch took a hit during the 2018 shutdown because its funding falls under the same bill that lays out dollars for the Department of Homeland Security. Food assistance Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack warned this week that a shutdown could mean pain for those who depend on food assistance. Vilsack told reporters Monday that millions of Americans who depend on WIC also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for support could see a denial of those benefits and opportunities in the event of a shutdown. It would be literally within a matter of days after the shutdown in some cases. It may be, in some states, it may be literally in a matter of weeks, he said. But clearly, during the course of a shutdown, millions of those moms, babies and young children would see a lack of nutrition assistance. Vilsack also highlighted that farmers would be unable to secure loans during harvest time, with farm service agency offices in virtually every county of this country shut down. As for those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the food stamp program, Vilsack said the program will continue at least for a month of October. But he warned of serious consequences if the nation saw a shutdown go beyond one month. Social Security Beneficiaries of programs like Social Security and Medicare will receive their benefits without interruption, but experts warn there could be disruptions on the technical side for some would-be applicants. Thats a big deal if youre planning on getting on Social Security between now and the end of the year, said Zach Moller, director of the Economic Program at Third Way, in an interview. It doesnt affect everybody, but if youre one of those people who are turning 62 or 67, or are trying to sign up for those benefits, thats a problem. You dont want that to happen to people but thats a risk of a shutdown, Moller, a former Senate Democratic budget aide, added. Mail delivery Mail delivery is also expected to run as normal because the U.S. Postal Service deems itself generally self-funded. It depends on revenue through items like stamps and other products to fund operations. National parks Theres uncertainty around whether national parks will operate in the event of a shutdown because experts note much of those rules can depend on the administration. Interior Department Secretary Deb Haaland is already facing some calls from Congress to keep national parks and other public lands accessible. In a letter to Haaland earlier this month, Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.), the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the secretary could use the authorities under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) to keep parks open. During the December 2018-January 2019 shutdown, most of the national parks remained accessible to visitors because FLREA funds were available to cover costs associated with visitor services and law enforcement, he said. But others have previously warned of the safety risks of keeping parks open during a shutdown. Viral media documenting trash piles and environmental damage at parks also sparked outrage in early 2019. Transportation and travel Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also warned of potential disruptions in the airline industry, while noting the possible impact of a shutdown on air traffic control training. A shutdown would include just in the transportation side alone shutting down air traffic control training at the exact moment when the country recognizes the need for more, not less air traffic control staffing, and when we have finally got cancellations back at or below normal rates, Buttigieg said during a recent appearance on CNNs State of The Union. The air traffic controllers who would be working in the towers, they wouldnt get paid, Buttigieg said. Theyre under enough stress as it is doing that job without having to come into work with the added stress of not receiving a paycheck. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Air Force is tweaking its professional development programs as a new generation of airmen begins to rise through the ranks. The changes aim to deliver more consistent lessons in leadership and reinforce the services standards, while becoming more relevant to the challenges that supervisors now face. They are part of a broader push to foster well-rounded airmen who are as emotionally intelligent as they are technically skilled, for a stronger force on and off the battlefield. Over the past several years, our service has been working diligently to meet our national defense needs, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass wrote in a Sept. 18 letter to the force. Our most significant advantage remains steadfast a powerful, capable enlisted corps. We must continue to improve upon how we develop these airmen to sustain our competitive advantage. The service now envisions enlisted professional development as an academic ladder, from the 100-level boot camp to the 900-level Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Academy. As airmen take on jobs with more responsibility, how they prepare for those roles will evolve as well. Starting in October, the Air Force will roll out new classes known as foundations courses. The informal, on-base classes get enlisted airmen ready to head to the services formal professional development programs, like the Airman Leadership School and Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Those courses will come in at three points in an airmans career: one aimed at airmen first class before they head to Airman Leadership School; an NCO course aimed at staff sergeants before they go to the NCO Academy; and a senior NCO course aimed at master sergeants before starting at the Senior NCO Academy. The classes will replace other enlisted seminars with a new set of topics in which leaders should be well-versed, like discussing mental health with their subordinates. The development that we give every single one of our leaders, our airmen, our supervisors is huge, Bass said of foundations courses during an Aug. 30 livestream. We will make sure that we have relevant content that we are supplying and empowering you with, so that you can continue growing those around you. Some social media users have questioned whether the classes, which are replacing existing on-base seminars, will be anything more than a name change. To keep airmen sharp between stints at formal leadership schools, the Air Force has also rolled out crash courses in daily management tasks that troops can take before stepping into supervisory roles. Those job qualification standards get enlisted airmen up to speed on how to motivate and discipline others, handle budgets and write job reviews. Each is tailored to progressively higher leadership roles. They start with supervisor training for senior airmen and move on to information for those becoming NCOs in charge, flight chiefs and senior enlisted leaders. Those lessons are currently optional at each rank, but may become mandatory for senior airmen after they graduate from Airman Leadership School, the service said in May. The Air Force also plans to launch on-demand professional military education next year so airmen can study at their own pace, away from the classroom. That can benefit airmen as they move throughout their daily work, prepare for promotions or retain what theyve learned in earlier courses. This shift is about the long game and building the force of the future, the Air Force said in a Sept. 20 release. We owe every airman deliberate developmental opportunities throughout their careers to grow and become their very best. The Air Forces outlook on higher education for officers is changing, too. The service announced Sept. 14 it will send more officers to its Alabama-based leadership schools to boost the book smarts airmen need to think critically about the future of war. Larger in-person cohorts will begin with the 2025-2026 academic school year. Officers are already expected to finish command and staff college once they are promoted to major, and war college once they reach lieutenant colonel, as prerequisites for moving into roles with more responsibility and in joint offices. Studying in-residence at the Air Command and Staff College, the services graduate-level higher education program for airmen, or Air War College, the postgraduate school, is seen as more competitive and more intensive than completing the coursework online. To choose its in-person students, the Air Force will first select the top one-third of candidates from each career field. Then 60% of those top ACSC applicants will be offered in-residence spots. Thirty-three percent of the top Air War College applicants will get in-residence spots. Others can still head to schools run by the other military services, or programs at elite schools like Harvard University. But Brown stressed the importance of the services own academic offerings to the future fight. To ensure deep airpower expertise is available to joint commands, it is essential we send officers with diverse professional backgrounds and experiences, and with the potential to be senior leaders in our Air Force, to our own in-residence programs, he said in the release. Working from home has become a way of life, at least part-time, for many of us. And yet, some folks are still working from kitchen tables and couches that, while practical in a pinch, are a far cry from the long-term solutions they need to maintain high levels of productivity. Fear not, though: there are plenty of products that make working from home more enjoyable, many of which are clever solutions to everyday problems. Work-from-home essentials [ Secretlab Titan Evo ] Theres an old saying by John Wildsmith that goes, You are either in your bed or your shoes, so it pays to invest in both. While you may spend eight hours in each of those, youre likely spending the remaining eight hours of the day in some type of seat doing work. Instead of simply upgrading to an ergonomic office chair, take a hint from the pros professional gamers, that is with a next-level option. Secretlab is known for their premium gaming chairs. Their ergonomic designs are supportive, comfortable and have curb appeal. This design features an adaptive lumbar support system and a retooled seat with enhanced support. The Titan Evo is all business, but when you need to take five, it reclines to 165 degrees and has a gel-filled head pillow. Hey, those gamers were onto something. Advertisement [ Logitech Ergo Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard ] Todays keyboards havent changed too much from typewriters of yesteryear since they still have tight rows of keys in the same layout. They can kind of cramp your style, literally, by leaving you with sore hands and wrists after long periods of typing. Logitech presents a viable alternative: an ergonomic keyboard with a split layout that places hands and wrists in more comfortable positions. The modern design, which features a wrist rest and adjustable palm lift, promises 54% more support to mitigate fatigue, aches and pains. Hands down, it might be one of the best investments you can make in office ergonomics. [ Foxemart Modern Computer Desk ] Kitchen tables and lap desks arent ideal home office setups because you need to pack and unpack your office setup twice a day. Its a tiresome, tedious activity, but for those short on space, its just part and parcel of working from home. A peaceful alternative to the dreaded daily shuffle is a permanent workstation, like this Foxemart computer desk. Its available in four lengths, including a space-optimizing 32-inch design. Its a relatively durable desk for the price, and it even has a waterproof desktop that wards off coffee ring stains and that alone is worth the investment. Advertisement [ Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam ] Its easy to feel underserved by a low-quality webcam that turns you into a grainy apparition, or whose microphone picks up peculiar white noise. Basically, you need a webcam that wont make you seem like a character from a Stephen King novel during Zoom calls. Instead of shelling out big bucks for both a selfie ring light and a webcam, pick up Razers 2-in-1 Kiyo Streaming Webcam. It has a daylight-balanced ring light around the camera to offer true-to-life illumination without washing you out. The microphone picks up quality sound when youre not using headphones or earbuds, and the compact design makes the Kiyo ideal for on-the-go use. [ Phive CL-1 LED Architect Desk Lamp ] Floor and desk lamps are so last year, not to mention they tend to have large footprints that monopolize valuable space on desks. Overhead lighting works sometimes, but still, it leaves you in the shadows when you need direct light over your workspace. We have no choice but to spotlight this ultra-modern architect LED clamp lamp, which is currently a Best Bang for the Buck selection. Its sleek, slender design reaches overhead with a rotating body and 180-degree swivel head. The LED lamp adjusts between 15% and 100% brightness and even has programmable memory functions so your optimal brightness level is easily accessible. Were giving it bonus points for futuristic curb appeal. [ Bluelounge CableBox Cable and Cord Management System ] If your wires and power cords look like a snake pit from an Indiana Jones movie, its time to find a better solution. While zip ties are one way to keep cables organized, theyre not the most aesthetically pleasing way to handle the situation. A cable management system, such as this Bluelounge box, makes quick work of hiding the eyesore on the floor (or your desk). The box holds several cords and long surge protectors, and once its in use, its shocking to see how much space it frees up. Made with flame-retardant materials, its also one of the safer options on the market. [ Instant Pot Duo ] Many professionals have embraced the convenience of Instant Pots because they take the hard work out of cooking on busy days. Lauded as appliances consumers didnt know they needed so badly, theyve become something of a work-from-home lifestyle essential. The Instant Pot truly lives up to its name, considering it cooks food nearly 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. One of the bestselling models, the Instant Pot Duo, is feature-rich with 13 one-touch programs that include stew-, yogurt- and rice-making. You can set it and forget it, leaving more time to focus on workflows and spreadsheets instead. Breakfast, lunch and dinner have never been easieror more enjoyable. [ VIVO Dual Monitor Stand ] There is a pivotal moment in a WFH professional's life when they realize that two monitors are better than one. Its infinitely easier to manage digital workspaces when you can keep Slack and email on one screen while you work on the other. Traditional monitor stands, however, are too bulky for many desks. Instead, this dual monitor stand is a space-savvy alternative. The arms, which fit monitors up to 27 inches, offer 90 degrees of tilt, 180 degrees of swivel and 360 degrees of rotation. As a result, you can customize your monitor arrangement to achieve the NORAD-style setup youve always dreamed of. Best of all, because its a desk-mounted apparatus, there wont be any banging or drilling into walls for installation. [ Lockways Magnetic Dry Erase Board ] For many people, brainstorming and story mapping are essential to project development. Good ideas arrive quickly, and if you dont get them down on paper soon, theyre gone forever. If youre still using legal pads or notebooks, we dont need to tell you they're rather limiting. And lets face it: you need a wide berth when you get a good idea. A whiteboard, on the other hand, is the tabula rasa youve been looking for. This Lockaways model is 36 by 24 inches and offers plenty of space to write, draw, map or just doodle. The whiteboard functions as a screen-free and distraction-free brainstorming space, and for those who need a mini digital detox to get some deep thinking done, its a smart investment in basic productivity. [ Yeti Rambler Tumbler ] Ever make a cup of coffee and dont get a chance to drink it because of a Zoom meeting that runs longer than it should? By the time you get to it, its stone-cold, and we all know that cold coffee kills productivity. Swap your porcelain mug for YETIs 20-ounce Rambler, an insulated tumbler that promises to keep coffee hot for hours at a time. The rugged design also happens to be low-maintenance because its dishwasher-safe and has a fingerprint-resistant coating. Its heavier than most tumblers, so it might be harder to knock over and fry your keyboard. And thats the kind of risk-averse product we all need to have as avid coffee drinkers. [ TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip ] Smart home devices are popular investments for work-from-home professionals, mostly because they add convenience where its most needed. While theyre much cheaper than they used to be, investing in a couple of smart products can cost you several hundred dollars. On the other hand, you can make your existing electronics work smarter, not harder, with this budget-friendly smart power strip. It features six individually controlled smart outlets for easy hands-free control over all your desk devices through Alexa, Google Assistant or Cortana. It displays energy consumption in the Kasa Smart app, a feature that may pay dividends if youre looking to monitor consumption to save on energy bills. So if you have a burning desire to turn on your desk fan without lifting a fingerhave at it. 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Coffee makers have advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years, and it has inspired many java aficionados to take morning brew crafting into their own hands. Its hard to beat the capabilities and convenience of Keurigs all-in-one barista station, froth and all, which uses K-Cup pods to brew coffee, cappuccinos and lattes. The unit is designed for busy professionals on the go since it accommodates travel mugs up to 7.2 inches tall. 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. Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Advertisement Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine on the evening of 26 September because of the take-off of a MiG-31K fighter jet, a potential Kinzhal ballistic missile carrier, in Russia. Source: an air-raid warning map; Air Force on Telegram Quote: "Attention! The whole of Ukraine is in missile danger! MiG-31K has taken off from Savasleyka airfield. Do not ignore the air-raid warning!" Update: The all-clear was given 20 minutes later. Background: The previous air-raid warning throughout Ukraine because of the take-off of the Russian fighter jet lasted for about half an hour. 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 Akron Public Schools board intends to approve $15 million of cuts in the next year, about 4% of the district's annual budget. Akron Public School Chief Financial Officer Stephen Thompson The board on Monday approved a five-year forecast that pledges the district will cut that much from the budget before the next fiscal year, which starts in July. The board also discussed adding a levy to the March primary ballot. They did not vote to do so, but several board members said they would support that ask. Through the discussion of the finances and a possible levy, board members and administrators worked to thread a needle, trying to tamp down panic over the district's finances which will soon be presented to a bond rating agency to issue the district's first credit rating in years while also preparing to ask the citizens of Akron for more money. "So we are in solid financial shape, but we're also levy imminent," APS Chief Financial Officer Stephen Thompson said. Thompson presented the forecast, which, with the cuts included, would have the district in the black by about $9 million next year, but spending at a deficit the following year. Thompson had previously told the board that a cut of $15 million was necessary in addition to passing a levy in order for the district to be fiscally sustainable. Still, Thompson stressed the cuts were "a small percentage" of the budget that could be achieved "simply by right sizing each year through attrition" due to declining enrollment. He also said programs could be cut if the district happens to have two programs that do the same thing. "So there are multiple ways to address this, but it should not send concern to anyone," Thompson said. "But it is pivotal that we make these reductions to stay fiscally solvent, the way that we we want to operate, which is in black through all five years." The administration has not presented a plan for how to achieve the $15 million in cuts in the next year, but it has stressed the majority of the district's budget is salaries and healthcare costs. The five-year forecast, per state law, cannot include any levies that voters have yet to approve, so the forecast approved Monday night does not include the assumption of a new levy, despite the likelihood the board will seek one. Thompson noted several factors that have or will hit the district hard financially, including predictions for declining enrollment based on population trajectories and the ending of federal pandemic relief money. The last dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act's Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund, of which Akron received nearly $100 million, must be spent by September 2024. The district also took on significantly increased costs for personnel with the agreement of increases to union contracts over the next three years that will cost the district an extra $4.78 million this year, $9.72 million next year and just over $16 million the following year. Still, the district has not passed a levy since 2013 and will not benefit from the increasing property values following the recent reassessment in Akron. That's thanks to a 1970s law called House Bill 920. When property values go up, state law allows local governments and schools to collect more money on only a portion of levies the portion residents don't vote on, including 10 "inside mills" for local governments and a "20-mill floor" for school districts. House Bill 920, which passed in 1976, freezes the amount that the rest of the levies can collect. If property values go up, HB 920 forces the effective millage rate to go down so not a penny more is collected than when voters approved their levies for a set total of money over a certain period of time. Thompson explained the state will also lower the amount of funding it contributes to Akron's budget because property values in the district increased, even if that doesn't benefit the district until voters approve a new levy. The board Monday did not discuss what millage they would ask for on a levy in March or November of next year, but several board members spoke in favor of a levy request coming as early as March. "We say oftentimes... that as APS goes, so goes the city of Akron," Board President Derrick Hall said. "Where the rubber meets the road, there is passage of levies." Hall said he would also ask the board to consider the possibility of adding a second permanent improvement levy that would fund a new building for North High School. The board voted this summer to build a new school in the Kenmore neighborhood. That will require taking on debt, which is why the district is seeking a bond rating. But the debt it would take to build a new North as well, without a funding source to offset it, was not feasible, district leaders said at the time. The five-year forecast approved Monday night does include the debt payments, anticipated at around $3 million a year, to build the new school in Kenmore to house Pfeiffer Elementary, which would be closed, and the relocated Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts. The forecast also makes the assumption that the district will close Firestone Park Elementary and two early learning centers, whose classes would be all be relocated into other schools. Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Public Schools board approves forecast with $15 million in cuts Authorities arrested a man Monday afternoon who was accused of stealing a car, then fleeing on foot into a parking garage on the Sacramento State campus, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office and campus officials said. A sheriffs K-9 spotted the alleged stolen car at about 2:20 p.m. and a pursuit began, Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi said. Deputies stopped their pursuit after the suspect reportedly began to drive dangerously. The man ran into a parking structure in the north side of campus, Gandhi said, before he was apprehended. The Sacramento State Police Department in a social media post said the incident took place at the parking structure near the arboretum, which is close to the main entrance to the campus on J Street. Law enforcement have cleared the scene, campus police said just after 3 p.m. The Sacramento Police Department and California Highway Patrol also helped to look for the suspect. By Andrew Goudsward and Mike Scarcella WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commissions monopoly lawsuit against Amazon.com filed on Tuesday poses perhaps the biggest legal test so far for the platoons of lawyers who have defended the technology giant for years against allegations of antitrust and consumer protection violations. The long-awaited FTC case against Amazon, joined by 17 state attorneys general, accuses the company of abusing its dominance as an online retailer to thwart competitors and harm sellers and customers that rely on its platform. The company vowed to fight the lawsuit, saying its practices have spurred competition and innovation. Kevin Hodges, a partner at law firm Williams & Connolly, was the first member of Amazon's defense team identified in a court document in the case. His partner Heidi Hubbard will lead the team, which also includes attorneys from law firm Covington & Burling, according to a person familiar with the hires. Hubbard and Hodges, who is a former managing partner of the Washington-headquartered firm, are also representing Amazon in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit by California's attorney general accusing the company of forcing artificially high prices on consumers. Williams & Connolly, known for its focus on litigation, in April successfully defeated a separate private lawsuit accusing the company of curbing competition for shipping and fulfillment services. Hodges represented state attorneys general who joined the U.S. Justice Department's historic antitrust case against Microsoft in the 1990s and defended BP in lawsuits following the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, according to court records and his firm's website. He did not respond to a request for comment. Williams & Connolly is also a lead defense firm in another major antitrust case targeting Big Tech. Partner John Schmidtlein heads a team comprised of several big law firms defending Alphabet's Google in an ongoing landmark trial over the companys alleged monopoly power in online search. An Amazon spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about its legal team. The company is likely to rely on multiple law firms to defend the FTC case. Amazon General Counsel David Zapolsky, a 24-year veteran of the company's legal department, can turn to a stable of top outside law firms that already represent it. Covington & Burling, another major Washington firm, worked with Williams & Connolly in 2021 in an unsuccessful attempt to force FTC Chair Lina Khan, a vocal critic of Amazon, to recuse from matters involving the company. Thomas Barnett, co-chair of the firms antitrust practice and a former senior Justice Department official, was involved in the effort. Covington is also representing Amazon in another pending lawsuit brought by the FTC accusing the company of enrolling customers into its paid Amazon Prime service without their consent and making it difficult for them to cancel. The company has denied the allegations. Covington advised Amazon in two consumer privacy settlements with the FTC in May related to the companys Alexa voice assistant and Ring home security service. A Covington spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on whether the firm is defending Amazon in the FTC antitrust case. Amazon has also turned to U.S. law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison to navigate government scrutiny. Paul Weiss secured the dismissal of an antitrust lawsuit brought by Washington, D.C.s attorney general. An appeal remains pending. The firm joined Covington in negotiating a $25 million Alexa child privacy settlement with the FTC. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Mike Scarcella in Washington; Editing by David Bario, Matthew Lewis and Marguerita Choy) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon over violations of anti-competitive behavior on Tuesday, building on the governments crackdown on the market power of powerful tech companies. The lawsuit targeting Amazon is twofold alleging the e-commerce giants practices are anti-competitive in how it serves shoppers as well as third-party sellers on the site, according to an FTC announcement. The government alleges that Amazon uses anti-competitive measures that punish sellers and deter other online retailers from offering lower prices than Amazon, which keeps prices higher for consumers across the internet even off Amazons platform. FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan called it a one, two punch that has internet-wide effects for consumers and sellers. Amazon is a monopolist. It exploits its monopolies in ways that enrich Amazon but harm its customers: both the tens of millions of American households who regularly shop on Amazons online superstore and the hundreds of thousands of businesses who rely on Amazon to reach them, the complaint states. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, does not lay out specific remedies the agency is seeking. Khan told reporters Tuesday at this stage the case is focused on seeking judgment from a court that establishes liability. In addition to its pricing policies, the FTC targets Amazons Prime subscription program by alleging that Amazon conditions sellers abilities to obtain Prime eligibility on sellers using Amazons fulfillment service. The government alleges that obligation is more expensive for sellers on Amazon to also offer their products on other platforms, which leads to limited competition against Amazon. The alleged anti-competitive practices lead to degraded customer service on Amazon, search results that preference Amazons products over rivals, and higher fees to sellers on Amazon, according to the FTC. Khan said the cumulative impact of Amazons conduct is greater than any particular element. She said it forms a feedback loop in a way that amplifies an overall exclusionary effect. Amazons senior vice president of global policy and general counsel David Zapolsky said in a statement that the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we look forward to making that case in court. The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store, Zapolsky said. If the FTC gets its way, the result would be fewer products to choose from, higher prices, slower deliveries for consumers, and reduced options for small businessesthe opposite of what antitrust law is designed to do, he added. In a partially redacted 172-page complaint, the FTC alleges that Amazon implemented an algorithm for the express purpose of deterring other online stores from offering lower prices. Through Amazons tactics, the FTC alleges that sellers hike prices on alternative online markets due to fear of Amazons penalties or to avoid punishment. The complaint also alleges that Amazon limits sellers from being able to multihome, a term meaning sellers could offer their goods across multiple online sales channels. The FTC alleges Amazon limits this option by requiring sellers who want to be eligible for Prime to use Amazons fulfillment center. Together, this self-reinforcing course of conduct blocks every important avenue of competition, the complaint states. With its monopoly power cemented, Amazon is now extracting monopoly profits without denting and instead while growing its monopoly power. The attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin joined the FTCs lawsuit. The lawsuit is the latest challenge from the FTC against Amazon. In May, the agency filed two lawsuits alleging Amazon violated user privacy, through its Ring security cameras and Alexa smart speakers. Amazon pushed back on the allegations but settled with the FTC for more than $30 million to settle the two charges. In June, the FTC filed a lawsuit alleging the e-commerce giant tricked users into enrolling in its Prime program and prevented them from canceling subscriptions Amazon pushed back on those allegations, as well. Updated at 1:49 pm. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (The Hill) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a bipartisan coalition of 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon over violations of anti-competitive behavior on Tuesday, building on the governments crackdown on the market power of powerful tech companies. The lawsuit targeting Amazon is twofold alleging the e-commerce giants practices are anti-competitive in how it serves shoppers as well as third-party sellers on the site, according to an FTC announcement. The government alleges that Amazon uses anti-competitive measures that punish sellers and deter other online retailers from offering lower prices than Amazon, which keeps prices higher for consumers across the internet even off Amazons platform. FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan called it a one, two punch that has internet-wide effects for consumers and sellers. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, does not lay out specific remedies the agency is seeking. Khan told reporters Tuesday that at this stage, the case is focused on seeking judgment from a court that establishes liability. In addition to its pricing policies, the FTC targets Amazons Prime subscription program by alleging that Amazon conditions sellers abilities to obtain Prime eligibility on sellers using Amazons fulfillment service. The government alleges that obligation is more expensive for sellers on Amazon to also offer their products on other platforms, which leads to limited competition against Amazon. Amazons big bet on AI The alleged anti-competitive practices lead to degraded customer service on Amazon, search results that preference Amazons products over rivals, and higher fees to sellers on Amazon, according to the FTC. Khan said the cumulative impact of Amazons conduct is greater than any particular element. She said it forms a feedback loop in a way that amplifies an overall exclusionary effect. Amazons senior vice president of global policy and general counsel David Zapolsky said in a statement that the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we look forward to making that case in court. The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store, Zapolsky said. If the FTC gets its way, the result would be fewer products to choose from, higher prices, slower deliveries for consumers, and reduced options for small businessesthe opposite of what antitrust law is designed to do, he added. The lawsuit is the latest challenge from the FTC against Amazon. In May, the agency filed two lawsuits alleging Amazon violated user privacy, through its Ring security cameras and Alexa smart speakers. Amazon pushed back on the allegations but settled with the FTC for more than $30 million to settle the two charges. In June, the FTC filed a lawsuit alleging the e-commerce giant tricked users into enrolling in its Prime program and prevented them from canceling subscriptions Amazon pushed back on those allegations, as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. An ambulance was involved in a rollover crash along a service road for Interstate 93 in Boston on Monday night. According to State Police, a 2022 Chevrolet ambulance and a 2019 Jeep Cherokee crashed on Frontage Road at Haul Road just before 7 p.m. The ambulance driver, a 24-year-old Lynn woman, and the driver of the Jeep, a 43-year-old Billerica man, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Still shots from the scene showed the ambulance on its side at one point after the crash. There was no indication that anyone was in the back of the ambulance at the time of the crash. State police said the driver of the Jeep was issued a warning for motor vehicle violations. Both vehicles were towed away from the crash scene, which was cleared at 7:15 p.m., according to state police. No additional information has been provided. 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 TikTokers from Australia and the UK described being perturbed by the American use of "mmhmm." Americans insisted they weren't being rude, and that "you're welcome" actually feels passive-aggressive. "If I donated a kidney I would still probably say no problem," one commenter joked. American TikTokers are explaining to baffled foreigners why they don't say "you're welcome" in the context of customer service interactions, with many feeling that (somewhat counterintuitively) the phrase can come off as rude. The TikToker Arjuna, who goes by @superdesidrinks, amassed nearly 600,000 views addressing this exact discourse last week. "Someone went viral earlier this week for saying 'you're welcome' in customer service situations," he began his video. Though he acknowledged "you're welcome" might be the textbook response to "thank you," it "can sometimes feel a little passive-aggressive," he said, adding, "it has this implication of, 'I know, you should be thanking me.'" While Arjuna didn't name the viral creator he was responding to, another TikToker named Yuval Ben-Hayun sparked a similar conversation in July when he stitched a video of the Australian creator Georgia McCudden complaining about an interaction at an American restaurant (though that clip has since been deleted). In the original TikTok, McCudden recounts saying "thank you" to a restaurant worker who gave her ketchup, whereupon the server responded, "mmhmm." This embedded content is not available in your region. "I was like, 'I beg your fucking pardon,'" McCudden says in the clip. McCudden did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. But she's not alone. Last year, the TikToker Tilly Hokianga, who described herself as an Australian living in America, was similarly perturbed by the "mmhmm" response. "Like, I just said 'thank you,' say, 'you're welcome,' or 'all good,' or 'no worries," she ranted to over 700,000 likes. The English TikToker Luke Colson, who said he lives in Los Angeles, made the same observation last November. "That is the weirdest thing," he commented. In his video, Arjuna said he prefers "uh huh," "no problem," or "don't worry about it" all of which he explained convey that the act was so small it doesn't warrant a "thank you." But in the case of a more consequential favor, like a kidney donation, he said, "you're welcome" might feel more appropriate. This embedded content is not available in your region. "If i donated a kidney I would still probably say no problem," one commenter quipped. Several American commenters noted that their parents used "you're welcome" antagonistically, which has made them completely turned off of the term. "Lotta millennials grew up with parents using 'You're welcome' as a passive-aggressive reminder to be polite and say thank you," another added. "It's a bit tainted..." In his video about whether "you're welcome" was rude or polite, Ben-Hayun, a self-described "language enthusiast," pitted Americans who say "you're welcome" or "no problem" against one another, noting that both may feel the other is rude. "We like to think that the way we naturally speak is the inherently more polite, or more efficient, or smarter way of speaking," he said. "[These feelings] all just really come from having to justify the way we speak 'cause it makes us feel a little bit better." Read the original article on Insider The United States boasts more international students, immigrant inventors, and foreign-born Nobel laureates than any other country. But thanks to our dysfunctional immigration system, the U.S. is slowly surrendering that advantage to other countries. In June, The Hechinger Report outlined how foreign governments are welcoming U.S.-trained international students. The United Kingdom offers a "high potential individual" visa, which authorizes a two-year stay and is available to "new graduates of 40 universities.21 of them in the United States." Recruiters from Australia are "attending job fairs and visiting university campuses" in the United States. From 2017 to 2021, according to the Niskanen Center, a Washington-based think tank, Canada managed to attract almost 40,000 foreign-born graduates of American universities. Most international students want to stay in the U.S. after graduating, but very few are able to do so. The U.S. does not have a dedicated postgraduate work visa. Canada and Australia, meanwhile, have streamlined the steps from graduation to employment to permanent residency. Graduates in the U.S. can complete Optional Practical Training, but it does not lead to permanent residency and lasts a maximum of three years. Worryingly, fewer international students are choosing to study in the U.S. in the first place, in part due to COVID-related border closures and the Trump administration's hostility toward international students. Although international student enrollment is creeping back toward pre-pandemic levels, the number of Chinese students, who make up the biggest share of foreign students in the U.S., has declined. Many foreigners who graduate from American universities try their luck with H-1B visas, which are reserved for skilled workers. But there are problems with this pathway, both in design and in practice. Demand for H-1Bs far outpaces supply, and the annual cap of 85,000 visas has not changed in more than 15 years. Three-quarters of America's H-1B workers are Indian. But thanks to caps on the number of green cards a given country's nationals can receive each year, there is a massive backlog of workers waiting for permanent residency. It can take decades for Indians to achieve that status. Canada recognizes that this work force is both valuable and frustrated with the U.S. system. In June, the Canadian government announced a "Tech Talent Strategy" that, among other things, will create a pathway for "H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US to apply for a Canadian work permit." It will also offer work and study permits to family members. It is not just foreign workers who suffer under the U.S. immigration system. American employers are increasingly unwilling to navigate such complex processes to hire foreigners, depriving them of employees who might otherwise be perfect fits. Envoy Global, an immigration services provider, reported in March that 82 percent of the employers it surveyed "had to let go of foreign employees in the past year due to difficulties securing or extending an employment-based visa in the U.S." A similar share transferred foreign workers to an office abroad for similar reasons. And a staggering 93 percent of the businesses that Envoy surveyed said they were considering nearshoring or offshoring. Until the U.S. gets out of its own way, talented foreigners will look for more welcoming pastures. Our loss will be other countries' gain. The post America's Immigrant Brain Drain appeared first on Reason.com. COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result, April 5, 2023. The Biden administration has announced that it is providing Americans to again order up to four free tests per household. (Patrick Sison/AP) The federal government is bringing back its offer of free at-home tests for COVID-19. The tests were made available Monday and can be requested at COVIDTests.gov. The orders include four rapid antigen tests, with a limit of one order per residential address. Advertisement The sites simple request form asks visitors to share their name and mailing address. No payment information is required. Orders will begin to ship via the U.S. Postal Service next week, according to the delivery service. The decision to again offer free at-home tests was announced by the Biden administration last week as part of a $600 million plan that includes funding for test production. The government plans to make the tests available through the holidays in an effort to slow the viruss spread, said Dawn OConnell, the Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary for preparedness and response. Advertisement Whether or not people are done with it, we know the virus is there, we know that its circulating, OConnell said. We know, if past is prologue, itll circulate to a higher degree and spread, and cases will go up in the fall and winter seasons. Along with the tests already available at stores and pharmacies, the free tests will help make Chicagoans ready for the fall and winter, said Massimo Pacilli, the Chicago Department of Public Healths deputy commissioner of disease control. People should test when they have symptoms or five days after they are exposed to someone with COVID-19, he said. Testing allows people to isolate to protect others, and seek treatment early if they are more likely to get severely sick, he added. COVID-19 in Chicago Though Chicago remains at a low COVID-19 risk level, the citys hospitalizations rose 30% last week, according to CDPH data. The jump continues a gradual rise in hospitalizations that has been underway since the critical indicator of the diseases spread and severity hit pandemic lows in July. The number of lab-confirmed cases, however, slightly dropped in Chicago for the second week in a row. Health administrators have previously warned the indicator is less reflective of the diseases spread because fewer people are seeking lab-based testing. The increased hospitalizations are a reflection of increased COVID-19 activity, Pacilli said. He called the rise a powerful reminder COVID-19 is still with us and it will continue to result in waves of infections, some requiring hospitalization. Advertisement However, Pacilli added, the city is only seeing about one-third of the hospitalizations it had a year ago. The long-term decline in severe cases is largely thanks to immunity from vaccinations and prior infections, he said. A new vaccine updated to better protect against severe illness with the viruss spreading variants in mind arrived in Chicago last week. Meanwhile, as clinics, hospitals and pharmacies first began to stock the new inoculation, the number of Chicagoans who got vaccinated last week dropped to pandemic lows. As more providers have available vaccine supplies, we expect vaccinations to increase in the coming weeks, Pacilli said. For help placing an order for at-home tests, call the CDCs help information line at 1-800-232-0233. The Associated Press contributed. Angelica Ross is ready to move back to Atlanta after making a name for herself in Hollywood in recent years. Sitting down for an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Pose star revealed her plans to return to Georgia and enter politics. Im moving back to Georgia to prepare to run for office. Ive been consulting with Renitta Shannon, a former Georgia state representative who also just recently ran for lieutenant governor, she told the outlet. Ross plans to start preparing for her campaign next month. I have also been speaking with folks like Bruce Franks Jr., who is also a Black politician from Missouri who shook the table, she said. So Im fully walking away from Hollywood. But Im always going to be who I am. You dont have to be on TV to be a creative person, to live a creative life. As Blavity previously reported, Ross went to social media this week to express her frustration against producer Ryan Murphy. The 42-year-old star posted screenshots on X to show that Murphy ghosted her after she proposed an all-Black American Horror Story season. Ross continued to express her frustration in her interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Going over to American Horror Story, the truth is I rejected their offer. I knew that by killing me off on Pose and then trying to usher me over to American Horror Story: 1984, that [Murphy] was trying to paint a narrative that he is supportive [of championing diversity], she said. Ross said she later accepted the American Horror Story offer after the executives gave her a salary bump. When they came to me with a salary of $28,000 an episode, I was a little offended. I was just like, No, I need more money,' she said. I asked them for $50,000 an episode, and they told me they couldnt do that. So I said, I appreciate your time, but tell Ryan Murphy, thank you. I was willing to walk away from the situation because in truth, Im a scaredy-cat. Im really not great with horror. But they did come back and did give me more money. It wasnt $50,000 an episode, but it was a significant bump. And then I went on to do those seasons. The Hollywood star vented more about the lack of diversity on the set of American Horror Story. I definitely was witnessing a lot of white men on set in kind of a white male-dominated space, she said. But somehow folks like Emma Roberts and others I mean even Billie Lourd , but Billie Lourd Im cool with those girls were able to make moves on the set. They were able to open up their mouths and things moved. Sometimes I didnt know if I was watching a mean girl or if I was just watching a woman standing up for herself. Ross, who is transgender, also revealed this week that Roberts apologized to her after making transphobic comments on the set of American Horror Story: 1984. Thank you @RobertsEmma for calling and apologizing, recognizing your behavior was not that of an ally, Ross wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. I will leave the line open to follow up on your desire to do better and support social justice causes with your platform. Thank you @RobertsEmma for calling and apologizing, recognizing your behavior was not that of an ally. I will leave the line open to follow up on your desire to do better and support social justice causes with your platform. A N G E L I C A (@angelicaross) September 20, 2023 Is history repeating itself in Guatemala? Nearly seven decades after the Central American country's first democratically elected government was toppled, there are warnings that the son of Juan Jose Arevalo, the first president of that historic democratic movement, might suffer the same fate. Bernardo Arevalo won a surprise landslide victory in the presidential election in August, standing on an anti-corruption platform. But the political turmoil in the country has continued since, with electoral officials suspending his centre-left Semilla party. Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned fellow world leaders last week of the risk of another coup in Guatemala. This was echoed by Francisco Mora, the US ambassador to the Organization of American States, who said Washington was "deeply concerned" by efforts to "undermine democracy" in the country. The outgoing Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei condemned "unnecessary international involvement" in the election and its aftermath, and insisted there would be a peaceful transition. But not everyone is convinced. Arevalo is due to take office in January but prosecutors are investigating "alleged anomalies in its registration as a party", said France 24. And the conservative National Unity of Hope party, whose candidate Sandra Torres lost the presidential run-off vote to Arevalo, has "continued to make unsubstantiated accusations of irregularities in the vote count", Al Jazeera reported. International and local observers have refuted the allegations, confirming the election as free and fair. Yet investigations have continued, with police "opening boxes with sealed ballots", Al Jazeera added, prompting "international outcry". Arevalo has "unleashed the wrath of the country's conservative elite", said Maria Aguilar for US magazine Jacobin. "According to the calculations of the economic, political, and military elites, conservative sectors that have historically dominated the country, Arevalos triumph should not have happened." Arevalo walks in the long shadow of political turmoil. His father, Juan Jose Arevalo, led a revolution of his own in 1944 and subsequently won a landslide election victory, making him Guatemala's first democratically elected president. His foray into democracy was short-lived as the "experiment was crushed" by a CIA-orchestrated coup in 1954, Will Freeman wrote for Americas Quarterly. This opened the door to "decades of military rule" before the country transitioned to a civilian government in 1986. Now Bernardo Arevalo is taking up "the banner of democratic change as his country again slips toward autocracy". Historically, Guatemalans have shown "among the lowest" level of support for democracy in Latin America, according to the AmericasBarometer survey. But protests in the capital Guatemala City in support of Arevalo last week "suggest that the efforts by some officials to derail his presidency have awakened a new will among many citizens to defend democracy", said The Associated Press. Arevalo said he has "tried his own legal maneuvers to stop those who want to keep him from power", but he also called on "businesspeople, farmers, Indigenous groups, and workers" to take to the streets to "reject what has been happening". "What is at stake is not the future of the party," he told AP News. "What is at stake is the reality, the viability of democratic institutions." View comments Jerome Hunter, front and Troy Victorino enter the courtroom at the start of their penalty retrial on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. The 5th District Court of Appeal issued an opinion explaining its earlier ruling that only eight jurors were needed to recommend the death penalty in the resentencing of two men convicted in the Deltona Xbox mass murders. The appeals court in Daytona Beach had already ruled May 11 that the new state law requiring at least eight of 12 jurors to recommend death for a judge to impose the death penalty would apply in the resentencing of Troy Victorino and Jerone Hunter. But the court had stated then that it would "subsequently" issue an opinion. It did so Friday. Victorino, 47, and Hunter, 37, had been convicted and initially sentenced to death in 2006 for their roles in the 2004 Deltona Xbox mass murder. Killed in the massacre were Erin Belanger, 22; Michelle Nathan, 19; Roberto "Tito" Gonzalez, 28; Jonathan Gleason, 17; Francisco "Flaco" Ayo-Roman, 30; and Anthony Vega, 34. A dog was also killed. Besides Victorino and Hunter, two other men, Michael Salas and Robert Cannon, took part in the massacre in which they broke into a home on Telford Lane and used bats and knives to beat and stab the six to death on Aug. 6, 2004. Volusia Sheriff's Office bailiffs escort Troy Victorino and Jerone Hunter into a courtroom at the Volusia County Courthouse Monday, April 10, 2023, for jury selection in the penalty phase of the resentencing after their death sentences were vacated in the Xbox murder trial. Salas was also convicted at trial but was sentenced to life. Cannon did not go on trial but reached a plea deal in which he agreed to testify against the others in exchange for a life sentence. He later refused to testify during the trial. Cannon was sentenced to life. Victorino and Hunter were sentenced to death at a time when only a 7-to-5 jury recommendation was required. A 2016 Florida Supreme Court ruling required a unanimous jury recommendation, leading Circuit Judge Randell Rowe III to strike down their death sentences. But the state Supreme Court later ruled again, this time that a unanimous recommendation was not needed. This year a new state law took effect April 20 requiring an 8-to-4 death recommendation. That was the same day that 15 jurors, including three alternates, were sworn in to resentence Victorino and Hunter in DeLand. The resentencing of Victorino and Hunter was halted April 27 after testimony had begun as the state challenged Rowes ruling to use the previous law requiring a unanimous recommendation. The jurors were sent home to await a ruling from the 5th District Court of Appeal. The appeals court ruled against Rowe on May 11, saying that the new law applied. But by then some jurors had run out of time, as events like pre-paid vacations or scheduled medical procedures approached on their calendars. Judge Rowe declared a mistrial, noting that some jurors would be unavailable. Prosecutors have said they plan to resentence the pair next year. Court explains its Deltona XBox mass murder ruling In the opinion released on Friday, the 5th District Court of Appeal rejected defense arguments that it did not have jurisdiction in the case, according to the opinion from a three-judge panel written by Judge Harvey L. Jay. The opinion stated in part that since the trial court had not entered a final judgement imposing the death sentence, the state Supreme Courts exclusive jurisdiction was not invoked. The appeals court stated that if applying the previous law was the wrong decision, prosecutors would be unable to appeal that because once a defendant was "acquitted" of a death sentence, he or she cannot be subjected to that sentence again. But a defendant can appeal a death sentence. The appeals court also found that applying the new law would not violate U.S. and state constitutions against "ex post facto" laws, which criminalize or enhance penalties for conduct that has already occurred. The appeals court stated that a procedural change, including one to the disadvantage of a defendant, is not ex post facto law because it does not alter substantive personal rights, according to the ruling. The appellate court ruled that the new law does not change the definition of criminal conduct or increase the penalty and was a quintessentially procedural change that has no substantive effect, the ruling stated. The appellate court stated that it was irrelevant that the current version of the law took effect after the start of jury selection. Criminal jeopardy attaches when a jury not a group of prospective jurors is sworn, the court ruled. The appellate court stated that the judge, the lawyers and at least some of the prospective jurors were aware that the law might change even before the final panel was sworn in. The appellate court found that the attorneys made strategic decisions, such as limiting or not questioning potential jurors, to increase the chances that the version of the statute they preferred would be used. They were neither blindsided by the change in the law nor were they denied opportunities to argue why it should not apply to that proceeding or to question prospective jurors about their own views on the new law. Due process guaranteed them those rights, but it does not guarantee them success on the merits, according to the opinion from the appeltate court. Appeals Judge Brian D. Lambert concurred and noted that the current law is tougher than the one in place when Victorino and Hunter committed the murders which at the time required only a vote of 7 to 5. Appeals Judge John M. Harris agreed that the new law should apply but said that the prospective jurors were told repeatedly that a unanimous vote would be necessary. Harris wrote that the prospective jurors' reaction to the new law was unknown in part because Rowe did not allow additional questioning of the jurors. Harris wrote the situation could have been remedied by allowing limited additional questioning of jurors or restarting jury selection. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Deltona Xbox murders: Appeals court issues death penalty opinion Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Apple senior vice president of services Eddy Cue will take the stand in federal court Tuesday as part of an antitrust lawsuit accusing Google of paying billions in lucrative contracts to maintain a monopoly over digital advertising. As part of Tuesday's testimony, prosecutors will argue the tech titan continuously spends billions of dollars each year to ensure its browser is the first to pop up on electronic devices when users search the Internet. The company will reportedly spend $19 billion for its exclusivity contract with Apple during this year alone. In fiscal 2022, Google paid Apple $78.1 billion in advertising revenue. Cue himself negotiated the multibillion-dollar deal that made Google's search engine the default browser on all the newest iPhones, resulting in Google's most substantial budget obligation every year since. Cue was expected to testify that Google had the best product on the market at the time of the negotiations and that it was easier for Apple to partner with the popular search engine rather than create a competing browser that might serve to frustrate customers, according to sources involved with the case. He was also expected to testify that Apple maintained revenue-sharing agreements with other search companies such as Yahoo, Microsoft Bing, Ecosia, and DuckDuckGo. The trial began on Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and Cue is the second Apple executive to take the stand. John Giannandrea, who serves as Apple's chief of artificial intelligence, testified last week, however, most his testimony was given behind closed doors and is now sealed from the public. During part of his public testimony, Giannandrea said Apple's new iOS 17 operating system allows user to select a second search engine in order to make switching between Google and its competitors easier. The proceedings are expected to last about three months, with Judge Amit Mehta issuing a final ruling without a jury. Google faces massive fines and potential restructuring if found guilty of antitrust activities. The federal case is the first major antitrust matter to go to trial in more than two decades, with the global tech giant charged with using its indomitable size and reach to limit competition to its search engine. The government claims Google attempted to crush its smaller rivals by signing exclusive agreements with other tech giants such as Apple, Samsung, Mozilla, and Firefox. The lawsuit also alleges the Internet titan gobbled up many of its global advertising competitors, and then forced publishers and advertisers to use Google products, while also working to discredit any competing products that remained on the market. The outcome of the trial holds deep implications for the future of the Internet and is likely to change how tech companies can conduct secret deals that ultimately impact a broad swath of the globe that had grown increasingly dependent on the Internet. The case was filed in October 2020 during the final months of the Trump administration, with then-Attorney General William Barr alleging Google had enriched itself through deals that made its search engine the default browser on millions of mobile devices and other platforms." The case was joined by more than a dozen attorneys general and a group of 35 states who filed separate antitrust cases earlier this year, alleging that Google had "used anticompetitive, exclusionary and unlawful means to eliminate or severely diminish any threat to its dominance over digital advertising technologies." Federal prosecutors argue Google sought to knock out any challenges to its ubiquitous global footprint in an effort to maintain its dominance as the world's leading search engine with billions of daily users. The multinational corporate behemoth is worth $1.7 trillion and commands about 90% of the search engine market in the United States. Apple's iPhone 15 shipped with a bug that left some users with the "Apple logo of death." The issue occurred when they tried to transfer their information directly from an old iPhone. The tech giant published a fix for the bug last week. Customers who snapped up an Apple iPhone 15 have been frustrated by a bug that left some of them with frozen screens. The hotly anticipated new phone officially went on sale on Friday, when fans around the world lined up to get their hands on one. However, after trying to set up the phones, some users started complaining about a bug that led to the "Apple logo of death," or a frozen screen, when they tried to transfer their information directly from an old iPhone. One user said in a post on X: "I've transferred all the data from my old phone to my new phone, and for the past five hours it's been just sitting at the end of being finished ( Apple logo with status bar). Won't turn off, either." "Just how long will I be without a freakin' functioning phone," they added. The tech giant published a few fixes for the issue on Thursday, the day before the phones officially shipped. If downloaded, Apple's new iOS 17.0.2 update resolves the problem. However, some users, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, said they weren't prompted to download the update when they turned on the new phones. If the phone is already stuck on the Apple logo, users will have to restore the iPhone by connecting it to a Mac or PC via a cable. Representatives for Apple did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, made outside regular working hours. The tech giant's new offering has seen promising early demand since the phone was initially unveiled on September 12. In a note last week, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said preorders for the iPhone 15 were up between 10% and 12% year-on-year compared with initial preorders for the iPhone 14. Despite demand, some of the phone's new features have failed to impress some fans . Read the original article on Business Insider Did you know that Glock makes a special Donald Trump edition of its popular G19 pistol? The gold-colored handgun, which retails for $830, features a drawing of the former president on the grip against a stars-and-stripes background, plus the phrase "Trump 45th" and the presidential seal on the barrel. Trump admired the weapon during a visit to a Palmetto State Armory outlet in Summerville, South Carolina, on Mondayso much so that, according to a social media post that Trump spokesman Steven Cheung later deleted and corrected, he bought one from the store. "President Trump buys a @GLOCKInc in South Carolina!" Cheung wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. That caption accompanied a video of Trump's visit, during which he twice remarked, "I want to buy one." Someone else could be heard saying, "That's a popular model." The seemingly innocuous post was immediately controversial, because it inadvertently implicated Trump in a federal felony. Since Trump is under indictment for crimes punishable by more than a year of incarceration, it is illegal for him to "receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce." Willfully violating that provision is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Cheung took down the video within two hours of posting it, and the Trump campaign issued a corrective statement: "President Trump did not purchase or take possession of the firearm. He simply indicated that he wanted one." This episode should be more than an occasion for mockery by Trump's opponents, because it illustrates the arbitrariness of federal laws that bar people from buying or possessing firearms even when they have no history of violence. It is bad enough that Americans permanently lose their Second Amendment rights when they are convicted of nonviolent felonies such as drug offenses. The provision that Trump would have violated if he had done what Cheung initially reported goes even further, barring gun purchases by people who have merely been accused of crimes, provided the potential penalty exceeds a year behind bars. Unless you count Trump's 2016 boast that "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters," there is little reason to think he would be inclined to use a gun for criminal purposes. The charges lodged against him in the four indictments he currently faces range from trivial (e.g., bookkeeping entries allegedly aimed at concealing a hush money payment that was not inherently criminal) to grave (e.g., conspiring to overturn a presidential election). But none of them suggests that Trump's possession of a firearm would pose a serious threat to public safety. And for the time being, they remain unproven allegations. It clearly never occurred to Cheung that Trump, who so far has no criminal record, nevertheless would not be allowed to exercise his Second Amendment rights by purchasing a legal firearm from a federally licensed dealeror that such a transaction also would expose the dealer to criminal liability for selling Trump a gun while "knowing or having reasonable cause to believe" that he was "under indictment fora crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year." While you could attribute Cheung's oversight to arrogance, an alternative explanation is a naive belief that federal gun laws make sense. Trump's close call should (but probably won't) make his supporters less keen on the idea of sending Hunter Biden to prison for violating another, equally arbitrary provision of the same statute: the ban on gun possession by unlawful users of controlled substances. The current maximum penalty for breaking that rule, which applies even to people who use marijuana in states where it is legal, is 15 years in prison, although it was 10 years when Biden made the 2018 gun purchase that triggered his prosecution. Biden faces two additional felony charges, both based on his false denial of illegal drug use on the form he filled out when he bought that revolver. If Trump had actually tried to buy the Glock 19 with his face on it, he would have had to complete the same form. In addition to inquiring about drug use and criminal convictions, it asks, "Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime for which the judge could imprison you for more than one year?" That question might have alerted Trump to his potential legal jeopardy. But if he had checked "no," that answer in itself could have been the basis for charges that carry combined maximum penalties of 15 years in prison. Another complication: Even if he were not under indictment, Trump could have legally completed the sale only by having the pistol shipped to a dealer in Florida, where he resides. That rule applies to handguns but not rifles or shotguns. The constitutionality of these gun laws is unsettled. Biden's father, who also happens to be Trump's likely opponent in next year's presidential election, insists that the ban his son violated is "consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation"the test that the U.S. Supreme Court has said gun control laws must pass. But several federal judges, including a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, have said the provision fails that test. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit likewise has questioned the constitutionality of the ban on gun ownership by people with certain kinds of criminal records. In June, it said that policy was unconstitutional as applied to a Pennsylvania man who had been convicted of food stamp frauda misdemeanor that nevertheless triggered the federal disqualification because it was theoretically punishable by more than a year of incarceration. As a dissenting judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett went even further, saying a felony mail fraud conviction did not justify the loss of Second Amendment rights. "History is consistent with common sense: it demonstrates that legislatures have the power to prohibit dangerous people from possessing guns," Barrett wrote. "But that power extends only to people who are dangerous." Last week, a federal judge in Texas issued a decision that is directly relevant to the provision that Trump would have violated if he had bought a gun. Dismissing a charge under that provision, U.S. District Judge David Counts said his consideration of the relevant history, while "not exhaustive," did not support a "tradition" of prohibiting firearm purchases by people facing felony indictments. "The Second Amendment is not a 'second class right,'" he wrote. "No longer can courts balance away a constitutional right." In short, there are good reasons to think arbitrary gun restrictions like these are unconstitutional as well as unfair and illogical. Those reasons do not hinge on whether you happen to like the people to whom the restrictions apply. [This post has been updated with information about restrictions on interstate handgun sales and a description of Judge Counts' ruling.] The post Arbitrary Restrictions Explain Why Trump Was Not Allowed To Buy That Glock appeared first on Reason.com. The archeological site at Turkeys Bogazkoy-Hattusha, the former capital of the Bronze Age Hittite empire, is a hotbed of ancient languages. This year, during excavations of the ruins, archeologists uncovered a new language written on a tablet detailing a foreign ritual. Although experts are not sure what the specific idiom says, they can confirm that the new language is a member of the Anatolian Indo-European language family. Today, the ancient city of Hattusha the capital of the Hittite empire that ruled north-central Turkey in the late Bronze Age (1650 - 1200 BCE)is a treasure trove of ancient languages. At the Bogazkoy-Hattusha archeological site, excavations over the past century have uncovered around 30,000 cuneiform tablets detailing the history, traditions, and society of Bronze Age Anatolia. This site is so rich in Bronze Age history that the once-powerful capital became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Although most of the tablets found in Hattusha are written in Hittitethe oldest attested Indo-European language (and the language tree through which English evolved)many other languages of the region can be found among these cuneiform treasures, including Luwian, Palaic, and Hattic. However, this years excavations at the site revealed a surprising discoveryan entirely new language. Get the latest archaeological discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter and receive a daily digest of the most exciting science news stories in the world. Subscribe for free. The Hittites were uniquely interested in recording rituals in foreign languages, Daniel Schwemer, head of the Chair of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Julius-Maximilians-Universitat (JMU) Wurzburg in Germany, said in a press statement . And hidden in this particular ancient cultic text is a recitation written in an unfamiliar language. According to the archeologists, the Hittite text refers to an idiom from the language of the land of Kalasmaan area that wouldve lied along the northwestern edge of the Hittite empires frontier. Although experts have no idea what this particular cuneiform passage says, they can confirm that the language is a member of the Anatolian Indo-European family, which also includes Luwian, Palaic, and Hittite. As its name suggests, Indo-European languages make up a large family of languages that encompass many modern countries in Europe and the Indian subcontinent. Most of the languages from these regions can trace their roots back to an original mother language (though the Basque language is a head-scratching outlier). Experts believe that the Proto-Indo-European language likely originated around the Black Sea, in what is now southern Ukraine. On the other side of the Black Sea, evidence suggests that Kalasma lies near modern-day Bolu or Gerede in northwestern Turkey, which is closer to the geographic area in which Palaic was spoken. However, the newly discovered language has more in common with Luwian, a langauge spoken by people in the southeastern corner of the Hittite empire. Although only a mere sliver of the Kalasma language is known today, its more than likely that more evidence of this long-forgotten tongue is waiting to be discovered somewhere along the vast stretches of Anatolia. You Might Also Like Correction: A previous version of this story misstated how much detecting, deterring and fighting illegal fishing in Argentinas exclusive economic zone costs the country annually. It is between $1 billion and $2.6 billion per year, according to Luis Pineiro, an independent defense and security analyst based in Buenos Aires. A previous version of this story also misidentified the date the letter of intention was signed. That took place Sept. 22. SANTIAGO, Chile Argentinas Defense Ministry has signed a letter of intention for the procurement of eight AW109M lightweight helicopters from Italian firm Leonardo. The agreement was signed Sept. 22 as Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Taiana visited Italy to see the aircrafts production line. The AW109Ms would be used by the Argentine Navy in a seagoing role aboard French-built Bouchard-class offshore patrol vessels, acquired between 2019 and 2022 to patrol the countrys exclusive economic zone to deter and prevent illegal exploitation of fishing resources. A military source in Buenos Aires, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the defense program, told Defense News that until now the OPVs have been going to sea carrying Airbus AS555 Fennec helicopters. But those aircraft are intended and needed for weapons-targeting functions and training with missile frigates and corvettes, instead of coast guarding work. Funding for the purchase of eight to 10 lightweight helicopters for the Navy was already included in the governments draft budget for 2024, which was submitted Sept. 15 to the Chamber of Deputies within the Argentine Congress. The budget request seeks $110 million for the maritime lightweight helicopter program, to be spent over 10 years. Luis Pineiro, an independent defense and security analyst based in Buenos Aires, told Defense News that this is a long-due and necessary step, which will add to the recent acquisition of P-3C Orion [maritime patrol aircraft]. It will bolster Argentinas capacities to detect, deter and fight illegal fishing that cost the country between $1 billion and $2.6 billion per year. The explosion at a crowded fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh on Sept. 25 has killed at least 125 people, Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan said at a news conference on Sept. 26. The bodies were transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia on Sept. 25, according to Avaneysan. The de-facto Health Ministry of Nagorno-Karabakh said that 290 people who had suffered burn injuries were being treated at four medical institutions, The New York Times reported. The cause of the explosion has not yet been made clear. The explosion reportedly took place while fuel was being distributed to people who were driving to Armenia, leading to fears of mass casualties. Tens of thousands of people from Nagorno-Karabakh have fled to Armenia in recent days, following the Sept. 20 surrender of the territory to the Azerbaijani military after 24 hours of attacks by Azerbaijani forces. Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized as Azerbaijani territory under international law. Its population of 120,000 is predominantly Armenian. The territory declared independence in 1991 with Yerevan's military support. Until 2020, Armenia de facto controlled Nagorno-Karabakh together with the surrounding regions. In 2021 Azerbaijan also invaded several internationally recognized Armenian territories in the east of the country and continues to occupy them. Read also: Russias peacekeeper act crumbles as Azerbaijan overwhelms Nagorno-Karabakh Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Scott Turow famously wrote many of his books while riding the train from his home in the northern suburbs to his law offices downtown. He is now one of the best selling, and best, novelists of his time, with an estimated 30 million copies of his books having been sold and read and enjoyed. His career reaches a milestone on the evening of Oct. 5, when he will receive the Fuller Award from the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Harold Washington Library. This award is named for Henry Blake Fuller, a relatively unknown author, editor, poet, critic and composer who lived from 1857 to 1929. His best known work is the 1893 novel The Cliff-Dwellers. Advertisement Previous recipients of this honor include Sandra Cisneros, Gene Wolfe, Harry Mark Petrakis, Haki Madhubuti, Rosellen Brown, Angela Jackson, Stuart Dybek, Sara Paretsky and Sterling Plumpp. Last year it was presented to me. Turow was there that night and seeing him reminded me of the many times we had talked over the years and of his mom. Her name was Rita. She died in 2011 but in honor of her 90th birthday the year before he wrote in Parade magazine, My dad was an M.D., revered and beloved by his patients. He had endured a hard upbringing after his mother died when he was only 4. I felt his love at times, but his routine sarcasm and occasional anger often cut me to the quick. Thus, my mother was my beacon. I can say with conviction that I would simply not be who I am without her love, support, and boundless faith in me. Advertisement Turow grew up with her in West Rogers Park. The family moved north, allowing him to attend New Trier High School, where he wrote for and became editor of the school paper. He went to Amherst College, won a prestigious fellowship to the creative writing program at Stanford University and later taught there. But he decided to turn down a tenure track position teaching at University of Rochester to enter Harvard Law School. His first book was One L and it charted Turows first year in law school. The New York Times wrote that it should be read by anyone who has ever contemplated going to law school. Or anyone who has ever worried about being human. Turow graduated, started working as an attorney here and then came the novels, the first one beginning simply, with Turow writing 13 words on a yellow Post-it note: A man is sitting on a bed on which a dead woman lies. That note sat on his desk until, as he told me some years ago, I visualized the man and the woman as Rusty and his wife, Barbara. Author Scott Turow at his home office in Evanston on Sept. 9, 2022. (Victor Hilitski/Chicago Tribune) "Suspect" by Scott Turow. (Grand Central Publishing) That man was Rusty Sabich, introduced to readers in 1987s Presumed Innocent, which redefined crime-courtroom writing and rested comfortably on the New York Times bestseller list for one year and was given cinematic life by Harrison Ford in the successful 1990 movie of the same name. And the hits kept coming, 13 novels and three nonfiction books in total, with titles such as Burden of Proof (1990), Reversible Errors (2002), Ordinary Heroes (2005), Identical (2013) and the most recent, 2022s Suspect, which I noted in a Tribune review finds Turow in a fine form. Comforting, yes, but also satisfyingly fresh and creative. That admirably prolific output is, of course, one of the main reasons the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame is honoring Turow. But throughout his literary career he has accomplished a remarkable juggling act as a practicing attorney. He handled big cases as a U.S. attorney, including serving as lead counsel in the Operation Greylord trial and later, in private practice, helping free an innocent man from death row. He was president of the Authors Guild, during which he filed an antitrust suit against Apple and major publishers, alleging that they conspired to raise the price of e-books. He has also written articles for such publications as the Tribune, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and The Atlantic. In 2016, he wrote about the Cubs in Time magazine, saying in part, According to anecdotal reports, there was also heavy traffic in area cemeteries the following weekend ... At gravesides throughout Chicagoland, fans will announce to departed loved-ones what I screamed outside my house when the Cubs won Game 7 that Wednesday night: It finally happened. Advertisement He has also long been a member of the band the Rock Bottom Remainders, with such other bestselling authors as Stephen King, Mitch Albom, Dave Barry and Amy Tan. It performed for fun and to benefit literacy groups and other charitable endeavors. He has three adult children from his first marriage and grandchildren spread around the country. He still lives here much of the time, with a lovely wife named Adriane. He looks as healthy as a man in his 70s can look. In short, Turow is easy to admire and equally easy to envy. At the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame event, people will have some complimentary words to say about Turow, the man and the writer. Turow will say a few words and maybe he will mention his mom. Or the Cubs. Or who knows? And thats part of the ongoing pleasure of having Turow and his words in our midst. rkogan@chicagotribune.com ASBURY PARK - A local 18-year-old has been charged with attempted murder in connection to a shooting that took place in the city last month, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Tuesday. The teen suspect, Nazzir Wallace, was apprehended in Asbury Park after leading authorities on a brief chase. At the time of his arrest, Wallace was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, as well as an unspecified amount of cocaine and heroin, the Prosecutors Office said in a statement. In addition to first-degree attempted murder, Wallace was charged with three counts of second-degree weapons offenses; two counts of third-degree drug offenses; one count of fourth-degree eluding authorities; one count of fourth-degree obstruction of justice; one count of a fourth-degree weapons offense and resisting arrest the last charge is a disorderly persons offense. LATEST HEADLINES: Body recovered from Manasquan Inlet still not identified: Police If convicted on all charges, Wallace faces a maximum sentence that would amount to more than 60 years in state prison. The attempted murder happened about 11 p.m. on Aug. 30. Officers from the Asbury Park Police Department responded to the 100 block of Memorial Drive for a report of shots fired. A few minutes later, the authorities received notification that an adult male with a gunshot wound had been admitted to a local hospital, according to the statement. LATEST WEATHER: Ophelia is gone, but coastal flood threat lingers at the Jersey Shore The Major Crimes Bureau of the Prosecutors Office and Asbury Park Police investigated. Wallace was later identified as the suspect. He was taken into custody last Thursday following the pursuit and lodged in the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township, where he remained on Tuesday. Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano of the Major Crimes Bureau is in charge of the case. Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park NJ teen charged with attempted murder following shooting ASHEVILLE - First-grade students at Isaac Dickson Elementary School recently got a taste of Mexico with a hands-on lesson in making a sweet pastry, as well as the life of a Mexican American child who grew up with his family of migrant farmworkers by reading the author's picture book. The lesson on Sept. 21 kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month a national celebration from Sept. 15- Oct. 15 established by Congress to honor the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans by reading "Tomas and the Library Lady," a children's picture book written by Mexican American writer Pat Mora and illustrated by Raul Colon. The book, based on a true story about Tomas Rivera, the son of a migrant farm worker during the 1940s in the Midwest, was read in first-grade classrooms across Asheville City Schools. In the story, Tomas falls in love with reading books and thanks to the "library lady," he and his family cook her pan dulce. Scott Fisher, who teaches experiential learning at Isaac Dickson, asked the class, "What language is this in?" pointing to the board that had the words "pan dulce" across it. First grade students at Isaac Dickson making pan dulce. (McKenna Leavens Photo | Citizen Times) The first-grade class responded, "Spanish!" Fisher went on to explain to the class that in Spanish, "pan" means bread and "dulce" means sweet. "Sweet bread," he said. "That's what we are making today." Scott Fisher teaches students how to make pan dulce. (McKenna Leavens Photo | Citizen Times) Fisher gave his class instructions and let each student pick at what station they wanted to begin. The stations he listed were: wet ingredients, dry ingredients or putting the extra crumble on top of the bread. Only one student picked the dry ingredients table. Aiden, a first grader at Isaac Dickson, said his favorite part about the lesson was learning about the bread, while other students loved being able to mix all the ingredients together and see the final product. A first-grade teacher at Isaac Dickson, Ann Fisher, said this lesson is important because it allows them to honor their Hispanic students. Ann Fisher explained that the book is a part of their English language arts curriculum. The story, based on the life of Mexican educator and author Tomas Rivera, is about young Rivera, who travels back and forth between Texas and Iowa because his parents were migrant farmworkers. In Iowa, he gets to go to his first library, and there he finds a "library lady," who learns his interests and passions and provides Rivera books based on them. Because of this, he is able to develop a love of reading, which he takes into his life and career later on. Ann Fisher said that when her class was reading the book, she had a fluent Spanish speaker who taught her first-grade peers how to pronounce the word "pan dulce," ("pon," as in "pond," and "dool-say.") "I think that it's just a wonderful way to just honor each of our students so they can see themselves in what they're learning," Ann Fisher said. Experiential learning teacher Scott Fisher explaining to class full of first grade students what pan dulce is. (McKenna Leavens Photo | Citizen Times) Scott Fisher told the Citizen Times that exposing children to different cultures is beneficial in their education, and an even better way is doing it through food. "They get to learn about the Spanish language, they learn a little bit about the culture, and they get to take a bun home to share with their family," he said. On Oct. 18 Lucy S Herring Elementary School is inviting families to their Hispanic Heritage Program starting at 8:15 a.m. More: Buncombe County School receives National Blue Ribbon award for academic performance McKenna Leavens is the education reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at mleavens@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @LeavensMcKenna. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated in Asheville City Schools Police in Athens are investigating a drive-by shooting that injured a child. On September 23 at about midnight, Athens-Clarke County police received 911 calls regarding gunshots near a home on Winterville Road. Police say multiple shots hit the home and a child inside was shot in the hand. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Fortunately, their injuries were minor and did not require hospitalization. Investigating officers found approximately 31 spent shell casings from two different caliber weapons at the scene. Two bullet holes believed to be associated with this shooting were found at a neighboring home. The second home was not occupied at the time of the shooting. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Barnett at 762-400-7318 or at Shaun.Barnett@accgov.com. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: The Atlanta Police Departments Robbery Unit is requesting help from the public to identify three people seen on surveillance footage from a June robbery. According to police, the three are persons of interest related to a robbery and assault at the Texaco gas station on McDonough Boulevard. The incident happened at about 2:51 a.m. on June 23. Officers said they responded to the gas station and spoke to an employee at the business. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: The employee told police two unidentified men entered the gas station and physically assaulted him before taking cash out of the gaming machines and the register. Surveillance footage shared by police show three people who may be able to identify the two men who are accused of robbing the store, the three pictured are not suspects, according to police. Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call the Crime S toppers Atlanta at their tip line, 404-577-8477. Tips can be made anonymously by phone call or by texting CSA to 274637, as well as online. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: Scientists in Australia have discovered the fossilized remains of a trapdoor spider, the largest to date in the country. The fossilized spider was found near Gulgong, New South Wales, last week by a team of scientists led by Matthew McCurry, a paleontologist with the University of New South Wales and the Australian Museum Research Institute. Only four spider fossils have ever been found throughout the whole continent, which has made it difficult for scientists to understand their evolutionary history," McCurry said in a news release. "That is why this discovery is so significant, it reveals new information about the extinction of spiders and fills a gap in our understanding of the past. The discovery is also the biggest of all the fossilized spiders found in Australia, Queensland Museum arachnologist Robert Raven said, according to the release. The closest living relative of this fossil now lives in wet forests in Singapore through to Papua New Guinea. This suggests that the group once occupied similar environments in mainland Australia but have subsequently gone extinct as Australia became more arid, McCurry said in the release. The fossil measures just under 1 inch, according to the research paper, but trapdoor spiders are usually smaller. Researchers said the spider named Megamonodontium mccluskyi is an estimated 11 million to 16 million years old. It was discovered at the McGraths Flat, an Australian research site, and is believed to be the first fossil of the Barychelidae family found worldwide, the Australian Museum said in the release. The fossil remains at the museum for researchers to study. An image of the Megamonodontium mccluskyi spider fossil Australian scientists discovered on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at a research site in New South Wales. What does the fossil look like? The spider, named after its discoverer, Simon McClusky, is similar to a trapdoor spider. According to Raven, 300 species of the brush-footed trapdoor spiders are alive today but don't fossilize. Michael Frese, professor at the University of Canberra, says the creature has hairlike structures on its appendages that allow it to sense chemicals and vibrations. He said it helps the spider defend itself against attackers and to make sounds. Researchers said it is the second-largest spider fossil found in the world, nearly 1 millimeter smaller than the Mongolarachne jurassica that roamed in modern-day China. In the U.S., brush-footed trapdoor spiders are found between Florida and Virginia and west to California, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. Typically, the spiders feast on arthropods and small lizards and are killed by parasitic wasps. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Australian scientists discover rare spider fossil A man has been charged in connection with a Round Lake hostage situation last week. Gerzin Ramirez-Perez, 33, of Round Lake, was charged by Lake County states attorneys office with aggravated unlawful restraint and two counts of domestic battery after holding a woman at knife-point on Sept. 19. Ramirez-Perez was shot by police after failing to release the victim during the hostage situation, authorities said. He survived and was discharged from a hospital on Monday. The victim, a 30-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries during the attack, was evaluated by paramedics but declined to go to the hospital, authorities said. After being discharged, Ramirez-Perez was arrested and transported to the Lake County jail. Round Lake Police were dispatched to a residence on Sept. 19. Upon arrival, officers spoke to a woman outside who said there was a woman in the basement who needed help. The homeowner confirmed that a man and woman lived in the basement. Officers attempted to speak to the downstairs residents through the basement door. An officer outside the home saw a man holding a knife to a womans throat through a basement window. Due to the nature of the situation, the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) and a regional SWAT team were called to the scene. During negotiation efforts, the man grew increasingly agitated and refused to drop the knife or follow instructions, according to authorities. Two members of NIPAS discharged their firearms, hitting the suspect. Members from NIPAS were able to rescue the victim from the mans grip, the release said. Police officers provided aid to the suspect until paramedics arrived. The two officers involved in the shooting were transported to area hospitals for evaluation, per protocol. chilles@chicagotribune.com Russian forces struck Khersons Korabelnyi district early on Sept. 26, with one of the projectiles falling in a houses yard, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported. A 48-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man sustained minor injuries and received medical assistance on the spot, according to the report. Earlier, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said that Russia also hit the villages of Kyselivka and Olhivka in the morning. According to preliminary data, one person was injured in Kyselivka. The same morning, Russia launched a missile strike against Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, reported Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city military administration. Read also: Deadly drone arms race intensifies as Ukraine, Russia embrace the future of war An industrial enterprise was hit, and the consequences are still being determined, Vilkul said, adding there were no casualties in the attack. Overnight on Sept. 26, Russia launched 38 kamikaze drones at Ukraine, 26 of which were shot down by Ukrainian air defenses, according to the Air Force. The drone attack hit port and border infrastructure in Odesa Oblast's southern Izmail district, which lies on the border with Romania, an agricultural enterprise in Mykolaiv Oblast, and an infrastructure facility in Cherkasy Oblast, according to the regional governors. Two men sustained injuries in Odesa Oblast, Governor Oleh Kiper reported. Read also: US will reportedly give ATACMS to Ukraine. Will it change the war? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Vaqif Sadiqov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of Mission to EU talk to reporters in Brussels By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Azerbaijan has no intention of taking military action to create a land corridor in southern Armenia, the foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan's president said on Tuesday. Azerbaijan's military operation last week to take control of the ethnic Armenian-dominated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh has stoked Armenian fears that Baku may now use force to create a corridor through Armenia to Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave. But Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev , said Baku only wanted to create transport links to Nakhchivan through Armenia, which he said would benefit both countries and the wider region. "Azerbaijan doesn't have any military goals or objectives on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, that's ... completely out of Azerbaijan's agenda," he told Reuters. "Our suggestion to Armenia is about building connectivity lines, transport lines, in a very peaceful manner," he said, speaking in Brussels after EU-hosted talks with his Armenian counterpart, Armen Grigoryan, and European officials. Hajiyev's comments came the day after Aliyev held talks with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan at which he hinted at the prospect of creating such a land corridor, which would also give Azerbaijan a direct link to close ally Turkey. An influential Telegram channel linked to Karabakh Armenians called "Re:public of Artsakh" said Aliyev's words looked ominous. "The new target of Azerbaijan and Turkey is Syunik (a province in southern Armenia through which such a corridor would pass). They are already openly declaring it. Active preparations for war are underway," it said. At the Brussels talks, officials discussed a possible meeting between Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a European summit in Granada, Spain, on Oct. 5. The EU said in a statement after the talks that it "believes that the possible meeting in Granada should be used by both Yerevan and Baku to reiterate publicly their commitment to each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty". The Armenian government made no immediate comment on the talks. (Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by Alex Richardson) Clayton County Police have arrested the gunman who was barricaded inside a home near Jonesboro for hours on Monday night. Police said at 10:49 p.m., they arrested Percell Clay, 38, after SWAT breached the front door. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Media Advisory Barricaded Gunman in CCPD#Update 10:49 p.m.: CCPD - S.W.A.T. breached the front door. With the assistance of our negotiators, Percell Clay (38), was taken into custody without incident. Percell Clay has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Reckless Conduct. pic.twitter.com/ryEf9RrIo6 Clayton County PD (@ClaytonCountyPD) September 26, 2023 Earlier, police said its officers and SWAT team were working on an incident involving a barricaded man in a home in the 9500 block of Briar Creek Lane. Police said the incident started when callers contacted dispatch at 6:08 p.m. Monday about an armed subject walking in the roadway firing shots. Channel 2s Michael Doudna was live from the scene on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. where he spoke with neighbors. For them, they said it was a frightening experience, especially having kids inside of their home. Definitely scary because I have my daughter and situations like this can get crazy and go wild, said the neighbor. And I have a son who is handicapped, so, it can definitely be a nerve racking situation. After some negotiation, SWAT was able to get into the front door and Clay was arrested. Police said Clay is being charged with aggravated assault and reckless conduct. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Russia seeks to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council after being expelled last year because of its invasion of Ukraine, the BBC reported on Sept. 26, citing a position paper distributed by Russian diplomats to UN members. The news outlet says that Moscow will seek to return to the human rights body for a new three-year term during a vote in October. Russia hopes to regain international credibility following its human rights violations in Ukraine and at home, diplomatic sources told the BBC. Moscow is allegedly attempting to bribe some smaller countries ahead of the vote, offering grain and arms in return for the support. As a result, there is a realistic possibility that Russia can succeed and return to the Human Rights Council, the diplomats believe. Read also: European Court of Human Rights strikes down Russias claims against Ukraine Russia was kicked out of the U.N.'s human rights body during a special session on April 7, 2022, with 93 votes cast in favor, 25 against, and 58 abstentions. Officials backing the motion said it signaled the "international community's strong censure of Moscow's aggressive actions toward a neighboring state." Ukraine, its international partners, and human rights groups said that Russia has committed a number of human rights violations during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This includes deliberate murder of civilians, shelling of civilian areas, torture, sexual violence, and abduction, namely of children. Several countries have recognized Russia's crimes against Ukraine as genocide. A report by the U.N. Watch, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights published earlier in September concluded that Russia is "unqualified" for membership in the Human Rights Council. The reasons for the conclusion included "aggression against Ukraine, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities, pervasive torture by government law enforcement officers," and a number of other violations. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Migrants gather on the edge of Pritzker Park near a restaurant in the 300 block of South Plymouth Court in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Over the weekend, a fight broke out near the 1,163-resident migrant shelter at the former Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Court, just the latest brawl to be caught on camera outside one of the high-population shelters downtown. With the city buckling under the growing number of migrants 12 buses carrying 560 more asylum hopefuls arrived this weekend and no sign of the influx slowing down, tensions among migrants, residents and business owners are reaching a boiling point. The neighbors say theyve witnessed frequent fights, loitering and other misconduct. Advertisement [ UPDATE: 27 buses carrying migrants arrive in Chicago since Saturday as city moves forward with tent plan ] While most told the Tribune they fully support efforts to aid the migrants, they have grown weary of the citys solution to cram thousands of people into highly trafficked shelters, and theyre concerned about safety not only for themselves, but for migrants, too. I dont think any of us care that there is a shelter there. It is the fact that there are zero attempts to control the situation and we dont feel safe here, said Brandon Vulpitta, the owner of Brandos Speakeasy, a popular karaoke bar near the shelter on Plymouth Court. Our clients dont feel safe anymore. Advertisement To be sure, migrants committing criminal behavior are a fraction of the more than 15,000 migrants who have poured into the city since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused the first group of asylum-seekers to Chicago last year. Many of the people seeking asylum say they came for a better life. [ Volunteers say buses of migrants arriving in Chicago at increased rate ] Though crime stats dont show a marked difference in and around the areas of high-volume shelters from prior years, the violent altercations and migrants engaging in lewd activity at Pritzker Park, kitty-corner from the shelter on Jackson and Plymouth, are ever present, said George Liakopoulos, owner of several restaurants in the city, including the Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, which sits right in front of the shelter. Most nights, large groups of migrants sit and stand while drinking at the park and harassing female passersby, a scene that he says discourages his patrons from visiting the restaurant, which is known for its location and its unique view of the city. The number of visitors at the restaurant, which is open from 4 p.m. to midnight daily, has drastically decreased, going from 400 to 500 on Thursdays and Fridays in the summer of 2022 to roughly 150 now. We want to help and understand the humanitarian crisis but this behavior makes it extremely difficult, Liakopoulos said. Its a big hit. Not just to me, but our employees, (who include) a lot of mothers who depend on this job to feed their family. Now, theres a camera near the shelter and police patrols throughout the day, while shelter staff members pick up the garbage in the park and around the shelter, he said. People walk past as a police SUV is parked on the grounds of Pritzker Park in the 300 block of South State Street in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, outlined his concerns of alleged drug exchange and prostitution at the family shelter being operated at the Inn of Chicago, 162 E. Ohio St., in a letter he wrote to Mayor Brandon Johnson in late June. Hundreds of his constituents and local business owners contacted his office to express their worries, including dirty sidewalks and witnessing migrants engage in physical altercations outside of the shelter. I am sympathetic to the new arrivals situation and support Chicago being a Welcoming City; however, these are serious concerns that need to be addressed immediately, Reilly wrote in the June letter. At the time, the Department of Family and Support Services responded to Reillys letter explaining that the newcomers must sign a contract agreeing to shelter rules and promising to be a good neighbor. The letter also said that the department was collaborating with other city entities, including the Police Department to address his concerns, which included specialized patrolling and recommended beat officers. Advertisement But despite heightened police presence around the facility, the problems persist, especially those times of day CPD cannot be there, Reilly told Tribune this month. Maria has been staying at the Inn of Chicago, one of the largest migrant shelters in the city, for several months. Recently, she said, the shelters staff held a meeting to warn migrants that if the littering, fighting and congregating did not stop, they could be forced out. But some people dont care; they leave their garbage everywhere, they fight inside and outside the shelter. Its concerning to us because we dont want to get kicked out of (the shelter) while we find an apartment to rent, said Maria, a single mother from Venezuela, who didnt want to give her last name because she feared repercussions. We supposedly came here to become better, to progress, she said. But allegations of drug use and violent altercations inside and outside shelters are unfortunately, are true, she said. We see it. Es triste, porque por uno pagan todos, she said, meaning that it saddens her that most migrants who intend to do right may end up paying the price for the wrongful behavior of a few. [ A year in, Chicagos migrant crisis exacerbated by City Hall and state delays, hefty contracts and questionable decisions ] The reports of violence and criminal activity have added another problematic layer to the citys migrant crisis beyond the immediate needs of shelter and food. While Chicago leaders last week rejoiced at the news that President Joe Biden will grant temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants who have crossed into the U.S., advocates cautioned the process will take months to trickle down to the migrants it will benefit. Advertisement The frustration that is being voiced is the same one that youre hearing form the elected officials here, that in effect, if you dont have work authorizations, youre not able to get people to work and find a place to live, then, when you put 200 to 300 people undocumented or not in one building with nothing to do, theres going to be a percentage of them that will get frustrated just being in there and they will go outside in the area and engage in different activities, said Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th, who chairs the City Councils immigration committee, in an interview with the Tribune. A cafe window reflects a group of migrants gathered in the 300 block of South Plymouth Court on the edge of Pritzker Park in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) But earnest efforts from migrants who want to find a job and a better life can be overshadowed by reports of migrants loitering, littering and fighting with Chicago residents in public spaces. Ald. Lamont J. Robinson, 4th, whose ward includes the shelter at the former Standard Club, said that his office has worked directly with the business owners, along with the mayors office, police and the shelter staff to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach. As we confront these difficulties head-on, were adopting innovative strategies to effectively address the unique issues were encountering, Robinson said in a statement. A recent change that has helped to manage the situation has been closing the Pritzker Park at 9 p.m. rather 11 p.m. This way migrants are also encouraged to go inside the shelter earlier rather than wait for curfew, said his chief of staff, Sabha Abour. But as city leaders advocate and wait for federal response, business will continue to suffer tremendously, Liakopoulos said. The issue is not the migrants and their search for a better life, but the initial decision by city leaders to place a shelter, with now more than 1,200 people, in the area, losing control of those living in there, he said. Advertisement Though we have been working with the alderman, there is very little he can do, Liakopoulos added. The Chicago Police Department declined to comment and referred questions to the mayors office. At a news conference last month, Johnson said that his administration is already addressing the concerns by business owners and residents who live near shelters. Were addressing all of it and the number of families that can help grow our economy, quite frankly, that number is endless what I always say is that it is my responsibility as mayor of Chicago to bring people together and were doing just that, Johnson said. At the shelters, some of the concerns and allegations of activity outside the buildings have been addressed with residents by hosting meetings and informationals, said Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Johnsons deputy chief of staff. There are know your rights workshops and legal support that can help asylum-seekers understand the potential consequences if they are not compliant with their immigration process. There are also training sessions by the Cook County public defender and organizations under the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights where the overall legal system and the criminal process are explained. These sessions are also meant to show migrants that criminal activity can affect their cases, Pacione-Zayas said. As more migrants arrive in the city, efforts to address reports of domestic violence and other issues inside the shelters have also been strengthened by working with the Department of Family Support Services and its gender-based violence task force, said Rey Wences, the citys first deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights. Advertisement People inside the shelter can also access a grievance report process that allows them to report unsafe or problematic situations. Then DFSS works to address those issues, according to Wences. In some cases, however, there must be corrections, to help some migrants understand the citys regulations, said Pacione-Zayas. In late July, a group of migrants who had been operating a makeshift barbershop at Pritzker Park were scolded and ticketed by police. Erendira Rendon, vice president of immigrant justice with The Resurrection Project, spearheaded efforts to welcome migrants in August 2022, when the first few buses began to arrive. Shes worked with the immigrant community in Chicago for more than a decade. She said the manner and scale in which asylum-seekers are arriving in Chicago is unprecedented, with city leaders and the migrants both facing unique challenges. The level of stress that the migrants face allowed in the country legally, but not allowed to work, living in a crowded shelter with no obvious path out, competing for scarce resources can foster frustration. They seek ways to distract themselves or cope that may not benefit the city or themselves, Rendon said. Advertisement The issues that are facing the (shelters downtown) are no different than issues that other shelters across the city are facing, where folks live in very unstable conditions, they dont have homes, their own bathroom or any privacy, so it creates a difficult situation to manage, Rendon said. Despite the ongoing patrolling near the Pritzker Park area, on a recent Monday during lunchtime, more than a dozen migrants stood around a man carrying a bright blue cooler, in front of the Harold Washington Library Center in Chicagos Loop. They were waiting to buy an arepa a traditional Venezuelan meal from their fellow asylum-seeker. Most live in a city-run shelter across the street. Arepas, arepas, Angel Nolasco chanted quietly, attempting to avoid attention from police officers who patrolled the area. Though police had approached him earlier to tell him that he could not sell food, he continued. Were not doing anything wrong; what else are we supposed to do? he asked in Spanish. But even after police warned Nolasco that he couldnt sell food at the park because it violated city regulations, he hid behind a wall and continued selling. Advertisement I agree that there are people who arent doing the right thing here, he said in Spanish, as he handed a plate of food to a fellow Venezuelan migrant for $10. Unfortunately, we all end up paying the price for that. Chicago Tribunes Sam Charles contributed. larodriguez@chicagotribune.com Beetle Juice Fascists are so hungry for Nazi memorabilia that they've been buying up Anophthalmus hitleri beetles for years so much so that the poor bug is near extinction. As the Washington Post reports, the neo-Nazi trade of A. hitleri beetles is yet another reason some scientists are pushing for the rare beetle, which is only found in caves in Slovenia, to be renamed. The debate surrounding a push to rename A. hitleri because, you know, it was named after one of the worst people imaginable seems to have brought the beetle's plight back into the news, but reports about fascist collectors pushing the beetle near the brink of extinction go back nearly 20 years. In 2006, The Independent reported that extremists were actually schlepping out to the 15-odd Slovenian caves where the "Hitler beetle" is found to grab them, with well-preserved specimens going for the equivalent of about $1,400 each at the time. "There is a complete run on these creatures," beetle expert Martin Baehr told the British newspaper, "and collectors are intruding on the beetles' natural habitat to get hold of them." Baehr's then-employer, the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, saw almost all of its A. hitleri specimens stolen, the Indy noted. Whether the thieves were neo-Nazis themselves or brokers who wanted to cash in on the lucrative Nazi memorabilia market is anyone's guess but they sound terrible regardless. Bugging Out More recently, Canadian anthropologist Mirjana Roksandic argued in The Economist that the blind beetle doesn't deserve to be saddled with its Hitlerian baggage. "Its an innocent insect," Roksandic, who works at the University of Winnipeg, told the magazine in September 2022. "Why not end this illegal trade by changing its name?" As Yahoo News Australia noted in yet another article about the poor Hitler beetle from 2021, A. hitleri's name also calls into question the celebrity-naming convention, in which scientists name new species after famous people in hopes that it'll get picked up by the media. "Taxonomy needs to be in the news," Aussie taxonomist Kevin Thiele told Yahoo, "as by documenting the species we are hopefully doing the foundational work that will prevent a species going extinct." "But will anyone know who Beyonce is in a few hundred years?" the taxonomist wondered. To be clear, Queen Bey and Hitler have nothing in common besides having had bugs named for them but it does stand to reason that the entire convention may be fraught. More on bugs: Terrifying Parasite Can Actually Triple an Ant's Lifespan The Belarusian reproached a man wearing a Wagner Group chevron, and the latter complained to an organisation for combating crime. The "offender" was detained and forced to apologise on camera. Source: Belarusian media outlet Zerkalo (Mirror); military monitoring outlet Belaruski Hajun Details: A Belarusian man reproached a post office visitor who was wearing a chevron of the Wagner Group and the national flag. That man complained to the Main Department for Combating Organised Crime and Corruption. The "offender" was detained and forced to apologise on camera. The security forces posted a video of the man's "confession". Bruises are visible on his forehead. Quote from the Belarusian: "On 19 September 2023, while at the post office, I saw a man wearing the symbols of the Wagner Private Military Company and the state flag of the Republic of Belarus. I filmed this man, who I did not know, on my mobile phone, and insulted him." For reference: The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly recognises the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation. The United States defines it as a "transnational criminal organisation". 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! Scottish actor David McCallum , known for his role as Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard on NCIS, died of natural causes on Monday. He was 90. CBS, which has aired NCIS on its network since 2003, confirmed in an email to NBC News that the actor passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at a New York hospital. Peter McCallum , the actors son, issued a statement about his fathers death on behalf of his family. In it, he fondly described his fathers appetite for fostering strong connections with his family, his acting career and learning. He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, his statement reads in part. He was a true renaissance man he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge, the statement continued. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS. NCIS (Sonja Flemming / CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images) Peter also recalled how his mother and the actors wife, Katherine Carpenter, expressed a desire to have had more time with the actor. After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep, he wrote. Her answer was simply, Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together. She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old. McCallum and Carpenter were married for 56 years until his death. CBS reflected on the actors life and career in a separate statement obtained by NBC News. We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years, the statement reads. David was a gifted actor and author and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David. Born in 1933 to a renowned violinist and a mother who was a cellist, McCallum studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early roles included radio and theatrical performances. McCallum moved to the United States in 1961, where he nabbed the role of secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. McCallums role was initially imagined as a minor one, with his character delivering only two lines; however, producers soon elevated his role in the series, and McCallum became a co-star to actor Robert Vaughn for the series. McCallum ultimately secured nominations for a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards for his role in the series. In the 90s, he made minor appearances in shows like Law & Order and Sex and the City. The actor would go on to appear in the 2009 film Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot and portray Alfred Pennyworth in the 2015 animated superhero movie Batman vs. Robin. In addition to being survived by his wife, the actor leaves behind his sons, Paul McCallum, Valentine McCallum and Peter McCallum and daughter, Sophie McCallum, as well as eight grandchildren. This article was originally published on TODAY.com An organization called AMMO Ukraine has given a new look at an uncrewed underwater vehicle called Marichka that it says could be used to launch kamikaze attacks on Russian targets. A new video shows a prototype of a large Ukrainian drone submarine moving under its own power just under the surface of the water. Much about the design, dubbed Marichka, remains murky, but the organization behind it says it could be used to launch kamikaze attacks against ships and maritime infrastructure . This is a kind of capability that Ukraine has a clear interest in and uncrewed surface vessels have already become a key Ukrainian weapon for striking at the Russian Navy and other targets in and around the Black Sea. AMMO Ukraine , which describes itself as a charitable foundation, posted the new video of Marichka Ukrainian for Mary on its social media accounts earlier today. The group has been promoting the uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), and soliciting investments and donations to support its development, since August . This followed a separate group, called Brave-1 , unveiling a planned family of smaller kamikaze UUVs, known as Toloka , earlier in the year. The video, seen in the social media post below, shows Marichka being lowered into the water and detached from a six-wheeled trailer used to move it on land. Personnel with their faces blurred out are then seen climbing on top of the drone submarine, which then begins moving via its own propulsion system. Additional individuals are also seen in a rubber raft behind it. https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1706330918791631195?s=20 Verifiable details about Marichka and its capabilities remain very limited. The project is still somewhat new and it is unclear how fast it might progress, especially given the heavy appeals for additional outside funding. Still, Ukraine has prioritized these types of capabilities and has pushed them into service remarkably fast in the past. Exactly how Marichka, which is reportedly just under 20 feet (six meters) long and just over three feet (one meter) in diameter, is powered is unclear. There are no clear indications that its propulsion system is air-breathing, which could point to strictly battery power. The UUV otherwise has a tubular shape with four fins arrayed around the tail end. There are a pair of horizontal stabilizers at the front, as well. The new footage of the UUV and previous clips showing it being tested, the latter of which can be seen in the full video below, have the tail end blurred out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM5QU5rkdN8 Computer-generated renderings from AMMO Ukraine have depicted Marichka with a six-bladed propeller, as well as two additional stabilizers toward the stern. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MHGYjxu9pM AMMO Ukraine has claimed in the past that Marichka has a maximum range of 621 miles (1,000 kilometers). If true, the drone submarine could one-way trips to virtually any point in the Black Sea from ports in western Ukraine. Suitable motherships at sea could be used to launch the UUV closer to its destination or from more unexpected vectors. The unit cost is expected to be approximately 16 million Ukrainian hryvnia, or just under $433,421 at the rate of exchange at the time of writing, according to AMMO Ukraine. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1706330562409935266 Unsurprisingly, AMMO Ukraine has presented Marichka as a potential explosive-filled kamikaze weapon that could be used to attack ships and littoral infrastructure, including bridges. For a year now , Ukrainian forces have been making increasingly good use of an expanding arsenal of drone boats to launch attacks on Russian Navy ships at sea and in port, as well as other targets like the Kerch Strait Bridge . A graphic from the AMMO Ukraine website showing a cutaway rendering depicting a Marichka drone submarine full of explosives and a ship exploding in half. The 'target' here appears to be a curious hybrid of the Soviet Kiev and Kuznetsov class aircraft carrier designs. AMMO Ukraine Ukraine's uncrewed surface vessels use a mix of satellite-assisted navigation and terminal targeting via electro-optical and infrared cameras to hit their mark. What level of autonomy these drone boats have remains unclear. https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1661724151520849920?s=20 https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1687358900079587329 Similar kinds of guidance and targeting capabilities might be a challenge for Marichka. Although some sort of mast with cameras and datalink aerials could be possible, it's unclear if it would work in practice, especially in choppier seas. Still, it's a possibility. Where a concept like this would be better employed is autonomously against fixed targets like bridges and ships in port. The guidance method to achieve this application just requires a specific set of location coordinates and the ability to sail there and execute a pre-specified attack run, all run on autopilot. While the targets the drone could attack would be far more limited, it would also be harder to counter than its surface-riding counterparts. A UUV, even one that is only capable of operating just under the waves, would have the added benefit of being less detectable than even low-profile USVs running on the surface. On multiple occasions, Russian authorities have released imagery they say shows its forces engaging incoming Ukrainian USVs. https://twitter.com/Archer83Able/status/1661379305236987907 https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1667898842279301121 Depending on its exact capabilities, a kamikaze drone boat might be able to navigate under certain physical defenses that could impede USVs, including floating booms , obstacles, and other barriers that Russian forces have deployed in Sevastopol Bay on the occupied Crimean Peninsula. Sevastopol is currently home to the headquarters of the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet and many of its ships, which Ukrainian forces have notably stepped up strikes on in recent weeks . https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1638849437798920192 https://twitter.com/AlexPanchenko2/status/1706174827441029282?s=20 Operational Ukrainian drone submarines, even if they are relatively noisy at high speed and more readily detectable as a result, would force Russia to put additional resources into its undersea defenses. The Russians have already deployed specially trained dolphins and rare coastal defense variants of the BM-21 multiple rocket launcher, among other capabilities, around Sevastopol to help protect against combat divers and other underwater threats. Beyond this, Marichka could be useful as a more difficult-to-detect maritime intelligence-gathering platform. Submarines, crewed and uncrewed, inherently have benefits as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets given their ability to slink around under the waves. Ukraine's Navy does not currently have any crewed submarines in its inventory. AMMO Ukraine has also raised the possibility that Marichka could be used as a discreet, small transport able to carry critical supplies to forward military units or even civilians in coastal areas. Marichka as a transport might be useful for supporting Ukrainian special operations units conducting raids and other behind-the-lines operations in places like Crimea . Still, this seems more likely to be a limited secondary application of such a design. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1gPHahT_gw Altogether, it very much remains to be seen what will come of Marichka and whether it will even become operational. At the same time, it is clearly designed to offer a less vulnerable kamikaze attack platform and potentially perform other missions that are fully in line with how Ukraine is waging war against Russia in and around the Black Sea now. Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com Everybody loses gear at some point. While it is rare, we're able to retrace our steps quickly enough we can recover the gear before anyone with BAH notices. One time we had to comb the desert because a doc lost his NVGs. When someone's lost their gear and now you have company-sized element searching for government property just know it means loss of rank. If found, the consequences may just be some extra duty and some hazing training. If not, well, let me put it this way: it's more embarrassing in an infantry battalion getting NJP'd for losing gear than losing control of your bowels in the middle of a change of command ceremony. This begs the question, what happens when the government loses an entire F-35 ? 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For our special one-year anniversary cover of Hurricane Ian, The News-Press and Naples Daily News reporters have had conversations with local leaders and officials about the important lessons that were learned and what's next for their communities. On Sept. 28, 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian destroyed parts of Southwest Florida including Naples, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Isles of Capri, Cape Coral, and Pine Island. Several areas are still recovering from the storm's damage. Collier County and Naples officials say the storm taught them many lessons and continues to impact how they handle storm preparedness. Naples Daily News spoke with Naples City Manager Jay Boodheshwar and Collier County Emergency Services Director Dan Summers about what the city and county learned from Ian. How did the storm surge affect Naples and Collier Hurricane Ian brought winds and rain to the inland areas of Collier and Naples, but the coastal areas faced disastrous storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico. "Unfortunately, we have all learned a powerful reminder about the potential and serious impact of storm surge," Summers said. "A hurricane with a significant on-shore flow-generating storm surge is such a different challenge as opposed to a storm that is, generally, just a wind event." Boodheshwar said Naples had experienced disastrous winds, but Ian showed the city how detrimental storm surge can be. "I think a lesson learned is that the city of Naples is prone to a major surge event," Boodheshwar said. The storm surge from Ian reached nearly 12 feet in Collier County and close to 14 feet in Fort Myers Beach, causing detrimental flooding to coastal homes and businesses. Ian's surge was the highest recorded in Southwest Florida in more than150 years. Importance of communication Boodheshwar said Hurricane Ian showed how important it is to maintain communication during a disaster whether it's between the city and its residents or between the city and the county. "We have better plans because of what we learned from last year," Boodheshwar said. "Specifically in terms of surge and the water and being prepared to communicate quickly to the community." Naples and Collier County both have websites and emergency alerts for weather-related incidents. Summers encourages residents to sign up for the county's emergency alerts. "We cant emphasize enough to remind our residents and guests to stay in touch and take action in advance of these severe weather events," Summers said. "Actively listen to local government information regarding evacuations, have a plan, subscribe to Alert Collier for notifications, view the resources on the Countys website, and visit Ready.gov and Collier 311." Recovery in Naples and Collier a year later While it's been nearly a year since Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida, some homes and businesses are still rebuilding. And some locals still face emotional impacts from what Ian put them through. "The homes that did well are the ones that are newer, that were elevated, either naturally on higher areas of the community, or are elevated by design to meet the building codes," Boodheshwar said. "So as far as the recovery is going, there are a lot of things that have to be demolished. New homes that will be built will be more resilient." Boodheshwar said the storm affected people in unique ways and that no one experienced the exact same thing. "The degree of impact really varies from some people having zero impact, to others losing their homes and their lives," Boodheshwar said. "And that is not lost on us. We understand the emotional trauma that occurred and we're super sensitive to that emotional trauma." Collier County has experienced hurricanes before, but Summers said no two storms are the same and that affects how recovery goes. "In my 41 years of hurricane response efforts, truly every storm provides some unique challenges," Summers said. "I dont have any singular critical area of concern, but in the case of Ian and the regional issues it caused, our state faced resource challenges dealing with concurrent disasters around the country." While Collier still faces recovery challenges today, Summers reflected back on how the county responded immediately after Ian's impact. "There is always a balancing act to work to right-size the disaster response resources you need pre-landfall and what you need immediately following landfall when conditions and damage information are so fluid," Summers said. "As an example, we were able to spare some resources to Lee County, while still responding to our local needs." How Hurricane Ian impacted future storm preparedness When Hurricane Idalia first developed into a low pressure system, Naples city officials jumped into action because of how similar the storm looked to Ian. "The weekend before Idalia became a named storm, we were in communication with the county and we coordinated on the timing of our emergency declaration," Boodheshwar said. "And that's very important. We rely on each other for intelligence and we rely on the county and their resources." Summers said every storm and disaster the county faces allows officials to prepare even more for the next. "Multi-hazard preparedness planning and training for natural, technological, and man-made hazards and threats is our year-round job," Summers said. "Each year we build upon lessons learned, new concerns, vulnerability reviews, and leverage limited dollars and resources to build local capability and resiliency." Summers said the county has formed partnerships with crucial agencies to ensure the community receives resources before, during, and after a disaster. "One exciting item that has grown from the response to Hurricane Ian is the partnerships that have formed with our Emergency Management team, the Collier County Community Foundation, and dozens of other non-profit human service agencies to work more closely together during times of disaster," Summers said. "These growing partnerships will refine the business process and improve the effectiveness of disaster response to those with serious unmet needs." This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Naples, Collier County discuss lessons from Hurricane Ian 1 year later Citing unacceptable funding disparities between Historically Black Colleges and Universities founded as land-grant institutions and their peer non-HBCU land-grant schools, officials in the Biden Administration last week called on states to begin remedying such imbalances. In letters from the U.S. secretaries of education and agriculture to governors in 16 mostly southeastern states, funding disparities in those states were said to total a combined $12-plus billion between non-HBCU land-grant institutions and land-grant HBCUs. The disparity between the two land-grant universities in Georgia the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University from the past 30 years or so alone was calculated to be in excess of $600 million. These funds could have supported infrastructure and student services and would have better positioned the university to compete for research grants, said the letter sent to Gov. Brian Kemp . Fort Valley State University has been able to make remarkable strides and would be much stronger and better positioned to serve its students, your state, and the nation if made whole with respect to this funding gap. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper reported that Kemps press secretary, in a statement, said Kemp has and will continue to support Georgias HBCU institutions. The newspaper said the press secretary referred comment on specifics of the letter to the University System of Georgia, which said that it was working to collect data and facts and then will respond to the letter. The letter sent to Kemp from the Biden Administration went on to say that the situation ... clearly predates all of us, but that it was the Administrations hope that we can collaborate to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. Officials at Fort Valley State University declined comment. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, in a statement last week, said, Unacceptable funding inequities have forced many of our nations distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities to operate with inadequate resources and delay critical investments in everything from campus infrastructure to research and development to student support services. The letter that Cardona co-wrote to Georgias governor went on to say that given the large amount of state funding that is owed to Fort Valley State University, it would be ambitious to address the funding disparity over the course of several years in the state budget. ... We want to make abundantly clear that it is not necessary to reduce funding to other institutions, nor make a reduction in general fund allocations to Fort Valley State University in addressing these disparities. Commander, the Biden familys 2-year-old German shepherd dog, cant stop biting people inside the White House. The dog nipped a Secret Service agent on Monday, according to officials, in whats believed to be the 11th such incident since Commander entered the White House. The agent has since spoken with the Secret Service director and is reportedly OK, the Secret Service said. Yesterday around 8pm, a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a First Family pet and was bitten. The officer was treated by medical personnel on complex, the Secret Service told CNN. In July, following another incident, the White House said it was working on a new set of training protocols for Commander. Commander arrived at the White House in 2021 and has been wreaking havoc since. The Bidens German shepherd Commander has biten 11 people since entering the White House (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In November, the German shepherd sent an officer to the hospital for injuries to the arms and thighs. I believe its only a matter of time before an agent/officer is attacked or bit, an anonymous staffer said at the time. In 2021, a previous group of Biden dogs, including the now-deceased Champ and Major, were sent back to Delaware, following a spate of aggressive behaviour. [Champ and Major] are still getting acclimated and accustomed to their surroundings and new people. And on Monday, the first familys younger dog, Major, was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual, then-press secretary Jen Psaki said of an incident involving the White House security detail. The First Lady has spoken about the difficulties of controlling dogs in the White House Ive been getting obsessed with getting our dogs settled because we have an old dog and we have a very young dog, Jill Biden said on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2021. They have to take the elevator, theyre not used to that, and they have to go out on the South Lawn with lots of people watching them. So thats what Ive been obsessed with, getting everybody settled and calm. Champ died later that year. In 2022, the Bidens welcomed a cat, Willow, to the White House. President Biden on Tuesday joined the picket line alongside United Auto Workers union members in Michigan, taking up a megaphone as he encouraged workers holding the line. The president urged workers to "stick with it," saying they deserve a "significant" raise and other benefits as the strike has stretched on for 12 days. "The fact of the matter is that you guys, the UAW, you saved the auto industry back in 2008 and before," the president said in brief remarks outside a General Motors distribution center near Detroit. "Made a lot of sacrifices. Gave up a lot and companies were in trouble. But now they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too." Mr. Biden shook hands with picketers, and put his arm around a woman who appeared to wipe tears from her eyes. "You deserve what you've earned, and you've earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid now," he said. President Joe Biden joins striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union on the picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Bellville, Wayne County, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023. / Credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / REUTERS It's an unusual move for a sitting president to make such a visible intervention for striking workers, unprecedented in modern presidential history. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted Monday the administration is "not going to get into negotiations," and wouldn't say whether the White House supports UAW workers' current proposal. But the president weighed in on Tuesday. Amid the noise, a reporter asked the president if the UAW should get a 40% pay increase. Striking UAW workers said, "Yes!" "Yes, I think they should be able to bargain for that," the president replied. The Biden administration had said it would send acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and top White House adviser Gene Sperling to help with negotiations, but then decided last week to keep the two in Washington. Su and Sperling "have been in regular touch for the past several weeks with all parties," Jean-Pierre said. President Joe Biden greets people as he joins striking auto workers on UAW picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center, in Bellville, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023. / Credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / REUTERS Mr. Biden last week announced he would join the picket line, shortly after former President Trump announced he would visit Detroit on Wednesday and skip Wednesday's Republican presidential debate in California. Trump has accused Mr. Biden of only visiting because Trump said he would. "Crooked Joe should be ashamed to show his face before these hardworking Americans he is stabbing in the back," Trump said in a statement Tuesday. "With Biden, it doesn't matter what hourly wages they get, in three years there will be no autoworker jobs as they will all come out of China and other countries." Jean-Pierre said the president's presence is supposed to send the message that "we support the auto workers." "To be very clear, he is standing with them to make sure that they get a fair share," Jean-Pierre said during Monday's press briefing. The UAW, which began its walkout on Sept. 15, has expanded its strike against the Big Three automakers to include General Motors and Chrysler parent company Stellantis distribution centers across 20 states. Fewer than 20,000 UAW members are striking, out of the UAW's nearly 150,000 members. The UAW has demanded a 36% pay increase, annual cost-of-living adjustments, pensions and a four-day work week, among other things. The sides still appear far apart. Mr. Biden, who refers to himself as the most pro-union president, said last week that the companies have made "significant offers" but must do more. The president said workers deserve a "fair share of the benefits they help create for an enterprise." "Companies have made some significant offers, but I believe it should go further to ensure record corporate profits mean record contracts," the president said when the strike began. Taylor Swift attends Chiefs game with Travis Kelce's family Newest car theft threat: carhackers What UAW demands say about American life Xi calls on Zhejiang to write new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization Xinhua) 08:08, September 26, 2023 Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the development of pomegranate industry at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A rash of robberies happened overnight in neighborhoods citywide, and employees were tied up with zip ties in at least one robbery, Chicago police said. Shortly before 8 p.m., two robbers entered a cell phone store in the 1700 block of West Fullerton Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The armed robbers demanded cell phones, other electronic items and cash before fleeing in a white SUV. Police said all the victims had their hands restrained. Advertisement Robbers traveling in a white SUV continued to target pedestrians throughout the city, police said. About 12:15 a.m., a 23-year-old man was robbed in the Garfield Park neighborhood in the 3000 block of West Carroll Avenue. Three armed males exited a white SUV and took the victims wallet and backpack, police said. Advertisement Shortly before 1 a.m., a 25-year-old man was robbed by three males in a white SUV in the West Town neighborhood in the 400 block of North Aberdeen Street. The robbers demanded his wallet and backpack at gunpoint before fleeing the scene, police said. About 2:45 a.m., a man was in a parking lot of a retail store in the 3500 block of North Kimball Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood when robbers demanded his wallet and backpack, and fled thee scene in a black SUV, police saiid. Shortly before 3 a.m., a 33-year-old man was battered and robbed in the 2000 block of North Damen Avenue in the North Center neighborhood, police said. Two robbers approached the victim and battered him before taking his belongings, police said. No one was in custody for the robberies, and detectives were investigating. DETROIT President Joe Biden on Tuesday became the first sitting president to join a picket line with striking workers, vividly demonstrating his commitment to labor and its central role in his reelection campaign. The president, donning a blue hat with a United Auto Workers symbol, stood on a wooden platform and used a bull horn to speak to the crowd of union members dressed in red. He was flanked by United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain. The unions built the middle class. Thats a fact. Lets keep going, the president told the crowd outside of GMs Willow Run Redistribution Center in Wayne County, Mich. You deserve what youve earned, and youve earned a hell of a lot more than youre getting paid now. Bidens choice to show solidarity with striking auto workers at a time of great promise and peril for the labor movement represented a tectonic shift for an office historically known for breaking strikes, not supporting them. The move also appeared to be a clear counter to former President Donald Trump , who plans to visit Michigan on Wednesday instead of participating in the second Republican primary debate the latest sign that both candidates have moved beyond the primary phase of the election and are focused on November 2024. But for Biden, too, Tuesdays trip suggested that he cant take labor support for granted. Union leadership has already rallied behind the presidents reelection bid, but that hasnt necessarily translated into support from rank-and-file members who have slowly been drifting away from the Democratic Party and who make up an important part of the electorate in must-win states for Biden. The UAW has held off on endorsing Biden, although it has made clear they will not support Trump. After Bidens remarks, Fain grabbed the bull horn and the president stepped back into the crowd. Biden put his arm around one striker as Fain thanked him for joining the picket line. The crowd cheered. Thank you for coming to stand up with us in our generation's defining moment. And we know the president will do right by the working class, Fain said. And when we do right by the working class, you can leave the rest to us because were going to take care of this business. Reporters later asked the president if he supported a 40 percent wage increase for the auto workers. The union members surrounding him shouted yes, and after waiting a moment, Biden, too, said yes. The White Houses decision to send Biden to the picket line was made public late last week after Fains frustrations with the presidents handling of the strike spilled out into the open. On Tuesday, the president and Fain spoke in the presidential limo as they rode over from the airport to the picket line. One person familiar with the meeting, who was granted anonymity to describe a private conversation, said the discussion was not about an endorsement for the presidents reelection campaign but about a fair transition to electric vehicles. A second person familiar with the talk described it as a good conversation. Comments that Biden made earlier this summer about how he hoped to avoid a strike had not sat well with Fain or with Michigan Democrats. And while the White Houses behind-the-scenes strategy proved more successful in the rail and dock worker negotiations, it wasnt welcomed by Fain. The UAW leader wanted the president to be a more vocal advocate for autoworkers and rally the public around their cause. Fain last week rebuffed the White Houses offer to send acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and economic adviser Gene Sperling to Michigan, signaling that only a visit from the president would be acceptable as the autoworkers prepared for a second week on strike. We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket lines, from our friends and family all the way to the president of the United States, Fain said in a Friday morning address. There was also an uneasy sense among Democrats that they couldnt risk ceding any political ground on the issue after Trump announced he would visit the battleground state, even though the former president has a far more complicated relationship with labor and will have to answer for the anti-union policies his administration pursued. A person familiar with Trumps plans told POLITICO it was unlikely he would make a visit to the picket line due to logistics. Early Wednesday morning, ahead of Trumps visit, the UAW plans to release a new video on the Lordstown plant closure, which is seen as a broken promise by the former president, a person familiar with the unions plans said. The video isnt finalized and plans could change, the person added, but the video could include comments from Trump in 2017, when he promised Ohio residents that manufacturing jobs would return to the state. During a rally that year, he told a crowd in Youngstown, Ohio, Dont move. Dont sell your house. The UAW is seeking a 36 percent hourly pay increase over the next four years, pointing to big profits that the auto companies raked in during the Covid pandemic that inflated CEO salaries but has yet to benefit workers. The union is also seeking the reinstatement of traditional pensions, improved health care benefits and a doing away with the automakers reliance on temporary workers and the two-tiered pay system. The auto companies have said the unions demands are too expensive. The UAW is targeting its strike to a limited number of plants owned by Ford, General Motors and Stellantis in order to keep the auto companies guessing and to cut down on the number of members needed to be paid from the strike fund. That strategy could help the union draw out the strike for weeks if the companies dont budge. The union spared expanding its strike to additional Ford plants on Friday, putting it against General Motors and Stellantis, after it said the company had done more to meet its demands. As Biden touched down in Michigan, there were lingering signs of the limits to how far he will go in support of the UAWs demands. A day earlier, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to say whether the president supported specific elements of union demands, including some of their most basic ones such as wage increases. She said that the president wasnt taking sides. This is for the parties to negotiate. Were not going to speak to whats being put at the table, Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday. We believe theres an opportunity here for a win-win agreement. Rank-and-file union members, however, mostly saw the positive: For the first time ever, the president of the United States was marching with them, calling on their auto bosses to reach a fair contract. It tells me he means what he says when hes pro-union and for the little guy, said Edgar Litton, a surface repair technician at the Wayne, Mich., plant. Holly Otterbein and Hannah Northey contributed to this report. Joe Biden on Tuesday joined a United Auto Workers picket line outside a General Motors factory in Michigan, making a visible show of support for striking workers in a historic moment for a modern president. Mr Biden, wearing a UAW hat and sweatshirt and speaking through a bullhorn, said hed joined union picket lines while a senator and as vice president, but never before as Americas chief executive. He told the workers that they deserved credit for helping save the American auto industry by agreeing to concessions during the 2008 financial crisis, and that the automakers record profits since then should be used to reward the workers who helped earn those profits. The fact of the matter is is that you guys the UAW saved the automobile industry back in 2008 ... you gave up a lot and the companies were in trouble, but now theyre doing incredibly well, he said. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too. Mr Biden said the workers should stick with it because they deserve a significant raise and other benefits, and to get back what [they] lost during the crisis. You saved them, now its time that they step up for us, he added. The show of support comes ahead of the 2024 election. The auto industry and its workers are key to labour movement deeply intertwined with politics and elections in Michigan and other midwestern US states. Donald Trump, the front-runner to be the Republican 2024 presidential candidate, will address hundreds of workers at a gathering at an auto supplier in a Detroit suburb on Wednesday, though not at a union event. Mr Bidens trip to Michigan comes as US labour unions have been flexing their muscles in recent months. Earlier this week, the union representing Hollywood and television screenwriters ended a monthslong strike after producers and studios agreed to pay hikes and concessions in a new contract. The president has long been a staunch supporter of organised labour, and has described himself as the most pro-union US president in American history. The White House said he was joining the UAW picket line in solidarity with the men and women of the United Auto Workers union as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create. Though multiple labour unions have endorsed Mr Bidens bid for re-election, the UAW has thus far refrained from expressing a preference in next years presidential contest. But as he arrived in Michigan earlier on Tuesday, the president told reporters he was not worried about earning the auto unions endorsement, just after he was greeted on the tarmac by UAW president Shawn Fain. Mr Fain told the workers that the presidents trip to their picket line was a historic moment both for the UAW and for organised labour. Today, I just want to take a moment to stand with all of you with our president and say thank you to the President. Thank you, Mr President for coming to stand up in our generations defining moments, And we know the president will do right by the working class. And when we do right by the working class, you can leave the rest of us because were going to take care of this, he said. Turning to the president, he thanked him for being a part of their strike. Taking the bullhorn back, Mr Biden closed by repeating his oft-used phrase about unions rather than Wall Street having built the middle class which had in turn built this country. He also told the workers that they deserved a hell of a lot more than they were currently getting from the automakers. Asked by a reporter whether the workers deserved the 40 per cent raise they are demanding, Mr Biden simply replied: Yes. President Biden is seeing warning signs with independent voters nearly a year out from Election Day, with new polls suggesting hes losing support from a crucial group poised to decide who will next serve in the White House. Independent voters reported a lackluster 36 percent approval rating of Biden in an NBC News poll taken in mid-September, and 3 in 5 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents in a Washington Post-ABC News poll said they want a nominee other than Biden. The numbers could mean trouble for Biden in the general election, especially if its a rematch against former President Trump. There are going to be a fair number of cross-pressured voters including many people who consider themselves independents who hold a negative view of Biden and Trump. These are the folks who are going to decide the election, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Trumps support among likely Republican primary voters, meanwhile, has seen a continued surge despite facing a myriad of legal troubles, but thats a different matter among voters who are not staunchly GOP. Trump led the GOP presidential field with 67 percent of Republicans, but that number dwindles to 47 percent when it comes to those who lean Republican a 20-point disconnect a recent Quinnipiac University poll found. In August, that gap was 17 percent, with 62 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of GOP-leaning voters. Among independents, Biden earned a 36 percent approval rating on his job handling in the Washington Post-ABC News poll. Asked to look back on Trumps job handling, 47 percent of that group said they approved of the former president and the pollsters note that comparison with Biden could be a factor in Trumps retrospective rating. Persistent concerns about Bidens age also permeate the polling, while voters dont appear as worried about Trumps. At 80, Biden is the oldest sitting president, and 80 percent of independents in the Post-ABC poll said Biden is too old for another term. By contrast, 58 percent of independents said the same of Trump, who at 77 is only a few years younger. In 2020, Biden led Trump by nearly 10 points with independents. Fifty-two percent of independent voters supported Biden, compared to 43 percent supporting Trump, according to Pew Research Center. Independents nearly split their vote in 2016, with 43 percent supporting Trump and 42 percent supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Bidens lead over Trump with the independent voting bloc in 2020 was essential to his success in winning back swing states Clinton had lost. Losing those gains would be a major issue for Bidens campaign, which has been focused on reminding voters of Republicans far-right stances on issues like reproductive rights, as well as certain legislative victories for Biden that were attractive to independents. The infrastructure law and the CHIPS and Science Act both passed with a bipartisan vote and tackle issues manufacturing and building in the U.S. and competition with China that are important to voters on both sides of the aisle. Democratic strategist Eddie Vale underscored that independents will likely be key in the upcoming race but if the election comes down to a Biden-Trump rematch of 2020, Biden has a good track record to keep independents in his column. We [saw] from Bidens last race, and the midterms as well, that independents are sticking with him, Vale said. Overall, Biden has faced dismal approval ratings going into the election year. Biden surrogates often point to his ability to defy the odds, like when he turned around the 2020 Democratic primary and went on to win the nomination. His campaign, too, does not appear concerned by the consistently bad polling numbers over the past few months. A source familiar with the campaigns thinking said that once the campaign gears up more, it will be able to message wins to independent voters and get that bloc to give Biden more credit. They will message these wins directly to independents as the campaign gears up. I dont doubt that they will get this right and be fine, the source said. Some pollsters also argued that the Post-ABC poll, which found Biden was trailing Trump by 10 percentage points, is a one-off outlier. Sabato called it a ridiculous outlier and Matt Barreto, a Democratic and Latino pollster, said its a big outlier poll that should be ignored. Another Democratic operative chalked up recent polling to the focus on the Republican presidential primary, saying once that is settled, Bidens numbers will improve with blocs like independents. Voters are watching the circus of a Republican primary but arent thinking about the general election. Once we are closer to November 2024 and its a head-to-head matchup, President Bidens long record of wins is going to stand in stark contrast, said Andrea Riccio, Democratic strategist and founder of Velocity Partners. Bidens once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure to build roads, fix bridges and create American jobs will be one of the key accomplishments that sways independents, she added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose BELLEVILLE, Michigan (Reuters) -President Joe Biden on Tuesday joined a picket line with striking autoworkers in Michigan, supporting their call for a 40% pay raise and saying they deserve a "lot more" than they are getting. Biden's appearance, the first visit by a U.S. president to striking workers in modern history, comes a day before Donald Trump , the Republican front-runner for president, will speak to auto workers in Michigan. The rare back-to-back events highlight the importance of union support in the 2024 presidential election, even though unions represent a tiny fraction of U.S. workers. Democrat Biden traveled to a Belleville, Michigan, parts distribution center owned by General Motors, and joined dozens of picketers outside. "Companies were in trouble, now they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too," Biden said through a bullhorn. "Stick with it." He was referring to a 2009 government bailout of U.S. automakers that included wage cuts. "You deserve what you've earned. And you've earned a helluva lot more than what you're getting paid now," he said. Asked if he supported the 40% increase the union had asked for, a figure that mirrors CEO pay increases over four years, Biden said, "Yes. I think they should be able to bargain for that." Auto company sources said Biden's support for a 40% pay hike may make it harder to reach a compromise with the UAW. Talks are not advancing this week as attention is focused on Biden and Trump, they said. Tesla chief Elon Musk weighed in on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the 40% ask and shorter work hours are a "sure way" to drive the companies "bankrupt." Tesla's factories are not unionized. Flanked by Secret Service agents, Biden exchanged fist bumps and took selfies with the crowd after he spoke. Trump will address hundreds of workers at a gathering at an auto supplier in a Detroit suburb on Wednesday. The supplier, Drake Enterprises, is a nonunion manufacturer, according to a spokesman at the AFL-CIO. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Republicans believe Biden's push to electrify America's vehicle fleet, by pumping billions of dollars of tax rebates into EV manufacturing, is unpopular with auto workers. In a statement on Tuesday, Trump accused Biden of "stabbing" autoworkers in the back. Biden's EV mandate, he said, will "annihilate" the U.S. auto industry and cost "thousands of autoworkers their jobs." UAW President Shawn Fain greeted Biden at the airport, discussed the union's concerns about the shift to EVs, and handed the president a black UAW baseball cap. Calling Biden's visit a "historic moment in time," Fain accused CEOs of taking the profits and leaving workers to "fight for scraps." "Thank you Mr. President for coming to stand up with us," Fain said. "We know the president will do right by the working class." His comments fell short of an official endorsement for Biden's re-election bid, but Biden said on Tuesday he was not worried about the endorsement. The union is not involved with Trump's visit and Fain does not plan to attend that event, a source added. Both candidates are expected to sharpen their 2024 campaign message in Michigan. "We are a long way from the general election, but it sure feels like the general election," said Dave Urban, a Republican strategist who previously worked for Trump. ECONOMIC FALLOUT FEARED UAW workers this month began targeted strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis seeking wage rises to match CEO pay jumps, shorter work weeks and job security as the industry moves toward electric vehicles. Both the Detroit Three and the UAW have a lot at stake in federal policy decisions. Automakers are counting on Washington for billions in subsidies for EV production and negotiating with the Biden administration over future emissions rules that require a shift to EVs that the industry believes would be too fast and too expensive. The union, meanwhile, is concerned that the transition to EVs will mean a loss of jobs as those vehicles require fewer parts in production. Only 10.1% of U.S. workers were union members in 2022, but they have outsized political influence because the states where they are strong often swing from voting Democratic to Republican, and their grassroots networks are powerful influences on the working-class vote. RUST BELT IN THE BALANCE? The auto industry and its labor movement are deeply intertwined with politics and elections in Michigan and other midwestern U.S. states. In 2016, Trump earned a level of support from union members that no Republican had reached since Ronald Reagan, helping him narrowly capture critical states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Biden rebounded with unions in 2020, with a roughly 16-percentage-point advantage as he reclaimed those so-called Rust Belt states, which have been scarred by decades of job losses as companies embraced lower-cost, often nonunion locations. He won Michigan in 2020 by some 154,000 votes. In Michigan, Trump will criticize Biden's economic policies and incentives promoting EVs and say he would do a better job of protecting blue-collar workers if elected to a second term, said Trump adviser Jason Miller. Trump is banking on driving a wedge between union members and their leaders, who criticized the former president's labor policies during his term, labor experts said. Biden's Michigan visit represents the most support a sitting president has shown striking workers since Theodore Roosevelt invited striking coal workers to the White House in 1902, historians said. (Reporting by Jeff Mason in Belleville, Michigan, and Nandita Bose in Washington, Jarrett Renshaw in Philadelphia and Nathan Layne in Wilton, ConnecticutAdditional reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Heather Timmons, Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) President Joe Biden on Monday told Pacific island leaders that he is committed to fighting climate change that poses an existential threat to the tiny atolls that could be swamped by rising sea levels. Meeting with members of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, Biden vowed to help the region meet the challenges of climate change which threatens to wipe some of the nations off the face of the Earth. The people in the United States and around the world hear you, Biden said. We hear your warnings of a rising sea and (that) they pose an existential threat to your nations. You never, never, never will lose your statehood ... as a result of a climate crisis, Biden added. At the start of a two-day summit, Biden said he has asked Congress to approve $200 million in new aid for the region, including helping the islands prepare for climate hazards and improve infrastructure. The South Pacific island nations have mostly been sharply critical of rich countries including the U.S. for not doing enough to rein in climate change despite being historically responsible for much of the problem. They also accuse international financial institutions of taking advantage of them by doling out profitable loans to mitigate the damage caused by rising seas. As part of the summit, the U.S. formally established diplomatic relations with two South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands and Niue. These milestones celebrate areas of change, and demonstrate that with unshakable resolve and leadership, remarkable achievements are possible, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said. Biden announced Monday that later this year he would deploy a U.S. Coast Guard vessel to the region to collaborate and train with Pacific islands nations. At a similar confab last year, the White House unveiled a new strategy to assist the South Pacifics leaders on pressing issues like climate change, maritime security and protecting the region from overfishing. The U.S. last year pledged to add $810 million in new aid for Pacific islands nations over the next decade, including $130 million on efforts to stymie the impacts of climate change. _____ The News When it comes to the war in Ukraine, there seems to be a chasm between Republican lawmakers in Washington and their voters back home. Among the GOP base, skepticism of U.S. involvement in the conflict runs deep. Fifty-nine percent of Republicans say the U.S. is doing too much to help Kyiv, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll released over the weekend, similar to earlier results from Gallup and CNN. But in Congress, Republican resistance to aid still appears to be shallow despite some booming opposition from some of the partys biggest conservative stars. An open letter last week opposing President Bidens latest $24 billion request for Ukraine attracted just 29 GOP signatures from the House and Senate, led by Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas. While that tally was up from the 19 lawmakers who in April vowed to oppose future assistance packages unless they are linked to a clear diplomatic strategy designed to bring this war to a rapid conclusion, it still represented just a small fraction of Capitol Hill Republicans. Not every GOP lawmaker opposed to further Ukraine support joined the letters, suggesting they shouldnt be taken as a precise whip count on the issue. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., a vocal opponent, signed neither letter, for instance. Pure numbers also dont tell the whole story: The fight to cut off Ukraines assistance has been led by hardline conservatives like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., whove made it a political centerpiece in this months chaotic fight over the federal budget. In the Senate, where support for Kyiv among Republicans is stronger, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. has vowed to slow down any stopgap funding bill that includes Ukraine aid. But a pair of recent votes during the Houses work on the National Defense Authorization Act over the summer also suggest that opposing Ukraine aid remains a minority position among GOP lawmakers. An amendment from Greene that would have stripped $300 million in Ukraine funding from the bill got 89 Republican yes votes, while a larger number 130 voted against it. A separate push from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. to prohibit further assistance for Ukraine garnered 70 Republican votes, while more than double that amount voted against it. The majority of the majority supports this, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas said of Ukraine aid last week, the same day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was on Capitol Hill meeting with members of both parties. Morgans view The fact that Republican politicians seem much more supportive of Ukraines war effort than their constituents bodes well for the administrations latest aid request (if Congress can ever agree on a budget). But at some point, it seems likely political gravity will kick in, and falling support for Ukraine among GOP voters will further drag down enthusiasm among Capitol Hill Republicans. (It wont help matters that Donald Trump isnt exactly a solid Ukraine backer). That process could speed up as the White House comes back with more funding requests; if the latest $24 billion ask gets approved, the Biden administration estimates it will only last through the end of the year. Some Republicans have pushed for more oversight of the funds, which may end up being the key to getting more assistance to the House floor for a vote in the near term. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has insisted there would be no blank checks for Ukraine and last week said he and other members planned to press Zelenskyy on accountability for the funds. (McCarthy recently reversed plans to strike $300 million from a Pentagon funding bill under pressure from Greene.) Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor recently told me that he was sure Ukraine funding would pass in the House (in part due to robust support among Democrats) but noted the question lies in how and in what form it actually gets to the floor. Im not an expert on that and the Ukrainians are not experts on that, but once you get it to a vote which it will get to it will pass, he said. Room for Disagreement Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., a supporter of Ukraine, believes that House Republicans (and the Biden administration) can actually persuade their colleagues who oppose aid to reverse themselves by communicating better about the degree to which other countries besides the U.S. are supporting Ukraine and articulating a clear plan to win. Both issues are topics that come up in conversations with constituents, Hill told a gathering about Ukraine recovery efforts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies last week. I think if we answer those questions persuasively, with both European contributors to that voice and American leadership both on the Hill and in the executive branch, well lower that number, Hill said, referring to the number of Republicans who voted in favor of Greenes amendment to strike the Ukraine funds earlier this year. Rep. Jimmy Gomez , D-Calif., introduced legislation Wednesday to rename the Los Angeles U.S. Courthouse in honor of a Latino family who paved the way for school desegregation. Almost eight decades ago, in the area where the courthouse stands, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez brought a lawsuit that ended school segregation in California in 1947 and was later used as a blueprint for the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark ruling, that found segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Felicitas was Puerto Rican and her husband Gonzalo was Mexican American. "When Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez and four other courageous families challenged segregation in California schools 77 years ago, they not only stood up for their own children they took a stand for the civil rights of students of color everywhere and left a legacy," Gomez told NBC News on Tuesday. Renaming his districts courthouse as the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse would also be the first time a federal courthouse is named after a Latina, he said. The U.S. Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. (Xinhua via Getty Images) At a press conference on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Gomez was joined by several Latino leaders including Sylvia Mendez , Felicitas' and Gonzalo's daughter. Mendez remembers being at the center of the legal fight in the Mendez v. Westminster School District of Orange County case after being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school in Westminster. As a 9-year-old third grader in 1945, all she wanted was to attend the beautiful school with the nice playground, not knowing it was reserved for white children only. Instead, every day she trudged over to the Mexican school, a rundown building next to a cow pasture. The conditions there were terrible, she recalled in an interview with NBC News in 2021. That's when her parents and four other families sued the school district, challenging its segregation practices. The Mendez family won in federal court in 1946, with Judge Paul J. McCormick writing, A paramount requisite in the American system of public education is social equality. It must be open to all children by unified school association regardless of lineage. The family won again in 1947, after the school district appealed the decision. Two months after the appeal, then-California Gov. Earl Warren signed legislation to officially end desegregation in public schools. Attorney Thurgood Marshall, who had filed a brief on behalf of the NAACP in support of the Mexican families, later used the legal framework of the Mendez case as a road map to argue Brown v. Board of Education at the Supreme Court. My parents and the four other families in this case refused to give up on their vision for a more equal society for their children, where the color of someones skin doesnt determine their access to education, Sylvia Mendez said at the press conference. I am eager to see Rep. Gomezs bill move forward to preserve this important piece of Hispanic history. Syliva Mendez, center, speaks during a press conference (Courtesy Rep. Jimmy Gomez) The Mendez familys fight should be recognized as a powerful symbol of the enduring Latino American legacy and our nations broader struggle for equality, Gomez said. The story of Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez is the story of two parents who fought for their children and in doing so, changed the world, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said at the press conference. Rep. Nanette Barragan, D- Calif. and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said that Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez, along with four other heroic families, are Latino heroes." The legislation is supported by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as well as by national Latino organizations and top Latino civil rights leaders, such as UnidosUS President Janet Murguia and Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am making sure Latino stories are enshrined in American civil rights history," Gomez said. Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Sarah Nicole Landry is getting deeper with her mental health struggle. (Instagram/@thebirdspapaya) Sarah Nicole Landry is giving her followers a deeper insight into her struggle with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a hormonal problem that causes mood and behavioral distress. The Canadian body confidence influencer also known as The Birds Papaya shared an Instagram reel on Monday, in which she broke down in tears when talking about her diagnoses. "I felt so validated in the moment of finally getting a diagnosis, of putting words to symptoms, making me not feel like I was out of my mind that this was all real," Landry said in the video. "Then came the next wave of every month, I have this countdown," she said in tears. "I'm OK, but I hate it." What is PMDD and what are the symptoms? According to the B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a "hormonal brain-biochemistry problem that results in mood and behavioral distress." It can originate in the limbic area and up to the cortex of the brain, which are connected by different chemicals including serotonin and dopamine. "Any changes in these chemicals affect a woman's mood and daily functioning," the health centre explained. PMDD is a 'hormonal brain-biochemistry problem that results in mood and behavioral distress.' (Getty) It added the the limbic area is responsible for: Memory Appetite Sleep Strong emotions, including rage, anger, and aggression The cortex area, on the other hand, affects: Judgment Attention Concentration Moods Perceptions and interpretations of what is happening With PMDD, a woman's brain is unable to maintain its chemical balance in the last week or two of the menstrual cycle. "However, within a day or two of menstruation, the chemical levels in your brain re-stabilize and your symptoms disappear," the clinic explained. "Women who first experience PMDD in their late thirties and early forties often have a history of depression, sometimes related to the postpartum period. Perhaps the symptoms of depression did disappear, but we believe the experience is imprinted in the brain," it added. 'It can feel so hopeless' Influencer Landry paired Monday's post with a caption opening up the condition. "This is uncomfortable and messy and incomplete," she began. "It can feel so hopeless but it's not. It's really not. Even if when I made this video, it felt it." She then explained several fellowe influencers helped her by being vulnerable about their struggle with PMDD. "They likely saved my life by being open about it. This is a club I wish not to be in but yet I'm so glad I'm not alone," the mom-of-four admitted. Landry added it's not easy for her to share the bad parts. "I hate sharing this. I hate that it'll be perceived as for attention or that it'll confuse people when I'm happy because it's hard to grasp the both/and of mental health," she penned. She also thanked her followers for "allowing me the space to be this level of vulnerable when I want to just turtle up and hide like I have been doing." The caption ended with an encouraging note to others who may be struggling. "Please, don't be discouraged to get a diagnosis, because while it feels like a staircase in front of you, the first step is often the hardest but most important one asking for help," Landry wrote. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Field Museum dinosaur curator Jingmai OConnor, left, gives Josh Burton a close look at the skull of the Tyrannosaurus rex Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago on Sept. 20, 2023. Burton has had two double lung transplants. He is a big fan of the museum and of dinosaurs so he was granted special access, including seeing Sue outside its protective case. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) The many months Josh Burton was in the hospital, dinosaurs kept him company. They were there when his lungs failed, comforting him while he awaited the miracle of new lungs, just as his first dinosaur, a stuffed animal purple Barney, buoyed him as a small child. Advertisement And when those lungs also failed and his family faced the impossible, when hospitals told them over and over they would not be able to try to save him, toy dinosaurs kept watch as his body struggled to breathe. Josh Burton is a soft-spoken, studious 17-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin, who is now on his third set of lungs. Advertisement In 2020, he had shortness of breath after helping a neighbor retrieve a runway pet. He told his mom, Kelly Burton, he felt like he was having a heart attack; she thought surely that couldnt be the case. But they went to the doctor anyway, and soon found out he had a rare case of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, which can lead to heart failure. Because of this, he needed a double lung transplant, an intensive procedure that involved finding donor lungs and transferring them into his teenage body. That happened in 2021. But the following year, his mother entered a room to find a team of doctors, an empty chair, a box of Kleenex and the information that her sons donated lungs were no longer working in his body. Of this time, Josh remembers, My mother wouldnt stop crying. Another double lung transplant, called a retransplant when its the second time, was his only option. But hospital after hospital said they couldnt do it. Resourceful, persistent, with her sons life at stake, Kelly Burton asked people from all layers of their life to help former students she knew through her work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a cousin who worked at the Mayo Clinic, nurses at their local hospital where theyd initially been admitted. Josh Burton on June 23, 2023, at Northwestern Medicine, where he had a double lung retransplant. (Northwestern Medicine) For Josh, who bounced back and forth between adult and childrens floors, his age meant he was sometimes in a gray area. His mother also found a gray area in the space of trying to save his life. You have to be sick enough to get a transplant but not so sick that youre going to risk having a successful outcome. Its a real fine line, she said. Throughout, she was determined, Im going to get him somewhere. Advertisement In Chicago, Dr. Ankit Bharat, chief of thoracic surgery at the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine, knew Joshs case was tricky. But those are the kind of cases he wants to take. We think of ourselves as a destination of hope, he said. We want to take patients who have low odds of survival and make them very high odds of survival. After all, Bharat said, Northwestern has stellar, experienced surgeons and anesthesiologists and specialists. If not there, where? If they only take cases where they are absolutely sure of success, who would they be leaving behind? So he looked at the teenager struggling to survive at Northwestern, Josh was on an ECMO machine that was doing the breathing for him, one of medicines last-ditch efforts to keep severely ill patients alive and kept trying to find him lungs. Because it is impossible to know until inspecting the actual organs if they will work for a transplant, the family said that year of waiting became a roller coaster of finding out lungs were available, specialists going to examine them and returning with the news that, again, it wouldnt work. This can happen because of pneumonia or other undetected illnesses in the donor lungs. Thirteen times, their team went to assess lungs only to deliver bad news. Advertisement For three weeks, Kelly remembers, there were no offers of lungs. There were moments she would look at her sons skin and recognize it as the waxy texture that she knew meant the body was failing. Even her son, she feared, was giving up. He would tell her he couldnt do it anymore. He said he overheard nurses worrying he wouldnt make it. He had nearly died, at this point, several times. She told him, You can do it. You are doing it. You will do it. Finally, one night, a nurse came into their room, one who had been there before and gone to assess lungs before and knew the disappointments theyd shouldered. She hugged Kelly, on her way to see new lungs, both of them feeling giddy at the thought that this, the 14th set of lungs, might be it. Hours later, she received the news: Lungs are on their way. Josh entered the operating room in the middle of the night on June 28, returning after the hourslong surgery to a recovery room and waking up, his mom says, a different child. For the first time in months, Kelly saw his chest move. Up and down, up and down. Before he went into the operating room, she said, There was no movement. His lungs were doing nothing. Advertisement Before the surgery, Josh said, The only thing that went through my mind was I didnt want to die. I didnt know how to drive; I didnt go to high school, or even prom. Now, he said, Its nice not to have to drag a whole canister around of oxygen. Breathing easier. Since then, theyve spent time doing occupational and speech therapy at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and staying in Chicago, as his doctors wanted him to stay nearby for three months to closely monitor his recovery. We think hes going to do really well long term, Bharat said. The teen has to take care of himself, taking medications and being careful not to expose his lungs to things like plumes of dirt, protecting the organ and himself. Still, Bharat expects this third set of lungs to last a long time. Over the years, Kelly Burton has looked for small signs that they were on a hopeful path. One was finding out Joshs first set of lungs was donated from another boy, also 14 at the time, also named Joshua. She has since met those parents. They are family to us in a way I cant describe, she said. Their Josh will always be our hero. Josh Burton, who had a double lung retransplant, and his mother, Kelly Burton, get a look at some of the artifacts in a collection of the Field Museum in Chicago on Sept. 20, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) 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 > Before they leave Chicago, after an only-in-Chicago, lifesaving transplant, Josh had one more only-in-Chicago experience. He got a behind-the-scenes look at the skull of Sue, the famed T. rex housed at the Field Museum. Advertisement After a member of his medical team reached out to them about his dinosaur interest, the Field Museum offered Josh a special visit, during which he was able to see the fossils and speak with associate curator of fossil reptiles Jingmai OConnor, known as the punk rock paleontologist. A paleontologist is what Josh wants to be something he was worried he could no longer become because of the need to avoid dirt or anything that can hurt his lungs. His favorite dinosaur is an ankylosaurus, because of its cool protective spikes. OConnor delivered some good news. Josh can research dinosaurs without dust flying around. In fact, a majority of a paleontologists work is not done in the field, OConnor said. Many dont spend any time in the field and instead focus on, for example, fossil prep or analysis. Each fossil the Field Museum brings back can take weeks or even years to prepare, she said. Kelly and Josh are ready to return to life in Madison for him to finally experience high school after years of pandemic-related closures and hospital admissions that meant hes never really been at school for a time that feels real to him. Seeing him today except for the scars its hard to believe he was ever that sick, Kelly said. Alison Bowen is a freelancer. WASHINGTON Black Americans, scarred by a history of mistrust of the media, have little faith that news organizations will do a good job of covering their communities fairly, and thats not likely to change anytime soon, according to a Pew Research Center study released Tuesday. Few actually believe that this will change, not giving a lot of hope into the future, said Katerina Eva Matsa, director of news and information research at the Pew Research Center. The Pew Research Center conducted the survey to examine the relationship between Black Americans and news in the U.S. It comes more than three years after the murder of George Floyd ramped up social justice movements, calling out institutions, including the media, about their role in covering communities of color and the impact that has in forcing change. Pew surveyed nearly 5,000 Black adults from Feb. 22 to March 5 this year and online focus groups in July and August of 2022 on a host of questions, including how they think Black people are portrayed in the media, whether much of it is negative or fair, and whether its likely to improve. Only 14% of Black Americans are highly confident Black people will be covered fairly in their lifetimes, saying it is extremely or very likely to happen, the survey found. Of the respondents, 38% said its not likely or not at all likely to happen, and 40% said its somewhat likely. Bremante Bryant, an adjunct professor at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., said hes not surprised by the Pew findings, which he said are in line with what he hears from students and young adults. They feel that more of the reports and the reporters should have a better sense of the communities they're covering, said Bryant, who teaches multicultural media history. When they look at the mainstream media, they see that as 'the white media' and the news that they often get are from social media sites that come from a Black perspective, whether thats Black Twitter or that's the Root, Bryant said. They want to get news from as they see it, Black folks talking about Black things. And to be honest, even with that, they're not totally trusting of that. 'Help me find my children': How race affects social media efforts to find missing kids Thousands of protesters gather peacefully in front of the state Capitol, chanting, "Black lives matter" and "Justice" on June 7, 2020, in Austin, Texas. What do Black Republicans and Democrats say about the media? The Pew survey found that nearly two-thirds of Black adults said the news they see or hear about Black people is often more negative than news about people from other racial and ethnic groups. Thats in contrast to 28% who say Black people are covered about the same as other groups and 7% who say coverage of Black people is often more positive. Matsa said one reason is that respondents said some news organizations support specific agendas. They also point to journalists not being well informed and news outlets holding racist views. Theres a lot of those issues and opinions that Black Americans are holding as major reasons why coverage that they're seeing is racist or racially insensitive, Matsa said. The survey found that 53% of Black Republicans and 50% of Black Democrats said media coverage often misses important information about Black communities. And 46% of Black Republicans and 44% of Black Democrats agree that media coverage largely stereotypes Black people. Who is telling Black stories? Black Americans' mistrust of the media is not new, experts said. Thats in part why the Black press was created. It was the Black press that often reported on pressing issues in the Black community, including the wave of lynchings and violence against Black citizens, particularly in the South. The Black press was really a counter to what the mainstream press was not doing, which was either not telling the stories or telling the stories from a negative point of view of the Black and African American community, Bryant said. He said media coverage of Black communities has improved in some ways, but we're starting to regress because you are seeing more and more small newspapers being wiped out and that includes the Black press. Mainstream media has a long history of racial profiling and perpetuating stereotypes of Black Americans. Some newspapers not only supported Jim Crow and segregation practices but also defended them. Black Americans distrust of media and perceptions of the Fourth Estate as another institution that inflicted harm is there and those perceptions were well earned, said Sherri Williams, assistant professor in race, media and communication at the School of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C. Do newsrooms reflect diversity in the United States? After the protests that followed Floyds death, many news organizations vowed to improve coverage of communities of color. Some pledged to do more to diversify their newsrooms and increase the number of people of color leading those newsrooms. Those promises have often fallen short, experts said. There still hasn't been sustained coverage of Black communities in a way that not only prioritizes what's important to them, and also doesn't lean into stereotypes, said Williams, who teaches classes on race and representation including Identity, Power and Misrepresentation and Race, Ethnic and Community Reporting. She said some newsrooms hadnt changed much of their culture, which is often very white, very monolith and just not ideologically prepared to cover the news in a different way. Corporate diversity database: A USA TODAY investigative series inside the nation's most powerful companies Poll: Journalists should talk to more Black people The Pew survey found respondents said there are some paths to improving coverage, including diversifying more newsrooms and sources for stories and better educating reporters about the history and issues in Black communities. They also said including more Black people as sources (54%) and hiring more Black people as newsroom leaders (53%) and as journalists (44%) at news outlets would be highly effective. Many said its important the media gets all sides of an issue and understand the history and community. Large majorities believe that this is extremely important and very important for how we cover news in general, Matsa said. One way to improve relations is to do more community outreach and be transparent about how decisions are made and how news is covered, Williams said. She said it might also help for mainstream media to partner with more Black media outlets, often trusted sources. Still, she said, repairing that trust soon looks grim in part because of the polarization and corporatization of news. "I don't think that newsrooms should give up,'' Williams said. "They should look at ways of really being in communities and earning their trust. But I also think if they really are serious about doing this they need to get serious about investing the time and resources to do it. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Black people's mistrust of media remains after George Floyd protests Darryl George, a Black high school student from Texas, and his mother, Darresha George, are suing the states governor and attorney general, claiming that these officials failed to enforce a recent Texas law designed to prevent discrimination against people with race-associated hairstyles like Darryls locs, thereby violating his civil rights. In the federal civil lawsuit obtained by Atlanta Black Star, lawyers representing the George family accuse Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton of turning a blind eye to Barbers Hill High School as it ignores the CROWN ACT and enforces its own distorted interpretation of its policy. Darresha George was suspended because his hair violated the code at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas. (Photo: YouTube screenshot/KHOU 11) Attorneys argue that at the core of the lawsuit lies race and gender discrimination. They assert that the two elected officials failed to protect the minor from being singled out because he was Black and male. The lawyers also allege in the complaint that his right to Freedom of Expression has been unlawfully challenged and unprotected, resulting in the 17-year-old experiencing intentional infliction of emotional distress. Related: What Kind of Friend Is That?: Tennessee State Student Didnt Jump from Jeep to Her Death, Contradicting Drivers Claim; Suspect Was in the Middle of a Fight with Boyfriend, Police Say The lawsuit alleges that both defendants stood idly by and refused to use their executive and police powers to enforce the CROWN ACT law against the peace and dignity of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S. C. 200d, 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech/Freedom of Expression, and Due Process under the 14th Amendment. Their roles in their respective capacities are to enforce the laws, provide equal protection, and ensure due process under the laws for the Georges while ensuring that school districts and schools refrain from discrimination based on race and sex, adhering to the CROWN ACT. The schools policy states that male students hair should not extend below the eyebrows, earlobes, or the top of a T-shirt collar. Darryl, according to the family, always adhered to this policy by styling his hair with pins on his head in a barrel roll. Read the full story here. The Barbers Hill Independent School District argued that its dress code didnt conflict with the CROWN Act because it allowed protective hairstyles as long as the hair remained within the specified limits when it is down. BHISD officials also initiated a lawsuit in state court, seeking clarification on whether their dress code aligns with the CROWN Act. The lawsuit highlights the districts history of discrimination regarding Black hair, which had to be amended just a few years ago. This school district actually banned locs, braids, twists, and protective hairstyles as a whole before being sued in federal court in May of 2020. It was after that that BHISD amended their grooming policy (mid-stroke) and added the additional hair length restriction, the lawsuit said, adding that the defendants lack of enforcement of the law has resulted in further discrimination and abrogation of the rights of these Plaintiffs. Darryl has been placed on in-school suspension because he refuses to cut his hair. This means he is required to come to school and sit in a cubicle on a stool. As of Saturday, Sept. 23, he was still suspended but that may change. The district does not intend to enhance the current disciplinary action against the student for the ongoing violation of its grooming policy pending the courts ruling on whether the districts policy is legal, the district said in a statement to KTRK. Also outlined in the George familys complaint are a request for a temporary restraining order to stop Darryls suspension during the federal court proceedings, a petition for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and all the costs associated with the suit, including reasonable attorney fees. [Source] Bling Empire star Leah Qin disclosed that she did not earn a single penny for her time on the Netflix reality show, revealing startling insights into the financial dynamics behind the glitzy series. Compensation reveal: In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, the 26-year-old real estate developer shared that she did not receive any compensation since joining the shows second season up until its cancellation last year. "I did not get paid. Not a penny. Zero," she was quoted saying. According to Qin, she and her fellow cast members had to dig deep into their own pockets to cover expenses, including hair and makeup, wardrobes and parties. She personally incurred expenditures reaching "six figures" during the production. More from NextShark: 2 Indian Buffalo Racers Reportedly Beat Usain Bolts 100 Meter Record No upfront pay: Qin's predicament stemmed from a rush to commence filming, leaving her with an "appearance release" from Jeff Jenkins Productions, a document she was unable to renegotiate before shooting. She recounted: "They gave me an appearance release and then my lawyer is like, 'Hmm, let's, let's talk about this,' and they said, 'Let's just film first and then we will deal with it later'... They implied my contract will be revisited later." Part of a bigger problem: Qins revelation comes a month after fellow cast member Kevin Kreider told the Daily Mail that for his appearances in all three seasons of the show, he was paid less than a UPS driver. More from NextShark: Rapper Sparks Outrage for Appropriating 'All of Asia' in Music Video UPS workers were paid more than I was, and they have benefits, the 40-year-old actor was quoted saying. That's how little we got paid. Fall of an empire: Netflix's Bling Empire, which even spawned a spin-off show, Bling Empire: New York, ended after just three seasons. Qin shared in a June interview that its cancellation could be attributed to several factors, but that it was mainly due to the prevalence of "fake, made-up drama" and the perpetuation of Asian stereotypes. In her view, the series failed to represent the true stories of Asian Americans, focusing more on glamour than authenticity. More from NextShark: 'Now we are enemies': Simu Liu reacts to Toshiba using his stock photo for printer instruction booklet Future plans: Qin is now shifting her focus towards a new reality show centered on self-made entrepreneurs. Qin said the upcoming project, currently on hold due to industry strikes, is going to be inspiring for the audience. Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Brain Coach Jim Kwik on Cover of 2021 Entrepreneur Magazine The New York Attorney General's Office has released body-worn camera footage of the fatal police shooting of Daniel Legler on Aug. 6. Legler, 35, was fatally shot in a field near the Rochester Technology Park after police allege he fired a gun toward New York State Trooper Dominick Caito. According to state police, the encounter started on Interstate 490, near Innovative Field, when Caito attempted to stop Legler's vehicle for an expired state inspection. Legler did not comply and drove westbound toward Route 531 in Gates. Shortly after the attempted traffic stop, police said Legler exited the highway at Rochester Tech Park on Elmgrove Road, where he struck a guard rail, jumped a curb and crashed into a field. As Caito attempted to arrest the driver, the two men struggled before Legler fired one round from his handgun "in close proximity to the trooper," police have said. Caito returned fire, killing Legler. More: Man shot, killed by state trooper at Rochester Tech Park identified The New York Attorney General's Office is charged with investigating all incidents where a police officer may have caused the death of another person. Where possible, the office strives to release body-worn camera footage to increase transparency of these incidents. The investigation into Legler's death is ongoing, but the office has said officials recovered a gun from the scene. On average, it has taken a little more than a year for the office to report its findings. What does the police body-worn camera show? The state Attorney General's Office released a 2 minute and 37 second clip of the incident from Caito's body-worn camera, which starts as he follows Legler off the highway with lights and sirens activated. The footage shows Caito exits his car but keeps distance between him and Legler as he commands the man to stay in his vehicle six times over the next 30 seconds, warning Legler that a police canine is on the way and that he is being held at gunpoint. Legler exits his vehicle and starts to move away before he stumbles and falls. Caito then approaches the man, instructing him to stay on the ground and roll over on his stomach, telling Legler that he has a taser. Legler appears to resist while he mumbles, "Don't do it." After a few seconds, the trooper yells an expletive and runs back in the direction of his police cruiser, firing several rounds behind him toward Legler, who has gotten up. It is not clear what the trooper saw or heard to make him run. Caito stops some distance away, radios in that shots have been fired and continues to yell for Legler to get on the ground. Legler is standing but not moving. Caito fires one more round and Legler falls. About 20 seconds have elapsed between the first and final shot. "Shots fired in the field," Caito says into his police radio. "Suspect's down. It's got a gun but I don't know where it's at. I'm backing up to cover." Warning - Graphic Footage: See the body-worn camera footage released by the state Attorney General's Office Kayla Canne reports on community justice and safety efforts for the Democrat and Chronicle. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com or on Twitter @kaylacanne. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Body cam footage released in fatal police shooting of Daniel Legler A bomb threat made to Abington school buildings forced the evacuation of all of the towns schools on Tuesday morning, the school superintendent said. The schools threat was made to the Abington Police Department, said Superintendent of Schools Peter Schafer in a statement on social media. Out of an abundance of caution, all schools were evacuated to allow the police to perform a sweep of the buildings, Schafer said. At this time students have returned to classrooms. Schafer thanked Abington Police and the Massachusetts State Police for helping to ensure the safety of our school community. 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 In a dark continuation of events, several LGBTQ+ gatherings across the United States were targeted with bomb threats last weekend. The orchestrated attempts to induce fear and disrupt peaceful groups reflect a grim reality in a political environment that has seen Republican lawmakers and pundits create culture wars against vulnerable groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. This year alone has seen more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures in the U.S., many of which have targeted trans youth and drag queens. Brooklyn Library Evacuation On Saturday, the Cortelyou branch of Brooklyn Public Library received a menacing threat shortly before hosting Drag Story Hour NYC, a popular event where drag queens read books to children. The New York Post reports that the threat forced the event to relocate to a nearby Connecticut Muffin coffee shop. The New York Police Department later confirmed the receipt of an email threat from an unknown source in Buffalo, alongside a 911 call, asserting an explosive device would detonate inside the library at 11:30 a.m. Though the polices canine and emergency services units found no suspicious items after a brief evacuation and search, the unsettling incident left parents and organizers distraught. Parent Dayna Sedillo-Hamman noted that this was the second time a Drag Story Hour NYC event she attended in Brooklyn had to be relocated due to a threat. Its just frustrating, she lamented. People are really small-minded. Utah Literacy Event Canceled Similarly, in Utah, a bomb threat disrupted a drag story time event at The Kings English bookstore in Salt Lake City on Sunday. In a disturbing incident, a summer reading series event organized by Tara Lipsyncki, a local drag artist in collaboration with the nonprofit Brain Food Books, was disrupted due to harrowing bomb threats. The episode not only quashed a singular community endeavor but underscored a broader issue menacing the drag and LGBTQ+ community. Lipsyncki shared the chilling details of the incident in a recent interview with The Advocate. Lipsyncki has been at the forefront of organizing reading series and other community gatherings to foster inclusivity and literary appreciation. In January, Lipsyncki event became overrun by armed Proud Boys members who menaced attendees, resulting in a cancelation. The summer reading series was part of these efforts, uniting people over a shared love for storytelling. However, the ominous bomb threats abruptly halted the series, bringing a wave of concern amongst residents and the LGBTQ+ community. Recounting the traumatic events of that day, Lipsyncki said, Weve been doing story time all summer... But got a call as I was about to leave, had the keys in hand, ready to go. And they called and said we had a bomb threat; please dont come. The repercussions of the threats were far-reaching. The immediate event had to be canceled, but the threats also cast a long shadow over the prospect of organizing future community events. Furthermore, Lipsyncki highlighted that the scare led to the early closure of other local businesses, impacting the local economy and the sense of community. Lipsyncki expressed her disheartenment over the cancellation and the ensuing disquiet that enveloped the community. The threat prompted a police investigation and a temporary closure of nearby roads. Although no harmful devices were found, the bookstore was closed for the day, causing disappointment among attendees. While the reading event was to be the last of the summer series at The Kings English, Lipsyncki expects to open her own bookstore in Provo by the end of October. Families will be welcomed to the new space, Mosaics, on Halloween Weekend, she said. Connecticut Pride Event Targeted In Connecticut, a mass email threatening a bomb explosion led to the evacuation of the New Haven Pride Center on Saturday, as the New Haven Register reports. The threat coincided with a scheduled block party for the 26th annual Pride New Haven festival. Again, the hazardous device unit found no danger, but the incident marked another episode of terror targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Drag events and Pride celebrations have been targeted by right-wing extremists in recent months. In addition, schools and hospitals that are affirming transgender kids have also been targeted with bomb threats. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas police released booking photos Monday of two teenagers accused of intentionally hitting and killing a bicyclist in an incident that captured national attention. Jesus Ayala, 18; and Jzamir Keys, 16, are accused of targeting 64-year-old Andreas Andy Probst and capturing the moment they swerved to hit him from behind on video, Las Vegas Metropolitan police said. Jesus Ayala, 18, is accused of targeting Probst and capturing the moment they swerved to hit him from behind on video. (LVMPD) On Monday morning, The Clark County District Attorneys Office filed criminal complaints Monday against Ayala and Keys, charging the two with murder with the use of a deadly weapon, in what the D.A.s office called an unfortunate and inexcusable event. District attorney files criminal complaints against Las Vegas teens accused of intentionally killing bicyclist, drops several charges People riding bicycles should feel safe and secure and should not be subjected to criminals who put their lives at risk, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said. Justice will be served. Jzamir Keys, 16, is accused of targeting Probst and capturing the moment they swerved to hit him from behind on video. (LVMPD) Probst, a retired California police chief, was riding his bicycle in a designated bike lane near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway on the morning of Aug. 14 when the suspects are accused of hitting him with a stolen car. Probst later died at the hospital. The video of the incident circulated within several Las Vegas high schools in the weeks after the murder, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained last week. It was not until a student approached a school resource officer in late August that Metro police learned the act appeared intentional, documents said. That video went viral across the internet. 911 calls detail hunt for Las Vegas teens accused of intentionally hitting, killing bicyclist Ayala initially faced 18 charges, including murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Court records show 11 of those 18 charges were dropped. He now faces 7 charges, including murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Keys also faces three charges related to the event. Those charges are murder with the use of a deadly weapon, battery with the use of a deadly weapon, and attempted murder with a deadly weapon Ayala and Keys will be formally arraigned on the charges on Tuesday, Sept. 26. At the hearing, the D.A. says the Clark County District Attorneys Office will address their custody status. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Online Competition Spotify hired Resolution Public Affairs to lobby on issues related to mobile streaming and mobile app competition. The streaming giant endorsed a bipartisan bill last Congress that would have prohibited product self-preferencing by companies including Apple, which Spotify accused of anti-competitive behavior and choking competition in the audiobook market. Spotify seems to be gearing up for an encore, as Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced the American Innovation and Choice Online Act in June. One of the lobbyists on the account is Heather McHugh, previously the legislative director for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Spotify did not return The Hills request for comment. Agriculture Bayer USA hired The Peterson Group to lobby on issues related to tools for crop protection. Former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), the former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee who spent three decades in Congress, will work on the account. Energy The Northern California Power Agency hired Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to lobby on issues related to the Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, which awards up to $3 per every kilogram of clean hydrogen produced. Mark Warren, former Senate Finance Committee chief tax counsel, will work on the account. Health care The American Heart Association hired alb solutions to lobby on issues related to the Access to AEDs Act, a bill that would promote students access to defibrillators, and other legislation related to its heart-healthy mission. Adam Buckalew, a Capitol Hill veteran whose resume includes a stint as deputy health policy director for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, will work on the account. Washington State The City of Olympia hired DeSimone Consulting to lobby on a range of legislative issues related to infrastructure, housing, homelessness, public safety and behavioral health. Rick DeSimone, former chief of staff to current Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.), will work on the account. Two of Murrays former Southwest Washington directors will work on a new public utility account for CFM Strategic Communications, formerly known as Conkling Fiskum & McCormick. Washingtons Cowlitz County Public Utility District hired the firm to lobby on issues related to electric grid funding and other utility projects. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A mother refuses to give up hope almost six years after losing her 10-year-old son to a Memphis shooting. Rosland Shields says shes still emotional years after young Richard Jordans life was cut short. I saw my baby take his last breath, she said. Im frustrated, depressed, mad, sad. Memphis Police say on November 13, 2017, Jordan was shot and killed while riding in a car with friends. His mother was there too. It wasnt a regular day because, this particular day, he didnt go to school. We are having car trouble, and he didnt go to school that day. Normally, he wouldnt have been in the car, so that why a lot just beats me up because he wasnt supposed to be in the car, Shields said. RELATED | Mother hopes for justice for 10-year-old sons murder Shields says they were on their way to drop off her friends son at his fathers house. We got off the expressway at Airway and Ketchum. We were at the light. Its 4:30 in the evening in rush hour traffic, she recalled. A gold car pulled up beside us, and I looked to the left, you know when a car comes by you and you look over, and he just pointed a gun the back seat passenger, just pointed the gun out and started shooting. She says that wasnt the only gunman as gunfire was coming from all directions. Everybody was getting down on the ground. We were telling the kids to stay down and this time not knowing that its two other cars shooting at us, Shields said. She says the gunmen had assault weapons. Ten-year-old Richard was hit multiple times. Search continues for suspects involved in shooting death of 10-year-old boy He leaned up to say Ma, and you can tell he was about to say Ma, and he just fell back down and went limp, and I heard his last breath, Shields said. They rushed to the Airways Station precinct for help where officers called for an ambulance. I knew he was gone, but I just kept hope. By the time we made it to Le Bonheur, we sit there maybe another thirty minutes, and thats when they told me to come to the room where he was at, where they were trying to revive him, but they couldnt, Shields said. Memphis Police released photos and video of the cars involved in the shooting, including a black Chrysler 300, a gold or tan Chevrolet Malibu, and a Pontiac Grand Prix. Nearly six years later, Shields still doesnt have justice because no one has been charged. I relive it every minute. I relive that situation and it hurts me all over again. Every day, the same emotions, she said. If you know who killed 10-year-old Richard Jordan, you are urged to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Your tip could help put some dangerous criminals behind bars and $4,000 cash in your pocket. Remember, all calls are confidential. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A man who bragged about being among the first in the Tri-Cities to sell large quantities of fentanyl pills was sentenced Monday to seven years and three months in federal prison. Arturo Tejeda-Gomez, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, despite working long hours at a job as a union insulator. This will be his second federal prison term, after a drug-related conviction in 2000, said U.S. Judge Mary Dimke. She also sentenced him at a hearing in the federal courthouse in Richland to five years probation. She called his offense incredibly serious. She pointed out he told a confidential source for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that he knew people were overdosing and dying from fentanyl. When Tejeda-Gomez met with the confidential source, he was recorded saying I was, if not the first, one of the first persons to start bringing them here by the thousands, according to a court document. He also said he was selling 10,000 to 15,000 pills a week. A Tri-Cities man bragged about being among the first to sell large quantities of fentanyl. He was sentenced to prison for the second time Sept. 25. He had recently lost a runner due to a law enforcement take down, he told the confidential source. In November 2020 Tejeda-Gomez sold the confidential source 400 fentanyl pills and later that month sent Andres Gutierrez, a co-defendant in the case, to deliver 1,032 fentanyl laced pills weighing 100 grams and 0.6 gram of heroin, according to court documents. Evidence was collected to show that Tejeda and others in the drug trafficking organization under investigation received regular shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl laced pills, according to a court document. While the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Washington asked the judge for a sentence of seven years and three months, which was at the top end of federal sentencing guidance, the attorney for Tejeda-Gomez asked for a sentence a year shorter than that. Tejeda-Gomez was just puffing to sell drugs when he talked to the confidential source about his long history and high volume of fentanyl sales, said his attorney, Ken Therrien of Yakima in a court document. Mr. Tejeda does not take any pride or satisfaction in those comments, Therrien said in the document. Family, friends and co-workers submitted letters to the court stressing how hard he worked at legitimate jobs to support his family and that he was a good parent and co-worker. The U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Richland. His wife and brother-in-law testified to his good character in court Monday before he was sentenced. The judge said Tejeda-Gomezs family was well known in court. His father was in prison in Mexico for kidnapping and his sister has convictions, she said. Uncles, cousins and other family members previously were involved in transporting drugs across the U.S. and Mexico border before they were sent to prison, according to a court document. We was raised in a family where drug trafficking was a way of life, said Laurel Holland, an assistant U.S. attorney. She called for a long sentence, saying that fentanyl use in the Tri-Cities had caused overdoses and deaths and had impacted families. Tejeda-Gomez apologized to the judge. He said he made bad choices but wanted to be a good example for the community after he is released from prison. When Tejeda-Gomez was arrested in early 2021 he had worked for the same company since 2009, including in Moses Lake and Wallula. He most recently was a union insulator and had served as a foreman. But for whatever reason Tejeda-Gomez had returned to drug trafficking despite his time in prison, the judge said. She said she hoped that his new prison term would serve as a deterrent. An adult spotted lanternfly on a tree in Huntington, Indiana, on Aug. 17, 2022. The invasive species was first detected in Pennsylvania more than eight years ago. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune) The invasive spotted lanternfly has been identified in Illinois for the first time, the Illinois Department of Agriculture said Tuesday. Environmentalists across the state have long dreaded the arrival of the nuisance species, notorious for its spotted red and brown wings and the threat it poses to the more than 70 types of fruit trees and other plants it is known to consume. The East Asian insect was first identified in Pennsylvania around eight years ago and has been making its way west with rides hitched on railroad cars, semitrucks and other vehicles. Advertisement It has worked its way into Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa. [ Spotted lanternfly making its way west, bringing sticky residue and threats to grapes, fruit trees ] Spotted lanternfly has been inching closer to the Midwest and Illinois for close to a decade, said Agriculture Department Director Jerry Costello II in a news release Tuesday. We have had a multiagency team working to prepare for this scenario including efforts on readiness, informing and educating the industry and the public, as well as monitoring early detection. Advertisement Reports of a live spotted lanternfly in Illinois were first received by the state Agriculture Department on Sept. 16. Officials from the federal, state and local governments visited the site and identified a moderately populated area, according to the release. The investigators collected specimens and received results Tuesday that confirmed the species had arrived. The confirmation of the pests arrival appears to have been spurred from a spotting by a resident in Chicagos Lakeview neighborhood. Lisa Burns noticed the bug when she was walking her dog near North Broadway and Briar Place, she told the Tribune on Tuesday. It had been smashed into the middle of the sidewalk, its distinctive wings bright red, eye-catching spread wide. It looked just like the insect she said she had seen people deride and smash in TikTok videos. Oh my God, is that a spotted lanternfly, she recalled saying. She hadnt heard about the pest arriving in Illinois yet. She searched online but found no news announcing its advent. She asked her wife to go back and take a photo of the bug. It has to be in Illinois. This cant be the first one, she said she was thinking. She reported the bug to the states spotted lanternfly sighting email hotline. Investigators, who confirmed Burns sighting with the Tribune, told her to collect a specimen. Thanks to whoever had killed it! Burns later wrote in a Reddit post sharing the photo. Advertisement There is no reason to believe widespread plant or tree death will result from the insects presence, said Scott Schirmer, the Agriculture Departments nursery and northern field office section manager. This is likely going to be a nuisance pest that interferes with our ability to enjoy outdoor spaces and may have some impact on the agritourism industry, including orchards, pumpkin patches, and vineyards, Schirmer said. The insect moves easily on trains, wood surfaces, products and more, making it hard to contain, the news release said. Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting its ability to move and intrude upon new areas, it continued. We need the publics help to look for and report this pest, and to also strengthen the outreach about it. It will likely impact everyone in Illinois one way or another, so the more awareness we have the better. An adult spotted lanternfly on a tree in Huntington, Indiana. (Andy Lavalley) Authorities encouraged people who see the bug to report sightings to lanternfly@illinois.edu and to crush it. Illinoisans should also check their vehicles and outdoor gear for bugs and eggs and destroy them if found, the release said. The state Agriculture Department is trying to determine how widely the pest has infested the state, it continued. Advertisement The spotted lanternfly has become the target of kill-on-sight requests in places including New York City, where it swarms outside buildings and lands on pedestrians, all the while secreting a sticky honeydew substance that can cling to outdoor furniture. Its known to feed on plants that grow apples, peaches, cherries, hops and grapes. It also feeds on trees including maple, oak, walnut, sycamore, pine and willow. Its not likely to kill a tree on its own, but if the tree is already weakened by drought stress or disease, an infestation by spotted lanternflies could be the knockout punch, Tricia Bethke, forest pest outreach coordinator at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, said in a Tribune report last year. [ Invasive spotted lanternfly can wreak havoc on wineries, beer hops and your desire to go outside. And Illinois bug experts are on the hunt. ] 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 > The pest will be a major burden to outdoor recreation, predicted Kim Kalosky, a resource specialist with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, in an interview with the Post-Tribune last year. Kalosky pointed to the hundreds of miles of trails and countless picnic areas around the county. If we have the type of infestation thats happening out east in some counties, people are not going to want to be outside, she said. Advertisement The Associated Press contributed. jsheridan@chicagotribune.com RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio said on Tuesday he will travel to Sweden next month to negotiate a potential sale of Embraer's C-390 Millennium military cargo aircraft to the country. Mucio told reporters in Rio de Janeiro that Brazil was eyeing the sale of three or four C-390 aircraft to Sweden, and that the Nordic nation wants to sell more Saab Gripen fighter jets to Brazil. The move comes after Austria this month selected Brazilian planemaker Embraer's C-390 to replace its fleet of Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130s. Brazil, Portugal and Hungary have previously ordered C-390s, also known as the KC-390. The Netherlands has also announced it intends to buy the freighter. In April, Embraer and Sweden's Saab signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen their collaboration, including working to position the C-390 as "the preferred solution to meet the Swedish Air Force tactical air transport requirements." The companies have a joint production line for Gripen fighter jets in Brazil, where 15 of the South American country's current 36-aircraft order will be produced. Expanding its presence abroad with more sales of the C-390 is a key goal of Embraer's defense unit. (Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Editing by Kylie Madry and Rami Ayyub) Canadian pastor Artur Pawlowski has been sentenced to 60 days in jail after being found guilty of criminal mischief for giving a speech to the trucker convoy that protested that nation's COVID-19 restrictions in 2022. The judge gave Pawlowski credit for the 78 days he was detained before the trial, so the pastor will serve no additional time. The government had asked for a sentence of eight to 10 months. The judge found Pawlowski played no role in planning the protest and his speech did not play a major role in the protest. The post Brickbat: He Doth Protest Too Much appeared first on Reason.com. Protesters outside China's embassy in London holding a banner reading, "Release Jimmy Lai," during a 2019 demonstration. Credit - May JamesSOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Tuesday marks 1,000 days since Jimmy Laithe prodemocracy advocate, publisher of Hong Kongs now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, and business tycoonwas detained on charges of violating the Chinese governments draconian national-security law as part of a wider crackdown on dissent in the city. In the interim weeks, months, and years, Lais family and lawyers have campaigned for the 75-year-olds release, calls for which have been echoed by the U.S. government and the United Nations. Lais own government in Britain, however, remains silent on his release. Lais case is not an isolated incident. Around the world, scores of British nationals are languishing in foreign prisons on what rights groups call spurious charges. How many is unknown; the U.K.s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, under whose jurisdiction cases of arbitrarily detained Britons falls, did not provide an exact figure. Many, such as the British Egyptian democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah (who has spent much of the last decade behind bars in Cairo, Egypt, most recently on charges of spreading false news undermining national security for sharing a post about torture) have been convicted without so much as a fair trial. Some, including Jagtar Singh Johal (a British Sikh who was arrested and allegedly tortured by Indian authorities over terrorism-related charges, some of which carry the death penalty) have yet to see the British government publicly advocate for their release. They havent really spoken out on my fathers case until around a year ago, Sebastian Lai, the media tycoons 28-year-old son, says of the British government. Even now, theyre not using language to call for his release, which I think, as a British citizen, is shameful. To date, the British government says that it has raised Lais case with Beijing and has pressed for consular access, which Beijing has denied, saying that he is a Chinese national and they do not recognize his British nationality. (The elder Lai was born in mainland China, escaping to what was then the British colony of Hong Kong at age 12 and eventually became a full-fledged British citizen. His son and lawyers say that, as a British national, Lai is entitled to the full force of the British governments protection.) Calls to rethink how Britain deals with cases of its nationals being arbitrarily detained overseasan approach thats been derided by British lawmakers as inconsistent and clumsyhave been largely ignored. The best interests of British national detainees is at the heart of our consular work, a Foreign Office spokesperson wrote in an email, noting that the U.K. foreign secretary and other ministers are fully engaged in complex cases and regularly raise concerns with foreign governments. But the families of those detained tell TIME that the governments inaction has put undue stress on them, and many describe fighting a battle on two fronts: one against the foreign government detaining their family member, and another against their own. For Chris Pagett, the fight to repatriate his brother-in-law Ryan Cornelius, who has been imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for more than a decade, began in 2008. That year, Pagett says Cornelius was arrested outside the Dubai airport and taken to police headquarters, where he was alleged to have been aggressively interrogated and made to sign documents in Arabic (a language he does not speak or read) before being jailed without access to a lawyer. Two years later, Cornelius was charged with fraud over unpaid debts to the Dubai Islamic Bank, loans from which he and another British businessman had used to fund investment programs in the Gulf. Just two months before Cornelius was due to complete his 10-year sentence, his prison term was extended by a further 20 years. He has been denied the right to appeal. The fate of Cornelius (who, over the course of his imprisonment, contracted tuberculosis) proved compelling enough for the U.N.s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, a panel of five human rights and international law experts, to declare that his trial had been unfair and his subsequent detention arbitrary. But the British government has yet to call for Corneliuss release or support the familys plea for clemency. We had to meet certain criteria, namely that a UAE lawyer would have had to come out in public and say that there had been a miscarriage of justice, Pagett tells TIME, saying that this was an effectively impossible task in a country like the UAE, as it would have required a local lawyer to commit career suicide. Indeed, the UAE judicial system lacks independence, according to the democracy watchdog Freedom House, which notes that court rulings are subject to review by the countrys political leadership. Corneliuss family thought they had achieved a breakthrough in February, when the Foreign Office finally extended an offer to transmit a plea for clemency from the family to their counterparts in the UAE. But the family says nothing ultimately came of it. The one thing theyve made abundantly clear is that they are not going to take any risks or do anything that they think might upset this relationship, Pagett says. As a former diplomat himself, he understands the difficult political balancing act that London is trying to maintain. But as a family member, he despairs at what he sees as the British governments unwillingness to use its leverage to defend one of its own. (Indeed, the Foreign Office recently apologized to another detainee, Matthew Hedges, after it was found to have failed to protect him when he was jailed and tortured by the UAE in 2018.) We are supporting a British man detained in the UAE and have consistently raised his case with the UAE authorities, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in its statement, without naming Cornelius. The spokesperson did not address questions about the clemency pleas status. Other families have voiced similar frustrationsnot just in terms of the governments willingness to support its citizens, but the urgency in which they do so. Gurpreet Singh Johal tells TIME that it took seven months for the British government to raise the allegations that his brother had been tortured during his detention in India with Indian authorities. Despite the U.N. ruling that Jagtar has been arbitrarily detained, the government has publicly ruled out calling for his release on the grounds that its not in his best interests. The U.K. government is committed to seeing Jagtar Singh Johals case resolved as soon as possible, a U.K. government spokesperson, who did not dispute Singh Johal's characterization of events, told TIME in an email. We continue to provide consular assistance to Mr. Johal and his family and have consistently raised his case directly with the Government of India. Perhaps the most notable case of a British citizen being wrongfully detained abroad is that of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual national of Britain and Iran who endured six years of imprisonment and torture in Tehran on spurious allegations of trying to topple the government. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, spent the entirety of that period lobbying the British government to speak out in Nazanins defense, and went on hunger strike in 2019 and 2021 in a bid to compel the government to pay an unrelated 400 million ($522 million) debt to Iran to secure her release. Last year, after the U.K. settled the debt, Nazanin returned home to Ratcliffe and their daughter, Gabriella. Ratcliffe says it took years for the British government to acknowledge Nazanins innocence, let alone that she had been arbitrarily detained. Even afterwards, he says they were reluctant to act. They kind of manage the symptomsthey dont want too much harm to befall its citizens in the meantime, but theres definitely a presumption that the government should use its weight very sparingly and these things are best left to resolve themselves, Ratcliffe says. All these years later, he says its unclear if theyve learned anything from Nazanins ordeal. If you ask the government how many British citizens are wrongfully detainedthe U.S. has a list of that; the U.K. doesnt have one. Its almost like, ideologically, they dont want to know. Data regarding the exact number of British nationals considered to be arbitrarily detained is not publicly available; the Foreign Office would not confirm how many British nationals it considers to be wrongfully detained abroad to date. In April, the British Parliaments Foreign Affairs Select Committee issued a report recommending several reforms to how the country deals with these cases, one of which was to establish a dedicated office akin to the U.S.s Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Alicia Kearns, the Conservative lawmaker who chairs the committee, tells TIME that the more hostile states continue to arbitrarily detain British citizens, the more urgent this kind of reform will become. We urgently need somebody who can cut through all the red tape, who can work across government, who reports directly to the Prime Minister, and who can commit their entire time to try and get these people out and who is empowered to do so, she says, noting that part of the problem stems from the fact that those tasked with responding to these cases are often also responsible for maintaining positive relationships with the countries in question. By putting it within the geopolitics, we are essentially saying that the geopolitics comes before the individual, Kearns says. Actually, the foremost duty of the Foreign Office should be keeping our people safe. Lawmakers and families say that while the British government may be reluctant to do anything that risks upsetting its relations with countries where its nationals are being wrongly detainedsuch as India, with which the U.K. is currently negotiating a trade deal, or the UAE, the U.K.s largest trading partner in the Middle Eastit does have considerable diplomatic levers at its disposal, including sanctions. The problem, they add, is that the British government scarcely uses these tools. Theres a strange lack of self confidence in the government of the countrys leverage, says Bill Browder, a British American anti-corruption campaigner and close friend of Vladimir Kara-Murza, the Russian British political dissident who in April was sentenced by the Kremlin to 25 years in a penal colony in Russia over his opposition to Moscows invasion of Ukraine. Theres this weird feeling that this is a weak country and we cant do anything about it when theres all sorts of other leverage tools that are extremely powerful, particularly because everybody wants to keep their money here and travel here. Kara-Murzas wife, Evgenia, and Browder campaigned for U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to advocate for his release, which he did in July after Kara-Murza lost an appeal against his 25-year sentence. Compared to what we had from the U.K. government over a year ago, when Vladimir was arbitrarily arrested in Russia, this is significant, Evgenia Kara-Murza tells TIME. I would like the U.K. government to fight more for the release of Vladimir, not just react to what is happening to him along the way. The families who spoke with TIME arent asking for anything as extreme as severing diplomatic relations. Omar Robert Hamilton, the cousin of Abdel Fattah, says that his family simply wants the British government to change the countrys travel advice to Egypt, which they believe would be seriously received in Cairo. (On this, the Foreign Office said that Our priority remains securing consular access to Mr El-Fattah and his release.) For his part, Singh Johal just wants the government to publicly advocate for his brother Jagtar to be allowed to return home. It shouldnt be that families have to advocate for the release of a loved one, Singh Johal says. The only reason people know about my brothers case, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffes case, or Alaa Abdel Fattahs case is because families have been campaigning. So long as these families loved ones remain behind bars, they say theyll have no choice but to continue doing so. Write to Yasmeen Serhan at yasmeen.serhan@time.com. By Alistair Smout and Andrea Shalal LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Britain on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding on trade with the U.S. state of Washington, and a top official said a similar agreement could be reached soon with Florida. Britain had hoped for a sweeping bilateral trade deal with the United States after splitting from the European Union, but with President Joe Biden putting all talks on free trade agreements on hold, the British government has pursued state-level agreements instead. "Florida is next on the list. That should be concluded shortly," junior business and trade minister Nusrat Ghani told Reuters in a telephone interview from Seattle. Discussions were also underway in other big states - Texas, California, Colorado and Illinois, she said. Ghani, traveling with some 70 business executives from 35 UK firms, said deepening trade ties with Washington and other U.S. states offered "a huge potential for collaboration" given overlapping industrial interests. She said aerospace would be a priority sector under the Washington MoU, with Boeing being based in the state, but other areas for possible deals included clean energy, life sciences, supply chains and agriculture. "There's a huge amount of interest in aviation," Ghani said, noting the big role British firms play in the aerospace supply chain. Britain said the MoU would unlock new commercial partnerships and facilitate capital investment, but provisions of a formal free trade agreement (FTA) can only be negotiated with the federal government. The MoU with Washington is the sixth such agreement with a U.S. state. Ghani and the UK business executives attended a Boeing supplier showcase, meeting their procurement and supply chain teams. Washington state is also the home of Amazon, Starbucks and Microsoft, and is the state with the 11th highest gross domestic product (GDP). The six U.S. states covered by MoUs with Britain have a combined GDP of over 2 trillion pounds ($2.4 trillion), Britain said. ($1 = 0.8193 pounds) (Reporting by Alistair Smout in London and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by William James and Sonali Paul) Britains most senior judge is to be known by the title of Lady Chief Justice for the first time in more than 750 years. Dame Sue Carr, 58, a Court of Appeal judge, will officially take up the post as head of the judiciary in England and Wales on Monday, Oct 2. She will succeed Lord Burnett of Maldon to become the first woman to oversee the judicial system since the post of Lord Chief Justice was created 755 years ago. Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, agreed that she could decide on her own title from the choices of Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chief Justice or Chief Justice, a gender-neutral term used in America, Ireland and New Zealand. Last night it was confirmed that Dame Sue had chosen Lady Chief Justice and will be sworn in as such in a ceremony in court four at the Royal Courts of Justice at 9am next Monday. It will also mark a double first. The swearing in ceremony will be available to the public to view via a live stream for the first time in history. In order to confirm her as Lady Chief Justice, Mr Chalk will have to issue a statutory instrument to change the judicial title. The post, which dates back to 1268, is written into law as Lord Chief Justice under section 64 of the 2003 Courts Act. After the announcement of Dame Sues appointment in the summer, Mr Chalk indicated he would follow her lead. Ill probably talk to her and see what she says about it. I think, ultimately, its got to be a title that she is comfortable with. And, within reason, I think Ill probably be led by what she has to say, he said. Dame Sue was one of only two candidates on the shortlist for the post, beating Dame Victoria Sharp, the first female president of the Kings Bench Division and brother of Richard Sharp, the former BBC chairman. Career at the Bar As a court of appeal judge for three years, Dame Sue has been known as Lady Justice Carr. She was appointed a High Court judge 10 years ago after four years as a recorder in 2009. During her career at the Bar, she held a series of leadership roles including complaints commissioner to the international criminal court in the Hague. She was called to the Bar in 1987, specialising in commercial professional liability, insurance and fraud litigation and arbitration. In 2012 she was named Professional Negligence Silk of the Year by Chambers & Partners. A mother-of-three, she was educated at Wycombe Abbey School, Buckinghamshire, and read law at Trinity College, Cambridge. Interviewed for the school website, she gave her views on feminism and pursuing a career. To me, feminism is having that true freedom of choice. Sometimes, the burden of potential is a heavy one and it is all too easy to go down a certain career path because it seems to be what is wanted of you, she said. So perhaps you could be Prime Minister. But if actually you really want to be a painter or teach riding and your circumstances permit it, then that is what you should do. She will give a speech next Monday, where she could give some clues on her approach to the top job. She faces a daunting task to clear the backlogs and delays in cases that mushroomed during Covid, as well as the perennial funding battles over maintaining and repairing the fabric of the courts. The courts are also undergoing radical change with greater use of technology, such as pre-recorded video evidence and remote trials, the introduction of cameras to film court cases and a drive toward greater transparency for the public to see justice done. As Lady Chief Justice, she can also expect a peerage, although she will not be able to take part in House of Lords proceedings while she remains a serving judge. 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. Comedian and actor Russell Brand is under investigation by London's Metropolitan Police, following allegations of rape and sexual assault. In its announcement Monday, the police force said it had received a "number of allegations of sexual offenses" following "an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Police in London announced Monday that they are investigating comedian and actor Russell Brand, following allegations of sexual offenses in the United Kingdom. Brand, 48, has been accused of raping and sexual assaulting a number of women during the height of his career, between 2006 and 2013, according to an investigation by several British media outlets. "Following an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times, the Met has received a number of allegations of sexual offenses in London," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement Monday. "We have also received a number of allegations of sexual offenses committed elsewhere in the country and will investigate these. The offenses are all non-recent," the police force added. Among the allegations, Brand is accused of raping a women with whom he'd previously had consensual relations. He is also accused of "grooming" a 16-year-old girl. Brand has publicly denied the allegations. On Friday, he posted a three-minute video clip, calling the claims "extraordinary and distressing," as he blamed media censorship. "You are probably aware that the British government have asked big tech platforms to censor our online content and some online platforms have complied with that request," Brand said in a post on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Last week, YouTube cut off Brand's revenue from ads displayed on his channel in response to the rape and assault allegations. Large companies, including Burger King, Asos, the Barbican and HelloFresh, have also removed their ads from Rumble. Brand was married to pop star Katy Perry for a little more than a year, from 2010 to 2011. Perry, who is 10 years younger, told Vogue in 2013 that Brand "was really hurtful, and it (relationship) was very controlling." As Brand calls the rape and assault allegations a "coordinated attack" for his conspiracy theories and COVID denialism, police are asking the public for more information. "We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offense, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us," Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said. "We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take, and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support." Grief counselors have been available for students and teachers this week at Paul W. Bryant High School after a Saturday night wreck that killed two teenagers. Elijah Clark, 17 and Mariyae Gulley, 17 of Bryant High School in Cottondale, died Saturday, according to officials with the Tuscaloosa City Schools system. State troopers said a single-vehicle crash occurred around 10:25 p.m. on Alabama Highway 69 that left two teens dead and two other teens injured. According to troopers, four juveniles were occupying the 2005 Nissan Maxima when the car left the roadway and struck a ditch. The driver, a 17-year-old from Vance was fatally injured in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. More: Second teen dies after Saturday night crash in Tuscaloosa County On Monday, troopers said that a passenger in the car, a 17-year-old from Tuscaloosa, died of injuries sustained in the crash after being taken to an area hospital. Two other passengers, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old who are both from Tuscaloosa, are being treated at area hospitals for their injuries. Troopers said none of the teens wore seat belts at the time of the crash. An investigation into the crash is being handled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Highway Patrol Division. Although troopers did not identify the two juveniles, Lydia Avant, a spokeswoman for Tuscaloosa City Schools, said that Gulley and Clark were both students at Bryant High. "Two Paul W. Bryant High School seniors died Saturday in a car accident on Highway 69 South, Elijah Clark and Mariyae Gulley," Avant said in a statement Monday. Avant said counselors and social workers will be available this week at Bryant High to assist students. "We are deeply saddened by the loss and our thoughts are with the students' families and friends. This is a difficult time for our students, faculty, and staff. We have counselors and social workers at the school today to help students cope with this tragedy. We will continue to have counselors available to help our students in the coming days. Teachers and staff will have access to our Employee Assistance Program. We send our deepest sympathies to the families involved and ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time," she said. Administrators at Bryant High offered condolences through social media. The Bryant High School Facebook page said, "As a Stampede family, we send our sympathies, prayers, and condolences to the families and friends of PWBHS students, Elijah Clark & Mariyae Gulley. We honor their memory with you." Eric Hines, the principal at Bryant High, paid tribute to Gulley and Clark in a Facebook post Monday morning. "Elijah and Mariyae were not just students; they were bright, spirited individuals who brought joy and positivity to our school every day. Their absence will be profoundly felt by their classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing them," Hines said. "We extend our deepest condolences to their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably difficult time, and we are here to offer our support in any way we can," he said. Mayor Walt Maddox also expressed his condolences on Monday in a social media post. "Our prayers are with the students, faculty and team members of Bryant High School in the passing of two of their students. Our prayers are with the families as well. No parent should ever have to experience this type of pain. May Gods peace provide some measure of comfort to all who are hurting," Maddox said. Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Two Bryant High School students killed in crash in Tuscaloosa County Wawa is a convenience store chain with food, drinks, coffee and clean restrooms. People rave about the Wawa customer experience. (Fred Morton/Provided) If this weeks news is any indication, Kentuckys convenience store landscape is in for a major shake-up over the next few years. Wawa announced plans to build at least 40 stores across the Bluegrass State over the next decade or so, with the first location expected to launch in 2025. The popular Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas station chain is the latest to expand into Kentucky following Texas-based Buc-ees, which launched in Richmond in 2022. Both chains have devoted fan bases and plenty to offer, but which is right for you? Heres what you need to know. Hoagies and coffee fuel Wawas menu Wawa has served as the Philadelphia areas premier convenience store for decades. The companys empire has slowly stretched throughout the mid-Atlantic and East Coast with new stores in Florida, Kentucky and beyond. The chain is primarily known for one thing: hoagies. Not subs, and not grinders. Hoagies. For more than 20 years, Wawa has left its hoagie orders up to its customers through touch-screen kiosks that offer full customization. Wawa hoagies are available in three different sizes: Junior (4 inches), Shorti (6 inches) and Classic (10 inches). Served hot or cold, these sandwiches can feature lunch meats like turkey, ham and salami or more unique fixings like chicken tenders, tuna salad, roasted vegetables and shredded beef. Additionally, Wawa offers fresh hot and cold coffee all day long. Staple flavors include Colombian and Cuban roasts, while other seasonal varieties, including this falls pumpkin spice, join the menu throughout the year. Those who dont need an energy jolt might opt for a fruit smoothie, milkshake or parfait. More recently, Wawa has expanded its menu to offer quesadillas, burritos, paninis, club sandwiches, soups, create-your-own bowls, ciabatta sandwiches, burgers and french fries, among other options. Even pizza is on the menu now starting at 4 p.m. Of course, no mention of Wawas menu could be complete without Sizzlis, the beloved breakfast option. These grab-and-go sandwiches are generally available with scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of bacon or sausage served on a bagel, croissant, biscuit or even pancakes. Sizzli breakfast burritos are also available, as are donuts, muffins and made-to-order breakfast hoagies that offer a larger portion. Most Wawa stores offer catering services and sell gasoline, too. Wawas mobile app offers rewards, including in-store discounts and gasoline savings that build up over time. Signing up for the program is free. According to the companys website, Wawas name comes from a Native American word for the Canadian geese that once roamed southeastern Pennsylvania, now represented as Wally Goose, the companys mascot. The companys original dairy farm sat on land that was once called Wawa, which later inspired the chains identity. The first Wawa Food Market opened in 1964 to create a larger outlet for its dairy products. Today, the company operates at least 950 locations up and down the East Coast. Buc-ees is known for abundance Beaver-loving Kentuckians showed up in droves when Buc-ees first opened in Richmond, and its easy to understand why. This chain is often known for its world-famous clean restrooms, unique menu and wall-to-wall shelves filled with snack foods. Some of the most popular options include barbecue dishes and beef jerky, some of which Richmond City Manager Robert Minerich said was the best hed ever had. Texas-style barbecue offerings include brisket, pulled pork, sausage and turkey. Perhaps the most known snack of all is Buc-ees Beaver Nuggets, which are sweet and crunchy corn puffs that come in several flavors, including caramel, cinnamon and jalepeno. You can wash down your Buc-ees food with a full lineup of coffee and tea, including hot and cold drinks with seasonal flavors and customizable options. Other snacks include beef jerky, which comes in several flavors, including exotic varieties like alligator and kangaroo. Those with a particularly large sweet tooth might opt for Buc-ees fresh fudge. Buc-ees serves as more of a one-stop-shop than Wawa in some ways thanks to its shelves stocked with beaver-themed merchandise and essentials, including T-shirts, magnets, home goods and even camping supplies. Outside, Buc-ees customers can fuel up their rides at one of several gas pumps sometimes nearing 100 stalls at some of the chains largest locations. According to its website, the company holds world records for the longest car wash (255 feet long in Katy, Texas) and the largest convenience store (74,707 square feet in Sevierville, Tenn.). Founded in 1982, Buc-ees has quickly grown from its Texas roots with recent expansions into Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina. The brand is widely recognizable thanks to its colorful beaver mascot, and there are at least 46 U.S. locations. Do you have a question about business in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com. The Defence Committee of the Bulgarian National Assembly has accepted a proposal for Bulgaria to send to Ukraine defective anti-aircraft guided missiles for S-300 systems and 5.56x45 mm ammunition, which are no longer needed by the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs. The decision was made at an extraordinary session of the Assembly. Source: European Pravda; Novini.bg portal Details: The proposal was adopted by 11 votes to 4. There were no abstainers. During the meeting, an expert from the Ministry of Defence explained that these missiles have not been tested and that there is no way to repair them in Bulgaria. The fault in the fact that this equipment cannot be serviced is rather political, Nikolai Drenchev from the Revival party said during the debate. "It is very unfortunate that we will be left with even more degraded and unprotected skies. With a political decision, we are pushing our army in a suicidal direction. We would recommend finding ways to keep all our equipment in working order," he added. "In Bulgaria, we do not have the opportunity to repair missiles of this type, but Ukraine does. This is done in conditions that we do not have," commented Defence Minister Todor Tagarev. Providing Ukraine with defective missiles will in no way impair the capabilities of the Bulgarian army. Experts claim that it is impossible to repair them in Bulgaria, Tagarev stressed. Hristo Gadev, the Chairman of the Commission on Defence from the GERB-SDS party, reported that the aid provided to Ukraine does not yet impair the combat capability of the Bulgarian army. Earlier, the Bulgarian government approved a draft agreement between the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ukrainian Defence Ministry for the free provision of armoured transport equipment. The parliamentary majority in Bulgaria approved the provision of about 100 Soviet-style armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine on 21 July. These APCs have been in the warehouse of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria since the 1980s. Additional assistance may also be established in a separate intergovernmental agreement between Kyiv and Sofia. 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! Jan Marsalek became one of Interpol's 'most wanted' after he fled Austria in 2020 - Leopold Fiala/LPF The Austrian boss of a scandal-hit German tech firm has been named in court as part of a suspected spy ring accused of plotting for the Russians. Jan Marsalek was named in court in London on Friday in the case of five Bulgarians accused of plotting the abduction of Kremlin targets while operating in the UK. Marsalek who has been on the run since the financial services and online payments processing firm Wirecard collapsed in 2020 amid allegations of fraud is alleged to have been the conduit between the alleged spies and Putins intelligence services. He is not charged in the case. The 43-year-old, who has reportedly fled to Russia, was responsible for Wirecards business in Asia, where 1.9 billion (1.6 billion) in cash that the company supposedly held disappeared. Wirecard admitted an elaborate and sophisticated fraud had been carried out on its operations. Marsalek became one of Europes most wanted men after Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest due to his alleged role in the scandal. Alleged Bulgarian spy plot The alleged Bulgarian spy ring is accused of plotting the abduction of targets for Russia while operating in the UK for two and a half years, a court was told on Tuesday. Five Bulgarians, three men and two women, are charged with conspiring to collect information that would be useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February this year. Orlin Roussev, 45, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, of Harrow, north-west London; Katrin Ivanova, 31, of the same Harrow address; Ivan Stoyanov, 31, from Greenford, west London; and Vanya Gaberova, 29, from Churchway, north-west London appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning. Bizer Dzhambazov and Katrin Ivanova Orlin Roussev, Vanya Gaberova The Crown Prosecution Service have accused the five defendants of UK-based espionage and of collecting information to help with abduction plots. On Tuesday, at the first court appearance of the five accused of spying, Kathryn Selby, prosecuting, said: Information was fed back to the UK and reporting was sent from the UK to a tasker on behalf of Russia, a person known as Jan Marsalek. Marsalek is not charged in connection with the case. When describing the charges against the five Bulgarians, Ms Selby told the court that the operating hub in this country for the offence of espionage was the property of Mr Roussev. Marsalek has been wanted on separate matters by Munich police since the collapse of the payment processing firm Wirecard in 2020. He had joined the firm in 2000, on his twentieth birthday, when it was a start-up, with no formal qualifications or work experience. Following the firms collapse he disappeared, after telling his colleagues he was going to the Philippines to prove his innocence. He reportedly left from a small airfield near Vienna in a private jet arranged for him by a far-Right former Austrian parliamentarian, but Philippine immigration records showing that he had entered the country four days later were faked. The missing Austrian, who before disappearing lived in a palatial home opposite the Russian consulate in Munich, is now a person of interest to three Western intelligence agencies, according to officials. Investigators have been tracing his alleged association with individuals or networks linked to Russias military intelligence directorate, the GRU the agency blamed for the attempted assassination of former spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. Among his alleged associates were former GRU colonel Andrey Chuprygin. In May 2021, the German BND federal intelligence service assessed that Marsalek remained in Russia, with BND chief Bruno Kahl telling the countrys MPs that Marsalek is suspected near Moscow. According to exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovskys Dossier Center, Marsalek received Russian citizenship and held at least two fake Russian passports. He is also known to have held at least six other passports, including diplomatic cover from the tiny Caribbean nation of Grenada, and at one stage was reportedly living under the protection of the Federal Security Service (FSB) at the lavish Meyendorff Castle, near the Russian capital. The German newspaper Die Welt reported that BND had credible information in 2020 that Marsalek was at a training centre in the Moscow suburb of Balashikha, the site of the FSBs Special Operations Centre founded by Vladimir Putin in 1998. The Russian government has claimed it is unaware of Marsaleks location. Marsalek is a very strange character In June 2021, Germanys governing coalition reported that Marsalek made contact with Russian intelligence through the Austrian-Russian Friendship Society, an organisation backed by the Russian regime to promote networking between senior policymakers in the two countries. It was alleged that its finance secretary had been receiving classified documents from Marsalek said to have been illegally obtained from Austrias interior ministry and security service and passing them to the countrys far-Right populist party, the FPO. Marsalek, who is alleged to have had links with a company used by the Wagner group of Russian mercenary fighters, also reportedly boasted to friends about his trips to Palmyra, Syria, as a guest of the Russian military after they captured the town from Isis, and that he had discussed the Libyan crisis with representatives of the Russian government. In June 2020, one of his former associates told the Financial Times: In general, Marsalek is a very strange character: he has an extreme affinity for security and is very mysterious. I could never tell whether it was real or staged. Bulgarians spy ring profile Despite being wanted by the German authorities through Interpol, he was able in May 2021 to set up a consulting company in the UK under his name, though claiming to be a Czech national, and registered the firm with Companies House. There will be questions as to how Marsalek was able to set up a firm in the UK at the time he was wanted by Interpol, apparently evading basic identification verification procedures designed to weed out potential fraud. A Companies House spokesman said: We dont comment on individual companies. Companies House carries out checks to ensure filings are complete, but at present, the Registrar has limited legal powers to verify or validate information which is delivered to her. Measures in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will significantly strengthen the Registrars ability to know who is forming and running companies. Of those accused of being part of the alleged spy ring, Roussev is alleged to have organised and managed the cells operations from the UK. Court sketches of Ivan Stoyanov, Katrin Ivanova, Orlin Roussev, Vanya Gaberova and Bizer Dzhambazov Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova were previously charged on Feb 11 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under Section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. The five defendants, appearing via video link from four separate jails, spoke only to confirm their names and date of birth. Ms Selby added: This is an indictable only offence, therefore it has to be sent to the Crown Court. Given this has a national security backdrop, it should be dealt with in accordance with the terrorism protocol. People are aware that three of the defendants have already been jointly charged with an offence under the identity cards act. All five of them were arrested back in February this year for offences contrary to the Official Secrets Act. The court heard that all five defendants have EU settled status. There was no Bulgarian translator present for the hearing and no applications for bail were made. Tan Ikram, the deputy chief magistrate, remanded the five accused in custody and scheduled a further hearing for Oct 13 at the Old Bailey. 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. People mourn Sikh community leader and temple president Hardeep Singh Nijjar during Antim Darshan, the first part of daylong funeral services for him, in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 25, 2023. Nijjar was gunned down in his vehicle while leaving a parking lot at the Sikh temple in Surrey. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) As perverse as it may sound, state-sponsored assassinations overseas are nothing new in the dirty world of international relations. Israel has conducted targeted killings against terrorists in multiple countries; in 2010, a team of Mossad agents tracked a senior Hamas commander to his hotel room in Dubai and killed him, possibly by suffocation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has a long history of poisoning perceived opponents and traitors. And then there was the case of Saudi intelligence agents luring Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where he was killed and dismembered. Advertisement Now India has joined the club. According to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadas intelligence services have information suggesting the Indian government was involved in the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a high-profile Sikh leader in Canada who was shot to death by two masked gunmen in the Vancouver area in June. As one might expect, the news has plunged India-Canada relations to new lows. The Canadian government expelled a top Indian diplomat from the country. India returned the favor by sending a Canadian diplomat packing and stopping the processing of visas for Canadians. New Delhi strongly denies the allegations. Advertisement The United States is a bit player in this drama. While Washington handed over some intelligence to Canada that helped Ottawa firm up its conclusion of Indian state involvement, the Biden administration has tried to keep its head down. The last thing it wants is to choose sides between Canada, one of its oldest allies, and India, a country four successive U.S. presidents have courted over the last two decades. U.S. officials have stuck with the generic we are concerned by the news answer whenever reporters issue a query. While the U.S. hasnt been totally oblivious about the case, the lack of a stern condemnation speaks volumes. Granted, there is a lot we dont know about this specific incident. Was Nijjar killed on the orders of Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Indias intelligence services? Did an individual intelligence officer in the Indian bureaucracy take matters into their own hands without their superiors knowing anything about it? The fact that Canada intercepted communications between Indian diplomats, information that was then used to buttress its assessment, suggests Nijjars killing wasnt some lone-wolf operation. Yet it doesnt take a genius to contrast Washingtons church-mouse-like silence in this case with other state-sponsored killings. If the Iranians and Russians were implicated in a killing on Canadian soil, you can bet that U.S. officials would be outraged (rightly so) about it and release a preliminary assessment about the matter even as the investigation was still progressing. Needless to say, this hasnt occurred yet in the Nijjar investigation. [ Daniel DePetris: Indias foreign policy is slowly changing thanks to China ] We can chalk some of this up to prudence. But a larger part, no doubt, is because Biden doesnt want to pick a fight with India at a time when the country is a major pillar of his Indo-Pacific strategy. In essence, geopolitical factors are outweighing the administrations frequent boasts about defending the so-called rules-based international order. The U.S. has invested significant diplomatic capital over the years in elevating the U.S.-India relationship. In 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative with New Delhi, which allowed U.S. and Indian companies to cooperate with each other on peaceful nuclear energy a short seven years after Washington sanctioned India and cut off economic assistance in retaliation for the testing a nuclear device. President Barack Obama picked up where his predecessor left off, advocating for Indias inclusion in the United Nations Security Council and later signing a deal that permitted U.S. companies to build nuclear reactors on Indian soil. President Donald Trump viewed Modi as one of his closest colleagues; in 2020, the two signed a $3 billion arms deal that would supply New Delhi with U.S. military equipment. Advertisement President Joe Biden visits the Raj Ghat memorial with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, foreground, and other G20 leaders in New Delhi on Sept. 10, 2023. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) The bilateral relationship, however, has really accelerated under the Biden administration. Modi has visited the White House twice over the last three years, the last time in June, when he was given the red-carpet treatment at an official state dinner. 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 > The U.S. and Indian militaries are training together with increasing frequency. This year, Washington and New Delhi agreed on a defense initiative involving limited U.S. technology transfers to the Indian market and the joint production of jet engines, long-range artillery and infantry vehicles. The U.S. even provided the Indian military with intelligence late last year on Chinese troop positions along the disputed India-China border. The U.S. considers India a critical check on Chinas ambitions in Asia and it shows. The White House doesnt want to do anything that could upset the relationship. Despite India purchasing the Russian S-400 missile defense system, the Biden administration granted the country an exemption to a law mandating U.S. sanctions on any country purchasing Russian military equipment. India continues to buy Russian crude oil, with barely a peep coming out of Washington. Modis record on human rights is subpar he was once banned from entering the U.S. during his previous tenure as chief minister of Gujarat, a state in western India but Indias importance to U.S. grand strategy in Asia is seen as simply too important to make human rights or religious freedom a big issue. The Nijjar case throws a wrench into all of this. The U.S. is caught between a rock and a hard place. Condemn India for the killing and jeopardize a strategic partnership the U.S. has sought to build since the turn of the century, or stay quiet and be open to charges of hypocrisy. The White House thus far is trying to tread a middle ground. But how long can it last? Advertisement Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. ASHEVILLE - Free at-home tests are once again available by mail, where every U.S. household may place an order for four COVID-19 rapid tests, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To receive the at-home tests, individuals need to provide an address and name to the U.S. Postal Service. Orders will ship the week of Oct. 2 and households are limited to one order of four tests. No credit card or transaction is required. Test kits can be ordered at https://special.usps.com/testkits. Those who are blind or have low-vision can order 12 free test kits with enhanced accessibility at https://special.usps.com/testkits/accessible. Though some tests may currently be past their expiration date, the FDA has extended those dates. You can find a full list of extended expiration dates for at-home tests at fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19, COVID-19 consent forms at a pop-up vaccination event at Smoky Park Supper Club August 16, 2021. More: Got mumps, measles, chickenpox? You don't want them; get vaccinated health experts say On Sept. 13, COVID-19 was detected in the Metropolitan Sewer District of Buncombe County at its highest average rate in since wastewater detection began in June 2021. Updated information for the week of Sept. 18 has not been provided by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. For closer, quicker sources of at-home tests, free at-home test kits are available at various locations throughout Asheville, the Citizen Times previously reported. Buncombe County also offers at-home tests at the County DHHS office located at 40 Coxe Ave. but does not provide on-site tests. For free test kits prior to the Oct. 2 shipping date, free tests are available to Buncombe County residents at the following locations, according to the NCDHHS website: The Western North Carolina AIDS Project-Asheville, 554 Fairview Road. Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement, 56 Walton St. UNETE, 55 Adams Hill Road. The Salvation Army of Buncombe County, 204 Haywood St. Hola Carolina, 19 Eagle St., Suite 120. Tranzmission Inc., 37 Montford Ave. Suite 2. Community Action Opportunities, 25 Gaston St. The state suggests that residents call locations before picking up tests. Alternate locations for no-cost COVID-19 testing are available at the CDC's testing locator website. More: How to access newly approved COVID-19 vaccines in Buncombe County A woman handled a cooler of vaccines as Buncombe County Health and Human Services began administering second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine January 26, 2021. Find updated boosters, vaccines in Buncombe. Updated vaccines and boosters have come to Buncombe County clinics, where you can locate and schedule a time to receive a COVID-19 or flu vaccine at www.vaccines.gov/search/. People older than 5 are eligible to receive the updated vaccine, provided they have not received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the past two months. Ages 6 months to 4 years old can receive varying doses depending on their vaccination status. Public health officials are recommending that everyone older than 6 months receive a booster. Most health insurance plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine for free, according to NCDHHS. Vaccines for Children, a federal vaccine supply program, provides free vaccines to ages 18 and younger who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, or dont have insurance that adequately covers the vaccine cost. Some adults are also eligible for free vaccines under the federal Bridge Access Program. North Carolina State Epidemiologist Zack Moore told the Citizen Times Sept. 13 that people who had robust reactions to previous COVID-19 vaccinations can potentially expect a similar experience with the updated vaccine. "You may want to plan a lighter day," Moore said. Moore encouraged those interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine to receive their flu shot at the same time. A vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is available to people older than 60. Buncombe County Health Human and Services is also offering the updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines: Walk-in: The BCHHS Immunization Clinic, at 40 Coxe Ave., has walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m. Appointment: To help reduce wait time, individuals may call 828-250-5096 to schedule an Immunization Clinic appointment. Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 14:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8-11:30 a.m. The shelf life for Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen home tests was extended by the FDA. When should children stay home from school? If your student has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home until it has been at least five days since they've had symptoms and at least 24 hours since their last fever, according to MAHEC's student health program guidelines. "Students should wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days after the first day of symptoms to minimize the risk of infecting others," the guidelines read. Other directions for fever or general illness are also provided within the MAHEC student health program. More: Student vaccine exemptions across Asheville, Buncombe schools some of highest in NC More: Answer Woman: Does Buncombe County still test wastewater for COVID-19 levels? Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Free COVID-19 tests in WNC? Order four free tests through USPS BURRTON, Kan. (KSNW) Burrton Police Department, with assistance from the Halstead Police Department, the Harvey County Sheriffs Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, have found 49 pounds of methamphetamine. It happened back on Aug. 31 when Burrton Police officers spotted a semi-truck with a vehicle trailer hauling several vehicles along U.S. Highway 50. Chief David Odle says officers saw suspicious plastic wrapping coming from the bumper of one of the vehicles the truck was hauling. How to see the ring of fire eclipse this October, total solar eclipse in April 24 Chief Odle says as officers looked closer, they believed they saw narcotics in the bumper. A K-9 officer from Halstead was called in to check the vehicle. Chief Odle says K-9 Eddy detected the presence of drugs, so he obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to assist in the search and processing of the vehicle. Chief Odle says all four agencies searched the empty cavities of the vehicle and found a total of 49 pounds of meth inside of it. Odle says the driver of the semi did not know the vehicle he was hauling had drugs inside. So far, no suspects have been identified, according to Chief Odle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez to make first remarks following indictment NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New Jersey businessman pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of bribing U.S. Senator Bob Menendez . Wael Hana, 40, entered the plea at a hearing before Magistrate Judge Ona Wang in federal court in Manhattan. Menendez, 69, his 56-year-old wife, Nadine Menendez, and two other businessmen accused of bribing the senior New Jersey senator are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Hana, who is originally from Egypt, arranged meetings in 2018 between Menendez and Egyptian officials. At the meetings, officials pressed the senator - who until shortly after his indictment was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - to sign off on military aid Washington had withheld over concerns about the country's human rights record. In exchange, prosecutors said, Hana put Nadine Menendez on the payroll of a company he controlled that had the exclusive right to certify halal meat shipped to Egypt from the United States. Menendez and his wife have denied wrongdoing. The senator has rejected calls from fellow Democrats to step down. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg slammed former President Trumps reported comments to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley about a wounded veteran, saying they were just the latest in a pattern of outrageous attacks on those who serve the country. CNNs Dana Bash asked Buttigieg on State of the Union on Sunday what his response was to an interview Milley gave to The Atlantic in which he described an instance when Trump complained to him about a wounded Army veteran. Milley said Trump asked him, Why do you bring people like that here? No one wants to see that, the wounded, and told him to not allow that wounded veteran to appear in public again. These are the kind of people who deserve respect, and a hell of a lot more than that, from every American and definitely from every American president, Buttigieg, who is himself a Navy veteran, told Bash. And the idea that an American president, the person to whom service members look as a commander in chief, and the person who sets the tone for this entire country, could think that way or act that way or talk that way about anyone in uniform, and certainly about those who put their bodies on the line and sacrificed in ways that most Americans will never understand, and I guess I guess wounded veterans make President Trump feel uncomfortable, he added. Buttigieg said that this month marks the nine-year anniversary of his return from the one tour he served in Afghanistan with the Navy. He recounted his military experiences, noting that those service members who were injured were also often eager to continue serving the country. He said those veterans are the kinds of people America should lift up, because their commitment could help unify the country. Following the publication of the Atlantic article, Trump posted a series of attacks against Milley on Truth Social in which he accused the top general of going behind his back to talk to Chinese counterparts an apparent reference to calls Milley made to reassure China near the end of Trumps term. He suggested that Milley deserved the death penalty. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treasonous act, Trump wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Trigger warning: This story contains depictions of sexual harassment and assault. Cal Polys director of jazz studies left the university this spring after a student filed a sexual harassment complaint against him and it wasnt the first time the professor has moved from one college to another under accusations of improper behavior. Arthur White, who was hired in August as an associate dean at his alma mater, Emporia State University in Kansas, is being investigated by Cal Polys Civil Rights and Compliance Office under Title IX, according to Danna Dumandan, the student who filed the complaint against him. Title IX is the federal civil rights law that protects against discrimination based on sex. Individuals can file complaints with a university under Title IX if they feel theyve been the victim of gender-based harm such as sexual harassment and sexual violence. A decade ago, White also left his teaching position at the University of Missouri after at least two students there accused him of sexual harassment and assault. Cal Poly would not confirm whether it was investigating White, but spokesman Matt Lazier said he resigned from his position at the university on June 22 after being employed there since 2018. Whites employment at his new university lasted only six weeks, and he resigned from Emporia State on Sept. 22, according to the universitys general counsel, Steven Lovett. After working closely with Dumandan at Cal Poly, a now-graduated music major, White allegedly made sexual remarks to her, confessed his feelings of love for her and later stalked her on campus during the spring 2023 quarters, she said. This man, he cannot be in education anymore, Dumandan told The Tribune. Hes done this to too many students, to too many people. The Tribune spoke to the two other former music students who said they had been sexually harassed and assaulted by White. Taryn Gervais and Puckmaren Glass took music classes from White while he was employed at the University of Missouri, or Mizzou for short. Gervais said she was harassed and groped by White in 2013, while Glass, who goes by they/them pronouns, said they were harassed and assaulted by him in 2016. After a complaint about Whites behavior was lodged by Glass, Mizzou opened a Title IX investigation, Glass said, and Gervais said she was interviewed as part of that investigation. Glass was never informed of the results of the Mizzou Title IX investigation, they said. White was no longer employed at Mizzou as of Oct. 6, 2016, according to university spokesman Christian Basi. He was hired at the university on Aug. 16, 2009, Basi told The Tribune. When I was at Mizzou and he was ultimately not there anymore ... I was like, amazing, this is never going to happen again, Glass said. But how is he still doing this? I thought the whole point of me going through 13 months of a Title IX process was so that it would never happen again. How are we here? The Tribune reached White via phone, but he hung up upon learning the caller was a reporter. He then did not respond to text messages or emailed requests for comment. However, an attorney for White, Don Peterson at the law firm Graybill & Hazlewood in Wichita, sent a letter to The Tribune requesting the story not run while the ongoing Title IX investigation at Cal Poly is underway. White had no inappropriate relationship with Ms. Dumandan, Peterson wrote. Cal Poly may not have known about Whites past Whether Cal Poly was aware of the Title IX investigation at Mizzou when the university hired White is unclear. There is not a guarantee that a background check would inform the university of a Title IX matter in a candidates previous employment, Cal Poly spokesman Matt Lazier wrote in an email to The Tribune. Lazier added that the university could not comment specifically on Whites case because of privacy reasons. Dumandan, Glass and Gervais said they worried about students where White was employed after Cal Poly Emporia State University because after the three learned of each others stories, their experiences sounded all too familiar. Its obviously habitual behavior, Gervais said. Im certain that were not the only ones. Cal Poly student alleges sexual harassment White was hired at Cal Poly in the fall of 2018 as the new director of jazz studies. Dumandan, who came to Cal Poly in 2019 as a voice major and wants to pursue a career as a music teacher, said she loved spending time in the music building at the university it was basically her second home. White served as her adviser, and she built a close working relationship with the professor while taking classes and private lessons with him, a common practice for Cal Poly music students, she said. It wasnt until her final year that things escalated, Dumandan said. At a jazz concert in the fall of 2022, Dumandan said White told her she looked hot in the dress she was wearing for the performance. He then later asked if she was going to wear the same dress again for future concerts, she said. The comments about her appearance and body continued throughout the year, she said, but Dumandan dismissed or ignored them because they made her uncomfortable and she wasnt sure how to respond. On May 26, Dumandan had her last jazz concert for Cal Poly. White had given her a solo during a love song, and Dumandan said he told her he couldnt look her in the eye while she sang, which made her uncomfortable. Then, later that same week, Dumandan was in Whites office for a private lesson when he confessed his love for her, she said. I thought it was a joke because hes like a very raunchy type of guy, Dumandan said. The next week, she went to Whites office to say goodbye because her last choir concert for Cal Poly was the next weekend. During that visit, White again professed his love for Dumandan, she said, and added that he hoped she wouldnt say anything because she had enough information to fire him. On June 4, Dumandan performed in a final choir concert for Cal Poly. After the concert, Dumandan said White went backstage to look for her, demanding her friends tell him where she was. Then, her friends later spotted him standing outside of the Performing Arts Center and later at the parking garage, apparently waiting for Dumandan to leave, she told The Tribune. The next day, Dumandan met with Alicia Doyle, Cal Polys music department chair, and told her everything. Doyle informed Dumandan that she had to report the information to Title IX, Dumandan said. Dumandan then spoke with the Cal Poly Civil Rights & Compliance Office, which opened a Title IX investigation, she said. Over the remaining days until her graduation, Dumandan said she felt unsafe on campus while White was there. She said she would hide when she saw him approaching or heard his voice. After Dumandan spoke with Doyle about her safety concerns, the music department apparently prohibited White from being on campus the final two weeks of the quarter, Dumandan said. Meanwhile, White apparently told people in the San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly community that Dumandan had flipped the script, saying that she was the one who had confessed her feelings of love for him, Dumandan told The Tribune. It was like he was trying to ruin her reputation, said a music department faculty member who requested to remain anonymous because of the ongoing Title IX investigation. Attorney says professor denies students allegations Although White did not respond to Tribune requests for comment, an attorney representing him sent a letter to The Tribune on Sept. 19 saying White vehemently denies Dumandans allegations. He insists he never had romantic feelings for Ms. Dumandan and never said that he did, the letter said. Her version of events does not include any touching, it continued. She does not claim he asked her to do anything. Her version does not state he stated any intent to do anything. Her version is that he expressed feelings and that this alone caused her emotional trauma and fear, the letter added. I suppose this is possible, but it is hardly plausible, especially considering the quarter was essentially over. The letter notes that there was no evidence of any romantic feelings expressed by White to Dumandan through electronic communications. If Dr. White really did have the kind of romantic feelings Ms. Dumandan claims, and lacked the ability to keep them to himself, one would expect there to be some hint of it in their electronic communications, the letter said. He communicated with her and other students by email and text message. There are no such communications even hinting at any such romantic feelings by Dr. White. Former Mizzou student says she was groped, harassed by music professor The experiences reported by Dumandan followed a similar pattern to the accounts shared by the former University of Missouri students. Gervais, now a high school choir director in Kansas, said White was quick to become casual with students and would often share personal information unprompted. While she was at Mizzou in 2013, Gervais said Whites remarks to her and other women in the jazz band quickly escalated to verbal sexual harassment. She recounted an incident where he commented on her legs while she was wearing a skirt, noting that if I had legs that great, Id wear that skirt, too, Gervais told The Tribune. It just progressed, she added. The things that he would say ... he was just kind of like a loose cannon. Gervais said White asked her about her sex life with her boyfriend at the time, referred to her as his girlfriend and said he wanted to leave his wife but couldnt because he has a child. At a jazz conference in Chicago in December 2013, Gervais said she and a few other students went out to eat one night, and White invited himself along. After a few drinks, White apparently insisted he buy Gervais a drink, she said. While ordering at the bar, White allegedly told Gervais he couldnt help looking at your hot ass, she said. White then proceeded to grab Gervaiss waist and brush up close to her, she told The Tribune. After telling a friend and adviser about the incident with White, Gervais reported it to the universitys then-ethics department, which has since evolved into the Office of Institutional Equity. Gervais also stopped taking private lessons with White, although she had to take other classes with him to finish her degree, she said. Second Mizzou student alleged sexual misconduct by White Less than two years after Gervais filed with the ethics department at Mizzou, Glass said they were also a victim of sexual harassment and assault by White. Glass said there were several small things White did during class to make them uncomfortable, such as making heart signs with his hands at them across the room, but they didnt think much of it at the time. On a night in February 2016, Glass and the rest of their jazz improvisation class went to a local bar to play gigs, they said. At that event, he put his hands on the inside of my thigh and he whispered in my ear that he wanted to take me home and things of that nature, Glass told The Tribune. The next morning, Glass filed a Title IX complaint with Mizzou. My first words to Title IX were, I dont want him to be fired, I just dont want this to happen again, Glass said. After the Title IX complaint was filed, Glass said White proceeded to stalk them on campus. Glass said there were several times when they hid from White, afraid of what would happen should they encounter him face to face. Then, Glass said, White proceeded to tell people on campus that the claims Glass was alleging against him were lies and that Glass was the person that came onto him. He then allegedly opened a Title IX investigation into Glass, they told The Tribune. In the final several months before White resigned from Mizzou in October 2016, White reportedly had to be escorted by the dean and campus police while he was on campus, Glass told The Tribune. I would get a notification so that I could not be on campus because we couldnt be in the same space, Glass said. It makes for a very stressful learning environment, not only because I was put in a position that I should not have been put in as a student, but also because when something like Title IX is happening, its an awful experience for everybody. Glass, who is currently in rabbinical school in New York City, was not notified of the results of either Title IX investigation, they said. After Cal Poly, White was hired at Emporia State University in Kansas White separated from Cal Poly on June 22, six days after final exams ended, according to Lazier, the universitys spokesman. He was then hired as Emporia State Universitys assistant dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts on Aug. 6 before resigning less than two months later. Dumandan said she was informed that the Title IX preliminary investigation report at Cal Poly is scheduled to be completed by the end of September. In the meantime, she and several Cal Poly music students sent a letter to the Emporia State University music department. This man manipulated the trust students should have in their professors, the Aug. 17 letter reads. Many people saw him as a mentor, but were betrayed when he decided to express his romantic feelings for a student in a private lesson, behind closed doors, two weeks before her college graduation. No student should have to endure this throughout their education, especially from the professor, the letter continued. She is lucky that this betrayal was only verbal, because who knows if he would have tried to go further. In her own, separate letter to the Emporia State University music department, Dumandan detailed her accusations of sexual harassment and stalking against White, noting that the allegations were also filed with Cal Poly in the Title IX investigation. This has been so extremely painful to deal with, she wrote. I truly just ask please do not let another student go through the same thing. Emporia State Universitys director of media relations Gwendolynne Larson responded to The Tribunes questions about whether the university knew about previous Title IX investigations involving White saying only that the university does not comment on personnel matters. If you or someone you know are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. The hotline offers a range of free services including confidential support from a trained staff member, help finding a local health facility, legal and medical advice and referrals for long-term support. Support and resources are also available through Lumina Alliance at luminaalliance.org or Cal Poly Safer at safer.calpoly.edu. Police are searching for the man responsible for a stabbing at a Caldwell park. Caldwell police visited the victim at a local hospital early Tuesday morning. The victim told officers that he gave the man a ride, according to a Caldwell Police Department news release, and that an altercation took place just before 1 a.m. after they stopped at Luby Park, 710 Irving St. The suspect attacked the victim with a knife and stabbed him twice, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Police are still investigating the nature of the relationship between the two, Caldwell police spokesperson Char Jackson told the Idaho Statesman in an email. Luckily this did not end up worse and our victim survived this violent attack, Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram said in the release. Be mindful of who you decide to pick up and give a ride to. The suspect fled the scene on foot, the victim told police, who are asking the public to help locate him. The suspect is a white male, about 6 feet tall, with a medium build and short hair, according to police. He was wearing a hat with a gray front and mesh back. Anyone with information can call 208-343-COPS or the nonemergency dispatch line at 208-454-7531. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed nine LGBTQ-supportive bills into law last week after vetoing one. Newsom, a Democrat, announced the signings Saturday evening. The bills are: Assembly Bill 5 sets timelines for implementing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for public school teachers and staff Senate Bill 857 creates an advisory task force to identify the needs of LGBTQ+ students and put supportive measures into force SB 407 directs the California Department of Social Services, when evaluating foster care homes, to make sure LGBTQ+ young people are not placed in hostile environments AB 223 requires any petition for a change of gender and sex identifier by a minor to be kept confidential by the court AB 760 requires public colleges and universities to update student records to reflect legally changed names and genders AB 783 directs cities to advise applicants for business licenses that single-user restrooms must be labeled all-gender SB 760 sets standards for all-gender restrooms in public and private K-12 schools SB 372 requires licensing boards to update records to recognize legally changed names and genders AB 994 assures that law enforcement uses arrestees chosen names and pronouns when posting information on social media, with some exceptions The bill Newsom vetoed last week would have required courts, when making custody decisions, to consider whether a parent is supportive of a childs gender identity. Newsom had said this measure went too far in dictating court actions and could have led other-minded politicians in California and elsewhere to use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities. Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, who is gay, had objected to Newsoms veto of that legislation but praised his signing of SB 407, which Wiener authored. LGBTQ youth deserve a supportive and affirming home the same as any other child, Wiener said in a statement to The Bay Area Reporter. Im proud that California is taking this step to expand support for LGBTQ youth at a time when elected leaders in other states are targeting them with cruel restrictions and hate. In a press release, Newsom said, California is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, and were committed to the ongoing work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all Californians. These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities. I thank Senator Eggman and the LGBTQ Caucus for their dedicated leadership and partnership in advancing our states values of equality, freedom and acceptance. In the release, Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, added, This year the LGBTQ Caucus took up the important work of protecting our communities in the face of vile anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, discriminatory laws across the country, and hatred. I appreciate the Governors partnership in signing some of our priority and endorsed legislation today and hope we can continue to educate about the harm LGBTQ+ people will continue to face if we fail to act. While states across the nation are passing legislation that puts LGBTQ+ people and especially youth at risk, California is sending a clear message today hate-filled attacks will not be tolerated and we will continue protecting and ensuring the safety of all members of the LGBTQ+ community, Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang noted in the release. We are thankful to our legislative partners for championing these important bills and to Governor Newsom for continuing to be such a strong ally in improving and protecting the wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community as we face growing attacks from far-right extremists. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) and fellow democrat state Assemblyman Corey Jackson pose for a photo during the signing of a bill to prohibit book bans in the state. Photo courtesy Office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom Sept. 26 (UPI) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation that prohibits school boards from banning curriculum, educational materials and books amid an increase in texts concerning race and LGBTQ issues being pulled from schools nationwide. Newsom, a Democrat, signed Assembly Bill 1078 on Monday after the California state Assembly passed it 62-16 in late May and the state Senate 30-9 earlier this month. Under the bill, which went immediately into effect, schools that ban textbooks or instructional material required by state law to "accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of our society" will be subjected to a fine. If the school district fails to provide the textbooks, the state will also charge them for replacements. Newsom, in a recorded statement with Corey Jackson, a state assemblyman and the bill's author, described the piece of legislation as "long overdue." "Remarkable that we're living in a country right now in this banning binge, this cultural purge that we're experiencing all throughout America and now increasingly here in the state of California where we have school districts banning books, banning free speech, criminalizing librarians and teachers," he said. "We want to do more than just push back rhetorically against that, and that's what this legislation provides." California is banning book bans and textbook censorship in our schools. In partnership with @AsmCoreyJackson and @TonyThurmond, we're cementing CA's role as the true freedom state: a place where families-not political fanatics-have the freedom to decide what's right. pic.twitter.com/0br2MQN2rm Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) September 26, 2023 The bill was proposed amid an increase in book bans across the country. According to a Sept. 21 report by PEN America, a U.S. nonprofit that defends free speech, the number of public school book bans increased 33% during the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous school calendar. In total, PEN recorded 3,362 instances of books banned, with more than 40% of all books banned in Florida school districts, followed by Texas, Missouri, Utah and Pennsylvania. "Overwhelmingly, book bans target books on race or racism or featuring characters of color, as well as books with LGBTQ+ characters," it said. "And this year, banned books also include books on physical abuse, health and well-being, and themes of grief and death. Notably, most instances of book bans affect young adult books, middle grade books, chapter books or picture books -- books specifically written and selected for younger audiences." Newsom signed the bill after Illinois became the first U.S. state to prohibit the banning of books in June though that law won't take effect until Jan. 1. It also follows Newsom's fight this summer with the Temecula Valley Unified School District, which failed to adopt a social studies textbook require to include "fair accurate, inclusive and respectful reference" to contributions by members of the LGBTQ community over its inclusion of gay rights advocate Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay man elected to office in California and was assassinated in 1978. In July, Newsom slapped a $1.5 million fine on the Southern California school district for its failure to adopt the state-endorsed social studies curriculum. "From Temecula to Tallahassee, fringe ideologues across the country are attempting to whitewash history and ban books from schools," Newsom said in a statement. "With this new law, we're cementing California's role as the true freedom state: a place where families -- not political fanatics -- have the freedom to decide what's right for them." Its an Illinois truism: Holding office for too long breeds corruption. We see it at every level of government, yet the solution seems to be as elusive as a traffic-free day on the Kennedy. And so it was a remarkable day in August when the Chicago City Council enacted term limits for the role of Chicagos inspector general. The new law, recommended by my organization, the Better Government Association policy team, as well as the ethics committee and Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, will limit any holder of the office to two, four-year terms. Advertisement Adding term limits to any position in Chicago or Illinois is progress, but the stature of the inspector general role makes this particularly significant. The inspector general is the most important oversight role in Chicago. The office investigates wrongdoing and oversees all elected officials in the city, including the mayor and aldermen. Advocating for term limits for an office you hold is not the norm. Witzburg deserves praise for starting what we hope will be a trend for those in public life. Advertisement Why are term limits so essential? The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, set to start in the spring, will highlight the potential problems that come as politicians extend and consolidate their power. Those in power become too complacent, create long-term personal relationships and have favors owed and when a public official holds multiple offices like Madigan did, people become subservient to them. Illinois leaders know this, of course. In 2021, in reaction to the Madigan fallout, Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch and Senate President Don Harmon added rules to their chambers: No one can serve as speaker, president or minority leader for more than five General Assemblies, or 10 years. The problem is, those are rules, not binding laws, and rules can be changed easily. Illinois legislators must take this seriously and add it to state statute. Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg speaks during a Police Board meeting at police headquarters on June 15, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Witzburg explained her position on term limits in July at a Committee on Ethics and Government Oversight hearing: Independence is the hallmark of inspector general work. I think that if any one person is in this position for too long, it increases the risk that relationships with other actors in city government become too friendly or too acrimonious in a way which compromises the work. Some argue that elections are, effectively, a form of term limits. Although theoretically true, incumbency is powerful. Incumbents already have large campaign staffs, the lay of the land, the expertise of the office they are holding, the ability to raise more money and usually more power to garner media attention. Of course, longevity in office doesnt in itself lead to corruption. Ethical, law-abiding politicians can serve the public effectively for decades. But the value of fresh eyes and fresh ideas is tremendous. We dont own the institutions; we are stewards of them. It is our highest responsibility to equip the institutions to succeed after our time is over, Witzburg said. Consider the record-setting tenure of Jesse White when he was Illinois secretary of state. He was beloved across the state and respected for leading his office with integrity, so its easy to argue that the secretary of states office was beset with complacency. When White stepped down after 24 years, it fell to his successor, Alexi Giannoulias, to update the offices cryptic website, upgrade computer software to make it more secure and update ethics executive orders. Term limits can fight complacency. Advertisement Our Founding Fathers were not in agreement on term limits at the federal level. James Madison thought term limits could lead to government dysfunction that frequent elections were a check on power. Thomas Jefferson wrote to his friend, Edward Rutledge: I apprehend that the total abandonment of the principle of rotation in the offices of president and senator will end in abuse. But my confidence is that there will for a long time be virtue and good sense enough in our countrymen to correct abuses. 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 > Common sense must prevail across all levels of government, including the worlds greatest deliberative body, where the top 25 U.S. senators by seniority have served more than 16 years and the top 10 senators have served for more than 24 years. Consider the example Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, is setting by announcing that, at 76 years old, he will not run for a second six-year term. He said it was time for a new generation of leaders. Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Diane Feinstein, 90, of California, announced in February that she will not seek reelection next year but will serve out her current term, despite facing medical challenges. Republican Strom Thurmond of South Carolina served in the Senate until just before his death at 100 and in his last years relied on his staff for almost everything. Valid questions are dogging Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., now as he manages visible health issues. Incumbency is a powerful drug, and maybe, just maybe, term limits could save someone from themselves. For now, term limits for Chicagos inspector general are a step in the right direction, but its not enough. Term limits for powerful positions help us focus on the work of the people and guard against the cult of personality. Advertisement Bryan Zarou is director of policy for the Better Government Association. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has been awarded more than $200 million from the Biden Administration in what is one of the largest pieces of federal funding awarded to the project in its history. The $202 million grant was made by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the 2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. The grant funding will be used to complete six grade separations in the city of Shafter, about 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield in Kern County. A grade separation is a roadway that is re-aligned over or under a railway to eliminate hazards, according to CAHSR. Photo from the California High-Speed Rail Authority shows the Excelsior Avenue Grade Separation Project between Seventh Avenue and Highway 43 in Kings County. Funding will be used to design and construct the grade separation, as well as purchase any outstanding right-of-way that will separate car and pedestrian traffic from trains along Poplar, Fresno, Shafter and Central avenues, Riverside Street and Lerdo Highway. Once completed, theyll eliminate street-level crossings at intersections along what is currently a busy freight rail corridor. Californias transportation infrastructure no longer considered high-risk By reducing the crossings, the High-Speed Rail Authority hopes to reduce crashes and injuries and prepare the local community for the arrival of trains traveling at speeds of up to 220 mph. CAHSR officials called the federal gift a strong showing of the continued partnership with the federal government. Image from the California High-Speed Rail shows the Davis Avenue Overcrossing Project, a grade separation along Davis Avenue in Fresno County. In a news release, California Governor Gavin Newsom said his administration and the federal government are in lock-step in the mission to build cleaner and innovative transportation projects. These dollars signal our shared strong commitment to advance clean, electrified high-speed rail into the heart of some of the largest and fastest growing cities in California by the end of this decade, Newsom said. I welcome the federal governments continued support for this major infrastructure project for Californians. Officials say construction on these grade separations in Shafter will hopefully begin in August 2025 and be completed by August 2028. There are more than 25 current active construction sites and the High-Speed Rail Authority has cleared environmental hurdles along 422 miles of the Bay Area to Los Angeles segment. The California High-Speed Rail is tentatively planned to open in 2030, operating the large middle section in the Central Valley which will connect Merced to Bakersfield along a 171-mile track. Currently, 119 miles along that segment are under construction and CAHSR is looking to expand construction work into the remaining miles. Theses grade separations are the first to be funded outside of that active construction currently taking place. Could the California High-Speed Rail be completed in the next 5 years? In the last several weeks, CAHSR has taken the first step in obtaining trainsets capable of reaching the advertised speeds of 220 mph and released renderings of what the interior of these trains might look like when service begins. In addition to the California High-Speed Rail, several other California transportation projects received grant funding from the Biden Administration. To view the full list of 70 projects chosen to receive funding through the CRISI program, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. A Northern California inmate escaped from a hospital Monday, and law enforcement is asking for the publics help to find her. A 34-year-old woman was transported to the Colusa Regional Medical Center by the Glenn County Sheriffs Office on Sept. 21 for medical treatment. Four days later, she was allegedly spotted trying to flag down passing vehicles for a ride in Colusa. She was last seen at the intersection of East Webster and B streets, the Colusa County Sheriffs Office said. A 911 caller reported Monday seeing the woman in an orange jumpsuit. Deputies responded to the area at 2:03 p.m. but she was no longer at the intersection. Colusa County deputies later learned she had escaped from the medical center. Details (of) her escape and whereabouts are unknown, the Sheriffs Office said. The suspect is described as 5-four-4 and 158 pounds with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Deputies said she had been arrested on suspicion of drug charges and multiple felony warrants. Anyone with information about the inmates whereabouts were asked to contact the Colusa County Sheriffs Office at 530-458-0200. The Merced County Sheriffs Office continues to search for a Fresno man who went missing while on a fishing trip at a reservoir west of Los Banos. According to Authorities, 57-year-old Chang Cheng was last seen at about 7 p.m. Thursday, after fishing with family at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation area near Highway 152 and Vista Point. According to Merced County Sheriffs Deputy Michael Domingue, the Sheriffs Office continues to search for Cheng. Although authorities have not received any information indicating the man is in the water, the Merced County Search Rescue and Recovery dive team is concentrating efforts in the area where the man was last seen. We searched the land and now were searching the water thoroughly, said Domingue . Authorities continue to search for missing 57-year-old Chang Cheng of Fresno. According to the Merced County Sheriffs Office, Cheng went missing while on a fishing trip at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area in Merced County on Thursday. Image courtesy of Merced County Sheriffs Office. According to Domingue, at one time roughly 70 personnel were involved in the search for Cheng, including from outside agencies such as the Coast Guard, Bay Area Mountain Rescue, Fresno County Sheriffs Office, Madera County Sheriffs Office, San Mateo County Sheriffs Office, Tulare County Sheriffs Office and the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office. Authorities have utilized multiple resources in their efforts to locate Cheng, including horse teams, K-9 teams and four aircraft. Domingue said it remains a search and rescue effort at this time. Authorities said the man was reportedly fishing with family members Thursday and told them he was leaving. When his family members returned to where they had parked, they found Chengs car but were unable to locate him. Family members reported Cheng missing Friday morning, and authorities began searching the area. Authorities said Cheng wears glasses, is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 165 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark clothing and a red/burgundy backpack. The Merced County Sheriffs Office asks anyone who has seen Cheng or has any information to call 209-385-7445. Authorities continue to search for missing 57-year-old Chang Cheng of Fresno. According to the Merced County Sheriffs Office, Cheng went missing while on a fishing trip at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area in Merced County on Thursday. Image courtesy of Merced County Sheriffs Office. Authorities continue to search for missing 57-year-old Chang Cheng of Fresno. According to the Merced County Sheriffs Office, Cheng went missing while on a fishing trip at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area in Merced County on Thursday. Image courtesy of Merced County Sheriffs Office. Even in deep-blue California, Democrats continue to face an uphill battle to pass legislation overhauling prisons, sentencing and policing. This struggle was on display during the final days of this years legislative session, when lawmakers could not find the votes to pass a handful of significant criminal justice reform bills and resorted to pulling the measures without taking them to the Senate or Assembly floors. This left some legislators frustrated and discouraged. California is not as progressive as we want the rest of the world or the rest of the country to believe, said Sen. Steven Bradford , D-Gardena, after he tabled a bill to reduce racial profiling by prohibiting certain kinds of police stops. We tend to continue to lean toward law enforcement and the lock-them-up attitude than real police reform and criminal justice reform that this country and this state truly need, he added. But advocates arent condemning lawmakers for failing to act. Instead, theyre taking stock of their successes and preparing to double down next session. Thats because passing criminal justice reform in the Golden State has never been an easy feat. Newly-elected legislators are often not well-versed in the states complex criminal justice system. Democrats representing so-called purple districts are cautious about sparking soft-on-crime outrage that could hinder re-election campaigns. And advocates pushing for change are up against powerful groups representing district attorneys, sheriffs departments and other law enforcement organizations. It has taken multiple years of advocacy and, at times, decades of attempts to get some of the most progressive prison and law enforcement reform ideas on the books. The other side can tell a story that people are very comfortable with a story that says, identify those others, categorize them as criminals and treat them as sub-human, said Carmen-Nicole Cox of ACLU California Action. Its so much easier to maintain the status quo. It takes so much time to get people to reason past the indoctrination. State Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, works in the Senate chamber at the state Capitol on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, the final day of the legislative session. Controversial reform bills delayed During the last hours of legislative business on Sept. 14, Bradford shelved his measure, Senate Bill 50. Almost simultaneously, Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, pulled Senate Bill 94, which would have allowed some inmates serving life without parole to petition courts for reduced sentences. A day prior, Assemblyman Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, paused his second attempt to restrict the use of solitary confinement in prisons. Lawmakers also held two constitutional amendments to allow inmates to vote in elections and to prohibit slavery in any form. Meanwhile, a bill to expand Californias three strikes law to cover child sex trafficking passed both houses unanimously and is expected to be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, said he believes this session showed California at an inflection point where some legislators are starting to take note of the crime problem across the state. I think the smash-and-grab theft and the increased violence were seeing across the state is starting to have some effect on their policymaking, he said. Im hopeful that, going forward, this phase of reckless criminal justice reform, which has undermined safety in many regards, will slow down. Californias rate of gun violence is lower than the national average and most red states. But violent crime in California has been ticking upward in recent years. Violent crime of which 59% involve firearms rose more than 26% from 2014 to 2022 across California, according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California. Cox and other advocates are determined to continue pressing forward. There are folks that would love to take us back in time but the community will not have it, she said. These are the kinds of policies (lawmakers) say they would support, so were just going to hold them to that. Inmates exercise outside in the yard at San Quentin State Prison in San Rafael on July 26, 2023. California lawmakers delayed votes on several monumental criminal justice reform bills this year. Advocates say itll take years to make them law. Life without parole resentencing SB 94, one of the most controversial criminal justice bills this session, is a case study for the challenges reformers face. The legislation would have allowed prisoners ineligible for parole who served at least 25 years in prison and whose crimes were committed before June 5, 1990, to petition courts for re-sentencing. Totten, whose organization was vehemently opposed to the bill, called it utterly reckless. He said it would harm victims and violate their trust in the criminal justice system. Although the majority of Democrats in the Senate voted to advance the bill, support in the Assembly wasnt quite there yet, according to Glenn Backes, policy consultant for the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. It wasnt quick and easy and one shouldnt expect it to be, Backes said, noting that most cases the bill covers involve a murder. One of the biggest challenges, according to Backes and other advocates, is overcoming fear-mongering tactics and misinformation shared by law enforcement to convince lawmakers to vote in opposition. There were also 31 new legislators in Sacramento this year who were still learning the ropes. Gunner Johnson, 49, left, and Christian Branscombe, 48, formerly sentenced to life-without-parole, talk about their support for Senate Bill 94 on Aug. 23. Johnson was shot by Branscombe decades ago and the two reunited through a restorative justice process. Senate Bill 94 would allow some inmates convicted of crimes that took place before mid-1990 to petition a judge to have their sentences changed and seek parole. The bill includes several stop-gaps, such as requiring approval by the parole board and governor before a life-without-parole inmate could be released. It also exempts those convicted of killing law enforcement officers, those who committed certain sexual crimes together with murder and those who killed three or more people. Theres a number of levels of safety and review that are built into the bill, Backes said. But if all (lawmakers) knew was that it was old cases involving murder and that the district attorney didnt want to have to review these cases, that was enough to give them pause. So, we need more time to go over the issue in detail with them. Totten said members of his organization were not looking to generate fear but to be realists. Were being truth-sayers about what these crimes are, the impacts theyve had on victims and the people who have forfeited their right to live freely, he said. Criminal justice reform wins Although several high-profile criminal justice bills did not make it through the Capitol this year, lawmakers and advocates still celebrated a handful of wins. Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, D-Los Angeles, managed to get two-thirds of lawmakers in both houses to vote for Senate Bill 749, which would eliminate the deadline to apply for reducing old low-level, non-violent crime felony convictions to misdemeanors under Proposition 47. Prop 47, which voters approved in 2014, reclassified some nonviolent felonies as misdemeanors, which critics say has led to an uptick in property and other crimes. Bradford attempted a bill similar to SB 749 last year, but it failed after the Assembly did not adopt its urgency clause. I think its the first year of a two-year cycle, Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, said of such overhaul bills this year. So everything is going through the process. Sometimes that process is one year, sometimes that process is gut-and-amend, sometimes that process is two years of work. And this is just a reminder that we dont stop working. Assembly member Isaac Bryan, D-Jefferson Park gives his opinion on a bill during session on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Although SB 749 made it through the Legislature, Assembly floor discussion on the last night of session showed some moderate Democrats have to hedge their votes on reform bills to maintain their tough-on-crime credentials. Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove, laid out problems she sees with Proposition 47 before endorsing SB 749, saying she does not believe those convicted of writing fraudulent checks or possessing small amounts of drugs should remain incarcerated when they would receive lighter sentences today. By supporting this measure today, I am in no way endorsing the major flaws of Prop. 47, Nguyen said. Prop. 47 needs to be fixed, and our Assembly Public Safety Committee needs to address these flaws. I am simply stating that persons who have committed low-level offenses ... should have the opportunity to petition the court for a reduced sentence, and the court should make that determination. Some Democrats in purple districts declined to vote on the bill, including Fresno Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, San Fernando Valley Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo and San Diego Assemblyman Brian Maienschein. Assemblywoman Jasmeet Bains who represents Bakersfield, a very tricky area for Democrats even joined Republicans in voting against the measure. Assembly Public Safety Committee Chair Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, noted nearly 80% of bills that come through his committee advance through. He said some bills that do not make it through the legislative process during a two-year cycle simply need more work before authors try again. I think just about every bill that comes through public safety is challenging, Jones-Sawyer said. Its challenging from the fact that theyre very emotional. They tug at the heartstrings of individuals and people. The union representing state scientists has officially hit a bargaining roadblock with Gov. Gavin Newsom s administration and could now potentially organize a strike. Californias Public Employment Relations Board released its ruling Tuesday morning, five days after the California Association of Professional Scientists filed its impasse request. In response, the Department of Human Resources, which represents Newsom at the bargaining table, filed a rebuttal and stated it did not believe the parties were at impasse. CalHR also accused CAPS of bargaining in bad faith. The Public Employment Relations Board has determined the existence of an impasse, wrote PERB senior regional attorney Sheena J. Farro in the three-sentence Tuesday ruling. The State Mediation and Conciliation Service (SMCS) will assign a mediator who will contact you shortly. Jacqueline Tkac, chair of the CAPS bargaining team, said in a Tuesday statement that CalHRs accusation of bad faith bargaining was disappointing. Weve been patient. Weve worked hard. Now its time to take advantage of this additional, legal, commonly used tool to break the logjam, Tkac said. If theres ever been a better example of impasse than talking for 1,288 days without reaching a deal, I dont know what it could be. CalHR spokesperson Camille Travis said that the department does not comment on ongoing negotiations, including impasse procedures. The state remains committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a successor agreement with CAPS, Travis wrote in an emailed statement. A request for a declaration of impasse is part of the bargaining process established by the Dills Act to help the parties reach agreement. Could scientists organize a strike? The biggest remaining question is whether scientists will choose to stage Californias first strike among state civil service employees. The Ralph C. Dills Act, which granted state workers the right to collectively bargain, requires state employees to work under the terms of their expired contract until a new one can be negotiated. Workers are required to adhere to the no strike clause unless PERB determines that the parties have reached impasse. Members of the California Association of Professional Scientists rally for increased wages at the Capitol on Aug. 30. The union represents 5,300 scientists that work for the state of California. Its labor agreement expired in 2020, and the group maintains that salaries for its workers have lagged behind managers, supervisors and state engineers by 30%. CAPS has been bargaining with CalHR since March 2020, and their last contract expired in July of that year. The union reached a total tentative agreement with the state last winter, which wouldve granted 4% raises to most of the union and 10% raises to some, but the membership rejected it. Labor experts say the timeline becomes murky after the mediator is selected. PERB will likely appoint the mediator within the next few days, said Tim Yeung, a partner with the law firm Sloan Sakai Yeung & Wong. Those mediation talks could last anywhere from a single session of a few hours to multiple hours-long sessions over the course of a month, Yeung said. Its really until the mediator believes that the parties are at a standstill. As compared to the state laws that govern labor relations for other public sector employees, such as those in higher education, K-12 schools and local governments, the Dills Act has very few details about the post-impasse timeline. There also isnt much precedent for impasse among state worker unions, meaning CAPS is venturing into relatively uncharted waters. The last time the state imposed a last, best and final offer was in 2007 after reaching impasse with the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. The union filed unfair labor practice charges against the state for declining to bargain further, but PERB ruled that the state toed the legal line. Yeung said the unspoken understanding is that the parties need to complete the mediation process in good faith before both sides could play their biggest cards: a strike for the union and the states imposition of its last, best and final offer on workers. If its possible to reach an agreement, I would think both sides would be eager to do that, he said. Even if the union were to organize a strike, Yeung said he was not convinced that a work stoppage would persuade the state to offer the 30% to 40% raises that the union is seeking. CAPS argues that those raises are what members need to achieve parity between rank-and-file scientists and supervisors, as well as between scientists and their counterparts in the engineering union. Typically, Yeung said, negotiators net small wins over the course of multiple contracts rather than holding out for a big leap all at once. We didnt get here overnight, so were not going to solve it overnight, he said. Its going to take more than one contract. The scientists havent seen any meaningful raises since their last contract expired. Yeung pointed out that if they decided to strike, workers wouldnt receive any pay at all. A work stoppage wont likely force the state to cough up more money, which is the main sticking point for the union. Im not sure how effective a strike would be for them, Yeung said. For a lot of the office-type of work that happens at the state, its going to be disruptive and the public would be harmed. But I dont think it would be enough to make the state just cave in. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has today called on Anthony Rota , the Speaker of the House of Commons, to resign over the invitation of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka to Parliament last week for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy s speech. Hunka previously served in the Waffen-SS Galicia Division. Source: European Pravda with reference to Radio-Canada Details: Joly said she considers Hunka's invitation to the Canadian Parliament "absolutely unacceptable" and urged Rota to listen to parliamentarians who are demanding the speakers resignation. "It was an embarrassment to the House and to Canadians," she said, adding that it was important to look into what happened as a matter of leadership. On Friday, during Zelenskyy's visit to Canada, Anthony Rota introduced 98-year-old Hunka as a World War II veteran who had fought against the Russians. He was greeted with applause by politicians and government officials in the hall. It later emerged that during World War II, Hunka served in the Waffen-SS Galicia Division formed of Ukrainians recruited by the Germans to fight against the Red Army. Reference: The Waffen-SS Galicia Division was formed in 1943 by German troops who recruited Ukrainians to fight against the Red Army. The Nuremberg trials and the so-called Deschenes Commission, set up in Canada in the 1980s, did not confirm the involvement of the division's members in war crimes. Nevertheless, the division has been blamed for punitive Wehrmacht operations against Poles and Jews. Details: Hunka's invitation to the Canadian Parliament caused outrage, and Canadian and Polish Jewish organisations have demanded an explanation. The speaker of Canadas House of Commons later apologised for what happened but refused to resign. The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada told local media that neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nor the Ukrainian side had been aware that a former member of the SS Galicia Division had been invited, and they condemn the action wholeheartedly. Rota is due to meet with party leaders in the lower house of parliament on Tuesday evening, and is expected to decide whether to resign. Reminder: In 2021, Germany protested to Ukraine over a march in the centre of Kyiv on the anniversary of the creation of the SS Galicia Division. 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! Canada House Speaker Anthony Rota stepped down Tuesday amid fallout after calling a Ukrainian who fought with the Nazis during World War II a hero during a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week. It is with a heavy heart that I informed the House of Commons of my resignation as Speaker, Rota wrote Tuesday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. It has been my greatest honor as a parliamentarian to serve as Speaker in the 43rd and 44th Parliaments. After Zelensky delivered an address to the House of Commons on Friday, Rota introduced Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old immigrant from Ukraine, as a war hero for the First Ukrainian Division, prompting a standing ovation from Canadian lawmakers. Zelensky later raised his first in acknowledgement, as Rota said Hunka is a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service. In a statement shared with The Hill on Tuesday, Rota apologized for the second time, writing, I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament by President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, as well as to survivors of Nazi atrocities in Poland and other nations. I am deeply sorry, he continued. Rota said his resignation will take effect at the end of Wednesday to allow for the election of a new speaker. Until then, the deputy speakers will chair House proceedings, Rota said. In a previous apology Monday, Rota said Parliament members and the Ukraine delegation did not know about his plan to recognize Hunka. Rotas resignation comes after calls from all of his main opposition parties to step down, according to The Associated Press (AP). Government House Leader Karina Gould said lawmakers lost confidence in Rota. This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honorable thing in resigning, Government Liberal House leader Karina Gould said, per The AP. Gould earlier said she had no information about Rotas invitation or on Hunka himself. As a descendant of Jewish Holocaust survivors, I ask all parliamentarians to stop politicizing a troubling situation, Gould wrote on X. Rotas recognition of Hunka received backlash from Jewish groups in Canada, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, a nonprofit human rights organization focused on Holocaust education and antisemitism programs, which demanded an apology. According to the nonprofit, Hunka was a member of a unit in the Waffen-SS, or the SS 14th Wafer Division, a voluntary unit under Nazi command that was declared a criminal organization during the Nuremberg trials, which tried Nazis for genocidal war crimes. Calling Rotas actions shocking and incredibly disturbing, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center said the unit was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable. Zelenskys visit to Canada marked his first since Russia invaded Ukraine 19 months ago, as he pushes for more Western support. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly labeled the government in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, though Zelensky is Jewish. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. OTTAWA, Ont. The Speaker of Canadas House of Commons resigned on Tuesday after quick and fierce backlash for honoring a man who fought in a Nazi division during World War II. Anthony Rota made a sudden but not unexpected announcement to the House of Commons to express his profound regret. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities in Poland, among other nations, he said. His exit from the stage leaves one Canadian politician in the crosshairs over how the strange and offensive debacle could have possibly happened: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau . Canadian lawmakers gave a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, 98, after Rota recognized him as a hero following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys historic speech in Parliament on Friday a moment that produced some of the best visuals from Zelenskyys visit. But the story took a twisted turn and burst into global headlines over the weekend when it came out that Hunka was part of the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS under the Nazis. This was an embarrassment to Canadians and was completely unacceptable, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Tuesday before meeting with Cabinet. Joly said she has been in contact with her Ukrainian colleagues but stopped short of saying anything about what they told her. In the wake of the bombshell news, Polands Education Minister Przemysaw Czarnek said he is moving to have Hunka extradited. Liberal House Leader Karina Gould said Rota invited and recognized Hunka without informing either the government or the Ukrainian delegation or any parliamentarian that he was going to do this. Rota said he was deeply sorry on Monday after he became aware of Hunkas Nazi past, although his comments have been brief and he has not taken questions from the media. Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman expressed outrage Tuesday that Hunka was welcomed and celebrated as a hero and demanded an apology from the prime minister. Nobody from the government has said this man is not a hero, she said in Parliament. He is a monster and he had no business being here. Trudeau called it deeply embarrassing for Canada, but he has not apologized following calls from opposition parties. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said Rota has taken the fall for this massive shame and embarrassment. But he said Rotas resignation does not excuse the failure of the government to prevent honoring a Nazi, and called for hearings to investigate the vetting process. Canadas reputation is broken, Poilievre said. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller was asked about the bizarre incident at his daily briefing in Washington and said The Canadian government said they were not aware of that individual's past and expressed regret for it, and that seems like the appropriate step. In Ottawa, some of Rotas colleagues stepped forward to defend his character. I was elected with Anthony in 2004, said Health Minister Mark Holland. Hes a profoundly good man. Citizens' Services Minister Terry Beech described it a regrettable mistake and said nobody has been harder on Anthony Rota than Anthony Rota. The Liberals caused another uproar over the issue when they moved to strike the comments and recordings of Hunkas recognition from the House of Commons record on Monday. That bid failed when the other parties opposed the move. It was an ugly reminder of what survivors of the Holocaust know too well: that we must never forget, said Conservative MP Marty Morantz. Deleting the text of the speaker's words from [the official record] would have only one purpose: to try to forget what happened and wash the record clean. Tuesday lawmakers instead unanimously passed a formal motion that condemned Nazism and Hunkas invitation to attend Friday; it also withdrew the tribute paid to him. The position of speaker is a plush job in Canadian politics that comes with a salary top up of roughly $68,800, making for a combined annual salary of $217,800, according to the latest figures from the Library of Parliament. House speaker is a top administrative role in Parliament that lawmakers vie for in an election among their peers. It comes with a host of enviable perks, including the speakers own branded Scotch and whisky and a gorgeous country farm estate in Gatineau, Quebec called Kingsmere, where Rota was scheduled to host a garden party tonight. That event has been canceled. Rota did not make any other comments about his future plans, such as whether he will remain on as a lawmaker. Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) walks off the court at the end of the game against Detroit Pistons at the United Center on Sunday, April 9, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) (Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune) Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, who is starting his third season with the team, paid $2.2 million in August for a recently built, six-bedroom, 4,716-square-foot contemporary-style house in Wicker Park. A Chicago native, Dosunmu, 23, played for three years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before he was drafted by the Bulls in 2021. Advertisement In Wicker Park, Dosunmu used an opaque land trust to buy the house, which has a stone, brick and metal facade. Built in 2018, the house has five full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings, a floating glass panel staircase and a kitchen with a 60-inch Sub-Zero refrigerator, a 90-bottle Sub-Zero wine and beverage center, a 48-inch Wolf cooktop, a double oven, a warming drawer, an industrial hood, a built-in espresso machine, two hidden spice shelving units and a large island with quartzite countertops and waterfall edges. Other features include a primary bedroom suite with a custom closet system, a gas fireplace and a primary bathroom with porcelain and stone finishes and double sinks. The home has six outdoor spaces, including a garage roof deck, a deck off the primary bedroom suite and a fourth-floor roof deck with a gas fireplace, a seating area and a hot tub. Advertisement Shaena Flanagan of Coldwell Banker represented Dosunmu, as did Peter Angelo of Jameson Sothebys. What he liked about it was that it was nice and sleek. It has a rooftop deck with a hot tub, and when we were first sat down, these were things that he really wanted in a house, Flanagan told Elite Street. The location was a big factor, and the square footage was a big factor. The house has a movie theater, a game room and several bedrooms that are spacious, and everything was move-in ready. That was important he didnt want to do any type of renovation. He wanted it turnkey. For city life, that property is perfect. The house had a $20,816 property tax bill in the 2021 tax year. Dosunmu is the latest Bulls player to buy in the city. DeMar DeRozan paid $4.5 million in 2021 for a 10,179-square-foot River North mansion, and Nikola Vucevic paid $4.75 million last year for a 5,245-square-foot home in Lincoln Park. Coby White paid $4.8 million in August for a 7,000-square-foot mansion in Lincoln Park. Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. Canada has advised its citizens in India to remain vigilant and exercise caution in an update to its travel advisory for the country, amid a growing rift between the two nations over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. The diplomatic crisis between New Delhi and Ottawa began last week when prime minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who India had designated as a wanted terrorist, was killed in Surrey on 18 June by two masked men, who fired an estimated 30 to 50 shots at him. New Delhi has called the allegations "absurd" and suspended visa services in all categories for all Canadian nationals citing security threats to its consulates. Each country expelled one senior diplomat from the other in a tit-for-tat move. Canada updated its travel advisory on Sunday, warning its citizens that the recent diplomatic developments have led to "calls for protests" and a rise in "some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media". India last week advised its own citizens in Canada to exercise caution due to "growing anti-India activities" and "politically-condoned hate crime and criminal violence". The foreign ministry added that Indians should avoid going to places where "threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of Indian community". Canada is home to 770,000 Sikhs the highest population of Sikhs outside the state of Punjab in India. While it no longer inspires an active militant insurgency in India, the Khalistan movement which calls for a separate homeland for the Sikh religious community to be carved out of Punjab state still finds supporters among the diaspora in other parts of the world. An Indian flag is burned during a protest outside Indias consulate in Canada (REUTERS) In recent months Sikh protesters pulled down the Indian flag at the countrys high commission in London and smashed the buildings window in a show of anger against the move to arrest another Sikh leader. Protesters also smashed windows at the Indian consulate in San Francisco and skirmished with embassy workers. Mr Trudeau has repeatedly claimed that Ottawa had "credible reasons" to believe that agents of the Indian government had been involved in Nijjar's killing on Canadian soil. Ottawa has amassed both human and signals intelligence in a months-long investigation into the Sikh separatist leaders death, CBC News reported last week, citing unidentified sources. A banner with the image of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple (REUTERS) The US worked closely with Canada on the intelligence pointing toward the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder, a senior Canadian government source told Reuters. Defence minister Bill Blair in a statement to Global News said Canada has a "responsibility to defend" its citizens and at the same time "make sure that we conduct a thorough investigation and get to the truth". Meanwhile, Canadian Sikhs staged small protests and burned the Indian flag outside diplomatic missions on Monday. "We are really thankful to Justin Trudeau... We want no stone left unturned to get to the bottom of this cowardly act," protester Reshma Singh Bolinas said in Ottawa. Canada should put pressure on India to "stop the killing of innocent people in future." Some of the protesters in both Toronto and Ottawa called for the expulsion of the Indian high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who earlier said authorities have been informed of the protests and were providing security. Canada's parliament accidentally honored a 98-year-old former World War II Nazi soldier. Yaroslav Hunka was introduced as a "Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero" but it was later revealed that he fought for the Waffen-SS. A Polish minister now says he's "taken steps" to extradite the elderly man. A Polish minister said Tuesday that he has "taken steps" to start the extradition of a 98-year-old Nazi who was accidentally honored in Canada's parliament over the weekend. Anthony Rota, the speaker of Canada's House of Commons, recognized Yaroslav Hunka last Friday as a "Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero," adding that "we thank him for his service." Hunka got two standing ovations from Canadian lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who delivered remarks at parliament that day as he saluted and waved from the gallery. But not long after, it surfaced that Hunka fought for the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a Nazi military unit, during World War II. Rota subsequently apologized for inviting Hunka, who is his constituent, to parliament. "I am deeply sorry I offended many with my gesture and remarks," the speaker said on Monday, according to CBC. "This initiative was entirely my own. I want to really tell you that the intention was not to embarrass this House." Polish education minister Przemyslaw Czarnek described the events as "scandalous," writing on X that they "involved honoring, in the presence of President Zelenskyy," who is Jewish, "a member of the criminal Nazi SS Galizien formation." "I have taken steps towards the possible extradition of this man to Poland," Czarnek added. Read the original article on Business Insider Anthony Rota , the Speaker of the House of Commons, the lower house of the Parliament of Canada, announced his resignation on Tuesday amid the scandal involving the invitation of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka for President Volodymyr Zelenskyys speech last week. Source: European Pravda with reference to Rota at the Parliament session Details: In a brief statement, he thanked the parliamentarians for their trust during his election as the Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons in the previous and current convocations. Quote: "It is with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons," Rota said, without specifying the reasons for his decision. The speaker was called on to resign by colleagues and members of the government after it turned out that he had invited 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka to Parliament last week during Zelenskyy's visit to Canada. Rota introduced 98-year-old Hunka as a World War II veteran who had fought against the Russians. Later, journalists found out that Hunka served in the 14th Grenadier Division of the Waffen-SS, the unit that consisted mainly of ethnic Ukrainians but served under the Nazi command. Reference: The Waffen-SS Galicia Division was formed in 1943 by German troops who recruited Ukrainians to fight against the Red Army. The Nuremberg trials and the so-called Deschenes Commission, set up in Canada in the 1980s, did not confirm the involvement of the division's members in war crimes. Nevertheless, the division has been blamed for punitive Wehrmacht operations against Poles and Jews. Details: Hunka's invitation to the Canadian Parliament caused an outrage, and Canadian and Polish Jewish organisations have demanded an explanation. The speaker of Canadas House of Commons later apologised for what happened but refused to resign. The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada told local media that neither Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nor the Ukrainian side had been aware that a former member of the SS Galicia Division had been invited, and they condemned the action wholeheartedly. Reminder: In 2021, Germany protested over a march in the centre of Kyiv timed to the anniversary of the creation of the SS Galicia Division. 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! FILE - Peter Nygard attends the 24th Night of 100 Stars Oscars Viewing Gala on March 2, 2014, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Former Canadian fashion mogul Nygard pleaded not guilty Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, to all charges against him in his Toronto sexual assault case, as jury selection for his trial got underway. (Photo by Annie I. Bang /Invision/AP, File) TORONTO (AP) Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard leveraged his wealth, assets and status over several years to lure young women and girls to a top-floor bedroom suite at his companys Toronto headquarters where he forced himself on them, prosecutors alleged Tuesday as arguments at his sexual assault trial got underway. Nygard invited all five complainants in the case whose identities are protected by a publication ban to visit his custom-built office building under pretenses ranging from tours to job interviews, with all the encounters ending in the bedroom suite, the prosecution said. There, he sexually assaulted them at different times, sometimes trapping or intoxicating them, the prosecution alleged in opening arguments. Five women, it took them years to come forward. 1 Niagara St., a custom-design office building with huge letters on the front: Nygard. The Toronto headquarters of a fashion empire, assistant prosecution attorney Ana Serban said. But within these walls, behind all the trappings of success and power, there is a bedroom suite with a giant bed, a stone jacuzzi, a bar and doors doors with no handle, doors with automatic, keypad-operated locks controlled by Peter Nygard. Nygard has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement in alleged incidents dating back to the 80s, 90s and mid-2000s. The 82-year-old appeared in court sporting a suit with no tie, tinted glasses and with his long white hair tied back. Nygard also is set to be extradited to the United States to faces sex-related charges there, but only once his criminal cases Canada are completed. Nygard was first arrested in Winnipeg in 2020 under the Extradition Act after being charged with nine sex-related counts in New York. The first complainant in Toronto, the prosecution said, will testify she met Nygard in her 20s while on a flight to the Bahamas, where he allegedly flattered her, offered her a job and a stay at his property in the Caribbean country, which she declined. After recognizing him on TV later, the woman called him and was invited to 1 Niagara St. for a job interview, court heard. It ends in his top-floor bedroom suite. She grows uncomfortable, she tries to leave. He tackles her onto the bed, puts his full body into it, pins her down on her back and tries to undress her, rips her clothing, Serban, the assistant prosecution lawyer, alleged. Shes terrified. Nygard then allegedly penetrated the complainant with his fingers and ripped her blouse with his teeth, only stopping when his next appointment was announced on the intercom, Serban said. Nygard founded the now-defunct Nygard International brand in Winnipeg in 1967. Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota speaks during Question Period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa By David Ljunggren and Steve Scherer OTTAWA (Reuters) - The speaker of Canada's House of Commons lower chamber on Tuesday said he would quit, a few days after he publicly praised a former Nazi soldier in Parliament in an incident that Russia said helped justify its war on Ukraine. Anthony Rota told legislators he had made a mistake by inviting ex-soldier Yaroslav Hunka, 98, to attend a session in the House honoring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last Friday. Rota publicly recognised Hunka, calling him a hero. The speaker's position rapidly become untenable after it emerged that Hunka, who received two standing ovations from lawmakers, had served in one of Adolf Hitler's Waffen SS units during World War Two. Russia called the incident outrageous. "That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world ... I accept full responsibility for my actions," said Rota, a member of the ruling Liberal party, adding his resignation would take effect on Wednesday. Until then a deputy speaker will be in charge. The episode played into the narrative promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sent his army into Ukraine last year to "demilitarise and denazify" the country, a charge Kyiv and Western allies say is baseless. The furor helped tarnish the visit by Zelenskiy, who thanked Canada for the billion of dollars in aid and weapons it has provided since Russia invaded in February 2022. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly earlier said Rota should resign while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on him to ponder his future. Although opposition parties blamed what they called failings by Trudeau's Liberal government for the affair, Rota said he took sole responsibility for what had happened. Hunka lives in Rota's parliamentary constituency. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Daniel Wallis) WASHINGTON Cassidy Hutchinson, the former White House aide who last year revealed damning information about Donald Trump and his top allies related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, is sharing more details about her experience inside the administration in a tell-all book released Tuesday. In the book, "Enough," Hutchinson details her time as an assistant to Mark Meadows , who was the White House chief of staff from March 2020 through the end of the Trump administration. She alleges, for example, that she witnessed Meadows burning papers in his office fireplace at the White House during the transition period. She says that it occurred during the holidays, when Meadows ordered most staff members to go home, but that she and White House lawyers were there every day. She writes that Meadows asked General Services Administration staff members to light a fire in his office fireplace first thing every morning. "When I went into his office to deliver lunch or a package to him, I would sometimes find him leaning over the fire, feeding papers into it, watching to make sure they burned, and placing logs on top of ashes," she says in the book. "I do not know precisely what papers Mark was burning, but his actions raised alarms," writes Hutchinson, who notes that the Presidential Records Act requires staff members to keep all original documents and send them to the National Archives. Hutchinson also conveyed those observations last year to the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Hutchinson describes her experience working at the White House in 2020 amid the pandemic, writing that Meadows and the White House counsel's office had their hands full one day when Trump demanded that Attorney General William Barr fire the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Geoffrey Berman. "Mark leaned against the door and rubbed his temples. 'Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep him out of jail' referring to our boss, the president 'I'll have done a good job,'" she writes, recalling what Meadows said to her that day. She also tells a story about when she learned that former presidential candidate and Trump ally Herman Cain had died on July 30, 2020. Hutchinson informed Meadows of his death, and they both remembered that Cain had been at Trump's rally a few weeks earlier in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they believed he contracted Covid. "Mark had briefly turned his attention to the TV. I had assumed that he was wondering if the news had been made public. He looked back at me and said flatly, 'We killed Herman Cain.' I could hear him swallow. 'Get me his wife's number,' he said sadly," she writes. Meadows did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Meadows told NBC News in a statement that Hutchinson's memoir was "filled with half truths, falsehoods, and purposefully omitting context to sell books. Specifically, the spokesperson said that old newspapers or "miscellaneous paper" were sometimes used "to start or keep the fire going" and that procedures were followed when it came to document retention. The spokesperson also said the jail remark was in reference to "how Democrats never stop going after the president and would want to prosecute him" and that the Cain comment was Meadows' "expressing exasperation that the press would blame" Trump for Cain's death. A lawyer for Meadows declined or did not respond to requests for comment in news reports last year about Hutchinson's congressional testimony alleging he burned documents. Hutchinson, a star witness who relayed bombshell testimony to the Jan. 6 committee last year, also had claimed that Trump tried to grab the steering wheel of the SUV he was in on Jan. 6, 2021, and lunged toward his security detail when he was told it couldnt take him to the Capitol after his rally. Trump recently disputed that account in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press." He said that he wanted to go down to the Capitol peacefully but that the Secret Service warned him that it would be better if he didn't. "I didnt have a dispute with them. You know, you had that one person said I grabbed the man around the neck. Actually, I wish I was so strong to be able to do that," Trump said, adding that Hutchinson's story was "the craziest account I've ever heard." "You mean that I was in 'The Beast,' and she said I was in 'The Beast,' and the Secret Service didnt want so I took a guy who was, like, a black belt in karate and grabbed his neck and tried to choke him how ridiculous," he added. "The Secret Service said, 'Sir, it would be better if you didnt.' I said, 'Id love to do it.' They said, 'It would be better.' And so we went back to the White House," Trump said. In response to the book, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung referred NBC News to a series of posts he made on X, formerly Twitter, in which he called Hutchinson "a liar and her lies have been refuted." In one of the posts, Cheung pointed to reporting at the time of Hutchinson's congressional testimony recounting the alleged incident in the SUV that said some of the officials allegedly involved denied her account. NBC News reported last week that Hutchinson also alleged in her book that then-Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani groped her on Jan. 6, which a spokesperson for Giuliani called "a disgusting lie. Asked about Hutchinson's allegations by Newsmax host Eric Bolling last week, Giuliani called the accusations absolutely false" and "totally absurd. "She claims that I groped her in a tent on January 6, where all the people went in that were very, very cold as a result of the presidents speech, etc.," Giuliani said. "Im gonna grope somebody, with a hundred people? First, Im not gonna grope somebody at all, and No. 2, in front of, like, a hundred people?" Giuliani added that he also had "extra security and I had my entire staff around me virtually all day, because I took them to the speech as kind of a reward for all the work they did." "So there would have been no occasion for this to happen," he said. "Its completely absurd." CORRECTION (Sept. 27, 2023, 3:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of a Trump ally. He was Herman Cain, not Hermain. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The conventional wisdom is that retail politics the door-knocking, hand-shaking grassroots campaigning for months before the primaries make Iowa and New Hampshire different from what we see nationally. And like a lot of conventional wisdom these days, that's looking outdated. Today, national frontrunner and former President Donald Trump also leads the Republican primary field comfortably in both Iowa and New Hampshire. And most of his supporters are backing him enthusiastically. His current margins would translate to him getting half of Iowa's delegates and the lion's share in New Hampshire. GOP voters in both states overwhelmingly say their focus is on national, not state, issues. Nor is there much provinciality when it comes to asking for time in-state. Trump's lead is much the same whether people feel it's important to see candidates stump in Iowa or New Hampshire, or not. As in years past, these states might share a place on the calendar, but not always an ideology. One important difference today is on abortion. In Iowa, most GOP caucus voters would not only have abortion be illegal, but would also criminally punish a woman for having one. That's not the case in New Hampshire. In another gauge of what's driving the campaign, voters in both states report seeing ads on television and social media, more than any direct contact with a campaign or a volunteer. All of the above will probably still matter on the organizational front, when people actually have to caucus or stand in line to vote this winter. The impact of local political endorsers, like governors and congressional leaders, looks limited at best. It may be that in an era of big-spending campaigns and social media when voters can hear the opinions of so many top elected officials, even friends and family, don't necessarily carry that much weight. That said, it may also be a function of a contest where the leading candidate is so well-known, and voters don't need endorsements as much to get to know the field. For now, however, the dominant power of being a well-known and still popular former president in Republican circles appears to have the same outsized impact on preference in these states as it does nationally. Trump's perceived strengths, including electability Trump's big lead comes because, of the qualities tested, he does very well on being seen as prepared and as a strong leader. Few describe Trump as likable. While fewer than half say he understands people like them or describe him as a "true conservative," he nonetheless has a dominant lead among self-described conservative voters. Perceived electability is also very important, and Trump is the only candidate whom a majority of Republican primary voters think would definitely beat President Biden. More broadly, Republican primary voters in Iowa and New Hampshire differ somewhat on the best strategy to create a winning coalition for the general election. And it appears to matter to their vote choice. In Iowa, a slight majority of Republican primary voters say it's more important to motivate the base than appeal to moderates and independents. In New Hampshire, appealing to moderates and independents is more prevalent probably because there simply are more independents involved there. Trump leads overwhelmingly among those who think the nominee should appeal to the base. But among those who prefer a nominee with wider appeal, Trump drops below majority support even if those voters haven't coalesced on an alternative. The second tier: Voters are still shopping around, but the non-Trump vote is splintered In what seems a race for a distant second, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stands in Iowa about where he's been in our national tracking. In New Hampshire, Nikki Haley and Chris Christie are doing better than they've done nationally, primarily because they are doing better among independent voters likely to turn out in the Republican primary than among out-and-out Republicans. Even if these two states don't always pick the eventual nominee, they historically have played another role in the primary campaign. They often winnow the field, and sometimes a single alternative to the frontrunner emerges. There are plenty of possibilities for that to occur this year, but as of now, support for candidates in the second tier remains very fragmented. In both states, most voters are still considering multiple candidates. In fact, just a fifth in Iowa and about a quarter in New Hampshire are considering Trump and nobody else, making his support "floor" a bit lower in these early states than it looks nationwide. Most of Trump's backers are considering at least one other candidate, and these voters are more likely to say they're supporting him "with some reservations" than Trump-and-only-Trump voters are. And in both states, only-Trump voters are outnumbered by the third of the electorate who aren't considering him at all. Voters considering choices other than Trump say they are doing so to keep their options open. They also show concern about Trump's controversies and legal fights, and think the party should consider someone new. Few say it's because he could lose to Mr. Biden. And few say they don't like Trump personally or that he doesn't represent their state's values (though they're likelier to say so in New Hampshire than in Iowa). Non-Trump voters tend to be actively considering more candidates on average half of them are currently considering three or more, underscoring that fragmentation. DeSantis is being considered by the most non-Trump voters in Iowa, while Haley leads in consideration by that group in New Hampshire, followed closely by DeSantis. Back to those independents in New Hampshire: Even though they are less supportive of Trump, he's still winning them easily, due in part to Haley, Christie and DeSantis splitting the bulk of the non-Trump voters among themselves. This is the same dynamic we saw in the 2016 primary, when Trump carried independents with only around a third of their votes. Where his challengers end up this year may depend on the eventual turnout of independents they constituted a sizable segment of the 2012 and 2016 primary electorate as well as whether they start to coalesce around an alternative. Abortion and the campaign Abortion not only plays an important role in GOP primaries, but also marks a large difference between these two states. In New Hampshire, unlike in Iowa, half of Republican primary voters think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Most Iowa Republican primary voters think a woman should be criminally punished for having an abortion. Most New Hampshire voters disagree. Trump leads no matter how these voters feel about abortion. But the second tier looks a little different in New Hampshire, where relatively more voters would have abortion be legal. Trump still leads, but by a significantly smaller margin, with Christie and Haley edging out DeSantis for second and third place. For the four in 10 Trump voters who think abortion should be legal in New Hampshire, few are considering Christie, and about half say they at least might consider Haley particularly the women among them. The second debate There is interest in the second presidential debate, with most Republican voters planning to watch, and most saying the presidential debates are a major factor for them in evaluating the candidates. Trump is not planning to attend Wednesday's debate, but many of his supporters say debates are a major factor, perhaps because most of his voters are at least considering other candidates at this point. The race for delegates what ultimately matters Candidates' current standing in our polling would translate to Trump picking up about half the delegates in Iowa and the majority of New Hampshire's relatively small delegate haul. Specifically, he would bring in about 20 of Iowa's 40 delegates and 17 of New Hampshire's 22. These are not forecasts, but instead a translation of voters' current preferences to delegate breakdowns. While the first two states account for just a small portion of the roughly 1,200 delegates needed to clinch the Republican nomination, the delegate tally is the score that ultimately matters. And emerging from early contests with a small number of delegates versus none at all can help candidates decide whether to stay in the race or drop out. We produce estimates via statistical simulation, in which we use the variation in our survey data to simulate the state's vote one thousand times, enumerating lots of possible outcomes. Each simulation incorporates the rules of the nominating contest in that state, such as delegate rounding and thresholds. (We used a similar technique to estimate delegates during the 2020 Democratic primary campaign.) The end result is delegate range for each candidate again, indicating where the race stands today, not where it will end up next year. Trump's current support translates to between 18 and 23 delegates in Iowa, where delegates are allocated proportionally based on the statewide vote. DeSantis is in a distant second with 6 to 10 delegates, and the rest of the field tends to pick up at most a few delegates each. In New Hampshire, where candidates have to win at least 10% of votes statewide to qualify for any delegates, Trump dominates. Our simulations indicate his support translates to between 14 and 20 delegates, even though only half of the state's primary voters name him their first choice. Since there isn't a clear second-place candidate, four candidates are hovering around that 10% threshold: DeSantis, Haley, Christie, and Vivek Ramaswamy. In some simulations, they qualify for a few delegates. In many, they fall a little short and get nothing, helping pad the front-runner's lead. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r Taylor Swift attends Chiefs game with Travis Kelce's family Newest car theft threat: carhackers Sneak peek: The Betrayal of Linda Slaten Central Falls police say about an hour after Luis Lopez shot and killed 27-year-old Emanuel Torres Plaza on Saturday night, the Pawtucket man paved the way for his own capture by setting fire to his getaway car in Massachusetts, Central Falls police Detective Capt. Craig Viens said Tuesday. A bystander reported seeing Lopez torch the car and flee the scene before he was apprehended by Plainville police, Viens said. When the 39-year-old was arrested, he was in possession of two guns, a bullet-resistant vest, gloves and a mask, Viens said. Police say Lopez and Plaza knew each other Torres Plaza was shot multiple times in a parking lot near Dexter Street and Sumner Avenue at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Viens said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Lopez and Torres Plaza knew each other, and Viens said police are aware of an issue between the two, but "we're not going to elaborate." Jurors find 22-year-old Central Falls man killed during roadway exchange Central Falls police now await Lopez's extradition to Rhode Island, where he faces a charge of murder in the slaying. Police have said they believe Torres Plaza was headed home from work when he was shot. Local media have reported that Torres Plaza was a barber. Central Fall police gained information about the vehicle Lopez was driving and broadcast it to police departments around New England. Lopez was recently released from prison in Massachusetts Viens said Lopez was recently released from prison after a 15-year sentence for manslaughter in a 2007 death in Massachusetts. The case involved the shooting death of another Rhode Islander, 29-year-old Carlos Gomez, whose body was found near an Interstate 95 overpass in Massachusetts, according to a 2008 Providence Journal report. Initially, Lopez had been accused of driving a getaway car and charged with murder in the case, which involved two other Rhode Island men, including the shooter, Ariel Morales, of Central Falls. A story posted Monday by The Sun Chronicle says the case ended in a mistrial in 2010, and Lopez pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2013. Morales was convicted of first-degree murder and he is serving a life term, the story says. As of Tuesday, Lopez was held in Massachusetts on arson and weapons charges, Viens said. "The court process, as we all know, does take time," said Central Falls Police Chief Anthony Roberson. "So we ask for patience." A "senseless tragedy" Both Roberson and Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera praised the work of investigators and police officers in both states. "This is an unthinkable tragedy and a nightmare no parent should ever have to live," Rivera said. She added: "This senseless gun violence needs to stop and we need to keep guns off the streets." This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Central Falls homicide suspect caught in Plainville, Mass. Four private Central Florida schools are scrambling after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended their voucher programs and accused them of having "direct ties" to the Chinese Communist Party. They adamantly deny the accusations but nevertheless have to figure out what do with families dependent on those vouchers and even provide increased security as the governor's spotlight creates safety concerns. "Our schools are locally run, abide by local, state and federal laws, and do not have ties to any government or political party, either foreign or domestic," wrote a spokesperson for Sagemont Preparatory Schools in an emailed statement. "Our curriculum is accredited, standards-based and academically rigorous. Sagemont Preparatory Schools upper and lower campuses in Weston were two of the schools named by DeSantis in a Friday evening press release. They're joined by two Park Maitland schools in Winter Park. DeSantis, a candidate in the Republican presidential primary, says he directed the Florida Department of Education to take action after a "thorough" investigation found CCP ties that "constitute an imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of these schools students and the public." The Chinese Communist Party is not welcome in the state of Florida, DeSantis said. We will not put up with any attempt to influence students with a communist ideology or allow Floridians tax dollars to go to schools that are connected to our foreign adversaries. When asked for more information about the investigation and the findings, the FDOE directed the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida to its public records office. But Communications Director Cailey Myers also pointed to a statement on the schools' websites: Spring Education Group is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, an investment firm (together with its affiliates) principally based in Hong Kong with operations in China, Singapore, and the United States, that is itself owned by Chinese persons residing in Hong Kong. The schools, along with more than 230 others across the United States and internationally, are a part of Spring Education Group. Spring's CEO, Michael Collins, is also currently an investment professional at Primavera, according to his LinkedIn profile. Primavera has a 90-plus company portfolio. "Primavera seeks to capture the greatest opportunities from dynamic economic growth in APAC (Asian Pacific region), especially Chinas historic transition from a 'Middle Income Society' to an 'Advanced Economy,'" its website states. Included in its portfolio is Yum China, a spinoff of the American Yum! Brands, which has the rights to operate the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands in China. Primavera did not respond to a request for comment before deadline. What's next for the schools? FDOE's Myers said the schools were notified of the suspension through Friday letters, and they have 15 calendar days to appeal the decision. "The Department is working with the non-profit scholarship funding organizations to assist impacted students in finding and enrolling in nearby eligible schools," reads the Friday statement. DeSantis and legislative Republicans expanded the state's private school voucher program earlier this year, making all Florida students eligible for taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools a roughly $7,775 per student award. They also passed a law blocking vouchers for schools "owned or operated by a person or an entity domiciled in, owned by, or in any way controlled by a foreign country of concern or foreign principal." That includes China. The Sagemont spokesperson said they were not contacted in advance of the decision and were trying to get more information about the basis for it. "In the meantime, we will be working directly with our families to ensure they can remain enrolled in our school," the spokesperson said. In a letter to parents, Park Maitland officials said they were committed to helping families keep their kids at the schools. DeSantis' announcement and the subsequent publicity has created safety concerns, and the schools are partnering with local police and increasing security guard presence. In a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, Parkland Maitland denied any CCP connections. They did not respond to a USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida media request. A mother of a Park Maitland student urged the state to make clear that "the faculty, staff, students, and their families are NOT an 'imminent threat to the public.'" "We placed our child in a private school for many reasons, two of the most paramount being safety and an excellent education," Wendy Meyer said in an emailed statement. "I believe the statement in the press release jeopardizes these schools' safety and undermines these institutions' integrity." State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, called the move "100% politically motivated." "This is just about partisan politics, the governor trying to appeal to a national base while hurting his constituents, and so many of our children who don't deserve to be caught up in any of this," said Eskamani, whose district holds the Park Maitland schools. More on Florida vouchers: DeSantis signs major school voucher expansion in Florida, amid cost questions China legislation controversy: Chinese influence bill passes Legislature, signed by DeSantis, despite discrimination concerns DeSantis' candidacy and hard line on communism The announcement comes as DeSantis, who has campaigned hard on the tough measures he's taken against China and other communist countries, continues to plunge in the GOP presidential primary polls. He's far below former President Donald Trump's commanding lead. Despite discrimination concerns from Democrats and Chinese Floridians, the Republican-dominated Legislature passed a DeSantis-priority policy that targeted foreign countries of concern, including Russia, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela. It puts the biggest spotlight on China, carving out language specifically devoted to how the legislation applies to its government and those connected with it. The bill, which was signed into law by DeSantis, prevents the foreign countries of concern and their officers from buying farmland as well as property within 10 miles of a military installation or critical infrastructure facility. Livia Zheng, 7, stands between her father Xibin Zheng and mother Hong Li to protest SB264 and HB1355, which would prevent Chinese-Americans from buying homes in Florida, outside the Florida Capitol on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. But no one connected with the Chinese government or the CCP is allowed to purchase real estate anywhere in Florida under the bill, nor can anyone who is "domiciled" in China and not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident. Though, lawmakers added in an exception for non-tourist Visa holders, as long as they buy one real estate property that is not within five miles of one of these installations and not larger than two acres. This year, DeSantis also signed a bill that puts into statute and expands Florida's government device ban on TikTok and other foreign country of concern-created, maintained or owned apps. He also signed a bill that bans state colleges and universities from accepting gifts from and making agreements with foreign countries of concern. It's also the first year public schools must observe Nov. 7 as "Victims of Communism Day" and teach a 45-minute lesson "to demonstrate the importance of remembering those who have fallen victim to Communist regimes across the world," according to a memo from FDOE Chancellor Paul Burns. FDOE provides examples for elementary and middle school lessons from the state's social studies standards and include topics like learning about different forms of governments and the United State's checks and balances regarding the federal government. A law passed last year requires Florida high school students in American government classes to learn about Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution; Joseph Stalin and the Soviet System; Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution; Vladimir Lenin and the Russian Revolution; Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge; and Nicolas Maduro and the Chavismo movement. "Instruction must include how victims suffered under these regimes through poverty, starvation,migration, systemic lethal violence, and suppression of speech," the memo states. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule is based in Tallahassee, Fla. He can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com. Twitter: @DouglasSoule. Ana Goni-Lessan is the State Watchdog Reporter for USA TODAY- Florida and can be reached at AGoniLessan@tallahassee.com. Follow her on Twitter @goni_lessan. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida schools deny DeSantis' accusations of Chinese influence Prospect High School, in Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214, is one of 20 schools in Illinois to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School this year by the federal government. The honor was announced in a news release Sept. 19 by the U.S. Department of Education, and the SD214 superintendent immediately expressed how thrilled he was for the school to receive the accolade. Advertisement This prestigious honor reflects the dedication of our outstanding educators, the hard work of our students, and the support of our community, Superintendent Scott Rowe said in a statement emailed to Pioneer Press. Prospect is among the 353 schools nationwide to be honored with this education award. The school will be honored, along with all of the other winners this year, by the U.S. Department of Education Nov. 16 and Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Prospect, located in the village of Mount Prospect, is one of six high schools in SD214. The school enrolls about 2,200 students. Were committed to excellence in education, and this recognition inspires us to continue striving for excellence in all that we do, Rowe wrote in the statement. The National Blue Ribbon designation is based on a schools overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups on assessments, U.S. Department of Education officials explained in a news release. The release states that over the years, some 10,000 Blue Ribbon awards have been awarded to over 9,700 schools. The honor affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for and attaining exemplary achievement, Education Department officials stated in the release. There were two categories in which a school could be nominated for the Blue Ribbon: Exemplary High Performing Schools, which consider state and national test scores; and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools, where disparities in academic achievement metrics among the schools various student groups are narrowed. Prospect won in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona stated in the Dept. of Education release. The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As the Biden-Harris Administration partners with states and schools to accelerate academic success and transform educational opportunity in this country, we take tremendous pride in the achievements of these schools and their commitment to empowering educators, serving students, and engaging families. Rep. John Duarte, one of the most vulnerable Republicans seeking reelection, vigorously defended his support of a bipartisan bill that would provide undocumented residents a path to legal status during an appearance on a Fresno talk radio station Monday afternoon. The Modesto nurseryman faces former Assemblymember Adam Gray in a repeat of the 2022 race that Duarte won by less than 600 votes in the 13th Congressional District. I call myself immigration fluid, so Im on the Dream Act and Im on the Dignity Act, said Duarte, whose district leans Democrat by 14 points and is Latino majority. The Dignity Act would be a comprehensive immigration bill that would solve a lot of problems. It would have, if you want to call it, an amnesty. Im comfortable with the word, said Duarte. Duarte said parts of the act might not survive the compromise necessary to push a comprehensive immigration bill, but are necessary in the legislative process. Theres people whove been living and working here in America, in California, here in the Central Valley, in our communities for decades, said Duarte. They are simply a reality in our workforce and our communities. I would like to get them a legal presence here in America. The Dignity Act, introduced in May by Florida Republican Elvira Salazar, would authorize $25 billion through fiscal year 2031 to complete an impenetrable border infrastructure wall. Its 13 cosponsors seven Democrats and six Republicans included David Valadao, R-Hanford. A portion of the act would allow undocumented immigrants to earn legal status if they pass a criminal background check, pay back any taxes owed. They would be required to obtain health coverage, be gainfully employed and pay $5,000 over the seven years of the program. Those who do not apply for the program would be asked to leave the country. Another portion of the act would create the Certified Agricultural Worker status for undocumented ag workers who have logged at least 180 days in the last two years in agricultural work. After a certain period of time, they would be eligible to apply for legal status. The Dignity Act could allow up to 1.9 million Dreamers, including about 600,000 DACA recipients, to live and work legally in the U.S. and eventually be eligible for permanent residency. It would force employers to verify a potential worker is not an undocumented immigrant. The new verification system would become mandatory for most employers within 24 months, but extended to 30 months for agricultural employers. It would also require the U.S. to adjudicate most asylum claims made at the border within 60 days, and keep individuals in custody while they wait for a final ruling on their claim. Duarte, who engaged Power Talk 96.7 FM host Trevor Carey for about 20 minutes, said the current immigration system in untenable. Ive got Mexican mayors calling me and saying, John, people want the border secure, said Duarte. Latinos in the Central Valley, he said, are asking Why are these guys coming across the border, paying the cartels and getting asylum work visas when people whove been in here in California, living in our communities for decades and trying to do it legally are not getting the same treatment? Duartes district stretches from Stockton to Coalinga, and includes portions of Fresno, Merced, Madera, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. It may seem hard to imagine now, but at one time there was a large livery stable for horses and storage on the south side of West Second Street, just east of Cherry. It was on the site of present-day OFallon Winsupply (Winnelson Plumbing), just west of OFallon City Hall. And a century ago, on Sept. 20, 1923, it was hit by a spectacular fire, despite the owners numerous precautions to prevent such a thing. Heres how the OFallon Progress reported the blaze: Fire, of unknown origin, damaged the livery stable of Edw. N. Thomas on South Second street (now just called Second Street) last Thursday night to the extent of about $2,000 and for a while threatened surrounding properties in one of the most treacherous conflagrations in this city for several years. The blaze was discovered at 9 oclock and had made considerable headways in the south portion of the large barn before it was seen by neighbors. An alarm was turned in and the fire department responded promptly but by the time the firemen arrived the second floor was like a seething furnace, the flames having been carried along the inside of the roof the entire length of the building, which runs from Second street to within a few feet from the alley. The firemen experienced considerable difficulty in fighting the flames, due to a dense smoke which arose from a large quantity of hay stored in the barn. By heroic work on the part of the firemen the fire was extinguished before it could spread to nearby buildings. A corrugated tin roof, which covered the structure, prevented the flames from spreading to Budinas confectionery, Moonlight Hall, Cohens Store and other buildings in close proximity to the barn. Shortly after the arrival of the fire department the flames were under control probably due to the efficient and modern motor equipment which on several occasions saved OFallon from a serious conflagration. Mr. Thomas carried a large line of building material and his greatest loss was on lime and cement, which was ruined by water. A number of horses were safely taken from the barn while the flames were raging above. Mr. Thomas was out of the city at the time of the fire and was not aware of the blaze until his return late at night. Just what caused the fire has not been learned and probably never will. The owner received several loads of hay a few days before but all precautions were taken to guard against fire. Mr. Thomas is known as exercising every possible method of preventing fires, no electric wiring being permitted in the hay loft. To gain access to the second floor it was necessary to use a ladder which was stored for that purpose therefore it could not have originated by some careless person going into the loft. The damage to building and stock is estimated at $2,000, partly covered by insurance. 75 years ago, Sept. 30, 1948 S/Sgt. Howard Scout Davison, brother of Miss Dorothy Davison of this city, had the distinction of shaking hands with President Harry S. Truman at Denver, Colo., last week. Davison is a patient in Fitzsimmons Veterans Hospital at Denver, undergoing treatment and operations for a shattered left arm received in the Pacific Theater during the war. As it happened, Mr. Truman stopped at the hospital for an inspection of the institution while on a speaking tour. Scout Davison, in relating the incident to his sister by letter, told of how the head of the U.S. government came to him and without formality extended his hand to the local war veteran, which he eagerly grasped, whereupon the chief executive wished for him full recovery of the injury. Davison has been hospitalized for the arm injury since April 1945, during which he has undergone some 20 operations, including bone and skin grafting. He is scheduled to undergo several more operations in the near future. 50 years ago, Sept. 27, 1973 Young adults in the OFallon area will be able to purchase and/or drink beer and wine starting Monday when the new state legislation permitting 19-year-olds that right goes into effect. OFallon Mayor Gary Mackey said that although the city ordinance has not been changed the state legislation automatically goes into effect for cities under 25,000 in population. Mackey said that no council action is really necessary. The drinking law at the present moment states that persons under 21-years-old cannot drink but that ordinance will become null and void after midnight, Sept. 30. Some area tavern owners are looking forward to Monday with anticipation. Carvil Clark, owner of Carvils Restaurant and Lounge, thinks the law should be changed back but feels since the law is going into effect Monday that kids should be able to go all the way. If they want to drink, why not give them the whole ball of wax. Im opposed to letting 19-year-olds drink, but if its the law, I think they should be able to drink anything, Clark said. Clark also thinks the new law will be trouble but feels the law was bound to come. They can get married, serve in the Army and go into debt, why not let them drink? Clark asked. Don Nickolson, owner of the Idle Hour, sees one of the brighter sides to the new law. Theyre drinking now anyway. At least now theyll have someplace to go. Im glad to see that theyll be able to do it out in the open for a change, Nickolson said. Mrs. Myrtle Mehochko, owner of the Tornado Inn, concurs in Nickolsons feelings. I think itll be alright if the kids behave themselves. Its better to have them sit in a local tavern and drink a beer than have them running and hiding in some back streets and drinking or going out of town to find some stuff, she said. One of the employees at Cliffs Tavern said she doesnt know what to expect on Monday. Its a little scary. You dont really know what its going to bring. There are enough problems already without having this starting up. I wish it was still 21, she said. Thats when my troubles will start, said Peter Sanborn, owner of the Tiki Lounge, because weve had trouble with minors here before. Sanborn said minors have tried to get served alcoholic beverages before and thinks the problem will grow with the new law going into effect. Whats going to stop somebody 21 from buying hard liquor for a kid 19? If they want to drink the hard stuff, theyll find a way to get it, Sanborn said. Having two separate bars may be one way to alleviate some of the problems that will accompany the new law. Sanborn thinks. But its still going to cause problems. Whatever the case may be there should be a little larger crowd in the local pubs this Monday. Even if its just to watch Frank Howard and Dandy Don on the television. A Philadelphia municipal court judge on Tuesday dismissed all charges, including murder, against the Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop last month. Officer Mark Dial had been charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter and five other counts stemming from the August 14 shooting in Philadelphia. The case was notable in that police initially told reporters Irizarry lunged at the officers while outside his vehicle, only to later admit that video disproved that assertion. The preliminary court hearing Tuesday featured police body-camera footage and surveillance video of the shooting, as well as testimony from Dials police partner and from a detective with the officer-involved shootings department. The partner, officer Michael Morris, testified that he shouted knife when they approached Irizarrys vehicle, and the video shows he also yelled gun. He testified he was shouting because he was afraid for his life. In addition, the court was shown a photo of the knife in Irizarrys possession and how it was positioned in the car. The defense argued that the knife has a handle similar to a gun handle and could have been seen as a gun in the officers eyes. The prosecution argued charges of first-degree murder were appropriate because Dial approached the vehicle with gun already drawn for a routine traffic stop. Theres no way in this world this man committed murder, countered Brian McMonagle, Dials defense attorney. And every tragedy is not a crime. Judge Wendy L. Pew said that she agreed 100% with the defense and dismissed the charges. Fortunato Perri Jr., one of Dials defense attorneys, praised the decision. The evidence presented by the prosecutor clearly supported Mr. Dials reasonable belief that Mr. Irizarry was pointing a firearm at him during the stop, he said in a statement. The Philadelphia district attorneys office said it disagreed with the decision and would move to reinstate the charges. By Tuesday afternoon, the DA refiled all seven charges with the Court of Common Pleas, a higher court, in a move that the office said was the same as an appeal. Shock and celebration in court The judges decision brought strong reactions from the two sides Tuesday. The right side of the courtroom behind the defendant was predominantly filled with Dials family and police officers, including several in uniform. The left side of the courtroom was filled with Irizarrys family members, many of whom were wearing shirts with his image. When the judge announced the dismissal of charges, Dials supporters leapt out of their seats and cheered while the left side shouted out in disbelief. There was some cursing directed at the officers side as people left the courtroom. One woman on Irizarrys side had to be consoled as she sobbed while leaving and looked at the judge. Members of Irizarrys family said they were upset by the judges decision. I feel everybody is upset, and sad about it, said Maria Irizarry, his sister. Theres a lot of evidence. They say that it is a lack of evidence, which there is not. We are upset, very upset, said Irizarrys aunt, Zoraida Garcia. They said there was a lack of evidence. What more evidence do you want? You can see the video; the video was played in the court. The judge has seen the video. For her to drop all charges, she shouldnt even be a judge. She dropped all charges, so its okay for you to murder someone and get away with it. What happened during the traffic stop Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial, center, on September 8 turned himself in on a criminal warrant related to the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry. - WPVI According to the initial police statement, two officers saw a man driving erratically, and when the man pulled into a parking spot, they approached the vehicle. Seconds later, one of the officers fatally shot Irizarry. Police initially told reporters that the officers gave the man multiple commands to drop a weapon while he was outside his vehicle and that Irizarry had lunged at the officers. However, two days later, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the shooting happened while Irizarry was inside the vehicle, citing body worn camera footage. The video made it very clear what we initially reported was not actually what happened, Outlaw said. The Philadelphia district attorney charged Dial with murder and other felony crimes earlier this month and released the disturbing body camera footage of the shooting. These body-worn camera videos will be introduced into evidence, most likely at both the preliminary hearing and a trial, Larry Krasner said after releasing the footage. They are crucial evidence in the case and in many ways, they speak for themselves. Outlaw also said she had suspended Dial with the intent to dismiss him at the end of 30 days. Dial had not entered a plea prior to Tuesdays hearing. We intend to vigorously defend him against the charges, Perri, one of the defense attorneys, said in a statement. Despite what has been portrayed to the media, the facts will unmistakably show that Officer Mark Dial was legally justified in discharging his weapon while fearing for his life. McMonagle said his client believed Irizarry was pointing a gun at him. Video evidence in this case which weve uncovered demonstrates completely that officer Dial got out of his car, ordered (Irizarry) to show his hands, and then heard gun, McMonagle said. Garcia, Irizarrys aunt, said the family believes there may have been a language barrier between Irizarry and the police because he did not speak English well. He had moved from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia seven years ago, she said. CNNs Artemis Moshtaghian and Sabrina Souza contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A judge dismissed all charges Tuesday against a Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a driver last month. Mark Dial shot 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry through the rolled-up drivers side window of Irizarrys sedan during a traffic stop on Aug. 14. Dial and his partner, Officer Michael Morris, say they had been pursuing Irizarry for driving erratically and turning the wrong way down a one-way street. Morris testified that Irizarry had a knife in his hand and had started to raise it as the officers approached. During a hearing, Dials lawyers argued he acted in self-defense because he believed the knife Irizarry had was a gun. Brian McMonagle, one of his lawyers, said his client was justified in shooting as he was trying to take cover and had feared for his life during the incident. Every tragedy is not a crime, McMonagle said. Initial statements from the police department said Dial shot the driver outside the vehicle after he lunged at police with a knife, but the department later walked back these statements. Still, McMonagle said the charges, which included manslaughter, official oppression and four other counts, never should have been filed given the evidence. I agree with you 100 percent, Judge Wendy Pew responded before tossing all charges Tuesday, per the Associated Press. Irizarrys relatives said they would ask District Attorney Larry Krasner to appeal Pews dismissal. They said that Dial deserves a long prison sentence, according to the AP. Dial shot Irizarry about seven seconds after getting out of a police SUV and walking over to his car. Police body cam footage shows Dial firing a total of six rounds. Dial is a five-year member of the force. He was suspended with the intent to dismiss after officials said he refused to cooperate with investigators and his bail was revoked earlier this month. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A judge dropped all charges including murder against Mark Dial, a Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot motorist Eddie Irizarry last month. Philadelphia Municipal Judge Wendy Pew watched footage of the fatal shooting of the 27-year-old before ruling to dismiss all charges against Mr Dial, according to Fox 29. Mr Dials defence team had argued that the officer was acting in self-defence, echoing the officers initial claims that Irizarry lunged at him outside of the car. Irizarry was shot dead after he was pulled over for allegedly driving his Toyota Corolla erratically on 14 August. Mr Dials partner, Officer Michael Morris, testified on Tuesday that the two officers had been following Irizarry, who had been driving erratically and down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Mr Morris said the 27-year-old was wielding a knife and raised his hand when the pair approached him, the outlet reported. I screamed that he had a knife, Mr Morris testified. He also noted that the knife had a black metal handle. Mr Dial had previously been facing charges that included voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and simple assault. Earlier this month, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner released unedited bodycam footage of the extremely violent fatal shooting at the request of Irizarrys family which showed Mr Dial fire six shots through his window in close range. After the footage was released, the officer walked back on his initials claims that the 27-year-old had lunged at him. Mr Dial was fired last month by the Philadelphia Police Department. The Charlotte City Council stands after swearing in at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. (Alex Slitz/alslitz@charlotteobserver.com) The Charlotte City Council approved millions in funding for public housing projects Monday, but not without a contentious public hearing. The council voted 7-3 to approve $13.2 million in Housing Trust Fund dollars for six projects and $4.3 million in federal funding for three projects. Council members Tariq Bokhari, Lawana Slack-Mayfield and Victoria Watlington voted against the measure. And Freedom Fighting Missionaries, a local nonprofit focused on helping formerly incarcerated people, was unanimously approved for a $2 million grant to create affordable housing for criminal justice involved families. Together, the proposals will create more than 750 affordable housing units, according to the City Council. But some residents who spoke ahead of the votes expressed concerns that their neighborhoods are becoming oversaturated with affordable housing. Multiple residents who live near the proposed Sycamore Station complex and the proposed Grove Park location of Freedom Fighting Missionaries project said theyre concerned more affordable housing will overtax their already crowded schools and overworked police precinct. Joi Mayo, who requested the vote on a development on South Boulevard near Arrowood and Nations Ford roads be delayed, said as a resident of the area she thinks affordable housing is essential but that shes concerned about creating a concentration of poverty in a traditionally underserved community. Mayo said shed like to see more public money go toward workforce development, recreation centers and afterschool programs for students. Other residents were more supportive and said they were concerned that racism and stereotypes about low-income families and formerly incarcerated people were coming into play. The Rev. Kate Murphy of The Grove Presbyterian Church, which was considering partnering with Freedom Fighting Missionaries on their project in the Grove Park neighborhood, described some of the comments shed heard about the group as bullying and said opponents of the project were spreading misinformation. Murphy also said shes heard people in the neighborhood say they would call police on people, including children, associated with Freedom Fighting Missionaries. When doing the work of equity there will always be strong opposition What Im called to do is stand with those who have been marginalized, she said. Mary English-Spry said she and her family chose to live in Grove Park because of its diversity and that she feels affordable housing is well-suited to the neighborhood. I am not deterred from wanting to see all of our families housed and all of our children thriving, she said. After the public hearing but ahead of the vote on the Freedom Fighting Missionaries grant, Councilwoman Marjorie Molina announced that the group had told her they intend to find a different site for their project after the pushback from the Grove Park community. Shouting and cheers from those in attendance could be heard throughout the public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston said he was disgusted by some of the comments he heard at Mondays meeting. The past is present, he said. More City Council discussions, votes and proclamations Much of Mondays council meeting focused on an update from the citys Quality of Life team, who told the council its focus is currently on addressing issues with commercial truck parking, illegal parking and littering. Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera said she hopes the team will also consider addressing community concerns about public urination, defecation and drinking. Councilman Malcolm Graham said he hoped the team would have more concrete action plans to present, a main course, not the appetizer. Winston said he was concerned to hear so much focus on punitive action from his fellow council members, calling that approach a regression. The council also voted to change vendors for the purchase of a customized Police Command Bomb Truck, with Slack-Mayfield the lone vote against. The council approved the trucks purchase in July. Hey, everyone! Drew here. Happy Tuesday! In advance of Election Day on Nov. 7, the Charlotte Observer is partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to host a voter engagement panel, Thursday, Sept. 28. The event takes place at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Branch beginning at 6 p.m. Learn more about the event and register to attend here. On to your news. Sarah Stevenson, an education and civil rights leader in Charlotte, died Tuesday at age 97. Sarah Stevenson, a Charlotte civil rights pioneer, died today, her sister said. Stevenson helped create an influential forum for political and social dialogue on the citys westside. She was a leader in desegregating the citys schools in the 1970s and in 1980 and became the first Black woman elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board. Read more on Stevensons legacy. The Charlotte City Council stands after swearing in at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. Public housing projects received millions in approved funding from the Charlotte City Council yesterday, but not without a contentious hearing. The council voted 7-3 to approve the funding, but some residents who spoke ahead of the votes expressed concerns that their neighborhoods are becoming saturated with affordable housing. Mary Ramsey has more on the story. Emergency responders revived three inmates found unresponsive in a Mecklenburg County Courthouse holding cell on Monday, Sept. 27, 2023, while the cause of their medical emergency remained a mystery, jail officials said. Emergency responders revived three inmates found unresponsive in a Mecklenburg County Courthouse holding cell Monday afternoon, jail officials said. All three inmates, who were suspected of suffering an overdose, survived, according to the latest information available. Joe Marusak and Evan Moore continue to update this story. Founded in Santa Barbara, The Habit Burger Grill franchise will open another North Carolina in Moooresville. A California burger chain is opening its sixth North Carolina store in Mooresville next month. The Habit Burger Grill, know for its cooked-to-order chargrilled burgers, will open Oct. 4, just east of Interstate 77 in a former Popeyes spot. Its the second Habit Burger to debut this year in the Charlotte region. Catherine Muccigrosso and Joe Marusak share more on the burger chains newest location. 5. Some more stories to read --- Thats it for now. Thanks for reading! If you dont already, subscribe to the Charlotte Observer here. If youre already a subscriber (thanks!), download our iOS or Android app to stay connected. Find more updates at charlotteobserver.com, and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok to see more from us. Enjoy your day! Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can sign up here. Drew Nantais is a Senior Growth & Engagement Producer for the Charlotte Observer. A group of Mecklenburg County leaders wants to change the way the regions public transportation system is managed. The city of Charlottes dominance over the Charlotte Area Transit System has been unfair to residents in other parts of the county whose tax dollars also help support the system, said Mecklenburg County Commissioner Leigh Altman and the mayors of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville in a letter Tuesday addressed to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles . Altman and the mayors want to change the regions transportation agreement to give more power and oversight over CATS to the Metropolitan Transit Commission, a body that includes voting members from all the cities and towns in the county and non-voting members from surrounding counties. Their push comes during a tumultuous year for CATS, including a change in leadership and train derailment that raised questions about safety. Over the past year, it has become increasingly clear that the parties original agreement did not provide the MTC sufficient authority to direct and oversee CATSs operations or to ensure its accountability to the taxpayers, the letter said. What changes do county leaders want for CATS oversight? Tuesdays letter outlined amendments to the regions first agreement that would: Clarify the Metropolitan Transit Commission is the governing body of CATS and represents the interests of all the local governments that contribute to the system. Ensure the commission is involved in the selection and evaluation of the CATS CEO. Former CATS CEO John Lewis resigned in November. The agency is currently led by interim CEO Brent Cagle. Revise CATS budget process to give the commission early involvement in its development before it goes to the Charlotte City Council. Provide mechanisms for resolving differences between the commission and the City Council on CATS budget issues We believe that these are common-sense measures that will ensure greater transparency and accountability at CATS, as well as equal representation for the City, County, and Towns, the letter says. We also hope that these measures will help bridge the gap as we consider the formation of an independent regional transit authority. Altman told the Observer she currently serves on a separate committee with Lyles and other regional leaders intended to help develop a regional transit authority to better connect the growing area. Thats why this is so important, she said of Tuesdays letter. Because its an opportunity to hit the reset button in a way that hopefully will give everyone the confidence and comfort to build upon what we have now for the future. Altman added that she and the MTC have been impressed with how Cagle has handled CATS since taking over as interim CEO. This is really about the governance structure for the next time we have a problem, she said of Tuesdays letter. City ignored commission vote on CATS investigation, letter says A flashpoint for the groups request: a decision by the city of Charlotte to not follow through on a vote to hire an outside investigator to examine CATS management and operations. The citys decision to not conduct such an investigation was made in part because Charlotte believes the MTC is only an advisory body and its votes only constitute recommendations, the letter claims. We do not know when the City began to take this view, but it is not what was originally intended. The MTC was never meant to be just an advisory body. the letter says. The commission was intended to give everyone in the county equal representation on transit decisions, Altman and the mayors continued. This is only fair given the tens of millions in tax dollars the County and Towns contribute to CATS each year through the transit sales tax, the letter says. Altman said the citys decision was really something we did not agree with. So, we discussed how best to ensure that the voters across Mecklenburg County who contribute to the budget for CATS can have real representation on the MTC, she said. The letter also notes a consultant hired by the city concluded CATS current structure, which splits responsibilities between the Charlotte City Council and the commission, creates confusion and a lack of transparency. Charlottes response to letter Lyles said in a statement the city was reviewing the proposed amendments provided today by some members of the MTC regarding the future of public transit governance in our county. Lyles added she agrees on the need to update the interlocal agreement and that a regional transit authority is in our future. This spirit of cooperation to reach the best solutions is what is expected of us as public officials, Lyles said History of the Metropolitan Transit Commission The Metropolitan Transit Commission dates back to the 1990s, CATS notes. It was formed as part of the Transit Governance Interlocal Agreement, signed in 1999 by Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Pineville, Matthews and Mint Hill. Months before that agreement was signed, Mecklenburg County voters in 1998 approved a one-half cent sales tax to be used to finance public transportation systems. The voting members of the commission are the mayors of Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville; the chairman of the Board of Mecklenburg County Commissioners and the regional representative from the North Carolina Board of Transportation. Altman currently serves as county board Chairman George Dunlaps designee to the commission. The five non-voting members representing local governments outside Mecklenburg are from the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The commission holds monthly meetings and helps gather public input on transit planning. For 70 years 1935 to 2005 the space at 7122 Wornall Road was home to Romanelli Grill, a clubby neighborhood restaurant known in Waldo and beyond for its big plates of fried catfish. Ashley Bare remembers. Oh, yeah, said Bare, who grew up in nearby Mission Hills. I used to come to Romanelli Grill with my dad. I mainly remember a lot of people smoking inside. Waldo was different then. The address was later home to the Irish pub The Gaf and most recently District Pour House, which closed earlier this year. Now Bare has the run of the place. Last week, the chef unveiled Hemma Hemma, a combination coffee shop, bodega, and (soon) cafeteria aimed at busy families and busy professionals. Hemma Hemmas front door and walk-up coffee window at 7122 Wornall Road. The concept is informed by Bares culinary background. After graduating from the University of Kansas in 2009, she attended the National Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York, then worked at a few restaurants there, including Mercer Kitchen. I quickly realized that I didnt want to work in restaurants in the traditional sense, Bare said. So I started doing other things, like teaching cooking classes, private chefing, and meal prep. Bare eventually returned to Kansas City to be closer to family and started Hemma Hemma, a meal delivery service. But she also wanted a space where she could consolidate all her culinary skills and interests under one roof. After District Pour House closed in January, she signed a lease and spent about five months building out the space and imbuing it with a grandma chic aesthetic (vintage furniture, floral and tartan wallpaper, white marble tabletops and long, luxurious banquettes). Lead barista Travis Strohmeyer serves customers at Hemma Hemmas coffee bar. Hemma Hemma opened Sept. 21. Inside are three rooms, which Bare calls the Bodega, the Hot Line and the Studio. This is sort of the culmination of everything Ive done, Bare said. Making food for people, teaching cooking classes, meal delivery. Were working on an event space downstairs. And I might start catering again, too. The bodega features a coffee bar (including a walk-up window from the sidewalk) and a small market that sells local artisanal products like Pumpkin Butter from the Kansas City Canning Co. and Zen Donkey Farms juices. Seating in the bodega section of Hemma Hemma. The bodega is also stocked with grab-and-go meals made by Bare. Last week, a few of the mains available were an Oregano and Lemon Braised Pork (Berkshire pork, garlic, lemon, oregano, thyme, chicken stock, salt, pepper, tzatziki; $14) and a Herby Whipped Feta Chicken (Gerber Amish Chicken, feta, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, salt; $24). Among the other options available were a Power Kale Salad w/ Chicken (kale, blueberries, chickpeas, avocado, almonds, hemp seeds, radish, scallions, lemon vin, chicken; $15) and a white bean dip for $10. Bare said she anticipates much of her clientele will come from Mission Hills, south Leawood and Brookside, in addition to Waldo. Were using higher-quality ingredients so were at a slightly higher price point, Bare said. The idea is, were here to help busy people feed themselves. You can come in and pick up fresh soups, salads, sauces, proteins. Or if youre entertaining, you can stop by and get dips, crackers, olives. You want to make tacos? Weve got salsas and tortillas from Yoli. Customers converse in the middle room at Hemma Hemma. Starting Oct. 20, a cafeteria-style kitchen will serve hot and cold food in the space. The middle room, or the Hot Line, has seating and an elevated, cafeteria-style setup that will open Oct. 20, Bare said, and serve both hot and cold items. Itll be a smaller selection of whats available on the full grab-and-go menu, Bare said. The third room the Studio features three ranges and is meant for hands-on cooking classes. These are not demonstration-style classes you prep the food under my direction, then you sit down together at the end of class and eat the meal you prepared, Bare said. Its for any skill level. No one should feel like they arent a good enough cook to take the class. Its an experience. Its supposed to be fun. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Once the cafeterias open, it will only be open for breakfast and lunch, until 3 p.m. And what about that name? Hemma means at home in Swedish, Bare said. Nothing I do really has anything to do with Sweden its just a word I learned a long time ago that stuck with me. But Im delivering meals to your home, Im making food that should feel like it was cooked at home. Pretty much everything Im doing with Hemma Hemma, it should all feel like home. This embedded content is not available in your region. Childcare costs are out of control for many parents, while providers are struggling to make ends meet. Zoning regulations and housing discrimination can pose additional obstacles for providers. Home-based childcare providers are particularly vulnerable. Childcare costs are soaring, particularly in major US cities and zoning regulations are making it worse. Costs aren't just prohibitive for parents, they're also sky-high for providers, who operate on tiny margins and struggle to pay their workers a living wage. The financial situation for providers is about to get worse as the nation nears the end of federal pandemic relief funding for childcare providers, which is predicted to disrupt care for 3 million children. The funding cliff further exposes the fundamental flaws in the business of childcare. Childcare experts and advocates argue that the industry simply cannot function well without significant government subsidies. But the way we build cities throws up other less-obvious obstacles to an effective US childcare system. Land-use regulations drive up costs and limit the supply of physical spaces. Some zoning and other building regulations make it extremely costly and complicated for a provider to open up or expand a facility. Of course, the housing affordability crisis is making all of this worse, as the cost of rent means it's increasingly difficult for providers, especially those who provide childcare in their homes, to afford their spaces. Childcare facilities often aren't allowed in residential areas, where kids live Childcare providers that operate out of residences known as home-based childcare often have the most trouble with these regulations. Many cities and towns make it illegal for businesses to open up in homes. And the majority of zoned land in US cities is exclusively for single-family homes. Ironically, laws that were supposedly designed to protect children by keeping businesses like childcare centers out of quiet residential neighborhoods are now hurting them, experts say. Historically, separating residential neighborhoods from businesses and industrial sites was justified as "providing a safe and quiet environment for the rearing of children," said Charles Gardner, a housing researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. "Bearing that in mind, it would seem on its surface odd that zoning codes would prohibit childcare facilities from opening in residential zones and require that they operate in commercial districts where there may be more noise, more commotion, more traffic," he told Insider. These home-based operations are a key service. They often satisfy linguistic and cultural needs families have, can operate in places without easy access to business districts, and providers can care for their own young kids while also doing their jobs. Some states and cities are starting to eliminate some of the barriers to opening up or expanding a facility, particularly those in peoples' homes. In 2019, California passed a law that prohibits any city or county government from requiring home-based childcare providers to get a zoning permit or business license. This allows childcare centers to operate out of all types of homes and avoid getting community approval, which disproportionately empowers homeowners and older, wealthier folks. But implementing the law is proving difficult. Many cities just aren't complying often because they don't know about the state law. And affected providers don't always know their rights. Laurie Furstenfeld, an attorney at the Berkeley, California-based Child Care Law Center, is working with cities to get them in compliance with the law. "We have been doing Public Record Act requests lately for a few cities just to see if they are charging them and unfortunately, a lot of them have been, even when they say that they're not," Furstenfeld said. Landlords often discriminate against renters wanting to open a childcare center Another insidious problem is landlord discrimination against childcare providers. Furstenfeld's organization is working to sue property owners for evicting or refusing to rent to providers, but it can be hard to prove. "It's a pretty bright line rule with the zoning and business licenses. It's a bit harder to get to the heart of when somebody denies somebody to rent," Furstenfeld said. Some states are also addressing issues impacting childcare in residences. Oregon, Oklahoma, Colorado, Connecticut, and Montana have all passed legislation making it easier for home-based providers to operate. The Washington, DC, city council recently passed a bill that would ban discrimination against home-based childcare providers by condo associations. But even without many of these burdensome land-use regulations, childcare will likely still be exorbitantly expensive for too many parents and bad business for providers. "In our ideal world, it would cost nothing for providers to go into business the background checks, the trainings, the licensing would all be cost-free," Furstenfeld said. "The cost of parents would be heavily subsidized or publicly funded." She added, "Nobody would question not funding public schools. Why not childcare?" Read the original article on Business Insider Burr Ridge leaders received good financial news at their Monday board meeting with the results of the towns Fiscal Year 2023 audit, though police pension funding was down a bit due to investment market volatility not controlled by the town. Once again, on the audit, the village performed well, outperforming projected fiscal health. Advertisement Matt Beran, an accountant with Lauterbach & Amen, the financial firm Burr Ridge uses for its audit, delivered the annual report. He said his audit reviewed financial controls as well as methods for tracking expenses, income and other routine financial matters and found no cause for concern. It was a very successful audit and we gave the village an unmodified opinion, he said. This is the means the towns financial controls keep within standard best practices. Advertisement Its another financially successful year for the village, he said. Beran said Burr Ridge brought in some $2.3 million extra in funds, putting the village in a secure financial position, coupled with the towns internal auditing systems. We had a positive year in terms of the internal controls, Beran said. And the village remains debt free, Mayor Gary Grasso said. Yes, Beran replied. Village administrator Evan Walter then spoke briefly about police pensions and FY 2024 budget adjustments. The only spot of troubling news was the state of the police funding ratio or the amount of money the town invests in police pensions. The town still invests enough money by state law, but it stumbled at 59 %, a far cry from last years funding. According to the numbers from April, the villages assets e.g., its investments used to fund the pension grew only by $63,647 this year. The year prior, that growth was over $1 million, but Walter pointed out the village like every other municipality in the state is beholden to market whims. In short, he said its been a tough year in the stock market. Advertisement Markets go up, markets go up, Walter said. Our net position went down. He also pointed out this was the first year the state controlled the local pension fund investments. A change in state law allows the state to pool all pension funds from towns across Illinois in hopes of creating more revenue for individual municipalities. Trustee Joe Snyder asked if village leaders were aware of the change, and Walter said they were. Weve known that (the change was coming) for a number of years and it was just a matter of time that wed have to comply with it, he said. Grasso said the idea is that the state could make stronger investments by combining all pension investments for better investing positions, who knows. Hopefully itll be more predictable, he said. Its supposed to be better. Advertisement Finally, trustees got a report on the current (FY 2024) first quarter budget. Were in a very good net position, Walter said. He added the general fund is exceeding projected revenue thanks, in part, to strong sales and fuel taxes. The general sense of the village is, things are trending in the right direction, Walter said. The board took no action on the financial reports, but did approve some routine budget adjustments. Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. (Bloomberg) -- China said its talking to the US about who will represent the Asian nation at a summit in less than two months, after President Xi Jinping recently skipped a major gathering of world leaders. Most Read from Bloomberg At a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded to a question about whether Xi will attend the event in November, saying: We are in communications with relevant parties and we will make an announcement in due time. Wang added that the Chinese leader places high importance on multilateral diplomacy and said his nation is never absent in important multilateral forums. Xi recently snubbed a Group of 20 leaders meeting in India for the first time since taking power in 2012, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Fransisco would give Xi and President Joe Biden a window for their first meeting since last November in Bali. Wang met US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Malta earlier this month, with the two men discussing a possible meeting between their leaders. READ MORE: US, Chinese Officials Meet in Malta to Keep Channels Open Smoothing Ties Tensions between Washington and Beijing have flared over the past year due to a range of issues including US export controls, Chinas territorial claims over Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon discovered drifting over America. The Biden administration has dispatched four cabinet-level officials to Beijing since June, as both sides look to stabilize ties. Last week, China and the US said they were establishing working groups to discuss economic and financial issues, in another sign of improving communication lines. Both sides have reasons to reduce the turbulence. Biden is seeking geopolitical stability as he gears up for an election next year, while China wants to reinvigorate its slowing economy after three years of Covid Zero. Xi is also dealing with upheaval in his government after ousting former Foreign Minister Qin Gang and launching a corruption probe into his military. Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been out of the public eye since late last month, and US officials have intelligence hes been removed from his post. More: Hong Kongs Leader Says Still Waiting for Invite to US Summit Hong Kong Chief executive John Lee said at a weekly briefing on Tuesday he hasnt yet received an invite to the APEC summit. The Washington Post reported in July that Lee, who is under US sanctions for his role in Hong Kongs crackdown on civil liberties, would be blocked from attending the event. Chinas Foreign Ministry earlier called on the US to ensure all APEC members, including Hong Kong are represented at the summit, raising expectations that Lees inclusion could impact Xis decision on whether to attend. Wang said at the briefing in Beijing that the US should create more favorable conditions for a smooth APEC meeting. The United States can be conscious of its responsibility as the host, he added. Show openness, fairness, inclusiveness and a sense of responsibility as is expected. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Liz Lee BEIJING (Reuters) -China is willing to play a "constructive" role in the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, its top diplomat said on Tuesday, after President Xi Jinping 's absence at the annual Group of 20 summit in India. "As the world's largest developing country and an important member of APEC, China is willing to comply with the expectations of the international community and play a constructive role in the success of APEC this year," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Xi, with no official explanation, did not go to the G20 summit in New Delhi this month, with the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, attending in his place. That prompted the United States to say China was "giving up" on the G20 and was building an alternative world order. "Of course, we and all parties hope that the United States will recognise its responsibility as the host, demonstrate openness, fairness, inclusiveness, and responsibility, and create better conditions for the smooth holding of the meeting," Wang said at a news conference, when asked whether Xi would attend APEC. China is in communication with the relevant parties, and will make an announcement in due time, Wang added. Dialogue between China and the United States has been gradually resuming despite tensions between the two superpowers, especially over Taiwan. Expectations are building that Xi would meet with Biden on the sidelines of APEC, after missing a chance for a face-to-face meeting at G20 in India. At the same news conference, Wang said, without naming any country, that China opposed "wanton" expansion of military alliances that squeeze the security space of other countries. Beijing has been critical of Washington's continued attempts to deepen military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. It has particularly disapproved of bases that the U.S. military is building in the north of the Philippines facing democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. China has long advocated partnerships rather than alliances, and is not part of any military bloc. Its sole remaining ally after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 is North Korea, to which China is bound by a 1961 treaty to come to its defence if it is attacked. (Reporting by Liz Lee, Albee Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Gerry Doyle) FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) The City of Fresno is hiring and will be hosting a job fair in Fresno on Wednesday. Organizers say those who attend will be able to engage with the city departments and representatives and will learn about their various job opportunities and career paths. Information about the competitive pay, benefit packages with retirement, and flexible schedules will be available as well. Additionally, organizers say there will be food trucks, city vehicles, equipment, and much more. Free parking will be offered in the promenade lot adjacent to City Hall. This event will take place on September 27, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Fresno City Hall. To see what job availability is offered visit The City of Fresnos website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A truck driver from East Texas wont be hauling anything through Memphis again after he says a local towing company strong-armed him into paying a nearly $300 boot removal fee. Adam Herrell is one of nearly a dozen truckers across the country who have filed complaints with the City of Memphis about A1s Towing and Hauling over the last year. As a result, the permits office has opened an investigation into the company. Man accused of robbing, illegally towing victims tractor-trailer This follows the arrests of five A1s employees in three separate incidents over the last five months. In one case, an A1s Towing and Hauling driver was charged with robbery, and in another, three others were charged with carjacking for allegedly taking 18-wheelers by force. Arrests made after two truck drivers are carjacked in Memphis Herrell said he and his wife were sleeping inside his big rig at an unmanned truck stop on Lamar when his truck was illegally booted. Herrell said he was approached by an A1s driver and a man dressed like a police officer. He said the men told him he had twenty minutes to pay $272 to get the boot off, or they would be physically removed from the truck. I felt like they were full of crap, you know, but the wife was hysterical, the guy had a gun on his hip, his hand on the gun. You know, I really wanted to defend my truck, but obviously, with my family in there, I didnt want to put them in the crossfire, said Herrell. Memphis police showed up long after those guys were gone and said we wish we could have come over and caught them. Deschun Williams said he was parked at the Mapco in the 1500 block of Brooks Road when an A1s tow truck driver blocked him, put a lock on his air hose, and a boot on his tractor-trailer. The Houston, Texas, truck driver said the tow truck driver told him he would have to pay $260 via Cash App or his truck would be towed. He wouldnt give me time to pay it, said Williams. He just towed it off. He started hooking it up to it and disconnecting my drive shaft and jacked it up in the air while I was in it. Williams said the A1s driver towed his truck to their lot on Mallory and told him he would have to pay $2,600 to get it back. I realized he was only five minutes away, so Im like, why are you charging $2,600 to go five minutes away? That doesnt even sound right, said Williams. My company talked them down. It was like $1,800 or $2,200. Fernando Arias said he was forced to pay A1s nearly $3,700 after his semi-truck was towed from a Walmart in the 5200 block of Elvis Presley. The Miami trucker said he was inside the store shopping for food, and when he came outside, his vehicle was being hooked up to an A1s tow truck. I said hey, Ive only been in there 45 minutes. I have a receipt, and they said no, Arias said. I was a tow trucker driver for 27 years. I know the business. I knew they were doing it illegally. A Walmart spokesman said at the time, the store was in contract with A1s Towing and Hauling, but they were not allowed to tow customers. He said Walmart quickly terminated the agreement with A1s after its signing. Arias said A1s Towing stole his truck from the Walmart, costing him his job. The company paid for it, and the company took it out of my check, said Arias. I got fired. I got fired, and it wasnt my fault. According to the citys booting ordinance, no vehicle with a boot may be towed unless the owner of the vehicle fails to contact the booting company within 24 hours. The maximum booting fee is $50. Companies must accept multiple forms of payment, including checks, cash, or credit cards, and must remove a boot within one hour of being contacted by the owner or operators of the vehicle that has been booted. The ordinance also states that if the owner of a motor vehicle parked without authorization on private property attempts to retrieve their vehicle before booting occurs, there shall be no fee, and the vehicle owner shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without further delay. The city said a towing fee should not exceed $350. Vaughn Kelly was not one of the truckers who filed a complaint but contacted WREG because he believed A1s illegally towed his 18-wheeler near a Kroger in Horn Lake, Mississippi. The 71-year-old New Orleans man said he parked at the edge of the Kroger lot and was throwing out some trash when an A1 driver appeared, locked his air hose, and began hooking up his truck. Kelly said the store manager told the tow truck driver he was a patron and was not illegally parked, but the driver still took his semi to Memphis. Four months later, he still doesnt have his truck. They told me you have to have $5,300 to get your truck out and said no debit card, just cash, Zelle, or Cash App. I was really frustrated. I was calling people to see if I could get that kind of money together, and I really couldnt, Kelly said. Adam Herrell said truck drivers are nervous about driving through Memphis. He said the word is getting out to get in and out of the city as fast as possible. There is so much there. So many cool things there. I even like a rapper from there, Young Dolph, I like to listen to. I wanted to see his memorial and the little cookie shop he visited before he died, but I dont want to be anywhere around there, Herrell said. WREG tried to contact A1s Towing and Hauling to ask about the complaints but could only get a recorded message and has not heard back from the company. The city has not released any details about their investigation. If you believe you have been booted, ticketed, or towed improperly, you can contact the City of Memphis Permits Office at 901-636-6711. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Sarah Stevenson, a Charlotte civil rights pioneer who helped create an influential forum for political and social dialogue on the citys westside, died Tuesday, her sister said. She was 97. Stevenson was a leader in desegregating the citys schools in the 1970s and in 1980 became the first Black woman elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board. She also co-founded the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum, her gentle nature guiding determinedly civil discussions of some of the citys thorniest issues. The Forum said Stevensons sister, Elloree Erwin, had informed them of Stevensons death at University Place Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Tuesday morning. Friends and family said she listened deeply and tried to find the best in everyone. The best thing I remember is (her) determination and (that) she was a very good mother and the best mother in the world you could have, her son, Thomas Stevenson, told the Observer on Tuesday. How she would keep on things that she was involved in and her determination, her willpower to get things done, thats what I remember. In an online message shared on the Breakfast Forums website in 2020, Erwin wrote that shed had a video chat with Stevenson from quarantine at her care facility that Sept. 2. She is feeling that the end is nearing for her and she feels her work on this Earth is done, Erwin wrote. She asked me to share with you all, her church members, Prince of Peace Lutheran, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club and NANBPW members, (National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women) that she loves all of you and that she hopes to see you all in heaven. Stevenson was born Oct. 26, 1925 in Heath Springs, S.C., the oldest of 14 children. She moved to Charlotte to live with an aunt, get a job and save up to attend junior college, according to a Charlotte Observer interview in 2015. There she met and married Robert Louis Stevenson, a coworker in housekeeping at Charlotte Memorial hospital. The former seamstress later worked for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, the Charlotte Area Fund and the citys Community Relations Committee. My mother and father always told me to remember: You can do anything you want. You have to be willing to work hard to get it. Dont let anybody tell you they are better than you. But remember youre not better than the other person. Youre equal, she told The Observer in 2009. The Rev. Joseph McCutchen, left, Sarah Stevenson, center, and Rabbi Murray Ezring sing ``We Shall Overcome during a service for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday Jan. 15, 1995 at Charlottes Marshall Park. CHRISTOPHER A. RECORD Her years of civic activism began when one of her three sons came home from his desegregated school with a well-worn band uniform that had been handed down from a white school. She began working with the PTA to raise money for new uniforms. It was always where the little Black children seemed to be the underdog, and we did not have the political will, or even the compassion, to treat everybody right and to be fair, she told an Observer reporter. Thats sort of what Ive been working toward as long as I can remember now. Stevenson rose to head the school districts Black PTA council, then worked with her white counterpart to merge the two. When she was elected president of the consolidated council, some white members walked out. She later served on a citizens advisory board to help create a plan to bus students for desegregation when the Supreme Court ordered it in a landmark ruling in 1971, and in 1980 and 1984 was elected to the school board. Hannah Hough, left, looks up at Sarah Stevenson after helping to place a wreath at the base of the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue during the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Marshall Park in uptown Charlotte on January 15, 2012. David T. Foster III/dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com In those years, Stevenson suffered snubs from people who werent ready for a Black woman with power and criticism from Blacks who thought she wasnt aggressive enough in demanding change. Sometimes I get discouraged in the midst of being hopeful, she told the Observer in 2015. I pray a lot, but then I know with prayer you have to put some action behind it. Stevenson and other members of the Black Political Caucus created the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum in 1980, modeling it after a similar group in Atlanta. The weekly meetings have been held in recent years at Belmont Regional Center on Parkwood Avenue. The sessions are designed, its website says, to present information of importance to the African American community in particular and the rest of Charlotte in general. The forums rules encourage succinct questions of speakers and a variety of points of view. No name-calling is allowed. Stevensons civic contributions have been widely recognized. She was awarded North Carolinas Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Johnson C. Smith Universitys Arch of Triumph award, the Martin Luther King Jr. spirit award, MeckEd education champion, Woman of the Year, Liberty Bell and Sojourner Truth award. George Dunlap, chair of the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners, said Stevenson had positivity and invited him to her 98th birthday just a couple weeks ago when he last saw her. While its a sad occasion, he said, I will tell you that during my conversation with her that she said she spent her time praying and reading the Bible, so she was at peace. Dunlap plans to award Stevenson posthumously with the Order of the Hornet, the countys highest honor, awarded to people who display valor or service to the residents of Mecklenburg County. The Forum will celebrate the life of Sarah Stevenson at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Belmont Center, 700 Parkwood Ave. Parking is available in a lot off Parkwood near Davidson Street, and on the uphill side of the Belmont Center on McDowell Street. Additional arrangements have not been made available to the public. Former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) slammed Republicans for their silence on what she claims is one of the worst things Donald Trump has ever said. Over the weekend, the former president attacked Gen. Mark Milley in a social media post, suggesting the retiring chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had committed treason, an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! McCaskill was aghast that there was no uproar over the idea that we would execute the nations highest-ranking military officer. Where is the chairman of the Armed Services committee, and the ranking member of the Armed Services committee in the United States Senate? Where is he? McCaskill asked on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Where is [Republican Sen.] Joni Ernst, who served in the military? Where are the Republicans that say they care about the military? The idea that he would get away with saying this without being totally lambasted by every Republican elected official is stunning to me, she added. This is one of the worst things hes ever said, and imagine how high that bar is. Trumps comments garnered surprisingly little attention. Brian Klaas, an associate professor of global politics at University College London, wrote in The Atlantic that the non-response shows just how numb the country has grown toward threats more typical of broken, authoritarian regimes. Several legal experts also noted that Trumps Milley outburst may have violated court warnings that he stop attacking potential witnesses in the cases against him. Trumps post appeared to be prompted by another article in The Atlantic, an in-depth profile on Milley, which detailed how the military commander sought to protect the nation and Constitution from Trumps moral derangement. See McCaskills commentary below on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Related... UPDATE 6:01 a.m. on 9/26- CCSO confirmed that Allison was found safe and has been reunited with his family. The Clay County Sheriffs Office is seeking the assistance of the community in locating James Whitehill Allison II, who was last seen today, September 25, between 09:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Mr. Allison, an 81-year-old male, stands at 5 feet 8 inches, weighs approximately 125 pounds, has a bald head with brown eyes, and is currently experiencing an altered mental status. Unfortunately, there is no available description of his clothing. Mr. Allison left his residence driving a burgundy 2-door Ford Mustang with the Florida license plate AGN8J. The vehicle was spotted first in the Melbourne area and later in the Orlando, Florida region at 7:30 p.m. this evening. Authorities are urging the public to share this alert with media partners in the Melbourne/Orlando viewing area in the hope of locating Mr. Allison. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please do not hesitate to contact law enforcement at 904-264-6512. Your assistance is crucial in ensuring his safe return. [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. CANTON A Stark County grand jury has declined to indict a Cleveland man on a felonious assault charge. Police had accused him of firing a gun into a vehicle, striking a pregnant woman in March. Although Charles E. Turner III, 43, was cleared of the felony, a second-degree misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business was sent back to Canton Municipal Court. Turner pleaded not guilty to obstructing official business, according to an entry filed in online court records Tuesday. Municipal Judge John Poulos set his bail at $5,000. The felonious assault charge arose from a shooting at 6:40 a.m. March 27 in the 500 block of Shorb Avenue NW. Police said a suspect fired several rounds at a vehicle, striking a passenger who was about seven months pregnant. She was reported to have been struck in the back, and was taken to a local hospital. Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR This article originally appeared on The Repository: Cleveland man, 44, cleared of charge he shot pregnant woman in Canton CLOVIS, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) The Clovis Police Department will be hosting its 12th annual Clovis Night Out on Saturday as it returns to David Mcdonald Park. Officers say their goal is to promote public safety and community. Organizers say almost 100 local food and vendors will be out there along with police and city vehicles out on display. Live music, a drone light show, and free bounce houses for the kids will be out there as well. This event will take place at David McDonald Park next to the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center at Temperance and Sierra and will run from 4 p.m. to dark on Sept. 30. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. CLOVIS, NM The Clovis Police Department investigating a shooting over the weekend announced Monday that a 17-year-old was arrested in connection to the incident. Police said the juvenile was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Arizona in connection to two other deaths. On Saturday, Sept. 23 just before 11 p.m., the Clovis Police Department Dispatch Center received multiple calls of an injured individual in the area of the Grand Avenue Homes, 2101 W. Grand Ave. Clovis officers were dispatched and arrived at the scene to find Izayah Montano, 18, suffering from two gunshot wounds. Police said Clovis Fire Department EMS personnel then arrived at the scene and took Montano to the hospital. Early Sunday, Sept. 24, he succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses told responding officers they heard several gunshots and saw Montano fall to the ground and an unknown person running away from the scene. The 9th Judicial Major Crimes Unit (MCU) was contacted to aid in this investigation, which is still ongoing. During the investigation, Clovis police said, information was obtained that identified a 17-year-old juvenile as a suspect in Montano's death. Additionally, the juvenile had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Pima County, Arizona, on two counts of first degree felony murder, two counts of armed robbery and a minor in possession of a firearm. The juvenile was then arrested on the outstanding warrant out of Arizona and was taken to a juvenile detention facility awaiting an arraignment hearing. The Clovis Police Department is asking for the publics help with information related to this shooting. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Clovis Police Department at 575-769-1921. Information can be provided anonymously by using their tip411 program, accessed by going to www.police.cityofclovis.org or via the Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Clovis police: Suspect, 17, in shooting death has Arizona warrant CNN has changed its daily lineup several times recently, with its most notable personalities moving to different time slots. However, anchors Victor Blackwell and Omar Jimenez made history after they were paired together accidentally during a weekend morning show. According to Mediaite, the two men kicked off the Saturday morning edition of CNN This Morning Weekend, with Jimenez filling in for Amara Walker . As the two welcomed viewers to the show, Blackwell jokingly addressed how the duo made history with a two-man broadcast on cable television. So I dont know if Ive seen 1: Two men anchor a network broadcast cable network, even at least the last 35 years, Blackwell said. Thats huge! Jimenez replied. And then, two brothers anchoring the show! It is good to have you this morning! Blackwell said. Jimenez seemingly welcomed the unprecedented mishap, calling it a moment in television history. Come on! Come on! This is history right now! For you all watching. Its history! he said excitedly. Blackwell and Jiminex anchoring for the first time was a success for the show. Mediaite reported that the pair also returned Sunday morning for another broadcast together. CNN anchor and correspondent Sara Sidner shared the outlets post on X, formerly known as Twitter. She praised Blackwell and Jimenez for their outstanding work as colleagues and journalists. This is History! CNN Anchors Celebrate Happy Accident . Love this! @OmarJimenez and @VictorBlackwell are wonderful colleagues as well as excellent journalists. 'This is History!' CNN Anchors Celebrate Happy Accident . Love this! @OmarJimenez and @VictorBlackwell are wonderful colleagues as well as excellent journalists https://t.co/glhRXxSeaz Sara Sidner (@sarasidnerCNN) September 24, 2023 X users also chimed in and congratulated the pair on the monumental accident. See I knew I wasnt crazy when I took a picture of my tv. The first time Id ever seen 2 Black men anchoring AND with a Black reporter at the White House @VictorBlackwell @OmarJimenez @JasJWright, one user said. See I knew I wasnt crazy when I took a picture of my tv. The first time Id ever seen 2 Black men anchoring AND with a Black reporter at the White House @VictorBlackwell @OmarJimenez @JasJWright pic.twitter.com/UnoLkypeFx Robert Jimison (@RobertJimison) September 25, 2023 A happy occurrence, indeed, another wrote. A happy occurrence, indeed. Lynn Granger, Author (@LynnGranger20) September 24, 2023 This was beautiful to see! @OmarJimenez @VictorBlackwell, a third user said. CHILLICOTHE After a two-year battle, former Adena Bone & Joint Center doctors lost the civil suit against Adena Health System. In 2021, Adena Health System filed a lawsuit against three former doctors for allegedly breaching contracts and duty, damaging business relationships, sharing trade secrets and engaging in civil conspiracy. The lawsuit included former Adena Bone & Joint Center doctors Brian Cohen, Aaron Roberts and James Troy Thompson. Adena alleged that the doctors began organizing a group of physicians to leave the health system while they were paid employees. Later that year, the legal team representing the three doctors filed a motion to dismiss the civil suit against them and issued a countersuit. The countersuit asserted that the health system allegedly breached employment agreements, wrongfully terminated them, issued retaliation, violated antitrust laws and engaged in slander. In addition to the countersuit, the doctors also issued a third-party complaint against Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham, Chief Operating Officer Katherine Edrington and the 15-member Board of Trustees for defamation, tortious interference, negligence and conversion. Another claim of failure to supervise was issued against just the board. This month, the Ross County Court of Common Pleas awarded sanctions against Brian Cohen, Aaron Roberts, and James Troy Thompson for malicious prosecution, as well as for engaging in frivolous conduct by filing and pursuing antitrust claims against Adena Health. Adena was awarded $87,329.25 to be paid by the defendants. Adenas lawsuit for the pursuit of damages based on the departure of those physicians continues. Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Contact her at 740-349-1106, email her at Mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Brian Cohen, bone doctors lose suit against Adena Health System A data breach affecting nearly 200 colleges and universities is causing some students to feel uneasy as the semester starts and experts urge them to safeguard their information and credit. Progress, a software development company, announced in May that unauthorized users exploited vulnerabilities in its MOVEit Transfer and MOVEit Cloud programs. The company released a security update days later, but not before Cl0p, a hacker group, gained unauthorized access to people's personal information, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in June. The breach particularly hit higher education institutions, as they tend to use multiple second-party websites to offer health insurance for students, such as UnitedHealthcare, and to verify people's degrees, such as the nonprofit National Student Clearinghouse. Those two websites rely on the MOVEit software to relay information to higher education institutions about current and past students. Incoming freshmen walk through campus after moving into dormitories at University of Colorado Boulder on Aug. 18, 2020. KonBriefing, a market research company focused on informational technology, said the ransomware attack affected an estimated 179 colleges and universities in 41 states as of last week. The attack happened weeks after College Decision Day, May 1, and in between college graduations, impacting current and former students. Gabby Sabo, 20, told USA TODAY she had no choice but to give Michigan State University her Social Security number, financial information, address and birthday during the application and enrollment process. She doesn't know if the breach affected her, but it eroded the trust she has in higher education. "They should do a better job because they have a lot of information on everyone because you have to give your social security number," Sabo said. The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation said college students are more susceptible to identity theft because students are often unaware of how to protect themselves when they get credit offers or requests to access said information. The National Student Clearinghouse said on its website information from past and current students' records could've been exposed. UnitedHealthcare Student Resources said in July, a combination of students' birthdays, ID numbers, Social Security numbers and insurance information may have been exposed. Both UnitedHealthcare and National Student Clearinghouse said security updates were made to the systems. Current, former students concerned about data security Students at Michigan State University recently told USA TODAY their perceptions of how well the university manages their information has changed because of the breach. Many learned about it in the fall despite the university's July alert. Charles Cabell, 19, said he doesn't know if his information was accessed, but wouldn't be surprised as "everything is at your fingertips" with the internet. Cabell has been in "many minor data breaches," including Facebook's 30 million-person hack in 2018 and Equifax's 145 million-person breach in 2017, he said. Daniella Choi, 18 from Los Angeles, pulls a suit case up to her dorm building as she moves in on campus at the University of California, Berkeley on Aug. 16, 2021. Progress' breach exposed personal information about students Progress doesn't know what data was accessed in the attack because MOVEit Transfer is an on-premise software that runs on its clients' computers, according to MOVEit's information page. Spokesperson John Eddy equated it to a person having a Windows computer, but Microsoft doesn't see what files are installed. The U.S. Department of Education said all affected institutions were alerted about the incident more than two months ago. A spokesperson told USA TODAY the department monitors and tracks cybersecurity incidents but declined questions about how often the incidents occur. In its 2023 Cost of Data Breach report, IBM said breaches, so far, cost the education industry $3.65 million this year, down from $3.86 million in 2022. The report ranked education 11th out of 17 other industries in terms of the highest cost of a data breach health care ranked first at $10.93 million so far this year, double the cost of the second-place financial industry. "People could try to take out loans using that information, attack bank accounts depending on what they have about you and socially engineer you and impersonate you," said Fred Scholl, a cybersecurity professor at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Jennifer Kraut, 52, of Bay City, Michigan, is the parent of a 21-year-old college student and said the digital age has made it more difficult for people who don't like to share personal information. "I'm not sure really what choice we have," she said. "Living in the electronic age that we live in, I think you just have to put some trust in the system." A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Progress for what filers alleged is negligent handling of personal data in Massachusetts. Progress declined to comment on the lawsuit. UnitedHealthcare said affected people will receive a form of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. National Student Clearinghouse has no mention of similar offerings on its website. The timing of the data breach, which Progress has said happened at the end of May, made recent college graduates like Connor Zagumny, 22, vulnerable. "Nothing is secure enough except for maybe pen and paper, but we can't do that these days," Zagumny told USA TODAY. Students at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., listen to experts during special lectures on timely, diverse topics. Experts: Monitor your credit, password usage Class-action lawsuits could hold businesses accountable if a court finds them negligent. But Scholl said people don't have to wait to perform basic security checks on their banking and social media accounts. "To some extent, individuals have to be their own human firewall to protect their data," he said. To do that, Charles Henderson, head of IBM's X-Force, a data security response team, said people should set up a password manager and store all passwords in it. He said many will alert users if a website has been involved in a data breach and prompt people to change their passwords. However, he said many people fall victim to reusing passwords, which he classified as a massive security issue. Experts have advised people to turn on and use two-factor authentication wherever possible. The Federal Trade Commission compares it to adding a second lock on a door: People cannot enter with a password alone. It requires PINs, a biometric screen, or login verification from a device before accessing the account. A smartphone being held in a hand displaying a credit report against a blue background. Michigan State University senior William Stark, 21, said his passwords are stored on his phone for convenience. "The most important things, like Social Security, bank routing numbers, things like that, I do not keep digitally. I keep a hardcopy either printed out or written," Stark said. "But passwords, they don't necessarily mean much. It's all in the Notes app." Michigan State University third-year college student Topher Smith, 20, told USA TODAY he's known about the data breach for a while and doesn't know if he's affected. After having his passwords exposed in LastPass' 2022 breach, he's keeping a close eye on his credit. Students walk along the pedestrian walkway past the Haslam College of Business during the first day of the fall semester on the University of Tennessee's campus in Knoxville on Aug. 23. "I have ID Shield, which is a larger security-tracking company, but even then, I'm trusting some other external source with my information," Smith said. The FTC recommends people use the three national credit bureaus Equifax, TransUnion and Experian to monitor their credit and set up fraud alerts. "The short way of saying that is be aware of your digital surroundings," Henderson said. Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amid Progress data breach, college kids should review passwords The Columbia County Sheriffs Office said its missing K-9 officer named Chaos has been found and is in good health! the agency said in a Facebook post. Chaos disappeared while tracking a suspect in the woods on Monday morning, the Sheriffs Office said. He got off of his leash while deputies were tracking 29-year-old Justin Dewey Pike. Deputies searched for Chaos in a remote area between Tyre Road and the entrance to Florida Gateway College between U.S. 90 and S.R.100. Pike was apprehended Monday night around 11:40 p.m., but deputies were still searching for Chaos. Sheriff Mark Hunter said a citizen saw Chaos on SE Pounds Hammock Road during the 11 a.m. hour on Tuesday and deputies were able to retrieve him. [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. A Columbia-area apartment complex was going up in smoke. Residents were being evacuated. But as firefighters prepared to battle the blaze, they encountered a problem. A nearby fire hydrant wasnt supplying water, while other nearby hydrants werent supplying water with enough pressure. The problems with the fire hydrants led to a delay in putting out the fire, leading to more damage to the apartments, a lawsuit filed against the city of Columbia claims. Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company is suing the city of Columbia for $4.9 million, alleging the city was negligent during a September 2021 fire in the Seven Oaks area. The lawsuit claims Columbia was negligent in inspecting and maintaining the fire hydrants near the Peachtree Place apartment complex at 200 Berryhill Road. Earlier this year, the Professional Fire Fighters Association of South Carolina made a similar accusation after another destructive apartment fire, saying a fire hydrant near the Tropical Ridge apartments in the St. Andrews area was not functioning when crews arrived to battle an apartment fire May 26. Irmo firefighter James Muller died while fighting that blaze, and several other firefighters were hospitalized. The circumstances of the Tropical Ridge fire are under investigation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which investigates cases in which a firefighter dies. In regard to the 2021 fire, the city of Columbia knew or should have known that its complete failure to service, maintain, repair, replace and inspect all fire hydrants ... would result in harm, the lawsuit filed by the insurance company alleges. The city declined to make anyone available to comment on the lawsuit or to elaborate on the procedures for inspecting fire hydrants. The City of Columbia does not comment on matters related to pending litigation, city spokesperson Leshia Utsey said via email. In an answer to the lawsuit, however, the city broadly denies the negligence claim but does note that it is without sufficient information to admit or deny the allegations regarding the dead and low-flow hydrants. Lawsuit details Westchester Surplus Lines provided property insurance for the 13-building apartment complex called Peachtree Place at 200 Berryhill Road on the border of Lexington and Richland counties. The apartment is in Lexington County, but Columbia Water maintains the fire hydrants and water utility lines in the area. A fire broke out in one of the buildings around noon Sept. 11, 2021, and residents were evacuated. Irmo, Columbia, West Columbia and Lexington County fire departments all responded to the fire, the suit adds. Irmo Fire Chief Michael Sonefeld, previously said the department received the call around noon that day, but it took until around 4 p.m. until the fire was considered under control. Several firefighters also reported minor injuries while battling the 2021 blaze. The fire was severe and caused structural collapses, a smoke explosion and a mayday, which is called when a firefighter is in peril. As emergency crews were attempting to control the blaze, Irmo Fire encountered a dead-hydrant and several low-flow hydrants, according to the lawsuit, filed Sept. 1. Irmo Fire called the city of Columbia to ask for an increase in water pressure and requested three additional water tanker trucks to supplement the water supply, according to the lawsuit. The dead hydrants and other low-flow hydrants delayed the ability of emergency services to suppress the fire, the lawsuit claims. The fire caused almost $5 million worth of damage, the suit claims. The insurance company claims the city of Columbia should be the one to pay the bill. Now, it wants a jury to decide. Charlotte-based attorney Zachary Renegar is representing the insurance company. Renegar was not immediately reached by The State. An attorney for the city, William Hemlepp, responded to the suit Sept. 14 with a general denial of the negligence claim. Hemlepp wrote that if the city of Columbia was negligent, which is denied, then the property owner was likewise negligent or grossly negligent. The citys response cites third-party negligence and potential third-party criminal acts among its defenses as well, saying the city is not liable for what a third-party may have done. The suit was originally filed in Richland County. The case has now been moved to Lexington County because that is the location of the Peachtree Place apartments. A low-flow area Sonefeld, the Irmo Fire chief, told The State that because of aging infrastructure in parts of the Columbia Water system, his department has come to expect low-flow hydrants in some areas. Its just a low-flow area down there, he said of where the Peachtree Place apartments are located, which is in the Seven Oaks area near the Interstate 20 and Interstate 26 interchange. (The Irmo Fire Department is not a party in the lawsuit.) Sonefeld said its not common to encounter dead hydrants without knowing about them beforehand. Columbia Water typically sends a weekly report to update the fire department on the status of the hydrants in its area. Irmo Fires jurisdiction encompasses about 1,400-1,600 hydrants, Sonefeld estimated. If I have eight out of service and I know it, I can work around it, he said. If they get called to a low-flow area, theyll know to bring more water tankers along, for example. But, If you get there and it just goes wrong, youre going to have delays, Sonefeld added. Editor's Note: A previous story included information provided about three victims from the scene. Columbia Police released information that there was just one victim. The Columbia Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with a north Columbia shooting Sunday that killed a 3-year-old boy. According to CPD spokesperson Toni Messina, CPD responded to a report of shots fired in the general area of Providence Road and Blue Ridge Road around 2:14 p.m. Sunday. Police later updated the shooting location to the area of Leeway Drive. Police arrested Larry Brownlee Jr., 28, of Columbia, on charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm at about 3:18 p.m. Monday. Prosecution had sought a no bond warrant. At a press briefing Sunday evening, CPD Assistant Chief Jill Schlude said officers also received a call of a vehicle accident that occurred at Providence Road and Blue Ridge Road. This came after the report of shots fired near Leeway Drive and Blue Ridge Road. Officers determined those two calls were related, and responded to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival, officers found a 3-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the torso, the boy's mother and the mother's boyfriend. The two adults were attempting to transport the child to the Columbia Fire Station 9 on Blue Ridge Road. The boy was transported to a local hospital where he later died. There were no other outstanding injuries from the scene. "We are saddened by the loss of this young child and offer our condolences to family members," said Interim Police Chief Matt Stephens. "An event like this touches so many parts of our community." This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Columbia police arrest 28-year-old man in fatal shooting of child Kaliaf Ivory, 28, of South Linden, pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to one count of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of using a weapon under disability for fatally shooting 24-year-old Quinten Fuller on Sept. 16, 2021. A Columbus man will serve at least 20 years behind bars after admitting to fatally shooting a police officer's son during a 2021 altercation in the University District. Kaliaf Ivory, 28, of South Linden, pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to one count of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of using a weapon under disability for fatally shooting 24-year-old Quinten Fuller on Sept. 16, 2021. He accepted a plea deal Friday with Franklin County prosecutors to avoid trial on a murder charge. According to court records, Ivory and Fuller knew each other and were in an ongoing dispute because Ivory was living with Fuller's ex-girlfriend. Detectives stated in court records that Ivory was seen on a surveillance video entering an apartment building on the 1900 block of North 4th Street, about a mile east of Ohio State's campus, and leaving immediately after shots were fired. Columbus police were dispatched shortly after 3 p.m. after receiving a report that a man was shot behind an apartment building. The shooting prompted a safety alert to be issued for Ohio State University students living off-campus. Fuller was found wounded outside the apartment building between 19th and 20th Avenues and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died at about 3:40 p.m. Fuller is the son of a Columbus police officer. Ivory was arrested on a murder warrant by U.S. Marshals on Sept. 21, 2021, in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He was set to go to trial next month. Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Brown sentenced Ivory to a total indefinite prison term of 20 years to 25 years, as jointly recommended by prosecutors and Ivory's attorney in the plea agreement. Brown waived court fines and fees, and gave Ivory 737 days of jail credit for time served. "These cases are extremely difficult," Brown said to a courtroom with several members of Ivory's and Fuller's families present. "Sometimes there is peace in finality," he added, "even if it's not everything Mr. Ivory deserves or what the family wanted." Ivory expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to Fuller's family. "My heart goes out to them and the children we all share," Ivory said. Myisha Fuller, the victim's mother, said in a brief impact statement to the court that she prays Ivory's time in prison is rehabilitating. "I hope you find some type of peace and solace in your soul," she said. shendrix@dispatch.com @sheridan120 This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man sentenced to prison for fatally shooting Columbus cop's son When New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez was busted for alleged bribery a Mercedes, gold bars, envelopes stuffed with cash the reaction from the states governor was swift and sure. These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system, Democrat Phil Murphy said in a written statement, which included an obligatory nod to every citizens innocent-unless-proven-guilty guarantee. The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state, Murphy said. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation. Other Democrats followed suit, including California Rep. Adam B. Schiff. The allegations in the indictment of Senator Menendez are shocking, he wrote on Twitter, er, X. If accurate, they represent the most profound betrayal of his oath of office. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence and will have his day in court. But the gravity of the matter demands his resignation. On Tuesday, New Jersey's junior U.S. senator, Democrat Cory Booker , ended several days of notable silence by joining the chorus calling for Menendez to depart. The details of the allegations ... are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaken to the core, said Booker, who has described Menendez as a mentor. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. The condemnation from fellow partisans and calls for the ouster of the reputedly sticky-fingered senator stand in stark contrast to the see-no-evil response of countless Republicans who not only excuse the serial indictments of former President Trump but also double-down in support. Read more: Why would Egypt need to bribe a U.S. senator? Menendez needs to switch parties, cracked George Conway, the conservative attorney and co-founder of the Trump-tormenting Lincoln Project. The other party would let him have at least two more indictments. In 2015, Menendez was indicted on federal bribery charges involving cash and lavish vacations received from a Florida eye doctor. The case ended in a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a verdict and the government decided not to retry him. The latest case, rendered in a 39-page indictment, accuses Menendez and his wife, Nadine, of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to wield his political influence on behalf of the Egyptian government and business associates in New Jersey. Authorities said a search of their home turned up more than $480,000 in cash stuffed in envelopes and jackets embroidered with Menendezs name, more than $100,000 in gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz convertible parked in the couples garage. From a cynical viewpoint, its easy to see why Democrats feel free to express outrage and cast aside the senator. They get a free pass. Murphy, after all, would surely exercise his power as governor and replace Menendez with another Democrat, thus maintaining the partys control of the chamber. Removing Menendez would also eliminate the possibility of putting his seat in play in 2024, when Democrats face a stiff challenge keeping their tenuous majority, and reduce the risk of him dragging down Democrats in New Jerseys legislative contests this fall. I understand personal loyalty and I understand the depths of friendship, but somebody needs to take a stand here, former New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Torricelli told the New York Times. This is not about him its about holding the majority. Whatever the motivation, doing the right thing is still doing the right thing. Not that Menendez is budging. He lost his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stepping down as required by Democrats Senate bylaws. But he made clear Monday at a defiant news conference that he will ignore calls to resign, even as he strains credulity to the breaking point. All that lucre secretly stashed around the house? A form of personal insurance, Menendez suggested, resulting from trauma he faced as the son of Cuban immigrants Its the second time hes played the ethnic-victim card. In his initial response to Fridays indictment, Menendez claimed he was falsely accused because he is a Latin American who rose from humble origins as if boot-strapping from modest means has been outlawed for the nations second-largest ethnic group. Its a cynical and pathetic ploy that, in and of itself, makes him worthy of condemnation. Unsurprisingly, Menendez did not answer questions from reporters at Mondays appearance, including whether in 2024 he would seek reelection and an extension of his nearly 50-year political career. Already hes drawn an opponent, three-term New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim, a fellow Democrat, who said hell run against Menendez if he tries for another term. Others may jump into the race, and good for them. Read more: Column: Donald Trump is rotten and despicable but that doesn't mean he should be kicked off the presidential ballot The justice system will weigh Menendezs guilt or innocence. But his party's peers aren't waiting for that to happen. Thanks to Democrats who are calling on Menendez to quit, Californias former Democratic senator, Barbara Boxer, tweeted following his news conference. Sorry, it is not normal to have closets full of cash and BTW, just a couple of gold bars hanging around from friends. Nobodys indispensable & if we are to save America we better have people who wont sell their souls. Republicans should pay heed and also hold Trump to account. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Stand-up comedian John Mulaney , who released his fourth Netflix comedy special in April, is returning to Happy Valley later this year. His solo tour is scheduled to hit Penn States Bryce Jordan Center at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, according to announcements from both the Bryce Jordan Center and Live Nation. Tickets for the general public will go on sale 10 a.m. Friday. Prices were not immediately known. JUST ANNOUNCED: @mulaney is back on tour and is heading to the #JordanCenter on Sunday, December 3rd! Tickets on sale Friday at 10 AM! https://t.co/5MuxfFY3Tr pic.twitter.com/acW2oQQyiA Bryce Jordan Center (@JordanCenter) September 26, 2023 Mulaney is a renowned comedian, actor, writer and producer. The 41-year-old Chicago native has hosted Saturday Night Live five times, and he began writing for SNL in 2008 by creating memorable characters such as Bill Haders Stefon. He has released six comedy specials four on Netflix, including Baby J earlier this year and has appeared on Broadway, in addition to voicing animated characters such as Andrew on Netflixs Big Mouth show. He has won two Emmys. Mulaney most recently appeared in Happy Valley last fall, during his From Scratch 2022 Tour. The John Mulaney in Concert 2023 Tour will kick off Nov. 2 in Kingston, New York, before its scheduled to end on New Years Eve in Phoenix. (Its unclear if more dates might be added.) Mulaney will appear only twice in Pennsylvania, on Nov. 30 in Readings Santander Arena and on Dec. 3 in Penn States Bryce Jordan Center. Valerii Zaluzhnyi , Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said that he held a final telephone conversation with General Mark Milley in the latter's current status. Source: Zaluzhnyi on Telegram Details: General Charles Brown, who will soon replace Milley as head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, was also present during the talks. The generals agreed to continue working to strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the fight against Russia. Quote: "We discussed the situation at the front with our partners. I informed them about the progress of defensive and offensive operations. The situation is under control. Our soldiers did not allow the loss of a single position. On some fronts, despite the fierce resistance of the enemy, we continue to move forward. I also spoke about the main needs of our army: air defence equipment, artillery and 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! The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine under the UN Human Rights Council continues to record torture and other crimes committed by the Russian military against Ukrainians and also does not rule out incitement of genocide in the Russian media. Source: United Nations Human Rights Council Details: Erik Mse, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, said that in the second year of the armed conflict, evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine continues to be collected. The Commission conducts in-depth investigations into unlawful attacks using explosives, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on energy infrastructure. These investigations may clarify whether torture and attacks on such infrastructure are crimes against humanity. Attacks involving explosive weapons in populated areas have caused significant destruction and damage and have become the main cause of death and injury among civilians. There were attacks on residential buildings, a medical facility, a railway station, restaurants, shops and other targets. In most cases, there was no military presence at or near the affected facilities. The Commission investigated the cause of the dam breach in Nova Kakhovka. Mse reported that the Commission had collected additional evidence that the use of torture by the Russian armed forces in the territories under their control was widespread and systematic: the main victims were persons accused of being informers for the Ukrainian forces. Similar torture methods were used in various institutions during interrogations, mainly to extract information from the victims. Rape and sexual violence took place. Quote: "The Commission was also concerned about the possibility of genocide and incitement to genocide, and was continuing its investigations," the message reads. In addition, Russia threatens global food security, global peace and security. Ukraine continued to document and investigate over 100,000 cases of Russian war crimes. During the debate, speakers condemned the systematic and widespread use of torture, deliberate killings and extrajudicial executions, attacks on civilians, rape, illegal imprisonment and illegal deportation documented by the Commission. Some speakers stated that Ukrainian children were relocated or deported to Russian-occupied territories or the Russian Federation, and were separated from their families for long periods of time. More than 19,000 Ukrainian children were victims of forced displacement and deportation planned and carried out by the top leadership of the Russian regime, which is a war crime and a crime against humanity that can also be equated to genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The Commission believes that a lack of awareness of the number of displaced children may hinder a rapid return process. The Commission is concerned about the scale and gravity of the crimes committed by the Russian Armed Forces and stressed the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. It also called on Ukrainian forces to investigate the few reports of human rights violations committed by their own forces. Mse noted that in March the EU Council considered the comprehensive written report of the Commission and extended the Commission's mandate for another year. Recently, three commissioners visited Ukraine and held instructive discussions with representatives of the authorities in Kyiv. They also talked to the victims of the attacks. The commission highly appreciated the cooperation of the Ukrainian Government and the willingness of the victims to share their experiences, and also expressed regret that Russia left all communications directed to it unanswered. 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! With Congress barreling toward a government shutdown at the end of the week, some lawmakers are hoping to ensure troops can continue getting paid, but it's unclear whether their efforts will be successful. Bills have been introduced in both the House and the Senate that would allow service members, including members of the Coast Guard, to keep getting paychecks in the event government funding runs out when the fiscal year ends this weekend -- a scenario that appears to be increasingly likely. So far, though, there have been no public signals from either chamber's leadership that they will move forward on those bills. House Republicans continue to focus on negotiating among themselves on spending bills that wouldn't pass the Democratic-controlled Senate anyway, and the Senate is attempting to force the House to swallow a bipartisan bill to avoid a shutdown with short-term funding. Read Next: A Suicidal Veteran Texted the VA Crisis Line. A Responder Didn't Send Help, and Minutes Later the Veteran Was Dead. "I will not allow the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country go without pay," Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., a Navy veteran, said in a statement last week about introducing the Pay Our Troops Act. "Our servicemembers shouldn't suffer because of Washington's dysfunction," Kiggans added. "As we continue working to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month, this legislation will give our troops the financial certainty they deserve." Kiggans' bill would also allow some Defense Department civilians and contractors to keep getting paid during a shutdown. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, has introduced a similar bill in his chamber to ensure pay would continue for service members, some civilians and some contractors. The government is on track to shut down at 12:01 a.m. Sunday unless Congress can reach an agreement to extend funding -- a prospect about which lawmakers and observers have been increasingly pessimistic amid opposition from far-right House members to any solution that's been proposed so far. In general, during a government shutdown, troops have to continue working but cannot get a paycheck unless a bill like the ones Kiggans and Sullivan introduced is passed. Meanwhile, about half of Defense Department civilian employees would be furloughed. Civilian employees who are considered essential for national security would also have to continue working without pay, just like service members. If a shutdown is short enough that it doesn't coincide with payday, service members could see little to no effect. Some shutdowns in recent history have lasted as little as a few hours. But the longer a shutdown drags on, the more at risk paychecks become. Even if Congress doesn't pass a bill to protect troop pay, service members would be entitled to backpay at the end of a shutdown. But that would be of little help to the service members who are living paycheck to paycheck. An estimated 286,800 service members suffer from food insecurity, according to Defense Department statistics. "We know that one in three service families have less than $3,000 in savings -- not enough to cover the cost of housing and daycare in most places," Kathy Roth-Douquet, founder and CEO of Blue Star Families, said in a statement about Kiggans' bill. "Putting our families at financial risk puts our national security at risk and we simply can't allow that to happen." In the past, Congress has protected troop pay during a shutdown, but it has come down to the wire. In 2013, when the government shut down for 16 days, a bill to keep paying service members was signed into law only hours before government funding lapsed. There's also no guarantee that a bitterly divided Congress will be able to pass an emergency bill at the last minute. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, which lasted for 35 days and was the longest in U.S. history, members of the Coast Guard did not get paid for the entirety of the shutdown, driving some to rely on donations and food banks. The rest of the military was unaffected then because Congress had passed a full-year Pentagon spending bill, but the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Last week, Sullivan and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, tried to muscle a bill through the Senate specifically aimed at protecting Coast Guard pay in a shutdown. The bill has Democratic co-sponsors, but Democrats objected to passing it last week, arguing Congress needs to focus on avoiding a shutdown in the first place. "Respectfully, the pressing issue right now is making sure everyone gets paid, and we prevent a completely unnecessary shutdown that would hurt our families across the country," Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash., said on the Senate floor. -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on X @reporterkheel. Related: Threat to Troop Paychecks Rises as Congress Fumbles Pentagon Bill and Lurches Toward a Government Shutdown [Source] Controversial IRL (in real life) streamer JohnnySomali was recently arrested after he filmed himself trespassing in a hotel construction site in Osaka in late August. What happened: JohnnySomali, whose real name was revealed after the arrest to be Ismael Ramsey Khalid, a 23-year-old American citizen, was livestreaming on Kick when he filmed himself going inside a hotel construction site in Chuo Ward, Osaka, on Aug. 30. Caught on camera: A clip of the livestream re-uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, last week shows Khalid wearing a Halloween mask as he and his camera man go inside the restricted area. Khalid is also accused of repeatedly shouting Fukushima to construction workers as an apparent mockery of the meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on March 11, 2011. One worker furiously escorted Khalid out of the site. More from NextShark: Blasian March unites Black, Asian and Blasian communities in Sacramento Their arrest: Khalid was arrested on Thursday outside a 7-Eleven store in Osaka, where several officers waited for him. Another man, Jeremiah Dwane Branch, 24, also a U.S. citizen, was also arrested on Friday. X users purportedly identified him as Jino, the person who filmed Khalid during the trespassing. Both men reportedly refused to speak to the police without a lawyer. A smiling Khalid was seen waving to reporters as Osaka police drove him to prosecutors on Saturday. Context: Khalid rose to notoriety for his viral video in May, in which he harassed train passengers in Tokyo by repeatedly saying Hiroshima and Nagasaki, referencing the two Japanese cities the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on during World War II. He was assaulted in public on several occasions, including a recent incident where he received a bloodied face from getting punched. Many users on X had repeatedly called for his arrest for causing trouble in Japan after the past incidents. Reactions on X: Several X users celebrated after hearing the news of Khalids arrest, with one user writing, Im so glad this little sh*t and his friend were finally arrested. Lock him up and throw away the key! Hearing about Johnny Somali getting arrested and potentially facing prison time is music to the ears of many especially with his past behavior, another user wrote in their post. Convicted killer Peter Avsenew told a Broward judge Tuesday that he would rather risk the death penalty, again, than let the jury in his double murder retrial last year off the hook for allegations of misconduct. Avsenew, 38, was convicted twice of the murders of Kevin Powell, 52, and Stephen Adams, 47, a Wilton Manors couple who took him into their home during the 2010 holiday season only to have him beat and shoot them to death as Christmas approached. At his first trial, his own mother testified against him, remotely, and helped convince jurors to find him guilty. The Florida Supreme Court overturned his conviction and freed him from death row after determining his mother should not have been allowed to testify because she could not see him while she was answering questions. His mother died before Avsenews 2022 retrial, but even without her testimony, the jury found him guilty and unanimously recommended the death penalty. Weeks after that recommendation, a whistleblower juror came forward to tell the judge and lawyers that some panelists watched a documentary about the case, joked on WhatsApp about making up their minds ahead of time about punishment but well ahead of the trials penalty phases, and used the internet to look up information that had not been presented to them in court. Broward Circuit Judge Martin Fein had little choice but to overturn the death recommendation, but he allowed the conviction to stand after determining there was no evidence of jury misconduct before the guilty verdict was reached. A retrial on the penalty phase has not been set. Related Articles In court on Tuesday, prosecutors Stephen Zaccor and Molly McGuire offiered to drop the death penalty and accept a sentence of life in prison if Avsenew would stop pursuing allegations of jury misconduct. Defense lawyers Gabe Ermine and Phyllis Cook urged Avsenew to accept the deal, but he refused. Criminal defendants have the right to control their own destiny, Fein said. He gets to decide whether his lawyers are going to pursue (the misconduct issue). Avsenew has a history of drawing attention to himself in court. After his first trial in 2017, he fired his lawyers and showed no remorse during the penalty phase of the trial, during which he represented himself. I have no regrets in my life and Im proud of every decision Ive ever made, he said. No one here knows what happened You would need a Ouija board for that. As the jury filed out of the courtroom after recommending a death sentence in January 2018, Avsenew scratched his forehead with his middle finger. He told Broward Circuit Judge Ilona Holmes the gesture was not aimed at the jury. It was to the family of the victims, he said. In a letter to Holmes, Avsenew threatened to kill again. I will not ask for mercy and am not sorry, he wrote. I cant put into words the feeling of ending a life; its euphoric at the least. Because he rejected the prosecutions offer Tuesday, Avsenew would still face the death penalty even if he were to be granted a new trial. Under current state law, the jury would only need an 8-4 majority in the penalty phases to authorize a death sentence recommendation. Avsenew is due back in court Friday to determine whether the judge will allow him to fire his lawyers over their disagreement over strategy. Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com and 954-356-4457. Shannon Ross, left, executive director of The Community, has dedicated his time, both inside and outside of prison, to giving people with criminal records new opportunities to thrive. At a fair with Daniel Monge, he represents "Correcting the Narrative," a campaign that demonstrates the humanity and successes of people with criminal records. GREEN BAY Shannon Ross was 19 years old when he was sentenced to 17 years behind bars for reckless homicide. One of Ross's favorite quotes, from former boxer Mike Tyson, sums up his feelings on spending virtually half his life in prison: "Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Few quotations ring truer for Ross, who has done his best to atone for his crime, both inside the prison walls and as a formerly incarcerated man. Before he was released from prison in 2020, he spent much of his time considering the beauty and buffoonery of being human: the flaws, the forgetfulness, the sometimes "mind-bogglingly stupid" actions that can land people in prison. There aren't "bad" versus "good" people, Ross says, but the criminal justice system tends to reinforce binary thinking like this. This mindset led him, 11 years into his prison sentence, to develop and write the newsletter called The Community, which offers people in prison resources and ideas for the future when they return to society neither of which are readily available living on the inside. That's why Ross launched the project "Correcting the Narrative," a campaign that grew out of his newsletter-turned-nonprofit The Community that aims to empower people with a criminal record. And from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Phoenix Room of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Union Building, 2430 Campus Court, you can hear from Ross and Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis for a free panel and screening of "Correcting the Narrative." You can register online for the event. Ross is fortunate to have had family support and no history of adverse childhood experiences, a distinction he feels is important to make, considering the incarcerated population carries a much higher burden of childhood traumas than the general population, according to The Compassion Prison Project. "A lot of folks around me inside were trying to make it day to day, week to week, year to year," Ross said. "They had no idea what they were doing when they got out." Resources and support can make a big difference for people with criminal records Shannon Ross, right, executive director of The Community, talks with Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Kevin Carr. Beneath his blazer, the T-shirt reads, "Why spend more to bury the past when we can spend less to build the future." When Davis was a patrol officer in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood of southeast Portland, Oregon, known colloquially as "Felony Flats," he said he dealt often with a chronic offender, to the point where he knew the guy's mother and brother. Davis ran into him in downtown Portland and he looked radically altered from sobriety: he appeared clean in every sense of the word. He was in a transition program following a recent stint in prison, had a job and declared to Davis, "I'm never going back to that lifestyle." But he didn't have supports in his life and wound up living in a neighborhood laden with street drug activity. "That temptation was always there for him," Davis said. "And the next time I saw him, he was strung out and not doing very well." Seeing him in various stages of his significant methamphetamine addiction over the years changed Davis' outlook. What could it have looked like if the man had had the right support and treatment options? Not having programs and resources to support someone's re-entry into society, Davis said, is a matter of public safety. "For him to go back to prison after all that meant somebody had to be a victim," Davis said. "There had to have been a crime committed, which meant somebody suffered harm. And it could have been avoided." After a prison sentence, the collateral consequences the legal term for the restrictions imposed on a person after they're released from prison impact a person's employability 72% of the time, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center, a national nonpartisan think-tank. In Wisconsin, the impact is even greater: Wisconsinites with post-release restrictions struggle with employment 74% of the time. It isn't simply that a criminal record can negatively impact someone's ability to establish housing or get a job, but there's the mental baggage, too. The stigma associated with being incarcerated is its own heaviness, not just for how other people see them, but for how they see themselves. For there to be anywhere from 70 to 100 million people living with a criminal record in the United States also means millions more who are in those people's lives. And for Ross, that's an important consideration, too. "If you're judging someone else so hard for something they do, the mistakes they make, well, when that happens to you or your loved ones, you're going to have a very difficult time understanding how to grapple with them doing terrible things," Ross said. "So, how can we expand our humanity?" Shannon Ross, left, executive director of The Community, has dedicated his time, both inside and outside of prison, to giving people with criminal records new opportunities to thrive. "Correcting the Narrative" is a campaign that demonstrates the humanity and successes of people with criminal records. Correcting the Narrative has the potential to change perspectives People who commit crimes are also human beings. It's the big message that Ross hopes every screening emphasizes through compelling storytelling. The movie itself comprises 45 minutes of stories from people living in the shadows of a crime who have since found success in the world. Ross recalled a few memorable panelists of the Correcting the Narrative campaign. There was the formerly incarcerated woman who now works in a minimum-security prison. There was the man who used to work in a prison who spoke of how ineffective some aspects of the system are and how we can do a lot better. "A lot of the policies, a lot of the hiring practices, a lot of the rental denials that exist are because of fear and a narrative that just is not seeing human beings it's seeing problems that really don't exist," Ross said. "We're making problems just by seeing problems." If someone is able to find a job following a prison sentence, housing is the next barrier and can be the blow that sends someone back to prison. One study from the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that people who received stable housing were more than 60% less likely to be reincarcerated within a year of release. By contrast, one survey from the same organization found that nearly 80% of people were considered ineligible for or denied housing due to their own or their loved one's conviction history. Davis said that these systemic rejections can pile on negative self-perceptions. It's not hard for someone denied rights like housing, voting access and employment opportunities to lose sight of their own values, Davis said. Davis hopes people are able to see past convictions, because, as he has learned from his life in law enforcement, human beings are really complex. "There's this narrative that you get convicted of a felony, you go to prison, and that's just with you for the rest of your life. Well, that's not really true," Davis said. "Maybe I can lend my voice to that conversation, just from the position that I have, and it resonates with the community a little differently." Recognizable attendees of previous Correcting the Narrative campaigns include former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson and Debra Gillispie, founder of Milwaukee Mothers Against Gun Violence. "They're all saying the same thing: We can do a lot better here, this isn't working," Ross said. "People need to be seen differently for us to solve these problems." Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: 'Correcting the Narrative' campaign comes to Green Bay Sen. Cory Booker may have killed what remained of Sen. Bob Menendez's lengthy political career. The New Jersey Democrats were once virtually inseparable. But on Tuesday, Booker joined the growing chorus for Menendez to step aside. Sen. Cory Booker once cast himself as the sidekick to his mentor, Sen. Bob Menendez, vowing to stand by his fellow New Jersey Democrat despite corruption allegations. On Tuesday, he decided that his partner's alleged crimes were too much. In doing so, Booker may have squelched what remained of Menendez's lengthy political career in the wake of a shocking corruption indictment. It remains uncertain if New Jersey's senior senator will resign, but his political empire is now more embattled than ever. Gov. Phil Murphy wants him to step down. Rep. Andy Kim is already primarying Menendez. Even the senator's son, Rob Menendez , may face a primary challenger. And as of Tuesday, each passing minute seems to bring another Senate Democratic colleague calling on Menendez, who until the indictment led the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to leave the chamber. As of last count, it's at 17. If he refuses to resign, the Senate could always move to expel him. Such a vote would be historic, though, as expulsion hasn't happened since during the Civil War for charges related to supporting the Confederacy. In more recent years, the mere threat of being forced out has led senators to resign. The most worrisome development for Menendez would be if the Senate Ethics Committee announced its own inquiry into the new corruption allegations. Outside of expulsion, senators cannot be impeached or recalled. This means the most likely end would come in the Senate Democratic primary, nine months from now. Kim's challenge means he will face a credible threat, though so far Menendez hasn't explicitly said he's running. Menendez's campaign has just over $7 million in cash on hand, but if the national party were to really behind Kim or another opponent that advantage could dwindle. If Menendez loses party support, he could also be left to fend for himself without the backing of Senate Democrats' campaign arm or the assistance of consultants and other critical support that may view working for his campaign as an unnecessary risk. (Some firms dropped Sen. Kyrsten Sinema after she left the party.) The most notable threat to Menendez would be if county Democrats kick him off of the influential party line on their respective ballots, which Politico previously reported they are considering. The most immediate concern is that even before the indictment, Menendez was deeply unpopular for someone potentially facing reelection next year. Booker's turn would be a fitting final chapter to Menendez's life in public service. A rising star as mayor of Newark, Booker courted Menendez after winning the-late Frank Lautenberg's seat. Booker, who would go on to run for president, stood by Menendez during his previous fight against corruption charges. The younger senator went so far as to testify as a character witness at the 2017 trial that ended with a deadlocked jury. Booker then branded himself "the Robin to his Batman" as Menendez later fought to hang onto his seat in 2018. Raised in Union City, Menendez famously turned against his own mentor, then the mayor, donning a bulletproof vest as he testified against the powerful interests that ran the city. Eventually, Menendez would become mayor, and then hold dual offices in the state legislature. His final assent to the US House and Senate capped an incredible rise. Now, it just seems like it's a matter of time until it's over. Correction: September 26, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated the status of Rep. Rob Menendez's reelection campaign. He is not currently facing a primary challenger. Read the original article on Business Insider China's top legislator holds talks with Speaker of Dewan Rakyat of Malaysia Xinhua) 08:40, September 26, 2023 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Johari bin Abdul, the Speaker of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of parliament, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, held talks with Johari bin Abdul, the Speaker of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of parliament, in Beijing on Monday. Zhao said China is willing to work with Malaysia to speed up the implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, comprehensively upgrade the level of cooperation in various fields, and push for new achievements in the building of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Noting that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, Zhao said the two sides should focus on a new historical starting point, maintain strategic communication, and consolidate and deepen mutual political trust. China supports Malaysia in choosing a development path in line with its national conditions, and hopes Malaysia will continue to give China firm support on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns, Zhao said. He expressed the hope that the two countries will speed up the negotiation and signing of cooperation plans, promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and deepen cooperation in various fields such as trade and investment, new energy, digital economy and agriculture. Zhao called on the two sides to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual learning, expand culture and tourism, education, sports, health and local cooperation, consolidate public support for friendly exchanges, strengthen China-ASEAN cooperation, and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home. He said the NPC of China is willing to continue the tradition of friendly exchanges with the lower house of the Malaysian Parliament, enhance exchanges between legislative bodies at all levels, share experience on building rule of law and poverty reduction, and provide legal guarantees for bilateral cooperation in various fields. China is willing to maintain good cooperation with Malaysia in multilateral mechanisms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly to jointly safeguard the interests of the two countries and developing countries, Zhao added. Zhao stressed that China respects the path of modernization independently chosen by the people of all countries, opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs and ideological confrontation, and opposes "building walls and barriers", containment and suppression. China is ready to join hands with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to achieve modernization that suits their respective national conditions and enhances the well-being of their people, Zhao added. Johari said Malaysia strongly supports the Belt and Road Initiative and hopes to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, agriculture, vocational education and people-to-people exchanges to achieve common prosperity. The Malaysian Parliament is willing to deepen exchanges with the NPC of China and play an active role as a legislative body in promoting the building of the Malaysia-China community with a shared future, Johari added. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Johari bin Abdul, the Speaker of Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of parliament, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Sen. Cory Booker on Tuesday called for his New Jersey counterpart and friend, Sen. Bob Menendez, to resign, four days after Menendez was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving, Booker said in a statement. Booker is the latest in a growing group of federal lawmakers pushing for Menendez to step down, but he is to this point the most significant voice to speak up. He has been close to Menendez since joining the Senate a decade ago and testified in his favor at his corruption trial in 2017, which ended in a hung jury. Booker's call may also clear the way for other senators to join his call and reach a critical mass of pressure on Menendez, who is up for reelection next year, to leave public office. Menendez, a fellow Democrat from New Jersey, and his wife were indicted on Friday for allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, gold bars, and mortgage payments as bribes. The bribes were allegedly used to influence his position as the chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee to benefit the government of Egypt. While the rest of the New Jersey delegation released statements over the weekend many calling for his resignation Booker was noticeably silent. Rep. Andy Kim, who was the first House member to call for Menendezs resignation, announced a Senate bid Saturday to unseat Menendez. Meanwhile, Menendez has continued to assure he is innocent. He claimed cash found in his house was from his own savings accounts during a press event on Monday, but did not acknowledge the gold bars or take any press questions. He did not say whether he would run for reelection in 2024, but he insisted he would not step down. The four-day silence from the normally chatty Booker was noticeable, especially in the online world he frequents. But Booker is also in a unique position. The two work closely together as the two senators representing New Jersey in Washington, D.C. He has supported Menendez in the past and Booker appeared as a character witness in his last corruption trial, calling him honorable and trustworthy." Its almost an understatement to say he was just a partner, Booker said at the trial. In a fairly lengthy statement, Booker echoed his praise of Menendez from the 2017 trail, saying he's witnessed Menendez's "extraordinary work and boundless work ethic." But he said the allegations against Menendez were shocking and difficult to reconcile with the person he's served alongside for so many years. Like other New Jersey Democrats, Booker said Menendez deserves the presumption of innocence and should be judged at trial. "There is, however, another higher standard for public officials, one not of criminal law but of common ideals. As Senators, we operate in the public trust. That trust is essential to our ability to do our work and perform our duties for our constituents," Booker said in his statement. The details of the allegations against Senator Menendez are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaken to the core." Prior to Bookers announcement, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) was the first senator to call for Menendez to resign. Several other senators, including Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), also said Menendez should resign, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined in Monday night. The last Democratic senator to face calls to resign was Minnesota's Al Franken following reports of sexual assault. Booker joined over thirty other Democratic senators in calling for Frankens resignation. However, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Frankens Minnesota counterpart at the time, did not call for his resignation or comment. Instead, Klobuchar responded by referring to Frankens scheduled announcement the next day, which is where he would ultimately announce his resignation. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) defended Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) amid calls to resign from Democratic lawmakers, saying a jury and his voters should determine his fate. Senator Menendez has a right to test the governments evidence in court, just like any other citizen. He should be judged by jurors and New Jerseys voters, not by Democratic politicians who now view him as inconvenient to their hold on power, Cotton said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Menendez was charged last week with bribery and was accused of accepting gifts, including cash and gold bars, in exchange for his help through his role as the senior senator from New Jersey and as the now-former chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was accused of helping businessmen from his state and those with connections to Egypts government. Menendez has maintained his innocence and called the federal indictment a result of an active smear campaign against him. Cotton called the charges against Menendez serious and troubling, but he also used the opportunity to reject any effort to exonerate the Department of Justice from GOP accusations of so-called corruption and political bias attacks that have only increased since former President Trump was charged in two separate federal indictments. The charges against Senator Menendez are serious and troubling. At the same time, the Department of Justice has a troubling record of failure and corruption in cases against public figures, from Ted Stevens to Bob McDonnell to Donald Trump to Bob Menendez the last time around, Cotton wrote on X. Cottons statement comes as over a dozen Democratic colleagues in Congress and from his state have called on Menendez to resign. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. United Nations The number of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the U.S. border from Mexico has soared in the past six months, leading several U.S. cities near southwest border entry points to declare emergencies. The United Nations refugee chief believes a pilot program in southern Mexico, while still running on a small scale, could eventually help relieve migration pressure on American communities by helping people long before they reach the U.S. border. "Take Mexico, for example, which is the last country of transit before people arrive in the U.S," United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi told CBS News on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly last week: "In Mexico, we have initiated ourselves incredible programs to employ refugees that come from countries upstream so that they don't feel the need to go further, because they get opportunities in Mexico, with Mexico's support and agreement." Mexico makes agreement with U.S. to deport migrants from its border cities Grandi was referring to a pilot asylum program in the city of Tapachula, in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, which is set to receive 140,000 applications this year. The program is designed to process applications and give people with legitimate asylum claims the option of employment, health care and housing services in Mexico, rather than pushing further north toward the U.S. border. How does the "refugee integration program" work? Mexico's Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena told CBS News at the U.N. that the program is being paid for by Mexico and coordinated with both the UNHCR and the U.S. "It's an investment, basically, of Mexico, because what we're doing with the help of UNHCR is putting up the money to give them a stipend and money a cash transfer for them to stay, and we are trying to find jobs for them inside Mexico," Barcena told CBS News. Migrants line up at an immigration checkpoint, Sept. 21, 2023, in Tapachula, Mexico. / Credit: Agencia Press South/Getty Launched in 2016, the program in Tapachula has so far placed about 31,000 refugees in new jobs with affordable housing and access to education and health services. Mexico houses asylum seekers in a hotel for three days and gives them a cash grant to cover a month's rent, while representatives from the U.N. refugee agency meet with them to process their documents and discuss their cases. The U.N. refugee agency said the "integration program" in Tapachula seeks to place migrants in 11 cities in central and northeast Mexico. The program had already been expanding when the number of people arriving in Mexico from other countries spiked in recent years. Getting away from the "refugee camp" model The refugee agency said that by mid-2022, "42% of new asylum applications in the world were made by nationals of Latin America and the Caribbean countries," including some 2.5 million Venezuelans seeking protection. The agency, swamped by new arrivals, pleaded for more international support and lamented that, "despite efforts by host countries to regularize and integrate refugees and migrants from Venezuela, more than 4 million people still face difficulties accessing food, shelter, health care, education and formal employment in Latin America and the Caribbean." Already the number of applications is causing Mexican officials some anxiety. "Can you imagine the processing of 140,000 people at the border in the small town called Tapachula?" Barcena said, warning that the pilot progam's centers have been "overwhelmed." Migrants line up at an immigration checkpoint, Sept. 21, 2023, in Tapachula, Mexico. / Credit: Agencia Press South/Getty She said Mexico was working with U.N. agencies and the U.S. to understand what skills the newly arrived asylum seekers have, with the idea being to take advantage of the growing trend of "nearshoring" a push by some U.S. companies to move manufacturing closer to their consumers in the U.S. and away from Asia. Grandi said the Tapachula program was being expanded to other cities as the U.N. tries to move away from the "refugee camp" model. The Kakuma Refugee Camp in the desert of northwest Kenya is a prime example of that model and its shortcomings. Some refugees have been there for 25 years after fleeing other African nations. "Now, of course, this is small," acknowledged Grandi of his agency's efforts in Tapachula. But he added that if such programs "in Mexico and elsewhere could be scaled up," he believed the migration crisis along the southern U.S. border could be "contained, stabilized." Some experts agree the program in Mexico holds promise, but others believe the prospect of jobs and safety in the U.S. remains too great a lure, and finding some refugees employment south of the border will do little to stem the flow, and could even backfire. "A small initiative that is dwarfed" by the numbers "The vast majority of people want to come to the U.S., and anything that makes it easier to be in Mexico will make it easier to come to the U.S.," David J. Bier, the associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, told CBS News. "Anyone who stays would be far outnumbered by those who stay for a bit, and leave." Edward Alden, senior fellow on immigration policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CBS News the Tapachula pilot program does, at least, give the U.S. and Mexico solid ground to work from. "The good news here is growing cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico, and greater U.N. involvement in dealing with the migrant crisis," said Alden. "There is a common goal not very successful so far, but the right goal of providing alternative paths that discourage migrants from making the long, dangerous journey to the U.S. border." He was skeptical, however, about the impact the program could have in the shorter term. "It is a small initiative that is dwarfed by the number of people currently on the move in the region seeking protection," he said. "More and more are remaining in Mexico, but the numbers continuing on to the United States remain at or near record levels." He said what's really needed are "broader regional responses" to address the root reasons people are fleeing from Venezuela, Honduras, Haiti, Ecuador and many other countries, "but the mechanisms for regional cooperation are the weakest they have been in decades." Dealing with the root causes of migration Barcena said she met last week during the General Assembly with Amy Pope, the former Biden administration senior advisor on migration who was just appointed to be the Director General of the U.N.'s migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), starting October 1. Barcena said she hoped to work with the IOM to address the root causes of mass migration closer to where it starts, including in South and Central America. Every country that migrants and asylum seekers leave has its own problems driving them out. The U.N. refugee agency pointed to gang violence in Honduras as one example, and both Barcena and Grandi said more needs to be done in-country to stop the "push" of people seeking asylum. Noting the dramatic increase of refugees and migrants trying to forge through the perilous jungle passage between Colombia and Panama known as the Darien Gap, Grandi said the U.N. was working to better understand what's driving people out of their countries. He's traveled to the region several times and said many of the people he encounters have experienced persecution. "People that come from Honduras or Guatemala or El Salvador... have gone through unspeakable violence, especially women, especially children, especially members of the LGBT community people that are more vulnerable," Grandi said, adding that the refugee agency was "working very closely with the U.S. government and other organizations to try to unpack this." Solutions to deep-rooted problems such as gang violence, political unrest and poverty require longer-term fixes, but Grandi said the Tapachula pilot program, if scaled-up, could be one way to reduce the number of people trying to make a "dangerous journey," and to ease the "rush of migrants at the U.S. southern border." Newest car theft threat: carhackers Hunter Biden sues Rudy Giuliani over laptop Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals A pair of Charlotte residents are recovering after they were attacked by dogs in the University City area. According to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police report, two dogs escaped from their owner and attacked a woman and her daughter near the Mallard Glen apartments last Friday. The victims were treated at a local hospital for what were described as serious injuries from the attack, The Charlotte Observer reported. The owner of the dogs was cited for a leash law violation, which is considered a Class 3 misdemeanor. Dog attacks on people like the one that occurred in Charlotte are quite common. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. As many as 800,000 victims receive medical attention for injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Here are tips on how to avoid being bitten by a dog and what to do if you confront an aggressive animal: The CDC advises that if the animals owner is around, address them in a friendly manner because dogs can sense fear or aggression towards their owner, which can trigger them to bark, growl and even bite. It is also recommended not to approach a dog you dont know and remember that no matter how friendly a dog is, think stranger danger when in their presence. How to handle an aggressive dog Animal experts also say if a dog you dont know approaches you to remain motionless and avoid eye contact. Do not run, panic, or make loud noises, and partially turn away from the dog. Facing a dog head-on can seem aggressive to them, the CDC states. It is also suggested never to run away from a dog because it can trigger its instinct to prey. They may pursue you vigorously even if their initial intent was just playful, said dog trainer and behaviorist Shawn Riley. Riley, who has 40 years of experience working with dogs, explained that if a dog threatens you to distract them with an object. What to do if a dog begins to attack If the dog continues to threaten you, offer them something to chew on, such as your backpack or water bottle, Riley said. This may distract or bewilder the dog long enough to give you time to escape. If a dog engages in an attack, there are options you can use to survive. Riley explained that if a dog starts biting you, you hit or kick the animal. You can also raise your voice and even yell for help. You should also protect your head and organs if the dog overwhelms you. Hopefully, others will hear and come to your aid. If you have a stick or another weapon, you can use it to hit the dog, he said. Fight as though your life depends on it because it does. Dog attacks can be fatal, so dont take it easy on them. Do people ever tell you that you resemble the boxing great Rocky? Then you may be the perfect fit for Sylvester Stallone s stand-in for an action movie now filming on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Armored, a movie about a father and son who work in an armored truck as security guards, stars Stallone, Jason Patric , Josh Wiggins and Dash Mihok . The movie has filmed in Pearlington and Waveland this month, including at the Keesler Federal Credit Union bank branch in Waveland. Now, a New Orleans based talent agency is looking for a fill-in to serve as Stallones double for filming on Wednesday, Sept. 27, according to Central Casting Louisiana. While the agency blacked out part of Stallones face in the post, its clear they are looking for someone to stand in for him in some scenes. Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) returns in Expend4bles. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Here are the requirements: Central Casting Louisiana is looking for a male around 50 to 60 years hold who is about 5-feet-8, give or take a few inches. The candidate must have the same hair color, eye color and skin tone as the actor. You must send in your name, phone number, email, current photos, and availability to work for a full day on Wednesday, Sept. 27. You must be a Mississippi resident. If youre interested or know someone who fits the bill, email red@centralcasting.com. Sun Herald reporter Martha Sanchez contributed to this report. At least a dozen nations have told the United States that they will join the effort to help Haiti tackle the unchecked gang violence engulfing the country, pending a United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing a foreign intervention led by the government of Kenya. The U.S., which along with Ecuador has authored a draft resolution for the Security Council, is expected to seek approval for it as early as this week after working behind the scenes to build support both among the councils 15 members and in the wider international community. For now, the Biden administration is remaining tight-lipped on which countries have pledged to provide support, saying only that as the lead nation, Kenya is expected to be the largest contributor with 1,000 police officers and troops. But the Miami Herald has learned through several diplomatic sources which countries have stated a willingness so far to contribute to the mission, in the form of equipment, money or boots on the ground. Besides The Bahamas, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda, which had previously announced their intent to take part in the mission, the others are Italy, Spain, Mongolia, Senegal, Belize, Suriname, Guatemala and Peru. Spains Acting Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, publicly expressed his support last week, telling reporters in a press conference that his government, a previous financial supporter of Haiti, is waiting for the Security Councils decision to determine the specifics of its assistance. The English-speaking Central American nation of Belize also expressed a similar sentiment during a meeting hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. In a symbolic gesture, Belize offered to deploy up to 50 uniformed personnel to help the Multinational Security Support Mission. But its participation, a source knowledgeable about the offer said, will depend on the U.N. resolution and on how the mission will be paid for. The decision on whether its personnel will be police or military, will be decided once the mission is defined. Antigua, located in the Eastern Caribbean, also is waiting to decide on how many people it will deploy, while The Bahamas, which announced a deployment of 150 individuals in August, is also waiting for the U.N. vote to finalize its support. The Bahamas looks forward to working with Kenya and other partners in Haiti to assist in efforts to bring about peace and stability, the foreign ministry said, while urging passage of the resolution by the Security Council. Two other countries that are also looking at deploying boots on the ground are Suriname, the Dutch-speaking country in South America, and Rwanda, where French is an official language alongside English. While Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed his support for Haiti during a meeting of Caribbean leaders in Trinidad in July, his country was not among the 34 nations represented Friday around the table during the security meeting inside a ballroom at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in Manhattan. Kagame has faced mounting criticism over accusations that democracy is backsliding in his African nation due to his support for rebels in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, treatment of journalists and arrests of critics. One of them was Paul Rusesabagina , whose heroic efforts to save some of the minority Tutsi population during the 1994 genocide inspired the film Hotel Rwanda. Rusesabaginas high-profile 2020 arrest in Rwanda drew international condemnation and increased scrutiny by members of Congress, who will need to sign off on U.S. support for the Kenya-led mission. One source said the African nation, which participated in the last U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti, has discussed sending up to 500 uniformed personnel. There were offers of support from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols said last week at a press conference, where he and Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland declined to name countries. People were coming up to us ... saying, Hey, were in, were going to support; we are going to provide troops, were going to provide police, were going to provide money. In recent weeks, the security situation in Haiti has rapidly deteriorated, with tens of thousands of Haitians forced out of their homes by armed gunmen, who control large swaths of the Haitian capital. Over the weekend, gunmen with the Canaan gang twice attacked the town of Saut-deau just north of Port-au-Prince. On Monday night, the same gang invaded the town of Mirebalais in the Central Plateau. The countrys largest medical facility, the University Hospital, was hit by a hail of bullets. In a speech to the U.N. last week, Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry said the recent attacks by armed gangs, which control at least 80% of the capital, had led to a new humanitarian crisis. Displaced Haitians are now occupying more than two dozen schools in metropolitan Port-au-Prince under subhuman conditions. We are not here to make up for or justify the past, he said. We are here to ask friendly countries to understand there is something urgent to be done to benefit the people of Haiti. Nearly a year after he first made the request for a multinational force, he reiterated the call for the Security Council to authorize the deployment of a mission to help bolster the Haiti National Police force. During the meeting on the escalating security crisis in Haiti, U.S. officials announced that the administration would work with Congress to secure $100 million in funding for the Kenya-led mission. The Pentagon is also prepared to provide robust enabling support, the U.S. secretary of state said, including planning assistance, intelligence, airlifts, communications and medical support. On Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenyas Defense Minister Aden Duale signed a bilateral defense agreement in Nairobi, Kenyas capital, paving the way for assistance. Kenyas President, William Ruto, had said that in order for his country to commit to lead a security intervention to help Haitis police force disarm gangs, he would need, along with a Security Council resolution, at least 2,000 uniformed personnel. He also wants to see more support, especially from the region. Latin American experts have said that given the ongoing crime challenges in many of the countries, governments cannot afford to spare law enforcement officers for what the U.S. has described as a police mission. Haiti observers have said that given the complexity of the countrys gang crisis and terrain, any security mission should consist of military personnel. Kenya, which sent an assessment delegation to Port-au-Prince in August, is now looking at not just deploying members of its specialized border police unit, but also soldiers, a source familiar with the discussions told the Herald. Theres a range of how countries operate, Nuland said. There are a number of countries, including the Kenyans, that have high-end police.... So I think the majority you will see will be in that category. But there are countries that will want to contribute that only have military to offer. So itll be an integrated force. Nuland declined to discuss the proposed forces strength, saying she will not get into the overall size, and once the resolution passes, the U.S. will work with the Kenyans on what their needs are and then make the rounds among nations. The Kenyans have not yet provided the full list of what they need, so thats one of the reasons why people havent been able to define their contributions more specifically, Nichols said. The Kenyans have committed that theyre going to get their asks ready so that we can really inventory what the needs are and what people will bring to the table. A new Texas law restricting drag performances in front of children is unconstitutional, a federal court in Houston ruled Tuesday. VICTORY: A federal judge has declared Texas drag ban unconstitutional, the ACLU of Texas said in a social media post. LGBTQIA+ Texans, venue owners, performers, and our allies all came together to uphold free expression in our state and we won. This work isnt done but for now we celebrate. Long live Texas drag! U.S. District Judge David Hittner found that the law violates the First Amendment, the right to free speech. Attorney General Ken Paxton and other defendants in the case cannot enforce the law, Hittner wrote in his order. The policy had been temporarily blocked from taking effect ahead of its Sept. 1 start date. VICTORY: A federal judge has declared Texas drag ban unconstitutional. LGBTQIA+ Texans, venue owners, performers, and our allies all came together to uphold free expression in our state and we won. This work isnt done but for now we celebrate. Long live Texas drag! ACLU of Texas (@ACLUTx) September 26, 2023 The law bars businesses from hosting sexually oriented performances when a minor is present. The bill doesnt reference drag shows or performers explicitly, but says the exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics is considered sexual conduct. Opponents have also argued that the bills broadness could affect other types of shows, like cheerleading and theater performances. The state could appeal the ruling. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick suggested thats a possibility in a Tuesday afternoon social media post responding to the courts opinion. #SB12, which restricts children from being exposed to drag queen performances, is about protecting young children and families, Patrick said in the post on X, formerly called Twitter. This story is not over, he said. The challenge to the state law was brought by the ACLU of Texas other plaintiffs against the Texas attorney general, the city of Abilene, the districts attorneys in Travis and Bexar counties, and Montgomery County and Taylor County and their district attorneys. The suit is separate from a similar lawsuit aiming to block the law where the North Texas Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Chamber of Commerce is a plaintiff. #SB12, which restricts children from being exposed to drag queen performances, is about protecting young children and families. This story is not over. #txlege https://t.co/3AAshb47M5 Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) September 26, 2023 An updated COVID-19 booster to fight the contagious subvariant is here, but many might not be able to receive the vaccine at no cost. Though the vaccine is supposed to be free, some people are being charged nearly $200 for the shot, while others are having their appointments canceled due to lack of coverage, the Washington Post reported. Health officials said the new booster will target the XBB.1.5 omicron subvariant. Experts say the shots will be effective against the EG.5 variant since the two are closely related. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Heres why your insurance may not cover the new shot and how to avoid a co-pay. Why wont insurance cover COVID shot? People with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance should have the vaccine covered without a co-payment. Still, others are being charged because billing codes for the shot have not been updated, the New York Times reported. Others are being told the pharmacies where they schedule their vaccine appointments are out of network, the Post reported. Insurance companies are working to resolve the issue, James Swann, a spokesperson for Americas Health Insurance Plans, a national association of health insurance companies, told the Times. What to do if your insurance coverage is denied If your coverage gets denied, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told the Times. Suppose you schedule an appointment at CVS but are experiencing issues with your insurance. In that case, you should reschedule for a later date, a spokesperson for the company told The Charlotte Observer in an email. Pharmacists at Walgreens can also help patients with insurance issues reschedule appointments, a spokesperson told the Observer. Patients are also encouraged to bring their insurance information to their appointments. In an industry consumed with franchises, sequels, spin-offs, and other name-brand spectaculars, its admirable that Gareth Edwards has convinced a major studio20th Century Studiosto produce an original stand-alone science-fiction epic. Good intentions, alas, pave the road to you-know-where, and thats certainly the case with The Creator. A visually striking but shoddily written and crushingly derivative amalgam of assorted genre forefathers, the directors follow-up to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is so sloppy, corny, and unconvincing that it almost inadvertently makes the case for its rival IP-driven affairs. The Creator (in theaters Sept. 29) provides a handy metaphor for itself via its signature sight of sentient robots with giant tube-shaped holes in their heads. Plotting is most definitely not the strong suit of Edwards and Chris Weitzs script, which vacillates between borrowing and synthesizing bits and pieces of better movies, and establishing its scenarioand then staging scenes and incidentswith minimal lucidity and even less logic. At every other turn, a narrative development begs a question (or three) that goes unanswered, cast aside so the material can proceed along its urgent, preachy path. By its midway point, little of whats taking place holds up to basic in-the-moment scrutiny, transforming the entire endeavor into merely a showcase for Edwards skill at orchestrating warfare-like actionsomething that itself proves somewhat limited here, as there isnt a set piece in sight apt to get ones blood pumping. A concise newsreel prologue explains how mankind developed and became reliant upon ubiquitous artificial intelligence-powered robots, who served as societys cooks, chauffeurs, and police officers. A nuclear attack in the heart of Los Angeles, however, permanently soured the United States relationship with their mecha-compatriots, and in 2065, the country is knee-deep in conflict with A.I. The primary battlefield is New Asia, an amorphous eastern region thats embraced A.I. as the next phase of evolution, with one farmer claiming that the robots have bigger hearts than Yankee soldiers. Its unclear how the machines developed consciousness or complex emotions; why they sleep, eat, and smoke; and why some of them walk about with human skin masks and others dont (and, for that matter, why some resemble senior citizens and others, younger adults). What Edwards does make apparent is that the bots are basically the same as people in every conceivable way, as well as Earths new other, yearning for freedom and yet oppressed and persecuted by heartless warmongering Americans. Edwards and Weitzs tale is a quasi-Vietnam War saga that depicts robots as noble, loving, and selfless, and humanity, i.e., those from the USA, as malicious and murderous. Unfortunately, its A.I. characters arent interesting; theyre just valiant symbolsat least, when theyre not the butt of a joke, as happens when some autonomous cops are blown up and then walk about in headless, fritzing confusion. By striving to cast A.I. as its own species, The Creator concocts a binary us-vs.-them dynamic, and from the get-go, its wholly unpersuasive and, worse still, used as a vehicle for lame sermonizing. 20th Century Studios Moreover, its not the least bit uniquesomething that can be said about the films every facet. Channeling Blade Runner, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Children of Men, Avatar, Apocalypse Now, District 9, RoboCop, Total Recall, and approximately 20 additional ancestors, The Creator concerns Joshua (John David Washington), a special-forces soldier with a high-tech prosthetic arm and leg who suffers catastrophic loss while working undercover in New Asia to find the A.I. creator Nirmata. Thanks to a poorly planned raid, Joshuas pregnant wife Maya (Gemma Chan) is killed and he fails in his mission. Years later, hes persuaded to resume his tour of duty by evil military bigwigs Andrews (Ralph Ineson) and Howell (Allison Janney, sporting a blonde middle-school boys haircut) because they claim that Maya is actually alive. This time, his primary task is to locate a new weapon created by Nirmata, code-named Alpha One, that threatens to give A.I. the decisive advantage in the ongoing war. 20th Century Studios When Joshua acquires Alpha One, it turns out to be a robo-child that loves cartoons and has the power to control all electrical devices. Joshua dubs the kid Alfie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles) and tries to use her to track down Maya, thus increasingly putting him at odds with his own kind. Regrettably, The Creator flops miserably in trying to develop a rapport between these two protagonists; Joshua is a one-note hero, Alfie is a cute blank, and their scenes together are exceedingly lifeless. Edwards assumes that Voyles is adorable enough to make not just Alfie but her entire robo-race sympathetic. The gamble, however, doesnt pay off, leaving the film hurtling toward a pro-robot conclusion destined to fall on its melodramatic face. The Creator is an inept hodgepodge uninterested in plumbing the potential moral and spiritual questions raised by artificial intelligence. Rather, its simply a transparent anti-intolerance Christ-child parable conceived with none of the nuances that might allow it to intriguingly resonate. Its also a slapdash mess, epitomized by Ken Watanabes Harun, a Japanese robot rebel who appears and disappears at random, has vital intel that would end the war (but only tells it to Joshua), and receives a truly baffling climactic fate. Other than to exude an air of honorable gravityand therefore embody A.I.s superioritytheres no reason for an actor of Watanabes caliber to assume such a pitifully underwritten role. 20th Century Studios Embellishing its grand shot-on-location panoramas with CGI architectural structures, figures, and vehiclesincluding a spiffy aerial base called Nomad that uses a wall-of-light targeting system to drop bombs on its A.I. adversariesEdwards latest can be stunning, and once in a blue moon, its aesthetic sense proves strong enough to compensate for its general dim-wittedness. For the most part, though, the director borrows his conceptual ideas from those who came before him, replete with law enforcement automatons that resemble the assembly-line offspring of Star Wars droids and Chappies title character. In terms of both form and content, and to the point of exasperation, the film devolves into semi-incoherence during a prolonged finale that vainly tries to pull at the heartstrings. For all its bathos, The Creator is a painfully mechanical creature. As one character says, Its not realits programming. 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. Crediverso, a company that launched at TechCrunch Disrupt 2020, raised $3.5 million in what founder and CEO Carlos Charlie Hernandez called a pre-Series A funding round. The new investment enables the company -- which has helped thousands of users in the U.S. Latino community with financial products advice -- to jump into legal tech and services. Crediverso, legal answers, My Pocket Lawyer Crediverso's My Pocket Lawyer chat. Image Credits: Crediverso Crediversos newest product, My Pocket Lawyer, provides access to legal resources so that consumers, small businesses and freelancers can get help with complex legal issues. At its core is generative artificial intelligence and large language model technology powering the data collection and access. Then via the Crediverso Learning Center, the company breaks down complicated legal and financial information into digestible terms and next steps for both Spanish- and English-speaking communities. My Pocket Lawyer continues to be in private beta, being tested by a handful of users. Hernandez, who is an attorney himself and grew up in a family of lawyers, told TechCrunch via email that being an attorney taught him the law, but being a small business owner taught him the human costs of not knowing it. My Pocket Lawyer bridges that gap, Hernandez said. We hear stories every day about people exploited because they couldn't afford legal advice. That's what drives us. He cited a study by the California State Bar that showed only 32% of Californians sought legal help due to cost and uncertainty about the process. Crediverso identified the need for this product, particularly in cases involving landlords and tenants, employment disputes, contract review and execution. In most of those cases, consumers and businesses have two options: Look for legal information online or hire a lawyer. Though online platforms like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer exist, they often fall short in capabilities and specialization, leaving users with generic articles that are unresponsive to their unique concerns, Hernandez said. Alternatively, while there are many law firms, hourly rates range from $200 to $500, rendering them more a luxury than a realistic option. Faced with these two bad choices, many people are often left without access to the legal resources they need. In most cases, My Pocket Lawyer will reduce the need for an attorney in over 50% of cases, he added. Torch Capital and Gaingels led the round and were joined by existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners and Act One Ventures. Crediversos total funding is now $6.6 million, including this raise of $3.5 million. Hernandez intends to deploy the new capital into technology and product development and to launch My Pocket Lawyer. We also plan to build out a network of qualified attorneys to connect with our users for those legal questions whose complexity necessitates a trusted and vetted lawyer, Hernandez said. We also hope to make publicly available the features of My Pocket Lawyer that go beyond contract analysis. Microsoft's data centers in West Des Moines, Iowa guzzled massive amounts of water last year, the Associated Press reported earlier this month, to keep cool while training OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, the Microsoft-backed company's most advanced publicly available large language model. Critics point out a further inconvenient detail: this happened in the midst of a more than three-year drought, further taxing a stressed water system that's been so dry this summer that nature lovers couldn't even paddle canoes in local rivers. "It's a recipe for disaster," Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement organizer Jake Grobe told Futurism. "ChatGPT is not a necessity for human life, and yet we are literally taking water to feed a computer." Before the AI boom, arid places like Arizona were already facing water strain from data centers. But what will the future hold, both in those regions and in relatively water-flush areas like Iowa, as a result of the sudden increased demand for AI combined with the growing impact of climate change? "It's already bad and it's going to get much worse," said Grobe. "Climate change is going to bring more frequent droughts to Iowa." The AI era is just getting started, but early numbers suggest that it could become extraordinarily resource-intensive. Microsoft increased worldwide water consumption by a whopping 34 percent up to almost 1.7 billion gallons annually last year, which outside researchers told the AP is most likely due to increased AI training. That's dwarfed by Google, which used 5.6 billion gallons last year, a 20 percent jump that's also likely attributable to machine learning. And you'll recall that ChatGPT wasn't even publicly released until the end of November, with AI use spiking enormously this year so those figures are likely only the tip of the iceberg. "The worst thing about Microsoft and West Des Moines is that Microsofts highest water consumption occurs on the hottest days of the year," Neil Ruddy, the former city administrator of Carlisle, which is located about 20 minutes east of West Des Moines, told Futurism. That's all even more worrisome in the context of a 2021 study, spearheaded by Virginia Tech researchers, which found many American data centers depend on stressed water systems. Even states like lush Florida face a predicament, because the water footprint of data centers is so large that they have the potential to put pressure on local watersheds, Virginia Tech researcher Md Abu Bakar Siddik told Futurism. Iowa's water system is considered to be moderately stressed, said Siddik, who added that it will likely get worse with climate change. "Climate change or other factors can reduce the water availability in that region," said Siddik. "Increased demand of agriculture because of population growth and increased number of data centers that ramp up the water demand in the region that could lead to high water stress in the region. Iowa can be disrupted by these events because there are already a high number of data centers compared to other states in the Midwest." The AP reported that Microsoft needed a staggering 11.5 million gallons of water in July last year in West Des Moines for its three data centers just before ChatGPT training was reportedly done. At the time, the city was considered to be under abnormally dry conditions. August numbers exceeded July's at a total of 13.4 million gallons, according to data from West Des Moines Water Works. And dry conditions in the city worsened to a moderate drought that same month. The year before, in 2021, Microsoft also topped out at a high of 14.5 million gallons in July. Just looking at numbers starting in 2020, Microsoft has been consistently in the top three water consumers in the district, with two more data centers currently under construction, adding to the 19 total currently in Iowa. Thankfully, Microsoft only requires water to cool its Iowa data centers when temperatures go over about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and luckily Iowa doesn't exceed that number for most of the year, the AP reported. But those high temperatures during warmer months hence the high water usage in data centers coincide with times when the water system is already most stressed, with farms as a major pressure factor. The result? Poor water quality that some say isn't fit for human consumption. On Reddit, West Des Moines residents have even been complaining that the taste of the local water has been deteriorating. "They're giving all the good water to ChatGPT," wrote one Redditor. "Oh neat, love corporations sucking up water during a drought so they can better teach AI to undermine jobs," griped another. Water pumped into data centers often evaporates after cooling the facilities or ends up as "blowdown," which is thick, briney wastewater that needs to be treated definitely not ready to be easily recycled back into the local water supply. In an implicit acknowledgement of resource challenges, the local water utility in West Des Moines wrote in a 2022 document obtained by the AP that it and city officials "will only consider future data center projects" if they can demonstrate and implement technology to significantly reduce peak water usage from the current levels." In a response to our questions, a Microsoft spokesperson said that the company is monitoring the environmental impact of data centers and aims to be "carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030. West Des Moines Water Works general manager Christina A. Murphy told Futurism that Microsoft has been "conscious of their water use" and "are continuing to look at their processes to become more water efficient." She also added the utility has been monitoring "drought conditions as we have been the last couple of years" and "have been able to meet our customers needs to date." Despite that optimism, though, the future looks increasingly dry. If you take into account increased temperatures from climate change, the growing number of companies stuffing OpenAI and its competitors' offerings into their products, and new data centers yet to be built for the nascent AI tech boom, local officials across the country and the world will likely need to make some tough decisions that balance the water needs of residents, the environment, and economic growth. Ruddy, the former city administrator of Carlisle, said he favors one part of that equation. "I think residents need water more than supercomputers do," he quipped. More on AI: ChatGPT is Consuming a Staggering Amount of Water The Cuban Embassy is seen in Washington, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. U.S. law enforcement officials have launched an investigation after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the Cuban Embassy in Washington. There was no fire or significant damage to the building. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) WASHINGTON (AP) Cubas ambassador to the United States says a weekend incident in which at least one incendiary device was thrown into the Cuban embassy compound was a terrorist attack. The Cuban embassy's chief of mission, Lianys Torres Rivera, told The Associated Press in an interview on Tuesday that the Sunday night incident was part of a pattern of attacks directed at Cuban overseas missions over the course of the last ten years. We think that its a terrorist attack that according to that and according to the history of a terrorist attack, that for decades it has been done against Cuban diplomatic missions, she said. She could not comment on the motivation of the attacker, who remains at large, but said we think that the origin, the roots, its in this case in this a policy of aggression and hatred against Cuba that for decades has been the one of the difference a U.S. administration against our country. The incident remains under investigation by the Washington D.C. police, the Secret Service and the State Department. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan and the State Department, have condemned the attack. Torres Rivera said the embassy would continue to function as normal. We are just alert and taking the proper measure that have to be taken, that has to be taken, in situations like this, she said. And, I think that in the case of the U.S. as a host country, they should also take this as a call to secure the embassy staff and the premises to avoid or to prevent ... attacks like this in the future. U.S. law enforcement officials said Monday they were investigating the attack but said there was no significant damage and no one was injured, as did the Cuban embassy. Secret Service officers were called around 8 p.m. Sunday to respond to the attack on a busy street in the Adams-Morgan section of the city. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on the X social media site that the Cuban Embassy was the target of a terrorist attack by an individual who threw 2 Molotov cocktails, a type of crude grenade made from a bottle filled with flammable liquid and a wick thats lit just before its thrown. In 2020, a Cuban man who sought asylum in the U.S. opened fire with an AK-47 at the Cuban Embassy, spraying the front of the building with nearly three dozen rounds. Authorities said the man told them he opened fire because he wanted to get them before they could get him. The shooting left bullet holes in the glass around the embassys door, and bullets pierced the bronze statue of Jose Marti, the Cuban writer and national hero, as well as the columns and facade of the building. Cuba built the embassy in 1917. It closed in January 1961 as Cold War tensions between the two countries escalated, and it reopened as an interests section in 1977. In July 2015, it became an embassy again as the two countries restored relations under President Barack Obama and President Raul Castro. The embassy is on a busy street between the embassies of Poland and Lithuania. Some community members, including a member of the Bloomington City Council, are asking why police did not arrest or cite a cyclist who rode without working brakes on the B-Line Trail and crashed into a pedestrian, causing serious injuries. At the site of the incident, the bicyclist was let go. I dont quite understand why assault and battery charges dont apply, City Council member Stephen Volan said during last week's council meeting. After The Herald-Times posted a video of the crash, some community members took to social media to vent their frustration. There needs to be some sort of penalty for this, one commenter said. If this were a person driving a car, with no brakes, they would be in serious trouble. Another wrote, Sickening. He shouldve been booked. Video shows the cyclist descended the Grimes Street overpass hill on the B-Line Trail and crashed into a woman who was walking in a group of three. A few feet behind them were two more people and a baby stroller. The woman who was struck, Amanda Whitaker, said she spent six hours at the IU Health Bloomington Hospital emergency room. She is still recovering from a broken rib, collapsed lung, deep bruising across her body, ongoing pain and partial hearing loss. "I still can't believe the officer let the cyclist take off on a bike he admitted was not safe while I was simultaneously loaded into an ambulance," the 49-year-old Bloomington woman said. More: Bloomington pedestrian hurt by bicyclist on B-Line Trail demands changes She said she wants change. Its chaos down there sometimes, she said. While Stephen Lucas, an attorney for the city council, said in an email that the cyclist appears to have violated several state and local rules, Capt. Ryan Pedigo, spokesman for the Bloomington Police Department, said officers can issue cyclists citations for infractions and ordinance violations, but that is rare. Bloomington officials mum on lack of police action after bicycle crash Pedigo did not respond to an email last week that asked follow-up questions, including why such citations are rare and whether it was appropriate and reasonable for the responding officer to let the cyclist go without arrest or citation. The administration of John Hamilton also declined to answer similar questions. Angela Van Rooy, the citys interim communications director, said via email, that she had forwarded the questions to Pedigo and city attorney Mike Rouker and that they would reach out if they had any response. They did not. The administration has nothing to add, Van Rooy said. Volan, the council member, suggested the cyclists behavior might be described as reckless, but Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Kehr said merely violating a traffic/equipment law would not generally qualify as criminally reckless. Often, there has to be something more, Kehr said via email. When making this determination, the law requires us to look at the act and the persons state of mind, not the extent of the harm that was caused. Police and prosecutors are often tasked with making difficult decisions about what conduct is civil and what is criminal, Kehr said. The vast majority of vehicle collisions are going to fall into the civil category where the standard is negligence. That means that the operator failed to use a standard of care. A criminal charge requires a higher standard: the operators conduct must be at least criminally reckless. That means a substantial deviation from acceptable standards of conduct, Kehr said. He said to his knowledge, the local prosecutor's office had not charged a cyclist for being criminally reckless. But we evaluate every case on its merits to determine whether criminal charges are warranted, Kehr said. We would consider it in the future if the bicyclists conduct met the required standard. Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com. H-T Reporter Laura Lane contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: No action taken by Bloomington police in cyclist-pedestrian crash An unidentified man died Monday night when a driver crashed into his bicycle on a Cobb County highway. Cobb County police say the fatal collision happened on Cobb Parkway (U.S. 41) north of the intersection with Clubhouse Drive around 9:22 p.m. According to their investigation, the bicyclist was riding his bike northwest on Cobb Parkway in the right travel lane when a black 2016 Mazda 6 driven by a 23-year-old Dallas, Georgia woman struck him from behind. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The bicyclist came to rest on the shoulder of the road and the driver of the Mazda stopped in the right turn lane to Park Forest Drive. The driver was not injured. The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact investigators at 770-499-3987. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: On Friday, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson shocked many of his supporters and stirred national political debate when he announced that he was changing his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican. Johnson, one of a number of Black mayors to lead Americas largest cities at the moment, has moved control of one of the countrys largest metropolitan areas into Republican hands. Johnson announced his party change in an op-ed piece published by the Wall Street Journal. Titled Americas Cities Need Republicans, and Im Becoming One, the piece explains Johnsons decision to serve the remainder of his term as a Republican. Johnson states in the piece that the party switch is driven by his desire to focus on issues such as homelessness and his desire to champion law and order and practice fiscal conservatism, goals that he believes are better pursued by Republicans and not virtue signaling Democrats. Johnson is set to leave office in 2027 due to term limits. When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican, he wrote in his op-ed. The Texas Democratic Party issued a harsh statement distancing itself from Johnson, saying that his departure from the party was neither surprising nor unwelcome and accusing him of having long-standing affinity with Republican leaders and ideology such as Ted Cruz. Despite depicting the party shift as a long time coming, the statement classified it as nothing short of an insult to the electorate who voted Johnson into office. The statement went on to say that Mayor Johnson has turned his back on the very voters who trusted that he would uphold our hard-fought Democratic values. With outrage from Democratic votes and donors high, a number of people have suggested that Johnson could face a recall election under Dallas law, which would be a challenge for the mayor given the citys large Democratic majority. Who is with me to recall Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson? Follow, Like and Retweet! Angel Luis Vega (@AngelLuisVega) September 22, 2023 Texas Republicans, meanwhile, welcomed Johnson into their ranks. Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that Johnsons switch is a sign that Texas is getting more Red every day. Texas is getting more Red every day. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson switches to Republican Party. Hes pro law enforcement & wont tolerate leftist agendas. Two of the 10 largest cities in America now have Republican Mayors & they are both in Texas. https://t.co/Qn9SM7UZ1G Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 22, 2023 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, meanwhile, simply tweeted Welcome, Mayor! in response to the news. This new support comes in addition to the support previously shown by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, who attended Johnsons inauguration in June at the mayors request. With Texas as a key battleground state reflecting the nations deep political divides, Johnsons party change will likely fuel even more heated competition between Democrats and Republicans in the Lone Star State. Between local elections in major cities like Dallas and national races, including the 2024 presidential election, Texas will remain a key state in the contest between the two major parties for years to come. Dallas will be one of three national hubs for a new federal agency pursuing game-changing breakthroughs in science and medicine, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, or ARPA-H, is an effort by the Biden administration to prevent and treat diseases like cancer, Alzheimers disease and diabetes. Along with its other national hubs in Cambridge, Mass. and the Washington, D.C. area, ARPA-H will include a network of spokes, or local health institutions, across all 50 states. By using a hub-and-spoke model, were creating efficiencies that we could not otherwise achieve, including reaching patients, providers, and other stakeholders quickly, ARPA-H Director Renee Wegrzyn said in a statement. Dallas has been named the customer experience hub of the agency, tasked with developing health solutions that are accessible, needed and readily adopted, according to the release. Part of this work will include diversifying clinical trials and reaching demographically representative patient populations. Advanced Technology International, a public-service nonprofit that works primarily with the Department of Defense, will manage the Dallas location. It was not immediately clear how many jobs would be created by the hub. In a Tuesday statement, Gov. Greg Abbott called the Dallas-Fort Worth region the ideal location for a national hub, given its growing health sciences industry. Texas is a national leader in healthcare research and innovation, solving many of our nations and the worlds scientific challenges, Abbott said. Dallass selection comes more than a year after a group of U.S. representatives from Texas and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, authored a letter urging Xavier Becerra, U.S. secretary of health & human services, to bring the agency to Texas. Earlier this year, a bipartisan group of U.S. representatives from Texas also signed onto a letter advocating for ARPA-H in the state, along with a similar letter signed by both Cornyn and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Texas has the infrastructure, diversity, and technology that ARPA-H requires to thrive, including the largest medical center in the world, and the largest military medical complex in the country, the letter said. Though the agency ultimately chose Dallas, the worlds largest medical center, Texas Medical Center, is actually located in Houston which Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner noted last year when he pushed for the agency to be housed in his home city. However, while the three national hub cities will be epicenters of the research, ARPA-H has noted that reaching beyond these cities and states is a key goal of the agency. ARPANET-H is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and innovation in health care, Becerra said in the Tuesday release. With its vast array of cutting-edge health capabilities, this dynamic nationwide network embodies our unwavering mission to propel forward health outcomes in every corner of the country and beyond. As The Texas Tribune's signature event of the year, The Texas Tribune Festival brings Texans closer to politics, policy and the days news from Texas and beyond. On Sept. 23, we wrapped our 2023 Festival three lively days packed with 125+ sessions and events. Browse on-demand recordings and catch up on the biggest headlines from Festival events at the Tribunes Festival news page. The dam broke open on Tuesday morning as more and more Senate Democrats urged their own colleague, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), to resign. Notably, three vulnerable Democratic senators were the first ones to call for Menendez to go, a sign that their indicted colleague is already becoming a liability for their 2024 reelection campaigns. Within the span of an hour, Democratic Sens. Jon Tester (Mont.), Tammy Baldwin (Wis.) and Bob Casey (Pa.) separately released statements saying that Menendez needs to step down as he faces federal corruption charges. Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing, Tester tweeted. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate. Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate. Senator Jon Tester (@SenatorTester) September 26, 2023 Minutes earlier, Baldwin tweeted a similar message about Menendez, who was indicted Fridayon charges that he and his wife took bribes including $100,000 in gold bars, $480,000 in cash and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for favors that aided an Egyptian American businessman and others. The indictment spells out deeply troubling allegations against Senator Menendez that breach the American peoples trust and compromise his ability to effectively represent his constituents, Baldwin said. While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe its best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down. Casey issued a statement saying that the allegations against Menendez show that he repeatedly violated the publics trust. While he is entitled to the presumption of innocence, serving in public office is a privilege that demands a higher standard of conduct, said the Pennsylvania Democrat. Senator Menendez should resign. Tester, Baldwin and Casey kicked off a wave of Democrats urging Menendez to go. As of Wednesday morning, the others were Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Peter Welch (Vt.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Martin Heinrich (N.M.), Cory Booker (N.J.), Michael Bennet (Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Chris Murphy (Conn.), John Hickenlooper (Colo.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Patty Murray (Wash.), Maria Cantwell (Wash.) and Jacky Rosen (Nev.), who is also up for reelection in 2024. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with Democrats, also called on Menendez to resign. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), the second-highest leader in the chamber, called on the New Jersey Democrat to go, too. Leaders in New Jersey, including the Governor and my Senate colleague Cory Booker, have made it clear that Sen. Menendez can no longer serve. He should step down. Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) September 27, 2023 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) hasnt said anything about Menendez beyond praising him for stepping down as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee while hes under indictment. But Menendez only handed over his gavel because Democrats own rules required him to. The fact that the most vulnerable senators were the first to speak out shows that the New Jersey Democrats refusal to resign could become a problem for the party. The National Republican Senatorial Committee on Monday issued a statement tying vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2024 to crooked Menendez. Youd think it would be a no-brainer to say someone who took gold bars from foreign businessmen to rig US foreign policy is unfit to serve in the Senate, but apparently Senate Democrats disagree, NRSC spokesman Philip Letsou said in the statement. Democrats have made clear they will tolerate Bob Menendezs comical levels of corruption as long as he continues to back their extreme agenda. Which Democrats did the NRSC single out? Tester, Baldwin, Brown and Casey. Not everyone is demanding that Menendez resign, though. Some Democrats maintained that he is entitled to a presumption of innocence and a fair trial and shouldnt be forced out unless hes been found guilty in court. These charges are very, very serious. If theyre true, theyre disqualifying, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told reporters Tuesday evening. But anybody charged with a crime, from President Trump, Hunter Biden... theyre entitled to argue that the charges arent true. Sen. Menendez is entitled to. These are serious charges, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said in a statement. But as I have always said, everyone is entitled to due process. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) said its up to the people of New Jersey to decide whether their senator needs to go. As a former prosecutor, I believe hes entitled to a fair trial. I trust the justice system, Cortez Masto said. But its for the voters of New Jersey to decide. Dane Cook has married his fiancee, Kelsi Taylor. The stand-up comedian and actor, 51, revealed he tied the knot with Taylor, 24, in a post Sept. 24 on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. "Last night I married the girl of my dreams here in Hawaii. The greatest feeling in the world is knowing youve got the strongest person you could ever imagine by your side and giving them all of your love in return. "The years of laughs, adventures and accomplishments weve shared were solidified in front of some of our dearest friends and family during an emotional ceremony," he wrote, adding, "I cant wait to share more but for now just know this.. Ive never felt this way. Its so wonderful." Cook told People that he and his fitness instructor fiancee walked down the aisle on Sept. 23 in front of 20 guests at a private estate in Oahu, Hawaii. Dane Cook and Kelsi Taylor (Greg Doherty / Getty Images) The couple chose Hawaii because it has a special place in our hearts and our relationship, said Cook. It was one of the first trips we ever went on together and we continue to go back often. Its such an oasis, and we couldnt be more excited to have spent our wedding week surrounded by the beauty of Oahu, he explained. Read on to learn more about Cook and Taylors love story and their wedding day. How Cook and Taylor met Cook said during an Instagram stories Q&A in 2018 that he met Taylor at a game night at his home, People reported. We were friends for a while & soon after fell in like with each other and then upgraded to love, he said at the time. The couple got engaged in 2022 Cook announced the couple's engagement in August 2022 on Instagram when he shared a video and photo montage showing highlights from his proposal. She said yes! he captioned it. The same day, the "Employee of the Month" star posted a black-and-white photo of himself nuzzling up to a laughing Taylor. Making my fiancee @itskelsitaylor laugh is my favorite sound, he wrote. I love her with all my heart. Weve made beautiful memories over the last five years. Theres so much to celebrate as we look forward together. Taylor also posted images from the proposal on Instagram, including one showing Cook down on bended knee. Fiance has a nice ring to it, she wrote in her caption. The secrets out! @danecook and I are engaged. A couple weeks ago, Dane got on one knee and asked me to be his wife and I couldnt have asked for a more perfect moment. I love this man and love spending my life with him. I cant wait for whats to come. They laugh about their age difference Cook told E! News last October that he and Taylor laugh about their 27-year age difference, which he jokes about in his 2022 "Dane Cook: Above It All" stand-up special. We have a bit of an age difference, so its in the show, he said. If we cant laugh at it, then nobody else is allowed. Cook also said that he tests his material on Taylor. I was just trying some material out on her the other day where I was like, Hey, I think I have maybe my first what its like to be married joke, Cook said. So, she got the exclusive. We tried it out and she said, I approve of that. Thats a good one.'" The couple's wedding was intimate Cook told People that the couple wanted their wedding to be "a gathering of our closest family and friends." The weeklong wedding celebration kicked off with a barbecue and also included an evening at a jazz bar, a pool party and beach day. After saying "I do," Cook and Taylor, who wore a Solstice Gown from Grace Loves Lace during the ceremony, walked out to You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall and John Oates. They continued to play '80s music all night for their guests. Cook told People, "We decided to do a full week vacation with a wedding right in the middle, and we wouldnt want it any other way! Nothing better than spending this special time with all of our favorite people." This article was originally published on TODAY.com LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor David McCallum , who became a teen heartthrob in the hit series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in the 1960s and was the eccentric medical examiner in the popular NCIS 40 years later, has died. He was 90. McCallum died Monday of natural causes surrounded by family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, CBS said in a statement. David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away, said a statement from CBS. THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. Pictured: (l-r) Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, David McCallum as Illya Kuryakin (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. The Deadly Toys Affair Episode 209 Pictured: (l-r) Diane McBain as Joanna Lydecker, David McCallum as Illya Kuryakin (Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) San Francisco, CA 1976: David McCallum appearing in the ABC tv series Bert DAngelo / Superstar, episode A Noise in the Streets. (Photo by American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images) Scottish-born McCallum had been doing well appearing in such films as A Night to Remember (about the Titanic), The Great Escape and The Greatest Story Ever Told (as Judas). But it was The Man From U.N.C.L.E. that made the blond actor with the Beatlesque haircut a household name in the mid-60s. The success of the James Bond books and films had set off a chain reaction, with secret agents proliferating on both large and small screens. Indeed, Bond creator Ian Fleming contributed some ideas as The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was being developed, according to Jon Heitlands The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Book. The show, which debuted in 1964, starred Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, an agent in a secretive, high-tech squad of crime fighters whose initials stood for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Despite the Cold War, the agency had an international staff, with McCallum as Illya Kuryakin, Solos Russian sidekick. The role was relatively small at first, McCallum recalled, adding in a 1998 interview that Id never heard of the word sidekick before. The show drew mixed reviews but eventually caught on, particularly with teenage girls attracted by McCallums good looks and enigmatic, intellectual character. By 1965, Illya was a full partner to Vaughns character and both stars were mobbed during personal appearances. The series lasted until 1968. Vaughn and McCallum reunited in 1983 for a nostalgic TV movie, The Return of the Man From U.N.C.L.E., in which the agents were lured out of retirement to save the world once more. McCallum returned to television in 2003 in another series with an agency known by its initials CBS NCIS. He played Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard, a bookish pathologist for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, an agency handling crimes involving the Navy or the Marines. Mark Harmon played the NCIS boss. McCallum said he thought Ducky, who sported glasses and a bow tie and had an eye for pretty women, looked a little silly, but it was great fun to do. He took the role seriously, too, spending time in the Los Angeles coroners office to gain insight into how autopsies are conducted. The series built an audience gradually, eventually reaching the roster of top 10 shows. McCallum, who lived in New York, stayed in a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica when NCIS was in production. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend, said a statement from NCIS Executive Producers Steven D. Binder and David North. McCallums work with U.N.C.L.E. brought him two Emmy nominations, and he got a third as an educator struggling with alcoholism in a 1969 Hallmark Hall of Fame drama called Teacher, Teacher. In 1975, he had the title role in a short-lived science fiction series, The Invisible Man, and from 1979 to 1982 he played Steel in a British science fiction series, Sapphire and Steel. Over the years, he also appeared in guest shots in many TV shows, including Murder, She Wrote and Sex and the City. He appeared on Broadway in a 1968 comedy, The Flip Side, and in a 1999 revival of Amadeus starring Michael Sheen and David Suchet. He also was in several off-Broadway productions. Largely based in the U.S. from the 1960s onward, McCallum was a longtime American citizen, telling The Associated Press in 2003 that I have always loved the freedom of this country and everything it stands for. And I live here, and I like to vote here. David Keith McCallum was born in Glasgow in 1933. His parents were musicians; his father, also named David, played violin, his mother played cello. When David was 3, the family moved to London, where David Sr. played with the London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic. Young David attended the Royal Academy of Music where he learned the oboe. He decided he wasnt good enough, so he turned to theater, studying briefly at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. But I was a small, emaciated blond with a caved chest, so there werent an awful lot of parts for me, he commented in a Los Angeles Times interview in 2009. After time out for military service, he returned to London and began getting work on live television and movies, In 1957 he appeared in Robbery Under Arms, an adventure set in early Australia, with a rising actress, Jill Ireland. The couple married that same year. In 1963, McCallum was part of the large cast of The Great Escape and he and his wife became friendly with Charles Bronson, also in the film. Ireland eventually fell in love with Bronson and she and McCallum divorced in 1967. She married Bronson in 1968. It all worked out fine, McCallum said in 2009, because soon after that I got together with Katherine (Carpenter, a former model) and weve been very happily married for 42 years. McCallum had three sons from his first marriage, Paul, Jason and Valentine, and a son and daughter from his second, Peter and Sophie. Jason died of an overdose. He was a true Renaissance manhe was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS, Peter McCallum said in a statement. In 2007, when he was working on NCIS, McCallum told a reporter: Ive always felt the harder I work, the luckier I get. I believe in serendipitous things happening, but at the same time, dedicating yourself to what you do is the best way to get along in this life. ___ Bob Thomas, a longtime Associated Press journalist who died in 2014, was the principal writer of this obituary. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. A day of adventure turned into a nightmare for amusement park riders in Canada on Saturday after a ride stopped suddenly, leaving passengers suspended upside down, 75 feet above the ground for almost half an hour. Video footage from the incident shows riders dangling and hanging upside down in the air as they waited for help to arrive. What happened? In a statement to USA TODAY, the park said that both axes of the ride called the "Lumberjack" stopped moving at about 10:40 p.m. (local time). While they did not specify what caused the ride to stop abruptly, a spokesperson said that the maintenance team responded swiftly and brought all passengers to ground by 11:05 p.m. "Guests were unloaded safely and assessed by First Aid staff before being released back into the park," the park said in the statement. "Two guests reported chest pain and were attended to at the parks health center before being released without need for further medical attention." "The safety of our guests is always our first priority," the park spokesperson's told USA TODAY adding that the ride was closed the next day on Sunday and that an investigation is ongoing. Thrill seekers at Canada's Wonderland were left suspended mid-air after a ride called the "Lumberjack" malfunctioned. One of the riders, Spencer Parkhouse, told CBC News that one person on the ride vomited. He said that the ride completed its cycle when it restarted before coming to a halt, causing further anxiety. While Parkhouse and his sister Mackenzie are doing alright, the incident was unsettling for them, and they are unsure if they'll ever ride a rollercoaster again. The park did not reveal how many people were on the ride when it malfunctioned. Watch: Photos show Wisconsin carnival riders stuck upside down for hours It's a ride you won't forget. What is the fastest roller coaster in the world? The "Lumberjack" ride at Canada's Wonderland theme park in Vaughan, Ontario. Lumberjack Saturday's incident took place at Canada's Wonderland theme park in Vaughan, Ontario. Introduced in 2018, the "Lumberjack," takes "guests for a thrilling ride on two swinging axe pendulums, propelling them into the sky with their feet dangling through 360-degree loops," according to the official description on the website. The ride, which has a thrill level of "aggressive," swings riders upside down both forward and backward. "Riders will experience weightlessness and rapidly changing forces and direction," the description reads. Guests are seated face-to-face to allow them to interact with one another and "watch the terror on their friends faces as they loop round and round, changing directions halfway through." Video shows crack in rollercoaster: North Carolina roller coaster closes after video shows crack on support pillar at Carowinds Previous incidents The past summer has experienced a spate of roller coaster malfunctions that have left riders stranded and wary. Last month, in August, guests were forced to walk down a 200-plus-foot roller coaster in Cedar Point, Ohio after the ride experienced a mechanical issue. Back in July, fairgoers in Crandon, Wisconsin, ended up in a terrifying predicament when a malfunction left riders, including seven children, stuck upside down for hours. Just two days prior, a North Carolina amusement park closed one of its rollercoasters after guests noticed a crack in one of its support pillars and video showed pieces moving out of place as cars moved along the tracks. Last year, a tragic accident on the Orlando FreeFall ride of ICON Park led to the death of a 14-year-old boy, after sensors on the ride's seats were improperly modified. 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: Video shows Canadian amusement park riders stuck upside down on ride The Block Island Ferry is running again after several days of cancellations due to rough seas. "Traditional Ferries are RUNNING!!!!!!" the company says on its website Wednesday morning. "High Speed Ferry departures are cancelled." The scheduled has been adjusted and is running as follows: Departing Pt. Judith at 7AM, 8:15AM, 9AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 3PM, 4PM, 5PM Departing Block Island at 7AM, 9AM, 9:30AM, 11AM, 1PM, 1:30PM, 3PM, 5PM, 5:30PM. The ferry had canceled trips since Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued lifted its small craft advisory for Block Island Sound. Its forecast calls for 12 knot winds and seas of about 3 feet. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Block Island Ferry runs again after cancellations Washington Law enforcement agencies have so far seized over 55 million pills of fentanyl this year and more than 9,000 pounds of powder containing the deadly drug, Attorney General Merrick Garland told dozens of families whose loved ones died after ingesting fentanyl. And the Drug Enforcement Administration is on pace to seize more fentanyl in 2023 than in any previous year, a yield that continues to grow annually, according to DEA Administrator Ann Milgram. "Violent drug cartels are manufacturing and moving fake pills designed to look exactly like brand name drugs and instead, they contain deadly fentanyl," Garland said, highlighting what he said are the dangers posed by the work of the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels in Mexico. Attorney General Merrick Garland accompanied by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram, looks at photographs of people who had died from drugs during the Second Annual Family Summit on Fentanyl at DEA Headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. / Credit: Jose Luis Magana / AP "They are fueling this epidemic," the attorney general alleged, "The Justice Department is attacking every aspect of the cartels' operations." What is fentanyl? Fentanyl, a strong opioid about 50 times more powerful than heroin, has become increasingly present in the U.S. drug supply and has caused a wave of overdose deaths among people who consume it or use drugs they didn't realize were tainted with the substance. Garland, Milgram and approximately 150 individuals affected by the growing proliferation of fentanyl on America's streets gathered at DEA headquarters outside of Washington, D.C., Tuesday for the second annual Family Summit on Fentanyl. In 2022, 110,757 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, Milgram said. The event coincided with recent attempts by law enforcement and Justice Department officials to tackle the opioid and fentanyl problem facing the U.S. and pressure transnational organizations that fund and traffic deadly drugs. Earlier this month, the U.S. secured the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of notorious drug trafficker and former Sinaloa cartel leader, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Lopez and other sons of El Chapo were charged in April, along with nearly two dozen members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel for allegedly orchestrating a transnational fentanyl trafficking operation into the U.S. Investigators said the defendants part of the "Chapitos" network facilitated the purchase of the precursor chemicals of fentanyl from China, manufactured the deadly drug in Mexico, and then smuggled it into the U.S., where it was sold on the street. Garland's mention of Lopez's arrest prompted applause from the families of fentanyl victims gathered at DEA Headquarters on Tuesday. He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering. Federal investigators also charged four Chinese nationals with supplying the Mexican cartels with the precursor chemicals that make up the fentanyl drug in April, a prosecution that is the first of its kind. The charges allege the four sold the chemicals to the cartels fully aware that the chemicals would be used to concoct the deadly substance. Milgram said the challenge for the DEA is not just combating those who sell the chemicals and smuggle the drugs into the U.S. Law enforcement must also fight what she characterized Tuesday as the "last mile," which targets individuals are selling fentanyl to victims, some of whom may not be aware that the drugs they're buying contain fentanyl. In the last year, the DEA administrator said over 3,000 individuals were charged with trafficking and selling drugs for the cartels inside the U.S. Currently, according to the DEA, there are 600 active investigations into the deaths of people who died of fentanyl overdoses, a number Milgram conceded Tuesday is not enough, but continues to expand. "We are facing and confronting a threat that is ever-growing. It has never been more deadly or dangerous," Milgram warned. "We are talking about billions of dollars that are crossing the globe today that profit from fentanyl." Two people were arrested earlier this month and charged in connection to the suspected opioid death of a 1-year-old boy at a Bronx home-based daycare center where three other children were found possibly exposed to drugs. To boost education and awareness around fentanyl and curb purchases of the drug, Garland announced the Justice Department is dedicating $345 million in grants in the coming year for training, increasing access to treatment medications and focusing on those who are at risk for drug abuse. "No one, especially no young person, should have to face this threat alone," the attorney general said. Just outside the auditorium where the U.S. officials addressed the victims' families, pictures of Americans who had lost their lives to fentanyl and opioids covered the walls, creatinga growing memorial and a reminder of the dangers the drugs pose. Rise, fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX at center of Michael Lewis' new book | 60 Minutes Rep. Gaetz says he will file a motion this week to oust Speaker McCarthy Judge in Trump's civil fraud case issues gag order after Truth Social post Medics of the Russian peacekeeping troops treat people injured in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh Medics of the Russian peacekeeping troops treat people injured in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh MOSCOW (Reuters) -The death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh has risen to 68, with a further 105 people missing and nearly 300 injured, the office of Karabakh's ombudsman said on Tuesday. The blast occurred as thousands of ethnic Armenians fled the breakaway enclave after their fighters were defeated by Azerbaijan in a lightning military operation. The authorities have not given any explanation of the cause of the blast. Earlier, several media outlets cited the Armenian health minister as saying the death toll from Monday's incident had risen to 125. Some outlets later edited their posts, saying that was the number of people killed in Karabakh during last week's Azerbaijani military operation and then transported to Armenia. The office of Karabakh's ombudsman, Gegham Stepanyan, gave its toll and the number of missing later on Tuesday. It said on social media the number of injured had reached 290, 168 of whom were taken to medical institutions in Armenia on Tuesday: 96 by helicopters from Armenia and belonging to Russian peacekeepers, and 72 patients by ambulances accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The number of victims rose sharply from an earlier announcement by Karabakh authorities reporting 20 dead on Tuesday morning. As of 1600 GMT on Tuesday, at least 28,120 of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians who call Nagorno-Karabakh home had already crossed into Armenia, the Armenian government said. (Writing by Maxim Rodionov;Editing by Gareth Jones, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Ron Popeski and Alison Williams) Kristen Welker , Abby Phillip, Robin Roberts and Linsey Davis are among Black female journalists leading newscasts on broadcast and cable networks. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images, William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty Images, Jemal Countess/Getty Images, Ida Mae Astute/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images, Michael Le Brecht II/ABC via Getty Images ABC News announced on Tuesday that longtime correspondent Deborah Roberts will co-anchor 20/20, the network's storied primetime news magazine, with fellow anchor David Muir. The announcement marks a profound moment in which Black women are ascending to high-profile roles in mainstream broadcast news, from morning shows like Today, where Sheinelle Jones co-hosts, and Good Morning America with co-anchor Robin Roberts to primetime shows like CNN NewsNight, which Abby Phillip hosts, and ABC News's World News Tonight, which Linsey Davis hosts on Sundays. Black women also hold senior executive roles in TV news, such as ABC News president Kim Godwin and MSNBC president Rashida Jones. Decades after the 1968 Kerner Commission report excoriated the media for the lack of Black journalists and how that affected news coverage of racial conflicts, stating that the profession "has been shockingly backward in seeking out, hiring, training and promoting" Black men and women, media experts acknowledge that progress has been made. "The broadcast news industry is making significant strides in making sure that the people who present the news are a true reflection of the country and a true reflection of local communities across the country," Dan Shelley, president and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), told Yahoo News. "But there's still a long way to go for a full representation." Kristen Welker moderates Meet the Press. (William B. Plowman/NBC via Getty Images) But that progress has taken time. Before Kristen Welker signed off following her first episode hosting NBC's Meet the Press on Sept. 17, she acknowledged the gravity of her debut broadcast as the first Black journalist to moderate the show during its seven-decade history. "It is an incredible honor to be sitting in this chair, and I feel the huge responsibility it carries," Welker said. "I also want to recognize all of the women, all of the people of color who've been pathfinders to make this moment possible." She went on to note that now "all five Sunday shows are moderated or co-moderated by women." That list includes Dana Bash, co-anchor of CNN's State of the Union; Shannon Bream, the anchor of FOX News Sunday; Margaret Brennan, the moderator of CBS's Face the Nation and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who hosts Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC. "There has been progress," Ava Thompson Greenwell, a professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, told Yahoo News. "But it's slow and it's fleeting. The nature of history is that most things don't change overnight. It's gradual. And I think that's what we see in these particular situations." What the data shows It's not just Black women rising up the ranks in TV news. Other journalists of color are also getting behind the desk, including CNNs Manu Raju, who is Indian American and the host of Inside Politics on Sundays, and Lawrence Jones, who joined Fox & Friends as a permanent co-host on Sept. 18, making him the youngest Black co-host on cable news. Manu Raju anchors the Sunday edition of Inside Politics on CNN. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) "I feel like when it comes to the couch, you really feel America," Jones said on the Sept. 14 show. "We have this incredible opportunity to represent our audience every single day on the couch, and I'm so grateful, humbled." Also at CNN, longtime host Victor Blackwell will host his own weekend morning show. "The broad range of diversity we are showcasing in our programming is significant, strategic and reflects our audiences," CNN told Yahoo News in a statement. "We are especially proud that our new programming lineup reflects our commitment to investing in and developing our journalists." Racial diversity efforts have been under scrutiny in recent years from politicians, executives and even the courts. Critics who impugn such efforts have said that hiring should be color-blind and solely about merit. Shelley told Yahoo News that diversity is "critical" in newsrooms, especially at the local level. A 2022 RTDNA survey of local news managers across the country found that nearly 30% of newsrooms consist of people of color, the highest number the group has recorded. Compared to the year 2000, Shelley said, the number constitutes a nearly 10% increase in minority newsroom employees but that's over two decades. "Your newsroom has to be as close as possible to a true reflection of the makeup of your community," he said, "so that unheard voices can be heard in news coverage, so that underreported, undercounted cultures and groups of people, people of color in particular, those points of view can be represented and those stories can be told. It's just absolutely essential." A Pew Research Center study released Tuesday indicates that Black people are wary of how they're covered in the news. The study found that almost two-thirds (63%) of the nearly 5,000 Black people Pew surveyed said that "news about Black people is often more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups," while half of the respondents said news "coverage is often missing important information." Former local TV news anchor Andrea Morehead, who led a primetime broadcast at Indianapolis, Ind., news station WTHR, where she worked for over two decades, said she recognized the importance of her role when she joined the network in 1999. "I was always keenly aware of what my role in the media would be and that I was supposed to be in that room so that I could be the voice for those of us who typically don't have a voice on a larger scale," Morehead told Yahoo News. So it was very intentional for me that I walked in being a journalist, but I also walked in being a Black woman and being authentic to who I am and understanding the nuances of our community, understanding the culture and being able to be at the table to speak up when necessary." But Morehead, who left the network in 2021 and sued for discrimination before ultimately dropping the lawsuit, faced myriad challenges over the course of her career, much of which she says stemmed from a lack of representation at the more senior levels of the newsroom. During her more than 20-year tenure at WTHR, Morehead says she never saw Black people in positions of authority and power in the newsroom and only had executive producers who were white. "That in and of itself is not necessarily bad," she said, "but it's not necessarily good either, because they were not intentional about making sure that our leadership represented the community that we serve. It's OK to have us in front of the camera, but again, the power is in the pen. The power is in the news director, the power is in the general manager, the power is in the sales director." TEGNA Inc., the broadcast media company that owns WTHR, declined to comment on Morehead's account. WTHR hired Nicole Block, a Black woman, as its news director last year. 'I hope it's not just a moment' Greenwell stresses the importance of representation both on and off camera in her book, Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News. "As a former on-air reporter myself, I realized I had not worked with that many Black women who were in management positions," said Greenwell, who previously worked at WFLA-TV in Tampa, Fla., WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, Minn. and WEHT in Evansville, Ind. "And I believe truly that it's where that invisible power lies." Greenwell pointed to news leaders such as Yvette Miley, executive vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the NBCUniversal News Group, and Terri Cope-Walton, general manager of Jacksonville, Fla., news stations WJXT-TV and WCWJ-TV, along with Godwin and Rashida Jones, as a promising sign. "I hope it's not just a moment," she explained, "I hope it's momentum." Warning: This story contains graphic description of violence. A Wisconsin woman on Tuesday was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering and decapitating her lover in a meth-fueled rendezvous last yeardespite a plea from her victims father for leniency. Everybody makes bad choices and I think theres a lot of hope for you, Michael Thyrion, the father of 24-year-old Shad Thyrion, said of Taylor Schabusiness during an extraordinary appearance in Brown County Circuit Court on Tuesday. I know youve got heart. I wish you no harm. Jurors who deliberated less than a hour in July convicted Taylor Schabusiness of the February 2022 murder of Shad Thyrion. In July. The jury also found that Schabusiness did not suffer from mental illness during the murder, meaning she will spend her sentence in prison and not a mental health facility. Prosecutors asked the judge to impose life in prison without the possibility of parole because the crime was egregious. Defense attorneys wanted Schabusiness to be eligible for parole, arguing that she was not in her right mind during the murder. Relatives speaking on her behalf included her father, who insisted that she is not a monster and that drugs turned her into a zombie. I know that she committed a crime, and they want her to pay for it, her grandmother, Esther Coronado, told the court via video link. But I believe she should have the opportunity to come back to society one time and be with her son. Schabusiness, who wore a white spit mask over her face, sat silently at the defense table. Asked if she had anything to tell the court, she said: There isnt. Throughout the trial, prosecutors alleged that Schabusiness fatally strangled Thyrion in the basement of his mothers Green Bay home after the pair smoked methamphetamine and began to have sex. Wisconsin Woman Found Guilty in Meth-Fueled Sex Slaying Schabusiness admitted to police that after she dismembered and sexually abused Thyrion, she got lazy and put his severed head and male genitalia in a five-gallon bucket before leaving the house. Later, Thyrions mother, Tara Pakanich, testified during the trial that she found the bucket covered by a beach towel and called 911 when she looked inside. She found the severed head of her son in the basement, Pakanichs boyfriend, Steve Hendricks, told a 911 dispatcher in a call played during the trial. Theres something in the goddamn bucket. Dr. Vincent Tranchida, from the Dane County Medical Examiners Office, testified that Thyrion had cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana in his system, but that the drugs were not the cause of death. This body was essentially bloodless, Tranchida said, adding that the injuries suggested someone tried to remove the blood from his flesh. The deceased was castrated as wellit is in my medical opinion that this would have taken a great deal of time, the doctor added. Prosecutors also detailed to jurors Schabusinesss obsession with Jeffrey Dahmer, which included taking selfies with a photo of the serial killer. Former Green Bay Police lieutenant Jena Luberda testified that she found several Dahmer-related photos saved on Schabusinesss phone, as well as about 24 online searches about the Milwaukee murderer infamous for killing and dismembering 17 men between 1978 and 1991. Things like Jeffrey Dahmer, Jeff Boyardee, Jeffrey Dahmers butt, Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy, Luberda said about Schabusinesss search history. 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. The European Union has warned more needs to be done to address the risks that widely accessible generative AI tools may pose to free and fair debate in democratic societies, with the bloc's values and transparency commissioner highlighting AI-generated disinformation as a potential threat to elections ahead of the pan-EU vote to choose a new European Parliament next year. Giving an update on the the bloc's voluntary Code of Practice on Disinformation in a speech today, Vera Jourova welcomed initial efforts by a number of mainstream platforms to address the AI risks by implementing safeguards to inform users about the "synthetic origin of content posted online", as she put it. But said more must be done. "These efforts need to continue and intensify considering the high potential of such realistic AI products for creating and disseminating disinformation. The risks are particularly high in the context of elections," she warned. "I therefore urge platforms to be vigilant and provide efficient safeguards for this in the context of elections." The EU commissioner noted she's meeting representatives of ChatGPT maker, OpenAI, later today to discuss the issue. The AI giant is not a signatory to the bloc's anti-disinformation Code -- as yet -- so is likely to be facing pressure to get on board with the effort. (We've reached out to OpenAI with questions about its meeting with the Jourova.) The commissioner's remarks today on generative AI follow initial pressure applied to platforms this summer, when she urged signatories to label deepfakes and other AI-generated content -- calling on Code signatories to create a dedicated and separate track to tackle "AI production", and quipping that machines should not have free speech. An incoming pan-EU AI regulation (aka, the EU AI Act) is expected to make user disclosures a legal requirement on makers of generative AI technologies like AI chatbots. Although the still draft legislation remains the subject of negotiations by EU co-legislators. Add to that, once adopted the law is not expected to apply for a couple of years so the Commission has turned to the Code to act as a stop-gap vehicle to encourage signatories to be proactive about deepfake disclosures it expects to be mandatory in the future. Following efforts to beef up the anti-disinformation Code last year the Commission also made it clear it would treat adherence to the non-legally binding Code as a favorable signal for compliance with (hard legal) requirements hitting larger platforms which are subject to the Digital Services Act (DSA) -- another major piece of pan-EU digital regulation that obliges so called very-large-online-platforms (VLOPs) and search engines (VLOSEs) to assess and mitigate societal risks attached to their algorithms (such as disinformation). "Upcoming national elections and the EU elections will be an important test for the Code that platforms signatories should not fail," said Jourova today, warning: "Platforms will need to take their responsibility seriously, in particular in view of the DSA that requires them to mitigate the risks they pose for elections. "The DSA is now binding, and all the VLOPs have to comply with it. The Code underpins the DSA, because our intention is to transform the Code of Practice into a Code of Conduct that can form part of a co-regulatory framework for addressing risks of disinformation." A second batch of reports by disinformation Code signatories have been published today, covering the January to June period. At the time of writing only a handful are available for download on the EU's Disinformation Code Transparency Center -- including reports from Google, Meta, Microsoft and TikTok. The EU said these are the most extensive reports produced by signatories to the Code since it was set up back in 2018. The EU's voluntary anti-disinformation Code has 44 signatories in all -- covering not just major social media and search platforms such as the aforementioned giants but entities from across the ad industry and civil society organizations involved in fact-checking. Google On generative AI, Google's report discusses "recent progress in large-scale AI models" which it suggests has "sparked additional discussion about the social impacts of AI and raised concerns on topics such as misinformation". The tech giant is an early adopter of generative AI in search -- via its Bard chatbot. "Google is committed to developing technology responsibly and has published AI Principles to guide our work, including application areas we will not pursue," it writes in summary on the topic, adding: "We have also established a governance team to put them into action by conducting ethical reviews of new systems, avoiding bias and incorporating privacy, security and safety. "Google Search has published guidance on AI-generated content, outlining its approach to maintaining a high standard of information quality and the overall helpfulness of content on Search. To help address misinformation, Google has also announced that it will soon be integrating new innovations in watermarking, metadata, and other techniques into its latest generative models. "Google also recently joined other leading AI companies to jointly commit to advancing responsible practices in the development of artificial intelligence which will support efforts by the G7, the OECD, and national governments. Going forward we will continue to report and expand upon Google developed AI tools and are committed to advance bold and responsible AI, to maximise AIs benefits and minimise its risks." Over the next six months Google's report states it has no additional measures planned for YouTube. But, with generative image capabilities rolling out internally over the next year, it commits Google Search to leveraging IPTC Photo Metadata Standard to add metadata tags to images that are generated by Google AI. "Creators and publishers will be able to add a similar markup to their own images, so a label can be displayed in Search to indicate the images as AI generated," Google's report further notes. Microsoft Microsoft -- a major investor in OpenAI which has also baked generative AI capabilities into its own search engine -- claims it's taking "a cross product whole of company approach to ensure the responsible implementation of AI". Its report flags its "Responsible AI Principles" which it says it's developed into a Responsible AI standard v.2 and Information Integrity Principles "to help set baseline standards and guidance across product teams". "Recognizing that there is an important role for government, academia and civil society to play in the responsible deployment of AI, we also created a roadmap for the governance of AI across the world as well as creating a vision for the responsible advancement of AI, both inside Microsoft and throughout the world, including specifically in Europe," Microsoft goes on, committing to continue building on efforts -- including by developing new tools (such as Project Providence with Truepic) and inking partnerships (examples it gives include the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), to combat the rise of manipulated or AI created media; with EFE Verifica to track false narratives spreading in Spain, Latin America, and Spanish speaking populations; and Reporters Sans Frontieres to use their Journalism Trust Initiative dataset in Microsoft products). "These partnerships are part of a larger effort to empower Microsoft users to better understand the information they consume across our platforms and products," it suggests, also citing efforts undertaken in media literacy campaigns and "cyber-skilling" which it says are "not designed to tell individuals what to believe or how to think; rather, they are about equipping people to think critically and make informed decisions about what information they consume". On Bing Search, where Microsoft was quick to embed generative AI features -- leading to some embarrassing early reviews which demonstrated the tool producing dubious content -- the report claims it has taken a raft of measures to mitigate risks including applying its AI principles during development and consulting with experts; engaging in pre-launch testing and a limited preview period and phased release; the use of classifiers and metaprompting, defensive search interventions, enhanced reporting functionality, and increased operations and incident response; as well as updating Bing's terms of use to include a Code of Conduct for users. The report also claims Microsoft has set up a "robust user reporting and appeal process to review and respond to user concerns of harmful or misleading content". Over the next six months, the report does not commit Bing Search to any specific additional steps to address risk attached to the use of generative AI -- Microsoft just says it's keeping a watching brief, writing: "Bing is regularly reviewing and evaluating its policies and practices related to existing and new Bing features and adjusts and updates policies as needed." TikTok In its report, TikTok focuses on AI-generated content in the context of ensuring the "integrity" of its services -- flagging a recent update to its community guidelines which also saw it modify its synthetic media policy "to address the use of content created or modified by AI technology on our platform". "While we welcome the creativity that new AI may unlock, in line with our updated policy, users must proactively disclose when their content is AI-generated or manipulated but shows realistic scenes," it also writes. "We continue to fight against covert influence operations (CIO) and we do not allow attempts to sway public opinion while misleading our platforms systems or community about the identity, origin, operating location, popularity, or purpose of the account." "CIOs continue to evolve in response to our detection and networks may attempt to reestablish a presence on our platform. This is why we continue to iteratively research and evaluate complex deceptive behaviours and develop appropriate product and policy solutions. We continue to provide information about the CIO networks we identify and remove in this report and within our transparency reports here," it adds. Commitment 15 in TikTok's report signs the platform up to "tak[ing] into consideration transparency obligations and the list of manipulative practices prohibited under the proposal for Artificial Intelligence Act" -- and here it lists being a launch partner of the Partnership on AI's (PAI) "Responsible Practices for Synthetic Media" (and contributing to the development of "relevant practices"); and joining "new relevant groups", such as the Generative AI working group which started work this month as implemented measures towards this pledge. In the next six months it says it wants to further strengthen its enforcement of its synthetic media policy -- and explore "new products and initiatives to help enhance our detection and enforcement capabilities" in this area, including in the area of user education. Meta Facebook and Instagram parent Meta's report also includes a recognition that "widespread availability and adoption of generative AI tools may have implications for how we identify, and address disinformation on our platforms". "We want to work with partners in government, industry, civil society and academia to ensure that we can develop robust, sustainable solutions to tackling AI-generated misinformation," Meta goes on, also noting it has signed up to the PAI's Responsible Practices for Synthetic Media, while professing the company to be "committed to cross-industry collaboration to help to maintain the integrity of the online information environment for our users". "Besides, to bring more people into this process, we are launching a Community Forum on Generative AI aimed at producing feedback on the principles people want to see reflected in new AI technologies," Meta adds. "It will be held in consultation with Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab and the Behavioural Insights Team, and is consistent with our open collaboration approach to sharing AI models. We look forward to expanding this effort as a member of the Codes Task Force Working Group on Generative AI, and look forward to working together with its other members." Over the next six months, Meta says it wants to "work with partners in government, industry, civil society and academia in Europe and around the world, to ensure that we can develop robust, sustainable solutions to tackling AI-generated misinformation", adding: "We will participate in the newly formed working group on AI-generated disinformation under the EU Code of Practice." Kremlin propaganda Platforms must concentrate efforts to combat the spread of Kremlin propaganda, Jourova also warned today -- including in the context of looming EU elections next year with the risk of Russia stepping up its election interference efforts. "One of my main messages to the signatories is to be aware of the context. Russian war against Ukraine, and the upcoming EU elections next year, are particularly relevant, because the risk of disinformation is particularly serious," she said. "The Russian state has engaged in the war of ideas to pollute our information space with half-truth and lies to create a false image that democracy is no better than autocracy. "Today, this is a multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation aimed both internally at the Russians as well as at Europeans and the rest of the world. We must address this risk. The very large platforms must address this risk. Especially that we have to expect that the Kremlin and others will be active before elections. I expect signatories to adjust their actions to reflect that there is a war in the information space waged against us and that there are upcoming elections where malicious actors will try to use the design features of the platforms to manipulate." Per the Commission's early analysis of Big Tech's Code reports, YouTube shut down more than 400 channels between January and April 2023 which were involved in coordinated influence operations linked to the Russian-state sponsored Internet Research Agency (IRA). It also removed ads from almost 300 sites linked to state-funded propaganda sites. While the EU highlighted that TikTok's fact-checking efforts now cover Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and 17 European languages, including through a new partnership with Reuters. "In this context, 832 videos related to the war have been fact-checked, of which 211 have been removed," Jourova noted. The EU also flagged reporting by Microsoft that told it Bing Search had either promoted information or downgraded questionable information in relation to almost 800,000 search queries related to the Ukraine crisis. Jourova's speech also highlighted a couple of other areas where she urged Code signatories to go further -- calling (yet again) for more consistent moderation and investment in fact-checking, especially in smaller Member States and languages. She also criticized platforms over access to data, saying they must step up efforts to make sure researchers are empowered to scrutinize disinformation flows "and contribute to the necessary transparency". Both are areas where X/Twitter under new owner, Elon Musk, has moved out of step with EU expectations on countering disinformation. Twitter (now X) was an original signatory to the disinformation Code but Musk took the platform out of the initiative back in May, as critical scrutiny of his actions dialled up in the EU. And also today, as we reported earlier, Jourova drew attention to early analysis conducted by some of the remaining signatories which she said had found X performed the worst for disinformation ratios. This suggests that X, which back in April was designated by the EU as a VLOP under the DSA, continues to put itself squarely in the Commission's crosshairs -- including over its priority issue of tackling Kremlin propaganda. As well as devising the anti-disinformation Code, the bloc's executive is now responsible for oversight of VLOPs' compliance with the DSA -- with powers under the new law to fine violators up to 6% of global annual turnover. FILE - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks during a news conference, Sept. 19, 2022, outside of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in Flint, Mich. One of the 16 Michigan Republicans charged in a fake elector scheme filed a motion Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 asking for the eight criminal charges to be dismissed after Nessel said the group had been brainwashed and "legit believe that former President Donald Trump had won the 2020 election. (Jake May/The Flint Journal via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LANSING, Mich. (AP) One of 16 Michigan Republicans accused of taking part in a fake elector scheme filed a motion Tuesday asking a judge to dismiss charges after the state attorney general said the group had been brainwashed" and truly believed that former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election. All 16 are facing eight criminal charges, including forgery and conspiracy to commit election forgery, that were first announced in July by state Attorney General Dana Nessel . Investigators allege that they met following the 2020 election and signed a document falsely stating they were Michigans duly elected and qualified electors. President Joe Biden won the state by nearly 155,000 votes, a result that was confirmed by a GOP-led state Senate investigation in 2021. Michigan is one of seven states where false Electoral College certificates were submitted declaring Trump the winner, despite confirmed results showing he had lost. On Sept. 18, Nessel, a Democrat, told a liberal group during a virtual event that the false electors had been brainwashed and genuinely believed Trump won in Michigan. They legit believe that, Nessel said, according to the video first reported by The Detroit News. Nessel also said that Ingham County, where the cases will be tried, "is a very, very Democratic-leaning county. An attorney for one of the accused fake electors, Mari-Ann Henry, 65, said those comments nullify the governments entire case and the charges should be thrown out. George MacAvoy Brown, an attorney for Henry, said in a statement that the charges require proof that Henry intended to cheat or deceive someone and that Nessel's comments show that wasn't the case. The motion for dismissal was filed in Ingham County District Court. Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for Nessel's office, said in response to a request for comment that the office will respond to the motion in our filings with the Court. Attorneys for others charged in the case have also been critical of Nessels comments. Nick Somberg, who represents former Michigan GOP co-chair Meshawn Maddock, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that they prove the charges hold no merit and that this is a political case. In a separate court filing obtained by AP, another defendant, Amy Facchinello, claims that the charges stem from conduct that came at the direction of then-President Trump and other federal officers. All 16 of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. Henry and several others, including Maddock and Kathy Berden, Michigans Republican national committeewoman, are scheduled to appear for a preliminary examination hearing on Oct. 12. A Delaware State Police trooper has been indicted after an investigation into him "brutally beating" a 15-year-old boy who had pranked his house in Elsmere last month. In a joint announcement Tuesday, the Delaware Department of Justice and Delaware State Police announced felony charges against 29-year-old Dempsey R. Walters, who has been with the state police agency for almost seven years. He remains suspended without pay or benefits, though has not been terminated. Officials said one of the victims did not participate in the prank and that Walters was on duty when the incident occurred. He turned off his body camera during the assault, officials said, but a program in the device meant it was only capturing video. There was no audio. Delaware Attorney General Kathleen Jennings (left) speaks at a press conference on Tuesday afternnon announcing charges filed against a Delaware State Police trooper. Officials released Walters' body-cam video, showing him walking up to the back of a Delaware State Police SUV that was holding the handcuffed boy. Another trooper backs out of the way as Walters strikes the boy in the face. Walters then walks around the SUV until he again comes to where the boy is being held and flashes a light at the teen, who turns his body to face the inside the vehicle. Walters hits the button to turn his body camera on, activating its audio. "You sure about that?" Walters is heard saying. "Please tell me what I did? Please tell me what I did?" the boy asks. Walters was charged with second-degree assault, a felony; deprivation of civil rights, a felony; two counts of third-degree assault, misdemeanors; and two counts of official misconduct, also misdemeanors. Attorney General Kathy Jennings said Tuesday that the man "chose to extract his own form of personal justice" by "embarking on a violent rampage." As a mother and grandmother, the footage in this case is hard to watch," Jennings said Tuesday. "As a prosecutor, the constitutional violations are stunning." State Police Col. Melissa Zebley apologized to Walters' victims on Tuesday, saying the agency recognizes "the gravity of the situation." "We assure you all that we are taking every possible step to prevent such things from happening in the future," she said. A state police spokesperson said the agency will be looking to see if other officers violated policies. "When an incident involving the Delaware State Police occurs, we follow a bifurcated process," Sgt. India Sturgis, a police spokesperson, told Delaware Online/The News Journal Tuesday. "First and foremost, we prioritize the criminal investigation as was announced today. The next step in the process is for DSP to identify any potential policy violations committed by troopers on the scene." What happened to these teens? Walters was off duty and on his way home when he saw a 17-year-old boy near the entrance to his Elsmere neighborhood on Aug. 17, according to the indictment. Believing the boy was up to wrongdoing, Walters confronted him, causing a verbal altercation, court documents say. Walters called Elsmere police, who picked up the teen and took him to his home in the nearby development of Lancaster Village. The teen was not charged, but the indictment says the following day Walters looked up the teen on the states law enforcement information database that contains addresses, pedigree and background information. A few days later, on Aug. 21, a 15-year-old boy and his friends were pranking homes in Elsmere by knocking on doors, then running away also known as ding-dong ditch. About 8:30 p.m. that day, the 15-year-old kicked Walters door, which startled the troopers girlfriend. She then called Walters, who was on duty. Walters drove toward his home, calling Delaware State Police troopers and other police agencies for assistance, the indictment said. Police said this was reported as an attempted home invasion, sending out the state police helicopter and various K-9 units. While at his house, the indictment said Walters spoke to a witness who told him several juveniles had run past him and toward Taft Avenue the street where the 17-year-old boy from the Aug. 17 incident lived. Walters and a Newport Police officer went to the home of the 17-year-old boy and, at gunpoint, removed them from the house, according to the indictment. The 17-year-old and his friend had not been involved in the ding-dong ditch prank. The teens were forced to the ground, where one can be heard on body camera video saying, "Please help me," and calling for his mom. The teen's family said they were held in hot police cars for hours before they were released. The mother of the 17-year-old boy was told it was all a "misunderstanding," Delaware Online/The News Journal previously reported. The 17-year-old's mother said Walters had been knocking on doors in her Lancaster Village development and that he told one of the neighbors that someone had tried to break into his home. "Some kids were over in the other neighborhood playing [ding-dong ditch], and they hit a door that belonged to a state trooper police officer," the mother said an officer told her. "Your son is not on the video. He has nothing to do with it." Her son was released after being detained for about four hours with police not providing an incident report. The indictment claims Walters left the scene after handcuffing the 17-year-old because a state police trooper had detained the 15-year-old boy and his friends near Taft Avenue and DuPont Street. When Walters arrived, the indictment said, the 15-year-old was face-down on the ground as another trooper was trying to handcuff the teen. Walters then struck the 15-year-old in the back of the neck and head with his knee, according to the indictment. With the 15-year-olds hands cuffed behind him, another trooper took the boy to a state police SUV and was placing him in the rear passenger seat. Thats when the indictment said Walters turned off his body-cam, walked to the police vehicle and struck the boys face twice, causing an orbital fracture. Delaware's public corruption watchdogs Walters' charges come as the state Department of Justice's Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust the agency charged with investigating use-of-force by law enforcement and the state's top public corruption watchdogs recently underwent a shakeup in staffing and leadership. The division is supposed to be staffed by four deputy attorneys general, as well as inspectors and paralegals. But departures left the division with one deputy attorney general earlier this year, requiring it to borrow attorneys from other DOJ divisions. There are now two deputy attorneys general: the division's new director, Dan McBride, and Zoe Plerhoples. The agency has prosecuted not only police officers, but also public officials. This includes: Another black eye for the badge Walters' indictment adds to the growing list of Delaware law officers who have been recently charged with or convicted of crimes. Samuel Waters, a former Wilmington police officer who was captured on video slamming a mans head into a store wall in 2021, was indicted last year by a New Castle County Superior Court grand jury. Waters' charges include two felonies that carry a sentence of up to 13 years in prison. In June, Waters was found guilty of misdemeanor charges of assault and official misconduct. He has not been sentenced. Former Wilmington Police Sgt. Kecia M. Rosado pleaded guilty in May to assaulting another city officer during a domestic incident in 2021. Rosado was sentenced to one-year probation. The Delaware Department of Justice James MacColl, a former Wilmington police officer, was indicted in early 2021 on multiple felony charges after prosecutors said he tampered with and lied about the gun he used to shoot an unarmed 18-year-old two years prior. In March, a jury found him guilty of a felony for lying about the gun he used to shoot Yahim Harris. MacColl was sentenced to a year of probation and 150 hours of community service for the felony lie and a misdemeanor official misconduct guilty verdict. Brandon Cooper, a former Wilmington police officer, was charged with sending nude photos to a teenage girl he met while on duty in 2021. He pleaded guilty to lewdness, official misconduct and possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced in December to 90 days home confinement. Last year, Michael Carnevale, a former New Castle County police corporal, pleaded guilty to repeatedly pulling a 16-year-old girl's hair and dragging her by the handcuffs in 2021 while she was on her stomach. He was sentenced to one year of probation. Delaware State Police trooper James D. Boyda was placed on six-month probation after he pleaded guilty last year to illegally using a criminal justice computer system to find New Jersey vehicle information for a friend. Edwin Ramirez, a former Delaware State Police corporal, was indicted in 2021 in a fraudulent traffic warning scheme. He pleaded guilty to falsifying business records and official misconduct in October and was sentenced to a year of probation and 33 hours of community service one hour for every false e-warning he filed. Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com. Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware trooper charged with assaulting teens pranking his home When Democratic New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez was indicted on bribery charges by federal authorities on Fridaycharges that included the allegation that hed accepted actual bars of gold in exchange for pressuring prosecutors to go easy on an individual accused of bank fraudthe response from his partys national leaders was kind of a sluggish Ah, crap. (Menendez has categorically denied that he has committed any crimes.) This was an understandable reaction. Menendez is a machine politician who has been in Congress since 1993 and beat similar corruption allegations in 2017 before winning reelection in 2018. Pressure him to resign and he might refuse, creating a mess in the 2024 primary that he might well emerge from as a winner if no other candidate consolidated the field. (As 2018 showed, name recognition and allies within a state party can go a long way.) And while New Jersey is a blue state, a Democratic candidate whos running postsecond indictment could conceivably lose a general-election race to a Republican running on a platform of, lets say, not having been indicted twice for corruption. (Also: Menendez, in the scenario where party leaders have basically called him a crook, might not feel compelled to vote the way they ask him to, which would be a problem in a 50-50 Senate.) On the other hand, not pressuring Menendez to resign risks creating the impression that the Democratic Party condones corruption, which is not the image it wants to project heading into an election that will, at the national level, be defined by the question of whether Donald Trump is too corrupt to be president. It would also still result in Menendez running as the partys nominee in 2024 while under indictment (or on trial). What would be great for Democratic leaders is if Menendez would decide to throw in the towel on his own, but he said at a Monday press conference that hes not going anywhere. Tricky stuff! But less tricky if youre a Democratic senator from a swing state (or red state), where theres an incentive to find issues on which you can show thats youre independent-minded. The first senator to say Mendendez should resign, on Friday afternoon, was Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, whose political profile combines relatively mainstream liberal positions with a maverick-styled manner of casual dress and personal bluntness. (Last week, Fetterman was criticized by a number of his colleagues for inspiring Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to change the chambers dress code so that he can preside over it in shorts.) Fetterman was followed on Monday by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brownup for reelection in a red state in 2024and Vermont Sen. Peter Welch (Vermont is the most maverick state), Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin is possibly the most 50-50 state in the country), and Montana Sen. Jon Tester (Montana is redder than, uh, the summer dust that cowboys dust off their boots). From there, the dam has cracked open. As of Tuesday afternoon, the should resign caucus was up to 16 Dems, including more senior figures like Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Most prominently, it includes New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who stood by his home state colleague in 2018 after the last set of corruption charges. (New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy was also early to call for Menendez to step down; he and Booker might not want that characteristic New Jersey indictment smell lingering on them if they run for higher office, again in Bookers case.) In sum, Fetterman got his wish: This week, I hope to see my colleagues fully address the alleged systemic corruption of Senator Menendez with the same vigor and velocity they brought to concerns about our dress code. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 26, 2023 Not calling on Menendez to resign: The Senates Republicans, who would love to run someone against Mr. Bribery Pants in 2024 and who, because of Trump, are now obligated to characterize corruption prosecutions as deep state interventions in the peoples business. (To be clear, at this point Menendez is only Mr. Alleged Bribery Pants.) Heres Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is to using periods in his tweets as Fetterman is to wearing a suit: The allegations against the Senior Senator from New Jersey are nasty & the evidence offered difficult to explain away But in America guilt is decided by a jury, not politicians in fear of their party losing a Senate seat Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 26, 2023 Getting a free shot at a presidential-year Senate flip? Now thats a golden political opportunity! (Sorrywell be calling for our own resignation shortly.) Anyway, my two cents is that if Democrats really want Robert Menendez to resign, they should tell him that if he does, theyll give him $480,000 in cash that he can hide in his clothes. Maybe he has a sense of humor! New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez is facing a rapidly growing number of calls from his Democratic colleagues to resign from office following a damning indictment on charges of corruption and bribery. On Wednesday, Menendez pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment in Manhattan court. The indictment, which was made public on Friday, was initially met with widespread silence from Senate Democrats, save for Pennsylvanias John Fetterman, who on Saturday called for Menendezs resignation. Senator Menendez should resign, he wrote. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence, but he cannot continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. But the floodgates opened after Menendez said on Monday that he has no intention of resigning, and as of Wednesday at least 29 senators (all Democrats and Independent Bernie Sanders ) have called for their colleague to step down: Multiple House Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have also said Menendez should resign. On Friday, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York charged Menendez and his wife Nadie with various criminal counts related to conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion. The pair were accused of having engaged in a corrupt relationship with three New Jersey associates and businessmen, who were also indicted. Menendez is further accused of having exploited his position as Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to corruptly push through policies that were favorable to the government of Egypt. Shortly after the charges against him were announced, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that Menendez had chosen to step down from his position as Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, but that would remain in office. Bob Menendez has been a dedicated public servant and is always fighting hard for the people of New Jersey, Schumer said. He has a right to due process and a fair trial. Menendez held a press conference addressing the allegations against him, proclaiming his innocence as well as his intention to continue serving in office. That afternoon, Sens. Sherrod Brown and Peter Welch called for his resignation. Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate, Brown wrote in a statement. Welch wrote that while Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the shocking and specific allegations against Senator Menendez have wholly compromised his capacity to serve the people of New Jersey. Early on Tuesday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jon Tester (D-Mt.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) issued their own calls for Menendez to step down. So too did Menendezs colleague in New Jersey, Sen. Cory Booker. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost, Booker wrote. My statement on Senator Robert Menendez. pic.twitter.com/h7WY9EWwUz Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) September 26, 2023 When asked by The Boston Globe if she felt Menendez should leave office, Warren replied Yes. These are serious charges, and its time for Sen. Menendez to step away from the Senate and concentrate on his legal defense. Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate, Tester wrote. Senator Baldwin echoed the affirmation of Menendezs presumption of innocence, writing that the indictment spells out deeply troubling allegations against Senator Menendez that breach the American peoples trust and compromise his ability to effectively represent his constituents. Sen. Casey issued a brief statement asserting that though Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence serving in public office is a privilege that demands a higher standard of conduct. Senator Menendez should resign. Sens. Heinrich, Klobuchar, Kelly, Bennet, Markey, Gillibrand, Hirono, Hassan, Warnock, Sanders, Peters, Murphy, Duckworth, Stabenow, Ossoff, Blumenthal, and Hickenlooper released statements calling for Menendezs resignation later on Tuesday. Sen. Sanders wrote in his statement that if Menendez refuses to step down, a Senate Ethics Committee investigation must go forward immediately. On Wednesday, Sens. Murray, Durbin, and Van Hollen joined the chorus. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a 2024 presidential campaign rally in Dubuque FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a 2024 presidential campaign rally in Dubuque By Jarrett Renshaw PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - When Republican U.S. Representative Don Bacon was asked if he supports Donald Trump 's bid for the White House next year at Nebraska town hall last month, he batted away the question, saying it was too early to say, given the former president hadn't yet secured the nomination. Despite the non-answer, a Democratic activist with a video camera filmed the exchange, and it was quickly blasted it online with the headline Bacon "refuses to tell Nebraskans if he supports Trump." The attempt to tie a vulnerable Republican like Bacon is a scenario likely to be repeated in competitive districts around the country in the months to come, Democratic strategists tell Reuters. While U.S. President Joe Biden and his reelection campaign have rarely commented on Trump's string of criminal indictments, Democrats running for state and local office across the nation are taking the opposite tactic and making the charges a key part of their campaign. Democrats are hoping to exploit what they see as a structural weakness for Republicans in battleground states in 2024: any Republican candidate who criticizes Trump risks losing the party's Trump-loving voter base. But they believe any Republican who doesn't condemn Trump risks losing more moderate Republicans and independent voters they need to beat a Democrat. Republicans are contorting themselves to not alienate Trump supporters while appealing to the more moderate parts of their party," said Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist. "Democrats are going to work hard to make sure that is no longer a tenable strategy." While Trump's legal woes have boosted his popularity with some Republican primary voters, many independent voters, who often decide both national and local elections, see Trump's potential criminal conviction as a reason to vote against him, Reuters/Ipsos polling and reporting in key states like Arizona shows. The Bacon campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Republican party officials say Democrats' time would be better spent worrying about their own presidential candidate Joe Biden's popularity. "Biden's approval ratings have been under water since his botched Afghanistan withdrawal. It's been two years and Democrats refuse to look in the mirror," said Emma Vaughn, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. 'SAME DAY FOOTAGE' Democrats are monitoring local radio interviews, scouring news stories and hiring teams of political trackers armed with cameras to blanket Republican events, to capture the moment a candidate is asked a Trump loyalty question. North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania Democrats are currently hiring "trackers" to follow, record and post footage of Republicans at local events, according to job websites. For $4,000 a month, a tracker will be responsible for "comprehensively tracking opponents' schedules" and providing "same day footage" to "drive the campaign narrative," one such job posting says. Tracking, essentially following an opponent with the hopes they slip up or do something that can be used to influence voters, has become a ubiquitous practice in U.S. political campaigns in recent years. It will only grow in 2024, some Democrats say. American Bridge 21st Century, the largest research, tracking, and rapid response operation in the Democratic Party, spent $84 million tracking Republican candidates and using the footage to run ads against them in their home states in 2020. In 2024, the operation is "going to be bigger than it's ever been," President Pat Dennis told Reuters. IN THE SUBURBS Republicans in suburban districts are the most squeezed by Trump politics, making them the best areas to film, Dennis said. "The amount of damage Trump has done to the Republican Party in the suburbs is extraordinary. So that's sort of the pain point for them," Dennis said. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, has a national favorability rating of around 41%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Sept 8-14, which had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 2 percentage points. That's roughly tied with the equally unpopular Biden. Pennsylvania Democrats are taking aim at Dave McCormick, the Republican challenger to incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. for remaining silent on Trump's legal woes and hiring former Trump officials during a failed 2022 Senate run. McCormick jumped into the senate race on Thursday after spending weeks debating whether Trump would be a drag on his campaign. He did not mention the former president during his campaign speech, but his aides say they know questions about Trump are coming. "Dave will speak to the Trump question, which I know he will see on the trail and when he's out in interviews for sure," a McCormick campaign strategist said. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Alistair Bell) Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! DESPITE MANY GUN CONTROL EFFORTS, GUN VIOLENCE IS UP IN CALIFORNIA As California legislative Republicans are quick to point out, the state has seen a marked increase in violent crime in recent years. According to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California, violent crime in 2022 the most recent available data has increased by more than 26% since 2014, the first year that violent crime reversed its downward trend. While homicides dropped by 6.1% in 2022, they are still up by more than 25% from pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the share of violent crimes involving a firearm remains higher than in 2019, before the pandemic began. As Newsom pointed out recently, some areas of the state see more gun violence than others. According to the PPIC, out of the states 15 most populous counties, Alameda and San Joaquin counties had the highest rates of violent crimes involving guns. Nearly 40% of all violent crimes in those counties involved a firearm. In San Diego and Orange counties, that rate was 14%. In Alameda and San Joaquin counties, nine out of 10 homicides involved a firearm. In San Mateo County, just 38% did. Almost half (48%) of all robberies in Alameda County involved a gun; that number was 15% in San Diego County. In Sacramento County, relatively few violent crimes involve firearms (between 20% and 30%), but when it comes to homicides, around 80% of them involved a gun. California has met with mixed results in curbing gun violence. Though Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature have passed laws cracking down on ghost guns, restricting ammunition magazine sizes, and banning assault weapons many of the states efforts have been blocked or overturned by federal Judge Roger Benitez. The PPIC notes that while previous research has found no link between the rise in violent crime and recent criminal justice reforms, including Proposition 47 and Proposition 57, those studies dont extend beyond 2016. Research aimed at determining whether those findings hold up today would be especially valuable but is made challenging by additional criminal justice reforms and the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter is especially important as most of the increases are post-2019, the PPIC report authors wrote. Despite the concerning rise in gun violence, Newsoms team is quick to point out that California has a much lower gun violence rate than most other states, or the U.S. as a whole. The governor points to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which show that California has the seventh lowest gun death rate in the nation. CALCHAMBER URGES A VETO ON SICK LEAVE BILL The pandemic left many California workers reeling, unable to work yet unable to get time off from work to recover. Cue the California Legislature, which this year passed a bill SB 616, by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach to increase the number of mandatory paid sick days that employers must provide from three to five. That bill is now on Newsoms desk, and he has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto. The California Chamber of Commerce added SB 616 to its Job Killer list of bills which the business organization vehemently opposes. In a blog post last week, CalChamber argued that the bill disproportionally affects small business, which are already struggling to keep their doors open and cant afford the increased cost of additional paid sick leave days. The organization notes that businesses that are capable of offering more sick days for employees are doing so, but that many other employers simply cannot absorb that cost. CalChamber also opposes a provision of the bill that prevents employers from requiring a doctors note for sick leave. Doctors visits can prove to be a major expense for struggling workers, but CalChamber contends that employers have found employees using sick time for non-sick-related purposes, for which there is nothing employers can do because otherwise the employers face an alleged violation for interfering with or discouraging the use of leave. Gonzalez issued a statement in response to CalChambers call for a veto, saying that despite being the fifth largest economy in the world, California lags behind other states when it comes to sick leave. The California workforce has enabled our economy to thrive and it is beyond time to give them an opportunity to recover from illness and protect coworkers and customers, Gonzalez said. QUOTE OF THE DAY Im glad Gavins solved every one of the issues people voted him in to solve so hes got spare time to hang out with a guy whos only polling slightly better than a rotten banana. - TV writer Kashana Cauley, discussing Gov. Gavin Newsoms planned debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, via Bluesky. Best of The Bee: California Gov. Gavin Newsom is officially set to take on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a long-awaited debate this fall on Fox News, via Lindsey Holden and David Lightman . California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparked outrage among LGBTQ lawmakers by vetoing a bill that would have directed judges to consider parents acceptance of childrens gender identities in custody disputes, via Lindsey Holden . Gas prices are creeping higher in California once again and a recently appointed state oil czar is trying to get to the bottom of why, via Maya Miller and Ari Plachta. Recently, with the launch of the critically important National Reconnaissance Office-Space Force SilentBarker mission into orbit, Space Systems Command leader Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein has said this system will deter aggression by allowing our competitors to know that we have eyes in GEO [geosynchronous orbit]. While openly discussing the deployment of this indications and warning system for GEO is helpful for enhancing strategic communications, it is not a deterrent to aggression in space. To have a deterrent effect requires three major components: credibility of a threat, capability (i.e., weapons) the threat is based upon combined with the determination to use them, and communicating the will to use that capability to prevent an attack on critical space infrastructure. It is important to understand all of these are required both physically and psychologically to ensure our Space Force provides a true deterrent of aggression upon U.S. interests in space. When the United States, or any country for that matter, declares a deterrent threat to an adversary state, that threat must be seen as credible by the enemy. A lack of a credible deterrent threat will end in failure when the threat is not taken seriously either by the one giving the threat or by the receiver of the threat. One point to make here is that rhetoric alone is not a threat. Some commentators in foreign policy and diplomacy argue that rhetoric and verbal comments that appear to be threatening are dangerous and destabilizing to an already tense situation. However, a true threat is not mere words, but is the capability, will and determination of the one giving the threat in the mind of the adversary that is required for a threat to be perceived as credible. Credibility is based upon several things. One is the will of a state. A nations willingness to oppose its adversaries is inferred from its past behavior. If a state is willing to retaliate or actively deter an adversarys action regardless of escalation level, then most likely the status quo can be maintained through deterrence. If, however, a state is unwilling to follow through on its threats and continues not to follow through over time, then the credibility of the threat will degrade to ineffectiveness. Appearing to do nothing in response to an act of aggression by an enemy demonstrates a lack of will. Standing fast and being willing to assume the costs and risks associated with that threat displays determination. The United States must be ready when that testing comes, otherwise, if it fails to respond proportionally or with enough escalatory power, a change to the status quo or threshold of acceptance could result. Capability and will are the requisites for any deterrent threat. A capability refers to an armed force that is able to alter the behavior of a state or nonstate actor either by deterrence, by its very existence or through warfighting. Capabilities serve to provide an idea to others; that is, what a nation with a similar level of willpower will do in a certain situation. If the state that is leveling a deterrent threat on another has a high capability, sometimes termed as superiority, then that enables the deterrent force to have a credible means of escalation dominance, should deterrence fail. High capability will enable an adversary to perceive that the capability and will of the United States is high, even if the determination to go to war over a crisis is low. All of these components create the baseline for a credible declaratory policy, or communications method, toward the adversary. Declaratory policy, sometimes called strategic communications, serves as the mechanism to assure understanding of the United States determination, capability and will toward deterring aggression by a certain adversary in a specific area of responsibility or domain. Depending on the type of deterrence theory, the audience of declaratory policy may be different. For second wave deterrence theorist Thomas Schelling, the audience is the enemy power targeted for deterrence, and the allies are the actors for which assurance of deterrence was promised. For Herman Kahn, another deterrence theorist, credible deterrence was communicated to the American and allied public, as they were the ones the state was duty-bound to protect from attack. Having a space indications and warning system like SilentBarker operating in GEO is a very important step in preventing potential attacks on our critical space infrastructure from being a surprise attack. This is a great step forward for space domain awareness. However, the U.S. has not been demonstrating it has the credibility, capabilities (i.e., weapons), and the clear communication of our countrys determination and will to use these weapons as a credible deterrent to aggression. China operates under the proper understanding of what a deterrent is. This view, combined with its unique, proactive posture, is why the U.S. has been attacked every day reversibly and threatened kinetically in space. If the U.S. is serious about deterrence in space, it must be serious about building the war-winning space forces capable of achieving space superiority and escalation dominance over an aggressive China seeking to control the high ground of space. If not, we will have great tools to watch the attacks, but nothing to really deter the attacks in the first place or win the war in space that follows. Christopher Stone is a senior fellow for space deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies. Stone is a former U.S. special assistant to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy. This opinions expressed in this commentary are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Core-CSI nor the Defense Department. Dwayne The Rock Johnson surprised fans on a celebrity homes tour for the second time in a month. On Instagram on Monday (25 September), the actor and WWE star, 51, filmed himself pulling up alongside a tour bus in Los Angeles. Numerous companies drive tourists around Beverly Hills and other affluent areas in the city, visiting the homes of famous inhabitants. Hey, you guys know where I can find The Rock? he asks the bus riders who immediately gasp and begin filming on their phones. After some fist-bumping and interacting, Johnson asks: Alright, I got to ask, did he take you to my house yet? Not yet, one of the tourists answers. Alright good, keep it that way, the star responds prompting laughter from the group. He captioned his post: Hey I just wanna see the Rock [laughing crying face]. If you Hollywood visitors ever see a big ol pick up truck rolling up on your tour bus dont be afraid, its just the Peoples Champ lookin for free tacos and having fun. Enjoy my hood and stay away from my house. He added: This kinda stuff is always the best part of fame ~ lots of happy faces. The Jumanji star posted a similar video on his account just weeks ago. In a video posted on 5 September, Johnson pulled up alongside another tour bus and snapped selfies with fans. Im like a big kid, I get so much joy outta these holy s*** moments and seeing my peoples faces, he wrote in the caption that time. Back in November 2021, the Red Notice star presented tourists with a set of gifts that included a free Netflix subscription, his self-branded energy drinks and Tequila, an Xbox console and TV, as well as $500 (370) cash. Throughout his career, Johnson has been known to use his celebrity status to inspire others and give back to those who have helped him along the way. Most recently, he launched a relief fund alongside Oprah Winfrey to aid local residents affected by the Lahaina wildfires that devastated large sections of Maui, Hawaii. He also donated a record seven-figure amount to the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) amid the actors unions strike. Last month, Johnson gifted UFC prospect Themba Gorimbo a house after learning that the Zimbabwean fighter had just $7 in his bank account. All but one night of Mickeys Not-So-Scary Halloween Party have sold out as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Walt Disney Worlds official website. Folks without tickets who still want to attend the after-hours, extra-ticket Magic Kingdom event can only opt for Nov. 1 for this year. If you didnt want to think about it until October, you might be out of luck. The 2023 edition was scheduled for 38 select nights at the theme park, starting on Aug. 11. Tickets ranged between $109 and $199, which is the going price for the Nov. 1 finale. Orlando fall festivals, corn mazes: Where to celebrate the season in Central Florida Not-So-Scary features Halloween parades, fireworks, stage shows, costumed characters and access to many park attractions. Participants can also trick-or-treat for candy at multiple stations spread across Magic Kingdom. Other Central Florida attractions continue with Halloween plans. SeaWorld Orlandos Spooktacular picks up again on Saturday and Sunday, and Legoland Floridas Brick-or-Treat will be held this Saturday. Those kid-friendly events are included with regular park admission and will be held on select dates in October as well. Other attractions are rolling out more spooky season events as Halloween approaches. SeaWorlds Howl-O-Scream and Universals Halloween Horror Nights more frightful, after-hour affairs are also underway. dbevil@orlandosentinel.com A man was the prime suspect in the 1987 California murder of a 6-year-old. Decades later, DNA evidence exonerated him and led to the arrest of another man, officials said. A 6-year-old was abducted in 1987 near his home in Vallejo and was found dead four days later about 40 miles east in Sherman Island, according to a Sept. 22 news release by the Solano County District Attorneys Office. The same year as the bodys discovery, Shawn Melton was arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping after showing knowledge of the case that police thought only the killer would know, officials said. After advancement in DNA technology, Melton, who died in 2000, according to the Los Angeles Times, was exonerated and police arrested Fred Cain III on Sept. 18, officials said. Although Melton never went to prison because the jury couldnt reach a verdict, officials said, police questioned him because he remained a suspect, a relative of Meltons told the L.A. Times. He wished that people knew and believed him when he said that he was innocent, his mother, Janis Melton, told the L.A. Times. Cain was arrested at his home in Central Point, Oregon, about 270 miles south of Portland, by District Attorney investigators and Jackson County Sheriffs Office deputies, officials said. I hope he rots in Hell, he got what he deserves, Cains niece, Cris Delaney, told KGO. Cain was transferred to Solano County Jail in Fairfield, California, where he faces charges of murder with special circumstance allegations of kidnapping and sodomy, officials said. If I found out he died and I was able to show up and see him Id literally, I would not mourn, Id spit in the mans face if I could go face-to-face with him, absolutely, Delaney told KGO. The Solano County District Attorneys Office asks anyone with information about the case to call 707-784-8477. Sherman Island is about 50 miles southwest of Sacramento. Newborn found dead in recycling center a decade ago, Oregon cops say. Now man arrested 16-year-old girl killed 45 years ago, Washington cops say. DNA now identifies suspect Man tells the FBI he raped and killed a woman 44 years ago, Massachusetts officials say Longer airport lines. Hazardous drinking water. Shuttered national parks. The disruptions that come with shutdowns of the federal government have only become more familiar to Americans in recent years. If congressional Republicans fail to cut a deal by this weekend, the country could see its 22nd shutdown in the last five decades. Amid largely stalled negotiations on Capitol Hill, the federal Office of Management and Budget has already begun the process of advising agencies which employees it may have to furlough ahead of a looming deadline Saturday at midnight. The last time Congress failed to pass a government spending bill, nearly a million Americans were furloughed or went without pay, President Joe Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Processing times at the Internal Revenue Service slowed down. Military families had less access to critical family support programs. Some federal support for Indigenous tribes came grinding to a halt. But every shutdown is different, and federal agencies are still parsing through the details of what another one might look like. Here are some of the ways it could impact you and your family: Will child care or day care be affected by government shutdown? Although K-12 and higher education policy is largely handled at the state and local level, the impact on families could be significant, particularly when it comes to federally supported child care services. Pittsburgh defensive back Damar Hamlin poses for a photo with Bryce Williams, 3, of McKees Rocks, Pa., after the youngster picked out a toy during Hamlin's Chasing M's Foundation community toy drive at Kelly and Nina's Daycare Center on Dec. 22, 2020, in McKees Rocks, Pa. As workers go without pay, families go without child care, poor families lose support for housing and food, and schools feel the squeeze, said David R. Schuler, executive director of the AASA: the School Superintendents Association, in a statement Friday urging lawmakers to keep the government open. One of the programs that would be endangered right away is Head Start, which serves low-income families nationwide. According to the White House, 10,000 children across the country would immediately lose access to it, as the Department of Health and Human Services would be unable to award federal grants to child-care centers. As in past shutdowns, that would force some preschool and school readiness centers to close, according to the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank. Bobby Kogan, a senior director of federal budget policy at the center, wrote in a column last week that a shutdown would have devastating impacts on essential programs that millions rely on for their health and safety. The longer it lasts, he wrote, the worse off those programs would be. How will schools be affected by government shutdown? The Education Department has yet to update its contingency plan for this year, but a 2021 blueprint offers an idea of how the agency would be forced to respond to a partial closure of the federal government. For the first week, the department would be forced to furlough about 90% of its staff, per the most recent guidance. Federal student aid in the form of Pell Grants and federal direct student loans would keep flowing, but those programs would be operating with a minimum number of staff amid furloughs: what the department refers to in its 2021 guidance as skeletal program operations. The lack of bandwidth could pose barriers for students with immediate needs, the department warned in 2021. Exactly how long a shutdown drags on will be a key metric for assessing the likely damage it does. School districts and colleges, the Education Department said, would likely start to feel the hurt at the one-week mark. A protracted delay in Department obligations and payments beyond one week would severely curtail the cash flow to school districts, college and universities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and other entities that depend on the Departments discretionary funds to support their services, the departments guidance said. Many colleges, for instance, rely on federal money to fund programs for disadvantaged students who wouldnt otherwise go to college or are having trouble staying in school. So do rehabilitation agencies that offer services for young people with disabilities. In a drawn-out shutdown scenario, continued funding for those programs could be threatened. How will food programs be affected by government shutdown? During a White House briefing Monday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack raised alarm about the real consequences to real people a shutdown could bring. Clients of the Food Bank of the Rockies line up to collect food distribution in Denver on Dec. 19, 2019. The reality is that when there is a shutdown, were looking at significant disruption of the lives of millions of Americans, he said. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food benefits to millions of low-income families, would continue throughout the month of October, he said. But if the shutdown drags on longer than October, SNAP funding would be put at risk. In more immediate danger would be the 7 million moms and children relying on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC. That program, according to USDA, helps low-income mothers with infants and children at nutritional risk by offering easier access to things like food and health care referrals. Their benefits would dry up within a matter of days, Vilsack said, though some states might be able to use extra funding to stave off the effects for a week or two. They are the vulnerable who you don't want to have the cost of not having that benefit, a group of people who would be least able to bear the cost of the disruption, said Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. I would think that Congress would find a way for continuity of benefits, but I cant guarantee it. During the last government shutdown four years ago, the government nearly ran out of SNAP funding that wouldve affected some 40 million Americans. The White House warned that most Environmental Protection Agency inspections of drinking water and chemical facilities would also be put on hold. How will government shutdown affect rural America? As harvest season descends on farmers across the country, the impact of a beltway logjam would be felt in rural America too. Similar to previous shutdowns, marketing loans for many farmers would enter into a state of limbo as Farm Service Agency offices in most U.S. counties shutter. More broadly, USDA-backed housing loans for rural families would cease as well. With a shutdown, those loans dont take place, Vilsack said. Its conceivable in those circumstances that not only are they not able to close the loan, its also conceivable that they may lose the deal. Will Social Security benefits be affected by government shutdown? What about Medicare? About 8,500 of the Social Security administrations nearly 62,000 employees would be furloughed in the event of a shutdown, according to its 2024 fiscal year contingency plan. We will continue activities critical to our direct service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits, the plan states. Under the plan, agency services that would continue without interruption include processing of benefit applications, appeal requests and hearings, post-entitlement actions such as address changes and the issuing of new and replacement Social Security cards. A few services such as verification of benefits, or corrections and updates to earnings records would be temporarily suspended. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., major programs and benefits such as Social Security and Medicare are generally unaffected by shutdowns because Congress has approved these programs to spend without an expiration date what is known as mandatory spending, which comprises about $7 of every $10 spent by the federal government. Will post offices be closed during a government shutdown? The U.S. Postal Service does not cease operations during any Federal lapse in appropriations as it is funded through a permanent no-year appropriation, according to its 2024 fiscal year shutdown plan. Thats in contrast to the Office of the Inspector General, which receives an annual appropriation from the Postal Service Fund as opposed to the U.S. Treasury. In the event of a shutdown, the office would continue operations using previously appropriate funds until they were depleted. Once depleted, only Office of the Inspector General employees involved in agency activities to protect life or property including law enforcement investigations and prosecutions of entities and individuals engaged in fraud or other postal service crimes would continue, along with any support services necessary to maintain them. Mail boxes sit in the parking lot of a post office in the Borough of the Bronx on Aug. 17, 2020 in New York. How will housing programs and emergencies be handled during government shutdown? While many federal programs such as homeless assistance grants and housing for veterans and those with disabilities will continue through a shutdown, most Department of Housing and Urban Development staff will not be in the office as there will be an extremely limited number of employees to answer emergency questions during a shutdown, HUD said. In its contingency plan, HUD said that monthly assistance programs, including housing operating and housing choice subsidies and multifamily assistance contracts, will be in operation as long as funding is available. In terms of the Federal Housing Administration, HUD said the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed, due to possible staff shortages. How will government shutdown affect travel plans? A government shutdown wouldnt necessarily be detrimental to your travel plans. But air traffic controllers and TSA agents would have to work without pay. The White House has suggested this would lead to longer wait times and significant delays across the country. What would a government shutdown mean for travel? Here's what to know During the 2019 shutdown, many of those federally supported workers started calling in sick in droves about two weeks in that was when the airport woes set in. TSA agents inspect checked bags that have been flagged by security systems at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in April 2019. Cruise vacations wont necessarily feel the effects of a shutdown. National parks, on the other hand, could be impacted right away. While the decision on whether to close them will be up to the Biden administration, some of the nation's parks have closed entirely during past shutdowns. Those that stayed open and unstaffed were left in states of disarray. Zachary Schermele is a breaking news and education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele. Marc Ramirez is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at mramirez@usatoday.com. Terry Collins is a national correspondent for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at tcollins@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What would a federal government shutdown mean for you and your city? Most politicians run for office saying they want to bring the American people together. Typically, it is an obligatory sentiment. And when presidential candidates say they want to bridge the political divide, I take it with an icebergs worth of salt. Yet, America desperately needs uniting. For those of us who recognize that fact, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is someone who should be noticed. Ramaswamy deserves credit for making unity a centerpiece of his campaign. But if Ramaswamy is to be taken seriously in his calls for unity, he must speak seriously to the deeper reasons why Americans are divided. This includes the role played in our national unraveling by the man he lauds above all others: former President Donald Trump . I care deeply about national unity, Ramaswamy told a gathering of voters at a town hall event in New Hampshire. I also want to get to the heart of how we unite this nation. And some people think the way youre gonna unite this country is by showing up in the middle: Hold hands, compromise, sing 'Kumbaya' and somehow weve united this country. Doesnt work that way." 'Embracing the radicalism of the American Revolution' Ramaswamy then gave his recipe for national unity: I think the way were going to actually unite this country is by rediscovering the radical ideals that unite all of us as Americans. See, it is not through moderation; it is through embracing the radicalism of the American Revolution. It was a radical idea that you're free to speak your mind as long as I get to in return. The idea that we the people ... could be trusted to govern ourselves, that was a laughable idea. For most of human history, it was done the other way. We do it differently on this side of 1776. What Ramaswamy introduces as radical is the classical liberalism that Democratic and Republican politicians have articulated, with different areas of emphasis, across the entirety of our history. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy campaigns at the Pray Vote Stand Summit on Sept. 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C. It is only natural for a presidential candidate to try to unite us by leaning on ideals that have historically done so. Ramaswamy gives a radical presentation to an ordinary message. But this ordinary appeal to the historic values that unite is still a good thing. These are not values we should wish to lose in America. Nonetheless, the not-so radicalism of this gifted political newcomer is vulnerable to a charge of deep naivete. Ramaswamy in effect argues that the values that will unite us are the values that have always united us. But the moment we are in as a nation is defined by a perilous decline in our confidence in our founding ideals in the first place. Increasingly, we either do not believe in them the way we used to, believe the narrative surrounding our founding ideals is false, or we do not believe that they are enough to unite us in an era where our differences have become more profound than they were in the past. Ramaswamy needs to address why Americans are losing faith in founding ideals If Ramaswamy is truly serious about uniting America, the first thing he must do is address the reasons why the values of 1776 are steadily losing their power to bind us in 2023. Left and right, it is clear that they are. For generations, American presidents have appealed to the blessings of liberty, the words of the Declaration of Independence, and the heritage of freedom and self-government in America that Ramaswamy rhetorically at least seeks to revive. Two presidents, however, stand out as exceptions, at least in their inaugural addresses. Those are our most recent presidents: Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Politicians' age is bipartisan problem: Romney models graceful exit for Biden and Trump Whereas Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all delivered inaugural addresses that made clear reference to liberty, the Declaration of Independence and our founding values, Trump and Biden did not or scarcely did. In setting the tone for his new administration, Trump made no reference to liberty and no reference to the philosophical heritage of the United States. Instead, he made clear his intention to root out the power of the Washington establishment he viewed as responsible for a decline in our nations power and prosperity, which he decried as American carnage. It was a speech focused on defeating the enemies of the public, giving power to the people, but one that was utterly unconcerned with emphasizing the virtues and responsibilities that come with the project of self-government. Biden, for his part, delivered an inaugural address focused, as Ramaswamy is focused, on achieving national unity. But in appealing to unity, Biden made but scant mention of liberty and no mention of the American founding. He did, however, emphasize the need for racial justice, decrying white supremacy and the sting of systemic racism in a speech calibrated to rally the people against the racism and extremism of anti-democratic forces in America. In this context, unity was a battle cry. But it is not just on the presidential level that we see this drift from the nation's founding ideals taking shape. The intellectual movements that have gained momentum in the Trump and Biden years on the left and the right, the years of Black Lives Matter and MAGA, have been movements that are disenchanted with a classically liberal vision of America. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. For left-leaning thinkers such as Nikole Hannah-Jones, editor and an author of the 1619 Project, Americas founding ideals were false when they were written, negated by the reality of white supremacy. For modern anti-racist thinkers generally, the liberal heritage of American society is a veneer meant to conceal the white supremacist character of our society and its institutions like a shark gliding beneath the surface of the water. Right-leaning thinkers such as Yoram Hazony, a leader in the emerging movement of national conservatism, downplay ideals such as all people are created equal as a uniting principle. Instead, he prefers to think of America as a people that is bound together by bonds of similar religion, similar national background, similar laws and tradition, similar language. There is a conversation to be had as to why so many Americans, left and right, feel as they do. Millions of Americans, particularly Americans of color, feel that our mainstream institutions do not exist to serve or accept them. Millions of other Americans, meanwhile, believe that their own cultures and families and histories are more real and more important than the shallow pluralism foisted upon them by liberals and conservatives alike. Ramaswamy must be willing to have that conversation. From left, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, 2023. Vivek fails to acknowledge Trump's power to divide Yet, for all of Ramaswamys focus on the power of our founding ideals to unite, he pays little attention to the power of a president to divide. At least when it comes to Trump. In the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 election, Ramaswamy boldly declared that Trump was the best president of the 21st century. Many Americans don't take issue with Ramaswamy or other GOP candidates praising Trump on matters of policy. But Ramaswamy's implicit message is that character is not necessarily a vital consideration for leadership when it comes to electing a president of the United States. Takeaway from first Republican debate: Do you realize that Vivek Ramaswamy could be the MAGA candidate for Trump lovers? The claim that Trump sought to upend the Constitution to hold onto power is perhaps the most serious charge, legal and possibly moral, that any president has ever faced. But even that doesn't cover all of the damage that Trump inflicted on national unity. Trump came to political prominence casting doubt on Barack Obamas status as a natural born American, and therefore the legitimacy of the Obama presidency. It wasn't only factually wrong. It also was willfully divisive. From there, Trump launched his campaign with words implying that most Mexican immigrants were criminals and rapists. Those were divisive, cruel and dishonest words as well. After a blistering campaign of constant insults, Trump offended the memory of American war hero Sen. John McCain when he quickly raised the flag over the White House following McCains death, even as the flag still hung at half-staff over Capitol Hill. This was Trump, advertising and exacerbating our divisions for all to see. Unity cannot come at the price of truth or righteousness The list of such incidents of course goes on ad infinitum. Is there no meaningful criticism to be made of Trump's leadership style then by a candidate who seeks to build on his legacy in the name of unity? One fact about unity that I hope Ramaswamy recognizes is that it cannot come at the price of truth or righteousness. Sometimes doing the right thing divides people. But we must never divide Americans for the sake of division, and we must always strive to close the gaps when they have opened. It takes moral courage to do both of these things. For many Americans, the willingness of former Vice President Mike Pence to defy Trump's will and rage on Jan. 6, 2021, in deference to the Constitution and the peaceful transfer of power was a mark of moral courage. From left, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy during a commercial break at the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, 2023. But when asked on NBC News whether Pence did the right thing in that fateful hour, Ramaswamy answered by saying the former vice president missed an opportunity to unite the American people. He then described what he would have done: Put forward a legislative plan to reform our electoral process, in part by mandating voter ID requirements, in exchange for certifying the results of the election. Holding the peaceful transfer of power hostage to a legislative victory would not likely have worked. But Ramaswamy misunderstood the true nature of the question: IF you had to choose between the Constitution of the United States of America and the well-being of the American as opposed to the will of Donald Trump and your own popularity, would you have the moral courage to choose the Constitution and the country? Ramaswamy, in effect, dodged the question. Ramaswamy is an electric political talent. He has the tools and intellect to be a force for unity in America. Will he apply his gifts to the task? Or is he merely another ambitious man who sees a path to power, willing to avoid the hard questions and the real conversations that might stand in the way of his getting there? Does Vivek Ramaswamy really want to unite America? I hope the answer is yes. John Wood Jr. John Wood Jr. is a columnist for USA TODAY Opinion. He is national ambassador for Braver Angels, a former nominee for Congress, former vice chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, musical artist, and a noted writer and speaker on subjects including racial and political reconciliation. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @JohnRWoodJr You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vivek Ramaswamy must stop dodging questions about Trump and Jan. 6 A dog with a beautiful senior soul is finally heading to a new home after spending nearly a decade at a Florida animal shelter. Bean, an 11-year-old black lab mix, was Animal Refuge Centers longest resident before finding her new foster owner, the Fort Myers no-kill shelter said in a Monday, Sept. 25, Facebook post. Leading up to the celebratory day, Bean was a few months shy of being at the shelter for 10 years. Larry Denmark saw Beans photo on the centers website and started to make trips to the shelter to visit her, the post said. After becoming fast friends, Denmark took Bean in as her new foster owner. Although the shelter said it would miss Bean, it couldnt be more thrilled to see her living her best life, the post says. Several people thanked Denmark and Animal Refuge Center on Facebook for giving Bean a second chance outside shelter life. Thank you, Larry. This is what those of us that work in rescue live for. Animals like Bean and people like you. Happy trails, one commentor said. Beyond happy for sweet beanie girl..this post made me cry happy tears for her..she should never have been at arc for 10 years..thankfully she has a wonderful and loving real home now for her last years.. another wrote. Bean was described as an extremely loving, affectionate and intelligent girl, on the shelters website. One of her favorite pastimes is splashing around in her wading pool, a 2018 Facebook post said, as well as playing in the backyard. It takes Bean time to warm up to new people, the website says, so those interested in her needed to visit her a couple times before choosing to adopt. If she loves you though, she loves you forever, the website says. The shelter posted several times on Facebook over the years encouraging people to consider adopting Bean into their home as a new companion. In 2018, Animal Refuge Center said in a Facebook post it was trying for a long time to find the right home for Bean but with no luck. Around Christmas every few years, the shelter would post Bean to show that she still needed a home during the holiday season. Shes too cute for just one picture..... please help make Beans Christmas wish come true! She promises shes been a very good girl! Santa will vouch for her, the 2020 post said. The shelter vowed that it would never give up that search to find Bean a home after promising it was out there somewhere for her, a 2020 Facebook post said. Now Beans wish is granted. Dog left on roadside is embraced as goofy three-legged love machine. She needs a home Dogs disappearance had North Carolina shelter worried sick. Now, she has a new home Ten dogs stick together after being dumped, Florida cops say. Theyll get a 2nd chance Donald Trump committed fraud for years by inflating his worth to banks and insurers, a New York judge finds Trump Tower in Manhattan, headquarters for Donald Trump 's real-estate empire. KENA BETANCUR/Getty Images Trump deceived banks and insurers, a Manhattan judge found Tuesday. The ruling is a pre-trial win for the state Attorney General, who wants him banned from doing business in NY. An October trial must still decide if that will happen. In a stunning, pre-trial win in New York attorney general's all-out war on the Trump Organization, a Manhattan judge has found that Donald Trump committed fraud for years by inflating his worth to banks and insurers by as much as $3.6 billion a year. A strongly-worded ruling by state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron rejected outright Trump's request for a range of pre-trial victories, calling his arguments "rehashed" and "erroneous." Instead, the judge gave a major victory to Attorney General Letitia James , immediately revoking Trump's license to do business in New York. "It's the corporate death penalty," said Diana Florence, a veteran financial crimes prosecutor for the Manhattan district attorney's office, now in private practice. "This ruling essentially dissolves his company," she said, though she predicted that years of appeals may pass before anything actually happens. A trial, scheduled for next month, must still be held to determine if Trump and company executives acted intentionally. The trial will also determine what further penalties Trump, his two eldest sons, and his company must pay. For now, though, James is entitled to cancel "any certificate" allowing Trump Organization to operate as a New York-chartered company, the decision says. "Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud," James said in a statement Tuesday night. "We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial." Trump's side, meanwhile, promised an immediate appeal, and to keep fighting. "Today's decision is fundamentally flawed at every level," Trump attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. "It is important to remember that the Trump Organization is an American success story," she added, calling the decision "an affront to our legal system." James is seeking $250 million in penalties, and to ban Trump and his adult sons from ever running a business in New York state again. She also wants to ban Trump and the Trump Organization from borrowing from a New York bank and from purchasing real estate in the state for five years. Almost as an aside, the judge on Tuesday also ordered that Trump attorneys Michael Madaio, Clifford S. Robert, Michael Farina, Christopher Kise, and Armen Morian pay penalties of $7,500 each in the next 30 days. The sanctions, requested by the attorney general, are "the only way to impress upon defendants' attorneys the consequences of engaging in repetitive, frivolous motion practice after this Court, affirmed by the Appellate Division, expressly warned them against doing so," the judge wrote. Engoron saved some of his harshest words for Trump's claim that no banks were victimized, and that "disclaimers" in his official banking statements somehow render him fraud proof. Such claims "invoke the time-loop in the film 'Groundhog Day,'" Engoron wrote, in a scorching latest chapter to the state's lawsuit against Trump, his two adult sons, two of his senior managers, and Trump Organization. At another point in the 35-page ruling, the judge referenced "Defendants' inscrutable persistence" in repeatedly claiming that the attorney general, Letitia James has no power to sue him. "Infants, legally-declared incompetents, and persons under certain legal disabilities are not allowed to sue," the judge wrote. "The New York Attorney General is none of the above." Read the judge's decision finding Trump liable for business fraud. Engoron, who will preside over the non-jury trial, has insisted on opening statements starting promptly on Monday, October 2, "come hell or high water." Trump's side threw that timing into question two weeks ago by asking a Manhattan-based appellate panel to consider Trump's bid to toss at least part of the AG's case on statute-of-limitations and other grounds. The trial can't start until that five-judge ruling, expected to come in days. New York Attorney General Letitia James wants Trump's business banned from New York. Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images Trump's legal team has argued that real-estate appraisals are subjective, and that Deutsche Bank in particular, far for being victimized, actually profited from the disputed loans, arguments Trump himself has continued to make, including in a court-ordered deposition before James and her legal team. "The defenses Donald Trump attempts to articulate in his sworn deposition are wholly without basis in law or fact," the judge wrote on Tuesday. "The documents here clearly contain fraudulent valuations that defendants used in business." He added, "Defendants' respond that: the documents do not say what they say; that there is no such thing as 'objective' value, and that, essentially, the Court should not believe its own eyes." At that point in the decision, the judge inserted a footnote, citing the Marx Brothers. "As Chico Marx, playing Chicolini, says to Margaret Dumont, playing Mrs. Gloria Teasdale, in 'Duck Soup," the footnote read, "'Well, who ya gonna believe, me or your own eyes?'" Engoron singled out for scorn Trump's claim that he couldn't have overvalued his properties in official banking statements if the property values ultimately rose. "He also seems to imply that the numbers cannot be inflated because he could find a 'buyer from Saudi Arabia' to pay any price he suggests," the judge scoffed at another claim from Trump's deposition. The decision focused on the five years of Trump's annual financial statements, from 2012 through 2016, when he tripled the square footage of his three-story penthouse atop Trump Tower on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. "In opposition, defendants absurdly suggest that 'the calculation of square footage is a subjective process that could lead to differing results or opinions based on the method employed to conduct the calculation,'" the judge wrote, quoting from previous Trump court documents. "Well, yes, perhaps, if the area is rounded or oddly shaped, it is possible measurements of square footage could come to slightly differing results," the judge countered. But "a discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud." Last week, during the parties' last in-person appearance, Engoron signaled he was unswayed by Trump's no harm, no foul defense. "There's a role here for the attorney general," the judge said. "What was arguably hurt was fairness in the marketplace. Honesty in the marketplace." The parties are scheduled to return to the courtroom Wednesday for their final pre-trial conference. This story was updated with response from Trump's legal team and additional details from the decision. Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump is set to appear at Drake Enterprises, a parts supplier that doesn't appear to have a union relationship. Donald Trump is set to appear at Drake Enterprises, a parts supplier that doesn't appear to have a union relationship. DETROIT Former President Donald Trump said he was traveling to Detroit to rally with striking autoworkers, but the location he settled on for his Wednesday event is a nonunion parts supplier whose workers arent at all involved with the strike. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain pointed that out after President Joe Biden s stop at a picket line in Belleville, Michigan, on Tuesday. I find it odd hes going to go to a nonunion business to talk to union workers, Fain told reporters after Bidens stop. I dont think he gets it, but thats up to people to decide. Trumps 2024 presidential campaign is set to hold its event at Drake Enterprises in Macomb County, a quintessential swing county in the Detroit suburbs that backed Biden in 2020 after Trump won it in 2016. A national UAW spokesperson confirmed that the union does not represent workers at Drake, but the factory could be home to other unions. Drake did not respond to a request for comment. Trumps campaign says hes planning a prime-time speech to an audience of 500 union members, including some autoworkers. The former president has touted his renegotiation of trade relations between the United States, Mexico and Canada as benefiting rank-and-file workers, but union leaders see him as anything but an ally. Trump, and Republicans in general, were mostly silent during the UAWs 2019 strike against General Motors, and Trump did not visit the picket line. Fain is sharply critical of Trump, calling him an out-of-touch member of the millionaire and billionaire class that workers are fighting against. The proofs in the body of work, Fain said. I go back to the economic recession, where he was quoted blaming the union, blaming the UAW for what was wrong with the auto companies. I go back to 2015, when he was running the first time and he was talking about doing a rotation, getting rid of our jobs, moving them somewhere else, where they pay less money. The UAW hasnt moved yet to endorse Biden in the 2024 presidential race but Fain has made clear that an endorsement for Trump isnt happening. Trumps campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the former president singled out the unions leadership in a Saturday post on Truth Social. If the UAW leadership doesnt ENDORSE me, and if I dont win the Election, the Autoworkers are toast, with our great truckers to follow, he wrote. Drake lists Ford, General Motors and other major automakers as clients, which all do business with a vast network of unionized and nonunionized suppliers. Drakes website says it specializes in making parts for heavy-duty trucks: Our customers include many major OEM companies in the heavy truck, agriculture and automotive markets. The company says it has 125 employees. Drake CEO Nathan Stemple appeared on Fox News on Tuesday to discuss Trumps upcoming visit. He said the strike has impacted demand for the parts his company manufactures. Stemple also made a dig at Biden when asked about his stop at the picket line. Im not much of a politician. I have three kids and run a manufacturing company, so I dont have time to get into politics, he said. I did look at some past things and President Biden in 2020 said that he was gonna bring 18.6 million jobs for the automotive industry. And I dont know if that has happened yet, or if he miscalculated his numbers. We all know thats happened before. (Biden didnt actually say he would create 18.6 million automotive jobs.) Trumps visit has been billed as an effort to court striking autoworkers who represent part of the working-class coalition that powered his rise in 2016. Meanwhile, Bidens Tuesday appearance at a General Motors parts supplier in Belleville made him the first president to ever meet with striking workers at a picket line. Trump is expected to make his remarks at 8 p.m. Wednesday as counterprogramming to the second Republican presidential debate. Donatella Versace, right, poses for photographers with Alessandro Zan as they arrive for the CNMI sustainable fashion 2023 awards in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. Donatella Versace slammed the Italian government for anti-gay policies in a heart-felt speech that referenced her late brother, Gianni Versace, while receiving a fashion award this weekend. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) MILAN (AP) Donatella Versace slammed the Italian government for what she described as anti-gay policies in a heartfelt and personal speech that referenced her late brother, Gianni Versace, while receiving a fashion award this weekend. Our government is trying to take away peoples rights to live as they wish," Versace said in a speech Sunday night, citing in particular a government policy that allows only the biological parent in same-sex couples to be officially recognized as the parent. They are restricting our freedoms, she said. We must all fight for freedom, in a time that still sees trans people suffering terrible violence, a time when children of same-sex couples are not considered their children, a time when minority voices are attacked by new laws,'' Versace said. The speech received a standing ovation from a fashion crowd at La Scala, where Versace received a humanitarian award. Gay rights activists praised her for clearly challenging the governments actions, but called on the entire fashion community to do more. Donatella Versace was the first person in Italy to be so clear and explicit in the face of the governments homophobic politics, said Franco Grillini, a longtime gay rights activist. She is one of the most important names in fashion, and I invite others to follow her example. Besides blocking recognition of children of same-sex couples, Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government is pushing through legislation that would ban seeking a surrogate abroad, making it punishable with prison terms and stiff penalties. A 2004 law already banned surrogacy within Italy. Italys Gay Party also praised Versaces support and called on her to back their campaign to get a a referendum on gay marriage on the Italian ballot. Donatella Versaces declaration is important (...) She made clear how this government is diminishing freedoms and rights for the LGBTQ community, said Fabrizio Marrazzo, spokesman for the Gay Party and the referendum for egalitarian marriage. We ask her to support us, in particular the campaign to make marriage for lesbians, gays and trans people the same as for everyone else. They hope to begin gathering signatures in January, aware that this parliamentary majority does not want to give us rights. Italy approved same-sex civil unions in 2016, the last major Western country to do so. Versace, who has been creative director of the fashion house founded by her brother since his 1997 murder, was accompanied to the awards by Alessandro Zan, the Democratic Party lawmaker who drafted legislation expanding anti -discrimination protections to the LGBTQ community. The legislation was stalled even before the Meloni government took office. In a touching moment, Versace also recalled the day her brother Gianni came out to her. I was 11 years old when my brother Gianni told me he was gay. For me it changed nothing. I loved him and I didnt care who he loved, she told the crowd. OConnor emphasized the necessity for Black doctors, noting that shes well situated to create colorectal cancer awareness and crucial screening campaigns. The New York Police Departments very first Black woman police surgeon is officially on the job. According to ABC News, Dr. Lynn OConnor, who oversees colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital, was sworn in on Monday. In her new position, she will assess cops readiness for duty, offer medical care for injured personnel and provide consultations for NYPD officers. Dr. Lynn OConnor, who also oversees colon and rectal surgery at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital, has been sworn in as the first Black woman police surgeon for the New York Police Department. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/Eyewitness News ABC7NY) John Benoit, NYPDs chief of personnel, expressed his excitement at the historic appointment of the first Black female police surgeon in the police agencys 178-year history. Dr. OConnor is an inspiration to all employees, and her expertise will prove to be valuable to our members, Benoit said, especially those who have been impacted by colorectal cancer. On ABCs GMA3 before her ceremony Monday, OConnor said she wants all the young girls watching her to know they are enough, and their goals matter, adding that perseverance pays off. Regarding her experience as a doctor working with police officers, OConnor contended that cops spend so much time caring for others, they dont have as much time to care for themselves. She emphasized the necessity for Black doctors at a time when there arent many nationwide, noting that given her expertise, she is well situated to create colorectal cancer awareness and screening campaigns and several other programs essential to keeping New York officers safe, healthy and capable of performing their jobs. Studies have shown when a patient is treated with a physician that is of the same race or ethnicity, they have markedly improved outcomes, OConnor said, ABC reported. Theyre diagnosed quicker, theyre seen quicker, their overall health is improved. And that leads to saving lives, that leads to longevity, which is what I want to do when we get into the NYPD. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Dr. Lynn OConnor becomes first Black woman police surgeon for the NYPD appeared first on TheGrio. Actor Treat Williams died in a June 12 motorcycle accident in Dorset, Vt. Ryan Koss, the driver of another vehicle, pleaded not guilty to gross negligence on Monday. File Photo by Gary C. Caskey/UPI Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A Vermont man charged in connection with the death of actor Treat Williams in a June motorcycle crash pleaded not guilty to gross negligence in an initial court appearance on Monday. Ryan Koss, 35, entered the plea during an arraignment hearing in Bennington County Superior Court, the Brattleboro, Vt., Reformer and WPTZ-TV in Burlington reported. During the hearing, Koss and his attorney pleaded not guilty to the single count leveled against him by state prosecutors, who contend Koss was driving recklessly when a motorcycle driven by the 71-year-old Williams ran into his 2008 Honda Element outside of an auto repair shop in Dorset, Vt., on June 12. The Vermont State Police said in a release the crash happened at about 4:53 p.m. on State Route 30 when Koss' vehicle attempted to turn left into the auto shop's parking lot. An initial investigation indicated he stopped, signaled a left turn, and then turned into the path of Williams' northbound 1986 Honda motorcycle. Police said Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle, suffering critical injuries. He was airlifted to Albany, N.Y., Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Koss, who is managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival, was checked by medical personnel at the scene for minor injuries and was not transported to a hospital. A citation issued to Koss by state police held him responsible for Williams' death due to "grossly negligent" operation of a motor vehicle. In a statement issued to media outlets last month through his attorney, Ian Carleton, Koss claimed he is "devastated" by Williams' death. "I have known Treat for years, both as a member of this tight-knit community and fellow theater maker. I considered him a friend," he said. "I know his family feels his sudden loss even more deeply than I do, and I offer my sincerest condolences to them." Williams, who had more than 120 film and television credits to his name, is probably best known for his role as small town doctor and single dad Dr. Andy Brown in The WB Network series Everwood running from 2002 to 2006, for which he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award. His memorable breakthrough role came in director Milos Forman's 1979 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair, in which he played George Berger, the leader of a close-knit tribe of hippies living in New York City's Central Park. After more than two decades in which it has provided critical intelligence and battle management in theaters around the world, the U.S. Air Forces E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System ( JSTARS ) has completed its operational service. While the retirement of the E-8C had been known for some time, it remained a long-running source of debate, especially since these aircraft are being withdrawn without a direct replacement. The end of the line for the E-8C was announced today by the 116th Air Control Wing, part of the Georgia Air National Guard, stationed at Robins Air Force Base. A crew chief marshals an E-8C JSTARS prior to the types retirement. U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett After twenty-two years of dedicated service, the E-8C JSTARS aircraft has flown its last operational mission, the wing stated. The E-8C JSTARS has played a vital role in countless operations, supporting troops and safeguarding nations. Thank you to the many members that enabled this mission to be a success over the last two decades. We have reached out to the 116th Air Control Wing and the Air National Guard for further information, but it seems certain that the JSTARS has now flown its last operational sortie. The milestone comes three months after an E-8C flew the types last active-duty mission, out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on June 26, 2023. On that occasion , the JSTARS was operated by the 10th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, deployed to Europe from Robins Air Force Base. Aircrew of an E-8C following the platforms final active-duty flight at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 26, 2023. U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett Once this squadron returned to its Georgia base, it was left to the 116th Air Control Wing to complete the dissolution of the JSTARS aircraft, as the Air Force explained in a media release at the time. Up until that point, the JSTARS had still been providing critical intelligence for commanders, including flying directly over Ukraine, something we reported on at the time , in the run-up to Russias full-scale invasion. https://www.twitter.com/Gerjon_/status/1475444704250630148?s=20 Whether over the Middle East, where the aircraft made its combat debut during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, or over the Balkans, the E-8C had been prized for its ability to combine battlefield management command and control with intelligence-gathering. As a surveillance asset, the JSTARS provided synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) capabilities, producing image-like radar maps of the ground environment at standoff ranges, as well as ground-moving-target-indicator (GMTI) functions. In particular, GMTI is able to track the movement of vehicles over a wide area. E-8C Joint STARS aircrew members from the 116th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, 461st Air Control Wing, prepare for a training mission at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, September 8, 2022. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Roger Parsons The E-8C was such a high-value asset that it was long expected that it would eventually be replaced by a new platform, based on a modern bizjet airframe . While the JSTARS only entered service in the early 1990s, they were among the oldest 707 airframes flying anywhere in the world. The choice of using older airframes for the E-8 conversion would become problematic for readiness and sustainability for the type later in its career. The E-8's cockpit looks ancient by modern standards. 116th Air Control Wing However, in 2018, the JSTARS replacement program was canceled , with concerns that a manned platform would be too vulnerable when facing high-end adversaries like China or Russia, with their very capable long-range air defense systems and anti-access/area-denial tactics. Simply put, the bizjet in question would have to operate so far from these kinds of defenses that even its advanced suite of sensors would not yield the quality of intelligence required. An E-8C JSTARS aircraft taxis at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, during the last few weeks of operations for the type. U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett As an alternative, the Air Force settled upon a system of systems-type approach in which the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) would assume the command and control mission previously undertaken by JSTARS. A U.S. Air Force graphic illustrating one aspect of ABMS: a communications pod installed in a KC-46 Pegasus tanker that allows F-35 and F-22 stealth jets to connect and instantly receive and transmit information. U.S. Air Force While ABMS was initially seen as part of the plan to replace JSTARS, with a focus on ground and airborne target-tracking capabilities, as the concept matured it also became more ambitious. Ultimately, ABMS calls for nothing less than a digital battle network system that can collect, process, and share data, in real-time, across U.S. forces as well as allies. The demands of ABMS mean that it will rely upon a wide range of platforms for sensor data, taking a 'distributed approach,' including highly advanced platforms both manned and unmanned, as well as satellites. As far as space-based sensors are concerned, we know that work has already been done in the classified realm on a constellation of radar satellites with GMTI capability. In its 2023 Fiscal Year budget request, the Air Force said that the Secretary of Defense has certified that a spaced-based GMTI capability exists to meet the Combatant Commanders Requirements to further justify the divestment of the entire E-8C fleet. 116th Air Control Wing In the interim, the U.S. military will be able to call upon the high-flying RQ-4B Block 40 Global Hawk drone which has SAR/GMTI intelligence as its primary function. There is also the U-2S Dragon Lady manned spy plane fleet, providing a wide range of high-altitude ISR including SAR and other capabilities, although its planned retirement is another pointer toward the existence of a penetrating high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned platform . The Global Hawk's pending retirement is also another glaring indication of this, as well. Tentatively known as the RQ-180, this shadowy aircraft should be able to undertake ISR missions in far more contested airspace, including SAR and GMTI, although no details are outright confirmed officially at this time. Notional RQ-180 concept rendering. Hangar B Productions The small fleet of special-mission versions of the U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon equipped with a secretive radar system known as the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor can also provide some of these capabilities, especially in a littoral environment. MQ-9 Reaper drones can also provide SAR and GMTI, especially when equipped with purpose-built radar pods. The stealthy RQ-170 drone is meanwhile speculated to have a penetrating tactical SAR/GMTI capability but is only available in modest numbers and for very particular missions. Tactical aircraft like some fighters are also capable of SAR/GMTI , but not over a wide area in a persistent manner like some of these other systems. It could be that the U.S. Army can assume some of that responsibility, at least as far as airborne reconnaissance is concerned. The Armys High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) plans to field a ground surveillance radar aboard a business jet with the same kinds of SAR and GMTI functions that were once offered by the E-8C. You can read more about the HADES initiative here . While the E-8C will play no role in the future ABMS architecture, its host station will. In June this year, the Air Force stated that the Tactical Operations Center was being established at Robins Air Force Base and that this would provide airmen more latitude to conduct ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] operations from a ground location. Graduating members with the 129th and 330th Combat Training Squadrons first Initial Qualification Training class for the new Tactical Operations Center, in May 2023. They completed training at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, and will become Air Battle Managers and Mission System Operators. U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Daniel Van Stone The Tactical Operations Center is just one part of the modernization coming to Robins Air Force Base. Ultimately, Robins will also become an important part of the ABMS network, in the shape of an air and space fusion center. It will also host the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node ( BACN ) aircraft, equipped with a highly specialized communications gateway node designed to create an active net over the battlespace and rapidly transfer data between different aerial platforms as well as land and naval forces. You can read more about BACN and its history in this past War Zone feature . Once fully mature, ABMS will help meet the Air Forces goal of enhanced ISR and command and control capabilities that can also survive in a highly contested environment. That is still some way off in the future, however, meaning that the decision to retire the E-8C did meet with some opposition from lawmakers. U.S. Air Force airmen assigned to the 10th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron walk toward an E-8C JSTARS at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett However, the Air Force remained adamant that it wanted to divest the fleet, despite the loss of critical intelligence-gathering capabilities that come with the end of JSTARS in the shorter term. Whatever happens next, the valuable contribution made by the E-8C to successive operations is beyond doubt. The fact that it remained an in-demand asset until the final weeks of its service stands as a testament to what is, by any measure, a highly impressive legacy. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com Early figures show Ohio colleges are holding steady with their student enrollments. Ohio University, pictured here, saw another year of growth after a major drop in its undergraduate enrollment for several years before the pandemic. It enrolled 17,655 total students this fall, up from 16,879 last year, a nearly 5% increase. Enrollment at many colleges in central Ohio and around the state held steady this fall, with a few schools seeing meaningful increases, according to institutional data. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported this spring that college enrollment appeared to be stabilizing following two years of uncertainty during the pandemic. While new national data on college enrollment won't be released until later this fall, local university leaders and national experts say early numbers are a sign of a possible rebound. Higher education: How did Ohio colleges, universities rank using U.S. News' new metrics? Here's a look How many students enrolled at Columbus-area colleges and universities? Ohio State University reported 60,046 students enrolled at its Columbus campus and 65,405 students enrolled universitywide. That's a difference of about 500 fewer students enrolled at its main campus compared to last fall, a 0.8% decrease. Following record-high enrollment in 2021, Ohio State said small decreases "reflect stability" following the uncertainty many schools felt due to the pandemic. Ohio State's five regional campuses, however, collectively saw a 2% increase in overall enrollment and a nearly 15% increase in new freshmen enrollment. The greatest gains were at its Newark and Mansfield campuses, which saw 21% and 15% increases respectively. With a focus on affordability, accessibility and service to all Ohioans, we have worked with partners across all of our campuses to create opportunities for students to attend Ohio State, said James Orr, vice provost for strategic enrollment management. A student walks by Mershon Auditorium on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus. Most other Greater Columbus universities, especially private liberal arts schools, saw similar slight enrollment changes this fall. Denison University and Ohio Wesleyan University saw overall enrollment increase 2% and 3%, respectively. Meanwhile, Ohio Dominican University saw a 1% decrease, Otterbein University reported a 4% decrease and Capital University saw a 10% dip in overall enrollment. ODU spokesman Tom Brockman said a 30% increase in freshman enrollment over the last two years offset two smaller classes that enrolled during the pandemic. "As those classes graduate in the next year or two," Brockman said, "and we welcome additional strong classes, we anticipate that growth to be reflected in our overall enrollment." The two Greater Columbus area schools with the greatest gains were Columbus State Community College and Franklin University. Columbus State enrolled 26,843 students this fall, an increase of 1,571 or about 6%. Franklin University, now the area's largest private university, has enrolled 8,136 students to date. That's 546 more students, or a 7% increase, from last fall. More: Columbus State Community College is creating a pipeline to Intel. Here's how. Public universities statewide mostly saw growth Ohio's public universities saw steady enrollment numbers, with one major exception. While most of the state's 19 public universities saw marginal decreases or modest increases to enrollment, the University of Cincinnati reported a record-breaking milestone. UC enrolled 50,921 students for the fall semester across its three campuses. At its main campus, UC enrolled 43,634 students, a more than 5% increase over last fall. Regional campuses in Blue Ash and Clermont also reported strong enrollment gains increases of 6% and 20% respectively. Ohio University also saw another year of growth after a major drop in its undergraduate enrollment for several years before the pandemic. It enrolled 17,655 total students this fall, up from 16,879 last year, a nearly 5% increase. Bowling Green State University (18,966 students), Kent State University (20,485 students) and the University of Akron (13,633) all saw slight increases in enrollment. Miami University, like Ohio State, for the second year in a row saw a slight dip in students following record-high enrollment in 2021. It enrolled 18,618 total students, down about 3% from last fall. Students walk on the Ohio University Campus on College Green in Athens, Ohio. Why are some experts optimistic about college enrollment? Experts say there are a few reasons why colleges and students can feel some optimism with this fall's enrollment figures. Nate Johnson a researcher and policy analyst whose Florida-based firm, Postsecondary Analytics, specializes in higher education policy, funding and student success issues said he's heard from a number of clients so far this semester that enrollment is looking up. "Anecdotally, there seems to be a different mood," Johnson said. "My only caution is there's always the risk that early numbers look better. But it does seem like a number of stories across the country seem to be positive." The pandemic made higher education an unpredictable space for multiple school years, he said. So with more stability across the industry, Johnson said "some kind of bounce back is not surprising." Johnson likened more students returning to campus to the surge in "revenge travel" post-widespread COVID restrictions that the tourism industry experienced over the last year. Michael Nietzel has a similar cautious optimism. Nietzel, president emeritus of Missouri State University and a higher education policy advisor, said a few factors contribute to this confidence. One reason is college applications. Data published by the Common Application this spring showed a sizable increase in the number of students applying to four-year colleges for this academic year. Through March 1, more than 1.24 million distinct first-year applicants applied to 841 colleges participating in the Common App. That's a 21% increase from the 2019-20 admissions cycle (the last year unaffected by the pandemic) when nearly 1.03 million students applied. More than 70,000 students applied during this admissions cycle than at the same time the prior year. Total applications, which includes multiple applications made by students, increased by 30%, from 5.43 million in 2019-2020 to nearly 7.06 million in this current cycle. Nietzel said another encouraging sign was enrollment increases at community colleges, which have been some of the hardest-hit schools during the pandemic. Enrollment at public two-year colleges dropped from 7 million in fall 2010 to about 4.5 million in fall 2022, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Typically, in poor economies when unemployment is high, community college enrollment increases. Johnson said that hasn't entirely been the case over the last few years. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's spring enrollment report showed the beginnings of enrollment leveling off at the undergraduate level. Some of that was attributed to community college enrolling nationally increasing ever so slightly, up about 22,000 students compared to spring 2022. While only about half a percent increase, Nietzel said it's still a positive sign that students of all ages are beginning to return to the classroom. Students cross the South Oval while taking a tour of the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here. shendrix@dispatch.com @sheridan120 Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Are Ohio colleges seeing an enrollment rebound? Experts are hopeful One North Texas bar and restaurant is serving up a State Fair of Texas-inspired cocktail far from the fairgrounds. The fair begins this Friday and Chef Point Bar & Restaurant in Colleyville is getting in on the fun. The eatery has crafted a bloody mary full of State Fair goodies including a turkey leg, corn dog, funnel cake, grilled corn, caramel apple, bacon and celery. What started as an April Fools Day joke earlier this year has now turned into a reality, Chef Point co-owner Paula Nwaeze said. We just put it together real quickly and took a picture of it and did an email as an April Fools joke, she said. Some people didnt realize it was an April Fools joke and came into the restaurant and wanted to get it. Since the curiosity was there, Chef Point kept tinkering with the idea to bring the special bloody mary to life. The hardest part about crafting the cocktail was simply trying to make sure everything stayed upright and didnt tip the glass over, Nwaeze said. But Chef Point has had practice with showstopping bloody marys. A staple on the restaurants menu is the Bloody Best, a bloody mary topped with fried chicken tenders, a burger slider, waffle fries, grilled shrimp, jalapeno pepper, green onion, celery, pickle spear and bacon. This gastronomical bomb costs $39, and you get a beer while you wait for the cocktail. The State Fair bloody mary has the same $39 price tag, and again, comes with a beer while the Chef Point crew puts the drink together, Nwaeze said. The special cocktail will be on the menu from Sept. 29 to Oct. 22, the same length as the fair. Well probably make it an annual thing, Nwaeze said. As guests come in, Im sure theyll give us some suggestions on how to try some other foods and well change it up and try different food next year. Chef Point Bar & Restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 5220 State Highway 121, Colleyville. The State Fair of Texas is known for its fried culinary delights, which patrons can start snacking on this Friday and until Oct. 22. For a guide on the fair, visit the Star-Telegrams coverage here. El Paso police officials, in very strong terms, are urging witnesses to come forward as detectives continue to follow several investigative leads into a deadly shooting at a teen house party last week. A 14-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man were killed in a shooting Sept. 17 during a crowded Montwood High School homecoming afterparty at a short-term rental home in the far East Side. Four other young men, ages 16 to 19, were wounded in the shooting at a house on the 12300 block of Tierra Inca Drive near El Dorado High School. No arrests have been announced. Religious candles stand at a small memorial where two teenagers were killed and four others were wounded in a shooting at a house party at a short-term rental home in the 12300 block of Tierra Inca Drive in far East El Paso on Sept. 17. "We know people have information on who was involved," Sgt. Javier Sambrano, a police spokesman and liaison for Crime Stoppers of El Paso, said in a video statement. "Those people that have information by not coming forward are as guilty as the individuals who pulled the trigger. Anybody who has information should come forward immediately." More: Bicyclist dies after struck by 2 cars in hit-and-run crash on Horizon Boulevard Julia Worthington, the girl killed in the shooting, was a student at Pebble Hills High School. The other person killed, Eliel Omar Bultron Hernandez, was a graduate of Options High School. Both schools are in the Socorro Independent School District. Deadly gun violence as teen party grows out of control An investigation found that students had rented the house on the Vrbo short-term rental provider for a party that grew out of control, police officials said. In a seven-second black-and-white video clip taken inside the party provided by Crime Stoppers, partygoers are packed shoulder-to-shoulder dancing, jumping up and down and singing along to the song "Tuesday" by ILoveMakonnen and Drake. More: 'Do you know where your children are?' El Paso police go retro as juvenile curfew ends About 1 a.m., the party had grown out of control and gunfire rang out with six people being shot, police said. Bultron Hernandez died at the scene. Worthington died days later at a hospital. There were likely scores of witnesses to the shooting and some frustration has been expressed within the Police Department about the lack of witnesses who have come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward if information provided to Crime Stoppers results in an arrest. Two teens were killed and four others were wounded in an early morning shooting on Sept. 17 at a house party at this short-term rental house in the 12300 block of Tierra Inca Drive in far East El Paso. The shooting is the latest in a rise in gun violence involving teenagers in El Paso following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in firearm sales and increased mental health strains, especially among young people. The Tierra Inca case is considered a capital murder, which in Texas is punishable by the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Police encourage anyone with information on the shootings to contact Crimes Against Persons detectives at 915-212-4040, call the police nonemergency line at 915-832-4400 or they may anonymously call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS) or leave a tip online at cselpaso.org. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso police seek help to solve teen house party shooting deaths Ukrainian ex-businessmen and filmmakers make up an elite drone-fighting squad to battle Russia. The team's leader estimated it has destroyed $80 million worth of Russian equipment, AP reported. In the last week, Ukrainian drones hit a record 205 pieces of Russian military equipment. A small group of Ukrainian ex-businessmen and filmmakers have been transformed into an elite drone-fighting squad delivering heavy blows to Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to a report published by The Associated Press on Monday. The leader of the 12-member drone team called the Asgard Group is a wealthy former businessman who goes by the wartime name Pharmacist, the AP reported. Amid Ukraine's slow-moving counteroffensive against Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces, Pharmacist has been instructing his troops to target Moscow's extensive weaponry with affordable, small drones, and the method is proving effective. Pharmacist estimated that his team made up of former engineers, corporate managers, and cinematographers and assembled with $700,000 has already destroyed $80 million worth of Russian military equipment using Ukrainian drones, according to the AP. Exploding drones, Pharmacist explained, are much cheaper to make than conventional munitions. Thanks to effective strategies like those carried out by battlefield leaders like Pharmacist, the Ukrainian government is looking to beef up its drone-fighting capabilities with a $1 billion cash infusion, according to the AP. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said that the Eastern European country is dedicated to building up a cutting-edge "army of drones," reported the AP. The AP reported that Ukraine has already trained more than 10,000 new drone pilots this year. "A new stage of the war will soon begin," Fedorov said. The Ukrainian government official added, "We are doing everything for businesses to invest in the production of various drones," according to the AP. Meanwhile, Fedorov said in a tweet on Monday that Ukraine's "army of drones" hit a record 205 pieces of Russian military equipment between September 18 and Monday alone as Russia's invasion of Ukraine rages on. "Our soldiers keep moving forward & Russians keep losing their equipment," Fedorov said. According to data Fedorov shared, Ukraine's drone fleet destroyed 64 Russian cannons, 27 tanks, 55 trucks, and 38 armored combat vehicles last week alone. Read the original article on Business Insider The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics' sign is seen in Oklahoma City. As a student at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, Lawton Blanchard, who is Black and queer, said she was belittled, called stupid and mocked by physics professor Kurt Bachmann. Once, after berating Blanchard over homework, Bachmann remarked in class that she should spend less time on her hair and more time studying, Blanchard said. Another time, the professor called her an embarrassment to the school, Blanchard said. When Blanchard reported the professors behavior to a counselor, the student was told there wasnt anything they could do. The safeguards literally do not exist except to protect teachers, Blanchard said. Another former student, Dene Betz, reported her science professor, Mark Li, to school leaders after a classroom experiment took an uncomfortable turn. While teaching a lesson on nerve receptors, Li had Betz and another female student go into a closet to test the sensitivity of their nipples, Betz said. More: Elite Oklahoma high school plagued by sexual harassment complaints Li, who taught reproductive biology, made inappropriate, sexual comments so regularly students nicknamed him Sex Li to differentiate him from another professor with the same last name, said Morgan Johnston, who graduated from OSSM in 2016. Why Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is not subject to Title XI After an Oklahoma Watch investigation into how the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics ignored female employees reports of sexual harassment and discrimination, former students of the school came forward with stories of how the misogynistic and toxic culture permeated their experiences, too. The school has operated for three decades without an employee handbook or agency rules prohibiting sexual harassment or abuse. OSSM is a state-funded high school for academically advanced juniors and seniors that regularly ranks as one of the top 10 high schools in the country. Oklahoma Watch But unlike public schools and many private schools, OSSM doesnt fall under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in schools and school activities, according to the attorney generals office, because the school doesnt receive any federal funding. Its a state-appropriated agency that received about $6.5 million this year. In the wake of a lawsuit by former employee Keli Pueblo, school leaders are implementing reforms. The school rolled out an anonymous incident reporting system last week and has re-established the boards personnel subcommittee, which is leading an effort to hire a consultant to review the schools personnel policies and procedures. That work is to include an employee handbook. President Tony Cornforth said in a written statement to Oklahoma Watch that the school has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination of any kind. He encouraged anyone with concerns to contact his administration. Li and Bachmann were placed on administrative leave while the school investigates, according to two employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Cornforth, in an email to staff dated Sept. 20, announced the leave without naming them. More: OSSM new hire comes from another school accused of ignoring sexual harassment Bachmann denied bullying students. I never said any student is stupid, Bachmann said. That's absolutely false. But I might say students aren't well prepared or something like that. Li, in response to a detailed list of allegations, said the students recollection of the nerve receptors lesson is far-fetched and needs clarification and context. Students have 14 body regions to choose from for the experiment, the breast being one. Li said he makes it clear choosing the breast is optional. Those students who insisted on doing the test would go to a separate room (not a closet) in a pair by themselves (two males or females) and lock themselves behind, Li wrote. The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is seen in Oklahoma City. Former Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics students say they had similar experiences Oklahoma Watch interviewed nine former students who attended between 2004 and 2018 about their experiences. They described hazing, bullying and humliliating girls for their perceived sexuality. Some struggled with mental health issues after graduation, which some attributed to the high-pressure academics. But their top concerns were about Bachmann and Li. In class, Li once brought out a vibrator and offered to let any of the female students borrow it after class, Morgan Johnston recalled. Li denied that and said it was a muscle massager used for a lab experiment on nerve receptors. He asked students who they were dating, and offered his office as a space for alone time, despite rules against student relationships, Johnston said. Even as teenagers, we thought, Were pretty sure this is a strange thing for him to be doing, Johnston said. Three female students in April 2022 reported Li had made sexual comments in class, records show. The students told Pueblo, and Pueblo reported it to Frank Wang, then the president, and Brent Richards, vice president for academic services. More: Five questions, answered: Why a judge dismissed a sexual abuse lawsuit against Mount St. Mary Pueblo reported to federal authorities and school administrators that on multiple occasions Li asked female students and colleagues inappropriate questions referring to various animals and living organisms in his anatomy courses and laboratories. Adults, too, complained about Li after a camp for middle school math and science teachers held at OSSM each summer. At least six participants wrote negative comments about Li in their evaluations. Dr. Li told way too many dirty jokes that I believe were unprofessional, one wrote. They made me feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed and, in my opinion, were completely unnecessary. One issue I did not approve of was Dr. Li would use sexual comments, innuendos, and jokes during every class and during opportunities he had to address the whole group, during the welcome speech, and bus rides, wrote another. Pueblo, then the development director for OSSM, reported those concerns to three administrators at the school. Li has been an instructor for the camp for 20 years, and director for the past nine years. Those silly jokes were meant to create a relaxed atmosphere for the workshop, and not directed at any person or with any ill intent, he told Oklahoma Watch in response to the 2019 evaluations. This years evaluations contained no negative remarks, he said. Betz, who graduated from OSSM in 2013, said Li sometimes asked her if she was masturbating. He brought wine on campus and tried to get her to drink with him, she said. She eventually reported him to Jack Gleason, her dorm supervisor. But it was Betz who was kicked off campus; the school called her parents and claimed she tried to commit suicide, which Betz denied. She had to move out of the dorms, despite being just weeks away from graduation. They said no, we cant let you on campus because youve expressed concerns about Mark Li, Betz recalled. I said, Well, that doesnt really make sense. Why wouldnt he be removed from campus? Rebecca Morris, an OSSM alumna who worked at the school from 2011 to 2019, said she was especially concerned about Li because he lived in the dorms. I didnt know as a student, but as staff, I noticed how he befriended the loneliest girls, Morris said. In 2014, Morris heard a disturbing report about Bachmann, the physics professor. A female student, who declined to be interviewed, told Morris that Bachmann made comments that made her uncomfortable on a school trip to China. He used sexual innuendos in front of others on the trip and, at one point, said female students at OSSM give oral sex in the parking lot, Morris said. Bachmann denied those comments. Morris reported the incident via email to the vice president of academic services, who oversaw teaching faculty, and the dean of students. Two weeks had passed since the students report, and in the email, Morris said she regretted not telling someone sooner. I have become accustomed to his behavior, she wrote. I recognize now that while it sometimes feels like that is just how Dr. Bachmann is, or some of us believe he is not even aware of what he is doing, it is not appropriate in the classroom, at work, or around students. At least three other times, Morris asked Bachmann to stop a conversation with her or another dorm staff member because she thought what he was saying was inappropriate or offensive. She quit in 2019, feeling like the school wasnt safe for students or staff, she said. When theres a complaint or concern, its not addressed appropriately, Morris said. The administration has focused on protecting the reputation of the school. In the fall of 2021, counselor Amanda Bonnett got an angry phone call from a female students mother, who said Bachmann was making sexist comments in class and calling students dumb, records reviewed by Oklahoma Watch show. The mother said she heard about Bachmann before her daughter came to OSSM, said she was concerned about student safety, and wanted her daughter out of his class immediately. Similar complaints go back nearly two decades. Former student Alexis Davis said Bachmann made degrading comments toward girls in class when she attended OSSM from 2004-2005 and would bump into girls buttocks or breasts and stare down their shirts. Davis said when she had one-on-one tutoring with Bachmann, she made sure to borrow a large T-shirt from a male student to wear to the session to cover her body. She didnt know how to handle it. As a teenage girl, you didnt know the proper procedure to report sexual harassment, Davis said. Bachmann denied touching or bumping into girls. He said the schools president surveys students at graduation and they never reported anything like that. Oklahoma records show OSSM has few rules, and none for addressing employee conduct OSSM is governed by a 25-member board of trustees. The Legislature gave the board the authority to write rules for the school, but its done so far less than comparable agencies. Two pages of rules exist for OSSM in state records. They cover enrolling students who arent residents of Oklahoma, renting its facilities, and charging fees for summer workshops. There is nothing addressing employee conduct with students. In comparison, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, a state agency overseeing incarcerated youths, has adopted more than 200 pages of rules. Under the rules, all facilities are required to post the procedure to file a grievance and its explained to every child at intake. Both staff and youths who report abuse or harassment are protected from retaliation. Complaints of sexual abuse and harassment are forwarded to Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Oklahoma Watch asked Dan Little, OSSMs longtime board chairman, to explain the lack of rules under his leadership. He said he could not answer questions until late October. OSSM also doesnt have an employee handbook. A human resources generalist hired after a 2019 audit drafted one with input from the attorney generals office, but the board never approved it. Weve struggled to get the employee handbook, said OSSM board of trustees member Geoffrey Simpson, of Tulsa. It was supposed to be finished years ago and for some reason just hasnt been completed. Simpson said he made sure a grievance policy was posted in the employee break room. But hes been frustrated by the delay in getting out the employee handbook and felt blindsided by some of the issues brought forth in Pueblos lawsuit, he said. No grievance policy was posted where students could see it. Frustrations among the students bubbled over in 2019 after what they described as excessive student expulsions, sexual harassment, and other issues. Together, the students organized and submitted grievances to school administration. Their complaints, obtained by Oklahoma Watch, included sexual harassment by fellow students. A female student reported a male student for staring, stalking and attempting to touch her for an entire semester. The male student wasnt punished. In another incident, a female student continued to face sexual harassment after reporting the student to a counselor. When she went back to the counselor to report him again, the counselor promised she wouldnt have a class with him again. The next semester, she had every class with him. He continued to harass me in and out of the classroom, she wrote anonymously in the complaint. I couldnt escape him unless I was literally in my dorm room. It made a huge impact on my academic success, I stared (sic) to struggle in my classes and was constantly distracted. Not only did the harassment affect my personal life, it wrecked my studies. Decisions about discipline were being made unilaterally, the students alleged. The students main demand was a council of multiple staff members to consider student punishments, safety issues and handbook changes. School leaders never created such a council. Under Title IX, students would know who to direct such complaints to because schools are required to designate a staff member to handle complaints. The law also requires schools to support students who were sexually harassed, even if they dont file a formal complaint. That includes moving the student or harasser to another class or, if the harasser is a teacher, placing them on administrative leave while complaints are investigated. The school, through the attorney generals office, said it isnt required to follow Title IX because it doesnt receive federal funding. However, nothing prevents the school from implementing those protections. Like OSSM, the North Carolina School for Science and Mathematics, after which OSSM was modeled, is funded with state appropriations and donations from its foundation. The North Carolina school follows Title IX and staffs each of its two campuses with a compliance officer. Bryan Gilmer, a spokesman for the North Carolina School for Science and Mathematics, said the school is part of the University of North Carolina system, and because they are under the umbrella of a public university, they follow Title IX. The Legislature has increased its oversight of the school. Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat met last month with his appointees on the OSSM board of trustees, including Sen. Adam Pugh. Pugh, R-Edmond, said with Cornforth taking over as president, he expects to see structural changes and a culture shift. We dont want any child or any parent or staff or teacher to have a negative experience, Pugh said. If the states going to oversee this, we have to make sure that doesnt happen. 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: Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics has no anti-harassment rules ELLENVILLE - A village man has been charged with the attempted murder of his mother. According to Ellenville police, they responded to a report of a domestic incident at a Roslyn Street address around 1:40 p.m. on Sept. 20. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from apparent knife wounds to her neck. She was treated at the scene by the Ellenville Rescue Squad and then taken to Ellenville Regional Hospital. From there, she was flown to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she was treated for her injuries. Police said she is expected to recover. Emergency access: Fatal bus crash renews calls for long-sought access gate on I-84 Police said when they arrived at the residence, they also encountered Jordan E. Cutler, 35, of 19 Roslyn St., outside the house. Police said he surrendered peacefully. Police said further investigation revealed Cutler was the victim's son, and that at some point he had placed her in a chokehold in an attempt to render her unconscious. Police said when that failed, he took a knife and cut her around the neck, in an attempt to cause her death. Police said they obtained search warrants, which were executed by members of the State Police Forensic Investigation Unit. The weapon was recovered at the scene, village police said. Cutler was charged with one count each of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and strangulation, all felonies; and criminal obstruction of breathing and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both misdemeanors. Marijuana sales: New York's first cannabis growers market has opened in New Paltz: What to expect He was arraigned before Wawarsing Town Justice Charles Dechon and sent without bail to the Ulster County jail, pending further court action. The name of his attorney was not immediately available. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845. This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Ellenville police say village man tried to kill his mother Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk said he will visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas this week to confront the serious issue of border security. Musk replied to a video originally shared by Fox News purportedly showing migrants riding on the top of a freight train toward the U.S. I spoke with Rep. Tony Gonzales [R-Texas] tonight he confirmed that it is a serious issue, Musk said late Monday on the social media platform X, which he owns. They are being overwhelmed by unprecedented numbers just hit an all-time high and still growing! Am going to visit Eagle Pass later this week to see whats going on for myself. Eagle Pass, Texas, declared a state of emergency last week due to what it characterized as a severe undocumented immigrant surge into the city over the southern border. Migrant encounters at the border rose nearly 27 percent last month, according to Customs and Border Protection, with U.S. officials encountering 232,972 people entering the country without authorization through the southwest border in August. Border security has been a major point of emphasis for Republicans in the 2024 election cycle. Gonzaless office confirmed that he and Musk spoke Monday and the congressman conveyed what he saw during his own visit to Eagle Pass earlier that day. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey needs to turn the legal troubles of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez , a long-time critic of his government, into opportunity for its requested purchase of F-16 U.S. fighter jets, Turkish media said on Tuesday. "Menendez being out of the picture is an advantage," Erdogan was quoted as telling reporters aboard a flight, after the powerful U.S. senator was charged with taking bribes from three New Jersey businessmen. Menendez, a Democrat who stepped down temporarily as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has long opposed the potential sale of F-16s to Turkey and criticised Erdogan's record on human rights. He had vowed to stay in Congress, denying wrongdoing. "There is benefit in turning this situation into an opportunity," Erdogan said. "Not just on the F-16s, but on all other issues Menendez and those with similar mindsets are carrying out obstructive actions against us." Erdogan raised Turkey's pending ratification of Sweden's NATO membership bid and said the White House must also fulfil its promise on the F-16s. "We expect a clear response from the U.S. on that matter now. We hope to get the positive result without more delay," he said. NATO member Turkey requested in October 2021 to buy 40 Lockheed Martin Corp F-16 fighters and 79 modernisation kits for its existing warplanes. President Joe Biden's administration supports the $20-billion sale. The Biden administration is linking F-16 fighter jet sales to Turkey with Ankara's ratification of Sweden's NATO membership bid, Erdogan also said. Turkey will ratify Stockholm's bid if the administration keeps its promise on the F-16 sale, he added. (Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Jonathan Spicer) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Turkish parliament would ratify Sweden's accession to NATO if the U.S. approves the sale of its F-16 fighter jets to Ankara, Reuters reported on Sept. 26. Erdogan told reporters on his flight back from Azerbaijan that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the issue of Sweden's NATO aspirations with U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken in New York last week. According to the Turkish president, the Biden administration is linking the F-16 sales to Ankara's approval of the Swedish NATO bid. "If they (the U.S.) keep their promises, our parliament will keep its own promise as well. Turkish parliament will have the final say on Sweden's NATO membership," Erdogan said. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us Both Sweden and Finland applied to join the Alliance in May 2022 due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Turkey initially blocked both of their bids but gave the green light to Helsinki in March. Erdogan seemingly conceded to back Sweden's bid and forward it to the Turkish parliament on July 10 after meeting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. A day after the announcement, the Biden administration said that it would move forward with the sale of F-16s to Turkey. Ankara requested to buy $20 billion of F-16 aircraft and nearly 80 modernization kits for its existing warplanes from the U.S. in October 2021. Since then, neither the ratification of Sweden's NATO bid nor the sale of the jets have been finalized. Sweden also waits for a green light from Hungary, another NATO member that has not approved Stockholm's accession to the alliance so far. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Sept. 25 that Budapest is in "no rush" with the ratification, suggesting further delays before the Nordic country can join the military bloc. Read also: Hungarian Foreign Minister: Hungarys ratification of Swedens NATO bid only a technical issue Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As former Pennsylvania governors, we are writing today in full support of current legislation in both the House and Senate that would repeal closed primaries and bring 1.2 million independent voters back into the primary election process. Representing both major political parties, we come together in our firm belief that it is long past time for Pennsylvania to join the 43 other states that in some way allow independent voters to vote in every election. When we were elected Governor, we pledged to govern on behalf of all Pennsylvanians Democrats, Republicans, independents, those who voted for us, and those who voted against us. But our political system has changed over the last decade or two. Primary elections are often decided by a few more extreme voters. Candidates elected by those more extreme voters don't have as much incentive to engage in the compromise and give and take that is so essential to effective governing. Adding independent voters to the primary mix will help. Former Gov. Tom Corbett Nothing is more fundamental to our democratic republic than the right to vote. Over the years, people have marched, protested, petitioned their elected officials, and even laid down their lives to make sure that voting is free, fair, and secure for all citizens. Plus, it is what the voters want. Repealing closed primaries enjoys remarkable support, with 74% of all Pennsylvania voters in favor. That includes strong majorities from across the political spectrum. Former Gov. Ed Rendell We also believe that opening primary elections will help build both political parties. By inviting independent voters into party primary elections, it's giving them a chance to "try before you buy." Both political parties have seen dramatic declines over the past 20 years, while independent voters are the fastest growing segment of the voting population. Why wouldn't we want to invite them in? Pennsylvania's independent voters aren't looking for favors, just fairness. As taxpayers, these independent voters help pay the roughly $50 million it costs to run a primary election and yet they are denied the right to cast a vote. This is surely taxation without representation. Former Gov. Tom Wolf There is one more critical reason we believe that this is the right issue at the right time for Pennsylvania. It should come as no surprise that half of all veterans identify as independents. When members of our armed services take the oath to defend our country, it's not to serve the red team or blue team. They serve the red, white, and blue team. How can we ask them to put their lives on the line for our country but deny them their right to vote when they come home? We are proud to join together in our support for repealing closed primaries. It's the right thing and the smart thing to do. Signed by former Pennsylvania Govs. Tom Ridge (1995-2001), Mark Schweiker (2001- 2003), Ed Rendell (2003-2011), Tom Corbett (2011-2015), and Tom Wolf (2015-2023). The governors are supporting Pennsylvania SB 400 introduced by Sens. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh and Northampton) in the spring, and similar measures introduced in the House, including HB 976 by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and HB 979 by Reps. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) and Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia). The letter was secured and distributed by Ballot PA, a project of the Committee of 70. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Former Pa. governors rally around push to open Pa.'s closed primaries The social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is the largest source of misinformation and disinformation among the major online platforms, the EU Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said on Sept. 26. The official said so during the meeting with the Code of Practice on Disinformation signatories, including major players such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The Code's parties have pledged to combat online disinformation through cooperation with fact-checkers, ensuring transparency of advertising, and demonetizing disinformation content, among other methods. The platform X, known as Twitter at the time, withdrew its participation from the Code in May this year, several months after its acquisition by billionaire Elon Musk. Jourova noted that compared to the signatories of the Code, X has the highest ratio of misinformation and disinformation posts. She emphasized that the threat of Russian disinformation in particular has been rising since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us "The Russian state has engaged in the war of ideas to pollute our information space with half-truths and lies to create a false image that democracy is no better than autocracy," Jourova said. In the first months of the war, Musk aided Ukraine in its fight against Russia by providing it with the Starlink satellite internet system operated by his company SpaceX. In October 2022, the businessman briefly threatened to cut the free support for Starlink in Ukraine before signing a contract with the U.S. government to continue the system's operation. Media reports emerged later claiming that the billionaire had been in contact with Russian senior officials during the full-scale war and even foiled a Ukrainian strike against the Russian Navy. Read also: Musk says he denied request to turn on Starlink in Crimea to prevent attack on Russias fleet Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE PHOTO: A vial and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed Moderna logo, in this illustration taken (Reuters) -The European Union is in talks with Moderna over a new supply deal for the company's COVID-19 vaccines amid concerns over a rise in infections in the region, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. The company supplied its COVID vaccines to the EU during the pandemic, but the contract for its Omicron-adjusted vaccines ended in August last year and was not renewed. At least eight countries in the union are interested in a new supply deal, the report said, citing one of the people. "Moderna manufactured its updated COVID-19 vaccine at risk to ensure we could support member states with their upcoming vaccination campaigns," a company spokesperson said, adding the updated shot was approved in Europe and ready to be supplied. Updated COVID shots that will be used in the vaccination campaign this year will target the XBB.1.5 variant of Omicron. The spokesperson said an agreement with the European Commission is the fastest way to procure the shots, which would help ensure a diversified supply of COVID vaccines with vaccination campaigns set to start in October. A spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment on the talks over Moderna's supply contract, but added it "has been assessing the needs and interests of the Member States for additional COVID-19 vaccines". Currently, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech's updated COVID shot is the most widely used vaccine in the region. Pfizer and BioNTech in May reached a deal to amend their COVID-19 vaccine contract by cutting the number of shots the EU must buy and pushing the delivery deadline to 2026 due to gradually falling demand for the shots. (Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) The European Commission reportedly decided on Tuesday 26 September that it will represent Poland, Hungary and Slovakia in the arbitration of the grain dispute at the World Trade Organisation. Source: Polish news agency PAP, citing a "source within the EU", as reported by European Pravda Details: The WTO's consideration of Ukraine's complaint against the three EU states over their unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products should begin "soon". Quote: "It was decided on Tuesday that the EU member states will be represented by the European Commission at the WTO arbitration. The EU delegation includes experts from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary," an EU source told PAP. Unnamed European diplomats quoted by the agency said the opening of the WTO procedure "closes other channels of dialogue for Ukraine" in the dispute over the grain import embargo. Polish Ambassador to the EU Andrzej Sados told PAP the situation will be discussed on Wednesday in Brussels at the level of permanent representatives at Polands initiative. Instead of restricting imports to the EU, Ukraine proposed an export control plan for four groups of crops wheat, maize, sunflower and rapeseed to the European Commission and the five countries to protect their domestic markets. Despite this, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary announced unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian imports, prompting Ukraine to file a complaint to the WTO against these three countries. 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! Citizens have led fiery campaigns against books they deem objectionable since before Americas founding. As early as the 1650s, Massachusetts Bay colonists banned and burned William Pynchons pamphlet The Meritorious Price of Our Redemption because it allegedly failed to adhere to Calvinist beliefs. Book bans were common in the South in the run-up to the Civil War, and nationwide during the McCarthy era. But in the last few years, something changed. More people began writing complaints and demonstrating at meetings. They grew far more vocal. And they started to rally around the same texts, slamming them as pornographic or for supposedly preaching critical race theory. Since 2021, book banningspecifically, blocking access to books in schools and librarieshas become an organized movement, one backed by a powerful network of politicians, advocacy groups, and conservative donors. More books are being challengedfor possible restriction or removal from libraries and curriculathan have been in decades. In the first half of the 202223 school year, PEN America, the free speech organization, tracked nearly 1,500 book bans nationwide, affecting 874 unique titles. Books centering on people of color and LGBTQ+ characters have been disproportionately targeted. In some GOP-controlled states, legislation has led to the widespread removal from schools of books with references to sex and sexuality, as well as race and racism. The first week of October is the American Library Associations Banned Books Week, and to mark the occasion, The New Republic will launch a Bookmobile Tour to distribute texts conservatives have decided children simply should not read. CENSORSHIP CHIEFS Ron DeSantis Under Governor DeSantis, Florida became the first of many red states to enact laws making it easier for parents to challenge books in school libraries that they believe are pornographic, deal improperly with race, or can otherwise be considered inappropriate. DeSantis was applauded by a Moms for Liberty (see below) founder for blazing a trail on school book bans. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Governor Huckabee Sanders signed a law imposing criminal penalties on Arkansas librarians who knowingly provide harmful materials to minorsthough a federal judge has temporarily blocked sections of the law, calling them too vague. In January, Sanders also signed an executive order to prohibit indoctrination and critical race theory in schools. Greg Abbott The Texas governor signed a law banning sexually explicit books from schools. The law requires vendors to rate books as sexually relevant or sexually explicit to determine if they require parental approval or full removal. During the 202122 school year, Texas districts banned more books than those in any other state. A Moms for Liberty booth in Pennsylvania, on August 27, 2022 Mark Peterson/Redux/for The New Republic Moms for Liberty Founded in 2021, Moms for Liberty has rapidly expanded into a national organization with almost 300 chapters. Its strategy is to take over school boards and label dissenting teachers, librarians, and parents groomers. The organization has also endorsed legislation in line with its goals like Dont Say Gay, the notorious Florida law hamstringing discussions of sexuality in many classrooms. The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Moms for Liberty an extremist group. READING REBELS Suzette Baker In March 2022, Baker was fired as head librarian of the Kingsland Branch Library in Llano County, Texas, for insubordination and failure to follow instructions, which she said included her refusal to take down a display of banned books. Among the titles that have attracted the ire of local officials: Between the World and Me, the Ta-Nehisi Coates book that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. Debbie Chavez Chavez quit her school librarian job in Round Rock, Texas, after a parent met with her to discuss Lawn Boya novel that includes a romance between two boysand secretly recorded the conversation, sharing excerpts on Facebook. Critics claimed she was grooming kids and called for her firing. It was so horrific to see that my words were being used as a rallying cry for the book censors, she told The New York Times. Summer Boismier Boismier, an English teacher at Norman High School in Oklahoma, shared with her students a Q.R. code to Books UnBanned, a program of New Yorks Brooklyn Public Library that offers access to books that have been banned or challenged. She received a torrent of abuse and later resigned, claiming there was no way for her to do her job amid passage of a new law limiting instruction related to race and gender. Anonymous Utah parent In a protest of legislation making it easier to remove pornographic or indecent content, a Utah parent filed a complaint with an eight-page list of objectionable passages from the Biblesuccessfully forcing a district to remove the text from elementary and middle schools. The decision was quickly reversed. 50 MOST BANNED BOOKS Books are listed in descending order by frequency of bans in schools nationwide. Maia Kobabe, the author of the graphic novel and memoir Gender Queer, in Santa Rosa, California, on April 25, 2022 Marissa Leshnov/The New York Times/Redux Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez A Lake Travis, Texas, parent got a book purged from her schools library after googling cornhole, a word that appears in Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez, explaining at a school board meeting what shed learned: Cornhole is a sexual slang vulgarism and means to have anal sex. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher Crank by Ellen Hopkins The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini l8r, g8r by Lauren Myracle This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson Melissa by Alex Gino Looking for Alaska by John Green Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin Beloved by Toni Morrison A Fairfax County, Virginia, parent tried and failed to get Toni Morrisons Beloved banned for allegedly being rife with explicit material. Still, the aggrieved citizen went on to star in a Glenn Youngkin campaign ad as he successfully ran for governor in 2021. This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki Drama: A Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier Flamer by Mike Curato Jack of Hearts (and other parts) by L.C. Rosen The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Tricks by Ellen Hopkins More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer Its Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie Harris Mondays Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Sold by Patricia McCormick The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater Dear Martin by Nic Stone Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher Real Live Boyfriends: yes. boyfriends, plural. if my life werent complicated, I wouldnt be Ruby Oliver by E. Lockhart The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu Lucky by Alice Sebold Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson I Am Jazz by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds Seven white school board members voted unanimously in Pickens County, South Carolina, to remove Stamped from libraries and classrooms. It traces the history of racism in the United States, but parents complained that it promote[s] socialism and demonstrates radical Marxism infecting our schools and our culture. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell Source: PEN America data from 202122 school year MORE RIDICULOUS STORIES Anne Franks Diary: The Graphic Adaptation An illustrated adaptation of The Diary of a Young Girl was banned from a high school library in Florida because, critics bizarrely claimed, it minimized the Holocaust andperhaps more importantcaptured a young girls thoughts about other female bodies. A county chapter chair of the far-right group Moms for Liberty led the charge for removal over its sexually explicit material. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes The director of a Florida police union targeted this book about a Black boy killed by police. Our members feel that this book is propaganda that pushes an inaccurate and absurd stereotype of police officers in America, he wrote. Further use of the book was paused in a classroom in Broward County. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado A Leander, Texas, parent went after Machados surreal memoir about domestic abuse, brandishing a sex toy at a school board meeting while decrying portions of the book detailing a lesbian relationship. This is what were asking our children to read, the parent said, taking out a pink dildo. The book was ultimately removed from school libraries in the district. Art Spiegelmans graphic novel Maus was banned for eighth-graders graders by a school board in Tennessee. Mario Siranosian/AFP/Getty Maus by Art Spiegelman In January 2022, a Tennessee school board voted unanimously to ban this Pulitzer-winning graphic novel from its eighth grade curriculum. The book depicts Holocaust victims as mice and Nazis as cats. One board member took offense at illustrations of naked mice in the book. All the way through this literature we expose these kids to nakedness, we expose them to vulgarity. If I was trying to indoctrinate somebodys kids, this is how I would do it, he said. A former Centerville police officer has been convicted in the unintentional shooting death of a 3-year-old boy in Butler County earlier this year, court records show. Benjamin Bishop, 27, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a single count of involuntary manslaughter, according to documents filed in Butler County Common Pleas Court. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors dropped counts of endangering children and reckless homicide. In March, Hamilton police officers found 3-year-old Jared Green Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound at a home in the 900 block of Park Avenue, officials said. The child was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Bishop was indicted in connection with the child's death in June, court records show. Bishop, who at the time was the boyfriend of the toddlers mother, left a gun he legally owned on the windowsill in the bedroom of a home on Park Avenue, Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsay Sheehan told Enquirer media partner Fox19. Court records show Bishop faces a maximum possible sentence of more than 16 years in prison. He's scheduled to appear in court before Judge Noah Powers II for sentencing Nov. 6. Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Ohio police officer pleads guilty in child's shooting death A former California Highway Patrol officer arrested after authorities found thousands of child pornography images on his cellphone and laptop and who after his arrest accessed the web for sexual chats was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years and a month in prison. Timothy Allen Horwath, 53, of Rancho Cordova spent nearly 17 years as a CHP officer before an undercover operation in Redding led authorities to discover a laptop inside his CHP duty bag in his garage containing depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, court records say. Some of the files on the computer depicted extremely young children (as young as three and four years old) being forcibly raped and sexually abused by adult males, court records say. Investigators also found a cellphone on Horwaths person, which contained thousands of visual depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez sentenced Horwath in a Sacramento courtroom to the prison term and to another 10 years of supervised release, rejecting a plea from his lawyer for a five-year sentence. Your honor, what I did was wrong, Horwath told the federal judge before sentencing. I realize that. The things that I did I was only thinking about myself. I wasnt thinking about the victims. I feel tremendously horrible about what my actions have been. I do realize I have a problem. I do want to seek any kind of help I can get. Horwaths attorney David Dratman argued that as a former law enforcement officer and child pornographer, Horwath is going to have many targets on his back. He would be doing a different type of prison than anyone else, Dratman told the judge, arguing that five years in custody followed by 15 years of supervised release was more than adequate for a defendant of his age with no criminal record. Ten years in prison is simply not necessary to punish him for his actions in this case, Dratman argued. Hes never been in custody before. Dratman also argued in court papers that Horwath was remorseful and that before his arrest he had been married to his second wife for 20 years and had five children from his marriages. As a result of his actions in this case, he has lost his marriage, lost contact with his children, and lost his career, Dratman wrote, adding that Horwath had been abused by an elderly neighbor as a boy and was receiving mental health treatment. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall noted that after Horwaths 2019 arrest and release on bond, he violated the terms of his release by accessing the internet for sex chats. In this case, Horwath was downloading thousands of still images and videos constituting child pornography, and deliberately violated his bond conditions by using the internet, smartphones, and social media accounts, McCall wrote in court documents. Investigators learned in December 2022 that Horwath was accessing the internet, court records say, and surveillance teams following him saw him using a smartphone at a Walmart. They also followed him and saw him inside a Target store, in the electronics section, discussing topics with a Target employee such as: purchasing a SIM card and the price; prepaid phone service cards, their costs and data limit. An agent heard (the) defendant ... giving his account number, providing his credit card payment information, and requesting to activate a phone, court records say. Agents heard a Target employee speaking with Consumer Cellular saying that defendant had brought a phone with him and was attempting to set it up and transfer account data. A search in February led investigators to find an iPhone in his pants pocket, a Wi-Fi router hidden under a blanket behind a couch and dozens of archived WhatsApp encrypted messaging conversations. Although most of the WhatsApp messages began with defendant asking, Are you 18 years old?, many of these chats proceeded into a sexual nature, with the exchange of nude photos, court records say. It appeared these chats were with females located within the Philippines. One chat message talked about the transferring of money to PHP (potentially the Philippine Peso currency). A chat that talked about the money accompanied a message from Horwath saying, in part, I am your boyfriend now and I should take care of you. Horwath subsequently pleaded guilty in April to receipt of child pornography, and his attorney asked Mendez on Tuesday to recommend placement in a prison in Colorado or Ohio that has a sex offender management program. A former top administrator at the Millcreek Township School District has dropped his lawsuit claiming that he was improperly demoted. The withdrawal of the suit, in Erie County Common Pleas Court, involved no payments to the plaintiff, Joe Orlando, according to school district records. Orlando dropped the case shortly after he got a new job outside the school district. A fight over the amount of back wages he wanted was likely to complicate the suit had it proceeded, according to court records. Orlando was the Millcreek School District's director of elementary education when the School Board on June 26 unanimously voted to demote him to a sixth-grade English teacher at J.S. Wilson Middle School. The board approved the demotion at the request of the Millcreek schools superintendent at the time, Ian Roberts, who left the 6,500-student district on June 30 to become the superintendent of the 30,000-student public school district in Des Moine, Iowa. A former top administrator for the Millcreek Township School District, Joe Orlando, has dropped his lawsuit claiming he was wrongfully demoted to a sixth-grade English teacher. Orlando's salary was $119,700 a year as director of elementary education. His salary dropped to $80,279 a year with the demotion. Orlando never started the job as a sixth-grade English teacher. He resigned from the school district effective Aug. 11 and took a job with Erie Insurance Group on Aug. 14, according to court records and his LinkedIn account. Lawsuit discontinued in Erie County Common Pleas Court Through his lawyer, Richard Ruth, Orlando sued the school district on July 24. The suit claimed Roberts downgraded Orlando's position in a way that barred the School Board from reducing his salary under the Pennsylvania School Code. The school district claimed the demotion was carried out properly. Ruth ended the lawsuit on Orlando's behalf on Sept. 14, according to a document filed in Common Pleas Court on Sept. 14. The document said the suit had been settled or discontinued. The case never went to a hearing before a judge. Citing the discontinuance, the Erie Times-News filed a request under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law that asked the school district to provide a copy of any settlement agreement between Orlando and the school district. The district responded in a letter on Monday that "No Settlement Agreement exists because Mr. Orlando filed for voluntary discontinuance of the matter." The lawyer for the Millcreek School District on the case, Julia Herzing, said the district had no comment. Ruth, Orlando's lawyer, could not be immediately reached for comment. Dispute over damages likely if case had advanced Had the case moved ahead in court, the school district was prepared to argue that Orlando was restricted in the amount of back pay he could seek. In a filing on Aug. 28, Herzing said damages should be limited to the dates of Orlando's demotion June 26 to Aug. 11, a period of about seven weeks and should be limited to the difference between Orlando's administrative salary of $119,700 and his teaching salary of $80,279 a difference of $39,421 a year or $758 a week. Orlando's damages would have been limited to $5,306 based on those restrictions. Ruth disagreed with the limits, according to court records. Orlando's lawsuit hinged on the legal interpretation of his demotion. Ruth argued that Roberts moved Orlando to a lesser position through what is known as a "realignment demotion" under Pennsylvania school law. A realignment demotion is a demotion due to a reorganization or regrouping of officials within a school district. Orlando's lawsuit claimed a realignment demotion prohibits any salary reduction. Herzing, the lawyer for the school district, argued the demotion was a "pure demotion" under Pennsylvania school law, and that the School Board was allowed to cut Orlando's salary as a result. A pure demotion, according to the court filings, constitutes a demotion based on policy rather than economic reasons. The School Board accepted Herzing's position in voting to demote Orlando. Consolidation of posts led to job changes Roberts, who was the superintendent of the Millcreek School District for a little less that three years, recommended the demotion as he moved to reduce the number of the Millcreek School District's top officials the 12 central administrators he called members of his "core team." The consolidation focused on the top three administrators in the school district's curriculum department, according to court records. They were Orlando, the director of elementary education; Timothy Stoops, the director of alternative learning and assessment; and John Cavanagh, director of secondary education. Ian Roberts consolidated some top administrative posts at the end of his tenure as superintendent of the Millcreek Township School District. He served in the post from August 2020 through June 2023, when he left to head the public school district in Des Moines, Iowa. Roberts eliminated the positions of Orlando and Stoops and created the job of director of K-12 education. Orlando had an opportunity to apply for the new job, according to court records, but ended up getting demoted to sixth-grade English teacher. Roberts demoted Stoops to an eighth-grade English teacher at J.S. Wilson Middle School. The School Board also approved his demotion on June 26, but Stoops resigned before he started the new job. Cavanagh became the district's director of K-12 education under the consolidation. The School Board hired him as the district's new superintendent on July 17. The School Board approved Orlando's demotion at the same June 26 board meeting at which the school directors unanimously resolved another issue that developed during Roberts' tenure as superintendent. The board unanimously approved a $250,000 settlement agreement with the school district's former director of human resources, Melody Ellington. She held that job for about 15 months until she resigned in September. Going to court: Ex-Millcreek schools official sues over demotion, adding to legal issues under Ian Roberts Ellington never filed a lawsuit, but the $250,000 settlement resolved her claims that she was subjected to "unlawful treatment" at the school district and that the treatment left her no choice but to resign, according to the agreement. The settlement agreement, which the Erie Times-News obtained under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, provides no details on Ellington's claims. It includes a confidentiality clause that prohibits Ellington, Roberts or any other employees connected to the Millcreek School District from talking about the deal. Ruth, Orlando's lawyer, also represented Ellington. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Ex-official at Millcreek School District ends lawsuit over demotion By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Edwards Lifesciences is working with EU antitrust regulators after they raided one of its facilities in an EU country a week ago, the U.S. medical device maker said on Tuesday. Edwards Lifesciences' shares had dipped 2.5% in pre-market trade after Reuters published a story citing two people with direct knowledge of the EU raid. The stock recovered and is now up 0.8%. The move underscores increasing regulatory scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic of the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that companies continue to innovate and offer products and services at affordable prices without being squeezed out by bigger rivals. The European Commission on Sept. 19 said it raided a cardiovascular medical device company in an EU country on concerns that it may have abused its market power in breach of the bloc's antitrust rules. It did not name the company. Edwards Lifesciences, which says it is a global leader in making medical products for structural heart disease and known for its transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device in heart surgery, said it was committed to healthy, fair competition. "Edwards Lifesciences is cooperating with the European Commission regarding its inspection in relation to EU competition law," the company said in a statement to Reuters. "We remain confident in our business practices and will not be commenting further at this time." The EU competition enforcer declined to comment. Companies found guilty of violating EU antitrust rules face fines as much as 10% of their global turnover. According to analysts, Edwards Lifesciences competes with Abbot Laboratories, Medtronic, Zimmer Biomet and Boston Scientific Corp, among others. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Louise Heavens and Lisa Shumaker) Over the past week, far away from Milan Fashion Week, Wang Rongbi, a resident of Xiaogulong Village in Guizhou Province, has been glued to her cellphone, eagerly awaiting updates about the Italian show. "I have never been abroad, but my embroidery has," Wang said. Wang is among a group of embroidery designers from Guizhou in southwest China whose works were chosen to exhibit at the just-concluded event. Their exquisite works were selected to showcase the traditional artistry of China's Miao ethnic minority and wow international fashion designers. The Miao are one of China's minority groups, and more than 4.3 million call Guizhou home. Their intricate, kaleidoscopic embroidered costumes, featuring unique patterns inspired by nature and their ethnic history, are recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage and regarded as a "living fossil" of Miao culture. One month ago, when her works were chosen for presentation at Milan Fashion Week, Wang and her fellow embroiderers quickly got to work in their workshop deep in the village of Xiaogulong. The fruits of their labor were displayed Sunday at an exhibition co-sponsored by the Chinese Consulate General in Milan and the Guizhou provincial government that presented traditional Miao costumes and other Miao handicrafts. Filled with immense pride for her heritage, Wang's pieces feature distinctive seals embroidered on the chest, back, and sleeves in a nod to her branch of the Miao ethnic group, the Siyin Miao. "Siyin" in Chinese means four seals. According to legend, the ancestors of the Siyin Miao people held the seals for the king, but they were separated by war. They embroidered the seals on their clothes as an identifying signal to each other. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and has evolved into the decorations on clothes. "The girls in the family would embroider a four-seal dress when they were young. The first time they wore the dress was when they got married, and the last time was when they were buried," said Wang, underscoring that the dress was only for the most important festivals and occasions. Shi Chuanying, 45, another Miao embroiderer from Taijiang County in Guizhou, also spent the last seven days in a fashion-week high. But, while Wang followed the event from China, Shi had a front-row seat. In July, Shi received an invitation from the provincial department of culture and tourism to attend Milan Fashion Week. On Sept. 21, Shi left for Milan with two traditional costumes and 10 embroidered pieces destined for the catwalk. "I was one of 17 embroiderers who worked nonstop for 20 days to complete the 10 pieces. We cherished this opportunity and were committed to hitting our target no matter how difficult," said Shi. The day before leaving for Milan, Shi and her husband checked their luggage often, nervous they had forgotten any essential tools, even a thread or a needle. Despite never being abroad and not knowing the distance between Italy and China, she knew the trip to Milan would open a new and exciting chapter. Both Wang and Shi are intensely proud that the traditional costumes of their ethnic group have been presented on the international stage, boosting confidence in the inheritance and development of Miao embroidery. "Traditional handicrafts can be very fashionable, and our ethnic culture has plenty of global appeal," said Wang. By Martin Petty (Reuters) -The Philippines on Tuesday vowed not to back down against a Chinese move to block its fishermen from a hotly contested area of the South China Sea, as Beijing warned against provocations after Manila severed its floating barrier. WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE SCARBOROUGH SHOAL? The Philippines expressed outrage at the weekend after its coastguard discovered a 300-metre-long ball-buoy barrier policed by China's coastguard near the disputed, China-held Scarborough Shoal, during what it said was a routine patrol. On Monday, the Philippine executed a "special operation" that entailed the coastguard entering the shoal on a small motor boat posing as fishermen, before diving down with snorkels and masks to cut the barrier and remove its anchor. The Philippines coastguard said the mission, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, showed its determination to maintain a presence at the shoal. China's foreign ministry advised the Philippines against provocations. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHOAL? Named after a British ship that was grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago, the Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights. Located 200 km (124 miles) off the Philippines and inside its exclusive economic zone, the shoal is coveted for its bountiful fish stocks and a stunning turquoise lagoon that provides safe haven for vessels during storms. Located in the middle of the South China Sea and near shipping lanes carrying an estimated $3.4 trillion of annual commerce, its position is strategic for Beijing. There are concerns China might one day build a manmade island there, as it has on submerged reefs in the Spratly islands, some equipped with radar, runways and missile systems. A Chinese official responsible for those islands in 2017 said Scarborough Shoal would be among several sites where environmental monitoring stations would be built, though its foreign ministry later dismissed that. WHO DOES THE SHOAL BELONG TO? The Philippines and China lay claim to the shoal but sovereignty has never been established and it remains effectively under Beijing's control. A landmark 2016 ruling on the South China Sea by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which went largely in favour of the Philippines, was not tasked with establishing sovereignty. It ruled China's blockade of the shoal violated international law and said the area was a traditional fishing ground for several countries. China seized the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines and has since maintained a constant deployment of coastguard and fishing trawlers, some accused by Manila of being maritime militia. China has not acknowledged the presence of militia in the South China Sea. Up until now and during the 2016-2022 administration of pro-China former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, China's coastguard allowed Filipino fishing boats to operate near the shoal, mostly small vessels on a scale dwarfed by China. WHAT IS THE RISK OF CONFLICT? The stakes are high for both countries and the region should tensions increase. There have been minor altercations elsewhere in the South China Sea this year, including at the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila has accused Beijing of dangerous and aggressive conduct, including use of a military-grade laser. Standing up to Beijing might score points for President Marcos among Filipinos, but his coastguard is under-equipped and no match for China's. Any deployment of navy vessels would be a red line both sides would most likely steer clear of. One deterrent could be the United States and a recent strengthening of defence ties between Manila and Washington would up the stakes should China respond militarily. After years of lobbying, Marcos in May received guidelines from the United States on when it would come to the rescue of the Philippine under a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty. The Pentagon stated mutual defence commitments would be invoked over an attack "anywhere in the South China Sea" and that coastguard vessels are among those protected. (Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Sharon Singleton) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley , the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has received a bump in opinion polls since a well-received debate performance in late August, though she remains in the single digits nationally. She stands out on the campaign trail for talking frequently about foreign policy issues, and she is the highest-polling Republican who supports further involvement in the Ukraine war. Here are some facts about Haley's life and political career: DAUGHTER OF IMMIGRANTS Haley, 51, has gained a reputation in the Republican Party as a solid conservative who has the ability to address issues of gender and race in a more credible fashion than many of her peers. At the same time, she has drawn criticism for her ambiguous positions on some major policy issues. She is the daughter of two immigrants from India who ran a clothing store in rural South Carolina, and has spoken occasionally about the discrimination her family faced. Haley graduated from Clemson University in 1994 with a degree in accounting, and helped expand her parents' clothing business. She took on leadership roles in several business organizations before winning a seat in the South Carolina state legislature in 2004. She is married and has two children. SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR Elected governor of South Carolina in 2010, Haley became the first woman to hold that post in the Deep South state and the second person of Indian descent to serve as a state governor in the United States. She received national attention in 2015 when she signed a bill into law removing the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol following the murder of nine black churchgoers by white supremacist Dylann Roof. She also appointed a current rival in the Republican presidential nominating contest, Tim Scott, to the U.S. Senate in 2012. UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR Haley endorsed several rivals to Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential nominating contest, and occasionally tangled with him during the primaries. But she then went on to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations, where she gained a reputation as a vocal defender of U.S. interests. During that time, the United States pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, which was unpopular with Republicans. 2024 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN Haley was among the first candidates to enter the race, throwing her hat into the ring in February. While she enjoyed a brief bump in opinion polls, she subsequently languished in the mid- and lower single digits in most national and state-level surveys, until the August debate gave her a modest but measurable boost. She still has just a fraction the support of Trump, but multiple polls show her in second place in New Hampshire and South Carolina, key states in the Republican nominating process. She will be hoping the second debate on Wednesday further raises her profile. She has tried to distinguish herself as the most capable contender on foreign policy. While almost all have staked out a tough position on China, Haley's unabashed support for Ukraine represents a contrast with Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who both say the conflict is not central to U.S. national security. RELATIONSHIP TO TRUMP Since leaving the Trump administration in 2018, Haley has distanced herself from him several times, only to later soften her rhetoric. She criticized Trump after his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, but later sought to make amends with him. She has mainly dodged questions pertaining to Trump's four state and federal indictments since leaving office. She did, however, criticize Trump after his indictment this summer for mishandling sensitive national security information, saying that if the information laid out in the indictment is true, it is "incredibly dangerous to our national security." She has said she has several policy differences with Trump, notably with respect to China, North Korea and Ukraine. (Reporting by Gram Slattery; editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Tim Reid -Seven Republican candidates will take part in the second 2024 Republican presidential debate on Wednesday in California. Donald Trump will skip the event and give a speech in Detroit to autoworkers. Here are some facts about the event and what to expect: WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE? Following on from last month's debate in Wisconsin, the second showdown will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute in Simi Valley, California, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles. The Republican National Committee, which organizes the debates, has picked the Fox Business Network to host the event, alongside Univision, the U.S.-based Spanish language TV channel, and Rumble, the online video platform popular with conservatives. The two-hour debate will start at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT on Thursday). FEWER CANDIDATES - AND NO TRUMP AGAIN The qualifying rules for the second debate are more stringent than the first last month, when eight candidates were on stage in Milwaukee. Long-shot former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to make the cut due to poor opinion poll results, and will not participate on Wednesday. Former President Donald Trump, the runaway front-runner in the nominating contest according to opinion polls, has said he will skip the debates, and did not appear at the first one. As he did in August, Trump will hold a rival event at the same time as the debate. He will address autoworkers and other blue-collar workers at 8 p.m. ET (0000 GMT). The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has expanded its labor action at several U.S. auto plants after failing to reach an agreement over new contracts, and both Trump and President Joe Biden are seeking autoworkers' support. The seven candidates set to be on stage are: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis , former Vice President Mike Pence , former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy , former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. With one less participant, there will be more time for each candidate to attack each other and make their pitches to voters. It also gives them more opportunity to shine or self-destruct. DESANTIS DESPERATELY NEEDS A BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE DeSantis, who was seen in January as the most likely candidate to topple Trump, has had a difficult year, with sinking poll numbers and two staff shake-ups. Once the clear second-place candidate behind Trump, DeSantis' campaign has floundered as some other candidates closed the gap with him in recent polls. The Florida governor delivered a solid, if not flashy, performance in last month's debate but was frequently overshadowed by Ramaswamy. DeSantis will be looking for some breakout moments this time around to rejuvenate his candidacy. RAMASWAMY WILL GET HIT FROM ALL SIDES With Trump currently crushing his rivals by roughly 40 percentage points in national polls, the Republican nominating contest has become a fight for second place. His rivals hope the former president's four criminal indictments and legal woes will somehow knock him out of the race next year, giving an alternative nominee the chance to emerge. After Ramaswamy's pugnacious performance in the August debate, expect to see more attacks on him and his lack of experience, especially by Haley and Pence, both of whom had strong outings last month. Like DeSantis, Scott also needs a more forceful night after his subdued one last month. The Haley-Ramaswamy-Scott-Pence scramble to overtake DeSantis and become the clear alternative to Trump will likely be a major dynamic. DEFEND TRUMP, ATTACK BIDEN Do not expect to see most candidates - except for Christie - going after Trump for his indictments and the fact he is now the first former president with a mug shot. Many Republican primary voters believe Trump's claim that the indictments are an effort by the Biden administration to thwart his candidacy, and attacking him on the issue would likely be political suicide. With the Republican-controlled House of Representatives launching a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over alleged links to the business practices of his son Hunter Biden , expect to see a barrage of accusations against the Democratic president, an issue that plays well with the Republican base despite the dearth of evidence unearthed so far. A PLAY FOR HISPANIC VOTERS The inclusion of Univision as a debate host is telling. Republican support among Latinos, an increasingly key voting bloc in some key battleground states such as Arizona and Nevada, has grown in recent years, while Hispanic support for Biden has slipped. Expect to see candidates asked about the economy and how they plan to improve the financial prospects for Latino families. (Reporting by Tim Reid and Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; editing by Ross Colvin, Jonathan Oatis, Christian Schmollinger and Susan Heavey) American Airlines , Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines are among a growing list of air carriers that have grounded aircraft in the wake of a fake jet engine parts scandal that has rocked the aviation industry. Multiple have already replaced the uncertified parts and returned their planes to service, but close to 100 planes may still be affected worldwide. Earlier this month, news broke that British aerospace parts supplier AOG Technics had forged certification documents for dozens of parts used in the CFM56 turbofan. This is the world's most widely used jet engine, powering workhorses like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 . The origin of the fake parts isn't yet known, but some of their destinations are: The engines of at least four airlines around the globe. Citing Bloomberg , Simple Flying reports Southwest Airlines was the first to find AOG parts in its aircraft. It traced its supply chain to the installation of two AOG-supplied low-pressure turbine blades in a 737, which it replaced on September 8 with certified parts before returning the Boeing to service. Virgin Australia reportedly later found and replaced the same part, along with a seal on an inner high-pressure turbine nozzle. American Airlines also tracked down AOG parts on what a spokesperson reportedly described as "a small number of aircraft" during "internal audits," leading to the planes being "immediately taken out of service." United Airlines also reportedly found AOG-sourced compressor stator vanes on two of its planes, though whether those two planes have returned to service was not indicated. AOG's uncertified parts are currently believed to have made their way into as many as 96 planes worldwide. The Federal Aviation Administration has advised airlines and the rest of the aerospace industry to inspect their planes and audit inventories for uncertified, AOG-supplied parts. Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com Families and communities mourning deaths of three Oklahoma firefighters over the weekend NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) Three Oklahoma firefighters died over the weekend. The Oklahoma State Firefighters Association raised its memorial flag Monday in honor of the men who have helped keep three communities safe for many years. Levi Wilkins Long-time Norman firefighter, Levi Wilkins, died Friday after a fall during a rock-climbing incident near Narrows Trail in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. He was pulled from the area by rescue crews late that night. Wilkins had picked up rock-climbing after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. He fell in love with the sport. The Norman Fire Department said in a Facebook post said Wilkins lived life to the fullest every day. Normans Mayor Larry Heikkila issued this statement Monday about the loss of Wilkins: We send our prayers and deepest condolences to the loved ones of Levi Wilkins and the entire Norman Fire Department. Grief is a difficult process that takes time for us to work through. It takes time to heal and fully return to our lives. I will walk with you. Levi served on the Norman Fire Department since January 2012. He was a man of faith, a husband, a father, and a son who loved adventure. Wilkins was an exemplary leader, a true hero for our city, and saving lives was the job he loved. As Mayor, I assure you our city will honor him and his family for their sacrifices and the service he provided to the City of Norman and its citizens. Levis legacy will be carried on. Larry Heikkila, City of Norman Mayor Chief Greg Cross. Image courtesy Altus Fire Department. Atlus Fire Chief, Greg Cross, died Saturday after a six-week battle with cancer. The department told News 4 it was unexpected because he died so quickly after receiving the news. Visitation for Cross will be Wednesday, September 27 at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 28 at First Baptist Church of Altus. This is a first, Oil spews into the air in OKC after line hit during construction Fire Captain Warren Stallard Loyal Fire Captain, Warren Stallard, died Saturday while coming back to Oklahoma from Texas following chemotherapy at MD Anderson. His daughter said he went into cardiac arrest while his wife was driving him home. He was revived at a hospital but put on ventilators and later died. I thought I had longer with him. We all did, said Jennifer Stallard, Warrens daughter. Stallard was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in June. He loved the fire department very much, said Jennifer. He would drop anything to make sure he could go on a fire call. It was his favorite thing to do. He loved it very much. Stallard was a father to six daughters, three of which were able to be there as they said goodbye on Saturday. He had spent nearly 20 years with the volunteer department. Scott Russell is the assistant chief at Loyal Fire Department and a close friend of Stallards. He said his absence will greatly impact the community. Its a big loss, a very big loss, said Russell. He was the guy, one of the ones, we could always count on to show up, do what he needed to do, and you know he was just that guy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Lurean Wheaton was asleep when the Broward Sheriffs Office helicopter fell out of the sky and into her Pompano Beach apartment last month, killing her and Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson, who was on board. Her family now says the Sheriffs Office is responsible for her death. The Wheaton family has filed a notice of claim against BSO, seeking $50 million or the sum of all insurance policy agreements, arguing that the helicopters poor maintenance, overseen by the Sheriffs Office, caused it to break apart in the sky over her Pompano Beach apartment that day. This is a public entity thats charged with protecting and safeguarding people, Gary C. Robb, the familys attorney, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. That they would actually fly helicopters over homes and schools and businesses that they knew were not being maintained properly is reckless. Robb is the founding partner of the Kansas City-based law firm Robb & Robb, which represented Kobe Bryants widow, Vanessa, after the crash that took his life. The Broward Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the weeks after the crash, Sheriff Gregory Tony said that the county did not listen when he asked for new helicopters. Though the family is seeking $50 million, their lawyers say that what they really want is to ensure the same thing doesnt happen again. They do not want her life and this tragedy to be in vain, Robb said. The notice of claim cites a 2017 report that found several safety concerns within the Aviation Unit and recommended that the Sheriffs Office replace the helicopter that crashed that day. The report found 19 different areas of deficiency within the unit. One of the areas had to do with the organization of parts. The report said that the units own maintenance director didnt know what parts he had on hand, or how long parts had been stored, a serious safety concern. Following the report, in 2018, the Broward Sheriffs Office contracted Digital Airware, an aviation management software that keeps track of parts and maintenance, according to Veda Coleman-Wright, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office. The Wheaton familys claim also cites Tonys own comments, including at a June budget meeting with the county commissioners in which he said that the helicopters are often in the air for 1,000 hours between comprehensive maintenance sessions, rather than the recommended 600 hours. The bottom line is, helicopter manufacturers required maintenance procedures; these are not optional. You cannot ignore those maintenance time guidelines, Robb said. Theyre simply required for safe operation of a helicopter. These helicopters were being flown at almost twice the interval of required maintenance. In response to questions over whether the helicopters maintenance may have improved since the 2017 report, he said, We can see with our own eyes what happened. And that to me is evidence of a very serious maintenance deficiency. Because engines do not flame out for no reason in flight. According to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the helicopters most recent 100-hour inspection was done on May 23, and was operated about 24 hours from its most recent inspection until it crashed. The pilot, Daron Roche, heard a bang, according to the report. An engine fire light turned on, but when he pressed the button to activate the fire suppression system, the temperature on one of the engines kept rising. Footage shows the helicopters tail begin to burn, breaking off in the sky before the helicopter plummets into the apartment building. The Wheaton family is not doing very well, Robb said. Theyre having difficulty processing that this is something that really did happen. One of the paramedics on board the helicopter, Mike Chaguaceda, has also retained lawyers. Judd Rosen, of the Miami-based law firm Goldberg and Rosen, which represented victims of the Surfside condo collapse, said that he is looking into the company that did maintenance on the helicopters air conditioning in the weeks before the crash. Spokespeople for the Louisiana-based company, Metro Aviation, said in a statement that Metro is cooperating with the NTSB and FAA and can not comment on an ongoing investigation. _____ The family of a 19-year-old woman found dead in the woods near her Orlando, Florida, apartment is suing the Orange County sheriffs office and two deputies for negligence and civil rights violations over their handling of the 2021 case, according to a lawsuit filed Monday. Miya Marcano, a Valencia College student who went missing from her apartment in the Arden Villas complex on September 24, 2021, was found dead in a wooded area on October 2. Her hands and feet were bound and her mouth covered in tape, officials said. Marcanos parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the apartment complex and its management partner, the Preiss Company, with all sides settling out of court last month for an undisclosed amount, court records show. Now, two years after her death, attorneys for the Marcano family have filed a lawsuit in the Orange County Ninth Judicial Circuit Court alleging the sheriffs office and two of its deputies had enough evidence to save Marcanos life or lead to her discovery sooner. According to the lawsuit, deputy Samir Paulino, the first deputy to respond to Marcanos apartment for a welfare check, failed to treat the apartment as a crime scene despite obvious warning signs that a crime had been committed. In the initial welfare check, Deputy Paulino did not inform anyone about the evidence of a potential crime he observed inside of Miyas apartment, the complaint stated. Paulino had sufficient evidence that could have led to the discovery of Miya much sooner, but the case was not a priority, said the complaint. Evidence that was allegedly ignored during the investigation included blood on a pillow and several pieces of broken jewelry, according to the lawsuit, which also alleges Paulino failed to ask to search the vehicle of Armando Caballero a maintenance man at the complex who Orange County Sheriff John Mina later said investigators pretty conclusively believed was responsible for Marcanos death. Authorities believe Caballero, who was found dead from an apparent suicide on September 27, 2021, had accessed Marcanos apartment without her permission. His estate was named as a defendant in the earlier wrongful death lawsuit. Marcanos father contacted the sheriffs office to lodge a complaint because of Paulinos failure to treat Miyas disappearance with a sense of urgency, the complaint stated. Paulino allegedly shared what he learned with his supervisor, Cpl. Kenneth Dale, and the two discussed the case over the phone, according to the lawsuit. But neither shared extremely critical information about Caballero, whod had a heated exchange with family members at the scene, with anyone before completing their shifts, the lawsuit stated. Meanwhile, Dale testified he was not aware of any information regarding a bedroom window or blood on the scene and the furniture up against the door was not accurately portrayed to him. The day after the 19-year-old went missing, Paulino returned to the Arden Villas to meet with Jacolby Coleman, a security guard at the apartment complex. Coleman also advised Deputy Paulino that he had lifted fingerprints from the scene using tape and attempted to provide the evidence to Paulino but Deputy Paulino, with a smirk on his face, told Mr. Coleman to keep the evidence in case it would be needed later, the lawsuit stated. According to the complaint, discrimination against missing women was a motivating factor in the refusal to properly investigate. The sheriffs office has a policy, practice, or custom of law enforcement that provides less protection.to missing female victims than to victims of other assaults, by not responding or purposefully delaying its response, the lawsuit states. A sheriffs office spokesperson declined CNNs request for a statement, citing the agencys policy not to comment on pending litigation. CNN has reached out to the deputies named and the police union for comment on the lawsuit but has not yet heard back. Last year, both deputies were disciplined in connection with this case for violating department policies, according to CNN affiliate WESH. Paulino received a 150-hour unpaid suspension for unsatisfactory performance, while Dale received a 10-hour unpaid suspension as discipline, according to WESH. In a statement following the suspensions, Mina said, Managers in the responding deputys chain of command recognized a lack of urgency on his part, and asked that his role and the role of his Corporal in the first hours of that incident be investigated by our Professional Standards division. That deputy was sustained for Unsatisfactory Performance and the discipline was harsh. As a result of this incident, we are in the process of making changes to policy that will direct first-responding patrol deputies to immediately notify their supervisors, and the Missing Persons Unit, in any case in which someone is considered a Missing Endangered Person. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Lurean Wheaton was asleep when the Broward Sheriffs Office helicopter fell out of the sky and into her Pompano Beach apartment last month, killing her and Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson, who was on board. Her family now says the Sheriffs Office is responsible for her death. The Wheaton family has filed a notice of claim against BSO, seeking $50 million or the sum of all insurance policy agreements, arguing that the helicopters poor maintenance, overseen by the Sheriffs Office, caused it to break apart in the sky over her Pompano Beach apartment that day. Related Articles This is a public entity thats charged with protecting and safeguarding people, Gary C. Robb, the familys attorney, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. That they would actually fly helicopters over homes and schools and businesses that they knew were not being maintained properly is reckless. Robb is the founding partner of the Kansas City-based law firm Robb & Robb, which represented Kobe Bryants widow, Vanessa, after the crash that took his life. The Broward Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the weeks after the crash, Sheriff Gregory Tony said that the county did not listen when he asked for new helicopters. Though the family is seeking $50 million, their lawyers say that what they really want is to ensure the same thing doesnt happen again. They do not want her life and this tragedy to be in vain, Robb said. The notice of claim cites a 2017 report that found several safety concerns within the Aviation Unit and recommended that the Sheriffs Office replace the helicopter that crashed that day. The report found 19 different areas of deficiency within the unit. One of the areas had to do with the organization of parts. The report said that the units own maintenance director didnt know what parts he had on hand, or how long parts had been stored, a serious safety concern. Following the report, in 2018, the Broward Sheriffs Office contracted Digital Airware, an aviation management software that keeps track of parts and maintenance, according to Veda Coleman-Wright, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office. The Wheaton familys claim also cites Tonys own comments, including at a June budget meeting with the county commissioners in which he said that the helicopters are often in the air for 1,000 hours between comprehensive maintenance sessions, rather than the recommended 600 hours. The bottom line is, helicopter manufacturers required maintenance procedures; these are not optional. You cannot ignore those maintenance time guidelines, Robb said. Theyre simply required for safe operation of a helicopter. These helicopters were being flown at almost twice the interval of required maintenance. In response to questions over whether the helicopters maintenance may have improved since the 2017 report, he said, We can see with our own eyes what happened. And that to me is evidence of a very serious maintenance deficiency. Because engines do not flame out for no reason in flight. According to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the helicopters most recent 100-hour inspection was done on May 23, and was operated about 24 hours from its most recent inspection until it crashed. Related Articles The pilot, Daron Roche, heard a bang, according to the report. An engine fire light turned on, but when he pressed the button to activate the fire suppression system, the temperature on one of the engines kept rising. Footage shows the helicopters tail begin to burn, breaking off in the sky before the helicopter plummets into the apartment building. The Wheaton family is not doing very well, Robb said. Theyre having difficulty processing that this is something that really did happen. One of the paramedics on board the helicopter, Mike Chaguaceda, has also retained lawyers. Judd Rosen, of the Miami-based law firm Goldberg and Rosen, which represented victims of the Surfside condo collapse, said that he is looking into the company that did maintenance on the helicopters air conditioning in the weeks before the crash. Spokespeople for the Louisiana-based company, Metro Aviation, said in a statement that Metro is cooperating with the NTSB and FAA and can not comment on an ongoing investigation. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. The United Farm Workers (UFW) endorsed President Bidens reelection bid Tuesday, praising him as an authentic champion for workers and their families. The United Farm Workers has seen first hand the positive impact that President Biden has made in the economic standing, labor rights, and daily lives of farm workers across America, UFW President Teresa Romero said in a statement. That is why we are proud to again endorse Joe Biden for President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States, Romero continued. We look forward to working to ensure that farm workers and their communities become an integral part of the Presidents re-election in 2024, and to the greater progress for farm workers that a second Biden-Harris term will bring. Con Biden, si se puede! The union praised the appointment of Julie Chavez Rodriguez as Bidens campaign manager. She is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, who founded the group that would become the UFW. The union said her appointment is yet another expression of President Bidens commitment to and personal relationship with the farm worker movement, its history, and our ongoing struggle for justice. The UFW represents thousands of vegetable, berry, winery, tomato and dairy workers in California, Oregon and Washington. It works to advocate for farmworkers rights legislation, including pushing for overtime pay, advocating for heat standards to prevent heat deaths and illnesses and backing immigration reform. The group backed Bidens 2020 White House bid. Rodriguez called its latest endorsement deeply personal, vowing that the campaign will embody the UFWs organizing spirit, Si Se Puede attitude, and tenacity every single day. The UFWs organizing has always been about standing up against injustice and fighting for working people, Rodriguez said. Those same values are at stake in this election, as MAGA Republican candidates for president would rather give handouts to the ultra-rich and powerful at the expense of hardworking Americans. Like my grandfather and the UFW, Joe Biden has stood up for workers and fundamentally understands that a job is more than a paycheck; it is about your dignity. And hes fought with that central belief in mind throughout his career, she added. The endorsement came hours before Biden was set to appear in Michigan on Tuesday to join a picket line to support striking autoworkers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Fashion mogul Peter Nygard used his power and status to lure five women separately into a private bedroom suite attached to his company headquarters where he sexually assaulted them, a court in Toronto has heard. In opening arguments on Tuesday, prosecutors said that Nygard, 82, met the women in social settings and invited them to the headquarters of his clothing empire in Toronto. All of the tours ended in his bedroom suite. The room had a bed, televisions and a jacuzzi. Prosecutors say the doors didnt have handles and the locks were controlled by Nygard. Nygard has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement. All complainants names are covered by a publication ban by the Canadian courts. Most of the women were in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, which occurred over a 25-year period, beginning in the 1980s. One of the women was 16 years old at the time of her alleged attack. In one case, Nygard, who was in his 40s, met a woman in her 20s on a flight to the Bahamas, where he owned a sprawling estate, said Ana Serban, a crown lawyer. Nygard later invited her for a job interview at his Toronto office. When they ended up in the bedroom, she tried to leave. He tackles the woman onto the bed, puts his whole body into it, pins her down on her back and tries to undress her against her will, said Serban. Shes terrified. Nygard is alleged to have given her a new blouse and skirt to replace those he tore during the attack. She runs out of the building, Serban said. This was supposed to be a job interview at an office building. Born in Finland, Nygard grew up in Manitoba, eventually running his own namesake clothing companies and becoming one of Canadas wealthiest people. In 2020, US authorities charged him with racketeering and sex trafficking, alleging decades of crimes with dozens of victims in the United States, the Bahamas and Canada. Fifty-seven women including 18 Canadians have joined that lawsuit, which alleges that Nygard used violence, intimidation, bribery and company employees to lure victims and avoid accountability for decades. Nygard has denied all allegations. Nygard also faces sex-related charges in Manitoba and Quebec, and is set to be extradited to the US to face sex-related charges there once his criminal cases in Canada are completed. With no letup in the controversy surrounding the leadership of Florida Atlantic University, the schools trustees voted to short circuit the automatic ascension of their vice chair if the board chairs position were to become vacant. The move would prevent Vice Chair Barbara Feingold from automatically becoming the boards leader if Board Chair Brad Levine leaves or is removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis . No one mentioned the specific players during a brief discussion of the plan, which passed with 10 trustees voting in favor, two opposed, and one Feingold absent. But the subtext was clear to anyone whos been watching the tumultuous, months-long attempt to hire a new FAU president. Levine also is chair of the Presidential Search Committee, which recommended three finalists for the job, and hes defended the process and the selection of the final three. Feingold has been a political supporter of state Rep. Randy Fine, a far-right Brevard County Republican. Its been widely reported that Fine failed to advance to the list of three finalists, including an article on the conservative website Florida Jolt. Tracy Caruso, spouse of state Rep. Mike Caruso, a Palm Beach County Republican, wrote that the search committee rejected DeSantis recommendation of Fine to become FAU president. Under a new state law signed by DeSantis, the names of applicants who dont make the finalist list are kept secret. Feingold has criticized the Levine-led search process which was halted in July by state university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, who was picked for the job by DeSantis, pending a review of the way the search committee conducted its business. Feingold has previously said she was holding off on signing a gift agreement on a $30 million pledge she made for a new FAU dental school until the presidential issues are resolved. Under the FAU trustees new policy, if the board chairs position becomes vacant, the board would meet within seven days to elect a new chair. Under the old policy, Feingold would automatically have become chair if something happened to Levine. Among the board chairs duties: appointing members of the Presidential Search Committee. The move to make the change came from Kimberly Dunn, who as president of the Faculty Senate is a member of the universitys board of trustees. She first had to get her colleagues to agree to suspend notice requirements and immediately take up the matter, which hadnt been previously advertised as a subject for Wednesdays meeting. The publicly stated reason for her move: to align our operating procedure with this best practice. She said eight of the 11 other state universities all require trustee votes to elect a new chair if the position becomes vacant. Dunn didnt explain why she decided now, in the midst of the controversy over the presidential search, she decided it was the time to propose the policy change. Levine and Dunn declined to comment afterward. Trustees Pablo Paez and Linda Stoch voted against the change. Related Articles I dont necessarily oppose whats being proposed. I do find the process that were undertaking here not to be consistent with what I would expect to be best practice, Paez said. If these changes to our operating procedures are to be undertaken by the board, they should be noticed on the agenda at the next meeting and we should have a thorough discussion of the changes. So Im not comfortable with voting to approve this. Stoch didnt explain her vote at the meeting, which was held by video conference, and didnt immediately respond to voicemail or text messages. Make permanent Dunn, a member of the Presidential Search Committee, also relayed sentiment from the Faculty Senate that a way to resolve the stalled presidential search process would be to make the interim president, Stacy Volnick, FAUs permanent leader. She asked the board to explore extending a multiyear contract with Volnick to serve as president. Dunn said it wasnt a negative reflection on the three finalists picked by the search committee, retired Vice Adm. Sean Buck, former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy; Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business at Florida State University; and Jose Sartarelli, former chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Volnick, who was named interim president in late 2022 after President John Kelly stepped down, was not allowed to apply for the permanent job as a condition for her accepting the interim role. She has been with FAU for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of administrator roles. The sentiment is that the uncertainty and negative press associated with the prolonged search is detrimental to our university. It is hurting our image and our ability to advance our mission, she said, citing an inability to fill vacancies in many senior leadership positions without a permanent president. Dunn said that sentiment came from a broad swath of faculty, including colleges which often have very, very different perspectives and from faculty members who frequently disagree with Volnick who nonetheless expressed support for her serving as our next president. Levine was noncommittal. I hear what youre asking and I think exploring is a reasonable thing, he said. Maurice Plough, a member of an advisory board to the dean of liberal arts at FAU and a former member of the FAU Foundation board, supported the idea. The students, the faculty and donors feel they can support her directions, he said. She has proven that she can work with the board, the state and all concerned for our future at Florida Atlantic University. Howard Weiner, a supporter of and donor to the university, told trustees that the continuing delay in selecting a new president was hurting FAU, and he too endorsed making Volnick the permanent leader. The ongoing delay in choosing the next FAU president has placed it in peril from without and within. We all know of persons in leadership positions who have left and many more who are planning or considering to leave the university. This scenario will lead to a devastating implosion, one that may take many years from which to recover. FAU is poised to become a beacon for academic excellence and cultural leadership in the state of Florida despite governmental distractions. Yet FAU at present is a rudderless ship, donors withholding funds, Weiner said. Weiner said he supports making Volnick permanent. Whatever it does, he said, FAU does not have the luxury of time. The Board of Trustees must act before its too late. This report includes information from Sun Sentinel archives. Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Facebook, Threads.net and Post.news. The FBI warned at least three Americans active in the Sikh community that their lives were in danger in the immediate aftermath of the murder of a Sikh activist in Canada in June. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has blamed the apparent assassination on the Indian government, as assessment that has reportedly been backed by Canadian and US intelligence sources and has created a rupture in Ottawas relationship with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi s government. The shocking accusation that India carried out an extrajudicial murder on Canadian soil an allegation that has been denied by India has prompted a re-examination of threats against Sikh separatists around the world, as well as Sikh activists claims of suspicious deaths in the UK and Pakistan in the weeks before the murder. Related: India-Canada row: Blinken calls on Delhi to cooperate in push for accountability over killing Pritpal Singh, a 69-year-old US citizen who serves as a coordinator for the American Sikh Caucus Committee, confirmed to the Guardian that he and two other associates were called by the FBI just days after the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canadian citizen who was ambushed on 18 June just outside his place of worship in Surrey, British Columbia. The FBI, which must warn citizens if they learn that their lives are in danger under a legal protection known as a duty to warn, initially told Singh that it believed his life was under threat because of unspecified intelligence. A few days later, the FBI offered Singh more specific safety instructions. The Intercept first reported the case. Such intimidation of Americans is a form of transnational repression by the Indian government, Singh said in a statement to the Guardian. Transnational repression not only threatens individuals but also undermines our democratic institutions, curtails individual rights and freedoms, and challenges the national security and sovereignty of the United States. The FBI also warned another American named Amarjit Singh, a 70-year-old New York-based journalist and commentator who said he was first alerted of a possible threat against his life on 22 June. Singh told the Guardian that he was contacted by the FBI as he was returning from a protest against Modi in Washington, during a state visit in which US president Joe Biden hailed the US-India relationship as stronger, closer, and more dynamic than at any time in history. In an interview in which he publicly revealed details of the threat for the first time, Amarjit Singh said the initial call from the FBI was followed up a few weeks later by a longer in-person meeting, at which point he said it was obvious that authorities were warning against a possible threat on his life by India. It was a warning. They said no travel, just keep yourself safe, he said. Amarjit Singh said he only decided to go public with his account after Trudeau revealed Canadas conclusion about Nijjars murder. New details emerged on Monday about the killing of Nijjar. Citing a security video that captured the murder, the Washington Post reported that at least six men and two vehicles were involved in Nijjars killing, in what the newspaper said was a larger and more organised assassination plot than has previously been reported. The assailants fired about 50 bullets, and 34 hit Nijjar. Nijjar, who was 45, was a leader in the Khalistan movement in Canada, which has called for the creation of an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India. The movement has been outlawed in India in the wake of allegations of that supporters of the separatist movement are terrorists. Media attention has focused largely on Trudeaus accusation that India was behind the murder. But Canadian authorities are also facing questions about why more was not done to protect Nijjar. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, was one of five people including Nijjar who was warned by Canadian authorities in 2022 that their lives were at imminent risk. We were never told what the risk was or where it was coming from. But we assumed it was India, because of our activism and outspokenness, he said. We expect them to attack us in the media, or character assassination, so this was shocking. While he was told to leave his home to protect his young family, Moninder Singh said none of them were offered special protection. Weeks later, Singh was told that the threat against him had dissipated, but the threat against Nijjar a close friend and mentor remained. There was no other information shared, Singh said. While there is an appreciation of Trudeaus statement, its a bit late. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to announce new details Tuesday on an upcoming project coming to Central Florida. The agency is holding a news conference at 10 a.m. at the Ormond Beach City Hall. Officials plan to announce details on the project coming to Volusia County as part of the Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative. See: Scientists warn that parasitic brain worm is being seen in the Southeast US That initiative is set to bring 20 congestion relief projects across the state. Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News. Read: Over-the-top milkshake bar coming to Central Florida Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. With the click of a mouse, hundreds of thousands of federal workers can print out pre-designed protest signs reading, "Stop the Shutdown," "Fund the Government" or "Congress, Do your job so I can do mine!" Federal workers can print out protest signs reading, On Monday night, hundreds of federal employees who live in Maryland dialed into a telephone town hall to ask about the increasingly likely prospect that their paychecks and and some of their benefits may be halted. In Oak Park, Illinois, Treasury employees share information informally by phone about food banks, applications for unemployment and car pooling to save money on gasoline. With just days until a federal government shutdown, which would furlough and stop paychecks to federal employees nationwide, the major federal government employee unions are mobilizing to convince Congress to cut a deal and end the impasse. They're organizing meetings and educational seminars for their members and conducting media campaigns. Barring any breakthroughs, they're also urging federal employees to hunker down and get ready. "I'm telling them to prepare for the worst and save as much money as you can," said Everett Kelley, the president of the 750,000-member American Federation of Government Employees, which includes VA medical center employees, homeland security workers and federal correctional officers. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents Customs and Border Protection employees, Food and Drug Administration employees, National Park Service workers and the IRS workforce, said its local chapters are collecting phone numbers and personal email addresses to share updates on a shutdown with its members. The union said federal workers lose access to their government email addresses during furloughs, so the organization is trying to build up a contact list of their private phone numbers and emails. The AFGE has drafted a model "letter to the editor" for its members to submit to local newspapers. One sample letter reads, "While political chess reduces my pay, my expenses remain the same and my job is now at risk. I still have to pay the mortgage, the full cost of my health insurance, and put food on the table. And if I am unable to pay my bills due to this new financial hardship, I could lose my security clearance and get fired. How does this keep our nation safe and secure." The union has also designed blue and yellow protest signs that can be printed and wielded by federal workers or their supporters. Kelley, the AFGE president, told CBS News, "Some people think a shutdown only affects federal employees. But a government shutdown affects the entire country. It affects our communities. It affects our churches." The National Federation of Federal Employees issued an alert to its members this month, urging them to "prepare personal finances" for a possible shutdown. It advised, "Report to work as usual, unless your agency informs you in writing that you are officially furloughed. Otherwise, you risk an unexcused absence if you are not furloughed." On Monday, the National Treasury Employees Union released a report stating the shutdown would impact thousands of federal workers in every U.S. congressional district: "At least 2,600 civilian federal employees live in every congressional district. The vast majority 96% of the districts have more than 4,000 civilian federal employees." NTEU president Doreen Greenwald, who worked for the federal government for 35 years, says her organization's local chapters are sharing guidance on how furloughed employees can apply for unemployment benefits, secondary jobs and food pantry assistance during a shutdown. Greenwald told CBS News, "Some of our members will have to continue to work, but not get paid. Some are single-income families. Some are families in which both partners work for the federal government." The NTEU has prepared sample letters for its union members to send to their local representative in Congress. One suggested letter reads, "As a federal employee in your district, I am writing to ask that you support America's federal employees by passing legislation to fund federal agencies at the levels necessary to meet their missions and keep the government open." But many of the letters lawmakers receive around a shutdown are personal. Rep. Don Beyer, Democrat of Virginia, has released and posted some of the letters he received during the weeks-long 2018 federal shutdown. One said, "We recently found out that we are expecting a second child. At a time that we should be making every effort to save money, instead we are terrified about how we will pay our rent next month." Excerpt of letter sent to Beyer: Constituent letter sent to Rep. Don Beyer, Democrat of Virginia With federal agency shutdown plans still in flux and Congress stalemated, the unions are mobilizing to answer questions. Rep. Glenn Ivey, a first-term Democrat from Maryland who previously served as a federal employee, staged a telephone town hall between constituents and a guest speaker who represents federal employees. "Their questions are about paychecks and benefits. And the line between essential and non-essential employees is an important distinction," Ivey said. "They want to know, 'How long will I have to wait until I get paid?'" Rep. Gerry Connolly, Democrat of Virginia, who represents a large number of federal workers in his Northern Virginia congressional district, said his office is fielding a lot of questions about the looming shutdown risk. Connolly told CBS News, "All of America will feel the pain and consequences from this wholly avoidable shutdown. I am in constant contact with federal employees to try to minimize the damage done." There is bipartisan support of the federal workforce, which supports constituents and vital services in every state. Speaking to reporters Monday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said a shutdown would be painful and would hurt efforts to secure an agreement for longer-term funding for federal agencies. McCarthy said there would be no benefit to "not paying the troops and not paying our border agents." The unions are also rolling out "government shutdown" media strategies they've used several times since 2013, lining up local worker representatives, who are both union stewards and federal employees, to be interviewed by news media to explain the impact of shutdowns. AFGE union representative Shabay Izquierdo, who works for the Transportation Security Administration in Newark, New Jersey, emphasized the pain felt by federal employees during shutdowns. Izquierdo said, "Anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Distress levels are at an all-time high." That message is echoed by other union representatives in other media interviews this week. Newest car theft threat: carhackers U.S. aid to Ukraine buying more than weapons, also financing pieces of everyday Ukrainian life Why violence is flaring between Armenia and Azerbaijan Insurance companies around the country are being reminded of their legal obligation to cover the cost of the new COVID-19 vaccine now that the federal government is no longer picking up the tab for the shots. Amid reports of some insured Americans being denied coverage or charged as much as $200 for the updated shots, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has issued a public statement directed at the health care payer community. With claims rejections in the thousands each day, we are missing opportunities to save lives together, Becerra wrote in the statement posted Friday, telling payers, we should be completely aligned in our goals of getting everyone the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Related Reports of problems with insurance coverage started the same week the new shots got the go-ahead for everyone 6 months and older, despite more than a year of efforts to ensure a smooth transition from federal government distribution of the vaccine, Becerra said. He pointed out payers have been told repeatedly about the requirement for most plans and issuers to cover the updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna without cost sharing, which took effect when the shots were approved two weeks ago. Unfortunately, some consumers are experiencing insurance coverage denials when seeking the updated COVID-19 vaccines, and I am writing to ask for continued partnership and also want to remind you of legal obligations for coverage of the vaccines, Becerra said. Related Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the secretary said for every 10,000 vaccinations given to people 65 and over last winter, about 40 hospitalizations are prevented. The CDCs COVID-19 severity indictors continuing to rise, with hospitalizations up nearly 8%, to more than 20,500 nationwide, for the week ending Sept. 9, and deaths climbing 12.5% for the week ending Sept. 16. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said seven new deaths from COVID-19 had been reported in the state during the week that ended last Thursday. Thats the highest number of weekly deaths from the virus since nine lives were lost in May. Related Despite whats been seen as a dramatic increase in COVID-19, the new shots were already expected to be a tough sell since only 17% of Americans have rolled up their sleeves for the previous vaccine update, a booster dose released more than a year ago. The latest shots that target a newer version of the virus were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Sept. 11 and by the CDC a day later, and were supposed to be available as soon as the end of that week. But the rollout of the vaccine, the first since the federal government ended the national pandemic emergency, has been anything but smooth. There have been issues with supply as well as insurance coverage. The situation is frustrating, Han Kim, a professor of public health at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, recently told the Deseret News, but Utahns should still take advantage of a very easy way to protect themselves against COVID-19. Wait a week or so until all this stuff gets smoothed out, the professor advised. I think the more people that get the vaccine, the less of a surge were going to see this fall and winter. A federal judge has struck down a Texas law targeting drag performances as unconstitutional, a ruling that bars law enforcement officials in the state from enforcing the far-reaching ban. The ruling from US District Judge David Hittner on 26 September followed a two-day hearing to determine whether to issue a permanent injunction stemming from a lawsuit from a group of drag performers and LGBT+ advocates. Judge Hittner determined that the law impermissibly infringes on the First Amendment and chills free speech and will irreparably harm drag performers and LGBT+ groups and venues that host them. Not all people will like or condone certain performances. This is no different than a persons opinion on certain comedy genres or music, but that alone does not strip First Amendment protection, the judge wrote in a 56-page ruling published on Tuesday. Drag shows express a litany of emotions and purposes, from humor and pure entertainment to social commentary on gender roles, he added. There is no doubt that at the bare minimum these performances are meant to be a form of art that is meant to entertain, alone this would warrant some level ofFirst Amendment protection. The ruling is in stark contrast to a recent decision from US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who allowed a public Texas university campus prohibition on drag performances to stand despite a wave of federal court decisions striking down drag bans. A lawsuit taking aim at the states sweeping anti-drag law was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas by a group of drag performers and LGBT+ community groups, arguing that the states ban is so yawning in scope that it criminalizes and restricts an enormous swath of constitutionally protected activity, from ballet and touring Broadway productions to cheerleading. The sweepingly overbroad and vague statute threatens the livelihoods and constitutional rights of drag performers for any performance perceived as sexual, according to plaintiffs. They could face up to a year of jail and fines up to $10,000. Senate Bill 12 is vague, overbroad, and chills entire genres of performances that are not obscene or inappropriate, from high school Shakespearean plays to the Nutcracker ballet to the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, ACLU of Texas attorney Chloe Kempf said in a statement. Drag performer Brigitte Bandit said performers and LGBT+ communities are breathing a sigh of relief after the latest federal court ruling. My livelihood and community has seen enough hatred and harm from our elected officials, she said in a statement. This decision is a much needed reminder that queer Texans belong and we deserve to be heard by our lawmakers. Drag performer Indie Cisive is pictured in a Dallas, Texas venue in October 2022 (AP) Texas is among several states that have advanced a wave of legislation targeting drag performances and LGBT+ people more broadly, from broad restrictions on classroom speech and school activities aimed at chilling discussion of gender and sexuality, to threats to eliminate healthcare for transgender young people and other laws restricting or outright banning public drag performance, many of which have been blocked in federal courts. The drag law in Texas sought to ban any performance that could be perceived as sexual when a minor is present and on public property. Opponents have warned that the law and a rush of similar proposals across the US within the last year could be used to target and criminalize transgender and gender nonconforming people in public as part of a broader effort among Republican officials to chill, restrict and erase LBGT+ identities. The plain reading of the law, according to the judge, could virtually ban any performance in public that is deemed to violate the law. A decision from Judge Hittman, who was appointed by Ronald Reagan, follows several recent federal court decisions striking down similar laws in other states, including a federal judges decision to temporarily block a similarly sweeping Montana law. In that case, US District Judge Brian Morris argued that Montanas law will disproportionately harm not only drag performers, but any person who falls outside traditional gender and identity norms, including transgender and Two-Spirit people. Constitutional violations, moreover, never serve the public interest, he added. In Tennessee, a federal judge temporarily blocked a measure that restricts public drag performances, similarly arguing that the law likely violates the First Amendment rights of performers. A federal judge in Florida has also blocked a similar measure citing likely First Amendment violations. A chorus of Democrats on Tuesday called for Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to step down after he was indicted on federal bribery and corruption charges. Sen. Cory Booker , the other New Jersey Democratic senator, was among the growing number of Menendez colleagues saying it was time for him to resign. A total of 18 Democratic senators by early afternoon had said Menendez should step down. Booker in a lengthy statement said Menendez is making a mistake by not stepping down in order to focus on his legal defense against what he called shocking allegations that were laid out by the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York on Friday. The former Newark mayor said Tuesday that he found the charges facing Menendez hard to reconcile with the person I know, but argued that the senior New Jersey senator needs to resign as lawmakers operate at a higher standard and that he can no longer operate effectively with his Senate colleagues, with nearly a dozen having called for him to step down. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again, he continued. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. The move is an extraordinary step for Booker, who has been a key ally of Menendezs to the point where he defended him vociferously after his 2015 indictment on corruption charges. Those charges were ultimately dropped. His call also came amid a tidal wave of resignation calls from within the Senate Democratic Caucus. On Tuesday morning alone, 10 Senate Democrats said that the three-term senator should step down, including a number of prominent members: Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Bob Casey (Pa.), Jon Tester (Mont.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Martin Heinrich (N.M.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Michael Bennet (Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), and Booker. Prior to that, Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.) on Friday became the first Democrat to say Menendez should step down, followed by Sens. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Peter Welch (Vt.) on Monday. Calls came later on Tuesday from Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). Booker had also been the lone key holdout among top New Jersey Democrats. Gov. Phil Murphy (D), along with key House Democrats and Democratic leaders in Trenton, have already called on Menendez to resign in recent days. However, Menendez has shown no signs of bowing to pressure, saying at a press event Monday that those calling for him to step aside are wrong and doing so out of political expediency, and that he will be exonerated when all is said and done. The allegations leveled against me are just that: Allegations, Menendez told supporters and media in Union City, N.J. I recognize that this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated through this whole process, I firmly believe that when all of the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I will still be New Jerseys senior senator. There is still one group of Senate Democrats that has yet to side with those calling for his ouster: leadership. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Friday that he supports Menendezs decision to step down from his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, just as he did following the 2015 indictment, but he declined to go any further. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the partys No. 2 and No. 3 Senate leaders, also have declined to call for him to step down. Adding to the issues for Democrats, Menendez is up for reelection next year, and his indictment will likely be hanging over the party if he runs for a fourth term. Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) has already announced a primary challenge. Updated at 2:12 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) says he hopes Congress will pursue Sen. Bob Menendez s resignation with the same determination theyve had while criticizing the new Senate dress code. Fetterman, the first senator to call for Menendez to step down over his indictment on bribery charges, said in a Tuesday statement that he hopes to see my colleagues fully address the alleged systemic corruption of Senator Menendez with the same vigor and velocity they brought to concerns about our dress code. Fetterman, who is well known for his love of relaxed attire, has come under fire in relation to the Senates recent loosened dress code. Some lawmakers criticized the change in the wake of the new rules, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). I think Im pretty safe in saying most if not all Republican senators think we ought to dress up to go to work. So I cant imagine that were going to be wearing jeans on the Senate floor anytime soon, McConnell told reporters last week. Prosecutors accused Menendez, along with his wife, of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for helping three New Jersey businessmen. Menendez has strongly rebutted the allegations, calling them an active smear campaign. For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave. Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists, Menendez said in a statement Friday. I have been falsely accused before because I refused to back down to the powers that be and the people of New Jersey were able to see through the smoke and mirrors and recognize I was innocent. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On Sept. 24, Milan's La Vigna di leonardo played host to a globally astounding fashion show. Bosideng, guided by the philosophy of "Versatile Weightlessly Warm Contemporary," once again pushed the boundaries of the new generation weightless down jacket. Bosideng stands as the first Chinese clothing brand to grace the runway at the inspirational La Vigna di leonardo, steeped in Renaissance aesthetics. Its exceptional innovation and professional prowess have garnered acclaim within the global fashion community. Eileen Gu, the brand ambassador of Bosideng, adorned herself in the brand-new weightless down jacket, marking her debut appearance on the runway for a Chinese clothing brand. During an on-site interview, she said, "In this year's grand show, Bosideng has elevated weightless down jackets to new heights, revealing to me a world of untapped possibilities." Sharing the runway were international supermodel Coco Rocha and supermodel Bing Hu, who delivered an exceptional presentation of the brand-new weightless down jackets with extraordinary finesse. Eileen Gu, Coco Rocha and Bing Hu are on the runway. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] Renowned Chinese actresses Caiyu Yang and Zhu Zhu graced the event, alongside international stars like Leighton Meester, who portrayed Queen B in Gossip Girl, bearing witness to new breakthroughs in Chinese fashion. Star-studded guests are present at show. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] In 2022, the new generation of weightless down jacket took the world by storm, as Bosideng tackled the issues of traditional, uninspiring down jacket styles and overcame technical challenges. The brand transformed weightless down jackets from functional garments into fashionable items with warming capabilities. 2022 Runway Show of New Generation Weightless Down Jacket Redefined [Photo provided to China.org.cn] With fresh design concepts and cutting-edge warming technology, Bosideng once again made Chinese down jackets shine on the global fashion stage. The entire show drew inspiration from the Renaissance era and the La Vigna di leonardo, infusing elements of Chinese and Italian culture. Set amidst the manor's natural pathways and floral landscapes while preserving its original charm, the show created a natural stage with a rich Renaissance atmosphere. The grand runway show was presented in five chapters, gradually unfolding around the themes of Renaissance thought and Leonardo da Vinci's artistic philosophy. To embody classic elements from both Chinese and Italian cultures, Bosideng utilized Italy's esteemed lace craftsmanship and the renowned Chinese Su Embroidery. A considerable amount of manpower and time was invested in crafting each garment, with a minimum of 500 hours dedicated to every piece. This marked Bosideng's most labor-intensive hand-sewn work in any fashion show to date. A model showcases garments adorned with Su Embroidery and lace. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] Additionally, Bosideng drew inspiration from the abundant floral elements found throughout the La Vigna di leonardo. They introduced a unique floral interlocking texture and adorned the clothing with intricate handcrafted techniques, breaking away from the traditional "rib-like" stitching design. This innovation created an exclusive visual icon for Bosideng. A model wears garments with floral interlocking patterns. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] Meanwhile, the garment designs incorporated elements from Renaissance fashion, including the lamb's paw sleeves seen in Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting "Lady with an Ermine." They also featured fashion trends of the Renaissance era, such as hoop skirts, lace trimmings, ruff collars, and transparent fabrics. The color palette drew from the popular styles of 15th-century artists, infusing more fashion elements into the autumn and winter ensembles. The entire show was a spectacular and distinctive presentation, demonstrating the fashion vitality of a Chinese brand. Pietro Ferragina, Bosideng's Creative Research and Development Director responsible for this runway show, expressed his aspiration to convey Bosideng's artisan spirit through this event and show the world Chinese originality. Bosideng, in collaboration with a Sino-Italian design team, triumphed over the challenges of material juxtaposition and the fusion of vintage and modern elements. They introduced an array of fashionable items, including down jacket hybrids with hoodies, knits, windbreakers, and shearling pieces. The entire collection boasts internationally certified goose down with 700+ fill power, making them not only lighter but also warmer than traditional weightless down jackets. At the same time, they upgraded three key lightweight warmth technologies, integrating their proprietary heat and moisture balance patent system, exclusive high-stretch fabrics, and heat feedback technology. This achievement signifies a breakthrough in crafting versatile attire suitable for spring, autumn, and winter across various scenarios. (KSWB) The final round of pandemic-era food relief benefits is headed to help households across California get groceries. The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program was a federal initiative to help low-income families set food on the table while schools and childcare facilities were closed through a stipend for groceries. Two rounds were issued during the pandemic, with the third being distributed before summer this year, according to the California Department of Education. Cards for a fourth and final round of P-EBT for the 2022-23 school year is currently being distributed to qualifying households. Tax deadline nearing for most Californians According to the California Department of Social Services, there will be two final issuances of the benefits, one in September and a second in October. Children will receive as much as $90 each month. All of the P-EBT 4.0 cards are expected to be delivered to participating families by Sept. 30, 2023. For those that believe they may be eligible to receive the food stipend, heres what to know about the final round of the pandemic-era benefit: Who is eligible for P-EBT 4.0? Families are eligible based on the children meeting certain requirements, according to DSS. Cards are automatically sent to eligible families based on information from other programs theyre already enrolled in, officials say, including CalFresh and free or reduced price school meals. For those with children under the age of 6, P-EBT 4.0 benefits will be sent to households that also received CalFresh benefits between August 2022 and May 2023. School-aged children over the age of 6 are eligible under the following criteria: Went to a school that participated in the School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program during the 2022-23 academic year. Eligible for free or reduced school lunches during the 2022-23 academic year. Attended school online 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years or had at least five excused absences in one month. If your child had fewer than five excused absences in one month during the last school last year or did not attend a school enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, they may still be eligible for benefits that are not automatically distributed. Those that believe they may be eligible, but are not sure if benefits are on route can call the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677. The line is staffed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. When will households receive the P-EBT cards? Cards for both groups of children were mailed out starting in August. New cardholders that were eligible for August 2022 to May 2023 will receive their card in September. The cards were shipped in alphabetical order based on the eligible childs first name, according to DSS. How much money is going to each child? The amount families can receive will vary depending on their qualifications, DSS said. With the benefits, school-aged children will get a standard amount of $8.18 for each day that the student did not attend school in person during last school year. The rule extends to days a child attended school online or had more than five excused absences in one month. School-aged children can receive a maximum of $90 with the September and October issuances, the department added. For households with children under the age of 6, they should have received one issuance earlier this year during the months of January to May. Young childrens families received as much as $36 per month, according to DSS. What can P-EBT be used for? The P-EBT 4.0 cards can be used at most supermarkets, farmers markets and online grocery retailers. However, It cannot be used on hot meals or restaurants. Families need to use their benefits at least once every 365 days to keep the card active, DSS says. The card will expire if it is not used at least once within a year of receiving it. Uber strikes deal to partner with SoCal taxi operators Will using P-EBT affect immigration or public charge statues? P-EBT will not impact immigration statues or deem the recipient a public charge, according to DSS. It will also not impact other benefits a household may receive. What other food assistance is available for Californians aside from P-EBT? California has many assistance programs to help families keep their children fed, including cash aid, CalFresh, free and reduced school lunch. To find out more about what programs are available and submit applications for them, you can visit the website BenefitsCal.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. A federal jury has convicted two homebuilders for their roles in a decade-long, $31 million embezzlement scheme that led to the 2017 collapse of Washington Federal Bank for Savings in Bridgeport. Miroslaw Krejza, 65, of Chicago, and Marek Matczuk, 60, of Park Ridge, were found guilty of conspiring to commit embezzlement and falsify bank records through years of fraudulent real estate loans that left the century-old, family-owned bank insolvent, federal prosecutors said Monday. Washington Federal had at least $66 million in bad loans on its books when regulators took control of the bank in December 2017. The embezzlement scheme led to criminal charges against 16 defendants, including high-ranking bank officers and former Chicago Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson, who was forced to resign from City Council last year after being convicted of lying to regulators about loans he received from the now-shuttered bank. John Gembara, 56, CEO and president of Washington Federal, whose grandfather launched the bank in 1913, took his own life in Matczuks Park Ridge home less than two weeks before the banks closure, according to a medical examiners report. In 2018, a report by the Treasury Departments Office of Inspector General said fraudulent loan activity by Washington Federal employees, including Gembara, depleted the banks capital and left it insolvent. For more than a decade, embezzlement funds were disguised as real estate loan disbursements to Krejza, Matczuk and others, with the bank requiring no repayment of the falsified loans, federal prosecutors said Monday. Krejza and Matczuk are the latest defendants in the case to be convicted. In March, Chicago attorney Robert Kowalski, 61, was convicted of embezzling more than $8 million from the bank and then lying about the assets and income in bankruptcy proceedings and on his tax returns. Sentencing is scheduled for January. His sister, Chicago attorney Jan Kowalski, pleaded guilty last year to helping her brother conceal more than $357,000 from creditors and the trustee in his bankruptcy case. In June, she was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Story continues Last month, three former members of the Washington Federal board pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify bank records to deceive federal regulators. William Mahon, George Kozdemba and Janice Weston will be sentenced in December. Thompson, a scion of the Daley family political dynasty, was the 11th Ward alderman, whose turf included the Bridgeport bank. In February 2022, he was convicted on two counts of lying to federal regulators about loans received from Washington Federal and five counts of filing false tax returns that illegally claimed mortgage interest deductions he never paid. Under state law, Thompson, who represented the 11th Ward since 2015, was forced to resign his seat on City Council following the felony conviction. In March 2022, then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointed Nicole Lee to replace Thompson as alderman. In July 2022, Thompson was sentenced to four months in prison. Beyond the fraud, the 2018 Treasury Department report said lax bank supervision by inexperienced examiners at the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency led to several missed opportunities for enforcement actions related to the banks loan portfolio. Royal Savings Bank of Chicago bought Washington Federals insured deposits and took over its two locations in Bridgeport and Little Italy in December 2017. rchannick@chicagotribune.com NEW YORK JPMorgan Chase & Co. has agreed to shell out $75 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands in a lawsuit alleging Americas biggest bank was a fundamental enabler of Jeffrey Epsteins years-long sex trafficking of teenage girls, representatives for the financial institution said Tuesday. The bank will shell out $20 million to charities in the U.S. territory where the deceased financier committed much of his abuse on his two private islands, $10 million toward mental health services for Epstein victims, $25 million to local law enforcement, and $20 million towards legal fees. It also reached a tentative settlement in related litigation with former Barclays Bank chief executive and Epstein pal Jes Staley. The settlements add to the $290 million that JPMorgan agreed to pay a class of Epstein victims in a separate lawsuit in June, which also accused it of providing critical banking services to the prolific abuser from 1998 to 2013 when he was targeting children for sex trafficking despite glaring red flags. Deutsche Bank, where Epstein took his money after parting with JPMorgan, also reached a $75 million settlement with his victims in June. All of the agreements are waiting for approval by Manhattan Federal Court Judge Jed Rakoff. The settlements appear to bring to a close a years-long pursuit of justice for Epsteins depraved abuse against young girls after his suicide at age 66 inside Manhattans now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center, where he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. More than 100 women have accused him of sexually abusing them, many of them when they were minors, but the only person who has been held criminally accountable is Ghislaine Maxwell. His former lover and associate was found guilty in late 2021 of grooming his victims for at least a decade starting in 1994 and is serving a 20-year sentence in Florida. The cases against JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank sought to shed light on how the deep-pocketed Brooklyn native got away with his abuse for as long as he did with unreserved access to hundreds of millions of dollars. Story continues In the Virgin Islands case, which sought $190 million and was headed to trial on Oct. 23, Justice Department investigators found JPMorgan pulled the levers through which recruiters and victims were paid in a criminal enterprise whose currency was the sexual servitude of dozens of women and girls in and beyond the Virgin Islands. JPMorgan notified the Treasury Department after Epsteins 2019 suicide in custody that it had processed $1 billion in suspicious transactions related to his trafficking over 16 years, the territorys lawyers revealed at the last court hearing. As in the victims lawsuit, JPMorgan need not admit wrongdoing. A rep noted it is not required to make any new internal commitments to combat human trafficking but will continue to work with law enforcement and work to identify improper money movement into the global payments systems. There are no new commitments. Our controls, compliance, risk, and other functions are always improving, and we are continually investing to become even better, Patricia Wexler said. While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes. The Virgin Islands lawsuit laid out multiple wake-up calls JPMorgan disregarded relating to Epsteins accounts. The territorys lawyers recently argued in court that undisputed evidence in related litigation showed JPMorgan execs knew of allegations two years before Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting a teenager for sex and that he paid for his massages with cash. They noted the bank had a record of him paying $4 million to girls and women, many with Eastern European names, and withdrawing $5 million in cash. On Tuesday, U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith noted the case was the first enforcement action ever brought against a bank alleging it facilitated and profited from human trafficking. This settlement is an historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about banks responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking, Smith said. Our Department of Justice tirelessly pursued this enforcement action to make it substantially harder for traffickers to finance their crimes in the future, and we are confident this settlement will help achieve that goal. Throughout the Epstein litigation in which its been entangled for the last year, JPMorgan sought to pin the blame on its former head of asset management, Staley, suing him for damages to victims it said he should pay. Staley, a decades-long JPMorgan exec who went on to become the CEO of Barclays, resigning in 2021 amid Epstein-related allegations, has been accused of raping one of the perverted money managers victims when he was his primary liaison at JPMorgan. Staley vehemently denies the allegation. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, during a May deposition, strongly denied knowing Epstein personally and said Staley left him in the dark about his high-risk client. The right people were looking at the facts at the time. Thats their job, Dimon said. Ill take back my answer. Jes Staley should have told me some things. He should have told the group some things. This may have turned out differently. Staleys lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment about his undisclosed settlement with JPMorgan. _____ A lawyer working for Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said she raised concerns that the attorney generals office was violating legal and ethical rules. Less than three hours later, she was fired. Former Deputy Attorney General Daphne Huang on Friday filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, alleging she was fired in retaliation for raising concerns that executives in the attorney generals office were breaking laws and ethical rules. Defendants terminated Ms. Huang within three hours of receiving written documentation related to her concerns about possible violations of law, rule or regulation, attorneys representing Huang wrote in the lawsuit. There is a causal connection between Ms. Huangs protected activity and her termination. In her lawsuit, Huang alleged that she was fired after she raised concerns that attorneys were being forced to take positions hostile to their clients at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Executives in the office created an untenable conflict of interest and ethical conflicts that she refused to participate in, attorneys for Huang wrote in the lawsuit. Beth Cahill, Labradors spokesperson, declined to comment on the litigation. She said officials in the office havent received Huangs legal complaint. Firing amid exodus of Health and Welfare attorneys The Idaho Statesman previously reported that Huang, a deputy attorney general for more than a decade, was fired in March amid an exodus of attorneys representing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Earlier that month, the attorney generals office launched an investigation into the health departments administration of Community Partner Grants, federal funds that address learning loss among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen and two other health officials sued to block the attorney generals investigative demands. Labradors office demanded that the health officials hand over records related to the program around the same time Idaho lawmakers approved an audit of the grants, amid concerns that the federal funds werent distributed properly. Lawmakers restricted the funding to programs that serve kids 5 to 13. The audit found that nearly 30% of grant applicants planned to use the funds on programs that served children outside that age range. An Ada County judge last month ruled that Labrador had a notable conflict of interest when his office began investigating the grants and ordered the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to enforce the investigative demands. At least six of Labradors attorneys assigned to represent the health department have quit or been fired, the Statesman previously reported. Huang and one other former deputy attorney general accused Labrador and his aides of unethical conduct by urging attorneys to side with him, and against their Health and Welfare clients. Huang was a lead deputy attorney general assigned to the health department. Her job was to give health officials legal advice, as part of the offices role as legal representative for state agencies and officials. Previously, Huang served as an assistant attorney general in Washington for 10 years and also worked as a federal law clerk, according to her lawsuit. Huang fired after criticizing Labrador In November and January, Huang issued two legal opinions that found the health departments distribution of the child care grants was legally sound. The health departments requests for the opinions were routine and did not raise any red flags, according to Huangs lawsuit. But former Chief Deputy Attorney General David Dewhirst and Solicitor General Theo Wold, who both worked under Labrador at the time, in a March 27 meeting with Huang insinuated that the department had acted nefariously in asking for the legal opinions and told Huang to view the departments requests for legal advice with a jaundiced eye, the lawsuit said. When she protested that doing so would place her in an adversarial position with her client, they accused her of being in an adversarial position to her employer, Huangs attorneys wrote. Ms. Huang felt pressured by the (Office of the Attorney General) to take a hostile position towards her client and regarding advice that she herself had given to her client. This was ethically unacceptable to Ms. Huang. Dewhirst and Wold also told Huang that she should have refused health officials access to the phone of a former deputy attorney general who represented the department, the lawsuit said. Health and Welfare previously told the Statesman the phone had been wiped of its data before being returned to the attorney generals office, and that its standard procedure to reset a departing employees phone. Dewhirst and Wold tried to pressure Ms. Haung to agree with them that the department had acted inappropriately in taking the phone, according to the lawsuit. Huang responded that tension between executives in the attorney generals office and the health department put attorneys in a very awkward position given that they had to continue to represent the department, the lawsuit said. Idaho law and Idaho State Bar ethical rules prohibit attorneys from advocating against their clients interests or breaching their clients confidence. After the meeting with Dewhirst and Wold, Huang wrote a letter to Tom Donovan, who had recently been appointed chief of the attorney generals health division. Huang wrote that Labrador and executives in the office presented an untenable conflict of interest without concern for our ethical responsibilities, according to a copy of the letter previously reported by the Statesman. They instead appear intent on dismantling government, and doing so without regard for the people who believe in public service who fall in their wake, Huang wrote. Dewhirst on March 29 asked for Huangs resignation, records obtained by the Statesman showed. Huang refused to resign and was fired. Dewhirst has since left the office for a position with presidential candidate and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Huangs lawsuit asked the court to rule that her firing violated whistleblower protections and to award lost wages as well as attorney fees and compensatory damages for emotional distress and harm to her reputation. Huang also requested a jury trial. President Bidens dog, Commander, bit another Secret Service agent at the White House on Monday, the Secret Service confirmed. Yesterday around 8pm, a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a First Family pet and was bitten. The officer was treated by medical personnel on complex, spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement Tuesday. The incident with the 2-year-old German shepherd was first reported by CNN. It is Commanders 11th known biting incident, which have taken place at the White House and at the Biden family home in Delaware. A conservative legal activist group, Judicial Watch, obtained emails in July describing encounters with Commander, detailing 10 alleged biting incidents by Bidens dog from October 2022 through January 2023. Last November, a biting incident left an officer with injuries on both the upper right arm and the thigh. The first family, who are dog lovers, were gifted Commander from Bidens brother James Biden and sister-in-law Sara Biden in December 2021. The White House has said that the Bidens are working with Secret Service and executive residence staff on additional leashing protocols and training for Commander, as well on establishing designated areas for the dog to run and exercise. Commander is the second of Bidens dogs to be involved in an incident. In 2021, another German shepherd, Major, was removed from the White House and relocated to Delaware where he lived with family friends following several reported aggressive episodes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) Its one of the better days that weve had in a while, Willard Logan told News 2 in Franklin Saturday afternoon. Logan, along with Barton Davies, William Reames, Sam McCullough and Ford Garrard, make up Boy Named Banjo, a Nashville-based band with a combination of sounds, blending old-school country, folk rock, Americana and even bluegrass together for a newer take on country music. Americana Chic: Fashion at Pilgrimage Festival The group just wrapped up a performance on the Gold Record Road stage at the annual Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival Saturday afternoon, their first time performing at the festival. The daytime outdoor performance was a favorite of the groups, Logan said, as the energy is one that fueled the fivesome on their ongoing tour. It really feeds the soul, a day like today, Logan said. Saturdays performance was also the first time Logan himself had ever been to the festival, though some of his bandmates had been to the festival in the past as attendees. Regardless of if theyve been before, Logan said theyre all big fans of the festival and what it brings to the area. Its going to be hard to top performing at the festival, he said. To date, the group has several different festival performances under their belt, including a stop at Bonnaroo in 2015, CMA Fest in 2022 and 2023, and a Bourbon and Beyond performance earlier this year. This festival, though, hits a little different for Logan, he said, because the blend of genres gathered together in Williamson County reminds them of their own sound. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County I would say Pilgrimage is unique in the fact that, kind of like us, were not a straight country band; were not a straight Americana or bluegrass band; were kind of a blend of those things, he said. To be at a festival that is a blend of all that music is kind of a perfect fit for us. And the energy of a festival, he added, is unmatched. Boy Named Banjo (WKRN photo) The slate of festival performances has also kept the group sharp in preparation for their upcoming album, Dusk, set for release this week. The album is indeed an electrifying dose of lightning in a bottle, one that explores the full sonic and emotional spectrum of the bands rich, eclectic sound, from late-night, feel-good, fall-in-love party anthems to stripped-down, introspective meditations on loneliness, loss, and letting go, according to the bands artist page. We wanted to make a big statement with our first full-length release on Mercury, says guitarist William Reames. Our influences have always been really broad and our sound has always been really wide-ranging, and we didnt want to shy away from that. At the end of the day, this is who we are. The band also teamed up with another Middle Tennessee favorite, Dickel Bourbon, for a special live session performance after their on-stage gig at the festival. Celebrating the brand new permanent offering from the distillery that houses George Dickel Whisky, the band is helping the brand kick off its Dusk Til Dawn Tour. Logan said the partnership was an easy one to make, as two of the band members have history near Cascade Hollow. Two of us went to school near Tullahoma, so we kind of know the landscape of where Dickels created, he said. Barton [Davies] and I, we went to Sewanee, up on the Plateau. Its a beautiful placethe rolling hills of Tennessee. Its nice to know that what were drinking is coming from such a beautiful area where we have a lot of connection to. Between the groups ongoing tour and the brand-new album, the band has plenty to look forward to through the end of the year. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We just want people to enjoy the new album and look forward to more music from Boy Named Banjo, Logan said. Hopefully you enjoy all the different dimensions of our band. Dusk is available for pre-order and pre-save now. It will be released on all major streaming platforms, as well as at live shows. Come and see us live, and get it on vinyl, Logan added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Republican Vice President Richard M. Nixon, listens as Sen. John F. Kennedy , the Democratic presidential nominee, makes a point during a live broadcast from a New York television studio of their fourth presidential debate on Oct. 21, 1960. | Associated Press About 85 to 120 million people turned on their televisions at home or went to public places to watch as the first televised presidential debate aired 63 years ago, today. Not only did the televised debate make history for being the first of its kind but, pollsters estimated that approximately 2.4 million voters determined their choice of party solely on the basis of the Great Debates, according to the Library of Congress. Related Today in history: On Sept. 26, 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon went live on national television, for a discussion of issues in the current political campaign by the two major candidates for the presidency, according to the opening remarks from the moderator of this historic debate, Howard K. Smith. The first debate was reportedly facilitated in a Chicago studio and was the first of four total debates prior to the 1960 election. The JFK Library reported that the presidential race of 1960 was very tight and that this opportunity for the public to meet the candidates via national television was never before available until Kennedy and Nixon agreed to discuss their political stances live on air. It was further reported that both candidates were skilled debaters and that this decision may have been a factor that helped win over voters to give Kennedy the 1960 win. Related Why this matters? History reported that, Kennedy emerged the apparent winner from this first of four televised debates, partly owing to his greater ease before the camera than Nixon, who, unlike Kennedy, seemed nervous and declined to wear makeup. The impact of television showed in the election results as, people who listened to the radio were more likely to vote for Nixon while people who watched the debates on television were more likely to vote for Kennedy, according to Purdue Universitys academic analysis of the debate. Less than three weeks following the televised debate Kennedy reportedly won, 49.7 % of the popular vote in one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history, surpassing by a fraction the 49.6% received by his Republican opponent. The JFK Library reported that before the first debate, a Gallup poll showed Nixon only slightly ahead 47% to 46%. In a Gallup poll taken after the fourth and final debate, Kennedy had edged out Nixon 49% to 46%. Following the four debates Nixon and Kennedy participated in, a survey taken reportedly showed that of, an estimated four million voters who were undecided before the debates, three million became JFK supporters. The Library of Congress reported that, The milestone events thrust broadcast media into a central role in American political life. The trend continues despite critics blaming the media for merchandising of candidates, the rising cost of political campaigns, and the use of advertising agencies in the image manipulation of candidates. Related How did the Kennedy-Nixon debate change politics? The National Constitution Center reported that their first televised debated shifted how presidential campaigns were conducted, as the power of television took elections into Americans living rooms. While candidates had reportedly made televised appearances or debated with written news coverage to detail their correspondence, most voters never had a chance to see candidates in a close, personal way, giving them the opportunity to form an opinion about the next president based on their looks, their voice and their opinions. This opportunity to see political candidates live and in person has become a recent topic in public discourse as the country is heading into the 2024 presidential election. As sitting President Joe Bidens health and age have come into question for current voters, Kennedys nephew Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged the importance of holding debates as he is now running for the presidency, according to Fox News. Its important for the American people to know that their president has the vigor to handle this very rigorous job and I think there are enough doubts about that now that President Biden really needs to come out and have an unscripted meetings and interactions with voters, that he needs to do some town halls and retail politics and hopefully a debate so that the American people can make a choice about whether or not the president is up to the job, Kennedy said. A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. It was a shorter distance through US history from the White House to the Soviet Union or North Korea than to an autoworkers picket line in Michigan. Presidents like to be the first to do something, particularly if it offers them an historic photo opportunity. President Joe Biden added a presidential first when he joined an United Auto Workers picket line of a General Motors facility in Michigan on Tuesday. Biden joined striking United Auto Workers members on the picket line in Van Buren Township, Michigan. - Evan Vucci/AP In this case, Biden is happy to be seen as the labor-friendly president as he duels with former President Donald Trump for the pivotal support of union workers in Michigan and other key states. Previous presidential firsts were wrapped in other events. The first US president to visit the Soviet Union was Franklin D. Roosevelt , who took part in the Yalta Conference in 1945 with Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The goal was for the Americans, the Soviets and the British to organize post-war Europe. (Yalta, a resort town and part of Crimea, was invaded by Russia in 2014.) No president would visit the Soviet Union again until Richard Nixon traveled to Moscow in 1972, when he and Soviet General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev reached agreements, including to limit nuclear weapons. Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin gathered in Yalta, then in the Soviet Union, in 1945. - Pictures from History/Universal Images Group/Getty Images Some firsts require physical travel. Harry Truman was the first president to travel, in a sense, into American living rooms. He gave the first televised presidential address in 1947 as he pitched the Truman Doctrine to the American people from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. He argued in favor of large investments in a massive aid program for Greece and Turkey, which were dealing with displaced populations and food shortages. Read more from the National Archives. That effort resonates today as American lawmakers consider sending ever more aid to Ukraine. Honorable mentions: In 1922, Warren Harding became the first president to be heard on the radio. In 2015, Barack Obama was the first president to post on Twitter, now known as X, although Trump clearly revolutionized the use of social media from the Oval Office. Obama was also the first sitting president to appear on a late-night comedy program as president in 2016, although John F. Kennedy appeared on the Jack Paar show as a presidential candidate in 1960. Truman, joined by Charles Luckman and L.A. McClelland, participated in a televised address to the American people to gain support for the new voluntary food conservation drive. - Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Presidents have traveled to war zones. Most recently, Biden traveled this year to Ukraine to show support for that countrys effort against Russias 2022 invasion. These are largely controlled affairs, nothing like the time in July 1864 when Abraham Lincoln became the only known sitting US president to come under direct fire from an enemy combatant, according to the National Park Service. Confederate troops were threatening Washington, and Fort Stevens was part of a network of fortifications meant to protect the nations capital. Lincoln climbed to the top of a parapet to watch the battle and was fired upon. The future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was on site as a young officer and, according to the Park Service, offered this advice to Lincoln: Get down, you damn fool! A more typical example of a president visiting a war zone is pictured below. Lyndon B. Johnson, as president, visited troops deployed to Vietnam in 1966. Biden recently made his first presidential trip to Vietnam, which is still a communist country, and visited a memorial to John McCain, the late Republican senator who was held for years as a prisoner of war there. Johnson shakes the hands of soldiers as he visits American troops in Vietnam in 1966. - Interim Archives/Getty Images It wasnt until 1906 that a sitting US president left US soil, when Theodore Roosevelt went to see construction of the Panama Canal. Subsequent presidents have traveled quite a bit. Franklin Roosevelt was the first to cross the Atlantic on a plane while in office in 1943. The multiday journey involved traveling first to the Caribbean and then Brazil and then across the ocean to Gambia. Nixon was the first US president to visit China, in what historians still view as a pivotal moment in world history. As CNNs Simone McCarthy noted last year for the 50th anniversary of the trip, it would open the door for the formation of diplomatic relations between the worlds richest country and its most populous and also reshape the world order as it was known: shifting the power dynamics of the Cold War and playing a part in Chinas transition from impoverished isolation to a new role as a growing global power broker and economic partner to the United States. Nixon stands on the Great Wall of China on the outskirts of Beijing. - AP Hopefully George W. Bush is the first and only president to visit the site of a major terror attack on US soil days after it is committed. But his appearance at Ground Zero in New York City on September 14, 2001, will always be the most important image of his presidency. Bush stands atop a crumpled fire truck with retired New York City fireman Bob Beckwith on September 14, 2001. - Eric Draper/The White House/National Archives Nixon went to China. He went to the Soviet Union. He went to Vietnam. He did not go to Cuba, the communist country off the coast of Florida. Obama, who sought to normalize US relations with Cuba, was the first US president to visit the island nation in 2016 since Calvin Coolidge in 1928. Trump later reversed elements of Obamas Cuba policy. Obama takes part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jose Marti memorial in Revolution Square on March 21, 2016, in Havana. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images Bush and Republican presidents before him, while hoping to count on the votes of anti-abortion activists, never visited the annual March for Life rally in person. In 1988, Ronald Reagan called in. So did George W. Bush years later. Not Trump. He traveled outside the White House and made the short trip to the National Mall to address activists in 2020. So it is fitting that Trump nominated the three justices that gave social conservatives a controlling majority on the Supreme Court to end nationwide abortion rights and give states the ability to outlaw abortions. Trump addresses the March for Life rally in person in Washington on January 24, 2020. - Pete Marovich/The New York Times/Redux Reagan looks through binoculars to view North Korean positions from the observation deck at Guard Post Collier at the DMZ in 1983. - Bettmann/Getty Images There is some jeopardy in being the first president to do something. Trump played up his letter-writing relationship with the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. His meeting with Kim in 2018 at a summit in Singapore was clearly an historic event. A year later, Trump and Kim shook hands over the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. Trump shakes hands with Kim on June 30, 2019, as the two leaders meet at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. - Shealah Craighead/The White House Previous presidents had only managed to look across the DMZ with binoculars. Trumps relationship with Kim, however, failed to yield a lasting agreement when their final summit in Vietnam in 2019 fell apart. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Removing a kidney instead of a gall bladder ended nine months during which Dr. Gregg Shore of Sebring also started an unnecessary surgery and played a role in three patient deaths, state complaints say. Shores license status, as of Sunday, according to the Florida Department of Health: Clear/Active. The second of two administrative complaints the Department of Health filings that start the discipline process against Shore was filed Aug. 28 and included allegations about four patients from Aug. 13, 2020, through May 18, 2021. A complaint filed in August 2022 concerned the death of one of his patients on Sept. 18, 2020. Civil lawsuits accusing Shore of malpractice are pending in the Hillsborough County court system. Shores online license information says his part of the lawsuit that followed the September 2020 death of a 35-year-old woman was settled for $250,000. His license information also says Shore has been licensed in Florida since Aug. 25, 2004. Before these complaints, he had no history of disciplinary action. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery said Shore has been board- certified since 2003. Though his licenses address of record is Sebrings Florida Lakes Surgical Center, he is no longer listed on their website and a receptionist said Shore no longer works there. READ MORE: Threat of life-threatening infections causes Florida company to recall medicine Shore is representing himself in at least one of his lawsuits. Reached by an email address he gave to the court, Shore responded to a Miami Herald reporters questions: Who are you? What gives you the authority to email me without my approval? The cases in the complaints: Is that a gall bladder? According to the administrative complaint, on May 15, 2021, a woman came into the HCA Florida Highlands Hospital emergency room with pain in her abdomen. The next day, Shore diagnosed acute cholecystitus/cholelithiasis. According to Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic, thats a medical term for swelling of the gall bladder with gallstones. Shore scheduled a gall bladder removal for May 17. [Shore] documented performing a cholecystectomy to remove the patients gall bladder, the complaint said. On May 18, 2021, a pathology report for a specimen obtained from the cholecystectomy was noted to be a kidney and not a gall bladder. [Shore] performed a right nephrectomy and removed the patients kidney instead of her gall bladder during the May 17, 2021 surgery. Did the patient already have one of those? As explained by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a mediport, or an implanted port, is a type of central venous catheter. A CVC is a flexible tube thats put into one of your veins. You may need to get medication in a vein larger than the ones in your arms. Your port lets the medication go into your bloodstream through your vein. It can be used to give you medication for several days in a row. On April 8, 2021, the complaint said, Shore rolled a man into surgery to place a right side mediport. During the procedure, it was discovered that the patient had a mediport previously placed in the left chest wall, the complaint said. The procedure was aborted. [Shore] failed to recognize that the patient already had a mediport in the left chest wall during the physical examination prior to surgery. That oversight aside, the complaint said the violation was that Shore performed a medically unnecessary surgery. Bowel problems The complaint said Shores operative report for a Dec. 6, 2020, surgery to repair a patients hernia said the abdomen was markedly distended. Shore put a trocar in the space between the organs and the membrane lining the abdomen and pelvis. While placing the trocar, [Shore] perforated the patients small bowel, the complaint said. The complaint said Shores operative report explained he halted the hernia repair because there was a risk of infection to the mesh implant. A 2022 article in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery describes a mesh infection as a highly morbid complication after hernia surgery, and is associated with hospital re-admission, increased health care costs, re-operation, hernia recurrence, impaired quality of life and plaintiff litigation. Shore, the complaint said, didnt repair the hernia. The patient became septic and went into cardiac arrest. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says. Most cases of sepsis start before a patient goes to the hospital. The patient was revived on Dec. 6 and, the complaint says, Shore went in on Dec. 8, 2020, to repair the bowel perforation. Shore documented bowel changes. The patient died later that day. The complaint said Shore should have tried to repair the hernia with no mesh, biological mesh or absorbable mesh and shouldnt have used an optiview trocar when the patients abdomen was distended. She went in for a gall bladder removal. She never woke up The complaint filed in August 2022 said, on Sept. 18, 2020, Shore performed a elective gall bladder removal on a 35-year-old woman with chronic gall bladder swelling and gallstones. During the removal, the complaint said, Shore had a hard time removing the gall bladder and documented a tear involving a liver lobe leading to significant bleeding. The complaint said the patient lost 500 ml of blood by the time the bleeding stopped. After the surgery, the woman went to the post-anesthesia care unit with a blood pressure of 68/38 and a hemoglobin measure that pointed to a low fluid levels. Three to four hours of blood transfusions and living on life support couldnt prevent her from dying at 9:35 p.m. The complaint said Shore should have bought her back into the operating room for an abdominal cavity surgery to locate the source of continued bleeding or perform damage control. Also, the complaint said, Shore didnt get help from a vascular surgeon. This is the case that Shores profile says was settled in April 2022 for $250,000, which came from his wallet, none from insurance. State records say Norcal Insurance paid the patients estate $250,000 for advanced practice registered nurse Michael Hernicz and another $250,000 for Dr. Mogin Antoine, whose official address with the Department of Health is now in North Miami. The womans estate got $3 million from Health Care Indemnity, insurer for whats now HCA Florida Highlands Hospital. Blood and infections On Aug. 10, 2020, a complaint said, a patient came into an emergency room with complaints of fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Also, the patient had a 2 centimeter gallstone, evidence of sludge, and was considered to be septic. Shore evaluated the patient on Aug. 11 and scheduled a gall bladder removal with in-surgery X-ray of bile ducts for the morning of Aug. 12. During the procedure, [Shore] documented active bleeding at the liver bed and placed a drain, the complaint said. [Shore] failed to control the bleeding or achieve hemostasis. [Shore] failed to document achieving hemostasis or his attempts to control the bleeding. Hemostasis, the Cleveland Clinic says, is a normal bodily reaction that stops bleeding. The complaint said the patient had profuse amounts of blood coming from the drain and lost his pulse. The patient died Aug. 13. The complaint faulted Shore for not controlling the bleeding or getting the patient into surgery faster due to the severity of his condition. Blue Origins New Shepard booster on its landing pad in June 2022. After Bob Smiths resignation as chief executive, Jeff Bezos Blue Origin has appointed David Limp, Amazons former head of hardware and leader of the companys Project Kuiper satellites, as the new CEO. In an email sent to employees on Monday, Smith announced that he is resigning from his position as chief executive of Blue Origin. Smith will officially step down in December, but will remain with the company until early January to support the transition to his successor, CNBC reported. It was then revealed that Smiths successor would be Limp, who resigned from his position as head of devices and services at Amazon, another Bezos-owned company, last month. Read more It appears that Smith was not all that popular with Blue Origins employees, some of whom had spoken to Ars Technicas Eric Berger, and virtually none of them have had anything positive to say about Smiths tenure as chief executive, he wrote. Berger asked one employee about the new hire at Blue Origin, to which they responded by saying, Anything is better than Bob. Smith brought a traditional aerospace mindset into a company that had hitherto been guided by a new space vision, leading to a high turnover rate, Berger wrote. As Blue Origin meandered under Smiths tenure, SpaceX soared, launching hundreds of rockets and thousands of satellites. Smith, clearly, was not the leader Blue Origin needed to make the company more competitive with SpaceX in launch and other spaceflight activities. Earlier this year, Blue Origin did score a $3.4 billion contract from NASA to build a second lunar landing system for Artemis 5 and beyond. The company had lost its previous bid to build the lander for Artemis 3 and 4, with NASA awarding those contracts to SpaceX instead. In 2021, Bezos unsuccessfully sued NASA over the agencys decision to grant the first contract to SpaceX. Amazons Project Kuiper, a constellation of internet satellites meant to rival SpaceXs Starlink, is still waiting to reach to orbit after awarding three contracts worth around $1.7 billion to Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, and Arianespace to launch most of the 3,236-satellites to low Earth orbit. An Amazon shareholder recently filed a lawsuit against the company for exercising bad judgment when selecting the launch providers for Project Kuiper, pointing out that Bezos company purposely avoided granting a contract to his rival Musk. During his 13 years at Amazon, Blue Origins upcoming chief executive had some experience managing Project Kuiper, while also being in charge of the companys consumer electronic devices like the Alexa voice assistant. Ive worked closely with Dave for many years. He is the right leader at the right time for Blue, Bezos wrote in an email shortly after Smiths retirement announcement, according to SpaceNews. Dave is a proven innovator with a customer-first mindset and extensive experience leading and scaling large, complex organizations. Dave has an outstanding sense of urgency, brings energy to everything, and helps teams move very fast. Limp certainly has his work cut out for him as the new chief executive of Blue Origin, and that sense of urgency will need to kick into high gear. For more spaceflight in your life, follow us on Twitter and bookmark Gizmodos dedicated Spaceflight page. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. China's Liaoning inks over 80 bln USD of investment at int'l fair Xinhua) 08:49, September 26, 2023 People visit an exhibition during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) SHENYANG, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 586 billion yuan (about 81.7 billion U.S. dollars) of investment has been inked at the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade, which started on Monday in northeast China's Liaoning Province. The event helped the province sign a total of 271 projects with investors after the opening ceremony in Shenyang, the provincial capital, said its organizer. About 3,000 attendees from economic and trade delegations from home and abroad, as well as Fortune 500 companies and business associations will participate in the three-day event. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. The event, which has been held four times, has become an important vehicle for Liaoning Province to implement its three-year project for new breakthroughs in full revitalization. It also serves as a high-end platform for creating a new frontier of opening up in northeast China. People visit an exhibition during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) A staff member competes with a robot in a Go game, known as Weiqi in Chinese, at an exhibition during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) People visit an exhibition during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) An exhibitor (R) introduces products during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) People visit an exhibition during the 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 25, 2023. The 2023 Liaoning International Fair of Investment and Trade kicked off here on Monday. Themed on jointly promoting new breakthroughs in revitalization and sharing new opportunities for development, this year's fair includes forums, exhibitions and business cooperation and promotion activities. (Xinhua/Long Lei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A new cross-sea high-speed railway is set to enter into service on Sept. 28 in east China's Fujian Province, the country's railway operator said Tuesday. The railway, extending 277 km in total, will run through the cities of Fuzhou, Putian, Quanzhou, Xiamen and Zhangzhou, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. Designed to run at a top speed of 350 km per hour, the railway is expected to connect Fuzhou and Xiamen, two major cities in the province, and the trip between these two cities will take 55 minutes, said the operator. The railway will feature various intelligent technologies, including the Internet of Things, edge computing and geographic information system, to ensure safe and sound operation, the operator added. Located on the southeastern coast of China, Fujian Province boasts vast cultural and tourism resources. It is also famed for playing a key role in the country's opening up. A former Vermont school administrator has revealed that she was forced to quit her job after bouts of racial harassment caused her mental and physical health to decline and made her work in a place of perpetual fear. During the Addison Central School District board meeting Monday, Esther Charlestin spoke out on why she left her job as the Dean of Climate and Culture at Middlebury Union Middle School. I share my story for those who feel invisible, who cant speak because it could jeopardize their jobs, for those whose BIPOC children are struggling and they have no choice but to keep them in our public schools, and for those who have been silenced, Charlestin read from an essay she wrote in August for the Addison County Independent. You are not alone. In her position, Charlestin said she called teachers out for their differential treatment of students of color versus white students. Once I brought it to their attention, there was silence, Charlestin read. I realized the lack of tools, awareness, and knowledge around it. However, Charlestins tone changed as an administrator when she realized racial microaggressions and blatant acts of racism were also directed towards her. She discovered I hate n----- Dean written on the wall in the girls bathroom in February. This message was indeed for me, Charlestin continued. Then, in May, she was directly called the N-word. Charlestin, who had been employed at Middlebury Union for less than a year, resigned from her post over summer with her last day being Sept. 1. She said she realized that she loved [her] community, but didnt trust it. As a result of my experience, I ultimately made the decision to leave. I think about the BIPOC people, from the employees to the students, who still attend/work at schools within our district and suspect my story is not an isolated incident, Charlestin read before questioning the policies in place within the school district. Ironically, Charlestin read her essay after the districts assistant superintendent of equity and student services presented an overview of bullying policiesincluding racial harassmentto the board. I believe in this community. Im not going anywhere. Im choosing to stay and hope to help make it better, Charlestin said. And if not me, I know theres plenty of people in the room, in Vermont who do this work. A wave of attendees at Mondays meeting were unanimous in their support for Charlestin. It comes down to for those of us white folks trying to work on this is for us to each work on ourselves and to be open to our discomfort and to point the lens inwards at ourselves, an attendee said. Every one of us can do better. A Middlebury College student praised Charlestin before diving into how racism is very much alive and well in Vermont. We shouldnt need a lot of reasons to do anti-racism and anti-oppression training for the kids, for the teachers, for the administration, a parent commented, adding that racial efforts in the state is an area of weakness. Vermont is progressive in so many amazing ways. Theres a lot of reasons people would want to move here, but theres a lot of reasons people really wouldnt also. An attendee, who was Black and said he just moved to the area, admitted he was afraid to send his young son to school in Middlebury. Hearing Esthers story, Im terrified, he said. My son is here, and I hope that he can be in these schools but I am also very scared. In a statement to The Daily Beast, the Addison Central School Board said both incidents involving Charlestin were investigated and consequences were issued. The District has been working for nearly two years to build a Strategic Plan centered on Equity for all of our students and staff, a spokesperson for Addison Central School District said in a statement to The Daily Beast. To build this plan, we have specifically worked to engage minoritized members of our community who have traditionally not been at the table as part of strategic plans. In addition to the strategic plan, we are undertaking several other district led initiatives. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Monday that he thinks concerns about former President Trump seeking retaliation on officials such as outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley are legitimate. Look, I think its a legitimate fear, Esper told CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins. If you recall from my memoir I cite a circumstance where [Trump], egged on by his close advisers, wanted to call back to active duty Adm. McRaven and Gen. McChrystal, to court-martial them, for some things that they allegedly said in in the public domain, and Milley and I had to talk the president out of doing that, for any number of reasons. The president has also said that a second term would be about retribution, right? So, I think these are all legitimate concerns, he later added. Trump made comments last week accusing Milley of a treasonous act in which he was actually dealing with China to give them a heads up on the thinking of the President of the United States. The former presidents remarks seem to reference calls made by Milley to China for reassurance at the end of Trumps term. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Milleys relationship with the former president is especially notable when it comes to one of the multiple indictments Trump faces. The former president was captured on audio attempting to push back against reporting by The New Yorker about Milleys attempts to prevent Trump from attacking Iran as his days in the White House waned. Trump said he had a document about a plan of attack on Iran that revealed it was Milleys idea. He also claimed the document was secret and not declassified. Milley has denied Trumps claims, saying he doesnt know the document theyre talking about. No ones presented me with what it is theyre talking about. So I really still cant comment on it, Milley said in the interview. But I can assure you that a military attack on Iran is a very, very serious undertaking. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The former chief operations officer for Las Vegas Strip performer Terry Fator, along with a second former employee, are accused of stealing nearly $1 million from the headliners businesses, police allege in documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Vincent Souza faces four counts of theft above $3,500, records showed. Police allege Souza stole the money through business credit cards and salary increases, documents said. The second former employees name was redacted in documents. It was unclear if she faced any charges Tuesday. Fator, a well-known ventriloquist, won season two of Americas Got Talent. At the time of the allegations, Fator had a residency at The Mirage. Fator has since moved to New York-New York. In October 2021, Fator called Metro police to file a complaint for embezzlement against Souza, and the unnamed former employee who oversaw payroll, documents said. Souza and the second employee both worked at Fators companies, which facilitated his Las Vegas Strip residency and other performances, documents said. Ventriloquist Terry Fator and Winston the Turtle perform the national anthem before Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus) Fator had previously filed a similar complaint with the FBI. Agents, along with the Nevada Attorney Generals Office, chose not to prosecute the case. Two months before Fator filed the report with Metro police, he sued his accounting firm. The case was settled through arbitration, documents said. In October, Fator alleged to police that Souza had embezzled over $1 million for personal use and then charged the company for the credit card changes, documents said. Fator told police there was no formal process to increase employee pay, however, Souzas salary increased from $150,000 in 2015 to $200,000 in 2017; and the second employees pay rose from $65,000 in 2015 to $140,000 in 2017, documents said. It is estimated that he ran more than $500,000 through his account and charged back the company through checks written out to Vincent, from Vincent, documents said. There is zero reason for Vincent to be writing checks to his personal accounts, due to the fact he was given a corporate credit card through the company. [The second employee] also had an American Express credit card account assigned to her. It is believed [she] also ran several fraudulent transactions through the company credit card. Vincent Souza faces four counts of theft above $3,500, records showed. (LVMPD/KLAS) In 2020, Souza fired the entire office staff, including himself, over concerns the company was no longer financially solvent, documents said. That same year, Souza told investigators he used the company credit card for a vacation to Hawaii, which was unauthorized, along with trips to Europe and Disneyland, documents said. In June 2022, an employee at Walt Disney World told investigators Souza attempted to place a security deposit on a residence in Buena Vista, Florida, using Disney Vacation Points, which were fraudulently purchased on the company credit card, documents said. Investigators also allege Souza made several fraudulent purchases under credit cards funded by Fators companies to pay for a side business for hula shows, documents said. Other payments included a downpayment on a new Tesla, three installments for his home and Vegas Golden Knights tickets, documents said. Investigators later subpoenaed records from the Golden Knights and Las Vegas Raiders, finding Souza paid tens of thousands of dollars for season tickets and other fees, documents said. Ventriloquist Terry Fator performs during the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Doug Benc) Throughout 2022, Metro investigators attempted to contact Souza with no luck, documents said. Souzas attorney, Jack Buchanan, later told police he would be the point person for his client. No different than any other client, irrespective of the celebrity of the alleged victim, Mr. Souza is presumed innocent and I believe will remain as such, Buchanan said in a statement Tuesday. Our investigation is just beginning into allegations that span multiple years, and because of this, we anticipate once all legal measures and an accounting is exhausted, Mr. Souza will be vindicated. Terry Fator appreciates the efforts of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in this matter and will of course cooperate in any way that may be appropriate, Fators spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. Metro police arrested Souza on a warrant last week, records showed. He was granted a walk-through initial appearance and was not required to post bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Jan. 16. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A former employee of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority pleaded guilty Monday to more than a dozen charges, including larceny and procurement fraud, state Attorney General Andrea Campbell said. Timothy Dockery, 57, of Plymouth, pleaded guilty to 13 charges that also included bribery, accepting illegal gratuities and conspiracy. Dockery was sentenced to one year in jail, with two years of probation after finishing his sentence. Dockery was also ordered to pay $37,860 in restitution. In one scheme, Dockery worked with a vendor to steal about $38,000 from the MBTA by submitting fake invoices, investigators said. Dockery also allegedly received cash payments from the vendor in exchange for Dockerys help with MBTA procurements and projects. A lawyer for Dockery said he is pleased to have the seven-year-old case resolved. Tim is looking forward to moving on with this chapter of his life closed, Kevin Reddington said. Dockery, who worked as a buyer for the transit agency, was indicted in 2017 and suspended by the MBTA. The Office of the Inspector General began investigating Dockery following a hotline tip in 2014. The attorney generals office joined the investigation in 2016. The MBTA had also been looking into the matter, according to Campbells office. 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 PATERSON Former Mayor Joey Torres was indicted Tuesday on a criminal contempt-of-court charge, stemming from his effort to seek a new term in the city's 2022 election, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office said. What does the indictment say? A state grand jury in Trenton decided that Torres, 64, violated a 2017 court order that banned him from seeking or holding public office when he sought to run for mayor in 2022, prompting a new charge of criminal contempt in the fourth degree. The 2017 order followed Torres' guilty plea to conspiracy to commit official misconduct in the second degree. The new indictment, handed up Tuesday, stems from an investigation by the the Corruption Bureau of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, officials said. From 2022: Judge rejects Joey Torres bid to run for Paterson mayor What happened? Jose "Joey" Torres is shown in Judge Thomas F. Brogan's courtroom as he argues that he should be able to run for office even though he is legally not able to hold office. Monday, March 21, 2022 Torres pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit official misconduct in 2017 after he admitted that, as mayor, he directed city employees to perform work at a private warehouse leased by his daughter and nephew for a liquor distribution business, while the employees overtime pay was covered by Paterson taxpayers. Torres was sentenced to five years in state prison in that case and served 13 months. Contempt charges levied: Joey Torres vows a good fight after state files charges for running for mayor After his plea, Torres agreed to and signed a forfeiture order that barred him from holding public office or public employment in New Jersey with a stipulation that he would face contempt charges if he violated the order. Joey Torres tries to deliver voter petitions for his mayoral candidacy to the city clerk on Friday, March 4, 2022. The city law department has told the clerk not to accept petitions for Torres' candidacy because his conviction bans him from holding public office. Torres announced his plans to seek the Paterson mayoralty on Feb. 12, 2022. On March 4, 2022, Torres submitted nominating positions to the Paterson city clerk, who rejected them. Torres then filed a lawsuit seeking to have his petitions accepted. The grand jury saw those actions as violating the 2017 agreement, the Attorney General's Office said Tuesday. It takes remarkable brashness to flout a state court order and then attempt to strong-arm the city clerk, via civil litigation, into allowing an impermissible campaign to proceed, Platkin said in a statement. That is bold. And, according to the grand jury, it is also indictable. The charge Torres faces carries a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Joey Torres: Former Paterson NJ mayor indicted on contempt charge A group of former Reagan administration officials have put their support behind former Vice President Mike Pence , endorsing his bid in the 2024 GOP presidential race. We urge our fellow Republicans to join us in supporting Mike Pence in the Republican primary, the officials who served under former President Reagan wrote in a letter reported by Politico. Together, we can ensure that timeless conservative principles exemplified by Ronald Reagan and Mike Pence continue to guide our party and lead our nation toward a brighter future. T. Kenneth Cribb Jr., Edwin J. Feulner Jr., Donald Paul Hodel and Helene Von Damm argue in their letter that Pence is the candidate best equipped to uphold the Reagan legacy and lead our party and our nation forward. Pence is running for the Republican nomination against former President Trump, the current front-runner of the field, and has been polling behind some of the other Republican contenders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He and the other GOP hopefuls are headed toward the partys second primary debate Wednesday, when qualified candidates will gather on stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Pence launched his White House campaign in June, marking the first time in recent history that a vice president has run directly against a president under which he served. Trump skipped the first debate and plans to forego the second, meaning the pair have thus far avoided onstage sparring at the closely watched events. The former Reagan officials in their letter lauded Pence, who is also the former governor of Indiana, and his commitment to conservative principles, his prioritization of U.S. military might, and his belief that every human life is precious and should be protected in law as a child created in the image of God. As former Reagan administration officials, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of principled leadership that adheres to conservative values, the letter reads. Mike Pence embodies these values and has the vision and experience necessary to lead our party and our nation with honor, integrity, and a deep commitment to classical conservative principles that define the Reagan legacy, they added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former inmate Amanda Dove (@prison_story) has built a substantial following on TikTok, documenting her life post-incarceration. Now, shes sharing the insights she learned about prisons in the U.S. In one video, Dove touched on a topic most TikTok viewers seemed to not even think about when it comes to going to jail: What do you do if you wear contact lenses? Its a problem the estimated two-thirds of American adults who wear some type of glasses or contact lenses should think about if they ever get arrested. This embedded content is not available in your region. On my first day of prison, the officer was like, Raise your hand if anybody has contacts in their eyes,' Dove says in the clip. And a bunch of girls raise their hands just automatically, and I kinda held back even though I had contacts, but I wanted to see what was gonna happen. According to Dove, the guard made every single girl take their contacts out, and she did not give glasses. There was no replacement like, nothing. Those girls had to go their entire incarceration without being able to see, Dove says. For anyone serving time longer than one year, Dove explains they did have the option of applying for a pair of state-issued glasses. But they had to undergo an eye exam first which they had to pay for themselves before they could receive a pair of new lenses. The former inmate describes the thick, black-rimmed glasses as the ugliest things I have ever seen, and she did her best to avoid wearing them. In the meantime, she stayed quiet about her contacts and kept them in her eyes for as long as possible. Because of that, she said they became dry and crusty from not being regularly cleaned. They even sometimes traveled to the back of her eyeball when she slept. Eventually, Dove asked her dad to have a pair of glasses made for her outside of prison. She lucked out when the warden allowed her to wear them. However, she says that other girls werent as lucky and went their entire incarcerations completely blind if they werent able to afford the state-issued glasses or have a family member send ones from home. HCDSMass, a platform that aims to help friends and family of inmates with answers to common questions, wrote that while the entitlement to glasses in prison is always there, there are several factors that can impact how easy it is to actually get glasses. Private prisons, for example, are typically faster at getting someone glasses than a larger state prison. Glasses must also meet certain criteria, including being under $100, without mirrored or transitional lenses. The frames, meanwhile, should preferably be plastic in either black or brown. According to HCDSMass, getting glasses that meet all the necessary requirements from an outside family member is also allowed. In a YouTube video posted last year, another formerly incarcerated influencer named Jessica Kent had a similar story. Youre not allowed to have contacts in prison, Kent says in her video, adding that the reason boils down to cost. Theyre not going to keep replacing the contacts. Theyre not going to give you the solution and everything you need to go with your contacts, so youre gonna have to get glasses, she explains. While the cost of contacts certainly comes into play, there are also other reasons behind the ban. According to Prison Query, a criminal justice-focused blog written by a former correctional officer, contact lens accessories and products can pose a safety risk since they can be used to hide contraband or other illicit activities. Its also considered a hygiene issue since contacts require proper cleaning and maintenance. That could be challenging in a prison environment with limited access to hygiene products or clean water. That said, the Federal Bureau of Prisons Clinical Guidance says contacts are sometimes allowed in certain situations but only if theyre considered medically necessary. Following Doves recent TikTok, which now has over 10 million views, people have been responding with shock in the comments. I feel like glasses should be considered a medical necessity in prison, wrote @hannahsdeaton. This is insane, added @gingerdoodle. The fix is simple. In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News follow us here! The post Formerly incarcerated women on TikTok reveal they werent allowed to wear contact lenses in prison appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: Who is Adin Ross? Controversial streamer is friends with Andrew Tate, faked a Kim Jong Un interview Everything to know about YouTube mommy blogger Ruby Franke's arrest Former inmate shares the 'jail hacks' she still uses to this day: 'Your hacks are actually a blessing' Influencer facing jail time in Dubai after arguing with car rental employee Four Kansas elementary schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, one for the first time in its history. The department of education awarded 356 schools in the U.S. with the title, which recognizes schools based on academic excellence or for closing achievement gaps, according to its website. The awards were announced Sept. 19. According to the Kansas Department of Education, 145 schools in that state have been recognized with the award since the program began in 1982. This year, 46 states had at least one school awarded the honor. In all, 313 schools recognized with the title were public and 40 were non-public. In Kansas, Edgerton Elementary School, Lakeside Elementary School, Roesland Elementary School and Valley Heights Elementary School were all recognized. Heres a look at the institutions and the federal program. Who can be a National Blue Ribbon winner? The U.S. Department of Education selects a number of schools each year as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award acknowledges and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for and attaining exemplary achievement, the U.S. Department of Educations website reads. Both public and non-public schools can be among the winners. Schools in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands can be nominated for the distinction, and then are invited to apply for the title every year. For this years winners, the schools must have been open from at least September 2017 and have been a part of statewide assessments at least three years before September 2022. Kansas 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Edgerton Elementary School Edgerton Elementary School, located in Edgerton, was awarded this year for the first time. According to U.S. News and World Report, 82% of students there show proficiency in math, while 67% show proficiency in reading. The school is a part of the Gardner Edgerton School District located in Johnson County. The National Blue Ribbon Award stands as a resounding testament to the commitment and relentless efforts of our students, faculty, parents, and community, president of the Unified School District 231 Board Tom Reddin said in a Sept. 19 press release. The National Blue Ribbon Award is the highest distinction an academic institution can receive nationally, and on behalf of the entire board, we are extremely proud of this outstanding achievement and honor. Lakeside Elementary School Lakeside Elementary School is a repeat winner located in Cawker City. We are beyond proud of our dedicated staff and students, the elementary school shared in a Facebook post about the award. According to U.S. News and World Report, 45% of the students there show proficiency in math and 65% showed proficiency in reading. This is the second time the institution has been named a National Blue Ribbon School. It is part of the Osborne County Unified School District. Roesland Elementary School Roesland Elementary School is located in Roeland Park and part of the Shawnee Mission School District in Johnson County. I am so fortunate to be in a position to see how our staff, families, and students work together to achieve success every day. I am thrilled that the extraordinary qualities that make our school such a wonderful place to learn are being recognized at the national level, principal Kelly Swift said in a press release from the district. Where are the top public elementary schools in the Wichita metro? Check out the list Sixty-two percent of students at Roesland show proficiency in math, while 72% show proficiency in reading, according to U.S. News and World Report. This is the second time the school has been recognized, as well. Valley Heights Elementary School Valley Heights Elementary School is located in Blue Rapids as part of the Valley Heights Unified School District in Marshall County. This is the second time the elementary school has been named a National Blue Ribbon School. Officials congratulated students and staff on Facebook in a Sept. 19 post on the award. According to Niche, a site offering data and rankings to fuel educational decisions, 47% of students at Valley Heights show proficiency in math and 52% show proficiency in reading. Up to four free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests became available to every U.S. household on Monday as part of a government effort to ramp up prevention efforts over the coming fall and winter months. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Free at-home COVID-19 tests became available online Monday as the United States moved into the fall respiratory illness season, the Department of Health and Human Services announced. Health officials said that under the program, every U.S. household is now eligible to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests mailed directly to their homes by placing an order on the Covid.gov website. A link on the website connects directly to the U.S. Postal Service, where users can enter their contact information and mailing address. Phone help is also available by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). The tests being made available are over-the-counter rapid antigen at-home tests, not the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, saliva tests, which are administered in medical settings. The rapid tests yield results within 30 minutes and do not need to be dropped off at a lab. The Covid.gov website also allows users to voluntarily report positive or negative COVID-19 test results through MakeMyTestCount.org to help with public health efforts. The move comes as the federal government prepared for a possible surge in COVID-19 infections in the coming winter months as people move indoors. The Biden administration announced the resumption of the free tests last week as part of a $600 million effort amid rising hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 hospitalizations are up more than three-fold across the United States since mid-summer. Nearly 20,000 people were admitted during the week ending Sept. 16 compared with 6,300 during the week of June 24. The new at-home tests will detect current COVID-19 variants, including the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant. They are intended to be used through the end of 2023. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. When Mildred Garcia, the new chancellor of the California State University system, begins her job in October, she will take over a system with serious problems, including one that sprung up from Fresno State. That would be the issue of sexual harassment. In 2020, Frank Lamas resigned from his position as vice president of student affairs at Fresno State after allegedly engaging in sexual harassment and bullying of a graduate student who was also an employee. After that case erupted, Joseph Castro, the former Fresno State president who oversaw Lamas but did not deal properly with years of complaints of harassment against him, resigned from his post as CSU chancellor. A Cal State-ordered review found that the 23 campuses making up the system lacked staff trained to properly investigate harassment complaints. Now the leaders of four major unions representing CSU employees, as well as state legislators, are questioning the ability of the CSU system to police itself. In a report by Bee staff writer Robert Kuwada, Catherine Hutchinson, president of the California State University Employees Union, said We saw what happened at Fresno State where top administrators, including the president, turned a blind eye when faced with evidence of multiple workplace abuses against students and staff. We have serious reservations that the same administrators who worked under former Chancellor Castro, a failed leader who exited in disgrace, are now entrusted to implement changes recommended in the Cozen report. It is critical for union staff members to have a seat at the table and be heard if campuses are serious about increasing transparency and accountability. Harassment issues cannot be ignored The report by Cozen OConnor hired by the CSU Board of Trustees to assess the systems past responses to Title IX and discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims found the campuses lacked the ability to carry out compliance responsibilities. The report also found that there was a significant need for accountability, as well as a widespread lack of trust. Diane Blair, a communications professor at Fresno State and California Faculty Association secretary, told Kuwada in a statement that harassment complaints can take months to years to resolve a complaint, for those few that get resolved. Blair said the guiding principle is to avoid bad press, so filing complaints is discouraged. Lauren Nickerson, Fresno States associate vice president in charge of communications, said the university had worked to address gaps in how complaints are handled, but indicated improvements are ongoing. Fresno State is not alone in poor response to harassment claims. A state auditor report done in 2014 found the staff throughout the CSU and University of California systems assigned to such matters were improperly trained, and not much improvement occurred in the nine years since. But Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval has taken steps to address deficiencies, combining Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation departments into one centralized office. He has ordered the hiring of an intake/program analyst, an employee relations specialist in faculty affairs and a deputy Title IX coordinator. Fresno State is also hiring an associate vice president for compliance. Keep focus on fixes Jimenez-Sandoval did not mismanage harassment claims at Fresno State, but it is on him to make the system better. If he has to remove administrators who were in place when the Lamas case developed, so be it. Meanwhile, Garcias challenges are many: The CSU faces a declining enrollment, a backlog of $6.5 billion in deferred maintenance projects and a $1.5 billion operational funding deficit that has impacted staffing and academic services. Given those problems, it would be easy to sweep away the harassment issue. Garcia must not do that. This wound has festered long enough. She must show the necessary leadership to rebuild CSUs procedures for each campus to swiftly and fairly investigate complaints of sexual harassment and deal rightly with them. Failure to do that sacrifices the educational mission of the CSU when students are victims and makes for a hostile work environment when staff or faculty are involved. Fresno State recently shined by placing higher in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. The university is one of the best in the nation for the social mobility of its students, for example. However, smart prospective students will find in online searches that Fresno State has had this problem of harassment claims in the past. The best way to get rid of that negative impression is by fixing the problem for good. To be sure, Jimenez-Sandoval, Garcia and all CSU leaders share that same obligation. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against the online retail giant Amazon (pictured in Hawthorne, Calif., in 2020) on Tuesday, saying the company illegally maintained "monopoly power" leading to inflated prices. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against the online retail giant Amazon on Tuesday, alleging the company illegally maintained "monopoly power" leading to inflated prices. The FTC was joined in the 172-page lawsuit by the attorneys general for 17 states in what has become the federal government's biggest challenge to Amazon's power. The company, which began as an online bookstore founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, has grown into a logistics powerhouse that effectively forced the U.S. Postal Service to deliver on Sundays and has even become a dominant player in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. "The early days of online trade were bursting with possibility. Competition flourished. A newly connected nation saw a wide-open frontier where anyone with a good idea would have a fair shot at success," the lawsuit reads. "Today, however, this wide-open frontier has been enclosed. A single company, Amazon, has seized control over much of the online retail economy." Much of the lawsuit is redacted, such as the revenue from Amazon's ad sales, and other information. But the lawsuit outlines what it says are methods in which Amazon "exploits its monopoly" in ways that harm consumers. The suit uses numerous screenshots of products sold on Amazon to document those methods. "For example, Amazon has hiked so steeply the fees it charges sellers that it now reportedly takes close to half of every dollar from the typical seller that uses Amazon's fulfillment service. Amazon recognizes that sellers find 'that it has become more difficult over time to be profitable on Amazon' due to Amazon's [redacted]," the lawsuit reads. "But as one seller explains, 'we have nowhere else to go and Amazon knows it.'" The company is accused of using tactics including anti-discounting measures to punish sellers that offer prices lower than Amazon, resulting in higher prices for products across the Internet. "Another form of punishment is to bury discounting sellers so far down in Amazon's search results that they become effectively invisible," the lawsuit reads. "Still another is [redacted]." Amazon even uses its algorithm to deter other online stores from offering lower prices, which has "worked just as [redacted] envisioned," the suit states. The company also conditions sellers' ability to obtain Prime eligibility for their products, which the FTC called a "virtual necessity for doing business on Amazon." "Amazon caught a glimpse of this alternative universe when it temporarily relaxed its coercive conduct," the lawsuit reads. "As Amazon recognized, this decision was immediately popular with both shoppers and sellers. But internally, [redacted] that would threaten Amazon's monopoly power." The FTC and its partner states are seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit Amazon from engaging in what the federal agency called "unlawful conduct." A shooting spree at a popular Florida vacation spot ended with one person killed, several injured and the suspect shot by deputies. Deputies have identified the suspect as a Georgia man. Gunner Cole, 21, of Warner Robins, faces multiple charges for the shootings that happened Thursday night in Sandestin, according to the Walton County Sheriffs Office in Florida. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [We] believe he was on here on vacation and no ties to the area that we are aware of. He came here for a party and ultimately made a decision thats going to impact families for the rest of their lives, Capt. Dustin Cosson said at a news conference. Around 11 p.m. Thursday, Walton County deputies responded to a call on U.S. 98 when they heard gunfire in the area. They tracked down the gunfire and said they came face-to-face with Cole. That is when the sheriffs office said the 21-year-old started shooting at them. The deputies fired back and shot Cole, then took him into custody. At the same time, the sheriffs office started receiving calls about multiple shooting victims. TRENDING STORIES: One gunshot victim was found at Baytowne Wharf, a popular restaurant and shopping plaza. Another was found in a Marriott hotel parking lot and a third victim showed up at an emergency room. Investigators also responded to a crash near the hospital where deputies found a body inside a burning car. The sheriffs office said it appears the body belonged to another shooting victim who crashed on their way to the hospital. At a news conference, Sheriff Michael Adkinson said there was no prior relationship between Cole and any of the victims. What makes this particularly chilling to me, quite frankly, this could happen anywhere. This is not an indictment, certainly not of Sandestin or any of that community. Its a very safe community. This is one of those things that I think we all fear, which is those random acts of violence that can occur anywhere. Unfortunately, thats the world we live in. As of Tuesday morning, Cole remains hospitalized and has not been booked into the Walton County, Fla. jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: A Georgia woman was arrested after she was found sleeping on a blow-up mattress floating in a pool, according to the Morgan County Citizen. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Citizen reports that Amanda Lynn Jordan, 40, was arrested and charged with burglary at a home in Mansfield on Monday. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies said they were responding to reports of a burglary when they noticed an inflatable mattress floating in the pool. They then saw a forehead and blond hair showing above the edge of the mattress, the Citizen reported. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Deputies woke up Jordan, who told them she lived at the home but was not involved in a burglary. She then asked deputies to push the air mattress to the side of the pool towards the pool ladder. Deputies used a pool cleaning brush to push the mattress to the edge, but it tipped over and Jordan fell in the water. Jordan was taken to jail. Later that morning, a person who was watching the home reported that security video showed Jordan trying to get into the home with a hammer and a knife. The property owners told deputies that Jordan had once lived at the home, but not for months and that they wanted to press charges. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) is requesting that his pay be withheld during a potential government shutdown as the Florida Republican has remained opposed to any short-term spending agreements. It is my understanding that pursuant to the Constitution, members of Congress will continue to receive their pay during a lapse in appropriations. Therefore, I am requesting that in the case of a lapse of appropriations beginning at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2023, my pay be withheld until legislation has taken effect to end such lapse in appropriations in its entirety, Gaetz wrote in a letter to Catherine Szpindor, House chief administrative officer. Congress is barreling toward a possible government shutdown as House Republicans have yet to reach a consensus on government spending by the Sept. 30 deadline. A government shutdown will leave millions of federal workers with delayed paychecks, including any of the 2 million military personnel and more than 2 million civilian federal workers. Other federal offices will also close or have disrupted services during a shutdown, including clinical trials, firearms permits and passports. President Biden and members of Congress will continue to get paid during a shutdown, but nonessential members of their staff will be furloughed. Gaetz, along with a handful of conservatives in the House, has opposed any sort of short-term funding measure, which is preventing Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from passing a GOP-only stopgap bill before compromising with Democrats. Gaetz has also repeatedly threatened to make a motion to vacate the chair if McCarthy does not come into compliance on spending and other demands. Last week, a handful of Republicans blocked the consideration of a stopgap bill and demanded further cuts across all of the appropriations bills. Now, the House is slated to bring up a procedural vote Tuesday to advance four regular appropriations bills this week. While these bills wont do anything to avoid a shutdown, GOP leaders hope it can build some good with conservatives and convince them to back a GOP-only short-term funding bill later this week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis are entering uncharted territory in their pursuit of political stardom. A nationally televised debate between two politicians not running for office against one another is a rarity. About the closest modern parallel is the November 1993 faceoff between Vice President Al Gore and 1992 presidential candidate Ross Perot over trade policy, moderated by CNNs Larry King. It means the risks and rewards are largely unknown. Fox News announced Monday that Newsom and DeSantis will meet on Nov. 30 in Georgia with Fox News host Sean Hannity as moderator. The news channel is calling the event the Red State vs. Blue State Debate. DeSantis, the governor of Florida, is running for the Republican presidential nomination next year. Newsom, the governor of California, is trying to establish himself as the leading Democratic voice in the post-Joe Biden era. What they say and how they look is likely to fix their images in voters minds for a long time. Count on both to show up with a collection of carefully polished zingers. The thing we remember about these debates: the one-liners, said Gibbs Knotts, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the College of Charleston. If it goes badly and you make a gaffe, in this day and age where something gets repeated, you have memes made about you, he said. Gibbs is author of First in the South: Why South Carolinas Presidential Primary Matters. The biggest reward may come from simply showing up. Both candidates win the debate by the very nature of it occurring, said Jacob Thompson, a presidential debate expert at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Their goal is both media attention and name recognition. Gaffes tend to be less important now, he said. That is particularly true in a debate like this one, where each candidate is trying to solidify his base by giving supporters plenty of highlights, talking points and rallying cries. Politics is bitterly partisan, and partisanship inspires people to vote against rather than for someone, Thompson said. Youre there to root against the other person doing well. How well your candidate does is a given for you. You think they are perfect. Both have the money and the expertise to shape their images via advertising as well as policy. What makes a debate between them so unpredictable is that its the rare event neither can completely shape or control. DeSantis DeSantis may be at a point where he has little to lose. New polls show his standing eroding nationally and in early primary states. A CNN/University of New Hampshire poll last week found that he has lost about half of his support over the last two months. He trails former President Donald Trump 39% to 10% and is essentially tied with Vivek Ramaswamy (13%), Nikki Haley (12%) and Chris Christie (11%). Polling among Iowa voters looks about the same. But a strong debate showing against Newsom could help. If DeSantis does well, its rocket fuel for him, said Tobe Berkovitz, professor emeritus, advertising at Boston University. DeSantis needs anything to get some momentum going and hes got a 50-50 chance this is a momentum-builder, said Berkovitz, a veteran campaign consultant. If you cant even debate Newsom, how are you gonna debate anyone else? DeSantis talking points should come easy, he said. California is the flip side of Florida. If youre looking at two polar opposites in terms of the economy and which state seems to be on the upswing and which is on the downswing. The Florida governor has shown an ability to rattle off facts to support his claims, the sort of style that can rally the Republican base, said Knotts. The downside for DeSantis is getting too pedantic, too boring. And any slip, or perception that hes dull, is likely to have short-term consequences for DeSantis, not Newsom. DeSantis inherently has more at stake because hes the one who is actually a national candidate right now, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, a nonpartisan political analysis firm. The biggest unknown is just what DeSantis may need politically. That may become more clear this week, after the Republican Party holds its second presidential debate Wednesday evening at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. Will DeSantis have momentum and use the Newsom event to keep that energy going? Or will he be an also-ran facing a last-gasp effort to save his candidacy? Newsom The California governor faces a different mix of risks and rewards. Outside of California, hes barely known, which means whatever happens is likely to leave a strong impression. I dont know hes a presence in anybodys mind at this point, said Dennis Goldford, professor of politics at Drake University in Des Moines. Iowa had traditionally held the nations first presidential caucus, although Democrats are now shifting to elevate other states. Newsom has been working hard to establish a national presence among insiders, traveling to conservative states and calling out DeSantis and other Republican governors. He even used his gubernatorial re-election money to fund television, print and billboard advertisements for California policies in Florida, Texas and other GOP strongholds. He appeared on Hannitys program twice in June, but taking on DeSantis could bring a bigger boost. Being a foil for Ron DeSantis builds your national profile, said Scott Brennan, a Democratic National Committee member from Iowa. Its gotta be fun for Newsom to say, Here are the policies we care about in California. We care about people and education. Newsom, though, could stumble if the talk turns to federal matters. DeSantis was a congressman for about six years, chairing a national security subcommittee. He has experience considering legislation affecting national defense and the national debt. As governor you really havent had to take a stance on those issues, said Knotts of Newsom. Hes wading into new territory. The outcome Nationally televised appearances have a long history of establishing images that harden like cement. The Florida governor risks alienating voters just weeks before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucus. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perrys a 2012 presidential candidacy was quickly upended when he couldnt remember the third of three federal agencies he had proposed eliminating during a 2011 debate. Sen. Mario Rubio, R-Florida, was an up-and-coming Republican star. But for years he was chided because he reached for a water bottle while delivering the Republican response to President Barack Obamas State of the Union address 2013. In the end, the debate has high stakes, period. Campaign strategies are an ever-shifting science, and a Newsom-DeSantis confrontation a debate between two prominent politicians not directly competing against one another could follow its own unique rules, even regarding missteps. History is replete with single gaffes turning into potential campaign ruining events, said UNLVs Thompson. But in the current political environment thats incredibly highly polarized, gaffes play a less important role, unless it damages his reputation with his base. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills Tuesday to further strengthen Californias gun control measures, drawing praise from anti-gun violence advocates and prompting legal action from firearm rights groups. The measures include limiting where concealed weapons can be carried in public, imposing a first-of-its-kind state excise tax on firearm sales and requiring that certain guns contain technology that makes it easier to trace ammunition back to a gun owner. We recognize humbly that were not solving every one of the cases or an incident, were solving for a pattern and thats the important point, Newsom said. We have a responsibility to do more and continue to lead in that conversation. The governors announcement was shortly followed by a lawsuit from a gun rights group, teeing up a legal battle that could end up at the U.S. Supreme Court. Newsom and legislators already have passed some of the nations strictest gun control laws. They range from restrictions on the size of ammunition magazines, a ban on assault weapons and a crackdown on ghost guns privately-made firearms without serial numbers, often sold as unassembled kits. Yet many of the states efforts have been blocked or overturned by San Diego federal judge Robert Benitez, an appointee of President George W. Bush. Despite those legal setbacks, a series of deadly shootings earlier this year across California compelled Democrats in Sacramento to do more to curb gun violence. You cannot be tough on crime if you are not tough on guns, said Attorney General Rob Bonta. We are tough on guns. We are committed to gun safety. California also has among the lowest gun death rates in the country, ranking 43rd out of 50 states, according to 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lawsuit filed over Californias concealed carry laws Senate Bill 2 was one of the most notable measures Newsom signed. The legislation, authored by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, strengthens the states concealed carry regulations, which had key provisions struck down by the U.S. Supreme Courts June 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. SB 2 requires those who want to carry firearms in public to be 21 or older and have had at least 16 hours of training. It also prohibits permit holders from carrying guns into a long list of settings such as schools, courthouses, government buildings, prisons, hospitals, airports and bars. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta listen to state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, on Tuesday as he talks about his bill that strengthens the states concealed carry regulations. Upon the governors signature, a group of gun rights groups filed a lawsuit requesting an injunction to prevent SB 2 from taking effect. The plaintiffs in the case include three individuals, Firearms Policy Coalition, Orange County Gun Owners, San Diego County Gun Owners, and California Gun Rights Foundation. The lawsuit argues that the law paints too broad of a brush with its list of sensitive places where permit holders are prohibited from carrying. The governor is plainly on the wrong side of history, and its only because hes unwilling to read the text of the Second Amendment and read the decisions of the Supreme Court, said Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. Whether he likes them or not, they are the law of the land. Will California gun laws hold up in court? A federal judge, ruling in a similar case in Hawaii, recently granted a temporary restraining order against the states ban on firearms in public places, such as beaches and restaurants. Paredes said he was confident that SB 2 would also be overturned, pointing to another federal judges recent decision to overturn for a second time Californias ban on large-capacity ammunition magazines. The National Rifle Association also vowed to fight the bills the governor signed into law, saying the organization plans on standing firm with the majority of Americans in opposition to Newsoms draconian initiatives. The NRA condemns the legislation enacted by Gov. Newsom, said Dan Reid, NRA Western Regional Director, in a statement. It is a blatant and egregious attack on the rights of law-abiding Californians and a calculated maneuver to dismantle the Second Amendment. Gov. Gavin Newsom presses his hands together on Tuesday after signing three gun control bills, including ones authored by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Woodland Hills, left, and state Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, right. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated laws in eight states, including California, that required concealed carry applicants to provide reasons for needing a gun in public and to demonstrate that they would handle it properly. The ruling did not prohibit California from having a permit approval process but said the state could not disqualify someone based on reasons offered in an application. Newsom acknowledged the recent legal defeats on Tuesday, saying that the gun control laws California is attempting to enact may not be enough. These are all national leaders that are assembled here today, he said. But its going to require a national construct, a national frame in order to ultimately address this. Newsom has launched a national campaign to amend the U.S. Constitution to prohibit the sale of guns to people under 21, mandate extensive background checks, establish a waiting period for purchases and ban the sale of assault rifles. Gun control advocates applauded the governor for advancing the policies. Raising the minimum age to carry concealed firearms and creating sensitive place restrictions will ensure that our communities and families are more protected from gun violence in public locations, said Kris Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence, in a statement. This is all the more vital following last years disastrous Supreme Court decision in Bruen. Imposing an excise tax on guns Under a first-of-its-kind law enacted by Newsom, gun manufacturers, vendors and dealers in California will be required to pay an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition starting July 1, 2024. Revenue raised will go toward violence prevention programs and to add increased security at public schools. Enough is enough, Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Woodland Hills, who authored the legislation. Its time to prioritize the safety of our kids over the gun industry profits. Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, stands with gun control bill authors, from far left, state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, state Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, and Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-Woodland Hills, after he signed their bills Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Multiple lawmakers have pursued gun and ammunition tax bills during the past decade, but Gabriels Assembly Bill 28 was the first to make it to the governors desk. Gun and ammunition sellers will pay the new state tax on top of a century-old federal excise tax of up to 11% to fund wildlife conservation efforts. The federal tax has been in place since 1918 and has survived multiple lawsuits Paredes of Gun Owners California said the organization plans to file a separate suit against the state over the new state tax but would do so closer to the date it takes effect. Other gun legislation signed by Gavin Newsom Senate Bill 452, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas. It would require that, starting July 1, 2028, all semiautomatic pistols sold in California use microstamping technology to etch unique identifiers on expended cartridges. This would help law enforcement trace bullets back to a specific gun and owner. Assembly Bill 92, from Assemblyman Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael. This bill will make it a misdemeanor for anyone who is prohibited from possessing a firearm to purchase or possess body armor. It was drafted in response to several recent mass shootings where the perpetrator wore body armor, such as bulletproof vests, to try and fend off shots fired by law enforcement. Assembly Bill 1587, from Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco. It requires banks and credit card companies in California to track firearm sales by logging them under a newly developed merchant category code. The goal of the legislation, according to Ting, is to flag suspicious purchases of guns and ammunition such as instances where someone may be accumulating a dangerous arsenal or trafficking firearms. A social media post about a book at Gemini Middle School in Niles has generated a wide variety of opinions on whats appropriate for adolescents to read at what age, but a spokesperson for East Maine School District 63 said that no teacher ever assigned the book in question. That spokesperson, Janet Spector Bishop, said a seventh-grade student chose the book from the seventh-grade classroom library for a small-group assignment. After one parent expressed concerns, the school gave the child an opportunity to select a different book, which the child did, she said. Bishop noted that classroom libraries are a curated set from Columbia Universitys Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, and are chosen by a team of literacy teachers and childrens literacy experts. Last week, an anonymous person posted on a private Niles-area Facebook group, These are pages from a book that was offered/ given to 7th grade students at Gemini Middle School. I have a question for the group. Is this acceptable material for middle schoolers (11-13 yr olds) to read? The post included a cropped review of the book, Rani Patel in Full Effect, by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that rates content on its suitability for children at various ages as well as its quality. The nonprofit recommended the book for children 14 and over. The post also included three photos of pages of the book which depict sexual violence and include references to sexual abuse of a girl. The poster did not provide context for the pages or explain that the book is about a 16-year-old girl who has been sexually abused and is trying to heal and find her strengths, helping her victimized mother in the process. Rani Patel in Full Effect was a finalist for the William C. Morris Award, which honors the years best books written for young adults by a previously unpublished author.The author, Sonia Patel, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The social media post generated 60 comments, with commenters expressing a wide range of opinions. Some said the book is inappropriate for middle school students and some thought it beneficial that middle schoolers have an option to read more challenging material. One parent suggested the school could have sent home a permission slip for parents to sign and, if they declined, to provide alternate reading material. One commenter said, If you find it unacceptable for your seventh grader, then explain to your child why you think they should not be reading it and help them choose another book. Maybe let them know when you think they should read it. Other parents can do the same. You can expect other families to have similar and different opinions than yours. Another said, " It says for ages 14+. I would question younger kids reading it. Yet another wrote, The written word should be available for all. However if you feel it isnt appropriate for your children, I would reach out to the educator directly. Still another commenter said, I dont believe this is appropriate. We sent our daughter to private school because of this sort of nonsense. I encourage you to check out Awake Illinois. Bishop sent the following statement from District 63 Superintendent Dr. Shawn Schleizer, but the district did not respond to the Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press requests for an interview with an administrator. Here is the statement: At our Gemini Middle School, one parent expressed concerns about a book her child chose for a small group activity. Gemini staff responded, noting that the book was not assigned reading. While this book is recommended for ages 12-17, staff let all students know that if they felt uncomfortable after choosing a book that might have more mature content, they were free to change their selection. This particular student was offered the opportunity to select from a number of other books. At D63, classroom libraries are a curated set from Columbia Universitys Teachers College Reading and Writing Project chosen by a team of literacy teachers and childrens literacy experts. They do align with our curriculum, but of course there is no exact science when recommending ages or grade levels for specific books because every student is different. Likewise, different families have different ideas about what might be appropriate for their children and so schools typically keep a wide range of diverse reading materials on hand. We encourage parents to maintain an open dialogue with their children about their own expectations regarding reading material, and to directly contact their childs school with questions. The state judge overseeing former President Trumps criminal case in Georgia ordered Monday that the trial jurors identities be kept private. The order grants a request from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D), who raised concerns about jurors safety and the potential for doxxing the publishing of private contact information given the significant publicity surrounding the case. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee did narrow the language of the restrictions in response to First Amendment concerns raised by a coalition of media organizations. His order mandates that jurors be identified only by their number in court proceedings. No party shall disclose during the pendency of the trial any juror/prospective juror information that would reveal a jurors/prospective jurors identity, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, or identifying employment information, it states. The order also says that no person shall videotape, photograph, draw in a realistic or otherwise identifiable manner or otherwise record images, statements, or conversations of jurors/prospective jurors in any manner that would violate an existing ban on recording jurors in Georgias court system. McAfee had scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning to discuss the matter, but it will no longer be held. Prosecutors had raised the concerns after the grand jury, which voted to indict Trump and 18 others in the case last month, received threats upon their names being made public. Williss office noted that the grand jurors purported addresses were shared on far-right forums. Prosecutors also shared with the judge that Willis, her family and other prosecutors had faced threats and doxxing. Based on the doxing of Fulton County grand jurors and the Fulton County District Attorney, it is clearly foreseeable that trial jurors will likely be doxed should their names be made available to the public, Williss office wrote in the request. If that were to happen, the effect on jurors ability to decide the issues before them impartially and without outside influence would undoubtedly be placed in jeopardy, both placing them in physical danger and materially affecting all of the Defendants constitutional rights to a fair and impartial jury, it added. Two of Trumps co-defendants, Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, are set to go to trial beginning Oct. 23 after they invoked their right to a speedy trial. The former president and the other 16 defendants will be tried later, though the judge has not yet set a date. The defendants face a combined 41 counts over accusations of entering a months-long conspiracy to unlawfully keep Trump in power following the 2020 election. All of the defendants pleaded not guilty. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jurors who will participate in a sprawling criminal case against Donald Trump and 18 of his allies for their alleged efforts to overturn election results in Georgia will not be publicly identified by name, according to a ruling from the judge presiding over the case. An order from Fulton County Supreme Court Judge Scott McAfee on 25 September prohibits filming or photographing jurors and prospective jurors and recording their conversations or statements. None of the parties involved in the case may disclose any identifiable information about them including their names, addresses, phone numbers and employment information or the contents of juror questionnaires or other jury notes and documents, unless permitted by the court. The response follows security concerns from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whose office cited fears that the case could be compromised and the defendants right to a fair trial endangered if the identities of the jurors become known to the public after a wave of online threats towards grand jurors who voted to indict the former president. Prosecutors sought a court order to block the former president and his co-defendants, as well as members of the press and others in the court, from disclosing information about the jury pool. The former president is charged with 13 counts, including a charge under the states anti-racketeering statute, for his alleged role in a criminal scheme to pressure officials and election workers to overturn Georgias lawful presidential election results in 2020 after losing the state to Joe Biden. The order also applies to a trial for Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, who will be tried separately from the rest of the defendants. Earlier this month, Fulton County prosecutors outlined the wave of doxxing attempts, threats and harassment aimed at grand jurors, Ms Willis, her staff and members of her family, often intertwined with derogatory and racist remarks calling her the n-word and b****. Attached affidavits from law enforcement officials claimed that a website that published doxing information about the grand jurors and Ms Willis is operated by a Russian company that has refused to remove it, thus, the doxing of both the grand jurors and the District Attorney are permanent. The effects of the widespread national and international media coverage on individuals associated with this case is real and substantial, Fulton County prosecutors wrote in a filing on 6 September. Based on the doxing of Fulton County grand jurors and the Fulton County District Attorney, it is clearly foreseeable that trial jurors will likely be doxed should their names be made available to the public, they added. If that were to happen, the effect on jurors ability to decide the issues before them impartially and without outside influence would undoubtedly be placed in jeopardy, both placing them in physical danger and materially affecting all of the defendants constitutional right to a fair and impartial jury. Far-right message boards and platforms dominated by pro-Trump users such as Gab and Truth Social were filled with posts surrounding the case and the jurors, with pledges to reveal the identities of jurors with the intent to harass them. Accounts on fringe far-right message boards such as 4chan and The Donald also posted threatening messages about jurors, labeled their list of names in the indictment as a hit list, and posted images of jurors alleged profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn. The case is separate from the US Department of Justice special counsel investigation into the former presidents attempts to subvert 2020 election results, a case in which federal prosecutors have sought a limited gag order to block the former presidents inflammatory statements that have targeted officials, judges and prosecutors overseeing his multiple criminal cases. His statements threaten to undermine the integrity of these proceedings and prejudice the jury pool, prosecutors warned. Shortly after a request from special counsel Jack Smith was unsealed, the former president lashed out on his Truth Social platform and called him deranged. Attorneys for Mr Trump have called federal prosecutors request an attempt to unconstitutionally silence his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president. Chinese authorities on Monday released a set of guidelines to crack down on illegal and criminal acts related to cyber violence. Issued by the Supreme People's Court (SPC), the Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security, the guidelines contain 20 items that expound on the application of laws and policies related to cyber violence. They clarify how various acts of cyber violence fall within existing crime categories, and call for stronger actions to be taken against those who maliciously incite, organize or add fuel to cyber violence, and against those who refuse to make amends for such acts despite repeated admonitions. The guidelines also list occasions when people's courts should provide support for victims of cyber violence, such as when an individual's personality rights are attacked and the victim asks for the perpetrator to bear civil liability. The release and application of the guidelines will play an important role in enhancing the effectiveness of authorities in handling cyber violence, and will help protect citizens' rights and interests and ensure a clean cyberspace environment, according to an SPC official. Police arrested a Milledgeville man Monday for animal cruelty after they seized 25 pit bull terriers they found injured and neglected, according to a statement from the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office. Deputies arrested Travis Antwan Myrick, 42, for obstruction and animal cruelty after they went to a house at 108 Second St. in Milledgeville west of Irwinton Road for a different arrest warrant, the statement said. When deputies arrived they found several dogs in kennels in a closed building with no air circulation, according to the sheriffs office. The dogs had injuries and showed serious signs of neglect, the statement said. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the house and inside found more dogs in plastic carriers, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office held Myrick at the Baldwin County Jail for the charges and anticipates more charges against him as they investigate, the statement said. The fight over whether to move the Georgia case against Mark Meadows , the former White House chief of staff, from state to federal court got another go-around as prosecutors argued at a federal appeals court he tried to "meddle in matters of state authority." Meadows "can point to no law, no constitutional provision, and no lawful duty which authorized him to take the actions he did, and his testimony at the evidentiary hearing in this case underscored the case against his removal rather than for it," prosecutor Donald Wakeford wrote for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in their filing at 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Meadows had asked to move his case to federal court by arguing his federal job should protect him from state level charges. He argued setting up meetings and arranging phone calls for Donald Trump were part of his job. The case is important because at least five of Trumps 18 co-defendants in the election racketeering case have asked for federal trials. Trump has also said he might make the request. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones rejected Meadows request, ruling that states have a constitutional responsible duty to oversee elections. Meadows appealed to the 11th Circuit. A three-judge panel considering the case hasnt decided whether to hear oral arguments and could decide the case based on the written arguments. Meadows is charged in the overall racketeering conspiracy and with asking Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office. Meadows pleaded not guilty. Heres what Meadows and Willis are arguing in the appeal: The indictment charged former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows with violation of Georgia's RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by public officer. What is Meadows arguing in the appeal? Meadows lawyers contend that Jones was wrong on a variety of federal issues. The mistakes included assertions the federal government has no role in the state administration of federal elections, that the executive has no interest in election law and that federal law prohibits a chief of staff from arranging and staffing political meetings for the president. These legal pronouncements are completely wrong, lawyers George Terwilliger, John Moran, Michael Francisco and Francis Aul wrote. The indictment charged Meadows with racketeering and with asking Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office. Meadows arranged the call Jan. 2, 2021, when Trump asked Raffensperger to find him enough votes to win the state. The indictment also cited a Meadows visit to the Cobb County Civic Center, to observe an audit of ballot signatures. He was denied entry to the non-public audit. Meadows testified he was concerned about voter fraud. His lawyers argued the visit was part of his official duties. This is not a case where the Chief of Staff went down to Georgia in his private capacity and got in some kerfuffle; it is a criminal prosecution of the Chief of Staff based on actions taken in the White House while discharging his official duties, the lawyers wrote. He is here solely because he served as Chief of Staff. What is Willis arguing in the appeal? Willis argued that Meadows acknowledged if he was working for Trump's political campaign that he wouldn't be protected from state prosecution. Raffensperger testified "unequivocally" that there was no federal role for executive branch employees in certification of the state's election. Despite that, the indictment cited Meadows visiting the Cobb County Civic Center to observe a ballot audit, sent a text to a state official offering campaign funds to hasten the audit and participated in a call Jan. 2, 2021, Trump made to Raffensperger with his campaign's lawyers. "Time and again, however, Meadows admitted to engaging in acts that under any reasonable analysis constitute campaign activity outside his role as a federal employee, and which establish participation in the criminal" conspiracy, Willis wrote. "As a threshold matter, under questioning, Meadows admitted that then-President Trump had a personal interest in being re-elected and a personal interest in seeing the adverse election results in Georgia, Michigan, and other states overturned." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia DA: federal appeals court should leave Mark Meadows with state When asked if she's worried about a recent delivery of allegedly faulty Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted some German weapons are outdated and "not really functioning." In an interview with CNN, Baerbock said that the need to ensure German weaponry is fully operational is one of the reasons why Berlin has so far refused to provide Kyiv with Taurus long-range missiles. "We have to be clear on every detail, how does it work, who can actually operate them (the missiles)," Baerbock told CNN's Christiane Amanpour. "Yes, it takes some time. I totally understand there is not enough time in Ukraine, but when we deliver it, it has to work." Taurus missiles have a longer range than the French SCALP and British Storm Shadow weapons, used by the Ukrainian military since May. The German cruise missiles can reach up to 500 kilometers, meaning Ukraine could use them to strike deep into Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea. According to Baerbock, the poor condition of some German weapons is explained by the fact Europe has not been confronted "with a brutal war lately." On Sept. 19, the German news outlet Spiegel reported that Ukraine had refused to accept a recent batch of 10 Leopard 1A5 tanks sent by Germany, saying they needed repairs that the Ukrainian military could not carry out. Some of the first 10 Leopards provided by Germany in July also reportedly suffered similar issues. Denmark's Defense Ministry has discovered that a part of its Leopard tanks sent to Ukraine was also faulty, the Danish government-owned TV2 channel reported on Sept. 22. Read also: US will reportedly give ATACMS to Ukraine. Will it change the war? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Police officers on duty during a raid stand in front of an apartment building in Stade, Germany, Tuesday Sept. 26, 2023. During a raid in five federal states, the federal police discovered several Syrians suspected of having been smuggled in early Tuesday morning. Arrest warrants had also been executed against suspected smugglers. (Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) BERLIN (AP) Police in Germany said they found more than 100 Syrian citizens inside apartments and other buildings that were searched Tuesday in connection with the suspected smuggling of migrants. More than 350 federal police officers searched locations as part of an investigation, police said. Officers executed five arrest warrants, three in the northern town of Stade and two in the western town of Gladbeck. All five arrested people were Syrian asylum-seekers already living in Germany, federal police said in a statement. The Syrian migrants had paid them up to 7,000 euros ($7,400) to be smuggled into Germany. The suspects then bought gold with the money. Investigators seized cell phones, sim cards, gold worth around 220,000 euros and cash amounting to 16,000 euros. The investigations in this case ... show how criminal networks take advantage of the personal circumstances and (the migrants') high motivation to flee to maximize their own profits, according to a statement by federal police at Frankfurt airport, which had ordered the raids on suspicion of gang and commercial smuggling of foreigners. From the perpetrators point of view, fugitives are a commodity from whose transport maximum profit is to be made, the statement added. The focus of the raids was on cities and towns in northern and western Germany but also in Bavaria in the south. MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) A 1-year-old from Moore, Oklahoma, has gone viral on social media after seeing herself in the bright lights of the Big Apple. Olivia Chandler was featured in a Down Syndrome awareness campaign in New York City last month. It was just amazing, said Lori Orr, Chandlers mother. Orr told Nexstars KFOR she was scrolling through Facebook back in April when she stumbled upon an application for the National Down Syndrome Societys Times Square Video Presentation and decided to enter Olivia. Orr thought her daughter would be a shoo-in because of her irresistible smile. Test of FEMA emergency alert system planned for early October Everywhere we go, people say, you know, her smile makes me smile, said Orr. The annual presentation drew in about 2,400 entries from around the world. Those selected get their picture featured in an hour-long big screen presentation in the Big Apple. I entered her picture and then, you know, we waited and waited and waited, said Orr. After four months of waiting, Orr finally found out Olivia had been picked. I was just like, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, said Orr. As soon as we got the email, we were like, Were booking our flights right away. Were going to go see this. Without hesitation, the family of four took off to New York. Olivia Chandler and family. Image courtesy Lori Orr. Olivia Chandler. Image courtesy Lori Orr. Olivia Chandler. Image courtesy Lori Orr. At last months presentation, Olivia was beaming ear to ear, per usual. The day also included a buddy walk through Central Park. Inclusion is so big in the Down Syndrome community, you know. Just seeing those kids on that big screen, Orr explained. It was just amazing. Viral video captures Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift leaving Kansas City stadium together Olivia is always happy, despite having had an extremely challenging road, according to Orr. Her daughter spent about 7 months in the hospital after being born and has already undergone heart surgery. Being recognized in Times Square was exactly the kind of news the family needed. Something finally positive has happened over the last year, and, you know, it just felt great, said Orr. Olivia Chandler. Image courtesy Lori Orr. The picture of Olivia in front of the jumbotron has gone viral on Facebook. At last check, it had more than 255,000 likes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. President Joe Biden joined the United Auto Workers picket line Tuesday in his strongest show of support yet for union members striking against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Biden, donning a UAW baseball cap, used a bullhorn to address members striking outside General Motors' Willow Run Redistribution Center in Belleville, Michigan. "The fact of the matter is that you guys, UAW, you saved the automobile industry back in 2008 and before," Biden said. "Made a lot of sacrifices, gave up a lot and the companies were in trouble. But now they're doing incredibly well and guess what, you should be doing incredibly well too." "Folks, stick with it because you deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits," he continued. PHOTO: President Joe Biden addresses striking members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at a picket line outside a General Motors Service Parts Operations plant in Belleville, Michigan, on September 26, 2023. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Biden's appearance is a move some experts are calling apparently unprecedented in modern political history, something the White House has been quick to tout. "It is a historic visit, and this is an active picket line," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Michigan. MORE: Soaring CEO pay commands spotlight in UAW strike against Big 3 US automakers Biden's trip comes one day before former President Donald Trump arrives in the 2024 battleground state to campaign in lieu of participating in the second Republican primary debate Wednesday night. Trump announced earlier this month he would give a speech to current and former union workers. Jason Miller, Trump's senior adviser, criticized Biden's upcoming trip as a "cheap photo op" and reaction to Trump's plans. The White House said Monday Trump's schedule didn't factor into Biden's decision to accept an invitation from UAW president Shawn Fain to join members on the picket line. UAW launched its strike against the "Big 3" U.S. automakers on Sept. 15 after failing to reach a contract agreement. The union, which is conducting a "stand-up" strike, recently expanded its walk outs with 38 new locations targeting Stellantis and GM. Key among the union demands are a 36% pay increase over four years and a 32-hour work week. The White House has repeatedly declined to say if Biden, who touts himself as the most pro-union president, supported those specific requests. "I'm not gonna get into the details of what's being negotiated right now on the table with certainly with the parties," Jean-Pierre said when pressed on that point by ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang during Monday's briefing. "What we're saying is that we support the autoworkers." MORE: Biden says striking UAW workers deserve 'fair share' of record automaker profits Biden previously said he believes union workers deserve their "fair share" of the record earnings of the companies, and that he hoped both sides could come to a "win-win" agreement. "Unions built the middle class, that's a fact," Biden told UAW members on Tuesday. "So let's keep going. You deserve what you've earned and you earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid now." PHOTO: United Auto Workers walk the picket line during the auto workers strike, Sept. 26, 2023, in Van Buren Township, Mich. (Evan Vucci/AP) After his brief remarks, Biden was asked by a reporter if workers should get a 40% pay increase. Striking members around him immediately responded yes, and he appeared to say "yes" as well -- which would be the furthest Biden has weighed in on that specific union demand. His visit to the picket line, however, is not without political risk for Biden as he runs for reelection. He originally tapped two top officials -- acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and senior adviser Gene Sperling -- to offer their support to both parties in reaching agreement. Biden's announcement last Friday that he would join the picket line came hours after UAW's Fain publicly extended an invitation. Fain stood with Biden at the picket line and thanked him for "being a part of this fight." "Thank you Mr. President for coming to stand up with us in our generations-defining moment," Fain said. "And we know the president will do right by the working class and when we do right by the working class, you can leave the rest to us because we are going to take care of this business." PHOTO: President Joe Biden arrives at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to join striking United Auto Workers on the picket line, Sept. 26, 2023, in Romulus, Mich. (Evan Vucci/AP) ABC's "This Week" co-host Martha Raddatz asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg whether Biden joining the picket line is a "good idea." "That's where he stands," Buttigieg responded. "He's a pro-worker president. He is an unapologetically pro-union president. And, you know, not just in contrast to the anti-union policies of the Trump administration, but really with respect to presidents of both parties over the last half century. He's proud of the fact that he is the most pro-union and pro-worker among them. And, by the way, getting this right." MORE: Detroit Auto Show underway amid historic UAW strike Buttigieg also said he believed the companies and auto sector will "benefit in the long run" from the deal. Asked if Biden had spoken recently with the three auto companies, Jean-Pierre said she had no calls to read out to reporters. ABC News' Justin Gomez and Molly Nagle contributed to this report. 'Let's keep going': Biden joins striking autoworkers on picket line originally appeared on abcnews.go.com This week, yet another government shutdown appears inevitable because a sizable chunk of the House Freedom Caucus believes, in the words of Tim Matheson in "Animal House," that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebodys part. What situation? Before we get to that, its important to understand that any situation will do when youre determined to deliver a stupid and futile gesture. In America, the term counterculture is so associated with hippies, beatniks, bohemians and the like, it might seem odd to think of self-described conservatives as counterculture types. But the evidence is all over the place from the loopy conspiratorialism and secession talk to the bizarre, albeit selective, defenses of lawlessness and even violence that a lot of right-wingers have shed the pretense of actual conservatism in favor of a permanent pose of performative radicalism from the right. Read more: Column: Is there any way to shift the bizarre Republican conviction that only Trump will save them? On the fringes of the House Republican conference, you can find this kind of nuttery aplenty. But, collectively, this countercultural impulse manifests itself most relevantly in an almost Freudian compulsion to lose. Which brings us to the situation. Earlier this year, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy managed to work out a modestly successful deal with Democrats that extended the debt ceiling until 2025. Given his incredibly narrow, four-seat majority and the fractious nature of his coalition, this was hailed at the time as a considerable win for McCarthy and the Republicans, allegedly proving the GOP could be a governing party. And that was the problem for the radicals. When youve convinced yourself that the system, establishment or regime is irretrievably corrupt or some kind of existential enemy a common conviction among numerous countercultures for millennia any form of deal is seen as evidence that youve sold out. The only way to irrefutably demonstrate that you didnt compromise your principles whatever those might be is to lose. Martyrs are pure. Dealmakers are collaborators. Read more: Goldberg: Why the Republicans' impeachment of Biden may be stupid enough to work So the rabble-rousing core of the Freedom Caucus declared that it got rolled in the debt ceiling fight and vowed to use the budget process (for want of a better word) to force spending cuts from, well, everyone. They claim McCarthy made them promises he didnt keep which might be true. They insist government borrowing and spending are out of control and must be dealt with which is certainly true. Something has to be done. Fair enough. But what? Their answer is to force a shutdown of the government. The only problem? This is perhaps the most predictable script of the modern political era. To the shock of no one, voters dont like government shutdowns, and, mirabile dictu, the party that forces a shutdown gets blamed for shutting down the government while the other party which in this case happens to control both the Senate and the White House gets to score easy points. And then, eventually, a deal is worked out, but only after enough damage is self-inflicted. Its akin to declaring, Do what I demand or I will repeatedly smash my hand with this hammer until you relent. Or maybe its like 1960s student radicals occupying the Berkeley or Kenyon cafeteria demanding better library hours, more parking and a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. Or maybe its in the Leninist spirit of the worse, the better. After all, people who make a living from catastrophizing like catastrophes. As McCarthy said Monday, It's almost like they want to walk you into a shutdown and then blame you for the shutdown. That seems to be where their dashboard saint, Donald Trump, is coming from. Over the weekend, he reiterated that the GOP should behave as if it has all the leverage. On social media, he posted, UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN !" Of course, Trump wants to use a government shutdown to defund the federal prosecutions against him and other patriots. Even if you thought this radical asininity were a great idea, the idea that it could make it through a Democratic-controlled Senate and past the presidents veto is a childish fantasy. But even the comparatively more modest demands being made by the holdouts are unlikely to clear those hurdles, which, again, is why its all so futile and stupid. These antics will fail, but not before harming the reelection chances of many Republicans, including 18 from districts Biden won. Indeed, the most committed radicals come from extremely safe seats, which theyre not scared of losing. As for losing control of the House, that would just prove how principled they are. @JonahDispatch 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. Deputies are searching for a man accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend, then beating another man who stepped in to help, a Florida sheriffs office says. On Sept. 23, 35-year-old Jose Chaidez armed with a butcher knife entered a Haines City J and S Food Mart, according to a Sept. 26 news release from the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Chaidez walked behind the counter and threatened the woman working, his 64-year-old ex-girlfriend, deputies said. He slapped her with the knife, hit her and then pulled her by the hair, according to the release. The attack was captured on the stores security footage and shared by the sheriffs office. Chaidez walked behind the counter of the store with a butcher knife and slapped his ex-girlfriend with the knife, security footage showed. Deputies said Chaidez was trying to take the woman out of the store, according to the release. Another man, 43, saw Chaidez attack his ex-girlfriend and stepped in to defend her, the video showed. He confronted Chaidez, who the sheriffs office said then turned away from the woman and started to attack the good Samaritan, deputies said. The men fought and Chaidez overpowered the other man, taking him to the ground, the video showed. The good Samaritan was knocked unconscious, deputies said, but Chaidez continued to hit him in the head repeatedly on the ground. Chaidez attacked the good Samaritan and continued to punch him in the face after he went unconscious, deputies said. A third man approached Chaidez and was hit by him, then left the store and has not been identified, deputies said. Chaidez left before deputies or paramedics got there, according to the release. The good Samaritan was taken to the hospital and was still in critical condition there as of Sept. 26, deputies said. He is improving, and deputies expect him to recover, according to the release. We need to locate this very violent man and put him in jail where he belongs. Anyone who would beat up a 64 year old woman and then ruthlessly beat up a man who tried to help a woman in distress, is a menace and needs to be locked up. If you know where Jose Chaidez is, call us or call Crime Stoppers. This guy needs to be held accountable, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in the release. Chaidez is wanted on charges of attempted second-degree murder, armed burglary with battery, burglary with battery, criminal mischief and stalking as part of domestic violence, according to the sheriffs office. Chaidez has a previous criminal history that includes charges of aggravated assault with a weapon, battery domestic violence, kidnapping and false imprisonment, resisting an officer without violence, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, battery and battery as part of domestic violence, according to the sheriffs office. Anyone with information about Chaidez or his whereabouts is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriffs office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477. Haines City is about 40 miles southwest of Orlando. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Good Samaritan killed after stopping on highway to help at crash, Arizona cops say Good Samaritan dies in hit-and-run while trying to help teen driver, Florida cops say Good Samaritan stops to aid car crash victim and gets his truck stolen, NC cops say Good Samaritans hold man accused of trying to kidnap woman in parking garage, cops say Before the election of Donald Trump, it would have been more or less unthinkable for a Republican to be criticised for invoking Ronald Reagan. But as college graduates move towards the Democrats and more socially conservative working-class voters towards the GOP, Republican candidates can no longer invoke the Golden State governor and B-list actor and be sure that whatever they say will be a slam dunk. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott figured this out the hard way on the campaign trail. As both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump speak to the United Auto Workers Union this week, both of them will attempt to appear to be on the side of the workers. Mr Scott was hit with a complaint from the union after he was asked about his view of the labour negotiations following the UAWs decision to strike against the Big Three automakers. Ronald Reagan gave us a great example when federal employees decided they were going to strike, he said. Mr Reagan fired thousands of air traffic controllers after they went on strike in 1981. He said, You strike, youre fired. Simple concept to me. To the extent that we can use that once again, absolutely, Mr Scott said in Iowa earlier this month, even as the GOP has come to rely more and more on blue-collar workers. But the Republican Party today remains anti-union, especially when considering what General Dwight Eisenhower told the American Federation of Labor when he was running for president in 1952. Today in America unions have a secure place in our industrial life, he said. Only a handful of unreconstructed reactionaries harbour the ugly thought of breaking unions. Only a fool would try to deprive working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice. Ahead of the second Republican primary debate on 27 September, heres what each of the Republican presidential candidates have said about strikes and unions. Tim Scott Tim Scott said workers who strike should be fired (AP) The senator later elaborated on his comments, saying Obviously the president doesnt fire folks in the private sector, but he can do in the public sector. I brought up the Ronald Reagan years because I do think that we need to have front and centre the example of a president who stood strong, and todays president, he stands weak, he added. The UAW is one of the most corrupt and scandal-plagued unions in America, Mr Scott said in a statement. They are showing their true colours once again and autoworkers and taxpayers will be left holding the bag together. They want to threaten me and shut me up. They dont scare me. I will truly fight for American workers and jobs, promote the dignity of work, and end the Biden retreat from the values that make our nation exceptional, he added. American workers continue to witness how a weak president leads to all sorts of chaos at home and abroad, Mr Scott said. Joe Biden and Big Labor bosses are undermining the dignity of work and setting autoworkers up for failure. Theyre playing politics with peoples lives. Donald Trump Trump has tried to drive a wedge between union leaders and their members (Getty Images) When the former president appeared on NBCs Meet the Press, he was asked by moderator Kristen Welker to say which side he was on regarding the UAW strike. Mr Trump avoided the question, saying he was on the side of making our country great before going on to his regular talking point of slamming electric vehicles. He blasted UAW leaders and members for attempting to save jobs and raise their pay while the industry is in the middle of the transition to electric. The auto workers are being sold down the river by their leadership, he said. He claimed that UAW president Shawn Fain is not doing a good job in representing his union, because hes not going to have a union in three years from now. Those jobs are all going to be gone because all of those electric cars are going to be made in China. An ad for Mr Trump told auto workers always had their back, even as union leaders have said that a second term for Mr Trump would be a disaster. Nikki Haley Halkey has pushed her reputation as a union buster (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The former UN ambassador and South Carolina governor has pushed her reputation as a union buster from her time in her home state, where historical levels of union membership have been the lowest in the US. She slammed the UAW strike and President Bidens support of the workers, even appearing on the picket line on 26 September. When you have the most pro-union president and he touts that he is emboldening the unions, this is what you get, she said after the strike had started. The union is asking for a 40 per cent raise, the companies have come back with a 20 per cent raise. I think any of the taxpayers would love to have a 20 per cent raise and think thats great. Ms Haley didnt note that the UAW asked for the 40 per cent increase over the course of several years following the sacrifices made by workers to help the companies survive during the 2008 recession. She also didnt say that the proposed raise for workers was in line with the CEO pay rise. Ron DeSantis DeSantis signed legislation that banned union dues from being automatically taken from paychecks to fund teachers and public employees unions (Getty Images) The Florida governor has put in place fresh restrictions on a number of unions in his state and he also rejects the idea of raising the minimum wage. In May, he signed legislation that banned union dues from being automatically taken from paychecks to fund teachers and public employees unions. The bill also allows members to leave their union at any time. But the legislation mostly doesnt affect unions for workers in traditionally Republican professions, such as firefighters, police officers, and correctional officers. In 2017, when he was in the US House, he supported the National Right-to-Work Act, which would have stopped unions from requiring workers to pay dues. The bill stalled in committee but is often brought up again by Republicans. Vivek Ramaswamy Ramaswamy is only matched by Haley in the GOP field when it comes to union-bashing (AP) The biotech entrepreneur and anti-woke author aims to completely remove unions as an option for federal workers as well as teachers. Mr Ramaswamy is only matched by Ms Haley in the GOP field when it comes to union-bashing, The New York Times notes. Just hours before the UAW strike began, Mr Ramaswamy claimed to have deep sympathy for the frustrations of autoworkers regarding pay. Wages have not gone up in a meaningful sense, while costs have gone up in this country, he said. The following day, he added: I understand the frustration, but I think union bosses may be directing that ire in the wrong direction when it belongs at the feet of our current federal government. At the first Republican debate, Mr Ramaswamy said he wanted to end the teachers unions at the local level and in an April video he praised a charter school in South Carolina because it wouldnt be shackled by some of the same constraints as public schools because their teachers wont be unionized. He claimed that the president of the American Federation of Teachers was seizing power for those teachers unions, holding our public schools and our children hostage. If you cant beat the teachers unions, were going to void them, he added. Mike Pence Pence voted against a minimum wage raise as a member of the US House in 2007 (AP) The former vice president and Indiana governor voted against a minimum wage raise as a member of the US House in 2007. He claimed that an increase would to entry-level jobs being lost and that it would hurt the working poor. As governor, he worked against minimum wages on the local level and defended the states right-to-work legislation. In the US House, he voted against the Employee Free Choice Act the legislation would have supported the process of workers showing their willingness to join a union by signing cards and it would have hiked penalties against employers who punish union members. Two days after the start of the UAW strike, he told CNN that he had sympathy for the workers but didnt criticise the salaries of the CEOs. He also slammed the Biden administrations policies. I dont think its about the usual fault lines of the difference in salaries between white collar and blue collar I think its that everyday Americans out there working hard are living in the midst of the failed policies of Bidenomics, he told CNN. Chris Christie Christie battled teachers unions during his time in office (AP) The former New Jersey governor battled teachers unions during his time in office. At the first debate, he said he went right after the teachers unions in New Jersey and drove them down to an all-time low popularity rating because theyre putting themselves before our kids. Public-sector unions, I believe, are an awful redundancy, he said in New Hampshire this year, according to The New York Times. I think the private-sector unions have a place in our society, a historical place in our society. They ensure quality of work. Mr Christie also slammed the Biden administrations push for electric vehicles when asked about the UAW strike. What a president would need to do is to make sure hes understanding both sides of that argument and putting the type of political pressure on them to come to a resolution, he told CNBC. The government shouldnt be dictating either wages or prices, he added. Asa Hutchinson Labor unions have played an important role in our nations history, Asa Hutchinson has said (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The former Arkansas governor took part in a 2022 rejection of a Biden administration policy to give more government contracts to unionized construction projects. Mr Hutchinson was joined by 17 other governors in opposing the measure. Labor unions have played an important role in our nations history, but the governments role in business is to provide an avenue for success and not a roadblock, Mr Hutchinson said. He said he would stay in the 2024 race after not qualifying for the second debate. I entered this race because it is critically important for a leader within the Republican Party to stand up to Donald Trump and call him out on misleading his supporters and the American people, he said. I intend to continue doing that and look forward to holding a press conference in Detroit on Wednesday where I will highlight his false promises to blue-collar and union workers in Michigan and across America. Doug Burgum Doug Burgum has slammed federal incentives for unions (AFP via Getty Images) The North Dakota governor and underdog presidential candidate has slammed federal incentives for unions, telling NBC News in July that they hindered economic growth. People said, Wow, were going to try to get onshoring for critical aspects of what we need for communications, for transportation, for military equipment that made a bunch of sense, he said referring to the CHIPS Act passed by the US Congress last year to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the US. He went on to slam the idea of connecting such measures to unions. There are plenty of people in this country that want to work for a good wage that dont feel like they want to pay union dues, he said. So I just think that the red tape, the ideology, that it gets in the way of actually driving the economy forward. Will Hurd Will Hurd told The New York Times that the UAWs pay concerns were fair (Getty Images) The former US House Representative and CIA agent told The New York Times that the UAWs pay concerns were fair. If workers feel like theyre underpaid, theyre well within their right to protest for better wages, he told the paper. I dont believe its the governments role to tell businesses how much they should pay their workers. Its free speech and capitalism at work. However, if executives of companies have received government bailouts, have not returned those taxpayer dollars, and are receiving excessive bonuses, thats something the government should stop. While in the House, he voted against the Protecting the Right to Organize Act in 2019. The legislation would have served as a response to right-to-work laws on the state level and boosted rules against punishing workers who are active in their union. He also supported an amendment to that bill that would have removed the workers rights to join a union via a card check to instead require an election. The Republican candidates of 2024 clearly remain a far cry from then-candidate Eisenhower, who ridiculed rightwing members of his party attacking labour laws for being stupid. I have no use for thoseregardless of their political partywho hold some foolish dream of spinning the clock back to days when unorganized labour was a huddled, almost helpless mass, he told the AFL just over 71 years ago. GOP concerns are mounting over the impact former President Trump could have on competitive House races this cycle if hes the nominee as the party looks to hold onto its narrow majority in the lower chamber. Many Republicans blamed the former president last cycle for the partys lackluster performance in what was supposed to be a red wave year. This time around, Republican primary voters are falling in line behind Trump, but fears persist he could drive away moderate and independent voters in swing districts across the country. When you go back and look at what we saw in the past three elections, really, there were a lot of seats that were left on the table that Republicans should have won and a lot of that is due to how Trump has been a drag for Republicans, said Doug Heye, a Republican strategist. Poll after poll at the national and state level shows Trump dominating the GOP presidential primary field. The Real Clear Politics average shows the former president leading the crowded field with 57.3 percent support. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is his closest rival, coming in at 13.5 percent support, according to the average. I think for a lot of Republicans, they prefer to stay out of Donald Trumps gaze, Heye said. They know that hes there, but they dont necessarily want to campaign with him. Some of that may be maybe avoidable, or maybe unavoidable. Many of the swing districts this year are in states that are swing states at the national level, including Arizonas first and sixth congressional districts, as well as Pennsylvanias 7th and 8th congressional districts. However, several Republican incumbents are running in the Democratic strongholds of New York and California, such as moderate Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.). In a perfect world, you have a moderate Republican in those districts as your nominee. You have Nikki Haley as your nominee, not that shes moderate, but shes not an inflection point where its a constant battle [of], Do you support what this candidate said? said Tom Doherty, who worked as an aide to former New York Gov. George Pataki (R). You dont need that in a general election, particularly when youre running in a close race. One factor House Republican candidates and incumbents wont be able to avoid is Democrats moving to tie them to Trump. Just ask any of them about his criminal indictments, lies, and dangerous ideas like defunding federal law enforcement, and watch them stumble over themselves to avoid giving a straight answer. Why? They know how toxic it is to be associated with the man from Mar-a-Lago, said Viet Shelton, a spokesperson with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. However, some Republicans are skeptical that Trump will have that big of an impact on House races. Were focused on what we can control and thats candidate recruitment and candidate quality, said one national Republican strategist. Trumps candidacy is not something we spend a lot of time worrying about. Republicans who say they are not worried about the former president having a negative impact on House races point to external factors that would come into play regardless of who the GOP nominee is. Florida-based GOP strategist Ford OConnell pointed to Republicans needing to beat Democrats at their own game when it comes to methods like ballot collecting, early voting and mail-in voting. Most states allow a third party to return a completed ballot on behalf of a voter, a process referred to as ballot collecting or ballot harvesting. Remember in California and New York, we got slaughtered in 2018 because those state parties started doing what I call ballot harvesting, OConnell told The Hill. When you look at these House seats, how good can Republicans catch up to ballot harvesting, mail-in voting, and early voting. And Republicans across the board have already started implementing this approach. In June, the Republican National Committee launched its Bank Your Vote campaign, which is meant to encourage Republican voters to get comfortable with mail-in voting. Trump, who has been one of the most vocal skeptics of mail-in voting, recorded a video earlier this summer encouraging Republicans to vote early. The roughly 40-second video was shared by the RNC. But Republicans say their partys committees at all levels will have a part to play, particularly if they are in Democratic-leaning states. Republican parties in New York and California have to do as good a job as possible regardless of any Republican nominee, OConnell said. These are arctic blue Dem strongholds. In terms of swing states, OConnell said Republican candidates should look at the playbook employed by Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R), who won his reelection bid in the swing state last year despite warnings of a blue wave. Look no further than Ron Johnson who literally withstood a tidal wave coming at him in 2022 and managed to win in Wisconsin, statewide, OConnell said. He never backed down on Trump, he never changed his positions, he was just very tactical about how he explained it on the stump and to voters. Republicans will also have to contend with the likelihood of high Democratic turnout given the election is taking place in a presidential year. The difference between a presidential and midterm just generally speaking is a 15 percent increase in turnout, OConnell said. But with the national mood low and voters decidedly unenthusiastic about a Biden-Trump rematch, some Republicans note that the top of the ticket may not ultimately matter when it comes to House races. State and congressional candidates really need to do what smart candidates have always done, theyve got to run on their own and theyve got to be emphatically on their own, said Keith Naughton, a Republican strategist who has worked on races in Pennsylvania. That can work for them because I doubt that the nationally mood is going to change substantially in the next year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2021 shows the inside view of the Manjanggul Lava Tube in Jeju, South Korea. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese researchers are studying the possibility of setting up a safe, stable and long-term shelter in lunar lava tubes. During Moon's early days, when the upper layer of lava flow cooled and hardened, molten rock may have continued to flow beneath, forming relatively stable and flat hollow pipe-shaped tunnels. With years of geological activities, impact events and moonquakes, some shallow lava tubes formed accessible "skylights" after collapsing, opening the door to explore the underground world of the Moon, said Zhang Chongfeng from the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. Zhang, who is also the vice chief designer of China's Shenzhou series spacecraft and lunar landers, introduced the study at the 10th CSA-IAA Conference on Advanced Space Technology held recently in Shanghai. He said that lava tubes are protected from the harsh environment of the lunar surface, which experiences extreme temperatures and is bombarded by radiation and micrometeorite impacts. According to Zhang, his team and China's planetary geology experts have jointly conducted fieldwork on several lava caves in China to build up their understanding of lunar lava tubes. There is a certain similarity between lava tubes on Earth and the Moon, Zhang said, adding that they can be divided into the vertical entrance tube and the slope entrance tube. The lava tube with a vertical entrance is the major form of lunar tube people have found so far. They feature a collapsed skylight with a large amount of collapsed debris and soil accumulation at the bottom, requiring the deployment of vertical lifting facilities or entry through flight. The sloping entrance is a semi-collapsed structure, and therefore, there is a possibility of directly entering the inside of the lava tube along the collapsed structure. It is a preferred target that can be explored with a lunar probe. The Chinese researchers have chosen lunar lava tubes at Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Fecunditatis as the primary exploration targets and initiated the design of the exploration plans. The main probe will prefer to use a robotic mobile system of feet or wheeled feet to enable the probe to better adapt to complex terrain environments, and cross and avoid obstacles. It will carry auxiliary detectors that can be separated and arranged to provide relay communication and energy support. At the same time, the main probe will also carry scientific payloads to detect the external and entrance environment of the lava tube, terrain and material composition. The auxiliary detectors can be further diversified to perform tasks such as bionic multi-legged crawling, bouncing and employing rolling detectors. The auxiliary detectors also carry payloads to detect the temperature, radiation, lunar dust, soil composition and water ice inside the lunar tube. Meanwhile, a flight detector can also directly fly in caves with rugged terrain and large drops. According to Zhang, the detector will achieve autonomous obstacle avoidance flight in dark environments with microwave radar and laser radar. For building a crewed lunar base in the future, Zhang proposed to build a long-term lunar underground research base by building a support center for energy and communication at the entrance of the lava tube, carrying out terrain landscaping, deploying cabins inside the lava tube and constructing research and residential cabins in situ. The China Manned Space Agency announced in May that China plans to realize manned lunar landing by 2030 and has initiated the lunar landing phase of the program. (Bloomberg) -- The second debate of the 2024 Republican primary season will see seven candidates take the stage, as former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify and former President Donald Trump continues to boycott the televised matchups. Most Read from Bloomberg The Republican National Committee said Wednesdays debate would feature Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence , US Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum . Burgum was the last candidate to make the cut, meeting the polling requirement with the help of a Trafalgar poll Saturday that had him at 3.2% nationally. Wednesdays debate will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Hutchinson, who argued that Trump was morally disqualified from the presidency in the first debate in August, failed to reach the 3% polling threshold for the second forum. I understand that the RNC and the media are trying to reduce the number of candidates, but I measure success based on the response I receive in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, Hutchinson said in a statement Monday night. Hutchinson said he would instead hold a press conference in Detroit Wednesday, directly challenging Trump as he delivers his own address aimed at winning over striking auto workers in Michigan. President Joe Biden plans to travel to Michigan on Tuesday to show support for the workers on the picket line. Read More: Republicans to Hold Third Presidential Primary Debate in Miami Thinning the participants is by design, as the party has taken steps to avoid the unwieldy debates of the 2016 election, when Republicans last had an open primary. The second GOP debate of that cycle was also at the Reagan Library and saw 11 candidates on the main stage and another four in an overflow secondary debate. I understand that the RNC and the media are trying to reduce the number of candidates, but I measure success based on the response I receive in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, Hutchinson said in a statement on Monday night. Hutchinson said he would hold a press conference in Detroit Wednesday, directly challenging Trump as he delivers his own address intended to win over striking auto workers in Michigan. President Joe Biden will travel to Michigan, a battleground state, on Tuesday and plans to join workers on a picket line. The RNC will increase the threshold again for the third debate in Miami in November, requiring candidates to get at least 4% in two national polls or 4% in one national poll and 4% from two separate early-state polls. Candidates will also need at least 70,000 unique donors with at least at least 200 unique donors in 20 states or territories. (Updates with response from Hutchinson, starting in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) this week mounted an unexpected defense of Sen. Bob Menendez , the New Jersey Democrat recently indicted on extensive bribery charges. Menendez faces allegations that he accepted various bribes, including $480,000 in cash and $100,000 in gold bars, in return for improperly using his influence to benefit and enrich several New Jersey businessmen. Although many of Menendezs Democratic colleagues have suggested he resign, no Republican senators have called on him to step down, according to Business Insider. In fact, on Tuesday, Cotton implored Menendez to remain in office. In two posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cotton said that while the charges against Menendez are serious and troubling, he feels Menendez should be judged by jurors and New Jerseys voters, not by Democratic politicians who now view him as inconvenient to their hold on power. The charges against Senator Menendez are serious and troubling. At the same time, the Department of Justice has a troubling record of failure and corruption in cases against public figures, from Ted Stevens to Bob McDonnell to Donald Trump to Bob Menendez the last time around. Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) September 26, 2023 Senator Menendez has a right to test the governments evidence in court, just like any other citizen. He should be judged by jurors and New Jerseys voters, not by Democratic politicians who now view him as inconvenient to their hold on power. Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) September 26, 2023 On one hand, it might appear as if Cotton is reminding his followers that Menendez, like all Americans, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But many people had other interpretations of Cottons posts (which may or may not have been ghostwritten). Rs want Ds tied to corruption/political crime as much as possible, so they can pretend theres little difference on that front for 2024. But Ds uniformly calling on Menendez to resignand Rs coming out *to support him*shows the stark difference. https://t.co/J9RnpFyAY8 Robert J. DeNault (@robertjdenault) September 26, 2023 Tom Cotton takes bold stance in favor of elite corruption. https://t.co/9CzXhp2Oc0 Krystal Ball (@krystalball) September 26, 2023 That Republicans so consistently defend and apologize for corrupt Republicans is unfortunate but perhaps comprehensible, that they then go to bat for corrupt Democrats to avoid admitting that their adversaries believe in good government is just sick. https://t.co/RfkRamo6Gx Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) September 26, 2023 Democrats want an allegedly crooked Democratic senator to resign. Republicans dont want him to resign because theyre the party of crooks. https://t.co/ySTQovIH5h Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) September 26, 2023 Republicans usually: Democrats are all criminals whose corruption is causing Americas decline on behalf of nefarious foreign influences, throw them all out of office! Republicans when a Democrat is charged with accepting literal gold bars as bribes from a foreign government: https://t.co/g2T4aI0Zlr the theis must flow (@frenchdipset) September 26, 2023 13 Senators calling for Bob Menendez to resign: John Fetterman Sherrod Brown Peter Welch Tammy Baldwin Jon Tester Bob Casey Elizabeth Warren Jacky Rosen Martin Heinrich Cory Booker Mark Kelly Michael Bennet Amy Klobuchar No Republicans. Tom Cotton actually *defending* Menendez: https://t.co/OT3F9f8uWv Prem (@prem_thakker) September 26, 2023 You just want him to hang in because he makes the Dems look bad, and because he is a distraction from the rampant corruption and general insanity in your own ranks. Be honest. Russ Baker (@RealRussBaker) September 26, 2023 Behold! It is @SenTomCotton - a man without one shred of a remaining wisp of ethics https://t.co/6C549I2owj Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) September 26, 2023 Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) also defended Menendezs presumption of innocence, saying I dont think he should resign and lamenting that the media has to stop acting like everybody is guilty before theyre even judged by a jury. Again, the person speaking here is George Santos. Related... Legal action as entered the conversation on the widely disputed suspension of a Black student who was told his dreadlocks were out of school dress code. However, the defendants in this case is the governor of Texas and the state attorney general. A federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against Texas Gov. Greg Abbot and Attorney General Ken Paxton alleging the suspension of 17-year-old Darryl George was a violation of the states CROWN Act. According to CNN, the teen was placed on a week-long, in-school suspension Aug. 31 after coming into Barbers Hill High School with his dreadlocks twisted into a ponytail. However, the next day, the state signed a law prohibiting the discrimination of natural hair at schools and workplaces. Read more The Barbers Hill Independent School District said that they have filed a declaratory judgment lawsuit Wednesday, asking for court clarification about whether Texas CROWN Act bans grooming policies surrounding the length of a male students hair. Georges mother told reporters her sons hair rarely droops past his ears or rests on his shoulders because he often wears his hair tied up. Even with that being considered, she said the Barbers Hill Independent School District threatened to send him to an alternative disciplinary school if he doesnt cut his hair. The same school district in the hot seat over this suspension is the one accused of discriminating against DeAndre Arnold, a Black teen who was ordered to cut his dreadlocks to comply with the dress code policy on hair length. Arnold was threatened with being banned from his graduation ceremony, per CNNs report. The states who havent passed the CROWN Act yet better take notes. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. (NEXSTAR) As Congress continues to try to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the week, its hard for many Americans to not worry about the impact it could have on their federal benefits. In many cases, those benefits will not be impacted if the government does, in fact, shut down. That includes Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and many benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. But what about food stamps and other food assistance programs? Unfortunately, they wont all be as lucky. On Monday, the White House warned a government shutdown would jeopardize federal food assistance for nearly 7 million mothers and young children who rely on WIC the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Would a government shutdown impact Social Security, VA benefits? The program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serves low-income pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, postpartum women, infants, and children up to the age of 5. It receives funding on an annual basis, putting it at risk during current shutdown talks. Should there be a government shutdown, the White House says women and children who count on WIC would soon start being turned away at grocery store counters, with a federal contingency fund drying up after just a few days and many states left with limited WIC funds to operate the program. It could be especially impactful in states like California and Texas, where a combined 1.759 million WIC recipients live, White House data shows. During a Monday press conference, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said WIC expires or stops immediately in the event of a shutdown. The department does have a contingency plan that could provide funds for a day or two, ABC News reports. Vilsack also noted that some states may have access to additional funding, which could keep their programs running for slightly longer. Senators unveil bill to avoid shutdown The National WIC Association urged Congress to reach a deal that avoids a shutdown and provides WIC with the funding it needs to support any individual or family who qualifies in a Friday press release. Without the urgent investment of additional funds, state WIC offices could soon be forced to consider waiting lists for prospective participants a drastic step not seen in nearly 30 years. We simply cannot cross that line, Kate Franken, board chair of the National WIC Association said. Over 600 organizations from across the country joined the NWA in calling on Congress to fully fund the program in a letter Monday. While WIC could be shuttered during a government shutdown, SNAP the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would still be available, at least for a short time. SNAP, which offers food assistance to low-income families nationwide, also receives funding annually from the federal government. Its set to see benefits boost on Oct. 1 (as well as eligibility requirements change) and would last at least through the month, according to Vilsack. But, if there is a government shutdown, and it lasts beyond October, there would be some serious consequences to SNAP, he noted. Food banks and Meals on Wheels programs could also see disruptions to orders, deliveries, and more during a government shutdown, CNN reports. Whats the latest on the government shutdown talks? Congress is rushing headlong into crisis mode Tuesday with a government shutdown days away, as Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means halting pay for the military and curtailing federal services for millions of Americans. Theres no clear path ahead as lawmakers return with tensions high and options limited. The House is expected to launch an evening vote on a package of bills to fund parts of the government, but its not at all clear that McCarthy has the support needed as holdouts demand steeper spending cuts. Could a government shutdown impact student loan payments resuming? But with just five days to go before Saturdays deadline, the Senate is trying to stave off a federal closure as the hard-right flank seizes control of the House. Senators unveiled a bipartisan stopgap measure to keep offices funded temporarily, through Nov. 17, to buy time for Congress to finish its work. The 79-page Senate bill would fund the government at current levels and include about $6 billion in supplemental funding for Ukraine and $6 billion in U.S. disaster assistance that has been in jeopardy. It also includes an extension of Federal Aviation Administration provisions expiring Saturday. The Senate voted Tuesday to advance the short-term funding measure. This puts the Senate on a path to pass a continuing resolution later this week that could then be sent to the House to avoid a shutdown on Oct. 1. The Associated Press and The Hills Alexander Bolton contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PROVIDENCE The groundhog day headlines "Efforts underway to avert government shutdown" are by now so familiar that no one in Rhode Island state or federal government is pulling the panic cord yet. But with a deadline looming in less than a week and no deal yet in sight, the members of Rhode Island's all-Democrat congressional delegation do not sound overly optimistic. Its basic governing to pass a temporary, short-term funding bill to prevent a government shutdown so Congress can complete negotiations on full-year funding bills," Rhode Island's senior U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, said in a recent statement. "Yet, House Republicans have so far shown that they are unwilling, uninterested or incapable of accomplishing this simple task. "I hope reasonable Republicans will start working across the aisle to avoid a shutdown." A file photo from the 2019 government shutdown when Sachuest Wildlife Refuge's visitor center in Middletown was closed. How would a government shutdown affect Rhode Island? The implications of a shutdown are potentially far-reaching: Tens of thousands of federal employees nationwide including federal law enforcement; active-duty military; Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, officers; and air traffic controllers could be forced to work without pay until funds are appropriated. Social Security checks, mail and funds for Ukraine would still be delivered, according to reports. But nearly 7 million pregnant and postpartum recipients of supplemental food aid and their children, including 18,000 residents of Rhode Island, could lose access to the Women, Infants and Children program. And that's just one example. "Thousands of children," Reed said, "[could] lose access to Head Start programs; FEMAs Disaster Relief Fund could be depleted, complicating disaster relief efforts; and employers cant access the governments E-Verify system to assure that they are hiring legal residents." U.S. District Court Clerk Frank Perry estimated that "the Federal Judiciary would be able to sustain paid operations for approximately two-three weeks. The funding is sufficient to cover employee salary and critical operating costs of the judiciary." Should the shutdown extend to the point when furloughs would be necessary, Perry said the court would "determine what excepted activities are necessary to support the exercise of Article III judicial power and activities necessary for the safety of human life and the protection of property." Asked the potential impact on R.I. campgrounds and parks, Department of Environmental Management spokesman Michael Healey said: "No impacts to either. In the case of campgrounds, the fees that DEM charge for camping go straight into general revenues. "And practically speaking, the status of campgrounds is Burlingame, the biggest campground, closes Columbus Day; George Washington is currently closed because of the risk of EEE; and Fishermens Memorial (Narragansett) and Charlestown Breachway close Oct. 31." Is a government shutdown coming? Why Republican lawmakers are split on whether to brace for impact As the country inches closer to the Sept. 30, 2023, deadline to fund the government, the only path forward to avert a shutdown is to pass a short-term funding measure to buy lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer-term deal. Is there a plan for a government shutdown? A spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Department of Administration told The Journal: "Were a shutdown to occur, no immediate impact on state government programs is expected, although some federally funded programs and employees could be affected if a prolonged shutdown takes place." For now, she said: "The State of Rhode Island is reviewing contingency plans and will be updating its instructions to state agencies once more federal guidance is available." She noted that "federal programs providing essential support to Rhode Islanders [were] exempted during past shutdowns." But at The Journal's request, she provided a copy of a memo titled "Agency Actions in response to partial federal government shutdown" that then-Administration Director Michael DiBiase sent out on Dec. 22, 2018. It required each agency to identify "those programs, functions and employees that are funded with federal dollars and when such federal funds are expected to run out." It put contracting and hiring for federally funded goods, services and jobs on hold and warned that "layoffs may be necessary to avoid incurring costs that may not be reimbursed." Reed: Tuberville blockade of military promotions hurts families, makes us vulnerable Late Monday, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, told The Journal via email: It would be a shame for Rhode Islanders to have to go through another painful but preventable shutdown because House Republicans cant get their act together. A prolonged shutdown would keep servicemembers from collecting their paychecks, delay development of critical defense technologies being built in state, and threaten nutrition assistance for the nearly 18,000 Rhode Islanders who rely on it. "While the MAGA Chaos Caucus in the House clamors for a shutdown, the Senate is urgently working on a bipartisan solution to stave one off. Freshman U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner plans to hold a press conference on Tuesday to draw attention to other potentially "devastating" impacts of what he calls a "manufactured crisis," ginned up by GOP extremists, he said, "despite the fact that both parties in Congress and President Biden already agreed to a deal on government spending levels for the coming year. "The decision of House Republicans to back out of the deal they agreed to [earlier]," he stated, "is jeopardizing services and pay for thousands of working Rhode Islanders." Q+A with Rep. Seth Magaziner on the shutdown The Journal reached out to Rep. Magaziner with questions about a potential government shutdown. Here's how he responded: How confident are you that there will be a shutdown or, conversely, that there will not be one? Magaziner: Unfortunately, Republican leadership has refused to work with House Democrats to pass a budget and are only listening to their extremist members, some of whom have said they want a shutdown, making this manufactured crisis more likely to occur. The only path forward is for Speaker [Kevin] McCarthy to work with Democrats on a bipartisan budget, instead of bowing to pressure from the most extreme members of the Republican caucus. If there is one, what is the potential impact on Rhode Islanders? What will or will not be open? Who will not get paid? Magaziner: A government shutdown would have devastating consequences for Rhode Islanders. Rhode Islanders working for the federal government, including active-duty military service members, air traffic controllers and TSA officers would be forced to work without pay. A shutdown could also delay the processing of Social Security benefits for new retirees. Nearly 18,000 Rhode Islanders who depend on food assistance from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) including 9,897 children and 3,970 infants will lose this assistance once federal funding is exhausted. A government shutdown would also endanger the safety of Rhode Islanders: OSHA would be forced to limit workplace inspections, the FDA could be forced to delay food safety inspections and most EPA-led inspections at hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities, would stop threatening clean air, water and public heath in our state. What would you advise the state to do in preparation for something that may or may not happen next weekend? Magaziner: We expect that the administration will offer specific guidance to states and municipalities soon, but in the meantime, we advise the state and local nonprofits to prepare for an increased volume of Rhode Islanders seeking assistance for housing, food and other basic services as a result of having to go without federal pay or benefits. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Would a government shutdown affect Rhode Islanders? Here's what might happen A government shutdown would harm military readiness and have huge, profound impacts across the globe, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said Tuesday morning. With a looming government shutdown, over 1 million military members and furloughed civilian employees are at risk of going without pay during the shutdown period, Singh said on CNN, adding that a shutdown would send a dangerous message to Washingtons adversaries. If the U.S. government shuts down, China, Russia, North Korea, Iran these are countries that are not shutting down, that are continuing their operations, she said. Any type of shutdown, any type of impact to our military and readiness, has huge, profound impacts across the globe. An immediate impact could be having command costs and stations without enough personnel to continue missions, Singh said, also underscoring the struggles that military families with children and mortgages would face. When the government last shut down in 2018, lawmakers passed a measure allowing for military personnel to continue being paid throughout the period. When asked if shed support such a measure, Singh initially dodged blaming lawmakers for putting Washingtons national security at risk. Pressed on the issue, she conceded: Of course we are always going to support any pay for our military families, Singh said. But again, we really shouldn't be in this position. Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.) introduced the Pay Our Troops Act last week, resembling efforts during past shutdowns to send military members paychecks. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) has brought forward similar legislation. "Biden, US officials warn of hunger for millions in a government shutdown," reads a Reuters headline from yesterday. The article details how Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told reporters this week that the "vast majority" of the 7 million who receive benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will see their benefits disappear after the government shuts down, which is likely to happen this Saturday at midnight due to congressional inability to approve spending bills. "Nearly half of U.S. newborns rely on WIC, the USDA says," according to Reuters. Just one problem: That's not true. If you scroll down to Figure 6 on the Department of Agriculture's helpful site, you can input your state and see the current numbers as well as how those trends have changed over time. The "coverage rate"the number who participate in the program, out of the total number who are eligiblehovers around roughly 50 percent. But half of U.S. newborns are not eligible for WIC in the first place, as it is a means-tested program designed to serve the poor, and half of newborns in the United States are not in poverty or close to it. In my state of New York, for example, there were 1,449,500 children aged 0-4 and pregnant or postpartum women (all of whom would be theoretically eligible for WIC, if meeting the need requirement); of that total population, 48.7 percent would be eligible for the program (so about 706,000), and about half of that number ends up actually taking advantage of benefits (roughly 353,000). For the record, other parts of the USDA's site partially contradict that panel of information. During fiscal year 2022 (which may have seen an uptick due to pandemic-related disruptions), WIC administered benefits to "an estimated 39 percent of all infants in the United States." This seems high to me given what we know about poverty statistics. It's hard to get a straight answer, even using the agency's own data and infographics. But one thing becomes clear: it is not true that half of U.S. newborns rely on this means-tested government program, which is what Reuters claimed (albeit with the handy hedge word nearly). The official national poverty rate as of 2022 hovered at around 11.5 percent, per Census Bureau data. There are plenty of issues with how poverty gets measured in the U.S. As I wrote recently in Roundup: Poverty in America is measured in two ways: via the Official Poverty Measure (OPM), which uses cash and cash-like government benefits (welfare and unemployment checks), and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which factors in food stamps and tax credits. Depending on which measure you look at, you'll get a different sense of how dire (or not) the situation is. For example, stimulus checks, expanded food stamp benefits, and expanded child tax credits were counted only under the SPM (not the OPM). When they expired last year, the poverty rate (as counted by the SPM) rose. But the buried lede in all of this trouble with counting is that there are actually a lot of programs designed to take care of the needs of the American poor. WIC, for example, tends to be available to those with "a family income of at or below 185 percent of the U.S. poverty level"; 37 percent of WIC recipients are also enrolled in Medicaid but not Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or SNAP; 31 percent of WIC recipients used both Medicaid and SNAP but not TANF; 4 percent use all mentioned programs. None of this is to downplay the hardships or indignities of poverty. Rather, it is important for news outlets to accurately report what is really happening on the ground so that we don't have a warped sense of the scale of the country's problems. If fully half of American infants are starving or in danger of itand if that money will soon be pulled because Congress can't agree on appropriations billsthat would be a dire situation. Thankfully, that's not really what's happening, and there are generally multiple welfare programs that serve these groups at once. Even if the government shuts down and WIC payments get temporarily suspended, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will still continue to cut checks for the needy, at least for the entire month of October, for example. The longest government shutdown in history lasted for 34 days, so it's likely that SNAP would have enough runway to continue to administer benefits for the duration of the shutdown. Meanwhile, the Department of Housing and Urban Development says that it will continue to administer housing vouchers but that "the processing or closing of FHA-insured loans may be delayed." In other words: some of the programs that poor people rely on to scrape by may be temporarily halted or skeletal in staffing, but basic necessities will, in some form, remain available. Media outlets and politicians looking to score points should not claim otherwise. The post Will the Government Shutdown Result in 'Hunger for Millions' as Reuters Claims? appeared first on Reason.com. (NEXSTAR) As lawmakers continue to search for a deal that will help avoid the impending government shutdown, its hard for many Americans not to worry about their federal benefits. Congress has until Sept. 30 to strike a deal to avoid the shutdown. While Speaker Kevin McCarthy has said Americans should not expect a shutdown, its not clear that an agreement will be reached in time. When it comes to benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, those payments will remain unaffected if there is a government shutdown because they receive funding separately. But what about veterans benefits? Moderate Republicans plot last-ditch shutdown plan with Democrats Many of the most crucial benefits and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs will still be available. During a press conference Friday, Secretary Denis McDonough said Veterans Affairs is working very diligently in preparation for a lapse in funding. In the case of a shutdown, there would be no impact on Veteran healthcare; burials would continue at VA national cemeteries; VA would continue to process and deliver benefits to Veterans, including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits; and the Board will continue to process appeals, McDonough explained. He added, however, that certain resources would be restricted. The department wouldnt be able to conduct outreach to veterans, regional offices would be closed, and operations like career counseling, transition assistance, and cemetery grounds maintenance would be unavailable. So, this is why Ive been saying that we need a full year appropriation especially at a time when were providing more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before and thats why weve been so supportive of the bipartisan budget agreement that was struck several months ago, McDonough added. Other services deemed essential like border protection, the U.S. Postal Service, air traffic control, and federal law enforcement would also remain intact, should there be a government shutdown. As of Monday night, some moderate GOP lawmakers were said to be plotting a path toward potentially working with Democrats to fund the government beyond the Sept. 30 deadline and combat a shutdown. This comes as the Senate is set to unveil a short-term government funding stopgap to dodge a shutdown. The Senate is scheduled to vote on a motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the legislative vehicle for the funding stopgap Tuesday night. The Hills Alexander Bolton, Mychael Schnell, and Emily Brooks contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. The Scottish Government under Nicola Sturgeon was forced to pay a 5.6m (6.4m) fine after an EU 2020 audit uncovered failures over Common Agricultural Policy payments - Robert Perry/PA The UK Government is taking the EU to court in the first case of its kind since Brexit after SNP ministers in Scotland complained Brussels hit them with fines that were too steep. The Scottish Government under Nicola Sturgeon was forced to pay a 5.6 million (6.4 million) fine after a 2020 audit uncovered failures with how it was administering Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments to Scottish farmers. SNP ministers have now asked the UK Government to argue their case in the European Court of Justice and state that the fine should be reduced by around 2.4 million (2.7 million). They cannot go to court themselves to challenge the fines as the European Commissions decision to impose the penalty was initially enforced against the UK as the relevant member state. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed it was the UKs first legal case against the European Commission since the end of the Brexit transition period on Dec 31, 2020. The Telegraph understands that the issue has raised eyebrows in Whitehall given the SNPs virulent anti-Brexit stance and desire for Scotland to leave the UK and join the EU. According to the provisions of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has jurisdiction to challenge the fines as if it was still an EU member state. This is because the audit was conducted before the end of the transition period. Mark Spencer, the UK Farming Minister, said: This is another example of the bureaucratic nature of the Common Agricultural Policy which disproportionately rewarded the largest landowners, holding back smaller farms and delivering little for food productivity or the environment. This Government is backing British farmers. Weve committed to maintaining the 3.7 billion UK annual farming budget and our new farming policies ensure sustainable food production and environmental protection go hand-in-hand, with something on offer for every type of farmer. The European Commission imposed the fine after the audit uncovered problems with the administrative checks conducted by Ms Sturgeons government around CAPs Basic Payment Scheme. But the Scottish Government disagrees with the audits findings and believes that the commission has misinterpreted the relevant legislation. The case revolves around the meaning of an active farmer, which determines the eligibility of beneficiaries to receive direct payments from EU-funded schemes. According to legal papers lodged in the case, which has been listed as United Kingdom v Commission, the UK is seeking a court order annulling part of the fine. The Government also wants the commission to pay the legal costs. A Scottish Government spokesman said: The legal action has been brought by the UK Government. As this issue is still under consideration by the General Court, it is inappropriate to comment further at this stage. 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 regular gathering of protesters outside Fox News in New York City is called "Fox Lies, Democracy Dies." (Erik McGregor / LightRocket via Getty Images) What is the bag? If theres a Final Jeopardy answer about Rupert Murdoch s legacy, your response should include the bag or some other vernacular for money. The business model he popularized boils down to a simple pursuit, regardless of the trappings of patriotism that might have been draped over News Corp. and Fox News in the past 25 years. His legacy is about the bag. Many of us are fighting against what the business model has done. Some wonder what is going to happen to democracy because of that approach. In the wake of Murdochs recently announced retirement, its natural to want to take assessment of the damage his empire has done, especially the Fox News wing: undermining democracy, miseducating the public, shredding the credibility of legitimate journalists. The lies of Fox News the jingoism and the willful ignorance were only incidentally an attack on democracy. Their purpose was to build an audience to sell to advertisers. They succeeded. Murdoch got richer. American civil society and global standing were collateral damage. The first American media company that Australia-born Murdoch bought was the San Antonio Express-News in 1973. About 20 years later he became a U.S. citizen and purchased the largest group of independent television stations. The empire just kept growing. His newspapers endorsed Ronald Reagan for president, and then the Reagan administration repealed the Fairness Doctrine, which had previously required networks such as Murdochs those granted use of public airwaves to behave as public trustees. Murdoch didnt endorse Reagan for the good of the nation. It was always about the bag. Making this assessment is the easy part. Whether there are any lessons to be learned for shoring up truth against Murdoch's Fox News legacy is another matter. Read more: Opinion: As Rupert Murdoch resigns from News Corp., Biden should count his blessings What we do know is that Murdoch's way of doing business isn't the only threat against journalistic truth. For those other threats, there are perhaps more attainable defenses. This summer a bipartisan group in Congress reintroduced the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act . If it became law, it would protect journalists from being punished by the government for refusing to reveal sources. It would also protect against government spying via the technology we use. Measures such as these are crucial to our democracy. The very reason the forefathers enshrined free press in the 1st Amendment is that without it, there is no democracy. Read more: Guerrero: The lies of Fox News hurt far more than just Dominion Voting Systems In England during the reign of Charles II, it was legal for the government to deny press licenses to people he did not like. It was legal to seize the presses that printed the so-called offensive material including criticism of the king. The Press Act would protect journalists from the kind of elected official who sees King Charles II as a role model. Many presidents, lawmakers and other officials in power have had contentious relationships with reporters. But what happens to a free press when contentious relationships blur into government spying or threats of jail? The information could stop flowing. Democracy would suffer. Hasnt it been through enough already? Read more: Column: Why Fox News' lies about Trump's defeat probably aren't protected by the 1st Amendment Tension between the news media and government officials is a fact of life; the greater danger is probably alternative facts. The truth is the free press, even now, needs protections like the Press Act. Im not sure any act, including anything Congress can do, will undo all the damage caused by Murdochs greed and the monster it fed within the Republican Party. Just how many U.S. politicians have endorsed Fox News falsehoods since its debut? Worse yet, how many falsehoods from Republican elected officials did Fox News leave unchallenged? Its impossible to quantify, like trying to use a teaspoon to measure the ocean. What we can do is mitigate further harm. Well see what ultimately motivates Lachlan Murdoch, who will succeed his father as chairman of News Corp. and Fox. The old divide and exploit is still a successful business model, so my hopes are not high. But I am hopeful that the thoughtful members of Congress the ones who supported the Press Act last year as well as this year can remind their colleagues and the public that the media is not the same as the free press.One is beholden to capitalism, which created and controls it. The other owes its existence to the Constitution. We know which agenda Rupert Murdoch served. And we know which our nation needs to survive. @LZGranderson 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. A cruise ship docks at the international cruise port in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] A cruise ship with over 1,800 passengers on board berthed on Monday at the international cruise port in Sanya, a resort city in south China's Hainan Province, marking the full resumption of international cruise routes to and from Sanya. The cruise routes were halted for three years and eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to customs authorities in Haikou, capital city of Hainan. The cruise ship that docked in Sanya's port on Monday had set sail from Hong Kong. Following the resumption, cruise ships will be making the journey between Hong Kong and Sanya on a routine basis. Liu Chun, an official with the Sanya customs, said the customs authorities will continue optimizing customs clearance to facilitate the recovery of the cruise economy and drive the high-quality development of the cruise industry. Earlier this month, China's Ministry of Transport announced the full resumption of international cruise ship transport to and from ports in the country. Trials on the resumption of international cruise transportation started early this year at ports in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Kernsville Dam in Pa. on May 21, 2018, the DEP has plans to remove the dam. Credit - Susan L. AngstadtMediaNews Group/Reading Eagle/Getty Images The collapse of two Libyan dams earlier this month is likely to herald a grim new dam era, in which the decline of dam building accelerates and deadly dam failures become more and more common. The consequences could be catastrophic for millions of people. Triggered by intense rainfall from a climate-change-supercharged Mediterranean cyclone, the Libyan dam collapses released floodwater that deposited a portion of the city of Derna in the Mediterranean Sea, drowned thousands of people, displaced tens of thousands more, and has left nearly 300,000 children at increased risk of disease and malnutrition. Just as unprecedented fires, floods, and storms this year have introduced many people to the dangers of climate change, the immensity of the Derna tragedy has focused attention on the unappreciated risks that dams pose. Read More: How to Help Libya's Flood Victims The dam-building industry was already in decline long before the Derna disaster. Peak dams, the moment when dam-building began to ebb, is now believed to have occurred at least a decade ago. There will not be another dam revolution to match the scale of the high-intensity dam construction experienced in the early to middle 20th century, proclaimed a 2021 United Nations University study. It found that global construction of large dams fell from about 1,500 a year in the late 1970s to about 50 a year in 2020. In Africa, the continent with the highest remaining hydropower potential, a study published in Science last month concluded that the decreasing cost of wind and solar energy will make hydroelectric dams non-competitive by 2030. The increasing danger of dams stems in part from a simple fact: they are aging. Most of the worlds dams were built before 1985 and are either approaching or have passed the point when they need substantial repair, which is about 50 years old. Yet few are being repaired. In the U.S., where the average dam is 65 years old, the dangers have been well-documented for decades yet barely heeded. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers issued an infrastructure report card on which U.S. dams were given a grade of D the same grade dams have received in every ASCE report card since the first in 1998. Libya's eastern city of Derna on Sept. 18, 2023, following deadly flash floods. Mahmud TurkiaAFP/Getty Images A February 2023 study by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimated that rehabilitating 65,000 of the U.S.s large- and medium-sized dams would cost $157.5 billiona price tag that will continue to mount as repair work is deferred. And a 2022 Associated Press analysis identified 2,200 U.S. dams that need repairs and would threaten downstream populations if they fail. State and federal funding for repairs has been increasing but nowhere near the amount needed to ensure safety. Politicians once took delight in a new dams ribbon-cutting, but they have always shown far less interest in providing funding for the un-sexy job of dam maintenance. In other countries, where government budgets are far more strained than in the U.S., the situation is much worse. In Libya, the failing dams weaknesses were well-known. A study of the two dams published last year presciently warned that immediate measures must be taken for regular maintenance because in the event of a huge flood, the result will be disastrous for downstream residents. One reason repairs didnt take place is that Libya is still reeling from the 2014-2020 civil war and is plagued by two rival administrations. In fact, according to a report last week in Foreign Policy, more than $2 million was allocated for maintenance of the two dams in 2012 and 2013, but no work ever took place. Libya is one of dozens of countries where dysfunction stymies dam maintenance. Climate change also makes dam collapse more likely. The design of virtually all the worlds large dams was based on hydrological records that were often insufficient to begin with and certainly didnt take climate change into account. Now, not only are those records out-of-date, but the huge variability that climate change has introduced into precipitation levels complicates all dam planning. By making both extended droughts and unprecedented floods more frequent, climate change has forced reductions and even stoppages of hydropower generation of some dams, while also subjecting many to floods bigger than they were designed to withstand. Floods presumed to occur once in 1,000 years may now happen once or twice a decade. On top of all this, as climate change intensifies, it will generate even bigger storms and floods. A tilted car sits above debris in Libya's eastern city of Derna on Sept. 18, 2023. Mahmud TurkiaAFP/Getty Images The risk that dams pose to humans can be partially offset by more carefully monitoring weather forecasts, releasing water behind dams if necessary, and installing warning systems that alert imperiled people of the need to evacuate. But the best way to eliminate the danger is to remove dams entirely. This is especially true for older dams, whose reservoirs become filled with sediment that displaces water and reduces their effectiveness as electricity generators and water storersand removal often costs less than repairs. Yet dam removal is still in its infancy. Out of the U.S.s several million dams of all sizes, about 2,000 mostly small dams have been dismantled. Still, the movement is gaining momentum in the U.S. and Europe. Read More: The Bombing of Ukraines Kakhovka Dam Affects All of Us Removals greatest benefit is environmental: in returning rivers to free-flowing conditions, it reunites rivers with their floodplains, restores riparian habitat, improves water quality, and re-enables circulation of migrating fish. Removal also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The idea that dams are clean is a widespread misconception, still endlessly promoted by international dam builders and sometimes cited erroneously even by environmentalists. But reservoirsparticularly in tropical and sub-tropical regionsemit methane, sometimes copiously, mostly as a byproduct of decomposing plants and other organic matter near reservoir bottoms. A 2021 study in Global Biochemical Cycles found that the worlds reservoirs emit every year the equivalent of more than a gigaton of carbon dioxidemore greenhouse gas than Germany, the worlds sixth largest emitter. As dams immense environmental damage has surfaced in recent decades, it has become apparent that dams and fossil fuels share many of the same attributes. For a time both delivered a bounty that transformed the world, while their environmental liabilities were hidden. Theyre poster children for the seductive allures of technology and its transienceof top-down, growth-at-all-costs economic development and the illusion that humans are exempt from natures dominion. Now we measure their costs in bodies swept out to sea. Contact us at letters@time.com. The political walls are closing in on Sen. Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat under a federal indictment accusing him of corruption-related offenses. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker s decision on Tuesday to call for Menendezs resignation, after days of silence on the matter, was a uniquely damaging political blow to the states senior senator, who is now faced with a thinning list of allies in Washington, DC, and his home state, where local leaders are lining up against him. Booker, who said he found the allegations against Menendez hard to reconcile with the person I know, instantly became the most prominent Senate Democrat, even among those facing tough reelection races next year, to publicly push for Menendez to step down. By Tuesday evening, more than half of the partys Senate caucus had called on Menendez to give up his seat. The charges against Menendez, who is up for reelection next year, come at a fraught moment for the narrow Senate Democratic majority, which is facing an uphill battle to keep control of the chamber in 2024. Though New Jersey is a reliably blue state on the national level, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy won a second term in 2021 by only three points, giving Republicans some reason for optimism particularly if Menendez is on the ballot while under indictment. Senate Democratic leadership has mostly taken a wait-and-see approach with Menendez, but Michigans Gary Peters, the chair of the partys campaign arm, said on social media late Tuesday afternoon that Menendez was no longer able to serve effectively and urged him to resign. In a long and detailed statement, Booker referenced a previous case that Menendez ultimately beat, noting that Senator Menendez is again facing a federal indictment, one that contains shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving, Booker concluded. Booker broke his silence after similar calls from rank-and-file Senate Democrats, including Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jon Tester of Montana and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, who all face competitive reelection races next year. While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe its best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down, Baldwin said in a statement Tuesday morning. Tester echoed Baldwins concerns, saying in a statement that Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate. Rosen called the charges Menendez is facing a distraction that undermines the bipartisan work we need to do in the Senate for the American people. Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and John Hickenlooper of Colorado joined their colleagues appeals later in the day. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was the first to call for Menendezs resignation over the weekend. His office has said he will return $5,000 in donations his campaign received from Menendezs political action committee last cycle. Other senators who have called for Menendez to resign include Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, who are both considered vulnerable for reelection next year. Menendez received some tepid support from others, including Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Tim Kaine of Virginia and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who all pointed to either the unfolding legal process or suggested that New Jersey voters should have the last word. Its up to the people of New Jersey, New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan said. Theyll be making a decision in the next few months. Menendez pushes back Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for the senators influence. Prosecutors allege the bribes included gold, cash, home mortgage payments, compensation for a low-or-no-show job and a luxury vehicle. Menendez on Tuesday would not say whether he would run for reelection. Im here to do the work for the people of New Jersey, he told CNN when asked if he would run again. Asked why he wouldnt resign, he told reporters: Because Im innocent. Whats wrong with you guys? The senator was defiant against the calls for his resignation in an appearance Monday, accusing those who rushed to judgment of doing so for political expediency. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, Menendez said, referencing the legal battle ahead. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator. A lawyer for Nadine Arslanian Menendez said she denies any wrongdoing and would fight the federal indictment. The New Jersey senator has served in the chamber since 2006 after 13 years in the US House, where he rose to be the No. 3 Democrat. He previously fought off federal bribery and corruption charges that were brought in 2015. Rep. Andy Kim, who represents New Jerseys 3rd Congressional District, announced Saturday that he plans to challenge Menendez in the Democratic primary next year should the incumbent run for reelection. Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, outside New York City, is considering a Democratic primary challenge to the senators son, first-term Rep. Rob Menendez, who won the deep-blue 8th Congressional District last year with heavy support from the local establishment. The younger Menendez said in a statement over the weekend that he had unwavering confidence in his fathers ability to represent New Jersey, despite his federal indictment. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Manu Raju, Morgan Rimmer, Abby Baggini and Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The gunman who opened fire and killed 23 people in a racist shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, in 2019 agreed Monday to pay more than $5 million to the victims and families. Patrick Crusius was given 90 consecutive life sentences in July for the shooting that left 23 dead and another 23 injured. He laid out his intentions for the shooting in a 2,300-word manifesto that targeted Mexicans and Hispanics, saying that his attack would remove the incentives for more migrants to come to the United States. Court documents show that an agreement was reached between Crusius and prosecutors and signed by U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama. The Associated Press reported that there is no indication that Crusius, 25, has any significant assets, after once working at a movie theater. At the time of the attack, Crusius was 21 and had dropped out of community college. Police said he drove more than 700 miles from his home near Dallas to target Hispanics with an AK-style rifle inside and outside the store. He pleaded guilty in February to 90 federal charges, including hate crimes, after the death penalty was taken off the table. But now, Texas prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty in state court. During the sentencing in July, the friends and family of 12 victims made statements, The Texas Tribune reported. Crusiuss attorney said at the time that his clients thinking is at odds with reality, AP reported. Patrick acted with his broken brain cemented in delusions, the attorney told the court at the time. The Associated Press contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An employee at an H-E-B is accused of threatening to kill her co-workers and bomb the store where she worked, according to Texas police and news reports. Maria Martinez, 20, used TextNow to anonymously send threatening text messages to her fellow workers at the grocery store in San Antonio, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KENS. Workers at the store told police Sept. 20 they received a text stating a bomb would go off at 10 a.m. that day, WOAI reported, citing court records. Get ready to be raped and killed today at work, read one of the texts, according to MySanAntonio.com. Show up at work today, the bomb is ready. You all better be here at H-E-B right now, another text on Sept. 22 read, KENS reported. You all will die. I hate you all. Martinez initially told officers she also received the texts, but investigators tracked down the IP address to Martinezs phone provider and home address, police said, according to WOAI. Its unclear if Martinez planned to act on her threats. Officers did not state a motive. Martinez was charged with terroristic threatening, according to court records, which also show she has been released from jail on a $50,000 bond. Grocery store employee fatally shot while petting customers dog, Texas cops say Man tracks down and kills 3 men after dispute at Florida store, then calls 911, cops say Grocery store worker is killed when ex-husband shoots her and himself, Ohio cops say Immigrant-rights advocates are calling on the Biden administration to immediately suspend all deportation flights to Haiti, citing the inconsistencies in its policies and the deteriorating security situation in the gang-ridden Caribbean nation. Immigrants rights organizations from across the country have sent a letter to the administration asking for the deportation flights to stop and decrying the administrations refusal to implement a November 2022 call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to suspend the forced return of Haitians to their country. We believe that silence is not enough, and at this time the government must take a stand, said Shalyn Fluharty, executive director of the Americans for Immigrant Justice. The request from the 74 groups comes on the heels of repeated warnings by both the State Department and U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince for U.S. citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible, and amid continued deportations to Haiti by the U.S., which has recognized that the country is unsafe. As a result, the Biden administration has afforded tens thousands of Haitians the legal right to temporarily live and work in the U.S. through a designation of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, and the countrys inclusion in a humanitarian parole program for nationals of Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. In a press conference about the deportations, advocates, most of whom represent South Florida-based organizations, said the U.S. is inconsistent and hypocritical. The U.S. is deporting Haitians at the same time it is asking countries around the globe to support a foreign intervention in Haiti due to the safety issues. It is also deporting Haitians while telling Americans to leave the country as soon as possible. The life of every single Haitian should be valued just as the life of every American as it should be, said Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. A child looks at the camera as Haitians who were deported from the United States line up as they arrive at a hotel where they will be quarantined as a measure against the spread of the new coronavirus, in Tabarre, Haiti, Thursday, April 23, 2020. Since late July, Haiti has seen a resurgence in violence in many metropolitan Port-au-Prince neighborhoods. Despite a truce between the G-9 and G-pep-la, gang coalitions, which led to a lull in violence in the Cite Soleil slum, gangs have expanded their control in other areas. The violence has led to growing tensions in communities such as Tabarre, where the U.S. Embassy was forced to curtail services due to rampant gun violence. The countrys largest hospital, University of Mirebalais, came under a barrage of gunfire at about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. Although none of the 350 patients were injured, the hospitals administration condemned the attack. A known gang leader, Izo 5 Segonn, released a video complaining that an arms shipment he was expecting from the closed Dominican border had been diverted. The attack on the Mirebalais hospital is the latest in a series of attacks on hospitals and health care facilities in Haiti, said William ONeill, the U.N. independent human rights experts on Haiti who has also called for a suspension in deportations to Haiti. These are egregious human rights abuses and those responsible must be brought to justice. Truly deplorable and devastating to a health community already on its knees. READ MORE: Mayorkas says Haitian gangs targeted American personnel, prompting evacuation order Paul Christian Namphy, the program director for the Family Action Network Movement, said those are not conditions that people should be returned to. Gangs have essentially taken over life in Haiti.... Peoples lives are grinding to a halt out of fear, said Gepsie Metellus, the executive director of the Sant La Neighborhood Center. In all good conscience, deportations to Haiti must stop. Vanessa Joseph, an immigration lawyer with Catholic Legal Services, said that given the United States historical commitment to assisting refugees, we cannot ignore the grief and humanitarian concerns associated with these deportation flights. We have heard stories and witnessed the hardships that individuals face upon theyre forced to return to Haiti. And these are real people with real lives who deserve protection, she said. Its the responsibility of the Biden administration to ensure that deportations do not lead to serious harm for those who are returned to Haiti. ... Sending more individuals into such a volatile situation is not a solution. While there have been nine deportation flights since November, Guerline Jozef of the San Diego-based Haitian Bridge Alliance said more than 30,000 Haitians have been deported since President Biden came into office. She noted that the end of this month will mark the two-year anniversary since thousands of Haitian migrants showed up under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas, and many of them were deported back to Haiti. Those same people are still being deported back to Haiti, she said. Haitians detained for deportation stand in a police truck on a border bridge between Dajabon, Dominican Republic, and Haiti, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. The president of the Dominican Republic announced Thursday that he would close all borders with neighboring Haiti starting Friday in response to the construction of a supposed canal on Haitian soil that targets waters from the Massacre River, which runs along the border shared by both countries. Advocates say they have reason to believe that despite the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, the Biden administration intends to send another deportation flight to Haiti before the end of this month. Florida state Rep. Dotie Joseph said given the dire situation in Haiti the administration, the U.S. should adhere to refugee protocols to afford Haitians the same protections as other refugees. It should also authorize Deferred Enforced Departure for Haiti similarly as it has done for other countries, which protects nationals from deportations. I am reiterating the UNHCRs call on member states in the region, hopefully led by the United States to suspend the forced return of Haitians to their country of origin, with a devastating humanitarian and security crisis going on right now, she said.. We recognize the State Departments own findings buttressing their TPS designation for Haiti, with the need to cease deportation. A half-dozen scares in the form of bomb threats against Davis schools and a county library have besieged Yolo County for more than a month, as authorities continue their investigation into the threats and have yet to make any arrests. Tuesday drew Fairfield Elementary School into the crosshairs, as the school delayed its start times for about an hour after receiving emailed bomb threats. The message contained anti-LGBTQ language, said Davis Police Department spokesman Lt. Dan Beckwith. The repeated incidents happened after a Yolo County library employee told a Moms for Liberty speaker in August to leave during an event after the speaker reportedly referred to trans women as biological males. Video clips posted of the ensuing dispute were posted to social media platforms including X, formerly known as Twitter, where some of the clips were viewed more than 1 million times in the following few days. Davis police said in a statement there is no evidence linking local residents and the threats, but that the correlation between the two cannot be ignored as part of the overall criminal investigations. Davis police said officers were collaborating with the FBI to investigate the threats. The FBI declined to comment in what capacity its helping with the investigation, saying its long standing policy has been to neither confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. Fairfield Elementary School referred comments to Davis Joint Unified School District public information officers, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The head of the Yolo County Library system referred questions about their well-being to the Yolo Countys public information officer, who declined to make librarians available because he sought to prioritize the safety and well-being of employees and patrons during this sensitive time. The County of Yolo unequivocally condemns hate crimes and incidents that have cast their shadows over our vibrant community, said Dwight Coddington, a Yolo County spokesman, in a statement. Yolo County supports a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, where understanding and kindness are exemplified and compassion, respect, and empathy are the cornerstones. We want to reassure everyone who calls Yolo County home that our community will continue its dedication to justice and cohesiveness. We must recognize that as a community, we stand stronger when united and that our commitment to fostering an environment that values and respects everyone will not waver. Hate crimes and incidents have no place in Yolo County. Here is a timeline of the recent threats, according to The Sacramento Bees coverage. All of the recent threats were accompanied by anti-LGBTQ hate speech, law enforcement officials have said. Aug. 21 The Mary L. Stephens branch of the Yolo County Library system was targeted with a bomb threat in a note filled with anti-LGBTQ hate speech. Nearby North Davis Elementary School was evacuated. Students were not yet attending classes, as the Davis Joint Unified academic year was not scheduled to start until Aug. 22. Aug. 25 The Davis library received another bomb threat late Friday, according to law enforcement. Aug. 28 The Davis library had to be evacuated after a message warned of a bomb. Students at nearby North Davis Elementary and Davis Senior High School were briefly ordered to shelter in place, according to the school district. Wednesday Davis and Yolo County authorities cleared bomb threats sent in an email to Cesar Chavez Elementary, Oliver Wendell Homes Junior High and Davis Senior High. The Davis library was also once again targeted, authorities said. Monday Martin Luther King Jr. High School, North Davis Elementary, Birch Lane Elementary and the Davis School for Independent Study, as well as the Davis library once again, received an email threatening a bomb would explode. The schools started late, and the threat was ultimately cleared. Tuesday Fairfield Elementary, the oldest public school in the district, started about one hour late from its normal start time after an emailed bomb threat targeted the school. There was no bomb found by police. Hallsville Superintendent John Downs will retire at the end of the school year, he said in a news release. He has been superintendent since 2016, starting in Hallsville as an elementary music teacher 23 years ago in 1997. Notably, he was superintendent in 2017 when the school district achieved voter approval of its first operating levy increase in 30 years. Subsequently, the school district secured two of the largest bond issues in its history, for $7 million in 2018 and $6 million in 2022. Hallsville in 2022-23 joined Harrisburg and Sturgeon school district in Boone County in moving to a four-day school week. Since he started as superintendent in 2016, the operating fund balance increased from 11% of annual spending to an estimated 49% in 2024. The base salary of teachers has increased by $7,000 since he started as superintentendent. He started his teaching career in Akron, Ohio, before starting in Hallsville. His bachelor's degree is from Kent State University in Ohio. He has a master's degree from Miami University and an educational specialist degree from the University of Missouri. As superintendent, he has served on the Missouri School Improvement Program Advisory Council, Regional Educational Laboratory Governing Board, as president of the Boone County Schools Mental Health Coalition and faculty member of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy. Downs became Lead Teacher in Hallsville in 2002, then director of curriculum and instruction and assistant superintendent. It has been an honor and privilege to serve our students, staff and community for so many years," Down said in a news release. "The Hallsville school community has been like a second family to me for nearly three decades, and the relationships I have made and developed over that time are incredibly important to me. It's comforting to reach the end of my career knowing the district is set on a trajectory for continued student success. The Board of Education will begin the search for a new superintendent soon and intends to partner with a superintendent search agency to find the best quality leader for the district. Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He on X at @rmckinney9. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: John Downs helped Hallsville pass 2017 operation levy increase Film and television writers appear poised to return to work, after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios Sunday. However, Hollywood isnt back in action quite yet. Even as writers prepare to head back to work, thousands of actors with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union remain on strike, keeping much of the industry at a standstill. Heres where the writers strike is now and what happens next in Hollywood: WGA suspends picketing after reaching tentative agreement The WGA suspended picketing Sunday after reaching a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the group that represents studios, streaming services and production companies in negotiations. The details of the agreement have yet to be released, but the Writers Guild touted the deal as exceptional in a statement Sunday. What we have won in this contractmost particularly, everything we have gained since May 2ndis due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days, the WGA said. We can say, with great pride, that this deal is exceptionalwith meaningful gains and protections for writers in every sector of the membership, the union added. Members remain on strike as deal awaits ratification Even though a tentative deal has been reached and picketing has been suspended, writers remain on strike and are not yet able to return to work. To be clear, no one is to return to work until specifically authorized to by the Guild. We are still on strike until then, WGA said, adding, Instead, if you are able, we encourage you to join the SAG-AFTRA picket lines this week. The union noted Sunday that it is still finalizing the language of the contract, which will ultimately need to be ratified by its 11,500 members. WGA leadership is tentatively scheduled to vote on moving forward with ratification and ending the strike Tuesday. If the leadership votes in favor of both items, writers would be allowed to return to work while the ratification process is ongoing. Daytime, late-night talk shows appear poised to return Daytime and late-night talk shows, which dont require actors, appear poised to return shortly if the WGA deal is finalized. Late-night shows led by the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers could resume as soon as the first or second weeks of October, according to Variety. Their daytime counterparts including The Drew Barrymore Show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Talk are similarly expected to return by the second week of October, Deadline reported. Ongoing actors strike to keep much of Hollywood at standstill While talk shows may return, much of Hollywood will likely remain at a standstill as the actors strike continues. SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA on the picket lines in July, after failing to reach an agreement with the studios. The actors union congratulated the Writers Guild on its agreement Sunday but emphasized that their own negotiations are still ongoing. While we look forward to reviewing the WGA and AMPTPs tentative agreement, we remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members, SAG-AFTRA said in a statement. We remain on strike in our TV/Theatrical contract and continue to urge the studio and streamer CEOs and the AMPTP to return to the table and make the fair deal that our members deserve and demand, it added. The actors union and the studios have not met in more than two months after the studios made a strategic decision to focus their efforts on negotiations with the WGA, The New York Times reported. With the end of the writers strike in sight, all eyes are now on SAG-AFTRA. However, no talks are currently scheduled between the union and the studios, according to the Times. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Robert Pantons life sentence was cut short after 30 years when a federal judge declared him fully rehabilitated and reduced his sentence to time served. But Pantons good turn in the criminal justice system didnt help him with immigration authorities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August denied Pantons request for a stay of removal to Jamaica amid an outpouring of support from his community and Democrats in New Yorks congressional delegation, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Reps. Jerry Nadler and Adriano Espaillat. That high level support followed Pantons work behind bars and his success as a community leader in a relatively short time as a free man. It seems like ICE didnt care one way or another what I was doing with my community, Panton said. So that was kind of shocking, that a person would be moving forward, forward, forward like if theres a real benefit in there, and not a danger [to the] community. My crime was nonviolent crime, it was my first felony offense, first offense period. And still theyre pushing. Panton is scheduled for a check-in with ICE Wednesday, and ICE often uses those check-ins to apprehend people with orders of deportation. If he is detained, it wont be his first time under ICE custody. Following his release from jail, Panton was immediately detained by ICE and held for 10 months until April 2021. Since then, he has launched a campaign to mentor at-risk youth, volunteered in other similar programs, mentored youth working their first summer jobs and advocated for immigration reform. Panton also runs a suicide prevention hotline that forwards directly to his cell phone. His 1994 conviction for one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin came with a life sentence at the time because of mandatory sentencing guidelines that are no longer in the books. At the time, he was a Golden Gloves boxer whod quit the circuit after a hand injury sustained in a car accident where he was a taxi passenger. But Panton saw himself going to college, like his two sisters, until his arrest. So what I started doing is say, You know what? Im gonna do exactly what I would do if I was out there. Im gonna start trying to progress and do something.' In prison, Panton got a college degree and a paralegal certificate and started a youth program called The Slow Down program. When he was arrested, Panton was a legal permanent resident who had arrived at age 4 from Jamaica. Legal permanent residents, or green card holders, can lose their residency or their right to renew their green cards over a host of felonies, including drug crimes. But Panton, who doesnt remember Jamaica and has never returned there, said his behavior for good or ill is a product of his U.S. upbringing. Anything Ive done that was a mistake, an error in my behavior as a child growing up, I learned it here. I didnt learn it nowhere else, he said. Returning to Jamaica would mean separation from his children and grandchildren, on top of abandoning some of his charitable work. This is the only country I know. So in actuality theyd be throwing me to the wolves and Id be trying to figure it out as I go, you know what I mean? And thats the honest assessment of it, said Panton. Advocates supporting Pantons case are stunned that his appeals to ICE seem to have fallen on deaf ears, even with a mounting collection of attenuating circumstances. Pantons request for deferred action was nearly 100 pages long, including letters of support from his family and community organizations, and the order from District Judge Loretta Preska resentencing Panton. There can be no doubt that Mr. Panton has fully rehabilitated himself, and there is no need for further incarceration to protect the public from additional crimes by Mr. Panton, wrote Preska. That push was accompanied by pressure from congressional offices for ICE to consider deferred action. The agencys response was a boilerplate denial, according to advocates familiar with the case. ICE did not return a request for comment on this story. For advocates, Pantons case raises questions about ICEs capacity to process cases with substantial, sometimes life or death, human consequences. For Panton, who is afraid of life far away from his nine grandchildren with another on the way, ICEs demeanor shows a lack of direction. So if they was to get out of the fact that just being an institution, and looking at things as our job is to deport, our job is to deport, well then, I dont think thats their mandate to just deport. I think their mandate is to actually look at what benefits the country, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Health Ministry clarified its announcement on the rules pertaining to women with medical education during martial law. Earlier in September, President Volodymyr Zelensky 's parliamentary representative, Fedir Venislavskyi, said women with a medical or pharmaceutical education must register at military enlistment offices from the beginning of October. This implied that these women, like Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60, would not be permitted to leave the country during martial law without special permission. The Health Ministry clarified in a statement issued on Sept. 26 that there have been no changes in the rules for women traveling abroad, including for those with a medical education. The ministry said it recognized that many were "worried by the statements," but that women may continue to "freely cross the state border," regardless of whether or not they are registered with the military. According to the Health Ministry, women aged 18 to 60 with a medical or pharmaceutical education have been required to be on the military register since 1992. As such, women with such backgrounds have until the end of 2026 to register with the relevant authorities. However, the ministry said the "majority of female doctors and female pharmacists are already registered with the military." The key change announced earlier in September is that female medical and pharmaceutical students will be registered with the military immediately after graduation. The Oct. 1 deadline ensures that educational institutions submit a list to the relevant military enlistment office at least two months before the end of students' studies. "Military registration is not the same as mobilization," the Health Ministry explained, as the registration system is used to assess the available reserve of doctors, and does not mean automatic enlistment. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian Black Sea Fleet commander killed in Sevastopol strike; Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Boiler makers are set to be handed sales targets for heat pumps despite Rishi Sunak s pledge to adopt a more proportionate approach to net zero. Ministers plan to press ahead with controversial plans which will see manufacturers face hefty fines from next year if they fail to install enough systems. Critics have said the proposals amount to a new tax on households and warned firms will simply pass the costs of penalties onto consumers via higher bills. Downing Street is also poised to recommit to similar binding targets on car makers despite pushing the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles back to 2035. Mr Sunak announced last week that he was significantly relaxing the planned bans on oil and gas boilers over growing concerns about the cost of net zero. The Prime Minister acknowledged that many people cannot afford to make the switch to heat pumps, which can cost up to 15,000 to purchase and install. But ministers have not dropped corresponding plans to introduce tough new targets for sales of the pricey electric systems, which will come into force in April. Manufacturers will be set a quota, calculated as a proportion of their gas boiler installations, and face being fined 5,000 for every one they fall short by. The decision means that the industry overall faces having to shift around 75,000 heat pumps next year, a figure which will rise to 110,000 in 2025-26. Quotas to soar After that the number will ratchet up rapidly to hit the Governments aim of achieving and then sustaining 600,000 annual installations from 2028-29. The plans, which have faced criticism from Conservative backbenchers and industry, would cost businesses 59m a year according to Whitehall. Sir John Redwood, the Tory MP for Wokingham, said the proposals amounted to a tax on the gas boiler to force families into adopting heat pumps. He warned: Its not a good way to proceed. You dont need to subsidise and regulate to get people to buy things which are good and affordable. Markets work pretty well and people make good decisions for themselves and its not the job of the Government to tell them theyre making the wrong ones. Setting arbitrary targets is not a good idea. Its premature to start imposing burdens on companies when the public dont want to buy them. Mike Foster, chief executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, said the Prime Ministers promises were unravelling because Whitehall is wedded to old targets. He said: We now know the logic the Government is going to follow. It wont ban people from having a gas or oil boiler but it plans to price them out of doing so. Boiler manufacturers are going to be penalised for not putting heat pumps into homes when they are unaffordable for the vast majority of people. They will end up recouping the fine from the consumer by putting their prices up. Thats a real slap in the face for the least well off in our communities. I think people are going to get really angry when they realise that the reset that was promised by the Prime Minister doesnt materialise in reality. A spokesman for the net zero department said the proposals, called the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, will provide industry with the incentive and certainty to invest in heat pumps, to help make them a more affordable and attractive choice for families across the country. Even cheaper for families Were making it even cheaper for families to install a heat pump which we expect will encourage further take up, and the schemes targets will be achievable, providing manufacturers with flexible options to help meet our net zero ambitions, he added. The Government is also sticking by mandatory sales targets for electric vehicles despite Mr Sunak watering down the ban on petrol and diesel cars. That decision means half of new motors sold in the UK will have to be electric within five years, with manufacturers facing fines if they fall short of their quotas. The Prime Minister delayed the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 last week after admitting the country is not ready for the switch. In his speech, Mr Sunak said the charging system is not yet truly nationwide and that small businesses are worried about the practicalities of net zero policies. The Telegraph understands that ministers will confirm the policy within a matter of weeks in their response to a consultation of businesses. 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 grand jury indicted 17 Hells Angels and associates in a hate crime beating, California authorities reported. In June, the gang chased and beat three Black men ages 19, 20 and 21 in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego after one possibly spoke to a bikers girlfriend, the San Diego County District Attorneys Office said in a news release. The Hells Angels used racial epithets and told the men they didnt belong there, prosecutors said. One man escaped, but the gang punched and kicked another until he fell unconscious from a sucker punch to the head, prosecutors said. Bikers beat the third man until he was helpless, then one Hells Angel stabbed him in the sternum with a pocket knife, authorities said. District Attorney Summer Stephan called it a hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack in the release. After an investigation, police arrested the 17 Hells Angels and associates Sept. 21, prosecutors said. Authorities said they also found 42 illegal firearms and illegal drugs. Fourteen are accused of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, with 11 also facing hate crime charges. Three face charges of helping one of the attackers flee. Some face up to life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said. The Hells Angels are an international outlaw motorcycle gang with chapters across California and an active chapter in San Diego County, officials said. Golf cart driver holding dog leads cops on slow, 10-mile chase, California police say Intoxicated homeowner opens fire on imaginary burglars, California police say Starbucks clash ends with woman shot in eye by rubber bullet, California cops say In Central and Eastern Kentucky, one in six people are unsure where they will get their next meal. At Gods Pantry, our mission is to reduce hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. With the assistance of many government initiatives, hundreds of partners, and thousands of donors, we serve our communities by providing nearly 100,000 meals every single day. This would not be possible without a comprehensive federal farm bill. As we observe Hunger Action Month, we must recognize the vital role that the farm bill plays in tackling food insecurity in our communities. The farm bill is not just another piece of legislation; it is the cornerstone of our efforts to provide access to nutritious food for Kentuckians facing hunger. The 2023 Farm Bill presents a unique opportunity for us to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors who are struggling with hunger. This comprehensive legislation governs numerous nutrition and agriculture programs and serves as a catalyst for collaboration between food banks and government initiatives to support families and individuals in need. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the farm bill on our operations. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) work in conjunction with Gods Pantry and our hunger-relief network to provide essential aid to those experiencing hunger. Gods Pantrys CSFP is the second-largest food bank-supported program in the nation, second only to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Gods Pantry, along with Feeding America, is urging Congress to strengthen these critical nutrition programs through the 2023 Farm Bill. This includes increased funding for TEFAP to aid people facing hunger and support the U.S. agricultural economy. Strengthen the TEFAP Farm to Food Bank Program by allocating more resources to support local growers and producers. Protect the purchasing power of SNAP by ensuring that benefits align with grocery prices and providing adequate support during challenging economic times. Provide better support for individuals seeking employment by adequately funding and improving state employment and training programs and reauthorize and streamline CSFP by reducing administrative burdens for program participants and increasing overall efficiency by streamlining reporting requirements. We must ensure that everyone in Kentucky and the United States, regardless of their race, background, or ZIP code, can access the food and resources required to thrive. It is imperative for lawmakers to come together across party lines and pass a bipartisan 2023 Farm Bill that prioritizes food bank support and the health of the people we serve. The farm bill is not merely a political matter; it is a moral imperative for our society. This Hunger Action Month, let us reaffirm our vision of a nourished life for every Kentuckian. We call upon our lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the 2023 Farm Bill, incorporating the recommendations outlined above. Together, we can reduce hunger and build stronger, more resilient communities. To learn more about Gods Pantry Food Bank, please visit godspantry.org. Michael Halligan is the CEO of Gods Pantry Food Bank. As a Republican operative who played a humble role in the election of the last three conservative justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, I have some thoughts on the proposed push to impeach Justice Janet Protasiewicz. As a regional director in the WOW counties (Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington) I did my part to help Rebecca Bradley defeat JoAnne Kloppenberg in 2016. In 2017 as grassroots director I was witness to the layup that was Chief Justice Annette Zieglers victory. And in 2019, I was part of the team that poured heart and soul to seeing Brian Hagedorn win a seemingly impossible race. It has been the labor of my professional life to see a conservative majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. However it is exactly the principles of small government conservatism that drives me to oppose the impeachment of Protasiewicz. Voters spoke in decisive fashion on Wisconsin Supreme Court race Make no mistake, despite my wish for Dan Kelly to reclaim his spot on the court, he was defeated in a free and fair election. The voters of Wisconsin spoke in decisive fashion, and their will ought to be respected. It is this logic that from afar in 2010 and 2012 led me to respect former Gov. Scott Walker. He was duly elected, and committed no act that justified the futile, 2012 recall attempt. That someone who was on the receiving end of an abuse of the political process could now lend his name to a similar proposed abuse is galling. Protasiewicz has not ruled on a case. And the excuse that she was obviously supported by partisan Democrats is no excuse when the three justices I worked to support were openly supported by the state GOP. GOP impeachment threat is reprehensible: Robin Vos wants to cancel the votes of more than a million Wisconsinites There is a disease that has afflicted right wing politics since President Obamas re-election in 2012. The belief that outcomes are rigged against those right of center has become an article of faith. If its not the media its the university system brain washing children. And if its not Madison thats hopelessly tilting the state its voter fraud amongst those people in Milwaukee. President Ronald Reagan had confidence in power of Republican ideas Back in the days of Reagan and Bush, we had confidence in the power of our ideas to win. That confidence was once shared by individuals like Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who to his credit stood up against the machinations of those who attempted to overturn the 2020 election. Unfortunately many of those individuals are silent in the face of the MAGA mob, or worse attempt to placate the mob. This is not the GOP I joined as a teenager, and it is not the GOP that can win the confidence of Wisconsinites as it did just 7 short years ago. Impeachment threat has no merit in law. That won't stop Robin Vos from trying. In the home state of its birth, the Republican Party has a choice I fear has already been made. We can choose to respect the process and will of the voters, let the natural effect of hard left wing policies play out, and reclaim power at the ballot box. Or we can take the path of Viktor Orban in Hungary and other strongmen and use victory at all cost as our North Star. The latter course always ends in tears for all involved, including those who would attempt to bend the moral arc of the universe against justice and right. Republicans can win again in Wisconsin, but not if they choose to impeach Protasiewicz. If they take that course 2024 will see Wisconsin once again turn blue, and they will have only themselves to blame. Carlton Huffman is the former grassroots director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin GOP will give state to Democrats in 24 if they impeach justice A Miami-Dade high school student has made history as the first student to skip two grades at the secondary level. Janiya Baker finished her freshman year at Homestead Senior High School in the spring and began her senior year in August. Congratulations to our very own Janiya Baker on being recognized for being the first student in MDCPS HISTORY to jump from 9th grade to 12th grade. Congratulations Janiya! You are going to do great things @suptdotres @mdcpssouth #broncopride #exit1 pic.twitter.com/lXnffCI69l Homestead Senior High School (@HomesteadSHS) August 22, 2023 The school district spokeswoman, Gabby Acosta, said Miami-Dade is the third-largest school district in the nation, according to the Miami Herald. Bakers mother, Jasmine Gary, said the history-making news did not excite her daughter. The proud mother learned of her 16-year-old advancement after a visit to the school. After looking at her school credits, her parents and principal agreed on her graduating early. Shes so humble, Gary said. Shes like that. Shes quiet. She never tells us when she gets awards. Shes just focused on accomplishing her goals. Shaundrea Dixon, a three-year college adviser at Homestead Senior High School, said she believes Baker will succeed in college. Her work ethic speaks volumes. My biggest concern would be time management, but shes already mastered that, so I have no doubt in my mind that shell do great in college. Shes already taking advanced classes and getting As, Dixon said. Shes constantly impressing me. Baker started her academic advancement in seventh grade. At the time, she would finish her classwork and homework during school hours. After school, she would spend time studying for tests but often found herself with too much time on her hands. In seventh grade, Barker took her first high school science class physical science. In eighth grade, she took two more upperclassmen courses, biology and geometry. After that, she took more during ninth grade at Florida Virtual School. I think the skipping grades just happened, Baker said. At one point, I thought I could skip a grade, but I didnt realize I could be a senior so fast. Her plans are to own a plus-size fashion line. She will major in business at Florida International University after graduating. Ive had that dream for a long time, she said. I first thought of it in elementary school. SIMI VALLEY, Calif. Republican presidential challengers will face each other on the debate stage for a second time on Wednesday, also with notable absences this time around. Former President Trump will be skipping the debate yet again, opting to address United Auto Worker members in Michigan. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not make the stage this time, failing to meet the polling threshold needed to qualify. The Hills Julia Manchester will be covering tomorrows debate from Simi Valley. Heres what you need to know: Who will be there: Participating in tomorrow nights debate are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence , former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. More on who is set to be on stage here. What are the stakes: The debate presents another opportunity for the candidates to make their case in front of a national audience. Julia reports that the stakes are particularly high for DeSantis, who has yet to catch up to Trump in the polls, as some polls show Haley and Ramaswamy catching up to his second place spot. Haley, Ramaswamy and Pence will be able to build on what many called strong debate performances in Milwaukee, which led to increase interest. Christie will have the chance to show off his strong debate skills, while hitting directly at Trump. As for Burgum, this may be one of his last chances to sell his candidacy and vision to a national audience as he struggles to gain any traction in polling. How to watch: Time: 9pm ET/6pm PT Channel: Fox Business Network and Univision. The Republican National Committee will also stream the forum on Rumble. Moderators: Fox News Medias Dana Perino, Stuart Varney and Univisions Ilia Calderon. And be sure to check The Hills media reporter Dominick Mastrangelos interview with Varney and Perino. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton s official portrait was unveiled Tuesday at the State Department, accompanied by glowing remarks from Secretary of State Antony Blinken . The walk to the secretarys office on the seventh floor is a little bit awe-inspiring down that wood-paneled mahogany row, surrounded by portraits of our predecessors, most of them looking a little bit severe, many with some pretty imaginative facial hair, and all but three of them white men, said Blinken in remarks before the unveiling. And now, beginning today, another secretary will join this esteemed group. A secretary who helped transform American diplomacy for the 21st century, Blinken said, introducing Clinton. Blinken lauded Clintons work on behalf of women, girls and the LGBTQ community, among other accomplishments during her tenure and praised her for calling out Russian President Vladimir Putin for who he really is, from the start. Beyond any part of the world, the secretary saw that to be more effective, diplomacy needed to widen its aperture, Blinken said. Clinton served as secretary of State during the Obama administration. She is also a former first lady, as the wife of former President Bill Clinton , and became the first woman elected as a U.S. senator from New York as well as the first first lady to win a federal office. She ran for the White House in 2016 and won the Democratic nomination, becoming the first woman to secure a major partys presidential nomination. Secretary Clinton, your leg of the race helped revitalize the power and the purpose of American diplomacy. It reminded the world of who America is and what we stand for, and helped us achieve our mission, Blinken said. In her own remarks before the portrait unveiling, Clinton underscored the importance of American commitment to diplomacy and development, and praised the continuation of a lot of the values and priorities that we worked on in the Biden administration. Expanding NATO, facing down Russian aggression, managing the challenges from China using creative diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, she listed with an aside to Russias leader on the NATO point that Vladimir, you brought it on yourself. She also quipped that it had been a while since shed seen the official portrait, between COVID, between not wanting to finish it during the prior administration, prompting laughs with a jab toward former President Trump, whom she lost the 2016 presidential race to. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Wearing a UAW cap and holding a bullhorn, President Joe Biden on Tuesday told striking autoworkers they have every right to demand more of automakers, marking what was believed to be the first time that a sitting American president joined workers on a picket line. It came during a brief in-person show of solidarity by Biden, who spent about 10 minutes with striking UAW workers at General Motors' Willow Run Redistribution Center in Van Buren Township, where the automaker stores and distributes parts. But it still marked a bit of history as the president who has always been quick to voice his support for unions walked the line and stood beside UAW President Shawn Fain. Reminding workers that they helped save the auto industry with their sacrifices more than a decade ago, Biden said workers should ask for more now. "They (the automakers) are doing incredibly well and, guess what, you should be doing incredibly well, too," he said. "Wall Street didn't build the country. The middle class built the country. And unions built the middle class; that's a fact," said Biden in a comment he has made many times before. Autoworkers took reductions in 2009 when the federal government intervened to help save General Motors and Chrysler, now part of Stellantis. Biden was President Barack Obama's vice president at the time. Fain, who up until last week has urged the president to keep his distance from negotiations, also spoke to striking workers, thanking the president for showing his overt support. "Thank you, Mr. President, for coming ... to stand up with us in our generation's defining moment," he said. "Thank you for being part of this fight." Biden rested his left arm around a woman on the picket line as he listened to Fain rally workers. Fain characterized Biden's visit as historic and invoked the union's own past in describing the location of the president's visit. It's where the B-24 Liberator Bombers were built to help the U.S. win World War II, Fain said. "So today, 80 years later, we find ourselves here again with the arsenal of democracy," he said. "It's a different kind of arsenal of democracy and it's a different kind of war we're fighting. Today, the enemy isn't some foreign country miles away. It's right here in our own area. Its corporate greed." Biden closed out the event with a final word of encouragement for those on strike. "You deserve what you've earned and you've earned a hell of a lot more than youre getting paid now," he said before making his way around the picket line to fist bump workers as John Mellencamp's song "Small Town" blared. Asked whether striking workers should receive a 40% increase in pay, Biden said, "Yes, I think they should be able to bargain for that," according to an official White House transcript of the exchange. GM, in a statement following Biden's visit, said it had presented five record contracts and "nobody wins" when it comes to the impact of a strike. "Our focus is not on politics but continues to be on bargaining in good faith with the UAW leadership to reach an agreement as quickly as possible that rewards our workforce and allows GM to succeed and thrive into the future," the company said in a statement. Biden's visit came a day before Trump set to speak in Michigan Willow Run is one of the parts distribution centers workers struck last Friday as Fain and the UAW expanded their job action against the Detroit Three automakers. Following the short event, Biden was driven back to Detroit Metro Airport, where he was expected to fly to events in California and Arizona. President Joe Biden listens to UAW president Shawn Fain speak with workers picketing at General Motors Willow Run Redistribution in Van Buren Township on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, during a stop in Michigan. Biden addressed workers as the UAW strike approaches its third week. And his trip to Michigan an anchor in the industrial Midwest and a key electoral battleground state came a day before former President Donald Trump is expected to appear in the state. Trump, who is running for reelection, is expected to speak at a nonunion plant in Macomb County on Wednesday night at the same time as a Republican presidential debate in California. Fain last week encouraged Biden to show solidarity with striking workers in an address to union members, saying those who support their demands "from friends and families all the way up to the president of the United States" can join the picket line. Within several hours of Fain's invitation, Biden announced he would travel to Michigan to do just that. Siding with organized labor, Biden bucked a tradition of sitting presidents staying out of contract fights between companies and unions. It was a decision that comes with some risk, especially if voters become unsympathetic to the union's demands or the strike or its economic effects widen. Still, the president clearly saw a path forward for both sides to emerge from negotiations with terms worth celebrating. "It's time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs," Biden wrote on the social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, last week. Biden has said he's the most pro-union president in U.S. history and his appearance Tuesday gave the president an opportunity to demonstrate in action not just words those pro-union credentials. "Presidents have attended labor rallies and for generations candidates began their campaigns in Cadillac Square in Detroit but that's very different than standing in front of plant on a picket line," said Harley Shaiken, a labor expert and professor emeritus at the University of California-Berkeley. "This just wasn't done. ... There is something symbolic and substantive about Joe Biden's appearance." Marlese Davenport, 59, of Canton, said her word for the day, with President Biden visiting as her group was picketing, was amazing. He spoke to us, and it was awesome, she said, noting that Biden is the second president after Obama that shes seen in person. To have him here supporting us ... he was on the front line. Davenport said Biden talked about the things that the workers had lost over the years and that it was time to get that back. Biden came to my house ... my front porch, she said of the facility where she works as a union benefits representative. Thats how you let people know you have their back ... we know were not being overlooked. Being on the picket line means dealing with the elements, like the 18 mosquito bites she recently counted, but people come together, she said, noting that union members had cut the grass in the area because it had gotten so tall. Kristy Zometsky, 44, of Detroit, said the presidents visit was a historic moment. She got to shake Biden's hand during his visit. It was a great honor, Zometsky said, of Biden's decision to come to this GM facility near Willow Run airport. She noted that parts facilities don't get the same amount of attention as places like assembly plants. "It shows that he's supporting the union and us getting the contracts we deserve," she said. "For him to come out here shows he appreciates the work we do," said Zometsky, who works as a reach driver. Auto strike, presidential politics collide heading into 2024 Autoworkers launched their strike against the Detroit Three earlier this month when they walked off the job at assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio and Missouri, demanding better pay and benefits, shorter work hours and more job security as the auto industry makes a transition toward making more electric vehicles. Last week, the UAW expanded its strike, from what had been three plants to targeting 38 parts distribution centers at General Motors and Stellantis. Ford Motor Co., however, was not targeted in the strike expansion as Fain cited progress with the automaker. Ford issued a statement after Biden's visit, reaffirming its focus on reaching a deal. "Ford and the UAW are going to be the ones to solve this by finding creative solutions to tough issues together at the bargaining table. We have a shared interest in the long-term viability of the domestic auto industry, the industrial Midwest and good-paying manufacturing jobs in the U.S.," the company said. President Joe Biden speaks with workers picketing at General Motors Willow Run Redistribution in Van Buren Township on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, during a stop in Michigan. Biden, meanwhile, hopes to repeat his electoral success in Michigan next year to keep him in the White House. He defeated Trump in 2020 in the state by nearly 3 percentage points, after Trump had won it in 2016 over Hillary Clinton. So it's no surprise that both candidates are making overtures to autoworkers, an important voting bloc and one that can signal support to other unions. In Trump's last visit to Michigan, the former president bashed efforts, including Biden's, to support the auto industry's transition to electric vehicles, or EVs. "This maniacal push to all-electric cars is killing the United States, killing Michigan," Trump said in a speech at an Oakland Country Republican Party dinner in June. On Tuesday, before Biden's landing in Michigan, the former president, who is running for reelection, put out another statement saying, "The only thing Biden could say today that would help the striking autoworkers is to announce the immediate termination of his ridiculous (electric vehicles) mandate. Anything else is just a feeble and insulting attempt to distract American labor from this vicious Biden betrayal." Biden has staked out a difficult position with the union, given his administration and the Democratic Party have made the transition to EVs a priority and that those vehicles typically require fewer workers. But Biden unlike Trump has said he thinks union workers should make those vehicles, even if his administration can't mandate that. And Trump has been silent on autoworkers' demands for better pay and benefits; in his first run for president, he also suggested that auto jobs should be moved to states where workers would be paid less to put downward pressure on wages elsewhere. That said, Trump did take some actions while in office, such as threatening tariffs on imported autos and renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, that were intended to be beneficial to U.S. autoworkers. While Fain invited Biden to come to Michigan, he didn't roll out the welcome mat for Trump. "Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers," Fain said in a statement last week. The UAW has not yet endorsed a candidate for the 2024 presidential race, saying that Biden needed to earn the union's backing. Fain's remarks on Tuesday, however, certainly suggested he was grateful to the president for taking such a historic step. Speaking to reporters after the president left the GM parts facility, Fain said the union and the automakers are still talking but that progress has been difficult, including with Ford. "Were moving with all three companies still. Its slower, but its bargaining," he said. "Some days you feel like you make two steps forward, the next day you take a step back. Things are moving, but we just have to see. We analyze every day. Well just see how things proceed and well keep going." "Well get there one way or another. We may have to amp up the pressure. I mean thats up to them," he said. Asked about when a decision on possibly further expanding the strike could come, Fain indicated that it could come at any time. We just have to reflect where we are every day. We basically take an assessment as we have talks and see where we are. We could take action tonight. We could wait until the end of the week. Thats the beauty of the situation were in right now. We have a lot of options, and well use those options when we feel like we need to, he said. On the subject of Trumps visit, Fain said I find it odd hes going to go to a nonunion business to talk to union workers. I dont think he gets it. Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: President Biden visits picket line at GM's Willow Run amid UAW strike For the first time since Cuba allowed its citizens to own private enterprises in 2021, a large group of about 70 Cuban entrepreneurs some already selling millions of dollars in products and services on the island have come to Miami to learn from successful Cuban Americans how to improve their businesses and hear from U.S. officials how to navigate the restrictions imposed by the U.S. embargo on the island. The visit comes at a time both the U.S. and Cuban governments have said they are studying ways to provide more support to the private sector, whose sudden growth has taken many by surprise and has been the focus of controversy in Miami. Some Cuban Americans helped plan the trip with renewed hopes that by supporting a thriving business community on the island, they could help change Cuba for the better. The Cuban American community believes that an essential part of a future democratic and prosperous Cuba includes a free enterprise system, said former congressman Joe Garcia, who helped organize the trip and a two-day event at Miami-based law firm Akerman LLP that kicked off Monday with the welcoming words of another former politician: former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez. Garcia, who does consulting for some companies doing business with Cubas private sector, said the basic idea behind the trip is to prove that these enterprises are real and not a front for the Cuban government, as critics in Miami have said. Of course, it can be destroyed tomorrow by the government if it wanted to, just like our regulations could destroy them also because the U.S. is the most natural market for business with Cuba, Garcia told the Herald. The diversity and scale of some of the businesses represented in the Miami event showcase the revival the private sector has been going through since the Cuban government authorized Cubans beginning in 2021 to own small and medium-sized businesses, known as pymes. Since then, some of these companies have become major employers and significant importers of food and other essential goods at a time when the Cuban state is broke, said Aldo Alvarez, whose own company, Mercatoria, has been importing large quantities of wheat, chicken and cooking oil to sell on the island. What Cubas businesses want from the U.S. The group comprises men and women from various Cuban provinces, some of whom have never been to the United States. They own businesses in several sectors, including transportation, construction, software development, clothes and beauty products and manufacturing. They all appear eager to take advantage of the coveted trip to the United States. Many said they are looking to cut costs and prices by contacting providers directly so they dont have to buy from resellers. Others are searching for a market and partnerships to help them scale their operations. Zoraida Perez Barrera has a small but successful womens and baby clothing business in Santa Clara, a city in central Cuba with 14 employees. Before she created her brand, Zory, and founded her company one of the first approved in 2021 she had been selling hand-made clothes for 15 years as an independent artisan. Now, she believes she may find a market in the United States. Despite the embargo on trade with Cuba, the U.S. allows the import of most goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs. One of the things I hoped for with this trip would be to try to find someone here who would be interested in selling my productions, she said. All of us who are Cuban know how rooted we are in our traditions and I make the traditional newborn arrival clothes. In fact, people who live [in Miami] ask us how to buy the baby clothes. Jose Ignacio Ramos Gamez and Daimara Sevilla Aguilar run a clothes manufacturing business in Havana, making sports and casual clothes, which they sell in their own private shops to other private enterprises and state companies. They have a sewing workshop in Guanabacoa, just outside of Havana, they have recently imported the machines for a second one, and hope to find a partner that wants to make clothes in their new facility. Several entrepreneurs said they are particularly encouraged by news reported by the Miami Herald that the Biden administration is readying to announce new regulations allowing Cuban private entrepreneurs to open bank accounts in the United States something they cant do now because of the U.S. embargo that would make it easier for them to pay providers abroad. I feel super hopeful with all these measures that President Biden is announcing; the bank account news is wonderful, said Nidialys Acosta. She and her husband run Nostalgicar, a vintage car-ride business catering to tourists. We are not asking for money, loans or credit; we are asking for the possibility of carrying out negotiations independently without people having to mediate. Cuban entrepreneurs exchange with members of the Cuban American business community at Akerman offices in Brickell, Miami, on September 26, 2023. While some of the entrepreneurs in Cuba run small operations, others have manufacturing facilities with the latest technologies. DCabellos SURL has its own plant in Camajuani in Villa Clara, where it produces beauty and hygiene products. According to a company press kit, the enterprise has been active since January last year and has sold $2.2 million worth of products. During the Miami event this week, the Cuban business owners heard from Akerman lawyers and U.S. officials from the Departments of State, Treasury and Commerce, who explained the regulations that allow American companies to export goods to the Cuban private sector. Though the embargo generally prohibits any transactions involving Cuba, the Obama administration eased restrictions on transactions if the final beneficiary is a member of the private sector, not the Cuban government. But it is not a straightforward process because it requires navigating the U.S. restrictions and applying for licenses from Treasury and Commerce. And sometimes American companies, like Crowley Maritime, a shipper that sends cargo containers to Cuba, ask companies exporting to the island to obtain additional authorizations because they worry about compliance with the embargo rules, Pedro Freyre, a lawyer with Akerman, said. And much economic activity remains prohibited. Several Cuban business owners asked whether they could open a company in the United States to either sell their products or buy supplies directly from American companies. Thats not allowed by the embargo. What about a Cuban American who wants to have a business in Cuba? Thats also a No, unless the person has permanent residency in Cuba. That might change if the Cuban government approves it. Cuban officials last week told a group of Cuban Americans who were meeting with Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel in New York that they are moving in that direction. Cuba is considering letting Cuban Americans own private businesses on the island Some of the Cuban Americans who met with Diaz Canel were also in Miami meeting this week with the Cuban entrepreneurs, including two of the largest Miami exporters to Cubas private sector: Hugo Cancio, the owner of Katapulk, a marketplace for over a hundred private enterprises, and Ariel Pereda, whose company, Pearl Merchandising & Distribution, first started selling food to Alimport, the Cuban state monopoly, and now is primarily exporting to the private sector. Cuban American businessman Ariel Pereda (left) and Cuban entrepreneur Aldo Alvarez during a panel at Akerman offices in Miami on September 25, 2023. That Cuban businessmen from both sides of the Florida Straits meet, exchange, collaborate and explore joint opportunities in Miami is not only historical, it is the future, Cancio told the Herald. At Katapulk we already collaborate with many of these [Cuban entrepreneurs] present here. Now, we are also exploring investment and partnership opportunities. Changes are going to take time, Pereda said, and the Cuban government bureaucracy still bogs down trade with the private sector. But he urged the entrepreneurs attending the event to do everything by the book to gain the confidence of U.S. companies and banks. Cuban Americans in attendance said they are watching the rise of private business in Cuba and that the U.S. government should do more to support these entrepreneurs. Many remain skeptical about whether the Cuban government will continue to allow private businesses to thrive. since in the past, it has shut down similar efforts, more recently during the Obama era. I always look at these things having to do with Cuba with a grain of salt, Freyre, the Akerman lawyer, said. However, I do think that the economic situation in Cuba has changed the landscape in a very basic way. What has been a pleasant surprise for me is the volume, the level of activity, the inventiveness of the private sector, their persistence. Whether Cuba continues to allow this in the long term we have yet to see, he added. The event is a credible signal that this is not just five people from Havana, but a wide spectrum of businesses, healthcare executive and billionaire Mike Fernandez told the Miami Herald. Fernandez, who gave a keynote speech to the entrepreneurs, said he believes Cubas new private businesses are the beginning of something monumental that it will change Cuba, though he said there is always the threat that Cuba could reverse the process if it finds other ways to resolve its economic crisis. Many Cuban Americans attending the event said they took for granted that the Cuban government, which is known to embed its intelligence agents in groups traveling to the United States, was aware of the discussions happening in the Akerman offices. Fernandez addressed the elephant in the room during his speech to the entrepreneurs with tips on how to succeed as capitalists, joking at one point: How many state security agents are in the room? Israel and coalition Arab forces fought the Yom Kippur War from October 6 to 25, 1973. The war began on Yom Kippur and ended 20 days later. The war is notable for many reasons, but one of the most significant is that it started on the holiest day in Judaism. For nearly 26 hours, Jewish people abstain from food or drink. Instead, they spend the day in prayer. So when Egyptian forces charged through the Sinai Desert, Israeli forces were unprepared. Impacts of the War The Yom Kippur War changed the face of Israel. Before the war, most considered Israel to be an invincible military power. The war showed that Israel was not invulnerable, and it also led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel. For America, the Yom Kippur War was a wake-up call demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East. The Yom Kippur War began on October 6, 1973, when Egypt and Syria attacked Israel. The Egyptian army managed to break through the Sinai Desert and reach the Suez Canal. Syrian troops also made significant gains, occupying parts of the Golan Heights. However, the tide began to turn in Israel's favor after a few days. Israeli reserves quickly mobilized. Within two weeks, Israeli forces regained control of the Sinai and the Golan Heights. A ceasefire was declared on October 25. How did the Yom Kippur War change Israel? The Yom Kippur War had far-reaching consequences for both Israel and her Arab neighbors. Many considered Israel to be impenetrable. The war also led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel. In America, the war served as a wake-up call, demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East. Prior to 1973, American policy in the region focused on containing Soviet influence. After the war, however, it became clear that America needed to pay more attention to the volatile situation in the Middle East. Further, the war showed that Israel was not invulnerable. This led to an increased willingness on the part of Arab states to negotiate with Israel. Ultimately, the war served as a wake-up call, demonstrating the need for a more robust military presence in the Middle East. Golan Heights warning signs in the fields. (Getty Images) How is the Yom Kippur War observed? The Yom Kippur War is an important event in Israeli history. Every year on October 6, Israel commemorates the anniversary of the start of the war. The day is a National Day of Mourning. Schools and businesses are closed on this day, and memorial services are held throughout the country. Memorials have also been erected to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Of course, the most well-known monument is the Menorah at Mount Herzl , which has seven branches representing each Israeli military branch. There is also a national cemetery on Mount Herzl. Many service members who died in the war are buried here. As expected, the war had a significant impact on Israel and its people. Memorial services and monuments serve as a reminder of those who lost their lives. By observing this day every year, Israelis keep alive the memory of one of the darkest days in their country's history. Read more about the war here . Chinese police seized 16.5 tonnes of drugs in the first eight months of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 24.7%, China National Narcotic Control Commission said Tuesday. The police cracked 26,000 cases involving drug crimes and arrested 39,000 suspects during this period, up 10% and 16.4% from the same period of 2022, respectively, the commission told a press conference. China has intensified its crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, drug manufacturing and distribution, and drug-related offenses such as drug driving, the commission said. The police and relevant law enforcement authorities have also stepped up efforts to curb the trafficking of new drugs such as nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and the abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances, according to the commission. Elizabeth Johnson's semi-tractor trailer stands out from the typical flow of highway traffic. The trailer bears striking images of Native women in powwow regalia, one with a red handprint over her mouth, alongside the words: "Invisible No More." For Johnson, a member of the Ho-Chunk Tribal Nation of Nebraska, her message is two-fold: spreading awareness of the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis and serving as a safe haven for any woman who needs help. "If any woman sees my semi-truck and needs help, me and my dog will help you to safety," Johnson told Native News Online. "Knock on my semi-truck door." Johnson is a one-woman show as the owner and sole employee of Ho-Chunk Trucking. She and her dog Delihla spend their days transporting goods in the western United States, mostly between Colorado and Nebraska. For Johnson, the journey to purchasing her trailer and starting her business was deeply personal. Johnson left an abusive relationship in 2017 and purchased her first semi-tractor trailer, using her Silverado pickup truck as collateral. At the time, she was broke and needed a reliable income source. "I told the banker, 'Look, I do look really cute in this truck, but eventually, you'll have to take it back. Or you could let me trade it in and let me buy this semi-trailer for $15,000 more, and I can make some money,'" Johnson said. "She laughed and said, 'Sure. Let's do it.'" After three years of hauling trailers for other companies, Johnson knew it was time to buy her own trailer. In 2020, after purchasing her trailer, she realized that it wasn't just a means to haul goods and make a living; it was a beacon. "If the creator, God, the universe, whatever you choose to believe in didn't have a hand in my business, I don't know who did," Johnson said. 'I knew I did the right thing.' In 2021, Johnson collected images from family and friends in powwow regalia, the most prominent of which is her niece, and began working with a graphics company in North Dakota to bring her vision to life. Within two weeks, the trailer was finished. She arrived to pick up the newly wrapped trailer at dawn. As she describes seeing the trailer for the first time, her voice fills with emotion. "When I turned that corner, it was sitting there, and I just it was breathtaking," she said. "It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. I knew then that I did the right thing." "For all of the abuse I've endured in my life and all of the wrong I ever did, this is the only good thing I could give back to the universe." 'You're still worthy of love. Johnson hopes that her truck helps to educate people who don't know about the MMIP crisis and violence against Native women. While there is no comprehensive data on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People in the United States, the Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates there are as many as 4,200 unsolved MMIP cases. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found that more than 84.3 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, including 56.1 percent who have experienced sexual violence. Johnson is frequently approached by people asking about her truck. "I was in Illinois the other day, and a lady came up to me and said, 'I can you please tell me about your truck and what it means?'" Johnson said. "So I broke it down for her, and she said, 'Oh my god, I never knew.' It gives people the opportunity to get educated.' The most prominent image on the trailer is Johnson's niece, Jalisa Horn, a mother of six who was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road in 2022. Horn crawled for help and survived. Johnson, too, is a survivor of domestic violence and speaks candidly about the abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-husband. "He would make me sit on his lap and hold a knife to my throat," she said. "He told me that if I moved, he would cut my throat." Like many Native people, Johnson experienced apathy when she reported the abuse to law enforcement. "I would be sitting there, black and blue, with a busted lip, and he would tell them [the police] that I was crazy, high on drugs, bipolar and off of my medication or just making trouble, and they would let him go," she said. "I wished that somebody believed me or cared about me enough to say, 'Hey, come here, I'll protect you.'" Those harrowing experiences inspired Johnson to use her truck as a safe place for women who are being abused. She encourages anyone who sees her truck and needs help to approach her. "I'll call 911, and I will drive you away from there," she said. "Just because you're in this life, you know, you can change it. You can do something positive for yourself. It [abuse] doesn't make you garbage. It doesn't make you bad. It doesn't make you unworthy. You're still worthy of love. And to be honored and cherished because you're a woman." Johnson has two and a half years left on the loan for her trailer. Her long-term vision is a fleet of 20 trailers, wrapped with the same arresting images, crisscrossing the nation, hauling goods and carrying the message that the MMIP crisis needs our attention. "That is my ultimate dream," she said. About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. " Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com Jason Lilley talks to the media after the ceremony. West Texas Hero Homes held a ground breaking ceremony in Wolfforth Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, to build a home for U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jason Lilley and his family. West Texas Hero Homes, Inc. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning at the site of the future Lilley Family Home on East 15th Street in Wolfforth. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason Lilley was inspired to serve his country after saving his mother's life at the age of four. The feeling of heroism he experienced that day motivated him to join the military with the aim of helping others, he shared ahead of Monday morning's ceremony. In early 2001, Lilley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Just months into his service, he watched the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America helplessly, knowing he would soon be called to combat to serve his nation. Despite the circumstances, he felt prideful that he would be given the opportunity to fight for justice and help others. After a deployment to Iraq in 2003, Lilley was immediately redeployed with his unit to Okinawa, Japan. While running a physical fitness test Lilley heard a loud and abrupt "pop" in his knee and knew something was wrong. In seeking medical help for the injury, Lilley endured 25 separate operations, including five complete knee replacements, which ultimately ended his military career after he was forced to medically separate from active duty in January 2007. From left, West Texas Homebuilders Association's Clarissa Sanchez, Jason's wife Michelle, Jason Lilley and his children 18-year-old Austin, 17-year-old Mackenzie, and 12-year-old Madison look on. West Texas Hero Homes held a ground breaking ceremony in Wolfforth Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, to build a home for U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jason Lilley and his family. For his fearless service, Lilley received a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Service Medal, among other accolades. After the failed knee surgeries, and a shoulder injury that resulted in unemployment. Lilley spent the last five years hoping to have his leg amputated so he could move on and get back to providing for his family. Lilley underwent amputation surgery in September. Although he knows theres a long journey ahead, hes excited to be able to spend time with his family pain-free. Operation FINALLY HOME along with a local builder were thrilled to provide the Lilley family with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in Lubbock, according to a news release from West Texas Hero Homes. Jason Lilley turns a shovel of soil during a ground breaking ceremony. Behind him is his family, from left, 17-uear-old Mackenzie, 18-year-old Austin, 12-year-old Madison and his wife Michelle Lilley. West Texas Hero Homes held a ground breaking ceremony in Wolfforth Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, to build a home for U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jason Lilley and his family. About West Texas Hero Homes In 2010, the West Texas Home Builders Association (WTHBA) was moved by a presentation by Operation Finally Home at a Texas Association of Builders Sunbelt Builders Show to build a home for a wounded veteran in Lubbock. The WTHBA received donated materials and a lot from the McDougal Company within a month. The home was showcased in the 2011 Parade of Homes and received a lot of community support, leading to the creation of a new charity called West Texas Hero Homes, Inc. West Texas Hero Homes is a non-profit organization that provides homes for military and first responder families in Lubbock, Texas. Since then, West Texas Hero Homes partners with members of the community and WTHBA to build and provide mortgage free homes. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: West Texas Hero Homes breaks ground on house for injured veteran Fort Worth landed major new French, seafood and barbecue restaurants in a remarkably busy summer 2023. But the city also lost some of its favorite restaurants for years, some simply over rent or lease disputes. For example, the bitter end of a longstanding lawsuit pushed The Original Mexican Restaurant to a new location on North Main Street after 93 years on the west side. Heres a look at some of the citys biggest gains and losses in a very busy summer 2023: Pick: Barbecue or French? F1 Smokehouse, 517 University Drive, is a new, flashy West 7th-area barbecue restaurant and bar that started as a Clearfork food truck. Its one of two showy new restaurants that opened within weeks from chef Felipe Armentas FAR Out Hospitality, with menus by TV celebrity chef Graham Elliot. Has any other restaurant partnership ever even attempted this? Within two months, Armenta and Elliot opened both F1 serving smoked prime rib, a bacon-Swiss barbecue burger and pepper Jack queso with brisket and an upscale French restaurant. Le Margot, 3150 S. Hulen St., serves steak frites, an escargot puff-pastry pot pie, mussels and daily sepcials such as coq au vin or bouillabaisse. Far Out now has eight restaurants, including popular local stops such as The Tavern, Pacific Table, Press Cafe and Marias Mexican Kitchen. Coming next: Cowboy Prime, Elliots signature prime steakhouse, planned at 128 E. Exchange Ave. Theres already one open in Midland. More new barbecue Brix Barbecue, 1012 S. Main St., also graduated from a food truck to a restaurant serving eight smoked meats, a hot chicken sandwich and a Le Brix burger. Brix brisket is also served as Tex-Asian fusion at the new Eazy Monkey, 401 W. Magnolia Ave., serving brisket wontons aad brisket burnt-end bao. Eazy Monkey, by former steakhouse chef Andrew Dilda, also serves a Japanese chicken-fried steak with curry gravy, a fried-rice cheddarburger, orange-jalapeno chicken-and-waffles and Polynesian-style crab Rangoon nachos. In another barbecue breakthrough, nationally acclaimed Tex-Ethiopian restaurant SmokeN Ash BBQ moved and reopened at 5904 S. Cooper St., Arlington. It didnt involve an opening or closing, but the Star-Telegram Readers Choice poll picked mostly old-school barbecue restaurants as favorites. The No. 1 pick was Hickory Stick BBQ in Everman, followed by Davids Barbecue in Arlington and new-school Hurtado in Arlington and Fort Worth. No. 4 was Sammies in Fort Worth. Check into hotel dining Musume, 810 Houston St., an upscale sushi and Asian fusion restaurant, was the first of several stunning new Fort Worth hotel restaurants. Coming soon: Bricks & Horses, inside the Bowie House, Auberge Resorts at 3700 Camp Bowie Blvd., and Emilias and The Blue Room, Mediterranean and fine-dining restaurants inside The Crescent, 3300 Camp Bowie Blvd. New seafood and sushi Walloons, 701 W. Magnolia Ave., is an oyster bar and seafood restaurant from chef Marcus Paslay and company (Clay Pigeon, Piattello, Provender Hall). But Paslay drew even more attention in buying Mercado Juarez Cafes, timeless Tex=Mex restaurants in Fort Worth and Arlington. La Onda, lauded by Bon Appetit as one of 2022s 50 best new restaurants in America, reopened at 1165 Eighth Ave. serving shark-cuterie, caviar, clams and a shrimp chimichurri torta. In Keller, Little Lilly Sushi expanded to a second location at 1004 Keller Parkway. Keller also welcomed a new barbecue restaurant, Outpost 36, 1801 S. Main St., and an ice-cream-and-doughnuts shop, Sugar Llamas, 242 Rufe Snow Drive. Bojangles, Sickies and chains Bojangles arrival in Texas led a long list of chain restaurant and fast-food openings. The legendary North Carolina chicken chain opened at 201 E. Euless Blvd. in Euless and also in Lancaster. But the Texas restaurants offer only tenders and sandwiches, not Bojangles famous bone-in chicken. North Dakota-based Sickies Garage, serving 21 extreme burgers, chicken sandwiches and platters, opened at 6770 Forest Bluff Drive near Western Center Boulevard. Its drawing crowds for dizzying burgers topped with jalapenos and either cheese curds or peanut butter, or served on a doughnut, or ... you get the idea. Gone with the (summer) wind Shinjuku Station, one of the pioneer restaurants in the Near Southside renaissance, closed. Owners cited the economy, heavy construction in the area and the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic. Nearby, the Radler Biergarten, which served a substantial sandwich and hot dog menu, had a small fire and has not reopened. A once-popular chain restaurant, Romanos Macaroni Grill, closed a location in expensive real estate on South University Drive. At least two hot chicken restaurants closed as that fad began to fade. Burnin Mouth Hot Chicken on Eighth Avenue came from California. Helens Hot Chicken on Horne Street came from Nashville. Also closed: Station Patio Ice House in Keller and comic-themed Fanboys Grill in Fort Worth. Amys Restaurant, a menudo and huevos rancheros hangout on North Main Street, lost its lease and promised to reopen elsewhere. Hotel workers have walked off the job at five Santa Monica properties after negotiations stalled. Southern California hotel workers at some 60 properties have been staging intermittent strikes since early July. The union has called for a boycott of all hotels that haven't signed new contracts. (Suhauna Hussain / Los Angeles Times) Hotel workers at five Santa Monica properties walked off the job early Monday after negotiations stalled last week. Unite Here Local 11 which represents thousands of cooks, housekeepers, dishwashers, servers, bellmen and front desk agents in Los Angeles and Orange counties has been urging hotels to agree to sweeping wage increases given how deeply the housing crisis affects workers. The union last month urged convention organizers and visitors to stay away from strike-ready hotels that haven't signed new contracts with more than 15,000 workers at some 60 properties. Unite Here Local 11s key demand for months had been a $5 immediate hourly wage increase and a $3 boost each subsequent year of the three-year contract, for a total raise of $11. Southern California hotel workers have been on strike on and off since July 2. At the bargaining session Sept. 21, the union made a new economic proposal lowering that $11 total raise to $10.50, union spokesperson Maria Hernandez said. But the union said talks failed when, after a more than three-hour caucus, the hotel company representatives returned without any counterproposal. Keith Grossman, an attorney representing a group of Southern California hotel owners and operators, said in an emailed statement Monday that the union's proposal "only took the parties further apart." Read more: Take your union and shove it. When your L.A. hotel stay comes with a strike picket line "Unfortunately, Local 11 made no real movement," Grossman said. The unions offer, its new work stoppages, and its continued call for a boycott, which continues to damage Los Angeles and hurts employees, communicates that the union is not prepared to bargain in good faith. We believe its time for the union to engage in real negotiations. The bargaining session was the first to be held in nine weeks, he said. Grossman did not respond to questions about specific issues that cropped up in bargaining. Grossman has repeatedly criticized the union for failing to reach out and resume talks. The union has said it is firm on its wage proposal and that the hotel bargaining group's wage offers have fallen far short. Peter Hillan, spokesperson for the Hotel Assn. of Los Angeles, said the proposal, from the perspective of hotel owners, was a step back because the union moved up the start date of hotel contributions to a health and welfare fund by one month, increasing the overall cost of the contract. "Thats a takeaway from where we were earlier," Hillan said. Read more: L.A.'s striking hotel workers are being roughed up by employers' security, union says German Martinez, who, the union alleged in a labor complaint, was among workers tackled at a picket line in August at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, said in a union news release Monday morning that it was disrespectful to see our employer not even address or apologize to us, and instead come back with no offer." Martinez has been a dishwasher at the Fairmont Miramar for 34 years. "We will do what we have to do until we get the fair contract we deserve," he said. Although workers authorized a strike earlier this summer, they arent walking off the job at all properties at once. Instead, they are engaged in rolling work stoppages in which workers at a cluster of hotels walk out for a few days at a time. Unite Here Local 11 officials have described it as a "strategic decision" to "keep the hotels on their toes and guessing." The approach also helps the workers' finances. It's a strategy the United Auto Workers union has also adopted, when its members walked out on Detroits car companies last week. Some have drawn comparisons between the autoworkers' action and a tactic by the Assn. of Flight Attendants in 1993, when the union used limited but unpredictable strikes rather than a mass work stoppage. The Westin Bonaventure is the only hotel so far to have reached a tentative deal, averting a strike just as contracts were set to expire June 30. Here is a list of Santa Monica hotels where workers are on strike: This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The House Oversight Committee on Monday announced witnesses for the panels first hearing this week in its impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, will focus on the constitutional and legal questions Republicans are raising about the president, and will include testimony from Bruce Dubinsky, an expert witness in forensic accounting; Eileen OConnor, former assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice Tax Division; and Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School. This week, the House Oversight Committee will present evidence uncovered to date and hear from legal and financial experts about crimes the Bidens may have committed as they brought in millions at the expense of U.S. interests, House Oversight Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, said in a statement. Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced the opening of a formal impeachment inquiry into Biden earlier this month. The Republican-led investigation will focus on allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption by Biden, related to his familys overseas business dealings, McCarthy said. None of the witnesses slated to testify appear to have direct knowledge of what House Republicans have alleged about Joe Biden. Comer told CNN last week that he planned to have a financial expert speak to bank records pertaining to the Biden familys business dealings and a constitutional expert to discuss why an impeachment inquiry is warranted. The panel is also poised to issue its first subpoenas to the presidents son Hunter Biden and brother James Biden. Republicans have made Hunter Bidens business dealings a central component of their impeachment inquiry, but there is no public evidence to date that the president profited off his sons business deals or allowed them to influence him while in office. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Yaroslav Hunka, inset, waits for the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, center, in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, on Sept. 22. (Patrick Doyle/the Canadian Press via AP [2]) From the start of its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Russia has insisted that its sole purpose was to rid Kyivs political leadership of neo-Nazis. The claim was ludicrous from the beginning, not the least because Ukraine is led by Volodymyr Zelensky, the countrys first Jewish president. Russia itself also has a far more robust right-wing movement than does Ukraine. Still, Russian propaganda outlets have seized on whatever evidence they could find usually tattoos or insignia worn by Ukrainian soldiers to suggest that their original excuse for invading Ukraine remains valid. Last week Zelensky unexpectedly handed the Kremlin a small public relations win when, during a visit to Canada, he accidentally celebrated a Ukrainian national who fought for the Nazis in World War II. In responding to the incident, Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador in Washington, went so far as to implicate the United States, which had nothing to do with the gaffe but such details rarely concern the Kremlin. The incident was evidence, Antonov argued, that the American political elite generally demonstrate inattention when it comes to Nazism in Ukraine. On Tuesday, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota, who had recognized former Nazi collaborator Yaroslav Hunka during Zelenskys speech on Friday, resigned his post over the controversy. "Its with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as speaker of the House of Commons, Rota said in a statement. Read more on Yahoo News: Polands education minister says hes taken steps to extradite Yaroslav Hunka, from CBC A standing ovation Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognize Hunka. (Patrick Doyle/the Canadian Press via AP) Zelensky traveled to North America last week for the second time since the war in Ukraine began in early 2022. After addressing the United Nations early in the week, he spent Thursday meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and with President Biden in the White House. He then traveled to Canada, where he addressed a joint session of Parliament the following day, urging continued support for Ukraines effort to expel invading Russian forces. Later, during his own speech, House of Commons Speaker Rota, who represents a part of Ontario, singled out a member of the audience, Hunka, who is also one of his constituents. The entire chamber then turned to the 98-year-old Hunka, sitting in the gallery above. Rota described Hunka as a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero. Zelensky and his wife, Olena, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau all heartily cheered Hunka, who received a standing ovation. But it quickly turned out that Hunkas story which he made no evident effort to hide was not quite so heroic. Read more on Yahoo News: Canadian Parliament accidentally honors Nazi with Zelensky and Trudeau applauding, from the Independent Independence or collaboration? Hunka was given a standing ovation by Canadian lawmakers after House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. (Patrick Doyle/the Canadian Press via AP) During the 1930s, Soviet despot Joseph Stalin caused millions of Ukrainians to die in a famine, known as the Holodomor, that has left a deep wound on the national memory. The suffering only emboldened nationalists, who saw their opportunity when the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. Hunka was among those who switched allegiances, joining the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (the brutal police force commanded by top Hitler deputy Heinrich Himmler) as did many other Ukrainians, seemingly unaware that the Nazis plans for them were even more brutal than those of the Soviets had been. The unit fought in western Ukraine and, according to some historians, participated in atrocities against civilians though, apparently, not in the mass murder of Jews, which was conducted primarily during that time by vicious squads known as the Einsatzgruppen. Hunka emigrated to Canada after the war. The nation has been criticized for refusing to move more quickly to expel former Nazis and Nazi collaborators. Read more on Yahoo News: Trudeau calls praise for Nazi-linked veteran deeply embarrassing, from BBC Rota resigns Rota on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday. (Blair Gable/Reuters) The sight of Zelensky unknowingly applauding a Nazi was an embarrassment for Ottawa. Condemnation from Jewish groups was swift. The fact that a veteran who served in a Nazi military unit was invited to and given a standing ovation in Parliament is shocking, said Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Canadian organization named after the famed Nazi hunter. Rota quickly apologized. I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, he said, as calls for him to step aside mounted. He stepped down from his post on Tuesday. Read more on Yahoo News: Ovation for man who fought for Nazis in WWII overshadows Zelenskys address to Canadian lawmakers, from NBC Kremlin response A bronze bust of Joseph Stalin is seen behind a tank at a museum in Volgograd, Russia, on Feb. 3. (Kirill Braga/Reuters) With its near complete control over the information space in Russia, the Kremlin can essentially invent stories and feed them to ordinary citizens through television and radio networks. That task is made easier when, as in this case, reality plays along, however inadvertently. Many Western countries, including Canada, have raised a young generation that does not know who fought whom or what happened during the Second World War. And they know nothing about the threat of fascism, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in response to the Hunka controversy. Russia continues to justify its military action with reference to the heroic defeat of Hitler in World War II. The claim is preposterous when it comes to attacking a much smaller country like Ukraine, but older Russians can still nonetheless be stirred by memories of the Red Armys heroism. Accordingly, propagandists used the celebration of Hunka in Ottawa to make the easy though highly deceptive comparison. Nazis are always useful in the fight against Russians, one columnist for RIA Novosti indignantly wrote. Read more on Yahoo News: The Azov Battalion: Ukrainian patriots or neo-Nazis?, from ITN He couldnt sleep for days after a July fire gutted his West Franklin Street restaurant, Mediterranean Deli owner Jamil Kadoura said, but the communitys support and the desire to rebuild for his children and his employees gave him strength to keep going. The first two or three weeks were really hard, Kadoura told The News & Observer last week. Med Deli posted its first net loss since he and his wife started the restaurant more than 32 years ago, he said. Since then, hes met with insurance, fire and construction officials, town staff, and an architect. Most mornings, hes at work by 5 a.m. Life is getting better, Kadoura said. My philosophy is get up, dont think, he said. The most powerful thing in a human is our mind. It can be your enemy, if you let it. I just try to stay positive. Jamil Kadoura, owner of Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering, stands inside the Chapel Hill restaurant on Monday, July 24, 2023, following a Saturday fire in which the building suffered extensive damage. The next chapter opens Wednesday, with the launch of a limited online menu for takeout and delivery. The menu will feature four or five entrees, such as chicken kabob, Moroccan chicken and the falafel platter, and about 20 side items. Desserts include classic baklava, gluten-free chocolate cake and a date-walnut bar. Its a reduced menu for us, but its still a lot of choices for people, said Ruby Brinkerhoff, one of two catering managers. Were looking forward to starting with this and then building from there. Online ordering will be offered from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with pickup at 454 W. Franklin St., near Carolina Brewery. Customers can order delivery through Grubhub, DoorDash and the Square online store at mediterraneandeli.com, with the addition of Takeout Central and UberEats over the next few weeks, Brinkerhoff said. Customers will follow pandemic-style protocols for pickup, notifying staff when they arrive and getting their orders at the front door. I think it should be pretty seamless, Brinkerhoff said. We want to push online only as much as we can, because we dont have a restaurant face. Chapel Hill firefighters battle a blaze at Mediterranean Deli in the 400 block of Franklin Street Saturday, July 22, 2023. Businesses recover, reopen after fire Kadoura told The N&O that he smelled smoke before finding his 81-year-old building on fire in July. The accidental fire was sparked by a contractor working on the buildings roof just as the Saturday lunch rush was winding down. It took roughly 25 trucks and 48 firefighters from several departments several hours to put out the blaze. Crews continued to monitor the fire through the night, returning at least once to extinguish a hot spot, town officials said. The final tally was $3 million in damages to Med Deli, plus $11,500 in damages to D.B Sutton & Co., a neighboring wine store and salon, and $60,000 in damages to the Moshi Moshi Means Hello salon, according to Fire Department reports. Tropical Smoothie also was closed for several days to clean up smoke damage. Moshi Moshis Franklin Street shop remains closed, but customers are being served at the Golden Belt location in downtown Durham. A person rides a bicycle past caution tape in front of Mediterranean Deli, Bakery and Catering on Monday, July 24, 2023, following a Saturday fire at the Chapel Hill business. D.B. Sutton reopened in August and celebrated 23 years in business Monday. Simply Audrey, a designer clothing boutique that has shared the D.B. Sutton storefront for four years, reopened Sept. 15. It could be several more months before Med Deli welcomes customers into its newly furnished space, Kadoura said. In August, they restarted the catering business in the vacant Elaines space, including deliveries to Lenoir Hall on UNCs campus . That space is too small for a sit-down restaurant with a deli case, Kadoura said, and other spaces around town, including the former K&W Cafeteria at University Place, Tylers in Carrboro, and the vacant Old Chicago restaurant at 140 West Franklin, also didnt work out. His hope is that combining the catering business with takeout and delivery will generate enough income to support the restaurants 50-plus employees. The $213,856 raised through a GoFundMe campaign and turned over to the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro to manage ran out this week, he said. I think once we open for to-go (orders), we will have more revenue to pay the employees, Kadoura said. For me, its not going to be anything for the next couple of years at least, because I want to invest some money in the restaurant along with the insurance money to make a nicer kitchen. Jamil Kadoura, owner of Mediterranean Deli located on West Franklin Street, at work in his restaurant in 2017. Changes, connection to community Med Deli expanded six times in its West Franklin Street location, each time adding a piece here and there, he said. Now that theyre starting from scratch, it can be whatever they want it to be, he said, and it will have to meet modern building codes. The market they operated next door to the deli probably wont reopen, he said. Its been a big loss, he said, but the support of employees that he considers part of his family and the generosity and concern shown by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community and beyond is everything to me. What lots of people dont understand is its so beautiful to have people that are not your blood relatives that really care about you not because youre their boss, not because they work for you because they can get a job even better than what they have somewhere else, Kadoura said. Its just genuinely they love you, because theyve been with you for a long time you saw their kids growing, they saw your kids growing. Its all this commitment and connection. The Orange Report Calling Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough readers. Check out The Orange Report, a free weekly digest of some of the top stories for and about Orange County published in The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. Get your newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday featuring stories by our local journalists. Sign up for our newsletter here. For even more Orange-focused news and conversation, join our Facebook group "Chapel Hill Carrboro Chat." Hunter Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and Giuliani's former lawyer, Bob Costello, in a new civil lawsuit. The suit alleges that they hacked Biden's devices and tampered with his data, causing the "total annihilation" of his digital privacy. It's Biden's latest legal salvo against those he accuses of trying to get access to his data for political purposes. Hunter Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and his former lawyer on Tuesday, alleging that they hacked his devices and tampered with his data, causing the "total annihilation" of his digital privacy. "For the past many months and even years, Defendants have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from Plaintiff's devices or storage platforms, including what Defendants claim to have obtained from Plaintiff's alleged 'laptop' computer," the lawsuit said. Biden has accused Giuliani, Costello, and several entities owned by Giuliani of violating the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Tuesday's lawsuit is Biden's latest salvo in his legal fight against those involved in trying to obtain access to his devices or the data stored on them. He previously sued Garrett Ziegler, a Trump White House aide, alleging that Ziegler "has devoted most of his waking time and energy" since leaving the White House on trying to access Biden's devices. Costello did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop," Ted Goodman, a political advisor to Giuliani, told Insider in a statement. "I'm not surprised he's now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing." Read the original article on Business Insider Hunter Biden on Tuesday sued Rudy Giuliani and his longtime lawyer Robert Costello, alleging they violated federal and California-based computer fraud laws in their efforts to disseminate potentially damaging material. Biden, the son of the president, says Giuliani and Costello broke the law when they accessed data they claim came from a laptop sent to them by a computer repairman in Delaware in 2020. Biden does not concede that that claim is true. But he alleges that he is the owner of some of the electronic data obtained by the repairman, and he alleges that Giuliani and Costello's repeated copying and accessing of that data amounts to an illegal hacking campaign that persists to this day. In light of the foregoing illegal activities by Defendants, their refusals to cease and desist in their unlawful behavior, and their apparent intention to continue violating the law in the future, Plaintiff has no alternative but to commence this lawsuit, Hunter Bidens attorneys wrote in the suit, filed Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles, where the first son lives. Its Bidens latest lawsuit against those he has accused of perpetrating an illegal campaign to disseminate materials taken from a laptop he purportedly abandoned at a Delaware repair shop. Earlier this month, he sued former Donald Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler on similar allegations. He also recently sued the IRS over allegations that two agents violated privacy laws by sharing personal information about his finances gleaned from their own investigation of Biden with the media. Giuliani and his allies have long argued that the purported laptop was fair game because it was allegedly abandoned. But at the heart of the lawsuit is the argument that regardless of where any piece of computer hardware was located, Hunter Bidens data still belongs to him alone. A member of his legal team, granted anonymity to discuss his newly aggressive legal strategy, put it this way: If you take your coat to the dry cleaner and leave your wallet in it, and you forget to pick it up, it doesnt mean the dry cleaner gets the wallet and all your money. Its just common sense. The member of his legal team hinted that more litigation could follow. Everyone involved in stealing and manipulating Hunters data should be hearing footsteps right about now, that person said. Costello did not respond to requests for comment. Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, said the former New York mayor did not manipulate Bidens data. Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop, he said in a statement. Im not surprised hes now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing. The material that Trump allies call the laptop from hell has fueled Republican lawmakers enthusiasm for probing the president. Less than two weeks ago, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that Republicans have opened an impeachment inquiry of the president. For Giuliani, Hunter Bidens lawsuit is the latest in a long string of civil and criminal legal fights that have led to crushing legal bills and a crowded calendar of court dates. A federal judge recently found him liable for defaming two Georgia election workers and scheduled a Dec. 11 trial to determine what hell pay them. Hes been indicted alongside Trump in Fulton County, Ga., for efforts related to the 2020 election. He was identified as an unnamed co-conspirator in Trumps criminal case in Washington D.C., also related to the 2020 election. And hes being suedby a former employee for alleged sexual and workplace misconduct. More recently, Costello himself sued Giuliani to recover more than $1 million in unpaid legal bills. Throughout the lawsuit, Biden seeks to cast doubt on the authenticity of the purported contents of his laptop, emphasizing that Giuliani and Costello have only claimed to have received a hard drive containing the contents of the laptop accessed by the Delaware repairperson. [Biden]s data was manipulated, altered and damaged before it was copied and sent to Defendants; and Defendants illegal hacking and tampering has involved further alterations and damages to the data to a degree that is presently unknown to [Biden], his attorneys wrote. Bidens laptop was reportedly found at a repair shop in Wilmington, Del., owned by John Paul Mac Isaac. Mac Isaac sued POLITICO, CNN, Hunter Biden, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and the Biden presidential campaign committee for defamation and civil conspiracy in 2022. The case remains pending in Sussex County, Del. This is not an admission by Plaintiff that John Paul Mac Isaac (or others) in fact possessed any particular laptop containing electronically stored data belonging to Plaintiff, Bidens new lawsuit says. Rather, Plaintiff simply acknowledges that at some point, Mac Isaac obtained electronically stored data, some of which belonged to Plaintiff. The lawsuit also points to numerous public statements by Giuliani and Costello in which they describe accessing Bidens data via the hard drive they received. In those statements, theyve described scrutinizing thousands of emails, financial records, and personal photos. Biden is seeking monetary damages from Giuliani, his businesses, and Costello, as well as other unnamed defendants who he says may be added later to the lawsuit. He is also seeking an injunction that would bar Giuliani, Costello or their associates from further accessing Bidens data and returning any other property they obtained from him. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden is seen after a court appearance in July. President Joe Biden 's son Hunter Biden is seen after a court appearance in July. President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani and Giulianis former attorney Robert Costello accusing the pair of illegally accessing, hacking and manipulating his stolen personal data. Giuliani and Costello are primarily responsible for the total annihilation of Bidens digital privacy after data from his electronic devices was taken or stolen from him, the lawsuit filed Tuesday in California alleges. The lawsuit says that for years, Giuliani and Costello dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from Biden. In a statement, Giuliani spokesperson Ted Goodman said Biden had previously refused to admit he owned the laptop. Im not surprised hes now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing, Goodman said. The complaint against Giuliani is Hunter Bidens third lawsuit this month over the dissemination of his personal information. Biden sued the IRS last week in response to whistleblowers revealing details about a criminal investigation into his taxes, and the week prior he sued Garrett Ziegler, a former Trump White House aide who maintains a searchable online database of Bidens digital life, including thousands of emails and photos. Since 2019, while acting as the personal attorney for former President Donald Trump, Giuliani has sought incriminating information against the Bidens, traveling to Ukraine on Trumps behalf to conduct interviews. He eventually came into possession of Bidens data. Giuliani and Costello have said they obtained Bidens hard drive from John Paul Mac Isaac, a computer repair shop owner who said the presidents son dropped off his laptop for repairs in 2019 and never returned to pick it up. Biden sued Mac Isaac earlier this year. The lawsuits against Ziegler, Giuliani and Costello allege that not only did they browse Bidens hard drive, they also hacked into his iCloud storage and obtained an iPhone backup by circumventing technical or code-based barriers that were designed and intended to prevent such access. Republicans have probed Bidens private info in their investigations, including by looking at emails to pinpoint dates Hunter Biden talked to or met with foreign nationals with whom he had business relationships, in search of evidence that Joe Biden was involved in his sons work. So far, they havent found a direct link, but they have nevertheless launched an impeachment inquiry against the president. At a hearing earlier this year, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) displayed nude photos of Hunter Biden apparently with a sex worker. Biden has said he was addicted to crack cocaine in 2018 and 2019 before getting sober. The suit accuses the pair of violating the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, as well as a California law dealing with data access and fraud. Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani and his former attorney Robert Costello, accusing the pair of being among those primarily responsible for what has been described as the total annihilation, of Bidens digital privacy, and violating digital privacy laws in the process. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Californias Central District Court, alleges that Giuliani and Costello, dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from [Bidens] devices or storage platforms, including what Defendants claim to have obtained from [Bidens] alleged laptop computer. The filing clarifies that the so-called laptop obtained by Giuliani, the contents of which have fueled years of Republican conspiracies, innuendo, and gross exploitation of Bidens, personal data was not in fact a physical laptop. It is, according to their own public statements, an external drive that Defendants were told contained hundreds of gigabytes of [Bidens] personal data. The lawsuit alleges that the data provided to Giuliani on the drive was tampered with both before Giuliani received it, and after it was in his possession. Bidens attorney requested a jury trial and is seeking punitive damages and restitution from Giuliani and Costello. Ted Goodman, an advisor to Giuliani, said in a statement provided to Rolling Stone that Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop. Im not surprised hes now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing. The lawsuit is the latest in a myriad of legal battles faced by Giuliani, who in August was indicted and arrested in Georgia alongside former President Donald Trump in a sprawling election interference case. In September, Giuliani was sued by his former attorneys including Costello for non-payment of almost $1.4 million in outstanding legal bills. Hunter Biden himself is currently under criminal indictment. Last week, he pleaded not guilty to three federal charges related to unlawfully purchasing and possessing a firearm while under the influence of narcotics. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Hunter Biden, whose computer records sparked Republican congressional investigations of his father, President Joe Biden , sued Rudy Giuliani and his lawyer on Tuesday for allegedly copying, manipulating and distributing the records in a total annihilation of his privacy. Giuliani, who was a campaign lawyer for Donald Trump, allegedly reviewed the digital information for months before providing it to reporters and Republican lawmakers before the 2020 election against Joe Biden, according to the federal lawsuit. Giulianis lawyer, Robert Costello, who is now also suing Giuliani for $1.36 million in unpaid legal bills, allegedly helped review and distribute information from the laptop, according to the lawsuit. Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, noted Hunter Biden previously refused to admit the laptop was his. "I'm not surprised he's now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing," Goodman said. More: 'An odd situation': President Biden aims to tighten firearms sales. Hunter Biden is caught in the crosshairs President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden leaves after a court appearance, July 26, 2023, in Wilmington, Del. The lawsuit comes two days before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee hearing in the impeachment inquiry of President Biden, based in part on information from the laptop. The White House has dismissed the inquiry as baseless and hyper-partisan. Hunter Biden now lives in Los Angeles, where the lawsuit was filed. It alleges violations of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, Californias Computer Data Access and Fraud Act and Californias Unfair Competition Law. The dispute is about Hunter Bidens laptop and the information on an external hard drive. Biden left the equipment at a Delaware computer repair shop and never returned to pick it back up. The shop owner, John Paul Mac Isaac, claimed ownership of the equipment and passed it along to the FBI and to Giuliani. Biden previously sued Mac Isaac over distribution of the laptop. Because the digital information has changed hands so many times, Hunter Biden has challenged the veracity of what has been publicly released. At least some of the information belongs to Hunter Biden, but illegal hacking and tampering altered and damaged the data, rendering it for forensic purposes as garbage, according to the lawsuit. Political activists and lawmakers have revealed nude pictures of Hunter Biden and bank records that appear to chronicle his overseas business deals. Republican lawmakers have used the financial records to question whether President Biden benefited from his sons business deals. But Democratic lawmakers highlighted the lack of any direct link of payments to the president. The lawsuit alleges that Giuliani and Costello spent months reviewing and manipulating the data before releasing it. August 23, 2023: Rudy Giuliani speaks outside the Fulton County jail, in Atlanta. Giuliani has surrendered to authorities in Georgia to face an indictment alleging he acted as former President Donald Trumps chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert the 2020 election. For example, Costello stated publicly he scrolled through thousands of emails, bank statements and pictures, which made him feel like a voyeur, according to the lawsuit. Costello said publicly he manipulated the data to be cleaned up and created new digital folders with titles such as Salacious Pics and The Big Guy, according to the lawsuit. Giuiani said on the Jan. 26, 2023, episode of his podcst Rudys Common Sense that he loaded data from Hunter Bidens equipment onto his own computer and accessed it during the program, according to the lawsuit. During the Feb. 2, 2023, episode of his Americas Mayor Live podcast, Giuliani held up a laptop and announced it belonged to Hunter Biden before bragging about copying data onto his own computer, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, a jury trial and a halt to distribution of the information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden sues Rudy Giuliani over release of personal laptop data Hunter Biden , the son of U.S. President Joe Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and his former attorney Bob Costello, alleging they hacked and manipulated his personal data. File Photo by Ting Shen/UPI Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Hunter Biden filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani and his former attorney Bob Costello, alleging the men misused his personal computer data from a laptop. The lawsuit alleges that Giuliani and Costello violated the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in obtaining and sharing the personal information from the laptop which became a Republican talking point during the 2020 presidential campaign and has been used to attack the younger Biden and by extension President Joe Biden. "For the past many months and even years, defendants have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen," the lawsuit said. The suit does not confirm that the laptop belonged to Biden but notes that "some of the data that defendants obtained, copied and proceeded to hack into and tamper with belongs to him." It claims Giuliani and Costello used Biden's username to access the data and cites public comments in which Giuliani said he had access to the data including a podcast appearance where held up the laptop. The lawsuit alleges Rudy Giuliani and his lawyer "dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen." File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "He proceeded to brag about having copied [Hunter Biden's] data onto his own computer and about having accessed, analyzed and manipulated the transferred data," the lawsuit states. Biden's suit further alleges that some of the data that was shared was "manipulated, altered and damaged before" Giuliani and Costello received it. An independent analysis from Minneapolis-based Computer Forensics Services found no evidence that the user data had been modified, fabricated or tampered with. Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell sent a letter to 14 Republic officials and conservative media personalities, who had accused the younger Biden of corruption, telling them to maintain their records in the event of a lawsuit. Hunter Biden recently sued the IRS and the former White House aide. The lawsuit is another sign of mounting legal trouble for Giuliani, which includes his defense of former Trump in trying to overturn results in the 2020 presidential election. He was recently sued by his former attorneys for not paying legal bills. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks to reporters as he leaves his apartment building in New York on Aug. 23, 2023. | Seth Wenig, Associated Press Mention of Hunter Biden s laptop first surfaced in a New York Post story that was published right before the 2020 presidential election. Rudy Giuliani, former President Donald Trump s personal lawyer at the time, gave it to the Post after getting it indirectly from the owner of a computer repair store. Biden filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Giuliani, claiming that he is responsible for the total annihilation of Bidens digital privacy and data. The suit alleges that Giuliani and his attorney Robert Costello spent time looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that was in the controversial laptop, which contained Bidens private emails, documents and photos. Related Project Manhattan sought to alter data found in laptop, lawsuit says The lawsuit claims the laptops contents were manipulated and altered before Giuliani and Costello acquired it, and that they further damaged the data to an extent that is unknown to Biden. The suit also alleges that Giuliani worked directly with Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist, and Vish Burra, a Republican operative, to access, manipulate, and copy (Hunter Biden) laptop, which Burra has dubbed the Manhattan Project because he and others were essentially creating a nuclear political weapon. His lawyers allege that Giuliani and Costello violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and Californias Computer Data Access and Fraud Act, both of which penalize someone for accessing a computer without proper authorization. Biden has asked Giuliani and Costello to return any data in their possession but they have not complied with his request, according to the filing. In a statement to Politico, Giulianis spokesperson, Ted Goodman, said Giuliani did not alter data found on the laptop. Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop, he said. Im not surprised hes now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing. Giuliani struggles to pay unpaid lawyers' fees This lawsuit comes at a time when Giulianis legal problems are piling up. Last week, Costellos law firm, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, sued Giuliani for $1.4 million in unpaid legal fees since November 2019. This includes the time during which Giuliani represented Trump amid his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and during the congressional inquiries into the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Reuters reported. Related Giuliani is also facing 13 racketeering and conspiracy charges in Georgia. He is one of 18 co-defendants, including Trump, and has pled not guilty. Earlier in May, a former associate sued him for sexual assault and is seeking $10 million. Hunter Bidens lawyers on offense Meanwhile, Biden is also under heightened scrutiny over his alleged criminal activity and over whether his father, President Joe Biden, was involved in his foreign consulting business. He is facing three felony charges filed by federal prosecutors as well as a congressional investigation into his and his familys business dealings, which has paved the way for a GOP-led impeachment inquiry into President Biden, as the Deseret News reported. His lawyers have also served a few lawsuits. Apart from suing Giuliani, his lawyers have filed a suit against the Internal Revenue Service. They are also pursuing a case against the owner of the Delaware computer repair shop, who gave the laptop to the federal authorities and sent Giuliani a copy, too. Related Republican presidential candidate and former Rep. Will Hurd (Texas) said Monday that former President Trump is only running for president to avoid being incarcerated. The problem that I have with Donald Trump is, is Donald Trumps not running for president to Make America great again. Hes running for president to stay out of prison, Hurd said during an appearance on NewsNations NewsNation Now with Connell McShane. Hurd also claimed that Trump is taking credit for ideas promoted by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and former Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Tex.), such as the 2017 GOP tax cut law, to bolster his image. And so these were some of the people that helped make sure our economywas strong when Donald Trump was in office, Hurd added. When asked if his presidential campaign is hurting the chances of fellow candidates in the race, Hurd replied that hell support whoever becomes his partys presidential nominee in 2024. Im clear, Ive been supportive of that philosophy and recognize that if we want to make sure that we have a GOP nominee that can beat Joe Biden and address issues, like problems at the border, well potentially need to consolidate, Hurd told McShane. Hurds remarks come a month since after Trump along with 18 of his allies were indicted by a Georgia grand jury on charges tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Trump, who announced his third presidential campaign last November, has been hit with three other indictments this year relating to to his business dealings, handling of classified documents, and his behavioral actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election. The second Republican presidential debate is set to take place on Wednesday. Trump will be skipping the debate and will instead deliver a speech in Detroit amid the ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strike. Hurd said that working on qualifying to appear on the debate stage, noting that hes 31 donors away from reaching the 50,000 donor threshold. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson says in a new book that former chief of staff Mark Meadows s suits smelled like a bonfire from burning documents so often after the 2020 election. The Associated Press obtained a copy of Hutchinsons book, Enough, ahead of its release Tuesday in which she described the burning of papers. Hutchinson, who worked for Meadows in the Trump administration, was one of the key witnesses who testified for two hours before a House panel about events in the White House leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the Capitol. Hutchinson wrote in her new book that Meadows wanted a fire burning in his office every morning starting mid-December of 2020. She added that when she would bring him a package or lunch, she would sometimes find him leaning over the fire, feeding papers into it, watching to make sure they burned. Hutchinson also wrote that former Republican Rep. Devin Nunes (Calif.) asked her to open the windows in Meadowss office one time because it was smoky when Nunes went to meet with Meadows. She said that she also warned Meadows he may set off the fire alarm. Hutchinson has previously described the burning of documents in the White House. During her testimony to the Jan. 6 House Committee, she said that Meadows had burned documents maybe just over a dozen times. The Presidential Records Act only asks that you keep the original copy of a document. So, yes, Hutchinson said when asked during her testimony last yea if she saw Meadows use a fireplace to burn documents. However, I dont know if they were the first or original copies of anything, she continued. Its entirely possible that he had put things in his fireplace that he also would have put into a burn bag that there were duplicates of or that there was an electronic copy of. Former President Trump and Meadows attempted to challenge the former presidents election loss in multiple states after the 2020 election and are both now under indictment in Georgia in connection with efforts to overturn the states presidential election results. The Hill has requested comment from Meadowss lawyers on the allegations in Hutchinsons book. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hutchinson says she has higher standards than to date Matt Gaetz Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson said Monday that she has higher standards than to date Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), adding that he is a very unserious lawmaker. MSNBCs Rachel Maddow asked Hutchinson on Monday to respond to comments made by Gaetz saying that he dated Hutchinson for a few weeks when we were both single years ago. The former White House staffer refuted those claims and blasted him as someone she does not hold in high regard in terms of trust. And I do not think that Matt Gaetz has the best track record for relationships Hutchinson told Maddow, adding, I will say, on behalf of myself, I never dated Matt Gaetz. I have much higher standards in men. Matt, frankly, is a very unserious politician, she continued. We see that today with the ruckus that he is causing on Capitol Hill with the spending negotiations. Maddow had mentioned an excerpt in Hutchinsons new book, Enough, where she described numerous instances with the Florida Republican, including one where he told the former White House aide: Has anyone told you ever told you youre a national treasure? In a separate instance, she wrote that during one night at Camp David, Gaetz had asked her to escort him to his cabin, claiming that he was lost. I dont remember either of these events and based on Cassidys prior false statements, I doubt they occurred, Gaetz said in a statement to the Hill, doubling down on his comments. I did date Cassidy for a few weeks when we were both single years ago. We parted amicably and remained friends thereafter, he continued. Even during President Trumps post presidency, when she asked me to help her secure housing in South Florida because she was eager to continue working for President Trump. It is sad to see Cassidy dishonestly turn against so many people who cared about her for fame and book sales, Gaetz added. Hutchinson noted that she gave the Florida lawmaker credit for part of his statement, adding that they did have an amicable working relationship and were good friends at points. Her new book includes a series of descriptions from her time in the White House, including allegations that that Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani groped her during the former presidents Jan. 6, 2021, rally. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Trump aid turned whistleblower Cassidy Hutchinson, in her new bombshell memoir, "Enough," details how the former president participated in calls to "hang" former Vice President Mike Pence as he watched the Jan 6 Capitol insurrection unspool on television. In 2022, the House Select Committee investigating the Capitol attacks heard testimony indicating that Donald Trump demonstrated support for chants to "Hang Mike Pence." Hutchinson in her book has affirmed this testimony, writing how she heard the former president utter the word "hang" while watching the riots from the White House's Oval dining room. "I take a few steps back as Mark [Meadows] takes my place in the doorway and strain to listen to both conversations," she writes. "The TV in the Oval dining room is blaring, and the president is yelling. What's he saying? I can't make it out. I hear him say "hang" repeatedly. Hang? Hang? What's that about? Mark hands his phone back to me, the cue for me to return to my desk." "Back in my office," Hutchinson continues, "my phone notifies me of a Trump tweet: 'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should I have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving states a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!'" "They're calling for the Vice President to be hanged," she adds. "The president is okay with it. He doesn't want to do anything." Translators often go unsung, but Emily Wilson became a household name with the success of her Odyssey. Since then, readers have been waiting for her Iliad to appearsome with pure excitement, others with skepticism that she could work the same magic again. As Wilson herself acknowledges, translating the Other Epic was not simply a matter of repeating a proven recipe. The Iliad and the Odyssey have both come down to us under the name of Homer , but even ancient audiences recognized them to be very different poems. Both belong to the ancient epic cycle about the Trojan War and its aftermath. Both also use nearly the same idiom and compositional techniques and feature many of the same characters. (Odysseus and Achilles play important roles in each others epics.) Yet while the Iliad is a poem that uses mass human death to explore the nature of immortalityof the gods, and of a heros name and deedsthe Odysseys tale of survival is a reflection on mortality and its consolations. There are other reasons, too, that the worlds of the two poems seem different. In the Greek epic tradition, Zeus engineered the Trojan War to rid the world of its excess of heroes. In the Odyssey we can feel their absence. Partially for that reason, ancient critics regarded the Iliad as the finer work. Socrates refers, in the Platonic dialogue Hippias Minor, to a widespread notion that the Iliad is superior to the Odyssey because its star, Achilles, is a manlier man than Odysseus. An ancient critic known as Longinus saw the Odyssey as the composition of an aged Homer who had succumbed to the elderlys habit of storytelling. Writing the Iliad at the height of his powers, Longinus observed, Homer suffused the whole work with drama and action, whereas the Odyssey is full of storiesjust like old age. In antiquity the Iliad was not just the favorite of intellectuals, it was also the preferred text for study in schools. Ancient papyri preserving lines from the Iliad outnumber those with text of the Odyssey by a ratio of 3-to-1. At North American colleges in the 18th century, the Iliad was required reading (in Greek). For millennia, schoolteachers thought that Homers poem about glory in war offered a better model for young men than his tale of misbehavior and wandering. Only in the 20th century did the Odyssey definitively surpass the Iliad as the better-known and better-liked epic. Longinus complaint that it is too full of stories is probably one of the reasons it is more attractive to modern audiences. The Odyssey can feel more dynamic than the relatively stationary Iliad, its settings and characters more varied. It is also more optimistic about the human condition, or at least its ending is happier (from the protagonists perspective). This is why it was a canny move on Wilsons part to arouse new general interest in Homer by translating the Odyssey first. The dramatic action of the Iliad precedes that of the Odyssey (and it is likely the Iliad was written down first), but the many ways in which the Iliad differs from the Odyssey are also what make it the more challenging, and now less popular, of the two poems. Naturally, Wilsons admirers hoped that her second Homeric translation would be as great an achievement as the first. What they might not have expected is that it would be better. Like her Odyssey, Wilsons Iliad is crafted in language that is accessible without being modish, and elegant in its brightness and clarity. She continues to render Homeric hexameter into English pentameter, and this translation, too, pulses with a beat that is perceptible but not distracting. Once again, she has also set enough buoys to help first-time readers navigate and stay afloat: the introduction is informative, incisive, and modern; the notes are extensive; the glossary of names a great help. Norton Wilsons Iliad outshines its sister poem on two counts. One is owed to the nature of the poem, which puts more weight on language. The Odyssey is flashy about plot: Odysseus adventures among monsters and women make for a more natural page turner than the tale of a deadlocked war. The Iliad, by contrast, is more fueled by characterthe particular characters of Achilles, Agamemnon, Helen, the several godsand it is a virtue of Wilsons translation that she has different characters speak differently. Odysseus might have been a master of lies and persuasion, but the words in the Iliad are often even more remarkable than the deeds. The other reason the Iliad has added luster is that it conveys the Greek more completely. One of the more controversial aspects of Wilsons Odyssey was her commitment to allowing each line of Homeric verse only one line of English, sometimes at the expense of the full sense of the Greek. In the Iliad, each word, name, and epithet is load-bearing, and this time Wilson allows herself the freedom to spill onto more lines. This means that nearly every image and idea of Homers makes it into her text. A passage that illustrates both virtues occurs in Book 14 of the poem, when the Greek and Trojan armies, urged on by Poseidon and Hector, noisily clash on the battlefield: The sea surged up towards the huts and ships. The armies clashed with a tumultuous cry. Louder than roaring of the waves on the shore, when cruel blasts of Boreas have stirred the deepest water, louder than the rumble of blazing fire that leaps to burn a forest within the thickets on the mountainside, louder than wind that shrieks through lofty oak trees, which roars the loudest when it rages most louder than all of these, the Greeks and Trojans let out their terrifying screams and cries as they attacked each other. These dozen lines of English translate 10 of Greek, but each image is essential to Homers sonic description of the din of war and no word of Wilsons is superfluous. There are translation choices that will be controversial, particularly for those versed in Homeric Greek. Readers (and the internet) made much of Wilsons translation of polutropos, the epithet given to Odysseus in the first line of the Odyssey, with the relatively pedestrian complicated. (The adjective literally means of many turns, in the sense of versatility and wiliness.) In the Iliad her use of cataclysmic for oulomene, which describes Achilles wrath, is likewise provocative. Oulomene is a word that usually describes someone or something that is hated and cursed by the speaker, while cataclysmic is more suggestive of an unstoppable force of naturea cataclysmic earthquake or flood. The comparison of Achilles wrath to a natural disaster is fitting. On the other hand, cataclysmic amounts to a more objective-sounding, and elevated, epithet for a turn of events that the narrator reviles. And then there are moves that are truly inspired. Geras, a spoil of war and so the material evidence of a heros glory in battle, becomes trophy, which nicely captures the warriors regular use of the word to refer to women they have enslaved. In Book 9, Achilles articulation of his dilemmawhether to live a long, unremarkable life or die young but covered in glorycontains the sole appearance in the Iliad of what is arguably the poems core concept, kleos aphthiton. The phrase has often been translated as something like undying glory, but Wilsons a name that lasts forever honors the etymological root of kleos in sound: kleos is connected to glory and fame, but it is literally what is heard about someone (the related verb is kluein, to hear). A bit less sublime is Wilsons translation of kudos as success, when the wordwhich also connects to heroic gloryhas a mystical aura to it. Kudos, after all, is often bestowed by the gods. But in her Translators Note, Wilson actually explains why she made the choice: to emphasize how ordinary it is in the world of the Iliad for heroes to concern themselves with glory. Translations of Homer are not typically accompanied by translators notes, an omission that serves to obscure just how many choices translators make. By giving readers a transparent account of her method and logic, Wilson reminds readers that her version of Homer is precisely that. It does not aspire to be the last word. In classical antiquity, the Iliad and Odyssey were the kind of poems that no one ever really encountered for the first time. Today we dont remember when we first heard the Happy Birthday song, and in the ancient Greek world few could likely recall their first taste of Homeric verse. Today relatively few readers come across Homer at all, and fewer still do so before one of his poems appears on a syllabus. In antiquity, the poems were usually performed in segments; now they are often read (or at least assigned) as a whole. That only makes them all the more daunting: students ask what they are to make of all the strange names, the digressions and similes, the heroic world of the battlefield that is structured by logic, values, and expectations so dissimilar to our own. Now Emily Wilson has not only produced fresh and limpid new translations of two foundational ancient poems. She has also given a new generation of readers the tools to approach Homer, with comfort and confidence, for the very first time. For those who knew the poems already, she lets Homer speak to them in a new voice. And though her Iliad may not prove enough to restore the poem to its preeminence, Homer himself reminds us that fortunes twists and turns are out of human hands. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. The Independence Police Department will soon implement body-worn cameras for officers. The department announced Tuesday that it received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to deploy 200 body cameras. Independence police are aiming to implement the new cameras in January. Kansas City auditors office to present KCPD audit findings The grant also includes funding for three new positions in the department that will be dedicated to supporting the new equipment, infrastructure and management of digital media. Next, the department will work to refine its policies and procedures on body cameras and plan its roll-out strategy. Independence police said implementing a body-worn camera program is part of its commitment to transparency, maintaining community trust and supporting officers. The move is in line with local and national trends. No charges filed in US Marshals shooting in Overland Park In 2020, Kansas City police received funding to give its officers body cameras, and all officers were outfitted with the gear by 2021. In 2022, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office also began requiring all uniformed deputies and supervisors to wear body cameras. A 2018 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics found 47% of general-purpose law enforcement agencies have body-worn cameras. At large police departments, that number jumps to 80%. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Indian and Canadian diplomats didn't directly address their countries' row over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader, but they obliquely underscored some key talking points as they addressed world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that the world must not countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Canadian U.N. Ambassador Robert Rae, by turn, insisted that we cannot bend the rules of state-to-state relations for political expediency." Relations between the two countries frayed after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that India may have been involved in the June killing of a Canadian citizen in a Vancouver suburb. Canada has yet to provide any public evidence to support the claim about the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45. Killed by masked gunmen, Nijjar was a leader in what remains of a once-strong movement to create an independent Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan, and India had designated him a terrorist. Indias foreign ministry dismissed the allegation as absurd and accused Canada of harboring terrorists and extremists. It also implied that Trudeau was trying to drum up domestic support among the Sikh diaspora. Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministry said in a statement last week. India has accused Canada for years of giving free rein to Sikh separatists, including Nijjar. While the active insurgency ended decades ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's government has warned that Sikh separatists were trying to stage a comeback. New Delhi has pressed countries like Canada, where Sikhs make up more than 2% of the population, to do more to stop a separatist resurgence. After Trudeau aired his claim, India suspended visas for Canadians, there were tit-for-tit expulsions of diplomats, and Ottawa said it might reduce consulate staff over safety concerns. But the dispute is unfolding against a backdrop of geopolitical priorities for both countries. Canada and other Western countries have been seeking to strengthen ties with India as a way to counter Chinese power. Days after airing the allegation about Nijjar's killing, Trudeau said Canada was not looking to provoke or cause problems. And India, which is trying to showcase its global stature after a fruitful turn heading the Group of 20 industrialized nations, wasn't seen as keen to use the U.N.'s global platform to draw attention to Canada's accusation and widen a rift that has already grabbed headlines internationally. Experts have said India likely would prefer to treat the matter as an issue just between the two countries involved. India also has a habit, at the U.N., of keeping its criticisms veiled. Hence Tuesday's exchange of what could be read, at most, as subtle swipes. Jaishankar's mention of terrorism, extremism and violence" echoed his ministry's rhetoric last week about Canada's claims. But it also resembled India's frequent complaints about Pakistan. New Delhi accuses its neighbor of sponsoring terrorism by arming and training insurgents fighting for the independence of Indian-controlled Kashmir or for its integration into Pakistan. Islamabad denies it. Rae's comments, meanwhile, came after Trudeau told reporters Thursday that Canada was standing up for the international rules-based order" and the rule of law in its approach to Nijjar's killing. But Rae's remarks didn't name any nation that might be trying to bend the rules. But the truth is: If we dont adhere to the rules that weve agreed to, the very fabric of our open and of our free societies may start to tear, Rae said. The remarks were tucked into a speech that dilated on climate change, immigration, gender equality, Haiti's troubles, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the need for the international community to create unity where there is division. We have to find inside ourselves the capacity to recognize the importance of accepting differences, he said. And if we can do that, then we can create a United Nations that will be worthy of the name. Jaishankar sought to spotlight his country's aspirations on the world stage. The world's most populous nation and an increasingly muscular economic power, India has held itself out as the voice of the Global South and of developing countries' frustrations with a lopsided international order. When we aspire to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandizement, but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions, he said. The goals we have set for ourselves will make us different from all those whose rise preceded ours. ___ Pathi reported from New Delhi. Indian Americans are now the most populous Asian-alone group in the United States, according to a new report from the Census Bureau. They have surpassed Chinese Americans, who were previously the largest in that category, though when the populations are counted with multiracial people included, Chinese Americans still make up the largest share of the countrys Asian population at 5.2 million. Those who identified as Indian-alone that is, as 100% Indian on the 2020 census numbered nearly 4,400,000. It represents a 55% growth over the course of a decade, and experts say the U.S. is already seeing the impacts. It is momentous, said Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of nonprofit group AAPI Data. Americans perception of who is Asian is still very much informed by demographic patterns from a century ago. They think of East Asians as quintessentially Asian and are less likely to think of South Asians as Asian Well, the demographic realities have shifted away from the stereotype. What is behind the rapid growth The rapid increase in the population can be traced back to the 1990s, when the tech boom coincided with the start of the H1B visa program for high-skill workers, said Gaurav Khanna, an assistant professor of economics at the University of California at San Diego. Engineers and computer scientists trained at top schools in India began to immigrate by the thousands with their families, and U.S. tech companies turned their attention to the subcontinent. At the time, people were talking about who would be feeding this workforce, and a lot of people thought it was going to be China, Khanna said. But in India, people are very comfortable with English it was a British colony, and that matters quite a bit. America has also become a very attractive place for South Asian students on F1 and J1 visas looking to enter high-skill fields, he said. And though there is a burgeoning population of U.S.-born Indian Americans, the vast majority of the population is made of immigrants, according to Census Data. Among H1B petitioners, Indians make up almost 75%. Chinese nationals, the next largest pool of petitioners, make up only 12%. People then go from H1Bs to ultimately applying for and getting green cards, even though there are long delays in those processes, Ramakrishnan said. Impacts of the shift This weight shift in the Asian-alone category is something sociologists say they saw coming for years. And while not as populous as Indian Americans, other South Asian groups are seeing rapid growth as well. The Nepalese population saw a substantial uptick, the report said, with a 250% overall increase between 2010 and 2020. The Bangladeshi population also grew by 85.4%, due in part to family sponsorships, Ramakrishnan said. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, political experts say its a change that is hard to ignore and one whose impact shouldnt be underestimated. The political parties, when they are looking at Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, they need to actually think through, OK, its no longer just about Chinese or Koreans. I actually need to have a strategy to actually engage Indian Americans, said Christine Chen, executive director of civic organization Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote. With a largely English-proficient population, reading and submitting ballots dont pose barriers to the same degree as with other Asian communities, Chen said. Not only are they growing in population, but their tendency is to lean in more and participate at a higher rate, she said. Political issues important to the diaspora, like discourse around Hindu nationalism and caste oppression, are also making their way into U.S. life, she said. And Indian American figures, like presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, are gaining major attention, Khanna said. The second generation especially theyre becoming politically active themselves, he said. Ramakrishnan says that, with the recognition of the Census and a new community milestone, both Asian Americans and Americans at large should be paying attention. My hope is that this will spark important conversations about the role of South Asians in Asian America, he said. For more from NBC Asian America, sign up for our weekly newsletter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com More than a dozen members of San Diegos Hells Angels biker gang have been indicted for viciously attacking three Black men earlier this year. Seventeen defendants were arrested Sept. 21 for chasing and attacking three men ages 19, 20 and 21 in Ocean Beach on June 6. During the assault, the gang members shouted a racial epithet at the men and told them they didnt belong in the neighborhood, prosecutors said in a press release. Although one of the men managed to run and escape any injuries, another was caught, beaten and kicked until he fell unconscious. The third man allegedly was beaten by multiple gang members before a Hells Angels leader, Troy Scholder, allegedly stabbed him in the chest and cracked the mans sternum. Scholder then casually folded up his knife and walked away, according to prosecutors. The man survived his injuries. In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack, said District Attorney Summer Stephan. Hells Angels is an international outlaw motorcycle gang the Justice Department has described as an organized crime unit. The Justice Department has said such gangs include members engaged in violent crime, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking. The motive for the San Diego attack is thought to be because one of the three Black men spoke to the girlfriend of one of the Hells Angels members. The indictments came down after six days of trial before a grand jury, according to the DAs office. On Sept. 5, the grand jury returned indictments against 14 defendants for assault likely to cause great bodily injury, all with a gang allegation, and 11 of them with a hate crime allegation. Three defendants were added to the indictment because the trio helped drive Scholder from the scene and back to the Hells Angels clubhouse in El Cajon, Calif. These disgusting hate-driven attacks have no place in our community. There is no stronger way to condemn this violence than to hold the perpetrators accountable to the fullest force of the law, said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. We committed every necessary resource to track down and arrest each person who was involved in these wanton acts of violence. In the arrest last week, 42 illegal firearms were also seized along with illegal drugs. A readiness hearing is set for Nov. 3. If convicted of all charges, the defendants could face life in prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. EVANSVILLE After undercover DEA agents infiltrated a Mexico-based drug trafficking operation, a federal grand jury has indicted a California man authorities say delivered 60,000 fentanyl pills to Evansville. Javier Moreno-Garibaldi, 37, of Salinas, was indicted Monday on a felony charge of distribution of fentanyl. According to an affidavit filed in the case, officers with the Evansville resident office of the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Moreno-Garibaldi on the morning of Sept. 4 after he reportedly delivered 60,000 fentanyl pills to the parking lot of a West Side Evansville hotel. When Moreno-Garibaldi arrived, he reportedly climbed into the car of the undercover officer and told them the pills were stashed in a dog kennel box of the backseat of his vehicle. Authorities paid him $120,000 in counterfeit money for the drugs, as well as a $2,500 delivery fee. As soon as the drugs were placed in the undercovers car, authorities apprehended the suspect. The arrest was the culmination of a multi-unit, multi-state investigation that launched this spring, when undercover authorities successfully began negotiating drug buys in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. After intercepting a package containing 4,000 fentanyl-stuffed counterfeit pills that had been mailed through the U.S. Postal Service in April, authorities began communicating with an unknown Hispanic male in Mexicali, Mexico over WhatsApp to arrange for payment. Agents and a "money courier" with the trafficking operation reportedly met in Terre Haute several days later, the affidavit states. From there, officers negotiated for additional deliveries to Evansville. The suppliers shipped both fentanyl pills and methamphetamine, the affidavit states. In text messages, they referred to the former as M&Ms and the latter as ice cream. The suppliers and undercovers eventually arranged for delivery of 100,000 M&Ms and 50 pounds of ice cream, spread across two shipments. On Sept. 1, the supplier reportedly texted the undercover officers that a courier reportedly identified as Moreno-Garibaldi would deliver a haul of 60,000 pills from Calexico, California. Through a series of messages, they set up the buy at the hotel. In addition to the U.S. Attorneys Office and the DEA, members of the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force and Owensboro Police Department also took part in the sting. Fentanyl deaths have been rising in Evansville for years. In 2022, 77 people died of overdoses in the city. According to the Vanderburgh County Coroner's office, fentanyl or heroin was listed as a cause in 43 of those. That's more than double the 17 heroin or fentanyl-related deaths listed in 2019. On Monday, a judge entered an automatic not-guilty plea for Moreno-Garibaldi, court records state. His jury trial is scheduled for Dec. 4. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Feds arrest man accused of bringing 60K fentanyl pills to Evansville The Scoop In the spring of 2014, senior Iranian Foreign Ministry officials initiated a quiet effort to bolster Tehrans image and positions on global security issues particularly its nuclear program by building ties with a network of influential overseas academics and researchers. They called it the Iran Experts Initiative. The scope and scale of the IEI project has emerged in a large cache of Iranian government correspondence and emails reported for the first time by Semafor and Iran International. The officials, working under the moderate President Hassan Rouhani , congratulated themselves on the impact of the initiative. At least three of the people on the Foreign Ministrys list were, or became, top aides to Robert Malley , the Biden administrations special envoy on Iran, who was placed on leave this June following the suspension of his security clearance. The documents offer deep and unprecedented new insights into the thinking and inner workings of Irans Foreign Ministry at a crucial time in the nuclear diplomacy even as Tehrans portrayal of events is questioned, if not flatly denied, by others involved in the IEI. They show how Iran was capable of the kind of influence operations that the U.S. and its allies in the region often conduct. Robert Malley / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images The emails were obtained and translated by Iran International, a Persian-language television news channel headquartered in London which was briefly based in Washington due to Iranian government threats and shared with Semafor. Semafor and Iran International jointly reported on some aspects of the IEI. Both organizations have produced their own stories independently. The communications reveal the access Rouhanis diplomats have had to Washingtons and Europes policy circles, particularly during the final years of the Obama administration, through this network. One of the German academics in the IEI, according to the emails, offered to ghostwrite op-eds for officials in Tehran. Others would, at times, seek advice from the Foreign Ministrys staff about attending conferences and hearings in the U.S. and Israel. The IEI participants were prolific writers of op-eds and analyses, and provided insights on television and Twitter, regularly touting the need for a compromise with Tehran on the nuclear issue a position in line with both the Obama and Rouhani administrations at the time. The emails describe the IEI being initiated following Rouhanis 2013 election, when he was looking to find an accommodation with the West on the nuclear issue. According to the emails, Irans Foreign Ministry, through its in-house think tank the Institute for Political and International Studies reached out to ten core members for the project, through which it planned to liaise over the next 18 months to aggressively promote the merits of a nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington, which was finalized in July 2015. This initiative which we call Iran Experts Initiative (IEI) is consisted of a core group of 6-10 distinguished second-generation Iranians who have established affiliations with the leading international think-tanks and academic institutions, mainly in Europe and the US, Saeed Khatibzadeh, a Berlin-based Iranian diplomat and future Foreign Ministry spokesman, wrote to Mostafa Zahrani, the head of the IPIS think tank in Tehran, on March 5, 2014, as the project gained steam. Their communication veered between English and Farsi which was translated by Iran International and independently verified by Semafor. Khatibzadeh wrote again a week later, on March 11, and said that he had gained support for the IEI from two young academics Ariane Tabatabai and Dina Esfandiary following a meeting with them in Prague. We three agreed to be the core group of the IEI. Tabatabai currently serves in the Pentagon as the chief of staff for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, a position that requires a U.S. government security clearance. She previously served as a diplomat on Malleys Iran nuclear negotiating team after the Biden administration took office in 2021. Esfandiary is a senior advisor on the Middle East and North Africa at the International Crisis Group, a think tank that Malley headed from 2018-2021. Tabatabai and Esfandiary didnt respond to requests for comment on the IEI. Esfandiarys current employer, the International Crisis Group, confirmed her participation in the initiative. But the Crisis Group, which promotes conflict resolution globally, said the IEI was an informal network of academics and researchers that wasnt overseen by the Iranian Foreign Ministry and that it received funding from a European government and some European institutions, which they declined to identify. The emails discussing the IEI were part of a trove of thousands of Zahranis correspondence that Iran International obtained. These include passport copies, resumes, invitations to conferences, airplane tickets, and visa applications. Its not clear how complete or comprehensive the documents are concerning the IEI. Know More According to the Iranian Foreign Ministrys communications, the IEI project ramped up after this initial outreach. On May 14, 2014, a kickoff conference was held at the Palais Coburg hotel in Vienna site of the international nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was listed as an attendee, according to an email, as well as members of his nuclear negotiating team and eight representatives from Western think tanks. Lower-level Iranian diplomats had initially proposed the meeting be held in Tehran, but Zarifs deputy advised against it for logistical reasons. Zarif was fixated during the discussions in Vienna on elevating, or creating, a public figure who could promote Irans views on the international stage concerning the nuclear issue, according to the emails. He specifically mentioned an Iranian version of Robert Einhorn, an Obama administration diplomat and expert on nuclear proliferation, who regularly published scholarly pieces on Irans nuclear program and appeared at U.S. and European think tank events. You were very right by saying that it is a shame that Iran has not its very own Bob Einhorn someone who can foster attention on Irans case the way Einhorn does for the US or the P5+1 for that matter, Adnan Tabatabai, a German academic who attended the IEI meeting in Vienna, wrote Zarif in English five days after it ended. The P5+1 was the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, and the diplomatic bloc negotiating the nuclear deal with Tehran. Adnan Tabatabai is not related to Ariane Tabatabai. Adnan Tabatabai Adnan Tabatabai also offered Irans Foreign Ministry to ghostwrite pieces on its behalf. Our suggestion could be that we as a group, work on an essay (2000 words) regarding the ongoing talks, Tabatabai told Zarif in the same email. It could, for example, be published under a former officials name, through the CSR or IPIS of course after you and your team revised the piece. The foreign minister responded four days later, copying Zahrani. Zarif accepted the suggestion and recommended that these articles or Op-Eds be published under the names of various Iranian and non-Iranians abroad, as well as former officials. Its unclear if, or how many, pieces were actually published through this process. Adnan Tabatabai declined to comment about the IEI, saying the reporting by Iran International and Semafor was based on falsehoods and factually wrong assumptions. He also questioned the authenticity of the correspondence with Zarif. Iran International commissioned a forensic examination of the emails, and found no discrepancies in the metadata that would indicate they were inauthentic. The IEI quickly pushed ahead with one of the initiatives primary objectives publishing opinion pieces and analyses in top-tier media in the U.S. and Europe, specifically targeting policy makers. Less than a month after the Vienna gathering, Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group, a close protege of Robert Malleys who is listed as part of the IEI, sent an article on defusing the nuclear crisis to Zahrani of IPIS, ahead of publication. I look forward to your comments and feedback, he wrote in Farsi on June 4, 2014, attaching a piece entitled, The Conceptual Perils of Nuclear Diplomacy with Iran. The emails show that the article was shared by Zahrani with Foreign Minister Zarif the day it arrived. It was then published 12 days later in the National Interest, under the title, False Dilemmas in the Iran Talks, with some minor wording changes. Its unclear if Zarif made any fixes as no reply email from him is in the chain. While many think tanks and media outlets have policies against sharing articles before publication, ICG said in a statement to Semafor that it routinely and actively solicits the views of the primary actors involved in a conflict and shares relevant text with policymakers. Ariane Tabatabai / Columbia SIPA via YouTube Ariane Tabatabai, the current Pentagon official, on at least two occasions checked in with Irans Foreign Ministry before attending policy events, according to the emails. She wrote to Zahrani in Farsi on June 27, 2014, to say shed met Saudi Prince Turki al Faisal a former ambassador to the U.S. who expressed interest in working together and invited her to Saudi Arabia. She also said shed been invited to attend a workshop on Irans nuclear program at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. I am not interested in going, but then I thought maybe it would be better that I go and talk, rather than an Israeli like Emily Landau who goes and disseminates disinformation. I would like to ask your opinion too and see if you think I should accept the invitation and go. Zahrani replied the same day: All things considered, it seems Saudi Arabia is a good case, but the second case [Israel] is better to be avoided. Thanks. Tabatabai answered a few hours later: Thank you very much for your advice. I will take action regarding Saudi Arabia and will keep you updated on the progress. Theres no evidence Tabatabai went to the conference in Israel, though her books and research reports suggest shes interviewed a number of senior Israeli officials. Ariane Tabatabai told Zahrani that she was slated to give testimony before the U.S. Congress on the nuclear deal. On July 10, 2014, she wrote that she had been asked to appear before multiple congressional committees alongside two Harvard academics Gary Samore and William Tobey whom she viewed as hawkish on Iran. I will bother you in the coming days. It will be a little difficult since both Will and Gary do not have favorable views on Iran, she wrote. Tabatabai shared a link with Zahrani to an article shed published in the Boston Globe that outlined the Five Myths about Irans Nuclear Program. The piece explained why Iran needs nuclear power and highlighted a fatwa, or religious edict, that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei allegedly issued forbidding the development of nuclear weapons as un-Islamic. Some Western officials have questioned the legitimacy of the fatwa. The View From Tehran The Iranian officials behind the IEI Zahrani and Khatibzadeh boasted to their superiors in internal emails about the initiatives successes. They tracked how often the academics in the IEI wrote or were cited in the media during the week after a preliminary nuclear agreement was reached between Tehran and world powers on April 2, 2015 in Lausanne, Switzerland. The media data was shared with others in the Iranian Foreign Ministry in Tehran. Following our phone conversation, I attached here for your review only a few of the most significant works some of our friends published during the week after the Lausanne framework agreement was reached, Khatibzadeh wrote in Farsi. We were in constant contact and worked vigorously around the clock. Some friends performed as resourceful as a media outlet all by themselves. On April 14, 2015, Khatibzadeh emailed Zahrani, who then forwarded the message to Zarif and one of the foreign ministers deputies on the nuclear negotiating team, Majid Takht-Ravanchi. Khatibzadeh attached 10 separate Word documents to the email, each referencing the media footprint of each IEI academic. These included Ariane Tabatabai, Ali Vaez and Dina Esfandiary, all of whom have worked closely with Malley over the past decade. Dina Esfandiary / RUSI via YouTube Khatibzadeh, the future Foreign Ministry spokesman boasted in the email: These are in addition to hundreds of tweets, posts andon the internet that were definitely unique and trend-sending in their own right. It should be noted that these works were not only published in English, but also in several other international languages. The list shared by Khatibzadeh showed that in one week, Ariane Tabatabai published four articles, including in Foreign Policy, and gave interviews to the Huffington Post and Irans Fars News agency, which is linked to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, mostly supporting Tehrans views on the nuclear talks. In an article for the National Interest co-written with Dina Esfandiary, they argued that Iran was too powerful to be contained and that Tehran doesnt need any agreement to be empowered and to strengthen its foothold in the region. Ali Vaez was also extremely prolific in his media outreach. The ICG analyst was cited in virtually all of the U.S.s major newspapers, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, from the initiation of the IEI in March 2014 to the finalization of the Iran nuclear deal in July 2015. Irans Foreign Ministry, the IPIS think tank, and Zarif, Zahrani, and Khatibzadeh didnt respond to requests for comment. Jays view Covering Iran, either as an academic or a journalist, is a minefield. Access to both the country and Iranian officials is tightly controlled. And even opportunities come with serious caveats. During my visits to Iran as a reporter, I needed to provide my questions and story ideas to the Foreign Ministry ahead of arrival and hire a government-appointed fixer. This individual provided translations, but also clearly monitored my movements and meetings. I assumed Irans intelligence services were closely tracking me. Tehran also aggressively pushes its information operations overseas, sometimes with success, sometimes not. An Iranian academic and permanent U.S. resident who used to contact me with his insights on Tehrans nuclear program, a man named Kaveh Afrasiabi, was arrested in a Boston suburb in 2021 for allegedly working as an unregistered agent for the Iranian regime. Hes allowed to return to Tehran as part of the prisoner-swap agreement reached this month between the Biden administration and Iran, though Afrasiabi said he plans to stay in the U.S. UPDATE: Afrasiabi, whose case was in the pre-trial stage before he was pardoned, contacted me after the publication of this story and denied ever acting as an agent advancing Irans interests. I strongly object to such unfair and false characterizations that have seriously marred my reputation, he wrote in an email. My part-time international affairs consulting for Irans mission under the UN guidelines had absolutely no bearing on my wealth of books and articlesThese include numerous articles clearly at odds with and critical of Iran. He added: I was a national security asset to US, and never a threat. Al Lucca/Semafor The Iranian regime is also factionalized, and navigating these fissures is hazardous for diplomats and journalists. The Iran Experts Initiative was born from a Rouhani administration eager to end Tehrans pariah status following eight years of Mahmoud Ahmadinejads presidency in which he courted Holocaust denial and promoted the eradication of Israel. Rouhanis Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had developed extensive ties to Western politicians and academics during his earlier tenure as Tehrans ambassador to the United Nations. Participants in the IEI, as well as most Western governments, saw Rouhanis tenure and Zarifs ascendence as an opening to try and integrate the Islamic Republic into the global economy and end the nuclear crisis. The Obama administration used both overt and covert channels to do this. But Rouhani never represented the Islamic Republics more radical or hardline face, particularly the Revolutionary Guards, or IRGC. And the election in 2021 of President Ebrahim Raisi, whos been sanctioned by the U.S. for human rights abuses, largely closed the window on these channels. In fact, Raisis government has turned on Robert Malley and some IEI members in recent weeks, accusing them in state media of seeking to incite racial and ethnic unrest in the country. The Tehran Times, an English-language media outlet associated with Raisis office, has reveled in Malleys suspension: Its claimed in a string of columns that the diplomats disciplinary action is tied to the very types of outreach to Iran he and some of his colleagues pursued. Malleys suspicious interactions with his aides of Iranian descent contributed to his downfall, the Tehran Times wrote in a column published last month. The State Department has declined to comment on the reasons behind his suspension. The FBI is also investigating Malley, suggesting the diplomats actions may be more serious than just the mishandling of classified information. Malley is hardly the first U.S. official to be ensnared in the machinations of the Islamic Republic. The opacity of Tehrans system and the expansive work of its intelligence services can mask the governments true intentions. The IEI emails offer a unique look into the Iranian system. Room for Disagreement None of Malleys associates whom Iranian diplomats cited as being part of the Iran Experts Initiative spoke directly to Semafor. But Vaezs and Esfandiarys current employer, the International Crisis Group, has a significantly different understanding of the IEI and Tehrans role in it. Elissa Jobson, Crisis Groups chief of advocacy, said the IEI was an informal platform that gave researchers from different organizations an opportunity to meet with IPIS and Iranian officials, and that it was supported financially by European institutions and one European government. She declined to name them. To spell it out a bit more, it was a means to facilitate research discussions and not a more formal entity where participants could be directed by anyone, she said. The fact that participants were from a host of different think tanks demonstrates that it was merely an informal platform. ICG also notes that all the work its staff publishes is vetted and agreed upon in-house; they dispute that Iran or any government could have directed any members of their team to take a position at odds with the organizations official view. Another European think tank, the European Council on Foreign Relations, confirmed that one of its senior fellows, Ellie Geranmayeh, also took part in the Iran Experts Initiative. An ECFR spokesman said a European government backed the IEI, but didnt identify it, and stressed that that the think tank always covers the core costs of its staffs research trips. As part of its efforts to inform European policy, ECFR regularly engages with experts and think tanks across the world, including through research visits and workshops, the spokesman said. Malley didnt respond to requests for comment. Both the State Department and Pentagon declined to comment on the substance of the correspondence related to the IEI, but said they support Ariane Tabatabai and the vetting process involved in the approval of her security clearance. Dr. Tabatabai was thoroughly and properly vetted as a condition of her employment with the Department of Defense. We are honored to have her serve, the Pentagon said in a statement. An invasive species with a big appetite for native fish has spread into a new Georgia waterway, officials warn. During sampling efforts in the Ogeechee River, which flows southeast toward Savannah, Georgia Department of Natural Resources officials found a non-native flathead catfish in August, according to the wildlife divisions Sept. 21 news release. Now officials are urging anglers around the Ogeechee River to harvest and report the invasive species from the waters to help the departments removal process, the release says. Since the first flathead catfish was pulled from the Ogeechee River this year, about 20 flatheads total have been removed from the river as of Monday, Sept. 25, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division biologist Joel Fleming told McClatchy News. The average size of the flatheads pulled was about 17.1 inches at the end of August, Fleming said, but one flathead removed by a two-person crew Monday was 38.5 inches. A commercial fisherman in the Ogeechee River caught a flathead catfish in December 2021, the release says, and no other flatheads were reported until the initial recent catch in August. The area has undergone extensive sampling since the flathead was caught in 2021, according to the release. Flatheads are native to northwest Georgia in the Coosa River, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. They can grow to more than 100 pounds by eating other native fish in the waterways they inhabit. About 20 flathead catfish have been caught in the Ogeechee River as of Monday, Sept. 25, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division biologist Joel Fleming told McClatchy News. Since being introduced to other rivers such as the Savannah, Satilla and Altamaha rivers in Georgia, flatheads have posed significant ecological risk due to their predation on native species, officials say. Flatheads have decimated the popular redbreast sunfish and bullhead fisheries, which causes disruption to the food chain, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. If the flathead population continues to expand, the Ogeechee Rivers premier redbreast fishery will certainly be impacted, Fleming said. They are going to be one of the apex predators around every system once they establish those populations, Fleming said. If they can fit it in their mouth, theyre going to eat it. The recent group of flatheads caught in the Ogeechee likely wandered in from the Savannah River because flow rates between the rivers have been high, Fleming said. In their efforts to try and sample different catfish species, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources uses electrofishing a method of sampling that puts out an electric pulse that stuns nearby fish to be caught. As time goes on, fish become less susceptible to the shocks, Fleming said, so officials cannot electrofish every day. Catfish sampling typically takes place in the summertime, and with the recent influx of flatheads, sampling efforts have increased, Fleming said. About six or seven people are dedicated to sampling on the Ogeechee, he said, where they spend around 35 to 40 hours a week electrofishing, recording data and navigating the river. Sampling crews try to get an idea of how far the flatheads have spread, but definitively determining population estimates would require officials to catch and release flatheads after tagging them. Because the department doesnt want to release the invasive species back into the wild, it makes that task very difficult, Fleming said. When Georgia wildlife officials remove the flatheads from the river, the fish are killed, Fleming said. The department is sending crews out for sampling as often as they can, Georgia Department of Natural Resources coastal region fisheries supervisor Tim Barrett told McClatchy News. But its important to remember that addressing invasive species like flatheads isnt as simple as just taking them all out of the water, he said. We cant remove all the flatheads and will not be able to remove all the flatheads from Ogeechee or any other river. If we take them out, all were doing is suppressing the population, Barrett said. Its just physically impossible to take them all out. The flatheads latest expansion into the Ogeechee is yet another reminder that people should avoid moving invasive species to different waters, Fleming said. People who spot or catch flatheads in the Ogeechee River should report and remove the fish from the water, he said. Prolific invasive species thats hard to eradicate is found in NC wild, officials say Scaly creature so tiny its hard to catch is found on ocean floor. See new species Giant fish zigged when he should have zagged and gets stuck in NC city, rescuers say PATERSON Cops will be walking the beat in five additional areas of Paterson in mid-October as part of a 55-initiative plan to rebuild trust in the citys notorious Police Department, officials announced Tuesday. The new walking patrol locations include the areas around North Main Street, 10th Avenue, Rosa Parks Boulevard, South Main Street and Market Street. Isa Abbassi, who was appointed officer in charge as part of the state takeover of the Paterson Police Department, showed the map of the new walking beats during a press conference Tuesday morning. The event took place at the citys main library, which is on Broadway, a street transformed over the summer by Abbassis neighborhood stabilization initiative. What else is in the plan? Other parts of Abbassis plan include using artificial intelligence to review officers' body-camera recordings, the creation of new policies requiring police supervisors to go to the scenes of all arrests and incidents involving people in crisis, and increasing the number of city cops equipped with non-lethal forms of force, such as Tasers and chemical spray. Isa Abbassi, officer in charge of the Paterson Police Department, speaks during a press conference announcing a new anti-crime initiative with Mayor Andre Sayegh (left) at Paterson City Hall on Monday, June 26, 2023. The state look control of the Police Department six months ago, in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting of community activist Najee Seabrooks. Abbassi arrived in Paterson in the second week of May. Under the leadership of Officer in Charge Abbassi, the transformation of the Paterson Police Department is well underway, said Attorney General Matthew Platkin, and we have already seen the results: a significant reduction in crime coupled with a growing sense of community and increased morale from officers within the department. The state provided the Paterson Police Department with almost $1 million that paid for the overtime used during the Broadway summer initiative, and the state allocated an extra $10 million for city law enforcement programs in the budget that took effect July 1. In unveiling his two-year strategic plan, Abbassi also said his department would launch a neighborhood stabilization program aimed at the citys struggling downtown business district. What did community leaders say? Mayor Andre Sayegh was not among the dozens of Paterson community leaders who attended the Police Department press conference. The attorney general wanted his day, Sayegh said when asked about his absence. As for me, I work every day with our Police Department to improve public safety in Paterson. Those who attended the event were encouraged by Abbassis plans. Were grateful for this new initiative, and I have much hope, said the Rev. John Algera, a longtime member of Patersons CeaseFire community group who lives near the 10th Avenue strip targeted for walking patrols. Im also happy to see the Police Department values the communitys unput. Ernest Rucker, an activist who frequently criticizes the Paterson Police Department, called Abbassis plan ambitious. I like what Ive seen so far on Broadway, and Id like to see it all over the city, Rucker said. Sitting in front of Rucker at the news conference was the Rev. Kenneth Clayton, president of Patersons NAACP chapter. Its all good news, proclaimed Clayton. Questions about mental health Also in the audience was Liza Chowdhury of the Paterson Healing Collective organization, where Seabrooks worked as a violence intervention specialist. Chowdhury welcomed Abbassis plans for increased community involvement and retraining of police officers. But I want to hear more about mental health, she said. How are we going to prevent something like this from happening again? she added, referring to Seabrooks death. Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ Police Department unveils new strategic plan A U.S. Army specialists takes part in a mission in an area of Syria under the administration of the U.S. Central Command in 2020. On Monday, U.S. military officials announced the capture of a man believed to be an official involved in the operations of the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria. File Photo by Spc. Jensen Guillory/U.S. Army Sept. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. military officials on Monday announced the capture of a man believed to be an official involved in the operations of the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria. U.S. Central Command in Florida identified the detainee as Abu Halil al-Fad'ani, who is described as an ISIS Syria Operational and Facilitation official. He was captured on Saturday during a helicopter raid at an unidentified location in northern Syria, CENTCOM spokesman Lt. Col. Troy Garlock said in a statement, adding that no civilians were killed or injured during the operation. "The capture of ISIS officials like al-Fad'ani increases our ability to locate, target, and remove terrorist from the battlefield," Garlock said. "USCENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS." The capture comes after U.S. forces and their coalition partners claimed to have killed seven ISIS operatives and detained 25 others over a total of 36 operations carried out during August in Syria and Iraq. In April, CENTCOM announced the slaying of Islamic State senior leader Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri during a strike in Syria, linking him to ISIS attacks in Europe and describing him as a key figure terrorist organization's leadership structure. Smoke rises from tires set ablaze by Palestinian demonstrators during a protest along the frontier between Gaza and Israel, as seen from the Israeli side of the fence, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli airstrikes hit several targets in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the country's military said, after Palestinian protesters flocked for the 12th straight day to the enclave's frontier with Israel demonstrations that have devolved into violent clashes with Israeli security forces. There were no reports of casualties in Gaza from the Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli army said that it used a drone, helicopter and tank to strike multiple posts in northern and southern Gaza belonging to the strip's militant Hamas rulers in response to what it described as violent riots at the separation fence between Gaza and Israel. The protests involve Palestinians throwing stones and explosive devices, burning tires and, according to the Israeli military, shooting at Israeli soldiers. Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli forces shot and wounded 11 protesters during Tuesday's rally. Hamas, the Islamic militant group that seized control of Gaza in 2007, has said that young Palestinians have organized the protests in response to surging violence in the West Bank and alleged provocations in Jerusalem. In recent days Palestinians have also floated incendiary kites and balloons across the border into southern Israel, setting fire to farmland and unnerving Israeli civilian communities close to Gaza. The unrest first erupted earlier this month, shortly after Hamas' Finance Ministry announced it was slashing the salaries of civil servants by more than half, deepening a financial crisis in the enclave that has staggered under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for the past 16 years. Under arrangements stemming from past cease-fire understandings with Israel, the gas-rich emirate of Qatar pays the salaries of civil servants in the Gaza Strip, provides direct cash transfers to poor families and offers other kinds of humanitarian aid. Qatars Foreign Ministry said Saturday that it had begun the distribution of $100 cash transfers to some 100,000 needy families in the impoverished territory. The sudden violence at the separation fence has stoked fears of a wider escalation between Israel and Hamas, which have fought four wars and engaged in numerous smaller battles since Hamas took over the territory. But experts said that the violent protests which have persisted with Hamas' tacit consent for nearly two weeks now have more to do with Hamas' efforts to manage the territory and halt its spiraling economic crisis than draw Israel into a new round of conflict. It's a tactical way of generating attention about their distress, Ibrahim Dalalsha, director of the Horizon Center, a Palestinian research group based in the West Bank, said of Hamas. It's not an escalation but warming up' to put pressure on relevant parties that can come up with money to give to the Hamas government. Israel, he added, also seeks to contain the exchanges with its precise strikes on apparently abandoned militant outposts so far avoiding a mishap that could spiral into a conflict that neither side wants. Harvest season begins for China's popular crabs Xinhua) 08:52, September 26, 2023 Crab farmers harvest crabs on the Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Weiwei) NANJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- This year's harvest season of China's highly sought-after freshwater crabs kicked off Monday on the Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. A total of about 11,000 tonnes of the tasty and pricy mitten crab are expected to be harvested, 1,600 tonnes more than that of last year, according to Gu Donghua, deputy head of the Suzhou municipal bureau of agriculture and rural affairs. The crabs have grown bigger this year as the city saw fewer high-temperature days, received adequate rainfall and was less affected by typhoons, creating a suitable breeding environment for the crabs, said Xu Hao, a local crab farmer. A ceremony was held on Monday in Shajiabang Township of Changshu City administered by Suzhou to commence the harvest, with this year's Yangcheng Lake crab anti-counterfeiting label released to facilitate authenticity checks. Chinese people have a custom of eating crabs in autumn when the meat is at its best. The tradition can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220). Crabs are considered auspicious as the Chinese word for crab is "xie," which is pronounced the same as the Chinese word for "thanks." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Israels foreign minister announced that Israeli citizens can travel to the U.S. without a visa this fall, though the Biden administration has not yet confirmed it has approved Israel for the program. Israels Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, posted an announcement Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, that Israel will enter the U.S. visa exemption program beginning in November. He said that Israelis can obtain a visa within 72 hours by filling out a form online and paying a fee of $21. This is a great achievement that testifies to the close relations between Israel and our great ally, the USA, Cohen said in remarks in Hebrew. But that comes ahead of an expected decision by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who has until the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30 to announce the final decision. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Hill. A State Department spokesperson told the Hill that No final decision on Israels Visa Waiver Program candidacy has been made. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, will make a determination in the coming days. Democratic senators have raised alarm that Israel has not fulfilled its obligations under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Jerusalem and Washington in July that said Israel must allow U.S. citizens with Palestinian IDs to pass through Israeli border crossings unimpeded, and that served as a trial period to determine if Israel qualified for the U.S. visa-waiver program. In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent last month, 15 Senate Democrats said Israel had not yet complied with U.S. law to allow reciprocal treatment for visa-free travel for all U.S. citizens, specifically highlighting impediments against Palestinian-Americans with residency in the Palestinian-controlled territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We have already learned of a number of U.S. citizen families who flew to Israel to take advantage of visa waiver travel under the new MOU who were denied entry for having Gaza IDs, the senators wrote. The exclusion of an entire group of U.S. citizens because of their Gaza designation on the Palestinian Population Registry is a clear violation of Blue is Blue, the senators wrote, referring to the Biden administrations definition that U.S. passports must be respected regardless of national origin, religion, or ethnicity. The senators call the reports from Palestinian-Americans a concerning indication of Israels failure to implement the reciprocity requirements. [It] is clear that Israel is not in compliance with this law as it relates to reciprocal treatment for all U.S. citizens, and is not on track to come into compliance before the September 30, 2023, deadline. The letter was signed by Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who were joined by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. On Sept. 25, Russian forces failed in ground attacks near Avdiivka and Marinka on the western outskirts of Donetsk, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported. "Russian forces continued their fruitless ground assaults along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line," the ISW said. Russian forces were also unable to retake lost ground near Novomykhailivka, 36 kilometers southwest of Adviivka. Russian troops conducted failed strikes near Klishchiivka, as well as to the east and southeast of Bohdanivka (seven kilometers northwest of Bakhmut), according to reports from the Ukrainian military. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us On Sept. 24 and 25, a number of Russian military commentators claimed that Russian troops had driven Ukrainian soldiers from their positions in Orikhovo-Vasylivka (10 kilometers northwest of Bakhmut)and were now in charge of the settlement. Another Russian commentator claimed that Ukrainian forces launched a counterattack nearby after Russian forces apparently secured the village. However, the ISW has not obtained visual evidence to support reports that Russian troops have taken taken Orikhovo-Vasylivka. The ISW reported that Russian forces made no confirmed gains in their offensives near Bakhmut. Captain Ilya Yevlash, a spokesperson for Ukrainian forces fighting on the eastern front, reported that Ukrainian troops liberated an additional two kilometers of land in the direction of Bakhmut. Read also: Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. I've gone to Disney World alone dozens of times, and it's better than going with a big group. When I'm solo traveling, I always get a seat at the restaurants I want to eat at. It's often easier to get into popular shows and on rides as a single person. I've been going to Disney World for almost 30 years. I often visit the parks with my family or friends, but I actually prefer to explore as a solo traveler. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going to the Disney parks alone. Getting into popular shows around the parks is typically easier I love watching shows at Disney World a few of my favorites are "Fantasmic" at Hollywood Studios and "Festival of the Lion King" at Animal Kingdom. I usually don't care where I sit because, in most theaters around Disney World, every seat is a good seat. So even though Disney suggests getting in line for these popular shows about 45 minutes early, as a solo traveler, I tend to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before they start. I may not end up in the front row, but it doesn't matter to me because I didn't waste a lot of time sitting around in line when I could've been on a ride. I can usually get a seat at any restaurant I want to dine in Even popular spots, like the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, usually have space for one. Megan duBois When I go to Disney World by myself, I often try to visit at least one table-service restaurant a day, whether at a hotel or inside a park. Sitting at the bars and lounges is one of my favorite ways to have a leisurely meal without the pressure of getting advanced reservations. The menus are often just as good (if not exactly the same) as the main dinging rooms, and sometimes there are even a few lounge-exclusive dishes. On a recent trip, I ate dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge in Hollywood Studios. The outdoor area is well-shaded thanks to large umbrellas, and it has great views of the park. I was able to order my favorite Cobb salad and the restaurant's famous grapefruit cake without the hassle of making a dining reservation. I don't have a hard time getting on rides, even if I don't use the single-rider line Expedition Everest is one of the attractions at Disney World with a single-rider line. Megan duBois Many people think the single-rider lines at select Disney World attractions are the way to go for solo travelers, but I think they can be deceiving. Even though the single-rider line often doesn't spill out of the entrance like the standby queues do, the number of seats that are actually available for single riders tends to be limited. I've found that waiting in the regular standby line actually works better for me when I'm at the parks alone. I get through the queue faster in some instances, and I'll have a better estimate of how long it'll take since there's a listed wait time, which the single-rider lines don't have. Doing what I want all day makes everything more relaxing My favorite thing about going to Disney World alone is that I get to do what I want all day. There's no stress to please four or five other people in my group and make sure everyone enjoys the day. If the park I'm at is busy, I can leave and go somewhere else. If I want to go back to the hotel to take a nap and go to the pool, that's fine, too. As a solo traveler, I don't have to consider anyone else's schedule, and that brings a lot of freedom to a Disney World trip. Read the original article on Insider A California man accused of organizing a group of Jan. 6 rioters, participating in the riots and attempting to destroy evidence of his involvement was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Tuesday, the Justice Department announced. Edward Badalian was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding in April. He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison and was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Prosecutors allege that Badalian used a Telegram group chat named PATRIOTS45MAGA Gang to encourage violence against political enemies, and at one point said he wanted to arrest President Biden. Badalian and the other members of the group sent hundreds of messages about committing violence against political enemies and revolution against the government, prosecutors allege. We need to violently remove traitors and if they are in key positions, rapidly replace them with able-bodied Patriots, he said in the chat, according to prosecutors. He later attended the Stop the Steal rally in front of the Capitol Building with the same group and participated in the riots. Prosecutors said he entered the Capitol Building through a broken window after clashing with police and rifled through a Capitol office looking for intel. On the drive from Washington back to California after the riots, Badalian called into the InfoWars web show War Room and discussed his participation under the pseudonym Turbo. He said in the interview that a video showed him fighting what he believed were members of Antifa disguised as Trump supporters during the riots. War Room host, Owen Shroyer, was sentenced to two months in jail earlier this month for his involvement in the riots. After that interview, prosecutors allege Badalian confronted another rioter about destroying evidence of him and the group being present at the Capitol Building. Prosecutors allege he wrote to the other rioter, I want to help you delete everything and to transfer files to a secure hard drive. That other rioter, who was not named, did not delete the evidence, prosecutors wrote. Badalians efforts to cover up his Jan. 6 participation also included changing his phone number, prosecutors said. More than 1,100 people have been charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 riots, the Justice Department said, including about 400 for assaulting or impeding law enforcement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Read the full article on Motorious This Mustang has a crazy history. A 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, embellished with the distinction of being a Cobra Jet and having originated from Japan, emerges as a magnificent relic of automotive history, remarkably preserved in impeccable condition. This iconic car, launched in 1969, marked its distinct presence amid the high-performance Mustang variants of the era, earning significant acclaim and witnessing overwhelming sales, a testament to its popularity and appeal. See horrifying vintage crash test videos here. The Mach 1, despite sharing its retail space with notable counterparts like the Boss and Shelby models, dominated the market, securing sales of over 70,000 units, a formidable feat leading to the discontinuation of the Mustang GT until 1982. This model, renowned for its distinctive V8 engine and a unique stripe package, quickly became synonymous with power and performance. In 1971, Ford introduced a redesigned Mustang, maintaining the availability of the much-coveted Mach 1 package. The engine lineup underwent modifications, incorporating new additions and omitting the FE mill, with the Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet engines reigning supreme, delivering impressive horsepower and torque. The Mach 1s allure endured, claiming almost 25% of the total Mustang sales, despite the dip in overall sales numbers due to escalated insurance rates for high-performance cars. This specific Medium Green Mach 1 is a rare spectacle, not merely for being one of the 1,865 models equipped with a massive 429-cubic-inch V8 but due to its unique journey, being one of the few sold in Japan. It boasts an array of 25 factory options, including air conditioning, power windows, and a center console with additional gauges, exceeding its American counterparts in features. Sold initially in Okinawa, Japan, this Mustang, characterized by its silver inserts on white seats and unique features distinct to the Japanese market, stands out as a true collector's piece. The car, featuring a kilometer speedometer, mirrors with shaved pointy ends, yellow rear-fender reflector lights, and various other unique elements, represents a meticulous amalgamation of American muscle and Japanese specifications. This Mach 1, a J-code 429 V8 model and part of the 958 units equipped with the Cobra Jet engine, is an exquisite exemplification of rarity and uniqueness, considering its extensive options and color combination. It is one of the only 14 1971 Mach 1 Cobra Jets known to be sold in Japan, enhancing its historical and collectible value. Even though its origin traces back to the Far East, the majority of this Mustang's existence unfolded in the United States, having returned in 1985, around 15 years post its assembly. Since its return, the car has seen multiple ownerships, ultimately evolving into an award-winning classic, meticulously restored to its original grandeur. This one-of-a-kind gem, though largely unverified in terms of its unique status due to the absence of a Marty report, remains an undeniable piece of automotive history, a fusion of American muscle identity and Japanese distinctiveness, promising to be a focal point of any classic car collection. The immaculately preserved and restored 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring allure of the iconic Mustang lineage. Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MSNBCs Jen Psaki on Monday sought to dispel Donald Trump s insistence that hes a champion of blue-collar America ahead of the former presidents scheduled visit to striking autoworkers in Michigan this week. Psaki, the former Biden White House press secretary, likened Trump to the kind of door-to-door salesman that shows up on your porch hawking a vacuum that will change your life but which ultimately never arrives once paid for or self-combusts when you plug it in. Psaki sounded the alarm by warning Trump will say anything to get the autoworkers on his side, just like he did ahead of the 2016 election, but then will fail to deliver in their interests. He was a charlatan then and he is a charlatan now, she said. Watch the video here: Ahead of Trumps visit to Michigan, I thought the story of one GM plant in Lordstown, Ohio, might be useful He was a charlatan then and he is a charlatan now.@jrpsaki on Trump's long history of empty promises to union workers. pic.twitter.com/MFgwWmls3t Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) September 26, 2023 Related... A JetBlue flight is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration after eight passengers were hospitalized Monday due to what the airline called sudden severe turbulence. The flight took off from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and landed safely at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on time at 5:24 a.m. ET, according to FlightAware data, but experienced sudden turbulence mid-air as it approached Florida, the airline said in a statement to HuffPost. Those injured included seven passengers and one crew member. Details werent released. JetBlue will work to support our customers and crewmembers, the airline said. The Airbus A320 aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection, JetBlue added. NTSB confirmed its investigation into Mondays incident in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Reuters reported the FAA is also probing the flight. Turbulence is a common cause of accidents involving air carriers, the NTSB said in a 2021 report. Last week, a preliminary NTSB report showed that two passengers and two crew members were seriously injured, along with 13 other passengers who sustained minor injuries, after an Aug. 29 Delta Airlines flight from Milan to Atlanta encountered turbulence upon descent. The aircraft sustained minor damage, the report added. In March, a Lufthansa flight that took off from Austin, Texas, headed for Frankfurt, Germany, was hit by significant turbulence and had to be diverted to a Washington, D.C., airport. Seven people were hospitalized. Related... A group of Jewish leaders published a letter warning of the rise in antisemitic rhetoric on X, formerly Twitter, and placed responsibility largely on owner Elon Musk whom they claimed has facilitated and enabled its growth. X has become a breeding ground for antisemitism and represents one of the largest dangers to Jews in years, the leaders warned in their letter. If something does not change, we know what will happen: hate speech and radicalization are always the precursor to violence. The group consists of rabbis, academics, leaders of Jewish organizations and artists with diverse ideologies and beliefs, they wrote, adding we have come together to address the danger Elon Musk and X represent to Jews and others. The organizer of the letter, Elad Nehorai, described the goal as twofold in a statement to The Hill: To call out the fact that the story has been watered down and we insist it be told more accurately, as well as to push for advertisers and app stores to pull their support. The Jewish leaders specifically called on large advertisers like Disney, Apple and Amazon to stop paying for ads on the platform. They also called on Apple and Google to remove X from the application store. The letter follows Musks recent targeting of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) a watchdog group fighting against hate speech and antisemitism which Musk claimed was trying to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic. The tech billionaire threatened to file a lawsuit against the ADL for allegedly destroying half the value of this company, which he valued at $22 billion. He said the ADL seems to be responsible for most of our revenue loss. His threats followed an ADL report that documented a rise in what they called virulent antisemitism on X after Musk rolled back some content moderation policies on the platform. The Jewish leaders said they were alarmed by Musks targeting of the ADL, not because of our views of the organization, they wrote as the group holds a wide range of views, but because of the way he has used the organization as a very clear stand in for an antisemitic representation of Jewish power. They pointed to several examples of what they described as antisemitic acts by Musk that they viewed as egregious. First, they pointed to his participation in the hashtag #BanTheADL, which the letter noted was started by neo-Nazi figures. They criticized his engagement with and alleged promotion of antisemitic accounts, as well as his decision to reinstate some of the most vicious antisemites in America and beyond. They also accused Musk of spreading overt antisemitism, such as the false idea that 65% of Jewish college students support censorship, and of engaging in antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as linking George Soros with the Rothschilds as well as the Great Replacement conspiracy theory. Elon Musk has shown a refusal to back down from the danger he poses to Jews and other minorities and vulnerable communities. Appealing to him directly, as the ADL and others have, has been an abject failure, the letter reads. Outside pressure that hits him where it hurts is the only effective measure. Not doing so will mean the further spread of extremism and antisemitism, the group continued. Those dont just threaten Jews: they threaten a free society and all those affected by the conspiracy theories tied to antisemitism. The Hill reached out to X for comment but received an automatic reply saying, Busy now, please check back later. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The son of jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai says his father refuses to be cowed by Chinese authorities as he marks 1,000 days behind bars and faces the threat of life imprisonment. In an interview with NBC News in London, Sebastien Lai said his father, a wealthy businessman with British citizenship, could have easily fled Hong Kong to avoid a crackdown on pro-democracy activists but chose to stay to fight for his beliefs. "For someone to give up everything he has to stand up for freedom is an incredibly rare thing," said the younger Lai who lives in Taiwan. "I think a lot of people understand whats at stake and understand that my father should not be in prison." Held in solitary confinement at Hong Kongs Stanley Prison, Jimmy Lai, 75, is serving a sentence of more than five years in connection with an alleged commercial lease violation, which his lawyers and rights groups dismiss as spurious. He was previously prosecuted over his participation in mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020 and for lighting a candle at a 2020 vigil for the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Sebastien Lai, 28, said his father remains steadfast in his commitment to democratic principles despite facing the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison if he is convicted on charges under a new national security law. The trial in that case has been repeatedly delayed, and is now due to start in December. Hes someone who refuses to be cowed, Sebastien Lai said. My dad is a person that has really shown with his work and with his life why these values are important and what someone is willing to pay for it. And I think thats why the Chinese government is using so much energy to go after that. Hes always been a thorn in their side," he said. Jimmy Lai has shown the Hong Kong government, the government of China, that money isnt the most important thing, that these freedoms are much more important, he added. The imprisonment of his father in connection with an alleged lease violation, the forced closure of his fathers newspaper, Apple Daily, and the jailing of hundreds of other political prisoners send a clear message that despite the governments claims, Hong Kong is not a place to do business, Sebastien Lai said. Companies and foreign investors expect a free flow of information and a fair and predictable legal system, not an arbitrary and authoritarian one, he said. I think Hong Kong really has to figure out whether they want to be a financial center or not, Sebastien Lai said. If they keep people like my father and other political prisoners in jail, they cant be a financial center. Jimmy Lai, during an interview in Hong Kong (Anthony Wallace / AFP via Getty Images file ) Jimmy Lai and others flocked to Hong Kong because of the freedom it offered and built it into what it is today, he said. Once that rule of law goes , once the law becomes arbitrary and that protection is no longer granted, then Hong Kong loses its ... competitive advantage, he said. If it doesnt recognize that the reason why it was so successful was because of all the freedoms that it had, then theres no hope for Hong Kong, Sebastien Lai added. Following the Covid pandemic, China has sought to bring businesses and tourists back to Hong Kong with a major promotional campaign, but the city has been plagued by an exodus of qualified workers and wealthy residents in recent years. When the United Kingdom handed Hong Kong over to Chinese rule in 1997, the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration was supposed to guarantee full autonomy for Hong Kong except in foreign affairs and defense. But Hong Kongs special status has gradually eroded and in June 2020, Chinese authorities imposed a sweeping national security law that has been used to stifle dissent and press freedom, according to rights groups. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said Jimmy Lai had sought to destabilize Hong Kong and incited violence and that those who violate Hong Kongs laws will be held accountable. The facts of his violation of the national security law are clear. His case was handled in accordance with law in Hong Kong, and has nothing to do with freedom of the press and speech. Since the promulgation of the national security law for Hong Kong, the local society regained order and vitality, he said. The lawful rights of the residents in Hong Kong are better protected, the spokesperson added. Lai and his fathers international legal team have traveled to Washington, the United Nations headquarters in New York, and Britain in recent days to focus attention on the case, which has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights and press freedom advocates. Although Jimmy Lai is a British national, the U.K. government has come under criticism from his son and human rights groups, who say London has failed to forcefully condemn the media tycoons imprisonment to avoid jeopardizing trade with China. The way the British government has "danced around the case is very disappointing, to say the very least," said Maya Wang, associate director in the Asia division at Human Rights Watch. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly raised Jimmy Lais case when he met with Chinese officials during a visit to Beijing last month, according to the British government. Calls for Britain to take a tougher stand on Jimmy Lais case coincide with growing internal criticism of Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks China policy and revelations that a parliamentary researcher on China for Sunaks Tory party may have been spying on behalf of Beijing. Some members of his own party argue that the Sunak government should label China as a threat to the U.K. instead of a systemic challenge. Asked about Jimmy Lais case, a spokesperson for the British Embassy in Washington said the U.K. wanted to see Hong Kong authorities uphold the rule of law and comply with international standards. British national Jimmy Lais prosecution has been highly politicized. Mr. Lai and others are being deliberately targeted to silence criticism under the guise of national security, the spokesperson said. Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the British minister for the Indo-Pacific, met Sebastien Lai last week to continue discussions of his fathers case, the spokesperson added. Jimmy Lai escorted by prison guards at Lai Chi Kok Reception Center in Hong Kong (Vernon Yuen / NurPhoto via Getty Images file ) A famous figure in Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai embodies the citys once free-wheeling, open-market climate before China asserted tighter control over the former British colony. Lai worked in a garment factory as a child and eventually created his own successful clothing line. After the crackdown on 1989 Tiananmen Square democracy protesters, he founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily in Hong Kong. Lais blunt, entrepreneurial style resonates with many in Hong Kong, and that kind of freedom is essentially what Hong Kong was and what the culture of China could have been, Wang of Human Rights Watch said. Police raided the Apple Daily offices in 2021, and eventually forced the popular paper to close down. After the vast pro-democracy demonstrations that swept across Hong Kong four years ago, Chinese authorities have placed a priority on prosecuting prominent democratic voices, especially Jimmy Lai, whom they portray as a conspirator under the influence of outside powers trying to undermine China, according to human rights advocates. Under the new national security law imposed on Hong Kong, Lai is awaiting trial for alleged sedition and other offenses related to his pro-democracy campaigning and publishing. If convicted, he will likely be in prison for the rest of his life, according to his international lawyers. Chinese authorities have effectively barred Lai from choosing a British lawyer, Tim Owen, from representing him. The national security trial was initially due to begin in December last year and was pushed back several times. It is now due to start Dec. 18. One of Lais international lawyers, Jonathan Price, said Chinese authorities appear to be delaying the trial because they are struggling to build a case, and are wary of granting Lai any kind of platform to express his views on democracy. If they had a strong case, they would present it in court, Price said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Despite her haters, JK Rowling has been bestowed with the honour of writing one of the greatest opening lines of all time - Debra Hurford Brown She may be loudly reviled by some for her views on transgender issues and womens rights, but that hasnt stopped thousands hailing the opening line of JK Rowlings first Harry Potter novel as one of the greatest ever. The opening words to Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone have been voted among the most memorable and captivating opening lines from the world of literature by Amazon readers. Setting the scene for the story of the orphan wizard, Rowling writes: Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. The line came fifth in a poll of British readers by the online books retail giant, with 22 per cent of those taking part choosing it as their favourite. Topping the poll was Charles Dickens opening to his 1840 French Revolution-era novel A Tale of Two Cities: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, with 29 per cent of the vote, while George Orwells chilling first line from his dystopian fantasy Nineteen Eighty-Four: It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen came second, with 24 per cent of the vote. Fourth and fifth were the first lines of JM Barries 1904 childrens classic, Peter Pan: All children, except one, grow up and JRR Tolkiens deceptively simple opening to The Hobbit: In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Rowlings views on trans issues and her campaign in support of female-only spaces and the rights of biological women have led to calls for her books to be boycotted, with activists branding her a terf the slur used to describe those who, like the Harry Potter author, believe people cannot change sex. The Amazon poll will be interpreted as a sign that readers have stuck by her in the face of bitter opposition. Rowlings views on trans issues have led to calls for her books to be boycotted - CBW / Alamy Stock Photo Helen Joyce, director of advocacy, Sex Matters, a human-rights organisation that campaigns for clarity on sex in law and everyday life, said: No matter how hard extreme trans activists try to ruin JK Rowlings life and career, they fail. She remains one of the worlds most popular and beloved authors, and its a delight to see the book-buying public ignore their attempts to destroy her for the heresy of saying that womens rights matter, and cant be protected if men can claim to be women. The study of readers views was commissioned by Amazon Books UK, ahead of the Amazon Literary Partnership, which offers support to aspiring and emerging underrepresented writers. Amazons polling also revealed that four in ten (43 per cent) British readers say that the first few lines of a book can make or break a novel. Indeed, according to the poll, 64 per cent have stopped reading a book if the initial wording failed to grab their attention, while 69 per cent feel a good first chapter sets the tone for the whole novel. Almost two in five (38 per cent) claimed the first few lines of their favourite books made such an impact, that they know them off by heart, with a further 63 per cent believing they could identify a book theyd read and loved, just by reading the first line. Darren Hardy, manager for UK Author and Editorial Programmes at Amazon UK, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 people, said: We know how hard it can be to put pen to a blank piece of paper when fashioning a novel, yet we also know how important these first few words can be to entice the reader further. The captivating and iconic first lines highlighted in the research demonstrate the power and impact words can have not only on popular culture but also our lives. We hope that through the Amazon Literary Partnership, we can bring more voices to the fore and inspire readers with their words. 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. JPMorgan Chase on Tuesday agreed to pay $75 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands in a suit alleging the bank aided and benefitted from Jeffrey Epstein's human trafficking. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Sept. 26 (UPI) -- JPMorgan Chase on Tuesday reached a settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands in a suit alleging the bank aided and benefitted from the illegal sex trafficking of underaged girls by late financier and banking customer Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith announced the $75 million settlement under which the bank also agreed to "implement and maintain meaningful anti-trafficking measures" to prevent future trafficking. "This settlement is a historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking," Smith said. JPMorgan did not claim any wrongdoing in the settlement and will avoid a trial in the Virgin Islands. Under the agreement, $55 million will be paid to Virgin Islands charities and anti-trafficking efforts while $20 million will pay for legal fees. Jeffrey Epstein, who often catered to the wealthy and powerful, committed suicide in federal prison in 2019 while awaiting a round of federal sex trafficking charges. File Photo by New York State Divison of Criminal Justice/EPA-EFE JPMorgan will also agree to inform law enforcement of customers involved in human trafficking and terminate their accounts if there is "credible information" that they are engaged in or facilitating human trafficking. The bank also committed to further scrutinizing new accounts, training employees to identify, report and address evidence of human trafficking by customers, identifying and escalating clients associated with trafficking and facilitating escalation and remediation of issues if the bank becomes aware of human trafficking law violations. "Our Department of Justice tirelessly pursued this enforcement action to make it substantially harder for traffickers to finance their crimes in the future, and we are confident this settlement will help achieve that goal," Smith said. "We are proud to have stood alongside the survivors throughout this litigation, and this settlement reflects our continued commitment to them." The settlement comes after depositions in the case revealed that JPMorgan Bank executives knew of Epstein's suspicious activity as early as 2006 but did not end their relationship with him until 2013. Epstein, who often catered to the wealthy and powerful, committed suicide in federal prison in 2019 while awaiting a round of federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein owned a private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands before his estate sold it after his death. In 2021, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's girlfriend through much of the trafficking, was convicted in a federal trial for recruiting unwitting underage girls to be sexually abused by him. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison. JPMorgan Chase will pay $75 million to settle a lawsuit with the U.S. Virgin Islands over allegations that it facilitated Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking operation, the bank said on Tuesday. The settlement agreement includes a $30-million contribution to charitable organizations in the Virgin Islands that focus on fighting human trafficking and providing support to survivors, as well as a $25-million payment to the Virgin Islands for enhancing its capabilities to combat human trafficking. The remaining $20 million will go toward the attorneys fees amassed by the Virgin Islands, JPMorgan said in a news release. The settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoing. The Virgin Islands had accused JPMorgan of facilitating Epsteins crimes by continuing to provide the convicted sex offender with access to his bank accounts despite obvious red flags. While the settlement does involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes, the bank said. The Virgin Islands touted the agreement on Tuesday as a historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, noting that $10 million of the settlement will go toward creating a fund to provide mental health services for Epsteins survivors. As part of the settlement, JPMorgan has agreed to implement and maintain meaningful anti-trafficking measures, which will help prevent human trafficking in the future, Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith said in a statement. This settlement is an historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about banks responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking, Smith added. JPMorgan also said on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement to settle its claims against former executive Jes Stanley related to Epstein. The terms of the settlement are confidential. The two settlements will resolve the banks remaining litigation related to Epstein, it said. JPMorgan previously agreed to pay $290 million to settle a class action lawsuit with Epsteins victims in June. Updated at 12:17 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. JPMorgan Chase has once again agreed to a massive settlement over its long-term relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epsteinthis time paying the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands to end its sex-trafficking lawsuit against the financial giant. Late last year, the Caribbean territory sued JPMorgan, accusing the bank of facilitating Epsteins sex ring while collecting millions via the late traffickers client referrals. One of Epsteins victims, referred to as Jane Doe, had filed a class-action lawsuit against JPMorgan with similar claims that was settled in June for $290 million. The USVIs settlementtotaling $75 millioncomes about a month before the case was scheduled for trial in Manhattan federal court. In July, the government stated in legal filings that it was seeking a minimum of $190 million from the bank. Separately, JPMorgan announced it had reached an agreement with former executive Jes Staleya friend of Epsteins who visited his private island and who shared creepy messages with the traffickerwho it was suing to hold liable for any damages. Disney Princesses and Hot Tubs: JPMorgan Executives Creepy Texts to Epstein The terms of that agreement are confidential, JPMorgan said. The USVIs litigation unveiled new details about Epsteins connections and how JPMorgan catered to the perverted money manager while for years ignoring its own compliance officials red flags about his activities, both criminal and financial. Among the new disclosures: Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019, was considered a financial adviser to Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin; the bank flagged $1 billion in Epsteins suspicious transactions to the U.S. Treasury Department after his death; and JPMorgan accepted new client referrals from Epstein after terminating its relationship with him in 2013. In a press release announcing the settlement, U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel M. Smith said JPMorgan has committed to creating safeguards to combat human trafficking. (JPMorgan spokeswoman Patricia Wexler, however, issued a clarification, stating the bank remains committed to previous and ongoing efforts via its AML, or anti-money laundering program. There are no new commitments, Wexler said.) The USVI said the case marked the first time a state attorney general used the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to justify a lawsuit and the first-ever enforcement action filed against a bank for enabling and profiting off a trafficking network. This settlement is an historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about banks responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking, Smith said. Our Department of Justice tirelessly pursued this enforcement action to make it substantially harder for traffickers to finance their crimes in the future, and we are confident this settlement will help achieve that goal, she added. We are proud to have stood alongside the survivors throughout this litigation, and this settlement reflects our continued commitment to them. With this constructive resolution of this groundbreaking litigation, we look forward to helping our community move forward and to building a new relationship with JPMorgan. According to the USVI, the settlement will fund law enforcement anti-trafficking efforts, local nonprofits that support victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, and a $10 million fund to provide counseling services for victims of Epstein. In its own announcement on Tuesday, JPMorgan said it had agreed to a $55 million payout plus $20 million in attorneys fees. JPMorgan added that $30 million would go toward USVI charities whose work is aimed at addressing social ills, including fighting human trafficking and other sex crimes, and to support survivors on their paths to healing, while $25 million would be paid to law enforcement. JPMorgan Chase believes this settlement is in the best interest of all parties, particularly for those who can benefit from efforts to combat human trafficking, and for survivors who suffer unimaginable abuse at the hands of these criminals, the bank said. While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes. This isnt the first time USVI has received millions in connection to Epstein. In November 2022, Epsteins estate paid the territory $105 million to settle a civil racketeering suit filed by former attorney general Denise George, who alleged that the financier created a network of companies to further his forced labor and sexual servitude of women. And, as The New York Times reported, billionaire Leon Black paid the USVI $62.5 million in January to be released from any claims connected to the governments probe into Epsteins crimes. Brad Edwards, a lawyer for Doe and other victims, told The Daily Beast that the USVI settlement is further evidence of the continued extraordinary courage of the survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse that was only made possible with the help of some of the most powerful people and entities in the world. It is also evidence that our banks can do more to protect victims, he said. The victims and survivors have made monumental accomplishments through holding banks accountable in this way. 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. DETROIT A judge dismissed involuntary manslaughter charges Monday against six Michigan Department of Corrections employees in the death of a prisoner who lost more than 50 pounds in 15 days and died while being restrained in 2019. District Judge Charles Nebel said two former prison officials and four registered nurses failed to provide or ensure the required level of care to Jonathan Lancaster, who was 38 when he died in solitary confinement at Alger Correctional Facility in Munising, Michigan. But there's not enough evidence to send any of the defendants to trial because none of their failures directly caused Lancaster's death, Nebel ruled. The judge said he relied on expert medical testimony that Lancaster was already "doomed to die from dehydration" by the time he was moved to an observation cell and died three days later. Lancaster's sister, Danielle Dunn, who has pushed for answers and accountability in the case, said in an email she is "beyond devastated" by the ruling. This is not the end for us, Dunn told The Associated Press. We will fight for an appeal and continue to advocate for other families like ours as well as current incarcerated citizens. Lancaster's death also highlights inadequate conditions in prisons across the country. Advocates for prison reform have noted the growing number of incarcerated people in U.S. prisons, where many have been criticized for negligence, poor infrastructure, and corruption. Minnesota prison heat wave: Minnesota prison on lockdown after about 100 inmates refused to return to cells amid heat wave What happened to Jonathan Lancaster? Lancaster was in prison for robbery and gun crimes in the Detroit area. His family said he had a history of mental illness and showed symptoms while at the Alger Correctional Facility, including paranoia, anxiety, loss of appetite and insomnia. Lancaster had stopped eating and drinking, causing his sodium levels to get so elevated that he could no longer communicate or respond to officers' directions, Nebel said. By the time of his death, Lancaster had missed nine consecutive meals, according to Nebel. The judge pointed to holes in Michigan Department of Corrections policies, which at the time may have contributed to a "perfect storm" and Lancaster's death. Nurses had performed the required daily checks of Lancaster's vital signs and were shown to be within normal ranges, Nebel said. He said daily weight checks were not conducted, which was typical on the weekends, despite being mandatory. Lancaster had also been placed in restraints while in confinement and was found lying in his own feces and urine. He lost more than 50 pounds in 15 days, according to evidence in the case. Jonathan Lancaster Michigan judge says incident wasn't regarded as a crisis Some testimony had argued that weight checks would not have made a difference in saving Lancaster's life, but Nebel said the checks should have been done, regardless. Nebel added that if he had been seen in the condition he was in on a park bench or almost anywhere else in society, medical intervention would have happened as he was "in an absolute crisis situation." But under the existing Michigan Department of Corrections policies and procedures, no one was viewing the situation as a crisis, Nebel said. Involuntary manslaughter charges, which is a 15-year felony, were dismissed against former Acting Warden Scott Sprader; former Assistant Deputy Warden Benny Mercier; and former nurses Paul Zelenak, Nathan Moser, Barbara Bedient and John Crane. The six people were fired and several more were disciplined after Lancasters death. The state corrections department had referred the case to state police for investigation. Separately, two corrections officers, Jason Denman and Shawn Brinkman, have been bound over to circuit court on charges of misconduct in office. In announcing the charges in June, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Lancaster's death was "a preventable tragedy that played out over days and under the defendants supervision." Nessel's office is reviewing the ruling and "evaluating its next steps," spokesperson Danny Wimmer said. Tyre Nichols case: 5 ex-Memphis police officers charged in Tyre Nichols death indicted on federal charges US prisons face criticism over conditions Today, nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States, according to the Prison Policy Initiative's 2023 report on mass incarceration. Federal and state investigations have revealed corruption, abuse and escalating violence in U.S. prisons. Advocates have said these conditions violate the constitutional rights of inmates, where people face physical harm, sexual assault, poor living conditions and are denied access to proper medical care. In 2022, a Senate panel revealed widespread corruption and abuse at the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, where staffers routinely helped traffic weapons and drugs. "These were stunning failures of federal prison administration that likely contributed to the loss of life," Sen. Jon Ossoff, chairman of the Senate Investigations subcommittee, said during a congressional hearing in July 2022. "Conditions for inmates were abusive and inhumane, and should concern all of us who believe in our countrys constitutional traditions." A USA TODAY analysis of media reports and information from state corrections department, found that at least 44 states lack universal air conditioning in their prisons. And as climate change brings more heat waves with scorching temperatures, experts have warned conditions in facilities could become deadly. And more than half of inmates have a mental illness, which is often left untreated in prisons, according to the Equal Justice Initiative. The nonprofit legal organization said solitary confinement can aggravate mental health problems. "Studies show that people held in long-term solitary confinement suffer from anxiety, paranoia, perceptual disturbances, and deep depression," according to the Equal Justice Initiative. "Nationwide, suicides among people held in isolation account for almost 50% of all prison suicides, even though less than 8% of the prison population is in isolation." Egan writes for the Detroit Free Press; Nguyen writes for USA TODAY Contributing: Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY; The Associated Press Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @paulegan4. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jonathan Lancaster case: Judge dismisses manslaughter charges FALL RIVER A Fall River city police officer is facing a charge of possession of child pornography now that a Fall River District Court judge has decided against dismissing the criminal case against him. Michael Morin , 38, was arrested in June for allegedly having an inappropriate photograph of a 17-year-old girl with whom he was having a romantic relationship. The investigation was conducted by the police departments Major Crimes Division. Morin has been free on personal recognizance since he pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on administrative leave. A city official confirmed that on Monday a hearing was held to terminate Morin from the police force. Fall River police officer Michael Morin appears in Fall River District Court on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. It is illegal in Massachusetts to possess pornographic images of people under the age of 18. It was the 17-year-old who sent Morin the images, said Rene Brown, his defense attorney. He is not being charged with having sexual relations with a minor because in Massachusetts the age of consent is 16 years old. Child pornography vs age of consent Fall River police officer charged with child porn. He says it 'doesnt rise to the level' Morin appeared before District Court Judge David Sorrenti on Tuesday. Brown argued that a clerk magistrate did not have probable cause to allow the criminal case to move ahead because at the time of the hearing, the photograph was not entered into evidence and a determination on whether it was considered lewd and lascivious pornography could not be determined, which is the standard according to the statute. Age of consent vs. child pornography Brown reiterated the argument she made during Morins arraignment that this is a consensual, legal relationship in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She also argued that the two statutes, the age of consent law and the child pornography law, are in direct conflict. And I dont think that the statute on child pornography meant to include instances where there are these legal, consensual relationships, said Brown. As much as people may find the age gap disturbing, thats not illegal. Judge David Sorrenti listens to the attorney for Fall River police officer Michael Morin in Fall River District Court on Tuesday, Sept 26, 2023. Sorrenti responded that he didnt think it was the age gap. I think its the difference between being 18 and being in high school and not being in high school, said Sorrenti, adding that if the statutes are in conflict, it is up to the legislature to correct the issue. Bristol County Assistant District Attorney Kalene Kobza argued the images were of a lewd and lascivious nature, and that even if Morin didnt request the photographs, he certainly was a part of it. What's next for Michael Pessoa? Ex-city cop serving sentence for police brutality heading to trial in second of three cases Not only did he take the action to look at the photograph when they were sent, he saved them and had a permanent record of the photograph itself, said Kobza. He didnt get rid of the photograph; he didnt tell the minor who is age 17 that she couldnt send it. Kobza argued that Morin is a 38-year-old sworn officer who had a duty to enforce the law. Sorrenti said he would take the arguments regarding the request for dismissal and the prosecutors opposition under advisement. After the hearing Tuesday, Sorrenti denied the request for dismissal and the case will move forward. Chief Paul Gauvin confirmed on Wednesday the FRPD is moving forward with plans to terminate Morin from the police force. Morins next court appearance is on Nov. 21 for a pre-trial conference. This story has been updated to reflect the judge's ruling on the dismissal. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River police officer's lawyer wants child pornography case dropped NEW YORK (AP) A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House, and he ordered some of the former president's companies removed from his control and dissolved. Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling in a civil lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James , found that Trump and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing loans. Engoron ordered that some of Trumps business licenses be rescinded as punishment, making it difficult or impossible for them to do business in New York, and said he would continue to have an independent monitor oversee Trump Organization operations. If not successfully appealed, the order would strip Trump of his authority to make strategic and financial decisions over some of his key properties in the state. Trump, in a series of statements, railed against the decision, calling it un-American and part of an ongoing plot to damage his campaign to return to the White House. My Civil rights have been violated, and some Appellate Court, whether federal or state, must reverse this horrible, un-American decision, he wrote on his Truth Social site. He insisted his company had done a magnificent job for New York State and done business perfectly, calling it A very sad Day for the New York State System of Justice!" Trump's lawyer, Christopher Kise, said they would appeal, calling the decision completely disconnected from the facts and governing law. Engoron's ruling, days before the start of a non-jury trial in James lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trumps carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse. Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favorable loan terms and lower insurance costs, Engoron found. Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trumps contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing. In defendants world: rent regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land; restrictions can evaporate into thin air; a disclaimer by one party casting responsibility on another party exonerates the other partys lies," Engoron wrote in his 35-page ruling. "That is a fantasy world, not the real world. Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing criminal charges over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties that aim to disrupt his and his familys ability to do business. Engorons ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James lawsuit, but several others remain. He'll decide on those claims and James' request for $250 million in penalties at a trial starting Oct. 2. Trumps lawyers have asked an appeals court for a delay. Today, a judge ruled in our favor and found that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in years of financial fraud," James said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting the rest of our case at trial. Trumps lawyers, in their own summary judgment bid, had asked the judge to throw out the case, arguing that there wasnt any evidence the public was harmed by Trumps actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations. Engoron, noting that he had rejected those arguments earlier in the case, equated them to the plot of the film "Groundhog Day." He fined five defense lawyers $7,500 each as punishment for engaging in repetitive, frivolous arguments, but denied James' request to sanction Trump and other defendants. James, a Democrat, sued Trump and the Trump Organization a year ago, accusing them of routinely inflating the value of assets like skyscrapers, golf courses and his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, padding his bottom line by billions. Engoron found that Trump consistently overvalued Mar-a-Lago, inflating its value on one financial statement by as much as 2,300%. The judge also rebuked Trump for lying about the size of his Manhattan apartment. Trump claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size, valuing it at $327 million. A discrepancy of this order of magnitude, by a real estate developer sizing up his own living space of decades, can only be considered fraud," Engoron wrote. On X in the wake of the ruling, Eric Trump insisted his father's claims about Mar-a-Lago were correct, writing that the Palm Beach estate is speculated to be worth well over a billion dollars making it arguably the most valuable residential property in the country. He called the ruling and the lawsuit "an attempt to destroy my father and kick him out of New York. Under the ruling, limited liability companies that control some of Trump's key properties, such as 40 Wall Street, will be dissolved and authority over how to run them handed over to a receiver. Trump would lose his authority over whom to hire or fire, whom to rent office space to, and other key decisions. The decision seeks to nationalize one of the most successful corporate empires in the United States and seize control of private property all while acknowledging there is zero evidence of any default, breach, late payment or any complaint of harm, Kise said after the decision. James lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump, the Republican front-runner in next year's election. He has been indicted four times in the last six months accused in Georgia and Washington, D.C., of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss, in Florida of hoarding classified documents, and in Manhattan of falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf. The Trump Organization was convicted of tax fraud last year in an unrelated criminal case for helping executives dodge taxes on perks such as apartments and cars. The company was fined $1.6 million. One executive, Trumps longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg, pleaded guilty and served five months in jail. James office previously sued Trump for misusing his charitable foundation to further his political and business interests. Trump was ordered to give $2 million to charity as a fine while his own charity, the Trump Foundation, was shut down. __ Associated Press reporters Eric Tucker in Washington, D.C., Jill Colvin in Summerville, South Carolina and Bernard Condon and David B. Caruso in New York contributed to this report. A New York judge found former President Trump liable for fraud Tuesday, ruling that New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) had proven the core elements of her sprawling civil case against Trump and his businesses. Justice Arthur Engorons 35-page ruling also rejected Trumps effort to toss the entire case, allowing the remaining elements to proceed to trial. The ruling also strips some of Trumps business licenses and orders that an independent monitor continue to oversee the Trump Organization. That trial before Engoron is scheduled to begin Monday, barring Trumps separate, last-minute effort for a delay. Jamess office last September sued Trump, the Trump Organization and two of his adult children Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. claiming more than a decade of fraud. Engoron granted Jamess request to find Trump and all the other defendants liable for the first of seven causes of action alleged in the lawsuit, which followed a multi-year investigation. Beyond Trump and his two children, the defendants also include former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, former Trump Organization controller Jeffrey McConney and various business entities connected to Trump. Engoron simultaneously granted Jamess request to sanction five of Trumps lawyers for bringing up already-dismissed arguments in court, ordering them to pay a $7,500 fine each. The lawsuit alleged Trumps company sought lower taxes and better insurance coverage by falsely inflating and deflating the value of its assets. Engoron found that several of Trumps properties were falsely valuated, including his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and Trump Park Avenue in New York. Arguments Trump made over the numbers in a deposition with the New York attorney generals office were wholly without basis in law or fact, Engoron wrote in the decision. Alina Habba, Trumps legal spokeswoman who was previously one of his attorneys in the case, said the former president will immediately appeal the decision. Todays decision is fundamentally flawed at every level. It is important to remember that the Trump Organization is an American success story, Habba said in a statement. The fact that this Court summarily found that there is no question of fact, finding in part that Mar-a-Lago is worth approximately $20 million and issue a decision of this magnitude is an affront to our legal system. The Hill has requested comment from the New York attorney generals office. Jamess office is seeking some $250 million in financial penalties. It also seeks to bar Trump and his children from serving as officers or directors of New York-registered or licensed corporations. Trump had sought to toss the entire case ahead of trial, asserting, among other arguments, that James had no authority and the claims had passed the statute of limitations. Engorons ruling Tuesday rejected those arguments and said the case can proceed to trial on the remaining claims. [James] has demonstrated that there remain, at the very least, disputed issues of fact as to whether defendants violated these statutes, intentionally and materially, Engoron wrote. In a PowerPoint used to argue its motion, James office suggested Trump and his co-defendants used deceptive practices like disregarding appraisals and legal restrictions to misrepresent their assets. The former president inflated his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion, the office claimed in prior court filings. Trump and his co-defendants argued in their own PowerPoint that the foundation of the New York attorney generals offices case is to ignore everything, from profitable business transactions to established case law. The $7,500 that Trumps attorneys were required to pay followed their egregious conduct of repeating arguments previously rejected multiple times, Engoron said. We are way beyond the point of sophisticated counsel should have known better; we are at the point of intentional and blatant disregard of controlling authority and law of the case. This Court emphatically rejected these arguments, as did the First Department. Defendants repetition of them here is indefensible, he added. In addition to the New York civil case, Trump faces a combined 91 charges in four criminal cases: the New York hush money case, federal election interference case, federal classified documents case and Georgia election interference case. Updated 6:50 p.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Florida's judicial landscape is facing a significant transformation one that threatens the very principles of justice, voter representation, and equitable access to our legal system. Judicial consolidation, currently pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republicans in the Florida Legislature may sound innocuous, but it carries profound implications for our state's residents, particularly those of color who have historically sought justice through the courts. Activists greet voters at the Souls to the Polls event on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 at the Dr. B. L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library in Tallahassee, Fla. As a retired judge from Volusia County, I have seen the importance of ensuring that our judicial system remains fair, accessible, and representative of the communities it serves. But the proposed judicial consolidation threatens to undermine these principles, resulting in far-reaching consequences for our state. First and foremost, it's crucial to understand the implications of consolidating judicial circuits in Florida. While proponents argue that it may streamline the system and save costs, the reality is far more complex. Such consolidation could potentially harm our communities by limiting access to justice, increasing costs, and forcing residents to travel long distances for simple legal matters. Consider, for a moment, the impact on ordinary citizens who rely on their local courts for matters like traffic violations, family disputes, or small claims. Under the consolidation plan, some Floridians may have to travel long distances, facing not only increased time and expense but also potential hardships related to transportation and scheduling. This is particularly concerning for marginalized communities who may already struggle with these burdens. Furthermore, consolidation could result in fewer local courthouses, which can have a detrimental effect on our communities. These courthouses are not just centers of justice; they are also hubs of community engagement and resources. Fewer courthouses mean fewer opportunities for citizens to access legal assistance, mediation services, and other vital community resources. The implications extend beyond inconvenience and financial burdens. The consolidation plan could significantly impact the ability of voters, especially Black voters, to have a voice in the election of state attorneys and judges who represent them. Ensuring diversity and empathy within our judicial system is paramount. Historically, our courts have been a vital check against laws and policies that harm communities of color. Andrew Warren speaks to press Monday, Sept. 19, 2022 outside of the federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Fla. following a hearing. The case challenges Gov. Ron DeSantiss order to suspend Warren from his role as a state attorney in Tampa in August. For example, consider the critical roles played by State Attorneys Andrew Warren and Monique Worrell, who have demonstrated an understanding of the systemic forces at play within our criminal justice system. Their leadership exemplifies the need for prosecutors who approach their roles with empathy and an unwavering commitment to justice. Yet, they were removed by Gov. DeSantis to consolidate power. Furthermore, this consolidation threatens to dilute the voting power of communities of color, effectively limiting their ability to elect representatives who share their concerns and values. Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit, which serves Orange and Osceola counties, speaks during a press conference, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, outside her former office in the Orange County Courthouse complex in Orlando, Fla. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Worrell on Wednesday, again wielding his executive power over local government in taking on a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race. Worrell vowed to seek reelection next year and said her removal was political and not about her performance. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Black voters, like all voters, should have a voice in shaping the judicial process. Our courts, despite their checkered history, have often served as a beacon of hope by intervening in cases where laws and policies disproportionately impact people of color. To gerrymander judicial circuits in a way that diminishes the voting power of people of color is a direct attack on our voting rights. We must recognize the broader context of these actions. Across the nation, we have witnessed efforts to erode the fundamental principles of justice, equity, and representation. Florida should not become another battleground in this struggle. We must stand united against these attempts to weaken our democratic institutions. Gov. DeSantis and Republicans in the Florida Legislature must reconsider their support for judicial consolidation. Instead, they should prioritize equitable access to justice, the preservation of community resources, and the voices of all citizens in our judicial system. It's time for our leaders to recognize that justice is not a commodity to be streamlined or consolidated; it's a sacred duty to protect the rights and interests of all Floridians. In the end, the fate of judicial consolidation in Florida rests in the hands of our elected officials. We must hold them accountable for safeguarding our democratic values, ensuring equal access to justice, and respecting the rights of all voters, especially those who have been historically marginalized. Our democracy depends on it, and so does the integrity of our judicial system. Judge Hubert Grimes Hubert Grimes is a retired Volusia Circuit Judge who also served as President of the 190 member Florida Conference of County Court Judges (1996-98) and the 100 member Latimer Hawkins Judicial Council (2001-2014). In addition, he also worked as an adjunct law professor at FAMU College of Law from 2007-14. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. DeSantis, legislators must rethink judicial consolidation TAMPA Just shy of six years ago, authorities charged Nahshon Shannon in the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Janessa, whose body was found in a Hillsborough County nature preserve. The arrest ended a three-month investigation that began after Nahshon Shannon reported the girl missing a day after she had vanished from his Cocoa Beach Drive home in Riverview. On Tuesday, a week-long trial neared its end as a 12-person jury began deliberating whether Nahshon Shannon, 44, is guilty of first-degree felony murder and aggravated child abuse. In closing arguments, Hillsborough County Assistant State Attorney Jessica OConnor said the state had presented puzzle pieces of evidence, including numerous witnesses and exhibits, proving Nahshon Shannon killed his daughter and buried her body. Every single one of those puzzle pieces fits together, OConnor said. When you put those pieces together, you see one thing Nahshon Shannon is the one who is responsible for the death of Janessa Shannon. On July 1, 2017, Nahshon Shannon picked up Janessa from the Bradenton home of her mother, Michelle Mosely. Mosely had texted Nahshon Shannon, who had primary custody of the teen, to pick up Janessa after shed snuck out of the home the night before. Mosely testified in court that Nahshon Shannon appeared angry when he came to pick up Janessa in a black Jeep Cherokee, and that the girl seemed scared. When Nahshon Shannon left Mosleys house, he texted his girlfriend, I need you to go to your place, I need to deal with Nessa. OConnor said gaps in Nahshon Shannons response time to his girlfriends texts that night gave him time to kill Janessa and bury her body in a shallow grave in the isolated Triple Creek Nature Preserve in southeastern Hillsborough County. The following day, Nahshon Shannon texted his girlfriend, saying hed checked on Janessas room and she wasnt there. Janessas father did not report her missing to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office until the next day. Her body was found nine days later. The Hillsborough medical examiner found multiple areas of bleeding on the back of Janessas head and in her neck muscles that indicated Janessa had injuries consistent with being strangled, OConnor said. The death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma. Toxicology tests showed the girl had alcohol and cocaine in her system that had been ingested within six hours of her death. Investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office collected a screw and a soil sample from the scene where Janessas body was found. While searching Nahshon Shannons home, investigators found a shovel with two screws that were about to fall out and additional holes. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed the screws on the shovel and the one found at the scene and said there were no differences. Investigators also found a plastic bag in Nahshon Shannons Jeep that contained a small amount of soil. The chemical makeup of that soil was a 99.9% match to soil taken from the grave, OConnor said. Nahshon Shannons attorneys, William Bennett and Bjorn Brunvand, had declined to make an opening statement when the trial began last week. On Tuesday, Bennett spoke to the jury for more than an hour, trying to poke holes in the states case and alleging the Sheriffs Office investigation was flawed. Theyre missing a lot of pieces in this puzzle, but I analogize it more to a square peg into a round hole, Bennett said. Bennett argued the state had not proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Nahshon Shannon killed his daughter. In the instance of the screw found at the crime scene, Bennett said more sophisticated analysis should have been completed on the screw, and that there was not enough evidence to prove it matched the ones on the shovel found in Nahshon Shannons home. Bennett also said Nahshon Shannons Jeep, which was confiscated by police, was left unattended, and evidence, like the dirt in the car, was not photographed. There is no trail of how that evidence got there, Bennett said. Bennett later showed a video taken from a home near Nahshon Shannons residence the night that Janessa disappeared. He asked the jury to consider a red car that appears in the tape, and a blurry figure seen near Janessas window. Bennett argued the Sheriffs Office did not properly investigate the video, and that the person seen in the video may have had a part in Janessas death. Bennett ended his closing argument by walking over to Nahshon Shannon, who sat quietly through the morning hearing, and pointing at him. Nahshon Shannon did not kill his daughter, Bennett said. And repeated it once more. The jury began deliberating around 12:30 p.m. and was dismissed for the evening just before 6 p.m. Deliberations will resume Wednesday morning. Times staff writers Tony Marrero and Jack Prator contributed to this report. LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) While briefly off sedation, Guillermo Gama III grabbed his mothers hand. Doctors say he does not need brain surgery. To his family, these are the glimmers of hope in an otherwise dark time. Were extremely blessed and grateful that hes here with us still, said Jennifer Cantu, his aunt. Gama, 23, was rushed to Lakeland Regional Health in Florida after the vehicle he was riding in collided with a train in Plant City on Saturday evening. Gamas family was waiting for him to arrive at a quinceanera celebration. He was riding in a car with others planning to go to the party, and he had just texted his family that he was almost there. Then his family heard about an accident and thought Gama was stuck behind it. When he didnt answer and he wasnt responding to none of us, we all just kind of felt it inside. My mom, which is his grandma, she took off down there, Cantu said. Gama is the sole survivor in the crash that claimed the lives of six people: Jose G. Hernandez, 52; Enedelia Hernandez, 50; Jakub A. Lopez, 17; Alyssa Hernandez, 17; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; and Julian Hernandez, 9. Anaelia Hernandez was Gamas girlfriend of about one year. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Gamas injuries include a brain bleed, ruptured kidney and bruised lung. He is expected to survive. We know if he does somewhat remember, he will be asking for his girlfriend so thats when the questions are going to start, Cantu said. Driver pleads not guilty in Vermont crash that killed actor Treat Williams Cantu is hoping Gama can remember some moments from before the crash, including how the other people in the car were feeling and what they were talking about, to provide some closure to the family. Its just devastating for all of us, for everything, Cantu said. Theyre praying for us and were praying for them. Its very emotional and its shocking and still very unbelievable. Theres no words for this. None, said Leticia Hernandez, who had traveled up from Miami to be with family. Hernandez is the niece of Jose Hernandez, who was driving at the time of the crash. Hernandez said the family had visited the crash site to see if any of their loved ones belongings could be recovered. They were able to find a piece of jewelry belonging to her younger cousin. Hernandez said her uncles priority was his wife and children. I think everybodys in a state of shock right now, she said. Its unheard of when you lose everybody at one time. There are no survivors to his will or testimony so were trying to figure out exactly what they all wanted. Jose Hernandez, according to his niece, was a truck driver. Career driver, so Im sure he had over 4 million miles under his belt. A safe driver, so something like this is something we cant explain. How could it have happened? she said. GoFundMe fund raisers have been established for the Gama family, Hernandez family and Jakub Lopez family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. From left: Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, UAW President Shawn Fain, and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images; Bill Pugliano/Getty Images; Ken Cedeno/Getty Images Hawley and Vance support striking auto workers, but they're not on the same page as union leadership. It's a sign of the challenges for them in re-aligning the GOP toward the working class. Both senators also don't support the PRO Act, the labor movement's top legislative priority. As strikes at auto manufacturing plants continue across the country, some populist-minded Republicans are breaking from their party's long-standing orthodoxies and backing the United Auto Workers' demands. But those same Republicans remain politically at odds with the union's pugnacious leadership, underscoring deeper frustrations they have with actually-existing organized labor that are likely to complicate any potential populist re-alignment in the near future. "There's a huge amount of tension between the president of UAW's political posture, and what's actually in the best interest of his workers," said Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. Vance, along with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, argues that the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) spurred by the Biden administration is making it harder for auto workers to bargain and will lead to the further off-shoring of their jobs to China. Both men represent states where the first wave of strikes began on September 15, and Hawley visited striking workers in Wentzville, Missouri on Monday. They also contend that rank-and-file auto workers are actually skeptical of Biden's environmental initiatives, but that UAW President Shawn Fain has been unwilling to make those arguments amid the strike due to organized labor's longstanding ties to Democrats. "They've got to play the hand that's dealt them," said Hawley. "They've got to work with the Biden administration, and they're the ones who are responsible for all of this." Last week, Fain even slammed Donald Trump as part of the "billionaire class" following the news that the former president would address union workers in Michigan this week. "The whole problem that we have is a guy like Shawn Fain blasting Donald Trump," said Vance. "At the very least, just shut your mouth, and take the support from wherever you can get it." By contrast, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio a Democrat with a long relationship with organized labor offered a dim view of Vance and Hawley's argument. "They're going to use anything to divide, I understand that. Electric vehicles, that's the future," said Brown. "If the other side keeps doing this sort of faux-populist 'we're for workers,' and these electric cars go overseas, then we've lost everything." A spokesman for the UAW did not respond to Insider's request for comment. The complicated effect of electric vehicles After a full summer of bargaining between the UAW and Detroit's Ford, GM, and Stellantis, Fain said that none of the companies came close enough to a deal to avoid a strike. For the first time in the UAW's history, Fain called upon workers at all three companies to go on strike at targeted assembly plants. That strike was expanded to all parts distribution centers for GM and Stellantis last week. Several Democrats have visited picket lines to rally with workers, and Biden is set to visit the picket line in Detroit on Tuesday one day before Trump's Michigan event. Fain has been generally supportive of electric vehicles for their environmental benefits, declaring that anyone who doesn't believe in climate change "isn't paying attention." But the union leader takes a hard line on who will be building those EVs. He has warned repeatedly that labor is being left behind in the transition to EVs, and in August of this year called upon the Biden administration to "ensure a just transition for the auto workers in this country." Fain has also withheld support for Biden's re-election campaign, telling his members as recently as this past spring that he would like to see the Democrat show more support for workers in his pro-EV policies. "If the government is going to funnel billions in taxpayer money to these companies, the workers must be compensated with top wages and benefits," Fain wrote in a May letter to members. Some workers who spoke with Insider on the picket line in Michigan last week suggested that EVs weren't top of mind for them, including Matt Wegener, who has been at Ford's Michigan Assembly for more than 20 years. "The EV factories in the future will still have humans in them," Wegener said. "Eventually, plants like mine will transition to EVs, and I trust our union to negotiate that we will still do that work." More important to Wegener, and other auto workers Insider spoke with, is that the UAW makes key wins now on pay and benefits so that when EVs become more prevalent, they are more protected. "The first thing in our minds is that we deserve a raise, bottom line," said Charmonique Demings, an 11-year assembly line worker at Ford's Michigan Assembly. Meanwhile, Trump also critical of electric vehicles has cast himself as an ally to the striking workers. But his record is more complicated. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated by Trump, was geared towards incentivizing more automotive production in the US. Trump also levied trade tariffs to discourage car companies from relying upon imports. But both of these actions did not seem to have much impact on preserving jobs during the 2019 labor talks in Detroit GM still closed several factories that year following a 40-day strike. More broadly, Trump's appointees at both the National Labor Relations Board and the Supreme Court took steps that weakened workers' ability to organize. Yet polling suggests that Trump's stock could be on the rise among these workers. According to Bloomberg, Trump led Biden among Michigan union members by a 46% to 43% margin in August, down from a 51-42% lead for Biden in June, before Detroit labor talks began. In general, EVs can be tough on auto manufacturing workers. Battery-powered cars are less complex than their internal-combustion engine counterparts and require up to 30% fewer workers to assemble, industry analysts have said. Hawley and Vance have also pointed out that China currently dominates the EV battery supply chain, helping the country lead global EV sales without ever stepping foot in the US. Biden has set an ambitious target for the American automotive industry, calling for half of all new vehicles sold in the US to be zero-emission by 2030. So far, the only company that has figured out how to squeeze consistent profits out of electric cars is Tesla, which does not use more union labor. The UAW, one of America's oldest and most well-known unions, is coming off a tough decade in which membership plummeted and a years-long criminal probe sent several prominent leaders to prison. The result has been waning influence in the industry it once dominated, with high-profile organizing failures at Volkswagen and Tesla. The union is now aiming to rebuild its reputation and influence in automotive labor and the labor movement writ large. Fain has adopted broad anti-billionaire rhetoric that speaks to the themes of the last three years of a newly emboldened labor movement, and that ideology has spread to the picket line, where workers say they're fighting for a better future for the working class. 'How to divide up a shrinking pie' Vance and Hawley's response to the UAW strike also has implications for the future of the Republican Party's relationship with labor. "The idea that this is faux-populism actually really frustrates me," said Vance. "I don't want them to just have higher wages next year, I want them to have a job five years from now," Vance continued. "They're gonna go make demands on GM and Ford, and Ford is gonna say, 'go fuck yourself,' because all your jobs are in China, we don't need you guys." But Brown argued that the duo's refusal to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a Democratic-backed bill designed to strengthen workers' ability to form unions, suggested a lack of commitment to organized labor. "If they were pro-labor, they'd support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act," said Brown. "It's labor's number one priority." Vance said he did not support the bill because it would empower the "current union leadership model" that's "completely in bed with the Democratic Party." He instead gestured towards proposals from the conservative group American Compass, which include ideas like workers' councils, sectoral bargaining, and de-prioritizing social justice advocacy by union leadership. "There are a lot of different approaches that we've looked at that we think might actually give workers more bargaining power in the economy, but also would make their leadership a little bit more responsive to them politically," said Vance. And Hawley, who previously supported right-to-work legislation in Missouri and once called for an "end to union-backed candidates" in his party, said that the PRO Act would "hurt workers more than it helps" and that preventing off-shoring was more important than strengthening the right to unionize. "If you want to talk about how to divide up a shrinking pie, I suppose we can do that," said Hawley. "But why don't we think about how we get more pie for labor in this country?" Read the original article on Business Insider The Justice Department is fighting a federal judge's decision to dismiss the court-martial sentence of former Staff Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl , asking the U.S. District Court of Washington to "leave intact the orders of the military courts." Bergdahl's conviction and sentence, which included a dishonorable discharge, monetary fine and demotion to private, should be preserved, the Justice Department has argued in court filings. Bergdahl's attorneys have also asked in court that the decision handed down by Senior Judge Reggie Walton on July 25 be altered or amended. In July, Walton ruled in favor of Bergdahl's argument that the military judge in his case failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest, and then Walton vacated all orders and rulings issued by the judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, when Bergdahl pleaded guilty in 2017 to charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. Read Next: What A Government Shutdown Looks Like for the Military Bergdahl's attorneys have asked Walton to reconsider a ruling that there was no unlawful command influence by former President Donald Trump -- in light of his ruling that the Army judge in Bergdahl's court-martial failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest. Nance was asked on Oct. 17, 2017, when Bergdahl pleaded guilty whether he had any reasons why he might not be impartial in the case. He said at the time that he was a "terminal colonel" and that he wasn't heading anywhere but "to retirement pastures." But Nance had, in fact, just applied for a position as a federal immigration judge. Bergdahl, a former member of 1st Battalion, 501st Regiment, walked away from his post in Afghanistan in 2009 and was captured by the Taliban, triggering a military search. He was held captive for five years before being released in a prisoner swap for five U.S. detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2021, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces upheld Bergdahl's court-martial and conviction on charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. The following year, Bergdahl filed a suit in civilian court arguing he was denied a fair trial as a result of his judge's failure to disclose future employment aspirations as an immigration judge in the Trump administration. He also alleged that the case was influenced unlawfully by Trump and the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who both made public disparaging remarks about him prior to the proceedings. In July, Walton ruled that no unlawful command influence had taken place, but he upheld Bergdahl's argument that Nance failed to disclose the potential. In his decision, Walton heavily cited as precedent a case in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in which a military judge also failed to disclose his application for a civilian immigration judicial post. In their argument to uphold Bergdahl's court-martial, Justice Department attorneys argued that the Guantanamo case, which resulted in that judge's decisions across four years being voided, was nothing like the Bergdahl case and instead should be held to different standards. The department claims that Bergdahl pleaded guilty and requested his sentence, and that the case had come to its rightful conclusion in a trusted court of law -- the military court system. Bergdahl's attorneys are arguing that the unlawful command influence issue be reconsidered, because Nance misled him by claiming he was unaffected by any comments by senior officials, including Trump, raising the question as to whether he could have been counted on to rule impartially as a result of his pending job application. The Justice Department also has asked that if Walton decides to uphold his decision to vacate Bergdahl's conviction, that he clarify that the case be allowed to be sent back to the military court system for another court-martial. Bergdahl's attorneys argued against the request, noting Bergdahl has been a civilian for more than two years, endured 14 years of his legal case and five years of brutality in captivity of the Taliban. "At the moment, he stands convicted in the court of public opinion, out of the mouth of the President of the United States, as a traitor -- the uniquely infamous category that includes Tokyo Rose, Axis Sally, and a handful of other turncoats over the course of American history. This is tremendously unfair," his attorneys wrote in court documents. Given the complexity of the case, a decision by Walton is not expected for months. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Related: Veterans in Congress Press for Bowe Bergdahl to Be Retried After Sentenced Was Dismissed Kaiser Permanente and union representatives pledged to continue negotiating a new contract up until the last minute as the threat of the nations latest large-scale strike looms next month. Unless a deal is struck, more than 75,000 health workers will walk out for three days from Oct. 4-7, disrupting care for KP patients in California, Colorado, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. The unions represent a wide range of KP health workers, including lab technicians, phlebotomists, pharmacists, optometrists, social workers, orderlies, and support staff. A strike, if it occurs, would affect most of Kaiser Permanentes 39 hospitals and 622 medical offices across the U.S., and would disrupt care for many of its nearly 13 million patients. If workers walk off their jobs, it will start to impact patient care right away, said John August, director of health care and partner programs at Cornell Universitys Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution, who is a former head of the union coalition currently negotiating with KP. You are immediately subject to problems with not being able to get patients in and out of the hospital. You risk problems with infection control. Youre not going to get meals, August said. Arlene Peasnall, Kaiser Permanentes senior vice president for human resources, said the Oakland, California-based health care giants goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement before any work stoppage occurs. But she also said the nonprofit has plans in place to blunt the impact of a walkout. We will be bargaining with Kaiser up until the day we go on strike, said Caroline Lucas, executive director of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents about 40% of KPs workforce. Our front-line health care workers are fed up, and we really need Kaiser executives to seize the initiative and move forward on resolving the contract. The current contract expires Sept. 30 and, after months of talks, the two sides still disagree over pay and staffing. The coalition wants a $25-an-hour minimum wage across the company. KP executives agree there should be an organization-wide floor, but theyve proposed $21. KP prefers varying wage increases across regions, since the cost of living can vary sharply. The coalition, which is pushing for uniform wage increases across all regions, contends that managements proposal is part of a divide-and-conquer strategy. Peasnall said the unions stance would prevent us from addressing fair market wages where we need to pay more to attract and retain the best people. The unions say their lowest-paid workers can barely make ends meet in the face of soaring prices for food, gasoline, and other essentials. And, they say, KP hospitals and clinics are severely understaffed, forcing workers to put in long hours and fill multiple roles. They argue that management is not moving quickly enough to fill positions and that the quality of care has suffered as patients, some with serious illnesses, often wait months for appointments, face extremely long waits in the emergency room, and experience delays in hospital admissions. An industrywide labor shortage hangs heavily over the contract talks. The pandemic was particularly brutal for health care workers who often worked long hours in grueling conditions, as colleagues fell ill, died, or quit. Workers say many of the positions that became vacant during the pandemic still have not been filled. Miriam De La Paz, a secretary in the labor and delivery department of KPs Downey Medical Center in Southern California and a union steward, said when she is alone on a shift, she is responsible for two labor and delivery stations as well as triage, where patients are prioritized based on the acuity of their cases. Imagine if Im putting this baby in the system and your wife shows up in pain, crying, but Im not there to register her, De La Paz said. I cant break myself in two. Unions want KP to invest more in education, training, and recruitment to fill current openings and create a pipeline of future workers. KP says it is doing so. Peasnall said KP has already filled more than 9,700 out of 10,000 new coalition-represented jobs the two sides had agreed to create this year. And she said KPs turnover rate is one-third the industry rate, in part because of excellent pay and benefits. Earlier this month, California lawmakers passed legislation to gradually raise the minimum wage for health care workers in the state to $25 an hour. If Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the bill into law, KP will have to comply. And nearly 80% of workers represented by the coalition in the current contract talks are in California. On Sept. 22, as bargaining continued in San Francisco, the unions announced that more than 75,000 of the 85,000 workers they represent would stage the three-day walkout if theres no deal. Federal law requires 10 days notice of strikes at health care facilities. The coalition said it is prepared to engage in another longer, stronger strike in November, if no agreement is reached by then. A coalition spokesperson, Betsy Twitchell, said workers would welcome the Biden administrations involvement in the talks because of the importance of these negotiations to millions of patients and 75,000 frontline healthcare workers. The unions say KP can afford to be more generous, citing its robust financial health. Although KP reported a net loss of almost $4.5 billion in 2022, it generated a cumulative net income of nearly $22 billion over the three preceding years both results driven largely by investment performance. In the first half of this year, KP posted profits of over $3 billion. And it is in a strong position to manage its debt, according to a report earlier this year by Fitch Ratings. The unions note that Kaiser Permanentes CEO, Greg Adams, received almost $16 million in compensation in 2021 and that dozens of others in KP management made more than $1 million, according to a KP filing with the IRS. Peasnall said the compensation of KPs senior management is less than that of their peers at other health care companies. A KP walkout would be the latest in a string of worker movements. Strikes have hit Hollywood, hotels, auto manufacturers, and other industries. Public approval of unions is at a nearly 60-year high, according to a Gallup Poll released in August 2022. Health workers are increasingly engaged, too. Several hospital groups have been hit by strikes, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and numerous facilities belonging to Sutter Health in Northern California, as well as health care organizations in other states. There is an atmosphere in the country: Its labor summer, its strike summer, its all that, August said. That definitely has an influence on union leadership that says, We need to be a part of that. KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News, is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. A suburban Kansas City doctor for decades sexually assaulted women and girls, mostly from Amish communities, under the guise of performing routine breast and pelvic exams, prosecutors said Monday. David B. Clark, 70, of Independence, was charged with six felonies in Jackson County Circuit Court based on a long-running investigation led by the FBI. He is accused of assaulting patients at his Health+Plus clinic in Oak Grove, a town of about 8,500 people, 30 miles east of Kansas City. Clark allegedly stimulated the clitoris of patients describing the act as treatment during pelvic exams. Sometimes the abuse occurred while employees or family members of the patients were present in the room. He also performed excessively long breast examinations on multiple victims, according to an affidavit prepared by an FBI agent, and the women told investigators Clark seemed to derive enjoyment from that. Authorities allege Clark concealed the sexual abuse from his patients by saying his actions were medically necessary. He also targeted girls and women from Amish communities who would have little if any experience with a gynecologist or obstetrician, the affidavit says. Following his arrest Monday, records show a $250,000 cash-only bond was posted for Clark to be released from the Jackson County jail. Under the terms of his release, which include GPS monitoring, Clark is forbidden from contacting anyone involved in the case or performing medical treatment for any reason. A voicemail left on the doctors business line was not immediately returned. While Clark was licensed as a chiropractor, his Health+Plus clinic advertises a variety of services under the banner of a holistic alternative health and wellness center. Its website, parts of which were inaccessible Monday afternoon, offers general wellness consultation and diagnosis based on latest scientific methods paired with traditional approaches. Clark presented himself to patients as a naturopath, according to the FBI affidavit, promising a style of medicine that Amish people are often drawn to. No such classification exists as a medical license in Missouri. Charges filed against Clark concern five women, four of whom were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. The earliest criminal allegation dates to July 1999, though authorities allege Clark is believed to have committed similar crimes against dozens of victims since the 1980s. One of the former patients, identified as Victim 1, recalled visiting Clark for the first time when she was under age 14. She said the doctor acted in a different manner depending on whether her mother was in the room. On some of those visits, she told the FBI, Clark would attempt to make her orgasm. She said there was at least one instance when she had two pelvic treatments in a day, saying the doctor told her multiple times would be more effective. Another woman recalled visiting the clinic from out of state when she was younger than 17. She said the pelvic examinations made her very uncomfortable and she only became aware of what happened to her in adulthood. Other women interviewed by the FBI reported alarming behavior, including Clark using his bare hands while touching them. One recalled a case where Clark applied suction cups to her breasts as a treatment for congestion. The FBI also spoke with an unnamed former employee and licensed chiropractor who recalled an office meeting where Clark outlined the process for pelvic exams and treatment on an anatomical pelvic structure of the womens reproductive system. During that demonstration, Clark allegedly said: The first few times you do this, youre going to get a stiffy, according to the affidavit. In June 2022, the FBI obtained and served a search warrant for Clarks clinic in Oak Grove. On his computer, authorities said they found a sexually explicit letter, apparently written by Clark, from the perspective of an incestuous father fantasizing about sexually assaulting a child. Also discovered was an apparent draft for a book. The story, according to the FBI, was about a doctor who visits a womans home for treatments that sexually arouse him. Online records with the states Division of Professional Registration show Clark was first issued a medical license in 1977. He is a licensed chiropractic physician. Over his 46 years in practice, there is one disciplinary action publicly listed by the regulatory division. In 1990, the doctor was suspended for a period of two weeks and put on probation for failure to provide financial information to a patient. A Kansas elementary school student was taken to Wesley Medical Center after being struck by an arrow Tuesday morning. McPherson Police Department officers responded to a call at 9:46 a.m. of a 7-year-old girl being struck by an arrow in the arm on the playground at Roosevelt Elementary School, the department said in a news release. The incident happened during recess, McPherson Police Department spokesperson Mark Brinck said in an email. McPherson EMS and fire rescue arrived and provided medical assistance. The girl was taken to McPherson Center for Health and then transferred to Wesley Medical Center in stable condition, according to the release. Officers arrested a 31-year-old McPherson man who police say was shooting a bow and arrow in the area resulting in a stray arrow striking the student, the release said. Brinck said the man lives near the school. He was booked into McPherson County Jail on suspicion of aggravated battery and aggravated child endangerment. The McPherson Police Department reminds McPherson City residents, it is unlawful to operate an air rifle, bow and arrow, slingshot, BB gun, within the City, except within the confines of a building or structure from which the projectiles cannot escape, the release said. Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson speaks to potential voters during a campaign event at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, Ariz. on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Karrin Taylor Robson got our attention late last week when word surfaced that she and her husband, Ed, would be hosting a fundraising event for Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie. Still bruised from her cage match with fellow Republican and Donald Trump warrior queen, Kari Lake, Robson announced her $3,300 per person soiree with Christie. It would include old guard and business conservatives such as Michael Bidwill, Doug Ducey and Jon Kyl. Raising money for Christie is not just choosing another horse in the 2024 Republican primary for president. Christie is the anti-Trump. Hes the poison-tipped arrow aimed at Trumps heart and everything MAGA. Trump is a lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog, said Christy, in retort to Trumps constant barbs about his waistline. (He) is not a leader." Taylor Robson once ran as MAGA light For Taylor Robson to support Christie represents a striking reorientation from the person she ran as in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race. That Karrin Taylor Robson was MAGA light. In a television ad she described herself as a true Trump supporter. On national television she repeatedly dodged the question: Do you accept the outcome of the 2020 election? a sure signal she had rented space in Trumps make-believe world. And she no doubt reluctantly put on the clown shoes and blessed the Arizona Republicans thoroughly discredited audit of the 2020 election. I think if you asked her about that today, she would say, That was a very painful period, and I wish I wouldnt have had to do it, said Chuck Coughlin, Phoenix political consultant and CEO and President of Highground Inc. It was the diktat of the cycle at the time, and thats what she believed she had to do in order to be successful. She came close, Ill give her that, against the Trump Mini-Me. Had she defeated Lake, she'd be governor Had Taylor Robson defeated Kari Lake in the Republican primary, she might be governor today. Coughlin has said he believes she could have won by double digits. Everyone who knew anything about Robson expected she would make her pivot away from Trump and MAGA had she won the Republican primary. And without all the baggage of Kari Lake, she would have won the governorship. But thats would of. Could of. Who is Karrin Taylor Robson? Let's unwrap the enigma If Taylor Robson has future ambitions, she has a MAGA problem, and supporting Christie is an act of contrition a major move toward cleansing herself of the Trump residue. Its not her first. She signaled she was headed in a different direction last spring when she endorsed independent Kevin Robinson for Phoenix City Council over hard-right Republican Sam Stone. For that she was rebuked by the Arizona Republican Party and stripped of her voting rights as a precinct committeewoman. She may be preparing for the fall of Trump Taylor Robson appears to be positioning herself for a post-Trump universe, Coughlin said on Monday. Most establishment Republicans have conceded Trump is going to lose. And theyre like OK, what do we do after that, and how do we shape a narrative after that. Coughlin, himself, is convinced Republicans are going to lose their fourth straight election cycle thanks to Trump. Get opinions in your inbox: Sign up for our free newsletter Trumps done more damage to his ability to grow a coalition. And Trump turns out more people to vote against him than Biden does to vote against him. Trump is almost the antidote that helps Biden do much better. Republicans will not save themselves with a new candidate in the 2024 Republican primary, he said. The fever is not broken. (Trump) still controls 35-45 percent of the Republican primary electorate. And thats enough to win in a very crowded race. With her fundraiser for the anti-Trump candidate on Monday night, Taylor Robson is preparing for the day MAGA crashes. Karrin has deep political roots, said Coughlin. Shes trying to build her bench strength looking forward to 26 and whats left in the debris field. It may be that she has discovered the only way to atone for Trump is to participate in his eventual destruction. Phil Boas is an editorial columnist for The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Karrin Taylor Robson makes a hard turn against Donald Trump and MAGA A Kennewick police detectives 11-year career was marked with awards and praise. But Joshua Riley, 42, struggled with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts following three tours in Iraq, according to his wife in newly filed court documents. His private struggles became public early Sunday, after a night of drinking allegedly ended with Riley pointing a handgun at his wife and teen son. He remained Tuesday in Franklin County jail on suspicion of two counts of second-degree assault. Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger said at a preliminary hearing Tuesday that a special prosecutor from Adams County will handle the case to avoid any potential conflicts of interest because his office handles cases Riley has investigated for the Kennewick Police Department. Defense attorney Scott Johnson told Court Commissioner Megan Whitmire he wants to argue over some of the specifics about the conditions for Rileys release, but wanted to wait until the new prosecutor is available. Another hearing is planned Wednesday. On Monday, Whitmire entered protection orders preventing Riley from contacting his wife and children. Joshua Riley, a Kennewick police detective facing possible domestic violence assault charges, appeared briefly from the Franklin County jail before being taken to the Benton County jail. While the Benton County Sheriffs Office was taken over the investigation to avoid a conflict of interest, the initial affidavit of probable cause filed in court came from Kennewick police Officer Sebastian Castilleja. The investigation into Rileys alleged threats started just after midnight Sunday when a woman called 911 to say that some children visiting her home reported that their father had pulled a gun on them, Castilleja said. The investigation led officers to Rileys south Kennewick home, where his wife and son said an evening of drinking spiraled out of control when Riley allegedly pulled out his handgun and began pointing it at his wife and 15-year-old son. Falling down drunk Rileys wife told investigators that she and her husband were drinking on the back porch Saturday, when he started accusing her of cheating on him, said court documents. She said there was no truth to the accusation, but he wouldnt stop. Their teenage son told officers the argument started about 9:45 p.m. and escalated as the night went on. Eventually, Riley pulled out his gun and pointed its green laser sight at both of their heads, according to Castillejas affidavit. Rileys wife said they were in the upstairs living room when he first drew the pistol and aimed it at her. The teen said he first saw the gun after he stopped his father from leaving the house drunk. He said his father was struggling to stand up. The teen was at the bedroom door asking his mom what was going on when his father walked in. Riley allegedly took the gun out of his waistband and pointed the laser sight at his wifes head, said the affidavit. She started screaming and crying as she ran for the bedroom door. Riley didnt respond when his wife asked what he was doing, according to court documents. Their son helped her get out of the room, and Riley allegedly followed them toward the front door where he pointed the gun at his son, said the documents. Rileys wife took the gun from him and hid it in a closet, though the documents do not say what time that happened. (His son) was scared his dad was going to pull the trigger at any point, said Castillejas affidavit. He thought Joshua was eventually going to pull the trigger, But luckily he didnt. Rileys wife later told investigators the detective went to sleep and woke up about 2:30 a.m. and noticed his four kids were not home. She told him that they left because he pointed a gun at her and their son, but he didnt remember doing that. Riley was later arrested at his home about 4 a.m. Sunday, though its unclear from the documents when police officers first came to the house. Sometime that morning, police spoke with Rileys wife about getting a no-contact order but she declined. Still, a police sergeant told the investigating officers to ask a judge for a protection order anyway. Later, she told police that Riley has been suicidal for years due to his military deployments and law enforcement service, according to the court documents. Joshua has struggled with alcoholism for a long time, but lately it has gotten worse, she told investigators. Joshua Riley, left, was Detective of the Year in 2020 when Ken Hohenberg was the police chief. Kennewick police career Riley, an Air Force veteran who served three tours in Iraq, joined the Kennewick police department in 2012. Rileys wife is a Kennewick native who wanted to return to the Tri-Cities, the city posted in the past. Riley spent several years working as a patrol officer before he was selected to serve as a detective with the Criminal Apprehension Team and then with the Property Crimes division, according to the department. He was named Detective of the Year in 2020 and was one of the lead instructors in the Kennewick department on the use of force by officers during arrests, the agency said at the time. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Thousands head to the Colorado high country as fall transforms aspen trees to shimmering gold and fiery orange groves of color, but this year is different. While experts predict the colors will be more intense than normal across vast expanses of mountainsides, youll also notice dull brown patches of dead aspen groves, victims of a warming climate and beetles. Sudden Aspen Decline, or SAD, is the widespread rapid and severe deterioration in tree health. Researchers observed this decline across Colorado nearly two decades ago, and it hasnt let up. SAD differs from regular aspen decline because SAD happens more rapidly. Dr. Julie Korb, a professor of Biology at Fort Lewis College tells WesternSlopeNow signs of sudden aspen decline include an orange, almost iridescent, hue to the bark. A pathogen called cytospora canker is behind the decline, separating bark from the cambium and changing its color from white to brown or black, or causing crown loss. What that means with crown loss, are their branches where there are new leaves that can photosynthesize, to help sustain that aspen clone. One other sign Korb mentioned is seeping sap, noting the most likely cause is borer beetles and cytospora canker, both native to areas where aspens grow. Theres a poplar borer beetle and then theres a bronze poplar borer beetle. Those two beetles will then go into the cambium of the tree. The tree then recognizes that as a foreign entity, and so it tries to remove it. The tree does this by secreting tree sap to push the beetles out and to fill the spots where they tried to bore in. But when an aspen tree is already in a state of stress, it cant produce sap very well or at all and is unable to defend itself from the beetles or patch up the holes they left. This leaves the aspen trees vulnerable to the cytospora pathogen as well. In other words, we always have those beetles present in the system. But its not until those trees are stressed that we actually then start to see that the trees can no longer fight off those attacks. And thats when the trees start to die. The main factor contributing to SAD, however, Korb says, is environmental. Whats really inciting or causing the dieback is from acute drought with high temperatures during the growing season. These conditions put stress on the trees, causing them to shut down and stop photosynthesizing. When this happens, the trees are forced to live off of their reserves. Once these reserves are depleted, the tree cannot transport nutrients and water to the top of the tree, causing crown loss. If this continues to happen, eventually the tree will see 100% crown loss and die. If we werent having drought and warm temperatures during the growing season, then sudden aspen decline wouldnt even be a phenomenon. Another factor that determines a trees susceptibility to SAD is its geographical profile. Where we tend to see the sudden Aspen decline happening is on low elevations on south or southwest facing aspects, in areas where theres low Aspen tree density, or these trees are physiologically at their maturity. Korb says while SAD remains prevalent, its not yet reached a critical danger point. I think its really going to be dependent upon what we see related to the climate. So if we have really dry winters, and then we have really hot, dry summers, and that keeps happening in succession, then thats when were gonna have to start worrying about, you know, whats the fate of our aspen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Pipes for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, which are not used, are seen in the harbour of Mukran By Nerijus Adomaitis OSLO - One year on from explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic sea between Russia and Germany, the question of who was behind them is unresolved. On Sept. 26, 2022, Swedish seismologists registered several blasts, some 17 hours apart off the Danish island of Bornholm that ruptured three out of four lines of the Nord Stream system, sending plumes of methane into atmosphere. Russia's Gazprom said about 800 million cubic metres of gas, equivalent to about three months of Danish gas supplies, had escaped. It took several days for the gas to stop leaking. Since the blasts occurred in the exclusive economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, both countries are investigating, as well as Germany, where the pipes land. This is what we know so far: WHAT ARE NORD STREAM PIPELINES? The multibillion-dollar infrastructure project was built by Russia's Gazprom in two stages - Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. Each stage consists of two concrete-coated steel pipelines of about 1,200km in length and more than 1m in diameter, laying at a depth of around 80-110m. Nord Stream pipelines had a total capacity of pumping some 110 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas per annum, more than a half of Russia's total export capacity. Gazprom owns 51% of Nord Stream 1, while Germany's E.ON and Wintershall Dea have 15.5% each, while French Engie and Dutch Gasunie hold 9% each in Nord Stream 1. The Western owners have written off all their investments. Nord Stream 2, fully owned by Gazprom and operated by Nord Stream 2 AG, was completed in September 2021 at a cost of $11 billion, but was never put into operation because Germany had cancelled Nord Stream 2's certification days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Western companies - Shell, Germany's Wintershall Dea and Uniper, French Engie and Austria's OMV covered 50% of the NS2 construction costs. All five have also written off their full financing of NS2, each of about 1 billion euros. HOW WERE THE PIPELINES DAMAGED? Washington and NATO called it an act of sabotage, while Moscow said it was an act of international terrorism. Sweden found traces of explosives on several objects recovered from the explosion site, confirming it was a deliberate act. In July, Germany told the U.N. Security Council that it found traces of subsea explosives on a sailing yacht that "may have been used to transport the explosives". Germany told the U.N. that trained divers could have attached explosives at the points where the damage occurred to the pipelines at about 70 to 80 meters deep. WHO IS BEHIND THE EXPLOSIONS? So far, no one has taken responsibility for the blasts. Russia and the West have pointed fingers at each other. Russia's Baltic fleet is headquartered in Kaliningrad exclave near the explosions sites and possess vessels capable of deploying navy divers. According to a German media report, Russian military ships had been operating in the area prior the explosions. The Washington Post reported last December that no conclusive evidence has emerged to suggest that Russia itself was behind the attacks, citing intelligence sources. German General Prosecutor Peter Frank also told Die Welt on Feb. 4 that there was no hard evidence to implicate Russia. Russia has denied it was behind the blasts and blamed "Anglo-Saxons", Kremlin's description of the U.S. and Britain. U.S. investigative journalist Seymour Hersh alleged in a blog post in February that the operation was carried out by U.S. navy divers with assistance of Norway but Washington dismissed the report as "utterly false and complete fiction", while Norway said the allegations were "nonsense". Russia has asked the U.N. Security Council for an independent investigation but failed to win support, except from China and Brazil. Sweden's special prosecutor in charge of the investigation, Mats Ljungqvist, told Reuters in April that the main assumption was that a state or a state-backed group was behind the attack. Some intelligence reports cited by the U.S. media alleged a "pro-Ukrainian group" was behind the attack. Ukraine has denied involvement. German media reported that a group of six people - five men and one woman - boarded the yacht in Rostock, Germany, on Sept. 6, using a forged Romanian passport with a stolen identity. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 10 that German investigators have identified at least one suspect from Ukraine. The boat, identified as a 15-metre (50-foot) sailing yacht Andromeda, returned to Rostock in Germany on Sept. 23, according to the investigation by Der Spiegel and ZDF. After leaving Rostock, the yacht stopped at Wiek, a small harbour on the north coast of Rugen, and then was spotted at a small Danish island of Christianso close to the explosion sites. It then made a short stop in Kolobrzeg, Poland, on Sept. 19, before returning to Germany. Poland said there was no evidence to suggest that it was used as a hub for the sabotage. While German investigators are focused on the yacht and the Ukrainian version, according to Der Spiegel and ZDF, German officials had previously warned that it could be a "false flag" operation staged to blame Kyiv. WHAT DID WESTERN INTELLIGENCE KNOW ABOUT THE ATTACK? A day after the explosions, on Sept. 27, 2022, German magazine Der Siegel reported that the CIA had warned Germany in summer 2022 about possible attacks on Baltic Sea pipelines. On June 6, the Washington Post reported that the CIA learned in June 2022 of a Ukrainian plot and shared the intelligence with Germany and other European countries, the paper added. German regional broadcasters NDR and WDR reported on March 31 that German security services had received information about the Andromeda yacht shortly after the attack. Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) questioned employees of the company that owned the Andromeda in 2022, according to the reports. BfV informed the German Federal Intelligence Service and both agencies passed their findings to the federal prosecutor. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF NORD STREAM INVESTIGATIONS? Germany, Denmark and Sweden told the U.N. Security Council on July 11 they could not say when their investigations would be concluded. Sweden's special prosecutor in charge of the investigation, Mats Ljungqvist, told Reuters on Sept. 20 he aimed to conclude the investigation before the end of this year. The German federal prosecutor office told Reuters it could not comment and Danish authorities also declined to comment. WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF NORD STREAM PIPELINES? The Nord Stream pipelines have been a flashpoint in an energy dispute between Europe and Moscow since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The destruction of Nord Stream pipelines hastened Europe's switch to other energy suppliers, with the United States increasing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. In March, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the pipelines are set to be sealed up and mothballed. One of the two lines of Nord Stream 2 remains intact but is unlikely to be used to transport gas from Russia while the war in Ukraine continues. Germany plans to use some of the Nord Stream infrastructure to import liquefied natural gas, including from the United States, according to Der Spiegel. (Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis in Oslo and Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt; editing by Nina Chestney and Ros Russell) Food company Kraft Heinz has been forced to recall thousands of cases of its Singles American cheese because of a machine error that has led to plastic being found in the slices. Nearly 84,000 containers are expected to be affected, and Kraft has warned in a statement the factory mistake could lead to a choking hazard. What happened? Kraft has called the problem a temporary issue and noted that a thin strip of plastic may remain in the cheese after the wrapper has been removed. The company moved swiftly after several customers complained that they had either choked or gagged on the cheese while eating it. Among the products affected are packages of 16-ounce Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product and three-pound multipacks of Kraft Singles American Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product. Customers can identify packs of the former by checking the best when used by date, which will be between Jan. 10 and Jan. 27, 2024. Individual packets will contain an S and 72 in the manufacturing code. For the three-pound multipacks, look for a UPC of 0 2100060491 3 and a best when used by date between Jan. 9 and 13, 2024. Kraft has recommended customers take these packets to the store they were purchased from, where a full refund will be issued. Why is this so concerning? Aside from the choking hazard for people who purchased the product, its another demonstration of why single-use plastics on food products should be avoided if at all possible. While this problem resulted from a factory error, imagine what kind of damage that plastic film can do if it is disposed of incorrectly and enters the ecosystem. Customers eating the cheese would not suspect that plastic would be found within, and the choking hazard is completely understandable. Now consider the problem when animals ingest these wrappers unknowingly after people litter or because theyve been blown from landfills into green spaces or water sources. What can be done to avoid plastic food packaging? Sustainable, biodegradable solutions are being investigated to stop the damage caused by nondegradable plastic food wrapping. Scientists at the University of Cambridge, for example, have developed a plant-based spider silk that could soon replace plastic wrapping. Elsewhere, reusable food wraps are increasingly available on the market. While this doesnt solve the problem of Krafts manufacturing process, its an easy way to prevent the use of single-use plastics when keeping food fresh at home. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. Russia vowed Tuesday to burn the first of the U.S.-made M1 Abrams tanks that arrived in Ukraine a day prior, insisting the weapons will not help Kyiv in the fight. All this can in no way affect the essence of the [special military operation] and its outcome, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told members of the media, as reported by multiple outlets. There is no panacea, no single weapon that can change the balance of power on the battlefield. He added that the Abrams tanks too will burn, repeating past sentiments Moscow has used regarding Western weapons. The United States and Ukraine revealed Monday that Abrams tanks pledged to Kyiv had arrived in the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the tanks are being prepared to send into battle and will reinforce our brigades. President Biden in January agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine to help its forces quell Russian attacks, but it is unclear how much of the first batch of the weapons have arrived. The U.S. military has trained Ukrainian troops to use and maintain Abrams tanks and is also set to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets pledged by the Netherlands and Denmark. Washington will reportedly also soon send Army Tactical Missile Systems to Ukraine, supplying Kyiv weapons intended to attack vital Russian supply lines and bases in Kremlin-occupied territory. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For the record: 7:42 p.m. Sept. 26, 2023: An earlier version of this report misidentified Chris Stevens as Donny Adams. The signs came down almost as fast as they went up: plain white sheets of paper, plastered to a Rowland Heights gas station door, prohibiting Romani women from entering. No Gypsy women in long shoplifting skirts allowed in the store, the signs read, using a term the Romani community widely regards as a slur. One sign concluded in bright red font: Nici un tigan Not a single Gypsy in the Romanian language. Once pictures of the signs surfaced online, backlash from Romani activists across the world came swiftly, prompting a response from Chevron and pledges to investigate from government officials. For many Romani Americans, its the first time the American public is waking up to rampant discrimination against the community. Everybody was really upset and frankly shocked to see that from the Los Angeles area, its one of the areas that people view as diverse, accepting and a melting pot, said Anya Redgewell, 46, a Romani woman who lives in Hemet. If it had been directed at any other diaspora, someone wouldve tried to burn the building down. Seven signs dotted the entrances, exits and cash register of the Chevron gas station at Colima Road and South Nogales Street last week. They referred to a dozen people featured in photos as drive off bandits and one as a "graffiti tagger. The papers referring to Romani people had been taken down. But at the cash register, a sign remained featuring pictures of three women wearing long skirts a feature of traditional Romani clothing under the heading thieves. A Chevron employee at the station Thursday morning said she had nothing to do with the situation and asked not to be interviewed. Chevron is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company. It is a cornerstone of our corporate values of high performance, integrity, trust, partnership, and protecting people and the environment, said Chevron spokesperson Ross Allen in a statement, adding that the company is working with the owner of the independently operated station to reinforce those values. The entrance into a Chevron gas station store in Rowland Heights was clear Thursday of a controversial sign that said Romani women were banned from going inside. (Andrew J. Campa / Los Angeles Times) While the offending signs came down, the sentiment lingered for many Romani people in Los Angeles and across the country. Black people, white people, Mexican, Asian descents all descents do stuff, Donny Adams said. You dont have to just call out the Gypsies, particularly using that word. Read more: My Romani ancestors struggled for their rights. How I continue their fight and forge my own identity When Adams heard about the signs, the Los Angeles resident drove to the Chevron to see it himself. He said he walked into the store and struck up a conversation with the clerk, asking about the picture of women at the register. I played inconspicuous. I just kind of went in and bought a candy bar. I didnt steal it, I purchased it with my credit card, Adams said. She was talking and she was telling me that these Gypsy women come in there with their babies and they just want to steal everything. Adams said that as he left, the clerk said to him, Watch those kids! Im like what? I didnt tell her that Im a Romani man, Adams said. I walked in there by myself and she racially profiled me, told me to take care of those kiddies. Thats not fair. That didnt sit right with me. It bothered me. Read more: 'Foretold' podcast: Can a fortuneteller change her future? Chris Stevens, who has one of the signs in his possession, said his cousin frequented the gas station for cigarettes and occasional drinks while living in the neighborhood for more than a dozen years. Stevens said his cousin was considering relocating after he saw the sign. He feels like hes a target, like hes in the center and theres no Gypsies here, no Gypsies there, Stevens said. He was saying should I get out of here? Whats a better neighborhood? After the incident, Adams and Stevens created an Instagram account advocating for Romani rights. Romani activist Florian Tacorian also posted about the gas station signs on his popular TikTok account, reaching more than 160,000 viewers. Their posts spread quickly on social media. It literally reminds me of learning in history class about the 1950s, said Tacorian, a 20-year-old business and acting student at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Tacorian said hes accustomed to seeing such signs in his home country of Romania. But seeing this in America, its just a different feeling. This is a pretty diverse community where you see people from many backgrounds, said Valerie Rios, 39, a dental assistant who works across the street from the gas station. You never expect to see or hear about signs like that here. Read more: 'Foretold' podcast Episode 6: 'Your Laws vs. Our Laws' Originally from India, the Romani diaspora is rich with diversity, with many subgroups and variations in cultural norms. Still, some communities including a large population in Southern California adhere to traditional practices and dress, such as long, modest skirts for women. So if my wife who wears a long skirt and who is not a criminal and we go to a shopping center or store, she's going to be pointed out as a Gypsy thief. For what? Thats not fair, said Deny Dobobrov, the Chicago-based director of international relations for the World Roma Federation. He added that a similar sign popped up recently at a Chicago-area business but came down quickly after online backlash. Its basically disgusting that our whole community and our whole ethnicity is blamed for the actions of some, Dobobrov said. The World Roma Federation has been in contact with the U.S. State and Justice departments over the gas station sign, Dobobrov said. L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who represents Rowland Heights, decried the sign as deplorable. It is apparent that the fight against hate is a continuous one. But make no mistake, I will not tolerate it, Solis said in a statement, adding that the county will conduct a full investigation into the racist sign. The Romani people have made incredible contributions to our nation's history, society and culture," she added. "I am confident that with our collective perseverance, the goal of eradicating hate can be achieved. Read more: How B.B. King and Los Angeles helped me embrace my multiethnic Romani identity 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. Facing the prospect of a trial neither side wanted, Los Angeles County and the plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking more homeless services have proposed a settlement that appears to meet the demands of a federal judge who twice rejected earlier agreements. In the new proposal, filed in federal court Monday, the county pledges to provide an additional 3,000 beds for mental health and substance use treatment by the end of 2026. The initial attempt to settle last October provided for only 300 additional beds. Under pressure from U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, the county upped the offer to 1,000 new beds in an addendum submitted in April, but Carter again balked, saying the agreement didn't go far enough to resolve the homeless crisis. In past hearings, Carter repeatedly cited a report by former Department of Mental Health head Jonathan Sherin that the county would need 3,000 additional beds to meet the need. At Carter's insistence, the new agreement nominates a retired judge as a monitor to ensure compliance, a condition the county had previously resisted. Read more: The California conundrum: Fewer people, more homes, but an acute housing shortage Carter has scheduled a hearing scheduled Thursday to consider the proposal, potentially ending the 3-year-old case in which the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, a group of mostly downtown business owners and residents, sued both the city and county alleging that they had failed to alleviate unsafe and inhumane conditions in homeless encampments. The city reached a settlement in 2022 providing that it would open enough beds over the next five years to accommodate 60% of the citys unsheltered population in each City Council district based on the results of the 2020 homeless count. City officials estimated they would need to create 14,000 new interim and permanent beds, more than 13,000 of which had already been planned. In its initial settlement offer, the county agreed to provide supportive services for city-financed interim and permanent housing under the settlement. The county also agreed to increase its mental health outreach by adding 11 new multidisciplinary teams, which include physical and mental health practitioners, bringing the total to 34 and nearly doubling its Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Teams, which focus on severe mental illness, to 10. After Carter turned that proposal down, the county came back in April with a commitment to create 1,000 new mental health and substance use disorder beds and also to fund 450 new subsidies for board and care homes "frequently utilized by individuals with serious mental illness who are at risk of homelessness." It estimated the value of those resources at $850 million. Carter again balked, and set a November date for the case to go to trial. The county then filed a petition with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a writ ordering him to accept the deal and dismiss the case. The appeals court denied the petition. When lawyers for the county and alliance sought more time to conduct discovery, Carter wouldn't budge and urged them to be ready for trial or come up with a settlement he could accept. During a Sept. 18 hearing, they indicated they were close to an agreement. Carter gave them until Monday to finalize it. The new agreement sets up a schedule with 600 new beds this year, followed by a total of 1,200 by the end of 2024, 1,800 by the end of 2025 and 3,000 by the end of 2026. "Both sides have worked really hard to put this agreement together and I hope that Judge Carter sees that and gives us his blessing," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn in a statement. "I would like to put this lawsuit behind us so that we can all focus on the real work which is getting help to the people who need it most." 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif. Tony Thurmond is running for governor, entering an open field early in a bid to become the first state schools superintendent elected California's chief executive. The former Democratic assemblymember and local school board member on Tuesday became the third candidate to declare for the 2026 race after Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former state Controller Betty Yee. The viability of Thurmond's campaign is likely to hinge on backing from labor unions, which were pivotal in his ascension from state legislator to statewide official though it will be at least two years before education labor groups decide whether to support his run for governor. "SPI Tony Thurmond has been outstanding on defending education," CFT President Jeff Freitas said in a text message about the race. "But we are focused on the 2024 election and are not taking any positions on 2026 statewide candidates." Donations and endorsements from the influential California Teachers Association and the state's second largest education union, the CFT, powered Thurmond to his first-term victory in 2018 against charter school executive Marshall Tuck. Labor backing can be crucial in governors' races, and Thurmond's prospective opponents, including state Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Attorney General Rob Bonta, have enjoyed support from union heavyweights in the past. "Tony Thurmond has dedicated his life's work to fighting for working families," Thurmond campaign consultant Dave Jacobson said of the superintendent's labor bona fides in a statement. "He's been on the frontlines of the battle to raise wages and to protect the rights of working people. It's also why he's running for Governor, to build a coalition of, by and for the people, to create real, lasting change for workers and to build a better California for all." Even so, teachers unions alone are unlikely to be the kingmakers they've been in state superintendent races which are far less expensive than governor's races and draw in a narrower swath of policy and business interests. Candidates typically need a broad coalition to stay competitive, including from a large cross section of unions. Thurmond did in his last reelection campaign draw support from various trade unions including Service Employees International Union locals and unions representing electrical workers and sprinkler fitters, in addition to the CTA. He also played a role in contract talks during past school strikes, including the last two teachers union strikes in Oakland. Thurmond traveled to Los Angeles during a strike earlier this year as Mayor Karen Bass hosted negotiations with the Los Angeles Unified School District at City Hall. In his first campaign video, in which Thurmond is pictured fist-bumping a striking worker on a picket line, he calls for raising the state minimum wage and calls for higher teacher pay. "We need real change: raising the minimum wage, jobs that pay the bills and wages that ensure nobody who works full time lives in poverty," Thurmond, a former social worker, said in the video. The superintendent in an interview last month said he would prioritize higher education issues if he were to run for governor, including funding for public universities and broader health care access for college students. Handling media and general consulting for the campaign is J&Z Strategies, which has done work for the United Teachers Los Angeles CTA's largest affiliate as well as state legislative campaigns, SEIU and the AFL-CIO. Tracy Pillows of McKinley + Pillows Fundraising is heading up Sacramento fundraising, and longtime Thurmond ally and consultant Annie Eagan is helping raise money elsewhere. MissionWired which conducts digital fundraising for President Joe Biden is also on the Thurmond campaign. Thurmond's first term in office was fraught with challenges, including some of the nation's longest stretches of remote instruction during the pandemic. POLITICO reported that he'd quietly hired a friend out of stateand that had allegedly created a toxic workplace contributing to high turnover of senior staff at the California Department of Education. He told the Los Angeles Times that he's since had "tough conversations with myself" and that "I continue to reflect on those things." Despite those problems, Thurmond sailed to reelection in 2022 over Republican challenger Lance Christensen. Christensen is now considering another run for state superintendent. Back when David Cameron and George Osborne ruled the roost at Number 10 and Number 11, they took decisive action to re-calibrate the power balance between Westminster and the regions by introducing Combined Authorities led by directly elected Metro Mayors here in the West Midlands, in Greater Manchester and in other major city regions. I welcomed those reforms and governments genuine commitment to the cause of devolution. Their belief that local leaders closer to the action are better placed to deliver for their regions helped motivate me to leave my job at John Lewis to run for Mayor at the same time as those reforms encouraged Andy Burnham to depart Westminster to head North. Fast forward to 2023 and back in March, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester signed landmark Deeper Devolution Deals with government enhancing the powers and funding available to Mayors and Combined Authorities to deliver on the ground for local people. With five more mayoral devolution deals due before the end of next year, a majority of Englands population accounting for nearly 60 per cent of economic output will be covered by Mayoral Combined Authorities by the time of the next general election. The future looks bright for devolution. If only it were that simple. The sad truth is that although both the Conservatives and Labour talk the talk, only the former seem prepared to walk the walk now. Labour in opposition should be holding the governments feet to the fire on devolution. But we also need to ascertain the real level of commitment from the main party of opposition to devolution as we should have cross-party consensus for this critical national issue. Keir Starmer started the year pledging himself to the cause. A Labour government, he said, would give communities the trustthe powerand the control they need to shift power out of Westminster and transform our economy, our politics and our democracy. Six months on and its hard to point to anything tangible that will actually deliver this aim. Both Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner refuse to commit to any fiscal devolution ignoring calls from Labour backbenchers to pursue the policy, which would allow regional leaders to plan over a longer-term horizon and use different policy interventions in tandem. The West Midlands has benefited hugely from the pro devolution agenda. Since coming to power in 2010, the Conservatives have overseen 7.4 billion of additional investment into the West Midlands through the Combined Authority helping us to deliver on skills, housing and of course transport where we now have seven times more financial firepower than we had in 2016. Wise deployment of our newfound resources has coincided with encouraging election results for Conservatives in the West Midlands, holding our three urban Councils in Dudley, Walsall and Solihull in the most recent local elections. One could argue that devolution has empowered local leaders to deliver on the ground, and voters have recognised that holding local leaders accountable for local outcomes. Urban conservatism remains alive and well here in the West Midlands. So, whilst I welcome the extent of devolution to date, the next frontier is fiscal devolution, where local leadership retains and deploys a share of the local tax take rather than bidding for central funding on a piecemeal basis. Again, the Conservative government is edging towards this and demonstrating its trust in both the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. In the March 2023 devolution deals, the Government granted us new longer-term funding agreements including full retention of our business rates uplift. And from the next spending review, its been agreed that both areas will negotiate a single pot of funding more akin to a government department so that local leaders can decide how to invest in their areas. That shows a genuine maturing of the devolved model, and as a Conservative Mayor, Im proud that a Conservative government has taken that step. Meanwhile, from the outside looking in, it seems Labour are far too keen to centralise power as they do not trust their own local leaders exactly the opposite of devolution. The national Labour Partys decision to appoint the new leader of Birmingham City Council taking the decision away from local councillors was a clear sign of this. Even Labour mayors Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram have criticised the undemocratic manoeuvres of their own party after North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll was blocked from standing for the new North East Mayoralty. We need political leadership on both sides of the aisle to double down on devolution, bridging the gap between rhetoric and reality. We cannot allow any elements in Westminster to hide centralising instincts behind warm words. Andy Street is Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands 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 National Transportation Safety Board is looking into a hidden danger on the highways: A nationwide shortage of parking spaces for large trucks. The shortage results in many drivers stopping on the sides of ramps sometimes with fatal consequences. Mario Gonzalez died in July on his way home from visiting his family when his pickup slammed into the back of a semi-truck parked on the side of a rest stop service road off Interstate 37 south of San Antonio. Gonzalez was speeding before he hit the brakes seconds before the impact. It was dark and the big rig did not have lights on. "Losing him has left a hole in our family. A hole that nothing's going to fill," his daughter Lori told CBS News. His family is now suing the truck company, which denies any wrongdoing. "It doesn't take a lot of professional experience to understand the dangers of an 18-wheeler parked on a roadway at night in the dark," said Bob Hilliard, the attorney representing the Gonzalez family. Gonzalez died two days after a hauntingly similar crash in Illinois killed three people when a Greyhound bus hit several big rigs parked along a rest stop access road. The American Trucking Associations says drivers are forced to park in such areas because there is only one rest area parking space for every 11 trucks on the nation's roads. In multiple states, CBS News found big rigs parked on freeway and rest stop shoulders and crowding roads leading into rest stops that were already full of parked trucks. Investigators for Gonzalez's family shot video of the rest area where he died, showing that it was jammed with trucks on both sides of the road. Laws vary by state, but Texas does not prohibit parking on the shoulder. Danny Schnautz, president of Clark Freight Lines in the Houston area, said the lack of parking, coupled with strict drive time rules, forces truckers into unsafe situations. "We have to be safe," Schnautz said. "We tell drivers to realize that cutting their day short is better than putting someone in an unsafe position." But finding a spot can be "impossible a large percent of the time," said Schnautz. There were 4,000 injury accidents involving big rigs near interstate on and off ramps in 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There were 55 fatal accidents of that kind that year. "This is not just a quality-of-life issue for truck drivers who deserve a good convenient, safe place to park, but also it's a safety issue for the entire system," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. While a bill authored by Congressman Mike Bost, Republican of Illinois, giving states an additional $755 million to expand existing truck parking languishes in Congress, the Department of Transportation is providing grants to expand truck parking in several states. As for the Gonzalez family, they are pushing to ban parking on the side of the road entirely. Talking Heads on the return of "Stop Making Sense" Gisele Bundchen on modeling, divorce, and her true self Consumer Reports: Put to the test The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a body was found under a bridge in Augusta. Just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, Richmond County deputies were dispatched to the Calhoun Bridge at Broad Street and Washington Road for a suspicious situation, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. When deputies arrived, they met with a grass cutting crew who found a dead man under the bridge, according to the release. The body was identified as Matthew Watkins, 43, homeless, and sent to the GBI for an autopsy, according to the Richmond County Coroner's Office. No further information will be released due to the active investigation, according to the sheriff's office. Augusta arrest: Naked man charged with masturbating at CiCi's Pizza in Augusta area This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Body found under Augusta bridge LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A scammer stole more than $1.4 million from the Clark County School District as part of an international romance scheme where some money was transferred to cryptocurrencies, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained. Selma Redmond; of Phoenix, Arizona; Leslie Villarosa; of Chicago; and Jennifer Walsh; of Indiana, each face charges of theft, conspiracy to commit theft, and other financial-related charges, documents said. In August 2022, a representative from CCSD filed a report saying the district became the victim of a business email compromise that July, documents obtained Monday said. An employee sent a $1.45 million payment meant for a Las Vegas-area construction company to a fraudulent bank account. The scammer used a domain name similar to CCSDs and the construction companys and knew of the relationship between the two entities, documents said. The unknown attacker was able to trick CCSD accounting personnel into sending funds to [the bank account] controlled by a malicious actor instead of [the construction companys] bank account by sending emails back and forth between the legitimate and illegitimate domains, documents said. Police later learned the bank account belonged to Leslie Villarosa, documents said. U.S. Secret Service agents later interviewed Villarosa at a Chicago office in October 2022, documents said. Villarosa told investigators that she believed law enforcement would be knocking on her [door] any day and she had been fooled into sending money overseas for religious reasons, documents said. Villarosa told investigators that in November 2021, she began messaging a person on Facebook in what agents described as a romance scheme. Villarosa stated she had volunteered to organize a pilgrimage trip for her church to Israel for the purposes of sending $80,000 to one of the individuals she was chatting with in the romance scheme, documents said. The total cost of the trip was $185,000 and was paid to her by members of her church with the expectation she would book flights and hotels. Instead, Villarosa said she converted $80,000 of these funds to Bitcoin and sent them to scammers. Around the time, Villarosa said the $1.4 million from CCSD entered her account, documents said. Villarosa stated she used $80,000 from CCSD funds to purchase provisions for the pilgrimage, but was still approximately $105,000 short after sending funds to other individuals. Villarosa said she did not know the identities of whom she was chatting with online, documents said. It was unclear Monday how the money entered Villarosas account or who transferred it. Villarosa provided investigators with a letter they said Walsh sent to her in October 2022. In the letter, Walsh identifies herself as the person Villarosa sent bank wires to, documents said. Investigators tracked deposits into Redmonds account and transfers to several cryptocurrencies, documents said. In November 2022, agents spoke to Redmond at her home. She denied receiving deposits in the amounts of $450,000 and $120,000 and denied knowing anything about cryptocurrency when asked why she converted funds from flat to cryptocurrency and sent them, documents said. Investigators believe Villarosa sent Walsh $95,000, documents said. The Secret Service interviewed Walsh in Indianapolis, documents said. Walsh told investigators she met someone online in the summer of 2021 who claimed to work on an oil rig, documents said. Walsh said she was helping the person she thought she was talking to online by receiving the funds, withdrawing the funds, and sending them to a local Bitcoin ATM in Indiana located at a truck stop, documents said. Some of the cryptocurrency went to Africa, documents said, with the accounts controller based in Nigeria. In addition to the three women, investigators believe a fourth person was involved, documents said. It was unclear Monday how and if Redmond, Villarosa and Walsh knew each other. Metro police booked Redmond and Walsh last week, records showed. They were granted own recognizance releases and were due in court in October and November. Villarosas arrest warrant remained active as of Monday. Representatives from CCSD did not have an immediate comment on the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Andreas Probst, 64, was on his morning bike ride when he hit by the vehicle just after 6am on 14 August on North Tenaya Way (Eva Vlaardingerbroek/Facebook) The Las Vegas District Attorneys office has officially filed criminal complaints against two teenagers accused of killing a retired police chief in a outrageous hit-and-run incident. The youngsters were both charged with murder with use of a deadly weapon, battery with use of a deadly weapon, and attempted murder with a deadly weapon on Monday. One of the suspects is also charged with additional felonies including duty to stop at the scene of a crash, leaving the scene of a crash, possession of stolen vehicle, and possession of a burglary tool. Andreas Probst, 64, was killed as he was out for a morning bike ride on 14 August. A statement from the DA, issued on Monday, said criminal complaints had been filed against the pair, who were 16 and 17 at the time, over the unfortunate and inexcusable event that took the life of Andreas Probst. Both suspects were formally arraigned on Tuesday. The behaviour exhibited by (the) defendants... is outrageous and cannot be tolerated in this community, said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. People riding bicycles should feel safe and secure and should not be subjected to criminals who put their lives at risk. Justice will be served. Police bodycam footage later released by 8newsnow allegedly shows one of the suspects, who is now 18, telling police he would get nothing more than a slap on the wrist for a hit-and-run as he was taken into custody. You think this juvenile [expletive] is gonna do some [expletive]? Ill be out in 30 days, Ill bet you, he can be heard saying. Its just ah, [expletive] ah, hit-and-run slap on the wrist. The video footage purportedly showing the crash that killed Probst circulated widely on the internet following the incident. In the footage, allegedly recorded by the vehicles passenger, the teenagers collide with a car before approaching Probst from behind. Andreas Probst, 64, was mowed down while on his morning bike ride (Las Vegas Police Department) One can be heard asking Ready?, to which the other replies Yeah, yeah, yeah, hit his a**, before the vehicle veers into the bike lane behind Probst. The retired police chief is then struck off his bike and thrown against the windshield. Damn, that n**** got knocked out! the passenger can then be heard saying. Oh, s***, we need to get out of here, the panicked driver replies. A final image from the moving car shows Probst on the ground next to the curb as the teenagers drive off while laughing. Deputy police chief Nick Farese called the recording, which was taken from inside a stolen vehicle, appalling and a cowardly act. He said the teenagers left Probst for dead on the side of a road. Probsts daughter, Taylor, said the family was devastated by the senseless murder of her father (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved) Both teens are expected to be tried in adult court. Las Vegas police said they have tied the teens to at least three hit-and-run incidents and three car thefts on the morning of 14 August. According to police, the teenagers first struck a 72-year-old bicyclist while in a stolen Hyundai sedan, drove away, crashed into a Toyota Corolla and again drove away before striking Probst. The 72-year-old was not injured in the crash. Probsts daughter, Taylor, said the family was devastated by the senseless murder of her father. She described her father as a man of honour and a real-life Pee-Wee Herman. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman faces a charge of making terrorist threats after police say she drove recklessly through a cemetery before calling and telling employees she was going to kill them, police documents say. On Friday, Sept. 22, at around 8 a.m., police were called to Palm Mortuary in the 7600 block of South Eastern Avenue after a report of a person driving recklessly through the cemetery, an arrest report stated. When officers arrived, the vehicle was gone. Employees at the business told police they received threatening phone calls from a woman who identified herself as the reckless driver. The manager of the mortuary told police some of his employees notified him of a silver Toyota Corolla driving recklessly on the grounds at around 7:20 a.m. The driver of the vehicle was swerving, hitting traffic cones, and holding the horn down, honking all over the grounds, the report said. A witness told police that the vehicle almost hit bystanders. Approximately 20 minutes later, the superintendent of the property found the vehicle parked on the grounds and walked over to take a picture of the cars license plate. A woman near the car became upset with the superintendent for taking the photo, the report stated. The superintendent asked the woman to slow down while on the property, to which she replied, [Expletive] you, I will do what I want, before driving off, according to the report. The superintendent told police the woman appeared high and hyper. Another employee told police that she saw a missed number on the mortuarys phone. When she called the number back, a woman began to complain, telling the employee the lawn workers of the mortuary were being mean and rude to her, the report stated. The employee asked the woman if she was on the property that morning, which the woman confirmed. The woman told the employee that she was frustrated because employees were taking pictures and complaining about her driving. The employee told police the woman said Imma get you, before hanging up. Another employee took a call from the woman shortly before 8:30 a.m. The woman said Im going to kill all of your workers, before hanging up, the report stated. In another call, the woman said, [Expletive], Ill [expletive] kill you [expletive]. The mortuary received 15 more calls from the womans phone number but did not answer them, according to the report. The employees described the woman on the phone as threatening and aggressive. Liliana Farias faces a charge of making a threat or false information concerning acts of terrorism. (LVMPD) Using the phone number and license plate, police were able to identify the woman as Liliana Farias, who had a listed address in the 100 block of Boysenberry Lane in Henderson. Farias phone number was listed in another incident. The incident report stated that around 7 a.m., police were called to the Las Vegas Comprehensive Treatment Center on South Maryland Parkway after a report of harassment. The supervisor of the facility told police that a woman, identified as Farias, threw items in the lobby at staff members. Staff later received phone calls from Farias number, with the caller saying they were going to return to the building to shoot it up, telling one employee Youre gonna die, [expletive]. Additional phone calls were made to the facility, including some while patrol officers were on scene, the report stated. At around 7:30 p.m., officers arrested Farias at her home. Farias explained to police she was upset with a nurse at the treatment center, so she went to the mortuary to smoke a cigarette because she finds the cemetery peaceful, according to the report. She told police that she made phone calls to both the treatment center and the mortuary, threatening to shoot them up and assault the employees because if she received phone calls like this at her place of work, she would take them seriously. Farias is charged with making a threat or false information concerning acts of terrorism, which is a felony. She was released on Sept. 23 and told to stay away from Palm Mortuary. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 2. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman was startled to receive photos of her deceased dog months after she was sent what she believed were her beloved pets cremated remains. Natalie Smyers rescued two Yorkies siblings Goobers and Tootsie about five years ago. The pair quickly became part of her family, she said. At age 15, Goobers crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Smyers said she found him deceased in his bed in late March. Afterward, she called 1st Call Pet Cremation, a Las Vegas-based animal cremation service. They were here in my home to pick him up within an hour, she said, adding that she paid $300 for the service. Natalie Smyers rescued two Yorkies siblings Goobers and Tootsie about five years ago. The pair quickly became part of her family, she said. (Courtesy of Natalie Smyers) The companys website promises the following: We will arrive directly to your home for a professional removal and transport to our crematory. Your pet will be returned to you in a standard urn with a clay paw print and a commemorative certificate. Smyers alleges the company delayed service for months. In June, she said she finally received a box, a paw print and a certificate. But last Friday, the co-owner of an Arizona-based pet cremation business sent her a message on Facebook that led to a disturbing discovery. The gentleman told me to give him a call because he did not think I received the correct ashes, Smyers said. Smyers received a box, the paw print and the certificate in June, she said. (KLAS) The man then sent her photos of Smyers name on a toe tag. He said Goobers, who died in March and was in his custody, had not been cremated. He also sent me pictures of my deceased dog, dead in a bag, and it is my dog, Smyers said. Smyers said she never thought to open the box she had received until Monday. The box contained white-colored ashes, but she does not know to whom they belong. Whose remains or what remains do I have? she said. Because I was just sent pictures of my dog deceased in a freezer. The photo of the bag with Goodbers remains sent to Natalie Smyers. (KLAS) But what about everybody that has gone through this process since March? Smyers said. If I received fake remains, that means a lot of other people probably received fake remains, and what remains do I actually have? The co-owner of the Arizona crematorium told Nexstars KLAS that he was contracted to provide crematory service from 1st Call Pet Cremation. He claimed the business had not paid him for months and that he was trying to find the owners of the pets in his possession to alert them. He estimated there were as many as 50 pets in his freezer awaiting cremation. Smyers said she planned to drive to Arizona to pick up Goobers and take him to a Las Vegas veterinary clinic for cremation. On the phone Monday, an employee at 1st Call Pet Cremation said he had heard from Smyers but had not heard about the extent of the allegations. The companys website says the business is Better Bureau Bureau-accredited, though the business BBB profile had no rating and was being updated as of Monday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The people you know live in this moment, Fox News founder Roger Ailes once told the journalist Michael Wolff, the people who Fox is for live in 1965. The Murdoch family enabled Ailes to create an alternate world for this curated audience of regressives at the network. But Wolff reports that Ailes had no use for the Murdochs, especially the sons, James and Lachlan, whom he derided as gaya label he applied to all coastal elite men. Ailes carefully chose his stars and style with 1965 and not-gay in mind. Dumb was OK. Plucking Sean Hannity from an $800-a-week radio job in Atlanta, Ailes boasts, was a brilliant move precisely because Hannity is, well, not that bright. Smart is what people hate. God they hate it, the old man tells Wolff. Readers have come to expect this kind of charming vignette from Wolffs forays into high-powered, right-wing networks. In his 2018 barnstormer Fire and Fury, which sold more than 1.7 million copies, Wolff produced a garish report from inside the bedlam of the Trump White House, revealing such choice details as Trumps habit of eating cheeseburgers in bed and the engineering behind his oddly coiffed hair. Ailess cynicism and ruthlessness propelled Fox to a cable dominance that endured beyond his sexual harassmentrelated ouster in 2016. But Wolff proposes that the empire Ailes and Murdoch built is not long for this world: The old generation is fading, and the new one doesnt have the stomach to run a crypto-fascist propaganda machine. The books titular prophesy of The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty has a deeply satisfying ringif alas, reminiscent of Mark Twains greatly exaggerated reports of death. Rupert Murdoch, at 92, will not last forever; this past week, he announced his retirement. But Wolffs prediction that Murdochs death will signal the end of Fox News is shaky, since his own book shows again and again how Fox succeeds not because of Rupert Murdoch but in spite of him. Wolff has been embedded in the trenches of Fox for a while, surfacing with a haul of filthy quotes and anecdotes sewn together with casually insulting insights. The book relies on a long and fruitful relationship with Ailes, whom Wolff cultivated during his years as a media writer for New York magazine, when many other writers were shunning the goatish strategist turned media mogul. Early chapters read like a notebook dump of the old mans observations on women, pontifications on politics and the TV business, and power plays that doubled as story tips for his interlocutor. During his reign, Wolff reports, Ailes was very precise about his casting of females. They had to be not just white, but not ethnic, Wolff summarizes, and each needed to have a more particular sexual-role function. The girl next door. The vixen. The disciplinarian. Perhaps most importantly, they had to pass what Ailes called the American blow-job testwhat Wolff calls a homegrown Ailes theory, which he was pleased to frequently expand upon, about every mans evaluation of whether or not a woman would give head and with what verve and style. When Ailes finally flamed out, thanks to anchor Gretchen Carlsons lawsuit, no one at Fox was surprised. Ailess sexual penchants hid in plain sight, Wolff writes. An overweight man and an ugly man, he appraised all women with something like greed and anger. Ailess conversations nearly always had a parallel tract of commentary about what acts a woman might be best at, invariably heading to what, with relish, he saw as forms of satisfying degradation. To the end, his defenders blamed the women. Wolff conducted his final interviews with Ailes at his suburban home in Cresskill, New Jersey, where he overheard Ailes on the phone to Rudy Giuliani, whose law firm was representing Ailes in his separation from Fox but whose real job was commiseration. Wolff recalled Giuliani launching into a denunciation of the women who had made complaints about Ailes at Fox. He observed a set piece between the two men, as they bemoaned, Wolff writes, a dark world of women whose inner avarice and aggression had been released in this new age. When Ailes died, five months into Trumps presidency, Wolff joined the Fox stars as they hitched a ride on Sean Hannitys private plane from New York down to the funeral in Palm Beach, Florida. En route, Fox contributor Liz Trotta bitterly mutters: What the sluts did to him, should be a public whipping.* The girls dont seem to care: Kimberly Guilfoyle is on board, dressed in black widows weeds, to sinister effect and apparently, obvious to all, flying commando. Laura Ingraham pays her respects. One almost feels sorry for her for the way Wolff portrays her as the butt of constant jokes and derision from Fox men. She was, in the telling of many men at Fox and throughout a social unreconstructed conservative movement, gross, pathetic, drunk, and a skankcue the huge peal of laughter. Wolff claims Ailes rated her no better than a C- on the blow-job test. With Ailes out of the building, and off the mortal coil, Trump became the de facto leader of Fox-world, its ideological, amoral center and cash cow. With Ailes out of the building, and off the mortal coil, Trump became the de facto leader of Fox-world, its ideological, amoral center and cash cow. And Hannity, whom Ailes and Murdoch and Wolff all openly regard as an idiot, rose to the very top of the power structure. (Hes retarded, like most Americans, Murdoch once remarked, according to Wolff.) Hannity became Trumps straight man, interlocutor, and therapist: his Howard Stern, his video Boswell. Trump, Hannity recognized, was quite the dumber ox. Hannity, in Trumps presence, was the clear contrast gainer, the considered, methodical, thoughtful one, Wolff writes. Wolff paints the post-Ailes, post-Dominion, and post-Tucker Fox as a rudderless behemoth, led by sheepish heirs who loathe the sordid business but are chained to the money pipeline by greed. Wolff writes that brothers James and Lachlan are at war and have not spoken to each other for five years, James having become a Democratic Party donor, Lachlan in charge of Fox, living in Australia, ultimately fine with getting richer off a democracy-chewing propaganda silo presided over by stars like Hannity and, until recently, Tucker Carlson and decorated with female eye candy. Everyone waiting for the old man to croak. In one of Wolffs final meetings with Ailes before he died, Ailes said of the Murdochs and Fox: Theyre stuck with it but they cant run it either. Wolff paints the post-Ailes, post-Dominion, and post-Tucker Fox as a rudderless behemoth, led by sheepish heirs who loathe the sordid business but are chained to the money pipeline by greed. That internal conflict blew up on election night 2020, when Rupert Murdoch supposedly said, Fuck him, of Trump, when handed the hot potato of whether Fox should make the Arizona call for Biden. For a moment the old man had allowed the network to seemingly take an overt position against its paramount franchise, the presidency of Donald Trump, Wolff writes. But confused management and stars couldnt and wouldnt pivot, and the network immediately capitulated to the Election Lie storyline. The Lie has so far cost Murdoch $780 million and his top-rated star (Tuckers defenestration, Wolff tacitly suggests, was part of the legal settlement). Wolff puts the blame for the debacle of the Dominion lawsuit squarely at the foot of the old man, who resisted settling until pinned to the wall by imminent trial. Fox lawyer Viet Dinh blew off the danger Dominion posed even as it hoovered up stars private emails and texts in discovery and put the anchors on edge. According to Wolff, Dinh, who was not only a lawyer but a family retainer, godfather to one of the grandchildren, kept repeating that there was absolutely nothing to worry about after his multiple glasses of lunchtime wine. He promised that if necessary, well take it to the Supreme Court and win. Dinh was recently sacked. According to Wolff, Dinhs blase attitude and misplaced confidence was rooted in long Murdoch media tradition. The job of Murdoch lawyers, evolved over decades, was helping the company do what it wanted to do: i.e., what other more cautious and deliberate media companies would most often not do. Murdoch always saw himself as a champion of a particular kind of old school Fleet Street journalism. His editors had aggressively trodden fine lines in coverage of celebrities, royals, politicians, ordinary folk in the headlights. In 1981, when historian Hugh Trevor-Roper, Lord Dacre, advised Murdoch not to publish the fraudulent Hitler diaries, for example, Murdoch went ahead and did so, declaring Fuck Dacre! Publish, Wolff reports. (Did I mention the book is packed with Roy-family levels of profanity?) But Murdochs defense of free speech was not a defense of virtue, rather the opposite. The debacle of being found to have hacked into the phones of several public figures, including members of the British royal family, caused Murdoch to shutter his News of the World tabloid and, Wolff claims, nearly destroyed the empire. Trump ultimately got his revenge on Murdoch, bestowing on CNN his star power at the New Hampshire Town Hall in May. Trump understood that of course CNN would be willing to put aside its own years of casting him as democracys Golgotha and a common criminal, Wolff writes. Trump manipulated Fox, down to the timing of the debate, originally demanding that the Town Hall air during Hannitys time slot, then, after Tucker Carlson was fired, demanding CNN switch the time to the old Tucker slot, so as not to compete with Hannity. On which Wolff quotes a Trump inner circle staffer commenting, you cant say all those years of fellating POTUS on air didnt pay off for Sean. Perhaps because there is no believable end to Fox in sight, the books conclusion feels rather weak. In the final chapter, RupertApres Moi, Wolff spins out a fairy tale ending, in which the heirs dump Fox and move on. In this fantasy, Ruperts kids James, Lachlan, Prue, and Elisabeth might just decide the stress of destroying democracy is too much of a hassle, and the rewards no longer worth it, sell, and ride off into the Australian sunset with their fortunes. If Fox ever does go down, its legacy will survive not just in unfathomable damage to political discourse and public trust, but in the myriad offspringthe stars, writers, producersthat flew Foxs nest and/or took inspiration from it: all the conservative insult comedians and outrage fluffers now gone on to lucrative careers in the galaxy of platforms hyping right-wing unreality. Fox established conservatism as a major media business, but more and more it occupied just a place in an industry that continued to expand around it, Wolff writes. One America News Network, Alex Jones and his Newsmax, Bannon and his War Room, Tucker Carlson setting up shop on X are but a few of these spinoffs and copycats. They will surely be around to satisfy the bereft Fox audience in the unlikely event Murdochs choose the American public interest over cash. * This article originally misstated Liz Trottas role at Fox News. The Latvian police have declared the practice of putting stickers on personal vehicles with "potentially provocative inscriptions in Russian", such as "I am Russian", unacceptable. Source: Latvian police on Twitter Details: This was the reaction of law enforcement officers to a photo of a car with a Latvian number plate and the inscription "I am Russian" posted on the social media platform Twitter. . pic.twitter.com/vlRWgeu9LS Latvijas vatniki (@latvijas_vate) September 25, 2023 Given the current geopolitical situation and the war in Ukraine, the agency stated that such stickers could be perceived as an endorsement of military aggression or support for Russia's war crimes. The Latvian police said that if such stickers were found, they would demand that car owners immediately remove them and explain the purpose of displaying them. Drivers may also be fined for propaganda promoting military aggression. Background: Earlier in September, Latvia sentenced the founder and administrator of the Russian-language Facebook group Criminal Latvia, Yuri Mikhailov, to two months in prison for justifying war 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! [Source] A bipartisan group of lawmakers are looking to boost Taiwan as an alternative to China-funded Confucius Institutes for language programs at universities and colleges in the United States. Key details: Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ed Markey s (D-MA) offices confirmed to Axios that they are set to introduce a resolution urging American universities and colleges to strengthen their educational links with Taiwan on Tuesday. The move is in support of the U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative launched in December 2020. The initiative aims to offer Americans opportunities to learn Mandarin from Taiwanese teachers, while American teachers would help Taiwan become a bilingual society by 2023. Why the decision: The Confucius Institute, which became a hot topic that ignited a debate during a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee hearing on Sept. 19, has reportedly been on a decline since 2017, from over 100 operational programs that year to just six today after the seventh classroom reportedly closed in June. More from NextShark: Fresno Mother Whose Daughter Was Killed By Street Racer Pushes for Stricter Laws Showing support: In a statement, Blackburn noted that students can still be taught about Chinese culture, history and language while being free from China's grasp. Meanwhile, Markey said in a statement to Axios that to continue building relationship with Taiwan, we need to support foreign language exchange between our two nations. Not the first: Blackburn led a group of Republican lawmakers in urging the U.S. Department of Education to consider tapping into Taiwan to replace the dwindling numbers of Confucius Institute for its Mandarin language programs in a letter sent on March 18, 2021. More from NextShark: Jollibee Plans to Build 234 More Stores in North America Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Eugene Chung says NFL is being 'misleading' about investigation of alleged anti-Asian comment Vietnam's iconic 'Kissing Rocks' at risk of collapse, experts warn (Photo/Fort Belknap Indian Community)) A lawsuit filed by a tribal business entity against a law firm and one of its shareholders reads like a movie script filled with allegations of putting millions of dollars at risk, inciting threats and intimidation against tribal councilors, a scheme to transfer the company's assets to another tribe, and even the shooting of two horses on an Indian reservation in northern Montana. The lawsuit was filed by Fort Belknap Indian Community Planning and Development Corporation, d/b/a Indian Mountain Development Group (IMDG) on September 11, 2023 in the Great Falls Division in the Montana U.S. District Court alleges Jennifer Weddle, a Colorado-based attorney, and her firm, Greenberg Traurig LLP, played a significant role in the alleged financial mismanagement of the company. Weddle, who co-chairs Greenberg Trauig's American Indian Law Practice, is an award-winning attorney. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Robin McGehee has joined the City of Fresnos Office of Community Affairs (OCA) as a liaison for the LGBTQ+ community, announced Mayor Jerry Dyer on Monday. Officials say McGehee will work to connect the LGBTQ+ community with services and resources, both within City Hall and in the city at large. She also brings her established network of connections and relationships to the position. During my time as the mayor of this city, Ive heard the heart of this community and how theyve felt alienated and excluded, said Mayor Dyer, By bringing Robin into our administration and placing her in this vital role, shell be a direct link between her community and City Hall, ensuring that they are represented and served in city government. The LGBTQ+ liaison position is the fifth liaison position within the OCA, joining established positions representing the BIPOC, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Indian communities. The Office of Community Affairs plays a crucial role in connecting each of these underrepresented communities to the resources and services that help build them up, and Im excited for Robin to join our team and bring that same connection to the LGBTQ+ community, said Sontaya Rose, Communications Director, who oversees the OCA team. I applaud Mayor Dyer for his selection of Robin McGehee to fill this pivotal role. Robin has an extensive history of being a steadfast, fearless leader for the LGBTQ community, said Annalisa Perea, Council Vice President, I look forward to partnering with her to help make this new role a huge success for our City. According to officials, McGehee has received numerous awards for her work in the community, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the City of Fresno in 2009 and 2015. She served as the grand marshal in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade in 2011 and 2015 and has been invited to the White House for multiple legislation signing ceremonies. Todays announcement is another step forward in Mayor Dyers vision of a true ONE FRESNO, McGehee said, My goal is to work with the Mayor to uplift the City of Fresno in becoming a more inclusive place for all citizens, including our members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The beautiful, cultural fabric of Fresno is interwoven with threads representing the LGBTQ+ rainbow community and allies. My sincere hope is that together, we can work to make our city a better place for all the cultures and communities that call Fresno home. McGehee is currently a professor at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia where she teaches public speaking, persuasion, and group and interpersonal communication. She earned a Master of Arts from Fresno State and a Bachelor of Arts from William Carey College. Her first day with the OCA will be Sept. 28. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. PROVIDENCE Officials celebrated the completion of another section of the network of biking and walking trails across Providence with a ribbon-cutting Monday for a multi-use path along the Woonasquatucket River behind the Gotham Greens greenhouse on Harris Avenue. The new riverfont path leading from De Soto Street to Atwells Avenue is short, but its considered essential to a long-term plan to eventually tie together the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, which runs north to Johnston, to the Washington Secondary Bike Path, which extends south to Coventry. Its a linchpin between the two trails, Alicia Lehrer, executive director of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, said after the ceremony at Gotham Greens that was attended by Gov. Dan McKee and members of the congressional delegation. Officials celebrated the completion of another section of the network of biking and walking trails across Providence with a ribbon-cutting Monday for a multi-use path along the Woonasquatucket River behind the Gotham Greens greenhouse on Harris Avenue. When Gotham Greens took over the site of the old General Electric factory in Olneyville and opened a 100,000-square-foot greenhouse to grow lettuces and herbs four years ago, it agreed to donate the back part of the lot along the south bank of the river to the city for the connecting path. The project was a collaboration between the company, the Woonasquatucket River council and Providence with support from a host of state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. We are finally starting to knit together this patchwork of pathways in Providence that will make it more accessible, carbon-free and in a way to promote this incredible ecosystem that we are so proud to live adjacent to, said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. Improvements around the Woonasquatucket The new path continues a series of improvements around the Woonasquatucket in recent decades that are aimed at creating parks and restoring the river in a historically industrial part of the city that has disproportionately shouldered the burdens of pollution. As part of the work, the river council is also designing a new green infrastructure project that will use landscaping to control stormwater runoff that causes flooding around the end of De Soto Street. It comes after a series of heavy downpours over the summer that have inundated parts of Providence and surrounding communities. The project is just one of many places in Providence where we are continuing to acknowledge that the solution is not to build bigger pipes to accommodate bigger storms but rather to keep that water from getting in the river in the first place, said Smiley. Some of the approximately $500,000 in funding for the work is also supporting programs to educate community members on climate and environmental issues and involve them in the improvement plans. Members of the river councils Nuevas Voces (New Voices) at the Water Table are involved in the De Soto Street stormwater project. They are people like Gloria Morales, a resident of the neighborhood who has seen the flooding first-hand and is helping to work on the solution. Its going to help drain water, its going to help community, and its going to help prevent erosion, Morales said through an interpreter. She also spoke of a larger goal. We want to leave a better legacy to future generations, she said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: New path behind Gotham Greens in Olneyville connects 2 RI bike trails Grant will fight crime in most dangerous Memphis ZIP codes MEMPHIS, Tenn. District Attorney Steve Mulroy is holding a press conference to provide updates from the Justice Review Unit on the initiative for the Violent Crime Intervention. This is a routine press conference from the Justice Review Unit which handles officer-involved shootings once they have been concluded by the Tennesse Bureau Investigations. Mulroy will discuss a new approach to violent crime intervention through a state-funded grant, which will focus on specific zip code areas. The following zip codes include: 38118 (Airport/Parkway Village) 38106 (South Memphis) 38127 (Frayser) 38116 (South Downtown) 38109 (South Memphis) 38114 (Orange Mound/Bethel Grove) 38111 (East Memphis) 38128 (Raleigh) 38115 (Hickory Hill) Mulroy says that 9 out of 10 most violent zip codes in the state of Tennessee are in Memphis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Update: In historic first, Biden walks picket line with striking autoworkers in Michigan President Joe Biden came to Michigan on Tuesday to show support for striking United Auto Workers and join them on the picket line. Biden's visit is believed to be perhaps the first time an American president has joined in support of striking workers on a picket line. Former President Donald Trump is expected to also be in Michigan on Wednesday to address around 500 former or current union members at Drake Enterprises in Clinton Township. Follow our live updates from Biden's visit below. Refresh your browser for the latest. 1:54 p.m.: Air Force One departs Following Biden's historic and brief visit to Michigan to stand with striking auto workers, the president returned to Air Force One and took off at 1:54 p.m., from Detroit Metro Airport, headed to California. 1:03 p.m.: Biden walks line with striking workers, talks to crowd President Biden walks the union picket line with UAW President Shawn Fain at GM's Willow Run parts center, becoming the first U.S. president believed to join a labor strike. Wearing a UAW hat and speaking through a bullhorn, Biden tells workers they helped save the auto companies with their sacrifices. "Now theyre doing incredibly well and, guess what, you should be doing incredibly well too." Fain speaks after Biden, saying, "This is a historic moment." Fain also thanked Biden for coming, a significant gesture, given that the union hasn't yet endorsed the president in his reelection bid, when most other major unions have done so. "Thank you, Mr. President," he said, "for coming... to stand up with us in our generation's defining moment." Biden took the bullhorn back and said a line he often says: "Wall Street didnt build the country. The middle class built the country. And unions built the middle class, that's a fact." Then he walked among workers, shaking hands, as John Mellencamp's "Small Town," played from speakers. The event ended after about 10 minutes. 12:59 p.m.: Biden travels to Willow Run parts center Biden has traveled from the airport with UAW President Shawn Fain to General Motors' Willow Run Redistribution Center in Belleville, one of the sites the union is striking in its labor dispute with the Detroit Three automakers. The center stores and ships parts. Last Friday, Fain announced the UAW was expanding the strike to target parts distribution centers at General Motors and Stellantis but was not including Ford because talks with that automaker were showing signs of progress. 12:35 p.m.: Biden, Fain ready to head to picket line After meeting with those there to greet him, Biden and UAW President Shawn Fain got into the president's limo and prepared to leave Detroit Metro Airport, on their way to an undisclosed picket line. 12:18 p.m.: Air Force One has landed at DTW Air Force One has landed at Detroit Metro Airport, ahead of President Biden's visit to a still-undisclosed UAW picket line. There to greet the president as he came off the aircraft were UAW President Shawn Fain who invited the president to join the picket line last week as well as Democratic U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell of Ann Arbor and Shri Thanedar and Rashida Tlaib, both of Detroit and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. 11:48 a.m. Press secretary briefs media on Air Force One Ahead of the Michigan visit by the president, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefed the traveling press on Air Force One, underscoring the fact that Biden to anyone's knowledge on Tuesday was set to become the first sitting U.S. president to join workers on a picket line. "This is an important message to America's auto workers," she said. "This is the most pro-union president in modern times... He is continuing to show his support for union workers, in this case autoworkers. This is something he believes in." "He believes the women and men of UAW deserve a fair share of the value they have helped create, record profits should lead to a record UAW contract," she added. "It's about standing in solidarity with the union members." She said, however, that the White House is not actively involved in the contact discussions in any way. "Negotiations are happening, they are talking," she said of the UAW, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. "We leave it to the UAW and the Big Three to have that conversation. Were not part of thatwere not part of the negotiations." Jean-Pierre also said no details about the site of the event were being given out in advance for security reasons "and the unprecedented nature of this historic visit." 11:39 a.m.: Democrats put out statement ahead of visit The Democratic National Committee put out a statement praising Biden's visit and hitting Trump: "Today, President Biden is heading to Michigan to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of the UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create. When he does, President Bidens strong record of delivering for auto workers will stand in stark contrast with former President Donald Trumps string of broken promises, shuttered factories, and lost jobs." 11:27 a.m.: Biden behind schedule, here's who is coming with him Biden's motorcade didn't get to Joint Base Andrews until almost a half hour after it was supposed to depart, so the event with autoworkers will be further delayed. Here's who is traveling with the president on Air Force One to Michigan (and on to California and Arizona): Acting Secretary Julie Su, Department of Labor Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Assistant to the President & Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy Bruce Reed, Assistant to the President & Deputy Chief of Staff Mike Donilon, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President Annie Tomasini, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the President & Director of Oval Office Operations Karine Jean-Pierre, Assistant to the President & Press Secretary Lael Brainard, Assistant to the President & Director of the National Economic Council Vinay Reddy, Assistant to the President & Director of Speechwriting Emmy Ruiz, Assistant to the President & Director of the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach Ben LaBolt, Assistant to the President & Director of Communications Ryan Montoya, Assistant to the President & Director of Scheduling & Advance Gene Sperling, Senior Advisor to the President & American Rescue Plan Coordinator John McCarthy, Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor to the Counselor to the President Curtis Ried, Deputy Assistant to the President & NSC Chief of Staff & Executive Secretary Ashley Jones, Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs & House Liaison Travis Dredd, Special Assistant to the President & Trip Director Erika Dinkel-Smith, Special Assistant to the President & Senior Labor Advisor Air Force One will be wheels up shortly. 11:24 a.m.: RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel criticizes Biden Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, a Michigan resident and former state party chair, released a statement on Biden's visit to to Michigan, saying, "This is nothing more than a photo op, and shame on Biden for attempting to gaslight Michigan families who are footing the bill for his green energy campaign. 11:04 a.m.: Trump statement on Biden visit Former President Donald Trump, who is running for reelection next year, issued a statement, ahead of Biden's visit to Michigan, saying: "Joe Biden's draconian and indefensible Electric Vehicle mandate will annihilate the U.S. auto industry and cost countless thousands of autoworkers their jobs." He added: "The only thing Biden could say today that would help the striking autoworkers is to announce the immediate termination of his ridiculous mandate. Anything else is just a feeble and insulting attempt to distract American labor from this vicious Biden betrayal." Trump has been repeating this line of attack for weeks, but there is no specific mandate on electric vehicles that has been finalized. And while automakers have argued that emissions rules under consideration that could result in them being forced to try to sell many more EVs may be tougher than they should be, they have already announced their own plans to make the transition to producing more electric vehicles apart from any Biden administration requirement. It should also be noted: Trump who is visiting a non-union plant in Macomb County on Wednesday night has been trying to woo favor with the UAW rank-and-file but hasn't in any way addressed their demands for better pay and benefits and more job security. 10:48 a.m.: Biden set to leave for Michigan According to the White House press pool report, President Biden was scheduled to leave Joint Base Andrews on Air Force One at 11 a.m. and land at Detroit Metro Airport at about 12:20 p.m., with the event with autoworkers now not expected to begin until 12:45 p.m. Because of rain in Washington, by the way, Biden was headed to the base by motorcade instead of helicopter as usual. Follow Detroit Free Press on Twitter (@freep), Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress) and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). Stay connected and stay informed. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Biden walks picket line with striking UAW members Editor's note: This page is the news on a potential government shutdown from Tuesday, Sept. 26. For the latest updates on Congress' attempts to avoid a government shutdown and what one could mean to you, follow our live updates for Wednesday, Sept. 27. WASHINGTONThe country is four days away from a federal government shutdown that could impact millions of Americans, as infighting among House Republicans has so far prevented Congress from passing spending bills. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is looking for progress this week as the lower chamber tries to move a series of appropriations bills that ultimately determine the budget for the federal government. A deal must be reached this week to avoid an Oct. 1 shutdown. Meanwhile, the Senate is trying to move a continuing resolution, a stopgap spending bill that would temporarily fund federal agencies for another 45 days and avoid a shutdown. But it would come with a potential risk to McCarthy, who has hardline conservatives in the House calling for his removal if he works with Democrats or passes a continuing resolution. Here's what it means for you. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to reporters as Congress returns to work in crisis mode days before a government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. McCarthy faces an insurgency from hard-right Republicans eager to slash spending even if it means closing federal offices to millions of Americans. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) If there is a government shutdown, will Social Security be paid? Social Security recipients will continue to receive checks in the event of a government shutdown and Medicare benefits will not be interrupted. However, employees in the Social Security Administration are likely to be furloughed and government food assistance benefits could see delay. A few services that are not directly related to Social Security payment benefits and direct-service operations would be temporarily suspended. Marina Pitofsky and Sudiksha Kochi How does the government shutdown affect me? You dont have to live in Washington for a government shutdown to affect you. If lawmakers cant reach a compromise to keep the governments doors open, shutdowns have wide-ranging impacts for Americans. The Food and Drug Administration may have to delay some nonessential food safety inspections, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could also limit their work. Food assistance programs could also see delays, and people who need to travel across the country and around the world could see disruptions to air travel. And a government shutdown may impact students ranging from preschoolers to college grads. Ten thousand kids could lose access to Head Start care programs, and some student loan borrowers could see disruptions. Marina Pitofsky McCarthy says House may vote on temporary solution Friday McCarthy on Tuesday night said the House will look to pass their version of a stopgap measure with border security provisions toward the end of the week. "We will move a continuing resolution, bring a rule to the floor to secure our border and keep government open, he said. The House speaker said regardless if the continuing resolution has enough votes to pass, the lower chamber will hold a vote on the stopgap measure with border security provisions. This will likely fall on Friday, he said. I want to keep the government open. I want to do the job, he said. Rachel Looker When would a government shutdown start? A government shutdown would start Sunday if lawmakers cannot pass a federal budget or stopgap measure by Sept. 30. The stopgap, known as a continuing resolution, would prevent an Oct. 1 shutdown by temporarily extending government funding. Savannah Kuchar Why would there be a government shutdown? Hold off on placing any bets. If lawmakers in the House and Senate can reach a compromise by Sept. 30 on a dozen bills that would fund the government, a shutdown is off the table. Congress could also pass a temporary measure to keep the government funded, known as a continuing resolution. But both of those options are unlikely as of Tuesday morning. Lawmakers havent agreed on one of the 12 bills they would need to pass, and a group of conservative House Republicans have insisted on hardline spending cuts that have no chance of passing in the Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats. Last week, House Democrats and moderate Republicans appeared to start working on a fallback plan, but its not clear the rare bipartisan push would receive enough support to dodge a shutdown. Marina Pitofsky Senate's continuing resolution would fund government through Nov. 17 The Senates continuing resolution released Tuesday evening funds the government through Nov. 17. Some of the funding listed in the package includes: $4.5 billion allocated to Ukraine $6 billion in emergency funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Disaster Relief Fund $2.9 billion for Federal Aviation Administration operations Senators are voting Tuesday evening on the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill, which will be used as the vehicle to pass the stopgap measure if it passes in the upper chamber. Rachel Looker House GOP says Senate CR is dead on arrival Shortly after the Senate released its bipartisan version of a short-term stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown, House conservatives said the bill is dead on arrival in the lower chamber. Any spending package, they say, has to include border security provisions.If you want to continue federal spending, then you have to secure the border, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., an ultra-conservative lawmaker and key negotiator in the House. That is a position in the House that in my view, the members are not gonna yield.Rep. Garrett Graves, R-La., a close McCarthy ally, echoed similar sentiments and told reporters House GOP lawmakers are focused on leveraging this moment right now to force the White House into closing the border. Ken Tran Conservative hardliners say no to any stopgap measure to avert a shutdown As the country barrels towards a shutdown with limited time remaining for Congress to pass a funding package, the only likely resolution to avert a government shutdown is for lawmakers to pass a short-term stopgap bill called a continuing resolution to keep the lights on while lawmakers hammer out a deal. But conservative hardliners, who have impeded McCarthys attempts to pass spending bills in demand for deep spending cuts, say they will not vote for a continuing resolution under any circumstances. I think that we cant continue to do DCs status quo and expect were gonna get some type of change and reform, Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., told reporters Thursday, emphasizing he would not support a stopgap measure on the House floor. Ill stay here late. Ill stay here until two in the morning. Ill work on Saturdays and Ill work on Sundays, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said, pushing for Congress to focus its work on the 12 appropriations bills needed to avert a shutdown. Ken Tran White House calls on House GOP to pass stopgap measure White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called on House Republicans to join the Senate in passing a continuing resolution, according to a statement Tuesday evening.House Republicans should join the Senate in doing their job, stop playing political games with peoples lives, and abide by the bipartisan deal two-thirds of them voted for in May, she said.- Rachel Looker Republican senators have mixed response to stopgap measure Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said Tuesday evening he plans to move to advance the Senates continuing resolution. Most of us came here to legislate, he told reporters. The power of the purse is Congresss most important power, but its a situation we find ourselves in habitually these government shutdowns. Others favor passing spending bills themselves over a stopgap measure. I dont think we ought to be passing the CR. I think we ought to take up and pass appropriations bills and we need to rein in some of this out of control spending that is driving rampant inflation that is hurting Texans and Americans, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said. South Dakota Republican Sen. Mikes Rounds said he thinks the upper chamber will be able to pass the remaining spending bills in the next six weeks with the extension in the stopgap measure. I think it sends a powerful message to investors if they recognize that were actually doing our job, even if were a little bit late in getting it done, Rounds said. But the South Dakota lawmaker said regardless of the Senate's efforts, he is still anticipating a shutdown. And Im sorry to say that. I would hope that cooler heads will prevail, but at this point we have to be prepared for any short-term shutdown, he said. Rachel Looker Do national parks close in a government shutdown? It depends on the park. During previous shutdowns, some national parks closed entirely, while others remained technically open but without staff to maintain them Some fell into disarray, with trash piling up and toilets overflowing. But some park service employees, such as emergency medical personnel, would still be on the job during a government shutdown. However, services could be disrupted. Zach Wichter and Nathan Diller Schumer: The Senate will move forward first Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Tuesday afternoon Senate Democrats and Republicans have worked together to move forward with a continuing resolution, a stopgap measure that will keep the government funded beyond Sept. 30. This C.R. is a bridge, not a final destination. It will help us achieve our immediate and necessary goal of avoiding a government shutdown and move us away from the senseless and aimless extremism that has dominated the House so we can get to work on appropriations, Schumer said on the Senate floor. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urged his colleagues to support the stopgap measure. Congress needs to extend government funding by the end of this week, McConnell said. Schumer said the upper chamber will hold its first procedural vote to move forward with a stopgap measure this evening. - Rachel Looker What is a continuing resolution? A continuing resolution is a stopgap measure that extends last year's spending levels for a designated period of time. Questions remain as to what a stopgap could look like, or for how long it would extend spending levels. Previous stopgap measures have extended funding to the end of the calendar year, but McCarthy has hinted at a shorter, one-month extension. Rachel Looker Does Congress get paid during a shutdown? Members of Congress will still get paid during a government shutdown. Some lawmakers however, have introduced bills in the past to withhold pay for lawmakers during a shutdown. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., introduced legislation doing just that last Wednesday. Im introducing legislation to block Member pay during a McCarthy shutdown, because its ridiculous that we still get paid while folks like TSA workers are asked to work without a paycheck, Craig said in a statement. Their staffers however, will not receive pay. Like other federal employees, Congressional staffers and aides considered essential work without pay and receive their paychecks retroactively after the shutdown ends. Ken Tran What's a government shutdown? A government shutdown means all federal agencies and services officials dont deem essential have to stop their work and close their doors. Some of those essential services include the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail and people receiving Medicare and Social Security benefits. Those will continue whether or not the government shuts down. But so-called non-essential work can still have significant impacts for federal employees and Americans across the country. Thousands of federal workers would be furloughed, government food assistance benefits could be delayed and some food safety inspections could also be put on pause. Marina Pitofsky What happens when the government shuts down? In a government shutdown, all federal agencies that are not "essential" think U.S. Postal Service, Medicare and Social Security would stop work. This means thousands of federal employees would be on furlough and Americans would go without government benefits such as food and housing support. Air travel will be generally spared: Air traffic controllers and TSA agents will continue working, though without pay. Travelers may also contend with longer wait times and flight delays. Savannah Kuchar Military pay could dry up during shutdown: Pentagon Military pay for millions of active-duty service members and reservists could dry up with a government shutdown a major difference between the current threatened shutdown and previous recent suspensions of non-essential spending. Military personnel will not be paid until such time as Congress appropriates funds available to compensate them for this period of service, the Defense Department said in a September memo to Pentagon leaders preparing for a potential lapse in spending. But the department said personnel would continue working regardless. Federal workers are traditionally reimbursed for lapses in funding once Congress agrees to resume spending, but the lapse in paychecks can be difficult for staffers without savings. Military personnel on active duty, including reserve component personnel on Federal active duty, will continue to report for duty and carry out assigned duties, the department said in a Sept. 12 announcement in preparation for a shutdown. The government has about 1.3 million active-duty service members and 800,000 reservists. Bart Jansen Why would this looming government shutdown be different for the military? During three temporary shutdowns in late 1995 into early 1996, 2013 and late 2018 and early 2019 military salaries were paid during the broader lapses because military spending legislation was approved separate from overall government spending, according to a report by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. For example, just before the 2013 shutdown began Congress approved legislation Sept. 30 to protect military pay and President Barack Obama signed it. The Pay Our Military Act covered pay and allowances for active-duty military and reservists, according to the report. On Sept. 28, 2018, President Donald Trump signed a spending bill that included the Defense Department, which covered the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, according to the report. But funding for the Coast Guard dried up Dec. 21, 2018, for the 35-day shutdown because the agency is funded under the Department of Homeland Security, the report said. The Republican-led House considered voting on a defense spending bill earlier this month, but couldnt agree on the rules for how to debate the measure amid opposition from renegade GOP members and Democrats. Bart Jansen How does a government shutdown affect the stock market? A government shutdown isn't likely to help the stock market, investment experts say, but it probably won't hurt much. Stocks are already down on the month, partly in anticipation of a potential shutdown. The benchmark S&P 500 has fallen more than 5% in September, from 4,508 to 4,274. "You're seeing it right now," said Jeffrey A. Hirsch, CEO of Hirsch Holdings and editor-in-chief of the Stock Trader's Almanac. "There are a lot of things going on right now, and the government shutdown is one of those straws." September is also a historically weak month for stocks, and the threat of a shutdown is but one of several factors dragging markets this month, Hirsch said. But history suggests the market will ultimately recover. "Historically, the market has pretty much ignored government shutdowns," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. "There have been 20 since 1976, and whether you look at the week before the shutdown, the day before the shutdown, or the entire duration of the average nine-day shutdown, the market has gone nowhere, essentially." In other words, Stovall said, the looming shutdown is "more of a headline event than a bottom-line event." Past shutdowns, Stovall said, left "angered tourists more than disappointed traders." Daniel de Vise Will the government shutdown affect VA disability payments? U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough said during a press conference last week that veterans' benefits will be available during the shutdown, including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits. This includes disability payments. After previous shutdowns, the Veterans Affairs lobbied Congress to fund the department on a two-year budget cycle that exempts the department, according to Veteran.com. In the appropriations bill passed last year, it notes that funding for the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration shall become available on October 1, 2023, to remain available until expended. Sudiksha Kochi How long would the government shutdown last? Government funding is set to expire on Oct. 1. How long a potential shutdown will last depends on how soon the House and Senate are able to pass a new appropriations plan that President Joe Biden signs. The length of past government shutdowns have varied, lasting from five days to 21 days. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-FL., said on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures that if the departments of Labor and Education "have to shut down for a few days as we get their appropriations in line, thats certainly not something that is optimal. But I think its better than continuing on the current path we are to Americas financial ruin, Gaetz said. Sudiksha Kochi What was the longest government shutdown in U.S. history? The longest government shutdown lasted for 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019 under the Trump administration. It went into effect after the House and Senate failed to reach a compromise on a short-term funding plan to keep the government running through early next year. The critical issue was that Senate Democrats opposed President Donald Trumps $5.7 billion request for building a wall on the southern border. Before that, the longest government shutdown lasted from Dec. 5, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996, when Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Democratic President Bill Clinton faced off over taxes. - Sudiksha Kochi and John Fritze Moody's says a government shutdown could hurt U.S. credit rating The countrys credit rating could face additional pressure if the government shuts down next week, according to a new report from Moodys Investors Service. While a short-lived shutdown would not impact government debt service payments and isnt expected to disrupt the economy, Moody's said it would underscore the weakness of U.S. institutional and governance strength compared to countries with similar credit ratings. In particular, it would demonstrate the significant constraints that intensifying political polarization put on fiscal policymaking at a time of declining fiscal strength, Moody's report reads. If the potential shutdown does drag on, it would "likely be disruptive both to the US economy and financial markets," although Moody's notes that any government shutdown is more likely to be brief and concentrated in areas with a large government presence, like Washington, D.C. Bailey Schulz Would a government shutdown impact travel? The deepest impact would not be on your flight or cruise. Funding to agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection would be on hold. However, the agents who you typically interact with at airports and seaports, and the controllers who oversee your flights are considered essential and will be working without pay during the shutdown. Impacts on those agencies have more to do with things like hiring and training. All the crucial safety functions like inspections and air traffic control continue. Consular operations in the U.S. and internationally will also continue normally as long as there are sufficient fees collected to support them, according to the most recent guidance from the State Department. This includes passports, visas, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad. There could be economic repercussions, though. A government shutdown is estimated to cost the country's travel economy as much as $140 million per day, according to an analysis for the U.S. Travel Association. Zach Wichter and Nathan Diller What does a government shutdown mean for Medicare? Medicare benefits will continue, though there could be a delay in some payments. The benefits are considered among essential services, along with U.S. mail delivery, air travel, Amtrak, Social Security payments and more. -Candy Woodall What agencies are affected by a government shutdown? All agencies could be affected by a government shutdown. From the Department of Homeland Security to the Department of Agriculture, each agency will have a plan to stop its nonessential functions, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed. Agencies also rely on each other during a shutdown. For example, the State Departments U.S. Passport Agency will remain open during a government shutdown, so you should be able to get a passport if you need one. But if passport services are offered in a building near you thats run by an agency that has shut down, you could have to look elsewhere. Marina Pitofsky Does a government shutdown affect federal retirees? A government shutdown would have major consequences for hundreds of thousands of federal employees, but federal retirees will receive payments if lawmakers fail to keep the government open. These retirement payments are one of several functions that wont stop during a government shutdown, alongside Social Security and Medicare benefits. Employees ranging from air traffic controllers to emergency personnel in national parks will also stay on the job, whether or not the government shuts down. Marina Pitofsky What will not be impacted by a government shutdown? President Joe Biden and members of Congress will continue to work and get paid, but their staff members who arent considered essential will be furloughed. The Supreme Court will also stay open, but federal courts could have to scale back functionality. But what does essential mean? Think employees such as air traffic controllers and law enforcement officers. U.S. embassies and consulates would likely stay open, and you should still be able to get a passport and visa. If youre planning a trip to Washington D.C. or a National Park, monuments and other areas will likely stay open. However, maintenance of those areas may be delayed or canceled altogether. And as the holidays approach, a government shutdown also likely won't impact NORAD's beloved Santa Tracker. Marina Pitofsky Will a government shutdown affect state employees? A shutdown could impact state employees whose employers depend on federal funds to operate and must shut down certain activities that the government has deemed non-necessary. In this case, certain state employees could be furloughed until a shutdown passes. But state employees who receive salaries from private employers who do not rely on federal funds wouldnt necessarily be impacted. -Sudiksha Kochi This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Government shutdown explained: Here's what it means for you The potential U.S. federal government shutdown on Oct. 1 may complicate the delivery of aid packages to Ukraine, according to the State Department. "That is a legal question that pertains to who is allowed to work during a shutdown and who isnt allowed to work," spokesperson Matthew Miller told Ukrinform. Many U.S. departments and agencies have plans in place to weather a shutdown, but a disruption would still affect critical missions such as Ukraine aid. But when you have a number of people who arent allowed to come to work that could affect the pace of any deliveries. That's why we think a shutdown would be so concerning, and why we urge Congress to fund the government," Miller said. Congress returns to Washington on Tuesday with just five days to reach a deal to avert a government shutdown. An internal dispute amongst House Republicans could lead to the first U.S. government shutdown since 2018 and result in serious consequences for the global economy. Read also: US announces $325 million in new security assistance for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis supporters say he needs a win. Theyre hoping that Wednesday nights debate can give it to him. DeSantis is set to take the debate stage for a second time during the presidential primary at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. where hell try to prove that hes the only serious Republican challenger to former President Donald Trump whos skipping the event. The forum carries high stakes for DeSantis, whose campaign has struggled to live up to the high expectations set by his allies and others just a few months ago. By some Republicans estimations, the Florida governor is in perhaps the most vulnerable position hes been in since his first campaign for governor five years ago, when members of his own party feared that he would lose to then-Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. And while his allies are quick to note that the Iowa caucuses are still months away, many Republicans see his chances of clinching the nomination are slipping away. Its not that early, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist and former adviser to Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign. Were closer to the finish line than to the start. His campaign has gone in the wrong direction since the moment he entered. I dont think anyone thought hed be fighting for third or fourth place in an early state at this point. Wednesdays debate which will be streamed on Rumble and air on Fox Business and Univision from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. will pit the governor against six other Republican presidential hopefuls: ex-United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley; U.S. Sen. Tim Scott; former Vice President Mike Pence; entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who participated in the first GOP debate last month, did not make the cut this time. DeSantis allies see the debate as a potential springboard for a comeback. Jason Osborne, the New Hampshire state House majority leader who has endorsed DeSantis for the 2024 nomination, acknowledged that DeSantis was overshadowed in the first debate and needed a breakout moment on Wednesday night. This second debate, because its supposed to be focused on economic issues, I think this is really his opportunity to step out in front of the pack in a big way, Osborne said. But he also noted that DeSantis isnt the kind of candidate to naturally attract attention on the debate stage. The problem with this campaign is that hes the president that you want, but hes not the performance artist that is going to capture the attention of the spectators, he said. A spokesperson for DeSantis campaign declined to comment for this story. But in a memo shared with campaign donors over the weekend, DeSantis campaign manager James Uthmeier sought to reassure supporters that the primary remained a two-man race between DeSantis and Trump. READ MORE: You know DeSantis and Pence. But who are the other candidates in the GOP debate? While other candidates may take this opportunity to distract or level false attacks, DeSantis stays laser-focused on the mission at hand of reviving the American Dream and delivering victories for hardworking families, Uthmeier wrote in the memo. He is undoubtedly the strongest leader in this race, the leader who has both the courage to fight and the strength to Win. Fading Hopes But the DeSantis campaigns premise that the Florida governor is practically locked in a head-to-head battle with Trump for the GOPs 2024 presidential nod has become the subject of growing skepticism. Following a big win in the 2022 midterm elections, polls showed DeSantis as a formidable threat to Trump. But in the months since the November election, the Florida governor has lost ground among Republican voters, who appear to remain loyal to the former president. DeSantis campaign burned through money rapidly in a matter of weeks, prompting a round of staff layoffs. He replaced his campaign manager in August with Uthmeier, a trusted yet inexperienced adviser from the Florida governors office. Osborne, the New Hampshire House leader, also acknowledged that DeSantis has been painted into a corner when it comes to culture war issues, like abortion rights. The idea that hes just this socially conservative guy which he is but thats not the main feature of Ron DeSantis, Osborne said. This is just my opinion, but I think it was overplayed by the media. I dont think he got up there intending to be a radical social conservative, Osborne said. Other Republicans say that there are deeper issues with DeSantis presidential ambitions. Garrett Ventry, a Republican strategist who is supportive of Trumps 2024 bid, said that DeSantis underestimated the former presidents popularity among Republican voters in the wake of the 2022 midterm elections. DeSantis and his team thought that, because he had a strong performance last year, Trump was a has-been. That calculation was a mistake, Ventry said. Trump has only gone up in the polls and DeSantis has only gone down, he said. Donors have either held off or pulled out, hes had to lay off staff, hes dropping in early state polls, hes bearing toward single digits. The debate doesnt matter, Ventry added. Its an undercard debate at this point. Its like youre going to see Ali and Frazier but Alie and Frazier arent showing up. DeSantis allies said that its too early to write DeSantis off. Hes an adept fundraiser whose campaign pulled in more money than any of its rivals within a matter of weeks, according to his last filing with the Federal Election Commission. DeSantis campaign and an allied super PAC, Never Back Down, have also established a political operation in Iowa far larger than those of his competitors, which they argue gives the governor a crucial leg up in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. Yet polls still show him trailing Trump by double digits in Iowa. In New Hampshire, the second state to vote in the nominating contest, the governors outlook is bleaker. A poll from St. Anselm College released on Monday found DeSantis sinking into third place in the GOP primary. The outlook in South Carolina, which votes after New Hampshire, is even worse, according to a recent Washington Post/Monmouth University poll that shows DeSantis trailing Trump and the states two home-grown candidates Haley and Scott. Trump, for his part, is expected to visit striking autoworkers in Michigan on Wednesday instead of attending the Simi Valley debate. Its the second time in just over a month that hes blown off a presidential debate, arguing that his massive polling lead is a sufficient excuse to skip out. Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor who supports DeSantis presidential bid, acknowledged that the Wednesday night debate may not be a total game-changer for DeSantis. The debate isnt going to be decisive but its important, Eberhart said. No one else on that stage is electable; he has to make that clear and demonstrate that he can stitch the two halves of the party together. Louise Redknapp has showed support for the LGBT+ community after reportedly quitting a forthcoming Eternal reunion because her bandmates refused to play Pride events. Redknapp performed with the girl group in the Nineties, with the band due to reunite next year for a number of summer events including Pride and London festival Mighty Hoopla. But on 24 September, The Sunday Mirror reported that group members Easther and Vernie Bennett, who are sisters, had refused to play the festivals due to the events allegiance with the trans community. As a result, the report claims, Redknapp and Loose Women star Kelle Bryan quit the reunion in June, leaving the siblings to tour as Eternal together. On Sunday night, Redknapp responded to the reports on social media. The 48-year-old posted the image of the Progress Pride flag a rainbow flag with additional stripes representing the trans community and marginalised people of colour in the LGBT+ community. Always and forever, Redknapp wrote on Twitter/X, sharing the post with a red heart emoji. On Monday (25 September), Bryan also released her own statement. Opportunities to reunite for an Eternal reunion tour with the girls have been discussed many times over the years, Bryan wrote on Instagram. The relationship with our fans and the joy of celebrating our success was, and still is, my motivation. My stance and allegiaances have always been that I am an advocate for inclusion and equality for all. The Independent has contacted the Bennett sisters representatives for comment. Eternal formed in 1992 and released their debut album together in 1994. One year later, Rednapp left to pursue a solo career; had the 2024 reunion taken place, it would have been the first time the original line-up had performed together since Redknapps departure. Speaking to The Sunday Mirror, a source claimed: Louise, Kelle, Easther and Vernie had all signed up to perform a huge nationwide tour next year, culminating with a huge show at pop festival Mighty Hoopla, which is loved by the gay community. Then in June the girls received an email from Easther and Vernie who refused to play any gay festivals or Pride. They said they cant support the LGBTQ community now it has an alliance with the trans community, a stance Vernie in particular has been public about on socials. The source claimed that Redknapp and Bryan had been left stunned and pulled out of the tour immediately. Louises fan base is 98 per cent gay men, they said. She and Kelle believe everyone is welcome to their shows. Its a real shame for their fans who have been waiting such a long time for this moment. Earlier this week, Redknapp showed support for her bandmates on social media. Marking three decades since the release of their first single Stay, Redknapp posted a throwback photo of the band to Instagram. She tagged all three Eternal members in the post. Where it all began 30 years ago today Stay was released! she wrote. I remember it like it was yesterday. The first radio play sat round my mums kitchen table, missing the cue to hit record when it played, to going to America to shoot the video and so many more incredible memories. Praising Easthers vocals on the track, Redknapp continued: Happy 30th Anniversary to my Eternal girls Kelle, Easther and Vernie and most importantly THANK YOU to each and every one of you that has been there with us from day one buying every record, coming to every show and being so supportive over the last 30 years. Love Lou. A Black man is suing a Louisiana sheriffs office for allegedly using facial identification software as the basis for a wrongful arrest that kept him in jail for days on theft charges, despite having never been to the state before. In late 2022, Randal Quran Reid, 29, was driving to his mothers house the day after Thanksgiving and was pulled over by a Georgia state trooper. When he learned why, he was stunned. The officer informed him he was being arrested in connection with a stolen credit card used to buy $8,000 worth of purses outside of New Orleans earlier that year. Mr Reid said he had never even visited Louisiana before, let alone use a boosted credit card to buy luxury goods. I was confused and I was angry because I didnt know what was going on, he told The Associated Press. They couldnt give me any information outside of, Youve got to wait for Louisiana to come take you, and there was no timeline on that. Every time I see police in my rearview mirror, he added, it just flashes back my mind to what could have happened even though I hadnt done anything. Randal Quran Reid poses for a portait at his attorney's office, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Atlant (AP) After spending six days in jail and missing work, he was eventually released and the warrant against him was dropped, but now hes suing the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Department, claiming the agencys faulty use of artificial-intelligence facial identification software wrongly put him behind bars. The suit accuses Jefferson Parish officers, including a detective named Andrew Bartholomew, of using a face ID programme to match surveillance video in the case to a motor vehicle department photo of Mr Reid, a link they used as the basis for his arrest. Bartholomew did not conduct even a basic search into Mr. Reid, which would have revealed that Mr. Reid was in Georgia when the theft occurred, the lawsuit reads. The sheriffs office has said it doesnt comment on pending litigation. In court filings, police said a credible human source helped identify Mr Reid as a suspect. Mr Reid is one of many people around the country, disproportionately Black, who have been targets of wrongful arrests based on police facial identification software. As The Independent reported, in February, the Detroit police department wrongfully arrested an eight-month pregnant mother of two for a suspected carjacking and robbery. Im like, What,? I opened my door so he could see my stomach. Im eight months pregnant. You can see two vehicles in the driveway. Why would I carjack? she told The Independent. Youve gotta be wrong. You cant have the right person. She was put in handcuffs and taken to jail, where she had panic attacks and early contractions. I definitely believe that situation wouldve gone differently had it been another race, honestly, just my opinion. There was no remorse shown to me and I was pregnant. I pleaded, she told The Independent. At least six people around the US have been falsely arrested using facial ID technology. All of them are Black. These misfires havent stopped the technology from proliferating across the country. At least half of federal law enforcement agencies with officers and a quarter of state and local agencies are using it. We have no idea how often facial recognition is getting it wrong, Albert Fox Cahn, executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP), told The Independent. When you have facial recognition being used thousands of times, without any accountability for mistakes, its inviting injustice, he added. Lvivs energy infrastructure is better protected this year by air defenses and the citys electricity and heating supplies are adequately stocked for winter, mayor Andriy Sadovy told local news outlet Zaxid.net. Last year, Russian missile and drone strikes inflicted substantial damage to Ukraines energy grid. Major urban areas including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv experienced rolling electricity blackouts and loss of heating. "We have 1,500 shelters with suitable stoves, fully equipped, with firewood and other necessities. Every school has these stoves, all community medical facilities have a triple protection system in terms of energy supply and heat supply, Sadovy told Channel 24. As the cold weather approaches, Russia resumed its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launching a massive missile strike overnight on Sept. 21, killing and injuring civilians. It marked the first mass strike on energy infrastructure in six months, state energy operator Ukrenergo reported. Despite the confidence in Lvivs energy situation this year, Sadovy urged residents to prepare for a challenging winter. Today, the enemy uses new technology. Previously, one drone flew to one object, now we see 30 drones flying to one object. Of course, our anti-aircraft system destroys most of them, but it is impossible to shoot down all of them. We need to prepare for a very difficult winter, the mayor said. Read also: Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. When the CEO of airline Ryanair turned up to the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, to protest flight disruption as a result of strikes, he probably didnt anticipate being covered in cream cake. Michael OLeary brought a cardboard cut-out of Ursula von der Leyen , the president of the European Commission, and stood outside of the organizations headquarters to deliver a statement before handing in a petition and holding a press conference about the issue. OLeary wants better protections for airlines and passengers who are impacted as a result of air traffic control strikes in Europe. However, a different protest about the pollution caused by air travel awaited him as he began talking to the media, with two people smothering the CEO in cream cake. In a video captured by the Guardian, the protestors shouted, Stop the pollution of the f****** planes! before covering him in confectionery, and OLeary tried to laugh off the incident before returning to his own mission. He would not comment on the actions of the protesters, other than to say the cake was delicious. Air traffic control protests arent the only thing grounding the worlds planes. Extreme weather events are resulting in flights being disrupted or canceled worldwide. CBS used Flight Aware data to report that 20,000 flights were delayed in one week alone in late July. Ironically, intense storms, wildfires, and heat waves that can disrupt flights are all made worse by the pollution air travel causes. Solutions to mitigate the impact of air travel on rising global temperatures and the extreme weather events that form in these conditions are being explored. For example, scientists from Switzerland are investigating using carbon dioxide and water pulled from the air in conjunction with solar energy to produce solar kerosene that can be used to power a plane. Such a process will only produce as much pollution as it takes in to make the fuel in the first place. Meanwhile, in England, a green hydrogen plane capable of carrying 19 passengers took flight in January 2023, demonstrating that zero-pollution commercial flights could be achievable if the technology is scaled up. According to Our World in Data, using figures from 2018, aviation accounts for 2.5% of the worlds total carbon pollution, which traps heat in the atmosphere and leads to higher temperatures. With that in mind, maybe OLeary should be more concerned by the flights that are taking place rather than the ones that arent. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. A car after it was broken into in Los Angeles in 2020. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) Motor vehicle theft has been on the rise in California, but the highest rates of theft per capita are not in one of its biggest cities, Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco. The total number of car thefts in California rose by 1.9 percentage points in 2022 to a total of 198,538, according to the California Highway Patrol's 2022 California Vehicle Theft Facts report. The agency's report ranks Los Angeles County as having the most car thefts in the state 61,770. But according to the FBI's 2019 Crime in the United States report, the city with the most motor vehicle theft when taking population into consideration is Oakland. The 2019 FBI report is the agency's most recent crime analysis but local crime statistics confirm a spike in vehicle thefts in Oakland in recent months. Oakland, a Bay Area city with a population of about 400,000, has nearly 12 car thefts per 1,000 people, according to the FBI's report. By comparison, Los Angeles, with a population of 4 million, had nearly 4 people per 1,000 experiencing car theft. San Francisco, with a population of almost 1 million, had nearly 5 people per 1,000 report a car theft. San Diego has a population of 1.4 million, with nearly 4 per 1,000 people experiencing a car theft, according to the report. The increase in auto thefts in Oakland has largely being attributed to an overall surge in crime. Lobbyists for retailers and some politicians in Oakland are blaming Proposition 47, a 2014 law that made some nonviolent property crimes, in which the value of the stolen items does not exceed $950, into misdemeanors, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The rise in overall crime in Oakland prompted some businesses to close their doors for an undetermined length of time Tuesday in a protest designed to pressure city officials to create a plan to lower crime rates. During the city's most recent council meeting, lawmakers passed a resolution to give the city administrator the duty of identifying options and analyzing existing programs to help reduce crime. Read more: Los Angeles police fatally shoot man after report of vehicle theft in progress Car theft precautions According to the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, these are the best precautions to avoid being a victim of car theft: Never leave your car running unattended. Never leave any keys in the car or ignition that includes a spare key. Always roll up your windows and lock the car. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Always park in high-traffic and well-lighted areas. Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column or brakes. Invest in the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles. Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title or credit cards in your vehicle. Beware of your surroundings prior to leaving your vehicle. In the event that your car is stolen, both agencies advise that you immediately report the car stolen to your local police department. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is in custody after allegedly kicking in his ex-girlfriends front door, holding her and her 6-year-old son for several hours and threatening them with a knife. Justin Jordan is charged with two counts of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Burglary. He is set to appear in court on October 6. According to Memphis Police, on September 20, officers responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in Raleigh. The victim stated her ex-boyfriend, Jordan, forced his way into her apartment after kicking in the front door. Woman charged with beating, robbing woman at Orange Mound store Police say that Jordan then grabbed the victim by the arm, forcing her and her 6-year-old son into the bedroom. Reports state that neighbors heard a loud commotion and reported the incident to the leasing manager and the security guards. That is when the security guard went to the victims apartment and spoke with Jordan, who stated the victim was not home. The victim reportedly heard someone knock on the door but did not say anything after Jordan got a knife and threatened to slit her throat if she made any noise. Lyft driver dials deputies, gets DUI drug charge Reports state that the victim and her son were held against their will for three hours before she grabbed the knife from Jordan and snatched her cell phone out of his pocket. Jordan then ran outside of the apartment and the victim called the police. Officers say when they arrived they were able to take Jordan into custody and also found the knife that was used in the incident. The victim gave a statement downtown and was able to positively identify Jordan in a six-person photographic line-up, according to police. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A man armed with a loaded handgun, extra ammunition and several knives was arrested inside a Virginia church on Sunday morning after he posted threats of violence on Instagram, authorities said. Rui Jiang, 35, was taken into custody in the town of Haymarket, roughly 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., after someone called 911 to report him posting the threats along with photos of the local church, Prince William County Police said in a release. The 911 call sparked a brief manhunt, as officers were first dispatched to Jiangs suspected home in Falls Church and then the Park Valley Church in Haymarket. While he wasnt located at the residential address, where police later said a kill manifesto was found, a vehicle believed to belong to him was spotted in the churchs parking lot, police said. Police said the church staff was already monitoring a suspicious person who entered the building as church service began around 10 a.m. Pastor Barry White, speaking with local station WTOP, called it a miracle of God that an off-duty police officer was at the church when Jiang entered wearing all-black clothing and sunglasses. The attire immediately tipped off his security, he said. It was a rainy day; you didnt really need to wear sunglasses,s and the fact that he was wearing them and wearing them inside the building our guys flagged that right off the bat, White told the station. The off-duty officer and church staff detained Jiang near the churchs entrance without incident. No injuries were reported, police said. In addition to the firearm and additional magazine, Jiang was allegedly also found armed with a folding knife and a folding credit card style knife. He was determined to have a concealed weapon permit, and the firearm was not reported stolen, police said. A search of his home also found the kill manifesto, which targeted strangers, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told NBC Washington. He knew he was going to take many lives yesterday, and he also said, I dont know any of them, Davis said. Jiang faces charges of threats of bodily harm and carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of religious worship. White said he hopes that Jiang gets the help that he needs. Related... The man in a video that made its rounds on social media showing someone throwing a dog into a wall and ceiling has been identified. Cobb County Animal Services told Channel 2 Action News that the incident happened at an apartment complex in Smyrna earlier this month. Over the weekend, investigators identified the man in the video as James Moses. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The graphic video shows a man, who investigators say is Moses, walking down a hallway, picking up a dog and throwing it against the ceiling. The dog can be heard smacking back down on the ground with a loud bang. Moses then walks out of the frame. Authorities were able to execute two search warrants and they took the dog to be assessed. TRENDING STORIES: The countys veterinarian said that the dog is alright. The dog and its owner have moved somewhere safer for both of them. Moses turned himself in to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon. He is being charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: LAS VEGAS (KLAS) After being arrested for murder, a Las Vegas man told investigators he shot at a man but he didnt think he hit him and then when asked where the gun was, he told police he lost it, according to the arrest report. Henry Sorto, 24, is accused of killing Don Tisby on Sept. 3 in an alley on Sherwood Street, near Sahara Avenue, east of the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas Metropolitan police were able to secure video from the night of the shooting that showed a white Toyota Tacoma pulling up next to Tisby and the two men exchanging words. Police documents said the video shows Tisby running away from the vehicle at which time police believe he was shot. At no point in the video do we see Tisby with a firearm or act like he has a firearm, the report stated. Detectives were able to locate Sorto by tracking the Toyota Tacomas movements on the night of the shooting by using cameras and license plate technology that led them to a particular street then used a Google street view image and saw the Tacoma at an address belonging to Sorto, who had a prior history of shooting at a stop sign. Sorto was taken into custody, the report said. Man faces murder charge after suspect shot in alley dies Documents stated Sorto initially denied being in the area of the shooting but after detectives revealed some evidence in the case to him, he said he wanted to explain what happened. He said he was rolling a blunt (slang word for marijuana cigarette) when a guy, later identified as Tisby, walked toward him and said something and then went behind his truck and threw something through his back window. According to the report, Sorto did not say what was thrown but did say his truck window was broken so he confronted Tisby about paying for the damage. During the interaction, Sorta said he thought Tisby was reaching for a weapon, so he shot at him but didnt think he hit him. The report states an autopsy showed that Tisby suffered a gunshot wound to his upper right buttocks that exited through his left side stomach area. Police did not find a gun on Tisby. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A man has been charged with running an elaborate illegal dental operation in the back of a convenience store, putting patients in danger with unsanitary conditions, Massachusetts police say. Law enforcement and health officials in Milford conducted an extensive investigation into the dental practice run by Juan Hermida Munoz, according to a Sept. 23 news release from the Milford Police Department. The owner of a convenience store rented a room in the back to the 64-year-old man, according to police. Munoz is not board certified and does not hold a license to practice dentistry or medicine in the U.S., officials said. Munoz provided dental services including examinations, tooth extractions, anesthetics and cleanings, police say. Police say patients lives were put in danger due to the unsanctioned and unsanitary conditions in which they received medical treatments. A spokesperson for the Milford Police Department told McClatchy News Munoz was licensed to practice in Ecuador but not the U.S. He has been charged with unauthorized practice of dentistry and unauthorized practice of medicine, according to police. The store owner has been charged with conspiracy. The convenience store is a quarter mile up the street from the police station. Milford is about 30 miles southwest of Boston. Surgeon sawed into womans femur to repair it but left a piece missing, Maine suit says Woman without a license treated patients with life-threatening conditions, feds say Fake doctor treated thousands, including cancer patients, California officials say Paramedic on ambulance shift injects himself with fentanyl meant for patients, feds say A woman was found dead inside a vehicle in what Illinois authorities are calling a murder-for-hire shooting, news reports say. Two men, including the womans ex-boyfriend, have now reportedly been arrested following the Friday, Sept. 22, shooting in North Chicago. Police said Seferino Calihua-Rodriguez, 35, was upset when his relationship ended, and he hired Misael Chavarin-Plazola, 26, to kill his ex-girlfriend, according to WMAQ. Chavarin-Plazola is accused of executing the murder-for-hire plot as the woman returned to her vehicle parked in a driveway, police told WFLD. The woman was shot in the car, police say, and a second person was shot at but not struck, according to WFLD. Police have not publicly identified the woman who was killed. Chavarin-Plazola was arrested Friday and Calihua-Rodriguez was arrested Saturday, Patch.com reported. The publication reported the ex-boyfriend was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and solicitation of murder-for-hire. The accused hitman also reportedly faces murder and attempted murder charges. They are due in court Tuesday, WGN reported. The killing was called one of the most calculated and cold-blooded murders weve ever seen, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement posted on Facebook. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Metro police say a man has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge more than five years after a 66-year-old was shot and killed in an alleyway in North Nashville. Frazier Lumpkins, 66, was shot and killed in an alley near the 1700 block of 23rd Avenue North on July 15, 2018. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts On Monday, Sept.25 more than five years after the shooting the Metro Nashville Police Department announced that 26-year-old Tijuan Vaughn was jailed for his connection to the murder. Tijuan Vaughn (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Metro police said detectives who investigated the cold case found that Vaughn allegedly shot Lumpkins in the alley during an argument. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County According to Metro police, Vaughn was indicted this month by the Davidson County Grand Jury on a charge of first-degree murder. Authorities reported that Vaughn had to be brought to Nashville because he was being held in a Kentucky detention center for an unrelated crime. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Booking records show that Vaughn was booked into the Metro Jail just after 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. He remains in custody facing first-degree murder and several other charges. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Texas man was arrested after police say he shot and killed his wife while she was on the phone with 911. James Paul Anderson, 37, was charged with murder, according to a news release from the Houston Police Department. A call to 911 was made Sunday, Sept. 24, just before 5 p.m. The woman told dispatchers her husband was threatening to shoot her, according to the news release. The call-taker reported hearing a gunshot while on the phone with the woman, the release said. When officers arrived at the home, Anderson refused to go outside but let the couples 3-year-old son come out, police said. Houston Police Department Hostage Negotiation and SWAT teams were called to the home. Authorities tried for hours to get Anderson to come out, before he finally surrendered, police said. Our negotiators do a really good job of talking to an individual and trying to get him to understand, even with whats already happened, that its not the end of the world, you know, to come out peacefully, HPD SWAT Commander Craig Bellamy told KHOU. When police went inside, they found Andersons wife unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The couples son was taken to a hospital to be checked out. Anderson was the special education department chair for Santa Fe Middle School, according to KTRK. He has since been placed on administrative leave. Cleveland ISD is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic domestic violence situation involving one of the staff members at Santa Fe Middle School, James Anderson. Mr. Anderson has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. We would like to reiterate that this situation occurred domestically and did not take place on campus. Additional counseling and crisis support has been made available for students and staff at Santa Fe Middle School, a statement from the Cleveland Independent School District said. Its not clear what led up to the shooting, but police said they have had reports of domestic violence from the home in the past, according to KHOU. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Man hires hitman to kill his ex-girlfriend, Illinois cops say. Cold blooded murder Fight about divorce ends in woman shooting estranged husband in bed, Arizona cops say Daddys hurt. 3-year-old gets help for dad run over by her mom, Pennsylvania cops say A Pennsylvania man is accused of killing his mother and brother, then making a phone call to the FBI, according to officials. Aaron Deshong, 49, was still on the phone with the FBIs Threat Assessment Center when state troopers arrived at his home to arrest him on Sept. 24, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said in a news release. Deshong called to tell the FBI that he may have hurt his family members, according to the release. His mother and brother couldnt come to the phone, he said, according to court documents obtained by WCAU. When the FBI asked if Deshongs family had been harmed, he said thats a very good question, the station reported. State troopers were contacted by the FBI, entered Deshongs Perkiomen Township home and arrested him at about 5 p.m., officials said. Deshongs 53-year-old brother, Adam Deshong, and 74-year-old mother, Wanda Deshong, were dead in the kitchen, officials said. His mother had a single gunshot wound to the head, while his brother had been shot several times, according to investigators. Investigators found a .38 caliber revolver registered to Deshong inside a bedroom closet in the basement, officials said, adding that four of the six rounds loaded in the cylinder had been fired. Officials have not said what may have motivated the killings but, according to court documents, Deshong told investigators that he had been on edge since his father died, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Deshong is facing charges including first-degree murder, third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime, according to the district attorneys office. He was booked into the Montgomery County jail on Sept. 25 and was denied bail, records show. Perkiomen Township is roughly 30 miles northeast of downtown Philadelphia. PERRYSVILLE - Mansfield Plumbing Products announced Monday the plant is closing at the end of the year. Mansfield Plumbing Products precision manufactures sanitaryware, using highly automated production processes, at its Perrysville plant. The closure will affect 277 workers, the company said. MPP will maintain the operation of its distribution center and logistics and customer service operations in Ashland, as well as bathtub production in its manufacturing facility in Henderson, Texas. Mansfield Plumbing Products will close at the end of 2023. The Perrysville closure is expected to take effect Dec. 31, the company said in a statement. Mansfield Plumbing is offering a transition package to the affected employees, including severance pay and health insurance, based on time spent at the company and seniority, the company said. It also is planning to offer outplacement assistance to help employees find new jobs. Production was 'unsustainable from a business standpoint' Despite best efforts and multiple investments, current economic conditions have created a cost-structure that made keeping the production facility unsustainable from a business standpoint. This difficult decision is in no way a reflection on the quality of work performed by our employees who have served customers and the company well over the years, said Roman Rampinini, vice president of Commercial Operations-North America. We are thankful and appreciative for all the years of service and commitment from each of our employees. Mansfield will adhere to its culture and values, being respectful and supportive of all our people. The United States will remain a priority market for Mansfield Plumbing, the company said. It will continue supplying products to American customers and distributors from the North and South American manufacturing facilities operated by its parent company, Corona Industrial. Both toilets and sinks are made in Perrysville. According to the WARN Act (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice for the plant closing, filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Tuesday, the company's human resources director Jesse Wilson stated that Brandon Jackenheimer, the chief elected official of Teamsters, Chauffeurs & Helpers, Local Union No. 40, in Mansfield, was notified that Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC will be permanently closing manufacturing operations. According to the notice, filed with the state's Rapid Response Program administrator, the date of anticipated layoff schedule is: 196 production workers, 21 maintenance workers, 23 operations supervision, 5 engineers, 2 quality control, and 6 administrative staff will be permanently laid off Dec. 31 The anticipated layoff date includes three administrative staff on Feb. 29, 2024; one operations manager on Dec. 31, 2024; two administrative staff April 30, 2024; and two administrative staff Aug. 24, 2024. Wednesday, Jackenheimer said, "Mansfield Plumbing's decision to close the Perrysville plant after more than 90 years is a great loss to the community and the more than 220 union workers employed there. The union is committed to working with the company to help the displaced employees land as softly as possible." About Mansfield Plumbing Products Mansfield Plumbing Products was founded in 1929 and has been a leading producer of top-quality, high-performance plumbing fixtures and fittings for use in residential, commercial and institutional markets. In 2004, MPP was purchased by Corona, the western hemispheres largest manufacturer of china, based in Colombia, South America. Its corporate office is located in Perrysville, the News Journal reported earlier. Corona is a Colombian multinational with 142 years of business history dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of products for the home, construction, industry, agriculture and the energy sector. Corona has 23 manufacturing plants in Colombia, 2 in the United States, 3 in Central America and 3 in Mexico, as well as 38 points of sale in the Centro Corona and Tienda Ceramica formats and a global supply office in Asia. It generates more than 9,600 jobs and exports its products to markets around the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Central America, the Caribbean, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The company's current line of products including vitreous china toilets, lavatories and urinals; and acrylic air-baths, whirlpools, bathtubs and shower bases. A second facility in Henderson, Texas, manufactures acrylic bathware. With more than 600 employees, the company is one of the largest domestic producers of sanitaryware. To ensure the highest quality, stringent quality control standards and extensive testing is applied to every product made, according to News Journal archives. MPP plumbing fixtures and tank trim are available through one of the industrys most extensive networks of more than 4,000 distributors with locations throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Additionally, the companys plumbing products are sold through selected retail, do-it-yourself home improvement centers and through designer kitchen and bath showrooms, the News Journal previously reported. Since 2002, Mansfield had successfully introduced more than 100 new products. The management team continues to implement a variety of key initiatives to support the companys strategy of producing affordably priced, beautifully styled products, according to News Journal archives. lwhitmir@gannett.com 419-521-7223 X (formerly Twitter): @LWhitmir This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield Plumbing's Perrysville plant to close, affecting 277 workers Herman Cain , seen at the 2020 Tulsa Trump rally, and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images; Joshua Roberts/Getty Images Cassidy Hutchinson writes in her new book that Mark Meadows declared "we killed Herman Cain." Cain, a 2012 GOP presidential candidate, died of COVID one month after attending a Trump rally in Tulsa. But a Meadows spokesman says he was "expressing exasperation" about the media blaming Trump. When former President Donald Trump infamously held a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the summer of 2020, Herman Cain was in the audience. The 2012 GOP presidential candidate and conservative activist died the following month after being hospitalized with a COVID-19 infection in the days following the Tulsa rally. Cain notably did not wear a mask at the rally, which took place in the early months of the pandemic. The Cain Gang (@THEHermanCain) June 20, 2020 According to an excerpt published by CNN from former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson's new book, "Enough," then-White House Chief of Staff told Hutchinson that "we killed Herman Cain" and asked for Cain's wife's phone number. But in a statement to CNN, a spokesman for Meadows denied Hutchinson's account, saying it was offensive to suggest that Meadows initially reacted to Cain's death in that way. "In the days after he was expressing exasperation that the media would blame the President for Mr. Cain's death," the spokesman told CNN. "Very different." But this isn't the first time that the phrase "we killed Herman Cain" seemingly originated from top brass in the Trump White House. According to Jonathan Karl's book on the Trump White House, "Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show," an unnamed senior Trump official told a reporter that "we killed Herman Cain," and that many other Trump White House staffers blamed themselves for Cain's death. Read the original article on Business Insider Mark Meadows accidentally got tipsy at the White House for the first time, according to Cassidy Hutchinson's book. Meadows never drank alcohol before he downed White Claw at the White House in 2020, according to Hutchinson. "I'm drinking alcohol on a Monday morning, and I've never even had a drink before," Meadows was quoted as saying at the time. Former President Donald Trump's onetime chief of staff Mark Meadows never drank alcohol in his life before he accidentally got tipsy off multiple cans of White Claw in the White House, ex-Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson said in her new memoir. Meadows apparently did not know that the popular hard seltzer beverage contained alcohol when he downed 3-and-a-half cans of the booze at the White House on a Monday morning in mid-November 2020, according to Hutchinson's book, "Enough." "As a dedicated and faithful Southern Baptist, Mark had never drunk an alcoholic beverage in his life until mid-November 2020," Hutchinson says in her memoir, explaining that her former boss "consumed his first alcoholic beverage" in front of former White House budget director and "faithful Mormon" Russ Vought. Hutchinson writes that she had asked Meadows at the time how much White Claw he drank, and he picked up a can on the table, saying, "This one's about halfway empty." "He went over to his garbage can and held it up so we could inspect its contents," Hutchinson writes. "I counted three White Claw cans." According to Hutchinson, Meadows explained that he was sitting with Vought and "started to get thirsty." "I know you girls keep my fridge stocked with sparkling water, so I went and got one. I sat back down and took a sip and thought, 'Wow, this is real good!' I looked at it and saw it was Blackberry, and thought, 'The girls never got me this one before,'" Meadows said, according to Hutchinson, who recalled that she was laughing hard. "I liked it a lot and drank it pretty quick, and went and got another. Grapefruit! Another new flavor. Then I got a third, and I remembered I hadn't offered Russ one, so I did, and he looked at me all weird and said no," Hutchinson says Meadows said, according to the book. According to the memoir, Vought quipped, "I know times are hard now, but are they really that bad," and that's when it apparently hit Meadows that he'd been drinking booze. "My head started feeling funny, and I look down at the can and saw that it was alcohol. I'm drinking alcohol on a Monday morning, and I've never even had a drink before," Meadows said, according to Hutchinson's book. While Hutchinson recalled this more lighthearted moment from the Trump White House, the book delves heavily into what she saw as severe blind spots within the administration, notably Meadows' reaction to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. During Hutchinson's testimony before the House January 6 committee last year, she spoke of her struggles in convincing Meadows to act more forcefully in contacting Trump to squelch the violence at the outbreak of the riot. "I start to get frustrated because I sort of felt like I was looking at a bad car accident about to happen where you can't stop it but you want to be able to do something," she said at the time. "I remember thinking in that moment, 'Mark needs to snap out of this and I don't know how to snap him out of this but he needs to care.'" A representative for Meadows did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Insider on Tuesday. Read the original article on Business Insider Cassidy Hutchinson in her new book wrote that Meadows spoke of his desire to keep Trump out of jail. Hutchinson served as an aide to Meadows in what were the last months of the Trump administration. Meadows in August was charged with two felony counts in the Georgia election interference case. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson in her new memoir said that onetime White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told her that if he kept then-President Donald Trump out of jail, he'd be doing a "good job." Hutchinson, whose memoir, "Enough," was released on Tuesday, described a White House filled with paranoia that also seemingly lacked organization. As Hutchinson quickly rose through the ranks in Republican politics, starting as an intern on Capitol Hill at the beginning of Trump's sole term in office and culminating with her time in the White House, she had a front-seat window to some of the biggest moments within the tumultuous administration. And in June 2020, months before the November presidential election, Meadows a former four-term North Carolina congressman who had taken on his White House in March 2020 gave her a blunt assessment of how he would rate his own job performance. "Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep [Trump] out of jail, I'll have done a good job," Meadows told Hutchinson, per her memoir. Meadows' tenure in the White House ended in January 2021, after Trump departed the White House to make way for incoming President Joe Biden. Nearly three years removed from the White House, Trump now faces four criminal indictments. Meadows himself was charged in August with two felony counts in one of the most prominent cases connected to the 2020 election both Trump and Meadows were indicted by a Fulton County grand jury alongside 17 others over their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential results in Georgia. Trump has continued full steam ahead with his 2024 presidential campaign, and he remains the favorite to win the Republican nomination, as high-profile candidates including Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and former Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina have so far been unable to make a dent in the former president's national lead. Insider has reached out to Meadows for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Martin Scorsese has revealed he regrets one of his many collaborations with Leonardo DiCaprio in a thoughtful interview reflecting on his six-decade career. The legendary filmmaker, 80, who has directed DiCaprio eight times, including in his most recent drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, admitted that in recent years, he has soured on one particular release. Speaking with GQ, Scorsese looked back on the psychological thriller Shutter Island, and suggested he should not have agreed to direct it. According to the director, he made the decision in the wake of his long-awaited Oscars success. Riding high after winning his first Best Director trophy for the 2006 crime drama The Departed, Scorsese felt encouraged to take on Shutter Island but, in hindsight, wishes he had attached himself to a different project instead. He told the outlet that winning the Oscar encouraged me to make another picture with Shutter Island, but it turned out I should have gone on probably to do Silence. Silence was Scorseses passion project, starring Liam Neeson and Andrew Garfield, that he made in 2016. An adaptation of ShAsaku EndAs novel of the same name, the film follows two Jesuit priests as they travel to Japan on a mission to locate their mentor. Shutter Island, based on Dennis Lehanes novel of the same name, received generally positive reviews upon its release in 2011, and was even chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the top 10 films of the year. However, in recent years, it appears to be increasingly considered a lesser work of the directors when compared with his more critically acclaimed works, including Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980) and The Age of Innocence (1993). Its also the filmmakers only narrative feature film, released in the last two decades, to have received zero Oscar nominations. Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio on the set of Shutter Island (Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock) Its unclear whether Scorseses comments were also alluding to the two films he made before 2016s Silence Hugo (2011) and The Wolf of Wall Street. Elsewhere in the new interview, Scorsese also addressed several of his other collaborations with DiCaprio, the first of which arrived in 2002 with Gangs of New York a shoot the director says he struggled with due to the interventions of producer Harvey Weinstein. In the interview, Scorsese said Weinsteins meddling, which saw him make demands over the films budget and runtime, made him realise that I couldnt work if I had to make films that way ever again. He added: If that was the only way that I was able to be allowed to make films, then Id have to stop. Because the results werent satisfying. It was at times extremely difficult, and I wouldnt survive it. Id be dead. And so I decided it. However, Scorsese was lured back by The Aviator (2004), his second collaboration with DiCaprio, in which he was forced to work with Weinstein again. The director said the shoot went well until the final few weeks of the edit when Weinsteins company at the time, Miramax, came in and did some things that I felt were extremely mean. Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorseses new film Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple TV+) Scorsese suggests in the interview that, despite struggles on both Gangs of New York and The Aviator, he is happy with the result of both films. Killers of the Flower Moon is an adaptation of David Granns non-fiction book documenting the string of murders that plagued the Osage Indian tribe in Oklahoma during the 1920s after oil was found on their land. The case was deemed the FBIs first homicide investigation. The Independents film critic Clarisse Loughrey, in her five-star review, said the film carries Scorseses tradition fixations: the rotted core of mans heart; how power breeds the impulse for destruction; the myths of cowboys and outlaws and the dirty truth to them. Killers of the Flower Moon will be the 80-year-old filmmakers first film since The Irishman, which was released in 2019. Its set to be releaed theatrically on 20 October ahead of its premiere on Apple TV+ in November. MARYVILLE, Tenn. By the time she graduated from William Blount High School, Denise Duran was largely on her own, a product of a complicated relationship with parents she recently described as abusive. It was around that time that Duran met an older man who seemed to have everything figured out. The man, Charles Christopher White, had a job, was successful and was very involved at First Apostolic Church of Maryville. She quickly fell in love. She didnt know at the time that White, six years her senior, had killed a man and had a history of sexual violence. She still wonders whether the church's leader, the Rev. Kenneth Carpenter, knew about Whites past and just didnt tell her. Eventually, White began to abuse her, Duran told Knox News. When she confided in Carpenter about it, he questioned how much money she was giving to the church and encouraged her to pray more because God was testing her, she said. Denise Duran, holding a photo of herself as a bride in 1997, told Knox News that the leader of First Apostolic Church of Maryville, the Rev. Kenneth Carpenter, took no action when she told him her husband, a church member, was abusing her. Instead, she says, he questioned her church attendance and tithing. Durans story of an abusive marriage is corroborated by years of criminal filings, court documents, restraining orders and arrest reports she kept for years in a shoebox she recently provided to Knox News. Carpenter and his wife, Penny Carpenter, through an attorney, declined to answer a list of questions from Knox News, saying instead leaders would not discuss what current or former members told the church in confidence. "This does not acknowledge and should not be construed as confirming any information in your questions," attorney Ed Trent said in an email. "As has been stated previously, the church in no way condones abuse under any circumstance." Sexual assault and homicide charges In March 1991, some five years before the two met, White who was 19 at the time pled guilty to sexual battery and aggravated assault in Blount County after he grabbed the inner thigh of a 17-year-old girl and then punched her in the face, breaking her nose. He was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of probation but was instead allowed to serve his sentence as part of the Community Corrections alternative sentencing program, a kind of supervised probation, according to sentencing documents. The sentence was to sunset in September 1997. By that time, he and Duran had been married for six months. She knew nothing of it. Two years after the assault, on his 21st birthday in March 1993, White killed a man in a gas station parking lot after a scuffle over a woman carried over from a nearby bar, according to Knox News archives. According to a police account of the confrontation, Timothy Dwayne Tipton, 25, had been drinking and had a 9 mm pistol with him when he began beating White while White sat in his car. White stabbed Tipton once in the chest with a steak knife he later told police he kept in his car to strip wires for his stereo system. Tipton died. White was arrested and charged with murder but a Knoxville judge later ruled the slaying self-defense. Again, Duran had no idea about White's past. The two meet and no ones the wiser Duran met White in 1996 at a Christian rodeo in Townsend, an event she described as cowboys get together, they say a prayer and ride some bulls. She was 18. He was 24. He invited her to First Apostolic Church and the two began dating. Knox News could not confirm and church leaders would not say when White began attending the church or whether church leaders were aware of his violent history when the two began dating. But Duran provided Knox News with Whites baptismal certificate, given to the newly baptized White by the church in June 1994, nearly a month to the day after the judge signed off on his alternative sentencing program for the 1991 assault. Denise Duran holds a bridal photo of her 19-year-old self from 1997 at her home in Maryville. Whites arrest on the murder charge was covered in local newspapers at the time in 1993. Knox News could not confirm whether White was attending the church at the time, though he was baptized 15 months later. A former member who attended the church at the time told Knox News that if White were attending, the congregation was small enough that Carpenter would have known about it. The former member didn't know White was in the news because they were a teenager and didn't follow the news closely. Knox News obtained court records of Whites 1991 conviction of assault and sexual battery, but did not find any local news accounts of it. If church leaders knew, Duran said, she was never warned. The two were married in March 1997. Carpenter performed their wedding ceremony in the church sanctuary. She had just turned 19. The church sucked me right in, me being like a homeless teen," Duran said. "You know, I married him right away. He had a job, he was established I thought I could trust this guy. It was the worst mistake of my life. In the following years the couple volunteered together at the church's vacation bible school, and they worked with the churchs youth group. White was an usher and helped run the video equipment during Sunday services. White even volunteered with a jail ministry. Early signs ignored, tithing questioned Duran said the marriage started out well enough, but White's abuse began after a few months. The abuse started with his short fuse. He threw things. Once, she said, when they were moving into a new place on Kittrell Avenue in Maryville, he tackled her in the yard as she was running away from him. The abuse, she said, escalated from there. Several times over the next several years Duran said, she shared her concerns with the Carpenters, who dismissed her worries and instead encouraged her to pray about the abuse. I would be told things such as You missed a few services, or You are not paid up on your tithing and God is testing you, she said. "'Prayer will bring you closer to God and grow you closer together.' They shouldve given me some sort of support, some domestic violence help. That never happened. It was just swept under the rug (I was) alone and isolated. I thought if the church wont do anything for me, why would anyone else believe me? Duran's description of her conversation with the Carpenters and how they dismissed her abuse mirrors several survivors' stories already published by Knox News, including the accounts of two preteen girls who say they told the Carpenters about different instances, years apart, of sexual abuse at the hands of two church members, both 18-year-old men. The Carpenters, they said, told them to pray about it and took no action to their knowledge. In late April 2004, Duran filed a police report alleging White assaulted her when the two had a fight over money in front of their 2-year-old daughter. He was charged with domestic assault, and she filed an order of protection. A week later she called police again when he violated the order and approached her at church. Denise Duran at her home in Maryville. She had had enough. Two weeks later she filed for divorce even as the Carpenters forbade it, telling her she had no biblical right to divorce White because he hadnt committed adultery, an acceptable reason for divorce given by Jesus in Matthew 9. White arrested again in 2004 In December 2004, just after the divorce was finalized, White was arrested for exposing himself in front of Maryville Middle School. Duran took the charging documents to Kenneth Carpenter. He kept a copy and never spoke to Duran about it again, she said. She used the arrest to get a court order suspending Whites parental rights. She soon stopped going to church. White remained a member. White arrested again in 2005 In Pigeon Forge in July 2005, White cornered and molested a 9-year-old girl and tried to force her into his vehicle in the parking lot of the Mountain Trace Inn, according to Knox News archives. She escaped and called police. Over a month later, investigators matched DNA found on the girl with Whites and he was arrested. In the meantime, Duran said, White continued to attend the Apostolic church. White was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison in 2006. He is no longer in prison, but remains on the Tennessee sex registry, listed as violent against children. It wasnt until after the 2005 arrest which Duran thought was only his second that her father suggested they try to find out if he had a criminal history. Only then did she learn of the prior arrests. Moving on Today, Duran is happily married and a mother of three. Her home is busy, full of kids and pets her dogs and cats. It took time, she said, but she has healed. Even so, her experience with White still resurfaces. Every now and again Ill have a nightmare, she said. Ill have one where Im still married to him and Im trying to get away from him. Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Connect with Tyler by emailing him at tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @tyler_whetstone. Make our community, our society and our republic stronger by supporting robust local journalism. Subscribe online at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Maryville church member went to pastor about abuse, left with tithes questioned Since Masons Famous Lobster Rolls recently opened in Bradenton, theres something that regional manager Adam Miner has been hearing a lot from former New Englanders living in Florida. This is the closest to being home without being home, Miner reports the customers say. Thats because the lobsters and other menu offerings, including the sodas, are from Maine. Virtually everything on the menu is from New England. Masons is serving its lobster rolls and other menu items in the Braden River Plaza shopping center at 4650 State Road 64 E. The motto is keep lobster simple. And thats the way it is with the menu, too. The lobster rolls are served with no bells, no whistles and no retention. We serve them only with the basics, the company says. The basics include lemon, butter and maybe a little celery. There are four lobster roll choices: classic, served chilled with mayo and lemon butter; Connecticut, served warm with butter; a lobster roll salad, tossed in mayo, celery and lemon dressing; and a lobster BLT roll, served with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Each sells for $20. Adam Miner and his partners recently opened Masons Famous Lobster Rolls in the Braden River Plaza shopping center at 4650 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. Other seafood choices include a crab salad roll for $19, a shrimp salad roll for $15, lobster grilled cheese for $15 and a lobster mac and cheese for $15. Soups and salads include lobster bisque and New England clam chowder. There is also a childrens menu, including a Nathans all-beef hot dog, grilled cheese and mac and cheese. Masons also serves breakfast. Beer and wine are coming to the menu, as soon as the restaurant gets its license, Miner said. Masons Famous Lobster Rolls recently opened in the Braden River Plaza shopping center at 4650 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. Monica Bartels was a returning customer this week, getting a lobster roll on one occasion and lobster bisque on another. Everything is awesome, she said. Miner and his partners also own Masons franchises in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg, and found that the Bradenton location was a perfect bridge between the other two restaurants. Two months after opening the Fort Myers store last year, it was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. That restaurant has been rebuilt and reopened. After the challenges in Fort Myers, the Bradenton store opening was a breath of fresh air, Miner said. Masons Famous Lobster Rolls recently opened in the Braden River Plaza shopping center at 4650 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. The Bradenton restaurant has seating for about 50, including tables inside and outside. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Takeout and delivery are available at MasonsLobster.com. Catering is also available. Company founder Dan Beck, a seafood buyer in the restaurant business, opened the first Masons in 2014. He paid regular visits to Maine, getting to know the lobstermen there. He was inspired by their centuries-old values and traditions, and learned to respect the ways of Maines waters, according to the Masons webpage. There are now 30 Masons restaurants. Other Florida stores are in Fernandina Beach, Miami, Orlando and Panama City. Masons also operates in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C. For more information about the Bradenton Masons call 941-213-1060 or visit the webpage at https://www.MasonsLobster.com/. This embedded content is not available in your region. The motto at Masons Famous Lobster Rolls is keep lobster simple, and thats the way it is with the menu. The restaurant recently opened in the Braden River Plaza shopping center at 4650 State Road 64 E., Bradenton. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is facing the most defining moment yet of his tenure as he struggles to win over House Republicans on legislation to keep the government open. The California Republican is facing explicit threats to his gavel and has no clear path through the blockade with less than a week to go to prevent a shutdown. A handful of holdouts have opposed any kind of short-term funding measure, preventing the Speaker from passing a GOP-only stopgap before negotiating with Democrats. But McCarthy, so far, has resisted finding a compromise with Democrats, whose support for a measure is a requirement given their control of the Senate and White House, but which would inflame those seeking to oust him. McCarthy has already survived a series of threats to his Speakership, but it is unclear how hell get out of his present jam. When youre negotiating here, everybodys king because one person can close it down, the Speaker acknowledged Saturday. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), an ally who helped McCarthy win the Speakership vote on a 15th ballot in January, voiced confidence that his friend will clear his present hurdle and meet additional challenges ahead. The three break points of the year: Opening week, debt ceiling, funding of the government. So were in the third phase, he said. The beauty for you is this will not end. He also downplayed the shutdown fight, arguing it is a less serious problem than raising the debt ceiling earlier this year. A failure to extend the governments borrowing limit was widely seen as leading to an economic collapse. This is more complicated but less existential, McHenry said. Yet McCarthy does face real threats to his Speakership. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has repeatedly warned that he could make a motion to vacate the chair a move to force a vote on ousting McCarthy if the Speaker does not come into compliance on spending and other demands. Hes not alone, either. Reps. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) and Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) have previously voiced an openness to supporting McCarthys ouster. And Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told CNN on Sunday that he would look strongly at supporting a move to oust McCarthy if the Speaker works with Democrats to pass a short-term funding deal. The Speakers allies have downplayed that threat, noting McCarthys perseverance through previous sticky challenges. Ill bet on Kevin McCarthy any day, and we certainly have time yet to go. But hes in a very difficult position, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Sunday on ABC. The threats are a factor in why McCarthy and his top allies have refused to entertain one of the most obvious paths to avoid a government shutdown: working with Democrats. The natural state of the House, just like in the Senate, just like every legislative body in America, is you start to fill out your own goods within your own party, if you can, and not until you exhaust that, McHenry said. Leaders do not think they have exhausted all interparty options yet. House Republicans on Tuesday will bring up a procedural vote to move forward on four regular appropriations bills this week, in response to demands from hard-liners about further cutting funding levels for the next year. The only way out is through, said Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), a McCarthy supporter and member of the House Rules Committee. The move does not get Congress any closer to avoiding a shutdown, but leaders hope it will buy goodwill and convince recalcitrant conservatives to back a GOP stopgap measure that would keep the government open. I think when it gets crunch time, people that have been holding off all this time blaming everybody else, will finally, hopefully, move off, McCarthy said on Saturday. Republicans last week floated a continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding with cuts through the end of October along with border policies. After hard-liners thwarted that bill, Republicans adjusted their proposal to include more across-the-board funding cuts in addition to creating a commission to examine the national debt. The later bill also included the GOPs H.R. 2 border crackdown bill that passed earlier this year. It includes numerous Trump-era policies, like requiring authorities to detain all migrants or return them to Mexico or their home country and restarting construction of the border wall. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), another key McCarthy ally, has vented his frustration that Republicans will lose an opportunity to pressure the administration to accept GOP border policy changes if they dont back the bill. The alternative is you move forward, you dont pass the CR, you let government shut down, the Senate sends something over here that, ultimately, you have Democrats and some moderate Republicans except youve lost your conservative opportunity, Graves said Friday. Lets be realistic in regard to what is actually achievable, he later added. But the holdouts many of whom see the shutdown deadline as the last important point to leverage policy changes until the next Congress are showing no signs of relenting and downplaying a shutdowns effects. As painful as the short-term solution may seem, a brief lapse in appropriations (many departments and agencies have money to continue, and the majority of federal programs continue), we will emerge on a better trajectory that will bend our way toward more responsible spending and slow the growth of the national debt, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) wrote in a Townhall op-ed published Sunday. Former President Donald Trump is providing no help to McCarthy in getting his conference on board. UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN! Trump wrote on TruthSocial on Sunday evening. McCarthy is also facing trouble from the other ideological end of the GOP conference. Some moderate Republicans are eyeing going around House GOP leaders to work with Democrats and force a vote on a bipartisan stopgap bill. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said last week that he would support a discharge petition with Democrats to force a vote on a bill to continue government funding a move that would not avert a shutdown at this point but could help end it. But the Speaker, while venting his frustrations, is remaining outwardly optimistic. Asked Monday morning if he still has time to pass a funding bill and send it to the Senate, McCarthy said: Im a believer in everything. I never give up. Mychael Schnell contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The News House Speaker Kevin McCarthy s closely watched alliance with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is suddenly looking a little bit wobbly, as the Georgia hardliner has helped frustrate his efforts to pass a budget. Greene announced on Sunday afternoon that she was a HARD NO on the rules package McCarthy is currently trying to advance, which would bring a suite of government spending bills to the floor, because it would mean more money for Ukraine. Cutting funding for the war-torn country has been a high priority for Greene, who told reporters last week that she was just a no on any funding bill containing support for Kyiv. McCarthy initially suggested hed meet her demand, but reversed himself this weekend because removing the money would be too difficult. Greene also told reporters last week she was planning to introduce an amendment that would strip the Justice Department of its ability to fund special counsel investigations, threatening to throw another kink into the budget effort. She announced it the same day former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to shut the government down unless the budget defunded Jack Smiths investigations into him. Kadias view After getting off to a rocky start with the Republican leader, Greene shocked much of Washington by cozying up with McCarthy to become one of his most outspoken allies during his battle for the speakership even posing with him for a victory selfie on the House floor. (I will never leave that woman, McCarthy reportedly told a friend. I will always take care of her.) But Greenes closeness with leadership has cost her with conservative colleagues, factoring into the House Freedom Caucuss decision to eject her from its membership. (Her office declined a request to comment.) Taking a stand now might be a way to win back a bit of hard-right credibility. Another way to think about what might be happening? Greene can almost always be counted on to align with Donald Trump. And now that hes openly rooting for a shutdown unless Republicans GET EVERYTHING, she might just take the same attitude. Polish experts had concluded that the projectile that caused the death of two people in Poland's Przewodow last year was a stray Ukrainian anti-air missile launched to intercept a Russian strike, the Rzeczpospolita newspaper reported on Sept. 26, citing its sources. On Nov. 15, 2022, an explosion killed two civilians in a Polish grain facility near Ukraine's border. On that day, Russian forces carried out a massive attack against Ukraine, launching around 100 missiles against the country's energy infrastructure. Suspicions that a Russian missile hit a Polish territory fuelled fears that the war in Ukraine could spiral into a wider conflict between NATO and Moscow. According to Rzeczpospolita's sources, Polish experts of the country's Prosecutor's Office have "categorically" denied the possibility that Russia launched the missile. They have allegedly identified the projectile as an S-300 5-W-55 anti-air missile launched from Ukraine's territory. As Russia was attempting to strike a thermal plant near Lviv, Ukraine was said to have fired two missiles with a range of 75-90 kilometers to intercept the attack. According to the report, one of them hit the Russian missile, while the other accidentally flew into Poland's territory. The investigators pointed out that a safety mechanism of these missiles should make them self-destruct at a certain height. However, this did not happen for an unknown reason, Rzeczpospolita said. The experts concluded that even if Russia had placed its missile batteries in Belarus, they would be no closer than 150 kilometers from Przewodow and, therefore, out of range. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Prosecutor's Office's spokesperson Lukasz Lapczynski confirmed in a comment to Rzeczpospolita that the experts have indeed provided their conclusions on the incident, but they remain confidential. He added that Poland sent an application for legal assistance to Ukraine and is awaiting a response. In November 2022, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that according to the ongoing investigation, the projectile was identified as a Ukrainian air defense missile. However, he stressed that Russia was ultimately to blame for the tragedy. Kyiv denied that the incident was caused by a Ukrainian missile but confirmed that its forces attempted to intercept a Russian projectile near and during the timeframe of the missile strike in Poland. Although Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksii Danilov urged a joint examination of the explosion, Rzeczpospolita's sources claimed that Ukraine had "not yet made any materials available to Poland." Read also: White House: Russia bears ultimate responsibility regardless of whose missile fell on Poland Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Ukrainian HIMARS strike hit a temporary Russian command post in the occupied territory of Kherson Oblast during a meeting of Russian officers, Hromadske media outlet reported, citing its source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Eight officers from Russia's 70th Motorized Rifle Division were killed, and seven more were injured, Hromadske wrote on Sept. 26. The media outlet's source said the attack occurred recently but didn't specify the date. Hromadske wrote the targeted command post was located near Kherson, referring to the Russian-held east bank of the Dnipro River, but didn't provide further details. Schemes, an investigative project of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, later wrote it has geolocated a video of the strike provided by the SBU sources. According to Schemes, the HIMARS attack occurred in occupied Radensk, some 30 kilometers southeast of Kherson. The SBU has not publicly commented on the attack. According to another Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda, citing its source in the SBU, Ukrainian forces struck the command post on Sept. 18. Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other settlements on the river's west bank in November 2022, pushing Russian forces to the east bank, from where they have been regularly firing at the liberated areas. Read also: Why is Russia so vulnerable to HIMARS in Ukraine? Since June 2022, the Ukrainian military has been using U.S.-provided HIMARS, short for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, for precise strikes on Russia's military targets in occupied territories of Ukraine. The GPS-guided rockets of the HIMARS system, able to hit targets at long range with pinpoint accuracy, have been credited with turning the tide of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the HIMARS missiles that Ukraine currently uses have a range of 80 kilometers and cannot reach many Russian-occupied areas. After Kyiv's months-long lobbying campaign, U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly pledged to provide Ukraine with a small number of long-range ATACMS missiles with a range of roughly 300 kilometers. Read also: US will reportedly give ATACMS to Ukraine. Will it change the war? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One of the four people charged with allegedly bringing drugs into the Sacramento County Main Jail was working at the location, new court documents state. Zareonna Harris, 23, was working as a medical assistant when she was arrested Aug. 29 for bringing drugs into the jail, a court document the District Attorneys Office filed in Sacramento Superior Court earlier this month states. On Aug. 29, Sheriffs deputies intercepted Harris as she smuggled in 1.2 grams of meth, about two grams of powder cocaine, a cellphone and escape tools into the downtown jail, the document states. Defendant Harris was working as a medical assistant at the jail and was using her employment, security clearance and position of trust to bring controlled substances into the jail for the purpose of sale, the document states. Fentanyl was among the drugs Harris brought into the jail, the document states, along with meth, heroin and weed. She admitted to bringing in narcotic drugs on at least four previous occasions and was paid $1,000 to $3,000 for each successful delivery, the document states. Harris worked on an on call/per diem basis for Sacramento-based Avid Healthcare Services, according to an email to The Sacramento Bee from the company. Avid HCS has a strong relationship with the county going on 5 plus years; that continues to provide healthcare workers with opportunities for gainful employment as contracted staff in this economy, the company said in an email. Working together with county corrections for clearance and placement of staff is a judicious, multi-step process that we continue to iterate as required. One person clearly misusing an opportunity that could have been extended to someone else in a competitive industry is unfortunate. The countys contract with Avid Healthcare Services expires June 30, 2026, county spokeswoman Samantha Mott said In addition to Harris, Donald Louis Zackery, 24, Tomani Doneisha Zackery, 23, and James Willard Whitfield, 45, were also charged Aug. 29 for allegedly bringing drugs into the downtown jail. The new document does not state whether those three were also staff. Theyre being held at the jail without bail and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 11. Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Amar Gandhi declined comment on the new court document, but said the office is holding a news conference Wednesday morning to share more details. Its obvious now The jail is under scrutiny for an increase in overdose deaths. Three inmates have died at the jail so far this year of suspected drug overdoses deaths that could have been prevented with adequate monitoring and detoxification, according to a new report by two medical professionals tasked with independently monitoring medical care of Sacramento inmates under a federal settlement. Unlike homicides and suicides, medical deaths at the jail, including overdoses, typically lack any independent oversight. The San Francisco-based Prison Law Office, the plaintiff for the federal lawsuit, last month wrote a letter to the Sheriffs Office demanding they start searching jail staff when they enter, the way prisons do a request the county denied. The Sheriff agrees that drugs smuggled into the facility is a serious concern, Supervising Deputy County Counsel Rick Heyer on Aug. 14 wrote in an email to the organization. However, there is no evidence that such contraband is being brought into the facilities by (Sheriffs Office) employees. (The Sheriffs Office) has investigated the possible sources of these narcotics entering the facilities and has enacted heightened screening protocols in booking and inmate visitation. Gandhi declined comment Monday on whether the Sheriffs Office has since started to screen employees. Amy Curry has been perplexed about the death of her ex-boyfriend Cody Catanzarite since it happened over two months ago. Due to her own experience of being housed in the jail, she knows the scanner picks up drugs on inmates, even if they are not yet booked, she said. The jail sent Catanzarite, 37, to the emergency room for a fentanyl overdose shortly after he arrived, a new medical report found. He received an an initial screening when he returned to the jail on July 20 but did not get evaluated by a registered nurse until his secondary screening more than five hours later. By that time, the report states, his withdrawal symptoms had increased substantially and the nurse put him on a withdrawal regimen. He died 12 hours later from complications of a suspected overdose, the report states. When Curry learned from a reporter that a jail staff member was charged with bringing in drugs, she said she believes thats how Catanzarite got the drugs. He had to have been getting it from inside, said Curry, who was herself a jail inmate in 2020. Its obvious now. Thats whats been going on. These people have died because of this negligence. Curry said the jail should absolutely start screening staff. It would save inmates lives, she said. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Meghan Markle is always clad in stylish ensembles when she leaves her Montecito, California home, and weve mostly resigned to the fact that emulating her fits will cost a high percentage of our paychecks. However, the Duchess of Sussex wore chic earrings recently that are available on Amazon for just $22. Shop Now Stone Prism Hoop Earring - Labradorite/Gold amazon.com $22.00 Meghan joined Prince Harry at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, last week, where she was photographed in the stone hoop earrings. The two are not often spotted in public but made the appearance ahead of the release of Prince Harrys latest Netflix project, Heart of Invictus. picture alliance As for the jewelry, if the Duchess of Sussexs stamp of approval wasnt enough, take it from the Amazon users who gave them a five-star rating. I love them so much I bought another pair in a different color, one happy customer wrote. Fossil/Gold Opalite/Silver Rose Quartz/Gold Shop Now Rose Quartz/Gold amazon.com $22.00 Scout Curated Wears offers its newly iconic Stone Prism Hoops in a few different options. Though Meghan Markle was seen wearing the Labradorite stone with gold-dipped wire, they are also available with gemstones like opal, turquoise, and sunstone, and can be dipped in sterling silver instead of gold. Its possible that Meghan did some solid research before purchasing the earrings because Scout Curated Wears is known for more than just its stylish accessories. The company is woman-owned and donates 10 percent of profits to organizations that empower women, such as Black Girls Code and Safe Passage. The brand offers other styles of gemstone earrings, like rectangular pairs, if hoops arent your thing. Shop the rest of Scout Curated Wearss storefront on Amazon to see for yourself. You Might Also Like The Shelby County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday it will not charge any of the five Memphis police officers investigated for the shooting death of Jaylin McKenzie. The officer who fired the shots that killed McKenzie, identified by Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy as Nahum Dorme, had his body camera off according to Mulroy. There was no evidence to dispute Dorme's story to investigators, Mulroy said, adding that it seemed McKenzie fired first and Dorme shot back in self-defense. Mulroy said Mckenzie initially had an assault rifle, but that the 20-year-old dropped the rifle when running from officers. He also said that McKenzie shot at Dorme with a handgun "twice, and would likely have done so a third time had his handgun not jammed." "For these reasons, criminal charges against [Dorme] are not warranted," Mulroy said. "However, as our letter to Chief [Cerelyn 'C.J.'] Davis indicates, and as I've previously discussed with Chief Davis and this is no surprise to her, we do have a number of concerns about the way this incident was handled by [Memphis Police Department] officers." Lorna McClusky, head of Shelby Countys judicial review unit, looks on as Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy speaks at a press conference announcing that no criminal charges will be filed against the Memphis Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jaylin McKenzie in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. According to Mulroy, Dorme and his partner started a high-speed chase for a traffic violation, and continued the chase without having a functioning siren. He also said the supervising officer did not separate the two officers after the shooting and "deliberately placed them in the same patrol car, by themselves, for several hours." Mulroy also pointed to Dorme not turning his body camera on as another policy violation. "This allowed them to discuss the facts of the case together, in violation of MPD policy, which they did," Mulroy said. "At least some of these departures from MPD policy have, in fact, been the subject of internal internal MPD disciplinary proceedings." Mulroy also said there has been a "theme" throughout some of the footage his office, and the Justice Review Unit that conducts the reviews of police shootings, have seen. "We have seen instances in which the officer may have placed themselves in a dangerous situation, and then, as a result, were justified in using deadly force," Mulroy said. "There's no criminal liability in that situation, but are there lessons to be learned as to police practices being improved going forward? I think there are." The other four officers who were looked at for potential criminal charges were not identified by Mulroy Tuesday. MPD response to Mulroy annoucement MPD later on Tuesday put out a press release, agreeing with Mulroy's decision to not charge the Dorme. The department also added clarity on the reason why patrol officers drove to the parking lot that night. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy answers a question during a press conference announcing that no criminal charges charges will be filed against the Memphis Police Department officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jaylin McKenzie in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. "Due to frequent smash and grab burglaries, MPD officers were required to perform directed patrols in retail parking lots while the businesses were closed," MPD said in the release. "While performing a directed patrol, Memphis police officers were in a retail complex when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot where the businesses were closed." According to MPD, the pursuit itself was not in violation of MPD's policies, but the fact that Dorme and his partner Officer Christopher Jackson did not notify their supervisor about the chase was a violation. The department also identified the supervisor who placed Dorme and Jackson together after the shooting as Lt. Mark Gilbertson. Dorme received a written reprimand for not having his body camera on and for violating the department's pursuit policy, MPD said. Jackson was also given a written reprimand for violating the pursuit policy. Gilbertson received "an oral admonishment" for violating the department's response to resistance policy. More: Gershun Freeman's family, attorneys 'thanking God' for indictments, Ben Crump says All three were also given "refresher training" for the various violations, MPD said. Footage of the shooting was released by the DA's office on Sept. 12 and showed police pulling into a parking lot on the night of Dec. 16, 2022, and then following a car. That car then began to speed away from officers, who gave chase. Eventually, a foot chase began, and eventually, gunshots can be heard. From the footage released, it was not clear who shot first. Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis police officers will not face charges in Jaylin McKenzie's death Sen. Robert Menendezs (D-N.J.) vow to keep his seat ran into an avalanche of calls to resign from his own party on Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, only three Senate Democrats had called for Menendez to step down. By the end of the day that number had swelled to at least 20, creating trouble for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in the process. Sen. Cory Booker , Menendezs fellow New Jersey Democrat and longtime ally, broke his silence on Tuesday to call on him to step down, marking a major blow in the senior New Jersey senators quest to hold on after being indicted on federal bribery and corruption charges. Booker was a top defender of Menendez after his 2015 indictment on corruption charges. Those charges were dropped in 2018. He nodded to that long friendship in his statement, saying he found it the charges Menendez is facing hard to reconcile with the person I know. But in a lengthy statement, Booker labeled the latest allegations shocking and argued that Menendez is making a mistake by not resigning. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again, Booker said. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. Other Senate Democrats joined the fray, including those up for reelection in 2024 and high-profile names. Yes, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told The Boston Globe when asked if he should do so. These are serious charges, and its time for Sen. Menendez to step away from the Senate and concentrate on his legal defense. One group, however, remains notably absent in calls for Menendez to step down: the upper echelon of Senate Democratic leadership. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) remained mum on Tuesday and did not address the situation during his remarks to open the Senate floor. Instead, he focused on government spending, a potential shutdown later this week and the ongoing United Auto Workers strike. The situation is setting up to be a major issue for Schumer to contend with. The New York Democrat could hold the keys to Menendezs future, just as he did in 2017 when he quietly pushed then-Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) to step aside after allegations of sexual misconduct and a growing drumbeat within the caucus calling for his resignation. This is a real test. Its only a distraction as long as he lets it be one, one Democratic operative told The Hill. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also did not further address the situation after his initial comments over the weekend. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the No. 3 Senate Democrat, however, became the highest-ranking member of the caucus to call for Menendez to resign. The allegations against Senator Bob Menendez are very concerning, Stabenow said in a statement. While he deserves his presumption of innocence, I believe its best for him to step down from the U.S. Senate. Bob is a longtime colleague and it saddens me to come to this decision, she continued. One Senate Democratic aide said that more will likely be known on Wednesday when Senate Democrats meet for their weekly lunch, which will be the first chance for members to discuss it together. Thats probably where s*** will go down, the aide continued. Adding to the political conundrum for Schumer is that a number of those who have issued calls for Menendezs resignation are also up for reelection next year: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing, Tester, who is widely considered to be one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats up in 2024, said in a statement. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate. Among those who also joined the pro-resignation chorus on Tuesday was Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and argued that the New Jersey lawmaker undermined the publics faith. He is no longer able to serve effectively in the U.S. Senate. I urge Sen. Menendez to resign, he said. Menendez though has shown precious few signs of being ready to vacate his seat. After issuing a searing statement on Friday and declaring that he isnt going anywhere, he appeared Monday for a press event to decry those calling for his exit and to plead his innocence. Im innocent, whats wrong with you guys, he said at the Capitol Tuesday. Stabenow sought to set up a contrast between Democrats response to Menendez and how some Republicans have treated former President Trumps four indictments. Contrary to the Republicans, we are not attacking the FBI or the Department of Justice or threatening violence against anyone, Stabenow told The Hill. I think we are approaching this with the seriousness that it deserves. The Menendez situation is also creating a potential political opening for Republicans, who sense an opportunity if he is on the ballot in November. They declined to echo calls for giving Menendez the boot and argued that he should be afforded due process until his case is adjudicated. The allegations against the Senior Senator from New Jersey are nasty & the evidence offered difficult to explain away, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said. But in America guilt is decided by a jury, not politicians in fear of their party losing a Senate seat. In the end, though, Senate Democrats say theyll still have to work with Menendez. Well have to. Every state sends two, and if I want the folks who represent another state to respect the two that Virginia send, then Ive got to be willing to work together, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said. These charges are very, very serious. If theyre true, theyre disqualifying. But anybody charged with a crime, from President Trump [or] Hunter Biden to somebody who shows up in Richmond traffic court tomorrow, theyre entitled to argue that the charges arent true. Sen. Menendez is entitled too, but they are as serious as can be. Updated at 7:37 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The sensational federal indictment against New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (D) is a big political problem for Senate Democrats already facing a tough fight to protect their majority. Senators returning to Washington on Tuesday will be confronted with questions about whether Menendez should resign. Two in their fold, Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), already have said he should step down. Republicans are likely to seek to tie Democrats to Menendez, who faces charges that he and his wife took bribes from businesspeople in his state connected to the government of Egypt. Prosecutors have released photos of cash, gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz that they allege were a part of the plot. It all muddies the arguments that Democrats want to make tying Republicans to former President Trump, who is facing his own litany of federal and state charges. If I were advising the Senate leadership, Id say cut bait. Youve got to make a statement. You got all the allegations against Republicans and Trump, and if you try to bail out one of your own, then you look as bad as they do, said Steve Jarding, a Democratic strategist and former adviser to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. From what I saw in the newspaper, it looks like there are serious allegations. It looks like its a huge problem, he added. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also has to worry about the concrete problem of suddenly having to worry about protecting Menendezs seat in New Jersey, which ordinarily would be a slam-dunk win for Democrats. Menendez, who stepped down as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee on Friday in accordance with Democratic rules, declared at a press conference Monday that hes going to fight the charges all the way to trial and has no intention of resigning his seat. Not only will I be exonerated, I will still be New Jerseys senior senator, he declared, predicting a triumph in court. Strategists in both parties predict a trial wont be resolved by next years election, which means Menendez could be on the ballot as the Democratic nominee for Senate in New Jersey in 2024. Politicians in the state, however, are trying to get some distance. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and several Democratic members of the states congressional delegation, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Andy Kim and Mikie Sherrill, have called on him to resign. Kim on Saturday said he would challenge Menendez in next years Democratic primary, but strategists say Menendez will have a good chance of winning unless state party leaders rally behind one challenger to make it a two-person race. Strategists say Menendez would be very tough to beat in a three- or four-person primary. Republicans acknowledge they have a weak bench in New Jersey, and theres no Republican candidate with high name ID who would be an obvious challenger, after former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said over the weekend he has no interest in running for Senate. Instead, Republican strategists say a wealthy self-funder from outside politics would likely emerge as the strongest GOP challenger to Menendez. Mendham Borough mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, a Trump-allied Republican, announced last week before news of the indictment that she would run for the GOP Senate nomination. Jim McLaughlin, a Republican strategist and pollster who lives in New Jersey, said Republicans could win Menendezs seat but acknowledged its hard, because its a Republican running in New Jersey. He pointed out, however, that former New Jersey Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R) came within a few points of beating Murphy in the 2021 gubernatorial race despite being totally outmanned and underfunded. Now you throw this corruption on top of this, he said. This could be really interesting. McLaughlin said the details in the indictment are so damning that it hurts Democrats nationally, as Republicans now have a chance to tie the corruption alleged against Menendez to allegations that Hunter Biden peddled influence with President Biden. Trump, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, wasted little time in seizing on Menendezs legal problems. Senate Democrats should all resign based on Sen. Bob Menendez! They all knew what was going on, and the way he lived! Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform. Senate Democratic strategists say theyre confident they will keep the seat. Democrats have won every New Jersey Senate race since 1978, and 2024 will be no different, a national Democratic Senate campaign aide said. Democrats have won every New Jersey Senate race since 1978 and every presidential race in the state since 1992. Senate Republicans as of now dont plan to pour millions of dollars into a New Jersey race when they have better pickup targets in West Virginia, Montana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, vulnerable Democrats will have to play defense when asked about money theyve taken from political accounts linked to Menendez. For example, Montanans for Tester, Sen. Jon Testers (D-Mont.) campaign, has accepted $30,000 from Menendez, while Manchin for West Virginia, Sen. Joe Manchins (D-W.Va.) campaign, has accepted $27,500 from the senior senator from New Jersey, according to federal campaign finance records. Kaine for Virginia, Sen. Tim Kaines (D-Va.) account, has accepted $25,000 from Menendez. Bob Casey for Senate Inc. and Bob Casey for Pennsylvania Committee, accounts linked to Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), accepted $20,000 and $6,500, respectively, in Menendez money. The campaigns of those four Democratic incumbents did not respond to inquiries from The Hill about whether they would refund the money or give it to charity. Vulnerable Democrats could also be put on the spot if Republicans bring a resolution to expel Menendez to the floor. Such a resolution would need a two-thirds majority to pass, and Republicans would likely encounter procedural obstacles to bringing it to the floor, which means that endangered Democratic senators may dodge having to vote up or down on Menendezs future. Ross K. Baker, a professor of political science at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said Menendez poses different problems for different Democrats. The person in a very awkward situation is [New Jersey Democratic Sen.] Cory Booker. He hasnt said anything yet. Hes probably working on a statement; he cant say nothing, Baker said. Its got to be a very carefully crafted statement that doesnt appear to be throwing Menendez under the bus while acknowledging he has problems. Baker said vulnerable Democrats who have taken money from Menendez should give it back. It would be a prudent thing for them to do, he said. Fetterman, who called on Menendez to resign Sunday, says he will return the $5,000 donation he accepted from his colleague. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - Afghan women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. The mental health of Afghan women, who have suffered under harsh measures imposed by the Taliban since taking power two years ago, has deteriorated across the country, according to a joint report from three U.N. agencies released Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N.s most powerful body must support governments seeking to legally declare the intensifying crackdown by Afghanistans Taliban rulers on women and girls gender apartheid, the head of the U.N. agency promoting gender equality said Tuesday. Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, told the Security Council that more than 50 increasingly dire Taliban edicts are being enforced with more severity, including by male family members. That is exacerbating mental health issues and suicidal thoughts especially among young women and is shrinking womens decision-making even in their own homes. They tell us that they are prisoners living in darkness, confined to their homes without hope or future," she said. Under international law, apartheid is defined as a system of legalized racial segregation that originated in South Africa. But a growing consensus among international experts, officials and activists says apartheid can also apply to gender in cases like that of Afghanistan, where women and girls face systematic discrimination. We ask you to lend your full support to an intergovernmental process to explicitly codify gender apartheid in international law, Bahous urged the 15-member council, including its five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France. There is no existing international law to respond to "mass, state-sponsored gender oppression, Bahous said. But she said the Talibans systemic and planned assault on womens rights must be named, defined and proscribed in our global norms so that we can respond appropriately. The Taliban took power in August 2021 during the final weeks of the U.S. and NATO forces pullout from Afghanistan after 20 years of war. As they did during their previous rule of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban gradually reimposed their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, barring girls from school beyond the sixth grade and women from almost all jobs, public spaces, gyms and recently closing beauty salons. The Security Council meeting on U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres latest report on Afghanistan took place on the final day of the annual meeting of world leaders at the 193-member U.N. General Assembly. On Wednesday, Zabihullah Mujahid, the main spokesman for the Taliban government, slammed the council meeting for focusing on domestic Afghan matters of womens education and their work instead of issues such as security, peace and stability. It was necessary to discuss the end of the blacklist in the United Nations, the removal of sanctions, the release of seized assets," Mujahid said on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said the U.N. gathering should also have discussed "the recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as the Taliban call their government. No country has recognized the Taliban, and the assemblys credentials committee hasnt either, primarily over its effort to relegate women to their homes and failure to form an inclusive government. This has left U.N. recognition with the now-ousted previous government led by Ashraf Ghani. For the third year, its representative did not speak at the high-level gathering. Bahous said that over the past year, UN Women collaborated with the U.N. political mission in Afghanistan known as UNAMA and the U.N. International Office for Migration to interview over 500 Afghan women. Among their key findings, she said: 46% think the Taliban should not be recognized under any circumstances; 50% think the Taliban should only be recognized after it restores womens and girls' rights to education, employment, and participation in government. The women interviewed said the dramatic shrinking of their influence on decision-making, not just at the national or provincial level but also in their communities and homes, is driven by increased poverty, decreasing financial contribution and the Talibans imposition of hyper-patriarchal gender norms, Bahous said. In a grim sign of womens growing isolation, she said, only 22% of the women interviewed reported meeting with women outside their immediate family at least once a week, and a majority reported worsened relations with other members of their family and community. Bahous said the restrictions on women have led to an increase in child marriage and child labor, and an increase in mental health issues. As the percentage of women employed continues to drop, 90% of young women respondents report bad or very bad mental health, and suicide and suicidal ideation is everywhere, she said. Roza Otunbayeva, the U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, welcomed the recent visit of a group of Islamic scholars from the Organization of Islamic Cooperations member nations to Afghanistan to focus on girls education, womens rights and the need for inclusive governance. The scholars stressed that these requirements are integral to Islamic governance around the world, she said. We urge that these visits continue. They are part of a vital conversation between the de facto authorities and the international community helpfully mediated by the Islamic world. Otunbayeva told reporters afterward that compared to the last visit of Islamic scholars, this time they left Afghanistan quite satisfied. Well see what will be resolved at the upcoming International Conference on Women in Islam, she said. That conference, co-sponsored by the OIC and Saudi Arabia, will take place in the Saudi city of Jeddah in November. The U.N. envoy was asked whether any change in the Talibans hard-line policies on women and government functioning is possible as long as its leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, makes the final decisions. "He's the producer of decisions," Otunbayeva replied. She said she heard from a Cabinet member that more than 90% of its members support allowing girls to study, but as soon as such views get to the southern city of Kandahar, where Akhundzada is based, they are blocked. So, far he is unreachable, Otunbayeva said. She said she tried to bring the entire ambassadorial corps to Kandahar for meetings with the provincial governor and others, but the meeting was canceled. The U.N. envoy said the mission is in constant contact with Taliban officials in the capital, Kabul, even as we continue to disagree profoundly and express these disagreements. Recently, Otunbayeva said, provincial councils composed of religious clerics and tribal elders have been created in each of Afghanistans 34 provinces, aiming to provide accountability and listening to local grievances, but they also report to the Taliban leader. Its too early to judge their performance, but Otunbayeva noted that the councils for the predominantly Shiite provinces of Bamiyan and Daikundi have no Shiite members. She appealed to donors to support the $3.2 billion humanitarian appeal for the country, which has received just $872 million, about 28% of the needed funding. Many programs have been forced to close just as winter is approaching and people are most in need, Otunbayeva said. This means that 15.2 million Afghans now facing acute food insecurity could be pushed towards famine in the coming months. ___ Edith M. Lederer, chief U.N. correspondent for The Associated Press, has been covering international affairs for more than 50 years. ___ Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez in Islamabad contributed to this report. A report released by Media Matters for America, the media watchdog group, on Tuesday, criticizes Instagram, for its alleged failure to effectively moderate content posted by the controversial anti-trans organization Gays Against Groomers. The report, which The Advocate is reporting exclusively, highlights a series of instances where Gays Against Groomers is accused of spreading harmful rhetoric about LGBTQ+ people on the platform, clearly violating Instagrams community guidelines against hate speech, harassment, and misinformation. One of the primary concerns raised by the report is the apparent inconsistency in Instagrams enforcement of these content policies. While other prominent platforms, including PayPal and Google, have taken decisive action to ban Gays Against Groomers for alleged violations of their content guidelines, Instagram, which is owned by Meta, has allowed the groups content to remain accessible for over a year, according to Media Matters. This discrepancy has led to widespread questioning of Instagrams commitment to effectively moderating harmful content, particularly content that targets marginalized communities. Gays Against Groomers has been labeled an extremist hate group by the Anti-Defamation League. The report points out that Gays Against Groomers has faced multiple suspensions from the platform formerly known as Twitter, X, including at least one suspension for using the derogatory anti-LGBTQ+ groomer slur. The contrast between platforms raises questions about Instagrams relative leniency in dealing with content violations, especially compared to sites that have taken more aggressive measures. Gays Against Groomers Violates Instagram Terms Gays Against Groomers has leveraged Instagram as one of its primary platforms, amassing over 357,000 followers since its creation in June 2022. The group has also joined Threads, Metas Twitter-like platform, where it has continued to post content criticized as hateful and false about LGBTQ+ people, according to the report. The Instagram community guidelines emphasize the platforms commitment to fostering a diverse and positive community. Expressly, these guidelines prohibit content that contains credible threats or hate speech, especially attacks on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Instagrams rules also direct users to Facebooks hate speech policy, which prohibits content targeting people or groups based on their sexual orientation, gender, or sex. The Media Matters report documents Gays Against Groomers alleged repeated use of derogatory terms like groomers" and their dissemination of false narratives about the LGBTQ+ community. The accusations range from claims that LGBTQ+ people are actively grooming children to promoting harmful stereotypes. Some of the groups posts also target companies and individuals publicly supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Gays Against Groomers has repeatedly employed derogatory rhetoric, referring to the LGBTQ+ community as groomers and alleging that they are actively involved in nefarious activity with kids. These claims have raised concerns and sparked widespread outrage within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Meta, however, seemingly has done little to curb this. Its an age-old problem that weve seen with Meta, Media Matters research director Kayla Gogarty told The Advocate. One of my biggest concerns is that theyre seeing Elon Musks kind of backsliding on enforcement and things like that [and] theyre seeing that almost as a permission structure for them to also backslide. After Musk acquired Twitter in October last year, he promptly fired much of the platforms trust and safety team, responsible for content moderation. Since then, Musk has removed safeguards that protect transgender people and even wrote that he considered the word cisgender as a slur on his social media site. Gays Against Groomers Employs Groomer Libel Meanwhile, on April 28, Gays Against Groomers posted on Instagram, asserting that LGBTQ+ people are actively grooming kids into the Rainbow Cult, seemingly citing a report that indicated 1 in 4 high school students identifies as LGBTQ. The group implied that this statistic resulted from LGBTQ+ individuals grooming children. Further, the organization shared a TikTok video depicting children celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride, labeling it an indoctrination ceremony. The caption on the post claimed that Indoctrinated kids are groomed kids. The groups rhetoric didnt stop there. They also criticized a clip from Sesame Street celebrating Pride, accusing it of grooming children for sexual orientation and sexual preference. The caption characterized the video as teaching toddlers about sex and grooming, point blank. Gays Against Groomers attacked Target for promoting LGBTQ+ clothing and products aimed at children, even calling for a boycott of the retail giant. The group replaced the Target sign with the word groomers in an image, claiming they would no longer allow these companies to pervert our youth and groom them into the Gender Cult. These allegations have been met with strong opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations. Many have criticized Gays Against Groomers for spreading baseless claims and harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people and their supportive initiatives. Medical organizations have also debunked their assertion that gender dysphoria is a social contagion. Who are Gays Against Groomers? Despite Gays Against Groomers self-presentation as a grassroots coalition dedicated to protecting children, Media Matters revealed that this group is composed of right-wing individuals with established ties to such organizations, linking the groups founder, Jaimee Michell, and its former chair and co-founder, David Leatherwood, to right-wing firms and figures. After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed a widely criticized homophobic video attacking former President Donald Trump, a conflict within GAG resulted in Leatherwood leaving the organization over Michells continued support for DeSantis. Nonetheless, in a recent Instagram post on June 10, the group claimed to be a volunteer-driven, grassroots effort, stating, No one has pocketed a dime, and we have had zero big donors. Gays Against Groomers Employs Mental Health Disinformation Gays Against Groomers has also repeatedly targeted transgender people with claims of mental deficiencies, the report found. On May 4, Gays Against Groomers posted a video featuring the groups New York chapter leader, who alleged that therapists are manipulating parents and the children while asserting that transgender people have a mental disorder. The videos caption derided the speaker, contending, Chopping off body parts will not make you the opposite sex and will probably not solve your mental disorder. On April 21, the organization shared another video claiming that being transgender is a mental illness. The posts caption, which referenced an image of a transgender person in an advertisement, contended that mental illness should not be celebrated as if it is something to aspire to be like. And that is exactly what this poster is. Also, on April 11, Gays Against Groomers posted a screenshot of a tweet suggesting that trans is the new emo, with a controversial comparison. The post also promoted GAG merchandise for sale alongside these statements. Furthermore, the group used the tragic Nashville, Tenn., school shooting on March 28, 2023, to make sweeping claims about transgender people, labeling them a monstrosity of a movement. Police reported at the time that the shooter identified as transgender. Gays Against Groomers recently called for a protest of a drag event in Wisconsin, and the group found themselves screaming at attendees as neo-Nazis wielding swastika flags joined in the groups cause. GAG disavowed the neo-Nazis before walking that back and claiming they could be part of a false flag operation. Metas Evaluation of the Gays Against Groomers Account In response to The Advocates inquiry, a Meta spokesperson affirmed the companys commitment to creating a safe and inclusive online space for the LGBTQ+ community. At Meta, we want to make sure our platforms are a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, and we work hard to allow people freedom of voice while ensuring we minimize harm. We have a long history of engaging with global LGBTQIA+ community groups, stakeholders, and advocacy organizations, and when we identify content that violates our policies, we take appropriate action, the spokesperson wrote in a statement. The statement also emphasized Metas dedication to addressing hate speech and harmful content, particularly when it targets LGBTQ+ people. The spokesperson said that examples from the Media Matters report cited by The Advocate in its inquiry were non-violating. They clarified, If someone were to use the term groomer as an attack against someone based on being part of the LGBTQ+ community, it violates our hate speech policies. Meta acknowledged that the online landscape can be adversarial, with groups and individuals continually evolving tactics to circumvent content moderation. The company underscored its ongoing efforts to evaluate and enhance its approach in collaboration with LGBTQ+ safety and advocacy organizations. The company said that in response to feedback from advocacy groups like GLAAD, Meta disclosed that it had removed interest topics perceived as sensitive, including those related to sexual orientation and gender identities other than cisgender, as part of its comprehensive set of policies and safeguards. GLAAD called out Meta's actions concerning Gays Against Groomers on Monday. According to a statement released by GLAAD, Meta suspended the Gays Against Groomers's Facebook page last week only to restore it later, asserting that the initial suspension was made in "error." GLAAD emphasized that such platforms should uphold their policies to ensure user safety and maintain a hate-free online environment. Weve seen loopholes in enforcement from Meta in the past, Gogarty of Media Matters said, unimpressed with Meta's response. I unfortunately dont expect that to change here. As a historic medical price transparency bill is battling its way through Washington, D.C., Method Man , Rick Ross , Busta Rhymes , Chuck D , Fat Joe , and French Montana team up with Power to the Patients to deliver a PSA on medical transparency. Hip-hop has joined the medical price transparency chat. On Friday, ahead of a congressional vote on healthcare transparency bills in Washington D.C., Method Man, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Fat Joe, and French Montana released a timely public service announcement about medical price transparency by Power to the Patients. (Right to left) Method Man, Rick Ross, and Busta Rhymes are among the rappers who have combined forces to speak out about medical price transparency in a new PSA out now by Power to the Patients. (Photo credit: Getty/Canva) The PSA, which is a video being shared across social media, features the rappers speaking about the issue at hand and hip-hops role since its conception 50 years ago in voicing the struggles of the marginalized. Over the course of the minute-long video, the men break down how many U.S. patients are subjected to costly medical expenses without receiving all of their options for care. Today, we confront a healthcare system thats been rigged against all of us. Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices, the rappers said in a joint statement. They added, Stifling competition. Overcharging without accountability, and we cant pay. These same contracts allow them to take everything we own, creating so much fear that millions and millions of Americans refuse to enter a hospital. Our health and our lives at stake. This is an American humanitarian crisis. The video ends with the rappers demanding price transparency in healthcare. Earlier this month, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, to address price transparency, prescription drug costs and workforce investment. While the bill has support from both sides of the aisle, the American Hospital Association (AHA) expressed apprehension in a letter. The AHA has serious concerns about the added regulatory burdens on hospitals and health systems from the provisions to codify the Hospital Price Transparency Rule and to establish unique identifiers for off-campus hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), AHA officials wrote. If the bill were to pass and the medical industry moved into the norm of briefing patients about the cost of treatment and medications before strapping them with bills, many would be empowered to take control over their healthcare costs. Presently, healthcare debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in America, with roughly $88 billion in collections throughout the country. Meanwhile, according to the Patients Rights Advocate, only 36% of hospitals in the country are compliant with the current Federal Price Transparency Rule. Last week, the Biden Adminstration also announced new regulations to ban healthcare debt from credit scores. If the regulations are taken on, they would help millions of Americans free up and protect their credit scores. No one in this country should have to go into debt to get the quality health care they need, said Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced the new moves along with Rohit Chopra, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrios Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to Writing Black with Maiysha Kai. The post Method Man, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, and more rappers join medical price transparency PSA appeared first on TheGrio. By Jose Gonzalez and Laura Gottesdiener CIUDAD JUAREZ (Reuters) -Trade across the U.S.-Mexican border has been slowed over the past week as U.S. authorities have shut down crossings and imposed extra security checks amid an increase in migration, sparking concern in Mexico. About 8,000 trailers carrying an estimated $1 billion worth of goods have been stranded on the Mexican side over the past week, said Manuel Sotelo, president of the transport association of Ciudad Juarez, a major manufacturing hub across from El Paso, Texas. Some companies were sending merchandise through entry points in New Mexico and Arizona to avoid the long wait times at the Texas border, Sotelo told Reuters on Monday. The delays forced a Canadian snowmobile and off-road vehicle manufacturer to suspend production on Monday and Tuesday at three factories in Ciudad Juarez that employ some 9,000 people. "Due to the waiting times on the international bridges in Ciudad Juarez, we have had a significant reduction in the volume of units that we can export daily," the Quebec-based company, BRP, said in a statement. Jesus Salayandia, a representative of the Mexican industry association Canacintra, said he expected other companies in Ciudad Juarez would announce temporary work stoppages if the long wait times at the border continue. U.S. border authorities suspended cargo processing at one of El Paso's international bridges last week to shift officers to process more migrant arrivals. Some 500 northbound trucks normally cross that bridge each day, though only 40% are carrying cargo into the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in response to a Reuters request for comment. It added that "suspending services there would have the least total impact on our trade partners." Texas authorities also began conducting enhanced vehicle inspections of commercial trucks and trailers at the city's other two bridges. The moves prompted Mexico's foreign ministry to urge U.S. authorities not to take "unilateral measures" complicating trade. Truck drivers in Mexico told Reuters they had to wait hours to clear the bridges. In addition to the slowdown for trucks and trailers, some 2,400 Union Pacific railroad cars were also stalled after border officials temporarily halted processing at the international railway crossing bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday. Union Pacific told Reuters it expected to finish working through the backlog by Tuesday morning. It declined to estimate the financial impact. Some cargo train service was also disrupted in Mexico, when Ferromex temporarily suspended the operations of some 60 northbound trains last week after about a half dozen migrants were injured or died. Previous slowdowns at U.S.-Mexico border crossings have resulted in billions of dollars in total losses, according to analyses by the Texas-based economic research group, The Perryman Group. It estimated that the last such slowdown, in April 2022, represented a daily loss to GDP of $996.3 million dollars. (Reporting by Jose Luis Gonzalez and Laura Gottesdiener in Monterrey, Additional reporting Isabel Woodford in Mexico City; Editing by Sonali Paul) A migrant attempts to cross the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Thursday. Photo by Adam Davis/EPA-EFE Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Mexico will deport certain migrants from some of its northern border cities as part of an agreement with U.S. immigration officials who have reported a sharp increase of migrants attempting to cross the border in recent weeks, according to Mexico's immigration enforcement authority. Mexico's National Migration Institute said it wants to "depressurize" the border cities of Ciudad Juarez, Piedras Negras, Tijuana and the northern state of Tamaulipas, where large numbers of migrants have recently crossed the border and where U.S. Border Patrol agents have arrested thousands of them. The institute didn't say when the deportations will begin or how long they will last, adding that it will first negotiate with Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia and Cuba to make sure those countries will receive its citizens. "It should be noted that CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] representatives offered the Mexican authorities all technical assistance to address the immigration issue at airports or other inspection points such as trains to reduce the numbers of people who use these mobility routes," the institute said in a statement. The statement also said Mexican immigration officials will take into custody migrants who have been expelled by the United States at an international bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez. The agreement was announced after Mexican and American officials met in Juarez on Friday. Officials with Ferromex, Mexico's largest rail operator, were part of the meeting; hundreds of migrants have arrived at the border after hopping aboard freight cars. "We are continuing to work closely with our partners in Mexico to increase security and address irregular migration along our shared border," said CBP acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller, who attended the meeting. "The United States and Mexico remain committed to stemming the flow of irregular migration driven by unscrupulous smugglers, while maintaining access to lawful pathways." The move comes as Eagle Pass and El Paso have scrambled to find shelter for recently arrived migrants, or help them get transportation out of the border cities, after they have been processed and released by immigration officials. On Saturday, CBP said that it reopened a port of entry to rail and vehicular traffic in Eagle Pass; agents had closed it on Wednesday to help process the hundreds of migrants who were waiting to be processed under the bridge. CBP said in a statement last week that it "swiftly vetted and processed approximately 2,500 individuals into custody and cleared the area" under one of the Eagle Pass' international bridges on Thursday. Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr. told CNN that on Friday, immigration agents apprehended between 800 and 1,000 migrants in Eagle Pass. In August, federal agents encountered an average of 957 migrants each day in the Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, according to government data. In El Paso, more than 2,000 migrants have arrived each day, Mayor Oscar Leeser said in a news conference on Saturday afternoon. That's nearly double the 1,073 daily encounters that the El Paso sector, which includes New Mexico, recorded in August, according to government data. As of Monday, immigration agents were releasing 1,200 migrants per day into the city, according to the city's website. That's up from between 300 to 400 migrants per day just six weeks ago, the mayor said. The city has come to "a breaking point," Leeser said. "We're preparing for the unknown." On Saturday, the city opened an overflow shelter at the Nations Tobin Recreation Center, which can hold 400 individuals, Deputy City Manager Mario D'Agostino said at the news conference. Last week, the El Paso Independent School District's board agreed to sell a vacant middle school building to the city for $3.8 million for use as an overflow shelter. The city council will vote on the purchase on Monday. Officials for three shelters in downtown El Paso said the facilities are at capacity and have had to turn away single men in order to shelter women and children first. The shelters can house up to 450 people. "We're now at numbers that none of us have ever seen," Blake Barrow, CEO of the Rescue Mission El Paso, said during a news conference on Friday. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said the large number of migrants who arrived in Eagle Pass last week was a tactic by organized crime to draw immigration agents' focus to that region to make it easier to smuggle drugs elsewhere on the border. "I believe it's a money-making opportunity for those smugglers," he said during an interview with ABC News on Good Morning America. In the months after the emergency health order known as Title 42, which immigration officials used to turn away many migrants at the border, expired on May 11, the number of migrant apprehensions dropped significantly. But in the past few weeks, the number has skyrocketed. According to CBS News, which cited unpublished federal government data, immigration officials on average made 6,900 apprehensions per day along the southern border in the first 20 days of September -- a 60% increase from the daily average in July. Many of the migrants are from Venezuela who are fleeing the country to escape an authoritarian government, death threats from organized crime and a collapsed economy. Last week, the Biden administration announced it will allow Venezuelans who entered the United States on or before July 31 to receive temporary protected status, a program Congress approved in 1990 that allows undocumented people to get a work permit and defer deportation for 18 months. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. A Michigan board awarded $65 million on Tuesday for site improvements at a Marshall-area development intended for a massive Ford plant, one day after the automaker announced it would pause work on the touted and scrutinized project. The money is one of several signs state officials anticipate Ford will resume work at the site soon, potentially once the Dearborn-based company reaches a labor agreement with the UAW. However, a key economic development official said even in an unlikely scenario that Ford withdraws from the Marshall project, the site is still likely to attract a different large plant or factory. I believe that this pause is temporary, said Quentin Messer, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, citing the strike and negotiations. The Michigan Strategic Fund board approved $65 million on Tuesday to improve 800 acres very close to the main portion of a Marshall megasite, currently slated for a massive Ford plant. On Monday, a Ford spokesman told the Free Press the company would pause work effective immediately on the project, slated for a $3.5 billion investment from the company with the promise of creating roughly 2,500 jobs. He did not elaborate on the timing of the decision, saying work would stop only until were confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant. More: Unifor members ratify 3-year contract with Ford that includes wage, pension gains More: It's not your imagination: Ford logo on 2024 F-150 pickup is new, redesigned Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and many other lawmakers worked to provide more than $1.7 billion in public subsidies for Ford in order to help ensure the plant is successful. The new money approved Tuesday increases that total to roughly $1.8 billion in tax dollars. A Whitmer spokesman offered similar comments as Messers on Monday, suggesting Ford would proceed with work after the strike. Jim Durian, CEO of local organization Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, said in a statement late Monday he's confident the project moves foward after Ford and the UAW reach an agreement. In a new statement Tuesday, he applauded deploying additional funds at the site. People walk downtown Marshall on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.The controversial construction of the Ford EV plant less than 5 miles from this area has some of the town divided on the support of the factory that is supposed to bring 3,000 jobs to the area. Investment in this campus now will allow us to have a site ready for future suppliers and new businesses and that means even more local jobs in Marshall long into the future, Durian said. We are confident Fords BlueOval Battery Park will be a magnet for new investment and will spark new small businesses and we applaud state and local leaders for helping to ensure the vehicles of the future are built here in Michigan and the advanced manufacturing facilities of the future are built here in Michigan. After President Joe Biden visited UAW members at a GM parts facility near Willow Run Airport on Tuesday, union President Shawn Fain was asked about Fords decision to pause work in Marshall. I just think the Marshall decision yesterday or the Marshall threat as Ill call it is just more of the same from the companies. They closed 65 plants, the Big Three have in the last 20 years, and this is just a testament to how they operate," Fain said. "And Its a shame when all their workers are asking for is their share of dignity in the workplace, that this is the type of thing they have to deal with in bargaining. Its unfortunate." The Michigan Strategic Fund board, an entity that has the authority to approve funding projects pursued by Messers organization, voted 11-1 in favor of the funding. But one member, Wes Eklund, voted against providing the money. Board Member Dan Meyering also questioned the need to send the money now, given Fords announced work stoppage. This specific money is for the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance to acquire and improve 800 acres of land for possible supplier park adjacent to the main Ford megasite, a massive plot just west of downtown Marshall. As Messer explained Tuesday, the land may be used by Ford, but its largely intended for others companies that may assist with Fords work on the larger site. Glenn Kowalske, of Marshall, points out on a map on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the location of part of the 3,000 acres of land Ford has bought to construct a new EV battery plant. The Kowalskes are two of many in the small town not happy with Ford Motor Company moving forward on their EV battery plant. The opportunity here before us is to support infrastructure development that is independent of Ford. I can tell you that even up until earlier this week, we have gotten inquiries for companies that not only were looking at co-locating with Ford. But if ... in the highly, highly, highly unlikely chance Ford was not to continue, they would have sufficient wherewithal to continue on this site, Messer said. I think the risk of this potentially being something that is dormant is highly, highly unlikely. Work at the main Marshall megasite began months ago, with construction equipment clearing away what was once largely farmland. The Michigan Department of Transportation has already spent more than $575,000 on preliminary engineering work and temporary improvements for traffic safety along the main road outside the site, a spokesman told the Free Press on Tuesday. While many local businesses and residents support the project, many do not. Those that oppose it, for a variety of reasons, do so largely because of the changes it would bring to the community. Some championed the news Monday of the stoppage, they had broader concerns about Ford either restarting work or another company moving onto the site. Free Press staff writers Clara Hendrickson and Eric Lawrence contributed to this report. Contact Dave Boucher: dboucher@freepress.com and on X, previously called Twitter, @Dave_Boucher1. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan board OKs $65M for Marshall site 1 day after Ford pause Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith (D) on Tuesday announced she has tested positive for COVID-19. I tested positive for COVID this morning after developing mild symptoms Sunday night, Smith said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Ill stay here in Minnesota while following CDC guidelines. Smiths positive test comes as the Senate moves toward critical votes this week on legislation to prevent a government shutdown. The Senate is likely to need 60 votes on a series of procedural motions to move toward passing a stopgap measure later this week. Its unclear how critical Smiths vote might be, though Democrats in general have a narrow majority in the Senate of 51-49. Their majority includes independent Sens. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) and Angus King (Maine). The Senate is working to craft a short-term government funding measure ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline for funding the government. A big question is whether the measure will include significant amounts of money for the war in Ukraine or disaster relief. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Premier calls for elevating ties with Nepal 09:07, September 26, 2023 By CAO DESHENG ( China Daily Premier Li Qiang meets with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in Beijing on Sept 25. [Photo/Xinhua] Li emphasizes improving connectivity during talks with Prachanda in Beijing Premier Li Qiang called on Monday for China and Nepal to strengthen high-quality cooperation on joint building of the Belt and Road, with an emphasis on mutual connectivity, to take bilateral relations to a higher level. Li made the remarks during his talks in Beijing with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who is on an eight-day official visit to China and attended the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Saturday. Li said that China and Nepal have always respected, trusted and supported each other with fruitful cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations nearly 70 years ago, setting an example of big and small countries treating each other as equals and pursuing win-win cooperation. China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, consolidate and expand practical cooperation, and continuously elevate China-Nepal relations to a higher level, he said. The premier said that China will continue to firmly support Nepal in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underlined the need for both countries to improve connectivity in terms of ports, roads, railways and aviation, and accelerate the construction of an interconnecting network across the Himalayas. China is willing to increase imports of high-quality agricultural products from Nepal and encourage more Chinese companies to participate in Nepal's development of industrial capacity, agriculture and infrastructure, Li said. Prachanda congratulated China on successfully hosting the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, and also highly appreciated China's achievements in economic and social development. He said that Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will not allow any force to use the Nepalese territory for anti-China activities. Nepal supports China's Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure interconnectivity, economy and trade as well as cultural exchanges, jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order, he added. After their meeting, Li and Prachanda witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, digital economy, and green and low-carbon development. On Monday morning, the premier also met with visiting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Li said that China will continue to support Syria in its reconstruction and development efforts, and is willing to work with Syria to uphold international fairness and justice. Assad said that Syria is willing to work with China to implement the BRI, further deepen cooperation in various fields and safeguard the common interests of both countries. Also on Monday, Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, met with Prachanda and Assad in Beijing. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A Fayetteville man reported missing and endangered Wednesday, and described in the state missing person alert as cognitively impaired, was found Thursday morning after a Ramsey Street bank reported a robbery. Tyrone Ernell Hinton, 44, remained without bail in the Cumberland County jail Monday on charges of common law robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen goods, according to the charging document. The arrest warrant affidavit alleges that Hinton walked into the PNC bank at 454 Ramsey St., about 10 a.m. Thursday and told a clerk, "This is a stick-up. Give me $200." The teller then alerted a co-worker and Hinton allegedly repeated the request. After giving the man $20, Hilton left, the affidavit said. Hinton was reportedly outside the bank when the police arrived. Officers allegedly found the stolen $20 bill in his pocket. Related: Suspect arrested in Thursday morning Fayetteville bank robbery 'He just won't quit.' Federal prison and court records show that Hinton was released from prison Sept. 15 after serving 13 years for the 2009 robbery of a BB&T bank on Bragg Boulevard. Five days after his release on Sept. 20, his mother reported him missing, the Sheriff's Office incident report shows. She could not be reached for comment. According to court records, the 2009 BB&T robbery came a week after Hinton was released from prison, having served three years for a robbery of the same bank in 2006. In both those cases, he was found to either have brandished a knife or had a knife in his possession, the records show. The affidavit on the latest charge doesn't mention a weapon. Related: Missing Cumberland County man found safe Federal court records indicate Hinton is diagnosed with schizophrenia and at least twice, the federal proceedings were delayed after he was found not competent to stand trial. After being detained under psychiatric care and medicated, he pleaded guilty to both robberies, the record shows. At the time of his sentencing for the 2009 BB&T robbery, the prosecutor noted a pattern to Hinton's lawlessness. "The only thing that seems to be effective in keeping Mr. Hinton from committing bank robberies with knives is to put him into prison and to have his medication available to him there. Otherwise, he's going to be out on the street," Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Murphy said, according to a transcript of the hearing. "He's cooperative with the government, but he just won't quit." F.T. Norton can be reached at fnorton@fayobserver.com. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Tyrone Hinton charged in Fayetteville bank robbery after reported missing Low water levels expose patches of sand on the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee, US, on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Low water levels expose patches of sand on the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee, US, on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. New Orleans has faced more than its fair share of environmental crises. But this time, a massive drought has the Crescent City bracing for impact. On Friday, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued an emergency declaration warning that low water levels in the Mississippi River could impact drinking water in Orleans Parish. Cantrell joined other local officials and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards in calling attention to the impending crisis. Read more The potential drinking water crisis in yet another majority-Black community highlights the escalating threat of climate change to Black Americans, an issue that Black New Orleanians are already far too familiar with post-Katrina. For now, the drinking water in New Orleans Parish is still being deemed safe, according to the the Mayors Office. However, experts are desperately hoping that the situation in the Mississippi River will turn around before it reaches a crisis point. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Mississippis state auditor has proposed cutting funding to degree programs at public universities that his office says lead to fewer graduates finding jobs in the state. In a report released Wednesday, State Auditor Shad White proposed curbing taxpayer funding to college degree programs such as anthropology, African American studies and women and gender studies that produced graduates who were not paid well and did not usually work in Mississippi after leaving college. Instead, in an effort to stem Mississippis labor shortage and brain drain, the report recommends funding for degree programs should be considered alongside the states workforce needs. Some programslike Womens Studies, African American/Black Studies, German Language and Literatureplaced so few graduates in Mississippi jobs that analysts could not calculate a statistically significant median salary for those graduates, the report states. Yet the state invests just as much, per student, in these programs as in Electrical Engineering or Registered Nurse programs. Graduating more students from high-paying degree programs and then retaining even a small number of them would inject millions of additional dollars into Mississippis economy, the report states. The auditors analysis used data obtained from state schools and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Of the degree fields examined, those graduating with health care-related or education degrees were more likely to work in Mississippi and earn more money than graduates in general fields, according to the report. In a series of posts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, White reiterated his offices position, writing in one post, Degrees in garbage fields are also bad for the economy because they produce graduates who offer no real skills. By all means, go take that Latinx Environmental Justice class in Urban Studies. Just dont ask taxpayers to pay for it, he wrote in the post. The state auditors report concludes by urging Mississippi state leaders to consider reallocating funding to public colleges and universities to address the states brain drain. The Legislature should create a study committee of workforce experts to outline the most- and least-needed programs and design a university funding structure with this in mind. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The parents of Miya Marcano, who was abducted from her UCF-area apartment by a worker and killed two years ago, have filed a lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriffs Office over failings in its initial investigation into her disappearance. The suit, filed Monday in Orange County circuit court by Marlon Marcano and Yma Su-Ling Scarbriel, accuses the agency and deputies Samir Paulino and Kenneth Dale of negligence and violating Miya Marcanos civil rights. Michelle Guido, a spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office, declined to respond to the lawsuit, saying the agency does not comment on pending litigation. An internal investigation led to the suspensions of Paulino, the deputy who first responded to Marcanos apartment at Arden Villas, and Dale, his supervisor, finding that they failed to act urgently after the young womans family reported her missing. Marcano, a 19-year-old Valencia College student, was killed by Armando Caballero, a maintenance worker who used a master key to access her apartment. Her disappearance was reported Sept. 24, 2021, after she missed a flight to Fort Lauderdale to visit family. Marcanos loved ones cried out to Paulino and the OCSO for assistance and to save Miyas life, their lawsuit states. Miya died as Paulino, Dale and the OCSO failed to timely respond with assistance and experienced sheriff deputies to fully investigate the family of Miya Marcanos life-threatening call. Her body was found Oct. 2, 2021, bound with duct tape near the dilapidated Tymber Skan apartments. Caballero was found dead by suicide at the Sabal Club Apartments in unincorporated Longwood days before her body was discovered. A final OCSO report on the case showed Paulino seemed to dismiss evidence found by a security guard at Arden Villas and family members suggesting Marcano was in danger, such as a set of shelves wedged against the door to her bedroom. Window locks Marcanos father had installed were missing, broken jewelry was strewn on the floor and her luggage sat next to her desk. There was also blood found on one of her pillowcases, later confirmed to be hers and Caballeros, the report said. Deputy Paulino did not inform anyone about the evidence of a potential crime he observed inside of Miyas apartment, the lawsuit says. The deputy continued to disregard signs after he returned to Arden Villas after midnight and again just before 5 a.m., despite witnessing a heated exchange between Marcanos family members and Caballero, who the suit says returned to the complex with visible injuries. At no time did Paulino ask for permission to search Caballeros vehicle, the suit says. Sheriff John Mina, who initially defended his deputies handling of the case, has said that Marcano was likely dead and left at Tymber Skan before she was ever reported missing. Her family has questioned that noting that duct tape found on her body suggests she was taken from Arden Villas alive. In their suit, they argue deputies reluctance to respond with urgency was harmful whether or not her life could have been saved. Deputy Paulino and Corporal Dales seriously impeded the investigation of Miyas disappearance by their failure to act, the suit alleges, adding that greater urgency would have at a minimum led to the discovery of Miya much sooner. Paulino was given a 150-hour suspension for unsatisfactory performance as a result of the OCSO investigation and Dale was suspended for 10 hours for violating policy. Guido said Tuesday that both remain with the agency. Dale, who joined OCSO in 2014, is in the agencys criminal investigations division and Paulino, who was hired in 2020, is in the patrol division. Marcanos killing spurred the passage of Miyas Law, which seeks to make apartments safer by requiring employee background checks, a log of who has access to apartments and 24-hour notice to tenants before staff enter a unit for non-emergency repairs. A small but significant number of moderate GOP lawmakers are plotting a path toward potentially working with Democrats to fund the government past Sept. 30 and combat a shutdown. At least three Republicans Reps. Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Don Bacon (Neb.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.) have expressed an openness to joining Democrats in signing a discharge petition, a mechanism to force a vote on a measure against the wishes of the Speaker. Four members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus introduced a bill Friday that reflects the groups framework for a short-term stopgap funding measure. Fitzpatrick suggested Sunday that lawmakers could use a discharge petition to compel a vote on that legislation. Five Republicans would need to join their partys leaders in order to force action with Democrats. Members of two other centrist blocs the Republican Governance Group and New Democrat Coalition have also been in touch about other ways to keep the government open, including through a continuing resolution, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Signing an opposing partys discharge petition would be an act of political mutiny, so the increased public conversation and support surrounding the break-the-glass option underscores the pressure lawmakers are under as they race to prevent an end-of-month shutdown after the House GOP flailed on multiple spending fronts last week. Were going to do whatever it takes to get that bill on the floor, Fitzpatrick said of his bipartisan bill on CNNs State of the Union Sunday. And we have multiple options. A discharge petition is one, one of several options. And a group of us met with the parliamentarian this past week to discuss all the options we have to force a vote on our bill. The talk of working with Democrats also reflects the struggle Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has had in quelling turmoil within his fractious conference. But triggering the last-ditch option could spell trouble for the Speaker as hard-liners heighten their threats to confiscate his gavel if he works with Democrats to keep the lights on in Washington. If Speaker McCarthy relies on Democrats to pass a continuing resolution, I would call the Capitol moving truck to his office pretty soon, because my expectation would be hed be out of the Speakers office quite promptly, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) told reporters last week. Gaetz, who has said he will never support a continuing resolution, also aired a warning to centrist Republicans mulling a discharge petition. If Republican moderates want to go team up with Democrats and sign a discharge petition to take over the floor with Democrats, well, theyll be signing their own political death warrant, and theyll be handing it to their executioner, Gaetz said. While a discharge petition would not be able to avert a shutdown at this juncture, it could help end one. The blueprint moderates are eyeing would fund the government at current spending levels until Jan. 11, 2024. It also includes $24 billion for Ukraine and $16 billion for disaster relief and would give the Biden administration the ability to expel migrants who enter the country illegally. Additionally, the legislation calls for a commission to address and stabilize the federal debt. Bacon told The Hill last week that he would sign a discharge petition if it is to force a vote on the bipartisan legislation, and Fitzpatrick told CNN over the weekend that all options are on the table to get the bill to the floor. Lawler who along with Fitzpatrick and Bacon represent districts President Biden won in 2020 said he believes at least five Republicans would be willing to join the effort. Ive sat through hours of meetings and negotiations with these folks over the last 72 hours, and they continually move the goalposts, Lawler told Hugh Hewitts radio show last week of Republicans refusing to support a stopgap bill. As Ive said, they dont know how to take yes for an answer, they dont know how to define a win, they dont know how to work as a team, and so ultimately were left in a position where responsible people need to be the adults in the room. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) last week said he did not have an opportunity to fully evaluate the framework from the bipartisan group, and would not comment on the terms. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), another moderate, would not explicitly throw his support behind the undertaking Friday but also did not close the door on the prospect. Theres a lot of good, potential remedies to next Friday or Saturday short of a shutdown, and well be looking at those more closely when we get closer to the date, Joyce said. To be sure, using a discharge petition to force a vote on a bipartisan stopgap bill is a long-shot option. Republicans, as a whole, have been weary to endorse the procedural maneuver. And it has strict requirements and time constraints. All House Democrats 213 members signed on to a discharge petition in May, which leaders circulated as a way to force a vote on legislation to raise the debt limit and avoid an economic default. The escape hatch, however, was never used, meaning lawmakers can use the same petition and all its signatures to advance a government funding bill. Even the signature of former Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), who resigned from his post in June to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, is still viable. But the petition is not ripe just yet. At least five Republicans have to sign the petition, which would bring the number of signatures to the required number of 218. Once that happens, the petition would be referred to the discharge calendar. After seven legislative days, a member can call a motion to consider the discharge petition, which must take place on the House floor within two legislative days. Were ready to go, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) told reporters last week of a discharge petition. We need five Republicans, and were ready to go. The last successful discharge petition was in 2015, when lawmakers forced a vote on a bill to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. Before that, a discharge petition hadnt allowed a bill to hit the floor since 2002, when the House voted on the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. McCarthy for now is denying that he has any concerns about his members teaming up with Democrats. I believe we have a majority here and we can work together to solve this, McCarthy told reporters Friday. This is the same place you were all asking me during the debt ceiling. So you know what, it might take us a little longer, but this is important. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. HOPEWELL Documents filed by the woman suing a Hopewell city councilor over a disputed GoFundMe account are shedding new light on what until now had been a war of claims and denials. BriOnna Taylor is suing Ward 7 Councilor Dominic Holloway for $5,600 that those documents say were part of an unaccounted-for amount in the GoFundMe account he set up for her family following her daughter's murder last December. The papers, obtained by The Progress-Index Monday morning, were ordered by a General District Court judge to be filed on or before Sept. 22. Taylor told The Progress-Index she filed them on Sept. 14, the same day that the final suspect in the Dec. 30, 2022, shooting of P'Aris Mi-Unique Angel Moore was arrested in New York. The judge also ordered a copy of those records to be given to Holloway and gave the councilor until Oct. 10 to file his defense grounds. The trial is set for Oct. 25 in Hopewell General District Court. Eight-year-old PAris was killed as she played with friends at a residence on Freeman Street in east Hopewell. Three people two adults and a juvenile have been charged with first-degree murder in her death. Holloway, a relative of the family, created a GoFundMe account for Taylor and her family within a day of the shooting, before he was sworn in as a council member. The account raised a total of $15,677. The records filed by Taylor indicate Holloway made three payments to Taylor through CashApp totaling $6,200 in January and February, and claimed he was waiting on GoFundMe to send him the rest of the money. Taylor said she reached out to GoFundMe about the claims and was told everything had been dispersed. However, because the account was in Holloways name and not hers, she had waived the companys beneficiary guarantee. In a handwritten statement accompanying Taylors court filings, she wrote, I was told by Dominic that I could not have the GoFundMe in my name. A GoFundMe representative encouraged Taylor in a text message to contact your local police department [and] GoFundMe will cooperate with any investigation deemed necessary. That message was included in Taylor's filing. GoFundMe later took down the account and told The Progress-Index it had suspended Holloway as an account administrator. Taylors statement said she asked Holloway again what happened to the money and was told that he paid $1,600 to the Sunlight Elks Lodge in Hopewell to cater a post-funeral repast for the family. However, he could not account for the remaining $5,600. Taylors statement said Holloway finally told her on March 24 that child support took it, referring to the $5,600. However, he claimed he was waiting for a refund of that amount to give her. He also reportedly told her the requests seeking that refund were made in a phone that he no longer had in his possession. The filings included screenshots of text messages between Taylor and Holloway who she referred to as Woody asking about the refund. One of the chats took place during a City Council meeting in May. Call me in an hour, Holloway told Taylor. We are in City Council meeting. One day after the council meeting, Taylor texted Holloway to say she was going to sue him. Did you speak with child support? her text read. Im sure that was a lie anyway. See you in court! Holloways response: See me in court? Ok. I know I havent done anything wrong." Taylor filed the lawsuit in June. She said in the statement she did so because the community, family and friends donated everything. Holloway has not commented publicly on the lawsuit. The documents he was ordered to submit by Oct. 10 will be his first statements on the case. Should he miss that deadline, or if Taylor had missed her deadline, Judge Craig Dunkum of Henrico County said the opposing party would be allowed to ask for a judgement in the case without evidence being presented. Dunkum was brought in after Hopewell's district judges recused themselves because City Council is responsible for part of the court's funding. More: Hopewell councilor used city card to buy almost $700 in food. What was it for? 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: Plaintiff in Hopewell GoFundMe lawsuit files claims with court NEW CITY A Monsey landlord is being hit with fines topping $23,000 for illegal conversions of two houses into overcrowded multiple rooms that provided unsafe living conditions for migrants, Rockland and Clarkstown officials said. Sholamei Koppel, 29, faces a county government fine of $23,000 for operating an illegal boarding house at 8 W. Funston St. in Spring Valley and potentially thousands of dollars more in fines from Clarkstown for illegally adding rooms and operating a boarding house at 295 New Hempstead Road in New City. 295 New Hempstead Road in New City, where 31 migrants, including children, were recently discovered in the 1,500-square-foot home Sept. 18, 2023 in New City. In the Clarkstown case, Koppel appeared Tuesday morning before state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Zugibe. The judge approved a preliminary injunction sought by Clarkstown ordering Koppel to revert the house back to single-family use and prohibiting him from using the building as a boarding house. Complaint: Clarkstown seeks removal of overcrowded conditions The agreement reached between Clarkstown and Koppel also empowers the town to make unannounced inspections of the property for the next 12 months. Zugibe ordered another court appearance for Oct. 12 to make the injunction permanent. The case moves to Clarkstown Justice Court, where the town will ask a town justice to issue fines for multiple fire, safety, and zoning violations, Clarkstown Deputy Town Attorney Kevin Conway said. Supervisor George Hoehmann said the town could seek $10,000 in fines for at least eight violations. Each one is subject to up to $2,500 each, he said. Koppel may get two violations of $3,500 each for violating the town rental registry law, Hoehmann said.The violations include overcrowding, no smoke detectors, some construction, and partitioning off the areas into separate rooms "The fine will be substantial," Conway said, adding while the Supreme Court case was a civil action the violations in town court were criminal. "This is a very serious case and dangerous circumstances," Conway told Zugibe. He said 34 people were living in the house with bed sheets forming rooms and people "sleeping on top of each other." The exact number of people has fluctuated from 31 to 34. Hoehmann called 295 New Hempstead Road a "flophouse" as people came and went. Conway said the dangerous conditions have been remedied by removing the people a day after Zugibe issued his preliminary injunction on Sept. 19. Koppel's attorney Chris Riley of White Plains, stated in court papers and to Zugibe's questions that Koppel is not contesting the violations. He also acknowledged when asked by the judge that Koppel claims he had been unaware of the overcrowding and added bedrooms at the house. Riley and Koppel declined to comment after the court session. Clarkstown and county inspect houses Inspectors for a Rockland housing agency and the Clarkstown Building Department did separate investigations of houses owned on paper by Koppel. They both found houses violated multiple state fire and safety codes and endangered men, women, and children. At the Funston Street house, inspectors for the Rockland Office of Building and Codes found overcrowding and illegal conversions. In a house originally built with three bedrooms, inspectors found eight bedrooms and 16 beds. Officials said the inspectors are still trying to determine how many people are living in the house as the investigation found three people sharing one of the beds. In addition to overcrowding, violations found include blocked egresses, electrical hazards, illegal conversions, and missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Koppel, as the landlord on record, has 30 days to remedy and request a reinspection. Hoehmann and county officials said Koppel profited at the expense of poor people, who are Hispanic migrants who recently came to the county. Building and fire codes were designed to protect the welfare and safety of residents, visitors, and first responders and it is inhumane of landlords to put profit above people, Rockland County Executive Ed Day said. Day and Hoehmann said illegal housing and exploitation of poor people have become a major problem across the county. Traditionally, such illegal construction and fire and safety code violations have been associated predominantly with communities in Ramapo and Spring Valley, areas where the lack of enforcement has come under state scrutiny over decades. Conway said people living at the house on New Hempstead Road told police they were flown to New York from Texas. Neighbors told officials people were dropped off at the house by van under the cloak of darkness. The house residents told police an unknown party had paid their share of the rent to Koppel's management company, First Choice Property Management. The company could not be reached. Conway said the town was seeking contact information. Fire hazards, code issues: What we know about Clarkstown 'flophouse' ordered shut by judge Day, in a news release Monday, pushed the theme that New York "state and federal elected officials continue to ignore the tens of thousands of migrants being moved across the country illegally, into properties not complying with safety standards. Many people who crossed the nation's southwest border either seeking asylum or illegally have been bused to northern states and cities by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Rockland and New York City are involved in a legal battle over the city's attempt to house migrants in an Orangetown motel in Rockland. The city has placed migrants in seven other upstate counties. County Executive Ed Day, along with local Clarkstown officials, speaks at an emergency press conference after 31 migrants, including children, were recently discovered in a 1,500-square-foot home in Clarkstown, Sept. 18, 2023 in New City. I want our residents to know that we understand and share your frustration," Day said. "Illegal housing is becoming a major problem in this county. The sad reality is enforcement is only a Band-Aid and not solving the true cause of this issue that is getting increasingly worse if our state and federal elected officials continue to ignore the tens of thousands of migrants being moved across the country illegally, into properties not complying with safety standards. Day said he wrote a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James calling on her to investigate the organized movement of migrants across the country and state into dangerously overcrowded properties. Hoehmann said Clarkstown inspectors were looking at several other overcrowded houses in violation of fire and safety codes and town zoning. He cited the effects on schools, neighborhoods, and the costs of enforcement, as the town has hired additional inspectors to a Building Department topping 10 inspectors. Hoehmann said Koppel operated a "migrant flophouse" at 295 New Hempstead Road, where officials estimated dozens of people lived until the town raided the house. He said children were among those living in a garage, attic, and an unfinished basement. Hoehmann said Koppel, who he says owns a mansion-like home on Edwin Lane, dodged inspectors and gave evasive responses. When contacted last week by The Journal News/lohud, Koppel responded to questions during a phone call: "I think you should try to go find information from somewhere else." The purchase price of 295 New Hempstead Road was $470,000. The use of the property at the time of the sale is categorized as a one-family residential property. The house, on a one-acre plot, was described by Hoehmann as a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom Cape Cod. Koppel also owns two properties in Spring Valley, according to village assessment rolls: 194-196 Main St., a two-family residence, is listed to Shloima Koppel with a market value of $290,215; and 8 Funston Ave., a single-family residence, is listed to Shloma, spelled a different way, Koppel with a market value of $285,240. Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, along with County Executive Ed Day, Congressman Michael Lawler and local Clarkstown officials host an emergency press conference after 31 migrants, including children, were recently discovered in a 1,500-square-foot home in Clarkstown, Sept. 18, 2023 in New City. The unsafe housing issue lingers The migrant issue countywide affects services and schools, as well as endangers the people forced to live in substandard housing, Hoehmann said. Some of the migrants and others have been panhandling. You cant have people come here if they cant work and there are no places for them to live safely," Hoehmann said. Were finding this all over Clarkstown. I am delighted we were able to shut this down so quickly. The description of the New Hempstead Road property by officials underscored the risks: mattress upon mattress upon mattress were lined up in the garage; a small refrigerator, balanced atop a microwave, sat next to the small beds likely used for children. Electrical extension cords strewn around. The house lacked smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, as well as sprinklers mandated for a two-story multi-family dwelling under state building codes. Rockland assumed control of Spring Valley's Building Department on orders from the New York State Department of State, effective February 14, 2022. The county took control after decades of dysfunction and a lack of continuous inspections and enforcement of fire, safety, and zoning codes by village officials. The county took over nearly a year after two people, including Spring Valley firefighter Lt. Jared Lloyd, died in a massive fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley. Fatal fire: Electrical issues likely sparked the fatal Spring Valley fire, authorities say. What we know In March, five people, including two children died during an early morning fire that destroyed a two-family house at 118 S. Lake Street. The residents hailed from Guatemala. People were jumping out of windows to escape the smoke and flames. From left, Rockland County Building Inspector, Jack Lavalasse, Fire Inspector, Willer Franck and Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, Ed Markunas inspect a house next to a two-family house where there was a fatal fire on Lake St. in Spring Valley March 6, 2023. Under New York State law, three-family homes and above, commercial, and places of assembly are subject to mandatory inspections and fall under the jurisdiction of Rockland Building & Codes. Single and two-family homes are not subject to required inspections. The county inspectors obtained a search warrant to enter the property based on safety concerns and overcrowding. The Office of Buildings and Codes requests all interested parties submit complaints within the Village of Spring Valley by calling 845-364-3700 or emailing BuildingsAndCodes@co.rockland.ny.us. Rockland Codes Investigations requests all Sanitary Code Violations be reported to 845-364-2585 or by filing a report online. 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: Rockland County landlord faces fines for illegal housing for migrants Official warns that poor recordkeeping may inflate the numbers. A missing childrens crisis has engulfed the state of Ohio, as more than 1,000 kids have gone missing this year, according to reports. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost called the disappearances alarming. He told News 5 Cleveland, Yes, of course we are worried about that. Mary Williams talked this week about her grandson, Keshaun Williams, 15, who has been missing for three months. (Source: YouTube screen grab, News 5 Cleveland) The missing childrens issue exploded in May when nearly 30 children in northeast Ohio went missing in the first two weeks of the month, the New York Post reported. The newspaper reported that Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy said, Theres always peaks and valleys with missing persons, but this year it seems like an extraordinary year. Newburgh Heights is just over five miles south of Cleveland. While Yost remains concerned, he told the Post the numbers may be inflated due to reporting inconsistencies. He said the numbers include repeat runaways, and data isnt always correctly cataloged because of police department personnel shortages. Ohio, in conjunction with the University of Toledo, is trying to build a better reporting system to help locate missing kids. Law enforcement cant be everywhere and cant see everything, he told the Post. We rely on the people, the population, because we have 11.7 million pairs of eyes out there that can keep an eye out. Majoy, who also serves as president of Cleveland Missing, told the newspaper he believes most of the missing children have run away from home and have not been abducted. But he said he still worries about predators, whom he called wolves in sheeps clothing. Community members are joining to offer support and awareness of the missing childrens issue. Breana Brown told News 5 Cleveland that she started JUMP Join us in minors protection because As a community, I feel like we need to do more. The mother of four added, We have so many missing children, we want to prevent this from happening, so we need to buckle down. This is not a matter we should take lightly, not at all. The efforts dont make it easier for the parents of missing children. Sherice Snowdens son, Keshaun Williams, has been missing for three months. When talking to the television station, she had a simple message for her 15-year-old child. Keshaun, if youre watching this, please come home, she said. We are waiting for you to come home. You can come home, its OK. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post More than 1,000 Ohio children have gone missing this year appeared first on TheGrio. A recent poll reveals that an increasing number of Missouri voters consider their public schools to be of poor quality and highlights issues within the states struggling teacher pipeline. The annual poll, released in August by Saint Louis University and research firm YouGov, surveyed 900 Missouri voters about politics, schools and LGBTQ topics in education. Nearly a third of voters (29%) rated Missouri public schools as poor, markedly more than the 17% who did in June 2020. Gary Ritter, dean of the universitys school of education, said the fact that Missouri voters are losing confidence in their schools isnt a surprise its also a finding that is reflected in national studies. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Ritter said like others across the U.S., Missouri voters saw their faith in education erode through the pandemic, as districts have struggled with remote learning and academic loss. Weve had a peek into what goes on in crisis-mode school, when youre trying to figure out how to deal with a pandemic, Ritter told The 74. So folks are slightly less confident in school performance and school quality, just as I think any of us would have guessed. Missouri looks like the country in that way. Related St. Louis Schools Face One of the Steepest Post-Pandemic Climbs Anywhere The poll, which began in 2020, is conducted online about every six months with U.S. residents who have registered to participate in YouGov web surveys. It has a plus or minus margin of error of 4 percentage points. Most questions are similar each time and are about issues that are top priorities to Missourians. Saint Louis University The latest poll included more questions about teachers in general, said Ashley Burle, chief of operations and research fellow at Saint Louis University. One thing that I tried to connect is some of the issues related to teachers and more broadly connecting it to the teacher pipeline issues, Burle said. We know that there are issues that need to be addressed. There are things that need to be done to help the teacher pipeline get back on track, so Id love to see us kind of make that more clear connection between a lot of those points in the future polls. Just over half (51%) of voters said they have a great deal or a good amount of trust and confidence in Missouris public school teachers. Less than one-third (28%) of voters said they had some trust while the remaining voters either said no or werent sure. About 54% of voters viewed the K-12 teacher shortage as a problem in their community and a strong percentage of respondents (81%) think teacher salaries should increase. But only 35% said they would advise a young adult to become a teacher, while 45% said they wouldnt and 20% werent sure. Related Lawmakers Consider Boosting Missouri Public Education Funding by $300 Million The poll also conveys a slight openness to charter schools with 55% of respondents saying they believe charter schools should operate in all areas of the state and 52% saying they want them to operate in their own district. Ritter said currently most charter schools operate in the Kansas City or St. Louis metropolitan areas because of a state law that controls where the schools, which are publicly funded but independently run, can be located. Burle said she was surprised about the results regarding more controversial topics in the classroom, such as gender identity and sexual orientation. More than half (56%) of voters said they approve of the discussion of sexual orientation in high school compared to 18% in elementary school. These results were similar for the discussion of gender identity. Roughly half of voters also opposed the banning of books that feature LGBTQ youth. Missouri grappled with its own version of Floridas Dont Say Gay bill during this years legislative session. The bill would have banned the discussion of gender identity or sexual orientation in schools, but it failed to pass. It was interesting to see the gradation in responses. We kind of think this is an all-or- nothing issue either we teach these things in all the schools or we dont teach them in any of the schools, Burle said. In fact, voters think, Hey, actually, for older kids, in high schools in particular, we actually think its OK. I think it just shows you theres a little bit of an area of gray. Ritter said he hopes policymakers will use the results to inform themselves about what Missouri voters find important. While Saint Louis University researchers are still analyzing the latest poll results, people can view them and previous polls on the university website. Were going to be digging in to say, what question should we double down on in the next poll? What do we want to learn? Ritter said. So well be trying to figure out again how we can find interesting trends. In Kherson, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) was detained for setting up a hiding place with weapons in a church and selling them. Source: Press service of the police in Kherson Oblast; press service of the Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office; press service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) Details: According to the prosecutor's office, in September, the man sold two Igla anti-aircraft missile systems designed to hit aerial targets, as well as three powder charges for a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher. He received US$3,000 for this. The police clarify that the man in question is a 42-year-old resident of the Kherson suburbs who made the deal late last week. A friend brought him the weapons for storage in the first days after the start of the full-scale attack. PHOTO: THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE During the search at his residence, law enforcement officers also found a wooden box with locking devices and labelling "Regl 10-00", "Explodes - 1.2 F", two powder charges and five rounds of grenade launcher ammunition. In addition, the cleric told law enforcement officers that he had hidden more weapons and ammunition in the basement in the Shumenskyi neighbourhood. More than 1,500 rounds of 5.45 mm ammunition, about 900 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, three F-1 grenades with fuses, a PK machine gun, an AK-74 rifle, five loaded magazines and five bayonet knives were found there. PHOTO: POLICE The SSU clarifies that five rounds of ammunition and two powder charges for grenade launchers were seized at the construction site of a new church in Kherson. The man was detained red-handed. He was served a notice of suspicion of purchasing, storing and selling firearms and ammunition (Art. 263.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The measure of restraint is custody with a possibility of bail in excess of UAH 214 000 [US$5,800]. His involvement in other similar crimes is being checked. Police say he faces a sentence of three to seven years in prison. The SSU states that all the seized weapons and ammunition will be transferred to the Armed Forces 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 Rancho Cordova parent has accused a teacher of using an illegal restraint on her 5-year-old nonverbal autistic son earlier this month and physically assaulting him in the process. Ebone McNeal said in a Facebook post Thursday that she was notified her son had been placed in a restraint and struck across the face by a teacher. She said was alerted to the incident by the superintendent after an aide reported it two days later. Nothing was immediately reported as required by law, McNeal said in a social media post. So my son was subjected to being around this abuser for multiple days (sic) after she harmed him. The Folsom Cordova Unified School District said in a statement emailed to The Sacramento Bee that the incident was under investigation. We want the family and the community to know that we are deeply concerned by the allegations brought forth and that we want to stay in close communication with the family, said Angela Griffin, a spokesperson for the district. Our concern is for their son to have a safe and welcoming learning environment where he can thrive. FCUSD takes student safety very seriously and does not tolerate the type of alleged conduct that has been reported. McNeal said she met with district and school officials but was provided with little information of the incident during the meeting. Nobody gave me any information really, she said on social media. I emailed and requested a copy of reports from the incident and got no response. Now the lawyer from the school district is calling me asking me to sit down. Griffin said the district received an alarming report on Sept. 13 and immediately put the teacher on administrative leave. An investigation is underway but, since it is a personnel matter, the district said it was limited on the details it would release. District officials, as well as the students individualized education program, or IEP, team, met with the family on Sept. 15 to formulate a plan for the students classroom placement and additional supports to address their well-being, she added. In an interview with The Bee, McNeal said she was told that the teacher was holding him down on the ground kind of like a bear hug. She said school officials did not explain the circumstances leading up to the confrontation. McNeal held a news conference outside Williamson Elementary School in Rancho Cordova on Monday morning, demanding the teacher be fired. My main concern is that she gets arrested and charged, and fired from the school district and never works with children again, she said. Her son, a kindergartner, is recovering from the incident, she said. I cant physically ask him, so Im just taking his communication cues and making sure hes OK, McNeal said. I dont know the internal turmoil hes going through having to be around her those last few days. Restraints are expressly prohibited in California schools unless the student poses an imminent danger to themselves or others. Even in that case, school staff are not permitted to put pressure on a students back, put their body weight on them or use any kind of tool that could restrict the students breathing, according to the National Association of State Boards of Education. In 2018, a 13-year-old boy died after being held in a prone restraint by school staff for more than an hour. School officials at Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills were later indicted by a grand jury and charged with involuntary manslaughter by the El Dorado County District Attorneys Office. The El Dorado Hills school permanently closed following the boys death. A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with serious injuries suffered in a Monday afternoon crash on the edge of Kansas Citys Northeast Industrial District, police said. Officers were dispatched around 3 p.m. to a reported collision involving a Harley Davidson and an SUV at Northeast Chouteau Trafficway and East Gardner Avenue, Kansas City police said in a statement. Investigators determined the SUV turned left onto Gardner as the motorcyclist was headed south on Chouteau. The SUV was struck on its rear passenger side, and the motorcyclist was thrown from the Harley, according to police. As of Monday evening, police said, the motorcyclist was in life-threatening condition at the hospital. The other driver suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the crash site, according to police. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Five people attempted to rob a Shell gas station and fired shots into the business Tuesday morning. Memphis Police say three females and two males tried to rob the store located on Walnut Grove. They allegedly fired shots during the incident. There were no injuries reported at the scene. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Restaurants, a grocery store and a nursing home are among the five kitchens in South Mississippi cited by the health department for critical health violations in September. The Mississippi State Department of Health inspectors this month gave 171 restaurants in South Mississippi an A for no violations and 22 a B when violations were corrected during the inspection. The six that got a C grade on the Coast are: Thorny Oyster, a full service restaurant at 104 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, had a scheduled inspection Sept. 21. It was cited for: Required records not available for shell stock tags parasite destruction (a tag required from the harvester), a repeat offense Food contact surface not cleaned and sanitized Corrected during the inspection was: Food separated and protected This is the third C this year. Cosmos Cafe, 104 North Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, had a scheduled inspection Sept. 21. It was cited for: Hands not clean and properly washed Food contact surface not cleaned and sanitized Insects, rodents or animals present Corrected during the inspection was: Proper date marking and disposition. This is the first C dating back to 2021. SSBA Enterprises, 119 W. Railroad St., Long Beach, had a scheduled inspection Sept. 18. The convenience store was cited for not having a certified manager. Corrected during the inspection was: Proper date marking and disposition. This is the first C dating back to 2021. Dominos Pizza, 7100 Mississippi 63, Moss Point was inspected for a permit renewal Sept. 21. It was cited for not having a certified manager. This is the first C dating back to 2020. Piggly Wiggly grocery store, 530 West Central Ave., Wiggins, was inspected for a permit renewal Sept. 16. It was cited for: Insects, rodents of animals present. Corrected during the inspection were: Adequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible Proper hot holding temperatures Proper cold holding temperatures This is the third C dating back to 2012. The Pillars nursing home, 2279 Atkinson Road, Biloxi, had a scheduled inspection Sept. 20. It was cited for sewage waste water not properly disposed. This is the third C dating back to 2012. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A 62-year-old man was charged with DUI, disorderly conduct and assault on an officer after deputies stopped him while driving a utility vehicle in Lafayette County, Mississippi. The sheriffs office says they received multiple reports Sunday of a man driving recklessly on a UTV near the Teckville Boat Ramp in Harmontown. A UTV is similar to an ATV. Deputies stopped the driver, later identified as Clarence Belden Howell of Harmontown, and arrested him for driving under the influence. Thats when Howell allegedly kicked a Lafayette County deputy in the face. His bond was set at $10,000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. No criminal charges will be filed against Memphis Police officers in the fatal shooting of Jaylin McKenzie in 2022. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday. McKenzie, 20, died on Cochese Avenue in Parkway Village following a car chase and foot chase on Dec. 16. Officers were patrolling a retail complex to combat smash-and-grab thefts when they spotted a suspicious white Infiniti in the parking lot after the businesses were closed, and they pursued. Mulroy released body camera video of the incident Sept. 12. Newly released videos show fatal 2022 Memphis police shooting Mulroy said McKenzie was holding an assault rifle when he was initially confronted by officers, but fired a handgun twice during the chase. The video footage confirms that Mr. McKenzie was holding an assault rifle when officers first confronted him and that he disobeyed officers orders to stop, instead running away. Although he did drop the assault rifle, Mulroy said. The ballistics evidence confirms that Mr. McKenzie did indeed fire his weapon twice and would likely have done so a third time, had his gun, his handgun not jammed. No officers were injured. While criminal charges will not be pursued, Mulroy said he sent a letter to Police Chief C.J. Davis with concerns about the way the incident was handled by MPD officers. A total of five officers were part of the DAs office investigation. Mulroy said two officers violated MPD policies by engaging in a high speed chase for a traffic violation. And continuing that chase despite having an inoperable siren, he said. He also said a supervising officer who arrived on scene following the shooting failed to separate the two officers initially involved. Instead, he deliberately placed them in the same patrol car by themselves for several hours. This allowed them to discuss the facts of the case together in violation of MPD policy, Mulroy said. Mulroy also said there were some discrepancies in officers statements about the incident. MPD released a statement Tuesday afternoon providing more details into their administrative investigation. They said the reason to conduct the pursuit was not a violation, but the officers, identified as rookie Nahume Dorme and veteran Christopher Jackson, did not tell their supervisor, Lieutenant Mark Gilbertson, about it or activate their siren. MPD also said Gilbertson separated the officers from the public but did not separate Dorme and Jackson. Dorme received a written reprimand for administrative violations of body worn camera and vehicle pursuit policy and has to have refresher training about both policies. Jackson also received a reprimand for violation of vehicle pursuit policy and have to have refresher training. Gilbertson received an oral admonishment for violating response to resistance and will have a refresher in critical incident management training. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. (Bloomberg) -- Elon Musks X was cited as the biggest outlet for peddlers of disinformation as the European Union urged Silicon Valley platforms to step up their vigilance to combat Russias war of ideas. Most Read from Bloomberg European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said platforms need to act ahead of national and European elections over the next year. This is a multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation aimed both internally at the Russians as well as Europeans and the rest of the world, Jourova told reporters Tuesday. The very large platforms must address this risk. Especially that we have to expect that the Kremlin and others will be active before our European elections. The EU released reports on how each of the major tech companies, including Meta Platforms Inc.s Facebook, Alphabet Inc.s Google and ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok, are faring in the battle against disinformation. Most of the major platforms agreed to work with the EU on a voluntary code of conduct, which aims to set industry standards for fact-checking and other measures. The bloc also performed a pilot project to gauge the extent of the problem. X, former Twitter, who is not under the code any more, is the platform with the largest ratio of mis- or disinformation posts, Jourova said. The pilot also showed that disinformation actors were found to have significantly more followers than their non-disinformation counterparts and tend to have joined the platform more recently than non-disinformation users. She noted several steps taken by platforms to combat Russian influence. Google told the bloc that it terminated more than 400 channels involved in Russian influence operations in the first four months of the year. Meta, meanwhile, said it expanded fact-checking partnerships in 22 languages in the EU. The EUs new law regulating content on platforms, called the Digital Services Act, went into effect last month. As Twitter has been designated as a very large online platform, of course there are obligations given by hard law, Jourova said. So, my message to Twitter is you have to comply with hard law and we are watching what you are doing. Read more: The Man Keeping Musk, Zuckerberg and Big Tech in Line in Europe Jourova also said the influx of Russian disinformation is particularly acute in Slovakia, which holds elections on Saturday. Slovakia has been chosen as the country where there is fertile ground for success of the Russian pro-Kremlin, pro-war narratives, she said, adding that Facebook and Google have taken some steps to augment their efforts to fight fake information after pressure from the EU. The election this week will be a test case because the approach to Russian war in Ukraine is a divisive line. (Updates with new Jourova quotes in final four paragraphs) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. In an interview with The Washington Post released Monday, former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader said he is supporting President Bidens 2024 reelection bid. Nader made it clear that he wont be formally endorsing Biden, still supports third parties in principle and personally praises likely Green Party 2024 candidate Cornel West, but he has little hope for the partys chances as a whole in the upcoming election. I know the difference between fascism and autocracy, and Ill take autocracy any time, Nader said in a telephone interview with the Post. Fascism is what the GOP is the architecture of, and autocracy is what the Democrats are practitioners of. But autocracy leaves an opening. They dont suppress votes. They dont suppress free speech. Nader is infamous for his role as a spoiler during the 2000 election. The closeness of the race that year between Al Gore and George W. Bush, and the slim margins by which the latter won, caused criticism directed at Nader by Democrats for taking up potential Democratic votes. We are stuck with Biden now, Nader said. In a two-party duopoly, if one should be defeated ferociously, the logic is that the other one prevails. Rumblings around a spoiler like Nader entering the 2024 presidential race have come up recently, especially as the group No Labels has appeared to consider a third-party candidate run. National co-chairman of No Labels and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said it is very likely the group will launch an alternative candidate to Biden and former president Trump if they both win their parties nominations last month. But if Trump and Biden are the nominees, its very likely that No Labels will get access to the ballot and offer an alternative, Hogan said on CNNs State of the Union. And if most of the voters dont want A or B, we have an obligation to give them C, I mean, for the good of the country. Earlier this month, Hogan tried to dissuade fears about a spoiler candidate from No Labels, saying they would put forth a third-party ticket with the goal of winning a majority. Nobodys trying to spoil anything. This is about actually receiving a majority of the votes, Hogan said. I think we should only put together a ticket in the event that its Trump and Biden. And Im still, again, still trying to work to make sure we can get a good Republican nominee, Hogan added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The UKs graphic dating show Naked Attraction has finally made its way into American homes. Hosted by Anna Richardson, Channel 4s popular 11-season game show debuted in 2016. It recently wrapped its latest series on 24 May. Each episode features a new single chooser, who must eliminate six potential suitors based on their fully nude bodies. Starting with their legs, each part of their body is revealed gradually, with their face revealed last. Once only two suitors remain, they are then given the chance to critique the chooser who will also have stripped down. The final couple will then go on a date fully clothed. Up until now, Naked Attraction was only available to UK viewers; however, last week, the show was quietly added to Max for US viewers to enjoy, and people are starting to make the surprising discovery. I am so excited the US public is finally getting to know our greatest UK export #nakedattraction, one fan eagerly tweeted. Im watching Naked Attraction, and let me just say. UK people. Yall really are trashy like the rest of us, a second joked. Naked Attraction is a wild show, another commented. How did they slip 6 seasons by us? Naked Education host Anna Richardson also hosts Naked Attraction' (Channel 4) Its even made its way onto The View presenter Sunny Hostins TV, who revealed on the talk show on Monday (25 September): Im embarrassed to admit, [my husband Emmanuel] and I got so obsessed with this show we binged it yesterday and I learned things I have never heard of in my life. It was one of the most fascinating things Ive ever seen. This is even worse to me than Naked and Afraid , Hostins co-host Ana Navarro quipped. Its Naked and Well Lit. The episodes made available on Max are uncensored, though each begins with a warning: The following series is intended only for mature audiences. It contains full frontal nudity, coarse language, and graphic discussions about the human body. Viewer discretion is advised. Six seasons of Naked Attraction are available to stream on Max in the US. Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday night that it would likely be best if indicted Sen Bob Menendez would resign. The former speaker appeared on Inside with Jen Psaki where the former Biden administration press secretary asked about Mr Menendezs indictment and the fact that numerous New Jersey Democrats called on Mr Menendez to resign. I respect their position that they are taking, and the charges are formidable, she said. She noted that in the House, many Democrats have called on New York Republican Rep George Santos to resign after he was indicted. Right now, sadly, because of the challenges that we face, because the skepticism exists in our country about governance about this Republican Party that doesnt believe in governance, she said. Weve gotta stay focused on that. And for that reason, it would probably be a good idea if he did resign. A grand jury indicted the New Jersey Democratic senator on Friday and charged him with bribery and corruption. The indictment said the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his wife Nadine Menendez enjoyed a corrupt relationship with New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes and his associated Wael Hana and Jose Uribe. Authorities seized more than $100,000 worth of gold bars and $480,000 in cash, most of which was stuffed into envelopes or clothing. Since then, much of New Jerseys Democratic congressional delegation and the states Democratic Gov Phil Murphy have called on Mr Menendez to resign. Rep Andy Kim announced he would run against Mr Menendez next year in the Democratic primary. So far, six Democratic Senators including Sens Jon Tester of Montana, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Peter Welch of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and John Fetterman and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania have called for Mr Menendez to resign from the Senate. But Mr Menendez delivered a defiant address on Monday saying he would not resign from his Senate seat. He explained that the money seized was withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account. He added that prosecutors made the case as salacious as possible. While NASA's VERITAS Venus mission continues to be on hold, team members have been perfecting technologies on Earth in places that resemble the hellish planet. Early last month, one such field campaign took the mission's science team to a barren and rocky region in Iceland. There, they studied rocks and surfaces near an active volcano named Askja. Such volcanic areas are being used as analogs of Venus to understand the different types of eruptions that may occur on its surface, and to test out various technologies and techniques to prepare for the VERITAS (or Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography and Spectroscopy) mission, which is not expected to launch sooner than 2031. Related: Here's every successful Venus mission humanity has ever launched The VERITAS science team which is being supported by a shoestring budget of $1.5 million until 2028, after NASA pulled the mission's funding earlier this year and disbanded its entire engineering wing collected samples of young rocks and recent lava flows near the Askja volcano that will be analyzed in a lab, according to a NASA statement . "Iceland is a volcanic country that sits atop a hot plume. Venus is a volcanic planet with plentiful geological evidence for active plumes," Suzanne Smrekar, senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California and the VERITAS principal investigator, said in the same statement. "Its geological similarities make Iceland an excellent place to study Venus on Earth, helping the science team prepare for Venus." swirly volcanic rock landscape During their campaign, the team also visited Fagradalsfjall in southwestern Iceland to collect more samples for further analysis, while an aircraft circling above captured radar images of the same area. "We collected information in the field to ground-truth the radar data that we will use to inform the science that VERITAS will do at Venus," Daniel Nunes, the VERITAS deputy project scientist at JPL, said in the same statement. Ultimately, these efforts will help in refining the algorithms onboard VERITAS to better identify changes on the surface of Venus since NASA's Magellan spacecraft circled the planet over 30 years ago, scientists say. RELATED STORIES: Problems with NASA asteroid mission Psyche delay Venus probe's launch to 2031 NASA Venus mission VERITAS becomes collateral damage amid budget pressures Venus may have supported life billions of years ago In March, a new analysis of Magellan's data showed changes of a vent near one of the planet's largest volcanoes named Maat Mons , raising hopes about the long-held suspicion that Venus is volcanically active . While the recent discovery has helped spur interest in revisiting the planet, delays to the VERITAS mission, which was supposed to be the first Venus mission after Magellan and provide fundamental information about the planet and its surface, have put at least some of those potential discoveries on hold. NASA continues developing another Venus mission, called DAVINCI, which is scheduled to launch in 2029. NASA's Perseverance rover, along with its automatic navigation system, just set a record on Mars by maneuvering right through a particularly hazardous patch of Martian land. In turn, this impressive trip saved scientists weeks of precious time during which they can now do more science. Although the mission team usually charts out the Mars rover's course manually, the automatic navigation system named AutoNav proved remarkable in this case as it safely guided the Perseverance rover around rocks hidden from orbiter images typically used for planning, scientists say. "It was much denser than anything Perseverance has encountered before just absolutely littered with these big rocks," Del Sesto, the deputy rover planner lead for Perseverance at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said in a statement published Thursday (Sept. 21). "We didn't want to go around it because it would have taken us weeks. More time driving means less time for science, so we just dove right in." In late June, Perseverance entered the boulder field named "Snowdrift Peak" from the east. It first paused to inspect two rocks, then, guided by AutoNav , trudged right through the field. By the time the rover exited Snowdrift Peak in late July, it had logged 759 meters (0.8 kilometers), according to the statement. The rover's covered distance is slightly longer than the 520 meters (0.5 kilometers) it would have covered if it were to travel in a straight line, which scientists attribute to AutoNav's help in guiding Perseverance around rocks not visible to the mission team. NASA's robotic explorers have remained protected on unfamiliar terrains by automatic navigators since 1997 when Sojourner , the space agency's first Mars rover, dodged dangerous rocks using a silicon-based navigator. But it had such a small memory that the rover needed to stop every 5.1 inches (13 centimeters) to reorient to its surroundings. With better software, those distances increased with every successor that visited Mars. Now, Perseverance doesn't need to stop to decide where to go next at all, thanks to powerful cameras and a dedicated computer for image processing, which together help AutoNav plan the route in real-time. "Our rover is the perfect example of the old adage 'two brains are better than one,'" Vandi Verma, the mission's chief engineer for robotic operations at JPL, said in the statement. "Perseverance is the first rover that has two computer brains working together, allowing it to make decisions on the fly." Related Stories: Perseverance Mars rover spies big sunspot rotating toward Earth (photos) NASA's Ingenuity helicopter breaks altitude record on 59th Mars flight Perseverance Mars rover snaps amazing shot of dusty Ingenuity helicopter (photo) Those programmed brains have also helped Perseverance set previous records on Mars for off-roading 699.9 meters (0.6 kilometers) in the Jezero Crater the longest drive without human review, scientists say. Earlier this month, Perseverance kickstarted its fourth science campaign by exploring the inner regions of Jezero Crater's western rim, which seems to be rich in carbonates a tantalizing clue that could shed more light on any ancient microbial life that might have existed on Mars. This area is also rich in broken rocks, high slopes and Martian dunes, according to data gathered from orbiting spacecraft. "This new terrain is definitely going to throw a few curveballs at us and AutoNav," said Mark Maimone, deputy team chief for robotic operations on Perseverance. "But that is where the science is. "We're ready." In Russian-occupied areas of Donetsk Oblast, occupation authorities have introduced a curfew and begun censoring communications, the National Resistance Center reported on Sept. 25. The Center reported that Denis Pushilin, the head of Russia's proxies in occupied Donetsk Oblast, has demanded military censorship of phone calls and written correspondence. He has also put the region under a curfew. "Even after years of occupation, Russians have not been able to take control of the occupied lands," the Center's report said. While Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Donetsk Oblast has endured occupation since 2014. Increased measures to control local residents contradict Moscow's claims that the people of Donetsk welcome Russian forces with open arms. According to the Center, intensified efforts to suppress and control residents show that the occupation regime "is afraid of the local population and is taking measures against them." Read also: Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NATO air forces have been training with Finland, NATO's newest member, to operate from highways. Operating from highways is seen as vital for dispersing aircraft in case their bases are attacked. Rising tension with Russia and Moscow's long-range arsenal have made that capability more relevant. NATO air forces have flocked to Finland to practice taking off from and landing on highways, a skill that Finnish forces have trained for since the Cold War. The focus on highway operations reflects NATO's renewed interest in being able to distribute aircraft and personnel to avoid attacks that its main bases would face in a war. That threat has new relevance amid Ukraine and Russia's widespread use of long-range missiles and drones, including for attacks on air bases. The British and Norwegian air forces are the latest to train with NATO's newest member, sending Typhoon and F-35A fighter jets to participate in Exercise Baana, the Finnish air force's annual exercise, this month. A British Typhoon operates from a road in Finland on September 19. Royal Air Force/AS1 Tomas Barnard It's the first time those air forces have joined the exercise, and when the British Typhoons and Norwegian F-35As landed and took off on a single-lane road in central Finland, it was a first for both jets. "For 51 weeks of the year it's a road, but for a week or two each year they operate it as a very narrow aerodrome," a pilot from Britain's 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron, identified as "Jim," said in an interview published by the Ministry of Defence. Even for skilled pilots, landing on a road surrounded by heavy forest can be challenging. "Typhoon's got incredible navigation kit, so actually locating it from that point of view is pretty easy, but as you're flying around, it's still quite challenging to locate it initially," Jim said of the road, describing it as "a bit like an ordinary runway, just a very thin one." An F-35A on a road in Finland during Exercise Baana on September 20. Royal Auxiliary Air Force/AS1 Edyta Tomaszewicz As the jet descends the final 100 feet, "you suddenly notice that there's trees on either side of you and they're pretty tall," Jim said. During one landing, wind blowing across the road abruptly faded below the treeline, "so you get kind of a bit of a local change in the the air that you're flying through," Jim said. "Correcting for that and making sure that you're still landing the jet smack-bang in the middle of your very narrow runway, that's challenging but it's entirely doable." After landing, the jets were refueled with their engines running, an operation known as "hot-pit refueling," before taking off again. "You couldn't help but just sit and look around and go, 'Yep, I am sitting on a road in the middle of a forest in Finland in a jet.' So that was pretty crazy, definitely a first," the squadron commander, who was unnamed, said in a separate interview. 'Normal daily business' Norwegian F-35As are refueled on a Finnish highway while their engines run, an operation called "hot pit refueling," on September 21. Norwegian Armed Forces/Martin Mellquist In announcements about the milestone, the British and Norwegian air forces cited similar reasons for pursuing it. For the British, the training was part of its focus on Agile Combat Employment, a concept of operations in which jets and airmen relocate from their main bases on short notice to "outmanoeuvre an adversary to survive an attack, disperse to remote locations and continue operating with minimal support," the service said in a release. Maj. Gen. Rolf Folland, chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, said that being able to operate from small airfields and motorways "increases our survivability in war." Using Finland's "straight and wide highways means that we can further develop our concept for dispersal," Folland said in a release. "The aim of the concept is to make it more challenging for an enemy to take out our aircraft when on ground. If such a concept is to work, we must map out all possibilities and practice them." An A-10 lands on an autobahn in West Germany during a NATO exercise in March 1984. US Defense Department/SRA Glenda Pellum Landing on highways is not new NATO air forces practiced it during the Cold War but it has gotten more attention from Western air forces seeking to counter threats from long-range weapons fielded by Russia and China. The US Air Force, which is developing Agile Combat Employment with the Pacific in mind, has operated jets on highways in Eastern Europe and sent jets to Finland and Lithuania in August to practice "proactive and reactive asset movements" at unfamiliar bases. Poland's air force said this month that it would practice highway operations for the first time in two decades. Britain's air force also plans to practice using its F-35Bs jets on highways, which the US has done with its F-35Bs. Finland and its neighbor Sweden, whose NATO application is pending, remained focused on highway operations after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and NATO officials say working with them now is key to building up the alliance's capabilities in response to a new threat from Russia. A Finnish F-18 sits on a highway as another F-18 takes off during "touch and go" training during Exercise Baana on September 20. Norwegian Armed Forces/Ole Andreas Vekve "Sweden has got Agile Combat Employment down better than any other air force in the world, and we are going to exploit that," Gen. James Hecker, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and of NATO's Allied Air Command, said last year. The 41 Squadron commander praised Finland for providing "extensive briefs" and "access to some of their training materials" to prepare British pilots for highway sorties. Jim, the 41 Squadron pilot, said the Finns were "the experts at doing this, like this is normal daily business for them" and that the exercise was "a great step forward" for the Typhoons. "We often talk about capability a lot for being stuff that we fly with, so all the weapons and the sensors," Jim said. "What's cool about that is it's a really novel way of employing the jet, of improving our survivability against a bunch of modern threats by operating from dispersed locations and also doing that while operating really, really closely with our allies." Read the original article on Business Insider Political commentator Ana Navarro said she thinks as many as 99 senators could call for Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign and he still wouldnt do so. Whether I think he should or not, I think theres a moot point because I dont think he will, Navarro said on CNN on Tuesday. I think 99 senators will come out and ask him to resign and he wouldnt. In a press conference Monday, Menendez addressed the public and said that he would not step down from his position despite growing calls from members of Congress for him to resign. Menendez was indicted last week on charges that accuse him and his wife of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. Many Democratic members of Congress and politicians in New Jersey have publicly called on Menendez to resign. Navarro said she thinks the one that might impact Menendez the most is the call for resignation from fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker (D). The one that probably does sting a lot is Cory Booker, Navarro said. Cory Booker stood by Menendez in the last indictment, the last file proceedings, testified, was a character witness for Menendez and I know that they have a very strong bond. This is the second time that Menendez has been charged by federal prosecutors. He won reelection following the charges. He has yet to declare if he will be running for reelection for the upcoming cycle but in the press conference on Monday said is not going anywhere. I dont think he sees resigning as anything but giving up or an admission of guilt, Navarro said. Resignation would impact his abilities to raise funds for reelection, she said. Being in the Senate allows him to continue fundraising and having a legal defense fund that becomes much more difficult if you resign, she said. At the Monday press conference, Menendez said he has withdrawn hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from his personal savings account that he has kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba. Menendez added that he looks forward to addressing those issues in the trial. Navarro noted that she thinks Bob was born in the United States and I think his family fled Cuba before the revolution. Still, fear is a real kind of mentality for many exiles, she said. Navarro added that if Menendez was taking out money from his personal savings account for 30 years, there should be a record or paper trail of it. She said she is hoping against hope that thats the case, and that hes able to provide that evidence. She said Menendez has been a champion for Latino-American rights and losing him in Congress will leave a great void. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Navy fired the commander of one of its ballistic missile submarines on Friday, the service announced in a statement Monday. The commanding officer of the USS Alabama sub's blue crew -- Cmdr. Michael Lyle -- was relieved by Rear Adm. Nicholas Tilbrook, the commander of Submarine Group 9, "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command," the Navy said. Lyle has become at least the eighth Navy commander to be removed from command this year and the first ballistic missile submarine skipper to be publically relieved in recent history. Read Next: A Suicidal Veteran Texted the VA Crisis Line. A Responder Didn't Send Help, and Minutes Later the Veteran Was Dead.: The Navy's statement did not offer any more information about why Lyle was removed from leadership, outside of the usual remark that the service expects its commanders "to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards." Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokeswoman for the commander of the Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, told Military.com in a phone interview that the relief was not due to misconduct. Senior officers of ballistic missile submarines like Lyle are subject to even further scrutiny since ships like the Alabama can carry up to 20 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and they are considered a critical part of America's nuclear deterrent. The Pentagon's Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program -- a series of security and medical screenings for individuals with access to nuclear weapons -- classifies the position as "critical." Other positions in the military that share the same classification are nuclear bomber crews and missile silo personnel. According to Lyle's official biography, he was commissioned in the Navy in 2004 and served aboard the USS Houston and USS Buffalo, both attack submarines, before moving to ballistic missile submarines as the executive officer of the USS Louisiana in 2017. Lyle took command of the submarine's blue crew in August 2022. The boat is homeported in Bangor, Washington, but was in the shipyard as of last summer. It is not clear if the submarine has since left the yards and returned to an operational state. Each Navy ballistic submarine has two sets of crews -- blue and gold. They take turns manning the submarines and taking them on patrol. According to the Navy, "this maximizes the [submarine]'s strategic availability, reduces the number of submarines required to meet strategic requirements, and allows for proper crew training, readiness, and morale." During his career, Lyle completed three strategic deterrent patrols, four Western Pacific deployments as well as "nine missions vital to national security" and an Afghanistan deployment where he was "the leader of a Navy postal platoon responsible for the mail mission in three provinces," his biography said. The Navy said that the deputy commodore of Commander, Submarine Squadron 17, Cmdr. Larry Arbuckle, has stepped in as the submarine's interim commanding officer. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin. Related: Navy Commander Who Headed East Coast Maintenance Center Is Fired After Loss of Confidence Young Democrats werent happy after several Democratic lawmakers joined Republicans in voting for North Carolinas state budget last week. A statement signed by the presidents of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, College Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats hinted that primary challenges could be in store for bad-faith Democrats who supported the budget. All three are Black men, and they expressed disappointment in Black lawmakers for supporting what they called anti-Black legislation. Let this be your notice March 5th, 2024 comes sooner than you think, the statement said. Rep. Cecil Brockman, one of the Democrats in question, responded Sunday by telling the younger members of his party to grow up. Yes, literally. My message to you would be grow up, Brockman wrote. When youre an adult you have to work with people you may have disagreements with and even may not even like. But you get up every day and you do your job. Brockman argued that its his job as a legislator to work with the opposing party, particularly when its in the best interest of his constituents. His work on the state budget resulted in appropriations that benefit his community, he said. Brockman does have a point: though there is a lot of bad in the budget, there are also things that will help people, like Medicaid expansion and investments in mental health care. Of course, thats by design. Knowing that Democrats would be hard-pressed to block a budget that is so badly needed, Republicans used the 625-page bill as a vehicle for more controversial policy changes. Sure enough, Gov. Roy Cooper said hell allow the budget to become law without his signature, because he doesnt want Medicaid expansion to wait any longer. But Brockman lost any high ground he might have gained the minute he told young Democrats to grow up. Under no circumstances is that an appropriate response to criticism, especially coming from an elected official. Its just punching down. If Brockman was trying to showcase his own maturity, he didnt do a very good job of it. Patronizing ones critics isnt leadership. Neither is thinking that youre somehow above the people who try to hold you accountable. Brockman may have decided that the good in the budget outweighs the bad, but he still must acknowledge that not everyone will arrive at the same conclusion about a budget that exempts legislators from public records law, funnels taxpayer money away from public schools, cuts taxes for the wealthy and stacks the courts in the GOPs favor. True leadership is showing respect to people even when they disagree with you. He saw what we said, but he didnt hear it, Dorian Palmer, president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina, told me. Instead of taking accountability, he chose to punch down young folks, basically saying, Grow up and shut up. Know your role. Would Brockman tell his critics to grow up if they didnt happen to be young? Probably not, which seems to imply that the opinions of the partys youngest constituents shouldnt be taken seriously because theyre too young or naive to understand how politics works. Thats not a great message to send to young voters ahead of the 2024 elections. North Carolina Democrats have struggled to retain the youth vote, and its no wonder why, seeing as this is the kind of thing that happens when young people speak up. As someone who represents a county thats home to multiple college campuses, Brockman should think twice before writing off the opinions of young people. Telling people to be quiet and learn their role isnt the Democratic Party that were about to have, Palmer said. Brockman doesnt owe it to his fellow Democrats to vote a certain way. But he does, at the absolute minimum, owe them his respect. A two-vehicle crash sent one person to the hospital and injured another on Monday. Here's what we know: Where? At Northeast 10th Street and Northeast Osceola Avenue. What happened? Ocala Police said a woman behind the wheel of of a Mitsubishi Eclipse was southbound on Osceola Avenue. A man, driving a Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck, was westbound on Northeast 10th Street. Authorities said it appears the Mitsubishi pulled out in front of the pickup and the truck T-boned the Mitsubishi. Officials said the Mitsubishi had a stop sign. The pickup truck did not have a stop sign, police officials said. The investigation is ongoing. Injuries: OPD: Man and woman injured in three-vehicle crash on Northwest 10th Street People involved Police officials said the woman, age 21, is from Silver Springs. The man is 68 and from Sparr. Injuries Officials said the woman was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. Though the man had minor injuries, he was not transported to the hospital, officers said. The woman remained hospitalized as of Tuesday. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: A crash victim remained hospitalized Tuesday in Ocala. With at least 453 Fayette County Public School students living in cars, motels and otherwise defined as homeless, school and city officials on Tuesday announced a campaign called Give Kids A Home. The group wants to address the crisis of homelessness experienced by FCPS students and to release the detailed results of the Street Survey/Homelessness Count that was conducted on Aug. 30 by the community groups including the Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative, the Catholic Action Center and Street Voice Council. This is a growing crisis in our community that desires our attention, said T.C. Johnson, director of Fayette County Public Schools McKinney-Vento Program. McKinney-Vento is a federal program. I cannot tell you all enough that we need to support our children and youth, Johnson said. ... its our responsibility. And homelessness has no face because its them today, it could be us tonight because if a tornado or a fire or anything comes through, we all could be facing this crisis right now. By the end of the 2022-2023 school year, the number of homeless kids was 923, Johnson said. The number of homeless kids in the current year should surpass 500 by Christmas and will likely top the 900 number by the end of the school year, Johnson said. Of the 453 homeless students as of Aug. 30: 335 were doubled up with other families 44 were in hotels 86 were in shelters and transitional housing 18 were unsheltered 19 were unaccompanied youth. The program Johnson runs receives some federal funding but that funding cant be used for deposits, application fees and rent, Johnson said. The money raised will help the school system pay for rent and other services that federal homeless education funding cant pay for. Ginny Ramsey, of Catholic Action Center, said a similar effort to raise money for homeless Fayette County school students garnered more than $107,000 in 2016 and 2017. Kentucky has one of the highest percentages of homeless kids in schools, according to National Center for Homeless Education, a group that tracks homeless kids in schools data. In 2019-2020, the latest year data is available, approximately 3.1% of all kids in Kentucky public schools were homeless. Only nine other states had higher percentages of homeless kids. Those states include California, Oklahoma, Oregon and West Virginia. Donations will be collected by the 501(c)3 Divine Providence, Inc dba Catholic Action Center from Sept. 26 to Jan. 31, 2024. All donations are tax deductible, Ramsey said. The collected funds will be transferred in full to the McKinney-Vento Program for temporary or permanent housing assistance, or needs of the McKinney-Vento participants. There are no administrative fees. Donations can be made through the Paypal Account or by check or money order mailed to Give Kids a Home, P.O. Box 324, Lexington, KY 40588. How many people in Lexington are homeless? A group involved with homeless services said more than 2,410 people were homeless in Fayette County on Aug. 30, the day the count took place. Thats roughly three times the 815 homeless people a federally-mandated U.S. Housing and Urban Development count found in Fayette County earlier this year. Thats largely because the city-led count every January doesnt count some people who are homeless, said Ginny Ramsey, of Catholic Action Center, one of the groups that helped coordinate the August count. We wanted to provide a much broader look at homelessness and housing insecurity than is currently collected in our community, said Laura Babbage, a board member of the Catholic Action Center. Some of the people included in the Aug. 30 count who arent in the official city count include people in treatment, those in hospitals and people at the Fayette County Detention Center. The group also focused on people living in camps, which are traditionally difficult to count, Ramsey said. Out of the 2,410, 398 people were unsheltered: 338 living outside or in camps 31 living in vehicles 14 living in abandoned buildings 15 living in other types of building. The Catholic Action Center, the Central Kentucky Housing and Homeless Initiative and the Street Voice Council opted to do the count after several Lexington council members mentioned the lower-HUD number during previous requests for more funding for homeless services. In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Linda Gorton pushed back on the discrepancy, saying there is no direct comparison between the city and Catholic Action Center counts. The Catholic Action Center count used different definitions of homelessness, and different methods in taking the count than the City uses with LexCount each year. However, no one disputes that there are people experiencing homelessness in Lexington, and that is a challenge, no matter the number, Gorton said. Gorton pointed to the citys efforts to help unhoused people, like plans to open a temporary facility later this winter to shelter people and providing funds for the New Life Day Center. Other projects include investment in affordable housing, the statement said. We are deeply committed to working with all partners, including the schools, on tackling this issue, and appreciate the volunteers who share our commitment to this cause, Gorton said. Increase in funding for homeless prevention, intervention services The council on Tuesday took its first step to up funding for homeless services. Later on Tuesday, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee voted to nearly double the amount set aside for homeless prevention services. The city currently sets aside $750,000 in a fund that is dedicated for such programs as street outreach to unhoused populations, winter housing programs and other initiatives. That funding has remained at $750,000 since 2014. The council committee voted Tuesday to set aside .03% of the citys general fund for homeless services. That would roughly double funding to $1.5 million. Earlier this year, the council agreed to double the amount set aside for affordable housing. The city had funded it at $2 million per year for nearly a decade. Under the new funding guidelines, it will be 1% of the previous years general fund revenues. That would double the amount to $4 million a year. Several council members said Tuesday the increase in funding was necessary. We are severely under-funding our prevention and intervention efforts, said Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds, who said she has needed more outreach and intervention in neighborhoods she represents. Those street outreach efforts have been limited due to limited funding. Jeff Herron, manager of the citys Office of Homeless Prevention and Intervention, said the increase in funding could help pay for more street outreach. The citys five-year plan to address homelessness also calls for more permanent supportive housing, or housing that includes other services such as social work oversight, which costs $2 million a year. Because the city has funded prevention and intervention efforts at $750,000 for years, the need for permanent, supportive housing has not been met, Herron said. Councilman Fred Brown was the only council member to vote against the move to up funding for homeless prevention and intervention efforts. He said he supported the effort the increase funding, just not the way it was done. Its not that its not needed, Brown said. But setting aside a certain percentage ties future mayors and councils to that funding amount. Thats not good sound, budgeting principle, Brown said. The increase in homeless prevention funding will go to the full council for a vote next month. Nelson Mandelas granddaughter Zoleka Mandela has died of cancer at the age of 43, a family spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25th, surrounded by friends and family, the statement, shared on her official Instagram account, said. She documented her battle with cancer on the account. On August 23, she wrote: What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around, I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be okay when its not? Im dying I dont want to die. The Nelson Mandela Foundation also issued a statement Tuesday, saying it extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically last night. We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation. The foundation described her as a tireless activist for Healthcare and justice. Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all, it said. Her activism also included road safety campaigns after her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car crash in 2010. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEWARK Police say they are investigating a shooting that happened Saturday night after a fight between two men on King Road led to one of them suffering a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. Officers responded to a report of shooting about 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the 900 block of King Road, according to the Newark Division of Police. Witnesses said the two men were fighting just before they heard a gunshot. Jordan Frazier, 24, of Etna, was shot once in the abdomen and flown to a Columbus-area hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Detectives continue to investigate the shooting and want to speak with a person of interest in the case, though they are not releasing the persons name. Police encourage anyone with information to call Newark Police at 740-670-7215. This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark police investigating Saturday shooting on King Road Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey remained defiant on Monday after being indicted on bribery charges at the end of last week, saying he believes he will be exonerated as he responded to some of the specific charges and evidence outlined by prosecutors. Menendezs comments come amid a flurry of calls for his resignation including from his own party and from his Senate colleagues. On Monday, Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Peter Welch of Vermont became the latest Democrats in the chamber call on Menendez to step down, joining Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman . In a statement delivered to reporters, Menendez offered some of his first public defense against some of the evidence discovered by investigators during their search of his home, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, which he argued he had on hand for emergencies and described as an old-fashioned habit derived from his familys experience in Cuba. For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies, and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba, said Menendez. Now this may seem old fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account based on the income that I have lawfully derived over those 30 years. According to the indictment, searches of Menendezs home and safe deposit box that federal agents conducted in 2022 turned up nearly $500,000 in cash, including in envelopes inside jackets emblazoned with Menendezs name. Prosecutors say some of the envelopes had the fingerprints or DNA of one of the business contacts from whom the senator is accused of taking bribes. Menendez has been charged with three alleged crimes, including being on the receiving end of a bribery conspiracy. The conspiracy counts also charge his wife and three people described as New Jersey associates and businessmen. The group is accused of coordinating to use Menendezs power as a US senator to benefit them personally and to benefit Egypt. On Monday, Menendez defended his record as it relates to Egypt, saying, If you look at my actions related to Egypt during the period described in this indictment, and throughout my whole career, my record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable for its unjust detention of American citizens and others, its human rights abuses, its deepening relationship with Russia, and efforts that have eroded the independence of the nations judiciary, among a myriad of concerns. Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jeresey speaks in Union City on September 25, 2023. - Mike Segar/Reuters Menendez has been called upon to resign by a growing list of prominent Democrats including the New Jersey governor and six members of the states congressional delegation. Rep. Andy Kim announced Saturday plans to challenge Menendez in the Democratic primary next year should Menendez run again for his US Senate seat. And on Monday, Brown and Welch joined Fetterman to become the second and third Senate Democrats to call for Menendez to step down. Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate, said Brown, who is running for reelection next year. Welch said in a statement later in the day that the shocking and specific allegations against Senator Menendez have wholly compromised his capacity to be that effective Senator, adding: I encourage Senator Menendez to resign. Fetterman, who first called for Menendezs resignation over the weekend, will return $5,000 in donations his campaign received from Menendezs political action committee, according to the Pennsylvania Democrats office. The New Jersey senator has denied wrongdoing and pushed back on calls to resign. On Monday, Menendez accused those who rushed to judgment of doing so for political expediency. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, Menendez said, referencing the legal battle ahead. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator. This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Manu Raju contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A Clay County man is charged with murder for allegedly killing his wife in Kansas Citys Northland and fleeing to Nebraska Friday after police found a string of chilling messages that seemed to reference the killing. John Wonder was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for allegedly killing his wife, 29-year-old Ashli Ehrhardt, who was found dead in their home in the 7900 block of Forest Avenue on Friday with unknown bodily injuries. He is being held on a $1 million cash bond. Wonder allegedly cut and strangled Ehrhardt in the home where they lived with their two children, according to a probable cause statement obtained from the Clay County Prosecutors Office. The two also worked at the same company, and their employer was aware the couple was going through a divorce. Officers responded to the home around 10:30 a.m. Friday, after their employer called police for a welfare check when the two hadnt shown up for work. Family of Wonder and Ehrhardt met police outside the home and helped them get inside the home. Ehrhardts family found her body with a belt wrapped around her neck lying on the lower-level laundry room floor. Police talk with each other at the scene of a potential homicide on the 7900 block of N. Forest Avenue on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Kansas City. The investigating is being handled as a homicide after investigators found a deceased adult female inside of a home with bodily trauma, police said. Ehrhardt was nude from the waist down, and Wonder was written in blood on her leg, according to the court documents. Her left side was bleeding and appeared to have been punctured several times, according to the probable cause statement. Police found a large butcher knife and meat cleaver near her body. No one else was in the residence. Earlier that morning, Wonder dropped the couples two and four-year-old children off at Ehrhardts parents home, one of her parents told law enforcement officials. He usually would bring them inside the home, but this time instead left them at the porch and drove away in his red sedan. When they learned about the welfare check call from the employer, Ehrhardts parents went to the home and found Wonders sedan in the garage, but not her daughters rented Toyota RAV4. They tried to enter through an interior door, but it seemed to be chained shut from the inside. Eventually, they were able to enter through a sliding glass door on the deck. Another witness, a parent of Wonder, said Ehrhardt was planning to move out of the home on Oct. 1 amid their divorce proceedings. Still feel nothing Police also interviewed Wonders sister, who texted him the morning of the killing. According to a screenshot of the conversation she showed police, she asked where Wonder was around 10:42 a.m., and he responded with Hey kiddo. Sorry about the mess. For the record: its way easier and much more satisfying than you can imagine. See you around. Another witness told police Wonder left him several Facebook messages while he was at work, saying he was getting rid of his phone and going north toward Fargo because he felt like driving far, far away. He later messaged the person at 7:39 a.m. saying he hadnt cried and still feel nothing and said he placed Ehrhardts gemstones next to her body, according to court documents. At 8:50 a.m. Wonder continued, Im in the car. I have no doubt I will be caught today. I keep thinking about how she never screamed. Just took it like a champ. What a gal. To honor her, I will not go out by a gunshot (suicide by cop), but hopefully a similar fate. At 10:33 a.m. he sent the last message: Im guessing they will be finding her body right about now. I started getting calls at 9:30 a.m. Wonder was later arrested Friday in Valentine, Nebraska, a town near the South Dakota border about 8 hours from Kansas City. If convicted of murder, Wonder could be sentenced to death or face life in prison. Heres a list of domestic violence resources in the Kansas City area if you or someone you love is facing a domestic violence situation. Republican leaders of the pragmatic House Main Street Caucus which includes Utah Rep. John Curtis and the hardline House Freedom Caucus negotiated a deal on Sunday in an attempt to avoid a government shutdown. The deal includes a small decrease in federal spending paired with new border security policies in return for 30 days of continued government funding beyond the Sept. 30 expiration. Such a stopgap funding measure is considered a necessary step to give House Republicans time to work through the 11 remaining annual spending bills. But in its current state, the deal appears to lack the support needed to pass along partisan lines or with help from across the aisle in a narrowly divided and highly polarized Congress. I am optimistic that we will eventually get something done. Im pessimistic that it will be smooth. And it feels like there will be a lot of pain before we get to the answer, Curtis said in an interview with the Deseret News. Whats in the proposed Republican spending deal? The proposed 165-page continuing resolution would extend funding for Congress 12 appropriations bills until Oct. 31 at slightly less than FY 2023 levels, including an 8% cut in discretionary spending across all government agencies excluding disaster, defense and veterans funding according to outlines published by the Main Street Caucus, a group of 50 self-described pragmatic conservatives, and the House Freedom Caucus, whose 30-or-so members frame themselves as representing the conservative grassroots. Accompanying these across-the-board cuts, are provisions from the Secure the Border Act, which would defund Biden administration policies related to transporting illegal immigrants and processing asylum claims. The resolution also contains measures that would facilitate the passage of the defense appropriations bill this week. The House Rules Committee was scheduled to mark up the resolution Monday in advance of a floor vote on Thursday. Although he originally thought the resolution would satisfy his friends on the right, with its inclusion of border security measures and government-wide spending cuts totaling 1%, in compliance with Mays debt ceiling deal, Curtis said he is no longer so certain. House Freedom Caucus members refused to engage in the amendment process over the weekend, Curtis says, and several have now come out in opposition to the deal. In the last few days, they had all the chance to influence this (continuing resolution) proposal, Curtis said. And so you get the sense that theres really nothing that they want other than to undermine the institution. Will the continuing resolution pass a House vote? House Freedom Caucus chair, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., appeared optimistic Sunday about his negotiated deal, saying it provided a framework for our colleagues across the House Republican Conference. But, simultaneously, around a dozen caucus members were voicing their disapproval. I will not support this 167 page surrender to Joe Biden, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz said Sunday evening. NO, was all Arizona Republican Rep. Eli Crane, another Freedom Caucus member, posted an hour later. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has repeatedly said he would prefer passing a continuing resolution over forcing a government shutdown. However, this path seems increasingly unlikely in the near term because of the conditions being demanded by Freedom Caucus members. One such condition is a guarantee that topline spending at the end of the appropriations process be less than that of 2022. Another is that McCarthy open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, which McCarthy did just hours after the House returned from a monthslong recess last Tuesday. But this move seems to have done little to placate some of McCarthys conference colleagues who have put him in something of an impossible position, Curtis says, pledging to call a motion to remove him as speaker if he tries to pass a continuing resolution or if he tries to combine spending bills in an omnibus package to pass them more quickly. Instead of working together as a team, as Republicans, they have decided that theyre going to go with the winner take all philosophy, Curtis said. This tenuous position is partially the result of McCarthys slim ruling majority, which fell to just three seats after Utah Republican Rep. Chris Stewart left office Friday. This razor-thin margin could fall to zero with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., receiving chemotherapy treatment for blood cancer; Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., facing federal charges; and Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., recovering from hip surgery. Curtis says when Republicans work together they are able to show a stronger front to their Senate colleagues and, as a result, are able to get a product they feel happy about. One example of this, Curtis said, was the Limit, Save, Grow Act the precursor to the Fiscal Responsibility Act which raised the national debt limit in return for spending cut commitments. This bill gave the House a stronger position to negotiate with the president and the Senate, Curtis says, and if the Republican Conference doesnt do something similar this time around, they will be the ones who lose. If we cant send something over to them, we lose our voice, we lose our seat at the table, and we take what they send to us, Curtis said. However, it is precisely the outcome of the debt ceiling negotiations that Freedom Caucus members cite as the reason for their demands, saying promises made during Januarys vote for House speaker were broken. What will happen if the government shuts down? Curtis agrees with Stewart, who said Friday he had never seen so much anger and frustration among his Republican colleagues towards the few who have made it impossible for (McCarthy) to be successful. The Freedom Caucus seems to get their way every time because theyre the only ones willing to let the institution crumble in their efforts to do the winner take all, even though they still cant get what they want, Curtis said. Curtis says its unlikely McCarthy can strike a continuing resolution deal with a handful of Democrats to circumvent Freedom Caucus opposition, particularly if he wants to keep his position as speaker. I cant imagine one that we would put forward that they would support. Thats why we have to function as a team and put something forward that we support, Curtis said. If a majority of the House fails to agree on a temporary stopgap spending bill by midnight on Sept. 30, all federal discretionary spending will come to a halt, impacting government services as hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed until funding returns. Even though some Freedom Caucus members, and former President Donald Trump, have said that a shutdown would cause little harm, and could even save money and provide leverage against Democrats, the opposite is true, Curtis said. Every shutdown, that Im aware of, has cost us more money, Curtis said. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonprofit organization focused on educating the public about fiscal policy, government shutdowns result in lost user fees, increased premiums for government contract bids and guaranteed back pay to suspended employees. The Republican-led government shutdowns of 2013, 2018 and 2019 are estimated to have cost taxpayers nearly $4 billion, according to one Senate report, and reduced the countrys gross domestic product by $11 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. What happens is, every day the pressure grows. Every day constituents start finding out they cant call their Social Security office. Every day the veterans figured out they cant call and get help with veterans issue. Every day passports are not done. And pretty soon, that pressure builds and before you know it, what youre passing is a big, gnarly hairball omnibus (bill) with all sorts of spending in it we would never tolerate in any other way, Curtis said. A federal judge was skeptical Monday of former Trump-era Justice Department official Jeffrey Clarks efforts to move his Georgia election subversion case to federal court. The case stems from Clarks efforts to use his senior role at the Justice Department to help former President Donald Trump overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election despite the objections of his bosses. Clark wasnt present at the hearing, an absence that became especially notable after US District Judge Steve Jones said he would not accept a sworn statement from Clark as evidence in the case. The hearing ended after about three hours with no ruling from the judge, who seemed visibly frustrated and annoyed at times. At one point, his probing questions directed at one of Clarks attorneys led Trump attorney Steve Sadow, who was in the courtroom, to whisper, This is not good. Jones said he would make a decision on the matter as soon as he could but didnt give a timeframe for his ruling. Earlier this month, Jones rejected a similar request to transfer the case from another co-defendant: Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows . Clark and some other defendants want to move their cases to federal court and say they were acting on behalf of the federal government after the election, thus they should be able to have their state charges tried before a federal judge. They could also potentially have somewhat friendlier trial settings or get the charges dropped entirely by invoking immunity protections afforded to federal officials. At Mondays hearing, Clark attorney Harry MacDougald argued that not even an iota of (Clarks) actions would be possible if he wasnt a federal official. This included attending an Oval Office meeting and a classified intelligence briefing about election security, as well as high-level discussions with Justice Department officials. And even if his official job description didnt include most election litigation, those matters were in his lane because the president put it in his lane, MacDougald said, referring to Trump seeking out Clark in late 2020 to discuss the election. Clarks bid differs from Meadows and is a tossup, according to several former Justice Department officials, given that he was advocating within the Justice Department for the agency to take action to undermine public trust in the election. However, Clarks superiors in the department opposed him, and his direct communication with Trump after the election wasnt authorized as part of his job. Trump will also likely seek to move his case to federal court, but he hasnt filed any motions yet. Post-election turmoil inside DOJ Clark is charged with violating Georgias racketeering law, known as RICO, and attempting to make false statements. He has pleaded not guilty. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, a Democrat, opposes Clarks bid to move his case. Attorneys from her office argued during Mondays hearing that even if Trump told Clark to get involved in 2020 election matters, his actions still would not have been within the scope of his federal duties. After Trump lost the 2020 election, Clark started embracing far-fetched conspiracy theories about an international scheme to rig voting machines against Republicans, according to two congressional reports and past CNN reporting. He also violated Justice Department policy by speaking directly with Trump on several occasions. As part of these conversations, Trump considered installing Clark as acting attorney general so he could send a letter to the state officials falsely claiming the Justice Department found widespread irregularities in the 2020 election. Trump backed away from the plan after top Justice Department officials threatened to resign in protest. These actions are part of Trumps federal election subversion charges, in which Clark is an unindicted co-conspirator. Trump has pleaded not guilty in both cases. During Mondays hearing, MacDougald said the letter never left the office and argued that Clark was not going rogue when he drafted it because, he said, it was part of Clarks job. You cannot get into the Oval Office for a meeting with the president and top Justice Department officials unless you are acting in connection with a federal position, MacDougald said. Jones asked some probing questions during the hearing, at one point challenging MacDougald about the fact that his DOJ bosses told him that his 2020 election fraud claims werent true, but he still included the claims in his draft letter to Georgia officials. MacDougald argued at one point that the draft letter Clark wanted to have sent to officials in key states including Georgia was akin to a dissenting opinion inside any federal agency, including a courts chambers. Compared to his DOJ colleagues, Clark had a different opinion on the weight and sufficiency of the evidence of fraud, he said. He told the judge if this case against Clark isnt moved to federal court, it could allow states to issue felony arrest warrants even for people who work for the judge and disagree with him. You guys hear that? Jones joked in response, pointing to his clerks inside the courtroom. MacDougald ended his arguments Monday with a harsher position toward Trump digging into the position that Clark couldnt have acted outside of his office at the department because the then-president authorized Clarks actions after the election toward Georgia. The DOJ is not an independent fourth branch of government, MacDougald said. But prosecutors pushed back. Theres no federal authority here to protect, Donald Wakeford argued for the state of Georgia. There has to be some basis in reality that Clarks draft letter to Georgia officials about the states presidential election was part of his job, Wakeford said, adding that Clark was told by his superiors what he was saying wasnt true, wasnt part of his job and wasnt part of anyones job at DOJ. Trump DOJ official testifies for Willis Former Justice Department official Jody Hunt testified at the hearing and bolstered Willis case by saying that the person in Clarks role wouldnt have been involved in investigating election fraud. Hunt was head of the DOJs Civil Division under Trump before Clark took over the role in an acting capacity in 2020. In my experience it is not the role of the Civil Division to engage in any affirmative matters related to elections or election irregularities, Hunt testified. Matters related to election fraud would be handled by the Criminal Division or the Civil Rights Division, Hunt said. This undercuts Clarks argument that he was doing his job as acting head of the Civil Division by getting involved in the 2020 election. It would not fall within the responsibility of the Civil Division to handle election-related enforcement matters, Hunt said. Hunt was an influential figure in the Trump administration and was chief of staff to then- Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He later represented a key January 6, 2021, witness who provided damning testimony against Trump. Former attorney general backs Clark At his own hearing last month, Meadows took the stand to testify in an unexpected, high-risk attempt to expand the courts view of his role as chief of staff. Clarks attorney didnt respond to a request for comment, though Clark submitted a sworn statement to the court about his service at the Justice Department, which the judge later rejected. In the statement, Clark wrote he never participated in campaign events for Trumps reelection, never acted in his personal capacity and never took knowingly false positions during his time at the Justice Department. Former Attorney General Ed Meese, who served in the Reagan administration, also sent a sworn statement to the court in advance of the hearing, arguing on Clarks behalf, The prosecution of the President and an [assistant Attorney General] is a major affront to federal supremacy never before seen in the history of our country, according to a court filing Sunday. If the premise of this prosecution were to be accepted, then state law enforcement officials could arrest local U.S. Attorneys and their Assistants while they were deliberating over whether and/or how to approach a possible prosecution of state or local officials, Meese added. But Jones said on Monday that he will block Meeses affidavit from being submitted. With all due respect to the former attorney general, the judge said, some of Meeses submission gives opinions of things and thus wont be included in the official record, and wont be considered when he makes his ruling in the removal matter. This is one of two federal hearings this week about moving the Georgia case out of state court. Three fake electors facing charges have a hearing set for Wednesday on the same question. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Gia Rueda speaks out against opposition to LGBTQ+ education materials at a school board meeting on July 18 in Temecula. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) School districts that seek to ban textbooks that portray LGBTQ+ people and other historically marginalized groups could face hefty fines under a new California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday. The legislation is the culmination of the Democratic governor's fight against a majority-conservative school board in the Riverside County city of Temecula. The board opposed materials in the summer because of their portrayal of gay rights icon and slain San Francisco politician Harvey Milk. School districts statewide will face more scrutiny of curriculum decisions regarding social science materials, which must feature "inclusive and diverse perspectives," including the role and contribution of Latino Americans, LGBTQ+ Americans and other ethnic and cultural groups. The bill is an effort to "reaffirm" and more strictly enforce state laws that already mandate lessons on ethnic studies and LGBTQ+ history. It comes as school boards in California's Republican-leaning districts have approved policies reflective of national GOP culture wars regarding "parental rights" over issues such as gender identity and racial history. Newsom signed the bill on video alongside its author, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Perris), on Monday, slamming what he called a national "cultural purge" led by Republican leaders who have sought to limit what textbooks are allowed in schools. "We have school districts large and small banning books, banning free speech, criminalizing librarians and teachers," Newsom said Monday. "We want to do more than just push back rhetorically against that, and that's what this legislation provides." Earlier on Monday, Newsom announced that he would publicly debate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for president and is credited with inspiring an upswing in school book bans nationally. Under the new California law, noncompliant school districts will face fiscal penalties, with the state subtracting the purchase price of sufficient textbooks from a district's local control funding formula allotment. In the Temecula case, that was estimated to be $1.5 million, but the board reversed course after Newsom's threat to intervene. The bill adds to the job duties of local superintendents, who will now be tasked with overseeing and correcting any textbook decisions made by elected school board members that are prohibited. "AB 1078 is doing some heavy lifting," Kindra Britt, a spokesperson for the California County Superintendents, said Monday. "The state is trying to balance the rights of students without adding oxygen to highly politicized local conflicts. Thats not easy." The bill was supported by advocacy groups including the ACLU, which said it was necessary for Newsom to intervene in school policies discriminatory against LGBTQ+ students and students of color. But the bill faced opposition from parents who said it would allow for age-inappropriate materials in schools, and from a list of local officials at schools and not just officials representing conservative districts. The California School Boards Assn. called the bill "heavy-handed," warning that it could complicate local education decisions by involving state and county officials when laws are already in place to ensure inclusive textbooks. CSBA spokesperson Troy Flint said Monday that many school officials "understand the motivation" of the legislation and are supportive of inclusive education but believe local control is best. There are concerns that the bill sets a precedent to allow the state to override local school decisions beyond the scope of the current textbook issue. "There are a lot of concerns related to implementation," Flint said Monday. "I think this bill, to a certain extent, was pushed forward without thinking about what could happen in a different scenario. Really, the best laws should make sense and be fair no matter what the political landscape is or who is in power at that particular moment." 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. Gavin Newsom should not want to go down in history as Governor Mushroom. But the California Legislature, with a bill to legalize certain hallucinogens, is giving him a politically dangerous psychedelic opportunity. With numerous moderate Democrats voting no or not at all, the liberal faction of the Legislature approved Senate Bill 58 by Scott Wiener of San Francisco. Stating that decades of prohibitions have failed to deter drug use and increased their dangers, SB 58 would decriminalize a family of naturally occurring hallucinogenic substances in small doses for adults. Opinion The substances include psilocybin/psilocyn (mushrooms), Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and mescaline (excluding peyote). They are all ingredients of one kind of mushroom or another. Wiener, unafraid to push the edge of the politically possible in Sacramento and a serious policy-minded legislator, has an argument for SB 58 with both data and compassion. We know these substances are not addictive, and they show tremendous promise in treating many of the most intractable conditions driving our nations mental health crisis, he says. Its time to stop criminalizing people who use psychedelics for healing or personal well-being. But the medical argument for hallucinogens is largely anecdotal. The gold standard of medical research is large randomized trials with patients receiving an actual dose of a hallucinogen or a placebo. Presently hallucinogens are illegal under both state and federal laws, which pose serious impediments to research. As a legislative analysis stated, Psychedelic drugs show initial promise as potential treatments for mood, anxiety and SUDs. However, these are still investigational products. Dr. Tiffany Farchione, director of the Division of Psychiatry in the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said that sponsors evaluating the therapeutic potential of these drugs should consider their unique characteristics when designing clinical studies. In contrast with the anecdotes of hallucinogens causing no harm and with potential upsides, there are credible reports to the contrary. Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University, is among the vocal opponents of the bill. Despite what you may have read or heard in the media, hallucinogens are associated with significant harms, she wrote. Potential risks include acute panic, self-harm resulting in death and chronic psychological problems. Whats more, earlier versions of SB 58 (not what the Legislature passed) proposed some purely recreational purposes for legalization. Wiener originally proposed to make it legal for adults to host dosing events. Such events could charge reasonable fees. So much for compassionate care based on research. This was all about Californians legally and temporarily visiting a parallel mental universe for the price of admission. Two of the countrys most libertarian states, Oregon and Colorado, have decriminalized the possession of these substances for adults. The question is whether liberal-leaning California should join this small and select herd. Here is where the issue goes beyond fungi for a governor seeking legitimacy and stature on the national stage. Gavin Newsom deserves to be showcased on a recent edition of 60 Minutes for how he is seeking to expand mental health services in this state to place homeless and others in conservatorship and mandatory care, if necessary. As a loyal supporter of President Biden and his bid for a second term, however misguided this may be, Newsom has earned his partys license to debate the likes of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The much-ballyhooed verbal duel is now formally scheduled on Nov. 30 to be moderated by Fox News Sean Hannity. Its one thing for Newsom to charge hard against oil companies, assault weapons and book banning. It is entirely another thing for the governor to champion hallucinating. A politician never knows when some wordsmith is going to coin a nickname that will stick for life. It unexpectedly happened to then-governor Jerry Brown in 1976. Seeking the national limelight at the time much like our governor today, the legendary Chicago Tribune columnist Mike Royko waxed how Brown seemed to be courting the moonbeam vote, the nonconformist Generation Zers of the time. From that point on, there was nothing Brown could do. He has been Governor Moonbeam ever since. Newsom, with too many numbers in his head, can go toe to toe with anyone on economics, education and health care. There are no compelling statistics on how the nation should manage psychedelic mushrooms and its retail derivatives. Newsom can put this issue in his rearview mirror with a veto of SB 58. Or he can risk being Governor Mushroom for the rest of his political career. State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) worked for years on legislation to reclassify sex trafficking of minors as a "serious" felony under California's penal code, a legal term that can potentially lead to life sentences under the state's "three strikes" law. (Adam Beam / Associated Press) California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Monday that will increase penalties for those convicted of child sex trafficking, a seemingly straightforward measure that instead divided Democrats over how to handle crimes that disproportionately affect women and children. Senate Bill 14 will reclassify sex trafficking of minors as a "serious" felony, potentially resulting in a life sentence under the state's "three strikes" law, which also applies to crimes such as murder and rape. The measure earned unanimous approval from the 80 members of the state Assembly and the 40-member Senate. "Human trafficking is a sick crime. With this new law, California is going further to protect kids," Newsom said in a statement after he signed the bill in Sacramento alongside trafficking survivors, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and SB 14's author, state Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield). With the passage of this bill, we are sending a clear message to child traffickers we intend to put you out of business and behind bars where you belong," said Grove, who worked on the issue for years. Read more: California lawmakers send Gov. Newsom child sex trafficking bill that divided Democrats Despite its eventual passage, Democratic concerns over whether victims would be vulnerable to prosecution and whether three strikes should be broadened nearly tanked SB 14, leading to a public relations nightmare for the majority party and a rare Republican victory in the state Capitol. The controversy also revealed cracks in the criminal justice reform movement over not just human trafficking but other crimes such as domestic violence and certain sexual assaults politically sticky issues for Democrats who have touted policies supporting women but resisted efforts to increase the prison population. "I think the resistance is healthy. When we're talking about adding prison time, adding crimes, we ought to be thinking long and hard about it," said Maggy Krell, a prosecutor who specializes in human trafficking. But, Krell added, "were talking really about gender-based violence here. Were talking about crimes that disproportionately impact women and children, and women and children of color." Lawmakers this year also disagreed over a bill to lengthen prison terms for those convicted of domestic violence and another that would have eliminated a requirement for healthcare providers to report assault and abuse to law enforcement. Both measures failed. The Legislature in recent years has also fought over adding a penalty for removing a condom without consent and the repeal of an anti-loitering law that largely affected sex workers. "California leads the way in many things. But we don't lead the way in women leadership," said state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, a moderate Democrat from Amador County who authored a bill this year to make rape of an intoxicated person a "violent felony" subject to three strikes sentence enhancements. Alvarado-Gil held the bill over concerns it could face resistance similar to SB 14. Though the debate is "uncomfortable," Alvarado-Gil said, "we cannot shy away from what is the ugliest part of our human society." Read more: California repeals anti-loitering law that sparked debate over decriminalizing sex work The years-long tension reached a boiling point in July, when Democrats on the left-leaning Assembly Public Safety Committee rejected SB 14 over criticism that it would lead to the prosecution of victims and refill prisons. The decision prompted public outrage against Democrats and interference from Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), who both called for compromise and a quick resolution. Facing political pressure and even death threats, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, a Los Angeles Democrat and chair of the Public Safety Committee, resurrected the bill with a new hearing and quickly passed it. Progressive Assembly Democrats eventually won some amendments to the bill in another hearing earlier this month, which exempted trafficking victims from the serious felony provision. Those changes eased concerns over potential prosecution of survivors and ensured the unanimous approval of the bill, which takes effect Jan. 1. "We are failing [victims] when we say to the world we're going to go soft on people who prey on children," said former Sacramento Dist. Atty. Anne Marie Schubert, who left the Republican Party and later ran as an independent for attorney general in 2022. "I've read a couple of the arguments that there is no evidence that a longer-term sentence is going to reduce crime. Yes ,it does, because they're in jail." Opponents of SB 14, including some of the state's leading criminal justice reform advocates, said the measure was overly simplistic and that sending people to prison for longer was not the answer. "Any bill that touches on sex offenses has always been a hot political item," said Natasha Minsker, a policy advisor to the left-leaning public safety organization Smart Justice California. "We are approaching the conversation from a completely wrong direction if we say we're going to just increase penalties and we're going to prosecute our way out of it." What gets lost in the political chaos, some advocates and legal experts said, is what's best for the victims. "Regardless of how much time we are going to see for defendants, we need to be looking at, No. 1, what are we doing to prevent this crime in the first place?" said Krell, who supported SB 14. "And No. 2, what are we doing to help the victim and help the survivor recover?" "There was a lot of politics overtaking policy on [SB 14]," Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta added in an interview with The Times on the final night of this year's legislative session on Sept. 14. "Some folks have only had one move, one tool in their toolbox. And they use it all the time. And it's just more and more never-ending punishment." Bonta said it's not that human trafficking and other sex crimes aren't serious or violent, but that California needs to approach these issues more carefully than in decades past, when the state ushered in tough-on-crime policies that incarcerated tens of thousands of mostly Black and brown people. Supporters of SB 14 often forget that convicted human traffickers of minors can already go to prison for up to 12 years, or 15 years to life if the crime involves, among other factors, force, coercion or violence, Bonta said. "There's a balance there," he said. "I don't think three strikes is the right move for California." Read more: California Democrats reverse course after killing bill to stiffen penalties for child sex trafficking Others see SB 14 as a chance for victims to have a seat at the table in crafting similar policies, and for lawmakers to see what more is needed to not only prevent crime, but also provide care for survivors. "I highly respect both sides, and I totally understand where they're coming from," said Debra Rush, a child sex-trafficking survivor and founder of the Fresno organization Breaking the Chains, who supported SB 14. "I think that this is where change happens," Rush said. "I think that when we try to shut out one group or another ... I think that's where we end up with mayhem." 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. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed measures on Tuesday to raise taxes on guns and ammunition to improve school safety in the state. The new law will double the taxes on guns and ammunition and will use that revenue to pay for more security at public schools and to support numerous violence prevention programs. The law will tack on an 11 percent tax on top of the federal taxes on guns and ammunition, which are either 10 percent or 11 percent depending on what kind of gun. While radical judges continue to strip away our ability to keep people safe, California will keep fighting because gun safety laws work, Newsom said in a statement. The data proves they save lives: Californias gun death rate is 43 percent lower than the rest of the nation. These new laws will make our communities and families safer. The governors office described the legislation, AB 28, as a first-in-the-nation effort to generate $160 million annually on the sale of bullets to improve school safety and gun violence intervention program. This will include initiatives to prevent school shootings, strengthen firearm investigations and take away guns from domestic abusers. Its shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits at the same time that gun violence has become the leading cause of death for kids in the United States, said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), who sponsored AB 28. Newsom also signed other gun reform bills, including one overhauling Californias rules for carrying concealed weapons. It will now ban people from carrying guns in nearly all public places, including public demonstrations, churches and anywhere where alcohol is sold. He also signed a law that would require all semiautomatic pistols sold in California to have a microstamping technology starting on July 1, 2028 meaning that each bullet would have a unique marking that would make it easier to trace the gun it was fired from to the owner. The Associated Press contributed reporting. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When the owners of the Clevelander Hotel and Bar made the bombshell announcement earlier this month that they intended to convert their business to a high-end restaurant and residential project as tall as 30 stories, they said they would give architectural plans to the city of Miami Beach in the coming days. But nearly three weeks later, no plans have been submitted under Floridas Live Local Act aimed at incentivizing affordable and workforce housing. And the Clevelander owners and city officials dont seem to be seeing eye to eye. Last Wednesday, representatives for the hotel and bars owners, Montreal-based developer Jesta Group, met with city planning staff in search of guidance on what type of proposal might be acceptable to the city. Prominent local architect Kobi Karp was there with the Clevelander team, according to a city memo. But the Clevelander didnt present any plans or renderings, the memo says. City officials were reluctant to give feedback without more details. Based on the meeting, an application does NOT appear to be imminent, Deputy City Attorney Nick Kallergis said in an email Friday to City Attorney Rafael Paz. Staff was surprised when they asked for feedback, given that they gave us no concrete information about what the project would be. An attorney for the Clevelander, Alexander Tachmes, told the Miami Herald the owners of the famed Ocean Drive party spot are hoping for a collaborative process with the city. While a Sept. 7 press release said they planned to submit the project under the provisions of the Live Local Act, which would let them bypass various zoning and public hearing requirements, Tachmes now says the Clevelanders preference is to negotiate changes to the city code and avoid the Live Local process entirely. This does not have to be a Live Local project, Tachmes said. If the city does not want to cooperate with us, then we have no choice but to proceed under Live Local. People walk past the Clevelander Bar and Hotel on May 28, 2023. City may still control floor-area ratio Cooperation, it seems, would mean an agreement by the city to increase the allowable floor-area ratio (FAR) a method of regulating building size at the site of the Clevelander and adjacent Essex House, also owned by Jesta. The Clevelander owners have said they could build up to 30 stories tall under the Live Local Act. The legislation lets developers build as high as local zoning within one mile allows in mixed-use districts, as long as they agree to make 40% of residential units affordable for 30 years to people making up to 120% of the area median income. The area median in Miami-Dade County is $74,700 and 120% of that is $89,640. But there is ambiguity in the legislation over whether cities still control FAR. The Clevelander would likely be hard-pressed to build its desired project without a FAR increase, which must be approved by the City Commission. A bill passed by the Florida Legislature this year prevents such development matters from being decided by voters, putting an end to the type of development referendums that have been common in Miami Beach in recent years. It was very clear as part of the conversation that they were looking for guidance, input, feedback, and support from City staff regarding their desire to seek additional height and additional FAR, Kallergis said in the email to Paz. However, staff was not able to provide such guidance because 1) staff had no plan or proposal to react to, and 2) we have not yet received any policy direction from the Commission regarding a potential increase in height or FAR. The Clevelander is pictured Sept. 7, 2023. Worst idea ever or unique opportunity? Miami Beach elected officials have broadly condemned the idea of a residential tower on Ocean Drive, saying it would destroy the character of the iconic row of hotels and bars where building heights are limited to 50 feet. They have mulled their options to fight against the Clevelander plan and any future Live Local projects, floating the idea of legal action or lowering allowable heights across South Beach. Mayor Dan Gelber has called the Clevelander proposal the worst idea ever. But the Clevelander owners have painted this as an opportunity for the city, after years of complaints about the raucous atmosphere on Ocean Drive and failed attempts to move last call for alcohol sales from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. If you really want the change, this is the opportunity to do that, Tachmes said. Its important for the city to take a breath and not immediately dismiss the project, as some people have done, and view it as a unique urban planning opportunity. Cars drive past the Clevelander on March 3, 2023. Tachmes said he believes parts of the proposal have been misconstrued, stressing that the historic structure of the Clevelander would be restored, not demolished. A new residential tower would replace the adjacent Essex House building and feature luxury condos, he said, while the existing Clevelander building would be renovated and likely house the affordable rental units. The project would feature a maximum of 137 units, according to Clevelander representatives. The rental units could go for more than $2,100 per month for studios based on median income limits in Miami-Dade County. Clevelander representatives told city officials they would be open to a project substantially below 30 stories, Tachmes said. He declined to share specifics and said details of their proposal, other than a partial rendering shared in a press release earlier this month, are not available. Still, Tachmes rebuffed suggestions by some city officials that their announcement was a bluff. Its not, he said. Were going to move ahead, one way or the other. Nine years after 43 students from a rural teachers college in Mexico disappeared, their parents find themselves in an uphill battle. Its complicated. Youre looking for your son, and the government denies you justice, Antonio Tizapa, the father of one of the missing students, said in an interview. If they dont want us to keep protesting in the streets, tell us where our children are. In July, a panel of independent investigators presented evidence in its sixth and last report about the 43 missing students. According to the multiyear investigation, Mexican security forces at the local, state and federal levels at the time all collaborated to make them disappear. Image: Antonio Tizapa (Claudia Torrens / AP file) Meanwhile, the remains of only three students have been formally identified in the last nine years. On Sept. 26, 2014, Tizapas 20-year-old son, Jorge Antonio, traveled with dozens of classmates from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College to the city of Iguala in the southwestern state of Guerrero. The students commandeered buses in Iguala, as they had done other times, to travel roughly 120 miles to Mexico City. They planned to march on the 46th anniversary of the Tlatelolco Massacre to honor hundreds of students whom Mexican police and military officials murdered on Oct. 2, 1968. The students were taken away by local authorities and then disappeared. Their disappearances made international headlines. The government of President Enrique Pena Nieto at the time initially tried to close the case. It said that local authorities in collusion with a drug cartel arrested the students after they left the bus station and that, according to the testimony of multiple drug traffickers, they had been handed over to Guerreros Unidos, a cartel that murdered them and incinerated their bodies at the Cocula garbage dump. For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter. But the investigative body of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights helped reopen the case by exposing how authorities tortured suspects to get their testimony. This allowed us to continue fighting for justice, Tizapa said. Last year, "we were given a video that showed what really happened at the Cocula garbage dump," he said. Tizapa referred to new evidence presented last year by the investigative body, the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts, which said the Mexican government at the time intentionally falsified information and withheld leads. Among the evidence were drone photos and video that may have showed Mexican marines staging the area where the students had been reported killed. The panel's final report in July said local, state and federal security forces did know about the students' abductions and were complicit in their disappearances. Looking back at one of Mexicos most notorious human rights cases, a member of the panel asked at the July news conference: How was it possible for it to happen in a small city with two battalions of about 600 men? According to the investigation, military commanders and members of two battalions had to have colluded with drug trafficking and organized crime. The panel also said that without a doubt police, state agents and other authorities were complicit. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said his administration plans to continue to investigate the case, and he has pointed to the arrests of military officials and other people. The armed forces have denied having any information about the students' disappearances, Reuters reported last week. Investigators also said security forces had put the students under surveillance and stigmatized them as insurgents. The negative characterization also influenced the investigation after the disappearances, they said. The panel emphasized at the news conference that unlike with the allegations by the Mexican security forces, theres not a single document that we have analyzed that indicates that the young people were colluding with drug trafficking. Not one. Where are they? For parents, the arrests and the recent findings are not enough. With Pena Nietos government, they told us our sons were murdered and incinerated, Tizapa said. With Obrador, the government tells us: Yes, they took our boys and murdered them. But we dont know where they are. Both governments are telling us practically the same thing. Despite the progress that has been made, Tizapa and other families say they still need answers from the government, including the military. Mario Gonzalez, the father of another missing student, said in a phone interview Friday: We met with the president of the republic to ask him to give us the missing information on the whereabouts of our children. Unfortunately, the president has empowered the military in Mexico a lot. And he remains stubborn, saying that the military has already handed over everything. So we are now here protesting in front of Mexicos military headquarters, Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said the families need the support of the Mexican people to pressure the government to get answers from the military. I think what happened awakened the conscience of many people. And nine years later, we still feel the solidarity, he said. Cesar Manuel, Gonzalezs son, was a 20-year-old freshman at the teachers college when he disappeared with classmates in 2014. Gonzalez said he believes the Ayotzinapa case can resonate with everyone, because the 43 students were just chamaquitos, or young people, who were looking for a better life. My son wanted to be a teacher. And I am proud of him. He isnt perfect. But the teachers college gave him what he needed, what he wanted to be, he said. Gonzalez said such schools are often the only pathways available for rural students to secure their futures. And he described the attack on the 43 students as an attack on who they were and their activism. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said he is committed to challenging Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) in 2024 following the incumbents indictment on charges of bribery. Kim told Punchbowl News in an interview that he will continue with his run even if Menendez resigns from his position or other candidates join in the primary race. Kim also said he has decided that he is not running for reelection to his House seat. I feel committed to do this and Im going to see it through, Kim said. Menendez, who has served as a senator for New Jersey since 2006, and his wife, Nadine, were indicted Friday on the bribery charges, with prosecutors alleging that they accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes as part of a corrupt relationship with three businessmen. The indictment states that the bribes included cash, gold bars, payments toward a mortgage and a luxury car, among others. Prosecutors allege that Menendez provided sensitive information to secretly aid the Egyptian government and interfere with a criminal investigation into one of the businessmen, among other actions. Menendez has denied the allegations and argued that the indictment is based on a limited set of facts. He said at a press conference Monday that he would not resign and would prove his innocence. Kim announced Saturday, a day after the indictment was unsealed, that he would run for Menendezs seat in 2024, saying he felt compelled to challenge Menendez after the incumbent vowed he would remain in office. Menendez has not directly said if he will run for reelection next year. Kim told Punchbowl that Menendezs statement of Im not going anywhere bothered him enough that he felt he needed to run. Honestly, it was that line that bothered me so much. It felt like he was thinking that he owns that seat, he said. Menendez was previously indicted on unrelated bribery charges in 2015 over allegations of a corrupt relationship with a doctor from Miami. The case resulted in a hung jury, and the charges were eventually dropped. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Keniel Diaz-Romero is escorted into Dedham Superior Court for his arraignment. DEDHAM Keniel Diaz-Romero, a suspect in the February 2022 shooting death of a 17-year-old Weymouth student, was located in Puerto Rico last week only after facing firearms charges there, prosecutors said Tuesday. Prosecutors said Diaz-Romero fatally shot Nathan Paul in the leg on the night of Feb. 15, 2022, during an attempted robbery in Quincys Germantown neighborhood. Paul was a senior at Weymouth High School. Diaz-Romero was arraigned Tuesday in Dedham Superior Court and pled not guilty to charges of murder, larceny from a person, possession of a counterfeit bill, uttering a counterfeit bill, conspiracy to commit larceny and unlawfully carrying a firearm. He was held without bail. Paul's friends and family were in the courtroom. As court officers escorted Diaz-Romero in, Paul's mother and sister sobbed loudly, drowning out the voices of the clerk and the judge. Nathan Paul, 17, a senior at Weymouth High School, was the victim of a deadly shooting in Quincy on Feb. 15, 2022. Diaz-Romero, formerly of Quincy, was apprehended last week in Puerto Rico after a 16-month search by local, state and federal authorities. Prosecutors called him a flight risk. Assistant District Attorney Aubrey Burr said Diaz-Romero is serving a 19-year sentence in Puerto Rico. On the night of Pauls death, a group of six teenagers, including Diaz-Romero, planned to buy $500 worth of THC vape cartridges from Paul using counterfeit money, authorities said. As one of the four juveniles in the group handed Paul five counterfeit notes, the rest waited nearby in a vehicle to provide backup if needed, according to a statement by Burr. A woman identified as the mother of Nathan Paul, left, listens during the arraignment of her son's alleged killer, Keniel Diaz-Romero, in Dedham Superior Court. Burr wrote that Paul quickly realized the money was fake and pursued the juvenile on foot, leaving his car unattended. The five other members of the group then tried to steal any valuables in Paul's vehicle, but dispersed when Paul returned, the statement reads. According to Burr, Paul then drove around the neighborhood and later came across four members of the group walking up Palmer Street. Paul pulled his car over a curb and into a snowbank. Witnesses later reported a loud argument between the parties, the statement says. Keniel Diaz-Romero is charged with the 2022 shooting death of Weymouth High School student Nathan Paul in Quincy. Paul tried to back away, but was stuck in the snowbank. Diaz-Romero walked alongside Paul's car, according to the prosecution. When his co-defendant, Jaivon Harris, told him to shoot Paul, Diaz-Romero shot once at head level and missed and a second shot penetrated the car door, striking Paul, Burr wrote. Now wounded, Paul managed to back away, but later crashed his car. When police arrived, they found him unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead. During the arraignment, Burr said Diaz-Romero abandoned the jacket he wore during the shooting. Investigators retrieved the jacket, and analysis revealed gunshot residue in the fabric, Burr said. Defense lawyer Liam Scully said Diaz-Romero was born in Puerto Rico and has extensive family there. He moved to Quincy when he was in the third grade. Scully said the prosecution's case relies almost exclusively on witnesses "with major credibility problems." These witnesses provided testimony that exculpates themselves while implicating Diaz-Romero, Scully said, adding that the credibility of their testimony will make up the substance of the trial. The defense contested the prosecution's request that Diaz-Romero be detained until the trial. Harris was arrested about two weeks after the shooting when he reported to Quincy District Court. He was arraigned on March 1 on charges of murder, armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy. A Norfolk County grand jury indicted Harris and Diaz-Romero on murder and various other charges related to Paul's death a few months later. In July 2022, four juveniles were also arrested in connection with the shooting. They face charges of larceny and use of counterfeit money. One juvenile has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder. Gregory Paul, Nathans father, said his son was planning to attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst after graduating from Weymouth High School. Diaz-Romero's next court date is Oct. 27, the same date Harris is scheduled to appear in court. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. Reach Peter Blandino at pblandino@patriotledger.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Keniel Diaz-Romero pleads not guilty to the 2022 murder of Nathan Paul OVERLAND PARK, Kan. The Johnson County district attorney will not file charges in a police shooting earlier this year in Overland Park. The shooting happened in March as members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force were serving a warrant at Villa Medici apartments near 96th Street and Rosewood Lane. A standoff ensued for hours when law enforcement tried to serve the warrant. Overland Park police previously said they blocked the suspect so he couldnt drive away. The man allegedly shot at federal law enforcement then ran into his unit and barricaded himself. Woman hit, killed by stolen truck fleeing from Independence police The man has since been identified as Casey Zeff. Officials have not disclosed what the felony warrant was for. Police said a U.S. Marshal fired back at Zeff, injuring him. Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe identified that officer as a Wyandotte County sheriffs deputy who was working as a member of the U.S. Marshals task force. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android The next day, officers entered the home and made contact with Zeff before he died by suicide. Overland Park police investigated the incident, and Howe said his office has determined the officers use of force was justified. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. FILE PHOTO: The flag of North Korea is seen in Geneva By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -North Korea's United Nations envoy accused the United States and South Korea on Tuesday of pushing the Korean peninsula closer to the brink of nuclear war, telling the U.N. General Assembly that as a result his country had no choice but to further accelerate a build-up of its self-defense capabilities. "The year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year," Ambassador Kim Song told the last day of the annual U.N. gathering of world leaders. "The Korean peninsula is in a hair-trigger situation with imminent danger of nuclear war breakout." "Given the prevailing circumstances, the DPRK (North Korea) is urgently required to further accelerate the build-up of its self-defense capabilities to defend itself impregnably," Kim told the 193-member General Assembly. North Korea has tested dozens of ballistic missile in the past 18 months. The United States has long warned that Pyongyang was ready to carry out a seventh nuclear test. Pyongyang says it is exercising its right to self-defense with its ballistic missile tests to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests from military threats. "The DPRK remains steadfast and unchanged in its determination to firmly defend the national sovereignty, security interests and well-being of the people against the hostile threats from outside," Kim said. North Korea - formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) - has been under U.N. Security Council sanctions for its missile and nuclear programs since 2006. The measures have been steadily strengthened over the years. However, for the past several years the 15-member Security Council has been divided over how to deal with Pyongyang. Russia and China, veto powers along with the United States, Britain and France, have said more sanctions will not help and want such measures to be eased. China and Russia say joint military drills by the United States and South Korea provoke Pyongyang, while Washington accuses Beijing and Moscow of emboldening North Korea by shielding it from more sanctions. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Howard Goller) An updated photo of aurora borealis displayed in the sky above a forest of pine trees. | Vincent Guth, Unsplash The last year proved to be an active one for the northern lights as the rays could be seen farther south into the United States than normal. Scientists say its just the beginning of a peak that is coming in the next 18 months, where the lights are predicted to be the brightest and farthest reaching in 20 years. Mark Miesch, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder, told NBC News that activity is expected to steadily increase until fall 2024 when the lights will be at their brightest Skywatchers are excited, Miesch told NBC. Related What causes the northern lights? Aurora borealis (the northern lights) and aurora australis (the southern lights) are caused by disturbances in space weather that usually happen because of strongly magnetic sunspots, NBC reported. The particles are flung into space, some of which head toward the earth, and find weak points in the Earths magnetic field where they collide with the atmosphere and release energy to create a neon banner in the sky. The resulting light rays can take on a variety of shapes, including their signature curtain waves that can be seen in the sky, per the Space Weather Prediction Center. As the night drags on, the rays can stretch out, twist and sway. A good indicator of how strong or widespread the lights will be is the number of sunspots that are recorded, per NBC. Related What are the colors of the northern lights? According to the National Park Service, the northern lights can vary in colors from deep blue to red, to purple. The colors will change depending on two factors, including what elements are hit by the energetic particles that come from the sun and the altitude of the phenomenon. When the rays hit the most abundant gas, nitrogen, the result will be deep blue and red colors, mixing to make purple, per the park service. At lower altitudes of 59 miles, a green line that is characteristic of the lights is the boundary when oxygen exists in its atomic form. At higher altitudes around 120 miles, the oxygen will create a red color instead of green. Can you see the northern lights in the U.S.? The northern lights can be seen in the United States, and as far down as Mexico, as a rare event that happened in 1958, per the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Monday night, the lights were visible in the United States, as far south as Minnesota and Wisconsin, reported NBC. An aurora forecast run by the University of Alaska Fairbanks helps the public know when and where to expect the lights on any given day in North America, Europe, and Alaska. Related What month is best to see the northern lights in the U.S.? Equinoxes and solstices, such as the autumnal equinox that happened on Saturday, usually mean greater disruptions and gaps in the Earths magnetic field, Miesch told NBC. The sun rotates around the sun every 27 days, per the university. Since there was an especially strong day on Monday, odds are they will be strong again around Oct. 22. Where in the U.S. can you see the northern lights in 2023? Its hard to predict what states will be able to see the lights in the remaining months of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, but keeping an eye on the aurora tracker at the National Space Weather Prediction Center will give a heads-up on where and when the lights can be seen. Can we see the northern lights in Utah? The northern lights have been seen in Utah multiple times in the past year and were last seen on Sunday night. Related Norway pledged 1 billion Norwegian kroner ($92 million) in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine to help prepare the population for the upcoming winter, the Norwegian government announced on Sept. 26. The latest support is meant to ensure access to "necessary protection" and "vital assistance" to civilians in the upcoming winter months as Russia is expected to escalate its attacks on the country's infrastructure. "Russia's brutal warfare causes great suffering to the Ukrainian civilian population," Norways Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said at the international meeting in Oslo focused on Ukraine's humanitarian needs. "The Ukrainians are making a heroic effort to resist daily attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. They need our help to get through another winter of this war." According to the press statement, the meeting was organized by Norway and the EU, with Ukraine's attendance, to discuss possible ways of helping the Ukrainian population affected by the war. The agenda included a discussion on how to transition from short-term humanitarian efforts to long-term reconstruction. Norway has contributed more than $320 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, according to the government's statement. Read also: Media: Norway to restrict entry for Russian cars Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Eight people were injured on a JetBlue flight Monday as it hit sudden severe turbulence" shortly before landing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have announced investigations. Photo courtesy of JetBlue Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Eight people were injured on a JetBlue flight Monday as it hit "sudden severe turbulence" shortly before landing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have announced investigations. According to the NTSB, the Airbus A320 hit sudden turbulence over Jamaica as it traveled from Ecuador to Florida. The plane landed safely just before 5:30 a.m. local time, according to JetBlue's flight tracker. "JetBlue flight 1256 with scheduled service from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., experienced sudden severe turbulence as it neared Florida," the airline said in a statement Monday. "The flight landed safely at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport where it was met by medical personnel who transported seven customers and one in-flight crew member to the hospital for evaluation and treatment," JetBlue said. Research has linked climate change to an increase in turbulence, specifically clear-air turbulence in the jet stream. "As you're flying, clear-air turbulence can come out of nowhere, hit the aircraft quite suddenly, and you don't have time to put the seatbelt sign on," University of Reading researcher Isabel Smith told AccuWeather national reporter Bill Wadell in July. JetBlue has not commented on the circumstances of the turbulence, the severity of the injuries or whether the injured were wearing seatbelts when the turbulence hit. "The aircraft for this flight has been taken out of service for inspection," the New York-based carrier said. "JetBlue will work to support our customers and crew members." NEW YORK (WPIX) Its a number that nobody wanted to see repeated, but 343, the number of New York City firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, is now the number of FDNY employees who have lost their lives from illnesses related to that fateful day and its aftermath. The FDNY commissioner and union leaders alike said that number will only grow with time, which is why they also said its imperative that resources to care for first responders from 9/11 stay fully funded. At a late morning news conference at his headquarters, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York (UFA) President Andrew Ansbro joined the leader of the citys other major firefighters union, Jim Brosi of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA), to mark the milestone. They said the situation is tragic for their union members in general, but it feels all the more heartbreaking for the families of the recently departed. His life and his retirement was cut short, Ansbro said about Firefighter Robert Fulco, 73, who died over the weekend. He became the 343rd FDNY employee to perish from 9/11-related illnesses. Two more 9/11 victims identified by NYC medical examiner through DNA testing His death came days after that of Hilda Vannata, 67, an FDNY EMT who also suffered from a 9/11 illness. We have long known this day was coming, yet its reality is astounding just the same, FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said in a statement over the weekend. 343 of our heroes lost in one day, and today, 343 more, the statement continued. The FDNY will never forget them. This is our legacy. This is our promise. Vannata and Fulco are part of what Ansbro described as a lengthening list of people getting sick in the two decades since the Sept. 11 attacks. Theres an entire whole host of cancers and lung illnesses that affect our members, Ansbro said. The number of illnesses keeps growing, and the number of people affected keeps growing. FDNY seeks more funding after 9/11 illness deaths equals members who died on 9/11 Its why he and Brosi said the need is greater than ever to advocate for thousands of people who were in Lower Manhattan in the weeks and months after 9/11. Currently, they said, more than 3,000 current or former FDNY workers have some type of cancer. About 8,000 more have some other illness related to their work in Lower Manhattan after the terror attacks. Right now, the federal 9/11 victims health and compensation programs are fully funded, the union presidents said, but they added that the programs need to be regularly refunded by Congress. The need, going forward, just like the number of people getting sick, will increase. That fact, said Brosi, has him and other advocates concerned, relative to another fact. We asked for over $2 billion last year, he said about his unions lobbying for funding in Congress, and we got $600 million. He added that Congress needs to make a greater effort in the years ahead to provide assistance at the rates requested. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Three felony cases were resolved with plea deals last week at the Marion County Judicial Center. Here's a recap of what happened: State v. Orvin Mauricio Robles Ramos Plea: No contest. Charge: Cruelty toward child/abuse without great bodily harm. Originally, Ramos was charged with lewd/lascivious molestation of a child, but it was dropped by prosecutors, according to court records. Sentence: Five years of probation. He also has credit for 360 days spent at the jail awaiting resolution of this case, documents show. Judge: Circuit Judge Anthony Tatti. Special conditions: Court records show Ramos must complete a 10-week anger management course within 90 days of supervision. He can have no contact with the victim/victims. About the case: The 39-year-old Ocala man was arrested by sheriff's deputies in 2020 after a girl told them that Ramos had touched her inappropriately. Ramos was interviewed by law enforcement officials and he admitted that what he did was wrong, according to his arrest report. State v. John Eugene Wilson Plea: No contest. Charge: Lewd or lascivious exhibition, offender 18 or older and victim younger than 16. Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Elizabeth White and Theodore Riquelme for the Public Defender's Office. Judge: Circuit Judge Peter Brigham. Sentence: Three years in prison followed by two years of sex offender probation. He has 399 days of credit for time already served at the county jail. The judge asked Wilson if he had anything to say, and he declined. Special conditions: He must register as a sexual offender and cannot have any contact with the victim. About the case: It was reported that the 57-year-old Dunnellon man allegedly asked a juvenile to touch his private parts. According to a deputy's report, Wilson told a detective he remembered an incident where its just what you said. State v. Corey Javone Hunt Plea: No contest. Charge: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge: Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon. Lawyers: Corey Javone Hunt chose to be his own lawyer, and Assistant State Attorney Marissa Meyer was the prosecutor. Arguments: Meyer argued that Hunt, 52 of Ocala, is a habitual offender and has been in and out of prison from 1989 to 2019. She wanted Hunt to spend 30 years in prison. Hunt said his past should not dictate his sentence and has worked every time he's released. Family members who spoke in support of Hunt asked the judge to be lenient. They told the judge Hunt is a kind, hard worker who has been doing good. More courthouse coverage: Man shot by deputies north of Dunnellon is incoherent during first court appearance The judge told Hunt that his criminal record justified the sentence recommendation by the prosecutor. He sentenced Hunt to 30 years in prison. He has 1,201 days of credit for time already served at the jail. About the case: Officers had arrested several people for a Craiglist-related robbery at a location in 2019. Hunt, who was at the location, was in possession of a firearm and therefore taken into custody. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Prison, probation ordered to resolve three felony cases A reboot of The Office could very well be on the horizon. According to Puck, The Office reboot was slated to be announced following the end of the writers strike. Pucks Matthew Belloni and Jonathan Handel revealed that Greg Daniels , the creator of The U.S. version of The Office, was looking to revamp the series. Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office, for instance, they wrote, explaining upcoming Hollywood moves. Disneys Dana Walden will finally be able to announce the return of her BFF Ryan Murphy from Netflix. A ton of high-profile movie scripts will come in. The industry will chug back to normal. Sunday, tthe Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced they reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This comes after a 146-day strike. A remake of the UK sitcom of the same name, The Office ran for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013 on NBC. The mockumentary sitcom, which earned four Primetime Emmy Awards, starred Steve Carrell, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, and John Krasinski. Atlanta police honored officers and civilians who protect and serve the city every day. Channel 2s Bryan Mims attended the annual Crime is Toast breakfast where Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens , Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta police officials spoke Tuesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The officials addressed Atlanta officers at the Georgia World Congress Center. Among those recognized were the officers who responded to the deadly midtown shooting. Its one of those days you will never forget, Officer Antoine Gates said. Gates and his partner Officer Orlando Cooper were on duty that day in May. The call came about an active shooter at a medical office. A day that we train for, but we expect it to happen. When it happens, training kicks in, Gates said. TRENDING STORIES: Five people were shot that day. Amy St. Pierre, a 38-year-old Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employee, died from her injuries. Officer Gates escorted paramedics into the building, not knowing the whereabouts of the shooter. Mind you, we still believed the individual was on scene, so we didnt know at the time, Gates said. I was able to get a picture of the suspect, his name, his date of birth and get that information out to other agencies as quick as possible so we could apprehend the suspect, Cooper said. For their efforts that day, the partners earned the Medal of Honor. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum expressed his gratitude for all Atlanta officers answering the call. I just want you to know, I love each and every one of you. And it doesnt take a breakfast for me to know the commitment that is in your hearts and what you do for our city, he said. Other award recipients include Officer Matthew Brown, who was named Officer of the Year. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A former Richland County Job and Family Services employee convicted of stealing $47,974 in public money has repaid $850 over the past four months. Rebecca Ann Shafer actually absconded with $48,840 in taxpayer funds, according to a finding released Tuesday by Keith Faber , Ohio's Auditor of State. The auditor's finding was in support of judgments made by the county court system. The auditor's special investigations unit learned of Shafer's wrongdoing in March 2022 when it was reported that a Richland County JFS employee "used her position as an eligibility referral specialist to improperly secure Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for her boyfriend and his child." Faber's report states Shafer's actions led to the family "improperly receiving $39,670 in Medicaid benefits, $8,304 in SNAP benefits, and $866 in Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program benefits between November 2018 and April 2021." Shafer resigned from her position with Richland County JFS in April 2021. Rebecca Ann Shafer, with attorney Wesley Freeman, listens to prosecutor during her sentencing in Richland County Common Pleas Court on Monday. Fund repayment required in probation On March 27, 2023, Shafer pleaded guilty to fourth-degree felony theft in office, fifth-degree felony Medicaid recipient fraud and fifth-degree felony food stamp fraud. Judge Phil Naumoff of Richland County Common Pleas sentenced the woman May 8 to 30 days in jail, five years community control and 42 months in prison, suspended. The judge ordered the woman to pay back $47,974 everything except the $866 in PRC funds as part of her probation requirements. She also was ordered to submit to drug and alcohol testing, have no contact with JFS, seek and maintain employmen, and not reside with the person with whom she is having sexual relations unless it is her spouse, the News Journal previously reported. ztuggle@gannett.com 419-564-3508 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Ohio auditor Faber supports theft ruling against Rebecca Shafer of JFS Guards prepare to open a gate at the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft in August 2016. An Oklahoma prison warden, whose facility faced scrutiny from a state lawmaker for allegedly mishandling inmate sexual misconduct reports, has resigned. Greg Breslin, the warden at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft, resigned last month after spending some time on medical leave, Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesperson Kay Thompson said. Breslin, who had served as warden since July 2020, did not submit a resignation letter, she said. Thompson did not provide a reason for Breslins departure, but said hed never had any disciplinary write-ups. Breslin said his resignation was unrelated to the legislative scrutiny or the misconduct allegations surrounding complaints of prison guards at Eddie Warrior having illegal sexual relationships with inmates at the facility. Breslin was at the helm of the eastern Oklahoma womens prison when a Republican state lawmaker called for an independent attorney generals investigation after a former employee raised questions about whether investigations into sexual misconduct were properly handled, if the correct outcomes were reached and if the proper procedures were followed. The Corrections Department and attorney generals office have said the allegations were thoroughly investigated. More: Man freed after 48 years in Oklahoma prison seeks reform, compensation Breslin said Monday that his resignation had nothing to do with the misconduct allegations. He said all complaints made under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, or PREA, were investigated. The federal law ensures inmates, staff and the public have ways to report alleged sexual misconduct. Breslin said he was forced to retire on Aug. 4 while attempting to extend his medical leave until he could retire in October. Former warden of Eddie Warrior Correctional Center considering wrongful termination lawsuit Breslin is part of a group of former Corrections Department employees who allege they were wrongfully terminated and are threatening to sue the agency. I was just simply using sick leave, and they used it to get rid of me, Breslin said. They just said, We cant accommodate your leave. You need to resign or retire. Nine former corrections employees have filed tort claims, expressing their intent to sue the state. Of those, four employees were terminated, four resigned and one retired, Thompson said. The claims were first reported by the Tulsa World. Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Justice and Corrections, held a July legislative hearing to discuss the misconduct allegations. More recently, Humphrey questioned Breslins departure. He said the Corrections Department claimed there was absolutely nothing wrong at Eddie Warrior and that Breslin left on his own terms. More: Oklahoma closer to eliminating private prisons with takeover of Davis facility How many people leave of their own free will and then turn around and sue you? Humphrey asked. Former Eddie Warrior psychologist Whitney Louis reported that inmates told her of inappropriate sexual contact they had with guards. Sexual intercourse between a guard and an inmate is illegal. Louis sought whistleblower status but was eventually fired. The Corrections Department has said it investigates all PREA complaints. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Eddie Warrior Correctional Center warden in Taft, Oklahoma, resigns Former Russian federal security officer Vitaly Brizaty dramatically fled Russia and denounced Putin . He's one of the extremely rare FSO officers to do so and says he's still being pursued for it. Now living in Ecuador, he's received messages saying he has "big problems at the Kremlin." A former member of President Vladimir Putin's Federal Protective Service said that he has been pursued since he fled Russia and denounced the invasion of Ukraine. Vitaly Brizhaty told Insider that he fled to Ecuador after months of trying to leave his job guarding one of the palaces used by Putin, an attempt that he says saw him interrogated and threatened with prison. Now, after his escape, he is speaking out. He is one of the vanishingly rare former FSO officers to do so. Brizhaty showed Insider warning messages he has received since arriving in Ecuador, which say that those working for the Kremlin are trying to find him and force him back to Russia. One such message said Brizhaty has "big problems at the Kremlin." They appear to be the brutal consequences of his decision to publicly reject Putin's politics and the war in Ukraine. Brizhaty spoke to Insider via a translator about how he came to reject Russian propaganda and support Ukraine, even while he worked to protect Putin's life. Guarding Putin in occupied Crimea According to documents seen by Insider, Brizhaty became a FSO dog handler in September 2021, part of the estimated 50,000-strong Federal Protection Service that protects Putin and high-level Russian officials. He said he was stationed at Olivye, a lavish state palace in Crimea that Putin has been using as his own since the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014. Brizhaty spent months trying to get that job. Becoming an FSO officer, he says, meant going through health checks, family background checks, and even a lie detector test. Initially, he said he had concerns about working in occupied Crimea, having earlier been "forced," in his description, into a police assignment there. But much of his family was there, and an FSO job would be the peak of his career, offering a comfortable 68,000 rubles ($700) a month. But even as he managed sniffer dogs and scoped out the public spaces Putin would visit, Brizhaty had quietly been nurturing dissident views. He started listening to opposition politician Alexei Navalny, watching independent media, and found himself revolted by Russian state propaganda and the lavish surroundings of the palace. "When I started working for the FSO and I saw all the luxury, I realized that Navalny was telling the truth," he said. The moment he truly turned against Russian authorities was February 24, 2022, when Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Brizhaty says he could no longer bring himself to serve him. In a resignation letter submitted the same day, Brizhaty wrote: "I do not want to participate and be associated with Russia's attack on Ukraine in any way, even passively." The letter was torn up and thrown in the trash, he said. Getting out of 'Mordor' After Brizhaty's attempt to resign in February 2022 was bluntly rejected, things took a darker turn. "I started receiving threats," he said. He was told he could be imprisoned for years if he kept being open about his views, and was interrogated for hours on end about them. A toxic working environment, surrounded by ultra-loyal career officers, didn't help. "You have to watch everything you are saying in front of them, because every word may be used against you," he said. "I was under enormous psychological pressure," he added. When he turned to a psychologist for help, she smiled and nodded as he poured out his woes. But afterward, he said it was clear she had passed everything he said on to his superiors. Eventually, Brizhaty decided to keep his views to himself. But quietly, he was planning his escape. He had no access to his passport, which was locked away as part of his employment. So he got a new one by pretending to the passport office that he had lost it. He still had no permission to leave his job. But then, a lightbulb went off. A wide swathe of government jobs, he realized, have a notable condition: you cannot hold any foreign work permits. Brizhaty's wife found a job in Ecuador, which also gave him the right to live and work there. From then, it was a matter of marching into his boss' office and claiming that he and his wife were having marital problems. He was helpless, he said, to stop her from taking up the job. By default, he would end up with a fatal conflict of interest: his ability to live in Ecuador. "All my managers had to sign this document saying they do not mind," he said. "And a couple of them sort of winked at me and said, 'Oh, well done, you found a clever way out of this.'" Speaking out Even in Ecuador, Brizhaty doesn't feel safe from the Kremlin. Still, he is embracing his new freedom to speak out including about Putin's aggression in Ukraine. "This so-called special military operation is a huge lie," he said, summarizing the supposed justifications that were fed to the Russian public. To him, it was clear that the invasion was simply "the desire of one person" Putin, he said. Russian people have been turned into "zombies" by Putin's propaganda, he said, adding he sees no future for Russian children. He said he looks forward to the day his daughter can thank him for taking her out of "Mordor" a common description of Russia among people with anti-government views. In the meantime, he stands by his decision to speak out. "Even if my words and what I've done would convince two or three people, that would already mean that I have done the right thing," he said. Translations from Spanish by Thibault Spirlet. Read the original article on Business Insider On Monday, Team Trump filed a blistering opposition to the DOJs request for the judge overseeing the 2020 election interference case, Tanya Chutkan, to issue a narrowly tailored gag order limiting the former presidents ability to make what the DOJ described as extrajudicial statements that present a serious and substantial danger of materially prejudicing this case. With the filings on the DOJ motion now complete, a critical conflict in the 2020 election case is now ripe for decision. The pending ruling is not only crucial to the progress of the D.C. case, but will impact all prosecutions of the former president. Arguing that any gag order would be a blatant violation of the former presidents First Amendment rights, especially given his role as a candidate for the countrys highest office, Trumps lawyers assert that Judge Chutkan is barred from doing anything to limit what their client says, regardless of how inflammatory she believes those statements may be. Notwithstanding the aggressiveness of this black-and-white approach, we already know two important things. First, based on her earlier protective order and previous statements, we know that the judge believes Trumps screeds threaten the administration of justice and cannot be ignored. Weeks before the government sought the gag order, Chutkan warned Trump counsel John Lauro about the consequences of his clients continuing inflammatory public statements. Such statements, she said, will require her to take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings. The second thing we know is that Chutkan is already considering an indirect yet devastating action she can take to punish Trumps contemptable behavior in a way that has no impact on his First Amendment rightsmoving up the trial date. As Chutkan advised defense counsel in that same session: The more a party makes inflammatory statements about this case which could taint the jury pool, the greater the urgency will be that we proceed to trial quickly. Citing the need to limit the exposure of potential jurors to Trumps inflammatory statements, she can order the trial to begin on, say, the January 2024 date originally requested by the government. Objections based on the defense counsels inability to prepare in the shortened time can be met by Judge Chutkans confidence in defense counsel and the adequacy of the many months already utilized plus the three months going forward. She can also address counsels concerns by noting that the additional time pressure of which they complain is entirely the responsibility of their client, who could stop his inflammatory and dangerous rhetoric at any time. A federal judges authority over her courtroom calendar is near absolute, leaving Trump without a valid basis to appeal. A January trial date would end the infamous delay tactics upon which Trump has always relied. Most importantly, it meaningfully increases the odds that Donald Trump will be a convicted felon before the July 15, 2024, Republican conventiona status likely to give delegates cause to pause before supporting his nomination. Lets play it out. Jury selection can take place in the weeks prior to the trial date set. Even if the governments case takes, say, two months to present, we are now roughly in the first half of March. There is no real defense case, as Trump taking the stand would be an act of self-immolation. There are, at best, a limited number of documents counsel can place in evidence in a defense case, and most all relevant potential defense witnesses, such as John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani, have their own legal problems that will force them to invoke their Fifth Amendment privileges and not testify. Even if we give the defense roughly a week or so to present a case, and add a few days to resolve legal disputes, such as conflicting versions of proposed jury instructions the parties will submit to the court, summations should take place around the middle of April under this timeline. While predicting the length of jury deliberations is impossiblegiven the strength of the prosecutions case and the weakness of the defendants, and given the reality that by the time deliberations begin, jurors will have sat anonymously and under the intrusive protection of the U.S. Marshals Service for two and a half monthsdeliberations by people anxious to get back to their lives should not last more than a few weeks. We are now in early May. Assuming, as I do, a guilty verdict, even if the trial and/or jury deliberations exceed my guesstimates, Donald Trump would very likely be a convicted felon facing imprisonment before the July 15 Republican convention begins under this calendar. While MAGA delegates may find that reality yet another reason to support him, other delegatesfaced with the prospect of trying to win the 2024 election with a candidate convicted of trying to undo the prior one, and one they now have much less reason to fearmay not feel the same way. If the pathway about to open proceeds in the direction it is now pointing, Donald Trumps return to Washington is far more likely to be for his criminal sentencing than his presidential inauguration. Editors note: David A. Andelman, a contributor to CNN, twice winner of the Deadline Club Award, is a chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, author of A Red Line in the Sand: Diplomacy, Strategy, and the History of Wars That Might Still Happen and blogs at SubStacks Andelman Unleashed. He formerly was a foreign correspondent for The New York Times and CBS News. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion at CNN. The vast store of goodwill accumulated among the forces of democracy for Ukraine and its courageous and utterly unorthodox president may be running dry. David A. Andelman - David Andelman That is the clearest and most present danger to the security of Europe and the entire Western alliance. It is surely also the fervent hope on which Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to pursue his carnage and the reason he has chanced his whole presidency on what once seemed like a sure bet, and is instead turning into a morass of quicksand and violence with no easy exit. America and its allies must under no circumstances allow that to happen. The dangers for Ukraine are even more profound than simply waffling by a handful of right-wing Republicans in Congress over appropriations those prepared to throw under the bus an entire nation to their overweening ambition and distrust of Democrats. Fissures are appearing across the hitherto united Western front that can only be sending shivers of joy up Putins spine. The worst of it is that at least some of this has been Ukraines own doing. The slow pace of the counteroffensive, the rapidly expanding needs for ever more advanced weapons, the fears of enmeshing all of the NATO alliance in an expanded conflict and a host of more immediate issues have all converged in recent days into what could become a perfect storm of horrors for Ukraine. But first there is the sudden convergence of grain, food and politics. Putin quite rightly appreciated the stakes and the opportunity when he first launched his heartless blockade of Ukraines grain, grain that helps feed not only Europe but also vast stretches of Africa now plunged into the threat of devastating hunger. But Ukraine was not deterred. It found other avenues for its crops than the embargoed Black Sea ports. These trade routes, however, were across Ukraines neighbors Poland and Slovakia, where politically powerful farming interests felt threatened by new, cheaper sources of supply pouring across their frontiers even if most of it was destined for other markets abroad. Poland has a major parliamentary election coming up on October 15, and the government has recognized its need to pander to the roughly 1.3 million Poles who describe themselves as farmers. They are a powerful voting bloc, dating back to the communist era when I was able to take the pulse of the Polish people by traveling to a chicken farm in the village of Bialobrzegi, 50 miles south of Warsaw, where, even then, one farmer I spoke to was fearless in his disgust of a government he felt had lost interest in him and his priorities. Fast-forward some four decades later, and the Polish government this month reacted quickly to rural concerns. It along with Slovakia and Hungary defied the European Union and extended a ban on the import of Ukrainian grain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the UN General Assembly last week in New York City. - Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, himself a master of the cut and thrusts of political theater, hasnt been reluctant to strike back, telling the UN General Assembly in New York last week that it is alarming to see how some in Europe, some of our friends in Europe, play out solidarity in a political theater making a thriller from the grain. The fear he enunciated is that they are helping set the stage to a Moscow actor. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki quickly followed with a threat to halt the export of weapons to the country for which it was once a wholehearted supporter. (Poland has since moved to walk back those comments, promising that it will still send weapons it has already committed to provide.) Still, on the sidelines at the UN General Assembly, Polish President Andrzej Duda compared Ukraine to a drowning person clinging to anything available. Nearby Slovakia also has an election coming on Saturday, and it appears as though Robert Fico, former prime minister and leader of the populist Smer Party which has campaigned on a pro-Russian message is the front-runner. On the campaign trail last week in the village of Banovce nad Bebravou, Fico proclaimed: We are a peaceful country. We will not send a single round to Ukraine. Ukraine has only provided its detractors with more verbal ammunition by threatening to file a suit in the World Trade Organization against Poland, Hungary and Slovakia over their grain embargoes. There is a sense of toxic stasis that has a number of officials in other Western countries worried about how long they can continue to supply Ukraine at the pace to which it has become accustomed. Ukraine fatigue is spreading slowly but inexorably. This past week German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced his country would be sending a new round of arms shipments to Ukraine, but without the bunker-busting cruise missiles Kyiv had urgently requested. The problem is that all of this is converging at a delicate time. The EU is weighing up a mammoth four-year, 20 billion euro ($21.3 billion) fund to finance weapons purchases for Ukraine. It requires, however, unanimous consent of all 27 member states an increasingly heavy lift. Hungary continues to hew closely to the Kremlins line and retains what has been an often toxic veto amid the rule of unanimity in all EU decision-making. And with Russia now eyeing up potential weapons deals with North Korea, Ukraine needs the Wests support more than ever. The West has been waiting eagerly and increasingly anxiously for some significant progress in a still plodding summer offensive before fall rain and winter snow set in. Zelensky may also now be facing other troubles at home. In The Times of London this week, there was a dramatic report of growing threats of desertion, even rebellion by scattered Ukrainian troops, apparently fed up with corruption spreading through the ranks. The report came just as Zelensky is grappling with allegations of corruption in the military and beyond earlier this month he sacked the defense minister, followed by the dismissal last week of six deputies. (The government gave no official reason for the dismissals.) What can America and the West do? The simple answer is, stand firm with Ukraine. It may not be easy, especially in the face of polls that show more than half of voters oppose any more aid to Ukraine. Fortunately, there are still some leaders who will continue to lead. American support for Ukraine is not charity, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday. Its an investment in our own direct interests. Degrading Russias military power helps to deter our primary strategic adversary, China. China does still appear to be avoiding tying itself too closely to Russia, congruent politically, but with waning military power that is a potential drag on its own image and capacities. When the hard right-wingers attempt in Congress to block renewed aid to Ukraine, they do Putins work, Robert I. Rotberg, founding director of Harvard Kennedy Schools Program on Intrastate Conflict, wrote this week. As such, they are Putin enablers. The same could equally be said for an all-too-rapidly expanding collection of leaders abroad. All parties, more than ever, need to act like allies and continue singing from the same songbook. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Opinion: Youll never believe why RFK Jr. thinks hes qualified to be commander in chief Editors note: Peter Bergen is CNNs national security analyst, a vice president at New America, a professor of practice at Arizona State University and the host of the Audible podcast In the Room With Peter Bergen, also on Apple and Spotify. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made a career out of challenging the status quo. For some of that work, like his time spent cleaning up the Hudson River as an environmental lawyer, he has received widespread praise. Peter Bergen - CNN But in recent years, he has taken increasingly unorthodox positions, promoting conspiracy theories without any reliable evidence. He has suggested, for instance, that antidepressants may be to blame for school shootings, that vaccines cause autism, that HIV may not cause AIDS and that Wi-Fi causes leaky brain and cancer. Kennedy also accepts little of the scientific consensus about the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccinations, and he caused widespread consternation when at a Washington, DC, rally in January 2022, he appeared to liken pandemic safety protocols to measures that Nazis put in place when they were in power in Germany. Much condemnation followed that statement including even from his wife, actor Cheryl Hines and Kennedy apologized. Months later, he said that he was simply misunderstood. He said he was making a broader point that surveillance technology today is so advanced that any government can surveil its citizens to an unprecedented degree, telling CNN host Michael Smerconish in April that in the future totalitarian systems would be able to surveil us and intrude and control our lives in ways that had never happened in the past. Of course, the level of surveillance that exists in our world is surely worrying to anyone concerned about privacy. Now, Kennedy is running against President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries. A CNN poll released this month had sobering news for Biden; two-thirds of likely Democratic voters say the party should nominate someone other than Biden, and about half of them said that Bidens age was their biggest concern. For a candidate such as Kennedy who at 69 is a full decade younger than Biden and whose campaign has released footage of him doing push-ups on social media that provides something of an opportunity. Yet in a CNN New Hampshire poll last week, Biden got the support of 78% of likely Democratic primary voters in that early primary state, compared with 9% for Kennedy. Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses a Hispanic Heritage Month event on September 15 in Los Angeles. - Mario Tama/Getty Images I sat down with Kennedy for a lengthy interview in Manhattan at the end of last month for the Audible podcast In the Room With Peter Bergen. When he enters a room, Kennedy is a commanding presence, tall and tanned with piercing blue eyes, his bodyguards discreetly in the background. During our interview, he made several assertions that made it clear he isnt qualified to be commander in chief. Among them: He disputes that Covid-19 vaccines saved many lives, he has doubts about the official explanation of the cause of the 9/11 attacks, he promises that he could settle the war in Ukraine by simply negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and he thinks the media works for the pharmaceutical industry. To boot, he would be only the second president (the first being Donald Trump) who has neither held prior political office nor had any military experience. RFK Jr. and the media During the interview, he made sweeping statements about the need for strong skepticism: People should not trust the government now. Its untrustworthy. He also asserted that the media habitually lies. I dont think you can survive in the mainstream media unless youre willing to become a propagandist. For me, that triggered a question about CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, whom Kennedy had falsely and bizarrely accused of being on the payroll of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. In his response to me, Kennedy broadened this charge, saying that technically, the entire news industry is working for the pharmaceutical companies. Ive worked in the news business in some shape or form for almost four decades, and this was definitely news to me. I told Kennedy that I had never seen any evidence for this claim to which he asked, Are you telling me that you could have this conversation with me on CNN? I asked him, They havent booked you? He replied, No, of course not. I pointed out that he had, in fact, done an interview on CNN with Smerconish in April. He conceded that was true, adding, Thats the exception. Kennedys portrayal of the mainstream media as propagandists in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies is nonsensical. Its part of his overall impulse to paint a picture of some kind of large-scale conspiracy to silence him when in fact, he has been the subject of significant coverage in a host of media outlets. 9/11 Kennedy questions who was behind 9/11, even though few events have been more exhaustively examined. The FBI conducted its largest criminal investigation in history, chasing down more than 500,000 leads and interviewing over 167,000 witnesses. The bipartisan 9/11 commission also produced an authoritative report after two years of hearings. Its conclusions that al Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, carried out the 9/11 attacks were based on overwhelming evidence. Yet Kennedy told me, I dont know what happened on 9/11. I mean, I understand what the official explanation is; I understand that there is dissent. I have not looked into it. He added some strange things that happened, such as that one of the buildings in the World Trade Center complex, Building 7, collapsed even though a plane didnt directly hit it. The governments official report of how Building 7 collapsed was that it was hit with debris from the massive north tower of the World Trade Center after one of the hijacked passenger jets had crashed into it, creating a giant fireball. The debris from the north tower landed on Building 7, causing fires, which led to Building 7s collapse. Theres nothing strange about it. War in Ukraine Kennedy is positioning himself as an alternative to Biden, in part, because he says he is worried that the president is moving the US closer to nuclear war with the Russians. Kennedy said the Biden administration shares much of the blame for the current situation in Ukraine, pointing to the neocons within the State Department and the White House. They want a conflict with Russia. Kennedy added, Putin did not want to take over the country. He wants us back at the negotiating table. But we wont help because we dont want peace. In fact, as is widely known, Putin brought the war on himself by unprovoked aggression, miscalculating that he would win a quick victory. Instead, the Ukrainians have resisted for a year and a half with help from the United States and other NATO countries. Kennedy said he is worried that weve got Putins back to the wall. Hes already said that if its existential, hes going to use a nuclear weapon. Once he uses it, were going to use all of ours, and thats it. He added that he had a plan to end the war in Ukraine and any chance of a nuclear exchange with Putin, asserting, If Im commander in chief, hes not going to do that because hes going to know hes dealing with somebody whos going to settle this war. As for his assertion that Putin really wants to negotiate, it seems like wishful thinking, given the Russian leaders long record of aggression. For instance: ordering the Russian invasion of Chechnya in 1999; invading Georgia in 2008; invading parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014; and sending considerable Russian air power to Syria in 2015 to prop up the dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad, not to mention the indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets over the past year and half. Covid-19 It was Kennedys criticisms of the US governments response to the Covid-19 pandemic that fueled his rise as the leader of an unlikely coalition. His supporters come from across the political spectrum, and their common denominator appears to be a deep mistrust of corporate and government institutions. During the height of the pandemic in 2021, Kennedy published The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health, a book that has sold more than 1 million copies, according to The New York Times. The audio version of the book is currently on the Times audio nonfiction bestseller list two years after it was first published. I asked Kennedy if he was surprised by how well the book had done, and he replied, I was surprised in light of the fact that it was so heavily censored. I asked, If it sold a million copies, how was it censored? Kennedy said: There was no review in any mainstream paper. It was silenced. As to his solution to preventing any future pandemics, Kennedy said: I would begin (by) eliminating the most likely causes of epidemics, which is No. 1, gain of function studies all over the world. Gain of function research takes viruses and manipulates them. By tinkering with them, the result may be a pathogen thats even more dangerous to humans. But on the plus side, vaccines can also be developed from this research. Kennedy, the son of a storied American political dynasty, is casting himself as an outsider running against the system. - Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images In his book about Dr. Anthony Fauci the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who played a key role in managing the Covid-19 pandemic in the Trump and Biden administrations Kennedy asserts that Fauci made generous investments in gain of function research and, as a result, may have played a role in triggering the global contagion. In 2021, Fauci told Yahoo News it was a shame that Kennedys book attacked his career and undermined confidence in the American public health system. Its very unfortunate because I dont think he is inherently malicious, Fauci said. I just think hes a very disturbed individual. A recent unclassified US intelligence assessment of Covid-19s origins released in June said that almost all of the US intelligence community assesses that the virus that causes Covid-19 was not genetically engineered. The same report also concluded that the virus originated either from a natural exposure to an infected animal or a laboratory-associated accidental leak. So, in short, there is no definitive answer about the origins of Covid-19. I asked Kennedy if he believed that Covid-19 vaccines killed more people than they saved. He said, What I try to deal with is actual science and not speculation. What I would say to you is we cannot make that judgment. Yet researchers at Brown and Harvard universities did make that judgment, finding that if Covid-19 vaccines had been available, between January 2021 and April 2022 they could have prevented at least 318,000 American deaths. And the notion that there is some real debate to be had around whether Covid-19 vaccines saved lives is preposterous. The independent Covid Crisis Groups authoritative report released this year found that, during the Delta wave of Covid-19 in 2021 and the Omicron wave of 2022, the vast majority of hospitalized patients were unvaccinated. Ready to be commander in chief? I put it to Kennedy: You would be the second American president with no political experience or military experience. The first was Donald Trump. So, what prepares you to be commander in chief? Kennedy explained that he had been immersed in foreign policy and national security topics for more than five decades by writing about these issues, beginning with an article in The Atlantic on Chile in 1974 and more recently in Politico about the Syrian civil war. Writing some foreign policy articles seems like a flimsy rationale to be the next commander in chief. That said, during our interview, Kennedy came across as well-educated with an excellent command of American history and also of issues such as climate change, which is no surprise given his family background, his education at Harvard and his career as an environmental lawyer. Where he lost me was his skepticism about official explanations of much-investigated events such as 9/11 and his portrayal of the American media as handmaidens of the pharmaceutical industry. Of course, journalists get things wrong just as any other human beings do, but this doesnt amount to a giant conspiracy to prop up Big Pharma, which is one of his key themes. This son of a storied American political dynasty is casting himself as an outsider running against the system, one that he believes he can lead. The key point that Kennedy wanted to make regarding his qualifications to be president appeared to be this: I would say at this point in history, not being part of that system is actually probably a virtue. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Armys northernmost airborne brigade is suffering from overwork and resource problems afflicting their equipment and facilities at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, according to a leaked report by an Army Cohesion Assistance Team that appeared on Reddits Army-focused community. Soldiers from the 11th Airborne Divisions 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team reported they were run down by overwhelming mission requirements, poor communication, [and] last-minute changes. They said that training was slowing down, or otherwise obstructing professional development plans, and one officer said when it comes to OPTEMPO and taskings, no is not an option. An officer quoted in the report expressed fear over what may happen when a blitz of outside resources originally sparked by a now seemingly stabilized spike in suicide deaths fades away, leaving the soldiers to rely on stove-piped prevention and crisis services that are split between military branches on the Air Force-run joint base. One key initiative, the Family Advocacy Program, suffered from extreme understaffing and poor utilization and cooperation. The barracks fell into disrepair, leading to security and safety issues, according to the report, with one unnamed soldier saying, Its too much work to ensure female safety in the barracks. The report warned that those factors combined to create high stress and learned helplessness in the ranks, fueling a climate that largely tolerated low-level racism, sexism and sexual harassment. The leaked slides also detailed a widespread reliance on expedient and unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. [For] the boys and girls in the barracks, what else is there to do on a Friday night other than to hunker down and get wasted? asked one junior NCO. The rare unflinching view into the units struggles was shared by the cohesion assistance team last week before its partial leak to social media, an Army official confirmed. The relatively new cohesion teams, whose prior directors previously spoke with Army Times about their work, aim to identify brigade-level units cultural successes and challenges in a non-punitive way to help leaders help their troops. Soldiers based in Alaska jump into Allen Army Airfield during exercise Northern Edge 21. (Benjamin Wilson/Army) John Pennell, an 11th Airborne Division spokesperson, explained that the assessment was a venue for the units paratroopers to express their concerns about unit cohesion and to allow for suggestions for improvement. He further praised how our soldiers and leaders have provided unfiltered feedback addressing issues within the brigade, some we have been aware of, and others we may have missed. This isnt just another command climate survey, explained Lt. Col. Randy Ready of the services Center for Initial Military Training, which oversees the teams. The assistance visits, which include more than a dozen experts and data analysis from Army researchers, rely on months of pre-visit research, extensive leader interviews, and a two-week on-site visit with the units troops. Ready highlighted the focus on working with the unit command teams to develop a path forward, including action plans tailored to the brigade and each of its battalions. The plans aim to help commanders lean into their units strengths to address their cultural weaknesses. This is how we take ownership and responsibility as leaders, Pennell added. As the teams conduct more unit visits, theyll develop Army-wide cultural trend findings and solutions, because often the issues they are seeing arent unique to the units they are visiting, Ready said. A soldier from 1-40th Cavalry, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division prepares a snowmobile to load onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the Yukon Training Area, Alaska on April 3, 2023. (Benjamin Wilson/Army) And the report found numerous silver linings for the Arctic paratroopers, according to the leaked slides, which an Army official noted lacked the improvement plans. The team highlighted troops can-do attitude, a high level of trust and cohesion at the platoon level and below, and an overall positive impact from the surge in external resources, termed Mission 100. But the team found that the high level of pride in unit and missioncould be further exploited. But even the unit-specific problems wont be easy to overcome with pride alone. Part of the Spartan Brigades challenge stems from resource shortfalls, the report said. Some of them will require force structure and doctrine to change through an often lengthy bureaucratic process that is largely out of the units hands. The units Arctic equipment and facilities are also largely outdated, as detailed in reports by Army Times and other outlets, the assistance team concluded. Its members identified optimism over the ability of the recently reestablished 11th Airborne Divisions yet-unrealized potentialto clarify mission/vision, manage OPTEMPO, and continue to provide and improve resources for the Brigade. No is not an option The brigades heavy training and mission demands underwrote many of the cultural problems identified in the report, though theyre far from the only Army organization facing that challenge. The slides highlighted the brigades airborne status and multiple masters as sources of excessive requirements. The 11th Airborne Division reports to I Corps, whose directives come from both Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Pacific, but also has a homeland defense mission under Alaskan Command and U.S. Northern Command. Soldiers take cover from the icy propeller wash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at the Yukon Training Area in Alaska on April 3, 2023, as they prepare to air assault an objective during a training exercise. (Benjamin Wilson/Army) Soldiers interviewed by the assistance team identified OPTEMPO as a root problem for the unit. [Behavioral health] specialists are only trying to get a soldier good enough for the next mission, rather than a long-term solution, said a senior NCO. Another enlisted soldier said their unit does not understand work-life balance. Other Army units have had similar experiences in recent months. And as the services recruiting crisis continues, some units have fewer soldiers with which they must complete the same requirements. The services now-retired former senior enlisted leader, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, reflected on the problem in May. Soldiers under enormous strain, warns Armys top enlisted leader Weve never said no, Grinston said. Ive watched these soldiers, year after year, theyve said, Yes, Ill go do that. But cracks are beginning to show. A December 2021 Army administrative message that increased deployment recovery periods known as dwell time quietly expired in December 2022 without a visible replacement or update to relevant regulations. Army Times attended a town hall event with Grinston in March 2022 where family members were furious that their loved ones from the 3rd Infantry Divisions 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. Despite being home from a South Korea rotation for barely seven months, the unit deployed without notice to Europe in March 2022 after Russia expanded its invasion of Ukraine. In order to prevent the workload from overwhelming the services tank brigades, the Army switched the regular South Korea rotation from an armor brigade to a Stryker infantry brigade. Were busier now than we have ever been, Grinston who fought through the bloody troop surges during the Global War on Terror concluded in May. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office refused the second-degree battery charge against MMA fighter Nate Diaz on Monday, Sept. 25, according to court documents. On April 22, officers with the New Orleans Police Department said they responded to a crowd in the 400 block of Bourbon Street where groups of people were fighting, and a man was found unconscious. Louisiana man who fled attempted murder trial captured after 32 years on the run Following an investigation, NOPD officers issued a warrant for Diazs arrest on a charge of second-degree battery. According to police, Diaz allegedly choked out another man during the fight. On April 27, Diaz reportedly turned himself in to New Orleans police alongside his attorney. According to his attorney, Diazs actions were made in self-defense when another man reportedly tried to start a fight with him. On Monday, Sept. 25, a spokesperson for the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office told WGNO, The second-degree battery charge against Mr. Nathan Diaz was refused by the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office. After reviewing all available evidence of the allegation, including video and testimony, there is not sufficient support to prove the alleged crime. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Ukrainian border guards have suspended the work of the Orlivka ferry crossing point in Reni district in Odesa Oblast due to a nighttime attack by the Russians with attack drones. Source: State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Quote: "The operation of the Orlivka ferry checkpoint has been temporarily suspended. Measures are being taken to stabilise its operation after the enemy's night attack. We will report on the resumption of border crossing operations, and in the meantime, we recommend choosing other directions to cross the border, in particular, the Reni vehicle checkpoint." Background: On the night of 25-26 September, 26 out of 38 Shahed attack drones were shot down over Ukraine. There was a hit in the Danube area, damaging border infrastructure and burning vehicles. Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, reported that Russian troops struck the port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast on the night of 25-26 September, damaging a checkpoint building, warehouses, and three dozen trucks, burning out six articulated lorries and injuring two drivers. 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! On September 5, 2021, Native Americans and allies gathered at the Pipe Out Paddle Up Flotilla at the Straits of Mackinac to call for the shutdown of Line 5. (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online) Led by the Bay Mills Indian Community, more than 60 tribal nations from Indian Country have weighed in on Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel s lawsuit to move the Line 5 oil pipeline from the heart of the Great Lakes. The Tribes submitted an amicus brief supporting Nessels claims and asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit to remand Nessel v. Enbridge to state court, a move opposed by the Canadian giant Enbridge, which owns Line 5. Line 5 is a dangerous outdated oil-and-gas pipeline that poses unacceptable risks of an oil spill, especially as it travels along the lakebed through the Straits of Mackinac in a four-mile section known as the dual pipelines. Near and far, Anishinaabe people have united to protect the Great Lakes, Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle said. We stand behind Attorney General Nessel because we know that shutting down Line 5 is the only way to protect everyone who depends on the land, water, and natural resources within the Great Lakes, including Anishinaabe people exercising our treaty rights. 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. Nessel sued Enbridge in Ingham County Circuit Court in June of 2019, alleging that Enbridge is violating the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA), state public nuisance laws, and the public trust doctrine by operating Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac. Although the case has been ready for a decision by the state court for more than two years, Enbridge has prolonged it by removing the case to federal court, missing the deadline by over 850 days. Bay Mills and other Great Lakes tribal nations have hunted, fished, and gathered medicines in the Straits for thousands of years since time immemorial. In 1836, they ceded vast acres of land and water including the Straits to the U.S. government. The Great Lakes provide fresh drinking water to more than 40 million people. In the creation stories of the Anishinaabe, the Straits of Mackinac are where the Great Turtle emerged after a flood to create the North American continent, which the Anishinaabe refer to as Turtle Island. The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and Earthjustice represent the Bay Mills Indian Community, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Odawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, and the Anishinaabek Nation of Ontario as amici in this case. That 1836 treaty guarantees these Tribes the right to maintain their way of life in the ceded territory a right that will be irrevocably destroyed if an oil spill from the dual pipelines contaminates the waters and aquatic life of the Straits, said Native American Rights Fund (NARF) Staff Attorney David L. Gover. Enbridge is plainly trying to game the system, but no oil company is above the law, said Earthjustice Associate Attorney John Petoskey. The 6th Circuit should remand this case to state court, where the attorney generals claims can be swiftly resolved. The Tribes and First Nations are based in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Canada. All 12 of Michigans federally recognized Tribes have passed resolutions calling to decommission Line 5. 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 San Diego County Dist. Atty. Summer Stephan, background center, announced grand jury indictments Monday against members of the Hells Angels in a vicious attack on three Black men. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) A grand jury indicted 17 members and associates of a Hells Angels motorcycle gang in a seemingly unprovoked and brutal attack targeting three Black men in San Diego this spring. The assault occurred June 6 in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. The three victims, ages 19, 20 and 21, were out together on Newport Avenue when they were chased by several members of the Hells Angels biker gang. Prosecutors said one of the men might have spoken to a girlfriend of one of the bikers before the pursuit. One victim was beaten until he lost consciousness, while another was beaten and stabbed, allegedly by the leader of the gang, identified by prosecutors as Troy Scholder, 43. The third targeted victim was able to run away and escaped injury. Read more: 16-year-old girl hospitalized after getting body-slammed by San Bernardino sheriff's deputy during fight Months of investigations by the San Diego Police Department and the district attorneys office led to the indictment of 14 people on charges of assault likely to cause great bodily injury and special allegations of being part of a criminal street gang. Eleven of the charges had additional hate crime enhancements. Three other people are facing lesser charges on suspicion of driving Scholder from the scene to the Hells Angels clubhouse in El Cajon, authorities said. In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not, tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack, San Diego County Dist. Atty. Summer Stephan said in a statement. The 17 defendants were arrested last week and pleaded not guilty Monday to their respective charges, authorities said. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the suspects ranged in age from 22 to 57. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 3, with a trial set to begin Nov. 14. The investigation into the assault involved seven local law enforcement agencies in San Diego County and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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. Editors note: The soldiers featured in this article are identified by first name and callsign only for security reasons. ZAPORIZHZHIA OBLAST Even months before it started, just the idea of Ukraines large-scale counteroffensive in 2023 carried on its shoulders a historic weight. Having held back waves of brutal Russian ground attacks over winter, this was Kyivs chance to not only regain the initiative but to put the war on a decisive trajectory towards Ukrainian victory, breaking the Russian military, liberating vast areas of its territories, and threatening Russias presence in Crimea. The months of anticipation over spring only raised the stakes. While Ukrainian brigades trained abroad and Western tanks slowly trickled in, Russia was digging formidable lines of defensive structures in the south, visible to the world on satellite imagery. When the time finally came to move forward, much of this weight of expectation lay on the shoulders of just one brigade. The 47th Mechanized Brigade, held up as a progressive model of the Ukrainian army of the future, was to lead the push south of Orikhiv, heading straight for the key cities of Tokmak and Melitopol. Formed from scratch a year ago, the brigade often known by the name Magura," was prepared with the counteroffensive in mind; its soldiers, trained in NATO countries and equipped with superior new Western equipment, were to be the spearhead of the advance here. They invited people (to the brigade) who knew why they want to be here, for what, for whom, which goals, said Oleksandr Hollywood, a Kyiv native who once worked in filmmaking but now serves in the 47th; not just in a military sense of following orders, but on the level of liberating our country. For three and a half months, the worlds eyes have been on the handful of villages and the fields surrounding them south of Orikhiv. Of all the areas where Ukrainian forces have advanced, this one is the most consequential, and the best defended. Since the counteroffensive was launched in June, the story of the Orikhiv axis has been the story of the 47th, with ups and downs, moments of immense pride and inevitable regret. Looking at the map, progress has been painfully slow, fuelling an endless cycle of discussion in the media about if and when the counteroffensive can be judged to have failed. The map alone doesnt in any way do justice to what Ukrainian forces have faced: dense minefields in front of multiple fortified defensive lines, all backed by massed Russian artillery fire and airpower. After a long period of attritional fighting and plenty of criticsm, the 47th along with other units finally made fresh advances. Liberating the village of Robotyne in late August, Ukrainian forces have now reached and breached the main Russian line of defense, known as the Surovikin line after the former overall commander of Russias war against Ukraine. As the war races through its second autumn, the clock looks to be ticking on the counteroffensive and Ukraines chances to claim success in this bloody, costly push. In their bases near the front line, the Kyiv Independent spoke to soldiers of the 47th, reflecting on a tumultuous summer campaign, fighting at the tip of the spear, and the road ahead. Into the deep end Over 19 months of Russias full-scale war, many of Ukraines dozens of combat brigades have made a name for themselves through deeds on the battlefield, with some, like the Third Assault Brigade fighting near Bakhmut, taking it further to build a distinct identity and brand around their unit. With the 47th Mechanized, it was the other way around: the brigade was built from scratch around its own unique brand, before ever seeing any combat. The central architect of this new brigade was Valerii Markus, a 30-year-old sergeant in what was then the 47th Separate Rifle Battalion, who was invited in October 2022 by Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi to form the brigade together with battalion commander Ivan Shamalaha. Leveraging his well-known personal brand as a young, progressive face of the Ukrainian military, Markus attracted a new wave of volunteer soldiers at a time when most who had wanted to fight had enlisted long before. When the brigade was first formed and I heard about it, I was interested straight away, by its culture, its modern approaches, said 33-year-old assault soldier Vyacheslav "Arkush," to the Kyiv Independent. Vyacheslav "Arkush," a soldier from the 47th Brigade, photographed near their military camp in Zaporizhia Oblast on Sept. 12, 2023. (Anastasia Vlasova/Kyiv Independent) They had a public image as a place where you don't just fight in the classic sense, but do with your head, with ideals, with modern technology and people, intelligent people, entrepreneurs. It wasnt about right or left ideology, added Maksym, a sergeant in the same anti-air unit as Oleksandr. It's just about good, capable, dignified people. The assault troops interviewed had undergone training in several different NATO countries, including Germany, Slovakia, and Latvia, where Vyacheslav trained over winter. The Latvians were great instructors, he said, they took us step by step, from basic awareness of what war is to using weapons, grenades, I really liked the program, it was always interesting. Other reviews of the NATO training were more mixed, backing up a documented tendency that the courses did not adequately prepare soldiers for Ukrainian trench warfare, without air superiority. What I didn't like about the training, is that the Americans have no idea what the war is like here, said Oleksandr. They give us exercises to climb to the top of a building, shoot down a helicopter with a Stinger, and abseil back down on ropes. We told them, 'Are you out of your mind? Any buildings will be demolished by tanks and air-dropped bombs as soon as we enter.'" Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us Despite lacking combat experience and with serious shortcomings in the training, the 47th, equipped with Bradleys and Leopard 2 tanks, was assigned one of the most unenviable tasks of the war so far: a front-on attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where Russian defensive lines were most concentrated. It didnt go well at first. In what looked like a suicidal armored assault against the first minefields, Russian media quickly relished in grim drone footage of destroyed Leopards and Bradleys. Our problem was that we hadn't been shot up (didn't have combat experience), they threw us into battle, and it was hell, said Oleksandr. The lost armor only amounted to a company-sized attack, but Russia had won a major propaganda victory, made worse by the failure to take significant territory in the weeks following. Ukraine watched closely as the early setbacks mounted, with horrifying drone footage of soldiers and equipment from the brigade blown up by landmines spreading quickly online. Sergeant Maksym photographed with his assault rifle at the base in Zaporizhia Oblast on Sept. 14, 2023. (Anastasia Vlasova/Kyiv Independent) With scrutiny building, Markus spoke out on social media, publicly accusing the 47ths officer corps of incompetence, and adding that the senior command was guilty of "not understanding of the importance of the morale of soldiers." The command hit back, with Sergeant-Major Rustam Mustafaiev accusing Markus of "trying to promote himself on the back of other people's blood and other people's work." Markus resigned from his post on June 11, less than a week into the counteroffensive. June and July passed without much more movement on the axis. Reflecting on their mistakes, the 47th Brigade spent the time preparing better plans while continuing to attrit Russian forces from afar. I arrived right when we started to make conclusions, analyze what had gone wrong, and start to change things, said Vyacheslav, who began his service after the initial attacks. By then we had gained a second wind. By mid-August, the brigade was on the move again, and this time, began making real gains. With three months of hard fighting under its belt, the unit is now no longer the green outfit that had arrived on the battlefield in June. Now, our brigade has been shot up plenty, Oleksandr noted with a dry laugh. Pounding through Burnt-out buildings and piles of rubble on every corner mark Orikhiv as another Ukrainian city in which bar some soldiers ducking in and out of basements and the odd oblivious civilian roaming the streets no human life remains. Since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive push here in June, Russia has tasked itself with the systematic destruction of the city with a new favorite weapon: guided air-dropped bombs. Under clear afternoon skies, Russias liberal use of the bombs is on proud display. On the horizon to the east, miniature mushroom clouds rise from successive strikes on Ukrainian positions near the village of Verbove. Inside Orikhiv, another bomb lands behind some houses just over a kilometer away, while fire rages from the ruins of a house recently flattened by yet another. Just 10 kilometers away, in some of the heaviest fighting of the summer campaign, assault units of the 47th inch forward, storming Russian trenches one by one before being rotated out by regular infantry. The capture of Robotyne in late August, the first and so far only village liberated on the Orikhiv axis, provided Ukraine with new hope of success after a long period without advances. When the time came to take the village itself, it didnt take long. At first, our task was to work to capture the positions just outside Robotyne, said Vyacheslav but when we met the commander to make the plan of attack, he said that plans have changed, because our guys had already advanced into the village itself, so we will move into the first houses. On our way in, we got a call from the battalion commander, he said that we've gone further so the plans changed again, and in the space of a day, we moved forward more than two kilometers. Beyond Robotyne, Ukrainian forces have now come up against a new obstacle: the Surovikin line itself, the backbone of a vast network of defenses built by Russia over winter and spring across the entire southern front line. Until now, the line was seen only from above, but according to the assault troops, the most impressive part of it lies dug deep into the Ukrainian earth. They are usually 2-3 meters deep, reinforced with wood and earth, said assault commander Yaroslav Ram, 44. From the drones you only see a couple of trenches, but you can't see what is under it. Until you go in there on your own two feet and see with your own eyes, everything looks the same from the sky. As difficult as it is to assault Russias underground labyrinths, the fight above ground is no less perilous. As an anti-air unit, Oleksandrs squad is normally equipped with shoulder-launched Igla anti-air missiles, but according to them, this old, heavy weapon is unreliable, bordering on useless. For todays war, their gun of choice fires no projectile: a lightweight, Lithuanian-made anti-drone device that jams enemy drones. Both sides have dramatically scaled up the production of FPV (first-person view) drones in recent months, while also refining their use on the battlefield. According to Maksym, while the artillery duel in the area is evenly matched, Russia has the edge in FPV drones, often using them to strike not only vehicles and artillery, but small groups of individual soldiers. The consequences of this new face of war is felt keenly by soldiers more used to the random lottery of indirect artillery fire. Our enemy has learned and adapted, he said. Now, having already started the artillery bombardment, they fly out with FPV drones because they know that we won't have our heads up with the anti-drone gun. And with these drones they try to fly right into our dugout. Read also: Deadly drone arms race intensifies as Ukraine, Russia embrace the future of war Lifesaving taxis Futher along the treeline in the rear where the assault troops are staying, two bulky green machines are also resting between the bushes. Their shape immediately gives away that they arent Soviet-era vehicles. These are the M2 Bradleys themselves, a mainstay of the U.S. Army since the 1980s and now entrusted to the 47th Brigade. Their rear doors are open, showing a roomy interior that comfortably fits six soldiers sitting opposite each other. You can fit 10 in there easily if you really need to, quipped 38-year-old Bradley driver Oleksandr Kipish, looking fondly at his vehicle. A truck driver before the full-scale war, Oleksandr spent six weeks in Germany specifically to train on the Bradley. On the battlefield, the vehicles are prized for their survivability, with armor technology far superior than their Soviet counterparts. All the assault troops here have their own Bradley stories, of the vehicles evacuating them from missions, driving over multiple mines without the passengers even noticing. This particular vehicle had visible scars from what Oleksandr said was a near-direct 120mm mortar hit. Take a Soviet BMP, for example, he said, if you had a hit in the back like here, nobody inside would be alive. They are great machines, they save people every day. Early on in the counteroffensive, the 47ths early setbacks were proudly paraded by Russian state media and Telegram channels, with one drone capture showing eight disabled Bradleys and a Leopard tank side by side in a row. Everyone survived that attack, claimed Yaroslav, and every last vehicle was successfully retrieved. As good as they are at saving lives, the density of Russian fires combined with real-time drone reconnaissance in the area makes using them a risky act. We mostly work like a taxi, we bring the guys in and bring them out, said Oleksandr. We don't use it on assaults much, only if we get a special order, it's dangerous. We actually had an assault yesterday with two Bradleys, and both were hit with anti-tank fire. Everyone survived. Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war History-makers On Sept. 23, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukrainian operations on the southern front line, reported that Ukrainian troops had broken through the line a second time, further east near Verbove. Its clear by now, though, that a breakthough here will be nothing like the breakthrough achieved in Kharkiv Oblast a year ago, when Ukrainian forces routed Russian lines and liberated swathes of territory in a matter of days. Experts agree that the Surovikin line was built with a typical defense in depth strategy in mind, designed to inflict maximum attrition to the attacker, while preventing a tactical breach from turning into a strategic breakthrough like what Ukraine achieved in Kharkiv Oblast. Though the Russian commands management of its defensive lines has been criticized as going against Surovikins original strategy, the Ukrainians tasked with assaulting them speak with respect for the way Russian troops have dug in. I'll say it now, Oleksandr said, the Russians are the best in the world when it comes to building fortified defenses; minefields, strongholds, they know this very well. Having passed the minefields and made a successful breach, Yaroslav is hopeful that more is yet to come. At the moment, we have created the biggest breach here, he said. We have gotten past the toughest part, now the job is to widen the breach. It should be a lot easier going forward, thank God there aren't as many mines. Read also: Russias southern mistake Surovikin lines, Gerasimov tactics Even if the Surovikin line is completely broken through, the road ahead is long. The strategic city of Tokmak, widely understood to be the main goal of this axis of the counteroffensive, is still another 20 kilometers south of the Robotyne bulge, and is itself defended by its own ring of Russian fortifications. Reaching the city before winter looks increasingly unlikely, but the lessons of the offensives first weeks laid bare the price of haste. We just can't do it any faster, said Yaroslav. We've simply been exhausted a fair bit by three and a half months of fighting, sometimes when you take a break you just sleep for three days straight. When asked about the looming winter, soldiers acknowledged that the fighting will assume a different character, but that it doesnt mean that the Ukrainian initiative must stop dead in its tracks. Setbacks suffered and lessons learned aside, soldiers of the 47th Brigade remain acutely aware of the fateful character of their mission. We were told that either we will go down in history, or we will be forgotten, because we are here at the tip of the spear, we were to be sent into one of the toughest fights that this war could possibly offer, said Yaroslav. And that's how it turned out." The Kyiv Independent is grateful to our members and donors. This story wouldn't have been possible without a donation from The Charles Douglas-Home Memorial Trust. Note from the author: Hi, this is Francis Farrell, cheers for reading this article. I grew up on the other side of the world, but in Ukraine I have found a home unlike any other. Just like with so many of our readers, I understand that you don't have to be from near here to realize how important Ukraine's struggle is for freedom and human rights all over the world. The Kyiv Independent's mission is to lead the way in continuing to bring the best homegrown, English-language coverage of this war, even if the rest of the world's attention starts to fade. Please consider supporting our reporting. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editors Note: This interview is part of Voices of Kansas City, a project created in collaboration with KKFI Community Radio and Kansas City GIFT, a nonprofit supporting Black-owned small businesses, to highlight the experiences of Kansas Citians making an impact on the community. Hear the interviews on KKFI 90.1 FM, Fridays at noon, or at KKFI.org. Do you know someone who should be featured in a future Voices of Kansas City season? Tell us about them using this form. Kenyatta Pinky Gant has taken her brand, Pink Lipps, to another level through brand partnerships and being stocked on store shelves in Target, and now, Hy-Vee. Shes an award winner, too, snagging Best MUA (makeup artist) in 2019, Best Business in 2021 and Best Female Entrepreneur in 2022 for the Kansas City Peoples Choice Awards. But Kenyattas humble beginnings and her passion started in her kitchen making lip gloss with her little girl, Coco. The Kansas City Star invited the 38-year-old entrepreneur to the Prospect Avenue studio, at GIFT, a nonprofit that supports Black business, to participate in a new project Voices of Kansas City launched in partnership with GIFT, and KKFI Kansas City Community Radio. Gant, founder and CEO of Pink Lipps Cosmetics Company, sat down for an interview with Star Opinion Editor Yvette Walker to tell the story of her entrepreneurial journey. Their conversation, edited for length and clarity, is presented in a question and answer format to share Gants story in her own words. Meet Kenyatta Pinky Gant Kenyatta Pinky, Gant, left, owner of Pink Lipps Cosmetic Company in Kansas City shared the story behind her entrepreneurial journey with The Stars Editorial Page editor, Yvette Walker. The Star invited Gant to the studio at KC Gift a non-profit that supports Black business as part of Voices of Kansas City, developed in partnership with GIFT and KKFI community radio. Yvette Walker: Id love to talk to you a little bit today about how you got started with Pink Lipps. Pink Lipps with two Ps! How did you come up with that? Kenyatta Pinky Gant: Well, the name came from my nickname, Pinky. And at the time when I started Pink Lipps, I was only creating lipstick and lip gloss. So we just put the two together. I understand nicknames are really important to you. Tell us why? So Ive been having my nickname Pinky since I was born. And I was so pale when I was born that my family was like, Well, we cant call her Whitey. So my mom said, Well, lets just call her Pinky. So thats where that came from. All right. So tell us how you started Pink Lipps. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur because I grew up under the umbrella of my parents. They were entrepreneurs. My mom was in the beauty industry. And my father, he just owned businesses around Kansas City. So I knew that I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I just was unsure of what I wanted to do. But it wasnt until I had my 2-year-old daughter, who was this fearless little girl who just loved lip gloss. And it became an obsession. And so just one day I was like, Well, as a mommy and daughter project at home, lets make some lip gloss. And so I ended up making the lip gloss, and it turned out to be really good. Apparently, my family was like, You should sell this. So thats when my mom was like, Well, this could be your business. And so thats how we got started. You told me that some of your friends couldnt believe it when you made the lip gloss at home. You know, put in all those chemicals and powders together. I didnt think it was a thing until I tried it. So you started getting into this and you said, OK, this could be my business, but Im sure there were some hurdles along the way. How did you get to where you are? Well, one day, I decided to tweet on Twitter. I needed an investor because, of course, I needed money to fund this project. You know, I was a single mom at the time. I had a really good job, but I needed to take care of my daughter, so I needed financial backing. So I tweeted, I need an investor. And someone in-boxed me and said, What do you need an investor for? We sat down and (after explaining my business plan) that person gave me $10,000. So he was an angel investor to my business. And that kick-started Pink Lipps. And you also received a grant from GIFT as well? Yes, I received a grant two years ago for $50,000. Congratulations. So with that first $10,000, you probably had to figure out get strategic about what you wanted to spend that on. So what did you do? I knew that I needed inventory. I needed a good amount of product and I needed it to be good quality. So I researched manufacturers and I found one. And we started with lipstick and liquid lipstick and lip gloss, because at the time those three products were the top three products in cosmetics. And so I knew that I needed inventory and I needed some type of presentation to make this product look good. So thats what we spent the money on. And then we had a launch party here in Kansas City and everybody came out. It was a huge success. We ended up selling out that weekend. .Kenyatta Pinky Gant found her company, Pink Lipps Cosmetics in 2011. She got the idea while making lip gloss for her young daughter, who she said loved wearing it. Now her beauty brand is used by makeup artists and on store shelves at Target and Hy-Vee. How many different kinds of colors or flavors of the lipsticks and lip glosses do you have now? We have a wide range. What was your first one? The very first lipstick we had was called Juicy Mac. It was a red lipstick. Of course! And we named it after my mom. But now we have about 112 products yes in about six categories. What are the categories? We have lipstick, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, lip oil, lip care, matte liquid lipstick. And then we have face products. So I forgot about that. We have concealer, setting powder, blush, and then we have makeup accessories. So makeup bags, makeup mirrors, and we just released brow products. So we have a wide range. So who is your audience? Do a lot of makeup artists buy your products or just folks like me, regular people? Both. We have makeup artists who love our products to use on their clients. I used to be a makeup artist, so I used my product on my clients and they purchased it and they love it. But then the everyday woman who just wants to feel good and feel confident and feel bold, they will buy our products, our lipstick and all of that. So. Now, you mentioned your baby. So in the beginning, youre a single mom. Im going to talk about that wonderful husband here in a minute, but in the beginning, you were a single mom and you talked about your daughter. Now we know you love the nicknames, so Coco is her nickname. And she kind of inspired you. But as she got older, she helps you now. Tell us how your children are really a part of the business. So first of all, Coco, she still loves lip gloss and she wants to use all of my products. And some of the products I do let her use because shes age appropriate now. And so she does help me pack orders from our online orders. So, yeah, shes helping with the business and she enjoys it. So for the moms out there, I think this is really interesting. You said age appropriate. So you actually had an age where you felt that your daughters were OK to wear it. They liked the lip gloss before and thought it was fun, but they were not able to wear it. So is that age 14? Yes. OK. OK. Very interesting. Yes, age 14, shes able to try out some of our products. So I mentioned your husband. Is he a big cheerleader? He is. Hes the number one supporter for sure. In the beginning, you were very busy. And I know you told me that he had to, maybe not be a house dad, but he had to take care of a lot of things around the home. Tell us a little bit about that. Yeah, me being a full-time makeup artist and just running the business, there were times where I missed out on a lot of things at home and I would get home pretty late and so he had to take care of the kids a little more than he probably would have liked to. And him working a full-time job, nights. I would come home. He would be leaving for work. So, yeah, it was tough. But now that Im in a more established place in my business, Im able to be at home more and help out a lot more. And you have helped too, because you first had the $10,000 gift from the investor, but then the $50,000. You were able to do something different with that $50,000 and get some help. Tell us about that. We were able to do some hiring. I knew then my business was growing and I wanted to scale it, but I knew that I couldnt do it alone anymore. So I decided to hire. We hired a social media manager/content creator, and she absolutely took our business to new heights. You could have done a lot with that money, but you decided to focus on social media or to hire someone who could do that. Why did you do that? Why was that more important to you than other things? It was important because I knew that I needed that piece to help grow the brand. And I wasnt an expert at it. I did OK. But I knew that in order for my business to grow to the next level, I need to hire someone whos smarter than me, whos more skilled than me. So it was really a strategic move to grow the brand. Do you think thats what helped you get some of the successes that youve had? Oh, yes, the stores. Youre in a couple of stores. You have had a collaboration with some companies. Our first collaboration was with the Vans Shoe Company. They reached out to us because they were doing a Black-owned business program and they wanted to highlight Black-owned businesses that they thought were doing pretty good in their industry. And so they reached out to Pinks Lipps. We created our own shoe with Vans and our own T-shirt, and we received all of the earnings from that. So that was their gift to us. Also, we had eyes on us from Target. Thats how Target noticed us. They really loved our brand from our social media and it was right when we introduced our concealers and setting powders that really caught their eye. So now were coming up on our third year being in Target and were in 65 stores and were looking to do an increase here soon. And weve done a sponsorship with the WNBA. The Washington Mystics. So we were able to go out there for a game and they raved about Pink Lipps. And so we were able to give out lipstick bundles to all the home games. We have another collaboration coming up, but I cant speak about that yet. And were actually also being sold now in Hy-Vee. Thats great. So theres probably some people listening who are entrepreneurs and want to have their own business or are in the beginning of it. And they want to be where you are. What advice would you give to someone who is maybe where you were in 2011? OK. So my advice to new business owners, and business owners who are even thinking of giving up: What kept me going was my why you want to always remember your why. Why did you start? Who are you doing this for? And also whatever you do, have some passion behind it because theres going to be days where the money is going to be slow. The creativity is not going to be there and youre going to want to give up. But if you continue to stay passionate and keep that on the forefront and your why, youll keep going and you wont give up. So I encourage all business owners to just remember their why and to always do things that youre passionate about. So having that passion is really important, but youve got to have something to keep you going. Youve got to have some money. You had that angel investor. It was really important. But then you also applied for grants. How would people look for resources where they can apply for or perhaps get some help? So I would definitely say hop on the internet. The resources are there. Theres a particular website that I like to go to called HelloAlice.com. They offer a lot of Black-owned businesses and people of color grants and thats where I actually received my first grant. I received the $10,000 grant from the Beyonce Foundation. So Hello Alice is a great resource to apply for grants and actually receive them. You talked about that passion. Are there some kind of signature statements you have? Maybe even things that youve told yourself during those times when you are trying to keep yourself going? One thing that I like to remind myself of and others is very simple: Whats for me, is for me. What does that mean? That means that whats for me, will happen for me. And it will not not happen. Because if its meant to be, it will be. So a lot of times we deal with imposter syndrome and we look at other brands and we say, Oh, I want that to happen. Or why doesnt that happen to me? And its like, its just not time yet, and it will happen when the time comes. Or maybe it wont, but something else will happen for your business to take it to new leaps. And so for me, Ive been able to keep going, knowing that whats for Pink Lipps is for Pink Lipps. And it will happen no matter what. You were very strategic about when you scaled. Thats a decision to make. Some people could scale too early or too late. Can you talk a little bit about making that decision and when you knew it was time to scale? I knew it was time to scale when the business was just kind of steady. And we werent really growing. And I knew that it was something that I was lacking. So I studied the brand, I studied what we needed, and thats when I said, OK, you know what? Im going to apply for some grants and Im going to hire people who can really take the brand to new heights. And thats when I knew that we needed to scale. Once I did that, the scaling happened. How is the community, your community, perhaps even your faith community, how have people rallied around you? You know what? They really believe in me as an entrepreneur and they believe in the brand. They see what it can be. And they in my community have always poured into me. They pray for me. Theyve purchased our product. The support is real here in Kansas City. And Im super grateful for our community, our lipstick lovers. Thats what we call them. And so, you know, they dont miss the opportunity to support. And Im super grateful for that. You grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Tell us what that was like and exactly what you think you learned from your parents. My parents were always on the go, and I guess thats a testimony that is an entrepreneurship life. Youre always on the go. Youre always busy making decisions and youre always working. So my father worked. He had businesses that he opened, cleaners, clothing businesses, businesses where he would clean peoples clothes. So he had about three of those. And then my mom was a hairstylist, so she had tons of hair salons. But it was my dads work ethic that I admired, and it was my moms ability to make her clients feel so beautiful. And after getting their hair done, they would look in the mirror and they would be in tears because they loved the way they looked once she did their hair. And so those two things stuck with me, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that in some kind of way. And I just loved the hustle and bustle of their day-to-day operation. But my father was killed when I was 9 years old, and so things changed in our home a little bit because he was the provider. And of course, I was so young, I didnt understand what was going on. And so humble beginnings begin to happen. We experienced not being able to have the things that we had when my dad was alive. And so it was hard on my mom because here she is with two kids and having to do this on her own, which all, you know, mothers We can do it on our own. We prefer not to, but that was our life starting at the age of 9. And so it was tough on my mom. And I saw her lose her passion a little bit and she stepped away from doing hair years later. And I always said that I would continue to honor my parents when I became an entrepreneur because I knew I was going to be one. I cant imagine what thats like for someone so young to lose their father. But that changed things in your household. When you looked to your mom, and you saw that she was struggling, but then when she pulled it back together, did that somehow ignite something in you, even as a young person that you think is even with you today? Yeah. Just to, you know, stay strong, keep God first. And just know in your heart that things are going to get better. Now, she was in beauty and youre in beauty. And, you know, there are some concerns from people to not only focus on beauty for young women. Being beautiful is great, but you need to be smart, you need to be inquisitive and curious and all of that. So how do you with your own girls who love lipstick how do you instill that in them as well? You know, its fun to play with lipstick. But are you concerned about them only being interested in beauty? Oh, yes. Because, like I said, age appropriate was my thing. My daughter, out of the hundreds of products we have, shes only allowed to wear two, you know. And so for me, education is first. And knowing that beauty starts from within is very important to me, too. I dont want my child to ever feel like she needs these products to go about her day, you know, because life is much more than that, you know? And so I have instilled in my own children that you have to be a good person before you try to present to this world that you are this made-up person. It starts inside. So for me, age appropriate was a big thing. And then just instilling in my children that those morals and that beauty is everything. But it definitely starts inside. And you do have two more girls. And so, obviously, they have to wait for 14. But what do they think about the business and how do they see mommy? Well, my stepdaughter, she loves my business. She loves helping me. She has a big heart, period. And she loves to help me. So when its time to pack orders, shes excited. She loves to be a part of something. She talks about my business to her friends at school, to the teachers, at school. They even purchase products. So shes a huge advocate for Pink lives as well. It sounds like it. So you have come a long way. And we talked about what it was like at the beginning. But lets go back there and talk about before you got that first investor. So you just told everyone that youve got to have that passion, you gotta stay strong. But in the time when you knew you had a nugget of an idea for the business, but you didnt know how to get there. I dont know if GoFundMe or things like that existed back then, but is that something you would have done today? Probably not. I would have just worked hard to make it happen for myself. I would have probably worked doubles and double-doubles to make it work. I am a person that if I want something, I know I have to do the work to get it. And so yeah, I would have done the work to definitely make it happen. It may have been a slower process and thats OK because Im OK with taking the stairs. Im not in this to rush things and to rush the outcome, like, It needs to happen today. Thats not my mindset. It happened when its supposed to. And before you got that first $10,000, do you recall a time when it just wasnt coming together and maybe you didnt feel like quitting, but you felt ? I felt like maybe, maybe this is not going to work. How can I change it up and do something different? Because I was having a hard time figuring out the proper way to start a cosmetic line. Im like, I know I cant make tens and thousands of products in my kitchen, so, what do I do? Im a research type of person, Im going to figure it out. And so I got on the internet and then my answers started to come. I just didnt give up. So you were making it for a while, and then you farmed that out? I made it for about a month, maybe two months. And then I was like, I cant keep doing this because I dont even know if Im doing it right. You know, I dont even know if Im following the safety guidelines on how to do this. So thats when I started to research manufacturers. And for someone who is maybe at that process now, where did you go? How did you find that information that you needed? I went straight to Google, right? Either Google or YouTube University. (Laughter) Right. Because there wasnt someone who I could literally call and say, How do you do this? Because no one thought that it was something that we could do. You know, now were able to talk to business owners who own LOreal or other companies, you know, But back then, no, it wasnt a thing. And so with social media, I could inbox a cosmetic brand owner and theyll talk to me back. But back then it was like we had to just figure it out. So I couldnt physically, like, call somebody or email somebody. I had to literally try to go pick up a book and figure it out. And of course, today there are resources like GIFT that can steer you in the right direction. Correct. So whats next for Pink Lipps? Whats on the horizon? Well, we have more partnerships coming this year for the holidays. We have a really big product were going to be dropping finally for the holidays. And then were focused on retail. Were trying to get into more retail so we have those opportunities coming soon, too. No exclusive? A little sneak peek today? So our next partnership will be with Mahogany Hallmark. Wow. Congratulations. Thank you. Its a full circle moment for me because I was a child actor and Hold on, we really need to come back to that. But yeah, go ahead. I was a child actor and I did a lot of print work. And from my knowledge, I was one of the first Black girls on a Hallmark Mahogany card for Valentines Day. So how did you get in touch with them or did they reach out to you? Well, my middle name is Star. My dad named me that. And so my dad always said that shes going to be a star. My mom said, OK, well, lets get started. And so she signed me up for talent agencies and model agencies. And I got into some and they found jobs for me. So I did a lot of commercials and did a lot of magazine, print magazines. And I went to New York and all that. And then I was on some Hallmark cards for Valentines Day. Wow. Wow. Now, how long did you do that? I did that for probably about four years. OK. And when did your father pass? When I was 9. He was there, he saw all your success. Oh, yeah. And I still did it after him. Oh, thats beautiful. Yeah. I wish he was here now, but yeah. Yeah. And you have a new product line coming out? Were adding to our product line. Were going to be adding foundation finally. OK. Yes. That is the last piece to complete our product line. And of course, well still add more things later. But that is the last piece to where you can literally come to Pink Lipps and complete a full face. Do you have any influencers out there that youre looking at, that you would like to be associated with? Oh, you know what? The beauty industry is so wide-ranging. Our influencers are really just Black women who love beauty, true love, who love to inspire and empower women, and who are just beautiful inside and out. So any Black woman of that kind. Kenyatta, thank you so much for speaking with us today. Of course. Thank you for having me. A lawsuit from a Texas family claims a pair of mortuary workers dropped their dead relative. The workers denied the event even happened, the family says in the suit. The family is suing the mortuary for $1 million. A Texas family is suing a mortuary in Houston for $1 million after they claimed in a lawsuit that two workers dropped their deceased loved one and left him with dents in his head. The lawsuit, first reported by the Daily Beast, alleges that the body of Juan "Chuco" Mejia, a postal worker who died at 69, was mishandled by two workers at Twinwood Mortuary. The family claims that the incident caused them "severe mental anguish" per a complaint viewed by Insider. Twinwood and lawyers for the family did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. On June 14, 2021, following Mejia's death, the family said they were notified about the mortuary service coming to pick up their loved one. Two men arrived that night, but the family noted that they appeared "young and were visibly hesitant in their decision-making." The lawsuit also claims, based on "information and belief," that the two were not licensed funeral directors. When offered help, the family said in the complaint that the pair refused. They also refused to call in more coworkers for help. They then proceeded to move Mejia, who was placed on a metal stretcher with a white cloth on top, outside of the condo "feet first." The family closed the door as the pair walked out and then heard a "thump" and "several thumps in a row," per the lawsuit. William Mejia, one of the family members, came outside to see his father's "head, shoulder, and upper half of the body uncovered and exposed" on the cement of a public courtyard. The son then had to shout at the employees to help get his father back onto a wheeled stretcher and hurt himself helping the pair. The complaint said the two men apologized immediately after the incident. The family eventually called about the Twinwood employees but were later told that the pair denied that they had ever dropped Mejia. However, family members said during his wake they observed "denting and bruising on Juan Mejia's head from being dropped on the ground by the employees who transported him." The family filed their suit exactly two years after their father's death, and are suing for negligence and gross negligence. Read the original article on Insider The reigning title holder for worlds most powerful rocket saw action on both its center core and its two solid rocket boosters this month, with pieces for the Artemis II launch coming together as NASA aims to send humans on a trip around the moon next year. Arriving by train to Florida on Monday were all 10 segments for the two side boosters of the Space Launch System rocket that will launch the Orion spacecraft with four humans on board from Kennedy Space Center as early as November 2024. The core stage of that booster remains in New Orleans, but teams last week installed the last of four converted space shuttle engines to the base of the stage. The core stages primary contractor Boeing still has more work to do before it can be shipped by barge from NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility to KSC, currently on track for a November arrival, but the tail end finally got the last of its four R2-25 engines stuck in place. Aerojet Rocketdyne, which was recently acquired by Melbourne-based L3Harris, manufactured all four engines that were originally designed for the Space Shuttle Program, but have since been converted for use on the SLS. Two of the engines have been to space for a combined 20 missions already, including both Space Shuttle Endeavours last flight on STS-134 and Space Shuttle Atlantis last flight and final mission of the shuttle program, STS-135, in 2011. The other two engines are making their first trip to space, but the parts were mostly manufactured for the shuttles. All four have at least one component that flew on Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-1 in 1981. RS-25s have been to space a combined 409 times, and former shuttle program engines will be used through Artemis IV, with brand new RS-25s used for Artemis V and beyond. The next task is to integrate the engines with propulsion and electrical systems. The core stage is the biggest part of the SLS rocket, standing at 212 feet with tanks that hold 733,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Its the propellant that shoots through the four RS-25s to provide 2 million of the SLSs 8.8 million pounds of thrust on liftoff. The engines burn through the propellant for more than eight minutes during launch. Attached to the core are the two solid rocket boosters, manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah. They had been awaiting the call from NASA to make the 2,400-mile trip to Florida, finally making the trek this week. They were loaded onto specialized transporters to endure each segments heavy load. Each booster is made up of five segments, which actually give the rocket more than 75% of its power on liftoff with 3.3 million pounds of thrust each. The segments combined with the nose and nozzle weigh more than 1.6 million pounds with each filled with the solid polybutadiene acrylonitrile fuel. At launch, boosters burn through the propellant at a rate of six tons per second for just over two minutes before falling away from the core stage. They are now in the hands of NASAs Exploration Ground Systems Program based at KSC where they will be prepped at the spaceports Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility. They will then make their way to the Vehicle Assembly Building where they will be stacked vertically into their full 17-story-tall booster form, then be installed alongside the core stage after its arrival from New Orleans. The mission marks the second launch of the SLS rocket, which became the most powerful to make orbit when Artemis I lifted off on its uncrewed flight to the moon in late 2022. It broke a record held by the Saturn V rockets of the Apollo era. FAA closes SpaceX Starship mishap investigation from April explosion, but not ready to let it fly Thats a title that would get pushed to No. 2 if SpaceXs in-development Starship and Super Heavy rocket manages to make orbit with its more than 17 million pounds of thrust. Its second attempt to orbit is on hold awaiting approval to fly from the Federal Aviation Administration in the wake of its first attempt ending with the rocket self-destructing over the Gulf of Mexico back in April. For NASA, its going to need both powerhouse rockets to continue its plans to return humans to the moons surface on the Artemis III mission as a version of Starship is contracted to be the astronauts Human Landing System. Plans are for Starship to dock with the Orion spacecraft while it orbits the moon and then take two of that missions four-person crew, including the first woman, down for about a weeklong mission to explore the lunar south pole. While that mission is still on NASAs roadmap for as early as December 2025, delays to Starship could push that mission deeper into the decade. That potential delay is among sources for rising costs to the Artemis program. In a September report to congressional committees, the U.S. General Accountability Office stated that senior NASA officials told GAO that at current cost levels, the SLS program is unaffordable. NASA has already spent $11.8 billion during its more than decade-long development and lone launch, and President Bidens 2024 budget request projects another $11.2 billion to support four planned Artemis missions through 2028. NASAs moonbound Artemis astronauts take new ride to launch pad in practice run Artemis II, though, is on track as it wont land on the lunar surface, but simply prove that the Orion spacecraft can safely bring humans out to the moon and back. Its crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, recently worked through a test run of launch day activities at KSC. Their Orion spacecraft designed by Lockheed Martin along with the power and life-support source, the European service module have all been at KSC for some time. Once the SLS core stage and boosters are in place, it will be topped by the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage provided by United Launch Alliance, and then finally by Orion and the service module. Orion still has more testing, though, and wont be ready to stack at the top of the SLS rocket in the VAB until May. That still keeps teams on track to launch within 14 months, a feat that will send humans out to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. PATERSON The city school district is getting two new assistant superintendents one being promoted from within the district and another coming from Middlesex County. The appointments will increase the number of assistant superintendents in the Paterson district from five to seven, more than it has had at any time in the past decade. The districts deputy superintendent job remains vacant. Who are the appointees? Superintendent Laurie Newell introduced the new appointees to the Board of Education at its meeting last week. Nahed Badawy is moving into an acting assistant superintendent job after serving as principal of Patersons Dr. Hani Awadallah School since 2019 and its vice principal before that. Her salary will be $170,000. Meanwhile, Melissa Espana is coming to Paterson after working in the Perth Amboy school district for the past two years as director of professional learning, evaluation and assessment. She previously was a middle school principal in Perth Amboy for six years. Her salary will be $185,000. Badawy would oversee elementary schools and Espana the high schools, Newell said. I want to thank you for the opportunity and your confidence, Badawy said during Wednesdays meeting. I am excited and looking forward to the work ahead. Espana expressed similar sentiments. The introduction of the new assistant superintendents came about a month after the school board rejected one of the first hiring requests made by Newell, who started in the job of schools chief on July 1. Public safety: Paterson stabbing may be linked to tensions between two high school groups, police say Voted down: Why did Paterson school board block new superintendent's first staff appointment? Earlier appointee doesn't garner votes Newell in August asked the board to appoint Albania Diaz Jackson as executive director to the superintendent at a $150,000 salary, but the board voted her down. Multiple city education sources said it appears that the executive director appointment has been withdrawn. Education advocate Rosie Grant admonished the board over that decision at a recent meeting. We lost a highly skilled candidate because the board took too long to decide, said Grant, executive director of the Paterson Education Fund nonprofit organization, as she asked the board to support its new superintendent. Her success is our success, Grant said of Newell. Her failure if we dont give her what she needs is our failure, and our kids are the ones who suffer. The opposition to Jacksons appointment focused on the size of her salary. Grant said she checked with the state School Boards Association for the salary guide for executive director to a superintendent and found that the bottom of the range was $134,000 and the top was $201,000. She said the $150,000 salary proposal was not egregious, noting that the number was below average, and that Paterson is the states third-largest district. Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ schools: Two assistant superintendents named Extremist Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) ranted against Army Gen. Mark Milley in a Sunday newsletter that included multiple homophobic digs. Gosar claimed that National Guard assistance at the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack was delayed by Milley, the outgoing chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He accused Milley of scheming with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to undermine Donald Trump. Gosar tapped into his homophobia as he criticized Milley over the National Guard slowdown, which a House committee previously concluded was not intentional. Even after approval was given, General Milley, the homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist Chairman of the military joint chiefs, delayed, Gosar wrote on Sunday. We now know that the deviant Milley was coordinating with Nancy Pelosi to hurt President Trump, and treasonously working behind Trumps back. In a better society, quislings like the strange sodomy-promoting General Milley would be hung. Gosar, no stranger to promoting violence and racism, seemed to up the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in reaction to an Atlantic report that Trump once asked Milley if he was soft on transgender soldiers. Milley reportedly replied: Im not soft on transgender or hard on transgender. Im about standards in the U.S. military, about who is qualified to serve in the U.S. military. I dont care who you sleep with or what you are. Trump has accused Milley of treason for reportedly assuring China that the U.S. would not initiate a nuclear attack in the last days of the Trump administration, and recently suggested that the general should be executed. Related... Whistleblowers in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton s (R) case have vowed to not give up their legal fight, just days after he was acquitted on 16 articles of impeachment in a Texas state Senate trial earlier this month. We are not going away, Blake Brickman, former Texas deputy attorney general for policy and strategy, said at a press conference Monday. For us this case has always been about more than money. Its about truth. Its about justice. The impeachment investigation alleged that Paxton was handing out political favors to donors, including interfering in investigations and retaliating against whistleblowers. A group of former state employees, including Brickman, had come forward with their concerns over Paxtons actions in September 2020 to the FBI. The group of whistleblowers had filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination and retaliation and had reached a tentative settlement in February with Paxton, agreeing to pay them $3.3 million after they were fired for reporting him on alleged bribery and abuse of office. He was also supposed to provide a statement saying that he accepts that plaintiffs acted in a manner that they thought was right and apologizes for referring to them as rogue employees. The group of whistleblowers is saying that they filed a new motion in the state Supreme Court, arguing that Paxton has not upheld his end of the settlement agreement, including the multimillion-dollar payment and his apology for calling them rogue employees. So today, we filed a renewed motion asking the Supreme Court to lift the abatement and restore our case to the active docket, Brickman said. We remain hopeful that the Supreme Court like the trial court, and the Court of Appeals will reject OAGs ridiculous arguments, ridiculous argument that the attorney general is above the law. This is a particularly ironic position given this page on the OAGs own website, promoting the very law the office now attacks. There were eight days of witness testimony before the Texas Senate acquitted him, largely focusing on his relationship with Nate Paul, a real estate developer and donor to the Texas attorney general. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi on Monday said Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) should resign, adding the weight of one of Washington's most prominent Democrats to the lengthening list of party members urging the embattled New Jersey senator to leave office. "It probably would be a good idea if he did resign," Pelosi told MSNBC's Jen Psaki, reasoning that Rep. George Santos' (R-N.Y.) ongoing federal indictment also demands resignation. Pelosi said that that public skepticism around the government and what she described as governance issues within the Republican Party further merit Menendez's resignation. At least a dozen House Democrats and three Senate Democrats have also issued similar sentiments about Menendez's political future including the bulk of party members from his home state. Despite not having a formal leadership role anymore, Pelosi is perhaps the most prominent political figure in the Democratic Party to endorse Menendez's resignation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that Menendez has a right to a fair trial. The White House on Monday said it viewed the ongoing indictment as a serious matter but that resignation was a matter left to the Senate. Menendez has firmly insisted on his innocence and said most recently on Monday morning that he would not be leaving office. He is accused of misusing his office to benefit businesspeople and the Egyptian government in exchange for money, gold, house furnishings and a new car. Menendez, in accordance with his caucus rules, stepped down from his chairship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last Friday after the allegations emerged. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Monday that embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) should step down after being indicted on federal corruption charges last week. It probably would be a good idea if he did resign, the powerful Democrat told MSNBCs Jen Psaki. The senator was indicted in the Southern District of New York last week on charges related to allegations he and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including gold bars, a Mercedes-Benz and nearly half a million dollars in cash. Prosecutors claim the pair took the valuables in exchange for helping several businessmen and aiding the Egyptian government. He has rejected the allegations. Pelosi said Monday that the charges appeared formidable, adding she respected her colleagues who have urged Menendez to step down. She pointed to Democrats stance on accusations against freshman Congressman George Santos (R-N.Y.), noting that if the Democrats were calling for Santos to leave office after being indicted, the same should hold true for one of their own. NEW- @jrpsaki asks Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi if Sen. Robert Menendez should resign.@SpeakerPelosi: "...It probably would be a good idea if he did resign." pic.twitter.com/byTSfEaK5P Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) September 26, 2023 If, in fact, were going to say that, if youre indicted, you should resign, we have a situation in the House, as you know, from the state of New York where that would hold, too, Pelosi said, referencing Santos. But right now, sadly, because of the challenges that we face, because the skepticism that exists in our country about governance, about this Republican Party that doesnt believe in governance we have got to stay focused on that. Pelosis comments add significant firepower to calls from other Democrats who have urged Menendez to step down. Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have all said the charges have compromised the lawmakers ability to do his job, joining a growing chorus of nearly a dozen House Democrats. Menendez has so far resisted those calls, saying Monday that his colleagues had rushed to judgment. He vowed to stay in office and continue his bid for reelection. I will be exonerated and continue to be the senior senator from New Jersey, he added. Related... Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested that it would be a good idea if embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D) resigns from his position amid fallout of his recent indictment on federal charges. During an appearance on MSNBCs Inside With Jen Psaki, host Jen Psaki asked Pelosi her thoughts on the recent calls from fellow Democratic lawmakers and leaders for Menendez to resign from Congress. I respect their position that they are taking and the charges are formidable, and if in fact were going to say that if youre indicted, you should resign, Pelosi told Psaki, also noting a similar situation happening in the House involving freshman Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.). But right now, sadly because of the challenges that we face, because the skepticism that exists in our country, about governance about this Republican Party that doesnt believe in governance, doesnt believe in sciencewants to take down everything in order to give tax breaks to the wealthiest, Pelosi said. Weve got to stay focused on that. And for that reason, it probably would be a good idea if he did resign. Pelosis remarks comes as other Democrat lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Sen. John Fetterman (Pa.), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio.) and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have called for Menendez to resign from his position after he was indicted on bribery charges Friday. Prosecutors allege that Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to assist three New Jersey businessmen and their interests in Egypt. Federal authorities also found nearly $500,000 in cash and $100,000 in gold at the couples residence during a raid last year. Menendez, who has denied the allegations against him, reiterated his innocence during a news conference on Monday, saying that he plans to fight the charges against him. The allegations leveled against me are just that: allegations, Menendez said at the news conference. I recognized that this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated through this whole process, I firmly believe that when all of the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I will still be New Jerseys senior senator. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A 19-year-old Perkasie man is accused of stabbing a teen at a skatepark Monday afternoon. Perkasie police responded to Grand View Hospital where they met with the mother of a 15-year-old boy who was reportedly stabbed at the Lenape Skate Park on Constitutional Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit. The mother told police when she met her son at the park pavilion she saw blood on his shirt. She was then approached by Nikolas Anthony Lore, who apologized to her. A 19-year-old man was arrested Monday Sept. 25, 2023 and charged with allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old at a Perkasie skatepark. Update on injured bald eagle Injured bald eagle found in Bensalem now has a diagnosis. And we know where she came from The woman immediately took her son to the hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The victim claimed that while he was at the park Lore took a 10- to 12-inch knife out of his vehicle and started walking toward him with the knife in a sheath, according to police. The victim ran, but felt something hit his back twice. He ran into a bathroom where he noticed two roughly three-inch cuts on his upper back. Medical staff told police that the wounds would require stiches, the affidavit said. Police returned to the skatepark where they found Lore, who was taken into custody. The knife allegedly used in the attack was also retrieved, police said. The charging documents did not provide any details on what prompted the alleged assault. Lore was arraigned on charges including felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and related charges. He is incarcerated in Bucks County Correctional Center in lieu of 10% of $150,000 bail. New doughnut stop in Dublin Already delicious in Dublin, scratch doughnuts coming to Chalfont, as family bakery expands This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Teen stabbed at Lenape Skate Park in Perkasie, man charged State lawmakers want to make it easier for Ohioans with pets to find rental housing that accepts their animals. State Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, and state Rep. Juanita Brent , D-Cleveland, both longtime dog owners, introduced House Bill 277, the Pet Friendly Rental Act. The bill would authorize a tax credit for landlords that allow "companion animals," meaning dogs and cats. Landlords would receive $750 per pet-friendly unit and up to a maximum credit of $7,500. To receive the credit, the landlord cannot restrict pets because of their breed or size, and they cannot impose nonrefundable fees or additional rent related to the pet. There is, however, a provision that restricts vicious or dangerous dogs. All landlords would still have the choice to have pet-free units. I would be surprised if there was much opposition because this is a totally voluntary program, Ray said. This is just for landlords that would like to participate. Ray said the legislation is in response to the growing and complex housing crisis throughout the state. Several older folks, widowed or living by themselves, they're ready to downsize and move into a rental unit, Ray said. They're struggling to keep up with their home maintenance, but they're not willing to decide that they have to part with their pet to do that. She added that a report by the Ohio Department of Aging said 33% of Ohioans will be over the age of 60 by 2030. For some renters, it's the additional fee landlords charge to own a pet that is a huge barrier, especially for those who cannot pay it, Brent said. "We're going to have a time where you're going to have almost as many renters as you're going to have homeowners, and that's where the trend is going," Brent said. "Ohio has to be prepared for what's going to be the inevitable in the future, and that's more renters." Some of the thought behind the bill came from seeing the importance of companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ray said a study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found 85% of respondents agree interaction with pets can reduce loneliness and 76% agree that human-pet interactions can help address social isolation. "We're hopeful that the rest of my fellow members of the legislature will agree that this is a good idea, and it's a program that we should offer to landlords and for landlords that have been hesitant in the past to allow companion animals for fear of ... pet damages,... there is a credit to offset that," Ray said. The bill is currently awaiting a House committee assignment. Kayla Bennett is a fellow in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism's Statehouse News Bureau. Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: The bill would authorize tax credit for landlords that allow pets The 'Doughboy' statue at the intersection of North Boulevard and South Sycamore Street lies damaged on the ground Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Petersburg. The statue was knocked over Sept. 23, 2023, when it was hit by a car whose driver had just been shot and killed. PETERSBURG Police have released the identity of the citys 15th homicide victim who was found dead late Saturday night inside a car that had knocked over the citys famed World War I Doughboy statue. Fatin Ibn Hassan Rhone, 29, had been shot to death. Police were originally called to investigate a single-car traffic crash at the monument shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, they found a car had run over a cement bench in front of the statue and had plowed into the statue, knocking it and its pedestal to the ground. They also found Rhone inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound. A police spokesperson said she did not have information on where Rhone lived. No suspect or motive details have been released. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Crime Solvers at (804) 861-1212 or use the P3Tips app on a mobile phone. Meanwhile, Petersburg is working on a timetable to have the doughboy statue re-erected. The last time it was knocked down was three years ago when someone allegedly driving a stolen vehicle crashed into it and fled the scene on foot. Then, it was put back up in a matter of hours. Petersburg spokesperson Joanne Williams told The Progress-Index in a text that public works crews were on the scene Monday morning to survey the damage and determine the next steps. Williams said she would check Tuesday with the public works director about a work schedule, but as of the time of publication, that information had not yet been relayed. The statue officially titled The Old Soldier was given to the city by the local American Legion post in 1928. It was renovated in 1997. Four years ago, a Prince George County Boy Scout named Nicholas Riggs earned his Eagle Scout badge by cleaning up and beautifying the grassy triangle at the intersection of North Boulevard and South Sycamore Street. The statue is one of a series of monuments in 39 states designed by sculptor E.M. Viquesney. It honors the American troops who served in World War I who were called doughboys because the mud that caked their uniforms resembled bread dough. Rhone is Petersburgs 15th murder victim of 2023. That list includes: Javarius Desmore, killed March 14 on Pin Oaks Drive; Antonio Walker, killed April 5 on Henrico Street; Shaun Hankins, killed April 24 on Leavenworth Street; Brian Chambers, killed May 24 at the Budget Inn on Jamestown Drive; Tewana Williams, killed May 27 on Talley Avenue; Anthony Williams, killed June 3 on Gillfield Drive; KVon Morgan (juvenile), killed June 17 at Pecan Acres Apartments; KeAsia Powell, killed June 26 on East Wythe Street; Lucky Dwayne Burress, killed June 26 on Berkeley Avenue; Darrell D. Morton, killed July 6 at Crater Square Apartments; Kirk Nims, killed July 11 on Halifax Street. Johnny Englehart Jr., killed Aug. 8 on Rome Street; Matthew Gibbs, 19, of Columbia, South Carolina, killed Aug. 24 on Wakefield Street; and Adrionna Brooks West, 20, of Chester, killed Sept. 3 in the 700 block of High Street. Police have made arrests in six of those slayings, including juveniles charged in the deaths of Gibbs and West, two Virginia State University students. More: 'Being angry is not enough': VSU launches safety program after students die in Petersburg 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: Petersburg's 15th murder victim involved in crash that toppled statue An image from police body camera footage shows Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial with his weapon drawn at Eddie Irizarry on Aug. 14 in Philadelphia. An image from police body camera footage shows Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial with his weapon drawn at Eddie Irizarry on Aug. 14 in Philadelphia. A judge in Philadelphia on Tuesday dismissed multiple criminal charges, including murder, against a former officer who fatally shot a 27-year-old man, Eddie Irizarry, in August. District Attorney Larry Krasner charged Mark Dial who was a Philadelphia police officer at the time of the shooting but has since been fired with murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, simple assault and several other counts earlier this month. But Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Wendy Pew dismissed them all during a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. He was firing while trying to take cover, Dials defense attorney, Brian McMonagle, said of his client in court, while arguing that Krasners office should never have filed the charges. I agree with you 100%, Pew said as she threw the case out. Police say they stopped Irizarry on Aug. 14 because he was driving erratically. Officers initially said that Irizarry lunged at police with a knife. However, Krasners office released body camera footage that showed Dial leaving his vehicle and fatally shooting Irizarry within seconds. The footage does not show Irizarry lunging at Dial. In the footage, Dial is seen firing multiple shots at Irizarry, who is sitting in the car with his drivers-side window rolled up. The encounter between Dial and Irizarry lasts no longer than five seconds. Dials defense team argued that he acted in self-defense. Prosecutors, however, argued that murder charges were appropriate since Dial approached the traffic stop with his weapon already drawn. Dials partner, Michael Morris, said in court Tuesday that he shouted Knife when they approached Irizarrys car. Footage also shows Morris yelling Gun, although no firearm was recovered from the scene. Morris argued in court that Irizarrys knife could have looked like a gun. Following the shooting, Dial was placed on a 30-day suspension by Philadelphia police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who announced her resignation earlier this month. Dial, who had been with the department for five years, was fired on Sept. 18, according to police. Dials attorneys said he was released Tuesday. The District Attorneys Office disagrees with the decision by Municipal Court Judge Wendy L. Pew to dismiss all criminal charges against defendant Mark Dial for the killing of Eddie Irizarry on August 14, 2023, Krasner said Tuesday in a statement. Special Investigations Unit prosecutors will be filing an appeal of this decision to the Court of Common Pleas by the end of today, Krasner said. In keeping with our oath to seek justice, we will move to have all criminal charges, including Murder, reinstated against this defendant. Cherelle Parker, the Democratic nominee for Philadelphia mayor, weighed in on Tuesdays news in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. While it is ultimately up to our judicial system to determine guilt or innocence in any criminal case, I want to be very clear: The shooting death of Mr. Irizarry shocked my conscience and the consciousness of our city, wrote Parker, who is virtually certain to win the general mayoral election in November. We need a Police Department that receives the very best training that exists, she wrote, and we need a focus and commitment to community policing to create much stronger bonds between neighborhoods and police everywhere. Pats Steaks, the oldest cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia, is no longer planning for a new location in Happy Valley. According to an interview with owner Frank Olivieri, published Monday in Philadelphia Magazine, he simply reconsidered. Olivieri was expected to partner with Rob Wasserman, who has restaurants in both Philadelphia (Burger Brawl) and State College (Big Deans Hot Chicken, Snap Custom Pizza). Olivieri told the magazine there was no bad blood or drama. And the two hadnt finalized any deals, nor signed any leases or contracts. According to Philly Mag, he said it was a business decision that he made for a variety of reasons, including focusing on major renovations that start in December at the original Philadelphia location. Excitement around the potential opening of a second location, near Penn State, was short-lived. Philly Mag published an article earlier this month, where Olivieri first reported his plans for a Happy Valley location and possibly, if it worked out, additional locations throughout the country. Its not entirely clear what all played a role in Olivieris change of heart. But he refused to extinguish all hope of a future restaurant in Happy Valley. Philly Mag wrote hes not giving up on the idea of expansion to Penn State or elsewhere completely. Nows just not the right time, he said. Houseboats can be found around the world, floating along rivers or in harbors. Traditional houseboats have been used for centuries, combining work and home for communities. Some houseboat neighborhoods now face demolition threats. Around the world, people live in houseboats along canals, rivers, or in harbors. In India, extravagant hand-carved cedar houseboats often have several floors, while in Hong Kong fishing vessels known as "sampans" serve as both a workplace and home. In some European cities, like Amsterdam, houseboats are less expensive than traditional houses, though costs are rising. Take a look at some of the houseboat neighborhoods and communities that span the globe, including a few that are currently facing the threat of demolition or are restricted from doing repairs. Hand-carved cedar houseboats span the lakes of Srinagar, India, with names like "Buckingham Palace." Hand-carved houseboats on Dal Lake, India, in June 2023. Eric Lafforgue/Getty Images Dal Lake in Srinagar has a population of just under 1,000 houseboats or shikaras spanning the lakes of Kashmir, Reuters reported. These hand-carved cedar homes were first introduced to the lake by British colonialists close to a century ago. Cultural remnants remain, with many hand-carved residences named after British cultural touchpoints, such as "Buckingham Palace" or "Savoy." These residents now face the loss of their floating homes due to a ban on repairs. A houseboat named Buckingham Palace on Dal Lake in June 2012. Fayaz Kabli/Reuters The Wire reports that these homes are now in decline due to a blanket ban on both the construction of new houseboats and the repair of existing ones. Restrictions were initially set in 1988 and reimposed in 2009, according to the publication, with local authorities blaming pollution concerns. "Less than 1,000 houseboats are left now and the number is dwindling with each passing day," Mohammad Azim Tuman, president of the Houseboat Owners Association, told Reuters in 2009. Tourists flock to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, where new and traditional houseboats span the riverbanks. A range of houseboats moored on both sides of an Amsterdam river by the Noordermarkt. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images A well-known sight in the Netherlands' capital city is the rows of houseboats lining its rivers and canals. There are around 2,800 houseboats spanning Amsterdam's canals, according to the New York Times, which also reported back in 2019 that these previously cheap accommodations had risen in cost by around 30 to 40%. Houseboats became popular after World War II due to the lack of damaged housing and some Dutch fleet ships were even turned into residences, the New York Times reported. Amsterdam is also home to floating flower markets, art galleries, and a houseboat museum. Amsterdam's floating flower market. sds Amsterdam is also home to a range of water-bound shops and attractions, such as its Bloemenmarkt a floating flower market on the Singel canal, which has been open since 1862, according to Secret Amsterdam. To learn more about river life in the city, you can visit the Houseboat Museum. The museum is inside a former cargo ship called the "Hendrika Maria" from 1914, and visitors can experience firsthand what it's like to live in one of these floating residences. Holland's official tourism board also recommends taking a trip to EXboot, a floating art gallery in Utrecht that was previously used as a brothel. Over in the UK, houseboat owners dock on the Thames River at Abingdon. Houseboats floating on the Thames River at Abingdon, looking towards St Helen's Church. Planet One Images/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The number of houseboats in the UK has been rising in recent years, with an estimated 4,315 houseboats in London alone in 2022, Bloomberg reported. The historic town of Abingdon-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, England, is a particularly popular destination for houseboat owners or those looking to rent one for the weekend. A popular mooring spot along the Thames is St Helens Wharf. A row of houseboats at St Helens Wharf, Abingdon. Planet One Images/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Many houseboaters choose to moor near the picturesque St Helen's Church at the wharf. There are strict guidelines from the Port of London Authority to keep houseboat residents on the Thames safe, from mooring correctly to navigating different wave heights on the river. For decades, houseboats have been constructed on the River Nile in Egypt. Houseboats on the bank of the River Nile, Cairo. Tarek Wagih/Associated Press It's easy to mistake the small collection of houseboats on the River Nile, Egypt, for traditional homes, as they are elaborately constructed and permanently moored. Known as awamat, an Arabic word for floating, they are painted in bright colors and constructed from wood, often with several floors and extensions, the BBC reported. Jerome Geyer owns Houseboat 65, one of these traditional houseboats converted into an Airbnb in the center of Cairo. It's one of only a few on the River Nile to have kept its original appearance, he wrote in his blog on the travel platform Uncharted. Now only 30 houseboats remain on the River Nile, and they're facing demolition by local authorities. Permanent houseboats on the Nile with connected gardens on land. Khaled Desouki/Getty Images As of 2022, only 30 of these homes remain, as the houseboats were slated for removal or destruction last year by the Egyptian authorities, as part of what they describe as an effort to beautify the waterfront, according to the BBC. "I swear to God, I don't know where to go," longtime resident Ekhlas Helmy, 87, told the BBC while packing up her belongings in 2022. Geyer wrote in his blog that "as long as these houses float on the Nile, they will remain an emblematic part of Egypt's historical and cultural heritage." There are many houseboating hotspots across the US. Seattle's Lake Union boats a particularly large neighborhood. Lake Union in Seattle, Washington State, USA. Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images Houseboat tourism and permanent residency have also boomed in the US. One such prominent houseboat neighborhood can be found on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington. Over 250 houseboats and 500 floating residencies can currently be found at this location, according to Argosy Tours, which rents out houseboats in the area. Fans of the 1993 movie "Sleepless in Seattle" will also recognize this is the neighborhood where Tom Hanks' character lived. Lake Union is a popular spot because of its location, according to a houseboat real estate agent. Moored houseboats can look like typical homes. Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images Danny Verona from the real-estate agency Houseboats Of Seattle told Insider that there are four different legal classes of houseboats in Seattle with high levels of regulation. "Our floating home and houseboat community in Seattle is perhaps more desirable than any other houseboat community around the country, perhaps the world, given that it's in the heart of the city just next to the downtown core," Verona told Insider. Berlin's houseboats first became popular in the 1960s and can still be seen along canals today. Houseboats on the river Spree, Berlin. Ullstein Bild/Getty Images Communal living was all the rage in 1960s Berlin, from apartment shares and squatting to more nomadic spaces, according to local publication Exberliner. Remnants of this cultural past can still be seen in houseboats floating along the city's canals. Nowadays, tourists can choose a range of houseboats to rent, for those both with and without boat licenses. There are now luxury houseboat options in Berlin, though older boats are still around. Houseboats travelling on the Rummelsburger See, Berlin. Jens Kalaene/Getty Images Prices typically range between $239 to $367 per night according to Bookahouseboat.com, though more luxury vessels kitted out can run up to over $1,700 for a single night from agents like Berlin Bootsverleih. "Sampans," fishing vessels that also serve as houseboats, are tied to the history of Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Boats in the area of Aberdeen of Hong Kong. Andy Hernandez/Sygma via Getty Images The neighborhood of Aberdeen, Hong Kong, is best known for its picturesque harbor where an array of fishing boats and seafood markets can be found. According to sightseeing company Go City, wooden sampan boats now house a community of fishing families who have stayed in the area, a tradition dating back centuries. Tourists can now ride in traditional sampans while visiting Aberdeen harbor. Tourist rides on sampans at Aberdeen port, Hong Kong. Bob Henry/Getty Images Luxury floating restaurants and markets can also now be found in the harbor. The tour group Hong Kong Greeters' guide page recommends trying traditional "boat noodles," a local delicacy made with pork, herbs and spices, as well as sometimes pig's blood. Read the original article on Insider Are the Las Vegas-based owners of the world's largest cannabis dispensary and destination location planning on opening a SuperStore here? Don't expect restaurants, digital koi ponds and robots just yet. But Planet 13's plans for Florida expansion got a big head start this month when the company purchased VidaCann, its 26 existing Florida dispensaries and its cultivation center. That's on top of the four Planet 13 Florida locations already announced. So what can we expect? Here's what you need to know. What is Planet 13? Planet 13 is a multistate cannabis company that opened with a big splash in Las Vegas with the world's largest cannabis dispensary, a 115,000-square-foot entertainment complex with dining, a bar, shops, light-sabre-battling robots and an immersive glass-fronted production facility where customers can watch how their chocolate, gummy and beverage products are made. The 40,000-square-foot dispensary here is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This embedded content is not available in your region. The company followed that with another SuperStore in California, this one in Orange County not far from Disneyland. This one is smaller than the one in Vegas but still easily the largest in California and it includes dynamic architecture, an 80-foot-wide digital waterfall, an interactive digital beach that marks your footprints, and multiple Instagram- and TikTok-friendly spots such as a giant octopus, brightly colored umbrella that occasionally drip rain and a van that fills with smoke. According to Planet 13's end-of-year results, the two dispensaries saw revenue of $104.6 million in 2022, up from $119.5 million for 2021. Planet 13 also has announced plans for a location near Chicago, Illinois. Why is the store called Planet 13? "Marijuana" begins with "m," the 13th letter of the alphabet. The Planet 13 SuperStores are fronted with a massive red globe. Are any of the Florida Planet 13 stores going to be superstores similar to the one in Vegas? Not yet. Unlike Nevada and California where marijuana is legal for recreational use, Florida remains a medical marijuana-only state. Planet 13's initial plans unless that legal status changes in the future are for "neighborhood-style" dispensaries that forego the glitz and glamour and deliver a quality product, the company said. We are used to operating in a medical-only market. Weve done it and thats where we started, were familiar with it, said David Farris, VP of Planet 13's Sales & Marketing. In our store in Las Vegas, for instance, we have people who come in and they want to get in and out in five minutes they know exactly what they want. And then we have people who want to spend an hour and ask a ton of questions. But Florida is big on glitz, glamour and big amusement-park-looking places, and SuperStores are on the drawing table. "SuperStores in markets with high tourist numbers like Orlando and Miami remain part of the plan," Farris said. "These announcements will most likely occur after Floridians vote in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in a future election." Where is Planet 13 opening locations in Florida? Planet 13, which owns the world's largest dispensary in Las Vegas, is expanding into Florida with the purchase of 23 acres in Summerfield. A 63,000-square-foot cultivation facility is planned for the property. So far, Planet 13 has announced the company planned to open six "neighborhood-style stores" and has made moves in four spots in Florida: Orange Park: In May last year, Planet 13 announced its first location, next to a Walmart in a Jacksonville suburb. Port Richey: The next day the company announced another location planned for a suburb in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area. Ocala: The company acquired a medical marijuana dispensary and bought 23 acres in Summerfield for a new cultivation facility. Port Orange: The specific 4th location announced has not been shared, but it will be "adjacent to a prominent shopping area and is just 3 miles west of the beach and 8 miles south of the iconic Daytona International Speedway," according to the press release. The company also previously announced plans for an Orlando location and one in Miami. "With the VidaCann acquisition, which includes their cultivation facilities, Planet 13 will have the capacity to produce enough product to supply up to 60 dispensaries, so there are plans to expand beyond the four Planet 13 locations and the 26 VidaCann dispensaries," Farris said. Farris said opening dates would be announced at a later time. Easing restrictions on marijuana? HHS calls for classifying weed as less dangerous: report Did Planet 13 buy VidaCann? Planet 13 signed a deal to acquire VidaCann, the ninth-largest cannabis dispensary in the state, for $48.9 million in cash, stocks and promissory notes. Closing is expected the first quarter of 2024. "We are excited to bring Planet 13's retail and product brands to Florida consumers after the closing of the proposed transaction, especially with the possibility of upcoming adult-use legislation, Larry Scheffler, co-chief executive officer of Planet 13, said in a news release. Will some or all VidaCann locations get rebranded as Planet 13 stores? Will they keep the name? "This is being strategized internally, and Planet 13 will share updates on this when final decisions are made," Farris said. Will products and services offered at VidaCann locations change? What new Planet 13 products or services (if any) will be offered? "Planet 13 currently has plans to bring their brands Haha Gummies, Medizin, Trendi, and more to be announced in the future," Farris said. "Product offerings will expand as we complete the acquisition process." How many medical marijuana dispensaries are in Florida? There are 590 medical marijuana dispensaries operating in Florida as of Sept. 22, according to the Florida Department of Health's Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU). The largest number of them, 127, belong to Florida-based Trulieve. With 26 locations, VidaCann was the 9th largest company in the state. There are currently 846,585 qualified patients with Medical Marijuana ID cards, OMMU said. Medical Marijuana IDs: Who can and cant get a medical marijuana card in Florida? Heres everything you need to know Will Florida legalize recreational marijuana? A proposed initiative to put a recreational marijuana amendment on the 2024 general election ballot received almost one million verified signatures by the beginning of June, allowing it to officially qualify. But Attorney General Ashley Moody has challenged it and the Florida Supreme Court will have to decide if the proposal meets the standards, and then at least 60% of the voters need to approve it. The ballot would legalize marijuana for adults age 21 or older for personal use, to possess, use, process and transport marijuana, marijuana products and accessories. It also allows cultivating nine live marijuana plants per adult with an eighteen-plant maximum per household. The people within the state want it, they want recreational, Farris said. We feel confident (it will happen). This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Planet 13: The Las Vegas-based marijuana dispensary has Florida plans Marcin Przydacz, Head of the International Policy Bureau in the administration of the Polish president, has said that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy 's speech at the UN caused a critical reaction not only from Poland but also from other countries. Source: Marcin Przydacz in an interview with Radio ZET, as reported by European Pravda Details: Last Tuesday at the UN General Assembly in New York, which was also attended by President Andrzej Duda , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy compared the introduction of an embargo on Ukrainian agricultural products by five European countries to "making a thriller from the grain". He also stated that some countries "are helping to set the stage for a Moscow actor". This statement was critically received in Poland. Quote from Przydacz: "Perhaps, some bad emotions played a role on the side of Kyiv... Probably, there are people in President Zelenskyy's circle who simply give him bad advice." Details: A representative of the administration of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, added that breaking any partnership with allies would not be in the interests of Ukraine. A meeting between the presidents of Poland and Ukraine was supposed to take place during their visit to New York, but it did not happen. Przydacz assured that Poland is open to negotiations: "If there is a constructive approach, we do not rule out contact at the highest level." He emphasised that Poland does not want to aggravate the already tense situation on the Warsaw-Kyiv line. Quote: "Negotiations should lead to constructive conclusions, secondly, we should not escalate the language. Much has already been said on the Ukrainian side." Details: Przydacz assured that he is conducting negotiations with President Zelenskyy's closest entourage, and the public will be informed about the decision in this case. Przydacz says that the contacts in Warsaw and Kyiv aim to resolve problematic issues as soon as possible. Background: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced progress in resolving the dispute regarding unilateral restrictions on agricultural goods from Ukraine in neighbouring EU member states in an evening address on 25 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! EVESHAM - Police are seeking an apparent serial robber believed to have used a chemical spray in a restaurant holdup here. A man wearing a gas mask robbed Mikado Japanese Sushi & Steak House around 10:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, according to Evesham police. The holdup came four days after a similar robbery, also around 10:20 p.m., at a Medford business. Both holdups occurred at large shopping centers that are set back at a considerable distance from the nearest highway. Mikado operates at The Shoppes at Elmwood on Route 70 at Troth Road. The Medford holdup occurred in The Village at Taunton Forge, which is off Tuckerton Road and Taunton Boulevard. Postal Service moving to protect mail Thieves strike Marlton post office drop box, stealing more than $160,000 in checks Police have released a photo of a vehicle seen near the Medford holdup. They are requesting the public's help in identifyng a suspect. In the Evesham robbery, the man entered the Route 70 restaurant after closing time. He sprayed an employee with a chemical irritant, then bound her hands and feet and taped her mouth. He took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. Police are seeking information about this car in connection with late-night business robberies at shopping centers in Medford and Evesham. A co-worker later freed the victim, who was released after treatment at a hospital. In Medford, a man wearing black clothing and a mask robbed a business in the Village of Taunton Forge shopping center on the 200 block of Tuckerton Road. "The suspect sprayed the victim in the face with Grizzly Bear spray to disable him and stole his wallet and cell phone," police said in a Facebook Post that did not identify the targeted business. The Medford victim also was treated at a hospital. Anyone with information is asked to call Medford police at 609-654-7375 or Evesham police at 856-983-1116. People also can call the Evesham police confidential tip line at 856-983-4699. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Police investigate robberies at shopping centers in Medford, Evesham A former police chief accused of evidence mishandling, embezzlement and drug trafficking has pleaded guilty more than a year after North Carolina officials say he faked his death. William Anthony Spivey pleaded guilty to 14 felonies and one misdemeanor, the Columbus County District Attorneys Office announced in a Sept. 25 news release. The plea comes more than two years after dozens of charges were filed against Spivey, who was the former chief of the Chadbourn Police Department. Its the latest development in a yearslong saga that has culminated in a sentence of at least 11 years, the DAs office said. Michael Mills, the lawyer who represented Spivey, told McClatchy News on Sept. 26 that Spivey entered an Alford plea, also known as a best interests plea, which is when the defendant pleads guilty but maintains their innocence when there may be enough evidence for the jury to return a guilty verdict. Mr. Spivey had the best of intentions, but he made some bad decisions, Mills told McClatchy News in a phone interview. Mills said Spiveys pre-trial detention will count toward his 11.5-year minimum sentence. The charges Spivey pleaded guilty to involved firearms and a fake suicide note, according to Mills. Investigation begins Chadbourn is a small town in southeast North Carolina with about 1,500 residents, according to the Census Bureau. In February 2021, Columbus County officials began to grow concerned over missing evidence at the police department, according to the release. Two district attorneys went to the department and asked to look at evidence in narcotics cases. Spivey could not produce all the evidence requested and declined allowing the examination of the evidence he presented, the office said. Weeks later, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation searched the evidence room and Spiveys office. They found bags of evidence torn open and evidence missing, such as money, narcotics and firearms, according to the report. Many of the missing items were linked to cases that occurred when Spivey was the only person who had custody of the evidence room, officials say. Some of the opened evidence bags with missing items were found in Spiveys office, according to the DAs office. Former Chief Spivey removed items of evidence and sold firearms to friends, family members and acquaintances, the report says. Spivey was arrested and released on bond. Police chief accused of stealing guns from evidence to sell, NC authorities say Signs pointing to his death About a year later, the Columbus County Sheriffs Office began a missing person search for Spivey after receiving a report about an abandoned boat, according to a news release from the sheriffs office on Feb. 24, 2022. When investigators arrived, they say they found a truck that Spivey had driven containing a suicide note. Handwritten letters were collected at the scene, along with the boat, that also contained a .22 caliber rifle with a discharged round still in the rifle, deputies said. All evidence was collected by Crime Scene Investigators and processed. Investigators quickly concluded that the evidence collected did not support a suicide scenario. With Spivey still missing, search and rescue crews looked for him for three days, with other agencies supplying aerial searches and sonar scanning technology. Meanwhile, warrants were issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. As investigators collected video from surveillance systems and conducted interviews, it became even more apparent that the scene on the river was staged, according to the release. Investigators received a tip that Spivey might be just over the border in South Carolina. Detectives tracked him to a friends property in Loris, South Carolina, according to the release. He fled before he was taken into custody. Elaborate steps were taken by Mr. Spivey to fake his death, which generated a predictable response, namely a massive search which was time consuming, dangerous and expensive, Columbus district attorney Jon David said during a news conference. Dive team combed NC river for ex-police chief feared dead until he popped up in SC Plea agreement Spivey was sentenced to 138 to 267 months (11.5 years to 22.25 years) at the Department of Adult Corrections, Davids DA office announced. Anthony Spivey was engaged in an ongoing pattern of criminal conduct, David said in the release. At some point in his career, Mr. Spivey made the decision to stop serving his community and instead start serving his own selfish interests. Spivey had a trial date set for November, but the DAs office sought to finalize a plea agreement to avoid a lengthy trial, according to the release. Mr. Spiveys actions are not a reflection upon law enforcement, said DA official Jason Minnicozzi, who worked on the plea agreement. Spiveys conduct is reflective of an outlier who took advantage of his position of trust and power. Chadbourn is about 130 miles south of Raleigh. Drug unit deputy worked with one of the largest drug dealers in NC county, feds say Kayaker faked his drowning on day he faced rape charges in North Carolina, cops say Pharmacist illegally sold over 100,000 opioid pills in Texas and is convicted, feds say Man accused of faking illness dies in prison after medical needs are ignored, feds say Police are investigating after a woman and a 14-year-old girl were found dead in an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday, authorities said. A dog was also found dead at the home with a bag over its head, law enforcement sources separately told NBC New York. Police were called to the apartment in East Flatbush just after 2:30 p.m. ET Monday after a man reported having found the bodies of the woman and child in the home, a New York police spokesperson said. The relationship between the woman and teenager was not immediately clear. The man, identified only as a 38-year-old, told police he found the bodies after he gained entry into the unit when he became concerned that he had not heard from the family since Friday, said police, who questioned him after the discovery, NBC New York reported. The police spokesperson was not immediately able to confirm whether the man was still being questioned Tuesday morning. The spokesperson was aware of the reporting but was also unable to confirm the detail about a dogs also being found dead with a bag over its head. The spokesperson confirmed NBC New York's report that police were called to the apartment Friday for reports of screaming inside the unit. The spokesperson said it was not immediately clear whether police made contact with the people in the apartment at that time. The spokesperson said the investigation continues. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A murder suspect labeled by police as willing to "do anything he can to cause harm" is the target of an all-out search after a 26-year-old software development company founder was found slain at her Baltimore apartment. Baltimore Police said Pava Marie LaPere was found around 11:30 a.m. EDT after someone called for help. She died from blunt-force trauma. Authorities announced an arrest warrant at a news conference Tuesday afternoon for Jason Dean Billingsley, 32. He is charged with first-degree murder. Officials said Billingsley is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. "We implore residents to be aware of your surroundings at all times," Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said at a news conference. "This individual will kill, and he will rape. He will do anything he can to cause harm." Officials said Billingsley has been convicted of a violent crime that included a sex offense. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but was released on parole in October 2022. Authorities said the suspect is 6-foot-1 and 200 to 215 pounds. He has medium brown skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes, and he occasionally wears glasses. The conviction should be the conviction, and we have to make sure that folks are held accountable in every single way, because we are tired of talking about the same people committing the same kind of crimes over and over again, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. LaPere is known in the Baltimore area for her start-up, EcoMap Technologies, which improves accessibility of information by mapping it and putting in on an accessible platform. According to her LinkedIn page, the company started in 2018. Pava has been an inspiration to so many people. She was driven, creative, hard working and relentless in her efforts, with her wonderful team at EcoMap Technologies. Pava made an impact in every endeavor she undertook and on every life she touched, LaPeres father, Frank LaPere, said in a post Tuesday. She will be forever missed as a daughter, sister, grand-daughter, niece, cousin and loyal friend. LaPere said he hoped to be able to provide more information soon and asked for privacy. Pava LaPere, 26, was found dead on Sept. 25, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland, after what police said someone called requesting for assistance. "Pava was not only the visionary force behind EcoMap but was also a deeply compassionate and dedicated leader," the company said in a statement Tuesday. "Her untiring commitment to our company, to Baltimore, to amplifying the critical work of ecosystems across the country, and to building a deeply inclusive culture as a leader, friend, and partner set a standard for leadership, and her legacy will live on through the work we continue to do." Before EcoMap, LaPere founded the Baltimore-based nonprofit Innov8MD, which focused on helping student entrepreneurs in Maryland. Her LinkedIn profile says LaPere earned a BA from Maryland-based Johns Hopkins University in sociology and studied entrepreneurship and management. The Johns Hopkins community deeply mourns the tragic loss of Pava LaPere, a 2019 graduate who made Baltimore home and invested her talent in our city, Johns Hopkins University told USA TODAY on Tuesday. Pava was well known and loved in the Baltimore entrepreneurship community and will be profoundly missed. Our solemn thoughts are with her family in this time of grief. Forbes named LaPere to its 2023 30 Under 30 list for social impact. "With over $4 million raised and a team of nearly 30, the Johns Hopkins grad runs a company whose clients include The Aspen Institute, Meta, the WXR Fund, and T.Rowe Price Foundation," Forbes wrote. LaPere said in a post last month that she was "especially thrilled" about the company's growth and she thanked EcoMap customers, advisers, investors and friends. "Here's to the next wild year, and all of those to follow," she wrote. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore police hunt for suspect in tech exec's murder, warn of danger Editor's note: New Castle County police on Wednesday night identified the woman as 63-year-old Cynthia Amalfitano. New Castle County police are investigating a "suspicious death" after a woman was found in the woods near a portable toilet by a Carousel Park parking lot in Pike Creek on Tuesday morning. Detectives closed the Skyline Drive parking lot, where many dog walkers park to take their pets to the dog park, as they investigated. Numerous evidence markers could be seen in the gravel lot. Some of the markers were located near the toilet, while others were on the opposite side of the parking lot. New Castle County police are investigating a suspicious death in Carousel Park. A handful were clustered around a pair of white Croc shoes, and detectives could be seen taking photos of the shoes and other items of evidence. A forensic investigator with the state medical examiner's office arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and later backed his vehicle into the parking lot, stopping near the portable toilet. He retrieved a gurney from the rear of his truck as detectives gathered in the woods, just off a path. While police have not identified the woman that will be determined based on an autopsy residents who live in the area said they were concerned that she was 63-year-old Cynthia Amalfitano, who was reported missing when she didn't show up to work on Monday morning. Police were called to her home, located a half-mile from Tuesday's scene, and found her car in front of the house. When officers entered the residence, they found "personal belongings," including her purse and cellphone. Amalfitano was last seen on Saturday evening when she left home, police said. New Castle County police spokesman Cpl. Michael McNasby said Tuesday morning that police do not yet have an approximate age of the woman who was found dead, noting only that she is an "adult female." Officers found the body as they were conducting a "property check" of Carousel Park. McNasby said there doesn't appear to be a threat to the public, though detectives are still "very early" in their investigation. The autopsy, in addition to identifying the woman, will determine her cause of death and whether it is a homicide. Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_ DO YOU KNOW WHO KILLED HIM? Elsmere police ID man killed in shooting, ask for public's help in solving what happened This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police investigating woman's body found at Carousel Park Coffee shops thrive in E China's Zhejiang, boosting local development People's Daily Online) 09:41, September 26, 2023 By capitalizing on local conditions and resources, various places in east China's Zhejiang Province have worked on coffee shops with distinctive features in rural areas these past years, attracting coffee lovers while boosting development. Despite a permanent population of only 600,000 people, Anji county of Huzhou city is home to over 300 coffee shops in mountainous terrain, fields, lakes, waterfalls, forests and a mine. Photo shows visitors at a coffee shop in Lucun village, Balidian township, Huzhou city, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Tucked away in a mountain with lush bamboo forests in Penghu village, Baofu township, Anji county, Pubu coffee shop has gained increasing popularity. "The daily sales of our shop during holidays exceeds 400 cups," said a barista of the store, who added that tourists can grab a cup of coffee while appreciating the beautiful view of the mountains, waterfalls, and lakes, or camp on the grasslands on top of the mountain. Another well-known coffee shop of Anji is the Deep Blue Coffeehouse in Hongmiao village. Located near an abandoned mine pit, it boasts of a spectacular view of a blue lake and rocks. It receives a total of 350,000 tourist visits in a year, with up to nearly 8,000 a day, generating more than 6 million yuan (about $821,220) for the village. Known for a large number of returned overseas Chinese, Qingtian county in Lishui city sells about 15,000 cups of coffee every day and consumes over 80 tonnes of coffee beans annually. "One can enjoy authentic Italian coffee just by walking into any coffee shop," said Xu, who returned from Italy. Combined with local elements, coffee has also helped boost development. With a strong historical and cultural atmosphere, Cangqiao Straight Street in Shaoxing city brings together nearly 10 coffee shops with different styles. A coffee festival has been held for two consecutive years in this street stretching about 1 kilometer, which not only provides an exchange platform for coffee shop owners, but has also become a highlight of the city. Thanks to the thriving coffee industry, many young people who used to work outside have returned to their hometowns. In Hengshan village, Anji county, an abandoned bamboo and wood processing factory has been transformed into a communal space for entrepreneurs, where they can work while enjoying coffee. Covering over 8,000 square meters, the communal space incorporates office space and dormitory areas, with accompanying facilities in place. In 2022, it received 473 people, who spent an average of 47 days here. With an average age of 31, the people staying here worked an average of 6.8 hours per day. Ding Wenwen, a young talent working on the operations of the village, believes that today's countryside not only offers the appealing natural environment, but also convenient transportation and support facilities. This will encourage more people to develop their careers in the rural areas. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is searching for a man who apparently robbed a business in the southwest valley last Friday. On Sept. 22 around 11:08 p.m., a man was caught on surveillance entering a business near the 9700 block of Russell Road. He is accused of committing robbery with a deadly weapon, according to police. The man is described as having a light complexion, unknown race, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, shaved head, and a heavy build. Police say he was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark sweatpants, gray shoes, and a black and white bandana over his face. Surveillance of man entering a business at the 9700 block of Russell Road (Credit: LVMPD) Anyone with information is urged to call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Commercial Robbery Unit at 702-828-3591. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or visit the Crime Stopper website. Tips directly leading to an arrest or an indictment processed through Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department released officers body-worn camera footage of a police shooting of a man armed with a knife last month in Highland Park on Monday. The incident occurred on Aug. 26 just before 12:30 p.m. as officers responded to calls of a possible assault with a deadly weapon suspect there now in the 800 block of Nolden Street, according to a LAPD news release. The suspect, later identified as 53-year-old Angel Garrido, called 911 himself and told emergency operators that he was armed with a gun and going to hurt someone in the apartment. He also told operators that he was going to hurt whoever showed up to the location, the release noted. The body-worn footage shows officers arriving at the scene and making their way up a narrow stairway to the second floor with guns drawn. Police were also announcing their presence in both English and Spanish. Garrido appeared in the hallway and walked toward the officers while holding a large kitchen knife in his right hand, the release noted. The knife was held with the blade pointed down and toward the officers. A still image from the LAPD of the 53-year-old assault with a deadly weapon suspect carrying a knife as he moved toward officers on Aug. 26, 2023. (LAPD) An officer with LAPD seen here from a body-worn camera moving up a narrow staircase in the 800 block of Nolden Street before shooting a 53-year-old man armed with a knife on Aug. 26, 2023. (LAPD) The suspect, 53-year-old Angel Garrido of L.A., seen here after being shot by police on Aug. 26, 2023. (LAPD) The knife allegedly carried by the 53-year-old suspect on Aug. 26, 2023, when he was shot by L.A. police. (LAPD) As the 53-year-old refused orders to drop the knife, police shot him as he advanced toward them. Garrido was struck by gunfire and tumbled down the stairwell where he was immediately cuffed. The footage shows officers administering life-saving measures after he was shot. Medical personnel with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and was taken to a local hospital. He was listed in stable condition. Shirtless man in golf cart leads police on chase The 53-year-old was booked and later charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. No citizens or police officers were injured during the incident. The complete investigation into this police shooting will be reviewed by the chief of police, the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to make sure the use of deadly force was within LAPDs policies. The entire video of this incident can be viewed here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Polish law enforcement officers believe that two farmers were killed by a Ukrainian air defence missile in the border village of Przewodow in November 2022. Source: Polish media outlet Rzeczpospolita; European Pravda Details: Despite the allegedly insufficient cooperation from the Ukrainian side, the Polish investigators have come to the conclusion as to what caused the tragic incident in the border village of Przewodow, where two people were killed by missile fragments. The conclusion is allegedly final and excludes the possibility that the missile that fell in Przewodow on 15 November 2022 and killed two farmers could have come from the territory of Russia. ukasz apczynski, Spokesman of the Polish National Prosecutor's Office, in a comment to Rzeczpospolita, confirmed that they had indeed received the report, but said he could not share the content with the public due to its confidential nature. apczynski said all possible investigative measures have been taken in Poland at the current stage of the investigation. "We have sent a request for legal support from Ukraine and are waiting for a response," the spokesman said. Journalists said the conclusion is based on information from a large number of sources, including the classified data from Polish national services. Experts believe that it was a 5B55 missile from the S-300 system, produced in Russia. The prosecutor's office allegedly knows the exact location on Ukrainian territory where it was launched to down a target during a large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukrainian cities on 15 November 2022. An air defence system launched two missiles at one time to reach the target, where one of them hit [the target ed.], the other continued to fly. "In such a situation, a missiles self-destruction mechanisms should activate after reaching a certain height. But this did not happen, and we do not know why," a source that knows details of the investigation told journalists. Rzeczpospolita noted that from the very beginning of the investigation, the Polish prosecutor's office believed more in the version about the S-300 missile right after they found its fragments. Experts rule out that the missile could have flown from Russian territory as it can fly no more than 90 km, and they also rule out a launch from Belarus, because the direct distance from Belarus to Przewodow is 150 km. Background: Last week, the Polish RMF FM published material that the investigation into the missile falling in Przewodow was allegedly blocked due to "a lack of cooperation from the Ukrainian side". On 16 November, Polish President Andrzej Duda stated that the explosions in eastern Poland were an accident. Duda also said he understands Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyiy who expressed his belief that the missile that fell in Poland was Russian. US President Joe Biden did not agree with Zelenskyy's statement that the missile in Poland was not Ukrainian. At the same time, the White House stated that Russia is responsible for the missile falling in Poland, regardless of who launched it. 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 Chicago restaurant chain known for its hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches could be coming to the Peach State. Portillos announced that its looking to open a location in the metro Atlanta area. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Dick Portillo started the restaurant in 1963. Sixty years later, there are currently 77 full-scale restaurants and 120 walk-up restaurants in 10 states around the country. A specific location for the metro area hasnt been selected yet, but its part of the chains expansion further into the South. The chain opened a location in Texas earlier this year. TRENDING STORIES: Portillos would be the latest popular chain to expand into Georgia. Texas-based Whataburger has opened several locations in Georgia with more planned across the metro Atlanta area. Tim Hortons also just opened its first Georgia location in Columbus with other locations planned closer to Atlanta. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Most of the Sacramento region is in a home building boom. And the region has some of the fastest-growing communities in California. While the region isnt constructing as many new homes as it did before the Great Recession, some communities especially the regions most sought-after suburbs are seeing significant growth in both their populations and new housing units. The six-county region added nearly 29,000 new homes between 2020 and 2023, according to a Sacramento Bee analysis of population and housing data kept by the state Department of Finance. That represents a 2.9% growth in the regions housing stock over a three-year period. California has added more than 315,000 new homes since 2020, an increase of 2.2%. The regions population declined marginally since 2020, but at a far slower rate than the 1.5% decline statewide. Yolo and Placer counties both had population increases. The six-county region covers Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Yuba and Sutter counties. Lincolns population has increased 5.2% since 2020, according to The Bees analysis. Winters has seen an 8.3% increase in its population. Rosevilles population growth rate of 3.9% was the biggest jump of any city in the state with more than 150,000 residents. Folsom, West Sacramento and Rancho Cordova also had significant population increases. After seeing its population decline during the first two years of the pandemic, Sacramento saw a rebound and was the fastest growing among the states 10 largest cities over the past year, according to state estimates. The burst of population appears to be at least partly tied to the citys production of new homes. The city added 1,960 new units of housing in 2022, the fifth largest increase in California. The fastest-growing place in the state the past three years was Paradise, where the numbers are skewed as the town continues rebuilding from 2018s devastating Camp Fire, Outside of Paradise, the fastest-growing city was Lathrop in San Joaquin County. Now considered a Bay Area exburb, the city along Interstate 5 grew by a whopping 22.4% between 2020 and 2023, according to The Bees analysis. Lathrop and bordering Manteca also saw their housing stock increase by more than 10%. Susanville in Lassen County had Californias steepest population decline, falling by 28% since 2020. New housing in Sacramento suburbs Among cities in the region with at least 20,000 residents, Lincoln had the largest percentage jump in new housing units, according to The Bees analysis. The number of housing units in the south Placer County suburb surged by 9.5% the past three years, the ninth-highest increase in California. Paradise added 1,872 new homes, an increase of 75% over 2020. Winters, a city of about 7,500 people in Yolo County, added 291 new homes, an increase of 11.5%. Other big increases in housing units were seen in Folsom (8.5%), Roseville (7.9%), Rancho Cordova (6.1%) and West Sacramento (5.8%). The jumps in those cities dont surprise new home industry experts. More than 570 new homes were sold in the region in August, the second-highest number for an August since 2005, according to the North State Building Industry Association. Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove and Lincoln combined to account for more than half the regions new home sales. Theres such strong demand in the suburbs where people want space. They want to have a single-family home and backyards and access to good schools and parks and safety, said Chris Norem, the North State BIAs political director and senior policy adviser. Still, planning experts contend the regions housing variety is off balance. Just 23% of the new homes built the past three years in the region were attached residences such as condos, townhomes and apartments, according to The Bees analysis. By comparison, 56% of the homes built statewide were attached. Many experts argue the Sacramento region needs to build far more attached homes because those housing types are generally more affordable and take up less open space than single-family homes. The city of Sacramento added 2,590 attached homes, more than half its total new housing units the past three years. More than 92% of the new homes in Davis were attached, while 68% of the new residences in West Sacramento were condos or apartments. Fewer than 10% of the new homes in Lincoln, Rocklin and Rancho Cordova were attached. New-home builders argue the market demand is higher for single-family homes, especially in suburbs that have drawn thousands of new residents in recent years. WASHINGTON (Nexstar) Officials warn that if the government shuts down, the implications will extend far beyond furloughed government employees and could impact some of the most vulnerable Americans. President Joe Biden slammed Republicans for backing out of a previous deal to cut spending and fund the government. We made a deal we shook hands and (said) this is what were going to do, and now theyre reneging on the deal, Biden said. Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito agrees that House Republicans are to blame if the government shuts down. Its chaos over there quite frankly, she said. The House just turned down the DOD appropriations bill that was written by Republicans and the Republican conference took it down. A government shutdown means some government employees, like border patrol agents, military members, and other essential employees, would have to work without pay. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says a shutdown would impact some of the most vulnerable Americans, including those who rely on WIC nutrition services. Nearly 50% of Americans, infants, are engaged and involved in this program. When we have a shutdown that program seizes, he said. A shutdown could also severely impact operations in many government offices. Shutting down air traffic control training, at the exact moment when the country recognizes the need for more, not less ATC staffing, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Capito says the only current hope of avoiding a shutdown is the Senate proposal. Weve passed all 12 bills out of the appropriations committee in a bipartisan way, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Roberta Metsola , President of the European Parliament, supports changes in the European Union related to the preparation for the adoption of new members in the future, Ukraine in particular. Source: European Pravda with reference to Metsola's interview with The Guardian Details: The European Parliament chief said that she expected the start of official negotiations on joining the European Union with Ukraine before Christmas. "If they are going fast, we should match that speed," she explained. She stressed that "pushing the can down the road" on enlargement would only strengthen nationalism and the far-right tensions. "It increases the extremes on the political spectrum, the Euroscepticism. Campaigns in accession countries are fought, and lost or won, on the basis of the dream and hope of the EU," Metsola noted. In connection with the upcoming expansion of the EU, she called for changes in the Union to prepare it for the admission of new members. Among other things, applicants for membership should have access to certain membership benefits, such as free mobile roaming or removing trade barriers. "We said for years Ukraine could not be connected to the European electricity grid. It took us days to do that once the war started. At the end of the day it was always about political will," Metsola said. In June 2022, Ukraine became a candidate for membership in the European Union and received seven recommendations from the European Commission, the implementation of which would confirm this status. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, has stated that Ukraine will not fully meet all seven EU criteria by October. However, accession negotiations will still begin. Also, the Vice Prime Minister expressed confidence that Ukraine is capable of taking the necessary steps to join the EU even amidst the war with Russia. 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 Joe Biden joins a picket line with members of the United Auto Workers union at a General Motors Service Parts Operations plant in Belleville, Michigan. President Joe Biden joins a picket line with members of the United Auto Workers union at a General Motors Service Parts Operations plant in Belleville, Michigan. DETROIT President Joe Biden visited striking United Auto Workers members outside a General Motors parts distribution center in Belleville, Michigan, on Tuesday, making him the first sitting president to join a picket line. Stick with it, because you deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits, he said through a megaphone to a few dozen UAW members. UAW President Shawn Fain, who accompanied him on the visit, thanked the president for his solidarity after publicly extending an invitation to Biden to join a picket line. Thank you, Mr. President, for coming thank you for coming to stand up with us in our generations defining moment, he said. And we know the president will do right by the working class. And when we do right by the working class, you can leave the rest to us, because were going to take care of this business. Biden was initially expected to join the picket line at Michigan Assembly, the Ford plant that makes Broncos and Rangers in Wayne, Michigan. But the president ended up making a more low-key visit to a smaller parts distributor, which on Friday became one of 38 additional sites to join the selective strike, aimed at turning up the pressure on General Motors and Stellantis in particular. Biden spent about 20 minutes with the workers. Asked by a reporter whether the union members deserved 40% pay increases, which is part of what the UAW has asked for in negotiations, Biden shouted, Yes. The visit underscores the political opportunity for Biden, who has long cast himself as a champion of unions, as he runs for a second term and sells voters on the successes of his economic policy agenda. The UAW has so far declined to endorse Bidens bid for a second term, though it endorsed him in 2020. The union has cited concerns that automakers receiving federal subsidies to produce electric vehicles are providing pay and benefits that are far below what unionized workers in the legacy industry receive. But Fains remarks were a major vote of confidence in Biden, who stood arm-in-arm with a UAW member while Fain spoke and then took back the megaphone to offer a few final pro-union comments. Let me say it many times: Wall Street didnt build the country. The middle class built the country. And unions built the middle class! Thats a fact, Biden said. You deserve what youve earned, he added. And youve earned a hell of a lot more than what youre getting paid right now. Fain told reporters after the event that he didnt have a timeline for when the union might move on a 2024 endorsement. Endorsements will come when its that time, he said. Our focus right now is the membership. This was about the membership. Biden endorsed the UAW strike shortly after it began on Sept. 15. The union is calling for pay hikes to match increases in executive pay, a speedy phase-out of the two-tier compensation system that disadvantages newer workers, and a restoration of benefits given up during the auto bankruptcies and bailouts in 2009. The political need for Biden to hold an in-person event with UAW members became greater, however, after former President Donald Trump announced plans to rally with union workers in the Detroit area on Wednesday during the second GOP presidential debate. Trumps campaign, however, is holding the event at a nonunion parts supplier, a move that Fain called odd. Trump blasted Bidens appearance in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. This is nothing more than a PR stunt from Crooked Joe Biden to distract and gaslight the American people from his disastrous Bidenomics policies that have led to so much economic misery across the country, he said. Workers on the GM picket line in Bellville, which joined the walkout last Friday, said they were encouraged by Bidens words and the attention it generated for their cause. Mike Larson, a 38-year-old who works at Michigan Assembly, said Biden told them hes behind us, the middle class built America, and autoworkers built the middle class. Trump, who made inroads with blue-collar union members in 2016, claims that the Biden administrations policies supporting a rapid transition to electric vehicles jeopardize union members jobs. Lori Bradshaw, a worker at the Bellville GM plant, said she supports visits by both Biden and Trump. Politically, we can stand for different things. When it comes down to it, we gotta stick together. If President Trump doesnt know anything else, he knows finances, she said, adding that Biden has the experience of seeing firsthand the economy during different phases of industrialization and working on the Great Recession rescue package. Hes been around, she said. CORRECTION: A prior version of this story referred to Ford Rangers by the incorrect name. As a Black man, Leon Winn recalls growing up during a period when Black Americans were historically regarded as second-class citizens. A product of the Jim Crow South, Winn, one of 12 kids, compared his life to a roller coaster, recounting personal encounters with blatant racism coupled with details about his father abandoning his mother, leaving their family financially strained during an already challenging era for Black people. Now, at 67, Winn is an active member of the South Carolina Republican Party, a relatively rare Black representative of the GOP, looking for a presidential candidate who mirrors his conservative values, especially those concerning faith and racial equality. Hes just not sure, yet, if Tim Scott is that candidate. For Winn, like many Black Americans, Scotts stance on systemic racism namely, that it doesnt exist in modern America is a stumbling block. Scott, a Black man and South Carolinas junior senator on Capitol Hill, has maintained that his lifes story is indicative of an America thats moved beyond racism. I believe America can do for anyone what shes done for me, Scott told a panel of co-hosts on The View in July. Restoring hope, creating opportunities and defending and protecting the America that we love is such an important combination. While Scott has generally been well-regarded among South Carolinians, some Black Republicans, such as Winn, refuse to subscribe to the senators notion that systemic racism no longer exists in America. Racism still exists in America. I see it all the time, Winn said. As Scott works to expand his appeal to Black voters in his 2024 bid for the Republican presidential nomination, hes been widely criticized for his cotton to Congress spiel, which argues, in essence, that his life experiences are evidence that racial discrimination has largely evaporated in America. Notwithstanding his chances for a win in the general election, questions have already begun to swirl as to whether Scott can muster enough support among Black Republicans to even emerge victorious in the primary, which so far includes more than a dozen contenders. Although Scott may now be at odds with some Black GOP voters, some stand firmly in his corner. Whether their support will be enough to lift Scott above the fray come February, however, remains to be seen. A lack of Black voters in the GOP As a Republican candidate, Scotts chances of wooing a large number of Black voters in South Carolina are slim considering that only 7% of Black South Carolinians identify as or lean toward the Republican Party, compared to 59% of white voters, according to the Pew Research Center. Presidential candidates, seeking to amp up their chances to secure the Black vote, historically have courted voters at Black churches ahead of primary elections. But Scott appears to lack such an opportunity, as the vast majority of Black congregations in the Palmetto State tend to support Democrats. Winn, who pastors Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church, a mid-sized congregation in Manning, said hes an ally of Gov. Henry McMaster and acknowledged that while racial discrimination continues to exist, its not as blatant in South Carolina as it once was during his childhood. But he emphasized that among his Black Republican colleagues and friends, none side with Scott on his position on racism. Earlier this summer, shortly following his official 2024 presidential campaign launch, Scott appeared on ABCs The View to, in part, defend his view on the opportunities he says Black people have in America, despite pervading notions of racism and white supremacy. But Scotts position on what it means to be the exception versus the rule was at odds with at least two of the five women co-hosts, who are Black, on the national television talk show. Youre the first Black senator elected in the South since Reconstruction ... about 114 years, said co-host Sunny Hostin. Yet, you say that your life disproves the leftist lie, and my question to you is, Im the exception, right? Youre the exception, maybe Ms. Whoopi Goldberg is the exception, but we are not the rule. Even before the start of his presidential campaign, Scott frequently touted the challenges and obstacles hes had to overcome as a Black man, often recounting life experiences involving being raised with limited financial resources by a single mother and memories of his grandfather picking cotton after being forced out of elementary school. His grandfather suffered the indignity of being forced out of school as a third-grader to pick cotton, and never learned to read or write, Scott said in 2020 at the Republican National Convention. Our family went from cotton to Congress in one lifetime. But Scotts sort of rags-to-riches story isnt enough to move Winn, though Winn admits that Scott has made some inroads for Black Americans. His background doesnt touch mine as far as coming up hard, Winn said. My dad took his money and took care of another woman, and we were left hungry without food. I came from an era of segregation and integration. (Scott) doesnt know anything about that. Scotts campaign did not respond to specific questions about the senators stance on racial progress. Instead, the campaign pointed to instances where Scott spoke about race on the campaign trail, his voting record, events he has specifically held at Black churches and his efforts to introduce inclusion acts in the Senate. The campaign touted Scotts efforts to encourage investment in low-income opportunity zones across the country, his legislative work to secure funding for historically Black colleges and universities, his support of school choice, and his efforts to pass finance-oriented legislation that the campaign said has benefited people of color. In looking at the issue more from a micro than a macro perspective, Kizzie Smalls, a Black Republican who serves as the second vice chair for minority outreach for the South Carolina Republican Party, says individual and not systemic racism is the problem in America today. Theres nothing wrong with the system, but there may be some people who may be running certain systems that have issues, Smalls said. I can say in my life, I have not experienced (systemic racism), but Ive actually talked to some folks that say they still feel oppressed. And Im like, they got a big beautiful home, theyve been to college, theyve retired from the military and on a second job, and Im like, wow, so it all depends on the person. Scott leads among Black GOP presidential candidates So far, Scott is the leading Black candidate in the 2024 presidential race, followed by conservative radio host Larry Elder, whos considered a longshot in the crowded field thats led, by far, by former President Donald Trump. If Scott prevails in winning the Republican nomination currently, hes polling around 3% nationally he will undoubtedly face an uphill battle in wooing the broader Black electorate ahead of the general election, as more than 80% of Black registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party nationally, according to Pew. Hes trying to talk about race, but hes not talking about it in a way that actually makes sense, said Christale Spain, chair of the S.C. Democratic Party. Black voters are much more nuanced in voting for a Black candidate, just because theyre a Black candidate. So they need more than him just being Black. Spain emphasized how important the Black vote is, especially in South Carolina. Most Black voters identify as Democratic, so Scott isnt appealing to them as is. But even for voters who are in the middle, his racial progress speech is in contradiction to what Black voters need, Spain said. I mean, they care about jobs in the economy, they care about access to health care, and keeping their communities safe, access to wealth, they care about all those things, Spain said. Tim Scott is not really concerned with those things, as it relates to Black voters. Some of the things that he has done already as a U.S. senator dont support the interests of Black voters when it comes to the economy and access to wealth. With Scotts uphill journey just beginning, some suggest that his position on race will be futile in attracting a majority-white Republican base, anyway. Rather, his ability to showcase genuine conservative values will do more to generate voter support. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics newsletter, said Republicans generally assume and suggest that systemic racism remains in the past and that its time to move on from historical instances of racial injustice. Theres a theory called just world, he explained, that relates to how Republicans view race in America, where even Republicans who have experienced racism or inequality ignore the effects and suggest the nation has moved past it. Rhetorically, Scott doesnt sound all that different compared to his GOP competitors, Kondik said. While he isnt as fire and brimstone on the topic as Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Scott has spoken a great deal about race in the U.S. While his tone may be slightly individualized, he is still very much in line with what the other party candidates say about race. Though he suggests that systemic racism is in the past, Scott has made it clear at times that he has a boundary when it comes to talking about racial issues. That boundary became apparent in late July at a town hall event in Iowa. When asked about his GOP rival DeSantis new Black history standards in Florida schools that suggest slavery was beneficial, Scott said there was no silver lining in slavery. What slavery was really about (was) separating families, about mutilating humans and even raping their wives, Scott said. While Scott vehemently defends his views on the campaign, some question whether all of his statements reflect what he truly believes or are just efforts to to gain political traction. I do think that the party likes to highlight the diversity that it has, because, frankly, Democrats accused Republicans of being racist all the time, Kondik said. I dont think that being a non-white candidate is a hindrance in the Republican Party, so long as you are conservative on issues, including race generally. A disconnect between Scott and younger Black voters At least anecdotally, some younger Black voters, albeit curious, appear to have little to no connection to Scott, unlike former president Barack Obama who famously ignited a movement, attracting a record number of Black (and young) voters to the polls in 2008 and 2012. Even during the Democratic primary, Black voters showed up in support of the Illinois Democrat in unprecedented numbers. As a younger Black voter and entrepreneur, Donnie Patterson doesnt identify as Democrat or Republican, but he said a candidate who works to ensure that all Americans have a fair shake in securing American opportunity would be his candidate of choice for president. But in light of Scotts position on the lack of Black oppression in the U.S., Patterson, so far, isnt a supporter. Patterson, a 36-year-old Tennessee native now living in Spartanburg, attended a small round-table discussion Scott had with business leaders on promoting manufacturing jobs earlier this month in Duncan. Patterson was one of only two Black voters in the audience. There are still traces of (systemic racism) because certain programs have created lasting negative effects against Blacks Americans, Patterson said. Its difficult to pinpoint exactly which program because its a combination of various programs, and we need a candidate thats going to help rectify those gaps and not further exacerbate them. Jay Jenkins, 53, a Black Republican and South Carolina native, was the only other Black voter at Scotts round-table event. He said though he appreciates the obstacles Scott may have overcome growing up Black in America, he believes progress toward racial equality throughout the country remains lacking. I truly believe this is the greatest country in the world, and if you work hard and do the right things, theres opportunity in America, Jenkins said. With that being said, speaking as a Black male, there are a lot of things we need to get right with race relations in this country. Although Jenkins identifies as a Republican, as a free thinker he says hell support a candidate from either the Democratic or Republican Party if he feels that candidate has a willingness to fight for people who have been historically marginalized, such as Black Americans. But hes unsure if Scott is that candidate. I really like Nikki Haley, Jenkins said. I think shes said some really great things and was a great governor for the state of South Carolina. But I want to hear more of what Tim has to say because I think were at pivotal point in this countrys history, and where we go from here will largely dictate our countrys future, regarding race relations and other social issues. Still, Scott has managed to procure support among some Black GOP voters and leaders, who say Scotts story does, in fact, show that racism in America is a thing of the past. The thought that this is a systemically racist country is false, and the people who are saying otherwise are all people who have large amounts of money, said Sumter County GOP Party chair, William Oden, a longtime Black South Carolina Republican. Of course we will encounter some folks who will look at us and try to tell us (as Black people) that we cant do anything because of the color our skin. We just have to ignore that. Other Black Republicans appear indifferent to Scotts position on race relations, including state Sen. Mike Reichenbach, R-Florence, the only Black Republican lawmaker in the General Assembly. Reichenbach wouldnt say directly whether he believes systemic racism exists and works against Black Americans. He described, though, his experience of being born to a single mother who was just 14 years old. He was adopted by a stable family, who he says helped to nurture him into the man hes become today, despite racial inequality. Like Sen. Scott, I believe my story is further proof that God provides, Reichenbach said. Two dozen Senate Democrats are now calling for Sen. Bob Menendez , D-N.J., to resign after he was indicted last week on bribery and corruption charges. On Tuesday, more than 20 senators joined a growing list of Menendez's colleagues, including his longtime friend and fellow senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker , who say he should step down. For nearly a decade, Ive worked in the Senate alongside Senator Menendez. As New Jerseys junior Senator, I imagine that Ive had more professional experiences with him than most others, and Ive witnessed his extraordinary work and boundless work ethic," Booker said in a statement before calling the allegations against him "shocking" with "specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing." Senator Menendez fiercely asserts his innocence and it is therefore understandable that he believes stepping down is patently unfair. But I believe this is a mistake," he said, adding that "stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. Booker is one of 24 Democratic senators who have publicly called on Menendez to step down. Several senators including Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania are up for re-election in 2024, as is Menendez. Klobuchar told NBC News she had also called for a "Senate ethics investigation to begin immediately separate and apart from the ongoing criminal case in light of his refusal to resign. Of the group up for re-election next year, Tester, Brown, Baldwin, Rosen and Casey face competitive contests in crucial swing states that Democrats are counting on to maintain control of the chamber. Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and Raphael Warnock of Georgia, who won tough races last year, also called for Menendez to step down. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, who leads Senate Democrats campaign arm, urged Menendez to resign, saying the "serious nature" of the charges "undermined the public's faith." Menendez, who defended himself in public remarks Monday and pleaded with his colleagues for time to prove his innocence, was seen on Capitol Hill late in the day Tuesday. Asked by reporters why he refuses to step down, he snapped: "Because Im innocent. Whats wrong with you guys? Asked whether he still intends to run for re-election next year, Menendez sidestepped the question and said, "Right now Im here to do the work of the people of New Jersey." In a statement Tuesday, Rosen said the charges are well-documented" and "a violation of the public trust." While he is entitled to due process and a fair trial, this is a distraction that undermines the bipartisan work we need to do in the Senate for the American people, Rosen said. Tester and Baldwin called the charges "deeply disturbing" and "deeply troubling," respectively. "While Sen. Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe its best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down, Baldwin said. The indictment charges that Menendez and his wife, Nadine, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in return for his influence to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and the Egyptian government. Prosecutors said investigators found $480,000 in cash hidden around his home, some of it in envelopes that contained the fingerprints and/or DNA of one of the people charged with bribing him or that persons driver. They also said Menendez and his wife were bribed with a luxury car, exercise equipment, home furnishings and over one hundred thousand dollars worth of gold bars. Menendez and his wife have both denied wrongdoing. In his remarks Monday, he said that the cash was his and that he had been withdrawing thousands of dollars from his savings account for decades in case of "emergencies." All I humbly ask for in this moment, in my colleagues in Congress, the elected leaders and the advocates of New Jersey that I have worked with for years, as well as each person who calls New Jersey home, is to pause and allow for all the facts to be presented, Menendez said in his remarks, in which he also predicted he would be cleared of the charges and still will be New Jerseys senior senator. The first of his colleagues to ask him to step down was Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on Saturday. Casey, the state's senior senator, joined him Tuesday. Public service is a sacred trust. The specific allegations set forth in the federal indictment indicate to me that Senator Menendez violated that trust repeatedly," Casey said. Menendez also faces calls to resign from numerous local officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy, and from Democrats in the House, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., announced over the weekend that he would challenge Menendez for his seat. A spokesman for Fetterman, Joe Calvello, said Monday that Fetterman would return the $5,000 in donations Menendez gave to his 2022 campaign in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A newly opened seafood restaurant in downtown Boise has closed its doors after less than three months. But the shutdown will be temporary, if all goes according to plan. SEA Crab House, on the second floor of the Zions Bank building at 800 W. Main St., shuttered last week, according to Christophe Adrien, the regional chains president. The Bend, Oregon-based brand specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils with a Southeast Asian twist. SEA Crab Houses menu includes signature and build-your-own boils, along with lobster and crab rolls, clam chowder, fish and chips, tacos, salads and more. SEA Crab House is pricier than most restaurants but offers a unique seafood experience. Its not fine dining, Adrien told the Statesman in June. Its fun dining. Staffing issues and shortages forced the recent closure, Adrien said this week. We have a 90-day plan in place to recruit the right people to reopen the restaurant, Adrien continued in an email. No reopening date has been set yet until we get farther along in the recruiting process. We are poised to get reopened sooner rather than later, he added. We firmly believe our Southeast Asian-Cajun Cuisine concept will be a success in Boise, and we are committed to recruiting and training a top-notch staff who can deliver the experience we promise to our customers. Richard Allen escorted out of court from a hearing in late 2022 (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A week after Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen alleged that two teenagers were killed as part of a ritualistic sacrifice of a white nationalist cult, the prosecutor called it a fanciful theory. Attorneys for the 50-year-old accused killer claimed in a filing that a pagan Norse religion and white nationalist group, called Odinists, ritualistically sacrificed Abby Williams and Libby German in Delphi, Indiana in 2017. Now Carroll County prosecutor, Nicholas McLeland, blasted the defences filing, according to The Journal & Courier. Mr McLeland wrote that only 13 pages of the defences 136-page filing made any relevant allegations: The remaining 90 per cent of the Memorandum outlines its fanciful defense for social media to devour. Libby and Abbys bodies had both been staged with tree branches and sticks across their bodies in the shape of pagan symbols, the defence teams documents stated which resembled possible Odinism signatures left behind at the crime scene. Law enforcement had explored possible links between the killings early on in the investigation but then quickly abandoned the theory after speaking to an unidentified professor who refuted any possible link, the defence argued. However, three law enforcement officers continued to probe a possible connection. Those documents make many claims about Odinisms ties to the case, including possible Odinism signatures left behind at the crime scene, and even accusations that Odinites are working as corrections officers at Westville Correctional Facility where Mr Allen is being held awaiting trial. On 13 February 2017, Libby and Abby went for a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi. During the walk, Libby posted a photo of her best friend on Snapchat as they walked along the bridge. Moments later, Libby captured a video of a man known as Bridge guy dressed in blue jeans, a blue jacket and a cap walking along the abandoned railroad bridge. In the clip, the man tells the pair: Guys, down the hill. Investigators have since said they believe Mr Allen to have been Bridge guy. Later that day, the teenagers were reported missing when they failed to return to a spot where a family member was picking them up. The next day, their bodies were discovered in a wooded area less than half a mile off the trail along the side of Deer Creek. Although few details about what happened to the duo have been revealed, the court documents detailed that the girls necks had been slashed. Mr Allen has been charged with two counts of murder; he has pleaded not guilty. Since his arrest in October 2022, Mr Allen has confessed to the 2017 murders multiple times behind bars including in a phone call with his wife. His attorneys, however, said that Mr Allens confession cannot be believed due to his current mental state. DELPHI, Ind. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland doesn't want the public to see the pretrial legal wrangling in the case of Libby German and Abby Williams' accused killer, Richard Allen, and filed a motion Monday to prohibit public access to the court records. Ironically, McLeland's motion to seal the court documents from the public is itself sealed. A second motion asking that future filings be sealed from the public until reviewed by Special Judge Frances Gull also is sealed. In a separate motion McLeland filed Monday, the prosecution is not in support of Allen's request to allow broadcasting of hearings and the trial. Allen was arrested Oct. 26, 2022, and charged Oct. 28, 2022, with murder for the Feb. 13, 2017, killings of Libby and Abby on the north banks of the Deer Creek about a quarter-of-a-mile east of the Monon High Bridge. The investigation took more than five years of investigation before Allen was arrested. In McLeland's motion on the request to broadcast, he writes, "... (T)he defense team has continued this extrajudicial grandstanding throughout their motions, including the Emergency Motion to Modify Safekeeping Order filed April 5th, 2023, and most recently with their Verified Motion for Immediate Transfer of Custody and the Motion for Frank's Hearing with attached memorandum in support, all filed on September 18th, 2023." The motion comes one week after Allen's attorneys filed a 136-page memorandum that cites police documents to suggest that the two Delphi teenagers were killed Feb. 13, 2017, as part of a Odinist ritual sacrifice. Allen's defense team also uses the state's documents to detail a theory that Libby and Abby were killed by at least three suspects in this Odin ritual and points to evidence ignored or dismissed by investigators. This evidence was omitted when police asked for a search warrant for Allen's house. "... (T)he Defense has filed its 136-page Memorandum in Support of the Franks hearing in which only 13 pages refers to any allegations relevant to the question of a Franks inquiry," McLeland's response to broadcasting states. "The remaining 90% of the Memorandum outlines its fanciful defense for social media to devour." A Franks hearing is one in which a party in this case, Allen asks the court to determine if law enforcement lied to obtain a search warrant. Allen's attorneys allege in its memorandum that law enforcement lied or omitted information when they got a warrant to search Allen's Delphi home. According to Allen's attorneys, if the investigators had been candid, the court would not have issued the warrant. The News Media Coalition of Indiana news outlets also filed a motion Monday in support of the recording and broadcasting of the hearings and trial. The motion to seal filings comes one week after Allen's memorandum filed at 2:06 a.m. Sept. 18 initially was public but was sealed at least before 9 a.m. Sept. 18. But news outlets downloaded the document before it was sealed. McLeland also filed a response to Allen's motion to suppress evidence from the search warrant, addressing some of the issues in the memorandum and motion. "... (W)hile the memorandum is colorful, dramatic and highly unprofessional, it is not completely true," McLeland writes. "(T)he State believes the allegations outlined by the Defense are not supported by evidence that they have collected. "... Sheriff Tony Liggett did not intentionally or recklessly omit evidence or lie about evidence in the probable cause affidavit to support the search warrant," McLeland states in the response. The probable cause affidavit to search Allen's house was based on Allen's admission that he was on the trails, wearing a blue or black Carhartt jacket with a hood and was wearing a head covering, McLeland's response states. Allen admitted to owning guns and knives. "(B)ased on this information, investigators prepared a probable cause affidavit with a search warrant for the home of Richard Allen," the state's response said. "That probable cause affidavit covers all the information that law enforcement had gathered in the investigation in regards to Richard Allen up until October 13th, 2022." McLeland states that evidence to get a search warrant only needs to lead "a person of reasonable caution to believe that a crime has been committed." "(T)he State believes that the affidavit does meet the threshold to establish probable cause under the 4th Amendment of the United States Constitution in that there was substantial basis for finding probable cause and there was a high likelihood based on the evidence that investigators had that there was evidence of the crime in the home of Richard Allen." Gull has not ruled on the motion to suppress evidence or set a date for a Franks hearing. She also has not ruled on the motion to seal court documents from public inspection, the motion to have filings reviewed by the court before making them public or the motion to allow broadcasting and recording of Allen's hearings and trial. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Prosecutor wants accused Delphi killer's docket sealed from the public ST. JOHNS Prosecutors on Tuesday quietly dropped charges against one of two men accused of killing a hunter at Rose Lake State Wildlife Area in 2018, citing unresolved evidentiary issues. The state Attorney General's Office filed a dismissal notice for Robert Rodway on Tuesday morning, one day before Rodway was set for trial on a murder charge in connection with the death of Chong Mua Yang, of Lansing. Robert Rodway of St. Johns, left, confers with his attorney Matt Newburg, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, during the second day of a preliminary hearing in Clinton County District Court. Rodway and Thomas Olson, of Grand Blanc Township, were charged in the November 2018 killing of hunter Chong Yang at Rose Lake State Game Area in Bath Township. But the charges against Rodway were dismissed on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Rodway, who had been held without bond since he was arrested in December 2022, was released from the Clinton County Jail around 11 a.m. Tuesday, his attorney said. The charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors potentially could refile them at a later date. The dismissal involving Rodway came two weeks after Rodway's attorney, Matt Newburg made an emergency bond motion, saying he had discovered evidence suggesting police wrongly ruled out another local man as a suspect in Yang's death. The evidence, he said, could exonerate Rodway and Olson. A trial for Rodway's co-defendant, Thomas Olson, is set for Nov. 15 in 29th Circuit Court. It was not immediately clear how, or if, that case might be affected by Tuesday's development. Newburg said the dismissal speaks for itself and declined further comment. The charges were dismissed "due to an unresolved issue regarding admissibility of evidence," said Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for Attorney General Dana Nessel's office. Yang, 68, was shot in the back of the head on the evening of Nov. 16, 2018. Olson, 35, of Grand Blanc Township, and Rodway, 34, of St. Johns, admitted hunting separately at Rose Lake the day Yang was killed but denied any involvement in his death. Police said they did not learn the two men were hunting at Rose Lake that day until long after the killing, and charges were not filed until late 2022. Authorities primarily relied on GPS location data and text messages shared between the two men to link them to Yang's death. Messages found on the mens' phones referred to the Yang death investigation, including an April 2020 photo showing the two men in hunting gear at Rose Lake, along with a message that said, "A couple of cold-blooded killers revisiting the crime scene." Another message from September 2020 included a photo of the reward poster Yang's family had put up in the area and read, "They haven't caught ya," updated to "us," according to testimony. There also were messages referring to "the killing field," hunting people, shooting at noises and apparent racial epithets. Defense lawyers have described the text messages as attempts at dark humor and suggested the men were poking fun at the police investigation. The potentially exculpatory evidence that Newburg believes could clear Rodway includes GPS location data and other information indicating the local man was in the area where Yang was killed on the night of Nov. 16. 2018, even though police had eliminated him as a suspect after concluding he was home that night, Newburg said. The State Journal is not naming the name because he has not been charged in connection with Yang's death. "I cannot sit by any longer and let Mr. Rodway sit in jail when there's this evidence out there now," Newburg told Judge Shannon Schlegel in a motion hearing earlier in September. Schlegel denied the bond request, noting she had already ruled Rodway presented a danger to the public based on the potentially incriminating text messages found on the defendants' phones. During that hearing, Assistant State Attorney General Andrew Childers described the new information as "significant" and said it might be difficult to analyze in time for Rodway's trial. Thomas Olson, left, of Grand Blanc Township confers with his attorney Michael Manley, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, during the second day of the preliminary hearing in Clinton County District Court. Olson and Robert Rodway of St. Johns have been charged in the November 2018 killing of hunter Chong Yang in Bath Township's Rose Lake State Game Area. During a hearing in late June, Michael Manley, an attorney for Olson, referred to evidence potentially linking the same local man to Yang's murder and said he had new information casting doubt about the GPS location data police used to place Olson in the general area of Yang's body. In August, Olson's trial was delayed for three months after his legal team and the AG's office agreed that more time was needed to prepare "in the interest of justice." Among the issues, according to Manley: Whether someone else killed Yang. Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed Olson should be released on a personal bond with a GPS tether under home confinement while discovery in the case continued. Schlegel denied bond but agreed to adjourn the trial. Manley could not immediately be reached by the State Journal on Tuesday afternoon. Yang's family has been following the court cases closely. Joseph Yang, who has acted as a spokesman for the family, said they are disappointed with the dismissal but will support the AG's decision, he said. For now, the family will shift its focus to the Olson case, he said. "We'll follow their lead on that," Yang said, referring to the AG. "They are doing the best they can with what they have." Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Prosecutors drop charges in Bath hunter's 2018 killing on eve of murder trial FILE - A wild horse stands near Peaceful Valley Ranch in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, N.D., on Saturday, May 20, 2023. About 200 horses roam the park's South Unit. The National Park Service has turned to the public to help decide whether the famous wild horses in North Dakotas Theodore Roosevelt National Park should stay or go. The National Park Service launched a 30-day public comment period on Monday, Sept. 25. (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) The National Park Service has turned to the public to help decide whether the famous wild horses in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park should stay or go. The federal agency launched a 30-day public comment period on Monday. It also released a draft environmental assessment of the wild horse herd that said removal of the horses would benefit native wildlife and vegetation, but may lessen the experience of visitors who come to the park to see the horses or cattle, the Bismarck Tribune reported. North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum said in a statement Tuesday that he will continue urging NPS to keep the wild horses in the park. These horses are a hugely popular tourist attraction, embodying the untamed spirit of the Badlands while also reminding us of the deep ties to Roosevelts ranching and conservation legacy," Burgum said. He added that wild horses roamed those lands during Roosevelts transformative years in the Badlands, when President Truman signed the bill creating the park in 1947 and when it received official national park status in 1978. The federal agency's proposal has worried advocates who say the horses are a cultural link to the past and disagree with park officials who have branded the horses as livestock. Visitors who drive the scenic park road can often see bands of horses, a symbol of the West and sight that delights tourists. Removal would entail capturing horses and giving some of them first to tribes, and later auctioning the animals or giving them to other entities. Another approach would include techniques to prevent future reproduction and would allow those horses to live out the rest of their lives in the park. A couple bands of wild horses were accidentally fenced into the park after it was established in 1947, Castle McLaughlin has said. In the 1980s, McLaughlin researched the history and origins of the horses while working as a graduate student for the Park Service in North Dakota. Park officials in the early years sought to eradicate the horses, shooting them on sight and hiring local cowboys to round them up and remove them, she said. The park even sold horses to a local zoo at one point to be food for large cats. Around 1970, a park superintendent discovered Roosevelt had written about the presence of wild horses in the Badlands during his time there. Park officials decided to retain the horses as a historic demonstration herd to interpret the open-range ranching era. PULASKI Students at Pulaski High School are returning to class after a bomb threat Tuesday morning, the second in less than a week. The high school was evacuated, and law enforcement cleared staff and students to reenter the building at 11:22 a.m., according to an email from the Pulaski Community School District. The school received a bomb threat Friday, resulting in the evacuation of the district's high school students to the middle school about a half-mile away. Friday's threat was shared with local news media and then with police. "A similar threat was shared with local media this morning," according to an email the district sent to parents Tuesday. "School cameras were checked and the building was secured overnight. The perimeter and roof was also checked by law enforcement." Neither Friday nor Tuesday's threats were shared with the Press-Gazette. The district said it decided to evacuate again Tuesday as a precautionary measure. As of 9:23 a.m., the district awaited a K9 unit to check the high school. The district encourages parents to keep their children in school, according to the district email. "A further message will be coming forth with details on the (district) action plan to multiple similar threats," the email said. "We are working with other districts and law enforcement agencies that have had similar multiple threats occur and their responses and action plans." In May 2022, the Kiel School District received six bomb threats, all unfounded, that disrupted learning and sowed fear throughout the community. More about Kiel: What we know about the Title IX investigation and bomb threats in Kiel, Wisconsin This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Students return to Pulaski High School after second bomb threat Tuesday Dmitry Peskov , spokesperson of the Kremlin, claimed that it is Russia that is a European value while criticising Moldova for "rejecting everything Russian" on its way to EU membership. Source: European Pravda with reference to Russian Interfax Details: "Unfortunately, the current Moldovan government and Ms Sandu consider the rejection of everything Russian a European value. This is a big mistake since Russia itself is a European value. It is a part of common European values, no matter what they say," Peskov said, commenting on the statement of Moldovan President Maia Sandu that promoting European values in her country requires cutting ties with Russia. Peskov said the Moldovan leadership is wrong about this. "We think that they are making a mistake that is harmful for their people, thinking that by establishing relations with the countries of Western Europe they must mandatorily completely destroy all relations with us. It is a mistake," Peskov added. He believes that "they will see the price of this mistake". "This price will be paid by the people of this country," he said. Last June, the EU leaders gave Moldova and Ukraine an EU candidate status. It is expected that in October, the European Commission will publish their assessment of the perspective of Ukraine and Moldova ascending to the EU. Moldova wants to join the EU as soon as possible in order to protect itself from the Russian threat. The surveys firmly demonstrate that the majority of Moldovan citizens support the accession to the EU. 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 Putnam County Sheriffs Office announced on Tues., Sept. 26 that detectives from the drug unit concluded a several months-long investigation into drug and weapons trafficking. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< On Tuesday morning, the drug unit along with members of the SWAT team, FDLE Tri-County Task Force, ATF, Homeland Security, and Palatka Police Department conducted a search warrant on a home at North 15th Street. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] PCSO said that Tromell Jonta Camps, 39, Palatka, was arrested and charged with trafficking phenethylamines, using or displaying a firearm during a felony, and two counts of possession of weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon. Tromell Camps has no business being out among law-abiding residents, Sheriff H.D. Gator DeLoach said. He has shown time and time again he has no regard for rules or even life. He will continue to terrorize our community and he needs to permanently find a home in the Florida Department of Corrections. Photos: Crash with injuries in Putnam County During the execution of the search warrant this morning, detectives also found another firearm. According to records from PCSO, Camps was previously convicted of third-degree murder in 2006. He served two years for that charge but was later arrested and charged in 2015 with aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. I want to thank our partners who helped conduct this operation and warrant, DeLoach said. This is one more step in our commitment to ensuring the safety of our residents and take another poison and firearms peddler off our streets. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Camps was arrested and is currently being held without bond. 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. A man in New Mexico has admitted to threatening a U.S. member of Congress because he thought she was transgender. According to court documents, Las Cruces resident Michael David Fox has entered a guilty plea to a federal charge concerning threats made across state lines. This plea was presented in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Damian L. Martinez at the U.S. District Court in New Mexico last Thursday, relating to a phone call Fox made last May to a congresspersons Houston office. He threatened to put a bullet in the unidentified congresspersons face during the call. Youre a man. Its official. Youre literally a tr*nny and a pedophile, and Im going to put a bullet in your f***ing face. You mother f***ing satanic cock sucking son of a whore. You understand me, you f***er? Fox said in the call, according to the criminal complaint. Following a trace conducted by law enforcement, the call from May 18 was linked to a cellphone in Las Cruces. Upon being confronted by FBI agents on May 26, Fox confirmed making the call, although he didnt recall all the details initially. However, Fox admitted his actions after hearing the recorded call, per court records. Fox told authorities about his affiliation with the QAnon movement but clarified he did not possess any firearms to act on his threats, court documents elucidated. He expressed his and others intentions to save the world from transgender people. Fox believes that trans people are secretly leading governments and corporations. The QAnon movement, as defined by the Anti-Defamation League, comprises individuals who believe in a conspiracy theory where a Deep State cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles comprising high-powered Democrats and Hollywood elites control the world, with former President Donald Trump being portrayed as the sole savior against them. The targeted congressperson was not named in the court documents, only referred to as V1; however, three female Democrats, U.S. Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, Lizzie Fletcher, and Sylvia Garcia have offices in Houston. Fox explained that he had run V1s skull features through forensic analysis and determined that [she] was born male and is now transgender, the complaint states. He discussed various conspiracy theories with the agents and eventually retracted his threat against the congresswoman, extending an apology and admitting that he wasnt under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he made the calls. Fox faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Instead of Make America Great Again, the rising star of the Republican Party, Vivek Ramaswamy, has taken Truth as his slogan, with ten statements of which these are the first three: 1. God is real. 2. There are two genders. 3. Human flourishing requires fossil fuels Truth is playing an outsized role in todays politics, and it is tearing us apart. Everyone, it seems has their own truth, and cannot admit any validity on the other side. Bombarded with so many conflicting truths, we naturally default to echo chambers, safe spaces that exclude contradictory information and confirm our biases. While making us feel better, the results are polarizing and undermine civil society. Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley engage in a spirited discussion during the first Republican presidential primary debate, in August in Milwaukee. The front-runner, Donald Trump, did not take part. The post truth era The post truth era is a term coined in 2004 by Ralph Keyes, who found that lies were becoming commonplace and accepted in the public square. Post truth is defined as, Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. By 2016, Oxford Dictionaries listed post-truth as the international word of the year. Writing in Slate that same year, Sam Kriss showed that post-truth is nothing new and has been around for centuries. Plato complained about lies and emotion spoiling the politics of 400 BC. The real problem is not 'truth versus lies' If you ask the average person the opposite of truth, he would answer, lies or falsehood. An acclaimed book released in 2022 by two clinical psychologists called this a flawed shortcut of the mind called, either or thinking the idea that if one proposition is true, the other must be false. Clinical Psychologists Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis, authors of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems, use the 2003 Iraq War as a case in point. The United States government was convinced, erroneously as it turned out, that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction. When they could not be found, officials erroneously assumed they must be hidden, and started a war. Great questions contain great paradoxes In their research, Dr. Smith and Dr. Lewis found that the great questions we face in personal and political life are actually paradoxes, containing contradictory, yet interdependent elements that exist simultaneously and persist over time. Conservatives, for example, excoriate liberal governments in cities like San Francisco for failure to enforce order in society, allowing streets to turn into drug dens and lavatories for the homeless. Liberals say that using police to address social inequality or mental illness is cruel and ineffective, resulting in mass incarceration. They both use facts and figures to argue different truths. The solutions to our major problems in life and politics, according to the authors, require a change from thinking about truth as a singular issue of right versus wrong to recognizing that multiple truths can coexist. Their book presents tools for integrating competing demands through dialogue and argument that produce a better alternative than choosing one side or the other. They call these results, mules, referring to what happens when horses mate with donkeys. Mules are faster than donkeys and more intelligent than horses. These techniques, applied to companies like Lego, Unilever and IBM, saved them from financial downfall. In the case of IBM, it was the tension between funding short-term and long-term product goals, investing in existing products or innovation. Effective senior teams, Dr. Smith wrote, could frequently oscillate between supporting the existing product and the innovation, being consistently inconsistent. Accepting paradoxes The book relates a number of prominent thinkers who recognized the power of paradox in determining truth, from the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, to Heraclitus in Greece, to President Barack Obama, who had to reconcile the fact that the free market system creates enormous efficiencies and wealth, while there are parts of the economy that dont work and are unjust and get people frustrated and angry. ... Both things are true and you then still have to make a decision. Embracing a paradox mindset, considering opposing beliefs, entails the need to accept contradiction, and there is a parallel in scientific research. Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman challenged the accepted protocol of one scientist offering a theory and then others attacking it. He called the critique-reply-rejoinder technique angry science, and co-authored papers with economists who vehemently disagreed with him. He coined the term, adversarial collaboration, where scientists commit themselves to work together towards a joint truth, either by experimentation or by discussion. While minds were seldom changed, The outcome was vastly better for everybody than the alternative, and we ended up on civil terms. So, how do we introduce the paradox system and adversarial collaboration into our politics? Ancient Jewish wisdom It turns out that Judaism explicitly embraced the reality of paradox over a thousand years ago with the code of Jewish Law, called the halakha. The Talmud consists of differing interpretations of Jewish Law and the Torah (Old Testament) from generations of rabbis from the 3rd to 8th centuries CE. One of the most striking among them is what Wendy Smith of Both/And Thinking said inspired her interest in paradoxes. In a podcast, Dr. Smith talked about her study of the Talmud at a yeshiva in Israel, where she discovered the commentary known as Elu vElu (These and Those). The teaching says that two competing yeshivas (Jewish schools) around the first century had a disagreement in which they reached contradictory conclusions about what was permitted and not permitted based on the same holy texts: For three years Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel disagreed. These said: The halakha is in accordance with our opinion, and those said: The halakha is in accordance with our opinion. Ultimately, a Divine Voice emerged and proclaimed: Elu v Elu, Divrai Elochim Chaim. Both these and those are the words of the living God. Thus, Judaism embraced the concept of paradoxes, that two opposing truths may coexist, and the ideal result would be to incorporate both truths to achieve a greater truth. Jon Meacham: Forgiveness is not about forgetting: How America can learn from and must honor history Alexander Roberts: Putin, Prigozhin and the ancient quest for the glory of war Living with discomfort The tractate Elu vElu includes a clue as to how we may live with the discomfort of contradiction and paradoxes. It reveals a value higher than truth. The text goes on to say the words of Hillel are to be preferred over Shammai, specifically because he was more tolerant and kind. Thus, peace in Jewish Law is recognized as a value higher than truth. Hillel famously said, "That which is hateful unto you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole of the Torah; the rest is commentary. While facts may be distinguished from falsehoods, truth involves subjective perception. For a person, a business or a society to thrive, we must allow for multiple truths without threat or violence, in order to find the greater truth. Alexander Roberts is a former New York City television news reporter and founder and CEO emeritus of the nonprofit Community Housing Innovations. Alexander Roberts This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Debate about truth in politics hurts America A man is recovering after he was aggressively attacked by a river otter near a Florida pond, wildlife officials said. Joseph Scaglione told Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control he was feeding corn to a group of ducks at a pond near his Jupiter home when he turned away from the pond to go back home on Sept. 20, according to an incident report obtained by McClatchy News. Feeding the ducks was part of his normal routine, he told an animal control officer, but this time as he was leaving he heard all of the ducks runoff or fly away behind him. He turned back around and saw a river otter walking along the ponds bank, he told the officer. The otter was approximately 3 years old, according to animal care and control. Scaglione started backing away from the animal, still facing it as it started to approach him, according to the report. I backed up along the fence but when I started to close the gate, it charged, immediately attacking my legs, the 74-year-old told WPTV. The otter continued to attack Scaglione for several minutes, according to the animal control report. It bit him on the arms and the legs, the report said. I started to push it away, and it started to bite my hands, he told WPTV. One of the bites I have is on my pinkie and it ripped the nail off the pinkie. [It] looks like the tooth went completely through my finger. After the otter attacked Scaglione, wildlife officials said it also attacked a neighbors dog, but the neighbor has not been identified. The dog was taken to a veterinarian, according to the report. The Jupiter Police Department was called and an officer was able to trap the otter under a recycling bin, according to the report. The officer then put two cinder blocks on top of the bin to trap the otter inside, the report said. The animal control officer lifted the bin and was able to capture the otter, the report said. The otter attacked the man for several minutes, according to an incident report. The otter was taken to the Florida Department of Health to be tested for rabies, according to a Sept. 25 news release from the department. To test for rabies, the animal must be euthanized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The otter tested positive for rabies, the health department said. Scaglione told WPTV he was receiving the necessary shot regimen for rabies exposure and would be seeing a hand surgeon to evaluate his injuries. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans if not treated. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment must be started as soon as possible after the exposure to protect an exposed person from the disease, the Florida Department of Health said in the release. Due to the nature of the disease, all residents in the area are encouraged to keep a safe distance from wildlife, including feral cats, as a precaution. The state Department of Health recommends keeping all pets up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, spaying a neutering all pets to prevent stray animals, avoiding wild animals and bringing any stray animal into your home and teaching children not to handle animals they are not familiar with. Jupiter is about 90 miles north of Miami. Hundreds of bats found infesting high school as classes begin, Utah officials say Rabid bobcat claws and bites woman on a walk with her friend, Arizona officials say 2-year-old bitten by rabid raccoon while trying to pet it, Georgia officials say Rabid fox wouldnt stop attacking woman so she bit it back, Virginia cops say Rachel Zegler originally declined the starring role in The Hunger Games prequel that is, until her boyfriend was cast, according to director Francis Lawrence. The 22-year-old West Side Story star leads the franchises forthcoming movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, as protagonist Lucy Gray. Zegler initially turned down the part as the thought of going from six months in London to go deeper into Europe into Poland for another six months of her life did not appeal to her, Lawrence told Entertainment Weekly in a new interview. At the time, the actor had been shooting the live-action adaptation of Snow White in London, where she was residing on her own due to the Covid quarantining protocols that were in place in 2022. The idea of spending additional time away from family and friends freaked her out, the director recalled. She went ghostly white. In an attempt to persuade her to accept the role, Lawrence said he promised to fly Zeglers boyfriend, fellow actor Josh Andres Rivera, out to visit her in Poland where The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes would be filming. Well bring your boyfriend out! Well bring your family out! We wont quarantine you, he recalled telling the actor who remained steadfast in her decision. Later that summer, however, Lawrence set out to cast the role of Sejanus Plinth, the young classmate and friend of Coriolanus Snow (the Games oppressive president played by Donald Sutherland in the original trilogy). Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ( 2022 Lionsgate) He eventually cast Rivera without knowing that he was Zeglers boyfriend. The couple began dating in February 2021 after starring opposite one another in Steven Spielbergs musical West Side Story. The filmmaker said he suspected that Zegler may change her mind about the role after learning that her boyfriend had been cast. I bet shes seen the light at the end of the tunnel, he recalled thinking. Her boyfriends going to be in Poland with us. I wonder if were going to get a call. Lawrence was proven right because Zegler soon called the director to accept the lead part she had originally declined. Zegler previously spoke about the instant regret she felt after turning down the role. I had just gotten to London and I wanted to disappear because I was so far away from home for the first time ever. And I was away from everybody that I knew and loved, and I said no, she recalled on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in June. I regretted it the minute I said it. Zegler, however, made no mention of Rivera when discussing reasons for her change of heart. She explained: I had another project lined up that fell through that got pushed into 2023 and I just kind of put my name back into the mix and I got it. Set 60 years before the events of the original trilogy, which was led by actor Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, the prequel will focus on the backstory of Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth) and his mentorship of Lucy Gray (Zegler). The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will be released in cinemas on 17 November. Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough voters will elect new mayors and multiple council and board members in the Nov. 7, 2023, general election. (Juli Leonard/jleonard@newsobserver.com) On Wednesday, state legislators will hear from members of the public in Raleigh about the redistricting process, in which new political maps will be drawn for the 2024 elections. The maps drawn this fall will help decide which candidates voters have to choose from next year, whether Republicans keep a supermajority in the legislature and possibly even who controls Congress at the national level. Redistricting has often been a fraught process in North Carolina, where courts have struck down maps several times over concerns of partisan gerrymandering in which legislators strategically draw districts to benefit their own party. With the process beginning again, here are some things to know about how redistricting works, its recent history in the state and opportunities to talk to lawmakers about it. How can I share my thoughts? Members of the public can attend the joint Redistricting and Elections committee meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday in room 643 of the Legislative Office Building, located at 300 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh. For those who cant attend in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the legislatures website. What is redistricting? Every 10 years, the state is required to draw new legislative and congressional maps in accordance with new data from the U.S. Census. The process is meant to ensure that the districts lawmakers run in adequately represent the population of the state. Although this is meant to be a relatively infrequent process, North Carolina has had new legislative maps every year but one since 2017, usually due to court cases regarding partisan gerrymandering. Whos in charge of making the maps? In North Carolina, the General Assembly has full control over the redistricting process. This is the case in most of the country, although some states have begun using independent commissions that limit participation from elected officials to draw maps. Courts also have the ability to strike down maps if they find they have unconstitutionally gerrymandered districts. Republican leaders in North Carolina recently argued in the U.S. Supreme Court that state legislatures should have full authority over redistricting without the potential for judicial review. The court did not agree with this theory. However, in a recent decision from the state Supreme Court, the Republican justices said that determining partisan gerrymandering was not within the courts purview. Didnt we just get new maps? Yes. After a contentious gerrymandering trial, in which the state Supreme Court found maps legislators drew in 2021 to be unconstitutional, a bipartisan group of experts were asked to design the congressional map for the 2022 elections. That map resulted in a 7-7 split between Democrats and Republicans in the states 2022 elections for the U.S. House. However, the court-ordered congressional map can only be used for one election cycle. Now, lawmakers will have to draw districts once again, but this time they may be less likely to face scrutiny from the states high court. After Republicans swept statewide judicial elections in 2022, the state Supreme Court reversed an earlier ruling striking down legislative maps and said the court did not have jurisdiction over claims of partisan gerrymandering. The ruling also decreed that the General Assembly could enact new legislative maps, rather than simply reverting to the maps that had been previously struck down. Will I be able to see how legislators draw the new maps? Under current law, most communications and drafting materials used in the redistricting process are confidential until new maps are approved. After the maps are put in place, most of the documentation that went into creating them becomes public record. That doesnt mean the public has gotten a full view. In a gerrymandering trial last year, GOP redistricting leader Rep. Destin Hall admitted that he had used secret reference maps during the redistricting process. When plaintiffs in the case asked to see these maps, they were told the maps no longer existed. Now there are new obstacles to access. Lawmakers slipped a provision into the new state budget, which is expected to become law next week, that repeals access to these records. Once the budget with the new provision goes into effect, it appears lawmakers will not be required to fulfill any public records requests concerning the creation of new maps. Over 50 groups, led by Common Cause NC, sent a letter to lawmakers on Monday expressing concern about the budget provision and demanding an open and transparent redistricting process. We urge you to make the promise of democracy real by leading a redistricting process that creates voting plans reflective of the actual demographics, values, interests, and needs of North Carolinians, the letter said. When will new maps be approved? Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters last week that he hoped to hold votes on redistricting by the week of Oct. 9. Capitol Bureau Chief Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan contributed to this report. Monster, Part 1: So you want to make a map... In the first episode of this special Under the Dome series, we explore the rules of redistricting the drawing of new electoral maps. Those rules often conflict, and that friction is a prime reason why North Carolina sits center stage during battles over gerrymandering. Monster, Part 2: What gerrymandering isn't In the second episode of this special Under the Dome series, we examine why defining gerrymandering is harder than it appears. Bizarre shapes dont always translate to political shenanigans. And some of our own choices about who we are and where we live complicate the picture. Monster, Part 3: Math on the front lines In the third episode, we dive deep into the mathematics that could be the key to quantifying and fighting gerrymandering. Some of that math dates back to secret U.S. atomic bomb labs. And although complex, its inner workings are built on some familiar ideas. Monster, Part 4: All eyes on Raleigh In the fourth episode of this special Under the Dome series, we unravel the politics of mapmaking today, the potential for reform and how the choices state legislators make will impact the legal fight over district lines for years. What remains do I have? Las Vegas woman who received ashes learns beloved dog was not cremated, body sitting in freezer LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A Las Vegas woman was startled to receive photos of her deceased dog months after she was sent what she believed were her beloved pets cremated remains. Natalie Smyers rescued Goobers and his sister, Tootsie, as a pair about five years ago. The two Yorkies quickly became a part of her family, she said. But after 15 years on Earth, Goobers crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Smyers found him deceased in his bed in late March, she said. She then called 1st Call Pet Cremation, a Las Vegas-based animal cremation service. They were here in my home to pick him up within an hour, she said, adding she paid $300 for the service. Natalie Smyers rescued Goobers and his sister, Tootsie, as a pair about five years ago. The two Yorkies quickly became a part of her family, she said. (KLAS) We will arrive directly to your home for a professional removal and transport to our crematory, the companys website says. Your pet will be returned to you in a standard urn with a clay paw print and a commemorative certificate. After months of delays, Smyers received a box, the paw print and the certificate in June, she said. Last Friday, the co-owner of an Arizona-based pet cremation business sent her a message on Facebook. That led to a disturbing discovery. After months of delays, Smyers received a box, the paw print and the certificate in June, she said. (KLAS) The gentleman told me to give him a call because he did not think I received the correct ashes, Smyers said. The man then sent her photos of Smyers name on a toe tag. He said Goobers, who was in his custody, who died in March, has not been cremated. He also sent me pictures of my deceased dog, dead in a bag and it is my dog, Smyers said. Smyers said she never thought to open the box until Monday. The box contained white-colored ashes. She does not know to whom they belong. Whose remains or what remains do I have? she said. Because I was just sent pictures of my dog deceased in a freezer. The photo of the bag with Goodbers remains sent to Natalie Smyers. (KLAS) But what about everybody that has gone through this process since March? Smyers said. If I received fake remains that means a lot of other people probably received fake remains and what remains do I actually have? The co-owner of the Arizona crematorium told the 8 News Now Investigators that he was contracted to provide crematory service from 1st Call Pet Cremation. He claimed the business had not paid him for months and that he was trying to find the owners of the pets in his possession to alert them. He estimated there were as many as 50 pets in his freezer awaiting cremation. Smyers said she planned to drive to Arizona to pick up Goobers and bring him to a Las Vegas veterinary clinic for cremation. On the phone Monday, A person from 1st Call Pet Cremation said he had heard from Smyers, but had not heard about the extent of the allegations. The companys website says it is Better Bureau Bureau accredited, though the business BBB profile had no rating and was being updated as of Monday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) says she will return 2022 campaign donations she received from Sen. Bob Menendez s (D-N.J.) political action committee. The congresswomans office told The Hill she will be returning $5,000 in contributions she received from the senators New Millennium PAC during her successful reelection run. The Congresswomans campaign is in the process of returning the donation, her office said. Watson Coleman joins a handful of Democratic senators who say they will donate campaign contributions from Menendez to charity. That group which included Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) as of midday Tuesday are all swing state senators facing reelection in the next year or two. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) also said Tuesday she would return $5,000 that Menendezs PAC donated to her 2022 reelection race to charity, per the New Jersey Globe. A number of New Jersey reps including Sherrill have joined a growing list of Democratic senators calling on Menendez to resign. Watson Coleman released a statement over the weekend calling the charges against the senator concerning, but stopping short of calling for him to step down. The charges against Senator Menendez are very concerning and deserve careful consideration when they are brought to court, Watson Coleman said. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. I pray for the Senator and hope he will make the right decision, one that is in the best interests of the State and all New Jerseyans. Prosecutors allege that Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to assist three New Jersey businessmen and interests in Egypt. The FBI found nearly $500,000 in cash and more than $100,000 in gold at Menendezs home in a raid last year, allegedly payment for the bribes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - Las Vegas police Lt. Jason Johansson speaks during a news conference about a series of hit-and run-crashes Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Las Vegas. Two teenagers made very brief initial appearances Thursday, Sept. 21, in adult court in Las Vegas where a prosecutor said they will face murder, attempted murder and other charges after allegedly capturing themselves on video intentionally crashing a stolen car into a bicyclist pedaling along the side of a road killing him. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil, File) LAS VEGAS (AP) A teenager accused of intentionally driving a stolen vehicle into a bicyclist in Las Vegas, killing him, told a police officer after his arrest that he expected he would be out of custody in 30 days because he was a juvenile. It's just ah ... hit-and-run, the teen said after the Aug. 14 crash, according to a police arrest report released Monday. "Slap on the wrist. The admission was recorded on the officer's body-worn camera, police said, after investigators located a stolen Hyundai allegedly used in the apparently intentional crash that killed bicyclist Andreas Andy Probst. Probst, 64, was a retired police chief from the Los Angeles-area city of Bell. The vehicle had major front-end damage and a broken windshield ... consistent with an automobile versus pedestrian collision, the police report said, and fresh blood on the windshield. The car was found abandoned with the engine running on a busy thoroughfare in northwest Las Vegas. Police said they later chased two people who ran from another wrecked car and arrested one of them, the alleged driver, who was 17 at the time. He is now 18. He was later identified by a witness as the person who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck Probst, according to the report. His alleged 16-year-old accomplice was arrested Sept. 19 after cellphone video he allegedly shot of the vehicle striking Probst became public. Police said they seized that teenager's cellphone and located the saved video of the crash. Both teens appeared separately in courts Tuesday as adults on charges including murder, attempted murder and battery with a deadly weapon. Judges told them they will remain jailed without bail pending preliminary hearings of evidence. David Westbrook, a public defender representing the older defendant, and Dan Hill, newly hired attorney for the 16-year-old, each declined to comment about the case outside court. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson told reporters that prosecutors will seek to consolidate the cases for trial. He would not say if the case would be presented to a grand jury. Indictments against the teens would make preliminary hearings moot. Under Nevada law, the teens cannot face the death penalty. If they are convicted in adult court of murder committed before they were 18, the most severe sentence they can receive is 20 years to life in state prison. Police and prosecutors said the teenagers initially struck a 72-year-old bicyclist with a stolen Kia Soul and drove away. They later allegedly crashed a black Hyundai into a Toyota Corolla and again drove away before striking Probst. The bicyclist in the first incident suffered a knee injury but was not hospitalized, police said. The video, shot from the front passenger seat, recorded the teens talking and laughing as the stolen Hyundai steers toward Probst and hits his bicycle from behind. Probst's body slams onto the hood and windshield. A final image shows the bicyclist on the ground next to the curb. Police announced on Aug. 29 that they became aware of the video circulating at a high school and were searching for the person who recorded it. In the days after the video emerged, the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper and a reporter who covered Probst's death endured vicious attacks online for a story in which the reporter interviewed the retired chief's family. The original headline: Retired police chief killed in bike crash remembered for laugh, love of coffee. Review-Journal Editor Glenn Cook said Tuesday that what he had characterized as a firehose of hatred based on claims that before the video surfaced the newspaper downplayed the killing of a retired law enforcement official has since dissipated. I think the mob has moved on, Cook said. Wednesdays Republican presidential debate will occur in the shadow of former President Ronald Reagan making the setting a vivid reminder of how todays Republicans have in a lot of ways abandoned his legacy. Reagan, president from 1981 to 1989, redefined not only the mission of his party, but the mission of the federal government. Taxes were cut dramatically. The military was strengthened. The president talked tough and won the Cold War. The role of government as an economic safety net began to erode. Social issues such as abortion rights became prominent federal issues. Today, former President Donald Trump , the current 2024 GOP front runner, and his no-compromise allies dominate the party as they promote limited government and social issues. Trump is skipping Wednesdays debate. The debate, which is expected to feature six other candidates, will be moderated by Fox News Medias Stuart Varney and Dana Perino and Univisions Ilia Calderon. The debate will be held at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The two-hour debate will begin at 6 P.M. PDT. Trumps style is hardly the Reagan style. Reagan was a seasoned politician when he took office. He had been active in conservative politics since the late 1940s and governor of California for eight years. He understood that political success meant giving the opposition something and settling for 80% of what he sought. He would explain that were not going to get everyone to agree with what were saying, said Sal Russo, a veteran Sacramento-based GOP strategist and aide to Reagan as governor. Russo recalled Reagan would explain You have to win. Youve got to pick your issues and not pursue issues doomed to failure. Youve got to stay with things we can get done. The fading spirit Today, bitterly divided congressional Republicans are struggling to keep the government funded past Sept. 30 and grapple with abortion policy, issues that are tying up the House and Senate. Fading is the 80% rule. Fading is the legacy of Reagans tough stand against Russia. He was a fierce anti-Communist, famous for telling Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 to tear down this wall that divided East and West Germany and for pushing a huge defense buildup. Two years later, the wall did come down as the Soviet Union collapsed. Today, the party is split on whether to continue or limit U.S. aid to Ukraine. Trump also said Congress should not approve any aid until federal agencies turn over evidence on President Joe Bidens familys business affairs. Thats not very Reaganesque. Reagan was tough on Russia, won the Cold War and defined Republican foreign policy for a generation, said GOP strategist Alex Conant. Now youre seeing Trump and some populists in the house retreat from that. Other cracks in the Reagan legacy are all over Washington. In the House, the intra-party dispute over how severely to cut spending threatens to shut down much of the government Oct. 1, when funding for many agencies runs out. In the Senate, Republicans are divided about the months-long campaign by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., to hold up hundreds of military promotions until the Pentagon changes its abortion policy. In all these battles, many Republicans are willing to fire away publicly at other Republicans, a clear violation of Reagans 11th commandment. He first used it in his 1966 campaign for governor: Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.. Trump has long been willing to blast GOP colleagues who disagree. Lately, members of Congress are doing the same, a practice largely unheard of among members of the same party. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., for instance, last week issued a statement calling Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, a worthless speaker. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who threatened to try to oust McCarthy, tweeted the speaker deserves all the criticism and more. The tax cut legacy lives Theres no question, though, that one Reagan priority continues to dominate Republican thought: Tax cuts. The Republican Party is the party of not raising your taxes, said Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform. His group began asking politicians to sign a no-tax pledge during the 1986 election campaign, and those who did not found themselves bitterly criticized by his influential group. Nordquist said Reagan set the no-tax standard and its been adopted by many Republican-dominated states. One of Reagans top priorities after being elected in 1980 was to successfully push a 25%, three-year tax cut that dramatically cut income tax rates. The cuts, though, were followed by a deep recession and record federal deficits, and in 1982, Congress passed and Reagan signed a tax increase. He said at the time it was largely closing tax loopholes. Reagan regretted that increase, said Craig Shirley, author of several books about Reagan. He felt he was sold a bill of goods, he said, a promise that for every dollar raised, three dollars would be cut from spending. Experts have disagreed on whether the cuts were achieved. The idea of cutting taxes became an immovable pillar of Republican Party philosophy. When George W. Bush and later Trump became president, one of their first years top priorities was a huge tax cut. Today, despite ballooning federal deficits, Congress is unable to increase any taxes thanks to solid GOP opposition. Reagan remembered Remember, said Shirley, Reagan was the leader of the conservative movement. The Reagan legacy is not about Reagan. Its about ideas, he said. Those ideas are still alive and well inside the Republican party. . But there are new wrinkles. Politics today is more personal. California Gov. Ronald Reagan sorts through some of the approximately 100,000 letters he received after taking office in January 1967. He is assisted by his personal secretary Kathrine Davis. I think there is still a Reagan legacy in the Republican party, but the shadow of Trump is muting that legacy somewhat, said Christian Grose, academic director of the University of Southern California Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy. Theres also less willingness to find the common ground crucial to Reagans successes. Thanks to television and social media, constituents now are more familiar with their Washington representatives and the lawmakers, in turn, seem less eager to warm to their opponents. Reagan had spent much of his adult life developing his views, and had a deep bench of conservative intellectuals eager to help. While that infrastructure remains, todays politics is too often reactive, said Shirley, more smitten with media celebrities. Wednesday, Republican presidential candidates not Trump, whos skipping the debate as he sits on a huge lead in polls will debate literally in Reagans shadow. (Hes buried on the library grounds). They may invoke Reagan, say the experts, but those who remember the former president are unlikely to be reminded of him. Its a different era, said North Carolina-based GOP consultant Carter Wrenn. (Bloomberg) -- Moderate Republicans are working with Democrats on a rarely used procedure to shorten a near-certain US government shutdown and protect themselves from the anticipated political backlash from a federal funding lapse. Most Read from Bloomberg The plan puts these vulnerable Republicans, including several from Democratic-friendly districts in New York, firmly at odds with hardliners in their own party. It could, however, limit a disruptive shutdown that threatens to stretch for a month or more to a little more than a week. The ploy would deal a new blow to Speaker Kevin McCarthy , to whom these moderates have been loyal. The speaker already maintains tenuous control over the Houses fractious Republican majority, and using a maneuver to work around him weakens his leverage to extract concessions from Democrats. Known as a discharge petition, the procedure was adopted by the House in 1910 as a check on the speakers power and would force a vote on a bill without his approval. Discharge petitions have been successfully deployed just twice this century. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators is nearing a deal on plan that would fund the government for 45 days, people familiar with the talks said. McCarthy would face a tough choice on whether to hold a vote on such a measure since House conservatives have vowed to oust him if he does. The discharge petition could be used to bring the Senate bill to a vote. The House, which returns on Tuesday after a weekend break extended to mark Yom Kippur, has just five days before the shutdown deadline. Given their narrow majority, only five Republicans must join with Democrats to bring it about. Thirty-two Republicans have already signed onto a bipartisan bill to fund the government through Jan. 11 and provide military aid to Ukraine. Representatives Mike Lawler and Marc Molinaro, both New York Republicans who represent areas Democrat Joe Biden carried in the last presidential election, already have publicly threatened to join Democrats in such a petition, and other GOP moderates are ready to do so. Many of us are not in a position to support shutting the government down, Molinaro told reporters last week, as he sought to leverage the threat of a discharge petition to get conservatives to back a stopgap spending bill that included GOP border security demands. Veteran New York political consultant Tom Doherty, a top aide to former three-term GOP Governor George Pataki, said its smart for Lawler and Molinaro to support the maneuver. Going outside the norm and shutting down the government doesnt play well in those those districts, Doherty said. The discharge petition can be used to force a vote on that within nine legislative days when Congress is actually in session. A discharge petition was last used to force a vote on a reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank over conservative objections in 2015. The rare maneuver was also deployed in 2002 to get a vote on campaign-finance legislation opposed by House Republican leaders. McCarthy would be under heavy pressure from ultraconservatives to block a vote on reopening the government. Hardliners have privately threatened to oust him if temporary funding is approved through a discharge petition, a House GOP leadership official said. Yet some of the tools to block a discharge petition would be politically risky. Read More: Last Major Rater With US at Top Grade Warns on Shutdown Risk Russ Vought, a former Donald Trump budget director who is advising hardliners, said in a social-media post that McCarthy could keep the House in recess to prevent the magic nine legislative days from being reached. But a break for lawmakers would be hard to defend while federal employees go without pay and government services are disrupted. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, one of the Republican hardliners, threatened to travel to the district of any New York Republican who signs a discharge petition to campaign against them in their primaries. But Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion in Poughkeepsie, said Gaetzs threat isnt likely deter moderates such as the lawmakers in New York, where he doubts any far-right Republican primary challenge would succeed. Republicans need these seats to keep the majority, and it would be more difficult for the party to keep them with less centrist-minded candidates, Miringoff said. More valuable to the incumbents is the bit of cover a discharge petition provides against blame for the shutdown. --With assistance from Laura Litvan. (Updates with details from Senate negotiations in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, one of the most MAGA of MAGA Republicans, went on an outrageous and homophobic rant against Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in his newsletter, calling Milley sodomy-promoting and a traitor, and even urging his execution. "In a better society, quislings like the strange sodomy-promoting General Milley would be hung," Gosar wrote. Gosar was writing about former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sunds testimony before Congress last week in which Sund said there was an intelligence failure in the response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and that the Department of Defense initially turned down requests to send in the National Guard because there was concern about the optics of a military presence at the Capitol. In the newsletter, which was published on Gosars congressional website, Gosar used Sunds testimony to blame the response on U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who was then speaker of the House, and Milley. After the riot was in full swing, the Chiefs request for National Guard was finally approved, Gosar wrote. But even after approval was given, General Milley, the homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist Chairman of the military joint chiefs, delayed. Of course, we now know that the deviant Milley was coordinating with Nancy Pelosi to hurt President Trump, and treasonously working behind Trumps back. In a better society, quislings like the strange sodomy-promoting General Milley would be hung. He had one boss: President Trump, and instead he was secretly meeting with Pelosi and coordinating with her to hurt Trump. That is, when he wasnt also secretly coordinating and sharing intelligence with the Chinese military. How this traitor remains in office is a question we need answered. Milley, Joint Chiefs chairman since 2019, is scheduled to retire at the end of this month. He has been largely supportive of LGBTQ+ troops. Far-right politicians and commentators, including Gosar, have often claimed the January 6 insurrection was a setup by anti-Trump forces to make Trump look bad. The riot temporarily interrupted the joint session of the U.S. House and Senate to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, with Joe Biden prevailing over Trump. But Gosar has spun other narratives about the events of January 6 that conflict with that version. He has called the participants peaceful patriots and claimed that Ashli Babbitt, a rioter who was fatally shot by Capitol Police, was executed. At other times, he has seemed to take credit for the insurrection; last year he told a Republican club in Arizona, I started the revolution. He has supported Trumps lies that the presidential election was stolen. He had promoted Trumps Stop the Steal rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol. An organizer of the insurrection has said Gosar assured leaders of the action that they would be pardoned by Trump. Its also been reported that Gosar sought a preemptive pardon for his role in the January 6 events while Trump was still president, but it was denied. Gosars comment about China apparently referred to calls Milley made to Chinese military leaders late in Trumps presidency to assure them that Trump was not going to attack the country with nuclear weapons, as had been rumored. Defense Department officials said the calls were routine and in keeping with efforts to ease tensions between the U.S. and China, while Trump and some other Republicans called them a treasonous communication with a hostile nation, warning it of upcoming military action. Trump also condemned the calls more recently and likewise called for Milleys execution, posting Friday on his Truth Social platform that in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, who once commanded U.S. forces in Europe, told CNNs Jim Acosta that Gosars rant was sexist, racist, vile, and it just shows the extent to which these kinds of things have become commonplace and not condemned in our divided country. Hertling denounced Trumps Truth Social post as well and said that Trump and Gosar misunderstand the duties of the Joint Chiefs chairman, who advises other military leaders rather than directly commanding troops. Throwing the blame on him for all sorts of things that have occurred in government just seems to be malicious and certainly vile, and it shows just how deeply disturbed both of these individuals are and how they are disconnected from the role of government officials, Hertling told Acosta, adding, To threaten to either hang or to shoot them for being a traitor is just bizarre and somewhat ridiculous and a little bit sick. Gosar has frequently made other bigoted comments racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ+ and, as Hertling noted, has posted images of himself killing liberal Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and attacking Biden. Even Gosars siblings have denounced him for various actions, including his role in the January 6 riot. There is no one member of Congress more responsible for the attack on the Capitol than Congressman Paul Gosar, his sister Jennifer Gosar said in an ad in 2021. The Department of Defense, contacted by The Advocate, had no comment on Gosar's attack on Milley. Both House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) warned their colleagues last week that a government shutdown would end badly for Republicans. But two recent sets of polling data show that may not necessarily be the case this time or at least that the effects wouldnt be limited to Republicans if, as many expect, the government closes up shop after Saturday for lack of funding. The numbers are surprising in part because they come from two polling organizations active in progressive politics, Navigator Research and Data for Progress. In Navigators national survey of 1,000 registered voters, conducted between Sept. 7 and Sept. 11, 27% said they would split the blame equally between Republicans on the one hand and President Joe Biden and the Democrats on the other in the event of a shutdown. Perhaps more worrisome for Democrats, 34% of the people in Navigators poll said they would actually blame Biden and Democrats the most, slightly more than the 32% who said they would blame Republicans the most. Doors at the IRS in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle were locked and covered with blinds during a partial government shutdown in January 2019. Doors at the IRS in the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle were locked and covered with blinds during a partial government shutdown in January 2019. Independents by a large margin said they would assign the blame equally, with 43% agreeing with that statement. They would also be more likely to blame Democrats than Republicans, 26% to 18%. If that held true in the event the government is not funded starting Oct. 1, it would be a change historically, at least the way McConnell has framed it. I think all of you know Im not a fan of government shutdowns. Ive seen a few of them over the years, he said at his weekly news conference with reporters last week. They never have produced a policy change, and theyve always been a loser for Republicans politically, McConnell said. McCarthy said last week that a shutdown would mean U.S. troops would go unpaid. How do you have more leverage in that situation? he said. Ive watched shutdown after shutdown. Everybody loses. History is on the Democrats side. Two of the longer shutdowns in the last 30 years, the 1995-1996 one and the 2013 one, both ended with most of the blame accruing to Republicans. And in 2019, pollsters found that then-President Donald Trump was most likely to be blamed for that years shutdown, the longest ever at 34 days. I think all of you know Im not a fan of government shutdowns. Ive seen a few of them over the years.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) In the Data for Progress survey, which polled 1,209 likely voters between Sept. 1 and Sept. 4, 40% of respondents said theyd blame Democrats and Republicans equally. In that survey, however, Republicans were slightly more likely to be blamed than Democrats, 29% to 25%. Similarly to the Navigator poll, Data for Progress found that 53% of independent voters would put the blame on both parties. There is some precedent for thinking a shutdown wouldnt backfire politically on Republicans. The best example was in 2013, when House Republicans, prodded by some hard-line senators like Ted Cruz (R-Texas), tried to establish a link between keeping the government open and rolling back Obamacare. That standoff lasted 17 days, and resulted in no changes to Barack Obamas signature health care law. It ended when Republicans blinked and agreed to a bipartisan process to find some cuts elsewhere in the budget. Some GOP senators grumbled about the shutdown at the time, saying it had no chance of succeeding and would endanger their chances to win control of the Senate in 2014. But the GOP ended up with 54 Senate seats after the midterms, despite being blamed for the shutdown the year before. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) speaks to reporters in the Capitol building Thursday. Gaetz was one of a handful of Republicans holding up House GOP leaders' plans to hold votes on a defense funding bill. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) speaks to reporters in the Capitol building Thursday. Gaetz was one of a handful of Republicans holding up House GOP leaders' plans to hold votes on a defense funding bill. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), one of McCarthys sharpest critics and an opponent of a temporary bill to keep the government open, told reporters last week that a shutdown would not necessarily be a big deal. I think it would be a shutdown we could endure. We would have to own it. We would have to hold accountable the leaders who brought it, he said. And Trump called for a shutdown on Sunday, telling Republicans on his social media site: UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN! The Republicans lost big on Debt Ceiling, got NOTHING, and now are worried that they will be BLAMED for the Budget Shutdown. Wrong!!! the former president wrote. Whoever is President will be blamed, in this case, Crooked (as Hell!) Joe Biden! The data suggests Republican voters are less likely than voters overall to believe that a shutdown would have a major impact on the economy, and less likely to worry about its impact on federal workers or contractors. The Navigator survey found that only 40% of Republicans think a shutdown would hurt the economy a lot, compared to 45% overall for all respondents and 51% for Democrats. Data for Progress found that 63% of those surveyed would be very or somewhat concerned that a shutdown would mean government workers would be furloughed and unable to work, even though they would receive back pay when the shutdown ended. Among Republicans, that figure was only 51%. Similarly, for contractors, who would not get back pay after a shutdown, 71% of people polled overall said they would be concerned, versus 61% for Republicans. Furloughed Environmental Protection Agency worker Jeff Herrema holds a sign outside the offices of Sen. Mitch McConnell in Park Hills, Kentucky, during a government shutdown in January 2019. Furloughed Environmental Protection Agency worker Jeff Herrema holds a sign outside the offices of Sen. Mitch McConnell in Park Hills, Kentucky, during a government shutdown in January 2019. The Data for Progress and Navigator numbers suggest Republicans might have started off on an even footing in the blame game. But those polls were conducted weeks ago, and theres no guarantee thats still the case now, after the GOP Houses high-profile failures to pass spending bills or that it will be the case once the public starts focusing on the issue. Democrats have no intention of missing a chance to capitalize on a shutdown. The fact is theres only one group actively cheerleading for a government shutdown: extreme [Make America Great Again] Republicans, Viet Shelton, spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told HuffPost in an email. Should we find ourselves in one, the DCCC will make sure voters know that the pain and loss of services they experience was entirely avoidable, but House Republicans opted to kowtow to the demands of Donald Trump and [Rep.] Marjorie Taylor Greene [R-Ga.] instead of helping the middle class, Shelton wrote. Related... WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Congressional Republicans held a remote hearing on crime in the United States Tuesday in Chicago where they placed blame on policies created by Democrats. During the hearing, those in attendance heard from Gianno Caldwell, a Fox News political analyst whose younger brother, Christian, was shot and killed last year in Chicago. Christian will never have the opportunity to go to college, Caldwell said. Shot down in the street by a stranger when a group of men stepped out of a black SUV and fired into a crowd. He alongside former police officers claimed that Democrats policies on crime have only added fuel to the fire. One officer who spoke, Carlos Yanez, retired after he was wounded in a 2021 shooting. Yanez was especially critical of Illinois decision to end cash bail and the city of Chicagos decision to restrict foot chases for law enforcement. Stop coddling criminals and hold them accountable, Yanez said. Among the congressional leaders at the hearing, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) led the discussions. Innocent people in Chicago are victimized by a justice system that cares more about political correctness than punishing the criminals, he said. No Democrats were present at the hearing but several did make comments on them. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) said that Republicans have no business being in Chicago as the country heads toward a government shutdown. Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin also accused Republicans of using law enforcement as political pawns on social media. Last week, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that the city is working with the White House to help tackle the root causes of gun violence. Mental health is a big deal for everyone we also have to make sure that were investing in people and were investing in our economy, Johnson said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Republicans should come to the defense of Hunter Biden . No, Im not suggesting that the younger Biden hasnt committed crimes for which he should be held accountable. When it comes to the gun charge against him, Republicans must decide if theyre more interested in prosecuting Biden than protecting the Second Amendment. The third count against Biden in the recent Department of Justice indictment accuses Biden of possessing a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver while being a drug addict. The specific law in question is 18 USC 922 which applies to Biden as an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance. The crime carries up to 10 years in prison. The Department of Justice hasnt alleged that Biden committed any other crime with his revolver. Bidens drug use and addiction have been widely documented. In 2022, the Supreme Court struck down a century-old New York law requiring gun owners to show proper cause to carry a firearm outside the home. Justice Clarence Thomass majority opinion applied a new standard for lower courts reviewing government regulation of firearms. To survive a constitutional challenge, gun laws must be consistent with this nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns. Will we now go after gun owners who use marijuana? While states can fairly easily demonstrate a tradition of prohibiting firearm use by intoxicated or drug addled Americans, we havent historically limited the right of sober individuals to own firearms. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden arrives for a court appearance, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Wilmington, Del. Think of another example outside of the Biden case. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law. Many Americans use cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. Under federal law, an addict is any individual who habitually uses any narcotic drug so as to endanger the public morals, health, safety, or welfare, or who is so far addicted to the use of narcotic drugs as to have lost the power of self-control with reference to his addiction. If someone regularly uses cannabis in a manner which endangers public morals, now that person is considered an addict. Sounds nice and vague. Even if cannabis users arent considered addicts according to the federal law, they are likely unlawful users. If any one of them possess a firearm, theyre liable for the same charge leveled against Biden. Youll forgive me if I take little solace in a prosecutors discretion not to apply 18 USC 922 too broadly. Sign up for Black Tennessee Voices newsletter:Read compelling columns by Black writers from across Tennessee. Heres how Tennessee law might treat Hunter Biden What were the other two counts the DOJ levied against Biden in Delaware? He allegedly lied twice about his drug use on Form 4473 in purchasing his revolver. Put Bidens exact conduct in the context of Tennessee law. Even in such an extremely conservative state, Biden might be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if prosecutors could prove he possess[ed] a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance. To clarify, thats a potential sentencing difference of almost a decade in prison. Tennessees law is narrowly tailored to address firearm possession while in an altered mental state. As such, it probably passes constitutional muster. Sign up for Latino Tennessee Voices newsletter:Read compelling stories for and with the Latino community in Tennessee. Defending the Constitution is more important than scoring political points Imagine for a moment that Biden was in recovery from addiction, hadnt used drugs for a week, and then purchased the revolver in question. Lets also say he managed to stay sober after the purchase. When did he stop being an addict? Again, were left to trust a prosecutor not to abuse the charge. End this political epidemic: Politicians can't ignore the Constitution when declaring public health emergencies Those of us who support the Second Amendment arent credible if we ignore the Constitution when it applies to our political opponents. The gun possession charge against Biden is unconstitutionally vague, not narrowly tailored to achieve its purpose, and likely runs afoul of the Supreme Courts most recent ruling on gun ownership. As such, the other two counts should fall because theyre merely asking Biden to affirm his compliance with an unconstitutional gun law. Republicans shouldnt hesitate for a minute to defend Biden on the gun possession charge. The DOJ and state law enforcement must hold Biden accountable for crimes he commits, but defending the Constitution is immeasurably more important than our immediate political gratification. In throwing the book at Biden, Republicans might be shooting themselves in the foot. Cameron Smith, columnist for The Tennessean and the USA TODAY Network Tennessee USA TODAY Network Tennessee Columnist Cameron Smith is a Memphis-born, Brentwood-raised recovering political attorney who worked for conservative Republicans. He and his wife Justine are raising three boys in Nolensville, Tennessee. Direct outrage or agreement to smith.david.cameron@gmail.com or @DCameronSmith on X, formerly know as Twitter. Agree or disagree? Send a letter to the editor to letters@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: GOP must choose: Prosecute Hunter Biden or protect 2nd Amendment The News Senate and House Republicans called Tuesday for an investigation into an Iranian-backed influence operation, called the Iran Experts Initiative, which sought to build relationships with overseas academics and researchers in the West beginning in 2014 and involved close associates of Robert Malley, the Biden administrations suspended special envoy on Iran. One of those people is now a senior Pentagon official. Details of the IEI were first revealed Tuesday by Semafor and Iran International, citing hundreds of leaked Iranian Foreign Ministry emails going back a decade. Other organizations whose staff were named in the emails as being part of the IEI describe it instead as an informal network of researchers and academics that was not overseen by Iran and that was funded by a European government and institutions, which they declined to name. The Republican chairmen of the House Armed Services Committee and House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations jointly wrote Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Tuesday, in response to the report, and requested a review of the security clearance approved for Ariane Tabatabai, the Pentagon official described in the Iranian documents as being part of the IEI. Tabatabai is a leading academic on Iran and brought into the Biden administration by Malley in 2021 to be part of his nuclear negotiating team with Tehran. Was the Department aware of Ms. Tabatabais participation in Iranian government-sponsored influence networks, such as the Iran Experts Initiative? Reps. Mike Rogers and Jack Bergman wrote. They requested the Pentagon answer this question, and six others, by next Tuesday. Sen. Ted Cruz, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, demanded the administration suspend the security clearances of any U.S. official tied to the IEI. He also called on the White House to refrain from resuming nuclear negotiations with Tehran, given the information about the IEI initiative. Americans have rightly been asking why the Biden administration is so friendly with the Iranian regime, and why Biden administration officials have so single-mindedly enabled Iranian nuclear progress and terrorism, Cruz wrote. These reports and emails suggest a vast Iranian influence operation that goes to the very top of the administration. The messages cited in Semafors story about the IEI covered a period in the mid-2010s when the Obama administration and Iran under the more moderate President Hassan Rouhani were negotiating to constrain Tehrans nuclear program; its unclear if the IEI, which was set up by Rouhanis Foreign Ministry, continues to function since the 2021 election of Ebrahim Raisi, whos been sanctioned by the U.S. for human rights abuses. Malley had his security clearance revoked last April, and the State Department suspended him without pay from his special envoy role in June. Semafor was the first to report that the FBI is investigating Malleys handling of classified documents. Room for Disagreement The State Departments spokesman, Matthew Miller, said that he couldnt speak to the underlying details of the IEI program, which he stressed began almost a decade ago. But he defended Tabatabais hiring by the State Department and said shed gone through an extensive vetting to get her security clearance. [Tabatabai] has written critically of Iran on a number of occasions before joining the government and underwent a thorough background investigation to obtain a security clearance before joining the State Department, Miller told a press briefing. Miller declined to say whether the investigation into Malley is tied to the IEI initiative. I am reluctant to say anything at all about the investigation, he said. Ali Vaez, a close aide to Malley and named as a participant in the IEI, challenged on Tuesday the perception that Irans Foreign Ministry oversaw the initiative. He said the messages reflected internal Iranian communications seeking to hype their influence over Western capitals. The Iranian correspondence on the IEI is a one-sided and self-congratulatory load of nonsense, he said in a long thread on X, formerly called Twitter. They either did not know, or were spinning beyond recognition, an initiative by European think-tankers, with support by a major European govt, to hold occasional policy discussions. Vaez said that he shared a draft of one of his opinion pieces with Iranian officials before publication, as a courtesy. He said, in reality, Tehran had accused him of being too harsh to their position. The piece criticized both sides position in a balanced way and was published with no substantive changes, he wrote. Semafor reached out to Vaez months before publication, but he didnt respond. The International Crisis Group, his employer, responded in his place, and offered similar perceptions of the IEI. ICG also noted that all the work its staff publish is vetted and agreed-upon in-house; they dispute that any government could direct a member of their team to take a position at odds with the organizations official view. Republicans will kick off their first impeachment hearing Thursday with a trio of witnesses, asking a forensic accountant, former Justice Department tax attorney, and conservative legal scholar Jonathan Turley to weigh in on the business dealings of the Biden family. Led by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, the hearing is titled The Basis for an Impeachment Inquiry of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and comes after Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) told reporters last week the hearing is not expected to cover new ground. Comer has alleged President Biden accepted a bribe as part of his dealings in Ukraine as vice president, but the GOP has yet to find a smoking gun to back those claims. Biden has denied any wrongdoing. Republicans have claimed that then-Vice President Biden accepted a $5 million bribe in exchange for helping oust Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin over an investigation into Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company where Bidens son, Hunter Biden, was a board member. That claim is based on an unverified tip to the FBI that the bureau was unable to corroborate, with a confidential source relaying a conversation with Burismas owner saying he paid both Bidens. The selection of two of the three witnesses suggests the panel plans to go deep in reviewing Hunter Bidens business dealings. Bruce Dubinsky is a longtime forensic accountant who has previously weighed in on Hunter Bidens business finances for Fox News. His LinkedIn account notes he is also a media contributor and he has weighed in on other major tax cases, including reporting around former President Trumps taxes. Eileen OConnor is a former assistant attorney general of the tax division at the Department of Justice who served in the George W. Bush administration and was also a member of the Trump transition team. She penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled Youd Go to Prison for What Hunter Biden Did. Her LinkedIn shows her reposting videos critiquing responses to climate change, with another post from her warning the Biden administration is enabling the invasion at the border. Turley is a law professor at George Washington University and a regular conservative commentator. Republicans also called him as a witness at the first meeting of the subcommittee formed by the GOP to review purported weaponization of the federal government. This week, the House Oversight Committee will present evidence uncovered to date and hear from legal and financial experts about crimes the Bidens may have committed as they brought in millions at the expense of U.S. interests, Comer said in a statement Monday. The White House on Monday sought to draw attention to the pending government shutdown, including infighting among House Republicans over how to fund the government. While Comer and Jordan are focused on baseless political stunts to get themselves attention on Fox News, 300,000 of people at risk in Kentucky and Ohioincluding vulnerable infantscould lose access to the food assistance they need because of extreme House Republicans shutdown plan, Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations, said in a statement, accusing Republicans of posing for the cameras to attack President Biden with debunked smears its D.C. politics at its worst. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Paper drinking straws those sometimes-soggy but mostly plant-based utensils may be more likely to contain forever chemicals than straws made of other materials, according to recent research. The findings call into question paper straws advantages as healthy and eco-friendly alternatives. For now, researchers suggest that the best alternative may be metal straws or strawless sipping, since plastic, bamboo, and glass straws were all found to contain PFAS poly- or perfluoroalkyl substances. We did not detect any PFAS in stainless steel straws, Groffen explained, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw or just avoid using straws at all. What suggests that paper straws are worse for you than other straws? The recent study found that 18 out of 20 (90%) of paper straw brands that were tested contained PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. These chemicals earned their nickname because they linger in our bodies and the environment. Manufacturers have included PFAS in many products due to useful properties like water resistance, and these chemicals are found throughout the world. The study tested straws made of various materials and found that paper brands had the highest PFAS proportion. Researchers also detected PFAS in 4 of 5 (80%) of the bamboo, 3 of 4 (75%) of the plastic, and 2 of 5 (40%) of the glass brands they tested. They found no PFAS in five steel straw brands. Overall, 27 of 39 brands of all straws that were tested (69%) were found to contain PFAS of 18 different varieties. The scientists published their findings in August in the journal Food Additives and Contaminants. The research, conducted in Belgium, echoed a U.S. study published in 2021. That study found PFAS in 36 of 38 brands of plant-based straws. Why should you care about forever chemicals in paper straws? Scientists have linked certain PFAS to a slew of health issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These include heightened risks of cancer, effects on fertility, and increased obesity risk, among other hazards. One concern with paper straws is that, based on most brands having PFAS, researchers said manufacturers may be using the chemicals for water-resistant coatings. They also said the PFAS levels they found were low but can build over time. Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body, Thimo Groffen, a study co-author, said in a statement. Which straws should we grasp to be sustainable? Although the discussion is complicated, the findings appear to dampen claims of paper straws being environmentally superior to plastic ones. Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic, Groffen said. The presence of PFAS in these straws means thats not necessarily true. All straws have trade-offs in terms of resources used to create them, planet-heating gases released over their lifetimes, recyclability, and long-term impacts of pollution, as another study posted by the EPA explored. Considering Americans use 170 million or more straws daily, the issue wont go away soon, and theres value in developing options like PFAS-free brands and fully biodegradable straws that dont get soggy. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. In temporarily occupied Sevastopol, visitors to the Palace of Culture have not been allowed to enter the nearby shelter during the air-raid warning. Source: Crimea Realii (web portal, a project by Radio Liberty), local Telegram channels Details: Baza Telegram channel published a video, in which a man, who introduced himself as a fire safety employee, did not allow visitors to the Fisherman's Palace of Culture to use the shelter in the building because "it is intended only for employees." It is indicated that the event took place on the evening of 25 September. Among the visitors were women and children. "You have these [shelters] in your houses," he said. Later, Mykhailo Razvozhaiev, the Kremlin proxy and the so-called "head" of Sevastopol, called this situation "extreme idiocy or deliberate mischief" and said that he would "deal with it harshly." Background: After the missile attack on Sevastopol, the local public began to complain en masse about the lack of access to shelters and the poor audibility of sirens in some areas of the city. After that, Razvozhaiev admitted that the shelters in the city were not ready for the "reality" of war. Earlier, the Russian authorities of Sevastopol introduced three types of air-raid warnings for local residents. 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 retired Marine missed the Powerball jackpot by one number but the prize he won still left him in shock. Im numb, William Malashevich told the Virginia Lottery in a Sept. 22 news release. Malashevich scored a $150,000 prize after he tried his luck on the Powerball game. He was at a GoMart convenience store in Wytheville when he bought an Easy Pick ticket, meaning a lottery machine randomly chose the numbers for him. When Malashevich checked how the ticket fared, he was in awe. The ticket matched five of the six numbers that were picked in the Sept. 6 drawing. I hit them all but one, Malashevich said. Malashevich paid $3 for a Power Play ticket, so what would normally be a $50,000 prize tripled during the drawing. Even though he got richer, he missed out on the drawings estimated jackpot prize of $463 million. The lottery in its news release didnt say how much money Malashevich kept after taxes. Hes from Wytheville, roughly 75 miles southwest of Roanoke. Malashevich, who enjoys playing Powerball when the jackpot prize grows, isnt the only veteran to bask in a lottery win. In North Carolina, another retired Marine planned to pay it forward after scoring her own windfall, McClatchy News reported in 2021. Man cleaning out truck stumbles upon lottery tickets. One held a huge surprise Lottery player scratches Virginia ticket then starts jumping and hollering By Felix Light KORNIDZOR, Armenia (Reuters) - Vera Petrosyan, a 70-year-old retired teacher, said she and her family fled their home in Nagorno-Karabakh with just the clothes they were wearing and does not believe she will ever be able to return after Azerbaijani forces seized the region last week. "I left everything behind. I don't know what is in store for me. I have nothing. I don't want anything," she told Reuters on Tuesday at the large Soviet-era hotel on the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan that is now her home. "We can live in tents, just let the children have their lives," said Petrosyan, a widow with two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. "I would not want anybody to see what I have seen," she added, reflecting on the shootings, the hunger, turmoil and suffering she witnessed before escaping to Armenia. Petrosyan is one of around 120,000 ethnic Armenians whose world has been turned upside down since Azerbaijan launched a lightning offensive to take the contested mountainous region that Armenians had controlled for more than three decades since the fall of the Soviet Union. The number of people crossing into Armenia from Karabakh had reached more than 20,000 as of Tuesday evening, according to Russia's RIA news agency, and many more are expected to follow, despite Azerbaijan's promises to protect the rights of the Karabakh Armenians if they choose to remain. 'SO SCARED' Petrosyan, a former history teacher, recounted how Azerbaijanis - like most Karabakh Armenians, she calls them Turks - started shooting in her village of Yegzaokh. "The fighting continued for a day. We were so scared. We lived in a cave for two days," she said, before being ferried away to the base of Russian peacekeepers where they stayed for another week before making the journey to Armenia. In her haste to escape, Petrosyan said, she did not even pack any pictures of her son Artur, who died aged just 18 while fighting in what became known as the First Karabakh War of 1988-94 against Azerbaijan. "His photo on my phone is all there is left. That's all I have of my Artur," she said. Petrosyan dreams now only of returning to Karabakh, or Artsakh, as Armenians call it, but living under the rule of Azerbaijan - her people's ancestral foes - is unthinkable. "There's no way of living there anymore. They have no mercy for anybody. Everybody is so afraid," she said. "Even my two-year-old grand-granddaughter says: 'Granny, I'm so scared of the Turks'." (Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Alex Richardson) Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. says he isnt confident in the governments explanation of what happened in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, continuing his penchant for entertaining conspiracy theories. I dont know what happened on 9/11, Kennedy said in a podcast interview with journalist Peter Bergen released Tuesday. I know theres strange things that happened One of the buildings came down that wasnt hit by a plane. Kennedy referred to the conspiracy theory surrounding World Trade Center Building 7, a smaller office building in the World Trade Center complex that collapsed after debris from the two towers started fires. I dont want to argue any theories about this because all Ive heard is questions, I have no explanation, I have no knowledge of it, but what youre repeating now I know not to be true, Kennedy told Bergen, who contested the candidates questions about Building 7. He was clear that he didnt explicitly endorse the conspiracy theory, but at the same time doesnt necessarily agree with the two-year government investigation into the terrorist attack. Its not a thing that I endorse one way or another, but I do think that it ought to be permissible in this country to question official narratives, he said. I dont always accept official explanations. Its far from the first time Kennedy has shown interest in conspiracy theories. He previously made racist and antisemitic remarks about the origins of COVID-19 and said that the CIA was involved in the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy . Kennedys presidential campaign has floundered after a brief bump in interest over the summer, with recent polls showing him with about 15 percent support versus President Biden. His run has come under fire from members of his own family, with President Kennedys grandson the candidates cousin calling the campaign an embarrassment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People on Monday. China and Nepal have always respected, trusted and supported each other since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago, said Li noting that the bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, and cooperation in various fields has constantly scored new achievements, setting a good example of equality and mutual benefit between countries. China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance development strategy synergies, consolidate and expand practical cooperation, push China-Nepal relations to a higher level, and jointly create a better future for the two countries, the premier said. Li pointed out that China will, as always, firmly support Nepal in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and taking a development path that suits its national conditions. Li said that China is ready to work with Nepal to continuously improve connectivity at ports, roads, railways, aviation, telecommunications and electricity, accelerate the construction of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, and help Nepal, a landlocked country, upgrade connectivity with neighboring countries as soon as possible. China is willing to import more quality agricultural products from Nepal, encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in the development and construction of Nepal, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education, medical care, tourism, among others, said Li. Prachanda congratulated China on successfully hosting the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games and spoke highly of China's great achievements in economic and social development and poverty alleviation. Prachanda said that Nepal-China relations are based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have stood the test of changing international situation. The Nepalese side firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and does not allow any force to use Nepali territory for anti-China activities, the prime minister said. Prachanda said that Nepal supports the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order. After the talks, Li and Prachanda witnessed the signing of over 10 bilateral cooperation documents in economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, publishing, digital economy, green and low-carbon industry, inspection and quarantine, and development assistance. Prior to the talks, Li held a welcoming ceremony for Prachanda at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a welcoming ceremony for Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who is on an official visit to China, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considers himself a skeptic willing to question authority and interrogate official narratives. Others might identify the political scion as an enthusiastic peddler of conspiracy theories about everything from Covid-19 to his uncles assassination. Those keeping score at home can now add 9/11 to the list of official narratives the Democratic candidate for president has raised questions about. In a new interview on the podcast In the Room With Peter Bergen , produced by Fresh Produce Media for Audible, Kennedy told Bergen he didnt know whether or not he believes the official government explanation about 9/11, including whether al-Qaeda was responsible for the attack, asserting strange things happened. Heres the exchange, which takes place halfway through the pairs wide-ranging conversation. Peter Bergen: The official explanation of 9/11 do you buy? Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Which is what? Bergen: Al-Qaeda attacked us on 9/11. Kennedy: I dont know what happened on 9/11. I mean, I understand what the official explanation is. I understand that there is dissent. I have not looked into it. I havent examined it. Im not a good person to talk to about it. Bergen: Well, I mean, so theres doubt in your mind that al-Qaeda was responsible? Kennedy: Well, I know, I dont know, you know. I know theres strange things that happened that dont seem Bergen: What are the strange things? Kennedy: Well, one of the buildings came down that wasnt hit by a plane. So, you know, was it Building 7 or Building 10? Bergen: That collapsed because two of the worlds biggest buildings collapsed on top of it. Kennedy: No, they didnt collapse on top of it. My offices were down there. My offices were closed Bergen: So one of the buildings, next to the Trade Center Kennedy: Theres pictures of it collapsing. Theres nothing collapsing on top of it. I mean, listen, I dont want to argue any theories about this because all Ive heard is questions. I have no explanation. I have no knowledge of it. But what youre repeating now, I know not to be true. The collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 has long been the subject of conspiracy theories, with some suggesting falsely that it was pre-rigged with explosives. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology which led the exhaustive technical investigation into the 9/11 attacks Building 7 collapsed at 5:20 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, after debris from World Trade Center Tower 1 ignited a fire that burned for nearly seven hours. How could those fires cause a building to collapse? Per the agency: The heat from the uncontrolled fires caused steel floor beams and girders to thermally expand, leading to a chain of events that caused a key structural column to fail. The failure of this structural column then initiated a fire-induced progressive collapse of the entire building. FEMA reached the same conclusion in its own report. The official explanation around 9/11 is the latest in a string of narratives RFK has questioned. Hes been pushing misinformation about vaccines for years, advancing a theory in 2005 that that government health agencies colluded with Big Pharma to hide the risks of thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines, which he asserted was linked to autism. (The Lancet study on which Kennedys argument relied was later retracted, as was the story Kennedy wrote, which was co-published by Rolling Stone and Salon.com.) Since announcing his bid to challenge President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic nomination earlier this year, Kennedy has casually claimed that Covid-19 was ethnically targeted to spare Jewish and Chinese individuals. Before that, he declared 5G technology is meant for harvesting human data, and suggested that those who refuse vaccines in the future could starve to death after authorities turn off the chip where all of their money is stored. Hes also said that he personally has enough evidence to prove his uncle, John F. Kennedy , was assassinated by the CIA. Reflecting on Kennedys comments about 9/11 on his podcast, Bergen one of the foremost authorities on al-Qaeda noted that I do my own research is a fine attitude for a private citizen to have, but the approach suddenly becomes a lot less tenable when that person is president of the United States. Wanting to go to the source and dig into the details is a great sign of a curious mind, Bergen said. But the White House would be paralyzed if the president was always personally digging into all the underlying data to make his or her own assessments. As president youll have a thousand choices both large and small where youre just gonna have to accept some expert opinions Whether its the likely pace of unemployment or the likely course of a pandemic. We elect a president not because we expect one person to know absolutely everything. We expect them to know who to trust and how to make sound judgments. Under that criteria, Kennedy isnt the only 2024 hopeful who would be disqualified. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressed doubt about what happened on 9/11 in an interview with The Atlantic earlier this summer. 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. Like, I think we want maybe the answer is zero, probably is zero for all I know, right? I have no reason to think it was anything other than zero. But if were doing a comprehensive assessment of what happened on 9/11, we have a 9/11 commission, absolutely that should be an answer the public knows the answer to. I want the truth about 9/11, Ramaswamy added. Ramaswamy has suggested RFK who has been raking in financial support from right-wing donors would make a good running mate. Hes not alone in his praise: Trump has also spoken highly of Kennedy, calling him a common sense guy and very smart person, while Ron DeSantis has suggested he could appoint Kennedy to lead the Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plenty of celebrities have lined up behind Kennedy, as well. Eric Clapton hosted a star-studded fundraiser for him last week that brought in $2.2 million. Its not clear the support from Republicans in high places is making a difference for Kennedy. Recent primary polling shows President Biden leading him by over 50 points in the Democratic primary. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. (The Hill) Cyberattacks on schools put students in a dangerous position as many struggle to understand the specific risks after an attack. Education has become the fifth most targeted industry for data breaches, according to a recent report from Nord Security, with U.S. schools experiencing a sharp increase in hacks in recent years. American children typically lack the financial data often sought in a cyber strike, but experts warn about the potential for long-term identity theft and emotional distress these events can leave behind, in addition to interfering with directly with classes. Kansas news: Headlines from Wichita, Topeka and around the Sunflower State No matter how you conceive of the issue, these incidents are getting more significant, more severe, said Doug Levin, national director for K-12 Security Information eXchange (K12 SIX). You could measure that in terms of the amount of money responding to these incidents costs, [or] it could be in the amount of data or sensitivity of the data that is being stolen and leaked. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the scale and number of attacks particularly soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most schools had to go to remote learning. The most common types of cyber strikes against educational institutions include ransomware, phishing, distributed denial of service attacks and video conferencing disruptions. K12 SIX found 1,619 cyberattacks on schools from 2016-22. The two biggest from last year targeted the public school districts in New York City and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, as expected, data was recently released by a criminal organization, Alberto M. Carvalho, superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District, said at the time. In partnership with law enforcement, our experts are analyzing the full extent of this data release. Some of the consequences for schools during a data breach are obvious, including hackers getting access to bank and other financial information of employees. But students and parents face their own unique challenges in the aftermath, including sometimes missing school days as criminals hold systems hostage. Ransomware is the type of incident that has led to school closures, Levin said, adding that such incidents have resulted in school districts out millions of dollars, sometimes paying extortion demands of ransomware actors, other times spending that money just in remediating what it allowed to be compromised in the first place. The GAO found school districts can lose anywhere from $50,000 to $1 million after a breach. The attacks have led to days that schools have had to shut down and not be able to provide services or had other disruptions to the day-to-day work of schools and teachers and kids, Levin said. And while many students have little financial information in the school system, their profiles can be surprisingly attractive to criminals. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com We basically have an environment in which we have hundreds of thousands of minors who have clean credit reports, so identity theft is a very real concern, said Linnette Attai, president of PlayWell LLC, a data privacy consulting firm. Identity theft for students is a particularly hard issue to tackle, especially for the very young. While adults may be able to notice right away if someone is trying to take over their bank account, students might not find out for years to come. We actually strongly encourage all parents, not just parents whose kids have been victimized by an incident in school, that all parents freeze their credit records of their children, Levin said. And even if there is no specific financial damage, experts say cyberattacks on schools can leave behind an environment of fear. What this causes for students and parents is and I dont think this can be understated is tremendous mental and emotional anguish. Imagine that your very life was out there for strangers to see you what you ate for lunch, how you did in class, whether you acted up that day, how many times you go to the school nurse and for what and how many sit-ups you did in gym class, Attai said. Whether or not you have special tutoring or accommodations, whether or not youve got an [Individualized Educational Plan] or have certain vulnerabilities, special needs. All of that was just out in the open for people with bad intentions to see. Its incredibly distressing, she added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Riverside County attempted to pay two women $1,000 apiece to cover up a sheriff's deputy's sexual assault of them, according to legal complaints filed this week. And a third came forward saying she was offered more in exchange for a compelled signature. The accusations came more than a week after Deputy Christian Phillip Heidecker was charged with 18 felonies, with prosecutors saying he used his position to extort sexual material and force sex acts on at least four women, including the three who now allege they were offered money. He has pleaded not guilty. Civil attorneys Denisse Gastelum and Christian Contreras announced during a press conference in Riverside on Tuesday that they have filed claims with the County of Riverside alleging not only that two of their clients were sexually assaulted but that the payoffs were both illegal and compelled because the women were in the county's custody. Such claims can be precursors to lawsuits, if the government agency doesn't resolve them. In a statement Tuesday, county spokesperson Brooke Federico said the agreements the women signed don't include clauses that require them to stay quiet. "In fact, as this specific case involves an ongoing criminal investigation, these women may testify in a criminal trial," Federico said. "To characterize any pre-litigation settlements as an effort to buy silence is a clear mischaracterization. She added: "It is not uncommon to seek settlement prior to litigation to avoid the time and expense for both sides associated with lawsuits." The women's lawyers said they could not verify what's in the documents they signed because the women were denied copies at the time. The Desert Sun has also requested copies. 3rd accuser comes forward Another civil lawyer, Neil Gehlawat, contacted The Desert Sun on Tuesday afternoon, after an initial version of this article was published online, saying his firm Taylor and Ring plans to file a suit on behalf of a third woman by the end of the week. Gastelum and Contreras said that days before Heidecker's arrest, the sheriff's department ordered women who had contact with him into a meeting under a false pretense, to ask questions about the criminal investigation and ultimately compel them to sign an agreement. "The sheriff's department was offering them money in exchange for remaining silent about the deputy's criminal sexual behavior," Gastelum said. Gehlawat said Tuesday afternoon that the county increased its offer from $1,000 to $2,000 after the third woman asked for and was declined the opportunity to call a lawyer to consult about the agreement. "The county confronted a victim of sexual abuse with a bag of money," Gehlawat said. "These sheriff's department employees and lawyers knew exactly what they were doing. They knew the deputy was bad news. And instead of helping, they revictimize these women by offering them hush money." Told of the county spokesperson's description of the agreements, Gehlawat called it "abhorent," adding in an email: "The victims (including our client) were not allowed to consult a lawyer (or anyone) before being pressured into signing the settlement agreement. There is absolutely no justification for the Countys cover up." In their response to the county's statement, Gastelum and Contreras wrote, "These $1,000.00 bribes to young women who were forced to endure these types of obscenities and inhumane treatment to their bodies speaks volumes of how the County of Riverside perceives them and the little value they place on victims of sexual abuse." Gastelum and Contreras called for a federal investigation of the allegations, saying the sheriff's department and county officials could not do so impartially. Gehlawat said he also would support a review of the case by the state attorney general, which already has an open civil-rights investigation into allegations of wrongdoing in the department and the jails it oversees. Deputy's arrest followed meetings with accusers Heidecker, 32, turned himself in to his own department on Sept. 15, and was charged with 18 felony counts of forcing sex acts, extortion, bribery and dissuading a witness. He worked in Banning in the sheriff's department's out of custody monitoring program. The women, who have not been identified publicly, were technically in the county's custody but were not physically in the jail as they were being remotely monitored. The charges indicate that Heidecker was extorting women in the program for sex and in exchange for sexually explicit material. He is being held on $1 million bail at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta. Gastelum and Contreras said Tuesday and in government claims submitted to the county that both a staff member of the sheriff's department and a lawyer who said she represented the County of Riverside contacted at least two of the victims in a hush money attempt. The women's lawyers claim to have evidence of voicemails, calls and meetings during which the payoffs were attempted. They say that on Sept. 12, three days before Heidecker turned himself in, a group of women who he was responsible for monitoring or otherwise had contact with him were summoned to a sheriff's office in Banning. "They were told they needed to have their ankle bracelets inspected," Gastelum said Tuesday. "But they were actually called to be questioned about Heidecker and forced to sign the agreement." Gastelum said that after the group were asked questions about their contacts with Heidecker, they were sent to another room where they met with representatives from the sheriff's department's Professional Standards Bureau, which investigates claims of employee misconduct and other internal affairs. They were asked to sign agreements seeking to keep them quiet about the sexual assaults, Gastelum said. Gehlawat said he wasnt shocked to read that account in The Desert Sun, because it was nearly identical to the story of his client. She was arrested in May and placed on the department's house arrest program, where she was largely confined to her home except for a few hours a day when she was permitted to run errands. Heidecker was her case manager. "He got right into it," Gehlawat said. "Telling her that if she sent him pictures he would increase the hours she was allowed out. And the exploitation unfolded from there. He would ask for pictures. She sent them. He would increase her hours." On Sept. 7, the department called her into the station to inspect her ankle monitor, Gehlawat said. During that meeting, she was inexplicably assigned a new case manager and told that if she was called in about the monitor again, she would be readmitted to jail. Again, on Sept. 12, the sheriffs department notified Gehlawats client that the device needed to be inspected. But this time, he said, she was questioned about Heidecker and his advances. "She had frantically written names and numbers on her arms before the meeting, thinking she was going to be booked into jail," Gehlawat said. "Instead, she was questioned, offered money and compelled to sign an agreement she said she hardly understood." The woman later told Gehlawat there were several people at the meeting who she presumed were either sheriff's department employees or county lawyers. She said she was uncertain about the nature of the meeting, and even at one point asked them if "this is hush money," according to Gehlawat. "She was told the money was for emotional distress damages," he said. "When she asked if she could call someone to discuss it, they said there were county lawyers present for her to consult with." They ultimately offered her $2,000 and compelled her to sign the papers, Gehlawat said. She was told that a check would be mailed to her by that Friday, Sept. 15. When she asked for a copy of the agreement she signed, they declined to give it to her. As of Tuesday, she had yet to receive the check. Gastelum and Contreras said an attorney for the county, Nicole Roggeveen, and sheriff's Correctional Sgt. Jessica Yelenich later contacted additional victims and presented legal agreements that their two clients, who were still in custody of the county, also felt compelled to sign. One of the agreements, Gastelum added, was discussed during a private meeting with her client the day before Heidecker turned himself in, after which the client said she heard the group refer to her as "the last one." "They forced the victims of a sexual predator to sign settlement and release agreements in exchange for $1,000," Gastelum said. Gastelum and Contreras said the materials they reviewed in preparation for filing the claims indicate these were arrangements in which the county attorney and sheriff's employee attempted to pay the victims in exchange for silence about Heidecker's crimes. Their clients were also declined copies of the agreements. "What the County of Riverside fails to recognize time and time again is that the reason why Sheriff (Chad) Bianco and his sheriffs deputies act with impunity is because they know that the County and their attorneys will figure out a way to absolve them of any liability," Gastelum and Contreras wrote in a statement. "The crimes were bad enough, but the cover up is arguably worse," Gehlawat said. "Whether they got the money or not, this reeks of fraud. They wanted to bury these crimes. These are marginalized women they thought they could pay off. Their game plan is falling apart." Christopher Damien covers public safety and the criminal justice system. He can be reached at christopher.damien@desertsun.com or follow him at @chris_a_damien. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California county accused of paying to silence sexual assault victims The Republican presidential candidates at the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee (from left): former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Hutchinson did not qualify for this week's debate. The Republican presidential candidates at the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee (from left): former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , former Vice President Mike Pence , Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley , Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum . Hutchinson did not qualify for this week's debate. The debate stage for the 2024 Republican presidential primary is down to seven contestants, the Republican National Committee announced Monday, and will again not include the partys front-runner, former President Donald Trump , who attempted a coup to stay in office after losing in 2020. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina will participate in the second primary debate Wednesday night, having reached the 3% polling threshold and the 50,000 individual donor requirement to qualify. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson had qualified for the first debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, which had a 1% polling floor and 40,000 unique donor threshold, but failed to make the stage for the second one at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Trump and his staff have said that because he is so far ahead of his rivals in the polls, he does not believe he needs to debate them in order to win the nomination. The third debate, set for Nov. 8 in Miami, will have yet more stringent requirements: Candidates must hit 4% in national or a combination of early state polls and have raised money from at least 70,000 different donors. Candidates must also have signed a pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee, although it is unclear how that might be enforced. Christie, for example, at the last debate refused to agree to support Trump if he is the nominee and winds up getting convicted of a felony. The former Trump ally is nevertheless being permitted to take part Wednesday. He previously has said he would treat the pledge only as seriously as Trump took it in 2016. Eight years ago, Trump signed the pledge of support at the urging of then-party chair Reince Priebus but then hours later said he would not honor it if the party treated him poorly. In early 2016, Trump said the party had treated him badly and he would no longer support the nominee if it were someone else. He wound up clinching the nomination anyway and, later, the presidency. Trump currently faces four separate criminal indictments, two based on his coup attempt that culminated in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He nevertheless remains the polling leader for the 2024 nomination in both national surveys as well as those in states voting early in the primary process. Related... Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.), the son of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), is seeking reelection following his fathers indictment on corruption charges last week. The elder Menendez was charged Friday over allegedly accepting bribes, including $100,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in cash, in exchange for official acts that aided an Egyptian American businessman and the Egyptian government. But his son, a freshman member of Congress, appears undeterred by his fathers legal troubles and is seeking another term in office. I will be running for reelection based on that record so I can continue to serve the residents of this district that I love, in stark contrast to those who may run to further their own naked political ambition, Rob Menendez said in a statement released Monday, according to Politico. Rob Menendez defended his father in a statement shortly after the indictment was made public. I strongly believe in his integrity and his values, and look forward to seeing him move past this distraction to continue fighting for our state in the United States Senate, he said. Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla (D) is reportedly mulling a challenge to Rob Menendez, according to the New Jersey Globe. Meanwhile, several prominent Democrats, including Sens. Sherrod Brown (Ohio), Peter Welch (Vt.) and John Fetterman (Pa.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), have called on Bob Menendez to step down. The New Jersey senator has denied wrongdoing and refused to resign, saying those calling for his ouster have rushed to judgment. I will be exonerated and continue to be the senior senator from New Jersey, he told a press conference Monday. Bob Menendez so far has not officially confirmed whether he will seek another term in office. Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), though, has already announced he will run for the seat and others could follow suit. The senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also facing bribery charges, are expected to be arraigned Wednesday. If convicted, they could face up to 45 years behind bars, according to Reuters. This isnt the first indictment for Menendez. He faced corruption charges in 2015 but the case ended in a hung jury. Related... Four suspects in the killing of 18-year-old John Paul Morin entered the victims Fort Worth home, where they planned to rob him and knew where everything was, an arrest warrant affidavit says. A fifth suspect was already inside the house communicating with the other robbers, according to the affidavit obtained by the Star-Telegram. Police said the suspects broke into Morins home on Aug. 28. After shooting Morin, the assailants left the house in the 3600 block of College Avenue and fled in a car, investigators said. Morin died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office. Marvin Battles, 19; Kelton Douglas, 17; Keavion Douglas, 21; Fernando Fajardo-Martinez, 19; and Jamal Sanders, 17, were all arrested and face charges of capital murder in the shooting. Morins girlfriend, who lived with him at the location of the shooting, told police that several masked males who were armed with guns entered the residence. She also told police that one of the masked suspects shot Morin while she was lying next to him on a bed, according to the affidavit. John Paul Morin, 18, died after he was shot Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, during a robbery at his home in the 3600 block of College Avenue in Fort Worth, police said. A neighbor provided police with video that captured and identified the suspects vehicle as a white 2010 Ford Fusion. Another neighbor told police that there were four masked people with guns who went into Morins home, according to the affidavit. Police also reviewed Instagram profiles of two of the suspects, including one referred to as Scarrface, later identified as Sanders. Detectives believe Sanders was speaking via Facetime with a man later identified as Battles who was inside Morins home, telling Sanders when it would be a good time to rob the residence, the affidavit says. In an interview with police, Keavion Douglas initially told homicide detectives that his brother, Kelton, borrowed the Ford Fusion, the affidavit states. He eventually told police that he drove his brother and two of the other suspects to Morins home to commit a robbery, according to the document. Keavion also told police he drove by Morins home several times before the robbery. At first, he said he was dropped off a block away from Morins home and Sanders drove away with Kelton and another suspect, who police later identified as Fajardo-Martinez. Keavion said that when he was later picked up by he same vehicle, he learned that his brother, Kelton, shot Morin during the robbery, the affidavit states. According to Keavions interview with police, he and the other suspects were told Morin slept with a gun under his pillow and Kelton believed Morin was reaching for it. Police were told that Keavion was seen removing the license plates off the suspects car, according to the affidavit. Keavion told police he removed them because he was scared. The affidavit says a man later identified as Battles was seen loading a black tote into an SUV. The SUV drove away from Morins home with Battles and two women, the affidavit says. Battles confirmed to police that he was inside Morins home at the time of the robbery and that four masked men also entered, the affidavit states. Battles told police that one of the masked suspects grabbed him and took him into the room where Morin was and threw him on the floor. He said he was on the floor when he heard gunshots. He also admitted to calling his cousin and leaving with a tote bag full of marijuana before police arrived, according to the affidavit. Battles ended the interview when detectives asked him whether he set up the robbery, police said. Officers found several fired cartridge casings on the floor and a large quantity of marijuana in the room where Morin was found shot, police said in the affidavit. In a follow-up interview with Keavion Douglas, he told police that he did not get dropped off a block away from the scene of the robbery, as he originally said. Instead, he admitted he was inside Morins home during the crime and that he heard a gunshot, according to the affidavit. His brother, Kelton, admitted to shooting Morin, Keavion told police. Kelton was armed with a handgun, Sanders was armed with an assault rifle, and Fajardo-Martinez was armed with a small rifle, according to the affidavit. Keavion told police that the suspects plan was to run inside Morins home and rob him because they knew where everything was located. Keavion dropped off Sanders and Fajardo-Martinez at a Fort Worth apartment complex, The Retreat at River Ranch, police said. Another witness told police that Sanders and Fajardo-Martinez were at her apartment all day on Aug. 28, the day of the shooting, and never left, the affidavit states. The witness told police that they would briefly leave the apartment to smoke and that Sanders left on Aug. 29 to go to Houston. In surveillance video obtained by police, a white Ford Fusion, the suspect vehicle, was seen entering the The Retreat at River Ranch at around 11:25 p.m. on Aug. 28, and then leaving just two minutes later, according to the affidavit. At around 12:40 p.m., Sanders and Fajardo-Martinez were seen entering the apartment complex on foot, police said. The victims family organized a fundraiser and are looking to raise $10,000 to help cover the funeral costs for Morin, whose family called him Peezy. A family member, Selsa Morin, wrote on the Give A Hand fundraising site that John Paul was a very lovable brother, son, and grandson. Chicago-Rockford passenger rail meeting The public is invited to a meet Tuesday night to discuss the recently proposed Chicago-Rockford passenger rail service. The Illinois Department of Transportation will host an open-house style meeting from 4 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., in Rockford. Tentatively scheduled to begin in 2027, the new service will connect Chicago and Rockford, with anticipated stops in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere, according to a news release from the state. Travel time between Chicago and Rockford is anticipated to be slightly less than two hours, with two round trips a day. Boarding locations in Chicago and Rockford, as well as a fare structure and schedule, are still to be determined. Climate forum Rockford's Region 1 Planning Council will hold a regular meeting of its Climate Resiliency Forum Tuesday at 4 p.m. at 127 N. Wyman St., Ste 100, in Rockford. According to the agenda, attendees will discuss watershed education and outreach along with a SWOT analysis on water. Investing in Rockford talent Rockford University will host its first post-Business Summit networking event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rockford University. The event will feature a panel of local business executives who will share insights and expertise on various topics related to talent development, employee retention, upskilling and internship programs. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in open discussions, ask questions and gain valuable perspectives. Business leaders are asked to RSVP. A link is available at the Rockford University website. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford Daybook: Passenger rail, Climate forum, Business networking The Ministry of Defence of Romania has condemned the Russian attack on port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast, namely on a ferry crossing over the Danube River between the Ukrainian settlement of Orlivka and Romanian settlement of Isaccea. Source: European Pravda, Ministry of Defence of Romania on Twitter (X) Details: The Romanian Defence Ministry remarked that during Russian attacks on Ukrainian facilities and civil infrastructure it tracked the air space near the national borders in real time. "We decisively condemn these unjustified and illegal attacks," the statement reads. On the night of 25-26 September, the Russians launched attacks on port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast, damaging a control point building, storages and 30 trucks; six juggernauts burned down and two drivers got injured. Background: The residents of the Romanian city of Isakcea of the Tulcea county witnessed the Russian attack on Odesa Oblast. On Thursday, 14 September, the Ministry of National Defence of Romania expanded the no-fly zone near the border with Ukraine. The same week, construction of shelters began in the village of Plauru, opposite Ukraine's Izmail, and residents received the first alert notifications of another Russian air attack on Ukrainian ports over the Danube. 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! People buy decorations for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sept. 23, 2023. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date.(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years, usually marked by family reunions, a full moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes. Decorations have gone up in shopping malls and mooncakes, a traditional pastry dedicated to the festival, are on sale everywhere from small shops to huge shopping malls besides the sale of a huge variety of lanterns. Greetings and events have been organized, both by private entities and public office holders with gatherings, lantern walks and other activities being held, bringing together Malaysians of all ethnicities. Consultant Aishah Afandi who is from Penang state and now works in Kuala Lumpur said the festival is one which she looked forward to, especially for the mooncakes. "Malaysians know this festival better as the mooncake festival. Previously it was more limited but nowadays, there are so many flavors and halal ones too. I can join in with my Chinese friends and better understand their culture, including knowing the festival's formal name," she told Xinhua. Meanwhile, manager Chan Yang Han who lives in Selangor state visited Kwai Chai Hong, Little Ghost Road in the Cantonese, which is a rejuvenated alleyway that shows artworks and cultural displays, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, to admire this year's exhibits. "This is something that brings people together. You see people of all races coming together to view something that is uniquely part of Chinese culture. At a time when things are uncertain everywhere, it is reassuring to see that this cultural celebration proceeds as it usually does," he said. This photo taken on Sept. 23, 2023 shows a moon-shaped installation for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date.(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) A woman takes pitures of lanterns installed for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival at Kwai Chai Hong in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sept. 23, 2023. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date.(Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) Residents of the Romanian town of Isaccea, Tulcea County, witnessed Russias drone attack on the Danube ferry crossing between the Ukrainian city of Orlivka and their town. Source: European Pravda, referring to Radio Liberty Details: A video of a drone crash near Romanian territory in Orlivka was posted online. It was filmed by a resident of Isaccea, who works at the ferry and was on the Ukrainian side of the river at the time. In this footage, a man can be heard shouting to his colleagues on the barge to leave the Ukrainian port as soon as possible. "Run, it's coming here! That's where it fell, right into customs!" says the employee immediately after a drone crashed near the port of Orlivka. On Tuesday morning, the Romanian Coast Guard announced that traffic through the Isaccea border checkpoint was closed due to an attack on Ukrainian territory. Background: On the night of 25-26 September, the Russians had struck the port infrastructure in Odesa Oblast, damaging a checkpoint building, warehouses, three dozen trucks, burning out six articulated lorries and injuring two drivers. On 13 September, a new wreckage similar to fragments of a drone was found in Tulcea (county), Romania, 14 kilometres from the border with Ukraine. On Thursday, 14 September, the Ministry of National Defence of Romania expanded the no-fly zone near the border with Ukraine. This week, construction of shelters began in the village of Plauru, opposite Ukraine's Izmail, and residents received the first alert notifications of another Russian air attack on Ukrainian ports over the Danube. 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! Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , who is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom have agreed to a debate on Fox News in November, the network announced Monday. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California have agreed to a televised debate in November, Fox News announced Monday. The 90-minute debate between the coastal red and blue state governors will be held in Georgia and moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity . The debate will air during Hannity's prime-time program on Nov. 30. "It's happening," Hannity wrote Monday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing the debate. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, have agreed to a debate on Fox News in November, the network announced Monday. File Photo by Eric Thayer/UPI "I'm looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American," Hannity said in a statement Monday. Newsom challenged DeSantis to the debate last year, after the Florida governor sent dozens of Venezuelan asylum seekers to Martha's Vineyard. The move prompted a number of other Republican southern border state governors to also send migrants to Democratic strongholds. "Hey, Gov. Ron DeSantis, clearly you're struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people's lives," Newsom said in a Sept. 2022 post. "Since you have only one overriding need -- attention -- let's take this up and debate. I'll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day," Newsom wrote in the post on X. Hey @GovRonDeSantis, clearly you're struggling, distracted, and busy playing politics with people's lives. Since you have only one overriding need -- attention --let's take this up & debate. I'll bring my hair gel. You bring your hairspray. Name the time before Election Day. @CNN https://t.co/vTJHQxfArW Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 16, 2022 Newsom, who has said he will not challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, will attend Wednesday's second Republican presidential primary debate in California. DeSantis is currently running second to former President Donald Trump in the race for the GOP nomination. "Decline is a choice and success is attainable," DeSantis wrote Monday in a post on X. "I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country." Decline is a choice and success is attainable. As President, I will lead America's revival. I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country. pic.twitter.com/wuh0jRXFdg Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 25, 2023 Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), who faces a competitive re-election race next year, on Tuesday became the fourth vulnerable Senate Democrat and the seventh Senate Democrat overall to call for embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign. The well-documented political corruption charges are a violation of the public trust, and Senator Menendez should resign, Rosen said in a statement. While he is entitled to due process and a fair trial, this is a distraction that undermines the bipartisan work we need to do in the Senate for the American people. It would have been awkward for Rosen to stay quiet about the serious allegations facing Menendez considering she introduced the No Corruption Act in March, which would bar members of Congress from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions if they are convicted of felonies related to their official duties. She co-sponsored the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously in July, with Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). For too long, loopholes have made it possible for corrupt Washington politicians convicted of felonies to continue collecting taxpayer-funded pensions thats unacceptable, she said at the time. If Menendez, who was indicted Friday on bribery, fraud and extortion charges, is convicted, Rosens and Scotts bill to strip convicted officeholders of their pensions will get fresh attention. Three other senators facing tough races next year have called on Menendez to step down: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Montanans for Tester and Bob Casey for Senate, Testers and Caseys campaigns, told The Hill Tuesday that they would each refund the $10,000 donations they collected from Menendezs political action committee (PAC) this cycle. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Ruler Foods grocery store on North Belt West in Belleville has been closed to the public because of mine subsidence, the citys fire chief and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. Cracks could be seen in the stores parking lot and on two nearby streets, Queensway Drive and Chaucer Drive. Fire Chief Stephanie Mills said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is investigating the grocery store building. A spokeswoman for the state agency said in a statement that the subsidence was reported on Sunday and it is about 300 feet in diameter. The department considers this an active subsidence event. Ruler Foods said in a Facebook post that the store at 1703 North Belt West had closed because of a water main break. A sign on the stores door said the business was closed due to a safety issue. A representative of Ruler Foods could not be reached for additional comment. Mine subsidence happens when the roof of an underground, abandoned coal mine collapses and causes the ground above the mine to shift, or subside, because of the collapse. Pillars of coal that were used to support the mine shafts can deteriorate over time and cause the mine to collapse. Walls and floors of buildings, sidewalks, driveways and roads can crack when mine subsidence occurs. Natural gas and water lines also can be damaged. Mills said three nearby homes also have mine subsidence but the Department of Natural Resources has allowed those residents to return to their homes. Land subsidence outside of Ruler Foods in Belleville, Ill., where an old mine below the store caused the land surrounding the building to sink into the ground on Sept. 26, 2023. Theres no immediate hazard, Mills said. Ameren responded to the scene on Sunday, Mills said. The former Bel-Air Bowl was demolished to make way for Ruler Foods, which opened in late 2014. Ruler Foods, which is owned by Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co., received $200,000 in TIF funds from the city as an incentive to build the store. Ruler Foods is located near a neighborhood that had mine subsidence reported in May 2021. These homes are off Michael Drive and Patricia Lane near the intersection of North 17th Street and Illinois 161. Homes, schools, commercial buildings and roads in the metro-east have been damaged by mine subsidence over the past several decades. Land subsidence outside of Ruler Foods in Belleville, Ill., where an old mine below the store caused the land surrounding the building to sink into the ground on Sept. 26, 2023. WOODBURY A Gloucester County assistant prosecutor compromised the integrity of the criminal justice system by withholding important information from a defense attorney, a state appeals court has ruled. The assistant prosecutor, Sarah Spanarkel, did not properly disclose to the defense that the alleged victim in an assault case was refusing to testify against her accused attacker, the ruling says. The victims position communicated in a letter from the woman's lawyer to Spanarkel - substantially weakened the case against the womans former husband, a Washington Township man identified only as D.A.B. But the assistant prosecutor withheld both the contents of that letter and its very existence from defendant during a critical stage of the criminal justice process, plea negotiations, said the Sept. 19 decision. High court win for victim, family Supreme Court agrees Waterford bus driver's sex assaults may be gender discrimination It said Spanarkels actions could reasonably support an inference that the state made a strategic decision to offer a reduced plea offer to D.A.B. before his attorney knew about the letter. A Superior Court judge sanctioned an assistant prosecutor for misconduct by dismissing an aggravated assault case at Gloucester County courthouse. "Even worse," the ruling continues, Spanarkel answered "misleadingly" when defense attorney Robert Perry asked in a text exchange about "any statements and/or communication" with the victim. What was prosecutor's punishment for court rules violation? The decision said a trial judge acted properly in dismissing an indictment for aggravated assault against D.A.B. Superior Court Judge Christine Allen Jackson dismissed the charge with prejudice, meaning it could not be refiled, after determining Spanarkel's misconduct was purposeful. The appeals court said that was an appropriate sanction for a prosecution that sought an unfair advantage. Both the lower court and appellate decisions said Spanarkel had violated court rules for discovery, or the sharing of information between parties in a court case. They also noted violations of the so-called Brady doctrine, which requires prosecutors to disclose material, exculpatory information to defendants in criminal cases. "The record amply supports the (trial) court's determination that the state misled defense counsel about the victim's willingness to testify, the appellate ruling said. Perry, a Mount Holly attorney, said he was very pleased with the outcome. The appellate decision reaffirmed the principle that prosecutorial misconduct must have meaningful consequences, he said. The Gloucester County Prosecutors Office did not comment. Ruling says assistant prosecutor was misleading The case arose from an incident in July 2021 when the woman, A.B., went to Washington Townships police department to say her then-husband had pinned her on a bed, choked her, banged her head on a door and thrown her to the ground. A photograph showed minor injuries to the womans neck, but she was the only witness to the alleged event. The decision said Spanarkel gave misleading responses when Perry, in an email exchange during plea negotiations in October 2022, asked twice about any additional communications between the assistant prosecutor and the victim. "No we do not have any new discovery to provide," Spanarkel said in answering the first question. "We have not had any further communications since the last time we discussed this case at arraignment," she responded to a second question. But Perry then emailed, "Im confused . . . My understanding is that she (A.B.) retained (a lawyer) and that he has sent you correspondence. Is that accurate?" Spanarkel responded with a phone call, saying she had received a letter from A.B.'s attorney. She also said the letter noted the victim's intention "to assert her Fifth Amendment privilege (against self-incrimination) if she were called to testify." According to the ruling, Spanarkel claimed she did not believe the letter was exculpatory or Brady material, therefore it did not need to be turned over to (Perry). But the appeals court disagreed, saying A.B.'s refusal to testify would leave the state with "virtually no evidence" at trial. And if the woman did testify, the ruling added, "the defense would surely have wanted to use her letter to impeach her credibility." The defense strategy both at trial and during pretrial plea negotiations, would undoubtedly be materially altered by (A.B.s) unwillingness to testify," it said. The ruling also noted D.A.B., as an indicted defendant, had a right to "automatic and broad discovery of the evidence the state has gathered in support of its charges." In its appeal, the Prosecutor's Office asserted the indictments dismissal was not warranted. It argued the proper remedy would have been for the trial court to review the letterto determine if it was discoverable, the ruling said. But the appeals court found Spanarkel's deliberate conduct was sufficiently extreme to justify dismissal of the indictment. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Appeals court upholds sanctions for violations of discovery rules OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Ten candidates are vying for the open State Representative seat which was recently vacated by State Representative Ryan Martinez. The State Representative resigned in August, effective September 1, 2023, amid DUI controversy. Previously, State Representative Ryan Martinez pleaded guilty to a felony DUI, while serving District 39 seat. Martinez continued serving District 39 throughout the 2023 regular legislative session. He was also the presiding officer over the July special session on tribal compacts. Martinez had been the House Representative over District 39 since 2016. His seat runs on a two-year election cycle. A State Rep. resigns amid DUI controversy A total of 10 candidates stepping up to the challenge. One Libertarian, seven Republicans and two Democrats. Here are your candidates. The candidates in House District 39 are as follows: Republicans Kristen Ferate, 45 William A. Gaige Jr., 47 Tim Hale, 64 Erick Harris, 36 Ronda Lee Peterson, 61 Cris Price, 53 Ross Vanhooser, 63 Democrats Regan Raff, 43 Paul Timmons, 62 Libertarian Richard Prawdzienski, 75 Candidates-for-District-32Download The 39th District stands out as mainly registered Republicans who outnumber Democrats more than 2 to 1 in the House district that includes parts of Edmond and Oklahoma City. As of January, the district had 15,456 registered Republicans, 6,530 Democrats and 5,232 independents, according to Oklahoma State Election Board data. Find more Top Stories from KFOR.com The special primary election will be Dec. 12, and the special general election will occur on Feb. 13. The winner of the general election will be seated just after the start of the 2024 legislative session. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Russell Brand has urged his followers to support him financially by paying a subscription fee on a video platform popular with right-wing streamers. The comedians appeal for subscribers on Rumble came in a live stream just hours after the Metropolitan Police said it had opened an investigation into a number of allegations of sexual offences it had received against Brand in London as well as elsewhere in the country. Brand has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame and working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films, following a joint investigation by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4s Dispatches. The allegations saw YouTube block Brand from making money via advertising on his channel, which has 6.6 million followers, saying he had violated the platforms policies. He has repeatedly denied all allegations, insisting that his relationships have always been consensual. Brand addressed his followers on Rumble on Monday shortly after the Met Police statement was issued. He urged them to become paying subscribers to his channel at an annual cost of $60 (49). "You now know that I have been demonetised on YouTube... fully well aware that the government wrote to social media platforms to demand that I be further censored," he said during the live broadcast, an apparent reference to a letter written not by the government but rather by the chair of a parliamentary committee. In it, Dame Caroline Dinenage asks if Rumble will be following in YouTubes example and cutting Brand off from advertising revenues. Rumble rejected the suggestion from Dame Caroline and posted its response online. "Although it may be politically and socially easier for Rumble to join a cancel culture mob, doing so would be a violation of our company's values and mission," Rumble chief executive Chris Pavlovski said. "We emphatically reject the UK parliament's demands." Brand joined Rumble in September 2022, after receiving repeated warnings from YouTube over his mostly Covid-related videos. He claimed Rumble was a better platform for his content, as it advertises looser restrictions and a steadfast resist censorship ethos. In his livestream titled ARE WE BEING SILENCED!? The Battle For Free Speech, Brand criticised the legacy media and how the recent allegations have affected him. "The global media war against free speech is in full swing, how do I know? Take a guess," Brand said on his Monday broadcast. "Today, of course, were talking about events of the last week but, in particular, the collusion between big tech and government and an apparent concerted effort by legacy media and now the state and big tech to silence independent media voices. "Obviously, its difficult for me to be entirely objective given the events of the past week but thats what well try to do." During the show, he read out a report from far-left website GrayZone that suggested YouTube's censorship of Mr Brand was "driven by direct British government decree". A number of large companies, such as Burger King, Asos, the Barbican and HelloFresh, have pulled their advertisements from Rumble in the wake of allegations against Brand, The News Movement reported. Russian forces stepped up artillery strikes on Sumy Oblast on Sept. 25, local authorities reported on Telegram. Sumy is located about 50 kilometers from the Russian border and has been the target of near-daily shelling and other aerial bombardments since its liberation by Ukraine in April 2022. Regional officials recorded 77 explosions from 20 attacks conducted by mortar strikes, artillery shelling, and kamikaze UAVs. The communities of Esman, Seredyna-Buda, Svesy, Shalyhyne, Krasnopillia, Bilopillia, Myropillia, and Velyka Pysarivka were affected. The post on Sumy's Regional Military Administration Telegram channel did not mention casualties. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian Black Sea Fleet commander killed in Sevastopol strike; Abrams tanks arrive in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ISLAMABAD, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) arrested seven drug traffickers in various operations across the country, an ANF spokesperson said. During the operations, the force seized over 115 kg of drugs including hashish, opium and heroin, while impounding several vehicles that were being used for smuggling, the ANF said in a statement on Monday. A total of 64.8 kg of hashish was recovered from two vehicles in two operations in the suburbs of federal capital Islamabad, the ANF said, adding that the drugs were concealed in the secret cavities of the vehicles, and four smugglers were arrested during the operations. In another operation at Bacha Khan International Airport in the northwestern Peshawar city, the ANF recovered over 100 heroin-filled capsules from the possession of a passenger traveling to Dubai, the statement said, adding that the passenger was netted. Separately, the ANF recovered over 35 kg of narcotics in an operation in Sheikhupura district of the eastern Punjab province, and arrested two persons. Meanwhile, 15 kg of narcotics was recovered in two operations in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Separate cases have been registered against the arrested persons, while further investigations were underway. A Russian missile hit an infrastructure facility in Mykolaiv on the evening of 25 September, causing a fire. Wreckage from a downed drone fell on the territory of an agricultural business in the oblast on the night of 25-26 September. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Facebook; Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from SES: "The enemy launched a missile attack on Mykolaiv on the evening of 25 September. It targeted an infrastructure facility on the outskirts of the city, as a result of which dry grass and shrubs caught fire. Firefighters promptly extinguished the fire on an area of five hectares." photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine Details: Russian forces continued to attack Mykolaiv Oblast on the night of 25-26 September. A fire broke out on the territory of an agricultural facility in the territory of Bereznehuvate hromada of Bashtanka district as a result of falling parts of a downed drone [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. Rescue workers extinguished the fire in an area of 700 square metres. photo: State Emergency Service of 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! 20 combat clashes took place at the contact zone during the day. Russians launched seven missile attacks, 73 airstrikes and 37 MLRS attacks. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 19:00 on 26 September Quote: "On the Avdiivka front, our defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks southeast of Sieverne, Donetsk Oblast." "On the Marinka front, our defenders successfully repelled 9 Russian attacks directly in the Marinka area of Donetsk Oblast during the day." MAP DEEPSTATE "At the same time, the Defene Forces of Ukraine continue the offensive operation on the Melitopol front, offensive (assault) actions on the Bakhmut front, causing losses to the occupation forces in manpower and equipment, exhausting the enemy along the entire contact zone." Details: The aviation of Defence Forces carried out 12 strikes on areas where Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment are concentrated. Units of the Rocket Forces and Artillery hit four artillery pieces, three areas of concentration of personnel and military equipment, two ammunition depots and a Russian electronic warfare station. 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 launched a total of 38 Shahed-136/131 drones at Ukraine overnight on Sept. 26, according to the Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 26 drones. The attack hit port infrastructure in Odesa Oblast's southern Izmail district, wounding two men, Governor Oleh Kiper reported on Sept. 26. The two-hour-long attack damaged a checkpoint building, warehouses, and over 30 vehicles, according to the regional governor. The port of Izmail is located just across the Danube River from the border with Romania. Since the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in mid-July, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's agricultural infrastructure, river and sea ports, and grain stockpiles. In September, Bucharest found fragments of Russian drones on Romanian territory several times. Kiper said most drones that targeted Odesa Oblast were shot down by air defenses but didnt specify the number. Six out of 26 drones were downed over southern Mykolaiv Oblast, neighboring Odesa Oblast, Vitalii Kim, the oblast governor, said on Telegram. The official reported that drone debris fell on an agricultural enterprise in the Bereznehuvate community, some 80 kilometers northeast of Mykolaiv, causing a fire. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties. Air defenses destroyed four more drones over Cherkasy Oblast, but an infrastructure facility in the region was hit, wrote Governor Ihor Taburets. No casualties were reported. Read also: Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is disputing a claim that a top naval commander was killed during a massive Ukrainian strike last week in the Black Sea, broadcasting video Tuesday that featured an appearance by the admiral during a briefing. Adm. Viktor Sokolov, commander of the Russian Black Sea fleet, was present via video stream during a briefing with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow, according to a video shared by Russian state-run media outlet RIA Novosti. The authenticity of the video could not be immediately confirmed, but Russian media said the briefing took place Tuesday. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Defense and National Security newsletter Ukraine claimed on Monday that Sokolov was killed along with 33 Russian officers after a Friday strike obliterated the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in the port city of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraines Special Operation Forces said available sources indicate Sokolov was killed in the strike, but the dead have not been positively identified yet. Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish an answer with an apparently alive Sokolov, our units are clarifying the information, the Ukrainian unit said on Telegram. Russias Defense Ministry claimed after the strike that five missiles were shot down and only one service member was missing. Russian military blogger Rybar said three Ukrainian missiles struck the Black Sea Fleet headquarters, but there was no one in the building at the time of the strike. And the information about the death of the Black Sea Fleet commander, dispersed by the Ukrainian media, does not correspond to reality, Rybar claimed in a Telegram post. The death of a navy admiral would be a devastating blow to Russia. Moscow has reportedly lost several high-ranking generals in the war already. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday he had no information about Ukraines claims that Sokolov had been killed, state-run outlet TASS posted on Telegram. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia's Defense Ministry published a video on Sept. 26 of a meeting between military leadership with Admiral Viktor Sokolov, previously reported by Ukraine as killed, joining the meeting through a video call. The Kyiv Independent couldn't immediately verify the date the meeting took place. The ministry published a video and photographs of the meeting, showing Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu addressing senior Russian officers, some present in person while others joining online. Sokolov, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet whom the Ukrainian military reported as killed in a Sevastopol strike on Sept. 22, is only seen on the screen and does not speak throughout the video. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us The Special Operations Forces Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported that last week's strike against the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol in occupied Crimea killed 34 Russian officers, including Sokolov. The Ukrainian military added that some 105 Russian soldiers had been injured in the attack. In response to the footage published by the Russian Defense Ministry, the Special Operations Forces Command said it would "clarify the information" on Sokolov's reported death. The military said that the news on the admiral's demise came from "available sources," adding that it was impossible to identify all the bodies in the aftermath of the attack due to their extensive injuries. Both Kyiv and Moscow confirmed that the headquarters was hit during the strike. According to Sky News, the attack was carried out using long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, said in an interview with the Voice of America that the list of wounded in the attack included senior officers such as commander of Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia Oblast General Alexander Romanchuk and General Oleg Tsekov. The Kyiv Independent couldn't varify this claim. Read also: Military: 34 Russian Black Sea Fleet officers, including commander, killed in Sevastopol strike Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Felix Light and Guy Faulconbridge NEAR KORNIDZOR, Armenia (Reuters) -Hungry and exhausted Armenian families jammed roads on Tuesday to flee homes in the defeated breakaway enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, a departure blighted by an explosion at a fuel depot that killed dozens and injured more than 100. The crisis prompted the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to announce that Washington would provide $11.5 million in humanitarian assistance. "We urge continued humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for all those in need," White House National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. Azerbaijan launched a lightning operation to take over Karabakh last week. A top Azeri official said at talks in Brussels that his country had no intention of taking further action to create a land corridor through Armenia itself. PEOPLE FLEE IN TRUCKS, TRACTORS, CARS The Armenians of Karabakh - part of Azerbaijan that had been beyond Baku's control since the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union - began fleeing this week after their forces were routed in the operation by Azerbaijan's military. The Armenian government said more than 28,000 of Karabakh's 120,000 ethnic Armenian residents had already crossed into Armenia. Hundreds of cars and buses crammed with belongings snaked down the mountain road out of Azerbaijan. Some fled packed into the back of open-topped trucks, others on tractors. Grandmother-of-four Narine Shakaryan arrived in her son-in-law's car with six people packed inside. The 77 km (48-mile) drive had taken 24 hours, she said. They hadn't eaten any food. "The whole way the children were crying, they were hungry," Shakaryan told Reuters at the border, carrying her three-year old granddaughter, who she said had become ill during the journey. "We left so we would stay alive, not to live." Fuel stations were thronged on the way out of the Karabakh capital, known as Stepanakert by Armenia and Khankendi by Azerbaijan. Karabakh's ombudsman said the death toll in the explosion and fire at a fuel depot on Monday had risen to 68, with a further 105 people missing and nearly 300 injured. A total of 68 were taken to medical institutions in Armenia. The authorities have given no explanation for the blast. USAID head Samantha Power, in the Armenian capital Yerevan, called on Azerbaijan "to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh". Power had earlier handed Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a letter of support from U.S. President Joe Biden. She said Azerbaijan's use of force was unacceptable and that Washington was looking at an appropriate response. Power urged Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev to honour his promise to protect ethnic Armenian rights, fully reopen the Lachin corridor that connects the region to Armenia and let in aid deliveries and an international monitoring mission. Aliyev has pledged to guarantee the safety of Karabakh's Armenians but said his iron fist had consigned the idea of the region's independence to history. "It is absolutely critical that independent monitors as well as humanitarian organisations get access to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh who still have dire needs," Power later said during a visit to the village of Kornidzor on the Azeri border. She said she had heard "very troubling reports of violence against civilians. At the same time given the chaos here and the trauma, the gathering of testimonies ... of the people who have come across is something that is just beginning." 'NOWHERE TO GO' Ethnic Armenians who managed to get to Armenia have given harrowing accounts of fleeing death, war and hunger. Some said they saw many dead civilians - one said truckloads. Some with young children, broke down in tears as they described a tragic odyssey of running from war, sleeping on the ground and with hunger churning in their bellies. "We took what we could and left. We dont know where were going. We have nowhere to go," Petya Grigoryan, a 69-year-old driver, told Reuters in the border town of Goris on Sunday. Reuters was unable to independently verify accounts of the military operation inside Karabakh. Azerbaijan has said it targeted only Karabakh fighters. The Azerbaijani victory changes the balance of power in the South Caucasus region, a patchwork of ethnicities crisscrossed with oil and gas pipelines where Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Armenia had relied on a security partnership with Russia, while Azerbaijan grew close to Turkey, with which it shares linguistic and cultural ties. Armenia has lately sought closer ties with the West and blames Russia, which had peacekeepers in Karabakh but is now preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, for failing to protect Karabakh. Moscow denies blame and has told Pashinyan that he is making a big mistake by flirting with the United States. Aliyev hinted on Monday at the prospect of creating a land corridor to Turkey across Armenia. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who met Aliyev on Monday, said on Tuesday such a corridor must be completed. But Hikmet Hajiyev, Aliyev's foreign policy adviser, told Reuters in Brussels that Azerbaijan only wanted to create transport links to the country's enclave of Nakhchivan through Armenia. And that would benefit both countries, he said. (Reporting by Felix Light NEAR KORNIDZOR, Armenia, Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge, Gareth Jones and Ron Popeski; Editing by Peter Graff, Alex Richardson and Grant McCool) A Russian agent in Czechia has been organising the dissemination of Russian propaganda in the country through "public figures" for a reward of several thousand euros. Source: Michal Koudelka, Head of the Czech Security and Information Service; Czech Radio internet news server iROZHLAS Details: Kudelka said an "influential agent" of Russia, at the request of one of the highest bodies of Russian state power, "ensured the dissemination in the public space of narratives supporting the foreign policy interests of the Russian Federation in connection with the war in Ukraine." The head of Czech counterintelligence did not disclose any details, but indicated that the agent used Czech "public figures" to spread propaganda. The Czech Security and Information Service, Kudelka added, has noted Russian attempts to influence Czechia before. For example, during the presidential election campaign at the beginning of the year, the Russian propaganda agency Sputnik released a fake video featuring Petr Pavel, where he allegedly called on Prague to intervene in the war in Ukraine. In addition, Russia directly tried to establish contact with one of the organisers of anti-government demonstrations in the Czech Republic in the autumn of 2022, as well as spread disinformation about the "recruitment" of mercenaries of the Wagner terrorist group among Czech citizens. In general, according to Michal Kudelka, the misinformation environment in the Czech Republic mainly acts spontaneously, is not controlled centrally and is mostly inspired by narratives that are beneficial to Russia. Background: In April last year, the head of the Czech Security and Information Service said that the activities of Russian intelligence in the Czech Republic had been minimised after the expulsion of persons related to the investigation of explosions of ammunition depots in Vrbetice and Russia's invasion 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 Russian attack on Kherson injured three people on the afternoon of Sept. 26, Roman Mrochko, the head of the Kherson city military administration, reported on Telegram. The strike, reported at around 3:10 p.m. local time, injured two men aged 40 and 79, and hospitalized a 52-year-old woman, the Kherson Oblast Military Administration said. The men received medical assistance at the scene. Cars and buildings, including houses, were damaged. As of around 16:45 p.m. local time, six civilians have been injured as a result of Russian strikes on the city in just one day, Mrochko said. The Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported one injury at 12:20 p.m., having previously reported two injuries at 10:20 a.m. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said that six people were killed and 10 more were wounded from Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast on Sept. 25. Read also: SBU detains priest of Kremlin-linked church over selling arms Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The strike on the Orlivka checkpoint on the border with Romania damaged civilian infrastructure facilities, but border guards managed to evacuate public transport before the attack. Source: Radio Svoboda (Liberty) with reference to the comment of Yurii Dimchohlo, the founder of the ferry complex Quote: "The civilian infrastructure of the checkpoint was damaged; there were a lot of civilian trucks of international connection about 30 of them. Six of them burned down completely. The warehouses were slightly damaged, but there were no direct strikes. The main strikes were to the customs points and the accumulation areas of international transport for customs control, especially at the entrance to Ukraine." Details: Dimchohlo said that the attack took place at around 02:00. The administrative building of the checkpoint was not affected, but the blast wave smashed the glass 80% of the windows will have to be replaced. He added that 10-15 minutes passed between the air-raid warning and the attack. Border guards reacted quickly and moved public transport out of the crossing point. Quote: "There were two buses, one entering Ukraine and one leaving. The one going out was with children. It was quickly checked, put on a Romanian ferry, which was almost leaving the shore, at the beginning of the strikes. Thank God that there was no bus with children at the checkpoint. Because I don't know what would have happened." More details: The second bus was checked in 10 minutes. As it was leaving, there were strikes, which caused the glass in the bus to crack. Only the drivers were injured. Dimchohlo emphasised that the crossing is an "entirely civilian facility" with no military personnel, except for border guards. Quote: "We are now clearing the checkpoint and hope to resume work in a very short time because we are in great demand. We hope to restore the road between Ukraine and Romania as soon as possible." Background: On the night of 25-26 September, Russian occupiers attacked the port infrastructure of Odesa Oblast, damaging the checkpoint building, warehouses and 30 trucks. Moreover, six trucks were burned, and two drivers were injured. Because of the nighttime attack by Russians, Ukrainian border guards suspended the operation of the Orlivka ferry crossing point in the Reni District of 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! Russian multi-weapon attacks against Ukraine killed nine civilians and wounded another 13 on Sept. 25, regional authorities reported on Sept. 26. A total of nine Ukrainian oblasts were targeted on that day Sumy, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. Casualties were reported in the last four regions. Russian forces struck Kherson Oblast 93 times, firing 491 projectiles from various weapons, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. Six people were killed, and 10 more were wounded, said Prokudin. The attacks reportedly damaged an administration building, several educational institutions, a communal building, a dormitory, a pharmacy, a food enterprise, and a market. Read also: As their kids find refuge abroad, Ukrainian fathers struggle with separation The same day, Russian attacks killed two civilians in Donetsk Oblasts village of Zvanivka, some 25 kilometers north of Bakhmut, acting Governor Ihor Moroz reported. Russia hit multiple settlements in the region, damaging seven houses, two apartment buildings, an industrial building, a market, and several cafes, Moroz added. Russias military targeted 23 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, damaging 28 homes and civilian infrastructure facilities, the regional administration said on Facebook. In the front-line settlements of Plavni and Huliaipole, Russian shelling killed an elderly man and injured another 64-year-old resident, according to the Zaporizhzhia Oblast authorities. Three districts in Kharkiv Oblast also came under Russian attacks, with two residents wounded in the city of Vovchansk, said Governor Oleh Synehuibov. The attacks damaged houses, outbuildings, cars, and a power line as well as caused fire at a landfill and in a forest, added the official. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Two shepherds were killed as an unexploded mine left over from past wars went off in north Afghanistan's Faryab province, said a statement of the provincial directorate for information and culture on Tuesday. The deadly incident took place on Monday evening in Gurziwan district when the teenage shepherds, 17 and 12, respectively, found the unexploded mine, but the device exploded suddenly, killing both on the spot, the statement asserted. This is the second incident of its kind over the past week in war-ridden Afghanistan. In the previous incident, which occurred in the Garmsir district of the southern Helmand province on Sept. 18, two children were killed, and three others were injured. Afghanistan is reportedly one of the most mine-contaminated countries, as the unexploded devices left over from more than four decades of war claim the lives of over a dozen people, mostly children, each month. Russian Black Sea commander shown on video call after Ukraine said it killed him MOSCOW (Reuters) - Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, was shown on Russian state television on Tuesday attending a defence leaders' meeting remotely, a day after Ukrainian special forces said they had killed him. In video and photographs released by the defence ministry, Sokolov was shown as one of several fleet commanders on video apparently joining an in-person meeting of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other army chiefs, although not speaking. It was not clear when the video was filmed. Ukraine's special forces said on Monday that Sokolov had been killed along with 33 other officers in a missile attack last week on the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the port of Sevastopol in Crimea, seized from Ukraine in 2014. In response to the Russian video, the Ukraine special forces said on Telegram: "Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish a response with Sokolov allegedly alive, our units are clarifying the information." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had declined to comment on the Ukrainian claim, referring reporters to the ministry. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, interviewed by CNN, neither confirmed nor denied Sokolov's death, but said his demise could only be a good thing for all concerned. "He is in our temporary occupied territories he should not be there at all," CNN quoted Umerov as saying on its website. "So, if hes dead, its good news for everybody that we are continuing to de-occupy our territory." In the video, Shoigu said more than 17,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in September and that more than 2,700 weapons, including seven American Bradley fighting vehicles, had been destroyed. Reuters could not independently verify battlefield claims. "The Ukrainian armed forces are suffering serious losses along the entire front line," Shoigu said, adding that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had so far produced no results. "The United States and its allies continue to arm the armed forces of Ukraine, and the Kyiv regime throws untrained soldiers to the slaughter in senseless assaults," Shoigu said. Kyiv's counteroffensive has yet to seize much territory from Russian forces, which control about 17.5% of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory. According to a Sept. 19 scorecard by the Belfer Center at Harvard's Kennedy School, Russia has gained 35 sq miles (91 sq km) from Ukraine in the past month while Ukrainian forces have taken 16 sq miles (41 sq km) from Russian forces. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Gareth Jones, Alex Richardson, Ron Popeski and Timothy Gardner) The commander of Russias Black Sea Fleet appeared at a meeting in video the countrys Defense Ministry released Tuesday, leading Ukraine to say it was "clarifying" whether he was dead or alive a day after it claimed to have killed him in a missile strike. The video and photos appeared to show Viktor Sokolov, one of Moscow's most senior naval officers, taking part in a videoconference of military leaders led by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. NBC News has not verified when or where the video was recorded. Ukraines special operations forces said Monday that the commander of the fleet was among 34 officers killed in an attack Friday in the occupied Crimean city of Sevastopol. After the Russian Defense Ministry released the video Tuesday, Kyiv said it was "clarifying the information." "As is known, 34 officers were killed as a result of a missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation. Available sources claim that the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was among the dead. Many still have not been identified due to the disparity of body fragments," the special operations forces said in a post on Telegram. "Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish an answer with an apparently alive Sokolov, our units are clarifying the information. This is happening within the procedure for collecting data on the results of the operation, the post added. The video released Tuesday clearly shows Sokolov's face appearing by webcam alongside other senior military figures. At one point in the video, Tuesday's date "26. 09. 2023" is visible. His name badge reads "V.N. Sokolov," and a Cyrillic abbreviation for the Black Sea Fleet appears on his screen. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces, as Russian fleet commanders are seen on a screen via video link, in Moscow, Russia (Russian Defense Ministry via Reuters) State media outlets also reported Sokolov's virtual attendance, though they did not say exactly when the meeting took place. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined twice to answer questions about Sokolov in his daily briefing with foreign journalists, instead directing questions to the Defense Ministry. Kyiv did not provide evidence for the claim that it had killed the fleet's commander, which would make Sokolov one of the highest-profile losses among Russias military top brass since the war began. Sokolov has led the fleet since August last year, the result of a major reshuffle after the sinking of its Moskva flagship. Viktor Sokolov during a graduation ceremony at the Nakhimov Black Sea Higher Naval School in Sevastopol, Russia (Sergei Malgavko / Zuma Press ) He rose through a series of posts in the Pacific and Northern fleets, serving as deputy commander in the latter, according to Russian state media. From 2020 he headed a prestigious military academy before he took command of the Black Sea Fleet. Sevastopols port is the main base of the fleet, which has been used to launch attacks deep into Ukraine. Kyiv has been waging its own campaign of strikes against Russian targets, increasingly hitting the annexed Crimean Peninsula. Shortly after Fridays missile strike there, Moscow said that one of its service members was killed and that its defenses intercepted five missiles. It later updated to say the serviceman was missing. During the meeting released Tuesday, Shoigu gave an update on Russias invasion and the creation of eight military training centers to fast-track new recruits into the armed forces. He also said Kyivs counteroffensive on the battlefield was failing. The Ukrainian armed forces are suffering serious losses along the entire front line, he said. Russias bombardment of key infrastructure continued late Monday, with strikes on ports and agricultural centers, Ukraine said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Russia's Ministry of Defence published a video showing a Russian commander attending a meeting by video link. It was unusual given that Ukraine confidently claimed to have killed him on Friday in an air strike. While it isn't absolute proof, the video suggests that Admiral Viktor Sokolov is still alive. The Russian Ministry of Defense published a video undermining Ukraine's claim to have killed one of its top commanders, appearing to show him in a meeting. Viktor Sokolov, the admiral of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, appeared on a large screen at a meeting of the board of the Russian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday. The image was striking because Ukraine earlier claimed to have killed Sokolov on Friday in a major strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters near Sevastopol, a port in occupied Crimea. Ukraine's special forces said on Monday he was one of 34 officers killed in a missile strike on the naval base. But a man resembling Sokolov, and wearing a name badge and insignia matching his rank, was seen on-screen at the meeting Tuesday. Insider can't verify whether the man in the video is in fact Sokolov, or when the footage and pictures were taken. Ukraine also said that 105 people were injured in the strike. Sokolov didn't appear hurt in the footage, but only his head and chest were visible. He does not speak in the video. The attack on Friday was one of a series Ukraine has launched on Russian military targets in Crimea. Had he been killed, Sokolov would have been one of the most senior casualties in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin on Tuesday did not confirm or deny that Sokolov was dead, passing questions to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Reuters reported. The ministry did not directly answer, but did publish the video. In a transcript of the meeting in which Sokolov reappeared, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu boasted of what he claimed were recent Russian successes against Ukraine's counteroffensive. According to the website of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Sokolov was appointed its highest ranking officer in September 2022. Ukraine says the fleet has launched attacks on civilian targets, and it is playing a key role in seeking to blockade Ukrainian grain shipments. Russia has previously released pictures of top officials in an apparent bid to quash rumors about their fate. Pictures released of Shoigu with top commanders in Ukraine in June helped counteract rumors that he had been removed from his position after the uprising by the Wagner Group. Read the original article on Business Insider A Russian court has rejected an appeal by jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny against a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges, according to Russian state media RIA, in the latest crackdown on the outspoken Kremlin critic. Navalny was sentenced in August, after he was found guilty of creating an extremist community, financing extremist activities and numerous other crimes. He is already serving sentences of 11-and-a-half years in a maximum security facility on fraud and other charges he denies. Navalny appeared at the hearing on Tuesday via video link from a penal colony in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow. Supporters of Navalny claim his arrest and incarceration are a politically motivated attempt to stifle his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reporters watched a live stream as Navalny's appeal was rejected. - Mediazona Navalnys team said the hearing was moved behind closed doors, after a letter from Russias Ministry of Internal Affairs described potential unspecified danger to the participants in an open trial. The main reason why these processes are taking place behind closed doors is the restriction of my and Kholodnys rights, Navalny told the prosecutor on Tuesday. Daniel Kholodny, the former technical director of Navalnys YouTube channel, was sentenced to eight years in August, in the same extremism case. Navalny has been imprisoned in Russia since returning to the country in January 2021, on charges of violating terms of probation related to a historic fraud case, which he dismisses as politically targeted. In August 2020, he was taken from Russia to Germany after being poisoned with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok. Navalny arrived in a coma to a Berlin hospital, following a medical evacuation flight from the Siberian city of Omsk. A joint investigation by CNN and the group Bellingcat linked the Russian Security Service to Navalnys poisoning. Russia denies involvement. Moscows clampdown on Navalny precedes the war in Ukraine, but the Kremlin has ramped up measures against internal opposition and free speech since launching its invasion. CNNs Rob Picheta, Anna Chernova, Darya Tarasova and Josh Pennington contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) - Oligarch Oleg Deripaska said Russia has weathered Western sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine and cautioned that Western hopes of using such a 19th Century instrument to end the war or trigger regime change were doomed to failure. President Vladimir Putin is girding the $2.1 trillion economy for a long Ukraine war and has repeatedly goaded the West for failing to cripple Russia, which is forecast to grow 2.8% this year and 2.3% next year. Western hopes of stoking a swift Russian economic crisis have been proven to be wrong: the world's second largest oil exporter has no trouble selling its oil on global markets while trade is booming with China - and with some other countries. "I was surprised that private business would be so flexible. I was more or less sure that up to 30 per cent of the economy would collapse, but it was way less," Deripaska, a 55-year-old tycoon, told the FT. Deripaska said Russia's vast natural resource wealth made it too attractive for many - including China and other countries - to ever abandon, and that Western hopes of using sanctions to change Russia's leaders were doomed. Since the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, Deripaska himself has been sanctioned by Britain for his alleged ties to Putin. He has mounted a legal challenge against the sanctions. "Believing that the sanctions will stop [the war] or create regime change or somehow make us closer to the end of the conflict . . . No. We need to have another solution," he was quoted by the FT as saying. Deripaska, who studied physics at Moscow University, branched out into metals trading as the Soviet Union crumbled, making a fortune by buying up stakes in aluminium factories. He founded RUSAL, which united the jewels of the Soviet aluminium industry into one holding, in 2000. He was ranked by the Russian version of Forbes this year as Russia's 54th richest man with a worth of $2.5 billion. Deripaska still owns part of Rusal through his stake in its parent En+ Group. He said he doubted sanctions, which he cast as a tool of the 19th Century, would work as a wonder weapon in a global world. "I always doubted this Wunderwaffe [wonder-weapon], as Germans used to say, of the sanctions weaponising the financial system as a kind of tool to negotiate," said Deripaska. "Yes, there is war spending and all this kind of subsidies and government support but still its a surprisingly low slowdown [ . . .] The private economy found its way to operate and to do so successfully." The United States in 2018 imposed sanctions on Deripaska and other influential Russians because it said they were profiting from a Russian state engaged in "malign activities" around the world. The sanctions, an attempt to punish Moscow for alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, were "groundless, ridiculous and absurd", Deripaska said at the time. (This story has been corrected to show Deripaska said sanctions were a 19th Century tool, not a 20th Century tool, in paragraph 1 and 11) (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Ukrainska Pravda journalists in London have managed to talk with Pavel Fuks , a Russian oligarch subject to Ukrainian sanctions, and lawyer Andrii Dovbenko, who is wanted for fraud in Ukraine. Source: The London Battalion, an investigation by Ukrainska Pravda (English subtitles will be available soon) Details: Fuks said that he plans to return to Ukraine after the war, because "a window of opportunity" will then be opened for business. According to him, he has held a UK residence permit since 2017. Fuks said that he has not seen any Ukrainian politicians or businessmen in London in the last 18 months. Regarding the notice of suspicion he was served by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the General Prosecutors Office 2023, he said that he stands "accused of being a Russian citizen". Fuks also said that he is not doing business in the UK, but taking care of the family and bringing up his children. During his meeting with UPs journalist, lawyer Andrii Dovbenko neither confirmed nor denied the suggestion that he is in the process of obtaining political asylum in the UK. He said he has no plans to return to Ukraine and is "working on a defence strategy". "I dont think they thought it through properly, I think they're wrong. Im not at all involved in the actions Im accused of," Dovbenko said. The lawyer also claimed that the investigation team had been unable to find him, even though he had informed the investigators of his London address. He believes the investigation team is pretending they cant find him. Background: In January 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) put lawyer Andrii Dovbenko on the wanted list as the organiser of a criminal group accused of fraud involving seized assets. NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) obtained evidence that property transferred to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency in 2022 had been embezzled by an organised criminal group of four people. On 29 December, Dovbenko, the groups organiser and owner of a number of law firms, was served with a notice of suspicion in absentia. In June 2023, the Guardian reported that the oligarch Pavel Fuks, who earned a fortune in Russia and was subject to Ukrainian sanctions, has residency in the UK after obtaining a special visa for the rich in 2012. On 16 May, Ukraines Security Service and the Prosecutor Generals Office reported that Fuks and the senior management of his companies, which have committed large-scale financial fraud, had been served with notices of suspicion. In response, Fuks said the allegations against him were slander. 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 Russian artillery strike on Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast injured a 64-year-old man, the General Prosecutor's Office reported on Sept. 26. The civilian was hospitalized following the strike, the prosecutors said. Houses, farm buildings, and a car were damaged in the shelling, according to the report. The town of Vovchansk with a pre-war population of around 17,500 people lies roughly 70 kilometers northeast of the regional center of Kharkiv and less than five kilometers south of the Russian border. The settlement suffers regular attacks by Russian forces. Read also: Update: Russian overnight attack on Odesa kills 2, injures 1 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian soldiers intercepted a Ukrainian drone and successfully landed it, the Kyiv Post reported. But as they were photographing the drone, it blew up, Ukrainian intelligence told the outlet. Some of the soldiers died in the explosion, the source said. Russian soldiers were inspecting a captured Ukrainian drone they had seized when it blew up and killed some of them, The Kyiv Post reported on Monday. It said the drone was a "kamikaze" model long-range winged drones that explode on impact. A source in Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) told the outlet the Russian soldiers hacked the drone's control systems and were able to land it in Kursk, some 50 miles inside Russian territory. The group was inspecting and taking pictures of their "trophy" when it self-exploded, killing some of them, the source said. It is unclear how many died, but there were several senior people in the group, Kyiv Post reported, citing the intelligence source. Insider was unable to independently verify the report. In recent months, Ukraine has been targeting Russian cities with almost daily drone attacks. Their drones helped destroy a $500 million Russian air defense system and shut down Moscow-area airports . But Russia has been able to deal a blow to these efforts with its jamming technology, which is said to be getting better and better. UK think tank the Royal United Services Institute said in May that Ukraine could be losing 10,000 drones a month, mostly due to jamming. "Russia deploys the jamming technique a lot they jam the GPS signals, they broadcast noise on the same frequency that GPS satellites work at so that the drones lose their direction," Steve Wright, a drone technology developer and expert, previously told Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian troops raped women as old as 83 while their families were forced to listen A new UN report found that women in Ukraine experience systematic sexual violence by Russian troops. Women as old as 83 have been raped while their families were forced to listen to the brutal attacks. International criminal law considers rape and sexual violence war crimes and crimes against humanity. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine drags into its 19th month, international watchdogs say they have found continued evidence of systemic sexual violence against women in regions occupied by invading troops. The United Nations' Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine released an update on Monday, detailing the findings of investigators who verified reports of war crimes after multiple evidence-gathering trips to occupied Ukraine. A spokesperson for the UN Commission told Insider that, though the number of victims remains widely under-reported, investigators have documented widespread cases of sexual violence across the occupied regions of Ukraine involving women, men, and girls ranging in age from 4 to 83. The sexual violence is often committed as a form of torture and in conjunction with other human rights violations against Ukrainian civilians, detainees, and prisoners of war, the spokesperson said. "Frequently, family members were kept in an adjacent room, thereby forced to hear the violations taking place," according to the latest UN update. Representatives for Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, and the Government of the Russian Federation did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider. Insider previously reported on the case of a woman who recounted being raped by Russian soldiers who killed her husband. The woman ushered her crying 4-year-old son to the next room before the attack, but his cries so angered her attackers that they threatened, with a gun to her head, to "show him his mother's brains spread around the house," she said in an interview with The Times of London. "We have reports of women being gang-raped. These women are usually the ones who are unable to get out. We are talking about senior citizens," Lesia Vasylenko, a member of Ukraine's parliament, said early last year, not long after the invasion began. "Most of these women have either been executed after the crime of rape or they have taken their own lives." Ukrainian and Polish women attend 'Rape Is a War Crime' protest in front of the Consulate General of Russia in Krakow, Poland. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images Since Vasylenko's comments last March, reports of widespread sexual violence perpetrated by Russian troops, at times encouraged by commanding officers, have increased, prompting international investigations into the incidents. Major protests have occurred in England and Poland against the atrocities, which have targeted civilians in occupied regions, including Kherson and Bucha. Though women of all ages are the most frequent targets of sexual violence, Russians use rape as a "deliberate tactic" to dehumanize victims regardless of sex, Insider previously reported. "When women are held for days and raped, when you start to rape little boys and men, when you see a series of genital mutilations, when you hear women testify about Russian soldiers equipped with Viagra, it's clearly a military strategy," Pramila Patten, the UN's special representative on sexual violence in conflict, told AFP, per France 24. Rape as a weapon of war While the reports of the rapes are no doubt troubling, sexual violence is frequently documented during wartime. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court classifies rape and sexual violence, including sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and sterilization, as a type of war crime and a crime against humanity, depending on the context under which the crimes are committed. "Rape committed during war is often intended to terrorize the population, break up families, destroy communities, and, in some instances, change the ethnic make-up of the next generation," reads a 2014 UN report on sexual violence during war, which highlighted sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide. Between 100,000 and 250,000 women were raped over three months in 1994, according to the report. At least 200,000 women were raped in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1998, and hundreds of thousands more during wars in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the former Yugoslavia, it said. "Sometimes it is also used to deliberately infect women with HIV or render women from the targeted community incapable of bearing children," the 2014 report adds. Although international law provides protections against rape and sexual violence, enforcement of the provisions is weak, according to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank. The International Crime Court has launched an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine, though legal action is unlikely to come for many years if it comes at all. "International law is largely ineffective at preventing rape and sexual violence in conflict," according to the Council on Foreign Relations, which advocates for a pragmatic approach to helping survivors, rather than focusing on the near-impossible task of ending sexual violence during wartime. "Survivor-centered training and aid is the best way to support victims of sexual violence and to help them cope with the trauma, stigma, and the health consequences stemming from conflict-related sexual violence." Read the original article on Business Insider Russian troops continued ground attacks near Bakhmut on 25 September, but did not have a single confirmed advance, and they also continued unsuccessful attacks along the Avdiivka-Donetsk line. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: ISW said that on 24 and 25 September, several Russian military bloggers stated that Russian troops drove Ukrainian troops from their positions in Orikhiv-Vasylivka and that Russian troops now control the settlement. Another Russian war correspondent admitted that there is no visual confirmation of these allegations. It is also reported that Russian troops are counterattacking near Kurdiumivka (12 kilometres southwest of Bakhmut). Ukrainian troops continued offensive operations near Bakhmut on 25 September. Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Eastern Group of Forces, said that Ukrainian troops had liberated an additional two kilometres of territory on the Bakhmut front. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that Russian forces had carried out unsuccessful attacks near Klishchiivka, as well as in the east and southeast of Bohdanivka. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that units of the Russian Southern Group of Forces repelled Ukrainian attacks near Maiorske (20 kilometres south of Bakhmut). Russian bloggers wrote that Ukrainian troops tried to break through Russian defensive positions along the railway east of Klishchiivka (7 kilometres southwest of Bakhmut). Another Russian blogger noted that recently the front line near Bakhmut has not changed. In addition, on 25 September, Russian troops continued unsuccessful ground attacks along the Avdiivka-Donetsk line. The General Staff of Ukraine reported that Russian troops unsuccessfully attacked near Avdiivka and Marinka (on the western outskirts of Donetsk) and unsuccessfully tried to recover lost positions near Novomykhailivka. (36 kilometres southwest of Avdiivka). To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 26 September: The tactical situation in Verbove remains unclear amid continued Ukrainian offensive operations in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 25 September. The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reported on 25 September that a precision Ukrainian strike on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea, on 22 September killed 34 Russian officers, including BSF Commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Khalino Airfield and a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) building in Kursk Oblast during a series of drone strikes on 24 September. Russian forces conducted a series of Shahed-131/136 drone and missile strikes on the night of 24-25 September against Ukrainian port, grain, and military targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on 25 September that US-provided Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine. Russian military officials continue efforts to build out the Russian armed forces to suit the needs of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine. The Kremlin and the Armenian government continue to deflect blame onto one another over the surrender of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan amidst deteriorating Armenian-Russian relations. Russian forces continued unsuccessful offensive operations near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations near Bakhmut, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast but did not make any confirmed gains. Russian officials continue to deport children from occupied Ukraine to Russia. 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! Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, said that Russian forces targeted a business facility in Kryvyi Rih on the morning of 26 September. Source: Serhii Lysak; Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council, on Telegram Quote from Lysak: "The morning started with an explosion in Kryvyi Rih. One of the city's business facilities was hit. Information is being confirmed." Details: Lukashuk said that there were no casualties or damage. Lysak also said that at night, the Russians attacked Nikopol district three times with heavy artillery. The city of Nikopol itself, Myrove and Chervonohryhorivka hromadas were hit [hromada an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories]. Three private family homes and two outbuildings were damaged. 40 solar panels were smashed. An unused building and power transmission lines were damaged. However, no people were injured. Background: In the morning, an air-raid warning was issued in eight oblasts of Ukraine due to the threat of ballistic missiles. There was an explosion in Kryvyi Rih. 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 General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces has stated that Russian units suffered significant losses in the area between the cities of Bakhmut and Soledar in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have also been moving into the civilians houses on the Melitopol front, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, using yards to set up firing positions. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 26 September Quote: "The Russian occupiers cynically continue to violate international humanitarian law norms. They forcibly live together with civilian residents in their homes, using civilians as human shields. For example, in the settlement of Nove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast [a village located between Orikhiv and Tokmak ed.], Russian troops use private yards where civilians live as firing positions for military equipment and personnel deployment." Details: In addition, the General Staff stated that Russian forces continue to suffer significant losses in Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian General Staff said the 200th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade of the 14th Army Corps, part of the Russian Northern Military District, which is taking part in the hostilities between Bakhmut and Soledar, has high combat losses of personnel, both killed and wounded. Thus, the Russians set up a military hospital in the Pervomaisk City Central Hospital in Luhansk Oblast, where they treat over 200 Russian servicemen, mainly from the 200 brigade. "The units personnel have low morale and no motivation for further combat operations," the General Staff reported. 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! Over the past day, the Russians unsuccessfully tried to regain their lost positions in the areas of Klishchiivka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast, unsuccessfully tried to drive Ukrainian soldiers out of their positions in the area of Marinka, and on the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts without assaults. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 26 September Details: Over the past day, 25 combat clashes took place. Russia launched 16 missiles and 72 air strikes and carried out 65 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian facilities in Ukraine. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, civilians were killed and injured. Private residential buildings, apartment buildings, a hotel, a kindergarten and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. Airstrikes were launched on the following settlements: Leonivka, Chernihiv Oblast; Popivka and Ponomarenky, Sumy Oblast; Synkivka, Ivanivka, and Kyslivka, Kharkiv Oblast; Nadiia, Novoiehorivka, Nevske and Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast; Spirne, Vasiukivka, Pivnichne, Avdiivka, Marinka, Novomykhailivka, Urozhaine and Zelene Pole, Donetsk Oblast; Verbove and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia Oblast; and Beryslav, Odradokamianka, Olhivka and Lvove, Kherson Oblast. About 150 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts came under artillery fire. The operational situation remains without significant changes in the area of responsibility of Operational Command Pivnich (North) on the Volyn and Polissia fronts . On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts , Russia maintains a military presence in the border areas, conducts active sabotage activities to prevent the transfer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to threatened areas, and increases the density of mine barriers along the state border in Russias Belgorod Oblast. The Russians did not conduct any offensive (assault) actions in the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk and Lyman fronts . On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled five Russian attacks in the vicinity of Klishchiivka, Donetsk Oblast, where Russia was trying to regain its lost position. In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, the Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks near the settlements of Avdiivka and Sieverne, Donetsk Oblast. On the Marinka front, Russians conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Marinka, Donetsk Oblast, where, during the day, they made 10 unsuccessful attempts to oust Ukrainian units from their positions. In addition, the Russians tried to restore the lost position in Novomykhailivka, Donetsk Oblast, but to no avail. On the Shakhtarsk and Zaporizhzhia fronts, the Ukrainian defenders continue to hold the defence at the gained positions. On the Melitopol front, the Defene Forces continued their offensive operation, causing losses in manpower and equipment to Russian forces, continuing to consolidate their positions and exhausting the Russians. In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, the Defence Forces continue to conduct counter-battery combat, destroying storage points and successfully striking on the Russian's rear. Over the past day, the aircraft of the Defene Forces of Ukraine launched 11 strikes on areas where personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, as well as seven strikes on Russian anti-aircraft missile systems. Units of the Rocket Forces and Artillery hit nine artillery pieces, the area of concentration of personnel and military equipment, an ammunition depot and a Russian electronic warfare station. 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! Serhii Shoigu, Minister of Defence of Russia, talked about some "activity plan until 2025" in a video published on 26 September. Source: Russian propagandist agency RIA Novosti Details: Shoigu stated that the Russian army allegedly "continues increasing its combat capacity" mainly thanks to "supplies of advanced armament and improvement of military training given the experience of special military operation (the Russian term for the war in Ukraine ed.)." "Consistent implementation of measures within the framework of the action plan until 2025 will allow us to achieve the intended goals," Shoigu stated without specifying what exactly these "intended goals" concerned. Background: On 25 September, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that as a result of the strike on the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the occupied city of Sevastopol 34 officers were killed, including a Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander On 26 September Russias Defence Ministry posted an image of Viktor Sokolov, the Black Sea Fleet commander, at a meeting. It is unknown when and where the video was shot. Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, told reporters that he did not have information "about the alleged death of Black Sea Fleet Commander Sokolov". 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! By Mark Trevelyan LONDON (Reuters) - Russia's most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny , lost his appeal on Tuesday against a new 19-year prison term that extends his total sentence to more than 30 years. After a hearing that was closed to the media, despite protests from Navalny and his lawyers, he stood in his black prison uniform and listened to judge Viktor Rogov rattle through the list of his convictions before telling him that his sentence was unchanged. Navalny, 47, now faces a transfer to a "special regime" prison colony, the harshest grade in Russia's penal system, with the prospect of staying there until he is in his mid-70s. He rejects all the charges against him, which have ranged over the years from fraud and contempt of court to an array of "extremist" activities, as attempts to silence his criticism of President Vladimir Putin . Daniel Kholodny, a TV technician who worked for Navalny, was sentenced to eight years in jail in August as part of the same trial. His appeal too was rejected on Tuesday. "Alexei, see you!" Kholodny shouted after the judge finished speaking. Navalny waved his hand in response. "For all of us - their colleagues and friends - this is constant pain," Navalny aide Leonid Volkov posted on X, formerly Twitter. "And a constant challenge: every day to do everything we can to destroy the maniac in the Kremlin." The Kremlin has tried to portray Navalny as politically irrelevant, and Putin makes a point of never speaking his name. Moscow has cast him as an extremist and, without providing evidence, as a puppet of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Navalny is by far the best known figure in Russia's splintered opposition, with supporters casting him as a Nelson Mandela-style figure who will one day be freed from jail to lead the country. His political movement has been outlawed and its key figures have been jailed or fled abroad as part of a crackdown on dissent that has intensified since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine last year. Vladimir Kara-Murza, another outspoken Kremlin critic who was jailed for 25 years in April on charges of treason and lying about the war, was last week moved to a maximum-security penal colony in Siberia, according to his lawyer. PUTIN NEVER SPEAKS HIS NAME Navalny's latest 19-year sentence was imposed on Aug. 4 after he was convicted on six charges related to alleged extremist activity, all of which he denied. That came on top of 11-1/2 years he was already serving at the IK-6 penal colony at Melekhovo, about 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, on fraud and other charges which he also rejected as politically motivated. Navalny earned admiration around the world for voluntarily returning to Russia in 2021 from Germany, where he underwent treatment for what Western laboratory tests showed was an attempt to poison him with a nerve agent in Siberia. He was immediately arrested on arrival. The Kremlin denied it had tried to have him killed, with Putin commenting: "If someone had wanted to poison him, they would have finished him off." The latest charges and sentence relate to his role in his now-defunct movement inside Russia, which the authorities accused of trying to destabilise society. The U.S. State Department called the August verdict "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial", while the European Union condemned what it called another politically motivated ruling and called for Navalny's immediate release. Navalny said after the verdict last month that the aim was to crush Russians' will to stand up to Putin, and urged people not to give up. "You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to the gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power," he said. "Putin must not achieve his goal. Do not lose the will to resist." (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) Ukraine claimed it killed Russia's Black Sea Fleet commander, Viktor Solokov, in a strike on Friday. Dmytro Pletenchuk said Russia's navy is now like a "chicken running around without a head," per CNN. But on Tuesday, Russia's defense ministry shared a video of Sokolov apparently taking part in a meeting. Russia's navy is like a "chicken running around without a head" after the alleged death of its top commander in the Black Sea, a Ukrainian official said. Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesman for the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, made the statement on national television after the country's special forces claimed that a strike on a Russian headquarters in Sevastopol on Friday killed Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the top officer of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. "At this moment, they lost the person who actually manages all of this and his staff, who manages the fleet together with him," Pletenchuk said, according to CNN. As such, he compared the operations to "a chicken running around without a head." Ukraine's special forces claimed on Monday that an airstrike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea on Friday killed Sokolov, along with 33 other officers. Insider was unable to independently verify the claim, but in footage released by Russia's defense ministry on Tuesday, Sokolov appeared to be shown taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the fate of Sokolov. "There has been no information from the Ministry of Defense. This is entirely in their purview and we have nothing to say here," Peskov told reporters during a routine call on Tuesday morning, per CNN. Sokolov's death would be a major logistical headache for Russia, Pletenchuk said before Sokolov's apparent reappearance. Russian President Vladimir Putin has no control over ships' operations at sea, he said, and relies on admirals to manage and deploy troops. Russia has been struggling with increased Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea Fleet and its naval base in Sevastopol. The UK's Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Tuesday that a slew of attacks in recent weeks had likely strained the Russian fleet's capacity to patrol the region and enforce its blockade of Ukrainian ports. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Russias seaborne crude exports were curtailed by maintenance work at export terminals, though shipments look set for a rebound in the coming week. Most Read from Bloomberg A four-day halt at the Primorsk oil terminal on the Baltic offset a recovery in Pacific flows in the seven days to Sept. 24. The works saw the countrys shipments fall by about 100,000 barrels a day to 3 million last week, with the less volatile four-week average flow dropping by a similar amount, tanker-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show. Loading operations resumed at Primorsk from Friday. The impact of port closures masks a boost to shipments from Moscows easing of earlier export restrictions. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said early last month that the Kremlin would extend export cuts, while tapering them to 300,000 barrels a day from September, compared with 500,000 in August. The baseline for the reduction was average exports in May and June when seaborne volumes hit new highs. Before the works at Primorsk, which followed a similar halt the previous week at Kozmino in Russias far east, shipments had risen by more than twice as much as implied by Novaks comments. While crude exports are expected to rebound, Russia has temporarily halted overseas shipments of gasoline and diesel. The move appears to be related to a shortage of supplies in the domestic market, rather than the weaponization of exports. Shipments are expected to resume as soon as the government and oil companies come up with a mechanism to ensure adequate supplies to local buyers, with analysts suggesting the disruption is unlikely to last more than a few weeks. Refinery maintenance should also boost crude exports for the next few weeks. Russias average daily oil-processing rates have dropped to the lowest since late May as seasonal downstream maintenance has entered its peak. Russias refineries are set to continue the works for the next several weeks, with the peak of offline capacities seen to last until mid-October. The combination of rising exports, despite the latest dip, and soaring prices have boosted the Kremlins revenues from oil export duties, which set a new eight-month high on a four-week average basis. Flows by Destination Russias seaborne crude flows slipped in the period to Sept. 24 on a four-week average basis to 3.2 million barrels a day, down from a revised 3.3 million barrels a day in the period to Sept. 17. Shipments remain about 640,000 barrels a day below the highs seen between April and June. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and the Baltic port of Ust-Luga. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export grade. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies. Transit crude is specifically exempted from European Union sanctions. Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, edged lower to 2.73 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Sept. 24, from a revised 2.8 million barrels a day in the period to Sept. 17 and from a high of 3.6 million in April. Even if all of the cargoes on ships without an initial destination eventually end up in India, shipments to the country will still be about 450,000 barrels a day, or 21%, down from their peak in May. Adding the Unknown Asia and Other Unknown volumes to the total for India gives a figure of 1.65 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Sept. 24, down from a high of 2.15 million barrels a day in the period to May 21 and below the 1.71 million barrels a day seen in the period to Sept. 17. The equivalent of 422,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt, or which are expected to be transferred from one ship to another off the South Korean port of Yeosu. Those voyages typically end at ports in India or China and show up in the chart below as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent. The Other Unknown volumes, running at 190,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Sept. 24, are those on tankers showing no clear destination. Most of those cargoes originate from Russias western ports and go on to transit the Suez Canal, but some could end up in Turkey. Others could be moved from one vessel to another, with most such transfers now taking place in the Mediterranean. Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries were unchanged at 183,000 barrels a day in the 28 days to Sept. 24, with Bulgaria the sole destination. These figures do not include shipments to Turkey. A market that consumed about 1.5 million barrels a day of short-haul seaborne crude, coming from export terminals in the Baltic, Black Sea and Arctic has been lost almost completely, to be replaced by long-haul destinations in Asia that are much more costly and time-consuming to serve. No Russian crude was shipped to northern European countries in the four weeks to Sept. 24. Exports to Turkey, Russias only remaining Mediterranean customer, rose for a third week, increasing to about 235,000 barrels a day in the four weeks to Sept. 24, the highest since June. Flows had topped 425,000 barrels a day in October, before falling sharply after the Group of Seven price cap came into effect in early December. Flows to Bulgaria, now Russias only Black Sea market for crude, were unchanged at 183,000 barrels a day. Thats almost three times as much as the country was importing at the lowest points between March and May and equal to the highest levels seen since June 2022. The jump in imports comes despite the ruling coalitions desire to end Bulgarias dependence on Russian crude. Flows by Export Location Aggregate flows of Russian crude slipped below 3 million barrels a day for the first time in five weeks in the seven days to Sept. 24. Maintenance work at Primorsk undermined flows even as Moscow eases back on the export cut it implemented in July and most of August. Figures exclude volumes from Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd. Export Revenue Inflows to the Kremlin's war chest from its crude-export duty slipped to $61 million in the seven days to Sept. 24, but four-week average income rose to $63 million, its highest level in more than eight months. Rising oil prices and the rebound in flows are both contributing to the increase in receipts. Russias government calculates oil taxes including export duty using a discount to global benchmark Brent, which sets the floor price for the nations crude for budget purposes. If Russian oil trades above that threshold, the Finance Ministry uses the market price for tax calculations, as has been the case in recent months. The discount used to calculate taxes including export duty is set at $20 a barrel for September and subsequent months. The duty rate for September has been set at $2.92 a barrel, based on an average Urals price of $70.33 during the calculation period between July 15 and Aug. 14. That was $13.90 a barrel below Brent during the same dates. The rate for October has been set at $3.26 a barrel, based on an average Urals price of $77.03 during the calculation period between Aug. 15 and Sept. 14. That was $11.60 a barrel below Brent over the same period. Octobers duty rate sets a new high for the year. Origin-to-Location Flows The following charts show the number of ships leaving each export terminal and the destinations of crude cargoes from the four export regions. A total of 28 tankers loaded 21 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Sept. 24, vessel-tracking data and port agent reports show. Thats down 700,000 barrels from the revised figure for the previous week. A rebound in shipments from the Pacific port of Kozmino following the completion of maintenance work the previous week was offset by a slump in flows from Primorsk, likely also the result of work at the port. No crude cargoes were scheduled to complete loading at the Baltic port between Sept. 19 and Sept. 24. Destinations are based on where vessels signal they are heading at the time of writing, and some will almost certainly change as voyages progress. All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. The total volume on ships loading Russian crude from the Baltic terminals dropped to a five-week low of 1.15 million barrels a day. Maintenance work at Primorsk reduced the number of tankers loading at the port last week to just four, down from a more normal level of at least nine. Shipments began again as the week ended, suggesting that a rebound is likely in the coming week. Shipments of Russian crude from Novorossiysk were unchanged from the previous weeks revised figure. Shipments have recovered to the average levels seen before the dip in flows that began in July. One cargo of Kazakh crude was also loaded at the port during the week, down from two during the previous seven days. One Suezmax tanker completed loading a cargo at the Arctic port of Murmansk in the week to Sept. 24, reducing flows to a three-week low. Three tankers were drifting outside the port at the end of the week, with another two due to arrive before the end of the month. Twelve tankers loaded at Russias three Pacific export terminals, up by five from the previous week. The volume of crude shipped from the region jumped to a nine-week high of 1.25 million barrels a day. The increase in flows was driven by a resumption of normal operations at Kozmino, with nine ships completing cargo loadings in the week to Sept. 24. Shipments from the Sakhalin Island terminal appear to be returning to normal after the completion of maintenance at one of the Sakhalin 2 projects oil production platforms. One vessel completed loading a cargo of Sakhalin Blend crude from the terminal last week. The volumes heading to unknown destinations are Sokol cargoes that are currently being shuttled to an area off the South Korean port of Yosu from the loading terminal at De Kastri. Most of these are ending up in India. NOTES Note: This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the export duty revenues earned from them by the Russian government. Weeks run from Monday to Sunday. The next update will be on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Note: All figures exclude cargoes owned by Kazakhstans KazTransOil JSC, which transit Russia and are shipped from Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga as KEBCO grade crude. If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click here for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations. --With assistance from Sherry Su. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A Placer County jury on Tuesday convicted a Sacramento County man who tortured a woman in a jealous rage and then shot to death her lover in a violent Tinder dating love triangle, prosecutors said. Damon Allen Benson, 31, of Rancho Cordova was found guilty of murder for the shooting death of 48-year-old Cameron Gabriel who was found dead July 25, 2021, in Rocklin. Benson also was convicted of torture, aggravated mayhem, making criminal threats and false imprisonment by violence, the Placer County District Attorneys Office announced in a news release. Benson, Gabriel and the woman met separately on the online Tinder dating app. Prosecutors said the three became involved in a love triangle, which resulted in jealousy, the torture of a vulnerable female victim and ultimately Gabriels murder. Benson held the woman against her will in his apartment after he extensively tortured her on multiple occasions, according to the District Attorneys Office. Investigators determined the woman was tortured to obtain Gabriels home address to kill him. Officers responding to a report of a suspicious death found Gabriel with gunshot wounds in the 3900 block of East Midas Avenue, near Pacific Street, according to the Rocklin Police Department. Gabriel appeared to have been dead for some time before he was found. Detectives worked at the crime scene and began following up on investigative leads and tips the Police Department received. In early August, the Rancho Cordova Police Department gave the detectives information that led them to a witness of the homicide, Rocklin police officials have said. Based on witness statements and other evidence, the detectives identified Benson as the shooting suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On Sept. 2, 2021, the Rocklin detectives served the arrest warrant at the Sacramento County Main Jail and apprehended Benson. He was already in custody in Sacramento facing felony assault charges in a separate case. Prosecutors said the jury in the murder trial heard extensive testimony from the woman Benson tortured. The jurors also heard testimony from Sacramento County sheriffs officials and the District Attorneys Office investigator assigned to the murder case. Supervising Deputy District Attorney Jeffery Moore prosecuted Benson. Benson will remain in custody at the Placer County Jail until Dec. 5, when he is scheduled to return for his sentencing hearing in Placer Superior Court. Prosecutors said Benson faces a maximum sentence of 71 years to life in prison. Now that the writers seemingly have done their new deal, many are wondering about the actors. SAG-AFTRA members have not spoken with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers since they went on strike, but that could change. According to Deadline, the two may be meeting by the end of next week. However, the outlet said the situation is fluid and no negotiation has truly started until all participants are seated at the bargaining table. SAG-AFTRA members hold up a banner on Jan.12, 2016, in New York City. ( Rob Kim/Getty Images) We have no confirmed dates scheduled and there will not be meetings with the AMPTP this week, a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson told the publication. When we do have dates confirmed, we will inform our members. No one should rely on speculation. Actors have been on strike since July 14, joining the writers on the picket lines, after negotiations failed between Hollywood studios. We are the victims here, said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher at the time of the strike announcement. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity. I am shocked by the way the people that we have been in business with are treating us. KTLA 5 has reached out to the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA for any updates on negotiations and has not heard back. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Mama's Boy As former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's trial draws nearer, the disgraced Forbes cover star's mother, Stanford law professor Barbara Fried, is holding the line that her son is completely innocent, thanks very much! Bankman-Fried, whose impended criminal trial is due to start on Oct 3, has been accused by both the corpse of FTX and the US government of defrauding millions of FTX investors and misappropriating customer funds. The allegations are gravely serious, and if SBF loses his case, he could face up to life in prison. But as The New Yorker reports, his mom as is probably to be expected doesn't seem to be buying the allegations. In an email to the magazine, Fried decried the prosecution and bankruptcy court's behavior as "McCarthyite" a term referring to the tactics of former US Senator Joseph McCarthy, who in the 1950s used propaganda and other fear-stoking tactics to lead witch hunts against perceived Communists and a "relentless pursuit of total destruction" enabled by "a credulous public that will believe anything they say." "It takes a lifetime to build up a reputation as honorable people," Fried continued, according to the New Yorker. "It takes five minutes to destroy it, which they now have done." Company Line Of course, on the one hand, it's not exactly shocking to see Fried take the denial path. Family is family. But that said, it's worth noting that Fried and Bankman's role in the FTX fallout is a bit more complicated than that of doting parents. Both figures appear to have been fairly involved in the company, and last week, the couple was sued by FTX on grounds that Bankman and Fried "either knew" about or "ignored bright red flags" regarding their son's crimes, meanwhile profiting immensely off the once-lucrative company. (Speaking to the New Yorker, Fried condemned these accusations as well, claiming the new lawsuit is simply aimed to "enflame the jury pool on the eve of Sam's trial by portraying all of us as a pack of thieves.") Again, though, parents are parents, and no mom wants to believe that their kid committed a massive fraud. Nor do they probably want to believe that they might have enabled or turned a blind eye to their child's alleged crimes. Even so, SBF often finds a way to make himself sound awfully guilty, and though there is a chance that the jury decides to acquit the former crypto wunderkind, the Bankman-Fried family appears to be on somewhat of an island in the fight to prove SBF's innocence. Anyway. How soon until Bankman and Fried launch their own Substacks? More on Bankman, Fried, and Bankman-Fried: Sam Bankman-Fried, Bored on House Arrest, Starts a Substack JUBA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Tuesday decried continued violence against civilians that resulted in killings, injuries, and abductions. The UNMISS said between April and June, it documented 222 incidents of violence against civilians including 128 children whereby 395 civilians were killed, 281 injured, 166 abducted, and 29 were subjected to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). "Compared to the previous quarter between Jan.-March 2023, this marks a 14 percent increase in violent incidents from 194 to 222 and a 5 percent decrease in civilians harmed from 920 to 871," the UN mission said. According to the UNMISS, while the number of civilians killed decreased 2 percent from 405 to 395, the number of people injured increased 20 percent from 235 to 281. The report said the number of abductions decreased from 266 to 166, while the number of victims subjected to CRSV increased from 14 to 29. The UNMISS said 87 percent of incidents were perpetrated by community-based militias or civil defense groups commonly referred to as intercommunal violence accounted for the majority of the victims. It added that Warrap State was the most affected by the chronic violence and accounted for 34 percent of all civilian victims, followed by Jonglei, Upper Nile, Eastern Equatoria, and Central Equatoria states. Nicholas Haysom, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UNMISS, said ordinary civilians in South Sudan pay dearly for these acts of violence and it is critical to strengthen justice and accountability systems for such crimes. Haysom said over the reporting period, the mission documented at least 20 individuals affected by undue restrictions of fundamental freedoms, including through continuous censorship, harassment, arbitrary arrests, detention, and ill-treatment of individuals expressing critical or divergent views by security forces, which negatively impacted civic and political space. He said the UNMISS will continue to provide technical assistance and advocacy for a conducive environment for the exercise of civic and political freedoms as a prerequisite for free, fair, and credible elections in 2024. Haysom said as the country prepares for elections, it is imperative for the transitional government, with the support of other stakeholders, to take credible steps towards strengthening systems for justice and accountability, protecting affected communities, as well as expanding civic and political space. SAN DIEGO The City of San Diego has officially joined a federal case out of Oregon that is looking to get the U.S. Supreme Court to review rules that govern how cities can address homeless encampments after filing a petition with the court on Monday. The city, which voted 6-2 to participate during a closed City Council session last week, is one of a growing list of other metro areas, public officials and local groups to ask the highest court in the land to take up the case, City of Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson, et al. The lawsuit, which was brought by three unhoused residents in the small Oregon town of Grants Pass, sought to overturn city ordinances that restricted camping and sleeping in public through fines and other regulations. Monday marks 45 years since PSA Flight 182 crash in North Park Last year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the homeless plaintiffs, saying in its decision that it was a violation of the Eighth Amendment to punish people for sleeping in public when there is nowhere else for them to go. However, Grants Pass is attempting to get another opinion, filing an appeal last month to get the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. San Diego joined the case as one of twenty amicus curiae, which are people or groups who can submit briefs intending to influence a courts decision in a case that are not one of the listed parties, listed in a sweeping petition out of Seattle, WA. The amicus brief argues that the precedent set by the Ninth Circuit in the 2018 case of Martin v. Boise, which the earlier decisions in the Grants Pass case were built off of, is a violation of the separation of powers. In Martin, the appeals court held that the cruel and unusual punishment clause of the Eighth Amendment narrowly prevents governments from imposing criminal penalties on homeless individuals for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property if there is no accessible alternative. Homeless advocates have argued that this decision is an important backstop to prevent policies that criminalize life-sustaining activities without another choice, as they often lead to additional barriers that make it more difficult to exit homelessness. However, Seattles brief argued that strategies for helping their unhoused residents should be a decision made by local officials, not the courts. Local elected representatives have the arduous task of balancing strong human emotions, nuanced data, competing community interests, complex underlying causes of the problem, and limited budgets, the brief read. This is a quintessentially democratic endeavor. At its center, this case is not really about the Eighth Amendment. It is about what role the Constitution and federal judges should play in solving the complex social issues that emerge in modern life, it continued. The brief also criticized the shelter availability test that Martin implemented as a condition to enforce certain regulations on encampments. The document argued that the requirement places limits around the police power and financial burdens on local governments to provide enough beds for unhoused individuals to adequately meet demand. DeSantis makes stop in Coronado ahead of GOP debate Seattles amicus brief did not directly address the City of San Diego or its unsafe camping ordinance. They were, however, mentioned by San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan in a separate brief in the case filed by her office on Thursday. The full brief from Seattle that San Diego signed onto can be found below. Amicus-brief-San-DiegoDownload Other groups that have also already filed briefs in the case include: the California State Association of Counties, Arizona state representatives, the Brentwood Community Council and conservative think tank, the Goldwater Institute. The Supreme Courts term begins on the first Monday in October. It is unclear if the justices will be interested in taking the case up, or when they might make a determination on whether to hear the case. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. SAN FRANCISCO Recipients of public assistance in a city once known for its embrace of counterculture drugs would have to submit to tests for substance use under a proposal announced Tuesday by Mayor London Breed as she faces mounting pressure to address San Franciscos fentanyl epidemic. Breed, who is running for reelection in 2024, outlined the plan the same day that an heir to the Levi Strauss & Co. fortune launched his own mayoral bid, arguing that his incumbent opponent had let the drug and homelessness crises fester under her watch. Her proposal which progressive critics immediately compared to Republican-style welfare mandates would require all recipients of locally-funded cash assistance participate in a substance abuse treatment program if screening showed drug use. No more handouts without accountability, Breed said at a City Hall news conference. People are not accepting help. Now, its time to make sure that we are cutting off resources that continue to allow this behavior. The proposal from the Democratic mayor of this ultra-liberal city reflects the depth of frustration with a fentanyl crisis that has led to record overdoses, turned parts of downtown into open-air drug markets and is correlated with an increase in car break-ins and other property crime. It follows similar moves by leaders of other blue cities like New York and Portland, who are pushing forced treatment for mentally ill residents and sweeps of homelessness encampments that were once anathema to the Democratic Party. Breed, and her big city counterparts, are taking more drastic measures around the intertwined problems of drug use, homelessness and mental health to show voters theyre serious about public safety concerns. Breed has increasingly leaned into tough-on-crime rhetoric in recent months as she faces political headwinds and a growing field of challengers. On Tuesday, she defended her welfare proposal with a Clinton-esque commentary about the need for incentives that make subsidies contingent on personal responsibility. But she faces a tough road getting the progressive-leaning Board of Supervisors to go along with her proposal. Several were swift to call her plan inhumane and politically-motivated. About a dozen states, mostly deep-red, require drug testing for welfare recipients. Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, a progressive and potential rival in the mayoral race, said Breed is deflecting because she has failed to work with the police department to effectively close open-air markets for drugs and stolen goods. These are serious times in San Francisco and we need serious ideas, not politicians desperately grasping for a political lifeline, he said. Breed announced her proposal on the same morning that Daniel Lurie, a longtime nonprofit executive and Levi Strauss heir, formally announced he will challenge her in next years election. Lurie told a crowd of hundreds of supporters that he would seek to dramatically increase San Franciscos police presence to respond to the crises that have roiled its streets. My administration will finally slam the door shut on the era of open-air drug markets and end the perception that lawlessness is an acceptable part of life in San Francisco, he said during a rally at a community center in Potrero Hill. Several details of Breeds drug testing proposal are unclear, including which specific drugs would be tested for. Her office said she would unveil the text of the legislation in the coming weeks. Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a recovering addict and former spokesperson for the police department, is carrying the measure with Breed. He said more coercive incentives are needed to get people into treatment, especially amid the unprecedented loss of life in San Francisco due to drug overdoses. A week ago Santa Rosa County Commissioner Sam Parker told fellow board members he could not support keeping an alternative subdivision provision within the county's land development code for fear that opposition against it was so strong it could negatively impact a vote to renew the county's half-cent sales tax. The threat of opposition to the sales tax arose again Monday after it was learned the County Commission had voted at a budget workshop held Sept. 19 to push back any consideration of charging impact fees for county development. This time Parker and the cohorts who decided with him to table the impact fee discussion stood strong. In the budget workshop meeting, Parker was joined by Commission Chairman Colten Wright, who was not present Monday, and commissioners James Calkins and Ray Eddington in deciding to hold off discussions on the impact fees until October of 2024. The board cited "the realistic economic hardships that people are facing" for making the move. The move did not go over well with many county residents who have supported the fees as a way of forcing developers to contribute to the cost of infrastructure. Most didn't hesitate to tie the impact fees to their support for the half-cent sales tax. "I was part of blocking that sales tax before, in part because it did not include impact fees," said Pace resident Sherry Chapman. "It takes 60% of the vote to pass a tax. I'm telling you, if you don't put impact fees in before the election, you wil not get the sales tax ... I will work as hard this time as I did last time (to defeat the measure)." Discussion of renewing impact fees in Santa Rosa County to help defray the cost of the impact of development on roads, parks and law enforcement facilities got serious in May after an updated study was finalized by Duncan Associates. The group tabulated fee estimates for Santa Rosa County that would be lower than all but four of the 31 counties in Florida that charge impact fees. For single family home construction the fees would range from $1,911 for a residence of less than 2,000 square feet up to $2,254 for homes of 3,000 square feet or larger. The bulk of each impact fee charged would, under the Duncan Associates plan, go toward road construction. Lesser amounts would be set aside for parks and law enforcement facilities. For the less than 2,000-square-foot home: $1,586 would go toward roads, $217 for parks and $134 for law enforcement. With the 3,000 square-foot or larger home: $1,846 would go for roads, $250 for parks and $158 toward law enforcement. A retail or commercial developer would be charged starting at $2,919 for a 1,000-square-foot building. Impact fees assessed for home construction are typically passed on to the home buyer. Milton resident Jerry Couey stood during the public forum portion of the meeting to state he believed the way the discussion and vote to table the impact fees was done at the Sept. 19 meeting might have violated the Florida Sunshine Law. State statute obligates a public body to identify in public meeting notices agenda items to be discussed. "We the people were cut out of that conversation," he said. "People don't trust you," added Chapman. "You slide things in under first base." In the Committee of the Whole meeting itself, Smith called for a second discussion to be held regarding the fees and asked that it be placed on an agenda at a future County Commission meeting date. "The way we did that, I didn't think it was the best route to go," he said. "We brought a pretty contentious topic to the forefront of the meeting that three people attended. I was caught off guard." Eddington, who voted for tabling the impact fees, said he agreed with Smith's assessment of the way the issue was handled at the budget workshop. "We did it the wrong way," he said. Calkins called Smith's request to bring the impact fee issue back before the board "sour grapes" and accused Smith of grandstanding. Parker said he'd brought the impact fee topic up at the budget meeting because he was looking at it as a budget item. He said he sincerely apologized for the mistake if one was made and would be happy to engage in further discussion of what he called a "complex issue." Impact fees will be on a future county agenda for discussion, likely in October. Santa Rosa County officials adopted impact fees in late 2005 to build roads, but suspended them in early 2009 at around the time the country fell into what became known as the Great Recession. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Santa Rosa Commission gets chewed out for quiet tabling of impact fee talks Sarah Reed Senior Living, 227 W. 22nd St., has been fined $201,769 by federal and state government agencies since June 2021 for health and safety violations, some of which directly injured residents at the long-term care facility. It is the largest amount of money, by far, that any Erie County long-term care facility has been fined during that time. The fines, imposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, penalize Sarah Reed for citations found during State Health Department inspections. The incidents that involved serious patient harm included: Three separate instances of improperly lifting a resident by only using one employee instead of two, as required by the patients' medical records. All three incidents led to resident injuries that required hospital visits. An incident where a patient with diabetes was given insulin despite having a blood-sugar level that did not require it, according to their patient records. The patient was later found on the floor with a fractured right ring finger. Sarah Reed Senior Living, 227 W. 22nd St., has been fined more than $200,000 since 2021 for health and safety violations that have injured residents at the long-term care facility. As a result, Sarah Reed is designated on Medicare's website as having been cited recently for resident harm or potential harm due to abuse or neglect. "Patient health and safety, access to reliable, high-quality care, and the treatment of all residents in nursing homes with dignity and respect are top priorities," CMS officials said in a statement when asked to comment on Sarah Reed's fines. "That includes holding facilities accountable for meeting certain health and safety standards necessary to be certified as a Medicare and Medicaid provider." Repeated messages left with Sarah Reed officials were not returned. Details about patient injuries at Sarah Reed The most recent incident at Sarah Reed occurred July 22, 2022, according to State Health Department inspection reports. A resident was being transferred from their bed to a wheelchair by a nursing aide using a lift device when the resident "fell out of the lift" and "sat down heavy in the wheelchair." Initial x-rays indicated no acute injury but the resident was taken to a local emergency room a week later after family members said the resident was suffering lower back pain. Doctors diagnosed the resident with acute fractures of the sacrum and L1 vertebrae. The nursing aide, who knew the patient's records required two employees to lift them, was removed from the schedule and did not return to work at Sarah Reed, according to the inspection report. Sarah Reed was fined $15,593 by CMS in connection with the incident. CMS' largest fine against Sarah Reed, $85,790, resulted from the incident involving the resident with diabetes. It occurred March 24, 2022, when the resident was given four units of insulin after dinner, even though their blood-sugar level was too low to receive it, according to their physician orders. Two-and-a-half hours after the insulin injection, the resident was found to have fallen on the floor. X-rays showed they had fractured their right ring finger. The resident told staff that they had tried to move from their motorized wheelchair to a manual one when they stood up and could feel that their blood-sugar level was low, according to inspection report filed April 21, 2022. They didn't remember falling. Sarah Reed was also fined $12,500 by the State Health Department in connection with the incident. On Oct. 26, 2021, a resident suffered a triangle-shaped leg laceration as a nurse aide moved them from a wheelchair to a shower chair. The aide moved the resident alone, though the resident's medical records required a two-person physical assist. The resident was taken to the hospital and received seven stitches to close the laceration. Sarah Reed was fined $45,825 by CMS and $23,250 by the State Health Department in connection with the event. The aide was suspended without pay, according to the inspection report. On Aug. 24, 2020, a resident suffered a broken femur when a nursing aide tried to lift them out of a wheelchair and the resident became twisted, according to an inspection report. The resident, whose medical records required two people to lift or transfer them, was transported to the hospital and treated for the broken femur. Sarah Reed was fined $18,161 by CMS. The aide was taken off the schedule and did not return to work, according to the inspection report. Inspection reports only tell part of a facility's story Reading inspection and penalty reports are important when considering a long-term care facility for a family member, but it's only part of the process, said Zach Shamberg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, a statewide advocacy organization. "It doesn't tell the complete story," Shamberg said. "Families should look at quality measures and also go visit the facility. Talk with the administrator, the staff, other residents and their families." Sarah Reed is rated below average (two stars out of five) on health inspections on the CMS Care Compare website, but it is rated above average (four stars) in staffing, and average (three stars) in quality measures such as whether residents have gotten their flu shots, are in pain, or are losing weight. However, the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program cautions against depending too much on the quality measures because they rely heavily on self-reported, and not verifiable, data from the facilities. "We encourage families to do their research," Ombudsman Program officials said in a statement. "Find a home that not only offers quality care, but also one that offers a homelike environment where their loved one will thrive." If you hear about problems at a long-term care facility where your loved one resides, there are several steps you can take, according to CMS. The first step is to talk with the staff. If that doesn't resolve the issue, speak to the facility's administrator, physician or director of nursing. If the problem still persists, you can contact the State Health Department at 800-254-5164, use the online complaint form, or email c-ncomplai@pa.gov. "Looking at the inspections with Sarah Reed Senior Living, it seems the facility had its policies in place," Shamberg said. "Perhaps the incidents were due to lapses." Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @ETNBruce. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Sarah Reed Senior Living fined $201,769 by CMS, PA Health Department Nayef al-Sudairi, Saudi Arabia's the first-ever Saudi ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, arrives to present his credentials to the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Riyad Al-Maliki, Ramallah, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. Al-Sudairi visited the Palestinian territories Tuesday to discuss the burgeoning Saudi-Israeli normalization deal, which the kingdom has said will hinge on what concessions Israel is willing to grant the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) Saudi Arabia's newly appointed envoy to the Palestinian Authority presented his credentials to President Mahmoud Abbas during his first visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday, a move linked to recent American efforts to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The trip by nonresident Saudi ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi marking the first time that the Saudi delegation has visited the West Bank since 1967 came as Israel's tourism minister became the first senior Israeli official to make a public visit to Saudi Arabia. In a clear sign that a landmark diplomatic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia has gained momentum, Israel's Tourism Minister Haim Katz on Tuesday led an Israeli delegation to Riyadh to take part in a conference hosted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Katz's office described his visit as unprecedented for an Israeli minister and said he would hold discussions with officials from across the Middle East. Meanwhile the visit by al-Sudairi to Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, is widely seen as an attempt by the kingdom to address the key sticking point in the Saudi-Israeli normalization deal: Saudi Arabias stance toward the Palestinians. The Saudi government has said it will only normalize ties with Israel if there is major progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state. To kick off his two-day trip, al-Sudairi, who also serves as the Saudi ambassador to Jordan, met with Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority that exercises limited autonomy in parts of the West Bank, and other senior officials. Before presenting his credentials, he sought to assure the Palestinians that Saudi Arabia was working to establish a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital," without elaborating. God willing, next time this meeting will take place in Jerusalem, al-Sudairi told journalists after the meeting. Nearly two decades ago, Saudi Arabia and other Arab leaders endorsed the Arab Peace Initiative, pledging that there would be no diplomatic recognition of Israel without a just settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Even as Palestinians still live under an open-ended Israeli military occupation in the West Bank, now in its 57th year, and under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade in Gaza, efforts by the United States to establish formal relations for the first time between Israel and Saudi Arabia have escalated. Last week, Netanyahu and President Biden discussed the prospect of an agreement during the Israeli leader's first visit to the U.S. since returning to power last year. But obstacles to the deal remain. The Saudis are seeking a defense pact with the United States and want help in building their own civilian nuclear program, which has fueled fears of an arms race with Iran. Saudi Arabia also wants Israel to grant at least some kind of concession to the Palestinians in the West Bank, which Israel captured along with east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 Mideast war. From Ramallah on Tuesday, al-Sudairi reiterated the kingdom's position in support of the Palestinians, describing the Arab Peace Initiative as a fundamental pillar of any agreement. Yet any effort to grant the Palestinians greater autonomy would be met with strong opposition by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right, ultranationalist government. Powerful Cabinet ministers have imposed sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and called openly for the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Officials Tuesday were tight-lipped about the kinds of concessions under discussion, instead praising bilateral ties. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki hailed the visit as a historic milestone." He is here to begin work developing relations between our countries, al-Maliki said of the ambassador. It is a major responsibility, to preserve the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian Authority also has not specified what it is willing to accept from the Israeli government. President Abbas said at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week that there can be no Mideast peace without his people enjoying their full and legitimate national rights. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has staked his legacy on Israel's normalization of ties with Arab states as an alternative to negotiating with the Palestinians. In 2020, Israel forged relations with three Arab countries, including the Gulf Arab states of United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Those deals have helped end years of Israel's isolation in the region and raised hopes that Saudi Arabia the Sunni powerhouse home to Islams most important religious sites and other Arab states that have long refused to recognize Israel would make similar moves. The visit by Tourism Minister Katz to Riyadh appeared to further accelerate the countries' push for normalization. Before taking off for Saudi Arabia, Katz described tourism as a bridge between nations. Partnership in tourism issues has the potential to bring hearts together and economic prosperity, he said. When asked about Katz's visit, Ahmad Deek, the director-general of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, said that the Palestinian Authority is in continuous dialogue" about the developments with Saudi officials and trusts in their support for the rights of our people. ___ DeBre reported from Jerusalem. Lawyers for ex-billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried are once again pleading with a judge to have him released, saying he will agree to a number of new rules, including a gag order, if he is allowed to stay out of prison while being tried for fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the collapse of FTX. In a Monday filing, defense attorneys Mark S. Cohen and Christian R. Everdell wrote to Judge Lewis Kaplan requesting that the Court order the temporary release of Mr. Bankman-Fried for his upcoming trial because it is necessary for preparation of [his] defense, claiming they are finding it exceedingly difficult as a practical matter to adequately prepare for trial with the restrictions on access currently in place. The pair say Bankman-Fried alone knows the facts which are also critical in preparing his defense, but visiting restrictions will mean that after the days session in court, defense counsel will have virtually no opportunity to meet with Mr. Bankman-Fried, discuss the days testimony and admitted exhibits, and discuss and prepare for the next days testimony and exhibits. They add that while they are meeting with Bankman-Friend almost daily at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, at trial we will lose that ability, except on the weekends and days when the Court is not sitting for trial. We believe that is insufficient access to effectively represent Mr. Bankman Fried at trial. They have asked for a temporary release date of Oct. 2, one day before the trial. Judge Excludes Testimony from ALL of Bankman-Frieds Expert Witnesses Judge Kaplan denied a previous motion for temporary release earlier this month, saying, Defendant is represented by a substantial team of extremely able retained lawyers, and that the trove of documents needed to be investigated could be handled with his attorneys. Their latest motion argues that Bankman-Frieds knowledge and insight cannot be replicated by third-party experts as they are not familiar with the underlying facts and cannot provide the necessary help. Bankman-Fried has agreed to a number of new rules if allowed temporary release, the motion said, including a gag order that will prohibit him from speaking to anyone for the duration of the trial except his attorneys, other members of the defense team, his parents, and his brother, the motion says. Another rule, they say, would be to install a security guard in a temporary residence in New York City where Bankman-Fried will live for the duration of the trial. In the hours that Bankman-Fried is not in the courtroom, he must be with his attorneys at his attorneys offices or offsite workspace, or with the security guard in the temporary residence, the motion says. The security guard will remain with Mr. Bankman-Fried in the temporary residence throughout the evening and will ensure that Mr. Bankman-Fried does not have access to any computers, cell phones, the Internet, television, or any electronic devices. Mr. Bankman-Fried will not be permitted any visitors in his temporary residence. Booze & Women & Lasers: Sam Bankman-Fried Picks Up His Pen Under the plan, Bankman-Fried would also be able to leave the courthouse with his attorneys and travel with them to their offices or offsite workspace to prepare for trial. Bankman-Fried was initially released on bond in December 2022 after his arrest, but it was revoked in August after the embattled FTX founder shared excerpts of personal documents, including a diary, of Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Frieds former girlfriend, with The New York Times. Ellison led his Alameda Research hedge fund as CEO and has pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate. The 31-year-old Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to 13 charges, including fraud, conspiracy, and bribery. 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 Kherson, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the police had detained a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate who was allegedly selling Russian weapons and ammunition, the SBU announced on Sept. 26. The suspect, a priest of a church in Kherson Oblast, was selling arms left behind by Russian forces after they were pushed back by Ukraine's counteroffensive last fall, the report said. The clergyman was reportedly hiding the weapons in two caches, one of them located on a construction site of a new Moscow Patriarchate's church building in Kherson. According to the SBU, the suspect was detained while attempting to sell two Igla man-portable air-defense systems and RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher ammunition. The priest was reportedly also in possession of a machine gun, a Kalashnikov assault rifle, three F-1 hand grenades, and 7,000 small arms rounds. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us The weapons have been sent for examination and will be later handed over to the Ukrainian military, the SBU said. The suspect was allegedly seeking out potential buyers through his own connections, which included criminal circles. The Security Service noted that continued arms sales "would aggravate the internal situation in Kherson, namely in relation to provocations by the Russian special services." The priest faces up to seven years in prison. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is subordinate to the Russian church and is not to be confused with the autocephalous (autonomous) Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Ukraine has long accused the Moscow Patriarchate's representatives in Ukraine of serving as the Kremlin's propaganda arm in the war. Some "rank-and-file" clergymen were also convicted of directly assisting Russian troops. Read also: 9 months into the war, Moscow-backed churches in Ukraine get in trouble Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MSNBC anchor Joe Scarborough on Tuesday criticized Republican senators for not condemning comments by former President Donald Trump that accused the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of treason. Scarborough, a former Republican congressman from Florida, said the remarks were putting Gen. Mark Milley and his family in danger, and Republicans should have held a press conference to criticize Trump over the comments. Silence, always silence, the television host said of the GOP on the issue. Milley has become a frequent target of the former president, who is the front-runner for his partys 2024 presidential nomination. The general is set to complete his time as leader of the armed forces at the end of this week. Trump has accused Milley of treason for conversations he had with Chinese officials toward the end of Trumps term. Milley has testified to Congress about the communications, saying he was assuring Beijing that Trump was not planning on attacking Beijing in the final weeks of his presidency. Scarborough, who frequently criticizes Trump on Morning Joe , said the silence by the GOP is nothing new. When youre asking where these Republican senators are on the horrible things that are being said about General Milley, you could ask the same question about Where were they when Donald Trump attacked Mitch McConnell back in the fall of last year, because Mitch McConnell supported bipartisan legislation? and Trump Truth Social-ed then that he did it because He hates me so much, and then he put in all caps, HE HAS A DEATH WISH, all caps, Scarborough said Tuesday during a conversation with former Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), a regular on the show. And you could ask the question, where are these Republicans, why arent they critical of Donald Trump for saying that about General Milley? Id ask the same thing about Mitch McConnell, he said. There should have been a press conference with every Republican senator saying, Theyre putting our leaders life, and his familys life in jeopardy, but silence, always silence, Scarborough added. In a Friday post on Truth Social, the former president blasted Milley, calling him a Woke train wreck and accusing him of treason, apparently over the China conversations. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Trumps post read. A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treasonous act. To be continued!!! Trump wasnt the only politician to appear to threaten death against Milley in the last week. Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar (R) suggested Milley should be hung for his response to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Katarina Barley , the main candidate of the Social Democratic Party of Germany in the European Parliament elections, said that she does not expect Ukraine to join the EU during the next election period of the European Parliament, which is to last until 2029. Source: European Pravda with reference to Spiegel Details: "If we don't change anything in the European Union, I don't see that happening," Barley said. However, she added that it makes no sense to name specific dates now. "We must think not only about Ukraine, but also about the European Union, which must also be able to accept this country," Barley stressed. She emphasised that Ukraine is a very big country. Barley noted that just the agricultural sector of Ukraine is so large that, based on the current rules, it alone and one other EU country will be able to receive EU agricultural subsidies. "We have to change if we want to accept countries like Ukraine," Barley said. Previously, Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, stated that Ukraine will not fully meet all seven EU criteria by October. However, accession negotiations will still begin. The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed her confidence that Ukraine will actually be ready for EU membership in the next two years, and even earlier to join NATO. 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! Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined striking United Auto Workers (UAW) members on the picket line Tuesday in Tappan, N.Y. Were gonna fight until we win, Schumer said in a video posted to the UAWs account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. My father, who was a union guy taught me when youre doing the right thing, when youre doing something important, look in your heart, make sure its the right thing. And then if you persist and persist and persist, God will reward you and you will succeed, he said. We are going to persist and we are going to succeed. Schumers visit to the picket line came on the same day President Biden made the unprecedented move of joining UAW members in Michigan on the picket line. He talked to the striking workers alongside UAW President Shawn Fain. Wall Street didnt build the country. The middle class built the country. Unions built the middle class, Biden told the workers. Lets keep going; you deserve what youve earned, and you deserve a hell of a lot more than what youre getting paid now, he continued. UAW endorsed Bidens presidential bid in 2020, but it has withheld their support in his bid for reelection. Fain has said the union members expect action, not words. Our endorsements are going to be earned, Fain said earlier this month. Weve been very clear about that, no matter what politician. Former President Trump is also planning a visit to Michigan this week. The presumptive GOP nominee is set to speak with workers Wednesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FM condemns US' political manipulation of pervasive cyber theft, spreading fake information 09:44, September 26, 2023 By Zhang Yuying ( Global Times Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin Photo: mfa.gov.cn The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Monday that China condemns the US government's pervasive cyber espionage against China, adding that the US' action is not for so-called national security purposes but to obstruct the development of Chinese enterprises through illegal and unfair means, after China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed US infiltration of Huawei dating back to 2009. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a regular press conference that the fact once again demonstrates the US government conducts pervasive cyber espionage against China, posing significant risks to Chinese cyber security, while at the same time continuously fabricating and disseminating false information about "Chinese hacker attacks." "This is a typical and hypocritical political manipulation," Wang noted. Specifically, Wang stressed the MSS' disclosure of US infiltration of Huawei headquarters' servers dating back to 2009. "The US constantly suppresses Chinese high-tech companies, including Huawei, under the pretext of 'national security,' but relevant reports indicate that even through 'theft' methods, the US government still has not found any so-called evidence," Wang said. This fully exposes the fact that the US government's suppression of Chinese companies is not because of so-called "national security," but rather, when unable to lead in normal competition, the US resorts to illegal and unfair means to obstruct the development of Chinese companies, Wang added. The US adopts extreme measures to obtain political, economic, commercial, and military intelligence from hypothetical enemy countries, Tang Lan, director of the Center for Cyberspace Security and Governance Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday. "Since Huawei is a highly advanced company in the field of 5G technology, the US' infiltration is partly aimed at stealing technology and partly to gain control in future technological competition among major powers," she said. The US is instigating and coercing other countries to join the so-called Clean Network program under the banner of maintaining "cyber security," attempting to eliminate Chinese companies from the international cyber market, the MSS noted. Wang emphasized that China hopes the relevant countries will not participate in the "political coercion" of Chinese companies by the US, and instead adhere to strategic independence, maintaining a fair, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment with an objective and impartial attitude. According to the MSS, the despicable methods of cyber espionage adopted by US intelligence agencies include establishing cyberattack arsenals, coercing relevant technology companies to open backdoors, and distorting the truth to accuse others. In the face of the US' pervasive cyber espionage, Tang said that China should unite with other countries that have been harmed by cyberattacks from the US to strongly condemn its illegal actions, and should together call for the establishment of relevant international rules. Additionally, Tang emphasized the need for Chinese enterprises and critical infrastructure to enhance their awareness and self-protection capability. "Particularly in the context of indiscriminate cyberattacks carried out by the US, it is crucial for us to elevate our self-defense consciousness," the expert noted. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) SEDALIA, Mo. A Sedalia family has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against a former Pettis County deputy who shot and killed their daughter during a traffic stop. Court records dont disclose the settlement amount, which a judge approved earlier this month. Smithville teacher charged with Staley student death Hannah Fizers father filed the lawsuit in 2021 after her death in June 2020. Former Pettis County Deputy Jordan Schutte shot Fizer during a traffic stop, saying the 25-year-old threatened to shoot him. She was not armed. The deputy told investigators he stopped Fizer for speeding. He said she refused to give him her ID and pulled out her phone to record the incident. Independence police receive DOJ grant for body cameras There was no dash camera or body camera video available of the shooting. The Pettis County Sheriffs Office used to have cameras but said financial issues prevented them from maintaining the old ones or buying new ones. But surveillance video from nearby did capture the deadly shooting. In 2021, a special prosecutor decided not to file charges against the deputy, calling the shooting avoidable but justifiable. Schutte has since left the sheriffs office. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Redesigned bus routes are coming to Jackson in 2024 in an effort to revitalize the city's bus system. The announcement was made by Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba at a press conference Monday at the Jackson Transit System headquarters. The new routes come after JTRAN conducted a two year transit study that showed issues with the previous routes. Currently, JTRAN has 12 buses operating in the city. Four buses will operate throughout South Jackson, a change announced by Jackson's deputy director of transportation Christine Welch, who spoke with the mayor. Welch said the new routes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Lumumba said bus upgrades and better routes have been a need in the city for years now. He said he plans to continue public transit investments, which is a way to curb generational poverty. He also wants to eventually make all public transit free in Jackson. "Let me say this: it is important as a city that we continue to invest in our public transit," the mayor said. "The greatest statistical connection related to generational poverty more so than education and more so than a number of other factors is actually commute times. It is the ability for people to get to point A to point B. It is the ability for people to get to the places they need and want to go." The new routes and their future schedules were also announced, which you can find here. Residents can also download the free JTRAN app that tracks their desired bus and see how long the wait time will be. Along with the redesigned bus routes, JTRAN has also upgraded the buses and plan to build better bus shelters. The orange-and-blue buses will have free wifi for residents, working air-conditioning and an annunciator that says the next stop over the speakers. More than 900 new signs for buses and bus stops will also be placed throughout the city. The redesigned routes include a direct ride to North Park Mall from downtown every 30 minutes, a direct route between Union Station, Medical Mall, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Veterans Affair. There is also at least one grocery store on each route for residents. "As the mayor said, when he came on board (took office) we were at a very low point," Welch said. "We have now just about completed that process. We're running hybrid buses. We have money and funding to buy new buses for the next four to five years. So, JTRAN is on the rise." The upgrades to the city's bus system is part of the Connect JXN Transit Plan, which came together after the city received $8.7 million in federal grant funding last year. One-way fares are currently priced at $1.50. Residents can also buy a one-day pass for $4, a seven-day pass for $15 or a 30-day pass for $42. College students with an ID can buy a 30-day pass for $23 or a semester pass for $70. Seniors 60 and over, youth aged 6-17, Medicare card holders and residents with disabilities have one-way fares available for $0.50, one-day passes for $2, seven-day passes for $7.50 and 30-day passes for $18. Summer passes are also available for kids aged 6-17 for $23. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson aims to improve its bus routes in 2024 (WTAJ) The United States is set to see two solar eclipses within six months of each other with the first a ring of fire in October. The annular solar eclipse will happen Saturday, Oct. 14, crossing from Oregon to Texas, with a partial eclipse visible throughout the lower 48 states. Six months later, a total solar eclipse will cross from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024, so dont throw away those special eclipse glasses. NASA predicts large asteroid impact could be in Earths future A ring of fire eclipse happens when the moon is at its most distant point from Earth, meaning it cant cover the sun like a total eclipse and leaves a bright ring of the sun visible at the peak of the eclipse. This ring of fire will only be visible in the narrow path of annularity, a band stretching from Oregon to Texas and into parts of Mexico as well as Central and South America. Those outside of the path in the United States will be able to see a partial solar eclipse in October. Dont forget, you should never, ever look directly at the sun, even if fully eclipsed. Store-bought sunglasses might seem like theyll work, but you can still damage your eyes. Eclipse glasses or solar viewers should always be used and comply with international standards. Eclipse glasses can be found online at sites like eclipseglasses.com and on Amazon. For more eclipse viewing safety, you can check out NASAs information by clicking here. Live coverage of the annular solar eclipse will air on NASA TV and the agencys website on Oct. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. You can also watch live on NASAs social media accounts on Facebook, X, and YouTube. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Sen. Bob Menendez speaks during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Union City, N.J. Menendez and his wife have been indicted on charges of bribery, but Menendez says he will continue to serve. | Andres Kudacki, Associated Press In the face of increasing calls for his resignation, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., says he isnt going anywhere. Calling his indictments on bribery and corruption charges a smear campaign, he said he will fight the charges. Six of New Jerseys members of the U.S. House, all Democrats, have called on him to resign. Two more have issued statements saying the charges were concerning and undermine the sacred trust Americans place in their elected officials. Only one has issued a statement in support of the senator: his son, Rep. Rob Menendez, D-Jersey City. The New Jersey Globe reports that the younger Menendez appears to be the only prominent politician anywhere in the country to publicly stand behind the senator. Tuesday morning, New Jerseys junior senator, Cory Booker, a Democrat and close ally to Menendez, broke his silence and also called on Menendez to resign. He joins at least a dozen other Democratic senators calling for Menendezs resignation. As of the time of publication for this article, Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Jon Tester, Mont., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, John Fetterman, D-Pa., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., have all called on Menendez to step down. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., also said that Menendez should resign. She called for Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., to resign after he was indicted earlier this year and said the issue should not be partisan. Consistency matters. It shouldnt matter whether its a Republican or a Democrat. The details in this indictment are extremely serious. They involve the nature of, not just his, but all of our seats in Congress, she said, according to The Hill. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also said it would probably be a good idea if Menendez resigned. Related Whats in the indictment? The indictment released last week alleges that Menendez, his wife Nadine Arslanian and three New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes were involved in bribery schemes. The couple accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes from Hana, Uribe, and Daibes in exchange for Menendezs agreement to use his official position to protect and enrich them and to benefit the government of Egypt, the Justice Department said in a release. Prosecutors allege that the acts of corruption included pressuring a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect a business monopoly of Hanas, and recommending that the president nominate a U.S. attorney that Menendez believed he could influence and disrupting criminal prosecutions of Uribe and Daibes. They also allege Menendez used his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit Egypt. As part of the bribery scheme, Menendez sent sensitive information regarding the number and nationality of persons serving at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, to Egyptian officials, ghost-wrote a letter on behalf of Egypt to other U.S. senators advocating for them to release a hold on $300 million in aid to Egypt and signed off on foreign military sales to Egypt totaling approximately $2.5 billion. Anytime you need anything, you have my number and we will make everything happen, Arslanian texted one Egyptian official seeking Menendezs influence in a 2020 dispute over the building of a dam in Ethiopia, according to the indictment. Close to half-a-million dollars in cash was found in the Menendez home, and more than $100,000 worth of gold bars. Menendez on Monday said that it was his personal cash, withdrawn over 30 years and kept in his home for safe keeping. However, the Justice Department noted that the cash found by investigators had the fingerprints and DNA of Daibes, and the unique serial numbers on some of the gold bars trace back to Hana. How is it different than his last indictment? In 2015, Menendez was indicted over bribery charges related to his dealings with his friend Salomon Melgen, a wealthy ophthalmologist. The indictment alleged that Menendez used his office to benefit one of Melgens businesses and tried to intervene in a Medicare fraudulent billing investigation into Melgen. In return, Melgen provided Menendez with campaign contributions, luxury vacations and private jet travel. The case ended in a mistrial with a hung jury, and Menendez was eventually acquitted. Significantly, his trial defense didnt deny the actions he had taken to benefit Melgen, but rather argued they were acts of friendship, not responses to bribes. Melgen was convicted and sentenced to 17 years in prison in a separate case concerning health care fraud. President Donald Trump commuted Melgens sentence in January 2021 as one of his final acts in office. Prosecutors in the previous case relied largely on circumstantial evidence, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. This time, there are thousands of text messages and email communications that communicate in explicit fashion the alleged bribery and gifts, making the case different from top to bottom. The investigation remains ongoing and the defendants in this indictment remain innocent unless and until proven guilty. Holly Richardson is the editor of Utah Policy WASHINGTON Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Tuesday joined calls for embattled Democrat Bob Menendez to resign days after the New Jersey senator was indicted on charges of conspiracy and bribery. "The indictment spells out deeply troubling allegations against Senator Menendez that breach the American people's trust and compromise his ability to effectively represent his constituents," Baldwin said. "While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself," she added, "I believe it's best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down." Baldwin joined a small but growing list of Senate Democrats who have called for Menendez to step down from his post. U.S. Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Peter Welch of Vermont and Sherrod Brown of Ohio were among the first Democrats to call for his resignation. Baldwin and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana joined them early Tuesday, and a number of other Democrats, including Menendez's fellow New Jersey senator, Cory Booker, piled on later in the morning. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendea, D-N.J., and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, R-Wis. Like Brown and Tester, Baldwin is up for re-election in 2024. Menendez was indicted in New York last week on charges alleging he covertly aided the government of Egypt and business associates in exchange for gold bars and lumps of cash. Federal agents found those gold bars and $480,000 in cash some of which was stuffed into jackets bearing the senator's name during a search of Menendez's home last year. Menendez after he was charged gave up his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but has maintained he will not resign from his post in the Senate. He has denied the allegations. It is the New Jersey Democrat's second indictment in eight years. His first bribery trial in 2017 ended with a hung jury. Aside from the calls to step down from a handful of Democratic senators, New Jersey's Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, has also called for Menendez's resignation. And New Jersey Democratic U.S. Rep. Andy Kim said he will challenge Menendez for his Senate seat next year. Some Democrats this week said they would return donations from Menendez's leadership committee, New Millennium PAC. Baldwin in 2012 received $5,000 from the PAC and in 2015, when Menendez first faced bribery charges, said she would not return the money unless the New Jersey Democrat was convicted. He was not. On Tuesday, a campaign aide to Baldwin noted the New Millennium PAC donation was from 11 years ago and maintained that Baldwin would donate the money if Menendez is convicted. She has not received money from the PAC in the years since. Baldwin's call for Menendez's resignation is not the first time she's spoken out against a Democratic colleague under fire. In 2017, Baldwin called on U.S. Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign following allegations he harassed, groped and kissed women without their consent. 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: Sen. Tammy Baldwin calls on fellow Democrat Bob Menendez to resign Senate leaders are headed toward unveiling a short-term government funding stopgap measure that will be relatively clean and is not expected to include significant amounts of money for the war in Ukraine or disaster relief, according to sources familiar with the talks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) want to avoid a government shutdown at weeks end, first and foremost. Whether the continuing resolution (CR) will include any money for supporting the war in Ukraine is an issue the leaders are still negotiating, but if Ukraine money is included it will be far less than the $24 billion that President Biden requested for Ukraine in August, according to people familiar with the state of play. Disaster relief money is also in limbo, as Democrats want to tie it to Bidens full request for emergency funding. How much money is included to support Ukraine, a priority that received fresh attention last week when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to senators in the Old Senate Chamber, could depend on the length of the funding stopgap. Do not expect bill text tonight. Negotiations made some progress today. Not there yet. Staff will keep working through the night on the CR, a Senate aide said. A spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget said Biden and congressional leaders wont abandon Ukraine. President Biden and a bipartisan majority of Congress are committed to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself from Russias brutal and illegal war of aggression, and recognize the broader stakes for international peace and stability, the spokesperson said. The Biden-Harris Administration continues to work with members of both parties in the Senate and the House to secure supplemental funding as part of any continuing resolutionwhich would ensure our efforts to support Ukraine continue alongside other key priorities like disaster relief and regular government activities, the spokesperson said. An administration official noted that Bidens supplemental funding request was for three full months October, November and December. It therefore makes sense that any government funding stopgap measure lasting for a shorter amount of time would include proportionately less money for Ukraine. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) attempted last week to request unanimous consent on the Senate floor to add $16.5 billion to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agencys disaster relief fund, but Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) objected, arguing it should not be separated from the rest of Bidens funding request, which covered disaster relief, funding for firefighters and military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Senate will vote Tuesday at 5:30 pm on a motion to end debate on the motion to proceed to the legislative vehicle for the funding stopgap. The CR will pass the Senate later in the week, but any senator could drag out the proceeding until Saturday or Sunday by refusing to waive procedural hurdles. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has threatened to hold up the funding measure if it includes significant new funding for Ukraine. I will oppose any effort to hold the federal government hostage for Ukraine funding. I will not consent to expedited passage of any spending measure that provides any more U.S. aid to Ukraine, he warned on X, formerly known as Twitter. Pauls home-state colleague, McConnell, however, is a leading advocate for providing more military aide to Ukraine, which he says is a vital national security need. At the risk of repeating myself, American support for Ukraine is not charity. Its an investment in our own direct interests not least because degrading Russias military power helps to deter our primary strategic adversary, China, McConnell said last week. Updated at 11:10 pm. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Senate Republican and Democrat negotiators are nearing a deal on a short term spending measure intended to keep the government open after Oct. 1, according to people familiar with the talks. Most Read from Bloomberg The Senates stopgap measure still would have to overcome gridlock in the Republican-controlled House, and Speaker Kevin McCarthy will face a tough choice on whether to even permit a vote on the emerging deal. The Senate legislation would extend funding for 45 days and is not likely to include assistance to Ukraine for its continuing fight against Russia, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private negotiations. Thats a shorter time frame than the extension into December that Democrats originally wanted but could help get the bill through the House. It remains unclear whether the Senate bill will include emergency disaster aid. That and the Ukraine fund, sought by the White House, have not been embraced by some House Republicans, particularly the Ukraine package. Senate negotiators worked through the weekend and plan to continue their efforts into Tuesday morning. The Senate plans to begin voting on a Federal Aviation Administration bill Tuesday and that bill could become the vehicle for the stopgap measure. So far, McCarthy has been unable to muster enough Republican votes for a rival stopgap measure that would cut spending by 27% and change border policies, something that the White House and Senate Democrats would reject. If McCarthy puts the Senate bill up for a vote, conservatives have threatened to try to oust him. Moderate Republicans can force a vote on the Senate bill if it comes to the House but not before the Oct 1 shutdown deadline. The Senate is considering stripping the Ukraine aid amid anticipated backlash from opponents including Republican senators Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky, who have vowed to used procedural rules to delay any version that includes the aid. The The $24 billion in Ukraine aid President Joe Biden requested could be packaged in a separate bill but that may languish without the pressure to keep the government open. (Updates starting in first paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Senators representing the Republican and Democratic parties have agreed to advance a compromise measure that would prevent the government from running out of funds on Saturday by continuing operations at current levels for the next month and a half, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday. Mr Schumer said the Senate would take the first procedural vote on moving the legislation, known as a continuing resolution, through the upper chamber later on Tuesday evening. That vote, which began shortly before 6pm ET, saw 77 senators vote to open debate on the compromise bill 17 more than would be required to defeat any fillibuster of the legislation. The New York Democrat described the agreement as one that would continue to fund the government at present levels while maintaining our commitment to Ukraines security and humanitarian needs while also ensuring those impacted by disasters across the country begin to get the resources they need. The Senates impending votes on the compromise bill come as the Republican-controlled House, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy , continues to struggle with basic tasks of legislation despite the fast-approaching end of the US governments fiscal year. If the House and Senate do not pass any measure to fund the government and send it to President Joe Bidens desk by midnight on 30 October, millions of federal workers will be furloughed and vital government programmes will be forced to cease operations, while many military and law enforcement personnel will be made work without pay. A small number of House Republicans have refused to vote for any bill to fund the government that does not extract draconian cuts in a broad swath of federal programmes, zero out all funding for Ukraines defence against Russia, and specifically defund investigations and prosecutions of former president Donald Trump. Still others are refusing to vote for any short-term funding measure at all, instead claiming that anything short of a full budget package is a dereliction of duty. But funding legislation that matches the far-right extremist wish list has zero chance of becoming law because it would not be able to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate or gain the assent of Mr Biden. Mr McCarthy, who has largely assented to the demands of his conferences right-most flank since becoming Speaker in January, has scoffed that the idea that the Senate would be able to agree on legislation before his chamber is able to act. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, he refused to entertain what he described as hypotheticals when asked repeatedly whether the House would consider any legislation passed by the Senate. He continued to refuse such questions when he held another impromptu news conference later in the day. I heard all this time, theyre going to pass appropriations bills all month, Mr. McCarthy said. Remember, you all wrote about it? They were the good chamber. So when they pass something, come back and ask. A decision by the California Republican to allow his chamber to take up any Senate-passed bill or any move to allow a bill supported by the Houses Democratic Caucus to pass through the chamber would likely cause some of the extremists to whom Mr McCarthy owes his current post to formally call for his removal. But one GOP senator who supports the compromise measure, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, told The Independent that ensuring continued funding for the government is the Congress only function right now. This week we only have one thing we have to do: make sure government doesnt get shut down, he said. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, told The Independent that the upper chamber can keep the government open by enacting the bipartisan bill senators were poised to advance after voting to open debate on the measure on Tuesday evening. The question is whether Speaker McCarthy has enough spine to bring a Senate bill to the floor of the House and get it done, she said. That remains unclear. But after a weekend of negotiations, the speaker remains no closer to any legislation that could pass the House and keep the government open. His opponents in the holdout contingent, led by Rep Matt Gaetz, show no sign of relenting and accepting Mr McCarthys offer. But in a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed hope that the Senates legislative solution could yet head off a lapse in government funding. Ms Jean-Pierre praised the bipartisan bill as one that will keep the government open, make a down payment on disaster relief, and is an important show of support for Ukraine. House Republicans should join the Senate in doing their job, stop playing political games with peoples lives, and abide by the bipartisan deal two-thirds of them voted for in May., she said. HARARE, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe is looking to attract more Chinese tourists, particularly during the Spring Festival period, a Zimbabwean minister said Monday. "China is becoming an important source market for Zimbabwe, and we are expecting a huge jump (in tourists) as we go into the festive season," Barbara Rwodzi, Zimbabwe's minister of tourism and hospitality industry, said at a press conference here ahead of the World Tourism Day falling on Wednesday. Rwodzi said this year the country is expecting more Chinese customers at the annual Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, an annual event held in Zimbabwe to showcase the country's tourism potential. The Expo, to be held in the second largest city of Bulawayo from Oct. 12 to 14, will attract local and international exhibitors, industry professionals and visitors interested in exploring Zimbabwe's unique attractions and investment opportunities. The tourism industry is strategically important to Zimbabwe's economy through the inflow of foreign currency and employment generation. The southern African country boasts an array of globally competitive tourist attractions including Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Zimbabwe also has diverse wildlife resources, including the world's second largest herd of elephants. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the total number of tourists grew by 50 percent to about 530,000 in the first half of 2023, and tourism revenues grew by 16 percent to 343.1 million U.S. dollars, compared to the same period last year. Sen. Bob Menendez has been indicted on bribery charges and is so far refusing to resign. But more and more of his Senate colleagues say it's time for the New Jersey Democrat to go. He's also lost the support of his state's Democratic governor and most of its House delegation. Despite facing bribery charges from federal prosecutors, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey has so far refused to resign. As he's defended himself from the charges, he's argued that he's being targeted for being a "first-generation Latino American, and on Monday told reporters that the cash that federal agents found strewn around his home actually came from his own bank account. Menendez is now facing calls for his resignation from Democrats in his home state, including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and most of the state's US House delegation. Rep. Andy Kim has even launched a primary challenge against Menendez. While many called for Menendez to step aside, plenty of his Senate colleagues have remained silent, or taken a wait-and-see approach, so far. But on Tuesday, the dam began to break and now most of the Senate Democratic caucus is calling for him to go. As of Friday, 31 of Menendez's colleagues have called for his resignation, even as they stressed that he remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, the first senator to call for Menendez to go, even plans to return a $5,000 donation that the New Jersey Democrat made to his campaign "in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills," according to a spokesman. How Menendez's colleagues react to the news could play a key role in whether Menendez is able to remain in the Senate, as was the case when a slew of female senators called for former Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota to resign amid groping allegations in 2018. Here are all 31 senators who've publicly called on Menendez to resign: No Republican senators have called for Menendez to resign yet. This story will be updated as more senators call for Menendez's resignation. Read the original article on Business Insider Senate negotiators on Tuesday unveiled a 79-page bill to fund the government until Nov. 17 in hopes of averting a shutdown when current funding expires this weekend. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) described the measure as a bridge to avoid a shutdown and give lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer-term funding solution. Senate Democrats and Republicans, together, worked in good faith to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution that will keep the government open beyond Sept. 30, the Democratic leader said on the floor. He acknowledged the agreement wont have everything that both sides want but argued it will help us to achieve our immediate and necessary goal of avoiding a government shutdown. The bill includes $4.5 billion from an Operations and Maintenance fund for the Defense Department to remain available until Sept. 30, 2024 to respond to the situation in Ukraine, according to the measures text. The bill also includes another $1.65 billion in State Department funding for additional assistance to Ukraine that would be available until Sept. 30, 2025. That amount is matched by $5.99 billion in disaster relief funding to replenish federal accounts depleted by responding to flooding in Vermont, hurricane damage in Florida and wildfire damage in Hawaii, to name some of the natural disasters that have hit the country in recent months. The money is slated for the Federal Emergency Management Agencys disaster relief fund, which is projected to have only $550 million left in its coffers by months end. The legislation also temporarily extends the Federal Aviation Administrations expiring authority. Updated at 5:30 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A crowd stands before the Rapides Parish Courthouse steps Tuesday night during the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Families placed photos and shoes of their loved ones on the steps of the Rapides Parish Courthouse, coming together to remember those they lost to murder. Monica Doss, the first assistant district attorney for Rapides Parish, said she knew many in the crowd from her work on their cases. But on Monday evening, the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, she told them she also lost a family member a cousin to murder. Losing a loved one to a senseless act like murder "compounds the hurt, the pain and the anger that never seems to fade," she said. Closure means different things to different people, and some never achieve it, said Doss. Many keep asking why such a horrible thing happened to the person they love, she said. But asking why doesn't take away the pain. "It's senseless. It's heartless, and it's unnecessary," she said. "There's no justification for murder." Sept. 25 is the annual day for people to remember the loved ones lost to murder. It marks the day in 1978 that 19-year-old Lisa Hullinger was killed by an ex-boyfriend while studying abroad in Germany. Her murder fueled her parents, Robert and Charlotte Hullinger of Cincinnati, to form Parents of Murdered Children. The group provides support, education, advocacy and more. Before the ceremony began, Sonja Perry stood at a table where people were getting information about a local group, Families of Murder Victims Support Group. Perry lost her sister, 40-year-old Lakelia Purvis, to a shooting on Lacassine Drive in Alexandria on Oct. 10, 2021. The 17-year-old teen who killed Purvis reportedly received five years probation in juvenile court, while a Rapides Parish grand jury failed to indict the teen's mother. Perry wore a shirt that called for justice for her sister, and she helped conduct Monday's ceremony. She introduced parents who spoke about losing their children to murder, including Kevin Hammond Sr. Sonja Perry (right) works to distribute information about a local support group for family members of murder victims before the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims ceremony in downtown Alexandria. His son, Kevin Ray Hammond Jr., was killed the day before Thanksgiving in 2021. He said the driving force behind many of the murders is murder culture, likening it to genocide. It's not always the fault of parents, but he cautioned parents to be aware of what their kids are doing. His own son was betrayed by someone he called his best friend and a college roommate, said Hammond. He was shot multiple times and died on Futrell Street in Alexandria. The case read like a Lifetime movie, he said. His son let his guard down because he thought he was with friends, he said. Hammond, a firefighter, had transferred to a different station not long before his son's death. Had he not, it's likely he would have responded to the scene where his son was found, he said. He got a phone call about his son's death early the next day, while he was working. "As a parent, what do you do with that?" he asked. "My heart instantly dropped. I didn't want to believe it." All three defendants accused in his son's death have been sentenced to prison. Kevin Hammond murder: Jury finds Colfax man guilty in November 2021 murder of Pineville man Sentencing hearing: Jamaria Randle gets life in prison for January 2022 murder of Deven Slade Brooks The next parent to speak was Candace Blood, the mother of Deven Slade Brooks. She said her 27-year-old son was so much more than what media reports suggested. "He was the funniest, most generous, most loving kid. He was the best part of me and my family," she said. "And we miss him tremendously every day." Blood described getting the call about her son's murder and, later, enduring the court system. Monica Doss, the Rapides Parish first assistant district attorney, speaks to the crowd Tuesday at the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. "I remember feeling like I would never breathe again, and some days I don't know how I do," she cried. "I look at all of you, and I know you know what I'm feeling." All three defendants in Brooks' murder have been sentenced to prison. Blood started a nonprofit with her best friend after her son's murder. Both are social workers and created DEVEN Diversity Education Value Empathy NOW. She said the group is meant to "shed visibility on a system that needs immediate attention." Blood said she hoped to partner with systems in the community to create change. "This nonprofit was born out of anger, but it has transformed to a project of love," she said. "Love for Deven, love for the amazing people we have met along the way, love for our community, love for the victims of violent crimes and love for people like you." Having a loved one murdered is a traumatic experience that has lasting effects on individuals, families and the community, said Blood. The court experience can prolong that trauma, making families relive it and exposing police and court officials emotional exhaustion, overwork and more. Stephanie Belgard, the mother of Courtney Coco and one of the event's organizers, thanked Blood for speaking even as she acknowledged how difficult it was for her. The ceremony was the first for Belgard since the man who killed her daughter in October 2004 was found guilty last year. She told people they shouldn't fear speaking about their loved ones or about the loved ones of others. "No, I want you to talk about Courtney," she said. "I want you to talk about our loved ones. That is healing." This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Parents, others talk of their murdered loved ones at Alexandria vigil One student and one staff member were taken to the hospital after a natural gas odor prompted the evacuation of an elementary school in Rowley on Tuesday morning, officials said. First responders were called to Pine Grove Elementary School after several people reported an odor of natural gas inside a music room, according to emergency and school officials. It smelled like gas, said 10-year-old Bradley Matos, who is in 5th Grade. My teacher told me it was from the fan that was running up on the roof. There was no immediate word on the condition of the student and staffer who were transported from the scene. Authorities said the smell was isolated to a classroom used by 5th Graders for music instruction and National Grid quickly ruled out a gas leak. Firefighters arrived to find the school empty -- with students and staff waiting at a safe spot across the street -- a Roman Catholic Church lot -- and they were able to pinpoint the source of the odor to one or more HVAC units on the roof. Whats still not known is exactly what caused the smell. In all, EMTs evaluated 15 staff and students for illness-- but Rowley Fire Department Chief Mark Emery didnt know what symptoms they suffered. Parents and the school superintendent praised the quick, decisive action taken by the staff at Pine Grove. We have safety committees at each of our buildings and we routinely practice for these types of situations, said Superintendent Brian Forget. The students and the staff did a tremendous job leaving the school in an orderly fashion. About 90 minutes after the evacuation began, it ended -- with students resuming their normal school day. Its 100 percent safe, said Emery. We had the gas company go through with all their meters and there was nothing dangerous in the building for the students. Firefighters planned to monitor the situation through the afternoon. 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 Fears grew of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Tuesday as a senior US official warned of malnutrition among the tens of thousands fleeing the breakaway region for Armenia. Senior US officials including US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power and US State Department acting assistant secretary Yuri Kim met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the capital Yerevan Monday. Power traveled to Yerevan to affirm US support for Armenias sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and democracy and help address humanitarian needs stemming from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, the aid agency said in a statement Monday. The visit came days after Azerbaijan launched a lightning offensive and said it had taken back full control of the breakaway region, sparking an exodus of the areas ethnic Armenian population. By Tuesday evening, over 28,000 forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh had arrived in Armenia, the Armenian government announced in a Facebook post. Many of Nagorno-Karabakh's 120,000 ethnic Armenians began to flee the region after Azerbaijan's assault last week. - Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images Speaking from the Armenian village of Kornidzor, near the border with Azerbaijan, Power said, It is absolutely critical that independent monitors as well as humanitarian organizations get access to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh who still have dire needs. The military attacks of last week have made a dire situation even worse, Power said Tuesday, adding that many of those who had arrived were suffering from severe malnutrition, according to doctors at the scene. Nagorno-Karabakh has been under blockade since December 2022, when Azerbaijan-backed activists established a military checkpoint on the Lachin corridor the only road connecting the landlocked enclave to Armenia. The blockade prevented the import of food, fuel and medicine to Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting fears that residents were being left to starve. A former International Criminal Court chief prosecutor said in August there is reasonable basis to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians in the region. The closure of the Lachin corridor has also prevented international organizations and foreign media from accessing Nagorno-Karabakh. The road was only opened last weekend to allow residents to flee. We know that there are injured civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh who need to be evacuated, Power said, adding that Azerbaijan has a responsibility to facilitate this. Power spoke with Karabakh Armenians at a temporary camp in the Armenian town of Goris, September 26, 2023. - Vasily Krestyaninov/AP US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to a State Department spokesperson. The secretary spoke again to President Aliyev today and underscored the urgency of no further hostilities, that there be unconditional protections and freedom of movement for civilians, that there be unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno Karabakh, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller at a press briefing. Miller also said that the US expects Aliyev to abide by his commitment to no further military action. Power announced Tuesday that the US would provide $11.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the region. The European Union also announced 5 million euros (around $5.2 million) in aid. This aid will be delivered by various EU humanitarian partners operating in Armenia to reach around 25 000 people, the EU said in a statement Tuesday. The priority is to provide cash assistance, shelter, food security and livelihoods assistance. Deadly explosion Azerbaijans brief but bloody offensive killed more than 200 people and injured many more, before Karabakh officials agreed to a Russia-brokered ceasefire in which they agreed to dissolve their armed forces. A further 100 bodies were recovered in the latest search and rescue operations following Azerbaijans military operations, Karabakh emergency services told Armenian state news agency Armenpress Monday. Among the bodies were two children and an elderly couple, officials said. CNN could not independently verify the claims. A mass evacuation of the local population began over the weekend. Images shared on social media showed residents of Stepanakert, the regions capital, packing their belongings into cars and vans, and searching for gas. The local government had offered each family five liters of fuel to make the trip to Armenia, a resident told CNN. A video shared by Siranush Sargsyan showed smoke rising from a gas station outside Stepanakert on Monday evening. - From Siranush Sargsyan via X/AP But as thousands were attempting to flee the enclave on Monday evening, a powerful explosion ripped through a gas station near Stepanakert, where people had been attempting to get fuel before driving to Armenia. The incident left at least 68 people dead and 290 injured, according to the Nagorno-Karabakh Human Rights Ombudsman. Over 100 people remain missing, the Ombudsmans office also said. Videos on social media showed a crowded hospital in the city as medical staff attempted to treat burn patients. At this moment, we do not have any medical resources left that can help us. In terms of medication, we do not have [anti-burn] antibiotics. We have a very high number of burn patients, said a member of the medical staff at a hospital in Stepanakert, in a video shared Monday by local journalist Siranush Sargsyan. CNNs James Frater, Michael Conte and Aren Melikyan contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A person was killed in an accident on Route 8 in Bridgewater on Monday, Sept. 25. The Oneida County Sheriffs Office confirmed the fatality, but has not yet confirmed the identity of the only person in the vehicle. The accident took place about 8:13 p.m. and temporarily closed Route 8s southbound lane, deputies said. More: Oldest tribal police department marks 30 years, announces new communications center More: Rome man facing federal child pornography charges Deputies were assisted on the scene by the New York State Police, Bridgewater Fire Department and Bridgewater Ambulance. More information will be released as the investigation continues, deputies said. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida Co. sheriff: Unidentified person killed in Bridgewater crash Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Cleveland, has called on a member of his party to resign from the Senate. Ohio's Sen. Sherrod Brown joined a growing number of Democrats calling for a member of their own party, New Jersey Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez , to resign. "Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate," said Brown, a Democrat from Cleveland, in a one-sentence statement Monday. A federal grand jury in New York on Friday indicted Menendez on charges of corruption, alleging he and his wife accepted bribes of cash, gold, mortgage payments and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for enriching the Egyptian government. Menendez has said he will be exonerated. Days after being indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office on bribery charges, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, of New Jersey, announces his reelection bid. Brown was one of the first Democratic senators to call for Menendez to step down, issuing his statement Monday afternoon shortly after Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman called for Menendez's resignation. Brown faces a tough re-election fight next year in a state easily won twice by former president Donald Trump. At least seven Senate Democrats have called for Menendez resignation by noon on Tuesday. In addition to Brown and Fetterman, the others include Sens. Liz Warren of Massachusetts; Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin; Peter Welch of Vermont; Jon Tester of Montana; and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. The White House press secretary this week called the indictment "a serious matter" but President Joe Biden has not called for Menendez to resign. Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Which Democrats are calling for Bob Menendez to resign? Thrift stores have a little bit of everything for shoppers, including clothes, glassware, home items, and jewelry. One shopper is sharing their recent find from a thrift store on Reddits r/ThriftStoreHauls forum and its making people think twice about what treasures can be found in the cookware section. Photo Credit: u/TheGreenTeaFrog / Reddit Photo Credit: u/TheGreenTeaFrog / Reddit The user shared a photo of their find, a LeCreuset ceramic grill pan with seven $11.99 price stickers. Cashier was NOT happy with the pricing on this, I was a little concerned he would refuse to sell it to me, the user wrote in the title. The high-end French cookware pan typically sells for between $180 to $225 new. Thrift stores have as much environmental benefit as they do benefits for consumers. Consumers get great deals from purchasing gently used items, many of which would not be affordable for many populations. Ceramic pans, such as the one this Reddit user found at their local thrift store, have a notable environmental impact. The ceramic industry has been accused of dumping polluting chemicals from production into local soils and waterways. During firing, toxic fumes like dioxins, sulfides, and chlorides are released into the environment polluting the air and any surfaces they come into contact with. This environmental impact also includes the waste generated from the packaging, transport, and sale of high-end consumer goods. Buying thrifted goods decreases the packaging needed to purchase new products, thus diminishing the pans footprint. Other users were thrilled with the Redditors find. Thats an unbelievable bargain And that one looks in really good [condition]. Good news someones already worn it in, one user wrote. I have the matching pot! I wouldve died. So jealous, another commenter said. Score! Enjoy it in good health! another user shared. We only wish our next thrift store haul could be as fruitful as this Reddit users. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A fire station in Raleigh was damaged due to gunshots Tuesday morning, police say. According to Memphis Police, gunshots were fired at Fire Station 47, in the 3500 block of Coleman Road, at around 4 a.m. MPD says no injuries were reported. This remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Bonnie Haugen, a dairy farmer in rural Fillmore County in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, watches her mailbox each month for a check from the federal government. In normal years, her Dairy Margin Coverage insurance program check a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to buffer dairy producers from the viciousness of commodity cycles might be close to zero. But throughout the milking season of 2023, with dairy prices stuck in the basement, Haugen said that assistance has helped her operation avoid major losses. "It's averaged about $9,000 a month," Haugen said Tuesday. But she might not see a check come October at least not right away, if the federal government shuts down. "There's going to be nobody in the [local Farm Service Agency] office to do that paperwork," Haugen said. With the nation on the brink of another federal government shutdown Oct. 1, the potential pain for Americans across the country is coming into sharper focus. On Monday during a White House press briefing, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack warned that a shutdown would reach into virtually every county. It would close local USDA offices, halt government-backed home loans to rural Americans and even further beleaguer efforts to reauthorize the federal farm bill, as tens of thousands of staff, including some who give technical assistance on proposed legislation, will be furloughed. "Phone's not going to get answered because there's no one there," said Vilsack. "Why aren't they there? Because we're in a shutdown. That's why it's so ridiculous for us to talk about this." Few federal agencies exemplify the sheer breadth of public services that could be affected under a shutdown as the USDA, which also administers critical nutrition assistance and hires staff to inspect slaughterhouses. While food stamps, also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will continue at least through October, Vilsack said that a smaller program tailored for mothers and babies the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program has enough funds for only one or two days in most states. "If we have a shutdown, WIC shuts down," said Vilsack. "And that means nutrition assistance to those moms and children shuts down." In Minnesota, on average, about 100,000 low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies and children 5 years old and younger received WIC assistance to buy healthy foods last year, according to the state health department. Without that extra aid, those young mothers and children will likely turn to Minnesota's 350 food shelves, which have already been inundated by record numbers of visitors. "A shutdown absolutely hurts the most vulnerable in Minnesota," said Sophia Lenarz-Coy, the executive director of the Food Group in New Hope, one of the seven food banks in Minnesota that provide food to food shelves. "It will just mean incredible strain on a system that's already at capacity." Rising hunger The number of food shelf visits this year could shatter last year's record, already up 29% through July compared to the same period last year, according to Hunger Solutions Minnesota. More Minnesotans are also relying on food stamps, with 442,000 recipients last month 60,000 more Minnesotans than in August 2019. "It may seem counterintuitive given the economic recovery, but the recovery has been uneven," said Zach Rodvold of Second Harvest Heartland in Brooklyn Park, the state's largest food bank. " [The shutdown] would take us from a hunger emergency to a crisis. A lot of the attention gets paid to the national parks shutting down and other services being disrupted, but for a lot of people, this could be the difference between food on the table and not." The higher costs of living coupled with stagnant or fixed incomes is hampering low-income Minnesotans, especially after special support from pandemic stimulus checks to eviction moratoriums ended. Now, with the possible loss of WIC and SNAP aid and furloughs of federal workers, food programs are scrambling to prepare for an influx. Second Harvest is looking to boost its food supply, buying more food instead of relying on donated food. In New Hope, the Food Group is expanding a mobile market to serve more mothers and children, and offering a discount to WIC recipients at pop-up grocery stores. In Minneapolis, NorthPoint Health & Wellness is bracing for increased food shelf visitors and questions from people enrolling in SNAP, applications that will be backlogged in a shutdown. And in Columbia Heights, Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) is serving more walk-in clients while preparing to move to a building three times bigger to meet the growing need. "It's very frustrating. These people are hired to run the country," said Dave Rudolph, SACA's co-executive director, said of Congress. "The best case scenario is they come to their senses." In Minnesota, a boost in state funding to food shelves and the Legislature's approval of free school breakfasts and lunches will provide extra support to some families and organizations, but that state aid will now be offset by the effects of a federal shutdown. "It won't go as far," Colleen Moriarty, executive director of Hunger Solutions, which is asking food shelves to extend their hours and donors to step up their support. "Not having nutrition for pregnant moms, nursing moms and infants is a crucial issue. It doesn't get more basic than that." Back in Fillmore County, Haugen notes that for many farmers across drought-ravaged Minnesota, the Farm Service Agency offices scattered in nearly every county offer assistance to beef producers who may have lost cattle in the heat to herd managers, such as herself, who lost forage. She has an early November appointment on the books for the FSA office in nearby Preston. But if Congress is unable to keep the government open, that important meeting to apply for assistance, too, will be delayed. "Who knows when we will be able to apply?" said Haugen. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, holds talks with Speaker of the Egyptian Senate and Chairman of the Nation's Future Party Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 24, 2023. Li paid an official friendly visit to Egypt from Saturday to Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) CAIRO, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China will work together with Egypt to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state and consolidate political mutual trust, said a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during his visit to Egypt. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks here when meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Li paid an official friendly visit to Egypt from Saturday to Monday. Conveying cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sisi, Li noted that the two heads of state in recent years have conducted in-depth exchanges on bilateral ties, multilateral cooperation, and governance, providing fundamental guidance for the development of bilateral relations against the backdrop of ongoing global changes. China will continue to extend mutual support with Egypt on issues concerning each other's core interests, said Li, adding that China will promote the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt Vision 2030. Li, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, expressed the hope that the two sides will enhance interparty exchanges and anti-corruption cooperation. China congratulates Egypt on being invited to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and stands ready to cement coordination and collaboration with Egypt on global and regional affairs, he said. Sisi asked Li to convey his good wishes to Xi, hailing China's remarkable development achievements scored under the leadership of Xi, and noting China's development is unstoppable. Speaking highly of the fruitful China-Egypt Belt and Road cooperation, Sisi said Egypt is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and finance. He stated that more Chinese companies are welcome to invest in Egypt. Egypt always firmly adheres to the one-China principle, said Sisi, expressing gratitude to China for support Egypt in joining the BRICS. Sisi also spoke highly of the global initiatives proposed by Xi and expected China to play a bigger role in international affairs. During talks with Speaker of the Egyptian Senate and Chairman of the Nation's Future Party Abdel-Wahab Abdel-Razeq, Li said that in recent years, under the leadership of the two heads of state, bilateral political mutual trust has become more solid, cooperation achievements have become more fruitful, people-to-people exchanges have been strengthened, and people's hearts have become closer. Li said that the CPC attaches great importance to strengthening friendly exchanges with Egypt's Nation's Future Party and other political parties, supports Egypt in exploring a development path that conforms to its national conditions, and is willing to share the development opportunities brought by China's modernization drive. "We hope that both sides can fully leverage the role of interparty exchanges in deepening conceptual exchanges, promoting practical cooperation, and promoting people-to-people communication, in order to raise China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level," Li said. Li also expressed the willingness to enhance anti-corruption cooperation with Egypt. Abdel-Razeq, for his part, said Egypt-China relations have a long history and the two peoples share deep feelings. Egypt admires the CPC for having led the Chinese people to achieve great development and prosperity, and embark on the great journey of achieving modernization. China's success has important reference significance for Egypt, which has a large population and is also a developing country, and enhances Egypt's confidence in independently determining its development path. Abdel-Razeq said Egypt's Nation's Future Party attaches great importance to exchanges with the CPC and hopes to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning in cadre training, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption and other fields. During his stay in Egypt, Li visited the Central Business District (CBD) project in the new administrative capital, which is being constructed by Chinese companies. Li also traveled to Aswan province in the south. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Aswan Governor Ashraf Attia in Aswan province, Egypt, Sept. 23, 2023. Li paid an official friendly visit to Egypt from Saturday to Monday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) A stealth campaign by Silicon Valley elites with a dream of turning a swath of California farmland into a new age city has ranchers who live here challenging their tactics as well as their motives. JOSH EDELSON A mysterious company backed by Silicon Valley investors has been purchasing land near San Francisco. Until recently, the development plans behind their $800 million investment have been unknown. They're planning to build a retro city on the 52,000 acres of farmland they bought. The Silicon Valley investors that got the government's attention by gobbling up $800 million worth of land outside San Francisco say the mystery city they plan on building is, well kinda retro. "We think that there's so much wisdom in how we built cities and towns over the last hundreds of thousands of years in some places. And so from the beginning, we've believed that you go back to go forward," Jan Sramek, founder and CEO of California Forever, told KQED on Monday. The New York Times reported in August that Sramek a 36-year-old former Goldman Sachs trader and a group of some of tech's most recognizable names, including Marc Andreessen, Laurene Powell Jobs, Michael Moritz of Sequoia Capital, and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman together funded a new company called Flannery Associates, which purchased about 52,000 acres of farmland around Travis Air Force Base in rural Solano County, north east of the Bay Area. Solano County Google Maps "The plans that people put forward will be very inspired by those great old American neighborhoods that someone who was born 100 years ago will recognize," Sramek told KQED. "And so I think we are very different than many of the attempts to build new cities by people who've been wooed by the vision of some star architects to build the city of tomorrow. We want to build a city of yesterday." Sramek said the "dominant" housing types in the new city should be row houses, which he called one of the "most underappreciated types of types of buildings." "You can have small construction firms build them. They can be built much more cheaply. They can be single-family row houses where you have a yard," he said. Critics, including Fairfield mayor Catherine Moy, say developing on some of the limited remaining agricultural land in California is "not a good idea," she told KQED. "Here's my suggestion: these billionaires take their billions of dollars and go back down to Silicon Valley and build high-rise apartments there that are low income so that their employees can work and live in the same area," Insider previously reported Moy said. A different style of smart city for Solano Silicon Valley personalities from Bill Gates to Elon Musk have long held visions of their own "smart cities" meant to serve as tech-forward utopias for their residents. Earlier this year, Musk purchased 3,500 acres of land outside of Austin, Texas, to build a town he intends to call "Snailbrook" for his company employees to live in. Those who live near existing Boring Company and SpaceX developments in Bastrop Country, including Chap Ambrose, a computer programmer, have doubts about the sustainability and vision of such ever-expanding projects. "I just have no faith that the leadership there values the environment and these shared resources," Ambrose told The Washington Post, adding that he wants Musk to "do better here and be a good neighbor." California Forever did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Insider. Azmi Haroun contributed to this report. Read the original article on Business Insider OLMSTED TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WJW) Some of the most often-spotted rare animals seen around Northeast Ohio are white or albino variations but recently an even more unusual variant was spotted. The picture of a black squirrel with a white-tipped tail was shared by Olmsted Township resident Larry Pecsok. A Google search reveals that people captivated by the unique combination of black and white have cleverly dubbed the animals squnks. Shreks Swamp now an Airbnb stay in Scotland Although we are certain that is not a technical term, it does describe the unusually-colored squirrel pretty well. While its technically impossible for skunks and squirrels to breed since they are genetically so dissimilar (heres an easy explainer on how animal hybrids work), it hasnt stopped many online throughout the years from spotting creatures like the squnk seen above. Based on research, however, its more likely the squnk seen here is actually an eastern gray squirrel that descends from a gray squirrel-fox squirrel breeding. As Smithsonian Magazine explains, these black squirrels actually just have gene variants that make them darker due to the gene variant passed from fox to gray. Hocus Pocus flies back into theaters in honor of 30th anniversary These varieties of eastern gray squirrels can be seen in Canada as well as many parts of the northern and midwest U.S., including Ohio. Famously, back in 1961, 10 black squirrels were captured in Canada and then released on the Kent State University campus. The animals are even considered the schools unofficial mascot, with events named after them. Despite how mundane their explanation may be, black squirrels are pretty rare. Kent State reported in 2011 that there are likely only about 1 black squirrel for every 10,000 squirrels in North America. So if you see one snap a picture! Other animals with rare color pigments that have made news headlines include an albino porcupine, swell shark, turtle, and raccoon just to name a few. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. You probably know by now that the 2024 presidential election is not going to be normal. All signs point to Trump still being the Republican nominee, despite 91 (yes, really!) felony counts being leveled against him. But just what exactly are we in for? Christina Cauterucci thinks through the particular agonies of this moment, and what actually lies ahead. Plus, ICYMI: So how is that whole thing where Trump is facing four different criminal trials in an election year actually going to play out, in practice? Ben Mathis-Lilley breaks down the possible scenarios. Timothy E. Black Ohio has a heritage site that may be as vital to human history as the pyramids. So why has it been ignored for so long? The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks dont reveal themselves to you right away, Dan Kois writes. When they do, the human history they chroniclewhy theyre here, and what they were forcan be overwhelming. Come along with Kois as he travels to Ohio to check out some ancient mounds. The United Auto Workers strike presents a big opportunity for Biden, Alexander Sammon writesand it isnt just a chance for Democrats to court organized labor. He explains why Bidens appearance on the picket line in Detroit tomorrow has the chance to be particularly momentous. All it took was a few internet sleuths digging around to instigate a pile-on that ruined Ray Epps life. Now hes been officially charged for his actions on Jan. 6, but the conspiracy theories about him arent going anywhere. Molly Olmstead explains how theyre morphing. Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Scanrail/Getty Images Plus. ChatGPT was just the previewthe real A.I. revolution is coming at work. Alex Kantrowitz explains why your boss is about to inflict A.I. on you, and what thats going to look like. Against the odds, a tight-knit group of Black families created the community of Shoe Lane in Newport News, Virginia, in the early 20th century. Then Christopher Newport University systematically took the land over, pushing out all but a handful of now-elderly residents. On our A Word podcast, Jason Johnson digs into this history that serves as a bitter lesson in race and power. of small-boob bra ads seems to lurk around every corner of the internet these days. What gives? Heather Schwedel investigates. much like TikTok, which Shannon Keating suggests you get onto, even if you feel like too much of an Old to be there. She explains why its not just for Gen Z. Thanks so much for reading! Well see you tomorrow. Families of homicide victims gathered in downtown Lexington Monday afternoon to share stories of loved ones who were killed in shootings, but they also drew attention to gun violence after a weekend with three deadly shootings. Dozens of people were in attendance for the event, which was titled Walk a Mile in Our Shoes and was hosted by the Fayette County Sheriffs Office outside Fayette Countys old courthouse. Several city leaders were in attendance, including Mayor Linda Gorton, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt and One Lexington Director Devine Carama. This is something I do not wish on anyone, said Jackie Shannon, whose 18-year-old grandson, Tyler Williams, was shot and killed in July 2017. I dont want you to walk in our shoes. The event was scheduled ahead of time but took place just one day after a violent weekend in Lexington, where four people were killed in three separate shootings. Lexington has now reported 19 homicides this year. Many of the people who spoke Monday lost family members years ago. In the wake of a tragic weekend for more Kentucky families, survivors shared that they still feel pain. Ive been doing this since 2016 and as you can tell, it doesnt get any easier, Kenya Ballard said while fighting back tears. Every time something happens, its like a trigger for us. Ballard has had four of her family members killed in shootings Maryiah Coleman, 22; Jakobe Coleman, unborn; Nova Marie Gallman, 2; and her son Floyd Dunn III, 16. She said shes appreciative of the support shes gotten from community members since 2016, but she wishes she wasnt in that position. As much as I love these people, I do not want to be standing here, Ballard said. I just wish that things could be different for everybody, not just us but for everybody. All the survivors of past shootings shared similar messages of grief and remorse. Marita Cole, whose 26-year-old son William Joshua Cole was killed in May 2017, said events like Monday serve as a tragic reminder of how many families have been victimized by gun violence. Its sad to say that this is the way we have to remember the ones that were killed by gun violence, Cole said. This many people is too many. Eight arrests have been made in connection to Lexingtons 19 murder cases this year. While the city did report multiple deadly shootings over the weekend, homicides are still much lower than they were in 2022, when Lexington set a new homicide record with 44. Some of the speakers at Mondays event urged people to come forward if they know anything about open murder cases. Everybody is not considered a snitch, youre considered a witness, said Tiffany Clark, whose 20-year-old son Zion Clark was killed in March 2020. I wish these young men and these young ladies would know the difference between being a snitch and being a witness. Anyone with information about an active homicide investigation can call the Lexington Police Department at (859) 258-3600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020, online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 tips app available at www.p3tips.com. The News JOHANNESBURG Deep-rooted problems in South Africas state-owned ports and rail company that threaten to plunge Africas most industrialized economy into a crisis played a key role in prompting plans to impose strict cost-cutting measures across government departments. Transnet, which brought in $36.4 billion in revenue in the 2022/23 fiscal year, is grappling with a shortage of freight trains and inefficient ports that has cut income from exports, particularly mining. The sight of long lines of heavy-duty trucks has become common on the roads leading to South Africas main ports, such as Durban, which have traditionally received export goods through trains. Gridlock at port entrances are delaying imports by several weeks. The crisis around rail and ports compounds the problems created by rolling blackouts caused by inefficiencies at ailing electricity utility Eskom, the other major state owned enterprise. South Africas national treasury last month advised the cabinet to roll out spending cuts in response to an economic outlook that has worsened significantly largely due to the problems, according to an internal memo it sent to the heads of government departments seen by Semafor Africa. The three-page memo, dated Aug. 31, says the treasury proposes stringent measures in response to a need for urgent action that include a hiring freeze, halting the advertising of procurement for infrastructure projects, and a drastic reduction in spending on travel by government officials. Know More Transnets problems cost the country 1 billion rand ($53 million) a day, according to a study by South African research consultancy GAIN Group published this month which predicts a loss to Africas second biggest economy in 2023 equivalent to 4.9% of gross domestic product. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, on Sept. 1, gave Transnet CEO Portia Derby just three weeks to come up with a turnaround plan as the company announced its 2022/23 financial results that showed a loss of 5.7 billion rand ($300 million). Three weeks have passed since then but neither Transnet nor Gordhan immediately responded to requests from Semafor Africa for comments on the next steps. South Africas export-oriented mining industry contributed 7.5% to the countrys GDP in 2022 and was responsible for nearly half a million jobs, according to the Minerals Council of South Africa which represents the industry. Sams view The logistics problems have shone the spotlight on the ruling ANCs poor management of the economy and the way in which state companies have been run into the ground in recent years. Port productivity across South Africas ports has become dismal, said Denys Hobson, head of logistics at Investec, an Anglo-South African bank. He said the problems stem from a lack of maintenance by Transnet on critical equipment. Senior treasury official Ismail Momoniat recently told me Transnet currently transports less than it did in 1994, that year being significant because that was when Nelson Mandela led the ANC to power, ending apartheid. While the apartheid-era economy was much smaller, it speaks volumes that Transnet carries less now than almost 30 years ago. The problem at the rail and ports company is a headache for the finance ministry as it struggles to manage a sharp drop in tax revenues, a large proportion of which traditionally come from the mining sector. At the same time, around 35,000 coal mining jobs are reportedly at risk because companies, unable to transport millions of tons of commodities for export to ports, are scaling down their operations. Transnet and Eskom were both at the center of state capture, a term used to describe the manner in which members of the prominent Gupta family allegedly used their ties with former President Jacob Zuma to influence contracts and siphon off state assets during his time in power. That connection, whereby corruption and cronyism mix with mismanagement in much the same way that weve seen at Eskom, means Transnets problems will be associated with ANC failings in the minds of voters ahead of next years general election. Voters could end up punishing the ANC if they feel the impact of government cuts particularly any to social welfare programs. South Africas mining companies failed to exploit the recent global commodities boom because they couldnt export minerals due to bottlenecks. Now, as the country heads towards an election in which the ANC may lose its majority for the first time in the post-apartheid era, the chickens of long term mismanagement are coming home to roost. Room for Disagreement There are elements of Transnet that are actually working quite well and there are elements of Transnet that are working much less well, said National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse. The government had been working closely with Transnet to improve operations and also attract private sector participation in the operation of the container terminal at Durban, on the countrys east coast. The View From Lusaka South Africas logistics problems are having an impact in more than a dozen countries across southern and Central Africa, according to trade and logistics consultant Mark Pearson. A lot of cargo moves to countries like Zambia, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo through South Africa, he said. More people are using the port in Mozambique because Durban has been a poorly performing port for many years. Recent indicators showed that Durban was one of the worst ports in the world, said the Lusaka, Zambia-based consultant. The port in Maputo, Mozambiques capital, was seeing more volumes brought through trucks, which put more pressure on the South Africa-Mozambique border than would have been the case if the goods were moved by rail, said Person. Notable The chaos at Transnet is demonstrated by the existence of a network of its employees and private players who run so-called ghost trains which, News 24 reports, run outside of the formal schedule with no revenue flowing back to the company. Transnet CEO Portia Derby is under pressure after a business group called for her to be fired. A 23-year-old inmate has been charged with sexual assault of a prison employee at McCormick Correctional Institution, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said. Timothy Darren Sherard Jr. was charged with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, taking a hostage and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He has since been moved to another facility. Sherard, according to the arrest warrant, held a correctional officer against her will in the bathroom of the prisons education building. He forced her into oral and vaginal sex by using a sharp object to threaten her physical violence and death if she refused, the warrant said. The employee who was assaulted was treated at a local hospital, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said. The attack did not happen in a living area but in another part of the prison. SLED said the case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitors Office. According to the SCDC website, Sherard was moved to the Kirkland Correctional Institution. Sherard in 2018 was sentenced to 10 years for assault and battery and two years for false imprisonment. ZAPATA, Texas (Border Report) Leaders in this rural ranching border county on Monday ordered that over $100,000 in back property taxes that had been erased and forgiven by a previous tax assessor/collector be put back on the books and be paid in full. City opens shelter as migrant influx reaches breaking point The Zapata County Commissioners Court on Monday voted unanimously to order five entities or parties that owe a total of $104,412 in delinquent property taxes must pay their bills entirely. That includes Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque, who owes $16,590 in back property taxes. The five-member court determined that the previous county tax assessor/collector did not have the authority to erase the property taxes due to this sprawling county east of Laredo. Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell sits in his office on Sept. 25, 2023, in Zapata, Texas. (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report) Were here to serve. None of us have the authority. Its not our money. So I think it belongs to the taxpayers and we have to do everything to protect that integrity within the system, Zapata County Judge Joe Rathmell told Border Report in his chambers after the meeting. The governing body is the only one that has the authority, which would be the commissioners court to give any type of relief concerning those delinquent tax accounts. And there are limits as to what the court can do. So we felt it necessary that all those balances that have been discovered that have received those credits have been reinstated, and put placed back on the rolls, with all the delinquent amounts, Rathmell said. Commissioners discussed the item in executive session for about 30 minutes, but when they resumed the meeting in public they voted to reinstate all of the property taxes that were in arrears and that the debts must be paid in full. Some of the taxes dated back to the 1980s, including the party that owes the most $62,590. They had only paid $5,000 on their bill, according to documents obtained by Border Report from the current tax assessor/collectors office. Zapata County Sheriff Raymundo Del Bosque speaks with Border Report on Sept. 23, 2023, outside of the Zapata County Commissioners Court chambers in Zapata, Texas (Sandra Sanchez/Border Report) Del Bosque owed the second-most having paid only $9,672 of a $26,262 delinquent property tax bill spanning several years, records show. Rathmell said most of the cases had suits filed for collection but the previous tax assessor accepted partial payments in late 2020 and then deleted the amounts owed prior to her leaving the position. Rathmell says she then went to work for Del Bosque in the sheriffs department. Del Bosque was elected in November 2020 and his debts were canceled in December, prior to his taking office in January. He told Border Report that as a law enforcement and elected official, his private records are not subject to public scrutiny. He said the release of documents threatens the welfare of his family, and he called the entire event a political witch hunt. I was just ordered to pay the amount that was paid and it was paid and the process was done correctly. So Its just a matter of bad politics. Big town: big politics; small town: small politics. Right now here on the border, I am running a re-election campaign and its all about trying to get my family and my name in the mud and its not going to work, Del Bosque said. He waited in the hallway with other curious members of the public on Monday who crammed the small Zapata County courthouse to hear the chisme or gossip that had piqued much interest here. In this rural ranching community of just 15,000 where cattle far outnumber people, one woman told Border Report that everyone comes out to commissioners court when there is a scandal. The case has been closed. I dont know why its been opened by the current tax assessor, Del Bosque told Border Report. Its just about trying to get somebody else elected for my position. Eagle Pass a war zone as thousands cross border illegally Del Bosque is campaigning for his second term as sheriff in the Democratic primary elections to be held in March. Elections in Zapata County almost always go to the Democrat, even though President Donald Trump carried this county in 2020. With his win here, however, more right-leaning leaders, like Del Bosque, came to power. Del Bosque has openly criticized border enforcement and has sided with Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts hard-line border security tactics in the past. Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border Its gonna get worse gonna, get dirtier because thats what happens in small towns, you know, they want to get the people that can manipulate in office, and its not gonna work, Del Bosque said. Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. By Belen Carreno and Emma Pinedo MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's right-wing opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo on Tuesday accused his rivals of undermining the country's democratic institutions as he launched a likely fruitless bid to form a government. Feijoo's People's Party (PP) won the most seats in July's election but has so far failed to cobble together enough support for a parliamentary majority despite the backing of the hard right Vox party. With his chances of forming a government slim, Feijoo used the debate to attack acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of the Socialist party (PSOE), who has a more realistic chance but only by securing the support of the Catalan separatist party, Junts. In exchange for their votes, Junts seek a controversial amnesty for pro-independence leaders and activists involved in a 2017 attempt to separate Catalonia from Spain. Feijoo said he was offered the same terms by Junts but turned them down. "I have the votes within my reach to become Prime Minister. But I do not accept paying the price they are asking me to pay," Feijoo told lawmakers. Debating began on Tuesday, with a vote requiring an absolute majority to come on Wednesday. Feijoo will get a second vote on Friday, which only requires a simple majority. Sanchez did not take the stand after Feijoo. Instead, the Socialists nominated lawmaker Oscar Puente, former Valladolid mayor, who was ousted by a coalition of the People's Party and far-right VOX, to respond to Feijoo. "Neither you nor I won the elections. I acknowledged my defeat despite receiving the most votes," Puente told Feijoo in a heated debate with jeers in the chamber as some lawmakers called Sanchez a "coward". If, as expected, Feijoo fails, Sanchez will have two months from Wednesday to make his bid before parliament is dissolved and fresh elections are called. With the support of Vox (33 seats) and regional parties Union of the Navarran People (1 seat) and Canarian Coalition (1 seat), the People's Party could secure 172 votes, four short of a majority in the 350-seat chamber. Other smaller parties have refused to lend their votes, saying they would not want to facilitate a coalition featuring a far right party. The PSOE can probably count on 171 seats with the support of the far-left Sumar party, the Catalan pro-independence party Esquerra, the Basque separatists EH Bildu, the Basque Nationalist Party and the Galician Nationalist Bloc. Seven votes from Junts would therefore be enough to secure a majority. In his speech, Feijoo outlined the policy proposals he would carry out as prime minister, including lowering taxes for entrepreneurs and low- and middle-income earners and devising a plan to capture foreign investment. He also proposed the introduction of a bill to make "institutional disloyalty" a crime after Sanchez last year struck down a sedition law. (Reporting by Belen Carreno, Emma Pinedo and David Latona; Writing by Charlie Devereux; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Ros Russell) At 18-years-old Pollyanne Nakamura Johnston, now 80, enlisted in the Army Graduate Specialist Program and went on to basic training at the Womens Army Corps (WAC) at Fort McClelland, Alabama. She was the first Japanese American girl to enlist in the Army from the Stockton Area, The Stockton Record reported on July 8, 1961. Now, many decades later after serving she and her husband Donald Richard Johnston, 83, who goes by Richard, also a veteran who served in the Navy, traveled to Washington D.C. as part of the Bay Area Honor Flight Foundation to visit the WWII Memorial and the Korean-Vietnam Memorial. Something that they had been waiting for, more than five years, Pollyanne told The Record. Veterans Richard Johnston and Pollyanne Nakamura Johnston outside of their Stockton home on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. PollyAnne was the first Japanese-American woman from Stockton to enlist in the Army. The Bay Area Honor Flight Foundation's main mission is to Transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices, the Bay Arean Honor Flight Foundation X page (formerly Twitter) states. The couple flew out of San Francisco International Airport on Thursday, Sept. 21 for their three-day trip to Washington D.C. Pollyanne had applied for the trip more than five years ago, she said. The great thing about this is that all these veterans that go on the flight, it's all free..." Pollyanne said. They'll put us up, their round-trip ticket, and then tour the memorial. Richard and Pollyanne honor her former husband and father of her daughters Burton E. Gray, during their trip. He served in the Air Force and lived in Stockton after he served. He passed away in 2006. In 2005, the first Honor Flight Tour happened in May of that year, the Bay Area Honor Flight Foundation website states. Six small planes flew out of Springfield, Ohio taking twelve World War II Veterans on a visit to the memorial in Washington, DC., the Honor Flight Bay Area Foundation states on their website. The Johnstons attended an introduction in Roseville. They showed us videos of an actual trip, and I thought, oh, this is so amazing, Pollyanne said. You feel so proud that you served and it's just giving me goosebumps to know, just to see what they do for the veterans. 'First Japanese American girl to enlist' Inside of her Stockton home, veteran Pollyanne Nakamura Johnston shares a photograph from her days in the Army on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. PollyAnne was the first Japanese-American woman from Stockton to enlist in the Army. Pollyannes family lived in Stockton but during World War II her family relocated to Rohwer, Arkansas. She was born on Feb. 24, 1943, at The Rohwer War Relocation Center. We were living in Stockton but had to be moved to Rohwer during the war, Pollyanne said. Her family returned to Stockton a few years later. Pollyanne graduated from Edison High School and went on to Stockton College (now San Joaquin Delta College) for a year. I felt like there's more out there than just going to school here. I wanted to travel, that was part of the reason and get some education and find work and skills, Pollyanne said. That's why I decided to join (the Army) and my folks were all for it, they encouraged me. She became the "first Japanese American girl to enlist" in the Army in town. She spent three months in basic training, she said. I learned how to take a rifle apart and put it together and stuff like that, she said. During the "German crisis," she was sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for medical corps, after signing the paperwork wrong. She had joined for three years because she would be able to choose the school she wanted. "They sent everybody to medical school, Pollyanne said. So, I did not get a choice." She was later sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for two and a half years. My heart was always back here. I wanted to see if I could get a transfer to the Presidio in San Francisco, she said. She worked at a hospital and since she did not want to take care of patients she traveled to Louisville, Kentucky every day on the bus, an approximately 20 miles distance from Fort Knox to train for EEG also known as electroencephalogram. Inside of her Stockton home, veteran Pollyanne Nakamura Johnston shares photographs from her days in the Army on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. PollyAnne was the first Japanese-American woman from Stockton to enlist in the Army. After three years of serving, she came back home to Stockton. She was around 21 years old, she said. She recalled being very shy before serving. It has changed me for the better," she said. She worked with a doctor in medical transcribing and an EEG for 20 years up until her retirement, at around 62-years-old. She may be retired but Pollyanne still keeps busy. For the past two decades, she has worked part-time selling Mary Kay and has volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital and at church. The longer time goes on, the more prouder I am that I did what I did. At the time, I just went ahead and joined and did my time, Pollyanne said. Actually I'm the only one in my family that enlisted. I had two brothers. I have an older brother and a younger brother, that neither one served. Navy Sailor or cheesemaker Inside of his Stockton home, veteran Richard Johnston shares a photograph and an old newspaper article about his experiences in the Army on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. Richard is a Wisconsin native, born on July 26, 1940. The son of a cheesemaker, and one of 10 siblings. He wanted something more for his life. Back then, when you graduated from high school, at 21 or 22, you were going into the military because of the draft," Richard said. "With Uncle Roy doing a career in the Army, that's what I was going to do." Richard and his friend had plans to join the Marines. But after a problem, his friend decided to join the Navy and so did him, Richard said. Well going into the Navy was a lot better than making cheese, Richard said. He was just 17 years old when he enlisted. He turned 18 years old while in boot camp, he said. Its just something you had to do. You had no choice. You were going into the military, Richard said. He went to Great Lakes for boot camp and when done he went to an electronics school, he said. Richard re-enlisted around 1960 for 6 years under the "Selective Training and Retention (STAR) program," a newspaper clipping said. Richard got to travel the world from Virginia to San Juan Puerto Rico and much more as he went aboard the USS Galveston out of Norfolk, Virginia. When you join the Navy, you see the world, Pollyanne said. Richard ended up in Stockton in May 1963. Inside of his Stockton home, veteran Richard Johnston shares photographs from his childhood on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. Photographed with Johnston is his uncle, who inspired him to enlist in the Army. In May of 63, it was eligible for shore duty...I was getting transferred and about three weeks before I got transferred," Richard said. "They changed me to the Navy Communication Station San Francisco at Stockton, California." After two and a half years, he was sent to the Communications Station in Guam during the Vietnam War, he said. "The following year, would of been October of 66. I got discharged and came back to Stockton with the Department of Employment looking for a job. They called down the communication station. They said come down and I went back to work for them as a civilian. Doing the same thing," Richard said. "I ended up retiring from that and in October of 94 as a foreman electronic mechanic." Pollyanne and Richard married on August 8, 1981. Since he retired Richard has continued to volunteer at church with cooking, and maintenance work, and has even donated blood in the past with the Delta Blood Bank. For Richard, the memories are a bit different than his wifes. For him serving was just a job, he said as he laughed. But whether it was a job or not, he made a career out of it, traveled the world and inspired their grandson to continue the Navy legacy. Their 28-year-old grandson is also serving in the Navy as a nuclear machinist, second class, in the same location Richard was in Norfolk, Virginia. He has served for the past five years. I think everybody should serve. I'm a firm believer in that. I believe that coming out of high school, every young boy should go into the military, gives them a chance to be on their own with some guidelines and gives them a chance to settle down," Richard said. "And a lot of people my age, that have served believe the same way. And it's good training, you can get good training. And then when you go looking for a job, the military person is going to get hired before the guy out of high school. Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow. This article originally appeared on The Record: veterans traveling on Honor Flight The stormy tenure of Bronwyn Stanford as Animal Services director in Miami-Dade County came to an end Tuesday with a resignation letter she said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava requested nine weeks after suspending the administrator with pay. A lawyer and former child-welfare official for Florida, Stanford was hired by Levine Cava to oversee the countys overwhelmed pet shelter in Doral in 2021, at a time of surging dog surrenders and stray canines in Miami-Dade and across the country. READ MORE: A fight over a pet shelter gets ugly. Lawsuit claims slander by Miami-Dade director She quickly clashed with senior staff whom she later accused of colluding against her and with a wealthy benefactor of the department, Yolanda Berkowitz, who later sued Stanford for slander. In the Tuesday letter released by Levine Cavas office, Stanford denied doing anything wrong. You have requested my resignation effective immediately, Stanford wrote in the three-paragraph letter. You have indicated to me that your request is not based on any fault on my part or my work performance. I categorically deny any improper conduct. Nonetheless, I will honor your request as I always have throughout my tenure, she continued. I wish you the very best in your reelection and will always support you and Miami-Dade Animal Services. READ MORE: Amid lawsuit, Miami-Dade mayor places pet shelters director on leave until further notice Rachel Johnson, Levine Cavas deputy chief of staff, said the request for the resignation came during a recent conversation but did not provide details. Stanfords lawyer, Benjamin Brodsky, declined to comment on the resignation request. Levine Cava placed Stanford on administrative leave on July 14. That was the date of a letter from the Inspector Generals Office delivering a report to Levine Cavas office concluding Stanford once received free X-rays for her cat at the shelter, a violation of county policy. It was also a day after Berkowitzs slander suit became public, accusing Stanford of falsely telling Animal Services employees that Berkowitz was a paid escort and sex worker in her younger days. The suit portrayed the false statements as part of an effort to undermine Berkowitz and her philanthropic support of adoption events and dog transports in support of Animal Services. Stanford denied the allegations of the suit. Shes counter-suing and accusing Berkowitz of waging a campaign to oust her after finding Levine Cavas pick for Animal Services wasnt yielding to Berkowitzs demands. Stanford also accused Berkowitz of working with disgruntled Animal Services employees to spark the investigation. BRENTWOOD Mark Brave, who is on paid leave from his elected role as Strafford County sheriff while facing eight felony charges, is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. It will be held in Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood and is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The case has been moved out of Strafford County to avoid the appearance of conflict, prosecutors have said. Brave doesn't currently have an attorney listed in court documents. He was previously represented by Shaheen and Gordon of Dover. Strafford County Sheriff Mark Brave is seen upon arrival Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at New Hampshire State Police Troop A in Epping, where he said he planned to turn himself in to face charges he is anticipating from the state attorney general's office. He said Monday he plans to be in court for the arraignment. He has the option to waive the proceeding, which would result in the court setting a trial date. "I plan to rehire Shaheen and Gordon on Friday, following the final closing on the sale of my house," Brave said. "I have a call in to them and am hoping they will represent me on Thursday, and I can settle up with them on Friday after the sale has been finalized and I have funds wired." Brave was arrested in August following an investigation spanning a year. The New Hampshire attorney general's office alleges Brave used $19,000 in county funds to travel and carry on multiple extramarital affairs, going to Florida, Boston and other locations, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. More: Investigation details Sheriff Mark Brave's alleged lies about affairs, hotels and trips The felony charges include one count of theft by deception (a Class A felony). He also faces two counts of falsifying physical evidence (both Class B felonies) and five counts of perjury (Class B felonies) for lying to a Strafford County grand jury during the investigation that first became public in June. The investigation spans May 2022 through May 2023. It alleges misuse of funds for airfare, hotels, meals and a cruise. In many cases, Brave allegedly listed the expenses for conferences through agencies that do not exist, including a fictitious New England Sheriffs' Association. He also cited a trip to meet in Washington with Congressman Chris Pappas, D-New Hampshire, a meeting allegedly never scheduled. The allegations state some of the trips to Boston coincided with nights the Boston Celtics were playing, and Brave had Celtics season tickets, according to one of his deputies. More: Strafford County's acting sheriff looks to rebuild after Brave's exit Brave's expenses were first brought to the attention of the attorney general in April by Strafford County commissioners after the sheriff's trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August 2022, where his expenses were listed as $1,615.04 and included first-class airfare and an oceanfront hotel. Brave, in multiple recent interviews, denied all allegations against him and stated they are a political and racist attack on him. Brave, reelected in 2022 to a second term, is a Democrat and the state's first Black sheriff. All of the Strafford County commissioners are also Democrats. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Strafford County Sheriff Mark Brave faces day in court in Brentwood United Auto Workers members walk the picket line Sept. 18, blocking a truck from entering a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan. United Auto Workers members walk the picket line Sept. 18, blocking a truck from entering a Ford assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan. DETROIT Many striking autoworkers on the picket line at Fords Michigan Assembly Plant arent fans of Donald Trump . They also arent exactly fawning over President Joe Biden . Biden made history last week when he said he would travel to the nations auto capital to join the picket line with striking members of the United Auto Workers days after Trump announced he was planning his own rally. The New York Times initially reported that the rally would be with union members, though the former president ended up speaking at a nonunion parts supplier whose workers are not striking. But while some striking workers say they appreciate Bidens gesture, others say it amounts to little more than a publicity stunt by a Democrat who has called himself the most pro-union president in history and has the record of policy achievements to back it up. None of the more than a dozen workers who spoke with HuffPost on Monday, on the eve of Bidens fly-in, believed either his appearance or Trumps would do much to resolve the strike both Biden and Trump should expect to be greeted by a degree of cynicism on the ground here. Mind your own business, said Dan Hall, a 66-year-old whos worked at Ford for nearly 29 years, summing up his attitude toward the current and former presidents. Its not about them. Its about us the only thing theyre here for is votes. See, I supported you! No, you didnt you came out here. Same thing with Trump. This view of Biden in particular undercuts the profile hes cultivated as a middle-class hero from Scranton, Pennsylvania, who cares about the little guy. Biden affirmed his support for the striking workers at the beginning of the work stoppage after speaking with both sides and encouraging them to come to a resolution. The president said the Big Three General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have reaped record profits that have not been shared fairly, in my view, with those workers. Biden will touch down in Detroit on Tuesday before jetting to high-dollar fundraisers in Californias Bay Area. The White House hasnt released details on whether hes specifically heading to the picket line at Michigan Assembly, one of the first three plants to go on strike 12 days ago. On Friday, the UAW expanded its work stoppage to 38 additional sites across the country, including 13 more in Michigan. Trump, meanwhile, is holding a rally in nearby Macomb County on Wednesday night. The former presidents event is happening at the same time as the second Republican presidential debate in California, which Trump has said he would not attend. Trump has attacked Biden over the strike, saying his rhetorical support of the UAW is worth little if he continues to support a transition to electric vehicles, which require fewer workers to assemble. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain (center) invited President Biden to the picket line amid the union's historic strike. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain (center) invited President Biden to the picket line amid the union's historic strike. UAW leadership has been far friendlier to Biden even as theyve refrained from endorsing anyone in the presidential race. UAW President Shawn Fain invited Biden to the picket line and has slammed Trump as the embodiment of the billionaire class. Neither Bidens campaign nor Trumps responded to requests for comment. The 2024 election wasnt at all top of mind at Michigan Assembly, where striking workers are required to pick up six-hour shifts picketing a busy stretch of U.S. 12 fronting the 5-million-square-foot plant. The people who work here said they were striking to be able to afford their groceries and mortgages. Several said they couldnt afford to buy the Ford Broncos and Rangers they help manufacture. One worker told HuffPost she borrowed money from her 401(k) to be able to go on strike because of the benefit she hoped a successful strike action would provide her in the future. Asked about Bidens California fundraiser also planned for Tuesday which will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 a head to attend Nikeya Brown said she voted for Biden and continues to support him but hopes the president realizes that people are really struggling. She also pointed out how her union has been a major political backer of Bidens although the UAW has so far withheld its endorsement of Biden for 2024 while also saying it has no intention of supporting Trump, the likely GOP nominee. If we can throw out all these billions of dollars to all these other countries Im not saying they dont need help but if we dont fix home first, we cant help anybody else, said Brown, who has worked on the line at Ford for two years. Right now were struggling. Were losing. And I appreciate that he wants to come out here and support and do the right thing. The dueling appearances highlight the electoral significance of Michigan, a swing state that Trump won in 2016 in part by appealing to white blue-collar workers with promises to renegotiate trade deals and get tougher on China. The UAWs former president estimated that 28% of its membership voted for Trump in 2016, representing a shift away from Democrats. CNNs exit polling from the 2016 election revealed that 51% of union households voted for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton while 42% backed Trump. Four years later, Biden claimed 56% of union households while Trumps support dipped to 40%. If we can throw out all these billions of dollars to all these other countries ... but if we dont fix home first, we cant help anybody else.Autoworker Nikeya Brown Many of the striking workers described themselves as swing voters. My job is very important to me and my family, so if you can help me out with my job, thats how you can sway me, said Chris Jedrzejek, 44, who has worked at Ford for 24 years. I wish there was a third option out there. Inside the plant, theres so many Trump supporters I talk to. Theres a lot of Democrats not too many Biden supporters, but theres a lot of Democrats in there. Marisa Beck, 40, said shes voted for Democrats but has moved to the center more recently, while her co-worker Toni Jarrell, 42, has voted for Republicans but has also found herself seeking to reevaluate both parties. Both women, who began working together in 2007, say they dislike comments Biden and Trump have made about their union and its members. Both have said damaging things, as far as Im concerned, Beck said. Their support shown during a moment when we are on strike is appreciated. I dont know what they could say that I would believe. Its a political year. Even with a steady job with Ford, Beck said she struggles to make ends meet with a house, car payment and child. I feel like we set the precedent for the middle class, she said. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat from Toledo, Ohio where UAW members have been striking against Stellantis, which makes Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators said Biden would be welcome at any picket line. Kaptur has previously lauded Bidens efforts to fight tirelessly for the survival of our industrial heartland and introduced him at a 2020 campaign rally at a Toledo union hall with Jeep workers. She questioned what Trump, who renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), has done specifically for union workers. Where was he when we fought NAFTA? Where was he in 2008 when we had the big financial crash and the automotive companies were belly up? Where was he? So now hes going to show up in Detroit? Really? Kaptur doesnt just represent the district that encompasses the Jeep factory; Her father was a union member who worked for Jeep until 1969. It was a friendly place, she said. The people who worked there lived in our community, grew up in our community, their fathers and mothers had worked in the industry. There was a real sense of place and community. Justin Nelson, a 47-year-old Ford veteran, said he hopes the strike ends as soon as possible and, unlike some of his colleagues, he welcomes the gusher of attention that accompanies the dueling visits. I love this company. Theyre going to be the ones to lead this change and give their people enough to afford the vehicles that theyre making, Nelson said. I think the more publicity the better for this. Language in this piece has been updated to reflect that Trump did not hold a rally with striking autoworkers, despite initial media reporting that suggested he would. Related... MARTIN COUNTY A Stuart man charged with possessing more than 100 images of child pornography will spend 20 years in prison, a judge ruled Tuesday. Timothy Woltmann, 57, had faced up to 119 years in prison after he was arrested in October 2021. Woltmann on Aug. 9 pleaded guilty to 100 counts of possession of child pornography, 10 images or more; and 23 counts of electronic transmission of child pornography images, court records show. Tim Woltmann in Martin County court Aug. 9, 2023 More: Cyber investigators find hundreds of child porn images on Stuart man's phone The case against Woltmann began in 2021 with a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children agency notifying the Martin County Sheriff's Office about a few dozen sexually explicit images being uploaded to an internet provider address associated with Woltmann, according to an arrest affidavit. When detectives on Oct. 13, 2021 went to Woltmann's home in the 900 block of Southeast Ocean Avenue, in Stuart to take him into custody, they seized two of his cell phones. One phone contained 100 images of child porn, detectives reported. His initial bond of $1.7 million was later reduced to $664,000 but records show he remained in custody at the Martin County Jail. Defense attorneys in August filed court papers seeking a downward departure in prison time from what sentencing guidelines recommended. Downward departure allows for greater flexibility in sentencing and acknowledges that each case is unique and that the guidelines do not adequately address all circumstances. After hearing testimony from expert witnesses and Woltmann's family, Circuit Judge William Roby on Tuesday sided with his defense lawyer and ordered he serve a term of 20 years. Woltmann was also ordered to serve five years of sex offender probation following his release from prison. "The court is exercising his discretion and granted a downward departure based on the totality of the evidence and circumstantial testimony," Roby said. The defense, Roby ruled, provided substantial evidence that Woltmann was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Defense attorney Stephanie McEnery in court called up a polygraph examiner and a forensic psychiatrist to testify on Woltmann's mental state and any potential risk he might pose reentering society. Sheila Rapa, a clinical and forensic psychologist, conducted a psychosexual evaluation on Woltmann and testified for the defense. She specializes in treating sexual abuse victims and evaluating and assessing sexual abuse perpetrators, she said. Rapa found Woltmann had a major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol-use disorder. Woltmann had no history of physical sexual abuse of children, Rapa said, and he has no desire to commit those acts in the real world. John Morrison, a former police officer and polygraph examiner, said he administered a polygraph test and questioned Woltmann Sept. 1. Morrison said he asked Woltmann if he had ever committed or attempted physical sexual contact with anyone under the age of 18. Woltmann answered no and passed the polygraph test, Morrison said. Woltmann's mother and brother also testified on his behalf. His brother, Daniel Woltmann, said he is a minister and would be able to provide a support system when he is released from prison. Woltmann too, apologized to Roby and expressed remorse for his actions. Reading from a prepared statement, he said he would dedicate his time in prison to using his education and skills to help others. Before Roby imposed a sentence, Assistant State Attorney Kristen Chase argued that despite Woltmann's struggles with mental health he still chose to download and transmit child pornography. "The thought that he should be entitled to a downward departure because his way of managing that is to ... find sexual gratification and exploitation of children, this certainly ... it defies logic," Chase said. She stressed that many of the videos Woltmann possessed showed people sexually violating prepubescent children as young as toddlers. He also transmitted the videos to other people, she said. "So you traded the rape and humiliation and abuse of children like playing cards?" Chase said while questioning Woltmann. More: Fort Pierce man sentenced for double murders at Madison Cay apartments in October 2020 More: Remains unearthed in Martin County after 2022 Hurricane Nicole of ancient Native Americans Mauricio La Plante is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow him on Twitter @mslaplantenews or email him at Mauricio.LaPlante@TCPalm.com. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Timothy Woltmann to serve 20 years prison for child porn possession Politicians need to consider whether international refugee rules are fit for our modern age or are in need of reform, Suella Braverman is expected to say during a visit to the US. The Home Secretary will question whether the United Nations Refugee Convention 1951 should be reformed in a speech she is due to make on Tuesday. Ms Braverman will use a keynote speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, to set out a blueprint for international efforts to tackle the refugee crisis. The senior Cabinet minister has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce tough policies such as the Rwanda scheme. The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable Home Secretary Suella Braverman In a keynote speech Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age. But more than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time, she will add, telling the audience: According to analysis by Nick Timothy and Karl Williams for the Centre for Policy Studies, it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform. Home Secretary Suella Braverman walks with British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce at the British ambassador's residence in Washington DC (PA) She will also argue that tests for how refugees are defined have changed, lowering the threshold for claiming asylum. Ms Braverman will say: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. She is expected to add: The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable. The Home Secretary is expected to use her visit to seek closer ties with US authorities on tackling illegal migration and people trafficking. She will meet US homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and attorney general Merrick Garland for talks on migration and national security. As Ms Braverman mulled over reform of the convention ahead of the visit, her ideas were welcomed by the chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK. Alp Mehmet said she was right to call out the conventions and suggested the UK should withdraw from both the ECHR and the Refugee Convention if reforms were not made. But the Refugee Council warned the UK should be addressing the real issues in the asylum system, such as the record backlog, and providing safe routes for those in need of protection rather than tearing up agreements. Freedom from Torture chief executive Sonya Sceats said: Having already trampled over international law with the Illegal Migration Act, it is shocking to see the Home Secretary imploring the US and other democracies to tear up treaties designed to protect human rights. This will make the world an even more dangerous place, and not just for torture survivors seeking safety, but for all of us. Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Ms Braverman has given up on fixing the Tories asylum chaos and is looking for anyone else to blame. On her watch, dangerous boat crossings are up, the backlog of undecided cases is at a record high, returns are down by 70% and the taxpayer is now spending an astronomical 8 million a day on hotels all because the Conservatives have time and again offered cheap gimmicks instead of getting a proper grip, she said. And instead of enhancing international co-operation to go after the criminal gangs and build long-term solutions, this Government has made it harder to get other countries to work with us by undermining international agreements that they still want other countries to abide by and offering no solutions. Nearly 24,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats this year so far, despite Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats, though the number of crossings are down from 2022. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled, with the Rwanda plan currently tied up in the courts, while attempts to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast are on pause after deadly bacteria Legionella was detected aboard. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said being gay is not enough to make an asylum claim. (PA) Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said being gay should not be a criteria to green light asylum claims, urging for a change to the UN Refugee Convention. In a speech at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC on Tuesday, she urged leaders to make the rules on refugees "fit for the modern age". But it was her comments on LGBT+ issues that sparked concern. "Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman," she said. "Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. "But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect, simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection." Her comments drew ire from the Refugee Council, whose CEO Enver Solomon said a world where nations "pulled up the drawbridge" to refugees over their sexuality was "a world which turns its back on a belief in shared humanity and shared rights". Refugee campaigner Lord Dubs said: "In many countries being gay is an imprisonable offence. For some, it means the death penalty. She's repeating the shameful policy that people should not be treated as refugees if they arrive here by boat. But she's closed virtually all other means of arrival." Yahoo looks at the countries that still persecute gay people or ban same-sex relationships. Read more: Europe Same-sex marriage is legal in much of Europe, with 18 countries backing gay marriage in 2022. This number moved up to 19 in 2023 with the addition of Andorra, which previously had same-sex civil unions, and will increase to 20 countries in 2024, with Estonia set to adopt gay marriage. Additionally, 13 other countries on the continent also recognise same-sex unions, although they have not yet legalised same-sex marriage. However, many countries do not recognise same-sex unions of any kind, while in others discrimination is rife. In Russia, despite homosexuality being decriminalised in 1993, the introduction of a "gay propaganda" law has seen activists, journalists, healthcare workers and others criminalised for "promoting" LGBT issues. In Italy, new rules introduced this year saw same-sex parents removed from their children's birth certificates. Middle East A number of countries in the Middle East criminalise LGBT+ people, with just one country in the region recognising same-sex marriages performed abroad and cohabiting couples - Israel. In Jordan, Bahrain and Palestine's West Bank, being gay is legal, but all other countries in the region have criminalised homosexuality, according to the Ilga World Database. Number of countries that criminalise homosexuality as of 2022. (Statista) In Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates the maximum possible penalty for being gay is the death penalty (flogging is also listed as a potential punishment in Saudi Arabia). However, in some of these countries (Brunei and the UAE) the death penalty is not actively used as a punishment for homosexuality. Elsewhere, sentences range from six months to seven years in prison for prosecutions for LGBT+ people. Africa In Africa, South Africa is the only country to have legalised same-sex marriage (in 2006), while 21 other countries on the continent have legalised same-sex relationships. However, same-sex relationships remain illegal in the remainder of the 54 countries in Africa - with three carrying the death penalty (Mauritania, Nigeria, and Uganda), and others carrying prison time ranging from a year in prison and a fine to a lifetime sentence, data from Statista show. The home secretary has suggested that being gay will not be enough to greenlight an asylum claim. (Statista) According to the charity Rainbow Migration, there are several countries in Africa (and elsewhere around the world) that the British government considers safe for LGBT+ people due to local laws, but where they have reports of asylum claims that showed gay people were at risk of persecution from their communities. Asia Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, while Thailand is currently considering its marriage equality bill. Elsewhere on the continent, attitudes to same-sex couples vary, with no legal bans on homosexuality in countries including China, Nepal, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. However, Pakistan and Brunei both carry a maximum sentence of the death penalty for same-sex relations, while in Malaysia homosexuality carries a 20-year prison sentence and potential punishment of flogging. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. (Alamy) Americas The United States legalised same-sex marriage in 2015, after the Supreme Court's ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case. However, the country's Human Rights Campaign has highlighted that an increasing number of anti-LGBT+ bills are being introduced in states across the country, while the high court's decision to overturn landmark abortion legislation in 2022 theoretically leaves the Obergefell ruling vulnerable to change. In Canada and Central and South America, the vast majority of countries have legal rights for same-sex people, with gay marriage legalised in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, French Guiana, Mexico and Uruguay Conversely, homosexuality is criminalised in a number of countries including Guyana, Dominica, Paraguay, Jamaica, Honduras, St Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Punishments range from life in prison (Guyana) to forced psychiatric treatment (Dominica). Oceania Same-sex marriage is legal in Australia and New Zealand, with no criminalisation of homosexuality on islands including Fiji and Vanuatu. However, same-sex relationships are illegal in Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, where the maximum punishment stands at 14 years in prison. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday condemned a reported attack on Cuba's embassy in Washington, D.C., involving at least one Molotov cocktail thrown at the building. "The United States strongly condemns Sundays reported attack on the Cuban embassy in Washington, DC. Attacks against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable," Sullivan said in a statement. "We are in contact with Cuban embassy officials and law enforcement authorities to ensure an appropriate and timely investigation as well as to offer our support for future protective efforts." The Secret Service responded to the scene on Sunday evening and stated that the building did not have significant damage. The embassy, which sits about 2 miles directly north of the White House in Washington's Adams Morgan neighborhood, resumed operations in 2015 after then-president Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with the country. In a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Cuba's foreign minister, labeled the attack as "terrorism." "The Cuban embassy in the US was the target of a terrorist attack by an individual who launched 2 Molotov cocktails. The staff suffered no harm," he wrote. "The anti-Cuban groups resort to terrorism when feeling they enjoy impunity, something that #Cuba has repeatedly warned the US authorities about." Although the U.S. and Cuba have maintained official ties since 2015, their relationship remains tenuous. The U.S. maintains a trade embargo on Cuba and American attitudes toward the country have wavered depending on who holds the presidency. Donald Trump unraveled many of the moves Obama originally made to better relations, including the restoration of a tourist travel ban. Joe Biden's administration later reversed some of the travel restrictions, but has contended with several controversies involving Cuba, including a recently reported Chinese spy base on the island. In April 2020, Washington police arrested a man for opening fire on the Cuban embassy, damaging the building's exterior. No one was injured. Summers Not Over 5 Mocktail Recipes To Elevate Your Beverage Experience | Mario Vasquez Rioja Summer isnt over yet, and who doesnt enjoy a specialty beverage during this season? Whether it is your favorite cocktail, mocktail, or an infused drink to help pull you through the day nothing beats the refreshing taste of your favorite summer sip during the golden hour of day. No matter the location, tea is a mainstay in American culture. From the sweet tea recipe that grandma made special with Sunday dinner, to the matcha green tea found at the hip new coffee shop, there is something for everybody. But the fun doesnt have to stop there. Gold Peak is a product that celebrates teas goodness and elevates the tea game for enthusiasts and casual drinkers. Whatever way you enjoy your brew, tap in with Gold Peak, and then try some of these innovative recipes to elevate your beverage game. Spicy Margari-Tea A sweet and spicy twist on a classic sweet tea recipe sign us up. Ingredients Suggested Glassware: lowball/rocks glass 3 oz Gold Peak Sweet Tea 1 oz hot honey syrup (combine equal parts hot honey and warm water) oz lemon juice oz lime juice Hot honey, for the rim Salt, for the rim The Brew Normal If you love ginger and citrus, this mocktail is for you. Ingredients Suggested Glassware: lowball/rocks glass 2 oz Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea 1 oz mango juice oz ginger syrup oz lime juice Lime wheel, for garnish In Too Steep Herbs and spices take this tea recipe to the next level. Ingredients Suggested Glassware: highball/collins oz Lime Juice 4 Cucumber rounds 3 Rosemary sprigs 4 oz Gold Peak Zero Sugar Tea 1 oz Sparkling Water Raspberry Mar-Tea-Ni Antioxidants are galore with all of the raspberry flavors and goodness. Ingredients Suggested Glassware: martini/coupe glass 1 oz Gold Peak California Raspberry Tea syrup* oz Lemon juice 3 oz Ginger Beer Raspberries, for garnish Coconut-Tea Peach Punch Get a taste of the islands with this mocktail. Ingredients Suggested Glassware: lowball/collins 1 oz Cream of Coconut 5-7 Mint leaves 2 oz Gold Peak Georgia Peach Tea 2 oz Coconut Water Mint sprig, for garnish As you can see, there are so many innovative options for how tea can be the ingredient of choice for your next mocktail situation, and Gold Peak has so many flavors that can make choices limitless. Click here to get full recipe details for the above mocktails and learn more about how Gold Peak tea can be a staple in your golden hour food and beverage experience. MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA - MARCH 11: People march towards the Alabama State Capitol on March 11, 2022 in Montgomery, Alabama. Community residents, organizers, and activists concluded the 11 day Selma-to-Montgomery march today with a rally at the Alabama State Capitol. MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA - MARCH 11: People march towards the Alabama State Capitol on March 11, 2022 in Montgomery, Alabama. Community residents, organizers, and activists concluded the 11 day Selma-to-Montgomery march today with a rally at the Alabama State Capitol. [Updated 10/03/2023 at 11:25 am] Alabama Republican are continuing to fight against giving Black voters equal rights. Despite, multiple court rulings ordering the creation of a second majority-Black district, in line with the states Black population, Alabamas GOP is refusing to back down. Read more The Supreme Court might not have the best track record on voting rights but even these conservative justices are tired of Alabamas blatant shenanigans. On Tuesday, the court refused to block enforcement of a federal courts decision taking over Alabamas redistricting plan. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that Alabamas redistricting map violated the rights of Black voters by only creating one majority Black district. The court mandated that Alabama had to draft a map with a second majority-Black district or something quite close to it. Keep in mind Black Alabamans make up over a quarter of the states population. Naturally, Alabama GOP lawmakers took this as a signal to draw a map with the same number of majority-Black districts. It would be an understatement to say that the new map did not go over well with the judges who heard the case. 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, wrote the panel of judges, who will now hear Alabamas objections to their new map. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Supreme Court refused to reinstate Alabamas Republican-drawn congressional map, enabling a court-appointed official to draw the lines for the 2024 election instead. The justices in June struck down Alabamas previous map for likely diluting the power of Black voters, and the current dispute concerned a new version that still did not add a second majority-Black district. Alabama had urged the justices to temporarily halt a lower ruling that blocked that new map for not following the Supreme Courts directive. In a brief order Tuesday, the high court denied the states request, handing a significant victory for voting rights advocates and a group of Black Alabama voters who sued over the design. There were no noted dissents. The ruling could also provide a boost to Democrats in their quest to retake the House next year. Rather than using the Republican-drawn lines for the 2024 election cycle, the order paves the way for an independent expert appointed by a panel of federal judges to design the boundaries instead. That court-appointed expert is set to submit the final map in the coming days. When Alabama brought its redistricting fight to the high court the first time, the justices ruled 5-4 in February 2022 to temporarily revive the states map, allowing it to be used for that years midterms. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh , who voted to revive the map, at the time cited a legal doctrine that federal courts should not intervene to alter state election rules in the lead-up to an election. But in the final decision months later, Kavanaugh went the other way, giving Chief Justice John Roberts and the courts three liberals a majority to toss Alabamas map for likely violating the Voting Rights Act. The states Republican-led Legislature was directed to draw a new map that will need to include two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it. The new design maintained Alabamas one majority-Black district which is represented by the states lone congressional Democrat and only increased the percentage of Black voters in the 2nd Congressional District from 30 percent to 40 percent. The original plaintiffs challenged the new design, saying Alabama had defied the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, a panel of federal judges sided with them by ruling that Alabamas new map did not remedy the issue. The panel instead ordered a court-appointed official step in and draw the lines. The State of Alabama has been maligned as engaging in open rebellion because it remedied the discriminatory effect in the 2021 Plan without going further to split Mobile, or Dothan, or the places in between on race-based lines. No State could constitutionally draw such plans, Alabama wrote in court filings. In an interview ahead of the ruling, Evan Milligan, one of the lead plaintiffs, said he was optimistic about their chances at the Supreme Court, given the past success. Im more optimistic than when we started, he said. So, its been about two years. I think for a number of reasons. There are a lot of people that are interested in this now that were not a part of the conversation, when we first started. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Supreme Court on Tuesday handed down a win to Democrats by rejecting Alabamas request to use a congressional map drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature. Instead, the Supreme Court declined to touch a lower courts ruling overturning that map for likely violating the Voting Rights Act. The court-driven mapmaking process happening now will likely result in Alabama adding an additional Black and Democratic member of Congress. A lower federal court earlier this month threw out the states new map passed earlier this year after the Republican-controlled state legislature essentially ignored its order to draw two House districts where Black voters could elect a candidate of their choosing. Alabama appealed that decision. But the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Alabamas request to step in and block the ruling, leaving intact the decision forcing the map to be redrawn. On Monday, a court-appointed special master narrowed the list to three proposals, each of which would create a second majority- or near-majority-Black district, with further hearings scheduled for next week. Alabama's open defiance of the Voting Rights Act stops today, Abha Khanna, a prominent Democratic attorney who represented one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement. While we hope that yet another federal court order will prompt Alabama to rethink their dogged resistance to providing equal political opportunities to Black Alabamians, we look forward to ensuring relief for voters through the court-ordered remedial redistricting process, with or without the state's cooperation." The Supreme Courts actions Tuesday are part of a long-running legal battle over Alabamas congressional lines. The lower court had ruled in early 2022 that Alabama likely violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the power of Black voters after the GOP-dominated legislature drew only one majority-Black district following the once-a-decade post-Census redistricting. But the Supreme Court stepped in a month later and allowed those lines to be used for the midterms while the case was ongoing. Earlier this year, the nations top court affirmed the lower courts ruling that struck down Alabamas maps a surprise for many court watchers, who anticipated the court would use the case to further weaken the Voting Rights Act. Republican legislators in the state were given another crack to draw the lines. They ignored the lower courts direction to draw two Black districts, or something close to it, instead authoring new maps that had one majority-Black district and one in which Black residents make up just under 40 percent of the voting-age population. Alabama has seven congressional districts. The maps used in the 2022 midterms had just one majority-Black district, despite the states population being roughly a quarter Black. Alabama Republicans argued that they were complying with the law with their redraw, saying the challengers did not prove the new maps violated the Voting Rights Act and that they werent compelled to draw a second majority-Black district despite the Supreme Courts ruling. In a lengthy statement on Tuesday, state Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, acknowledged that this means a court-drawn map will likely be used for the 2024 election cycle. But he added he will continue to defend the 2023 map at a full trial, arguing the court-drawn maps reduce Alabamians "to skin color alone." The lower court three-judge panel had written that it was deeply troubled that lawmakers hadnt drawn two majority-Black districts when given an opportunity to do so, striking down that new map earlier this month and kicking the process to court-appointed experts. No justice publicly noted a dissent from the decision to not block the lower court order on Tuesday. The three proposed maps from the court-appointed expert would represent a significant shift in Alabama politics. Each of the three proposals would guarantee one district with a majority-Black voting age population. One of the three plans would have two districts with narrow majorities outright, while the other two proposals would have one majority-Black district and two near-majority districts. All three proposals would result in Black voters usually being able to elect the candidate of their choice in both districts. Those maps would likely lead to a second Democrat being elected. Currently, the state has only one Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell coming from the states only majority-Black district. A tentative hearing on the proposed maps is scheduled for Oct. 3, and the three-judge panel will ultimately be responsible for selecting the new map from the three proposals. Tuesdays ruling is part of a bigger legal fight over redistricting that could help decide who controls the House after next years election. Several other cases in the South especially in Georgia and Louisiana are ongoing, and the Supreme Courts decision Tuesday not to block the Alabama case could ultimately clear the way for those cases to be decided by the next election. Broader redistricting efforts could not only give Democrats a slight edge in their bid to reclaim the majority they lost in 2022 but also increase the number of Black members in their conference. Alabama election officials have said that a new congressional map needs to be in place by October, with primary elections scheduled for early March 2024. One of many surfers at Juno Beach, Fla., on May 9, 2007, take advantage of the unusually high waves coming ashore. | J. Pat Carter, Associated Press Mark Sumersett said he had a feeling a shark would bite him a day prior to his morning surf at New Smyrna Beach in Florida on Sept. 12. Despite the premonition he felt, the 38-year-old South Carolina surfer still wanted to catch the incoming waves from Hurricane Lee and ended up with a shark bite to the face. Heres exactly how that happened. Related Did shark attack victim know he was going to get bitten? I had a feeling. I had a feeling I was going to get bit yesterday. I really did. Honestly, I had intuition, Sumersett said, according to the New York Post. The Washington Post reported that Sumersett had seen at least a dozen sharks swimming in the area but ultimately decided he couldnt pass up the opportunity to catch those waves. I was scared to death, but the waves are so good, Sumersett said. The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that this recent attack makes for seven shark bites in Volusia County in 2023. Florida is reportedly famous for being the shark attack capital of the world and accounts for more than half of the total shark attacks in the United States each year. Related How did a shark bite a mans face? The Washington Post reported that about an hour into surfing on his second day when he jumped into about seven feet of water was when the shark attacked. When the shark bit him, Sumersett described the sensation as, this huge pressure just hit my face. It felt like a bear trap was closing in on my face. Sumersett continued saying, I heard crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch. After the shark bit Sumersett, it reportedly released him quickly and Sumersett immediately began to paddle to shore thinking the shark was going to come after him again because of the amount of blood he was losing. It was the scariest thing Ive probably ever been through in my life. Ive been in bad car accidents. Nothing like this, Sumersett said, according to WESH. Sumersett reportedly didnt have a chance to see the shark that attacked him after he fell off his board as, the animal took a chunk out of the right side of his face, leaving marks on the bottom left, too. It took 20 or so stitches to close the wounds. Beaufort Memorial Hospital has seen demand for surgeries increase by more than 4,000 procedures in the past five years and even the countys largest health care facility cant keep pace without growing their surgical capacity. The hospital announced construction Tuesday an expansion of the surgical pavilion to serve the increasing needs of the Lowcountrys population. Details of the approximately $24M dollar project, due to be completed in three years, includes adding two state-of-the-art surgical suites to focus on advanced procedures. Existing suites will be enlarged to accommodate new technologies and pre-op and post-op care areas will be renovated to streamline patient flow. Russell Baxley, CEO and President of BMH said, In 2018 we (the medical staff) performed 8,516 surgical procedures, serving Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. he continued, today we will finish our fiscal year with 12,000-plus surgical cases performed or 4,000 more than 2018. He also cited that this period of increased demand coincided with the pandemic and the worst three years any health care worker can remember. Yet we have the same amount of rooms, and the same amount of space in the surgical space as we did in 2018, Baxley continued, The need is great because we do not see the slowdown in surgical services coming anytime soon. According to hospital officials, planning for this project began in 2018 with the medical staff and architects collaborating to identify the space, technology and equipment needed to meet the areas current and growing surgical demands. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, an advocate for $17.9M dollars of the projects funding from federal sources, concurred with Baxley that the need locally has increased drastically. Just demand - we are losing nurses - a whole generation of nurses is about to retire. We are going to have to up our game when it comes to training people in the healthcare profession. Diseases like diabetes are devastating to South Carolina. We have high rates of heart disease. When it comes to healthcare in South Carolina, the answer is, more. More doctors, more nurses, more hospitals, more preventative medicine. Beaufort Memorial received the federal funds for the project, as part of the 2022 Omnibus Bill passed to provide support for critical infrastructure projects, according to the press release provided. The hospital opened in 1944 and is currently licensed for 201 patient beds. The last time a major renovation was completed to the hospital was more than 30 years ago. Target says it will close nine stores in four states, because of rampant theft, organized retail crime and the absence of worker safety. The stores will close Oct. 21. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Target announced on Tuesday that it is closing nine stores in four states, citing theft, organized retail crime and worker safety. The stores will close Oct. 21. In a press release, the company said the "difficult decision" was made to protect workers and customers. "We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all," company officials said in the statement. The company said it previously had invested "heavily" in crime-prevention strategies at the affected stores, such as adding more security team employees, using third-party guard services, and putting into place theft-deterrent efforts. "Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully," the company said. Target said it is working with eligible employees to transfer them to other Target locations. The company praised the employees at affected stores, saying they have "worked hard to maintain our high standards." The stores that will close include: A New York City store in Harlem. Two stores in Seattle. Three stores in the San Francisco and Oakland area. Three stores in Portland, Ore. Target said it is taking steps to increase safety at its remaining stores. The company said it is investing in more security workers and temporarily locking away merchandise that is more readily stolen. The company said it is investing in more training for store leaders, too. Target said it also is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations division to counter retail theft at stores. Shares of Target Corp. were down 2.48% at the close of markets Tuesday. Nothing could have prepared Tara Pakanich for what she encountered in the early morning hours of 23 February 2022. Inside a green bucket covered with a shower towel at her home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was the mutilated head of her 24-year-old son Shad Thyrion. Thyrions torso, penis and carved-out organs were later found by law enforcement in her basement. The gruesome nature of the murder was on full display in court this week as Taylor Schabusiness went on trial charged with his murder. In July, a jury took just 30 minutes to convict her on all counts of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and third-degree sexual assault in Thyrions death. Now, she faces life in prison as the death penalty is not legal in Wisconsin. Her sentencing is set for 26 September. Schabusiness, 25, and her victim knew each other since middle school and had been involved in a sexual relationship, she told law enforcement. On the fateful day of Thyrions death, they had been consuming methamphetamines and prescription drugs. But despite Schabusiness attempts to enter not-guilty pleas for reason of insanity, prosecutors honed in on the atrocious evidence they said suggested premeditation. Over the course of the three-day trial, jurors heard about Schabusiness online searches for Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy as well as how she allegedly preserved Thyrions blood and then showered with it before recounting to detectives how much she liked strangling him. Throughout the proceedings, she also attacked her own lawyer and was seen smirking as gruesome details about the murder were mentioned. Heres everything we know about the case: The murder According to a criminal complaint filed by prosecutors, Schabusiness picked up Thyrion from her mothers home around 9.30pm on 21 February 2022. A friend of the couple joined them before they headed to an apartment where the three smoked marijuana. Schabusiness told police that she and Thyrion also smoked methamphetamine and injected Trazodone. Schabusiness and Thyrion eventually returned to his mothers home and spent the day there while Ms Pakanich was away. The alleged murderer claimed in an interview with police that she and Thyrion used chains to choke one another as foreplay. This time, she said, she and Thyrion put metal chains on each other. Thyrion reportedly laid face down in bed before Schabusiness went crazy and repeatedly choked him despite the fact that he was coughing blood and turned purple. Green Bay Police Detective David Graf testified in court that Schabusiness allegedly admitted to enjoying the ordeal. Her response was that she liked it, Detective Graf said, according to local news station WBAY. Taylor Schabusiness (Taylor Schabusiness/GBPD) Schabusiness allegedly went on to tell law enforcement that she continued having sex with the dead body for a period of time because she enjoyed it and then gathered kitchen knives with the intention to dismember Thyrion and keep all his body parts, but she got lazy, according to theGreen Bay Press-Gazette. Detective Graf said that Schabusiness proceeded to use a bucket and a tote bag to collect Thyrons blood, which she then used to shower with. Dane County Medical Examiner Dr Vincent Tranchida also testified in court about the lack of blood on the scene of the murder. We have decapitation, we have dismemberment, we have transection of the torso, subsequently internally the body has been eviscerated. In other words, we have entered inside the body through various cuts through the abdomen and between the ribs where the victims organs have been removed, largely one by one, he told jurors. Dr Tranchida also said that one of Thyrions feet had been shoved into his chest cavity and that his back was filleted. Decapitated head found by Thyrions mother Ms Pakanich told the court on 24 July that she was woken up by a knock on her front door around 2.30am on 23 February 2022. She went to the basement to check whether Thyrion was there and after not finding him, she went back upstairs and found the bucket with part of her sons remains inside. Ms Pakanichs boyfriend Steve Hendricks then called 911. Bodycam video of the officers responding to the scene shows them searching the basement of the home and securing the crime scene after confirming that a human head was inside the bucket. Shad Thyrion (Shad Thyrion/FB) I went downstairs. At the bottom of the stairs, to the right, there was a green bucket with a shower towel on top of it. Just to verify we had an actual head in the bucket, lifted the towel off and there was in fact a human head severed head in the bucket, Green Bay police officer Alex Wanish testified during the trial. The rest of Thyrions body parts were found placed inside plastic bags and cardboard boxes in the basement and in a minivan at the property. Schabusinness told police they would had fun trying to find all of the organs Schabusiness had been previously convicted of unrelated fleeing, eluding and obstructing a police officer charges. She was sentenced to three months in jail in January 2022, but it is unclear whether she was under home arrest or work release at the time of Thyrions murder. Following testimony from Thyrions mother, authorities eventually located Schabusiness, who had removed a GPS tracker from her ankle. Detective Graf testified that Schabusiness had initially claimed to have blacked out while choking Thyrion, but then allegedly admitted thinking that she regained consciousness and thought she was already this far so she just kept on, referring to choking the victim. Taylor Schabusiness returns to a Brown County courtroom after attacking her attorney Quinn Jolly, during a hearing in Green Bay, Wis., Feb. 14, 2023. The criminal complaint also read: Schabusiness stated she thought it took 3-5 minutes for the Victim to die. Detective Kempf clarified with Schabusiness that when the Victim began to cough up blood she just did keep on choking the Victim because she wanted to see what happens. Schabusiness stated she enjoyed choking him and made comments to detectives asking if they knew what it was like to love something so much that you kill it. Schabusiness allegedly indicated the crime scene and told officers that they would have fun trying to find all of the organs. Schabusiness entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity entered by her former attorney. Last year, a physician appointed by the court found that she was able to stand trial. Her attorney said at that time that Schabusiness has been diagnosed as bipolar in the past and that she had been getting mental health treatment since she was in the seventh grade. However, Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh ruled in March that Schabusiness was competent to stand trial. In February, Schabusiness attacked her previous attorney during a court hearing before a deputy wrestled her to the courtroom floor. Schabusinesss current attorney filed a motion to exclude evidence of searches Schabusines made before the murder, including Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy and Jeffrey Dahmers butt. Judge Walsh ruled that the evidence can be admitted in court, but no mention should be made of her searches for satanism. He thought of others before himself According to his obituary, Thyrion worked with his father and grandfather in the family business. Shad enjoyed camping, games, and spending time with his family, the obituary read. He was a very kind and compassionate person who often thought of others before himself. A talented artist, he also enjoyed wood carving. Sixteen jurors were selected following Judge Walshs ruling that Schabusiness can help in her defence. The panel took just over half an hour to return a verdict of guilty on all charges. GREEN BAY - Lawyers in a Green Bay homicide-decapitation case Tuesday debated whether Taylor Schabusiness needed a long prison sentence, or whether she deserved a chance at turning her life around after completing punishment for killing and dismembering her friend in 2022. Brown County Deputy District Attoreny Caleb Saunders, who prosecuted the case, said Schabusiness told detectives that the killing happened "because she liked it" and that the victim, Shad Thyrion, "was a good and quiet kid. He would always hug his dad." Saunders said Schabusiness would still have the opportunity to hug her father once he was released from state prison. Thyrion, the prosecutor made clear, would not be hugging family members again. Schabusiness' attorney said she was the victim of the drugs she began using as she grew older, and did not receive help fighting her dependence on the substances, even when she was in jail. "She's not a lost cause, your honor," attorney Christopher Froelich told Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh in asking for less than the maximum sentence. "She's going to need some treatment to process all these (addiction issues) ... My client has a history of using mind-altering substances. But she still graduated from high school, had a baby, and held a job." Walsh expressed some sympathy for Schabusiness' battle with her demons, but said he needed to sentence her to a prison term that would protect the public from harm. He ordered her to spend life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Shad Thyrion of Green Bay. "The offense in this case can't be overstated," Walsh said before detailing the sentence. "In this case, you seem to run out of superlatives in describing what happened. ... This crime offends human decency, it offends human dignity, it offends the human community. It really does." He added, "I think there is a need to protect the public in this case. As I said, this behavior seems so removed from the human community as to be unpredictable. ... Where this kind of a thing is possible, absolutley anything is possible, and from that the public needs protection." Schabusiness was convicted on July 26 by a Brown County jury that took only 50 minutes to find her guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, third-degree sexual assault and mutilating a corpse. She had pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. The next day the same jury rejected her plea that she suffered from mental disease or defect when she killed Thyrion. Two members of Thyrion's family addressed the court before sentencing. Kelly Thyrion, Shad's uncle, ripped into Schabusiness for choosing "the most cowardly thing you could do," using Shad Thyrion's friendship and "taking advantage" of him. eventually ending Shad's life. "I will pray that you meet the same fate as your idealistic Jeffrey Dahmer." But the victim's father, Michael Thyrion, was more conciliatory. "Taylor, I forgive you for what you did to my son," he said. "You made a bad choice ... Shad was a wonderful child, too. Michael Thyrion added, "I believe everybody makes bad choices, maybe not to this scale. It does no good to hate you. I know you've got a heart, got a mind." Schabusiness declined to testify Tuesday. She attended court in what appeared to be a spit hood. Schabusiness was arrested Feb. 23, 2022, after police were called to a house on Stony Brook Lane in Green Bay, where Thyrion's mother had discovered her son's head in a bucket in her basement. Schabusiness was charged on March 1, 2022. The criminal complaint detailed the grisly events of the night. Schabusiness and Thyrion had smoked methamphetamine and had sex on a mattress in the basement of Thyrion's mother's Green Bay home before she strangled, decapitated and dismembered him. Timeline: Taylor Schabusiness convicted in beheading case; here is timeline of events in the case Between her arrest and her trial in July, a number of hearings were held to discuss Schabusiness' mental state. Mental health evaluations were ordered; eventually Walsh declared she could stand trial and aid in her defense. On Feb. 14, she attacked her attorney at the time, Quinn Jolly, during a hearing in Brown County court. Jolly was removed from the case and replaced by Froelich. He ended up defending Schabusiness during her trial. Timeline of events in Schabusiness case Feb. 23, 2022: One person in custody in 'suspicious death' of 24-year-old Green Bay man on west side March 1, 2022: Green Bay police report says woman shared meth and had sex with man, then strangled and decapitated him March 3, 2022: Green Bay woman accused of strangling, decapitating man told police she was on meth. How does that drug make people so violent? March 4, 2022: What we know and what we don't know about the Green Bay dismemberment of Shad Thyrion, 'a kind and compassionate person' March 17, 2022: Judge explains why he ordered competency exam of Taylor Schabusiness in Green Bay dismemberment case April 13, 2022: Judge allows second exam after Schabusiness found competent for trial in Green Bay decapitation, dismemberment case May 10, 2022: Green Bay woman accused in beheading, dismemberment case gets new competency hearing, set for May 19 in Brown County Circuit Court May 19, 2022: Taylor Schabusiness of Green Bay found competent to stand trial in the decapitation, dismemberment case June 2, 2022: Taylor Schabusiness to stand trial in the February killing, decapitation of a Green Bay man inside a basement July 5, 2022: Taylor Schabusiness pleads not guilty in February killing, decapitation of Shad Thyrion of Green Bay Sept. 1, 2022: Defense lawyer in Green Bay beheading case asks judge to find Schabusiness not guilty by reason of insanity Nov. 1, 2022: Taylor Schabusiness hearing on competency evaluation in beheading case postponed until Nov. 18 Nov. 22, 2022: Trial set for Taylor Schabusiness in case where Green Bay man was decapitated Jan. 6, 2023: Taylor Schabusiness 'capable of proceeding' in beheading case, court-appointed expert says Feb. 14, 2023: Taylor Schabusiness attacks lawyer in Brown County courtroom; she is charged with killing, decapitating friend Feb. 17, 2023: After Schabusiness attacks lawyer, sheriff plans for more security in next court appearance March 3, 2023: Judge Walsh rejects request to remove himself from Schabusiness case after she attacked her attorney in court March 24, 2023: Taylor Schabusiness to go on trial July 24 in homicide, beheading of Green Bay man March 31, 2023: Schabusiness seeks a change of venue, insists media coverage poisons her chances of not-guilty verdict in beheading case April 19, 2023: Judge in Green Bay decapitation case will not move Schabusiness homicide trial out of Brown County May 5, 2023: Taylor Schabusiness lawyer asks Brown County judge to allow new mental-health evaluation in beheading case May 9, 2023: Judge will not reduce $2 million bail for Taylor Schabusiness in beheading case May 31, 2023: Brown County judge rules photos in Schabusiness case must remain under seal, at least until June 13 hearing June 13, 2023: Judge denies Taylor Schabusiness attorneys attempt to suppress statements made to police July 5, 2023: Schabusiness will get new competency exam; judges denies request to delay her trial in beheading case July 13, 2023: Schabusiness unfit to stand trial for killing, corpse mutilation, forensic psychologist tells judge July 21, 2023: Judge rules Taylor Schabusiness is fit to stand trial in 2022 slaying of Green Bay man July 24, 2023: Schabusiness trial: Victim's mother talks about finding her son's severed head in bucket July 25, 2023: Schabusiness trial: Thyrion's death ruled homicide; expert says body mutilated for hours after death July 26, 2023: Schabusiness police interview describes Thyrion's death; prosecution, defense wrap up their case July 26, 2023: Taylor Schabusiness convicted of homicide, mutiliating a corpse, sexual abuse in Shad Thyrion death July 27, 2023: Jury finds Schabusiness did not suffer from mental disease or defect when she killed Thyrion This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Schabusiness sentenced, in 2022 decapitation death, to life in prison Jasinto Jimenez (white shirt) sits during his trial in the 30th District Court at the Wichita County Courthouse on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Testimony started Tuesday in the murder trial of Jasinto Jimenez, the first fentanyl-related murder trial in Wichita County. Jimenez is accused of selling fentanyl pills on July 15, 2022, one of which was ingested by Andres Diaz, who died a short time later. More: City's first fentanyl-related murder trial this week Assistant District Attorney Matt Shelton said in his opening statement that Jimenez is guilty of murder under the law because he showed "depraved indifference to human life" in selling the drug. More: Two people charged in local fentanyl death "He knew he was dealing in fentanyl. It's clearly dangerous to human life," Shelton said. But defense attorney Michael Valverde told jurors Jimenez's offense is not murder. "Young people are unfortunately caught in a drug world. This is an accidental tragedy," Valverde said. He laid blame on Diaz's companion the night of his death, Leigha Smith, who bought the fentanyl pills from Jimenez. He said after Diaz snorted the drug in Smith's car and passed out, she left him dying in the passenger seat while she tried to get more drugs and watched a movie at a relative's house. More: Police warn of Fentanyl-laced pills "He (Jimenez) sold Percocet - nothing after that," Valverde said, telling the jurors Jimenez had no intent to commit murder. Smith, who faces a manslaughter charge in connection with Diaz's death, was the first witness on the stand. Under questioning from Shelton, she described the events of the night that led to Diaz's death. She said she and Diaz drove to Jimenez's house on West Wenonah Boulevard and she bought two fentanyl pills and some marijuana from him. She said she swallowed her pill, but Diaz crushed his, rolled up a dollar bill, and snorted the drug through it. Smith said the two drove around for a while and Diaz fell asleep. They eventually drove to Smith's grandmother's house where she left Diaz in the car while she went inside. She broke into tears when she testified that after returning to the car, she couldn't wake him, so she drove him to the hospital as her mother followed in another vehicle. Diaz was pronounced dead about 5 a.m. Under questioning by Valverde, Smith admitted she had contacted Jimenez later that night to try to buy more drugs because she didn't feel the effect of the fentanyl pill. "Truth is you were more interested in buying more drugs," Valverde said of Smith leaving Diaz alone in her car. Jimenez and Smith were arrested in September 2022 and charged with murder. Jimenez has remained in jail in lieu of $1 million bail on the murder charge. The murder indictment against Smith was dropped and she was instead indicted for manslaughter. She awaits trial and is jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail. Dr. Emily Ogden of the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas conducted the autopsy on Diaz and testified he died from the effects of fentanyl. Dr. Stacie Hail, an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, testified that Smith probably survived because she swallowed the pill and her liver countered the effects of the fentanyl while Diaz snorted his and the drug went straight into his bloodstream. Fentanyl is often counterfeited as Percocet, a legal prescription drug. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Tearful testimony kicks off Jasinto Jimenez murder trial Telegram, the popular messaging app with 800 million monthly active users worldwide, is inching closer to adopting an ecosystem strategy that is reminiscent of WeChat's super app approach. Certain aspects of the ecosystem will be decentralized with help from two heavyweights: Telegram's crypto partner TON Foundation and WeChat's owner Tencent. Telegram has been working on a platform where third-party developers, from games to restaurants, can build mini apps to interact with users. In Telegram's own words: "Developers can use JavaScript to create infinitely flexible interfaces that can be launched right inside Telegram and can completely replace any website." To build out this super app platform, Telegram relies on a network of infrastructure partners both from the established tech world and the crypto space. Among them is The Open Network (TON) Foundation, which lays the blockchain groundwork for Telegram but operates as an independent organization. This week, TON Foundation announced that it's forged a partnership with Tencent Cloud, which has "already successfully supported TON validators and plans to expand its services further to help meet TONs high compute intensity and network bandwidth needs." Validators, in web3 lingo, are participants that help authenticate transactions in a blockchain network. "For example, Telegram games built on TON can benefit from Tencent Cloud's enriched gaming solution and reference cases," the announcement says. "For all projects built on TON, Tencent Cloud will offer, subject to approval, a dedicated amount of cloud credits and product discounts, made available through the Tencent Cloud Startup Program." Amid slowing growth in China's tech industry, Tencent has been stepping up its overseas expansion efforts. In recent months, its cloud computing business has been popping up at tech conventions, including crypto conferences. Tencent could potentially reap great rewards from the partnership if Telegram's mini-app marketplace takes off like its Chinese counterpart. WeChat has pioneered the mini app model in China and now powers millions of them serving functions from payments, food delivery, e-commerce, and ride-hailing, to driver's license renewal, just to name a few. With a decentralized payments network, Telegram's mini-app ecosystem has the potential to reach an even broader spectrum of users around the world. Learning from WeChat's playbook Even though Tencent Cloud won't be TON's exclusive cloud provider according to TechCrunch's knowledge, it appears that the partners stand to gain from their synergies. "Given the similarities between WeChat mini apps and Telegram mini apps, we believe that mini app developers from WeChat who are currently using Tencent's cloud service will begin to build on TON," Justin Hyun, head of growth at TON Foundation, told TechCrunch. It's unclear how many developers building for WeChat's China users are able to capture the diverse needs of Telegram's international community. Creators of mobile games might have the most transferrable skills, given many of them are already marketing in overseas markets. Given Telegram is blocked in China, many developers will have to familiarize themselves with the app before they can devise meaningful applications for the platform. The developers would also need to learn the programming languages of blockchain apps, which might actually be an easier barrier to overcome than the process of understanding the economic incentives that facilitate decentralized applications. A partnership with Tencent, however, could offer insights into enticing people to use a messenger for a whole array of other purposes. Importantly, payment functionality played a critical role in WeChat's early rise as it instilled a habit among users to make daily transactions through the chat app. While WeChat makes its in-house payments system the default option and turned it into a cash cow for Tencent, Telegram has integrated with 20 payments solutions and takes no commission through its Bot Payments API. Aside from mature solutions like Google Pay or Apple Pay, Telegram also recently welcomed a self-custodial wallet that is independently developed by The Open Platform (TOP) using the TON blockchain. Having a crypto wallet can potentially bring a wide range of transaction scenarios to regions where centralized online payments aren't available. It will be fascinating to witness what lessons Telegram and TON take from WeChat and how a mini-app platform with a decentralized twist unfolds. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) announced Monday the creation of a new group of lawmakers to look at the possibility of rejecting federal education funds. Lets say, Hey heres a million dollars to do X, Sen. Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol) said. Well, suddenly, if the state has to hire 10 people and they have to contract out four people and it costs us a million and five, is that a good deal for Tennessee, economically? Lundberg will chair the group along with Rep. Debra Moody (R-Covington). Tennessee currently accepts just south of $2 billion in federal education funding close to $1.8 billion. Democrats say itd be completely irresponsible to simply throw that money away. You know, I just cant figure out why the Republicans continue wanting to attack our public education system, said House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville). Clemmons slammed the announcement, saying Tennesseans should reap the benefits of the federal tax dollars they pay. Its wasteful spending, and were double-billing Tennessee taxpayers. Sexton floated the idea back in February of this year and said the state has the money to cover the costs, a notion that confused Democrats. If we do have additional state funds that we can use, we definitely should use it for something else, Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) said. There are so many needs people across Tennessee have. Lundberg, on the other hand, said hes not sure how he feels quite yet about the federal funding but definitely supports at least looking at it. Its easy to say, Hey, you get $2 billion, you can spend it however you want, Lundberg said. Thats not how the federal government works. Capitol leadership says the first meeting for the joint Working Group on Federal Education Funding has yet to be determined. Of note, when News 2 called Lundberg to ask him about the new position and task force, it caught him by surprise. Though, as the Senate Education Committee Chairman pointed out, sometimes things slip through the cracks of a busy schedule. Its not unusual for me to be joining a commission, Lundberg said. We kind of joke about it in [my office] of, hey congratulations, youre on another board. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Jon Tester (Mont.) and Bob Casey (Pa.) on Tuesday became the fourth, fifth and sixth Democratic senators to call on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign from his position following his indictment on federal corruption charges last week. The indictment spells out deeply troubling allegations against Senator Menendez that breach the American peoples trust and compromise his ability to effectively represent his constituents, Baldwin said in a statement. While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe its best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down. Tester also released a short statement Tuesday morning, soon after Baldwin. Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate, he wrote. And Casey released a statement soon after that. Public service is a sacred trust, he wrote. The specific allegations set forth in the federal indictment indicate to me that Senator Menendez violated that trust repeatedly. While he is entitled to the presumption of innocence, serving in public office is a privilege that demands a higher standard of conduct. Senator Menendez should resign. Baldwin, Tester and Casey join Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown (Ohio), John Fetterman (Pa.), and Peter Welch (Vt.) on the list of senators who have called on Menendez to step down from Congress. The shocking and specific allegations against Senator Menendez have wholly compromised his capacity to be that effective Senator, Welch wrote Monday evening in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. I encourage Senator Menendez to resign. A number of New Jersey House members and other leading Democratic officials have also called on Menendez to step down. Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, was indicted Friday on federal bribery charges. Prosecutors allege that the couple received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to assist three New Jersey businessmen and their interests in Egypt. Federal authorities also found nearly $500,000 in cash and $100,000 in gold at the couples residence during a raid last year. Menendez has denied the allegations against him. He said at a news conference Monday that he plans to fight the charges against him. The allegations leveled against me are just that: allegations, Menendez said in Union City, N.J. I recognized that this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated through this whole process, I firmly believe that when all of the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I will still be New Jerseys senior senator. Updated at 10:15 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A trio of judges on Monday gave the go-ahead for Texas to proceed with a book-ban law, which a Trump-appointed judge had halted earlier this month on constitutional grounds. Texas Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act requires booksellers to rate sexual content in all books sold to schools. Critics have decried the law as overbroad, unconstitutional, and designed to restrict access to books about gender and LGBTQ issues. Earlier this month, a federal judge sided with publishers who sued to stop the law. The judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the legislation, arguing that the law likely violates the First Amendment by containing an unconstitutional prior restraint, compelled speech, and unconstitutional vagueness. Less than a week later, a three-judge panel from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overrode that injunction, with a one-sentence administrative order that will allow the READER Act to go into effect. The California Megachurch Pushing Public Schools to the Far Right The ruling, first reported by LawDork, does not enter any argument about the laws constitutionality. It simply allows the law to proceed. The READER Act comes amid a national push from right-wing groups and lawmakers to regulate access to books, most of them about race, gender, and sexuality. In Texas, many of those efforts have concentrated on classifying certain popular titles as obscene. In 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for the removal of pornography and other obscene content in Texas public schools. He cited two books in his letter to education officials. Both were memoirs about LGBTQ characters, the Texas Tribune reported. The READER Act attempts to further crack down on books that contain sexual content, banning schools from the possession, acquisition, and purchasing of books rated sexually explicit material, and permitting the exclusion from a school library of materials that are pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable. Those categories are overbroad, argue a coalition of booksellers, publishers, and authors, who filed suit against the law this year. The law would require publishers to review books for any sexual content before they are sold to schools. The law also gives Texas the right to override those ratings and does not offer an appeals process for a book that has been labeled as sexual. Under the law, literary classics and even the Bible could be banned from Texas schools. Culture Warriors Banned My Memoir About Being a Young Marine Legislators expressed concern that the overbroad language of the Book Ban could result in the banning or restricting of access to many classic works of literature, such as Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, Ulysses, Jane Eyre, Maus, Anne Franks Diary: The Graphic Adaptation, The Canterbury Tales, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and even the Bible, the plaintiffs argued in their suit. Even without the law, Texas schools have used allegations of obscenity to restrict access to often-taught books and to punish teachers who teach from those books. This month, a Texas school fired a teacher who showed her eighth-grade class a graphic novel adaptation of Diary of a Young Girl, the account of teenage Holocaust victim Anne Frank. The school reportedly took issue with a section in which the 13-year-old Frank described curiosity about genitals and breasts. 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. One of Thailand's leading pro-democracy activists was convicted of insulting the country's royal family and sentenced on Tuesday to prison. Arnon Nampa was handed a four-year prison sentence at the Bangkok Criminal Court after being found guilty of insulting the monarch for comments he made during an October 2020 protest. Thailand's royal defamation laws, which are some the world's strictest, shield the king and his close family from any criticism. Nampa, a 39-year-old human rights lawyer, became a prominent figure in student-led protests in 2020 that drew tens of thousands of people to the streets. The protesters made unprecedented calls for reforms to the monarchy and to royal defamation laws that Nampa is now being jailed for violating. "Loss of personal freedom is a sacrifice I'm willing to make," Nampa told reporters as he entered the court with his partner and their baby ahead of the sentencing. "If I get sentenced to prison today, it might be many years, but it will be worth it." Arnon Nampa, Thai political activist seen giving a speech at Kiakkai Intersection after leading a protest at the Thai parliament, Sept. 24, 2020 / Credit: Watcharawit Phudork/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty The court said in its ruling Tuesday that Nampa had declared at the rally that if the protest were dispersed, it would be at the order of King Maha Vajiralongkon. The ruling said that statement was false because any such decision would be made by the police, and that Nampa had therefore defamed the king. Nampa was awarded the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2021 by a South Korean foundation for his pro-democracy work. He was among the first people to publicly call for reform of Thailand's monarchy and has remained one of the most vocal advocates of the movement. He is currently facing 13 additional cases under the country's defamation laws, under which insults directed at the monarchy can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Newest car theft threat: carhackers Why violence is flaring between Armenia and Azerbaijan McCarthy may have to choose between job or help from Democrats to avert shutdown (Bloomberg) -- A Thai court on Tuesday sentenced a pro-democracy activist, who spearheaded an unprecedented movement calling for monarchy reform, to four years in prison on charges of breaking the countrys royal insult law. Most Read from Bloomberg Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa was found guilty of violating article 112 of Thailands penal code known as lese majeste that carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison for each instance of defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir apparent or regent. The court said Arnon broke the law by making a speech calling for monarchy reform on Oct. 14, 2020 at a protest rally in the Thai capital, his lawyer Krisadang Nutcharus said. Arnon was also found guilty of breaching the emergency rules imposed in the wake of the Covid outbreak but was acquitted of seven other charges, Krisadang said. He was also fined 20,000 baht ($550). Read More: How Thai Law on Royal Insults Caused Political Crisis: QuickTake The activist denies any wrongdoing. Arnon was remanded to the Bangkok remand prison as the trial court referred his appeal for bail to the court of appeals, which is likely to take two to three days to rule, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, an independent legal-aid group. The court ruled that the defendants actions were a disgrace to the king and dismissed his argument that the call for monarchy reform was meant to defend the protesters from police action, the group said. Arnon was among dozens of pro-democracy activists charged under the draconian lese majeste law in 2021 when Thai authorities cracked down on protesters calling for the resignation of then Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha and initiating public discussion on the role of the monarchy. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, at least 257 people, including 20 under the age of 18, were charged under lese majeste between May 2020 and September 2023. The upstart Move Forward Party, which won the largest number of seats in the May general election, was the only mainstream party to call for changes to the royal insult law. Pita Limjaroenrat, the partys prime ministerial candidate, was blocked by the influential Senate and pro-royalist parties that oppose any changes to the law shielding the royals from criticism. (Updates with details on bail request in fifth paragraph. An earlier version of this story corrected the amount of fine.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Thailand approved a debt moratorium plan that will benefit millions of farmers struggling to pay back about 283 billion baht ($8 billion) of loans as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out more measures to spur economic growth. Most Read from Bloomberg Sretthas cabinet on Tuesday gave the nod to set aside 12 billion baht from the state budget this year to cover the interest cost on loans taken by an estimated 2.7 million farmers eligible for the debt suspension. The three-year moratorium, effective from Oct. 1, will likely cost the government about 30 billion baht, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told a briefing. The debt relief for farmers, a key support base for Sretthas Pheu Thai Party, is part of a series of stimulus policies unveiled by the new government to lift economic growth to an average 5% annually. While the past governments spent a significant amount of money in alleviating farmer debt burden, it has failed to stem a surge in household debt level to 90% of gross domestic product. This time will be different, said Julapun, adding that the government will not only suspend interest and principal on loans taken by farmers but also provide trainings, fresh loans and other incentives to lower bad debts. More than 90% of Thai farmer households are indebted at an average of 450,000 baht, and the vicious cycle of debt and reliance on credit to overcome the burden pushes them into a trap, according to a study by the Puey Ungphakorn Institute of Economic Research. The cabinet also approved setting up of a committee to work out details of the debt relief program and a one-year debt freeze for small- and medium-sized businesses affected by the pandemic, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. Other measures approved by the cabinet include: Operational budget of 1.38 trillion baht and 259 billion baht investment for 46 state enterprises for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 Approved 2.2 trillion baht public debt management plan for the 2024 fiscal year, which include new borrowing of 194.4 billion baht, debt restructuring and debt repayment The National Housing Authority, Dhanarak Asset Development Co., the State Railway of Thailand and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to borrow funds next fiscal year to manage their businesses Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. The Taliban has reportedly obtained a years-old security plan created by the U.S. that could help launch a sweeping new surveillance system in Afghanistan, raising concerns among experts that the system could be used for nefarious purposes. The plan, which is based on a map the United States apparently created before withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, was originally intended for the previous government. Now, the Taliban regime is considering using it as a basis for a project meant to root out terrorist threats, Ministry of Interior spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told Reuters. At the present we are working on a Kabul security map, which is [being completed] by security experts and [is taking] lots of time, he said. We already have two maps, one which was made by U.S.A for the previous government and second by Turkey. The United States has claimed it is not working with the Taliban on the surveillance program, which will take at least four years to roll out, according to Qani. Its not clear how the Taliban obtained the alleged surveillance maps from either the United States or Turkey. The alleged national security plan has already raised concerns among human rights activist who fear that the Taliban could use the system to go after domestic critics, rather than target terrorists. The Taliban Is Back, and the Worlds Jihadis Are Coming Its a near certainty that the Taliban will leverage any surveillance to target women, critics, and former government officials to further their repressive rule, said Nathan Sales, a former State Department coordinator for counterterrorism. We know what the Taliban is likely to do with any surveillance capabilities, because we know what they've been doing with their existing capabilitiesand what they've been doing is ruthlessly suppressing former government officials who partnered with the U.S., ruthlessly suppressing women and girls for the crime of trying to get an education or work outside the household, Sales told The Daily Beast. If they have surveillance capabilities or other technologically-enabled capabilities, you can bet that they're going to use those tools to further entrench their rule. The Taliban is reportedly getting Beijing in on the initiative too: According to Bloomberg, Chinese Telecommunications company Huawei has reached a verbal agreement to support the camera surveillance plan after talks with regime officials. The Biden administration has admitted that U.S. assets had been left behind in the aftermath of the chaotic and hastily coordinated withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. According to a report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, nearly all night vision, surveillance, communications, and biometric equipment that was provided to the ANDSF were left behind. It was not clear if this surveillance equipment included maps. Taliban Mock Hasty U.S. Withdrawal: Losers Never Look Back The Charge dAffaires of the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan Karen Decker did not immediately return a request for comment. The State Department referred comment to the Department of Defense. Sales warned that it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Taliban would seek to use for its own benefit equipment or capabilities that the United States had provided to the previous government and left behind in the rush for the exits. This is actually one of the reasons why when you do a retrograde you want to do it in an orderly way to make sure that nothing that's sensitiveinformation or materialgets left behind to be used by your adversaries, he added. Downward Spiral Its also possible, though less likely, that the United States is leaning on the Taliban to try to knock out terrorism in Afghanistan in a more coordinated waya move Sales cautioned would be a misstep. This could mean that the U.S. and the Taliban are cooperating in some way for the achievement of security goals, Sales said. That strikes me as a road that we should be very, very cautious about starting to walk down. The Talibans interests are not our interests. The United States does not want to see the Taliban succeed in its misgovernance of the long-suffering people of Afghanistan. That said, there is a serious threat of resurgent terrorism in the region following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Army Gen. Michael Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command warned lawmakers in a briefing in March that the ISIS branch in Afghanistan, ISIS-K, was six months away from being able to do an external operation against U.S. or Western interests abroad... with little to no warning. Afghanistan has grown into a hub for coordinating terrorist plots against embassies, churches, and business centers since the withdrawal, according to leaked U.S. intelligence, The Washington Post reported. And while al Qaeda is unlikely to resurge in Afghanistan, U.S. assessments indicate that the broader terrorist threats in Afghanistan remain. United Nations officials have grown concerned about a resurgence of terrorism in Afghanistan in recent months as well. Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, said just last month that the operational capabilities of ISIS-K were reportedly increasing, leading the group to becoming more sophisticated in its attacks. The situation in Afghanistan is growing increasingly complex, with fears of weapons and ammunition falling in the hands of terrorists now materializing, Voronkov said. ISIS-K has already attacked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Afghanistan on multiple occasions this year. According to a recent U.S. intelligence community assessment, the terrorist group still has hopes to launch attacks against the west. ISISKhorasan almost certainly retains the intent to conduct operations in the West and will continue efforts to attack outside Afghanistan, the Office of the Director of National Intelligences annual worldwide threat assessment states. Still, some experts argue that the terrorism threat may be nothing more than a convenient cover for the Taliban. Implementing such a vast architecture of mass surveillance under the guise of national security sets a template for the Taliban to continue its draconian policies that violate fundamental rights of people in Afghanistanespecially women in public spaces, Matt Mahmoudi, Amnesty Internationals Researcher and Advisor on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, said. 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. To loosely borrow a phrase from Nicole Kidman, we come to reality TV to watch human beings suffer. Yes, its nice to see your favorite Real Housewife or Love Is Blind contestant enjoy some wins from time to time. But we mostly watch these shows to see amusing people deal with tough situations in the funniest and often worst ways possible, usually as a way to reflect on and metabolize our own struggles. That seems to explain the success of Foxs latest competition hit Special Forces: Worlds Toughest Test, where reality stars, actors, athletes and people like Blac Chyna train under a group of intimidating (but unintentionally comical) former operatives and grueling weather conditions, while learning some valuable life lessons along the way. If youre someone like Tom Sandoval, youre seemingly on the show to rehabilitate your imageand maybe spite your ex whos earned a more coveted, less stressful slot on Dancing With The Stars at the same time. That said, Special Forces Season 2s cast is particularly staggeringthe buzziest gets being YouTube/gay icon Jojo Siwa, 90210 Beverly Hills alum (and Megan Foxs ex) Brian Austin Green, Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval, former Hollywood it-girl Tara Reid, and former Bachelor star Nick Viall. We also get a surprising appearance from Jack Osbourne, who informs us he wouldve joined the military after 9/11 if not for the success of MTVs The Osbournes. (LOL.) Savannah Chrisley is also here to bring some honor back to her now-criminal family name. Rounding out the cast are Kelly Rizzo, Tyler Cameron, Dez Bryant, Bode Miller, Erin Jackson, and Robert Horry. Pete Dadds/FOX In tonights premiere, the cast arrives on the freezing-cold mountains of New Zealand, a modification from last seasons scorching-hot location in Jordan. In their first assignmentled by directing staff Rudy Reyes, Jovon Q Quarles, Jason Fox , and Billy Billinghamthe group has to walk across two metal poles suspended 340 feet in the air between two cliffs and over a body of water. Its an obstacle course thats been featured on The Challenge, Fear Factor, and other stunt-driven reality shows a million times over. Only on Special Forces, these heights are inherently more intimidating and the fear amongst the contestants is way more palpableand not just because they have the worlds scariest quartet of men hurling insults at them like NPCs. Unlike a competition with a hefty cash prize, its everyones dignity and public image thats mainly at stake. Like last season, Season 2 oscillates between being genuinely stressful and absurdly comical. The two breakout stars of the premiere are Siwa, who, as a former student of Abby Lee Miller, is extremely nonplussed by these former vets and the shows grueling challenges. According to the former Dance Moms star, shes using this show as a bridge to adulthood after becoming a rainbow-colored mascot for 8-year-olds on YouTube. By the end of the episode, shes hilariously reprimanded by the shows hosts/vets for being too jubilant. And already, her presence in this environment feels like a political act. Theyre Finally Setting Celebs on Fire for Our Entertainment Another focal point of the episode is American Pie star Tara Reid, whos like a clumsy, wide-eyed deer at every point of this episode. Her nervous antics at the start of the premiere, like when she pulls out a box of cigarettes while waiting for everyone to finish the first task, are initially amusing and even meme-worthy. Very quickly though, we go from viewing Reid as to the shows main comic relief to someone who, by her own admission, has crippling insecurities from her days of being targeted by tabloids and the constant cruelty she receives over her appearance. In a genuinely heart-wrenching scene, she tells the directing staff that she came on the show to learn how to be strong because she feels like a broken bird. That said, it feels like maybe this woman shouldnt be on TV at the moment. At other points, it seems like a program like this is exactly what she needs. Whatever the results, it will hopefully drudge up some sympathy for the once-beloved actress who was an early victim of tabloid culture being a partying 20-year-old and has since been regulated to the Sharknado series. While the first episode sets up some compelling emotional arcs, it also establishes this seasons villains. While there isnt much screen time for Sandoval, he tells us that he joined the show to punish himself following his highly publicized cheating scandal. (Although, I think the internet would forgive him quicker if he simply stopped harassing both of his exes!) Unfortunately, the VPR star is in great shape, and I fear he may win this series unless the producers intervene. Pete Dadds/FOX Additionally, Austin Green looks pretty terrible in this first episode, as he begins taunting Blac Chyna for no apparent reason, like a school-aged boy who cant articulate his crush on a girl. While the stripper-turned-reality star is certainly not one to mess with, the actor seems to assume everything that comes out of her mouth is an attack and not an adequate response to whatever jokey banter hes trying to have with her. By the end of the episode, shes sobbing alone in an interrogation room. Based on tonights premiere, it seems like Special Forces is for another stellar and outrageous season. Foxs other celebrity-filled competition series Star on Mars may not have given us the ridiculous soundbites and screen-grabs we needed. But Jojo Siwa and Tara Reid are already making up for it. 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. California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond speaks at an event in Chula Vista, Calif., in 2021. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press) California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is officially running for governor in 2026, becoming the latest Democrat to launch a campaign in a race that could draw a large field of contenders as Gov. Gavin Newsom is forced out of office by term limits. Thurmond made the announcement Tuesday after publicly toying with the idea this summer. He said in July he was considering a gubernatorial run but was fully focused on his work as the states top schools official. In an ad, Thurmond, a former Democratic state lawmaker from the Bay Area who was elected superintendent in 2018, highlights his youth living in poverty, describing how he leaned on public assistance such as food stamps and worked at McDonalds during college. I didnt come from money, power or influence, he says in the ad, amid a montage of California governors past all white men while an actor playing a young Thurmond, who is Black, watches on. My story is nothing like theirs. Thurmond was essentially orphaned at 6 years old after his mother, an immigrant from Panama, died, as his father, a veteran, was absent, according to the ad. He cites his Afro-Latino heritage and vows to tackle Californias economic inequality, calling for a higher minimum wage, higher pay for teachers and more affordable housing. California may be working for millionaires and billionaires, but for the rest of California, we need real change, Thurmond said. The ad does not target potential competitors but aims to position Thurmond as an advocate for the working class in a state that is home to extreme wealth a dynamic that could shape the race if Californias powerful labor unions get behind his campaign. The California Teachers Assn. and other labor unions spent millions to help get Thurmond elected to the nonpartisan superintendency five years ago. The only other candidate to date to have officially launched a campaign is Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, a Democrat who comes from a wealthy family of home developers. Read more: Hillary Clinton backs Eleni Kounalakis for California governor Thurmond opened a campaign committee for governor in July, and has since raised $101,000, according to filing records with the Secretary of States Office, with most contributions coming from unions that represent electrical workers, plumbers and boilermakers. The Oakland Police Officers Assn. has also contributed $5,000 to Thurmonds campaign. In 2020, the Oakland school board voted to eliminate its campus police force amid national protests over the death of George Floyd. Although Thurmond has spoken out against police brutality and institutional racism, he took a more tempered approach then, not calling for the removal of officers from schools but for programs such as training in implicit bias. Thurmonds run for governor was announced one day after Newsom signed a bill that prohibits textbook bans such as those playing out in red states and attempted by conservative school boards in California. Like Newsom, Thurmond has leaned into increasingly politicized school culture wars, launching a textbook task force in June. Voters overwhelmingly reelected Thurmond last year despite criticism of his handling of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and an alleged turnover problem in the states Department of Education amid accusations that he was running a toxic workplace. Department of Education spokesperson Maria Clayton Thurmonds third director of communications in less than five years left her post this month and could not be reached for comment. Thurmond also came under fire in 2021 for hiring a friend who lived out of state as a top education official a decision that violated California policy and led to at least two resignations. Kounalakis has raised more than $2.6 million for her campaign, including the maximum allowable donation of $36,400 from several Democratic heavy-hitters. They include her father, Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, a developer; Susie Tompkins-Buell, co-founder of clothing brands Esprit and North Face; George Soros, a financier who supports many progressive causes; and Sheryl Sandberg, a former Facebook executive. Former state Controller Betty Yee also intends to run for governor. She said Tuesday that she would make her campaign official next year. As vice chair of the California Democratic Party, she is now focused on getting President Biden reelected. Yee, who is Asian American, would vie with Thurmond to become the first California governor of color, and with Kounalakis to become the states first female governor. Democratic Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta has also said he is seriously considering a run for governor. Democrats are expected to dominate the election, which is still three years away. 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. PROVIDENCE A potent mix of grief and rage filled the courtroom Tuesday as a judge ensured that the man who shot his girlfriend and then crammed her body into a refrigerator will spend his remaining years behind bars. Calling him an incorrigible reoffender whom society must be protected from, Superior Court Judge Robert D. Krause sentenced Nathan Cooper, 54, to consecutive life sentences for shooting Sherbert Maddox, his professed girlfriend, and then leaving her to bleed to death instead of calling 911. Its clear from your comments today that you persist with the baseless claim that it was an accident, Krause said in rejecting as fiction Coopers testimony that the gun accidentally discharged as he moved to wipe away water Maddox had splashed at him. Krause said that account didnt square evidence of the cruel and venomous man Cooper revealed himself to be in multiple text messages sent to friends and family. He disparaged Maddox, who went by Strawberry, as the worst chick Ive ever ran [sic] into in my life. Another read I swear on my mother this aint going to end well. Those comments displayed a malicious desire to harm, Krause said, calling the case one of the most unsettling he's seen in his 37 years as a judge. Sherbert Maddox, who was killed by Nathan Cooper. Cooper failed to call 911 Evidence at trial showed that Cooper shot 40-year-old Maddox in the shower at 43 Parkis Ave. in the citys Elmwood neighborhood and continued to do drugs for days instead of calling for help. He called a friend to bring him shrink wrap and proceeded to wrap it around her body before shoving her into a refrigerator with a note that read I dont trust you. The Providence police began investigating on March 22, 2022, after members of Maddox's family flagged down a Providence police officer on Parkis Avenue, saying Cooper had murdered Maddox and her body was being stored in his apartment. Nathan Cooper was convicted for killing Sherbert Maddox. A family in pain He took my daughter from me and left a daughter with no mother, Maddoxs mother, Sherbert J. Perez, said. Why the hell did he do that? Perez promised Hes going to get his. Deshana Maddox, a sister, lamented that every day she has to drive by the house where her sister was murdered. Just remember, what goes around comes around, she shouted in delivering comments in court. Ariel Pittner, who prosecuted the case with Scott Erickson, called Coopers crimes vile and heinous in asking that he serve two consecutive life sentences plus 20 years to serve. Providence Detective Angelo A'Vant led the investigation. In pleading for leniency and a chance for Cooper to spend his final years as a free man, his lawyer Kara Hoopis Manosh attributed his actions to being shackled by a substance use disorder. I did some things wrong that could have probably saved her life, Cooper said. I miss her just like everybody else. Im sorry to you all. Cooper was convicted by a jury in May of second-degree murder, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence that ended in death, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm after a six-day trial. Krause sentenced him to consecutive life sentences for second-degree murder and the discharging a firearm charge. He received concurrent 10-year terms for the two gun charges. Well see you in hell, a Maddox family yelled as deputy sheriffs led Cooper from court. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Nathan Cooper sentenced to life for killing girlfriend, hiding body in fridge STOCKHOLM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A year ago, the Nord Stream pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to European markets were ruptured in a series of explosions underneath the Baltic Sea near Sweden and Denmark. One year after the attack, investigations by Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, which excluded Russia, are still dragging on, yielding no substantive results. INVESTIGATION DRAGGING ON Running from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin, Germany through the Baltic Sea, the Nord Stream twin pipelines were critical to Europe's energy security. In 2021, the EU imported 83 percent of natural gas consumed, with nearly 50 percent of imports coming from Russia (153 billion cubic meters) and more than one-third of Russian imports through the Nord Stream (59.2 billion cubic meters), according to the European Council. The Russian Foreign Ministry has protested that the three countries deliberately delayed the investigation and tried to conceal who was the black hander. It also voiced Russia's dissatisfaction with the opacity of the investigation and its refusal to engage with Russia. In a joint letter dated February this year, the three countries told the United Nations Security Council that "investigations have not yet been concluded. At this point, it is not possible to say when they will be concluded." There has been no major breakthrough since then. "The longer the delay, the more difficult it will be to collect evidence and find the truth, the more doubts and speculations will occur, and the less credible the results of the investigations will be," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council briefing on the Nord Stream issue in July. Geng urged all parties not to politicize investigations or use it as an opportunity for political manipulation, calling for an early release of the results of a country-specific investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. SUSPECTED U.S. INVOLVEMENT Mats Ljungqvist, the Swedish prosecutor investigating the attack, said in April that a state actor "directly or at least indirectly behind all this" was the "absolute main scenario," without naming any country. Caution from the European states is probably a result of the politically sensitive and inconvenient truth. Western officials would rather not know who bombed the Nord Stream pipelines, lest they discover that their allies were responsible, the Washington Post reported in April. "Leaders see little benefit from digging too deeply and finding an uncomfortable answer," the paper added, stating that officials "would rather not have to deal with the possibility that Ukraine or its allies were involved." A 5,000-word investigative report in February, "How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline," published by the Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh, appears all the more credible and logical among the many revelations. Hersh revealed that the sabotage of the pipelines was a secret operation ordered by the White House, implemented by the CIA, and assisted by the Norwegian Navy. Such a scenario appears in accordance with U.S. President Joe Biden's statements in February last year that there would be no Nord Stream 2 if Russia attacked Ukraine -- "I promise you we will be able to do it." Josep Puigsech, a Spanish expert on Russian affairs and contemporary history, has pointed to "a clear profit to be made" by the United States and a strengthening of its geopolitical influence over Germany. "I'm increasingly convinced this was an action by the United States," said Puigsech, adding that the country has the most to gain from the destruction of the pipelines: forcing Russia's energy out of Europe while increasing Germany's dependence on it. U.S. LNG FLOODING EUROPE The implications of the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines are enormous, said Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairperson of the German think tank Schiller Institute. She noted that the incident massively increased the immediate prospect of Europe's deindustrialization and its dependence on U.S. liquified natural gas. In 2022, the United States boosted liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe by 141 percent compared to 2021, surpassing Russia for the first time. In the first half of this year, the EU remains the primary buyer of U.S. LNG, which devours more than half of the EU LNG import market. The price to move away from Russian energy is not cheap. The cost for the EU to replace Russian gas with green technologies by 2028 would be nearly 811 billion euros, according to a report released in May by Oxford researchers. The skyrocketing costs are already causing a massive exodus of companies from Europe, and especially from Germany to the United States, Zepp-LaRouche said, stressing that all this means an assault on the living standards of the population. International tourism to China is still well below pre-pandemic levels. Flights from the US are expensive and hard to find. Tourism is one of several economic woes in China that could spill over into the global economy. Economists have been predicting for years that China would surpass the US as the top global economic superpower, but the country has hit some recent bumps in the road, putting that ascension into doubt. Some of China's problems include: Things are so bad that some market experts are predicting the Chinese economy is heading toward a financial crash . Now add another problem China's tourism industry is struggling to recover from the pandemic. Several factors have played a role in the shortage of international tourists, including challenges associated with using cash or credit cards in China and the detainment of foreigners in perceived retaliation against rival countries. However, for Americans, one of the biggest deterrents is that flights are expensive and hard to find. There are currently just 18 round-trip flights a week between the US and China, with the two countries recently agreeing to increase that to 24 in October. While that's double the number from earlier this year, Time reports that there were 340 weekly flights between the countries before the pandemic. On top of that, The Wall Street Journal reported that round-trip, economy-class tickets to China were going for about $4,500 this summer. Prices are up in part because US airlines stopped using Russian airspace following the invasion of Ukraine, which has increased flight times, and longer flights require more fuel. The Wall Street Journal reported that just 52,000 people visited China from other countries with the help of a travel agency in the first quarter of this year. That was down from 3.7 million in the same period in 2019. WSJ spoke with one US agency that used to send as many as 1,500 tourists a year to China but has not had a single request since the start of the pandemic. The China Tourism Association noted in May that "the number of visitors from Europe, America, Japan and Korea are all dropping, substantially," The Japan Times reported. This is in sharp contrast to travel to Europe, where the volume of foreign visitors is already back to 80% of its pre-pandemic levels. Tourists visiting the Forbidden City in China. cesc_assawin / Shutterstock.com Another factor playing a role in the lack of tourism could be fear. Not only are tensions high between the US and China, but the US government has warned Americans about the risk of traveling to there. In June, the US State Department wrote: "Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions." In 2021, CNN spoke with more than a dozen academics, NGO workers, and media professionals who traveled to China regularly before the pandemic. They said they were no longer willing to go, citing personal safety and the detainment of several foreign nationals. The local boost in tourism will likely end Earlier this year, the lack of foreign tourists was being offset by an increase in domestic tourism. Chinese travelers opted to stay closer to home, with Fan Lei, the chief financial officer of Tongcheng Travel, telling the South China Morning Post that people in China were buying fewer big-ticket items like real estate and cars and instead were spending more on experiences. That was also the case in the US this past summer, where people spent more money on things like concerts and movies. Fans attend a Taylor Swift concert in Denver. Grace Smith/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images But China's situation could take a turn for worse soon and some fear the country's economy is heading for a "hard landing," with a substantial downturn following strong growth. This will likely lead to people in China tightening their grip on the money they do have and spending less. China's problems could spill over into the global economy Trouble for China's economy could mean more bad news for the rest of the world. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and President Joe Biden have warned of spillover risks for the global economy, with the latter calling it a "ticking time bomb." Several experts previously told Insider that a downturn in China's economy could cause international trade to collapse, leading to too much inventory for companies, dwindling profits, and job losses for businesses in the US and other markets. They also noted there's a risk of China exporting deflation, which could hurt corporate profits in the US. Before the pandemic, 10.4% of global GDP about $10 trillion was tied to travel and tourism, and international visitors spent $1.9 trillion in 2019. Tourism hasn't returned to those levels, but they're on the rise, with travel-related GDP jumping 22% in 2022 to 7.6% and international spending up 81.9% in 2022. People are visiting other countries again and spending money. They're just not going to China in the end, that could hurt us all. Read the original article on Business Insider Recently, I cast the lone no vote when the Rocklin Unified School District Board of Trustees passed a policy to out the identity of transgender students to their parents. I listened to the hundreds of community members on this issue as well as the warning from California Attorney General Rob Bonta that such a policy was illegal and subject to court challenge. The trustees who support this policy are not listening. And school board members in other communities who agree with them are not done. If this topic comes to a school board meeting near you, chances are theres not a whole lot you can do to prevent your board from jeopardizing your districts money. They will try nonetheless. How do I know this? Because this recent action is part of a coordinated, far-right political effort across our state, being packaged as Parents Bill of Rights. I expect that this is only the first of several ideological issues that boards intend to bring to their school communities. Opinion School boards like mine should be focusing on education-related issues, helping to improve our schools and our students learning. Instead, these trustees are actively using network news talking points and lies by omission to sow mistrust between parents and teachers. My board was not looking for solutions, for a way to help kids, empower parents, or address teacher/administrator concerns. This was evident in that a two-person board subcommittee did not seek the input of students, teachers, counselors, principals, or even parents. When I suggested that we look for solutions that improve parent-child relationships while respecting concerns on both sides of the issue, my colleagues were not willing to engage in any meaningful dialogue. After the concerned public spoke, none of the concerns were acknowledged, let alone entertained. My colleagues know that solutions made with collaboration and consideration dont bring lawsuits. Peace and unity in a community do not make headlines. Without a legal fight, theres no political advancement of their agenda. They seem to want this fight to go all the way to the Supreme Court, using our tax dollars to fund it. Would these board members feel so emboldened on this issue if the legal fees were coming out of their own pockets? These inevitable legal costs to our school districts are sure to result in cost reductions elsewhere: meaning money that could have been spent on educational programs or additional staff will now be funneled toward fighting lawsuits. Look over your school districts most recent budget vote. If you see that cuts were made to valuable programs (learning supports, school nurses, librarians, etc.) or if you see that repairs and maintenance issues are being put off you can reasonably assume that money is being spent on political issues that have no relevance to the quality of our students education. Our school boards have no business spending taxpayer money in this way. Advancing a misguided and costly social agenda through a school district is a dereliction of duty. California students will end up paying the price, not only as a result of mismanagement of resources but in regard to their individual rights under the law. Regardless of how many times my fellow board members may claim that this stripping away of student rights is legal, remember that there is a reason that California Attorney General Rob Bonta has already filed a suit against this same policy elsewhere in the state. Our laws do, indeed, entitle students to privacy, freedom of expression and equal protection and access to publicly funded programs. Politics belong in political forums like the California Legislature. The local school board should concern itself solely with education. Michelle Sutherland is a board member at the Rocklin Unified School District. Former President Donald Trump stopped by a gun shop and toured a boat manufacturer in South Carolina Monday, ramping up his in-person campaign after a weekend online threatening the media, making multiple accusations of treason and urging congressional Republicans to go ahead and shut down the government. He also claimed he could design a better fighter jet than the military. ALSO READ: Trump indicted in 2020 election interference probe; Smith says Capitol attack fueled by lies The Republican presidential front-runner, who has spent far less time on the campaign trail than his leading rivals, began his trip to small-town Summerville with a meet-and-greet with volunteers at a local campaign office and a visit to a local gun store, where he admired a Glock handgun and posed for photos. I want to buy one, Trump said, according to video of the stop. Spokesman Steven Cheung posted that the former president, who is currently under federal indictment, had purchased the weapon during his visit to Palmetto State Armory, but later deleted the post on the social media site X, formerly Twitter, and clarified that Trump had only indicated he wanted to buy one. Federal law prohibits the sale of guns to people under felony indictment and bars them from receiving a gun which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. However, after a 2022 Supreme Court decision that created new standards for firearm restrictions, some judges have declared the measure unconstitutional. A federal appeals court is currently considering a challenge to the law. >> Read more trending news Trump later rallied supporters outside a boat manufacturing facility in the blazing sun, with a collection of large power boats on display. In his speech, Trump urged the crowd to deliver a commanding turnout in the states Feb. 24, 2024, primary and showed off a roster of new endorsements, including from the states attorney general, its secretary of state, its House majority leader and other members of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Former President Donald Trump speaks at a Save America Rally to support Republican candidates running for state and federal offices in the state at the Covelli Centre on September 17, 2022 in Youngstown, Ohio. Republican Senate Candidate JD Vance and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) spoke to supporters along with former President Trump. Trump also vowed to overturn a proposed Biden administration rule that would lower the speed limit for boats along the East Coast in an effort to prevent collisions with North Atlantic right whales. Opponents say the enhanced slowdown rules would force charter fishing boats to quit the business and disrupt the efficiency of busy seaports like the Port of Savannah. While his rivals have been busy holding town halls and visiting local diners, Trump has spent much of the last months responding to his mounting legal troubles. He has been indicted four times in four jurisdictions and faces 91 criminal charges, but that has yet to hurt his standing in the GOP primary. In a sign of his dominance, he plans to skip the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday, as he did the first, and will instead visit Michigan to voice his opposition to President Joe Biden s automotive policies amid an auto workers strike. Trump, who has vowed retribution if he wins a second term, once again cast the indictments as nothing more than a political witch hunt after spending the weekend lashing out at the media and others on his Truth Social platform. Among his targets: NBC News and MSNBC, which he claimed should be investigated for its Country Threatening Treason. He once again slammed the free press a cornerstone of U.S. democracy as its true threat, while warning The Fake News Media should pay a big price for what they have done to our once great Country! Trump often casts unflattering coverage and stories he doesnt like as fake. Beyond his complaints with the press, Trump lashed out at Mark Milley , the retiring chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, over phone calls he made to China in the final stormy months of Trumps presidency. Milley has defended those calls as routine and perfectly within the duties and responsibilities of his job. But Trump on Friday claimed Milley had committed an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! A war between China and the United States could have been the result of this treasonous act. He said Milleys retirement will be a time for all citizens of the USA to celebrate! Trump also laced into congressional leaders as he pressed Republicans to embrace a looming government shutdown UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN! and again called for the ouster of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the weakest, dumbest, and most conflicted Leader in U.S. Senate history. Trump was just as displeased with McConnells Democratic counterparts. EVERY DEMOCRAT SHOULD RESIGN FROM THE SENATE! he said, in the wake of a sweeping bribery indictment against New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez. He also claimed, after the recent crash of an F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft in South Carolina, that as president he had told the the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin numerous times that the F-35 Fighter Jet was in effect, DEFECTIVE, because it only has one engine. He insulted his former U.N. Ambassador and current GOP rival Nikki Haley, a native of South Carolina, calling her Birdbrain. Trump last visited the state last month, when he spoke at the state GOPs largest annual fundraiser in Columbia. ___ Associated Press writers Michelle Price in New York and Alanna Durkin Richer in Boston contributed to this report. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Former President Donald Trump , his top executives, and heirs were declared completely liable of persistent and repeated fraudand the real estate empire was unceremoniously stripped of its business licenses in New Yorkafter a judges powerful ruling Tuesday ahead of a massive trial that seeks to hit them with more than $250 million in penalties for bank fraud. And in a stunning development, the judge has already ordered the complete dissolution of the fabled Trump Organizationthe tycoons pride and joy, the empire that made him famous and elevated him into the White House. The Trump Organization and its sister companies will be sent into receivership to be under the control of a court-appointed officer. Even before the trial officially starts, the ruling handed New York Attorney General Letitia James a near total victory, meaning that next weeks trial will mostly focus on damages that could pulverize whatever is left of Trumps many business entities and bank accounts. In his 35-page opinion, Justice Arthur F. Engoron tore apart what he called the Trump familys bogus arguments and obstreperous conduct. And he summed up the entire defense as a fantasy world, not the real world. In defendants world: rent regulated apartments are worth the same as unregulated apartments; restricted land is worth the same as unrestricted land, restricts can evaporate into thin air all illegal acts are untimely if they stem from one untimely act; and square footage [is] subjective, he wrote. Trump Tries to Strike Down New York AG Case Before It Starts Trump, several of his heirs, and top executives will now be fighting off accusations of bank and insurance fraud at a civil trial thats scheduled to run from early October until late December. AG Letitia James seeks to punish them all for routinely lying about property values to score better deals. At trial, it will be up to Judge Engoron alone whether the Trumps will owe $250 million-plus in penalties, be prohibited from serving as executives, and have the company charters revoked. In a scathing statement posted to Truth Social on Tuesday night, the former president described himself, his family and supporters as victims of a widespread, radical attack that has now devolved to new, un-American depths. He described Judge Engoron as DERANGED and alleged he was simply doing James bidding. Todays action is a refutation of my status as the leading Candidate for President of the United States, he fumed. It is a terrible reminder that the Radical Left Democrats will stop at nothing in trying to prevent me, and the American people, from winning the 2024 Presidential Election. Regardless of Party, we cannot let this happen in the United States of America! Trump alleged that as his lead in the polls over Biden grows higher, his enemies are becoming more and more desperate and dangerous. At a court hearing last week, lawyers on both sides tried to convince the judge to grant them each a total victory to avoid much of the trial. Engoron decided against that, rejecting the Trumps request to dismiss the case entirely and the AGs request to have a trial solely on damages. On Tuesday, Engoron ripped the Trumpsand their lawyersapart for dragging this on so long with legal arguments that wasted the courts time by repeatedly questioning whether the AG even had the authority to hold them accountable this way. Those arguments glaringly misrepresent the law and trying them again and again invoke the time-loop in the film Groundhog Day, the judge wrote, calling attempts to topple the case this way pure sophistry. Engoron also made the pivotal decision to keep all of the AGs lawsuit intact, concluding that all of the real estate deals in question are not too old for law enforcement to crack down on for bank fraud. He brushed off the Trumps attempt to whittle down the lawsuit ahead of a trial that could drain the wealthy familys bank accounts. The timing of this decision also throws a wrench into the Trumps Hail Mary play, in which they sued the judge directly and prematurely asked a state appellate court to intervene because he hadnt yet made his decision on the statute of limitationsan oddly aggressive move that reeked of delay tactics. That higher court, the appellate divisions First Judicial Department, has yet to weigh in. Doing so now might be a moot point. As such, the trial appears to be set to start next Monday, as planned. Trump, His Kids, and His Bankers: New York AG Lays Out Witnesses in Case The judge seemed particularly annoyed at what he described as the Trumps inability to run their business ethically. He had previously assigned a former federal judge to oversee aspects of the Trump Organization to ensure that it did not slyly shift assets ahead of the trialonly to discover that executives wouldn't let the court-appointed monitor do her job. Even with a preliminary injunction in place, and with an independent monitor overseeing their compliance, defendants have continued to disseminate false and misleading information while conducting business, he wrote. The judge said that canceling the business certificate was justified. This ongoing flouting of this courts prior order, combined with the persistent nature of the false [statements of financial condition] year after year, have demonstrated the necessity of canceling the certificates, he added. The judge struck down every defense Trump and his lawyers raised during the course of the AGs three-year investigation and in the year since she filed her lawsuit. For example, Engoron stopped Trump from leaning on dubious disclaimers from his longtime outside accountants at MazarsUSA, which indicated that they hadnt actually audited his personal financial statements. In court, his lawyers kept pushing the idea that Trump wasnt really bound by basic rules called Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, known as GAAP. The judge was having none of it. These non-party disclaimers do not insulate defendants from liability, as they plainly state that Donald J. Trump is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, Engoron wrote. And in whats become a recurring theme in this caseone that has annoyed the judge repeatedlyit was clear that the Trumps were pointing to evidence that said the exact opposite of what they were trying to prove. In sum, the Mazars disclaimers put the onus for accuracy squarely on defendants shoulders, Engoron wrote. (Mazars dropped the Trump Organization as a client last year and disavowed their previous work by pointing to his untrustworthy personal financial statement.) In his decision on Tuesday, Engoron also decided to impose sanctions on the Trumps lawyers over the AGs accusations that they have acted unprofessionally by raising ridiculous arguments and delaying the case this long. AG investigators have been digging into the Trumps finances for more than three years and have been slowed down at every turn by a company that has refused to turn over documents and Trump family members who wouldnt show up for official interviews. The familys procrastination and obstruction efforts forced the judge to intervene several times, at one point ordering the former president himself to pay $110,000 in fines. Unfortunately, sanctions are the only way to impress upon defendants attorneys the consequences of engaging in repetitive, frivolous motion practice after this court, affirmed by the appellate division, expressly warned them against doing so, he wrote. He ordered the entire Trump legal teamMichael Madaio, Clifford S. Robert, Michael Farina, Christopher Kise, and Armen Morianto each pay $7,500, a punishment that will also serve as a blemish on their professional records. 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. Donald Trump has added at least two veteran attorneys to help defend him in his multiple criminal cases. Emil Bove, a former federal prosecutor who was co-chief of the national security unit at the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, and Kendra Wharton, a seasoned white collar defense lawyer with Capitol Hill ties, have signed onto the legal team organized by Trump attorney Todd Blanche. In recent days, Bove joined Blanches firm, while Wharton launched her own firm and is expected to partner with Blanche, according to two people close to the legal team granted anonymity to discuss personnel decisions. Bove and Wharton are expected to work on Trumps criminal matters, including the New York criminal case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the federal cases filed by special counsel Jack Smith. Trump is also facing a fourth criminal case in Fulton County, Ga., and has hired a separate defense team for that matter. The additions are the most significant new legal hires in months for Trump as he prepares for multiple criminal trials scheduled for next year. Bove and Wharton are expected to help fill out a team that was, in some ways, hobbled by the abrupt departures of veteran lawyers John Rowley, Tim Parlatore and James Trusty around the time Trump was indicted by a Florida grand jury in June. Since then, Blanche, also an alumnus of the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, has emerged as the architect of Trumps multi-front legal battle, and the new hires further solidify his imprint on some of the most significant criminal cases in American history. Emil is an expert in white collar and CIPA-related litigation and his trial skills are among the best in the business, Blanche said in a statement, referencing the Classified Information Procedures Act, the federal law governing the use of classified documents in criminal cases. We are thrilled and lucky to have him on our team defending President Trump and all of our other clients." Kendra is a brilliant lawyer and clients have trusted her for years, Blanche continued, and is providing the same excellent service to our team that has been her signature for many years. Blanches hires coincide with Smiths own addition to his team. He recently added Alex Whiting, a longtime war crimes prosecutor who worked as Smiths deputy at the Hague. While working as a federal prosecutor, Bove handled matters including the investigation of Guo Wengui, an ally of Steve Bannon who was indicted earlier this year on charges that he and his financier orchestrated a more than $1 billion fraud scheme. Bove also worked on the prosecution of Cesar Sayoc Jr., who pleaded guilty to mailing pipe bombs to Trump critics. Bove is currently listed as a partner at Blanches firm, which notes his extensive trial and appellate experience. Wharton spent a decade working at Blanches former firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, before launching her own in recent weeks. Before that, she spent four years working for Sen. Mitch McConnell as a legislative aide. During her tenure at Cadwalader, Wharton defended companies and corporate executives in investigations led by the Justice Department, SEC and other federal agencies. She has also managed internal corporate investigations and their responses to congressional inquiries. A judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years as he built up the real estate empire that bolstered his fame and vaulted him into the White House. New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron found that Trump and his company deceived insurers, bankers and others by heavily inflating his assets and his net worth in paperwork he used to make deals and secure financing. Engoron also found that Trump, his company and its key executives had repeatedly lied about his wealth on his annual financial statements in order to take advantage of favorable loan terms and lower insurance premiums. Those actions violated the law, the judge said, dismissing Trump's argument that a disclaimer on the statements absolved him of any wrongdoing. The decision comes just days before the Oct. 2 start of a trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James' civil lawsuit against the former president. The ruling, in a part of the case known as summary judgment, settles the primary matter in James' lawsuit, leaving six others for Engoron's consideration in the non-jury trial, which he has said could last into December, according to the Associated Press. Attorneys for Trump had previously asked the judge to throw out the case on the grounds that James wasn't legally allowed to file the suit because there isn't any evidence of public harm due to Trump's actions, but the lawyers' request was denied. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban from carrying out any future business in the state against the former president. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) Japanese actor Mackenyu Arata, who starred as Pirate Hunter Zoro in Netflixs live adaptation of One Piece, will visit the country to headline the Manila Pop Culture Convention (Manipopcon) this November. Manipopcon announced on Tuesday that Mackenyu is among the special guests who will hold a meet and greet with fans at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in November. To all my Filipino fans out there, Im happy to share that Ill be appearing at the ManiPopCon in Manila on November 17th to the 19th. See you guys there, the actor said in a video. Mackenyu has also played characters in other adaptations of popular manga series, including Tokyo Ghoul S, Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, and Knights of the Zodiac. He will celebrate his 27th birthday on Nov. 16, a day before the start of the Manila event. In earlier social media posts, Manipopcon teased event-goers that other special guests will grace the pop culture convention, which it promoted as a safe space to cosplay, meet other geeks, gather collectibles, play with opponents, and meet special celebrities within the geek community. Cassidy Hutchinson said she was asked to make a "hit list" of the Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Hutchinson said White House chief of staff Mark Meadows asked her to make a chart with their photos. Trump then kept the chart of the 10 House Republicans on the Resolute Desk. Cassidy Hutchinson says she was asked to make what she described as "a hit list" for then-President Donald Trump of the 10 House Republicans who dared to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. "After the articles were passed, Mark [Meadows]asked me to make a chart with the headshots of the ten Republican members who voted in favor of impeachment," Hutchinson wrote in "Enough," her memoir which was released on Tuesday. Hutchinson wrote that Trump then kept the list of the disloyal Republicans close by. "Mark gave the hit list to the president, who kept it on the Resolute Desk," she wrote. Hutchinson, a top aide to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, ultimately decided to offer bombshell testimony about Meadows' actions before January 6 to the House committee. She wrote that she and Meadows have not spoken since a brief goodbye just before then-President-elect Joe Biden took office on January 20. A spokesperson for Meadows did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Trump's ire toward Republicans who felt he bore some responsibility for the riot is well known. In particular, he made it his mission to drive out the 10 House Republican lawmakers who voted to impeach him and the 7 Republican senators who later supported his conviction. Of the 10, only two of them, GOP Reps. David Valadao and Dan Newhouse remain, the rest either retired or lost to a Trump-packed primary challenger. Trump's revenge tour has been more complicated in the Senate, where terms are six years long and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has a much more fraught relationship with the former president. Of the 7, Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania had announced long before the impeachment trial that they would retire. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska later left politics entirely, opting to become president of the University of Florida. The two votes were historic, never before in history had so many members of a president's own party voted to either impeach them or convict them of impeachment charges. Trump did declare victory after Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, another of the 7, recently announced that he would not seek reelection next year. Romney has stressed that he was not worried about a primary challenger. Rather, he said in a public statement, that his retirement was about a call for a new generation of leadership. A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Summerville By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Donald Trump pushed back at U.S. prosecutors' request to curb some of his public statements about people involved in the federal court case accusing him of attempting to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. The former U.S. president's lawyers sharply opposed the request from Special Counsel Jack Smith for a court order limiting Trumps out-of-court statements about potential witnesses in the case and barring disparaging or intimidating remarks about the judge, prosecutors and potential jurors. Trumps defense team said in a court filing late on Monday that such restrictions would violate his free speech rights as he runs for president as the clear front-runner for the Republican nomination in 2024. Trump had already publicly attacked Smiths request, arguing it was an attempt to limit his criticism of the President Joe Biden , his likely opponent in the 2024 election. "At bottom, the Proposed Gag Order is nothing more than an obvious attempt by the Biden Administration to unlawfully silence its most prominent political opponent," Trump's lawyers wrote in the filing. Trump was indicted in August on four felony counts for allegedly attempting to intervene in the counting of votes and block the certification of the 2020 election, one of four criminal cases he faces. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Smiths office said in a court filing this month that Trump threatened to undermine public confidence in the case and influence potential jurors with near daily social media attacks on prosecutors, U.S. Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the case, and residents of Washington, D.C. who will serve as jurors. Prosecutors said Trump has a history of inspiring his supporters to harass and threaten people he singles out for public criticism. Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, fighting with police and sending lawmakers fleeing for their lives, in a failed bid to overturn Trump's election defeat. Trump continues to make the false claim that his loss was the result of fraud. (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Kim Coghill) Fair Use"/> Former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop at a South Carolina gun store on Monday that was horrifying for multiple reasons: He went with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), the store is selling a Glock with Trumps face on it, and the company also sold a weapon to the racist mass shooter who killed three Black people in Florida last month. Trumps visit to the Palmetto State Armory in Summerville, South Carolina came almost exactly one month after a 21-year-old white gunman shot up a Dollar General store in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Jacksonville. The gunman reportedly first went to the campus of a historically Black college nearby but security asked him to leave after he refused to say what he was doing there. During the attack, the shooter texted his father to tell him to check his computer, where he found racist writings but wasnt able to alert the authorities in time. Read more Some outlets originally reported that Trump purchased the Glock, based on a now-deleted tweet from Trumps campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung. Per screenshots, Cheung posted a video with the caption President Trump purchases a @GLOCKInc in South Carolina! In the video, Trump said, Wow...Ive got to buy one. I want to buy one. The New York Times reported that another voice could be heard saying of the Trump Glock, Thats a big seller. Donald Trump's campaign spokesman tweeting that his boss just committed a federal crime by buying a gun while under felony indictment. pic.twitter.com/l15W2P1whS James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) September 25, 2023 But since Trump is under indictment for felony charges, its illegal for anyone to sell him a gun, or for Trump to receive a gun thats been shipped across state lines. Youd think the Trump campaign would be very aware of gun laws given the firearms charges against right-wing boogeyman Hunter Biden, but alas. Cheung later told reporters: President Trump did not purchase or take possession of the firearm. He simply indicated that he wanted one. Ok buddy thanks, I feel so much better now. More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Scoop Donald Trump s campaign is planning to send a troop of surrogates to represent him at the Republican debate Wedneday while the former president woos auto workers in Michigan. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, senior Trump advisor Chris LaCivita, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera will represent Trump at the debate in California, campaign officials tell Semafor. Other Trump team members will be on the ground with signs and posters promoting the former president. Lake, LaCivita, and Cabrera are expected to attend both the debate and the spin room afterwards, according to the campaign. Meanwhile, the former president will be traveling with his aides Steven Cheung, Jason Miller, and others to Michigan. Know More Trumps jag to Michigan comes amid a United Auto Workers strike and ongoing tensions between the union and Biden, who will appear in the state in support of workers on Tuesday. The UAW has withheld its endorsement of Biden, even as president Shawn Fain has made clear hes no fan of Trump. But Trumps team still sees an opening to siphon off votes from rank-and-file union members by attacking Biden over his support for electric vehicles, which some worry could endanger traditional auto-industry jobs. This is the second presidential debate Trump has brushed off: Ahead of the first debate in Milwaukee, he publicly flirted with the idea of going, and ultimately opted against it. A number of Trump aides attended the first debate instead, sparking some brief drama with Fox News over who would be allowed into the event. Notable An NBC News poll over the weekend found that the majority of voters are concerned about both Biden and Trump, despite the two being the clear frontrunners for their parties: A combined 74% of those polled had major or moderate concerns about Bidens mental and physical health, and 62% of voters expressed major or moderate concerns about Trumps various legal trials. Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos during a campaign visit to South Carolina when he mentioned the name of the state's Senator Lindsey Graham. The former president was campaigning in Summerville, South Carolina when he was forced to tamp down a sea of jeers after mentioning his "friend" Mr Graham. "Another man who's always there, he's always I tell you what, when I need help on the left, he's great, he's great. And he's my friend too Lindsey Graham," Mr Trump said. Boos immediately poured in from the crowd. "Oh, no, no," Mr Trump said, literally handwaving the crowd's reaction. But the boos did not stop. "He helps me on the left. We need help sometimes. Republicans shouldn't need help on the left, but he helps me," Mr Trump continued through the jeers. Mr Trump has made a bizarre habit out of referring to the staunchly Republican senator as a "progressive" it was Mr Graham who first attempted to push for a national abortion ban following the fall of Roe V Wade and insists he is integral in bringing Democrats to the table during votes. It's unclear if there is one specific reason or a combination of reasons why Mr Graham's constituents seem to have turned on him. The leading theory is that he has been inconsistent with his support of the former president. Former US President Donald Trump gestures as US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) addresses the crowd during a 2024 election campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 28, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Graham opposed Donald Trump in 2016, first running against him in the Republican primaries and later saying he would not support the real-estate mogul as the nominee. The senator was featured in a campaign ad for Joe Biden in 2020 saying the current president is "as good a man as God ever created." It's not exactly a popular line to take with MAGA supporters. Mr Graham also backed away from Mr Trump following the Capitol riot, saying his time with Mr Trump had been a "journey" and that he hated it "has to end this way," but said "enough is enough." Despite his objection to the riot, he still refused to vote to impeach Mr Trump during his second impeachment. He also admitted that Mr Trump may have "done things wrong" regarding the Mar-a-Lago classified documents scandal, but ultimately defended the former president, calling it a double standard that Hillary Clinton was not handled with similar scrutiny for her emails. This isn't the first time Mr Graham has been booed in his home state. The Republican senator has been taking a lashing all summer long, especially when he appears at Trump events. Earlier this summer he was called a "traitor" by a crowd in South Carolina and had to leave a stage just six minutes into an event to help quell the boos, according to The Hill. His response to his detractors? "Thank you," he said to the booing crowd. "Thank you very much." Former President Trump slammed President Biden over his support for the expansion of electric vehicles ahead of Bidens visit with striking autoworkers in Detroit. Trump said in a statement on Tuesday that Bidens draconian and indefensible Electric Vehicle mandate will annihilate the U.S. auto industry and cost countless thousands of autoworkers their jobs. The only thing Biden could say today that would help the striking autoworkers is to announce the immediate termination of his ridiculous mandate, he said. Anything else is just a feeble and insulting attempt to distract American labor from this vicious Biden betrayal. Trumps criticism comes as Biden is set to meet with members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to show his support for the workers striking amid a labor dispute with the Big Three automakers of General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Biden announced on Friday that he would travel to Detroit to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with UAW. The announcement came after Trumps campaign revealed plans to give a speech to autoworkers on Wednesday instead of the former president attending the second GOP presidential debate. Both Trump and Bidens campaigns have attacked each other over policies that they say have hurt the autoworkers and contributed to the strike. Trump has repeatedly denounced Bidens policies on expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce pollution, referencing an electric vehicle mandate. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule in April that would require automakers to limit the amount of greenhouse gases that their vehicles emit. They are not required to shift their fleets to electric vehicles, but transitioning to electric could be a way that the automakers comply with the rule. Bidens campaign has argued that Biden is the most pro-union president in history while Trump allowed jobs to be sent overseas. UAW has not yet endorsed any candidate in the 2024 race and has expressed concerns over the Biden administrations plans for electric vehicles. But UAW President Shawn Fain has also slammed Trump, saying last week that Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers. Trump has argued that his policies will help restore jobs and wage growth while Bidens policies are hitting the auto industry hard. With me, there will be jobs and wages like youve never seen before. Our economy will grow! he said in the statement. Biden and Trumps visits this week highlight the importance of Michigan and autoworkers in the 2024 general election. Michigan is expected to be a swing state, while labor union members could be a key demographic in a Biden-Trump matchup. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Trump vigorously urged a judge Monday to deny a Department of Justice (DOJ) request for a narrow gag order limiting how he can talk about witnesses and others involved in his prosecution stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The 25-page brief from Trumps legal team sounded much like the president himself, boasting of his recent poll numbers and casting the DOJ request as a way to hamper his electoral prospects. It comes after the Justice Department called some of Trumps comments intimidating, arguing that his barrage of criticisms of the case threaten the integrity of the process The prosecution would silence President Trump, amid a political campaign where his right to criticize the government is at its zenith, all to avoid a public rebuke of this prosecution. However, above all else, the First Amendment means that government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter, or its content, Trumps attorneys wrote in the brief, quoting from another decision. The prosecution may not like Presidents Trumps entirely valid criticisms, but neither it nor this Court are the filter for what the public may hear. The request from special counsel Jack Smiths team seeks to bar him from making any disparaging, inflammatory, or intimidating remarks about witnesses, jurors, court personnel, and even prosecutors, all comments it says risk damaging potential jurors perception of the case and could deter testimony. Trumps attorneys attacked the proposed gag order Monday as sweepingly broad and said many of its terms are undefined. The government said the gag order was needed because Trump has an established practice of issuing inflammatory public statements targeted at individuals or institutions that present an obstacle or challenge to him. The defendant knows that when he publicly attacks individuals and institutions, he inspires others to perpetrate threats and harassment against his targets, prosecutors wrote in the filing. Prosecutors listed a string of examples, some including in the months after the election, where those attacked by Trump on social media then received numerous threats. They go on to note the same has happened to some of Smiths team after Trump complained about the indictment. But Trumps team pushed back on those arguments, writing that the former president has not intimidated anyone through his social media commentary. This claim is meritless. First, it is absurd to suggest the prosecution and the Court are intimidated by critical social media posts, let alone to such an extent that it constitute[s] a clear and present danger to the administration of justice, Trumps attorneys wrote in the filing. The prosecution does not point to a single prosecutorial or judicial function that has been impaired due to the cited social media posts, or otherwise suggest that it would be unable to fulfill its duties absent the Proposed Gag Order, they added. Similarly, no witness has suggested that he or she will not testify because of anything President Trump has said. To the contrary, witnesses appear eager to share their expected testimony with the media and will undoubtedly testify at a potential trial, if called to do so. Trumps attorneys largely argue the government hasnt met the burden for limiting Trumps First Amendment rights. But much of the briefs arguments are political ones, complaining that President Biden would not face similar restrictions though he has no matters pending before the court and is in no way a party in the case. And at another point, Trumps attorneys argue Washington, D.C., is too liberal to be swayed by the former presidents comments. The prosecution presents nothing but pretexts, claiming that the Court must muzzle President Trump to ensure that: (1) the prosecution, the Court, and witnesses are not intimidated by political criticism; and (2) the District of Columbia citizenry (who voted by a margin of around 95% for Biden in the 2020 election) do not magically transform and become biased in President Trumps favor, they write. Prosecutors made the request asserting that Trumps comments risk jeopardizing the case, intimidating witnesses and court personnel, while the attacks on the judge and prosecutors could limit the publics acceptance of the ultimate verdict. Since the indictment in this case, the defendant has spread disparaging and inflammatory public posts on Truth Social on a near-daily basis regarding the citizens of the District of Columbia, the Court, prosecutors, and prospective witnesses, prosecutors wrote. Like his previous public disinformation campaign regarding the 2020 presidential election, the defendants recent extrajudicial statements are intended to undermine public confidence in an institutionthe judicial systemand to undermine confidence in and intimidate individualsthe Court, the jury pool, witnesses, and prosecutors. Updated at 10:47 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Trump issued a scathing rebuke of Fox Newss flagship morning talk program and one of its leading hosts Wednesday night. Trump, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, said Fox News gives too much time to his rival GOP candidates. He also appeared to reference Steve Doocy , one of the hosts of Fox & Friends. I watched Fox & Friends this morning, and it is totally unrecognizable, Trump wrote Tuesday on his Truth Social website. All they do is gush over job seeking candidates that are 50 Points, plus, down to your favorite President, or speak endlessly about people that will never run and, without cheating, could never winAnd what ever happened to Steve? No wonder their ratings are way down. MAGA! Trump has for months ridiculed Fox, the top-watched cable news channel, over its coverage of him and accused the network of attempting to boost the candidacy of some of his leading GOP rivals. Trump skipped the first GOP primary debate and has said he will not attend Wednesdays. The former president also took aim at Fox host Stuart Varney , who is co-moderating Wednesdays debate, in a separate Truth Social post Tuesday. Did Stuart Varney of Fox Business, who is hosting the upcoming Job Application, ever apologize for probably purposely mixing up my Poll numbers with Ron DeSanctimonious, making it look like he was winning, when in fact he is being CRUSHED, he wrote. It is unclear which poll Trump was referring to, but the former president has on more than one occasion criticized Foxs coverage of his poll numbers. Earlier this year, he attacked his former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who is now a host on the network, after she spoke about polling in Iowa, which she said showed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis closing the gap on the former president. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Multiple Columbus police cruisers were on the scene of a reported homicide Monday afternoon on the 5700 block of Pepperwood Court on the city's Far West Side. Two people were killed in separate acts of violence, about seven hours apart Monday, driving Columbus' homicide rate higher. Around 3:10 p.m. Monday, police got a call about a woman laying in the driveway of a home on the 5700 block of Pepperwood Court, off of Galloway Road, on the city's Far West Side. When officers arrived, they found the woman had been shot. Monday afternoon, police identified the woman who lived at the home as 44-year-old Angel Gomez. Police have filed an arrest warrant for Gomez's estranged husband, 49-year-old Jose Gomez-Santana. Police said Gomez moved out of the couple's home on Pepperwood Court several months ago and was living elsewhere. Gomez-Santana is accused of luring Gomez back to the home with a promise of returning property. Jose Gomez-Santana, 49, is wanted in connection with the death of his estranged wife, 44-year-old Angel Gomez. Gomez-Santana is accused of luring Gomez to the couple's home and ambushing her in the driveway. In court records, police accuse Gomez-Santana of telling Gomez he left some of her property in the back of a van in the driveway of the home the couple previously shared. "Jose then hid inside a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence," police alleged. "When Angel arrived, Jose ambushed Angel, shooting her several times." Court records allege Gomez-Santana shot through the vehicle's window and then got out of the van to shoot Gomez again while she was lying on the ground. Gomez laid in the driveway for about an hour before a delivery driver saw her and called 911, according to court records. Angel Gomez, 44, was found shot outside a Galloway home on Sept. 25, 2023. She died shortly after. Gomez died at the scene from her injuries, marking the 21st homicide related to domestic violence in the city a 200% increase over 2022. Police said Gomez-Santana left the scene on foot. He is known to have ties to the west side of Columbus and to New York City. Police have been told Gomez-Santana has friends who will help to hide him from police. Authorities ask anyone with information about Gomez's whereabouts to call detectives at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS. About seven hours later, around 10:15 p.m. Monday, officers responded to the 1200 block of Manchester Avenue, in North Linden, after a reported stabbing. The victim, who has not been identified, was taken to a local hospital but died from their injuries a short time later. Police have not identified any possible motive in the case. There have been 118 homicides reported as of Tuesday morning in Columbus, a 12% increase over the 105 deaths reported at this time in 2022. Authorities ask anyone with information about either case to call detectives at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Identities released in Monday murder-suicide on East Side Also on Monday, Columbus police identified two people who died Saturday in a murder-suicide on the city's East Side. Around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, police got a call about an unresponsive person at a townhome on the 3000 block of Melissa Place. Officers arrived and found Brighton Davis, 21, who had been shot. Davis died at the scene. Through the investigation, detectives learned that a possible suspect, David C. Jones II, 26, left the townhome with a firearm. Officers went to a possible address of Jones on the 3000 block of Brexvie Avenue, in the same townhome complex, and found Jones dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police have not identified any motive in the case or said how the two men knew each other. Reynoldsburg police investigating fatal stabbing Reynoldsburg police are also investigating a fatal stabbing that took place in the Licking County portion of the city early Monday morning. Around 2:30 a.m., police got a call about a stabbing on the 9100 block of Firstgate Drive. Officers found Buddy Majhi, 36, with multiple stab wounds. Majhi was taken to Mount Carmel East hospital, but he died about an hour later. Reynoldsburg police arrested Surya Bhujel, 33, according to Licking County jail records. Bhujel is believed to be an acquaintance of Majhi's. Charges are expected to be filed against Bhujel on Tuesday in Licking County Common Pleas Court. Dispatch reporter Sheridan Hendrix contributed to this story. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Charges filed after man accused of ambushing former wife at Far West Side home Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) The National Privacy Commission (NPC) ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to attend a hearing on Tuesday that will tackle the cyberattack on the systems of the state health insurer. In a statement released Monday, the NPC said it wanted PhilHealth to provide comprehensive information regarding the nature and extent of the data breach. The privacy body stressed it expects PhilHealth to provide within the next two days, or until September 27, a complete report containing the details on personal data that may have been compromised, as well as the containment measures it has implemented. The NPC said the September 26 hearing will be followed by an onsite investigation on September 28. These actions have been initiated to evaluate the impact of the alleged data breach and to assess the mitigation efforts undertaken by PhilHealth, with a primary focus on protecting the interests of the affected beneficiaries and contributors, it said. The state health insurer earlier said the cyberattack only affected some personal data of mostly PhilHealth employees, not of PhilHealth members. According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the hackers have asked for roughly 17 million to allow the government to decrypt the data that they seized. HOLLAND TWP. A man was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a stabbing Tuesday, Sept. 26, in Holland Township, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office. Deputies were dispatched around 1:04 p.m. Tuesday to reports of a stabbing at a residence off 128th Avenue. Upon arrival, they determined there'd been an altercation between two men. The stabbing victim, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to OCSO. Deputies provided medical treatment before he was turned over to AMR and transferred to a local hospital. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Holland Township man suffered minor injuries that were treated by deputies. An investigation is ongoing. There is no threat to the public. Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Two injured in Holland Township altercation A man was booked on first-degree murder charges after two people were found shot in his car in south Phoenix on Monday, according to police. Around 2:15 a.m. on Monday, Phoenix police said they received a call regarding a residential burglary in the area of 7th Street and Carter Road, south of Southern Avenue. The caller said that he had exchanged gunfire with the suspects who drove off during the shooting, according to police. Phoenix patrol officers were in the area of Central and Southern avenues when they heard multiple gunshots and saw a car leaving the area at a high speed. They attempted to stop the car but it continued on and eventually stopped near 2nd Avenue and Broadway Road. Police said the driver, identified as 23-year-old Omar Rivas, ran from the car but was detained by officers. Inside his car, police said they found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The two were transported to a hospital where the woman, 19-year-old Mia Padilla, later died from her injuries. Police said the man received treatment and was expected to survive. Detectives investigated the incident and learned that the car that police stopped was related to the residential burglary. Police said the homeowner was questioned and released pending further investigation. Rivas was later booked on multiple felonies, including first-degree murder. The investigation remained active. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Two people found shot, one dead in car in south phoenix By Makini Brice WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Over half of all U.S. Democratic senators, including Senator Cory Booker , on Tuesday called on Senator Bob Menendez to resign after federal prosecutors charged him and his wife with taking bribes from three New Jersey businessmen. Both Booker and Menendez represent the Northeastern state of New Jersey. Menendez, a Democrat, said on Monday that he would stay in the Senate and fight the charges. Mendendez's fellow Democrats in the Senate were largely silent when the criminal charges were unveiled on Friday. But in the days since, 26 senators in his caucus have said he should step down. Democrats narrowly control the chamber with 51 seats, including three independents who normally vote with them, to the Republicans' 49. "I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving," Booker said in a statement. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has said Menendez has the right to a fair trial, but has not said whether he should stay or go. The White House has declined to say whether Menendez should step down. "While Senator Menendez deserves to have a fair legal process, given the serious nature of these charges and how they have undermined the public's faith, he is no longer able to serve effectively in the U.S. Senate. I urge Senator Menendez to resign," said Senator Gary Peters, the head of Senate Democrats' campaign arm, in a statement. Many Democratic elected officials in Menendez's state of New Jersey, including Governor Phil Murphy , have also called for Menendez to resign. Democratic U.S. Representative Andy Kim has said he would challenge Menendez for his seat. If the senator did resign, Murphy would appoint a temporary successor, and it would be unlikely to change the balance of power in the chamber. Menendez's Senate seat will be among those decided in next year's election. His legal troubles could complicate his party's efforts to maintain control of the Senate, however, although New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the seat since 1972. Menendez, 69, a powerful voice on foreign policy who has at times bucked his own party, has stepped down from his role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as required under his party's Senate rules. Initially appointed by New Jersey's governor to the seat, Menendez was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and served in the House of Representatives before that. U.S. prosecutors said Menendez accepted gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in exchange for using his power and influence to aid the government of Egypt and interfere with law enforcement investigations into the businessmen. If convicted, he and his wife, 56-year-old Nadine Menendez, could face up to 45 years in prison, though judges in these types of cases usually impose less than the maximum sentence. Wael Hana, one of the businessmen charged with bribing Menendez, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday. The probe marks the third time Menendez has been under investigation by federal prosecutors. He has never been convicted. (Reporting by Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Eric Beech and Luc Cohen in New York; Aditing by Josie Kao and Christopher Cushing) Just before Delaware schools were set to open their doors for the 2023-24 school year, the latest national rankings looked to list the best public and charter high schools among them. U.S. News & World Report compiled these rankings, coordinating with nonprofit research firm RIT International. Strong schools with high-achieving students lined their roster. And like many outlets across the country, Delaware Online/The News Journal reported on them. But such rankings dont give parents the full story. Looking at just Delawares top 10, every school had a smaller percentage of economically disadvantaged children than the average across state enrollment. Six of those high schools had shares of lower-income students at less than half of the states rate, which is just over 25%. And of the three that are not charter, vo-tech or magnet schools, the district per-capita income runs about 19% higher on average than Delawares figures. The top highs the Charter School of Wilmington, Cab Calloway School of the Arts and Newark Charter School have 4%, 8.3% and 7.8% lower-income students respectively. The school on the list with the highest proportion was Sussex Technical High School, in Georgetown, with about 22% of students at economic disadvantage. Additionally, at six of these top schools, students with disabilities make up 8.5% or less of total enrollment, compared to nearly 17.5% attending public schools statewide. The top school comes in just over 1%, according to state data. "What they're really doing is measuring opportunity," Josh Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, told the Detroit Free Press about rankings missing inequities. U.S. News & World: Ranking Delaware's public & charter high schools. See who topped the list Digging into U.S. News rankings 2023-24 Charter School of Wilmington honors the class of 2020 in commencement ceremonies Friday at the school. Delaware had 56 public high schools inside U.S. News' almost 17,700 ranked and nearly 25,000 reviewed schools. A few schools didnt make the rankings, alongside any of the states private institutions. Some schools are simply not intended to serve every student, made more rigorous by design. Conrad Schools of Science and Cab Calloway School of the Arts, for example, are both magnet schools. Vo-tech schools also require application, with primary criteria often including attendance and grades. But overall, high-ranking schools tend to be in wealthier communities, have better resources, hold stronger tax bases. According to MSU's Cowen, many rankings like these fail to take into account the kind of resources available in such communities to help raise student achievement on state assessments and encourage students into advanced courses. "These are high, high income areas, but also highly saturated with what I call human capital, he said. Very high parental education level, lower crime rates ... investments in infrastructure. Seemingly looking to address such criticism that rankings favor wealthy areas, U.S. News changed how it ranked high schools in 2019, the Free Press reported. The change shifted the emphasis from performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams to other measures, including graduation rates and performance on state assessments. Library books line the shelves at the Bayard School in Wilmington. According to U.S. News, the rankings take the following indicators into account: College readiness (30%) : This indicator takes into account "the number of 12th grade students in the 2020-2021 academic year who took at least one AP or IB test by the end of their senior year" divided by the total number of 12th grade students at the school and "the number of 12th grade students in the 2020-2021 academic year who took and earned a qualifying score" on an AP or IB tests divided by the total number of 12th grade students at the school. A 3 or higher counts as a qualifying score on the AP test and a 4 or higher counts on IB. Some criticism around rankings like this stem from the fact that not all schools have the resources to offer AP or IB programs, though U.S. News writes that "adjustments were made" so that schools with zero AP or IB classes "would not score significantly worse than schools with very few APs and IBs." College curriculum (10%) : This index is also calculated using AP and IB scores, looking at how many of those advanced courses students took and the proportion of qualifying scores they received. Brooks wrote that "an abundance of schools offering limited or no AP or IB exams still placed in the top third of the national rankings." State assessment proficiency (20%) : This indicator scores students on proficiency in state assessments in math, reading and science. U.S. News used either data from 2018-19 tests or 2020-21 tests, depending on the proportion of students who participated due to the pandemic. Using assessments to grade school quality is also often criticized because scores often resemble a measure of poverty. State assessment performance (20%) : In this indicator, U.S. News measures total assessment scores "compared with what U.S. News predicted for a school with its demographic characteristics in its state." In this case, the organization writes, "schools performing best on this ranking indicator are those whose assessment scores far exceeded U.S. News' modeled expectations." Underserved student performance (10%) : This measure looks at how Black, Hispanic and low-income students score on state assessments compared "with the average for non-underserved students among schools in the same state," according to U.S. News. Graduation rate (10%): U.S. News measured the proportion of students who entered high school in the 2017-18 school year and graduated four years later, in 2021. As Cowen sees it, there's nothing wrong with making information about schools publicly available but U.S. News framework isn't aimed at improving policy. "They're not talking about equity," Cowen said. "They're talking about just a leafy neighborhood you should aspire to be." Have a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for the USA TODAY Network's Northeast Region and Delaware Online, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: U.S. News & World Report school rankings mask inequities, experts say (This Sept. 26 story has been corrected to say 'the court of Western District of Washington state' instead of 'the court of the District of Columbia' in paragraph 19) By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Amazon.com on Tuesday and asked the court to consider forcing the online retailer to sell assets as the government accuses Big Tech of monopolizing the most lucrative parts of the internet. The FTC accused Amazon, a company started in a garage in 1994 and today worth $1.3 trillion, of fighting efforts by sellers on its online marketplace to offer products more cheaply on other platforms. Amazon forces sellers to use its warehouses and delivery services, inflating costs for consumers and sellers, the FTC said. Amazon is a monopoly and misuses its powers, according to the FTC, which quotes a seller as saying: "We have nowhere else to go and Amazon knows it." The lawsuit had been expected after years of complaints that Amazon.com and other tech giants abused their dominance of search, social media and online retailing to become gatekeepers on the most profitable aspects of the internet. The need to take action against Big Tech has been one of the few ideas that Democrats and Republicans have agreed on, and the FTC chief has been particularly concerned about Amazon's power. The lawsuit, which was joined by 17 state attorneys general, follows a four-year investigation and federal lawsuits filed against Alphabet's Google and Meta Platforms' Facebook. The FTC said that it was asking the court to issue a permanent injunction ordering Amazon to stop its unlawful conduct. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Seattle, where Amazon is based. "Left unchecked, Amazon will continue its illegal course of conduct to maintain its monopoly power," the FTC said in its complaint which asked the court "to put an end to Amazon's illegal course of conduct, pry loose Amazon's monopolistic control, deny Amazon the fruits of its unlawful practices, and restore the lost promise of competition." The FTC complaint asked for the court to consider "any preliminary or permanent equitable relief, including but not limited to structural relief, necessary to restore fair competition." Structural relief in antitrust jargon generally means a company sells an asset, such as a part of its business. In a press briefing, FTC Chair Lina Khan was asked about the idea of breaking up Amazon but declined to discuss it. "At this stage, the focus is really on liability," she said. In other antitrust trials, the court first establishes that the company broke the law and then, if needed, discusses how to remedy that. Amazon said that the FTC lawsuit was wrongheaded and would hurt consumers by leading to higher prices and slower deliveries. "The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store," said David Zapolsky, Amazon's general counsel. In a blog post, the company noted that it had 500,000 independent sellers on the platform. Amazon shares, which were down 3.2% before the lawsuit was announced, traded down 4% in late afternoon trade. Some investors saw upside from the lawsuit. "Either way, the shareholders win. If FTC loses its status quo, if company breaks up, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole as the AWS (cloud) business will command a very high multiple. Analysts will figure this out soon, but for now it's 'shoot first, ask questions later,'" said Thomas Hayes, chair at Great Hill Capital. The FTC said that Amazon punished sellers that sought to offer prices that were lower than Amazon's by making it difficult for consumers to find the seller on Amazon's platform. Other allegations include that Amazon gave preference to its own products on its platforms over competitors. The case, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington state, was assigned to John Coughenour, who was nominated to the bench in 1981 by Republican President Ronald Reagan. 'MONOPOLY POWER' Khan said that Amazon had used illegal tactics to fend off companies that would have risen to challenge its monopoly. "Amazon is now exploiting that monopoly power to harm its customers, both the tens of millions of families that shop on Amazon's platform and the hundreds of thousands of sellers that use Amazon to reach them," she said. Khan, while a law student, wrote about Amazon's dominance in online retailing for "The Yale Law Journal" and was on the staff of the House committee that wrote a report issued in 2020 that advocated reining in four tech giants: Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook. Amazon's critics welcomed the lawsuit. "No corporation has ever centralized this much power across so many crucial sectors. Left unchecked, Amazons power to dictate and control threatens the rule of law and our ability to maintain open, democratically governed markets," said Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which has pushed for the government to act against Amazon. During the Trump administration, which ended in 2021, the Justice Department and FTC opened probes into Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon. The Justice Department has sued Google twice - once under Republican Donald Trump regarding its search business and a second time on advertising technology since Democratic President Joe Biden took office. The FTC sued Facebook during the Trump administration and Biden's FTC has pressed forward with the lawsuit. (Reporting by Diane Bartz, Additional reporting by David Shepardson and Samrhitha A; Editing by Chris Sanders, Matthew Lewis, Nick Zieminski) Ukraines military has said it is clarifying information received about the alleged assassination of Russian commander Viktor Sokolov, after Moscow released a video that appears to show him alive and well. Kyiv claimed on Monday it killed Sokolov, the commander of Russias Black Sea Fleet, in an attack on the fleets headquarters in occupied Crimea last Friday. But the Russian Ministry of Defense published a video on Tuesday that appears to show Sokolov participating in a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other Russian military leaders. Ukraines new defense minister Rustem Umerov told CNNs Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday that if Sokolov is dead, its good news for everybody. In an exclusive interview from Kyiv, he neither confirmed nor denied Sokolov had been killed in the strike. He [Sokolov] is in our temporary occupied territories he should not be there at all. So, if hes dead, its good news for everybody that we are continuing to de-occupy our territory, Umerov told Amanpour. In the Russian footage, a man resembling Sokolov appears to join the meeting via video conference. The nametape on his uniform reads Sokolov V. N. and his screen shows the Cyrillic letters , the abbreviation for the Black Sea Fleet. CNN cannot confirm this is Sokolov, when the meeting took place or where his video appearance was filmed. Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish a response with Sokolov allegedly alive, our units are clarifying the information, Ukraine Special Operations Forces said on Telegram Tuesday. Available sources claim that the Black Sea Fleet Commander is among the dead. Many have not yet been identified due to the fragmentation of body fragments, the statement added. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier on Tuesday refused to comment on the Ukrainian claim that Sokolov had been killed. The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces had earlier said Fridays attack the latest in a string of bold strikes on the occupied peninsula of Crimea killed 34 people, including Sokolov. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said Russia was using Crimea as a logistics hub and that the ultimate goal, of course, is the de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea. Ukraine has increasingly been hitting strategic Russian targets in Crimea, the Black Sea region of southern Ukraine that has been occupied by Moscow since 2014. Before Fridays attack, Ukrainians had already carried out a series of strikes on Crimea. They hit a Russian military airfield at Saky, degraded Russian air defenses on the northwest coast, and carried out a missile attack on the main dry-dock and ship-repair facility in Sevastopol, crippling an attack submarine and a landing ship. Russia appointed Sokolov as its new commander for its Crimea-based Black Sea fleet in August 2022, according to reports from state media outlet TASS at the time. Sokolov had been serving as the Naval Academy chief since 2020. He served as the Northern Fleet deputy commander from 2013 until 2020. The change of command came amid heavy losses and a string of explosions at Russian military facilities in Crimea. Maddie Araujo and Alex Hardie contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraine claimed it killed Russia's Black Sea Fleet admiral, Viktor Solokov, in a Friday strike. That would be a "remarkable achievement," ex-NATO commander James Stavridis said. On Tuesday Russia released footage suggesting the admiral was still alive. Ukraine killing a Russian admiral in Crimea would be a "remarkable achievement" by Kyiv, a retired four-star admiral said. Ret. US Navy Admiral James Stavridis praised Ukraine in a Monday post on X, formerly known as Twitter. It was after the country's special forces claimed that a Friday strike on a Russian headquarters in Sevastopol killed a top commander. Ukraine said that 34 officers died, including the fleet commander, Admiral Viktor Sokolov. It said 105 other people were wounded in the attack. If confirmed, Sokolov's death would mean an admiral had been killed in combat for the first time since World War II, said Stavridis, who was also NATO's supreme allied commander for Europe. "This is a remarkable achievement by Ukraine eliminating a very significant Russian military leader and many of his subordinates," Stavridis wrote. "I believe you have to go back to WWII to find other admiral killed in combat." However, on Tuesday Russia released footage appearing to show that Sokolov was alive: An annotated still from a meeting of the Board of the Russian Ministry of Defense on Tuesday September 26, 2023, appearing to feature the Russian admiral Viktor Sokolov (circled). Insider/Russian Ministry of Defense In response to that, Ukraine said it was working to confirm whether Sokolov had indeed been killed. The last admiral recorded to have died in combat was Japanese Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, who was commander-in-chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Combined Fleet during World War II. He was killed in April 1943 by the US Air Force, which shot down his plane over the South Pacific. Ukraine said it attacked the headquarters during a meeting between high-ranking officers. Ukrainian Special Forces leader Kyrylo Budanov told Voice of America that two senior Russian officers, Colonel-General Alexander Romanchuk and Lieutenant General Oleg Tsekov were wounded. According to Ukrainian media, the attack was enabled by Russian officers, who were upset that their salaries weren't being paid on time and fed information about the high-ranking commanders to pro-Ukrainian resistance fighters in Russian-occupied Crimea. On Friday, several Western-provided Storm Shadow cruise missiles struck the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters, amid recent Ukraine's accelerated pace of attacks on Crimea. Russian state media outlet TASS published a photo of the smoking Sevastopol headquarters, acknowledging the missile attack. Moscow has been using Crimea as a launching pad for its attacks on Ukraine, and the peninsula serves as a base for aircraft and warships hitting from the south. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has agreed to supply Ukraine with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which have a range of up to 190 miles and are known for their precision and a warhead that produces a blast equivalent to 500 pounds of TNT. September 27, 2023: This story has been updated to reflect Russia's release of footage appearing to show Admiral Viktor Sokolov alive. Read the original article on Business Insider A day after being declared dead by Ukraine's special operations command, Russian Administration. Viktor Sokolov, commander of the Black Sea Fleet, appeared via video at a conference in Moscow. A day after Ukrainian Special Operations Command (SSO) claimed that Russian Adm. Viktor Sokolov was among dozens of officers killed in the Sept. 22 cruise missile attack on the headquarters building of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) in Sevastopol , the BSF commander was seen apparently very much alive Tuesday during a meeting held by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu . The SSO said it is now clarifying its original report, without stating it was in error. As Shoigu talked about the current status of the war in Ukraine, Sokolov appeared to be seen on a video feed during a meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board Session held in Moscow. In this image below, published on the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) Telegram channel, Sokolov is seen on the bottom left on the large screen, just under Shoigu. Russian Adm. Viktor Sokolov is seen on the big screen, just under Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, in this image posted by the Russian MoD. (Russian MoD) In the edited video below, originally posted on the Telegram channel of the official Russian RIA Novosti news outlet, Sokolov is seen a couple of times - once at the 2-second mark and again at the 56-second mark. https://twitter.com/noelreports/status/1706628302851445092?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A "The commander of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, whose death was reported to the Ukrainian public, was present at today's meeting of the Board of Defense," RIA Novosti reported on its Telegram channel. The War Zone cannot independently verify the timing and authenticity of the RIA Novosti video, but The New York Times noted that "a Sept. 26 time stamp on the clip which matches the date in the videos metadata." In the wake of that video, the SSO on Tuesday issued a clarification of information about its Sokolov death report. As is known, 34 officers were killed as a result of a missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, the SSO wrote. Available sources claim that among the dead was the commander of the Russian Army. Many still have not been identified due to the disparity of body fragments. Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish an answer with an apparently alive Sokolov, our units are clarifying the information. This happens within the procedure for collecting data on the results of the operation. https://twitter.com/ukikaski/status/1706655943247683805?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Asked if Sokolov was alive or dead, Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of the Defense Intelligence Directorate, told The War Zone on Tuesday that "we don't know exactly." As for whether the images and video of Sokolov really indicated he was alive, or if the Russians faked it, Budanov said "that is the question. Maybe he is alive, maybe no. We are looking for the answer." Either way, Budanov told us that this incident won't have a negative impact on Ukraine. In an interview with Voice of America on Friday, he did not mention Sokolov among those killed in the attack. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with CNN , Ukraines new defense minister Rustem Umerov on Tuesday neither confirmed nor denied Sokolovs death. He [Sokolov] is in our temporary occupied territories he should not be there at all. So, if hes dead, its good news for everybody that we are continuing to de-occupy our territory, Umerov told CNNs Christine Amanpour. Regardless of Sokolov's status, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been seriously affected by the recent Ukrainian attacks against it, the U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) noted in its latest assessment released Tuesday. https://twitter.com/defencehq/status/1706545023913701480?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Ukrainian attacks on Sept. 20 and, as mentioned above, Sept. 22 "have been more damaging and more coordinated than thus far in the war." However, while the physical damage to the BSF "is almost certainly severe" the fleet "almost certainly remains capable of fulfilling its core wartime missions of cruise missile strikes and local security patrols." Still, the BSF's ability to conduct wider regional security patrols and enforce its de-facto Black Sea blockade "will be diminished," according to the U.K. MoD. "It also likely has a degraded ability to defend its assets in port and conduct routine maintenance." Though Ukraine lost much of its remaining naval capacity when Russia seized Berdiansk in the beginning of the all-out war, there is a "dynamic, deep strike battle underway in the Black Sea," according to the U.K. MoD. Ukraine has been able to conduct offensive operations against Russian naval assets through the use of uncrewed surface vessels, aerial drones and missile attacks on infrastructure throughout the Crimean peninsula. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1705281007375548522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1705281007375548522%7Ctwgr%5E10f411fffdb9f96dfa96c591819bbe7d990628c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fblack-sea-fleet-headquarters-takes-direct-hit-from-cruise-missile "This is likely forcing Russia into a reactive posture whilst demonstrating that Ukraine's military can undermine the Kremlin's symbolic and strategic power projection from its warm water port in occupied Sevastopol." https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1705204802479669408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1705204802479669408%7Ctwgr%5E10f411fffdb9f96dfa96c591819bbe7d990628c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fblack-sea-fleet-headquarters-takes-direct-hit-from-cruise-missile As of just after midnight Wednesday Kyiv time, the SSO provided no additional information about Sokolov's status. Barring a Weekend at Bernies situation where the Russians faked Sokolov being alive, this incident is a reminder that in the fog of war and the robust information battle taking place in Ukraine by both sides, even official confirmations can be wrong, intentionally or otherwise. Before we head into the latest from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here . The Latest On the battlefield, it appears that there were no major gains by either side over the past 24 hours. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said its forces came under aerial attack by Russia near Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast while the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it repelled two Ukrainian attacks near Verbove. Here are some key takeaways from the latest Institute for the Study of War assessment : The tactical situation in Verbove remains unclear amid continued Ukrainian offensive operations in western Zaporizhia Oblast on September 25. Russian military officials continue efforts to build out the Russian armed forces to suit the needs of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine. Russian forces continued unsuccessful offensive operations near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations near Bakhmut, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast but did not make any confirmed gains. https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1706466293241483628 Russian attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure in the Odesa region continued Tuesday. A Russian drone strike on the Danube River port city of Izmail injured two truck drivers, damaged port infrastructure and resulted in the suspension of ferry service across the river, the local governor said on his Telegram channel Tuesday. https://twitter.com/gerashchenko_en/status/1706560601281978867?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A For two hours, Russian terrorists attacked Odesa region with attack drones, Oleh Kiper said. Air defense forces were working extremely hard. Most of the drones were shot down. Unfortunately, the port infrastructure was hit in the Izmail district. In addition to the injured truck drivers, a checkpoint building, warehouses, about 30 trucks and six vans were damaged during the attack, Kiper said. The work of the ferry crossing point Orlivka is temporarily suspended, said Kiper. We will inform you about the resumption of transit operations, but in the meantime, we ask you to choose other routes to Romania. We reached out to Romanian officials for comment and will update this story with any pertinent information provided. Several other regions in Ukraine were attacked by Russian drones as well, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD). https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1706584977775706236 The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) has for the first time posted a war-related video of a unified gliding and correction module (UMPK) equipped FAB-500M-62 bombs according to defense analyst Guy Plopksy. These are guided glide kits that feature pop-out wings for dumb bombs. You can read more about them in our story here . The video, posted Tuesday on the Russian MoD Telegram channel, shows an Su-34 Fullback strike fighter taking off with a pair of those bombs on its mid-board wing stations. https://twitter.com/haltman/status/1706777976371593444?s=20 The Russian Aerospace Forces' Su-34 multipurpose fighter bomber crews hit command and control posts of unmanned aerial vehicles and armored fighting vehicles of the AFU with guided aerial bombs, the Russian MoD stated. The pilots used guided munitions to destroy the targets, which destroyed fortified facilities and enemy hardware. https://twitter.com/GuyPlopsky/status/1706619553936290000 Speaking of Russian glide bombs, video emerged on social media purporting to be a strike on a Ukrainian building with one of those weapons, an attack directed or at least filmed by an Orlan-10 drone. https://twitter.com/squatsons/status/1706637250484904335?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Here are Ukrainian pilots' views of what it is like to fly an Su-27 Flanker fast and low to survive in contested airspace. https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/status/1706609563464810893?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A With the vast expansion of the trench warfare that has been taking place in Ukraine since 2014, the country is now scarred by hundreds of miles of dug out defensive lines created by both sides. Here's a look at how a Soviet-era MDK-3 trench digging vehicle remains in operation for Ukraine. https://twitter.com/mhmck/status/1706341858161439022?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A And finally, in combat, quick and proper medical attention often means the difference between life and death. This video shows the training of Ukrainian troops on tactical medicine best practices, especially the all-important proper application of tourniquets. https://twitter.com/bekamaciorowski/status/1706589805864239155?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A 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 Apart from empty promises, what else can US offer to Pacific island countries? Global Times) 09:46, September 26, 2023 Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times The Biden administration kicked off a second summit with Pacific island leaders on Monday and it has made no secret of its desire to confront and compete with China for influence in the South Pacific region. The primary objective for the US in this summit is to counter and weaken China's collaboration with South Pacific countries. This narrow-minded motive reflects the US' hegemonic mind-set and also reveals a lack of respect toward the nations in the South Pacific. Western media bluntly stated that the summit is "part of a U.S. charm offensive to block further Chinese inroads into a strategic region Washington has long considered its own backyard." The main purpose of the US hosting this summit is to prevent China's increasing influence in the South Pacific region. Since China signed a regional security agreement with the Solomon Islands last year, the US has particularly paid increasing attention to the South Pacific region. The US' focus on Pacific island countries is to counter China, rather than genuinely offering support to regional development, a mentality that's filled with arrogance. At the same time, the US' attention is pretentious as the US only makes empty promises. During the previous US-Pacific Island Forum Leader's Summit, the US proposed to provide $810 million in aid. However, to this day, the $810 million from the US has not been approved by Congress. Zhou Fangyin, professor at the Guangdong Research Institute for International Strategies, told the Global Times that the US government is facing a shutdown next week, this means that it will be difficult for any economic assistance promised by the US to Pacific island countries to be fulfilled. For Pacific island countries, their greatest concerns are climate change, economic development, and social stability. In these aspects, China upholds "four full respects" and mutually beneficial cooperation with South Pacific countries. In contrast, the US, under the guise of aid, actually promotes its own ideology and attempts to drag the region into its anti-China alliance, turning Pacific island countries into US pawns. The US has long neglected the South Pacific region. In recent years, as China's cooperation with the South Pacific region has strengthened, its mutually beneficial cooperation has been welcomed by the governments and peoples of the Pacific island countries. However, the US perceives this as a threat and a challenge to its hegemonic status, thus increasing its attention on the region. The US is desperately trying to regain its influence in the South Pacific region. Chen Hong, executive director at the Asia Pacific Studies Centre of East China Normal University, told the Global Times that the US' attempt to woo and coerce Pacific island countries reflects a narrow-minded motive. The more the US promotes its "cooperation with these countries," the more it highlights the weakness and fragility of their relationship. Zhou said that the US hopes to include Pacific island countries in its Indo-Pacific strategy, but these countries do not want to take sides in the competition between China and the US. Being involved in the competition led by the US brings no benefits to Pacific island countries. Despite the US' strategic layout against China, its guiding ideology is flawed, as it disregards the interests and dignity of local countries in order to maintain its own hegemony. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman reportedly will not attend the summit. The absence of the two prime ministers can be seen as representing the sentiment of Pacific island country leaders, which is a rejection of US' selfishness. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) While the country expects around four to seven tropical cyclones before the end of the year, the ongoing El Nino is seen to bring drought to more provinces until March 2024, according to the state weather bureau. The latest assessment of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed 45 provinces could be hit by drought towards March next year more widespread than the initial tally of 40 in its August forecast. "May inaasahan pa din tayong four to seven tropical cyclones by end-December. But still there will be areas potential for dry spell at maapektuhan nitong nakikita nating tumitindi nang El Nino [and will be affected by what we see as an intensifying El Nino]," PAGASA assistant weather services chief Ana Solis said. According to PAGASA, Central and Western Visayas and Mindanao will be worst hit by the weather phenomenon. Meanwhile, El Nino has already been affecting Luzon. Solis warned that 2024 could be "one of the warmest year on record" for Filipinos. "As early as now nakikita na natin na next year yung warm and dry season ay February, March, April, May. Itong tag-init natin medyo kokonti ang ulan, yun ang kelangang paghandaan," Solis said. [Translation: As early as now we can see that next year the warm and dry season will be February, March, April, May. This summer we have a little bit of rain, that's what we need to prepare for.] Meanwhile, farmer groups proposed that the government distribute more palay seeds of the upland variety such as red rice, brown rice and black, which are more drought-resilient than the inbred seeds currently given to farmers. With reports from CNN Philippines' correspondent Lois Calderon. A Russian missile and drone attack on the Black Sea port city of Odesa early Monday left two people dead and badly damaged grain facilities and a well-known abandoned hotel, Ukrainian officials say. The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia attacked the city with 12 Kalibr sea-based cruise missiles, two P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles and 19 Shahed 136/131 drones. One Kalibr and both Oniks missiles managed to evade air defenses, the Ukrainian Air Force said. The Russians have been using the Oniks in their secondary surface-strike role for attacks on Odesa and Mykolaiv. https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1706271955521786111 https://twitter.com/kategoestech/status/1706084206642618704?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A One of the Russian missiles hit a grain warehouse, where the two people were killed, said Odesa Regional Military Administration head Oleh Kiper Monday on his Telegram channel. In addition to hitting grain facilities, the attack damaged the vacant Odesa Hotel, a well-known waterfront landmark. https://twitter.com/GoncharenkoUa/status/1706247643909783932 The hotel was completed and opened in 2001, according to the Odessa Journal . The 19-story building with a total area of 26,842 square meters had approximately 160 rooms. It closed in 2011, he publication reported. Interestingly, current hotel owner Andrey Stavnitser said he didnt much care for the high-rise building overlooking the Black Sea but was grateful there were no casualties there during the attack. In a Monday post on his Facebook page , Stavnitser called it a monument to carelessness and tastelessness - I didn't like it as much as all Odesa residents, so I dreamed of finally reconstructing it. He said he dreamed of building a beautiful, modern promenade in Odesa, with a concert hall (named, of course, Zhvanetsky), with a pier for cruise ships, with a rink in winter, bicycle paths, restaurants and shops. My city would finally have a waterfront. A place where you would like to visit on the weekend with your children - where tourists would like to visit and where sea trams would go, just like in Istanbul. Stavnitser said he invested millions of dollars, bought a share from private investors and, despite the war, closed the deal with the state. He also said he even selected several world urban planners and architects. Everything will be, he said. We will rebuild it all. Dont wait, you critters. Odesa will be as beautiful as you could never dream in your horrible nightmares. Thank God there were no casualties. The Odesa Hotel after a strike by Russian missiles. (Andrey Stavnitser Facebook) The lower level of the hotel was damaged as well. (Andrey Stavnitser Facebook) The Odesa Hotel suffered a tremendous amount of damage during the attack. (Andrey Stavnitser Facebook) Despite damage to civilian structures, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed it carried out attacks against military targets. "Last night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a group strike with long-range precision weapons and strike drones against temporary deployment sites of foreign mercenaries and sabotage groups training points of the AFU," the Russian MoD said. "All the facilities have been neutralized. The goal of the attack has been reached." Ukrainian authorities say the hotel was abandoned, but the Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel says that previous reports indicated at least some presence of Ukrainian troops there several months ago. "Although some resources claim that the building was never used for military purposes, this is not entirely true: back in May, people in uniform were seen there, and for some reason generators were working at the 'abandoned' facility," Rybar reported Monday. "However, there is no objective evidence of the destruction of manpower there during the night raid." We reached out to Stavnister for comment and will update this story with any pertinent information he provides. Given the building's height and location, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that it could have been used as an observation post or to house sensors on the roof. It's size could lend itself to other uses, but there is no known evidence of any of this. https://twitter.com/noelreports/status/1706174337995215226?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A https://twitter.com/maria_avdv/status/1706175047033888878?s=20 Russia has been carrying out a sustained series of attacks on Ukrainian port and grain facilities on the Black Sea and the Danube River since July. Initially, they were tied to Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative , according to Ukrainian officials. That followed Ukraine's attack on the Kerch Bridge July 17 . The Kremlin has denied a connection and the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) said it was hitting military targets. On Monday, however, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed the latest strike on Odesa was retaliation for its attack Friday on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea that killed dozens of Navy officers, including the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, which you can read more about later in this story. You can read more about the initial attack reporting here . https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1706193779940581503 Given the ongoing Russian campaign against Ukraine's port infrastructure and its belief that Ukrainian forces are training there while uncrewed surface vessel (USV) attacks on Crimea and Russian naval and shipping assets in the Black Sea are launched from Odesa, the city will remain high on Russia's targeting list. The city's prominence and coastal location also make it a top target, and the fact that it is now a significantly softer target than Kyiv doesn't help. Before we head into the latest from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here . The Latest On the battlefield, Ukraine could achieve an operationally significant breakthrough on the southern front if several key factors take place, the Institute for the Study of War said in its latest assessment posted on Twitter: Russian forces do not have the necessary reserves or combat power to maintain its defenses in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast; Ukrainian forces retain enough combat power to continue pushing after exhausting Russian combat power; Russian defensive positions behind the current battle area are not as heavily mined or well-prepared as the fortifications Ukraine has already breached. ISW said it continues to assess that the Russian military does not have sufficient forces deployed to western Zaporizhia to completely man its defenses in depth and that Ukrainian forces should be able to operate through Russian field fortifications more rapidly if they are not properly manned. https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1706337954023559649 Last week, Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov told us that Ukraine was pinning down Russian forces around Bakhmut to prevent them from reinforcing the southern front. "... Russians recently redeployed their only reserve force - the 25th Army - which was just recently raised and hasn't completed its creation," the commander of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) told us. "Now it's redeployed to roughly the north of Bakhmut and that's the place where it's going to be buried." He also said Russia has already committed the bulk of its reserves to defending against the counteroffensive, moving its vaunted paratroopers to backfill positions in Zaporizhzhia. "All that they have already have been thrown into the fire," Budanov told us. "And now all the backbone of current Russian airborne troops is in defense and trying to deter the movement of our offensive groupings in the south. Before that, there were units of the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade . That brigade was completely defeated, completely smashed, and now they have withdrawn being replaced by airborne troops." You can read more on Budanov's insights in our exclusive interview here . https://twitter.com/haltman/status/1705273447469687115?s=20 ISW on Monday concurred with Budanov, saying Ukraines operations in Bakhmut have kept Russian forces committed to eastern Ukraine and away from the southern front and helped deny the creation of a strategic reserve. It remains unclear, however, if Ukrainian forces have enough reserve forces and combat power to continue conducting offensive operations in the south until the Russian defenses break to effectively exploit an operational breakthrough, ISW said. It also remains unclear how heavily mined or well-prepared the Russian positions south of the current battle area are. The Ukrainian counteroffensive is in an extremely dynamic phase and ISW is not prepared to offer any confident forecast of events despite recent positive indicators. The Robotyne-Verbove salient sector of this front in particular remains hotly contested. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD) on Monday said its forces successfully repelled enemy attacks in the vicinity of the Robotyne settlement of the Zaporizhzhia region and continue to entrench themselves on the occupied borders. The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) said units of the Russian grouping of troops, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems have repelled two attacks by Ukrainian forces near Verbove. https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1706412212913307888 Crimean occupation Gov. Mikhail Razvozhayev said Monday on his Telegram channel that Russian air defenses downed an unspecified missile near the Belbek airfield north of Sevastopol Monday night. Belbek has been targeted by Ukrainian in the past. The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel, however, went into greater detail, saying that Ukraine unleashed launched at least two Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles from Su-24 Fencer combat jets. Judging by the areas where the missiles hit, Ukrainian troops tried to strike airfields of the Aerospace Forces and Navy in Crimea, Rybar said. And while Storm Shadow/SCALP carriers remain in the air, the threat of repeated attacks remains. https://twitter.com/rybar_force/status/1706390849041350998 Budanov also told us that "you could not have missed that since the middle of August , there's been a certain intensification going on with regard to Crimea." The alerts issued by Razvozhayev Monday appear to be the first under a new warning program instituted after the increasing attacks against Sevastopol. Over the weekend, officials made decisions about when to activate he sirens and loudspeakers of the Regional Automated Centralized Public Warning System, Razvozhayev said Monday on his Telegram channel. At the moment the signal is received, you have from 30 to 50 minutes to calmly carry out all actions to take measures to ensure personal safety (go to shelters or stay at home, following the instructions), he wrote. As soon as we receive information about an air raid alert from the military, I personally give the command to launch the signal. The messages will be sent via his Telegram channel, as well as local TV and radio but not SMS, since text messages can take up to an hour to be delivered, he added, and are not effective this in this case. In the wake of increasing Ukrainian attacks, Sevastopol Gov. Mikhail Razvozhayev has created a new air raid warning system for that city. (Razvozhayev Telegram) Speaking of the attack on Sevastopol, the Ukrainian Special Operations Command (SSO) confirmed earlier reports that Russian Adm. Viktor Sokolov, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, was among dozens of officers killed. "After the defeat of the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces, 34 officers died, including the commander of the Russian Armed Forces," the SSO said Monday on its Telegram channel without specifically naming Sokolov. "Another 105 occupiers were wounded. The headquarters building cannot be restored." In addition, The SSO said that 62 sailors aboard the Ropucha class landing ship Minsk were killed during the Sept. 13 attack on Sevastopol that also destroyed the Kilo class diesel-electric attack submarine Rostov-on-Don (B-237). https://twitter.com/stavridisj/status/1706289247190237298?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Cash-strapped Russian sailors, who have faced delayed paychecks, tipped off partisans in Crimea about the location and activities of high-ranking Russian commanders, the Kyiv Post reports. The partisan movement of Ukrainians and Tatars in Crimea (ATESH), who helped plan the attack, told the Kyiv Post in an exclusive interview that it obtained key information about the location and activities of high-ranking Russian commanders from cash-strapped officers in exchange for financial rewards. Theres more to this than just money, however. Delays in payments alone do not force the military armed forces of the Russian Federation to go against the Russian authorities, a spokesperson for the group said, adding that those who help them also believe their country is waging a criminal war and that it needs to stop. https://twitter.com/kategoestech/status/1706280419858001922?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A A Russian aviation regiment commander and several others were killed at an air base inside Russia by an exploding drone, Ukrainian intelligence claims. The attack took place at the Khalino air field near Kursk, about 60 miles from the Ukrainian border. That's the home of the 14th Zhdanov Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, according to the Ukrainian Liga.net news outlet. Liga wrote that according to a source in the GUR, the drone was allegedly intercepted by Russian electronic warfare near the airfield, and then safely landed on the runway. The leadership of the aviation regiment and FSB officers arrived to inspect it and take further photos, the GUR source told Liga, but when the delegation tried to inspect the 'trophy' UAV, a munition detonated. The GUR source said that in addition to the aviation regiment commander, the explosion also killed one of his deputies, "a group of aviation officers," a Russian military counterintelligence (FSB) operative, and airfield workers. https://twitter.com/maks_nafo_fella/status/1706253064489877893?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A One of the keys to successful armor operations is the ability to recover damaged or otherwise stuck vehicles. In that regard, equipment like the German-donated Bergerpanzer 3 Buffel armor recovery vehicles are unsung heroes in this war. You can see a Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tank, reportedly stuck for three months near Robotyne, finally being recovered by a Bergerpanzer in the video below. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1705556069118787703?s=20 It seems the Russians will mount anything on the ubiquitous MT-LB tracked armor platform. The latest such innovation has the mating of a Russian RBU-6000 Smerch-2 multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) anti-submarine rocket to the MT-LB. The system can fire projectiles at a range of a little over three miles, according to Military Ukraine , a semi-official defense website. "Based on this, it can be assumed that the Russians will use the new installation as a short-range MLRS," Military Ukraine reported. https://twitter.com/AndreiBtvt/status/1705726469924639218 Russia is apparently continuing its inflatable decoy tank game . This video below shows a Ukrainian drone coming upon at least three of the blow-up armor models designed to confuse the enemy and waste their munitions. In this case, the drone operators appeared not to be fooled. https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1706321148038774874?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) remain a helpful weapon for Ukraine. The troops in this video below used a Stinger to reportedly shoot down a Russian drone. https://twitter.com/gloooud/status/1706326886513525226?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A Speaking of Stingers, video has emerged of the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range air defense system (SHORAD) reportedly downing a Russian cruise missile. Late last year, the U.S. provided 20 Avengers, which are armed with Stinger missiles. https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/status/1706219091852177604 Speaking of donated SHORADs, check out this video showing a British-supplied Stormer armed with Starstreak High-Velocity Missiles (HVM), hurtling down the road somewhere in Ukraine. SHORADs at the front are badly needed to keep Russian attack helicopters and drones at bay. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1706337298982244498?s=20 And finally, stepping gingerly among rubble, a Russian soldier walks around a destroyed Kamaz-63969 Typhoon mine-resistant, ambush protected six-wheeled armored vehicle somewhere in Luhansk Oblast. https://twitter.com/gloooud/status/1706196902625128863?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A 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 The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to advance south of Bakhmut, with 12 combat clashes recorded there during the day. Source: Illia Yevlash, head of the press service for the Eastern Group of Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the national 24/7 newscast Quote: "On the southern flank, we continue the offensive operation. In particular, we have had successes near Zaitseve, Klishchiivka, Odradivka and Ivanivske. There, our defenders continue to knock out the enemy. Under heavy fire, they are holding the defence and consolidating positions." Details: Yevlash said the Russians had covered the Ukrainian forces with fire 580 times on this front and used aircraft four times. In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to kill 141 Russian troops and destroy 10 D-30 and three D-20 mortars, two Pion systems, and four Msta B howitzers. Several Russian electronic surveillance systems were also destroyed, in particular, KREDO-1E a special system that can detect the movement of equipment and people at any time of the year. 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! Rustem Umierov, Ukraines Minister of Defence, has neither confirmed nor denied news of the death of the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in a recent missile attack. Source: Umierov in an interview with CNN Quote: "First of all, he is in our temporarily occupied territories. He should not be there at all. So if hes dead, its good news for everybody, that we are continuing to de-occupy our territory." Background: On 25 September, Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that a successful operation had resulted in a missile strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the temporarily occupied city of Sevastopol on 22 September. On 26 September, the Russian Ministry of Defence released an image of Viktor Sokolov, Commander of the Black Sea Fleet, supposedly present at a meeting. Special Operations Forces said they are currently collecting data and clarifying information on the possible death of Commander Sokolov. 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! Oleksii Danilov, the Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defence Council, has emphasised that Ukraine will not use the long-range ATACMS missiles which are to be provided by the United States for strikes on the territory of the Russian Federation. Source: Danilov in an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC Danilov stressed that the long-range missiles provided by the US "will be used exclusively to protect the territory of Ukraine". Quote: "We will not use them on the territory of Russia. We have agreements on this with our partners." Details: At the same time, Danilov says that the transfer of the war to Russian territory is necessary for the protection of Ukraine: "It is our task to strike with our own weapons at the military facilities of the Russian Federation, from which attacks on our children are carried out almost every day." He reiterated that Ukraine would not attack Russias civilian population. Last week, the US confirmed that it would supply Kyiv with long-range anti-tank missiles, which are key to attacks on the Russian army's supply lines. Danilov emphasised the importance of this weapon: "We would really like to have it." Background: NBC News reported that US President Joe Biden had informed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Washington will supply Ukraine with a small batch of ATACMS long-range missiles to help it in the war with Russia. Washington had previously explained its refusal to deliver long-range missiles by saying the United States lacked sufficient stocks of these weapons. Another reason, which US officials did not voice publicly, is the fear of escalation by Russia. 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! Ukraines Defence Forces targeted the temporary command post of the Russians in Kherson Oblast, following a tip-off from the Security Service of Ukraine. Source: Ukrainska Pravda source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) Details: The video of the recent explosion in the temporary command post of the Russians near Kherson was provided by a source to the UP. Reportedly, thanks to the tip-off from the SSU, the HIMARS missile "visited" the daily meeting of Russian officers of the 24th Motorised Rifle Regiment of the 70th Motorised Rifle Division. HIMARS pic.twitter.com/nuMrCzMIZe (@ukrpravda_news) September 26, 2023 Quote: "The meeting ended early: eight officers ended as 200 and seven ended as 300 [military slang terms; 200 means killed in action, and 300 means wounded ed.]." 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 Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are currently collecting data and clarifying information about the possible death of the commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation Viktor Sokolov. Source: the press office of the SOF Quote: "As you know, 34 officers were killed as a result of a missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation. Available sources claim that the commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation is among the dead. Many have not yet been identified due to the disparity of body fragments. Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish an answer with an apparently alive Sokolov, our units are clarifying the information. This happens within the framework of the procedure for collecting data on the results of the operation." Previously: On 25 September, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 34 Russian officers were killed in an attack on the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet in occupied Sevastopol. On 26 September 26, the Ministry of Defence of Russia posted an image of the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Viktor Sokolov, at a meeting. Where and when the Russian agency shot this video is currently unknown. The spokesman of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmytro Peskov, told reporters he "does not have information about the alleged death of Black Sea Fleet Commander Sokolov". Background: On the morning of 22 September, the Russian Ministry of Defence reported an attack by guided missiles and UAVs on occupied Crimea, with the Russians claiming they had managed to shoot down one missile and two drones. Later, it was reported that there had been a missile attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. The Russian Ministry of Defence even acknowledged the death of one soldier, although later the occupiers' defence ministry said that person had gone missing. Against the backdrop of explosions in occupied Crimea, Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk thanked the pilots of the Air Force and mocked Russian propaganda. Foreign media outlets said that Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles to attack the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said that at least 9 people, including Russian generals, were killed and 16 wounded in the Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that a successful operation resulted in a missile strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the temporarily occupied city of Sevastopol on 22 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! Ukraine's attacks on Russia's Black Sea Fleet are causing more damage than ever, UK intelligence says. The UK's Ministry of Defense said the Russian fleet was probably losing its ability to defend itself. The Ukrainian attacks on the fleet had been "more damaging and more coordinated," British intelligence said. Ukraine's military beefed up its attacks against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, causing more destruction than ever, British intelligence said Tuesday. The Russian naval fleet based in the occupied Crimean Peninsula has been hit by a series of major attacks by Ukrainian forces, including missile strikes on the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol last week. "These attacks have been more damaging and more coordinated than thus far" in Russian President Vladimir Putin's grinding 19-month-long full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK's Ministry of Defence said in a daily intelligence update. The physical damage done to Russia's Black Sea Fleet was described by British intelligence as "almost certainly severe but localized." "The fleet almost certainly remains capable of fulfilling its core wartime missions of cruise missile strikes and local security patrols," the UK intelligence group said. It added, however, that Moscow's fleet was probably losing its ability to defend itself. It said it was likely that the Russian fleet's ability "to continue wider regional security patrols and enforce its de facto blockade of Ukrainian ports will be diminished." The update also said the fleet probably had a "degraded ability to defend its assets in port and to conduct routine maintenance." "A dynamic, deep strike battle is underway in the Black Sea," the Ministry of Defence said. "This is likely forcing Russia into a reactive posture whilst demonstrating that Ukraine's military can undermine the Kremlin's symbolic and strategic power projection from its warm water port in occupied Sevastopol." Ukraine's special forces said Monday that 34 Russian officers, including the top commander Viktor Sokolov, were killed and more than 100 wounded in a missile strike on the naval base. Insider was unable to immediately and independently confirm these claims. Russia's ministry of defense later published a video undermining Ukraine's assertion that it killed Sokolov, appearing to show him at a meeting on Tuesday. Read the original article on Business Insider Seven settlements in Kursk Oblast, Russia, have been left without electricity following an alleged attack by a Ukrainian drone. Source: Roman Starovoyt, Governor of Kursk Oblast, on Telegram Quote from Starovoyt: "This morning a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on an electrical substation in the village of Snagost, Korenevsky district. Seven settlements have been cut off from the power supply." Details: According to the Russian governor, no local residents were injured. Starovoyt added that emergency crews would start work on restoring the power supply "as soon as the situation allows". The Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed that the military shot down five Ukrainian drones in Kursk Oblast between the evening of 25 September and the morning of 26 September. They also claim to have repelled a UAV attack in Belgorod Oblast on the evening of 25 September, apparently shooting down seven drones in the sky over the Grayvoronsky urban district. 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! 26 out of 38 Shahed attack drones were shot down over Ukraine on the night of 25-26 September. There was a hit in the Danube area, damaging border infrastructure and burning vehicles. Source: Ukrainian Air Force; Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Natalia Humeniuk, Head of the Joint Press Centre for Operational Command Pivden (South), during the national joint 24/7 newscast Quote from the Air Force: "The Russian invaders attacked [Ukraine] with Shahed attack UAVs on the night of 25-26 September 2023. The launch of 38 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs from the southeast (Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk; Cape Chauda in Russian-occupied Crimea) was observed. The air defence forces and assets of the Ukrainian Air Force, jointly with units of other parts of the Ukrainian Defence Forces, downed 26 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs. Details: Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, and mobile fire groups were operating along the route of the loitering munitions. Ukrainian tactical aircraft conducted over 40 sorties over the past and current days, with 20 aimed at engaging the Russians. Humeniuk said the Russians had once again attacked port and border infrastructure in Odesa Oblast with drones, and there was a hit in the Podunavia (over Danube area), setting fire to vehicles in the waiting and registration area, with two drivers reportedly injured. There was also a danger to bus passengers preparing to cross the border. The border infrastructure at the international checkpoint was also damaged. Humeniuk said 22 Shahed UAVs were shot down during a Russian attack on Ukraine's south overnight: 10 in Odesa Oblast, three in Kherson Oblast, six in Mykolaiv Oblast and three in Kirovohrad Oblast. Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, reported that four Shahed UAVs had been shot down over Cherkasy Oblast, but an infrastructure facility had been hit. There was also a ballistic missile explosion in Kryvyi Rih at dawn, and damage was inflicted on a business facility, Humeniuk added. She added that although the attack was focused mainly on Odesa Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast was also "hit quite hard", with wreckage setting an agricultural facility on fire. Vitalii Kim also reported that six Shahed-136/131 attack drones were shot down over Mykolaiv Oblast on the night of 25-26 September. A fire broke out at the premises of an agricultural business in Bereznehuvata hromada due to the crash of a Russian drone destroyed by Ukrainian air defence forces [hromada an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.]. The fire was contained. Preliminary reports indicate no casualties. Furthermore, the city of Mykolaiv was hit by a missile strike on the evening of 25 September at around 21:00. The missile hit an infrastructure facility on the outskirts of the city. Further details are being established. Earlier, Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, stated that the Russians had struck the port infrastructure in Odesa Oblast, damaging a checkpoint building, warehouses, three dozen trucks, burning out six articulated lorries and injuring two drivers. 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! Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) The government has not ruled out granting P15,000 in cash subsidy, or ayuda, to farmers who will take a hit from the El Nino phenomenon. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday said the agency is in talks with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for other interventions after the payout of cash aid to rice retailers, which is a separate assistance after Malacanang imposed a price ceiling on the staple. "Nag-uusap na kami ng Department of Agriculture para masigurado natin na yung intervention na yan ay papasok pa sa mga darating na araw," said Gatchalian. "Sa ngayon tinatapos natin yung sa small rice retailers. I am a hundred percent sure na ang ating pangulo ay pabubuksan ang shortlist sa department," he added. [Translation: We are coordinating with the Department of Agriculture to make sure the intervention will arrive in the coming days. Right now, we are finishing with the small rice retailers. I am a hundred percent sure the president will want to see the shortlist with the department.] Gatchalian said the DSWD can adopt the aid payout mechanism similar to the subsidy for rice retailers. He added that the DA should identify the farmer beneficiaries. RELATED: DSWD to begin giving 15,000 aid to small-scale rice retailers in Metro Manila Farmers earlier complained of losses from the rice price cap policy as millers and traders buy the grain, or palay, from them at a discount. A number of farm groups and cooperatives earlier sought for a cash subsidy as dthey face the looming threat of severe drought that could hit at least 45 provinces based on PAGASA estimates. RELATED: PAGASA: Up to 7 storms may enter PAR before 2023 ends; El Nino to hit more provinces The United Nations' Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has found continuing evidence that Russian troops are committing war crimes, according to the Commission's latest report on Sept. 25. The Commission found evidence of illegal explosive attacks, torture, gender-based and sexual assault, and assaults on energy infrastructure. The Commission documented attacks with explosive weapons in inhabited places that caused significant destruction and civilian casualties. It also recorded attacks on homes, a hospital, a train station, restaurants, stores, and other critical infrastructure, resulting in disruption to vital services and supplies. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us The update was a continuation of earlier reports and reflected the Commission's ongoing investigations on human rights abuses in Ukraine. According to Commission Chair Erik Mose, the commissioners recently visited Ukraine and held meetings with the government as well as attack victims. The Commission continues to investigate and document Russian war crimes in part due to worries about the potential for genocide and incitement to genocide. It emphasized the need for accountability and expressed concern about the scope and seriousness of the crimes committed by the Russian armed forces. Over 100,000 cases of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombardment, purposeful killing, summary execution, torture, and ill-treatment, are still being documented, investigated, and prosecuted by Ukraine. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. This is a locator map for Sudan with its capital, Khartoum. (AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) CAIRO (AP) Outbreaks of cholera and dengue fever have been reported in eastern Sudan, where thousands of people are sheltering in crowded camps amid deadly fighting between the country's military and a rival paramilitary force, the U.N. health agency said on Tuesday. According to the World Health Organization, 162 people suspected of having cholera were admitted to hospitals in Qadarif province and other areas along Sudan's border with Ethiopia. Eighty cases have been confirmed, and 10 people have died of cholera, a bacterial infection linked to contaminated food or water, WHO said. Sudan was engulfed in chaos in mid-April, when simmering tensions between the military and the powerful paramilitary group exploded into open warfare in the capital, Khartoum, and other areas across the east African nation. The medical charity Doctors Without Borders has set up two centers to treat cholera patients along with two mobile teams in Qadarif. WHO and the U.N. refugee agency have renovated the isolation center for cholera at the Qadarif Teaching Hospital, the province's main medical facility. Cholera outbreaks are not uncommon in impoverished Sudan. The disease left at least 700 dead and sickened about 22,000 in less two months during the country's last major outbreak in 2017. In Ethiopia, a cholera outbreak that started in August 2022 has sickened at least 20,000 people and caused more than 270 deaths, according to WHO. The outbreak has affected seven regions, including areas along the border with Sudan. WHO said more than 500 suspected cases of dengue were reported across Sudan, most of them in urban centers in Qadarif. Dengue is caused by the dengue virus transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The reported figure was the tip of the iceberg as the actual number is much higher, given that most of the patients rely on home remedies and often do not go to hospitals, WHO said. The Sudanese doctors union says hundreds of dengue patients have died in the country's east, describing the outbreak as a health crisis. It did not give a time frame for the deaths but said most hospitals in Qadarif have been overwhelmed by patients. Heavy rains and flooding, meanwhile, have destroyed or damaged at least 13,000 houses in seven provinces across Sudan since July, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. More than 72,000 people have been affected, OCHA said. The World Health Organization reported last month that while poverty and conflict remain enduring drivers for cholera around the world, more power storms and flooding from climate change are also fueling outbreaks. The conflict in Sudan has turned Khartoum and other urban areas into battlefields, wrecking civilian infrastructure and an already battered health care system. Without the basics, many hospitals and medical facilities have closed doors. At least 5,000 people have been killed and more than 12,000 others wounded, according to the United Nations, though the actual numbers are likely higher. The U.N. refugee agency said last week that more than 1,200 children under the age of 5 have died in nine camps in Sudan in the past five months because of a deadly combination of measles and malnutrition. More than 5.2 million people have fled their homes, including more than 1 million who crossed into Sudans neighboring countries. Half of the countrys population around 25 million people needs humanitarian assistance, including about 6.3 million who are one step away from famine, according to U.N. humanitarian officials. When girls in Colorado want to explore a future in aviation they don't have to look far for incredible stories of success. At their annual "Girls in Aviation Day" event, women who help operate the Denver Hub for United Airlines showed off how many career paths their industry provides for girls and women. Recently the airline, Denver's largest private employer, hosted dozens of girls at the United Airlines hangar at Denver International Airport. The girls, from many age ranges, were brought aboard different aircraft and were given the opportunity to not only hear about job opportunities, but also give them a try. "You always see (the behind the scenes of the airline industry) in movies, but you don't always see it in real life," said Denna Scott, a 14-year-old who attended the event. / Credit: CBS One of the women the girls were introduced to has made history at United Airlines. At just 28-years-old, Adriana Bendeck Rodriguez is United Airlines' youngest female captain. Based in Denver, she was able to show the girls what a living example of success can be. "They get to talk to us about how we got here in the first place," Bendeck Rodriguez said. For many employees their love for aviation started at a young age and only blossomed from there. Bendeck Rodriguez said she first discovered aviation through her stepfather. He bought her flight lessons as a gift when she was 15. "It was a Christmas present. We took off and I decided this is what I want to do," Bendeck Rodriguez said. "I hope they see me as an example, I hope they see my story and know they can get here." The girls were able to sit in the cockpit, try out giving seatbelt instructions over the intercom, learn about the mechanics of the airplanes and even try out life as a ramp worker. "We are empowering them to follow their dreams. And, hopefully they follow their dreams into aviation," said Jonna McGrath, VP of Airport Operations for the United Denver Hub. McGrath is another example of a woman in aviation who is someone the girls can aspire to be one day. / Credit: CBS McGrath, recently hired over the summer, is now the first woman to ever serve as the VP of the Denver Hub. "I started (my aviation career) loading bags on the ramp," McGrath said. "I never dreamed about being in aviation (as a child). I was asked by someone that was in aviation at a very young age, and it got in my blood." The staff that volunteered their time at the event said they hoped they were sparking similar dreams and aspirations within the girls who attended the event. And, some told CBS News Colorado that the day helped them realize the opportunities they have. "Maybe I could be a pilot, see how it is. Or, a flight attendant," said Zoe Figueroa, a 14-year-old student. "I think I would want to be an engineer, it looks really cool." "It is really nice to see (examples of women in the industry). Because, sometimes in the media you hear about how women aren't in the roles enough, they aren't in the roles period. Although it is true that there aren't enough women in the role, it is nice to see that it is not true that there aren't any," Scott said. Gen. Milley responds to Trump post accusing general of treason | 60 Minutes North Korea says it will expel Travis King, U.S. soldier who ran across border Arrest warrent issued for suspect in killing of 26-year-old Baltimore tech CEO President Joe Biden speaks as he joins striking United Auto Workers on the picket line on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Van Buren Township, Mich. | Evan Vucci, Associated Press United Auto Workers, a prominent American labor union, has authorized its 146,000 workers to strike, per NBC. As of Tuesday, which is Day 12 of the strike, auto workers have walked out of 38 locations in 20 states, according to The Associated Press. So far, roughly 18,600 workers have gone on strike at Stellantis, Ford Motor and GM, according to the Detroit Free Press. The workers demands include a four-day workweek, more time off, an end to wage tiers, a 36% pay increase over four years, defined benefit pension plans and retiree health care for all union members, as well as more limited use of temporary workers, per the UAW. Related What impact would a four-day workweek have? The UAW is demanding that overtime begin at 32 hours, per CNBC. This demand contrasts drastically to workers outside the auto industry who often fight for more hours instead of fighting for a standard four-day workweek, according to Axios. Sharon Block, a professor at Harvard Law School, believes that a four-day workweek could aid electric vehicle development since these vehicles take less time to assemble, per Marketplace. Its a well known fact that assembling electric vehicles takes fewer person power hours than an internal combustion engine, she said. Companies might focus on quicker, equally lucrative electric vehicle assembly so as not to lose money when decreasing worker hours. Related How has President Joe Biden responded to the UAW strike? On Friday, Sept. 22, President Joe Biden announced on X, the social media site formerly called Twitter, that he would be joining UAW strikers at the picket line. He said, Ill go to Michigan to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create. Its time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs. During his visit to Michigan on Tuesday, the president encouraged UAW strikers, according to The Associated Press. He agreed with the necessity of their demand for a 36% pay increase when asked, and said, You deserve the significant raise you need. The United Steelworkers union announced International President Tom Conway died. He was 71. Conway was elected as the unions president in 2019. USW says he was known for his quick wit, formidable bargaining skills and unwavering devotion to workers and their families. From his earliest time making steel to his steady hand leading us through the darkest days of the pandemic, Tom followed two simple guiding principles: the dignity of work and the power of working people, said David R. McCall, the USWs International Vice President of Administration. Tom was never afraid of a fight, and thanks to his ingenuity and determination, generations of workers can enjoy better jobs and brighter futures. Throughout his career, USW said Conway became one of the unions most accomplished contract negotiators. As president, USW said members gained significant organizing victories. They say he always advocated for fair trade and fought to save and create jobs. Several public officials are also mourning the death of Conway. Congressman Chris Deluzio released the following statement: Tom Conway was not only the International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) Union, he was also a lifelong fighter for working people. He lived and breathed the union way of life. He believed deeply in the dignity of hard work and the power of solidarity in the face of corporate greed. I am honored to have crossed paths with Tom and to have fought for a USW union at the University of Pittsburgh during his tenure. While his time with us was too short, his impact was enormous. I extend my deep condolences to Toms family and friends, along with the 850,000 Steelworkers he fearlessly led. President Joe Biden also commented on Conways passing in a statement. It reads in part: With Tom Conways passing, American workers have lost an extraordinary champion, and Ive lost a great friend. When I was running for President in 2020, Tom rode the train with me from Ohio to Pittsburgh, a city built by American steelworkers like those he spent his life fighting for. We talked on that train ride, as we did more times than I can count over the years, about what we could do together to make a real difference in the lives of steelworkers and union workers all over the country. Tom was someone I confided in. He had my absolute trust. I knew that if I was doing a good job, hed tell me and if I needed to do better, hed tell me that, too. And no one knew more about the challenges that workers face. He knew the politics. He knew the ins and outs of policy. And he never lost sight of his values dignity, respect, fairness, equality. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: InTown Suites in Ross Township evacuated due to pesticide exposure Steelers plane from Las Vegas forced to make emergency landing in Kansas City Tim McGraw adds 11 new dates to tour, including Pittsburgh stop VIDEO: 3 dead after crash in Fayette County DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Authorities have revealed the cause of death for a pair of puppies who passed away in late August while receiving veterinary care in Berkley. The Berkley Police Department says it launched an investigation into a home-based kennel in town on Aug. 31 after receiving a report from a resident concerned about the sudden illness of four of their puppies. An investigation in conjunction with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and local veterinarians has determined that the puppies became ill after contracting canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that is extremely dangerous to dogs, especially puppies younger than four months and those that have not been properly vaccinated, according to the department. The investigation also ruled out foul play. We understand that this has been an unsettling situation in our community, and we wish to thank our residents for their patience during our investigation, Berkley Chief Baker said. The Berkley Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, including our two- and four-legged ones. Baker also reminded all dog owners of the importance of proper and timely vaccinations for all pets. Guidance on dog health and veterinary care can be found on the MSPCAs website. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Estela Juarez, 14, who wrote a children's book about her mother Alejandra's deportation to Mexico, is back with her mom but says her family continues to suffer from the effects of family separation. "I want to become a senator one day to change immigration laws," Estela tells TODAY.com, adding that she is writing her second book, a young adult novel about her life experiences. "Until Someone Listens," was published by Macmillan on Sept. 13, 2022 and co-written with Lissette Norman. The book is a recollection of Estela's childhood memories: learning that her mom did not have documentation ("a man from the government came to our house"), watching Alejandra be deported to Mexico ("It felt like someone ripped us in half") and living apart. "I was a cloud a gloomy cloud that sits and stays," Estela wrote. Estela Juarez, 13, wrote a book titled In 2021, after living apart from her family for three years, Alejandra, 44, was granted a one-year humanitarian parole, which was extended until May 2023. Alejandra says she has been granted another extension until May 2024. She's now back in Davenport, Florida, living with her Army veteran husband Temo Juarez, who is a naturalized American citizen, and daughters Estela and Pamela, 21. With her future uncertain, Alejandra has decided against re-applying for humanitarian parole when her status expires next year. "I am looking into either moving to Canada on a student visa or moving back to Mexico and trying to build a life there," Alejandra tells TODAY.com. "I am hoping that Estela will (eventually) come live with me for one year. Pamela is a student at the University of Florida and my husband will visit me in Mexico whenever he can." Alejandra's story starts in the late 1990s, when she came to the U.S. as a teen seeking asylum, hoping to leave behind dangerous living conditions in Mexico, she explained in the 2019 Netflix docuseries "Living Undocumented." Related: So, are you an alien? What it was like to grow up as an undocumented immigrant According to Alejandra, she applied for work visas to live in the U.S. on three occasions, but her applications were rejected. So Alejandra decided to enter the U.S. at the border of Laredo, Texas by falsely declaring herself a U.S. citizen. She was caught and sent back to Mexico; however, her second attempt worked. Alejandra moved to Florida, where she met Temo at a gym and fell in love. The couple married in 2001 and ran a flooring installation business while happily raising their daughters, until a 2013 traffic stop exposed Alejandra's legal status. Estela recalled the night an immigration officer knocked on their door and she learned her mom's secret. I was 4 years old and I was scared, she told TODAY Parents. My mom told me, I am not as lucky as you. I came to the U.S. without papers. Alejandra was placed under an order of supervision and required to check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) every two years. The Juarez family (L-R): Pamela, Estela, mom Alejandra and dad Temo were reunited in Florida after Alejandra's three-year deportation to Mexico. (Courtesy of the Juarez family) That procedure changed when President Donald Trump took office in 2016 and imposed stricter immigration policies. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that "all of those in violation of immigration law" would be subject to arrest, detainment or removal from the country. Alejandra learned she would be deported from the U.S. Her nightmare turned into reality on August 3, 2018. "I dreaded going to sleep the night before she left because I knew when I woke up, I would say goodbye to my mom," said Estela. "No child deserves to be without her parent. Those days were terrible." Related: 23 beautiful kids' books to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month Alejandra went to the Yucatan Peninsula, where she found an apartment, paid in part by GoFundMe donations, and worked "here or there" jobs translating English legal documents. The family splintered further as they decided to have Estela live in Mexico with her mom, a plan made possible because Alejandra had previously requested dual citizenship for Estela. Pamela stayed in Florida with Temo. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Estela flew back home to live with her father and sister in Florida. There, Estela wrote letters to government officials, including President Trump, asking for her mother to come home. Following the Netflix series, Estela was asked to read that letter at the 2020 Democratic National Convention during President Joe Bidens presidential run. "My name is Estela, I'm 11 years old," she said in the televised reading. "My mom is my best friend. She came to America as a teenager over 20 years ago without papers in search of a better life. She married my dad, who served our country as a Marine in South America, Africa and Iraq. My mom worked hard and paid taxes ... now my mom is gone." Estela told TODAY.com that she wanted her letter read to the world. Honestly, I wasnt scared. I knew I needed to bring attention to the issue. Last year, with help from Florida congressman Darren Soto, Estela and Alejandra wrote letters to President Biden asking him to reunite their family. "Dear President Biden, I hope you remember me. My name is Estela Juarez .... I think you would like my mom," she wrote. "I know she came to the U.S. illegally, which was wrong, but she was a teenager and all alone when she saw a crime and had to run away to save herself. She is brave and strong." Estela added, "Now another holiday season has passed. It has become the saddest part of the year. My mom (always used) to listen to music and sing along when she cooked for the holidays. Now when I walk by our kitchen, it is quiet. There is no smell of her vegetable soup filling the house, making me hungry." Together now, though temporarily, the family savors daily walks and cooking Estelas favorite chicken flautas. Alejandra is waiting for her work permit to arrive, however due to a backlog in applications, she cannot get a job. Alejandra says the days drag waiting for Estela to return from school. "I am grateful to President Biden but I need a permanent solution in order to heal," says Alejandra. "I dont want to live this way for the rest of my life." Rep. Soto has re-introduced a bill called the "Protect Patriot Spouses Act" in honor of Alejandra and other military spouses, to make it easier for undocumented spouses of military service people and veterans to stay in the country. Alejandra says she does not regret her decisions. "I gave my children the best gift I could possibly give them," she says. "I want them to make something of themselves in the way I couldn't." Alejandra says she often asks Estela why she keeps writing. "She still has hope (for our family)," says the mom. "Estela is a very positive person, thank god." Estela's second book, which she is in the process of writing, is geared toward young adults and goes further into her experience as the daughter of an undocumented immigrant. "I like to see (my writing) as something beautiful that came out of a sad situation," says Estela. "It's my project to share with the world." During Hispanic Heritage Month, TODAY is sharing the communitys history, pain, joy and pride. We are highlighting Hispanic trailblazers and rising voices. TODAY will be publishing personal essays, stories, videos and specials throughout the month of September and October. For more, head here. This article was originally published on TODAY.com SAN DIEGO Updated vaccines to combat new strains of COVID-19 are starting to become available for residents across San Diego County. The new monovalent boosters, which were designed to more closely target the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant, were approved for distribution earlier this month. The shots replace the former bivalent booster shot that was in circulation over the last year. This comes as COVID cases remain elevated above lows seen during the summer months. In San Diego, as many as 3,234 confirmed positive cases were reported since the beginning of September, according to data from the county. Free at-home COVID tests are back: Heres how to get yours This new vaccine is a welcome resource to our ongoing COVID-19 prevention efforts, especially as we enter the fall and winter seasons when cases traditionally increase, said San Diego County public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten. As virus remains prevalent in our community, I encourage everyone eligible to get the updated vaccine. Health officials recommended people get up to date on COVID shots. For those ages five and up, that means receiving one of the updated doses. Children from 6 months to 4 years old are also encouraged to get all recommended doses, including one updated shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the new vaccine will provide renewed protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death for those who contract COVID. It will also help minimize symptoms for people who become infected with the virus. Here are some of the ways to find one of the updated vaccines near you: Contact your healthcare provider to make an appointment for the updated COVID vaccine. States MyTurn website: Visit MyTurn.ca.gov, to schedule an appointment for the updated vaccine, as well as the flu and Mpox immunizations. MyTurn can also be used to find walk-in clinics in your area. County Public Health Centers: Visit one of the six San Diego County Public Health Center locations for a no-charge immunization (available only for those who are uninsured) CVS Pharmacies: San Diego CVS locations still are offering free COVID vaccines and booster shots. To schedule either of the immunizations, you can visit the CVS website. Rite Aid Pharmacies: Schedule an appointment at a Rite Aid near you for a free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Information is available on the Rite Aid website. San Diego County residents who are homebound and would like to get their shot at home can call 2-1-1 for more information about how to receive the updated COVID booster or flu vaccine. More information on the updated COVID vaccine in San Diego County can be found here. Facemasks remain optional at Tijuana schools as COVID-19 cases climb in Baja Along with the vaccine, health officials encourage people to take a number of personal actions to protect themselves and limit the spread of COVID. These include: Stay home if sick. Seek treatment from your doctor immediately after testing positive. Paxlovid and other treatments are very effective and work best if started promptly. Consider wearing a mask in public places, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Wash your hands and practice good hygiene. Cover your cough or sneeze. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Three Chinese companies will no longer be able to export goods to the United States due to forced labor concerns, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Tuesday. A chemical product company, a wool company and a textile company will be added to the list of sanctioned companies for using forced Uyghur labor in Chinas northwest province, Xinjiang, DHS said. As of Sept. 27 the three China-based companies will no longer be able to export the United States. There are now 27 Chinese companies restricted due to forced labor, as part of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The sanctions are part of an effort to promote accountability for the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in the region, DHS said in its statement. Uyghurs have been targeted by the Chinese government for years. The U.S. has labeled the Chinese governments actions a genocide, with reports of prison camps and systematic efforts to rid the population of its language, religion and culture. We do not tolerate companies that use forced labor, that abuse the human rights of individuals in order to make a profit, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security and its partners across the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to prosecute these companies, fight for the rights of the abused, and work towards the [elimination] of Uyghur forced labor in the Peoples Republic of China. The UFLPA was signed into law by President Biden in 2021. Customs and Border Protection has since reviewed thousands of shipments to determine if there is evidence that goods were not produced with forced labor, the statement said. The United States does not, and will not, tolerate products made with forced labor coming into our country, Robert Silvers, chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force, said in a statement. Through the enforcement actions taken today, the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force is again making clear our countrys resolve to keep the global supply chain fair, just, and secure for all. The names of the three newly sanctioned companies are Xinjiang Zhongtai Group Co., Xinjiang Tianshan Wool Textile Co., and Xinjiang Tianmian Foundation Textile Co. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6) The Office of the President (OP) has distanced itself from Vice President Sara Dutertes message to China on its 74th founding anniversary, in which she expressed hope that its partnership with the Philippines will prosper, according to ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo. At the continuation of plenary debates Tuesday on House Bill 8980 or the proposed General Appropriations Act of 2024, Tulfo, the sponsor of the OPs budget, said Dutertes statement does not reflect the governments stand on China. In a video greeting shown Sept. 21, Duterte expressed her hope for expanded areas of cooperation between the Philippines and China, especially in the field of education and youth development. "We hope that our partnership will prosper in the areas of agriculture, trade, investment, science and technology," Duterte said. Tulfo did not give a direct response when Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel asked if Dutertes statement can be considered an act of treachery, particularly in light of Chinas aggression in the South China Sea. "Ang ganitong mga sinabi ng Vice President, this is not consistent with the remarks of the Defense Secretary. Ang sinabi ng Defense Secretary sa committee budget briefing ay nagpo-portray ng cold attitude towards China, given its encroachment in the West Philippine Sea," the lawmaker pointed out. [Translation: These words of the Vice President, this is not consistent with the remarks of the Defense Secretary. What the Defense Secretary said in the committee budget briefing portrays a cold attitude towards China, given its encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.] "How can the President reconcile these incompatible stances of his Vice President and his Defense Secretary?" Manuel questioned. "Maituturing ba nating pagta-traydor sa bansa ang ganitong mga mensahe ng VP?" [Can we consider such messages of the VP as treason?] "Yung mensahe po ng VP ay sa kanya po yung mensahe but it doesnt reflect the message of the OP or the entire nation," Tulfo maintained. [The message of the VP is her own message and does not reflect the message of the OP or the entire nation.] Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was present during the deliberations. CNN Philippines reached out to the OP to confirm the matter. Tensions continued between the two countries after China installed a "floating barrier" in an area in Bajo De Masinloc, also known as Panatag or Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard has removed the 300-meter-long barrier that prevented Filipino fishermen from entering the shoal, while Beijing warned Manila not to "provoke and cause trouble" after this most recent incident over competing maritime claims of the two nations. CNN Philippines' correspondent Xianne Arcangel contributed to this story. CHICAGO Stepping to the microphone in an Elk Grove Village conference hall recently, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi a burgeoning voice in Illinois congressional delegation made an impassioned argument for fighting back against the extremism he sees in the Republicans running Congress. While elected as a moderate, the four-term Democratic congressman from the northwest suburbs was headlining an event filled with progressive Democrats and party activists helping get signatures on nominating petitions to launch campaigns for upcoming elections. But Krishnamoorthi quickly sought to bridge any perceived internal political party divide. We are united as Team Normal. Theres something called Team Normal, and we happen to be on Team Normal, he told the crowd before turning his attention to the GOP. But theres also something called Team Extreme. And Team Extreme is on the rise. His appearance was just one of many hes made at events across his district since being reelected in November. But it comes at a unique time in the states political evolution and, in particular, Krishnamoorthis career. Krishnamoorthi, 50, of Schaumburg, took office in 2017 as a common-sense Democrat who was friendly with business. He has largely followed that track in the House while amassing the largest campaign piggy bank of any member of Congress in Illinois and, along the way, has generated chatter he might look to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. But his advancement also comes as the political winds in Illinois have increasingly pushed the Democratic Party leftward, raising questions about whether he can balance that with his record and rhetoric and whether progressives some of whom have run against Krishnamoorthi in primaries or criticized him for how hes built-up his campaign war chest will follow. Krishnamoorthi said theres nothing difficult or contradictory for him about working within the Democratic Partys new reality. I think a lot of (progressives) are in the same place I am, Krishnamoorthi said before rattling off a string of GOP-lead initiatives in Congress he said Democrats of all stripes would oppose. What do I mean by that? I think that, for instance, when the GOP added these riders to the National Defense Authorization Act and then the (Veterans Affairs) appropriation bill basically defunding programs to assist our service members who require travel for their reproductive health care, or banning Pride flags from the military, or banning Pride flags from being displayed anywhere at military installations, or banning books that might have something to do with teaching tolerance of LGBTQ people, I think those types of positions are so extreme that these Democrats will fight like hell against those types of restrictions, and so will I, he said. Krishnamoorthi also touts his progressive bona fides by noting hes one of 24 vice chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus. The House caucus works to promote equality for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison of Schaumburg, one of the more progressive voices on the county board, applauded the congressmans involvement in the recent Democratic rally and described Krishnamoorthi as an ally. I gotta give him a lot of accolades for being a leader and a member of the Equality Caucus, Morrison said. As an ally, I was really happy to see him take on that role. Im the first openly LGBT person ever elected to the Cook County Board, and Im proud to have an ally of the community representing my congressional district. Still, the Democratic political shift is expansive and even being seen in the west and northwest suburbs, historically conservative bulwarks. Just last year, unabashed progressive Delia Ramirez enjoyed a strong showing in DuPage County as she won her first term in Congress. Krishnamoorthi knows he faces pressure from progressives. In 2022, he drew a young progressive activist as a Democratic primary opponent. Junaid Ahmed had backed Krishnamoorthis first successful U.S. House campaign in 2016 after finding inspiration in the insurgent progressive movement of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. But Krishnamoorthi fell short of living up to his campaign ideals, Ahmed said. I ran because (Krishnamoorthi) wasnt doing the things he talked about championing when he was a candidate, he said. During the 2022 race, Ahmed hammered Krishnamoorthi for taking millions of dollars from pharmaceutical companies and corporate political action committees, charging that the incumbent had lost his way. In discussing Ahmeds primary challenge, the congressman used much of the same language he used at the Elk Grove Village event to sound the warning about congressional Republicans. I like to say I was on Team Normal, and Team Extreme was unhappy, Krishnamoorthi said. And (Ahmed) in part based his line of attack on me being too pro-free enterprise. And I said, I plead guilty to the charges. Bring it on. I believe this country will only succeed if its small businesses succeed. And so, hes in any case, that particular approach did not play well in this district. Krishnamoorthi won the primary easily, receiving about 70% of the vote against Ahmed. But Sheila Rawat, who cofounded the group Schaumburg Area Progressives and supported Ahmeds candidacy, said its galling to hear Krishnamoorthi describe energized progressives within the congressional district the same way he describes extremist Republicans. One (movement) is for the people. One is not, Rawat said. And hes also part of the people who are not for the people. And its also extreme to pit people of your own party against each other. Were running as Democrats, but hes calling us extreme. After beating Ahmed, Krishnamoorthi dispatched Republican Chris Dargis 56%-44% in the November general election to earn his fourth term representing the district, which now includes a sliver of Chicago on the Far Northwest Side near OHare International Airport and then twists from Rosemont through parts of Des Plaines and Mount Prospect before taking in Schaumburg and portions of Carol Stream and South Elgin and stretching as far northwest as Starks. He was already a veteran of Illinois politics when he won the seat for the first time. After volunteering on Barack Obamas 2004 Senate campaign, working for state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and running unsuccessfully at age 36 for state comptroller, Krishnamoorthi lost to Tammy Duckworth in the 8th Congressional District 2012 Democratic primary. Duckworth served for four years but gave up the seat to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. Krishnamoorthi then beat two rivals in the 2016 primary and has held the seat since. In Congress, Krishnamoorthi points to his work to reauthorize funding for federal vocational and technical education programming. Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined the congressman at a City Colleges event in 2018 to applaud his success in co-authoring a bill they said would help Chicago students get training for 21st century jobs. He also said hes proud of an investigation he helped lead into youth vaping that forced Juul to reach a $439 million settlement with dozens of states for targeting young people with its advertising and prompted stronger federal regulation of the products. While Krishnamoorthi has worked the levers of Congress, hes also ratcheted up his campaign fundraising machine. He now has $13.5 million in his congressional campaign committee, according to the Federal Election Commission. Thats a massive amount for an Illinois House member, even one in a potentially purplish district whos constantly gearing up for a costly general election fight or trying to scare away primary opponents. The next-closest Illinois representative in terms of campaign fundraising is Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of the Peoria area who had about $4.6 million in his coffers at the end of June, according to the FEC. The top Democrats after Krishnamoorthi were veteran U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who had about $1.5 million on hand and Mike Quigley, who had about $1.2 million. Krishnamoorthis election fund even dwarfs those of Illinois Democratic senators, with Duckworth at around $1.7 million and Richard Durbin at $1.5 million, according to the FEC. Durbin is now 78 years old, and has not said whether he will run again in 2026. If theres a Senate vacancy, Krishnamoorthi and his enormous stockpile are well-positioned to jump in. First of all, I hope Sen. Durbin continues. I havent heard any indication hes not, Krishnamoorthi said when asked about a run for Senate. Theres no vacancies. Im not looking at it right now, he said, adding Im not ruling anything in or out. If he did run for Senate, Krishnamoorthi wouldnt just draw heat from progressives. He would also likely face more scrutiny for his ties to supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose movement promoting Hindu nationalism in India has drawn widespread international criticism thanks to ongoing violent attacks against Muslims in that country. Raju Rajagopal, co-founder of the nonprofit group Hindus for Human Rights, said he has spoken repeatedly to Krishnamoorthi about the congressmans outsized influence on U.S. policy toward India as one of a handful of Indian American members of Congress. Other members of Congress are taking their cues from him on how to proceed, and he says he needs the campaign funding structure he has established among backers of Modi, Rajagopal said. If hes not willing to speak out against these human rights abuses against Muslims, it makes it much more difficult to build any kind of consensus to hold Modi and his followers accountable. Krishnamoorthi said he has raised his concerns with the Indian government. And they point the finger right back at me and say, What are you doing to tackle discrimination thats practiced in the United States toward the very people that youre concerned about, and also, even Hindus and minorities of all kinds? he said. And they also point to the fragility of democracy here, and Jan. 6. And so, I believe secular democracies are under tremendous pressure in many different corners. But I absolutely am concerned about any erosion in India or here as well. Back in Elk Grove Village, Krishnamoorthi homed in on the actions of Republicans as part of that erosion, framing them as a direct attack on democratic norms in an address that was red meat for the room full of Democratic activists. They are trying to control your bodies. Theyre trying to control your speech. Theyre trying to control who you are, he said. Theyre trying to control your health care. Theyre trying to control who you want to be. The antidote to control is liberty. We are going to pursue an agenda of liberty in this country! ____ The U.S. government imposed fresh sanctions on five Russian and 11 Chinese companies for their role in supplying drone technology components used in Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported on Sept. 25. Russia's SMT-iLogic and China's Asia Pacific Links Ltd. are among the firms that allegedly provided the blacklisted Special Technology Center, a Russian defense technology firm, with drone components intended for Russia's military intelligence operations, according to Reuters. A 2022 investigation led by Reuters revealed a sophisticated global logistics operation eventually ending at the Orlan drone's production line, the Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg. Hong Kong-based exporter Asia Pacific Links Ltd. had been among the most important suppliers to Russia's drone program, the investigation found. "We will not hesitate to take swift and meaningful action against those who continue seeking to supply and support Putins illegal and immoral war in Ukraine," said trade official Alan Estevez in a statement to Reuters. Russias Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg was first targeted by U.S. sanctions by former President Barack Obama for its involvement in influencing the 2016 presidential election. The U.S. Commerce Department operates a trade blacklist known as the entity list to identify and target Chinese and Russian tech firms supporting Moscows invasion of Ukraine. Read also: Deadly drone arms race intensifies as Ukraine, Russia embrace the future of war Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FILE PHOTO: The Iranian flag flutters in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran must take "de-escalatory" steps on its nuclear program if it wants to make space for diplomacy with the United States, starting by cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday. The comments by spokesman Matt Miller at a briefing was the second time in recent days that the United States has criticized Iran for its decision to bar multiple IAEA inspectors assigned to the country, hindering the U.N. nuclear watchdog's oversight of Tehran's atomic activities. The United States and many of its Western allies fear Iran's nuclear program may be a cover for developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies having such ambitions. "Iran must take de-escalatory steps if it wants to reduce tensions and create a space for diplomacy," Miller said. "Just in the last few weeks, we've seen Iran take steps to undermine the International Atomic Energy Agency's ability to do its work," Miller said. "So if Iran really is serious about taking de-escalatory steps, the first thing it (could) do would be to cooperate with the IAEA." Miller said the steps he was talking about as a potential prelude to renewed U.S.-Iran talks, whether direct or indirect, had to do with the Iranian nuclear program, though he did not provide further details. However, asked if he was saying Iran must take all such steps sought by the United States before Washington would agree to direct or indirect talks with Tehran, he replied: "I am not saying that." The IAEA was responsible for verifying Iran's compliance with the defunct 2015 Iran nuclear deal, under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for the easing of U.S., European Union and U.N. sanctions. Attempts to revive that deal, abandoned by then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, collapsed about a year ago and Washington has been searching for a new way to get Tehran to restrain its program. (Reporting By Humeyra Pamuk in Washington and by Arshad Mohammed in Saint Paul, Minn.; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; editing by Grant McCool) FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington By John Kruzel WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday denied a request by Alabama officials to halt a lower court's ruling that rejected a Republican-crafted electoral map for diminishing the clout of Black voters, likely clearing the way for a new map to be drawn ahead of the 2024 congressional elections. The court's action leaves intact a Sept. 5 decision by a federal three-judge panel in Birmingham that the map approved by the state's Republican-led legislature to set the boundaries of Alabama's seven U.S. House of Representatives districts was unlawfully biased against Black voters and must be redrawn. That map was devised after the Supreme Court in June blocked a previous version, also for weakening the voting power of Black Alabamians. President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats are seeking to regain control of the House in next year's elections. With Republicans holding a slim 222-212 majority, court battles like this one are helping to shape the fight for control of the chamber. Black people make up 27% of Alabama's population but are in the majority in only one of the seven House districts as drawn by the state legislature in both the maps it has approved since the 2020 census. Electoral districts are redrawn each decade to reflect population changes as measured by a national census. In most states, such redistricting is done by the party in power, which can lead to map manipulation for partisan gain. Voting rights litigation that could result in new maps of congressional districts is playing out in several states. The Supreme Court's 5-4 June ruling affirmed a lower court order requiring state lawmakers to add a second House district with a Black majority - or close to it - in order to comply with the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Black voters tend to favor Democratic candidates. Following that ruling, the legislature adopted a plan that increased the portion of Black voters in a second House district from around 30% to 40%, still well below a majority. The three-judge panel ruled that this new map failed to remedy the Voting Rights Act violation present in the first map and directed a special master - an independent party appointed by a court - to draw a new, third version of the map ahead of next year's elections. The latest Republican-drawn map drew swift objections from Black voters and civil rights activists. They said the plan failed to fix the Voting Rights Act violation identified by the Supreme Court, and that it raised concerns under the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection under the law. The Alabama map concentrated large numbers of Black voters into one district and spread others into districts in numbers too small to make up a majority. The Supreme Court's June ruling was authored by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts and joined in full by the court's three liberals, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the judgment in a separate opinion. Conservative litigants had succeeded in persuading the Supreme Court to limit the Voting Rights Act's scope in some important previous rulings. The Supreme Court's 2013 ruling in another Alabama case struck down a key part that determined which states with histories of racial discrimination needed federal approval to change voting laws. In a 2021 ruling endorsing Republican-backed Arizona voting restrictions, the justices made it harder to prove violations under a provision of the Voting Rights Act aimed at countering racially biased voting measures. (Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham) A satellite image shows a long traffic jam of vehicles along the Lachin corridor as ethnic Armenians flee from the Nagorno-Karabakh region WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States urged continued humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday as officials announced additional humanitarian assistance to address health care and other emergency needs. The White House statement came as the death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in the breakaway enclave rose to 68, with a further 105 people missing and nearly 300 injured. "We are saddened by the news that at least 68 people have been killed and hundreds injured in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh and express deep sympathy to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and to all of those suffering," White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said. "We urge continued humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for all those in need." On a visit to Armenia, Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), said on Tuesday the United States would provide $11.5 million in humanitarian assistance. The Armenians of Karabakh - part of Azerbaijan that had been beyond Baku's control since the dissolution of the Soviet Union - began fleeing this week after their forces were routed in a lightning operation by Azerbaijan's military. (Reporting by Jasper Ward and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Leslie Adler and Marguerita Choy) Kosovo special police officers patrol a road to Banjska monastery, in the aftermath of a shooting incident, near Zvecan By Fatos Bytyci PRISTINA (Reuters) - The U.S. is working with Kosovo to investigate a shootout that killed four people last weekend, the U.S. ambassador to Kosovo said on Tuesday, speaking after the deadliest violence to hit the contested region in years. Kosovo authorities said around 30 heavily armed Serbs stormed the village of Banjska on Sunday, battling police and barricading themselves into a Serbian Orthodox monastery. Police recaptured the monastery late on Sunday after three attackers and one police officer were killed. "We are still doing our hard work to figure out exactly how and who is responsible and why," Ambassador Jeffrey M. Hovenier said after meeting Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. The violence has prompted new international concern over stability in Kosovo, which has an ethnic Albanian majority and declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising and a 1999 NATO intervention. Belgrade has never recognised Kosovo's independence. Around 50,000 ethnic Serbs live in the north and largely reject rule from Pristina. "This was not a group of individual citizens spontaneously coming together to express concern," Hovenier said, talking about equipment and weapons seized by the police. "This was a trained, organised group. And that means that there are some structures behind them giving them the training and equipment." No group has come forward to claim responsibility for the attack or explain the motives. On Tuesday, Kosovo police said they arrested two more suspects in a hotel in the predominantly Serb north of the country and seized a cache of weapons including assault rifles and a heavy machine gun. Police had also searched houses in Banjska and displayed weapons and equipment they said they had seized. They released drone footage they said showed a group of armed men resting inside the monastery compound on Sunday. Kosovo has accused Serbia of backing the armed militants; Serbia says Kosovo is to blame for mistreating residents in the Serb-majority area. "We know that there was an attack," Hovenier said. "That attack was done by a group that was well-organised, that was trained, that was professional. They had military grade equipment." "We want to get to the bottom of all this and we will hold accountable those responsible." (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Josie Kao) A union representing United States Postal Service employees in Charlotte protested Tuesday over fears of layoffs and changes within the postal service. They walked from the American Postal Workers Union near Billy Graham Parkway and Interstate 85 to a nearby processing center, hoping to get the attention of lawmakers. ALSO READ: Man accused of shooting, carjacking mail carrier in western NC taken into custody Chapter president Miriam Bell claims USPS employees are dealing with workload issues. She said temporary workers are putting in long hours, and even career workers are often forced to do overtime. Its on the backs of the workers, Bell said. Theyve made it so difficult for them to even find employment that they may not be able to retain their employment with the postal service, she added. Bell said another part of these protests is that workers may relocate to Gaston County, where the USPS created a new multifunctional distribution center. Its part of the organizations 10-year Delivering for America plan, which is aimed to help with recent financial losses and maintenance problems. But according to Bell, more than 300 jobs in Charlotte could be on the chopping block because of the move. ALSO READ: Charlotte mail carrier and husband guilty of stealing checks, selling them Were coming up on Christmastime which is what the post office calls peak season, and theyre making all of these moves and the public needs their mail, she said. In a statement to Channel 9, a spokesperson said the plan wont affect local post office retail operations. No post offices are closing and P.O. box service will stay the same. Plus, USPS said there wont be any layoffs for career employees. Instead, theyll follow the union agreements when moving people around. Still, Bell said shes concerned, claiming it takes up to 30 days for a first-class letter to get across Charlotte. Shes worried about the employees and customers. Its unacceptable, she said. Our service standards have gone down the drain. Channel 9 asked a spokesperson with USPS when the Gastonia distribution center will be up and running, and if any employees have been transferred there. So far, we have not heard back. (WATCH BELOW: Thieves rob letter carrier in Third Ward at gunpoint, stealing USPS keys) A Wasatch County woman was charged Tuesday with aggravated murder and accused of killing her newborn son and disposing his body in Parleys Canyon. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News An 18-year-old Wasatch County woman has been arrested and accused of killing her 1-month-old son and disposing his body in Parleys Canyon. Estrella Meza Ojeda was booked into the Wasatch County Jail over the weekend and charged Tuesday in 4th District Court with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony; and abuse or desecration of a dead body, a third-degree felony. Her initial appearance in court is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Police say Ojeda deprived her son of supplemental oxygen he needed to survive, and planned his death "by researching and even attempting to take his life before ultimately causing his death," according to a police booking affidavit. Child abuse resources: Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237). Help with Children Those who feel stressed out with a child, who need a break or who feel like they need counseling or training can reach out to one of the following agencies: The Family Support Center has 15 locations throughout the state and offers a free crisis nursery for parents who have to keep appointments or who are stressed out. They also offer counseling and family mentoring. Call 801-955-9110 or visit familysupportcenter.org/contact.php for more information. Prevent Child Abuse Utah provides home visiting in Weber, Davis, and Box Elder counties. Parent Educators provide support, education, and activities for families with young children. Their statewide education team offers diverse trainings on protective factors, digital safety, bullying, and child sex trafficking. They are available for in-person or virtual trainings and offer free online courses for the community at pcautah.org. The Office of Home Visiting works with local agencies to provide home visits to pregnant women and young families who would like to know more about being parents. Home visitors are trained and can provide information about breastfeeding, developmental milestones, toilet training, nutrition, mental health, home safety, child development, and much more. Find out more at homevisiting.utah.gov. The Safe Haven law allows birth parents in Utah to safely and anonymously give up custody of their newborn child at any hospital in the state, with no legal consequences and no questions asked. The childs mother can drop off the child, or the mother can ask someone else to do it for her. The newborns should be dropped off at hospitals that are open 24 hours a day. Newborns given up in this manner will be cared for by the hospital staff, and the Utah Division of Child and Family Services will find a home for the child. For more information, visit utahsafehaven.org or call the 24-hour hotline at 866-458-0058. "Estrella was overwhelmed with caring for a premature baby that needed extra care to survive and wished to go back to a single, nonmother, lifestyle and begin a new life with (her new boyfriend). She also took care not only to dispose of D.O.'s body, but also attempted to erase any and all traces of his birth, life and death," the affidavit states. Ojeda gave birth to a son, identified by police by initials "D.O." on Aug. 6. The baby was born prematurely and "was unable to breathe on his own and required oxygen," the affidavit says. After 22 days in the newborn intensive care unit, the infant was allowed to go home with Ojeda. "Estrella was advised by medical staff that D.O. needed supplemental oxygen in order to live and was sent home with oxygen tanks and an oxygen monitor for him," according to the affidavit. On Sept. 1, the infant was taken to the hospital after he stopped breathing. Ojeda arrived at the hospital without her son's oxygen and "was again told that it was vital for survival." Detectives now believe "that this was an attempt to end D.O.'s life and that Estrella was either interrupted or could not go through with it at this time," the affidavit alleges. Search warrants would later reveal that on Sept. 3, Ojeda allegedly conducted internet searches for topics on how to take a baby's life, as well as the location of garbage dumps near her. "The Google search bar showed recent searches stating, 'How much time will I serve in prison for killing my baby?' 'Taking a baby's life holy death,' 'Kamas sewage treatment plant,' 'Salt Lake solid waste,' and 'garbage dumps near me,'" the arrest report states. Police say Ojeda searched these topics eight days before her son died, "showing that Estrella was actively planning to cause his death and dispose of his body." Police and state workers attempted to conduct welfare checks on Ojeda and her son on Sept. 11 and Sept. 14 but could not find them. On Sept. 19, investigators say Ojeda was found at a residence in Kamas, but she "did not offer any information on D.O.'s whereabouts at this time." Ojeda was taken to the police department for questioning. "Estrella stated that it had been difficult trying to raise a baby that needed special care and that she had wanted to go back to work. Estrella stated that she had made a rash decision without thinking," according to the affidavit. After a pause, Ojeda claimed she sent her infant son to Mexico to live with her mother. She claimed a man from her hometown of Guerro, Mexico, was visiting and took the infant back with him. "I asked repeatedly for information for anyone who could corroborate her story and she stated that only her mother and her sister (could), although their phone numbers were not working. She told me that D.O. is doing great and is being treated by a pediatrician in Mexico City," detectives wrote in the affidavit. Police noted that Mexico City is between four to five hours away from where she claimed the infant was living. After several search warrants were served and police again questioned Ojeda, she claimed that on Sept. 10 she had borrowed her roommate's car to meet someone at the store and took her son with her, but did not take his oxygen. At the store she says she believed her son was asleep. But when she returned home, "she stated that when she had removed D.O. from the vehicle, she noticed that he was dead. Estrella stated that D.O. was not breathing and that he did not have a pulse. She stated that she then drove D.O. toward Salt Lake City and disposed of his body on the side of the road," according to the affidavit. Ojeda agreed to show investigators where she allegedly disposed of the body. She took them to an exit off Interstate 80 in Parleys Canyon where two large crosses for law enforcement memorials are on a hill. She stated she wrapped her son's body in a blanket. Police searching the area found a piece of fabric on the ground. "When Estrella saw this fabric, she began to sob and try to go to the area. After a brief search of the area, it was determined that due to lack of lighting and the possibility of animal activity in the area disturbing or removing D.O.'s body, it was determined to establish a search plan with cadaver dogs and more officers," police wrote in the affidavit. The court documents do not indicate whether the body has been found. Calls to the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office were not immediately returned. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) Leaders of the House of Representatives are asking the so-called big three oil playersShell Pilipinas Corporation, Petron Corporation, and Chevron Philippinesto increase the amount of fuel discounts to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and even include private car owners in the coverage as a way of easing the impact of soaring prices. House leaders appear to have become lukewarm to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdezs earlier proposal to suspend the excise tax on fuel after the Department of Finance (DOF) opposed the idea, warning that as much as P15 billion in revenues will be lost until the end of the year. In a consultative meeting with oil industry players held Tuesday, lawmakers told representatives of the oil companies to improve the discounts they offer to consumers. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said the meager discount offered by oil firms at present is no longer sufficient. "Ang pakiusap na lang ng Kongreso dagdagan ninyo yung discounts na pinamimigay ninyong Big Three. Baka pwede ninyong doblehin o dagdagan ng piso, 2 sa gasolina, diesel. Malaking maitutulong," he said "Tapos baka pwedeng isama niyo na ang private sector, yung may sasakyan. Kasi hindi naman lahat ng tao nagco-commute," Tulfo added. [Translation: Congress is asking that the Big Three add to the discounts you are giving. Maybe double it or add 1, 2 to gasoline and diesel. It would be a big help. And then maybe you could also include the private sector, those who have their own vehicles. Because not everyone commutes.] Four fuel companies currently offer discounts ranging from 0.50 to 3 per liter for drivers of public utility vehicles, based on a list from the Department of Finance. Tulfo said the House will consider reviewing the law requiring bioethanol to be added to the fuel mix sold commercially to further bring costs down. With Congress set to go on a month-long recess on September 30, Tulfo said House leaders will no longer meet with oil industry players. The meeting between the private sector and lawmakers started last week to discuss possible solutions to the soaring fuel costs. Tulfo said lawmakers will await the fuel companies decision on the Houses suggestion, with the warning that their failure to cooperate might result in tougher measures to be taken against them. "Well just wait for their decision kasi alam naman nila, kahit si Congressman Marcoleta, nag-warning po ang Speaker na pag di kayo tumulong, may mga actions na gagawin" he said. "Isa nga diyan inilatag ni Congressman Marcoleta during our first meeting, pwedeng i-review uli ang Oil Deregulation Law. Mas mabigat yun. Pag niregulate natin ang law ng oil deregulation. Pag ibinasura yan mas aaray sila. So meron pang weapons tayo," Tulfo added. [Translation: We'll just wait for their decision because they know, and even Congressman Marcoleta, the Speaker has given a warning that if they don't help, actions will be taken. One of the things being prepared by Congressman Marcoleta during our first meeting, is to review the Oil Deregulation law. That's heavier. If we regulate the law. It will hurt them if we scrap that. So we still have weapons.] Shes already an EGOT winner, but now Viola Davis can add yet another role to her resume after being appointed to a presidential advisory council. The Help star is one of 12 inaugural members of the Presidents Advisory Council on Africa Diaspora Engagement in the United States, the White House announced Tuesday. The move to create the council was announced last year by Vice President Harris at a White House summit with African leaders in Washington. The members of President Bidens advisory council, who are appointed by secretary of State Antony Blinken, represent the diversity of the African Diaspora from African American communities around the United States and African immigrant communities across the continent and the Caribbean, according to the White House. Fifty-eight-year-old Davis, who played Michelle Obama in Showtimes The First Lady, was noted by the White House as a critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist and New York Times best-selling author. Members of the council also include chairman Silvester Beaman, a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, WNBA player Chinenye Chiney Ogwumike, Spelman College President Helene Gayle, Center for American Progress CEO Patrick Gaspard and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture director Kevin Young, among others. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The agriculture ministers of the Visegrad Group, which includes Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia, said that Ukraine's withdrawal of its complaint to the World Trade Organisation over the grain embargo would improve the atmosphere in their relations. Source: European Pravda with reference to RMF FM Details: "It was with great surprise and concern that we received the decision about filing a complaint by Ukraine to the World Trade Organisation, and we expect Ukraine to withdraw this decision," said Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Ryszard Bartosik after talks in the Czech city of Znojmo. He stressed that this will facilitate further negotiations and that Poland is committed to dialogue with Ukraine. Other Visegrad partners also called for the withdrawal of the complaint, which was heard by Ukraine's Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi via an online call. "There was no answer to my question whether Ukraine would withdraw the complaint. The Minister said that this was not a key issue, but it is a key issue for us. It is very important. It would create a good climate and we would avoid months of proceedings," Bartosik said. Bartosik noted that the embargo is supported by the fact that "transit volumes are increasing every day, every week, every month. It is therefore unclear why the European Union has not extended its restriction." The most important conclusion of the meeting, he added, is that grain from Ukraine should go where it is needed and should not create difficulties in the markets of neighbouring countries and negatively affect agriculture in those countries. The host of the meeting, Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny, summed up the talks by saying that the Visegrad countries called on the European Commission to control the solidarity corridors through which Ukrainian grain is to be transported to third countries. Background: The day before, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening speech that progress had been made in resolving the dispute over unilateral restrictions on agricultural goods from Ukraine in neighbouring EU member states. "We are gradually removing emotions from this topic on most issues. Work with our neighbours can and must become quite constructive, and Ukraine is doing everything for this," Zelenskyy added. Ukraine has proposed to the European Commission and Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania an export control plan for four crop groups wheat, maize, sunflower and rapeseed to protect their domestic markets. Nevertheless, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary announced unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian imports, prompting Ukraine to launch a complaint for their actions at the World Trade Organisation. 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! CAMDEN - A Voorhees man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for a child-pornography offense. Bruce Makley, 68, was arrested when investigators raided his home in August 2020, said the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey. According to a criminal complaint, almost 12,000 images of child pornography were found on a computer and digital storage devices in the home. Victims shown in the images ranged from infancy to about 12 years old. Vineland man awaits sentencing Cumberland County Jail officer threatened woman over their secret relationship, jury says Some of the images depicted sadistic or masochistic conduct, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. U.S. District Judge Robert Kugler imposed the 80-month sentence in Camden federal court on Sept. 20. Makley previously pled guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Bruce Makley was arrested during a raid at his home in August 2020 This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. Its impossible to go more than 10 minutes on cable news or even one scroll on social media right now without confronting some version of the same argument: that the government shutdown provisionally slated to start this weekend is the fault of Republicans and voters will remember it. Republicans seemed resigned to being the heavies for a complete surrender of the political high road, and Democratsperhaps over-confidentlythink this is all gravy for them. This all has echoes of a decade ago, almost to the day, when lawmakers in Washington stood ready to shut down the federal government in hopes of torpedoing the Affordable Care Act, A.K.A. Obamacare. And just like back then, Virginias off-year elections are just a few weeks away, and the shutdown may be heavy on voters minds when they go to the polls. The legend in Washington has been that the 2013 shutdown delivered Virginia Democrats a blowout. Yet the history is not as clear-cut as the rhetoric would suggest. In fact, it might give Republicans in nearby Washington justified reasons to barrel forward on the haphazard path they are already on. Just like now, Congress back then was split between a Republican-led House and a Democratic-led Senate where Democrats lacked the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Heading toward shutdown, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who often seemed more focused on setting up his bid for president than governing, read Green Eggs and Ham on the Senate floor as part of his 21-hour effort to delay any dealmaking. (For the historical record, it was not technically even a filibuster because that days legislative business was already over and Cruz was blocking no live votes. Serious mainstream Republicans rolled their eyes in disbelief.) The shutdown lasted for 16 days. At its peak, 850,000 workers stayed home and another million had to report to work while hoping theyd get back pay at some point. Per one estimate, the U.S. economy lost a whopping $24 billion. Cruz and Co.s long-shot hopes that closing national parks and not collecting owed taxes would drive Obama to pull a U-turn on the central piece of his legacy never materialized. Even the leaders at the time admit today that it was a bungle. This time we are not likely to be so lucky as to suffer through just a partial shutdown. Not one of the 12 must-pass spending bills is finished, and that includes the typically easy-peasy defense and foreign operations spending bills. The troublemakers are getting their turn in the spotlight and those accustomed to power are finding they have less than they imagined. Pollsters are quietly warning that Republicans standing in Gallup is exactly where it was right before the 2013 shutdown, at 38% favorable. When the 2013 shutdown began, the GOPs favorability plummeted a full 10 points to 28%, the lowest number on record for either party to that point since Gallup started asking the question in 1992. This is where Virginia comes in, as its Nov. 7 election is looming large in the minds of those looking for clues as to which party is better positioned going into 2024. Virginia Republicans head into Election Day with a three-seat majority in the House of Delegates and Democrats enjoy a four-seat majority in the Senatemeaning small margins matter, not just for Virginians but for national strategists looking for lessons from a shutdown. A decade ago, then-Gov. Bob McDonnell was coming off a chance to become 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romneys running mate and was clear-eyed about both his political future and what the legacy cost would be for a messy off-year election that historically punishes the party that won the White House the year before. My Republican friends have got to understand theres no way on earth that the President and the United States Senate are going to vote to defund Obamacare, McDonnell told reporters in Richmond, Va., ahead of the shutdown. Look, I am no fan at all of Obamacare. ... But it is absolutely wrong to shut down the government. Contrast that now, with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin trying to split the difference: blaming President Joe Biden for a lack of leadership and urging patience as fellow Republicans sort out their internal differences. Here is another Virginian considering the national stage, and he knows the base of the party wont easily tolerate full-throated dissent against those intent on forcing a shutdown, even if they dont have any specific demands. Outside of D.C., Virginia trails only California in the number of federal jobs, and the states military bases employ 130,000 active-duty personnel and another almost 26,000 reservists, putting it behind only California and Texas in the number of men and women in uniform. Add in all of D.C.s federal workers who commute from Virginia, and you can see why the shutdown would be felt there more strongly than other states. In popular lore, Virginias 2013 election shifted over the shutdown. The Democratic nominee for Governor, Terry McAuliffe, was polling 5 points ahead of Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the GOPs nominee for the top gig, on the final days before the shutdown. By the time the shutdown had ended, the same pollsters at Roanoke College had McAuliffe up 15 points. Cuccinelli went all-in on holding the conservative line and lost by 2.5 points. Wait, 2.5 points? Wasnt Virginia supposed to be a Democratic blow-out because of the shutdown? Apparently not. Even in the state legislature, Republicans held steady at 67 seats in the 100-seat House of Delegates. It was an early sign that anger over a largely pointless shutdown is not destined to necessarily last long. Nationally, House Republicans picked up 13 net seats in the 2014 midterms and Senate Republicans picked up nine, just one year after the lights went back on and Cruz shelved Dr. Seuss. All of which is to say: voters today may be rightly blaming Republicans for the looming shutdown that seems as stupid as it is unavoidable. But memories are short in politics, a new outrage is always around the corner, and even immediate consequences, like the one in Virginia back in 2013, can ignore national trends as long as theres a stronger competing story. Doubt it? Look at how much money is being spent in Virginia on ads about abortion. Its that potent issue, and not appropriations, that both parties think can win them these state legislative races. Party elders on both sides of the aisle will be watching closely for signs that their thinking on that is right over the next monthand maybe the year that follows. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. Voters say they trust Republicans more on the economy and Democrats more on health care and abortion, according to a poll released Tuesday. In the NBC News national poll, the GOP had a 21-point advantage when voters were asked which party they trusted more to deal with the economy; 28 percent trusted the Democratic party and 49 percent trusted the Republican party. These figures are largely consistent with those from 2021 and 2022. The parties were roughly equal when voters were asked which they trusted more on looking out for the middle class, with 36 percent of voters saying Democrats and 34 percent saying Republicans. These numbers are the latest in a decadelong trend away from Democrats on the issue. When the question was last asked in an NBC News poll in October 2018, Democrats had an 8-point advantage, with 39 percent of voters trusting Democrats to look after the middle class and 31 percent trusting Republicans. Democrats advantage was higher still in years prior. Republicans also had a 30-point advantage in the most recent poll when voters were asked which party they would trust more to handle border security, with 50 percent saying Republicans and 20 percent saying Democrats. That represents a modest dip in GOP support from one year ago, when 56 percent trusted Republicans more. Trust in Democrats on the issue remained consistent from the previous year, but the share of voters who said they trusted neither rose from 13 percent last year to 18 percent this year. Democrats, meanwhile, had a 23-point advantage when voters were asked about health care, with 45 percent saying they trust Democrats and 22 percent saying they trust Republicans. Democrats edge on the issue has grown in recent years: It stood at 20 percentage points in 2022 and 18 points in 2018. Democrats also held a double-digit advantage on abortion in the most recent poll, with 46 percent of voters saying they trusted Democrats on the issue and 28 percent saying they trusted Republicans an 18-point gap. Democrats had an even larger edge of 22 points in September 2022, however, when they received 47 percent support on the issue compared to Republicans 25 percent. The change largely comes from voters who said they trusted both about the same, who made up 10 percent of respondents in 2022 and 6 percent in 2023. Democrats advantage on abortion still represents a notable increase from October 2021, when 39 percent of voters trusted them, which was 7 points lower than today. Republicans support in 2021 was at 29 percent, which was 1 point lower than today. Those figures came before the Supreme Court sided against Roe v. Wade in June 2022, eliminating the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion and enabling a number of Republican states to restrict or ban the procedure. Meanwhile, even as Republicans have increasingly focused on education as a winning issue, voters have barely moved on the issue since 2021, according to the NBC News polls. Voters trusted Democrats more on education by 10 points in 2021, by 11 points in 2022 and by 10 points in 2023. The poll was conducted Sept. 15-19 among 1,000 registered voters, 40 percent of whom are or lean Democratic and 39 percent of whom are or lean Republican. About a third intend to vote in each partys primary, and another third plan to wait until the general election. The poll had a margin of error of roughly plus or minus 3.1 percent. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The campaigns of Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) will each donate the $10,000 they accepted from Sen. Bob Menendez s (D-N.J.) political action committee in the wake of federal charges accusing the New Jersey senator of bribery, fraud and extortion. Montanans for Tester will donate the $10,000 it received from Menendezs PAC to a veterans charity while Bob Casey for Senate will donate the money it took from Menendez this election cycle to an unspecified cause. Both are running for reelection in 2024. Ive read the detailed charges against Sen. Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Sen. Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate, Tester said in a statement. Casey also called on Menendez to step down from office. Public service is a sacred trust. The specific allegations set forth in the federal indictment indicate to me that Senator Menendez violated that trust repeatedly, he said. Federal campaign finance records show that Montanans for Tester accepted a total of $30,000 from Menendez over several election cycles. Bob Casey for Senate Inc. has taken a total of $20,000 over the years while the Bob Casey for Pennsylvania Committee has accepted $6,500 from Menendez in the past. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A newly released video shows the moment when a Florida family was shot at by a Jack-In-The-Box employee after their order of curly fries did not come through. Anthony Ramos of Miami, his then-pregnant wife Jeraldin Ospina, and their 6-year-old daughter pulled up to a Houston Jack-In-The-Box in March 2021, hoping to order lunch and a side of curly fries. When the fries did not come through, Ramos asked employee Alonniea Ford about the missing item, but she refused to fulfill the order which had already been paid for. When the family asked to speak with a manager, Ford began cursing at [the family] and yelling at them to get the (expletive) outta here! court documents said. When the family argued back, Ford hurled packets of ketchup, ice, and a variety of other items at the familys car. Ford then retrieved a gun and fired it at the familys car as it sped off. Ford was ultimately arrested and charged with deadly conduct with a firearm. Her charge was later reduced to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, to which she pleaded guilty in June 2022. Jack-In-The-Box needs to do background checks on employees so as not to expose their customers to someone who would attempt to kill them, the familys lawyer Randall Kallinen said. These rage cases are getting out of hand. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) repeatedly refused to endorse Donald Trump s third run for president in an interview on Fox News on Monday. Instead, the former Trump White House press secretary whose two-year tenure in the role was characterized by her peddling of the then-presidents untruths and defense of his outrageous comments went off on tangents promoting her work in her state. Foxs Jacqui Heinrich first asked Sanders when she was going to endorse somebody for 2024. Sanders replied: Look, my focus has been on being governor of Arkansas. Ive only been in office about nine months, and I wanted to really put my head down and focus on the things that were impacting our state. We just got out of our first regular session and special session about a week ago. Sarah Huckabee Sanders deflected when asked repeatedly if she is ready to endorse Trump for president. pic.twitter.com/oapdnWM5oy Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 26, 2023 Trump will likely be the 2024 GOP nominee and is the best chance the party has in the election, she said. Co-anchor John Roberts phrased the same question differently. He named the GOP governors backing Trump and asked: Why not join the group? Sanders claimed her focus is on Arkansas and said shed make that decision when it makes sense. Is there anybody else you would support? asked Roberts. Ive only been governor for about 15 minutes, Sanders replied, again ducking the question. Weve been able to do amazing and big transformational change for our state. Were going to continue to do that over the course of the next several months. Heinrich asked if Trump had pressured you at all to endorse him? Look, I love the president, continue to have a great relationship with him, and I dont see that changing any time soon, Sanders responded. Sarah Sanders is oddly refusing to endorse Trump. Even Fox News is grilling her about it. pic.twitter.com/pKK6jOoHr5 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 25, 2023 Related... TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A newly released video shows a Jack-In-The-Box employee shooting at a Florida family in a dispute over curly fries, according to court documents. Anthony Ramos, of Miami, along with his then-pregnant wife Jeraldin Ospina and their 6-year-old daughter, had pulled up to a Houston Jack-In-The-Box in March 2021, planning to order lunch with a side of curly fries. Florida family shot at over curly fries in Texas drive-thru sues Jack-In-The-Box When the fries did not come through, Ramos asked employee Alonniea Ford about the missing item, but she refused to fulfill the order, which had already been purchased, according to court records from a lawsuit about the incident. When the family asked to speak with a manager, Ford began cursing at [the family] and yelling at them to get the (expletive) outta here! court documents said. The family argued back, after which Ford hurled packets of ketchup, ice, and a variety of other items at the familys car, the video shows. Ford then retrieved a gun and fired it at the familys car as it sped away. Florida winner of $1.6B Mega Millions jackpot comes forward to claim prize Ford was ultimately arrested and charged with deadly conduct with a firearm. Her charge was later reduced to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, to which she pleaded guilty in June 2022. Jack-In-The-Box needs to do background checks on employees so as not to expose their customers to someone who would attempt to kill them, said Randall Kallinen, the familys lawyer. These rage cases are getting out of hand. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Attendees sing during a congregational hymn during the Sunday morning session of the 193rd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 2, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host the 193rd Semiannual General Conference this week. All are invited to participate either in person or online in the global event. General conference provides an opportunity to receive personal revelation as general church leaders give counsel and direction, the First Presidency of the church wrote in an April 2023 letter to congregational leaders. We encourage members to listen to, study, ponder and apply the counsel given. Related When is general conference? The October 2023 conference will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 1, in five different general sessions. Each will have unique speakers and last about two hours. Those attending the sessions live should plan to be in their seats a half hour early. Saturday, Sept. 30 10 a.m. MDT Saturday morning session. 2 p.m. MDT Saturday afternoon session. 6 p.m. MDT Saturday evening session. Sunday, Oct. 1 10 a.m. MDT Sunday morning session. 2 p.m. MDT Sunday afternoon session. Where is general conference 2023? The semiannual conference is held and recorded in the churchs Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Because construction is still ongoing at the nearby Temple Square, only 18,000 seats will be available for each session and parking will be limited. Conference tickets will also double as free passes on public transportation within the city, including UTA trains, buses and light rail. How to get general conference tickets If members of the church within the U.S. and Canada wish to attend a session at the Conference Center, tickets can be obtained through local stake leaders who are usually given a certain amount of tickets for each session, per the church. Those members outside the U.S. must ask local leaders to submit a form well in advance of the conference. There is currently no standby ticket option due to the Temple Square renovation project. Where to watch or listen to general conference Online streaming The Church of Jesus Christ will be streaming each session online at ChurchofJesusChrist.org in more than 70 languages around the world. Sessions will also be recorded on the General Conference YouTube channel in 30 different languages. Deseret.com will highlight conference coverage from the churchs YouTube live stream, in addition to talk summaries and highlights from the conference. KSL.com and BYUtv.org will stream the live sessions in English Apps Gospel Stream Mobile replaces the Latter-day Saints Channel app and is the official broadcasting app of the church to view general conferences, uplifting videos, and Music and the Spoken Word. All sessions will be available for replay immediately after each session in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Available on Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and Fire TV. The Gospel Library App will stream in more than 30 languages and allow viewers to take digital notes during the session. BYUtv app will stream all sessions in English for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox One and Windows Mobile. Live coverage on X, previously known as Twitter, will be published on @Deseret, @the__churchnews and @ldsconf. Live television (U.S. and Canada) Bonneville Distribution makes all sessions available on Channel 9403 on Dish networks and Channel 374 and 68 (Utah) on DirecTV. Check the coverage map for more information. Utah residents can watch in English on KSL-TV on Channel 5. Radio KSL Radio on 1160AM and 102.7FM. BYU Radio on Channel 143 on Sirus XM Satellite Radio. Where to read, listen and watch general conference later: Correction: A previous version of this story said that standby tickets might be obtained by arriving early. There is currently no standby option available due to Temple Square renovation. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified the proposed magna carta for Filipino seafarers as urgent. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday shared a photo of the letter from the president, certifying the necessity of the enactment of Senate Bill No. 2221, also known as An Act of Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The certification was made "in order to address recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers which endanger their employment in the European market in particular, and the global maritime arena in general," read Marcos' letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated Sept. 25. "The bill guarantees to the international community that the Philippines will comply with its obligations of ensuring that our training, facilities, and equipment are at par with international standards and those set by relevant conventions," Marcos added. Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman and Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo welcomed Marcos' recognition of the urgency of the bill, saying the "significant milestone" shows the president's deep concern for seafarers' welfare. "This certification signifies a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by Filipino seafarers and their integral role in our nation's economic growth," Salo said. "It ensures that their voices are heard and their rights safeguarded." Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo, principal sponsor of the measure, expressed confidence that the magna carta for Filipino seafarers will soon be established with Marcos' urgent certification. The bill also finished its first phase of amendments. Matapos ang unang stage ng period of amendment at ang suportang ito mula mismo kay Pangulong BBM, mas tiwala ako na mapapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill, Tulfo said. [Translation: After the first stage of the period of amendment and this support from President BBM himself, I am more confident that the enactment of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill will be expedited.] The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers would outline their rights and ensure their welfare, including a reintegration program, a grievance system, and social welfare benefits. The bill is currently pending on second reading in the Senate, while its counterpart in the House of Representatives was approved on third and final reading last March. This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. Good morning and welcome to On the Trail 2024, the Deseret News campaign newsletter. Im Samuel Benson, Deserets national political correspondent. Im catching a flight today to Los Angeles for the second Republican presidential debate. Its at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. My colleague Eva Terry put together a great primer on the debate, with all you need to know about how to watch it. Read Evas story here. Read my interview with one of the debates co-moderators here. Heres more of the Deseret News 2024 election coverage: The Big Idea A tale of two presidents Two former presidents will take center stage at Wednesdays Republican debate, but neither of them will be in attendance. Two things to watch: 1. All eyes are on Trump even though he wont be there. Lets get this out of the way: the biggest elephant wont be in the room, with former President Donald Trump saying hell head to Detroit to check in on the UAW strikes instead of participating in the debate. That marks two consecutive debates that hes ducked, and hes given no reason to believe hell be at any of them in the future (hes alluded to skipping them outright). Is it the right strategy? Ask 100 pundits and youll get a hundred answers. Trump dipped in the polls slightly after his first no-show. But hes since climbed even higher and now sits at his highest perch of the election cycle, at 55%. His closest challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is somewhere in the low teens. By not attending, he allows his opponents to cannibalize themselves. Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who some have called Trump 2.0, took the brunt of the attacks during the first debate, despite sitting at third or fourth in most polls. Trump wasnt on the stage, and the candidates seemed content with that set-up: few mentioned Trump, and fewer were willing to attack him. Theres such a big gap for the (other) candidates to make up, Aaron Kall, the director of debate at the University of Michigan, told me. The only way you can really do that is attacking the front-runner. And last time, that wasnt the case. Would things be different if Trump were on stage? Perhaps. Ideally, hed be there, making his case directly to the American people why he should be the Republican nominee. Dana Perino, a Fox News host who is one of the moderators for Tuesdays debate, told me she wishes Trump would be there, too. But I also practice the serenity prayer, she continued, and appreciate the wisdom to know the difference between the things I can and cant control or change. Amen, Dana. 2. Is Reaganism dead? Debates at the Reagan Library have become a staple for Republican presidential primaries. The set-up is something like this: a stage, podiums and lights are arranged in the hangar. A life-size replica of Air Force One hangs in the air. And the candidates spend two hours arguing over who is the rightful heir to Ronald Reagans conservative vision. In 2008, appeals to Reaganism made Mitt Romney a viable candidate early in the race. He may not be the heir to Reagan, but he looked the most like the former president, The New York Times reported after that years Simi Valley debate. In 2012, Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry vied for Nancy Reagans endorsement, with Romney eventually coming out on top. In 2016, Ted Cruz vowed to reassemble that old Reagan coalition and called that years election a time for choosing. But in an age when Trumps MAGA wing has engulfed the Republican Party, are odes to Reagan out of date? And in this new-look GOP, can a Reaganite win the nomination? Nancy Reagan died months before the 2016 election, just as the tides in her party were starting to shift. (Her eldest son said she wouldve voted for Hillary Clinton that year.) The Reagan-Trump feud seems to live on, in no small part due to the Reagan Foundations efforts to usher in a new (and non-Trump) era of the Republican Party. But its not just Trump who is ignoring the 40th president: Among the other GOP candidates, Reagan just doesnt seem to be all that popular. None of the candidates on Tuesdays stage, except Chris Christie, have participated in a Reagan Library debate before. And aside from occasional eulogies to the Republican glory days of the 1980s, The Gipper is rarely mentioned. As a Wall Street Journal headline this week said: Reagans Library Still Attracts GOP Candidates. His Ideas Dont. What Im reading DeSantis was expected to be the legitimate non-Trump candidate. Then establishment conservatives saw a glimmer of hope in Sen. Tim Scott. Then former Gov. Nikki Haley. Now, many big-money GOP donors are giving up. Trumps like 50 points ahead, one New York-based GOP fundraiser said. Who wants to get involved and waste money? Big GOP donors hoped for an alternative to Trump. Now some are giving up. (Sally Goldenberg, Shia Kapos and Jessica Piper, POLITICO) I reported last week on the Nevada Republican Partys efforts to hold a caucus two days after the states primary election. Critics say it will all but guarantee a victory for Trump in the first-in-the-West state. Local reporters have details on the partys private weekend meetings, where details for the caucus were hammered out: Nevada GOP approves party-run caucus that will exclude candidates who run in primary. (Tabitha Mueller and Jacob Solis, The Nevada Independent) Evangelical Christians are the strongest voting bloc in Iowa, the first state to cast votes in the GOP presidential primary. For the first time ever, a Hindu is running to win the Republican nomination. But hes managed to walk a careful line, quoting Old and New Testament passages he learned from his Catholic prep school days and weaving references to God into his stump speeches. Can Vivek Ramaswamy, a practicing Hindu, win over Christians in Iowa? (Philip Joens, Des Moines Register) Poll pulse As we barrel toward a federal government shutdown, a new Pew Research Center poll splashes cold water on Washington: Americans are not happy with the state of our politics. Some key findings: 4% of U.S. adults think our political system is working extremely or very well. 63% have little or no confidence in the systems future. 65% said exhausted is the most frequent emotion that comes to mind when they think about politics. (Second place, with 55%, was angry.) Sheesh. What to watch The debate, of course. Heres our guide on how to watch, stream or listen to it. Its also worth paying attention to Detroit, where both Trump and President Joe Biden will visit the UAW strikes and make their pitch to union workers. Do you have a question youd like me to answer in next Fridays newsletter? Send it along to onthetrail@deseretnews.com. Lets talk policy, polling, candidates ... anything election-related. See you on the trail. Samuel Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here. Whistleblower Blake Brickman, former deputy attorney general, second from left, attends the closing arguments in the impeachment trial for suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol, Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A group of whistleblowers who reported Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to the FBI said Monday they are not giving up their own legal fight against the Republican after his acquittal on corruption charges at his impeachment trial. Four of Paxton's former advisers have asked the Texas Supreme Court to resume their whistleblower lawsuit against Paxton after having never received a $3.3 million settlement. The agreement was struck earlier this year but was never approved by Texas lawmakers, who instead went on impeach Paxton over accusations of corruption and bribery. In all, eight of Paxton's former top aides went to the FBI in 2020 and accused their boss of misusing their office to help a political donor. Most of them testified at his impeachment trial that ended with a jury of mostly Republican senators acquitting Paxton on all charges. The political trial is over, and its time for the case to return to a real court, said Blake Brickman, one of the whistleblowers. A spokesperson for Paxton's office did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Earlier this year, Paxton's office argued against making the lawsuit active again since a settlement was on the table, telling the court that approval of the settlement could take more than one legislative session. Paxton returned to office last week and immediately went on the attack against fellow Republicans who drove his impeachment. He had been suspended from office without pay while awaiting the trial's outcome, but on Monday his office asked the state comptroller to issue him back pay. Paxton is still under an ongoing FBI investigation and is awaiting trial on state securities fraud charges. He has pleaded not guilty and broadly denied wrongdoing. The White House condemned an attack on the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C., in which a man reportedly threw two Molotov cocktails at the building on Sunday night. Attacks against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable. We are in contact with Cuban embassy officials and law enforcement authorities to ensure an appropriate and timely investigation as well as to offer our support for future protective efforts, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla reported and shared photos of the aftermath of the incident in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, saying the embassy was the target of a terrorist attack on Sunday night. Anti-Cuban groups resort to terrorism due to the moral bankruptcy of their hatred against Cuba and the impunity they believe they enjoy, Rodriguez said in a statement posted on his X account. The attack took place on the heels of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canels departure from the U.S. back to his nation, after coming to New York for this years United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The U.S. Secret Service said in a statement to The Hill on Monday that officers responded swiftly and began an investigation after Cuban Embassy officials contacted its Uniformed Division shortly after 8 p.m. to report the attack. There was no fire or significant damage to the building, Secret Service spokesperson Steven Kopek said. No one is in custody at this time and we are working closely with embassy officials and our partners at DC Police and the United States Department of State on this investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre says that both congressional parties continue to support Ukraine, which has been resisting a full-scale Russian invasion for more than 19 months. Source: European Pravda, citing Karine Jean-Pierre quoted by Voice of America at a briefing on Tuesday. Karine Jean-Pierre said that the White House is proud to have secured bipartisan support for funding for Ukraine, "and it's important that this continues." "We believe that the bipartisan majority in Congress is committed to supporting Ukraine," she added. The White House spokeswoman said the Joe Biden administration would continue to work with members of both parties in the Senate to secure additional funding for Ukraine. "National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently said he had spoken with both parties about the importance of securing additional funding as part of a budget resolution. This funding will ensure support for the Ukrainian people as they bravely fight for their freedom and democracy," Jean-Pierre said. The US State Department has previously called on Congress to vote on the budget and avoid a shutdown, a temporary suspension of the government. The vote is being blocked by representatives of the far-right wing of the Republican Party, who are dissatisfied with the intention to approve additional funds for Ukraine and the failure to meet their demands, such as funding for border security with Mexico. 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 white neighbor disrupted his Black neighbors dinner party and used a backyard hose to end their gathering an act likened to Black Americans treatment in the 1960s, a new lawsuit alleges. The September 2022 incident happened at an intimate get-together hosted by Dr. Yves Duroseau, the first physician to get the COVID-19 jab in the US, at his residence in Queens, New York, according to the lawsuit obtained by Atlanta Black Star. Dr. Yves Duroseau hosted a dinner party for his sister last September. He is the chair at Lenox Hill Hospital (@Shahid11828/x) Fifteen people were in attendance, mostly Black and Latino, who work in high-profile positions in their respective fields. The event was held to celebrate Duroseaus sister, Rosevony. Related: Initiated By a Violent White Mob: Attorney for Man Involved In Montgomery Riverfront Park Brawl Says Attack That Led to Melee Was Racial; Still No Hate Crime Charges As the dinner was wrapping up, an unidentified woman and an aggressive German shepherd appeared in the foyer just before 10 p.m., the lawsuit says. The neighbor demanded that the party lower down the music. Duroseau informed her that it was about to end and to exit his home. When he returned to his backyard, defendant Marcus Rosebrock was there and turned on his hose with powerful water pressure toward the group, according to the complaint. Duroseau and two of his guests were trying to talk to Rosebrock from a treehouse when he allegedly increased the pressure and violently water sprayed them in the face and body, drenching them, and putting them in fear of serious bodily harm as they were afraid that they would be knocked to the ground, the lawsuit said. According to the allegations, Rosebrock continued to do this to other guests when they tried to speak to him and the catering staff who were working at the event. Duroseau reported the incident to police; however, they have not heard from them about a pending investigation, attorney Derek Sells told the Beast. Read the full story at Atlanta Black Star. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the emotional injury Rosebrock caused them, per the report. The Duroseaus have not felt comfortable hosting an event since that night, with their other attorney, Mina Q. Malik, saying they feel like prisoners in their own home. The party guests, caterers, and chefs are also plaintiffs in this case. Unable to use their property for a peaceful gathering, and humiliated, put into fear, embarrassed and degraded, Plaintiffs seek justice for the assaultive conduct, battery, and civil rights violations, the lawsuit says. Speaking to The Daily Beast, Rosebrocks attorney denied the accusations against him in the lawsuit. Keanu Reeves' girlfriend, Alexandra Grant , is glad she met the "Matrix" actor when she was already established in her career. During a Sept. 23 interview with People, Grant talked about her relationship with Reeves and the pros of falling in love in her adult years. The good news about falling in love as an adult is that I had built my own career by the time that my relationship had begun, she said. I feel very confident in the relationship on the red carpet. I feel confident on it alone. Grant noted that sometimes she gets frustrated creatively and could feel like a "Maserati stuck in traffic." But thanks to Reeves, he's helped her overcome this feeling. What I love about Keanu and our exchange is that were pushing each other to build new roads, she said. Seeing the other persons problem-solving is inspiring, like, Oh, well, okay, this one, thats a cul-de-sac. How do I try this other thing?" Hes such an inspiration to me, she continued. Hes so creative, hes so kind. He works so hard. Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant (David M. Benett / Getty Images) Grant said that as an artist, her work has absolutely changed since she started dating Reeves. I had a studio visit a few years ago, and this very kind, very high-level person said, I can see that your work has gotten happier, she recalled. Thats real. Were all human beings. Were animals. Were expressing from where we are and certainly feeling happier. I think the work is happier. Read on to learn more about how Reeves and Grants relationship evolved. Reeves and Grant meet in 2009 and work on a project together in 2011 Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant met in 2009 at a dinner party, according to The New York Times Style Magazine, and just two years later, Reeves and Grant published a book together titled "Ode to Happiness," which Reeves wrote and Grant illustrated. In a 2020 interview with British Vogue, Grant recalled what it was like to work on the project with Reeves and said their friends were the ones who pushed them to publish the book. The book was made as a surprise, by me, for Keanu, as a private gift, Grant said. All our friends sitting in the room got the giggles when I gave it to him they said, Please publish it! So thats how we got into publishing. Reeves and Grant go public with their romance In 2019, the pair were pictured going to several red carpet events together. In May 2019, they attended the MOCA Benefit in Los Angeles, then one month later, they went to the Saint Laurent Mens SS20 show in Malibu, California, where they were seen holding hands. The couple were pictured holding hands again at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in Los Angeles in November 2019. Alexandra Grant looks endearingly at Keanu Reeves as they attend the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala at LACMA in November 2019. (Taylor Hill / Getty Images) By the time they walked that red carpet, fans were starting to put two and two together about their relationship. Rumors began surfacing that Reeves and Grant were dating one another, even though they never officially confirmed it themselves. Grant opens up about the public's reaction to her new relationship with Reeves In her 2020 interview with British Vogue, Grant revealed how she felt about her relationship with Reeves going public. I think every single person I knew called me in the first week of November, and thats fascinating, she said. But the question Ive been asking in all of this is: What is the opportunity for good? During the interview, Grant also shared her views about marriage. When asked if she would be interested in getting married, Grant responded, Over a glass of wine I would love to tell you." Love at every level is deeply important to my identity. Hows that for dodging the question?" she continued. "I do not believe that isolation is the way. There is a period of isolation that I do as a painter, but I deeply value the experience of being in relationships. Reeves opens up about his "last moments of bliss" with Grant In a March 2023 interview with People, the John Wick" star was asked to share his last moment of bliss and he immediately started to think about the time he spent with his girlfriend. A couple of days ago with my honey, Reeves recalled. We were in bed. We were connected. We were smiling and laughing and giggling. Feeling great. It was just really nice to be together." Reeves kisses Grant on the red carpet MOCA Gala 2023 - Arrivals (Momodu Mansaray / WireImage) In April 2023, Reeves pulled his girlfriend in close and gave her a big kiss on the lips at the 2023 MOCA Gala in Los Angeles. The pair were also pictured smiling together on the red carpet and holding hands. This article was originally published on TODAY.com The News LOS ANGELES Gov. Gavin Newsom s weekend veto of a transgender rights bill surprised some progressive Democrats, angered some LGBTQ activists, and got a mixed reaction from conservatives. But Tuesday, after the governor signed an array of other LGBTQ rights and gender identity bills, the vetos impact killing a measure that would have instructed courts to consider a parents support of their childs gender identity in custody cases had waned. In conservative media, Newsoms opposition was covered first as a watershed moment, then as a political dodge. This guys so oily, said Fox News host Greg Gutfeld, he should join OPEC. LGBTQ advocates who had endorsed the bill said they were unlikely to push for a veto override this year; some endorsed part of the rationale in Newsoms veto message: That courts could already consider a childs gender identity and a parents response in custody cases. Nothing changed, said Shannon Minter, the legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, based in San Francisco. Look, Gov. Newsom has many times demonstrated his support for transgender people and transgender youth. His intent here appears to be not separating out transgender youth from other youths. Davids view Presidential politics have a way of elevating any story even when the key players are only hypothetical candidates. Newsoms veto came as he was negotiating a November debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, an unusual, high-profile intramural media event between candidate and non-candidate; on Sunday, a 60 Minutes profile of Newsom asked repeatedly if hed run for president. That shaped the early, shocked reaction to the governor, who has put California forward as a freedom state, a refuge from the wave of red-state legislation limiting abortion access, gender-affirming care, and discussion of gender identity in schools. Legislators, who got only a little notice of the governors move, knew that some of their constituents would be horrified. People are really scared about whats happening in other states, said state Sen. Scott Wiener, a co-sponsor of the bill. Theyre scared of whats happening in Congress, because they know that if the Republicans get back the White House and the Senate and keep the House, that theyll kill the filibuster, and do all sorts of nasty stuff. The legislation, known as AB-957, sought to require judges overseeing custody disputes to weigh a parents affirmation of the childs gender identity as one among other comprehensive factors. Its lead author, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, herself the mother of a trans child, had argued the language could protect minors from a non-affirming or an abusive caretaker, But the proposal took a pounding from conservatives. The Heritage Foundations Daily Signal theorized that parents could lose custody of their children if LGBTQ activist groups charged them with abuse; Fox News prime time ran multiple segments about the bill, with a Chicago parent whod lost custody of her daughter to an ex-partner, and Republican legislators urging parents to flee the state. Did Newsom cave to the pressure because he has one eye on the White House? To some advocates, that seemed like an obvious explanation. On a Monday night call organized by the California TGI Policy Alliance, TransLatin@ campaign coordinator Ace Anaya told supporters that the bill had been buried by opposition fueled with a lot of transphobic parental outrage. Newsom might want to seek higher office, Anaya added, and may have balked at a controversial bill as a result. Newsom offered a more principled reason in his veto statement. While arguing that courts could already take gender affirmation into account in their decisions, the governor explained he was hesitant to dictate new rules to judges in part because other politicians might use a similar bill to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities. Not everyone found his reasoning satisfying. I was a little bit surprised by that part of the message, because this is already happening, said Terra Russell-Slavin, the director of policy and community building at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Weve even seen federal legislation introduced to try to make this a national standard by far-right legislators in the House of Representatives. Still, while Wilson posted over the weekend that she was not done, theres no effort for now to get a revote or override Wilsons veto. It was an outlier as his pen moved quickly across the rest of the sessions LGBTQ bills, and its been 40 years since a governors veto was overturned. And the other bills signed by Newsom affirmed the work California Democrats had done to make their state a sanctuary for transgender people, such as a new law that would fine schools for banning textbooks with pro-LGBTQ themes. On Monday, asked by Semafor about the veto during a call with other Democratic Party officials, Newsom said that theyd stood tall against all the regression that youve seen in red state after red state. Anyone concerned with these issues, he said, knew which party would defend them. As it relates to the details of the bill, as it relates to the details and the nuances around making court determinations and decisions, I felt like that was not necessary, said Newsom. But as it relates to the advancement of the rights of the trans community, these folks on the other side have this zest for demonization no humility, no grace. The View From Conservatives Republicans say they do in fact plan to put trans issues front and center during next years elections. Winless statewide, California conservatives flipped some school boards last year with campaigns that pushed back on transgender policies. They saw Newsoms veto as insincere and a sign they were gaining ground by highlighting bills that could pass in Sacramento but alienate red state voters and California moderates. We have regular parents watching these hearings, posting clips of these hearings, then going viral, with news stories being written on them, said Jonathan Zachreson, a co-founder of Protect Kids California. Its been helpful in getting the craziness of California out there in the national media. Zachresons group is trying to get three ballot measures in front of voters next year: A parental notification requirement, a ban on trans athletes in girls sports, and a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Later today, the California Policy Center is organizing a rally near the site of the second GOP presidential debate; Lance Christensen, its VP for Education Policy and Government Affairs, said that Newsom had probably done activists a favor by vetoing one bill that would be hard to explain to voters, and signing the rest. Theyll send their nastygrams, and act really angry in the media, said Christensen, who won 36% of the vote in a 2022 bid for state superintendent of education. Behind the scenes they know that hell sign any bill they put up going forward. Notable In Unherd, Eliza Mondegreen suggests that Newsoms veto was yet another sign that the political, legal, and social calculus on trans issues is shifting. In the Sacramento Bee, Andrew Sheeler highlights the timing of the veto and the quick Newsom signatures on other bills: a day after outraging advocates. In this Oct. 28, 2014, file photo, the Rev. Russell Moore, director of the Southern Baptists Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission speaks in Nashville, Tenn. | Mark Humphrey, Associated Press After an excerpt from a forthcoming biography on Mitt Romney was published in The Atlantic, a prominent evangelical leader wrote an essay about the importance of character, using the Utah senator as an example. The Rev. Russell Moore, now editor-in-chief of Christianity Today magazine, began his newsletter, Moore to the Point, by explaining why he argued in 2012 that evangelicals could vote for Romney, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even if people disagree with a candidate on matters of theology, Moore wrote, they could support a candidate who has the character and competency requisite to lead in a civil office. He went on to say, Whatever one thinks of Mitt Romneys perspective, no reasonable person doubts that what he is saying publicly lines up with what hes saying privately. Moore described integrity as a holding together, an alignment of mind, mouth, and conscience and said this alignment is increasingly rare in the public square, where politicians often say things that arent true because they are afraid of the loudest and angriest among their own people. The pull of the tribe over ones conscience is strong, he added. Related Moore, who said that he never endorses political candidates, concluded by saying that while Romney, who announced earlier this month that he will not seek reelection, wont sit in the Oval Office, he has been faithful to the vows he made and to the oaths he swore. How many are left who will be willing to feel the sting of exile when they believe they have to choose between the truth and their tribe? As long as we keep acting as though personal character is irrelevant for or maybe even worse, a detriment to leadership, we will find that there are very few. Once you learn to justify the breaking of one vow, the breaking of the others gets easier and easier. If history has taught us nothing else, hasnt it taught us that? He concluded, Character matters, all the time. Character matters, everywhere. Moore, an ordained minister who opposed the election of former President Donald Trump on moral grounds, elaborated on his newsletter essay in a piece published in Christianity Today. Moore was formerly president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and chief academic officer and dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, before breaking with the SBC. He is the author of the new book Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. More young Oklahoma voters are registering as independents than Democrats. National polling and Oklahoma-specific data indicate young voters are more politically disengaged than older generations but also might be less polarized. About a third of young adults dont intend to vote or participate civically in the 2024 elections, and 61% said they dont align with either major political party, national polling of Americans age 18-24 found. The civic-focused Institute for Citizens & Scholars surveyed more than 4,000 young adults in August. Results showed young adults are more willing to have conversations with people of different views and identified themselves at or near the ideological center, creating optimism that Generation Z could help tackle polarization, the institute reported. More young Oklahomans are choosing to register as independent In Oklahoma, registering as an independent voter is a popular option among young people sick of partisanship, said Andy Moore, CEO and founder of the local civic engagement nonprofit Lets Fix This. Independent is the second most common party affiliation for registered Oklahoma voters ages 18-24, Oklahoma State Election Board data shows. Only the Republican party has more registered voters from this age group. There are over 16,000 fewer registered Democrats aged 24 or younger than independents in the state. More: Could Oklahoma turn to ranked choice voting? It would be expensive, elections chief says Independent voters in Oklahoma can participate in Democratic primary elections, but theyre barred from casting ballots in Republican and Libertarian primaries, which decide several key races in the heavily conservative state. Moore said this leaves many young Oklahomans feeling excluded from the political process. Then they get frustrated that their choice not to align with a particular party blocks them out of decisions being made, he said. They dont feel welcome and, as a result, dont participate. How many young Oklahomans voted in the 2022 election? Only 20% of registered voters aged 18-24 cast ballots in the 2022 general election, which decided Oklahomas governor and other statewide races, an Oklahoma Voice analysis found. Thats well below the turnout rate among all registered voters in November 2022, which the state Election Board reported was about 50%. The national poll also indicates elevated rates of political disengagement among young adults across the country. More: Who is running for the vacant House District 39 seat in Edmond? See the 10 candidates It found 48% of respondents intend to vote in the 2024 general election while 33% dont plan to engage at all. The share of Generation Z who plans to vote in the 2024 general election was 20% lower than the national average, according to the report. Most said they dont identify as either a Republican or a Democrat, and 51% placed themselves at or close to the ideological center, saying theyre either moderate, somewhat conservative or somewhat liberal. Respondents said they arent more involved in politics because they dont feel informed enough, dont have enough time or money, or dont believe their participation matters. More: Oklahoma students are required to take a civics test to graduate. Has it impacted voter turnout? This poll is a wake-up call, the institutes president, Rajiv Vinnakota, said in a statement. We urgently need to do more to civically prepare, activate, and support young adults. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Elections 2024: How young Oklahoma voters have registered Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government adhered to due process in distributing seized smuggled rice to poor families. In his speech in Manila on Tuesday, Marcos said the rice supply underwent the right process from investigation, apprehension, to ensuring they are safe for public consumption. The rice being distributed to qualified beneficiaries of the government's 4Ps conditional cash transfer program for the poor came from smuggled rice seized in Zamboanga City, Marcos said. In September, customs authorities raided a warehouse where they confiscated 42 million worth of smuggled rice. The chief executive said this would also serve as a warning to smugglers and hoarders that the current administration is monitoring any ill activities that could affect consumers and the agriculture sector. Marcos said he directed all concerned government agencies to strengthen their measures against smuggling. Asahan po ninyo na hindi kami titigil sa patuloy na pagbuwag sa mga smuggler at hoarder na nagpapahirap sa taong bayan, he told the beneficiaries in Manila. [Translation: You can expect that we will not stop to end the operations of smugglers and hoarders who burden our countrymen.] A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. It was a historic moment when President Joe Biden became the first sitting president to join a picket line. Members of the United Auto Workers are taking part in targeted strikes at plants for the Big Three US automakers. Biden joined the picket line at a General Motors facility in Van Buren Township, Michigan, appearing alongside UAW President Shawn Fain. Theres a reason presidents dont usually walk picket lines, according to Timothy Naftali, former director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. Presidents have basically positioned themselves as mediators between both labor and management, Naftali said Tuesday on CNN, although he noted that Democrats generally lean in their sympathies toward labor while Republicans lean toward management. The general election is starting before the primary ends Former President Donald Trump also wants to claim some support among union members. He will appear in Michigan on Wednesday, although at a non-union facility and without any official sanction by the United Auto Workers. He will carry a message to undercut Bidens sympathy for better union contracts. Trump and Republicans argue that Bidens push for electric vehicles with taxpayer credits puts union auto jobs at risk and is stabbing autoworkers in the back. EVs cut down on carbon emissions to help the environment. They also require fewer jobs for assembly. The former UAW president Bob King said on CNN on Tuesday that voters should look to Trumps four years in office to gauge his support for workers. Theres a long, long list of ways that he helped the wealthiest and did not help workers at all, said King. Biden, meanwhile, has argued the autoworkers helped save the auto industry by accepting worse contracts during the Great Recession and now they should get more from Detroit. The UAW has not endorsed Bidens reelection campaign, although that seems like an ultimate foregone conclusion. Trump, meanwhile, wont have to win union workers in order to win a state like Michigan. Simply eating into Bidens margins could do the trick. So, its no coincidence that union household voters are the subject of this very public contrast between Trump and Biden. I really think its the opening salvo of the presidential campaign, said the historian Douglas Brinkley, appearing on CNN on Tuesday. While youre going to read a lot about the future and new technologies like artificial intelligence, Brinkley said the coming election well might be about the Midwest working class union workers and how they vote. Biden and Trump, Brinkley said, both understand that. Unions are key in key states Fewer and fewer Americans are members of a union, but they play a continually important role in US politics. Biden won the White House by rebuilding Democrats blue wall of support in heavily unionized Rust Belt states. But its important to note that Republicans dont need to win union households in order to win elections. When Trump won the blue wall state of Michigan in 2016, he got the support of 40% of union households, compared with Hillary Clintons 53%. But when Biden won Michigan in 2020, he got the support of 62% of union households and Trump was under 40%. The shift was similar in Wisconsin. The national picture The share of voters nationwide who reported being in a union household in those 2020 exit polls was at 20%, and they went 56% for Biden to 40% for Trump. When Trump won in 2016, 18% of voters reported being in a union household, and they were more evenly split between Clinton, 51%, and Trump, 42%. Fewer union households In years where Republicans have done particularly well, the union vote has been split. Richard Nixon actually won 50% of voters in union households for his 1972 romp over George McGovern, the only presidential election in the past 50 years in which a Republican won more votes from union households than the Democrat. Ronald Reagan got 44% of union household voters in his 1980 landslide. A more gradual and persistent trend is the shrinking portion of voters who report living in a union household. About a third of voters lived in a union household in the 1970s. That fell to under a quarter by the 1990s. Its been at or under 20% since 2010. Restriction on organizing In the intervening years, a multitude of states enacted so-called right-to-work legislation making it more difficult for unions to organize by giving workers the option to opt out of a union even when their job is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. This is a trend that extended to blue wall states like Wisconsin and Michigan, although Michigan repealed its right-to-work law this year. A resurgent approval of unions Paradoxically, while fewer Americans belong to a labor union, unions are having a long-term rebound in popularity in recent years. Asked simply if they approve or disapprove of labor unions, more than two-thirds of Americans said they approve in the most recent Gallup poll. Thats up from fewer than half in 2009, but still short of the more than 70% approval unions enjoyed in the middle part of the 20th century, according to Gallup. And the most pro-union president is? Biden is not the first union-friendly president, or maybe even the most pro-union, although the White House wants to claim that mantle for Biden. Franklin D. Roosevelt wove labor-friendly legislation into the New Deal and oversaw a massive uptick in union membership. For much of earlier US history, presidents were known more for antagonizing unions than joining them helping companies and owners put down strikes, including with help from the US military, as when Grover Cleveland dispatched troops to put down the Pullman strike in 1894. The Republican Theodore Roosevelt broke this trend when he helped broker an end to a massive coal worker strike in 1902. Why take sides? Naftali argued Biden is willing to break the norm of the president being viewed as a mediator and instead take public sides. Joe Biden knows that to be a second-term president he has to hold his base and part of that base is union America, Naftali said, adding that Biden will be willing to take more chances to keep Trump from the White House. Biden will need to find an answer to Trumps argument about EVs and the skepticism they create among autoworkers. Bringing the labor movement he has long supported into alignment with the environmental movement could be a key to Biden winning a second term. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PATERSON Social justice activists and some city officials said last weeks crash death of a moped driver being pursued by Totowa police officers stemmed from a longstanding practice of urban profiling endured by Paterson residents. Five days after the incident, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office had not yet made public critical information in the case, such as why Totowa police were following the moped driver, how far they pursued him, and why they continued their chase into Paterson. But activists said the scant details that have been released reflected many years of incidents in which Paterson residents were pursued by police from surrounding towns into the city, often over minor infractions. What did activists say? Police at the scene where a person was killed during an apparent police pursuit of a motorcycle that ended up in a crash on McBride Avenue at Nagle Street in Paterson, NJ around 7:15 p.m. on September 20, 2023. (Photo/Christopher Sadowski) Historically, this has been a major problem for Paterson, where police in other towns chase us for no reason, said activist Ernest Rucker. This time, the person is dead. In fact, activists said the lack of information released about the incident reinforced their expectations that the moped driver had not committed a serious crime. If the person did something wrong, they would have said it already, asserted Paterson Black Lives Matter leader Zellie Thomas. Why did Totowa cops chase scooter?: NJ Attorney General keeps mum on fatal Paterson crash What did officials say? Police chiefs in three surrounding towns Totowa, Prospect Park and Haledon did not respond to a reporters messages seeking their comments for this story. Pat Caserta, the lawyer representing the Totowa cop who initiated the pursuit, declined to make any comment on the incident. State investigators have not made public the name of the deceased victim or the names of the Totowa police officers who were pursuing him. The Attorney Generals Office has said the Totowa police started following the moped driver at an undisclosed location in that town and that they continued to do so when the scooter crossed the border into Paterson. The moped driver suffered fatal injuries and his passenger non-life-threatening injuries in a crash with a civilian car on McBride Avenue, about six blocks into Paterson. Authorities have not revealed how fast the vehicles were traveling or whether the police officers turned on their sirens and flashing lights. Local: Paterson stabbing may be linked to tensions between two high school groups, police say 'Has to stop' Theyre not providing enough information, said Valerie Freeman, a member of the Paterson Board of Education. Its not acceptable. Freeman said she wants to know whether Totowa police alerted Paterson law enforcement officials as they crossed the border into the city. Thomas said the incidents sounded like another instance of targeted harassment by cops in neighboring towns. That practice has to stop, said the BLM leader. Paterson Councilman Michael Jackson said police in adjoining towns often sit parked on the border with Paterson to stop people driving into the city. In particular, he named Totowa, Prospect Park, and Haledon, adding that Haledon has improved since a new mayor took office there. Its not something thats unusual, Jackson said of the border monitoring. Jackson said local officers often violate Attorney Generals Office guidelines for police conduct and said the office doesnt do a good enough job enforcing its own guidelines. Thomas, meanwhile, said the Attorney Generals Office is inconsistent when it comes to releasing information about police incidents that result in peoples deaths. He said information that criminalizes the victims gets released much more quickly than information that points towards police wrongdoing. Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ: BLM activists worry about police chase, fatal crash Before last week, Brooklyn resident Kayla Lanphear had never known of anyone she knew dealing with a bounty hunter. Her only frame of reference was watching "Dog the Bounty Hunter" on TV, she said. Then her brother encountered one on Lake Street on Tuesday, Sept. 12. One, Jordan Andrew Jay Lanphear's friends and family say, used excessive force. According to his sister Kayla Lanphear, Jay was boxed in and his car was in reverse when he was shot at a short range in the face without cause or anything." The situation couldve been handled differently, Kayla Lanphear said. How can you roll up on someone, not say who you are, and just expect them to stop? she said. Kayla Lanphear holds a photo of her brother Jay Lanphear, with a friend of her brother, Denice May, next to her. Jay Lanphear was shot by a bounty hunter on Sept 12, and his friends and family claim that excessive force was used. He was admitted to the hospital for his injuries, but later released. Norwich Police were dispatched to Lake Street about 7 p.m. after bail enforcement personnel reported a wanted subject had fled. Upon arrival, Norwich officers learned that the caller had fired bean bag shotgun rounds into and at the subjects vehicle, striking him. That subject then fled the scene in that vehicle and was not located, according to a Norwich Police press release from Sept. 13. Jay Lanphear was later admitted to the hospital and released last week, Kayla Lanphear said. Who was the bail enforcement agent and why was he involved? As of Monday, Jay Lanphear has three pending cases between the Danielson and Waterbury courts, listed on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. The charges without a verdict include violating probation, weapons charges, interfering with an officer, and failure to appear in court. His next court dates are in November. The Norwich Police release did not say who the bounty hunter was or what company they worked for. The Bulletin left a message with the Norwich Police detective investigating the incident, but they did not respond as of Monday afternoon. Kayla Lanphear and a few friends of her brother were out at Howard Brown Park in Norwich Friday afternoon, holding signs and wearing shirts saying Justice for Jay. They gained a few supportive honks from cars passing by, and hope to get more people on their side, she said. It could be your brother, your sister, your aunt, Kayla Lanphear said. Excessive force claim levied at bounty hunter, not Norwich police Kayla Lanphear wants to be clear to the public that the excessive force issue concerns the bounty hunter, not the Norwich Police Department. One of Jay Lanphears friends at the rally Friday was Denice May. On Sept. 12, Jay Lanphear was in the car May was renting from the Enterprise Rent-A-Car's Norwich location and the encounter damaged the car, she said. It looked like a murder scene in the car, May said. Kayla Lanphear, Denice May, and Stephanie Brown got together and held signs supporting Lanphear's brother, Jay. He was shot by a bounty hunter on Sept 12, and his friends and family claim that excessive force was used. He is currently in stable condition. Another friend who attended the rally is Stephanie Brown. She said Jay Lanphear is like a brother to her. The way the situation went down is bad, Brown said. Do Norwich Police consider the shooting by the bounty hunter illegal? On Monday morning, Kayla Lanphear spoke with the Norwich Police Department and said police are waiting for a warrant to arrest the man who shot Jay Lanphear. As of Monday morning, Norwich Police have not revealed the name of the individual. Kayla Lanphear has a guess of who the individual is, but shes not allowed to say, she said. While progress is now being made, Kayla Lanphear still feels like theres more work to do. Im going to feel like theres still more work to do, even after this guy is behind bars, she said. What are bounty hunters in Connecticut? Bail Enforcement Agents, the formal term for a bounty hunter, must be licensed by the state. Bounty hunters, along with professional bondsmen and surety bail bond agents, can take into custody people who are the principal on a bond and have failed to appear in court and have had a re-arrest warrant or capias issued for them, according to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection website. What are the requirements to be a bounty hunter, also known as a bail enforcement agent? People becoming bounty hunters must apply for a state license. In Connecticut, they must disclose their name, age, date and place of birth, residence, occupation, and whether theyve been convicted of a crime to the state. Applicants convicted of a felony or one of 11 misdemeanor charges will be disqualified. The applicant then takes a 20-hour training course. The person will have a background investigation and be interviewed. The state will also collect the applicant's photo and fingerprints. The licensing fee is $200 and lasts a year, and they need separate permitting to carry a firearm, the state website says. When a bail enforcement agent's license is removed in Connecticut License suspensions and revocations can happen when the licensee has made a misstatement in renewal, has practiced fraud, deceit and misrepresentation, has demonstrated incompetence or untrustworthiness on the job, or has been convicted of a felony or other crime that affects honesty, integrity or moral fitness, the state website says. This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich shooting involved a bounty hunter. Why there are complaints YORK, Maine Signs warning York has become a Whiskey fungus zone have popped up around town as residents wait for a decision by the Planning Board on Wiggly Bridge Distillerys proposed expansion. Stop Wiggly Bridge Distillery from soiling your property and risking your health, read the sign posted on York Street. It shared a link for a page called fungusfreeyork.com, which condemned approval for the proposed new rickhouses at the award-winning distillery on Route 1. Planning Board members are poised to vote on whether the presence of Baudoinia, known as whiskey fungus, will prevent Wiggly Bridge from getting approval for a new barrel house and facility expansion. The board is scheduled to meet Thursday, where they will either make a ruling on the application or continue it to a future meeting. Many abutting property owners who have followed the application process have repeatedly expressed concern for the presence of the fungus, though, and its impact on property values as well as potential health effects. A study from the University of Maine commissioned by the town this summer concluded the distillery was the most likely source of nearby fungus. A sign on Organug Road near the middle school tries to persuade people to stop Wiggly Bridge Distillery from expanding in York. Wiggly Bridge owners have said there is no evidence the fungus has any effect on human health, and they challenged the results of the town-funded study in an August Planning Board meeting. Residents have become more organized over the course of the year in their effort to challenge the expansion. The website fungusfreeyork.com includes an interactive map that shows the locations of Baudoinia spores and their proximity to different addresses. A new study shows Baudoinia, known as whiskey fungus, is likely being caused by Wiggly Bridge Distillery on Route 1 in York. Planning Board members will now decide if the fungus, called Baudoinia, will affect the distillery's approval for an expansion. A new petition started Aug. 29 called for the town to find Wiggly Bridge in violation of the towns ordinance just for the existing fungus brought under scrutiny since the application was filed. It seeks to have Wiggly Bridge relocate its existing barrelhouse to a location which cannot soil or stain homes and businesses. There were 253 signatures on the petition at Change.org addressed to town Code Enforcement Officer Harry Norton, who could not be reached for comment Monday. They need to put a damper on this operation, said Roger Barzelay, a resident near the distillery who signed the petition. Its not fair. York County real estate: How a modest home on the York River became a $3 million property Residents concerned about whiskey fungus The distillery has been in business for 10 years. The Woods family who owns it say they need more storage space for barrels to age in order to grow the businesses. They also plan to expand the facility where they make the whiskey and have their tasting room. Planning Board members are examining whether the presence of whiskey fungus will violate a section of the towns code that refers to dust, dirt, fly ash, fumes, vapors and gases which could endanger human health, animals, vegetation, or property, or which could soil or stain persons or property. Those emissions are prohibited beyond the lot line of a commercial or industrial establishment creating them. The new website www.fungusfreeyork.com, whose creator could not be identified, advertised on signs found around town acknowledges that there is little information on the actual health effects of the whiskey fungus. The site also directs people to the emails of town officials who can be contacted with concerns about the whiskey fungus, including the code enforcement officer and Town Manager Peter Joseph. Despite what a quick Google search may suggest, no extensive research has been done regarding the health risks associated with long-term exposure to airborne spores of Baudoinia, the website states. The Wiggly Bridge Distillery in York wants to expand but some residents are opposed due to possible whiskey fungus. Still, the site argues whiskey fungus can damage and kill vegetation, as well as coat the siding of nearby homes. It includes a tab that reads Is My Home Affected, which in addition to a map includes a list of all the homes located in the hotspot based on the University of Maine study. Whiskey fungus adheres to many surfaces, accelerating aging of siding, the website states. It can be difficult and inconvenient to remove. Trash talk: York Beach businesses and residents debate carry-in, carry-out policy Wiggly Bridge has defenders, too The distillery has not gone without support. Some have posted messages on social media that praise the Woods family as a local family looking to grow their legitimate business. Please support Wiggly Bridge, wrote Jude Augusta in a Google Document he shared titled Fungus of facts? He praised the Woods family for their time working in the town and argued this family would never harm the town they live in and cherish. Augusta said he consulted experts who distill whiskey in the south and included a diagram that showed the average barrel house at a major distiller compared to a typical Kentucky/Tennessee barrel house. It compared that facility, estimated from 20,000-45,000 square feet, with the Wiggly Bridge barrel house which is approximately 2,800 square feet. David Woods, who co-owns the distillery with his son David Woods II, said he appreciates the support. However, the distillery has decided not to engage with opponents of the project online. We chose to keep our powder dry and approach this thing in a very straightforward manner, Woods said. I want this heard in a public forum, not on the internet. That is not where things are decided. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Wiggly Bridge Distillery expansion faces whiskey fungus foes in York WINCHESTER, Ind. A Winchester man died this week in a house fire. The body of Todd A. Berryhill, 58, was found Monday after a fire was reported in a structure in the 300 block of West Washington Street, according to Brandon Barndollar, deputy chief of the Winchester Police Department. In a release, Barndollar said emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly before 4:50 a.m. Winchester firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and contain the fire damage to a single room. Berryhill's body, and that of a dog, were then found at the scene, the release said. The Indiana State Fire Marshal's office is conducting an investigation, assisted by Winchester police and firefighters. Barndollar expressed thanks on behalf of Winchester police to the Winchester Fire Department, Farmland and White River firefighters, Randolph County EMS, the Randolph County coroner's office, the state fire marshal's office, Fort Wayne police and the Red Cross for assistance. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Winchester man found dead after early morning fire Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk made national headlines earlier this year when he issued a ruling that sought to ban mifepristone, the most commonly used abortion medication in the country. (That ruling is currently on hold pending appeal.) Now he has taken his ideological crusade even further by dismissing a First Amendment lawsuit against a public university in Texas that banned an on-campus drag show earlier this year. The First Amendment does not prevent school officials from restricting vulgar and lewd conduct that would undermine the schools basic educational missionparticularly in settings where children are physically present, he wrote in his decision last week, quoting from legal precedents on how the First Amendment generally applies in public schools and speaking hypothetically. The ruling is considerably out of step with the other federal courts. As Law Dorks Chris Geidner noted last week, federal judges in four other states have cited the First Amendment in rejecting drag show bans. But that part is not surprising: Kacsmaryk, who worked as a lawyer for a conservative Christian legal organization before Donald Trump elevated him to the federal bench in 2019, has often ruled against protecting LGBTQ Americans from discrimination. What stands out the most about Kacsmaryks ruling is his approach to free speech issues in general. While the Supreme Court has largely taken an expansive view over the last half-century of the First Amendments speech protections, he argued in favor of turning back the clock to a more puritanical era when the government had broad powers to censor speech and content that it deemed morally deficient. In sum, Kacsmaryk appears to place his own moral views over Americans free speech rights. The case, Spectrum WT v. Wendler, began when a student organization at West Texas A&M sought earlier this year to host a drag show on campus as a fundraiser for the Trevor Project, a suicide-prevention group that focuses on LGBT youth. Walter Wendler, the universitys president, sent out a campus-wide email in March to announce he had canceled the event because it was demeaning to women, comparing it to minstrel shows and blackface. A harmless drag show? Wendler wrote in the email. Not possible. I will not appear to condone the diminishment of any group at the expense of impertinent gestures toward another group for any reason, even when the law of the land appears to require it. It is rare that a government officialWest Texas A&M is a public universityopenly admits to doing something that runs contrary to the law of the land. In theory, that made it much easier for Spectrum WT, the campus LGBTQ organization, to file a lawsuit against Wendler for violating their constitutional rights. Unfortunately for Spectrum WT, they found themselves before Kacsmaryk. At this stage of litigation, Plaintiffs cannot prevail by invoking the word expression, as if the Free Speech Clause obliterated all logical distinctions separating (1) thought, speech, and conduct, (2) time, place, and manner, and (3) children from sexualized conduct, he concluded in a decision handed down last week. Kacsmaryk concluded that drag shows as a whole have no First Amendment expressive purpose, a conclusion he reached only after twisting existing free speech precedents beyond recognition. Kacsmaryk began his opinion by revisiting how courts analyze legal challenges based on constitutional rights in the first place. While the First Amendments free speech clause is a vast field of law, featuring balancing tests in some areas and bright lines in others, Kacsmaryk suggests that much of it may be invalid on originalist grounds. Free Speech jurisprudence only intermittently invokes the historical analysis applied to other Amendments and Clauses, he wrote. The judge pointed to two areas where the Supreme Court has shifted things toward a history-and-tradition test in recent years: the 2019 case American Legion v. American Humanist Association, which involved the establishment clause, and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which focused on the Second Amendment. The former involved a challenge to a war monument shaped like a large crucifix on public land in Maryland; the latter sought to overturn New Yorks system for obtaining a concealed-carry license. History-and-tradition tests for constitutional rights constrain the governments ability to enact laws and policies based on what was acceptable in a particular time and placein most cases, early nineteenth-century America. In the Second Amendment context, Bruens history-and-tradition test expanded the individual right to bear arms because states imposed far fewer restrictions on gun ownership and possession at the time. But in the First Amendment context, as Kacsmaryk approvingly noted, a history-and-tradition test would significantly limit free speech rights since founding-era Americans were far less permissive than their modern descendants. Said historical analysis reveals a Free Speech ecosystem drastically different from the expressive conduct absolutism of Plaintiffs briefing: (1) the Founders focused on prior restraints of publicationspecifically, political pamphlets, (2) draft Free Speech Clauses focused on protecting the right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments, (3) Blackstone treatises extolled freedom of thought and recognized a police power to censure licentiousness, (4) the Comstock Act of 1873 prohibited the mailing of obscene, lewd or lascivious materials, and (5) Joseph Storys Commentaries defined the Free Speech Clause as protecting the right to speak, write, and print opinions upon any subject whatsoever, without any prior restraint, but not the right to injure any other person in his rights, person, property, or reputation or to disturb the public peace. That drastically different ecosystem, of course, is no longer the dominant framework with which courts view First Amendment issues. What counts as licentiousness or obscene, lewd, or lascivious? The Supreme Court has largely abandoned that questionand most obscenity laws with itsince Miller v. California in 1973. When does something injure any other person in his rights, person, property, or reputation? The justices have set an extremely high threshold for libel cases since New York Times v. Sullivan in 1964. When does something disturb the peace? Since the 1969 ruling in Brandenburg v. Ohio, a speaker does not fall under the First Amendment unless they are inciting imminent lawless action. Kacsmaryks focus on political speech in this analysis would leave a broad range of other speech unprotected. While he does not explicitly say the existing precedents are wrong outrightas a district court judge, he cannot actually overturn themit is pretty clear that he does not favor their continued application. Beginning in the late 20th century, Free Speech jurisprudence absorbed expressive individualism as the new sine qua non of First Amendment analysis, he added, in a tone that can only be contextually understood as disapproving. Kacsmaryks citations for that last claim are particularly revealing. One of them was a legal treatise by Stanford University law professor Lawrence Friedman. The other, more unusual one was a book by Christian theologian Carl Trueman that critiques the sexual revolution, Obergefell v. Hodges, and transgenderism. Theologians are not typically cited in federal court rulings, and none of the parties cited Truemans book in their briefs for the court. Kacsmaryk apparently found it relevant of his own accord for reasons known only to him. That citation was also far from his strangest one. Later in the opinion, he cited a website by the organization Gays Against Groomers as evidence that drag shows dont necessarily further LGBTQ rights. Another was to a City Journal article by Christopher Rufo, a right-wing activist who has argued that discussing LGBTQ issues in public schools is tantamount to grooming children for sexual abuse. Rufos bad-faith campaigns against public education and anti-racist activism have made him a burgeoning star among American conservatives: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the board of the New College of Florida earlier this year. The Rufo citation stands out because Kacsmaryk used it to brush aside a factual claim the plaintiffs made in their complaint. Although Plaintiffs attest the show was rated PG-13a term undefined by Plaintiffs but presumably based on the familiar Motion Picture Association (MPA) ratingscontemporaneous media accounts of similarly advertised events reflect a range of highly sexualized content, he wrote. One could be forgiven for thinking that Kacsmaryk is just trolling Spectrum LT by ignoring their sworn complaint in favor of Rufos blogging. In another instance, the judge appeared to misstate the facts behind the case outright. The campus LGBTQ group said in its complaint that it forbade anyone under 18 from attending the event unless accompanied by a parent or guardian (intended for family members of students who want to come with students parents to show their support). Kacsmaryk, in an incredible act of bad faith, cited this portion of the complaint to state that they advised President Wendler the event would be open to children. It is hard to imagine that a majority of justices on the Supreme Court would be willing to embrace Kacsmaryks vision for the First Amendment. But that makes it no less troubling that a sitting federal judge would decide cases based on such a tortured understanding of the free speech clauseand a stunning willingness to impose his own particular moral views through his rulings. In a pluralistic society, Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk is more than entitled to hold those views. But that pluralistic spirit means the rest of us must be free to reject them for ourselves. This is not Puritan New England, no matter how much the judge might prefer it to be. One man was killed in a shooting near Wilson Ave. and 22nd St. in Louisville's Park Hill neighborhood on July 9, 2023. Police have not yet made any arrests in connection to the murder. Seven members of the Kentucky House Republican delegation from Louisville unveiled an outline Tuesday for an 18-point omnibus public safety bill they hope to pass in the 2024 legislative session that is aimed at tackling crime in the city and across the state. Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, said their effort stemmed from a recent rise in murders, carjackings and fatal overdoses in Louisville and shows the House GOP majority's "commitment to alleviate the crime epidemic across the commonwealth." "My constituents are fed up," Bauman said. "They don't feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods. If we do not do something now, things will only get worse." The wide-ranging plan would increase penalties for many types violent offenders, expand law enforcement use of wiretapping, restrict charitable bail organizations and create a new Kentucky State Police outpost in Louisville. Several provisions of what lawmakers called the "Safer Kentucky Act" were directed at helping business owners, including allowing them to use "reasonable" force to detain shoplifters with criminal and civil immunity, imposing a ban on street camping by the homeless and lowering the felony threshold on vandalism damage to $500. A copy of the proposed bill was not presented at the press conference at the River City FOP's headquarters, as Bauman said lawmakers are "very early in the process" on it and plan to unveil the bill to an interim legislative committee in December, a few weeks ahead of when the 2024 session kicks off in Frankfort. A joint statement from House Democratic leadership did not immediately react to the specifics of the Republican proposal, but it said the General Assembly "has enacted bipartisan 'smart on crime' initiatives over the years that have made a true difference when it comes to increasing public safety, preserving constitutional rights and keeping incarceration costs from skyrocketing," adding they "review these proposals through that prism." Addressing violent crime, the bill outline says it would create a "three strikes law" for violent offenders that requires a life sentence without probation or parole, increase minimum sentences for people convicted of attempted murder, make carjacking its own Class C felony and require mandatory completion of a sentence for those who commit an offense with an illegal firearm. The bill would also expand the death penalty to people convicted of selling fentanyl to a person who fatally overdoses on it and requires prosecutors to seek the death penalty if there is evidence a law enforcement officer was intentionally killed while performing their official duties. On the provision allowing business owners and employees to use "a reasonable amount of force necessary" to protect themselves, prohibit the escape of a person detained or "prevent the loss of goods for sale" as well as provide them civil and criminal immunity - Bauman said the final bill may specify what is defined as reasonable force. "If we need to provide better clarity to that as we go through the legislative process, we will do that," Bauman said. The proposal to restrict bail organizations from posting bail of $5,000 or more is similar to a proposal that cleared the House in 2022 but was not passed into law. It also prohibits posting bail for those charged with domestic violence. The provisions aimed at combating street camping by the homeless would give property owners criminal immunity for any actions taken to defend themselves from "aggressive actions" of a person refusing to vacate such a camp. Local government could still designate certain areas for legal public camping, so long as they "provide for basic sanitation needs." It would ban street campaign on any public path or area "normally used by pedestrians and/or vehicles, private property, homes, or businesses in any way." Rep. John Hodgson, R-Louisville, said he encourages unsheltered people to seek mental or drug addiction treatment or permanent supportive housing, "but if they're not going to seek treatment and they're not going to abide by the laws of a civilized society, they need to go somewhere else." Asked if he expected companion legislation to reduce the number of inmates incarcerated for nonviolent drug crimes to balance out any expected increase in state inmates caused by the bill, Bauman said he did not. Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is running against Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear this fall, praised the GOP crime plan in a statement, saying it mirrors provisions from his own public safety plan, "such as the death penalty for those who kill a cop, a carjacking statute, and establishing a Kentucky State Police post in Louisville." Beshear Spokespeople did not immediately return a request for comment on the GOP proposal. Other provisions of the 18-point bill include: Increasing the felony class for providing contraband like fentanyl within a detention center. Requiring parents to attend juvenile court hearings, with possible $500 fines and 40 hours of community services for violations. Requiring the Transportation Cabinet to also provide an ID card to those released from county and regional jails. Allowing involuntary confinement for the mentally ill when discharged. Allowing private citizens to buy guns used in violent crimes that are auctioned off by the Kentucky State Police, if they want the KSP to destroy the gun instead of it being resold. Reforming the state parole board to allow a governor to remove a board member who "is making inappropriate decisions" and requiring "a unanimous vote of three- to six-member panels to approve parole." This story may be updated. Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'Safer Kentucky Act': Louisville Republicans unveil anti-crime plan Student loan borrowers are bracing for the resumption of monthly payments Oct. 1. A new program rolled out by the Biden administration may help. The Saving on a Valuable Education plan commonly known as SAVE promises a lower monthly bill and a shorter path to loan forgiveness. "What weve heard from folks across the country is those college bills are too expensive, so what weve rolled out is a program that only asks you to pay what you can afford," U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a brief interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, adding, "My message to borrowers wondering about it is: Apply. It takes 10 minutes. Were trying to make it simple." Here's what to know: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee senior Sinyetta Hill advocated in February for the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program. The program was struck down, but the administration has a new plan for student loan borrowers. Who is eligible? Who isn't? Those with federal undergraduate or graduate loans should apply. Parents who borrowed money to pay for their children's education through a Parent PLUS loan cannot enroll in SAVE. How does it work? The plan bases monthly payments on income and family size and is readjusted every year. If you sign off on the Education Department automatically accessing your latest tax return from the Internal Revenue Service, you won't have to manually recertify your income every year. Borrowers with undergraduate student debt pay 5% of their discretionary income, down from 10% or 15% in other plans. For those with graduate debt, the cap is set at 10%. Borrowers with a mix of undergraduate and graduate debt will have payments weighted somewhere between the two. What is discretionary income? Income left over after paying your basic needs, such as rent and food, is discretionary. The SAVE plan tweaks the formula to increase the amount of income protected from repayment to 225% of the federal poverty guidelines, up from 150%. For a single borrower making less than $32,000 annually, their monthly payment will be $0, Cardona said. For others, payments will be significantly cut, eventually by as much as half. How does loan forgiveness work? Under the plan, anyone who borrowed $12,000 or less for undergrad or graduate school would receive loan forgiveness after making 10 years worth of payments, instead of the traditional 20 or 25 years worth under other income-based repayment plans. Every additional $1,000 borrowed above $12,000 would add one year of monthly payments to the time a borrower must pay before their debt is forgiven. Payments made before 2024 will count toward the maximum forgiveness timeframes. What else should I know about SAVE? One of the most attractive features of the plan is that the government will waive any interest accrual that exceeds a borrowers monthly payment. "Weve heard from people all over the country that the interest accrual is whats really burying them in debt," Cardona said. How do I apply? Visit StudentAid.gov/SAVE. A loan simulator at StudentAid.gov can help you determine which repayment plan fits your circumstances. You can see what your monthly payment amount will be before signing up. How soon will the SAVE plan take effect? It depends on when you apply, but processing the application will take a couple weeks. Student loan servicers will place borrowers in forbearance if they need more time to process their applications. Applicants can check the status of their application through StudentAid.gov. Some of the plan's features such as cutting undergraduate loan payments from 10% to 5% of discretionary income won't take effect immediately, so borrowers wont receive the full benefits of SAVE until next summer. Is there a chance the SAVE program could be struck down? Cardona said he has authority to implement the program, and SAVE doesn't require congressional action. Republicans, however, are trying to stop the SAVE plan. They said it shifts the burden from those who chose to take out loans to those who didn't go to college, paid their own way or already paid off their loan. A budget model from the University of Pennsylvania estimates that the SAVE plan will cost as much as $558 billion over a 10-year period. Congress can block new rules issued by federal agencies with a simply majority from the House and Senate. The president can veto the Republicans' resolution. "Were committed," Cardona said. "We know that were going to be challenged at every corner, but that doesnt stop us from fighting for the students we serve." Anything else I should know ? The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators offers a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the return of loan payments: Never pay for help . Your student loan servicer will provide you with free assistance. There are free public resources available through the Department of Education and federal student loan servicers to help borrowers find the right repayment plan, consolidate their loans or explore deferment or forbearance options. Know your student loan servicer . If you dont know who your servicer is, log onto StudentAid.gov and visit the My Loan Servicers section of your dashboard. Be wary of urgent communications. Scammers attempt to extract personal information by creating a false sense of urgency. Federal student loan relief programs, including income-driven repayment plans, are based on eligibility requirements, not deadlines. Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyMeyerhofer. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin student loan borrowers can enroll in Biden's SAVE plan A TikToker is sharing her experience at an Airbnb that she said had a list of 22 rules to follow. Among the rules were a 10 p.m. curfew and a requirement to clean the apartment before check out. She also said the host accused her of stealing a bottle of wine that she thought was complimentary. A woman is sharing her experience staying in a rule-heavy Airbnb on TikTok. In a series of videos posted in August, the woman said the apartment had a strict list of 22 rules and that upon checking out after two nights, the host accused her of stealing a bottle of wine she thought was complimentary. From the videos, it's unclear where the Airbnb property is located and Insider was unable to contact the host. Airbnb confirmed the incident to Insider in an email on Friday. "The rules state that not only do you have to take out your own garbage," the woman, Tenille, says in one video, "but you also have to clean the unit to the cleanliness that it was upon your arrival. And then you have to pay a $75 cleaning fee." "[That's] $75 for a condo that you have already cleaned," Tenille continued. She didn't specify where the home was located. Tenille did not respond to a request for comment. This embedded content is not available in your region. Tenille said she cleaned the apartment, took out the trash, and left just a few minutes after check out at 11 a.m. but as she was checking out, she received a message from the host accusing her of stealing a bottle of wine and leaving the apartment late. In the video, she shared a screenshot of the host's message. The screenshot Tenille shared shows the host saying the cleaner waited 25 minutes for her to leave, but Tenille said no one was there. She also shared a photo of the wine bottle, which was situated near a welcome note, prompting Tenille to believe it was complimentary. Other rules included that guests must replace anything that gets broken or stained, clean out the ashes from the fireplace, not have any barbecues, and not have additional guests stay with them. Ultimately, Tenille said an Airbnb support employee apologized to her. In a follow-up video posted on August 4, she said she wouldn't leave the host a bad review or abandon the platform altogether. "I ain't leaving Airbnb, are y'all crazy? 90% of my experiences on Airbnb have been amazing," she said. "I simply wanted to spark the conversation that, yeah, sometimes hosts are absolutely ridiculous, and some of these 'hidden fees' are just crap." "But until hotels can create the unique experience that Airbnbs can create, girl, I'm going to be Airbnb-ing 'til I die," she added. The videos which have received millions of cumulative views struck a nerve with viewers, who blasted the unidentified Airbnb hosts' wild rules. This embedded content is not available in your region. According to Airbnb's website, "checkout should require very little effort from guests and Hosts," and while they shouldn't leave the home a mess, "guests expect an easy checkout without any cleaning tasks." Cleaning fees and rules have been aggravating guests for months, to the point where Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky spoke about the issue last year. "You shouldn't have to do cleaning when you get out the door," Chesky told Yahoo Finance Live in 2022. "So what we're asking hosts is to do reasonable tasks, not ask for anything unreasonable. We're setting new guidelines. And anything a host requests, we want to make sure that's upfront stated, so you know what you're getting into before the booking." Chesky said that hosts should be able to ask guests to do "reasonable tasks," like lock the door or turn off the thermostat. "But an unreasonable task is like strip the bed and do laundry," Chesky said. It's unclear what repercussions take place for hosts if guests are required to complete "unreasonable tasks." Airbnb did not respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) Senators called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday to review the hiring process for airport personnel, especially security screening officers, following the recent incident of alleged theft. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian raised the concern a week after a screening officer was seen swallowing $300 allegedly stolen from a departing passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 last Sept. 8. DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista believes one way to solve this recurring problem is to regularize the security screening personnel under the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), adding that the screeners receive low salaries. However, Sen. Ronald Bato dela Rosa does not believe regularization is the solution. Siguro yung vetting, Sir. Kahit na napakababa yung sweldo, kahit na hindi sila regular, pero kung na-vet niyo nang properly yan, marami siguro mag-apply, he said. [Translation: Maybe its the vetting process, Sir. Even if the pay is low and it is not a regular position, but if they were vetted properly, I think many will apply.] We are not blaming you, the senator said. They were there before you assumed. Sana yung vetting lang natin ay siguruhin na matinong tao makuha natin kahit mababa yung sweldo [But the vetting should assure that we will hire decent people even it the position has a low pay]. Gatchalian backed the proposal of Dela Rosa, citing the need to instill confidence among local and foreign passengers. Tourists that come here, visitors that come here from another country, it does not inspire them to come here seeing all these things that happen inside our airport, Gatchalian added. For her part, Sen. Grace Poe proposed the inclusion of psychiatric evaluations in the requirement. Another proposal from the DOTr chief was to transfer the responsibility of hiring and employment of personnel to the operator. For example, in Cebu, the screeners are hired not by the OTS but by the Cebu authorities, the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority, Bautista said. According to OTS Deputy Administrator Jose Briones, the monthly salary of a security screening officer is 16,000. Briones said these security screening officers are directly hired, following an interview, scholastic record review, and background checks. He added that most of those hired are college graduates. Briones said they expect the results of the investigation to be out in a months time. We have investigated already the case. Initially that was the cover-up or the alibi of the security screening officer. But subsequent video footage as shown in the caught up by the video, it appears that what she has swallowed was the $300 dollar bill, he said. In a statement, OTS Administrator Ma.O Aplasca recognized the systemic and cultural problem of the office, calling for short-term and long-term initiatives, including enhanced training and internal cleansing programs. The OTS said it has investigated 68 administrative cases for disciplinary and administrative policies, of which 11 personnel have been dismissed. It said it is seeking laws to make the office a more stable organization, as well as requesting the Department of Budget and Management to raise the salaries of personnel. Guillaume Brun, executive director of Modo Yoga LA, speaks at a meeting of residents and management in Echo Park. Since the yoga studio opened, neighbors have complained about parking and traffic problems. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Blanca Rendon, 71, stands outside her Echo Park home of 40 years on Aaron Street and points to the top of the road's steep dead end. That's where the problems will start, she says in Spanish. By midmorning clients of a nearby yoga studio, Modo Yoga, will fill up the business' parking lot and begin the frantic search for parking spaces on her narrow street. "And they don't care, all they care about is that they're late to their yoga class," she said. It's a daily headache in this working-class neighborhood that results in cars cramming the tree-lined residential road, taking parking spots from locals, blocking driveways and hitting the cars of neighborhood residents. The parking dilemma has been a problem since 2017, when the studio opened its doors. The yoga studio is on busy Glendale Boulevard, but the entrance to the studio's parking lot is on Aaron Street and so "lots of cars come in this street looking for parking" and then "we're left to also wait" for open spots or park on another street and walk, Rendon said. But she can't park up the hill, she said, because she and her husband have had knee and hip replacements. "If someone wants to leave in an emergency, they cannot at all," she said. Read more: Facing eviction, a beloved Little Tokyo cafe charts its survival in a gentrifying city The problem has been the subject of three neighborhood meetings, with residents agreeing to push Los Angeles city officials to impose permit parking requirements to keep the yoga clients from inundating the streets around the studio. The Canada-based yoga franchise has two yoga rooms at the location that host classes for 33 to 40 students at a time, and the parking lot can fit 34 cars. Both rooms are typically not in use at the same time, but sometimes classes overlap. Guillaume Brun, executive director of Modo Yoga LA, told The Times he's aware of the parking problems and has been communicating with his clients and staff about it since he took over last year. How do you convince someone to actually become a normal human being and respect a neighborhood and also park your car five minutes away from the studio and walk for the five minutes, right?" Brun said. Aaron Street is home to a mix of retired and working-class families, a majority of whom are Spanish-speakers, who have banded together to raise their concerns. Joe Lester, who lives on Aaron Street, blames damage to his car door on Modo Yoga LA patrons. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) The issue has gotten so bad that Jose Luis Sanchez, 36, said that when he comes home from his construction job in the evening he's had to sit in his car and wait for a parking spot to open up. "Sometimes I have to wait for an hour for something to become available," Sanchez said. The residents believe the solution to their problems is to impose a permit parking system on the street, banning parking for those without a permit from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more: Despair solves nothing: How pilots in tiny planes are saving dogs from death After three community meetings, the group appointed neighbor Joe Lester, 41, to communicate with the staff of Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, whose district represents the neighborhood, to begin the process, but it's been slow to start. During a meeting Thursday that included Soto-Martinez's staff, Aaron Street residents and Brun, city staff warned that Los Angeles is dealing with "years of backlog" in parking permit requests. Because the process of imposing a permit process could take several years, Laila Molina, field deputy for Soto-Martinez, said the meeting was held to find a way to address the problem in the short term. The application process requires a letter of support from the local council office, signatures from at least 75% of residents within the parking zone, "a feasibility assessment, and approval by the Transportation Commission and City Council, and the process can take, on average, two years to complete," said Colin Sweeney, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. The number of applications received for this process fluctuated in the last four years from five to 29 per year, according to the Transportation Department. The difference between applications received and those completed or pending is usually caused by the failure to gather sufficient resident signatures. Aaron Street neighbors have collected the required number of signatures, but they've been waiting on the city's letter of support for the last six months. Juan Zuniga walks along a narrow street congested by cars going to Modo Yoga LA in Echo Park. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) During the latest meeting, the groups who attended separated themselves between English speakers gathering around the city staff and Spanish speakers talking among themselves. Staff approached the Spanish speakers to talk with them about the long timeline the parking permit process would be, said resident Ruben Flores, 76. Standing next to the English speakers, Lucia Mendez said in Spanish that she didn't understand what city officials were saying but her neighbor Raquel Trujillo, 51, would fill her in later. During the meeting, staff for Soto-Martinez urged Modo Yoga LA to stagger its classes, suggested that the Transportation Department beef up parking enforcement on Aaron Street, and offered to meet with department officials to discuss imposing the parking permit restrictions. Lester said the short-term solutions are OK, but he would also be happy getting parking permit restrictions on his street, even if it takes several years. "Ive been getting my car hit for six years straight so if it takes three years to get the permit, Im going to do anything to address that solution," Lester said. Read more: R&B Yoga creates a space for healing in L.A. on a helipad Trujillo grew up on this street, long before the yoga studio opened its doors. She said that, for a long time, cars would enter the street to park in the parking lot for the nearby Echo Park Veterinary Hospital parking lot the entrance is also on Aaron Street. But Trujillo said she is sure the high traffic volume is caused by people at Modo Yoga because there were no parking problems when the studio closed its doors during the pandemic. She also has security camera video of a person obstructing her driveway on a day that Trujillo had a doctor's appointment. Trujillo called Modo Yoga's front desk to ask that it have the person move the car. "They said, 'Sorry, we cannot go in the classroom and interrupt the session,' " she said. Trujillo told Modo Yoga if the person didn't move the car, she would call the police or the city to have the car impounded. The person moved their car. "I don't want to be disrespectful, and I don't want to be rude, but this is something that we just cannot deal with anymore," Trujillo said. 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. Bill Root, 100, poses at Burcham Hills in East Lansing before his "Searching for Peace" presentation to fellow residents on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. The WWII veteran worked for the U.S. Department of State for 33 years. EAST LANSING William Root was led to be a pacifist. It happened before he served two years as a radar maintenance officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and well before he worked as a U.S. Department of State official for over three decades, living in the U.S. and abroad. Much of the credit goes to his grandmother Louisa Root, who moved in with his family in 1933 after her husband died. William Root was still a boy then and remembers listening to her explain why no war was a "good" war. Meanwhile, his family's belief in Christian Science taught him the importance of acting "consistent with the mind of God," Root said. "And of course, God was a pacifist," he said. "I was fated to be a pacifist." Root, at 100 years of age, is still a vocal advocate for peace and justice, working with the nonprofit, nonpartisan group Friends Committee on National Legislation, which lobbies the U.S. government to promote peace and justice. It's only fitting that Root became a centenarian on Sept. 20, one day before the 42nd anniversary of the International Day of Peace, said friend Melany Mack. "He's amazing," she said, and living proof "that, when you have passion and drive for an issue, age doesn't matter." A World War II veteran and pacifist Bill Root, 100, waits to speak with Burcham Hills residents in East Lansing for his "Searching for Peace" presentation on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. The WWII veteran worked for the U.S. Department of State for 33 years. Root was a sophomore at Colorado College in 1941 when the Japanese military attacked the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. He joined the Navy, he said, because he knew the alternative was likely being drafted. Root spent two years serving as a radar maintenance officer on ships in the Pacific Ocean during the war. His brother, David, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, was killed in action in June of 1944, two days after D-Day. Though neither brother believed in war they were both law-abiding, Root said. "The Christian Science Church is a law-abiding organization, and even though they believe peace should prevail they weren't requiring that servants of Christian Science break the law and not be drafted," he said. But Root never wanted to be remembered for fighting in the war. "I want to be remembered for searching for peace during the war and after," he said. Three decades in government Bill Root, 100, speaks to fellow residents at Burcham Hills in East Lansing during his "Searching for Peace" presentation on Thursday Sept. 21, 2023. The WWII veteran worked for the U.S. Department of State for 33 years. . During his more-than-three-decade-long career with the Department of State, Root spent time in Washington, D.C., three years in West Germany with the Bureau of European Affairs and worked as director of the state department's economics section in Copenhagen, Denmark. He also spent more than a decade in Washington, D.C., working on export controls. "So, of my 33 years with the State Department, 12 of those years were negotiating with our allies to decide which items should be controlled to export to the various communist countries Russia and China, East Europe, North Korea and Vietnam for that matter," Root said. He worked for the State Department in Vietnam, arriving in 1969 during the Vietnam War. "I was put in charge of transportation, infrastructure, the roads and airports," Root said. "While I was there, I was unhappy with the war, the way most everyone else was. I filed a dissent message through State Department channels protesting the war." Root later learned he was the only State Department official in Vietnam to formally state his objection to the war. '...committed to trying to make the world a better place' Root left the State Department in 1983, then spent the next four decades co-authoring several editions of "United States Export Controls," a book that addressed ever-changing developments in export controls. He and his wife Connie, who died in 2017, raised four children. They were married for more than seven decades. He's lived in East Lansing since 2014. His youngest daughter Christine Root, 69, also lives in East Lansing. She said her father "has high expectations of himself and also high expectations for his children and other people." In the century he's spent on this earth, that hasn't changed, she said. "He is absolutely committed to trying to make the world a better place," Christine Root said. "What he tries to do is lobby for better policies from the U.S. government and he doesnt give up." Mack, who lives in DeWitt and has been involved in the Friends Committee on National Legislation for three years now, said he's "the pillar of the group." "He always has something to say," she said. "He always has something to offer. I never come away from a conversation without learning something from him." Root celebrated his birthday with his family last week, then a few days later gave a talk to residents at Burcham Hills entitled "Search for Peace." "Each day starts with, 'Gee, I'm still here,'" he said. "There's a verse in Psalms, 'This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.' That's not just one day. It's every day and so I say to myself, not only am I glad to be here but I try to rejoice in it." Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @GrecoatLSJ . READ MORE: Six-man room at Michigan State's Bryan Hall sparks a 50-year friendship for alumni Hybrid neighborhood grocery store concept taking off in Lansing This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: World War II veteran William Root of East Lansing advocates for peace A key indicator of Antarctic sea ice levels has hit a record low, according to preliminary research. Antarcticas peak sea ice level this year, 6.55 million square miles, was the lowest in the 45-year satellite record, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) has found. Its not just a record-breaking year, its an extreme record-breaking year, NSIDC senior scientist Walt Meier said, according to NBC News. The centers announcement of the finding said that there is some concern that this could be the start of a trend in sea ice decline since oceans around the world are warming. Since 2016, Antarcticas sea ice levels have taken a sharp downturn, the center said. It also pointed to research that heat is behind the slow growth in recent months. It also said that if such a trend continues, more of Antarcticas coastline will be exposed to ocean waves, which could lead to ice erosion and cause the continents ice sheet to destabilize. However, this may lead to some ice accumulating near the coast, which could partially offset the threat of rising sea levels, NSIDC said. The center noted that its finding is preliminary as changing winds or late-season growth may increase sea ice levels. More broadly, scientists have warned that global warming is causing melting ice and rising sea levels, which may result in more flooding of coastal regions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. YNW Mellys defense team is asking the judge to dismiss the rappers double murder case on the grounds of prosecutorial misconduct, according to a court filing. The defense on Tuesday asked Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy to throw out the case and accused prosecutor Kristine Bradley of a Brady violation, or concealing information favorable to the defense, for allegedly not divulging details about an investigation into Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti. Because this withholding of evidence was not only institutional, but deliberate prosecutor misconduct, double jeopardy principles apply and the case must be dismissed, the filing says. Under Florida law, prosecutors are required to disclose any information that may be favorable to the defense. The discovery of Brady violations, in some cases, have even led to overturned convictions. The supposed wrongdoing stems from the defense learning in late August that Moretti, the lead detective in the case, was under investigation for an incident involving excessive use of force against a potential witness. READ MORE: Lead detective in YNW Melly case under investigation, defense says. What to know so far In late August, Miramar Police spokesperson Tania Rues told the Miami Herald that Moretti wasnt under investigation but instead had a complaint made against him. Our office is looking into the complaint, as we do with all complaints, Rues said in an email at the time. Bradley, in a court filing, on Saturday disclosed more information related to the inquiry into Moretti. Bradley said that Moretti was taking a statement from Jamie King, Mellys mother, in a conference room on the seventh floor of the Broward courthouse. Prosecutor Michelle Boutros, Kings attorney Robert Trachman and Broward Sheriffs Office Sgt. Jason Hendrick were present at the time. Asst. State Attorney Kristine Bradley motions towards the defendant as she gives her closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) At some point, Hendrick stepped out, and Moretti executed a search warrant for Kings phone, according to Bradleys filing. Shortly after, BSO deputy Adam Gorel arrived at the conference room. Moretti, according to prosecutor Boutros, then told Gorel that he should say he was present when he executed the search warrant. Moretti later asked Gorel if he was there when the phone was taken, and Gorel said something along the lines of, I can be if you needed me to be. According to a filing made Tuesday by Christopher Killoran, a prosecutor with the Public Corruption Unit, Moretti told Bradley that the statement he made to Gorel and Gorels response were just jokes. Whats the defense saying? According to Mellys lawyers, the state was tight-lipped about information related to Morettis alleged wrongdoing since Oct. 12, 2022. The first time they heard about this was in late August. Rather than presenting this to the defense, so that the defense could have used it in the first trial, the State withheld this information, the filing says. In fact, it is believed the highest levels of the State Attorneys Office made determinations to not provide it to the defense, and secondly, not to purse the internal affairs investigation. At a hearing last week, defense attorney Stuart Adelstein asked Bradley about the status of the investigation, according to the court filing. Bradley told him it was closed, and no wrongdoing was found. They also asked for Boutros sworn statement, and Bradley said she didnt have it, according to the filing. Jamell Demons, center, better known as rapper YNW Melly, stands with defense attorneys Raven Ramona Liberty and Stuart Adelstein as the jury enters the room to hear a witnesss testimony read back in his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) In the filing, Mellys legal team also claims that Bradley had copies of the statement and the internal affairs investigation. The defense argued that the state didnt share the information before the first trial to gain a tactical advantage. If they had known about the incident, they couldve questioned Moretti on the stand about his willingness to conspire with Deputy Gorel to obstruct justice and to create false filings. [The state] allowed one trial to go by while concealing this evidence, the filing says. Obviously, they were planning on allowing another trial to go by without revealing this information. Melly, 24, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is accused of gunning down his childhood friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. in an alleged drive-by after spending the night of Oct. 26, 2018, at a Fort Lauderdale recording studio. Williams and Thomas, both aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, respectively. Hes among the first defendants to go to trial after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law to lower the threshold for a death sentence to an 8-4 jury vote, from the previous requirement for a unanimous vote. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced Monday that the state will deploy an additional 150 National Guard troops to support asylum-seekers who have arrived in New York City. There are 1,900 National Guard personnel who are on-site assisting with the citys influx of migrants. They are spread out across 51 hotels and two relief centers. The additional deployment will reach 2,050 members dedicated to the issue, per Hochuls office. It is critical that we help secure work authorization for asylum seekers and migrants in New York, Hochul said in a statement. Our National Guard members play a huge role in assisting in the process and we are grateful for their service. The deployment of more National Guard personnel means there will be 250 members dealing with case management, Hochuls release said. The state has invested $50 million in case management to help migrants file the correct paperwork and earn legal work status to leave taxpayer-funded shelters. The members of the New York National Guard and our State Defense Forces look forward to playing a role in the efforts to help asylum seekers link with services they need to be successful, and find opportunities and jobs they need to be self-sufficient, New Yorks National Guard Adjutant General Ray Shields said in a statement. In May, Hochul issued an emergency order to help with the expected influx of migrants to the city after the Title 42 immigration policy expired. In August, New York City Mayor Eric Adams called for federal assistance after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) continued to send asylum-seekers via bus. The White House announced earlier this month that individuals from Venezuela, the largest demographic of migrants coming to the city, were eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status if they had been in the United States on or before July 31. With New York City shelters and hotels becoming swamped with the influx of migrants, Hochul said work authorization for individuals is the best way for them to begin living independently. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Heather McGhee , author of the New York Times Best Seller The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together will be in Fresno Wednesday to discuss racism. McGhee is a specialist in the American economy. In the free event, A Conversation with Heather McGhee, she will discuss the mystery of why it so often fails the American public. She will share about her travels across America where she found that issues like the financial crisis, rising student debt, and collapsing public infrastructure had a common root problem: racism. The event will be open to the public and will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Fresno High Schools Royce Halls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) Socorro Mayor Riza Rafonselle Timcang wants more personnel from Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be deployed in her town pending an investigation on the alleged "cult activities" of Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc (SBSI) in the mountains of Surigao Del Norte. This was after hundreds of SBSI members staged a protest on Sunday where they denied allegations of sexual abuse and other human rights violations against their leader Jay Rence Quilario, also known as "Senior Agila." Timcang said there is a "real threat and imminent danger of violence" from "agitated members" of the SBSI. "In this regard, I call on the PNP and the AFP to deploy additional augmentation forces to this island municipality more so that the September 28, 2023 hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality is fast approaching," she said. During a previous interview with CNN Philippines' The Source, SBSI Vice President Mamerto Galanida also refuted claims that they are sexually abusing children but admitted that they practice early marriages. The group called on authorities to conduct a "fair" investigation in their base, a plea which Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who earlier exposed the alleged abuses, and the Department of Justice earlier rejected. READ: DOJ, Hontiveros reject Socorro leaders' plea to hold probes in base The rape, sexual violence, child abuse, forced marriage, and other abusive actions allegedly committed by Senior Agila were previously exposed by Hontiveros in her privilege speech on Sept. 18. Hontiveros said over a thousand children were victimized by the religious leader who was declared as the reincarnation of the Santo Nino. READ: 'Dire and despicable': Hontiveros says over 1,000 children victims of sexual abuse by Surigao del Norte 'cult' The DOJ on Tuesday said 13 members of the alleged religious cult are now facing complaints for reported abuse of children. President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Austrian National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka, on Sept. 26 in Kyiv. Zelensky thanked Sobotka for his "constant support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as our European aspirations." The realization that Ukraine is and will be part of Europe is what "really inspires and motivates our soldiers," Zelensky added. The two discussed the the seven steps recommended by the European Commission for Ukraine to start European Union accession talks and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Austria, in particular the involvement of Austrian businesses in Ukraine's reconstruction. Zelensky also said that he appreciates that Austria is ready to support the implementation of his peace formula, a 10-point peace plan to end Russia's war that he announced in November 2022 at the G20 summit. Sobotka has been the president of the National Council, the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, since 2017. Sobotka was part of a delegation from the Austrian parliament that arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 25. Read also: Overcoming setbacks, NATO-trained brigade breaches Surovikin line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, in which he heard reports from the Ukrainian military command, intelligence and Cabinet ministers. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "The first Staff meeting after a long work trip. We listened to detailed reports. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine [Valeriy] Zaluzhnyi and Defence Intelligence Chief [Kyrylo] Budanov reported on the situation on the front and the Russians plans. Operational-strategic Group Commanders Syrskyi and Tarnavskyi reported on the progress of concrete offensive and defence operations in their areas of responsibility [Oleksandr Syrskyi is Commander of Ukraine's Ground Forces and the Khortytsia group; Oleksandr Tarnavskyi is Commander of the Tavriia group ed.]. Defence Minister Umierov reported on supplying the frontline troops with everything they need. There was also a detailed report from Minister Kamyshin [Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries ed.] about the measures his ministry is taking to increase domestic production of weapons, especially UAVs. Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, reported on the current situation in the Russian army and the prospects of development of the Russian military industrial complex." 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! Virginia State Police is investigating a crash the night of Sept. 24 in Amherst County that killed a Lynchburg man. The wreck occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Dillard and Thomas roads in Madison Heights, a news release from Virginia State Police said. According to witness statements, a 2010 Nissan SUV was traveling on Thomas Road when it failed to stop at the posted stop sign, ran off the road and struck an embankment along Dillard Road, according to to the release. The driver, Lleyson F. Romundo, 22, was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Monday, according to police. He was not wearing a seatbelt, the release said. - From staff reports In her office inside City Hall, Alicia Finney holds the keys to the citys history with a vault filled with records dating back centuries. I often say that I have the coolest job in the city because I hold all of the information. Im the keeper of our citys history, she proudly stated last week. Finney, the Clerk of Council for the city of Lynchburg, is the unsung hero who ensures the wheels of local government turn smoothly. Born into a military family, her childhood was marked by constant relocation, often near the coastline. However, family ties brought her back to the region in 2001 as a high school freshman and attended Amherst County High School. Initially a coastal girl, she said it took time for her to embrace the Blue Ridge Mountains. After graduating, she worked at Food Lion, ventured to Richmond for a few years and then returned to Lynchburg. I always kept coming back because the community is really great, Finney, 36, said. Theres a lot of things to take advantage of like the mountains so I go hiking all the time. I use the trails and parks all the time. The river is amazing. And then weve got great shopping, weve got great activities so I never get it when people say theres nothing to do here. Theres always something to do in Lynchburg. After working for a few years in paint sales, she began actively seeking a role in local government. Her fathers service in the U.S. Coast Guard as a rescue swimmer instilled in her a sense of structure and public service. I was constantly looking at the job board and I found a job in the city managers office for admin working for the city manager and I was like, Thats it, thats all I want. And so I just went after it hardcore and bothered them constantly, she laughed. I sent them my resume twice probably. She got an administrative professional job with the City Managers office in 2017. Reid Wodicka, Lynchburg City Schools deputy superintendent, worked with Finney from 2018 to 2022 while he was the deputy city manager and interim city manager for Lynchburg. She knew her role and took care of things that needed to be done but also wanted to make the role even more impactful for the city and for herself, he said of her time as an administrative professional. She has always been somebody who wants to make a bigger impact, and found ways to do that, Wodicka said, and then did it in a way that created strong relationships. Shes a great colleague who you can rely on to have a good laugh, he said. Sometimes things in city government are stressful and challenging and she does a great job of bringing some levity to the situation and making things enjoyable. Wodicka said she took programs such as the Mayors Youth Council, which consists of 25 high school students, to the next level. The mission of this council is to be a voice for their peers in the community. Former Mayor and current Ward 1 city councilor, MaryJane Dolan asked Finney to serve as the liaison to City Council in 2020. These young people inspire me by how much they care about their peers and the future of their community Finney said. Im really proud of the work theyve done; most notably, the mural we painted downtown across from the skatepark aimed at destigmatizing youth anxiety and our donation-led car wash, which brought in more than $4,000 directly benefiting Park View Community Mission. Working closely with the city council, Finney learned the intricacies of her current role as clerk of council. When the position became vacant, she didnt hesitate to put her name forward, serving in an interim capacity for six months before officially being appointed in December 2020. In her position now, she wears many hats. Her duties extend beyond record-keeping, she also supports city council members, manages events and recognitions, prepares council agenda packets and serves as the liaison for various boards and commissions. For Finney, local government represents an intimate form of public service. She witnesses proposals from inception to council decisions, especially those involving zoning ordinances that directly shape the city. What we do matters because it personally and intimately affects people, she said. So the work that I do that could feel mundane, or if I ever feel purposeless, I just think about all the people that show up and who really care about whats going on in their community. One of her most memorable experiences was a city council budget hearing on April 4 that lasted until 2:30 a.m., where teachers and professionals stayed to voice their concerns. That day we had a delayed start because of a bomb threat but just to see the amount of people who needed to go to work in the morning at 7 a.m. stay and talk to their council, reminded me that what we do matters, she said. Managing different personalities and reporting to seven council members presents its challenges. However, she said she appreciates that these elected officials are community members too and their intentions are rooted in the betterment of Lynchburg. Just keep showing up, she said. Keep addressing your council. That is how you can make a difference. Keep staying active in the community by volunteering on boards and commissions. When the community is frustrated with city council, Finney encourages them to reach out to them. These are our elected officials, these are people that we voted into office and they stand to represent you, she said. So if you are feeling frustrated with them or with something with the system, reach out to them. That is something that Ive heard from all seven of them, is that theyre here for the people. And I honestly believe that. They have strong political affiliations, they might seem decisive, but I know that theyre all representing their community. In her role, Finney has had the privilege of speaking about womens empowerment and young professionals. Shes a firm believer in overcoming self-doubt and encourages others to dare to have a voice at the table. In some of these meetings, Im at the table with these high-powered, elected officials. And I was so nervous at first about having a voice because theyre my bosses and I report to them, she said. But with time, I realized they needed to hear my thoughts and opinions on things. It takes practice and it takes stepping out of your comfort zone and it takes daring yourself. Because, even if you think you dont belong there and you might think your voice isnt appropriate to be heard at that time, that might not be the case. Her love for Lynchburg extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys exploring the citys amenities, such as the Lynchburg Community Market, hiking trails and parks, and enjoys spending time with her family and nieces and nephews. She recently has challenged herself to try new things and meet people in the city, a place where familiar faces are never far away. Shes also passionate about her involvement with the Young Professionals of Central Virginia, where she served as the most recent chair last year. She is currently planning the Level Up Summit, which will be held at the University of Lynchburg in November, and aims to enhance connections and engagement in the community. Finney is more than just a name on news releases and public notices, shes the guardian of Lynchburgs history and a dedicated public servant. Kathleen Davis, a prominent figure in Lynchburgs community and friend of Finney, said Finney is a neighbor and community member who is not only dedicated to her job but is seen out enjoying local restaurants and volunteering on the weekends. Davis said people who work in local government are not just bureaucrats; they are fellow community members dedicated to improving the city. She loved and wanted this position, she sought it out and wants to one of the people that gets to make her neighbors lives better, Davis said. And we need to look at people that work for local city government, not as the government but as our neighbors who are doing their best and intentionally trying to make this community better. And very few people do that better than Alicia Finney. She said Finney is a leader who welcomes collaboration and is in tune with what her job requires. She goes above and beyond. Shes the kind of person that after she works with you all day in an event, shes gonna call you and thank you for attending. Shes a details type of person. She knows that when you work in city government, it is about those relationships and she is a great relationship cultivator, she said. Davis also commended Finneys ability to stay poised and knowledgeable in stressful situations, particularly in her high-profile role where her actions are visible to the entire community. As a leader in our community, I look up to her ability to keep a cool head in these situations because there have been instances where she has been spoken to in a disrespectful manner and she has maintained her character in those moments where other peoples character fails, she said. Finney is fair, Davis said, and she is in love with this community. Shes proud of her position and takes her job seriously. She is a constantly hard working human being, she said. When youre working in a community event and you see her there with her volunteer t-shirt on, youre excited because you know that you will have someone that is going to work their tail off all day with a smile on her face. As Finney continues to serve her community, she encourages others to participate actively and make their voices heard. After all, in Lynchburg, community members are also the ones shaping its future, one council meeting at a time. A Roanoke man charged with aggravated murder in connection with an April homicide in Bedford County told law enforcement he shot the victim from Pennsylvania and disposed of his body in a burning vehicle, according to search warrant records and accompanying documents filed in Roanoke City Circuit Court. Joseph Richard Walker, 29, also is accused of two counts of using a firearm in commission of a murder and a robbery and one count each of robbery, arson of personal property, possessing a firearm as a felony and transporting a dead body. He awaits a jury trial on the charges set for 11 a.m. Dec. 11 in Bedford Circuit Court. The victim in the case has been identified as Ethan Ryan Bert, 20, of York, Pennsylvania. Firefighters arrived at about 12:45 a.m. April 18 to find a vehicle fully in flames on Sandy Level Road off Virginia 24 in the Goodview area of Bedford County, law enforcement has said. Virginia State Police have said Bert died by violent circumstances before the vehicle was set ablaze. After the fire was put out, crews found human remains later identified as Bert. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported to state police following the autopsy that Bert had been shot twice in the head, according to search warrant records filed in Roanoke City Circuit Court in May. An affidavit filed in the case states a woman living with Bert informed a special agent during the investigation Bert routinely sold marijuana to distributors and dealt in crypto currency; and on April 4, he left Pennsylvania with a quantity of marijuana. The woman accompanied Bert to a residence in Roanoke where the marijuana was unloaded and one person Bert sold to was Joe, a reference to Walker, the affidavit states. The woman told investigators Bert again left York, Pennsylvania for Virginia on April 17 with a quantity of marijuana to deliver to Joe and another individual, and she talked by phone with Bert at about 7:10 p.m., the documents show. Bert told her by phone he was on schedule for the marijuana delivery and he planned to return directly to Pennsylvania; about 10 minutes to midnight she reported his phone was no longer in service, the affidavit states. On April 19, a North Carolina woman reported to law enforcement her sister who lives in Florida said her stepdaughter and boyfriend, identified in the documents as Walker, arrived from Roanoke with Walker in possession of two firearms, according to the affidavit. Walker reportedly told several people, including his girlfriend, he recently killed a man in Virginia and burned him up in a car, the search warrant document states. The North Carolina woman provided highly specific information where Walker claimed to have shot a 20-year-old man once in the face near the eye, and one in the head, which was consistent with the autopsy results, according to court documents. The woman also reported Walker shot the man because he received a significant amount of marijuana from the victim and was that he (Joe) was not going to pay him back, the affidavit states. Walker also reportedly told family members of evidence of the homicide in the kitchen of his Roanoke residence; specifically, blood on the floor he tried to clean up with bleach, court documents show. On April 19, a search warrant was executed at his residence on Gladstone Avenue in Roanoke and state police found what appeared to be dried bloodstain patterns in the kitchen of the residence, what appeared to be a trail of falling/dripping blood leading from the kitchen, out the front door of the residence, and out to the public street, the search warrant documents read. Also found was a handgun in the kitchen, near the apparent bloodstain patterns. The patterns were consistent with impact patterns associated with gunshot wounds. On April 20, Walker was taken into custody by the United States Marshal Service without incident in Brevard County, Florida, and at the time of the arrest law enforcement officials seized a firearm and about a pound of marijuana, the affidavit states. A detailed handwritten statement from Walker was obtained during an April 24 Virginia State Police interview with the defendant in Brevard County, Florida, in which he admitted to shooting and killing Bert, according to court documents. Details he provided in the interview were consistent with what was found at his Roanoke residence and the arson crime scene in Bedford County and he also provided a description of the gunshot wounds what were positively identified on Berts body by the medical examiners office, court documents show. Walker also told Virginia State Police agents that Jonathan Dewayne Bell was present at Walkers residence when Walker killed Bert with a .45 ACP semiautomatic handgun and Bell helped with burning the body and car in Bedford County, the search warrant documents state. After setting the vehicle ablaze the two drove to Bells residence in Goodview, a short distance from the burnt vehicle, and Bell advised against getting rid of the handgun by throwing it into a lake, according to Walkers statement to investigators, according to the search warrant records. Walker told investigators Bert was a drug source for another individual who pooled money with Walker to buy drugs from him on multiple occasions and that person owed Bert about $50,000 of unpaid drug debt, the search warrant documents state. The plan was to set up a drug deal on April 17 and to abduct and rough up Bert, release him in a rural area and tell him not to come back but the other person didnt show Walker told VSP agents the person told Walker he could keep the drugs if he roughed up Bert, the affidavit states. Bell, who was arrested April 25, faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact to murder. According to Bells interview with VSP, he went to the bathroom at Walkers residence on April 17 when he heard two gunshots and immediately observed Bert lying on the kitchen floor and Walker standing nearby holding a handgun, the search warrant document states. Bell said Walker threatened him and his family if he said anything and later drove Walker near the burn site but did not go past the beginning of Sandy Level Road to the location of the car fire but observed a glow on the horizon, the document states. Bell told officers he drove Walker that night to a lake shore location at the end of Board Mountain Road and observed him disassemble a handgun and throw it into a lake, the affidavit states. The sister of Walkers girlfriend also was interviewed and said she observed a blood-like spatter substance on the side of Joes face and that Walker told her he shot and killed a man after coming to her residence the night of the killing and showering at her residence, the affidavit states. That same witness also told an investigator she observed Walker remove a handgun magazine from his pocket during the late-night visit, according to court documents. Bell is released on bond is scheduled to enter a plea during a hearing in Bedford Circuit Court set for Jan. 26, court records show. TOKYO, Sep 26 ( News On Japan ) - A 60-year-old man was crushed to death on Monday under a shrine he was demolishing in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture. Around 7:30 PM, a report came in from the Atago Shrine in Kakogawa City, stating that a man might be trapped under the shrine building. Police and firefighters arrived at the scene to find the body of company employee Yasumi Ishimi (60) trapped under the shrine's building. Ishimi was taken to hospital and later confirmed dead. According to police, the main deity of the Atago Shrine had been amalgamated with another nearby shrine, and the demolition of the building was in progress. Ishimi was a former carpenter and had previously served as the representative of the shrine's parishioners at Atago Shrine. The police suspect that he was working alone when the shrine building collapsed and are investigating the details of the incident. NORFOLK In regard to the two recent columns by your readers saying what a great job Joe Biden is doing: I dont know where these people are getting their facts, but I have good idea. They should head down to the border and talk to the border agents, and homeowners to get some education. The Nebraska Broadband Office is moving to the next phase of efforts to ensure access to reliable broadband for all Nebraskans. As part of this effort, there will be ongoing public engagements across the state, including a series of nine public meetings and an open comment period from Monday 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. (CNN) Sixteen officials in Libya have been detained amid an investigation into the deadly collapse of two dams after heavy rain in the coastal city Derna earlier this month, according to a statement by the Libyan attorney generals office. Thousands of people died in ensuing floods. The investigating authority initiates a criminal case against sixteen officials responsible for managing the countrys dam facilities, the attorney generals statement reads. The coastal citys mayor and several present and former water infrastructure authorities were among those detained. Torrential rainfall and the bursting of the dams sent a huge wave of water through Derna on September 10, sweeping entire neighborhoods into the sea. Close to 4,000 people died in Libyas floods and 9,000 more remain unaccounted for, according to the World Health Organization. Protests erupted in Derna last week over the catastrophe, with locals demanding the removal of those in power. The attorney general said Monday that it placed the 16 officials under pre-trial detention after interrogations. Prosecutors are also investigating others connected to the floods, especially any who may have benefitted unlawfully from the citys reconstruction project. A request of an expanded investigation has been issued into the rest of those responsible for the Derna flood incident and others who mismanaged the reconstruction project and obtained illegal revenues because of this misuse, the statement added. Warnings about the dams Derna is prone to flooding, and its dam reservoirs have caused at least five deadly floods since 1942, the latest of which was in 2011, according to a research paper published by Libyas Sebha University last year. The two dams that burst on Monday were built around half a century ago, between 1973 and 1977, by a Yugoslav construction company. The Derna dam is 75 meters (246 feet) high with a storage capacity of 18 million cubic meters (4.76 billion gallons). The second dam, Mansour, is 45 meters (148 feet) high with a capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters (396 million gallons). Those dams havent undergone maintenance since 2002, the citys deputy mayor Ahmed Madroud told Al Jazeera. But the problems with the dams were known. The Sebha University paper warned that the dams in Derna had a high potential for flood risk and that periodic maintenance is needed to avoid catastrophic flooding. The current situation in the Wadi Derna reservoir requires officials to take immediate measures to carry out periodic maintenance of existing dams, the paper recommended last year. Because in the event of a huge flood, the result will be catastrophic on the residents of the valley and the city. Frances decision to withdraw its ambassador and military forces from Niger, the Wests last key ally in the central Sahel region, amid a wave anti-French sentiment, are yet another blow to Pariss influence in its former African colonies, laying bare Europes weakening influence in the continent, analysts and diplomats say. President Emmanuel Macrons announcement on Sunday (24 September) that France would withdraw its ambassador and military contingent from Niger, was welcomed by Nigers military leaders as a step towards sovereignty. But with French forces having already been kicked out of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso following coups in those countries, experts and diplomats warn that this creates a gaping hole in Western efforts to counter a decade-long Islamist insurgency, which could bolster Russian influence across the vast, insecure scrublands of West Africa. Nigers ban on French aircraft flying over the countrys airspace issued on Saturday (23 September) and Burkina Fasos suspension of French news outlet Jeune Afrique in the country underlines how precarious the situation has become for France in the region. The events in Niamey are yet another blow to Pariss influence in the Sahel, notes a recent analysis published by the Washington-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. But French withdrawal, while welcomed by the Nigers junta, worries experts who say a spike in insecurity in Mali and Burkina Faso after their coups could be a sign of what lies ahead for Niger, where militants have already killed hundreds of civilians in recent years. Following its forced withdrawal from Central Sahel, France is left only with Chad and the West African coastal states of Cote dIvoire, Senegal, and possibly Benin as host countries for a significant French presence. But, according to the Carnegie analysis, even in West African countries, its hard to imagine a stronger military presence for the former colonial power, which has become very unpopular with public opinion in the region as cooperation with France in security matters is no longer perceived as indispensable and irreplaceable. Amnesty International has reiterated its call for the release of an Algerian refugee who was kidnapped from Tunis and indicted in Algiers on bogus charges, in a blatant refoulement case. Slimane Bouhafs was a peaceful Kabyle independence activist of Christian faith. He obtained refugee status in Tunisia in 2020 to escape political and religious persecution in Algeria. His case is a blatant breach of non-refoulement which bans forced returns of people who might face persecution. Bouhafs was kidnapped in August 2021 by Algerian secret agents in full sight of Tunisian authorities. Under international human rights law, Tunisia has an obligation to protect refugees and to ensure they are not forcibly returned to a country where they face persecution, Amnesty International said in a letter to President Tebboune demanding the release of Bouhafs. I urge you to release Slimane Bouhafs immediately, drop all charges against him and allow him to leave Algeria. In the meantime, the Algerian authorities should ensure that Slimane Bouhafs is not subjected to any ill-treatment in prison, Amnesty International said. The UN independent human rights experts had asked the Tunisian and Algerian governments to explain any steps they had taken to transfer Bouhafs from Tunisia to Algeria. His case highlights the human rights violations risks in Tunisia under pressure of an Algeria that is intent on labelling all dissidents as terrorists. Fourteen human rights organizations, in addition to Human Rights Watch, have denounced the restrictions imposed by the Algerian authorities on freedoms, calling on the Algerian military regime to stop the violation of basic human rights, respect the universal civil & political rights and allow independent NGOs to operate in the country without harassment. In reports submitted to the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, who is visiting Algeria from 16 to 26 September, the human rights organizations said the Algerian authorities have dismantled the countrys independent civil society and hindered political pluralism based on restrictive laws on associations, political parties, and unions. Earlier this year, the US State Department decried the use of terrorism charges which has been tailored by Algiers to silence peaceful dissidents as authorities cited broad provisions under the penal code, including membership in a terrorist organization, to arrest or punish critics including journalists and human rights defenders. Cases of torture abound in the new Algeria of General Chengriha as the US State Department report cites many cases including that of activist Mohamed Benhalima who was tortured, beaten up, and sexually abused by authorities during his imprisonment. Yet, there has been no official investigation into these degrading treatments. Benhalima had denounced corruption in the military beginning in 2019 while living in exile in Spain following his participation in the hirak protest movement. The rise in cases of dissapearances and arbitrary detentions was also highlighted by the US State Department which mentions the ordeal of activist Abdelhamid Bouziza who was kidnapped from his home in Tlemcen on October 19. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Moscows withdrawal in July from the Black Sea Grain Initiative has driven up global food and commodity prices, severely affecting farming sectors in countries all across Africa. Russias withdrawal from a deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey that allowed the safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea has exacerbate the hunger crisis in parts of Africa, a major wheat and fertilizer importer. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, by pulling out of the landmark deal, Russia was guilty of a continued weaponization of food that would harm millions of vulnerable people around the world. Russian offers of free fertilizer to African nations face logistical hurdles, while European countries reject Ukrainian grain, adding to the crisis. The World Food Program (WFP) has said more than 70 countries already had large numbers of people going hungry, many in Africa. For example, Nigerias farming sector that primarily relies on imports of Muriate of Potash (MOP) has been severely impacted as fertilizer prices have tripled due to supply disruptions from Russia. In May, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced Russias intention to supply fertilizer to Nigeria, following deliveries to Kenya and Malawi, but he has now claimed that 34,000 metric tons of Russian fertilizer destined for Nigeria remain stranded at EU ports. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has now also prompted Egypt, a top buyer of wheat globally, to purchase the agricultural commodity from Kazakhstan a move that traders say will provide a cheaper alternative to Russian grain which accounted for an increasing share of Cairos wheat since last year. Nabil Ammar, Tunisias Foreign Minister, is expected in Moscow on September 26 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, in a bid to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, Webdo Tunis reports, citing the Foreign ministry. The visit will provide an opportunity to support African efforts to bring an end to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict within the framework of the African Peace Initiative, as well as UN efforts to revive the Black Sea Grain Export Agreement, the ministry added. Tunisia in February 2022 voted in a favor of a UN resolution condemning Russias war against Ukraine. The country was among 141 countries that endorsed the resolution asking Russia to end its invasion of its western-backed neighbor. Some analysts believed Tunisias vote was motivated by the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), at a time when the country can hardly make ends meet. In addition, the U.S. has Tunisia in its sights back then. Washington appealed to Tunisian President Kais Saied to lead a transparent and inclusive reform process, Orient XXI reports. Talks with the IMF have so far stalled, with President Kais Saied refusing to abide by conditions set by the Washington-based lender. Malis Government in power since May 2021 following a second coup announced Monday September 25 the delay sine die the scheduled February 2024 presidential elections, citing a number of reasons including issues related to the review of the electoral lists. Government spokesman Col. Abdoulaye Maiga announced the move noting that the elections will be slightly postponed for technical reasons. He also indicated that financial difficulties for review of voter lists are behind the decision. Malians adopted on June 18 overwhelmingly a new Constitution, which, according to a presidential decree, aims to strengthen the powers of the President. It also gives pride of place to the Armed forces and emphasizes the sovereignty of the nation. The new Constitution also grants amnesty to those behind previous coups, reform the oversight of public finances and force deputies and senators to declare their assets in an effort to curb corruption, as well as relegate French, currently the official language, to the status of a working language. Per the new law, the country should hold two presidential rounds set for Feb. 4 and 18, 2024. The country has been under economic sanctions since 2021 following the seizure of power by a junta led by Vice President Assimi Goita against interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane. The regional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) slapped a wide range of sanctions against the Goita-led country and agreed to lift the sanctions after the Government held presidential elections by February 2024. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has launched the process of reforming the Family Code to keep pace with the changes taking place in the country and Moroccan society wherein tradition and modernity go hand in hand. In a Letter addressed to Head of Govt., the Monarch sets a six-month deadline for submitting the proposed amendments before the government outlines a draft bill and submits it to the Parliament for approval. A statement issued Tuesday by the Royal Office says the Royal Letter comes following the decision announced by the King in his Throne Day Speech of 2022 and shows the great importance the Monarch gives to the promotion of womens issues and the family in general. The preparation of this important inclusive reform has been entrusted to the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power, and the Presidency of the Public Prosecutors Office due to the legal and judicial dimensions of this undertaking. In his Letter, the King called on the above-mentioned institutions to involve in this reform other bodies directly concerned by this issue, especially the Higher Council of the Ulema, the National Human Rights Council, the Government Authority in charge of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family, while also opening up to civil society bodies and stakeholders, researchers, and specialists. The proposed amendments emerging from these broad participatory consultations will be submitted to the King, Commander of the Faithful, the guarantor of citizens rights and freedoms, for approval within a maximum period of six months, before the government drafts the relevant bill and submits it to parliament for adoption, says the Royal statement. No matter what happens after a Wednesday night public hearing, the 2023-24 budget for the Mid-Plains Community College Area will be the last of its kind. The reason was supplied last spring by the Legislature, which agreed to take over most of Nebraska community colleges property tax funding and stepped up its rebates through income tax credits along the way. Mid-Plains Board of Governors will hold a public hearing on its $65 million budget near the start of its monthly meeting at North Platte Community Colleges North Campus, 1101 Halligan Drive. The hearing will convene at 6:30 p.m., with the boards regular meeting to follow once completed. Votes related to the budget and tax request will occupy most of the regular agenda. The 18-county community college areas leaders crafted its latest budget with the state-mandated changes in mind, said Area President Ryan Purdy and Mike Steele, Mid-Plains vice president of administrative services. Authorized spending for all funds would drop 4.9% from last years $68.4 million. But the three-campus systems tax request would rise by 2.7%, from $16.94 million to just over $17.4 million. Mid-Plains 2023-24 tax rate, however, would fall 4.5% to 7.46 cents per $100 of taxable value. Total valuation in its service area went up almost 7.6%. That will leave the tax rate below the 7-cent-per-$100 level that will be a pivotal figure as the state takes over most community college funding in 2024-25, Purdy and Steele said. Legislative Bill 243, which made multiple changes to Nebraskas tax laws, ends just over half a century of funding the states six community college systems with a mixture of state support, local property taxes and tuition. Purdy and Steele said the Legislature will be expected to boost its aid annually with most of what each system would otherwise need from property taxes. As long as the state keeps its bargain, actual community college property taxes in a given year would be limited to up to 2 cents per $100 for local capital construction projects, the Mid-Plains officials said. That total wouldnt be counted in setting state support. Community colleges could continue to ask voters for area-wide bond issues if they chose, said Purdy, who added he had suggested the 7.5-cent-per-$100 floor to Gov. Jim Pillen before LB 243 won passage. But the chance of passing a multicounty bond issue is slim and none, he said. LB 243 says the state in 2024-25 would fund community college areas with either their systems 2023-24 property tax needs or what they could raise with a 7.5-cent-per-$100 tax rate, whichever is greater. Starting in 2025-26, that baseline would grow each year by 3.5% or the percentage increase in a systems reimbursable educational units, whichever is greater. If state senators fail to cover their full share in setting the states budget, Purdy said, a community college area could collect additional property taxes to cover the difference between that years baseline and its systems needs. Our enrollment audit happens in July, so well know what that baseline needs to be to comply with the legislation, the Mid-Plains president said. LB 243 also greatly enhanced the income tax credit for property owners community college taxes that joined a similar K-12 school tax credit in 2022. They must claim the credits on their state income tax return to get them. The community college tax credit started at 30% of what property owners paid to their system in the 2022 tax year. The new bill, Purdy said, basically raises the 2023 credit to half the community college tax bill Mid-Plains will set after Wednesdays hearing. In 2024 and after in other words, after the state steps up its funding and limits local taxes to capital construction the state would offset property owners entire community college tax bill through the income tax credit. If the Legislature keeps its promise in LB 243, Purdy said, Mid-Plains should get $4 million to $4.5 million more from the state every year than it has gotten from local property taxes. Thats vital for community colleges, because the thing we dont want to do is train (vocational-technical) students on equipment that is antiquated and outdated, he said. But Purdy said hes concerned that the deal wont be maintained as current senators leave under Unicameral term limits and new lawmakers come in who dont know about or dont understand the reasons behind LB 243. What keeps the next Legislature from saying, Too bad, were going to set you at X dollars and have to make up the rest? he said. At that point, it (means) a tuition increase, and with technical education being so expensive, at what point do we price students out of the market? The only major construction project in Mid-Plains 2023-24 budget, Purdy and Steele said, is the $10.3 million conversion of McCooks former Elks Lodge into a new east campus for McCook Community College. Construction began July 17 on the new center, which the two officials said is being mostly covered by $9 million of Mid-Plains $10 million share of federal American Rescue Plan Act aid related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new McCook East Campus should open in late 2024, they said. How to sign up for new county text service People who have signed up for Lincoln County's new free text notification service should start getting their first alerts or reminders this week, county officials said Monday. They encouraged other county residents to text LINCOLNCO to 91896, which will let them know about road closures, upcoming county events, filing deadlines and more. They'll get an immediate reply asking them to text YES to confirm their signup. "It is legitimate. It is from Lincoln County," County Clerk Becky Rossell told county commissioners Monday. "It's something we plan to use." Current visitors to the county website at lincolncountyne.gov will see a pop-up ad telling them how to sign up their cellphones and learn more about the TextMyGov service. People can text STOP any time to discontinue if they decide the service isn't for them, Rossell said. But besides announcements of emergency situations, it's meant to be useful "if they want to know more about voter information and what their property taxes are," she said. A TextMyGov telephone number soon will be added to the service's offerings as another way to access important county government information, Rossell added. Todd von Kampen Ottawa (CNN) Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Anthony Rota resigned his post Tuesday, days after he praised a Ukrainian veteran who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II. On Friday, following a joint address to parliament by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Rota lauded Yaroslav Hunka, 98, as a Ukrainian-Canadian war hero who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russian aggressors then, and continues to support the troops today. But in the days since, human rights and Jewish organizations have condemned Rotas recognition, saying Hunka served in a Nazi military unit known as the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. This house is above any of us, therefore I must step down as your speaker, Rota said in parliament Tuesday afternoon, reiterating his profound regret for my error. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities in Poland, among other nations, Rota, who is a member of the Liberal party, added. I accept full responsibility for my actions. Rotas recognition of Hunka last week prompted a standing ovation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the incident deeply embarrassing. The 14th Waffen Grenadier Division was part of the Nazi SS organization declared a criminal organization by the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg in 1946, which determined the Nazi group had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. Jewish human rights organization Bnai Brith Canada in a statement condemned the Ukrainian volunteers who served in the unit as ultra-nationalist ideologues who dreamed of an ethnically homogenous Ukrainian state and endorsed the idea of ethnic cleansing. Recognizing Hunka was beyond outrageous, Bnai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn said, adding, We cannot allow the whitewashing of history. Canadian soldiers fought and died to free the world from the evils of Nazi brutality, he said. Rota apologized in a statement Sunday and on the floor of parliament Tuesday, when he said he had become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to recognize this individual. Rota took full responsibility, saying it was his decision alone to acknowledge Hunka, who Rota said is from his electoral district. No one not even anyone among you, fellow parliamentarians, or from the Ukrainian delegation was privy to my intention or my remarks prior to their delivery, he said. I spent most of this past week in Lincoln to meet with my staff and wrap up work on unfinished business from this past legislative session. One piece of unfinished business was LB 32, which proposes changes in requirements for issuers of Medicare supplement insurance policies or certificates relating to coverage of individuals under 65 years of age who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or end-stage renal disease. This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent from North Platte who was forced to move to North Dakota a few years ago to obtain such coverage for his wife, who was suffering from MS. Because she was under age 65, she was unable to obtain coverage under Medicare, and yet the costs associated with her disease would have ultimately bankrupted them. They have since returned to North Platte after his wife turned 65. After a lengthy bill hearing earlier this year before the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, the committee was divided on how to proceed with LB 32. I agreed that I would work with the industry during the interim to try to reach an acceptable compromise. The meeting this week marks the third meeting with the industry to discuss my primary concerns that prompted the bill. First and foremost, it was imperative that coverage was available to all disabled residents. I also wanted to see to it that there was an acceptable alternative for those living with end-stage renal disease to have affordable care. Although we did not reach a final agreement on their proposal, I believe there is a good faith effort to reach an agreement that would put Nebraska on par with many other states while significantly impacting the cost of Medicare supplement coverage for all existing residents. As I ponder this offer, I am mindful that any bills that do not pass during the coming 60-day legislative session will die. Additionally, it will be difficult to get sufficient floor time for any bills to get through three rounds of debate that do not have full committee support. To help ensure passage, Ill be working to get LB 32 included in the committee priority bill. Like so many bills that come before the Legislature, it is important not to let perfection get in the way of progress. In many cases, we need to focus on incremental progress to reach the goals we set. I will keep you posted on this bill as we get closer to the next legislative session. I also spent time this week attending the second of four meetings of the governors Property Valuation Working Group. The first meeting held last month was spent discussing the scope of our mission. This month, we discussed various valuation issues that have frustrated taxpayers. There is no question that property taxes have now gotten the attention of legislators throughout the state. Historically, the urban senators have focused more on income taxes; however, they, too, have now heard the drumbeat from constituents about the problems caused by high property taxes. As I have discussed in the past, the property tax problem is a local problem that is caused by the spending of local taxing authorities. In some cases, the spending is federally- or state-mandated, but the discretionary spending must be controlled by locally elected boards if we want to control the growth of property taxes. The state has been playing a role in reducing the net cost of property taxes by providing a property tax credit (reflected on your property tax statement) and, over the past couple of years, an income tax rebate equal to 30% of the amount of property taxes paid by property taxpayers to your local public school and community college. The Legislature has also taken steps this session to remove community colleges from taxing for their operating expenses beginning in 2025 and providing these funds from the state. More still needs to be done despite these major steps forward. Although the working group was created to focus on property valuations, the group is clearly focused on how to address property taxes better. I did raise the point to the group that there was a time when property taxes, sales taxes and income taxes would each contribute approximately one-third of the total tax needs for the state. Today, approximately $2.1 billion is generated from sales taxes, $4 billion from income taxes and $5 billion from property taxes. Clearly, the balance is off. It seems clear to me that sales taxes are not holding up their part. However, it will also be imperative that, should we expand the sales tax base and generate more funding, those dollars are sent directly back to property-tax payers. This will likely be a major focus of the working group in our final two meetings. I look forward to continuing to hear from you regarding issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the district and the state. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or by calling my legislative office at 402-471-2729. Joe Bidens problems may be offset by Republican extremism. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Theres no shortage of pessimism among Democrats these days when it comes to the 2024 elections. Joe Biden is at best even money to defeat a deeply unpopular Republican presidential front-runner who is sounding crazier than ever as he faces multiple felony trials. Much of the public seems seized by a sort of snarling apathy that presents the party controlling the White House with the prospect of low base turnout and hostile swing voters. The 2024 Senate landscape will make it very tough for Chuck Schumer to hold on to his gavel as majority leader. But theres one possible leading indicator for 2024 that is currently looking very good for the Donkey Party: strong performances in this years special elections, as the New York Times Reid J. Epstein reports: In special elections this year for state legislative offices, Democrats have exceeded Mr. Bidens performance in the 2020 presidential election in 21 of 27 races, topping his showing by an average of seven percentage points, according to a study conducted by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the partys campaign arm for state legislative races. Those results, combined with an 11-point triumph for a liberal State Supreme Court candidate in Wisconsin this spring and a 14-point defeat of an Ohio ballot referendum this summer in a contest widely viewed as a proxy battle over abortion rights, run counter to months of public opinion polling that has found Mr. Biden to be deeply unpopular heading into his re-election bid next year. Historically, this level of performance in off-year special elections has had some significant predictive value, notes FiveThirtyEights Nathaniel Rakich. He calculates that Democrats have exceeded their past share of the vote in this years special elections by an average of 11 percentage points and suggests this may carry over to next year: Its a potential sign of a Democratic wave election in 2024. In each of the past three election cycles, a partys average overperformance in all special elections in a given cycle has been a close match for the eventual House popular vote in the eventual general election albeit a couple of points better for Democrats. On the other hand, there are some counter-indicators as well. Republicans currently lead in the RealClearPolitics average of generic congressional ballot polls for 2024 (44.6 percent to 43.2 percent). Its too early for such polls to have much predictive value, but they are not consistent with any impending Democratic wave. Its also possible that Democratic overperformance in state legislative special elections reflects a political landscape still strongly affected by the post-Roe fight over abortion policy that may not carry over into a national election. And as Rakich stipulates, there have been election cycles (notably 199798) in which the results flatly contradicted the trend lines suggested by previous-year special elections. In any event, special elections will soon be overshadowed to a significant extent by the results of regular off-year elections. There is no reason to anticipate much Democratic success in deep-red Louisiana, where the current Democratic governor is term-limited this year. The Republican attorney general is a solid favorite to defeat the Democratic Transportation secretary in the states nonpartisan jungle primary. In Mississippi, Democratic public-service commissioner Brandon Presley Elviss second cousin has created some excitement in his challenge of scandal-plagued incumbent Republican governor Tate Reeves. But the partisan complexion of the state makes a Presley win unlikely. Democratic prospects look better at the top of the ballot in Kentucky, where incumbent governor Andy Beshear is quite popular and is favored over Republican attorney general Daniel Cameron, though Kentuckys Republican tendencies make the race potentially competitive. And in Virginia, Republican governor and national party star Glenn Youngkin is waging a high-profile battle to win control of the commonwealths legislature (Democrats currently control the state senate). This is one contest in which the national partys problems could definitely spill over to affect a state party even in the absence of national elections: The federal-government shutdown that House Republicans seem determined to trigger at the end of this month will do the GOP no favors in Washington-dependent Northern Virginia. If Democrats do continue to exceed electoral expectations in 2023, it may serve as a reminder that many Republicans love extremism more than victory. And thats Bidens abiding ace in the hole for 2024 as well. Photo: Shay Horse/NurPhoto via Getty Images Last Friday, the Republican Partys presidential front-runner suggested that Americas top general deserves to die. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump accused chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley of committing treason, an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! Specifically, Trump wrote that Milley had been dealing with China to give them a heads up on the thinking of the President of the United States, and that this treasonous act could have triggered a war between the two countries. The ex-president was seemingly referring to a report that Milley had called his Chinese counterpart shortly before the 2020 election, and after the January 6 insurrection, to assure him that the United States was stable and that Trump would not be ordering any attack against China on his way out the door. Given that this accurately conveyed the administrations posture, and that the U.S. had no interest in tricking a nuclear-weapons state into believing that America was about to attack it, its difficult to see how Milleys calls would have constituted treason. Of course, its not remarkable for Trump to issue a baseless (yet incendiary) allegation against one of his critics. What is noteworthy or at least, should be is a leading presidential candidate deliberately trying to intimidate his perceived enemies through tacit threats of violence. And it seems fair to conclude that this is precisely what Trump is up to. The ex-presidents remarks about Milley came amid a surge of violent threats against federal law enforcement, threats that his own rhetoric appears to have inspired. On August 4, shortly after he was charged for seeking to overturn the 2020 election, Trump posted on Truth Social, IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING FOR YOU! One day later, one of the presidents supporters called that cases presiding judge and told her that if Trump does not win reelection next year, we are coming to kill you. Since the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago for classified documents last August, threats against federal law-enforcement employees and their families have increased by 300 percent, according to the New York Times. These threats have been so persistent and credible that the bureau has provided security details to a long list of law-enforcement officials, including career prosecutors working on cases against Trump. Over the same time period, Trump has persistently assailed the FBI as an enemy of the American people that threatens the nations survival. In December of last year, Trump declared that the FBI, Department of Justice, and Democratic Party collectively comprised a cancer that was killing the country, writing, These Weaponized Thugs and Tyrants must be dealt with, or our once great and beautiful country will die!!! Trump is not unaware of his supporters attempts to violently intimidate federal officials. Months before he announced that the FBI was a mortal threat to America that must be dealt with, a man equipped with body armor and an assault rifle tried to breach the FBIs office in Cincinnati. In June, Trump shared what he claimed to be Barack Obamas home address on Truth Social. Hours later, a man armed with two guns and 400 rounds of ammo was arrested while seeking out ways to breach Obamas private residence. More recently, prosecutors have sought a gag order against Trump in the election-interference case, citing a deluge of threats against officials seemingly inspired by the ex-presidents social-media feed. Thus, Trump well understands the effect that his incendiary pronouncements are having. And he continues to suggest that his adversaries are enemies of the state and worthy of death nonetheless. From the very start of his tenure in presidential politics, Trump has encouraged his supporters violent impulses while wielding their reputation for violence as a kind of leverage. When his rallygoers beat up a Black Lives Matter protester in November 2015, Trump called their actions beautiful, saying that the activist should have been roughed up because it was absolutely disgusting what he was doing. In August 2016, he said that even if Hillary Clinton won, and acquired the legal authority to appoint Supreme Court justices, Second Amendment people might be able to stop her from doing so. Earlier this year, Trump warned that there would be potential death and destruction if authorities in New York City arrested him. The threat that Trumps cultivation of political violence poses to our democratic life is not hypothetical. It manifested itself in the January 6 insurrection, and in the myriad, psychotic lone wolves who have sought to avenge Trump through acts of domestic terrorism, such as the man who attempted to kidnap Nancy Pelosi (before settling for bashing in her husbands head) last year. Perhaps more alarmingly, Trumps capacity for directing violence at his enemies has reportedly dissuaded congressional Republicans from defying him. As McKay Coppins reported for The Atlantic earlier this month: One Republican congressman confided to [Senator Mitt] Romney that he wanted to vote for Trumps second impeachment, but chose not to out of fear for his familys safety. The congressman reasoned that Trump would be impeached by House Democrats with or without himwhy put his wife and children at risk if it wouldnt change the outcome? Later, during the Senate trial, Romney heard the same calculation while talking with a small group of Republican colleagues. When one senator, a member of leadership, said he was leaning toward voting to convict, the others urged him to reconsider. You cant do that, Romney recalled someone saying. Think of your personal safety, said another. Think of your children. The senator eventually decided they were right. The moment that an elected official changes their vote on a pressing public matter not because they fear electoral backlash from their constituents, but because they fear that their party leader will endanger their childrens lives democracy has been compromised. Two weeks ago, we learned that this moment has already passed. Since then, the Republican front-runner has pronounced one of Americas top military officials worthy of death, fomented threats of violence against federal law-enforcement officials, and promised that, should he return to the White House, he will investigate adversarial news outlets for treason. Yet these realities have not dominated national news coverage. Indeed, Trumps remarks about Milley scarcely registered in the headlines. The fact that the leader of the Republican Party is an authoritarian who tacitly (and sometimes explicitly) encourages political violence may have lost some novelty over the past seven years. But its shed none of its menace or import. The mainstream press is in a tough position. It has published reams of excellent reporting on Trumps scandals and no shortage of op-eds denouncing him. The plurality of voters who support Trump over Biden in many recent polls are not ignorant of the ex-presidents contempt for election results or threats against federal law enforcement. Rather, they either believe that Trumps conduct is justified given the deep states treachery, or they simply dont care. Therefore, the electorate, the Republican Party, and every organ of mainstream conservatism are treating Trump as though he were an ordinary presidential candidate. In this context, a news outlet can cover Trumps affronts to democracy. But it cant quite internalize them. For such a publication to fully behave as though it has a working memory and a capacity to rationally weigh the significance of disparate pieces of information would be for it to resemble a partisan rag. The most salient truth about the 2024 election is that the Republican Party is poised to nominate an authoritarian thug who publishes rationalizations for political violence and promises to abuse presidential authority on a near-daily basis. There is no way for a paper or news channel to appropriately emphasize this reality without sounding like a shrill, dull, Democratic propaganda outlet. So, like the nation writ large, the press comports itself as an amnesiac, or an abusive household committed to keeping up appearances, losing itself in the old routines, in an effortful approximation of normality until it almost forgets what it doesnt want to know. Candidates not named Donald Trump yuk it up at last months debate in Milwaukee. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images The second Republican presidential candidate debate hosted by Fox Business and Univision will unfold for two hours on Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Given the site, we can expect a question (perhaps the first question) to involve Ronald Reagans legacy as a president and as a Republican leader. Front-runner Donald Trump will again skip the debate, and will again counter-program to drain away viewers and coverage, this time via a speech to non-union autoworkers in Detroit (apparently beginning an hour before the debate). One of the variables worth watching for in Simi Valley is how much attention is paid to the absent former president by moderators and candidates alike. Now that the RNC has confirmed that last-minute qualifier Doug Burgum has made the cut, seven candidates who appeared at the first debate in Milwaukee (all but Asa Hutchinson) will again make the stage. Heres what each of them need to accomplish in the debate: Ron DeSantis: Regain His Status as Trumps Chief Rival This debate could help define the Florida governor as either a has-been who is Trump roadkill and ripe for replacement by another candidate before voters vote, or a sturdy pol whose effort to outflank Trump on the right will eventually pay dividends in Iowa and beyond. He needs both a first look from less attentive Republican voters leaning toward Trump and a second look from activists and donors who may have written him off as clumsy and impersonal. DeSantis and his team of Ted Cruz 16 alumni also have a strategic decision to make: Does he spend the debate sending messages to voters in Iowa, where he has focused nearly all his resources lately, or does he try to shore up his support elsewhere (particularly in the post-Iowa early states where he is really struggling)? The presence of a moderator from Univision could give DeSantis the chance to boast of his strong performance among Hispanic voters in 2022, reviving his reelection triumph as a campaign talking point. Nikki Haley: Go Two-for-Two The Milwaukee debate was a godsend for the South Carolina governor, who for the first time stood out in the GOP field as something other than a potential veep pick for Trump or DeSantis. Shes now surging in early state polls: In the RCP polling averages, shes third place in Iowa and second place in both New Hampshire and her home state. Now she needs to make sure she isnt dismissed as a flash-in-the-pan, and the best way to do that is to continue to come across as a quick-witted, sharp-tongued candidate who manages to criticize Trump without alienating his supporters. It would be helpful to Haley, of course, if Vivek Ramaswamy again acts as a Trump surrogate she can safely criticize. She is also well-positioned to call on the ghost of Reagan at the library debate as she continues to suggest MAGA folk are too weak on fiscal responsibility and national security. Vivek Ramaswamy: Make a Case for Himself The tech tyro had some breakout moments in Milwaukee but mostly came across as the absent Trumps wingman. Thats enough to keep him aloft in national polls, where hes virtually tied with Nikki Haley for third place in the RCP averages; hes a relatively strong fourth in New Hampshire as well. But unless he wants to hit a ceiling whereby his main ambition would become a mid-level cabinet post in a second Trump administration, Ramaswamy needs to more clearly explain why MAGA folk should support him rather than The Master. Making himself the front-runner for the 2044 nomination contest is a questionable return on the investment of personal wealth hes already made in this campaign. Mike Pence: Avoid a Potentially Fatal Letdown The former veep got some buzz from the Milwaukee debate, but thats mainly because one of the key questions pushed the entire field to address his courageous Trump-defying conduct on January 6. Thats not likely to happen again. So Pence will be forced back into his original message of representing a merger of old-school pre-Trump conservatism and the Trump administration itself (at least prior to its final moments). Unfortunately, the hostility of serious MAGA folk toward him has all along made his emergence as a competitive candidate unlikely. If possible, he needs somehow to make himself a favorite over Tim Scott among anti-abortion hardliners and a favorite over Haley among national security pro-Ukraine hardliners. Otherwise, his candidacy may fade as the actual contest approaches. Tim Scott: Show Up in a Big Way Arguably, Scott was the biggest loser in Milwaukee. The candidate thought of by many as the truly dangerous rival to DeSantis barely made his presence known, and hes been fading a bit in the polls despite a heavy investment of resources on ads, especially in Iowa. The most obvious way for him to make a mark is to repeat more forcefully his recent remarks criticizing his rivals for weakness on abortion, where he and Pence have distinguished themselves for down-the-line obedience to the forced-birth lobby, a powerful faction in GOP primary politics. He may lose some of his MSM reputation as a mild-mannered apostle of sunshine and bipartisan civility, but he needs to do something to get his mojo back. Before long he must eclipse Pence and outflank his former ally Haley if he is to survive beyond Iowa. Chris Christie: Consolidate the Anti-Trump Vote Asa Hutchinsons absence isnt generally going to be noticed a great deal, but it could benefit Chris Christie significantly, since hell be the only frankly anti-Trump candidate on the stage, giving him a prime opportunity to consolidate the support of the roughly one-out-of-five Republican primary voters who really dont want the former president to win his third straight nomination. While other candidates may have strategic choices about the target of their debate remarks, Christie will likely be speaking directly to the Republicans of New Hampshire, where hes currently running a surprising third in the RCP polling averages and may gain even more strength if some of his rivals punch themselves out (and spend all their money) in Iowa, which Christie is ignoring. Doug Burgum: Explain Why Hes Running To this point, the North Dakota governor has come across largely as a quirky small-town pol who has spent an awful lot of his vast wealth to game the RNCs debate qualification requirements and get himself into two debates. Now he needs to carve out a clear identity for himself and a rationale for his candidacy. When he first announced, he positioned himself as the one candidate uninterested in waging culture war. He might want to spell that out for the edification of primary voters who feel similarly. All seven debaters, of course, will be battling the inertia of a campaign that hasnt had a great deal of drama, and the non-debater whose domination of the field has made the contest all but monotonous. Without some real churn, soon enough other candidates will join Francis Suarez on the list of 2024 dropouts. Residents ages 55 and older can get free health screenings and information at Tuesdays Senior Health and Resource Fair in Opelika. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center. Residents ages 55 and older will benefit from a wide variety of free services. That includes dementia screenings, vision screenings and blood work, such as blood pressure and glucose checks. It is important for adults to feel empowered as they navigate the aging process, said Valeri White, the director of senior programs for the City of Opelika. We want to give them the knowledge to advocate for their own needs and be aware of the resources our community has available to them. The idea behind the event is to bring service and resource providers, so all of the necessary information for seniors can be in one place. It eases the burden of having to schedule multiple appointments at different times and different places. White said that there will be over 60 vendors at the event. Approximately 300 seniors from across the area expected to attend. Those numbers have grown since the fair started over 11 years ago. There has been a significant increase in the variety of services and resources available. It can be anything from veterinary care to mattress places to home care agencies or hospice agencies, White said. Its also a way for Auburn nursing students, Southern Union nursing students and social work interns to also interact with senior clients. Its a way for all of us to make a big difference in their lives. The teams at the fair give seniors all of the necessary information they can to take to their doctors following the event. White has worked in senior health for many years. She started in hospice care and retirement living at the East Alabama Medical Center. She went on to take her current position with the City of Opelika in 2009, when Opelika the Sportsplex and Aquatics Center was built. White had seen the need in a community that tends to put their health on the back burner. She saw an opportunity to raise awareness and inform as much of the community as possible. I just realized more and more how important it is to empower people and the more knowledge they have. Maybe its somebody at their church or maybe someone in their neighborhood. If nothing else, they could remember, Hey, go see Valerie. Hopefully, I can send them in the right direction to get the assistance they need, so they can remain living in their homes as long as possible, White said. This years event will provide the fallowing site free services and more: The Southern Union State Community College Nursing Program will perform blood pressure, hemoglobin screenings, and glucose and cholesterol checks. The Auburn University Nursing School will help understand results. The East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Center will be doing mens Prostrate-Specific Antigen (PSA) bloodwork to screen for prostate cancer. The Lions Club will provide vision screenings to look for potential vision loss and eye disorders. Bubbas Medicine Shop will provide flu shots. Lee Russell Council of Governments will offer dementia screening. Lee County Sherriffs Department will register participants for the Yellow Dot Program. Better Bodies Massage will provide chair massages. This years health and resource fair will also provide a wide array of vendors that will help educate seniors and allow them to shop for different providers at one location. This years health fair will feature: Home health providers Assisted living providers Hospice care providers Insurance providers Healthcare providers Vision providers Rehabilitation providers Community health resources Advocacy groups Volunteer opportunities After having to reject nearly 500 patients in 2021, East Alabama Health would like to build a new psychiatric facility to meet growing demands. The new in-patient facility would be on a separate campus from the East Alabama Medical Center. It would have 40 beds for mental health patients as well as nine beds for long-term adolescent patients. We are proposing to build a freestanding psychiatric hospital to provide greater inpatient access. As our community has grown, our needs for mental health have grown tremendously as well, East Alabama Health President and CEO Laura Grill said. This community is very underserved in psychiatry. Estimated to cost a little over $23.5 million, construction of the new building is scheduled to begin in spring 2024. It will need 18 months of work before opening. There will also be an additional $5.5 million in costs for site work, equipment and furnishings. The plans come after East Alabama Medical Center was forced to reject almost 500 psychiatric patients in 2021, 255 adolescent patients and 239 adults. The rejections were due to a lack of space within the current psychiatric facility, which is housed in the oldest building on the EAMC campus and holds just 28 beds. Grill stepped up to the podium at Mondays Lee County Commission meeting to present the project to the commission in hopes of getting additional funding for the project. We are proposing to build a freestanding psychiatric hospital to provide greater inpatient access. As our community has grown, our needs for mental health have grown tremendously as well, Grill said. This community is very underserved in psychiatry. Grill said the expansion would move the entire department to the new facility. It would add six short-term adolescent beds and six short-term adult beds, bringing the total to 40. This fall, EAH will apply to bring a psychiatric residency program to the facility, which will allow physicians to be trained during their residency to be psychiatrists. If approved, EAH will be the third place in the state to have a psychiatric residency program, joining UAB in Birmingham and University of South Alabama in Mobile. Along with short-term care, the current facility houses nine beds for long-term adolescent patients and East Alabama Academy, an SACS accredited 6-12 grade school operated by EAH for its long-term adolescent patients. Those are the only nine beds in the state of Alabama for committed adolescents, Grill said. So those children are with us, anywhere from a year to two years or till they age out of the system. And they have to have an accredited school that is referred to as what we call East Alabama Academy. There will be no additional long-term adolescent beds, but the beds and the academy will be moved to the new facility. Also included in the proposal are plans to expand the education and teacher programs for adolescents in short-term care. Outside of funding for the project, EAH still had to apply for a Certificate of Need, a requirement in Alabama. Grill said that would be heard in December and there is not any opposition to the application. Grill and her team are looking for a total of $4 million in funding from Lee County, $2 million in 2024 and another $2 million in 2025l. All of it would go toward construction costs. Well Id just like to state that I definitely seen the need and Ill supportive, District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand Sr. said. However, the meeting ended without the commission taking any action on the funding of the project. During the same meeting, the commission finalized the operational budget for 2023-2024 the fiscal year. District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon offered his support as well, but he clarified that the funding could be an issue. Id support it weve just gotta figure out where to get the money from, Cannon said following Grills presentation. We have some money allocated, but not as much as we thought. Theres a possibility of next year maybe getting more. When asked how soon EAH needed a commitment the Lee County Commission, Grill responded as soon as possible. The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has revealed that the country has around US$50 billion in oil and gas and related projects now underway, with more to come. Given the precarious state of Irans economy, it is unsurprising to find that much of this has been pledged by its two major sponsors, China and Russia. More surprising, though even with the resumption of relationship deal made on 10 March and related developments - is that Iran is expecting billions of dollars to come from its erstwhile arch-enemy Saudi Arabia. Moreover, this support for Irans core oil and gas industry from its long-time nemesis is also set to be expanded across several areas of mutual interest to the two countries, all under the watchful eye of Beijing and Moscow. As examined recently by OilPrice.com, around US$20 billion of this will go to completing the development of the supergiant South Pars natural gas field one half of the biggest gas field in the world. The South Pars site stretches across 3,700 square kilometres and holds an estimated 14.2 trillion cubic metres (tcm) of gas reserves in place plus 18 billion barrels of gas condensate. It already accounts for around 40 percent of Irans total estimated 33.8 tcm of gas reserves (mostly located in the southern Fars, Bushehr, and Hormozgan regions) and about 80 percent of its gas production. Around US$2.4 billion of this will go to finishing the often-delayed and highly controversial Phase 11, which for a long time has been a focal point for proxy hostilities between West and East, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. Around another US$1.6 billion will go on completing other phases, and in drilling 35 new wells across it. An additional US$15 billion will be spent on launching gas compressor stations at various points across all phases of the South Pars site. The remaining US$1 billion will be spent on the first part of expanding Irans liquefied natural gas (LNG) capabilities, as becoming a world-leading exporter of LNG has long been a core objective of Iran, as also analysed in depth in the book. This has already been achieved by neighbouring Qatar using its 6,000 square kilometre North Field (or North Dome) part of the supergiant gas reservoir. Related: Chevron Getting Ready For New Oil Drilling In Venezuela In line with boosting its nascent LNG sector, and its natural gas output up to at least 1.5 billion cubic metres per day (bcm/d) from the current 1 bcm/d or so by 2029, Iran is set to spend another US$3.2 billion on developing several other of its gas sites, including Kish, Balal, and Farzad B. Russia will be taking the lead in all these gas projects, according to a senior source in the European Unions (E.U.) energy security complex spoken to exclusively by OilPrice.com last week. Before the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, colloquially the nuclear deal] in [May] 2018, Russia had multiple major MoUs [memorandums of understanding] signed for seven big oil and gas fields in Iran the most of any country, he highlighted. These were by GazpromNeft for the Changouleh and Cheshmeh-Khosh oilfields, Zarubezhneft for the Aban and Paydar Gharb fields, Tatneft for the Dehloran field, and Lukoil for the Ab Teymour and Mansouri oil fields. Crucially, in July 2022, Russian President, Vladimir Putin visited his Iranian counterpart in Tehran to set the seal on a US$40 billion wide-ranging memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed just a few days before between the NIOC and Gazprom. Among other deals contained in the MoU, Gazprom pledged its full assistance to the NIOC in the US$10 billion development of the Kish and North Pars gas fields with a view to their producing more than 10 million cubic metres of gas per day. The MoU also detailed a US$15 billion project to increase pressure in the supergiant South Pars gas field on the maritime border between Iran and Qatar. Gazprom further pledged assistance in the completion of various LNG projects and the construction of gas export pipelines. Another sizeable portion of the US$50 billion to be spent in the next round of Irans oil and gas development programme will be directed at increasing its oil output from around the current 3 million barrels per day (bpd) or so up to about 5.7 million bpd, also by 2029. An immediate focus will be the supergiant Azadegan oil field, split into North and South field, with total estimated reserves of around 42 billion barrels of oil, of which around seven billion barrels are deemed recoverable. This will be followed by similar production-increasing efforts across the remainder of Irans fields in the highly oil-rich West Karoun region. Increasing production from the then-355,000 bpd level to at least 500,000 bpd, and then to 1 million bpd was a key part of Chinas commitment in the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and fully examined in my new book. It is apposite to note here that although an MoU was signed last week and the Dasht Azadegan Arvand Company was set up with an initial US$7 billion investment made by two Iranian exploration and production companies and eight banks to implement the Azadegan project, China will be the driving force behind it. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is still the lead foreign operator in Irans North Azadegan, with its operation there going live in November 2016 with production capacity of 75,000 bpd. CNPC also held the lead developer position in Irans South Azadegan from 2009 to 2014 until it was expelled from that field for delays in progress. However, since then, Chinese companies have again been working on several contract-only projects in South Azadegan, alongside the nominal Iranian lead developers. These contract-only projects across Iran and run by China have proliferated since the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iran after its unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. Saudi Arabia is set to play its part in this turbo-charging of Irans oil and gas industry initially by investing in its petrochemicals sector. As highlighted recently by OilPrice.com, over the latter part of 2017 and early 2018, the Oil Ministry of neighbouring Iraq talked to Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) about the possibility of it taking a stake in its own giant Nebras Petrochemicals Plant project. These discussions, though, were increasingly sidelined as Saudi Aramco started to investigate the possibility of buying the majority share in SABIC ahead of its own initial public offering, then re-scheduled for 2021. It is thought by China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, that such projects [in the petrochemicals sector] will not attract too much attention from the U.S., which will allow for a gradual widening out of cooperation between the two countries [Saudi Arabia and Iran], the E.U. source told OilPrice.com last week. Towards what eventual goal remains publicly unspecified as yet, but privately according to the source, Washington remains deeply concerned about Saudi Arabia being increasingly drawn into the China-Russia military alliance, as Iran has been. In particular, according to the E.U. energy security source, the U.S.s focus is on what Beijings endgame might be in building out the nuclear capabilities of rival key states in the Middle East, given Chinas long-running and extensive assistance to Irans nuclear ambitions. These fears were not helped with news just before Christmas 2021 that U.S. intelligence agencies had found Saudi Arabia was manufacturing its own ballistic missiles with the help of China. Currently, the only Arab nation to have nuclear reactors is the UAE. Even with the U.S.s extensive presence of huge military military bases in and around the UAE, Washington was extremely concerned to find that China had been building a secret military facility in and around the UAE port of Khalifa. Based on classified satellite imagery and human intelligence data, U.S. officials stated that China has been working to establish a military foothold in the UAE. In Saudi Arabias case, it had previously been in talks to acquire nuclear technology from the U.S. under the 1-2-3 protocol - intended to limit the enrichment of uranium for arms purposes. Whether China will insist on such a protocol, or if it is in place will insist that it is adhered to, remains to be seen. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Ford Motor Company has announced it is halting construction works at a planned $3.5-billion EV battery factory in Michigan until it is confident the plant can be run competitively. Fords announcement comes amid a strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and concerns in Congress over the alliance of one of Detroits Big Three with the biggest Chinese and global battery maker, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). In February this year, Ford said it had picked Marshall, Michigan, to invest $3.5 billion to build the countrys first automaker-backed lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery plant. Under the arrangement, Fords wholly-owned subsidiary would manufacture the battery cells using LFP battery cell knowledge and services provided by CATL, Ford said at the time. In July, Mike Gallagher (R-WI) of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman Jason Smith of the Committee on Ways and Means requested that Ford provide copies of the licensing agreements with the Chinese company and any communications between Ford and the Biden Administration referring or relating to the Ford/CATL licensing agreement and/or achievable tax credits. Rather than developing American technology, we are concerned that the deal could simply facilitate the partial onshoring of PRC-controlled battery technology, raw materials, and employees while collecting tax credits and flowing funds back to CATL through the licensing agreement, the lawmakers said in a letter to Ford president and CEO Jim Farley in July. On Monday, Ford said it was pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall project until we're confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant, without elaborating on a specific reason for doing so. We haven't made any final decision about the planned investment there, the carmaker said as quoted by Reuters. UAW President Shawn Fain described Fords announcement as a shameful, barely-veiled threat by Ford to cut jobs. Closing 65 plants over the last 20 years wasnt enough for the Big Three, now they want to threaten us with closing plants that arent even open yet. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom, Fain added. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: The chief executive of Goldman Sachs has refused to yield to pressure from climate activists calling for the bank to stop financing oil and gas companies. Traditional energy companies are hugely important to the global economy, they are hugely important to Goldman Sachs, David Solomon said at the American Energy Security Summit in Oklahoma this week, as quoted by Bloomberg. We are all going to continue to finance traditional companies for a long time. Pressure on banks from climate activists has been growing and many have in one way or another succumbed to it, committing to curbs in their exposure to the oil, gas, and coal industry. No major bank, however, has gone the whole nine yards to stop doing any business with the energy industry. Pressure has in some cases been so strong that banks have given up on certain projects. The most recent and quite notable case is that of the East African Crude Pipeline, a $5-billion project that will transport crude from landlocked Uganda to the Eastern African coast of Tanzania. Climate activists applied such pressure on Western banks that were going to take part in the funding of the project that they gave up and were replaced by Chinese lenders. In Europe, banks have already begun tightening their conditions for lending to the oil and gas industry in line with climate activist calls and government net-zero plans. As a result, the local supply of oil and gas has suffered further. This is not yet the case in the United States but pressure remains significant on Wall Street to get more active in what effectively comes down to punishing the oil and gas industry for producing oil and gas. Meanwhile, however, Solomon noted during his speech in Oklahoma that what he called traditional energy companies needed to be supported because without energy security society wont function. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: Hong Kong: Christopher Hui attends AIIB meeting Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui attended the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, yesterday. In addition, he met other financial officials attending the annual meeting to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and other places. Speaking during a discussion on the topic of Low Carbon Development - Supporting a Just & Effective Transition at the Governors' Business Roundtable in the afternoon, Mr Hui shared how Hong Kong could facilitate the transition in terms of low-carbon development in three ways. These include a clear goal of achieving carbon emission reduction by 50% before 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; having the right tool for issuing green and sustainable bonds as well as carbon credit trading; and having great minds to fulfil the talent need in response to the new trend of developing a low carbon and sustainable economy. Furthermore, Mr Hui met AIIB Investment Operations (Region 1) Vice President Urjit R. Patel and AIIB Investment Operations (Region 2) Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy. He shared with the two vice presidents Hong Kong's strengths in infrastructure financing, including issuances of green and sustainable bonds and the provision of a carbon credit trading platform. In the meeting with AIIB Chief Financial Officer Andrew Cross, Mr Hui briefed him on the latest development of security market, risk management and wealth management in Hong Kong. On the sidelines of the annual meeting, Mr Hui met the Sri Lanka delegation led by Sri Lanka Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance K M Mahinda Siriwardana. The two sides discussed how to foster closer economic and trade ties. Mr Hui will meet Egypt Minister of International Cooperation Rania A. Al-Mashat, and Saudi Arabia Assistant Minister of Finance for Macro-Fiscal Policies & International Relations Abdulmuhsen Alkhalaf before concluding his visit to the Egyptian city. This story has been published on: 2023-09-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China steps up cooperation with global research institute to enhance rice variety Xinhua) 09:51, September 26, 2023 BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has stepped up cooperation with the International Rice Research Institute to promote the quality of rice varieties, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) said Monday. A total of 49 rice varieties with each growing over an area of more than 10 million mu (over 666,000 hectares) have been jointly cultivated by China and the institute, over the past 25 years, the CAAS said. Fruitful results have also been achieved in rice pest control as well as rice planting and production methods as part of this cooperation, according to the CAAS. In the future, Chinese research organizations, including the CAAS, will launch cooperation initiatives with the global institute in fields like rice variety research and development as well as cultivation of new rice varieties, the CAAS added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) (CNN) Fears grew of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Tuesday as a senior US official warned of malnutrition among the tens of thousands fleeing the breakaway region for Armenia. Senior US officials including US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power and US State Department acting assistant secretary Yuri Kim met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the capital Yerevan Monday. Power traveled to Yerevan to affirm US support for Armenias sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and democracy and help address humanitarian needs stemming from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, the aid agency said in a statement Monday. The visit came days after Azerbaijan launched a lightning offensive and said it had taken back full control of the breakaway region, sparking an exodus of the areas ethnic Armenian population. By Tuesday evening, over 28,000 forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh had arrived in Armenia, the Armenian government announced in a Facebook post. Speaking from the Armenian village of Kornidzor, near the border with Azerbaijan, Power said, It is absolutely critical that independent monitors as well as humanitarian organizations get access to the people in Nagorno-Karabakh who still have dire needs. The military attacks of last week have made a dire situation even worse, Power said Tuesday, adding that many of those who had arrived were suffering from severe malnutrition, according to doctors at the scene. Nagorno-Karabakh has been under blockade since December 2022, when Azerbaijan-backed activists established a military checkpoint on the Lachin corridor the only road connecting the landlocked enclave to Armenia. The blockade prevented the import of food, fuel and medicine to Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting fears that residents were being left to starve. A former International Criminal Court chief prosecutor said in August there is reasonable basis to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians in the region. The closure of the Lachin corridor has also prevented international organizations and foreign media from accessing Nagorno-Karabakh. The road was only opened last weekend to allow residents to flee. We know that there are injured civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh who need to be evacuated, Power said, adding that Azerbaijan has a responsibility to facilitate this. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to a State Department spokesperson. The secretary spoke again to President Aliyev today and underscored the urgency of no further hostilities, that there be unconditional protections and freedom of movement for civilians, that there be unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno Karabakh, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller at a press briefing. Miller also said that the US expects Aliyev to abide by his commitment to no further military action. Power announced Tuesday that the US would provide $11.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the region. The European Union also announced 5 million euros (around $5.2 million) in aid. This aid will be delivered by various EU humanitarian partners operating in Armenia to reach around 25 000 people, the EU said in a statement Tuesday. The priority is to provide cash assistance, shelter, food security and livelihoods assistance. Deadly explosion Azerbaijans brief but bloody offensive killed more than 200 people and injured many more, before Karabakh officials agreed to a Russia-brokered ceasefire in which they agreed to dissolve their armed forces. A further 100 bodies were recovered in the latest search and rescue operations following Azerbaijans military operations, Karabakh emergency services told Armenian state news agency Armenpress Monday. Among the bodies were two children and an elderly couple, officials said. CNN could not independently verify the claims. A mass evacuation of the local population began over the weekend. Images shared on social media showed residents of Stepanakert, the regions capital, packing their belongings into cars and vans, and searching for gas. The local government had offered each family five liters of fuel to make the trip to Armenia, a resident told CNN. But as thousands were attempting to flee the enclave on Monday evening, a powerful explosion ripped through a gas station near Stepanakert, where people had been attempting to get fuel before driving to Armenia. At least 20 people were killed and 290 wounded in the blast, Armenpress said. The wounded were taken to four hospitals across Nagorno-Karabakh, one of them being a Russian peacekeeping mission clinic. Videos on social media showed a crowded hospital in the city as medical staff attempted to treat burn patients. At this moment, we do not have any medical resources left that can help us. In terms of medication, we do not have [anti-burn] antibiotics. We have a very high number of burn patients, said a member of the medical staff at a hospital in Stepanakert, in a video shared Monday by local journalist Siranush Sargsyan. Due to port maintenance works, Russian crude oil exports by sea dipped by around 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 3 million bpd last week and by 100,000 bpd to 3.2 million bpd in the four weeks to September 24, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg showed on Tuesday. Last week, the oil export terminal at Primorsk on the Baltic Sea stopped shipping cargoes for four days due to maintenance works, and this halt offset recovering export volumes out of the Kozmino port in Russias Far East. Kozmino crude export flows rebounded last week after maintenance works had reduced shipments in the prior week, according to the data reported by Bloombergs Julian Lee. So far this month, Russian crude oil exports by sea have stayed at some 640,000 bpd below the high levels in April and June. In September, Russia is easing its oil export cut to 300,000 bpd from 500,000 bpd pledged for August. Moscow extended early this month the 300,000-bpd cut until the end of the year, joining fellow OPEC+ producer Saudi Arabia in announcing an extension of the supply cuts. Russia has said its 300,000 bpd export cut is with the option to review every month and potentially deepen the cuts or increase supply, according to market conditions. Going forward, Russian crude oil exports could be headed for a rebound after the drop due to port maintenance, as refinery maintenance at home is at its seasonal peak. The primary oil refining capacity that will be offline in Russia is set to soar by 44% in September compared to August amid seasonal maintenance, according to Reuters estimates based on data from industry sources. As much as 4.635 million metric tons of Russias refining capacity is expected to be offline this month, industry sources have told Reuters. ADVERTISEMENT While crude oil shipments could rise in the coming weeks, Russian fuel exports are set to dip, at least temporarily, after Moscow announced a temporary ban on exports of gasoline and diesel to stabilize domestic fuel prices which have been soaring due to higher crude prices and a weak Russian ruble. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: The Canada Energy Regulator has approved a plan by Trans Mountain Corporation to alter the route of the expanded pipeline that carries crude from Alberta to the West Coast, which will enable the company to complete the expansion by next year. Earlier this month, Trans Mountain Corporation asked the regulator to approve a change from its approved route on a 1.3-kilometer (0.8 mile) section south of Kamloops, British Columbia. The current construction method of micro-tunneling through the section is not technically or economically feasible, Trans Mountain has said. If a route change is not approved, the project could face months of delays and hundreds of millions of dollars of cost overruns, it added. However, the tunnel was a way to avoid crossing Indigenous lands and the local community, the Stkemlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation, is naturally opposing the alternative route. According to them, the pipelines crossing of their lands would do irreparable harm to their cultural and spiritual rights, Bloomberg reported. Originally, the pipeline expansion was set to help Canada export its heavy crude oil to Asia via tankers from the Canadian West Coast. But as the expansion project took years to clear permitting, financial, and construction hurdles, the global crude oil flows changed with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Fierce opposition towards the project in British Columbia also led to a change of ownership as it forced Kinder Morgan to reconsider its commitment to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline, which would increase the daily capacity of the pipeline to 890,000 barrels per day from 300,000 bpd. So the government of Canada reached an agreement with the company back in 2018 to buy the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and related pipeline and terminal assets. Per plans and after this latest approval for the route change, the expanded Trans Mountain should go into operation by the end of the first quarter of next year. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: You cant build a solid online presence without a successful Instagram account. Unfortunately, new Instagram accounts face a dual problem: Active users arent willing to give you a follow if you cant offer social proof. The Instagram algorithm works against you by showing your target audience accounts with a lot of followers. Buying Instagram followers is becoming an essential part of any effective social media marketing strategy, but its also intimidating. Therefore, reviewers tested all the most popular Instagram services, so ambitious influencers and brands know what to expect when they buy genuine followers. How Reviewers Rated the Instagram Growth Services Reviewers tested all the most popular Instagram marketing services so that you can skip right to the best. Here are the qualities reviewers loved to see in all the services they tested: 100% genuine followers services that resort to bots put your Instagram account at risk. High-quality Instagram followers (real people with active accounts) or premium followers (super active, high follower counts, quality content, and regular Instagram posts). They also wanted to buy Instagram likes and views and gave a higher rating to social media marketing agencies that could deliver custom follower packages. Fast delivery times and reliable service. A range of payment methods. They could have used credit cards but preferred PayPal and looked out for quality services who accepted it. A friendly 24/7 customer support team, or at least highly-responsive customer service. Some Instagram services met all expectations. Twicsy, Buzzoid, Rushmax, and iDigic excelled. Others were fine, and some were so-so. To make it easier for small business owners and Instagram influencers whod love to boost their engagement rate and gain new organic followers in this way, this article will give each Instagram service an easy rating: Love Like OK Meh The quality services reviewers love meet their high standards and are a pleasure to work with. The ones they liked are fine but could do better. Agencies with an OK rating have significant space for improvement, while Meh ones are not that great. Ready? Lets go! Twicsy is a friendly and reliable Instagram growth service with years of experience. This targeted social media marketing platform does one thing, and well it matches Instagram users who arent seeing organic growth with genuine followers in their target demographics. Twicsy leaves you plenty of space to decide what you want, including multiple follower packages and new IG followers in small batches or in bulk. It also sells likes and views, another bonus. The reviewers experience: They started off by ordering 250 high-quality IG followers. That was a success, so they followed up with 500 real active followers. These real users started following them within minutes of paying, and the reviewers even got some spontaneous likes and views. Once they purchased followers, they went ahead and ordered 5,000 likes for a post they wanted to boost. That worked really well, too. They pestered Twicsys customer support team with annoying questions about the Instagram algorithm, and the customer support team was friendly and professional. Thanks to Twicys low prices, Reviewers didnt even spend that much and their active Instagram followers are still with them. The final verdict: Love Buzzoid is famous for its ability to supply a large number of followers with instant delivery, but the reviewers didnt need 20,000 Insta followers. They chose the managed growth option instead. They wanted to buy genuine IG followers in their target demographic, and Buzzoid allowed them to select different categories with no problem. Reviewers got assigned a case manager who discussed their goals with them. They explained that they wanted to get onto the explore page to build brand awareness and become Insta-famous. The reviewers experience: Their managed growth followers arrived slowly but steadily, as promised. They used another Instagram account to try Buzzoids high-quality followers, and they dropped within minutes. They asked Buzzoids customer support team about paying by PayPal and getting some views. The team was great all the way through. The final verdict: Love With a name like Rushmax, youd expect this Instagram marketing platform to have fast delivery times. They dont disappoint. The reviewers had high hopes going in because Rushmax has such great customer reviews, and theyve been around for years, but the Rushmax team managed to exceed reviewers expectations. The reviewers experience: All 1,000 purchased followers rolled out within less than 24 hours, the first few about a minute after paying. Theyre real users with solid follower counts and quality content. They reached out to the Rushmax customer team to buy Instagram likes, and the likes showed up soon after. Rushmax offers a range of payment methods and is super easy to work with. The final verdict: Love 4. iDigic Idigic is another established Instagram service with a stellar reputation. The reviewers decided to try something different and order a series of small follower packages. That wasnt a problem at all, and they chose a mix of high-quality Instagram followers and super-quality followers. The reviewers experience: iDigic delivered what it promised within 24 hours each time, and after looking at all the new followers, its safe to say none are fake accounts. They noticed an uptick in engagement rate soon after. They decided to order a bunch of likes, and iDigic was prompt and reliable. They were going to contact iDigic about some lost followers, but they didnt need to iDigic automatically set them up with new Insta followers to replace them. Theres no doubt that iDigic can help any business or influencer get big enough to fuel organic growth without any risk to their Instagram account, and the reviewers say they will be ordering again. The final verdict: Love 5. InstaPulse InstaPulse doesnt offer as many different follower packages but makes it easy to get a large number of followers quickly. It seemed to be a good site to buy cheap Instagram followers, so the reviewers placed an order. The reviewers experience: Fast delivery times! No bots, just real users. Multiple payment methods, including PayPal, but InstaPulse could be faster about answering questions. The final verdict: Like 6. BuzzWorx How fast can you grow a new Instagram profile from scratch in todays competitive landscape? Reviewers turned to BuzzWorx to buy genuine followers to find out. The reviewers experience: Affordable prices. Their new followers dropped within 24 hours, and they werent fake Instagram followers with bot profiles. The reviewers couldnt choose their target audience, so followers were random. The final verdict: Like 7. The Social Hive The reviewers followed the same strategy with the Social Hive and ordered a few hundred new IG followers. This social media growth service promises quick delivery times, and they follow through. The reviewers experience: Genuine followers with real accounts started arriving within 30 minutes. The Social Hive responds via email in about two hours. The final verdict: Like 8. DigitalBoost Co. DigitalBoost was the first agency the reviewers tried that offers followers for multiple social media platforms. They werent focused on other social media accounts, so they only ordered IG followers to see if theyd get a better engagement rate. The reviewers experience: DigitalBoost delivered Instagram followers within a day. Not all new Insta followers were relevant to the target demographics. DigitalBoost has low prices, but the service would be better if they had faster delivery times. The final verdict: Like 9. TrendVibes Agency TrendVibes is another agency that connects Instagram users and future influencers with real Instagram followers. The reviewers experience: Cheap Instagram followers. Prompt delivery. Credit cards only. They didnt have much personal interaction with the TrendVibes team, which doesnt offer live customer support. The final verdict: Like 10. SocialSphere Solutions The quest to get Insta profile trending continued with SocialSphere Solutions. The reviewers experience: SocialSphere Solutions has slightly higher prices, so the reviewers wouldnt have chosen them if they werent testing Instagram marketing services. Real users followed them quickly, and most were relevant to their target audience. The final verdict: Like 11. The Social Society Hoping to keep growing their new Instagram account, the reviewers ordered a lot of followers from the Social Society. They came through within a day. The reviewers experience: Watching their follower count rise was nice, and the Social Society doesnt use bots. They could pay by PayPal, which was a bonus. They reached out to their email support team, and they took a while to get back. The final verdict: Like 12. SocialLift Marketing Reviewers tried to buy cheap Instagram followers from SocialLift, and it worked just fine. The reviewers experience: Their new IG followers joined them quickly, which is a plus for brand awareness. Some had few followers, but others had a lot of followers and quality content on their accounts. The final verdict: Like 13. SocialSavvy Co. Hoping to get more organic followers by showing the Instagram algorithm that the reviewers accounts were growing, they purchased followers from SocialSavvy Co. next. The reviewers experience: New IG followers dropped quickly. SocialSavvy doesnt really stand out, but its a reliable service. The final verdict: Like 14. BrandBuzz Agency This time, the reviewers went with 500 purchased followers. The reviewers experience: BrandBuzz Agency works with real people, but they arent all active users. As a result, they waited for their new followers for three days. Some people quickly unfollowed them, and it took several days for BrandBuzz to connect them with new IG followers. The final verdict: OK 15. SocialSharp Marketing SocialSharp allows you to buy Instagram followers cheaply. You can select the number of followers you want, but the Instagram service doesnt have customization options beyond that. The reviewers experience: Their Insta followers joined them within 24 hours. The low prices were a plus. Customer support could have been more responsive. The final verdict: OK 16. SocialPilot Agency Creating trending content is no walk in the park, so the reviewers reached out to SocialPilot Agency to buy Instagram followers. The reviewers experience: Prompt delivery and affordable prices. Reviewers couldnt choose their target audience, which was a major con. The final verdict: OK 17. ViralVerse Marketing ViralVerse Marketing had some decent reviews, so the reviewers initially had high hopes for this social media growth service. They were fine but didnt stand out. The reviewers experience: Followers arrived later than expected. Customer support wasnt friendly or fast, but they did get their IG followers in the end. They paid by PayPal, which was nice. The final verdict: OK 19. The Social Boost This new Instagram service doesnt have many customer reviews yet, so the reviewers put them to the test and purchased followers from them. The reviewers experience: They chose premium followers and had mixed results. Some were active and had quality content, but they didnt seem very relevant for long-term brand awareness and organic growth. The Social Boosts prices were average. The final verdict: OK 20. SocialBuzz Marketing Marketing sells Insta followers but doesnt allow you to select your target audience. The reviewers experience: Cheap Instagram followers who may not help you much, because theyre inactive. Slow delivery. Only half of experts IG followers arrived within the promised time. The final verdict: Meh 21. SocialXcelerate Co. The reviewers said they knew SocialXcelerate Co. was a gamble going in, but they purchased followers for your benefit. The reviewers experience: Low-quality followers but fast delivery times. The reviewers could choose from multiple payment methods. The reviewers didnt think they will get any organic followers out of the experience. The final verdict: Meh 22. The Social Edge Someone has to be at the bottom, and it turns out to be the Social Edge. The reviewers experience: Basically a replica of the experience the reviewers had with SocialXcelerate Co., but with steeper prices. They wont be ordering from the Social Edge again. The final verdict: Meh Why Buy Instagram Followers? Isnt buying fake Instagram followers against Instagrams terms? small business owners and future influencers may ask. It is. The Instagram algorithm immediately flags your account when an army of bots follows you. Thats exactly why creating a whole lot of Insta accounts and using them to follow your profile and build your online presence is such a bad idea. Reputable Instagram growth services dont work with fake accounts. They have established networks of real users who love Instagram and earn a little money by following growing accounts theyre genuinely interested in. Buying real Instagram followers isnt just a great way to boost your engagement rate and get your profile trending; its also quickly becoming necessary. Uploading quality content, creating a schedule for Instagram posts, and outsmarting your competitors with clever hashtags wont cut it. You need social proof before you start attracting organic followers and buying genuine followers provides it. Frequently Asked Questions Can you really buy genuine Instagram followers? Sure! Instagram promotion services have been around for years but have become more popular since the Instagram algorithm has made it harder to gain organic followers. As you can see, Reviewers bought a lot of followers to grow their online presence. Whats the best site to buy Instagram followers? The four favorites were Twicsy, Buzzoid, Rushmax, and iDigic. What do you need to get more followers on Instagram? Your follower count is super important. You cant build brand awareness or go trending without it. IG followers matter to Instagram influencers, other social media influencers, small businesses, large brands basically everyone. Uploading Instagram posts, using good hashtags, having a schedule, and engaging directly with your target audience used to be the way to get ahead. All those things still matter, but you need social proof before organic followers join your account. Staying ahead of your competition isnt easy, but you can do it! Instagram growth services give you a serious edge. How do you know if an Instagram growth service is a scam? Quality services have years of experience. They understand the Instagram algorithm and only use real accounts. The best ones let you choose your target audience. Dont just watch out for cheap Instagram followers, but also look at the quality of the service, including good customer reviews and an experienced customer support team willing to answer all your questions. Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content. A 59-year-old man has died after being taken to an Omaha hospital Monday night with gunshot wounds. Omaha police were called to the area of 21st and Paul Streets, just north of downtown, shortly before 8 p.m., according to an Omaha police spokesman. Officers located a man suffering from gunshot wounds who was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center with lifesaving measures in progress. Police said Tuesday morning that investigators are considering whether the death might be a suicide. 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. Tipsters are eligible for a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to a shooting arrest. CLEBURNE, Texas Inside a bright greenhouse about an hour outside Dallas, workers in hairnets and gloves place plugs of lettuce and other greens into small plastic containers hundreds of thousands of them that stack up to the ceiling. A few weeks later, once the vegetables grow to full size, theyll be picked, packaged and shipped out to local shelves within 48 hours. This is Eden Green Technology, one of the latest crop of indoor farming companies seeking their fortunes with green factories meant to pump out harvests of fresh produce all year long. The company operates two greenhouses and has broken ground on two more at its Cleburne campus, where the indoor facilities are meant to shelter their portion of the food supply from climate change while using less water and land. But that's if the concept works. And players in the industry are betting big even as rivals wobble and fail. California-based Plenty Unlimited this summer broke ground on a $300 million facility, while Kroger announced that it will be expanding its availability of vertically farmed produce. Meanwhile, two indoor farming companies that attracted strong startup money New Jersey's AeroFarms and Kentucky's AppHarvest filed for bankruptcy reorganization. And a 5-year-old company in Detroit, Planted Detroit, shut its doors this summer, with the CEO citing financial problems just months after touting plans to open a second farm. The industry churn doesn't bother Jacob Portillo, a grower with Eden Green who directs a plant health team and monitors irrigation, nutrients and other factors related to crop needs. The fact that other people are failing and other people are succeeding, thats going to happen in any industry you go to, but specifically for us, I think that especially as sustainable as were trying to be, the sustainable competitors I think are going to start winning, he said. Indoor farming brings growing inside in what experts sometimes call controlled environment agriculture. There are different methods; vertical farming involves stacking produce from floor to ceiling, often under artificial lights and with the plants growing in nutrient-enriched water. Other growers are trying industrial-scale greenhouses, indoor beds of soil in massive warehouses and special robots to mechanize parts of the farming process. Advocates say growing indoors uses less water and land and allows food to be grown closer to consumers, saving on transport. It's also a way to protect crops from increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change. The companies frequently tout their products as free of pesticides, though theyre not typically marketed as organic. But skeptics question the sustainability of operations that can require energy-intensive artificial light. And they say paying for that light can make profitability impossible. Tom Kimmerer, a plant physiologist who taught at the University of Kentucky, has tracked indoor farming alongside his research into the growth of plants both outdoors and inside. He said his first thought on vertical farm startups especially those heavily reliant on artificial light was, Boy, this is a dumb idea" mainly due to high energy costs. The industry has acknowledged those high costs. Some companies are seeking to push those down by relying on solar, which they say also supports sustainability. Even the ones most heavily reliant on artificial light that doesn't come from renewables maintain they can be profitable by eventually producing a high volume of produce year-round. But Kimmerer thinks there are better ways to provide food locally and extend the growing season outdoors. He pointed to the organic farmstand-oriented Elmwood Stock Farm outside Lexington, Kentucky, which can grow tomatoes and greens the whole year using tools like high tunnels, also known as hoop houses greenhouse-like arches that shelter crops while still being partially open to the outdoors. He thinks investment flowing toward new versions of indoor farming would be better spent on practical solutions for outdoor farmers like weed-zapping robots, or even climate solutions like subsidizing farmers to adopt regenerative practices. Moving farming indoors can solve some pest problems, but create new ones. Without their natural outdoor predators, tinier creatures like aphids, thrips and spider mites can become very difficult to control if not managed aggressively, said Hannah Burrack, an ecologist who specializes in pest management at Michigan State University. If youre creating the perfect environment for plants, in many cases, youre also creating a perfect growing environment for their pests, Burrack said. Indoor farming companies counter this by emphasizing high hygiene; for example, Eden Green touts laboratory conditions on its website and says workers closely monitor their greenhouses to immediately catch any pests. They also say vertical farms actually need fewer pesticides than outdoor farms do, reducing environmental impacts. Evan Lucas, an associate professor of construction management at Northern Michigan University who teaches students about proper infrastructure design for indoor farms, said he's not concerned about the shakeout underway. He said some companies may be struggling to scale up, with problems that come from launching in spaces that aren't necessarily built specifically for indoor farming. My guess, based on whats happening, is everyone saw the opportunity and started to try to do a lot really quickly," Lucas said. Participation is down 40% in this agricultural program that protects wildlife, water, and soil Participation is down 40% in this agricultural program that protects wildlife, water, and soil There is less land in the Conservation Reserve Program than there used to be Most counties have seen declines in participation over the past 10 years Grassland establishment and habitat expansion are among the most common programs New changes from the USDA seek to improve participation SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. Authorities have matched DNA from an arm bone recovered in 2021 near the North Platte River to a 72-year-old Scottsbluff man missing since 2016. Family members of Walter Eugene Patterson-Black reported him missing May 15, 2016. He was last seen days before at a local convenience store and officers found his vehicle on May 17 at the YMCA parking lot. Police developed information that Patterson-Black may have gone into the North Platte River on foot, and he has been believed dead. Firefighters spent days searching the river, attempting to recover his body. Police searched the area, and the Nebraska State Patrols Air Wing and cadaver dogs also were used in the searches. Over the years, local agencies have searched along the river. In October 2021, a hunter setting up a goose blind on property between Melbeta and Minatare reported to authorities that he had found a human bone. A piece of cloth, believed to be a shirt, was located about 100 feet from the bone. A local forensic pathologist confirmed the bone to be human, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said. The bone was sent for DNA comparison to items belonging to Patterson-Black that were collected during the initial investigation. In a press release, Detective Brandie Brunz said the Scottsbluff Police Department had received confirmation that the DNA profile of the bone and Patterson-Black were a match. On behalf of the Scottsbluff Police Department, our hopes are the family may now have some closure and peace knowing Gene has been located, she said. LINCOLN Three more candidates have announced bids for seats in the Nebraska Legislature, including one incumbent lawmaker and another candidate involved in opposing a prominent bill that passed this year. State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk announced Monday that he plans to seek a complete term in the Legislature after being appointed to replace now-U.S. Rep. Mike Flood last year. Floods term expires at the end of 2024. On Tuesday, Dunixi Guereca, executive director of the local nonprofit Stand for Schools, announced he was seeking to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha, who is term-limited. And last week, Lincoln business owner Seth Derner announced he was seeking election to the seat currently held by Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln. Ballard is another appointee who joined the Legislature at the start of this years session to replace now-Attorney General Mike Hilgers, and he has yet to officially announce plans to seek a full term. Dover is a Republican. Guereca and Derner are Democrats. The 49-member Nebraska Legislature is nonpartisan, meaning that people run for office and serve without party labels, and political parties are not part of the legislative structure. District 19In his campaign press release, Dover touted his support for significant conservative bills that passed this session, including a large tax relief package and an increase to Nebraskas existing abortion ban to 12 weeks based on gestational age. In just one year in the Legislature, Senator Dover has already accomplished a lot on behalf of his constituents including delivering $2 million for Norfolks Downtown Area redevelopment, former lawmaker and current University of Nebraska Regent Jim Scheer said in the press release. In addition to Scheer, Dovers campaign received support from Flood, his predecessor. Dover leads several local real estate and development businesses, and prior to his work in the Legislature, he served in leadership in the Madison County Republican Party and the board of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce. District 7 Guereca spent time in the Capitol earlier this year testifying for and against several bills on behalf of Stand for Schools, a nonprofit that focuses on supporting public schools. Most notably, Guereca has been a vocal opponent of Legislative Bill 753, which will provide tax credits for donations to scholarship funds for private and faith-based schools. LB 753 passed the Legislature this year after being introduced by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area. Guereca remains involved in a ballot initiative aiming to put the repeal of LB 753 on the 2024 ballot. Im running for Legislature to be a voice for people who feel like they dont have one, Guereca said in his campaign press release. Ill fight for common-sense things we all care about strong public schools, higher wages, access to affordable healthcare and housing, and a fair tax system for hard-working Nebraskans. Prior to his work with Stand for Schools, Guereca was a union organizer for the Service Employees International Union, and has served as president of the Nebraska Young Democrats. He is currently a national officer for the Young Democrats of America. District 21 Derner is a co-founder of Lincoln-based consulting business Vivayic. He is a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, a past board treasurer of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, and was a founding member of the Neighbors United Methodist Church and Kiwanis Club of Northwest Lincoln. In his campaign announcement, Derner called for the Legislature to return to its nonpartisan roots. If elected, he said, he would focus on education, healthcare, jobs and lowering property taxes. Our Legislature is supposed to be independent and put Nebraskans above partisan politics. The current Legislature doesnt represent that anymore. Its controlled by wealthy donors and politicians who want to divide us, Derner said. Ill work to bring people together and restore common-sense solutions to the challenges we face every day. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023 NORMAL Heartland Community College's Career Center will host two events this week to promote mental health and offer support to students and the campus community. Student Counseling Services will host a Social Services Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. The fair will include giveaways, food and more. Over 30 community organizations will be available to answer questions and connect with students. Then, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, the college will host a National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk Together for Mental Health event. The local NAMI Mid-Central Illinois chapter and community sponsors will host the walk for mental health awareness and raise funds to support local peer support groups and programming in local schools. Both events are open to the public and will be held at the Normal main campus on the Rob Widmer Quad. 14 photos from the Women to Women Summer Celebration Honorable Beth Robb, Rita Bridges, Ruth Ann Fraker, Marlene Dietz Kris Williams, Mary Campbell Julia Jelinek, Barbara Meek, Kristal Shelvin Judy Donze, Karen OShea Kay Wilson, Barb Hathaway, Marilyn Sutherland Jennifer Armstrong, Dr. Ani Yazedjian Janet Hood, Pat Grogg, Aimee Beam Karen Major, Judy Buchanan Marlene Dietz, Leanna Bordner Marlene Gregor, Jan Wohlwend, Fran Brandau Myra Gordon, Mary Ann Schierman, Sally Rudolph, Anita Carney, Phylis Versteegh, Mary Caisley Laura Kowalczyk, Michele Evans Kim ODonohue, Linda Kimber, Pat Johnson Dee Frautschi, Peggy Hundley Over 3,170 residents of the Adentan constituency of the Greater Accra Region recently found themselves on the receiving end of an extraordinary healthcare screening initiative, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Akosua Manu, the Deputy NYA CEO and aspiring parliamentary candidate. Kozie, as she is affectionately called, spearheaded the healthcare initiative that transcended politics and touched the core of humanity. It was dubbed 'Kozie Cares Medical Outreach,' and aimed to provide accessible healthcare to her constituents. From September 14, 2023, to September 25, 2023, this healthcare crusade became a great opportunity for the people of Adentan regardless of party affiliation. Beneficiaries This noble endeavour encompassed 16 Electoral Areas, where both young and old received a range of healthcare services, including vital check-ups and the all-important national health insurance registration and renewals. The beneficiary areas, including Otanor, Nmai Djorn, Adjiringano, Ogbojo, Nii Ashale East and West, New Adentan East and West, Man-Hee, Gbentanaa North and South, New Legon, Loose, Amrahia Marhejor, among others, saw their lives enriched by this selfless act. Rationale On the concluding day of this healthcare mission, Akosua Manu reiterated the significance of regular check-ups and the vital role of accessible, high-quality healthcare for Adentan's residents. She affirmed that healthcare is a fundamental right that should never be compromised and vowed to dedicate herself tirelessly to meeting the healthcare needs of her potential constituents. Touching on the upcoming NPP primaries, Kozie stressed the importance of a clean campaign that unites the party for victory. She called upon fellow aspirants to uphold fairness and transparency. Assurance Kozie told the media that she is not only interested in leading but also in uniting the party at the constituency level. She is therefore rallying grassroots members to regain the Parliamentary seat and break the eight-year governance cycle at the National level. "Unity and effective representation are at the core of my vision for the constituents," she stated. She pledged to prioritize their concerns, working towards their empowerment, not just within the constituency but also on a national scale. The NPP Parliamentary hopeful also called upon party members in the constituency and all party sympathizers to rally behind her candidacy. 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 In the midst of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests, some activists online dedicated themselves to providing government-backed data to buttress the call for action and the change protesters were demanding. From data on economic indices, job figures, government intervention priogrammes and spending by especially the executive arm of government, protesters online retweeted such data with the official hashtag #OccupyJulorbiHouse. But when one specific data set was provided, it triggered mass reaction. That data is a 2020 list by the scholarship secretariat. The specific grounds for outrage being the listing of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and politically connected persons who benefited to the tune of 1000s of dollars. Many people, appearing to have set eyes on the said GETFund Scholarships report by the Auditor-General for the first time lambasted the political class for feeding off the suffering of the people. MPs who came under renewed attack were Dome Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who received USD30,000 for a Harvard conference whiles Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh also received funds for a programme as did Emplyment and Labour Relations Minister Ignatius Baffour-Awuah. Some of the associated reactions were as follows: And lets talk about Getfund and other government scholarships. The ones with power and being paid with your taxes and can actually afford, have also shared the scholarships to their children and relatives. The ones who actually need the scholarships arent the ones who get them. Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) September 23, 2023 "Whenever I see this list and notice certain names, I am filled with irrepressible rage. The niece of the Minister of Finance, who we were told was as rich as Mansa Musa, was given a scholarship designed for brilliant and needy Ghanaians," an X user posted. 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 September each year marks the International Week of the Deaf (IWD) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). While the IWD initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) celebrated by the global deaf community, the IDSL was adopted pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/C.3/72/L.36/Rev. 1, which recognizes 23rd September each year as International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). Both IWD and IDSL seek to raise awareness about the fundamental rights of the deaf community through awareness raising, advocacy and stakeholders engagement aimed at promotion the human rights of deaf people, and highlight issues that merit urgent attention. This year's IWD is celebrated under the theme "A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere! and this aligns with one of the most important advocacy priorities of GNAD, a call for improved access to employment opportunities through recognition of Ghanaian Sign Language. In rapid changing society with declined welfare support system coupled with massive youth unemployment, the ability to earn a living through paid labour with decent terms and conditions is an important aspect of an individuals ability to live independently. This ability is increased importance as it contributes to a secured in, strengthened social security, pension entitlements that contribute to security in old age, associated good health and adequate nutrition. For Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), work not only creates opportunity to earn income but also enables PWDs to participate fully in mainstreaming society. The past few decades have seen growing interesting about rights to work of young people including strategies to get youth with disabilities into the labour market and reduce their vulnerable. These initiations have resulted in substantial interventions using various strategies aimed at increasing youth disabled peoples participation in the labour market. In Ghana, the introduction of road toll jobs for PWDs, youth employment projects, planting for food and jobs and other seek to get the youth including youth who are deaf and hard of hearing into the labour market. Despite these interventions, the evidence has shown that significant number of Ghanas 470,737 population identified as having varied decree of hearing loss are still unable to enter the labour market and maintain sustained employment. While low level of educational attainment and low employable skills place deaf youth at disadvantage when it comes to competition in the labour market, traditionally held views about deafness, ignorance among society about the capacity of deaf people to work, negative perception that deaf people are occupation risk and doubt that deaf people can be good employees contribute to worse the youth unemployment situation among deaf youth in Ghana. As we join the international community to observe the International Day of Sign Languages, the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) wishes to state that unemployment among deaf youth in Ghana shall continue to be high unless government adopt initiations that can promote their full integration into the labour market. As a first step to addressing the above, we call on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social protection and the Ministry of Employment and labour relations to as matter of urgency expedite action towards the adoption of the Equity Employment Policy. This policy was developed by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization to which GNAD is a founding member. Such a policy is crucial to facilitating positive discrimination aimed at getting more youth deaf people into the labour market. Section 10(1) of the PWDs Act, Act 715, 2006 enjoins government to offer tax incentives to organizations and companies that employ PWDs. Although the PWDs Act has been in operation since 2007, these provisions have not been utilized by employers. GNAD understands the lack of utilization of the provision is due to limited awareness among employment about the provisions and lack of clarification on the part of the state on how these provisions could be implemented. As part of measures to address unemployment among deaf youth in particular and PWDs in general, we call on the state to expedite action in re-enactment of the revised PWDs Act, Act 715. GNAD believes that this is a step in the right direction to provide a legal and regulatory framework to motivate employers to take passion in employing PWDs. Due to low educational attainment and the fact that communication barriers constantly exclude deaf people from getting employment in the formal sector, the majority of them engage in entrepreneurship contributing substantially to economic growth and development. Regrettably, majority of them are excluded when it comes to government support for youth entrepreneurship. To ensure that more deaf people continue to expand on their business, we call on the Ministry of Business Development to provide support to young entrepreneurs who are deaf and hard of hearing. This support is important to ensuring they are not left behind in accordance with the tenant of the SDG. The past years have seen increased in youth employment particular graduates from Ghanas tertiary education institutions. Subsequently, many youth people are now venturing into self-employment as they pursue both tertiary and vocational trainings. Unfortunately, deaf schools are not the target of government education investments in Technical and Vocational Education. As part of long-term efforts to ensure that deaf youth are able to get meaningful employment, we call on the Ministry of Education to add Agriculture and Electrical Engineering to existing courses in Senior High School for the Deaf. These two courses are relevant as they prepare the youth into self-employment in the future. The Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) wishes to convey its heartfelt appreciation to organizations and businesses that have extended their support to our advocacy work by means of employment opportunities for youth who are deaf and hard of hearing. We call on other organizations to emulate their examples. About Ghana National Association of The Deaf The GNAD is the national organization of Deaf People in Ghana. GNAD is the mouthpiece of deaf people and works to ensure that every deaf person in Ghana enjoys the right to a life of dignity. GNAD seeks to achieve an active and productive deaf community with access to education and information and steady economic activities that can sustain and maintain quality and security of life. GNAD achieves its vision through mobilizing of members, removing communication barriers, creating awareness on deaf issues, and advocating for equal opportunities for the Deaf community. The association is affiliated to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) (the largest International Non-Governmental organization), West and Central Africa Secretariat of the WFD, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) and the host organization for WFD West and Central Africa Secretariat Transnational Capacity Building Project. Source: Ghana National Association of The Deaf (GNAD) 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 West African country of Niger is among the world's most deadly for attacks by jihadists. Following a military coup in July, there are fears a decision to order 1,500 French troops in the country to leave may further embolden insurgents. The BBC's Mayeni Jones gained rare access to Niger and spoke to the regime, its supporters and those opposed to it. Short presentational grey line Adama Zourkaleini Maiga is soft-spoken, but her eyes suggest steely determination. The single mother-of-two lives in a quiet, middle-class part of Niger's capital Niamey, but is originally from Tillabery, one of the regions worst-hit by violence. "My mother's cousin was chief of a village called Tera," she tells me over lunch. "He was assassinated just seven months ago. "The terrorists were looking for him and when they found out he'd rented a car to flee, they caught up with him and killed him. They slit his throat. It was a real shock for our whole family." Adama blames France - which has had 1,500 troops in the region to fight Islamist militants - for the failure to contain the violence. "They can't tell us that the French army was successful," she says. "I don't understand how they can say they're here to help people fight terrorism, and every year the situation gets worse." Niger was seen as the last Western ally in the Sahel, this semi-arid region which has become the epicentre of jihadi violence. France and the US each station troops in Niger, which is also home to the US's biggest drone base. But when France refused to recognise the new military government here, simmering resentment at perceived French interference in Niger's internal affairs boiled over. Many Nigeriens believe France has had privileged access to the country's political elite and natural resources for too long. They see the coup as a chance for a clean slate, a way to get sovereignty back and be rid of French influence. "The army has never stayed in power long in Niger," Adama says, referring to the five coups that have rocked the country since its independence from France in 1960. "The military will eventually return to their bases and hand over to a better civilian government that will lead Niger to its destiny," she adds. The popular anger that followed France's refusal to accept Niger's new leadership escalated when the junta asked its troops and ambassador to leave the country. French President Emmanuel Macron initially refused to comply, but now says he's decided to agree to the junta's demands because the Nigerien authorities are "no longer interested in fighting terrorism". 'France takes us for idiots' Outside a military base in Niamey housing French troops, hundreds of protesters have been camped out for weeks, stopping supplies from reaching the personnel there. On Fridays the protesters hold a prayer sit-in. In the scorching midday heat, Imam Abdoulaziz Abdoulaye Amadou advises the crowd to be patient. "Just as a divorce between a man and a woman takes time, so too will Niger's divorce from France," he tells the crowd. After his sermon, I ask him why, after years of close cooperation, the people of Niger are so angry at the French. "In the whole of the Sahel, Niger is France's best partner." he says. "But it's France that is now refusing to accept what we want and that's why there's tension. "France could have left quietly after the coup and came back to negotiate with the putschists. Why is Emmanuel Macron now saying he doesn't recognise our authorities, when he's accepted coups in other countries like in Gabon and in Chad? "That's what has made us angry and we think France takes us for idiots." Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Hundreds of humans who identify as dogs gathered in a city centre in Germany to advocate for their rights. Around 1,000 trans-species activists met up last week at the Berlin Potsdamer Platz railway station in the German capital. The canine-identifying humans communicated by barking and howling at each other during their gathering. The group said they do not identify as human beings and instead wish to be recognised as dogs. The event was organized by a group called "Canine Beings." Video shared online shows dozens of the activists in elaborate dog costumes posing for a group photo. Trans-species people are humans who claim they do not feel or identify as human beings, but instead as specific animals or mythological beings. Watch the video below. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has slammed Alan Kyerematen's decision to resign from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, Alan Kyerematen is behaving like an overpampered child who wants breast milk. Alan Kyerematen officially announced his resignation from the NPP on Monday, September 25, 2023, as he prepares to contest the 2024 elections as an independent candidate under the banner of the 'Movement for Change'. But speaking On Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, Koku Anyidoho characterized Alan Kyerematen as a "crybaby who wants to be breastfed" and suggested that Alan had previously "lost his balls" when he resigned from the NPP in 2008 before eventually rejoining the party. "So, if we all decide to leave our political parties after elections heckling, and form new parties, can you imagine the number of political parties we would have in the country? Alan is just a crybaby who wants to be breastfed. He lost his balls when he first resigned in 2008," Mr. Anyidoho added. Mr. Alan Kyerematen at a press conference said, "Under the circumstances and given the context, I am honorably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest the high office of the presidency of 2024 as an independent presidential candidate." Watch Video Below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has filed a lawsuit against Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor for making an attempted bribery allegation against him. Mr Kan-Dapaah on Tuesday, September 26, filed the lawsuit through his lawyers seeking a declaration that the words uttered by the defendant (Barker-Vormawor) and particularized below or words to that effect are Defamatory of the Plaintiff. "They went as far as offering us US$1 Million, they offered us a Committee Appointment, set up a Committee and appoint us to Government positions in order to stop this activism. This was made directly to me and other leaders of fix the Country Movement. This conversation we had with the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Finance and a Brigadier General at a safe home." The National Security Minister is seeking a retraction and apology as well as a "recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH10,000,000.00) as General Damages including Aggravated and/ or Exemplary Damages for Defamation for the words uttered by Defendant". 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 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: Peking University Four years ago, in a twist of fate, an all-white "bear-like" creature spotted in a nature reserve in China's Sichuan Province was identified by zoologists as the world's only albino giant panda. (The giant panda is classified as a species of bear.) Since then, scientists, including researchers from PKU's School of Life Sciences, have closely monitored the habits and characteristics of the animal, which recently brought about a series of new findingsincluding the panda's gender. Timeline: In April 2019, the distinctive creature burst into sight after infrared cameras captured it about 2,000 meters above sea level in the Wolong National Nature Reserve. In February 2023, Infrared cameras captured footage of the all-white panda approaching a mother panda and her cub in the Wolong National Nature Reserve. In September 2023, through a DNA test, researchers identified the albino panda as male, and footage from infrared cameras showed that it has been growing healthily and communicating and interacting normally with other wild pandas in the nature reserve. The research team collected nearly 1,000 monitoring data points over four years, documenting the interactions between the white panda and various wild pandas, including behaviors such as feeding, marking territory, and potential mating and fighting. Credit: Peking University It took researchers more than 10 hours to climb to the panda's habitat at 2,0003,200 meters above sea level and collect fresh stool samples. The activity range of the albino panda is over 5 square kilometers and its dependence on bamboo is no different from other pandas. "The white panda has built positive relationships with other individuals in the area. This remarkable adaptation illustrates the high-quality habitat, adequate food resources, and effective conservation measures provided by the reserve," said Li Sheng, a researcher at Peking University's School of Life Sciences. "The frequency of its appearance is highest during the spring, which coincides with the mating season for giant pandas. Researchers are collecting feces and hair samples for DNA analysis, in hopes of gaining insight into its biology," said Tan Yingchun, a senior engineer at the Wolong National Nature Reserve, "The goal is to find out if there are other giant pandas keeping company with the white one in the area." 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: Figure 1: Left: Evolutionary paths toward z = 0 of objects on the black hole mass stellar mass plane. Evolutionary paths are indicated by the direction and length of each arrow. The red, green, and blue ellipses represent typical locations of z 6 quasars and objects suspected of having underweight black holes, including z2 submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) and nearby luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) and narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLS1s). The black lines indicate the location of local galaxies with inactive (dead) black holes. Right: Fake color Pan-STARRS1 images of four example low-redshift type 1 AGNs analyzed in the research. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-023-02051-4 A new paper entitled "Evolutionary Paths of Active Galactic Nuclei and Their Host Galaxies," published on August 17, 2023, in Nature Astronomy, provides critical new insights on the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies. The research, conducted by Dr. Ming-Yang Zhuang, who graduated from Peking University in 2022 and is currently affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Prof. Luis C. Ho from the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, derived structural and photometric properties of host galaxies of nearly 11,500 redshift 0.35 unobscured active galactic nuclei (AGNs) using data from Pan-STARRS1 3PI Steradian Survey to explore the connections between black hole mass and the properties of host galaxies in the nearby universe. The tight correlations observed between the masses of supermassive black holes and the properties of their host galaxies have long intrigued astronomers. No consensus has been reached, however, on how the black hole-galaxy relations arose or how they evolved over time. The specific link between the black hole mass and the properties of host galaxies of AGNs in the nearby universe has remained elusive. The study found that galaxies with actively accreting black holes follow a similar relationship between black hole mass and stellar mass, regardless of galaxy type. Moreover, the position of a galaxy on this relation appears linked to the level of star formation and black hole accretion activity. "Our results unveil evolutionary trajectories for galaxies on the black hole mass-stellar mass plane," said Dr. Zhuang. "The joint evolution of the galaxy and its central black hole appears synchronized over long timescales. Galaxies that have overweight black holes catch up by making more stars. Those that have skinny black holes allow the black hole to eat more. In the end, the two reach a happy balance." The availability of a common gas supply for black hole accretion and star formation may account for the lockstep, synchronized growth of objects on the local relation. The evolutionary path of objects with undermassive black holes situated below the local relation supports a scenario suggested by recent simulations in which black hole growth initially lags behind star formation but later the situation reverses after the gas becomes stabilized at higher stellar mass. AGNs with overmassive black holes above the local relation continue to gain stellar mass, consistent with the detection of active star formation and abundant gas content in early-type AGN host galaxies. These trajectories suggest that radiative-mode AGN feedback mechanisms, which are expected to suppress star formation, are less effective for galaxies below the scaling relation. For galaxies above the relation, kinetic-mode feedback appears insufficient to halt long-term star formation. "This work provides new insights on the coevolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies that can serve as the definitive benchmark and framework for evolutionary studies," said Prof. Ho. "The results offer critical observational constraints for numerical simulations modeling the complex interplay between black holes and their host galaxies." "This article explores the evolutionary paths of galaxies on the black hole massstellar mass plane in the nearby universe, linking the properties of star formation and black hole accretion and providing critical constraints for active galactic nuclei feedback," states the editor of Nature Astronomy. "The findings in this paper are extremely interesting and are quite important for our understanding of black hole and galaxy co-evolution across cosmic times and their star formation and accretion," says one of the reviewers. More information: Ming-Yang Zhuang et al, Evolutionary paths of active galactic nuclei and their host galaxies, Nature Astronomy (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-023-02051-4 Journal information: Nature Astronomy 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 The effective use of data storytelling could positively impact public library managers' approaches to data collection and their advocacy for libraries, according to Kate McDowell, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. However, cultural roadblocks to data storytelling must be addressed for the process to be successful, McDowell discovered in a recently completed study. McDowell discusses her findings in the Public Library Quarterly article, "Library Data Storytelling: Obstacles and Paths Forward." This work is the result of her research project, "Data Storytelling for Community Organizations." For her project, McDowell interviewed librarians and invited them to participate in a questionnaire, ranking exercise, and workshop discussions. "Data storytelling could be very valuable for libraries as they communicate their mission and impact and as they advocate for resources. Unfortunately, there are some obstacles that need to be addressed before this will be possible," she said. Librarians' fear of data as unfamiliar or overwhelming, their fear of their story appearing fictionalized, and the connected barriers of time, tools, and training are among the obstacles. "In order to make the most of the time and effort of data collection, library data must become story. By prioritizing storytelling as a practice that precedes data storageor simply story before storage we can better understand what we are accomplishing," McDowell said. McDowell gives the example of a library that needs to update its computers because of old hardware. The librarians have data on how often the computers crash and how much it would cost to replace them. However, this data alone does not provide a compelling story. "We must think about what the data mean. In this case, working computers mean the ability for people to apply for jobs. The story of even one person who applied for and got a job because of library computers is much more compelling as a justification for the expense of updating the computer lab. The more people that have applied for jobs using the resources, the more compelling the story," she said. McDowell researches and publishes in the areas of storytelling at work, social justice storytelling, and what library storytelling can teach the information sciences about data storytelling. She holds both an MS and Ph.D. in library and information science from Illinois. More information: Kate McDowell, Library Data Storytelling: Obstacles and Paths Forward, Public Library Quarterly (2023). DOI: 10.1080/01616846.2023.2241514 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 enrolled students and suspension incidents (combined short and long) in 2020 according to priority equity group. Credit: The Australian Educational Researcher (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s13384-023-00652-6 New research has found evidence of Queensland students from priority equity groups being unfairly suspended from school. The study is published in The Australian Educational Researcher. Suspension rates are disproportionately high for First Nations students, students with disability and students in out-of-home care. When students are in more than one of these groups, the risk of suspension is even greater. Findings indicate that disability is the most common factor, raising urgent questions as to whether these students are receiving the adjustments and support to which they are entitled under legislation. The paper, co-authored by researchers from the QUT Center for Inclusive Education Professor Linda Graham and Dr. Callula Killingly and Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion found that students in all three priority equity groups experience the highest rate of repeated suspensions. Students receiving social-emotional adjustments at school, such as neurodiverse students, are also issued repeat suspensions at a higher rate than students with other types of disability. "These are not 'naughty kids,'" Professor Graham, Director of C4IE said. "They are children who experience cognitive and sensory overwhelm and who are entitled under law to receive reasonable adjustments to prevent this from occurring." The paper argues that suspensions are ineffective for these students, who instead need evidenced-based preventions and supports. "Keeping students out of school does not benefit students, our schools or our community. Suspensions and exclusions don't work, but providing reasonable adjustments, care and support does," Matilda Alexander, CEO of QAI said. The paper calls for the intersecting needs of students with disability, First Nations students and students in out of home care to be better understood, as many impacted students belong to more than one of these categories. QAI, together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS), PeakCare Qld, Youth Advocacy Center (YAC) and the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ) are currently leading the A Right to Learn campaign. The campaign is calling on the Queensland Government to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into the overuse of school suspensions and exclusions in Queensland State Schools. "These children are our literal future and the educational path we provide for them today will be the road we walk on for decades to come," Alexander says. More information: Linda J. Graham et al, Suspensions in QLD state schools, 20162020: overrepresentation, intersectionality and disproportionate risk, The Australian Educational Researcher (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s13384-023-00652-6 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 farmer's field in western Kenya. Credit: Steven Fonte Earthworms are important drivers of global food production, contributing to approximately 6.5% of grain yield and 2.3% of legumes produced worldwide each year, according to new work published by Colorado State University scientists in the journal Nature Communications. These new estimates from a trio of CSU researchers mean earthworms may account for as much as 140 million metric tons of food produced annuallyroughly comparative to the amount of cereal grains (rice, wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize and millet) grown annually by Russia, the world's fourth-largest producer. "This is the first effort that I'm aware of that's trying to take one piece of soil biodiversity and say, 'OK, this is the value of it; this is what it's giving us on a global scale,'" said Steven Fonte, associate professor of agroecosystem ecology in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at CSU, and the study's lead author. Earthworms help establish healthy soils by supporting plant growth in multiple waysbuilding good soil structure, assisting in water capture and aiding in the beneficial churn of organic matter that makes nutrients more available to plants. Other research has also shown that earthworms can facilitate the production of plant-growth-promoting hormones and help plants protect themselves against common soil pathogens. Some estimates have indicated earthworms can increase overall plant productivity by about 25%. Fonte and his colleaguesNathan Mueller, an associate professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, and Marian Hsieh, a doctoral student in the same departmentestimated the contribution of earthworms to global food production by overlaying and analyzing maps of earthworm abundance, soil properties, fertilize rate and crop yields. The analysis indicated that earthworms had a more significant impact on grain production in the global southnotably, 10% of grain yield in Sub-Saharan Africa and 8% in Latin America and the Caribbean. It's likely the earthworms contributed more in those areas, Fonte said, because farmers there tend to have less access to fertilizer and pesticides. Instead, they rely more on earthworm-rich organic matter like manure and crop residues, which help stimulate the beneficial effect earthworms have on plants. "Earthworms are contributing a lot in these areas where we have fewer chemical inputs," Fonte said. For this study, Fonte and his colleagues analyzed earthworm impacts on four grain crops: rice, maize, wheat and barley; the group examined a set of legumes that included soybeans, peas, chickpeas, lentils and alfalfa, among others. An earthworm in soil. Credit: Steven Fonte Fonte said he thinks soil biodiversity has historically been undervalued, and that he hopes this work will bring more attention to how healthy soils can have positive, tangible impacts on crops. "If we manage our soils in a more sustainable way, we can better harness or leverage this biodiversity and produce more sustainable agroecosystems," Fonte said. "This work highlights that potential." Fonte noted that other recent research has shown that soils contain as much as half the world's biodiversity, a significant increase from previous estimates of approximately 25%. "Soils are just such an intricate habitat," he said. "But there's really been very few efforts to understand what that biodiversity means to our global crop yields." Diana Wall, a professor in the Department of Biology and the science chair of the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, was excited by the data published in the Nature Communications paper. "This, to me, is a really clever, very data-rich paper," Wall said. "It's really impressive." This information could also have implications in future efforts to mitigate drought and erosion, Fonte said. For example, he said, earthworms can improve soil porosity, aiding in the beneficial capture and retention of water. Fonte cautioned that he and his colleagues are not advocating for anyone to transplant earthworms into places they do not already exist. Rather, he hopes this work shows how improved management of soil biology in places where earthworms already call home has the potential to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce our reliance on agrochemicals. This study marks an important first step, Fonte said, but he hopes that researchers will continue to dig into the positive benefits that other soil organisms have on crops. "Soils are still this huge, big black box that we don't fully understand," Fonte said. "This work helps show that there's a lot of opportunity that we're just kind of ignoring." He added, "There are probably other soil organisms that are even more important, especially microbial communities." More information: Steven Fonte, Earthworms contribute significantly to global food production, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41286-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41286-7 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: (a) Working principle for conventional and EMF-assisted H-B strategies. (b) The technological flow diagram of EMF-assisted ammonia synthesis. (c) Digital photograph of the EMF reactor. (d) Digital photograph of a quartz tube filled with 80 g Fe-based catalyst for the scale-up experiment. (e) Infrared thermal imaging of the reaction zone with external heating of 200 . Credit: Science China Press Ammonia (NH 3 ), as one of the most common industrial chemicals, is essential for nitrogenous fertilizer production and shows potential as a next-generation green fuel. Industrial ammonia synthesis relies on the reaction of fossil fuel-derived hydrogen and nitrogen (Haber-Bosch method) under high temperature (~500 C) and high pressure (>15 MPa), which consumes 2% of global power and discharges 1.5% of global greenhouse gas. A team from Tianjin University in China developed an electromagnetic field (EMF)-assisted H-B technique for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions by adopting commercial iron-based catalysts. The onset temperature with EMF assistance is 100 C, which is obviously lower than that without EMF assistance (300 C). In a typical scale-up experiment with 80 g commercial catalysts, the EMF-assisted H-B technique obviously increases the ammonia yield (~5 times) and decreases the energy consumption (~2.7 times). The enhanced catalytic performance can be ascribed to the EMF inducing more electron transfer from Fe orbitals to NN orbitals in both side-on and end-on adsorption modes. (a) Ammonia concentration under different temperatures with and without an EMF at 1 MPa. (b) Comparison of ammonia concentration and energy cost for the scale-up experiment at 200 and 1 MPa with and without the EMF. (c) Adsorption energy of N2 on Fe(110) with and without an EMF (1 V A-1). Atomic structure of N2 side-on adsorption on the Fe(110) surface with (d) and without (e) an external electric field and N2 end-on adsorption on the Fe(110) surface with (f) and without (g) an external electric field. Gray ball: Fe, blue ball: N. Charge density difference of N2 side-on adsorption with (h)and without (i) an external electric field and N2 end-on adsorption with (j) and without (k) an external electric field. The isosurface value is 0.003 e A-1The yellow isosurface represents electron accumulation, and cyan denotes electron depletion. Credit: Science China Press A pilot-scale system includes alkaline water electrolysis equipment, air PSA separation equipment and EMF-assisted H-B equipment. Credit: Science China Press They constructed a pilot-scale system with a production capacity of 10,000 kg per year for EMF-assisted thermal catalysis at Tianjin University, taking the first step in the development of EMF-assisted thermal catalysis for industrialization from the laboratory. They are carrying out further scale-up research on EMF-assisted thermal catalysis in Qinghai Province, which is rich in renewable energy, to explore a feasible industrial path for the breakthrough of large-scale storage and transportation bottlenecks of renewable energy to promote the early realization of the "dual carbon" goal. The research is published in the journal Science Bulletin. More information: Bao Shun Zhang et al, Electromagnetic field-assisted low-temperature ammonia synthesis, Science Bulletin (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.037 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: Artist's impression of the ESA's Gaia Observatory. Credit: ESA The ESA launched Gaia in 2013 with one overarching goal: to map more than one billion stars in the Milky Way. Its vast collection of data is frequently used in published research. Gaia is an ambitious mission, though it seldom makes headlines on its own. But that could change. Gaia relies on astrometry for much of its work, and astrometry is the measurement of the position, distance, and motions of stars. It's so sensitive that it can sometimes detect the slight wobble a planet imparts to its much more massive star. Gaia detected its first two transiting exoplanets in 2021, and it's expected to find thousands of Jupiter-size exoplanets beyond our solar system. But new research takes it even further. It shows that Gaia should be able to detect Earth-like planets up to 30 light-years away. The new paper is titled "The Possibility of Detecting our solar system Through Astrometry," and is available on the pre-print server arXiv. It has a single author: Dong-Hong Wu from the Department of Physics, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China. Astronomers find most exoplanets with the transit method. A spacecraft like TESS monitors a section of the sky and looks at many stars at once. When a planet passes between us and one of the stars, it's called a transit. It creates a dip in starlight that TESS's sensitive instruments can detect. When TESS detects multiple, predictable dips, it signifies a planet. But that's not the only way to detect them. Astrometry can do it too, and that's Gaia's way. Astrometry has an advantage over other methods. Gaia can more accurately determine an exoplanet's orbital parameters. This doesn't mean the other methods aren't valuable. They obviously are. But as the paper's author explains, "Neither the transit nor radial velocity method provides complete physical parameters of one planet, and both methods prefer to detect planets close to the central star. On the contrary, the astrometry method can provide a three-dimensional characterization of the orbit of one planet and has the advantage of detecting planets far away from the host star." Astrometry's advantages are clear. If other technological planetary civs existand that's a big ifthen it's not outrageous to think they have technology similar to Gaia's. While Gaia is impressive, there are improvements on the horizon that will make astrometry even more precise. The author asks a question in his paper: If ETIs (ExtraTerrestrial Intelligences) are using advanced astrometry equal to or even surpassing Gaia's, "which of them could discover the planets in the solar system, even the Earth?" Astrometrical precision is calculated in microarcseconds, and precision decreases with distance. The ESA says that Gaia can measure a star's position within 24 microarcseconds for objects 4,000 times fainter than the naked eye. That's like measuring the thickness of a human hair from 1000 km away. But that's not precise enough for Wu's scenario. His work is based on even more advanced astrometry, the type we'll likely have in the near future. "If the astrometry precision is equal to or better than 10 microarcseconds, all 8,707 stars located within 30 pcs of our solar system possess the potential to detect the four giant planets within 100 years." This is the heart of Wu's paper. The 30-parsec (approx. 100 light-years) region contains almost 9,000 stars, and if an ETI from one of those stars has powerful enough astrometry, then it could detect Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The only drawback is they'd have to observe our solar system for nearly a century to make sure the signal was clear. This figure from the research shows how long it would take for an ETI with advanced astrometry to detect our solar system's four giant planets. "We find that all the four giants in our solar system could be detected and well-characterized as long as they are observed for at least 90 years with SNR > 1," the author writes. Credit: Wu 2023 There are 8,707 stars within 100 light-years of the sun according to the Gaia Catalog of Nearby Stars. An ETI on any one of them could detect the four giants, as long as their precision is within ten microarcseconds. The precision expressed in microarcseconds is key here, and if the observational error is too large, it has a huge effect and drastically shrinks the number of stars close enough. "If the observational error is as large as 100 microarcseconds, only 183 neighboring stars could detect all four giants, but all of them could detect Jupiter within ten years," Wu explains. Detecting Jupiter from a distance could be a critical threshold. When Gaia released its first data set in 2016, an ESA paper discussing the mission touched on exoplanet science and the importance of detecting Jupiter-mass planets. It's based on the idea that Jupiter may have played a protective role by deflecting asteroids and comets away from the planets in the inner solar system. "These are logical prime targets for future searches of terrestrial-mass exoplanets in the habitable zone in an orbit protected by a giant planet further out," the paper states. ETIs might know things about solar systems that we don't know. To them, finding gas giants in the outer regions beyond a solar system's asteroid belt might be a strong signal that rocky planets are closer to the star. Maybe they'd be curious and want a closer look. Where it really gets interesting is when it comes to our own planet. Could ETIs detect Earth using astrometry? That, again, depends on microarcsecond accuracy. "Additionally, our prediction suggests that over 300 stars positioned within ten parsecs from our solar system could detect our Earth if they achieve an astrometry precision of 0.3 microarcseconds," Wu writes. Technological barriers stop us from achieving this for now, but who knows what an ETI's technological level might be? Now turn this idea around with our own technological advances in mind. The ESA is already discussing a successor to Gaia. They call it GaiaNIR, and it would expand Gaia's search into objects only visible in the infrared. If built and launched, it would not only measure IR targets, it would revisit Gaia targets again to further increase the accuracy of Gaia's existing data. GaiaNIR's improvements would open up "new science cases, such as long-period exoplanets," according to one paper. Long-period planets are difficult to detect with the transit method because you have to watch a star for a long time. For example Neptune with its 165-year orbit. With GaiaNIR's improved technology, and even more improvements in the future, we could be the ones detecting Earth-size planets in a 10-parsec radius. Astrometry is an improvement over the transit method because the transit method only works when things line up just right. An exoplanet must pass between us and its star before we can detect the dip in light. But Gaia's astrometry doesn't have the same limitation. It can watch a star from any angle to detect planet-induced wobbles. How technologically advanced would an ETI have to be to detect Earth with astrometry? Are there any ETIs within 10 parsecs? 30 parsecs? 100 parsecs? Are there any ETIs at all? Who knows? But we're hungry for Earth-sized exoplanets, and this research shows how Gaia may be able to satisfy our appetite. If it does, it might generate more of its own headlines and get some of the attention other missions regularly attract. More information: Dong-Hong Wu, The possibility of detecting our solar system through astrometry, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2309.11729 Journal information: arXiv 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: Countries where invasive populations of FAW surveyed for genomic analyses in this study were collected from. Credit: Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27501-x The fall armyworm moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a notorious pest in agriculture. It devastates essential food crops and threatens global food security. It has been reported to feed on more than 350 plant species, ranging from maize to cotton and vegetables. This pest congregates in mass gatherings or 'armies' that can destroy entire crops overnight. Fall armyworm moth (FAW) is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It was first reported in West Africa in 2016, and was assumed to have spread rapidly across Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Pacific and New Zealand. In Africa, up to an estimated 17.7 million metric tons of maize is lost annually from FAW. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has launched a campaignthe Global Action for Fall Armyworm Controlto coordinate a response. This is where we come in. Sherlock genomes CSIRO researcher Dr. Wee Tek Tay and his Pest Genomics Team are on the case. The team uses next generation sequencing techniques to analyze the genetic diversity of highly invasive insects. This technique helps us understand insect pests and how they evolve. The paper is published in the journal Scientific Reports. The team has been working to identify FAW invasion pathways (where they come from), detect hybridisation (when two different species combine to form a new one), and to see whether FAW is developing resistances to insecticides and biopesticides. "We used genetic markers to look at gene flow between populations over time and across continents," Tek said. "We collaborated on a large-scale population genetic analysis of FAW with scientists across Africa, Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Pacific and the European Union to build on a previous project. "Looking at the whole genome, beyond just mitochondrial genes or narrow DNA markers, revealed just how complex FAW populations are. It gave us a better understanding of how to stop those populations spreading." Flutter chaos Dr. Rahul Rane, senior research consultant in the Pest Genomics Team and lead author of the study, said they found key genetic signatures that showed FAW had spread westwards from Asia to Africa (populations in Uganda and Malawi). This finding was a surprise. "Our research findings challenge the previous consensus that FAW simply spread from its native range in the Americas to Western Africa, then the rest of Africa and eastwards across to Asia," Rahul said. The research also showed populations in Myanmar and China were distinct. Rather than being genetically linked, as experts had assumed, separate distinct populations of the pest have actually been introduced into Asia multiple times. This was likely due to international trade. Identifying where human activity has led to introducing FAW to new locations helps us to know where to target better biosecurity practices. Access to this knowledge helps government and industry to protect against further FAW invasions. Cracking caterpillar ancestry The research project uncovered some surprises with Australian FAW too. They found Australian FAW populations also had significant genetic differences. This suggests the moths came from separate places and different populations, rather than just spreading from a single introduction point. The Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian populations were significantly different genetically. This indicates there was limited connectivity between these populations during the early stage of the populations being established. Tek said FAW first spread to Australia in January 2020 from Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), though the Torres Strait and into North Queensland. "Queensland populations from Walkamin, near Cairns, and further south at Mackay, are genetically closely related to the PNG population. The PNG population shows links back to Yunnan in China," Tek said. "However, the Western Australian population was more closely related genetically to their neighbors in Malaysia and India. "This suggests it may have arrived through a different entry in north-western Australia. This matches with the different pesticide resistance profiles detected in the Western Australian and Queensland populations." Monitoring moth movement The more we know about FAW movement, the better we can manage this notorious agricultural pest. In particular, its genes show how populations are related. This suggests which trade pathways may need a greater biosecurity focus to prevent any new human-assisted introductions. This is especially important for stopping other exotic Spodoptera species that threaten agricultural crops. FAW populations differ in their insecticide resistance and feeding traits. This means, in Australia, we need to continue to monitor gene flow into local populations to manage any increased insecticide resistance. Knowing the genetic code will help to develop targeted management strategies for Australia's agricultural sector. More information: Rahul Rane et al, Complex multiple introductions drive fall armyworm invasions into Asia and Australia, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27501-x Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by CSIRO 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: NASA / SAO / GSFC / M. Corcoran et al. Using snapshots taken over 20 years with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers have learned important new details about an eruption from Eta Carinae witnessed on Earth in the mid-19th century. Chandra data spanning decades has been combined into a new movie that contains frames of Eta Carinae from 1999, 2003, 2009, 2014, and 2020. Astronomers used the Chandra observations, along with data from ESA's (European Space Agency's) XMM-Newton, to watch as the stellar eruption from 180 years ago continues to expand into space at speeds up to 4.5 million miles per hour. The new insights gleaned from Eta Carinae show how different space observatories can work together to help us understand changes in the universe that unfold on human timescales. A paper describing these results appears in The Astrophysical Journal. Eta Carinae is a system that contains two massive stars (one is about 90 times the mass of the sun and the other is believed to be about 30 times the sun's mass). In the middle of the 19th century, Eta Carinae was observed to experience a huge explosion that astronomers have dubbed the "Great Eruption." During this event, Eta Carinae ejected between 10 and 45 times the mass of the sun. This material became a dense pair of spherical clouds of gas, now called the Homunculus Nebula, on opposite sides of the two stars. A bright ring of X-rays around the Homunculus Nebula was discovered about 50 years ago and studied in previous Chandra work. The new movie from Chandra, plus a deep image generated by adding the data together, reveal important hints about Eta Carinae's volatile history, including rapid expansion of the ring and a previously unknown faint shell of X-rays outside it. "We've interpreted this faint X-ray shell as the blast wave from the Great Eruption in the 1840s," said Michael Corcoran at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who led the study. "It tells an important part of Eta Carinae's backstory that we wouldn't otherwise have known." Because the newly discovered outer X-ray shell has a similar shape and orientation to the Homunculus Nebula, Corcoran and his colleagues think both structures have a common origin. The idea is that material was blasted away from Eta Carinae well before the 1843 Great Eruptionsometime between 1200 and 1800, based on the motion of clumps of gas previously seen in data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Later, the fast blast wave from the Great Eruption tore through space, colliding with and heating the clumps to millions of degrees to create the bright X-ray ring. The blast wave has now traveled beyond the bright ring. Credit: NASA "The shape of this faint X-ray shell is a plot twist in my mind," said co-author Kenji Hamaguchi, a researcher at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and NASA Goddard. "It shows us that the faint shell, the Homunculus, and the bright inner ring likely all come from eruptions from the star system." With XMM-Newton, the researchers saw that the X-ray brightness of Eta Carinae has faded with time, agreeing with previous observations of the system obtained with NASA's Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) telescope on the International Space Station. The authors applied a simple model to estimate how bright Eta Carinae was in X-rays at the time of the Great Eruption and combined this with the speed of the materialdetermined from the movieto estimate how quickly the high-speed gas was ejected. The researchers combined this information with an estimate of how much gas was ejected to determine that the Great Eruption likely consisted of two explosions. There was a first, quick ejection of a small amount of fast, low-density gas which produced the X-ray blast wave. This was followed by the slower ejection of dense gas that eventually formed the Homunculus Nebula. A team led by Nathan Smith of the University of Arizona, one of the co-authors of the new X-ray study, has previously suggested that the Great Eruption was caused by the merger of two stars, in what was originally a triple system. This would also explain the ring-like structure seen in X-rays because it would cause material to be ejected in a flat plane. "The story of Eta Carinae just keeps getting more interesting," said Smith. "All evidence is suggesting that Eta Carinae survived a very powerful explosion that would normally obliterate a star. I can't wait for the next episode of data to find out what other surprises Eta Carinae has in store for us." More information: Michael F. Corcoran et al, The Expansion of the X-Ray Nebula Around Car, The Astrophysical Journal (2022). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ac8f27 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal 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: IMAP will study the protective magnetic bubble that surrounds our solar system, called the heliosphere, and the particle acceleration that occurs across it. Credit: NASA/Princeton/Johns Hopkins APL/Josh Diaz The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) marked the completion of an important step on the path to spacecraft assembly, test, and launch operations in late September 2023 at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Maryland. The IMAP team met with a review panel to evaluate the plan for integrating all systems onto the spacecraft, such as the scientific instrumentation, electrical and communication systems, and navigation systems. Successful completion of this System Integration Review (SIR) means that the project can proceed with assembling and testing the spacecraft in preparation for launch. This process is a bit like a carefully choreographed dance where the instruments and support systems are delivered to different facilities, tested together in chambers in Los Alamos, New Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; and Princeton, New Jersey; and shipped back to be integrated and tested again altogether. On Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, the chair of the Standing Review Board announced that the IMAP project successfully passed the SIR requirements to proceed to integration and test. "I am incredibly proud of the entire IMAP team for everyone's hard work and determination in getting us to and through this critical milestone," said David McComas, IMAP mission principal investigator and Princeton University professor. "We are now moving on to spacecraft integration and test, where all of the individual subsystems and instruments merge together to create our full IMAP observatory." The IMAP mission, which will be ready to launch in 2025, will explore our solar neighborhood, decoding the messages in particles from the sun and beyond our cosmic shield. The mission will map the boundaries of the heliospherethe electromagnetic bubble surrounding the sun and planets that is inflated by the solar wind. David McComas leads the mission with an international team of more than 20 partner institutions. APL is managing the development phase, building the spacecraft, and will operate the mission. IMAP is the fifth mission in NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes (STP) Program portfolio. The Explorers and Heliophysics Projects Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the STP Program for the agency's Heliophysics Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. More information: For more information about IMAP visit: https://imap.princeton.edu 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 shipping container with the canister of asteroid Bennu sample is strapped down onboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft. The sample canister, along with disassembled capsule components and environmental samples from Utah, was transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Sept. 25, 2023one day after landing in the Utah desert. Credit: NASA/ Molly Wasser. A shipping container with the canister of asteroid Bennu sample is strapped down onboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft. The sample canister, along with disassembled capsule components and environmental samples from Utah, was transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on Sept. 25, 2023one day after landing in the Utah desert. Credit: NASA/ Molly Wasser The first U.S. asteroid sample, delivered by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to Earth on Sept. 24, has arrived at its permanent home at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it will be cared for, stored, and distributed to scientists worldwide. The sample arrived in Houston at 12:40 pm ET (11:40 am CT) aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft, which landed at Ellington Field. From there, it was transferred to NASA Johnson. The team will spend the next few weeks in the clean room at Johnson built exclusively for Bennu samples. The clean room includes custom glove boxes built to fit the sample canister containing the TAGSAM (Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) head inside. The TAGSAM head was on the end of a robotic arm that collected rocks and dust from asteroid Bennu's surface on October 20, 2020. Having practiced these procedures for months, scientists and technicians plan to proceed through the many steps of removing the sample from the TAGSAM. First, they plan to place the canister in the glove box and disassemble it. Then, they plan to remove the TAGSAM head, where scientists expect most sample to be, cataloging and storing every piece of hardware and asteroid dust found outside of it. Researchers plan to analyze asteroid dust from the initial disassembly for an early glimpse into the chemical, mineralogical, and physical characteristics and rock types that may be found in the bulk sample. The new OSIRIS-REx sample clean room at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Image was taken on June 22, 2023. Credit: NASA/James Blair. NASA plans to share these initial findings, plus first images of the sample, in a live broadcast on October 11. NASA's OSIRIS-REx, the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid, will return to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023, with material from asteroid Bennu. When it arrives, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will release the sample capsule for a safe landing in the Utah desert. The pristine material from Bennurocks and dust collected from the asteroid's surface in 2020will offer generations of scientists a window into the time when the sun and planets were forming about 4.5 billion years ago. More information: Learn more about the OSIRIS-REx mission. 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 A University at Buffalo communication researcher has found predictable patterns in terrorist propaganda that attempts to persuade otherwise morally grounded people to join violent causes. The results of the new study, published in the Journal of Communication, provide a foundation for developing counter messaging that seeks to neutralize those appeals or provide leverage for encouraging people to leave terrorist groups. Lindsay Hahn, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, along with her research team, examined 873 items created by 73 violent terrorist organizations, including websites, rally signs, videos and notes left at crime scenes. All of the material is now part of an expansive database, dating from the 1920s, which future researchers can use to advance knowledge in this area. Besides trying to understand the degree to which terrorists' appeals are predictable, the study also looked at the effects of terrorist propaganda by concentrating the analysis on messages created at times the groups were known to be violent. Results of the content analysis showed an emphasis toward in-group loyalty and fairness across all propaganda, while purity-based language was directly related to the frequency of an organization's attacks and an increase in the number of deaths and casualties. "If we're going to design effective counter messages for radicalization, it is necessary to understand how the radicalization process is happening in the first place," says Hahn, an expert in media psychology and morality and the paper's lead author. The paper doesn't propose potential messaging strategies, but the findings do offer some possibilities. "Terrorists often exploit in-group loyalty and purity," says Hahn. "When these are stressed in propaganda we see a correlation with a greater number of attacks and a greater number of deaths and causalities," says Hahn. "Interventions focused on these two moral values would be a good place to start developing counter messaging." In 2019, terrorists killed over 20,000 people around the world. The assumption is that these violent actors are amoral, but previous research finds that extremists believe their actions are virtuous to the point of justifying violence. "They are actually driven by what they see as moral righteousness," Hahn says. "Although they are using violence to achieve some end, they believe their ends are justified." Hahn says that to her knowledge this is the first study to examine terrorists' media production alongside its antecedents and effects. It is, however, an area of communication research that began with a famous set of studies called "Why We Fight" that explored the effectiveness of WWII recruitment films. Those studies suggested that propaganda does little to change people's minds unless it appeals to an audience's pre-existing attitude. Hahn points to the example of a violent anti-immigrant group that adopted the colloquialism "Let's roll," a phrase associated with the heroic 9/11 passenger revolt on Flight 93. "'Let's roll' became a pro-American saying that was associated with patriotism and defending American values, but eventually came to be used in terrorist propaganda, exploiting patriotic language for nefarious purposes," says Hahn. "That's what's happening here: a moral value an audience already holds is exploited by terrorists." Guided by that early work, Hahn's team looked at these various sources to determine how terrorist organizations persuade people with moral appeals. She calls it a narrowcasting process that uses different messaging platforms to focus on a specific moral value that will ultimately appeal to certain audience subgroups. "And it turns out that it's almost always about morality," she says. "Terrorists are using mass media, social media and other means to send out their message, but the appeals are focused and aimed at certain groups of people to bolster pre-existing attitudes." More information: Lindsay Hahn et al, Why we fight: investigating the moral appeals in terrorist propaganda, their predictors, and their association with attack severity, Journal of Communication (2023). DOI: 10.1093/joc/jqad029 Journal information: Journal of Communication 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 researchers Jose Antonio Riquelme Cantal y Juan Manuel Garrido Anguita with a camelid bone. Credit: University of Cordoba A research team has found the remains of nine different camelids, making Cordoba one of the main sites featuring this animal on the Iberian Peninsula Although different sources spoke of the presence of camelids in the province of Cordoba during the al-Andalus period, skeletal remains of this species had never been identified in the capitaluntil now. After analyzing more than 150,000 specimens kept at the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Cordoba, the UCO's Research Group on Heritage Resources, together with the CSIC-Granada, the UNED, and the University of Granada, located and identified the remains of nine camelids in the city and two others in Medina Azahara, making Cordoba "the site on the Iberian Peninsula where the presence of camelids is clearest in terms of the number of remains," stated UCO researcher Jose Antonio Riquelme Cantal. Moreover, they were not exclusive to the al-Andalus period, but also corresponded to the Roman era, when there was no evidence of camelids in Cordoba. In this way, the study managed to fill a gap in the history of Cordoba's fauna "corroborating what al-Andalus sources said about the existence of camelids in the city, and confirming their presence during the Roman Empire, something that was not known," explained Riquelme Cantal. As on other parts of the Peninsula, the Romans brought camelids to Cordoba, but it was with the arrival of the Muslims that they became more numerous, demonstrated by the fact that most of the remains found correspond to the al-Andalus era, when camelids were imported from North Africa to serve as transport on military campaigns, so their number increased significantly. The remains of the eleven camelids found have been the focus of different studies to obtain the maximum amount of information from them. Comparing them with the morphological characteristics of current specimens made it possible to identify them as camelids. Future studies, the research team says, will explore the possibility that during the Roman era, due to the vast scope of the Empire, there were also two-humped camels from Asia. Thanks to carbon-14 dating, four sets of remains were dated in a more specific way. The rest could not be dated using this method due to insufficient information. Finally, the analysis of stable isotopesthat is, those that are not radioactive and remain unchanged over timemade it possible to determine the camelids' geographical location. Specifically, stable carbon isotopes are related to feeding on plants, typical of herbivorous animals like camelids. The type of plant they ate is, thus, recorded in these isotopes. As some plants only grow in a few areas, the study has concluded that some camelids were highly mobile, proceeding from other provinces of the Roman Empire, or from North Africa in medieval times. Analysis of the skeletal remains and the place where they were found has also yielded information about their utility and importance in each era. Although during the Roman period the bones were placed in the Palace of Cercadilla, or to a craft workshop where animal bones were used to create objects, in the al-Andalus period the camelids were located on the outskirts of the city, which suggests that it may have already been a more common animal, as it was in the Arab and North African countries. Regarding their use, the study, which was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, concludes that they were animals mainly used to transport goods, and that their bones were used to make instruments like tools and decorative elements. In the time of the Caliphate they were imported from North Africa as cargo animals to be used in wars against the Christian kingdoms. More information: Jose Antonio Riquelme Cantal et al, Camelids in the south of the Iberian Peninsula in Roman and medieval times. Osteological evidence from the city of Cordoba (Spain), Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104101 Washington (CNN) In her new book Enough, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson paints the closing days of the Trump White House as even more chaotic and lawless than she previously disclosed in her shocking televised testimony last summer. President Donald Trump lashes out unpredictably and makes wild demands. Chief of staff Mark Meadows leaks classified documents to friendly right-wing media figures and burns documents. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani gropes Hutchinson inappropriately the day of the Capitol insurrection. She also depicts major Republican figures, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stating clearly behind the scenes what they refrained from telling the American people: that Joe Biden won the presidential election and Trump lost. Hints that integrity wasnt exactly the word of the day were there from the beginning, of course. Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep (Trump) out of jail, Ill have done a good job, Meadows told Hutchinson in June 2020. Hutchinsons book describes her meteoric rise from idealistic Capitol Hill intern at the beginning of the Trump administration to the indispensable aide to the White House chief of staff in the presidents final year. Hutchinson, whose testimony before the January 6 committee provided the most damning inside account of Trumps actions and lack of action on January 6, describes her internal struggle about what transpired at the end of the Trump administration and how she ultimately chose to come forward and testify fully about what she saw in the West Wing. To hear Hutchinson tell it, the Trump world felt almost like a criminal organization where loyalty was prized above everything. After one 2020 campaign rally, Meadows asked her, Would you take a bullet for him? meaning Trump. Could it be to the leg? Hutchinson tried to joke back. Meadows responded that he would do anything to get Trump reelected. After Trumps indoor, mask-free rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the height of the Covid pandemic, attendee and former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain contracted the virus and died. We killed Herman Cain, Meadows told Hutchinson and asked for his wifes phone number. A spokesman for Meadows disputed Hutchinsons account in a statement to CNN. The spokesperson said it was offensive to suggest this was Meadows initial reaction to Cains death. In the days after he was expressing exasperation that the media would blame the President for Mr. Cains death. Very different, the spokesperson said. That did little to change the White Houses attitude about masking. In fact, at one visit to an N-95 plant, Hutchinson advised Trump to remove his mask before facing the cameras because his bronzer is smearing on its elastic straps. In another instance in the frenzy after the election, visitors to the White House who tested positive for Covid were admitted regardless because Trump insisted on meeting with them. These ethical mores or or the lack thereof were taken to the campaign trail where, Hutchinson writes, Meadows met furtively with former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski while being shielded from public view by Secret Service agents. Hutchinson didnt start truly questioning the men she worked alongside until after the election, but even then, it was late coming. As Trump watched Giulianis notorious hair-dye-leaking press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, he shouted, according to Hutchinson, Somebody make this stop! Get him off! Make him stop! But even then, she says, she didnt blame the president for any of it yet. I didnt want to blame him. I felt strongly that he should concede the election, and I worried that we were surrounding him with people who fueled his most impulsive behaviors. I knew things could get out of hand, and fast. I dont want people to know we lost, Mark Meadows emerges in the book as not only duplicitous but as a fall guy for folks who dont want to admit that Trump had lost grip with reality. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe expressed concern about the presidents unpredictability, noting that one minute he acknowledges he lost Then hell immediately backpedal. McCarthy told Hutchinson the same thing. They both blamed Meadows. After the US Supreme Court declined to hear the bizarre lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, full of lies and false claims about the election, Trump pushed Meadows, Why didnt we make more calls? We needed to do more. We cant let this stand. Trump continued, I dont want people to know we lost, Mark. This is embarrassing. Figure it out. Even then, when Meadows assured Trump he would work on it, Hutchinsons irritation is with Meadows for giving Trump false hope, not with Trump for demanding that his delusions become reality. Hutchinsons claim that Trump admitted to Meadows that he lost is the latest in a series of eye-witness accounts of Trump periodically admitting in private to having lost the election. Hutchinson testified to both federal investigators and the Fulton County grand jury, she writes, though she was not referenced in any of the indictments of Trump. Hutchinson describes a White House that in its final weeks had turned to utter lawlessness, with Meadows regularly burning documents in the fireplace of the chief of staffs office. After Meadows office became smoky before a meeting, former GOP Rep. Devin Nunes asked Hutchinson, How often is he burning papers? When Meadows wife came to help pack his office in January 2021, she pleaded to Hutchinson, Mark doesnt need to burn anything else. All of his suits smell like a bonfire. The Meadows spokesperson said that Hutchinsons telling was an absurd mischaracterization. Mrs. Meadows was referencing how the wood fireplace made the office smell smoky and we often started it using old newspaper. It had nothing to do with documents, the spokesperson said. On that wild day of December 18, 2020, when Trump considered proposals in the Oval Office to seize voting machines, White House deputy chief of staff Tony Ornato told Hutchinson he heard the president talk about the Insurrection Act or martial law, she writes. Hutchinson writes that at one point during the Oval Office meeting, she heard Trump screaming, I dont care how you do it just get it fucking done! Its unclear what the it referred to however. As senior staffers tried to get Meadows to return to the White House to get the likes of his onetime national security adviser Mike Flynn, former Trump attorney Sidney Powell, and former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne to leave the Oval Office, White House staff secretary Derek Lyons asked, Does the chief really need more of a reason to come back? Here it is. Martial law. Those plans, of course, did not come to fruition, and Trump looked for other avenues to overturn his election loss, pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,870 votes to flip the Peach State from Biden to Trump. That call was not good, White House counsel Pat Cipollone told Meadows, according to Hutchinson, who writes that Cipollone was listening in on the call. Testifying under oath to the January 6 committee last year, Cipollone said he had no memory of knowing about the call until he read about it in the press. In a statement to CNN, a spokesman for Cipollone denied he was on the Georgia call, noting that Cipollone was not among those Meadows introduced at the start of the call. I think Its going to go well In the weeks after the election, January 6 remained the fail-safe, and Hutchinson writes that Trump visiting Capitol Hill was part of the plan until the very end. On New Years Eve, (Meadows) asked me to talk to Tony (Ornato) about a potential motorcade movement to Capitol Hill following the presidents rally. I think the Sixth is going to go well, Trump said. Do you think its going to go well, Chief? Yes, sir, Meadows replied. I think its going to go well. Many of the stories Hutchinson tells about that day were parts of her testimony. Trump knew about the weapons his supporters were carrying Big guy knows, Ornato said, and at this point in the narrative, Hutchinson still found that news reassuring, as if it meant Trump would do something to stop it. She recounts the tell-tale moment at the Ellipse when she heard the president roaring: Take the fucking mags (metal detectors) down Look at all those people in the trees. They want to come in. Let them. Let my people in. Take the fucking mags away. Theyre not here to hurt me. Soon after, backstage at the rally, Giuliani slipped his hand up Hutchinsons skirt and up her thigh, Hutchinson alleges in the book. (Giuliani denied her allegation to Newsmax, calling it absurd.) She stormed away, filled with rage. But it was nothing compared with the rage she later felt after the Capitol was attacked and people died, Hutchinson writes. As the attack on the Capitol unfolded, Hutchinson said thoughts raced through her mind about what she needed to do and she worried it could be the beginning of a coup. We have to have a plan in place in case the worst happens. In case this is the beginning of a coup, she writes. Even this was not enough yet. Hutchinson remained part of Team Trump. Unlike White House communications director Alyssa Farah, who resigned on December 3, 2020, or deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews, who left on January 6, 2021, Hutchinson remained. Part of Hutchinsons rationale was that she saw herself as someone who could help maintain protocols during the final days of the Trump presidency, particularly as Meadows scrambled to get hold of a binder containing highly classified documents related to the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Donald Trumps campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. She was shocked when Meadows gave the classified documents to two right-wing media personalities who regularly toe the MAGA line. The Meadows spokesman said that Hutchinsons account was false, and that the documents had already been declassified by Trump. The White House counsels office asked for the documents back, the spokesperson said, because they contained elements of personal information that needed to be redacted. It was not an issue of classification it was about procedural redactions, the spokesperson said. Hutchinson, however, writes that Cipollone told her the documents were still full of classified information, and he demanded their return. Before she could leave to call Meadows, Cipollone added: Hey Cass, while youre on the phone with him, can you tell him we cannot pardon Kimberly Guilfoyles gynecologist? My jaw was hanging as I turned around to look at Pat. I knew by the look on his face that he was dead serious, she writes. According to Guilfoyles testimony to the January 6 committee, she was seeking to help the son of her former gynecologist, a well-respected California doctor. We just want to protect the president The book is a journey, with Hutchinson judging herself to have been complicit in the decisions that led to January 6. After telling the story of her troubled upbringing with a largely absent and ultimately abusive father Hutchinsons story is mostly about her time working for a president she once adored. Initially, Hutchinson says, she was transfixed by Trump and how he electrified the crowds at his rallies. Working in the White House, first in the Office of Legislative Affairs and then under Meadows, she focused on her mission of helping the president and being a loyal foot soldier, she writes. Numerous examples of Trumps questionable behavior are glossed over as Hutchinson, ever the loyal aide, saw them as normal at the time. That includes Trumps 2019 phone call with Zelensky that ultimately led to his first impeachment and the 2020 Atlantic story about Trump referring to American soldiers killed during World War I as losers and suckers which a former senior administration official with firsthand knowledge confirmed to CNN. In the summer of 2017, Trumps first year in office, Hutchinson was an intern in Sen. Ted Cruzs office. By 2020, she was dressing down the Texas Republican senator for showing up uninvited to Trumps arrival on a Texas tarmac, warning him that if he didnt leave it would be the last presidential event you ever receive an invitation to. Trump loyalists attack Hutchinson to this day as having tried to work for the 45th president in Florida well past January 6, 2021, and Hutchinson fully owns up to that, making clear that her break with the president and his team didnt come until Meadows fully made clear she wouldnt be part of the post-presidency a move that didnt happen until her final three days in the White House. Much of what Trump loyalists throw at her to discredit her for instance, her pleading for help in getting a lawyer she admits in Enough. The House January 6 committee made much of Hutchinson changing lawyers because of suggestions that her first, Stefan Passantino, was encouraging her to be less than truthful under oath. Hutchinson writes that Passantino discouraged her from fully cooperating. No, no, no. We want to get you in and get you out, he told her. We were to downplay my role, he explained, as strictly administrative. I was an assistant, nothing more, she writes. Stefan never told me to lie to the committee. I dont want you to perjure yourself, he insisted. But I dont recall isnt perjury. At another time he told her, We just want to protect the president, she writes. The book also explains one of the mysteries of the January 6 inquiry: With so many uncooperative witnesses, how did the committee know what to ask Hutchinson to get her to disclose her damning testimony while she was still represented by the attorney paid for by Trump world? It turns out, Hutchinson writes, that she coordinated with Farah, who is now a CNN political commentator, telling her everything she knew. Farah spoke with committee vice chair Liz Cheney, who then knew what to ask Hutchinson during the committees third closed-door deposition with her. Jobs are dangled and then withdrawn from Hutchinson as she begins to cooperate with the committee. Soon, she is shut out out and then demonized by Trump world. She leaves open the question as to what might have happened historically if Trump and Meadows had trusted her and invited her to Mar-a-Lago. But Hutchinsons courageous testimony did occur, so perhaps more important to the republic today is the question of how many more witnesses with Trump-world-funded attorneys involved in current prosecutions and investigations are experiencing the same situation. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. UPDATE: LAKE LUZERNE - Officials from the Rockwell Falls Library confirmed Tuesday evening that Courtney Keir has resigned as director of the library. "It is a challenging time for the Rockwell Falls Public Library. In one week, we have lost two thirds of our staff, including our Director. Until we can resolve this issue, the library will be closed to the public," reads a message posted to its website. The message goes on to outline several "accommodations" the board is making to help patrons during the transition. First, no fines or fees will be collected on any late materials while the library is closed to the public. Secondly, items may still be dropped at the book drop outside the library's front door. Only materials due to the Rockwell Falls Library may be dropped off during the closure. Other materials owed to another library within SALS, must be returned to another SALS library, such as the Corinth or Stony Creek libraries, so they can be returned to their home libraries. Lastly, holds will be extended during the temporary closure. However, new holds will not be filled, nor picked up. "We will update this page as circumstances change. We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope to open to the public as soon as possible," the message concludes. The remaining staff member, the library clerk who preferred to remain nameless, said conversations between the board and SALS were still ongoing to determine what functions of the library would become available as they worked towards restaffing. LAKE LUZERNE The rumor mill is abuzz as sudden staff shortages remains the only explanation given for the Rockwell Falls Library being closed until further notice. We will be closed to the public due to sudden staff shortages until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please continue to check our website for updates, a message on the librarys website states. When called, the librarys automated message lists its hours of operation as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed. and Thurs.; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fri.; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. Messages left with library director Courtney Keirs direct line and email were not returned as of the posting of this story. Nor were any messages left to the Rockwell Falls Library Board, or representatives for the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Several tipsters reached out to The Post-Star with information that Keir had resigned, however that could not be confirmed. A Facebook post listed from Sept. 20 states: Due to staffing issues, children's services will be suspended until further notice starting September 25th. We apologize for the inconvenience. "This Includes: Story Time on Thursdays and Saturdays, sARTurdays, STEM Saturdays, and Graphic Novel Book Club. Sept. 20 was the day after the latest Rockwell Falls Library Board meeting in which the librarys childrens and youth coordinators resignation was discussed. Recent meetings have been highly exclamatory, with several members of the public as well as at least one board member pointing their fingers at the library director, Keir, for much of the confusion and contention, as well as Keir, herself, expressing her frustration at the board. Although rumors are circulating about another recent resignation, we have been unable to establish their accuracy. This is a developing story, and will be updated as details emerge. A judge on Tuesday agreed to release a Millville man arrested last week on charges he sexually assaulted a high school student. Cumberland County Superior Court Judge William F. Ziegler ordered that JT Banks, 54, be released from jail with pretrial monitoring. Banks also was required to surrender his passport and is not allowed to have contact with the 17-year-old girl he allegedly sexually assaulted, Ziegler said. Defense attorney Michael Testa Sr. said during Tuesday's detention hearing his client would be living in Mays Landing with family upon his release. Banks was working as a security guard at Millville High School when he met the then 16-year-old student in October 2022. He sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions between October 2022 and July, an affidavit of probable cause states. He was charged last Wednesday with two counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Millville man charged with sexual assault of high school student A Millville man who worked as a security specialist for a third-party company at the high school was arrested Wednesday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said. Upon his arrest, Millville school officials banned him from "all district properties and events." Assistant Prosecutor Brianne Malone on Tuesday said authorities began investigating Banks after the teenager's sister alerted them to an "inappropriate relationship" between the two. The teenager told police in a taped statement Sept. 19 that she and Banks had exchanged messages via text and social media, Malone said. She told authorities Banks would message her while at work saying he could see her on the school's security footage, and organized plans to bring her to a gym regularly. The teen said the pair engaged in both "consensual" and "non-consensual" sexual intercourse outside the gym and at Banks' home, Malone said. Malone argued Banks should remain in jail because of the nature of his charges, but Testa said his client has an unblemished criminal record and should be released with conditions. Banks previously worked with the state Department of Corrections, Testa said. Ziegler agreed to release Banks, but Malone motioned for the judge to consider further restrictions against him, including having supervised contact with anyone under 16 and being barred from employment in other school settings. The judge agreed only to the latter, instructing Banks to return to court Nov. 2 for a pre-indictment hearing. Poet and essayist Jane Wong lived in Iowa and now resides in Washington state, but her time going with her father to various Atlantic City casinos during her childhood served as the basis for the title of her first memoir, Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City. I have two books of poetry. ... I never thought I would do this, said Wong, who started writing her memoir in earnest in 2017. A lot of my memoir takes place in my childhood. ... I wanted to get that down. Wong, of Seattle, will be the first speaker for this academic years Stephen Dunn Reading Series from 12:45 to 2 p.m. Wednesday in Campus Center Meeting Room 5 on Stockton Universitys Galloway Township campus. An associate professor of creative writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, Wong titled her book after the Bruce Springsteen song Atlantic City from his 1982 album Nebraska because of her and her fathers visits to the resorts casinos. Her fathers gambling played a big role in her childhood. Our story is Atlantic City. We are talking about the Taj Mahal, Caesars, Ballys. Casinos depicting worlds my father simply couldnt fathom, Wong, 38, said in an excerpt from her book. This is how we arrived: on that Chinese tourist bus where you have to fan yourself with your $10 gambling voucher and put your cigarette out in a Dixie cup. Wongs father owned a Chinese-American takeout restaurant in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, but it closed in 1997. Over the years, Wongs family lived in Matawan, Eatontown and Tinton Falls, all in Monmouth County. The restaurant was across the street from the library in the 1980s. I would stay there, at the library, for five hours, Wong said. Wongs story touches on topics that readers can relate to including alcoholism, the immigrant experience, class, Chinese-American identity, family history, racism in academia, and sexual violence and abusive relationships. Wong, who earned her doctorate in English from the University of Washington, previously appeared in Atlantic City in June at Mighty Writers to celebrate the May 16 release of her memoir. I hadnt been back in more than 20 years. My mom (Jin Ai Huang) was there, Wong said. During that June visit, she and her mother walked the Boardwalk and ate at Tonys Baltimore Grill on Atlantic Avenue. Wongs mother suggested they play slot machines for $5. Wong said they lost their money immediately on the loud, bright machines, but her mother was trying to transform a painful memory from their past into something less traumatic. She let me play the Boardwalk games that she wouldnt let me play when I was a kid, like the claw. She said (back then) it was a waste of money, Wong said. When Wong reads from her memoir and covers her memories of fathers compulsive gambling from her childhood, she finds it has a powerful impact on audiences, especially in Atlantic City. We have complicated emotions around gambling and casinos because of my father, Wong said. Emari DiGiorgio, professor of writing and first-year studies at Stockton and the faculty director of Murphy Writing, was with program namesake Peter Murphy at the Dodge Poetry Festival last year in Newark. They discussed Wongs upcoming book and asked her if she would be interested in reading at Stockton. Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City is about more than just growing up in a Chinese restaurant on the Jersey Shore. Its a story told with humor and love of how an immigrant family discovers the strength to overcome addiction and bankruptcy as it strives to achieve the American dream, DiGiorgio said. Somers Point picks woman to be its first poet laureate Poetry can help people explain how they feel by adding tone and rhythm to their expressions. Wong said she spoke to her mother and her younger brother, Steven, about the stories she writes about in her memoir and discovered they sometimes either had different emotions or different interpretations of events that happened during her childhood. Wong said her mother, who some reviewers said her memoir is a love letter to, told her from the beginning that she would be a writer. In the shopping cart, she said I would reach out (before she could read) to any magazine or book-looking object, Wong said. Shes very unique. She just wants you to be happy no matter what. Former governor and current GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie said he will not be running for Sen. Bob Menendezs seat, despite the new indictment. I have no interest in being in the United States Senate, Christie said Sunday while appearing on NBCs Meet the Press. He added that while he was serving as governor in 2013, when U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg died, he had the opportunity to appoint himself to the vacant seat but didnt. If I didnt appoint myself to the United States Senate, the easiest way to get there, I sure as heck am not going to run for it, he said. The Republican candidate also said he was glad the Justice Department and Southern District of New Yorks attorneys office were responding to Menendez and his wifes alleged corruption claims. There is no way that any public official has any legal, or plausible, or ethical explanation for having $500,000 in cash stuffed in jackets and envelopes throughout their home, gold bars that have fingerprints, DNA of someone who you were attempting to fix the system for, Christie said. An FBI raid of the Menendez home found gold bars worth more than $100,000 and wads of cash stuffed into jacket pockets. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has called on fellow Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to resign in the wake of the federal bribery charges filed last week against the New Jersey senator and his wife. But he didnt stop there. On Monday, Fettermans team said he plans to return Menendezs $5,000 donation to his Senate campaign in the form of envelopes stuffed with hundred-dollar bills a jab at the indictment alleging Menendez accepted bribes in the form of gold bars, luxury goods, and hundred-dollar bills stuffed into a jacket pocket. In calling for his resignation, Fetterman said Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., on Tuesday also called on Menendez to resign, saying in a statement the federal bribery charges unveiled Friday against his fellow New Jersey Democrat contain shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing. Menendez, whom prosecutors accuse of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, has denied wrongdoing, and said in a statement Friday, Im not going anywhere. No, Chris Christie says, he wont run for New Jersey Senate seat Former governor and current GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie said he will not be running for Sen. Bob Menendezs seat, despite the new indictment. Democrats hold a razor-thin majority in the Senate as it is, which ups the importance of what happens to Menendezs seat in what has traditionally been a reliably blue state. And senators have historically been cautious to call out fellow members in similar cases. If Menendez were to resign, Gov. Phil Murphy would choose his successor to serve through the end of his term, Jan. 3, 2025. While most other senators have been quiet, numerous Democrats in Menendezs home state, including Murphy, have said he should step down. U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd, called on him to resign, and said Saturday he plans to challenge Menendez for his seat. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Along with the rest of Maharashtra, Pune city is also facing a shortage of Cycloserine Capsules USP, an antibiotic used for treating Tuberculosis (TB). Worried patients as well as concerned health activists have said that they would write a letter to the Union health ministry this week, appealing for its intervention to hasten the procurement of this medication. Cycloserine, Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Moxifloxacin are used to cure TB and a shortage of these medicines can lead to serious health issues. Cycloserine is a 90-day course; if the patients fail to take it, they have to restart it all over again. Health activist Deepak Jadav said, The unavailability of life-saving medicine is a very serious issue. The authority concerned should have acted earlier. There should be proper management for procuring medicines, and we demand an inquiry into this matter. Strict action should be taken against the defaulters. No one has a right to play with the lives of people. Another heath activist, Shabbir, raised his concern over the shortage of the drug. We will write a letter to the health union of the state regarding the shortage of Cycloserine. We havent written a letter so far because we were assured by Dr Yashodhra Sonawane, in charge of L ward TB, Mumbai, that the medicine will be procured as soon as possible. She told us that they received the medicine and it was over. We want to understand how the medicine stock got over so quietly and why didnt they procure it in bulk. A 45-year-old Yerwada resident and a TB patient expressed his frustration over the shortage of the life-saving drug. He told Mirror: For the past month, I have been facing a shortage of medicine. An uninterrupted supply of medicines is the first step to preventing drug resistance. The current stockouts are forcing people to go without treatment at a catastrophic cost. My health condition has considerably gotten worse. Who will take the responsibility if anything happens to me? Zaid Ansari, a 20-year-old TB patient, said, I purchased a strip of the medicine for Rs 832, which has 10 capsules. Every day, I have to take three capsules. Ive been facing a shortage of drugs for the past 20 days. My left lung is fully infected; doctors told me I have to undergo surgery. Earlier, in July, my infection was almost negligible, but now, my condition has worsened due to the non-availability of the medicine. It seems the authorities are not bothered about it. However, Dr. Sanjay Darade, district TB officer, Pune Rural, said, I have 4,400 TB patients under me and there is no shortage of drugs. Earlier, we gave medicines for a month, and now, we are giving them for 10 days and we ask the patients to come for follow-ups. I have asked the dealer to supply more drugs, which will be made available in the next 8-10 days. We are provided funds from the government and we have to make a local purchase. Mostly, the government of India provides us with the medicine. A source working at the state TB Training and Demonstration Centre confirmed that there is a shortage of the drug. Team Baghtoy Rickshawala has undertaken the initiative of taking old-aged people from old age homes of the Pimpri-Chinchwad area for free Ganesh darshan during the Ganeshotsav. People from old age homes have a desire to seek blessings from beloved Bappa, but no one has time to take them in this crowd. To fulfill this dream, Team Bagtoy Rickshawala has provided VIP darshan of Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh by the rickshaw drivers who are famous for "cutting their way through the crowd" at Ganeshotsav in Pune. Around 50 rickshaw drivers participated in this activity. The event took place on 26th September 2023, Tuesday, at 9:30 am; the first batch of senior citizens will leave for darshan from Niwara Old Age Home in Navi Peth. The bean greenhouse at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, where the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research has an ongoing program to develop bruchid-resistant beans. (Michigan State University photo) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A program led by Michigan State Universitys (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Purdue University College of Agriculture has received a five-year funding extension from the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID), bringing the total projects support up to $35 million. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research focuses on cowpea and the common bean. The lab, which currently works in West and Southern Africa, will expand into the African Great Lakes region, East Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Collaboration between land-grant institutions to aid developing countries in their growth is always a win-win, said Doug Buhler, associate vice president for research and innovation at MSU. Our collective experiences enhance our international development efforts. We are pleased to have Purdue as a part of the Legume Systems Innovation Lab team. Barry Pittendrigh, the John V. Osmun Endowed Chair in Urban Entomology at Purdue and adjunct professor at MSU, leads the lab as its director. This is a natural fit, Pittendrigh said. Purdue and MSU are both leaders in global agricultural research and development. His Purdue colleague John Medendorp, associate director of the Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management, is the Legume Systems Innovation Lab assistant director. This support from USAID underscores Purdues ongoing commitment to conducting impactful agricultural research, said Gerald Shively, associate dean and director of International Programs in Agriculture at Purdue. Dr. Pittendrigh and his team have established a strong working relationship with colleagues at Michigan State University, and this project brings together the best that agricultural science has to offer to improve food and nutrition security for smallholder farmers worldwide. Legumes are a nutrient-dense staple crop that have multifunctional roles in smallholder farm systems in developing countries. These include food and nutrition security, generating income, providing livestock feed and fodder, contributing to the sustainability of soil systems through their nitrogen-fixing capabilities, and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change as low greenhouse gas-emitting crops. During this new phase, we will be looking toward improving the legume system efficiencies, which will have a profound impact on the availability of nutritious foods for malnourished populations, Medendorp said. Over the next five years, the Legume Systems Innovation Lab will pursue four key focus crop objectives: best agronomic practices and services, inclusive inputs and market systems, targeted varietal scaling and development, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Anticipated key results of the extended work include inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth; strengthened resilience among people and systems; and a well-nourished population, especially among women and children. Cross-cutting intermediate result goals and objectives for the Legume Systems Innovation Lab also include improved climate risk and other natural resource management; gender equality and female empowerment; increased youth empowerment and livelihoods; more effective governance, policy and institutions; and improved human, organizational and system performance. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research is funded through Feed the Future, the U.S. governments global hunger and food security initiative led by USAID. The Legume Systems Innovation Lab was awarded to Michigan State University in 2018. This extension will continue its work through August 2028. Writer: Nancy Alexander Media contact: Maureen Manier, mmanier@purdue.edu Source: Barry Pittendrigh, pittendr@purdue.edu Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415; Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu Agriculture News Page A movement to create a trail from Washington state to Washington D.C. is finding momentum in the Quad-Cities. The Great American Rail Trail began in 2019 with a goal to create a multi-use path reaching more than 3,700 miles across 12 states. Since the route was first announced, more than $84 million in funding has been secured. Currently, 2,050 miles of trail exist, or 54% of the goal. Brandi Horton, VP of Communications for Rails-to-Trails, said the group hopes to have the trail complete within the next few decades. In the Quad-Cities, trail gaps exist from Davenport to Buffalo, Buffalo to Muscatine and Muscatine to Conesville and from Colona to East Moline on the Illinois side. Other trails have been planned to help expand a cohesive path from one state to the other. Tuesday, a group of cyclists and advocates for the trail gathered at Union Station in downtown Davenport to discuss the importance the Quad-Cities region plays in connecting Iowa and Illinois. "This is such an important place along the Great American Rail-Trail that signifies so many important things," said Rails-to-Trails Midwest Regional Director Eric Oberg. "You sit on a state border and jurisdictional boundaries are challenging. What you're doing in the Quad-Cities is showing that you can get across these boundaries and do it in such an amazing way." Oberg said the area is setting the bar high for other communities, by setting an example that dedication and teamwork pays off. The pedestrian path on the I-74 bridge, he said, is a prime example of how the two states worked together for the benefit of the community. "You've done an amazing job over the last 50 years in creating trails in your community, in your neighborhoods, in your state and in your region, but now it's time to connect everything together," he said. "You guys are truly an inspiration to the country in how you are getting things done." Trails are crucial for transportation and recreational purposes, said Denise Bulat, executive director of the Bi-State Regional Commission. The region is already the crossroads of two national trails with the Mississippi River Trail and the American Discovery Trail. Keeping up these trails requires support from both states, she said, and the commission is happy to be part of it. Already, the bi-state region has more than 200 miles of trails and will now add more with the Great American Rail-Trail. Big ideas, like a multi-state bike trail, have an immense impact on not only travel and tourism, but health and well being, said Visit Quad Cities CEO Dave Herrell. "The list goes on and on and on of positive outcomes that something like this will yield for our community, our states and our country," he said. Following the press conference, a small group embarked on a 100-mile tour from Davenport to Ottawa, Ill. There are parts of that trail that are still missing, Horton said, but the tour was designed with that flaw in mind. "We're going to shuttle the gaps so we can show people, 'This is what's missing. This is what we need to actually make this experience happen all the way across the state,'" she said. A big focus in Illinois is closing the gaps between the Hennepin Canal Trail and the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail. Leaders at both the state and federal level have been tapped to help create a trail that will extend across the state. It's a slow process, she said, but worth it to create a safe place for travel. "Every mile we get is a mile we didn't have before and every mile we get is one people can use right now," she said. Close 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-001 Lee Marbach of Bettendorf rides his fat-tire bike towing daughter, Lisa, 3, as Kelsey, 5, and wife, Julia, follow behind while approaching Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday during Ride the River, the 33rd annual bi-state tour of the Quad-Cities along the riverfront trails. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-002 Jill and son, Ethan Dykstra, 9, of Waconia, Minnesota, play a game of croquet while taking a break at one of the Ride the River stops at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-003 A cyclist crosses a replica bridge, modeled after the first area railroad bridge built in 1856, in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-004 Cyclists cross the Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday as part of the Ride the River tour. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-005 Christy McNeal and daughter Kate, 11, of Hudson sit on a dock at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-006 Nat, 10, rear, and Toby Augspurger, 8, of Davenport have a tug-of-war battle at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-007 Grace Schmidt, 8, of Port Byron rides with Jen and Mic Penry of Taylor Ridge across the Government Bridge in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-008 Cyclists stop for food and drink at Don Monico's at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-009 Signs mark the bike route as well as a Ride the River stop at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-010 Frank and Diane Kelly of Muscatine ride their tandem bike at the Rowing Club in Moline on Sunday. The two have participated in Ride the River for 24 years and adopted the use of the tandem bike after an accident made cycling difficult for Diane. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-011 Cyclists biking the Ride the River event stop for a chat in the Quad-City Times parking lot in Davenport on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-012 Cyclists take the bike ramp up to the Government Bridge in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-013 Mike Augspurger of Davenport takes part in a tug-of-war at the Rowing Club in Moline on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-014 A family of cyclists waits for an opening before crossing the Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-015 Croquet balls and clubs are seen at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-016 Cyclists pass over a replica of the area's first railroad bridge. Photos: Ride the River 2017 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-001 Lee Marbach of Bettendorf rides his fat-tire bike towing daughter, Lisa, 3, as Kelsey, 5, and wife, Julia, follow behind while approaching Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday during Ride the River, the 33rd annual bi-state tour of the Quad-Cities along the riverfront trails. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-002 Jill and son, Ethan Dykstra, 9, of Waconia, Minnesota, play a game of croquet while taking a break at one of the Ride the River stops at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-003 A cyclist crosses a replica bridge, modeled after the first area railroad bridge built in 1856, in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-004 Cyclists cross the Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday as part of the Ride the River tour. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-005 Christy McNeal and daughter Kate, 11, of Hudson sit on a dock at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-006 Nat, 10, rear, and Toby Augspurger, 8, of Davenport have a tug-of-war battle at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-007 Grace Schmidt, 8, of Port Byron rides with Jen and Mic Penry of Taylor Ridge across the Government Bridge in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-008 Cyclists stop for food and drink at Don Monico's at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-009 Signs mark the bike route as well as a Ride the River stop at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-010 Frank and Diane Kelly of Muscatine ride their tandem bike at the Rowing Club in Moline on Sunday. The two have participated in Ride the River for 24 years and adopted the use of the tandem bike after an accident made cycling difficult for Diane. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-011 Cyclists biking the Ride the River event stop for a chat in the Quad-City Times parking lot in Davenport on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-012 Cyclists take the bike ramp up to the Government Bridge in Davenport. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-013 Mike Augspurger of Davenport takes part in a tug-of-war at the Rowing Club in Moline on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-014 A family of cyclists waits for an opening before crossing the Government Bridge in Davenport on Sunday. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-015 Croquet balls and clubs are seen at the Rowing Club in Moline. 061817-RIDE-THE-RIVER-016 Cyclists pass over a replica of the area's first railroad bridge. A new Central Fire Station for the Moline Fire Department will need to be relocated. Based on a study by FGMArchitects, the new central fire station would need to be relocated to 12th Avenue and 7th Street, near Stephens Park. The fire department hired the Chicago-based architectural firm to provide design services. The Central Fire Station is located at 1630 8th Ave., and houses emergency vehicles, administrative offices for fire, and the city's finance department. It is one of four fire stations. Fire Chief Steve Regenwether said there is a city-owned property near the park and that the park should not be impacted. He said a new fire station is needed. "We have exhausted the useful life of this building," he said. The building used to house both police and fire until 2007 when the Moline Police Department moved to its own headquarters down the block located at 1640 6th Ave. The new central station would continue to serve as headquarters, Regenwether said, and continue to house fire administrative offices, emergency vehicles and special vehicles. Big project, big costs Though the council has yet to decide precisely when to budget and move forward with a new fire station, budgeting for the new fire station has already begun. It is expected to cost at least $28 million. At the council roundtable discussion last week, 4th Ward Ald. Matt Timion asked whether or not it would be a little less costly to renovate the current station. But the current station is short at least 12,000 square feet, FGM Architects Vice-President Jason Estes told the council. He also said that construction costs alone for renovation would be $8-9 million. The project already has $2 million set aside, tentatively planned for the 2026 fiscal year budget. As of now, the other $26 million is being planned for a year or so after 2026. Finance Director Carol Barnes said the year the council decides to budget the $26 million, construction on the new station could begin. "Right now, it's tentatively planned for the year 2027 or 2028," she said. "We've still got four to five years to figure the funding out but we're trying hard to plan now." The most likely way to fund it would be by issuing 20-year bonds. Barnes said the city would pay about $2 million annually for principal and interest payments. Altogether, the city would pay about $13.5 million in interest with the 20-year bonds. Different revenue streams are being discussed on how else the new fire station could be funded, with one being franchise fees. Franchise fees are funds collected and given back to the city for a company's monthly use of the public right-of-ways. The fee would be imposed on receipts, minus uncollectible accounts, generated from the sales and delivery of electricity to customers. Barnes said the franchise fee would be imposed on MidAmerican for using the city's public right-of-way for natural gas and electricity. Payments would be collected from the city and could be used towards city projects, such as the new fire station. New engines, ambulances The Moline Fire Department also will have two new fire engines hitting the streets this November. Engines 11 and 13, also known as "the twins", are in the final inspection stages. The two engines were approved by the then-council in November 2021 for a total of $1.3 million, according to the city documents. Sarah Mark, fleet and facilities manager, said each engine was $675,636.28 and were budgeted in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Once they arrive at the fire department, it will be a few weeks before they are up and running. Regenwether said staff will be brought up to speed on how the new trucks operate. The goal, he said, is to have the engines operating on or before Nov. 1. The new engines also will sport new colors. Instead of white over red, the twin engines will be black over red. In March 2023, the council approved a third engine to replace Engine 14 for $847,336. Engine 14 is expected to arrive in June 2025. Come 2024, the fire department also will have three new ambulances sporting the black over red color to match the engines. Council approved the three new ambulances in June 2022 for $924,648, with a portion of the funds coming from the American Rescue Plan Act. DES MOINES Roughly 7,500 low-income students in 13 Iowa school districts will receive extra support to prepare them for post-high school education as the result of a $25.8 million federal grant announced Monday. The Iowa Department of Education announced the competitive grant award from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant comes from the federal agencys Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, or GEAR UP program. The funding will be deployed to 13 Iowa school districts in which more than half of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch: Burlington, Cardinal, Centerville, Clinton, Columbus, Davenport, Davis County, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Saydel, South Tama and Storm Lake. Half of the GEAR UP funding, along with another $8 million in contributions, will go toward scholarships toward college education and post-high school training for students in the program. The other half of the funding will go to the 13 districts to fund services that will follow a cohort of current seventh-grade students through their high school graduation in 2029 and their first year of post-high school education. We are grateful for this federal investment in our work to provide 7,500 students most in-need of support with critical wraparound services as they meet high expectations in middle school and beyond, Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said in a news release. Alongside schools, postsecondary institutions and community partners, we will continue to provide students what they need to realize their incredible potential. Districts will be able to use the federal grant funding to increase school counselors and other staff to provide college and career counseling, to develop an individualized career and academic plan for students, and to provide targeted, wraparound services to meet the academic, behavioral and emotional needs of students and their families, according to the news release. In 2020, 88% of GEAR UP graduates in Iowa had plans to complete a two- or four-year degree or other post-high school training and education, the state education department said. The department also said GEAR UP students in Iowa demonstrated higher rates of attendance, proficiency in reading and math, and higher standardized entrance exam scores. Iowa was not chosen for GEAR UP funding in the 2021 federal budget year. The states congressional delegation sent letters to the federal education department in January 2022 and January 2023, in which Iowas representatives questioned the federal agencys process for reviewing states applications to the program. The federal education department responded in March of this year, asserting that all eligible applications were carefully reviewed and given full consideration within the requirements of the law and regulations governing the GEAR UP Program. Most states have a school counselor shortage. Here's where they're needed the most Most states have a school counselor shortage. Here's where they're needed the most #51. Vermont #50. New Hampshire #49. Hawaii #48. Colorado #47. Montana #45. Maine (tie) #45. North Dakota (tie) #44. Tennessee #43. Wyoming #42. Virginia #40. Missouri (tie) #40. West Virginia (tie) #39. North Carolina #38. Maryland #37. South Carolina #36. New Jersey #35. Connecticut #34. New York #33. Pennsylvania #32. Arkansas #31. South Dakota #30. Massachusetts #29. Kentucky #28. Nebraska #27. Iowa #26. Oregon #25. Delaware #24. Wisconsin #23. Texas #22. Kansas #20. Oklahoma (tie) #20. Mississippi (tie) #19. Ohio #18. Rhode Island #17. Alabama #15. Georgia (tie) #15. Alaska (tie) #14. Florida #13. Washington #12. New Mexico #10. Louisiana (tie) #10. Nevada (tie) #9. District of Columbia #8. Indiana #7. Idaho #6. Utah #5. California #4. Minnesota #3. Michigan #2. Illinois #1. Arizona This week, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts are leading a trade delegation to Mexico to participate in meetings with Mexican buyers, agricultural industry leaders, and government officials to enhance South Dakotas trading relationships with Mexico. The trade mission is organized by South Dakota Trade. We are excited for the opportunity to build South Dakota relationships in Mexico, says DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. Due to its rapidly growing economy, current trade relations, and diversity, Mexico is a country full of opportunities and is a key trading market for South Dakota businesses. Joining the Lt. Governor and Secretary Roberts on the mission are representatives from South Dakota Trade, Advanced Sunflower, Inc., Agropur US, C.A.W Industries, Houdek, Schumacher Enterprises, North Start Liquids, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. These companies are participating in customized, business-to-business matchmaking meetings as part of their itineraries. South Dakota Trade is using State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support the delegation. South Dakota Trade is working in partnership with the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Food Export Midwest, and U.S. Embassy officials in Mexico to maximize the opportunity for South Dakotas delegation. Additionally, the trade mission coincides with the Food Tech Summit & Expo, one of Latin Americas largest food & beverage trade shows that includes 18,000+ buyers from 20+ countries. We are excited to be showcasing South Dakotas value-added agricultural products in Mexico, said Luke J. Lindberg, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade. It is our responsibility to put willing buyers in the room with our willing sellers; and thats just what we are doing this week. Mexico is South Dakotas second largest trade partner with an export value of approximately $600 million in 2022. Trade with Mexico supports over 13,000 jobs in South Dakota and the states highest value exports include distillers grains, pork and pork products, beef and beef products, and soybeans. For more information on South Dakota exports, visit southdakotatrade.com/trade-in-sd. Montanas relationship with tourists is complicated, to say the least. Many businesses and workers depend on tourists, and the states economy leans heavily on visitors, but they bring more than just money. They also bring, ahem, interesting attitudes toward wildlife. They often clog Montanas roads, public lands, restaurants and Airbnbs (which might otherwise be used for housing residents). Montanans relationship with out-of-staters became more tense during and after the pandemic, with residents taking a slightly less kind view toward visitors. Now local tourism leaders are trying to strike a balance between preserving the states character while recognizing the importance of the economic impact visitors bring here. Theres no question that travel and tourism is one of the leading economic drivers in Montana. The industry supported 43,900 jobs in 2022. Also last year, 12.5 million visitors spent $5.82 billion in the state and contributed $315 million to state and local taxes. The Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research at the University of Montana estimates that visitor spending reduced the average tax burden on every Montana household by more than $721. In Missoula County in 2022, tourists brought in $390 million in total economic impact, contributed $29.3 million to state and local taxes and supported over 4,600 jobs. Tourism is one of Montanas most important industries, said Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman last summer. But a 2020 study from the tourism institute found that, compared to pre-pandemic years, Montanans deemed visitors to be slightly less polite, less patient, less environmentally responsible and less sensitive to the Montana way of life. This complicated relationship is why Destination Missoula (the local tourism bureau) and the Missoula Tourism Business Improvement District are hosting town halls this week to seek input from the community about a destination stewardship plan. Theyll use the plan to guide their work in the travel and visitor economy for the next decade as part of what they say is a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Were focused on preserving the uniqueness of this place we call home while recognizing tourisms economic benefits, said Destination Missoula executive director Barb Neilan. As residents ourselves, we know just how fundamental it is for Missoulians to be at the center of any efforts that involve our community. Thats why we want to hear from you about tourism. Please fill out the survey or come to a town hall meeting and tell us what you want to see over the next decade in Missoula. Neilan said that the destination stewardship plan is part of a shift in Destination Missoulas role from destination marketing toward stewardship. That means that the organization is focused on inclusive, value-based, sustainable tourism development and promotion that helps preserve quality of life for residents. She noted that the the changing role began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Destination Missoula used Recreate Responsibly messaging to inform and remind visitors and residents about minimizing impacts on public lands and community resources. The two tourism organizations in Missoula will use the local input they get from the town halls, along with focus groups and surveys, to inform their 10-year roadmap for tourism in Missoula. Consultants have been brought in to assist in the plans. Missoulians are encouraged to give their input by taking the online resident survey, which is open through the end of September, and/or by attending a town hall meeting. The fall in-person town hall meetings will be held at The Fairfield Inn & Suites Missoula at 5252 Airway Blvd., on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register to attend a town hall meeting or take the survey at destinationmissoula.org/dsp. While many Montanans are currently facing an increase of nearly 40% in property taxes, some are eligible for rebates of up to $675 for property taxes paid in both 2022 and 2023. But its important to understand the qualifications for the rebates, particularly if your property is held in a trust. And dont forget the application deadline of Oct. 1, 2023 for the 2022 rebate. Qualification criteria The Montana Department of Revenue sets the conditions and qualifications that individuals must meet to receive a property tax rebate. To qualify, a person must: 1. Be a Montana taxpayer. 2. Have lived in the Montana residence for at least seven months during the tax year. 3. Have been billed for and paid the property taxes. 4. Be an individual, deceased person, or grantor of a grantor revocable trust. Understanding grantor revocable trusts What exactly is a grantor revocable trust, and how can you determine if your trust qualifies for the rebate? A rebate application will generally be rejected if the property is titled in the name of a trust, except when it is a grantor revocable trust. In a grantor revocable trust, the creator (grantor) retains control over the trust assets and is usually the beneficiary, meaning they can use and benefit from the assets. Furthermore, all trust income, losses, and gains are reported on the grantor's individual tax return. The primary purpose of a grantor revocable trust is to avoid probate and streamline the transfer of assets upon the grantor's death. However, it's important to note that grantor revocable trusts do not provide the same level of asset protection as irrevocable trusts. Conversely, with a non-grantor trust, generally, the person who creates the trust has no interest or power over trust assets, and the trust has its own Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and pays taxes on any income. Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts The status of trust as revocable or irrevocable relates to the grantors ability to modify or revoke the trust after its inception. Except in rare instances, irrevocable trusts cannot be modified or revoked once they are created. On the other hand, the grantor of a revocable trust can amend or dissolve the trust at any time. Irrevocable trusts should only be created after meeting with an experienced estate planning attorney. The potential upsides are often outweighed by loss of control. And poorly drafted documents can sabotage a lifetime of planning. How to determine the status of a trust For most individuals, delving into the intricacies of a trust document can be daunting. Fortunately, there are simpler ways to determine if your trust qualifies as a grantor revocable trust. Ask the attorney who drafted the document: This is the most straightforward way to ascertain the trust's status. Your attorney will have the necessary knowledge about your situation and the trust's status. Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney: If the drafting attorney is unavailable, another experienced estate planning attorney can help determine the trust's status quickly. Review your trust document for key phrases: While not foolproof, you can look for specific language within the document. Your trust is likely a grantor revocable trust if it was created to avoid probate, the grantor reports all trust income on their individual tax return, all grantors are still alive and have capacity, and the trust can be amended or revoked. However, there are exceptions, so consult with an attorney for certainty. Special considerations Certain situations warrant special considerations when it comes to trust status and property tax rebates. The Death of a Grantor: When a grantor passes away, the trust may become irrevocable based on the trust's terms, potentially affecting eligibility for the rebate. Incapacity of the Grantor: In most grantor revocable trust agreements, the trust becomes irrevocable when the grantor loses capacity, ensuring that the grantor's intentions are upheld even when they can't make decisions. How to apply If the property is held in a grantor revocable trust, you are eligible for the Montana property tax rebate. Visit getmyrebate.mt.gov to apply. Kathmandu, Nepal, September 26, 2023: Nepal and China have agreed upon to co-operate in the fields of hydropower, wind energy, solar energy and hydrogen power development. Nepal and China have agreed upon to co-operate in the fields of hydropower, wind energy, solar energy and hydrogen power, reads a joint statement issued on Tuesday/ As per the agreement Kerung Rasuwagadhi Chilime 220 KV international transmission line will be build, states the statement. However, the statement does not mention about the source of investment and deadline to accomplish the project. MEXICO CITY (AP) A journalist who ran a community Facebook news page was killed in the northern Mexico border town of San Luis Rio Colorado on Monday, when he was apparently caught in the cross-fire of an attack aimed at police. Jesus Gutierrez ran Notiface Prensa Digital De San Luis, a Facebook page that included recommendations for local businesses as well as local news stories. Notiface confirmed his death, writing in a tribute we think they killed the best journalist. Prosecutors in the northern border state of Sonora said Gutierrez was talking with the police officers, who were his neighbors, when they were hit by a hail of gunfire, killing one policeman and wounding the other three. They said Gutierrez death was collateral to the attack on the police. San Luis Rio Colorado, located across from Yuma, Arizona, is best known as a border town where Americans go for inexpensive prescriptions and dental work. But it has increasingly been hit by drug cartel violence. At least three other journalists have been killed so far this year in Mexico, which has become one of the deadliest places in the world for journalists outside a war zone. GENEVA (AP) Independent U.N.-backed human rights experts said Monday they have turned up continued evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces in their war against Ukraine, including torture some of it with such brutality that it led to death and rape of women aged up to 83 years old. Members of the U.N. Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine also expressed concerns about allegations of genocide by Russian forces, and said they're looking into them. The team said its evidence showed crimes committed on both sides, but vastly more and a wider array of abuses were committed by Russian forces than by Ukrainian troops. The commission delivered its latest findings in an oral update to the Human Rights Council, laying out its observations about unlawful attacks with explosive weapons, sexual and gender-based violence, and other crimes in the war, which entered its 20th month on Sunday. The commission is concerned by the continued evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine during its first mandate, commission chair Erik Mose told the council, which created his investigative team in March last year, just days after Russian forces invaded. The panel is now working under a second mandate. The main targets of torture were people accused of being informants for Ukrainian forces, and the mistreatment at times involved use of electric shocks, it found. In some cases, torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of the victims, Mose said. The commission, in its report, said Russian soldiers in Ukraines southern Kherson region raped and committed sexual violence against women of ages ranging from 19 to 83 years, and often family members were kept in an adjacent room hence being forced to hear the violations taking place. No representative of Russia was present in the vast hall of the U.N. office in Geneva where the council was meeting to hear Mose's comments. Last year, the U.N. General Assembly in New York stripped Russia of its seat in the 47-member-country body to show its opposition to President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, the experts said they have received no feedback from the Russian side, whereas there was considerable cooperation from the Ukrainian side, Mose said. Commission member Pablo de Greiff told reporters that their work would be improved if they were given better access to information from the Russian side. WARSAW, Poland Once rock-solid, the support that Ukraine has gotten from its biggest backers for its fight against Russia is showing cracks. Political posturing in places like Poland and Slovakia, where a trade dispute with Ukraine has stirred tensions, and Republican reticence in the United States about Washington's big spending to prop up Ukraine's military have raised new uncertainties about the West's commitment to its efforts to expel Russian invaders more than 18 months into the war. And Russian President Vladimir Putin, who hopes to outlast allied backing for Kyiv, will be ready to capitalize if he sees Ukraine is running low on air defense or other weapons. The West has long been shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine against Russia. But between Ukraine's impassioned, unending pleas for help, and huge handouts from its backers, signs of discord have emerged. In July, Britain's defense minister at the time said Ukraine should show "gratitude" to the West, after Kyiv renewed its vocal but unsuccessful push to join NATO. Last week, a new bout surfaced after Ukraine filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization against three neighbors and European Union members Hungary, Poland and Slovakia for banning imports of Ukrainian farm products, a key export for the war-weary country's battered economy. The three bristled at the move, with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki shooting back that his country is "no longer transferring any weapons to Ukraine because we are now arming ourselves with the most modern weapons." Some EU officials have warned that Putin is reveling at the new show of Western discord at a time when Ukrainian troops are making slow gains in their counteroffensive against Russian forces, who still control a vast swath of eastern and southern Ukraine. Still, from Washington to Warsaw, where the military cost and capabilities of helping Ukraine are at issue, officials are playing down any talk of a rift. "I don't believe that one political dispute will lead to a breakdown," Polish President Andrzej Duda said, adding that his prime minister was only referring to newly ordered weapons that wouldn't ever go to Ukraine anyway. Jake Sullivan, the Biden administration's national security adviser, said Thursday he believed that "Poland will continue to be a supporter of Ukraine." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a brief visit to Washington last week, sought to shore up U.S. support for his country, which has factored into the political campaign ahead of next year's presidential election. Former President Donald Trump and leading GOP rival Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida say they want the U.S. to stop sending weapons to Ukraine. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, after meeting with Zelenskyy on Thursday, acknowledged that "people are talking about how much money" is being spent. But, he added, "We're investing in democracy." Other GOP presidential hopefuls like former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie support Ukraine. Politics over the issue is also playing out in Eastern Europe. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, a big backer of Ukraine's fight against Russia, appealed on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, for his counterparts in Ukraine and Poland "to resolve current differences," and said his country was ready to "facilitate" dialogue between them. (CNN) With six days until the government runs out of money, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has a choice to make: Does he risk a shutdown to keep his job or does he cross his Republican hardliners by working with Democrats? Its a defining moment that has been months in the making. To build favor with his detractors, McCarthy is allowing Republicans to move forward with voting on a series of appropriations bills this week, even though they will be dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But time is running out and Republicans have failed to rally around a short-term option. And the promises McCarthy made in January when he bowed to hardliners to get his speakers gavel are finally coming home to roost. This is the third major fight of the Congress: opening week, debt ceiling and now government funding, said GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, one of McCarthys trusted allies who helped negotiate the bipartisan debt ceiling deal. This was always going to be a battle. McCarthy has both publicly and privately tried to compel members of his conference to unite around something anything to strengthen their leverage in spending talks with the Senate. Hes also made clear that falling into a shutdown wont make Republicans any stronger in the negotiations, but the speaker is still facing a right flank that would rather see a shutdown than work with Democrats. And former President Donald Trump jumped into the fray last week, encouraging Republicans on Truth Social to oppose any spending bill that doesnt defund the Department of Justice or the criminal investigations into him. Dont let the D.C. uniparty scare you into thinking that a government shutdown is the end of the world, Republican Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona wrote on social media. A so-called shutdown is really a pause in nonessential federal spending. The calculus for McCarthy has gotten even more complicated since Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer took steps to advance his own short-term spending bill, which would likely include disaster aid and additional funding for the war effort in Ukraine, the latter of which hardliners in the House fiercely oppose. If the Senate passes that bill, McCarthy would be confronted with whether to put it on the floor, ignore it or try to amend it all of which carries its own risks for the speaker. I know Kevin McCarthy and I like Kevin. Im just sooner or later, theyre going to have to decide how hes going to be able to lead, said Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia. McCarthy, though, has stopped short of committing to putting a Senate-passed short-term spending bill on the floor, knowing that doing so could mean a call for his ouster. We will continue to work with people. I just believe if you arent funding the troops and you arent funding the border, its pretty difficult to think you are going to win in a shutdown. Ive been through those a couple of times, McCarthy said Friday. During a call with the Republican conference Saturday afternoon, McCarthy pushed members to rally around a short-term spending bill that includes funds for border security. That would give House Republicans a position from which to begin negotiations with the Senate. When asked whether he thought McCarthy should put a Senate-passed stopgap bill on the House floor, GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas responded: I do not think that would be a wise course of action. A race against the clock as tensions run high The House will return Tuesday and begin votes on a series of yearlong spending bills to fund the departments of Defense, State, Agriculture and Homeland Security. But each of those bills could still face uncertainty on the House floor. Leadership failed twice to advance the defense bill last week. The agriculture bill also faced headwinds this summer. Let me be clear on one thing: Every single day that we wait and we get closer to October 1, that is giving more leverage to the administration. Its taking away leverage from House Republicans, said GOP Rep. Garret Graves of Louisiana. Members and aides worked through the weekend to try to ensure that any differences were ironed out before the packages hit the floor. But even if Republicans could agree on four spending bills, theyd need to pass another seven two of which still havent passed committee before Friday, negotiate with the Senate and get them signed into law before Saturday at midnight. Obviously, the timetable is very short, Roy told reporters. And, you know, getting stuff out of the House and then getting agreement in the Senate and so forth; doesnt seem highly likely, Rep. Marc Molinaro of New York, a moderate who helped broker the idea to start moving individual spending bills, acknowledged the plan could still face hurdles. But he hopes that moving more individual bills could bring some of his hardline colleagues on board with a stopgap bill. McCarthy put the House GOPs stopgap bill on ice amid a right-wing rebellion, but he didnt rule out the idea of eventually bringing it to the floor. Im not here to say I have the utmost confidence, Molinaro said. But the goal is to try to move as many as possible to show the good-faith effort on both sides to move a broader package. The concern (among hardliners) was that it was a head fake, that we were gonna move one appropriation bill but no more. In the Senate, Schumer is eying a last-ditch effort and is already in talks with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on a short-term spending option that could give Congress more time to negotiate a full-year spending package. We may now have to go first given the House, Schumer told CNNs Manu Raju in an interview last week. Leader McConnell and I are talking and we have a great deal of agreement on many parts of this. Its never easy to get a big bill, a (continuing resolution) bill done, but I am very, very optimistic that McConnell and I can find a way and get a large number of votes, both Democratic and Republican, in the Senate. Asked whether lawmakers should just enter into bipartisan negotiations now, given the ticking clock, McHenry said: You start to build out your own votes with your party, if you can. And not until you exhaust that do you look at any other alternatives. The last-minute scramble could have been avoided if the House and Senate stuck to an agreement in the debt ceiling reached in May between Republicans and the White House that set top-line spending numbers across the federal government. But House Republicans marked their bills up at far lower levels after a rebellion from conservatives. The Senate also added an additional $8 billion for defense and another $5.7 billion for non-defense emergency spending. A handful of House Republicans from swing districts are also looking at a potential long-shot procedural option, known as a discharge petition, that would go over McCarthys head to bring a bipartisan funding bill to the floor. But its a time-consuming maneuver and at this point couldnt avert a shutdown it could merely help get lawmakers out of one. GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a Biden-won district in New York, said that if Republicans dont pass a short-term funding bill, hed sign on to the discharge petition. If there is not going to be a (continuing resolution) coming out of the House Republican caucus, then I will move forward with a discharge petition. Lawler told CNN. The leaders of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus told CNN on Sunday that all options are on the table to force a vote on their alternative stopgap plan to avert a shutdown. While the caucus leaders, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Josh Gottheimer, said they hope McCarthy puts the measure on the floor, they said they have spoken with the parliamentarian about other avenues and raised the possibility of using a discharge petition to force a vote. The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. District 4 candidate says Centerville Plan, concern for Countys future spurred run Steve Schawaroch, a candidate for Goochlands District 4 supervisor, says he decided to enter the race after witnessing a public meeting at which he says the recently appointed incumbent, who lives outside the affected area, complained about having to listen to residents concerns about the Centerville Small Area plan. The most important job of a supervisor is to respectfully listen to the concerns of their constituents, Schawaroch says. Our neighbors voices need to be heard. Spurred by what he described as a public display of disinterest in district residents views, Schawaroch spoke at a May meeting of the countys planning commission. Dissatisfied with the countys response and apparent plans to unleash unrestrained growth in the district, especially in the Centerville Village and around the Interstate 64-Ashland Road interchange, he decided to run for office. Since then, Schawaroch has knocked on hundreds of doors in the district, speaking with residents, small business owners, developers, and others who are interested in creating a plan for the districts growth that considers residents concerns. Im for graceful growth, not guaranteed gridlock, Schawaroch said, pointing to the bottlenecked traffic east of Goochland in nearby Short Pump. Schawaroch emphasized that he is not anti-growth, but instead supports growth designed not organically, as some have suggested, but with intention and consideration for the countys future needs, residents and businesses. Mums the word for GHS future farmers The Goochland High School Future Farmers of America club is hosting its Annual Fall Mum Sale to raise money to send students to the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mums are one for $15 and two for $25, cash or check only. The sale will go on daily from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and continue until all mums are sold. For more information, contact Goochland High School at (804) 556-5322. The high school is located at 3250 River Road West. Lace up your running shoes for Goochland CASA on Oct. 8 Want to support Chesterfield and Goochland CASA, and your non-profit organization? Come walk or run in the 2023 Superhero 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 at Westchester Commons, Chesterfield. Participating non-profits can receive $5 from each registration by using a customized code at checkout. A fifth person has been sentenced for the 2021 murder of a woman and her 3-month-old daughter at The Belt Atlantic Apartments on Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond. Sha-Mondrick Perry, 22, of Richmond, on Monday pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in Richmond Circuit Court, according to Virginia court records. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years suspended. Authorities previously said the victims Sharnez Shy Shy Hill, 30, of Richmond, and her infant daughter Neziah were outside the apartment complex on the 4000 block of Midlothian Turnpike in South Richmond on the evening of April 27, 2021, when a group of gunmen opened fire and another group returned fire. Five people were struck in the exchange. Police said none of those shot were the intended targets. They were shooting across those courtyards, then-Richmond police Chief Gerald Smith said shortly after the shooting. That courtyard was filled with kids at the time. An assault rifle and two handguns were collected at the scene, police said. They estimated that more than 50 rounds were fired between the two groups. Sharnez was hit in the back of the head, and Neziah was struck in the thigh and abdomen, police said. Both died of their injuries. From the Archives: Professional baseball in Richmond, 1953-1990 After years of back-and-forth, the city has finalized its plan to address its short-term rental requirements a unanimous vote that comes with stricter restrictions that have left some disappointed with the outcome. The decision comes after a months-long delegation from the citys planning and zoning department ultimately ruled in favor of 12 short-term rental regulations. These regulations include such factors as parking, proper signage, room and renter limits. However, the one requirement that has caused the most upset, and brought numerous folks from both sides of the aisle out to speak during public comment, includes the owner occupancy clause. As written, it states that hosts cannot operate a short-term rental, less than 30 days, on property that is not their primary residence, and they must live on or in the property for a minimum of 185 days a year. For Richmond resident Terricina St. Clair, who co-hosts a home in the 4th District, the decision will hurt her business. Ninety percent of Airbnb hosts that host in the city of Richmond will lose their opportunity to host if they have to have un-hosted stays, St. Clair said. Thats my biggest concern. This is my livelihood and its the livelihood of a lot of short-term rental hosts in the city. On the other side of the table sit several homeowner associations that argue that short-term rentals are destroying neighborhoods as people buy up housing stock. Housing broker Robin Levy addressed the council in favor of the ordinance, citing the ongoing impacts of the current housing market and its downfalls. A healthy market has six months of inventory. We have less than one month right now. So were struggling with inventory issues, which is driving prices up, Levy said. Taking away the (primary residence requirement) is a horrible idea. A need to protect housing stock While intended to keep outside developers from buying up housing stock and raising housing and rent prices, the clause has stirred up issues regarding enforcement, infrastructure and property owner rights, with many fearing local business owners are being left behind. With the new ordinance in place, Airbnb operators will have to either rent out a room in their home or they will have to build or transform an accessory dwelling unit to comply. The approved ordinance has left many unhappy with the decision as it will affect their bottom dollar. If they would like to operate a property in the city that is not their primary residence, they will have to rent it out for more than 30 days, which will have lasting effects. AirDNA, which compiles worldwide short-term rental data analytics, reports that Richmonds average per night rate is $172. However, a one-month stay averages $1,500, and a three-month stay averages $1,200 per month. If an operator were to rent out their property for $172 a night for 20 days out of a month, their profits would increase by nearly 130% for one month and 287% for three months. However, Andreas Addison, 2nd District representative on the Richmond City Council, said the need to protect housing stock is worth the limitations it might place on rental operators. Its not perfect, but its really good, Addison said. Its not going to make everybody happy. Thats not the point. The point is that were putting forth the regulation thats going to put in place a way to protect and preserve our neighborhoods for encroaching outside development. According to a 2020 study conducted by the University of Southern California, the purchase of vacation homes across the country exceeded the growth of existing home sales by more than 40% from the previous year. Additionally, the Economic Policy Institute reported in 2019 that the economic costs associated with Airbnb likely outweigh the benefits as housing and rental prices increase, causing price gouging and relocation of community members because they can no longer afford to live in their respective neighborhoods a phenomenon economists have coined The Airbnb Effect with many likening it to gentrification. In 2020, the City Council unanimously voted to undertake three major zoning changes to address problem areas. These included eliminating parking minimums, permitting accessory dwellings and revising its short-term rental regulations. The decision to change its short-term rental regulations came after numerous people came forward to discuss the impracticality of the current regulations. While operators pushed for fewer rules, others expressed the importance of protecting neighborhoods and the citizens who inhabit them. Underlying, bigger-picture problems, like affordable housing, have served as a guiding rod for the planning department which, ultimately, has to find solutions to accommodate all parties involved. 1,100 known short-term rentals After months of planning and public input, Kevin Vonck, director of Planning and Development Review, presented the departments recommendations to the Planning Commission in early September. The newly approved changes include two additional amendments that increase the maximum number of guests to 10 and adjust the owner occupancy requirement to include that the short-term rental must be located in the primary residence of the person who manages the day-to-day operations. The primary residence will be determined by DMV or the Office of the Registrar of the City of Richmond records. As the city moves forward with the ordinance, questions have popped up as to how the ordinance will be enforced. Currently, roughly 1,100 known short-term rentals are operating within city limits. But Vonck reported that the department has issued fewer than 100 permits. Council member Ann-Frances Lambert admitted that she, too, has operated her own Airbnb illegally. We still dont have a regulation. I know I was not in compliance. Theres a lot of Airbnb operators that arent in compliance, Lambert said during a September Planning Commission meeting public comment period. With no enforcement measures in place, there is little incentive for operators to comply with the citys regulations. While hundreds are operating illegally, it does not impact tax revenue as Airbnb collects local and state tax charges directly from consumers, separate from operators, and reports them to the citys finance department. According to Vonck, there have been several compromises made to ensure operators can still operate in the city, including eliminating occupancy requirements in commercially zoned areas. Additionally, the city approved an ordinance that allows by-right accessory dwelling units to be built on single-family home plots. Accessory dwelling units are smaller housing spaces usually located separately on a property. These typically are called mother-in-law suites. So with the ordinance change, it is easier for homeowners to renovate existing garages or build them on their property to serve as housing. The goal is to expand affordable housing and, if people decide to rent them out as a short-term rental, they can all within the citys guidelines. 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Four months later, the Richmond City Council plans to honor the 26-year-olds legacy by naming the 300 block of West Main Street after him. The decision came following the introduction of an ordinance introduced by 2nd District Councilwoman Katherine Jordan and 4th District Councilwoman Kristin Nye. The ordinance passed unanimously at the councils Monday night meeting. Soares, who had a passion for politics, was the youngest person to serve in Gov. Ralph Northams administration as the Asian American Pacific Islander outreach director as well as the deputy director of appointments for the state. Additionally, he worked on environmental-related issues for the late Congressman Donald McEachin and was a legislative aide to Del. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun. At the time of his death in May, Soares worked for the Virginia Conservation Network, a nonprofit organization aimed at facilitating environmental conservation policies. In his short career, Soares helped influence many public policies and planned to continue his work in environmental justice as well as advocacy for the Asian American Pacific Islander communities. Born in Goa, India, before immigrating to the U.S. in 2005, Soares was proud of his heritage and worked closely with other community outreach organizations. In mid-2021, Soares placed photos from the Stop Asian Hate protests into the time capsule buried under where the Robert E. Lee monument stood. In his personal life, Soares was also a DJ performing under the name Mezmereyez. In 2019, he opened for Tipper at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., as well as being an integral part of many music collectives including The Gradient Perspective, Drum Circle and Ebisu Sound. Soares death marked the fourth fatal collision involving a pedestrian this year and the second to occur on the same street, according to data from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The crash, which occurred at the 300 block of West Main Street, is part of Richmonds High Injury Street Network, a group of roads identified in the citys Vision Zero plan as accounting for 7% of road mileage in Richmond but over 60% of serious or fatal crashes, according to data from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Following his death, the city began to make changes to Main Street, including adding bump-outs at intersections to narrow the road and slow traffic. While a sign will be placed at the site, it will not replace the existing name of the street. The Department of Public Works will install the sign as soon as practicable. Soares was the long-term boyfriend of Times-Dispatch education reporter Anna Bryson. From the Archives: The opening of Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall Cloverleaf Mall A partial home collapse in Petersburg that trapped a man in the basement for hours is under investigation. Fire crews responded to the 1400 block of Halifax Street between Custer and Hawk streets for reports of the collapse at around 11 a.m. Monday. According to authorities, two people were renovating the house when a section of the structure crumbled, burying one of the workers. The mans coworker remained on the scene until emergency responders arrived and began working to clear the debris. Nearby Cool Springs Elementary School was used as a staging site for the rescue operation, with a medical flight on standby, according to an employee at the school. Authorities said emergency responders successfully freed the man between 3 and 4 p.m. and took him to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The nature and extent of the mans injuries was not immediately clear. He was reported to be in stable condition. Tax and property records from 2022 identified the owner of the property as Richmond-based Millennium Property, LLC, although it is unclear whether the company still owns the house. Millennium Property agent German Bustillo could not be reached for comment on the collapse. From the Archives: 27 photos of Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Willow Lawn Police said they have suspended the search for a man who led them on a chase on eastbound Interstate 64 in New Kent County before crashing and fleeing the scene Tuesday morning. Virginia State Police in a statement said troopers attempted to pull over a silver BMW sport-utility vehicle at the mile marker 220 at about 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. The BMW had expired registration tags and was blocking the flow of traffic on the interstate, police said. The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed when officers activated lights and sirens, police said. The SUV crashed on the ramp for exit 205 onto New Kent Highway and the man fled on foot. Canine and air units with the Virginia State Police were assisting New Kent and Henrico County police in the search. The suspect was described as a thin Black man who may be shirtless and is not wearing shoes. No arrests have been made in the incident, police said. They did not disclose a reason for the suspension. Anyone with information is asked to call (804) 609-5656 or #77 from a cellphone or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov. From the Archives: The Richmond Symphony From Richmond north to the Northern Virginia suburbs and east to Hampton Roads, Virginias urban crescent could become a crucible of economic pain if Congress fails to avert a shutdown of the federal government by Saturday night. Virginia is home to 140,397 civilian federal employees the second-highest concentration in the country after California and that does not include the Virginians who work at the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Those workers are counted as residents of Washington, D.C., in a new tally the Congressional Research Service released Thursday. That count also does not include more than 126,000 active-duty members of the military who live in Virginia, which benefits from the highest level of defense spending in the U.S., or more than 162,000 spouses and dependents on military bases in the state. Nor does it reflect defense contractors who are crucial to the states economy and workforce. Could the stakes be any higher for Virginia in what has become a familiar budget drama in Congress? I think Congress as a whole needs to get their act together, said the Virginia General Assemblys House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, who represents a defense-dependent area that would be among the hardest hit if the government shuts down at midnight on Saturday. Knight represents part of the 2nd Congressional District, with more than 34,000 civilian federal employees, not including active-duty military. Richmond area In the Richmond area, 18,846 civilian federal employees live in the 4th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, not including active-duty military at Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) on the outskirts of Petersburg. An additional 20,120 civilian employees live in the 1st Congressional District, which includes parts of Chesterfield and Henrico counties. It is served by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st. I dont think government shutdowns are good, said Wittman, whose district previously included more than 70,000 federal employees before it was redrawn in late 2021. Ive been through three government shutdowns. Never has there been a shutdown where I said, That was the right thing to do. In contrast, the 5th Congressional District, including a slice of Hanover County, is home to the fewest number of civilian federal employees in Virginia 6,714, or about 1.87% of the local workforce. Rep. Bob Good, R-5th, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, represents the district. Good insists on reductions in current federal spending and increased security on the U.S. southern border in return for a stopgap budget resolution or budget agreement to fund the government in the fiscal year that begins Sunday. House conservatives also have demanded an inquiry into the impeachment of President Joe Biden, a Democrat who is running for reelection next year. We should not fear a government shutdown, Good said outside the U.S. Capitol last month. Most of the American people wont even miss it if the government is shut down temporarily. He clarified those remarks on Monday. I never said that no one is hurt at all, he said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Instead, Good said fear of a government shutdown is not reason enough to back down on demands for deep cuts in federal spending while bolstering security at the border. He contends that a shutdown would affect only about 15% of federal spending. However, it could affect a major employer in his district, Lynchburg-based BWX Technologies Inc. The company is a federal contractor with about 2,000 employees in Virginia and thousands more around the country, working on programs for a variety of federal agencies, both at sites we own and at sites where we provide management and operations services for the U.S. government, spokesman Jud Simmons said Monday. Like other contractors, we are closely monitoring the budget situation and consulting with our customers in terms of possible impacts, Simmons said. Given that the national budget negotiations are ongoing, it would be premature for us to comment or speculate on specific impacts at our facilities in Virginia or elsewhere. Good said Monday that he would support a continuing resolution, or stopgap measure, to fund the government for an additional 30 days, but only at levels consistent with the House Republican position before Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached agreement with Biden and the Democratic-controlled Senate on the Fiscal Responsibility Act in late May to prevent a default on the national debt. He said House Republicans would seek to reduce total spending by $64 billion from current levels in the budget, including four appropriations bills that will be introduced on Tuesday. That approach is not likely to fly in the Senate, said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who does not expect the Senate to agree to spending levels below those included in the deal that Biden signed June 3. Were not going to let the team that lost four months ago suddenly get their way, Kaine said in an interview on Monday. Instead, he said the Senate is moving to amend a House bill related to the Federal Aviation Administration as the legislative vehicle for a bipartisan budget agreement that he hopes the House can accept in time to prevent a shutdown. Particularly if they arent able to pass their own bill, we think a bipartisan bill coming from the Senate would be persuasive, he said. Kaine successfully negotiated an agreement in 2019 to ensure that federal employees would receive back pay for wages lost in a partial shutdown of the federal government for 35 days and in future shutdowns. It doesnt protect contractors, and it doesnt get people paid in a timely fashion, he said. Northern Virginia The most federal employees in Virginia affected by a shutdown would be concentrated in the Northern Virginia suburbs, where Rep. Don Beyer, D-8th, represents a congressional district that is home to 72,872 employees, the most in any single district in the country outside of the nations capital itself, according to the new congressional survey. Four congressional districts in Northern Virginia account for 226,473 civilian federal employees, followed by 83,846 civilian employees in three congressional districts in Hampton Roads. The effects would travel south along Interstate 95, where 59,210 civilian federal employees live in the 7th Congressional District that extends from eastern Prince William County through Fredericksburg to Caroline County. The district, including the U.S. Marine Corps Base at Quantico, is represented by Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, who met with local government officials and business leaders in Prince William earlier this month about the potential shutdown. Previous shutdowns have historically hurt the finances and job security of families across the Commonwealth especially in Northern Virginia, Spanberger said. Its not a case of Chicken Little or The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Its not a fairy tale. For thousands of Virginians, its reality. Ripple effects The effects of a shutdown would be felt beyond federal employees and contractors, warned Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Were also talking about people who make money off those federal employees people who sell them lunch, people who sell them gas, Farnsworth said. There are all kinds of people who make money off of federal employees if theyre working. Farnsworth said a federal government shutdown also could hurt Republican candidates for the General Assembly in crucial elections in November, including those in competitive races in the Fredericksburg area that could determine control of both the state Senate and House of Delegates. Early voting began Friday for all 140 seats in the assembly. If youre a Democratic candidate for legislative office in Virginia, you have already benefited from the Republican circular firing squad on Capitol Hill, he said. If a shutdown does happen, thats going to sink Republican candidates in suburban districts in Virginia. Gov. Glenn Youngkin is leading a well-financed Republican charge to take control of both chambers of the assembly, which currently is politically divided. He asked for patience at a rally last week, while acknowledging the anxiety of Virginians who would be affected by a shutdown. So lets just see how these next nine days play out, Youngkin said Thursday. However the standoff ends, Kaine hopes to discourage future threats of government shutdowns with legislation that he and Beyer have introduced to automatically trigger stopgap spending measures at the end of the federal fiscal year while preventing Congress from acting on other work until it completes the budget. That legislation will not pass in time to prevent a shutdown this weekend, but could be part of a final budget deal later this year, he said. Were tired of this. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is sworn in on historic day Cigna Health and Life, one of the larger health insurers in Virginia, will pay an unusually large civil penalty of $150,000 to settle a Bureau of Insurance complaint that it was misleading customers about bills they would face if they went outside its network of providers. The company is changing the language in its forms to fix the problem. The issue is over balance billing, a practice that used to cost some patients tens of thousands of dollars when they went to doctors who are not in an insurers network. Virginia banned balance billing in 2020 after years of impasse between insurers and providers. Some health care practices, particularly emergency room doctors, anesthesiologists or laboratories that worked in an in-network hospital but were themselves not in a network, would bill patients for amounts above what the insurers paid for a service. In many cases, patients were not aware that they were using an out-of-network provider. Cignas explanation of benefits forms, which detail to patients what it paid on a claim and what they should pay, did not make clear that the Virginia law meant customers were no longer liable for such so-called balance billings, the Bureau of Insurance said. A bureau investigation found nearly 13,700 forms with the improper disclosure. The problem was language directed at health care providers that said a patient should not be liable if the provider accepted Cignas payment. The State Corporation Commission said the form should instead state clearly that the patient was not liable to the health care provider. Under Virginias balance billing ban, insurers are supposed to pay out-of-network providers a fee in line with the norm for the service in their part of Virginia. Disputes about the amount paid go to an arbitrator. Earlier this year, a bureau review found the number of disputes going to arbitration had declined. Insurers and provider associations say they believe that is because the 2020 law is leading both sides toward a middle ground, where insurers feel they are not paying too much and providers feel they are getting adequate compensation for their work. In a letter to Cigna this month, Julie Blauvelt, the bureaus deputy commissioner for life and health insurance, said the company has repeatedly failed to timely provide information when the regulators began looking into the issue in June 2022. She said Cigna did make an effort beginning in November to improve its responsiveness. Cigna, in agreeing to the settlement, said it did not admit to any violation of law. The company collected $1.15 billion in premiums from Virginians last year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. A look at some of the new Virginia laws that started in July UTILITY BILLS NOTICE OF RENT INCREASES AT WORK CRIME FAMILIES DRIVING American pedestrian detained after customs finds $51,000 USD Mexicali, Baja California An American man has been arrested for failing to legally declare cash. The unnamed man was taken into custody by National Guard after customs located over $51,000 USD in a backpack. The arrest was made from the pedestrian bridge at Mexicali, in Baja California. Officers from Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de Mexico or National Customs Agency, located the money after he waked through the nothing to declare lane of customs. The discovery was made in the pedestrian area of the International Line Checkpoint One in Mexicali where staff asked the man to place his backpack through the X-ray inspection from where agents detected several objects, Guardia Nacional reported. Inside the backpack they located 8,570 pesos and cellular equipment, as well as a computer and eleven transparent plastic envelopes with wads of bills of different denominations. In total, Mexican Customs found $51,685 US dollars without the legal declaration. His items were sezied and he was arrested and since made available to the Agency of the Public Ministry of the Federation in Baja California. The National Guard and the National Customs Agency of Mexico reaffirm their commitment to fulfill the tasks entrusted to eradicate corruption and tax evasion, they added in their statement. Chetumal firemen save home after second story fire Chetumal, Q.R. Chetumal firemen were able to save a home after a fire on the second floor Sunday night. Firemen were sent to a home on Kingston Street in the Americas III neighborhood after a report of a fire. The family were found on the street after running from their burning house. Paramedics arrived shortly after firemen. One person, a woman, was treated on site by medical personnel for smoke inhalation. Firemen spent approximately 30 minutes extinguishing flames. An unofficial report of a short circuit in an upstairs room has been reported as the likely cause, however, authorities are investigating for the exact cause. Cozumel police seize baby croc from home after residents did not know who to call Cozumel, Q.R. Police in Cozumel were sent to a private home after residents requested help with a crocodile. People living inside the home found the small reptile and did not know who to call, Policia Cozumel reported. Elements of the police corporation provided help to residents of Las Fincas who reported a crocodile inside their home. The responding officers arrived to find a baby crocodile who had wandered onto the property. During a supervision and prevention tour, the Deputy Director of Traffic Telly Caamal Hau and elements of the police were hailed by a group of neighbors near the Las Fincas entrance who indicated that in a home, of one of the residents had a crocodile inside and they did not know who to call, they reported. The officers patrolling the area went inside the home where they secured an 80 centimeter long baby crocodile. Cozumel Police secured the baby croc from inside the home. Photo: Policia Cozumel September 24, 2023. Upon arrival, police observed that it was a baby crocodile measuring approximately 80 centimeters. For this reason, and to prevent it from going to another home, they proceeded to secure it, placing it in a bag without causing harm. Later they transferred it to the Ecology Subdirectorate where it were received by the chief operative Biologist Gibran Tuxpan Torrijo who confirmed that the species was a juvenile river crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), which is a protected species, they reported. Once the paperwork was completed, police returned to their work role, later confirming that the crocodile was released by Ecology staff into its natural habitat in the mangrove area in the northern part of the island. Last week, a family in Chetumal called firemen after they located a 1.5 meter long crocodile sleeping in an enclosed area of their back yard. Lopez Obrador announces next Maya Train test tour from Cancun to Escarcega Mexico City, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that his second supervision tour aboard the Maya Train will take place in two weeks. The next test tour, which is part of the Maya Train progress, will travel from Cancun, Quintana Roo to Escarcega, Campeche. The test tour will be on October 6, 7 and 8. In two weeks we are going to get on the train. We are going to supervise Cancun to Escarcega on the train, he reported at his Monday morning press conference. The President estimated that in November, he will supervise the work of the Maya Train from Cancun, Quintana Roo, to Palenque, Chiapas, after the consolidation of the Boca del Cerro Bridge, which crosses the Usumacinta River. He recognized the commitment of construction companies participating in the project that will bring financial well-being and development to Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Everyone is working on the Maya Train. () It is the most important work being built in the world, he said. Lopez Obrador reiterated that currently, the construction industry offers more jobs than any other and grew as a result of the construction of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum, Quintana Roo, the Felipe Angeles International Airport and the Olmeca Refinery, among priority public works. The Maya Train has a total length of 1,554 kilometers of track and is executed with public investment, which this year amounts to almost one billion pesos, double the budget allocated in 2018, corresponding to the previous six-year period. In early September, AMLO participated in his first test tour of the Maya Train, riding it for three days to various locations. His October test tour will be his second. Mexico condemns attack against Cuban Embassy in Washington Mexico City, Mexico The Government of Mexico condemns the attack against the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC. The Government of Mexico, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly condemns the attack of September 24, 2023 against the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC, and expresses its solidarity with the people and Government of Cuba. We reiterate our commitment to the fight against violence in all its forms. We urge a thorough investigation and bringing those responsible to justice. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Barcena Ibarra, has expressed her solidarity with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. We reaffirm our commitment to peace and dialogue, and condemn any form of violence. On Sunday night, the Embassy of Cuba in Washington, D.C., was the target of a terrorist attack, said Cubas Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. On Sunday, two Molotov cocktails were thrown at the building. No injuries were reported. On the evening of Sep 24, the Cuban embassy in the US was the target of a terrorist attack by an individual who launched 2 Molotov cocktails. The staff suffered no harm. Details are being worked out. This is the second violent attack against Cubas diplomatic mission, he posted on social media. In a Whitehouse press release, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said The United States strongly condemns Sundays reported attack on the Cuban embassy in Washington, DC. Attacks against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable. We are in contact with Cuban embassy officials and law enforcement authorities to ensure an appropriate and timely investigation as well as to offer our support for future protective efforts. Mexico extradites two American men found wanted in Texas Mexico City, Mexico Two American men have been extradited to the United States to face charges for varying criminal offences. On Monday, the Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR) extradited Americans Luis Alberto O and Johnnie L. Both men were handed over to waiting U.S. federal authorities in Mexico City for their return to Texas where they will face separate charges. According to the FGR, Luis Alberto O of Mexican and American nationality was required by the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas for criminal association and money laundering. The dual citizen is believed part of an organization in which he laundered money through bank accounts which was the product of drug trafficking. He was arrested in April of this year in Zapopan, Jalisco. On the same flight bound for Texas, federal authorities escorted American Johnnie L, who was wanted by the District Court of Ector County, Texas. He has been wanted by the Texas court since 2018 for attempted homicide. In the FGR statement, they reported that in September of 2018, police officers in Odessa, Texas responded to a call for help in which the mother of two minors informed authorities that Johnnie L hurt them because they would not stop crying. He was arrested in April of this year in the city of Chihuahua, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua on an outstanding warrant for attempted homicide. Both American men were escorted by U.S. federal agents from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) from where they were transferred back to Texas. Riviera Maya restaurant sector demanding more effort in the fight against extortion Riviera Maya, Q.R. Given the recent simultaneous attacks on restaurants in Benito Juarez and Solidaridad, Marc Puyol, President of Coparmex Riviera Maya, reported that there is concern on the part of the business sector about extortion and alleged so-called floor right charges. He says it is unfortunate that crime has grown at the same rate as Riviera Maya and that tourism is driven away from Cancun which has become a successful tourist destination. According to Puyol, 80 percent of businesses extorted do not report the threats to local authorities out of fear. Eighty percent of businessmen do not report extortion threats and if they do not make a report, there is no resolution or way for the authorities themselves to resolve the extortion situation, he explained. He said it is necessary to file a legal complaint so authorities can eliminate the problem of extortion. Therefore, the Confederacion Patronal de la Republica Mexicana (Coparmex) have requested businesses have faith in local authorities and above all for the businessman to file a complaint. Through a statement, Coparmex Riviera Maya has asked authorities to stop extortion in Playa del Carmen and Cancun after a restaurant chain was shot at over the weekend. The same seafood restaurant, one located in Cancun and the other in Playa del Carmen, were shot at Sunday afternoon at the same time. The shootings are believed extortion-related. Puyol is urging authorities to protect businesses and guarantee the safety of citizens, requesting more effort and strength in their security strategy together with the Attorney Generals Office of Quintana Roo. He says from the private sector, we promote the culture of reporting and are calling on our legislators to urgently classify extortion as a serious crime with a Constitution reform of Article 73, Fracc 21. Currently, complaints of extortion or floor right collection fees are generally classified along with other low-impact crimes. Coparmex Riviera Maya has over 140 affiliated companies representing more than 30,000 jobs. Road bypass likely for Tulum after launch of new airport and train Tulum, Q.R. State government officials are meeting to plan a road bypass system for the municipality of Tulum. The bypass is being considered to avoid anticipated road congestion once the airport and Maya Train are complete. Governor Mara Lezama says she is meeting with Rogelio Jimenez Pons, the Undersecretary of Transportation of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), to analyze the project. She explained that after the launch of the Maya Train and the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, Tulum will have a bypass that will serve as a complementary project to the other two federal mega-projects. In Tulum, with the arrival of the Maya Train and the International Airport, we need a bypass so in that sense, we are going to continue working, we are going to continue building, she said. Lezama highlighted the importance of opening a bypass, especially for vehicular cargo along the federal 307, however, she says the road bypass will relieve traffic congestion in general. Lezama said that during her meeting with Jimenez Pons, other projects will also be analyzed to improve and expand road infrastructure around the state. Correction Sept. 28, 2023, 5 p.m.: First National Exchange Bank opened the banking facility on Plantation Road in Roanoke County in the 1970s that Wells Fargo plans to expand. The originally posted version of this article incorrectly reported the founding bank's name and has been updated. Wells Fargo & Co. announced an agreement Tuesday that calls for hiring of at least 1,000 employees at an average annual wage of $52,000 to expand its customer service hub in Roanoke County. The office center on Plantation Road will undergo modernization at a cost of $87 million, the company said in a joint announcement with government officials Tuesday. Construction is scheduled to begin in December and take two years to complete. It is a great day for Roanoke County and its one we should never forget, Supervisor Phil North said as the county board voted in favor of giving the project government assistance. Established in the 1970s by First National Exchange Bankin Roanoke, the office center employs 1,650 personnel today. A Wells Fargo spokesman was unable to provide specific reasons for the expansion by late Tuesday afternoon. Like other banks, Wells Fargo has been closing branches, including in Virginia. Wells Fargo is ranked fourth in the nation, with $1.9 trillion in assets in June and one in three U.S. households as customers. It ranks second in the Roanoke Valley and third in the New River Valley in deposit market share. Roanoke County officials spoke at length of their appreciation for the San Francisco-based company and it making a new, long-term commitment to the county. It is the largest office project announced in county history in terms of jobs and capital investment, according to county officials. County Administrator Richard Caywood said the county and state offered aggressive taxpayer-funded incentives worth an estimated $20 million to defray the expense, because of the banks enormous hiring and construction plans and positive spin-off effects on the economy. The office center, at 449,504 square feet, is a large facility and, according to Caywood, Wells Fargo has not told county leaders it needs to expand the building footprint just modernize the structure. Personnel inside the facility, which is not open to the public, have performed back-office operations in banking for years under multiple brand names. First National Exchange Bank, which built it, later became Dominion Bank. Dominion was bought by First Union in 1992. First Union bought Wachovia in 2001, keeping the Wachovia name. Wells Fargo bought Wachovia in 2008. Wells Fargo is excited to announce this significant commitment to the Roanoke area as an important employment center for the company, John Delaney, Wells Fargos head of consumer operations, said in a prepared release. Were one of the largest private employers in the Roanoke region, and we are pleased to be able to make these investments in this space, including expanded amenities like food, health, and well-being options, as well as improved and expanded collaboration spaces, all supported through significant upgrades in technology throughout the building. The bank has four years to create at least 1,000 jobs with an average salary of at least $52,114 and spend the $87 million, which breaks down to $50 million for building work and $37 million for equipment, to qualify for government incentives, officials said in describing a performance agreement adopted by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Tuesday afternoon. The state is earmarking $15 million, conditioned on General Assembly approval, while the county agreed to a grant whose current estimated size is nearly $5.38 million. The county grant will be based on the increased real estate and business personal property tax paid by Wells Fargo for the Plantation address during a span of years. The county has improved roads and sidewalks in the Plantation Road corridor at a cost of more than $12 million in local, state and federal money over 10 years because it is a major employment center, also occupied by Elbit Systems and Double Envelope. Caywood said he believes the work, which transformed the desirability of the area, has paid off in light of the Wells Fargo announcement. Were just really happy because this is exactly the kind of thing were trying do, Caywood said. The Roanoke Regional Partnership estimated the project will generate $322 million in annual economic activity once constructed with all new staff hired. PULASKI A man charged two years ago with murdering his mother after he was released from a Tennessee mental health facility wad found not guilty by reason of insanity as the result of a plea deal Tuesday. Cory Stephen Mangekian, 29, was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in July in connection with the April 2021 death of his 60-year-old mother, Sandra Lee Mangekian. Mangekian, guided by his attorney Jimmy Turk, accepted the agreement Tuesday that permitted him to plead insanity to the murder charge, plus three other felonies: breaking and entering, the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and the grand larceny of a motor vehicle. Mangekian will be placed into the temporary custody of the Department of Behavioral and and Developmental Services. According to court documents, he is expected to be evaluated and receive in-patient treatment at Central State Hospital in Petersburg. This young man was released from a mental health facility of another state on the same day this tragedy occurred in our county, Commonwealths Attorney Justin Griffith wrote in a news release Tuesday morning. Griffith said that Mangekian had implored his mother not to come get him after he was released from the Tennessee facility, because he was in the midst of battling delusions in his mind and had concerns for her physical safety. But, as any loving mother, Griffith wrote, she simply wanted to be with her son in his time of need and to play an active part in setting up a plan for his recovery. That was April 20, 2021. The next day, Pulaski County Sheriffs Office deputies found Mangekians mothers body wrapped in a carpet in her home. The regional medical examiners office found that blunt force trauma to her head and torso caused her death. Investigators and attorneys believed that the mothers violent death stemmed from an unprecedented mental health episode, Griffith said. Our beliefs were validated by a written medical opinion from the Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy, or ILPPP, at the University of Virginia. Mangekian was found competent to stand trial in Pulaski General District Court after an initial psychological evaluation. The second medical opinion from ILPPP found that he was not sane on the date of the murder offense. Judge Bradley Finch made it clear as he found Mangekian not guilty that the man would not be at liberty once Tuesdays hearing was over. He has to be in the secure custody of the department the entire time, the judge said. There is no current plan in place for this young man that would allow for his release into our community, Griffith wrote in his statement to the press. Our office will continue to work with the DBHDS to ensure that our goal of public safety is being met. Members of Mangekians family were in the courtroom Tuesday. Griffith said during the hearing that they were in support of the plea agreement. I am appreciative of the supportive relationship we have cultivated with the Mangekian family, Griffith wrote in his statement. There is no handbook for a family to follow when they are thrust into a crisis. In my opinion, this family has set the bar with their understanding of and their patience with the criminal justice. Griffith said it was unfortunate that the Pulaski County community never got to know how its services and amenities could have positively impacted Mangekian. Make no mistake, the cancerous-like spread of mental illness spares no one in its path, Griffith wrote. This case was a firm reminder of something our community needed no reminder of. A hearing to review the status of Mangekians case has been scheduled for Jan. 8. The former owner of a Roanoke tax preparation business is charged with wire fraud and making false tax returns. Brian Hoeppner, 65, is accused of taking at least $125,000 in an indictment returned Thursday by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in Roanoke. As head of Blue Ridge Bookkeeping, Hoeppner was hired to process the payroll of a business referred to only as Company 1 in the indictment. His duties included collecting Social Security, Medicare and income tax deductions from employee paychecks and forwarding them to the Internal Revenue Service. From September 2012 through December 2019, Hoeppner converted to his own personal use the funds, the indictment alleges. When the owner of Company 1 received notification from the IRS that the payments were delinquent, Hoeppner told the woman to ignore the notices explaining that it was a mistake on the governments part and promising to take care of it, according to the indictment. Hoeppner is also charged with making false personal tax returns. A number for Blue Ridge Bookkeeping from the Better Business Bureaus website is no longer in service, and the company is not at the listed Grandin Village address. All indications are the business is closed, Brian McGinn, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office, wrote in an email. Efforts to reach Hoeppner were unsuccessful. Six people declared interest in an upcoming vacancy on the Salem School Board but only one candidate and her supporters spoke Monday at a public hearing held by city council, which will appoint the new board member. Salem, like Roanoke, is among the few Virginia localities with appointed rather than elected school boards. In Salem, the five school board members are appointed to three-year terms. At Mondays city council meeting, staff said the people who asked to be considered for the schools seat included Rachel Thompson; Chelsea Dyer, a Realtor; Angel Lane, also a Realtor; Tom Fame, an allergy doctor and former Air Force pediatrician; Ray Varney, a former Virginia Department of Transportation resident engineer; and Bill Gerrol, a longtime schools worker in Salem and Craig County and former assistant principal of Salem High School. Thompson, an attorney who focuses on immigration and adoption, was the only candidate to speak at the hearing. Thompson said that this is her second time applying for a school board seat and listed qualifications that she hoped council would consider. Among them were her business experience and that three of her four children presently attend Salem schools. Thompson said that she thought it was important that school board members be parents of students because it would make them feel more invested in school operations. The decisions made today will be felt by my children tomorrow, Thompson said. Thompson said that as a Black woman, she would be a minority person on the school board. The citys boards should be representative of the citys growing diversity. Presently, Blacks are the largest minority group among students and school staff, making up 14% of students and almost 8% of staff, Thompson said. Council should choose the most qualified candidate by choosing her, Thompson said. Two city teachers, both neighbors and friends of Thompson, spoke in support of her candidacy. The next step in the appointment process will be for council members to interview the candidates, Mayor Renee Turk said. The school board vacancy is the seat presently held by David Preston, who has served five terms on the board and was its chairman from 2013 until earlier this year. Prestons term expires at the end of December. Preston was in the audience Monday and received a standing ovation after Turk thanked him for his years of work on the board. Turk also thanked everyone who had applied for the schools seat. We appreciate that you care, Turk said. The Presbyterian Church of Radford has a weighty problem. In fact, its got a bunch of them. Weighed together, the problems in question would tip the scales at a couple-few tons. These problems are gorgeous, historical and fragile were talking artifacts dating to 1894. Theyre from a 19th century brick church built on the east side of Radford, and torn down in 2004. Nowadays, the land in question is part of Radford Universitys campus. In a nutshell, Presbyterian Church of Radford is trying to give away stained-glass windows, a bell and lighting fixtures it inherited after the university tore down the old Tyler Memorial Presbyterian Church some three decades ago. The governing body, or session of Presbyterian Church of Radford has decided to offer all or any of the windows, bell and fixtures to another Presbyterian church. Or if no Presbyterian congregation wants them, to a church of a different denomination. We have had these items in storage for many years, said church member Maureen Thomas. Shes a committee of one whom the churchs session has appointed to dispose of the items. In all, there are eight windows of varying sizes but theyre all big. The smaller ones range from 48 to 54 inches wide and are more than 6 feet tall, Thomas told me. The largest window is 10 feet wide and 5 feet tall. The stained-glass and art-glass creations were removed from Tyler Memorial Church in their original 2 x 6-inch timber framing and safeguarded in plywood housing. The bell is packed in a plywood crate, too, Thomas said. The bells stored in a barn but the windows are stored inside the church, in a youth-programs room the church would prefer to put to better use, such as a meeting place for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Thomas said. I have a need to reach as many people as possible, Thomas wrote me last week. So I thought I would see if this story might be of interest and help the Presbyterian Church of Radford. And possibly other churches as well. Anyone whos interested should contact her by email only at maureen.s.thomas@gmail.com (with no period on the end). Shes already inquired with antique dealers, but hasnt found much interest, she said. The windows display geometric patterns, rather than religious scenes depicting saints. For that reason they would not be inappropriate in most any church, Thomas said. They appear to be more art-glass, which is colored but milky and impossible to see through, and less traditional stained glass, which is translucent. Whoever wants the windows has to agree to pick them up and transport them, Thomas said. That may be easier said than done because the items are heavy and unwieldy. Thomas estimated the smaller windows, packed, weigh 300 to 400 pounds each. The bell weighs more. The farmer whos storing it in his barn moves it around with a tractor, she added. Tyler Memorial Presbyterian Church was founded on land donated by the Hammet family in the late 1800s. James Hoge Tyler, who was raised in Pulaski and served as Virginias 43rd governor, married into that family. Thomas said the Hammets donated land for the church and Tyler and his wife donated land for its parsonage. When the church opened in 1894, it was known as Radford Central Presbyterian Church. In 1934, the church was renamed Tyler Memorial Presbyterian Church, after Tyler, who served as lieutenant governor from 1890-94 and as Virginias 43rd governor from 1899-1902. Those were heady days down in Radford, which was once named Central Depot. Its population exploded tenfold, to 3,000 people, between 1880 and 1890, according to a church history. In 1968, Tyler Memorial Church merged with Presbyterian Church of Radford, and two years later, the church suspended its services in the old building. Instead, the Presbyterian Church of Radford allowed other denominations to use the building as a student chapel. In 1988, the church sold the building to Radford University, which renamed it Fairfax Hall and used it to house Radfords religious studies program. The university tore it down in 2004. Before that demolition, the university saved the old buildings stained-glass windows in their original frames. And the bell, as well as some lightning fixtures, which were apparently added after electrification. The university stored the items for roughly 15 years, Thomas said. Then it ran out of room and handed them over to Presbyterian Church of Radford. The church has been storing them ever since. In her imagination, she envisions the church windows and bell adorning a small country church that cant afford its own decorative windows. Those arent cheap. Thomas said the antique dealers shes talked to estimate the windows value at a minimum of $1,500 each. She has no estimate on the bell. We have ascertained that we cannot possibly use all of these wonderful historic pieces, Thomas said. I want these things to be appreciated and loved. Photos: Church seeks new owners for old windows, bell Two new Amazon operations facilities are coming to Virginia Beach, expected to eventually employ over 1,000 people, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday. The retailer will establish a robotics fulfillment center expected to launch in 2025 and a delivery station expected to be running in time for the 2024 holiday season, the Republican governor's office said in a news release. The new facilities will be Amazon's 14th fulfillment and sorting center in Virginia and the 17th delivery station. The company, which has a headquarters in Arlington, has invested more than $109 billion in Virginia since 2010, including infrastructure and employee compensation, Youngkin's office said. Amazons cutting-edge fulfillment centers generate major capital investment and thousands of jobs and strengthen Virginias position as a logistics industry leader on the East Coast, Youngkin said in a statement. We see Amazons expanding footprint impacting economic growth and innovation across the Commonwealth, and we will continue to compete for additional investment in Virginia. The announcement did not specify the expected wages, but said Amazon offers industry-leading pay and benefits. The city of Virginia Beach will fund stormwater and road improvements for the projects, according to the news release, which did not specify whether the state had awarded any other incentives. At the University of Virginia Board of Visitors first meeting of the academic year earlier this month, members got an education on how a high-functioning board operates. But not everyone agreed with the lesson. Clayton S. Rose, who previously served as president of Bowdoin College from 2015 to 2023 and is now a professor at Harvard Business School, led the conversation. He was clear on one point: Board members should serve the universitys interests that is, not personal interests. Boards are a single unit, not a collection of free agents with a particular agenda in mind. They focus on the universitys interest, he told the board. Board members should be cheerleaders, he said, protecting the reputation of the institution they serve. His point elicited some strong criticism from two board members, both appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Doug Wetmore, appointed last year, and Paul Harris, who just took his seat on the board this summer, argued that, while it might be true that trustees of private colleges which Rose is familiar with serve the university, UVa is different. UVa is a state institution. In the schools own Statement of Visitor Responsibilities it makes it clear: Visitors support the Universitys broader public mission and promote the values of a public university, including serving as conduits for conveying the interests of citizens and political leaders of the Commonwealth to the University. Were a public body, said Wetmore. Our responsibilities are laid out in the Virginia Code. We take public oath of office to uphold the state constitution. Our meetings are open to the public. We have FOIA. The money we spend is public money. While the boards members should naturally serve the school itself, they also owe an obligation to Virginia taxpayers and residents, Harris and Wetmore said. The discussion of leadership also included the relationship between the board and the president. Among the boards most primary and important duties are appointing and evaluating the universitys president, according to the boards statement of responsibilities. Vice Rector Carlos Brown, general counsel for Dominion Energy and an appointee of Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, offered an analogy. The president of the university is like a horse, he said. The board builds fences, establishing the parameters of the presidents work, and then allows the president to roam within the pasture. Theres a partnership in that analogy, said President Jim Ryan. I place great value on the guidance and leadership our Board of Visitors provides in setting a direction for the University and working with my team and me as we work to execute that vision, Ryan told The Daily Progress in an email after the meeting, clarifying his remarks. That partnership has worked very well in my time as President, and I am proud of what weve been able to achieve together over the past 5 years. It shouldnt be taken for granted though, according to James Murray. Murray, an investment banker who was appointed to the board by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and then reappointed by Northam, made a point during the boards meeting to say that a presumption of trust between the board and Ryan could lead to dysfunction. The remark was followed by a long silence. As most early meetings go, especially one with recently appointed members, the first meeting the academic year included a great deal of questions regarding the powers of individual members, the ins and outs of the office and what to expect in the months to come. For instance, at one point, members asked who the university counsel, Clifton Iler, represents in disagreements and challenges the university faces. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Iler said his obligation is owed to the institution and not specific individuals at the institution echoing Roses remarks. My title is university counsel, and I think its university counsel for a reason, Iler said. For Youngkins newest appointees, their first meeting was a learning experience, they told The Daily Progress. Thats true even for visitors who previously served on the board. Im just learning, said John Nau, the chair and CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages who was appointed this past summer but previously served from 2011 to 2015. Every board is different. Its like a corporate board made up of members and what theyre interests are. Ive seen every report is focused on finances and student life, but every one of them is different, so Im listening. Other visitors are true newcomers, such as Harris. In my first year on the board, I anticipate spending a lot of time trying to understand this complex operating environment that is the university and understanding what its strategic priorities are and how theyre being executed, said Harris, who took his seat at the same time as Nau. I found the last few days to be very engaging and informative. Its certainly made me think about the university in a different way. Harris was the first Black Republican elected to the House of Delegates since Reconstruction in 1997, but he does have some experience in higher education. Once upon a time, he was on the other side of the table, he said. He served as a member of the administration at Hampton University for four years and gave presentations to board members. Though still finding his footing in his new position, he said he knows one thing already: Hes not there to meddle in administrative work.I completely relate to administrators at the university and how they carry out their functions with expected oversight from the board but not too much meddling and getting into managing the institution on a day-to-day basis, thats not our role, Harris said. I am very sensitive not to do that. I understand what my role is as a board member is not to get into the day-to-day stuff. That said, I do expect the administrators to not just bring good news all the time, but to be very frank and transparent about problems and challenges that exist so that we can help in our role as board members. To that point, Rector Robert Hardie pointed out to board members at the meeting that they should try not to overwhelm staff with information requests. UVa Chief Operating Officer J.J. Davis has previously told the board, especially Youngkin appointees, that her staff has struggled to answer all of their requests for information. Board membres, the school staff have said, need to be sure to follow the proper processes and go through committees to get information.Hardie asked Rose how he dealt with information requests during his time at Bowdoin. The staff has a day job, Hardie said, and they shouldnt have to undergo a fire drill every time a board member asks a question. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com. His book, "The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Governments Campaign to Squelch It" is now available in a soft cover fourth edition. For more Elias columns, visit www.californiafocus.net Another prolific American inventor, Oliver Evans, would take the principles developed by Franklin and Hadley and draw up a design for a vapor-compression cycle, or early refrigerator, in 1805. Evans' first love, however, was the steam engine, so he set his plans on ice while he spent his energy developing things like a steam-powered river dredger. Thankfully, however, Evans' design didn't go to waste. Advertisement While in Philadelphia, Evans became friends with a young inventor called Jacob Perkins. Even as a teenager, Perkins displayed remarkable ingenuity, inventing a way to plate shoe buckles at the age of 15. The precocious inventor saw the promise in Evans' work on refrigeration, and he took Evans' design and began modifying it, receiving a patent on his own design called a compression refrigeration cycle in 1834 [source: The Heritage Group]. This cycle formed the basis for modern refrigeration systems and air conditioning. Perkins then persuaded a man named John Hague to construct the first practical refrigeration machine, which utilized a closed-cycle system that involved the compression and expansion of a volatile fluid (often ether or other gases) to create cooling effects. Let There Be Ice Created more as an experiment than something fit for commercialization, Perkins' product certainly had room for improvement. For instance, since Freon wouldn't be invented for another century or so, early refrigerators like Perkins' used potentially dangerous substances such as ether and ammonia to function. Still, his device did manage to produce a small quantity of ice by drawing on the same fundamental principles used in the modern refrigerator. Following the young inventor's success in creating a functioning fridge, other inventors moved the device rapidly toward commercialization. As for Perkins, he retired soon after inventing the refrigerator and died in 1849, never witnessing the tremendous impact his invention had on modern life and mechanical refrigeration systems [source: Heritage Group]. The 100kg World War II bomb relic discovered in Upper Bukit Timah has been successfully disposed of on 26 September. (PHOTO: FB/Vivian.Balakrishnan.Sg) SINGAPORE A 100kg World War II bomb relic discovered in Upper Bukit Timah has been successfully disposed of as of Tuesday afternoon (26 September). Local media outlets reported that more than 4,000 residents in the vicinity were evacuated earlier in the morning as a precautionary measure. Safety assessments underway after successful disposal The Singapore Police Force said in a Facebook post that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had successfully handled the aerial bomb, completing the disposal at 1.45 pm. The Straits Times reported that the bomb is believed to be one of the largest wartime munitions ever found in Singapore, and was subjected to two controlled explosions. The police said around 2pm that government agencies such as the Building and Construction Authority, the Public Utilities Board, SP Group and the Housing Board were conducting assessments in the area. They were evaluating the construction site, roads, nearby drains, pipelines and the vacated buildings for any building and structural safety concerns. Several roads, including a section of the Bukit Panjang Flyover, remain closed. Government agencies declare safety all clear, residents cleared to return home In a Facebook post update at 5.09pm, the police officially confirmed that the government agencies have completed their assessment of the construction site, nearby drainage systems, pipelines and the buildings that were evacuated. "They have assessed that the affected buildings and roads are structurally safe. The residents have been informed that it is safe to return to their homes," said the police in the statement. Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Vivian Balakrishnan commends authorities and community In a Facebook post on the same day, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, also a Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, expressed his deepest appreciation for the successful disposal of the World War II bomb relic. Story continues He commended various groups for their roles in managing the situation, as he wrote "Deepest appreciation for the successful disposal of the WW2 bomb relic - the SAF EOD unit for their professionalism and courage; the SPF for their meticulous and reassuring approach to public safety; the BCA and HDB for ensuring building integrity; LTA for traffic control; the PA staff and volunteers who so cheerfully stepped up to support our community, and, of course, our residents for being calm and composed in dealing with this situation." Discovery of WWII relic sparks safety measures and road closures The war relic was initially discovered last week at the construction site of the upcoming Myst condominium, as stated by the police on Monday. Following this discovery, authorities were alerted, and the SAF EOD team determined that it was unsafe to move the war relic. Consequently, the decision was made to dispose of it on-site. To ensure public safety, a 200-metre safety zone was established around the bomb, and the surrounding roads were closed starting at 11am on Tuesday. 100kg World War II aerial bomb found at a construction site along Upper Bukit Timah Road. (PHOTO: SPF) 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. Missed out on tickets to Taylor Swifts iconic The Eras Tour? Worry not, as the global music icon brings her Taylor Swift The Eras Tour concert film to theatres worldwide on 3 November 2023! Announced via an Instagram post, Swift expressed her excitement, sharing that fans across more than 100 countries could experience the magic of The Eras Tour. The tour isnt the only thing were taking worldwide. Swifts caption read (alongside a globe emoji), Been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theaters WORLDWIDE on Oct 13! Tickets available now at www.TSTheErasTourFilm.com or on your local theaters website! Countries such as Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Bermuda, Colombia, Cyprus, Ecuador, Fiji, Gibraltar, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Ukraine, Venezuela, Zambia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Macau, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam are on the extensive screening list. Swifties in Singapore, mark your calendars as Shaw Theatres, Cathay Cineplexes, and Golden Village are showcasing the film for two weeks, starting 3 November 2023. For those eager to secure a seat, tickets are available at www.TSTheErasTourFilm.com or on local theater websites. International screenings outside North America have kicked off sales on 26 September 2023. AMC Theatres plays a pivotal role, not only releasing the film in the U.S. but also serving as the international distributor. Collaborating with global partners, AMC aims to reach audiences in over 7,500 cinemas worldwide. The films initial release in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on 13 October 2023 is already making waves, setting one-day sales records for AMC with a whopping US$26 million in the first 24 hours. Early projections hint at a possible US$75 million opening, positioning it as a potential top-grossing music concert film ever. The two-hour and forty-five-minute spectacle is bound to captivate Swifts fans and newcomers alike. In a playful nod to Swifts favorite numbers, ticket prices are set at S$19.89 for an adult ticket. Dont miss the chance to witness this culturally defining experience book your tickets now! The post Taylor Swifts Eras Tour Concert Film Goes Global, Hits Singapore In Nov For 2 Weeks appeared first on Geek Culture. SIOUX CITY A former Sioux City Police Department employee says in a lawsuit he was laid off and passed over for subsequent jobs because of his age. John Obermeyer said in an age discrimination lawsuit filed against the City of Sioux City, Woodbury County and the Woodbury County Information and Communications Commission, or WCICC, an entity that oversees information technology for the county and city, that their actions violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act because the motivating factor in the decision to lay him off and later not hire him was his age. A Sioux City Police Department employee since 2000, Obermeyer was 63 at the time he was laid off as a Sioux City Police Department telecommunications technician in late 2021. He said in his lawsuit that beginning in 2019 and lasting until early 2021, his supervisors asked him repeatedly about his retirement plans or suggested he should think about retiring. Obermeyer continually told them he planned to work until age 68 to reach eligibility for full Social Security retirement benefits and keep his health insurance benefits as long as possible. According to the lawsuit, in October 2021, Police Chief Rex Mueller and Capt. Mark Kirkpatrick told Obermeyer his position would soon be eliminated and a new hybrid position created under the supervision of WCICC to implement and oversee a new records management system. Obermeyer said he was told he could either retire or apply for the new position after his position was eliminated. A month later, Obermeyer said, he was informed the police department was going to change the way it handled the mobile data system that transmitted information to squad cars, was changing to a new software system, and implementation would be handled by the person hired to a newly created position -- the public safety systems administrator. Obermeyer was given notice he was being laid off and his last day of work would be Dec. 1, 2021. His position was the only one eliminated, and he was the oldest person in the department, the lawsuit said. Obermeyer applied for the public safety system administrator position, which he said had job duties nearly identical to what he did in his previous job at the police department, but was not interviewed for the position, which ultimately was given to a person who was age 50. Obermeyer later applied for two other positions at WCICC, one in the information technology subdivision and the other in the communications center. He was not interviewed for either job, both of which went to younger applicants. In September 2022, Obermeyer filed employment discrimination charges with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which issued him an administrative release, or right to sue, on June 22. That document is not available to the public. In the lawsuit, filed Sept. 18 in Woodbury County District Court, Obermeyer is requesting a jury trial and award of damages for emotional distress and lost wages and benefits. SIOUX CITY Police have arrested a man in connection with a robbery at a Sioux City Dollar General. The Sioux City Police Department said in a statement Monday that Owen Lee Trudeau, 20, has been arrested and charged with second-degree robbery. At 7:10 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a robbery at Dollar General, 1815 Pierce St. According to the statement, a male suspect approached the store clerk and showed her a message that instructed her to give him cash from the cash register and that he had a gun. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register before fleeing the store on foot. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with any additional information is asked to call the Sioux City Police Department at 712-279-6440 or Crime Stoppers at 712-258-8477. The minimum GPA for a prospective freshman student looking to attend Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is 2.5. However, the last two incoming classes have average GPA rankings above 3.0, which aligns with the national average for college freshmen. Thats a testament, university leadership said, to the continued depth and breadth being put into efforts like recruitment, academic and social offerings and eliminating social and economic inhibitors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more colleges than ever went test optional or ceased using tests for admissions altogether. Currently, ECSU is also test optional, not requiring ACT or SAT for entry. However, admissions personnel are yet strategic and intentional in their selection process. Its a method that involves the entire campus community and makes certain students are supported totally as they navigate high-quality, academic programs. When conducting student recruitment, we are definitely looking at the whole student and ensuring that we as an institution provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in their selected major, said Arlinda Halfacre, ECSU director of the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. We also work hand in hand with the Office of Student Success and Retention to ensure that students receive those resources. We not only want to admit and enroll the student, but we want the student to be retained and graduate on time. With community college partnerships and an emphasis on adult learners, many students now come to Viking Land with dual enrollment credit and are familiar with a college setting, admissions officials said. Once plagued by a shrinking student body, ECSU is now experiencing a robust rise in enrollment. Of note, while many colleges saw drastic dips in enrollment during the pandemic, ECSU noted a 13 % increase. The first goal in Chancellor Karrie G. Dixons Forging Our Future, five-year strategic plan is academic excellence, which states six objectives including, promoting an academic environment centered on student success. Another goal is sustainable growth, which includes improving enrollment management practices and processes. SIOUX CITY A Sioux City man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after stealing a truck and getting into a pursuit with law enforcement. Richard Weston Snyder of Sioux City was arrested for theft, felony eluding, reckless driving and speeding, according to a Sioux City Police news release. The Sioux City Police Department responded to a theft of a Chevy Silverado pick-up from the 2500 block of Solway Street at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday. The truck was unlocked with the keys inside, according to the release. A few hours later the truck was found at the 3300 block of Glenn Oaks Boulevard. When police attempted to stop the truck, Snyder, 42, led them on a pursuit into North Sioux City and Leeds. The driver traveled into Plymouth County where he finally stopped after stop sticks were deployed, according to the release. The driver surrendered to police and was taken into custody. Woodbury County Sheriffs Office, Plymouth County Sheriffs Officer and Hinton Police Department assisted in the pursuit. The Sioux City Police asked residents to lock their vehicles and never leave keys inside an unlocked vehicle. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Council approved the third and final consideration of a concept plan Monday for a residential subdivision near North Middle School. The vote was 4 to 0 to 1, with Mayor Bob Scott abstaining from casting a vote for or against the concept plan, which is an optional step a developer may take to receive preliminary approval of a conceptual vision for a site. Approval of the concept plan does not allow development to occur, as rezoning and platting would need to be approved before any development could take place at the site. Rod Lieber wants to construct a residential subdivision on a 49-acre site at 2319 and 2605 41st St. Lieber Heights would feature 131 single-family and duplex or townhouse lots. Sioux City's Planning and Zoning Commission voted to advance the concept plan to the city council for approval on Aug. 8. During the commission's meeting, a handful of property owners expressed concerns about "dramatic grading," the instability of loess soil and potential environmental impacts on the land. A lone property owner addressed the council before the vote Monday. "I would encourage all of you to drive to North Rustin Street and look west across that area," David Raymond told the council. "It's the bottom of a big valley that's going to get filled in. So, I still question where that water is going to go, or what's going to happen once they do have to do a drainage study." Raymond also asked the council, "What's the mechanism (to ensure the project is done right)?" "Once they do the zoning change and the plat's approved, it's kind of out of your hands, isn't it?" he asked. Councilman Alex Watters said he recommends the city make sure to work with the developer and the homeowners to "have different assurances, or at least a chain of documentation." "The adjacent property owners need to know who is responsible and who would help alleviate, if there continues to be a problem that was not due to their fault," Watters said. Senior Planner Chris Madsen said council approval of the concept plan does not allow for any development or grading to occur on the site. "We would still have to have a rezoning and preliminary plat submittal that would come forward," he said. "My understanding is the developer is going to take their time on that, perhaps even a couple months before they resubmit for those items. That would go to the Planning and Zoning Commission with a public notice and, then, come back to City Council for a final hearing." Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore noted, "It's no different than what we do with other developments, as far as monitoring." Jordan Rozeboom, Lieber's chief financial officer, said Lieber wants the project to be a "typical subdivision development process." "We want to make sure things are done correctly to enhance the neighborhood," he said. "We plan to take the next six to eight weeks to begin working towards more refined plans and the preliminary plat stage to answer remaining questions and to continue to move forward the right way." At its Aug. 28 meeting, the council voted to defer taking action on the concept plan until after a public meeting could be held on Sept. 7. Between 40 and 50 citizens attended the meeting at North Middle School. Madsen said updated plans, including a preliminary grading plan, were shared at the meeting and he described the response from residents as "positive." During its Sept. 11 meeting, the council approved first consideration of the concept plan by a vote of 4 to 1. Councilman Matthew O'Kane cast the lone vote against the plan. During that meeting, O'Kane said he heard "a lot of people sharing a lot of concerns" about the project. He said he was concerned about a detention pond near a proposed park on the site filling up after heavy rains and potentially posing a danger to small children. Then, at its Sept. 18 meeting, the council voted on second consideration 4 to 0 to 1, with Scott abstaining from casting a vote for or against the concept plan. "The attorney for Mr. Lieber questioned my unbiased opinion," Scott said at that time. "I'm not abstaining because I have any conflict of interest. I have no financial gain in any of these deals." Lieber has said development would occur in three stages, with the final stage of development taking place between 2026 and 2028. In the summer of 2019, Lieber withdrew plans to excavate undeveloped Loess Hills land near North Middle School for a residential subdivision, after several residents spoke out in opposition to the project, citing environmental and safety concerns. Back then, Lieber had planned to excavate most of the soil away to make room for an approximately 35-acre residential subdivision at 2321 41st St. He asked the city to rezone the plotted land from agricultural to suburban residential. Lieber reduced the number of lots in his concept plan from 140 to 133, and then, from 133 to 131, with a number of proposed lots increasing in size. According to city documents, the easterly phase of the development would be completed in 2024-2025 and include the extension of Indian Hills Drive north through the development. The second stage, estimated for 2025-2026, is in the center of the property. The final stage, estimated for 2026-2028, would be the westerly portion of the property and also have a second access to 41st Street to complete a roadway loop through the development. SIOUX CITY Julie Schoenherr is seeking a second four-year term on the Sioux City Council because she feels a commitment to serve the community. But the business woman, who previously owned and operated SoHo American Kitchen & Bar on Fourth Street, has to defeat at least one of two challengers -- Tom Murphy or Tricia Frederick -- in the Oct. 10 primary election in order to advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Primary election voters will be instructed to cast ballots for no more than one of the three candidates, according to a sample ballot posted on the Woodbury County elections website. "I have witnessed firsthand the kind of impact a new thoughtful person can add to the council and what differences they can make to the city," Schoenherr told The Journal. "I have a lot of projects started and a lot of conversations that are open that are leading to projects, and I really want to keep those projects going in a forward motion. I don't want them to die out." Murphy, a life-long Sioux Cityan, has a background in construction. He worked for the Sioux City Assessor's Office as a residential and commercial appraise for nine years, before joining the Sioux City Inspection Services as a residential and commercial building inspector. Murphy, who was promoted to chief building inspector, retired after serving the city for 32 years. During his tenure with the city, murphy worked on a number of high-profile projects, including Lakeport Commons, Seaboard Triumph Foods, Fleet Farm, Hobby Lobby, Lowes, Home Depot, as well as new elementary schools and numerous apartment complexes and strip malls. "My goal, if I am elected, is to ensure Sioux City is a safe place to live and raise families. I enjoy listening to what people have to say and am very approachable," he said in a statement provided to The Journal. "It is essential that the City of Sioux City promote economic growth, public safety, infrastructure and tax relief. I definitely have a common-sense approach and have been well-respected by my peers." Frederick, also a life-long Sioux Cityan, said she brings professional expertise in finance to the table. "Having observed this council's very poor fiscal planning and performance, my commitment to serve as the taxpayer's watchdog will prove not only beneficial to our citizens, but essential," Frederick said in an email to The Journal. Frederick said her desire to serve "stems from recognition that a majority of our current council has become careless and cavalier about spending." She pointed to the wastewater treatment plant facility plan improvements project as an example. In May, in spite of objections from the business community, the council approved the third and final reading of a residential, commercial and industrial sewer rate hike to help fund a projected $470 million rebuild of the city's aging wastewater treatment plant. The plant, 3100 S. Lewis Blvd., poses significant safety issues for city staff and has a history of compliance issues with the state. In January of 2022, the Iowa DNR filed suit against the city over alleged repeated environmental violations at the plant, which dated back to March 2012. The city faces fines adding up to millions of dollars. "For example, the wastewater treatment plant is projected to cost over a half a billion dollars and four council members ignored our mayor and voted for rate increases to support this spending without even meeting with those who will be most directly impacted by this decision. That is irresponsible and I will ensure that does not happen again. I believe Sioux City can and must do better," Frederick said. Schoenherr said Sioux City needs to "continue to push forward," especially in the area of housing, which she described as "the driver for economic development." "A lot of people have that backwards, in my opinion," she said. "If we have housing, and we have schools, and we have amenities, economic development will choose you. And I'm very focused on that." Sioux City City Hall Sioux City's City Hall building is shown Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 Schoenherr cited a HUD housing development called Isabella Square as one of the projects that she's most proud of. Eleven affordable homes will be constructed at 1200 and 1211 West Fifth St. There will also be a pocket park. "I worked on it pretty much myself with our neighborhood services department and with the developer. There were just a lot of obstacles there because the infrastructure is like 120 years old and the previous structure that was there was a school," Schoenherr said. "We were able to utilize some of our ARPA funds that we had earmarked for affordable housing, so that kind of got us through. But if we didn't have that money, I don't know where we would've got the infrastructure money. It's real tough." Schoenherr said another project she's working on will produce an estimated 50 to 60 "approachably-priced homes." "People talk a lot about affordable housing and what is it? Well, affordable housing is a healthy inventory of all price points, in my opinion," she said. Schoenherr believes the former St. Joseph Hospital and main campus of the Boys and Girls Home, 2101 Court St., could be an ideal site for a new housing development. The city received a $300,000 in EPA Brownfields funding to assess the cost of remediating the 14-acre complex, which dates back to 1913. Schoenherr thinks the building is too large to convert into apartments, lofts or a shelter for the homeless. "It's way too massive, and it just needs to come down. We'll get some developers in there that have got some really good ideas for some single-family homes and maybe some multi-family fourplex or even any eightplex," she said. "That 14-ares should not be overlooked, and it should be really meticulously planned so that we improve neighborhood and don't risk harming it 10 or 20 years down the road by over populating." Sioux City City Hall Sioux City's City Hall is shown Sept. 19. Although Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott is also up for re-election this fall, he is running unopposed. Scott, the owner of the R.E. Scott Company, a tax preparation service, has served four stretches as the mayor of Sioux City. He was first elected to the council in 1985 and served his first stint as mayor from 1990 to 1997, when the mayor was chosen to serve two-year terms by the five council members. Fourteen years later, Scott was elected mayor in 2011. He won re-election to four-year terms in 2015 and 2019. "The crops are sweating through a really stressful growing season." Leah Ten Napel, a Le Mars-based field agronomist with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, on Siouxland crop yields this year "Nobody understands being wounded and what you go through better than someone else who's been wounded." Patrick Burgess, a Sioux City Navy veteran and Purple Heart recipient, on his trip to New York representing Iowa at the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Purple Heart Patrick Burgess Patrick Burgess, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is reflected in a shadow box holding his medals in his Sioux City home. Burgess "It does provide a safer environment to walk around downtown, which has been really, really important with our increased residential living units. A lot more people are out and about on the streets." Ragen Cote, executive director of Downtown Partners, on new decorative lighting fixtures on Historic Fourth Street New light fixtures A new fixture that directs lighting downward is shown on Fourth Street in downtown Sioux City. This is like the worst place to put a pipeline." Jamie Moser, an Iowa landowner who farms near the Des Moines River, on the route of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline Pipeline protest Environmental groups have opposed sprawling carbon dioxide pipelines in Iowa and adjoining states. "Trump's comments are a slap in the face to Iowans and the entire pro-life movement. We should never compromise with Democrats on protecting life." Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, on former President Donald Trump's remarks that a six-week abortion ban in Florida is a "terrible mistake" Iowa Legislature Iowa House Majority Leader Matt W. Windschitl delivers his opening remarks during the opening day of the Iowa Legislature, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) "Its never a 'terrible thing' to protect innocent life." Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, on Trump's abortion comments rfs kim reynolds3 Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on Feb. 7, 2023. The United Auto Workers historic strike does not seem likely to let up soon. On Friday, union president Shawn Fain announced that the work stoppages would expand to 38 more plants all across the country, having begun the week before in just three Midwestern car factories. There are now more than 18,000 autoworkers, from Nevada to Tennessee to Florida, out on the picket lines. Joining them on the line at a General Motors parts distribution center in Belleville, Michigan, on Tuesday was none other than President Joe Biden, the first sitting chief executive to ever appear at such a rally. During his brief appearance, the president told the strikers that you deserve the significant raise you need and other benefits, going on to say, Wall Street didnt build the country, the middle class built the country. Unions built the middle class. Bidens support will increase the pressure on the major automakers, but its also punctuated the workers action in a different way. The UAW strike is indeed a labor story, but its also a climate storyand an important one. However this thing ends, it could help determine what role blue-collar workers will play in the countrys climate adaptation and energy transition efforts, a process that the Biden administration has dramatically moved along. Advertisement Beyond UAWs demands for higher wages and better hours, a key issue in autoworkers beef with the Big Three carmakers is the accelerating shift to electric vehicles. Lawmakers have supercharged government investment, consumer sales are revving up, and manufacturers are rapidly introducing new product lines. But this future is not guaranteed to offer the same kinds of middle-class jobs and robust benefits that unionized autoworkers enjoy in many states. Advertisement For one thing, electric vehicles purportedly require fewer assembly-line workers than internal-combustion and hybrid models (although some researchers have disputed this popular talking point). On top of that, much of the money for new auto and car-battery plantsalong with assistance in transitioning old fossil-fuel and automotive facilities into hubs for zero-emission technologyis going to union-hostile red states. Union workers rightfully fear that this evolving landscape may well exclude them, which is why the current strikes demands include employment protections related to plant closures, boosts to retirement benefits, and new restrictions on the use of temp workers in factories. Advertisement The EV transition has had labor issues from the beginning. Federal stimulus funds disbursed to EV and clean-energy ventures in 2009 were not conditioned on any labor standards. (One of the most significant recipients of those funds, Tesla, has zero unionized employees in the U.S.) That money also bailed out the auto industry, whose slow recovery pushed the UAW to concede on compensation demands and workforce counts (a point Biden emphasized during his union address to explain why the UAWs latest demands are warranted). As a result, the factories powering the now-booming EV market are overwhelmingly nonunionized, former UAW member Dianne Feeley has written. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This recent history has not inspired worker confidence in Bidens repeated campaign promises of a just transition for labor from the fossil-fuel era, one in which there are opportunities for stable middle-class employment as we swap out oil and gas for wind and solar, internal combustion engines for battery fleets and fuel cells. This has been a thorn for Democrats for years, and one of the more significant obstacles in their climate agendas. Not too long ago, candidate Hillary Clinton was hounded over her comment that were going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business, something her opponent Donald Trump seized upon to (falsely) claim hed never let such a thing happen as chief executive. And President Barack Obamas clean-power goals were repeatedly characterized as a war on coal, despite the fact that coal had been declining for decades before he assumed office. Advertisement Related From Slate The UAW Is on Strike. And Michigan Is So Back. Read More That attack line overshadowed Obamas messaging around his investments in a climate-change transition to ensure that fossil-fuel laborers could apply their skills and know-how to develop wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal, and other clean energy sources. Still, there was reason for labor to mistrust the feds. As historian Sarah Milov has pointed out, when the federal government imposed new restrictions on Big Tobacco in the late 1990s, it offered several tobacco farmers buyouts for their fieldsbut did not grant them pathways toward other agricultural jobs that could support their livelihoods. Another instance from this summer: In late June, Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill encouraging offshore wind turbine buildout because it required that relevant companies adhere to project labor agreements, which often enshrine higher wages and benefits for workers. It was only after substantial pushback that Mills later relented and agreed to sign offshore-wind legislation with some pro-worker carveouts, including collectively bargained salaries and bans on employing temp workers (a similar measure to what the UAW is fighting for). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, the UAW wouldve had a bit of federal backing in the Biden administrations proposed Build Back Better legislation, which helped kick off nationwide EV investments. In late 2021, however, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced his opposition to the bills proposed $4,500 federal tax credit for drivers who buy union-made EVs, effectively excising the measure from future climate legislationeven though it had the support of both the UAW and GM. As it turned out, the only companies at the time whose products would qualify were the Big Three themselves. Theres an argument to be made, as Manchin did, that restricting such benefits to customers of the countrys biggest carmakers could add an anti-competitive element to the EV race. But, viewed from another way, a credit like this may have had the benefit of encouraging more auto companies to negotiate in good faith with organizing workers. The credit might have also assured Ford, GM, and Stellantis that union labor would equate to better sales because of the resulting cost savings for car buyers interested in the typically expensive EV market. But thanks to Manchin (who was lobbied by anti-union carmakers like the notably EV-skeptical Toyota), no labor standards were attached to the legislations clean-tech disbursements. And now, one of the new strikes has landed in his backyard, with laborers at GMs Parts Distribution Center in Martinsburg joining their UAW comrades on the picket lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So now, the frame of worker-climate clashes is playing out again in the political messaging around the current UAW pickets. Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, whos welcomed federal green-energy investment, claims that his states anti-union policy makes it an ideal location for both EV executives and workers. Republican Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance tepidly claims to support the workers while arguing theyre getting screwed because the climate transition is dragging jobs to EV powerhouse China (which is false), in a line echoed by Mike Pence and Ron DeSantis, the latter of whom wants to retract all clean-car subsidies. Other 2024 GOP contenders like Tim Scott and Nikki Haley have taken the opportunity to dump on unions and EVs as a whole, earning the former a filed UAW labor complaint. Theres much speculation on whether Donald Trump will actually stand with UAW strikers during his visit to Michigan, even though Shawn Fain has ruled out any possibility of his union endorsing the Republican front-runner, and there is as of yet no indication that Trump even supports the strike efforts (although he is certainly targeting autoworkers with his upcoming Michigan visit). Advertisement Advertisement In fact, what Republicans are missing in their lines here is that UAW isnt against EVs so much as it is against being left out of EVs. After the strike launched last week, Fain co-published a Guardian op-ed with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna that proclaimed, there is no good reason why EV manufacturing cant be the gateway to the middle class. This followed Fains support of a multibillion-dollar Biden administration just-transition investment, which the union president praised as reject[ing] the false choice between a good job and a green job. In the Michigan Senate, which is considering a bill to create a just-transition office within the states Labor Department, UAW members have testified in favor of the legislation. Biden should keep seizing the moment, then, to explain why his EV investments are good both for jobs and for the climate. As for the auto industry, executives whose companies have received generous federal funds should set an innovative, fair just-transition framework for other EV makers going forward. If UAW can swing that out with the Big Three, the effect could spread to other climate-related sectors sorely in need of uniquely skilled labor that will work for reasonable pay: electricians, wind and solar technicians, construction workers. Its not just Biden whos banking on blue-collar workers getting a fair shake in the clean-energy future. Its all of us. Adapted from Deep Care: The Radical Activists Who Provided Abortions, Defied the Law, and Fought to Keep Clinics Open by Angela Hume. AK Press, forthcoming Nov. 14, 2023. Deep Care follows generations of activists and health workers who orbited Womens Choice Clinic in Oakland, California, from the early 1970s until 2010, as they worked underground and aboveground, in small cells and broad coalitions. The book is grounded in interviews with activists sharing details of their work for the first time and reveals a story of the radical edge of the abortion movement. The following is an excerpt from Chapter 6: Your First Line of Defense Is Self-Defense. By the mid-1980s, almost 90 percent of abortions were performed at stand-alone clinics, but it was getting harder to be a Feminist Womens Health Center. (FWHCs were independent abortion and reproductive health care providers operated by feminist-identified laypeople.) The right wing that elected Ronald Reagan president in 1981 had worked throughout the 1970s to recruit and fold free-market conservatives and white Christians into a single, powerful base. By the 1980s, the far-right fringe of this new right wing produced a terroristic anti-abortion campaign. Violence hit Oakland Feminist Womens Health Center, also known as Womens Choice Clinic, close to home in 1985, when arsonists firebombed one of its sibling clinics in Los Angeles. Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did the anti-abortion movement become such a leviathan? In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the movement mainly included white supremacists who, pointing to declining white birth rates, believed that legalized abortion would mean race suicide for white Protestants. Later, in the 1960s, leading up to the ruling on Roe v. Wade, the movement became a Catholic one too. After Roe, the church intensified its crusade against abortion, and other conservative groups joined in interpreting the ruling as a rejection of traditional values; newly galvanized, these other religious and interest groups joined the movement. Starting in the 1970s, the anti-abortion movement began to push for laws that prohibited public funding for abortions. At the same time, Republican politicians were advocating that the government divest from families by slashing public benefits (welfare), further racializing poverty. The anti-abortion movement and Republicans in Congress came together to pass the Hyde Amendment, which in 1977 banned Medicaid reimbursements for abortion. The Republican anti-welfare campaign had come to imply an anti-abortion stance. And the implied equation of welfare and abortionand the imperative to reject bothwould animate the right for decades to come. Advertisement By the early 1980s, there had been bombings and arsons of clinics by anti-abortion terrorists nationwide. Anti-abortion aggression did not stop the FWHCs from providing services, but on the morning of April 8, 1985, arsonists attacked the L.A. clinic. No one was ever convicted, and the Los Angeles Fire Department never declared the fire to be arson, even though the health center had received threats. Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the 1980s, the United States lost almost 20 percent of abortion providers. In the words of longtime Womens Choice Clinic Director Linci Comy, the attacks were spearheaded by very angry men. This was a fight about male superiority, she told me. And the worst of the right wing came out to join that struggle. Not only were they women haters, but they were queer haters. It was a Christian militia. Advertisement Advertisement To grasp what a feat it was for Womens Choice to survive the war years, which started in the 1980s and escalated in the 1990s, you have to look at the lengths activists were willing to go to defend their clinics. In January 1985, three months before the L.A. clinic firebombing, a director at Womens Choice named Pat Parker suggested to her comrades that they get serious about self-defense. She started a group to talk about how they should respond to the anti-abortion attacks. They named their group the Clinic Defense Committee and called for a Bay Areawide, broad-based coalition of support for reproductive rights. Not long after, the committee would rename themselves Bay Area Coalition Against Operation Rescue when the militant organization Operation Rescue came on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Operation Rescue would organize abortion clinic hits (as clinic defenders called them), in which hundreds of OR members would mob a single abortion clinic. So BACAOR members rose up, executing an unprecedented and militant street response that reflected their understanding that abortion access was a condition for everyones freedom and autonomy, and that clinic defense was community self-defense. You Do Not Depend On the Police Sept. 17, 1988, was set to be Operation Rescues first big hit in the Bay Area. When I visited BACAOR member Kass McMahon at her home in Albuquerque, I spent a week rummaging through her plastic bins full of records and ephemera. Kass took copious notes over the years. She was a trained journalist, she explained to me, with a facility for documenting. Advertisement Early that September morning, 50 or so BACAOR members arrived at a clinic called Pregnancy Consultation Center in San Francisco to find hundreds of OR demonstrators blocking the doors. Arriving in vans, the antis had descended upon the clinic well before sunrise and, in no time at all, blockaded the entrance to the mission-style medical building. Advertisement They were fanned out in front of the door in layers, Kass recalled. The cops were there, too. They werent going to let us get anywhere near OR. And they werent going to help get OR out of the way, either. Advertisement Advertisement But BACAOR wasnt about to concedethey used bullhorns to lead a noisy counterdemonstration and distracted OR with theatrics. A satirical street theater group called Ladies Against Women arrived dressed in conservative garb and held up signs that read Every Sperm Is Sacred! while singing the Monty Python hymn. One of the things that made us successful was our use of visual activism to pierce the hypocrisy of OR, Kass explained. Advertisement Despite BACAORs efforts, OR was indefatigable in its plan to shut down Pregnancy Consultation Center. It was hours later when police finally started carrying away and sometimes arresting antis who were lying or sitting limply on the ground in front of the doors. What happened at Pregnancy Consultation Center reinforced a core principle of BACAOR: You do not depend on the police. The Sept. 17 hit infuriated and inspired clinic defenders to ramp up their response to OR. BACAOR grew like a Jack-and-the-beanstalk after that, Kass said. Dozens more people came to the next meeting. The next time OR hit, we were ready. We had our tactics. We had a plan. This was no longer clinic watch. This was clinic defense. One Penis Under God On a spring afternoon, two clinic defenders named Agnes and Joe (pseudonyms) had me over for a screening. Theyd been going through the BACAOR video tapes that they had created and found the notorious July 1989 wedding scene, an example of BACAOR on the offensive. Id heard about the wedding, that it was a classic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe hit play on his laptop, and the still image of a group of BACAOR protesters erupted to life. Young people of all genders marched in a tight circle in front of First Orthodox Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, chanting, Racist, fascist, anti-gay! Born-again bigots, go away! Demonstrating in front of churches that hosted Operation Rescue was one of BACAORs new tactics, and Agnes had the idea that they could stage a mock wedding at this one. She and Joe had made some props and costumes, and to their delight, the group ran with it all. BACAOR attracted creative types, Agnes said. They just made it up right there. In front of the church, people got acquainted with their props and into their roles; a young blond woman zipped herself into the ratty old wedding dress Agnes had just found at a thrift store. It was crusted with dried red paint, especially in the crotch. Wedding attendees circled the bride and started pushing, pulling, and taunting her. They dangled red-painted wire coat hangers in front of her, some of which were strung with naked plastic babies. Some hooked the hangers onto the brides dress; others pulled at her dress, tearing it away from her body. The bride moaned, Nooo! One wedding attendee led the group in a prayer: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I pledge obedience To the men Of Operation Rescue And to the repression For which they stand One penis Under God With slavery and repression For all women. Everyone cheered. When it was time for the ceremony, a man in a thrifted suit coat stood next to the disheveled bride. Someone assumed the role of minister and began: We are here today to join this couple. Wedding guests threw bloody hangers at the bride while she screamed. One flamboyant guest interjected, Get over it, honey! Youll get used to it. Use a little K-Y! It wont hurt so bad. Advertisement The minister then commanded, Take this woman, your lawful wedded wife and baby-making machine! I pronounce you man and property. You may impregnate the bride. A member of the wedding party stepped forward and presented a red velvet pillow, on which there was a pair of handcuffs. The groom cuffed one of the brides wrists, and then one of his own. Advertisement Then wedding guests moved in on the bride and shoved her to her knees in front of the groom. Do your duty! Do your duty, they chanted. Breed! Breed! Breed! With a look of disgust, the bride started bobbing her head in what appeared to be a mock blow job. (Had this mock wedding really turned into a mock rape? Yes, it had.) Everyone was yelling and screaming. Guests continued to pelt her with bloody hangers and plastic babies. Some started spanking the babies. The bride crawled around miserably. Advertisement Not the church, not the state, we dont want to procreate! a BACAOR member started chanting, calling everyone back to center and ending the scene. Others joined in. We wont go back! We wont go back! We wont go back! Advertisement In 1989, BACAOR was made up of lots of lesbians and queer folks. Inspired in part by the performative tactics of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), BACAOR embraced visuals and words that confronted and exposed the hypocrisy of its enemies. When its members were on the offense, demonstrating at Christian churches or in the streets, they used humor, camp, and satire. What struck me most about BACAORs mock wedding was that it did not hold back in its representation of violence directed at the bride. We were unruly, a BACAOR member named Laura Weide said of the scene. It was too much. And in the too much lies the exposure. This is how the satire packed its punch: The moment when the mock wedding, which was bold and bawdy, escalated into a mock rape outside a churchwhen the satire becomes contemptuous, devastating, and totalwas the moment of truth. Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to go to these types of places and tell the truth: that the Christian right did (and does) subject women to violence by forcing marriage, heterosexual procreative sex, pregnancy, birth, and parenthood on them; and that this violence can be emotional, physical, sexual, or all three. Advertisement Advertisement In our discussion of the scene, Agnes pointed out that the wedding captures what it might feel like to be a woman who becomes pregnant and doesnt want to beas if the whole world is pelting you with dangerous objects, including men and babies. It felt great, she said of pulling off the scene. There we were, in front of a church, the center of the oppression. And we were able to make just total vicious fun of them and their whole woman-hating thing. It felt good to say what it was really all about, which was women being stomped into the dirt. Advertisement As Agnes comments suggest, the scene registers how personal the movement was for clinic defenders. BACAOR had a political analysis, and its members also had lived experience. They were women who had had unplanned pregnancies themselves and who had experienced discrimination and policing by the medical institution, churches, and the state. They were lesbians, gays, queers, and gender-nonconforming people who had been the target of homophobic and transphobic speech and violence. Their street theater reflected the emotional pain, exasperation, and outrage they harbored toward institutions that seemed hellbent on pacifying, controlling, immiserating, and erasing them. As they wrote around the time of the mock wedding, The attack on reproductive rights is also an attack on sexual freedom, particularly for women, youth, and lesbians and gay men. Advertisement Advertisement The only political statement Ive ever heard that has more layers to it than the personal is political, Kass said to me, is silence equals death the message central to ACT UPs campaign. BACAOR members were not afraid to allow their politics to be informed by their deepest, rawest wounds. And they were unwilling to stay silent. Advertisement The wedding was satirical improv street theater, but when you start to think about what women and queer and trans people were up againstespecially with the Webster v. Reproductive Health Services decision coming down at that same time and marking the beginning of the end of Roethe irony starts to crumble. BACAOR did its work at the edge of this sinkhole. They Had to Be Countered Just as BACAOR worked to develop tactics to fight antis at clinic doors, it also started developing its intelligence arm. In the months that followed, BACAOR members started embedding themselves in OR to do opposition research. Advertisement A BACAOR member named Vanessa (pseudonym), an out lesbian and anarchist punk from New York, told me about a time she infiltrated OR. Vanessas aim was not to get intel about ORs plans, but rather to shut down their meeting altogether so that they couldnt announce the next days meeting spot. Advertisement Advertisement The attempted shutdown happened on a Friday night in fall 1989a turbulent time. Earlier that year in March, at a BACAOR counter rally at St. Dominics Church, San Francisco police pepper-sprayed a group of protesters. In April, leading up to the Supreme Courts Webster decision, which abortion defenders believed that the court could use to overturn Roe, tens of thousands of choice supporters took to the streets in San Francisco. Meanwhile, OR continued to escalate its attacks on clinics all around the Bay Area. The stakes felt high. Advertisement That Friday night, ORs pre-hit rally was being held at a conservative church in Fremont. Vanessa and two other BACAOR members, Willow and Suki (pseudonyms), arrived at the church in ankle-length skirts. Vanessa had tucked her spiky blue mohawk beneath a wig of thick long hair. She wore a loose-fitting cardigan. She looked like a Christian white woman, or a slightly frumpy secretary. Advertisement Vanessa, Willow, and Suki smiled as steadily and widely as they could as ORs warmly welcomed them to the event and ushered them into the church. The rally opened with speeches by OR leaders. There was some singing, and then it was time for a skit. Out onto the raised altar came a flamboyant OR member dressed in a slim-fitting red costume with pointy horns and a red staff. He started saying that he liked killing babies, Vanessa recalled. He kind of swished around on the stage. He was this gay pro-abortion devil. It was clear he loved getting to act gay. Obviously, he was gay. Advertisement Advertisement Next, OR started to rile up the troops about babies. The group screened a slideshow of fake images of mutilated fetuses while the crowd whispered and moaned. Clearly OR was getting ready to announce the approximate location of the next days hit. That was Vanessa and her friends cue. The three took turns leaving their pew, staggering their exits so as not to draw too much attention. Long heat vents ran all along the bases of the churchs two side walls. Toward the back, Vanessa pulled a vial out of her sweater pocket and deposited a few drops into the vent. We had access to some chemicals, she explained. Nothing that would hurt anyone. It basically just created a powerful stink bomb. Advertisement The stink bomb was fast acting. Soon everyone was screaming and rushing out the doors. Just as Vanessa crossed the doors threshold to the outside, a beefy security guard grabbed the back of her cardigan. Somehow I managed to wriggle out of that sweater and kept running, she recalled. Outside the church, BACAOR was holding a counter rally. Vanessa and Willow tried to take cover with friends, but perhaps their secretary garb gave them away, because three cops soon approached and cuffed them. (Suki had taken off on foot.) The cops had Vanessa and Willow stand in the glaring floodlights. ORs swarmed them, eager to identify the perpetrators. Is this your sweater? one cop asked Vanessa. Nope, she replied. Ive never seen that sweater before in my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Vanessa and Willow were shipped off to Santa Rita Jail, where they would spend the next five days. We were banned from the entire city of Fremont for two years, Vanessa told me after finishing the story. And every time I would go to a defense, ORs would recognize me. What do you think about the action now? I asked her. Planting a stink bomb at an OR church rally was, after all, one of the riskier offensive actions that BACAOR members took. Vanessa said, The tactics that OR employed were dangerous to women: threats, screaming in womens faces, sending in their thugs to beat up clinic defenders. It took a real toll on a huge range of peopleclients, clinic staff, activists, concerned people. Id like to believe that some of the things we did to counteract those tactics helped convince OR that they had to change, that going to clinics and beating up on people was a bad idea. They had to be countered. In Vanessas mind, she was giving OR a taste of its own terroristic campaign in the form of an inconvenience, or maybe a scare. Moreover, she pointed out, employing tactics that stood a chance of stopping OR from executing a hit was in alignment with BACAORs goals. Advertisement By that same fall, BACAOR had articulated its goals clearly in its printed materials: We fight for abortion rights in the context [of] our demands for full reproductive freedomto be educated about our reproductive options, to be free from forced or coerced sterilization or population control, and to be able to choose to have and to care for our children. Its numbers had climbed to more than 2,000 people. BACAOR was explicitly anti-fascistcertainly, it was a leading antifascist movement of its generation. Its philosophy was one of autonomous action: We understand that we must rely on ourselves, not our elected officials, to defend and expand our freedoms. In other words, as its members wrote, echoing the community self-defense philosophy of the Black Panther Party: Our first line of defense is self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Later in 1990, BACAOR began to see OR numbers abate in the Bay Area, so it started sharing strategies with clinic defense groups cropping up around the region and country. Some BACAOR members helped organize a national clinic defense conference in March 1990 in Detroit. BACAOR changed its name to the Bay Area Coalition for Our Reproductive Rights to reflect its broader reproductive rights agenda. Advertisement Advertisement The fact that OR mass blockades were dwindling in the Bay Area, at least for the time being, was a win for clinic defenders. But instead of mobbing clinic doors, OR members and other anti-abortion extremists who did show up to harass people at clinics tended to be the more fanatical bands, mostly of men, who picket[ed] with overt hostility and direct physical combativeness aimed at escorts. Their enemy was evolving. If you pre-order Deep Care from AK Press or a participating bookstore, $2 will go to Keep Our Clinics to help independent abortion clinics keep their doors open. Adobe has released a powerful addition to its suite of creative tools with the commercial launch of Firefly, its series of generative AI models. This innovation promises to redefine creativity by blending it seamlessly with artificial intelligence, making content creation more dynamic and expansive. At its core, Adobe Firefly is an AI-driven tool designed to assist users in their creative endeavors. Whats particularly noteworthy for small businesses is that Firefly supports prompts in over 100 languages. This global inclusivity ensures that businesses can generate commercially safe content irrespective of their geographic location. During its beta phase, Firefly created an astonishing two billion images. David Wadhwani, the President of Digital Media Business at Adobe, emphasized the significance of Fireflys release: With over two billion images generated during the beta, Adobe Firefly is ushering in a new era of creative expression for customers across every segment. He also shed light on Fireflys integration with other Adobe tools, highlighting that the Fireflys breathtaking capabilities combined with the rich tooling of our Creative Cloud apps, Express, the Firefly web app, and Adobe Experience Cloud, give creators unparalleled opportunities to work with generative AI in new, rich, and productive ways. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here This release brings enhanced value for small businesses subscribed to Adobes Creative Cloud, Express, or Firefly. Firefly-powered capabilities now form an essential part of their workflow toolkit. Another noteworthy addition is the Firefly web application, which serves as a playground for AI-aided creative exploration. Adobes intention behind this is clear: they aim to bridge the gap between AI technology and practical everyday use for creatives and entrepreneurs. But the innovations dont stop there. Adobe Express, touted as the AI-first, all-in-one creativity app, has also been fortified with Fireflys capabilities. For small businesses, this implies a more streamlined process in turning ideas into captivating content and social media campaigns. Additionally, for enterprises seeking more robust solutions, Adobe presents the GenStudio. This tool amalgamates content ideation, creation, production, and activation, all underpinned by generative AI. Adobes commitment to its users trust is evident. While AIs integration into creative processes raises questions about originality and authenticity, Adobe has preempted these concerns. Every asset birthed using Firefly comes stamped with Content Credentials, akin to a digital nutrition label. This label can display information such as the assets name, creation date, tools used, and edits made. Moreover, its powered by an open-source technology from the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). This ensures that the data stays with the content, providing users and consumers alike with transparency and trust. In a digital age where content reigns supreme, Adobes latest offerings could be a game-changer for small businesses. The blend of AI and creativity promises to expedite the content creation process, making it more efficient, inclusive, and innovative. Adobe has effectively set the stage for a new dawn in the realm of digital creativity, and small businesses stand to benefit immensely from this evolution. Small Business Deals What is a Brand Ambassador? A brand ambassador is a person who promotes a small businesses goods and services. They increase sales for small businesses by boosting brand awareness. They can either be people you hire, people you recruit or people who sign on voluntarily. What Kinds are Available? There are several different kinds of brand ambassadors that you can choose from. Some small business owners prefer to be their own brand ambassadors while others hire professionals. More and more they are becoming unpaid customers and other connections like bloggers. These people are happy to spread the word after trying the product. Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here What, Exactly, Do They Do? A brand ambassadors job looks simple but theres more to it than meets the eye. Although paid and unpaid brand ambassadors all work to build a good company image by interacting with clients, the paid ones have other responsibilities as well. For example, they are often in charge of developing marketing ideas and gathering useful feedback from clients. These brand ambassadors are employees and attend meetings. Some unpaid online brand ambassadors post about your goods and services. Some attend trade shows and other events to promote products. Keep in mind a good brand ambassador will appeal to a specific target market. Some companies make the mistake of trying to select an ambassador who will appeal to as many people as possible. In the end, they wind up losing business because they havent narrowed their focus to a particular group. Small Business Deals Where Can Small Businesses Find Brand Ambassadors? There are several places for small businesses to look for brand ambassadors. They can use students and their connections to promote their goods and services assuming their products are aimed at this demographic. Small businesses can use bloggers and other digital influencers as affiliate marketers. Brands can also use celebrities with massive internet followings though these kinds of ambassadors tend to be priced out of range of all but big corporations. Finally, small business owners can look for influence marketers who happen to have a smaller but substantial following among their potential target customers. Companies can also simply hire a brand ambassador like a regular employee but here the key is to identify the right candidate through the interview process with the right expertise and industry connections to do the job effectively. How Do Small Businesses Measure Brand Ambassadors Effectiveness? There are a few ways for a small business to measure how effective one of these brand ambassadors are. Gauging your brand ambassadors effectiveness is about gauging some key metrics. One of the most important is how many people actually view their posts and engage with their content. Another is to look at sales numbers before and after your brand ambassador came aboard and determine whether those sales are occurring in the segments of your market your brand ambassador was intended to target. What are the Advantages to Hiring a Brand Ambassador? Its a Great Way to Humanize your Brand When you pick the right one, a brand ambassador brings a media following and a solid reputation. He or she offers your brand online word of mouth and puts a face to your product or service that drives sales. They Provide a Larger Social Reach thats Positive A recent Hootsuite blog points out what happens if you get number of brand ambassadors working with you to spread a positive message about your brand. If they each have 12,000 followers and you land 12 brand ambassadors, you increase your reach by 144,000 prospects. What are the Disadvantages? They Arent Always Easy to Controlled If theyre not an employee, small businesses really dont have complete control over brand ambassadors. Its always a leap of faith to place your trust in someone else when it comes to your brand. They can Become bigger than Your Product A famous brand ambassador or one thats got a huge online following can dwarf your brand. This is especially true when they become involved in a scandal. Advantages to Hiring a Brand Ambassador Disadvantages to Hiring a Brand Ambassador Humanize Your Brand: A brand ambassador can Lack of Complete Control: Small businesses may bring a human touch to your brand, leveraging not have complete control over non-employee brand their media following and solid reputation to ambassadors, requiring a leap of faith when entrusting drive sales and provide online word of mouth. someone else with their brand. Larger Positive Social Reach: Collaborating Risk of Ambassador Overshadowing Brand: If a with multiple brand ambassadors can significantly brand ambassador becomes exceptionally famous or expand your brand's social reach. For example, if involved in a scandal, they can overshadow the brand, each ambassador has 12,000 followers, having 12 potentially diverting attention away from the product brand ambassadors can increase your reach by or service. 144,000 prospects. Selecting the Right Brand Ambassador for Your Small Business Choosing a brand ambassador can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to boost brand awareness and increase sales. However, the process of selecting the right ambassador is crucial. Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice: 1. Define Your Target Audience: Your brand ambassador should resonate with your target market. Dont aim for a broad appeal; instead, narrow down your focus to a specific group that aligns with your product or service. 2. Professional vs. Unpaid Ambassadors: Decide whether you want to hire a professional brand ambassador or explore unpaid options like enthusiastic customers or bloggers. Each has its advantages and cost implications. 3. Roles and Responsibilities: Clarify the roles and responsibilities of your brand ambassador. While their primary task is to boost brand awareness, paid ambassadors may also play a role in marketing strategy and client feedback collection. 4. Online vs. Offline Promotion: Determine whether your brand ambassador will primarily operate online through social media and blogs or engage in offline promotion through events and trade shows. 5. Identify Potential Candidates: Look for potential brand ambassadors among your existing customer base, digital influencers, industry-specific bloggers, or individuals with a substantial following in your target market. 6. Measure Effectiveness: Once you have a brand ambassador in place, track their effectiveness through key metrics. Monitor the reach and engagement of their content and analyze sales data before and after their involvement. While hiring a brand ambassador can humanize your brand and provide a wider positive social reach, its essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as limited control over non-employee ambassadors and the risk of them overshadowing your brand if they become too prominent. Considerations for Selecting the Right Brand Ambassador Description 1. Define Your Target Audience Your brand ambassador should resonate with your target market. Focus on a specific group that aligns with your product or service. 2. Professional vs. Unpaid Ambassadors Decide between hiring a professional ambassador or exploring unpaid options like enthusiastic customers or bloggers. 3. Roles and Responsibilities Clarify the ambassador's roles, including brand awareness and potential involvement in marketing strategy and feedback collection. 4. Online vs. Offline Promotion Determine whether the ambassador will primarily operate online through social media or engage in offline promotion at events and trade shows. 5. Identify Potential Candidates Seek potential ambassadors among your customer base, digital influencers, industry-specific bloggers, or individuals with a substantial following in your target market. 6. Measure Effectiveness Track the ambassador's effectiveness through metrics like reach, engagement, and sales data analysis before and after their involvement. Building a Strong Brand Ambassador Partnership Creating a successful partnership with your chosen brand ambassador is crucial for maximizing the benefits to your small business. Here are some key steps to build a strong and fruitful relationship: Clear Expectations : Clearly define the ambassadors role, responsibilities, and goals. Ensure they understand your brands values and mission. : Clearly define the ambassadors role, responsibilities, and goals. Ensure they understand your brands values and mission. Open Communication : Maintain open lines of communication. Regularly update the ambassador on product developments, campaigns, and company news. : Maintain open lines of communication. Regularly update the ambassador on product developments, campaigns, and company news. Authenticity : Encourage the ambassador to stay authentic in their interactions with their audience. Authenticity builds trust and credibility. : Encourage the ambassador to stay authentic in their interactions with their audience. Authenticity builds trust and credibility. Collaborative Content Creation : Collaborate on content creation. Involve the ambassador in generating ideas, creating engaging content, and planning promotions. : Collaborate on content creation. Involve the ambassador in generating ideas, creating engaging content, and planning promotions. Feedback Loop : Create a feedback loop for both parties to share insights and suggestions. This helps in refining strategies and improving outcomes. : Create a feedback loop for both parties to share insights and suggestions. This helps in refining strategies and improving outcomes. Recognition and Rewards : Recognize and reward the ambassadors efforts. This can include financial compensation, free products, or exclusive access to company events. : Recognize and reward the ambassadors efforts. This can include financial compensation, free products, or exclusive access to company events. Legal Agreements : Consider formalizing the partnership with legal agreements that outline terms, expectations, and compensation, ensuring clarity and protection for both sides. : Consider formalizing the partnership with legal agreements that outline terms, expectations, and compensation, ensuring clarity and protection for both sides. Consistency : Maintain consistency in messaging and branding across all ambassador-related activities to reinforce brand identity. : Maintain consistency in messaging and branding across all ambassador-related activities to reinforce brand identity. Long-Term Relationship: Aim for a long-term partnership. Building a strong, ongoing relationship can lead to greater trust and sustained benefits. Conclusion In the dynamic world of small business marketing, brand ambassadors emerge as invaluable assets. They hold the potential to transform your brands reach, impact, and credibility. As we conclude this exploration into the realm of brand ambassadors, its essential to recognize the profound impact they can have on small businesses and the nuances that make these partnerships thrive. Small businesses must navigate the landscape of brand ambassadorship with strategic intent. From defining target audiences to selecting the right ambassador and fostering a strong partnership, each step contributes to a brands success. When harnessed effectively, brand ambassadors offer a bridge to the hearts and minds of consumers. They humanize your brand, infuse authenticity into your messaging, and extend your social reach far beyond conventional marketing efforts. However, its not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The choice between paid or unpaid ambassadors, online or offline promotion, and the careful selection of candidates all hinge on your unique business goals and audience. Small businesses should measure the ambassadors effectiveness using concrete metrics, like engagement rates and sales data, to gauge their impact accurately. In the end, the journey of brand ambassadorship is a strategic investment in building relationships, fostering trust, and expanding your brands influence. By nurturing these partnerships, small businesses can navigate the challenges of a competitive market and emerge as influential players in their niche. In this digital age where authenticity reigns supreme, brand ambassadors have the potential to be the driving force behind your small businesss growth, bringing your brands message to the world in a compelling and relatable way. The power of these partnerships lies not just in what your brand ambassadors can do for you, but in what you can achieve together. The Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Based solely on the amount of news, reports or infected people, it may seem at first glance that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, but the reality is far from that. Although not a public health emergency anymore, in early September the World Health Organisation said that it was seeing 'concerning trends' for Covid-19 in the northern hemisphere ahead of the 2023 winter season. Suvisiaci clanok Suvisiaci clanok Q&A: Will there be another Covid-19 wave in Slovakia? What about vaccines? Read more That is why research into the coronavirus and the disease it causes still continues, with Slovak scientists offering a helping hand as well. Recently, a team from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Comenius University in Bratislava found a link between the severe form of the Covid-19 disease and the activity of an enzyme in human blood, called butyrylcholinesterase. Their study, published in the toxicology journal Chemico-Biological Interactions, showed that a decrease in the activity of the enzyme was associated with a negative Covid-19 prognosis and vice-versa. The Slovak Spectator talked to pharmacologist Anna Paul Hrabovska, who led the team about their research, how it came to be and what it might hold. To stay up to date with what scientists in Slovakia or Slovak scientists around the world are doing, subscribe to the Slovak Science newsletter, which will be sent to readers free of charge four times a year. Doing it for at-risk groups For a long time there was no guaranteed indicator that could predict whether a patient would have to face a severe form of the disease, or even death, and alert doctors to cases requiring increased care. "When I talked to chief physicians in hospital wards, they said that they really needed to know who to focus on. They had young athletes who you would have thought would be fine eventually, but in the end they died. And then 80-year-old patients who would otherwise have not been given much of a chance actually overcame the disease," Anna Paul Hrabovska describes the problem, adding that this was also the reason why they became interested in this research. A former Slovak defence minister points finger at Hungarian MFA Peter Szijjarto, too. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Smer leader Robert Fico has accused Czech President Petr Pavel of meddling in the Slovak election campaign. The Czech president told the press last week that Slovakias former three-time premier holds opinions that correspond more to Russian propaganda than to the vision of the West. This would certainly, in the case of his election, disrupt the relations between us to a certain extent, because we would look at some fundamental things differently, Pavel said. Fico, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2010 and from 2012 to 2018, described Pavels statement as bizarre and icy. Simultaneously, he admitted that he holds different opinions than the Czech president, say, when it comes to the military support of Ukraine. I will not create reasons for conflicts, therefore I will consider your interference in the Slovak election campaign due to another legitimate opinion as just a misunderstanding, Fico said in a video on September 24. The Slovak politician also thanked former Czech presidents Vaclav Klaus and Milos Zeman for their support. Dear Robo In a recent video, Zeman, who holds pro-Russian and pro-Chinese views, wished all the best to Fico and his party. He addressed him as dear Robo. I wish for social democracy to win in Slovakia and I wish you and your colleagues full success, he said. Klaus wrote in a letter to Fico on September 13 about his outrage over brutal attacks on Fico and Smer. In recent years, Klaus has been notorious for his pro-Russian views. Klaus is the man who helped ex-Slovak premier Vladimir Meciar split Czechoslovakia in the early nineties. In the letter, Klaus continued, We agree with you that it is necessary to rely on the citizens of Slovakia, on the Slovak voter, and not on comments in the New York Times or in other foreign media, including Czech ones. Fico, however, is not the only politician blaming foreign politicians for interference in the election. Hungary's MFA Peter Szijjarto and Aliancia leader Krisztian Forro visited eastern Slovakia on September 26, 2023. (Source: Facebook/Forro Krisztian) Hungarian minister at campaign events On September 25, former defence minister Jaroslav Nad (Demokrati) criticised Hungarian MFA Peter Szijjarto for attending political events organised by the Hungarian minority party Aliancia just days before the Saturday election. This is an obvious interest in interfering with the pre-election campaign in our country, Nad said. In August, Szijjarto criticised the arrest of former police chief Tibor Gaspar, who is now running in the election on the slate of the Smer party. He said that Gaspar was a victim of the liberal mainstream. Today, acting Prime Minister Ludovit Odor responded to Szijjartos presence in Slovakia by saying that Slovak diplomacy was informed of his visit. The [Slovak foreign] minister has assured me that they have made it quite clear to the other party when they are coming to Slovakia, and we believe that they will respect that and not enter the ongoing election campaign. 2 killed, 2 lose eyesight after consuming spurious liquor in India's Bihar Xinhua) 09:53, September 26, 2023 NEW DELHI, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed, and two others lost their eyesight after consuming spurious liquor in India's eastern state of Bihar, officials said Monday. The deaths were reported from the Qazi Mohammadpur police station area in Muzaffarpur district, about 72 km north of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. "We have received information about two deaths at Pokharia Pir locality. The family members of the deceased said three days back these people returned home drunk, following which they were taken ill and subsequently succumbed to their illness during treatment," a police official said. "Two other people of the same locality are reported to have lost eyesight following the consumption of the liquor." Police have ordered investigations and are trying to locate the persons who sold the liquor as a drive has been launched against illicit liquor suppliers in the district. "The number of affected people could increase further as police and district administration have launched door-to-door searches in the area to find people who have fallen ill after consuming spurious liquor," the police official said. The recent deaths highlighted the sale of spurious liquor in an otherwise dry state, where the sale and consumption of liquor are strictly prohibited under law. In April this year, suspected toxic liquor consumption in the state killed over 30 people. The sale and consumption of liquor were prohibited in Bihar state in 2016 after women's groups campaigned against poor workers squandering their meager earnings on alcohol consumption. Despite the prohibition, deaths due to the consumption of illicit liquor in the state are reported often. In December last year over 90 people were killed, and many others hospitalized following the consumption of tainted bootleg liquor in the state. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A new Globsec analysis on supporting Ukraine, what makes foreign firms invest in Slovakia, and a Slovak science achievement. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, September 26 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Saturday, September 30, is Election Day in Slovakia. Follow the latest updates on our website after the polls close. Analysis: The defeat of Ukraine would not help Slovakia Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (Source: AP/TASR) A Russian victory would come at a high cost to Ukraine's neighbours, a new Globsec analysis has found. Therefore, it is more economically advantageous for Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania to continue supporting Ukraine. "The costs we put into supporting Ukraine are significantly lower than what would be incurred if Russia won the war or if the conflict were frozen," said Globsec head Robert Vass. Ukraine's victory is the cheapest option for us, he added. Moscow's success would lead to the need to increase military spending, lower foreign direct investment in Central Europe, and higher costs of servicing national debt. Aid: The four analysed countries have provided Ukraine with financial, humanitarian and military support worth 5.2 billion. This sum is a ninth of the annual costs the four countries would face if Russia won. Slovak parliamentary election: Smer, Republika and the Slovak National Party refuse to supply weapons to Ukraine. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Poll: Progresivne Slovensko, a liberal party, came first in the latest NMS Market Research Slovakia poll for the Sme daily. Progresivne Slovensko, a liberal party, came first in the latest NMS Market Research Slovakia poll for the Sme daily. Election: Smer leader Robert Fico has accused Czech President Petr Pavel of meddling in the Slovak election campaign. Smer leader Robert Fico has accused Czech President Petr Pavel of meddling in the Slovak election campaign. Business: The things that attract foreign firms to invest in Slovakia. The things that attract foreign firms to invest in Slovakia. Migration: Poland announced that it would check selected vehicles at the border with Slovakia due to increased illegal migration. Poland announced that it would check selected vehicles at the border with Slovakia due to increased illegal migration. Science: A team from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Comenius University in Bratislava found a link between the severe form of the Covid-19 disease and the activity of an enzyme in human blood. A team from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Comenius University in Bratislava found a link between the severe form of the Covid-19 disease and the activity of an enzyme in human blood. Election: Two election trains will take Slovaks from Czechia to Bratislava for free on Friday. Two election trains will take Slovaks from Czechia to Bratislava for free on Friday. History: Slovak copper was used in Europe's oldest ship cannon, experts found. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR TUESDAY "I don't think Slovaks want to fall under Russian tyranny again" Slovakia will obtain 160 Oshkosh vehicles for $190 million from the US. They should arrive in Slovakia in 2025. Acting Defence Minister Martin Sklenar and US Ambassador Gautam Rana after signing a deal in Bratislava on July 20, 2023. (Source: TASR/Jaroslav Novak) One year into his posting to Slovakia, US Ambassador Gautam Rana believes that Slovakia and America will continue to have a great relationship after the September election. In this interview with The Slovak Spectator, he also highlights the importance of talking to people influenced by disinformation, and explains why it is hard to ban the Russian Embassy in Slovakia from Facebook. EVENT FOR WEDNESDAY fjuzn festival A fjuzn festival event. (Source: Facebook/fjuzn/Michaela Nagyidaiova) On Wednesday, September 27, the fjuzn festival holds two events: a free theatre performance at 18:00 in Teatro Colorato and a paid concert at the Clarissine Church one hour later. However, the Bratislava festival lasts until Friday. Learn more about the programme here. In other news The Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has not ruled out cooperation with the liberal party Progresivne Slovensko. The KDH refuses to support registered partnership, nevertheless. The conservative party has ruled out cooperation with Smer and Republika. (Sme) The KDH refuses to support registered partnership, nevertheless. The conservative party has ruled out cooperation with Smer and Republika. (Sme) Since the beginning of Russia's invasion against Ukraine, 50 Russian citizens have applied for asylum in Slovakia , including those who refused to go to war. However, most of them were not granted asylum. (Interior Ministry) , including those who refused to go to war. However, most of them were not granted asylum. (Interior Ministry) The first of 76 Patria 8x8 armoured combat vehicles were brought to Slovakia from Finland. (TASR) The opening of the Bikos tunnel in eastern Slovakia on September 25, 2023. (Source: SITA) WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: Clear skies most of the time. The highest daytime temperature will rise to 28C. (SHMU) Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator). https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/78th-united-nations-general-assembly-closing-session-1113671758.html 78th United Nations General Assembly: Closing Session 78th United Nations General Assembly: Closing Session The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held between 19 and 26 September in New York. 2023-09-26T13:05+0000 2023-09-26T13:05+0000 2023-09-27T07:41+0000 world united nations general assembly un security council (unsc) debate new york /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113671597_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d48725d32cc7a14b37406ab79f1eea41.jpg Sputnik comes live as the UN Security Council General Assembly meeting nears its closing session. The list of speakers for the final day includes India, Jamaica, Bhutan, Zambia, Cameroon, Nicaragua, the Holy See, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Maldives, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Benin, San Marino, Canada, Vanuatu and Morocco.The theme of this year's debate is: Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.Follow Sputniks feed to find out more! new york 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 UNGA: India UNGA: India 2023-09-26T13:05+0000 true PT17M11S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International 78th united nations general assembly, new york, unsc https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/archaeologists-unearth-rare-lead-sarcophagi-inside-largest-cemetery-ever-found-in-gaza-1113669637.html Archaeologists Unearth Rare Lead Sarcophagi Inside Largest Cemetery Ever Found in Gaza Archaeologists Unearth Rare Lead Sarcophagi Inside Largest Cemetery Ever Found in Gaza Palestinian laborers, while working on a housing project near Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip, uncovered an archaeological treasure trove last year. 2023-09-26T01:25+0000 2023-09-26T01:25+0000 2023-09-26T01:22+0000 beyond politics science & tech gaza ancient history archeology archaeology /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113669478_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_2fbe4dda2b5eed607c8348e2d02ecfea.jpg What was once an unremarkable construction site in the northern Gaza Strip more recently became the site of the largest-ever cemetery dating back approximately two millennia to the Roman era.Construction workers, with the assistance of French archaeologists, have meticulously excavated the 2,700-square-meter site, unearthing a remarkable 135 graves - a stark contrast from the initial discovery of just 60 graves in January.Over 100 of the graves have been studied, providing invaluable insights into the cultural heritage and health of the ancient population. The analysis of skeletons and pottery shards remains ongoing.What has truly captured the attention of experts are the two lead sarcophagi found at the site. One of them is intricately adorned with grape leaves, while the other features captivating images of dolphins. Such lead tombs are unprecedented in Gaza's archaeological history and suggest high-ranking individuals or social elites may be interred within them.The discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the socio-cultural dynamics of the region during the Roman era.Gaza, with its strategic location on ancient trade routes between Egypt and the Levant, has a rich historical legacy. However, this heritage has faced multiple threats over the years. The recent archaeological find underscores the importance of preserving Gaza's historical sites and the need for a dedicated team to oversee such efforts.Fadel Al-Otul, a Palestinian archaeologist, believes the graves were likely located in a city center, as was common practice in Roman times. The skeletons discovered at the site will undergo further analysis, with the remains eventually returning to the Hamas-led Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230921/new-undersea-find-off-egyptian-coast-reveals-wealth-of-ancient-pharaohs-greeks-1113547416.html gaza 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 jabaliya, gaza strip, palestinian israeli archaeology, middle east archeology, ancient sarcophagus, lead tombs in gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/canada-celebrates-nazis-uaw-strike-expands-macron-exits-niger-1113669036.html Canada Celebrates Nazis; UAW Strike Expands; Macron Exits Niger Canada Celebrates Nazis; UAW Strike Expands; Macron Exits Niger Canada is taking heat for celebrating a former Nazi soldier at a Canadian legislature meeting that included the President of Ukraine. 2023-09-26T04:05+0000 2023-09-26T04:05+0000 2023-09-26T10:20+0000 the critical hour radio israel ukraine iraq uaw taiwan denmark canada /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/19/1113668879_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_8b4370f251e4e29faebfbeb11959f043.png Canada Celebrates Nazis; UAW Strike Expands; Macron Exits Niger Canada is taking heat for celebrating a former Nazi soldier at a Canadian legislature meeting that included the President of Ukraine. Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss Canada's Nazi support. Canada is taking heat for celebrating a former Nazi soldier at a Canadian legislature meeting that included the President of Ukraine. Caleb Maupin argues that there is a soft spot for the Nazis among the Ukrainian diaspora. Also, he argues that left-wing anti-fascists were very popular after WW2. However, the CIA tried to change the historical narrative, redefine fascism, and equate it to the Soviet Union.Mark Sleboda, international relations and security analyst, joins us to discuss Russia and Ukraine. The White House intends to send cluster munition ATACMs to Ukraine. Mark Sleboda says that the ATACMs are a potential escalation, but the warhead and range of the new munitions are a significant part of the escalation ladder. Also, the Canadian Parliament celebrated a Nazi war survivor as a hero for "fighting Russians".Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Asia. The US has acknowledged that the infamous spy balloon story was a fraud. Dr. Gerald Horne says that the US is heavily dependent upon Chinese financial backing, and US corporations are dependent on the market of the Asian giant. He says that Hawks in DC feel that the US must either go to war with China soon or lose their military advantage and suffer the fall of US hegemony.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor of Economics and Politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. The UAW strike is expanding to 38 plants in 20 states. Dr. Ramus says that this shows that the limited strike plan by the union was an error. Also, the Canadian Ford workers are not part of the UAW and they were given a number of increases and adjustments in the last few weeks. He said that he expects the UAW to eventually accept a similar settlement.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Iran predicts that the Saudi-Israeli normalization deal will fail. Laith Marouf says that the Saudis are moving towards an open relationship with Israel as opposed to the long-term closed relationship that's been going on for years. He argues it will be difficult because the Arabic people will not accept Israeli violence against the Palestinians. Laith also comments on Canada taking heat for supporting Nazis in their Parliament.Dr. David Oualaalou, international geopolitical consultant, veteran, and author of many books, including "The Dynamics of Russia's Geopolitics: Remaking the Global Order," international security analyst, and host of the "Geopolitics in Conflict" Show on YT, joins us to discuss the election 2024. The coming US defeat in Ukraine will have a pronounced effect on the 2024 election. Dr. David Oualaalou says that it's becoming clear that President Biden is in no mental condition to run in 2024. He believes that the Democrats have no viable leader. He also says California is in deep trouble, and Gavin Newsome is not an option either.Thomas Mountain, journalist and historian, joins us to discuss Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron is stepping away from Niger after a popular coup. Thomas C Mountain says that thousands of people have encircled the French military base for weeks, demanding that they withdraw. He says that the threat to invade with ECOWAS was a bluff. The Nigerian Parliament opposed the proposed intervention, and Senegal's internal problems prevented them from acting on behalf of the colonialists. He says that Chad is unstable but not on the verge of collapse.John Kiriakou, former CIA Officer and Co-Host of "Political Misfits" on Radio Sputnik, joins us to discuss the deep state. Suspended abuse has rendered a Guantanamo Bay inmate unfit to stand trial. John Kirakou argues that the 911 defendants were tortured and, therefore, the cases against them have been compromised. He says that because these prisoners were tortured, there can be no justice in these cases. Also, he says that 60 Australian MEPs have signed a letter requesting that the US release Julian Assange.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 israel ukraine iraq taiwan denmark canada russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.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 Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg the critical hour, canadian parliament celebrates nazi, are there nazis in ukraine, ukraine diaspora in canada, french in west africa, biden 2024 presidential race https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/canadians-must-question-who-their-leaders-glorify-especially-in-ukraine---russian-embassy-1113669310.html Canadians Must Question Who Their Leaders Glorify, Especially in Ukraine Canadians Must Question Who Their Leaders Glorify, Especially in Ukraine Canadians should question who their government leaders glorify, especially when it comes to which groups they support in Ukraine, the Russian Embassy in Canada said in a statement. 2023-09-26T00:51+0000 2023-09-26T00:51+0000 2023-09-26T10:39+0000 americas canada volodymyr zelensky ukraine russian embassy nazism nazi canadian parliament /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/19/1113639601_332:0:2561:1254_1920x0_80_0_0_7a8362813d6dfd7deafff8e304563032.png The Russian Embassy made the comment in light of a scandal that unfolded on Friday when Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian Nazi veteran who fought in the ranks of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the Nazi SS during the Second World War, was twice given a standing ovation by the entire Canadian legislature. Hunka's recognition happened as the Speaker of the House of Commons, Anthony Rota, was giving introductory remarks prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the Canadian parliament. The Embassy explained that the Canadian parliament's standing ovation for the Ukrainian Nazi veteran is "shameful" and will forever be remembered in the history of Canadian democracy. "It is surprising how Canada, a member of the anti-Hitler coalition, can openly and without any hesitation glorify Nazi butchers," the Embassy said. It is no longer surprising that Canada voted against the resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism, adopted by the UN General Assembly, in December 2022, the statement said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/untold-story-of-how-canada-became-a-safe-haven-for-ukrainian-wwii-era-nazis-1113656627.html americas canada 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 russian embassy in canada, yaroslav hunka, ukrainian nazi veteran, 14th waffen grenadier division of nazi ss, war world ii, canadian parliament, canadian legislature https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/eu-will-not-be-able-to-stop-purchasing-russian-gas-in-near-future-1113679063.html EU Will Not Be Able to Stop Purchasing Russian Gas in Near Future EU Will Not Be Able to Stop Purchasing Russian Gas in Near Future The European Union will not be able to completely abandon gas supplies from Russia in the near future as this could inflate market prices, Kirill Logvinov, the acting head of the Russian mission to the EU, told RIA Novosti. 2023-09-26T10:31+0000 2023-09-26T10:31+0000 2023-09-26T10:31+0000 world grigory logvinov russia ukraine brussels european union (eu) european commission /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0b/1a/1091047214_0:82:3349:1966_1920x0_80_0_0_42cd64cf91f2256f0fbd90f9274be717.jpg "If we talk about calls for a complete refusal of Russian supplies of blue fuel, including LNG, then in the near future this is impossible. Refusal to purchase it from Russia under existing long-term contracts will entail serious financial costs for the European Union. Stopping the use of free volumes of domestic LNG in conditions of limited supply will once again increase energy prices in the EU," Logvinov said. He also noted that despite the rapid implementation by the EU of annual commitments to fill 90% of the volume of gas storage facilities by November 1, "underground gas storage facilities can cover, according to the European Commission, only up to a third of the winter demand from European consumers, while the rest will have to be covered by continuous supplies from abroad." In late August, the European Commission said that the bloc had already imported 10.9 billion cubic meters of Russian LNG from January to June 2023, while the figure for the whole of 2022 amounted to 19.3 billion cubic meters, and for 2021 to 13.5 billion cubic meters.Possible Sanctions Against Russian Diamonds Threatening World MarketThe West's plans to impose sanctions on diamonds from Russia are aimed at collapsing the global market control system, and also threaten production and supply chains, the acting head of the Russian mission to the EU said.The G7 members are expected to announce trade restrictions against Russian diamonds by the end of September-October, while the EU intends to adopt sanctions against Russian diamonds in October-November. The ban on imports of Russian rough diamonds is supposed to go into effect from January 1, 2024."It is possible that we may be talking about creating some kind of parallel mechanism to the Kimberley Process, aimed at excluding precious stones of a certain origin from world trade. Such an initiative, if implemented, is discriminatory in nature, it contradicts the rules of international trade and the foundations of the Kimberley Process and is actually aimed at its collapse, carries serious risks for the functioning of global production and supply chains. A number of developing countries involved in these chains, primarily cutting centers, may also be affected. Such plans of the West once again demonstrate complete disregard for the interests of the states of the Global South," Logvinov said.He added that "the specific parameters of possible sanctions against Russian diamonds have not yet been disclosed by the European Commission," so it is premature to judge how they may affect the export of these goods from Russia.EU Legalized Extraterritorial Application of Its SanctionsThe European Union actually legalized in the latest package of sanctions against Russia the extraterritorial application of its unilateral restrictions, although the bloc had previously called such a move a violation of international law, Kirill Logvinov, the acting head of the Russian mission to the EU, told RIA Novosti.He recalled that the EU criticized Washington for trying to impose its own restrictive measures on third countries.The Russian diplomat also noted that the new EU mechanism to combat sanctions evasion by Russia is designed to force third countries "to get involved in the economic war unleashed by the West against Russia."More EU Countries May Refuse to Comply With Unfavorable Decisions From BrusselsThe refusal of Slovakia, Hungary and Poland to follow the decision of the European Commission on the issue of importing Ukrainian agricultural products could become a "contagious example" for other EU states that do not want to implement decisions that are unfavorable for them, Kirill Logvinov stressed. "The latest dispute, caused by Brussels policy of providing comprehensive support to Kiev, is the problem of the increased import of Ukrainian agricultural products into the EU, which Bratislava, Budapest and Warsaw have faced. And not only for them, the question of how long the European capitals are willing to suffer losses for the sake of Kievs fight for the fate of Europe may be acutely raised. And the actions of the three EU member states bordering Ukraine, which refused to submit to unfavorable conditions, could become a contagious example for other states of the bloc," Logvinov said.The Russian diplomat also noted that recently, the political guidelines of the EU have increasingly come into conflict with the economic interests of member states and entire sectors of their economies.EU Not Abandoning Idea of Confiscating Russia's Foreign AssetsBrussels has not given up on the idea of confiscating Russia's frozen state assets in the future, despite the objections of the European Central Bank and the concerns of a number of states that such a step could undermine confidence in the EU financial system, Kirill Logvinov said."As for the blocked assets of the Bank of Russia, the European Commission has not yet presented its proposals regarding the use of these assets for the restoration of Ukraine due to well-founded concerns voiced by a number of member states and the ECB. It is clear that the theft of foreign sovereign assets or the receipt of windfall profits through their illegal turnover will undermine confidence in the European financial system. However... Brussels has not yet abandoned the idea of confiscating the main part of domestic state assets located in the EU at some stage in the future - of course, under a fictitious international legal cover," Logvinov said.The ambassador added that such a scenario cannot be ruled out due to the deterioration of the financial and economic situation in the EU, and due to the unclear prospects for continued assistance to Ukraine from the United States in the event of a possible change in the US administration.As for the private assets of Russians, the EU also violates the basic principles of international and European law, Logvinov noted.Last Tuesday, European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said that the EU froze over 200 billion euros ($211.6 billion) of reserves of the Russian central bank and about 24 billion euros of funds of Russian citizens and companies.Hungary's EU Council Presidency in 2024 to Not Alter Anti-Russian PolicyHungary's presidency in the Council of the European Union, which will take place in the second half of 2024, is unlikely to lead to a rollback in anti-Russian policy, Logvinov said."It is important to understand that the anti-Russian agenda is formed in the European Union by collective decisions of European capitals, and not so much by the country presiding over the EU Council. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about any possible rollback in a broad sense," Logvinov said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230327/western-attempts-to-hinder-russian-diamond-exports-contradict-industry-interests-moscow-1108822867.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230629/summit-of-european-union-to-start-in-brussels-1111537842.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230623/eu-council-adopts-11th-package-of-sanctions-against-russia-1111415597.html russia ukraine brussels 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 european union, russian gas, inflate market prices, abandon gas supplies from russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/eus-competitiveness-suffering-from-higher-energy-prices---european-commission-president-1113683984.html EUs Competitiveness Suffering From Higher Energy Prices - European Commission President EUs Competitiveness Suffering From Higher Energy Prices - European Commission President The European Union spends more on energy than other major economies, posing a challenge to the bloc's competitiveness, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T12:01+0000 2023-09-26T12:01+0000 2023-09-26T12:01+0000 energy crisis in europe energy crisis europe's energy crisis european energy crisis 2022 european union (eu) european commission russia ukraine ursula von der leyen europe /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/13/1095638815_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_442c4787086a0aaef384a5cfcfaf66e6.jpg "Today, energy prices in Europe are back to pre-war levels, that is an achievement due to our unity in the European Union, otherwise we wouldn't have made it. But the price we pay for energy is still structurally higher than on other continents, and this is an issue for our global competitiveness," von der Leyen said in an address to the Green Deal Summit in Prague. She added that a solution to this problem is "within reach," depending on the efforts of each EU member, as energy consumption is their "national prerogative." Energy became the EUs top priority after the start of Russia military operation in Ukraine, when the bloc decided to significantly reduce its imports of Russian gas. The decision led to a sharp rise in gas prices in the bloc. To curb the price hike, the Commission presented several measures, including joint purchasing, price caps, and increased energy conservation efforts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/russia-grows-richer-while-west-bleeds-trillions-amid-failed-sanctions--funding-ukraine-1112666650.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 european commission, energy prices, shortage of energy, shortage of power, power supply, shortage of electricity, electricity supply, supply of electricity, nuclear energy, european energy crisis, lack of energy in europe, no energy for europe, no energy in europe, energy supply, low energy supply, european energy system, european energy, european electricity, energy consumption, rise in gas prices, gas price hike, energy price hike, energy conservation, energy price caps, gas price caps https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/eus-economy-incapable-of-surviving-new-enlargement---european-parliament-president-1113681789.html EU's Economy Incapable of Surviving New Enlargement - European Parliament President EU's Economy Incapable of Surviving New Enlargement - European Parliament President The current European economic model would not survive new enlargement of the European Union, though it is necessary to discuss possible ways of integration with candidates to the EU, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T11:20+0000 2023-09-26T11:20+0000 2023-09-26T11:20+0000 economy moldova ukraine european union (eu) european parliament european commission eu enlargement turkiye north macedonia serbia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/0d/1105405132_0:158:3078:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_d3aa05de5ac478c71c89d9c3e8e476fa.jpg "Of course the economic model that we have today is not one that would survive with 32 or 33 [member states]. But now is when we need to have that conversation. Weve already started in the parliament," Metsola told a British newspaper. Metsola added that particular membership benefits, such as lifting of a number of trade barriers or an access to the mobile phone free roaming in the EU, can be shared with future candidates before their official accession. The EU should be prepared for Ukraine's efforts to join the bloc, with "nothing off the table," including giving Ukraine access to European internal markets before it joins the EU, the EU official said. European leaders granted candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine at a summit in Brussels on June 23, 2022. Negotiations on their accession to the bloc will start once the two countries meet a number of conditions set out in the European Commission's opinion on their EU membership application, including certain political reforms. Achieving candidate status is only the beginning of a rather long road to joining the bloc. Turkiye has been a candidate country since 1999, North Macedonia since 2005, Montenegro since 2010, and Serbia since 2012. The most recent country to join the EU is Croatia, which did so in 2013, 10 years after submitting an application for membership. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/experts-ukraine-poland-spat-signals-resurgence-of-national-interests-over-natos-pro-kiev-agenda-1113591740.html moldova ukraine turkiye north macedonia serbia croatia 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 candidate country, eu enlargement, ukraine in eu, eu membership, european parliament, eu parliament, eu commission, ukraine joins eu, eu and ukraine, eu supports ukraine, ukraine admission to eu, ukrainian admission to eu, eu-ukraine, ukraine-eu, eu ukraine relations, ukraine eu relations, ukraine-eu, ukraine eu https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/fbi-red-cell-report-warned-of-domestic-violent-extremists-before-january-6-riot-1113703936.html FBI Red Cell Report Warned of Domestic Violent Extremists Before January 6 Riot FBI Red Cell Report Warned of Domestic Violent Extremists Before January 6 Riot A "red cell" FBI report warned that extremists had a strong desire to take action but would likely be hampered by law enforcement preemption and disorganization. 2023-09-26T21:15+0000 2023-09-26T21:15+0000 2023-09-26T21:12+0000 americas donald trump tucker carlson capitol police senate fbi january 6 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/1a/1090214575_0:283:3072:2011_1920x0_80_0_0_b5b73ab695db428ff56de60975e565d2.jpg Before January 6, 2021, an FBI red cell report warned that domestic violent extremists were very willing to take action in response to a disputed 2020 presidential election, but said that widespread violence was not likely.Titled Alternative Analysis: Potential Scenarios for Reactions of Domestic Violent Extremists to a Disputed 2020 US Presidential Election, the report saw the FBI warn that conservative groups likely had a high willingness to take action but a low capability to do so because of law enforcement preemption and disorganization among the groups.It also laid out two less likely scenarios: the groups would have both a high willingness and high capability to take action, and that the group would have low willingness and high capability.The least likely scenario presented by the report said that they would have a low willingness to take action and those interested lack that capacity to carry out a significant attack.The report was received by US media in a redacted form through a Freedom of Information Act request.The House committee to investigate the January 6 riot prepared a critique of the red cell report, but it was never published. A reporter who viewed it said the FBI missed the forest for the trees due to an inbuilt lone offender bias. The report also said the FBI failed to consider an unorganized mob could be a threat.Law enforcement agencies, including the US Capitol Police and the FBI, have been criticized for their lack of preparedness for the riot. In March, then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson released previously unseen footage of Capitol Police officers seemingly leading rioters through the US Senate halls and even unlocking doors for them.The January 6 committee largely took the blame off of law enforcement and put it squarely on former US President Donald Trump, arguing that his will be wild tweet on December 19, 2020, was a call to action.While the US media report and the reported January 6 Committee critique seem to paint the red cell report as another failure of law enforcement, it is worth noting there was no widespread violence perpetrated by the rioters during the raid on the Capitol.US media and a Senate report attributed seven deaths to the riot. However, one of those was a rioter who was shot by police. Three more were rioters who died from unrelated causes: a heart attack, a stroke and a drug overdose, according to an autopsy. Three police officer deaths were also attributed to the attack, but one died from a stroke the day after the incident and two others committed suicide in the weeks after.Several members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing group that Trump infamously told to stand back and stand by during a presidential debate with US President Joe Biden, have been convicted for seditious conspiracy for their actions on January 6 and the weeks leading up to it. The groups chairman, Enrique Tarrio received 22 years in federal prison, the longest sentence related to the riot so far. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230504/ex-fbi-agent-charged-in-jan-6-probe-accused-of-egging-on-capitol-protestors-1110093393.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230307/january-6-clips-show-riot-police-acting-as-tour-guides-of-qanon-shaman-1108136970.html americas 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 january 6 attack, january 6 insurrection, riot, fbi report on january 6 https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/germanys-baerbock-admits-berlin-providing-ukraine-with-outdated-military-equipment-1113670176.html Germany's Baerbock Admits Berlin Providing Ukraine With Outdated Military Equipment Germany's Baerbock Admits Berlin Providing Ukraine With Outdated Military Equipment MOSCOW (Sputnik) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted on Monday that Germany had on several occasions supplied Kiev with outdated or almost... 26.09.2023, Sputnik International 2023-09-26T02:19+0000 2023-09-26T02:19+0000 2023-09-26T09:33+0000 military germany annalena baerbock olaf scholz friedrich merz berlin military equipment arms delivery ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/0d/1112562260_0:162:3063:1885_1920x0_80_0_0_9227b6d7c0a6c3cbcb536d4a4efb0c36.jpg "It does not only help to promise, and then you cannot deliver, or deliver things which do not work ... Some of our systems were really old-fashioned," Baerbock said in an interview with US media. Weapons must be supplied to Ukraine together with ammunition, and the delays in shipments can be explained by the need for additional approvals, the top German diplomat told US media. Some of the equipment sent by Berlin also might have been non-functional because it was not accompanied by appropriate ammunition, she added. Baerbock also said she could not give any information at present about whether Germany would supply Kiev with its Taurus cruise missiles, since it was necessary to be clear on every detail, including who could actually operate them, which "takes some time." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/bundeswehr-bungles-billion-euros-on-radios-that-cant-be-installed-in-army-vehicles-1113665507.html germany berlin 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 germany, annalena baerbock, olaf scholz, friedrich merz, berlin, military equipment, arms delivery, ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/hong-kong-boosts-russian-gold-imports-to-record-746mln-in-july-yy-1113683156.html Hong Kong Boosts Russian Gold Imports to Record $746Mln in July Y/Y Hong Kong Boosts Russian Gold Imports to Record $746Mln in July Y/Y Hong Kong increased its gold imports from Russia by more than five times year-on-year to $746 million in July, and by 1.5 times month-on-month, according to data from Hong Kongs Census and Statistics Department analyzed by Sputnik. 2023-09-26T11:44+0000 2023-09-26T11:44+0000 2023-09-26T11:44+0000 economy hong kong russia gold platinum mining minerals exports imports /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105677/37/1056773719_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_89cd14139b24b41aa982780ffc59c55c.jpg The data also showed that since the beginning of 2023, Hong Kong has purchased $2.6 billion worth of gold, which is 12 times higher than last year's figure of $218 million. At the same time, exports of Russian platinum to Hong Kong companies in July doubled year-on-year to $1.5 billion. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230918/china-lifts-gold-import-restrictions-sparks-surge-in-yuans-resilience-1113467679.html hong kong 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 gold market, gold acquisition by central banks, storing gold, gold import, gold export, world gold council, hong kong buys gold, precious metals, gold storage https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/lavrov-finland-being-drawn-into-wests-anti-russian-campaign-1113687561.html Lavrov: Finland Being Drawn Into West's Anti-Russian Campaign Lavrov: Finland Being Drawn Into West's Anti-Russian Campaign Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday called Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen's statement on Russia sanctions "boorish" and said that Helsinki was becoming one of the front-runners of the Western anti-Russian campaign. 2023-09-26T13:04+0000 2023-09-26T13:04+0000 2023-09-27T07:20+0000 world sergey lavrov nato russia finland /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/0f/1107472185_0:0:3121:1756_1920x0_80_0_0_df0b65472baffb6168c99124e92c1a55.jpg On Monday, the top Finnish diplomat said that Western sanctions "do hurt ordinary people" and that Russians realize that "waging such an unfair war comes with a price." Lavrov also said that Valnonen was "an inexperienced diplomat" speaking about the reasons for imposing the Western sanctions, adding that the Finnish foreign minister "wanted the Russian people to rise up against their own government." Finland and Sweden, after the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, submitted applications in May 2022 to join NATO. Finland became the 31st NATO member on April 4, 2023. Sweden's application has not yet been approved by Hungary and Turkey. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230629/finland-to-further-tighten-entry-for-russians-as-collapse-of-bilateral-ties-bites-1111539475.html russia finland 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 foreign minister sergey lavrov, innish foreign minister elina valtonen, russia sanctions https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/legendary-nazi-hunter-canada-failed-miserably-in-bringing-nazi-mass-murderers-to-justice-1113694491.html Legendary Nazi Hunter: Canada Failed Miserably in Bringing Nazi Mass Murderers to Justice Legendary Nazi Hunter: Canada Failed Miserably in Bringing Nazi Mass Murderers to Justice A Ukrainian Waffen SS veteran has received a standing ovation in the Canadian Parliament. Dr. Efraim Zuroff, chief Nazi hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, explained to Sputnik how nations are whitewashing their history, distorting the Holocaust, and sweeping their crimes under the rug. 2023-09-26T17:52+0000 2023-09-26T17:52+0000 2023-09-26T18:23+0000 efraim zuroff roman shukhevych waffen ss galicia ukraine canada nazi auschwitz volodymyr zelensky holocaust /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102214/56/1022145624_0:160:3077:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_0e19d9f19777bca9ac1121e6c5904253.jpg Ninety-eight-year-old Ukrainian Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka, who fought in the ranks of the Schutzstaffels (SS) 14th Waffen Grenadier Division, was enthusiastically hailed by Canadian lawmakers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The incident triggered a wave of fierce criticism, prompting House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota to apologize for featuring a Nazi soldier in the Canadian legislature.Sputnik reached out to Dr. Efraim Zuroff, a legendary Nazi hunter of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the director of its Israel Office, to ask why the scandalous honoring of a Nazi became possible in a modern Western state.Dr. Zuroff is unfamiliar with the particular case of Yaroslav Hunka, but it is still well known that the Waffen SS Galicia Division was "very involved in the mass murder of Jews and Poles in eastern Poland and Galicia," he pointed out."And it's a very sad thing that the heroes, the leadership of the Ukrainian nationalists during World War II, which was headed by Stepan Bandera, for example and the UPA*, the army raised by the Ukrainians to fight with the Germans, with the Waffen SS, which was led by Roman Shukhevych, these are the heroes of Ukraine," the Nazi hunter highlighted.Nazi Collaborators' Crimes Remain OverlookedIt is common knowledge that Nazi Germany played the lead role in the Holocaust the systematic state-sponsored killing of European Jews in the Second World War. Still, Westerners are not fully aware of the incredibly important role played by local collaborators in the mass murder of the Jewish people, according to Dr. Zuroff.Nazi Germany's Einsatzgruppen, mobile killing units organized by the SS (tasked with the "final solution of the Jewish question, i.e. the genocide of the ethnic group), "covered an area from Tallinn in the north of Estonia, all the way down to Odessa, near the Black Sea, a front of 1,500 kilometers, and murdered 1.5 million, primarily Jews, in less than two years," the expert said.Much in the same way, the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)* led by Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevych collaborated with Germans and were involved in the genocide of the Jewish people and other ethnic minorities on the territory of the Nazi-occupied Ukrainian Soviet Republic.In particular, the Nachtigall Battalion, consisting almost exclusively of OUN-B activists serving in German uniforms under Shukhevych's command, carried out mass shootings of Jews near Vinnitsa in July 1941. At least 58 pogroms were documented in western Ukrainian cities, the estimated number of victims of which range between 13,000 and 35,000. On September 29-30, 1941, Nazi forces and their Ukrainian collaborators executed nearly 34,000 Jews in Babi Yar, a ravine in the Ukrainian capital Kiev.From 1943 and until the arrival of the Soviet Red Army, Ukrainian Nazi collaborators also carried out massive ethnic cleansings of Poles in Volhynia and Galicia which claimed the lives of at least 88,700 people, including women, children, and the elderly.Why Did Canada Fail to Bring Nazi Criminals to Justice?To illustrate his point, the expert referred to the case of Hungarian gendarme Imre Finta, who was responsible for the deportation of Jews to Auschwitz, a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. Finta evaded justice in Canadian court since he said he had no choice but to carry out the orders of his higher-ranking Nazi commanders. Previously, the so-called "superior order's defense" was not accepted anywhere when it came to Nazi crimes. But it worked in Canada, according to Dr. Zuroff. After the verdict was approved by the Ontario Supreme Court, it became clear that many former Nazi collaborators would use the same sort of defense to evade punishment.Even though Canada later resorted to stripping some former Nazis of Canadian citizenship, it failed to deport many of the Einsatzgruppen veterans while a powerful Ukrainian diaspora of former OUN-UPA members continued to thrive in the country.Glorification of Nazism is Unacceptable"We don't know who's alive now, and we've frankly given up. To be honest, once [member of the Einsatzgruppen death squads Helmut] Oberlander died in his home, unfortunately, in his bed [in Canada], even though he served in an Einsatzgruppe that murdered 90,000 Jews in southern Ukraine, we're not sure that there are more. There might be others. We don't know specifically any others that I can point to. All I can say is the Canadian government failed miserably to do what it had to do, what it should have done. And Australia failed miserably. Britain failed miserably," said Dr. Zuroff.He lamented the fact that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Jewish-born Ukrainian, supports honoring Nazi criminals."I have to say that President Zelensky, even though he is a Jew, he was born a Jew, he's not much of a Jew, he supports the glorification of people who committed war crimes against his own people."In Denial of Their Crimes: Nations Want Comfortable HistoryPer Dr. Zuroff, Speaker Anthony Rota's decision to feature a Nazi soldier in the Canadian Parliament could have been caused by total ignorance, but nonetheless it's a "horrible thing.""They're supporting the wrong people," the Simon Wiesenthal Center expert said. "They are the ones who are promoting what we call Holocaust distortion. Everybody knows about Holocaust denial. In other words, that the Shoah, the Holocaust, didn't take place. But there's a new threat to memory, commemoration, and education, which is distortion. What does that mean? It means they don't deny that the Holocaust took place, but they change the narrative of what actually happened. So these countries, these new democracies, when they became independent and they became democracies, all of a sudden, all the crimes were committed by the Nazis, and there were almost no locals who helped them, which is a total lie."*The Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA*) is an extremist organisation banned in Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/untold-story-of-how-canada-became-a-safe-haven-for-ukrainian-wwii-era-nazis-1113656627.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/wests-anti-russia-discourse-wwii-history-obfuscation-led-to-canadas-nazi-travesty-1113685995.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/uk-journo-arrested-for-malinformation-after-exposing-trudeau-applauding-nazi-1113677702.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230126/putin-on-eve-of-holocaust-remembrance-day-nazi-crimes-should-never-be-forgotten-1106732170.html galicia ukraine canada americas 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 holocaust, nazi crimes, genocide of jews by nazis, stepan bandera, roman shukhevych, oun-upa, ukrainian nazi collaborators, ukrainian nazi killed jews, canada, canadian lawmakers greeted waffen ss soldier, nazi soldier received standing ovation in canada's parliament, volodymyr zelensky, simon wiesenthal center, dr. efraim zuroff, holocaust denial, holocaust distortion, professor yehuda bauer https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/moscow-tunis-mull-expanding-russian-grain-supplies-to-tunisia---lavrov-1113685436.html Moscow, Tunis Mull Expanding Russian Grain Supplies to Tunisia - Lavrov Moscow, Tunis Mull Expanding Russian Grain Supplies to Tunisia - Lavrov Russia and Tunisia are discussing the expansion of Russian grain supplies to the North African country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T12:22+0000 2023-09-26T12:22+0000 2023-09-26T12:22+0000 world moscow sergey lavrov russia tunisia the united nations (un) black sea grain deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113684671_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_d48e63ec41a82acb5e8334d5c118ac0d.jpg "We also separately discussed the prospects for organizing purchases of Russian grain. The first batch has already been delivered to Tunisia. The [Tunisian] minister's delegation includes the head of a Tunisian grain company, who is currently holding talks at the Russian Ministry of Agriculture on the terms of further deliveries and their expansion," Lavrov said at a joint press conference after his meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar. The Tunisian foreign minister arrived in Moscow on an official visit earlier in the day. On July 18, the Turkey- and UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, 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 emphasized that the deal's component on facilitating Russian grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled and that most of the supplies were ending up in rich European states instead of in countries that most required them. After the deal expired, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave assurances that Moscow would continue to supply grain and fertilizers to African countries despite sanctions. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230918/eu-ukraine-grain-row-may-spin-out-of-control-as-zelensky-threatens-wto-complaint---analyst-1113471135.html moscow russia tunisia 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 grain, grain supplies to tunisia, russian foreign minister sergey lavrov, russia and tunisia https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/musk-shreds-canadas-trudeau-for-russian-disinformation-blather-amid-nazi-row-1113674363.html Musk Shreds Canadas Trudeau For Russian Disinformation Blather Amid Nazi Row Musk Shreds Canadas Trudeau For Russian Disinformation Blather Amid Nazi Row Justin Trudeau has been shredded online by Elon Musk after appearing to blame "Russian disinformation" for Nazi glorification incident in Canadas parliament. 2023-09-26T11:08+0000 2023-09-26T11:08+0000 2023-09-26T11:08+0000 world justin trudeau elon musk glenn greenwald canada ukraine russia nazi /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/1a/1104721610_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_5a0ba880f9b98f7e6a5a3ecedb1b3089.jpg Justin Trudeau has been shredded online after appearing to blame "Russian disinformation" for the incident that saw a Ukrainian man who served in a Nazi unit during World War II receive a standing ovation in Canadas parliament.Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk went on X (formerly Twitter) to succinctly remark that there is a slight possibility that not everything is Russian disinformation.American journalist and lawyer Glenn Greenwald also slammed the Canadian Prime Minister for babbling about Russian disinformation after getting caught applauding an SS soldier who fought with the Nazis. He added that the incident was further proof of how "Western elites use RUSSIA to blame for all their failings."Others on the social media platform also noted that blaming "Russian propaganda" appeared to be the "favourite hobby" of the West in the case of every "fail".Earlier on Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in light of the scandal, said that it was "extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized." However, he added:"I think it's going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian disinformation and continue our steadfast unequivocal support for Ukraine."On Sunday, Anthony Rota extended his apologies to the Jewish communities in Canada and abroad for his decision to invite Hunka, adding that he took full responsibility for the decision. Trudeau's office said, in turn, that neither the Canadian Prime Minister nor Zelensky's delegation were notified in advance of the invitation of Hunka.Canadians should question who their government leaders glorify, the Russian Embassy in Canada said in a statement.It added that the Canadian parliament's standing ovation for the Ukrainian Nazi veteran was a "shameful" incident that will forever be remembered in the history of Canadian democracy.Warsaw also demanded an apology from Canada, with Polish Ambassador to Canada Witold Dzielski saying on Monday that Poland will never agree to "whitewash" Nazis. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/untold-story-of-how-canada-became-a-safe-haven-for-ukrainian-wwii-era-nazis-1113656627.html canada ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko apology from canada, ukrainian nazi veteran yaroslav hunka, honoring ukrainian nazi veteran https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/nasa-fields-request-for-space-tug-designs-for-deorbiting-iss-in-2030-1113702297.html NASA Fields Request for Space Tug Designs for Deorbiting ISS in 2030 NASA Fields Request for Space Tug Designs for Deorbiting ISS in 2030 After discussing a variety of alternative plans, the US space agency NASA has settled on a controlled deorbit of the International Space Station, a project that has yielded the largest-ever man-made satellite of the Earth. 2023-09-26T20:07+0000 2023-09-26T20:07+0000 2023-09-26T20:04+0000 beyond politics international space station (iss) nasa re-entry spacecraft /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/03/1a/1082461951_0:124:1201:800_1920x0_80_0_0_7eab8398af3e2a9885489c6cd49a168d.png NASAs Johnson Space Flight Center has put out a request for designs for a US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), previously referred to as a space tug, to trigger and control the ISS final spiral into Earths atmosphere when the space station is decommissioned in 2030.The space flight agency will hold a Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference about the request on October 3 and proposals are due by November 17, the notice also said. The space vehicle is expected to take years to test and certify.According to a plan put forward last year, the spacecraft would be launched just days before the ISS was to plunge into the sea, as its orbit decays below 140 miles altitude. NASA noted in a September 20 blog post that Russias Progress cargo vehicles, which are sometimes used to give the ISS orbit a boost upward, would not be up to the task of bringing the whole station down in a controlled way, which had been a previous deorbiting plan.This past spring, NASA requested $180 million in its fiscal year 2024 budget for the USDV contract, but budget feuds on Capitol Hill resulted in major cuts to the space agencys funds for FY2024, which begins on Sunday. The vehicle is not mentioned in NASAs 2024 budget estimates released last month, although plans for deorbiting the ISS are. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/space-capsule-carrying-sample-of-bennu-asteroid-lands-in-uss-utah-1113635599.html 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 international space station; deorbiting; nasa; iss https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/nord-stream-blast-why-the-west-still-cant-name-the-culprit-1113665071.html Nord Stream Blast: Why the West Still Can't Name the Culprit Nord Stream Blast: Why the West Still Can't Name the Culprit Exactly one year ago three out of four Nord Stream pipelines running from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea to provide Western Europe with natural gas were destroyed. Western investigators have so far failed to find the saboteurs behind the blast. 2023-09-26T06:38+0000 2023-09-26T06:38+0000 2023-09-26T17:20+0000 nord stream sabotage sy hersh seymour hersh russia germany ukraine cia nato european union (eu) nord stream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101347558_0:63:1200:738_1920x0_80_0_0_92adc02f32428ca312139dddc359fd1c.jpg Gas leaks from the Nord Stream pipeline system were detected on 26 September 2022, with the EU leadership admitting that this could be the result of a "deliberate attack".Two days later, on 28 September, the Kremlin announced that Russia was ready to consider applications from EU countries for a joint investigation into the Nord Stream incident. However, not only did the West snub Moscow's request but also blamed Russia for destroying its own pipelines. Later, European and American officials backtracked on their accusations but fell short of naming a potential perpetrator.On 12 October 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident "an act of international terrorism". Meanwhile, as gas prices soared and US energy producers secured lucrative liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts with European countries, it became clear that Washington had been the major beneficiary from the Nord Stream destruction. Furthermore, the US leadership had previously issued several threats that it would destroy the pipelines."And then I would say on top of that, the United States - given its military capabilities - had the capability to do this. They sent divers down to attach explosives and to arrange for a drone satellite that would ignite the charges and blow up the pipelines. It had the capability to do it. And it also had the motive, which was basically to weaken Russia's ability to use its energy resources to affect politics in Europe. So this is what it was all about," Giraldi continued.On 8 February 2023, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh dropped a bombshell, detailing an apparent plot by Team Biden and the US intelligence community to blast the Nord Stream pipelines with the help of Norwegian operatives.Reflecting on Hersh's version, Giraldi said that he feels that Hersh's narrative is "correct in every detail."Blame Game Time: The Andromeda YarnOn 7 March, the US and German mainstream sources published two separate articles claiming that international investigators had managed to trace the 26 September 2022 sabotage attack to a "pro-Ukrainian" group operating from the Andromeda, a 15-meter chartered yacht. The story immediately prompted a lot of controversy.Another problem, cited by the press, was that at the site of the explosion, the depth of the Baltic Sea is about 80 meters, requiring special diving equipment which the private vessel lacked. On top of this, the gang of saboteurs returned the yacht in bad condition and even left a couple of fake passports on board which made the story even fishier.Hersh ridiculed the mainstream media yarn while discussing it with an anonymous CIA operative familiar with the issue. According to Hersh, it's not just a "bad" media story but a deliberate "parody" fed by the CIA to the US and German media."In the world of professional analysts and operators, everyone will universally and correctly conclude from your story that the devilish CIA concocted a counter-op that is on its face so ridiculous and childish that the real purpose was to reinforce the truth," the investigative journalist wrote on 5 April.The most recent Western media stories alleging Ukraine's involvement don't hold water, either, according to Giraldi:The CIA veteran goes on to say that at present there is no story that sounds as credible as Hersh's version. Besides, the US had the motive; it had the capability to do it; and it also had the objective to do it as a way of weakening Russia's ability to influence Western Europe, Giraldi summarized."So I think that a lot of the background or the backstory supports the fact that the United States basically did it, though, apparently with the assistance of the Norwegians, and I would imagine some of the other NATO allies were also briefed in a certain fashion. In other words, not all the details, but given some indication that something might be happening in the near future in the Baltic."Why Couldn't EU Investigators Name the Culprit?It's hardly surprising that despite official investigations in three countries - Sweden, Denmark, and Germany - the question of who is responsible for the sabotage remains unanswered, according to Giraldi.However, Giraldi suspects that the German investigation probably came closest to the truth. However, what they told the public was essentially a narrative acceptable to the United States and to NATO. The former CIA field officer pointed out that Germany suffered the most from the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines.According to Giraldi, it's interesting to examine who else - apart from the US and Norway - was aware of the Nord Stream plot and was foolhardy enough to get involved in it. Giraldi doubted whether Berlin had been in collusion with the US and Norway from the beginning and said that it did not make sense for a country to sacrifice its own economy willingly.Furthermore, the Nord Stream pipelines weren't just a Gazprom asset, Giraldi emphasized: there were other countries - other companies from Western Europe - that participated in the project that had been worth billions of dollars. And because of the US plot, their money had been squandered and their infrastructure had suffered incalculable damage.But the financial aspect is only half the story: the most worrying part is that those who blew the pipelines up risked escalating the crisis dramatically.On 17 September 2023, the First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said that Russia was calling for the UN Security Council to meet to discuss the Nord Stream gas pipelines and the council will gather on Tuesday, 26 September - a year after the sabotage occurred.On 27 August, the Prime Minister of the German federal state of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, announced the need to repair the damaged gas pipelines which he said will help to ensure the country's energy supply for another five to 10 years. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230412/seymour-hersh-nord-stream-sabotage-led-to-total-breakdown-between-white-house-intel-community-1109392166.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230405/seymour-hersh-cias-nord-stream-counter-op-story-intentionally-absurd-to-reinforce-truth-1109166466.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230211/why-hershs-nord-stream-bombshell-may-become-legal-nightmare-for-team-biden--its-nordic-allies-1107344300.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/whats-behind-decline-of-germany-1112852729.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230830/ukraine-back-in-the-frame-for-nord-stream-pipeline-bombing-1112994813.html russia germany 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 nord stream, nord stream sabotage, sabotage attack on nord stream, ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, ukraine war, attack on nord stream was act of war, eu investigation nord stream sabotage, russia nord stream, gazprom, seymour hersh, investigative journalist sy hersh, us and norway destroyed nord stream, nord stream attack investigation, andromeda yacht, pro-ukrainian saboteurs, was ukraine behind nord stream sabotage, nord stream ukraine, nord stream 2023 https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/pentagon-says-abrams-will-be-ukraines-potent-deterrent-despite-kievs-tepid-assessment-1113687016.html Abrams Will Be Ukraine's 'Potent Deterrent' Despite Kiev's Tepid Assessment - Pentagon Abrams Will Be Ukraine's 'Potent Deterrent' Despite Kiev's Tepid Assessment - Pentagon The Pentagon stated that Abrams tanks would become Kiev's "potent deterrent" and allow Ukraine to be more effective the on battlefield, despite less enthusiastic assessments by the Ukrainian leadership. 2023-09-26T13:13+0000 2023-09-26T13:13+0000 2023-09-26T13:19+0000 military ukraine pentagon abrams tanks us arms for ukraine russia ukrainian crisis ukrainian conflict tanks /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105808/85/1058088578_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_125ec2a76ce8cc1af81291f8c5bd5084.jpg Last week, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence service, Kyrylo Budanov, said that Abrams tanks would not last long directly on the front line during an ordinary combined arms battle. The US Defense Department added that the delivery of these tanks was evident of "a tangible commitment to Ukraine's defense and stability." On Monday, the White House confirmed the first batch of Abrams tanks had arrived in Ukraine. In total, the US administration promised to give Kiev 31 Abrams tanks. On Tuesday, the Kremlin said the newly arrived US tanks "will burn," just like German Leopard tanks did earlier. The Ukrainian counteroffensive began on June 4. Three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had failed, with Ukraine suffering an estimated 71,000 casualties. Several Western officials also admitted that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had not been successful so far. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230730/how-many-tanks-has-ukraine-lost--1112263333.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/russia-destroyes-two-leopard-tanks---defense-ministry-1113586084.html ukraine 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 special military operation, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, us weapons, nato equipment, nato-supplied military equipment, us arms for ukraine, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort, nato arms for ukraine, nato support for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding of ukraine, american tanks for ukraine, us tanks for ukraine, abrams for ukraine, tanks for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/polish-deputy-fm-canadian-lower-house-speaker-must-resign-after-honoring-former-nazi-1113677571.html Polish Deputy FM: Canadian Lower House Speaker Must Resign After Honoring Former Nazi Polish Deputy FM: Canadian Lower House Speaker Must Resign After Honoring Former Nazi Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons Anthony Rota must resign after a scandal over a parliamentary tribute to former Nazi soldier Yaroslav Hunka, as the glorification of war criminals is unacceptable, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk said on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T09:06+0000 2023-09-26T09:06+0000 2023-09-26T09:06+0000 world russia volodymyr zelensky canada ukraine poland nazi canadian house of commons /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107788/51/1077885123_0:261:2500:1667_1920x0_80_0_0_ea05f1f6454770e7c2845a4d7d39249e.jpg "This is a great embarrassment for the House of Commons speaker, lack of understanding, lack of historical knowledge. And I believe that in the face of such a great embarrassment there should be a resignation from the post of the speaker of the House," Mularczyk said in an interview with the PAP news agency. He also said that soldiers of the Waffen-SS, like Hunka, were part of the most criminal German units, as they had committed massive war crimes, primarily against Poles and Jews. Last week, Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian Nazi veteran who fought in the ranks of the Nazi SS's 14th Waffen Grenadier Division during World War II, received a standing ovation from the entire Canadian legislature. Hunka's recognition came as Rota delivered introductory remarks prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to the Canadian parliament. On Sunday, Rota apologized for his decision to invite Hunka. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office said that neither the Canadian prime minister nor Zelenskyy's delegation had been notified in advance of Hunka's invitation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/untold-story-of-how-canada-became-a-safe-haven-for-ukrainian-wwii-era-nazis-1113656627.html russia canada ukraine poland 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 polish deputy fm, former nazi soldier yaroslav hunka, war criminals https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/polish-investigators-confirm-ukraine-fired-missile-found-in-poland-last-fall---reports-1113685877.html Polish Investigators Confirm Ukraine Fired Missile Found in Poland Last Fall - Reports Polish Investigators Confirm Ukraine Fired Missile Found in Poland Last Fall - Reports Polish investigators have confirmed the missile which fell on the territory of Poland last fall and killed two people was fired by Ukraine, a Polish newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing sources. 2023-09-26T12:43+0000 2023-09-26T12:43+0000 2023-09-26T12:43+0000 world poland ukraine russia missiles civilian casualties civilian deaths air defense missiles s-300 s-300 air defense system /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113686299_1:0:3640:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_9992689d13a925edfc8fc5526e32a9a0.jpg The investigators ruled out that the missile was launched from Russia, the newspaper said, adding that the conclusion on the ownership of the missile was made despite lack of cooperation with Ukraine that had given no materials on the incident to Poland. The investigation identified that a S-300 5v55 air defense missile was fired from Ukraine and later fell in Przewodow, the report stated. However, it added that the prosecution is not officially disclosing any information on the case yet. The spokesman added that investigation activities on the territory of Poland had been terminated and Ukraine had been requested to provide legal assistance. Last November, a missile fell on Polish territory near the border with Ukraine, killing two people. Warsaw said that the missiles were Russian-made but later clarified that there was a high probability that they were shot by Ukrainian air defense forces working to intercept incoming Russian missiles. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230918/ukraine-grain-row-shows-war-fatigue-seeping-in-as-eu-has-own-interests-at-stake-1113457047.html poland ukraine 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 polish territory, missile, missile fell, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, ukrainian missiles, ukraine missiles, ukraine's missiles, ukrainian air defense, ukrainian air defense missile, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, ukraine conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/prosecutors-get-it-wrong-embattled-menendez-proves-defiant-in-first-public-remarks-1113669846.html 'Prosecutors Get It Wrong': Menendez Proves Defiant in First Public Remarks Since Indictment 'Prosecutors Get It Wrong': Menendez Proves Defiant in First Public Remarks Since Indictment New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was indicted on Friday. On Monday he made his first public comments, defiantly declaring his innocence and explaining away stacks of cash found in his home on his family's Cuban history. 2023-09-26T01:57+0000 2023-09-26T01:57+0000 2023-09-26T01:56+0000 americas bob menendez cory booker egypt new jersey republican cuba alexandria ocasio-cortez corruption bribery /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107795/95/1077959581_0:0:3001:1688_1920x0_80_0_0_19e2cadc4e097feb3aa5a7f1b2152a26.jpg US Rep. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has underscored he will not step down from his congressional post after being indicted on federal bribery charges the week prior for a second time in 10 years.Although Menendez previously said he had no plans to resign, he has remained defiant as resignation calls from members of his party grew over the weekend. In fact, the New Jersey lawmaker on Monday stood in front of cameras for the first time since his indictment and declared his innocence.Bob and his wife Nadine are charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under the color of official right. A search of his home by authorities found stacks of cash and gold bars hidden in his home. Federal prosecutors allege they are the ill-gotten gains from using his influence to help three New Jersey businessmen and the government of Egypt.Menendez pointed to times he says he pressured US officials to bring up the issue of human rights abuses, tied aid to Egypt with human rights, pressured Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take the issue seriously, and times he spoke publicly about issues with Egypts presidential elections.The businessmen have also been charged in the case. All co-defendants in the case are due in court on Wednesday.Until recently, Menendez was the chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was forced to step down from that position temporarily due to Democratic caucus rules.Prosecutors allege he used his position to help the Egyptian government lobby for aid increases after the annual aid to Egypt was slightly decreased in 2017. His wife is accused of acting as a go-between for Menendez and an Egyptian-American businessman with ties to the Egyptian military.In a text exchange between that businessman and an Egyptian military general, Menendez was described as our man, according to the indictment. It also alleges that following a 2017 trip to Egypt, Menendez searched the internet for how much is 1 kilo of gold worth.A kilo of gold was worth $40,988.39 to $47,662.23 in 2017.In regards to the New Jersey businessmen, Menendez is accused of using his position to influence two criminal investigations into the businesses. One of the businessmen was a longtime fund-raiser for Menendezs political campaigns.Menendez did not directly acknowledge the shocking pictures of the treasure trove investigators found at his house but implied the cash was due to generational trauma stemming from his familys Cuban history.Menendez said the other accusations in the indictment will be addressed at trial.While New Jerseys junior Sen. Cory Booker has not yet weighed in, other Democratic allies are increasingly demanding he step down, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called the indictment quite unfortunate while saying it is in the best interest of the senator to resign.It shouldn't matter whether it's a Republican or a Democrat, she said in an interview with US television. The details in this indictment are extremely serious, she added.Menendez is up for reelection in 2024. Democratic New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim said on Sunday he plans to launch a primary challenge against the embattled senator. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/menendez-temporarily-resigns-as-us-foreign-relations-panel-chair-amid-bribery-probe-1113594436.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221026/us-senator-robert-menendez-under-federal-criminal-investigation-in-new-york---reports-1102741108.html americas egypt new jersey cuba 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 menendez indicted, new jersey senator bribery case, egypt foreign aid, menendez responds, will bob menendez step down https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/storm-agnes-to-hit-british-isles-with-75-mile-per-hour-winds-1113703382.html Storm Agnes to Hit British Isles With 75-Mile-Per-Hour Winds Storm Agnes to Hit British Isles With 75-Mile-Per-Hour Winds Residents of Ireland and the UK are bracing for the arrival of Storm Agnes, the regions first named storm of the season, which is expected to bring 75-mile-per-hour wind gusts and 50-foot-high seas and cause widespread damage. 2023-09-26T20:26+0000 2023-09-26T20:26+0000 2023-09-26T20:23+0000 beyond politics ireland united kingdom (uk) met office storm threat of flooding /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106049/18/1060491842_0:182:3500:2151_1920x0_80_0_0_b66294308e7cfa4ae27bb265300ea8fc.jpg The UKs Meteorological Office issued a yellow wind weather warning from midday Wednesday through Thursday morning across a wide swath of Ireland and northwestern Great Britain, including Scotland and northern England, as well as Wales and parts of the Midlands. The warning says gusts of up to 75 mph are expected along the western coast, with Ireland getting the worst of it, but even inland areas of the UK could experience 50-mile-per-hour winds.In terms of most impacted areas, were looking at the Irish Sea coasts, so south-eastern parts of Northern Ireland, west and north-western coasts of Wales, and the north-western coast of England, he added.Authorities are warning for the likelihood of downed trees and power lines, as well flooding. Along the coast and at sea, waves as high as 50 feet could be encountered.Ireland and Scotland could also experience high amounts of rainfall, with the Met issuing a warning for as much as 60 millimeters (2.3 inches) of rain. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has warned this could cause localized flooding, particularly along the western coasts. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/tropical-storm-ophelia-hits-us-east-coast-causes-flooding-in-several-states---reports-1113623873.html ireland 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 storm agnes; ireland; great britain; uk; flooding; met office https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/swiss-parliament-oks-decommissioning-25-leopard-2-tanks-to-sell-them-to-germany---reports-1113678347.html Swiss Parliament OKs Decommissioning 25 Leopard 2 Tanks to Sell Them to Germany - Reports Swiss Parliament OKs Decommissioning 25 Leopard 2 Tanks to Sell Them to Germany - Reports Both houses of the Swiss parliament have approved the decommissioning of 25 Leopard 2 tanks to later sell them to Germany, the Swissinfo broadcaster reported on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T09:49+0000 2023-09-26T09:49+0000 2023-09-26T09:49+0000 military germany switzerland leopard 2 europe /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1d/1108901604_0:175:3019:1873_1920x0_80_0_0_5d267b06ae7225c96cdad3e55d844b45.jpg The decision on the actual resale and its timing now up to the Federal Council, the broadcaster added. The Council of States of the Swiss parliament passed the decision earlier in the day with 25 votes in favor, 15 votes against and three abstentions. The National Council voted to decommission the tanks in June.Earlier, the Parliamentary Security Commission of the Council of States (CPS-E) supported the government's proposal to sell 25 Leopard 2 tanks to Germany on the condition that they would not be delivered to Ukraine in the future. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230418/ukrainian-tankers-accidentally-rip-turret-off-leopard-2-during-training--photos-1109628677.html germany switzerland 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 swiss parliament, leopard 2 tanks, decommissioning https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/trudeau-on-nazi-soldier-at-canadian-parliament-polls-have-trump-winning-and-france-leaves-niger-1113668430.html Trudeau on Nazi Soldier at Canadian Parliament, Polls Have Trump Winning, and France Leaves Niger Trudeau on Nazi Soldier at Canadian Parliament, Polls Have Trump Winning, and France Leaves Niger On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologizing for celebrating a Ukrainian Nazi in Parliament, and the UN censuring Canada over its celebration of Ukrainian WW2 Nazi veteran. 2023-09-26T04:04+0000 2023-09-26T04:04+0000 2023-09-26T10:07+0000 the backstory radio chad intelligence community niger charity fraud fbi cpac /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/19/1113668273_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_1174bed348d36f93fe155cfad22096d6.png Trudeau on Nazi Soldier at Canadian Parliament, Polls Have Trump Winning, and France Leaves Niger On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including Canadian President Justin Trudeau apologizing for celebrating a Ukrainian Nazi in Parliament, and the UN censuring Canada over its celebration of Ukrainian WW2 Nazi veteran. In the first hour, Rachel spoke with Ted Harvey, Former Colorado State Senator and Chairman of StopJoe.com, about bribery charges against Senator Bob Menedez, Democrats will have to scramble to replace Joe Biden for the 2024 election, and the Democrats have a weak bench to win elections. Ted talked about the Hunter Biden laptop scandal and how Joe Biden should have lost the 2020 election for the Hunter Biden laptop scandal. Ted spoke about the signs of cognitive decline in Joe Biden and the continuous negative polls for Joe Biden.Rachel spoke with Koffi Kouakou, Africa analyst and Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Africa China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, about the situation in Niger. President Macron states French troops will leave Niger, and the West has a past of supporting rebels in Africa. Koffi explained the level of poverty of African countries with French influence and the quality of education African citizens are receiving from the internet.In the second hour, Rachel spoke with Owen Shroyer, journalist and Infowars host, about his prison sentence for January 6th, criminalization of free speech, and the DOJ's attempts to make an example out of Owen. He explained how he has been targeted by the DOJ since 2019 and how the American left wants conservatives arrested for protesting. Owen talked about the details of his legal case and how he never entered the Capitol on January 6th.Rachel spoke with Charles Ortel, former icnvestor, and Charity Fraud expert, about the Senator Bob Menedez corruption, Clinton's Ukraine action network, and the fake audits of the Clinton Foundation. Charles talked about the lack of accounting for the Clinton Global Initiative and how the Clintons are openly raising funds in the name of Ukraine.Also, we talk about Ukrainian Nazi being hailed in the Canadian Parliament.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 chad niger ukraine france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Rachel Blevins Rachel Blevins 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 Rachel Blevins the backstory, anti-french sentiment in west africa, nazi in canadian parliament, bob menedez's corruption, january 6th prison sentence https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/two-more-democratic-senators-call-on-menendez-to-resign-following-indictment-1113692569.html Two More Democratic Senators Call on Menendez to Resign Following Indictment Two More Democratic Senators Call on Menendez to Resign Following Indictment Two more democratic US senators, Tammy Baldwin and Jon Tester, issued statements on Tuesday calling on their fellow party member Robert Menendez to resign after he was indicted on bribery charges earlier in the month. 2023-09-26T15:02+0000 2023-09-26T15:02+0000 2023-09-26T15:02+0000 americas robert menendez tammy baldwin jon tester us senate justice department us democratic party nancy pelosi charges corruption charges /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105921/05/1059210556_0:0:3511:1975_1920x0_80_0_0_798e1ba8f810fb3212093a339a343c9c.jpg "I've read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the public's faith in the US Senate," Tester stated. Senator Baldwin called the charges against Menendez "troubling allegations" and also urged him to step down as it would be best for his constituents and the national security of the United States. The senators became the fourth and fifth in a row of Menendez's fellow party members, who believe that he should resign due to the charges brought against him. Following the indictment, democratic senators Sherrod Brown, Peter Welch, and John Fetterman called on Menendez to resign. Among those who urged the New Jersey senator to step down are New Jersey governor Phil Murphy and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Last week, the Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging Menendez, his wife, and three other individuals with crimes including conspiracy to commit bribery, fraud, and extortion under color of official right. Menendez said on Monday that he believes he will be cleared of bribery allegations and will continue to serve in Congress after the facts of the case against him emerge. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/prosecutors-get-it-wrong-embattled-menendez-proves-defiant-in-first-public-remarks-1113669846.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 us senator, bob menendez, robert menendez, resignation of bob menendez, resignation of bob menendez, bribery, conspiracy to commit extoration, us senate foreign relations committee, tammy baldwin, jon tester, corruption, bribery allegations https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/uk-journo-arrested-for-malinformation-after-exposing-trudeau-applauding-nazi-1113677702.html UK Journo Arrested for 'Malinformation' After Exposing Trudeau Applauding Nazi UK Journo Arrested for 'Malinformation' After Exposing Trudeau Applauding Nazi Free speech advocates have warned that the government's Online Safety Bill could be used to crack down on anyone questioning the official narrative on issues from the COVID-19 pandemic to the conflict in Ukraine. 2023-09-26T12:40+0000 2023-09-26T12:40+0000 2023-09-26T14:49+0000 world united kingdom (uk) britain great britain justin trudeau volodymyr zelensky canada nazi ukraine waffen-ss /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/19/1113639601_332:0:2561:1254_1920x0_80_0_0_7a8362813d6dfd7deafff8e304563032.png A British independent journalist has been arrested after he condemned the Canadian parliament's lauding of a Ukrainian Nazi Waffen-SS member.Warren Thornton was hosting an edition of his webcast The Real Truth on the evening of Sunday September 24 when police officers knocked at his door.The video blogger has been critical on social media of NATO's support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He had also helped expose the dark past of 98-year-old Ontario resident Yaroslav Hunka, who was given a standing ovation in the Canadian House of Commons last week during a speech by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the invitation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.Guest Fiona Ryan recounted how Thornton "vanished" 20 minutes before the show ended, as she was talking with fellow guest Johnee, host of the Cafe Revolution YouTube channel based in Donetsk on the front line of the conflict with Ukraine. When she sent a WhatsApp message to Thornton after the webcast ended to ask what happened, he texted back the single word "police". Thornton confirmed to Sputnik that officers from the regional Cyber Crime Unit "invited" him to be "interviewed". When he declined, they put him under arrest and drove him to a police station in Bristol, many miles from his home.There they attempted to serve him with a formal caution for 'malinformation' in relation to 16 videos he had posted on social media.He was finally released without charge or caution on Monday, left with a lengthy train journey home. Several of the videos presented by Thornton discussed the conflict in Ukraine, focussing on the failure of Kiev's counter-offensive and its indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas. Another discussed the evidence presented by the Russian Ministry of Defence of the US biolab program in Ukraine, linking it to the COVID-19 pandemic.One in particular, entitled 'Spies, Lies and Mercenaries', exposed how French intelligence agents were working with foreign militants in Kiev as early as 2020, two years before the conflict with Russia. Another delved into last week's invitation of Ukrainian Nazi Yaroslav Hunka to the Canadian parliament.During the Second World War, Hunka was a member of the notorious 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division Galicia, a unit of Ukrainian collaborators recruited by the Nazi occupiers which took part in massacres of the civilian population. After the Axis defeat in 1945, Hunka was among thousands of Ukrainian Nazis who emigrated to the Soviet Union's erstwhile ally Canada including the grandfather of Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Christia Freeland.Trudeau apologised for the outrage on Monday before attempting to shift the focus to alleged "Russian disinformation."The incident highlights the concerns of free speech advocates that the Online Safety Bill, currently being debated in Parliament, which could be used to crack down on commentators who criticise the official government line.In a video on social network site X (formerly Twitter) since taken down Thornton said that being taken away and questioned for malinformation is quite an honour."He noted that "disinformation is when you knowingly know something is a lie, and you publish it. Misinformation is when you dont know something is a lie, and you go ahead and publish it."He pointed out that journalists have a "duty" to expose crimes, impropriety, risks to public health and safety and to prevent the people from being misled by public figures.So thank you very much for showing that all 16 of the videos you were investigating are completely and utterly true," Thornton told the police, pointing out that "no further action" was being taken against him.He stressed that his and others' critical coverage of the West's proxy conflict with Russia in Ukraine was vital in the interests of humanity, and that he was entitled to point out breaches of Article 39 of the UN Charter which mandates a response to 'any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression' which he believed "all NATO members have been guilty of.""We need to stop the killing and all the money that is flowing to these lunatic people and this lunatic war that is being fought on behalf of these lunatics in power," Thornton said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/polish-deputy-fm-canadian-lower-house-speaker-must-resign-after-honoring-former-nazi-1113677571.html united kingdom (uk) britain great britain canada ukraine 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 canadian parliament applauds ukrainian nazi waffen ss member, free speech in the uk https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/ukrainian-drone-drops-explosives-on-power-substation-in-russias-kursk-region---governor-1113672481.html Ukrainian Drone Drops Explosives on Power Substation in Russia's Kursk Region - Governor Ukrainian Drone Drops Explosives on Power Substation in Russia's Kursk Region - Governor A Ukrainian drone has dropped explosives on a power substation in Russia's Kursk Region, leaving seven settlements without power, Kursk Region Governor Roman Starovoit said on Tuesday, adding that no one was injured. 2023-09-26T06:13+0000 2023-09-26T06:13+0000 2023-09-26T06:13+0000 russia ukrainian drone attacks on russia ukraine russia kursk /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102652/91/1026529124_0:156:3000:1844_1920x0_80_0_0_629bcbfbd3dd165e7633a4a16ef4887e.jpg "In the morning, in the village of Snagost in the Korenevsky District, a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on a power substation, cutting off power to seven settlements. None of the residents were injured. Emergency crews will begin restoring power supply as soon as the situation allows," Starovoit wrote on Telegram.Ukraine has been sending drones into the Russian territory almost daily since it launched a counteroffensive in early June. The United Nations said in August, following a botched drone strike on Moscow, that it did not want to see any targeting of civilian infrastructure.Ukraine launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces in early June after several postponements. Citing the counteroffensive's needs, Kiev pushed its Western donors to step up military and financial aid. Three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had failed, with Ukraine suffering an estimated 71,000 casualties. Several Western officials have also admitted that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had not been successful so far. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/russian-air-defense-systems-destroy-ukrainian-drone-over-kursk-region---defense-ministry-1113638959.html ukraine russia kursk 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 drone has dropped explosives, kursk region, ukrainian drone https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/un-obligated-to-hold-us-accountable-for-stealing-syrias-oil--syrian-foreign-ministry-1113695241.html UN Obligated to Hold US Accountable for Stealing Syrias Oil Syrian Foreign Ministry UN Obligated to Hold US Accountable for Stealing Syrias Oil Syrian Foreign Ministry The United Nations have an obligation to hold the United States accountable for plundering Syrias oil resources which amount to losses of $115 billion for Damascus, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbah stressed on Tuesday. 2023-09-26T17:08+0000 2023-09-26T17:08+0000 2023-09-26T17:08+0000 un general assembly syria the united nations (un) us turkiye world denmark germany norway nord stream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/0a/1113262446_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_02c375118bd229bdfba6354943882a38.jpg Our latest statistics show that the total value of direct and indirect losses to the oil sector in Syria have exceeded 115 billion US dollars. We believe that the United Nations is obligated to hold the United States accountable and ask it to return this looted money to the Syrians, Bassam stated as he addressed the UN General Assembly. Bassams remarks came when addressing US and Turkish illegal military presence on Syrian soil in violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is also used to support an array of separatist militias and terrorist groups. The Syrian official also condemned the infiltration by several western political and military officials among others, to occupied areas of the country, in disregard to Syrias sovereignty. This is considered a flagrant interference in its internal affairs, Bassam said.In addition, Syria called for an independent United Nations investigation into the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the offcial emphasized.When asked whether there should be an independent United Nations investigation on the pipelines sabotage, al-Sabbagh said, "Of course.The Nord Stream pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, were hit by explosions in September 2022. The pipelines operator, Nord Stream AG, said that the damage was unprecedented and it was impossible to estimate the timeframe for repairing them.Denmark, Germany, and Norway have left Russia out of their investigations into the attacks, prompting Moscow to launch its own investigation. Russian officials have characterized the attacks as international terrorism.No official results of the investigations have yet been announced, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023 saying the explosions were organized by the US government with the support of the authorities in Norway. Washington has denied any involvement in the attack.In mid-July, media reported that Dutch military intelligence had informed the CIA of Ukraine's plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines - months before the attacks happened. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221231/turkey-agrees-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria-after-trilateral-talks-in-moscow--1105944663.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/biden-admin-blew-up-nord-stream-because-us-feared-losing-primacy-in-western-europe---sy-hersh-1113684346.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230611/cia-privately-attributed-nord-stream-attack-to-ukraine-while-us-blamed-russia---report-1111052666.html syria turkiye denmark germany norway 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 us invasion, turkish invasion, invasion in syria, syrias oil, us plundered syria, us pillaged syria, us stole syrian oil, american bombing of syria, us bombing of syria, american invasion in syria, nord stream, nord stream explosion, nord stream blow up https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/us-reconnaissance-flights-near-crimea-tripled-since-start-of-year-1113671292.html US Reconnaissance Flights Near Crimea Tripled Since Start of Year US Reconnaissance Flights Near Crimea Tripled Since Start of Year The United States and its NATO allies have tripled the number of reconnaissance flights near Crimea since the beginning of the year - from 7 to 21 per week, according to data from the portal Flightradar24. 2023-09-26T05:15+0000 2023-09-26T05:15+0000 2023-09-26T06:48+0000 russia crimea black sea russian black sea fleet nato p-8a poseidon sevastopol /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101467/76/1014677648_0:0:1400:789_1920x0_80_0_0_39f1a7cb72075254b4199d3d245926fb.jpg The United States and its NATO allies have tripled the number of reconnaissance flights near Crimea since the beginning of the year - from 7 to 21 per week, according to data from the portal Flightradar24.During the week of 18 to 24 September, US reconnaissance aircraft and strategic drones, as well as the "scouts" of their NATO allies, flew 21 flights near Crimea, the portal's track archive shows. Most visible were the American P-8A Poseidon and EP-3E Aries II, British RC-135W Rivet Joint and Luxembourg-based E-3A Sentry over the eastern coast of Romania. US RQ-4B Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance aircraft flew over the central and eastern Black Sea. Most of the sorties - 16 out of 21 - were flown by US aircraft. By contrast, earlier in the year and in the spring, US and NATO aviation conducted an average of one flight per day in the Black Sea region. For example, during the week of 16 to 22 January, NATO aviation (also predominantly US aircraft and UAVs) conducted only seven sorties in the area, and during the week of 15 to 21 May , only five.One day before the 22 September cruise missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reconnaissance activity by US and its allies' aviation increased to six flights a day which would suggest a connection between the intensity of the Western reconnaissance flights and the intensity of the Ukrainian armed forces' attacks on the Crimea. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/us-reconnaissance-aircraft-near-crimean-coast-during-missile-attack-on-sevastopol-1113583338.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230626/russian-jets-escort-uk-reconnaissance-aircraft-fighters-over-black-sea-1111479054.html crimea black sea sevastopol 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 united states and its nato allies, reconnaissance flights near crimea, missile strike https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/us-reportedly-has-only-a-few-more-weeks-to-bankroll-ukraine-as-govt-shutdown-looms-1113672082.html US Has Only 'A Few More Weeks' to Bankroll Ukraine as Gov't Shutdown Looms US Has Only 'A Few More Weeks' to Bankroll Ukraine as Gov't Shutdown Looms The US is running out of money to bankroll the Kiev regime, warned National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, as government shutdown looms. 2023-09-26T06:29+0000 2023-09-26T06:29+0000 2023-09-29T17:44+0000 world us ukraine john kirby joe biden army tactical missile system (atacms) us arms for ukraine government shutdown us government shutdown /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113673241_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a7733d0fd785e3db1b60558eb008742c.jpg The US may run out of money to bankroll the Kiev regime "in a few weeks," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warned in an interview with US media. Unless a stop-gap budget bill incorporating additional funding that the Biden administration has requested is passed, Washingtons ability to support Ukraine will be impacted, Kirby said. Kirby urged Congress to pass an additional $24 billion funding request to help Ukraine while favorable conditions on the ground remain, stressing that once the weather turned for the worse, combat conditions will become more challenging. The looming government shutdown may affect Washingtons ability to support Ukraine, the spokesperson added.The White House Strategic Communications Coordinator also acknowledged that the first US-made Abrams tanks had arrived in Ukraine. According to the Pentagon, the first batch includes 31 tanks. Kirby acknowledged that the use of the sophisticated tanks by Ukraine would face challenges, as they require skilled maintenance, logistics and sustainment backup in terms of making sure they got all the spare parts to keep them running.On the long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) that US President Joe Biden promised Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensly during is visit to the United States, Kirby still had no announcements to make, as there is yet no clarity as to how many of them will be delivered to Ukraine, nor when they will arrive.We are going to keep those security assistance packages coming, said Kirby.The White House warning about Ukraine funding comes as the US government is hurtling towards a government shutdown unless lawmakers on Capitol Hill reach a deal on a spending budget by the end of the month. To avert a shutdown and to keep the government open past September 30, Congress needs to pass whats known as a continuing resolution (CR). However, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has failed to muster enough votes in the House to pass a CR and send it to the Senate. A group of Republicans in both the US House and Senate have been promising to block any spending bill unless their demands are met, including removing any additional funding to Ukraine from the bills.Some of the most vocal Republicans in the House have been Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Marjorie Taylor-Greene (R-GA), while in the Democrat-controlled Senate, several Republican lawmakers, including Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have also vowed to block any fast-tracking of bills that include additional Ukraine aid.Sens. J.D. Vance (R-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) have also expressed a willingness to shutdown the government and were two of 29 lawmakers, including Paul, who signed a letter demanding more transparency about how much is being spent in Ukraine."[The Biden administration's request implies] an open-ended commitment to supporting the war in Ukraine of an indeterminate nature, based on a strategy that is unclear, to achieve a goal yet to be articulated to the public or the Congress," the letter read. It added that until their concerns are met the lawmakers will "oppose" additional expenditures to support the Kiev regime.Moscow has repeatedly denounced foreign arms shipments to Ukraine as only serving to prolong the conflagration. US weapons would burn like all the rest of them, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted earlier when commenting on the Abrams tank shipments to Kiev. Furthermore, Russia has warned that weaponry being funneled to Ukraine increasingly often finds its way to the black market. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/looming-government-shutdown-setting-us-up-for-credit-downgrade-food-benefits-loss-1113667185.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko us funding for ukraine, national security council spokesperson john kirby, us government shutdown looms. (Photo : SHAMIL ZHUMATOV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gestures during a press conference following talks with his Italian counterpart in Moscow, on February 17, 2022. In a heated speech to the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, dismissed the 10-point peace proposal put up by Ukraine and cautioned that if the West maintained on pursuing its suggested agenda, the current conflict might only be settled on the battlefield. Lavrov, known for his assertive rhetoric, did not mince words when he characterized the Western world as an empire of lies during his address, according to New York Post. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Rejects Ukraine's Peace Plan He further disparaged Ukraine's peace plan, promoted by Kyiv, by asserting that it was completely not feasible. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has long been a contentious issue on the international stage, with diplomatic efforts struggling to find common ground. Lavrov's statements at the UN General Assembly have further heightened tensions and questioned the prospects of a peaceful resolution. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had previously outlined four measures that the UN could facilitate to improve Russia's grain and fertilizer exports, aiming to incentivize Moscow to reconsider the Black Sea deal. This deal enabled Ukraine to export grain through a designated corridor, contributing to addressing global food shortages. However, Lavrov dismissed these proposals, asserting they were neither practical nor realistic. The situation escalated on the same day as Ukraine launched another missile attack on Sevastopol, located in occupied Crimea, according to a statement by a Russian-installed official. This strike followed a previous attack on the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which resulted in a serviceman going missing and significant damage to the main building. The missile attack prompted Sevastopol to be placed on air raid alert for approximately an hour as debris from intercepted missiles fell near a pier. Ferry traffic in the area was temporarily halted before resuming normal operations. Reports of loud blasts and rising smoke clouds near Vilne in northern Crimea added to the heightened tension. Since Vladimir Putin's order for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly 19 months ago, Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, has continued to be a frequent flashpoint for conflicts between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that at least nine people had been killed and 16 others were injured due to Kyiv's attack on the Black Sea Fleet on Friday. He also mentioned that Alexander Romanchuk, a Russian general responsible for commanding forces along the key southeastern front line, was in a "very serious condition" following the attack. On a separate front, Ukraine reported that its heavy artillery was inflicting significant damage on Russian positions near Bakhmut. These heavy weapons, supplied by Western nations, have played a crucial role in the ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces. The 155mm howitzers the US and NATO allies provided have proven particularly effective in this effort. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced several support packages for Ukraine, encompassing military, economic, and humanitarian assistance. He also pledged to provide additional diplomatic backing to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, as per to the Independent. Read Also: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson To Switch From Democratic Party to GOP, Citing Need for Republicans Canada and Ukraine Unite Against Russian Aggression Meanwhile, in a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Trudeau they confirmed Canada's commitment to impose costs on Russia and ensure that those responsible for the illegal, unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine would not benefit from their actions. "We stand here absolutely united in our defense of democracy and our condemnation of Vladimir Putin's unprovoked, unjustified, and unconscionable invasion of Ukraine," Trudeau declared. In solidarity, Canada and Ukraine have formed a working group with G7 partners to assess the seizure and forfeiture of Russian assets, including those of the Russian Central Bank. Additionally, Canada has added 63 Russian individuals to its sanctions list, targeting those complicit in various offenses, including kidnapping children and disseminating disinformation. The situation in Ukraine continues to be a significant international concern, with diplomatic efforts stalling amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The future remains uncertain as both sides grapple with the complex challenges of resolving the conflict and achieving a lasting peace, The Guardian reported. Related Article: California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Providing Parental Support for Child's Gender Identity in Custody Cases @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/us-seeks-to-minimize-level-of-armenia-russia-relations-amid-nagorno-karabakh-tensions-1113688568.html US Seeks to 'Minimize' Level of Armenia-Russia Relations Amid Nagorno-Karabakh Tensions US Seeks to 'Minimize' Level of Armenia-Russia Relations Amid Nagorno-Karabakh Tensions US seeks to minimize the level of Armenia-Russia relations amid Nagorno-Karabakh tensions, to use Yerevan against Russia, pundits told Sputnik 2023-09-26T15:03+0000 2023-09-26T15:03+0000 2023-09-26T15:03+0000 analysis armenia nagorno-karabakh nagorno-karabakh conflict nikol pashinyan samantha power us agency for international development (usaid) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113688235_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_66bc20cb2ec2bb09ddecd80a4b01ec95.jpg Senior US officials, including the chief of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, and Yuri Kim, acting assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasian affairs, arrived in Armenia's capital Yerevan on September 25. The visit sought to affirm US support for Armenias sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and democracy, and to address humanitarian needs stemming from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, as per a US Embassy post on social media, cited in reports.Weighing in on the protests sweeping Yerevan, with calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Dr. Stanislav Pritchin underscored that the Armenian PM is now most beneficial to the United States, for the mere reason that under Pashinyan relations with Russia are actually going into a very serious decline.The first visit by senior US officials to Armenia since the ceasefire agreement that ended the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh came amid reports that the United States is working on creating an international mission for Nagorno-Karabakh. On Monday, Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan extended a warm welcome to the US delegation, showcasing the importance attached to Power and Kim's arrival.USAID is a large organization that distributes financial resources to "support democracy" in those countries that the US needs, in which they seek to create chaos or try to counteract Russia's interests, underscored Evgeny Mikhailov, political scientist, director of the Center for Strategic Studies of the South Caucasus.The pundit emphasized that one can expect a lot of money will be allocated to "support democracy" and all sorts of Soros organizations and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are engaged in anti-Russian activities in Armenia. There were quite a lot of such efforts underway before Pashinyans arrival, he added, but after the latter became Armenias PM, they got an extra boost. Money is, in fact, allocated to form public opinion, which, by the way, is currently "not much aligned with the wishes of USAID," according to Evgeny Mikhailov.Nikol Pashinyan is following in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys footsteps, Mikhailov suggested, pointing to obvious parallels, saying: https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/usaid-chief-power-visits-armenia-highlights-pashinyans-ticklish-position-1113667619.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230921/russian-peacekeepers-evacuate-5000-civilians-in-nagorno-karabakh---defense-ministry-1113547960.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/how-the-west-drags-armenia-to-its-side-amid-nato-proxy-war-in-ukraine-1113160287.html armenia nagorno-karabakh Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko armenia-russia relations,d nagorno-karabakh tensions, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/us-senate-candidate-doubts-congress-will-probe-nord-stream-explosions-amid-elections-1113671859.html US Senate Candidate Doubts Congress Will Probe Nord Stream Explosions Amid Elections US Senate Candidate Doubts Congress Will Probe Nord Stream Explosions Amid Elections Congress is not likely to take an initiative to investigate who sabotaged the Russian Nord Stream pipelines last September considering US lawmakers are focused on the 2024 elections, independent candidate for the US Senate Diane Sare told Sputnik. 2023-09-26T05:50+0000 2023-09-26T05:50+0000 2023-09-26T13:18+0000 nord stream sabotage ukraine germany russia nord stream joe biden olaf scholz nord stream pipeline nord stream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101346542_0:44:839:516_1920x0_80_0_0_e291252f9a9c4c28bc6fce9ff4486ffc.jpg "No, I think it's in the way," Sare said when asked if she expects Congress to probe the Nord Stream sabotage. "It's unfortunate that we have elections coming up because the Congress is posturing for elections." A congressional investigation would allow Congress to discover if President Joe Biden and other members of his administration had a role in the event, Sare said. Sare pointed out Biden's remarks from February 7, 2022, alongside the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, when the US president said the United States would "bring an end " to the Nord Stream project if Russia carried out its special military operation in Ukraine. Sare believes pressure from the American public would be the best way to push Congress to launch a congressional investigation into the Nord Stream incident. Many US lawmakers, Sare said, are beginning to not be so enthusiastic about sending billions of dollars worth of more weapons to Ukraine, probably as a result of pressure from their constituents. Major US new outlets like The New York Times and CNN could also help bring about a congressional investigation if they ever decide to give the matter more coverage, Sare said. The Nord Stream pipelines, built to deliver gas under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, were hit by explosions in September 2022. The pipeline's operator, Nord Stream AG, said that the damage was unprecedented and it was impossible to estimate the time repairs might take. Denmark, Germany and Norway have left Russia out of their investigations into the attack, prompting Moscow to launch its own investigation with charges of international terrorism. No official results of the investigations have yet been announced, but Pulitzer Prize-winning US investigative journalist Seymour Hersh published a report in February 2023 alleging that the explosions had been organized by the United States with the support of Norway. Washington has denied any involvement in the incident. In mid-July, media reported that Dutch military intelligence had informed the CIA of Ukraine's plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines months before it happened. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/denmark-fears-conducting-investigation-with-russia-into-nord-stream-blasts---ambassador-1113641245.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/nord-stream-pipeline-bombing-plot-1113682985.html ukraine germany 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 us senate candidate, nord stream explosions, russian nord stream pipelines https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/watch-russian-kamikaze-drone-eliminate-ukrainian-armored-vehicle-in-zaporozhye-region-1113678850.html Watch Russian Kamikaze Drone Eliminate Ukrainian Armored Vehicle in Zaporozhye Region Watch Russian Kamikaze Drone Eliminate Ukrainian Armored Vehicle in Zaporozhye Region The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage of the Russian Osman special forces unit eliminating a Ukrainian Kazak armored vehicle using a kamikaze FPV drone in the direction of Zaporozhye. 2023-09-26T11:36+0000 2023-09-26T11:36+0000 2023-09-26T11:36+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia ukraine russian armed forces russian ministry of defense zaporozhye video /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113683286_1:0:826:464_1920x0_80_0_0_9aad54e2652fb0b05b8f55f82bc42802.jpg The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage of the Russian Osman special forces unit eliminating a Ukrainian Kazak armored vehicle using a kamikaze FPV drone in the Zaporozhye region.The footage shows a Ukrainian armored 'Kazak' vehicle moving along a field road; a drone of Russia's Osman special forces unit hits the right side of the Ukrainian armored vehicle. The 'Kazak-2' (Ukrainian name 'Kozak-2') is a family of Ukrainian armored combat vehicles produced by the Kiev company NPO Praktika. russia ukraine zaporozhye 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 Russian Osman special forces unit eliminates Ukrainian Kazak armored vehicle using FPV drone in Zaporozhye direction Russian Osman special forces unit eliminates Ukrainian Kazak armored vehicle using FPV drone in Zaporozhye direction 2023-09-26T11:36+0000 true PT0M10S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian kamikaze drone, russian ministry of defense, kamikaze fpv drone https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/wests-anti-russia-discourse-wwii-history-obfuscation-led-to-canadas-nazi-travesty-1113685995.html Wests 'Anti-Russia Discourse,' WWII History Obfuscation Led to Canada's Nazi Travesty Wests 'Anti-Russia Discourse,' WWII History Obfuscation Led to Canada's Nazi Travesty As the scandal continues to swirl over the Canadian Parliaments move to honor Ukrainian Waffen SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka, political analyst Caleb Maupin... 26.09.2023, Sputnik International 2023-09-26T13:30+0000 2023-09-26T13:30+0000 2023-09-26T13:30+0000 analysis canada russia adolf hitler caleb maupin nazis nazism proxy war ukraine crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1a/1113686839_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1b2f1959eac76c7d3b2b4b375d4787d1.jpg The discourse in the US and some other Western nations has become so anti-Russia-laden that coupled with an erasure of the heroic feat of the Soviet people to defeat fascism in World War II, a travesty such as the Canada Nazi scandal was allowed to happen, independent journalist and political analyst Caleb Maupin told Sputnik.There have since been strong calls for accountability coming from Canada's opposition leader, Poland, Jewish groups, Russia, and the United Nations. Russia's Ambassador to Canada Oleg Stepanov told Sputnik that he would request explanations from the Canadian Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister's Office in connection with the incident."Citizens of this country must once again think about who their leaders glorify and what kind of junta they support in Ukraine. Russia condemns any form of glorification of Nazism. And Russia will always remember heroism of Canadian sons and daughters who fought side by side with us to free the world from Nazi plague," the Russian Embassy said on Monday.This "pro-Hitler sentiment," as evidenced by the recent scandal involving the glorification of a Nazi war veteran in Canadas Parliament, that's nothing new, Caleb Maupin reflected.Recalling his years of political organizing in Cleveland, Ohio, and, specifically, in the suburbs on the west side of Cleveland, Parma Heights, he said:Caleb Maupin recalled the many arguments he has had with Ukrainian Americans that would start out with him defending the legacy of the Soviet Union.Such arguments left the pundit frustrated, as there appeared to be this blind spot and this tolerance for it [Nazism] among Ukrainian Americans."People would say 'Well, they lived under communism and communism is just so bad that being a Nazi, it's an understandable mistake.' And I would be like 'No, it's not an understandable mistake.' I mean, we all know the crimes of the Nazis, and especially in Eastern Europe, the crimes that they committed during that war were so utterly horrendous, Caleb Maupin pointed out.The pundit then weighed in on the billions of dollars in assistance that the Biden administration is sending to fuel NATOs proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.The travesty of a Ukrainian Nazi veteran being invited and honored in the Canadian Parliament is the result of a concerted effort to obfuscate the actual history of the Second World War and who was on what side," Maupin clarified.The communists in most of the Western world had a really good reputation coming out of World War II, the pundit underscored, because they had very clearly been on the right side. He emphasized that, "starting in the 1950s with the Congress for Cultural Freedom Program, which was a CIA program to kind of change political discourse and academic dialog, there started to be an effort to tamper with the historical narrative, and try to equate the Soviet Union with the Nazis. And in order to do so, they had to redefine what fascism was."The fact that there has been such a massive effort to equate the Soviet Union and actually existing communism with Nazism in the public mind was a disservice to the actual historical record, the analyst pointed out. However, for all those pushing this narrative, Caleb Maupin noted an indisputable fact:For more in-depth analysis of current affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show The Critical Hour. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/zelenskys-failed-visit-to-us-shows-end-is-coming-for-ukraine-1113666534.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/untold-story-of-how-canada-became-a-safe-haven-for-ukrainian-wwii-era-nazis-1113656627.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220411/zombification-nation-how-textbooks-for-young-ukrainians-teach-children-to-hate-russians-1094645369.html canada russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko 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 Svetlana Ekimenko ukrainian nazi veteran yaroslav hunka, canada glorified ukrainian nazi veteran, scandal over canada's parliament honoring ukrainian nazi veteran, A memorial scholarship has been established in the name of Culpeper native Lynne Goldsorough Yowell (1954-2023), a gifted artist who enjoyed a diverse career in the arts. The 1973 graduate of Culpeper County High School, where she was homecoming queen, majored in art at Virginia Commonwealth University. Goldsborough Yowell spent many years designing billboards and T-shirts in Virginia Beach, and also created flash designs for JD Crowe, a well-known tattoo artist, according to a release from Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. Goldsborough Yowell is survived by her husband of 38 years, Carty Yowell. The couple enjoyed a life together in Etlan at the foot of Old Rag Mountain. Carty, a former Northern Piedmont Community Foundation board member, felt a scholarship in his beloveds name was a perfect way to honor her memory. The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship is open to Madison and Culpeper County students pursuing a career in the arts in two or four-year colleges. Students may apply in December when the NPCF scholarship program opens. To donate to Lynnes scholarship, see npcf.org click on donate or mail a check to NPCF with Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship in the memo line, NPCF, PO Box 182, Warrenton, VA 20188. Finishing her first term representing the East Fairfax District on the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, Kathy Campbell is running for a second term in this years only contested race on the county board. Campell is a 49-year-old local real estate broker and notary who has called Culpeper home since 2005. The Illinois native is newly remarried to Neil Custer, owner of Dans Steakhouse in Luray. Campbell has a son, Cash, and two stepchildren, Logan and Haley. The incumbent supervisor attended two years of community college and entered the workforce at age 18. Prior to becoming a local Realtor in 2014 and a broker in 2019, Campbell had a 17-year sales career with Morton Buildings and worked in sales at WJMA. Asked in a questionnaire why she is running for board reelection, Campbell replied she first got on the board in 2020 and served during the pandemic. I continue to do what the constituents want which is to keep our county rural with low taxes and extracurricular activities for our children as well as build schools, she said. Retired middle school principal David Lee, a town resident for 10 years, is running against Campbell. Asked why she is the better candidate, Campbell responded, I am experienced, listen to the constituents and make decisions based on what they want, not what I want. The incumbent is running as independent like her challenger. Asked her top three priorities if elected, Campbell responded, Keeping Culpeper County rural, keeping our county with the the lowest taxes in the state of Virginia, and working on building new schools to reduce the crowded schools we currently have. Campbell resides on South East Street. RICHMONDDemocrat Russet Perry has knocked on thousands of doors in a swing district outside the nations capital as she campaigns for a seat that could decide control of the Virginia state Senate in November. The issue that comes up the most particularly among women and even from some Republicans and independents, she says is protecting abortion rights. The topic has motivated voters and upended traditional political wisdom in election after election since a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the federal right to the procedure last year. But it may be especially front of mind in Virginia, the only state in the South that has not imposed new abortion restrictions since Roe v. Wade fell. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin whose push to ban the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy was blocked by the Democratic-controlled Senate has pledged to try again if the GOP wins full control in the state. I see this fight and this race as being pivotal to what happens to many, many, many people, not just here, but across the entire South, said Perry, a former prosecutor and ex-CIA officer who noted that women from throughout the region have sought abortions in Virginia since Roe was overturned. For those on either side of the debate, Virginia where all state House and Senate seats are up for election and early voting began Friday is among the biggest fights this year over abortion rights. The Commonwealths odd-year elections are often an indicator of the national mood heading into major election years and offer both parties a chance to test campaign strategies, messaging and policy ahead of 2024 contests for president, Congress and other offices. Democrats are banking on abortion rights to be a winning issue, just as it was in the 2022 midterms and in earlier contests this year in Virginia and elsewhere. They hope it will lift candidates in a place that Democrat Joe Biden won in 2020 but where voters a year later backed Youngkin, who is still mentioned as a possible late 2024 entry for president. The Democratic National Committee recently invested $1.2 million into Virginia races, and Vice President Kamala Harris was in the state last Thursday to kick off a college tour aimed at mobilizing young voters to fight for reproductive rights, action on climate change and other issues. Republicans are centering their focus elsewhere in an echo of Youngkins winning 2021 campaign when the businessman defeated a former governor at a time when Roe was still law. Theyre talking about kitchen table issues, such as the cost of living, public safety and protecting the role of parents in directing their childrens education. Zack Roday, the coordinated campaign director at Youngkins Spirit of Virginia PAC, said Democrats are focused on abortion because they have nothing to run on. He accused Democrats of misrepresenting Youngkins proposed 15-week limit on abortions as a total ban. Most abortions take place before 15 weeks, and Youngkins proposal includes exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. Leading abortion opponents also see Virginia as a place where Republicans can reframe the discussion and avoid the ostrich strategy of trying to evade the issue. They have pushed GOP candidates to explain their personal positions, to speak compassionately about both unborn children and the women who may seek abortions, and to push policies such as improving the foster care and adoption systems. The countrys most prominent anti-abortion group hired Kellyanne Conway, a GOP pollster who was President Donald Trumps senior counselor, to advise candidates in Virginia and elsewhere on their handling of the issue. Its not enough to just say, well, Im pro-life, said Kaitlin Makuski, political director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. She pushed back on Democratic criticism of Youngkin and other Republicans as extreme on abortion, saying the 15-week ban was common-sense legislation. Abortion rights advocates say they are seeing voter support grow as more states impose restrictions and the reality of life without Roe becomes clearer. Theres basically a never-ending drip of horror stories from the states on abortion bans, said Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, citing stories about women denied care and young rape victims forced to carry pregnancies to term. She also dismissed anti-abortion activists attempts to shift their messaging. Thats their new thing. They want to be compassionate. Its garbage, she said. Its wild to me that they think anyone will buy that they are compassionate on this issue at all, or that they really, truly believe a 15-week ban is perceived as a compassionate compromise. Polling shows peoples opinions on abortion in the U.S. are complex, though most want the procedure to be legal, at least in the initial stages of pregnancy. An Associated Press/NORC poll conducted in June found about two-thirds of Americans said abortion should generally be legal. About half of Americans said abortions should be permitted at the 15-week mark, the poll found. By 24 weeks of pregnancy, about two-thirds said it should be barred. The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act has been reintroduced in Congress for National Suicide Prevention Month. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, is leading an effort to help combat high rates of veteran suicide in Virginia and across the country, according to a release from the congresswomans office. Suicide rates among veterans are approximately 1.5 times higher than those who have not served in the military. According to a 2022 study from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at least 65,000 veterans died by suicide between 2011 and 2020, but the numbers are likely higher than data being reported. The Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, which Spanberger helped reintroduce recently, which would increase the available data on the root causes and risks factors for instances of veteran suicide. The bill directs the VA to compile a publicly available review of suicides by veterans in the last five years. Those who have borne the battle deserve our strongest possible support. Amid an ongoing epidemic of Veteran suicide both in Virginia and across the country, we need to make sure that the VA has a full grasp of the problem at hand, said Spanberger in a statement. By requiring the VA to review suicides by Veterans in the last five years, the bipartisan Veteran Suicide Prevention Act would give the American people more information about the mental health crisis facing Americas heroes. Per the measure, the VA review would include: summary of the total number of veterans who died by suicide by age, gender, and race; a list of medications prescribed to, and found in the systems of, such veterans at the time of their deaths, and a summary of medical diagnoses by VA physicians that led to the prescribing the meds; the number of instances in which the veteran was concurrently on multiple medications prescribed by VA physicians; percentage of veterans who were not taking any medication prescribed by a VA physician; percentage of veterans with combat experience or trauma; Veterans Health Administration facilities with markedly high prescription and patient suicide rates; a description of VA policies governing the prescribing of medications; and recommendations to improve the safety and well-being of veterans. Co-sponsors are U.S. Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Anthony DEsposito (R-NY), and Joe Morelle (D-NY). Nestled off of Highway 71 just south of Harrisburg, Laura Lees Double L Country Store has become a welcome reprieve for travelers along the road. Double L is also the only restaurant in all of Banner County, providing an important service in what would otherwise be a complete food desert. Double L is one of the Nebraska Passport stops in the Panhandle. Laura Whelchel, who operates a ranch along with the store, had seen the property that it sat on lay vacant for some time before she decided to purchase it and transform it in to something more worthwhile. We decided to give it a try, so we purchased the building actually 10 years ago, she said. We renovated it and then opened it. She considers the restaurant farm-to-table as many of their ingredients are produced onsite. What she cannot make at the restaurant, she sources from her own ranch and other farms in Banner County. Items like the greens in their salads and the eggs used in their breakfast items are all grown in Banner County. She also pointed out that all the meat used in their burgers is raised on the Whelchels farm. We bake all of our own bread, hamburger buns. We bake all of our own cakes, pies, so our desserts are all handmade too. The restaurant also hosts a small gift shop with all kinds of whimsical items. At the counter, customers can purchase goodies like stickers as well as feed for the chicken coop outside of the restaurant. The shop also features items from local artists and business owners providing them with a marketplace to showcase their products for travelers along the highway. This summer has been the second time that the restaurant and store has been featured on the Passport program, as they were previously included in 2017. Whelchel said that her inclusion in the program has significantly boosted her business over the summer. I would say our numbers have doubled at least, if not more this summer, so its been a great program. Whelchel is always excited to see new faces walk through her door and even keeps a guest book at the counter for new customers to sign so that she can look back and see where everyone is from. Ive had people come in that have came in with other passport people or people that werent on the passport but they came in and theyre like, Oh my gosh, Ive driven past that place 100 times and Ive never stopped in, she said. While she often has guests from Nebraska simply traveling up and down Highway 71, or stopping in from nearby towns like Harrisburg or Scottsbluff, she also sees people coming from as far as other countries. One couple that stopped in had traveled all the way from Germany, and were on their way north through Nebraska to South Dakota. The homemade style of cooking paired with the atmosphere in the store make for a perfect stop on the side of the highway for both travelers and locals. We just wanted it to feel homey, comfortable, kind of like you were walking in home somewhere, Whelchel said. During the summer, the restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Soon, they will dial back the hours for the winter season when they see fewer customers but the doors will still be open. Passport holders will still have time to stop in and get their stamps as the program continues until Sept. 30 and Whelchel said she hopes that they do. Thats the fun part about this job is just that everybody that comes into your door is a part of your story, she said. Its just kind of fun to meet all those people. Even after the passport program ends for the summer The Double L Country Store and Cafe, and its guest book, will remain open for travelers, tourists and locals. The City of Gerings Planning Commission issued a conditional use permit for a proposed casino and horse racing track on the south side of town following a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 19. A conditional use permit related to the proposed racino was previously granted to Scotts Bluff Exposition and Racing Inc. on Sept. 21, 2021. That permit was then granted a one-year extension on July 19, 2022. A new permit was required as the citys zoning code only allows for a single extension of one year to be granted for the project, which has yet to begin construction. City Engineer Annie Folck explained the context of the permit and where the project stood, which she also discussed with the Star-Herald last week. She went on to describe the conditions city staff recommended imposing on the permit, which include considerations for light pollution, noise, traffic control and other factors which could negatively impact those residing close by. Sharon Haselhoff, regional vice president for Elite Casino Resorts, spoke on the companys vision for the area, which includes the development of a Quarter Horse racing circuit over time. Elite Casino Resorts is the new gaming partner for the proposed racino. We really want to capitalize on the Quarter Horse racing that Colorado and Wyoming have. Eastern Nebraska can have the Thoroughbred racing, and we want to create a Gering/Ogallala racing circuit with Quarter Horses in western Nebraska, she said. Haselhoff went on to say that the project would be a total investment of around $100 million and that Elite Casino Resorts expects it to generate around $12.5 million in tax revenue each to both Scotts Bluff County and Gering over the course of its first 10 years. Several Gering residents, who live near the proposed racino site, came forward to voice concerns about their potential new neighbor. A topic that multiple individuals brought forward was how the addition of such a facility would impact their property valuations. Whats it going to do to our property values? Steve Johnston asked. Weve got a very nice, quiet neighborhood. Some residents claimed their research has shown that home values have gone down in other areas after the construction of casinos. Commission member Allen Taylor, who lives near the proposed racino location, countered that the project has already been public knowledge for years and his property valuation has increased regardless. Folck said that the number of factors involved in property valuation made it impossible for her or anyone else on the citys staff to predict what impact, if any, the proposed racino would have upon the neighborhood. Another common concern was whether the racino would have an impact on crime rates and the safety of Gerings neighborhoods, particularly those close to the proposed site. Nearby resident Katie Markheim cited the locations proximity to Geil Elementary School in her statement. Part of the rationale of living where I live is because it is very close to those school systems. It is a very trustworthy site where I know my children are safe, she said. It is concerning (as) to the draw of people who could potentially be at this site and where that would put us. The proposed racino location is approximately one mile from Geil Elementary, two miles from Lincoln Elementary and three miles from Northfield Elementary by road. At least one resident spoke in favor of the racino. Mike Bruner said that although he has no interest in gambling, he will gladly welcome the increased revenue and tax relief the development is likely to bring to town. My taxes keep going up every year, Bruner said. Anything that can strengthen that and take some of the burden off me is a good thing. Members of the Planning Commission brought forth a few questions of their own. Chair Jody Miles asked Folck what the citys options would be for future growth if the proposed racino came to fruition, as it would take up a large chunk of land just south of town. There are still a fair amount of infill areas, unless those all fill up, Folck said. Then I would envision it starting to move to the south and probably to the east. I do think that theres still a lot of acreage there for development, and, historically, weve grown very slowly. Commission member Steven Alvizar asked whether any other locations were considered for the project, to which Folck replied that the city was not involved in site selection. The land in question is owned by Scotts Bluff Exposition and Racing and Folck explained that use of that land for such a purpose is now allowed under Nebraska law. The conditional use permit was approved via a resolution containing all staff recommended conditions, with a single no vote from Miles. Commission member Karen Palm was not present to vote. Scotts Bluff Exposition and Racing will now wait for the completion of a market study by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, which will inform the commissions decision of whether or not to grant Scotts Bluff Exposition and Racing a permit for a facility in Gering. The Gering Courier reached out to the gaming commission for an update on the status of that study, but had not received an answer by press time. The commission has been given a deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, for completion of the study. US Democratic Senator Bob Menendez refuses to step down from his position despite calls for him to resign. Although he faces charges, such as taking bribes, the official still denies the accusations. US Senator Bob Menendez Denies Accusations, Refuses to Step Down According to Reuters' latest report, New Jersey's Democratic governor and other elected officials publicly urged Menendez to resign. Even senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi said the US senator should step down. However, Bob Menendez ignored their calls on Monday, September 25. Political analysts said that Menendez's decision to retain his position could negatively affect his party's efforts to maintain its narrow 51-49 majority in the chamber. Instead of stepping down, Menendez temporarily left his role as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator," said the Democratic senator during his first public remarks after facing charges. His decision negates Senate Democratic rules, which require any member to give up their leadership position if they face criminal charges. They can still take back their positions once the court finds them not guilty. Read Also: Democrat Committee Chief Encourages Washington To Pack Up, End Assistance to Saudi Arabia Will Menendez Become the Next Harrison Williams CBS News reported that Bob Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, are being charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, as well as conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. New York's federal prosecutors said that Bob and Nadine received hundreds of thousands of dollars and lavish luxury gifts in exchange for using Menendez's influence to benefit some New Jersey business associates greatly. The ongoing issue of Bob Menendez is quite similar to the case of Harrison A. Williams, a former Democrat senator who also represented New Jersey in the US House of Representatives. Williams (aka Pete) was also convicted of crimes related to the famous ABSCAM case. Experts said it is ironic that Menendez fills the same seat that Williams resigned from. They added that the parallels between the Menendez and Williams cases are quite striking since both have funneled foreign payments through companies. For example, in the case of Menendez, he is accused of funneling money through a halal meat enterprise. Meanwhile, Harrison's recent case involves a mining operation. In March 1982, Williams decided to resign from his position after knowing his appeals were rejected in late 1981. There's a chance that Bob Menendez could face the same outcome since their cases are very alike. But, it depends on whether the US senator continues his fight or accepts the calls to resign. Related Article: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Announces Switching From Democratic to Republican Party @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Western Community College Area Board of Governors welcomed two new members during their regular September meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Misty Curtis and Marjorie Schmidt joined the board following the budget hearing and approval of the 2023-2024. Curtis, of Hemingford, will fill the District 3 vacancy, replacing Richard Stickney, who also resigned in July. She is the principal of Hemingford High School. Prior to that, she was principal of Gordon-Rushville Middle School and has teaching experience dating back to 2004 when she first began at Scribner/Snyder Community Schools. I am honored to have been selected to the WNCC Board of Governors, said Curtis. I am looking forward to representing our community while building positive partnerships. Schmidt, a resident of Gordon, will fill the vacancy in District 1, replacing Kim Marcy who resigned in July. She is a semi-retired medical professional who plays an active role in a large farm and ranch operation near Gordon. We are pleased to welcome Marjorie and Misty to our board, chair Lynne Klemke said. They come to us with backgrounds in ag, health care, and education, and we welcome their voice and perspectives. The board held its annual budget hearing before the regular meeting. There, the property tax request for the 2023-2024 budget year at Western Nebraska Community College was set at around $14.9 million. That amount is nearly $1.1 million more than the colleges tax request in the previous year and results in a property tax rate of 10 cents per $100 of valuation, a marginal decrease from the previous years rate. WNCCs tax supported budgets, which include the colleges general operating budget and building improvement/bond sinking budget, will still see a substantial combined decrease from the previous year. This is due to nearly $23 million of non-tax revenue that was included in the building fund last year. The majority of the colleges tax request, around $11.8 million, will be funneled into the operating budget, which is used for instruction, academic support and student services, among other purposes. The total operating budget will only increase by around $320,000 in the 2023-2024 school despite receiving more property tax revenue for a total of around $29.3 million. This is due to decreases in other funding sources, such as tuition. Of the remaining tax request, the lions share will be given to the building fund, about $3.1 million. The total budget of that fund will be around $9.3 million and include expenses such as the ongoing A Pod renovation, utility upgrades in the student commons and various interior and exterior improvements across the colleges campuses. The next regular meeting for the WCCA board will be on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. on the colleges Scottsbluff campus. That same day, a welcome reception will be held on that campus for new WNCC President Greg Dart starting at 3:30 p.m. The college invited the community to attend the event and meet Dart along with members of the board. The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners voted to approve its budget and property tax request following a public hearing Monday afternoon. Commissioners discussed the rise in valuations and the boards lowering of the mill levy during the hearing. The hearing began with Management Accountant Lisa Rien reviewing the budget with the commissioners, as it had been through several revisions and changes by that point. The commissioners had been careful to balance lowering their tax request with the rise in valuations to avoid attending the joint public hearing last week, otherwise known as the pink postcard meeting. Rien began by reading the budget statement at the beginning of the document aloud, explaining how the commissioners and the accountants office had arrived at the decisions they did. The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners remains committed to providing the best possible services in a fiscally conservative manner, said Rien, quoting the budget statement. In previous meetings the budget had undergone a number of changes including large cuts to transportation and roads projects, among others in order to lower their tax request below the threshold to attend the joint public hearing. Commissioner Mark Harris continued to voice concern about the rise in the countys tax request, since even though they had lowered their request, valuations had increased enough that the request rose regardless. I know our biggest concern is always tax (request), said Harris because thats what affects the taxpayer the most, said Harris. Rien said she felt that the budget had already been squeezed enough and there was not much more room to reduce the request while running services like the county jail and paying county employees, saying We still have to operate. Harris also discussed his disappointment that the county continued to have one of the higher tax requests in the state and expressed optimism that in coming years they may be able to find ways to lower Scotts Bluff County in those rankings. Rien did not share his optimism. I dont see how you will with our valuations, she said. The budget resolution passed unanimously. Commissioner Charlie Knapper took issue with a line item in the tax request resolution related to the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts and while the item confused other members of the board as well they decided that if it became an issue it could always be resolved later with an amendment. Knapper did not feel the same and voted no on the resolution, which passed four to one. The commissioners also passed a resolution to authorize a fare free week on the Tri-City Roadrunners route from Oct. 2-Oct. 8. The resolution was a part of an initiative by the Disability Mobility Initiative and America Walks to declare a National Day without Driving. The commissioners heard from Public Transit Manager Curtis Richter who explained that the measure would cost the city around $500. The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners will meet again Monday Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of the county administration building. A suspect accused of killing a 29-year-old woman in Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested in Nebraska on the same day her body was discovered. Ashli Ehrhardt was found dead inside a home on Friday in Kansas City. Hours later, the suspect was arrested nearly 8 hours away in Valentine, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman with the Kansas City Police Department. Gonzalez said the homicide was related to a domestic violence incident. Officers first responded to the Kansas City home around 10:30 a.m. Friday, after a call from Ehrhardts employer saying it was unusual that she hadnt shown up for work that day. They found Ehrhardt unresponsive inside the home with unknown bodily injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The killing was the 143rd homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. The sound of gunfire, flashing police lights and a police dog subduing a suspect would normally be a cause for concern, but at Sheldons K9s Fall Fest at Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville on Saturday it was a chance for the Mooresville Police Department to show how their dogs work with officers. The gunfire was just a sound effect played over speakers and the fleeing suspect was Officer James Ramey in a thick bite suit so it was no surprise that instead of shocked gasps there was cheering and laughing as the dogs showed the public just what they could do. The relationship with the dogs and the public is amazing. It lets them see where their tax money goes to, how professional we are with the dogs, and when they see us out in town it creates a bond with us, Corporal Andrew Beck said. It connects us police officers with the community and gives us an avenue of conversation. The work when the dogs are on the job is serious, but the demonstration showed off the canines skills with movement drills, simulated narcotic searches, and then a finale that included a short car chase through a field which ended with K9 Hansel latched onto Ramey before Officer Jesse Scott called the dog off. While the mood at the event was light, the memory of Officer Jordan Sheldon wasnt forgotten by Beck, who called Sheldon a friend. Sheldon was killed in the line of duty on May 4, 2019, while performing a traffic stop. What Ive learned over the years is people forget things, but this is a way for us to honor him years after hes passed and the community will never forget. Sheldon was a K-9 officer for the department, which is why his family and friends began the organization Sheldons K9s. The organization seeks to improve the lives of K9s and their handlers with active duty canines and retired ones. The organizations website said its goal is to provide support to the Mooresville Police Department K9 unit through community involvement. They really are a specially trained tactical tool, but theyre still an animal you want to care for. They do a great service like anyone on active duty, Carson Ledford said. He is Sheldons brother and a board member with Sheldons K9s. We want the community to learn about them, interact with them and become more interested in the cause. And along with that mission, Ledford said they hope to carry on his brothers memory and legacy. Thats the biggest and foremost reason were here. His passion and work was animals, and we want to continue that on. Trackhouse Racing hosted the event, which along with the K-9 demonstration, had vendors and food trucks on hand so that the dogs werent the only ones enjoying treats on Saturday. One of those people was Rhonda Quinn, who brought her canine companion. Of course we love dogs, but wed heard a lot about Jordan Sheldon and wanted to come out and support them, Quinn said. And while supporting Sheldons K9s, she joked her dog Kailey wasnt quite trained for the work the police departments dogs are. As soon as she heard the gun sound, she was out. GREENSBORO Sam Allen scoops red velvet batter into mini-cupcake trays for one of the last batches leaving A Sweet Success bakery, which is closing to the public in just a few days. The bakery, which sells goods through Harris Teeter and includes the Well-Spring retirement community as a client, has been a training ground for those at the Sanctuary House, which provides services for adults with mental illness in Guilford County. I was homeless when I found them, Allen said of the nonprofit as the cupcakes aroma rises from the oven. I had spent time in prison. Staff helped him find a place to stay and began working with him on how to interact with people. He admits that his emotions sometimes got the best of him. They taught me a lot about channeling that energy into something positive, Allen said. That was my new start. **** When the Sanctuary Houses board announced the bakery, which opened in 2008 and is located in a converted rental home, was closing, it wasnt because of funding. The board, which earlier this year paid off its existing mortgages, wants to prioritize areas that have the greatest impact on those that they serve, such as housing and training program partnerships with companies that could later lead to employment. No one was laid off. Employees will work in other areas. And clients will have other opportunities. It was always interesting to see those who said they couldnt do something, and they tried, and they found they were good at it, said bakery manager Angie Murray, standing in front of a large dry-erase board where she has been tracking the last batches of baked goods that were made. The bakery, with the hundreds who have gone through training over the years, has been a success. Executive Director Jodi Lorenzo knows why: the community. Over the past few weeks she has heard from people who worked in the bakery and others who bought items from there. Our customers made a difference with every order, Lorenzo said. The bakerys closure is, well, bittersweet. Once we started looking at our mission and vision about where we wanted to be headed, we had great clarity that this was the right thing for Sanctuary House, Lorenzo said. **** The Sanctuary House is actually spread over four locations, including a nine-bedroom home for clients called Hillcrest off Friendly Avenue. The nonprofit opened in 2002 to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of Guilford County adults with serious mental illness. Lorenzo has been its executive director and CEO since then. Clients, called members, do not live at the Sanctuary House building, but use it as a base of support while building new skills and gaining a greater sense of independence. At the day program better known as the Clubhouse members have an ordered day and participate in activities such as cooking and money management. Born of the need to provide services that had been cut to the mentally ill, staff and volunteers have also worked hard to engage the community in its work. An annual penny drive helps educate the public about the organizations services while reducing stigmas about mental illness. Some of the wide range of people who stop by come to enjoy the food and music while others want to learn more about symptoms and treatment. Organizers consider the penny a strong symbol: President Abraham Lincoln, whose face is, of course, on the coin, struggled with symptoms of depression. I think that by beginning to talk about mental health conditions the way we do cancer and heart disease, we begin to normalize the experience, Lorenzo said. According to recent statistics, close to 21% of adults experience a diagnosis of a mental health condition. Thats about 50 million Americans. The stigma associated with mental illness also prevents some from getting help. The nonprofit works with people whose diagnosis might include depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We help people live beyond their diagnosis, Lorenzo explained. **** At the bakery, it was more than producing the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It gave them a sense of purpose to be able to tap into new skills, said Jon Lowery, a program manager. Landlocked in its main location on Elm Street, the agency would like to consolidate its programs on a larger property. In the meantime, housing for clients has been a major concern. Sanctuary House has been networking with the local organization Partners Ending Homelessness to fix that. I see housing as meeting people where they are, Lorenzo said. For some, that means more services wrapped around them. For others, its really an independent apartment but us building that village of support. At the groups nine-bedroom group home the clients have chores and 24-hour staff as they work on independent living skills. This is my home, said Emily Myrick, an artist and resident standing in the communal living room with pictures and paintings peeking from every corner. On this day, some of her roommates are attending programs on the Sanctuary House campuses. Ive been blessed with so much help and love, said Emily as she walked through the upsized residence where each room is spacious including hers where she works on rocks she finds on daily walks and turns them into art. Other housing in the future would model the set up here but also include apartments for clients to live independently with case management. The organizations board is looking at real estate, which could be an opportunity to reopen the bakery one day in a building on a single campus for all the programs. But Lorenzo said that it is not being discussed at the moment. It started with closing the bakery, but I think its really about making choices that align with our future and thats expanding housing, Lorenzo said. Syrian immigrants, both within and outside their homeland, have become the marginalized of the modern world, Mohamed Berro writes for Syria TV. The suffering endured by the Syrian people over the past twelve years has become multifaceted, defying easy categorization. The contemporary brutality of the regime has introduced new forms of oppression previously unseen. From the pervasive fear that grips the population to the grinding poverty that afflicts all Syrians, except for a privileged few tied to the regime, life within Syria has become unbearable. Many have been displaced within and outside Syrian cities, often facing perilous journeys and the spectre of death. Yet, even exile does not offer respite from suffering, as Syrians experience the spread of racism in various corners of the globe where they seek refuge. They discover that the human rights and rule of law they hoped for in their adopted countries do not always shield them from threats. Exile means losing ones social fabric, the nurturing cultural and social environment that once provided protection and a sense of belonging. The absence of this support structure has led many Syrian youth to drift towards indifference and alienation. According to international reports, Syrian refugees make up a significant portion of the global refugee population. Tragically, they also constitute a high percentage of those who have perished at sea or been thwarted by Coast Guard forces in their quest to reach European shores. Despite these perils, Syrians continue to embark on treacherous journeys daily, driven by the elusive dream of finding safety. In addition to their own hardships, Syrian immigrants often bear the responsibility of supporting their remaining family members back in Syria. They share their hard-earned money or whatever aid they receive, despite the meagre amounts available. Exile also means losing ones social fabric, the nurturing cultural and social environment that once provided protection and a sense of belonging. The absence of this support structure has led many Syrian youth to drift towards indifference and alienation. This, in turn, has contributed to the breakdown of Syrian families and an alarming rise in divorce rates, along with an environment conducive to underage and customary marriages, which leave women vulnerable to various forms of violence. They can be easily cast out of their homes in case of disputes. Children born into these fragile marriages often suffer as they navigate the challenges posed by absent or indifferent fathers, leading to a surge in single motherhood rates among Syrian women. This, in turn, creates a cascade of crises, affecting everything from education to healthcare for these vulnerable children. Syrian immigrants represent a significant loss to the global community, with their valuable expertise and skills going untapped due to their uncertain status in foreign lands. They find themselves in environments that often disregard their qualifications and experiences. Many are forced to accept jobs with unfair working conditions and subpar wages, often lacking legal protection against employer abuse and wage theft. Today, Syrian immigrants, both within and outside their homeland, have become marginalized in the modern world. They endure racist behaviors that often go unaddressed, while the protections afforded by human rights laws and local regulations have eroded. This issue extends beyond just recent arrivals, affecting many Syrians who have lived abroad for decades. The simple mention of Syrian birthplace in a travel document can lead to a range of restrictions and mistreatment at border crossings and airports worldwide. As the far-right gains ground in numerous host countries and racist sentiments grow, refugees often become convenient scapegoats for economic and social problems. Politicians have exploited the refugee issue for electoral gains, deflecting blame onto vulnerable populations instead of acknowledging their own policy failures. The prophetic words of the Iraqi poet Muzaffar al-Nawab resonate with Syrians today: We will become the Jews of history and howl in the desert without shelter. It is time for the conscience of the world to move beyond mere media concern and take humanitarian action to remove this stigma and address the plight of Syrian exiles. 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. The Syrian government has set the purchase price of cotton at 10,000 Syrian pounds, Athr Press reports. Hassakehs cotton farmers persist in their harvest efforts across stable agricultural regions, despite the absence of government facilities for receiving their crops. Traditionally, they used to sell their produce to processing centers in the central region in previous seasons. According to data from the Directorate of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform in the governorate, the cultivated cotton area covers 6,135 hectares, with 825 hectares affected by the presence of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in most of these areas. The Directorate of Agriculture estimates a total production of 21,472 tons from this cultivated area. The Syrian government has set the purchase price of cotton at 10,000 Syrian pounds, which many producers and farmers find rewarding and offers a suitable profit margin. However, the challenge lies in marketing the crop due to the absence of a dedicated center for receiving these quantities from farmers. Confidential sources informed Athr Press that allowing the Autonomous Administration to export cotton beyond its controlled borders suggests a lack of intent to receive the crop, despite setting the price at $800 per ton. Previously, the administration had not allowed the export of cotton outside the region. These sources added, Given this situation, farmers will have no choice but to turn to traders, as the high transportation costs and the absence of cotton receipt facilities by self-management make it impossible to market the crop outside the governorate. This situation may discourage cotton cultivation in the upcoming seasons, despite its strategic importance. The cultivation of cotton in Hassakeh has witnessed a significant decline in recent years due to the wars impact on the agricultural sector. The cotton-growing area has dwindled from 52,000 hectares in 2011 to 6,135 hectares in the 2023 season, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. During the crisis years, many farmers and producers in Hassakeh had to rely on self-financing for cotton cultivation due to the lack of government funding for agricultural production. Cotton cultivation is a financially demanding endeavor, requiring irrigation and consistent watering throughout the growing season, which adds to the burdens faced by farmers. Additionally, the production costs, including seeds, fertilizers, and fuel, are considerably high. 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. (Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images) The second Republican presidential debate is fast approaching and seven candidates qualified to attend and former President Donald Trump is still not part of the event. The second Republican presidential debate is fast approaching, setting the stage for the GOP candidates preparing to go on stage and shoring up support for their campaigns. The Republican National Committee (RNC) confirmed on Monday night that seven candidates were invited to the debate, which is scheduled for Wednesday. These individuals are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Second Republican Presidential Debate The stage for the second Republican presidential debate represents a small winnowing from the first debate held last month. All seven candidates participated in August, but one hopeful that attended the last debate will not be seen in the second, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Hutchinson's absence in the second Republican presidential debate is because he did not have the required polling to qualify for the event. Additionally, former United States President Donald Trump is missing from the attendees list, as he will be in Michigan for a rally, as per Politico. The Republican businessman is set to deliver a speech at the rally at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, one hour before the second Republican presidential debate. He would make his address in Clinton Township, a northern Detroit suburb in Macomb County, an important swing area in the general election. The former president notably skipped the first Republican presidential debate held last month, counterprogramming the showdown with a pre-taped interview with Tucker Carlson. While Trump met the polling and donor requirements, he was not invited to the debate, presumably because he did not submit a handful of pledges to the party committee that he long said he would not be signing. Fox Business, the Reagan Foundation, Univision, and the conservative streaming site Rumble sponsor the debate for this week. The event will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, and will start at 9:00 p.m. ET. Read Also: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson To Switch From Democratic Party to GOP Raising the Standards In a statement, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said that the debate on Wednesday is another opportunity for the RNC to share its diverse candidate field with the American people. She noted that the GOP is united around one common goal, which is to beat President Joe Biden, according to Fox Business. McDaniel said there was no better place to showcase the party's conservative vision for the future than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The RNC set the requirements of the second debate to a minimum of 50,000 unique donors to each candidate's campaign or exploratory committee, which includes 200 donors in 20 or more states. Additionally, the presidential hopefuls need to reach 3% support in two national polls or 3% in one national poll and 3% in two polls conducted in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina. These four states lead off the Republican presidential nominating calendar. Some Republican presidential candidates have this second debate as their last chance to appear on the debate stage. This is because the RNC announced last week that it would be raising the qualifying standards for the third Republican presidential debate, which is set to be held on Nov. 8 in Miami, according to Yahoo News. Related Article: US Government Shutdown Could Lead to Pay Halts, Affecting Millions of Federal Workers @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In the wake of these hostilities, all roads in northern Aleppo have been effectively blocked, Baladi News reports. On Tuesday, factions aligned with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) successfully seized control of two towns in the northern rural Aleppo region following intense confrontations with the Syrian National Army (SNA). Simultaneously, these HTS-affiliated factions are making concerted efforts to advance into yet another village. According to a correspondent from Baladi News stationed in Aleppos countryside, the 50th Brigade, with the support of HTS, established complete dominance over the city of Souran and the village of Ishtamalat on Tuesday morning. This achievement was the result of an hour-long skirmish with SNA members, during which heavy machine guns were deployed. Subsequent to securing these areas, our correspondent reported that the Shahba coalition, having taken control, proceeded to the town of Dabiq situated to the north of Aleppo. This mission aimed to break the siege that SNA forces had imposed on its members since the early morning, amidst fierce and violent clashes. In the wake of these hostilities, all roads in northern Aleppo have been effectively blocked, with the additional consequence of a comprehensive shutdown of official institutions, schools, and businesses. Observers opine that the factions loyal to HTS intermittently seek to expand their territorial control at the expense of the SNA, often inciting conflicts and disputes as part of their strategy to gain control over new areas in the northern Aleppo region. 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. Two other members sustained injuries as a result of the operation, according to Zaman al-Wasl. On Monday night, members of the Syrian National Army (SNA) suffered casualties during an infiltration operation carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) along the Rabat lines in the Euphrates Shield area within the eastern countryside of Aleppo, northern Syria. According to reliable sources, Abdul Rahman, a young individual serving within the Second Corps factions operating under the umbrella of the SNA, lost his life on that Monday night. Additionally, two other members sustained injuries due to the incursion of SDF units into the vicinity of the village of al-Jatal in the city of al-Bab, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Euphrates Shield area. These sources have confirmed that the SDF forces withdrew approximately an hour after their infiltration attempt when they came under effective fire from the Second Corps factions, primarily employing medium machine guns, failing to make any substantial advancements. Notably, the previous Monday witnessed a tragic incident where 12 members of the Second Corps factions, operating under the banner of the SNA, met their demise. Additionally, at least 10 other members were wounded as a result of an infiltration operation carried out by SDF forces against military positions along the axis of the town of Abla in the eastern countryside of Aleppo. SDF drones kill civilians On Monday, an incident unfolded in the eastern countryside of the Deir-ez-Zor governorate, eastern Syria, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to more than 15 civilians, the majority of whom were women and children. Drones operated by the SDF were responsible for targeting several civilian residences. According to local sources cited by Zaman al-Wsl, at least 10 civilians, most of whom were children, suffered moderate to severe injuries on Monday due to drone strikes that struck over four residential homes in the town of Dhiban in the eastern region of Deir ez-Zor governorate. Among the injured individuals are the following: Yasmine Sharbi al-Ayed, Abdullah al-Muhammad, Rasha Hamed al-Wawi, Muhammad al-Nasser, Farhan al-Kamal al-Mashout, Fadi Salim al-Muhatir (a child), Reda Salim al-Mahtir, Hanouf Rajab al-Hussein, Bashar Sabah al-Ayed, and one woman. Arrest campaign in Deir ez-Zor The Syrian Network for Human Rights has reported that on September 24, 2023, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia conducted a raid and arrest operation in the city of al-Shuhail in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor Governorate. According to the networks documentation, the SDF militia apprehended four civilians during this operation, which included two children. Shockingly, the militia failed to notify the families of these individuals about their arrests. Furthermore, their phones were confiscated, depriving them of any means of communication with their loved ones. The human rights network has expressed grave concerns regarding the fate of these detainees. They fear that these individuals may face the harrowing possibility of torture and join the ranks of the forcibly disappeared, a fate suffered by an alarming 85% of all detainees. 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 Monday, the United States Central Command announced the capture of an Islamic State official through a helicopter raid conducted in northern Syria on Saturday. Meanwhile, recent clashes between pro-government and Kurdish-led forces in Eastern Syrias Deir ez-Zor region have resulted in numerous casualties, as reported by the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR). US Central Command forces capture Islamic State official in Syria after helicopter raid The United States Central Command on Monday said its forces had captured an Islamic State official after conducting a helicopter raid in northern Syria on Saturday, Reuters reported. Abu Halil al-Fadani, an ISIS Syria Operational and Facilitation official, was captured during the raid. Al-Fadani was assessed to have relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region, the US Central Command said in a statement. Troy Garlock, a spokesperson for the US Central Command, said: The capture of ISIS officials like al-Fadani increases our ability to locate, target, and remove terrorists from the battlefield. No civilians were killed or injured during the operation, the statement said. Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Writing by Hatem Maher; Editing by Chris Reese and Mark Porter Syrian drugs use almost triples since civil war began in 2011 Drug use among Syrians has almost tripled since the civil war began in 2011, with refugees in neighbouring countries also at higher risk of substance abuse, an imminent report will reveal. The draft document seen by The National highlights the devastating effect of conflict on Syrian society, as the loss of community has made the young more susceptible to addictive drugs, with few medical resources available to support them. It also sheds light on the little-known health implications of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine, which has raised security concerns in the Gulf and Europe. Substance abuse in Syria is not just a security issue, its affecting society, leading to more crime and people using the money to buy drugs instead of food, said Dr Zaher Sahloul, president of the US-based medical aid charity MedGlobal, which compiled the report with the World Health Organisation. We are seeing the disintegration of society, he added. The report surveyed Syrians who were either living in regime and opposition-held areas, or were refugees in neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Lebanon. The north-east of Syria controlled by the SDF did not respond to requests to participate in the survey. In Syrias regime-controlled areas, more than one in 10 (11 per cent) of people reported taking drugs. This more than doubled among Syrian refugees who sought asylum in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, where one in five people (20 per cent) reported using drugs. The opposition-held regions of north-western Syria recorded the lowest cases of drug use, at 5 per cent, with those living in displacement camps at higher risk. This is an exponential rise since the start of the conflict in 2011, the report found, where 3 per cent of Syrians from all three groups reported using drugs before that year, compared to 8 per cent today. The vast majority of the respondents were under 40, with almost one in 10 drug users (9 per cent) under 30. Three quarters of the surveyed group had university-level education, prompting concerns that the rate of substance abuse may be higher elsewhere. Recent reports have highlighted the Syrian regimes involvement in Captagon trafficking to the Middle East and Europe, which it allegedly uses to fund the cash-strapped government. Dozens dead in clashes between pro-government and Kurdish-led forces Fighting between pro-government and Kurdish-led forces in eastern Syria has left dozens dead in recent days, according to the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR). Violence broke out between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and fighters loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in Deir Ezzor on Monday, leading to at least 25 deaths so far. The SDF said in a statement that it had driven out the regime gunmen who had infiltrated the Dheiban area of Deir-ez-Zor province. It added that the pro-government forces had crossed the Euphrates under cover of an indiscriminate bombardment of its positions. The SOHR said 21 of those killed were pro-government and three were SDF fighters, while another woman was also killed. Conflict between the SDF and local Arab groups in Deir-ez-Zor has become more frequent in recent months. Earlier this month 10 days of fighting between the SDF and armed Arab tribesmen saw 90 people killed. Local tribal groups have accused the SDF of autocratic behaviour in the Arab-majority region, while the SDF has accused the Syrian government of stirring up discontent. One of the main demands of the tribes has been an end to SDF rule and the creation of an independent military council made up of local Arabs that would coordinate security and economic assistance directly with the US. Syrian regime shelling on Idleb injures children, while intra-rebel clashes break out A least seven civilians, including children, were injured on Monday night when regime forces shelled villages and towns in the Idleb countryside, The New Arab reported. The strikes, including artillery and rockets, were centred on homes and a marketplace in the city of Jisr al-Shighour. Speaking to The New Arabs sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, activist Mustafa al-Mohammed said: Syrian regime forces used artillery and rockets in their assault, resulting in injuries to seven civilians. He said two children and two women were among the injured. Idleb province is one of the last areas of Syria held by rebels and the extremist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). Russian warplanes on Monday morning struck an area of northern Hama under HTS control. Fighting has intensified in northern Syria, with regime shelling on eastern Idleb Saturday causing injuries among women and children. Intra-rebel clashes also broke out on Monday over control of a border crossing in Aleppo province between factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA) and Ahrar al-Sham. The Al-Hamran crossing connects areas controlled by the SNA with territories held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Aleppo. Local sources indicate that Ahrar Al-Sham, affiliated with HTS, is trying to expand its influence in the region and take control of the crossing but has faced resistance from the Turkey-backed SNA. Turkish authorities deport 48 individuals to Syrias Hassakeh North Press reported that Turkish authorities deported on Sunday 48 individuals to the countryside of Hassakeh Governorate, northeast Syria, where the Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA), control. An official in the crossing of Sere Kaniye with Turkey, northeast Syria, told North Press that the Turkish authorities forcibly deported 48 individuals, including 15 Syrian women to the northern countryside of Hassakeh via Sere Kaniye crossing. The Turkish authorities has increased its deportation operations in the past days, according to the source. On Sunday, the Turkish authorities deported 450 Syrian refugees through the Tel Abyad and Bab al-Hawa border crossings, in northern and northwestern Syria respectively. Since early July, the Turkish authorities have launched a deportation campaign against the Syrian refugees, particularly in Istanbul. Since the beginning of the campaign, more than 7,000 individuals have been deported, according to activists. Meet Ameera: the Syrian refugee finding confidence through safe spaces The International Rescue Committee published a long article that tells the inspiring story of Ameera, a Syrian refugee who has faced significant challenges due to displacement, war, and her own medical issues, including blindness. Through the support of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and their safe spaces program funded by the EU, Ameera has made remarkable progress in finding confidence and rebuilding her life. Background: Ameeras family was forced to leave Syria, and she faced the additional challenge of blindness due to medical malpractice. This combination of factors made their transition to life as refugees in Lebanon extremely difficult. Supportive Family: Ameeras father, Samer, plays a crucial role in caring for his family, particularly Ameera. He is dedicated to their well-being and has watched Ameeras transformation since she began attending the IRC-led safe space sessions with her sister, Ruqaya. Impact of Safe Spaces: Ameeras participation in the safe space sessions has had a profound impact on her. She has become more social, aware of her surroundings, and eager to explore the world around her. This transformation has also improved her relationship with her sister and friends. Dianas Dedication: Diana, an IRC staff member, is instrumental in facilitating the safe space sessions. She is passionate about providing girls like Ameera with access to information and support, particularly on topics such as mental and reproductive health. Tailored Support: The IRC sessions were adapted to meet Ameeras special needs, and it took time to build trust with her. This individualized approach has been crucial in helping her open up and engage with the activities and discussions. Confidence Building: The safe spaces focus on building the girls self-esteem and self-confidence. The sessions start with activities that help the girls feel comfortable and emphasize the importance of confidentiality, fostering trust. Impact on Ameeras Life: Ameeras life has improved significantly as a result of the safe space sessions. She has become more communicative, outgoing, and happier. Her family has noticed her positive changes and admires her determination. Dreams for the Future: Ameera dreams of continuing her education and attending university, showcasing her aspirations for a brighter future. This story demonstrates the power of safe spaces and support networks in helping individuals, especially young girls like Ameera, rebuild their lives and find the confidence to face the challenges of displacement and war. It also sheds light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the vital role organizations like the IRC play in providing aid and support to those affected. The similarities between Ruth Kendall and Randy Knox seem to stop at the initials they share. The candidates vying for the seat Kendall currently holds have drastically different views about what direction the Longview City Council should be going. Knox said he was driven to run because of the councils ineffectiveness on major issues. His driving message is that he wont do what the City Council is currently doing which he argues creates too much crime, too many taxes, and not enough draws for people to move to Longview. The key to prosperity is you have to create more taxpayers, not increase the tax burden on the people you have, Knox said. Knox ran for sheriff of Tehama County, California in 2006 while he was working in law enforcement there, but did not win. He applied to be appointed to the Longview City Council in 2022, but Christopher Ortiz was selected instead. As an incumbent seeking her second term, Kendall disagrees on the councils success. She said Longview has improved many pressing issues in recent years, especially when it comes to homelessness. Kendall felt her background in engineering and data gave her a good handle on the citys business climate. I feel like were moving in a good direction on a lot of issues and Id like to keep that momentum going. I dont want to see it all go by the wayside, Kendall said. Homelessness in Longview Kendall has been hands-on with Longviews handling of homelessness since before she took office, as a liaison to the Cowlitz County homeless task force. She spent years as the liaison between Longview and the county commissioners as they debated how to replace the Alabama Street campsite. Kendall has been vocally supportive of HOPE Village since it was first proposed and wants to renew their contract. To continue helping the homeless find safer places to stay Kendall hopes to revisit the idea of a safe parking space, which would be a dedicated and monitored area for people living out of their cars. Those people are the newly homeless, Kendall said. Those are the people that are easier to get back on their feet. Hope Village is going after the most difficult ones. Knox said he is skeptical of the Salvation Army's model to help the homeless, as well as the nonprofit's July reporting of almost 20% of HOPE Village residents moving to permanent housing since Jan. 1. He said the city is overly compliant with the Martin v. Boise court decision that limited homeless camping bans and the city needs more police enforcement and signage about the existing limits. Despite his reservations, Knox said he was not eager to cut bait on HOPE Village completely, given how much money the city had already invested in the project. If it were to get shut down, Knox said there would need to be months of notice to figure out what happens to its current residents. There can be two rights. HOPE Village can exist and it could be right, not saying for sure it is, but what is also right is examining what it costs and if we could do a better job of it, Knox said. Candidate Bios Ruth Kendall Age: 65 Job: Retired, former Weyerhaeuser engineer Time in Longview: 41 years Endorsement: Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee Local activities: Southwest Washington Symphony, volunteer at St. Stephens Episcopal Church Randy Knox: Age: 62 Job: Senior special agent for Washington Attorney General's Office Time in Longview: Eight years Endorsement: Cowlitz County Republican Central Committee Social activities: Cowlitz County Republican Party vice chair Public safety and public infrastructure Given his years in law enforcement, it may not be surprising that Knox opposes the councils decision to hold the public safety levy to hire more Longview Police officers until the 2024 election. Knox said police hiring and response times should be a top priority for the city. Police need more help and if you help them, theyre going to help the citizens. That is my area of expertise and this is one thing in the plan to revitalize the city, Knox said. Knox said he could find money in the existing city budget to hire new officers. When asked what he would reallocate, Knox declined to specify, saying the City Council would shift the money around before he was elected if they knew his plan. Kendall said the city had made multiple new investments into the police department over the last few years. The city added the behavioral health unit through a combination of city funds and grants, which is now an established segment of the police response. In the last three years Longview also built the satellite police station in Archie Anderson Park and provided the department with equipment upgrades like body cameras. The city tax levy that will appear on the November ballot is for a metropolitan parks district that will cover deferred maintenance on Longviews parks. Kendall and Knox both agreed on the importance of Longviews park system and the need to address the backlog of projects. Knox said the City Council should be accountable for how the maintenance backlog built up and which parks will be addressed if the proposition passes. Kendall said the tax increases were not ideal but the voter-approved district would be the best way to raise the funds needed for major projects that has built up roughly over the last decade. I think past staff members have advocated for keeping all the increases small, understandably so, but when you do it at the risk of the integrity of your systems, thats not the smart way to go, Kendall said. 2023 Election Timeline Oct. 19: Ballots mailed. Oct. 30: Deadline to register to vote online and through the mail. Nov. 7: Election Day. Deadline to register to vote in person. Ballots due by 8 p.m. Editor's note: This story has been updated to a correct version after an error with the designers, and to clarify the outcome of Knox's race to be a sheriff in California. Amazon commits $4 billion investment in AI Startup Anthropic to compete with other tech giants from Microsoft to Google; Differing opinions emerge among experts on the impact of artificial intelligence; AI becomes mainstream in South Korea, from K-pop to sales assistants; Accenture's AI Chief says generative AI could boost Europe's competitive edge against the US- this and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look. 1. Amazon commits $4 billion investment in AI Startup Anthropic Amazon is set to invest $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic, intensifying its competition with Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Nvidia in the rapidly expanding AI sector. Initially, Amazon will invest $1.25 billion for a minority stake in Anthropic, with an option to increase it to $4 billion. Anthropic, backed by Google, aims to raise $5 billion in the next two years. The startup plans to create a "frontier model," named "Claude-Next," ten times more powerful than current AI, requiring a $1 billion investment over 18 months. Anthropic will leverage Amazon's AWS for cloud services and computing power, according to a TechCrunch report. 2. Differing opinions emerge among experts on the impact of artificial intelligence Some AI experts foresee a looming watershed moment in artificial intelligence, with concerns about "God-like" AI that could surpass human capabilities and evade control. Ian Hogarth, the chair of the UK AI safety taskforce, and Max Tegmark suggest that sort of AGI may be imminent, with some Californian tech professionals believing it could arrive in a few years. However, there are also voices dismissing AGI concerns as a ploy to regulate the market and benefit major players like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, according to a report by the Guardian. 3. AI becomes mainstream in South Korea, from K-pop to sales assistants South Korea's Pulse9 is at the forefront of AI's mainstream integration, creating virtual humans like Zaein for major conglomerates. The global market for such AI creations is projected to reach $527 billion by 2030, according to a France 24 report. AI humans have taken on various roles in South Korea, from university students to TV personalities. Pulse9 aims to expand AI human applications and coexistence with humans in various capacities. Zaein's reaction involved deep learning analysis of K-pop stars' faces, and she's brought to life by overlaying deepfake technology on a human actor. 4. Generative AI could boost Europe's competitive edge against the US Accenture's Europe data and AI lead, Matt Prebble, believes that generative AI could give Europe an opportunity to regain a competitive edge against the US especially as Europe faces challenges like technical debt and a shortage of technology-skilled individuals at the board level. AI, particularly generative AI, can boost productivity in Europe, which lags behind the U.S. in tech innovation. Prebble sees AI as a means to drive greater productivity and achieve more with fewer resources in the region, Fortune reported. 5. Getty Images unveils generative AI tool trained exclusively on licensed images Getty Images has collaborated with Nvidia to introduce Generative AI by Getty Images. This tool enables users to create images using Getty's licensed photo library, providing full copyright protection. It utilises Nvidia's Edify model and specialises in generating realistic photos from the Getty Images database. While the tool excels in rendering lifelike human figures, its illustration mode produces more simplistic 2D renderings. Overall, it offers an innovative approach to image generation, the Verge reported. One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any update from the world of technology. To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now! NXP Semiconductors announced the VIT Speech to Intent engine, a natural language understanding engine that leverages edge computing to enable local voice control. Designed to rival cloud-based systems performance, VIT Speech to Intent does not require a cloud connection, supporting improved user privacy. VIT Speech to Intent is part of NXPs Voice Intelligent Technology (VIT) software suite and allows people to speak naturally to smart machines across IoT, industrial and automotive applications, rather than memorize precise commands or phrases to operate the devices. Whether in the smart home, smart factory or smart city, voice has become one of the primary user interfaces for smart devices. However, many of these smart devices require precise phrasing to execute the desired action or cloud connections to translate the users speech into device actions. Natural language understanding delivered by VIT Speech to Intent allows devices to understand users intent, without requiring exact phrasing or cloud connectivity. This opens new possibilities for innovation, particularly in the smart home and places where users hands may not be free such as hospitals or factory floors. From advanced AI-driven devices to context-aware voice commands using VIT Speech to Intent, NXP helps simplify the development of voice-first devices with software optimized for its MCUs and MPUs. Rafael Sotomayor, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Secure Connected Edge, NXP, said, As we move towards smart devices that can better anticipate and automate based on our needs, particularly in the smart home, voice has emerged as one of the preferred ways to communicate our preferences to devices. VIT Speech to Intent allows people to interact with smart devices seamlessly, without needing to rely on specific keywords, delivering convenience and ease of use, reducing complexity and alleviating user frustration. This further enables the transition from a smart home to an autonomous one. With a small memory footprint and modest computational requirements, the VIT Speech to Intent engine is available and suitable for use on NXP devices including i.MX RT Crossover MCUs and RW61x MCUs and i.MX 8M Mini, i.MX 8M Plus, and i.MX 9x applications processors. The VIT Speech to Intent engine runs locally, eliminating the need for a cloud connection to support improved user privacy, lower latency, reduced power consumption and reduced costs. This can be used to support natural speech interfaces with a wide variety of applications, including smart watches, smart HVAC, and more. Today, VIT Speech to Intent supports English language interactions, with support for Mandarin coming later this year. Additional support is planned for Spanish, German, Korean, French and Japanese in 2024. The free VIT Wake Word and Voice Command Engines available through the MCUXpresso SDK and online model tool allows developers to start developing with NXPs Voice Intelligent Technology Portfolio immediately. 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 cursor moves over Google's search engine page, Aug. 28, 2018, in Portland, Ore. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, a top Apple executive defended the tech giants decision to make Google the default search engine on Apple iPhones and Macs, saying there was no valid alternative. Credit: AP Photo/Don Ryan, File A top Apple executive defended the tech giant's decision to make Google the default search engine on Apple iPhones and Macs, saying there was no "valid alternative.'' Testifying in the biggest antitrust trial in a quarter century, Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, said Tuesday that there wasn't "anybody as good'' as Google at helping phone and computer users search the internet. The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Googlea company whose very name is synonymous with scouring the webof smothering competition by paying Apple, Verizon and other tech companies to make its search engine the first users see when they open their devices. Google counters that it dominates the market because its search engine is better than the competition, a position Cue supported in his testimony. Google also argues that users can, in any event, switch to other search engines with a couple of clicks. The antitrust case, the biggest since the Justice Department went after Microsoft and its dominance of internet browsers 25 years ago, was filed in 2020 during the Trump administration. The trial began Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. Mikhail Parakhin, Microsoft's head of advertising and web services, testified Tuesday that Google's dominance feeds on itself. The more searches Google processes, the more data it collects that can be used to improve future searches. The iPhone 15 phones are shown during an announcement of new products on the Apple campus in Cupertino, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, a top Apple executive defended the tech giants decision to make Google the default search engine on Apple iPhones and Macs, saying there was no valid alternative. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File "The more data you have, the better the results are,'' he said, echoing one of the government's arguments. Dominating the market helps in other ways, Parakhin said. For example, restaurants are more likely to make sure their location and hours are accurate in results on the leading search engine, while they are far less likely to bother correcting information on smaller search engines. Experience shows, he said, that search engines need 20% market share to survive. Otherwise, "their quality degrades rapidly, and they disappear.''' Parakhin also recounted his experience battling Google in his previous job as chief technology officer at the Russian search engine Yandex. After Russian regulators required Android phones to let users choose their search engineinstead of letting Google hold the default positionYandex's market share rose from 30% to 55%, he said. Earlier in the proceedings, the government called a behavioral economist, who testified that Google's default status discourages users from switching search engines, partly because they are reluctant to change ingrained habits. Last week, the founder of the search engine DuckDuckGo, which has about 2.5% of the search market, testified that his company struggled to compete because of Google's revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and other companies. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta likely won't issue a ruling until early next year. If he decides Google broke the law, another trial will determine how to rein in its market power. The Mountain View, California-based company could be stopped from paying Apple and other companies to make Google the default search engine. 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: Structure, crystal packing and transition dipoles. a HOMO and LUMO structures obtained from DFT calculations (M06-2X/cc-pVTZ). b, d Top view and side view of the QM1 crystal structure. Unit cell is indicated in blue. c Photograph of a QM1 crystal. e Arrangement of transition dipole moments (red arrows) relative to the molecules in the crystal structure. Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41044-9 The sun sends enormous amounts of energy to the earth. Nevertheless, some of it is lost in solar cells. This is an obstacle in the use of organic solar cells, especially for those viable in innovative applications. A key factor in increasing their performance: Improved transport of the solar energy stored within the material. Now a research group at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has shown that certain organic dyes can help build virtual highways for the energy. Their paper is published in the journal Nature Communications. Organic solar cells are light, extremely thin energy collectors and as a flexible coating are a perfect fit on almost any surface. Solar cells based on organic semiconductors open up a range of application possibilities, for example, as solar panels and films which can be rolled up, or for use on smart devices. But one disadvantage in many applications is the comparatively poor transport of the energy collected within the material. Researchers are investigating the elementary transport processes of organic solar cells in order to find ways to improve this transport. Prof. Frank Ortmann (right) and Maximilian Dorfner discuss how specific molecules can increase the efficiency of organic solar cells. Credit: Technical University Munich One of these researchers is Frank Ortmann, professor of theoretical methods in spectroscopy at TUM. He and his colleagues from Dresden focus more than anything on the mutual interaction between light and materialespecially the behavior of what are called excitons. "Excitons are something like the fuel of the sun, which has to be used optimally," explains Ortmann, who is also a member of the "e-conversion" Excellence Cluster. "When light energy in the form of a photon collides with the material of a solar cell it is absorbed and buffered as an excited state. This intermediate state is referred to as an exciton." These charges cannot be used as electrical energy until they reach a specially designed interface. Ortmann and his team have now shown that what are referred to as exciton transport highways can be created using organic dyes. The reason it is so important that the excitons reach this interface as quickly as possible has to do with their short lifespan. "The faster and more targeted the transport, the higher the energy yield, and thus the higher the efficiency of the solar cell," says Ortmann. The molecules of the organic dyes, referred to as quinoid merocyanines, make this possible, thanks to their chemical structure and their excellent ability to absorb visible light. Accordingly, they are also suitable for use as the active layer in an organic solar cell, Ortmann explains. Using spectroscopic measurements and models the researchers were able to observe the excitons racing through the dye molecules. "The value of 1.33 electron volts delivered by our design is far above the values found in organic semiconductorsyou could say the organic dye molecules form a kind of super-highway," Ortmann adds. These fundamental new findings could pave the way for targeted, more efficient exciton transport in organic solid matter, accelerating the development of organic solar cells and organic light emitting diodes with even higher performance. More information: Kai Muller et al, Directed exciton transport highways in organic semiconductors, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41044-9 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Amazon.com Inc. and Lina Khan have a fraught history. Khan made her name as a law student in 2017 with an article in The Yale Law Journal that made an example of Amazon to argue for a broad re-imagining of U.S. antitrust law. Now she's the chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which has already sanctioned Amazon for privacy lapses and is expected to sue the company for antitrust violations this week, after a multiyear investigation. Amazon's place in the U.S. economy has only grown since Khan's article was published, especially after so much consumer spending moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic. But much of U.S. antitrust law is more than a century old, written for a very different economy, making the FTC's case an important test of whether Khan's interpretation of the law will hold up in court. 1. What business practices is the FTC investigating? The investigation, which began in 2019 during the administration of President Donald Trump, has focused on Amazon's online marketplace, which features Amazon's own products as well as items from third-party merchants who pay Amazon a commission for each sale, according to internal documents and people familiar with the probe. Some merchants have complained that Amazon's marketplace illegally gives preferential treatment to those that are willing to use Amazon's logistics service. The FTC is also expected to argue that Amazon's Prime subscription service is anticompetitive, because the perks and convenience that goes with it has the effect of "locking in" consumers and keeping them from patronizing competitors, and that Amazon punishes merchants that post lower prices elsewhere by reducing their visibility. 2. What does Amazon say to all that? Amazon says that retail is a competitive market and that it competes with businesses both online and off. The company says it seeks to offer customers the best shopping experience, including the lowest prices. In response to a similar antitrust lawsuit by California's attorney general, Amazon said consumers can still see higher-priced offers, but the company does not highlight them. 3. Who are the third-party sellers on Amazon's marketplace? In addition to selling products directly, Amazon also acts as a kind of consignment store, offering third-party sellers a way to reach Amazon customers. This business mix makes Amazon a competitor as well as a business partner, and some independent merchants have alleged that Amazon uses its gatekeeper role to disadvantage competing merchants and even use its proprietary consumer data to manufacture competing products. 4. What is Amazon's market share? That depends on how you define the market, which will be an important question for the FTC's antitrust lawyers to answer in their complaint. The FTC is expected to argue that Amazon's marketplace is the most used website for buying a range of products and that it illegally ties access to its marketplace with use of its logistics service, which raises prices for consumers. Amazon accounts for 37.6% of all online retail in the U.S. but only 3.5% of total U.S. retail including online and offline businesses, according to Insider Intelligence. Amazon is six times bigger than its nearest online competitor, Walmart.com. 5. What other cases does the FTC have against Amazon? The others are consumer protection cases. In May, Amazon paid $25 million to settle the agency's complaint that Amazon's Alexa-powered speakers illegally collected information about children under the age of 13 without parental consent. The company also paid $5.8 million to settle a case alleging that it didn't take steps to protect the privacy of users of its Ring video doorbell. One month later, the FTC again sued Amazon in a consumer protection case, alleging the company duped consumers into signing up for Prime membership and deliberately made it hard to cancel. Amazon denies the allegations, and that suit is still unresolved. The FTC is separately investigating Amazon's proposed $1.65 billion acquisition of iRobot Corp., maker of the Roomba automated vacuum cleaner, but the agency hasn't filed a complaint in that case. 6. What other businesses does Amazon have? In addition to the e-commerce site, fulfillment services, Prime video and music streaming, Amazon is also one of the world's biggest providers of cloud computing via Amazon Web Services. Amazon also bought Whole Foods, making it a player in the grocery business. 7. What's the significance of this case for antitrust law and for Lina Khan? President Joe Biden's decision to appoint Khan to lead the FTC was celebrated by antitrust advocates who want the U.S. to return to the trust-busting of the early 20th century. This new school of legal thinking, beyond merely decrying industry consolidation, has raised specific complaints about the power that a handful of U.S. companies has over the tech industry. In addition to her famous law school article, Khan worked on a House subcommittee investigating the issue, culminating in a report released in 2020 that helped inform a series of tech-focused antitrust bills that got traction in both chambers of Congress but failed to become law. Given this history, Amazon has called on Khan to recuse herself from the FTC's investigation of the company, but two judges have ruled that there are no problems with Khan's participation in cases filed in federal court. 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The police finally identified the third suspect in the NYC daycare center fentanyl poisoning. Authorities said this individual played a key role in selling drugs stored at the childcare establishment. 3rd NYC Daycare Center Fentanyl Poisoning Suspect Identified According to The Guardian's latest report, a third suspect was arrested by the New York City police authorities. This is specifically 38-year-old Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, who is facing charges linked to the death of a toddler because of the alarming fentanyl poisoning in a daycare center. Officials said the man was charged with narcotics distribution, resulting in death. His arrest happened ten days after four young children showed signs of opioid exposure at a Bronx daycare. One of these four kids, 1-year-old Nicholas Dominici, sadly died. Federal prosecutors said that the third suspect played an "instrumental role" in the death of Nicholas. This is because Paredes, who goes by the alias "El Gallo," was involved in selling large quantities of drugs, especially fentanyl, that were packaged and stored inside the Bronx daycare center. Some of the drugs he sold were allegedly placed inside mats used by children sleeping in the daycare facility. "Today's arrest is one more step toward obtaining justice for the child-victims of this heinous offense and their families," said Manhattan U.S. Atty. Damien Williams. Read Also: North Carolina: Family Sues Google Over Outdated Maps After Man Dies Driving Off Collapsed Bridge What To Know About NYC Daycare Center Fentanyl Poisoning NPR reported that when the four children were poisoned, medical teams used the nasal spray Narcan to reverse opioid overdose. After that, they conducted tests to identify the exact opioid drug that poisoned these kids. The New York Police Department said that results showed fentanyl, an intensely strong synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain, such as advanced cancer pain. Alarming details were also revealed after a federal complaint was unsealed on Sept. 19. Based on the report, a kilogram block of the drug was found in the space that children occupied. "There, despite the daily presence of children, including infants, the defendants maintained large quantities of fentanyl, including a kilogram of fentanyl stored on top of children's playmats," the affidavit stated. Aside from this, the complaint also confirmed that Carlisto Acevedeo Brito, one of the three suspects, was using a "kilo press." Since this equipment is typically used to re-compress drugs in powder form, it suggested that Brito and the two remaining suspects are involved in a large drug operation. These are just some of the alarming details you need to know about the NYC daycare center fentanyl poisoning. You can click this link to learn more about it. Related Article: [UPDATE] Bronx Day Care Death: Authorities Find Trapdoor Filled With Drugs Underneath Nursery @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce 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: Skin color distribution on common face datasets. Every dot in the scatter plot corresponds to an im- age sample in the dataset. The skin tone threshold is at value 60 (light vs. dark), and the hue threshold at value 55 (red vs. yellow). Credit: arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2309.05148 Let's face it. AI-powered facial recognition systems are everywhere. It is used to unlock our phones, allow access to office buildings, and screen us as a security measure at airports. In our largest cities, security cameras can track every step we take for blocks. Department stores train cameras on us to ensure we don't walk off with the goods. Facial recognition is used for our security as well: Hospitals and nursing homes rely on facial recognition to ensure proper identification of patients who may be suffering from dementia or who are injured or in distress. It is used to monitor vital signs, providing critical data on facial color and temperature. And it helps ensure medication is dispensed to the correct individuals. Along with the increased security facial recognition provides come concerns over ethics and privacy. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have been outspoken in their concerns about potential ethical breaches brought on by surveillance. Another area of concern is bias. In a landmark study released in 2018, three major gender and racial classification systems were found to have significant bias. Computer scientist Joy Buolamwini found that while identification error rates for lighter-skinned males were never higher than 1%, error rates for darker skinned people were as high as 20%. Breaking down statistics further, darker-skinned females were found to fare worst with recognition rates 34% lower than for lighter-skinned males. This bias can have grave implications in law enforcement, health care and autonomous driving programs, to name just a few. Against this backdrop, researchers at Sony have prepared a report to be delivered at the International Conference on Computer Vision scheduled for early October in Paris. They propose a new skin color classification system that improves upon the decades-old standard Fitzpatrick scale. In a Sony blog, AI Ethics Research Scientist William Thong wrote, "The Fitzpatrick scale, a valuable though blunt tool, offers an unidimensional view of skin tone, ranging from light to dark. However, as we delve deeper into the intricate world of human skin and its representation in AI models, we realize that this unidimensional approach may not capture the full spectrum of skin color complexities." Skin tones vary in ways other than light and dark, Thong said. He noted that Asian skin, for example, becomes more yellow as the subject ages, while Caucasian skin turns more red and becomes darker. To address such characteristics, Thong's team, which included Sony researcher Alice Xiang and University of Tokyo's Przemyslaw Joniak, developed a classification system incorporating a multidimensional skin color scale that includes the element of hues. The authors said that in aiming to address bias in image databases, they drew particular inspiration for their study from two things: a photo exhibition and the cosmetics industry. In a 2016 TED talk, artist Angelica Dass displayed a poster showing a broad range of human skin color from around the world. They were matched against photographic Pantone colors. "One of the things that particularly resonated with me was the fact that Dass mentioned that 'nobody is black' and 'absolutely nobody is white' and that very different ethnic backgrounds sometimes wind up with the exact same Pantone color," Thong said. The other inspiration was the cosmetics industry. Thong said the industry has for years been working to correct its failure to offer make-up colors representing the full diversity of human skin tones. The absence o a full range of color "is problematic because it erases biases against East Asians, South Asians, Hispanics, Middle Eastern individuals, and others who might not neatly fit along the light-to-dark spectrum," Thong said, adding that AI researchers may have been unaware of that bias because "very few of them have had the experience of picking out makeup or matching a foundation shade to their skin color." The research paper, "Beyond Skin Tone: A Multidimensional Measure of Apparent Skin Color," appears on the preprint server arXiv. More information: William Thong et al, Beyond Skin Tone: A Multidimensional Measure of Apparent Skin Color, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2309.05148 Sony AI: ai.sony/blog/blog-037/ Journal information: arXiv 2023 Science X Network 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: How a solar-powered village in Kenya outback kept lights on during Africa's biggest blackout. Credit: University of Southampton People across Kenya were mysteriously plunged into darkness last month as the country suffered its worst power outage in a generationexcept for a tiny remote village. Now experts from the University of Southampton have revealed how their mini grid power plant, fueled solely by the sun's energy, kept the lights on across the community of Kitonyoni, in Kenya's eastern province. The solar-photovoltaic plant, the first of its kind to be installed in Africa back in 2012, is just a few meters square in size but creates enough energy to power the village alongside its school and hospital. It kept Kitonyoni, located in Makueni county, powered during Kenya's massive outagewhich affected most of its population of 50 million, including those in the capital of Nairobi, for almost 24 hours. Engineers behind its creation, called the Energy for Development (e4D) project, which includes the University of Southampton, Ministry of Energy Kenya and Kenya Power and Lighting Company, hope to roll it out across Africa, where 600 million people have no access to electricity. Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, from the Energy and Climate Change Division at Southampton, said, "The Kitonyoni villagers were the envy of all Kenya, and people from the surrounding villages rushed into its trading center during the blackout to charge their mobile phones and appliances. Mini renewable powerplant built by UK engineers gave Kitonyoni community uninterrupted electricity during massive Kenyan powercut. Credit: University of Southampton "Kitonyoni has grown tremendously, by a factor of three, since we installed the e4D plant due to the availability of electricity, a growth not seen in our control village 30km away. I remember that the tailor William, who worked with us from the start, wished for an electric iron to replace his wood heated ironthat was duly delivered the second time I visited." The Kitonyoni mini grid consists of solar panels and battery storage connected to a distribution network. It took Prof Bahaj and his scientific team just a week to build the first designwhich had a capacity of 13.5kWp of uninterrupted power, giving the villagers around-the-clock power for the first time. The solar canopy also acts as a rain collector, and during the wet season, stores enough water for a yeara vital feature for Kitonyoni, which is not connected to a main supply. According to Prof Bahaj, villagers can also generate income by selling the electricity to nearby towns and cities. The cause of blackout in Kenya, the longest blackout in memory, remains unclear. But such is the success of the Kitonyoni plant that the Kenyan government has since applied for $150 million worth of funding from the World Bank to build more than 100 mini grids across the country, said its Secretary for Renewable Energy Eng Isaac Kiva. Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, from University of Southampton, cooking for villages using its uninterrupted solar energy. Credit: University of Southampton He added, "The reliability shown by the system in Kitonyoni during the blackout was a testament to the UK and Kenyan engineers to deliver solutions that can be widely replicated and deployed to provide electrical power to over 600 million people without energy in Africa." The Kitonyoni e4D mini grid is one of six electricity projects across Kenya as well as Uganda and Cameroon. In a recent turn of events within the crypto sphere, Tether, the prominent cryptocurrency stablecoin issuer, found itself embroiled in a controversy that raised concerns among Singaporean crypto enthusiasts. The uproar began when Dr. Julian Hosp, CEO of Cake DeFi, took to social media to share an email from Tether indicating changes in their onboarding standards, specifically impacting Singapore-based entities. However, Tethers Chief Technology Officer, Paolo Ardoino, swiftly responded to the allegations, setting the record straight and shedding light on the situation. The Confusion Unveiled: The controversy started when Dr. Julian Hosp, at the helm of Cake DeFi, posted a screenshot of an email he received from Tether. The email appeared to suggest that Tether was altering its onboarding standards, explicitly stating that corporate entities under the control of another entity or with directors and shareholders residing in Singapore would be barred from using Tethers services. This revelation immediately sent shockwaves through the crypto community, particularly those based in Singapore, raising concerns about potential restrictions on their crypto activities. Tethers CTO Dispels Misconceptions: In response to the escalating confusion, Tethers CTO, Paolo Ardoino, took to social media to clarify the situation. In a message that was as candid as it was concise, he urged the community to verify information before making hasty conclusions, saying, Before spreading FUD, it would be great if you guys did take a look at webarchive This is Jan 2022. And if you open the link below: Last updated: May 12, 2020 Again, take a moment to search and verify information before YOLO posting. Ardoinos post provided critical insight by highlighting that Singapore had been listed as a prohibited jurisdiction by Tether since 2020, which meant that the recent email was not indicative of any recent policy change. The Historical Perspective: Indeed, an examination of web archives from Tethers official website corroborated Ardoinos assertion, revealing that Singapore had been classified as a prohibited jurisdiction for Tethers services since the middle of 2020. This historical perspective unveiled that the recent uproar was, in fact, a misunderstanding rather than a shift in Tethers policy towards Singapore-based entities. Bake DeFis Crypto Journey: Bake DeFi, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, plays a crucial role in this narrative. The platform has gained recognition for its promise of providing stable yields on cryptocurrency investments. Dr. Hosps assertion that they could no longer redeem USDT into USD due to Tethers alleged policy change added to the confusion surrounding this incident. However, as clarified, this was not a direct result of Tethers actions. The Ripple Effect of Misinformation: The initial confusion stemming from Dr. Hosps post inadvertently led to widespread concerns within the crypto community. Some feared that the developments were linked to a significant money laundering crackdown in Singapore. On September 21, Reuters reported that Singaporean authorities had seized approximately S$38 million (approximately $27.8 million) in cryptocurrencies during anti-money laundering raids. The confluence of these events only served to intensify the apprehensions among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Additionally, Singapores new President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, is known for his cautious stance on cryptocurrencies. This, too, fueled concerns within the crypto community about potential regulatory challenges and restrictions ahead. A Lesson in Due Diligence: This incident serves as a potent reminder of the importance of conducting thorough research and fact-checking in the volatile world of cryptocurrency. Misinformation and misinterpretation can easily trigger unnecessary panic and confusion, as seen in this case. In a space where trust and transparency are paramount, the responsibility falls on both individuals and entities to verify information before making claims or assumptions. Conclusion: The recent turmoil surrounding Tethers purported policy change for Singapore-based entities turned out to be a misunderstanding rooted in misinformation. Tethers CTO, Paolo Ardoino, provided clarity by pointing out that Singapore had been on the list of prohibited jurisdictions since 2020. The incident underscores the importance of responsible information sharing and due diligence in the cryptocurrency sector, where swift reactions to unverified claims can have far-reaching consequences. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, staying informed and discerning fact from fiction will be key to navigating its complex landscape. In a significant move to enhance the oversight of the cryptocurrency landscape, Taiwans Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has recently unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). These regulations aim to streamline the crypto exchange space in the country and ensure a secure and transparent environment for investors. Strengthening Oversight and Transparency The FSCs latest guidelines, made public on September 26, 2023, introduce a range of measures designed to bolster the cryptocurrency sector while safeguarding the interests of both investors and the broader financial system. Key aspects of these guidelines include exchange registration, the segregation of customer funds, and the prohibition of certain financial products. Under these new rules, crypto platforms are mandated to implement and publicly disclose mechanisms for asset listing and delisting, segregating customer funds from exchange assets, and establishing robust security management systems. Information disclosure is also a cornerstone of these guidelines, with a particular emphasis on internal audits and other essential procedures. Foreign Exchanges Must Register to Serve Taiwanese Customers One of the standout provisions of the FSCs guidelines is the requirement for offshore crypto exchanges to register before offering their products and services to Taiwanese customers. This move is intended to prevent unregistered entities from soliciting business within Taiwans territory or targeting its citizens. The guidelines specify that offshore virtual asset platform operators must comply with the Company Law, submit to the Financial Supervisory Commission, and complete a declaration of compliance with anti-money laundering laws. In addition to these stringent requirements, the FSC allows VASPs to form or join self-regulatory standards organizations. This innovative approach aims to promote self-discipline within the crypto industry. These VASP associations will define the standards and norms that cryptocurrency platforms need to adopt, further enhancing customer protection. A Step Toward Investor Confidence The introduction of these guidelines marks a significant step forward for Taiwans cryptocurrency industry. It demonstrates the countrys commitment to fostering a secure and trustworthy environment for investors and businesses alike. By setting clear rules and promoting self-regulation, the FSC aims to instill confidence in the burgeoning crypto market. These measures are in line with global efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency space effectively. They align Taiwan with other countries that have taken proactive steps to address the unique challenges posed by digital assets. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, regulatory oversight becomes paramount to protect investors from potential risks. Industry Response and Future Outlook The cryptocurrency community and industry stakeholders have been closely monitoring the FSCs actions. Many view these guidelines as a positive development, as they provide much-needed clarity and accountability in a previously unregulated sector. Compliance with these regulations is expected to become a standard practice for virtual asset service providers operating in Taiwan. Looking ahead, the cryptocurrency landscape in Taiwan is likely to undergo significant transformation. The FSCs commitment to fostering self-regulation suggests that the industry will mature, attracting responsible players while sidelining those who do not adhere to the guidelines. This evolution is expected to create a safer environment for investors and promote sustainable growth in the crypto sector. Conclusion Taiwans Financial Supervisory Commissions release of comprehensive guidelines for virtual asset service providers represents a pivotal moment in the countrys cryptocurrency journey. These regulations prioritize investor protection, transparency, and accountability, setting the stage for a more mature and secure crypto industry. As Taiwan takes these bold steps to regulate its cryptocurrency landscape, it joins the global effort to bring digital assets under regulatory oversight. The industrys future in Taiwan looks promising, with responsible players expected to thrive in this well-defined and regulated environment. Investor confidence is likely to grow, further legitimizing cryptocurrencies as a viable investment option in the country. AUSTIN Michael McCaul wants to be on the right side of history. Last Thursday, the congressman who represents Bryan-College Station and Brazos County in District 10 and is the chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington D.C. Zelenskyy asked President Bidens administration for an additional $24 billion in American aid to support Ukraines efforts against the Russian invasion. McCaul discussed the meeting with Zelenskyy and gave thoughts on Americas involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war during a virtual sitdown Friday as part of the annual Texas Tribune Festival. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022. The New York Times reported in August the number of Ukrainian or Russian troops killed or wounded in the first 18 months had neared 500,000. The Russians currently control the eastern edge of Ukraine and the southern peninsula of Crimea. From McCauls viewpoint, Russia and Ukraine are locked in a war of attrition, which he said is what Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to eventually break the will of the Ukrainian people. McCaul explained how Ukraines current counteroffensive hopes to cut the land bridge to Crimea and then cut Russian supply lines, though by most accounts the counteroffensive has been a failure. He said Zelenskyy is hopeful significant progress will be made in those regions this winter. We didnt think the Ukrainians would last more than four days, by the way, and here we are, McCaul said. Its over a year-and-a-half. Theyve proven they have resiliency. They have the fight within them. Theyve decimated 50% of the Russian military without one American soldier. McCaul said the question he posed to Zelenskyy, whom he described as honest in their meetings, was: What do you need from this administration? Zelenskyy told McCaul he needs planes, long-range artillery and mine-clearing equipment. Long-range artillery is what Ukraine desperately needs right now to defend against drones sent by Russia from Crimea, McCaul said. There are hang-ups in making it happen, though, which McCaul explained. In Washington, a small group of House Republicans have shown resistance to provide more military and financial assistance to Ukraine. McCaul said he thinks the majority of Americans support U.S. efforts to back Ukraine, but the Biden administrations management of the situation has factored in doubt. McCaul called for accountability and a plan for victory. The problem, the dissention within my party, is they see a president who, its been too slow and they see it mismanaged and some of them just dont want to be part of this, McCaul said, but we cant turn a blind eye to Ukraine and allow aggression on a sovereign nation and exist in the 21st century. Giving Ukraine missiles and planes isnt a simple endeavor, though, McCaul explained. McCaul said he has been calling for longer-range ATACMS that can reach Crimea to be sent to Ukraine, but the ones proposed on President Bidens desk only travel half that range. While those would help Ukraine, McCaul said it wouldnt help in Crimea. McCaul made it clear that the Ukrainians are not allowed to use American weaponry on Russian soil. President Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American-made F-16s that have been given to partner countries, such as the Netherlands, but McCaul said part of the deal is Ukrainian pilots must be trained and that process takes six months. The process is already underway, but McCaul said those pilots wont be ready until 2024, which likely wouldnt help this Ukrainian counteroffensive. McCaul said this is the largest European invasion since World War II, which his father fought in. McCaul noted he was in Poland when the Russians first invaded and watched as women and children poured into the country while men stayed behind to prepare to fight. McCaul said the Polish people related it to 1939 when Hitler invaded their country. If we dont stop them here, then we will have to put our troops on the ground and stop them somewhere else, McCaul said. Constituents have told McCaul they support Ukraine, he said, but dont want this to go on forever. He said he shares that sentiment. He added people want to see a path to victory. You can wring your hands for months, or you can just give them what they need to win, McCaul said. Americans like a winner. They dont like a loser. Whats the objective? To defeat Russia from its invasion. Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. It also provides medical technologies to diagnose and treat rate and rhythm disorders of the heart comprising 3-D cardiac mapping and navigation solutions, ablation catheters, diagnostic catheters, mapping catheters, intracardiac ultrasound catheters, delivery sheaths, and other accessories; spinal cord stimulator systems for the management of chronic pain; indirect decompression systems; and deep brain stimulation systems. In addition, the company offers interventional cardiology products, that uses in the treatment of coronary artery disease and aortic valve conditions. Further, it provides stents, balloon catheters, guidewires, atherectomy, and thrombectomy systems to treat arterial and venous diseases; and peripheral embolization devices, radioactive microspheres, cryotherapy ablation systems, and micro and drainage catheters to treat cancer. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts. DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through fossil-fuel, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets. This segment owns and operates approximately 697 distribution substations and approximately 451,900 line transformers. The company's Gas segment purchases, stores, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas to approximately 1.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout Michigan; and sells storage and transportation capacity. This segment has approximately 21,000 miles of distribution mains; 1,352,000 service pipelines; and 1,316,000 active meters, as well as owns approximately 2,000 miles of transmission pipelines. Its DTE Vantage segment offers metallurgical and petroleum coke to steel and other industries; and power, steam and chilled water production, and wastewater treatment services, as well as supplies compressed air to industrial customers. Its Energy Trading segment engages in power, natural gas, and environmental marketing and trading; structured transactions; and the optimization of contracted natural gas pipeline transportation and storage positions. The company was founded in 1903 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Neuberger Berman LLC. The fund is managed by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund typically invests in high yield debt securities of various sectors, such as auto parts and equipment, airlines, automotive, electronics, health services, packaging, telecom-integrated/services, gaming, and gas distribution. It was formerly known as Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund. Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. was formed on July 28, 2003 and is domiciled in the United States. Deckers Outdoor Corporation, commonly known as Deckers Brands, is a renowned footwear designer and distributor based in Goleta, California. The company was founded in 1973 by Doug Otto and Karl F. Lopker, alums of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Deckers Brands operates with a mission to create innovative and comfortable footwear for a variety of lifestyles. Deckers Brands is focused on producing high-quality footwear and accessories under several well-known brands. Its portfolio includes UGG, Teva, Sanuk, Hoka One One, and Koolaburra. Each brand caters to different market segments and offers unique styles and functionalities. The company's flagship brand, UGG, is known for its sheepskin boots and has gained widespread popularity worldwide. UGG products feature a combination of luxury, comfort, and fashion, appealing to both men and women. Teva specializes in sports sandals and footwear designed for outdoor activities, providing durability and functionality. Sanuk offers casual and comfortable sandals, shoes, and boots, focusing on a relaxed and fun lifestyle. Hoka One One is a performance footwear brand specializing in innovative running and walking shoes, known for its exceptional cushioning and support. Koolaburra, positioned under the UGG brand, offers comfortable and stylish footwear with a bohemian flair. Deckers Brands targets a wide range of consumers, from fashion-conscious individuals seeking luxury and comfort to outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable performance footwear. The company's key customers include men and women across different age groups who value quality, style, and functionality in their footwear choices. Deckers Brands boasts a leadership team comprising experienced executives who bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the company. Led by this dedicated team, the company prioritizes driving innovation, expanding brand presence, and delivering strong financial performance. David Powers holds key roles at Deckers Brands, including Chief Executive Officer, President, Director, and Interim President of Fashion Lifestyle. With an extensive background in the retail and footwear industry, Powers previously served as the President of Deckers' Direct-to-Consumer business segment. His wealth of experience contributes to the company's strategic direction and growth. As Chief Technology Officer, Brad Willis oversees the company's technological advancements and digital initiatives to enhance the consumer experience. His focus on leveraging technology aligns with Deckers Brands' commitment to innovation and staying at the forefront of the evolving digital landscape. Deckers Brands has demonstrated strong financial performance in recent years, reflecting its successful brand strategies and customer demand for its products. Deckers Brands has demonstrated impressive financial performance, showcasing its ability to attract customers and drive sales growth. The company's earnings metrics have shown positive trends, highlighting its effective management of costs and ability to generate profitability. Deckers Brands maintains a healthy net profit margin, reflecting its efficient operations and competitive pricing strategies. Furthermore, the company manages its financial position prudently, ensuring stability and flexibility. Deckers Brands remains well-positioned in the footwear industry with a focus on sustainable financial growth. Deckers Brands' valuation metrics showcase its strong performance and market positioning compared to its industry peers. Its successful brand portfolio, strong financials, and growth potential drive the company's valuation. Deckers Brands' strong financial performance, innovation-driven strategies, and market recognition contribute to positive investor sentiment, which reflects in its valuation. Deckers Brands has experienced notable stock performance, reflecting its ability to meet market expectations and deliver value to shareholders. While past performance does not guarantee future results, analyzing historical trends can provide insights into the company's stock performance. Deckers Brands operates within the highly competitive footwear industry. The industry comprises various players, each targeting different segments and consumer preferences. Deckers Brands differentiates itself by offering a diverse range of brands that cater to various lifestyle needs and preferences. The company's competitive positioning is strong, driven by its recognized brands, innovative product designs, and customer-centric approach. Deckers Brands has established a loyal customer base by consistently delivering high-quality and stylish footwear options. Deckers Brands possesses several growth opportunities that can propel its future success. The company can further leverage its strong brand portfolio and expand its presence in existing and new markets. Deckers Brands has an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for athleisure and performance footwear. Through its Hoka One One brand, the company can target an increasing number of consumers seeking comfortable and versatile footwear options for sports and outdoor activities. The company can also focus on international expansion to tap into new markets and reach a broader customer base. Deckers Brands can leverage its well-known brands to strengthen its presence in regions with untapped potential. Like any business, Deckers Brands faces risks and challenges that can impact its operations and financial performance. These include factors such as changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition. Additionally, the company's dependence on key brands, such as UGG, poses a risk if consumer preferences shift away from those products. Effective brand management and continuous innovation are crucial to mitigate these risks. Deckers Brands also faces risks associated with global supply chains and sourcing. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as raw material shortages or transportation challenges, can impact the company's ability to meet customer demand and maintain profitability. Deckers Brands employs risk management strategies, including diversified brand offerings, market research, and supply chain optimization, to mitigate these risks. The Russian government now wants to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council despite continuing its invasion of Ukraine. The question is, will the United Nations accept Russia's latest request? Here are the major details you need to know. Russia Wants to Rejoin UN Human Rights Council The UN Human Rights Council decided to expel Russia in April 2022 because it is invading Ukraine, which is against the human rights body's purpose. The United Nations HRC was established as an intergovernmental body to promote and protect all human rights worldwide. HRC has over 40 member countries, including the United States, Australia, Mexico, Ukraine, Peri, Pakistan, etc. Russia decided to join this human rights body in January 2021. But, just a few months after, an assembly was conducted to expel Russia from the intergovernmental body. More than 90 nations voted that Russia should be removed. Meanwhile, 24 nations voted against the decision. Those who voted in favor of Russia were China, North Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Syria, and Chuba. Now, Russian diplomats are urging the United Nations to allow the Kremlin to rejoin HRC. They even seek a fresh three-year term since Russia was expelled against its will. The document sent by Russian diplomats said that the Kremlin would find adequate solutions for human rights issues. Aside from this, the Russian government said it will try to stop the UN Human Rights Council from becoming "an instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries." According to BBC News, Russia is most likely referring to the West. As of writing, another UN HRC election will happen on October 10. Before this happens, Russia is trying to encourage other countries to support it to rejoin the human rights body once again. Read Also: French President To Pull Out France's Military in Niger, Claims African Country No Longer Fights Terrorism Will the UN Allow Russia to Rejoin HRC? It is unclear if the UN leaders will allow Russia to rejoin the Human Rights Council as of press time. But there's a chance this couldn't happen, especially since a UN-mandated investigative body revealed that Russian troops tortured Ukrainians so brutally that some of them died. Reuters reported that other Russian soldiers even forced Ukrainian families to listen to them as they raped other women. "In some cases, torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of the victim," said Chair of the Commission of Inquiry in Ukraine, Erik Mose. "Russian soldiers raped and committed sexual violence against women of ages ranging from 19 to 83 years," he added. Mose further stated that the commission is attempting to contact Russia regarding the brutal tortures their soldiers did in Ukraine. But the Kremlin hasn't answered yet. Related Article: Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Likely Killed in Ukrainian Missile Strike, Multiple Reports Say @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Goldman Sachs BDC (NYSE:GSBD) pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 13.12%. GSBD has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The dividend payout ratio is 216.87%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on EPS estimates, GSBD will have a dividend payout ratio of 80.36% in the coming year. This indicates that the company may not be able to sustain their current dividend. Read our dividend analysis for GSBD. Welltower (NYSE:WELL) pays an annual dividend of $2.44 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 2.98%. The dividend payout ratio is 508.33%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, WELL will have a dividend payout ratio of 61.62% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for WELL. Shopify Inc. is a commerce platform and eCommerce infrastructure provider connecting small businesses with a large and growing global marketplace. The company was formed in 2004 in Ottawa, Canada as Jaded Pixel Technologies but changed its name to Shopify Inc in 2011. The name change was part of a rebranding strategy that helped accelerate the business and drive it to $5.5 billion in sales in 2022. As of October 2022, the company boasted millions of merchants in 175 countries with more than $543 billion in economic activity generated since launch. In terms of scale, Shopify employs more than 10,000 individuals and is among the top 20 publicly traded companies in Canada. Shopify was founded by Tobi Lutke. Mr. Lutke had been working on a website for a snowboard store but quickly realized the software was more valuable than just selling snowboards so his team switched gears. The platform was launched in 2006 and it quickly gained momentum. Mr. Lutke is a member of the board of directors and the companys CEO, a position he has held since 2008. Shopify is a commerce company but, more importantly, it is an eCommerce commerce company that can assist small businesses with all aspects of their operations. The company is in business to provide an eCommerce platform for small businesses globally. Its platform enables merchants to market, manage, and sell their products through a variety of sales channels that include but are not limited to eCommerce. Channels include the companys core Shopify.com website as well as brick & mortar locations, pop-ups, social media, and buy-now buttons. Because branding is such an important part of a business's success the company goes to great lengths to assist its merchants in that regard. The Shopify.com website includes several tools to help with branding that include a business name generator and a logo maker as well as a website builder and a full range of marketing products. Marketing products help merchants with email marketing and Facebook ads as well as automation of the same. Among the many benefits of using Shopify is acceleration. Businesses that use the website to its fullest are able to accelerate their growth and reach milestones years ahead of their competitors. Brands that use Shopify.com include Heinz, Tupperware, and Netflix. According to data from BuiltWith, the Shopify platform was host to more than 1.58 million websites in 2021 and the figure is growing. Data from W3Techs suggest that more than 4.0% of the top 10 million websites are using Shopify. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB) pays an annual dividend of $6.60 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.06%. AVB has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The company does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 100.46%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, AVB will have a dividend payout ratio of 59.30% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for AVB. AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps, as well as tire repairs. In addition, the company offers maintenance products, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluids; brake drums, rotors, shoes, and pads; brake and power steering fluids, and oil and fuel additives; oil and transmission fluids; oil, cabin, air, fuel, and transmission filters; oxygen sensors; paints and accessories; refrigerants and accessories; shock absorbers and struts; spark plugs and wires; and windshield wipers. Further, it provides air fresheners, cell phone accessories, drinks and snacks, floor mats and seat covers, interior and exterior accessories, mirrors, performance products, protectants and cleaners, sealants and adhesives, steering wheel covers, stereos and radios, tools, and wash and wax products, as well as towing services. Additionally, the company provides a sales program that offers commercial credit and delivery of parts and other products; sells automotive diagnostic and repair software under the ALLDATA brand through alldata.com and alldatadiy.com; and automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through autozone.com. It has stores in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company was founded in 1979 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. Prologis (NYSE:PLD) pays an annual dividend of $3.48 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 3.52%. The company has been increasing its dividend for 10 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 107.41%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, PLD will have a dividend payout ratio of 62.59% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for PLD. 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 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen offer relief from pain and inflammation but can sometimes upset the stomach. However, NSAIDs, known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, comprise 8% of prescriptions worldwide and are particularly common among individuals aged 65 and older. This article will discuss NSAIDs and explain why taking them on an empty stomach is a bad idea. You'll also find tips for alleviating stomach pain associated with these medications. What is an NSAID? For starters, what does NSAID stand for? NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can buy these drugs in various forms, including liquids, tablets and capsules, gels and creams, and also suppositories. NSAIDs are a class of medication that help reduce pain, decrease inflammation and decrease fevers," said Dr. Douglas Nguyen, a gastroenterologist at Providence Mission Hospital in Orange County, Calif. "Common uses for NSAIDs include pain due to tissue injury, headaches, osteoarthritis, fevers and menstrual pain. Common nonprescription strength NSAID medications include: Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph) Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Naproxen sodium (Aleve) The most common prescription-strength NSAID drugs include: Celecoxib (Celebrex) Diclofenac (Voltaren) Fenoprofen (Nalfon) Indomethacin (Indocin) Ketorolac (Toradol) NSAID side effects NSAIDs are notorious for their recognized negative impacts on the gastric lining, kidneys, heart, liver and blood system, according to an article by StatPearls. The most commonly noted side effects of NSAIDs involve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which may include: Gas Sensation of bloating Heartburn Stomach discomfort Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Some patients report additional side effects of NSAID medications, including: Dizziness Lightheadedness Balance issues Difficulty concentrating Mild headaches Why are NSAIDs hard on the stomach? "NSAIDs can increase risk for gastrointestinal adverse events including gastritis, peptic ulcer indigestion, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea," Nguyen said. "NSAIDs affect the GI tract in many ways, including reducing protective prostaglandin levels, causing a higher risk for ulcer formation." He continued: It also causes increased gastric acid secretion and diminished mucous secretions in the lining of the intestines, leading to injury to the intestinal tract. NSAIDs have not only been linked to gastritis, gastric and small intestinal ulcers, but it can also cause ulcers in the colon as well. Can you take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs on an empty stomach? Taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach can cause more indigestion and nausea, but even when taken with food, the NSAIDs still can cause injury to the intestinal tract, Nguyen said. For this reason, ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) can be consumed with a meal or accompanied by milk to avoid stomach discomfort. If you're using ibuprofen regularly, establish a consistent daily schedule. Adhere closely to the instructions on the package or as prescribed by your health care provider, and seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist for anything that is unclear. Always adhere precisely to the recommended dosage refrain from taking more or less than instructed on the packaging or prescribed by your health care provider. Whos most at risk for NSAID-related stomach issues? Chronic NSAID users and people over age 60 are at higher risk for NSAID-related intestinal issues, Nguyen said. If a patient requires the use of long-term NSAIDs, it is sometimes advised that they take the medication along with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or H2-blockers to reduce the risk for gastritis and peptic ulcers," he noted. Nyugen said patients with a high risk for peptic ulcer disease should undergo H. pylori testing if NSAIDs are to be used longer than two months. What are the symptoms of NSAID-related stomach issues? The Royal College of Physicians says about one-third of NSAID users experience symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea after a meal, early fullness and belching, along with gastroesophageal reflux problems such as heartburn and regurgitation. These symptoms don't necessarily indicate internal damage, however, as about 20% of symptomatic patients have normal results when examined internally with an endoscope. But as many as 70% of long-term NSAID users may develop endoscopic abnormalities like mucosal erosions, ulcers and subepithelial bleeding. Symptoms of NSAID-related stomach issues include: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Upset stomach Peptic ulcer (ulceration of the stomach or duodenum) Leaky gut How to stop stomach pain from ibuprofen and other NSAIDs To reduce irritation of the stomach due to NSAID medications and to prevent development of ulcers, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York recommends these strategies: Take your NSAIDs after you have completed a meal or with an antacid Limit your consumption of alcohol, as alcohol can also irritate your stomach Can you prevent NSAID-related stomach issues? Many patients tolerate NSAIDs quite effectively, which is fortunate as these medications are often invaluable for individuals experiencing pain and inflammation. Most side effects associated with NSAIDs are relatively minor and can be readily resolved by discontinuing the medication or by incorporating another drug to mitigate these effects. "The best strategy is to utilize the lowest dose and shortest duration of NSAIDs," Nguyen said. "If you anticipate that you will require the use of the medication for a more prolonged period of time, consult with your doctor about strategies to prevent stomach issues that may arise, like taking the medication alongside a PPI or H2 blocker or getting testing for H. pylori and treating this organism. In addition to taking your NSAIDs on a full stomach or with a glass of milk, to prevent NSAID-related stomach concerns, talk to your doctor about the following options: Switch to another drug (such as a COX-2 selective inhibitor) Switch to the lowest dosage Consider medications that reduce stomach irritation such as misoprostol (Cytotec), or a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or rabeprazole (AcipHex) Take NSAIDs with food or a glass of milk Taking NSAIDs with a meal can help prevent stomach discomfort. Additionally, open communication with your physician when experiencing side effects is crucial to ensure effective pain management while minimizing potential risks. Resources Douglas Nguyen, MD, gastroenterologist, Providence Mission Hospital, Orange County, Calif. Medline Plus: Ibuprofen Royal College of Physicians: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and the Gastrointestinal Tract U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) WOOD RIVER Newspaper pioneer Maggie Mobley will be the focus of a Saturday Friendship Gathering set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the high school in Wood River. The program will be presented by Michelle Setlik as part of the series hosted by the Celebrate Wood River Performing Arts Series. During the early days of Nebraska statehood, Margaret Theresa Guerin Eberhart Mobley wielded her pen, instead of a plow, as she carved out her place in the frontier. As a survivor of the Irish famine and an orphaned child, she defied the odds through education and her independent spirit to become a respected businesswoman and a political force prior to womens suffrage. Maggie and her husband, Seth, began publishing the Platte Valley Independent in the late 1800s which then became the Grand Island Daily Independent which survives to this day. Maggie was the first female newspaper publisher in Nebraska. Setlik is an educator and community historian with masters degrees in history from University of Nebraska at Kearney and management from Doane University. Her family roots are deep as the seventh generation to call Hall County home. She is a Hall County Historical Society Board member, Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation trustee, a freelance journalist contributing historical articles to several publications, including the Grand Island Independent, and an active community volunteer devoting her time to historical preservation and education. (Note: this program is replacing a program previously announced; that program by UNK history professor Nathan Tye will be rescheduled at a later date). This program is made possible by the Wood River Community Foundation, Donna Lee Moyer Performing Arts gift, Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Humanities Nebraska. View the entire season lineup and down load a brochure at https://www.woodriverne.com/town/celebrate-wood-river and follow Celebrate Wood River on Facebook. For more information, contact Vince Boudreau at 308-583-2961. (Photo : Noam Galai/Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative) California Gov. Gavin Newsom will have a debate with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis which will be hosted by Fox News in November. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will face off in November in a gubernatorial debate hosted by Fox News. The media outlet announced the gubernatorial debate on Monday after the two governors had spent more than a year taunting and sniping each other. Sean Hannity will be responsible for moderating the debate between DeSantis and Newsom. The network called the gubernatorial debate "a red vs. blue state debate." DeSantis-Newsom Debate The 90-minute event will be held in Georgia and will air on Nov. 30 on Hannity's 9:00 p.m. prime-time program. However, it remains unclear whether or not the event will be broadcast live or include an audience, as the California governor requested that there be no audience. In a statement, a spokesperson for Newsom, Nathan Click, said that they have agreed to the debate on the condition that there will be no cheering section, no hype videos, or any of the other crutches that the Florida governor was requesting, as per the Washington Post. On the other hand, DeSantis' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the development. A spokesperson for Fox News, Alexandra Coscia, also declined on Monday afternoon to provide more details regarding the debate between the two governors. DeSantis on Monday said on social media that he welcomed "the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country." The Florida governor, also a Republican presidential candidate who will take the stage in the second Republican presidential debate, hopes to shore up support from national voters. He promises to export his vision of Florida to the rest of the United States. However, despite his efforts, DeSantis remains far behind former United States President Donald Trump in the polls. Hannity said that he was looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate regarding the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American, according to Fox News. Read Also: Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Providing Parental Support for Child's Gender Identity in Custody Cases Discussing Various Issues During Hannity's exclusive interview with Newsom, the Fox News veteran first raised the idea of the California governor having a debate with the Florida governor. The latter officially signed on to participate in July. The situation comes as Newsom sparked 2024 presidential speculation but later said he would not run for president against fellow Democrat President Joe Biden. He has repeatedly challenged DeSantis to debate on varying issues. The first challenge was issued in September 2022 about migrants' flights to the Massachusetts liberal enclave of Martha's Vineyard. It was a move that forced discussion on sanctuary immigration policies. DeSantis' decision to debate a politician not running for president is nearly without precedent. The move is seen as a marker of just how far behind the Florida governor is behind Trump that he is going to extreme lengths to shake up the dynamics in the presidential race as he has spent the last few months losing ground and not garnering sufficient support to overtake the former president, said the New York Times. Related Article: US Senator Bob Menendez Denies Accusations, Refuses to Step Down @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On a visit to Grand Island Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talked about the impact a $15.2 million federal grant will have on two companies that operate in Grand Island, Cathcart Rail and GMCO Corp. Buttigieg appeared at the Cathcart Rail facility west of Grand Island. Before delivering an address, Buttigieg toured the plant, which is in Cornhusker Industrial Park. The $15.2 million grant was awarded to Cathcart Rail to fund the Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project. GMCO Corp. will not receive any of the grant, but the improvements it makes will benefit its business. The grant was one of 70 rail improvement projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding, which totals more $1.4 billion, support projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Maintenance of America's tracks has been long-deferred, Buttigieg said. "America has tolerated more than 1,000 derailments a year, year after year for decades," he said. Cathcart Rail is a freight rail service and transportation company that operates repair facilities, railroad mechanical field services and short-line railroads. The company, which has been in business seven years, owns Cornhusker Railroad. Cathcart currently has close to 100 employees in Grand Island. With the $15.2 million grant, Cathcart will rebuild "the full 5 miles" between the BNSF and Union Pacific tracks, said Casey Cathcart, co-founder, chairman and CEO of the company. The company will also upgrade the yard, add two 2-mile long sidings to "help facilitate better interchange" between BNSF and Union Pacific and fund the construction of a new rail repair facility. GMCO operates a company called GMCO Growth Technologies, which will manufacture fertilizer near the Cathcart facility. Buttigieg expressed thanks to Sen. Deb Fisher, R-Nebraska, who was not present. Fisher's vote for "President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is directly responsible for the funding that we are able to celebrate around the country and pieces of good news like the good news we are we're celebrating today," Buttigieg said. "Not a lot of things happen on a bipartisan basis in Washington these days, but this did," Buttigieg said. A number of Republicans crossed the aisle "to work with Democrats and President Biden to get that funding in place. And now we're bringing that funding out to get things done." The Biden administration is making passenger and freight rail safer, Buttigieg said. Recently, in North Platte, he said, "there was a railcar chemical fire that reminded us once again of the stakes of railroad safety. Residents, before the all-clear was sounded, had the frightening experience of having to evacuate their homes. We need to make sure that we speak to every community that wonders whether they might be the next to be affected by something like that." Investment is needed partly because laws and practices have been so weak "that many of the largest and most profitable players weren't being held accountable. We're working with Congress to fix that." Over about half a century, "America did not invest enough in rail," he said. In 2018, federal, state and local governments "collectively spent on rail about 1 percent of what they spent on roads." The importance of rail is worth a lot more than that, Buttigieg said. Biden worked with Democrats and Republicans to get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, he said. The funds approved in that bill are now being used "to make freight rail and passenger rail safer more reliable, more efficient and more resilient." Rail safety and rail supply chain upgrades are being done through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program. The latest round of funding for the CRISI program is four times larger than previous rounds, Buttigieg said. In addition to improved rail service, the funding will lead to more jobs, Buttigieg said. "Leaders here project that these improvements will directly add 12 good jobs right at the repair facility and then at least another 40 or so in the region, thanks to new economic development that's flowing from the increased rail capacity," Buttigieg said. "I know that 50 jobs might not sound like a lot to some of the representatives I encounter on Capitol Hill, who seem to think that unless you're talking about thousands at a time in terms of jobs or billions in terms of dollars, things don't count as much. But as those of us who come from the middle of the country know, those jobs add up. They add up hugely, especially when they're good-paying jobs that people can educate their kids and own a home with." Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate, was once the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Cathcart Rail employs close to 1,000 people in 100 locations across 33 states. Cathcart will provide a 20% match for the $15.2 million grant. "We're going to be adding a lot more jobs. We're going to be growing. We're going to be building in this area, and it's very exciting," Casey Cathcart said. Cathcart also has facilities in Hastings and Alliance. To Cathcart leaders, Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said, "Your vision for the growth and modernization of rail in central Nebraska is a significant driver of the economic growth we are experiencing and an important source of well-paying jobs for our residents." Steele talked about the role the railroads played in the growth of Grand Island. "That cornerstone of prosperity" remains firmly in place, Steele said. "Rail continues to drive economic growth. It provides well-paying and stable jobs and it generates prosperity in central Nebraska." To Buttigieg, Steele said, "We recognize and appreciate the significant investments that President Biden and the United States Congress are making in rural infrastructure and transportation projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, and we are especially appreciative of the significant investments happening right here in Grand Island. Today marks the start of a new and exciting rail opportunity for our region's economy, businesses and residents." Steele said he's proud that companies like Cathcart and and GMCO "see the opportunity our historic railroad infrastructure provides." He's proud of the "strong work ethic of our residents who provide these employers with a workforce" that is second to none. "And I am extremely proud to stand with Secretary Buttigieg right here in the Cornhusker Industrial Park, in recognition of the dynamic vision we share for continued economic growth of the city of Grand Island and the great state of Nebraska." Buttigieg told Steele that his "enthusiasm for this community is contagious. It speaks to me as a former mayor. I can only assume you arranged this perfect weather for us today." Buttigieg said Steele made him feel at home. "And I do feel very at home, because if you get on Interstate 80 and you go east about 800 miles and make two right turns, you come to the house I grew up in." Hanoi to okay Lotte Mall West Lake operation extension until 2060 By Tri Duc Tue, September 26, 2023 | 9:07 pm GTM+7 Hanoi is set to approve an extension for the Lotte Mall West Lake complex's operation from 2046 to 2060. "Municipal agencies will complete relevant procedures, including reports to the Prime Minister," said Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung while responding to an extension request from Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin at a meeting in the capital city last Friday. An official grand opening was held the same day for the $643 million complex. Dinh Tien Dung, Secretary of Hanoi Party Committee. Photo courtesy of Hanoi's news portal. The municipal Party leader also called on Lotte to participate in developing Hanoi in line with the plan for building two sub-cities the northern one in particular, that would merge the districts of Dong Anh, Me Linh, and Soc Son into a smart city. The southern sub-city will focus on technology and education-training, with Hanoi planning to relocate major universities to this area and the central government assigning the municipality the task of managing the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. Noting that the current occupation rate at the 1,586-hectare hi-tech park was just 30%, Dung urged South Korean businesses to invest in the facility. The Lotte executive said the extension granted to the complex would help it grow in line with Hanois development target. He also said Lotte was willing to invest more in Vietnam. Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin (right). Photo courtesy of Hanoi's news portal. Lotte Shopping, a distribution unit under South Korean conglomerate Lotte, recorded a revenue of KRW190 billion ($144.2 million) from its Vietnam operations in the first half of this year. This included KRW10 billion ($7.6 million) from the department store segment, down 1.4% year-on-year. The figure accounted for 0.6% of Lotte Shoppings global revenue of KRW1,618 billion ($1.2 billion) from the segment. In the hypermarket sector, Lotte Shoppings revenue in Vietnam rose 16% year-on-year to KRW180 billion ($136.6 million), making up 6.3% of the firms global figure of KRW2,869 billion ($2.2 billion). Malaysias Solarvest installs 11 solar projects in Vietnam By Tri Duc Tue, September 26, 2023 | 10:49 am GTM+7 Malaysias energy solution provider Solarvest Holdings Berhad, via its wholly-owned subsidiary Solarvest (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., has installed 11 rooftop solar projects in Vietnam. In a statement on Monday, the firm said it is collaborating with a local partner to deliver engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) services for the projects, totaling 12.8 MW-peak (MWp). Solarvests expansion into the Vietnamese market is part of its commitment to address the growing demand for sustainable energy. Currently, Solarvest holds a portfolio of tendering projects totaling 100 MWp in the country, demonstrating its dedication to the growth and development of clean energy initiatives in the region. A rooftop solar power project of Solarvest in Malaysia. Photo courtesy of Solarvest. Per Vietnams promising clean energy market in line with the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), Solarvest will explore wind energy options in Vietnam, said CEO Davis Chong Chun Shiong. The firm will also venture into innovative sustainable solutions, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), the executive added. In its statement, the firm lauded Vietnams ambitions with the PDP VIII, including targets of installing 150 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and 500 GW by 2050. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has provided a mechanism to drive rooftop solar power towards installations for half of the countrys office and residential buildings by 2030. Upgraded US ties could kick off Vietnamese startups in new technologies: VinaCapital By Minh Anh Tue, September 26, 2023 | 3:54 pm GTM+7 The recent upgrade of Vietnam-US ties to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership is likely to encourage Vietnamese startups in new technologies including IT, semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence, says VinaCapital. The leading Vietnam-focused investment fund company says in a note that the startups would be among numerous benefits delivered to businesses and investors in Vietnam by the upgrade in ties. The benefits could come in the form of increased market access, lower tariffs and new opportunities to partner with U.S. corporates, VinaCapital says, adding that these would become clearer in the medium and long terms. The VinaCapital office in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of VietnamFinance. Under the Corporate Strategic Partnership, the U.S. has committed to support the development of Vietnams semiconductor ecosystem from the ground up, including regulatory framework, workforce development, and infrastructure building. Executives of top U.S. semiconductor and technology companies including Google, Intel, Amkor, Marvell, and Global Foundries were part of President Bidens entourage during his recent visit to Hanoi. Several of them have already invested in Vietnam, and others have announced plans to do so. The expansion of the chip supply chain could continue bringing billions of dollars of new private and public investment to Vietnams semiconductor industry although Vietnam has to deal with a shortage of engineers if it is to become a chip powerhouse, VinaCapital analysts say in the note. Several domestic companies are already riding the wave of opportunity. FPT, a major player in Vietnams IT sector, appears poised to capitalize on recent developments. It is set to inaugurate a semiconductor department within the FPT University. Beyond semiconductors, there are a range of newly announced initiatives in logistics and energy, education, science, healthcare, agriculture, and finance. Increasing investment from U.S. companies would certainly be welcome, and as with other FDI, would bring new jobs at good wages, which futher drives our longtime theme of investing in companies that are participating in and benefiting from increasing domestic consumption and economic growth, the VinaCapital note says. Vietnam, Brazil deepen trade ties during PM Chinhs visit, eye FTA with Mercosur By Anh Minh Tue, September 26, 2023 | 10:55 am GTM+7 Vietnam and Brazil agreed to ramp up bilateral trade during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to the South American country, with negotiations for a trade deal between the former and the Mercosur bloc likely to start soon. Trade in focus During talks between Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia on Monday, Chinh asked the Brazilian side to soon grant Vietnam the market economy designation and back the early start of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Mercosur. Mercosur comprises Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil, which is currently chairing the bloc. Several countries including Canada and Singapore are also negotiating trade deals with Mercosur. Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a joint press meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, September 25, 2023. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's government portal. During a meeting with Brazilian businesses on September 24 with Chinh in attendance, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien expected talks on the deal to begin next month, aiming to boost Vietnamese exports to Latin America. Dien said Brazil could serve as a gateway for Vietnam to South American markets with nearly 300 million consumers. Meanwhile, through Vietnam, Brazil can access the ASEAN market, which has a combined population of more than 650 million. The Vietnamese minister said the two countries have great potential, as the two-way trade of $6.8 billion posted in 2022 remained modest, accounting for less than 1% of Vietnams external trade. Speaking at the business forum, Chinh said Brazilian firms could send more cotton, soybean, and maize to Vietnam, and import more electronic devices, agricultural products, garments, and footwear. With more potential to exploit, Chinh and Lula da Silva set a goal for bilateral trade to reach $10 billion by 2025 and $15 billion by 2030. Mercosur is Vietnams 13th largest trade partner with two-way trade increasing nearly five-fold from $2.45 billion in 2011 to $12 billion in 2022. Vietnam shipped $3.3 billion worth of goods to Mercosur and imported $8.7 billion from the market. Mercosur-Vietnam trade flows accounted for nearly a quarter of trade between Mercosur and ASEAN. Vietnams dynamism makes it possible to establish itself as a gateway for Brazilian products to ASEAN, Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez, senior researcher at the Cuban Center for International Policy Research (CIPI), told The Investor. The Cuban researcher, however, cautioned that an FTA with Mercosur may result in a bigger deficit for Vietnam. Vietnam now runs a large trade deficit with Brazil and Argentina only. Hi-tech exports to Vietnam During their Monday talks, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in culture, agriculture, education, and defense. The two leaders witnessed the signing of four documents covering education, defense, agriculture, and diplomacy. Lula da Silva said Brazil wants to export competitive items to Vietnam such as aircraft, machinery and high-tech equipment. On the first day of his stay in Brazil, Chinh toured the headquarters and production facilities of Embraer S.A, the worlds third largest commercial aircraft manufacturer after Boeing and Airbus. Chinh asked Embraer to invest in the companys business ecosystem in Vietnam, and provide aircraft maintenance and repair services. On the occasion, Lula da Silva accepted an invitation extended by Vietnamese leaders to visit Vietnam soon. Ruvislei Gonzalez Saez observed that since Lula da Silvas return to power, Vietnam-Brazil relations have regained momentum in terms of high-level interactions. Lula da Silva and Chinh met in Japan in May on the sidelines of a G20 expanded summit where they agreed that bilateral trade was much below its potential. Recent high-ranking meetings can translate into mutually beneficial cooperation for both nations and elevate bilateral ties in the near future. Their current comprehensive partnership relations have great potential to advance to a higher level in the future, Ruvislei Gonzalez commented. Vietnam veteran turned businessman plans Cuba investments By Hong Anh, Huu Binh Tue, September 26, 2023 | 12:10 pm GTM+7 Chairman of Vietnamese multi-sector corporation Pacific Corporation Phan Van Quy, who served during the resistance war against the U.S. imperialists, has high hopes for future investments in Cuba once the embargo on the Latin American country is lifted. You were a soldier and delegate at the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students in Havana, Cuba in 1978. What are your memories of Cuba and President Fidel Castro? During his visit to Vietnam in 1973, President Fidel Castro presented our soldiers with modern road building equipment. This helped soldiers open the Eastern Truong Son trail, one of the main routes carrying supplies from the North to the South, making an important contribution to the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. In July 1978, I was honored to represent the Truong Son soldiers to join the Vietnamese youth and student delegation at the 11th World Festival of Youth and Students in Havana, Cuba. I had heard a lot of Cuba, but when I arrived in this country, I felt the sincerity and warmth of the Cuban people and President Fidel towards us. During the festival, the Cuban people flooded the streets to welcome the Vietnamese delegation. They regarded the Vietnamese as long lost brothers. Some delegation members were even lifted by the crowds. Although the festival was attended by more than 170 countries, the Vietnamese delegation received the warmest welcome. Some newspapers even headlined "Havana, the face of Vietnam!". Leaders of Pacific Corporation receive the delegation from the Communist Party of Cuba led by Roberto Morales Ojeda, member of the Politburo and standing member of the Secretariat in May 2023. Photo courtesy of the corporation. As Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, what have you contributed to the friendship between the two countries? In 2021, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba, Pacific Corporation came up with the idea of publishing the book "Fidel Castro and Vietnam, unforgettable memories" in Vietnamese and Spanish. Publishing this book in Spanish was very difficult because there were very few experts in Spanish in Vietnam at that time. We had to seek cooperation from Vietnamese senior officials who had studied and worked in Cuba, and Cuban experts who had been in Vietnam for a long time but moved to other countries. After much hardship and patience, the book was published on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. As the head of a successful business in Vietnam, what do you think about promoting investment in the Cuban market? Not long ago, Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Politburo and standing member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Cuba, paid a working visit to the corporation. During that visit, we expressed interest in investing in Cuba. But the most difficult problem is that Cuba is still under embargo. In his speech at the General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the afternoon of September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed lifting the embargo on Cuba. I hope this will be realized soon. While we have not yet made investments in Cuba, we have provided financial support for the Havana-based Tio Ho Primary School, which was named after President Ho Chi Minh, to buy learning equipment. We also gave funding to Cuba to purchase medical equipment during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Les O'Dell Reporter Follow Les O'Dell 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 We all need a little bit of kindness in our lives. That can be especially true of school children. In an effort to spread some compassion, cheer and support for one another, some area schools are teaming up with a Christian radio station to launch Kindness Clubs. A concept developed by Lindsey Capperrune, midday on-air host at WBGL-FM, the idea is to equip and encourage students to just be nice to one another and the concept is catching on a number of schools in the region have signed on with the program. I just wanted to start something that puts more kindness in schools, Capperrune explained. All of the research that I came across shows real benefits when there is a lot of kindness and joy in schools, there is better attendance, reduced bullying and everybodys just happier. Capperrune announced the program several weeks ago during her broadcast on the Champaign-based Contemporary Christian Music Station. WBGL covers much of Illinois and area states thanks to transmitters throughout the state including ones in Murphysboro, Mount Vernon and Cape Girardeau. She said schools who choose to start Kindness Clubs are provided with a free kit which includes resources including a curriculum, ideas, note cards and other items. Were hoping that people will do things as simple as writing thank-you notes to the bus driver, lunch lady, principal or one another, she said. An appreciation of people within the schools is so important and we also hope that kids will just celebrate each other in all sorts of ways, bring a sense of belonging and encouragement to each other. Local schools joining the program include Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Du Quoin High School, Christopher Elementary School, Unity Christian School in Energy and Opdyke Bell Rive schools. The response has been awesome. I am super thankful, Capperrune said, explaining that registered clubs so far could impact as many as 25,000 students. We have elementary, middle and high schools that have signed up as well as home school programs, afterschool programs and even a library. Its open to whomever, wherever. One of the institutions registering for a Kindness Club is Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale. Speech-Language Pathologist Marian Morris with the school said the effort goes nicely with Brehms Be The Change organization which already tries to promote positive character traits. We want to nurture their humanity, not just their brains; not just the idea that they should be good kids, but the idea that they are equipped with abilities and talents and a heart for others, Morris said. We wanted to create a way that they could all come together, being like-minded and start in our own little community to show kindness to one another and then hopefully inspire others to do the same, bridging out and creating a ripple effect. Morris said the club currently includes about one-fifth of the Brehm student body. I think that the problem with our world today is that theres just not enough kindness; theres just not enough love, she said. I think the idea that WBGL recognizes that we cant solve the worlds problems in one single swoop, but just a small thing that somebody happens to need in a certain moment can change how they decide to move on. I think that is so cool. Capperrune said the Kindness Clubs is showing what faith is about. God is love and God is kindness, but were not putting God and Christianity all over it, were sharing God by caring for each other, she said. More information about the Kindness Clubs is available online at www.wbgl.org/wbgl-kindness-club. Cheapest and most expensive states for college tuition Cheapest and most expensive states for college tuition Here are some key findings from our analysis The South and Midwest boast the lowest tuition costs in the US Western states have seen notable tuition increases in the past decade The Northeast is home to some of the nation's priciest colleges Among Northeastern states, Vermont is the priciest Northeastern states also have the highest private tuition costs in the US Its basic human nature: When it comes to violent crime, the bigger the number, the more we pay attention. But when you start to look at crime on a more granular level, for instance looking at it in terms of rates of occurrence as it relates to population density effectively allowing one to compare apples to apples it becomes apparent that its the rural areas, at least in South Carolina, that experience more violent crime. TTVIP group Second from left Dr. Ashley Hink, program director of the Turning the Tide Violence Intervention Program, is joined by violence intervention c Just because some of these towns are smaller doesnt mean they arent as impacted by violence, said Ashley Hink, M.D., MUSC Health trauma surgeon and medical director of the Turning the Tide Violence Intervention Program (TTVIP). TTVIP bedside Dr. Hink and Keith Smalls check on a patient in the hospital. Thats why MUSC Health is attempting something a little out of the box taking a relatively new, yet already proven program and expanding it to serve residents of some of the states less populous counties. Thanks to a Rural Innovations grant from the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare, TTVIP will now expand its services to patients of Orangeburg and Hampton counties that are treated for violent injuries at MUSC Health-Charlestons Level 1 Trauma Center. Its something those communities desperately need. According to South Carolinas State Law Enforcement Division, using data obtained in 2021, Orangeburg County had the fifth highest homicide rate in the state, whereas Charleston County was 15th. Likewise, Orangeburg County has the second highest rate of aggravated assaults in the state twice as high as Charleston County, which ranks 24th. This is something really worth trying because these people have just as great a need if not more than the people of Charleston, Hink said. What theyre trying, or piloting, as TTVIP program director Christa Green calls it, is an extension of the hospitals already successful violence intervention program. Launched in July of 2021, TTVIP the first and only hospital-based violence intervention program in the state has supported more than 350 patients, 100-plus of whom have accepted long-term intervention services post-discharge. Outside of direct patient care, the team educates and trains health care providers and students and works to raise awareness of community gun violence prevention through outreach and advocacy activities. With the Rural Innovations grant, Hink and her team featuring Green and three violence intervention client advocates who take patients under their wings and walk them through all of the challenges, setbacks and breakthroughs experienced after traumatic, often life-threatening violent injuries will expand the programs eligibility criteria to include patients who live in Orangeburg and Hampton counties, whereas the original criteria directs services to patients from the Tri-county. Additionally, with the recent acquisition of MUSC Health-Orangeburg, Hink and her team will provide technical assistance to its trauma team to increase the trauma programs capacity to support violently injured patients. Orangeburgs trauma center cares for a disproportionately high rate of firearm-injured patients. In 2021, nearly 400 patients were treated at the now MUSC Health Orangeburg Medical Center, with nearly 20% of its patients treated for penetrating trauma, such as gunshot wounds and stabbings. Because of the distance between our Charleston-based team members and rural counties like Hampton and Orangeburg, theres going to be more of a dependence on texting, calling and virtual meetings, whereas with patients here, we have the luxury to provide more support in person, Green said. Working with patients that live counties away is a bit of a deviation from the evidence-based model. Will it be as effective? Thats what were hoping to learn from this grant project. The expansion of TTVIPs eligibility criteria will be rolled out immediately, and the team hopes to reach about a dozen more patients and families during the following year families that would not have traditionally been served post-discharge. Through stakeholder engagement and resource mapping within the Orangeburg and Hampton communities, they hope to build a network of supportive services for violently injured patients in these areas treated at both MUSC Health-Charleston and MUSC Health-Orangeburg. Local author Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr., founder of Renaissance Publications, LLC, recently received his credential from the National Association for Interpretation as a Certified Interpretive Guide. The Certified Interpretive Guide certification program is designed for interpreters who conduct tours, demonstrations, present living history programs, and other recreational activities. Certification outcomes include learning the history of the interpretation profession, the basic principles of interpretation, and creating a program outline and presenting a thematic interpretive presentation. Participants must be at least 16 years of age to take the course and attempt the certification, attend the course in-person or virtually, and complete with a passing score the two elements for certification during the course: a program outline and a ten-minute presentation. Curry is looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills learned in the certification course to apply knowledge and skills learned in the certification course to develop innovative programs interpretation focusing on his ancestral history, the Civil War, and community programs focusing on African American history and genealogy. He is looking forward to continuing his interpretation work through his partnership with the Charleston Museum, focusing on the life of Lavinia C. Thompson and other enslaved laborers during the Civil War, who were stationed at Battery Pringle located on James Island. Curry was motivated to apply for his certification while participating as a guest tour guide during an interpretive program, From Birds to Batteries: An In-depth Ecology and Historical Walking Tour of Battery Pringle, hosted by the Charleston Museum this past April that featured the story of his ancestor, an enslaved cook who, at only 19, followed her enslaver, Private Samuel G. Webb, into the Confederate Army. Curry, an Orangeburg native, received a bachelors degree in political science from South Carolina State University, and has earned graduate degrees in education, which include a doctorate degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Argosy University, Sarasota. The UK is now blaming pornography for worsening the sexual behaviors of teenagers. Although numerous studies claim that pornography can affect people's behaviors, the new details experts reveal are alarming. UK Blames Pornography for Teens' Worsening Sexual Behaviors Police authorities and child abuse experts in the United Kingdom warned that access to pornography is becoming easier than before. Because of this, teenagers can watch pornography videos at an alarming rate. The Guardian reported that increasing extreme pornography access worsens harmful sexual behaviors among young UK residents. These include sexting, watching online child abuse, and other sexual habits. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a U.K.-based charity, also revealed that the calls they receive about teenagers' behaviors are increasing. "As a service, we have seen an increase in under-18s contacting us for support," said Rachel Haynes, a senior practitioner at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. "We particularly began to see it when we launched a chat service for adults during lockdown," she added. But, the most alarming development that the charity and police authorities discovered is that more minors are watching or sharing illegal child abuse videos and other content. Haynes explained that most of the teenagers they handled admitted viewing child sexual abuse material. She added that pornography is a major contributing factor to this harmful behavior. "Teenagers become desensitized to what they are seeing. Sometimes they have been groomed by adults, or have been sent illegal images during sexualized chats online," she added. Read Also: American XL Bully Dog Ban in UK Looms as PM Rishi Sunak Vows To Restrict 'Dangerous' Breed by End of Year Protecting Your Children From Pornography Exposure As a parent, it is important to know how to prevent or protect your children from pornography. It is not necessary to always interrupt them when using their smartphones and other devices. Instead, you can follow these tips provided by Common Sense Media: Before letting your kids use Google search, activate the Google SafeSearch first so that explicit images, videos, and websites will be blocked. You can take advantage of parental controls available to numerous iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops. If you are still worried about your children's online activity, you can ask your internet service provider to check your house's overall browsing activities. These are just some of the things you can do as a parent to prevent your kids from getting exposed to pornography. You can click here to see more. Related Article: UK Launches Review on Armed Policing in London After 2022 Death of Unarmed Man @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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). City of Casper officials suspect that communities around the state are quietly sending their neediest residents including people struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health problems to the city without prior notice or any apparent plan to make sure they get back home. While the city doesnt know how widespread the practice is, a fledgling body of evidence suggests its already putting a strain on local law enforcement and nonprofits. So Caspers putting the heat on the state to do something about it. My question to this committee and certainly to the state of Wyoming would be, is this the kind of program, or process or practice that you would like to see us do? Casper City Manager Carter Napier told lawmakers during a recent Joint Judiciary Committee meeting. Because indeed, we can load up a bus, and we can send people all over the state. The city isnt totally sure whats driving this trend. In most cases, it seems like out-of-towners are being sent to Casper to take advantage of social services they cant access elsewhere in the state. To be clear, its not abnormal for an organization in one part of the state to send someone to a Casper-based agency for help. The real problem is when people in need of those services arrive without any heads up, Napier said. And sometimes they have severe behavioral health needs that Casper organizations cant readily accommodate. When that happens, these individuals may end up stranded in the city without a clear way to get the help they need. They might end up homeless or if they struggle with addiction or behavioral problems, incarcerated, Napier said. Casper is not equipped to deal with the states public safety problems, he told the committee. In one recent incident, more than a dozen people from Fremont County unexpectedly showed up at the Wyoming Rescue Mission, Caspers homeless shelter. Sen. Cale Case, R-Lander, said he when he heard about the incident, he reached out to some local government leaders in Fremont County to try to find out who sent them. But no one knew anything, he said. I want to work with you on this, but Id like to know more about these facts, Case told Napier during the meeting. Napier didnt push the panel to consider any specific legislation, though committee co-chair Sen. Bill Landen, R-Casper, said legal staff with Wyomings Legislative Services Office is looking into the matter. What Im hoping that our staff can do is connect up with our national association and with some of the other states and find out how some other folks are dealing with this, Landen said. We may run across something that we might be able to do to help this situation. LSO is expected to present its findings at the next Joint Judiciary Committee meeting in November. Law enforcement and Casper social service organizations say they routinely meet people who claim they were sent to Casper from out of town. The citys had a difficult time figuring out which organizations around the state are actually footing the bill, though. Casper City Attorney Eric Nelson said one Cheyenne official indicated to him that sometimes, if people have a desire to go somewhere, (Cheyenne) will provide a bus ticket. It was the first kind of acknowledgement we got, he said. He said hes also spoken with leaders in Johnson County and Buffalo who said that while their governments werent buying people bus tickets to Casper, they were aware of some local nonprofits who were. Nelson said he didnt have any other leads on the matter. But Casper may get more solid answers soon; the Natrona County Sequential Intercept Model Team, funded by the Natrona Collective Health Trust, recently received a grant from the University of Wyomings Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center to gather behavioral health data. Nelson said the group will be meeting sometime in October to figure out the exact scope of their research. My hope is that well be able to collect this data and really see if the numbers bear out, said Nelson. Based on whats know right now, the majority of homeless people in Casper probably arent coming from out of town. The Rescue Mission says that typically, approximately 60% to 65% of its guests are from Natrona County, the Star-Tribune reported previously. 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. Hunter Biden filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday against Rudy Giuliani and his former attorney, claiming they caused total annihilation of his digital privacy and violated federal and state computer privacy laws through their alleged efforts to hack his devices. In the lawsuit filed in federal court in California, Hunter Biden accuses Giuliani and Robert Costello of spending years hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from his devices. Plaintiff has demanded Defendants Giuliani and Costello cease their unlawful activities with respect to Plaintiffs data and return any data in their possession belonging to Plaintiff, but they have refused to do so, attorneys for Hunter Biden wrote in the lawsuit. Defendants statements suggest that their unlawful hacking activities are ongoing today and that, unless stopped, will continue into the future, thereby necessitating this action. Tuesdays lawsuit is the latest that Hunter Biden has brought as he pursues an aggressive legal strategy against his detractors. It comes as Republicans launch an impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden, thats also examining Hunter Bidens business dealings. Everyone involved in stealing and manipulating Hunters data should be hearing footsteps right about now, a source on Hunters legal team told CNN. MORE HUNTER BIDEN COVERAGE Earlier this month, Hunter Biden brought a similar civil suit against former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler, claiming that since leaving his White House post, Ziegler has devoted most of his waking time and energy on the effort to access devices that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden. And last week, Hunter Biden sued the Internal Revenue Service, alleging its agents illegally released his tax information and that the agency failed to protect his private records. The latest lawsuit also adds to mounting legal woes for Rudy Giuliani, who is facing multiple civil and criminal actions stemming from his actions after the 2020 election. CNN has reached out to Giuliani and Costello for comment. Hunter Bidens attorneys allege in the lawsuit that the former New York mayor has not only admitted but bragged about downloading data from Plaintiffs laptop (even though he only had a hard drive) onto his own computer; about using his own computer to access, tamper with and manipulate the downloaded data; and about maintaining multiple copies of the data for his and Defendant Costellos personal use. As an example, they pointed to an episode of Giulianis podcast Americas Mayor Live in February 2023. According to the lawsuit, in a video of the podcast, Giuliani held up a laptop computer on camera and announced: This belongs to Hunter Biden. He proceeded to brag about having copied Plaintiffs data onto his own computer and about having accessed, analyzed and manipulated the transferred data, the lawsuit states. The suit accuses Giuliani and Costello of breaking both federal and California state computer privacy laws and asks for a jury trial in the matter. Photos: Hunter Biden through the years Photos: Rudy Giuliani through the years Three people have died since Sept. 11 in separate fatal crashes across Wyoming, the highway patrol announced. A 41-year-old Idaho man died after his pickup truck rolled down an embankment, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported. On Sept. 20, highway patrol was notified of a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 14, the statement said. The crash happened at midnight near Hulett in Crook County. David Thibault was driving north in a Nissan Frontier pickup truck, the statement said. He attempted to make a sharp right-hand turn near milepost 118. Thibault went off the road to the right, so he attempted to steer back, the statement said. The vehicle began to slide sideways in a counterclockwise turn and departed the roadway to the left, the statement said. His vehicle tripped and rolled several times down an embankment. Thibault was wearing a seatbelt at the time, the statement said. Speed and driver fatigue are being considered as possible causes of the crash. The weather was clear, and the roads were dry in the area, the statement said. A 42-year-old Nebraska man died Sept. 18 on Interstate 80 near Rock Springs, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported. Highway patrol was notified of a two-vehicle crash involving a commercial truck at 9:05 a.m., the statement said. Troopers arrived on scene near milepost 130 in Sweetwater County. A Peterbilt combination unit was entering the freeway at the Point of Rocks interchange, the statement said. At the top of the entrance ramp, the truck merged into the right slow lane. Chad Bell was also driving in the right lane in a Dodge Grand Caravan, the statement said. Bells Dodge struck the rear of the flatbed semi-trailer, the statement said. He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Highway patrol listed other as a possible cause. The weather was clear in the area, and the roads were dry, the statement said. Over in Campbell County, a 12-year-old Wyomingite was killed in a single-car crash on Sept. 11, the highway patrol announced. The crash happened at 11 p.m. on Adon Road near Gillette. He or she was not identified because they are a child. A Toyota Sienna was driving north when it drifted onto the east shoulder of the road, the statement said. The driver overcorrected to the left, and the car traveled across both lanes and exited the road. It tripped and rolled where it came to rest in the borrow ditch, the statement said. The child was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, the statement said. Driver inattention is being considered as a possible cause, and the Campbell County Sheriffs Office was in charge of investigating the incident. The roads were dry, and the weather was clear in the area. Thibault, Bell and the unidentified 12-year-old were the 103rd, 104th and 105th people to die on Wyomings road this year. At the same time last year, there were 96 deaths in 2022, 86 in 2021 and 100 in 2020. 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. Two environmental groups are suing the state of Montana over wolf trapping regulations they say violate federal law by failing to protect grizzly bears from unintentional trapping. At issue are Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations that allow trapping of wolves in grizzly habitat. Traps set for wolves and other species like coyote and marten can unintentionally trap grizzlies instead. Grizzlies in the Lower 48 states are protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Under that law, injuring or killing a grizzly bear even unintentionally is prohibited. Because Montanas rules allow for trapping that has injured and killed grizzlies, the lawsuit argues, the rules are illegal under the ESA. The lawsuit asks the court to block the rules and order the state to develop new ones that dont violate the ESA. The Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force and WildEarth Guardians filed the lawsuit Sept. 11 in U.S. District Court in Missoula. Last May, the task force filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue. Missoula-based Bechtold Law Firm is representing the groups. The federal government removed gray wolves from protection under the ESA in 2011, which allowed states like Montana to set hunting and trapping seasons for the species. Gray wolf habitat overlaps considerably with grizzly habitat in Montana, which FWP estimates is all of Montana west of about Billings. The concentration of the more than 2,000 grizzlies in or near western Montana varies by area. They are more common around two of the six primary recovery zones for the species: the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem including Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem around Yellowstone National Park on the Montana-Wyoming-Idaho intersection. But grizzlies are increasingly ranging well outside of, and between, those areas. Four of the species six recovery zones are wholly or partially in Montana. State regulations approved in August continue to allow for baited wolf trapping and increased the number of wolves a trapper can take in a season: 10 trapped and 10 hunted wolves per person per season, up from 15 total in previous years. The trapping season begins Nov. 27 this year, right after regular hunting season ends. The lawsuit argues that the presence of gut piles and unretrieved game carcasses keeps many grizzly bears from denning until several weeks later. According to FWP records, the lawsuit stated, six grizzly bears were unintentionally captured by traps in the state since 2010. Almost two-dozen instances were recorded since 1990. But more takings occurred than those reflected in FWP records, the group argued. Wildlife managers have taken many anecdotal reports of grizzlies injured by traps; injured grizzlies have been photographed on trail cameras; and some missing traps go unreported, according to the lawsuit. Actions such as harassing, pursuing, shooting, injuring, capturing or killing an endangered species are considered taking, in wildlife management parlance. It is illegal to take an endangered species without permission from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Intentional taking is generally allowed only for wildlife management purposes, such as euthanizing sick bears or habitual conflict bears. Unintentional but predictable taking of an animal such as a bear that gets its paw stuck in a baited trap is illegal. Because Montanas trapping regulations allow for trappers to sometimes injure or kill grizzlies even when following regulations, those regulations are an unlawful violation of the ESA, the lawsuit argues. Coyote trapping, which is allowed all year in Montana, also injures and kills grizzlies, the suit stated. Montana is expanding its anti-predator campaign and the state views maimed and killed grizzly bears as collateral damage, Patty Ames, president of the task force, stated in an announcement of the lawsuit. Grizzly bears are being wounded by baited traps set for wolves and coyotes yet wolf trapping is being expanded in grizzly bear habitat during the non-denning seasons. FORMER finance minister, Winston Dookeran, is calling for a shift in the Caribbean integration model in order to forge wider convergence spaces for approaching production, the institutional framework and economic frontiers. Dookeran, an economist and former central bank governor, said the current integration model seems limited by size, design an inertia. Before the railway system closed, and reversed the fortunes of vast swathes of Trinidad, there was a thriving village called St Johns, deep in the interior of Trinidad, where people lived with little complaint. No one became rich, but no one went without since there was wildlife cavorting right behind your house, you ate what you planted in forest gardens, and people lived in airy homes constructed strong by the village men using the timber pulled out of the bush by bison power. Various business chambers have welcomed the call-out of members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force volunteers to support the crime fight. However, they have some concerns. This follows a proclamation from President Christine Kangaloo on Monday calling out to duty 100 Trinidad and Tobago Volunteer Defence Force to strengthen the TTDF capabilities to support the police The proclamation went into effect on Monday and will end February 29, 2024. Changfeng county in E China's Anhui blazes trail to high-quality development People's Daily Online) 10:11, September 26, 2023 Despite being listed as a national-level impoverished county in 1994, Changfeng county in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, emerged as one of the country's top 100 counties in comprehensive strength in 2016. In the first half of 2023, the county's GDP exceeded 40.7 billion yuan (about $5.6 billion), up 17.8 percent year on year, with the growth rate ranking first among all counties and cities in the province. Photo shows the Shuangfeng industrial park in Changfeng county, Hefei city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/Zhou Tiansheng) "Changfeng has 14 townships and towns and one development zone. We adjust the distribution of industries according to Hefei's development orientation," said Li Mingshan, Party chief of the county. In just over 10 years, the northern part of Changfeng has become a new consumption center, a new hub of services for scientific and technological innovation, and a new example of improving work and living conditions in Hefei. Changfeng has advanced agricultural modernization according to local conditions. The southern part of the county has developed industries such as seed, smart agriculture, synthetic biology, and fungus, while its northern part has introduced smart technologies to the strawberry industry, ensuring that the output value of the strawberry sectors entire industrial chain surpasses 10 million yuan. The county has attracted investment from the automobile industrial chain. Home to a new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial park, Xiatang town in the center of the county aims to achieve an output value of 100 billion yuan. China's leading NEV manufacturer, BYD, has a modern factory in the town. "Driven by BYD, Xiatang town signed industrial chain projects with a total investment of approximately 35 billion yuan last year," said Shi Lei, executive deputy head of Changfeng county. Employees work at a strawberry base in Shuihu township, Changfeng county, Hefei city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/Kong Genlong) Shi added that after completion, BYD's Hefei base is expected to create about 100,000 jobs. "Now we have an auto factory and other 10-billion-yuan projects in the automobile industrial chain," said Fan Shaobin, Party chief of the town. Changfeng is also a pilot county for comprehensive energy reform and innovation. The county is focusing on industry, agriculture, construction, and transport, and has built nine demonstration projects according to the pilot plan. The technological demonstration base that integrates the photovoltaic industry and smart agriculture in Taolou township is one of those projects. "The annual income from photovoltaic power generation has reached 150,000 yuan, and that from each container used for raising crucian carps exceeds 60,000 yuan," said Zhang Xuesuo, chairman of a local company. Changfeng county has made unremitting efforts to improve its business environment and provide sound services for enterprises and businesses. Thanks to these efforts, the county signed a cumulative 60 billion yuan worth of projects in 2022, including 78 projects each worth more than 100 million yuan. In 2020, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) signed agreements with the People's Government of Hefei city and the People's Government of Changfeng county to build an intelligent agricultural valley in the county. The agricultural base has promoted the application of agricultural sensors, big data, robots, new materials, and the in-depth integration of artificial intelligence and agriculture. Today, the intelligent agricultural valley has more than 280 researchers, including nearly 100 with a master's degree or a doctorate. Prioritizing innovation is key to Changfeng county achieving leapfrog development. "We are encouraging researchers from colleges and universities to go to enterprises to tackle difficulties in research and development," said Zhang Fan, director of the county's science and technology bureau. The official added that during this process, the local government gives awards and enterprises pay wages to researchers who provide technologies which solve technological problems that emerge during enterprises production processes. Meanwhile, an inflow of talents has also driven the development of Changfeng county. Maying village in the county was once a typical "hollow village," a term used to refer to a village where most young people have migrated outside for work, leaving behind only the elderly and children. In 2015, a plan was launched to boost the villages development. "We hoped to attract volunteers and entrepreneurs so they can change the village," said Zhong Yu, first Party secretary of the village. So far, Maying village has attracted over 40 entrepreneurial teams thanks to its supportive policies, while many villagers have also returned to the village. The inflow of talents has also boosted rural revitalization in Changfeng county. At present, all 244 villages in the county have seen a thriving collective economy, with an average annual income of 1.12 million yuan. "We will work toward the goal of common prosperity and write new chapters in high-quality development," said Li. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) (Photo : PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Images) TOPSHOT - Abrams tanks are seen at the railway station near the Pabrade military base in Lithuania, on October 21, 2019. - The United States on October 21, 2019 began deploying a battalion of troops and dozens of tanks to Lithuania for an unprecedented six-month rotation, a move sought by the Baltic EU and NATO state to deter neighbouring Russia. Dozens of Abrams tanks and Bradley armoured vehicles arrived by railway at the army training area in Pabrade. The first American-made M1 Abrams tanks have arrived on Ukrainian soil, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine's ongoing battle against Russian aggression. This development comes when Ukraine claims to have delivered a substantial blow to Russia's Black Sea fleet, reflecting the intensifying struggle in the region, according to CBS News. American Abrams Tanks Signal Turning Point in Russia-Ukraine War Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the arrival of the Abrams tanks via the Telegram messaging app, stating, "Good news from Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. Abrams are already in Ukraine and are being prepared to reinforce our brigades." Although the exact number of tanks delivered was not disclosed, this delivery represents the initial phase of the 31 M1 Abrams tanks promised by the Biden administration. Surprisingly, these tanks arrived several months ahead of initial estimates. The M1 Abrams tanks join a diverse fleet of armored vehicles already deployed by NATO partners in Ukraine, including the German-made Leopard and Britain's Challenger tanks introduced last spring. These military assets underscore the international support for Ukraine's efforts to counter Russian encroachment. The delivery of American-made tanks signifies a shift in the United States' stance on providing Ukraine with heavy weaponry. Washington had previously been cautious about sending tanks to the region due to concerns that such a move could escalate tensions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, this decision reflects the Biden administration's commitment to bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of continued aggression. Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive in Russian-held territory, particularly in the southern and eastern regions, has been grueling and costly for both sides. Despite significant troop losses and the destruction of equipment, Ukrainian forces have struggled to make significant territorial gains. The arrival of the Abrams tanks is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Ukraine's military strength, potentially turning the tide in their favor. While Ukraine welcomes these formidable additions to its arsenal, its recent success in dealing a substantial blow to Russia came as a daring operation targeting the commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet, Viktor Sokolov. Ukrainian special operation forces claimed responsibility for the attack on Sokolov's headquarters in the occupied Crimea peninsula. In this operation, 33 senior officers were reportedly killed, as per New York Times Read Also: 3rd NYC Daycare Center Fentanyl Poisoning Suspect Identified by Authorities Speculation Surrounds the Fate of Russia's Black Sea Fleet Commander The Pentagon has yet to confirm Viktor Sokolov's death, but a US official indicated that it appears the fleet commander has indeed been killed. If this claim proves to be accurate, it would constitute a significant setback for the Russian military, signifying the loss of a high-ranking officer and a bold attack on Russian-occupied territory well beyond the battlefields of Ukraine itself. In addition to the arrival of Abrams tanks, the Biden administration has also promised to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles equipped with cluster munitions known as ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems). These missiles have a remarkable range of up to 190 miles and can be launched from HIMARS mobile rocket launchers already used by the Ukrainian military. This capability will enable Ukraine to target Russian supply lines and command posts far behind the front lines, further enhancing its strategic reach. As Ukraine continues its relentless fight against Russian aggression, the arrival of American-made Abrams tanks and advanced missile systems underscores the international community's commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The geopolitical implications of these developments are substantial, and they serve as a reminder that Ukraine remains at the forefront of a complex and ever-evolving regional conflict. The international community will closely watch how these new assets contribute to Ukraine's ongoing efforts to defend its borders and secure its future, The Washington Examiner reported. Related Article: Singapore Orders Evacuation of Residents in Upper Bukit Timah After Discovery of WWII Bomb @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For saying absolutely nothing in 126 words, yesterdays media release from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on the crime crisis would be hard to beat. Following the fatal shooting of eight men between Sunday night and Monday afternoon, Dr Rowley issued a statement describing crime in Trinidad and Tobago as now gone beyond concerning to the ridiculous. A 12-year-old boy Tucson police say has been linked to other "violent felonies" was shot and killed Saturday night in a confrontation with two armed men at an eastside gas station. One of two armed men in the gunfight with the boy also was killed. About 10:15 p.m., the unidentified boy confronted two men at a convenience store at East 22nd St. and South Pantano Road while carrying a gun, Tucson police said in a news release. During a confrontation, the boy fired at the men, striking Dennis James Sherwood Sr., 54, the release said. The men fired back. The boy was dead by the time police arrived. Sherwood died later at the hospital, the release said. The second man was not wounded. Police say investigators later determined the boy "was a person of interest in other violent felonies." No details have been provided. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line. A coalition of labor unions and liberal political groups hopes to get Arizona voters to rethink a 77-year old decision to make Arizona a right to work state. The new initiative drive would repeal a constitutional amendment that says no one can be denied the ability to have a job simply because they are not a member of a labor union. It also bars employers from entering into an agreement with a union to hire only union members. Federal law already prohibits that. The real effect would be to preclude any sort of deal between a union and a company that anyone who works at a site must contribute to the cost of operating the union. The initiatives premise is that if the union is negotiating wages and benefits for all workers, everyone should have to share in the cost by paying fees to the union, regardless of whether they choose to belong to the union or not. Arizona voters approved the constitutional provision in 1946 by a 55%-45% margin. It remains unclear whether todays voters might have different thoughts. On one hand, Arizonans have shown an increasing interest in worker rights. They approved measures in 2006 and again in 2016 that raised the minimum wage far above the $7.25 floor set by Congress, to $13.85 now and going to $14.35 in January. The latter of these initiatives also provides paid sick leave of 40 hours a year for employees of companies with 15 or more workers. For small firms, the paid time off is 24 hours. The new initiative, called Arizona Works Together, comes as unions across the nation are flexing their muscles, said Robert Nichols, chairman of the effort. UPS drivers got pay increases when they threatened to strike. The Writers Guild of America just negotiated a new deal for its 11,500 members. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers chose to strike against all three major domestic producers. And the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists are holding out for pay hikes and residuals for reruns. But Nichols admits it will cost anywhere from $6 million to $14 million to gather the 383,923 valid signatures by next July 3 to put the Arizona measure on the 2024 ballot and then to run a campaign. He said there are commitments from some unions, including the United Auto Workers, to help finance the effort. Repeal of the 1946 amendment would make it easier for unions to organize once it was clear that everyone who would benefit from their negotiations would pay a fair share, Nichols said. Business groups opposition The measure will have to overcome opposition from business groups, however. Unions have never been a big part of the labor market in Arizona, acknowledged Michael Guymon, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber. In 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 5.5% of all wage and salary workers in the state were union members. Even at union memberships most recent peak in 2007 and 2008, it averaged just 8.8%. By contrast, even with declining membership nationally, 10.1% of all employees across the county were unionized in 2022. Guymon said, though, that the constitutional provision is one of the things driving the states economy and attracting employers. Being a right-to-work state, those employers would be able to expand their operations here without the potential and the concern of having to manage the union aspect of it as well, he said. The other side is that, generally speaking, wages appear to be lower in states with right-to-work laws. What the tangible effect of it is for the average middle-class person is, if you live in a right-to-work state you make, on average, $10,000 less every single year, Nichols said. Various other studies came up with other figures, including one by the Economic Policy Institute that pegs the differential at closer to $7,000. It also is true that the average wage in Arizona is about $2 an hour less than the national average. Guymon said there could be other factors at work in those numbers, including higher costs of living. 100% about employee choice Danny Seiden, Guymons counterpart at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the issue is even more basic. He said the language in the state Constitution the wording the initiative seeks to remove is 100% about employee choice. It makes it clear that a person in our state cannot be hired or fired based on their decision to be involved with a union, Seiden said. Why does that language need to be repealed? That goes to the fact that no one is forced to join a union. But it leaves the question of whether those who refuse to provide some financial support should be able to profit from the higher wages and greater benefits negotiated by the union with the employer. Seiden said its a First Amendment right, not just about whom someone chooses to associate with, but also how an individual spends their money. Its not just about supporting the cost of negotiations, he said. A lot of times unions do more than collective bargaining, Seiden said. They engage in the political process in ways their members dont agree with. That issue of union political involvement which often takes a different position than the business-funded Chamber isnt new for Seidens organization. More than a decade ago, Arizona lawmakers, with the state chambers backing, pushed through legislation that would require unions to get specific authorization from each worker, on an annual basis, for any payroll deductions for political purposes. A federal judge barred enforcement, at least in part because the law was written to apply only to unions and not to other groups, discriminating against those wishing to express less favored or more controversial views. Seiden also disputed the idea that being a right-to-work state is a major impediment to forming unions. He noted the votes to unionize at several Starbucks shops in Arizona. Other hurdles Even if the coalition manages to get the signatures to put the measure on the 2024 ballot, and even if voters approve, that still wont totally eliminate right-to-work laws. There is a separate statutory provision, adopted two years after the constitutional amendment, with nearly identical language. The problem, said Nichols, is that ballot measures are pretty much limited to a single issue. And while the subject matter is the same, trying to repeal both with a single initiative possibly would bring a successful legal challenge that would knock the whole issue off the ballot. He noted, though, that once the constitutional amendment is gone, the Legislature would be free to repeal the statutory provision. That, however, would require getting support from a majority of the House and Senate which both are currently in Republican control. At this point, the coalition includes a handful of unions. Aside from the auto workers, the other unions involved are the United Campus Workers of Arizona, Arizona Cannabis Workers Rising, and Local 232 of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grail Millers International Union. Also listed as part of the coalition are the Arizona Students Association, the Maricopa County Young Democrats Labor Committee, the Phoenix chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and the Arizona State University chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America. Nichols acknowledged the involvement of any organization with the word socialists in its name might cause concern among some voters. But he was unapologetic about the involvement of those groups. This is a broad tent, and we are looking for volunteers as often as we can to carry the petitions to qualify for the ballot, he said. PHOENIX An attorney for Maricopa County told a judge Monday he should reject Kari Lakes attempt to get images of ballot envelopes and signatures because thats not allowed under the law. Lake, the Republican who lost the 2022 governors race, wants to see the signatures to buttress her claim Maricopa County counted some early ballots it shouldnt have. Joseph La Rue, the lawyer for Maricopa County, does not dispute that Arizona law presumes all records in the custody of government agencies are presumed to be public. But he said a section of the state Election Code spells out that voter registration records shall not be accessible or reproduced by any person other than the voter. That should end the matter, as it overrides laws that presume public disclosure, he told Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Hannah. A judge in another, unrelated case has ruled the signatures on the ballot envelopes do not become a part of the voters registration record that are confidential. But La Rue urged Hannah to ignore that other ruling as irrelevant to this case. If the judge isnt buying that argument, the Maricopa County lawyer has a fallback. He said even assuming the records are public and even if the judge does not accept his claim they are confidential under the Election Code, Arizona law allows records to be withheld if their release is not in the best interests of the public. Voters testify about privacy concerns La Rue got several witnesses to testify about their fears of what would happen if their signatures on their ballot envelopes were released to anyone who asks for them. Lake is challenging her election loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs, claiming early ballots were counted where the signatures did not match the voters signatures already on file elsewhere in county records. Early ballots trended to Hobbs, and Lake contends there were enough bad signature matches to overturn her 17,117-vote loss in November. Granting her request would allow her to have someone review all 1.3 million early ballots cast in Maricopa County. At Mondays hearing, Maricopa County voter Bonnie Eckard testified that two people came to her door in August 2021 to ask her about the 2020 election, the one Donald Trump contends he was cheated out of, a position supported by Lake. They immediately began to pepper me with questions that they seemed to already have the answer to, she said, including if certain people lived there, did they vote Democratic, did they vote by mail, did anyone else vote from that house, and whether they received extra ballots. Eckard said about the only answer she got when she asked who they were was something about election integrity. She said the questioners were extremely aggressive with me, at one point telling her about dead people voting and spouting unproved conspiracy theories. La Rue said Eckard and others fear their signatures on ballot envelopes become public it will lead to more harassment. That will result in some people giving up the right to vote by mail or giving up the right to vote at all, he said. Phone numbers But Lakes attorney, Bryan Blehm, pointed out that to voters signatures already are publicly available elsewhere, on everything from property deeds filed with the County Recorders Office to signatures on petitions to nominate candidates or put a measure on the ballot. He got Eckard to acknowledge that the public availability of those signatures would not preclude her from signing petitions or buying a new home. Hannah, however, said the availability of signatures elsewhere is likely irrelevant to the narrower question before him of whether these particular signatures on ballot envelopes are public records. La Rue said it isnt just about signatures. He pointed out the ballot envelopes Lake wants to see usually contain voters phone numbers. While its not required, voters are asked to provide phone numbers in case county election officials have questions about what might be a mismatched signature, or in cases where someone forgets to sign. It provides a quick method of contacting the voter. La Rue told the judge that if voters balk at providing that number, it could result in some peoples ballots never getting counted. An unsigned ballot envelope has to be fixed or cured by 7 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. Mismatched signatures get a bit more time: five business days after the election. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has testified thats easy now with access to voter phone numbers. But he said meeting those deadlines could prove impossible if hundreds of thousands of voters, fearing their phone numbers would become public if Lake wins her case, choose to leave them off the ballots. Judges questions Voters addresses are also on those early ballot envelopes. We have a track record of people going canvassing, door to door, to ask people about their early ballot, and who they voted for and whether or not it was their signature, La Rue said. That creates a risk that voters will be harassed, he continued. And this could ultimately disenfranchise voters because voters become fearful that if we vote, we may get accosted about it. Blehm told Hannah theres nothing inherently wrong with people canvassing neighborhoods about elections. The judge had questions, not the least of which relates to the fact that he said canvassing usually occurs before an election. What do I do about what these witnesses said? Hannah asked Blehm. Should I not believe them when they say that they were frightened and offended that people came around after the election ... questioning them about their votes? We have a 200-plus-year history of doing this type of activity, canvassing, going and talking to voters, going door to door, Lakes attorney responded. Hannah again pointed out that is usually pre-election activity. The judge also appeared to be unimpressed with Blehms argument that voter signatures are available elsewhere, like on publicly recorded documents and petitions. He said this case is being argued under an entirely different provision of the law. Hannah also pointed to a 1998 ruling in a case where a Phoenix TV station sought the phone numbers of teachers in Scottsdale Unified School District as part of an investigation into whether the district was doing proper background checks to see if teachers were sex offenders. In that case, the Arizona Supreme Court acknowledged the phone numbers might be available elsewhere. But the justices said that was irrelevant and that, publicly available or not, teachers have a privacy interest in their phone numbers and the district was not obligated to provide information the teachers had provided to it. PHOENIX Kari Lake supporters have a backup plan if a judge rejects her claim shes entitled to view images of ballot envelopes and the voter signatures on them. It turns on whether a second judge, handling a parallel demand, determines whether members of a group called We the People AZ Alliance qualify as news reporters. That group of citizens registered as a political action committee has made its own request for the images. As in the case of Lake, the county rejected it, saying state law makes those records confidential. Like Lake, the group has filed suit against County Recorder Stephen Richer. Lakes attorney, Bryan Blehm, also is the attorney for We the People. In fact, Blehm filed the cases within 35 minutes of each other. But theres a crucial difference between the two legal actions. Although Lake is a former TV news anchor, she isnt using the claim of reporters right to access that We the People is, as she challenges her loss in the 2022 election for governor. We the People claims to be a reportorial agency. Thats important because the section of the state Election Code the county says makes the images off limits contains a specific exemption allowing their release for news gathering purposes by a person engaged in newspaper, radio, television or reportorial work, or connected with or employed by a newspaper, radio or television station. The county, for its part, isnt buying it. The county denies that plaintiff is a reportorial organization within the meaning of the law, said Deputy County Attorney Joseph La Rue in a legal filing. Yet so confident was Blehm in his claim on behalf of We the People that he actually asked the Maricopa County judge in that case to issue a judgment in its favor even before she heard a shred of evidence. Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair also wasnt buying it, however. She said in an order last week that the county raised legally viable defenses to its decision not to release the records. The question of whether We the People qualifies for an exception to the law making the records confidential requires more than her simply reading the pleadings, Sinclair said. We report relevant info to the public But, if nothing else, having that second case available gives Lake and her supporters a fallback position if Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Hannah doesnt accept her arguments the records are not confidential and can be released to anyone who requests them. If it gets that far, it would send Sinclair down the path of having to decide whether We the People fits within the definition of reportorial work. The organization, in responding to questions online from Capitol Media Services, insists it does. We report relevant info to the public for transparency, education and information, said a representative who handles the feeds for We the People on X, formerly Twitter. Blehm does not explain in his legal filings why he contends We the People fits the definition of news reporting. The organization describes itself on its website as a citizen-driven movement designed to hold our elected accountable and bring government transparency to the people. It also clearly has a viewpoint. We have stood by and allowed out of control representatives in comfortable offices to slowly strip away what is rightfully ours, the groups site says. We were sleeping. It goes on to declare no more! and says together we can take our country back! PAC with Trump ally donations There is at least one key difference between a traditional news outlet and We the People: The latter is registered with the Secretary of States Office as a political action committee. And since the 2020 election, it has reported more than $200,000 in donations, including $15,000 from Trump ally Mike Lindell, who has promoted claims denied by multiple judges around the country that the 2020 election was stolen. The groups report also says its cash on hand as of June 30, the most recent filing, was $63,442. Asked whether that status undermines its reportorial claim, I dont believe it should or does but I guess the courts will ultimately decide that, said the representative in the online response. There clearly is a link between Lake and We the People. Blehm sought to call Shelby Busch, the organizations co-founder and president, as an expert witness in Lakes case. And he said it was Lakes intent, if she got the signatures, to turn them over to We the People for analysis. In seeking to call Busch to testify in Lakes case, Blehm argued her testimony was relevant because she had a lot of work under her belt as someone who does investigations into elections. With the Ninjas? asked Hannah, referring to the audit of the 2020 election ordered by then-Senate President Karen Fann. Blehm acknowledged that was the case. Lake, in her ongoing challenge to the 2022 election results, has cited the work done by Busch and We the People in that audit. The group claimed tens of thousands of mismatched signatures on ballot envelopes it got to see, a conclusion disputed by Maricopa County. Hannah was not impressed and refused to let Blehm put Busch on the stand. Shes so obviously a medical office manager, the judge said. Shes so obviously unqualified. Shes not even in the ballpark. Busch also has a record as an activist. She attended an election forum last month sponsored by Lindell. According to the Arizona Mirror, Busch told those in attendance that she and others will take the Republican Party back. What courts have said previously The word reporter, as it relates to news gathering, is not defined in state law. There is little case law in Arizona on who qualifies for that definition under various laws designed to provide certain privileges for news gatherers. These include the ability to refuse to divulge confidential sources and special protections against subpoenas. A 1992 case involves the latter, dealing with an effort by then-state Sen. Carolyn Walker, indicted in the AzScam sting operation, to subpoena the notes of Dory Matera. He was an author working on a book about Joseph Stedino, the primary undercover agent in the sting in which lawmakers were promised bribes to vote for legalized gambling. Matera challenged the subpoena, citing the state law that governs what has to be done to subpoena anyone engaged in gathering, reporting, writing, editing, publishing or broadcasting news to the public. He said the subpoena didnt comply with the special requirements and should be quashed. But the state Court of Appeals refused, saying that is applied only to members of the news media as commonly understood. That ruling, however, may not set any precedent should there be a legal fight about the status of We the People. Thats because the appellate ruling, upheld without comment by the Arizona Supreme Court, turned on whether what Matera was doing fit the definition of news, which the judges described as a report of recent events, material reported in a newspaper or new periodical or on a newscast, matter that is newsworthy. And unlike someone writing a book, We the People could argue that it reports on recent events and events are newsworthy. More recently, there was a legal fight when Maricopa County decided that Jordan Conradson could not attend press conferences during the 2022 election cycle, saying space was limited and Conradson, who writes for The Gateway Pundit, was not an objective reporter. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: When discussing freedom of speech in the First Amendment to the Constitution, we often hear that you cannot yell Fire! in a crowded theater. That is not entirely true. It is the result of such an action. If harm comes to those involved, charges could be brought. Such events have occurred. A hundred died in an Alabama church stampede in 1902. The First Amendment offers fairly broad protection to offensive and hateful speech. It does not protect speech that leads to lawless action or calls directly for it. Other categories of unprotected speech include obscenity, defamation, perjury, slander, false advertising, true threats, fighting words and urging criminal behavior. Donald Trump claims that his threatening and defamatory words used against prosecutor Jack Smith, DAs, judges and grand juries are protected by the First Amendment. They are not. Trump has been cautioned by involved judges against such attacks and threats. Contempt of court could be charged from such actions. After being found liable for $5 million in a defamation suit involving E. Jean Carroll, Trump continued defaming her. He called her a whack job and other insults. Ms. Carroll is suing Trump for an additional $10 million, all because he must respond aggressively when losing at anything. Trump has told his followers that the indictments against him are indictments against them, and he is standing in the way. He also said online, IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU. He has been taught to counterattack ten times harder when charged or corrected. In one example, the addresses of the Fulton County, Georgia, grand jurors were made public. One of Trumps followers could rise up and engage in assault, weaponized or not. Like Gabriel Sterling, a Republican election official, stated in December 2020, after all the voter dissension, This all has to stop! Somebodys going to get hurt, somebodys going to get shot, somebodys going to get killed. Following the 2022 FBI classified materials raid on Mar a Lago, Trump accused the FBI of a crime against America. It inspired a man to go fully armed to the Cincinnati FBI Field Office. He was killed in a standoff. Ironically, politicians can lie about each other as long as they avoid defamation or slander. One can accuse the other of being weak on immigration or crime, but cannot, without basis, accuse someone of armed robbery or a sex crime. They can, however, claim that they won an election in a landslide when they did not. That is not a direct threat of harm, just a lie. The original intent of freedom of speech was to allow citizens to criticize their government or leaders. That is not the case in many dictatorial countries with leaders like Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini and Putin. Protests by citizens or writers may result in disappearances or imprisonment for decades. Russian Alexei Navalny criticized Putin and was sentenced to 19 years. Another 19 were added for extremism. The issues surrounding Trumps indictments are a different matter. If tried and convicted, jail time may be warranted, depending on the offense. Cruel and unusual punishment is not allowed. Adding to the potential outcome of Trumps legal matters, he is adding threats and defamation in advance of trials. He will claim a First Amendment right to do so and use plausible deniability or veiled threats to evade responsibility. A veiled threat might be a mob boss telling someone, I hope your daughter makes it home tonight. The threat is veiled but still a threat. The worst aspect of Trumps behavior is giving his cult of followers permission to come from the shadows and be conspiratorial and aggressively harsh. This only increases the tribalism and division in our nation. Despite this, let us hope that our justice system and Democracy can effectively function from now through the 2024 election. (Photo : FETHI BELAID/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on October 13, 2021 shows a view of the Medjerda river flowing through the Sidi Salem dam in the northern Tunisian area of Testour, in the Beja province. - The Sidi Salem reservoir supplies water to almost three million Tunisians, but years of drought across North Africa has left it critically low, an ominous sign for the region's future. All four Maghreb states -- Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Morocco -- are among the 30 most water-stressed countries in the world, according to the World Resources Institute. And as droughts get longer and more intense in the coming years, farmers will be the first to feel the pinch. Libyan authorities have detained sixteen officials in a thorough investigation into the catastrophic collapse of two dams in the coastal city of Derna. On September 10, this tragic incident, which was the result of heavy rainfall, unleashed deadly floods that claimed thousands of lives and left extensive damage, according to CNN. Libyan Officials Detained in Wake of Derna's Dam Collapse As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, questions surrounding the accountability of those responsible have taken center stage. The Libyan attorney general's office issued a statement announcing the initiation of a criminal case against the sixteen officials managing the country's dam facilities. Among those detained are the mayor of Derna and several present and former water infrastructure authorities. This development follows protests in Derna, where residents demanded the removal of individuals in positions of power, blaming them for the catastrophe. The torrential rainfall and subsequent dam breaches resulted in a massive wave of water inundating Derna, submerging entire neighborhoods, and sweeping them into the sea. The World Health Organization has reported that nearly 4,000 people lost their lives in the devastating floods, while an additional 9,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy. Authorities have taken the step of placing the sixteen officials under pre-trial detention after conducting interrogations. In addition to these arrests, prosecutors are actively investigating others who may have benefitted unlawfully from the city's reconstruction project in connection with the floods. Derna has a history of susceptibility to flooding, with its dam reservoirs responsible for at least five deadly floods since 1942. The most recent incident before this catastrophe occurred in 2011, as documented in a research paper published by Libya's Sebha University last year. The report highlighted the "high potential for flood risk" associated with the Derna dams and emphasized the critical need for periodic maintenance to prevent "catastrophic" flooding. Ahmed Madroud, the city's deputy mayor, shockingly revealed that since 2002, these two dams, built by a Yugoslav construction company between 1973 and 1977, had not received any maintenance. The failure to address the known issues with the dams has raised questions about the responsible authorities' neglect and mismanagement, as per The Independent. Read Also: 3rd NYC Daycare Center Fentanyl Poisoning Suspect Identified by Authorities Audit Reveals Neglected Dam Maintenance Despite $2M Funding Furthermore, a state-run audit agency's report in 2021 revealed that despite allocating over $2 million for dam maintenance in 2012 and 2013, meaningful upkeep still needed to be performed on the dams. In a surprising twist, a Turkish firm was contracted in 2007 to maintain these dams and construct a third one between them. Arsel Construction Company Ltd. claimed to have completed its work by November 2012 but has remained silent in the face of recent inquiries. The magnitude of the disaster is difficult to ascertain accurately. Government officials and aid agencies have estimated that anywhere from 4,000 to as many as 11,000 lives were lost in the floods. However, the actual death toll remains unknown, as the bodies of many victims are buried under rubble or have been swept into the Mediterranean, impeding search and recovery efforts. Inside the devastated city of Derna, residents, many of whom lost numerous relatives, express hope and despair. Local and international rescue teams continue to comb through the mud and wreckage, tirelessly searching for missing victims. While these arrests offer a glimmer of hope for justice and accountability, the investigation faces formidable challenges due to Libya's fractured political landscape. The nation has been marred by rival factions and militias since the Arab Spring uprising in 2011, which resulted in the ousting and subsequent death of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Currently, the country is divided into two distinct power centers. General Khalifa Hafter's Libyan National Army governs the east, and a rival administration based in the capital, Tripoli, enjoys widespread international support. The tragic dam collapse in Derna is a stark reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and responsible governance in Libya. As the nation grapples with its tumultuous political landscape, the people of Derna mourn their lost loved ones and hope for a future marked by stability and accountability, The Telegraph reported. Related Article: Biden Admin to Increase Rail Capacity, Improve Safety Across 35 States @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As they focus on taking care of their employees, the owners behind two downtown businesses that were devastated by a weekend fire say they are grateful for the community support theyre receiving. The outpouring has been overwhelming, really. Were feeling all of the emotions right now, said Noah Bush, co-owner and co-founder of Lowood Modern Woodfire restaurant and Hodges Bend coffee shop and bar, both of which burned in a four-alarm blaze that started Saturday evening. The two popular businesses, which share a building at 817 and 823 E. Third St. in the East Village District, were significantly damaged in the fire, along with seven apartments above them in the same building. No one was injured in the blaze. Tulsa Fire Department crews fought the fire, believed to have started at Lowood, for several hours overnight and were still on the scene Sunday extinguishing hot spots. At one point Saturday evening, the Tulsa Fire Department had 12 engines, six ladders, three district chiefs and most of the command staff on the scene, officials said. Trevor Tack, Lowood executive chef, said that while they are still reeling from the loss, they are determined to rebuild. However, the first priority is the staffs well being, he said. Between them, the two businesses employ around 60 people. All of our efforts right now are focused on taking care of our staff, making sure they have homes, their bills are paid and they have food on their tables, he said. A Go Fund Me page organized by a fellow restaurateur to support that effort had raised more than $65,000 in just over 24 hours. An additional Go Fund Me has been set up for the displaced apartment residents, who lost most of their possessions. Quick response Tack was at the restaurant Saturday when the fire began, he said. Lowood was serving some of its first customers of the evening, while preparations for a private party were wrapping up in the back. It was about 5:30 p.m. when we noticed something was wrong, Tack said. Bush, who was pulling up to the restaurant around that time, said he had the same sense from outside. I saw a plume of smoke coming out of the building, he said. Tack said hes thankful for level heads, as staff members quickly called 911 and then began assisting customers out of the building. I cant say enough about the the staffs reaction, he said. Tack said the quick response of Tulsa firefighters also possibly saved lives. I think they were here within five to 10 minutes of us calling, he said. Fire Department officials said efforts to fight the blaze were complicated by the old brick buildings features. The building has multiple voids that allowed the fire to travel throughout, they said, and a metal ceiling between the floors made it difficult for crews to access the voids. Bush and Chip Gaberino are the founders of GB Provisions, which owns and operates Lowood and Hodges Bend. It also includes Topeca Coffee Roasters, the Saturn Room and Vintage Wine Bar. Hodges Bend opened in 2013. A combination coffeehouse and cocktail lounge, the stylish destination was one of Tulsas top spots for locally sourced and roasted coffee and craft cocktails. Lowood Modern Woodfire followed in 2019, opening in the space formerly occupied by Girouard Vines, which moved its wine production to California. Lowood was named the best restaurant of that year by the Tulsa World, earning five-star ratings for its atmosphere, service and food. The high-end establishment has continued to receive acclaim and national awards since then, including this summer, when it was chosen as a winner of the 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards. Tack said the love and support from the community since the fire just affirms the groups decision to commit to Tulsa. This is where we chose to plant our flag several years ago, and weve never regretted that, Tack said. There have been other opportunities, and weve felt the draw of other markets. But we felt we had an opportunity to do something special here and that the people here deserved it. Ive always tried to give my best to Tulsa. Of the support, Bush added: Were eternally grateful for all of our industry peers, our customers and our staff and all of Tulsa. Bush said the sense of loss hit him again Monday morning, as he thought about the 10-year-old coffee shop and bar and all the good memories made there. For a decade its been a space for the community, he said. Its heartbreaking. Were going to rebuild, he added. Were committed to that. But weve got a long road ahead of us. Weve got insurance, but were anticipating the expense will be much more. Bush said anyone interested in helping with the rebuilding ahead can reach out directly through the companys website at gbprov.com/contact-us. The Go Fund Me page supporting the staff members, can be found at tinyurl.com/39vdtn42. The Go Fund Me page for apartment residents is at tinyurl.com/35zetx74. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: Fire crews battle a four-alarm fire in downtown Tulsa at Hodges Bend and Lowood 092623-tul-nws-firefolo-p2 Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Crews fight downtown fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Many enterprises in Vietnams key export sectors are back on track as their orders have increased after a sharp decline several months ago, while certain tech firms have reported positive growth in international markets. Nguyen Van Trung, a representative of a company specializing in exporting agricultural products in the south, said mango, longan, dragon fruit, and durian exports to Australia and the U.S. have surged thanks to better preservation technology. The U.S. has resumed the import of Vietnams fresh coconuts, Trung added. Chanh Thu Company in southern Ben Tre Province also ships pomelos stateside and recorded growth. Vietnam will export this kind of fruit to China through official channels in the near future, according to Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of Chanh Thu. Meanwhile, Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vina T&T Group, pinned high hopes on durian exports for the rest of the year. At present, only some 300 million Chinese consumers can access durians. With more reasonable prices, the sales of durian will soar, Tung said. However, he warned that Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos are enhancing durian cultivation and building their durian brands. Therefore, Vietnam has to improve its durian quality and develop its brands. Vietnam annually exports a maximum of US$250 million worth of products to the U.S., which is well below the over $5 billion in the Southeast Asian countrys total vegetable and fruit exports, according to Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. If Vietnamese enterprises improve their preservation technology and invest heavier in processing, the export revenue from the U.S. market will jump further, Nguyen added. The seafood sector has also recorded a positive recovery thanks to a climb in the shrimp export turnover in the past three months. Shrimp shipments to the U.S. and China reached $76 million and $56 million last month, up 11 and 32 percent, respectively, year on year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers. Seafood sales are improving and are expected to continue to grow, with Christmas and New Year approaching. In the textile and garment sector, Sai Gon 3 Garment Joint Stock Company has secured enough orders until November, said Pham Xuan Hong, chairman of the company. Pham Van Viet, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Garments, Textiles, Embroidery and Knitting, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the apparel sector had grown 20 percent over early this year. Many enterprises in the association have operated at 90-95 percent of their capacities. Workers are no longer laid off, Viet added. Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, affirmed that the sector faced the biggest difficulties in June and July and the situation has brightened. The sector set a target to earn export revenue of $39.5-40 billion this year, down $4 billion over last year, Giang informed. The apparel sector will invest in green and modern technology, sustainable development, and automation to secure more orders from European, Japanese, and American markets, the association chairman noted. As for the wood industry, Huynh Quang Thanh, general director of Hiep Long Fine Furniture Co. Ltd., said the company has enough orders for this year. Inventories have fallen as the spending of consumers in key import markets have climbed. The wood sector will likely see a rise in orders late this year and early next month, Thanh said. Workers process and package fried jackfruit at Vinamit JSC in Binh Duong Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Tech firms expand markets FPT Software, an arm of local tech giant FPT Group, recently established an office in Guadalajara, which is known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico. The office, FPT Softwares fourth overseas base established over the past nine months, together with those in Costa Rica and Colombia, will pave the way for the company to expand its operations in Latin America. With a presence in 28 countries and territories, FPT Software provides technological services for more than 1,000 companies, including nearly 100 companies listed in the Fortune Global 500, a ranking of the top 500 corporations worldwide as measured by revenue. An FPT representative said the move was a sprint to reach a revenue of $1 billion by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Viettel High Technology Industries Corporation inked a strategic cooperation agreement with WB Group, the largest technological corporation in Poland, early this month to expand its international business. Nguyen Vu Ha, general director of Viettel High Technology Industries Corporation, the win-win cooperation helps the two sides broaden their global business network, creating new opportunities in defense technology. VNG, another major Vietnamese tech firm, also expects to achieve fruitful results from its Go Global strategy. In particular, VNGGames has been recognized in the online game market in Southeast Asia. The company has launched over 80 games at home and abroad. Difficulties remain Despite recovery signs, the number of orders this year has tumbled over last year, according to Truong Thi Chi Binh, vice-chairwoman of the Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries. The global market may be positive in the remaining months of the year but no optimistic outlook has been confirmed for manufacturing and processing firms due to a decline in the global demand. Meanwhile, Vietnamese manufacturing and processing enterprises can complete orders for separate accessories only, not complete products, and have found it hard to compete with Chinese rivals in prices. Vietnam generated some $60.92 billion in import-export turnover last month, up 6.7 percent month on month, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. However, the turnover in the January-August period reached $435.23 billion, down 13.1 percent over the same period last year, with exports falling 10 percent. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Sydney-based commercial finance provider Acuity Funding and Tin Thanh Group on Monday concluded a deal in which the former would provide US$6.4 billion for the latter's green projects in Vietnam and the U.S.. As per the deal, Acuity Funding will pour $1 billion into four biomass power plants and thousands of hectares of grain cultivation in the central and southern regions of Vietnam. These facilities will be located in Da Nang City, Kon Tum Province, and An Giang Province, with a total capacity of 165MW. Acuity Funding also pledged some $1.7 billion for the Vietnamese firms project to build a truck service and retreading factory in South Carolina, the United States. The facility will serve over one million trucks in the U.S. to reduce gas emissions, save costs, and advance green energy transition. The land for the project in South Carolina was already handed over to Tin Thanh Group. Acuity Funding will also provide $3.7 billion for the group to develop a green hydrogen production facility in South Carolina. Speaking at the signing ceremony, a representative of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City said that the deal proved that Vietnam could contribute to global economic growth. Tran Dinh Quyen, chairman and CEO at Tin Thanh Group, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the international finance provider pledges to accompany the firms circular ecosystem and to disburse the funding as scheduled. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Her face is a deepfake. Her body belongs to a team of similar-sized actors. But she sings, reads the news, and sells luxury clothes on TV as AI humans go mainstream in South Korea. Meet Zaein, one of South Korea's most active virtual humans, who was created by Pulse9, an artificial intelligence company that is working to bring corporate dreams of the perfect employee to life. Pulse9 has created digital humans for some of South Korea's largest conglomerates, including Shinsegae, with research indicating the global market for such life-like creations could reach $527 billion by 2030. In South Korea, AI humans have enrolled as students at universities, interned at major companies, and appear regularly on live television driving sellouts of products from food to luxury handbags. But Pulse9 says this is only the beginning. They are "working on developing the technology to broaden AI human use", Park Ji-eun, the company's CEO, told AFP. "Virtual humans are basically capable of carrying out much of what real people do," she said, adding that the current level of AI technology means humans are still needed -- for now. The demand for AI humans in South Korea was initially driven by the K-pop industry, with the idea of a virtual idol -- not prone to scandals and able to work 24/7 -- proving popular with the country's notoriously hard-driving music agencies. But now, Pulse9 is "expanding their roles in society to show that these virtual humans aren't just fantasy idols but can coexist with humans as colleagues and friends", Park said. K-pop face Zaein's face was created by a deep learning analysis -- an AI method that teaches computers to process complex data -- of the faces of K-pop stars over the last two decades. Doe-eyed with delicate features, fair skin and a willowy figure, she is brought to life by overlaying the deepfake on a human actor. More than 10 human actors, each with different talents -- from singing, dancing, acting, to reporting -- help animate Zaein, which is what makes this particular AI creation so "special", Park said. On a Monday morning, AFP met with one of the actors as she was preparing to deliver a report as Zaein on a live morning news programme on South Korean broadcaster SBS. "I think it can be a good practice for people who want to become celebrities and that's what appealed to me," said the actor, who could not be named due to company policy. A representative for Pulse9 said the identities of all human actors are concealed and their real faces not shown. Despite the strict measures to keep their profiles hidden, the actor said playing as a virtual human opened new doors. "Typically, a lot of people in their teens and young people become K-pop idols and I'm way past that age, but it's nice to be able to take on that challenge," the actor, who is in her 30s, told AFP. "I'd love to try acting as a man if I can manage my voice well, and maybe a foreigner -- something that I can't become in real life." 'Real and fake' Creating artificial humans will continue to require real people "until a really strong AI is created in future which will be able to process everything by itself", Park said. The potential -- and potential perils -- of AI have exploded into the public consciousness in recent months, since ChatGPT burst onto the scene at the end of last year. Experts around the world, including AI pioneers, have spoken out about its dangers, and several countries are seeking regulation of the powerful but high-risk invention. But Park is not concerned. Her company is working on new virtual idols, virtual influencers, and virtual sales agents to take over customer-facing tasks for South Korean conglomerates, which are increasingly struggling with recruitment in the low-birthrate country. South Korea -- and the world -- needs better, clearer regulations on what AI can do, she said, adding that when done properly, the technology can add to "the richness of life". The trouble however, is that a deepfake can "make it impossible to tell what is real and fake", Kim Myuhng-joo, a professor of information security at Seoul Women's University, told AFP. "It's an egregious tool when used to harm others or putting people in trouble. That's why it's becoming a problem," he added. Indonesia may issue on Tuesday a regulation on the use of social media to sell goods in the country, President Joko Widodo said, a move intended to quell threats to offline markets in Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Ministers have repeatedly said that e-commerce sellers using predatory pricing on social media platforms are threatening offline markets in Indonesia, with some officials specifically citing the video platform TikTok as an example. "We just ... decided on the use of social media for e-commerce. Tomorrow it will perhaps come out," Widodo, who is commonly known as Jokowi, said in a streamed video address on Monday. "What the people are expecting is that the advancement of technology can create new economic potential, not kill existing economies," Jokowi said. Jokowi did not mention any specific companies or offer further details on the regulation, which is being formulated by the trade ministry. Current trade regulations do not specifically cover direct transactions on social media. Deputy Trade Minister Jerry Sambuaga earlier this month said that "social media and social commerce cannot be combined," vowing to ban the mix of the two, citing TikTok's "live" features that allow people to sell goods. A TikTok Indonesia spokesperson on Monday said that social commerce was important for local sellers and helps connect them with local creators who can direct traffic to their online shops. "While we respect local laws and regulations, we hope that the regulations take into account its impact on the livelihoods of more than 6 million sellers and close to 7 million affiliate creators who use TikTok Shop," the spokesperson said, referring to TikTok's shopping platform. The company said that its app had 325 million Southeast Asian users that were active every month, of whom 125 million were in Indonesia. TikTok is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance. Two Royal New Zealand Navy ships, with over 300 officers and sailors aboard, arrived at Saigon Port on Sunday, marking the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand. The port call, scheduled for September 24-28, will further develop the close and friendly relationship between the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Vietnam Peoples Navy. Activities planned over the five days include personnel exchanges between the two navies, friendly sporting events, and combined community service activities. New Zealand Joint Forces Commander, Rear Admiral James Gilmore (L), says the crew members of the two ships are very eager to learn about the culture and people of Vietnam. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre The crews of HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Aotearoa are excited to be visiting Vietnam. They are eager to learn about the Vietnamese people and culture and to share a bit of 'Kiwi' culture as well, said New Zealand Joint Forces Commander, Rear Admiral James Gilmore. The ship visit is a demonstration of the close relationship between New Zealand and Vietnam. We are committed to our defense engagement with Vietnam and believe that growing and expanding our relationship contributes to the maintenance of a secure region. The port call follows the recent successful visit of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army and Vietnams Deputy Minister of National Defense, to New Zealand in July and precedes bilateral defense talks scheduled for early 2024 in New Zealand. A sensor beam is shown on board the HMNZS Te Mana. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre The HMNZS Te Mana is the Royal New Zealand Navys second 'Anzac Class' frigate. The HMNZS Aotearoa is a 'Polar Class' 26,000-ton tanker and replenishment ship, the largest the Royal New Zealand Navy has ever operated. Over 300 officers and crew members are on board the two ships, which are designed for combat operations, humanitarian and relief functions, and operational and training support. The two ships are conducting routine exercises in Southeast Asia in what is the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF)'s largest naval deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, as well as making a number of Defense Diplomacy visits, including to Vietnam. This is the first time two Royal New Zealand Navy ships have visited Vietnam together. A pilot on the HMNZS Te Mana tells Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the helicopter on board is used for training, rescue, and emergency activities. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre An officer in the control room on board the HMNZS Te Mana. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre The New Zealand crew performs a traditional dance to welcome the guests on board. Photo: Huu Hanh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The parents of 43 students from a small teacher college in Mexico who vanished nine years ago are fighting an uphill struggle. The sixth and last report on the 43 missing pupils was released in July, and it contained proof. The lengthy inquiry found that municipal, state, and federal security forces in Mexico at the time "all collaborated to make them disappear," as reported by NBC News. In contrast, only three pupils' remains had been properly identified in the previous nine years. On September 26, 2014, Jorge Antonio, a 20-year-old student at Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College, traveled to the city of Iguala in Guerrero's southwest with a large group of his classmates. As they had done before, the students in Iguala took over buses to travel the 120 miles to Mexico City. They had a march scheduled for the 46th anniversary of the Tlatelolco Massacre in memory of the hundreds of students killed on October 2, 1968, by Mexican military and police. Local officials removed the students, and they later vanished. At the time, the Enrique Pea Nieto administration attempted to end the case. According to testimony from numerous drug traffickers, the students were turned over to Guerreros Unidos, a cartel that murdered them and burned their bodies at the Cocula garbage dump, according to the report, which claimed that local law enforcement officers arrested the students after they left the bus station in cooperation with a drug cartel. However, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights investigating agency assisted in reopening the case by disclosing how officials had subjected individuals to torture in order to obtain their testimony. "We were given a video that showed what really happened at the Cocula garbage dump," he recalled from the previous year. Tizapa cited fresh data submitted by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts last year, which claimed that the Mexican government at the time purposely fabricated data and withheld leads. Drone images and video that may have shown the Mexican military setting the area where the students were allegedly slain were among the evidence. According to the panel's final assessment, released in July, local, state, and federal security forces were aware of the students' kidnappings and participated in their disappearances. At the July news conference, a panelist reflected on one of Mexico's most infamous human rights incidents and questioned: "How was it possible for it to happen in a little city with two battalions of approximately 600 men?" The study found that two battalions' worth of military officers must have conspired with organized crime and narcotics trafficking. The panel added that police, state agents, and other authorities were "without a doubt" participating. Investigation Will Continue Despite the arrests of military personnel and others, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has stated that his administration intends to continue looking into the situation. According to Reuters last week, the armed forces have denied knowing anything about the students' disappearances. Investigators claimed that security personnel had monitored the pupils and labeled them as militants. According to them, the disparaging description had an impact on the inquiry that followed the disappearances. In contrast to the claims made by the Mexican security forces, the panel highlighted at the press conference that "not a single document that we have analyzed indicates that the young people were colluding with drug trafficking." Not one. Read also: Mexico City Metro Overpass Collapses Kills At Least 23 What the Parents Want The current discoveries and the arrests are insufficient for parents. Despite the advancements, Tizapa and other families claim that the government, particularly the military, still needs to provide them with answers. Gonzalez stated that in order to put pressure on the government and demand answers from the military, the families need the backing of the Mexican people. Gonzalez stated that he thinks everyone can relate to the Ayotzinapa case because the 43 students were merely "chamaquitos," or young people, seeking a better life. Related article: Three Mexican Nationals Face Charges After Cash, Ammo, and Drugs Connected to the Sinoloa Cartel Siezed @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Nguyen Van Nen, hosted a reception on Tuesday morning for newly-appointed Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta, who is on a working trip to the southern metropolis. The municipal Party leader spoke highly of the Italian diplomats visit, which takes place at a time when Vietnam and Italy are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Over the past five decades, the world has experienced uncertainties but the Vietnam-Italy friendship has reaped fruitful results, Nen said. He cited an Italian vessel which docked in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam to donate necessities to the Vietnamese people in 1973 as an example of the genuine friendship between the two nations. The Vietnamese people will never forget the noble gestures of the Italian people during that hardship, Nen elaborated and expressed his pleasure over the two countries expanded cooperation in multiple fields. He added that Ho Chi Minh City had established partnership with some Italian localities, but there is much room for both sides to deepen their ties in the years ahead. The municipal Party chief also congratulated the Italian diplomat on his new position, saying that the ambassador will help facilitate investment by Italian firms into Vietnam in trade, culture, and science. The Italian ambassador underlined the importance of this working visit, as he was appointed to his post in Vietnam just last month and this is his first trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Echoing Nens viewpoint, Seta said that the vessel carrying necessities to Vietnam in 1973 along with the Italian Navys patrol vessel ITS Francesco Morosini, which made a port call in Ho Chi Minh City in May this year, showed Italys interest in Vietnam. The EU nation considered Ho Chi Minh City as an important investment destination which shares many things in common with Milan City, as both cities focus on industrial development. Italy and the southern Vietnamese city could expand their cooperation in culture and education, aside from trade and economic sectors, Seta said. With a wealth of experience in preservation of heritage, Italy is willing to share its experience with Ho Chi Minh City, the Italian ambassador noted, adding that both sides could set up partnership in this field. Early next month, a delegation from Lombardy, northern Italy will visit Ho Chi Minh City. The trip is expected to bring about cooperation opportunities for both sides, he said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A high-level delegation led by President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez paid a visit to the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Hospital in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam on Monday afternoon, as part of his ongoing trip to the Southeast Asian country. The president said that the hospital is a permanent symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the two nations. The top Cuban legislator arrived in Hanoi on Sunday to start his five-day Vietnam visit at the invitation of the Vietnamese Party and state leaders. The hospital is a gift from late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Cuba to Quang Binh Province to help treat locals. The top Cuban representatives visit to the hospital was aimed at reminding the young generation of the history and close ties, while encouraging them to deepen the friendship and solidarity between the two nations. Esteban Lazo Hernandez (standing, left), President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, talks to people who met with late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Photo: Tran Anh Duong / Tuoi Tre During his trip, he also engaged in a brief talk with people who met late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. In September 1973, Fidel Castro decided to present Quang Binh Province with a fully-equipped hospital during his visit to the newly-liberated Quang Tri and Quang Binh Provinces. Work on the hospital started on May 19, 1974. The Vietnam - Cuba friendship hospital, with 462 beds and 26 departments, was put into service on September 9, 1981. The hospital was assessed as one of the most modern hospitals in Vietnam at that time. In 2018, seven Cuban experts were invited to work at the hospital. Among them, four completed their mission, while the other three are still serving at the medical facility. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam has objected to Chinas deployment of two automatic ship identification stations in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago in the East Vietnam Sea, considering it a violation of Vietnams sovereignty, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. Chinas installation and operation of two automatic ship identification stations at Da Bac [North Reef] and Da Bong Bay [Bombay Reef], part of Vietnam's Hoang Sa, is a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty over the archipelago, foreign ministry spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang stressed at a press conference in Hanoi on Monday. Hang was speaking in response to reporters questions about Vietnams reaction to the acts committed by China in Hoang Sa. She emphasized that any activities in Hoang Sa without Vietnams permission violate Vietnams sovereignty and are therefore completely invalid. Vietnam requests that China fully respect Vietnams sovereignty over Hoang Sa and not repeat similar infringements, the spokeswoman stated. The foreign ministry has repeatedly confirmed that Vietnam has enough historical evidence and legal foundation to prove its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes in the East Vietnam Sea in accordance with international law. The two stations, installed at lighthouses located on the said reefs, were put into operation on September 15 to solve the problem of a blind spot in the waters around Hoang Sa, VTC News reported, citing Chinese television station CCTV. These stations are connected to Chinas land-based automatic ship identification system and use Chinas BeiDou satellite network to locate vessels and transmit signals. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two seventh-grade students successfully rescued two young children from drowning in a local fishing port in Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam, local authorities said on Tuesday. On August 30, Tran Dinh Nhat Anh, a third grader of Loc Ha Town Elementary School, and Nguyen Bao Binh, a first grader of Thach Kim Elementary School, were playing at the Cua Sot Fishing Port and fell into the water. At the time, Pham Thuc Sinh and Nguyen Hoang Phong, both studying in the Thach Kim Middle School in Loc Ha District, were also present at the fishing port. Sinh said he and his friends were playing volleyball nearby. Hearing the two children shouting for help, Sinh and Phong instinctively jumped into the water to take the two children out to safety. A corner of the Cua Sot Fishing Port in Ha Tinh Province, north-central Vietnam. Photo: Le Minh / Tuoi Tre The families of Anh and Binh later came to Thach Kim Middle School to thank the two brave students and their teachers for having taught them how to save others from drowning. Pham Thi Nga, Binh's mother, said her family was grateful to Sinh and Phong and would keep a closer watch on their child. Tran Thanh Hai, principal of Thach Kim Middle School, said the school was proud of the two students and had honored them on campus. The education and training division in Loc Ha District, Ha Tinh said it would propose the district-level Peoples Committee to honor the two students for their act of bravery. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Catch up on the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnam objects to Chinas installation and use of two automatic ship identification stations in the Hoang Sa (Paracels) archipelago as the action violates the Southeast Asian countrys sovereignty over the group of islands, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday. -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday evening (Brazil time) left Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, wrapping up his visit to the U.S. and Brazil from September 17 to 25. -- A high-level delegation led by President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez visited the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Hospital in Quang Binh Province, north-central Vietnam on Monday. The president said the hospital is a permanent symbol of the friendship and solidarity between the two countries. -- Vietnam is a trustworthy partner and loyal friend of Bulgaria, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev while he was hosting visiting Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in Sofia on Monday. The Vietnamese official is on a visit to the European country from Saturday last week to Tuesday this week. Society -- The average life expectancy of men and women in Vietnam ranks fifth and second, respectively, in Southeast Asia but Vietnamese people have to live with diseases for a longer time than those in other regional countries, for 10 years on average, according to the World Health Organization and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. -- The Vietnamese Ministry of Health on Monday confirmed a monkeypox case in Dong Nai Province and another case in Binh Duong Province, both neighbors of Ho Chi Minh City, raising the number of monkeypox cases in Vietnam to four. -- As many as 30 students in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang developed food poisoning symptoms on Thursday and Friday last week after drinking soft drinks of unclear origin. The labels on the soft drink bottles are in Chinese, the provincial Department of Health reported on Monday. -- A tornado ripped into a commune in Quang Tri Province, located in Vietnams north-central region, on Monday, blowing off the roofs of 67 houses, a local official said the same day. Business -- Sydney-based commercial finance provider Acuity Funding and Vietnams Tin Thanh Group on Monday concluded a deal in which the former would provide US$6.4 billion for the latter's green projects in Vietnam and the U.S.. World News -- Sea ice that packs the ocean around Antarctica hit record low levels this winter, Reuters reported, quoting the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center, adding to scientists' fears that the impact of climate change at the southern pole is ramping up. -- Chinese tourists landing in Bangkok got a VIP welcome on Monday, as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin personally greeted the first batch of visitors to arrive in Thailand after it waived visas for Chinese nationals to boost the key tourism industry, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! All ferry and speedboat services from the mainland to Phu Quoc City, an island off the coast of Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, have been suspended since Tuesday morning due to inclement weather conditions in the area. Ferry and speedboat trips bound for Nam Du, another island destination off the coast of Kien Giang from the provincial city of Rach Gia, are also subject to the suspension, the provincial Inland Waterway Port Authority said the same day. Meanwhile, the speedboat service from Rach Gia to Hon Son, an island off the provinces Kien Hai District, remains operational. Following the service suspension notice, a number of tourists and local residents gathering at a ferry terminal in Rach Gia at around 8:00 am the same day had to return home. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a native of Rach Gia who was among those affected by the service suspension, had initially planned to send fruits, mooncakes, rice, beans, and some other food necessities to Nam Du for her child, who runs a grocery store there, to resell. The suspension forced her to hire a vehicle to transport all the items back to her home in Rach Gia, she said. Nguyen Xuan Da, director of the Kien Giang Inland Waterway Port Authority, said the authority will continue to update weather forecasts and allow the resumption of waterway services once conditions improve. At dawn on Tuesday, a tropical depression in the East Vietnam Sea made landfall in the central Vietnamese localities from Quang Tri to Thua Thien Hue Provinces, dumping heavy rains in these areas and other parts of the country, according to the national weather center. Downpours could hit almost all parts nationwide until Thursday or Friday this week, the center said, adding that people in vulnerable areas should prepare for possible flash floods, landslides, flooding, whirlwinds, lightning, and wind gusts during the period. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The administration of Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday pulled down a house that had occupied the intersection between three streets for 10 years. Following the districts encouragement, the owner of the house at the intersection of Au Co, Luy Ban Bich, and Ba Van Streets agreed to hand over the property to the district for demolition, Nguyen Quoc Binh, vice-chairman of the Tan Phu District Peoples Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper the same day. After dismantling the house, the district will revitalize the area, Binh added. The administration of Tan Phu District in Ho Chi Minh City demolishes the house at the intersection of three streets. The house, measuring some 30 square meters, was still located at the intersection after a project to expand Luy Ban Bich Street was completed in 2014. It not only limited road users visibility but also caused traffic jams in the area. In 2017, the house owner was offered a land lot in Tay Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District as compensation to hand over the house. The district later allocated another land lot in Tan Thanh to the house owner. The house owner agreed to hand over the house to the Tan Phu District authorities. The volume of vehicles passing through the intersection is large, especially during peak hours. The house was dismantled on September 25, 2023. The area will be revitalized to ensure traffic safety. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 59-year-old fisherman died on Monday after being struck by lightning while he was fishing in the waters of Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, the provincial steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control confirmed the same day. The deceased was identified as Tran Khuong T., a native of the provinces Trieu Phong District. Representatives of local authorities visited and offered support and condolences to the bereaved family. The lightning, accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy downpours, hit Quang Tri on Monday due to the impact of a tropical depression in the East Vietnam Sea. The province is forecast to brace for more large-scale downpours and flooding until Wednesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported. As of Monday at noon, more than 2,270 fishing boats and over 5,500 crew members in the province managed to take shelter from the tropical depression, while 13 other boats with 100 crew members on board were still operating at sea. In addition, 79 fishing boats with 702 crew members from other provinces and cities were docking at waterway stations in Quang Tri the same day, the steering committee said. To ensure rescue operations and natural disaster prevention and control tasks are carried out effectively, the steering committee worked out measures to cope with extreme weather events at sea, including dispatching rescuers to vulnerable areas. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! UK crime drama Payback executive produced by Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty, Bodyguard) screens next month on BritBox. The six part series stars Morven Christie (Grantchester), Peter Mullan (War Horse, Mum), Prasanna Puwanarajah, Derek Riddell (Happy Valley), and Steven Mackintosh (Luther). It airs 10 days after its UK premiere. This BritBox Original series is a gripping but highly emotional thriller from Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty). When Lexies husband is suddenly killed, she discovers that he was the money man for a notorious organised crime lord. She is forced to juggle two sides the criminals trying to find the money they are convinced he stole from them, and the police seeking to solve the murder and bring down the criminal network. Can she play both sides, protect her family, and build a future? Thursday October 19 on BritBox. Respected veteran actor David McCallum, best known for NCIS and The Man From U.N.C.L.E., has died aged 90. He passed away on Monday of natural causes in New York City. His son Peter made a statement on behalf of his family, saying, He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations. He was a true renaissance man he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS. After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together. She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old. from 1964-68 McCallum starred as Illya Kuryakin alongside Robert Vaughns Napoleon Solo in the hit spy drama The Man From U.N.C.L.E. a James Bond-influenced series in which Vaughns Solo and McCallums Kuryakin battled the evil forces of THRUSH around the globe. It spawned a spinoff, The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., starring Stefanie Powers, as well as feature adaptations. With his mop haircut, McCallum was nicknamed The Blond Beatle. He also looked great in a black turtleneck and had difficulty going unnoticed. I was rescued from Central Park by mounted police once, he told The Scotsman. When I went to Macys department store, the fans did $25,000 worth of damage, and they had to close Herald Square to get me out. Thats pretty classic, but you just have to deal with it. And then whoever was next came along, and you get dropped overnight, which is a relief. Since 2003 on NCIS, he played pathologist Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard in the team of agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service led by Mark Harmons Leroy Jethro Gibbs. McCallums Dr. Mallard offered not only key forensic clues but also served as a criminal profiler. CBS said in a statement, We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David. NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North said in a statement: For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard. But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him, and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed. McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland where he originally pursued a career in music at the Royal Academy of Music, though he soon left and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He began his professional acting career when he was 12, in 1946, performing for the BBC radio repertory company. He made his screen debut in the BBC fantasy miniseries The Rose and the Ring then features The Secret Place, Hell Drivers and Violent Playground and Australias Robbery Under Arms starring Peter Finch. Other credits included A Night to Remember, The Long and the Short and the Tall Billy Budd, Freud, The Great Escape, The Greatest Story Every Told. He also featured in The Replacements, Ben 10, Perry Mason, The Outer Limits, Colditz, The Invisible Man, Kidnapped, Sapphire & Steele, The A-Team, The Father Dowling Mysteries, Murder She Wrote, SeaQuest 2032, Babylon 5, Law & Order, Sex and the City, VR.5, The Education and a role on JAG as the backdoor pilot for NCIS. A 20th anniversary NCIS marathonset to screen in the USA will now include an in memoriam card in remembrance of McCallum. Source: Variety, Hollywood Reporter As part of a renewed attempt to curb the recent uptick in border crossings, Mexico and the United States have reached an agreement to deport migrants from border communities back to their home countries and to take various other measures to discourage migrants. Mexico-US Deal A recent surge of illegal crossings into the US caused the temporary closure of an international bridge and the halting of Mexico's primary freight train system. This prompted Mexican authorities to meet with US Customs and Border Protection officials last week in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, just over the border from El Paso, Texas. El Paso, San Diego, and Eagle Pass, Texas, have all proclaimed states of emergency, and as part of the accord, Mexico promised to "depressurize" its northern towns that border those areas. The National Migration Institute of Mexico reports that over a dozen measures would be taken to discourage migrants from using the dangerous train route to the US border, CNN reported. As part of the agreement, Mexican authorities committed to enacting a set of 15 measures. Some of these would need collaboration with Customs and Border Protection and Ferromex, such as the deportation of migrants through land and air. To ensure receipt of their nationals removed from the US-Mexico border, the administration stated it would negotiate with the governments of Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Cuba. The international bridge in Ciudad Juarez that leads to El Paso will also be open for use by US border patrol officials to evacuate migrants. Also Read: Mexican Drug Cartels Believed To Send Migrants to US Border To Distract From Smuggling Operations Fresh Influx of Migrants This week, an official from the Department of Homeland Security said that the average number of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border in a single day was over 8,600. This is an increase from May when the new guidelines for unlawful border crossers were triggered by the expiry of Title 42. At that time, the average daily border arrests were about 3,500. On Monday, September 25, police made more than 8,000 arrests. The recent spike in migration is being blamed on a number of factors, including disinformation and an increase in kidnappings in Mexico, according to reports. The US Department of Defense has been increasing its presence at the border. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security said it will be deploying at least 800 more active-duty officers to join the 2,500 National Guardsmen currently stationed there. Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Barcena acknowledged at a news conference at the United Nations on Friday, September, that her country is experiencing its own difficulties as a result of the recent uptick. She added that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador plans to meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington in November to address migration, as well as drug and gun trafficking. Also Read: El Paso Officials Order Creation of New Shelter as Texas Scrambles To Address Migrant Surge @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. From left, Paula Bradshaw MLA, Chair, Stormont All Party Group on Cancer; Dr Bernadette Cullen, Chair of ASH NI; Richard Spratt, Chief Executive, Cancer Focus NI, and Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH NI), a subcommittee of Cancer Focus NI, is advocating for a new comprehensive Tobacco Control Strategy to achive its goal by 2035. The group advocates making smoking prevention programmes available to young people, more accessible Stop Smoking Services, as well as increasing the age of tobacco sales to 21 years. It argues that tobacco is the primary contributor to preventable illnesses and untimely deaths and is inextricably linked with heart and lung disease and cancer. Cancer Focus NI has unveiled a plan to rid NI of smoking by 2035.Photo: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. The charity says around 2,200 people die from a smoking-related illness in Northern Ireland each year, with an additional 18,000 hospital admissions caused by smoking annually. Speaking at the launch of ASH NIs vision on Tuesday, Cancer Focus NI Chief Executive Richard Spratt said: We are proud to unveil this ambitious plan for a smokefree Northern Ireland today. Our mission at Cancer Focus through ASH is to see Northern Ireland transformed into a smoke free society where people can enjoy healthier, smokefree lives. We know the devastating impact of a disease like cancer on individuals and their loved ones, so we are committed to advocating for better policies that can help eliminate all smoking related conditions. Setting 2035 as a target will no doubt be challenging, but it will help drive a focused and ambitious aim to see Northern Ireland not just become smokefree, but a healthier and happier place to live. With its partners, ASH NI campaigns to achieve effective and comprehensive tobacco control policies and programmes, with the primary aim of seeing Northern Ireland become a society where less than 5% of the adult population is actively smoking. Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw strongly backed the new strategy. Speaking at the launch, the South Belfast MLA, said: I fully endorse this vision and strategy to reduce smoking prevalence to below 5% by 2035. We should not underestimate the benefits of attaining this goal. Smoking is associated with poor air quality, with numerous cancers, with greater risk of heart disease, and with poorer health outcomes." She also called for legislation around the sale of vapes and similar products, licensing of retailers, more wide-ranging smoke-free environments, and improved enforcement. David Olusoga says the history of all four nations in the UK should be taught in schools A TOP historian has called for schools in the UK to teach the history of all four nations. David Olusoga has said the fact that A-level pupils dont learn much about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and vice versa means children often struggle to understand contemporary political issues, including Scottish independence. Speaking to The Guardian before the launch of a new documentary exploring the past, present and future of the Union, Olusoga said: I just dont think ignorance is ever really a positive background factor in nations being drawn together. Not knowing each others stories is a weakness we are one day going to have to address. READ MORE: Our most famous castle is tied to our history like no other He continued: When you talk about the Union in Scotland, everyone knows what you mean. When you use the word in England you realise its not a phrase you hear very often. I think we are in England less familiar with the architecture of our country and the history that explains it. Thats why I really advocate better teaching of this. He added that other nations (in the UK) need to be encouraged to feel like partners rather than small players. Olusoga also cited a recent IPPR report on the ambivalent Union which found less than half of voters in any UK nation see the Union being maintained in its current form as a priority. He said: It seems very strange that we are discussing something that would be so seismic with one of the key emotions around it being ambivalence and (a lack of interest). The irony is that we think what poses a risk to the Union is strong anti-Union sentiment rather than just indifference. The historian explained he first realised how little history is taught about other nations at GCSE and A-level when he first arrived at university and made friends from Northern Ireland. He thought this lack of awareness led to stereotypes about other parts of the UK and that it leads to a view that the Union is purely an English project and a failure to recognise that our ancestors crossed borders. Story continues READ MORE: Death of Tory Britain is approaching but with that comes danger Olusoga said he believed the UK is in quite a strange state and added: What we mustnt do I feel is imagine that we on these islands are separate from the great forces of history. He added that his new documentary has come about because Brexit has made this a moment when people are thinking about the Union, one of the many moments of turbulence in its history. Many of the forces that have made the Union successful and acceptable to a great number of people are in decline, he said, citing the wealth and opportunity which was created by the Industrial Revolution. An elite Irish army unit has stormed a Panamanian cargo ship suspected of carrying significant amounts of drugs in a major operation off the south-east coast of Ireland. Members of the highly-trained Army Ranger Wing descended by fast-rope from a helicopter on to the ship, which became the focus point of a multi-agency operation which began on Sunday. The co-ordinated response from the Irish Naval Service and Army Ranger Wing also involved customs officers and the Irish polices national drugs and organised crime unit The agencies said the seized MV Matthew is a Panamanian-registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America. It was intercepted by the Army Ranger Wing and detained in the early hours of Tuesday. The agencies said a significant quantity of suspected drugs were found on board the cargo ship. The Army Ranger Wing boarded the ship after the Naval Services patrol vessel, the LE William Butler Yeats, fired warning shots in its direction. Two helicopters and two planes were also involved in the operation. The Irish Air Corps and Naval Service had been tracking the container ship over a number of days. In a statement, the Defence Forces said: A specialist team from the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) then deployed by helicopter on to the MV Matthew via fast rope insertion in challenging conditions. After the ship was made safe, the Garda units (Irish police) and customs officers boarded the vessel alongside the naval service. The naval service escorted the ship to an Irish port where it will be detained for a detailed search and investigation. Crowds of people lined the walls of Cobh harbour as the cargo ship was transported to a naval base on Haulbowline in Co Cork. Armed members of the Ranger Wing were seen on board alongside the ships crew members and other Defence Forces personnel. Three men, aged 60, 50 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and are detained at garda stations in Wexford. In a joint statement, Revenue and An Garda Siochana said: The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. Story continues The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics (MAOC N) based in Lisbon, Portugal, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces commended the efforts of all personnel involved in the operation. Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: I would like to personally commend the courage, discipline and professionalism of all personnel involved in this successful operation. The cargo vessel MV Matthew is escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish navy (Niall Carson/PA) He said the multi-agency operation demonstrates the interoperability of the Defence Forces, underlining the unique capability that we bring to the defence of the State. He added: The significant intelligence-led planning by the joint task force enabled the co-ordination and execution of this complex multiagency operation. This operation demonstrated the importance of all services of the Defence Forces and their ability to operate in the most challenging of conditions. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee congratulated the State and international bodies involved in the operation. She said the drugs on board would have no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets. In a statement she said: It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally. She said it shows the success of An Garda Siochana in building coalitions to tackle transnational crime. Congratulations to @gardainfo @defenceforces @RevenueIE and partners on the brave and significant seizure today. The operation, which Commissioner Harris and A/C Kelly briefed me on yesterday, again shows the importance of international co-operation in tackling drugs gangs. pic.twitter.com/UOjvYU6c1B Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) September 26, 2023 Illegal drug distribution and misuse does untold damage to our communities. Criminals may seek to overcome the barrier of borders, but as shown today borders are not barriers to effective criminal co-operation. Tackling organised crime is a key priority for Government and is central to building safer, stronger communities. We will always provide An Garda Siochana with the support and resources they need. The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat ran aground off the east coast. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Co Wexford at about 10.10pm on Sunday. Waterford-based coast guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were sent to the scene where a fishing vessel was aground on a sandbank off the coast of Blackwater, Co Wexford. After attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful, the people aboard were successfully winched from the vessel. Both R117 and the Rosslare RNLI were subsequently stood down. Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin Despite invading Ukraine and launching a long and bloody war last year, Russia is now looking to rejoin the UNs human rights council. Moscow was expelled last April because of gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights. Ninety-three UN member states voted in favour of booting Russia out, while 24 tried to keep it in and 58 abstained from voting altogether. At the time, Moscow said the vote was illegitimate and politically motivated and then said it was quitting the council anyway. But, now according to documents obtained by the BBC Russia is now lobbying UN members to get re-elected to the council for a three-year term in a vote taking place next month. The council, based in Geneva, has 47 members, who are selected by the 193 members of the UN general assembly. While the council cannot make legally binding decisions, it carries a great deal of prestige and can authorise investigations. Russia will be competing with Albania and Bulgaria for the two seats put aside for central and eastern European nations in Octobers elections. Russia claims it will be able to find adequate solutions for human rights issues, and will try to stop the council being an instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries. Most of Europe and North America has sided with Kyiv since Russias invasion, so Moscow has upped its anti-West rhetoric in recent months. Russia has also been accused of committing war crimes throughout the course of the war with its attacks on Ukrainian civilians. A new report of those alleged abuses was presented to the human rights council on Monday, from its commission of inquiry on Ukraine. It claimed Russia tortured some Ukrainian victims to death. And two weeks ago, a UN-appointed expert warned that human rights in Russia had significantly deteriorated. Emergency service workers gather outside damaged buildings as search for victims continues following a Russian missile attack in Lviv, Ukraine, in July. Emergency service workers gather outside damaged buildings as search for victims continues following a Russian missile attack in Lviv, Ukraine, in July. Story continues The UN Watch, the Human Rights Foundation and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights also claimed in a joint report earlier this month that Russia was unqualified for membership of the human rights council. Its worth remembering that there is an international arrest warrant out for Russian president Vladimir Putin, too. In March, he was accused of the war crime of unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children from occupied Ukraine to Russia. The warrant issued by the international criminal court suggests there are reasonable grounds that Putin is directly responsible either because he committed these acts (with or through others) or by failing to exercise control over civilians or military personnel who did this. Even so, the BBC reported that Russia was now offering small countries grain and arms in the hope of swaying their vote meaning theres a chance Moscow could get back on the council. In the documents pushing for its re-election, the Kremlin blames the US and its allies for being pushed out of the council last year. A spokesperson from the UKs foreign office claimed the UK strongly opposes Moscows bid, pointing out that evidence of the countrys abuse of human rights demonstrates Russias complete contempt for the work of the council. Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy also told the BBC: The idea that Russia could return to the human rights council is an affront to the very concept of human rights and a dangerous backwards step that would damage its credibility. Although suspension are rare, Russia is not the only member state to lose its seat in the human rights council. Back in 2011, Libya lost its seat after its ruler suppressed protests. Related... Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has been appointed GIC deputy chairman. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Edgar Su) SINGAPORE Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has been appointed as the new deputy chairman of the board of sovereign wealth fund GIC. In a statement on Monday (25 September), GIC said the appointment will commence on 1 October. Wong, GIC director and chairman of the Investment Strategies Committee (ISC) since 1 November 2018 and 7 July 2023 respectively, will in his new capacity, "assist the chairman to lead the board in overseeing GIC's long-term asset allocation and portfolio performance". Previously, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam served as GIC deputy chairman from 2019 to 2023. He was elected as President on 1 September and sworn in as Singapore's ninth President on 14 September. The chairman of GIC's board directors is Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Besides his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister, Wong is also the city-state's Minister for Finance. He is also the chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Singapore Economic Development Board's International Advisory Council. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. One of the few gas stations still operating in Stepanakert exploded while fuel was being distributed to fleeing residents as ethnic Armenians are in the process of leaving Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan claimed to put the region under its control last week completely. Artsakh authorities said Tuesday (September 26) that the explosion killed at least 20 people and injured almost 300 more. Of the dead, 13 were instantly killed at the scene, while the remaining seven were still taken to hospital but succumbed to injuries. Some of the injured remain in a critical condition in hospital, separatist health officials added. It was reported that 30 metric tons of gasoline and 34 metric tons of diesel fuel were being sent by Azerbaijan into the region. Speculation of Sabotage Unlikely, Artsakh Presidential Aide Says The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but Armenian Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan said initial information suggested that sabotage was unlikely. His Azerbaijani counterpart, Hikmet Hajiyev, stated that hospitals in his country are on standby to treat any explosion victims. Meanwhile, Armenia's health ministry said a helicopter brought some of the casualties of the blast, with more airlifts expected. Russian peacekeepers in the area are also using its own helicopters to bring in victims to Armenia. Read Also: Fall of Armenian Karabakh Imminent? Azerbaijan, Artsakh Officials Begin Talks on Fate of Armenian Enclave Leaving While They Could Meanwhile, the Armenian government in Yerevan reported Tuesday (Sept. 25) that about 12% of the Armenian population of Karabakh - over 13,500 people - have fled across the border. According to the Associated Press, residents of Nagorno-Karabakh scrambled to flee as soon as Baku lifted its 10-month blockade on the Lachin Corridor, the region's only road to Armenia. The blockade caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. While Azerbaijani officials made assurances they would respect the rights of ethnic Armenians, many residents feared reprisals and ethnic cleansing, similar to what happened in the first two wars in the region and the Armenian Genocide. Related Article: Ethnic Armenians Leave Nagorno-Karabakh as Fall of Stepanakert Imminent @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After my date canceled on our plans, I took a trip on a luxury river cruise alone. Emy Rodriguez Flores After my date bailed on me, I decided to take a trip on a luxury river cruise alone. Although traveling solo initially felt odd, it allowed me to enjoy the experience to the fullest. The cruise also made me rethink my relationship with alcohol, food, and fitness. I planned a trip on a luxury river cruise with a potential suitor I met through friends in Barcelona. He was from a municipality in Spain called Valladolid, and his eagerness to travel together was evident from the first time we met. I was nervous about inviting him on a trip. I explained that we would be sharing a suite cabin on a seven-night cruise, starting from Vienna, Austria, and ending in Budapest, Hungary. He jumped at the idea, and I felt a nervous but excited knot forming in my stomach. After receiving trip confirmations from both Riverside Luxury Cruises and my airline, I got a message from him saying he wouldn't be able to make it. Although he'd known the dates for quite some time, he said he couldn't take time off from work. I had to decide whether I should cancel the entire trip or go alone. Traveling by myself on a small luxury cruise wasn't ideal, but something inside me told me to do it (and possibly learn something new about myself in the process). Dining alone allowed me to enjoy meals without distractions A river boat called "Riverside Mozart." I was amazed at how beautiful the inside of the boat was.Emy Rodriguez Flores Upon arrival, I was amazed at how opulent the boat was. I opened the door to my cabin and was impressed by all the fixtures and decorations that evoked a sense of modern luxury. My room had two water-level sliding doors that allowed me to see the Danube River as though it was right next to me. Next to the sliding doors, I noticed a bottle of white wine and two champagne flutes on a small corner desk. A rush of sadness poured over me, and all I could think about was how much I wished I had someone to enjoy a drink with. Roaming the ship, I found a jazzy piano bar, a cozy coffee shop-like bistro, a fancy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and many other Instagram-worthy spots. As the night progressed, I went to the Waterside restaurant for dinner. Story continues I sat at a table set for two next to a window facing Vienna. Sitting alone didn't bother me, but I began to feel odd when the waiter removed the set of unused utensils. As the food came out, I noticed that I could fully taste each dish when I didn't have any distractions. Eating alone allowed me to focus on all of the flavors, from the wine to the dessert. I put my phone down and enjoyed the view. Going on excursions alone was a freeing experience A man with a striped shirt, jean jacket, and sunglasses poses in front of the parliament building in Budapest. I really enjoyed going on excursions by myself.Emy Rodriguez Flores As we sailed on the Danube River towards the Central European cities of Durnstein, Linz, Bratislava, Esztergom, and Budapest, I participated in a few excursions to pass the time. The thought of going on excursions alone was a little stressful, as I knew people would wonder why I was by myself. As I began participating in the activities, I started to feel more liberated. The loneliness I initially felt faded, and I felt like I had total control over what I wanted to do and when. I started chatting with other folks on the trip. When I met couples from Australia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, each spoke to me directly and willingly. I came to the realization that the conversations may have flowed differently if I had been with someone else. It was fun meeting travelers from around the globe, even if it didn't lead to life-long friendships. It's easier to overindulge when you're by yourself Since I was on an all-inclusive boat, I took frequent trips to the bistro for a milkshake or scoop ice cream. During multi-course dinners, I had more than two glasses of wine. This form of over-indulgence was frequent, and it changed my perception of how much was too much. It turned out I was having too much of a good time. The trip made me rethink my relationship with alcohol, food, and fitness. After the cruise, I made a deliberate plan to improve my health. Traveling solo isn't the easiest, but it's worth it. Even though it felt a little weird to be alone, I was perfectly content and realized I didn't need a potential partner to make me happy. All I needed was to be present and focus on what was right in front of me. Read the original article on Insider Mum finally returns to UK after heart attack and ambulance crash on dream holiday (Image: Public) A Bolton mum-of-two has returned to the UK after suffering a heart attack during a dream holiday in Jamaica. Deborah Willcock, 62, from Harwood, went on a family holiday to Montego Bay with her husband Mike, daughter Ashley, son Aaron, and her five grandchildren on Wednesday, August 23. But she suffered a heart attack two days later on Friday, August 25 and remained in intensive care. And she was also involved in a car crash, whe was on the way back from another hospital to have tests, she was involved in an ambulance crash with six other cars. At the time Deborahs family say that she made a genuine error of not stating she had diabetes type 2, and whilst the insurance company AXA sympathise with Deborahs situation, they said that not disclosing certain information can invalidate a policy. The Bolton News: Deborah Willcock with her husband Mike Deborah Willcock with her husband Mike (Image: Public) This meant that Deborah was unable to return home, but thanks to the community rallying together, she is now in Wythenshawe Hospital awaiting a triple bypass surgery. Her daughter Ashley said: My cousin Samantha Owen flew over to Jamaica. We didnt know who to trust, and when she told us she was going to fly over, and they said mum could go home with my cousin as a medical escort, it felt like a big relief. I have no words. They said she was okay on the ground, but above ground it would put a strain on her heart. The Bolton News: Deborah after a crash Deborah after a crash (Image: Public)Ashley was due to get married to Danny Maskell at the time and says whilst it was upsetting that this could not go ahead, all she cares about is her mums recovery. She said: Its upsetting and not the best outcome, but my mum is alive, and I just want my mum to get out of hospital and to continue to recover. Story continues I am glad she is here and getting the help she needs. The family managed to raise almost 30k from GoFundMe donations, and around 1,400 from a fundraiser at the Mosley Arms pub in Breightmet. All together the family spent 73k, which included savings and the money from GoFundMe, which went towards an angiogram, and two stents, although they were unable to complete this, as well as hospital treatments, and travel to the UK. Collection buckets were also left at the tills of Morrisons in Breightmet, Harwood Pharmacy, Nissa on Bury Road, and the Co-op on Tonge Moor Road. The Bolton News: Deborah Willcock with her husband Mike Deborah Willcock with her husband Mike (Image: Public)Ashley added: As a family, we are overwhelmed, and didnt think people would donate such a large amount of money to us. My mum has worked in social work for the past 25 years and she has helped so many people, and this shows how much shes touched peoples hearts. Deborah is now waiting for her blood to become thick enough again before she can have the surgery she needs. Ashley also said that the hotel they stayed in were amazing and did not charge them for the extra 10 days they had to stay in Jamaica. If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine. Aid for Moroccans, left, and the remains of what was once the heart of a village in Morocco (Image: UGC) Volunteers from Bradford have spoken about the devastation and humanity seen in disaster-hit Morocco. Shakeel Matloob is among those sending aid and trying to rebuild towns and villages lost in the 6.8 magnitude earthquake. Shakeel has been helping at Casablanca-based (the largest city in Morocco) charity, Big Hearts Association, since 2013 - providing support to families in rural areas and widows. It took 11 hours for one of Big Hearts teams to reach one affected area after the earthquake struck. Fears are now growing ahead of the icy winter that will soon hit villages in tough, mountainous terrains. Shakeel, joined by other charities and volunteers, are looking at how they can help people in the long-term. Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Aid sent to help Moroccans after the devastating earthquake Aid sent to help Moroccans after the devastating earthquake (Image: UGC) Describing what he has seen so far, Shakeel said: All the neighbouring villages have got together to do the rescue search. People have gone over and beyond, youre talking rural villages struggling themselves [which] have donated blankets. The nation came together. The poor, the rich came together. The community as a whole felt it was their duty on them to help those that were affected. Morocco is not a rich country, theres no country that is prepared for such a thing. No countrys ever ready or prepared for a disaster. Weve never had to deal with a disaster of that scale ever. It has been a huge effort between Governments, residents, and volunteers from across the globe. The countrys sense of duty has seen hard-hit Moroccan taxi drivers filling up their vehicles with fuel and driving towards affected areas. Majid Iqbal, who travelled from Bradford to help those in need, is recovering after he injured his ankle and foot on the frontline. Working for the charity, Sanad Alajial Agadir, alongside fellow Bradfordian Basharat Abder Rehman, they have been vital in delivering aid to hard to reach locations. Khalsa UK AID, a Sikh charity, also flew out to give their support. Story continues Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Basharat shared this view of a village destroyed in the earthquake that hit Morocco Basharat shared this view of a village destroyed in the earthquake that hit Morocco (Image: UGC) In a video update, Basharat said: "We've come back here to the village, we bought them tents, food, they had no shelter, no food. The whole village is destroyed. 30 people lost their lives in this village. "I'm in the heart of the village and there's nothing left at all. "Keep your donations coming, these people have nothing, nothing at all. We've just brought a large freezer, loads of kitchen equipment, we're going to set a large commercial kitchen at the camp. "Every single house is down. There's just one right at the far end, a recent new build, but apart from that everything is destroyed." Most of the aid has been sent to Casablanca and delivered directly by teams of volunteers. Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Basharat with a representative of Khalsa Aid in Morocco Basharat with a representative of Khalsa Aid in Morocco (Image: UGC) A huge portion of charity donations have come from the Bradford district, Shakeel said. We were naturally overwhelmed at how the Moroccans as a nation took this on board as a personal mission to do their bit, Shakeel said. But many are worried about how Morocco will rebuild itself in the colder months. Many remote villages do not exist now, Shakeel said, particularly in the Atlas Mountains. Speaking about his fears, he said: The fact is, no future sheltering for them in terms of structures thats waterproof, winter proof, some sort of insulation. The Atlas Mountains, its cold, they get snow. Thats where most of our focus is. Were a bit worried, in terms of people might suffocate its very cold. The Government has said they are going to be rebuilding. Its not easy to quickly rebuild any type of shelter. Alfie, thought to be aged six, requires a new home after the death of his adoptive parents. (Photo: Doggy Dens UK) Alfie, currently living with foster parents in Leeds, is looking for his forever home after the death of his adoptive owners. The bushy-tailed boy, thought to be six-years-old, was rescued from Macedonia in 2020 where he was then adopted by UK owners through Doggy Dens UK rescue charity, working in partnership with Macedonian rescue teams and vets. But sadly, since settling into his new home, his rescue paw-rents have both died, meaning Alfie is needing a forever home once again. Denise Hardwick, Doggy Dens UK rescue founder based in Cuckney said: Alfie is living with foster parents at the moment but he has not barked at all. At his previous home he would bark at the doorbell or even a knock at the door. He would grumble until the visitors were accepted into the house by the humans, then he would head straight in to give his paw and get his ears rubbed. The perfect guard dog. Alfie loves human company but is timid and tends to freeze if approached by other dogs but he will happily just ignore them in the street. Denise said the loveable boy walks well on the lead, does not pull and will happily stop and sit down if walkers need a rest or stop for a chat. She added: He is looking for someone who can brush him regularly to reduce shedding and keep his luxurious fur in tip top condition. Alfie, who is chipped and even has his own passport, does not like loud noises so would require a peaceful home with no young children. Denise and her team are hoping to bring some happiness back into Alfies life and get him barking, with his bushy tail wagging again. Anyone interested in taking on Alfie can complete a form at doggydensukrescue.co.uk/homecheck-form Alfie responds really well to biscuit treats according to the team at Doggy Dens UK rescue, but he prefers tinned food with jelly over other types. Adoption home checks will apply and it is suggested that a retired, or middle-aged couple may be best suited to Alfies breed and needs. Storm Agnes is intensifying quickly and will hit the UK and Ireland with damaging winds and big stormy seas, the Met Office has said. It issued a string of weather warnings ahead of the arrival of the first named storm of the season on Wednesday. It is expected to generate winds of up to 75mph and cause dangerous conditions along coastlines, especially Irish Sea coastlines. Meteorologist Tom Morgan told the PA news agency: Storm Agnes is now very much intensifying quickly about 1,000 miles or so away from the south-west of England, in the Atlantic Ocean, and its moving quickly north-eastwards towards the UK. A windy Wednesday for most with #StormAgnes moving in Find out how wet and #windy it will be where you live in today's edition of the #4cast pic.twitter.com/5JklZX13Xv Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023 He said the storms main impact will be strong winds and large waves. We are likely to potentially see some damaging winds, the possibility of some brief power interruptions, particularly in Irish sea coastal areas, Mr Morgan told PA. So Northern Ireland, north-west England, west Wales, and south-west Scotland, thats where well probably see gusts of up to 75mph tomorrow afternoon, tomorrow evening, thats when the peak of the winds will be and then Storm Agnes will move across Scotland clearing away from Shetland through Thursday morning. He added: In addition to the winds, theres going to be some large waves as well, so some big stormy seas, and therefore there might well be some coastal flooding where the waves break on to promenades and on to coastal roads. Story continues The storm will make landfall on the west coast of Ireland and winds will start to pick up for the UK around midday. (PA Graphics) He warned of potential disruption to ferry services across the Irish Sea, bridge closures, power cuts and small amounts of damage to buildings. He described Storm Agnes as more widespread than the last named storm to hit the UK Storm Betty but said it will not produce significant widespread and long lasting travel disruption. By Thursday, most parts of the UK are poised for a much calmer forecast and further spells of wet and breezy weather should peter out by the end of the week for a drier weekend. Warnings include a yellow wind weather warning from midday on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday, stretching across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as the south-west of England, the West Midlands and most of the north of England. Two yellow rain warnings will also be in place covering areas of Scotland between 3pm on Wednesday through to midnight one in central Scotland, from the north of Glasgow across towards Aberdeen, and another in the far south-west of Scotland. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said the storm is likely to cause dangerous conditions on the coasts around the UK and Ireland. Surfers make the most of the conditions at Sandy Bay in Porthcawl, Wales (Joe Giddens/PA) RNLI water safety partner Sam Hughes said: The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Dont go in the water yourself you may end up in difficulty too. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) said the storm could cause flooding. Sepa flood duty manager David Morgan said: Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads. Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood alerts and warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. Leading electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company Weev has partnered with Rushmere Shopping Centre to charge up the retail landscape in Co Armagh by providing four new public charging stations. Pictured are Thomas O'Hagan, CCO, Weev and Martin Walsh, centre manager, Rushmere Shopping Centre Belfast electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure company Weev has partnered with Rushmere Shopping Centre to charge up the retail landscape by providing four new public charging stations. The new facilities added form part of Weevs multi-million-pound investment programme that will see thousands of charging stations rolled out across Northern Ireland and beyond over the coming years. In a move that will attract increased footfall to Rushmere, Weev has installed four charging points at the shopping centre, two 24kW DCs and two 22kW ACs, enabling customers to get 100 miles within 1-2 hours. The perfect time to recharge their cars whilst they enjoy some retail therapy. Thomas OHagan, chief commercial officer at Weev, said: It is great to welcome Rushmere Shopping Centre to our ever-expanding network of location partners as we continuously aim to make EV charging more accessible to drivers across Northern Ireland and beyond. By partnering with Rushmere we are offering a vital service to customers who drive EVs and helping the shopping centre future proof its facility for many more years to come. We look forward to working with more shopping centres, hotels and other convenient location partners as businesses across the region are increasingly searching for ways to adopt sustainable practices in everyday operations. The new hubs represent a welcome return of EV charging facilities to Rushmere Shopping Centre. Martin Walsh, centre manager at Rushmere Shopping Centre, explained: We are thrilled to be partnering with Weev to reinstall charging points in our car park as we are seeing a rise in the number of customers arriving in EVs. At Rushmere we strive to provide choice and convenience to our customers and with the recent installation of chargers we are excited to be offering them the best-in-class EV infrastructure. Installing the EV charging hub has allowed us to further strengthen our green credentials by reducing operational impact on the environment and add to our list of already impressive facilities. Located in the heart of Northern Ireland, Rushmere Shopping Centre boasts over 65 big name stores in both the retail and hospitality sectors and is one of the largest shopping destinations in the region. Galician potato and sardines - Angelica Pardo/Getty Images Sitting in the far western corner of Spain north of Portugal, Galicia is somewhat of a land apart with vast coastlines that jut out into the Atlantic ocean. The culture is a mixture of Spanish and Celtic traditions, and the people are fiercely proud of their identity and all that makes them and their region unique. Of course, that includes the food, and as you can imagine, fishing and seafood play a major role in Galician cuisine. But, just as one can't survive on fish alone, so too have the Galicians concocted a notable selection of dishes featuring ingredients derived from the land. One such dish that pairs particularly well with the numerous seafood dishes of the region is an understated potato dish called cachelos. Wander into traditional restaurants in Galician towns like Santiago de Compostela or Pontevedra and you'll be greeted with humble plates of food that allow the honest flavors to take center stage. In pulpo a la Gallega, for example, boiled octopus and potatoes are sliced and served with nothing more than paprika, olive oil, and salt. And flaky, white hake merluza in Spanish comes with a sauce of garlic and peppers over cachelos, the potatoes that hew closely to the Galician tradition of unfussy, yet elegant, cooking. Read more: 17 Types Of Potatoes And When To Use Them History Of Cachelos potatoes in dirt - Lightfieldstudios/Getty Images You may be asking what is so special about cachelos. For starters, Galicia itself is important to the story of potatoes in general in Europe. As Spanish conquistadors marauded their way across South America, they looted a great many treasures, not all of them golden or silver. They also took back to their kingdom heretofore unknown foodstuffs, including the potato, which is native to Peru and other parts of northern South America. Originally thought of as fodder for livestock and ill humans, the first potatoes grown in Europe are believed to have been planted at a monastery in Galicia. Historically speaking, the word cachelos is derived from the word cachos, or "pieces." This is a reference to the rough pieces of potato not destined for planting that Galicians would eat -- simply boiled -- in the lean years after the Spanish Civil War. As such, it isn't imperative that the potatoes for cachelos be delicately cut to exacting portions. In fact, in some parts of Galicia the potatoes aren't cut at all, but rather crushed before being boiled. Story continues Today, the Galician potato used to make cachelos, a type of Kennebec, is a certified, protected agricultural product. Medium-sized and oval, the Galician potato is a waxy variety with a thin, light-yellow jacket and flesh that is creamy, yet firm after cooking. How To Cook And Serve Cachelos Galician octopus and potatoes - Tomas Llamas Quintas/Getty Images To say that almost anyone could make cachelos isn't an insult; it is a testament to Galician cuisine's focus on the ingredients themselves. Cachelos are boiled potatoes. They aren't finished in the oven for a crispy exterior or fried in duck fat for added richness. Rustic chunks of potato get perfectly tender in a simmering pot along with a few bay leaves to add an herbal note to the whole affair. How you go about making cachelos depends on who in Galicia you ask, as different regions have different approaches. Either way, crushed or cut in half, for proper cachelos, the skin is left on for added texture and flavor. The potatoes, along with salt and a bay leaf, go into a pot of room temperature water that is brought to a boil and allowed to simmer until the cachelos are done. After being drained, they are set back on the stovetop so that the residual heat will render them fully dry. As mentioned above, cachelos are frequently served with hake, but you'll find them alongside many seafood dishes. Most commonly, the boiled potatoes serve as an accompaniment to octopus. The thin slices of boiled octopus with olive oil, crunchy salt, and smoky paprika is balanced by the mellow, starchy potato. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Iceland's Richard Walker (Image: YouTube/ITV) The Executive Chair of the supermarket Iceland has apologised after spreading misinformation about HIV transmission. Richard Walker recently wrote an op-ed for the Mail Online regarding shoplifting in stores. In that, he claimed three staff members had contracted HIV after needle attacks. His comments were quickly and sharply condemned by the community. The HIV charities The Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and National AIDS Trust both called for an apology. Posting on X on Monday (25 September) Walker said it was a draft article that I believed had been superseded by a video interview. He went on to say that the claim regarding HIV transmission was made in error. My comment piece on shoplifting published by the Mail Online on 15 September was a draft article that I believed had been superseded by a video interview. As I correctly stated in both the draft article and the video interview, threats of violence against our store colleagues Richard Walker (@icelandrichard) September 25, 2023 Walker added hed learned a lot over recent days after speaking to professionals doing amazing work in this area. I am therefore naturally very sorry that the draft article contained this information, the Iceland executive continued. We immediately asked the Mail Online to amend its article, which has now been done, and quickly secured the removal of the claim from other media outlets. I obviously never had any intention of stigmatising people with HIV or causing distress, and I apologise to anyone who feels that they were adversely affected by this. Richard Angell, from THT, then posted Thank you for acknowledging the error and coming on a journey. Thank you for acknowledging the error and coming on a journey @icelandrichard. As we discussed, @IcelandFoods is disproportionately located in areas of high HIV prevalence lets continue the journey and work to end new cases of HIV by 2030.#fightHIVstigma https://t.co/mTbie6Vtwx Richard Angell (@RichardAngell) September 25, 2023 Similarly, the National AIDS Trust thanked Walker for putting the record straight. The charity also offered to work with Iceland to help challenge HIV stigma. Story continues The op-ed was first published on 15 September. It then took six days for the false claim to be removed by the Mail Online. The article now bears the following note: Since this article was published, Iceland have clarified that they provided information to Mail Online in error regarding staff being infected with HIV and the article has been revised accordingly. The post Iceland executive apologises for false HIV claim appeared first on Attitude. NASA has started reading itself to deorbit the International Space Station. The space agency was recently asking for proposals to create a "space tug" that can remove the ISS from orbit in the early 2030s. NASA previously announced it plans to de-orbit the aging space station in favor of privately-owned commercial space stations. NASA's Plans To Deorbit The ISS NASA, in a Sept. 20 blog post, revealed it plans to use a US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) to steer the ISS into Earth's atmosphere safely and away from populated areas. If all goes according to plan, the space agency will send commercially owned and -operated space stations to ensure "continued access and presence in space for research, technology development, and international collaboration." Developing the USDV is needed to deorbit the ISS as it would provide "more robust capabilities for responsible deorbit." A Space.com report mentioned that the Russian Progress cargo vehicle, usually used to boost the ISS' orbit periodically, wouldn't be sufficient to deorbit the space station. NASA is accepting USDV proposals on or before Nov. 17 at 1:30 PM CT, and more details about the USDV's requirements are available on the official System for Award Management website. Although NASA emphasized that the USDV will be responsible for deorbiting the ISS' US segments, it didn't share details on how the other main international partners would remove theirs from orbit. These international partners are Russia's Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Read More: UK Regulator Gives Provisional Approval to Revised Microsoft Deal You may recall that NASA previously announced that Roscosmos would withdraw from participating in scientific pursuits within the ISS no earlier than 2028 following the conflict between it and Ukraine in Feb. 2022. However, the space agency didn't say anything about Russia's reasons for staying until then. Additionally, the CSA is the only international partner that doesn't have a segment on the iSS, it does have robotics aboard it - the Canadarm2, the Dextre handyman robot. It is also responsible for the station's supporting infrastructure. ISS' Age The ISS is the love child between NASA, Roscosmos, the ESA, CSA, and JAXA. Due to this collaboration, the ISS is not owned by one single nation, per the ESA. A total of 19 countries have visited the ISS, which resulted in a total of 244 individuals visiting it as of April 2021, according to Space.com. However, NASA and Roscosmos were the first to collaborate to establish the foundation of what would become the ISS. According to the ISS National Laboratory, Russia linked two Soyuz vehicles in space to create the first rudimentary station in 1969, while the US linked their separate space station plans and merged the resulting spacecraft to Russia's in 1993 to form a single facility in 1998, per the Encyclopedia Britannica. However, the age of the ISS' hardware is catching up with the space station, which could eventually see it become dangerous or even uncontrollable in orbit, per the BBC. Such an event already happened once with the Soviet Union's Salyut 7 space station in 1985. "We really don't want to go through that again," said Cathy Lewis, a space historian from the US National Air and Space Museum. Related Article: NASA International Space Station: Retirement Plan Involves Crashing It Into Pacific Ocean's 'Spacecraft Cemetery' Jill Dando in the 1990s, and Barry George leaving the Old Bailey in London after he was cleared of murdering Jill Dando. PA Images via Getty Images/Anthony Devlin In 2001, Barry George was convicted for the 1999 murder of British TV presenter Jill Dando. He was acquitted of the crime in 2008. New Netflix true-crime docuseries "Who Killed Jill Dando?" explores what happened to him. Netflix's latest true-crime docuseries "Who Killed Jill Dando?" looks back at the murder of British TV presenter Jill Dando, who was shot outside of her London home in April 1999. Although police pursued several lines of inquiry in their investigation, the motive behind her death remains a mystery. While the "Crimewatch" presenter was killed in April 1999, it wasn't until May 2000 that the police arrested and charged someone with her murder: Barry George. Barry George was convicted of Jill Dando's murder in July 2001. He spent eight years in prison. Barry George leaves the Old Bailey in London after he was cleared of murdering Jill Dando. Anthony Devlin/PA Images via Getty Images As explained in the Netflix documentary, Barry George, who was 40 at the time of his arrest in May, lived a short distance away from Dando's home on Gowan Avenue in Fulham, London, and was placed at the scene by witnesses who said they saw him on the street just hours before her death. George was convicted of murder in July 2001 after the prosecution presented a single particle of gunshot residue found in his coat pocket, which they argued was from the weapon that killed Dando. George appealed the verdict on the grounds that the forensic evidence wasn't substantial enough to identify him as the killer, but his appeal was dismissed. George was eventually granted a retrial in 2008 after an episode of the BBC's current affairs program "Panorama" looking into the case raised questions about the evidence presented in the original trial. George's conviction was overturned in August 2008, and he was acquitted of Dando's murder. In a statement after he was cleared of the charges, George said: "I am overwhelmed. I want to thank my family, legal team, and all the people who have supported me in prison and around the country." Story continues In 2009 and 2010, Barry George won damages from several newspapers over articles that suggested he was obsessed with a number of women. Barry George in the "Who Killed Jill Dando?" Netflix docuseries. Netflix In 2009, George won damages from News Group Newspapers, which featured articles in its newspapers that suggested he was responsible for Dando's death, among other accusations, the Guardian reported at the time. George contested reports in The Sun and News of the World that he had stalked British TV presenter Kay Burley, and that he was fixated on Pam Wright, the wife of convicted serial killer Steve Wright. George also said that the News of the World had made up a quote that read: "I didn't kill Jill Dando I was stalking someone else at the time." NGN settled with George, agreeing to pay him damages, and offered him an apology. At the time, George said: "I am pleased that the matter between me and News Group Newspapers has been amicably settled following successful mediation and without the need for litigation." George won further damages in 2010 from Mirror Group Newspapers, publisher of the Sunday Mirror newspaper and the Daily Mirror website, over articles that suggested he was obsessed with Kay Burley and pop star Cheryl Cole, the BBC reported at the time. MGN paid George damages and also covered his legal fees. Barry George now lives in Ireland with his sister. Barry George is seen in Ireland in Netflix's "Who Killed Jill Dando?" Netflix George appears throughout Netflix's "Who Killed Jill Dando?" to discuss the toll his conviction and subsequent acquittal have had on his life. "It makes me angry that they have taken eight years of my life," he said in the documentary. The series also features George's sister, Michelle Diskin Bates, who was a key figure in campaigning to get justice for her brother. It's explained that after he was released from prison, George, now 63, moved to Ireland to live with Michelle. He said: "I live in Ireland now. It's quiet here. You're treated like a scab in London, but you're not here." Read the original article on Insider Letters to editor (Photo: JP) Dr James Hardy's letter (Pursuing sexual abuse from the 1970s, but dropping all charges relating to terrorism, September 19) discussed the British government's legacy legislation and non-accountability, in law, for what occurred during the Troubles. He makes a good point by contrasting it with failure by the Church of Ireland to account for transferring, without explanation, Canon WG Neely from Mount Merrion in Belfast to Kilcooley in Tipperary in 1976. That was due to credible allegations of child abuse. In Tipperary Neely continued to interact with children, for instance presiding at Sunday School. In 1984 he was transferred to Keady, Co Armagh. He became a Canon of St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin in 1997. Neely recast himself as an academic expert by founding the Church of Ireland Historical Society (COIHS). Like Troubles victims and the British government, victims of WG Neely appear to be, at best, a Church of Ireland irritant. They were forgotten and ignored in 1976. Legal action by victims is used now as an excuse to say nothing. An absence of transparency is corrosive, a culture that has spread to the COIHS. After a BBC news report late last year, the COIHS deleted references to the founder on its website. It did more, by re renaming 'WG Neely Prize' winners as recipients of a 'COIHS Prize', that did not exist at the time. No condemnation of child abuse, criticism of the Church of Ireland, or sympathy for Neely's victims appeared. The old Troubles adage, 'Whatever you say, say nothing', appears to be a guiding principle. Letters to the COIHS on the point are ignored. I asked the Church of Ireland to what extent transferring clergy from one to another parish, against whom allegations of abuse were made, constituted policy. I received no reply. News Letter columnist Ian Ellis, formerly Editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette, has been treated surprisingly similarly. Canon Ellis asked to meet the Representative Church Body to discuss bishops' expenses in annual accounts. After initially agreeing to meet, the RCB then created a disingenuous pretext for refusing to do so. An absence of transparency and accountability is not good for institutions, irrespective of how much good an institution thinks it derives from such practices. Dr Niall Meehan, Journalism and Media Faculty, Griffith College, Dublin HMS Trent in Lagos. Picture: Royal Navy The Portsmouth-based warship HMS Trent is currently on deployment and has visited four nations this month. Her Interlock 2023 mission has taken her to The Gambia, the Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone and most recently Nigeria. Sailors have been learning about the capabilities of other naval forces and coastguards and the challenges they face. Maritime security expertise have been shared by both groups to understand regional security and stability in order to protect the vital trade routes used by UK vessels. Roughly 6bn of UK trade passes through shipping lanes in the West Africa region every year. HMS Trent will be monitoring the area for the rest of 2023, using Gibraltar as her base. Sailors in Cape Verde. Picture: Royal Navy. NOW READ: Royal Navy patrol vessel to be forward deployed to Africa Her sailors and Royal Marines have conducted conducted joint board-and-search training with local security forces both ashore and on the water as well as sharing damage control, medical and engineering skills their hosts. Military personnel also fixed and installed equipment where necessary. HMS Trents Medical Officer, Surgeon Lieutenant Zara Dyar, said: The medical team thoroughly enjoyed working with the Gambian Navy to share understanding of first aid and practical aspects of medical care onboard warships. Royal Marines carried out high vertical assault and close-quarters drills, using sea boats to assault the patrol ships wings. These tactics, shared with local forces, regularly paid dividends in the Caribbean and Arabian Sea. Lieutenant Max Tanner Royal Marines, in charge of HMS Trents commando detachment, said: This was a really useful exercise which allowed my boarding specialist team to operate and exchange working practices and operating procedures with the Cape Verde force. Trent sailors and marines train with Nigerian sailors in board and search tactics. Picture: Royal Navy "The Cape Verde team were engaging and we built strong relationships with them which we hope to capitalise on moving forward. In Mindelo, Cape Verde, sailors paid their respects at the civic cemetery, the last resting place for nine Commonwealth Servicemen and merchant sailors from both world wars. Story continues Frequent capability demonstrations for dignitaries and military leaders were also carried out, with the command team also discussing regional security issues with their host nation counterparts. The Portsmouth ship is the first to visit Sierra Leone since 2015. Previously, RFA Argus spent six months in the country, where crew helped curb the spread of Ebola throughout the nation. Aside from military and diplomatic activities, the ships company also visited the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. SEE ALSO: HMS Trent combats piracy and armed robbery Petty Officer Hayley Shakeshaft, responsible for HMS Trents communications systems, said: What a great day out. It was amazing to see what the volunteers do to help the Chimpanzees, and the scenery was amazing. A military band greeted the ships company when they visited Lagos, Nigeria. During the five-day visit, Nigerias leading female tech advocates were invited on board. Commanding Officer Commander Langford shared his experiences of leadership and said that dealing with people reaps dividends during a lunch and tour of the 2,000-tonne patrol ship. HMS Trents interlock deployment will continue with the crew visiting nations in the Gulf of Guinea. Eagle-eyed fans caught Samsung Argentina's release of the upcoming Fan Edition products such as Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy Tab S9 FE. Read Also: Samsung Will Soon Bring One UI Updates to Older Devices Samsung Galaxy Fan Edition Samsung is known for releasing Fan Edition (FE) lineups of their popular devices. FE products are the result of feedback and all-time favorite features of Samsung customers. This time it seemed that Samsung is preparing to launch the Fan Editions for the Galaxy Buds, Galaxy S23, and Galaxy Tab S9. As reported by SamMobile, the products went live on the Samsung Argentina's website last September 22. The release was also revealed on the website and fans are now expecting it to launch on October 4. However, Samsung has yet to confirm it. Samsung Fan Edition Specs, Prices The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE will be a 10.4-inch tablet while the FE+ will feature a 12.4-inch screen. In addition, both tablet will come with Exynos 1380 processor with four high-performance Cortex-A78 CPU cores. However, only the FE+ will be compatible to S Pen. Meanwhile the Galaxy S23 FE is allegedly costing $599 featuring a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with some differences on the brightness and dimness from the current Galaxy S23 screen. As for the cameras, it will reportedly have the same 50MP camera like the S23 and S23 Plus. Lastly, the Galaxy FE buds which will retail at $99 boasts a 30-hour battery life with the charging case. In addition, it also has an active noise cancelling along with a new subwoofer. Related Article: Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 is Dust, Water Resistant Without Compromising Performance A case of the flu changed the destiny of Rebecca Wood, who would become U.S. Army Lt. Col. Rebecca D'Angelo, '02. While attending high school in Stone Mountain, Georgia, D'Angelo had planned to attend the University of Georgia on a swimming scholarship. She contracted the flu and missed the state meet. Not one to succumb to a setback, the high school senior looked into UNG as an affordable means of higher education. She listened to her heart and enrolled, often working various jobs and participating in extracurricular activities. It wasn't until her junior year that she enrolled in the Corps of Cadets and changed her major from chemistry to political science. In 2002 she graduated and commissioned as a quartermaster officer and was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as assistant S3 of the 530th Supply & Services Battalion, the first of many leadership roles in the military. In 2005, she deployed to Iraq for OIF III as the executive officer for HHC 2d Corps Material Management Center. In 2019, after completing a six-month strategic fellowship with the newly formed Army Futures Command, D'Angelo was selected to serve as the executive officer to Maj. Gen. Maria Gervais, director of the Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Team in Orlando, Florida. Two years later, she assumed command of the 841st Transportation Battalion, in North Charleston, South Carolina. "I think my two favorite leadership roles were my first one as a platoon leader when I was a second lieutenant, freshly graduated from North Georgia, and then my most recent one as a battalion commander of the 841st Transportation Battalion in Charleston, South Carolina," D'Angelo said. "In both roles, I feel like I had a lot of hands-on opportunity to influence my subordinates and to also make decisions that impacted the team in a positive manner." D'Angelo said leadership is doing what feels right to care for her team. "Whether I've been in a command role or a staff role in the military, when you put ego aside and work together toward a common goal, it's amazing what you can accomplish. And as a leader, I feel like my job is to define that goal for the team and ensure that they have the tools and the resources to accomplish their mission," D'Angelo said. There have been challenges along the way, and DAngelo said she looks at challenges as tests. "One of the greatest challenges in leadership is that you can try to be as prepared as possible, and things can still just come out of left field at you. And it's how you react to that that really can define how your leadership is tested," she said. Intuition is something D'Angelo believes is underrated about leadership. "I'm a huge believer in listening to what your heart, your gut, whatever you want to call that inner feeling, is telling you to pay attention to and take a certain course of action," she explained. "I think sometimes in leadership we focus on trying to process a lot of external data instead of sitting quietly with ourselves and just listening to our gut. So, I try to be very cognizant of what my intuition is telling me." HA NOI The EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) includes a chapter dedicated to sustainable development that covers not only environmental but also labour-related issues, said an official of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Ngo Chung Khanh who is Deputy Director General of the ministry's Multilateral Trade Policy Department said the issues of climate change, biodiversity, and the sustainable management of forest and living marine resources in bilateral trade had been brought to the fore since the formation of the agreement. Vietnamese producers, under EVFTA, must now actively engage in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing-related activities, and implement measures to exclude IUU-related products from the trade flows. They are also required to promote trade in products derived from sustainably managed forests and combat illegal logging and trade-related activities that contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. "EU regulations, such as the EU Deforestation Regulation, are intentionally aimed at European importers, who would take measures to ensure exporters along their supply chain be environmentally sustainable," said Khanh. Nguyen Hong Loan, an expert of the CBAM's Technical Support Project on Impact Assessment, said over the past years the EU had raised the bar significantly on imports to lessen consumption's impact on the environment. For instance, the EU brought the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) into force on 17 May 2023, which would impose tariffs on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that are entering the market. CBAM itself would come into application in its transitional phase on October 1, 2023, with the first reporting period for importers ending January 31, 2024. Once the system becomes permanent on January 1, 2026, importers will be required to declare each year the quantity of goods imported to the market and submit their corresponding number of CBAM certificates. "The scope of products requiring CBAM certificates will enlarge between 2026 and 2034. We still have some time to prepare for the mechanism," said Loan. Vuong uc Anh, Chief of Office of the Board of Directors of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group, said the group had always kept itself up to speed about green regulations because textiles production is the industry with the third largest environmental impact in the EU. He said the EU was working on Digital Product Passports for textiles in 2024, which aim to prevent greenwashing in the industry and ensure consumers are well-informed about the environmental footprint of their purchases. In fact, about three-fourths of green claims in the market have been found to be misleading. He also said textiles would not be subject to CBAM tariffs for now because the mechanism would initially apply only to cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, and electricity and hydrogen. Textile producers still have some time to prepare for the phase-in in the medium term. "We buy organic cotton to make at least 20 per cent of our fibres recyclable and environmentally friendly," said Anh. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, director of the WTO and Integration Centre, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said a VCCI survey in August showed that Vietnamese producers had become more environmentally conscious. Nearly 70 per cent of the respondents said they were fully aware of the EU Farm-to-Fork Strategy, which aims to make food systems healthier and environmentally friendly, and 80 per cent were somewhat aware of the EU Deforestation Regulation. "The market for green products is promising because it is new and less competitive than that for non-green ones," said Trang. VNS NEW DELHI A Vietnamese pavilion with local major coffee brands opened at the 5th World Coffee Conference & Expo (WCC) in Bengaluru city, India, on Monday. On display at the pavilion, which covers 144sq.m and is arranged by the Vietnam CoffeeCocoa Association (VICOFA), are popular Vietnamese coffee products from major enterprises such as Trung Nguyen Group, L'amant Cafe, Olympics Coffee Joint Stock Company, and Van Tho Import-Export Ltd Co. Apart from attending the expo, Vietnamese exhibitors join all conferences and B2B meetings, and field trips to coffee factories in India. India is identified as an important market for Vietnamese coffee exports, especially processed coffee products such as roasted, ground, and instant coffee. The VICOFA and Vietnamese businesses are planning to promote trade promotion activities, connecting and penetrating distribution chains in India with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in India. The WCC has been held every five years since 2001, and the 5th WCC was delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bengaluru is the first city in Asia to host the conference. Taking place from September 25-28 with the theme Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture", the 5th WCC has seen about 2,000 delegates from more than 80 countries and territories. The WCC is an important forum for discussion and collaboration to build a sustainable coffee industry, from coffee beans to ready-to-drink coffee. Representatives and owners of coffee start-ups, coffee roasters, speciality coffee growers, and small farmers with the best products also showcase their products at the event. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has reported that by the end of 2021, the State budget had an unutilised surplus of nearly VN263 trillion (US$10.76 billion) allocated for salary reform. Specifically, in a report submitted to the National Assembly's Standing Committee on thrift and anti-wastefulness practice, finance minister Ho uc Phoc said that by the end of 2021, the unused salary reform funds from the central budget amounted to over VN54.5 trillion. Of which, the amount in ministries and sectors was nearly VN82 billion. Localities also had a surplus budget for salary reform, totalling over VN208.4 trillion. MoF has also urged units to report the balance remaining at the end of 2022. Currently, management and use of salary reform resources are regulated in Resolution 27 of the Party Central Committee and Resolution 23 of the National Assembly on the national financial plan and five-year public debt repayment and borrowing plan for the 2021-25 period. In Resolution 27, the Party Central Committee requested the Government to study and allocate resources for a comprehensive salary policy reform, including salary scales, salary table, allowance coefficients. This is aimed at ensuring that salaries truly serve as a lever to increase labour productivity and efficiency. The minister of finance affirmed that the ministry will review, compile, and provide a comprehensive report to the National Assembly on the unused salary policy reform funds for each ministry, sector, and locality as of December 31, 2022. "The ministry will also propose a mechanism for managing and utilising the unused salary policy reform funds to ensure they are used for their intended purposes effectively and to prevent loss and waste," the report said. Upon reviewing this content, the National Assembly's inspection agency noted that the salary reform roadmap still does not meet the requirements set out in Resolution 27. The salaries of kindergarten and elementary school teachers remain low compared to the general income level. The Ministry of Education and Training has proposed an expected 10 per cent increase in incentives for kindergarten teachers and a 5 per cent increase for elementary school teachers. Therefore, the inspection agency has recommended that the Government soon issue this policy. According to minister Phoc, MoF is developing the State budget framework for 2024 and a 3-year budget plan for the 2024-26 period, which includes proposing a roadmap for implementing salary reform in accordance with Resolution 27. This will serve as the basis for utilising funds for salary reform, specifically identifying the amount allocated but not yet used, he said. Previously, in the 5th session in June, the National Assembly instructed the Government to focus resources on implementing salary reform and report the roadmap for salary policy reform at the 6th session, scheduled for October. At the regular Government meeting on September 9, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to promptly finalise a proposal for the Politburo, the Party Central Committee, and the National Assembly regarding the roadmap for salary reform. The Ministry of Home Affairs will soon organise a preliminary review of five years of implementing Resolution 27 of the central Government on reforming salary policies for officials, civil servants, public employees, armed forces and employees in enterprises. Currently, the regional minimum wage rate applicable for employees working for enterprises in Region I is VN4.68 million ($191) per month, in Region II is VN4.16 million ($170) per month, in Region III is VN3.64 million ($148) per month and in Region IV is VN3.25 million ($133) per month. This rate has increased by 6 per cent compared to before July 1, 2022. A survey conducted by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour in the first half of this year shows that the average income of workers only meets nearly 70 per cent of their expenses. The expenditure has risen 19 per cent compared to 2022, mostly due to rising costs, specifically in electricity and water. VNS SOFIA Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong inh Hue received representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA), Geotechmin OOD, and Biovet JSC in Sofia on September 25 (local time), as part of his official visit to the European country. The associations and enterprises of Bulgaria introduced the fields they are operating in, including business connection, mining, manufacturing of food and veterinary products, and other industrial sectors. They also expressed their intention to connect and readiness to form investment and business links with Vietnamese partners. Chairman Hue spoke highly of the Bulgarian NAs recent ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and considered this a stride which, together with the ratification by the legislatures of other EU countries, will help the deal come into effect soon and generate benefits for all EU members and Viet Nam. He called on the BIA and BCCI to cooperate with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). He also assigned the Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria to coordinate with relevant organisations of the European country to hold such events as seminars, business trips, forums, fairs, and exhibitions so as to help the countries enterprises seek partners and explore investment and business opportunities. Aside from fueling trade activities, the EVIPA, once taking effect, would facilitate bilateral investment, he noted. When setting up partnerships with local partners and investing in Viet Nam, Bulgarian enterprises would have conditions to enter the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market, which has a combined population of about 650 million and is the worlds fifth largest economy. Meanwhile, Vietnamese investors and businesses working with Bulgarian firms would also hold chances for cooperation with other EU members, especially the Balkan countries, Hue went on. The visiting leader said that during his meetings with the Bulgarian President and Prime Minister, the host leaders had affirmed their support for the two countries businesses to form joint ventures to invest in each others markets or a third country. Talking to the representative of Geotechmin OOD a major mining company, he said there remained enormous cooperation potential in this field. He suggested it invest in or transfer mining equipment to Viet Nam. The NA Chairman told Biovet JSC, which specialises in manufacturing veterinary products, that the export value of Viet Nams agricultural sector topped US$53 billion in 2022. The Southeast Asian nation was also a big market for veterinary products as its animal husbandry sector was growing fast. Apart from working with the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to discuss concrete cooperation areas, the company could partner with some Vietnamese companies to distribute its products or even build a factory producing veterinary drugs in the country. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has been granted the right to host the upcoming Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) summit, scheduled for 2025. A Vietnamese delegation, led by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment ang Quoc Khanh, is currently attending the third P4G summit in Bogota, Colombia. Minister Khanh stated that Viet Nam is committed to putting forth its utmost efforts as the event host and will promote the summit's agenda in alignment with the priorities of P4G member countries and international concerns. These priorities include food security, poverty reduction, sustainable use and management of transboundary water resources, the development and operation of an early warning system, monitoring climate change impacts, promoting net-zero finance and a just energy transition, as well as encouraging low-carbon smart agriculture and a circular economy for plastics. During the summit in Colombia, the Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and Environment held bilateral meetings with the Danish Deputy Minister for Development Cooperation, the South Korean Deputy Minister for Climate Change, the President and CEO of the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the Director of P4G. The Vietnamese delegation also participated in group discussions on energy transition and sustainable cities and collaborated with the P4G secretariat and coordinators. Viet Nam's partners have expressed high regard for the country's proposal to host the 2025 P4G summit and are committed to providing support and coordination to enhance efficiency and promote P4G's role in helping nations implement climate goals and actions. The third P4G summit featured 500 delegates from 12 P4G countries and partners, under the theme "Transformative Partnerships for Sustainability: Actions Towards Green Growth and Life." It focused on three main themes: biodiversity, energy transition, and sustainable cities. The event emphasised the role of green growth in economic recovery and achieving sustainable development goals, urging favourable conditions that enable the private sector to contribute technology solutions, innovation, and financial resources for green transitions, while also creating new employment opportunities in green industries. Denmark has committed to contributing US$30 million for the second phase of P4G, in addition to the $10 million from the Netherlands and $1 million from South Korea. P4G was established in 2017 as an initiative by the Danish government, formerly known as the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF). As of now, P4G comprises 12 member countries: Denmark, Chile, Mexico, Viet Nam, South Korea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Africa, in addition to the engagement of over 90 other countries, international organisations and businesses. VNS Amazon has no plans to fall behind in the AI race among tech giants. Just as it develops AI features within its services and tools, the company announced that it intends to invest in Anthropic, a company that rivals one of the biggest AI companies, OpenAI. Amazon and Anthropic In the company's press release, Amazon says that it will be investing $4 billion in the artificial intelligence company. In return, the retail giant will get a minority stale in Anthropic, which is known to be founded by former OpenAI employees. Another interesting fact is that Google has already invested $450 million in the AI company through a fundraiser, which has earned the search engine leader a 10% company share. Amazon is expected to get a bigger stake with an initial investment of $1.25 billion. The partnership will grant the retail giant early access to the technology that is being developed under Anthropic. As reported by Interesting Engineering, Amazon employees and cloud customers will be the first to gain access to the benefits. The mentioned AI company will be using Amazon Web Services as its primary cloud provider for "mission-critical workloads," and Amazon will also give Anthropic's team access to its computing infrastructure through its proprietary chips. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said: "We have tremendous respect for Anthropic's team and foundation models, and believe we can help improve many customer experiences, short and long-term, through our deeper collaboration." On top of all that, the partnership will also bring Anthropic's AI assistant models namely Claude and Claude 2 into Amazon's API service, Bedrock. This will allow "customers of all sizes to develop new generative AI-powered applications to transform their organizations." Read Also: Amazon Takes Back Extra Charge for Sellers Who Ship Their Own Items Amazon is Embracing Its AI Tools The retail giant is not shying away from the capabilities that AI can bring. For example, Amazon plans on using AI to help sellers create product listings without having to do all the work as the artificial intelligence will do most of it. All the vendors have to do is provide the necessary information and the AI tool will generate the listing for them, simplifying the entire process. Amazon claims that the tool can create "captivating product descriptions, titles, and listing details," as mentioned in Tech Crunch. The company's VP of Amazon Selection and Catalog Systems, Robert Tekiela says that with the new generative AI models, users can infer, improve, and enrich product knowledge at an "unprecedented scale and with dramatic improvement in quality, performance, and efficiency," Tekiela added that the models generate product information through diverse sources of information, latent knowledge, and logical reasoning that the machine learned. For instance, adding a diameter specification will prompt the AI to identify the object as round. Amazon has also added AI capabilities to product reviews. Instead of having to scroll through several customer feedbacks, there will be a summarized version of them all, which includes information like what the customers liked about the product, as well as the ones they did not. Related: Amazon Launches AI Tool That Generates Product Listings for Sellers HCM CITY A special film screening programme to honour director ang Nhat Minh, one of Viet Nam's greatest filmmakers, will take place in HCM City from October 5 to 29. The event is entitled Thang Phim ang Nhat Minh: Bay Gio a en Thang Muoi (Month of ang Nhat Minhs Films: October Is Here) and will offer a screening of Minhs documentary Thang Nam: Nhung Guong Mat (The Faces of May) from 1977, which earned the director the Silver Lotus at the Viet Nam Film Festival in the same year. It was the first movie award in his career. The programme will also feature eight movies Thi Xa Trong Tam Tay (The Town Within Reach) in 1983, Bao Gio Cho en Thang Muoi (When October Comes) in 1984, Co Gai Tren Song (The Girl on the River) in 1987, Tro Ve (The Return) in 1994, Thuong Nho ong Que (Nostalgia for Countryside) in 1995, Ha Noi Mua ong Nam 46 (Ha Noi Winter 1946) in 1997, Mua Oi (The Guava House) in 2000, and Hoa Nhai (Jasmine) in 2022. Among the works, Bao Gio Cho en Thang Muoi is listed as one of the 18 best Asian films of all time by CNN. The film is a haunting portrayal of one womans struggle with loss and personal sacrifice during the war. It won a Special Jury Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival in 1985, as well as a Golden Lotus award for best feature film and an award for best director at the Viet Nam Film Festival in the same year. Meanwhile, Hoa Nhai is possibly the final film by Minh to end his glorious career. The work depicts the lives of ordinary Hanoians during busy lives in an urban area, focusing on kindness and concern for others which always connects people and makes life meaningful. The film premiered at the Ha Noi International Film Festival in 2022. A meeting with director Minh will also be set up during the event. Born in Hue in 1938, Minh began making documentaries in 1965. His first documentaries include Theo chan nhung nguoi ia chat (On the Trails of Geologists) in 1965 and Ha Bac Que Huong (Ha Bac My Native Land) in 1967. His movie ung ot (Dont Burn) became the Vietnamese representative at the 82nd Academy Awards. He became the first Vietnamese citizen to be awarded the Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture in 1991, and the first Vietnamese director to be honoured by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his dedication to cinematography in 2010. Minh also received the Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Gwangju International Film Festival in South Korea in 2005, and the Licorne d'Or d'Honneur (Golden Unicorn Award) at the 36th Amiens International Film Festival in 2016. He was granted the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters for his contributions to enhancing cultural understanding between Viet Nam and France by the French Ministry of Culture in 2022. The Thang Phim ang Nhat Minh: Bay Gio a en Thang Muoi event is organised by Trigger Film Academy, Storii and DCINE Cinemas with support of the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports, the Viet Nam Film Institute, and the Fukuoka City Public Library. The screening will take place at DCINE Ben Thanh at 6 Mac inh Chi Street in District 1. Information for the schedule will be uploaded at https://www.facebook.com/trigger.filmacademy/. VNS LAM ONG a Lat, the resort city in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) province of Lam ong, is organising numerous cultural events by the end of this year to celebrate the 130th anniversary of its establishment (1893 2023). An exhibition on the citys history and development is opening at Lam Vien Squares exhibition hall until December 31. The showcase includes hundreds of documents, news articles, photos and objects related to the citys achievements in economics, society, and culture during the last 130 years. The highlights of the exhibition are memorabilia of acclaimed Swiss-French Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943), who first surveyed the Lam Vien plateau that includes a Lat in 1893. In addition, the exhibition has the participation of local businesses introducing their OCOP (One Commune One Product) products, and seedlings of local typical agricultural products. ang Quang Tu, chairman of the citys Peoples Committee, said the event aimed to encourage residents and visitors to learn more about the establishment and development of a Lat, as well as contribute to promoting its potential and advantages to attract investment in social-economic development. By the end of 2023, the city will host a cultural exchange between Viet Nam and South Korea to introduce the cultural traits of both countries. The event will feature performances of traditional music played by artisans from a Lat and Korea. A music gala to celebrate a Lat will be set up as well, presenting new songs about the city which won top prizes at a music composition symposium held by the citys Peoples Committee and the Lam ong Literature and Arts Association. a Lat will also host an international conference with the theme of Du Lich Xanh Phat Trien Ben Vung (Green Tourism and Sustainable Development), which is expected to attract leading tourism experts and agencies from Viet Nam and other countries. The city, which was presented with the ASEAN Clean Tourist Award 2022, targets to welcome 6.5 million visitors, including 250,000 international tourists, by 2023. VNS HA NOI Germany has been working with many vocational colleges in Viet Nam, support the development of curricula and training on specific skills related to renewable energy such as the installation of solar rooftops, Dr. Guido Hildner, German Ambassador to Viet Nam, told Viet Nam News in a recent interview. He said the energy transition is a complex and demanding process, but also provides great opportunities to the people and the economies. And Viet Nam is not an exception. He said there are a lot of projects involved in human resources, job skills, and vocational training, which are key components of the two countries cooperation. Noting that Viet Nam has set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050, the diplomat said that Germany has supported Viet Nam in employment transition by training Vietnamese workers in the fields of electricity, electronics and roof-top solar power installation. Each year, tens of thousands of Vietnamese students are trained in 11 vocational training facilities, 79 per cent of whom have been employed, he said. We have many interesting projects and cooperation between Germany and Viet Nam, for instance, the recruitment of skilled labourers for the German labour market. Germany is interested in recruiting Vietnamese skilled labourers, he said. Highlighting that energy has been a focus of Viet Nam-Germany development cooperation, he said: We have a huge set of projects with Viet Nam in solar energy. We share our experience with the Government, give advice on modernisation of the grid and energy efficiency. We all know that climate change is affecting everybody on Earth. Viet Nam is a country that is particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. So it is in the interest of Viet Nam, of the whole country, of all the people, of the economy to also adapt and minimise the effects of climate change. Phasing out fossil fuels is central to the future of a healthy and prosperous Viet Nam, he said. Sharing the energy transition from Germany, he said: Start as soon as possible with the energy transition. The earlier you do it, the better it is. Because it will give you an advantage if you start early, so don't wait. According to the draft National Power Development Plan, by 2045, the whole country will have over 75 per cent renewable energy. Current studies also show that, in the fields of wind and solar energy, about 25 per cent of jobs created are for high-skilled workers. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was adopted by Viet Nam and International Partners Group (IPG) on December 14, 2022 in Brussels. Viet Nam is the third country, after South Africa and Indonesia, to ratify the JETP with countries inside and outside the G7. International partners joining in the JETP with Viet Nam include the European Union, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Denmark and Norway. VNS HA NOI State President Vo Van Thuong affirmed Viet Nams unwavering commitment to supporting and cooperating with Cuba, with a mutual agreement to encourage Vietnamese businesses to invest in Cuba and create favourable conditions for bilateral trade. Thuong made these remarks on Monday upon receiving Esteban Lazo Hernandez, member of the Politburo and president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba during his visit to Viet Nam to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro's visit to the liberated zone in Southern Viet Nam (September 1973 September 2023). During the meeting, Thuong highlighted the significant importance of this visit, describing it as a special occasion to recall the cooperative traditions and the strong bond between the two countries. It was also an opportunity to remember the deep feelings of Fidel Castro, the Cuban state, and its people for their contributions to Viet Nam's liberation, construction, and development, he said. President of the NA of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernandez, expressed that through his four visits to Viet Nam, he had always been pleased to witness the significant and tremendous achievements of Viet Nam over time. He conveyed the warm greetings and friendly regards from General Raul Castro Ruz and the First Secretary and President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to President Thuong. President Esteban Lazo Hernandez confirmed that Cuba highly values and desires to deepen its special and comprehensive traditional relationship with Viet Nam. He expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for their solidarity, sincere support, and practical assistance to Cuba's efforts in safeguarding, building, and developing the nation. The President provided an overview of Cuba's recent situation and the challenges it currently faces. He also shared the policies and measures that the Party and State of Cuba have implemented to improve the people's living conditions and their plans to enhance the socio-economic situation in the near future. President Esteban Lazo Hernandez expressed his hope that Viet Nam would continue sharing experiences and lessons from its national reform process with the Cuban people, as well as Viet Nam's experience in organising and managing small businesses. He hoped that more Vietnamese businesses would increase their investments in Cuba. President Thuong affirmed that Viet Nam has always stood by Cuba and is ready to share its experiences and lessons learned from coping with challenges such as economic sanctions, natural disasters, and the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In various regional and international forums, Viet Nam consistently advocates for the lifting of the embargo on Cuba. Based on their strong fraternal relations, President Thuong proposed that the two countries continue to coordinate closely to further enhance their comprehensive cooperation relationship. This could be achieved through high-level agreements and existing cooperation mechanisms to maximise the positive outcomes of dialogue and collaboration between the two sides, promoting parliamentary diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges. President Thuong emphasised that despite recent challenges, Cuba has made great efforts to achieve positive results. He congratulated Cuba on the successful organisation of the G77+China Summit and the adoption of the Havana Declaration, demonstrating Cuba's active contributions to global initiatives and its continued effort to enhance its international position. Earlier on Monday, President of the NA of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernandez, and his delegation laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of the late President Ho Chi Minh. VNS BEIJING inh Tien Dung, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee, met with Huang Kunming, Politburo member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Secretary of the Guangdong Party Committee, on September 25 as part of the Vietnamese officials ongoing visit to China. At the meeting, Dung stressed that his visit aimed to further concretise and implement common perceptions reached by top leaders of the two Parties and countries during the visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong late October 2022, contributing to maintaining high-level exchanges and contacts, and fostering the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between localities of the two countries, including Guangdong Province and Ha Noi capital city. Viet Nam always attached importance to and backed comprehensive and substantive cooperation with Guangdong, he stressed. Dung suggested promoting the mechanism to periodically review cooperation between Viet Nam and Guangdong, increasing all-level delegation exchanges between Guangdong and Vietnamese localities under various formats, and stepping up the exchange of experience in Party building and socio-economic development. He called on Guangdong leaders to facilitate the friendship between Ha Noi and the province as well as its Guangzhou City. The official also suggested the two sides beef up substantive collaboration in different areas, and hoped that Guangdong would further open its door for Vietnamese agro-aquatic products, and fruits, enabling them to join the global supply chain of Guangdong businesses more deeply. Enhancing exchanges between residents of Guangdong and Vietnamese localities, including Ha Noi, would contribute to creating a sustainable foundation for the Viet Nam-China relations to grow further, he said. For his part, Huang stressed that Guangzhou needed to learn from Ha Nois experience in some aspects like construction and vehicle management. Earlier the same day, Dung and his entourage attended a closing ceremony of a training class for Ha Noi officials in Guangzhou. VNA/VNS BRASILIA Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a forum and delivered a policy speech at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 25 (US time) as part of his official visit to the Southern American country. Spotlighting the similarities that Viet Nam and Brazil share, which include the struggle for national independence, development model and peoples values, PM Chinh said that since the diplomatic relations were set up nearly 35 years ago, both nations had enjoyed robust ties, which had been intensified and developed into a deep, stable, effective and sustainable fashion. He laid stress on the five orientations to boost bilateral collaboration as well as elevate the bilateral ties into a new high in the time ahead. Firstly, both sides should enhance relations between leaders through high-level visits and meetings at regional and international forums, and promote the role of the diplomatic channels of the state, parliament and political party. Secondly, a focus should be channelled to the key cooperation areas which were agreed by PM Chinh and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Thirdly, the Vietnamese Government leader said, Viet Nam hoped Brazil would accelerate the early start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). Viet Nam and Brazil would be a bridge for each other to bolster cooperation with MECOSUR and ASEAN, and between ASEAN and MECOSUR as well as other regional organisations. Fourthly, both nations would step up collaboration across the fields of tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange, while enhancing exchange between friendship organisations so as to tighten friendship and boost mutual understanding. Fifthly, Viet Nam hoped Brazil would continue sharing its experience, and promoting development values at global forums, Chinh said. At the event, the Vietnamese Government leader also took time to spotlight the countrys struggle for independence and reunification, which brought great success thanks to its persistence to the independence and socialism path, solidarity within the Party and the whole people, and the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. Touching on national development orientations, PM Chinh said since oi moi (Renewal) was launched in 1986, Viet Nam had stepped up efforts to promote the process and been on the path towards socialism with the goal of a strong country, wealthy people, and a democratic, fair and civilised society. Viet Nam envisaged becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed and high-income nation by 2045. From an impoverished nation ravaged by wars, Viet Nam opened its door to integrate into the world, and gained great achievements, with GDP increasing from under US$100 to some $4,100, he said, adding Viet Nam was now among the 40 leading economies in the world, and entered the global top 20 countries in terms of international trade and FDI attraction. Last year, Viet Nams GDP reached nearly $410 billion, up 8.02 per cent year-on-year, while its total trade topped $732 billion. The country was a potential market with a population of 100 million people, and was an alluring, safe and friendly destination of international friends, he said. Viet Nam had set up diplomatic relations with 192 countries, and comprehensive partnership with more than 30 partners. It had signed 16 free trade agreements, including new-generation deals like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Viet Nam, who once had to restore peace through Geneva and Paris agreements, relished its role as peace promoter, PM Chinh particularly said, mentioning the meeting between leader of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un, and US President Donald Trump in 2019. Besides, from an ODA recipient, Viet Nam had become a reliable partner who makes responsible contributions to, and takes on important roles in the world, he stressed. He also took the occasion to thank the Brazilian Government and people, as well as other Latin American friends for their valuable supports for Viet Nam over the years. Also on September 25, PM Chinh hosted a reception for President of the Brazil-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group Marcio Honaiser. Highlighting the historical similarities between Viet Nam and Brazil, PM Chinh said that his visit aimed to promote bilateral relations through Party, State, Government, parliament and people-to-people channels. In his talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the two sides agreed to boost bilateral cooperation across all fields, he told Honaiser. The Vietnamese Government leader highly valued the role of the Brazil-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians Group and Honaiser himself in promoting the parliamentary diplomacy between the two sides, expressing his hope that Brazilian parliamentarians will support the negotiation and signing of trade deals between Viet Nam and Brazil as well as between Viet Nam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), Brazil and ASEAN, and MERCOSUR and ASEAN, thus expanding economic, investment and trade among the parties. Alongside, it was necessary to further bolster bilateral partnership in culture, tourism and sports, he said, asking the Brazilian side to support Vietnamese citizens working, living and studying in Viet Nam. For his part, Honaiser pledged to encourage Brazilian parliamentarians to work for the soon start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and MERCOSUR, and hasten the Brazilian Government to recognise the market economy regulations of Viet Nam. VNS THE HAGUE Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Ngo Huong Nam has asked the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to continue supporting Viet Nam in enhancing capacity in the field of international law to serve socio-economic development and international integration. Meeting Secretary-General of the PCA Marcin Czepelak in The Hague on September 25, the Vietnamese diplomat said he hoped the PCA would introduce, connect and send experts of international law to Viet Nam to share their experience and knowledge. The ambassador also proposed the PCA create favourable conditions for the acceptance of Vietnamese candidates to work at the PCA headquarters in The Hague. Expressing his delight at the UN General Assemblys adoption of a resolution on celebrating the 125th founding anniversary of the PCA, affirming that as a PCA member, Viet Nam would actively engage in celebration activities, contributing to enhancing the role of the court in maintaining peace and international security as well as the peaceful settlement of international dispute and the development of international law. Ambassador Nam lauded the operational efficiency of the PCA Office in Ha Noi over the past year, pledging that the Vietnamese Government would create optimal conditions for the court to organise its first trial in Ha noi. He vowed to work hard to continue to maintain and further promote the already sound relationship between Viet Nam and the court. For his part, Czepelak welcomes Ambassador Nam to become the Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the PCA, expressing his belief that the ambassador would complete his tasks and make contributions to the relations between Viet Nam and the Netherlands and the PCA in particular. Czepelak said that the court would create favourable conditions for Viet Nam to participate in training courses and work at the PCA. The PCA is an international intergovernmental organisation headquartered in The Hague with 121 member countries, including Viet Nam. Established in 1899, it is a forum to resolve international disputes between countries and between countries and foreign legal entities in the field of international economy and investment by arbitration or other peaceful means. It has five representative offices in countries and regions around the world, including Buenos Aires (Argentina), Mauritius, Singapore, Vienna (Austria) and Ha Noi. The representative office in Ha Noi was established at the end of 2022, becoming the fifth office outside of the PCA's headquarters, and the second in Southeast Asia. VNS SOFIA National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and Prime Minister of Bulgaria Nikolai Denkov have agreed to revitalise traditional areas of cooperation such as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals while also opening up new and promising fields of collaboration like green and digital transformation, artificial intelligence and just energy transition. During their meeting in Sofia on September 25 (local time) as part of Hue's ongoing official visit to Bulgaria, they agreed to encourage the establishment of joint ventures for manufacturing products for export to third countries, tap Bulgaria's expertise and technology, and Viet Nam's abundant workforce. They consented to convene the 24th meeting of the Viet Nam-Bulgaria Inter-Governmental Committee this year to review and coordinate specific measures to boost bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties. Host and guest promised to foster harmonious economic and trade cooperation in conjunction with collaboration in education, training, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, based on the signed agreements, especially the five documents inked during Hues visit. On global and regional issues, they concurred on the need to enhance close cooperation and coordination at multilateral and regional forums, particularly at the United Nations, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), ASEAN-EU, and others. Hue said on the basis of the bilateral traditional friendship, Viet Nam would support Bulgarias bid to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN and hoped that Bulgaria would continue to be an effective bridge to push forward ties between Viet Nam and the EU. Addressing the law policy forum to reinforce bilateral ties in the Bulgarian capital city on September 25, Chairman Hue highlighted economic-trade-investment ties as a significant pillar in bilateral relations. He hailed the significance of the event at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 73rd anniversary of diplomatic ties. Lauding the recent approval of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the Bulgarian National Assembly with absolute consensus, Hue said it was a crucial step towards the effective implementation of the agreement, laying the foundation to consolidate Viet Nam's investment relations with EU countries, including Bulgaria. The top Vietnamese legislator proposed that Bulgaria facilitate the entry of Vietnamese consumer goods and agricultural products such as tea, coffee, seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, apparel, footwear and handicrafts into Bulgaria. Viet Nam, in return, would be ready to open its doors to Bulgarian goods, including wheat, vegetable oil, rose oil, dried fruits and wine, he said. He wished that Bulgaria would urge the European Commissions early removal of the "yellow card" warning on Vietnamese aquatic products, and call on other nations to expedite the approval of EVIPA and coordinate in the enforcement of EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Viet Nam would welcome Bulgarian firms to invest in areas of Viet Nam's demand and Bulgarias strength such as energy, transportation infrastructure, information technology, biotechnology for the preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals, environment protection, he said, adding that while talking with the Bulgarian leaders, he proposed considering the establishment of joint ventures to invest in each other's market or explore opportunities in third markets. The Vietnamese National Assembly and Government of Viet Nam were committed to continuously striving to offer all possible support to all enterprises, recognising that the success of businesses, including foreign ones, would contribute to the overall success of the nation, he said. As Viet Nam is strategically focused on attracting selective investments with a priority to high technology, foundational and supporting industries, electronic components, electric vehicles and batteries, innovation, green economy, digital economy and circular economy, Hue also suggested that both sides explore cooperation opportunities in these areas. At the event, leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Planning and Investment presented Viet Nam's industry, trade and foreign direct investment attraction policies. A direct trade session between the two countries organisations and businesses was also held to share opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, including electricity, energy, aviation, cashew and pepper exports, raw cotton, rice, animal feed ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients. VNS SOFIA National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue delivered a keynote policy speech before scholars, lecturers and a large gathering of students at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia on September 25. In his speech, Hue said with similarities in history, Viet Nam and Bulgaria had forged a steadfast and enduring friendship. President Ho Chi Minhs friendly visit to Bulgaria in August 1957 laid the foundation and marked a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relationship. He stressed that the Vietnamese people always remembered and were deeply grateful for the valuable support and assistance that the people of Bulgaria had extended to Viet Nam. According to him, the world has never experienced a period of such rapid, profound, and complex changes as it is facing today. However, peace, cooperation and development are still the mainstream. Viet Nam supports the settlement of all disputes and conflicts via peaceful means in accordance with international law. It will actively joins and upholds its role in various regional and United Nations multilateral mechanisms, especially ASEAN, the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Non-Aligned Movement, and others. Viet Nam responsibly contributes to the building of a peaceful, stable international order that meets the legitimate interests of all nations, based on respect for international law and the UN Charter. In Viet Nams foreign policy, Hue described Central and Eastern Europe as a gateway and bridge for Viet Nam to enhance cooperation with the EU. Viet Nam would prioritise strengthening its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with countries in the region, with Bulgaria being one of its top priority partners, he said, adding that Viet Nam advocates expanding economic, investment and trade ties into a pivotal pillar in the bilateral ties in the near future. He added that both countries needed to grasp major opportunities presented by digital transformation, green economy, and innovation trends. They should expedite collaborative initiatives and new economic cooperation at global and regional levels. Furthermore, there should be continued efforts to step up the development of a more equitable and sustainable global framework for all countries and economies. To intensify effective cooperation in traditional areas, he proposed enhancing collaboration in training and scientific research between universities and research centres, focusing on fields of Bulgaria's strength and Viet Nams need, such as health care, biotechnology, agriculture, environment, and natural resource management. In the realm of culture, he sought joint work to hold cultural and music activities such as culture days, painting exhibitions, film weeks, music performances to enable the public in both countries to gain a better understanding of each other's culture. Regarding labour cooperation, both nations will work to effectively implement the Labour Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018, with coordination from their respective governments. After delivering the speech, Hue engaged in an open discussion with professors and students at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, during which he shared Viet Nam's experiences in overcoming challenges following the war and achieving comprehensive and remarkable accomplishments. He also discussed the most promising areas for future cooperation between Viet Nam and Bulgaria. VNS Commander of the Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral James Gilmour, who is leading the New Zealand delegation visit to the country, speaks to the press about the two countries cooperation in national defence and maritime security. In 2018, we witnessed the visit of one Royal New Zealand Navy ship to HCM City, and this time, we are honoured to have two Royal ships visiting. What is the significance of this visit and how it reflects the growing relationship between our two nations? I think it's very positive. The fact that we have two Royal New Zealand Navy ships and HCM City now reflects the growing relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand from a security setting. Both ships are now in HCM City, and they are hosting many dignitaries and Vietnamese armed forces personnel to view the ships and meet with the crew. The crew is also conducting community outreach engagement across HCM City to charities and aid organisations and really enjoying their stay down there, it's a beautiful city. A lot of our crew members haven't been to Viet Nam before, let alone such a vibrant city as HCM City. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam Peoples Army visited New Zealand earlier this year, highlighting the commitment from both countries to enhancing ties in this crucial field. Could you share your perspective on the current state of partnership between our two countries in defence cooperation, and what areas do you believe hold potential for further expansion in the near future? I think there are many strands to the relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand. We're very honoured to host the Chief of General Staff for Viet Nam armed forces in New Zealand in July, which showed a growing relationship between our two countries. The visit of the two ships in HCM City and my visit to Viet Nam illustrate that New Zealand values the relationship between our two countries, and we wish to grow it. I met with the Foreign Relations Department and also the Vice Chief of General Staff. The conversations that we had discussed a wide range of opportunities for us to do more together as two countries and two defence forces. We have many shared interests, including maritime security concerns. It is very important for New Zealand and also Viet Nam that trade is unhindered across the oceans, no more so or less so than in the South China Sea (called the East Sea in Viet Nam), in this region. And the ability for trade to be able to pass through sea lines of communication unhindered through freedom of navigation and adherence with international laws is essential for our prosperity and yours. We discussed many other opportunities besides maritime security, in which we could work together, including academic exchange, enhancement of English language training, collaboration, when it comes to peacekeeping training and peacekeeping operations and many other avenues in which we could further our relationship. In New Zealand, we would always welcome further interaction and training together between our navies, our air forces and our army, and we look for opportunities when that is possible. The relationship between New Zealand and the rest of the world is one that takes international and global security very seriously. New Zealand is a small country and requires international mechanisms to provide for our protection. So even though we are a small country, we participate in the maintenance of those mechanisms that protect us - international rules and norms. They include the provision of safe passage of shipping. It's very important to New Zealand security that our trade is able to pass by the sea unhindered, particularly through this region. And as a maritime nation, I'm certain that Viet Nam would share those same ambitions that trade would flow freely. The relationship with Viet Nam has shared values in many areas and shared objectives from global security in many areas, and New Zealand and Viet Nam will work together as closely as we possibly can. We are separated by distance, and therefore, when we can bring ships into Viet Nam we do, when we can have people-to-people interactions we will, and will continue to look for opportunities that we can work together more. You visited both Ha Noi and HCM City during this trip. What are your impressions of Viet Nam's seaport capacity, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources? I'm very impressed, it has made me want to explore Viet Nam further. I have been to HCM City, I have been to Vung Tau, which was a real privilege as I was able to with my team join the ships as they came up the Mekong River and, and spent three or four hours making our way to HCM City. I was able to look out over the sunrise on either side of the river, it was very warm and very beautiful. I was impressed with the professionalism of the harbour authorities, the pilots and the infrastructure. I would wish to see more of this country flying up from HCM City yesterday. It was absolutely beautiful, extraordinary geography. How do you evaluate the peacekeeping forces of Viet Nam's national defence and their potential to thrive in the future? I think the involvement of Viet Nam in peacekeeping operations in support of the United Nations is extraordinary. It's something that New Zealand does also - that's part of being an international global citizen. It's about an international rules-based order, and it's really important. The peacekeeping training centre near Ha Noi here is world-class, and we have sent our people to participate in some of the training who were impressed with Viet Nam's contribution to UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) with a hospital that's really impressive. It's a big undertaking, it requires a lot of effort and commitment to the global effort. We are looking at areas where we might be able to increase our collaboration in issues such as women, peace and security and other avenues by which we could work together more. VNS The Disney+ series "The Worst of Evil" presents a bromance action story between an international drug kingpin and an undercover cop, starring Wi Ha-joon and Ji Chang-wook, respectively. Set in Seoul in the 1990s, the crime thriller directed by Han Dong-wook revolves around police detective Park Jun-mo (Ji) who goes undercover in a criminal organization to investigate an international drug cartel in the hopes of getting a promotion. Jung Gi-cheol (Wi), the boss of a mega crime syndicate at the center of the drug trade among Korea, China and Japan, accepts Jun-mo as a new member of the gang but doesn't fully trust him. Jun-mo is shocked to learn that his wife, Yoo Eui-jung (Im Se-mi), also a detective, has volunteered for the dangerous mission to crack down on the drug ring and seems to share a hidden history with Jung. Wi, the star of the Netflix show "Squid Game" (2021) and drama series "Little Women" (2022), said the upcoming series is a new type of crime story targeted at noir genre fans. "It is not a story that you can watch with the family for a good laugh, but you would be able to feel something new," Wi said during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. Wi said his boss character has a dual face of a cold-blooded drug kingpin who had spent painful days early in his life and a man who craves love from his first love, Eui-jung. "I have seen Chang-wook's action performance since I was young. Together, I thought we would be able to create realistic action scenes," he said. "(Ji) blends his emotions in an action-packed performance, which is amazing and inspiring." Ji, who starred in "Suspicious Partner" (2017) and "The K2" (2016), also highlighted the strong chemistry with his co-star. "I want to give (Wi's action performance) 100 points out of 100," Ji said. "I really enjoyed working with him. As a matter of fact, I was surprised by his commitment and performance." "The Worst of Evil" premiers Wednesday with its first three episodes. (Yonhap) SOFIA National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Zhelyazkov met the press on September 25 (local time) to announce the outcomes of their successful talks in Sofia. Chairman Hue said the two leaders extensively discussed orientations and measures to consolidate friendship and improve the efficiency of their cooperation via the Party, Government, National Assembly, people-to-people exchange channels. They agreed to step up collaboration in economy, trade, investment, culture, sci-tech, education and training, labour and people-to-people exchanges, business-to-business and locality-to-locality cooperation. Hue hailed and thanked the Bulgarian legislature for its recent approval of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) with an absolute majority of votes, just ahead of his visit. Along with promoting the effectiveness of the European Union-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), he said the prompt ratification of EVIPA by the parliaments of EU member states will undoubtedly elevate the economic, trade, and investment ties between Viet Nam and the EU as a whole, as well as between Viet Nam and EU member states to a new level commensurate with the potential and aspirations of both sides. Following the talks, the two sides signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two legislatures, another MoU between the Office of Vietnamese NA and the Secretariat of the NA of Bulgaria, and other cooperation agreements in the fields of culture, education, tourism, and locality-to-locality exchange. Hue believed that his visit will be a great success, contributing not only to fostering the relationship between the two legislatures but also lifting the Viet Nam-Bulgaria ties to a greater height. The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam will continue helping Bulgaria access the ASEAN market, while Bulgaria, with its strategic location on the Black Sea, will assist Viet Nam in further penetrating the EU and the markets of Balkan countries. Zhelyazkov, for his part, expressed his desire that the two nations will make the most of advantages that the EVIPA brings. He said both sides expressed special interest in establishing joint ventures to promote bilateral cooperation, tapping into potential for maritime and port collaboration, tourism and culture, and discussed the roles of Bulgaria in Eastern Europe and Viet Nam in ASEAN. The talks made positive contributions to Viet Nam-Bulgaria ties, with numerous potential cooperation areas that could elevate bilateral ties to new heights, driven by mutual trust, stronger people-to-people exchanges, and better efficiency of trade and investment, he said. VNS QUANG TRI President of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez, on Tuesday visited the Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River special national relic site and the relic site of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Viet Nam in central Quang Tri Province. This was part of his five-day visit to Viet Nam to attend a ceremony marking 50 years since late Cuba leader Fidel Castros trip to the liberated zone in Southern Viet Nam (September 1973-2023). Politburo member and Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man welcomed the high-level Cuban delegation to Quang Tri Province. During their visit to the special national historical site of Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River in Vinh Linh District, the Cuban top legislator and the high-level delegation engaged in discussions with local officials and residents. They also witnessed the Vietnamese national flag flying atop the national monument. The delegation visited the Museum of the Hien Luong Bridge Ben Hai River, where relics from the American War and historic fights are preserved. In conversations with local students at the Hien Luong Monument, the Cuban NA President reminisced about the visit of Fidel Castro to the liberated zone of Quang Tri Province when the region still bore the scars of war, marked by bullets and bombs. During those days, Cuban leader Fidel Castro's visit was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese officials, soldiers and people. The Cuban NA President paid tribute to the late President Ho Chi Minh and encouraged the younger generation to strive for learning and self-improvement. He emphasised the significance of the meetings and visits between the leaders of the two countries, affirming the unbreakable solidarity and friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba. Despite being separated by half the globe, both nations have always supported each other, standing together during the toughest times. He recalled the famous quote by Cuban leader Fidel Castro who said: "For Viet Nam, Cuba is ready to shed its own blood," stating it had become the guiding principle of the relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba. The legislator also wrote about his visit to Quang Tri Province in the guestbook at the Museum of the Hien Luong Bridge Ben Hai River, expressing his affection and honour to contribute to the success of the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro's visit to the liberated area of South Viet Nam and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Cuban Solidarity Committee with South Viet Nam. In Quang Tri Province, the top Cuban legislator offered flowers at the Fidel Castro Monument and planted trees at Fidel Park. Fidel Park was inaugurated in September 2018, symbolising the deep affection of the Vietnamese people towards Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The park serves as a symbol of the profound friendship, solidarity, and close bond between the people of Viet Nam and Cuba. Also on Tuesday, President Esteban Lazo Hernandez and the high-ranking Cuban delegation visited the photo exhibition titled "Eternal Solidarity between Viet Nam and Cuba" in ong Ha City. The exhibition showcased 50 valuable documentary photos from the Vietnam News Agency and the Cuban news agency Prensa Latina. At the exhibition, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency Vu Viet Trang and President of Cuban news agency Prensa Latina Luis Enrique Gonzalez Acosta introduced the historical context and the content of the photos at the exhibition. The 50 displayed photos vividly captured the image of Cuba's leader. Particularly prominent in the exhibition was the image of Cuban leader Fidel Castro raising the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Viet Nam at Peak 241 in Cam Lo District, surrounded by tanks and artillery shells. This photo has become a symbol of the unwavering, fraternal solidarity, strong bond, and shared noble ideals against imperialism, for peace, national independence, democracy, and progress in the world between the two countries. The precious documentary photos included those of Cuban leader Fidel Castro with then Prime Minister Pham Van ong and the liberation army soldiers standing on the wreckage of a US tank at Tan Lam - Doc Mieu military base, images of his meetings with heroes and soldiers of the Liberation Army of South Viet Nam, or his visits to the war-ravaged town of ong Ha during its reconstruction. These photos reflected the true image of a humble, approachable revolutionary leader deeply bound to Viet Nam. Additionally, the exhibition also featured images from the visits and meetings between the leaders of both countries, affirming the unbreakable brotherly relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba. Also on this occasion, the bilingual book titled "Fidel Castro: For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood," were introduced to the public. The book was compiled by Cuban news agency Prensa Latina and co-published with the Vietnam News Agency. Speaking at the 50th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castros trip to the liberated zone in south Viet Nam on Monday, Secretary of Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee Le Quang Tung emphasised that President Fidel Castro's historical trip to Quang Tri 50 years ago was a profoundly significant political event. It provided immense moral encouragement and strength to the soldiers and people of Quang Tri, as well as the entire nation, in their struggle to completely liberate the south and reunify the country. Tung affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam consider unity, support, and cooperation with Cuba as a principle and imperative dictated by the heart. President Esteban Lazo Hernandez expressed gratitude for Viet Nam's unwavering solidarity with Cuba during its most challenging times. Over the past century, the two peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba have always stood side by side in the struggle for independence, freedom, and today continued to support each other firmly in the building of nations and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and around the world, he said. Emphasising that Viet Nam highly valued its relations with Cuba and its traditional friends and progressive forces worldwide, Permanent Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Truong Thi Mai stated that Viet Nam desired close cooperation and sharing of common principles and values with Cuba and other nations worldwide. Viet Nam is currently Cuba's second-largest trading partner and the first Asian country to sign a government-level trade agreement with Cuba. Mai stated that despite the complex changes in the world situation, the relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba remained steadfast and continued to develop for the righteous cause of the two peoples and two nations. At the ceremony, the delegates had the opportunity to interact with former leaders and historical witnesses, such as Nguyen Xuan Phong, former head of the Americas Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who directly translated for Cuban leader Fidel Castro during his visit to the liberated zone in south Viet Nam in 1973, and Hoang Thi Cham, a guerrilla fighter at the Doc Mieu military base in 1973, who had the honour of shaking hands with Cuban leader Fidel Castro. VNS HA NOI Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang received visiting Sen. Lieut. Gen. Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chairman of the Lao Peoples Army (LPA)s General Department of Politics, in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Giang stressed that Viet Nam always bore in mind Laos' support and assistance in its past struggle for national independence and reunification and the present cause of national construction, and attached importance to consolidating and strengthening its great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. Notably, practical and effective defence cooperation was always one of the important pillars in the relations between the two countries, he affirmed. Thongloi affirmed to make every effort, together with the Lao Ministry of National Defence, to effectively implement the annual cooperation plan with the Vietnamese counterpart, thereby contributing to consolidating and developing the bilateral relationship. Giang appreciated the results of comprehensive cooperation between the two armies, especially in coordinating the implementation of common perceptions of senior leaders on military and defence tasks, Party and political works; and effectively maintain exchange, dialogue and twinning mechanisms. He proposed the two sides coordinate in protecting the borderline of peace and stability to contribute to improving the material and spiritual lives of people in border areas and promoting cross-border trade. Earlier the same day, Gen. Luong Cuong, Chairman of the VPAs General Department of Politics, hosted a welcome ceremony for and held talks with Sen. Lieut. Gen. Thongloi Silivong. At their talks, Cuong said that the Party, State and army of Viet Nam always treasured relations with Laos, considered this a top priority in the countrys foreign policy, and always wished to work with the Lao sides to continuously strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, people and armies. The two sides agreed that defence cooperation should be implemented effectively in line with the common perceptions of high-level leaders, and the outcomes of the September 6 meeting between the three Party leaders of Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia. They also vowed to step up cooperation between agencies and units through delegation exchanges, and intensify coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms, particularly those led by ASEAN. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence and the VPA were willing to share experience with and support the Lao sides to successfully assume the role as the Chair of the military and defence meetings in 2024 when Laos holds the ASEAN Chairmanship, Cuong said. Cuong also affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State were always steadfast in the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification and the Four Nos defence policy - neither joining any military alliances, siding with one country against another, giving any other countries permission to set up military bases or use its territory to carry out military activities against other nations, nor using force or threatening to use force in international relations. VNS HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong hosted separate receptions in Ha Noi on Tuesday for the ambassadors of Bulgaria, the European Union (EU) Delegation, France and Kazakhstan who came to present their credentials. At the meeting with Bulgarian Ambassador Pavlin Todorov, the Vietnamese leader suggested the two countries maintain their regular exchanges of all-level delegations, localities and residents, thus creating a firm foundation for bilateral cooperation. Pointing to the potential for collaboration in economy, trade and investment, Thuong suggested the diplomat accelerate joint programmes and projects, particularly those in energy, high-tech, culture, education and training. The two countries should continue their cooperation and mutual support at international and multilateral forums, he stressed. For his part, Todorov spoke of the ongoing visit to Bulgaria by National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue, saying it was significant to enhancing bilateral cooperation in economy, tourism, culture and especially education. Bulgaria attached importance to and would try its best to effectively implement cooperation documents with Viet Nam, he said, noting that the country was willing to help Viet Nam in education and energy. Viet Nam is an important partner of Bulgaria in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Bulgaria always backs the enhancement of the Viet Nam-EU cooperation, and wishes to further its collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation at the United Nations (UN) and international forums, and promote people-to-people and culture exchanges between the two countries, according to the ambassador. Meeting with EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Thuong reiterated Viet Nam's target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and called on the EU to help Viet Nam achieve it. Guerrier emphasised that Viet Nam has a very special position both geopolitically and economically in the region, and the EU would like to continue its support for and cooperation with the country in the future. Mentioning Viet Nam's target of becoming a developed nation by 2045, the ambassador said he wished to contribute to the countrys efforts in this regard. Stressing Viet Nam's advantage as a pioneer in green transition, digital transformation and innovation, Guerrier said the EU hoped to work together with the country in the fields, and help it complete the above-said 2050 target. The EU also wished to cooperate with Viet Nam in cultural preservation and promotion, and infrastructure development, he added. At the reception for French Ambassador Olivier Brochet, Thuong said the Viet Nam-France relationship was developing fruitfully in all spheres, especially culture. The leader appreciated and suggested France maintain its support for ASEANs view on ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea). All disputes between relevant sides should be addressed by peaceful measures in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), he noted. Brochet, in response, told the President that France would step up its cooperation with Viet Nam in science and education, particularly higher education, adding it would grant scholarships worth EUR1.5 million EUR ($1.58 million) to Vietnamese students in the time ahead. Viet Nam is the third country to receive such big scholarships from France, according to the ambassador. France also hoped for stronger collaboration with the Southeast Asian nation within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), he said. France would host the 19th Francophonie Summit in 2024, the diplomat said, expressing his hope that the Vietnamese President would attend the event. The ambassador also conveyed the message from the French President to his Vietnamese counterpart, in which the French leader said France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, would raise its voice to contribute to ensuring security and safety in the East Sea. France wanted to strengthen with Viet Nam in all fields, including national defence, he said. Receiving Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kanat Tumysh, the Vietnamese leader said Kazakhstans appointment of its Deputy Foreign Minister as the ambassador to Viet Nam reflected the importance the country attached to the Southeast Asian nation. Thuong asked the diplomat to convey his thanks to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for inviting him to visit Kazakhstan and accepted the invitation with gratitude. Recalling the Kazakh Presidents recent visit to Viet Nam, Thuong described it as a milestone helping boost the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries. Viet Nam highly values Kazakhstans role in regional and international forums and would further support the countrys initiative to promote the Asia-Europe connectivity, as well as cooperation between Kazakhstan and ASEAN, the President went on. The two countries were working to raise bilateral trade revenue to $1.5 billion, he said, suggesting they forge partnerships in other areas including culture and people-to-people exchange. Tumysh said Kazakhstan treasured its relations with Viet Nam, as reflected through the recent visit by the Kazakh President, adding Kazakhstan would celebrate 65 years of President Ho Chi Minhs visit to the country next year, and would name one of its avenues after the late Vietnamese President. Talking about the two-way trade that has hit $700 million so far this year, the ambassador suggested Viet Nam help Kazakh goods to access the ASEAN market. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong on Tuesday highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, which, he said, has received due attention of the two Parties and States. At a reception in Ha Noi for visiting Sen. Lieut. Gen. Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chairman of the Lao Peoples Army (LPA)s General Department of Politics, President Thuong stressed that Viet Nam always remembers Laoss support and assistance during its past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as its present cause of national construction. Viet Nam always attaches importance to consolidating and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with the neighbouring country, the leader said, expressing his belief that Thonglois visit will contribute to deepening the bilateral friendship. President Thuong emphasised that the outcomes of effective, practical cooperation between the two Ministries of National Defence and the General Departments of Politics under the LPA and the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) will also help promote the Viet Nam-Laos cooperation in the coming time, especially in personnel training. The President commended collaboration between the two armies in building border villages, thus building a common borderline of peace and friendship, and noted his hope that the partnership will be maintained in the time ahead. He asked the officer to convey his regards to Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Minister of National Defence General Chansamone Chanyalath. For his part, Thongloi briefed the President on the VPA General Department of Politics specific activities and programmes in support of the LPA, the LPA General Department of Politics, and some Lao localities, particularly in personnel training. He said the LPA has been educating young officers about the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. VNS LONG AN Long An Province has taken efforts to improve its education and training to meet the requirements of high-quality human resources for industrialisation and modernisation. Located in a gateway of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta and neighbouring HCM City, the province has a favourable location, infrastructure and policies to attract investors who require high quality workers. The province has focused on investing in infrastructure facilities for schools and colleges in past years to improve their education and training quality, according to its Department of Education and Training. It has 591 schools from pre-school to high-school level in its 188 communes, wards and towns, and 54 per cent of these schools have met the national standards. Many schools have been built by investors, and this helps meet learning demands of the students, especially in places that have many industrial parks. The provinces recruiting and training of teachers have basically met the demand of the education system. Last year, the province fulfilled the requirement for pre-school universalisation for children aged five. Up to 82 per cent of young people aged 18-21 have a high school education or an equivalent education level. It has two private universities and its Teacher Training College will soon be upgraded into a university. Le Quoc Hung, rector of Long An College in Tan An City, said: The college has received State investment in building facilities and buying equipment for vocational training. The college will invest VN152 billion (US$6.3 million) from local and central Government budgets during 2021-25 to develop facilities and equipment for teaching, he said. It is supported by the International Co-operation Agency of Germany to implement digital transformation and quality accreditation to meet the criteria of a high-quality college, he said. The province Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has instructed vocational schools to provide labourers vocational skills that meet market requirements. Vocational establishments and schools in the province have co-operated with more than 200 companies at home and abroad to provide vocational skills for local students and create jobs for them. They have also linked with universities in HCM City and the deltas other provinces and Can Tho City to provide university education. The rate of skilled workers in the province reaches 73.9 per cent, according to the province Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs. Skilled workers who have a training certificate and diploma account for 32.4 per cent of the provinces total workers, said the department. The province has sent more than 1,000 workers aged 18-30 working overseas since 2020 and more than 90 per cent of them work in Japan. Nguyen Hong Mai, director of the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said labourers working overseas can access advanced science and technology, gain industrial working experience, and are high quality human resources for the provinces social-economic development after they return home. After returning home, former oversea workers are introduced to work at companies and enterprises in the province by the provinces Employment Service Centre. Comprehensive renovation Nguyen Quang Thai, director of the Department of Education and Training, said the province is implementing general education in 2019-25 and improving its education quality. It is boosting the application of information technology and digital transformation in education and training in 2022-25, he said. The province also strengthens the education of ethic, lifestyle and life skills for students, enhances the effectiveness of co-operation among parents and schools, and boosts advocacy activities to change the thinking of students and their parents about learning vocational skills, he said. These efforts aim to implement the provinces target of maintaining its leading position in the Cuu Long Delta by 2025, and becoming a wealthy province in the southern key economic region by 2030, he said. The province is spending VN6.7 billion ($275,000) to implement a plan to provide vocational training and management skills for 6,200 labourers who work in the agriculture sector in 2023-25, according to its Peoples Committee. The plan aims to meet the requirements of commercial agriculture on a large scale, restructuring agriculture and building new-style rural areas. The Peoples Committee has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in co-operation with relevant departments, agencies and localities to implement the plan. VNS HA NOI Many pilots at Noi Bai International Airport (NIA) have reported unmanned flying objects and sky lights posing a threat to flight safety recently, especially with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching. Statistics from NIA show that from the beginning of this year up to Monday, there have been three cases of straw burning, seven incidents of laser lighting, and ten cases of kite and balloon flying. Particularly, last Saturday, four flight crews reported detecting sky lights and unmanned flying objects while they were landing or taking off in ong Anh and Soc Son districts. Specifically, at 7:10 pm, flight BL6030 from HCM City to Ha Noi detected a suspected unmanned flying object in front as it was entering the landing shaft 11L/29R at an altitude of about 1,200 feet, approximately four miles from the landing platform. At 7:17 pm, flight VN219 from Ha Noi to HCM City spotted a suspected unmanned flying object on the right side of the plane during takeoff at an altitude of about 800 feet. At 7:35 pm, flight VN836 from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Ha Noi spotted a skylight on the left side of the plane as it was entering the landing shaft 11L/29R at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, approximately four miles from the landing platform. At 8:11 pm, flight VN415 from Incheon (Korea) to Ha Noi observed a skylight on the left side of the plane as it was entering the landing shaft 11L/29R at an altitude of about 1,000 feet, approximately four miles from the landing platform. Leaders of NIA stated that, upon inspection, the local police in Thanh Xuan Commune, situated to the west of the runway, discovered that the commune was hosting a Mid-Autumn Festival for children with sky lanterns. Furthermore, in Xuan Non Commune, located to the east of the runway, people were flying kites. The police issued warnings to the local residents and confiscated the kites. To prevent similar cases, NIA has sent a request to the people's committees of communes adjacent to the airport. This request directs concerned units to warn everyone, especially young children, about the dangers of kites, sky lanterns, unmanned flying objects, and balloons for the sake of flight safety. These warnings are aimed at encouraging preventive measures. Every year, NIA collaborates with the Northern Airports Authority and local authorities in areas adjacent to the airport to actively educate the public. While the number of incidents has decreased, during festivals, people continue to use laser lights, sky lanterns, balloons, and kites, which violates air safety rules and poses a threat to flight safety and security, according to NIA's leaders. NIA recommends that people strictly comply with regulations to ensure the safety of all flights and passengers. NIA has also requested local authorities to tighten event organizer licensing requirements and to prohibit the use of high-power lighting systems in areas that could affect flights. Local authorities need to take strict action against all organisations and individuals who have violated the rules. Being the largest airport in the north, NIA handles, on average, more than 500 flights taking off and landing each day, serving over 80,000 departing and arriving passengers. VNS BINH DUONG A Monkeypox (Mpox) patient was discovered in Binh Duong, a southern province, as announced by Huynh Minh Chin, the deputy director of the provincial Department of Health, on Monday afternoon. Initial information indicates that the patient is N.K.L, a 22-year-old individual residing in a boarding house on Cong Xanh Street, Tan Binh Town, Bac Tan Uyen District. L. has been receiving treatment for tuberculosis for three months and is currently unemployed. L. had contact with a Monkeypox patient on September 13. From that day until September 23, L. stayed at the boarding house with her mother and younger sister and did not have contact with anyone else. L.'s samples tested positive for Monkeypox at the Pasteur Institute in HCM City. She is now in quarantine at the Tan Uyen City Medical Centre for observation. Following the Pasteur Institute's official dispatch No. 2974/PAS-KSBT issued on September 23 last year regarding Monkeypox reporting, the Binh Duong Department of Health has requested concerned units to investigate people who had contact with the aforementioned patients, implement quarantine measures, and prevent the spread to the community. On Monday afternoon, the department issued an urgent letter requesting districts and towns in the province to intensify public education about the disease through various means. Preventive measures recommended by the Ministry of Health should be conveyed to the local residents. The department has tasked the provincial Centre for Disease Control with leading and overseeing disease prevention and control efforts. This includes implementing quarantine and treatment for positive cases, with the aim of preventing fatalities and cross-infections among medical staff during the treatment process. Any new cases must be monitored and reported in accordance with regulations. Citys preventive work The HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) announced on Monday evening that it had compiled a list of eight individuals who had close contact with a Monkeypox (Mpox) patient and instructed them to self-isolate at home for 21 days. All of them are in stable condition. The 25-year-old male patient, originally from Xuan Truong Commune, Xuan Loc District, in ong Nai province in the southern part of Vietnam, was temporarily residing in HCM City. He came for a health examination at HCM City Dermatology Hospital on September 22 due to suspected signs of Monkeypox. The hospital collected his samples and sent them to the Pasteur Institute in HCM City. One day later, test results confirmed that he was positive for the Monkeypox virus. He was immediately placed in quarantine for treatment, and his boarding house and personal items were disinfected. As of now, Viet Nam has reported a total of four cases of Monkeypox. To proactively control the disease, HCDC recommends that people take measures such as covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, refraining from spitting in public places, and regularly washing their hands with soap and clean water or using hand sanitizer. Individuals experiencing unexplained rashes or any suspicious symptoms should contact a medical facility for timely advice. For those traveling to countries where Monkeypox is endemic, such as Central and West Africa, it is essential to report to local health authorities upon returning to Viet Nam to undergo necessary preventive measures. VNS BEIJING Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee inh Tien Dung, who is on a working trip to China, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Ha Noi Peoples Committee and the administration of Guangzhou city of China on Tuesday. In a conversation with Guo Yonghang, Secretary of the Guangzhou Party Committee and Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal Government prior to the signing ceremony, Dung hailed the role of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou City as a leading locality in high-quality development and a hub for the pilot of many new policies, including the policy to renovate the development, urban management, and special economic zone models. Guo highlighted the similarities between Ha Noi and Guangzhou in culture, trade and tourism as well as the development of the partnership between the two cities, especially in trade and investment. He expressed his belief that the Ha Noi delegations visit, especially the meeting between Dung and Huang Kunming, Secretary of the Guangdong Party Committee, on September 25, made an important milestone in the Ha Noi-Guangzhou relations. The Guangzhou Mayor suggested that the two cities further increase the exchange of experience in urban management and tourism promotion. He said he hoped Ha Noi and other localities of Viet Nam would join international forums and exhibitions organised by Guangzhou in the time to come. Guo also proposed the strengthening of exchange between the two cities administrations, and showed hope that Guangzhou officials could visit Viet Nam for studying. Agreeing with Guos proposals, Dung affirmed that the MoU between the Ha Noi Peoples Committee and the municipal government of Guangzhou City is an important foundation for the promotion of bilateral friendship and cooperation, creating a framework for the implementation of specific programmes and projects in the future as well as the coordination in organising trade, investment and tourism promotion programmes of Ha Noi in China. The Ha Noi leader pledged that the city would create optimal conditions for agencies of the two sides to cooperate effectively in the future, especially in the fields of urban management, planning, trade, culture and tourism. During the Ha Noi investment, trade and tourism promotion programme in China on the same day, Dung also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding on cooperation between a number of Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises in some areas such as investment, trade, tourism and technology. Also on September 26, Dung had a working session with Yan Jiehe, Founder of and Chairman of China Pacific Construction Group (CPCG), one of the world's leading infrastructure construction firms that is ranked 75th among 500 biggest businesses in the world by Fortune magazine. Yan said he hopes to continue exploring cooperation and investment opportunities in Ha Noi in the time to come. Dung affirmed that Ha Noi always created favourable conditions for foreign investors, especially in construction to create a breakthrough in the citys transport infrastructure. He said he hoped to receive investment proposals from the CPCG for a number of infrastructure projects and works in Ha Noi soon. VNS Ms. Do Nguyet Anh has 28 years of contributions to developing the electricity industry and gender equality, receiving the title of Outstanding ASEAN Businesswoman in 2023. Also read: The ceremony to announce the 2023 ASEAN Awards and award the title "Outstanding ASEAN Women Entrepreneur 2023" by the took place on the evening of September 22 in Hanoi. Ms. Do Nguyet Anh is currently the Chairwoman of the Board of Members of the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC). At the awards night, she was one of six Vietnamese businesswomen honoured. Previously, she was recognized as one of 15 businesswomen in the top 60 Outstanding Entrepreneurs of Vietnam in 2022. Under the direction of Ms Do Nguyet Anh, EVNNPC continuously innovates and develops, contributing to Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) to ensure national energy security. EVNNPC is responsible for trading and distributing electricity in 27 Northern provinces and cities with more than 11 million customers. In 2018-2022, EVNNPC's total commercial electricity output was 377,645 million kWh, with an average increase rate of 8.61%, effectively meeting socio-economic development needs. The North has the country's highest electricity consumption level; 65% of commercial electricity output is used to serve industrial production. Also, during this period, EVNNPC's power loss rate decreased from 5.1% to 4.1%, contributing to improving the efficiency of the power system and saving social resources. The electricity access index decreased from 5.81 days in 2018 to 3.76 days in 2022, contributing to attracting domestic and foreign investment capital and improving the economy's competitiveness. Read more: EVN targets safe, stable power supply During that journey, Ms. Do Nguyet Anh spent nearly 30 years contributing to the electricity industry. She participated in directing a series of large projects, such as pulling underground cables to bring electricity to the national grid to Co To Island, Quang Ninh province or power supply projects for industrial parks and large enterprises... In 2021-2022, EVNNPC was continuously certified by the international credit rating organization Fitch Ratings to have a long-term debt issuer rating (IDR) at BB - Positive outlook, equal to the national rating of Vietnam and parent company EVN. This result is higher than the 2020 credit rating of BB - Stable outlook. Under the executive direction of Ms. Do Nguyet Anh, EVNNPC considers activities for the community and social security to be a responsibility. The Corporation also encourages and creates conditions for member units and individuals to carry out volunteer social activities such as giving back gratitude, supporting people experiencing poverty, protecting the environment... EVNNPC has always been a bright spot in the power industry in rural electrification. Up to now, 100% of communes (4,467 communes) and 99.23% of rural households in the management unit's area have had electricity from the national grid. According to assessments by world organizations such as the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this result is at the top of the world. That means the social security value that EVNNPC brings to the community is huge. During the COVID-19 epidemic, the Corporation reduced electricity prices for affected groups with a total amount of VND 4,396 billion, Installing new electrical systems for 1,500 poor households, 62 medical facilities, and 18 schools. The unit provides free meter installation and transformer station cleaning for more than 1,000 businesses. Support poor people in mountainous areas with lighting for daily life with 1,091 street light poles and many other programs. Ms. Do Nguyet Anh said that EVNNPC belongs to the Top 10 large enterprises in Vietnam with over 26,000 employees and is in a large and complex economic and technical industry - which is often run by men. As a female leader at the head of the unit, she understands that women will face some difficulties but also have many advantages. Therefore, at EVNNPC, everything is done professionally, with a clear division of functions, tasks, and responsibilities from individual to collective and a timely, fair, and transparent reward system. The female Chairwoman said women participated in leadership and management less than now, especially in the electricity industry. At EVN, in recent years, work for the advancement of women has been implemented extensively and is highly practical. "For the Advancement of Women," committees at all levels have specific annual action programs. Gender equality work has had many positive results. EVNNPC is one unit that performs gender equality work well in EVN; the Corporation's female employees always maintain a stable rate of over 26%. The proportion of women in the unit's management and leadership roles is also at the top (over 14%). Female workers have stable, increasingly high-quality jobs. They are also confident and dynamic and promote more creative initiatives, contributing significantly to the results of the Corporation. By Kwon Mee-yoo In a world where geographical boundaries often dictate cultural narratives, the "African Aurora" exhibition at Gallery Desiego on Mount Nam in Seoul shatters the illusion of distance, bringing vibrant Rwandan contemporary art to the heart of Korea. The exhibit, marking the milestone of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Rwanda, brings together a diverse group of Rwandan artists, each contributing their unique voice to Seoul. Artists Brave Rumariza, Strong Karakire, Daniel Dylan Mucyo, Mukholi Timothy Wandulu, Myriam Uwiragiye and Jemima Akimanizanye visited Korea earlier this month to showcase a range of styles and themes from abstract forms and mixed media to traditional elements and social commentary, offering a glimpse into contemporary Rwandan art. Artists Floride Mukabageni and Isaac Manirumva also took part in the exhibit. Natacha Muziramakenga, a multidisciplinary artist and creative director who organized this exhibition with Korean partner Son Sung-ik, explained that Koreans and Rwandans do not know much about each other beyond what is portrayed in the media and people often have a single narrative or stereotype about a place and its people. "This exhibition allows Koreans to meet Rwandans and engage in conversations, breaking down these preconceived notions," she said, noting that this could be more interesting as Asia and Africa have different histories of colonization, allowing for a fresh start in building relationships, during an interview with The Korea Times, Sept. 10. There is a focus on themes of healing, mental health and resilience in this exhibition and Muziramakenga said the artworks offer a mix of perspectives, including those from different generations and build a platform for discussing universal social issues. According to the curator, Mukabageni holds a special place in Rwanda's contemporary art as she was one of the first women to be admitted to the Nyundo School of Art and Music. "Beyond her role as an artist creating interesting works, she has significantly influenced many people and continues to do so. She also serves as a role model for a new generation of women in the visual arts, a field where gender imbalance has been a longstanding issue," Muziramakenga explained. "Her presence and representation embody the potential for change and inspiration in the art world." Uwiragiye's works offer a personal exploration of her journey as a Black woman, particularly focusing on themes of depression, healing and self-love. She did not formally study art, but she captures the representation of Black women, challenging the often overly sexualized or stereotypical portrayals in mainstream art. Akimanizanye's faces full of butterflies utilizes vivid colors to spark conversations about often taboo subjects related to mental health. The geometric lines and patterns in her works are also a significant part of Rwandan art, inspired by traditional designs. The artist described her visit to Korea as a "beautiful experience," reflecting how people with a love of art came to see the exhibition. "They can relate to the art we brought in, which connected us and started conversations that are important," Akimanizanye said. "We learned a lot about Korea and the culture and I think we have a lot of similarities." Inspired by Rwandas history MDD's collage works are part of a series called "Quiet Screams," which delves into the day-to-day struggles that people often shy away from discussing. "This series talks about the sense of feeling lost, having self-doubt, self-hate. I use art as a way to convey those emotions," MDD said. "I'm really attached to all these paintings because they're personal stories." When it comes to technique, MDD employs mixed media on paper, creating layers that add depth and complexity to the work. "I feel like there's a sense of connection to the paper when you touch it, when you put paint on it," he said. It's hard to find the right image to use. Wandulus works are a celebration of stories, often rooted in the personal experiences of his family and friends as well as Rwandas history. His art is particularly influenced by the history of Rwanda, including the 1994 civil war that provoked a genocide against the Tutsi people. "When you go to the genocide museum, you find these photos and you wonder about the story behind these photos," he said. The figures in the painting do not feature specific models, but Wandulu depicts people he knows, capturing shared experiences that viewers can relate to. "When someone looks at the work, they can see themselves," the artist said. He explained that the focus on personal experience in Rwandan artists' work stems from their unique generational perspective and the country's history. "As we grow, we experience life differently," he said, emphasizing that their art reflects the responsibilities they feel towards preserving the peace and harmony that Rwanda has achieved. Wandulu saw this exhibition, running through Sept. 30, as a "great starting point to connect" with Korea, which could lead to more cultural exchanges between the two countries. "I think we are going to see more sharing," he said, hoping for Korean artists to showcase in Rwanda and vice versa. Bach Moc Luong Tu, also known as Ky Quan San, is one of Vietnam's four highest peaks. Bach Moc Luong Tu has an altitude of 3046m above sea level. Also read: There are two routes to conquer this mountain peak located on the border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces. This route is estimated to be about 30km long, passing through very steep terrain of wood forests, bamboo forests, bare hills, cliffs... 1. What is the best season to go to Bach Moc Luong Tu? The ideal experience for travelling to Bach Moc Luong Tu is from September to November, this is the period when the weather is most beautiful, and the climate is cool and temperate. This is when the sun is gentle, there is little rain, and climbing is very safe and convenient for sightseeing. If you want to climb a mountain to see snowfall, you should go from December to January next year. Although the weather is very harsh, you will admire the unique snowfall scene in return. From February to April is spring, on the top of the mountain, there is thick fog, trees are budding, green, fresh air, and little rain is also very convenient for climbing. This is also the time to see banyan flowers, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms blooming brilliantly. It can be said that conquering Bach Moc Luong Tu is beautiful in any season; however, you must pay attention to avoid going on drizzly days, as the roads are slippery and quite dangerous. 2. What must you prepare to conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu? When going to Bach Moc Luong Tu, you need to pay attention to prepare the following things: Pay attention to the weather: You should check the weather report about 3-5 days in advance; do not go on days when the weather is very dangerous. Note about health: You need to be healthy when climbing mountains. People with a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or poor health should not climb mountains. Prepare climbing equipment: Some items will help you climb more effectively, such as wooden sticks, climbing shoes that help with good friction, lightweight backpacks... If you wear glasses, you should wear glasses with a strap to avoid falling off in the middle of the road. Remember to bring a flashlight, lighter, knife, phone, watch, gloves, hat, sleeping bag, tent, sunscreen, spare battery charger... Attire: You should only bring 2 - 3 sets of clothes that are enough to change, if it's winter you should bring warm clothes. Bring snacks: Some foods such as sweets, chocolate or snacks can help you prevent low blood pressure. Some medications: Medicines for stomachaches, headaches, bandages, insect repellents... are always necessary on your long mountain trip. 3. Suggested itinerary Below is a suggested journey to conquer Ky Quan San (another name for Bach Moc Luong Tu) in three days and two nights for tourists who love the experience of cloud hunting and star gazing. Day 1: Experience the beautiful roads of the Northwest mountains and forests There are currently two routes to trek this famous mountain range: Lao Cai - Sa Pa - Sang Ma Sao and Lai Chau - Den Sung. With the safety and optimal experience criteria, you should choose the first palace. This is a road with a total length of about 30 km, both going and returning. With a 3-day trip, you will have 10 km to experience other terrains such as bamboo forests, large timber forests, dwarf bamboo forests blocking the path, and moss-covered cliffs. .. Besides, you will see many open spaces for beautiful photo angles. When you arrive at Sang Ma Sao commune, you follow the trails through terraced fields and cattle breeding grounds of local people. Then, cross the stream that is quite slippery with moss and cross the ancient forest; you will reach the first point to conquer in the journey to climb Bach Moc Luong Tu. That is the 2,100 m high Salt Mountain slope. Here, visitors can watch the sea of floating clouds or the sparkling Milky Way while at the shack at the top of the mountain. Day 2: Conquer Bach Moc Luong Tu, reach the Ky Quan San milestone Today's challenge is overcoming the dinosaur's spine, which has quite dangerous terrain with two cliffs on both sides. You should follow the small stones leading the way safely to your destination. When you reach the top and touch the Ky Quan San landmark, you can see the entire Northwest landscape from above and breathe in the fresh air. Read more: The moment of magical dawn on the sea of salt mountain clouds The favourite dish of many people when returning to Muoi Mountain in the afternoon is hot pot. You can eat while watching the sunset in the mountains. Day 3: Admire the sunrise on Muoi Mountain You can welcome the sunrise with magical clouds on the mountain and take dreamlike photos before returning to Sa Pa, taking a relaxing bath with Red Dao herbs. A dish visitors should notice when coming here is a sturgeon hotpot. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated during the press meeting on September 25, "Brazil aspires to broaden its export spectrum to Vietnam, incorporating advanced machinery and high-tech equipment while enhancing scientific and technological collaborations, especially in innovation. Brazils aerospace company Embraer has marked its foray into the Vietnamese market, having delivered five E190 aircraft to Bamboo Airways. Established in 1969 and headquartered in Brazil, Embraer is the third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer globally, specialising in aircraft with fewer than 130 seats. It is known for its elite business jets catering to the affluent. "Vietnam presents a substantial market, compatible with Embraers existing aircraft range designed for shorter routes," said Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer, during a meeting with Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The aerospace giant expressed a keen interest in sustaining the Vietnamese government's support, exploring cooperative opportunities and expanding its market presence in Vietnam. "We are prepared to implement aircraft maintenance and repair services in Vietnam and supply technological solutions in the aviation sector," said Neto. Embraer, presently the worlds third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, just behind Boeing and Airbus, recorded revenues of $4.6 billion and a profit of $540 million in 2022. Embraer is renowned as Brazils champion in the aerospace sector, and the company is meticulously strategising to conquer Asian markets. According to Nikkei Asia, the company views India and Vietnam as the most promising markets in the region, aligning its expansion strategies to gain significant footholds in these developing economies, known for their rapidly growing aviation sectors and increasing demands for advanced aircraft. In addition, Brazil's president also voiced a special interest in seeing Vietnam negotiate and enter Free Trade Agreements with the Southern Common Market, envisioning a strengthened trade link between the bloc and ASEAN. The leaders, post-dialogue, concurred on accelerating exchanges to quickly reach an agreement on Brazil recognising Vietnam's market economy status. They also agreed to promote the signing of agreements to avoid double taxation. SpaceX targets $500 million investment in Vietnam SpaceX is gearing up for a significant foray into Vietnam, announcing a proposed $500 million investment with aspirations to roll out its Starlink services in the country. The De Heus Can Tho Aqua Feed Mill is designed with a total capacity of 240,000 tonnes annually and is dedicated to producing basa fish feed. All products are manufactured using state-of-the-art European and United States production technology. The entire production process, from input to output, is controlled by a fully automated system and strictly managed in accordance with ISO 22000, BAP and GLOBAL G.A.P. standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Koen De Heus, CEO of De Heus Animal Nutrition said, "We strongly believe white fish products are among the most healthy, delicious and sustainable animal protein products. Therefore, De Heus is actively investing in building our capabilities in this sector, especially in Asia and Africa. Vietnam is positioned well to become one of the worlds most important sources of aquatic proteins. We are committed to keep developing our strategic position in Vietnam together with our local and international partners. Johan van den Ban, CEO of De Heus Vietnam said Through our innovative nutritional solutions and thorough understanding of both local and international markets, we are constantly striving to help advance the Vietnamese fish farmers to develop successfully and sustainably. Besides this, De Heus Vietnam tries to play a coordinating role in the value chains in which we are active by supporting farmers to get access to top-quality genetics solutions, providing them with technical management solutions, access to finance and help connect them to the markets. The grand opening of De Heus Can Tho Aqua Feed Mill is an important part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands. According to Daniel Stork, consul general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, the strong relationship between the two countries is based on long-term commitment and partnership in various fields, such as agriculture, sustainable development and water management. The opening of the De Heus Can Tho Aqua Feed Mill also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, especially regarding achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. The strategic location near the river port of the feed mill provides outstanding advantages for transporting raw materials to the plant and finished products to farmers. De Heus has developed an innovative bulk feed transportation system for basa fish feed. Based on this model, floating aqua feed products can be transported efficiently from feed mill to farms by river. This results in significant cost reductions, a much smaller greenhouse gas emissions footprint due to more efficient transportation, no use of plastic packaging materials and less transportation and production losses. Known for their green ambitions and commitments towards sustainable agriculture, De Heus entered an MoU in March 2023 with partners to establish a partnership and cooperation to develop a rooftop solar power portfolio. With a total capacity of up to 20MWp, this portfolio is Vietnam's largest rooftop solar project in 2023. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2024. Specifically, the 458kWp system at the Can Tho Aqua Feed Mill is projected to reduce 470 tonnes of CO2 each year. All in all, these efforts aim at building an efficient and sustainable basa fish industry that can adapt to climate change and, primarily, protect the environment, whilst still fulfilling the demands of international markets. Journey of thriving sustainability by De Heus and Hung Nhon On May 14, the DHN Agriculture High-Tech Complex in Gia Lai was started by De Heus Vietnam and Hung Nhon Group, marking the fourth such site in the country. On the occasion, Johan van den Ban, CEO of De Heus Vietnam, spoke with VIR's Oanh Nguyen about the project and its mission to modernise Vietnams agriculture. Positive goals set by livestock groups Many large-scale livestock companies plan to implement significant projects in 2023, a year in which the sector is widely tipped to recover. EVN has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to expedite electricity imports from Laos in a bid to amplify the power supply in the North by 2025, as reported by local newswire VNExpress on September 25. The strategic import of electricity from Laos is emerging as a linchpin in the mitigation of potential electricity shortfalls over the coming dry seasons. The approach is underscored by both meticulous operational foresight and a diplomatic synergy, entrenched in the 2019 cooperation agreement between Vietnam and Laos. According to the National Power Development Plan VIII, and thanks to the cooperation agreement, Vietnam plans to purchase 3,000MW of electricity from Laos by 2025, with potential increments to 5,000MW by 2030 and 8,000MW thereafter if conditions permit. EVNs recent proposition entails importing over 225MW from Laotian hydro and wind power plants including Nam Mo and Houay Koauan, and integrating with projects like Savan 1 and 2. The move is crucial, as no major power projects are anticipated to enter operation from now until 2025, leading to potential power shortages in the North during the peak dry seasons over the coming two years. EVN's calculations suggest a possible shortage of over 3,630MW, and production of only 6.8 billion kilowatt hours during the peak dry months (May-July) in 2025. "The additional 225MW of imported power from Laos is anticipated to augment the power supply substantially, ensuring consistent energy provision for the northern regions in the ensuing years," stated an official from EVN. These power projects are expected to connect to the operational 220 kilovolt lines, negating any auxiliary investment in the Vietnamese grid. Moreover, the competitive pricing of electricity from Laotian hydro plants at approximately 6.95 US cents per kWh makes it more economical compared to various domestic sources like solar (7.09-9.35 US cents per kWh), wind (8.5-9.8 US cents per kWh), domestic gas (8.24 US cents per kWh), and coal (7.23-8.45 US cents per kWh). Regarding EVN's suggestion about the integration with the Savan 1 and 2 wind power plants, the MoIT assured that it would occur once the electricity purchase and incorporation of related grid projects into the power development planning have been approved. The MoIT also requires EVN to finalise the documents for approval of the power purchase and submit them for consideration and a final decision. In August, the Prime Minister approved the import of 2,698MW of electricity from Laos, with EVN signing Power Purchase Agreements with investors for a total capacity of 2,240MW. Currently, six power plants have been approved to receive imports from Laos, with a total capacity of 449MW. Of these, four projects (249MW) are in the negotiation stage between EVN's Power Purchase Company and investors. The investors of the other two hydroelectric plants, Nam Kong 1 (160MW) and Nam Mouan (100MW), have announced the cessation of sales. Beyond Laos, Vietnam also purchases electricity from China through a 110kV line. During recent peak heatwaves in the North, the amount of electricity imported from Laos and China stood at about 11 million kWh per day, equating to a tenth of the area's demands. Phu My 3 to rely on costlier LNG The Phu My 3 power plant faces challenges as it transitions from BOT (build-operate-transfer) to Vietnamese control in March next year, marking the culmination of a 20-year contract, according to a recent announcement from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) EIB and EVN explore offshore wind energy collaboration The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) are deepening ties, with advanced loan discussions centred on the Bac Ai hydropower project. The Ministry of Construction is submitting a master plan to the prime minister for the exploration, exploitation, processing, and use of minerals for 2021-2030, and beyond. Pham Van Bac, head of the Construction Materials Department at the Ministry of Construction (MoC), said the master plan closely follows Resolution No.10-NQ/TW dated February 2022 on the strategic direction for the for the geological, mineral, and mining industries through 2030, with a vision to 2045. The plan sets out specific objectives for each mineral group, including exploration, exploitation, processing, and use. Each stage will identify specific mines for investigation, with priority given to mine development in areas that mirror domestic needs. Low-quality minerals will also be exploited if they meet export regulations and generate high economic value. Domestic researchers have stated that the master plan should be managed in the direction of green mining and circular mineral exploitation, and that there must be additional backup plans for projects that fall behind schedule. Quach Duc Tin, deputy director of the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment the consulting agency of the master plan said, "For mineral exploitation, Vietnam needs a realistic assessment of its reserves. Relevant stakeholders should focus on exploiting minerals economically and reducing the amount of waste discharged into the environment." "State management agencies play an important role in supervising mineral exploitation licensing. They need to have a reasonable tax and fee policy so that businesses can feel secure," Tin added. In August 2018, Decision No.995/QD-TTg assigned tasks to ministries when organising the national sector planning. Among them, the MoC was tasked with preparing the master plan for the exploration, exploitation, processing, and use of minerals for construction materials for 2021-2030, and the succeeding two decades. New decree sets environmental protection fees for mineral exploitation The Government recently issued Decree 27/2023/ND-CP regulating environmental protection fees for mineral exploitation. Basic geological survey planning on minerals for 2021-2030 released A basic geological survey planning on minerals for the 2021-30 period with a vision to 2050 has been released by the Vietnam Geological Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Global Intentions Study 2023 surveys more than 40,000 consumers globally across 37 markets on their recent travel in the past 12 months and intention to travel in the next 12 months. The study fieldwork was conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. Vietnam, a country of vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a favoured destination for travellers from across the globe. As the world transitions into a new era of post-pandemic exploration, understanding the changing trends in the Vietnamese travel landscape is crucial for travellers and industry stakeholders. For more than a decade, the Global Travel Intentions Study has equipped Visa and its partners, in Vietnam and worldwide, with unparalleled insights on the travel and payment landscape. This invaluable knowledge allows operators in the industry to plan and execute effective strategies to satisfy consumer demands and grow their businesses, and reinforces Visas commitment to creating a cashless society, said Dung Dang, Visa's country manager for Vietnam and Laos. The GTI 2023 revealed an ongoing trend in the Vietnamese travel industry, which saw the rise of Gen Z and families with kids as significant contributors to the travel boom. In terms of leisure trips, families travelling with kids and "Silvers" (travellers aged 60 years old and above) made the most trips averaging 2.4 leisure trips in the past 12 months. Gone are the days when travel was solely about ticking off landmarks from a checklist. Vietnamese travellers are now placing a strong emphasis on leisure-focused and experiential journeys. Relaxation was the main driver for travel at 68 per cent, followed by shopping 43 per cent and exploration or trying something new 43 per cent. As the country blossoms into a playground for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, tourists are opting for personalised experiences that enable them to immerse themselves in local customs, traditions, and cuisine. As environmental awareness takes centre stage, Vietnamese travellers demonstrate a remarkable interest and action in sustainable travel. Nearly 75 per cent of people said they were either interested or very interested in sustainable travel options, while half had actively looked for these options when planning their travels. With an increasing number of travellers seeking eco-conscious options, the industry is witnessing a shift towards greener travel practices, supporting local communities and preserving natural resources. With a growing middle class and increasing disposable income, these demographics are embarking on more domestic and international trips, seeking unforgettable experiences and bonding opportunities. Almost 1 in 5 mentioned visiting friends or family as a key motivation for travel in the next year. As consumer spending power rises, travellers would appear to view shopping as an integral part of their travel experience, seeking unique souvenirs and indulging in retail therapy to enrich their journey. Strong recovery Amid the global recovery from COVID-19, Vietnam's tourism sector is rebounding. Domestic tourism has been pivotal, with locals exploring their own country, bolstering local businesses and jobs. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, security and acceptance are crucial in shaping Vietnamese travellers' payment preferences. The study highlights that travellers seek seamless transactions and robust security measures, emphasising the importance of trust in financial transactions while exploring new horizons. The digital revolution is transforming how we pay, and Vietnamese travellers have embraced the convenience of credit/debit/pre-paid cards. Almost all Vietnamese respondents in the GTI 2023 indicated that they intended to use these cashless payment options (92 per cent credit cards and 87 per cent debit cards) during their journeys, streamlining transactions and enhancing the overall travel experience. With 64 per cent of Vietnamese respondents saying they brought their digital wallets for travel, the ease of use, security, and wide acceptability is drawing travellers to embrace this innovative payment method. The growing popularity of digital wallets signals a shift towards a more tech-driven and connected payment ecosystem. We are entering a new era for the travel industry in Vietnam, and the role of digital payments will advance side by side with the industry as customers demand more efficient and secure payment services. Adapting swiftly, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators must cater to evolving traveller needs, supported by the growing use of cashless payment methods for added convenience, said Dung, Visa country manager for Vietnam and Laos. Visa and Vietnam Airlines enhance digital experience for consumers Vietnam Airlines plans to leverage Visas expertise to launch a unique, co-branded product to boost its digital capabilities and improve the customer experience. Visa expands digital payment acceptance for electricity bills in Vietnam Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced on July 21 that electricity consumers will now be able to enjoy the convenience and security of paying their energy bills with their Visa cards. Waco police arrested a 30-year-old man early Saturday morning after they say he stabbed another man during a fight, puncturing his lung and sending him to the hospital. Santiago Bustamante-Lopez, of Waco, was booked into McLennan County Jail on two second-degree felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a state jail felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. According to Bustamante-Lopezs arrest affidavit, officers were called at about 5 a.m. Saturday to a residence on Summer Avenue. The affidavit says Bustamante-Lopez and another man were fighting when Bustamante-Lopez pulled out a knife and stabbed the other man in the abdomen, an injury that pierced his lung. According to the affidavit, Bustamante-Lopez also recklessly injured his wife, slashing her on the forearm as she tried to break up the fight. During Bustamante-Lopezs arrest, officers found a small baggie with cocaine in it in his pocket during a search, the affidavit says. Waco police spokesperson Cierra Shipley said via email the man who was stabbed was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. Bustamante-Lopez remained jailed Monday on $42,500 bond. We Are China China holds press conference to present white paper on global community of shared future Xinhua) 10:18, September 26, 2023 BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday held a press conference to present a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Yi Whan-woo Korea has the highest poverty rate for elderly citizens among a number of major economies with the figure standing at 34.8 percent when net income is assessed, data showed on Monday. Released by the Korea Development Institute (KDI), a state-run think tank, the data also showed Korea, out of the eight countries, has the highest rate of poverty for those aged 65 and older. After deducting taxes, the report placed 43.4 percent of the cohort in poverty. The findings come as the total number of elderly citizens surpassed 9 million for the first time in 2022 and is expected to increase at a faster rate moving forward. Older people are expected to account for more than 20 percent of Korea's entire population in 2025 and 49.8 percent by 2050. The KDI said Koreas poverty rate of 34.8 percent concerning comprehensive net income was far higher than Germany's 11.8 percent, the United States' 10.8 percent and the United Kingdom's 9.8 percent. With regard to net disposable income, the 43.4 percent poverty rate for Korean seniors was the highest among OECD member states. The average rate for the 36 OECD member states was 13.1 percent. Separate data from Statistics Korea showed many elderly people work even after their retirement in order to escape poverty. 1. Fraternization of Canadian animals led by Prime Minister Trudeau in his parliament with the Nazis. 2. Deliveries of Abrams tanks from NATO arsenals. 3. Promises to supply longer-range Army Tactical Missile System missiles to the Kyiv authorities. It seems that Russia is being left with less and less choice other than a direct conflict with NATO on the ground, which has turned into an openly fascist bloc like the Hitler Axis, albeit of a larger size. We are ready, although the result will be achieved at much greater cost to humanity than in 1945 Medvedev WtR What can you make with a potters wheel, a sponge and some trimming tools? What can you create with a bucket, a kiln and some clay? A legacy, 50 years in the making. Wilson Creek Pottery started in 1973 on an off-beaten path in the rolling hills of Spring Green in a little old cheese factory. It was then that budding potter Peggy Ahlgren, after apprenticing with renowned ceramic artist Betty Woodman, converted the place into her own pottery shop and studio, creating gas-reduction functional stoneware. Though Ahlgren retired in 2012, Wilson Creek Pottery continues to thrive under the ownership of Ashley Pfannenstiel and Shannon Porter, where they continue on with Ahlgrens traditions, while developing new products, glazes and connections. To celebrate, a 50th anniversary open house will take place Saturday at the studio, located at E6101 County Road WC in Spring Green. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The open house will include studio tours, demonstrations, local snacks and treats from Wander Provisions and Tina K Cakes, an official 50th anniversary toast at 3 p.m., and more. This is a dream turned reality, Pfannenstiel said of owning the studio with Porter, her partner of 14 years. She was a working artist in Chicago when Pfannenstiel caught wind that a little pottery studio was for sale in rural Wisconsin. She visited it. She fell in love with it. But owning a pottery studio was a big leap for someone who, though an artist, had never thrown a pot, much less thought about owning a pottery studio. But then, Pfannenstiel was commuting to work in Chicago traffic one day. It took me an hour to go a couple of miles, she recalled. That was it. She quit her city job, moved to Spring Green, and started her life as a potter. We were seeking some kind of change, said Porter, who has a degree in business but had not found her calling in any of her prior jobs. When the opportunity came up it didnt make a lot of sense. But with Ashleys artistic abilities and business mind it was hard to say no to it. Ahlgren mentored the new owners. She taught Pfannenstiel how to throw pots and much more. I had never fired a kiln, Pfannenstiel admits. Im still learning. Since the sale, Ahlgren has been in regular contact with the owners though, Porter stressed, When she retired, she really retired travelling and seeing friends. A retirement well earned. Ahlgren made countless pieces in the 39 years she worked at Wilson Creek Pottery. Many of those pieces are still in use to this day. Her signature pieces had hand-painted leaves on them. They bedecked bowls and cups, mugs and pots. Single-handedly, Ahlgren worked as a potter, owning the studio until Pfannenstiel and Porter came by. The sale was completed in the spring of 2012. Pfannenstiel learned everything she could about pottery and the shop, maintaining the building and upgrading it. The shop expanded in 2021. Pfannenstiel continues to work every day, creating art and building community. Its a shared experience, Pfannenstiel said of her art. I love that its functional and can be used in ones home. People have, for instance, a mug, and have experiences of their own with it, just as Pfannenstiel had experiences in the making of it. Some people tell me they like their coffee in the morning because of the way my cup feels in their hands, she said. Thats very gratifying. What I create is translated by others. She creates a lot. With Porter handling business operations and with Katie Wyer as production assistant, Pfannenstiel goes through approximately 7 tons of clay a year. Appreciative of the tradition of Japanese stoneware, she is particularly keen on making items that are used daily: bowls, plates, cups and mugs. Keen on that, and keen on being an integral part of the community. With the 50th anniversary, Pfannenstiel and Porter are looking back but also forward. Were focused on reflection, Porter said. Seeing how these seeds have been planted, watered, grown. Its a lot of good soil, and what were doing now will show in whatever lays ahead. For Pfannenstiel, thats being around the kiln, the buckets and slurry, the knives and calipers. I love to express myself through my work. To learn more about Wilson Creek Pottery and the anniversary celebration visit wilsoncreekpottery.com. Close Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter moulds a clay pot in a potters wheel in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Mohan Laxmi Prajapati arranges pots that are being baked, in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Dil Krishna Prajapati, 54, moulds a clay pot in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. "Times have changed, new products have flooded the market, and people from potter caste love other lucrative professions. I fear that the tradition will fade away," said Dil Krishna. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, a man carries clay as pots are kept out to dry in the sun in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter works with clay that will be moulded into pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potters take a break in between making clay pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter covers clay pots with hay before baking it to harden in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries a basket filled with clay to make into clay pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. What has kept the tradition alive, for now, is the flow of tourists who buy artistic clay pots as souvenirs, and also because clay pots are still used in certain Hindu and Buddhist rituals. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) APTOPIX Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Mohan Laxmi Prajapati splashes water before taking out pots that are being baked to harden in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Bishnu Bahadur Prajapati, 53, works on a clay pot watched by his elderly neighbor Kaji Bahadur Prajapati, 90, in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries a pot to dry in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Locals say that potter can earn 20,000 Nepali rupees ($200) a month and doesn't match up to what young people from the town can make in other jobs abroad and in bigger cities. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries clay pots for sale in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, clay pots made by Nepalese Prajapati potters are loaded in a vehicle to be taken for sale in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter stands beside clay pots neatly stacked up in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Photos: The dying art of pottery in the ancient town of Thimi Locals say a potter can earn $200 a month, but that doesn't match up with what young people can make in other jobs abroad and in bigger cities. Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter moulds a clay pot in a potters wheel in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Mohan Laxmi Prajapati arranges pots that are being baked, in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Dil Krishna Prajapati, 54, moulds a clay pot in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. "Times have changed, new products have flooded the market, and people from potter caste love other lucrative professions. I fear that the tradition will fade away," said Dil Krishna. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, a man carries clay as pots are kept out to dry in the sun in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter works with clay that will be moulded into pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potters take a break in between making clay pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter covers clay pots with hay before baking it to harden in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries a basket filled with clay to make into clay pots in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. What has kept the tradition alive, for now, is the flow of tourists who buy artistic clay pots as souvenirs, and also because clay pots are still used in certain Hindu and Buddhist rituals. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) APTOPIX Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Mohan Laxmi Prajapati splashes water before taking out pots that are being baked to harden in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, Nepalese Prajapati potter Bishnu Bahadur Prajapati, 53, works on a clay pot watched by his elderly neighbor Kaji Bahadur Prajapati, 90, in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries a pot to dry in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Locals say that potter can earn 20,000 Nepali rupees ($200) a month and doesn't match up to what young people from the town can make in other jobs abroad and in bigger cities. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter carries clay pots for sale in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 photo, clay pots made by Nepalese Prajapati potters are loaded in a vehicle to be taken for sale in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. In the past, Prajapati potters would travel across the country to sell their wares. That practice has already died out as more durable material replaced clay pots. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) Nepal Dying Craft In this Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017 photo, a Nepalese Prajapati potter stands beside clay pots neatly stacked up in the ancient Nepali town of Thimi. For generations, the residents of Thimi supplied the rest of the Himalayan country everything from tiny clay lamps used in temples to massive grain storage jars. As more young people leave town for better paying jobs in other parts of Nepal or abroad, fewer families have to eke out an income from the relatively low-returns business of clay pottery. Of the nearly 2,000 Prajapati families in town, less than 300 families now depend on clay pottery for a living. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form David McCallum, the last remaining original cast member of NCIS, on which he played Donald Ducky Mallard, and a star of the 1960s No. 1 hit spy show The Man From U.N.C.L.E., died Sept. 25 in New York City at age 90. He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father, his son Peter McCallum said in a statement for the family. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now A star of film (The Greatest Story Ever Told), TV and stage, he got rave reviews in each medium. Tweeted former New York Times drama critic Ben Brantley, "My heart has leapt up whenever I saw his name in credits theatrical (Joseph II, Amadeus!) or otherwise (Ducky!). Everlastingly cool." He was a true renaissance man, said Peter McCallum. He was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy. Indeed, the actor was so obsessed with authenticity that to play NCISs Chief Medical Examiner Mallard, an eccentrically gifted investigator, he trained with the Los Angeles chief pathologist. McCallum told The Scotsman newspaper how marvelous it felt to hold a heart or have it held in front of you and be shown the actual arteries on the outside and see how tiny they are and how easy it would be to clog them! Born in Glasgow to cellist Dorothy Dorman and David McCallum Sr., who became conductor of the London Symphony, young David got his first standing ovation at age 8 in a Shakespeare play. And I said: 'Hey, hey, hey, this is kinda cool! he recalled to The Scotsman. After a stint on British TV, he shot to fame as the Russian Illya Kuryakin, the enigmatic partner of Robert Vaughns Napoleon Solo on The Man From U.N.C.L.E. He was dubbed the blond Beatle, and the 1964-68 show was so popular that once, when McCallums fans spotted him at Macys in New York, they did $25,000 worth of damage trying to reach him; mounted police had to ride in and save him. They had to close Herald Square to get me out, he recalled. He found a more comfortable level of fame on NCIS and thought it fun that some called it his second shot at becoming a sex symbol. Oh I hope!" he said to The Scotsman. Anybody who can be a sex symbol in their 70s! I love it!" David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Lets raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. Ive only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! Its David pic.twitter.com/ve6hFvFkQD Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) September 25, 2023 Michael Weatherly, who played Special Agent Tony Dinozzo for 13 seasons alongside McCallum, posted a touching tribute to his NCIS castmate: David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Lets raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. Ive only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! Its David McCallum! No one did it better. We were lucky to have him bring us Ducky. Lets send all the love in the world to his beautiful family. Rest In Peace David. As you know, veterans especially Vietnam veterans in the past sometimes didnt get the support or the help that they needed. Thats always been a great motivator for me, because it was probably more the Vietnam veterans on my wifes side of the family that influenced me to try to give back. Once I met them back in the 70s and 80s, I really felt a need to do something to help our Vietnam veterans who werent getting the kind of support that they deserved. Entertainment Ancestry 30% off a 1-year subscription View Details See All See more Entertainment offers > {"hideCategory":false,"useAlternateLanguage":false,"headlineIconAltText":"","listItems":[{"categoryTitle":"Entertainment","categoryUrl":"/membership/benefits/entertainment/","categoryDeeplinkParam":"entertainment","isLimitedTimeOffer":false,"offerJson":{"dbr_offer_id":"b270af1fb49dd39e9cfbdbf986c1f0ed","source_name":"Ancestry","offer_title":"30% off an All Access or World Explorer Subscription","offer_description":"\u003cp\u003eMembers save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription and get access to records and online tools to search, save and share their family history.\u0026nbsp; If youre new to Ancestry, youll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. If you already have an Ancestry account, youll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year.\u003c/p\u003e","offer_short_description":"30% off a 1-year subscription","category_list":"entertainment,limitedtimememberoffer","subcategory_list":"","tags":[{"tagID":"dbr:entertainment","title":"Entertainment","name":"entertainment","deeplink_url":"/membership/benefits/entertainment/","deeplink_param_value":"entertainment","get_offers_url":"/etc/aarp/dbr/ws.api/offers/entertainment.json","sub_tags":[]},{"tagID":"dbr:limitedtimememberoffer","title":"Limited Time Member Offers","name":"limitedtimememberoffer","deeplink_url":"/membership/benefits/limited-time-member-offers/","deeplink_param_value":"limitedtimememberoffer","get_offers_url":"/etc/aarp/dbr/ws.api/offers/limitedtimememberoffer.json","sub_tags":[]}],"vertical_image_url":"/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/ancestry/258x334-ancestry-two-men-smiling-multi-generational-tablet-feb-2020.jpg","image_url":"/content/dam/aarp/benefits_discounts/providers/ancestry/1140x641-ancestry-three-men-smiling-multi-generational-tablet-feb-2020.jpg","advertisement_flag":"","advertisement_sort_order":"","merchant_phone":"1-800-514-4645","merchant_phone_label":"or, call Ancestry at","howto_redeem":"Learn More","howto_redeem_url":"https://www.ancestry.com/s123495/t47308/rd.ashx?","howto_redeem_expired":"Renew to Learn More","howto_redeem_expired_link":"https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew","howto_redeem_non_member":"Join to Learn More","howto_redeem_non_member_link":"https://secure.aarp.org/applications/membershipChallenge/showChallengeForm.action?appName\u003daccount","howto_redeem_anonymous":"Join to Learn More","howto_redeem_anonymous_link":"https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid\u003dUASMBP1\u0026intcmp\u003dEWHERE-MBCHAE-LP-MMA-JOIN","howto_redeem_desc":"Enter your AARP membership number on the Ancestry website, or mention it by phone.","member_exclusive_flag":"no","offer_type":"EverGreen","hideLeavingAARP":"false","interstitial_desc":"You\u0027ll leave AARP.org and go to the website of a trusted provider. The provider\u0027s terms, conditions, and policies apply.","dbr_offer_type":"discount","restrictions":"\u003cp\u003eAARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs an AARP member, if you sign up for an Ancestry membership through a special AARP members-only offer, you agree to the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.ancestry.com/cs/legal/termsandconditions#disputes\" data-overlay-msg\u003d\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,\u0027\u0027,/mnt/overlay/wcm/core/content/sites/properties.html,\u0027\u0027,\u0027You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.\u0027);return false;\"\u003eAncestry Terms and Conditions\u003c/a\u003e (the Terms), including the dispute resolution procedures set forth in the Terms. In addition to those procedures, you also have the option to initiate arbitration through the American Arbitration Association (AAA). If you so choose, the following applies:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute informally by contacting Ancestry customer service. If any dispute between us is not resolved within 30 days after contacting us, then you and Ancestry agree that we will resolve it through final and binding arbitration. The term dispute is intended to be as broad as legally permissible and includes, but is not limited to, all disputes between you and any other person on whose behalf you have interacted with Ancestry, on the one hand, and Ancestry, including any of its parents, subsidiaries, predecessors, successors, assigns, or affiliates, on the other, that arise out of or relate in any way to the Terms, this arbitration agreement, or your interactions or relationship with Ancestry, with the following three exceptions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eYou and Ancestry shall each have the option to resolve any dispute, if it qualifies, in the small claims court with jurisdiction over your place of residence. To the extent any dispute involves claims for both (1) monetary damages or relief and (2) equitable or injunctive relief, to the extent the small claims court with jurisdiction will not resolve claims for equitable or injunctive relief, you and Ancestry shall each have the option to resolve the claims for monetary relief or damages in small claims court, and any claim for equitable or injunctive relief shall be resolved in arbitration pursuant to this agreement. \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBoth you and Ancestry may bring a suit in court in the state of Utah only for a claim of infringement or other misuse of intellectual property rights. In this case, we both waive any right to a jury trial.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIf it qualifies, you may bring a claim to the attention of a relevant federal, state, or local agency that may seek relief against us on your behalf.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eArbitration Rules:\u003c/b\u003e This arbitration agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. 1 et seq.). Arbitration will be conducted by AAA in accordance with the then-applicable AAA rules, excluding any rules or procedures governing or permitting class actions. Where no disclosed claims or counterclaims exceed $25,000, the dispute shall be resolved by the submission of documents only/desk arbitration pursuant to AAA Consumer Arbitration Rule 29 (or the then-applicable AAA Consumer Arbitration Rule governing documents-only arbitration procedures). Either party may file dispositive motions in arbitration, including without limitation a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment, and the arbitrator will apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes arising out of or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, the Terms, or the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.ancestry.com/cs/legal/privacystatement\"\u003eAncestry Privacy Statement\u003c/a\u003e, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this arbitration agreement, the Terms or Privacy Statement is void or voidable, whether a claim is subject to arbitration, or the question of waiver by litigation conduct. The arbitrator shall be empowered to grant whatever relief would be available in a court under law or in equity. The arbitrators award shall be written and shall be binding on the parties and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo initiate an arbitration proceeding through AAA, you must send a certified letter describing your claim and requesting arbitration to Ancestry Legal Department, Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1300 W Traverse Parkway, Lehi, UT 84043. You must also send a copy of this demand to the AAA at the same time the demand is sent to Ancestry and follow all required procedures under the then-applicable AAA rule governing starting an arbitration under an arbitration agreement in a contract. The arbitration will be conducted by AAA under its \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.adr.org/Rules\"\u003erules\u003c/a\u003e, as modified by the Terms (collectively, \u0026quot;AAA Rules\u0026quot;). The AAA Rules and costs are available online at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.adr.org/\"\u003ewww.adr.org\u003c/a\u003e or by calling the AAA at 1-800-778-7879.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe parties shall select the arbitrator by mutual agreement. If the parties are unable to mutually select an arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be selected as follows: AAA will give each party a list of nine (9) arbitrators drawn from its panel of arbitrators. Each party will have ten (10) calendar days to strike all names on the list it deems unacceptable. If only one common name remains on the lists of all parties, that individual will be designated as the arbitrator. If more than one common name remains on the lists of all parties, the parties will strike names alternately from the list of common names by telephone conference administered by AAA, with the claimant to strike first until only one remains. If no common name remains on the lists of all parties, AAA will furnish an additional list of nine (9) arbitrators from which the parties will strike alternately by telephone conference administered by AAA, with the claimant to strike first, until only one name remains. That person will be designated as the arbitrator. If the individual selected cannot serve, AAA will issue another list of nine (9) arbitrators and repeat the alternate striking selection process.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eArbitration may take place in the county where you reside at the time of filing. You and Ancestry further agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any federal or state court in San Francisco County, California in order to compel arbitration, to stay proceedings pending arbitration, or to confirm, modify, vacate, or enter judgment on the award entered by the arbitrator.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFees: \u003c/b\u003eYou will be required to pay $200or the amount otherwise required under the then-applicable AAA rulesto initiate an arbitration against us. If the arbitrator finds the arbitration to be non-frivolous, Ancestry will pay all other fees invoiced by AAA, including filing fees and arbitrator and hearing expenses. You are responsible for your own attorneys fees unless the arbitration rules and/or applicable law provide otherwise.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClass, Representative and Consolidated Action Waiver. \u003c/b\u003e There will be no right or authority for any dispute to be brought, heard or arbitrated as a class, representative and/or consolidated action (the \u003ci\u003eClass Action Waiver\u003c/i\u003e). Nor shall any arbitrator have the authority to hear or arbitrate any such dispute, regardless of any other language in this arbitration agreement, or any provision of any of the rules or procedures of the AAA that might otherwise apply including, without limitation, the AAA Supplemental Rules for Class Action Arbitration. This Class Action Waiver shall be severable from this arbitration agreement if there is a final judicial determination that the Class Action Waiver is invalid, unenforceable, unconscionable, void or voidable. In such instances, the class, representative or consolidated action must be litigated in the courts of the State of Utahnot in arbitration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeverability. \u003c/b\u003eOther than as set forth in the Class Action Waiver, if any provision of this arbitration agreement is adjudged to be invalid, unenforceable, unconscionable, void or voidable, in whole or in part, such adjudication will not affect the validity of the rest of the arbitration agreement. 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So I just started raising my hand where I could. Obviously, not everyone can do it to the level that you are, but what would you want people to know about how they can support the military and veterans and first responders? There are veterans and military families and communities all over this country. You never know when that military family may be experiencing something very difficult. Somebodys deployed, or theyve just lost somebody in military service, or theyre first responders in your area where a local firefighter loses their life trying to save somebody. All I did was just start taking action and reaching out and asking where I could help. You can reach out locally, to just support those folks, and let them know that what they do in service to our country providing freedom and security and all that matters to you. It could be anything, just wrapping your arms around somebody and listening to them, and telling them you care about them, and letting them know that youre there for them. That can make a big difference. We have a very high suicide rate in the veteran community. Thats troublesome. You never know if your phone call or your pat on the back or your handshake might be the difference. Video: How Forrest Gump Changed Gary Sinises Destiny Could you have ever imagined that this one role as Lieutenant Dan would have had such a life-changing impact for you and for all the people that you have touched in some way? Not at the time I was doing it. I knew it was a really good role. And I wanted to do it in honor of the Vietnam veterans in my own family. I wanted to portray a character honestly and tell a good story. And the story of Lieutenant Dan is a good story, because its a happy ending in the end. We really hadnt seen that in films, regarding a Vietnam veteran. There were a lot of films that came out where you just wondered at the end of those stories if those Vietnam veterans were going to be OK. At the end of the Lieutenant Dan story, you know hes good. So it did impact a lot of folks. Five weeks after the movie came out, I was invited to the Disabled American Veterans convention. They wanted to give me an award for playing Lieutenant Dan. There were over 2,000 veterans in the audience, and they were all wounded. And I can see that they were responding really positively to the story of a veteran who was wounded but who was OK in the end of the movie. Two types of Novaform mattresses sold exclusively by Costco were recalled over concerns they may have been exposed to water when they were manufactured, leading to a risk of mold growth. The recall has affected an estimated 48,000 mattresses, and there have been 541 reports of mold on the mattresses, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a statement. AARP Membership Join AARP for $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now The affected products were sold by Costco in-stores and online throughout the northwest United States and in the San Francisco Bay area between January 2023 and June 2023. The recall involves all sizes of Novaform ComfortGrande 14-inch and Novaform DreamAway 8-inch mattresses. The CPSC lists all product numbers associated with the facility in San Bernardino, California, responsible for the recall. To check if a mattress is affected, consumers can locate the item number on the law tag attached to the side of the mattress. Consumers who bought the affected mattresses should reach out to the manufacturer, FXI Inc., to arrange either for a refund or a free replacement. Both options include pickup and disposal of the old mattress. FXI can be reached at 888-886-2057 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or online at novaformcomfort.com/pages/recall. Costco will also be contacting known customers directly with information about the recall. Exposure to mold can pose a health risk to those with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or a mold allergy. Mold typically grows where there is moisture, such as around leaks, on paper, ceiling tiles and wood. But it can also live in dust, paint, wallpaper, drywall, fabric and upholstery, according to the CDC. By Lee Yeon-woo Hana Financial Group announced Tuesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to bolster cooperation in the Middle East. This MOU marks Saudi EXIM Bank's first collaboration with a private financial institution from Korea. A visit by Saudi EXIM Bank Chairman Saad Al-Khalb to Hana Bank last December paved the way for Hana's proposal for a joint business in Saudi Arabia. Major figures, including Hana Financial Group Vice Chairman Lee Eun-hyung, Saad Al-Khalb and Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Park Joon-yong, attended the ceremony that took place at Saudi EXIM Bank's headquarters on Monday (local time). Both parties are planning to enhance cooperation in various areas. This includes jointly identifying global projects in the Middle East, offering support in terms of funds, credit lines and guarantees to their respective global network and providing financial solutions and expertise to companies in both countries. Ahead of the signing ceremony, the Hana delegation visited the National Development Fund (NDF) of Saudi Arabia. During the visit, they exchanged insights on the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative and explored potential collaborations, such as joint ventures and investments with the NDF's associated banks and financial institutions. With this business agreement, Hana Financial Group aims to fortify the cooperative foundation between the two nations and serve as a financial bridge. Additionally, the group seeks to offer specialized financial services to businesses looking to expand their footprint in the Middle East, the group explained. "For companies engaged or aiming to participate in initiatives like NEOM City under the Saudi Vision 2030, we intend to increase their access to Middle Eastern local finance and provide tailored financial support, especially in eco-friendly infrastructure, construction and renewable energy sectors," the group stated. "I am grateful that Hana found a true partner in the financial sector through this visit, especially as collaborations between Korea and Saudi Arabia are diversifying," Lee remarked. "Hana was at the forefront of supporting Korean firms entering the Middle East market back in the 1970s. In keeping with that tradition, we are committed to backing Korean businesses financially, fostering a second and even a third Middle East boom." An Important Milestone towards Completion of DFS Successful Completion of Lithium Carbonate Test Program Sydney, Sep 26, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lake Resources ( ASX:LKE ) ( LK1:FRA ) ( LLKKF:OTCMKTS ) announces the successful completion of the Saltworks Technologies lithium carbonate test program to produce battery grade lithium carbonate from Lilac DLE lithium chloride eluate. Lake delivered 120,000 litres of concentrated lithium chloride eluate to Saltworks Technologies in Richmond, BC for this carbonate production test work. The eluate was produced from the Kachi Lilac DLE Demonstration plant in Catamarca Province, Argentina. "Most DLE lithium carbonate announcements are based on a few kilograms of carbonate produced on a lab bench scale unit; we've produced more lithium carbonate than most DLE projects under development. This gives us great confidence in our process," Lake CEO David Dickson said. The DLE Demo Plant continues to operate in Catamarca having now produced over 150,000 litres of eluate and processed over 3 million litres of Kachi brine. The demonstration plant is expected to produce over 200,000 litres of eluate and process close to 4 million litres of Kachi brine from multiple wells before it is shut down in October. "The extraction technology is now proven, and we are concentrating on designing well-structured project schedules for a facility with a target design life of 25 years at Kachi." Mr. Dickson said Lake remained on track for completion of a bankable Definitive Feasibility Study in December, as previously announced. He said Saltworks had demonstrated the Kachi commercial flowsheet unit operations in the processing of the 120,000 the litres of eluate solution: - Reverse Osmosis - Impurity removal (Ca, Mg) - Evaporation - Ion Exchange (Ca, Mg, B) - Lithium Carbonate precipitation - Centrifuge and Washing Mr Dickson said these results, along with the recent successful extraction and injection testing, showed that the DLE process at Kachi was being paired with high-yield, production-scale extraction wells. "Process plant design is underway, we have good optionality with our power supply, and environmental and community consultations are well underway, so we are very happy with the progress." "We have drilled deeper for better grades and improved our drilling performance by 40 percent this year." "Grades from recent extraction tests are 20 percent higher than exploration samples and we can expect further JORC updates prior to publishing the Phase 1 DFS results," he said. About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among three other projects covering 220,000 ha. This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands - high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits. Related Companies Lionsgate Movie 'The Meg' actor discusses fronting the fourth installment of 'The Expendables' franchise as his co-star Sly Stallone only has a small role in the new film. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jason Statham acknowledges that Sylvester Stallone's limited role in "Expend4bles" didn't "feel right." Sly's alter ego Barney Ross only has a small part in the latest movie in the action franchise and Statham says his absence was keenly felt on set. "In this particular story, he is absent for reasons we don't talk about, we have to guide ourselves through the ocean without him. There is something about not having him around that doesn't feel right. So, we are getting through, the story is the story, we are trying to do our best, but the best days are when he is on set," Jason told Cinema Express. "The Meg" star is set to take over as the lead star in the franchise following the new film but he pointed out that the movies would never have come to fruition without the influence of the "Rocky" legend. Statham said, "Sly is 'The Expendables', without him I would not be sitting here today. He represents everything about this movie, and without his presence, without his creativity, without his backbone, we are nothing in 'The Expendables'." The new movie features returning stars such as Jason and Dolph Lundgren along with franchise newcomers 50 Cent and Megan Fox and director Scott Waugh has embraced the key themes of the franchise. He said, " 'Expendables' is a franchise where you come to have your coke and your popcorn, enjoy yourself. You are looking at thrills, heart and also laughs. That is the triple thread of 'Expendables' and I feel we have been able to establish the fun factor in this movie, when you get to laugh, get to be on the end of your seat, but you also get to be rooting for these characters." You can share this post! Millie, Doosan Robotics at center of attention By Anna J. Park Market watchers say the success of the stock market debuts of Millie and Doosan Robotics will serve as a gauge of Korea's initial public offering (IPO) market sentiment in the second half of this year. Millie, a Korean e-book service platform, is set to debut on the Kosdaq market on Wednesday, after a previous botched attempt to go public last November. In less than a year, the atmosphere of Korea's IPO has changed drastically. The e-book platform business, which had to withdraw plans to go public last year due to an unsatisfactory corporate valuation amid worsening market conditions, succeeded in receiving 1.93 trillion won ($1.43 billion) in deposits from retail investors during its subscription period earlier this month. The subscription competition rate among retail investors stood at 449.56 to 1. The company's public offering price has been set at 23,000 won ($17), with an estimated corporate valuation of 162 to 186 billion won. One of the firm's IPO strategies is to present an attractive valuation, offering shares at a reasonable price. While the firm's operating profit during the first half jumped five-fold year-on-year to 5 billion won, it opted for a lower corporate valuation than the one used in last year's failed attempt. "Millie is expected to display stable growth based on its dominance in the local subscription-based reading platform market. The firm holds the highest market share of 62.9 percent as of the first half of this year, Park Jong-sun, an analyst at Eugene Investment, said. The performance of Millie's stock price after listing is expected to be a barometer of the success of Doosan Robotics, which is scheduled to debut on the benchmark KOSPI early next month, as well as the success of EcoPro Materials, which also announced its official IPO plan by submitting a prospectus to financial authorities earlier this week. Doosan Robotics received 33.1 trillion won in deposits during its subscription period from retail investors, with a competition rate of 524.05 to 1. It is the largest amount of deposit for an IPO subscription this year and also ranks ninth in Korea's IPO history. Market analysts forecast Doosan Robotics' stock price will continue to rise after its KOSPI debut on Oct. 5, given the firm's reasonable valuation of 1.68 trillion won based on its public offering price. "Considering the recent rise in valuation and market expectations over the robot sector, Doosan Robotics' relatively reasonable valuation could appeal to investors," Seo Jae-ho, an analyst at DB Financial Investment, said. Investors are voicing hopes of bullish stock price performances on IPO day. Due to the revision of the country's bourse operator regulations in June, the price of newly-offered stocks on the first day of trading can rise up to 400 percent of their IPO price. If the shares display impressive growth early on, the IPO market atmosphere, which had been somewhat depressed throughout the past year, could shift to a new phase, according to analysts. Humanity Stoked Celebrity The 'Jackass' actor has reportedly managed to stay away from booze and stay away from trouble after moving out of city and living in a farm with his girlfriend. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - Bam Margera is rumored to be celebrating one month sober as he enjoys a healthy new lifestyle in the countryside. "The Jackass" star was required to wear an alcohol-detecting anklet as part of his bail conditions stemming from an arrest in August and he also has to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and outpatient treatment - and TMZ.com now reports Bam has been sober for a month and living on a farm owned by a professional skateboarder near Philadelphia. Bam is living there with his girlfriend Dannii and they have been hitting the gym together every day and going on hikes with their dogs, according to the outlet. The report suggests the star has "lost a ton of weight" and started skateboarding again, adding that Bam has "kept a really tight circle of positive friends and influences." Sources also told the website Bam feels more positive about his recovery this time after years of substance abuse issues because he's "wanted to get sober for himself as opposed to being forced by family or friends through an intervention." Bam's current legal troubles stem from his arrest over a row with a woman outside a hotel in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania in the early hours of August 9. As well as wearing the SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device for a minimum of 30 days, he also has to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly and agree to and complete the suggested outpatient treatment.It's believed Bam will be able to get the anklet removed if he is able to remain alcohol-free during those days. Bam is also facing further legal issues stemming from an alleged assault on his brother Jesse back in April while the star's wife Nicole Boyd has filed for a legal separation. You can share this post! Celebrity The actor, known for playing eccentric medical examiner Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard on the popular CBS show, has passed away surrounded by his loved ones amid hospitalization in New York. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." star David McCallum has passed away aged 90. The actor, who had a career revival playing eccentric medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on the popular CBS show "NCIS", died on Monday, September 25 from natural causes surrounded by family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, CBS revealed in a statement. His passing arrives six days after his 90th birthday on September 19. It added, "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away." Scottish-born David was a household name in the 1960s thanks to his role on "TMFU", which cashed in on the success of the James Bond films. The show, which started in 1964, also starred the late Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, an agent in a secretive, high-tech squad of crime fighters whose initials stood for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. David played Illya Kuryakin, Napoleon's Russian sidekick, and became a pin-up for teen girls at the time. By 1965, David's character was a lead role and he and Robert were mobbed by fans in public. The series ended in 1968 but the actors reunited in 1983 for the TV movie spin-off "The Return of the Man From U.N.C.L.E.", with David returning to television in 2003 on CBS' "NCIS". Double Emmy-nominee David said he thought his medical examiner character "looked a little silly," but admitted it was "great fun" to play. The Glashow-born actor - who got his break in theatre - married his first wife, English actress Jill Ireland, on May 11, 1957. Their marriage lasted 10 years and after leaving David, his ex got hitched to action star Charles Bronson, to whom the actor had introduced her while he and the actor were filming "The Great Escape" in 1963. He had three sons with Jill, who died aged 54 in 1990 - Paul, Jason, and Valentine. Jason, who was adopted, died from an accidental drug overdose in 1989. Val McCallum is a guitar player, and has played on and off with Jackson Browne since 2002. In 1967, David married Katherine Carpenter and they had son Peter and daughter Sophie. On 27 August 1999, David was naturalized as a U.S. citizen, and as well as his four children, is also survived by six grandchildren. You can share this post! Cover Images/Nils Jorgensen Celebrity The actor who once teamed up with the 'Get Him to the Greek' star is 'against people piling in' on his co-star who is facing police investigation amid sexual assault claims. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - Rupert Everett doesn't like the idea of "people piling in" on Russell Brand. The actor, 64, shared screen with the sex abuse-accused comic in 2007's schoolgirl romp "St Trinian's", and has now admitted his former colleague has been taken "down." "There's nothing more to say than has been said. Sorry to be a bore, but I'm against people piling in. It's done. He's down. Let's all move on," Rupert told The Times when asked for his thoughts on the Brand scandal that erupted on 16 September - when four women accused him of rape, sexual assault and emotional and physical abuse. Rupert made the remarks by text after his Times interviewer pressed him for his thoughts on the accusations against Brand after their chat was finished. The actor lashed out in the interview at the outrage in the so-called "woke" community over able-bodied and straight actors playing disabled and gay roles. He said, "Oh it's rubbish! Rubbish! All of it!" "You have to be one thing to play that thing! You have to be Jewish to play Jew- ish? Gay to play gay? Are gays really that different from straights? Maybe on the surface, but really it's ridiculous." On Monday, September 25, 48-year-old Brand launched into another of his online rants about free speech and conspiracies - as police confirmed they were investigating allegations of sexual assault against the under-fire comic. The "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" actor started a live stream on his $60 subscription channel on Rumble minutes after cops said they were probing accusations of sexual offences in London and "elsewhere" in Britain. Brand posted on X, "Are we being silenced? The battle for free speech - streaming now on @rumblevideo." During the stream, he went on a long-winded rant about a government conspiracy to prevent him from sharing his theories and make money from social media. He also repeatedly pleaded with his fans for donations. Detectives confirmed they have opened an investigation into a series of non-recent sexual offence allegations against the comedian, with a Metropolitan Police spokesperson saying, "Following an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times, the Met has received a number of allegations of sexual offences in London." "We have also received a number of allegations of sexual offences committed elsewhere in the country and will investigate these. The offences are all non-recent. Officers will be offering specialist support to all of the women who have made allegations. Detectives have launched an investigation into allegations of sexual offences." Brand was accused of offences ranging from rape and sexual assault to emotional and physical abuse by four women, whose allegations were made public on 16 September as part of a joint investigation into the comic's treatment of women by The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4's "Dispatches" investigative journalism team. A series of other women have since come forward to allege sexual assault and mistreatment by Brand. Dad-of-two Brand, who is expecting his third child with wife Laura Gallacher, 36, has strongly denied all allegations against him, saying his past relationships have been "consensual" and claiming he is the victim of a "coordinated attack." You can share this post! FOX/Pete Dadds TV At one point in the first episode of the FOX series, the former fiance of Rob Kardashian can be seen heading to another room, where she breaks down in tears. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - Brian Austin Green and Blac Chyna were fighting in season 2 of "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" which premiered on Monday, September 25. The first episode of the new season, which took place in South Island, New Zealand, saw the growing tension between the two stars. Brian could be seen calling out the video vixen, whose real name is Angela White. The "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum told her to not give him "dirty looks like that" because they're "not necessary." Blac then sat up and asked the actor what he's talking about. Brian responded, "I'm just saying." That prompted the former fiance of Rob Kardashian to warn Brian, "I'm from D.C. Don't play with me. I'm not the one. Stop playing with me. I'm not playing with you." Brian then replied, "Of course, I'm playing. I'm never serious. I don't want to create any drama. I don't want to make you feel bad at all." The "Rob & Chyna" alum later walked up to Brian to tell him that he would never make her feel a certain "type of way." She said, "I'm gonna let you know that right now. But carry on, though. 'Cause you so funny and all that, right?" Following the tense moment, JoJo Siwa asked Brian if he was okay and he just shrugged his shoulders as his response. "What the heck happened?" Savannah Chrisley asked as Blac left the room. Blac headed to another room, where she broke down in tears. In the first episode, the celebrity recruits were given the first task which required them to make it across two thin metal poles that were suspended 340 feet in the air. Brian, Blac and the majority of the recruits failed the first task. The recruits then had to perform grueling tasks with heavy rocks. You can share this post! Instagram TV The 22-year-old 'The Dark Tower' actor is reportedly set to join the forthcoming season of the hit HBO series, which serves as the prequel to 'Game of Thrones'. Sep 26, 2023 AceShowbiz - Season 2 of HBO's "House of the Dragon" has reportedly found Cregan Stark in Tom Taylor. "The Dark Tower" actor will join the forthcoming season of the "Game of Thrones" prequel series, according to SFFGazette.com. Known as the Wolf of the North (and the Old Man of the North in later life), Cregan was the Lord of Winterfell and head of House Stark during the reigns of kings Viserys I, Aegon II, Aegon III and Daeron I Targaryen. He also served as Hand of the King for Aegon III after the Dance of the Dragons. Cregan became a powerful ally of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen after bonding with her son Prince Jacaerys Velaryon during the war between the Greens and the Blacks. At the time, Prince Jacaerys headed to Winterfell to negotiate with the stern lord and attempt to gain support for his mother's cause. Tom is known for his role of Jake Chambers in the big-screen adaptation of "The Dark Tower", which also starred Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey. The 22-year-old actor's credits also included "Doctor Foster", "The Kid Who Would be King" and "The Bay". He additionally played Uhtred in "The Last Kingdom". "House of the Dragon" follows "the Targaryen dynasty at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires-real and imagined-crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins almost 193 years before the events of Game of Thrones, when King Viserys Targaryen breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm." The first season of "House of the Dragon" starred Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen. While HBO will most likely make an official announcement after the Hollywood strikes end, season 2 of "House of the Dragon" is currently filming at Leavesden Studios in Surrey. You can share this post! Cover Images/PAPIX/INSTARimages.com Celebrity Friends of the Oscar-winning actor are allegedly worried that he may be moving too fast by rushing into marriage with his current girlfriend due to his brush with death. Sep 27, 2023 AceShowbiz - Jamie Foxx is seemingly ready to settle down amid his relationship with Alyce Huckstepp, but it has left his friends anxious. Rumor has it that the 55-year-old actor wants to marry his current girlfriend, but his inner circle fears he is moving too fast due to his brush with death. Insiders reveal the Oscar winner is ready to buy a ring and take the marriage leap with Alyce, but his close pals are worried that he is making a huge mistake. The sources believe his recent health scare shifted the actor's view on "his own mortality" and has apparently made him come around to idea of marriage. "Nearly dying has really woken him up to his own mortality," one of the insiders tells the National Enquirer (via RadarOnline.com). "Now he's very aware it could all end in an instant." "He's started saying he wants to settle down. It's freaking out everyone in his life," the insider continues. "They're worried he's going to marry Alyce just because she's the one he happens to be with now." "Now he's gung-ho about making Alyce his wife and people think he's being impetuous," the insider adds, claiming that the "Django Unchained" star "hasn't seemed" like himself since his medical scare. Citing his cryptic post in which he wrote, "They killed this dude name Jesus ... what do you think they'll do to you???!" as one of the examples of his unusual attitude, a close pal says of the "Annie" actor, "Jamie nearly died and hasn't seemed himself ever since. He seems like a different guy since he got out of the hospital - and this is the worst example yet." Jamie was spotted going on a romantic vacation with Alyce in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over the Labor Day weekend earlier this month. It was then said that she has been a "source of support" following his recent health scare. A source told Us Weekly, "Things are going really well with Jamie and his girlfriend, Alyce. Aside from his family, Alyce has been a huge source of support throughout his recovery process. She makes him really happy and they spend as much time together as possible." "They've told one another they love each other, and they have an amazing time whenever they're together," the source continued to dish. "Alyce has a great sense of humor so she's able to keep up with Jamie. They have a very playful banter and she keeps him on his toes which he loves." You can share this post! Manipal Global Education Services aims to make the long and tedious journey of medical students easier with the launch of their new app, Manipal MedAce. The app is designed to act as a support system that helps medical students learn better and prep effectively for PG Entrance Exams. The host of innovative Learn (Basic Science) and Prep (PG Entrance Exams) features coupled with content curated by experts makes the app stand out as that reliable friend every medical student needs. The campaign was conceptualised by 82.5 Communications, an advertising agency that is known for its Ingenious Indian Ideas. The 82.5 team realised that friendships formed in medical school are the lifeline of medical students and translated it into a powerful and relatable piece of communication, In This Together. It was brought alive through a heart-warming brand film that traces the everyday lives of medical students across India, accentuated by an infectious jingle, I got you buddy. The brand film shall be followed by 7 short films highlighting the state-of-the-art features of the app, showing how Manipal MedAce is every medical students new study buddy for MBBS and PG Entrance Exams prep. Commenting on the association with 82.5 Communications, Preethi Frederick, Head, Product Development and Marketing, Manipal MedAce said, "We understand the pressure that comes with pursuing an MBBS degree and preparing for a medical competitive exam. And the idea of having Manipal MedAce as a friend who helps the students in their journey was brought alive in a simple and lucid manner. We are glad to partner with 82.5 Communications on this. They were able to understand the ordeals and challenges that the medical students face and come up with a narrative thatll help Manipal MedAce forge new bonds in their lives. Bhavaneet Bhalla, National Head Strategic Planning, 82.5 Communications said, The profession of medicine is one where competency is perhaps the only constant. Manipal MedAce roots their existence in the right kind of content enabling the students to THINK right, giving exposure to a complete medical all-rounded education enabling the students to BELIEVE in possibilities across, and providing ammunition to aid students to ACE their curriculum. Its in it together with every medical student to ensure they ace their every next. Naveen Raman, Executive Vice President & Branch Head, 82.5 Communications South said, We are thrilled to partner with Manipal Global Education Services, a leader in the field of education, on this journey. After deep-diving into the lives of the students, we were able to cull out insights that gave us the hook in coming up with a narrative that resonates with everyone. We hope this effort bears fruit and Manipal MedAce becomes an integral part of every medical students journey. Sangeetha Sampath and Ravikumar Cherussola, Executive Creative Directors, 82.5 Communications South elaborated on the process, Talking to medical students helped us understand the challenges they faced every day. But what was more interesting was how their friends made the tedious journey a little better. So, In This Together is an ode to all the wonderful bonds people make in medical school. We wanted to let them know that now they have a new buddy they can rely on to get through this journey. Flaming up the snack aisle, PepsiCo India, one of the leading players in snack and beverage industry, has introduced a new TVC to celebrate the expansion of its Sizzlin' Hot platform. This fiery TVC features the complete Sizzlin Hot range including Lay's, Kurkure, and Doritos while highlighting the irresistible heat-packed experience each product offers. Sizzlin' Hot taps into the deep affinity Indians have for 'chilli' and offers a spicy sensation, tailored for each iconic brand within PepsiCo's salty snack portfolio. Following the success of Lays and Doritos Sizzlin Hot in India, Kurkure recently joined the fiery lineup, introducing its own Sizzlin Hot variant that infuses chilli ka tadka with Kurkure's iconic crunch. The TVC brilliantly portrays a spectrum of reactions that unfold when people snack onto the irresistible Sizzlin' Hot range. Set against a captivating backdrop of diverse scenes, including cozy living rooms, bustling offices, and vibrant public spaces, each moment captures their unfiltered, spontaneous responses to the fiery spiciness. From frantically searching for something cool to shedding tears and energetically sprinting in search of relief, this engaging sequence of genuine and humorous reactions serves as a mirror, reflecting the surprise that awaits anyone who takes their first bite of Sizzlin' Hot. Commenting on the Sizzlin Hot range expansion and launch of the TVC, Anshul Khanna, Vice President and Foods Category Head of India and South Asia, PepsiCo said, "Last year, we introduced one of our most successful global platforms, Sizzlin Hot in India and have witnessed an overwhelming response. As we approach the festive season, we're thrilled to announce the expansion of the platform with localised flavours for the unique Indian spice palate across our beloved brands, including Lays Maxx, Kurkure, and Doritos Dinamita. The launch will be accompanied by a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign that is sure to get people to intrigued about the fiery range. We hope that consumers love this new range and continue to spice up their snacking occasions." The Sizzlin Hot flavour is available in 3 formats Kurkure, Lays and Doritos. No matter which one you pick up, the fiery taste is likely to make you react in unexpected ways. From fiery exclamations to bizarre sounds, the execution of the TVC brings together a gamut of expressions in a way that you cant help but watch it again. Pretty much like the product, that you cant help but eat another, added Vikram Pandey (Spiky), National Creative Director, Leo Burnett India. Sizzlin Hot range is available in Lays, Kurkure and Doritos across all leading retail and e-commerce platforms in India. The TVC will be supported by a robust 360-degree surround campaign. AGENCY CREDITS Creative Agency Leo Burnett India CEO & Chief Creative Officer, South Asia Rajdeepak Das CEO Leo Burnett South Asia Dheeraj Sinha National Creative Director Vikram Pandey & Sachin Kamble President-North Samir Gangahar Executive Vice President Jaikrit Singh Executive Creative Directors Harsh Maheshwari, Saarthak Dutt & Shahnawaz Qadeer, Creative Team Alisha Sharma & Shweta Bharti Executive Vice President-Strategy & Planning Ankit Singh Strategy Team Ashish Mathew & Shailja Dhoundiyal Vice President Binay Mehra & Neha Kapoor Account Management Team Kirti Sinha, Shubham Aggarwal & Uday Lalotra Film Department Sagar Bhanushali As a trailblazing player in the fintech industry, Angel One has been dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that redefine investor experiences. The #SuperIsHere campaign encapsulates this commitment, introducing a Super App that promises unparalleled speed, security, and reliability for smart investing. The vibrant visuals and captivating narrative of the campaign are the result of a strategic collaboration with the Swedish director Anders Forsman. In this exclusive interview, Prabhakar Tiwari, CGO, Angel One Ltd, sheds light on the campaigns inception, the awe-inspiring collaboration, and the remarkable journey of bringing innovation to life. Could you share some insights on AI-powered #SuperIsHere campaign and the collaboration with Anders Forsman, the Swedish director? How was the experience of working together? As a product-oriented fintech business, our primary emphasis has been on introducing a Super App that embodies our product philosophy centred around speed, security and reliability. This Super App will serve as the cornerstone for delivering diverse and curated client journeys across various asset classes. #SuperIsHere campaign brings alive that excitement and announcer feel of a new product in the market with a promise of being the SuperApp for Smart Investing. The film illustrates the Super Apps extraordinary potential through the mesmerising use of orange light, symbolising a source of superpower that emanates from the Angel One logo Monolith, reaching every corner of India. Anders Forsman has an impressive portfolio, which includes recent campaigns from top brands in the BFSI category. His familiarity with the industry and his adeptness in capturing the nuances of Indian investors and traders at scale enriched the films narrative. Our collaboration with Mr Anders and team was pivotal in bringing our vision to life with a captivating visual narrative. They captured the essence and revolutionary impact of the app in the investment landscape just the way we wanted. The #SuperIsHere campaign seems to be a comprehensive and technology-driven approach. Could you tell us about the different activities planned for this campaign? Our approach with the #SuperIsHere campaign is rooted in our understanding of a digitally native target audience. The campaign is all about active engagement, leveraging technology to create an impactful and immersive experience. The digital-first strategy was crystal clear from the beginning: its not just a campaign; its a movement that has to resonate with our tech-savvy audience. We have crafted a variety of digital-first campaign touchpoints that are strategically disseminated in phases. We carefully selected influencers, harnessed the power of social media posts, integrated AR filters, employed QR technology and embraced X hashtags. Given our focus on hyper-localisation and engagement with specific interest groups within Tier 2, 3 and beyond cities, a digital-first strategy becomes imperative. The younger investor expects a seamless and smooth experience from an investing app. The campaign tries to highlight the speed, security and reliability, enabled by the tech-first approach of Angel Ones Super App. What was the main objective of the #SuperIsHere campaign, and who is the target audience you are aiming to reach with this campaign? The primary aim of the campaign is to shine a spotlight on Angel Ones revolutionary cutting edge tech pivot that harnesses the power of data and technology around smart investing for every Indian. The genesis of #SuperIsHere campaign was rooted in the recognition of a transformative moment. We saw an opportunity to make investing simple and accessible, backed by our Super Apps exceptional capabilities. This campaign emerged as a testament of our drive to maintain the spot of a market leader and pave the way for a new era in investing. This strengthens our position as a fintech leader through our proposition that combines expertise, legacy and cutting-edge technology. Our target audience encompasses a diverse spectrum. Our goal was to connect with traders, investors and potential clients across the country. This includes both seasoned traders seeking a comprehensive platform and newcomers hesitating to dive into investing. Most of the clients we acquire are Gen Z and young millennials, with nearly 90 per cent of them coming from Tier 2, 3 and beyond cities, with approximately 85 per cent being newcomers to capital markets. Our core demographic hails from suburban India and displays a strong inclination towards investing in financial assets in addition to other asset classes. The campaign emphasises on attracting first-time investors to experience Angel Ones Super App. How do you plan to achieve this and make the onboarding process seamless for them? Certainly, our platform places a strong emphasis on providing a smooth experience for clients during the KYC journey. Our onboarding process is designed for easy, self-guided completion of KYC, and for clients who require assistance, we offer an assisted model as well. Our intuitive user interface makes navigation and interactions hassle-free. With our in-house technology and strategic ecosystem partnerships, we aim to minimise the amount of information clients need to input, resulting in fewer steps and reduced friction. This approach not only elevates the client experience but also establishes a foundation of trust and satisfaction from the outset. AI plays a significant role in this campaign. Could you explain how AI is leveraged to analyse market trends and consumer behaviour data for more effective campaign strategies? AI usage assumed a central role within this campaign, leveraging its inherent capabilities to analyse market trends and consumer behaviour data, resulting in more impactful campaign strategies. AIs involvement in the campaign can be broadly categorised into media planning, creative processes and the scaling of social media content. AI-powered predictive models enable us to anticipate potential outcomes using historical data, thus facilitating customised media planning. This data-centric approach reduces uncertainty and heightens the accuracy of media targeting and execution. Our leverage of Xaxis Co-pilot for AI-driven campaign optimisation exemplifies this strategy. Moreover, AI equips us to tailor campaigns by segmenting our audience, ensuring the precise message reaches the appropriate recipients at optimal times. The ability to monitor campaign performance in real-time empowers us to swiftly adjust strategies, thereby maximising effectiveness. Notably, we employed GenAI tools for copy development, Adobe GenAI for crafting various icons, including the Angel Monolith and Google AI for voiceovers. In essence, AIs capacity to translate data into actionable insights empowers us to formulate campaign strategies and to generate content that are both more efficient and precisely targeted, yielding superior outcomes and enhanced engagement. The campaign focuses on engaging diverse audiences across geographies. Could you share some specific strategies or tactics used to achieve this level of engagement? We conducted thorough research encompassing diverse demographics and regions to ascertain the optimal approach for tailoring our message on a national scale. Given the digitally-centered nature of the campaign, we embraced the chance to utilise the latest technology and AI in our campaign extensions, thereby fostering interactive communication rather than passive content. Our campaign is meticulously crafted to strike a chord with individuals across India, who seek a simple and smart investment method accessible from anywhere. We harnessed a variety of regional audio, video and image content generated through both AI and human efforts. Our brand film integrates thoughtfully selected symbols from every corner of the nation to accentuate our relevance as Indias SuperApp. The Super App is tailored for young investors. How do you ensure that the campaign effectively resonates with this specific target group? At the core of the #SuperIsHere campaign lies our superior understanding of a digitally native target audience. The campaigns objective is to inspire and equip young investors nationwide to harness data and technology's potential in their wealth-building journey through the Angel One Super App. Hence, emphasizing the Super Apps unique and indispensable attributes speed, security and reliability is paramount. As shared earlier, our client base is predominantly composed of Gen Z and young millennials, with nearly 90 percent coming from Tier 2, 3 and beyond cities. Executed on a substantial scale, the SuperApp campaign incorporates numerous innovations in collaboration with esteemed partners, including Google, Meta, GroupM and Leo Burnett. Our TV media strategy centers around well-recognized business news and Hindi news channels. We've also forged strategic alliances with platforms such as YouTube, OTT platforms and youth content platforms like TVF. To amplify engagement in our target regions, we have plans for mall activations featuring anamorphic outdoor videos with QR codes facilitating app downloads. In essence, the campaigns resonance with young investors has been achieved through personalisation, user-generated content, influencer collaborations, interactive elements and a community-based approach. The #SuperIsHere campaign leverages social media posts, AR filters, QR integration and X hashtags. Could you explain the rationale behind choosing these channels and how they contribute to the campaigns success? Our approach with the #SuperIsHere campaign is rooted in our understanding of a digitally native target audience. Were all about active engagement, leveraging technology to create an impactful and immersive experience. We carefully harnessed the power of social media posts, integrated AR filters, employed QR technology and embraced X hashtags. Our rationale for choosing these channels is simple our audience lives and breathes on these platforms. Theyre not passive observers but active participants. We wanted to cover all fronts, ensuring our campaign becomes a benchmark in the fintech sector. The X hashtags are like a digital rallying cry, uniting our audience under the #SuperIsHere banner. This holistic approach was our key to scaling this campaign to the monumental levels we envisioned and making sure it leaves an indelible mark on young Indians. As the Chief Growth Officer, how do you measure the success of the #SuperIsHere campaign? Are there any specific metrics or KPIs you are using to evaluate its performance? My role requires me to strike a balance between achieving short-term sales targets and building a trusted fintech brand that clients adore over the long term. This is why we have employed diverse metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the success of the #SuperIsHere campaign. Among these metrics, those concerning top-of-the-funnel aspects such as impressions, views and website traffic, offer insights into the campaign's visibility. High engagement metrics coupled with client behaviour analysis, the growth of our social media following and sentiment analysis, collectively indicate the campaigns resonance with our audience. Furthermore, we gauge the campaigns immediate effectiveness by assessing conversion rates and scale that reflect its impact on short-term business outcomes. However, it is the lift in brand consideration scores and the impact on key imagery parameters that underpin the campaigns long-term business value. This robust array of metrics enables us to make informed choices, optimize strategies and consistently refine our tactics, for achieving the campaigns overarching growth objectives. What impact do you expect the #SuperIsHere campaign to have on Angel Ones brand positioning and market reach? The #SuperIsHere campaign cements our leadership in the fintech space, combining our legacy with cutting-edge advancements. Our north star, which is to become the go-to fintech brand empowering a billion lives, by leveraging the power of data and tech, is at the core of our brand strategy and conveyed through this campaign. Its a declaration that were not just part of the evolution but at the forefront of Indias financial transformation. When it comes to market reach, our expectations are high. With over 1.5+ crore Indians already part of our client base, were certain that the #SuperIsHere campaign will not only deepen our engagement with them but also attract new clients who seek a SuperApp for Smart Investing. News18 India, the No.1 Hindi News channel of India, recently aired a Super Exclusive Interview with Smriti Zubin Irani, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development. The highly-anticipated interview, conducted by renowned anchor Aman Chopra, touched upon several critical topics, including the longstanding demand for women's reservation, political strategies, and the role of the Congress party in shaping the discourse. In a candid conversation, Smriti Irani highlighted the historical significance of the demand for women's reservation, emphasizing that it dates back to the time of the Constitution's formation. She pointed out that despite the demand persisting for 75 years, the government successfully took historic steps within 72 hours to address this issue. Addressing the Congress party's role in women's reservation, Smriti Irani stated that their policy was clear, but questioned why, during the UPA era when they had a full majority, they failed to pass the bill and allowed it to lapse. She also noted that Sonia Gandhi was absent from the floor during the voting and introduction of the bill. Furthermore, Smriti Irani disputed the Congress party's attempt to credit Rajiv Gandhi for the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a false claim. She pointed out that P.V. Narasimha Rao ensured women's reservation in Panchayati Raj, but the Congress party did not acknowledge his contribution. Smriti Irani also criticized the Congress party for its derogatory comments about women and their lack of support for the bill. She highlighted the insensitive remarks made by some of their allies and questioned their commitment to women's empowerment. Regarding Rahul Gandhi's recent statements about the bill, Smriti Irani clarified that the Constitution, in Article 82, clearly outlines the process of providing reserved seats, including census, delimitation, and then implementation. She criticized Rahul Gandhi's oversimplification of complex issues and urged him to understand the intricacies involved. Smriti Irani also questioned Rahul Gandhi's newfound focus on OBCs, reminding the public of his past statements about the Prime Minister's caste. She pointed out that the Modi government has been continuously targeted for nine years, even when the Prime Minister's mother was alive. She highlighted the significant representation of OBCs in the BJP and questioned whether the Congress party had ever genuinely promoted OBC interests. In the interview, Smriti Irani criticized the Gandhi family for their remote control approach to the economy and their habit of visiting religious places before elections. She accused them of repeatedly insulting religious sentiments for electoral gains. In conclusion, Smriti Irani emphasized that the Congress party's approach to issues like women's reservation and religion has been divisive and opportunistic. She called for a more informed and responsible discourse in Indian politics. By Lee Hae-rin Korea expects to see a surge in the number of Chinese travelers as Chinas Golden Week holiday season kicks off this week for the first time since the country allowed international group travel. Flight reservations for trips to Korea from China during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, soared by 708 percent compared to the same period last year, according to Trip.com Group, Tuesday. Hotel reservations jumped 802 percent and their average length of stay was calculated to be around seven days. The southern resort island of Jeju, which relies heavily on tourism, also expects to see around a 78 percent post-pandemic recovery in the number of Chinese tourists in the upcoming eight-day holiday season, according to the Jeju Tourism Association. The huge increase came amid Chinas twentyfold jump in outbound travel bookings compared to last years holiday season, which was before the country lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions in December and ended a ban on group tours to over 70 countries, including Korea, in August. Trip.com saw an increase in purchases of private group tours as well as bookings for less-popular destinations. Several attractions and activities grew popular among Chinese travelers, such as KidZania, a childrens career experience theme park in Seoul and Busan, and a one-day private, customized tour around Jeju Island saw high sales. Bookings to Nanta shows, N Seoul Tower, Haeundae Blue Line Park in the southern coastal city of Busan and Seogwipo submarine in Jeju, also ranked high. Such data shows a new travel trend among Chinese to seek unique and immersive experiences, according to Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun. Weve observed a significant shift towards high-quality services and in-depth travel encounters. Travelers are not just exploring popular destinations but also seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Sun said in the press release. Image: PTI After The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) broke all ties with Bharatiya Janata Party and NDA, Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut has said that Not just AIADMK, but more parties will break ties with the BJP. Sanjay Raut in press conference said When we formed INDIA alliance that is when they remembered NDA. Till then it was Modi akele kafi hai. But the moment INDIA alliance was formed, PM Modi was not enough alone, they needed more support. The NDA alliance which does not have Shiv Sena and Akali Dal is not NDA. Shiv Sena and Akali Dal were the real strength of NDA. This NDA is very weak. Not just AIADMK, but more parties will break ties with the BJP. BJP will also sink before 2024. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost a key ally in Tamil Nadu on Monday when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) snapped its ties with the ruling party at the Centre. This came as a jolt to the BJP, just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls as well as key state assembly elections preceding that. The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks about our former leaders, our general secretary EPS (K Palaniswami) and our cadres for the past year. In todays meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously that AIADMK will break all ties with BJP and NDA alliance, AIADMK leader KP Munuswamy said. Munuswamy alleged that the state BJP has been intentionally attacking former Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Annadurai. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav said that BJP lost a major ally in south India and it is a big loss to the party. If you look at South India, then you would see that a major ally of NDA has quit the alliance. I think this will be a big loss to BJP. Shiv Sena, JD(U) and Akali Dal have already quit the alliance, Yadav said. The BJP which lost Karnataka (the only southern state it ruled) this year, managed to join hands with the Janata Dal (Secular) this week. However, with AIADMK exiting the NDA fold today, the political landscape in south India changes once again for the BJP. Theres already a Carlee Russell movie, yall. It only took a couple of months to turn around The Nurse That Saw the Baby on the Highway, now streaming on Prime Video. You can rent the movie for $1.99 or buy it for $4.99. Directed by Alvin Gray and starring Reena Ranae in the lead role, the films plot description reads: Based on some true events, Nursing student Marlee Wilson is having problems with her boyfriend and his addiction to strippers. Feeling unwanted, Marlee calls 911 to make up a story of being kidnapped by a man and baby on the highway, making problems worst! They, of course, meant worse, not worst. The IMDb summary goes into a little more detail: Based on true/false events, nursing student Marlee Wilson has been struggling with day to day issues with school, work, and her cheating boyfriend thats addicted to strippers. Feeling like shes not getting enough attention from her boyfriend, she decides to fake a kidnapping, but the hoax ends up getting deeper than she ever expected bringing real life issues across the country. Watch the trailer for the 48-minute film in the video above. It also stars Evan Carrington, Lynae Gregg and the films director Gray. True/false events, indeed. Russell, a 25-year-old nursing student from Hoover with a college degree in psychology, vanished Thursday, July 13, after calling 911 and her brothers girlfriend to say she was stopping on Interstate 459. During a 911 call to police, Russell said she was checking on a toddler she said she spotted walking along the interstate wearing only a white T-shirt and a diaper. After two days of fear and frantic searches, Russell showed up at her familys Hoover home on Saturday, July 15. Ring camera video from neighbors showed Russell walking down the sidewalk alone before she got to house where she lives with her parents and banging on the front door. While at UAB Hospital, Russell told Hoover police she escaped the clutches of a man and woman who abducted her. Police announced the charges against her two weeks after the staged disappearance, which Russell admitted was fabricated in a statement released through her lawyer. The first court date has been set for Russell on misdemeanor charges. A pretrial docket has been set for 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Hoovers Municipal Court. Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for the citizens of our city, Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said, and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose, using a small child as bait. Numerous law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, began working tirelessly not only to bring Carlee home to her family, but locate a kidnapper that we now know never existed, Derzis said. Many private citizens volunteered their time and energy into looking for a potential kidnapping victim that we now know was never in any danger. The films trailer features several details you might remember from the saga, including audio from a police press conference outlining Russells disappearance timeline and details like where she went, what she searched on her phone and snacks she bought (you see a Cheez-Its box several times throughout). 910 Productions Film, the company behind the film, says we specialize in delivering high-quality film, photography and luxury fashion pieces that reflect the energy and spirit of our community, according to the website. Our founder, Alvin Gray, has been in the industry for years, and is passionate about creating art that uplifts and celebrates the human experience...910 Productions is all about the arts and quality, and will continue to put art first and never compromise on quality. We invite you to explore the world of AG presents 910 Productions and find pieces that speak to you. This isnt the first ripped-from-the-Alabama-headlines film adaptation weve seen in 2023, with another movie premiering next month on Lifetime based on the story surrounding last years manhunt for escaped inmate Casey White and Lauderdale County jailer Vicky White. Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story stars Wendi McLendon-Covey, of Reno 911! and Bridesmaids, as Vicky White and Rossif Sutherland, son of Donald and half-brother of Kiefer, as Casey White. The city of Birmingham dedicated $275,000 to sidewalk improvement in their 2023 budget, but City Councilor Valerie Abbott recently told the Lede that it wasnt nearly enough. The sidewalks are just a disaster on the Southside, Abbott said of her own District 3. I cant even imagine how the city doesnt get routinely sued for people falling on the sidewalks and injuring themselves. I ended up in the emergency room from falling on a city sidewalk and bashing my head in once. District 3 resident Renae Rainier said she has been waiting a year for the city to fulfill its promise to fix sidewalks on her street. Last summer someone from the city came out and actually walked the sidewalks with me and said yeah, weve got this money, theres different phases. Youre in phase two, thats supposed to start next summer, she said. And he made notes and told me yeah, youre on the list, its going to happen. And then it just never happened. Rainier added that every time shes tried to call the city for an update on the project, no one can tell her anything. Special Master Richard Allen submitted three proposed Alabama congressional district maps to a three-judge federal district court on Monday, the deadline set by the court. In a report to the court, Allen said all three maps provide two districts where Black voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice, as instructed by the court. The proposed maps are intended to replace the map passed by the Legislature in July. The court ruled that the Legislatures map did not fix the dilution of Black voters found in the Legislatures 2021 map and said the 2023 map likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The Legislatures map left District 7 in west Alabama as the only majority Black district out of seven in a state where one-fourth of residents are Black. On Allens three maps, drawn by court-appointed cartographer David Ely, District 2 is the second opportunity district. District 2 has a Black voting age population of 50.1% on Remedial Plan 1, 48.5% on Remedial Plan 2, and 48.7% on Remedial Plan 3. Allens report includes an election analysis to show District 2 is an opportunity district for Black voters. It shows that the Black-preferred candidate would have won in 15 of 17 elections in District 2 under Remedial Plan 1, in 13 of 17 under Remedial Plan 2, and in 16 of 17 under Remedial Plan 3. In District 7, the Black-preferred candidate would have won all 17 elections by an average margin of 29% on all three remedial plans. An analysis showing the three remedial plans for Alabama's congressional districts proposed by a special master for the federal court all include two opportunity districts for Black voters, Districts 2 and 7. Parties in the case have three days to file objections to the courts maps. The judges have scheduled a hearing for Oct. 3. Meanwhile, lawyers for the state have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay blocking the three-judge courts order. The states lawyers, led by Attorney General Steve Marshall and Solicitor General Edmund LaCour, say the map approved by the Legislature in July complies with the Voting Rights Act. The states lawyers said the Legislatures map followed redistricting principles, such as compactness, keeping communities of interest whole to the extent possible, and minimizing county line splits. The Legislatures map raised the Black voting age population in District 2 from 30% to 40%. The states lawyers said that was the most that could be done to create a second opportunity district for Black voters without resorting to what they said would be unlawful racial gerrymandering. Allen, in his report on his three proposed maps, summarized the criteria he used. In evaluating plans suggested by the parties and interested non-parties, as well as the three plans he is now recommending to the Court, the Special Master sought to ensure compliance with the first three criteria set out in the Courts order: that the plan (1) completely remedies the likely Section Two violation; (2) complies with one-person, one-vote principles, as evidenced by population equality; and (3) otherwise complies with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. The Special Master analyzed the overlap of proposed plan districts with the districts in the Legislatures 2023 Plan to verify that any changes were necessary to comply with the Courts order to provide a complete remedy. The Special Master also considered other traditional redistricting criteriain particular compactness, contiguity, respect for political subdivisions, and maintenance of communities of interest. Allen is a former Alabama chief deputy attorney general under four Republican attorneys general. Allens report said Remedial Plan 1 is a variation of a plan proposed by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, with modest changes. Allen said Remedial Plan 2 is a modification of Plan 1. Allen said Ely drew Remedial Plan 3 without referencing any of the illustrative or suggested plans proposed by the parties in the litigation. The Black voting age population in Alabama Districts 2 and 7 on the three maps proposed by the special master for the three-judge district court. The dispute started two years ago, when the Legislature drew a new map, as required after every census. Organizations and Black voters filed lawsuits challenging the map. The key issue is whether Alabamas congressional map, with one majority Black district out of seven, dilutes the influence of Black voters in a state where one-fourth of residents are Black. The three-judge court ruled in January 2022 that a map passed by the GOP-led Legislature in 2021 likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that decision in June 2023, sending the case back to the three-judge court. In a special session in July, Republican lawmakers approved a new map over the objections of Democrats. The new map made substantial changes but left District 7 in west Alabama as the only majority Black district. The three-judge court, which held a hearing August 14, found that legislators failed to follow the courts guidance to create a second majority Black district or one close to majority Black, a district where Black voters would have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, issued a statement Monday night in support of the special masters proposed maps. The three remedial plans submitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama by the Special Master represent a chance to restore the power of the vote for Black Alabamians, and all Alabamians, Daniels said. All three maps place the majority of the City of Mobile in a proposed Congressional District 2. This is a clear rejection of the States attempts at subversion, and a rebuke of the manner in which the legislative majority twisted our shared history into a shield for discrimination. Fair elections begin with fair maps. There was never a good or defensible reason that Black voters - who represent 27% of Alabamas population - had only 14% representation in Congress. Get the Down in Alabama newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to the daily Down in Alabama newsletter: Congressional maps Special Master Richard Allen delivered three federal-court-ordered Alabama congressional district maps on Mondays deadline, reports AL.coms Mike Cason. The Alabama legislature passed redrawn districts back in July after its periodic redistricting was deemed likely in violation of the Voting Rights Act by the courts. A three-judge district court had ordered the map feature a second opportunity zone for Black voters, meaning that they wanted two districts in which Democrats could run competitive races. The Legislatures map raised District 2s Black population from 30 percent to 40 percent, but the judges said that wouldnt fly. The state has asked the Supreme Court for a stay. Meanwhile, the federal district court tasked Allen with drawing up three proposals. All three take a completely different approach to drawing up Lower Alabama, with Districts 1 and 2 stretching all the way across the state horizontally so that District 1 covers Alabamas entire state line with Florida, and District 2 pulls in heavily Black counties across the southern Black Belt from the Mississippi line to Georgia. The proposals take the Black voting age population to 48-50 percent in District 2. According to the data used, they give the Black preferred candidate -- which, translated, means the Democrat in most elections -- more than an 8-point advantage in elections according to voting history. A slightly bigger payday Alabama public and community-college educators: There ought to be a little something extra in your paychecks on Oct. 1, reports AL.coms Trisha Powell Crain. An across-the-board two-percent raise will be in effect, and bonuses and stipends will be going out to some over the subjects they teach or whether their schools are considered challenging or difficult to staff. An example of that is the $6,000 signing bonus in Bessemer for teachers who are certified in math, science, English or special education. Yall dont spend it all in one place. 1916 photo removed An activist in Birmingham for the 60th anniversary of the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church has persuaded the Tutwiler Hotel to remove a 1916 photo from a Confederate veterans reunion there, reports AL.coms Alaina Bookman. The Washington D.C.-based activist said he didnt know whether it was safe to react to the photo and wondered if the veterans in the photo were Klansmen. He wants a public apology from the hotel. The hotels general manager said the photo was removed on Sept. 18. Intracoastal bridge Work has restarted on a two-lane bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, reports AL.coms John Sharp. Work had been shut down since May as the bridge has been the target of a legal case claiming ALDOT Director John Cooper negotiated in bad faith for an alternative plan that included expanding a toll bridge a mile away. The work on the new bridge was able to restart after the Alabama State Supreme Court rejected a request from the company that owns the Foley Beach Express toll bridge in Orange Beach to have its case reheard. Quoting It is my intent to offer comfort and tribute in words and music for the rest of my life. Im just slow getting up to speed. Jimmy would be laughing at me (or IS laughing) for dragging my feet. Mac McNally, CMA-winning musician, prolific songwriter and longtime member of Jimmy Buffetts Coral Reefer band, on Buffetts Sept. 1 passing. More Alabama news Quiz results Heres how readers did on yesterdays review quiz: Which school system ranked tops in the nation for improvement in math scores from 2019-2021? Mountain Brook City Schools 37% Piedmont City Schools (CORRECT) 34% Madison City Schools 24% Saraland City Schools 5% Which university was the highest-ranked Alabama school on U.S. News & World Reports 2024 rankings of best colleges? Auburn University (CORRECT) 52% Samford 18% UAB 18% University of Alabama 13% The Alabama Department of Corrections has seen a reversal of the net loss of correctional officers since March, when ... wages were increased. 81% hours were decreased. 16% the dress code was relaxed. 2% prisoners signed a pledge to improve their behavior. 1% Sports Illustrateds first campus resort is planned for ... Tuscaloosa. 79% Auburn. 9% Mobile. 9% Troy. 3% This past week marked 97 years since Lurleen Burns Wallace was born. The community college that bears her name has a campus in... Andalusia. 47% Dothan. 29% Florence. 19% Scottsboro. 6% The podcast Two adults and a 3-year-old were shot and killed after an argument turned violent at a Florida apartment complex, investigators say. Deputies with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex on Jacksonvilles south side at about 10 p.m. Sept 23, Assistant Chief J.D. Stronko said at a news briefing posted on Facebook. Deputies found four people shot, Stronko said, and three ultimately died, including a toddler. The victims have not been publicly identified. Investigators were told a group of five traveled to the complex in order to sell a dog, according to Stronko. At some point, an argument broke out in a breezeway and four members of the group were shot. Witnesses said two unknown men left the scene, got into a sedan and drove away, Stronko said. An investigation is underway, Stronko said, and anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 904-630-0500. 2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Madison County school bus driver has been charged with driving under the influence after a Monday afternoon crash. In a statement from Madison County Schools Superintendent Ken Kubik, the system said the driver, whose name was not released, failed at least one part of a field sobriety test following the incident. I assure you that this behavior has no place in our school district, and we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, Kubik said. According to WAAY, Kubik said the bus driver was transporting 10 students from Sparkman Middle School. Originally, officials thought the driver experienced a medical emergency along Dan Crutcher Road. The bus collided with a vehicle and left the roadway. There were no student injuries reported at the scene. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) began an investigation as parents picked up their children. Troopers delivered the field sobriety test after they believed there was probable cause to check the bus driver for impairment, Kubik said. The driver was then transported to an area hospital for further medical tests. Kubik said the systems transportation department had earlier been contacted by a concerned resident who reported the same bus traveling in an unusual manner around Madison Cross Roads Elementary. An employee met with the driver along the route at the middle school, but did not observe anything unusual with the drivers demeanor, Kubik said. The driver in question is experienced and has been with MCSS for a year without incident, he said. The driver said they had not been feeling well over the weekend. After watching and talking to the driver for a few minutes, the employee allowed the driver to continue the route. To be clear, MCSS would never knowingly allow an impaired driver to operate a school bus. The U.S. Department of State reiterated its commitment to diplomacy with North Korea on Monday, after the reclusive regime reportedly reopened its borders for foreigners' entry this week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. China's state broadcaster CCTV has reported on the North's full lifting of border closures, which were first enforced in January 2020 a move that raised hopes for the resumption of its reengagement with the outside world. "I would say that we have always made clear that we welcome diplomacy with North Korea that has been the policy of this administration since the beginning of this administration," Matthew Miller, the department's spokesperson, told a press briefing. "But North Korea has rejected it at every turn." Although the United States has lambasted the North's move to deepen military ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine, Washington has signaled its openness to diplomacy with Pyongyang to address the recalcitrant regime's nuclear and other issues. Direct nuclear talks between the U.S. and the North have been stalled since the two countries held a working-level meeting in Sweden in October 2019 in the wake of the bilateral no-deal summit in Hanoi in February that year. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the ongoing diplomatic efforts to hold a trilateral summit between South Korea, China and Japan, which has been suspended since late 2019 amid historical disputes between Seoul and Tokyo and the COVID-19 pandemic. "The United States respects the ability of nations to make sovereign decisions in the best interests of their people just as the United States takes steps to responsibly manage our relationship with the PRC and also with our partners and allies," she said, referring to China by its official name, the People's Republic of China. (Yonhap) Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged right-wing congressional Republicans to shut down the government unless you get everything in crunch talks. As a weekend deadline looms large, Trump called on his followers to refuse to compromise with moderates who want to pass a spending bill that could avert a shutdown. Unless you get everything, shut it down! Trump wrote on his social media site early Monday morning. Its time Republicans learned how to fight! Trump suggested Democrats close the border with Mexico and stop the investigations into his effort to overturn the 2020 election in exchange for keeping the government open. He claimed that the public would blame President Joe Biden if Republicans fail to pass a stopgap spending bill to keep the government running. Whoever is president will be blamed, in this case, Joe Biden, he asserted. In fact, history says its likely voters will blame the Republican-led House because they are trying to use the potential shutdown as leverage to impose other priorities, like unpopular cuts to domestic spending. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, the firebrand leader of a faction of far right-wing lawmakers, reposted Trumps message. He cited it as evidence that the former president is siding with him and against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is trying to cobble together a deal that can win approval from the deeply divided GOP caucus. Trump agrees with me not (McCarthy), Gaetz tweeted. Break the fever. Hold the line. Some right-wing Republicans believe a government shutdown might eventually force the GOP-controlled House to enact deep spending cuts along with a grab bag of unrelated MAGA priorities like amping up the impeachment of Biden and rushing troops to the southern border with Mexico. In a sign of further disarray in the Republican ranks, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., late Sunday came out swinging against any additional military aid to Ukraine. Greene, an occasional ally of McCarthy, broke with the leader over his willingness to add aid for the embattled nation that is fighting to repel a Russian invasion. The rule is the first step of advancing this blood money in Congress, Greene tweeted, referring to a procedural step Republicans may vote on later Monday. Im a hard no on the rules package and a blank check for Ukraine. Republicans failed last week to advance a short-term funding bill that would start the process of keeping the government open. McCarthy is now twisting arms to pass individual spending bills to fund defense and foreign operations, in the hopes of laying the groundwork for another shot at a stopgap spending bill. Meanwhile, the Democratic-led Senate may pass a spending package of its own sometime this week with the goal of forcing McCarthy to bring it to the floor where enough moderate Republicans may cross the aisle to pass it with Democrats. ------- 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The House Armed Services Committee expects to hear some of the nations top military leaders discuss their involvement Thursday in President Bidens decision to make Colorado the U.S. Space Commands permanent home. That White House decision came instead of moving the headquarters to Huntsville, which ranked highest in the Pentagons official base comparison. The hearings stated purpose is to receive testimony from government witnesses regarding irregularity in the strategic basing process for the U.S. Space Command. It begins at 10 a.m. Washington time (9 a.m. Alabama time) and can be watched live here. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III is scheduled to testify along with Space Command commander Gen. James H. Dickinson and Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of operations of the U.S. Space Force. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Alabama), chair of the Armed Services Committee, called the hearing. Rogers has called Bidens decision egregious meddling in our national security and driven by far-left politics, not national security. Colorado is a blue state, Alabama is a red state and Biden faces a re-election campaign in 2024. Losing a blue state could hurt the presidents re-election chances; red state Alabama doesnt factor in his plan to win another term. But the White House says the president believes putting the base to work in a permanent home is important for American security in a world where communications, mapping and monitoring satellites are critical and growing in number. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, has said, The way the Biden administration and Department of Defense leadership has handled the Space Command situation is something that should worry every state. Allowing the Air Force to conduct an expensive and long basing process, only to undermine it when its decision time, threatens the credibility of the DOD and sets a dangerous precent for all future military decisions, Strong said. Ive certainly got a lot of questions Im ready to ask. Dickinson reportedly supported the Colorado decision although U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Strong said in June that Dickinson had confirmed and assured them the headquarters should be on Redstone Arsenal. That happened at a meeting with the Alabama congressional delegation, the lawmakers said. The Washington Post first reported Bidens decision to leave the command in Colorado July 31 saying a headquarters move at this point would be too disruptive to military readiness. The Post also said the commands estimated 1,400 jobs would have an almost $1 billion annual impact on Colorados economy. Kendall had recommended to Biden that the move to Alabama go forward, the story said. The U.S. Supreme Court today declined to block a ruling by a three-judge district court that is preparing to draw a new congressional map for Alabama to use in next years elections. In a one-sentence order, the justices denied Alabamas request for an emergency stay on the ruling by the three-judge court, which found the map approved by the Legislature in July likely violates the Voting Right Act. The three-judge district court ordered a cartographer and special master it has appointed to submit three proposed maps. Special Master Richard Allen submitted three proposed maps Monday. Parties in the case will have three days to file objections to the proposed maps. On Sept. 5, the three-judge court ruled in favor of the organizations and Black voters who said the Republican-controlled Legislature defied their instructions that the map should have a second district where Black voters have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. The Legislatures new map left District 7 in west Alabama as the only majority Black district out of seven in a state where one-fourth of residents are Black. The states lawyers argued that its map follows redistricting principles of keeping communities of interest together, compactness, and minimizing splits of county lines. The state said the courts instructions would have required a racially gerrymandered map. The three-judge court has scheduled a hearing for Oct. 3. Secretary of State Wes Allen has told the court the state needs a new map ready by early October to prepare for next years elections. In a report to the court on Monday, Special Master Richard Allen said his three proposed maps all create a second opportunity district for Black voters. That is in District 2, which would have a Black voting age population of close to 50% on all three plans. An analysis of 17 recent elections including with the report shows that the Black-preferred candidate would have won most of the time. Most of the substantial changes on Allens proposed are to Districts 1 and 2. Allens report said two of the three proposals are variations of a map proposed by the plaintiffs in the case during the legislative session. Allens proposed maps, drawn by court-appointed cartographer David Ely, all retain District 7 as a majority Black district, as it has been since 1992. The dispute started in 2021 when the Legislature passed a new map, as it does after every census. Three groups filed separate lawsuits challenging map. In January 2022, the three-judge court held a seven-day hearing and ruled that the 2021 map likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that ruling in June 2023, sending the case back to the three-judge court. The court gave the Legislature a chance to pass a new map, which lawmakers did in July. But the plaintiffs challenged that map, too. The judges held a hearing Aug. 14 and ruled Sept. 5 that the new map did not fix the likely Voting Rights Act violation. The Milligan plaintiffs, who were represented by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and others, issued a statement about the Supreme Courts denial of the stay. It has been a long and frustrating battle holding the Alabama legislature accountable, but today it is a rewarding one, they said. Even after the highest court in the land sided with Black voters in June, our elected officials still chose power over people by outright defying multiple court orders, and the loud cries of their constituents to do the right thing. Despite these shameful efforts, the Supreme Court has once again agreed that Black Alabamians deserve a second opportunity district. This additional representation in Congress will undoubtedly change lives, especially for the hundreds of thousands of Alabamians residing in the Black Belt who suffer from lack of healthcare access, job opportunities, and crumbling infrastructure. We look forward to a new era in our states history, in which power is shared and Black voices are heard. The Nature Conservancy in Alabama announced Tuesday it has completed a $2 million purchase of 596 acres of sensitive land in Bibb County, including Wheeler Mountain, the countys highest point. The tract, located south of Centreville, also includes mature montane longleaf pine forests, an ecosystem that was once widespread across the lower portion of Alabama, but is now found mostly in small pockets of managed forests. Much of Alabamas natural longleaf pine forests have disappeared over the years, and we did not want to risk this same fate for Wheeler Mountain, Mitch Reid, state director of TNC in Alabama, said in a news release announcing the purchase. According to the release, TNC is working with the U.S. Forest Service to add the property to the Talladega National Forest, and will reintroduce prescribed fire management that longleaf forests need to thrive. SEE ALSO: Alabama trainees learn the art of controlled burns The Nature Conservancy said the purchase was made possible through a partnership with Resource Management Service, LLC and a three-month fundraising campaign through TNCs Ireland Opportunity Fund, a revolving loan program. Our revolving loan fund enables us to quickly mobilize resources to protect vulnerable lands such as this, and we are grateful to those who supported this endeavor, Reid said. We will now work to manage and restore this tracts natural habitat and ensure its assets are protected for generations to come. In addition to the longleaf forests, the tract also include significant portions of Gully Creek, a Cahaba River tributary. The Wheeler Mountain property is one of the most diverse natural longleaf pine stands in Alabama, Jimmy Bullock, RMS Senior Vice President of Forest Sustainability said in the news release. From its hardwood bottom with rich flora diversity and aquatic diversity in Gully Creek to the top with its natural stone arch formation, Wheeler Mountain is a true natural gem. Alabamas 2nd congressional district has been mostly in Republican hands since the 1960s, but that could swiftly change by next year. Democrats from Mobile to Montgomery counties and even in Birmingham -- are lining up ahead of the beginning of the qualifying period Friday to run for an open congressional seat that is being redrawn to allow for the potential of greater Black representation. I think its a Hallelujah! day for Alabama in terms of progress, said state Senator Vivian Figures, D-Mobile. Said State Senator Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, The three-judge panel sent an order up that said we have the population to have a second majority-minority district. The rule of law is prevailing. I think its an exciting day for Alabama. Related content: The two state senators are both weighing a run for the newly drawn congressional district, which has not been finalized but is expected to be revealed in the coming days. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a ruling Tuesday, allowed the drawing of Alabamas congressional map to proceed by Richard Allen, the court-appointed special master. Three proposed maps redraw the district to include parts of North Mobile County and heavily Black populations in and around Prichard, the Alabama Black Belt region, and the entire City of Montgomery. Allens proposals would alter the boundaries of District 2 so that Black voters comprise between 48.5% to over 50% of the voting-age population. The shift is viewed as favorable to Democrats. Cook Political Report labels the district as lean Democrat. Its a dramatic reversal for a district that was given a +34 advantage for Republicans by FiveThirtyEight.com. Its a district where U.S. Rep. Barry Moore whose hometown of Enterprise is now likely in Alabamas 1st congressional district won by 30.5 percentage points in 2020. Democratic hopefuls Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) speaks to a colleague during the first meeting of the Alabama Senate for the 2023 legislative session in Montgomery, Alabama. AL.com/Sarah Swetlik Some names have surfaced as possible candidates for the seat in 2024. Democratic candidates can begin qualifying for office on Friday. The partys deadline is November 10. Republican qualification opens on October 16. Possible candidates include: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, the 49-year-old son of longtime Alabama Democratic Conference chairman Joe Reed, and a likely frontrunner if he decides to run. Steven Reed, the citys first Black mayor, easily won re-election to the citys top elected post in August . His office did not respond to requests for comment. On Twitter, Reed stated he was pleased to see the Supreme Court deny Alabamas request for an emergency stay on the ruling by the three-judge panel, which found the map approved by the GOP-dominated Legislature in July as a violation to the Voting Rights Act. State Senator Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, said she is possibly interested in running for the congressional seat, depending on the final map that is released. Figures, 66, has served in the Alabama State Senate for over 26 years, and won a highly watched Senate contest last year against Republican challenger Pete Riehm. State Sen. Merika Coleman, chair of Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, leads press conference demanding lawmaker action on "common sense" gun legislation in wake of Dadeville mass shooting. State Senator Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, does not live in the district but she said she weighing a possible run for the seat. The U.S. Constitution only requires that a member of the U.S. House live in the state that he or she is elected to serve. The 50-year-old lawmaker has served in the Alabama Legislature since 2002, and says she is known statewide on a variety of issues including leading the efforts to remove racist language referring to the poll tax and school segregation from the Alabama Constitution. State Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard (supplied photo) State Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, said he is seriously considering a run for the congressional seat. Bracy, 46, has been a member of the Alabama State House since he was elected in 2010, and served as a member of the Prichard City Council before that. State Senator Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery (Alabama Legislature photo) State Senator Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, has served in the Alabama State Senate since 2021, and has been discussed as a possible candidate for the office. He could not be reached for comment. State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham (photo provided by Givan) Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, is heavily considering a run for the seat. Givan has been in the Legislature since 2010. She said that people are encouraging her to run because they are looking for a fighter who is able to work in a bipartisan effort to get things done. Democratic intrigue The cities of Montgomery (above) and Mobile (below) could be vying for attention within Alabama's newly-drawn Congressional District 2. Portions of Mobile County are set to be included in the district with Montgomery. (file) The political dynamics could create a political district that pits Mobile against Montgomery, though the Capital City would be the dominate population base. Under the three maps, Mobile County would be split, with most of the southern and western sections of the county long considered Republican merged into the 1st congressional district that stretches east through the southern Wiregrass. The potential exists for Mobile County to have two members of the U.S. House at the same time. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, is running for re-election in the 1st district. Its possible, said Jess Brown, a longtime Alabama state political observer and retired professor of political sciences at Athens State University. But I think it becomes a Montgomery-centric district. Montgomery is the population center. And (Reed) would be a high-profile candidate because hes well known in the Montgomery area. Derryn Moten, acting chairman of the history department at Alabama State University, said he will be more intrigued with seeing how the dynamics within the Democratic Party play out over the seat. What I am certain of is there will be a donnybrook between the ADC, New South Coalition, and the Alabama State Democratic Party if Mayor Reed runs for Congressional District 2, Moten said. He will presumably have the full blessing so the ADC. Republican hopes Republicans will have an opportunity to win the seat even though the district is being redrawn favorably for Democrats. Sen. Dick Brewbaker speaks Tuesday, May 2, 2017, on the Senate floor in the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Ala.AP Few names have emerged as possible contenders, though former Alabama Senator Dick Brewbaker who served in the Statehouse until 2018 said hes certainly looking into it. Id be crazy not to, said Brewbaker. There is no incumbent. Id be crazy not to at least look into it. Brown said that Democrats will need white votes to secure the seat during a General Election contest against Republicans. He said if the race becomes a straight-up racial polarization contest, with white voters strictly backing a Republican while Black votes support only the Democrat, the Republicans can potentially hang onto the seat. The contest is also anticipated to draw some national interest, as it represents a possible Democratic flip within the U.S. House where Republicans hold a slim majority. House races in presidential election years automatically get less attention, Brown said. They get more attention in the non-presidential years. But I would not be surprised if the parties send in at least some key players from Congress (to campaign through the district). This story was updated at 10:04 p.m. on September 26, 2023, to include State Rep. Juandalynn Givans name as a possible candidate for the open District 2 seat. A 21-year-old suspect has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a 30-year-old man Saturday at a west Alabama apartment, prosecutors said Tuesday. Markevion Rice, 21, is being held in the Pickens County Jail on $2 million bond in the slaying of 30-year-old Kenny Ray Brown Jr., said Andrew Hamlin, district attorney for the 24th Judicial District of Alabama. Brown was fatally shot Saturday in a unit at the Tilley Hamlet apartment complex in Aliceville during a dispute, said Hamlin. Another victim was also shot and is still being treated for their injuries, the district attorney said. Our priority now is to ensure justice is served for Mr. Brown and his family, Hamlin continued. We remain committed to a thorough investigation, and appreciate the work of Aliceville PD and Pickens County Sheriffs Office who worked to make this arrest. The investigation was ongoing as of Tuesday and more arrests may be forthcoming, Hamlin said. The Republican Alabama congressman whose district a special master proposed on Monday to be carved up blamed activist judges for the proposal. But two of the three judges that paved the way for the special master were nominated to the bench by Donald Trump. Today, a federal court released three proposed maps that will split south Alabama into two different congressional districts. Once again we have seen activist judges overstep their roles, Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, tweeted Monday night. South Alabama and its communities need to stay together, the congressman said. However, let me be clear, I will be running for re-election in Alabamas First Congressional District. Today, a federal court released three proposed maps that will split south Alabama into two different congressional districts. Once again we have seen activist judges overstep their roles. (1/2) Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) September 26, 2023 Special Master Richard Allens three proposed congressional maps all slice Carls south Alabama district, including putting most of Mobile in a new district. Allens maps were set in motion when he was appointed special master by a three-judge court: U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stanley Marcus and U.S. District Judges Anna Manasco and Terry Moorer. Two of the three -- Manasco and Moorer -- were nominated by Trump. And while Marcus was nominated to his current post on the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals by Bill Clinton, he was tapped by Ronald Reagan to a seat on the federal bench in Florida. The dispute that led to the lawsuit started two years ago, when the Legislature drew a new map, as required after every census. Organizations and Black voters filed lawsuits challenging the map. The key issue is whether Alabamas congressional map, with one majority Black district out of seven, dilutes the influence of Black voters in a state where one-fourth of residents are Black. The three-judge court ruled in January 2022 that a map passed by the GOP-led Legislature in 2021 likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that decision in June 2023, sending the case back to the three-judge court. In a special session in July, Republican lawmakers approved a new map over the objections of Democrats. The new map made substantial changes but left District 7 in west Alabama as the only majority Black district. The three-judge court, which held a hearing August 14, found that legislators failed to follow the courts guidance to create a second majority Black district or one close to majority Black, a district where Black voters would have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. State Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, disagreed with Carl and suggested Allens maps are fair. The three remedial plans submitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama by the Special Master represent a chance to restore the power of the vote for Black Alabamians, and all Alabamians, Daniels said. All three maps place the majority of the City of Mobile in a proposed Congressional District 2. This is a clear rejection of the States attempts at subversion, and a rebuke of the manner in which the legislative majority twisted our shared history into a shield for discrimination. The Black caucus of the Alabama Democratic Party intends to file an objection to the three redistricting plans proposed by a special master and present its own map to the three-judge court presiding over the case, the groups chairman said Tuesday. While Alabama Democratic Conference Chairman Joe Reed said the caucus was pleased the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Alabamas request for an emergency stay on the ruling by the three-judge court, which found the map approved by the Legislature in July likely violates the Voting Right Act, the group believes its own plan makes it more viable for Black voters to elect a candidate of their choice. Im very glad that the United States Supreme Court, without dissent, turned down Alabamas request to stay the order. That sent a message to the court, the lower court here as well, he said. The three-judge court has found that a second majority-Black congressional or something quite close to it should be drawn for Alabama, but the state Legislatures plan did not follow that guidance, which led to the special master being appointed. Its so unfortunate that the state of Alabama just simply was not doing right by Black people, Reed told reporters Tuesday in Montgomery. Were still doing the same old thing and that is defying, were gonna show [Black people], were gonna teach them a lesson. Were gonna let them whos boss. Reed continued. Well, one thing we all ought to know by now, that nobody can beat the court system as long as this country has a court system. The day when somebody can defeat our court system, thatll be the day our democracy will fall. Still, Reed said, the three proposed maps from the special master are insufficient. It falls short of the Constitution and it falls short of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, he said, adding that the ADC-endorsed plan includes a 54 percent majority Black district with more than 100,000 Black voters in Mobile County in a new Second Congressional District. Were confident that the Alabama Democratic Conference plan is the best plan on the market, the ADC chairman said. And thats because thats the plan where a Black [person] can win a congressional seat. ...We have a chance now to get a congressperson that is Black folks choice. It doesnt have to be Black, it could be Black or white, but in all likelihood there will be enough Blacks running that itll be a Black out there facing the voters. Reed said the conference does not yet have a preference as to who should run in that district, pointing out that the court has not yet approved a map. Were going to be trying to get somebody that can run, that can be elected, that will represent everybody when that day comes, he said. English News African youth paintings exhibited on China's space station Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 26 Septembre 2023 This event was another example of how China has been sincerely sharing development results and opportunities with Africa. African youths who participated via video link said the event aroused their curiosity about exploring the vast universe, and they hope to contribute to promoting friendly cooperation between Africa and China. By Wan Yu, Huang Weixin, Liu Hui, People's Daily A unique painting exhibition, embodying the beautiful dreams of African youths, was recently held some 400 kilometers above Earth at China's Tiangong space station. The creative works made their debut at an awarding ceremony for the "My Dream" painting competition for African youth. The competition was launched in March this year by the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the China Manned Space Engineering Office and some Chinese embassies and consulates in African countries. It received submissions from some 2,000 youths from 42 African countries. At the end of May, 10 works were selected as winners of the Tianhe Award, named after the core module of China's space station. They flew into space along with the crew of China's Shenzhou-16 mission, and were exhibited on the Tianhe core module on Sept. 13. Three Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-16 mission, namely, Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao, showed and introduced the works to the audience on Earth from the space station via video link. Looking at an astronaut-themed painting, Zhu said the work shows the enthusiasm of African youth for manned space, and also boosts his confidence in future China-Africa space cooperation. Exploring the unknown universe and developing space technology are the common endeavors of mankind, Zhu noted, emphasizing the full cooperation of all countries in the world, including Africa. "We sincerely hope that Chinese and foreign astronauts can work together to make even greater contributions to human exploration of the universe," he added. The awarding ceremony was simultaneously held in Beijing and eight African countries including the Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Kenya. The award-winning African painters and other African youths repeatedly cheered and applauded during the video link, expressing their excitement. They asked questions actively to Chinese astronauts, covering various topics such as the possibility of growing vegetables in the space station, the feeling on the space station, the contributions of the space industry to national development, and whether astronauts can see Africa's Congo River from space. Chen Dong, a Chinese astronaut who has conducted two manned space missions to Tiangong, answered their questions via video link in Beijing. He is the first Chinese to stay in orbit for more than 200 days. Kenyan student Melissa Wanjala, a second-prize winner, said joining the competition sparked her dream of space. She said she was deeply inspired by Chinese astronauts saying that vegetables can be grown in space She wanted to study agriculture and grow food in space to help alleviate poverty and hunger. China's cooperation with Africa in space is deepening, which has become a new highlight of China-Africa cooperation. Modern aerospace technology is playing an increasingly important role in promoting the economic and social development of African countries and benefiting the lives of African people. In recent years, China, giving full play to its advantages in satellite remote sensing technology and resources, has signed memorandums of understanding on satellite data application cooperation with institutions and regional organizations in 13 African countries. China has provided nearly 40,000 scenes of high-resolution satellite remote sensing data of Chinese natural resources to 23 African countries and has held multiple technical exchanges and training sessions. They have effectively enhanced the satellite remote sensing application capabilities of African countries and laid a solid foundation for further deepening China-Africa cooperation in the field. Cooperation between Africa and China in aerospace technology is becoming increasingly close, said Ibrahima Sory Sylla, Ambassador of Senegal to China. This event was another example of how China has been sincerely sharing development results and opportunities with Africa. African youths who participated via video link said the event aroused their curiosity about exploring the vast universe, and they hope to contribute to promoting friendly cooperation between Africa and China. Wu Peng, Director-General of the Department of African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of China, stated at the event that China is willing to support Africa to cultivate talents in various fields, including modernization of governance, economic and social development, technological innovation, and improvement of people's livelihood and welfare, through the implementation of the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. This will create more favorable conditions and provide a broader space for African youths to pursue their dreams and achieve success, Wu added. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Finance Ministers' Meeting Seeks $30 Billion Boost for Water and Sanitation AI Beauty Ranking: The Most Attractive U.S. Presidential Candidates for 2024 Chinese enterprises show strong vitality in innovation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday military cooperation between North Korea and Russia undermines global peace, highlighting America's "ironclad" security commitment to South Korea. Blinken made the remarks amid concerns that a rare summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month might have led to an arms deal that observers fear could help strengthen Pyongyang's military capabilities and support Moscow's war operations in Ukraine. "Beyond the (missile) launches themselves, the DPRK threats to broader security were demonstrated clearly by Kim Jong-un's visit to Moscow this month," Blinken said during a forum on the South Korea-U.S. alliance co-hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "The DPRK is looking for help to strengthen and advance its own missile programs, working hand in hand with other partners and allies to highlight the dangerous ways Russia and North Korea's military cooperation threatens global peace and security," the secretary added. Casting the recent development in ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as a "two-way" street, Blinken said Russia is "desperate" to find equipment and supplies for its ongoing war in Ukraine. The summit between Kim and Putin has reinforced speculation that Pyongyang seeks military technology cooperation from Moscow to build spy satellites and other weapons systems, while Moscow wants more ammunition supplies from the North for use in the war in Ukraine. The prospect of deeper military cooperation between the North and Russia has given rise to worries that it could further undermine security on the Korean Peninsula and flout U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Noting the alliance's oft-repeated slogan of "We go together," Blinken stressed Washington's defense commitment to Seoul. "That commitment to mutual defense is ironclad," he said. "That starts with extended deterrence, particularly in the face of the DPRK's provocative actions, including its missile launches, which as everyone here knows, violate multiple UNSC resolutions and undermine stability on the peninsula and beyond." Extended deterrence refers to the U.S.' commitment to mobilizing all of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its East Asian ally. The forum was held to discuss the 70th anniversary of the signing of the mutual defense treaty between South Korea and the United States on Oct. 1, and the alliance's future in the next seven decades. Blinken assessed that the allies have been strengthening "all aspects" of their partnership, including security, trade and economic dimensions. "In just a few days, we will celebrate 70 years since our country signed a mutual defense treaty...70 years of a relationship that has grown from a key security alliance into a vital global partnership one that's broadening in scope and significance seemingly every day," he said. The secretary also took stock of enhanced trilateral cooperation with Japan as he touched on what he called a "historic" Camp David summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida, last month. "It really did mark the start of a new era and trilateral cooperation among our countries," he said. On the North Korean nuclear front, the three countries agreed at the summit on practical ways to improve joint responses through real-time North Korean missile warning data, trilateral defense exercises and efforts to counter the North's "malicious" cyber activity that funds its weapons programs, Blinken said. In a separate speech at the forum, South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin called for a stop to any attempts to assist North Korea's "unlawful" weapons programs or engage in any arms trade with the recalcitrant regime. "We sternly warn that these actions not only flagrantly violate multiple resolutions, but also endanger Korea's security," Park said in a video message. He also said that permanent UNSC members, including Russia and China, have a "heavier" duty to abide by UNSC resolutions, while noting "all forms of arms trade and related cooperation" with Pyongyang is in "direct" breach of the resolutions. In addition, Park accused the North Korean regime of "squandering" scarce resources on advancing its nuclear and missile programs. "The multimillion and tens of million dollars diverted to every missile launch should have been spent on improving the lives of his own starving people," he said. "North Korea's actions are irrational, irresponsible and immoral." (Yonhap) There are three realities that Republican voters can no longer avoid. The first, Joe Biden will not be the Democrat nominee in 2024. Second, the Democrats want to face a damaged Donald Trump in November of 2024. Third, Trumps age, unforeseen events, and the egregious lawfare he is facing could eventuate in Trump having to drop out of the race. Ron DeSantis is the only viable proven conservative candidate to replace him and yet Trump and many Republican voters are foolishly determined to permanently destroy DeSantis and render him unelectable. The legacy media and establishment Democrats are setting the stage for Bidens withdrawal with almost daily stories of his age, gaffes and incapacities. Their allies in the polling community are increasingly publishing polls showing Biden losing to not only Trump but other candidates on the Republican side. The Democrats have for the last six months begun to focus on Bidens replacement. Leading the way are Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Jared Polis, and as a last resort, Kamala Harris. All of whom are much younger and perceived by the general electorate to be less controversial than Donald Trump. The only question that remains is the timing of Bidens announcement. Will it be before or after Trump or another Republican clinches the nomination? While the Democrats are moving on with their strategy to replace Biden, the legacy media is replete with stories of how the Democrats are worried that Trump could defeat Biden. Their allies in the polling industry are consistently showing Trump either tied or beating Biden. Is this genuine concern about the election or a ploy to make certain that Trump is the Republican nominee? In a much publicized recent poll by Democrat-leaning ABC News reveals that Trump is beating Biden by nine points. However, the internals reveal some near impossible statistics. This poll claims Trump is winning the youth vote by 16 points (in 2020 he lost the youth vote by 15 points) and Biden is winning minority voters by only 9 points (he won them by 45 points in 2020). Meanwhile Trumps favorability rating hovers at 35%. The objective of the egregious lawfare being conducted against Trump by a politicized and weaponized Justice Department is not to imprison him, as he will almost assuredly overturn any convictions on appeal, but to make him unelectable to the vast majority of voters while inciting the Republican primary electorate to be rightfully incensed and to unquestioningly support Trump in the primaries. In a poll sponsored by the conservative New York Post, a venal and senescent imbecile, Joe Biden would beat Trump by six percentage points if he, Trump, is convicted of any felonies. Any other Democrat nominee would likely have better result in the general election. Which brings us to the third and most important reality check. What if Trump is either unable to run or is forced out of the race? In the modern era there has never been two unabashed conservatives with track records of America First accomplishments running for the Republican nomination in the same year. In 2024 there are two, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. In the past there may have been one on occasion. The rest of the field were invariably a part of the Washington Establishment. Almost immediately prior to and after DeSantis declared his candidacy, Trump dumped $20+ million in negative ads against him oftentimes containing misleading and untruthful assertions. His army of social media influencers dutifully regurgitated these talking points and the legacy media, anxious to also destroy DeSantis, robotically repeated them and highlighted whatever Trump said as part of their obsession with him. Trump did not have to resort to unconditional warfare to defeat DeSantis ansd win the nomination. Trumps popularity with a large plurality of the Republican base put him in the position of easily winning in the primaries. Instead, he became singularly focused on annihilating DeSantis for supposedly being disloyal. As of August 2023, more money was spent by Trump affiliated groups targeting DeSantis than were spent in all negative independent ads targeting Biden and Trump combined. It was not long after Trump began his scorched earth campaign that DeSantis saw a precipitous drop in his poll numbers as the immediate retaliation by a vindictive Donald Trump to the DeSantis candidacy made it nearly impossible for him to gain national traction. Thomas Lifson, in a blog post at the American Thinker, highlights many other issues with the DeSantis campaign. There is little doubt that mistakes have been made and the course corrections insufficient. But the unending and unjustified vitriol by Trump, his army of followers, and the legacy medai is the primary reason behind the campaigns lack of success thus far. If for some reason Donald Trump cannot run in 2024, who is going to be the Republican standard bearer? Another RINO in Nikki Haley? An establishment shill in Mike Pence? A grossly inexperienced and narcissistic Vivek Ramaswamy? The only way the Republicans can win the presidency and down-ballot elections in 2024 is to stop the internecine vitriol and vindictiveness. Ron DeSantis is not the enemy nor is Donald Trump or any of the other candidates. Winning in 2024 requires that all factions of the Republican voting electorate cease treating each other as implacable enemies during the primary season and focus on the ultimate goal, defeating the party that hates America. Republican voters, but in particular the no-one-but-Trump voters, must face the reality that Donald Trump faces enormous hurdles to win the presidency in 2024. There must, by necessity, be a plan B and a conservative candidate that can win against not only whoever Democrats nominate but their inevitable voting machinations. Photo credit: YouTube screengrab Over the last three and a half years, weve watched in horror as the Democrats have shredded the Constitution to win elections and reshape America. However, theres an upside: Now that theyve broken it, we can use the new rules to put it back together again. I spent much of the two months following the 2020 election arguing with Democrats who pretended that Joe Biden actually won. Their line was: Prove it was fraudulent. I couldnt. There was no fraud, we were told by the media, every branch of government, academics, Democrats, and the TDS-afflicted GOP establishment types. That fiction continues to this day, and the truth is, they have a point. As of today, there is not a single court case that has established any significant coordinated effort to steal the election. Every single case brought by Donald Trump and his compatriots either failed in court or failed to be considered by courts because of standing or some other technicality. Now, however, three years later, with everything from Molly Balls TIME magazine boast to Mollie Hemingways brilliant Rigged to the poorly made but tantalizing 2000 Mules to the Twitter files, its as clear as day to anyone with a functioning brain that the Democrats conspired with the rest of Americas elite leftist cabal to steal the election, and succeeded. One might think that the clear theft of an election of the most powerful office in the world would be enough to cause a revolution in the streets, but that didnt happen. Indeed, when a few thousand unarmed patriots, on January 6, 2021, sought to force the government to at least examine the questions about said election, many ended up in gulags with their lives destroyed. Image by Andrea Widburg. Even years later, when it was clear to anyone with a pulse that elites manipulated every element of our voting system and stole the election, nothing happened. Not only did no one go to jail for that treachery, but Democrats were allowed to do the exact same thing two years later in Arizona, an ostensibly red state. Arizona essentially watched in real-time as its election was manipulated and the governors office was stolen from Kari Lake. But here we are 11 months later, and Katie Hobbs is still sitting in the Governors office while Kari Lake is still fighting in the courts. East of Arizona, Tucker Carlson interviewed Texas AG Ken Paxton, who was just acquitted of corruption charges. Paxton discussed the problems afflicting whats supposed to be blood-red Texas. He talked about the Speaker of a GOP-dominated House being elected by Democrats and, even more treacherously, about the states highest criminal courtpopulated by Republicanstaking away his ability to investigate voter fraud, thereby leaving it to George Soros-backed local AGs to do, which is scheduled to happen the day after Hell freezes over. All of which brings us to 2024. Its true that there have been no court cases that have determined that the 2020 election was stolen, but just as every American knows that OJ was guilty, every American knows that the 2020 election was stolen, even if they refuse to admit it. The problem is that corruption is designed to be hard to see, and much of the government, both the investigative and judicial arms, are part of the swamp that wants to keep the fraud hidden. Proving it takes far longer than the period between the election and the inauguration. Just like the Russian collusion hoax and the Hunter Biden laptop story, however, the media will come around to admitting that which we all know already, namely, that the 2020 presidential election was indeed stolen. But just like the two aforementioned stories, the truth will not emerge until long after its release would be helpful to the American people. The question is, what are freedom-loving, Constitution-loving Americans supposed to do in a situation where the theft is happening right in front of them in real-time, and theyre told that what theyre seeing isnt whats actually going on? Between early voting, absentee voting, vote harvesting, and computer voting, Americas voting system is simply broken. Not only is it broken, but the courts, filled with activist, partisan judges, offer little or no outlet to address the problem. Indeed, even the Supreme Court offers no opportunity for fixing the problem, as can be seen by its allowing Pennsylvanias courts to change the states voting laws in clear violation of the US Constitution and then by refusing Texass case based on the ludicrous grounds of Standing. Today, we are faced with the fact that, regardless of what a Constitutional majority of Americans vote for, the outcome of the presidential and other elections is not up to them. America is not only no longer a Republic, but were also not even a democracy in the loose sense of the word. America is no longer a democratic nation at all. It is, instead, a nation managed and manipulated by a cabal of elites. Tragically, if things like what happened nationally in 2020 and in 2022 in Arizona continue, its hard to envision avoiding a civil war. Its only a question of time. It doesnt have to be that way, though. Two-hundred-forty-seven years ago, 55 men, propelled by a tyrannical government in which they had no say but which demanded their fealty and taxed them at will, signed a document that would change the course of human history. Today, Americans find themselves with even less control than the Founding Fathers did, beholden to a tyrannical leviathan-like government run by an elitist cabal that manufactures the outcomes it desires. Power almost never gives up power willingly, but the possibility still exists. If Americans, win or lose, can once again feel confident that their votes count and that success is based on the number of votes cast and not the number of ballots manufactured, we might be able to avert another conflagration. How might that happen? Here are five simple changes that would fix this problem, but theyll never see the light of day as Democrats have no incentive to fix the current system. 1. Make election day a national holiday. 2. Eliminate early voting. 3. Eliminate absentee ballots for anyone other than persons provably housebound (but still mentally competent) or outside of their registered state on election day. 4. Eliminate electronic voting. 5. Implement universal Voter ID. Every state should be forced to comply, regardless of what the Constitution says. Why thats tyranny!!! you say. Maybe, but the reality is the Constitution was already shredded by Democrats via the manufactured hysteria over COVID. We were told that the emergency was sufficient to disregard the Constitution. Id suggest that if what was basically a bad case of the flu can be considered an emergency sufficient to ignore the Constitution, then averting a bloody civil war is at least as much of an emergency. Unlike what we were told about the COVID threat, a civil war would actually result in the loss of millions of lives and would leave devastation in its wake like Americans have never seen. Of course, using the same rationale, environmentalist fascists might eventually argue that Climate Change is an emergency, too. They could and would make the argument and then use it to eviscerate whats left of the Constitution. Admittedly, its a slippery slope, but thats where Democrats have put us. As they learned when Harry Reid tried a limited overturning of the filibuster, once something is broken, there is no such thing as limited. Democrats broke our Constitution to steal an election. If we dont do something, we will eventually become a nation of serfs serving lords in Washington, New York, and Silicon Valley. If ignoring that broken Constitution is whats necessary to give citizens back control over their government and avert a civil war, it might be worth considering. Our Republic is already gone. The question is, can we put it back together? Follow Vince on Twitter at ImperfectUSA, or you can visit his new website Gratitude for America. A girl is sexually assaulted in her school bathroom and the perpetrator is known. Rather than prosecute the boy who claimed to be gender fluid, the school system ignores the crime, and has the father arrested when he calls the board out on their actions. They then transferred the boy to another high school where he did the same thing to another girl. Because of this, the superintendent and anyone else who knew what the boy had done and approved his transfer should have been charged as accessory in the second incident. They werent. Why should they be? In their eyes and the eyes of the progressive government in Loudoun County, Virginia, the boy wasnt their problem. The fact that they didnt believe the girls, although they preach Believe all women wasnt the problem. The fact that the school board lied when members said they had no knowledge of the incident, although emails showed differently, wasnt their problem. No, the problem was the father who called them out publicly on their failure to protect the children they have responsibility for most of the week. The father, Scott Smith, embarrassed the board members, and that couldnt be allowed to stand. They went after Smith for speaking out against their failed policies and their failure to take action against the 14-year-old attacker. Smith was convicted of disorderly conduct in August 2021. It was just a couple months later that the boy went on to attack the second girl in the school where the Board of Education had transferred him. Had the board heeded Smith or even done the right thing after the first incident, the second attack would not have happened. Those board members share in the responsibility of that attack and causing the trauma to that girl because they could have prevented it. The board eventually fired the superintendent after a special grand jury found he had lied about the first sexual assault. The jury also issued a report that stated the board had repeatedly mishandled the assaults. At the insistence of the victims parents, police followed up on their complaints of sexual assaults. The boy was charged and found guilty of the sexual assaults last year. He was sentenced to supervised probation until his 18th birthday in a residential treatment facility. He will also have to register as a sex offender, which is unusual for a minor. This month, Virginia's Republican governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the Loudoun County Board of Education's injustice. He pardoned Smith. We righted a wrong, Youngkin said on Fox News Sunday. He shouldve never been prosecuted here. This was a dad standing up for his daughter and just to remind everyone, his daughter had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom of a school and no one was doing anything about it. He said that the conviction had been a gross miscarriage of justice. Smith did not take matters into his own hands. He addressed the proper authorities as he should have, and they promptly prosecuted him, not the criminal. While this is good news, the attacker was removed from the sex offender registry in January 2022, which means he is a walking time bomb. He has attacked two girls with little consequence, and is virtually free to attack another. He was never identified in the media since he is a minor, but this means that girls, parents, and teachers have no way of knowing that a predator is in class. Michael A. Letts is the CEO and Founder of In-VestUSA, a national grassroots non-profit organization helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin for Michael Letts 919-437-0001 jerry@specialguests.com. Image: Loudon County School Board When a ship has a major leak, either the captain fixes the leak or saving the vessel becomes an exercise in futility. The water comes rushing in while the crew bails out the water. Sooner or later, the crew will tire and the ship will go down. The sinking ship metaphor fits the eco-crisis. Governments and companies are working furiously to bail out a supposedly sinking earth. American companies are asked to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to comply with ESG benchmarks that mandate reducing carbon emissions. The Biden administration is cutting off federal oil exploration and development areas while asking oil-producing nations to increase production. Automakers are promoting electric vehicles. Meanwhile, liberal doomsayers call for ever more rigid laws and regulations to save humanity from extinction. This suicidal path to sustainability is unsustainable. It will tire out the West. Worst of all, these efforts have yet to result in a net lowering of CO2 emissions. The water keeps pouring in through a gaping hole in the ships hull. The hole in the hulk has a name: Communist China. While Western nations are busy capturing carbon, China releases much more into the atmosphere. Although China has signed climate accords, its compliance depends on what benefits the Chinese Communist Party. Costly eco-standards are not high on the Red list of priorities. Since joining the World Trade Organization, China has made its own rules. As an autocratic regime without the rule of law, China can pick and choose which guidelines to follow. There are no mechanisms for accountability that can penetrate the authoritarian framework found in China. Despite its massive economy, China is still listed as a developing country and enjoys privileges and exemptions from WTO rules. All these factors make China an ecological disaster. China and the CCP routinely violate the environmental standards followed by Western nations. In addition, China is a sanctuary for emission-evading companies looking to maximize profits. The CCP can count on the complicity of Western corporations to take advantage of its regulation-free environment. Liberal CEOs can virtue signal by denouncing carbon emissions at home while offshoring polluting production lines to China. Even more mysterious is the silence of environmental activists worldwide about Chinas massive noncompliance. They focus on denouncing Western corporations and governments. They target the people working the hardest to comply with their often absurd regulations. Eco-activists should focus on the greatest offender that pollutes on so massive a scale that any reduction efforts are futile. Such a selective focus calls into question the motives of the whole enivironmental movement. The Left can always be found together with the eco-movement. The fact that both parties ignore the gaping hole in the ships hull leads to the conclusion that their target is not to stop the polluting waters but to sink the ship that represents the West. Image: Huangdan2060 At Eagle Pass, surging illegal migrants planted a gargantuan Venezuelan flag on a Texas island in the Rio Grande as they attempted to cross illegally into the U.S. Texas Department of Public Safety's Tactical Marine Unit* troops sensibly ripped it down and apparently chased the migrants back across the river to the Mexican side. But the deed was done. The U.S. stood conquered and humiliated, even if only for a few minutes. What fun they had. Illegal immigrants planted a foreign flag on a Texas island in Eagle Pass in the middle of the river. @TxDPS troopers immediately pulled it down. https://t.co/gxkuJEG5Ko Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 25, 2023 Here's another view, and this one includes what looks like a Honduran flag: NOV 2022 CBP says a thrown rock injured one agent, another was assaulted with a Venezuelan flagpole Why is this continuing? @POTUS @AliMayorkas pic.twitter.com/7pLtL01Rhl Joni Job (@jj_talking) September 25, 2023 Given the leftist narratives about the migrants being pitiful refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing their homelands from which no dignified existence is supposedly possible, the flag planting tells another story. What refugee or asylum-seeker plants the flag of the country he is fleeing and supposedly is desperate not to get sent back to? Obviously, there is some other kind of dynamic going on, cloaked in the helpless fleeing refugee narrative that's supposed to evoke pity -- and weakness -- here. Yeah, it's an invasion. And here these clowns are, making themselves into the conquering heros, confident the U.S. is so weak and pathetic and unaware of what is going on that they can plant their own flag on U.S. soil as they enter it illegally and the big stupid gringos will actually let them. It's an amazing act. Who really sponsored this? Was it a state actor? Because I think it was a state actor, given the kind of rhetoric rolling out of the mouths of the leaders in that region. Here is what Colombia's Marxist president had to say at the United Nations only a week ago: Colombian President Gustavo Petro predicted that billions of people will defy armies to migrate to the United States and other Western democracies, which he has previously likened to Nazi Germany. Billions of people will defy armies and will change the earth to do this, Petro told the United Nations General Assembly. The exodus across the borders has increased. They have set the dogs and the hounds on the immigrants. They have put people on horses to pursue them with whips in their hands, with stocks and chains. They have built prisons. Meanwhile, the president of Honduras, unlike, say, Joe Biden, last week paid a visit to the border, not to apologize to her nationals for running a socialist country they'd do anything to get away from, but to egg them on. According to La Tribuna, a Honduran news outlet, she sought information about detained Hondurans held in the U.S. for entering illegally supposedly to make sure they were treated humanely (let's hear again what Honduran prisons are like), and announced that she would be opening four new consulates to champion the migrants seeking asylum from her regime "to have the dignified treatment they deserve," not noticing that maybe she could have started that dignified treatment thing back in the home country. It sounds like setting up a lot of extensive outposts, with flags in the ground. The Honduran press noted that the supposed asylum-seekers fleeing Honduras in terror were ... just seeking the old Sueno americano," or "American dream." More than a decade ago, the late, unlamented Hugo Chavez of Venezuela once said he would go camp out at the U.S. border because he considered illegals, then mostly from Mexico, a socialist vanguard. This kind of conquista thinking has been around for awhile, but a truly weak U.S. president and an open border has not. Now it's there and here we are. It's all conquista. Where did the perpetrators, supposedly huddled on Mexican trains with all their worldly possessions, get hold of a flag of that size, and the right flag poll to go with it? There obviously was some planning here and it's unlikely that stuff came up on from someone dangling from the Mexican trains to el norte. Did the flag-planters eventually get into this country as so-called "asylum seekers"? Sure, they were driven back by the Texas National Guard, but they eventually try again until they get in. Why weren't they apprehended and interrogated for information about who their sponsors were -- who gave them the flag or the money for the flag and then deported and excluded from ever being allowed in the U.S. again? Is there a plot to bankrupt America by sending hordes of economic migrants into the U.S.? We know that Venezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, emptied his jails to create a wave of migrants into the U.S. Might some of them been let out to accomplish this conquest "mission" even for just a few minutes? What it does is raise the case for retaliation and reparations to the U.S. from Venezuela's socialist hellhole regime. Why, exactly, is the Biden administration not expropriating bank accounts of the Chavista elites in their Miami condos and using it pay for the care and feeding of Venezuelan migrants, who are now massing into the U.S. bankrupting blue cities with the cost of their care? We know they are sending at least some of them intentionally, we know they are resisting a deportation treaty with the U.S., which is why the U.S. cannot deport Venezuelan migrants, and we also know that they would like to take the U.S. down. It would be no problem for them to fling migrants at the U.S. as a political tool, the way the left accuses Texas's and Florida's governors, who offer voluntary bus rides to migrants to blue sanctuary cities, of doing. The nations that ship migrants as a policy tool are the real users of refugees, dispatching some to make political statements, and driving others out of the country to gain remittances if not bankrupt the U.S. Given that many Venezuelan assets are being impounded by the U.S. based on various sanctions against the regime for its electoral fraud, human rights violations, money laundering, and drug dealing, why isn't that money being taken to pay for these migrants? If Maduro is going to pull costly political stunts like this it's time to make it expensive for him. And same for all the other leering Latin American leaders who have yet to apologize to their nationals for creating such nasty socialist hellhole regimes that no one wants to live in, yet who exploit their own migrants for remittances and political gain in their own crummy bids to Get Gringo. We often look at cartels as the external actors behind the great migrant surges, but it's increasingly obvious that there are states behind this, too, and they need to be dealt with -- through witholding foreign aid, witholding remittances, or sanctions confiscations. The U.S. is not powerless, but it is leaderless, opening the door to unprecedented conquista dreams of the world's lousiest dictators if it lets this garbage go unanswered. *An earlier version of this piece misstated the name of the Texas unit. Image: Screen shot from Twitter video. If youre Yaroslav Hunka, you can have fought for a division implicated in war crimes and commanded by literal Nazis, but the marketing team at the leftwing outlet Politico will repackage and sell you as a veteran accused and Nazi-linked, and you can safely assume that the publications dimwitted audience wont suspect a thing. Media using its position to push out propaganda sympathetic to the regime? Joseph Goebbels, another Nazi-linked individual would be beaming with pride! A few days back, Andrea Widburg penned a blog on the start of what is now shaping up to be a massive egg-on-the-face moment for the involved parties; from her essay: No matter how you slice it, its a shocking story: The Parliament of Canada, from Trudeau on down, gave a standing ovation to a WWII-era Nazi who is a veteran of the Waffen-SS. As John Nolte writing for Breitbart said yesterday: Obviously, this [standing ovation] has become a source of embarrassment for those capable of shame, but no one has ever accused Politico of being capable of shame, so Politico was off to the rescue! After all, if Zelensky, the newest, shiny, golden symbol of the lefts virtue-signaling god will cheer a Nazi, you can bet Politico will rush right in to assure everyone that Nazis arent so bad. In fact, if Zelensky and Trudeau like him, hes not even a real Nazi. Hes more like Nazi-ish, or Nazi-adjacent, or as Politico put it (with a shameless lie), Nazi-linked. That kind of marketing only works on a certain kind of mind... and thats one that sucks up Politico droppings like a Hoover vacuum. Theyre the group of people that would read war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength, and believe it. Nikolai Yezhov wasnt a villain, he was only NKVD-linked. Neither was Kang Sheng; after all, he was only Yanan Rectification Movement-linked. Kaing Guek Eav simply got a bad rap due to being Santebal-linked. And of course, Heinrich Himmler wasnt a real Nazi. Sure he wore the uniform and facilitated and participated in the murder innocent people under the banner of the Third Reich and allied himself with other Nazis, but that doesnt actually make him a Nazi, hes what you would call Nazi-linked. Who buys that? Well a lot of people, and theyre called Democrats. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. It was in 2008 that General Motors went broke and was bailed out by the taxpayers (we eventually got back about $40 billion of the $50 billion we put in) thanks to years of outrageous UAW union contracts. It seems GM CEOs did not have the courage to stand up for their shareholders and the company eventually went under. Now the UAW is back again, demanding the automakers pay their workers a 40% increase and go to a 32-hour work week. They also want to go back to defined benefit pension plans, that wrecked the Teamsters pensions a few years ago. When the current GM CEO said this was ridiculous, the union said she was also massively overpaid, getting about $30 million a year. Both sides could be right. Barra claims she gets all that money based on her performance. Not sure how GM measures this. She got the top job back in early 2014, when the price of GM stock was around $40. Today its around $34. Her Japanese counterparts get paid a lot less, yet seem to make pretty good cars and have much more profitable North American operations. I suspect all that performance money will not be buying GM shareholders any more courage than the last generation of CEOs had in the old GM. There is obviously no plan to bring in replacement workers or tough out a long strike. In the end, GM and the other car makers could cave in yet again. There are other ways of doing business, though. Consider Caterpillar Corp. (CAT), the worlds largest maker of heavy equipment vehicles. They have tremendous international competition, even more than the automakers, and must also put up with the UAW. Back in the early 1990s, the union demanded excessive contract terms, but management was ready and said no way. CAT had to endure one of the more contentious strikes of that era but in the end, with replacements coming in to help managers, they stayed open and workers crossed the picket lines. The financial results vindicated their actions. Caterpillar stock has vastly outperformed the S&P. Strong financials allow the company to constantly invest in new products. Thirty years ago, Japanese competitors like Komatsu were supposed to blow away CAT; instead, the company is as dominant as ever. Its still a union firm, but they just wont roll over. There are plenty of similar examples of big vehicle makers that understood how to handle the UAW. Cummins engine is a great one. Back in the 1930s, the company voluntarily signed a collective bargaining agreement. But it was with a local group of employees who formed the independent Diesel Workers Union. This infuriated the UAW, which sued, but Cummins won in court. Having a dedicated independent union, as opposed to a group of nutty left-wing activists, as its partner, allowed Cummins to pay out great salaries and benefits, while being the envy of the industry for innovation and profits. Some companies never quite understood this. The old International Harvester (IH) was stuck with perhaps the most communist-dominated labor union in the 1930s, the Farm Equipment Workers (FE) who were eventually kicked out of the CIO in the late 1940s. This allowed IH to move over to the UAW, who were not much better, while the old FE shop stewards were left place. All the company plants were hotbeds of unrest and what was once the worlds biggest maker of trucks and tractors was broken apart in the 1980s. The one thing going for the auto workers this time, may be that the union leaders are not any smarter than the company CEOs. The UAW is led by a militant new character named Shawn Fain. He has implemented a targeted strike strategy at just a few auto plants, so he doesnt have to spend down his strike fund. The problem is, you cant just shut down a few plants these days without impacting many others in a cascade. Thats already happening, with tens of thousands of union workers laid off and becoming eligible for the strike fund payments of $500 a week. Late last week, Fain expanded the strike, probably in recognition limited strikes would cripple all the plants in any event. If the union runs out of money in the next couple of months, Mary Barra and her colleagues may luck out and be able to negotiate a better contract. No thanks to anything she would have actually done. Of course, when it comes to Ms. Barras own money, she is very smart. According to disclosure records she has been a consistent seller of GM stock throughout her tenure as CEO. Frank Friday is an attorney in Louisville, KY. Image: Steve Fecht for General Motors Amazon is a big company, and that makes it a big target for the FTC. After recent rumors about a potential legal battle, its been confirmed that Amazon is facing a massive lawsuit from the FTC and 17 US states, according to the FTC itself. There are some pretty tough charges going against Amazon, and the consequences could heavily affect the company. Amazon is facing a massive lawsuit from the FTC So, what is this case about? FTC Chair Lina M. Khan alleges that the e-commerce company has been using its power, money, influence, and anticompetitive practices to stifle competition while raking in more money. Along with the FTC, 17 Attorneys General are also jumping in on this case. Advertisement Advertisement Basically, its a big company that wants to stay big, and its doing so at other companies expense, according to Khan. Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies, said Kahn in a statement. Some of the charges include harshly punishing stores that offer prices lower than Amazons own products. If a store offers prices lower than what Amazon charges, its products are extremely deprioritized in the algorithm. The company has also been conditioning sellers ability to make their products eligible for Prime. This makes it harder for sellers to offer their products on other services, which is pretty suffocating for them. Amazon is a huge company, and that leads to some issues The fact that Amazon is the largest e-commerce company on the face of the planet means that its able to perform certain predatory and unethical practices with the sellers who rely on it, according to the lawsuit. The FTC has been looking to take Amazon to court for some time. In fact, rumors have been swirling around recently stating that the FTC was looking to sue the company. This case targets two parts of Amazons business. Its going after the online superstore market, which is responsible for selling products to customers. Also, its going after the market for online marketplaces. What did Amazon do? It alleges that Amazon is able to charge outrageous fees to its sellers. This includes a monthly seller fee and a fee for advertisement. These are required for sellers to keep their stores on Amazon, and they sometimes cost sellers up to 50% of their total revenue. Advertisement Next, Amazon is accused of biasing its own products in the search results. This means that people are always likely to see Amazons products whether or not theyre the best fit for the search results. Amazon is also accused of Degrading the customer experience by serving up paid advertisements instead of organic search results. People are seeing ads first and foremost rather than the organic results. This hurts the sellers who arent paying for ads. Also, the lawsuit alleges that Amazon is pushing a ton of junk ads onto the customers. This practice makes navigating the site frustrating for customers looking to buy the products. What states are involved The states suing Amazon along with the FTC are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. What will happen if the company loses? Right now, the FTC is proposing a permanent injunction on Amazon to stop its wrongdoings. This would prohibit the company from performing the practices outlined in the case. If Amazon is found guilty, then the company would have to make some massive changes to its business. Rumors pointed to the FTC wanting to break up the company, but we didnt see any mention of that in the filing. We dont know if the FTC would pursue that action if Amazon isnt compliant with the injunction. Right now, this case is still ongoing, and it might go on for some time. For all we know, it could be bigger than the case with Microsoft trying to buy Activision Blizzard. This means that we might not see an end to it anytime soon, so youll want to stay tuned. North Korea is scheduled to convene a key parliamentary meeting Tuesday amid keen attention over whether its leader Kim Jong-un will attend it to deliver any message related to his latest summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. North Korea earlier announced its plan to hold the ninth session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) on Tuesday to discuss organizational matters and the issue of reviewing and adopting various laws. The secretive regime's state media has not reported whether the meeting has kicked off. The results of the session will likely be made public a day after the session wraps up. The SPA is the highest organ of state power under the North's constitution, but it actually only rubber-stamps decisions by the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). One of the major focal points for the SPA session would be whether Kim will use the session to deliver a public speech toward South Korea or the United States following his latest summit with Putin. Kim and Putin held the summit at a Russian spaceport on Sept. 13, raising speculation North Korea may have reached a deal to supply ammunition for Russia's war in Ukraine in exchange for food aid and the transfer of weapons technology. After returning home last week, Kim held a politburo meeting with top officials last week to discuss the outcome of his summit with Putin and called for unspecified "thorough" follow-up measures. Whether Premier Kim Tok-hun could be replaced will be also one of the main issues that will likely be decided at the SPA. The North's leader recently strongly berated Premier Kim and the Cabinet over their "irresponsible" attitude in failing to prevent flood damage and "spoiling" the country's economic plans. His sharp-worded comments fueled speculation that he may replace the premier, a move seen as aiming at shifting responsibility to the Cabinet for the faltering economy. Premier Kim was appointed to the post in 2020. Still, he has been carrying out his official duty as premier, as state media reported Monday that Kim has inspected the agricultural sector in South Hwanghae Province. An official at South Korea's unification ministry said it is hard to prejudge what the SPA could discuss, including the possibility of Kim Jong-un delivering a public speech. In a parliamentary meeting in September 2022, the North's leader publicly announced the legalization of nuclear weapons, as its parliament approved a new law that allows for a preemptive nuclear strike. (Yonhap) The Xenomorph malware has been in distribution for several years, attacking banks and stealing money. Now, in a recent development, threat actors have reportedly started distributing a newer version of the malware, which can not only steal money from Android users in various countries but can also target crypto wallets. Originally discovered in 2022, the Xenomorph malware began as a banking trojan, initially focusing on 56 European banks through screen overlay phishing. However, since then, the malware has been through a series of updates, evolving into a more versatile and modular form. Advertisement Advertisement How does the malware work? According to reports, this new malware targets Android users in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Belgium, using a new mimic function that allows it to impersonate other apps. For instance, in the new campaign, threat actors lure victims to deceptive websites, where they are presented with an alert stating that the Chrome browser requires immediate updates. However, instead of downloading the real Chrome browser, the APK file contains the Xenomorph malware. Once the malware is active, it uses overlays, fake screens placed on top of apps, to steal user credentials from banking and cryptocurrency applications. Additionally, to make matters worse, the new version of the malware includes a ClickOnPoint capability, allowing bad actors to simulate screen taps at precise locations. Moreover, it employs an Antisleep System that prevents the device from turning off its screen, thus ensuring uninterrupted access. List of targeted banks Given the widespread nature of the campaign, the list of targeted banks and crypto wallets is also extensive and includes names like Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Capital One, PNC, Santander, and TD Bank, as well as cryptocurrency platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and MetaMask. However, the fact that threat actors are also offering the malware as a service to other bad actors highlights the importance of implementing safety measures. These include not installing apps from third-party sources, checking all the permissions an app requests and installing antivirus software. There have been rumors recently that Samsung is considering launching the Galaxy S24 series a little early. The 2024 flagships were said to arrive about two weeks earlier than the Galaxy S23 lineup, which debuted on February 1 this year. We now have a purported launch date for the new phones, and it falls within that rumored timeline. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series could launch sooner than expected According to tipster Ice Universe (via), Samsung may take the wraps off the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra on January 18, 2024. The source isnt confident about the exact date, though. Thats likely because theres a strong reason why it might not be accurate. The Korean firm usually holds its major Galaxy Unpacked events on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement All of its Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series launch events in recent years took place on Wednesday, including July 26s Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z FLip 5 launch and February 1s Galaxy S23 launch. If Samsung maintains this tradition next year, a January 17 launch of the Galaxy S24 might be on the cards. That is certainly two weeks before this years flashing launch. Now that we have a tentative launch date for Samsungs 2024 flagships, we might soon get a confirmation. We arent expecting an official confirmation just yet, but more tipsters may chip in with information from their industry sources in the coming weeks. Rumors have it that the company wants to bring its latest flagships to the market early to counter the iPhone 15 series that debuted earlier this month. Several other developments have also hinted at an early launch of the Galaxy S24. Firstly, Samsung has told its suppliers to start the mass production of components in November. The Galaxy S23 lineup entered production in December. Additionally, Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Samsungs Exynos 2400 SoCs, both of which will power the Galaxy S24, are also arriving earlier than usual. The new Galaxy foldables debuted early too. The Galaxy S24 series may be accompanied by the Galaxy Ring The Galaxy S24 launch event may bring a tiny new product that could steal some thunder from the new flagships. Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil the Galaxy Ring on the same day. The first-gen smart ring may have a delayed market release due to regulatory hurdles related to health certifications. However, the company appears ready to showcase what it has made in January itself. The rumor mill should soon give us more information about the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Ring. As many of you know, Google and the DoJ (Department of Justice) are in the middle of an antitrust case in the US. In the latest turn of events, Yelp and a coalition of news organizations have asked the judge to remove Googles lawyers from the antitrust case. Yelp wants judge to remove Googles lawyers from the ongoing antitrust case What exactly happened? Well, to be more accurate, Yelp asked for an entire US law firm to be removed from the case. Yelp and the coalition claim that the firm has a conflict of interest, as it was previously their advocate on matters related to the case. Advertisement Advertisement This request refers to the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Its also worth noting that both Yelp and News/Media Alliance are the targets of Googles subpoenas, not defendants in the case. Why are they even there? Well, Google is trying to prove that it didnt abuse its market dominance when it comes to web advertising. Yelp is a site youve probably heard of, its a service-recommendation site. Many of you have probably used it thus far. Spokesperson for Paul Weiss disagrees with Yelp Having said that, a spokesperson for Paul Weiss disagrees with Yelp. They see their presence as completely appropriate, or appropriate in all respects, as he put it. Neither Google nor Yelp had any further comments. For the purposes of the trial, Google wants specific information from Yelp. The company wants Yelp to share information about its advertising technology business, and some other topics. The company is also requesting Yelps engagement letters, invoices, and bills related to its Paul Weiss ties, for the purpose of fighting Yelps request to get the firm removed from the case. This antitrust case started about two weeks ago, and its all over the place. Google is trying to prove that it did not abuse its market dominance, while the DoJ is on the opposite side. The trial is set to last for about two months, by the way. (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 26 - The spread between 10 year Italian BTP bond yields and the German equivalent closed at 193 basis points Tuesday, its highest level since mid-March. The spread started the day on 186 points. The yield on the BTP closed at 4.73%, its highest since the end of 2022. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 26 - The autopsy on the body of one-time top Cosa Nostra fugitive Matteo Messina Denaro, who died in a hospital in L'Aquila early on Monday aged 62, is due to begin at lunchtime on Tuesday, sources have said. It will be carried out by forensic pathologist Cristian D'Ovidio, a professor at Chieti university, the sources added. After the autopsy, the body of the last godfather of the Sicilian mafia who spent 30 years on the run before being caught in a Palermo cancer clinic on January 16, will be transported by road to Sicily via a special route amid tight security. The coffin is expected to arrive in Messina Denaro's native Castelvetrano in the province of Trapani on Wednesday. The superboss, who was diagnosed with colon cancer while in hiding in late 2020, had been in San Salvatore hospital since August 8 following a deterioration in his condition. Before that Messina Denaro had been held at L'Aquila's maximum-security prison under the tough 41 bis since January 17, the day after he was arrested in the Sicilian regional capital. On Friday, he went into an irreversible coma and doctors treating him decided to withdraw his clinical nutrition on the basis of his living will rejecting dysthanasia. Messina Denaro had been convicted for his involvement in dozens of murders, including the 1992 Cosa Nostra bombings that killed anti-Mafia magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. In addition to the Falcone and Borsellino assassinations, he has been condemned for the killing of Giuseppe Di Matteo, the 12-year-old son of a mobster-turned-State witness who was strangled and dissolved in acid in 1996, and bombings at art and religious sites in Milan, Florence and Rome that killed 10 people and hurt 40 more in 1993. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 26 - Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida on Tuesday announced additional funding worth 10 million euros as a support measure for product loss and to shore up mussel and clam farms against the invasion of blue crabs in the north Adriatic. The funding comes on top of a existing allocation of 2.9 million euros. The minister also announced measures to simplify access to compensation for those whose livelihoods have been affected by the invasion that is said to be wrecking havoc on the local economies in Veneto and Emilia Romagna, the possibility of trawling within three miles of the coast, and constant dialogue with associations. "We need people in Rome to understand that this disaster is putting at risk the lives of thousands of families and businesses," said Emilia Romagna Governor Stefano Bonaccini in August. "And its risks destroying an economy which not only provides a livelihood for a community, but which is an Italian and European excellence, together with other identity products of this region like Parma ham or Parmigiano". Veneto, to the north, has already declared war on blue crabs, which are reportedly wrecking havoc on the local clam population in the Po delta area. (ANSA). North Korea's latest rebukes against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol showed how the secretive regime feels isolated and a sense of crisis amid the international community's united front against Pyongyang, the unification ministry said Tuesday. North Korea on Monday lambasted Yoon for making "hysterical" remarks after he warned against a possible arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow in a U.N. General Assembly speech in the wake of the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "North Korea has been expressing a sense of isolation and crisis at a time when the Yoon administration's state affairs stance -- freedom and solidarity -- has been gaining firm support from the international community, as shown in the outcome from the Camp David summit in August," a ministry official told reporters, referring to the talks among the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan. Using vulgar remarks, the North described Yoon as having the disgraceful ill fame of the "political immature" and a "diplomatic idiot" in its latest state media report written by an individual, not by any government or party official. It marked the first time that an unidentified North Korean individual has condemned Yoon in the country's state media reports since he took office in May 2022, according to the ministry. The North has so far lambasted Yoon 19 times, mostly by Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of the North's leader. (Yonhap) (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 26 - The non-religious State funeral of Giorgio Napolitano, Italy's first two-time president who died aged 98 in Rome on Friday, took place at the Lower House on Tuesday. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank Walter Steinmeier were among the officials present. "President Napolitano always stood by his political past, his roots, the values in which he believed, with pride," Senate Speaker Ignazio La Russa said at the funeral. "As I recalled in this House at the celebration of his 70th year of parliamentary activity, Giorgio Napolitano was an example of culture turning into politics and political culture turning into an institution. "As Head of State, he led the Nation, embodying the values that are the foundations of our Constitution. "Of course, like all great leaders, he had confrontations and conflicts in the political arena, including some rough ones". Lower House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana described Napolitano as "one of the most important figures in the history of the Republic" during his address at the funeral. Born in Naples on June 29, 1925, Napolitano served as the 11th president of the Italian Republic from 2006 to 2015, and was the first head of state to be elected for a second mandate in 2013, as well as being the country's first post-Communist president. A former militant in and then leader of the reformist wing of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) until the establishment of the Democratic Party of the Left (PDS) in 1991, as interior minister in the 1996-1998 centre-left government of Romano Prodi he gave his name to Italy's first comprehensive immigration law, the so-called 'Turco-Napolitano', in 1998. A law graduate from the University of Naples in 1947, Napolitano was first elected to the Lower House in 1953 and went on to represent his native Naples constituency almost without interruption until 1996. His dominance of the political scene in Italy - and especially a key role in birthing the emergency Mario Monti-led government amid a sovereign debt crisis in 2011 - earned him the nickname King George. This was not affectionate for many on the right who said he helped engineer the end of Silvio Berlusconi's final government, allegedly colluding with European authorities. During his long prominence in the PCI he often broke with party orthodoxy and criticised the Soviet Union, in particular over its invasion of Afghanistan in 1980. All flags on public buildings and on Italian diplomatic and consular representations abroad were being flown at half mast on Tuesday, which has been declared a day of national mourning. Napolitano will be buried in Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery. English poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, Russian painter Karl Briullov and Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci are also buried there. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 26 - French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday "continued their exchange of views on the need to find a European solution to the migration issue" during their meeting in Rome after the funeral of former president of the republic Giorgio Napolitano, according to sources at the French presidential office in Paris. "The two leaders also talked about the European Union's economic priorities," the Elysee sources added. Macron and Meloni are to meet again at the Med 9 summit in Malta on Friday and at the European Political Community summit in Granada on October 5 and 6. (ANSA). Politicians need to consider whether international refugee rules are fit for our modern age, Suella Braverman will say as she struggles to hit her pledge of stopping small boat crossings of the Channel. The Home Secretary will use a speech in the US to question whether the United Nations Refugee Convention 1951 should be reformed, in a speech she is due to make on Tuesday. Ms Braverman will use a keynote speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, to set out a blueprint for international efforts to tackle the refugee crisis. The senior Cabinet minister has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce policies such as the Rwanda scheme. In a keynote speech Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age. But more than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time, she will add, claiming research suggests it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform. She will also argue that tests for how refugees are defined have changed, lowering the threshold for claiming asylum. Home Secretary Suella Braverman (left) walks with British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce in Washington (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Ms Braverman will say: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. She is expected to add: The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable. Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. None of them have good cause for illegal entry. The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset (John Gurd/PA) The Home Secretary is also expected to use her visit to seek closer ties with US authorities on tackling illegal migration and people trafficking. She will meet US homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and attorney general Merrick Garland for talks on migration and national security. As Ms Braverman mulled over reform of the convention ahead of the visit, her ideas were welcomed by the chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK. Alp Mehmet said she was right to call out the conventions and suggested the UK should withdraw from both the ECHR and the Refugee Convention if reforms were not made. But the Refugee Council warned the UK should be addressing the real issues in the asylum system, such as the record backlog, and providing safe routes for those in need of protection rather than tearing up agreements. Freedom from Torture chief executive Sonya Sceats said: Having already trampled over international law with the Illegal Migration Act, it is shocking to see the Home Secretary imploring the US and other democracies to tear up treaties designed to protect human rights. This will make the world an even more dangerous place, and not just for torture survivors seeking safety, but for all of us. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper accused the Tories of offering cheap gimmicks (Victoria Jones/PA) Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Ms Braverman has given up on fixing the Tories asylum chaos and is looking for anyone else to blame. On her watch, dangerous boat crossings are up, the backlog of undecided cases is at a record high, returns are down by 70% and the taxpayer is now spending an astronomical 8 million a day on hotels all because the Conservatives have time and again offered cheap gimmicks instead of getting a proper grip, she said. And instead of enhancing international co-operation to go after the criminal gangs and build long-term solutions, this Government has made it harder to get other countries to work with us by undermining international agreements that they still want other countries to abide by and offering no solutions. Nearly 24,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats this year so far, despite Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats, though the number of crossings are down from 2022. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled, with the Rwanda plan currently tied up in the courts, while attempts to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast are on pause after deadly bacteria Legionella was detected aboard. The British Museum is asking the public to go to its new webpage so they can help recover missing items from the institutions collection. An estimated 2,000 artefacts including gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass were found to have been taken from the London-based institution over a significant period of time. However, when the British Museum disclosed on August 16 that items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged, it did not share images of the items. On Tuesday, it shared pictures of gems and jewellery that could lead to the absent items, some of which are from the Department of Greece and Rome, being found by people who have them in their possession. When the British Museum disclosed the reported thefts, it did not share images of the items (Yui Mok/PA) The British Museum also confirmed in a statement that 60 items have now been returned, with a further 300 identified and due to be returned imminently. The pictures released of classical Greek and Roman items by the museum range from an Roman sard gem engraved with representations of Graeco-Egyptian god Sarapis and Egyptian goddess Isis, a piece of blue glass showing a helmeted figure with a double-axe killing a four-headed serpent and an Hellenistic oval stone engraved with a young warrior on a rock. Among the images of gold rings, earrings and other pieces of jewellery, which date from the Late Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Roman periods, are a Cypriot necklace with horned lions heads and a Cypriot gold earring in a twisted shape. In the wake of the items going missing, museum director Hartwig Fischer resigned and his deputy, Jonathan Williams, stepped back from his position at the same time on August 25. German art historian Mr Fischer was replaced by former Victoria And Albert (V&A) Museum director Sir Mark Jones. Former chancellor George Osborne, who is now chairman of the museums trustees, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme last month that an estimate 2,000 items were missing and some had been recovered. Upper part of Sard gem, which is similar to missing items (The Trustees of the British Museum/PA) However, he said the museum did not have a complete catalogue of everything in its collection amassed over several hundred years. Someone with knowledge of whats not registered has a big advantage in removing some of those items, he said. It is understood by the PA news agency that the artefacts were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time. An unnamed member of staff has been sacked and the British Museum is taking legal action. Hellenistic plasma intaglio, engraved with a young warrior seated on a rock, dated 32331 BC, which is similar to the missing items (A Masson-Berghoff/PA) A Metropolitan Police investigation is under way and a man was interviewed under caution on August 23. An independent review into why the items went missing and what can be done in the future is being led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman, and Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, Lucy DOrsi. Ms DOrsi said she and Sir Nigel are very grateful for the support we have received from outside experts. She added: We have seen an encouraging start to the recovery programme and have been particularly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the British Museum staff working with us. The museum said it is using an international panel of experts, whose members include: James Ratcliffe from the Art Loss Register; Lynda Albertson from the Association for Research into Crimes Against Art; and other specialists in the field of ancient gems and jewellery, to recover the objects. The missing artefacts are also on the private database of lost, stolen and looted art and antiquities, the Art Loss Register. James Ratcliffe, director of recoveries at the Art Loss Register, said: The British Museums approach has carefully balanced the need to provide information to the public to assist the recovery efforts with the fact that providing too much detail risks playing into the hands of those who might act in bad faith. Thanks to our position as the principal due diligence resource for the art market, and experience in the recovery of stolen art and cultural property, the Art Loss Register has an unrivalled ability to assist with the museums recovery programme. We are delighted to provide our assistance on a pro bono basis to the excellent team at the museum to support their efforts. The images of missing items can be found at https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/recovery-missing-items. A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist has told an employment tribunal that he was subjected to brutal retaliatory victimisation after he raised whistleblowing concerns about midwifery care at his hospital. Martyn Pitman was dismissed earlier this year from his job at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital (RHCH) in Winchester where he had worked as a consultant for 20 years. He is claiming at the Southampton tribunal that he suffered a detriment due to exercising rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act. The 57-year-old has told the Southampton hearing that he had raised concerns about patient choice and safety which he claimed the management dismissed out of concern for the reputational damage that they would cause. In a statement produced to the tribunal, Mr Pitman said that the merger of Royal Hampshire County Hospital with Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital NHS Trust in 2012 proved challenging due to significant differences in the philosophy of care and management style. He said: I was justifiably reluctant to follow the low-risk, senior midwifery-led, pro-normalisation model of care championed by our new partners. I believe that, in the 21st century, maternity care should be patient-focused with parents being able and supported to choose, with evidence-based advice, how and where to deliver their babies. Unfortunately, this stance, somewhat professionally unpopular at the time but now fully supported following recent enforced changes in UK maternity practice, made me vulnerable to managerial challenge. He said that up to the Spring of 2019 morale was deteriorating in the RHCH midwifery team and clinical midwives had lost confidence in the senior midwifery management. He said: Concerns included imminent and threatened resignation of our valued midwifery colleagues, increasing sickness rates, recurrent, dangerously low staffing levels preventing safe levels of patient care (inductions of labour were recurrently delayed and prolonged, elective caesarean section lists were delayed and sometimes cancelled due to inadequate midwifery staffing levels) and that we, as a consultant body, were not being appropriately involved in decision making. He added: On a daily basis there was evidence of deteriorating standards of care. We were certain that the situation posed a direct threat to both patients safety and staff wellbeing. Concern was expressed that there was a genuine risk that we could start to see avoidable patient disasters. Mr Pitman states that he was elected by the midwives to act as their spokesperson which led to him raising issues with the management. He said: I had a professional responsibility and legal duty to voice my concerns related to patient safety and to represent the views of my colleagues. This is fully supported by the Trusts own guideline related to raising concerns and whistleblowing. Mr Pitman added that in September 2019, an emergency meeting of consultants was held following whistleblowing concerns from the senior clinical midwives that mirrored those that he had raised. He said: Instead of working with me and my fellow consultants to address the concerns that had been raised, senior managerial colleagues realised the individual and organisational damage that our disclosures could cause. They chose instead to recruit the willing assistance of their senior Trust managerial colleagues to subject me to a formal Managing High Professional Standards Investigations (MHPSI). As a direct consequence of exerting my professional responsibility in whistleblowing concerns I was subjected to brutal retaliatory victimisation. He said he warned that this process will kill somebody as he thought the complaint against him was vexatious. Mr Pitman said that he was downgraded following a surgical complication during a procedure undertaken by a colleague without his knowledge while he was on call in March 2021. He added that he was accused of no longer being competent to provide gynaecological on-call cover. He continued: This aggressive and vindictive decision was unjustifiable on both clinical and financial grounds. Mr Pitman said: At a time of near crisis in the NHS, with serial reporting of UK maternity unit failings over recent years, the NHS has lost 30 years of experience, 20 at consultant level from an individual who was focused and dedicated to his chosen profession and still had so very much to offer. A spokeswoman at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement: Dismissal is always a last resort and since Hampshire Hospitals was formed 11 years ago, no member of staff has ever been dismissed for whistleblowing or raising concerns over patient safety; and they never will be. We actively encourage our staff to raise any concerns they have in a number of different ways and support those who do so. The trust ensured that all issues raised by Mr Pitman were thoroughly and impartially investigated, including in some instances through external review. Every effort was made to repair his relationships with the maternity and clinical colleagues in question efforts which were unfortunately unsuccessful. We are increasingly concerned that Mr Pitmans representation of the reasons for his dismissal could discourage others from raising important issues. Patient safety remains our top priority, and our maternity teams work exceptionally hard together to provide the best care to our patients. We are proud to be fully recruited to midwives, and of the progress being made to offer the best possible service to those in our care. A British Medical Association spokeswoman said: The case being heard this week concerns whistleblowing disclosures made by Mr Pitman between March 2019 and July 2021, and resulting detriments he claims he was subjected to. The case is against Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Dr Alloway, former Chief Medical Officer at the Trust. It is scheduled to last 14 days. Mr Pitman was dismissed by the Trust in March 2023. A separate claim of unfair dismissal has been issued for determination at a later stage. The hearing continues. Facing discrimination for being gay should not justify asylum in UK Braverman The Home Secretary has faced criticism for suggesting that fleeing discrimination for being gay should not be enough to qualify for asylum in the UK. Suella Braverman, in comments that have been seized upon by her critics, will use a speech in the United States to say that offering asylum to a person because they are gay, a woman or fearing discrimination in their home country is not sustainable. Campaign group Freedom from Torture said any attempt by the UK Government to weaken protection for the gay community was shameful. The comments are expected to form part of Mrs Bravermans argument that the threshold for asylum has been steadily lowered since the United Nations Refugee Convention was ratified more than 70 years ago. She will question whether the accord is fit for our modern age and ask allied administrations to consider if it is in need of reform. She is set to tell a Washington DC audience on Tuesday that there has been a shift in what qualifies as a basis for an asylum claim, with it moving from persecution to discrimination in a change that she will say has allowed millions more to potentially qualify for refugee status. (PA Graphics) Mrs Bravermans decision to call into question the UN accord comes against a backdrop of domestic struggles to control irregular migration numbers. The Cabinet minister is tasked with helping to deliver the Prime Ministers pledge of stopping the boats from crossing the Channel one of five commitments that Rishi Sunak hopes to deliver ahead of a likely election next year. Almost 24,000 migrants have arrived into the UK via small boats since January. The annual arrivals number, while down 26% from the same period in 2022, is likely to rise after people thought to be migrants were spotted being brought in to Dover, Kent, early on Tuesday. A group of people thought to be migrants, including young children, are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel on Tuesday In her speech to the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank, Mrs Braverman will declare that no migrant crossing the Channel to Britain is in imminent peril and accuse some asylum seekers of shopping around for their preferred destination. She will say that research indicates that the 1951 UN refugee accord backed by 149 states now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people, with the threshold for claiming asylum having been reduced over time. Ms Braverman, according to a pre-briefed extract of her speech, will say: I think most members of the public would recognise those fleeing a real risk of death, torture, oppression or violence as in need of protection. However, as case law has developed, what we have seen in practice is an interpretive shift away from persecution in favour of something more akin to a definition of discrimination. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping the boats one of his top five priorities (Hollie Adams/PA) And a similar shift away from a well-founded fear toward a credible or plausible fear. The practical consequence of which has been to expand the number of those who may qualify for asylum, and to lower the threshold for doing so. She will continue: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect, simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin, is sufficient to qualify for protection. Ben Bradshaw, a gay Labour MP and former cabinet minister, took aim at Mrs Braverman over her comments, pointing out that being homosexual in some countries can have deadly risks. Any LGBT or other Tories prepared to condemn Braverman for this? She doesnt seem to grasp that simply being gay is enough to result in persecution or death in many countries https://t.co/WP2kk3D1a5 Ben Bradshaw (@BenPBradshaw) September 26, 2023 He tweeted: Any LGBT or other Tories prepared to condemn Braverman for this? She doesnt seem to grasp that simply being gay is enough to result in persecution or death in many countries. Sonya Sceats, chief executive at Freedom from Torture, said: LGBTQI+ people are tortured in many countries for who they are and who they love, and their pain is no less than other survivors we treat in our therapy rooms. They deserve precisely the same protection too. For a liberal democracy like Britain to try to weaken protection for this community is shameful. But Chris Philp, a minister in Mrs Bravermans Home Office, appeared to double down on the comments, claiming some people falsely claim to be persecuted and some people claim to be gay when theyre not. He told Times Radio: When I was immigration minister, I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasnt a same-sex partner at all. According to Home Office data, sexual orientation formed part of the basis for an asylum claim in 1% of all applications in 2021. That was 77% fewer than in 2019, when sexual orientation made up 5% of all applications, and 7% in 2017. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled. The Illegal Migration Act which has been criticised by the UNs refugee agency legislated for those arriving via the Channel to be deported to their country of origin, or to Rwanda after ministers struck a deal with the east African country. But the Kigali plan is tied up in the courts, with a deportation flight yet to take off. The Home Secretary has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights, signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce policies such as the Rwanda scheme. Labour has accused the Tories of looking to blame international treaties for its own failures to control immigration. A hospital trust says it taking immediate steps to work out whether a failure to send more than 20,000 letters to GPs has had any impact to ongoing care and treatment. Newcastle Hospitals has apologised for any anxiety or inconvenience this may cause as it confirmed documents including discharge summaries and clinic letters may not have been sent out over the last five years. The trust, which runs the two main hospitals in Newcastle, said it is currently reviewing 24,000 documents but stressed this accounted for less than 0.3% of all patient contacts. The error was first reported by the BBC, which said letters got lost in a new computer system when items requiring sign-off from a senior doctor were put in a folder unknown to many staff. Chief operating officer Martin Wilson said: In mid-September following correspondence from the Care Quality Commission, the trust identified a number of documents in our electronic patient record which may not have been sent to GPs. These documents included discharge summaries and clinic letters, as well as internal documents from the last five years. We have thoroughly investigated these matters and would like to reassure our patients that we are taking immediate steps to address the issue. We sincerely apologise for any anxiety or inconvenience this may cause. Mr Wilson said: Every single patient contact is very important to us and we are working to understand if there has been any impact to ongoing care and treatment. We are currently reviewing 24,000 documents from our electronic records. This includes both correspondence and internal documents and accounts for less than 0.3% of all our patient contacts. He said: This review is already underway and will be completed as quickly as possible over the next two months. If any concerns are identified, we will inform patients and their GPs directly. We are taking this issue very seriously and are working quickly to put things right. The trust has stressed that patients do not need to do anything as anyone affected will be contacted directly. Sarah Dronsfield, CQCs interim director of operations for the North Network, said: We inspected several core services at Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust in June and July 2023 as part of our routine inspection activity. Following that inspection, in September 2023, CQC received concerns from trust staff about risks to patient safety caused by delays in sending out patient correspondence. We took immediate action to request further detail from the trust to understand the extent to which people may be at risk, and evidence of the steps being taken to review the impact on patients, ensure people are safe and mitigate any risk of avoidable delays in treatment going forward. The trust has submitted an action plan and volunteered to provide weekly updates on its progress against that plan. We have received assurance to address our immediate concerns. However, the trust remains subject to close monitoring, and we can inspect at any time should our monitoring reveal heightened concerns or the need for further action. We will report on the full findings from our latest inspection and any areas where the trust has been required to make improvements as soon as we are able to. Gateshead GP and chairman of the north-east region local medical committee Paul Evans told BBC Radio 5Live his surgery was bracing for a substantial number of queries from patients and a heavy workload as the contents of the letters begin to arrive. Dr Evans said he was not entirely certain how worried I should be because, at the moment, whilst we know the approximate scale of the problem, we dont know whether theres a theme to these letters, how old they are or which particular departments. And, we dont know details of the individual patients that will have been affected. He said: Over the last few years plenty of patients have told me about appointments theyve had at the hospital or attendances at A&E that I never knew anything about. Dr Evans said he would urge people not to panic as he believed the hospital would have contacted patients by phone with important information like cancer diagnoses if they had no reply to letters which were never sent. A Labour government would publish guidance for small businesses to support women going through menopause, shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds will say. It would advise small firms on ways to help their employees, such as offering alterations to their uniform, temperature-controlled areas and flexible working, she will tell the Women in Work Summit in London on Tuesday. It comes after the partys announcement in March that large companies would be required to publish and implement a menopause action plan that sets out how they are supporting menopausal women. The policy would help support the one in 10 women who have left their jobs and the 14% who have reduced their hours because of menopausal symptoms to remain economically active, according to the party. Ms Dodds, who is also Labour chairwoman, said: Women in their 40s and 50s are often holding down jobs and caring for children and elderly family members often while experiencing menopausal symptoms. Labour is on the side of these women, wherever they work. While the Conservatives and inaction man Rishi Sunak seem content for these women to be left to fend for themselves, or to fall out of the workplace altogether, with the right support we can unleash the talent and creativity of women throughout our economy. Its good for those women, good for employers and good for our economy as a whole. The fantastic small businesses I speak to know this and want to support their employees. Mariella Frostrup is co-founder of the Women in Work Summit and creator of the BBCs The Truth about Menopause documentary (Matt Crossick/PA) This guidance will prove invaluable to firms who want to retain and support their staff experiencing menopause. Ms Dodds is set to speak on a panel hosted by menopause campaigner Mariella Frostrup alongside fellow Labour MP Carolyn Harris and Caroline Nokes, Tory chairwoman of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee. Swansea East MP Ms Harris said: Having campaigned for better menopause support in the workplace for many years, I am delighted to welcome todays commitment by the Labour Party that in government we would ensure better support and guidance for employers and employees. This is such an important step forward that will help so many women in future to remain in work and to flourish in their careers. The Met office has issued weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Agnes with strong winds and heavy rain set to cause floods, power cuts and to tear down trees. The first named storm of the season could batter the UK on Wednesday with winds of up to 75mph and cause dangerous conditions along coastlines. The Met Office has issued a yellow wind weather warning from midday on Wednesday to 7am on Thursday, stretching across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The weather warning also covers the south-west of England, the West Midlands and most of the north of England. Two yellow rain warnings are also in place covering areas of Scotland and the Met Office has said there could be up to 60mm of rain within the warning areas. (PA Graphics). Agnes will hit the UK and Ireland on Wednesday, with the most powerful winds expected on the Irish Sea coasts. Gusts of up to 75mph are expected on higher ground and exposed coastal areas, with inland areas forecast to see gusts of 45 to 50mph. The storm could cause power cuts, blow tiles from roofs and disrupt railways and roads, the Met Office has warned on its website. #StormAgnes will bring a spell of strong and disruptive winds through Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday, particularly in northwestern parts of the UK Stay #WeatherAware https://t.co/0qGYd6Z6s3 Met Office (@metoffice) September 26, 2023 Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon also warned the storm could knock trees over and disrupt the Irish Sea ferry network. He told the PA news agency: The storm centre itself remains over the Atlantic and will continue approaching and cross the UK through Wednesday afternoon and will move away Wednesday night into Thursday. In terms of most impacted areas, were looking at the Irish Sea coasts, so south-eastern parts of Northern Ireland, west and north-western coasts of Wales, and the north-western coast of England. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned the forecasted storm is likely to cause dangerous conditions on the coasts around the UK and Ireland. RNLI water safety partner Sam Hughes said: The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Dont go in the water yourself you may end up in difficulty too. People walk by Centenary Square in Birmingham during a rainy morning. Strong winds and heavy rain are set to batter the UK as Storm Agnes sweeps across the country (Jacob King/PA) The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning in central Scotland, from the north of Glasgow across towards Aberdeen. A second yellow rain warning is in place in the far south-west of Scotland. Both weather alerts are in place between 3pm on Wednesday through to midnight. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned the storm could cause flooding. SEPA flood duty manager David Morgan said: Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads. Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood Alerts and Warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7. Water regulator Ofwat has published this years performance review of water companies, announcing that a net total of 114 million will be returned to paying customers as many firms failed to meet various targets. The top five who are expected to pay out the most are Thames, Southern, Dwr Cymru, Anglian and Yorkshire Water. Apart from Dwr Cymru which has no shareholders, these companies are owned by various pension and investment funds based all over the world, while some have debt piles that run into the billions. The PA news agency looks at who these water companies are owned by, how many people rely on their services and why they are set to receive money back. Thames Water Thames Water is the UKs largest water company serving 15 million people from Gloucestershire through to London and parts of Essex and Kent. (PA Graphics) It is owned by a consortium of pension groups and sovereign wealth funds, including those ran by the states of Abu Dhabi and China, with the largest portion of shares almost a third owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System. In 2023 it reported an annual loss of 30.1 million and much of the companys 14 billion debt pile was built up while owned by Australian investment giant Macquarie, which saw it rise from 2.4 million in 2005 to 10 billion a decade later. Under Ofwats performance review, the company is expected to pay out a rebate of 100.7 million to its customers for failing to meet targets on reducing leakage, pollution incidents, supply interruptions, mains repairs and drinking water quality. Southern Water Macquarie now owns a majority stake in the parent company of Southern Water, Greensands Holdings, which is also part-owned by banks JP Morgan and UBS, alongside investment group Hermes. Southern Water made 284.9 million in profits this year though it has suspended dividends until 2025 after its credit rating was downgraded due to mounting debt. Today, we've announced that water companies in England and Wales will need to return 114m to customers next year for under performance. Read a summary of our announcement here https://t.co/7ElxJDl1vI pic.twitter.com/wuxfPQB4Du Ofwat (@Ofwat) September 26, 2023 The company has said it is looking to raise over 500 million from shareholders to invest across its network in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent, where 4.6 million people take their water supply. These customers are set to receive 42.9 million after the company failed to meet all of its Ofwat targets except on unplanned outages. Dwr Cymru More than three million people in Wales, Herefordshire and Deeside get their water from Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water), which is owned by Glas Cymru, a private company that exists solely to finance and manage the water company. It receives capital investment but has no shareholders, so would keep any financial surplus in the businesses, though in 2023, Dwr Cymru lost 124.7 million with its parent company making 1.5 million. This year the company failed to meet targets on pollution incidents, drinking water quality, leakages, mains repairs and treatment works compliance but succeeded in its customer satisfaction and was a top performer on preventing sewer flooding, with customers set to receive 24.1 million as a result. Anglian Water Anglian Water is owned by a series of pension funds and investment groups from Australia, Canada and the UK, as well as the same Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund that owns part of Thames Water. Todays @Ofwat report shows that while some water companies are making progress, it is not enough. Our #PlanForWater is holding water companies to account to ensure we have a water sector fit for the future. Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) September 26, 2023 It made 1.8 million this year and has a 6.6 billion debt pile, though the company insisted it is financially secure in the wake of Thames Waters recent troubles. Over seven million people use Anglian Water in the east of England between Essex, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire and Buckinghamshire and together they are set to receive a rebate of 22.4 million after the company failed to meet targets on customer satisfaction, leakage, drinking water quality, pollution incidents, sewer flooding, repairs and interruptions. Yorkshire Water Yorkshire Waters 5.7 million customers across the northern county and those in parts of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire are expected to receive a rebate of 19.8 million with the company meeting its targets on pollution incidents and leakage but failing on almost everything else. It is owned by Kelda Group, which was established when the water industry was privatised in 1989 and is now owned by various investment funds from Europe, Australia, the US and Asia. The company with the largest slice of shares 33.56% belongs to the state of Singapore, while Yorkshire Water reported a profit this year of 544.2 million. Korea's health authorities said Tuesday they approved the emergency use of Moderna Inc.'s updated COVID-19 vaccine to target today's most common strain. The approval of the vaccine that targets the XBB.1.5 subvariant came as health authorities have advised people to get free and updated COVID-19 vaccines from Oct. 19 ahead of the winter season. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety can give emergency approval when the government asks for the measure to properly respond to an infectious disease or a public health crisis. Earlier this month, the ministry also gave emergency approval for the use of Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine against the XBB.1.5 subvariant. (Yonhap) What is the Refugee Convention and how does it influence UK asylum policy? Home Secretary Suella Braverman is set to take aim at the United Nations Refugee Convention, using a trip to the US to suggest that the international refugee rules are in need of reform. Heres all you need to know about those rules. What is the UN Refugee Convention? It is a key part of the international legal architecture defining who can benefit from refugee status and what rights and protection that status gives individuals. Drafted in the late-1940s and early-1950s, it is a product of the post-war European landscape and the early Cold War period. In the years since, it has become a foundational document in international law. No court oversees states duties under the UN Refugee Convention, making it very different from the European Convention on Human Rights or EU law. That means that British judges along with judges in other states play a key role in interpreting the convention in line with the UKs international obligations. How does it define a refugee? It defines a refugee as someone who has left their home country due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. That definition has been the subject of much legal debate, but senior judges have over the years often stressed the importance of avoiding a more restrictive interpretation. What influence does it have on the UK? The UK is a signatory to the convention, so cannot simply ignore its rules. Moreover the countrys asylum system has been designed to be compatible with the convention and its principles are reflected in immigration rules. There have been concerns raised in recent years that Conservative efforts to tighten border security have amounted an attempt to diverge from the conventions standards. Ms Braverman argues that the current approach is incompatible with mass migration, she grapples with thousands of small boat crossings (Gareth Fuller/PA) What does Article 31 say? The Home Secretary is set to complain about the application of Article 31 under the Refugee Convention. She will argue that it is absurd and unsustainable that people can travel through multiple safe countries before coming to the UK. The convention has been designed to ensure that refugees are not punished for arriving in countries illegally. Individuals are also not required to have come directly from places where they have been placed at risk. This approach has long been contentious, but part of the logic has been to ensure international cooperation on the sharing of refugees. The convention makes this clear, noting that the grant of asylum may place unduly heavy burdens on certain countries. How is it linked to Channel crossings and small boats? Ms Braverman argues that the current approach is incompatible with mass migration, as the Home Secretary grapples with thousands of small boat crossings. (PA Graphics) The Home Secretary has long seen international obligations, including the European Convention on Human Rights, as a barrier to a toughening of UK migration policy. Calls for reform of the Refugee Convention are not new, but it is likely to prove difficult especially given the fact that some of Ms Bravermans complaints relate to some of the central principles of the 1951 document. Some school support staff in Scotland are having to take second jobs to make ends meet, a pupil support assistant has claimed. School support staff in 24 council areas are walking out for three days from Tuesday after Unison rejected the latest pay offer, though GMB Scotland and Unite have suspended strikes while they consider it. The dispute is over a revised pay offer from council umbrella body the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) for a pay increase for janitors, cleaners, and support workers, who are some of the lowest-paid council employees. Statement: Local Government Strike Action Chair of UNISON Scotlands local government committee Mark Ferguson said: UNISON lay members take decisions on industrial disputes." (1/7) pic.twitter.com/x8aWcqloPU UNISON Scotland (@unisonscot) September 24, 2023 The new offer represents a minimum wage increase of 2,006 for those on the Scottish Governments living wage and a minimum increase of 1,929 for workers who are earning above the living wage. The living wage of 10.85 will rise to 11.89 under the new offer, equivalent to a 9.6% increase but Unison has said the revised pay offer remains a real terms pay cut and below the rate of inflation. At Portobello High School in Edinburgh, around 30 school support staff stood on the picket lines with placards emblazoned with slogans such as pay up for council staff, no pay, no play and we are worth more. Other staff members at the school arrived to hand out hot drinks to the strikers. Pupil support assistant and Unison member Katherine Bull told the PA news agency that she would not have voted for the pay offer had it been put to them by the union and that some of her colleagues were having to take on second jobs to make ends meet. Katherine Bull, a pupil support assistant at Portobello High School said some support staff were having to take second jobs to make ends meet (Jane Barlow/PA) She said: I dont think we would have (accepted the offer). When we heard about the offer from our union, they recommended we reject. They dont think it goes far enough, its baby steps when we need to be taking giant leaps. Until the offer is what we consider to be fair, we are going to be out here striking like we planned to. Ms Bull said she absolutely loved her job, and that she loved working with her pupils, describing them as absolute stars. She added: But its a difficult job and so to be paid what we are, some of us are having to take on second jobs to make ends meet. You are worried about the financial burden that you have from your daily life and the fact that the bills arent quite adding up. You want to be there to support those pupils, but when you are coming in worried about these kinds of things, its really hard to leave it at the door. It is a job where you have to leave your own personal baggage at the door because the pupils are coming in and you want to be open and caring but its trying to balance that, and thats become harder, especially in the last year. It is a tricky job but its one of the most rewarding and most important I think. Ms Bull said she hoped an improved offer would be forthcoming. She added: I hope there is a better offer and until there is we are going to be out here fighting for our value and fighting for our jobs. A spokesperson for Cosla said: This is a very strong offer that equates to 10% or 2,006 for the lowest paid at the request of the trade unions. Throughout these negotiations we have met every request of our trade union colleagues. Commenting on the pay offer, Cosla resources spokeswoman Katie Hagmann told BBC Radio Scotland: The remaining funding envelope has been found through reprofiling and reprioritisation of existing funding. She clarified it would come from areas where there were underspends, meaning there would be no detriment to jobs or services. AccuWeather hurricane experts say that tropical development could once again take shape in waters near the United States close behind the "homebrew" development of Tropical Storm Ophelia. A zone from the northwestern Caribbean to the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic waters just east of Florida warrants a close watch for tropical development from the end of September to early October. Even if a named storm does not form, tropical moisture from the region could continue to fuel downpours and thunderstorms in part of the Southeast in the coming days. The weather setup will also lead to coastal hazards all along the Eastern Seaboard, regardless of whether an organized system develops. Forecasters refer to tropical systems that tend to form near the U.S. coast, such as Tropical Storm Ophelia, as "homebrew" systems. "The area where a tropical system may slowly take shape this week is located just south of a stalled front left behind in the wake of Ophelia," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "Stalled fronts near the southeastern U.S. are potential formation areas for homebrew tropical systems." Satellite data was already showing a broad zone of slowly rotating clouds, showers and thunderstorms in the northwestern Caribbean Sea as of Monday morning. This image of the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean Sea shows showers and thunderstorms gathering near Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Central America and western Cuba on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue Satellite) The combination of the stalled front and tropical moisture, including a tropical disturbance known as a tropical wave, will lead to clusters of showers and thunderstorms from Central America, Cuba and Jamaica to southeastern Mexico, Florida and much of the northern Gulf coast of the U.S. this week. This part of the Atlantic basin has not been churned up by a tropical system in many weeks. Upwelling created by storms, such as hurricanes, tends to bring cool water up from the depths. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Waters in this region of the Atlantic basin are sufficiently warm enough to support tropical development this week and into next week, said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. Water temperatures generally must be near 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a tropical system to form given there are ideal weather conditions for development. Sea-surface temperatures in this zone were generally in the 80s as of midweek. Despite the warm water, rapid organization in this zone is unlikely, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty explained. "There are some factors working against development in this zone, including wind shear, pockets of dry air and a storm in the middle level of the atmosphere that will interact with the existing areas of moisture," Douty said. Wind shear is a zone of stiff breezes that can change direction and hinder tropical systems if strong enough. Any system that emerges may remain weak or may not be fully tropical in nature and could become more of a tropical and non-tropical hybrid. Either way, any organization is likely to be slow, Douty added. Steering breezes may cause the disturbance to wander west or northwest initially this week before possibly being turned back to the northeast and toward Florida later on. "Because of the proximity to land, these homebrew systems may offer little time to prepare, should one catch on, as Ophelia did," Buckingham said. AccuWeather dubbed Ophelia as a tropical rainstorm and provided accurate track and impact information days ahead of any major weather source, including the National Hurricane Center. Regardless of whether a tropical storm forms or not, Florida and other locations in the southeastern U.S. will endure drenching showers and gusty thunderstorms much of this week to this weekend. A general 2-4 inches of rain will pour down this week over much of the Florida Peninsula, the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Georgia. However, locally, double that amount of rain may fall in parts of the peninsula, which can lead to flooding in urban and low-lying areas. The rain will hinder outdoor plans and visits to Florida's theme parks. But, the rain is not all bad news. "The rain will be beneficial to some extent and will help to fight expanding drought conditions along Florida's Gulf coast," Buckingham said. The zone from the western Caribbean to the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast is a perennial trouble spot for tropical storm formation in October. This happens as the main development zone, located over the central and eastern Atlantic due to tropical waves emerging off the coast of Africa, tends to shut down in terms of tropical activity. Regardless of tropical development, the combination of high pressure settling along the Appalachians and the front along the coast will set up stiff northeast winds along the Atlantic coast for much of this week. The winds will stir Atlantic waters and lead to rough surf, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and moderate coastal flooding at times of high tide from New York to northeastern Florida. The conditions may hinder storm cleanup and cause further damage in the wake of Ophelia's direct impacts, Buckingham said. Since Philippe has weakened, it has likely missed an avenue to escape to the north over the central Atlantic and may skirt the islands of the northern Caribbean later this week with drenching showers and locally gusty thunderstorms on its southern fringe. 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. Adam Britton (centre) with Sir David Attenborough filming Life In Cold Blood for the BBC in 2008 An acclaimed British crocodile expert who worked with Sir David Attenborough has pleaded guilty to dozens of charges of bestiality involving the torture, sexual assault and killing of more than 40 pet dogs. Adam Britton moved from the UK to the Northern Territory of Australia as a young man to pursue his interest in saltwater crocodiles, the giant predators that live across the tropical regions of the country. Based in Darwin, the zoologist wrote books, collaborated on films, made nature documentaries with the BBC and National Geographic and kept a pet half-tonne, 16-foot-long saltwater crocodile, which he named Smaug. But on Monday, the 51-year-old pleaded guilty in the Northern Territorys Supreme Court to 60 criminal charges ranging from animal cruelty to raping or attempting to rape a dog and possessing and transmitting child abuse material. The details of the charges were so horrific that the judge, Chief Justice Michael Grant, warned people in the court that the evidence could cause nervous shock. In an unusual move, he gave people in the public gallery, journalists and security officers the option of leaving the courtroom. Britton had committed acts that could only be described as grotesque cruelty which are both confronting and distressing. In my assessment (they) have the potential to cause nervous shock or some other adverse psychological reaction to a person exposed to those details, the judge said. Either way Ill leave that up to you, but the potential has been described. The wildlife worker, who is originally from West Yorkshire, was arrested in April last year. A suppression order had hidden his identity but it has now been lifted. The zoologist wrote books, collaborated on films, made nature documentaries about saltwater crocodiles, giant predators that live across the tropical regions of northern Australia - RICHARD GRANDE/AFP via Getty Images The court heard that he had a sadistic sexual interest in animals, in particular dogs, and that he had intentionally killed around 40 animals in a pattern of behaviour that dated back to 2014 at least. The court heard that Britton, who was married for 15 years and who completed his PhD in zoology at the University of Bristol, had a shipping container on his property that he called his torture room. When police raided the rural property near Darwin last year they found the container was packed with computers, cameras, external hard drives and sex toys. Prosecutors said Britton used the container to torture, sexually exploit and kill dogs. Britton's dogs, Ursa and Bolt, posted by him to Instagram He acquired the pets through Gumtree Australia, an online marketplace, assuring their former owners that they would be well looked after. [He] often built a rapport with the dog owners in negotiating taking custody of their animals, many of whom had to reluctantly give their pets away due to travel or work commitments, said Crown prosecutor Marty Aust. Police officers also found several files of child abuse material on Brittons laptop. Mr Aust said that the accused had a Telegram account which he used as a means of contacting like-minded people. He had another account with which he uploaded and disseminated video recordings of him torturing and sexually abusing dogs. He is accused of sexually abusing his own pet dogs, two Swiss Shepherds called Bolt and Ursa. Northern Territorys Supreme Court heard the wildlife expert had a 'sadistic sexual interest' in animals One such video was passed to an animal welfare organisation, which referred it to police. Using these applications, the offender discussed his kill count and described the shipping container on his property as his torture room, Mr Aust said. In an online message which was read out in court, Britton wrote to a contact: I had repressed it. In the last few years, I let it out again, and now I cant stop. I dont want to. Britton was for many years a respected academic at Charles Darwin University in Darwin. A few years ago his pet crocodile Smaug featured in Life in Cold Blood, a BBC wildlife documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough. They really wanted to get a shot of two crocodiles copulating underwater. I said: OK, whatever you want [but] it will be virtually impossible to film in the wild, he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 2015. Britton said he has also collaborated with Bear Grylls. He was a bit of a sook (Australian slang for wimp) to be honest. He was definitely a bit apprehensive about going in with Smaug, he told the ABC. Britton was remanded in custody. The case was adjourned for sentencing in December when it is expected defence lawyers will make submissions. 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. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. Prosecutors filed two felony charges Monday against a California sheriff's deputy accused of carrying more than 100 pounds of fentanyl in his vehicle. They also alleged for the first time that he had likely ties to a Mexican drug cartel. Riverside County sheriff's deputy Jorge Oceguera-Rocha, 25, was charged with one felony count each of possessing fentanyl for sale and transporting narcotics. He's also accused of being armed with a loaded firearm during a drug offense, which could get him a longer sentence if convicted. Oceguera-Rocha, who resigned after being pulled over and arrested on Sept. 17, pleaded not guilty to all charges in a Monday court appearance in Banning, roughly 80 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department filed a request to increase his bail to $5 million soon after his arrest, saying he's a flight risk because of the possible connection to a Mexican drug organization. The Riverside County District Attorney's Office said Monday that a judge granted that request at the time, but added that it will be reviewed during a court hearing at a future date. Matteo Messina Denaro: Italian mob boss dies months after capture; spent decades on the run Investigators traced deputy's phone calls, followed him to 'stash location' Last week the sheriff's department said in a news release that it had been investigating a drug ring when it identified one of its own employees, Oceguera-Rocha, as playing a central role in transporting narcotics in the county. It then opened an investigation into him in September, according to an affidavit filed in court Monday along with the prior bail request. The documents include details about the investigation that had not previously been made public. Investigators intercepted Oceguera-Rocha's phone calls and on Sept. 16 learned he was planning to travel to an "identified narcotic stash location" in Victorville, sheriff's department Investigator Joshua Ricard wrote in the affidavit. At about 1 p.m. that day, investigators saw Oceguera-Rocha driving near Banning and a couple of hours later spotted him again in San Bernardino County. At around 3 p.m., Oceguera-Rocha arrived at a home in Victorville, where he made a phone call to a family member, Ricard wrote. Oceguera-Rocha entered the garage of the home and about 10 minutes later emerged, according to the affidavit. Investigators followed him as he drove back to Banning, and as he neared Calimesa, a "narcotics detection interdiction deputy" conducted a traffic stop near the Oak Valley exit of Interstate 10, Ricard wrote, adding that a trained dog alerted to the likely presence of narcotics in the vehicle. "Inside the trunk of the vehicle, deputies located four trash bags all containing square shaped (packages) wrapped in clear cellophane," the affidavit states. "Further examination of the packages revealed they all contained a bulk quantity of blue fentanyl laced M30 pills." The packages weighed 104 pounds and contained about 520,000 pills, which were tested and confirmed to be fentanyl. A loaded Glock handgun was found in a bag on the backseat of Oceguera-Rocha's vehicle, Ricard wrote. "Based on his employment with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, your affiant knows Oceguera-Rocha has knowledge of the dangers of fentanyl and the mass overdose pandemic," the filing reads. "Your affiant estimates the quantity he was in possession of at the time of his arrest is enough to kill approximately 2 million people." Deputy is a flight risk, investigators say Ricard alleged that Oceguera-Rocha is a danger to the public and a flight risk and that any money he posted for bail could be from criminal organizations. The filing did not say what evidence investigators have that Oceguera-Rocha is linked to a Mexican cartel. The sheriff's department has said it does not believe the deputy was dealing drugs while on duty or in the jails, where he worked in transportation. Christopher Damien covers public safety and the criminal justice system. He can be reached at christopher.damien@desertsun.com or follow him at @chris_a_damien. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Riverside County sheriff's deputy found with fentanyl linked to cartel A 26-year-old pregnant woman went missing in Chicago five years ago. Now as the anniversary of her disappearance approaches, her family is still looking for answers. Kierra Coles was three months pregnant when she disappeared on Oct. 2, 2018. As of Tuesday morning, there were no updates on the case and it's considered cold, Chicago police told USA TODAY. Karen Phillips, Kierra Coles' mother, told reporters over the weekend that she has been disappointed in police efforts to find her daughter. "They always say they haven't forgotten about it, they're still working on her case," she said. "But to me, I don't think so." The feeling that the police have fallen short "makes it even harder," she said. In response to Phillips' sentiments, Chicago police said "this is still an open investigation." "We are seeking any and all information in an attempt to locate her and we won't stop until we do," they said. Kierra Coles, a 26-year-old pregnant woman who went missing out of Chicago on October 2, 2018. Gwen Brunelle: Search for Idaho woman missing since June resumes after shirt found mile from abandoned car 'Nowhere to be found' Coles mother said she last spoke to her daughter on Oct. 2, 2018. She said Coles was shopping for her baby and was so excited to become a mother, Phillips said in a video released by the Chicago Police Department. Two days later, on October 4, the Coles family filed a missing persons report for Kierra, Homicide Detective Lt. Will Svilar said in the video. While attempting to locate her, officers forced entry into Kierras apartment but she was nowhere to be found. Police used security footage to map out the hours leading up to her disappearance. In one video, Coles is seen carrying groceries into her apartment building. A man later arrived and the pair left together in a car, with Coles driving. Minutes later, the pair went to Walgreens, where security footage shows Coles withdrawing hundreds of dollars from an ATM. Her mother said it was odd, especially since it was around 11 p.m. Less than an hour later, the vehicle is seen arriving and parking in another area of the city, Svilar said in the video. The person of interest exits the passenger side of the vehicle but nobody exits the drivers side. The next day, the man was seen parking Coles car near her apartment complex, going into the building alone and leaving with some items, police say. He left the area in his own car. Though police consider him a person of interest they have not released his name. Police spokesperson Kellie Bartoli said it's department policy not to release the names of any persons of interest until they're charged. Kierra Coles is pictured in this undated photo. She has been missing for five years. Svilar told the outlet in July 2022 that Coles could still be alive. Theres always a chance that she did go somewhere else, he said. Community supports family in droves Family members of Coles, a postal worker, have passed out posters in search of the missing woman. They marked what would be her 31st birthday on Sunday and said they wouldnt give up on searching for her. "Every year I hope I don't have to come stand up here and announce that my child is still not home yet," Phillips told reporters. A look at her mothers Facebook page shows a woman who refuses to give up on finding her daughter and includes multiple missing person posters with photos of Coles. Coles loved dancing, taking photos and getting dolled up, her mother said in a video released by Chicago police. She was determined to get a job with the U.S. Postal Service. She took on seasonal jobs and kept trying until she was hired permanently after about three years. She loved her job, her mother said. Kassandra Lizzete Gonzalez: San Antonio Police need help finding woman missing since Aug. 11. Here's what to know. Other efforts Efforts to help find the missing woman over the years have included multiple cash rewards. About seven months after she disappeared, the reward for information had climbed to more than $46,000, WLS-TV in Chicago reported. "I just don't want my sister gone forever," Kierras sister, Kianna Coles, told the outlet at the time. "And I hope that somebody out there, somebody that (does) know what's going on can help us give her a safe return her and my niece or nephew," she said. Phillips said on Sunday: I just thank everybody that continues to pray with the family and support the family and have faith that Kierra will return home. Police have asked that anyone with information about the disappearance of Coles call Chicago police at 833-408-0069 or 312-746-7330. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kierra Coles vanished in Chicago 5 years ago; family hasn't given up A man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after barricading himself in a Budget Inn & Suites just north of the Des Moines city limits. Polk County Sheriff's Capt. Ryan Evans said the incident started with a traffic stop of a silver 2008 Honda Civic around 10:15 a.m. in the parking lot of the hotel at 5220 NE 14th St. According to police, the driver failed to stop at a stop sign. Des Moines standoff began with traffic stop in Budget Inn & Suites parking lot The driver did not stop for police and instead jumped out of the car and fled on foot, according to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The man fired shots at a deputy, Evans said, then barricaded himself in the hotel resulting in a standoff that lasted about four hours. The suspect's vehicle rolled across the street into a tree while he was fleeing. Police closed NE 14th Street during the incident and reopened it shortly after 3 p.m. The man, identified Tuesday evening as Scott Eugene Smith, 42, of Des Moines was arrested at about 2:20 p.m. once police were able to enter the motel. Deputies were not injured when they were shot at, Evans said. "This is exactly what law enforcement wants," Evans told reporters after the suspect's arrest. "We want a peaceful end with no injuries." Smith was arrested for an outstanding warrant and faces charges including attempted murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and interference with official acts, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. He is also facing narcotics and theft charges and a traffic offense. The suspect's vehicle, right, sits parked along Northeast 14th Street during a police standoff at the Budget Inn & Suites, 5220 NE 14th St., on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Des Moines. Officers from the Des Moines Police Department, Ankeny Police Department, Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol, 5th Judicial District Fugitive Unit, United States Marshals Office, ATF, FBI and SWAT units in armored vehicles responded to the scene. Guests and staff members were inside the hotel when the suspect first entered. At around 12:45 p.m. Des Moines Register journalists saw people being led out of the hotel. By 1:20 p.m. everyone but the suspect was evacuated from the building, said Evans. Evacuees are lead way from the Budget Inn & Suites on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 after a suspect barricaded himself in the north Des Moines hotel. Nearby Saydel schools on lockdown during Des Moines standoff Saydel High School, which sits less than a mile from the hotel, went into lockdown from about 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Facebook Saydel Community School District Superintendent Todd Martin wrote that the lockdown was a "precautionary" measure. All after-school practices and activities were canceled and buildings were to be closed this evening, the district announced on Facebook. No one was allowed in or out of the school and Martin asked parents to avoid going to Saydel High for the time being. "As indicated in our earlier message, there were no reports of any direct threats encroaching on school property, or in our school buildings, and all staff and students were safe and secure for the duration of the event," Martin wrote in an update. Neighboring business owners report lots of police, seeing a crash before Des Moines standoff Several cars were abandoned on Northeast 14th Street after the streets surrounding the hotel were locked down suddenly Tuesday morning. Business owners told the Register that police asked them to stay in place during the standoff. Sam Dalgliesh, studio manager of Midwest Mellow, a business located in a strip mall across the street from the hotel, said he didn't feel like he was in "immediate danger," but when you don't know what's going on, it can be "nerve-racking." Bill McCalley of McCalley Mechanics next to the Budget Inn said police told him to lock his doors. There were at least 50 people around his driveway including SWAT, negotiators, mobile command from agencies including sheriff's office, Des Moines Police Department and Iowa State Patrol, McCalley said. Police vehicles line Northeast 14th Street during a police standoff with a suspect inside the Budget Inn & Suites, 5220 NE 14th St., on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Des Moines. Don Stoeckel, manager of Bauer Built Tire & Service across from the hotel, said around 12:20 p.m. that the main road had been closed for about an hour and a half. Stoeckel did not see or hear any gunshot fired this morning. Jessica Daniels, manager of Window World of Des Moines located in a small strip mall across the street from the hotel, said that she believed the car that belonged to the suspect crashed into a tree on the strip mall property. Register journalists Noelle Alviz-Gransee and Lily Smith contributed reporting. Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Budget Inn standoff suspect Scott Smith taken into custody Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged right-wing congressional Republicans to shut down the government unless you get everything in crunch talks. As a weekend deadline looms large, Trump called on his followers to refuse to compromise with moderates who want to pass a spending bill that could avert a shutdown. Unless you get everything, shut it down! Trump wrote on his social media site early Monday morning. Its time Republicans learned how to fight! Trump suggested Democrats close the border with Mexico and stop the investigations into his effort to overturn the 2020 election in exchange for keeping the government open. He claimed that the public would blame President Joe Biden if Republicans fail to pass a stopgap spending bill to keep the government running. Whoever is president will be blamed, in this case, Joe Biden, he asserted. In fact, history says its likely voters will blame the Republican-led House because they are trying to use the potential shutdown as leverage to impose other priorities, like unpopular cuts to domestic spending. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, the firebrand leader of a faction of far right-wing lawmakers, reposted Trumps message. He cited it as evidence that the former president is siding with him and against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is trying to cobble together a deal that can win approval from the deeply divided GOP caucus. Trump agrees with me not (McCarthy), Gaetz tweeted. Break the fever. Hold the line. Some right-wing Republicans believe a government shutdown might eventually force the GOP-controlled House to enact deep spending cuts along with a grab bag of unrelated MAGA priorities like amping up the impeachment of Biden and rushing troops to the southern border with Mexico. In a sign of further disarray in the Republican ranks, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., late Sunday came out swinging against any additional military aid to Ukraine. Greene, an occasional ally of McCarthy, broke with the leader over his willingness to add aid for the embattled nation that is fighting to repel a Russian invasion. The rule is the first step of advancing this blood money in Congress, Greene tweeted, referring to a procedural step Republicans may vote on later Monday. Im a hard no on the rules package and a blank check for Ukraine. Republicans failed last week to advance a short-term funding bill that would start the process of keeping the government open. McCarthy is now twisting arms to pass individual spending bills to fund defense and foreign operations, in the hopes of laying the groundwork for another shot at a stopgap spending bill. Meanwhile, the Democratic-led Senate may pass a spending package of its own sometime this week with the goal of forcing McCarthy to bring it to the floor where enough moderate Republicans may cross the aisle to pass it with Democrats. The chair of the Senate foreign relations subcommittee on East Asia called Monday for cooperation from South Korea and other partner countries in pushing for Washington's technology export and investment curbs against China. Sen. Chris Van Hollen made the call, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that China does not have a "chokehold" over crucial industries that will "define the economy of the future." "We must also work together to prevent the export of advanced cutting-edge technologies that can be used to significantly enhance the PRC's military capabilities and adopt rules to limit the deployment of capital for such limited purposes," Hollen said at the forum on the South Korea-U.S. alliance co-hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation. PRC stands for China's official name, the People's Republic of China. "The Department of Treasury recently issued outbound investment guidelines for U.S. companies. But the success of these strategies ultimately depends on very close cooperation and coordination among friends and allies, including South Korea," he added. He was referring to a series of export and investment controls seen as efforts to block China's technological advancements, which could potentially pose security risks to the United States. Pointing to Europe's past over-reliance on Russian oil and gas, the senator said it "learned the hard way." "It is a lesson we all must take to heart when it comes to the importance of diversifying critical supply chains and ensuring we are working with trusted partners when it comes to essential technologies, whether they be advanced semiconductors, or critical minerals for batteries, and EVs," he said. "That is why it has been important that the United States and South Korea work together as part of the mineral security partnership and CHIP 4," he added, referring to the U.S.-led semiconductor alliance. Touching on a recent summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hollen said that Kim has "gone all in with Putin." "(Kim) is seeking to leverage Russia's need for a supply of basic munitions to gain access to Russia's advanced missile technology," he said. "It is important to ensure that there is a cost to the DPRK for fueling Putin's war machine." He highlighted the need to strengthen the enforcement of sanctions against North Korea. "We need to do more to plug the gaps in the enforcement regime, including cracking down on North Korea's use of crypto to evade sanctions to fund its illegal weapons programs," he said. (Yonhap) 'The Military Childrens Corner,' opening Tuesday, features hand-picked art by 11 children and teens with family ties to the military Official White House Photographer Erin Scott First lady Jill Biden shows Paris Robinson, age 10, and Autum Cobb, age 8, a display of their artwork in the Military Children Children's Corner at the White House A new, year-round art display designed and curated by first lady Jill Biden is shining light on America's military children, some of whom will now see their drawings and paintings featured in the White House. The Military Childrens Corner, which opens to the public Tuesday, features the work of 11 military-connected children ranging in age from 8 to 19 all of whom are based at military outposts that Dr. Biden, 72, has personally engaged or visited during her time as first lady. One of the young artists, Taylor Trudell, even got to meet Dr. Biden, along with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, during the first lady's travels. Her art will be among the first things White House visitors see when they enter the East Wing. Official White House Photo by Erin Scott First Lady Jill Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona meet with art student Taylor Trudell Trudell, 19, attended Knob Noster High School in Missouri when she met the first lady. Now at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, she tells PEOPLE she was "astonished" to learn that one of her paintings was among those selected for the display. "I could not believe that my favorite and longest hobby has achieved national acclaim," she says. "During my conversation with Dr. Biden in April 2022, we both agreed on the importance of art in education, and her passion for students and their creations was more than apparent. She resonated with my vision for art and my belief that the visual arts provide an invaluable space, especially to the military community and their families." Courtesy Taylor Trudell Taylor Trudell art A watercolor piece created by Trudell depicts a house in her hometown of Knob Noster, Missouri, and required "many hours over two months and a whole bottle of drawing gum," she says, to capture "the essence of dappled sunlight through leaves turning in the fall." "Painting a scene like this reframes what you think about something many take for granted," Trudell tells PEOPLE. "The exterior of a house in town is seen hundreds of times a day, but it is considered mundane. This is a beautiful subject, on a pristine autumn day; I want to be able to feel like I am back on that sidewalk with the slight breeze, the crunching of the leaves under my feet, and the sun on my skin." Related: Dr. Jill Biden Speaks Out About the Challenges Facing Military Families: 'We Will Care For Them' Located in the East Colonnade, the display will be one of the first things those going on public tours of the White House see in its East Wing. The art will help teach White House visitors about the 4 million military-connected children whose parents are active-duty service members, National Guard or reservists, or veterans. Official White House Photographer Erin Scott First lady Jill Biden walks along the East Colonnade of the White House with two children whose art is displayed in the new military family exhibit The exhibit part of Dr. Biden's JoiningForces initiative, which supports military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors also features artwork from Sesame Streets Rosita, whose character is the daughter of a wounded veteran. Related: First Lady Jill Biden Makes Unscheduled 'Thank You' Visit to National Guard After Clinic Tour Shutterstock Jill Biden with stepson Beau Biden, whom she raised as her own Supporting military families has been a focus of Dr. Biden's time in the White House. She knows firsthand what it's like to part of a military family: The president's late son, Beau, served in the Delaware Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq in 2008. (He died from brain cancer at age 46 in 2015.) In a statement about the new display, Dr. Biden touched on how "inspired" she has been by the military children she's met both at home and abroad. "They may not wear a uniform, but they serve our country, too. During my travels, military children have frequently shared their artwork with me, offering a window into their lives, Dr. Biden said. Inspired by their stories of kindness, ingenuity, and strength, I wanted to bring their art and talents to the White House. As visitors enjoy The Military Childrens Corner, I hope they also take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our military families. Related: Jill Biden Reflects on Military Children & Importance of Their Education: 'We Can Give Them a Community' Official White House Photographer Erin Scott First lady Jill Biden stands at the Military Children's Corner with young artists whose works are now displayed in the White House Speaking to PEOPLE, Trudell says she hopes that the works in the display will show Americans "that there is so much more to military children than just their military affiliation." "While we all share a common thread, we all have passions, skills, and goals for ourselves that are sometimes sidelined due to our parents enlistment," Trudell says. "The extra struggles that military families face due to their lack of common support systems are often overlooked. That is one reason why the visual arts hold such a fond place in my heart; it is a medium of expression that transcends language, time, money and country." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. WASHINGTON One of the biggest surprises in the new book from Cassidy Hutchinson, the former White House aide whose testimony electrified congressional hearings into the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, is that she still planned to work for Donald Trump in Florida after the riot. Except Trump didnt want her. Hutchinson was a top aide to Mark Meadows, then Trump's chief of staff. She planned to continue working for Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his term ended, she wrote in her book Enough. But despite her loyalty, Meadows told Hutchinson two days before leaving the White House that Trump suspected her of leaking to the press the names of people joining him in Florida, which she denied. My frustration turned to rage. Mark, you can go to hell if you think that, Hutchinson wrote. That night I went home and unpacked, trying to let the news sink in that I wasnt moving to Florida. Instead, Hutchinson became the most revelatory witness during the House's investigation of Jan. 6 hearings and her book provides an explanation for the actions behind Trump's criminal charges. Anecdotes include how Meadows wife complained to her about the campfire smell of his burning papers. Rudy Giuliani allegedly groped her at Trumps Jan. 6 rally. And her observations foreshadowed criminal charges Trump would face over the handling of classified documents and trying to overturn the 2020 election. Here are five takeaways from the book: Cassidy Hutchinson, top former aide to Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, appears before the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues to reveal its findings of a year-long investigation at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Giuliani approached 'like a wolf closing in on its prey," Hutchinson wrote The book largely tracks the testimony Hutchinson delivered before the House committee that investigated Jan. 6. But one revelation was her accusation that Giuliani, Trumps chief campaign lawyer, groped her at the president's Jan. 6 rally near the White House. Giuliani has denied the allegation. Hutchinson wrote that she was in a tent with Giuliani and another campaign lawyer who spoke at the rally, John Eastman, who had a "Cheshire cat smile." Giuliani approached her "like a wolf closing in on its prey," Hutchinson wrote. Giuliani complimented her leather jacket, which she told him was faux leather, and he wrapped his arm around her body, Hutchinson wrote. His hand slips under my blazer, then my skirt, Hutchinson wrote. I feel his frozen fingertips trail up my thigh. He tilts his chin up. The whites of his eyes looked jaundiced. My eyes dart to John Eastman, who flashes a leering grin. Hutchinson wrote that she recoiled and stormed away in a rage. Giuliani denied the allegations during an interview with Newsmax. He estimated the tent was filled with 100 people and that he was surrounded by staffers or supporters the entire time. The claims are absolutely false, totally absurd, Giuliani said. Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani speaks on Jan. 6, 2021, during a speech at the Trump rally near the White House before the Capitol riot. Meadows' wife said his suits 'smell like a bonfire' from burning documents, Hutchinson wrote Meadows was burning so much paperwork in his office fireplace during the final weeks of the administration that Hutchinson wrote she was worried he would set off the smoke detectors. Hutchinson propped open the door to a patio despite the chill on Dec. 19, 2020, she wrote. The Presidential Records Act requires White House staffers to preserve their documents and send them to the National Archives. Copies and personal documents were supposed to be destroyed in burn bags, she wrote. I do not know precisely what papers Mark was burning, but his actions raised alarms, she wrote. Even if he was burning copies, he was still toeing a fine line of what should be preserved, under the law. Meadows wife Debbie, who helped pack his belongings when leaving the White House, asked Hutchinson and another staffer not to light the fireplace any more. All of his suits smell like a bonfire and I cant keep up with his dry cleaning, Hutchinson quoted Debbie Meadows as saying. A photo showing House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson, is displayed on a monitor as Hutchinson testified during the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol hearing to present previously unseen material and hear witness testimony in Cannon Building, on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Hutchinson compares White House on Jan. 6 to Titanic Hutchinson breaks little new ground in the book from her testimony before the committee. But her eye for detail is often amusing, such as when she notices when arriving at the rally Jan. 6 the loudspeakers are playing My Heart Will Go On, from the movie Titanic. The ship is the White House, Hutchinson tells a friend, who replies: And were in steerage. The book echoed her testimony from her House testimony: Hutchinson helped clean up the ketchup smeared on a fireplace mantel and shattered plate on the floor of his private dining room off the Oval Office. Trump had thrown his lunch in anger at then-Attorney General Bill Barr telling the Associated Press on Dec. 1, 2020, that Trump had lost the election. Hutchinson couldnt hear what the fight was about Dec. 18, 2020, but the raised voices erupting from the Oval Office were highly unusual. According to the House Committee that investigated the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser, and lawyer Sidney Powell, among others, were urging Trump to seize voting machines, which White House lawyers opposed. The screaming was much louder than I anticipated, Hutchinson wrote. Hutchinson also recited an exchange Jan. 6, 2021, with Tony Ornato, then-deputy of staff and a Secret Service official. Ornato described an irate Trump demanding to be taken to the Capitol in his vehicle nicknamed the Beast, before Secret Service agent Bobby Engel rebuffed him, Hutchinson wrote. Ornato described Trump grabbing for the steering wheel, and then for Bobbys neck, Hutchinson wrote. Hutchinson's observations about classified documents, Jan. 6 foreshadow criminal charges against Trump Hutchinson foreshadows the criminal charges against Trump. At one point, Meadows scolds her for storing classified binders about Crossfire Hurricane, an FBI investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, in a safe rather than in her desk drawer as he instructed, Hutchinson wrote. Meadows asked her to coordinate declassification of documents during the final month of the administration, she wrote. She described carrying armloads of classified documents around White House offices, despite not holding a security clearance to deal with them. When I got to Florida, I reminded myself, I would have a fresh opportunity to restore order so the president would be better served, Hutchinson wrote. Trump has been charged in federal court in Florida with mishandling hundreds of classified documents he brought to Mar-a-Lago after leaving the White House. Trump pleaded not guilty. When Meadows traveled to Georgia on vacation, he visited the Cobb County Civic Center, where state election officials were auditing ballot signatures. A Fulton County grand jury cited the visit in the racketeering indictment of Trump, Meadows and 17 others. Meadows arranged the call Jan. 2, 2021, when Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes for him to the win the state. After the call, White House counsel Pat Cipollone appeared at Meadows office and said: That call was not good, Hutchinson wrote. Meadows has pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy and to asking Raffensperger to violate his oath of office. His lawyers contend the kerfuffle about his trip to Georgia was based on discharging his official duties. A video deposition with Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, is played as the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol holds a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. Hutchinson dedicates book to lawyers who represented her for free The book is dedicated to Hutchinsons pro bono lawyers rather than to her parents or others. She was initially represented in the congressional investigation of Jan. 6 by a lawyer arranged by former White House aides: Stefan Passantino. But she worried about misleading the committee with incomplete answers about what she saw, as she eventually testified to the committee. Passantino never told her to lie, as she testified and writes in the book. He sought to keep her testimony brief and uneventful. But Hutchinson feared what would happen if she left out important information as the committee called her back for a third deposition, such as about Trump wanting to visit the Capitol. Liz Cheney zeroed in on how I knew what had been said in the Beast: So who relayed to you the conversation that happened in the Beast? Hutchinson wrote. I froze. I thought for certain she had heard that something eventful had happened, and she suspected I knew what it was. Hutchinson worried she had lied to the committee by not explaining more fully. As she cast about for a new lawyer, Bill Jordan and Jody Hunt of Alston & Bird volunteered to represent her for free. Well, Cassidy, it looks like youve had quite the adventure the last few years, Jordan told her, according to her book. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cassidy Hutchinson book details Giuliani allegations, bonfire of paper The president of South Korea is to pay a state visit to the UK in November after accepting an invitation from the King. Charles and the Queen will host Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee at Buckingham Palace. It will be the second incoming state visit of the Kings reign, after South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosas stay last autumn. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea signing a book of condolence at Church House in London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II (David Parry/PA) Charles and Camilla have just returned from a busy state visit to France. Mr Yoon, 62, carried out a state visit to the US in April when he belted out a verse of one of his favourite songs, American Pie, at a White House dinner at the request of President Joe Biden. The South Korean leader, who has secured a landmark deal with the US to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, is unlikely to deliver a similar performance at the palace. The Princess of Wales, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and the King and Queen during a state banquet last November (Aaron Chown/PA) State banquets in the royal residences grand ballroom are traditionally a sedate affair, with speeches, toasts and a sit down dinner for more than 160 guests, with a string orchestra usually providing the musical backdrop. The King and the South Korean president met previously at the reception for heads of state and official overseas guests at the palace on the eve of the late Queens funeral. Mr Yoons opponents accused him of being disrespectful during his trip to London after he missed the chance to view the late Queens coffin lying in state which he blamed on heavy traffic. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meeting Mr Yoon during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, in May (Stefan Rousseau/PA) He was also caught on microphone swearing after a chat with Mr Biden at the UN general assembly the following week, with the footage going viral in his home country. Mr Yoon has warned fellow world leaders about possible co-operation between North Korea and Russia after North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The King sent his good wishes to the people of North Korea earlier this month to mark the countrys national day, but the Government insisted it was not a message of support for Mr Kim and his regime. The King has just undertaken a three-day state visit to France (Hannah McKay/PA) The King also expressed his condolences to the people of South Korea in 2022 after more than 150 people were killed in a crowd surge during Halloween festivities in Itaewon, Seoul, with the Prince and Princess of Wales also sending their love and prayers. Charles, as the Prince of Wales, was a key guest at a state banquet hosted by his mother for the then-South Korean leader Roh Moo-hyun in London in 2004. The King visited South Korea in November 1992. The then-Prince and Princess of Wales at a memorial outside Seoul, South Korea in 1992 (PA) He carried out the tour with his then-wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, but the pair were branded The Glums for looking ill at ease together and a month later it was announced Charles and Diana were separating. PORTSMOUTH The first of many journals Diannely Antigua has written in throughout her life was a childhood Christmas gift from her sister. In it, she penned her feelings about her fifth-grade crush and AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys. It was one of those journals with those locks on it that you could definitely pick with a bobby pin, Antigua recalls. But it was this whole new thing for me. Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua was recently named a 2023 Poet Laureate Fellow by the Academy of American Poets, receiving $50,000 for her work. Before becoming Portsmouth's 13th poet laureate, Antigua filled pages upon pages of journals writing about her childhood, growing up, she said, amid domestic violence and religious abuse in a church where she had worshipped, her mental health, therapy, music, clothing and relationships. Antigua, now 34 years old, has numbered each journal she uses. Starting at 9 years old, she's currently on her 38th journal. I grew up with a lot of tumult and I needed a safe haven, Antigua said. I needed that, or else I was going to disappear. Those journals became so important to me. In confronting trauma, writing has helped her heal. Those journals were my gateway into writing poetry, Antigua said. I just started experimenting. Antigua became the second youngest Portsmouth poet laureate and first person of color to hold the title when she was chosen for the role last year. Having only lived in Portsmouth since 2020, the Haverhill, Massachusetts, native was nominated for the position by Mike Nelson, chairperson of the Portsmouth poet laureate programs board of directors, after he watched her share her work at Portsmouth Book & Bar readings. In July, 14 months into her term, Antigua was bestowed with a career-altering recognition, as the Academy of American Poets named her as one of its 2023 Poet Laureate Fellows and awarded her a $50,000 grant. Only 23 writers across the nation were honored with the fellowship. As she embarks on a public poetry campaign, Antigua is aiming to show the public poetry can be written by anybody and inspiration can be discovered anywhere. How Antigua's writing evolved through her life experiences Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua says leaving her church as a young age led to self discovery. One of the first poems Antigua ever wrote came in elementary school for a spring-themed poetry contest. She did not win. However, the experience further ignited her early love of writing, a path she set out to study when attending community college. Leading up to her collegiate days, Antiguas preoccupations she wrote about changed over time. In high school, she wrote in journals about her first boyfriend and about her relationship with God. But after exiting the church, her writing veered course toward a culture she hadnt fully familiarized herself with yet. When I left the church at 19, I finally had that space to be able to discover things about myself on my own. I started experimenting with makeup and secular music and putting on jeans for the first time after 10 years of not being allowed to wear pants, she said. It was a decade of not being able to be who I was supposed to be. The journals were keeping at least part of my identity alive. Antigua earned an associate degree from Northern Essex Community College, then a bachelors degree in English from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The budding poet took three years away from school before beginning working toward a fine arts degree at New York University, where she was mentored by professor and poet Sharon Olds, the former poet laureate for New York State. Olds, Sylvia Plath and Anne Frank are three of Antiguas biggest writing influences, notable authors who helped inspire her to step out of her creative comfort zone. For a long time, Antigua was writing mainly about her identity as a Dominican American, but not about the events of her past. At New York University, she opened up about her experiences. Her evolution may be best summarized by a tattoo she has on her forearm. "Listen to me," the inked message reads. "I am telling you a true thing." Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua has a tattoo that helps explain her evolution as a person and writer. I felt really called to write poems about that experience (being Dominican-American) because I felt like it was the only thing that was really interesting about me, she explained. I wasnt really allowing any room for poems about mental illness or sexuality or religion. It was just about that because thats what I thought was what people wanted from me as a brown person. When I got to NYU, I finally allowed myself to explore those stories more. When I did that, it felt like a rebellion like no other. 'Poems are everywhere' No topic is off limits for Antigua in her writing now, and anything she witnesses could serve as a conduit to crafting a new poem. When she was studying at New York University, she once stepped off the train while heading home to Brooklyn and witnessed a man stealing from a fruit stand. Antigua pulled out her phone, typed a few words and moved on from the moment. Months later, during a January snowstorm, Antigua was hunkered down in her apartment and decided to spend time writing. She scrolled through notes in her phone and found what she previously wrote: "As I watch a man steal fruit on the corner of Myrtle Ave and Broadway, I want to know what to do with the memory. She wrote the line at the top of the page and kept going. The now-published poem Picked is about sexual abuse. Part of my philosophy around poetry is that anything can be a poem. Poems are everywhere, Antigua said. I walk around the world seeing poems in everything that I do. Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua says her work as a writer goes "hand in hand" with the trauma she has experienced. It is really honest and vulnerable and raw and raunchy, she said of her work. Its everything possible all in one. I cannot talk about my journey writing poetry without talking about all of the trauma. They go hand in hand. The writer says each of her poems in some fashion tie back to her experiences with domestic violence or religion and the abuse she experienced within a non-denominational Pentecostal group she used to associate with. One poem, Day of Pentecost, describes Antiguas experience of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues when she was 10 years old. At a church in Canada, where she and other members were attending a service, she began to speak in what felt like gibberish as Peace in the Midst of the Storm played in the background. I want to understand why my tongue moved and a voice came out and the voice said nothing like something important, maybe shamalashamala shamalahai, the poem reads. And maybe that meant Save me or Leave me or maybe it was Make me disappear. I just remember that I was praying, and my tongue started moving in this way that it never had before and the voice was very shrieky, she recalled. Another poem, Beauty Lesson, recounts her time living with domestic violence. Written about her mother and the loving lessons she bestowed on Antigua, the poem ends by describing Antiguas stepfather yelling at her mother on their wedding day, while her mother was in her flowing wedding dress. The struggle chronicled in the poem, Antigua said, is meant to resemble a well-known quote from Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflower: We accept the love that we think we deserve. Antigua wanted to be just like her mother as she got older, which led to realizations about what she deserved in her relationships. That would go on to haunt me later in future relationships where there was also violence and abuse as well, and I had to go through that lesson for myself, she said. What is the 'Bread and Poetry' project? Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua has connected her of bread to conversations that run much deeper. Mental health is at the forefront of Antiguas poetry mission, a topic she explores along with discussions on body neutrality, racism, nature and the environment on her podcast titled Bread and Poetry. Antigua, a bread fanatic who said she should probably eat gluten-free, aims to make poetry accessible to everyone, a goal she works toward through her podcast. The Bread and Poetry project's name is an homage to a quote Antigua cherishes from the late Salvadoran poet Roque Dalton: I believe the world is beautiful and that poetry, like bread, is for everyone. Each episode of the podcast features a guest poet. Antigua asks each guest their favorite type of bread, for them to recall a powerful, beautiful or challenging memory that includes bread, and discussion on a poem the guest wrote, as well as a poem they love that they didnt write. With the $50,000 grant from the Academy of American Poets, Antigua hopes to hire someone to produce her podcast as she focuses on continuing to partner with local and state organizations, including Haven and NH Panther, for poetry workshops and readings. Antigua's message to survivors: Healing is an ongoing process Antiguas work with Haven, which provides violence prevention and support services in Seacoast New Hampshire, stems from her history of utilizing similar services with her family as a child. Due to her biological fathers abuse, she and her family left their Massachusetts home and stayed in shelters as far away as Connecticut, she said. Today, Antigua works through complex post-traumatic stress disorder, but gives back by partnering with Haven. We definitely needed those services. Our safety depended on those services, she said. Its so important for me to give back to an organization that is offering those services to survivors. Antiguas message to victims of domestic violence and abuse is to remind them that healing from trauma is a long, winding journey that can often lead to survivors feeling impatient over their progress. Survivorhood is ongoing. Just because I'm not in that situation anymore right now, it is an ongoing process of healing that you have to do, she said. Thats hard to grasp and to even admit to myself because I think at times, Ive been impatient with myself. The truth of the matter is that those really traumatic events are really imprinted on our DNA. Theyre infused to us and its part of our journey in life to learn how to manage and learn how to work through that. The residue of that remains. What's next for Antigua Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua is bringing her life lessons to a role at the University of New Hampshire. Antiguas community work coincides with beginning to teach at the University of New Hampshire as its inaugural poet-in-residence, in addition to publishing her second book next year and serving as Portsmouths poet laureate until May 2024. She has no plans to slow down talking about bread her current favorite is fougasse and poetry. I really just want to enact social change through the lens of poetry, she said. To prospective poets unsure of how to begin writing, Antiguas advice is for them to stay true to their voice and to their experiences. As for why she believes poetry is important in the modern day, she cited U.S. poet laureate Ada Limons poem In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa, which the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is planning to send on a mission to Europa, one of Jupiters moons, next year. Thats why poetry is important because it could literally go to Jupiters moon, Antigua said. The poets second book Good Monster will be published by Copper Canyon Press next year. Antiguas debut poetry collection, Ugly Music, won the Pamet River Prize and a 2020 Whiting Award. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth poet laureate Diannely Antigua takes on abuse in her work Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Tim O'Connell, Getty Images The United States child poverty rate more than doubled from 2021 to 2022, according to data released by the Census Bureau earlier this month. The primary driver of the jump, from 4.6% to 12.4%, a surge affecting millions of children, was the end of the child tax credit expansion at the end of 2021. As part of the COVID-19 relief plan, the child tax credit provided parents with an extra $250 to $300 per month per child. While President Biden, the Democrat-controlled House and the vast majority of Democratic senators supported extending the program, it faced resistance from Republicans and democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. The data from the Census Bureau follows previous studies showing massive spikes, including a Columbia University report that showed nearly 4 million kids fell into poverty in the first month after the enhanced tax credit program ended. Yahoo News spoke about the issue with Nikhil Goyal, a former staffer for Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has written about the topic in his 2022 book, Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty, and in a New York Times op-ed published this week. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. How was the recent spike in child poverty a policy choice? The census found that between 2021 and 2022, some 5 million children were plunged into poverty, the single largest yearly increase in recorded history. It is a direct consequence of the failure to pass Build Back Better, which would have included a permanent expansion of the child tax credit. I worked very hard with my colleagues on the Senate Budget Committee and other offices in the Senate to try to pass that piece of legislation, but unfortunately, one Democrats and 50 Republicans were opposed, and so it's a great scandal, a moral scandal, that millions of children are suffering in chronic and desperate poverty because of a series of policy choices that were made by the Senate in 2021. We heard from Manchin and others that among their concerns is that families were not using the money wisely, that they'd be spending it on drugs and other items, that it creates dependency on the welfare state. These are just unfounded assertions. The research shows very clearly that when the expanded child tax credit was first implemented in July 2021, up until the end of the year, it dramatically reduced child poverty and food insecurity and overall economic hardship. This is an issue that affects not just people living in poverty, but people in the middle class and the working class. The child tax credit in particular has reduced the cost of living for middle income families who have used that on child care, on housing, on food or clothing and other basic essentials that help children grow up and thrive during their childhoods. Politics and public policy are a matter of life and death. The decisions that people in Washington, in our state legislatures or school boards make, have enormous implications for how we live our lives and affect all of us. Read more:US poverty rate jumped in 2022, child poverty more than doubled: Census, from ABC News What are some of the long-term effects of child poverty? In my book, I traced the lives of three Puerto Rican children who grew up in the poorest neighborhood of Philadelphia Kensington and the toll that child poverty has on their lives is just astonishing. They have to endure evictions and housing insecurity, they run out of food by the end of the month and so they are hungry. They are living in neighborhoods that are afflicted by gun violence and other forms of violence. That means that they cannot walk down the street without the fear of getting shot. The issues that children are enduring don't get left behind when they enter school, leading to educational instability. The trauma and anxiety and other mental health conditions that come out of poverty deeply affect a child's ability to learn. I think it's a profoundly important issue and one that has major implications for children's well-being and development. What are some programs that could be put back in place or instituted for the first time that could help alleviate this? The first and obvious one is reinstating the expanded child tax credit, but also to pass the Build Back Better legislation. That was a piece of legislation that ran the gamut all the way from universal free preschool to affordable child care to home health care, Medicare expansion, tuition-free public college and the expansion of free universal school meals. The bill affected literally almost every aspect of a person's life and would have created a cradle-to-grave social democracy that would have provided real dignity and economic security to all. On the state level, there are ongoing efforts to implement programs and I'm really encouraged by New Mexico, Minnesota and Massachusetts, among others that are really trying to invest in programs like universal free school meals, child care, tuition and free public college. Poverty is not simply a shortage of money and income. It's also the shortage of access to dignified public goods that allow people to live lives of meaning and prosperity. Read more: New Mexico's free child care program a lifeline for working parents where available, from Albuquerque Journal Cassidy Hutchinson is sworn in to testify before the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot, June 28, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) Cassidy Hutchinson, who served as an aide to former President Donald Trumps White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, is out with a new book that paints a damning picture of the outgoing administrations chaotic final days. Read more from Yahoo News: Trump legal news brief In Enough, which became available to the public on Tuesday, Hutchinson who testified last year during the House select committees series of public hearings about the events surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection offers new details about the behavior of top officials like Meadows, Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others in their orbit. Here are five revelations from the book. Hutchinson alleges Giuliani groped her at Trumps Jan. 6 rally Attorney John Eastman speaks alongside Rudy Giuliani at a rally protesting Donald Trump's 2020 election loss, Jan. 6, 2021. (Jim Bourg/Reuters) At Trumps rally that preceded the Capitol riot, Hutchinson writes that Giuliani groped her. Giuliani, who spoke at the rally, flatly denied the allegation, HuffPost reported earlier this week. According to Hutchinson, Giuliani approached her in a backstage tent like a wolf closing in on its prey. He complimented her leather jacket, which Hutchinson told him was faux leather, then wrapped his arm around her body. His hand slips under my blazer, then my skirt, Hutchinson recalls. I feel his frozen fingertips trail up my thigh. He tilts his chin up. The whites of his eyes looked jaundiced. She looked over at John Eastman, another Trump lawyer who spoke at the rally. Eastman, Hutchinson writes, flashed her a leering grin. Hutchinson writes that she recoiled and stormed away, filled with rage. Meadows was burning so much paperwork his wife said his suits smell like a bonfire Hutchinson listens during a hearing about the Jan. 6 insurrection, June 28, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) The Presidential Records Act requires White House staffers to preserve their documents and send them to the National Archives. But according to Hutchinson, staffers in the Trump White House Copies were burning them. According to the book, Meadows was burning so much paperwork in his office fireplace during the final weeks of the Trump administration that Hutchinson was worried he would set off the West Wing smoke detectors. On Dec. 19, 2020, Hutchinson recalls that she even propped open the door to a patio to air out the office of smoke, despite the chill in the air. Hutchinson writes that Meadowss wife, Debbie, asked her and another staffer not to light the fireplace any more. All of his suits smell like a bonfire, Debbie Meadows told them, according to Hutchinson. And I cant keep up with his dry cleaning. Meadows drank 3-and-a-half White Claw cans not knowing they contained alcohol Cassidy Hutchinson smiles during her testimony on Capitol Hill, June 28, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/AFP via Getty Images) Hutchinson writes that Meadows, who like Trump did not drink alcohol, accidentally got tipsy while drinking multiple cans of White Claw in the White House. As Hutchinson tells it, Meadows apparently did not know that the popular hard seltzer beverage contained alcohol when he downed three-and-a-half cans of it at the White House on the Monday morning after the 2020 election. As a dedicated and faithful Southern Baptist, Mark had never drunk an alcoholic beverage in his life until mid-November 2020, Hutchinson writes. She and another staffer kept a stash of White Claw in his fridge, and a thirsty Meadows unknowingly reached for them during a meeting with White House budget director Russ Vought. I know you girls keep my fridge stocked with sparkling water, so I went and got one. I sat back down and took a sip and thought, Wow, this is real good! I looked at it and saw it was Blackberry, and thought, The girls never got me this one before, Meadows later told Hutchinson, according to the book. I liked it a lot and drank it pretty quick, and went and got another. Grapefruit! Another new flavor. Then I got a third. Meadows told Hutchinson his job was to keep Trump out of jail Meadows speaking to reporters outside the White House, Oct. 26, 2020. (Patrick Semansky/AP) In June 2020, a few months after Meadows became Trumps fourth of chief of staff, Hutchinson recalls her boss acknowledging his low bar for success. Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep [Trump] out of jail, Ill have done a good job, Meadows told Hutchinson, per her memoir. Nearly three years removed from the White House, Trump has been indicted four times, including for his role in allegedly inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Meadows himself was indicted with Trump and 16 others by an Atlanta grand jury over their efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential results in Georgia. Hutchinson says she never dated Gaetz, but he hit on her repeatedly Hutchinson at the House select committee hearing. (Andrew Harnik/AFP via Getty Images) In the book, Hutchinson recalls several encounters she had with Gaetz, a Florida Republican and one of Trump's staunchest supporters in Congress, who she says repeatedly hit on her. Has anyone told you ever told you youre a national treasure? Gaetz once asked Hutchinson, according to the book. In another instance, at Camp David, Gaetz had asked her to escort him to his cabin one night, claiming that he was lost. In a statement to The Hill, Gaetz said he did not remember either of these events and that he doubts they occurred. I did date Cassidy for a few weeks when we were both single years ago, Gaetz added. We parted amicably and remained friends thereafter. In an interview with MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, Hutchinson denied they were ever a couple. I do not think that Matt Gaetz has the best track record for relationships, Hutchinson told Maddow, adding: I will say, on behalf of myself, I never dated Matt Gaetz. I have much higher standards in men. BANGKOK (Reuters) -An activist and lawyer made famous for his open calls for reform of Thailand's powerful monarchy was on Tuesday sentenced to four years in prison for royal insults, a judge said, in one of the country's most high profile lese-majeste cases. Human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, 39, is widely known for his taboo-breaking speech during pro-democracy protests in 2020 during which he called for public debate on the role of Thailand's king. Arnon denies wrongdoing. Thailand's lese-majeste law shields the palace from criticism and carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years for each perceived insult of the monarchy, a punishment widely condemned by international human rights groups as extreme. Arnon was a leader of a youth-led democracy movement that held protests in Bangkok in 2020 that drew hundreds of thousands of people demanding the removal of royalist former prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a coup. Arnon was found guilty over remarks about the monarchy at a speech during a 2020 rally, in the first of 14 cases against him for violating article 112 of the criminal code, as the royal insults law is known. "Arnon will be sent to prison while he waits for a bail decision, which could take two to three days," lawyer Krisadang Nutcharus told Reuters, adding his team would lodge an appeal and if necessary, take the case to the Supreme Court. Arnon has been on bail since early last year after several periods of detention. Hundreds of people have been charged under article 112, which is among the world's strictest royal insults laws, with some violators given sentences of decades, including a 64-year-old woman jailed for 43 years. The palace typically does not comment on the law. UNTHINKABLE MOVES The verdict against Arnon will be a setback for groups seeking amendments to article 112, moves that were unthinkable only a few years ago in a country where the constitution states the king is "enthroned in a position of revered worship". Calls for the law to be changed were central to a bold, anti-establishment platform that saw Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party win an election in May, only to be blocked from forming a government by lawmakers backed or appointed by the ultra-royalist military. According to legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights at least 257 people have been charged under article 112 in the past three years. Most of those cases are related to the youth-led democracy movement, which has since lost momentum having once posed one of the biggest challenges to Thailand's royalist, conservative establishment. In remarks as he arrived at court, Arnon acknowledged he would likely lose his freedom and said he had no regrets for what was "a worthwhile personal sacrifice for the greater good". "The youth protest has created a phenomenon that has changed Thailand to the point of no return," he said. "I believe that the people are becoming more confident in their freedom and equality and are ready to transform the country to be more progressive." (Reporting by Bangkok bureau, Editing by Martin Petty, Michael Perry and Christian Schmollinger) By Jeff Mason and Nandita Bose BELLEVILLE, Michigan (Reuters) -President Joe Biden on Tuesday joined a picket line with striking autoworkers in Michigan, supporting their call for a 40% pay raise and saying they deserve a "lot more" than they are getting. Biden's appearance, the first visit by a U.S. president to striking workers in modern history, comes a day before Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for president, will speak to auto workers in Michigan. The rare back-to-back events highlight the importance of union support in the 2024 presidential election, even though unions represent a tiny fraction of U.S. workers. Democrat Biden traveled to a Belleville, Michigan, parts distribution center owned by General Motors, and joined dozens of picketers outside. "Companies were in trouble, now they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too," Biden said through a bullhorn. "Stick with it." He was referring to a 2009 government bailout of U.S. automakers that included wage cuts. "You deserve what you've earned. And you've earned a helluva lot more than what you're getting paid now," he said. Asked if he supported the 40% increase the union had asked for, a figure that mirrors CEO pay increases over four years, Biden said, "Yes. I think they should be able to bargain for that." Auto company sources said Biden's support for a 40% pay hike may make it harder to reach a compromise with the UAW. Talks are not advancing this week as attention is focused on Biden and Trump, they said. Tesla chief Elon Musk weighed in on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and said the 40% ask and shorter work hours are a "sure way" to drive the companies "bankrupt." Tesla's factories are not unionized. Flanked by Secret Service agents, Biden exchanged fist bumps and took selfies with the crowd after he spoke. Trump will address hundreds of workers at a gathering at an auto supplier in a Detroit suburb on Wednesday. The supplier, Drake Enterprises, is a nonunion manufacturer, according to a spokesman at the AFL-CIO. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Republicans believe Biden's push to electrify America's vehicle fleet, by pumping billions of dollars of tax rebates into EV manufacturing, is unpopular with auto workers. In a statement on Tuesday, Trump accused Biden of "stabbing" autoworkers in the back. Biden's EV mandate, he said, will "annihilate" the U.S. auto industry and cost "thousands of autoworkers their jobs." UAW President Shawn Fain greeted Biden at the airport, discussed the union's concerns about the shift to EVs, and handed the president a black UAW baseball cap. Calling Biden's visit a "historic moment in time," Fain accused CEOs of taking the profits and leaving workers to "fight for scraps." "Thank you Mr. President for coming to stand up with us," Fain said. "We know the president will do right by the working class." His comments fell short of an official endorsement for Biden's re-election bid, but Biden said on Tuesday he was not worried about the endorsement. The union is not involved with Trump's visit and Fain does not plan to attend that event, a source added. Both candidates are expected to sharpen their 2024 campaign message in Michigan. "We are a long way from the general election, but it sure feels like the general election," said Dave Urban, a Republican strategist who previously worked for Trump. ECONOMIC FALLOUT FEARED UAW workers this month began targeted strikes against GM, Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis seeking wage rises to match CEO pay jumps, shorter work weeks and job security as the industry moves toward electric vehicles. Both the Detroit Three and the UAW have a lot at stake in federal policy decisions. Automakers are counting on Washington for billions in subsidies for EV production and negotiating with the Biden administration over future emissions rules that require a shift to EVs that the industry believes would be too fast and too expensive. The union, meanwhile, is concerned that the transition to EVs will mean a loss of jobs as those vehicles require fewer parts in production. Only 10.1% of U.S. workers were union members in 2022, but they have outsized political influence because the states where they are strong often swing from voting Democratic to Republican, and their grassroots networks are powerful influences on the working-class vote. RUST BELT IN THE BALANCE? The auto industry and its labor movement are deeply intertwined with politics and elections in Michigan and other midwestern U.S. states. In 2016, Trump earned a level of support from union members that no Republican had reached since Ronald Reagan, helping him narrowly capture critical states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Biden rebounded with unions in 2020, with a roughly 16-percentage-point advantage as he reclaimed those so-called Rust Belt states, which have been scarred by decades of job losses as companies embraced lower-cost, often nonunion locations. He won Michigan in 2020 by some 154,000 votes. In Michigan, Trump will criticize Biden's economic policies and incentives promoting EVs and say he would do a better job of protecting blue-collar workers if elected to a second term, said Trump adviser Jason Miller. Trump is banking on driving a wedge between union members and their leaders, who criticized the former president's labor policies during his term, labor experts said. Biden's Michigan visit represents the most support a sitting president has shown striking workers since Theodore Roosevelt invited striking coal workers to the White House in 1902, historians said. (Reporting by Jeff Mason in Belleville, Michigan, and Nandita Bose in Washington, Jarrett Renshaw in Philadelphia and Nathan Layne in Wilton, ConnecticutAdditional reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Heather Timmons, Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) San Diego County Dist. Atty. Summer Stephan, background center, announced grand jury indictments Monday against members of the Hells Angels in a vicious attack on three Black men. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) A grand jury indicted 17 members and associates of a Hells Angels motorcycle gang in a seemingly unprovoked and brutal attack targeting three Black men in San Diego this spring. The assault occurred June 6 in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. The three victims, ages 19, 20 and 21, were out together on Newport Avenue when they were chased by several members of the Hells Angels biker gang. Prosecutors said one of the men might have spoken to a girlfriend of one of the bikers before the pursuit. One victim was beaten until he lost consciousness, while another was beaten and stabbed, allegedly by the leader of the gang, identified by prosecutors as Troy Scholder, 43. The third targeted victim was able to run away and escaped injury. Read more:16-year-old girl hospitalized after getting body-slammed by San Bernardino sheriff's deputy during fight Months of investigations by the San Diego Police Department and the district attorneys office led to the indictment of 14 people on charges of assault likely to cause great bodily injury and special allegations of being part of a criminal street gang. Eleven of the charges had additional hate crime enhancements. Three other people are facing lesser charges on suspicion of driving Scholder from the scene to the Hells Angels clubhouse in El Cajon, authorities said. In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not, tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack, San Diego County Dist. Atty. Summer Stephan said in a statement. The 17 defendants were arrested last week and pleaded not guilty Monday to their respective charges, authorities said. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the suspects ranged in age from 22 to 57. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 3, with a trial set to begin Nov. 14. The investigation into the assault involved seven local law enforcement agencies in San Diego County and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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. China adds 5 gold medals in rowing while Zhang makes history at Hangzhou Asiad Xinhua) 11:13, September 26, 2023 HANGZHOU, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China added a further five gold medals on Monday, the second and last day of rowing finals at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Chinese veteran rower Zhang Liang crossed the line first in 6:57.06 to retain his single sculls title, adding to his double sculls gold medal from Sunday. He now has five Asian Games titles from four editions, and surpasses Li Jianxin as the rower with the most Asian Games golds. Ryuta Arakawa of Japan came second in 6:59.79. "It is not easy for me to win the competition at this age facing big pressure, but I am still chasing my dream. That is why I am here and continue my career for the 2024 Paris Olympics," said the 36-year-old Zhang. China took another gold in the men's quadruple sculls by finishing the race in 6:02.65, while Uzbekistan and India took the silver and bronze in 6:04.64 and 6:08.61 respectively. "Our opponents gave us lots of pressure in the heat. They kept chasing us until the end. The gold is a big motivation for us on our way to qualify for the Paris 2024," said rower Adilijiang Sulitan. China also won the women's quadruple sculls final in 6:42.84, adding to its victories in the women's pair and eight events. The other two golds of the day went to Uzbekistan, as Anna Prakaten made a golden Asian Games debut with a commanding win in the women's single sculls. Uzbekistan's men's four also won gold, edging Chinese crew to claim a victory they were delighted with. As the rowing competition concluded on Monday, China racked up 11 of 14 golds, with Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China splitting the other three. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Korea, China and Japan held a high-level meeting Tuesday and agreed to resume their long-stalled trilateral summit at the "earliest convenient time," the foreign ministry said. The countries held a trilateral senior officials' meeting in Seoul earlier in the day, which brought together Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won; Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan's senior deputy foreign minister; and Nong Rong, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs. The meeting was arranged to discuss the resumption of a trilateral cooperation mechanism between the neighboring countries, including the possibility of the revival of three-way summits, which have remained dormant since 2019. "During the high-level meeting held this morning among Korea, Japan and China, the three countries agreed to hold a trilateral summit at the earliest convenient time and to promptly convene a meeting of the foreign ministers from each country to prepare for the summit," Lim Soo-suk, spokesperson for the ministry, told a regular press briefing, without offering a specific time frame. A senior ministry official told reporters that Seoul has proposed six key areas, including people-to-people exchanges, science technology and digital, sustainable development, and climate change. The ministry has also proposed holding the envisioned foreign ministers' meeting in the country's southeastern port city of Busan, where Korea is campaigning to host the 2030 World Expo, according to the official. The three sides reportedly agreed to discuss arranging the ministerial meeting to be held in November. According to officials, the three sides did not discuss issues related to Taiwan or Japan's Fukushima water discharge. On Monday, Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with the three officials and asked them to "work closely together" and "to produce tangible outcomes, which will produce benefits that can be felt by the people of the three countries." Three-way summits among the three neighbors -- first held in December 2008 -- have been suspended since 2019 following a dispute between Korea and Japan over forced labor compensation rulings and the pandemic. Talks on the need to revive tripartite summit diplomacy have surfaced following a thaw in the frozen ties between Seoul and Tokyo since the launch of the current Korean administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol in May of last year. As the current chair of the trilateral cooperation mechanism, Korea has been pushing to host the summit within the year. (Yonhap) Paris Fury has opened up on what her first week with a newborn baby has been like as she shared a proud moment with fans. Paris,33, and boxer Tyson Fury, 35, welcomed their seventh child, a baby boy, just a week ago. He joins six siblings Venezuela, 14, Prince John James 10, Prince Tyson Fury II, five, Valencia Amber, four, Prince Adonis Amaziah, three, and one-year-old Athena. Sharing an update on Instagram, Paris said: Today is the first day I have been dressed, make-up on and back to my feet. Baby is a week old today and I feel proud and strong, and I have conducted myself well. By Neil Jerome Morales MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines vowed on Tuesday not to back down in the face of a Chinese effort to block its fishermen from a fiercely contested shoal in the South China Sea, while Beijing warned the Southeast Asian nation not to "provoke and cause trouble". The comments came a day after Manila cut a floating 300-m (980-ft) barrier installed by Beijing at the shoal, one of Asia's most contested maritime features, making use of coastguard personnel posing as fishermen in a small boat. The move, which the Philippines called a "special operation", could further strain ties that have deteriorated this year. "They might still return the floating barrier once again, they might still do shadowing and dangerous maneouvres once again," Philippine coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told CNN Philippines. Earlier he said four Chinese vessels were in the area when a Philippine ship approached and were "not that aggressive", adding it was clear media were on board the Philippine ship. He said China's coastguard had even removed remnants of the severed ball-buoy barrier and had been measured in its response to the presence of its vessel, which reached its closest point to the strategic atoll since China seized it in 2012. "We have shown the world the Filipino people will not back down and we're still going to consistently carry out whatever is necessary for us to maintain our presence," Tarriela said. The Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing spot about 200 km (124 miles) off the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been the site of decades of on-off disputes over sovereignty. China, which calls the rocky outcrop Huangyan Island, has accused the Philippines of "intruding" in what were indisputably Chinese waters. On Tuesday, it warned Manila to steer clear of provocations. "China firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights of Huangyan Island, and we advise the Philippines side not to provoke and cause trouble," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular press briefing. SOURED RELATIONS The Philippines and China have repeatedly sparred over the shoal but tension had ebbed under the previous pro-China administration in Manila. Ties have soured this year, however, as new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who authorised the cutting of the cordon, seeks to strengthen relations with ally the United States. Such efforts included giving the U.S. military expanded access to Philippine bases, a move criticised by China as provocative and liable to stoke regional tension. Vessels of the two countries have faced off several times this year elsewhere in Philippine EEZ. Manila has accused Beijing's coastguard of dangerous and aggressive acts such as using a military-grade laser to deter a resupply missions to troops stationed on a rusty, grounded warship. China says that occupation is illegal. On Monday Chinese nationalist tabloid the Global Times quoted an expert as saying Philippine decision-makers were acting under the influence of a United States bent on instigating conflicts to contain Beijing. Control of the shoal, about 850 km (528 miles) off mainland China, is a sensitive issue for Beijing, which for the past decade has maintained a constant presence of coastguard ships and fishing vessels there. The shoal figured in a case the Philippines took to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which ruled in 2016 that China's claim to most of the South China Sea had no basis under international law. China does not recognise the ruling. (Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Writing by Neil Jerome Morales and Martin Petty; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) With the help of volunteers and emergency personnel, three people were pulled out of South Carolina waters midday after their watercraft flipped over, photos show. Firefighters from the Awendaw-McClellanville Consolidated Fire District were called to help three people who fell out of a capsized boat in Bulls Bay, a body of water almost 20 miles northeast from Charleston, according to the fire departments Sunday, Sept. 24 Facebook post. The 911 call came from one of the people in the water, deputy fire chief of operations Michael Bowers told McClatchy News. Responders arrived to Garris Landing, a public boat ramp and fishing pier in the area, where they began their search mission for the three people in the bay. Several boats were launched to find the group, the post says. The rescue team was underway at 11:33 a.m. and had located the people by 11:48 a.m. near Venning Creek, which is around the south end of Bulls Bay along South Carolinas coast, Bowers said. After being pulled aboard the rescue boat, they were taken back to Garris Landing for a medical check from Charleston County EMS, the Facebook post says. The group decided against going to a medical facility, Bowers said. Good thing this happened in September and not January when the water is a lot colder, Bowers said, noting the cold waters could have caused further medical issues. Photos shared on the fire departments Facebook post were taken by one of the people rescued. There was no information in the fire departments report that explained how the group flipped in to the water, Bowers said. In addition to the responding firefighters, volunteers from U.S. Fish and Game, Charleston County EMS, Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources all took part in the rescue, according to the post. Great teamwork by local, state and federal responders! the post says. Some on Facebook were amazed by the rescue and thanked the responders for saving the three people. Amazing response and execution to get those folks back to a safe place! Thank you! a commentor wrote. Water rescue calls are somewhat regular for Charleston County during the summer because of tourism season, Bowers said. Rescue personnel respond to everything from a kayaker stuck in the mud to boats dug into the sand when the tide is low, he said. Something this traumatic isnt often, Bowers said. Practicing safe boating habits is critical for anyone looking to go out on the water, Bowers said. Among his recommendations were: Always make sure there are enough personal flotation devices for everyone aboard Have a marine radio with you in case your phone falls in the water or dies Let friends or family know when youre going out on the water Boaters get glimpse of rare creature known for eating sharks in Maine. See it Rescuers rush to exhausted young whale dragging ropes, buoys. Then their tool broke Divers spot blue shadow in Kenya. Then amazing sea creature appears among sharks By David Morgan, Richard Cowan and Moira Warburton WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Senate on Tuesday took a step forward on a bipartisan bill meant to stop the government from shutting down in just five days, while the House sought to push ahead with a conflicting measure backed only by Republicans. The Senate voted 77-19 to begin debate on a measure that would fund the government through Nov. 17, and includes around $6 billion for domestic disaster responses and another roughly $6 billion in aid for Ukraine. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives, however, planned to push along with its own partisan bill that was unlikely to win support in the Democratic-majority Senate. The split between the two chambers suggested the federal government was increasingly likely to enter its fourth shutdown in a decade on Sunday, a pattern of partisan gridlock that has begun to darken Wall Street's view of the U.S. government's credit. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell worked in tandem to win passage of a bipartisan short-term extension of federal funding at current levels. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday told reporters he would seek approval from his splintered Republicans on a bill that also would temporarily fund the government. But he intends to attach tough border and immigration restrictions that are unlikely to win support from enough Democrats in the House or Senate to become law. Democratic President Joe Biden and McCarthy had aimed to head off a shutdown this year when they agreed in May, at the end of a standoff over the federal debt ceiling, to discretionary spending of $1.59 trillion for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. But hardliners to the right of McCarthy have rejected that deal, demanding another $120 billion in cuts. McCarthy's measure would restart construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a signature policy of former President Donald Trump, and tighten immigration policies. Critics have said it would effectively put an end to U.S. asylum for immigrants. 'SHUTDOWNS ARE BAD NEWS' McCarthy called on the Biden and congressional Democrats to reconsider their opposition. The top Senate Republican pleaded with his House counterpart to embrace the Senate bill. "Government shutdowns are bad news, whichever way you'd look at it," McConnell said. McCarthy countered, "Let's do something on the border, keep the government open and show this nation that we can do it right, and solve the rest of our problems as we go." Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed and a wide range of services, from economic data releases to nutrition benefits, will be suspended beginning on Sunday if the two sides do not reach agreement. In Washington, the National Zoo says it would have to curtail its farewell party for three giant pandas before they return to China. The standoff has caused concern at credit rating agency Moody's, though it is unclear whether it will hurt U.S. creditworthiness, as past shutdowns have not had a significant impact on the world's largest economy. It is also factoring into the 2024 presidential election, with Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, cheering on the shutdown talk. The cuts that hardliners are pushing for only account for a fraction of the total U.S. budget, which will come to $6.4 trillion for this fiscal year. Lawmakers are not considering cuts to popular benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are projected to grow dramatically as the population ages. Biden himself has called on House Republicans to honor his deal with McCarthy. Bowing to their concerns, McCarthy has teed up a procedural vote on Tuesday evening to take up four spending bills for the coming fiscal year that reflect conservative priorities and stand no chance of becoming law. If Tuesday's House vote succeeds, lawmakers would try to pass the four measures out of the House later in the week. They would not fund the full government or prevent a shutdown. Republicans control the House by a narrow 221-212 majority and have few votes to spare, particularly since some Republican hardliners have threatened to move to oust McCarthy from his leadership role if he relies on Democratic votes to pass legislation. That could complicate any effort to pass a stopgap spending bill and avert a shutdown. Congress has shut down the government 14 times since 1981, though most of those funding gaps have lasted only a day or two. (Reporting by David Morgan and Richard Cowan, additional reporting by Makini Brice and Moira Warburton; writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Scott Malone, Grant McCool and Chris Reese) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Coming off a 24-day hunger strike, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung appeared in front of a judge on Tuesday who will decide whether he will be arrested on broad corruption allegations. Walking slowly with a cane, Lee, a former presidential candidate, refused to answer questions from reporters as he arrived at Seoul Central District Court for a hearing on prosecutors' request for an arrest warrant. Despite a light rain, hundreds of Lees supporters and critics occupied separate streets near the court amidst a heavy police presence, holding dueling signs reading Stop the prosecutions manipulated investigation and Arrest Lee Jae-myung. In an unexpected outcome last week, the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to lift Lees immunity to arrest, reflecting growing divisions within his liberal Democratic Party over his legal problems months ahead of a general election. The court is expected to decide by late Tuesday or early Wednesday on whether to approve an arrest warrant. Lee has been recovering since ending a hunger strike on Saturday that he had staged in protest of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeols policies. Lee is being investigated over various criminal allegations, including accusations that he provided unlawful favors to a private investor that reaped huge profits from a dubious real estate project in the city of Seongnam, where he was mayor for a decade until 2018. Prosecutors also believe that Lee pressured a local businessman into sending millions of dollars in illegal payments to North Korea as he tried to set up a visit to that country that never materialized. Lee has denied legal wrongdoing and accused the Yoon government of pushing a political vendetta. The Democratic Party selected Lee as its chairperson in August last year, months after he narrowly lost the presidential election to Yoon. Ahead of last week's parliamentary vote, Lee pleaded with lawmakers to vote against the motion submitted by the government to remove his immunity, saying his arrest would attach wings to prosecutors manipulated investigation. Lee had previously said he was willing to give up his immunity because he was confident about proving his innocence. Ahead of Thursdays vote, some reformist members of the Democratic Party called for Lee to stay true to his words and endorse the motion seeking his own arrest. They said that would rally public support for the party, which has been sliding since Lee's presidential election loss, and silence suspicions that he conducted the hunger strike to avoid arrest. Lee said the hunger strike was to protest a worsening economy and a broad range of Yoons foreign policy decisions, including the governments refusal to oppose Japans release of treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. Lee has also accused Yoon of raising tensions with North Korea by expanding military training and security cooperation with the United States and Japan. Under law, courts cannot hold hearings on requests for arrest warrants for lawmakers during National Assembly sessions unless the assembly allows them to do so by a vote. The Democratic Party blocked a previous attempt by prosecutors to arrest Lee in February. Growing up on the remote island of Karpathos, Greece, in the 1990s, Anna Katogiritis struggled to make friends at school and says she was bullied for being small-sized. But she was able to find comfort and friendship from another source the thousands of stray cats that roamed the island, which is situated between Rhodes and Crete. Greece has a stray cat and dog population of around three million, one of the largest in the world, according to leading pet food company Mars Petcare. Katogiritis, who was born in Athens, fondly recalls how the wandering felines of Karpathos showed her a kinder version of our world, despite the unkindness that she often experienced at school, and helped to make her childhood special. Childhood promise Katogiritis says the strays on the island showed her a kinder version of our world, while she was growing up. - Courtesy Anna Katogiritis At the time, taking care of stray cats was the one thing that was giving me hope and just a better view of the world, Katogiritis tells CNN Travel. Receiving kindness from anything other than people I guess. Although her family eventually moved to the US, and then back to Athens, Katogiritis, who continued to spend her summers on Karpathos with her grandparents, vowed to one day return to help her stray cat friends. Thats how my dream of becoming a veterinarian started, she says. I wanted to give back to the animals that helped me so much when I was little. Katogiritis goes on to explain that she didnt even know vets existed, as there werent any on the island at the time, but she would tell people that she wanted to be a doctor, but just for animals. After gaining a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of Crete, Katogiritis was offered a place at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and moved to Virginia, where she met her now husband. She went on to volunteer for the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), traveling to the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo, and formed a strong bond with Goodall, who she describes as a friend and mentor. But the promise shed made to the strays of Karpathos was never far from her mind. Katogiritis notes that the island has acquired at least two vets in the decades since she left, and a local animal welfare group was established in 2000. But the stray problem has continued. In 2018, Katogiritis started working on plans for her non-profit animal rescue and education organization organization Animal Welfare Karpathos, founded in August 2020, bringing on board members and volunteers from the local group. After experiencing some setbacks with funding, Katogiritis opted to fund the pilot program herself, purchasing the medical equipment and medications, as well as covering some of the expenses of the three volunteer veterinary students who agreed to fly from the US to Greece with her. Giving back Katogiritis teaches a student pre-operative care steps for anesthetized cats during the 2021 spay/neuter program in Karpathos, Greece. - Sophia Hiras/ Animal Welfare Karpathos Although the start date was initially delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Katogiritis was able to begin the program in 2021. It was an amazing feeling to be able to say that I was coming back as a vet, and I can finally fulfill that part of my promise, she says. It was very emotional. During the first year, Katogiritis and a team of volunteers went from village to village with their supplies and equipment, setting up mobile clinics and spaying or neutering stray cats. She estimates that they treated around 300 to 320 cats during a three-week period. We could have done a lot more, Katogiritis says. But what we focused on the most was reaching out to the community and inspiring them to take care of strays. So I spent a lot of my time that year and during that program speaking to the locals, talking to them about the vision and about how much the strays need help. Just making sure that they could understand the value of the program so they could welcome future endeavors with enthusiasm. Thankfully, this approach proved to be successful. Katogiritis believes this was partly due to the reaction from the tourists vacationing on the island, which receives thousands of visitors each year, who were particularly interested in the work the organization was doing. I think they liked how much the tourists liked what we were doing, she admits. So thats part of why they ended up embracing the program. They could see that it had a positive effect on tourism. Some of the travelers whove come across Katogiritis and her team at work have gone on to donate to the program, while a number of local hotels have offered up free rooms to the volunteers. Changing mentalities Katogiritis speaks to local elementary school students during a community outreach event on Karpathos island in 2022. - Courtesy Anna Katogiritis In 2022, Katogiritis, who was five months pregnant at the time, went back to the island, which has a population of just over 6,000, to repeat the program, and she returned once again last year. For her, being able to help change peoples attitudes towards animals is one of the most important roles of the organization and she stresses that getting children involved early on has played a major part of this. I tried to invite the schools, so kids can come and actually see hands-on what we do, she says. Weve had kids join every single program and see the actual surgeries if they want to. Then we teach them how to trap animals. We teach them the whole process. So, its changing mentalities, and then having a long-term effect for the benefit of the animals. Katogiritis recounts how a young girl from one of the elementary schools she visited in Karpathos went a local vet and announced that she was ready to become the islands next vet in order to help the strays. That really gives you hope, says Katogiritis, who has been documenting her progress on her Instagram account. It gives you the courage to continue. Aside from the spay and neutering program, Animal Welfare Karpathos has also been helping to find families for strays, with members and volunteers fostering some of the cats that are desperately in need of medical attention. The organization also facilitates animal adoptions. In order to adopt one of the strays, those interested must undergo an application process that includes an interview and the signing of a formal agreement. Katogiritis explains that while there are no adoption fees, applicants are required to cover the travel costs of the animals, as well as the crate used to transport the animal. Taking action Katogiritis (left), with Dr. Jane Goodall, who she describes as a "friend and mentor," during a talk at a school in Athens in 2016. - Fragitsa Katogiritis The community of adopters is connected through our Facebook group (Animal Welfare Karpathos) where they will often share photos and videos of our beloved rescues, she says, adding that Animal Welfare Karpathos has found homes for over 300 pets in the past three years. It is truly wonderful to be able to see cats and dogs who were often near death, enjoying life and receiving so much love. When questioned about the likely cause of Greeces stray feline problem, Katogiritis puts it down to government neglect over the years. Lack of spay and neuter programs throughout the country, and Karpathos, is what has resulted in so many strays, she says. The governments decision to mandate the neutering of all companion pets in a bid to reduce the countrys stray population was met with resistance there are many people in Greece who are strongly opposed to neutering in 2021. Earlier this year, Greeces Interior Ministry announced that cat and dog owners who chose not to neuter their pets would be required to submit their animals DNA to a specialized laboratory so that authorities can trace those who abandon or abuse their pets. Those who dont neuter their pets or present a genetic sample may face a 1,000 euro fine. CNN has contacted Greeces Interior Ministry for further comment. In Karpathos, over 700 animals have been spayed or neutered through the Animal Welfare Karpathos programs. Katogiritis is currently making plans to repeat the program again in April 2024. At this point we are focusing on one village at a time, as this has given us the best results in controlling the cat populations, she explains. The second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, Karpathos is renowned for its rugged landscapes and stunning beaches. Katogiritis returns to the island around twice a year to visit her family, who are all based there now, and says its always a pleasure to be back in the country I so love. Ongoing work Located between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands. - Tuul & Bruno Morandi/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images She welcomed her daughter, Julia Konstantina, in August 2022 and was able to bring her to Karpathos last year. While Katogiritis is incredibly proud of her work, she admits that it hasnt been an easy path. Shes often come up against resistance from others who dont necessarily agree with what shes doing. Even having a room approved for a clinic is a challenge, where we make it happen, she says. And then the results speak for itself. Although she knows that theres still a long way to go, Katogiritis is hopeful for the future. At present, her aim is to be able to control the stray cat populations on the island through multiple programs, as well as convince the younger generation that they need to care, they need to step up and take some positive action for the animals. My hope is that well do enough work where mentalities will have changed enough that everybody will be speaking up for the animals and taking action, she says. And I think were reaching that goal with the younger generation the older generation is a little bit more difficult to change. Katogiritis, who founded non-profit organization Veterinary Global Aid last year with the aim of providing free care to animals in need around the globe, says her long-term goal is to not be needed anymore. I think that applies to any volunteer and any person who does philanthropy and charity work, she notes. But for the time being, Katogiritis is focused on fulfilling her promise to her feline stray cat friends, and says she wouldnt change anything about the process. She credits her team of volunteers for helping to get the Animal Welfare Karpathos program off the ground and keeping it going. A person can have ideas, but if there isnt a good team behind that person, those ideas dont flourish, she points out. So I may have had the idea. But theres a lot of other people behind it that make it happen. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Three teenagers are dead and three others are facing charges following a shooting in South Carolina in what a local sheriff called a chaotic scene of revenge stemming from "a beef" two years ago. The three teens killed, who were 16 and 17 years old, died at a hospital following Sunday's shooting, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said during a news conference in the state capital of Columbia on Monday. A fourth shooting victim, who is 14, was also shot taken to a hospital and later released, Lott said. "It's a sad day," Lott told reporters, saying the shooting was "over something stupid." "Over something that happened a couple a years ago. Why?" he said. "Why can't these kids do something else besides just resort to violence and using guns?" Sheriff Lott provides details on two weekend shooting incidents. | Sheriff Lott holds press conference to provide details on two weekend shooting incidents. | By Richland County Sheriff's Department | Facebook Minnesota murder suspect at large: Officials set $10,000 reward for location of murder suspect mistakenly released Coroner identifies victims, 3 other teens arrested: The Richland County Coroner's office identified the victims as Caleb Wise, 16, JaKobe Fanning, 16, and Drevon Riley, 17. They died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds and their manner of death was homicide, coroner's spokesperson Jeffrey Lampkin told USA TODAY. The sheriff's office announced Tuesday that they arrested two 17-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy in connection with the shooting. All three face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of handgun under the age of 18, sheriff's office Deputy Veronica Hill said. USA TODAY does not typically name minors facing charges unless they're being tried as adults. All the teenagers, Lott said, attended Alcorn Middle School and Eau Claire High School. Dog sale leads to fatal shooting: 2 adults, 3-year-old child killed in shooting over apparent sale of a dog in Florida A mourning middle and high school JaKobe was in ninth grade; Dre'von was in 10th and Caleb was in 11th grade, said Karen York, a spokesperson for the Richland County School District. "The Richland One family is grieving the loss of three young lives to senseless gun violence," District Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said in a statement Tuesday. "This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we ask everyone to keep the students families and the students and staff at Eau Claire High School in your thoughts and prayers." He said crisis counselors were available to students and staff at the school and that there would be additional security on campus as a precaution. A 'chaotic' scene part of a reported payback Richland County Sheriff's Leon Lott addresses reporters about arrests made in a shooting that killed three teenagers and injured a fourth in Columbia, South Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2023. The four boys who were shot were sitting in front of a vacant house around 2 p.m. Sunday when two 17-year-olds approached them and unleashed a barrage of bullets on them, according to information from Lott and a redacted incident report obtained by USA TODAY. "It was a chaotic scene with so many victims, so many gunshots being fired," Lott said. The shooting suspects then followed the victims as they fled to the backyard and continued firing, according to the incident report. It was unclear how the 14-year-old who was arrested was tied to the shooting. Although the shooting remained under investigation Tuesday, the suspected motive stemmed from a beef Lott said occurred two years ago over a burglary. A beef that just continues to grow and then young people decide that theyre going to solve it by shooting, Lott said. "You have three teens who will never see adulthood just because of what? A disagreement? 'I don't like you, you did something to me so I'm going to pay you back, so I'm going to kill you." He did not share any other details about the previous dispute. 'It takes a village' During Monday's press conference, Lott was joined by Witherspoon, Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron, State Rep. Kambrell Garvin, and local pastor Aaron Bishop "to discuss the importance of coming together to stop senseless tragedies like this," the department posted on Facebook. It takes a village to raise a young person, Lott said. We have a strong village of educators, community leaders, and elected officials, but we need everyone to come together to help save our young people. We are losing too many. 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: 3 South Carolina teens killed in hail of gunfire in Columbia Kassandra Lizzte Gonzalez was last seen on Aug. 11 in the 900 block of West Silver Sands Drive The San Antonio Police Department is urgently seeking the public's help in locating a woman who's been missing since Aug. 11th. Kassandra Lizzete Gonzalez, 30, is described as a Hispanic female in her mid-30s, about 5'5" tall, and weighing approximately 120 pounds. She has long brown hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of a rose on her left shoulder. Gonzalez was last seen leaving her brother's apartment on West Silver Sands Dr. wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and brown boots. According to KENS 5, it took a week for the Gonzalez family to notice any red flags. "She wouldn't answer," Alyssa Ballard, Kassandra's sister, told KENS 5. "It just goes to voicemail. No text, no Facebook activity, so little things like that. She didn't show up for work and has not seen her kids." Gonzalez is a mother of four whose absence has been hard on her children and has made them growingly curious about her disappearance. Ballard says Gonzalez's family and friends have been searching for her everywhere. A 3-year-old girl disappeared in 2021. Can new images help police solve the case? "We've asked her friends, the places where she would hang out, and it's not like her to just up and leave and not say anything, especially with her kids," Ballard shared with KENS 5. According to Ballard, Gonzalez dealt with depression after her husband was killed in a car accident six years ago. Ballard suspects a person of interest was with Gonzalez the day she went missing. "I believe they know more than what they are saying, so they need to speak up and say something, especially for her kids. We need some answers, we need closure," Ballard shared. The family is offering a $3,000 reward for finding Ballard. They remain optimistic about her safety. If you believe you've spotted Gonzalez, please contact the San Antonio Police Department Missing Persons Unit at 210-207-7660. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police need help finding missing San Antonio woman. Here's the story. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on Monday became the second Senate Democrat to call on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to resign after he was indicted on federal bribery charges late last week. Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate, Brown said in a statement. Menendez, along with his wife, Nadine, are accused of accepting bribes from three New Jersey businessmen in order to further interests in Egypt. Menendez, who is up for reelection in 2024, has denied the allegations and insists they are part of a smear campaign and are salacious in nature. The Ohio Democrats call follows that of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who said Saturday that he hopes Menendez chooses an honorable exit and focuses on his trial. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations, Fetterman said in a statement. Democrats in New Jersey including House lawmakers, state leaders and Gov. Phil Murphy (D) have called on Menendez to resign, but Senate Democrats have been slow to join the chorus. Senate Democratic leaders have also declined to do so. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has said only that Menedez made the right call in standing aside as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez reiterated Monday that he has no plans of going anywhere. The allegations leveled against me are just that: allegations, Menendez told a crowd in Union City, N.J. I recognized that this will be the biggest fight yet. But as I have stated through this whole process, I firmly believe that when all of the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I will still be New Jerseys senior senator. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An international student studying in Italy has struck up an unlikely bond with a local grandmother - known as a nonna. Gheed Hussam, 22, travelled to Siena in July 2022 to complete a course in Italian as part of her degree. To her great surprise, she left with an unlikely friend and an honorary grandmother. Gheed met Italian nonna Nicoletta, who is in her 70s, during Palio, a horse race held twice a year in the city of Siena. The two hit it off straight away and developed a close bond, with Nicoletta cooking homemade meals for Gheed, helping her with her Italian and even showing her around the city. When Gheeds month in Italy came to an end, she returned to her home in Abu Dhabi but despite the distance, the two kept in touch and Nicoletta has even been to visit her in the UAE. Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho will embark on a weeklong trip to Britain and Germany this week for discussions on North Korea's denuclearization, its human rights conditions and unification, the ministry said Tuesday. The seven-day trip will first bring Kim to Britain, where he will deliver a keynote speech at the Korea Global Forum, and discuss ways to cooperate with European countries on North Korea's denuclearization and human rights conditions. In Germany, Kim will visit Hamburg to attend a ceremony marking the reunification of Germany in 1990 and meet government officials to gain support for Seoul's policy goal of building a reunified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace. In both countries, Kim will meet with North Korean defectors who have settled abroad. Britain is home to one of the biggest communities in the West for defectors coming from the North, with 659 of 1,971 North Korean refugees living overseas based there, according to the data by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Kim will also promote Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in the southeastern port city of Busan during his trip, the ministry said. (Yonhap) LAUSANNE, Switzerland In a glass and stone convention center on a hillside overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps, one of the most anticipated doping hearings in the history of the Olympic movement will begin Tuesday morning not with a worldwide audience but rather with no audience at all. It is so shrouded in secrecy that for nearly two weeks, a spokeswoman repeatedly refused to divulge the simple detail of the hearings start time. An infuriating blend of dithering and delays that began by robbing U.S. and Japanese figure skaters of their medal ceremony at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics more than a year and a half ago has finally wound its way to the city that is the cradle of Olympic sports organizations, more specifically to the doorstep of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Supreme Court, so to speak, of the international sports world. This is where the fate of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva will finally be decided, although it wont happen quickly because absolutely nothing has happened when it should have in this excruciating case. There will be three or four days of hearings in front of a panel of three arbitrators this week, followed a month or two (or three?) later by the arbitrators decision. If Valieva is found guilty, she would likely be suspended for two to four years and she and her Russian teammates would likely lose their gold medal, with the other teams moving up a spot: the U.S. to gold, Japan to silver and fourth-place Canada to bronze. If she is found innocent, or if she receives some measure of leniency because she was 15 at the time a minor also known as a protected person in the parlance of the world anti-doping movement then the order of the medals would likely remain the same. When and where a medal ceremony would then be held is anyones guess, although the idea of staging it during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics has been floated. But, like everything else in one of the most bizarre Olympic scandals of all time, its complicated. If Russia remains on top of the medal podium, there is almost no chance either the International Olympic Committee or Paris organizers would want to start their Olympics by honoring the nation that invaded Ukraine. Russian skater Kamila Valieva has decided not to show up to her hearing in person but rather to testify remotely, via video. Irony abounds in this saga, which has been brought to us entirely by the Russians, whose state-sponsored doping schemes are the stuff of legend and have never been fully punished within the Olympic movement, meaning they will likely keep happening. After the Valieva scandal upended the Beijing Games, the duty to conduct the investigation of Valievas doping violation fell to Russia. Specifically, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency, the oxymoron to end all oxymorons, an organization that was suspended from 2015-2018 for helping Russian athletes cheat. Needless to say, RUSADA was in no hurry to investigate its superstar figure skater, and might still be investigating were it not for public pressure, especially from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. What should have taken a few months ended up consuming nearly a year, with a RUSADA disciplinary tribunal eventually finding that while Valieva committed an anti-doping rule violation, she bore no fault or negligence for it. RUSADA apparently wanted to keep this a secret, so the World Anti-Doping Agency, clearly losing its patience, made the decision public. That brings us to this week, where WADA and the International Skating Union, the worldwide governing body of figure skating, are going to present their case for a Valieva suspension and disqualification of her Olympic results, while Valieva and her attorneys are going to hope she, well, skates. In another plot twist, Valieva has decided not to show up in person but rather to testify remotely, via video, which is allowed. But there were other skaters who desperately wanted to come to Lausanne for the hearing: the U.S. team, all nine members of which sent a letter to CAS last month asking to be granted a seat to observe the hearing. The Americans request was denied, so the hearing will go on in private, hidden from the outside world. The entire process, including the secrecy and the unnecessary delay, has essentially defeated justice as all the athletes have been robbed of their moment on the podium which regardless of the outcome cant be replaced now, USADA CEO Travis Tygart said in a text message Sunday. Lets hope athletes and the public can find some satisfaction once the decision is finally rendered, but we have to recognize that is really hard given the entire hearing is completely closed and even the affected athletes have been denied access to observe the process which will materially impact their lives forever. The disgust on behalf of the medal-less athletes is palpable and understandable, but occasionally, there is some progress. Late Monday afternoon, the CAS spokeswoman finally revealed what time the Valieva hearing would start on Tuesday. Its 10 a.m. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Olympic skater Kamila Valieva's doping hearing shrouded in secrecy remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Under the auspices of President of the European Council Charles Michel, his Diplomatic Advisers Simon Mordue and Magdalena Grono hosted a meeting between Secretary of Armenias Security Council Armen Grigoryan and Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev, with the participation of Diplomatic Advisers to FR President Macron and DE Chancellor Scholz, Emmanuel Bonne and Jens Ploetner, as well as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar, the President of the European Council Charles Michels spokesperson said in a statement. President Michel joined the participants for a brief exchange. The EU invited participants to exchange views on the current situation on the ground and various efforts aimed at addressing the urgent needs of the local population. The European Union closely follows all these developments and has been engaged at the highest level to help alleviate the impact of hostilities on civilians. The EU reiterated in this context its position on Azerbaijans military operation last week. Hikmet Hajiyev outlined Azerbaijans plans to provide humanitarian assistance and security to the local population. The EU stressed the need for transparency and access for international humanitarian and human rights actors and for more detail on Bakus vision for Karabakh Armenians future in Azerbaijan. The EU is providing assistance to Karabakh Armenians. The meeting also allowed for intense exchanges between participants on the relevance of a possible meeting of the leaders in the framework of the Third EPC Summit scheduled for 5 October 2023 in Granada. The participants took note of the shared interest of Armenia and Azerbaijan to make use of the possible meeting in Granada to continue their normalisation efforts. In this regard, Armen Grigoryan and Hikmet Hajiyev engaged in talks on possible concrete steps to advance the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process in the upcoming possible meeting, such as those with regard to border delimitation, security, connectivity, humanitarian issues, and the broader peace treaty. Concrete action and decisive compromise solutions are needed on all tracks of the normalisation process. The EU believes that the possible meeting in Granada should be used by both Yerevan and Baku to reiterate publicly their commitment to each others territorial integrity and sovereignty in line with agreements reached previously in Prague and Brussels, the statement reads. Lecture series to examine US foreign policies By Lee Hyo-jin U.S. President Joe Biden will continue to "manage" North Korea's nuclear and missile threats rather than actively trying to resolve the problem, according to Charles Kupchan, a former U.S. diplomat and national security official, Tuesday. "The U.S. has so many balls in the air right now ... There's the war in Ukraine while China is breathing down on his (Biden's) neck, and the U.S. is trying to prevent a war with Iran that could be just inches away. Some difficult problems will be put back on the back burner," Kupchan said during an online seminar. "So when it comes to issues like North Korea, Iran, Israel and Palestine, they will be in a 'management mode' under the Biden administration. They are going to be managed, but not resolved." The seminar, organized by Yonsei Institute for North Korean Studies, Medici Media and the Los Angeles-based Pacific Century Institute, was moderated by Moon Chung-in, a professor emeritus at Yonsei University and former special presidential adviser for foreign affairs and national security. Kupchan, who currently teaches international affairs at Georgetown University, positively assessed the U.S. government's position on the Taiwan Strait. "I think the U.S.' policy toward Taiwan is about right. That is to say, it would defend the island if it were attacked by China. Not to rock the boat, but to manage the problem," he said, adding that the Taiwan issue needs to be managed with a cool head so as to avoid provocative actions. When asked for an overall assessment of the Biden administration's foreign policy, Kupchan said, "In many respects, it is continuing the best of Trump. While one sees Biden as a swing away from Trump, it's important to keep in mind that Biden continued some of what Trump implemented." The Biden administration's strategic retrenchment from the Middle East and protectionist trade policies are consistent with that of the previous government, he noted. But an aspect where Biden has set himself apart from Trump was in repairing relations with America's allies. "It's important to recognize areas where Biden has had significant success, and that is repairing alliances like getting South Korea and Japan to work closely together, forming the Quad and fashioning a new relationship with India that I think will withstand the test of time," he said. Meanwhile, Kupchan said that U.S. officials' portrayal of the state of world affairs as "a battle between democracies and autocracies" is not helpful for its foreign policies. "In fact, we (the U.S.) are now out there having to cooperate with non-democracies. So that kind of ideological rigidity, even though it may sell well at home, doesn't help us navigate a world with ideological dividing lines," he said. Tuesday's seminar was the first episode in a series of lectures dubbed the "James Laney Lecture Series" where prominent American scholars are invited to give lectures on U.S. foreign and defense strategies and their implications on the East Asian region. Under the theme "The United States and the World," 12 lectures will be delivered from this month until next June in offline and online formats. The lectures will be open to students of Yonsei University as well as the general public. "The lectures, which will consist of debates and Q&A sessions, will address the impact of U.S. foreign policies on the Korean Peninsula and the East Asian region from a broad perspective," said Professor Emeritus Moon, who organized the events. The second lecture will be held on Oct. 17 at Yonsei University's Seoul campus, where Walter Mead, a distinguished fellow at Hudson Institute, will discuss U.S. foreign policy from a conservative perspective. Following that, there will be two lectures in November one by professors Siegfried Hecker and Robert Carlin from Stanford University and the other by John Ikenberry, a professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University. On Dec. 15, Susan Thornton, former acting assistant secretary of state, will give a lecture on the U.S.-China rivalry. Distributes appointment letter to new recruits NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament's new building has heralded a new future for the country, asserting that it is his government's policy to open new doors for girls. Virtually addressing a Rozgar Mela after the distribution of appointment letters to over 51,000 new appointees in different government departments and ministries, the Prime Minister said that the country is bearing witness to historic achievements. Mentioning the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which has empowered half of the population, Modi said, The women reservation issue, which was stuck for 30 years, was passed by both the Houses with record votes. This decision took place in the first session of the new Parliament; in a way, it is a new beginning for the nation in the new Parliament. Acknowledging the significant presence of women among the recruits, he said that the daughters of the country are making a name in every sector. I feel immense pride in the achievement of the Nari Shakti, and it is the policy of the government to keep opening new avenues for their growth, he said. The Prime Minister noted that the presence of women in any sector has always led to positive changes in every sector. Referring to the soaring aspirations of the New India, Modi said that the dreams of this New India are lofty. India has taken the resolve to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, he said. The Prime Minister underlined that in the next few years, the nation will become the third-largest economy in the world and the government employees will have a lot to contribute in the coming times. Elaborating on the usage of technology in governance, he mentioned online railway reservations, the elimination of complexity of documentation by Aadhar Card, Digilocker, eKYC, gas booking, bill payments, DBT, and Digiyatra. Technology has stopped corruption, improved credibility, reduced complexity, increased comfort, said the Prime Minister, urging the recruits to work further in this direction. The Prime Minister stated that the policies of the government are based on a new mindset, constant monitoring, mission mode implementation and mass participation, and have paved the way to accomplish monumental goals. He informed the gathering that projects are being constantly monitored and gave the example of the Pragati Platform, which is being used by the Prime Minister himself. Modi emphasised that it is the government employees who shoulder the highest responsibility of implementing the government schemes on the ground level. He noted that the speed and scale of the policy implementation get a boost when lakhs of youth join government services, thereby leading to a boost in employment outside the government sector and the establishment of new employment frameworks. Talking about GDP growth and the jump in production and exports, the Prime Minister mentioned the unprecedented investment in modern infrastructure and said that today new opportunities are emerging for the youth. Jaishankar stressed that respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercised in cherry-picking New Delhi: In a strong rebuke to Canada for its sloth attitude towards India's concerns over terrorism, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that political convenience cannot determine responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, without naming Canada directly, Mr Jaishankar stressed that respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercised in cherry-picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out. Without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust, said the external affairs minister. Pushing for early reform and expansion in the United Nations Security Council, Mr Jaishankar said the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over. To strengthen Indias candidature in the reformed UNSC, the external affairs minister gave the example of how the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G-20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent, which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary. Broad representation is, after all, a prerequisite for both effectiveness and credibility, Mr Jaishankar said. The external affairs minister added that next year, the United Nations will be hosting the "Summit of the Future" and this should serve as a serious opportunity to drive change, champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including the expansion of the Security Council memberships. Ms Jaishankar highlighted that at a time when East-West polarisation is sharp and North-South divide is deep, the New Delhi summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, he said. The external affairs minister further said that though during deliberations everyone advocates the promotion of a rules-based order and respect for the UN Charter, it is still a few nations that shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations that shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This cannot go on indefinitely. Nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all, he said. In this context, Mr Jaishankar mentioned that injustice like vaccine apartheid should not be allowed to recur, climate action cannot continue to witness the evasion of historical responsibilities and the power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. The external affairs minister said India seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of Vishwa Mitra. This is reflected in our ability and willingness to engage with a broad range of nations. And, where necessary, harmonise interests, Mr Jaishankar said. "Mr President, all nations pursue their national interests. We, in India, have never seen that as being in contradiction with the global good. When we aspire to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandisement but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions. The goals we have set for ourselves will make us different from all those whose rise preceded ours," Mr Jaishankar said. Singaporeans can visit 192 out of 227 international destinations without visas A large cut-out prominently displayed in one of Singapores biggest public libraries shows a small Chinese boy in a bullock cart. The caption identifies him as the young Lee Kuan Yew, creator of modern Singapore, who would have been 100 years old this year, visiting his grandfather. Singaporeans who stop by this exaltation of poverty and simplicity have never set eyes on a real-life bullock or bullock-cart. But they know that yesterdays bullock-cart owner must pay $106,000 today for the licence alone to buy a car, the vehicles price and the mountain of taxes needed to run it being separate. Nevertheless, nearly a million vehicles ride Singapores roads. Vivian Balakrishnan, the part-Chinese doctor who is Singapores foreign minister, once quoted Anand Mahindra, then Confederation of Indian Industry president, saying that an Indian businessman coming to Singapore must be able to say, I have seen the future, and it works. That future was shaped by Lees decision not to make education compulsory but to ensure that it was not only inexpensive and accessible but essential for success. Since then, Singapore, even more than Japan, has been a beacon of inspiration for the rest of Asia in spite of the string of crises that preceded the current money laundering scandal. What is noteworthy is not that they occurred, but that unlike leaders in the worlds largest democracy who remain coy about the bloodshed in Manipur, Lee Kuan Yews son, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, took the bull by the horns and confided his troubles in Parliament. His indomitable father set the precedent for candour way back in 1996 when he disclosed that he and his son, then deputy prime minister, had bought four discounted luxury flats from a Malaysia-born Chinese-origin tycoon. Although an inquiry cleared both Lees of impropriety, they decided to give the discounts to charity. What saves Singapore from the consequences of unchecked improvidence is respect for the inherent system of checks and balances and the awareness that just as the law cannot be twisted to serve political ends, neither is it intimidated by rank. No wonder Singaporeans can visit 192 out of 227 international destinations without visas. The small, compact, low-tax republic makes a fetish of efficiency and has adopted English as its lingua franca in the interests of unity and modernity. It began with what the Japanese called the flying geese paradigm, which led to an inflow of investment capital from Japan and the West. A recent Forbes report noted that now that the Covid-19 pandemic is over, at least ten international billionaires are jostling to sink $4.4 billion in new hotels and expand the islands already flourishing hospitality industry. Right now, Singapore feels like the centre of the world says Robert C. Hauck, the German-born globe-trotting head of one of Singapores elegantly impressive new hotels. Although Singapores per capita GDP is $68,370 against Indias $2,601, the American romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians hardly did justice to its setting. In projecting the city-states wealth, the film conveyed no sense of the social justice or ethnic harmony that underlie growth. Focussing only on the palatial mansions modestly codenamed Good Class Bungalows that can cost as much as $184 million, the film ignored the 78.7 per cent of Singaporeans who live in heavily subsidised public housing that is increasingly becoming more comfortable as well as aesthetically pleasing. Nor are crazy rich Asians all only ethnic Chinese. Chinese settlers account for 74.3 per cent of the total, but Malays are 13.5 per cent and Indians nine per cent. Yet, recent headlines (Singapore Sleaze and A slew of scandals puts Singapores government on the back foot) in Londons Economist magazine sent alarm bells ringing. One controversy concerned the Harvard-educated transport minister, S. Iswaran, a ruling Peoples Action Party veteran who was arrested in July and released on bail with a drastic salary cut. The government is treading a delicate line for it refuses to sack Mr Iswaran unless the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau finds him guilty. There was also some tightrope walking over Parliaments deputy speaker, another PAP member, whom an independent disciplinary tribunal convicted of professional misconduct although the appeals court cleared him. The Speaker and a female fellow PAP MP were less fortunate. Both married with spouses and children, they confessed to an affair and had to resign. There followed the unrelated resignations of two Workers Party politicians who had initially lied about their extramarital relationship. Over all this looms the quarrel between the Prime Minister and his brother, apparently over the 125-year-old bungalow where Lee lived from the 1940s until he died. The latest twist to the dispute is the brothers post accusing a government agency of not only leasing grand GCBs to two senior ministers but also clearing trees for them and carrying out renovations at official expense. Balakrishnan is one of the two. While the house dispute simmers, the financial scandal sizzles with the police seizing cash, jewellery, gold bars and fancy goods worth more than $1.8 billion. Nine men and a woman originally from China but now holding diverse passports were caught in a massive island-wide blitz. Inevitably, such scandals are a reminder that Lee himself anticipated problems. Even from my sickbed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel that something is going wrong, I will get up, he had warned two years before stepping aside -- not down. The need to do so might be catastrophic for India and Asia. When an India International Centre sophisticate commented on Singaporeans obsession with money during Lees last visit, he readily agreed that yes, many Singaporeans were nouveau riche. I would like to believe that in the next twenty-thirty years as we become old rich, we will acquire the graciousness that comes with a cultivated society. As Lee told his audience, people who now lord it in GCBs are obsessed with wealth because the hovels they lived in earlier had a hole in the ground for a toilet. His successor, Goh Chok Tong, discovered the wonders of sanitation where you could just pull the flush and everything disappeared only when he was 21 in 1962. There was no song and dance about the equivalent of Swachh Bharat; it wasnt a political gimmick. But Singapore was cleaned. Its as straight a road from the bullock-cart to the limousine as from the bustee to the bungalow. But the government has to clear it of obstacles and impediments instead of squandering money on prestige projects. At the approach of the synod, Francis talked online for an hour and a half with 12 university students from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and the Indian diaspora in the Persian Gulf. He urged them to fight for their ideas, but always extending a hand to others. For him, education must be free, a right for everyone. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis and twelve Indian, Pakistani and Nepali students from local Catholic universities took part in an online encounter titled "Building Bridges in South Asia," organised by Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit establishment, in cooperation with the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Several topics were touched during the event, like the difficulty of living one's Christian faith in a hostile context, which often can become open persecution in South Asia; the need not to resign oneself to the half-truths that are all over social media, polarising societies; not to mention the growing commodification of education, which is also affecting educational establishments in Asia. Todays encounter was the third event in an initiative that reflects the spirit of the synod that is about to open in Rome; the other two involved young people in Latin America and Africa. For an hour and a half, Pope Francis listened to students questions and answered them. The third segment of the encounter was particularly intense when three young women Florina from India, Niru Maya from Nepal, and Sheril from Pakistan spoke specifically about the difficulty of living their Christian faith in a context of oppression and persecution. Florina mentioned the suffering of Christians in Manipur, the Indian state where interethnic violence broke out in May and has taken an increasingly religious connotation. "How can we face these situations as Christians?" they asked Francis. The pontiff said he was touched by their stories, citing many innocent people like the woman who spent so many years in prison having done nothing wrong," he said, probably referring to Asia Bibi. "Where is the root of intolerance?" he wondered. In giving an answer, he urged people to find it "in following an idea rather than the heart. When a tradition, even a Christian one, behaves like that, it becomes the ideology of our suicide. Following up Nepali Miru Naya in her testimony ("God has a plan for me"), Francis called on the faithful to persevere on this path. Bearing witness to the Gospel with one's life is the only thing that matters," he said. Continue to have dreams. Do not stop extending your hand to others; remember that we are brothers. The pontiff also urged all the other young people to be creative and nurture their self-esteem, in dialogue with others. Upon hearing the testimony of a young woman from the Indian diaspora in the Persian Gulf who spoke about the difficulty in keeping connected with her roots, Francis cited the image of the diamond that becomes something different from a piece of glass only by chiselling its different sides. Another topic that was of great interest to young people in South Asia was the relationship with new technologies and social media, which are used far too often to propagate falsehoods and engage in hate campaigns that exacerbate ancient caste discrimination. In his reply, Pope Francis noted that "harmony is not uniformity, but the beauty of differences." He urged the young people to rediscover other forms of communication, like poetry. "When I was a student I wrote poetry, then I was embarrassed to read them ... Each of you is a poem." Struck by Sagarika, an Indian student who raised the issue of how education was becoming commodified, Francis stressed that "education must be free, a right, not a form of enrichment. We have to work on this. Finally, in taking his leave from the young Indian, Pakistani and Nepali university students, Francis told them: "Go forth without fear. Let me give you a piece of advice: Don't lose your sense of humour; it will be good for your mental health. Doty Shepard, Resilient Colorado executive director, will present a session titled These are Not Normal Times: How to Be Well Anyway during a mental health symposium at The Gant Aspen on Wednesday. Visit aspenhopecenter.org for more information. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Foreign Minister Park Jin embarked on a trip to Britain and France on Tuesday for bilateral talks and campaigning for Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, the foreign ministry said. Park plans to participate in the eighth Korea-Britain foreign ministers' strategic dialogue Wednesday (local time) to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral ties with his counterpart, James Cleverly, as the two nations mark the 140th anniversary of relations this year. The minister will also hold discussions on President Yoon Suk Yeol's planned state visit to Britain in November, which comes at the invitation of King Charles III. Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will be the first state guests to visit Britain since King Charles III's coronation in May. Park will then travel to Paris, where he will engage in activities promoting Korea's World Expo bid, including a meeting with Dimitri Kerkentzes, the secretary-general of the Bureau International des Expositions. He is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, or the IFRI, in Paris. (Yonhap) On the same day German carmaker Porsche pulled the wraps off the third plug-in version of the Cayenne, neighbor Mercedes-AMG did the same for something it calls its first performance hybrid SUV, the GLC 63 S E Performance. The SUV is part of the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC Coupe family that also offers a second model, the GLC 43 Coupe. AMG ICE kWh The two new SUVs share the same engine, a 2.0-liter unit with just four cylinders. Despite the rather unassuming design, it is more than capable of offering the punch one would expect frommachines. In both SUVs, the engine is controlled by means of the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission.In the GLC 43, for instance, the engine's power starts at 416 horsepower, but it can get a boost of 13 hp thanks to the belt-driven starter generator. In the top of the line 63 S E, however, power levels are much greater, allowing for a combined 671 horsepower.Yet those are not the impressive bits about the powerplant. Mercedes claims we're looking at the "world's first and only series-production engine to date with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger."An adaptation of the technology already used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team in Formula 1, this kind of turbocharging is supposed to provide "particularly spontaneous response across the entire speed range."But how does it work? The tech looks surprisingly simple, really. Mercedes installed a small electric motor, just 1.6-inch thin, right on the shaft of the turbocharger. It sits between the turbine and compressor wheels and directly drives the shaft. In doing so, it accelerates the compressor wheel until there's enough exhaust gas flow to take over.Back to the 63 S E Performance, the system deployed by AMG is hailed as the "most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world." Along with the 671 horsepower it develops there are 752 lb-ft of torque to work with, allowing for an acceleration time from standstill to 60 mph of just 3.4 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 171 mph (275 kph).The new AMG GLC models are hybrids and that means that alongside theunit there is some kind of electric system to work with. In the case of the 63 S E, we're talking about an electric motor fitted on the rear axle that contributes no less than 201 peak horsepower to the whole system output, and a battery placed above the same axle.The battery is rather small, coming in at 6.1, and that means it can only sustain the peak power output of the motor for about ten seconds. It can however help the motor deliver 107 hp of continuous power.Mercedes does not reveal how long the battery lasts because, the carmaker says, it was not meant for range, but for fast power delivery and absorption.Both models will be offered from the get-go with the full list of Mercedes-AMG fittings, including Ride Control suspension, AMG braking hardware, and a long list of wheel options, with sizes going from 19 to 21 inches. Mercedes-AMG throws on the table a large variety of equipment packages, including AMG Night, Night Plus, Carbon, and Studio.Although it spilled all the details on the two models, the German company said nothing about when we should expect the GLC Coupes to become available, or how much they will cost. kW kWh With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius pretty often, it's no wonder that Polestar decided on the United Arab Emirates to test its upcoming sport utility vehicle. Now available to reserve in every market where Polestar is present, the 3 had its climate control system fine-tuned in the metropolises and the deserts surrounding Abu Dhabi and Dubai.Of course, Volvo 's subsidiary also wanted to determine whether the battery and motors can take up to 50 degrees Celsius for extended periods with minimal impact on driving range and performance. $83,900 is the starting price of the 3 in the United States for the Long Range Dual Motor.Based on the SPA2 vehicle architecture of the Volvo EX90 and upcoming Polestar 5, this fellow promises up to 300 miles (483 kilometers) of driving range, 4.9 seconds to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour), and short charging times. Using a 250-fast charger, the 3 can be juiced up from 10 to 80 percent in something like half an hour. In other words, enough time for an espresso and for checking X.The only level up from the Long Range Dual Motor is the Performance Pack, which adds $6,000 to the tally in return for a 0.3-second quicker acceleration to 60 miles per hour. As expected, range also takes a hit, namely 30 miles (48 kilometers) less than the standard configuration. Both are limited to 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour), and both rock 400-volt batteries with 17 modules and 111Gifted with ground clearances of 8.3 inches each, the Long Range Dual Motor and Performance Pack can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms). Please don't ask about driving range while towing because Polestar didn't bother giving an estimate for it. Then again, even the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck could be better in terms of towing range.Measuring 117.5 inches from the front to the rear axle (thus mirroring the wheelbase of the EX90), the 3 uses battery cells from Chinese manufacturer CATL. Rated at 489 and 517 horsepower, respectively, the 3 belts out 620 to 671 pound-feet (840 to 910 Nm).Not long now, the upcoming 3 will be joined by a compact-sized twin by the name of 4. A two-row crossover with no rear window but a roof-mounted rearview camera, the 4 will be positioned between the compact-sized 2 liftback and 3 mid-sized crossover. The 2024 model year Tacoma is edging closer to series production. As per a document leaked by the good folks at Tacoma4G.com, the fourth generation will start rolling off the line in December 2023. Blind Sport Monitor In the first instance, Toyota will make internal combustion engine-only trucks. Come April 2024, the hybrid will join said 2.4-liter turbo pickup trucks. Both variants of the 2024 Tacoma are produced in Mexico.The cited forum has also uploaded the order guide for the Canadian market, which begins with the SR5 trim level rather than the SR. Truth be told, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma isn't available in SR flavor either.The beating heart of the SR5 is a 278-horsepower turbo four-pot engine with 317 pound-feet (430 Nm) on tap. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features also include 17" alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, a 7.0" multi-information display, six-way manually adjustable front seats with heating, LED headlamps,, and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system.SR5 customers in Canada need to make do with the 6-foot bed. The 5-foot bed is exclusive to the TRD Sport+ manual, TRD Off Road manual, and TRD Off Road Premium automatic. Speaking of which, opting for the manual transmission results in 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm) of twist.The SR that Canadians won't get drops to 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet (330 Nm) because Toyota removes vibration mounts and cooling equipment from said engine. Attached below, the order guide for Canada doesn't list the Trailhunter and PreRunner. On the other hand, we do know the Trailhunter overlanding spec is coming sometime in 2024 with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.Previewed by a Tundra-based concept at the 2022 SEMA Show, the Tacoma Trailhunter boasts a bed-integrated air compressor, position sensitive 2.5" forged monotube shocks with piggyback-style rear external reservoirs, a bed utility bar, a steel rear bumper, and 33" rubber boots supplied by Goodyear. The hybrid system develops 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet (630 Nm) of twist.Gifted with a nicer cabin and better styling than its predecessor, the fourth-gen Tacoma may not be a reliability champ. Why? Because it's joined at the hip to the Tundra. For the 2024 model year, the Tacoma switches to the GA-F platform that Toyota also uses in the new Land Cruiser Prado (a.k.a. 250 series).Expected to start at $28,600 in the United States market, the redesigned Tacoma is without a shadow of a doubt going to sell in greater numbers than segment rivals. The outgoing model is king of the hill in the first half of 2023, having sold 116,845 examples from January 2023 through June 2023.Nissan's long-running Frontier is the second truck in the segment in terms of commercial success, with Nissan reporting 34,139 deliveries in the first half of 2023. The Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator moved 33,165 and 27,326 examples, respectively. Nissan is trying to be one step ahead. The Japanese carmaker will ditch the internal combustion engines sooner than originally scheduled. It will be 2030 instead of 2035. The carmaker will not invest in ICEs for the European market anymore. kWh Photo: Nissan The new deadline is valid in Europe only, where the European Commission has set 2035 as the year in which carmakers will be banned from selling internal combustion engine-powered cars. "There is no going back to ICE," says CEO Makota Uchida.Nissan made the announcement shortly after introducing the Nissan Micra concept car at the companys European design studio in London. It is an all-electric small concept car which previews the upcoming production model.The news comes right after the UK government pushed back the date to 2035, following the attempt to move it to 2030. Nissan head of Europe Guillaume Cartier confirmed that the automaker is not changing the deadline following the decision of the UK government.To be able to keep their promise, Nissan will have to roll out all-electric new generations of the Juke, Qashqai, and X-Trail. The company will thus be ahead of all car brands forced to go from a 22% electric cars share in 2024 to an 80% share in 2030 and, eventually, a 100% share in 2035.Every new car the Japanese brand will be launching in Europe will be electric from now on as the company will halt any investment in internal combustion engines. The Nissan lineup currently includes two electric models. The Leaf hatchback has been on the market since 2011 and is currently in its second generation.It is available with two output versions: it is either the 148-horsepower (150-metric horsepower) and 236-lb (320 Nm) version or the one sporting 215 horsepower (218 PS). Customers can choose the 40lithium-ion battery or the 60 kWh pack. The Ariya crossover rounds up the Nissan electric lineup. On the market since 2020, the Ariya can be ordered with either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive and battery packs of either 63 kWh or 87 kWh.The most potent of the pack is the Ariya with 389 horsepower (394 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) in an all-wheel drive setup, for a run from 0 to 60 mph (0-97) in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph (200 kph).The 215-horsepower (218 PS) version, with an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, sits at the opposite end of the lineup as the entry-level version.Nissan has just unveiled the bold-looking Concept 20-23, in the shape of a small hatch which previews the upcoming Nissan Micra, set to arrive in 2025.The Japanese automaker is planning to launch 19 EVs worldwide before 2030. POTUS Joe Biden made history on Tuesday morning by becoming the first sitting commander-in-chief to join UAW on the picket line. But the way the President got there is even more interesting. Over 100 vehicles were forming the presidential motorcade. The Secret Service also added two dump trucks. Here's what happened. Photo: More Perfect Union on Twitter Photo: Brian Sullivan on Twitter 2nd of presidents motorcade heading to GM distribution center. First 50+ cars already rolled by. 100+ cars easy plus some medical support. Bonkers. pic.twitter.com/HreAcjq9Cs Brian Sullivan (@SullyCNBC) September 26, 2023 .@POTUS has arrived and is addressing striking UAW members. pic.twitter.com/zHPoCVchFb UAW (@UAW) September 26, 2023 After years of not asking for anything meaningful from their employers, unionized auto workers decided to take matters into their own hands and began striking. At first, they targeted three very: Ford's plant in Wayne, Michigan, Stellantis' factory in Toledo, Ohio, and General Motors' manufacturing facility in Wentzville, Missouri. All three are profitable locations for the auto groups known as "The Detroit Three" or "The Big Three."After some rounds of negotiations, the UAW leadership announced that Ford had made some concessions. However, it still wasn't enough. So, the strike was escalated. Dozens of Stellantis and GM parts distribution centers across 20 states temporarily closed because people walked out. The Blue Oval escaped this expansion because "it showed good faith," per UAW's leader Shawn Fain.In his live address, Fain also confirmed that Joe Biden would join UAW members in a strong show of support. It's not the first time a sitting president sided with the workers. However, it is a premiere. The commander-in-chief physically joined the picket lines, mingled with the people, and sent a clear message - executives should take their demands more seriously.But how he arrived at GM's Willow Run site sparked some controversy. A video published on Twitter by a CNBC reporter shows over 100 vehicles moving toward the historic location built by Henry Ford to manufacture warplanes (B-24 bombers).At the height of the war, over 42,000 Americans worked there. GM bought the plant in the '50s. It made automatic transmissions there. The auto giant almost demolished it all after filing for bankruptcy in 2009.As expected, most are law enforcement units. But that also indicates something else local police officers could have just wanted to be a part of this historical moment. So, they joined the motorcade and traveled in a predictable manner with the others responsible for security in the area.However, it's worth noting that we're in a race against time to fix global warming. Using well over 100 gas-powered vehicles (with most being heavy SUVs) to maybe see Joe Biden for a few seconds is not supportive of that long-term green goal.On top of that, the Secret Service blocked a round that led to GM's distribution center with two dump trucks. That, again, was an inefficient way to make use of available resources.POTUS underlined that auto workers saved the automobile industry during the massive 2008 financial crisis. "You gave up a lot when the companies were in trouble. Now, they're doing incredibly well. And guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too!" said the President.Some outlets wrongly reported that Joe Biden answered "Yes!" when asked if UAW members should get the 40% raise over four years they've been asking for. First off, they want a 36% raise. Second, the President said, "I think they should be able to bargain for that." Thus, Biden isn't publicly strongarming the Detroit Three into awarding massive raises.Finally, Elon Musk chimed in after the President's visit. "Sure way to drive GM, Ford, and Chrysler bankrupt in the fast lane," noted Tesla's CEO after pointing out the UAW's demands for a massive rise and a 32-hour workweek. Folks, I've been warning you that this moment would come for a couple of years now; affordable and solid e-bikes are now common ground. One crew carrying the e-torch is Ride1Up, and the Prodigy v2 is the machine, showing us that anything is possible in the right hands. CVT Continuously Variable Transmission Photo: Ride1Up Photo: Ride1Up Photo: Ride1Up Folks, Ride1Up is a crew from San Diego, America, and if the name sounds familiar , it might be because their name has graced our e-pages before. Some of their notable machines are the LMT'D, Roadster v2, Revv 1, and Gravel Roadster v2.Well, their newest addition to the family is the Prodigy v2, an e-bike that's available in four variations, each tuned to a particular type of rider and, above all, nearly any budget. For example, the first version boasts a traditional and chained 9-speed drivetrain, and here, a step-through and step-over option is available for $2,400 (2,270 at current exchange rates).However, the real ticket item is the) version, again offering both a step-through and step-over frame, but this time with a belt drive and Enviolo automatic shifting. These versions are only going to add on an extra $300, for $2,700 (2,550). However, it's a winner in my book, and we're going to look at why Since this is the version that Ride1Up - myself included - feels reflects the most optimized experience possible, let's start with it. Overall, the two frames are built out of good old aluminum. This ensures as light and strong a bike as possible while still leaving some cash in your wallet.Just how light are these babies? Well, according to the manufacturer's website, we're looking at a pair of beasts that weigh 61 lbs (28 kg) in their standard configuration. This may sound like quite a bit, but even with all the gear Ride1Up throws on, it's still within the average weight for an e-bike.Now, frame aside the centerpiece of the lineup , literally, is a Brose mid-mounted motor. Yes, a mid-mounted motor is fueling these class 3 e-bikes, and this configuration is the kind you want whenever you put a motor on a two-wheeler. Not only are they lighter than a hub motor of the same strength, but they offer better handling and typically tend to be much more powerful. For example, this little powerhouse crunches out 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) of torque, in line with the toughest e-MTBs around.There's just one catch to such a powerful motor: it can drain your battery as if it's a Carpi Sun in a 12-year-old's hands. So, to ensure that buyers of the v2 don't return it within the 30-day no-hassle period, Ride1Up throws on a massive 14 Ah battery to each of the v2's down tubes. Remember, you can catch 28 mph (45 kph) with this thing, and as you do, you'll fall anywhere between 30 to 50 mi (48 to 80 km) of riding.Moving on, some of the money you drop on this e-bike goes toward one very important system; some might even call it the heart of a bicycle. I'm talking about the drivetrain, and as you may have noticed in the image gallery, these babies are rocking Gates carbon belt drivetrains. This system alone is worth the $300 difference between these two classes of Prodigy v2.But, without trying to sound like a commercial, there's actually more. To help new riders fall in love with e-bikes, Ride1Up decided to throw on Enviolo's Trekking internal gear hub. After all, pedaling with a single-speed belt drivetrain wasn't going to be very easy and would put a whole lot of stress on your motor.Part two of this system is its ability to offer precise shifting under load, thanks to that CVT, and is smooth and quiet, leading to heightened ride comfort. The downside is that internal gearboxes tend to be heavier than a classic cassette, and CVT is sure to add even more weight to your setup. Thank god this thing is electric.All this is designed to amount to nothing more than one of the smoothest e-biking experiences you can get for this sort of cash, and to make it even smoother , a couple of other features need to be brought to light.At its base, the Prodigy v2 is rocking a pair of 27.5 in wheels with 2.25 in cross-section tires, the kind I rock on my MTB, and this is a city bike, so expect it to be smooth as silk. At this point, I don't even understand why Ride1Up even added a fork suspension, but then again, some city streets require such a tool.This brings me to my final analysis of the Prodigy v2. All this power, smoothness, and features that can handle quite the abuse lead me to believe that this e-bike can fare just fine outside the confines of the urban jungle. In short, take it out to the countryside, roam some gravel backroads, and, along the way, create a couple of new memories with your significant other while having lunch; cargo racks are included in the price I mentioned.At the end of the day, what are we looking at? Well, the Prodigy v2 comes across as strong and fast, that's for sure, but then it goes a bit further and steals the show with seamless shifting, plush rides, and the ability to extend beyond city streets. Worth it? Only one way to find out: a test ride! It is ironic that similar processes can bring diverse conclusions. Sandy Munro has torn down a few Tesla vehicles and was more often fascinated by the company's engineering solutions than by the flaws he and his team discovered. Another teardown report is not so favorable on Tesla. A Cybertruck assessment also puts the battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker's engineering under scrutiny. NVH Photo: Ryan Zohoury Photo: 057 Technology Photo: Nick Thomas BEV The report came from Astral Codex Ten, a blog about art, harmony, order, and all other meanings the Sanskrit word "rta" can have. In the comments section of an article reviewing Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk , one of the commenters identified only as BlueSilverWave. They said they were an automotive engineer who worked for one of the Big Three (GM, Ford, or Stellantis). Whatever their employer was, it tore down several Tesla vehicles, including an early Model X Founder's Edition.In this engineer's words, "their structures up to the Model 3 are quite inefficient and don't have great rigidity. The dimensional variation is shocking (far beyond even SBU, IYKYK)." IYKYK means "if you know, you know," which is probably the most precise use this acronym has ever had. In a quick search to learn what SBU means, I found two suitable meanings: "stratigraphic boundary uncertainty" and "sequential build-up." There are probably more meanings, but I obviously don't know what the author meant, only that SBU represents loose dimensional tolerance control.The engineer did not stop there. BlueSilverWave also wrote that "the hang-on parts are generally relatively poorly performing on their own. They can't touch our structural or powertrain durability tests." They also said that rate and handling are bad, ergonomics fails to meet package targets, and that noise, vibration, and harshness () level is poor, as well as sound quality. The engineer joked that "we pay JD Power far too much to find out just how bad the quality numbers are (hilariously bad)."BlueSilverWave stated that the only reason other car companies do not make a Tesla killer is that "our systems and processes prevent us from releasing something that half-baked." The engineer even stated that "if we put out a touchscreen that failed like that, we'd rightly be ridiculed." They were probably referring to the screens without automotive grade that leaked a goo and got yellow over time. Another possibility is that they were talking about the MCUv1 , the computer on the Model S and Model X that the company qualified as a wear part to try to escape a recall. The fact is that many things fit the description of "a touchscreen that failed like that," which only reinforces their point.The engineer's conclusion was that "Teslas just aren't very good" and that "it really makes you question the customer sometimes." BlueSilverWave added that "Musk's genius is in two very closely related areas: getting investors to give him an unlimited checkbook" and "getting customers to believe they're doing something new, novel, and important, in a way that lets him walk past screwing up things that legacy players get right as an inevitability."We can't say customers miss that. It is more likely that they prefer to oversee the flaws. I wrote in 2020 about a Tesla fan who said the company sold prototypes , not production vehicles. Ironically, Pete Gruber confirmed in 2021 that this was probably the case with the Roadster, considering how many design flaws the car presented. Buyer complaints are also increasing as Tesla reaches regular customers instead of its own advocates and investors.As for the engineers, I do not doubt that this is a widespread feeling that they share when they do not have to be diplomatic. Steve Girsky said recently that General Motors considered Tesla resumed to be "just a bunch of engineers playing with laptop batteries." The Nikola CEO worked for GM for seven years as a member of the board and was the company's vice chairman for four years. Another example came from BMW when its CEO said the German automaker would not use massive castings in its cars. According to Oliver Zipse, his company saw "much more efficient ways to build a car body."If that was not enough, a recent article from Fast Company said the Cybertruck would face several issues in reaching production because of its flat body panels. If you use regular steel to obtain stamped parts, they have to present curves to retain their shape and avoid vibration . Adrian Clarke said the Cybertruck body panels were prone to that, which causes discomfort to occupants and may also bring constructive issues, such as loosening bolts. The problem with the professional car designer's observations is that the Cybertruck adopts a thick stainless steel that cannot be stamped. It may only be folded, creating the first difficulty in manufacturing this vehicle. It may be the case that this harder stainless steel does not vibrate as much as regular steel.On the other hand, we're yet to understand how this ultra-hard material will behave in crash tests. Clarke believes it will not pass crash and pedestrian impact regulations, which is not unlikely. Current automobiles are frequently criticized for presenting soft body panels compared to classic cars. That's because they are like that on purpose: their exterior panels have the crucial function of absorbing energy so that an impact will not hurt the vehicle's occupants. Tesla has not disclosed a single video of crash test behavior for the Cybertruck so far. Either it adopted more flexible materials, or the electric pickup truck may really face homologation problems.Lately, we have been hearing that Tesla is giving signs that deliveries for its electric unibody pickup truck are close. Themaker closed its Kato Road battery manufacturing facility and excluded the Model Y with 4680 cells from its website. That would be a sign that it would focus on making the Cybertruck. Another one is that some reservation holders are not able to edit configurations anymore. What if it is the other way around and production has been delayed (again)? We'll only know for sure when Tesla sets a delivery date. Even if it is confirmed, Tesla may have decided to deliver prototypes that comply with regulations which is pretty weird. Its engineering should still be under scrutiny perhaps more visibly than ever as Musk's concerns about sub-10-micron tolerances demonstrate. As far as celebrity car ownership goes, Britney Spears' garage is perhaps the least interesting of all A-listers. Yet, some of the cars she drove over the years, while factory stock and far from impressive for a celebrity, have become icons on their own. Photo: Volo Auto Museum This is one such icon. It's been dubbed the "most dangerous car in Los Angeles," and it became the most photographed celebrity car of 2007, bar none. As Brian Grams, Director of the Volo Auto Museum, once said, some celebrities would give an arm and a leg to be able to get the kind of media coverage this car got on any given day in 2007.This was Britney Spears' car in the months following her filing for divorce from husband Kevin Federline. Ownership coincided with some of the most chaotic events in the pop star's life, which climaxed with her shaving her head, attacking the paparazzi with an umbrella, and eventually being put on an involuntary psychiatric hold that paved the way for a 13-year double conservatorship.This happened at a time when the paparazzi were always around Spears, often trying to provoke responses from her and filming her non-stop. That explains how the car became this famous and probably also accounts for some of the fender-benders she got into while at its wheel.This is a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 convertible, far from impressive on its own. In a world in which celebrities can dream up the most insane customizations and can afford to drive the latest and awesomest machines, Spears has always kept her auto tastes rather mundane.She bought the car new from the local dealership, and despite the repeated mishaps and the fact that it had become very recognizable, she enjoyed it for months in a row. She drove it often, be it to the recording studio, when running personal errands, or out partying.This convertible is the car she banged several times, even ending up with a hit-and-run charge, and got pulled over for speeding in. If you're a celebrity car collector looking for that "extra item to add to your lineup, it could be it. And it just so happens that it's for sale.The Volo Auto Museum in Illinois is looking to move some inventory, and the CLK350 is on that list. It's often been on display at the Museum and proven quite a hit with visitors but it's time for it to go, the Museum notes in the listing.Last registered with over 29,000 miles (46,700 km) on the odo, the factory-stock CLK350 comes with a 3.5-liter 268-hp engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and all-black exterior over all-black interior in premium leather.It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has 10-way power seats and memory positions, dual climate zones, auto headlights, one-touch windows, and keyless locks. There's a record of its many fender-benders, but it's been well maintained and, more importantly, comes with the kind of celebrity pedigree other cars can only dream of. Just imagine the stories it could tell...The fact that this is the car that Spears drove right before the conservatorship, which effectively annulled her right to drive herself , makes this rather unremarkable ride even more appealing . Estimated at $75,000, it's asking a hair under $70K, $69,998. The war in Ukraine has prompted investments in the defense industry the likes of which the world has probably not seen since the Second World War. Every single country with a solid military-industrial complex is presently not only arming itself but also spending billions on new weapons systems for future wars. America is of course at the forefront of this push, but of all its many military branches the U.S. Air Force (USAF) clearly stands out as the champion of spending and re-arming.From the modernization of the current airplane fleet to the research of new fighters, bombers, and weapons, the USAF seems determined to be unbeatable should the worst come to pass and war on a larger scale erupt.The latest development on the weapons front concerns a new Stand-in Attack Weapon (SIAW) the USAF plans to have made and operational by the year 2026. A weapon that saw the Air Force award a $705 million contract to Northrop Grumman this week for the development of prototypes and a limited number of flight tests.The Stand-In Attack Weapon is technically a missile that can be fired from the air and hit targets on the ground, from a far enough distance to allow its operators to escape both the weapon's effects and enemy fire.Its main goal will be to defeat "rapidly relocatable targets", meaning anything from command and control posts, missile launchers, jamming systems, or anything an enemy might use to support its main forces.The exact details of the SIAW have not been announced, but we do know it will likely be an evolution of the AGM-88 HARM. First fired in the early 1980s, it goes after electronic transmissions from enemy targets to blow them off the ground. The missile has been used extensively since its creation by the Navy, Marine Corps, and USAF, including during Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.Fired from airplanes, the missile can reach distances as large as 186 miles (300 km), depending on version, flying at speeds that can reach Mach 2.9 (2,225 mph/3,581 kph).The SIAW will build on the success of the HARM, but it will be built with an open architecture as to allow for the deployment of system upgrades. Northrop Grumman has three years to develop the missile. It will have to build prototypes for at least four guided flight tests, and come up with all the assets needed to put it through its paces.It's not clear at this point how much a single SIAW will end up costing. For reference, every time a HARM is fired anywhere between $280,000 and $800,000 (for the AGM-88E AARGM) go up in smoke and flames along with enemy assets. 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. Mayor Whanau promotes global vision through sister city ties, inclusive policies By Pyo Kyung-min Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, the first Maori leader of New Zealand's capital, is a bona fide K-drama enthusiast who brought her love for Korean culture to the political forefront during her visit to Seoul. The trip marks a significant step in international relations for Wellington as well as a showcase of how cultural passion can translate into political action. While in Seoul, she signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), elevating Seoul and Wellington's relationship to the sister city level, and took part in the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum. In an exclusive interview with The Korea Times, Whanau shared her excitement about the opportunity to sign the MOU herself. "The council has worked tirelessly to build this relationship with Seoul, something Wellington City has desired for a long time," Mayor Whanau said. "As a devoted fan of K-dramas, I felt truly honored to be the one signing the document." Her fascination with Korea began with her discovery of a drama called "Chief of Staff" in 2019. Since then, Whanau has been captivated by K-dramas, thanks to their high-quality storytelling and stunning visuals. Whanau's admiration for K-culture even extends to one actor in particular, Cha Eun-woo, known for "his high-quality emotional acting and striking visuals." "I've seen some dramas, like 'True Beauty,' where individuals face adversity, but through the narrative, they emerge in a better place. It's truly uplifting and embodies the spirit of hope, something Wellingtonians are all about," the mayor said. Notably, Whanau pointed out that Korean culture's popularity is on the rise in Wellington. "It's quite funny, especially considering that the mayor is the biggest fan," she chuckled. "If you were to look at the Netflix rankings in Wellington, you'd often find K-dramas at the top. In fact, we have a K-culture festival coming up soon due to its immense popularity." In addition to her task of elevating the relationship between Seoul and Wellington, Mayor Whanau emphasized the importance of inclusivity in community-building during the gathering of city leaders from across the globe. "I spoke about how our Indigenous people should have more say in our decision-making processes, an approach we've already implemented with our Maori communities," she explained. "We also prioritize the voices of marginalized groups, including youth, the disabled and the rainbow community. By actively involving these communities in policy discussions, we aim to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives in Wellington." Whanau highlighted her commitment to minorities and youth, stating that young people, who are often underrepresented in government policies, represent the future. "I know that young people are underrepresented when it comes to local government or senior government, but they are the ones that are going to have to live in the future that we build for them. So one of the main reasons I ran for mayor was to focus on youth, to build a strong community for them. Their insights are invaluable, especially regarding pressing issues like the housing market and climate change, which directly impact their prospects," she said. The Wellington mayor also addressed the declining birthrates in both Korea and New Zealand, recognizing the concerns of younger generations about their future. "The younger generations are so worried about their future. I would much like to set up a city that can look after our young people first. I think that's why policies like those for young people are mandatory because they need to know that their local government or central government is going to be there for them, to provide for them. So I thought a collaborative youth policy of Seoul and Wellington is crucial to get our healthy cities back on track." Her ambitions extend beyond cultural exchange and inclusivity as Wellington's digital twin initiative won the inaugural Seoul Smart City Prize during the mayors' summit. Whanau noted that her city plans to make the digital twin technology used in smart city projects freely available to cities around the world. "We're working on various programs, including the release of digital twin technology for free. This technology allows us to visualize the climate impact on our city, assess different actions and outcomes and raise awareness about the importance of climate policy and commitment levels," she said. Whanau emphasized Wellington's aim to become a globally connected, inclusive and future-focused city. "The potential to replicate this technology globally is substantial. It equips cities with the tools to make informed decisions and reduce emissions, a cause I wholeheartedly support." 26 September 2023 12:30 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Immediately after the successful anti-terrorist operation conducted by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory to eradicate the separatist regime and its junta, which eventually led to the capitulation of the latter, many EU countries and institutions issued some reproach, some of them accusing Azerbaijan, and this is not the first time when the pressure of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the world influences the decision, as well as the accusations made by countries and politicians, either in defence of their interests, which is more likely, or in defence of separatism. No good faces are seen. Germany was one of the European countries that recognised Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. However, after the latest anti-terrorist measures, Germany joined the joint statement against Azerbaijan among 27 EU countries. Germany threatened Azerbaijan with a revision of economic ties because of Garabagh. On 20 September, Chairman of the Bundestag (German parliament) Committee on Foreign Policy Michael Roth (Social Democratic Party of Germany) called on the German authorities to send a signal to the Azerbaijani leadership about the need to stop the military operation in Garabagh. He told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. "We must send a clear signal to Baku that we simply do not accept this cold-blooded aggression," Roth argued. "It goes without saying that this includes, in case a country with which one is trading resorts to military force, a review of economic relations," he warned. According to the MP, it would be impossible to act as usual if a new war broke out that "threatens peace, stability and security in the entire region". Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann of the Free Democratic Party, chairwoman of the Bundestag's defence committee, spoke in a similar vein. "We must send a clear signal to Baku," she wrote on her X social media page (formerly Twitter). This is not the first time when after anti-terrorist measures carried out by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory, the EU countries speak, accused and "threatened" when after about 33 years of silence those countries that did not speak out and did not support Azerbaijan and its people during the occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia and the expulsion of more than one million people from their native lands, found the "conscience" to make accusations. The accusations of the Bundestag Chairman are not accepted and are reduced to minted coins in their pockets. Pursuing personal goals and interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan is not acceptable. Threatening the winning country to revise its economic relations with Germany is not a solution, and it is not worth a word for the Bundestag Speaker, which will eventually affect the reputation of the latter. What personal goals are pursued by all those politicians who started their accusatory path towards Azerbaijan is clear from the fact that there are lies in their statements. Azerbaijan did not bomb or kill civilians on the territory of Garabagh, and no one started the war in the end, and they should take this into account. One should be sufficiently informed before making such statements, and this applies to all those who "supported" and "is supporting" Azerbaijan. Germany is the absolute leader among the EU countries, according to the data as of the end of July 2023, where the expenditure of military equipment for Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war, reached $20 billion dollars. Perhaps Michael Roth was wrong in his statements and quietly admits it. I would like to draw the attention of Bundestag Speaker Michael Roth to the pro-Armenian German journalist Laura Cwiertnia from the German news outlet DIEZEIT (ZEITONLINE), who is propagandising against Azerbaijan, being the daughter of an Armenian, turning a German newspaper into a pro-Armenian platform, expressing anti-Azerbaijani hatred. Relations between the German and Azerbaijani peoples have long historical roots. In the XIX century, a group of German families moved to the territory of Azerbaijan. They played an important role in the development of viticulture and winemaking, as well as made a great contribution to the development of other branches of the economy. The first German settlement in Azerbaijan - Elenendorf was founded 7-8 kilometres from Ganja in the village of Khanarkhli (now the town of Goygol). Subsequently, a second settlement, Annenfeld, was founded on the territory of Shamkir, located 35 kilometres northwest of Ganja. Later, Germans settled in these districts and founded new residential areas in Ganja and Gazakh districts: Georgsfeld (Chinarli village in Shamkir), Alekseevka, Greenfeld (Hasansu village in Agstafa), Eigenfeld (Irmashli village in Shamkir), Traubenfeld (Tovuz town), Elizavetinka (Agstafa town). Given the above facts, Germany should keep the nations out of its self-serving agenda. Germany within the EU should be objective and stay out of some corrupted politicians who consequently receive proper punishment facing courts. Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 15:30 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more Despite many obstacles, Azerbaijan put an end to separatism in Garabagh. In parallel, defining the borders between Azerbaijan and Armenia remains a separate mission. In all these directions, the biased approach of the West to the ongoing processes is one of the facts that becomes a special factor in complicating the issue. In this regard, the recent increase in groundless accusations of the European Union against Azerbaijan can be cited as an example. However, the European Union's non-objective remarks about Azerbaijan are a tradition rooted in the political system of some of its member states. Furthermore, the West, which turns a blind eye to them, adds fuel to the tension in the name of creating peace in the South Caucasus. In the worst case, it misleads leaders like Pashinyan, whose words have no value. As I mentioned earlier, the most important thing is to define the borders and sign the peace agreement. But I wonder if Pashinyan will justify himself in this direction? Or will the prime minister take an adequate step in opening the only communication line for the sake of the financial well-being of his country? In order to clarify the questions, we studied the opinion of Pavel Klachkov, a Russian political scientist, director of the branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, and candidate of philosophical sciences. In his comment to Azernews, the expert noted that countries like Armenia do not come to a joint agreement through the mediation of the West. Of course, they have a collective opinion on some issues. However, when analyzing the current Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, this situation is not considered completely acceptable. According to the political scientist, the traditional supporter of Armenia is France. However, the domestic and foreign policies of France have already become a more priority issue for her. "Currently, there are major problems in the domestic politics of France. They are just an inch away from losing Africa or rather all their colonies in Africa. This is an almost irreversible process for them. Therefore, it would be wrong to say that France is now at the peak of its power. Moreover, in such a situation, it is unlikely that France will be able to provide military support to Armenia. Although France provides diplomatic, financial, and technological support to Armenia, it is still a waste of time, money, and effort," Klachkov opined. According to the Russian pundit, the leadership of Azerbaijan is conducting a perfect policy by making accurate calculations. Azerbaijan knows well when and what can be done. Therefore, Azerbaijan is undoubtedly considered a strong side in the current conflict. In certain circumstances, it can even dictate its will in the context of demarcation. It is very important to understand the extent to which this will can be dictated just for it to be effective. "As for the opening of the Zangazur Corridor, Azerbaijan has full support from Turkiye in this matter. It must be admitted that currently, Azerbaijan is operating very successfully. It is true that there are certain problems with Iran, but through interaction with Russia, this issue can easily be resolved. Since Azerbaijan and Russia have very competent and strong relations, no mistakes can be made here. Reaching an agreement with the West regarding the opening of the Zangazur Corridor will not bring any serious results. The West is simply powerless in some aspects to solve the situation in the South Caucasus because nothing good can be expected from them. Perhaps the West can make a positive turn in the direction of trade or certain solutions to some problems. However, it cannot resort to any military changes in the Caucasus. No matter how much the West tries to prevent, Russia will continue to create balance in this region," the expert underlined. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations have turned into a particular interstate example both politically and globally. This is also the selfless support of two states with the same language, religion, and roots. As a nation, they commonly fought shoulder to shoulder in Canakkale in the fight for the homeland 108 years ago. In 2020, it was brotherly Turkiye that gave the biggest support to Azerbaijan in its more than three-decade -struggle to end the Armenian occupation. By the way, Turkiye's support does not end only with the military alliance, the unshakable unity of the two brotherly states is showing its influence in the fight against the biased policy of the West in the ongoing processes related to Garabagh. 7 days ago, at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's decisive speech supporting Azerbaijan's sovereign right over Garabagh and the opening of the Zangazur Corridor was one of the most historically important moments for Azerbaijan. At the same time, President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated the support given to Azerbaijan by Turkish President R.T. Erdogan during his speech at the UN General Assembly. In general, whether Turkiye stood by Azerbaijan during the Patriotic War, or the Shusha Declaration, which was signed jointly after that and raised the relations between the two countries to a new level, were steps taken for greater prospects in the future. Today, the fruit of those useful steps is yielding its results. It should be noted that the trade turnover between the two countries exceeds 6 billion dollars. This turnover increased by 40 percent in seven months of this year. Now the goal is to increase the trade turnover to 15 billion dollars. Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline and new railway line The Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, of which the first memorandum of understanding on its construction was signed on December 15, 2020, was finally inaugurated by the heads of the two brotherly countries after three years. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Nakhchivan and comprehensive talks with President Ilham Aliyev actually prepared new contours for the region in the near future. In this regard, the strategic importance of the gas project is extremely important. The construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline is also an important event in the history of our brotherly relations, and it must give a new impetus to the development of Azerbaijan's strategic relations. This project is also expected to ensure the energy security of Nakhchivan to a greater extent. At the Nakhchivan meeting, an exchange of views was held regarding the expansion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Also, it is planned to increase the capacity of this road from 1 million to 5 million tons in the coming months. In addition, the construction of the railway connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and Turkiye is also progressing successfully. Works in the territory of Azerbaijan should be completed by the end of next year. Construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway, which once again makes Armenia offside "The signing of the protocol of intent on the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway is also a historic event. I am sure that this project will be successfully implemented and serve the interests of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and other countries as a part of the Middle Corridor. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed it during the signing of the memorandum of intent on the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway together with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the President, a similar meeting was held on the opening of the TANAP pipeline. However, today documents are being signed on the opening of the gas pipeline connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and at the same time with Turkiye. This is indeed a historic event and at the same time an extremely important opportunity for neighboring countries that can think rationally. However, ongoing processes show that Armenia remains on the sidelines. And if Armenia chose the right path, it could participate in this project through the Zangazur Corridor and benefit from it. Now, Azerbaijan is already working on Iran, that is, a new railway is being built across Iran. The new road that will go from Zangilan to Iran, from there to Nakhchivan, and connect to the Turkish railway line, forms a new transport landscape in the region. It is for this reason that the railway from Kars to Nakhchivan is being built. Nakhchivan under Armenian blockade for 103 years The blockade of Nakhchivan by Armenia for more than a century can be considered the cruelest aggression of the past hundred years. Besides, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia's non-constructive policy in the last thirty years inflicted further damage to the regions economic welfare. After the separation of Western Zangazur from Azerbaijan by the Soviet authorities in 1920, the geographical connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan was cut off. During the military aggression of Armenia in the 1990s, Armenia cut off all electricity and gas lines of Nakhchivan, and Nakhchivan was practically under blockade. Azerbaijanis living in Nakhchivan lived without gas for 15 years. According to the agreement signed with Iran in 2005, the supply of gas from Iran to Nakhchivan was ensured through exchange. Currently, the construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline will create conditions for supplying natural gas to Nakhchivan through the second line. End of separatism and hubbub of "blockade" allegation Exactly six days ago, Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty by disarming the separatist forces in Garabagh in just 23 hours and 43 minutes. Although the occupation ended in 2020 as a result of the Second Garabagh War, Armenia did not fully comply with the act of capitulation signed on November 10. Neither separatists nor illegal weapons were withdrawn from Garabagh. Following this, on April 23 of this year, Azerbaijan fully restored its territorial integrity by setting up a State Border Checkpoint in the direction of Azerbaijans Lachin district bordering Armenia. By doing so, Azerbaijan also cut off the food pipe of separatism through which the only illegal ammunition was sent to terrorist groups concentrated in certain places of Azerbaijans Garabagh. Trying to turn this into an excuse, Armenia started a slander campaign under the name of a new "blockade" right before international organizations. This campaign was further forged by the special initiative of Yerevan and was transformed into the "hunger" campaign. It was time to put an end to all of it, and the latest deadly landmine terror by separatist remnants triggered anti-terrorist measures; less than a day later, the Armenian army, illegally settled in the territory of Azerbaijan, surrendered and accepted the terms set by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is experiencing historic moments - our historic victory in the Second Garabagh War, and the restoration of our sovereignty as a result of a successful operation six days ago are historic events, and we are rightfully proud of them. Fuel, food products, medicines, etc. sent from Azerbaijan to the Armenian population living in the Garabagh region is a humane act of Azerbaijan in exchange for all aggressions of Armenia and their separatist vassals. This once again shows that people living in the Garabagh region are citizens of Azerbaijan, regardless of their nationality. Their safety and security rights will be ensured by the state of Azerbaijan. The Yevlakh meeting held a few days ago and the second meeting held yesterday increased confidence that the process of integration of the Armenian population living in Garabagh into Azerbaijani society continues rapidly and successfully. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 11:40 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more On November 2, 2023, the international investment and consulting company ASER, jointly with the Great Stone Industrial Park, with the support of the Belarussian Embassy in Azerbaijan, will hold a seminar on trade, economic and investment cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus at the Hyatt Regency Baku hotel, Azernews reports with reference to the press service of ASER. The purpose of the seminar is to look through business opportunities for cooperation and build relationships between Azerbaijani and Belarusian businesses. Owners, representatives and top managers of large companies, including manufacturing, logistics, financial and consulting companies will attend the seminar. The company noted that the Belorussian businessmen are interested in cooperation with the Azerbaijani side in the fields of export, import, food production, engineering, chemicals and other industries. The seminar is expected to be opened by the Economic Counselor of the Belarusian Embassy in Azerbaijan Tatyana Zubritskaya. It is planned to discuss such topics as the prospects for investment, trade, and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus; activities of the Great Stone Industrial Park; history of creation and goals of business in Belarus; trends and new solutions in logistics; modern approaches to the design of logistics centers and production facilities. --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 18:10 (UTC+04:00) Within the framework of the 2nd meeting of agriculture ministers of the OTS member states, the current state of cooperation in the agrarian sphere and prospects for the future cooperation were discussed in detail, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov telling at the press conference. "We closely cooperate with Turkic states in the field of agriculture at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Increase in trade turnover of agricultural and food products, promotion of mutual investments, transfer of modern technologies in the field of agriculture, reciprocal exchange of best practices, effective management of land and water resources, promotion of agricultural insurance system, and other topics have been identified as the main directions of further cooperation between the participating countries. All these directions were reflected in the communique that my colleagues and I signed following today's meeting," Mammadov said. He noted that the Azerbaijani side proposed to create a single digital agro-data platform of the Turkic states and joint production of agricultural and food products under the TDT brand (OTS-Made). Majnun Mammadov added that the representatives of Turkic countries participating in the Forum have reached an agreement to carry out work in this direction. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 27 September 2023 00:45 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more We are in Konya with the special support of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and, the capital of the ancient Seljuk state, the land of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and many other divines, friends of Allah the country that raises the flag of Islam on its soil. This city, which has preserved its antiquity, gives a person the feeling of living in the 10th-12th centuries at the very first sight. Behind us, this building stands out for its simple but magnificent style and comforting appearance. Small graves can be seen along the side walls of the mosque from the courtyard to the entrance. These graves at least preserve a history of more than seven centuries and also show that Konya is the land of Sufis. Since the Seljuk state was founded in 1037, the sultans who led the state have constantly started to carry out strong reforms in the direction of developing science and Islamic culture. Today's Turkiye, which would once become the cradle of the Islamic culture, and its ancient capital, Konya, invited scholars from the east to the country. Maulana, whose real name is Jalaluddin Muhammed, was born on September 30, 1207, in the city of Balkh in what is now northern Afghanistan. He then left Balkh due to some political events and the Mongol invasion. Having lived in Mecca, Medina, Damascus, and various cities of Anatolia, Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi and his family came to Konya upon the invitation of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. He started teaching religious sciences in Konya in 1240. His paths crossed with Dervish Sams Tabrizi in 1244 in Konya and Sams was to only one he had conversations with for some time. There is more to talk about these two famous Sufis who then captivated many hearts in the worlds fascinating place by destroying all stereotypes about the religion of Islam. It is indeed, the religion about truth and is an adverse enemy of terrorism and discrimination. On a visit to the mosque of Maulana Jalauddin Rumi, our tour guide Mehmet Donmez shared some interesting historical facts exclusively with Azernews. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 Our visit to Konya just coincided with the anniversary of a great scholar who has become a symbol of love, peace, brotherhood, and tolerance. Starting the trip by visiting Maulana is a must as this magnificent city is blessed with his holy and uplifting spirit. Behind this wonderful spiritual secret is the heavenly knowledge of Sufism and the unity of the human soul between the earth and the sky, which means also a celestial world. It is not for nothing that Konya is also a city of whirling dervishes who have been specially trained for more than a couple of years to perform this ritual properly. This is not a matter of physical ability but the human perception of the heavenly power and most importantly to be able to create a connection between earth and heaven. During the trip, we visited a variety of places that once functioned as dervish schools, but now have been turned into museums. Note that Konyas municipality and Culture Ministry have given much love to make museums attractive and rich in information about the past millennium. Another museum in Konya was IRFA (Irfan Civilization Research and Culture Center). The place we visited completely reflected the silhouette of the life of people who lived about eight centuries ago during Seljuks and the most useful information was provided by our tour leader Mehmet Donmez again sharing his historical knowledge with us. Your browser doesn't support video. Please download the file: video/mp4 To recall, from September 16 to October 23, a large-scale project called "Turkiye Culture Route Festivals" covering five cities of the country is being implemented under the organization of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project, which was founded for the first time in 2021 with the "Beyoglu Culture Route Festival" in Istanbul, and held in Ankara, Canakkale, Diyarbakr, Konya and Nevsehir in 2022, was organized in a particularly large format this year on the occasion of the 100th year of the Republic of Turkiye. The aim of the project is to introduce and promote Turkiye's rich cultural heritage, art, unique cuisine in each region, and historical monuments - in short, a colorful cultural and tourism palette to the world. This time, "Turkiye Culture Route Festivals" is expanding covering five cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, Canakkale, Konya, and Diyarbakr, and hundreds of events are planned to be held as well. In fact, this year, the route plan of the "Turkiye Culture Route Festivals" should have covered a total of 11 city provinces, including Gaziantep, which is known for its rich culinary culture and has been included in the UNESCO list. However, the country-wide consequences of the earthquake and disaster that occurred on February 6 and caused great loss and destruction in Gaziantep province changed the project's routes and time-space program. And events were organized within the framework of the project in several previously planned cities (including Trabzon and Nevsehir in August). As regards the events in Konya, this is not the end of our trip - there are still charming music festivals waiting for us and interesting moments that keep thousands of historical secrets of Konya like a treasure. So to explore more together just stay with us Exclusive by Elnur Enveroglu from Konya, Turkiye --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 10:43 (UTC+04:00) The central government of Azerbaijan sent medical aid to Khankendi, Azernews reports. A medical vehicle equipped with medicine stock, first aid kits and supplies was set off on the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khankendi road. Aid is intended for those injured in the explosion of a gasoline tanker in the city. It should be noted that an explosion took place at a gas station near Khankendi at night. As a result of the explosion of the gas tank, several people died and injured. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 11:50 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President's Administration issued a statement on providing humanitarian aid to the people of Khankendi, Azernews reports. The statement reads: In accordance with the request made by the representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan at the meeting held in Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, 4 trucks with a total of 40 tons of flour, sanitary products and bedding for 500 people, as well as to provide assistance to the people injured in an explosion at a filling station near the city of Khankendi, another ambulance with burn-treating medical supplies, dressing supplies, gloves, pharmaceutical products for 200 people have been dispatched via the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khankendi Road on September 26. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 13:25 (UTC+04:00) On September 26, the delegation led by the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakl visited the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Alley of Martyrs and Baku Turkish Martyrs' Memorial, Azernews reports. The delegation first paid tribute to Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijanis, and the architect and founder of the modern independent state of Azerbaijan, and laid a wreath in front of his grave in the Alley of Honor. The delegation visited the grave of prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, as well. Then the delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs, commemorated martyrs who lost their lives in the struggle for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and laid a wreath in front of the Eternal Torch monument. At the end, the delegation visited the Baku Turkish Martyrs' Memorial monument and placed a wreath at the Memorial. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stern warning against North Korea on Tuesday, saying the regime will be brought to an end by the South Korea-U.S. alliance if it uses nuclear weapons. Yoon made the remark during a speech marking the 75th Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on Oct. 1 and commemorates the founding of the country's armed forces. "The North Korean regime must clearly realize that nuclear weapons will never be able to guarantee its security," he said during a commemorative ceremony held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital, noting the regime has been upgrading its nuclear and missile capabilities in defiance of the international community's warnings and "blatantly threatening" to use nuclear weapons. "This constitutes an existential threat to our people and a grave challenge to world peace," he continued. "Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance." Yoon also accused the North of human rights violations. "The North Korean regime's obsession with the development of nuclear weapons aggravates the North Korean people's suffering," he said. "It continues to exploit and oppress its people, and violate their human rights." Yoon said South Korea will further strengthen security cooperation with the United States and Japan based on its "ironclad" alliance with Washington, and establish a strong security posture by standing in close solidarity with its partner nations. "On top of this, our people will never be deceived by the fake peace tricks of North Korea's communist regime, its followers and anti-state forces," he said. (Yonhap) 26 September 2023 15:15 (UTC+04:00) We are in regular contact with ICRC and also directly with representatives of the Armenian residences of Garabagh to be responsive to humanitarian needs on the ground, Azernews reports, citing a post on X by Hikmet Hajiyev, the Assistant of the Azerbaijani President and the Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration. Hikmet Hajiyev noted that since yesterday hospitals in Agdam, Sabirabad, and Saatly regions of Azerbaijan vocated to receive a substantial number of patients from Khankandi and these hospitals were reinforced with additional medical staff. He added that medicines and other medical stuff, especially to treat burns have been sent. Additionally, food aid was also delivered. It will be continued today and following days as well. "Helicopter with medical team was ensured with access from Armenia to Karabakh to take the persons in need of medical support and provide medical care on the ground. - We are currently working on providing ICRC with exceptional access through Gorus-Gafan-Eyvazli-Fuzuli-Shusha-Khankandi road for medical evacuations and aid delivery," Hikmet Hajiyev noted. We are in regular contact with @ICRC and also directly with representatives of armenian residences of Karabakh to be responsive to humanitarian needs on the ground. - Since yesterday hospitals in Agdam, Sabirabad and Saatly regions of Azerbaijan vocated to receive substantial Hikmet Hajiyev (@HikmetHajiyev) September 26, 2023 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 17:35 (UTC+04:00) An abandoned military stronghold not far away from civilian compounds has been identified in the Khojaly district, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. Azernews presents the footage: --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 19:45 (UTC+04:00) On October 10, the Heydar Aliyev Center will host the presentation of the documentary film "Leader's Heart," Azernews reports. The film written by the first deputy general director of TASS information agency, Honored journalist of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Gusman, is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The film covers the period when the National Leader Heydar Aliyev returned to political power in Azerbaijan at the insistence of the people and led the country. In the screenplay, it is emphasized that such a return happened for the first time in the history of the world. The choice of October 10 for the presentation of the film is not accidental. Thus, October 10 is the day when National Leader Heydar Aliyev was sworn in after being elected President for the first time in 1993. Heydar Aliyev played an important role in the history of the Azerbaijani people and left an indelible mark on world politics. The documentary film "Heart of a Leader" also includes Mikhail Gusman's conversations about Heydar Aliyev with Bill Clinton, George Bush, Jacques Chirac, Madeleine Albright, Tony Blair, Zbigniew Brzezinski and other world politicians. It was during Heydar Aliyev's time that official Baku strengthened its position in the international arena, increased the number of its strategic partners, and Azerbaijan's diplomacy in organizations such as the OSCE and the UN became intensive. Far-seeing politician Heydar Aliyev managed to direct large-scale investments of foreign companies to Azerbaijan and to sign the "Contract of the Century". In the film, it is possible to listen to Heydar Aliyev's exclusive interviews with Mikhail Gusman, his valuable opinions, and see rare archival footage related to his political activities. Filming took place in Moscow, Baku and Nakhchivan, the birthplace of the National Leader. The director of the documentary "Heart of a Leader" is Valery Spirin, the screenwriter is Marina Denisevich. The People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Polad Bulbuloglu, composed a song for the film based on the poems of poet Yuri Ryashentsev. The film was made in Azerbaijani and Russian languages. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 19:20 (UTC+04:00) Former President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2012-2017) and Board of Trustees Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Rosen Plevneliev has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President, It is a great honor for me to congratulate you on your continued work and achieved historic results on guaranteeing the territorial sovereignty and integrity of your great country Azerbaijan. I fully support and value your commitment to the reintegration of the Karabakh Armenians, guaranteeing their rights and always supporting the different cultural and religious believes. We are so proud that Azerbaijan represents and always supported the tolerance and understanding between different ethnical and religious communities. By wishing you success on your endeavors, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances highest respect and consideration. Rosen Plevneliev President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2012-2017) Board of Trustees Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 19:34 (UTC+04:00) MP Ganira Pashayeva, who was hospitalized in the Central Clinical Hospital on September 23 due to health problems, is being treated in the intensive care unit, Azernews reports. From the first day, issues related to the MP's health have been under the control of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva. Employees of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation are in constant contact with the medical staff of the Central Clinical Hospital and the medical specialists who were involved in the consultation from Turkiye on the instructions of Mehriban Aliyeva. In addition to the Turkish doctor who was invited to Baku, consultations are regularly held with other doctors in Turkiye through the video format. During the next concilium, Ganira Pashayeva's health condition was assessed once again. New medicaments have been prescribed to the treatment protocols required in the resuscitation conditions of the Central Clinical Hospital. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 20:30 (UTC+04:00) Former Deputy Prime Minister of Romania, and the member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Ana Birchall sent a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, I congratulate you on reclaiming the internationally accepted and recognized territories of Azerbaijan and giving a chance to the region finally to step in to the new possibilities of prosperity and development of South Caucasus. Mr. President, your vision and commitment to the development ties with EU, supporting Ukraine, respect to the nations with different cultures and religions is very important for us. In particular, please allow me, Mr. President, to thank you for always supporting and deepening the strategic partnership between Romania and Azerbaijan, a partnership that you know it is very dear to my heart. Looking forward to seeing Your Excellency at our annual Global Baku Forum. Best regards, Ana Birchall, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Romania 2018-2019, Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The informational and fact-finding visit of 150 travel bloggers from the Gulf countries and Europe to Kyrgyzstan has ended, the Department of Tourism reported, Azernews reports, citing Kabar. During the trip, bloggers shared their impressions of their first visit to Kyrgyzstan, where they were amazed by the beauty of the country and plan to visit it again. In order to popularize tourism in Kyrgyzstan, a large-scale information campaign called Get lost to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan was carried out. As part of this campaign, a delegation from the United Arab Emirates consisting of 150 people visited Bishkek. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2023 20:20 (UTC+04:00) Turkish security forces neutralized two YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. The terrorists, who opened harassing fire on Turkish soldiers, were taken down in the Operation Olive Branch zone near Turkish border with Syria, the ministry said in a statement. Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019). Turkish authorities use the term neutralized to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured. In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US and the EU has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a stern warning against North Korea on Tuesday, saying the regime will be brought to an end by the South Korea-U.S. alliance if it uses nuclear weapons. Yoon made the remark during a speech marking the 75th Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on Oct. 1 and commemorates the founding of the country's armed forces. "The North Korean regime must clearly realize that nuclear weapons will never be able to guarantee its security," he said during a commemorative ceremony held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital, noting the regime has been upgrading its nuclear and missile capabilities in defiance of the international community's warnings and "blatantly threatening" to use nuclear weapons. "This constitutes an existential threat to our people and a grave challenge to world peace," he continued. "Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance." Yoon also accused the North of human rights violations. "The North Korean regime's obsession with the development of nuclear weapons aggravates the North Korean people's suffering," he said. "It continues to exploit and oppress its people, and violate their human rights." Yoon said South Korea will further strengthen security cooperation with the United States and Japan based on its "ironclad" alliance with Washington, and establish a strong security posture by standing in close solidarity with its partner nations. "On top of this, our people will never be deceived by the fake peace tricks of North Korea's communist regime, its followers and anti-state forces," he said. Yoon vowed to do all he can as commander-in-chief to build a strong military that instills fear in the enemy and trust in the people, saying, "We have learned from history that only a strong military can guarantee true peace." He referred to the Washington Declaration he adopted with U.S. President Joe Biden during their summit in April and the South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation framework established during a trilateral summit at Camp David last month. Both mechanisms, he said, will help strengthen deterrence against North Korea's nuclear program. Yoon also stressed the importance of developing cutting-edge defense technology, such as the AI-based Manned-Unmanned Teaming System, and space, cyber and electromagnetic weaponry. "The government will double its support so that the defense industry a future growth engine that is driving the cutting-edge industries can contribute to national security and grow into a leading sector that drives economic progress," Yoon said. "Solid support will be provided to our soldiers in all areas, including wages, military supplies, meals, housing and medical care, to improve their combat capabilities," he added. A large-scale military parade is scheduled to take place in central Seoul later Tuesday as part of the commemorations, featuring some 4,000 troops and over 170 pieces of military equipment, including K2 battle tanks, the country's new "high-power" missile, and attack drones, according to defense officials. It will be the first such parade since 2013. The country has usually held a military parade every five years in time for Armed Forces Day, but the preceding Moon Jae-in government skipped the event amid its push for inter-Korean reconciliation. (Yonhap) South Korea's military showcased "high-power" missiles and other key weapons systems Tuesday to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces in an apparent warning against North Korea's nuclear and military threats. A total of nine transporter erector launchers carrying Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missiles paraded through a runway at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam in a ceremony marking the landmark anniversary as Seoul seeks to bolster its response capabilities against Pyongyang's evolving nuclear and missile threats. South Korea has developed a series of Hyunmoo missiles, including ballistic and cruise-type ones, as centerpieces of Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR), an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in case of a major conflict. KMPR is a pillar of the country's three-axis deterrence structure that includes the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform and the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. The military did not disclose which Hyunmoo missiles were on display in line with the secrecy surrounding them. The newest Hyunmoo missile, called the Hyunmoo-5, is known to be able to carry a warhead weighing 8-9 tons and capable of destroying underground bunkers. The ceremony also showcased other weapons systems utilized in the country's three-pronged system, including the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system under development, which was unveiled to the public for the first time. The L-SAM is designed to shoot down an incoming ballistic missile at altitudes of 50-60 kilometers and is expected to be a key element of the KAMD program. Under light autumn rain, some 6,000 troops and over 200 pieces of equipment, including K2 main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, also joined the major show of force at the airbase. Due to the weather, the military cancelled performances by the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team as well as formation flights by helicopters and warplanes, including the country's KF-21 jet under development and F-35A stealth fighters. The country has usually marked its military founding anniversary in time for Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the service of military personnel and falls on Oct. 1. Later in the day, the troops displayed at Seoul Air Base will be mobilized for a military parade in downtown Seoul, marking the first one of its kind since 2013. (Yonhap) Yes, it is a kind thing to do, and a way that our county, our state can aid in this tremendous effort toward local federal foreign aid; and now, thankfully, in great abundance. No, our Constitutional Republic WILL NOT continue to exist, as our United States of America, if we do not control our sovereign borders, to protect our citizens, to keep them solvent and safe. I only consider what is topical and popular since my friends, too, only care to do the same. 99 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? The Earth's surface area is covered with more plant life today than 50 years ago - because, yes, carbon is plant food and surface temperatures are a little higher. I'm pro-environment. Clean air. Clean water. Preserving national parks. Ironically these things are put on the back... pic.twitter.com/bmGDQg7Guo Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 31, 2023 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been making the legacy media rounds slamming thenarrative, deeming the latest pundit talking point aafter hitting the issue during last week's GOP debate.Ramaswamay argued during an interview with MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell that technology powered by fossil fuels significantly reduced climate-related deaths after Mitchell attempted to corner him for claiming during the debate thatMitchell cited a recent U.N. agency report that said extreme weather events compounded by climate change caused the death of two million people in the last 50 years. The GOP presidential hopeful countered the claim, citinghe said, appearing to reference recent data on climate disaster-related deaths published by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post.Ramaswamy said.As highlighted by Forbes, a 2021 study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found thatMitchell then pointed to Hurricane Idalia as an example, citing former St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster, who reportedly said he's never seen anything like the natural disaster. Before Mitchell could move forward in her interview with Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old Republican interjected.he said.Mitchell said,Ramaswamy interjected again.After he made similar arguments in the first GOP primary debate, left-leaning fact-checkers took aim at Ramaswamy's claims. PolitiFact, which gave arating to his primary argument, did acknowledge, however, that deaths from climate disasters are down.PolitiFact went on to assert thatDuring an interview with TMZ, Ramaswamy similarly challenged hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere's climate change arguments by pointing out variables relating to deaths and survival rates in the climate narrative.Levin said.After reiterating similar talking points he'd given on MSNBC less than 48 hours earlier, Ramaswamy said, Stay up to date on vaccines Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine when authorized and available this fall. Get your seasonal flu vaccine People 60 years and older should talk to their doctors about whether an RSV vaccine might also be good for them. Practice basic protective measures, like washing your hands, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, cleaning surfaces often and staying home when sick. Consider an extra layer of protection of masks in higher risk indoor settings and/or if an individual is high risk. Check the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard for up-to-date information on respiratory virus activity, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. NC Department of Health and Human Services 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2001 Ph : (919) 855-4840 : (919) 855-4840 news@dhhs.nc.gov During the current period where COVID-19 cases are increasing, treatment is readily available and appropriate for the majority of North Carolinians. Using antiviral treatments reduces the risk of serious illness and preliminary data indicates treatment is associated with reduced risk of developing long-COVID. Treatment works most effectively when started early and is advised for those at high risk for severe disease, even if your current symptoms are mild.There are no supply constraints limiting providers' ability to prescribe treatment. NCDHHS recently sent a memo to health care providers across the state with updated information on treatment options for their patients with COVID-19. Having a supply of rapid tests at home allows individuals to determine if they are positive for COVID-19 and minimize the spread to others and can help providers to prescribe treatment. People with a positive test result can also access treatment through eMed's Home Test to Treat Program, a free nationwide telemedicine program.said Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer.Staying up to date with vaccines is the best ways to reduce hospitalization and death due to the illness The most up-to-date booster aligned with circulating variants is expected to be available later this month.A large proportion of the North Carolina population is considered high risk for severe illness based on age or underlying conditions. People who are likely to get very sick from COVID-19 include older adults (age 50 and older), people who are unvaccinated and people with underlying health conditions.Oral antiviral medications for COVID-19 are being distributed for free by the U.S. Government. Any prescribing provider in the state can send a prescription for oral antiviral drugs to the nearest pharmacy that has the drug in stock. Paxlovid is the preferred oral antiviral per the NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines and can be given to people 12 years and older. All currently authorized and approved treatments are expected to retain effectiveness against the COVID-19 variants currently circulating, including the BA.2.86 variant that has recently been identified.As COVID-19 cases rise, be prepared to test and seek treatment if you are feeling ill or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Talk with your health care provider to determine the best treatment option for you. Visit Testing & Treatment | NC COVID-19 (ncdhhs.gov) for information on how to get COVID-19 tests and more information on accessing treatment, including test to treat sites.It is important to remember to take other actions to stay healthy: Resolution in Defense of these United States' Sovereign Borders Written by Beaufort County Commissioner Stan Deatherage to be ratified on October 2, 2023, and transmitted by email to all remaining 99 North Carolina counties, to all members of the North Carolina General Assembly, and to all members of the North Carolina congressional delegation. Should the Institutionalized Corruption of the Biden /Harris Administration, in this separate instance the Open Border Policy of our Sovereign Southern Border, be not only tolerated, but sanctioned by the raising of local spending by local politicians to pay for these now visible and known effects of rampant, and out-of-control Illegal Immigration? Yes, it is a kind thing to do, and a way that our county, our state can aid in this tremendous effort toward local federal foreign aid; and now, thankfully, in great abundance. No, our Constitutional Republic WILL NOT continue to exist, as our United States of America, if we do not control our sovereign borders, to protect our citizens, to keep them solvent and safe. I only consider what is topical and popular since my friends, too, only care to do the same. 99 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? poll#142 Should Beaufort County's commissioners be resolved to ask the federal government to defend our Southern Border by ending the Biden /Harris Open Border policy in regards to that one border that is intentionally made wide OPEN? Yes, Illegal Migrants are a huge expense to local governments. No, the cost of Undocumented Immigrants is insignificant in our providing a pathway for Dramatic Demographic Upheaval.. I do not care about important issues since I only consider my own pleasures. 666 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? poll#206 In stripping away the heavy varnish of fakery by the heavy handed Corrupt Corporate Media; in taking a true view of what is real, right now with clear open eyes: How do you see this 46th President of these States United; what is your visceral first impression of Joe Biden after nearly 3 years on the job? A good man, wise and kind The Socialist President A president in praise of his son The Non Patriot President A successful president The Idiot President A knowledgeable president A corrupt president A perfect leader of the Democratic Socialist party The man is married to a "Doctor" 367 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Democratic Socialist President Biden has taken an intractable position to allow, endorse and facilitate the advancement of Illegal Immigration to further the political aspirations of the Non Patriot Left, or for their Personal Profit, or both. Regardless of the nefarious purpose of the Non Patriot Left's obvious ambition to destroy the remnants of our Constitutional Republic, this Invasion of mostly fake Asylum seekers is exactly what is their strategic desire, and its demonstrative negative effects upon our Good People is just in the beginning phase of a terrible end, yet to be fully realized.Understanding the reality that for every Non Patriot Leftist, there is finally a growing patriot class that are hopefully equal to our ambition to save what is essential to any Constitutional Republic; the fabric of our personal sovereignty, the courage to keep it. This resolution below is just one small step in that counter struggle against the pure evil of what is dishonest, and destructive in its core represention of the Leftists' abominable ambitions toward our ultimate destruction as a Republic.history teaches us that no nation can continue to exist if it does not defend its sovereign borders against the invasion of an unknown entity that is seeking to secure permanent space within the body of a Good People of a Constitutional Republic, who are intended to be self-governed by the Rule of Law, evenly applied, and;on January 20, 2021, the Biden /Harris Administration ended a variety of effective executive orders enacted by the previous president, Donald John Trump, that were increasingly successful in limiting the rush of Illegal Immigration, by instituting their ownan executive order completely ambivalent to the Rule of Law, whose very title succinctly states the intended purpose of the Biden Administration's Open Southern Border Policy, and;since January 20, 2021, the Biden /Harris Open Border Policy has worked as an accessory, and in tandem with the ambitions of all criminal activities desirous of Mexican Drug and Human Trafficking Cartels, those nefarious evils of criminality include, but not limited to: the Human /Sex Slave Trafficking, including Minors; the deadly Distribution of Fentanyl within our United States Borders; the welcoming of Known Terrorists into the societal fabric of unsuspecting American Citizens; all an inconvenient consequence of the promotion of this Biden /Harris created Invasion of Illegal Immigrants, (their expressed intention to destroy the demographic quality of our American society, to tear asunder our Constitutional Republic,) and;as this invited Invasion of Illegals has hit historic proportions, whereby southern border towns and counties are inundated by a non interdicted flow of Illegal Migrants, contrary to the enforcement of congressional United States Immigration Laws, real legislated laws temporarily rendered inactive by executive fiat; many of these Southern Border counties, cities and states are choosing to constitutionally migrate small quantities of Illegals far away from their overrun locations to Sanctuary cities, counties and states, of which these Illegal Migrants are effectively becoming an ironic, unwelcome addition to these formerly professedcommunities, and;the struggle to provide safety to our citizens from this undeterred flow of Illegals under the Biden /Harris Open Southern Border Policy, coupled with the cost to provide services to these unlawful entrants upon our land, not least of which, the increasingly expensive strain on a failing public education system, has yet to fully present that abundant and expanding cost to the American People, and;the good people, the taxpayers of Beaufort County will not evade these additional costs to those services rendered, as we, too, will become a "Border County" in due time, whose citizens will be forced to also fund and endure this errant, unwise and unconstitutional Open Border Policy of the Biden /Harris Administration,that the Beaufort County Commissioners do hereby formally demand that all congressional laws regarding enforcement of legal immigration no longer yield to the whim of the arbitrary and capricious Executive Orders of the Biden /Harris Administration, and that the will of the People's Laws be enforced as codified by the Legislative Branch, as is the constitutional duty of this Executive Branch to enforce.This resolution, intended as a component to end this Biden /Harris madness, could have been much longer, expressing so many issues as a direct result of the Idiot President's unabated attempts to destroy this Representative Republic. I have much more to say here; some of my comments emanating from the complete, and continual dishonesty erupting not only from the Non Patriot President, but from his entire administration, the Democratic Socialists in control of much of congress for the last 3 years, including the corrupt corporate media, propagandists all. In fact, there is not so recent analogy, originating from the 1938 movie,which is to gaslight someone - 'the extreme psychological manipulation' of an intended victim to lessen their awareness of what is real. In other words the aforementioned groups of the dishonestly evil, and in power, have beenthe fools that do not know better.If you believe that you have been lied to by the Non Patriot Left; you may be now awakened to their nefarious intentions and practices; you are slowly struggling to come to terms with that misadventure between you and your colluded representatives, and just want it to end, I would advise the following practices ...Leave the Democratic Socialist party, and seek wisdom, seek internal peace, and most importantly, seek the truth. At the core of this insane Illegal immigrant crisis is the one true maxim: You've been lied to, continuously and with great abandon. Now, go find your perfect path to become an American Patriot. You have much work ahead of you to be successful in this worthy endeavor. Biden is not doing much to deport illegal aliens who brazenly invade our country, but he is deporting one family, and their background speaks volumes. The family being deported even has two US citizen children, having lived in East Tennessee for fifteen years. The Romeike family fled Germany in 2008 over religious persecution due to their Christian religion. Upset at the anti-Christian indoctrination in German public schools, they began homeschooling their children. The were fined $9,000 for that and threatened with more serious prosecution, so they fled to America. Their older children are now married to Americans while their two youngest were born in America and are US citizens. They are productive members of the community living in East Tennessee. Now the Biden regime has told them that "the orders have changed" and given them six weeks to get German passports are return to Germany, where they do not have jobs. Apparently that includes their US citizen children. The Biden regime clearly has a racial agenda and German Christians who home school their children are not what they want to have come in to the US. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12558131/Germany-family-home-school-aslyum-deportation-Uwe-Hannelore-Romeike.html Physician assistants are compensated the least in Arkansas, where they earn an average of $92,689 $29,263 less than the national average according to career website ZipRecruiter. The site compiles salary data, which was updated Sept. 11, from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. The average annual salary for physician assistants in the U.S. is $121,952. Physician assistants earn $140,983 per year in New York 16 percent more than the national average. Here are the 10 states where physician assistants are paid the least, along with the average annual salary, starting with the lowest-paying state: 1. Arkansas ($92,689) 2. North Carolina ($93,689) 3. Kentucky ($94,242) 4. Idaho ($98,008) 5. Nebraska ($98,153) 6. Louisiana ($99,243) 7. Florida ($100,338) 8. Alabama ($100,445) 9. Texas ($100,940) 10. Missouri ($100,964) Pikeville, Ky.-based physician Crystal Compton, DO, 43, was convicted on 44 counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and conspiracy to illicitly prescribe controlled substances. Along with nurse Kayla Lambert, 36, Dr. Compton conspired to unlawfully distribute controlled substances at medical clinics in the Pikeville area, including significant quantities and dosages of opioid painkillers, according to a Sept. 26 news release from the Justice Department. In one case, according to the report, a patient received prescriptions for 720 methadone and 180 alprazolam pills in a single month. Dr. Compton and Ms. Lambert are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30. A class action lawsuit has been filed against a dental practice in South Burlington, Vt., that closed earlier this year, according to a Sept. 22 report by mychamplainvalley.com. The Affordable Dentures and Implants practice, led by Stephen Bench, DDS, abruptly closed in March and left patients unable to receive care. The lawsuit alleges violation of the Vermont Consumer Protection Act, breach of contract, dental negligence and negligent supervision. The suit named Dr. Branch and Affordable Care as defendants in the lawsuit. Affordable Care provides back-office support services to dentists in private practice, according to a statement issued to the outlet by the company, in which it claimed it "does not own or operate any dental practices, including that of Dr. Bench." The sudden closure was in breach of Dr. Bench's agreement with Affordable Care, the statement alleged. Yoon warns Pyongyang against use of nuclear weapons By Nam Hyun-woo A large-scale military parade took place in downtown Seoul, Tuesday, in celebration of the 75th Armed Forces Day and also as a show of force against escalating North Korean threats. Armed Forces Day falls on Oct. 1, but the parade was held, Tuesday, ahead of the Chuseok holiday. President Yoon Suk Yeol walked with military personnel and the general public in the parade. It was the first time that a South Korean leader did that on Armed Forces Day and the move was aimed at amplifying the siginificance of the event that was held for the first time in 10 years. The parade featured core assets of South Koreas three-axis defense system, comprising the Kill Chain, Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR). More than 3,700 service members, including over 300 soldiers from the U.S. Forces Korea, joined veterans and citizens to express their trust and appreciation for the Armed Forces. It was the first time in 10 years that the South Korean military staged a parade in the heart of the capital. Under a presidential decree, a military parade has to be staged every five years, but the previous Moon Jae-in administration did not hold one in 2018, given Seouls amicable atmosphere with Pyongyang at the time. The 1.2-kilometer parade took place in downtown Seoul between Sungnyemun and Gwanghwamun, displaying key weapons of the three-axis system, including the Cheongung, the Hyeonmoo and Long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (L-SAM). L-SAM is South Koreas home-developed missile defense system, tasked with shooting down ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, in the event of an attack by North Korea. This is the first time that the L-SAM has been revealed to the public. Other military assets such as K2 battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and attack drones were also on display during the parade. The military said Tuesdays parade was the largest one since the Korean Armed Forces was founded, and the first time for the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Marine Corps to show their combined combat readiness. By featuring the most advanced combat forces, the military sought to showcase its strength to South Koreans and the world, the presidential office said. However, arranged flights of the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team and the Army's Apache attack helicopters over the troops were cancelled due to rain. Before the parade, a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of Armed Forces Day took place at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and militray personnel performed drills with Yoon overseeing them. During the ceremony, the president issued a stern warning to the North. Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation, Yoon said during his commemoration speech. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the Republic of Korea (ROK)-U.S. alliance. ROK refers to South Koreas official name. Yoon stressed that the Kim Jong-un regimes threat to use nuclear weapons is an existential threat to our people and a grave challenge to world peace, and the regimes obsession with the development of nuclear weapons aggravates the North Korean peoples suffering. The North Korean regime must clearly realize that nuclear weapons will never be able to guarantee its security, Yoon said. The president also noted that the ROK-U.S. alliance, which marks its 70th anniversary this year, serves as the foundation of South Koreas national security, citing the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) between Seoul and Washington. Now, the ROK-U.S. alliance has become a more sophisticated nuclear-based alliance, Yoon said. We will establish a unified response system that combines U.S. nuclear assets and our non-nuclear assets through the ROK-U.S. NCG. The U.S. strategic assets to be deployed frequently within the Korean Peninsula will strengthen our deterrence against North Koreas nuclear weapons. In line with this, the U.S. Forces Korea also sent its largest delegation to Tuesdays events to show off the strength of the alliance, the presidential office said. In previous years, U.S. Forces Korea has sent honor guards and military bands to Armed Forces Day events, but this year, it also sent combat forces. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the alliance and the armistice of the Korean War, the grand daughters of John Foster Dulles, who served as the U.S. secretary of state at the time of the signing of the South Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty, and Mark Wayne Clark, who participated in the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement as the U.N. Commander, were invited to the ceremony at Seoul Air Base, along with 30 veterans and their families who had served in the Korean War from 20 different countries. Seven years after initially creating plans to establish a dental therapy program, Vermont State University has been unable to fulfill the plans, according to a Sept. 25 report by vtdigger. An investigation from a Vermont state auditor revealed that even with seven years and nearly $2.7 million in public funding, the school has not been able to launch the program. The main factors in the failure to launch include a lack of administrative support, competing interests from inside the school, the reorganization of the Vermont State College System, key staff turnover and the COVID-19 pandemic, the auditor's report said. The program, which had started planning in 2016 after the Vermont Legislature created legal framework for dental therapy practitioners, was supposed to be the first dental therapy program in the Northeastern U.S. The school never applied for accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. An administrator from the university said it still has plans to apply for accreditation and hopes to recruit students for the program by 2027, the report said. Boston Children's Hospital and T-Mobile are partnering to launch the first hybrid 5G network at a health system. The collaboration will allow Boston Children's providers and patients to seamlessly transport smart devices from the hospital to remote settings, like the home, where healthcare is increasingly being delivered. The project is expected to go live early next year, powering tens of thousands of devices right off the bat. It will also boost mobile access to Boston Children's new Epic EHR, which is set to be ready in summer 2024. "Our physicians, our care teams are all over. They have to be able to make quick clinical decisions," Heather Nelson, senior vice president and CIO of Boston Children's, told Becker's. "And if they can have that information at the ready on their phones or an iPad, that's where this is really going to help us." While Cleveland Clinic notably launched a private 5G network at its newest hospital in July, the Boston Children's project is unique in that it's a hybrid model where devices stay on the same network where they're inside or outside the hospital. This also marks T-Mobile's first partnership with a hospital or health system. "This really is truly the first time in a nation that a hospital will now be able to say wherever a doctor, a nurse, any clinician is, the procedures that they could do with all the applications follow them, and they do so in a way that's absolutely predictable and absolutely performant in what they expect," said Mike Feld, founder and CEO of health IT consultant Pixel Health, which is assisting with the deployment. "We know that the demands of healthcare are extremely high: Security is paramount and connectivity has to be ubiquitous everywhere and just not something that anyone thinks about," said Chris Melus, vice president of product management at T-Mobile. "Connectivity is the foundation of all the amazing things that BCH and Pixel are going to do to build on top of this." Those could include location-aware critical medical device tracking and AI for clinician workflows, he said. "This is just that underpinning technology to do what we need to do for patient care and for research, whether it's sending a kid home with a monitoring system, or doing some innovative research in our generative AI lab," Ms. Nelson said. "Being able to have a consistent, reliable experience, from a network perspective, whether you're a nurse, a physician, a researcher or a patient, is really what we're shooting for." "More and more patients, especially with the pandemic, want to be able to do things virtually, they want care as close to home as possible," she added. "And we as a healthcare provider have to make sure we have those things available to them. And from a technology perspective, I have to be able to enable that for our care teams and our researchers." West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health has agreed to sell eight urgent care centers and will close five others, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported Sept. 25. The urgent care centers are outside of the health system's core service area and are being sold to Birmingham, Ala.-based American Family Care network, which operates more than 200 urgent care facilities in 26 states, according to the report. The transaction is expected to close Sept. 30, the same date that the five urgent centers will close, according to the report. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "This decision, while difficult, is an important step forward in our journey to right-size Tower Health," the health system said in a statement to the Business Journal. "Our commitment to providing exceptional health care remains unwavering. We will continue to operate nine Urgent Care facilities within our primary market service area, ensuring that our patients receive the care they need." Tower expects all workers at the closing centers to be offered jobs at American Family Care facilities in the area. The company has about 30 facilities in the Philadelphia area. Ten health systems have joined Transcarent's National Independent Provider Ecosystem, which aims to provide self-insured employers with health services at cheaper and pre-negotiated bundled prices. Transcarent coordinates healthcare benefits for self-insured employers, and with participation in the ecosystem, health systems will get the chance to market their specialized virtual and in-person services to a nationwide audience they might have otherwise overlooked, according to a Sept. 26 news release from Transcarent. Here are the 10 health systems joining Transcarent: A Kentucky physician and nurse were convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to illicitly prescribe controlled substances and other related offenses to distributing controlled substances. Crystal Compton, DO, and Kayla Lambert, RN, practiced in several clinics in the Pikesville, Ky., area, according to a Sept. 25 Justice Department news release. Dr. Compton and Ms. Lambert conspired to distribute controlled substances by using prescriptions not written for legitimate medical purposes. They issued prescriptions for significant quantities and dosages of opioid painkillers, sometimes in combination with other substances, such as alprazolam and clonazepam. Dr. Compton also provided prescriptions to Ms. Lambert, and, according to the release, Ms. Lambert sometimes issued prescriptions by signing Dr. Compton's name. Dr. Compton and Ms. Lambert are scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 30. Two EMTs are in critical condition and a patient is dead after a Jeep crashed into an ambulance in Huntsburg, Ohio, News 5 Cleveland reported Sept. 26. The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 12:30 a.m. They found the ambulance flipped onto its side and pronounced the patient dead at the scene. The ambulance driver and another EMT were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Troopers said the Jeep driver was suspected of driving under the influence. A patient accused of attacking and permanently blinding his roommate at South Florida State Hospital has been charged with aggravated battery, the Pembroke Pines Police Department said Sept. 24. Police responded to a call at the Pembroke Pines, Fla.-based psychiatric hospital Sept. 22 regarding two patients whose verbal argument had turned physical. Both patients were at the hospital for a court-ordered stay. Police said the suspect, Reinaldo Bermeosolo, 34, punched the victim and dragged him to the ground. While on the floor, Mr. Bermeosolo allegedly pulled both of the victim's eyes out of their sockets. The victim was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., for treatment. Nurses put the victim's eyes on ice and gave them to paramedics, but they could not be reattached and the victim is now permanently blind, according to an arrest report obtained by ABC affiliate WPLG. Mr. Bermeosolo is being held without bond, and a criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. Editor's note: Becker's has reached out to South Florida State Hospital for comment and will update the article as more information becomes available. The Arizona Department of Health Services issued a notice Sept. 26 warning clinicians and residents to be on the lookout for a fungi-caused infection known as Valley Fever. Coccidioides, the fungus that causes the infection, is often found in the soil of dry, arid regions and has been on the rise for several years both in Arizona and California, according to CDC data. "Valley fever is often misdiagnosed as an infection caused by a bacteria or virus, which can cause delays in receiving antifungal treatment and sometimes contributes to the unnecessary use of other medicines," the Arizona Department of Health Services notice states. "Delayed treatment can be life-threatening and costly for some people People who develop severe infections or whose infections spread to other parts of their body often require hospitalization and may need to take antifungal treatment for a long time." However, in most cases individuals who develop the infection recover on their own, according to the CDC. Fungal infections are also likely to continue to climb in the years to follow and the tools to measure their impact are not where they need to be so clinicians need to be prepared, Tom Chiller, MD, CDC's head of mycotic diseases, told Becker's in a previous interview. "The potential is unfortunately huge for there to be more pathogens because [right now] we're only aware of a sliver of the fungal species out there," Dr. Chiller said. "So it certainly makes me concerned knowing that fungi are hardy, adaptable, they are the most similar organism to humans to human cells, which makes them hard to kill and hard to identify because they're similar to our own bodies and therefore drugs that kill fungi kill human cells, potentially. So we will have to find specific targets for new antifungal drugs." Orthopedic surgeons are compensated the least in Florida, where they earn an average of $243,472 24 percent less than the national average according to career website ZipRecruiter. The site compiles salary data, which was updated Sept. 11, from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. The average annual salary for orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. is $322,236. They earn $382,102 per year in Nevada 19 percent more than the national average. Here are the 10 states where orthopedic surgeons are paid the least, along with the average annual salary, starting with the lowest-paying state: 1. Florida ($243,472) 2. Alabama ($243,724) 3. West Virginia ($244,698) 4. Louisiana ($247,511) 5. Kansas ($257,152) 6. Mississippi ($267,446) 7. Tennessee ($269,740) 8. Utah ($270,416) 9. Ohio ($275,594) 10. New Mexico ($275,600) The prior authorization system is seen as flawed by many surgeons working in orthopedics, spine surgery and beyond. It often slows down patient care, adds administrative tasks for employees and sometimes even leaves physicians to foot the bill for expensive patient procedures. Three neurosurgeons, Anthony DiGiorgio, DO, Praveen Mummaneni, MD, and Luis Tumialan, MD, issued a statement to Becker's explaining the major problems physicians face when it comes to receiving fair payments for services offered. "Consider the following two scenarios: Imagine a broken pipe is causing a flood at your home. Your next steps are to contact your insurance carrier, open up a claim and then find a contractor to assess and repair the damage. The contractor provides your insurance company with a bid for the proposed work, which the insurance company reviews and approves. Upon completion of the work, the contractor submits for payment. The insurance company pays the claim. "Now imagine you have a grade 1 L4-5 spondylolisthesis. After years of nonoperative treatment, you see a surgeon who recommends surgery. The surgeon completes a prior authorization of the proposed procedure which your health insurance carrier approves with the caveat, 'prior authorization is no guarantee of payment.' The surgeon performs the procedure as stated with great results. You are genuinely surprised to find out at a post-op appointment that your insurance carrier denied your surgeon payment. "The surgeon's business office then begins the process of filing appeal after appeal over the next several months and ultimately writes off the balance. Thus, the surgeon performed the surgery for free on someone with commercial insurance. The first house flood scenario is how the real world works. The second scenario happens in 1 out of 10 spine surgeries. Denial of payment after prior authorization has become a grim reality of American healthcare. "As bewildering as it may sound, insurance companies authorize procedures. Surgeons perform them as authorized. But then, the insurance company denies payment. No other industry functions in this manner. No other industry would tolerate this system. Yet, in healthcare, physicians, bound by their oaths to care for patients, endure a system that withholds payment. Surgeons put up with prior authorization, payment delays and overwhelming administrative tasks. "Why even maintain a prior authorization system if it serves as nothing more than a mirage? Is it a placebo for surgeons? The prior authorization lulls the surgeon into a fabricated sense of security that they will receive payment for their services. Ultimately, patients bear the brunt of this charade. When insurance companies do not uphold their end of the bargain, surgeons face limited options. Many will not bill patients directly, refusing to fault individuals whose only misstep was choosing an unreliable insurance carrier. "Patients have the right to a top-tier health system where they can select their surgeon. They deserve insurance companies that uphold their contractual promises. The transactions between surgeons and commercial insurers should be no different than a contractor and home insurance carrier. Work completed must result in work paid. It is high time insurance companies fulfilled their contractual obligations just like every other industry." Two defense company employees died Tuesday after an armored vehicle prototype they boarded was submerged during a test operation on the southeastern coast in Pohang, military officials said. The accident occurred at around 3 p.m. near the headquarters of the 1st Marine Division in Pohang, 262 kilometers southeast of Seoul, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The two employees who were inside the landing assault armored vehicle were initially rescued after going missing earlier in the day but died after they were taken to a hospital, according to DAPA. They are said to have received cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the hospital but failed to regain consciousness. DAPA said it is investigating the accident in cooperation with relevant authorities to determine the exact cause. The armored vehicle is known to be a prototype of the Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle-II expected to be introduced for the Marine Corps. (Yonhap) Closing Northern Irelands productivity gap with the rest of the UK could add 7bn to the economy here, its been claimed. A report from business advisors PwC said Northern Irelands productivity has accelerated faster than anywhere else in the UK, with Belfast buoying up performance. However, PwC said our overall productivity levels remained the lowest in the UK, and around 17% below average. PwCs Industrial Manufacturing and Services Productivity Tracker analyses productivity progress across the UK, with a focus on manufacturing, construction, and services. Between 2011 and 2011, Northern Irelands output per hour accelerated by 13.5% the steepest increase in the UK. PwC said the progress was down at least in part to the region receiving some of the largest amounts of investment around the UK. The firm said that if Northern Ireland continues to prioritise investment and can translate it into improved efficiency, it could boost its long-term productivity even more. Belfasts economic performance had also driven growth in Northern Ireland, with the Belfast Region City Deal a catalyst for further expansion. Caitroina McCusker, PwC regional market leader in Northern Ireland, said: Whilst any growth in productivity is to be welcomed, Northern Ireland still has the lowest productivity of any UK region, around 17% below the national average. This is due, in part, to Northern Ireland having fewer jobs in high-productivity sectors such as financial services. But she said Northern Ireland had a significant productivity gap in the production sector mainly manufacturing and in the services sector. It is important to recognise that the 2021 data is likely to be affected by the pandemic so it is too soon to draw clear policy conclusions. "However, we do know that one of the most effective ways to accelerate future productivity growth is through investment in a broad range of skills, and in particular to target funding towards skills that will be of increasing importance in the years to come. "That includes the priority clusters outlined in the 10x Economy vision. "We continue to recommend increased investment in business-led reskilling initiatives to raise skills levels in NI, in the areas which have the greatest long term impact and contribute to productivity-led economic growth. Getting this right could have huge economic benefits for the region. If Northern Ireland productivity was to catch up to the UK-wide sectoral medians, it could add 7bn to the local economy here. Professor John Turner, economist and Northern Ireland Productivity Forum lead, said: It is welcome news that Northern Ireland has begun to close its productivity gap to the UK. "However, even if it maintains this performance, it will take around 15 years before it surpasses the UK average. "We must also wait to see whether this growth can be maintained, or if it simply reflects temporary changes to working hours and output that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic. "This underlines the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of productivity, where Northern Ireland often lags behind its peers across the UKs regions. Ryan Keeling will be Diaceutics plc's CEO designate when founder Peter Keeling steps down in January The founder and chief executive of Belfast-based medical technology firm Diaceutics is stepping down after nearly two decades at the helm. Peter Keeling co-founded the company in 2005, growing it from a small consulting service provider to a listed company which employs 161 people across Europe and North America. He will step down as chief executive in January, with chief information officer Ryan Keeling becoming chief executive-designate with immediate effect. A spokesperson for the company said Peter will continue to serve on the board, focusing on accelerating the corporate development of Diaceutics. Peter said: "It has been an incredible journey building Diaceutics from the ground up. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, and I am excited for the future. "Ryan and I have worked closely together since the inception of Diaceutics, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead the company to even greater heights." Read more Kainos: IT giant looks to make move to major new Belfast office building by 2027 Ryan, who is Peters nephew, joined Diaceutics in 2006 and became a member of the board of directors following the company's listing on the AIM in 2019. The appointee said: "I am deeply honoured to take on this new role. The team of people we have at Diaceutics are very special, they are a team with a strong purpose at their core and over the years we have built a culture that any new CEO would be delighted with". He added: "Peter and I have been on an incredible journey together, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have created. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his relentless dedication, exceptional strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to our purpose". A spokesperson for the company added: "Peter Keeling will remain a key advisor to Diaceutics, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and continued performance in advancing precision medicine and delivering on its purpose to benefit patients worldwide". Invest NI launches US advisory board to offer expertise and insight and to help drive the growth of the sector Kathleen Hagan has joined the new life and health sciences advisory board for Northern Ireland Talent in the sector is on the rise Economic development agency Invest NI is investing in the growth of NIs life and health sciences sector with the launch of a new advisory board. The US Life And Health Sciences Advisory Board is bringing together 14 industry leaders from the US to offer significant expertise and insight and help drive the growth of the sector. There is already a significant cluster of companies in the sector here, from pharma firm Almac in Craigavon to medical devices firms such as Axial3D in Belfast and Eakin Healthcare Group in Comber. Brought together by Invest NI and NI Connections Northern Irelands diaspora outreach initiative each of the board members have connections to Northern Ireland and will aim to strengthen trade and investment with the US. Talent in the sector is on the rise Joe Kennedy III, US Special Envoy for Economic Affairs, said: I am delighted to offer my support to the Life And Health Sciences Advisory Board, which offers a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland companies to benefit from the knowledge and experience of some of the top professionals in the sector. The US is the largest export market for Northern Ireland life and health sciences companies, so it makes sense to nurture relationships between the two regions and promote mutually beneficial opportunities. A spokesperson for Invest NI said: The new advisory board will help position Northern Ireland life and health sciences sector as world leading, promote collaboration between companies here and in the US, and highlight investment opportunities. The board will be led by Belfast-born Mark Goldstone, a partner at global venture capital firm Eckuity Capital. He said: The combined industry knowledge and experience of the board members make it a powerful instrument for advancing the sector and the Northern Ireland economy by championing Northern Irelands significant life and health sciences capabilities. The board is passionate about promoting Northern Ireland as a great investment location and a centre of innovation excellence. Joe Kennedy III Mr Goldstone has more than 25 years experience in the healthcare industry after starting out as a pharmacist and climbing to his current position at venture capital firm Eckuity Capital, which invests in early-stage life sciences and health-tech companies. Moira Loughran, a spokesperson for NI Connections, said: The diaspora has the potential to play a key role in the Department for the Economys 10X vision. We are immensely fortunate that board members have committed their time to this exciting opportunity for Northern Ireland. Their motivation to participate is based entirely on a desire to share their extensive experience with a view to advancing the growth of the sector, thereby giving back to Northern Ireland and the NI economy. Kathleen Hagan, founder of Hagan & Company, a Boston-based international marketing consulting firm, has also been appointed to the board. Ms Hagans firm specialises in assisting early- and growth-stage companies in the life sciences and medical technology, software and analytics, automation and robotics. She is known for her expertise in international marketing, business development and government affairs. In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph following her attendance at the NI Investment Summit this month, Ms Hagan said: The sector is growing faster than almost any other in Northern Ireland right now, so there is tremendous opportunity to grow the sector and make it even more global than it is now. Ms Hagan pointed towards local talent and growing global demand as key drivers for the future growth of life and health sciences. She said: There is this tremendous talent coming out of the universities in biomedical engineering and in biology, and there is the demand in the marketplace, because technology is revolutionising healthcare. Both the availability of talent and the demand in the global marketplace, not just the local marketplace, is whats creating a kind of a cluster that has potential to be able to grow enormously. Kathleen Hagan has joined the new life and health sciences advisory board for Northern Ireland Ms Hagan added: There is demand for more advanced medical devices. Or now that we have genomic medicine, [there is ] this tremendous need for data and high-performance data analytics. And so the global trends in both synthetic biology and artificial intelligence in the global life sciences market affect Northern Ireland as much as they affect anyone anywhere in the world. Mel Chittock, Invest NIs interim chief executive, added: Northern Irelands life and health sciences sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years fuelled by our world-renowned expertise in precision medicine, digital health and medical devices. The board members have built impressive careers, spanning many years, and this experience, combined with their knowledge and their connections, will be of significant value to our life sciences sector. The board will inform us of our life and health sciences international strategy, which is aligned to the Department for the Economys 10X vision. The Northern Ireland Investment Summit, which hosted around 200 investors from across the world, was an opportunity for health and life sciences businesses to showcase local expertise and talent. CV6 Therapeutics, which is based at Queens University Belfast and develops drugs aimed at improving the lives of patients with cancer and inflammatory conditions, was one of those companies. Also represented was Cumulus Neuroscience, a global digital health company focused on advancing neuroscience clinical trials and patient care through improved data. Water companies have been judged according to targets set in 2019 (Rui Vieira/PA) Water companies will pay out a net total of 114 million to bill-payers after failing to meet key targets on reducing pollution, leakage and supply interruptions while customer satisfaction continues to fall, Ofwat has said. Not one company achieved the regulators top category of leading while Dwr Cymru, Southern, Thames, Anglian, Bristol, South East and Yorkshire Water fell into the lowest category of lagging and the remaining 10 were rated average. Ofwat judges the performance of water companies in England and Wales each year against the stretching targets they set in 2019 for a five-year period until 2025. (PA Graphics) If they fail to meet these, Ofwat restricts the amount of money they can take from customers. Thames Water is the company which must return the most, more than 101 million, followed by Southern Water which must pay out 43 million. Thames Water serves 15 million people with water and wastewater while Southern Water serves around 4.6 million The net total industry amount of 114 million is offset by some companies being rewarded, such as Severn Trent Water taking 88 million and United Utilities taking 25 million. Ofwat said these figures are provisional until it completes the review process. Since 2020, companies have shown improvements in reducing leakage and internal sewage, with all but one company achieving the target for unplanned outages, though progress has been too slow across the board, Ofwat said. Over the last year, fewer than half of water companies reached their target on reducing pollution or met their commitment on leakage, with an overall decline in customer satisfaction. Companies have also not fully invested their allowance for 2020-2023 for improving services. David Black, Ofwat CEO, said: The targets we set for companies were designed to be stretching to drive improvements for customers and the environment. However, our latest report shows they are falling short, leading to 114 million being returned to customers through bill reductions. While that may be welcome to bill payers, it is very disappointing news for all who want to see the sector do better. It is not going to be easy for companies to regain public trust, but they have to start with better service for customers and the environment. We will continue to use all our powers to ensure the sector delivers better value. Ofwat said it is investigating all 11 water and wastewater companies with live enforcement cases for six companies for potential failures on sewage discharges into the environment. They are also investigating Dwr Cymru and South West Water in relation to the accuracy of leakage reporting and per capita consumption. Mike Keil, senior director at the Consumer Council for Water, said: Customers are tired of not getting the service they deserve for the things they care about. Its right and fair that people get their money back when they dont receive the services they were promised by some water companies. People want assurance that their water bill is good value for money. A Water UK spokesperson said: Todays figures show that, in many areas, there have been significant improvements since the start of the decade. There were fewer incidents of serious pollution and less leakage from our ageing water infrastructure. However, companies recognise there is still much more to do to meet the regulators ever-tightening targets. Ensuring the security of our water supply in the future while protecting the environment will take significant investment. Thats why water companies in England and Wales are proposing record levels of investment over the rest of this decade, with detailed plans set to be published next week. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said on Monday that it is providing more funding to reduce the amount of times sewage is pumped out of storm overflows, adding another 4 billion on to the 56 billion it announced last year. It has updated its Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan to include as high priority sites those storm overflows that eject sewage into Marine Protected Areas, shellfish waters, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and bathing waters. Defra said this will not result in any bill rises for customers until 2025 and that stopping all pollution would cost between 120 billion and 600 billion, which would increase annual water bills by between 271 and 817 by 2049. Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said: Todays Ofwat report is extremely disappointing. While I acknowledge there is good work ongoing in some companies cleaning up waterways and investing in vital infrastructure there is simply not enough of it. The fact that not a single water company is classified as leading is unacceptable. We have written to the CEOs of every water company in the lowest category of todays report and my ministerial team and I will meet them in person to scrutinise their improvement plans. Labour shadow environment secretary Steve Reed said: This devastating report demonstrates the complete failure of water companies to act on the sewage scandal. There can be no more damning metaphor for 13 years of Conservative failure than stinking, toxic sewage lapping up on our rivers, lakes, and seas. In an extract from her new memoir, open water swimmer and World Record holder Nuala Moore explains what goes through her mind when shes under water My breathing was heavy laboured, even. As I knelt on the floor of the inflatable boat, I could feel a sense of panic starting to rise. My eyes fixed on the dark, iconic headland of Cape Horn. The Sailors Graveyard. So remote. My swim hat and goggles on my head, the cold wind stripped what warmth I had from my body. The movement of the seas was frustrated and excited at the same time three oceans mixing and meeting, racing around the world without resistance from any land mass. At this point in the world, there was no land either east or west. I was about to expose myself to the wrath of the Furious Fifties and lower my body into the notorious Drake Passage. Closing my eyes tightly, I tried to visualise my swim. I rotated my arms and calmed my breathing. This is why you are here. My mantra played in my head. My mind flashed to the sacrifices I had made to get to this point, but mostly to the privilege I had of being here, of being strong enough to take on this swim. I was the first swimmer in the world to do so. If you cant breathe, you cant swim, I told myself. So, breathe. I inhaled and calmed myself a little. I tried to close down my world to this moment only. Read more Against the Waves The fishing boat took a wallop from a rogue wave and the Zodiac, the inflatable boat, jolted as it was slapped against the side of the fishing vessel. We all fell forward, grabbing the ropes from the side of the tubing. I could sense the teams urgency, but I was not ready to let go. The water was darker than I had imagined and bitingly cold, but it was the size of the waves that was upsetting me. I searched to find a pattern, some movement in the water that would allow me to see its intention, but there was none. Just undulating waves, coming from all directions at once. Some breaking, some billowing and then swirling. I wished I had more time to study their movements. The reality of my swim was not matching my plan. How could I swim without my team close by in these conditions? What if I panicked and couldnt get my breathing right? Nuala Moore from Dingle enjoying an ice bath in preparation for a swim in Siberia Adan Otaiza Caro, the Cape Horn lighthouse-keeper, had indicated over the VHF radio that my command boat would be a few hundred metres away, because of the size of the swell. My skipper, Roni Olivares, also insisted that the safety team could not accompany me with the small Zodiac. The uncertainties of this swim were now huge. I felt the fear of letting go and not making progress, the risk of being tossed backwards and twisted by the waves, vulnerable to its power and failing to cross the meridian between the oceans. I wondered if I should have taken the swim from lighthouse to lighthouse instead, which would have been certain progress. I was scared of going home having failed. I stared high into the headland, which was a few miles north of us. I had chosen to swim the meeting of the oceans, this far south not for glory, but to find that person inside of me who was willing to risk everything. If the team and crew were to lose sight of me while I was swimming, with waves breaking and flipping me in another direction, in 7-degree water, with 4-metre swells of rolling ocean, the question would no longer be whether I would make land, it would be whether I would survive. I could stay alive for two hours at most in these conditions. The sense of fragility, of vulnerability those weaknesses that I had trained and worked so hard to push away was creeping back in. This is why you are here, the inner voice repeated. You are on the cusp of your own greatness. Breathe and trust yourself. You only have to swim and stay alive. Keep breathing. Look what you are capable of. You are built for this. I tried to block out the feeling that this was a risk too far. Suddenly, the tears welled up. I was glad I had my back turned to the crew. Loud words fell from my mouth. What am I doing here? I have to be home for work on Monday. Maybe Ill take the easier option and swim closer to the headland. I could not figure out how I could make progress in this ocean. Catherine and Chris, my dive-safety team, were kneeling inches from my face, watching me. Catherine said firmly, Nuala, you have to go now. Weve got you and you can do this. Trust us. Tell me again how you will get me out of the water. My eyes darted between Catherine and Chris. How long will it take you to get to me if I need help? I was asking for the tenth time. The fishing boat had its engines in neutral. We were tied to the side, suspended. I could hear Ronis voice. I dont speak Spanish, but I understand urgency: we were bobbing with the engines ticking over, at the mercy of three oceans, all fighting for freedom as they raced excitedly around the world. These rogue waves could topple the boat and land us all in the water. I knew the vessel needed to get her engines started. She needed to gain control. Catherine replied in a stern tone, Look at Chris. He is ready to go. We will not take our eyes off you, but you have to get into the water now. The wind is changing, and our window is closing. I wiped away the tears, still hiding my face. I lowered my goggles over my eyes. I now had just two tiny windows to see out of. Steady your ship and drive into the storm. My fathers words fell from my lips. I turned to look at the iconic headland of Cape Horn bearing down on us. Please give me passage, I said. With one last intake of breath, I lowered my body into the dark, ferocious waves, maintaining my death grip on the rope. Seven degrees is a battle even in calm water; in rolling oceans, its an entirely different story. My breath was ripped from me as I tried to conquer the cold shock. When I let go of the rope, I will be alone. The boat will have to steam away to gain control. She will disappear in the waves. I will be at the mercy of this water, this wind, my own weakness. I am the storm. I am the challenge. I looked up at the crew. Three albatross circled above my head, their wingspan greater than the length of my body. I know why I am here, I said, with a breath that was now broken and ragged. Catherine stared into my eyes, stern. Chris had the same stare. Silence. Let go, Nuala. Let go, her voice repeated. The Zodiac banged against the timber side of the boat, bouncing from side to side. With all my will, I struggled to uncurl my white fingers, knowing that once I let go, I would be alone in the Drake Passage, the most dangerous and volatile body of water on the planet. I had to let go. Limitless by Nuala Moore Nuala Moore is an Irish open water swimmer, mostly known for her extreme ice swims. She has two Guinness World Records for extreme swims, one for her part in the first and only international relay team to swim from Russia to the USA across the Bering Strait, and the second for her pioneering cold-water swim in the notorious Drake Passage, South of Cape Horn. She was the first swimmer in the world to swim from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, the Drake Passage and the first woman in the world to swim south of remote Cape Horn. She was the third woman in the world to swim 1000m in zero-degree ice in just swim togs, hat and goggles. Her book, Limitless: From Dingle to Cape Horn, finding my true north in the earths vastest oceans (Gill Books) is available now A Belfast estate agent has been fined 1,000 for breaches of trading regulations in a dispute over seeking his fee after a house sale fell through. Des McGranaghan accepted a failure to fully explain the circumstances in which the vendor would have to pay. The 58-year-old also admitted a misleading omission to alert the prospective seller to a redress scheme. Mr McGranaghan runs offices in the north and west of the city as part of an estate agency business stretching back over the past 30 years. Belfast Magistrates Court heard Trading Standards Service launched an investigation last year following a complaint by a woman who put her house on the market through his company. The arrangement included an agency fee of 0.75% of the ultimate sale price plus VAT. Although an agreement was reached to sell the house for 305,000, the buyer eventually pulled out months later because the woman could not find somewhere else to live. Prosecutor Mark Conlon said Mr McGranaghan then pursued her for 3,397, representing the full 0.75% of the achieved sale price plus costs. This debt was then referred on to a debt collection agency, he added. She refused to pay the full agency fee, alleging that some of the terms had not been properly explained. Trading Standards assessed the sale technically fell through before the property was taken off the market, the court was told. It identified a lack of clarity and adequate explanation, required under the Estate Agency Act 1979, from Mr McGranaghan in claiming the fee. He was also prosecuted for an alleged failure to provide information about a Property Redress Scheme after the issue arose. In court today he pleaded guilty to two contraventions of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Defence counsel Sean OHare argued that they were technical breaches by a respected and trusted estate agent with an impeccable record. He has been in business for 30 years, with an enviable reputation in the areas in which he operates, the barrister said. Mr OHare insisted his client used a standard form of contract without any problems in the vast majority of cases where house sales are completed. But he claimed the legislation is vague about the final fee that a vendor has to pay. It should have been made more clear that if the estate agent finds a purchaser, everybody is agreeable on the price and then the property gets withdrawn from the market, in those circumstances the fee will be paid, he accepted. District Judge George Conner was told Mr McGranaghan does have information about a redress scheme posted on the companys website, literature and office doors. But on this occasion the defendant accepts it wasnt discussed with the vendor whenever she made it clear she wouldnt be paying any part of the bill, counsel submitted. There was nothing that was any sort of sharp practice on the part of Mr McGranaghan. Disclosing that the estate agent has since waived any fee as a gesture of good faith, Mr OHare added: Most of the things were done properly, it all blew out of proportion very quickly. Judge Conner imposed fines of 600 and 400 for the two breaches. He said: It is a serious matter. The sale of houses is something that is such a regular thing that it needs to be done right. A Belfast man with over 100 previous convictions for motoring offences was jailed today (Tuesday) for getting behind the wheel whilst banned. Martin Pearce Ward appeared at Belfast Crown Court where he was sentenced for two motoring offences and a drugs charge. The 45-year old, from Crumlin Road in the north of the city, was handed a six-month prison sentence and was banned from driving for two years. Before he imposed the sentence, Judge Mark Reel was told by Crown barrister Rosemary Walsh that the offences occurred on May 30, 2022. Ms Walsh said on that date, Ward arrived at the Belfast home of a friend, having driven there in a Ford Transit van. Whilst in his friend's house, he dropped a small quantity of cannabis on her floor. When Ward left her home in the early hours, she contacted the PSNI and he was subsequently arrested. Ms Walsh said it wasn't known where he went after leaving the property - but said he had been driving the van when he was disqualified from driving. She told Judge Reel that Ward had a 10-year driving ban imposed in June 2017 and the aggravating factor in the May 2022 case was his extensive criminal record. Defence barrister Stephen Toal described Ward as an isolated man with no family support. The barrister revealed that Ward was awarded a compensation pay-out when he was 18 and as he was "not capable" of dealing with that amount of money he was "taken advantage of" and "became involved with drink and drugs, and that has never really stopped." Regarding last May's offending, Mr Toal said Ward had been drinking and taking drugs to try and deal with an incident in his life. He added the offending was "spur of moment, when a person with severe mental health difficulties is not thinking rationally and makes a foolish mistake." Ward subsequently pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving with no insurance and possessing cannabis. As he sentenced Ward, Judge Reel told him: "I have no doubt you were aware you were disqualified when you carried out this offence and you knew what the result of that would be. "You should be aware that if you go back out and drive whilst disqualified again, the likelihood is that you will find increasing periods of imprisonment each time." The Lithuanian man has appeared in court across the water. Some of the drugs seized during the operation on Friday. Pic: NCA An NI-based lorry driver has been remanded in custody after cocaine worth around 6.8 million was seized as part of an ongoing National Crime Agency investigation. Lithuanian man Edgaras Slusnys, 37, who was living in Northern Ireland, was arrested by NCA officers after his lorry was stopped on Friday evening (September 23) in Liverpool. The truck, registered with a Northern Ireland-based haulier, was searched with assistance from Merseyside Police and Border Force. Officers recovered 136 kilos of cocaine from within a sophisticated hide in the rear doors of the lorrys trailer, which when cut would have a street value of 6.8 million. Slusnys was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday (September 25). He has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 23. NCA Branch Commander David Cunningham said: This seizure has dealt a significant blow to an organised crime gang, and removed a substantial quantity of dangerous drugs from the streets. The investigation continues to identify and bring to justice all those involved. A Co Tyrone schoolteacher is to stand trial in respect of a number of offences relating to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a pupil. The defendant is charged with three counts of sexual assault, as well as single counts each of meeting the child following a period of grooming and intentionally engaging in sexually touching a child. Neither the accused nor the school at which the teacher, who is aged in his 20s, first encountered the pupil can be reported in order to protect her identity. Offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between May 1 and October 18, 2022. The defendant appeared in the dock of Dungannon Crown Court today, pleading not guilty to each charge. Defence counsel informed the court the case is likely to last around one week. Judge Richard Greene KC remanded the accused on continuing bail and listed the trial for hearing in January next year. When the accused first appeared in court following his arrest last year, a detective constable objected to bail. And although not disclosing circumstances surrounding the alleged offending, it was contended the accused had written a number of letters to the pupil and it would appear he is quite infatuated with her. While a defence barrister accepted that the situation had caused legitimate concerns, he informed the court his clients dealings with the pupil in the school setting is not in dispute. A new teacher took over the class and my client left. Any relationship post-dates his employment at the school. The barrister added that the pupils parents were fully aware of the relationship and it was only when his client ended this by way of a text message on October 24, 2022, that she attended with police and made a statement. The judge on that occasion found this worrying and stated: Children, by virtue of their age, cannot consent. Nor can parents consent on their behalf. And there are very good reasons for that. Following consideration, however, it was agreed bail could be granted in the sum of 500 along with conditions including a complete ban on all contact with the pupil, her family, staff at the school she attends, and any person aged under 18. The defendant must reside at an address known to police at all times and is prohibited from undertaking any teaching role, including from an extra-curricular perspective. Recruitment of school crossing patrol guards was paused earlier this year to save money The Education Authority is to resume recruitment of school crossing patrol staff after a freeze on hiring due to budget cuts. In February it was reported schools would instead share road safety advice with pupils and parents following a pause in recruitment for lollipop men and women. However, now the EA says it will be resuming assessment and hiring at existing sites. The freeze will still remain in place at new sites without a patrol crossing. The EA said: Due to the unprecedented budgetary pressures facing the education sector, EA had to make the difficult decision to pause recruitment of temporary and permanent school crossing patrol officer posts, however, we committed to keeping this decision under review. Following further consideration of the 2023/24 budget, and taking on board a wide range of feedback from parents, schools and the wider community, a decision has been taken to resume the assessment and recruitment of school crossing patrols at existing sites. The resumption of this process will be undertaken in a phased approach and a letter for affected schools, providing an update, is scheduled to be sent. The safety and wellbeing of children and young people remains our highest priority. DUP MLA Diane Dodds said the news would be warmly welcomed by everyone. School crossing guards are a vital service helping to keep children safe on their way to school. Whilst the patrols are not a statutory service which must be provided by law, they perform a crucial role and it offers parents greater piece of mind, she said. The resumption of recruitment comes after SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan told the Belfast Telegraph earlier this month there was widespread concern in communities at the decision to stop hiring after the school summer holidays. He said it particularly affected areas were young people cross dangerous roads in order to get to school, such as Rosemount Primary School in his constituency. School principals also raised concerns about the crossing patrol situation, saying it could increase the risk of pupils being put in danger. China sees prosperous development of digital trade People's Daily Online) 13:36, September 26, 2023 China is seeing the thriving development of the digital trade. The total value of the country's foreign trade of digital services reached $371.08 billion in 2022, up 3.2 percent year on year, according to a recent report jointly released by the Development Research Center of the State Council and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). In recent years, China's digital trade has maintained growth momentum and become an important force in driving the high-quality development of foreign trade. A worker operates equipment in an intelligent storage workshop of a company in Yongnian district, Handan city, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Zhao Hongyu) Data showed that the total value of China's digital trade (the sum of the value of cross-border e-commerce trade and digital service trade) increased from 3.17 trillion yuan ($434.2 billion) in 2019 to 4.68 trillion yuan in 2022, with an average annual growth of 13.9 percent. In the first half of this year, the import and export volume of Chinas digitally deliverable services reached 1.36 trillion yuan, up 12.3 percent year on year. "The rapid growth momentum of China's digital trade can be attributed to the country's advantages in digital trade," said Xu Yujie, chief economist of the digital economy research institute at the Shandong Institutes of Industrial Technology. Xu added that the digital economy of China, the world's second largest digital economy, surpassed 50 trillion yuan in 2022, accounting for 41.5 percent of the country's GDP. China has also made significant progress in digital infrastructure construction such as 5G, data centers, and cloud computing in recent years, and has taken the lead globally in areas like big data analysis, the mobile payment system and logistics distribution, laying a solid foundation for the development of digital trade. New technologies represented by 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) have become important drivers for the digital development of trade. Today, more and more digital companies are leveraging technological advantages to "go global" and exploring new opportunities. Last year, exports of China's digital services reached $208.91 billion, up 7.2 percent year on year, and net exports of digital services surged 55.8 percent from a year ago to $46.75 billion. Chinese digital companies will become more competitive in the global digital trade, according to Xin Yongfei, director of the Policy and Economic Research Institute at the CAICT. Industry insiders believe that the rapid development of China's digital trade in recent years can mainly be attributed to the increasingly favorable digitalization policies in economic and trade areas, as well as innovative trade development models. An official from China's Ministry of Commerce said that relevant departments are taking multiple measures to bolster the development of the digital trade, including introducing policies and measures to encourage the reform and innovative development of digital trade, promoting the establishment of a digital trade standardization technical committee under the ministry, and advancing international cooperation and the making of rules in the digital field. Experts believe that driven by evolving trends, technological advancements, policy support and rules, the driving force of digital trade will continue to gather strength. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) G-Dragon to appear for police questioning next week over alleged drug use Mairaid Kelly and daughter Mary-Kate, who are fighting to keep St Mary's PS in Fivemiletown open Just this week two other schools saw their fate sealed. Governors at Straid PS in Co Antrim said they were left disappointed and sad at a decision by the Department of Education to close it at the end of the current school term. There was also confirmation from the department that Gillygooley PS near Omagh is to shut. Both were unsuccessful in bids to become integrated. Pupils from Straid and Upper Ballyboley Primary, where closure was previously confirmed, will transfer to Ballynure PS. However, where the closure threats remain in areas of Co Tyrone and north Down, there is anger in the community. One of the schools, St Marys in Fivemiletown, is fighting back. St Annes in Donaghadee has tried to, but has so far failed just a few months ago it was looking to the future. Though pupils numbers were well below what was deemed sustainable, it had been recommended for a switch to integrated status. Parents, governors, and the community were all in support of the measure. But a decision to shut the school came a few days before the end of last term. A brief stay of execution saw the school reopen for the new term, but the shutters will come down on October 31. A legal challenge to the closure, made in the absence of an Education Minister, was launched in July. There are likely to be many more such challenges over the next few years. St Annes principal John Hennessey said: To be blunt, we are disgusted at the way we have been treated in this process. In March it looked like we would have a future as an integrated school. When we got nearer to the end of term, even though closure was still a possibility, we were made aware that schools had been informed there was not enough time to implement any decisions before the end of term and that they should prepare to welcome pupils for another year. But we seem to have been treated differently. Two weeks after other schools were told there would be no decisions made, we were told we would close on August 31, despite an excellent inspection report and surplus finance. Mairaid Kelly and daughter Mary-Kate, who are fighting to keep St Mary's PS in Fivemiletown open The decision prompted an apology from Department of Education permanent secretary Mark Browne. While that matter goes through legalities, St Marys fight looks to be having more success. Bishop Donal McKeown, chair of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), has admitted to its board of governors it was inappropriate for a CCMS member to sit on two separate committees that voted on the proposal to close St Marys. That member of the CCMS education provision committee, a body responsible for making decisions on which schools should be proposed for closure, also used a position on the Education Authoritys strategic planning and policy committee to vote on January 31 to ratify the proposal without declaring a conflict of interest. Seven members of the committee voted against closure, while eight voted for. Read more Bulldog spirit needed to remove our education system from the mud Now chair of the board of governors, Mairaid Kelly, is calling for the proposal to be withdrawn as the school reopened for the new term with an increased enrolment. This latest revelation is a deeply disappointing reflection of the failure of governance within CCMS, said Mrs Kelly. From the outset of this case, CCMS has behaved as if it is not required to comply with legal or due process, and has attempted to avoid appropriate scrutiny by concealing relevant information and failing to manage conflicts of interest. CCMS has refused to engage with us directly on multiple occasions, facilitating only one meeting with officials who had no decision making powers and were unable to provide proper advice relating to their own organisational governance. Our small community has spent months trying to engage with an organisation which has repeatedly shown itself to be impervious to influence, and which now must recognise public confidence in it is at an all-time low. Those who hide behind the CCMS corporate identity must come out from the shadows and face the reality of the hurt and harm they have caused to our community with their ill-informed decision making. It is beyond time that they withdrew this misguided proposal to close a thriving school and began to focus on making reparations for the damage they have caused. The schools fight has drawn cross-party support. Both Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and DUP MLA Deborah Erskine are backing the Fivemiletown parents. The Education Authority said it would not be appropriate to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings challenging the closure of St Marys. The Ballymena man said the new resource will transform the landscape for mental health support in NI Hollywood star Liam Neeson has lend his support to a new online self-help resource launched to transform the landscape of mental health and wellbeing support in Northern Ireland. In a short video, Ballymena-born Neeson encourages those in Northern Ireland who need support with any aspect of their wellbeing whether that be physical or mental to take that first step by visiting findhelpni.com. The free online platform connects individuals with the right support at the right time, tapping into local community organisations and services, whilst providing tools and inspiring content to help manage their own wellbeing. The website serves as a holistic support system for individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including abuse, addiction, bereavement, eating disorders, financial concerns, neurodiversity, parenting, and more. With more people than ever looking for help and support from home through their digital devices, Find Help NI helps to bridge the gap between a place of comfort and seeking to find the help they need. The resource was founded by Cara Swanston and Pamela Kirkpatrick, who are both experienced within the mental health sector. "The pandemic highlighted the urgency for digital resources that can genuinely help people, said Ms Kirkpatrick. Whilst Find Help NI does signpost and connect users with support charities and organisations in the community. "It goes far beyond being a directory; it is a comprehensive self-help resource designed to empower individuals to take proactive steps toward wellbeing before their troubles become overwhelming. Ms Swanston said many clients were seeking the support of a counsellor, or a statutory service provider, because they didn't know where else to turn. "Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles and they certainly dont have to face them alone, she said. Find Help NI was established to serve as a beacon of hope enabling users to take those first steps towards getting professional help or helping themselves, and improving both mental and physical wellbeing. Liam Neeson Having Liam Neeson support our campaign in encouraging people to get the help they need, or indeed in supporting loved ones to seek the help they need, has been phenomenal. "Liam Neeson has always been very open about his own bereavement and we couldnt think of a better person to remind people we all have struggles, but that were not alone. Professor Siobhan O'Neill, the Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland, said finding support quickly and easily was important. Its really important that people who need support with their mental health can find that support quickly and easily, she said. Find Help NI is a great resource for people in Northern Ireland who are at any stages of their mental health journey, from early intervention to recovery. It provides helpful information about where to go for help and information about the mental health resources available to people here, in a clear, user-friendly way. The platform also serves as a hub for professional counsellors, charities, and organisations dedicated to wellbeing, who can share and showcase their services, but also use Find Help NIs directory and many resources to support their own service users. To connect with people and resources that will enhance the wellbeing of yourself or others, visit findhelpni.com. Sir Declan Morgan will head the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (Liam McBurney/PA) A conference examining new laws to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles has been postponed following plans for a public protest at the event. Former Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan, who is the head of a new body tasked with examining hundreds of unresolved Troubles deaths, had been due to be the main speaker at the Law Society event in Belfast this Friday. However, the professional body for lawyers said that with a number of legal challenges to the laws underway, it would postpone the event until the new arrangements have been tested in the courts. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent last week despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government. A number of protests have taken place against the governments legacy bill (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The most controversial aspects of the act include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences to those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). It will also halt future civil cases and inquests. Last week, the High Court in Belfast heard that 16 judicial reviews against the new legislation have been launched by families of Troubles victims. The ICRIR, which will assume responsibility for reviewing hundreds of unresolved Troubles deaths, will be headed by Sir Declan Morgan with former senior police officer Peter Sheridan as its commissioner for investigations. Sir Declan had been due to deliver the keynote address at Fridays conference. However, a number of victims organisations had said they would picket the event. A statement on the Law Society website confirmed its annual conference had been postponed. It said: The Law Society has been a vocal opponent of this legislation, criticising among other things the prohibition on civil cases and closing of legacy inquests brought about by the Act. The legislation is, in the view of the Law Society, incompatible with the UKs international human rights obligations. The Law Society convened this conference to provide members of the legal profession the opportunity to hear from human rights experts, from victims representatives and from those involved in the implementation of the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. This was intended to help inform the legal professions approach to the new structures. Some victims representative groups have contacted the Law Society in recent days requesting the cancellation of the conference. The society has also been made aware of plans to hold a public protest at Fridays event. In these circumstances, the society has taken the decision to postpone this event. Law Society President, Brian Archer said the event had been organised to inform and educate its members. He added: However, we recognise the strength of feeling in opposition to this Act. With a significant number of legal challenges now before the courts, the implementation of the new legacy structures remains uncertain, and it is right to postpone the event until such time as the legality of the new legacy arrangements has been tested in the courts. Human rights organisation, the Pat Finucane Centre said it was the right decision to postpone the event. A spokesperson said: We could not and would not leave victims and survivors standing outside in the cold while decision-makers inside discuss a law that directly affects them and removes their recourse to justice for their loved ones. The decision to postpone the conference, we believe, clearly signifies the power of victims and survivors speaking in unity and demanding ownership of this issue. We also applaud those lawyers and activists who also made the decision to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors, pledging instead to stand with them in opposition of this draconian law that effectively closes down the avenues to justice. Their refusal to cross the protest signifies the unity of opposition against this law. The spokesperson added: We also acknowledge and welcome the Law Societys continued public opposition to the Legacy Act and hope they continue to support victims and survivors. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has given the green light to a multi-million pound redevelopment at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. At a full Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to invest 52 million in the project over the next three years. The UK Governments Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has already pledged 12.2 million in financial support. Speaking at the meeting, LCCC Chief Executive David Burns described the investment as a landmark commitment and highlighted the strategic importance of Dundonald International Ice Bowl to Northern Ireland as a whole. The redevelopment aims to be a state-of-the-art leisure facility with an Olympic-sized ice rink, a 24-lane bowling alley, a gym, community rooms, restaurant and coffee shop. The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan said an exciting facility would be opened in under three years. Dundonald International Ice Bowl is a major tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, bringing more than half a million people to Dundonald every year since opening in 1986. As the only Olympic-sized ice rink in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland, it is the training home for the Belfast Giants and provides unique facilities for elite ice skaters to develop their talents. After 37 years, the building is no longer fit for purpose. Todays announcement means we will see an exciting new leisure facility open to the public in 2026. We expect visitor numbers to rise to over 700,000 in the first year. During construction, the existing ice bowl will remain open for business with full access to all activities. This flagship facility will help to grow our economy regionally, create jobs and enhance tourism within the LCCC area and greater Belfast. In less than three years time, local people and visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art leisure facility with an Olympic-sized ice rink, a 24-lane bowling alley, 100-station gym, community rooms, restaurant and coffee shop." A man in his 30s was shot on September 4. Police at the scene of a shooting in Ballsmill Road area of Crossmaglen earlier this month Five men have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a man in Co Armagh. Detectives investigating the incident in Crossmaglen on Monday September 4 have also issued a renewed appeal for information. Man shot on way to work in Co Armagh well respected in community, says Sinn Fein MLA Four men aged 35, 58 and two aged 31 were arrested following searches in the Crossmaglen area on Tuesday morning. All four were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. A fifth man (32) was arrested on Tuesday evening, also on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody at this time. One of the men (35) who was initially arrested has been charged with a number of drugs related offences, including possession of a Class C drug and possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply. He is expected to appear before Newry Magistrates Court on Wednesday. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Three men aged 58 and two aged 31 - have been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries. The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was shot just after 6.10am as he sat inside his car, a silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat, in the Ballsmill Road area. Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander, said: The victim was sitting in his car, parked on the Ballsmill Road, waiting for a connecting lift to work. Here, he was approached by a masked person, who fired a number of shots. He was shot in the arm and neck, but somehow managed to drive a short distance before calling for help. Read more BBC NI journalist lands 105,000 Belfast City Council spin doctor role This was a shocking and callous act, which has left a man in a critical condition in hospital. It was also a pre-planned and targeted attack on a victim who parked his car here on a regular, daily basis. I am appealing to anyone with information to get in touch. The attack took place early on a Monday morning, 4 September, just after 6.10am. Although this is a rural area, its also a road well-used by motorists for their morning journey to work, linking with onward routes to both Dublin and Belfast. Furthermore, there are many commuters who routinely park their cars in this area in order to share onward lifts to work. Im asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. Did you witness the attack, or anything untoward? For example, did you notice any vehicles parked on the Ballsmill Road that might not usually be there at the time of your morning commute? Im particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dash cam footage. Please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 253 of 04/09/23. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the Hegarty family had shown grace in response to the news. The veteran, known as Soldier B, is understood to have died on Thursday, with relatives of Daniel Hegarty, who was killed in July 1972, informed on Friday by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). Soldier B had been facing the prospect of being prosecuted for the childs death in the Creggan area of the city on July 31 1972, during the British Armys Operation Motorman. The codename was given to an operation aimed at reclaiming so-called no-go areas set up by republican paramilitaries in towns and cities across Northern Ireland. In July 2021, the PPS announced it was dropping the case against the soldier, but the decision was quashed by the Court of Appeal in August 2023 following a legal challenge from the Hegarty family. In a statement on Tuesday, the Hegarty family said "they took no delight" in Solider B's death and criticised the PPS for "dragging out the case". "They never really wanted to prosecute Soldier B for murdering a child," said a spokesperson. "They had to be dragged by us to that position during the course of almost 15 years of painful litigation." Foyle MP Colum Eastwood SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the family had shown grace in their response to the news. "Daniel Hegarty was shot and killed more than 50 years ago. It is a damning indictment on this society that his family have had to fight a lifetime for truth, justice and accountability, he said. "And it is further evidence that the British Governments approach to legacy - shutting down justice - will never work for those who have lost the most. There have been serious institutional failings in this case that have badly let the Hegarty family down. The PPS decision to drop the case in 2021 was a significant blow and forced this family to fight again for their right to justice. The Hegarty family have again demonstrated grace in their response to this news. There is no victory for anyone in any of this. Families like the Hegartys deserve the truth and they deserve justice. That should be the focus of political leaders across these islands. The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron said: The Public Prosecution Service was informed recently by Soldier Bs legal representatives of his death. We advised the family of Daniel Hegarty of the development in the case at the earliest opportunity. Where the PPS is made aware of the death of a defendant, that is the end of any potential prosecution in relation to them. I appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for the family of Daniel Hegarty who have hoped and campaigned for many decades to see a criminal justice outcome in this case. As with many legacy matters, decision-making in relation to this case was complex and challenging, he added. Given the history of this case, I can understand some of the views expressed by the family. However, we strongly refute any suggestion that the PPS acted contrary to the administration of justice or sought to improperly stop or delay any prosecution of Soldier B. "At all times the decision-making was undertaken in good faith on the basis of an impartial analysis of the available evidence and relevant legal principles, and with the assistance of advice from independent senior counsel. Locals react to search engine results for district of Newtownabbey which show images of US gambling capital in heart of Nevada desert Las Vegas at night image that appears in search for Mallusk Image of Las Vegas that appears for Mallusk Potential visitors Googling information about Mallusk might be forgiven for thinking its our version of Las Vegas considering the search results. The two locations may be literally worlds apart, but the choices made by Googles algorithm is proof that artificial intelligence doesnt always make the smartest decisions. Residents and workers in the Newtownabbey district expressed shock and surprise when presented with what the tech giants search engine throws up. Las Vegas at night image that appears in search for Mallusk Fiona McManus, who lives close to well-known local business Wilsons Auctions, burst out laughing when asked if her home place was anything like the gambling capital of the United States. Why? Oh, theyll be sorely disappointed, she said. I live just towards the end of the road there. Although theres a betting shop, its nothing like it. Is someone having a joke? Fiona McManus She added you would be very hard-pressed to find any similarities between the bright lights and skyscrapers of the famous Las Vegas Strip and Mallusk. The only thing Mallusk has going for it is that its close to a motorway, she joked. Nathan Stephens, who works in Mallusk, said absolutely not when asked if there were any comparisons. He added: Its always raining here, for one. Mallusk seems to have its own weather system. I mean, it has a few bars, but thats where it ends. Ive worked here for years, and Im always asking the people I work with who live in the area: Do you ever get sunshine?. Nathan Stephens Temperatures in Nevadas Sin City can reach 40C in July, and it gets around just four inches of rain annually. Sam Agnew, who is a regular visitor to Vegas for holidays, chuckled when shown the results of the Google search. He said: Vegas is some spot, Ive been a good few times. Its great craic and one of the best spots in the world. Its beautiful. But what about the similarities? Sam laughed: I suppose, maybe in ways? Its always busy here with heavy traffic, so I suppose that could be similar. Sam Agnew As for Kevin McCauley, he said: God, I wish it was (similar). Ive been (in Vegas) and its a lot warmer and better than here. Theres more than 12 shops, thats for sure. Tracey Adams and Jonathan Sing saw the funny side of the search engine results. Oh yeah, it definitely has the same draw this is the Las Vegas of Belfast, this strip with all the dazzling lights, said Tracey. Jonathan added: This place is just industry-related, with car dealerships and garages, its definitely no Vegas. 'The Strip' in Mallusk According to Google, the process of generating image results relies on comparing the search query to the descriptive text linked with images. The ranking is then determined in a way that elevates images that best represent the initial search results, placing them above lower-quality ones in the search. As the images of Vegas are high quality, they may have been linked to the search term Mallusk in meta data (the code behind an image or website) and have been presented to browsers, as any other images available may be of lower quality. But, as another Mallusk resident, who didnt wish to give their name, told the Belfast Telegraph: Are you having a f***ing laugh? The North Antrim MLA hit out at Gerry Kellys inclusion on the Chief Constable selection panel. The presence of Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly on the selection panel for the role of Chief Constable shows the PSNI are beholden to Sinn Fein, TUV leader Jim Allister has said. Mr Kelly will join the Alliance Partys Nuala McAllister and the DUPs Joanne Bunting as the three political representatives on the selection panel, alongside Mukesh Sharma and Policing Board Chair Deirdre Toner. Mr Allister has hit out at the inclusion of the North Belfast MLA on the panel. "What a commentary on our public and policing affairs that an Old Bailey Bomber and prison escapee will sit on the selection panel to pick the new Chief Constable, he said. It is little wonder that the PSNI leadership is so beholden to Sinn Fein when we remember that a practitioner and justifier of IRA terrorism, Gerry Kelly, will hold such a position. This could only happen in a Northern Ireland shaped by the perverse process of constant pandering to republicanism. It should not be forgotten that Sinn Fein buy in to policing was sold to Unionists as a victory. Looking at the sway that Republicans hold over policing it hardly looks like a victory now." A PSNI spokesperson said the recruitment process for a new Chief Constable was a matter for the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The Policing Board declined an opportunity to respond to Mr Allisters comments. The recruitment process for the job, which has an annual salary of 219,894, was launched on Monday. Previous chief constable Simon Byrne resigned earlier this month following a string of controversies within policing in Northern Ireland. Gerry Kelly These have included a significant data breach in which the personal details of all officers and staff were mistakenly published online and a critical High Court ruling which said that two junior officers had been unlawfully disciplined. Current PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton is currently leading the PSNI, although the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee heard last week that he is not at his desk following a medical procedure. The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has also passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Hamiltons leadership. Announcing that the application process for the next PSNI chief constable is open, Policing Board chair Deirdre Toner said: This position carries significant leadership, operational and representative responsibilities and the board is looking for an exceptional, experienced leader for this crucial position. This role is high profile, demanding, and often fast paced. The future chief constable of PSNI will require the requisite strategic thinking and ability to develop and deliver organisational and operational plans in the short, medium and longer term with the support of the service executive team, and with relevant partners, agencies and stakeholders. She added: The future trust and confidence in policing will be influenced by the style of leadership you bring to the PSNI. Being the chief constable of the PSNI is regarded as one of the most fulfilling national policing leadership roles. If you think you have the experience, commitment, and capability to lead the PSNI, I hope you will apply. The closing date for applications is October 16 at noon. Only People Before Profits Gerry Carroll has joined the eight SDLP MLAs. The SDLP has hit out at their political rivals after an Assembly recall motion to discuss the problems facing Lough Neagh attracted just nine signatures, with just one external MLA lending support to date. It comes a week after the party submitted a petition proposing the nomination of ministers to urgently establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency with robust enforcement powers to address pollution, the impact of invasive species and the durability of waste water infrastructure. The party has also called for a short term mitigation plan to address the immediate effects of ecological breakdown on the Lough alongside a long term-recovery strategy. A motion has been sent to the Assembly Business Office, which reads: We, the undersigned, give notice to the Speaker, under Standing Order 11, that the Assembly should meet to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speakers, to nominate a First Minister and deputy First Minister, and to debate the following motion: That this Assembly declares an ecological crisis in Lough Neagh... Lough Neagh: Blue-green algae is 'visible sign of a much bigger problem' To date, only People Before Profits Gerry Carroll has joined the eight SDLP MLAs in signing the petition. Read more Undertones singer takes aim at DUPs Poots over Lough Neagh algae crisis A number of SDLP representatives took to social media on Monday night to renew their call for support, rounding on their rivals for failing to join them. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), South Down MLA Colin McGrath said that was regrettable. "Nobody can have escaped the issues that are happening at Lough Neagh, he said. "Its an environmental tragedy and its going to cause significant problems going forward. Its a once in a generation issue thats happening there and we really must do all that we can to resolve it. South Down MLA Colin McGrath "The SDLP submitted a recall motion to bring people together to be able to highlight exactly what the issue is and what it is that we need to get done. "Im here today in Stormont. I am ready to do my work as I am every day in this building, but its regrettable that others didnt join with us so that we could try and address this environmental catastrophe that is happening. One has to wonder why openness and transparency cannot be to the fore to let us know what can be done to try and sort this issue out. The party questioned Alliance Party representatives who also took to social media to hit out at the DUP and UUP for voting against a call for an independent Environmental Protection Agency at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. South Belfast MLA Matthew OToole responded to a post by Alliances Eoin Tennyson criticising the Council vote by saying it was odd that Alliance had not joined the party in their recall petition. "Odd then that Alliance won't support a recall petition for the Assembly. Nor will SF (Sinn Fein), he said. I'm aware of the argument that the DUP will block a speaker, but that doesn't stop us using recall to highlight the seriousness of the crisis and demand an independent Environment Agency. The Alliance Party said they had been in contact with the SDLP over the motion. "We are minded to support this recall. However, the election of a Speaker remains a blockage to restoration, even among parties who support it, said a spokesperson. "We are keen to avoid previous instances where other parties couldn't even agree a joint candidate for the position. "Alliance Leader Naomi Long contacted Matthew O'Toole on this matter last week and is awaiting a response. An SDLP spokesperson said: It is surprising that any party would just be 'minded' to take the urgent action to address the ecological crisis on Lough Neagh. "The Lough is dying, we either work together to mitigate the damage and recover our largest freshwater lake or we give up. There's no space for ego or arrogance in this. "The SDLP has never and will never be a barrier to the restoration of the Executive. We will work intensively with a Speaker from any party to address the crisis and get the institutions back. Our recall motion is ready to be signed, MLAs from all parties should back it." A motion calling for a working group to be set up on the Lough Neagh situation has been passed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Sinn Fein councillor Anne Marie Logue said: The aim now is to bring forward a time bound, targeted strategy to address affecting Lough Neagh and the impact on the environment, residents, businesses and recreational users as quickly as possible. Watch: Sam McBride's in-depth look at Lough Neagh's blue-green algae crisis The Belfast Telegraph has approached Sinn Fein, the DUP and the UUP for comment on the recall motion. A stranded boat is seen off the coast of Blackwater, Wexford (Niall Carson/PA) A major multi-agency operation after a boat ran aground off the coast of Wexford continues, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said there has been strong co-operation across a number of agencies. The Defence Forces, garda units and the Irish Coast Guard are involved. A garda drug unit is involved and two people are assisting investigators with their inquiries, it is understood. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Co. Wexford at approximately 22:10 on Sunday evening. Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were tasked to the scene where a fishing vessel was aground on a sandbank off the coast of Blackwater, Co Wexford. After attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful, the casualties were successfully winched from the vessel. Both R117 and the Rosslare RNLI were subsequently stood down. A helicopter from the Irish Coast Guard hovers above the stranded boat (Niall Carson/PA) On Monday evening, a spokeswoman said gardai were engaged in a live operation. The Defence Forces described its response as ongoing. Speaking about the operation as he arrived for a cabinet meeting at Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Martin said: I have been briefed in terms of a multi-agency operation. It is still ongoing so it is not right or proper of me to comment any further or speculate on it. But what we are witnessing is very strong co-operation across the agencies in respect of this operation. Constitutional Court says anti-leaflet law violates right to freedom of expression By Jung Min-ho The Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday that a law banning the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the inter-Korean border is unconstitutional, siding with human rights activists calling for its abolition on the grounds of freedom of speech. The court said the law violates the constitutional right to freedom of expression, with seven of the nine justices ruling it unconstitutional, after nearly three years of deliberation on the case. "Restricting the content of expression is allowed only when, in principle, doing so is inevitable for (protecting) the significant public interest," the court said. "Strict standards should be applied, especially when restricting political expressions based on certain position, ideology or perspective." The law, under which violators could face up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 30 million won ($23,000), demonstrates the state's excessive punishment powers as it would penalize even the attempt of such activities, the court added. The court also said that the leaflet campaigners should not be burdened with the responsibility regarding the public's safety as it is the North Korean regime that is fully responsible for it. Rep. Tae Yong-ho, a defector-turned lawmaker and one of the most vocal critics of the law, welcomed the ruling, saying in a statement that the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) should take responsibility for creating the problematic law in the first place. The ruling is a victory for rights advocates, who have campaigned against the injustice of the law. They said the law, enacted in 2020 during the previous administration, after Pyongyang threatened retaliation over the sending of such materials, deprived the basic right to the truth. The verdict is aligned with the ruling of the Supreme Court. It overturned a lower court decision that justified the Unification Ministrys move to revoke a rights groups license over security concerns surrounding its campaign to send balloons filled with anti-regime leaflets to the North. After two fruitless summits with the U.S., Kim Yo-jong, North Koreas propaganda operation chief and the sister of leader Kim Jong-un, threatened in June 2020 to revoke the peace accords with Seoul over the leaflet campaign. By the end of that year, lawmakers of the then-governing DPK unilaterally approved the bill in response to her demand at the National Assembly, where it held a majority, claiming that sending such leaflets into North Korea would pose a risk to the safety of the residents living near the border. The legislative action immediately drew condemnation from rights experts at U.N. agencies and international NGOs. The law is a clear violation of multiple U.N. treaties that guarantee the rights to freedom of speech and association, they said. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, for example, says everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. As one of the ratifying states, South Koreas laws should comply with the provisions. On the same day, the Constitutional Court also ruled that Article 7 of the National Security Act was constitutional. The law stipulates that a person who knowingly praises, incites or propagates the activities of an anti-government organization or an individual can be punished by up to seven years in prison. Since its last amendment in 1991, the law has been reviewed and ruled constitutional by the court eight times including this time. The family of the young girl alleged she was subjected to racist behaviour in an interview with the Sunday Independent over the weekend. Olympian Simone Biles has reached out to a young black gymnast that was denied a medal at an awards ceremony in Dublin. The American Olympian said it broke my heart to see the girl being snubbed of a medal at the ceremony in the National Indoor Arena by a Gymnastics Ireland official. A video of the young girl being skipped at the presentation went viral online in recent days. The US athlete Simone Biles said she has reached out to the girl who was not given a medal and sent her a video. When this video was circulating, her parents reached out, Ms Biles wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video." In an interview with the Sunday Independent over the weekend, the family of the young girl alleged she was subjected to racist behaviour. The girls mother said they were very upset at how their daughter was treated by Gymnastics Ireland and they said they believed their daughter was ignored at the ceremony because she was black. In response to the video going viral, Gymnastics Ireland posted a statement online and said they had received a complaint alleging racist behaviour in March 2022. The sporting body claimed the issue had been settled following mediation that concluded in August 2023. However, the girls mother told the Sunday Independent that Gymnastics Ireland had failed to publicly apologise for what happened and they believed it was covering for the official. We are often the only black family at gymnastics events and this has been very hurtful for us, she said. Now eight million people have seen the video. From Pakistan to Ethiopia they can see this was wrong but Gymnastics Ireland still cant accept it and say sorry. In the video sent to the girl, Biles said: I wanted to let you know that I saw how you were treated at your GymStart event recently. I was completely shocked and wanted to let you know that you deserve a medal just like all of the other girls. I know youve worked incredibly hard at the sport and I wanted to say I am rooting for you from here. Sending you my very best and know that there are so many of us here to support you. A statement from Gymnastics Ireland on Monday said: On behalf of the Board and staff of Gymnastics Ireland we would like to unreservedly apologise to the gymnast and her family for the upset that has been caused by the incident at the GymStart event in March 2022. What happened on the day should not have happened and for that we are deeply sorry. We are also sorry that what has happened since that date has caused further upset. Please know that at all times we have been acting in good faith and with the best of intentions in trying to resolve this very difficult and sensitive matter. We offered an in-person apology after the incident as we believed this was the best approach. Subsequently we felt mediation was the best way forward. "We know now we need to do more. We are committed to ensuring nothing like this will happen again. We appointed an independent expert to review our policies and procedures earlier this year and a series of recommendations have resulted which we are fully committed to implementing so that this does not ever happen again. We would also like to engage with the gymnast's family and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) to listen to any suggestions they have as to how our procedures can be improved in this regard. We are happy to see that the gymnast continues to participate in Gymnastics Ireland events and we look forward to welcoming her back to our future events also. Finally, we would like to make it absolutely clear that Gymnastics Ireland condemns any form of racism whatsoever. Home Secretary Suella Braverman advocated for the reform of the UN Refugee Convention (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Home Secretary Suella Braverman has refused to rule out the UK leaving a global refugee charter if it continues unreformed, as she warned of the existential threat of uncontrolled migration. She used a speech in the United States to advocate for the United Nations Refugee Convention to be overhauled as part of wider efforts to stop small boats crossing the Channel. But, in a rebuke to the senior Conservative, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the organisations refugee agency, denied there was any need for reform. Mrs Braverman said the current international framework governing refugee status, including the UN accord, was contributing to a system that was incentivising millions of asylum seekers to try their luck. Calling for the definition of who qualifies for protection under refugee rules to be tightened, she said the threshold for asylum had steadily been lowered since the signing of the UN pact, which is backed by 149 states, more than 70 years ago. In comments criticised by equalities campaigners, she said offering asylum to a person because they are discriminated against in their home country for being gay or a woman was not sustainable. The UNs refugee agency, while recognising the complex challenges presented by irregular migration, said the convention remained crucial for protecting people facing persecution. The need is not for reform, or more restrictive interpretation, but for stronger and more consistent application of the convention and its underlying principle of responsibility-sharing, the UNHCR said in a statement. Labours shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, accused Mrs Braverman of scapegoating LGBT people during her Stateside speech to the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank. The latest Home Office figures indicate that 2% of asylum claims made in the UK last year included sexual orientation as part of the basis for a claim. (PA Graphics) The Home Secretarys decision to rally against multilateral treaties comes against a backdrop of domestic struggles to control irregular migration. She is tasked with helping to deliver the Prime Ministers pledge of stopping the boats from crossing the Channel one of five commitments that Rishi Sunak hopes to deliver ahead of a likely election next year. Almost 24,000 migrants have arrived into the UK via small boats since January. The official annual arrivals number, while down 26% from the same period in 2022, is likely to rise after people thought to be migrants were spotted being taken in to Dover, Kent, on Tuesday. Mrs Braverman admitted that her called-for reforms to the UNs 1951 refugee convention would be cumbersome due to the difficulty in getting all member states to agree. Asked after her speech in Washington DC whether the UK would consider leaving the convention if reforms were not delivered, Mrs Braverman said the UK Government would do whatever is required to tackle the issue of migrants arriving via unauthorised routes. She said: The Prime Minister himself has said we will do whatever it takes to stop the boats and that is my position. (PA Graphics) During her address on Tuesday, which lasted more than half an hour, Mrs Braverman said that uncontrolled and irregular migration was an existential challenge for the West. She said political systems that could not control their borders would not maintain the consent of the people, and thus not long endure. She attacked the misguided dogma of multiculturalism, saying it had failed, with communities living parallel lives. She said migration had been too much, too quick to the UK in the past 25 years, with too little thought given to integration and the impact on social cohesion. In a warning to developed nations, Mrs Braverman said: The global asylum framework is a promissory note that the West cannot fulfil. We have created a system of almost infinite supply, incentivising millions of people to try their luck, knowing full well that we have no capacity to meet more than a fraction of demand. Mrs Braverman used her US platform to defend the UKs approach to tackling irregular migration. The Illegal Migration Act, which has also faced criticism from the UNHCR, legislated for those arriving via the Channel to be deported to their country of origin, or to Rwanda, after ministers struck a 140 million deal with the east African country. But the Kigali plan is tied up in the courts, with a deportation flight yet to take off. The Home Secretary said the UKs Rwanda policy should be recognised as appropriate and said it was right for countries to act bilaterally rather than wait for international reforms to be agreed. Speaking about her own parents arrival in Britain her father came from Kenya and her mother Mauritius she said being a child of immigrants did not mean she had to adopt a pro-migration position. She told a Q&A session after the speech: It is no betrayal of my parents story to say that immigration must be controlled. She contrasted her parents migrating to the UK lawfully with those who are coming here gaming the system. She added: My job as Home Secretary is to be honest with the British people, to tell them that the system as it currently stands internationally is not working. We need to start working towards a solution that is sustainable and fair. Amnesty International UK accused Mrs Braverman, who ignored a question from a reporter as she was leaving the think tank venue about whether her speech had been designed to improve her chances as Tory leader, of a display of cynicism and xenophobia. Home Secretary Suella Braverman arrives to meet British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce at the British ambassadors residence in Washington DC (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Politicians need to consider whether international refugee rules are fit for our modern age, Suella Braverman will say as she struggles to hit her pledge of stopping small boat crossings of the Channel. The Home Secretary will use a speech in the US to question whether the United Nations Refugee Convention 1951 should be reformed, in a speech she is due to make on Tuesday. Ms Braverman will use a keynote speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, to set out a blueprint for international efforts to tackle the refugee crisis. The senior Cabinet minister has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce policies such as the Rwanda scheme. In a keynote speech Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age. But more than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time, she will add, claiming research suggests it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform. She will also argue that tests for how refugees are defined have changed, lowering the threshold for claiming asylum. Home Secretary Suella Braverman (left) walks with British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce in Washington (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Ms Braverman will say: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. She is expected to add: The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable. Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. None of them have good cause for illegal entry. The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset (John Gurd/PA) The Home Secretary is also expected to use her visit to seek closer ties with US authorities on tackling illegal migration and people trafficking. She will meet US homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and attorney general Merrick Garland for talks on migration and national security. As Ms Braverman mulled over reform of the convention ahead of the visit, her ideas were welcomed by the chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK. Alp Mehmet said she was right to call out the conventions and suggested the UK should withdraw from both the ECHR and the Refugee Convention if reforms were not made. But the Refugee Council warned the UK should be addressing the real issues in the asylum system, such as the record backlog, and providing safe routes for those in need of protection rather than tearing up agreements. Freedom from Torture chief executive Sonya Sceats said: Having already trampled over international law with the Illegal Migration Act, it is shocking to see the Home Secretary imploring the US and other democracies to tear up treaties designed to protect human rights. This will make the world an even more dangerous place, and not just for torture survivors seeking safety, but for all of us. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper accused the Tories of offering cheap gimmicks (Victoria Jones/PA) Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Ms Braverman has given up on fixing the Tories asylum chaos and is looking for anyone else to blame. On her watch, dangerous boat crossings are up, the backlog of undecided cases is at a record high, returns are down by 70% and the taxpayer is now spending an astronomical 8 million a day on hotels all because the Conservatives have time and again offered cheap gimmicks instead of getting a proper grip, she said. And instead of enhancing international co-operation to go after the criminal gangs and build long-term solutions, this Government has made it harder to get other countries to work with us by undermining international agreements that they still want other countries to abide by and offering no solutions. Nearly 24,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats this year so far, despite Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats, though the number of crossings are down from 2022. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled, with the Rwanda plan currently tied up in the courts, while attempts to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast are on pause after deadly bacteria Legionella was detected aboard. More than two thirds of religious people said they would support a UK assisted dying law in polling described by campaigners as showing the public is crying out for change. Lawmakers have been urged to finally grasp this issue, with MPs being encouraged to bring forward this debate as a matter of urgency by high-profile supporters of legalisation. The polling, for pro-change campaign group Dignity in Dying, found that of the 1,844 people surveyed in England and Wales, 78% said they tended to or strongly supported a change in the law. Some 766 of those surveyed said they belonged to a religion. Of those people, 69% said they tended to or strongly supported legalising assisted dying. While religions including Judaism, Buddhism and Islam featured among survey respondents, the majority were from Christian backgrounds. More than three quarters (78%) of people who described their faith as Church of England, Anglican or Episcopal, and more than two-thirds (68%) of Roman Catholics, said they were in support of a law change. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, chairman of Dignity in Dying, said: This research shows that, all over the country and in every walk of life, people are crying out for change on assisted dying. That includes an overwhelming majority of people of faith, myself included, who support this change because of our beliefs, not in spite of them. Millions of people have watched a loved one suffer at the end of their life. They know that, whatever your beliefs, there is no moral argument for prolonging suffering when a dying person says thats enough, I want to take control. MPs must bring forward this debate as a matter of urgency and end the intolerable suffering the ban inflicts on dying people and their loved ones with every day that Westminster drags its heels. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, said he hopes MPs will act urgently in bringing forward a debate on legalising assisted dying (PA) Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey, a long-time supporter of change, said: It is no surprise to me that large numbers of Christians would support a compassionate assisted dying law in this country. One of the key themes of the Gospels is love for our fellow human beings. Doing whatever we can to relieve needless suffering and bring peace is a profoundly Christian act. It is my greatest hope that, after many years of delay, lawmakers will now finally grasp this issue and craft a new settlement for dying people that provides the compassion and kindness that so many in this country would like to see. In July, Social Care Minister Helen Whately told a parliamentary committee hearing evidence into assisted dying and assisted suicide that debate in this sensitive area is one that should be led by MPs at Westminster and it should be for Parliament to decide. She told the Health and Social Care Committee: Its an issue of conscience for individual Members of Parliament. If the will of Parliament is that the law on assisted dying should change then Government would not stand in its way. The committee, which heard from peers, experts and Swiss organisations including Dignitas during its sessions, is expected to publish a report later this year. Assisted suicide is currently banned in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. In Scotland, assisted dying is not a specific criminal offence but assisting the death of someone can leave a person open to murder or other charges. Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthurs members Bill, which seeks to enable mentally competent adults who are terminally ill to be provided with help to end their life if they request it, is expected to be published in Scotland later in the year. YouGov polled 1,844 adults online in England and Wales in July. The Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) The speaker of Canadas House of Commons has resigned after inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during the Second World War to Parliament to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Mr Rota introduced Mr Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Yaroslav Hunka, right, who fought for a Nazi military unit (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press via AP) It later was publicised that the First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. No-one in this House is above any of us. Therefore I must step down as your speaker, Mr Rota said in Parliament. I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognising an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in addition to Nazi survivors in Poland among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions, he added. Mr Rota stepped down after meeting with the House of Commons party leaders later on Tuesday. All main opposition parties called for Mr Rota to step down, and government House leader Karina Gould said that lawmakers had lost confidence in him. This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honourable thing in resigning, Ms Gould said. Ms Gould said she is of Jewish origin and a descendent of a Holocaust survivor. This incident hurt me personally as it hurt all members of this House and all Canadians, she said. Ms Gould earlier said Mr Rota invited and recognised Mr Hunka without informing the government or the delegation from Ukraine. Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland had called the incident incredibly embarrassing. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies said in a statement that the incident has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally. This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime. In an earlier apology on Sunday, Mr Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognising Mr Hunka, who is from the district that Mr Rota represents. The speakers office said on Monday it was Mr Rotas son who contacted Mr Hunkas local office to see if it was possible if he could attend Mr Zelenskys speech. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Mr Hunka unaware of the details of who he was. The prime ministers office said it was unaware that Mr Hunka was invited until after the address. The speakers office also confirmed it did not share its invite list with any other party or group. The vetting process for visitors to the gallery is for physical security threats, not reputational threats, the speakers office said. In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said it was outrageous that Mr Hunka received a standing ovation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, although Mr Zelensky is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. Its highly unfortunate and the only winner here is the Putin regime, which is already spinning what happened on Friday to justify its ongoing military actions in Ukraine, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. The opposition Conservatives in Canada have blamed PM Justin Trudeau, but Mr Beland noted that the speakers role in Canada is as an officer of Parliament who does not participate in partisan caucus meetings and is not a member of the Cabinet. Hunter Biden has sued Rudy Giuliani and another lawyer, saying the two wrongly accessed and shared his personal data after obtaining it from the owner of a Delaware computer repair shop. The lawsuit was the latest in a new strategy by Hunter Biden to strike back against Republican allies of Donald Trump, who have traded and passed around his private data including purported emails and embarrassing images in their effort to discredit his father, US President Joe Biden. The suit accuses Mr Giuliani and lawyer Robert Costello of spending years hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over the data that was taken or stolen from Mr Biden Jnrs devices or storage, leading to the total annihilation of his digital privacy. The suit also claims his data was manipulated, altered and damaged before it was sent to Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello, and has been further altered since then. They broke laws against computer hacking when they did, according to the lawsuit. It seeks unspecified damages and a court order to return the data and make no more copies.Hunter Biden is suing Rudy Giuliani saying he and another lawyer accessed his personal data (Brynn Anderson/AP/PA) Mr Costello used to represent Mr Giuliani, but recently filed a lawsuit against the former New York City mayor saying he did not pay more than 1.3 million dollars (1.07 million) in legal bills. A spokesman for Mr Giuliani did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Tuesday morning. Mr Costello declined to comment. In February, he told The Associated Press that a letter from Hunter Biden that requested a Justice Department investigation of him and others related to the laptop was a frivolous legal document that reeks of desperation because they know judgment day is coming for the Bidens. Tuesdays lawsuit marks the latest turn in the long-running laptop saga, which began with a New York Post story in October 2020 that detailed some of the emails it says were found on the device related to Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings. It was swiftly seized on by Mr Trump as a campaign issue during the presidential election that year. Mr Biden does not explicitly acknowledge that the laptop left at the computer shop was his, but says at least some of the data was on his iPhone or backed up to iCloud. A Justice Department special counsel is also separately pursuing an investigation into Hunter Bidens taxes, and has filed firearm possession charges against him, and he plans to plead not guilty. He is also charged with tax crimes. House Republicans, meanwhile, have continued to investigate every aspect of Hunter Bidens business dealings and sought to tie them to his father, the president, as part of an impeachment inquiry. A hearing on Thursday is expected to detail some of their claims anew. Over the past few months, Hunter Biden has also sued a former aide to Mr Trump over his alleged role in publishing emails and embarrassing images, and filed a lawsuit against the IRS saying his personal data was wrongly shared by two agents who testified as whistleblowers as part of a probe by House Republicans into his business dealings. He has also pushed for an investigation into Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello, along with the Wilmington computer repair shop owner who has said Hunter Biden dropped a laptop off at his store in April 2019 and never returned to pick it up. Mr Giuliani provided the information to a reporter at the New York Post, which first wrote about the laptop, Mr Bidens lawyer said in a letter pushing for a federal investigation. Paramount Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures In his spaghetti westerns, Clint Eastwood boiled heroism and cowardice down to simple choices made by un-spectacular humans in the midst of moral conflict. As "Dirty Harry," Eastwood stripped away the hero perceptions propagated by P.R. departments and gave us an authentic cop, complete with shortcomings and attitudinal warts. As an aging actor and emerging director, he continually gives us honest, fresh journeys into new cultures, eventually landing Academy Awards for "Unforgiven" (a Western with a conscience) and "Million Dollar Baby," as well as nominations for "Mystic River" and "Letters from Iwo Jima." That same honest willingness to portray heroes as human--while revealing the political and societal realities surrounding them--is what makes "Flags of our Fathers" more than a compelling movie; it is a moral one, winning Eastwood the Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award for work that reaches out positively and respectfully to the world. "Flags of our Fathers" doesn't carry the happy heroics or contrived plot twists of some of our favorite war movies--and maybe it even over-reaches a bit, as Eastwood can't resist trying to say too much. But it is clear and honest as a film can be about heroes. It is also about how many would-be heroes either die in war or are sentenced to an under-fulfilled (or under-appreciated) life back home beyond the war. "Flags of our Fathers" asks significant questions about the hypocrisy of war, the futility of imperialism, and the false public branding of "heroic" soldiers who, in the end, are as human as you and I and will never really live up to the media-hyped image that makes them more than they really are. It made for an unsatisfying ending, but an honest one. This story's "heroes" are honored at a glittery gala where they are presented with a white chocolate replica of their famous pose: Raising the American flag on the Japanese Island of Iwo Jima during one of the most brutal battles in American military history. As a ladle-full of bright red sauce is poured over it, the onlookers are thinking of strawberries but the three flag-raisers--two Marines and a Navy medic--are thinking about blood. This portion of Clint Eastwood's two-part saga is based on a memoir of one of the "accidental heroes" of Iwo Jima, a man who happened to be captured in one of the most famous photographic images of all time--the raising of the American flag in the midst of the battle. The men in the picture (and one who was mistaken for a man in the picture) were whisked to America to raise funds for a war that had exhausted the good will and resources of Americans. At least two of them suffered from feelings of inadequacy and hypocrisy as their colleagues continued to fight while they were celebrated. The story is narrated by one of their sons, who knew very little about this part of his father's life until after he died. This film, or, perhaps we should say, this first half (the second, better film, "Letters from Iwo Jima," tells the story from the Japanese point of view) raises very contemporary issues about illusion and reality, and about what we expect in and from heroes, about how wars always involve politicians sending young men (and now women) to be killed. Yet it fails to meet its own standards, killing off all of the characters who are pure of heart and leaving only the complicated and flawed ones alive. It keeps us curiously remote from its characters, the images more powerful than the story, in an unintentionally ironic case of form over content. Shutterstock.com Warnings are statements or events that indicate a possible or impending problem or danger. Too often the most ignored warnings are those from God. The first warning given by God was during creation. Man ignored this warning and that came at a great cost. Gods warnings are for our benefit to help and guide us. These are also ways that God tries to get our attention. Jesus warned His followers against sin and evil. He said: Watch out! Be on guard (Luke 12:15). He also warned His followers against false and hypocritical religious people and leaders: Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, I am he, and The time is near. Do not follow them. These warnings are for our safety, issued because of Gods great love for us. Here are six important things Jesus warned us about. Sin We are supposed to avoid sin but this can be quite a task because we are sinful beings. As much as we dont want to, we still sin in our daily lives because of the sinful nature that was injected into us through the fall. Because God is holy, He cannot tolerate sin, and our sin separates us from him, becoming a barrier to our fellowship with Him and even causing us to lose the joy of our salvation. Isaiah 59:2 says, Your iniquities have become a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that He does not hear. Jesus had many sayings that warn us regarding the nature of sin itself. A few of these include, Sin is a master to whom we become enslaved (John 8:34), only the truth will set us free (John 8:32) and For the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The seriousness of sin should make us realize we cannot tolerate it or give sin any ground in our lives. The Devil There are certain satanic strongholds that imprison us each day that we must be aware of. The battles are taking place every day and the devil uses them to break us down. Luckily, Jesus warns us of the devil and his advances. One way the devil tries to attack us is when were alone. We can see this in Matthews writings. He does this because he knows we are most vulnerable when were at our weakest point. The Bible tells us, Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). He knew Jesus was alone and he tempted Him. The devil can detect when youre feeling alone. In these moments of attack, he wants you to believe that youre all alone. At times when you feel like the devil wont leave you alone, its important to remember that God is with you! Being Materialistic When Jesus said, Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19), the term lay up is often believed to mean having possessions. But it did not simply speak of having possessions, but of your possessions having you. The term lay up is better understood as a hoard. In this passage, Jesus is not saying that it is wrong to have things as many often believe. He was warning against becoming materialistic or letting things become more important than God. God created us to love people and use things, but a materialist loves things and uses people. Jesus did not lift up poverty as some great virtue. In fact, only one time did He tell someone the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The rich young ruler was possessed by his possessions. When Jesus said, If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me (Matthew 19:21), the Bible says that he went away sorrowful. This was a test to see whether God was more important to him than his things. Those Pretending to Be Christ Christ appeals to Scripture, but false christs dont appeal to Scripture. They have an entirely different appeal. There is often a monetary motive involved or an entirely selfish motivation. Its important that you pay close attention to their message. We have the word of the prophets made more certain and you will do well to pay attention to it (2 Peter 1:19). God has spoken, and Christ appeals to His Word. The false christ makes a rather different appeal: By appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error (2 Peter 2:18). Ask yourself what kind of message is this person delivering? If you feel like any part of their message isnt aligned with Gods message, they are a counterfeit and you need to be aware of it. Hypocritical Judgment People often believe that Jesus is saying in Matthew 7:1-5 to not judge. This is usually in the context of someone committing some wrongdoing, and the person responding with Who am I to judge? Were all sinners and God calls us to judge not, right? Not quite. Contrary to popular belief, Matthew 7:1-5 is not a prohibition against all judgment. These verses are a warning against hypocritical judgment, not judgment in itself. Jesus is saying we cant judge others when we are guilty of the same sin. What people fail to realize is when they interpret this verse in this way, they are declaring a judgment on the person who they are claiming is being judgmental. If you dive further into the passage, Matthew is not forbidding judgment but hypocrisy. This is why the context is so important. You have to read the surrounding text to understand the verse. What Jesus is doing in this full passage is passing judgment on those who improperly judge. We know from continuing to read the verses that we will all be judged by the same measure that we use. If we cant apply this standard to our own lives, we cant apply this standard to others. Lacking Humility Matthew 5:3 says, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Most Christians interpret poor in spirit to mean a false piety cultivated by poverty of personality or material wealth, when it actually means we must be humble in our spirits. If you put the word humble in place of the word poor, you will understand what He meant. In other words, when we come to God, we must realize our own sin and our spiritual emptiness and poverty. We must be self-satisfied or proud in our hearts, thinking we dont really need God. If we are, God cannot bless us. The Bible says. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Its interesting note that Peter closed his writings with a warning to believers: Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:17-18). Here, Peter is emphasizing how important it is to place our trust in Jesus. When we put on the full armor of God and protect ourselves from the ways of this world that counter Jesus. Lesli White is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth with a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and a concentration in print and online journalism. In college, she took a number of religious studies courses and harnessed her talent for storytelling. White has a rich faith background. Her father, a Lutheran pastor and life coach was a big influence in her faith life, helping her to see the value of sharing the message of Christ with others. She has served in the church from an early age. Some of these roles include assisting ministry, mutual ministry, worship and music ministry and church council. Education ministry aims to guarantee equal acadmic opportunities By Jun Ji-hye The government will strengthen Korean language education for children of multicultural families to help them overcome difficulties caused by language barriers, the Ministry of Education announced, Tuesday. The government will create and operate 40 Korean language courses in 33 cities and counties that have schools with more than 100 students with at least 30 percent of pupils coming from multicultural families. The number of such schools stood at 71 as of last year. Among those, the number of pupils from multicultural families exceeded 50 percent of the student body at 16 schools. These courses, which will be offered starting at the end of 2024, range from three months to one year in length. The courses will be offered outside of schools in the form of commissioned education programs, the ministry said, noting that the measure is intended to lessen the burden on local schools and teachers. These courses will begin in cities and counties where many multicultural families live at the moment, and will be expanded to more regions afterward, if necessary, an education ministry official said. The measure is part of the ministrys five-year plans to offer equal educational opportunities to an increasingly diversified student body at schools. The ministry drew up the plans amid a consistent increase in the number of students from multicultural families. Data tallied by the education ministry showed that the ratio of students from multicultural families in elementary, middle and high schools increased to 3.5 percent this year from 1.1 percent in 2014. Such students have cited language as one of their biggest challenges in adjusting to Korean society, the ministry said. Other plans include expanding programs where university students offer customized, one-on-one Korean language classes and counseling to students from multicultral families. The number of local university students participating in such programs will increase to 8,000 in 2024 from 4,000 this year. The government will also utilize around 220 lecturers specializing in multicultural family issues through the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will supply some 450 lecturers specializing in marriage counseling to multicultural couples. Also, to help students with homework, the government will operate online Korean language courses powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The technology will offer the results of the analysis of learning levels as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each student. The government will work with companies to create scholarships for students displaying outstanding bilingual skills. Such scholarships will be paid monthly until a student from multicultural families graduates from university. About 200 institutions will be established by the end of 2024 to offer bilingual education and classes dedicated to the understanding of different cultures. All students can participate in those programs. Kaesang Pangarep (center, wearing a checked shirt) celebrates being named chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party, with other members and advisers, in Jakarta, Sept. 25, 2023. A small Indonesian political partys move to name the youngest son of President Joko Jokowi Widodo its chairman shows the Indonesian leader plans to influence national affairs after leaving office next year, some observers said. On Monday, political newbie Kaesang Pangarep, 28, was named Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) chairman just two days after joining the party. Jokowi had no significant role in his own Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), and so was no longer comfortable there, Ujang Komarudin, executive director of the think tank Indonesia Political Review, told BenarNews. Jokowis blessing and intervention are likely behind the appointment of Kaesang as PSIs chairman, he said, adding that the party would do anything for the popular current president. The plan has been not for Kaesang to join PDIP, but for him to become PSI chairman, he said. PSI was banking on the presidents popularity the so-called Jokowi effect when it made Kaesang its chairman, said Denny Januar Aly, founder of polling agency Lingkaran Survei Indonesia. He has no experience in public office or any key role in a political party. So what was the reason for PSI leaders to pick him as chairman? The answer is simple they were hoping for a Jokowi effect, Denny said. Other analysts have noted that Jokowi has been distancing himself from the PDIP and its interests as he prepares to leave office and he tries to create his own political force. Jokowi has not released a statement on Kaesangs appointment. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo speaks during the closing ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Sept. 7, 2023. [Adek Berry/AFP] Kaesang said his father is one of his inspirations. He is someone I love and respect very much and I want to follow his footsteps in politics for the good of the country, Kaesang said in a statement Monday. I hope PSI can become a political home for young people who want to participate in politics and make a positive change for Indonesia, he said. PSI was founded in 2014, shortly after Jokowis first presidential victory and claims to represent the interests of women, youth and minorities. It also supports Jokowis policies and endorsed him in the 2019 presidential elections. Jokowi will be out of office in 2024 because presidents cannot serve more than two terms. PSI has not achieved significant electoral success at the national level. It failed to secure any seats in the national parliament in the 2019 election, but managed to win some in the provincial and district legislatures. Kaesang would face a tough challenge making PSI a parliamentary party, said Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a political researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency. It requires a lot of effort and a long process, he told BenarNews. Deteriorating relations? Some analysts said Kaesangs decision reflected a rift between Jokowi and his party, the PDIP, which is the largest party in the ruling coalition. Jokowi wouldnt have let his son join PSI otherwise, said Hendri Satrio, a political analyst at Paramadina University. Few expected Jokowi to act like this. PDIP supported him twice as mayor of Solo, governor of Jakarta, and twice as president. It turns out that Jokowi took an unexpected political step, he told BenarNews. The PDIP had also backed the presidents other son, Gibran Rakabuming, who is the mayor of Solo in Central Java province, and his son-in-law, Bobby Nasution, who is the mayor of Medan in North Sumatra. Said Abdullah, a PDIP executive board member, said his party was not affected by Kaesangs political move. We have many people who can replace members who leave. There are dozens, hundreds, thousands and even millions of them, Said told BenarNews. Analysts have said Jokowis relationship with PDIP has deteriorated in recent months and the rift has become more apparent as supporters pressure him to endorse a successor who can continue his policies and programs. Many Jokowi supporters have expressed their disappointment with the PDIP, accusing the party of being too controlling and interfering with the presidents agenda. For its part, the PDIP has repeatedly denied there is any tension between Jokowi and its chairwoman Megawati Sukarnoputri, a former president who is widely regarded as the kingmaker in Indonesian politics. As a party that traditionally appealed to nationalists in Indonesia, PDIP placed absolute power in the hands of Megawati, the daughter of Indonesias founding father and first president Sukarno, said Ujang of Indonesia Political Review. The Feb. 14, 2024, presidential election is expected to be a race among PDIP candidate and former Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo; Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto; and ex-Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan. A decade ago, amid much fanfare, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road program, a grand plan to build a global infrastructure and supply chains that would connect China to the rest of the world in a modern and many-pronged Silk Road and hypothetically benefit everyone involved. Next month, Beijing will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, with confirmed attendance from a number of world leaders and representatives from 90 countries, state news agency Xinhua reported . What started out as a way to boost trade ties, secure energy supplies and invest in global infrastructure has now branched out to include digital, health, cultural, security, and sustainable development projects, some of which have been dogged by labor issues and cost overruns . Playing off the motif of the ancient trade route that linked China to the Mideast and Europe, Its components are many, and include the Digital Silk Road, the Silk Road on Ice, the Healthy Silk Road, the Space Silk Road and the Green Silk Road. In fact, today almost all of Chinas overseas cooperation projects could be classified as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi has termed it the project of the century. $1 trillion in investment Built on land reclaimed from the Indian Ocean and funded with $1.4 billion in Chinese investment, the Colombo Port City project is seen, Nov. 8, 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images The forum comes four years after the last Belt and Road summit in 2019, and is part of Chinas bid to show off the programs achievements to the international community after a decade in operation. The program has sparked about U.S. $1 trillion in investments, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a recent news conference. Around 83% of Chinas diplomatic allies and nearly 80% of the 193 UN member states have gotten involved. Over the past decade, China has signed more than 200 cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations under the plan. China now spends twice as much on international development finance as the United States, according to the U.S.-based organization AidData, with most of that increase occurring during the past 10 years. There has been a political benefit as well: Some of those deals have led partner countries to publicly support Chinese Communist Party propaganda on Xinjiang, where China has persecuted 11 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities and sought to erase their culture. Whats the goal? Researchers have been collating vast amounts of data and official sources to try to answer questions about the purpose of the Belt and Road -- does it fulfill Chinas economic, diplomatic or strategic ambitions? The answer is all of the above. Workers prepare to board a train on the Laos-China Railway at Kunming South Railway Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province, July 16, 2023. The rail line connects Kunming with Vientiane in Laos. Credit: Chen Xinbo/Xinhua via Getty Images It facilitates the offshoring of Chinas production capacity, offers a powerful tool for the country's diplomats and is also a key plank in Beijing's geostrategic framework. It expands Chinas global influence and promotes Xi Jinpings ultimate vision of creating a China-centered global order . And with the decoupling of Chinas flagging economy from that of the United States, and China's exclusion from key technology supply chains, China appears to need the Belt and Road Initiative more than ever. Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews, is marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road with a series of features about how the plan has evolved over the past decade, and its impact on the countries and people it touches. For example, China has been dialing back investment in overseas infrastructure projects, while boosting it in the digital sector. The countrys homegrown global navigation satellite system Beidou now spans 165 capital cities around the world, providing broader coverage than GPS created by the United States. Huawei, which has been widely boycotted by governments in Europe and the United States, built 70% of the 4G networks currently in operation in Africa. Exporting surveillance platforms Meanwhile, China has continued to export surveillance platforms for policing and domestic security to at least 80 countries around the world. The technology sector has become a hotly contested battleground in Chinas global strategic plan, which includes exporting its brand of digital authoritarianism, while competing for a share of future markets. Staffers wait for visitors under a display of CCTV images at the Hikvision booth, a state-owned surveillance equipment manufacturer, during Security China 2023 in Beijing, June 7, 2023. Credit: Ng Han Guan/AP Globally, 2.9 billion people still lack access to the internet, and China has set its sights on the digital divide, hoping to gain the support of more countries by gaining a foothold in emerging markets, where it can position itself as the digital standard-setter. Indonesia the fourth most populous nation on the planet is one of those markets . Nearly half of its 270 million people are under the age of 30, making it uncharted territory for the digital economy. Yet Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is already charting that territory, offering cheaply built infrastructure, personnel training and government publicity services. Radio Free Asia has been examining some of the concerns and potential threats posed by China's monopolistic practices in the region. Chinas digital presence can also be felt across a number of large-scale regional infrastructure projects. The China-Laos high-speed railway doesnt just run on Chinese-gauge tracks with Chinese-made locomotives and rolling stock: it also uses Chinese technology in its ID-card verification system and security checkpoints. Resistance Some countries and leaders have tried to resist the China model, including former Micronesian President David Panuelo. In an open letter published two months before he left office in May 2023, Panuelo said China had used a combination of threats, bribes and clandestine infiltration to pressure Micronesian officials to force their strategic and security cooperation goals far beyond the scope of the Belt and Road Initiative. A worker patrols the construction site of the Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. The substation, located about 70 km (43 miles) southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project, a project under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Credit: Han Xu/Xinhua via Getty Images Radio Free Asia interviewed Panuelo to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to check out the quality of its projects on the ground. China also bid on the East Micronesia Cable undersea project, later withdrawing its bid amid security concerns. Ten years on, the Belt and Road Initiative is an important component of Chinese diplomacy, and of Chinas global strategic aims. Indonesia, Laos, and Micronesia have all been the target of a number of economic, diplomatic, and strategic moves from China. At a time of heightened geopolitical turmoil, the Belt and Road has evolved and expanded into the digital realm, and increasingly affects the daily life of people in its partner countries. The Belt and Road story is still being written. Arnon Nampa gives the three fingered-salute inspired by The Hunger Games movie that has been adopted by democracy movements in Asia outside Bangkok Criminal Court on Sept. 26, 2023. A Thai court on Tuesday sentenced a prominent human rights lawyer and leader of the nations youth-led pro-democracy movement to four years in prison for insulting the monarchy. The verdict was the first of 14 cases brought against Arnon Nampa under Thailands lese-majeste law, which shields the royal family from any insult and carries a jail term of up to 15 years for each conviction. Arnon, who has openly called for reform of Thailands powerful monarchy, was sentenced over a speech he made during protests against the government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha in 2020. The Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that Arnons speech at the capitals Democracy Monument on Oct. 14, 2020 had defamed and aroused hatred against King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The defendants speech was distorted and harmful to King Rama X, the court said in a statement. His lawyer Krisadang Nutcharas told BenarNews they would appeal. Before the ruling, Arnon said he would go on fighting even if he was jailed. I think the young generation has created a phenomenon that has irreversibly changed the country in terms of thinking, he told reporters as he entered the court. The whole country believes in rights and freedom, and is ready to become a civilized nation. Activists and a legal expert condemned the decision as an assault on basic democratic rights. Demonstrating is part of becoming a developed and free country, said Piyanut Kotsan, the director of Amnesty International Thailand. Olarn Thinbangtieo, an associate professor at Burapha Universitys Faculty of Political Science and Law, said the verdict sent a message that any actions taken against the Thai elite would be punished, regardless of human rights. Starting in mid-2020, Arnon and other young Thais mostly university students took to the streets to call for the ouster of Prayuths government, which was filled with key figures from a 2014 military coup, as well as reforms to laws protecting the monarchy. As protests escalated, riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets against the demonstrators and stand-offs frequently turned violent. In November 2020, Prayuth vowed to exercise all pertaining laws against youth-led anti-government demonstrations, including the lese-majeste. As of August, at least 257 protesters had been prosecuted under lese-majeste, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, an advocacy group that employs Arnon. Activists, human rights groups and at least one member of parliament turned out to the hearing on Tuesday. Ladda Jamjai, 55, who was at the court to support Arnon, said the ruling curbed freedom of expression. I don't think Arnon deserved the four-year imprisonment, she told BenarNews. Kunnawut Boonreak contributed to this report. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%.. Tonight Snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%. A Seoul court was set to hold a hearing Tuesday to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for opposition leader Lee Jae-myung over corruption charges, the biggest crisis yet for the former presidential candidate. The Seoul Central District Court will hold the hearing at 10 a.m., three days after Lee, chair of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea(DPK), pulled out of his hunger strike launched on Aug. 31 in protest of what he called the "incompetent and violent" government of Yoon. Lee has been accused of breach of trust, bribery and other charges stemming from his time as mayor of Seongnam, south of Seoul, years ago in connection with a scandal-ridden land development project and his alleged involvement in a company's illegal cash remittance to North Korea. The prosecution accuses Lee of committing breach of trust worth 20 billion won ($15 million) by giving special treatment to a private developer in the Baekhyeon-dong district apartment project in the city of Seongnam, south of Seoul, between 2014 and 2015, when he was serving as the city's mayor. Lee is also suspected of asking Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear maker, to illegally transfer $8 million to North Korea between 2019 and 2020, when he was serving as Gyeonggi Province governor, through his deputy to facilitate his visit to the North, and push for a joint smart farm project between his province and Pyongyang. The court is expected to make a decision as early as Tuesday night if the hearing proceeds as scheduled. Should the court issue the warrant, it would deal a serious blow to Lee's leadership, but if the court rejects the warrant request, it would bolster Lee's standing in the party and lead to a massive blowback against the government. By law, sitting lawmakers are immune from arrest while parliamentary is in session unless the National Assembly passes a motion giving its consent to the arrest, a measure intended to shield lawmakers from political persecution. Last week, the National Assembly voted to lift the opposition leader's arrest immunity in a surprise, narrow 149-136 vote attributed to a number of dissenting ballots from his own party that commands a majority of parliamentary seats. The DPK has vehemently lambasted the motion as the government's attempt to "kill a political enemy" eight months before the general elections. Lee has been under medical treatment since he was hospitalized on Sept. 18 due to deteriorating health during his hunger strike. He has been put on treatment for recovery after ending the hunger strike on its 24th day on Saturday. (Yonhap) Presidential candidates Sen. John F. Kennedy, left, and Vice President Richard M. Nixon, are shown Sept. 26, 1960, following their nationally televised first of four presidential debates at a television studio in Chicago. Start the day with the lastest headlines Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter RICHMOND Spacious. Welcoming. An amazing view of the surrounding landscape. We taxpayers got our moneys worth. Those were typical reactions as more than 100 residents turned out this week for informal sneak previews of the new $8.3 million Richmond Town Hall & Library aka the Town Center. Its so impressive, said Lauren Broussal, former editor of the monthly Richmond Record newsletter, which is expected to resume publication in October. I really like the fact that its understated, and so pretty. The library is great and I love the kids room; its so bright. Its all long overdue, her husband, Jack Ringler, pointed out during a building tour. Its a beautiful space. Move-in week starts Oct. 3 as furniture is installed and town offices are opened as boxes are unpacked from the historic Town Hall up the road on Route 41, which is expected to be put on the market. Soon, books will be shelved on arrival from the former, rented town library space on State Road near the West Stockbridge line. The new town library, funded by taxpayers as a nonprofit, drew highly favorable comment, especially for its childrens area and a small study room. The color is marvelous, and the town really needed this as a place to gather, said resident Lynn Meyers.This is so inviting and beautiful, Im sure it will be well-used. With the view, its pretty perfect. Its very well-planned and thought out, said Richmond resident Ronald Barron, principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1975 until his retirement in 2008. I expected it to be very nice, and it is. This has a lively, open feeling and I think people will be happy here. The entire town center building should be up and running by mid-October. The Community Room can seat as many as 100 people for Select Board and other town board and committee meetings. It also can be used for multiple purposes, including exercise and yoga classes, movie nights and town elections, said Pat Callahan, chair of the Municipal Building Committee and unofficial tour guide during the open house events on Sunday and Tuesday. Since 2017, Callahan has been the point person for the now-completed project. The annual town meeting in May will continue to held at the adjacent Richmond Consolidated School, since it often attracts several hundred voters. The new building runs on electric power, with a standby generator if needed, meeting the states Stretch energy code, adopted by most Massachusetts towns. The code creates stricter guidelines on energy efficiency for new construction, additions and alterations in more than 300 municipalities that are designated Green Communities. Coming in on budget never to be assumed for major projects Callahan credited general contractor David J. Tierney Jr., for that and for the on-time opening. As a member of the Municipal Building Committee, former longtime town resident Stephanie Beling called the end result amazing; weve heard no complaints about anything. The size, the quality, the ceiling, the light fixtures, the fabulous lobby, beautiful colors, I didnt visualize it, its very high-class. She also cited the strong support of the towns taxpayers for the long-awaited project. Theyve done a beautiful job, and I think that its going to be adequate for everything the town needs for a long while, said Myron Ritrosky, a town resident since 1970. Im glad the town went ahead with it, thanks to a group of dedicated people that spent a lot of time planning and working on it. You are the owner of this article. Lenox native James Brooke has traveled to about 100 countries reporting for The New York Times, Bloomberg and Voice of America. He reported from Russia for eight years and from Ukraine for six years. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung attended a court hearing Tuesday on an arrest warrant request against him over corruption charges, the biggest crisis yet for the former presidential candidate. The Seoul Central District Court is expected to make a decision as early as Tuesday night if the hearing proceeds as scheduled. Leaning on a walking stick, the frail-looking Lee walked slowly and unsteadily as he entered the court without answering a barrage of questions from reporters. Hundreds of supporters and protesters lined the road to the court, holding up placards reading "Lee Jae-myung is innocent. Reject the arrest warrant," or "Suspect Lee Jae-myung is the ringleader." The hearing came three days after Lee, chair of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pulled out of his hunger strike launched on Aug. 31 in protest of what he claimed the "incompetent and violent" government of Yoon Suk Yeol. It marks the first time that a main opposition party leader has attended a court hearing for an arrest warrant requested against him. Lee has been accused of breach of trust, bribery and other charges stemming from his time as mayor of Seongnam, south of Seoul, years ago in connection with a scandal-ridden land development project and his alleged involvement in a company's illegal cash remittance to North Korea. The prosecution accuses Lee of committing breach of trust worth 20 billion won ($15 million) by giving special treatment to a private developer in the Baekhyeon-dong district apartment project in the city of Seongnam, south of Seoul, between 2014 and 2015, when he was serving as the city's mayor. Lee is also suspected of asking Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear maker, to illegally transfer $8 million to North Korea between 2019 and 2020, when he was serving as Gyeonggi Province governor, through his deputy to facilitate his visit to the North, and push for a joint smart farm project between his province and Pyongyang. During the morning session of the hearing, prosecutors reportedly highlighted the seriousness of the charges and concerns of destroying evidence as they made a case for Lee's arrest, while Lee's lawyers claimed he is not a flight risk and thus arresting him for investigation is unnecessary. Should the court issue the warrant, it would deal a serious blow to Lee's leadership, but if the court rejects the warrant request, it would bolster Lee's standing in the party and lead to a massive blowback against the government. By law, sitting lawmakers are immune from arrest while parliamentary is in session unless the National Assembly passes a motion giving its consent to the arrest, a measure intended to shield lawmakers from political persecution. Last week, the National Assembly voted to lift the opposition leader's arrest immunity in a surprise, narrow 149-136 vote attributed to a number of dissenting ballots from his own party that commands a majority of parliamentary seats. The DPK has vehemently lambasted the motion as the government's attempt to "kill a political enemy" eight months before the general elections. In February, the parliament had voted to reject the government's first request for consent to arresting the DPK leader by a margin of only one vote. Lee has been under medical treatment since he was hospitalized on Sept. 18 due to deteriorating health during his hunger strike. He has been put on treatment for recovery after ending the hunger strike on its 24th day on Saturday. (Yonhap) BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. South Africa, known for its rich tapestry of cultures, is gearing up to celebrate a unique convergence of its heritage and literary traditions. As the nation eagerly anticipates Heritage Day on 24 September and the entire month as Literature Month, a remarkable fusion of culture and creativity promises to captivate the hearts and minds of its citizens. Heritage Day is a day of unity, diversity, and a sense of national pride. It, invites South Africans to celebrate their cultural roots, languages, traditions, and the harmonious coexistence that characterizes this vibrant nation. On this day communities across the country come together to showcase their heritage through food, music, dance, and storytelling. Simultaneously, September has been designated as Literature Month in South Africa, an annual celebration of rich literary heritage and contemporary literary achievements. This month-long celebration pays homage to the nation's diverse literary voices. Writers that have captured our local voice and heritage through stories. At Optimi, we are driven by our passion for learning. We aim to make learning accessible and offers a wide range of solutions through four divisions Home, College, Classroom and Workplace. Learning is an essential part of our evolution and happens all the time, whether we are aware of it or not. When we actively develop a love of learning and voluntarily pursue knowledge, whether for personal or professional reasons, we unlock unlimited benefits, says Botha. By developing a love of learning we are able to spur personal and professional growth, boost social connectedness, and improve our employability. At Optimi we believe that learning in every stage of your life should be encouraged. This year, in celebration of the fusion of heritage and literature, pick-up a local book, read for pleasure, and learn. Optimis ITSI store boasts a range of more than 80,000 ebook fiction titles, and all 11 languages are represented. The store allows for an easy online purchase, and the e-reader can be downloaded to read the book on your personal device with minimal effort. Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.- Nelson Mandela (First Black President, South Africa). This October, OFM's #PinkTober campaign aims to raise awareness of and support for those affected by breast cancer. We're calling on central South Africa to support our drive to raise R300,000 for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) during this month. According to Cansa, the number one type of cancer reported among South African women is breast cancer. Approximately 19.4 million women aged 15 years and older live at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Its important for women to be empowered with knowledge regarding lowering their cancer and health risk and recognising warning signs. Each Wednesday, OFM will dedicate our programming to breast cancer awareness to offer encouragement to those living with the disease as well as share valuable information regarding prevention and support to those affected. Well also provide updates on our #PinkTober fundraising drive, where listeners in their private or business capacity can donate funds towards the cause. Solidarity can also be shown by dressing in pink and sharing photos on social media with #OFMPinkTober on Wednesdays. Plus, each week in October, OFM and Round Table Southern Africa will host fun corporate bowls evenings in Bloemfontein (5 October 2023), Welkom (12 October 2023), Klerksdorp (19 October 2023) and Hartswater (27 October 2023). Teams of four can participate in these Bowling 4 Boobies events for a donation of R2,000 per team. The proceeds will be donated to each areas Cansa office. OFM receives daily requests from listeners, who are dealing with all forms of cancer, seeking financial assistance. These fundraising events will make a big difference in the lives of those who are still fighting and those who are cancer survivors. We hope to get the whole of central South Africa to reach out by supporting this initiative to not only raise awareness but also to contribute to make a change, says OFM sales and marketing manager, Anchen Lintvelt. OFM brand manager, Bianca Smit, believes this will be a powerful initiative: PinkTober and Bowling for Boobies strive to empower, support and raise awareness in our communities about breast cancer and how early detection can save lives. We call on everyone in Central South African to get involved in our fundraising initiatives and do your part in the fight against cancer. According to HJ Botha, Cansa representative, the organisation has been a leader in the fight against the disease since 1931: "Our vision of the Cancer Society of South Africa is to lead South Africa to a cancer-free society. We are delighted to announce the upcoming charity fundraiser dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer continues to affect the lives of countless individuals and families worldwide. Cansa recognises the importance of education, early detection and support for those affected by this disease. Your support makes a big difference in the lives of breast cancer patients." Visit OFMs events page on ofm.co.za or our free mobile and desktop apps for full information of how, where and when to participate in OFMs PinkTober breast cancer awareness drive. For more information email: az.oc.mfo@gnitekram. On Friday, 22 September, a letter of apology was sent to Daily Maverick. The South African National Editor's Forum (Sanef) noted that Daily Maverick has accepted the apology and will meet with Standard Bank early next month. Daily Maverick issue Source: RVI RVI Sanef and Standard Bank find common ground onissue On the same day Sanef and Standard Bank met and discussed the incident that took place at the banks head offices in Rosebank, where a Daily Maverick (DM) journalist was harshly removed by the banks security. A supporter of media freedom The meeting was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect, acknowledging the important role that the media plays in society and recognising the tough environments and conditions under which the media must operate. The parties discussed the protocols required to ensure that journalists stay safe as they conduct their day-to-day reporting. Sanef used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of prior engagement when media attend volatile situations that involve protests and conflict. We applaud Sanef for the direct, firm, honest, humane, respectful and principled manner in which they approached this matter. We appreciate the opportunity extended by Sanef to engage with Standard Bank, says Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Group CEO. He adds, We hold the media in very high regard and reaffirm our commitment to supporting freedom of the press. A free media is a central pillar of our constitutional democracy. Equally, a free and unhindered media is needed to create and maintain the conditions for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Tshabalala also says that Standard Bank is deeply committed to our Constitution and to supporting economic and human development in South Africa. We are, therefore, a firm and steady supporter of the rule of law and of media freedom. We will continue to defend and uphold these fundamental rights. One of the key agreements in the meeting was that journalists work needs to be respected and they must be afforded the space to do their work. Further, the rise in threats, intimidation, and harassment of particularly women journalists needs to come to an end, says Sbu Ngalwa, Sanef chairperson. Sanef reiterates that Standard Bank should ensure that their security personnel never physically tackle and intimidate journalists again. Business and Arts South Africa (Basa) proudly reveals the exceptional finalists for the 26th Annual Basa Awards, honouring transformative partnerships between the realms of business and the arts. Basa, founded in 1997 as a collaborative endeavour between government and the private sector, continues its mission to cultivate innovation and mutual growth in South Africa through the arts. This year, the live announcement of the 48 finalists (24 partnerships) took place at the Living Room in Maboneng, heralding a return to in-person engagement and paving the way for the final award ceremony, scheduled for October 2023 at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) in Cape Town. The Awards stand as a unique and meaningful tribute to the rich tapestry of culture, diversity, and shared values that define our nation. As we celebrate this day, it is only fitting to recognise and honour the business and arts collaborations that embody the essence of South Africa's heritage. Through the Basa Awards, we pay homage to the cultural mosaic that is South Africa, where business and the arts come together to create a legacy of innovation, and creativity. The Basa Awards also highlight the importance of private-public partnerships in not only advancing artistic expression but also in addressing pressing social and economic challenges. By recognising and celebrating these outstanding initiatives, Basa encourages more businesses and government entities to embrace the power of collaboration, emphasising that together, we can unlock South Africa's vast creative potential while simultaneously driving meaningful change in our communities and beyond. New collaborators, including The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Heineken Beverages, British Council South Africa, Sunglasses Hut, Radisson Red, TWYG, and Zeitz MOCAA, joined entrants and honorees at the Finalists Announcement luncheon. Basa CEO Ashraf Jacobs-Johaardien emphasized the pivotal role of partnerships, remarking: "There is a unique power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners. Partnerships are like DNA they carry the code of shared values, mutual goals, and the potential to create something remarkable. As we celebrate this years finalists, we are also thrilled to welcome new partners on board for the Basa Awards itself." The heart of the Basa Awards lies in the extraordinary results born from the intricate interplay of creativity and strategy. As Jacobs-Johaardien pointed out: "The threads that weave together successful partnerships are both complex and intricate, but the 320 plus winning business and arts partnerships recognised by the Basa Awards to date demonstrate that the successful fusion of creativity and strategy can yield extraordinary outcomes." The finalists of the 26th Annual Basa Awards were announced on 1 September 2023. The announcement event was hosted at the Living Room, resonating with the tradition of showcasing Johannesburg's urban beauty. Furthermore, the excitement extends to Cape Town, where the live awards ceremony will grace the remarkable Zeitz MOCAA, promising to further spotlight the inspiring connection between the arts and business. Sinenhlanhla Mdiya, Basa marketing manager, emphasised the transformative potential of the finalist partnerships, stating: "The finalists we announced demonstrate that successful business and arts partnerships have the power to regenerate communities and inspire creativity. These symbiotic partnerships also have the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our country, such as poverty and inequality, while amplifying the creativity and innovation in our midst." Khanyi Mamba, chairperson of the awards adjudication panel, applauded the dedication of the finalists, saying: "Every submission we received represents a unique journey, a labour of love, and a bold step towards pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary. So, to all the finalists, I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations. Your work has captured the attention of our discerning judges, and you have earned your place among the best of the best." The finalists of the 26th Annual Basa Awards are: IDC Community Development Award ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme National Afrikaans Theatre Initiative (NATI) & Suidoosterfees for NATi Jong Sterre/NATi Rising Stars First-Time Sponsorship Award supported by Radisson Red ANNA Pure Organic & Latitudes Online for The ANNA Award Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your KasiPride Campaign with Blue Ribbon The Automobile Association of South Africa NPC & ARIVA Arts Organisation for RISE project Heineken Beverages SMME Award Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi & Barrydale Jazz & Brass Festival NPC for Dark Arts Curfew Club Pioneer Freight & Hermanus FynArts for Art Guide Training Programme Sunglass Hut Sponsorship In-Kind Award Avalon Cinema Group: Suncoast CineCentre & Centre for Creative Arts-University of KwaZulu-Natal for Durban International Film Festival UpstART Galleries & META Foundation for Art Feeds The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Blessing Ngobeni for Priceless Print Innovation Award Blue Ribbon & Baz-Art for Share your KasiPride campaign with Blue Ribbon E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Program Standard Bank of South Africa Limited & Bee Diamondhead for We Are Culture IDC CSI Award Chickenland (Pty) Ltd t/a Nandos & Meta Foundation for OpenStudios X Nando's The Sanlam Foundation Trust & Zip Zap Circus School Trust for Zappers Programme TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa (Pty) Ltd & Sibikwa Community Project NPC (T/A Sibikwa Arts Centre) for The Sibikwa Arts Academy and Sibikwa's Inclusive Development, Education and Advocacy (IDEA) Programme British Council Beyond Borders Award Africa Contemporary Art/Just Art International & Reframe House for Spiral of Containment E-Squared Investments & Sunshine Cinema for Spark Impact Program Ideon Inc. & National Children's Theatre (NCT) for Rebranding NCT Celebrating Long-Term Commitment: Heineken Beverages Long-Term Partnership Award ATKV & Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) for Karoo Kaarte Eyesizwe Mining Development Trust & Market Theatre Foundation for Ditshomo Mentorship Programme Uganda is in advanced talks with Chinese export credit agency Sinosure to provide credit for its crude oil pipeline after pressure from environmentalists forced some Western banks to recoil from the project, a top official said on Monday. The 1,445km East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is planned to help Uganda export its crude from oilfields in the country's west via a port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. It is co-owned by the government of Uganda, France's TotalEnergies, China's CNOOC and Tanzania's Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC). The project will cost $5bn, including the cost of credit and 40% of the money will be raised through debt while the rest will come from equity, Irene Bateebe, permanent secretary for Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development told Reuters. "Together with others we are raising some financing through Sinosure which is going to be one of our biggest contributors to the debt," she said. "We are working towards financial close. So we are at the tail-end of the discussions for the financial close and we are confident by the end of October of this year we should close the debt component." Bateebe did not give an exact amount of how much money Sinosure would be providing in credit. She said they had faced frustration with Western banks after environmental groups pressured the lenders to desist from funding the project on grounds the pipeline would ruin the environment and contribute to rising carbon emissions. "You then look at who is your other friend ... we did have other friends who were willing to come onboard and that's where we looked, we became eastern-looking," she said. In 2021, more than 260 groups, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, signed a letter urging banks not to finance the project. Human Rights Watch has also denounced the pipeline. German lender Deutsche Bank has since said it will not be involved in financing the pipeline. Uganda discovered oil deposits more than ten years ago and commercial production is expected to begin in 2025. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Tuesday elected a three-term lawmaker as its new floor leader ahead of a crucial court decision on the fate of party leader Lee Jae-myung. Hong Ihk-pyo beat two other candidates -- Reps. Nam In-soon and Kim Min-seok -- at a general meeting of party lawmakers, becoming the party's floor leader at a time when the party is navigating a political crisis sparked by Lee's corruption allegations. "I've taken a difficult role during a difficult time," Hong, who is considered a lawmaker aligned with Lee, said in his acceptance speech. "I will create momentum, a force, to unite the Democratic Party of Korea into a single team, so that we can win the general elections next year with Chairman Lee Jae-myung." His election came five days after the former floor leader, Rep. Park Kwang-on, resigned to take responsibility over the National Assembly's passage of a motion to lift Lee's arrest immunity. By law, sitting lawmakers are immune from arrest while parliament is in session unless the National Assembly passes a motion giving its consent to the arrest, a measure intended to shield lawmakers from political persecution. The passage of the motion is attributed to a number of dissenting ballots from the opposition party that commands a majority of parliamentary seats, in the latest sign of growing division in the party. On Tuesday, Lee attended a court hearing on an arrest warrant request against him over corruption charges, the biggest crisis yet for the former presidential candidate. The Seoul Central District Court is expected to make a decision as early as Tuesday night if the hearing proceeds as scheduled. (Yonhap) The largest global member body of accountants and finance professionals, AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, today hosted members and industry leaders in Accra to discuss Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and how African businesses, including finance and accounting professionals, can tap into this. The hybrid event was attended by CIMA members and partners from the West African regions and beyond, including speakers Dr Jeremy Osborn, FCMA, CGMA, CPA (Aust.), global head of ESG at AICPA & CIMA; Kwame Sarpong Barnieh, CPA, CGMA, partner in charge of Governance, Risk and Compliance Services at KPMG Ghana; Antoinette Kwofie, ACMA, CGMA, chief finance officer at MTN Ghana; and Joseph Amo Adjei, manager, Risk Governance, ESG and Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Ghana. Paul Aninakwah, ACMA, CGMA, country director Ghana, Benin, Cameroon & Sierra Leone Africa at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said: The African continent presents many more opportunities for investors to make a positive environmental and social impact than in any other region in the world. However, this will require careful oversight, including access to skills and knowledge in business and financial management. As a result, demand for skilled business finance and accounting professionals will rise, but these professionals will have a critical responsibility to ensure that the organisations they work for operate in a sustainable manner. It is important that they are adequately prepared to be able to assess risks and opportunities and can navigate ESG requirements to gain the trust of business leaders, stakeholders and investors. Todays event showcased the need for education and action. Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, regional vice president Africa at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, added: As a worldwide leader in public and management accounting issues, AICPA & CIMA, through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, is enabling the accountancy profession to help businesses, governments and organisations manage ESG issues. We are stepping up efforts with our members and students in Africa to provide the skills and competencies they need to help organisations and economies grow sustainably. We are pleased to have hosted members and partners at todays event to bring attention to the challenges and opportunities ESG represents and the need for greater education in this field. I hope our guests appreciated the valuable insights delivered by our speakers. AICPA & CIMA is helping businesses take personal and professional advantage through the provision of educational courses and certificates, namely: Fundamentals of ESG Certificate to help accounting and finance professionals embrace ESG. The programme offers a first step in the learning journey for the high-growth area of sustainability reporting and assurance. to help accounting and finance professionals embrace ESG. The programme offers a first step in the learning journey for the high-growth area of sustainability reporting and assurance. Through our strategic partnership with the University of Oxfords Said Business School to equip accounting and finance professionals with the tools and knowledge to make businesses more sustainable; we are jointly offering a new Online ESG & Sustainable Financial Strategy Course , giving participants access to faculty members with world-leading expertise in sustainability issues, and an unparalleled opportunity to develop a global peer group. , giving participants access to faculty members with world-leading expertise in sustainability issues, and an unparalleled opportunity to develop a global peer group. Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential, we are offering this to our members at a special discounted price through working with the IFRS Foundation. Additional ESG-related learning resources including conferences and thought leadership papers can be found on the AICPA & CIMA website. Pan-African telecom and network services provider, Paratus Group, has announced a distribution agreement with Starlink for its high-speed services across Africa. This partnership will enable Paratus to offer Starlink's services to its customers throughout Africa, contingent on Starlink receiving operating licenses in those countries. This agreement aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming Africa through exceptional digital infrastructure and customer service. It means we can offer industry sectors such as land and offshore energy, mining, hospitality, education, healthcare, agriculture and more the reliable and constant connectivity they need to flourish, no matter how remote they are, explains group chief commercial officer of Paratus, Martin Cox. The Starlink agreement further strengthens our LEO (low earth orbit) satellite services offering across Africa and affirms our considerable capability and reach on the continent. It reinforces our goal to collaborate with entities that share our vision of transforming both African businesses and communities. Starlinks services will be immediately available through Paratus in Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, with plans for expansion to other countries. Starlink has identified the Paratus Group as a crucial distributor in Africa. Scalable hardware Starlink offers high-speed broadband internet through a user-friendly, scalable hardware platform that can be easily distributed worldwide. Its design allows it to operate independently of local infrastructure and maintain multiple paths back to the internet, ensuring reliable service that keeps businesses operational. Currently serving tens of thousands of business locations, Starlink caters to customers in various capacities. These include primary enterprise connectivity, 4G and VSAT replacement, backup, interim setup, and emergency services. Across its network, Starlink maintains greater than 99.5% up-time across all customers and higher for unobstructed installations. Up-time is measured without mitigating factors, such as weather and wire-cut outages. Paratus will be able to provide its customers with both fixed, mobility and maritime services with immediate effect. Paratus will be able to provide its customers 24/7/365 enterprise support. Ally Young, CMO at mobile company Skinny NZ has been declared as winner of The One Show 2023 CMO Pencil, honouring the marketer behind the world's single most impactful idea on a brand's business from the past year. Ally Young was declared winner of the award. Source: Supplied. Young received the prestigious award for Phone It In, created for Skinny by Colenso BBDO Auckland, PHD Media Auckland, Platform29 Auckland, and Drum Agency Auckland. The work also received a Gold Pencil for Direct Marketing and two Bronze Pencils, one each in Out-of-Home and Radio & Audio, in this years 50th anniversary One Show. Invaluable creativity Im incredibly honoured to be awarded this prestigious Pencil. It represents the healthy tension between risk and invaluable creativity which inevitably equates to brand strength if you get it right, said Young. Phone It In brilliantly encompasses both while promoting our brand purpose of Well do anything to keep prices low and customers happy. "Im so proud to be part of a team thats delivering world-class and effective work, and congratulations to all my fellow Kiwis who are also getting recognised globally for their mahi (work). I could not have received this accolade without my incredible leaders Matt Bain and Sarah Williams, and of course without the hearts and brains of my tireless agencies Colenso BBDO, PHD, Platform29, and Drum. A cross section of 31 high-scoring entries were initially considered for this years CMO Pencil award, from which the jury narrowed the field to seven. Finalists Other finalists entries were Apple Public Displays of Encouragement by TBWA\Media Arts Lab Los Angeles and The Greatest by Apple London, Coinbase Less Talk, More Bitcoin by Accenture Song, Mars Skittles - Apologise the Rainbow by DDB Chicago, Muskrat Magazine Missing Matoaka by BBDO Canada Toronto, and Supercell/Clash of Clans Clash from the Past by Wieden+Kennedy Portland. Top global marketers on this years One Show CMO Pencil jury were Zena Arnold, CMO, Sephora; Vikrant Batra, CMO, HP; Kate Jhaveri, Global Head of Marketing, TikTok; Todd Kaplan, CMO, Pepsi; Jeff Klein, CMO, Popeyes; Fernando Machado, CMO, NotCo; Kory Marchisotto, CMO, e.l.f.; Sejal Shah Miller, CMO, Converse; Leslie Sims, CMO, CCO, Impossible Foods; and Alicia Tillman, CMO, Delta Air Lines. In accordance with The One Show judging rules, jury members abstain from voting on work done by or for their own company. All of these top One Show 2023 winners under consideration featured an extraordinary level of creativity, said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. The jury strongly felt Phone It In was a great campaign that ticked all the boxes of the judging criteria. We congratulate Ally Young, Skinny, and the agency teams for this prestigious win. Helm has unveiled its Employee Ownership Plan, a significant step that transitions the company into an employee-owned entity. This transformative change in the ownership structure is a testament to Helm's commitment to its dedicated staff. Gustav Praekelt and Dawood Patel. Source: Supplied A major stake is held by the senior management team, referred to as HelmCo. This strategic decision empowers them to play an active role in the companys decision-making processes, thereby shaping its strategy, vision, and future growth. Key shareholders include Helms CEO, Dawood Patel, Awande Capital founder and former Trudon CEO, Thabo Seopa, and company founder Gustav Praekelt. The company was originally named after Praekelt before it underwent rebranding to become Helm. One of the reasons for the rebrand was to mark the new ownership structure, which also saw Praekelts role shift to a non-executive capacity. Although he is no longer involved in the business on an operational level, the ownership plan brings to life his long-standing vision of a staff-owned company. "Weve always wanted to be a different type of business one that is owned by the very people who contribute to its strategy and success every single day. Our employees have been a part of our past and present and will remain a more significant part of our future, says Praekelt. Recognition and reward One aspect of the Employee Ownership Plan is the recognition and reward it bestows upon those who have contributed to Helm strategically, and those who have served the business loyally for a long period. Most of the people in the programme have been with the company for over five years, with some beginning their journeys as far back as 2010. The plan not only strengthens the bond between employees and the company, but also encourages shared responsibility for Helm's success. Dawood Patel, CEO of Helm, says that by giving key team members a direct stake in the business, Helm fosters a culture of ownership and accountability. This shared sense of ownership will lead to enhanced collaboration, increased innovation, and improved productivity across all levels of the company. By empowering employees with equity, we encourage long-term thinking that ultimately drives growth and stability. By having staff participate in ownership of the company, Helm has engaged its employees in a truly meaningful way, while also contributing to the countrys transformational goals through diverse shareholding. The new ownership structure ensures that Helms workforce is not merely a group of employees, but an integral part of its vision, its journey, and its future. Nigeria's state oil firm NNPC Ltd and oil majors on Monday agreed to cut the time for concluding contract talks from three years currently to six months, to speed up investment projects in Africa's major oil producer. The new logo of the privatised Nigeria oil company is seen at the NNPC Mega Gas Station in Abuja, Nigeria. Source: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde Protracted negotiations of major contracts in the oil and gas sector often slow badly needed new investment in Nigeria, hitting government plans to raise production and sometimes litigation when contracts come up for renewal. NNPC operates joint venture operations with oil majors. The new agreement signed with the companies, including Shell, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies, intends to make doing business in Nigeria easier. "So efficiency is going to be instilled in the process and will deliver more production," said Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC vice president, upstream, after a signing ceremony attended by the heads of the subsidiaries of the oil majors. Nigeria's oil production has been declining, missing its OPEC quota and severely hobbling government finances. President Bola Tinubu is in a drive to increase Nigeria's oil output. The presidency said on Saturday international oil firms had committed $13.5bn investments in the short term to raise production to 2.1 million barrels per day by December 2024. Former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker with Secretary of State Tony Blinken at his State Department office on September 13. Pritzker is the new U.S. Special Representative for Ukraines Economic Recovery. [Source: chicago.suntimes.com] On September 14, President Joe Biden appointed former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, an heir to the Pritzker banking dynasty whose net worth is around $3.3 billion, to be Special Representative for Ukraines Economic Recovery. In a statement, Biden said that Ms. Pritzker would drive the United States efforts to help rebuild the Ukrainian economy by working in lockstep with the Ukrainian government, our allies and partners, international financial institutions, and the private sector. The New York Times emphasized that Ms. Pritzker in her new job would encourage pro-investment strategies in Ukraine, and drum up public and private investment from other nations. Put in different terms, Pritzker is to help open the floodgates to Ukraines economic exploitation by multi-national corporations which stand to profit from a war that the U.S. and Ukraine deliberately provoked as part of a scheme to weaken Russia. The profits will be astronomical because of the opportunity that the war has presented for disaster capitalists and because of the low-wage, low-tax economy that President Volodymyr Zelensky has established. Zelensky has dismantled progressive labor laws, supported land privatization, and initiated attacks on unions and left-wing politicians and political parties, which have been banned. Founder and chairman of a private investment firm, PSP Partners, and past member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations, Wall Streets think tank, Pritzker visited Kyiv during her tenure as Commerce Secretary following the February 2014 Maidan coup. There she helped deliver a $3 billion loan that was contingent on the government adopting neoliberal reforms beneficial to foreign corporations. Penny Pritzker during a visit to Ukraine in 2015. [Source: pravda.com.ua] As a result of the reforms championed by Pritzker, U.S. corporations such as Cargill, DuPont (which has long supported Joe Bidens political career) and Monsanto have been able to invest heavily in Ukrainian agriculture and, according to a report in The Australian National Review, purchased more than 17 million hectares of Ukraines arable landmore than all the arable land that exists in Italy. The main shareholders in these latter companies are Wall Street investment firmsThe Vanguard Group, BlackRock and Blackstonewhich donate heavily to both the Democratic and Republican parties and own major weapons companies like Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin that have done brisk business contributing to the destruction of Ukraine. An April 2021 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made the lifting of a moratorium on the sale of land to foreign companies a condition for the loan package that Pritzker helped to deliver. A poll found that 81% of Ukrainians were against the sale of land to foreigners and lifting of the moratorium, while only 13% were in favor of it. Geopolitical analyst Drago Bosnic wrote that the Ukrainian people have not only been quite literally robbed of the lands their ancestors gave their lives for; they are also effectively dying in battle to make sure this theft continues unabated. A Family Tradition Penny Pritzkers involvement in Ukraines exploitation follows from a long family tradition. In 2011, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) discounted a balance of $144 million from a $460 million fine Pritzker had been assessed for illegal bank and loan shark operations at the failed Hinsdale, Illinois, Superior Bank while depositors who were still owed $10.3 million lost their savings. According to journalist Greg Palast, the depositors included poor folk in [then] Senator [Barack] Obamas South Side district [who] lost their homes. Superior Banks failure resulted from years of sub-prime lending combined with fraudulent reporting practices and the deception of regulators. This did not stop Obamaa man supposedly committed to cleaning up the financial systemfrom appointing Pritzker as Commerce Secretary. Obama and Penny Pritzker greet each other warmly after Pritzkers appointment as Commerce Secretary. [Source: chicagotribune.com] Obama was also not dissuaded by the abysmal record on labor rights of the Pritzker-owned Hyatt hotel chain. In 2009, it shamefully replaced Latina room cleaners holding the highest rate of injury of any chain with non-union subcontractors after a strike in the Boston Hyatt hotels. Strikers outside the Boston Hyatt. [Source: peoplesworld.org] Abram Pritzker [Source: nypost.com] After Pritzkers appointment as Commerce Secretary, Daily Kos ran an article entitled Penny Pritzker as an example of the criminality of our elites. The article noted that the origins of the Pritzker family fortune was Pennys grandfather, Abram Nicholas Pritzkers mob connections. Abram was a tax attorney for people in The Outfit, the Chicago mob, beginning under Al Capone, and continuing through the 1980s. The connection to organized crime was reportedly what financed the creation of Hyatt Hotels by Pennys father, Donald Pritzker, a University of Chicago-trained lawyer, and uncles Jay and Robert Pritzker, who at one time co-owned the Grand Hyatt New York with Donald Trump. Jay Pritzker with Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan at the White House in 1983. [Source: nypost.com] Before Superior Bank, the Pritzkers controlled Frontier Finance, a loan company in Chicago that one source told historian Gus Russo is believed to be the secret to the origins of the familys involvement with criminals. The president of Frontier Finance was Frank Buccieri, whose brother, Fiore Fifi Buccieri, was one of the Outfits top gambling bosses and a dreaded juice collector whom Life magazine in 1969 called the leader of [Sam] Giancanas assassination squads. Frank Buccieri [Source: milwaukeemafia.com] Fiore Fifi Buccieri [Source: pinterest.co.uk] Abram owned another venture, Franklin Investments, in partnership with Arthur Greene, who was described by the Chicago Crime Commission as the brains of all the Chicago rackets, and was an investor for Meyer Lansky. Sam Giancana [Source: fineartamerica.com] Meyer Lansky [Source: leshp.org] In 1953, Jay and Robert Pritzker founded the Marmon Group, an industrial holding company which invested in military-defense contractors, and were basically corporate raiders buying industrial companies and laying off much of the work force to show profitability before selling. The Pritzkers were close associates of Sidney Korshak, a labor lawyer and fixer for the Chicago mob, and Burton Kanter, a CIA and Mossad-linked lawyer specializing in tax evasion, who helped the Pritzkers off-shore money in the Bahamas-based Castle Bank, a CIA outfit founded by Kanter and the CIAs mob liaison, Paul Helliwell. Robert Pritzker [Source: covertactionmagazine.com] Sidney Korshak [Source: tv-programme.com] [Source: quixoticjoust.blogspot.com] That the Pritzkers became the largest depositors in the Castle Banka source of revenue for CIA black operationsindicates not only their mob but also CIA connections, which undoubtedly persist to this day. Penny Pritzkers closeness to Obama (she gave $500,000 for his second inaugural and was his top fundraiser) is one sign of her familys continued work for the Agency, as Obama comes from a CIA family, worked for a CIA front company after he graduated from Columbia University, and gave the CIA everything they wanted when he was president. Obama speaks on his home turf at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. [Source: politico.eu] The CIA has been heavily involved in the Ukraine conflict since Obama helped coordinate the 2014 Maidan coup, with the CIA operating as always at the behest of large financial interests. The latter can certainly count on Ms. Pritzker in her new role, where she will be taking the Pritzker tradition of exploiting others to make money to a whole new level. It is important to say loudly and clearly that one single worldwide criminal network, the criminocracy, is, behind the scenes, running everything from the WEF to the WHO, the UN to the EU, BlackRock to the World Bank Paul Cudenec, Converging Against the Criminocrats I am happy to announce the publication of my latest book, Converging Against the Criminocrats: Essays and Talks for the New International Resistance, a collection from my 2023 output, thus far. The theme of international resistance to the global system has featured in my online writing since the very first day of 2023. On that occasion (January 1, 2023), I reported for The Acorn bulletin on an event I had just attended here in southern France, launching a significant special edition of the review Ecologie & Politique. This focused on the threat posed to humankind by biotechnology, eugenics and transhumanism and several important fellow campaigners addressed the meeting, including philosopher Renaud Garcia; Silvia Guerini of the Italian network Resistenze al nanomondo; writer Bertrand Louart; editor and academic Jacques Luzi and representatives of Alpine technocritics Pieces et Main doeuvre. The issue of the journal was so powerful that it had come under attack from what I called The Voice of the System, here making itself heard by means of four pseudo-environmentalists who, it turned out, all worked for the French state and/or European foundations promoting vaccines and smart cities. This familiar tone or technique, I said, never argues with those who challenge its so-called truths, nor does it present its objection in terms of a disagreement. Instead, it invariably condemns the objects of its hatred as morally bad and connected to everything else that it has already declared to be beyond the political pale. Anyone who fundamentally opposes the system is likely to be rebuked by this voice, as I was to witness time and time again in the months to follow. Indeed, only three weeks later, in Ramping Up the Global Inquisition (January 21, 2023), I described more instances of this mendacious smearing in the UK and New Zealand, explaining that this was not something confined to one country or even to one continent, but a worldwide assault on free speech. I pointed out that one of the smearing techniques often used by the global inquisitors was to attempt to contaminate one persons reputation by linking them to another person whose reputation they had already contaminated by some dishonest means. Each lie they tell therefore becomes a launching pad for further lies and can be used to attack heretics without the need for any further incriminating evidence. In Fighting Off The Encroachment (February 8, 2023) I again turned to the subject of resistance and concluded that all the varied campaigning with which I had been involved throughout my life had in fact been directed against one single phenomenon, an expansion, an accumulation, a malignant growth, which was always encroaching, confiscating, stealing, developing, destroying. I added: They just wont leave us in peace, to live our lives as we wish. Our horizon is permanently darkened with the menace of their next state of emergency, their next all-changing war, their next technological advance, their next fake pandemic, their next Great Leap Forward, Five Year Plan, thousand-year Reich or Great Reset. To oppose this invasive process, which we might term the Encroachment, is not to be a disruptive anti-social trouble-maker but to be a defender of what we already have, what we used to have and what we deserve to have again. In Anarchy, Alchemy and Awakening (March 8, 2023), I marked the tenth anniversary of the appearance of my first book, The Anarchist Revelation, by looking back on its message and the reaction it sparked in various quarters. And I found great relevance for today in words that I originally penned in 2013: An awakening is required on a scale never seen before, an awakening that will spread like a tsunami around the globe, sweeping away the machineries and mindset of hateful oppression and denial. It is not so much a revolution that is needed, but a revelation a lifting of all the veils of falsity and a joyful rediscovery of the authentic core of our existence. The report on Londons Secret Smart Stations Roll-Out (March 13, 2023) was only possible because a friend inside Transport for London slipped me a restricted internal document detailing the testing of SMART infrastructure (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) at a tube station in the English capital. I explained that the prospect of real-time surveillance, monitoring people in terms of named categories, suggests an entirely predictable link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and impact capitalism, the 21st century digital slave-system which is in fact the driving force behind the whole smart cities agenda. And I concluded: The agenda is clear. The very fact that it is being hidden from us shows that the Global Public Private Partnership knows full well that it is not something we welcome. Unauthorised Fragments of Freedom (March 19, 2023) introduced a piece of fiction which I wrote 17 years previously and which described an England of curfews, timed travel restrictions, limits on the number of people that can gather for a party in a private home. I noted: A great sense of sadness imbues the book, a sadness that is also a kind of suffocation, a feeling that the walls are slowly but surely closing in on human freedom, with most people seemingly unaware of what is happening. But, then and now, I like to stress the possibility of resistance and the main emphasis of the work was on ordinary peoples courage in refusing to obey the systems diktats, in testing the actual limits of its apparent total control by just saying no. The WEF are Life-Hating Liars is a talk I gave to a conference in London on March 25, 2023, organised by my friends at Real Left, who are playing an important role in helping build the new international resistance movement. I warned that the global system aims to advance its control agenda with the active support of the left and the language and general tone of the left is weaponised against the very values that the left is historically supposed to defend. But, of course, this is all lies and posturing aimed at disguising the reality of the same old venal and destructive industrial racket. Painting it green and draping its infernal machineries with rainbow-coloured bunting changes nothing. In Targeting the Enemy (April 11, 2023), a piece for The Acorn, I described the ongoing revolt against the Macron regime in France and how it had been met with military-style repression. I commented: This looks less like a liberal democracy than a colonial government of occupation, determined to put down the natives at any cost. And this, of course, is exactly what it is! France is not run by representatives of the French people, but by representatives of the global money power, the criminal gang which owns pretty much everything, everywhere. In the same Acorn, I assessed a dismissive label that has been applied to my political views for decades now and asked: Who are the Real Extremists? (April 11, 2023). I also supplied the answer, identifying those who are already extremely rich but want to get even richer; those who are extremely deceitful and dishonest in their dealings; those who have an extreme disregard for the lives and well-being of others and an extreme fear of real democracy, along with a deeply unpleasant propensity to use extreme violence to protect and expand their power. In Remembering Who We Are (April 18, 2023) I explored the power we find within ourselves when we become aware of our belonging to something greater than our individual being. I argued that this power, which I called with-energy, is our greatest weapon against the criminal ruling class. I wrote: When we come together and feel with-energy, we connect to that reality. When we understand what this with-energy is, we are remembering that reality. When, together, we consciously use our with-energy to reclaim our belonging to that reality, we will become so strong and so free that no system will be able to hold us down. The article When Protest is Branded Terrorism (April 25, 2023) was sparked by the French governments use of the term intellectual terrorism to describe the opinions of its critics and by the deployment of anti-terrorism legislation to ban people from banging saucepans in protest at Macrons presidential visits, as well as by the detention and questioning of a young French publisher by British police under Section 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, purely on the basis that he had attended anti-government protests in his own country. Recalling that I myself had been detained under the same law in 2013, I noted: The term terrorism has been deliberately twisted out of all recognition in order to smear political dissent and to judicially enable police-state repression of protest. Macrons bankster regime was again the focus of my writing in Adieu to the Illusion of Democracy (May 2, 2023), in which I reported and reflected on the massive Mayday protests in France, which had been met with brutally violent repression. France, like so many other countries I might mention, is not an actual democracy but a plutocracy which has, until very recently, managed to pass itself off as a democracy. The only interests that matter are those of Big Money, of Capital. The opinions and well-being of the people are of no interest to Macron and his former employers, the Rothschilds. I mentioned a new slogan, Travail, Ordre et Progres, which seemed to have been adopted by the regime to replace Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, and I followed this up in a subsequent piece entitled Work. Order. Progress. (May 15, 2023). Drawing on research I had carried out for The Great Racket, I provided historical insights to explain the connection between the Macron regimes proximity to the Rothschilds and the fascistic tone of its politics. I remarked: What better way of ensuring order and sustainable prosperity for the ultra-rich than by banning troublesome trade unions and left-wing political opposition, sourcing prison camp labour for private gain, embarking on massive industrial and military spending and remodelling human life to answer the needs of their greed machine? The Worm Behind the Facade (May 23, 2023) was not so much an essay as a piece of creative writing, imagining our resistance to the corrupt global system as an attack on a vast parasitical grub, long hidden behind the facade of nation-states. Again and again you struck and as you did so you were joined by others, dozens of others, hundreds and thousands, all using whatever weapon they had come across to stab at the worm, some even tearing at its flesh with their bare hands. Others set about ripping the tubes from its body so that it could no longer grow fat from the flesh of their children. An important point in the evolution of my personal political terminology came with the publication of Criminocracy and its Lies (June 26, 2023). Discussing how best to describe the gang that rules the world, I wrote: These ultra-rich are not rich by chance or because they work harder or better than the rest of us. They are rich because they are criminals, who have, like dry rot, gradually taken over the whole structure of our societies. The system under which we live is therefore a criminocracy, rule by criminals. Referring to the dishonest language with which this gang invariably attacks its opponents, I observed: In the inversion that is so typical of the system, exposure of their criminal activity and associated lying is, itself, defined as criminal. This issue was again to the fore in The Money Behind The Smears (July 5, 2023), a contribution to The Acorn. I explained that I myself had been denounced by the inquisitorial voice of the system, which on this occasion had issued forth from the mouth of a supposedly anarchist website in Quebec. So why the attention now, three years after I was first excommunicated by the High Priests of the Central Global Church of Woke Pseudo-Anarchism? I think a clue lies in the reference to other like-minded thinkers with whom I have been collaborating both in the English-speaking world, partly via Nevermore, and also in France and Italy. The article warns of a transnational echo chamber of conspiracists who have been embracing increasingly reactionary, transphobic, and antisemitic ideas. In other words, they are worried that we are coming together and regrouping outside of the controlled woke-left mind-prison to begin to form a coherent long-term international resistance movement! The Church of England: Enslaving Gods Children (July 12, 2023) addressed the hypocrisy of this supposedly Christian entity in apologising for its historical collaboration with the transatlantic slave trade, while being involved in its contemporary digital equivalent, namely impact capitalism. I concluded: We should remember that this state institution is, after all, headed by the man who launched The Great Reset in 2020 and whose family has, for generations, acted as an important link between the British Empire and the private financial interests to which it is still entirely subservient. The article BRICS in the Wall of Global Greed (July 17, 2023) was primarily aimed at those who, like me, oppose the British-American plutocratic empire but who somehow imagine that the multi-polar version now being wheeled onto the global stage is new, different and less dangerous. Drawing, again, on previous historical research, I showed that Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa had all long been in the grasp of the criminocracy and that they were spearheading its current insidious agenda. I warned: A world order is still a world order, whether or not it terms itself multi-polar. The poles in question are merely geographically diverse manifestations of the same overall network and any shift in power towards BRICS can only be regarded as a manoeuvre, an internal reorganisation within the public-private global governance. Shining Light on the Climate of Manipulation (July 29, 2023) was a talk I gave to fellow resistance campaigners in Italy. Referencing the work of Cory Morningstar and Jennifer Bilek, as well as my own research, I explained how various aspects of woke dogma were being used by the criminocrats to impose their global agenda. I remarked that in the contemporary labyrinth of lies, it had become very difficult to distinguish fact from fake, reality from spin. The best indication of something or somebodys integrity is that they are denounced as criminals by the system and the strongest warning sign of misinformation is when a certain proposition is presented as sacred truth, protected from contradiction by a special taboo status. And I stressed: We urgently need to see the emergence of a new international movement of resistance against this toxic entity, given that it has successfully disabled and recuperated so many existing radical groups. The starting point for Cogs of Corruption and Control (August 15, 2023) was a social media post from a business in Rwanda, East Africa, promoting mobile money services leading to financial inclusivity and economic & social gains. My investigation into Vanguard Economics Ltd of Kigali shed much light on the new wave of corporate-colonialism targeting Africa, which is based on impact capitalism and the closely-related UNSDGs. I remarked: While its direct ownership may be hidden from public view, the firms list of 23 partners and collaborators not only gives us a clear indication of its allegiances, but also helps us identify some of the cogs that make up the corrupt contemporary machine of global greed and control. For a Convergence of the Uncorrupted (August 28, 2023) was a heart-felt call for a reshaping of the political landscape, for a coming-together of all those whose outlook is based not on self-interest and obedience to power, but on the deep, innate values naturally shared by decent human beings of all backgrounds. Imagine if all these people could shake themselves free from the constraints of political or religious allegiance, or from their hesitation to step forward! Imagine the power of a convergence of all these streams of uncorrupted thought, united in their rejection of the global dictatorship and in their demand for a free future! The essence of their individual ideals would not be lost in the process, but embraced within one mighty river of righteous revolt. Finally, while all the links in the articles were valid at the time that they were published, there is a growing tendency, that other researchers have also noted, for inconvenient material to disappear from the internet, even from archive sites, and by the time you read this, some of them may no longer work. I regard this, along with the increased stifling of dissident views on social media, as being not only an inevitable stage of our struggle against the criminocrats, but also a telling sign of weakness on their part. They know that we have seen them. They know that our resistance is under way. And they are frightened of us! [Audio version] You can read Converging Against the Criminocrats: Essays and Talks for the New International Resistance as a free pdf or as a physical book. A Seoul court on Wednesday rejected an arrest warrant sought for opposition leader Lee Jae-myung over corruption charges, a decision that averted the biggest crisis yet for the former presidential candidate. The Seoul Central District Court made the decision following a hearing attended by Lee, chair of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). It marked the first time the leader of South Korea's main opposition party has attended an arrest warrant hearing. "In comprehensive consideration of the degree to which the defendant's right to defense is needed and the extent of concerns about the possible destruction of evidence, it is difficult to see the rationale and need for his arrest to the extent that the principle of investigation without detention should be ruled out," a court judge said. Soon after the court's rejection, Lee expressed his appreciation to the judiciary for "manifestly proving that it is the last bastion of human rights." "Again, I am deeply grateful to the judiciary for solidly safeguarding the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea and for its wise judgement," he told a throng of reporters as he walked out of a detention facility where he waited for the court's decision. The decision came days after Lee pulled out of his hunger strike launched on Aug. 31 in protest of what he called the "incompetent and violent" government of Yoon Suk Yeol. On Tuesday, a frail-looking Lee walked slowly and unsteadily while leaning on a walking stick in one hand and holding up an umbrella with the other as he entered the court for a hearing without answering a barrage of questions from reporters. Hundreds of supporters and protesters lined the road to the court, holding up placards reading "Lee Jae-myung is innocent. Reject the arrest warrant," or "Suspect Lee Jae-myung is the ringleader." Lee has been accused of breach of trust, bribery and other charges stemming from his time as mayor of Seongnam, south of Seoul, years ago in connection with a scandal-ridden land development project and his alleged involvement in a company's illegal cash remittance to North Korea. The prosecution accuses Lee of committing breach of trust worth 20 billion won ($15 million) by giving special treatment to a private developer in the Baekhyeon-dong district apartment project in the city of Seongnam, south of Seoul, between 2014 and 2015, when he was serving as the city's mayor. Lee is also suspected of asking Ssangbangwool Group, an underwear maker, to illegally transfer $8 million to North Korea between 2019 and 2020, when he was serving as Gyeonggi Province governor, through his deputy to facilitate his visit to the North, and push for a joint smart farm project between his province and Pyongyang. During the morning session of the hearing, prosecutors reportedly highlighted the seriousness of the charges and concerns of destroying evidence as they made a case for Lee's arrest, while Lee's lawyers claimed he is not a flight risk and thus arresting him for investigation is unnecessary. The court rejection is widely expected to bolster Lee's standing in the party in the run-up to the general elections in April and would lead to a massive blowback against the government. By law, sitting lawmakers are immune from arrest while parliamentary is in session unless the National Assembly passes a motion giving its consent to the arrest, a measure intended to shield lawmakers from political persecution. Last week, the National Assembly voted to lift the opposition leader's arrest immunity in a surprise, narrow 149-136 vote attributed to a number of dissenting ballots from his own party that commands a majority of parliamentary seats. The DPK has vehemently lambasted the motion as the government's attempt to "kill a political enemy" eight months before the general elections. Lee is already standing trial on two other separate cases, involving alleged election law violations during his run for the 2022 presidential election and corruption charges connected to another property development project launched during his term as Seongnam mayor, respectively. In February, the parliament had voted to reject the government's first request for consent to arresting the DPK leader by a margin of only one vote. Lee has been under medical treatment since he was hospitalized on Sept. 18 due to deteriorating health during his hunger strike. He has been put on treatment for recovery after ending the hunger strike on its 24th day on Saturday. (Yonhap) China urged to play active role in new Cold War By John Burton Over the last few years, North Korea has truly lived up to its reputation as the "hermit country." It closed its borders and shut itself off from the rest of the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With imports of food and fuel curtailed, pundits predicted that the country might be entering a death spiral as its population starved and froze. But now as North Korea reopens its borders after a hiatus of four years, it appears to be in a stronger position than it has been in some time. That is largely due to the recent summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Russian Far East. The summit produced several benefits for North Korea. One is that it made it clear that Moscow will block any future sanctions against Pyongyang in the U.N. Security Council. In addition, Russia hinted that it would be willing to break existing U.N. sanctions by importing banned North Korean products and supplying prohibited items, including weaponry, to Pyongyang. At a minimum, North Korea can look forward to deliveries of Russian food and fuel to rescue the economy. The revived alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, with its promises of Russian military support in return for the supply of North Korean munitions to be used in fighting Ukraine, is likely to advance Pyongyangs nuclear and ballistic missile arsenal and escalate tensions in Northeast Asia. Kims meeting with Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport and his subsequent tour of a Russian fighter jet factory and naval base suggest things to come. North Korea is anxious to gain access to Russian missile, satellite and submarine technologies. The summit also strengthens Kim Jong-uns hand domestically. He can portray himself to his people as an effective global statesman, while pleasing his military with the promise of more advanced weapons. The prospect of a North Korea equipped with a more sophisticated nuclear force is likely to set off a new arms race in the region by putting pressure on Seoul and Tokyo to respond in kind. What can be done to prevent an already dangerous situation from becoming worse? One possible solution might lie with China, which has opposed nuclear proliferation and values stability in the region. It also wants to avoid a situation that would provoke an increased U.S. defense presence in Northeast Asia. Beijing is probably not too happy about Kims statement that he considers strengthening relations with Moscow his top priority. Although China may have a motivation to intervene, there are still doubts about whether it will have the means. Meanwhile, the U.S. is threatening to take further action against North Korea if it conducts an arms deal with Russia, with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying it will pay a price for this. But earlier U.S. actions have failed to stop North Koreas development of nuclear weapons and any unilateral sanctions it imposes are likely to have a minimal impact. The more serious problem for Washington is that it has probably lost any remaining diplomatic leverage with Pyongyang. It once offered the prospect of diplomatic normalization in return for denuclearization, but North Korea no longer seems interested in that bargain. The last chance that the U.S. had to reach such a deal was in 2018 and 2019 with President Donald Trumps meetings with Kim Jong-un. But any progress was torpedoed by hardliners in Wasington who warned that the U.S. couldnt appear weak and make too many concessions. After that, Pyongyang lost patience with a negotiating process that had lasted for 30 years. That diplomatic process, which involved the U.S., China, Russia and the two Koreas, was based on the premise that it would advance common and overlapping interests. Russia was happy to be included in regionally transformative arrangements. China could both protect its North Korean neighbor and prevent it from becoming a very problematic nuclear power. And the U.S. could cap the Norths nuclear ambitions while supporting its slow integration into a South Korean-led economic relationship. The dangers from a paranoid and starving North Korea would be drastically scaled back. But the process slowly unraveled, beginning with the presidency of George W. Bush, who favored more sticks than carrots in dealing with North Korea. President Barack Obama oversaw a period of diplomatic drift on the issue. Then came the violent swings of President Donald Trump from fire and fury to love letters with Kim Jong-un. Under the Biden administration, the region has settled into a period of Cold War-style confrontation with the trilateral alliance of the U.S., South Korea and Japan on one side and the Russia-North Korea alliance on the other. The prospects for a diplomatic solution on North Korea appear dim. John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George and others at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference (IPACC), in New Delhi on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo: PTI) NEW DELHI (PTI): India's outlook for Indo-Pacific emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande said on Tuesday, amid growing global concerns over China's aggressive military muscle-flexing in the region. In an address at a conclave of Army Chiefs of Indo-Pacific nations, Gen Pande also said that India's commitment towards positively engaging all stakeholders in the region has been unwavering and enduring. India's vision for Indo-Pacific emphasises peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use of force, and adherence to international laws, he said. "While efforts by countries are converging towards a free Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of interstate contestations and competitions," the Indian Army Chief added. The Army Chief further noted that "challenges we face transcend across borders and our response to them must factor in this". Emphasising the importance of the Indo-Pacific, Gen Pande said the region is not merely a collection of nations but it is a web of inter-dependencies. "We are aiming to build trust and strengthen cooperation," he said. 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 A Russian company will purchase Hyundai Motor's manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, which has been dormant since March 2022, Russian media reported Monday citing its industry minister. The deal will include a two-year option for the South Korean automaker to repurchase the facility, according to TASS and RIA news agencies. "We have already formed all decisions on Hyundai's acquisition ... A local company will be the purchaser," Russia's Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov was quoted by TASS as saying during an industrial exhibition in Kazakhstan. "As far as Hyundai is concerned, it plans a (buyback) option, though considering the president's decree, it is limited to two years," he added. The St. Petersburg plant, launched in 2010, suspended operations in March 2022 due to challenges related to component supplies. It had manufactured Hyundai Solaris, Hyundai Creta, Kia Rio and Kia Rio X-Line models with an annual capacity of over 200,000 units, according to TASS. In response to recent reports on the sale, Hyundai said earlier it was considering multiple options regarding the plant. (Yonhap) Cinemas will screen Taylor Swifts Eras tour to moviegoers from next month. Odeon Cinemas Groups announced on Tuesday that US superstar Swifts concert film, which was recorded during her American tour leg, will play at their cinemas. Advertisement More than 7,500 theatres globally will show the Swift tour film beginning on Friday, October 13th. Tickets are currently on sale, and in a nod to Swift's music, Odeon said adult tickets will be priced at 19.89, while child tickets will be 13.13. The cinema group currently has 11 locations around the country. Confirming the news on Instagram, Swift wrote: The tour isnt the only thing were taking worldwide.. Been so excited to tell you all that The Eras Tour concert film is now officially coming to theaters WORLDWIDE on Oct 13! Advertisement In June, Swift announced a host of international dates for her Eras Tour, including three nights at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 28th to 30th, with Paramore as the supporting act. An additional 1 billion has been diverted to state efforts to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. The supplementary estimate agreed by the Government will help the Department of Integration cover the costs of housing Ukrainians and other people seeking international protection. Advertisement Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have relocated to Ireland since the outbreak of the war last year. More than 70,000 are being housed in state provided accommodation. Minister for Integration Roderic OGorman and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe announced the funding agreement after cabinet discussed the issue on Tuesday. Advertisement Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a site of Russian attack near the seaport in Odesa, Ukraine. Photo: Odesa Region Administration via AP. Mr Donohoe made clear that provisions for the supplementary estimate had already been factored in when last years budget was announced and the sum diverted to the department was within the estimate of what would be needed, albeit at the higher end of the estimate. Advertisement Fielding questions from reporters, Mr OGorman said continued pressure on accommodation supply meant a small number of Ukrainians would continue to be housed in tents an arrangement that is set to remain through the winter. Mr Donohoe said: Today I have agreed an additional one billion euro for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to support the Department in meeting costs associated with accommodating Ukrainian people fleeing the war and those seeking international protection. Advertisement The Government set aside funds in Budget 2023 to meet non-core pressures, such as this, and this supplementary estimate will be met through that contingency. This funding will continue to support the states humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis. The state has had to work extremely hard to manage the significant influx of people from Ukraine since the onset of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Minister OGorman and his officials have played a central role in this response in terms of the provision of accommodation. Advertisement Frontline situation, enemy plans, our offensive and defensive operations, frontline supplies, increased domestic arms production, particularly drones, and the state of the Russian army and military-industrial complex. These were the key subjects of todays meeting of the Staff. Advertisement Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 26, 2023 Advertisement The number of people in state-provided accommodation is now over 70,000. The past year and a half has also seen a significant increase in the number of people arriving into the country seeking international protection. In January 2022, our international protection accommodation system had 8,600 people in it. It now has 23,200. This is a trend being experienced across the EU with over half a million asylum applications being received by EU countries, in the first half of 2023. Mr OGorman said Ireland was involved in a significant humanitarian effort to house Ukrainian refugees. We are currently providing accommodation to more than 70,000 people from Ukraine, increasing weekly by around 550 people, he said. With further supply constrained, it is likely that the provision of accommodation will remain challenging for the foreseeable future, and there will be an ongoing reliance on contingency measures. There is full scope for the terms of reference of an external review into childrens spinal surgeries to be expanded, following input from affected families, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said. His comments come amid criticism from some patients advocacy groups on the terms of the HSE-commissioned review. Advertisement Liverpool-based orthopaedics expert Selvadurai Nayagam has been appointed by the HSE to undertake a review that was triggered by concerns over the post-operative outcomes of several children with serous spinal conditions who had been operated on by a surgeon at Temple Street hospital in Dublin. The use of a spring-type device in some surgeries at the Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) hospital is also being examined. Addressing the Dail, Mr Donnelly said: I want to start by acknowledging the distress and anxiety that this whole episode is causing to the patients themselves involved in these reviews. Advertisement Advertisement Temple Street Hospital in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) These are girls and boys, young women and young men and, of course, their parents and their families. The minister said he was absolutely determined to fully answer legitimate questions of families waiting on services at Temple Street hospital. The Health Minister also offered his deepest condolences to the parents and family of 10-year-old Dollceanna Carter who died last year. Advertisement Her case file was among 19 examined in the reviews. Mr Donnelly said no-one can be in any doubt of the incredible loss suffered by all those who loved this beautiful child. The minister said the use of non-CE marked springs as implants has caused great concern, but added that this was among issues which have not yet been fully clarified and investigated in the initial reviews. Advertisement Providing a timeline to deputies, Mr Donnelly said his department was notified of two serious patient safety incidences at the hospital in November and that an internal review into surgical outcomes had been initiated. An external review was also commissioned and this was completed in July. Advertisement Both the internal and the external review found that the rates of complication were higher than internationally expected. Since then, Mr Nayagam has been appointed to lead a further, wider external review which will also consider the use of the springs in three surgeries which were reported by CHI in August. Advertisement During a session on the patient-safety concerns, the health minister was told that this is one of the most tragic scandals that politicians had seen. Sinn Fein health spokesman David Cullinane said: At the heart of this scandal are 19 children and their families who have been traumatised, who have been harmed, who have been wronged and sadly in one case, a child who has passed away. A family which will not be whole again, and many other families who will carry the harm and trauma of what happened to their kids with them for many years to come. Mr Cullinane said these families need to be placed at the centre of the States response, criticising the minister for excluding patient advocates and the parents of children from the drafting of terms of reference into the review. He also called for the initial reviews to be published in full. Speaking about the surgeon involved in the cases, Mr Donnelly said: A specific complex procedure known as kyphectomy was paused by the surgeon and indeed CHI last November, the November of 2022. Patient safety protective measures were put in place by CHI in line with consultant contract. This includes measures such as working under additional supervision and restricting certain clinical duties. Advertisement The surgeon involved in all of these incidences and concerns raised to date has now stopped all clinical practice and has been referred to the Medical Council. Mr Donnelly said all patients affected by the concerns raised, as well as all those awaiting surgery with the surgeon, have had their care transferred to other clinicians. He said he is open to meeting patients and families directly, adding his first would be on Wednesday. The minister said the new external review is intended to go as deep and as wide as necessary including examining if there is a wider group of patients that may have been affected. Mr Donnelly said: The reviews also raise further questions about aspects of culture and governance that require a deeper examination. He said the drafted terms of reference for Mr Nayagams review are intended to be further defined by him as he engages fully in the work, including meeting patients and families. The first and most urgent objective is to look at the practice of the surgeon concerned and determine if any wider review is required in order to provide a risk assessment and assurance on core patient safety issues. The other objectives of the review relate to wider issues including culture and governance within the paediatric orthopaedic service and to review the current and future delivery of the service and make any recommendations as he sees fit. A roofer accused of a drug intimidation unprovoked assault on a man in front of his elderly grandmother in Dublin has been held on 13,000 bail. Philip McGrane (23), from Stannaway Road, Crumlin, was charged with assault causing harm outside a Supervalu shop at Sundrive Road on Monday. Advertisement The accused appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Tuesday. Garda David Costigan objected to bail based on concerns of witness interference and due to the seriousness of the case. He said the incident happened at about 1.30pm when a man was the victim of an unprovoked attack. The contested bail hearing was told the man was punched in the face and then kicked. It was also alleged that the attacker then threatened the victim's grandmother (78) who witnessed the incident. Advertisement The court heard the injured man suffered facial injuries and had a large swelling over his left eye, while the attacker made no attempt to conceal his face. Advertisement Garda Costigan claimed there was also CCTV evidence and that the accused discarded some of his clothes when he fled the scene. He also said there had been intimidation of the injured party in recent weeks and he feared it would escalate. The man was brought to hospital and still has not made a statement to Gardai. Garda Costigan said the case was related to drug intimidation and added there could be further charges. Advertisement The garda also said he thought the case could be sent to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. The accused made no comment when arrested and interviewed, and the court heard a file is yet to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The garda did not accept that the accused had been living at an address he gave on the South Circular Road. However, defence solicitor Paddy McGarry said his client insisted he lived there. The garda agreed that no statements had been taken and witnesses were not at the bail hearing. Advertisement Mr McGarry asked the court to note that the case could stay in the District Court due to the description of the injuries. Judge Murphy said it was a serious matter, noting the accused had the presumption of innocence. The judge added that the Garda concerns could be addressed with bail conditions. Judge Murphy set bail in Mr McGranes bond of 3,000, of which a third must be lodged, and a 10,000 independent surety has to be approved. Once bail has been taken up, the accused must sign on daily at a Garda station, obey a curfew, have no contact with witnesses, stay out of Dublin 12 and be contactable by phone at all times. She remanded him in custody with consent to bail, pending the DPPs directions. Mr McGrane will face his next hearing on Friday and his legal aid application was deferred for a statement of means to be prepared. An off-duty Garda was injured in a public order incident in Dublin on Monday evening. The incident took place at Heuston Station, when the male Garda, aged in his 20s, was on his way to work at approximately 6pm. Advertisement The Garda engaged with a man who was involved in disorderly conduct and was subsequently injured in the course of the incident. He was take to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Gardai confirmed welfare services have been put in place for the injured Garda. A man aged in his 40s was arrested following the incident and has since been charged. He is due to appear before the Criminal Court of Justice on Tuesday. Jennifer Lawrence was among a host of Hollywood stars who attended the Dior spring/summer catwalk show. The Oscar-winning actor who has been a Dior ambassador since 2012 and often wears the brand on the red carpet was dressed in a simple white shirt and black trousers. Advertisement Jennifer Lawrence (Thibault Camus/AP) Charlize Theron also an Oscar winner and Dior campaign star wore a crisp white shirt teamed with a glittering maxi skirt. The sheer, floor-sweeping skirt was embellished with rows of sparkling beads, while the Monster actor carried a quilted leather clutch bag. Advertisement Charlize Theron (Thibault Camus/AP) Jenna Ortega, star of Netflix hit series Wednesday, wore a chic grey blazer over a sheer black top and navy pleated skirt. The 20-year-old, who is also the face of Gris Dior fragrance, was spotted dancing with West Side Story star Rachel Zegler before the pair took their seats on the front row. Advertisement Advertisement Jenna Ortega (Vianney Le Caer/AP) Spanish pop star Rosalia sat inbetween Lawrence and Ortega on the front row. Also in a white shirt, hers was teamd with a black pinafore dress. Advertisement Rosalia (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (Vianney Le Caer/PA) British actor Robert Pattinson tapped into the relaxed tailoring trend with his look. The Twilight and Batman star wore a beige blazer unbuttoned over a pale pink shirt and beige trousers. Advertisement Robert Pattinson (Thibault Camus/AP) Models walked down a bright pink and yellow striped catwalk while a video installation by Italian artist Elena Bellantoni played on huge screens. Called NOT HER, the installation featured a rotating roster of feminist slogans ranging from the serious (I am not only a mother, wife, daughter. I am a woman.) to the ironic (Save your marriage, iron properly). (Vianney Le Caer/AP) Black was a huge trend on the autumn/winter catwalks and it looks set to continue for spring. Following the Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana shows in Milan, this was another almost all-black affair. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri could never be accused of being a one-note designer, however, and her spring collection was as diverse as ever. (Vianney Le Caer/AP) The black ensembles ranged from structured coats and ladylike off-the-shoulder midi dresses to vampy lace gowns and tasseled skirts. Reflecting the feminist art theme, there were plenty of practical coats and jackets for everyday wear, plus a myriad of white shirts, including one-shoulder varieties. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurent Dombrowicz (@laurentdombrowicz) There was also a grungy sensibility too with mohair sweater dresses, tie-dye dungaree dresses and chunky, flat lace-up boots. Crinkly patent moto jackets and leather Matrix-style coats brought a hint of Noughties to the collection. (Vianney Le Caer/AP) In contrast with the boots made for stomping, many of the models wore court shoes with kitten heels and gladiator straps A flourish of pink rose motifs arrived towards the end along with the slogan We want kids but we want roses too. (Vianney Le Caer/AP) The beauty look scraped back hair and a diffused plum lip gave a chic-goth kind of vibe. The art installation faded to fuchsia as Grazia Chiuri appeared on the catwalk briefly, greeted by applause from the audience. The speaker of Canadas House of Commons has resigned after inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during the Second World War to Parliament to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Advertisement Mr Rota introduced Mr Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Yaroslav Hunka, right, who fought for a Nazi military unit (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press via AP) It later was publicised that the First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. Advertisement Advertisement No-one in this House is above any of us. Therefore I must step down as your speaker, Mr Rota said in Parliament. I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognising an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in addition to Nazi survivors in Poland among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions, he added. Mr Rota stepped down after meeting with the House of Commons party leaders later on Tuesday. All main opposition parties called for Mr Rota to step down, and government House leader Karina Gould said that lawmakers had lost confidence in him. Advertisement This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honourable thing in resigning, Ms Gould said. Ms Gould said she is of Jewish origin and a descendent of a Holocaust survivor. This incident hurt me personally as it hurt all members of this House and all Canadians, she said. Ms Gould earlier said Mr Rota invited and recognised Mr Hunka without informing the government or the delegation from Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland had called the incident incredibly embarrassing. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies said in a statement that the incident has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally. This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime. In an earlier apology on Sunday, Mr Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognising Mr Hunka, who is from the district that Mr Rota represents. Advertisement The speakers office said on Monday it was Mr Rotas son who contacted Mr Hunkas local office to see if it was possible if he could attend Mr Zelenskys speech. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Mr Hunka unaware of the details of who he was. The prime ministers office said it was unaware that Mr Hunka was invited until after the address. The speakers office also confirmed it did not share its invite list with any other party or group. The vetting process for visitors to the gallery is for physical security threats, not reputational threats, the speakers office said. Advertisement In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said it was outrageous that Mr Hunka received a standing ovation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, although Mr Zelensky is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. Its highly unfortunate and the only winner here is the Putin regime, which is already spinning what happened on Friday to justify its ongoing military actions in Ukraine, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. The opposition Conservatives in Canada have blamed PM Justin Trudeau, but Mr Beland noted that the speakers role in Canada is as an officer of Parliament who does not participate in partisan caucus meetings and is not a member of the Cabinet. When Republican US Representative Don Bacon was asked if he supports Donald Trump's bid for the White House next year at Nebraska town hall last month, he batted away the question, saying it was too early to say, given the former president hadn't yet secured the nomination. Despite the non-answer, a Democratic activist with a video camera filmed the exchange, and it was quickly blasted it online with the headline Bacon "refuses to tell Nebraskans if he supports Trump". Advertisement The attempt to tie a vulnerable Republican like Mr Bacon is a scenario likely to be repeated in competitive districts around the country in the months to come, Democratic strategists tell Reuters. While US president Joe Biden and his re-election campaign have rarely commented on Mr Trump's string of criminal indictments, Democrats running for state and local office across the nation are taking the opposite tactic and making the charges a key part of their campaign. Advertisement Democrats are hoping to exploit what they see as a structural weakness for Republicans in battleground states in 2024: any Republican candidate who criticises Mr Trump risks losing the party's Trump-loving voter base. But they believe any Republican who doesn't condemn Mr Trump risks losing more moderate Republicans and independent voters they need to beat a Democrat. Republicans are contorting themselves to not alienate Trump supporters while appealing to the more moderate parts of their party," said Jennifer Holdsworth, a Democratic strategist. "Democrats are going to work hard to make sure that is no longer a tenable strategy." While Mr Trump's legal woes have boosted his popularity with some Republican primary voters, many independent voters, who often decide both national and local elections, see Mr Trump's potential criminal conviction as a reason to vote against him, Reuters/Ipsos polling and reporting in key states like Arizona shows. Advertisement The Bacon campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Republican party officials say Democrats' time would be better spent worrying about their own presidential candidate Joe Biden's popularity. "Biden's approval ratings have been under water since his botched Afghanistan withdrawal. It's been two years and Democrats refuse to look in the mirror," said Emma Vaughn, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. 'Same day footage' Advertisement Democrats are monitoring local radio interviews, scouring news stories and hiring teams of political trackers armed with cameras to blanket Republican events, to capture the moment a candidate is asked a Trump loyalty question. North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania Democrats are currently hiring "trackers" to follow, record and post footage of Republicans at local events, according to job websites. Advertisement For $4,000 a month, a tracker will be responsible for "comprehensively tracking opponents' schedules" and providing "same day footage" to "drive the campaign narrative," one such job posting says. Tracking, essentially following an opponent with the hopes they slip up or do something that can be used to influence voters, has become a ubiquitous practice in US political campaigns in recent years. It will only grow in 2024, some Democrats say. American Bridge 21st Century, the largest research, tracking, and rapid response operation in the Democratic Party, spent $84 million tracking Republican candidates and using the footage to run ads against them in their home states in 2020. In 2024, the operation is "going to be bigger than it's ever been," president Pat Dennis told Reuters. Advertisement In the suburbs Republicans in suburban districts are the most squeezed by Trump politics, making them the best areas to film, Mr Dennis said. "The amount of damage Trump has done to the Republican Party in the suburbs is extraordinary. So that's sort of the pain point for them," Mr Dennis said. World Is America heading towards its last election in 20... Read More Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, has a national favourability rating of around 41 per cent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted September 8th-14th, which had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 2 percentage points. That's roughly tied with the equally unpopular Mr Biden. Pennsylvania Democrats are taking aim at Dave McCormick, the Republican challenger to incumbent US senator Bob Casey Jr, for remaining silent on Mr Trump's legal woes and hiring former Trump officials during a failed 2022 Senate run. Advertisement Mr McCormick jumped into the senate race on Thursday after spending weeks debating whether Mr Trump would be a drag on his campaign. He did not mention the former president during his campaign speech, but his aides say they know questions about Mr Trump are coming. "Dave will speak to the Trump question, which I know he will see on the trail and when he's out in interviews for sure," a McCormick campaign strategist said. The British home secretary has faced criticism for suggesting that fleeing discrimination for being gay should not be enough to qualify for asylum in the UK. Suella Braverman, in comments that have been seized upon by her critics, will use a speech in the United States to say that offering asylum to a person because they are gay, a woman or fearing discrimination in their home country is not sustainable. Advertisement Campaign group Freedom from Torture said any attempt by the UK government to weaken protection for the gay community was shameful. Advertisement The comments are expected to form part of Mrs Bravermans argument that the threshold for asylum has been steadily lowered since the United Nations Refugee Convention was ratified more than 70 years ago. She will question whether the accord is fit for our modern age and ask allied administrations to consider if it is in need of reform. Advertisement She is set to tell a Washington DC audience on Tuesday that there has been a shift in what qualifies as a basis for an asylum claim, with it moving from persecution to discrimination in a change that she will say has allowed millions more to potentially qualify for refugee status. Advertisement (PA Graphics) Mrs Bravermans decision to call into question the UN accord comes against a backdrop of domestic struggles to control irregular migration numbers. The UK Cabinet minister is tasked with helping to deliver the British prime ministers pledge of stopping the boats from crossing the Channel one of five commitments that Rishi Sunak hopes to deliver ahead of a likely election next year. Almost 24,000 migrants have arrived into the UK via small boats since January. Advertisement The annual arrivals number, while down 26 per cent from the same period in 2022, is likely to rise after people thought to be migrants were spotted being brought in to Dover, Kent, early on Tuesday. A group of people thought to be migrants, including young children, are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel on Tuesday In her speech to the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank, Mrs Braverman will declare that no migrant crossing the Channel to Britain is in imminent peril and accuse some asylum seekers of shopping around for their preferred destination. Advertisement Advertisement She will say that research indicates that the 1951 UN refugee accord backed by 149 states now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people, with the threshold for claiming asylum having been reduced over time. Ms Braverman, according to a pre-briefed extract of her speech, will say: I think most members of the public would recognise those fleeing a real risk of death, torture, oppression or violence as in need of protection. However, as case law has developed, what we have seen in practice is an interpretive shift away from persecution in favour of something more akin to a definition of discrimination. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has made stopping the boats one of his top five priorities (Hollie Adams/PA) And a similar shift away from a well-founded fear toward a credible or plausible fear. The practical consequence of which has been to expand the number of those who may qualify for asylum, and to lower the threshold for doing so. She will continue: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect, simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin, is sufficient to qualify for protection. Advertisement Ben Bradshaw, a gay Labour MP and former cabinet minister, took aim at Mrs Braverman over her comments, pointing out that being homosexual in some countries can have deadly risks. Any LGBT or other Tories prepared to condemn Braverman for this? She doesnt seem to grasp that simply being gay is enough to result in persecution or death in many countries https://t.co/WP2kk3D1a5 Ben Bradshaw (@BenPBradshaw) September 26, 2023 He tweeted: Any LGBT or other Tories prepared to condemn Braverman for this? She doesnt seem to grasp that simply being gay is enough to result in persecution or death in many countries. Sonya Sceats, chief executive at Freedom from Torture, said: LGBTQI+ people are tortured in many countries for who they are and who they love, and their pain is no less than other survivors we treat in our therapy rooms. They deserve precisely the same protection too. For a liberal democracy like Britain to try to weaken protection for this community is shameful. But Chris Philp, a minister in Mrs Bravermans Home Office, appeared to double down on the comments, claiming some people falsely claim to be persecuted and some people claim to be gay when theyre not. Advertisement He told Times Radio: When I was immigration minister, I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasnt a same-sex partner at all. According to UK Home Office data, sexual orientation formed part of the basis for an asylum claim in 1 per cent of all applications in 2021. That was 77 per cent fewer than in 2019, when sexual orientation made up 5 per cent of all applications, and 7 per cent in 2017. The UK governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled. The Illegal Migration Act which has been criticised by the UNs refugee agency legislated for those arriving via the Channel to be deported to their country of origin, or to Rwanda after ministers struck a deal with the east African country. But the Kigali plan is tied up in the courts, with a deportation flight yet to take off. The UK home secretary has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights, signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the British governments efforts to introduce policies such as the Rwanda scheme. Labour has accused the Tories of looking to blame international treaties for its own failures to control immigration. LG Chem has focused on activities to maximize social and environmental values in education, ecosystem, economy and energy sectors, since the chemical firm declared its Green Connector vision in August 2020. To nurture future talent for management positions so that they can be responsible for environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles implementation, LG Chem has run the Like Green program, which won an award from the Ministry of Education. The program seeks to go global in collaboration with U.N. Global Compact Network Korea. Through the program, the chemical firm has created the opportunity for teenagers nationwide to learn about environmental issues from university students online. The teenagers and the university students have also uploaded video clips on YouTube to present what they discussed. In addition, the company has enabled the public to attend lectures every month from ESG experts. For the protection of biodiversity, LG Chem has provided educational materials for children and teenagers, while opening an exhibition room on Mapo Bridge to raise awareness about the importance of Bamseom Islet, which is designated as a Ramsar site. The company also afforested the coast of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, to preserve the marine ecosystem and reduce carbon emissions. Regarding its support for social enterprises, LG Chem lent around 11.2 billion won ($8.3 million) to 260 social enterprises, so that they can better cope with climate and environmental issues. In the energy sector, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Community Chest of Korea in 2015 to build a solar power plant on the city-owned land and share profits from the plant with teenagers and vulnerable social groups. According to LG Chem, the power plant can generate 3.56 million kWh of electricity annually and reduce 1,660 tons of carbon emissions. (Advertorial) Five Bulgarians charged with spying for Russia have appeared in court. The three men and two women are accused of conspiring to gather information that would be useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February this year. Advertisement Orlin Roussev, 45, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, of Harrow, north-west London; Katrin Ivanova, 31, of the same Harrow address; Ivan Stoyanov, 31, from Greenford, west London; and Vanya Gaberova, 29, from Churchway, north-west London, are charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between August 30th, 2020 and February 8th, 2023. The five appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning and only spoke to confirm they could hear and see the court, to state their names and dates of birth. Advertisement They were remanded into custody until their next appearance at the Old Bailey on October 13th by Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram. They were arrested by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command in February under the Official Secrets Act. Advertisement Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova were previously charged on February 11th, 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. A powerful blast at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds more on Monday as ethnic Armenians streamed out of the breakaway territory after the Azerbaijani military reclaimed full control of it. The explosion at the fuel storage facility near the regional capital of Stepanakert killed 20 people and wounded nearly 300, separatist authorities said. They added that 290 people have been hospitalised. Advertisement It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which happened as residents were lining up to get fuel for their cars in order to leave the region, but Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan said initial information suggested that sabotage was unlikely. The majority of the victims were in severe or extremely severe condition, Nagorno-Karabakh human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan tweeted. Ethnic Armenians wait near Kornidzor to leave (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) Advertisement Advertisement Armenias health ministry said a helicopter brought some blast victims to Armenia on Tuesday morning, and more flights were expected. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on X, formerly Twitter, that hospitals in Azerbaijan were ready to treat victims, but not if any had been taken to them. Azerbaijan has sent in burn-treatment medicine and other humanitarian aid, he said. The Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in a 24-hour blitz last week, forcing the separatist authorities to agree to lay down weapons and start talks on Nagorno-Karabakhs reintegration into Azerbaijan after three decades of separatist rule. While Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region and restore supplies after a 10-month blockade, many local residents feared reprisals and decided to leave for Armenia. Advertisement Armenias government said Tuesday morning that more than 13,500 people about 12% of Nagorno-Karabakhs population have fled to Armenia this week. Moscow said that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh were assisting the evacuation. Some 700 people remained in the peacekeepers camp there on Monday. Dozens of people were lining up at the fuel facility where the blast occurred because they had been promised fuel, a scarcity during the blockade, for their cars in order to move to Armenia, according to Nagorno-Karabakhs separatist authorities. Advertisement A convoy of Russian peacekeepers drives through the queue of traffic (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) Advertisement The explosion took place hours after the second round of talks between Azerbaijani officials and separatist representatives was held Monday in the town of Khojaly, just north of the Nagorno-Karabakh capital. The first round was held last week. Azerbaijans presidential office said in a statement that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere and that discussion focused on humanitarian aid to the region and medical services. Azerbaijans defence ministry said on Monday that two of its soldiers were killed a day earlier when a military truck hit a land mine. Advertisement In an address to the nation on Sunday, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said his government was working with international partners to protect the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. If these efforts do not produce concrete results, the government will welcome our sisters and brothers from Nagorno-Karabakh in the Republic of Armenia with every care, he said. Demonstrators demanding Mr Pashinyans resignation over what they call his failure to protect Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh continued blocking the Armenian capitals main avenues on Monday, clashing occasionally with police. Thousands of Armenians have streamed out of Nagorno-Karabakh (Stepan Poghosyan, Photolure photo/AP) Advertisement Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During the war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that Armenian forces had claimed during the earlier conflict. In December, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, alleging that the Armenian government was using the road for mineral extraction and illicit weapons shipments to the regions separatist forces. Armenia said the closure denied basic food and fuel supplies to Nagorno-Karabakhs approximately 120,000 people. Azerbaijan rejected the accusation, arguing the region could receive supplies through the Azerbaijani city of Aghdam, a solution long resisted by Nagorno-Karabakh authorities, who called it a strategy for Azerbaijan to gain control of the region. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support for Armenia and Armenians, saying that France will mobilise food and medical aid for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and keep working toward a sustainable peace in the region. Ethnic Armenians head to to Kornidzor (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) France, which has a big Armenian diaspora, has for decades played a mediating role in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, visited Azerbaijan on Monday in a show of support to its ally. Advertisement Russia has been the main ally and sponsor of Armenia and has a military base there, but it also has sought to maintain friendly ties with Azerbaijan. But Moscows clout in the region has waned quickly amid the Russian war in Ukraine while the influence of Azerbaijans top ally Turkey has increased. Mr Erdogan arrived in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave on Monday for talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss Turkey-Azerbaijan ties and regional and global issues. Nakhchivan is cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenian territory but forms a slim border with Turkey. The men signed a deal for a gas pipeline and the Turkish leader said Im very pleased to be with all of you as we connect Nakhchivan with the Turkish world. Lawyers for former US president Donald Trump are slamming prosecutors request for a narrow gag order in his 2020 election subversion case in Washington, calling it an effort to unconstitutionally silence his political speech. In court papers filed late on Monday, lawyers for Mr Trump urge US District Judge Tanya Chutkan to deny the proposal to bar the Republican ex-president from making inflammatory and intimidating comments about witnesses, lawyers and other people involved in the criminal case. Advertisement Mr Trumps lawyers call the request a desperate effort at censorship that would prevent him from telling his side of the story on the campaign trial as he runs to retake the White House in 2024. Advertisement The prosecution may not like President Trumps entirely valid criticisms, but neither it nor this court are the filter for what the public may hear, his legal team wrote. Advertisement If the prosecution wishes to avoid criticism for abusing its power, the solution is simple: stop abusing its power. The Constitution allows no alternative. In seeking the order earlier this month, special counsel Jack Smiths team pointed to what it said is a pattern of false and inflammatory statements by Mr Trump about the case as well as comments meant to intimidate or harass people he believes are potential witnesses against him. Prosecutors told the judge that a narrow, well-defined order was necessary to preserve the integrity of the case and to avoid prejudicing potential jurors. Advertisement Mr Trumps lawyers said prosecutors have not proved why such an order would be necessary, saying that his social media posts have not intimidated any possible witnesses and that there is no real concern his comments would taint the jury pool. Mr Trumps lawyers have also asked the judge to recuse herself from the case, saying her past public statements about him and his connection to the January 6th, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol call into question whether she can be fair. There is a high bar for recusal, and Mr Smiths team has said there is no valid basis to have the judge removed from the case. Saudi Arabias newly appointed envoy to the Palestinian Authority visited the Israeli-occupied West Bank for the first time to present his credentials and talk to Palestinian officials on Tuesday. The trip is linked to US efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Advertisement The visit by Nayef al-Sudairi, who also serves as the Saudi ambassador to Jordan, is widely seen as an attempt by the kingdom to address the key sticking point in the Saudi-Israeli normalisation deal: the Palestinians. The Saudi government has said it will normalise ties with Israel only if there is major progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state. Nayef al-Sudairi visited the Palestinian territories to discuss the Saudi-Israeli normalisation deal (Majdi Mohammed/AP/PA) Advertisement Some 16 years after Arab leaders convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to reaffirm the Arab Peace Initiative, pledging no peace or diplomatic recognition of Israel without a just settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinians still live under an open-ended military occupation in the West Bank and under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade in Gaza. Advertisement If the Biden administration can forge an agreement between Israels far-right, ultranationalist government and the Palestinian Authority, the Saudis stand to gain a defence pact with the US and US aid for a Saudi civilian nuclear programme. Mr Al-Sudairi was appointed last month and is on his first visit to Ramallah, the seat of President Mahmoud Abbas Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. During his two-day trip, the Saudi diplomat planned to meet Mr Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials. Top of the agenda is Saudi Arabias possible diplomatic ties with Israel and the relationship between the kingdom and the Palestinians, officials said. Advertisement Mr Al-Sudairi told senior Palestinian officials on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia supported the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to a statement from Palestinian officials. He praised efforts to bring about peace in the region in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative. Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad al-Maliki called the meeting a historical milestone to enhance and develop bilateral relations between the two sister countries and open up further prospects for cooperation in all fields. But it remained unclear what kind of Israeli concessions would be discussed in the Saudi-Palestinian talks. The deal depends on the willingness of Israels current government whose Cabinet ministers have imposed sanctions on the Palestinian Authority and called openly for the annexation of the West Bank to offer the concessions. Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Authority also has not specified what it is willing to accept from the Israeli government. Mr Abbas said at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week that there can be no peace in the Middle East without his people enjoying their full and legitimate national rights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, said his focus was on normalising relations between Israel and other Arab states before seeking a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israel opened diplomatic relations in 2020 with three Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. Those deals raised hopes that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states that have long refused to recognise Israel would make a similar move. The US House and Senate on Tuesday plan to take sharply divergent paths in a high-stakes spending battle, with just five days remaining until a deadline that could force wide swaths of the government to shut down for the fourth time in a decade. The Democratic-controlled Senate plans to vote on a stopgap funding bill with bipartisan support that would keep the federal government operating after current money runs out at midnight on Saturday (0400 GMT Sunday), giving negotiators more time to agree on full-year spending numbers. Advertisement Meanwhile, Republican House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy, aiming to hold off a rebellion by hardline members of his own caucus, will push ahead with four full-year spending bills that reflect conservative priorities and stand no chance of becoming law. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed and a wide range of services, from economic data releases to nutrition benefits, will be suspended beginning on Sunday if the two sides do not reach agreement. In Washington, the National Zoo says it would have to curtail its farewell party for three giant pandas before they return to China. Advertisement Congress has shut down the government 14 times since 1981, though most of those funding gaps have lasted only a day or two. Though disruptive, they have not had a significant impact on the world's largest economy. Political polarisation But Moody's warned on Monday that a shutdown this time would have negative implications for the US government's AAA credit rating, as it would highlight how political polarisation is worsening the country's fiscal standing. Advertisement Democratic president Joe Biden and Mr McCarthy had aimed to head off a shutdown this year when they agreed in May, at the end of a standoff over the federal debt ceiling, to discretionary spending of $1.59 trillion for the fiscal year beginning October 1st. Lawmakers on Mr McCarthy's right flank have since rejected that number, demanding $120 billion in cuts, even as more moderate members of their party including top Senate Republicans voiced support for the agreed-on plan. That only accounts for a fraction of the total US budget, which will come to $6.4 trillion for this fiscal year. Lawmakers are not considering cuts to popular benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare, which are projected to grow dramatically as the population ages. Republicans control the House by a narrow 221-212 majority and have few votes to spare, particularly since some Republican hardliners have threatened to move to oust Mr McCarthy from his leadership role if he relies on Democratic votes to pass legislation. Advertisement 'Paying the price' Advertisement Mr Biden himself has called on House Republicans to honour Mr McCarthy's deal. "Just a few months ago the speaker of the House and I agreed to spending levels of the government," Mr Biden said. "Now a small group of extreme House Republicans, they don't want to live up to that deal, and everyone in America could be faced with paying the price for it." Despite the looming shutdown deadline, the House will turn its attention first to the four full-year bills, which even if they pass would not fund the full government or prevent a shutdown. Success is not guaranteed: Republican hardliners blocked action on spending bills last week and some have said they would try to do so again. If Mr McCarthy surmounts that first obstacle, debate could consume most of the week, leaving little time to hammer out a stopgap bill before Sunday. Advertisement Republican Representative Ralph Norman, a member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, said on Monday he was "100 per cent" certain that Congress would not be able to keep the government open. I always like the ball at the last second. Mr McCarthy said he was more optimistic. "I'm working everything we can to make sure this doesn't happen," he told reporters on Monday. "I always like the ball at the last second." World Is America heading towards its last election in 20... Read More How that might play out is unclear at this point. If the Senate passes a stopgap funding bill, Mr McCarthy could allow a vote in the House, where it could pass with support from Democrats and more pragmatic Republicans. But that could prompt Republican hardliners to act on their threat to depose Mr McCarthy, plunging the chamber further into chaos. Former US president Donald Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination, has been cheering on the shutdown talk, saying on his Truth social media site, "UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN!" South Korea paraded thousands of troops and an array of weapons capable of striking North Korea through its capital as part of its biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in 10 years on Tuesday. President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to build a stronger military to thwart any provocation by the North. Advertisement Concerns are growing that North Korea is seeking Russian help in expanding its nuclear arsenal in return for supplying Moscow with conventional arms exhausted by its war with Ukraine. South Koreas missiles are transported in a parade during the 75th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony in Seoul (Ahn Young-joon/AP/PA) After looking at your imposing march today, I believe our people would trust you and have faith in our national security, Mr Yoon told cheering soldiers at the end of the ceremony in a central Seoul plaza. Advertisement Advertisement Ill always support you together with our people. Earlier, South Korea rolled tanks, artillery systems, drones and powerful ballistic missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea through the streets of Seoul. About 4,000 South Korean troops carrying rifles or flags followed them, accompanied by around 300 US soldiers, in the first such military parade since 2013. Soldiers take part in the parade through Seoul on Tuesday (Ahn Young-joon/AP/PA) Advertisement As the soldiers and their weapons went past, Mr Yoon waved, clapped and flashed a thumbs-up. Since taking office last year, he has been pushing hard to beef up South Koreas defence capability while expanding military drills with the US in response to North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal. But a complication in Seoul and Washingtons efforts to curb the Norths nuclear ambitions is the latest North Korean push to deepen military co-operation with Russia. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un travelled to Russias far eastern region to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. Advertisement North Korea reportedly wants to receive Russian technologies to help its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines and powerful long-range missiles. Such weapons would pose a major security threat to South Korea and the US. Advertisement South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers his speech during a celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of Armed Forces Day in Seongnam, South Korea (Kim Hong-ji/Pool Photo via AP/PA) In a formal Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military airport near Seoul earlier on Tuesday, Mr Yoon said he will strive to build a strong military that instils fear in the enemy. Advertisement Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation, he said. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korean-US alliance. That ceremony drew about 6,700 soldiers and 200 weapons assets, the largest of its kind since 2013, according to South Korean officials. Mr Yoon did not mention North Korean-Russian ties in his speech on Tuesday. But in an address to the UN General Assembly last week, he said South Korea will not sit idly by if North Korea and Russia agree to such weapons deals in violation of UN Security Council resolutions that ban all weapons trading with North Korea. US officials have also said that North Korea and Russia would face consequences if they go ahead with such deals. Advertisement Also on Tuesday, senior diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China met in Seoul and agreed to hold the first summit of their leaders in four years at the earliest convenient time, according to a statement from South Koreas Foreign Ministry. No date has been fixed, however, and the South Korean statement said the three countries agreed to hold a related foreign ministers meeting in a couple of months. Mr Yoon said last week that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed their support for a trilateral summit in South Korea. Mr Yoons moves to strengthen South Koreas military alliance with the US and boost Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security co-operation have caused concerns that Seouls relations with China, its biggest trading partner, will be undermined. But Mr Yoon says Seoul-Washington-Tokyo co-operation will not marginalise any particular nation. Also on Tuesday, South Koreas Constitutional Court struck down a 2020 law that criminalised the sending of anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets to North Korea, calling it an excessive restriction on free speech. The ruling came in response to a complaint filed by North Korean defector-activists in the South. They included Park Sang-hak, who has been a frequent target of North Korean government anger for his years-long campaign of flying leaflets across the border with balloons. Theres this one episode of The Nanny where Maxwell Sheffield is mad at his childrens nanny, Fran Fine, but for once she does not deserve it. The Broadway producer has put on a musical adaptation of the classic trade union movie Norma Rae which thrills Fran, because she comes from a family of staunch union members. However, when Fran and Maxwell arrive at the hotel holding the musicals afterparty, they find that the hotels busboys are on strike. Fran refuses to cross the picket line and Maxwell, embarrassed, attempts to drag her across it. Photographers capture this flagrant scab behaviour and Maxwell has a national scandal on his hands. Fran Drescher at a press conference in Los Angeles on July 23 announcing a strike by the Screen Actors Guild. Credit: AP/Chris Pizzello This is funny in retrospect firstly because The Nanny is still funny, always (honestly, its still on Stan, do yourself a favour) and secondly because Fran Drescher, who played Fran Fine, is now the national president of the Screen Actors Guild. Lately youve probably seen her make rousing speeches about compensation and the rising threat of AI in Hollywood. Members of the Screen Actors Guild have been on strike for 71 days and counting, while the Writers Guild of America has reached an agreement to return to work after striking for almost five months. Its the longest writer walkout since the strike of 1988 when they were out for 154 days. Once the famous stars joined the strike in July, you probably noticed a lot more media coverage about the whole thing impassioned actors in cargo shorts and sunhats making grand speeches like they were auditioning for Les Miserables. These famous actors will be okay, we know that. But the people they are advocating for the performers who work job-to-job, the people involved in production behind the scenes havent had a wage in months, and werent being paid properly before that either. Loading The ramifications of the writers strike over wages, worker protections and the use of AI will still be obvious to viewers. The list of shows that have been delayed due to the strike is actually impressive and makes you wonder what the next six months of television will actually look like. Among the delays is The Last of Us, Hacks, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, True Detective, Euphoria (will they even still be able to play teenagers anymore?), Yellowstone, Stranger Things (see Euphoria), Yellowjackets, Severance, The Boys, Abbott Elementary and at least two Law and Orders. There are heaps more too, including delayed premieres of new shows. During the last strike of 2007 there was said to be a boom of unscripted reality shows that came to fill the slots left behind by delayed productions, but most likely we as a society were just exceptionally hungry for programming involving rich people yelling at each other over salads. Record growth in solar energy and electric car sales since 2021 has left open a narrow path in the energy sector to net zero emissions, the International Energy Agency has found, but a tripling of renewable capacity is needed in the coming decade to remain on track. Should the world achieve the goal, fossil fuel demand would be driven down by 25 per cent by 2030, lowering emissions by 35 per cent, compared with the all-time high recorded in 2022. By 2050, fossil fuel demand would fall by 80 per cent. The global surge in renewables will need to increase to keep the path to net-zero open. Credit: Bloomberg Keeping alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees requires the world to come together quickly, said IEA executive director Fatih Birol on Tuesday, launching an update to the organisations landmark 2023 net zero road map. But we also have a very clear message: strong international co-operation is crucial to success. Governments need to separate climate from geopolitics, given the scale of the challenge at hand. An eight-year-old boy is fighting for life in hospital after being hit by a car while playing soccer with his brother in a suburban laneway in Melbournes west. Huseyin Pek suffered life-threatening injuries when he was trapped between two vehicles in a rear laneway behind his grandmothers house in Braybrook about 5.15pm on Tuesday evening. Three-year-old Burak Pek escaped serious injury when a male driver ploughed into two cars parked in the laneway between Wirraway Ave and Liberator Lane, pinning his brother between two vehicles for about 20 minutes. Huseyin underwent two surgeries overnight after receiving head injuries and significant injuries to the rest of his body. Daniel Andrews successor odds are it will be Jacinta Allan after tomorrows party room vote will inherit a huge political margin and will face an opposition that is ideologically riven and struggling against the demographic tide. As such, Andrews decision to resign less than a year after the 2022 election is no hospital pass, unlike the transitions from John Cain to Joan Kirner in 1990 and from Steve Bracks to John Brumby in 2007. The premier is likely to be replaced by his deputy, Jacinta Allan. Credit: Luis Ascui Daniel Andrews had enormous strengths as premier. He was energetic, decisive, politically brave, tough and a brilliant political tactician who transformed the state. It could also be argued he adopted the political philosophy practiced by Frank Underwood, the sociopathic master of political gamesmanship from the series House of Cards. Underwood called it ruthless pragmatism. Walnut industry generates wealth for local people in SW China's Guizhou People's Daily Online) 15:07, September 26, 2023 Walnuts have recently entered their harvest season in Zhuming township, Hezhang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. A villager shells fresh walnuts in Hezhang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Li Xueyou) Zhao Fu is a major walnut grower in Mojiao village of the township. "My family has over 180 walnut trees, and more than 60 trees bore fruit this year. The output of dried walnuts is expected to exceed 1,000 kilograms," said Zhao. The planting area of walnut trees in the village surpasses 3,000 mu (200 hectares), including more than 2,000 mu of trees that bear fruit, which are expected to yield over 50,000 kilograms of walnuts. "Our village will enhance the management of walnut planting to increase output, and integrate existing resources to increase walnut processing capabilities and develop products such as walnut sugar and walnut oil to fatten the wallets of villagers," said Guo Guangzhen, deputy head of the Mojiao village. Photo shows fresh walnuts in Hezhang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Li Xueyou) To boost the development of the walnut industry and rural revitalization, the government of Zhuming township has actively expanded sales channels of walnuts by signing cooperation agreements with two companies. "This year, our company signed an agreement with the township government, under which cooperatives will buy the walnuts of villagers and train them to select high-quality walnuts so that walnuts with different quality levels can be sold at different prices," said Chang Yu, general manager of one of the two companies. "Last year, my family's walnuts were sold between 10 yuan ($1.37) and 12 yuan per kilogram. This year, the selling price reached 30 yuan per kilogram," said Lang Xuemei, a villager in Haitian village in the township. A farmer sells fresh walnuts in Hezhang county, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Li Xueyou) "This year, 78,200 mu of walnut trees have entered the harvest season in our township. The walnut output is expected to reach about 800 tonnes, expanding the income for each household by an average of more than 1,000 yuan," said He Jiang, Party chief of Zhuming township. In recent years, Hezhang county has vigorously guided people to develop the walnut industry and promoted the planting of high-quality walnut varieties. The county has planted walnut trees on 520,000 mu of land, including 345,000 mu of grafted varieties, generating an annual output value of 1.5 billion yuan. The walnut industry has become an important sector that boosts rural revitalization in the county. Photo shows fresh walnut kernels. (Photo/Li Xueyou) Hezhang county is a national-level base for fine varieties of walnut trees and a national-level demonstration zone for the standardized planting of walnut trees. It will establish an industrial chain that encompasses production, supply, processing and sales of walnuts to upgrade the walnut industry and improve the quality and efficiency of the sector, said Chen Gang, head of the forestry bureau of the county. Photo shows walnut trees. (Photo/Li Xueyou) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Hyundai Steel, Korea's No. 2 steelmaker, decided Tuesday to set up a steel pipe subsidiary as part of efforts to boost competitiveness by streamlining its business portfolio. The plan, which was approved at a board meeting, calls for completing the establishment of the envisioned subsidiary by the end of this year, the company said. Hyundai Steel said it will try to develop the independent steel pipe unit as a top-tier domestic player as well as a global company specializing in pipes for eco-friendly energy projects. Currently, Hyundai Steel operates a steel pipe plant with an annual capacity of 1.11 million tons in the southeastern industrial port of Ulsan. Last year, Hyundai Steel's steel pipe division generated about 1.5 trillion ($1.12 billion) in consolidated sales. In an effort to bolster profitability, Hyundai Steel has been streamlining its business lines since 2020, when it established a forging subsidiary. It has also suspended facilities for such low-profit products as pre-coated metal. (Yonhap) North Kohala: Horseback riding may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority Steeped in Hawaiian ranching history, a thriving cowboy culture continues today. Known as paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys in wide-brimmed hats live and work mostly on the Big Islands cattle ranches. A heritage centre at Pukalani Stables, run by a preservation society, is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to join guided horseback rides on a working cattle ranch with Paniolo Adventures. See paniolopreservation.org and panioloadventures.com Lewers Lounge A secret jazz bar at one of Waikikis most elegant resorts? Dont mind if I do. Its easy to walk right by Lewers Lounge at Halekulani Hotel, hidden away in a corner near the entrance to Orchids restaurant. If you know, you know, and clearly many do, as its almost always at capacity. Dark-wood finishes, mood lighting and elegantly dressed guests (no thongs or beach attire) set the scene for live jazz, Tuesday to Saturday nights. See halekulani.com The Blue Room Waikapalae wet cave, also known as the Blue Room, is Hawaiis answer to Italys Blue Grotto. Credit: Getty Images Hawaiis version of Capris Blue Grotto, the Blue Room is a mysterious cave on Kauai with a blue glowing interior. Not officially open to swimmers, the cave takes some work to get to from the parking area at Kee Beach. All kinds of myths and legends surround it (some say a malevolent spirit lives inside the cave), and mishaps have been reported, so take care in pursuit of the perfect holiday snap. See kauai-hawaii.com Hawaii regional cuisine Theres more to eating and drinking in the islands than fruity cocktails and poke tuna. Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a movement dedicated to celebrating traditional ingredients and cooking methods used for generations. Championed by local chef legends including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman, locally sourced regional dishes can be enjoyed at their signature restaurants, Roys and Merrimans. See gohawaii.com Shangri La Museum The former Diamond Head residence of heiress Doris Duke is now a public museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Islamic world. The lavish oceanfront mansion and grounds, just outside of Honolulu, house priceless artworks collected on Dukes global travels. Its also a lot of fun to imagine the wild parties she once held here in her paradise. Advance bookings essential to avoid disappointment. See shangrilahawaii.org Friday night fireworks The free Friday fireworks spectacle is a surprise highlight. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resorts weekly fireworks extravaganza is not to be missed, yet many visitors dont know about it. Filling the night sky with colour every Friday from 7.45pm, the display launches from the resorts Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon area. Best vantage points include the sand at Fort DeRussy Beach (adjacent to the Hilton) or from a sunset cruise. See hilton.com Mauis Makawao Forest When it comes to breaking through in the competitive mortgage market, innovative strategies can be the difference between success and obscurity. Cinch Loans, led by CEO Suvidh Arora (pictured above), has rapidly emerged as a major player in the finance broking space and is an excellence awardee for three categories at this years Australian Mortgage Awards. Since the best things come in threes, Arora has shared his three top strategies that have powered Cinch Loans' success and could help other new brokerages thrive. Investing in innovation Firstly, Cinch Loans recognises that technology is the cornerstone of modern mortgage services. Arora said since its launch in 2021, his brokerage had emphasised the importance of a user-friendly online platform that simplified the entire mortgage process, from application to approval. We launched an interactive online platform that enables clients to securely upload documents, track the status of their application, and connect with our team in real time, said Arora. This has removed the need for many in-person meetings and lengthy paperwork, making our clients' mortgage experience easier and more pleasant. Not only has this attracted a younger demographic, but it has also streamlined our operations, increasing our total efficiency. In addition to streamlining its platforms, Cinch Loans has also incorporated data analytics and AI-powered insights into its services. We provide personalised advice and mortgage solutions by analysing market trends and client data. This level of personalisation has improved not only the client experience but also the efficiency of our services, Arora said. When taken together, the approach to innovation has helped Cinch Loans be named as a finalist for the Equity-One Broker of the Year Productivity Award at the 2023 AMAs which recognises the best broker based on productivity improvements through increased office efficiencies and quality submissions. Ensuring your brokerage keeps its human touch In an era dominated by digital interfaces, human touch still remains vital. Without it, the nuance that is required for mortgage brokers to adapt and thrive in each situation is lost in exchange for a service that is merely transactional. Arora said excellent customer service was one of the key pillars of the brokerages strategy as happy customers make the finest brand ambassadors. We've built a staff that knows each client's specific needs and tailors our solutions to their specific circumstances, he said. Our clients value the honesty and dedication we offer to every engagement. Transparency was also important, said Arora, especially since Cinch Loans operated across a variety of financing classes, including home loans, SMSF and development, and asset finance. We are upfront about our procedures, costs, and available choices so that clients may make decisions with knowledge and assurance. Credibility and trust have grown as a result of this transparency. This helped Arora to be nominated for an individual AMAs award Pepper Money Broker of the Year Specialist Lending, which recognises the best broker that provides specialist lending as part of their overall offering. See the list of winners along with Pepper Money for the Best Mortgage Innovations in Australia here. We have gained their trust and loyalty by going above and beyond to satisfy their needs and surpass their expectations. Reputation building through learning and adaption Since the beginning, Cinch Loans has placed a high value on developing a solid reputation. In a relatively short period of time, the brokerage has used several techniques to build its brand and win the confidence of customers and business partners. This helped Cinch Loans to be nominated for its third AMAs 2023 award - Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year, which recognises the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for less than two years. Arora said partnerships and networking were also extremely important for Cinch Loans. Our reach has been increased by collaborating with respectable industry partners, who have likewise shown their commitment to hiring dependable workers, Arora said. The company also aims to optimise its digital content. Through instructive content, we have actively participated in social media, provided insightful observations, and demonstrated our knowledge, Arora said. This has made us appear to be informed market leaders in the mortgage industry. Finally, Cinch Loans has placed a strong emphasis on ongoing learning. We are able to provide our clients with the best guidance and solutions because we keep up with industry trends and laws, Arora said. We have established a reputation that speaks for itself as a result of these combined efforts. Even in our very short time in the industry, clients and partners know they can rely on Cinch Loans for top-notch service, knowledge, and honesty. In a crowded market, our dedication to technology, personalisation, collaboration, and growth has distinguished us. We are honoured to have been named a finalist even for one award and we are eager to continue our path of excellence in the mortgage sector. What do you think of these strategies? Comment below. Air India (AI) will invest $200 million towards its pilot training facilities as the airline expands its fleet and network, The Hindu Businessline (HBL) has reported. In February, AI placed a large order for 470 planes, spending around $70 billion (based on published list prices) in a deal with Airbus and Boeing. Apart from this, the airline is also leasing planes to add new destinations to its network. To continue with its expansion, the airline is also spending on training facilities for cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff. To this end, AI will partner with plane manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, the HBL report said. Speaking on the subject, Air India's Managing Director and CEO Campbell Wilson told HBL, "On the simulator side the investment is of $200 million to build capabilities not just for Air India but for others." Air India leasing planes The erstwhile public carrier, which is now a part of the Tata Group, is leasing 11 wide-body planes, of which six have already been inducted in its fleet, and five others will be added by March 2024. Not only this, but the airline has also leased 25 A320 NEO planes to its fleet; four of these 25 have already been inducted, while the remaining 21 will be inducted by March 2024, the report said. "The wide-bodies will be used to expand our network internationally as well as add frequencies on the international segment. The A350 will operate domestically during the first quarter of next year and then operate on international routes," Wilson told HBL. Air India CEO on Vistara's merger The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has agreed to Vistara's merger with AI, and the airline is waiting for clearance from international competition regulators, Wison told HBL. The National Company Law Tribunal's approval is under process. Air India plans to phase out the brand Vistara as and when Air India product begins delivering services that match Vistara's or higher, the report added. Also Read IndiGo hits new peak post 500 Airbus aircraft order; experts see 28% upside Largest Indian order: Indigo likely to place an order for 500 planes today iQOO launches Qualcomm SD 8 Plus Gen 1-powered Neo 7 Pro phone in India Samsung launches Neo QLED 2023 series TVs in India: Know price, features SpiceJet up 20% in 3 months despite analysts' skepticism; should you buy? DB Realty to acquire stakes in 3 hotels for more than Rs 2,300 cr Akasa Air in the middle of crisis: How bad could the pilot shortage be? RIL seeks postal ballot vote for Ambani third-gen's board appointment Google, Walmart ask Bengaluru staff to work at home amid state water row Flipkart Ventures invests in five early-stage technology startups Air India's new logo Air India unveiled its new brand identity on August 10 as a part of its transformation plan since being taken over by the Tata Group. The new logo takes inspiration from the iconic Indian window shape used by Air India and transforms it into a gold window frame. The new symbol 'The Vista' signifies limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline's confident outlook for the future, the airline had said in a press release. DGCA actions against Air India The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has conditionally reactivated Air India's approved training organisation (ATO) for a period of 30 days. Previously, DGCA suspended Air India's Airbus and Boeing Simulator facilities located in Hyderabad and Mumbai, respectively. The decision was taken after the regulator found several "lapses" during a spot check. With the suspension of all Air Indias simulator facilities in the country, no pilot of the airline can undergo licence renewal or flight refresher courses. Furthermore, DGCA acted against Air India's Chief of Flight Safety by suspending him for a month. The airline continues to be penalised after the regulator found irregularities in its internal audits in July. Byjus has decided to lay off around 4,000 employees or over 11 per cent of its total workforce over the next few weeks as part of a restructuring exercise as the struggling edtech giant faces a severe funding crunch, battles lenders and has faced a markdown in its valuation, according to the sources. The Bengaluru-based firm has a total of about 35,000 employees. The restructuring exercise will be undertaken by Arjun Mohan, who was recently elevated as chief executive officer (CEO) of its India business, replacing Mrinal Mohit, according to the sources. A Byjus spokesperson declined to reveal the total number of employees who would be impacted but said the firm is in the final stages of a business restructuring exercise. We are in the final stages of a business restructuring exercise to simplify operating structures, reduce the cost base and better cash flow management, said a Byjus spokesperson. Byjus new India CEO, Arjun Mohan, will be completing this process in the next few weeks and will steer a revamped and sustainable operation ahead. Mohan, who was once the companys chief business officer, returned to spend the last three months working with founder and group CEO Byju Raveendran. While away from Byjus, Mohan worked at Ronnie Screwvala-led edtech firm UpGrad. Raveendran recently said that Arjun Mohans return is a testament to his belief in the companys mission and the unparalleled opportunities that lie ahead. His expertise will undoubtedly help our turnaround efforts and strengthen our position in the global EdTech landscape, said Raveendran. Mohit, the outgoing CEO of India business at Byjus, left to pursue personal aspirations. Three senior Byju's executives resigned earlier, it was reported in August. They were Prathyusha Agarwal, chief business officer of Byju's; Himanshu Bajaj, business head of tuition centres, and Mukut Deepak, business head for Class 4 to 10. Cherian Thomas, Byju's senior vice president for international business, also quit recently to join US-based Impending Inc as CEO. Thomas played an integral part in setting up the US operations at Byju's and was also responsible for spearheading the business of Byju's owned educational gaming firm Osmo as its CEO Also Read Meesho fires 251 more in 3rd round layoffs; cites judgement error in hiring Nearly 200,000 tech employees fired globally in 2023; more layoffs expected Meesho lays off 251 employees, CEO admits 'judgement errors in over-hiring' Uber Technologies to lay off 200 employees in its recruitment division Edtech unicorn Unacademy lays off 380 employees in latest round of job cuts Aim to complete Vistara, Air India merger shortly: Singapore Airlines Dream11 moves Bombay High Court challenging GST show cause notices RBI clears K N Madhusoodanan as part-time chairman of Dhanlaxmi Bank Eicher Motors may see a smooth ride on easing competition concern Delhivery partners with Nexus Ventures, AWS for accelerator programme Byju's recently said it will clear the full and final settlement dues of laid-off employees soon amid "difficult business restructuring". Early this year, Byju's laid off about 1,000 employees. Sources in the company said the move was part of the "optimisation" strategy that the edtech firm had announced last year, which included sacking 2,500 workers. In August this year, the firm handed the pink slip to 100 employees in a fresh round of layoffs, post a performance review. However, according to a media report, the edtech company has sacked about 400 people. Last year, Byjus laid off about 600 at its group companies WhiteHat Jr and Toppr. It said this was a move to drive cost efficiency. Byju's has decided to put two of its key assets -- Epic and Great Learning -- on the block to generate $800 million to $1 billion in cash, with an aim to meet the edtech firm's various commitments, including repaying the entire $1.2 billion term loan B (TLB) within six months, according to sources. The cash-strapped company has proposed repaying $300 million of the $1.2 billion loan in the next three months, depending on whether the lenders accept Byju's amendment proposal, said people familiar with the development. In August, Byjus appointed veteran Infosys HR leader Richard Lobo as exclusive advisor to help transform its HR function. This strategic move underscores Byjus commitment to fortify its employee-centric culture. Lobo joined Byjus after a 23-year stint at Infosys, where he held various leadership roles. Most recently, he served as its executive vice-president and head of human resource. On July 22, Byjus auditor Deloitte Haskins & Sells resigned from its role as the company was delaying filing financial results. Following the auditors resignation, the firms top three investors Prosus, Peak XV Partners, and Chang Zuckerberg Initiative representatives also resigned. After these resignations, Byjus chief executive officer Byju Raveendran addressed shareholders and employees on the issue. The firm recently announced the appointment of accounting firm BDO as the companys statutory auditor for the next five years. It also announced the formation of an Advisory Council, on July 13. Former State Bank of India chief and current chairman of BharatPe Rajnish Kumar and former chief financial officer (CFO) of Infosys Mohandas Pai have joined Byjus BAC (Board Advisory Committee). Byjus has raised total funding of $5.8 billion from investors like Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Sumeru Ventures, Vitruvian Partners, BlackRock, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sequoia, Silver Lake, Bond Capital, Tencent, General Atlantic and Tiger Global. IndiGos size should be compared with global carriers, and not other domestic airlines, Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said on Tuesday, adding that such benchmarking will help India transform its airports into aviation hubs. Elbers flagged the tendency to scrutinise domestic competition, assess fares on domestic routes, and determine if they are high. But if we want to build some hubs, we should have a broader look, he said during a panel discussion at a convention organised by All India Management Association (AIMA). The executive, with over 30 years of aviation experience, said India needed to train sights on international competition and realise how the majority of flights between Europe and India were not operated by Indian carriers. Rather than having a discussion on how much competition there is between Mumbai and Guwahati, we should focus on how come there are so few direct flights between Delhi and Rome. That is the part of the discussion we should be having, he added. Indias international passenger market is dominated by foreign airlines. About 85 per cent of the domestic market, meanwhile, is divided between IndiGo and the Air India (A-I) group of airlines. This comes amid SpiceJets financial troubles, Go Firsts insolvency proceedings, and Akasa Air reducing flights due to a pilot shortage and has led to concerns regarding high airfares. The A-I group of airlines includes Air India, Air India Express, AirAsia India, and Vistara. IndiGo holds 60 per cent of Indias skies on its own, however, its share in the international passenger market is about 18 per cent, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. When asked if IndiGo has any competition, Elbers replied: Of course, we have competition. India is one of the most competitive markets in the world. "When you speak about competition, there is a tendency to look very much at India itself...I think we should sometimes look a little broader and ask: How come on international travel (to and from India), the Indian carriers have a smaller share than the international carriers," he said. Also Read Fluctuations in airfares likely to continue, says IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers IndiGo has flexibility to decide 2035 size, says CEO Pieter Elbers Analysts see upto 38% upside in IndiGo; suggest tracking costs, airfare cap Largest Indian order: Indigo likely to place an order for 500 planes today After a solid Q1, IndiGo's troubles may mount in Q2FY24, warn analysts Y-Combinator-backed Mudrex becomes FIU-registered crypto platform AI, Singapore Airlines to maintain minimum capacity on certain routes Airbus names sales chief Scherer CEO of core planemaking operation Cipla introduces drone-powered critical medicine delivery in Himachal Road secy Anurag, ex-DPIIT official Anil join ONDC's advisory council It is crucial for Indian carriers to expand their network, improve positioning, and enhance connectivity systems, he said. The Indian government has been actively encouraging Indian airports (especially Delhi) to transform into aviation hubs similar to Dubai or Doha airports, which boast extensive flight networks connecting destinations worldwide. If we want to compete, and if we have the ambition to become global players, we have to be a certain size, Elbers said. Rather than comparing the size of IndiGo or Air India with some other Indian carriers, I think we should also start comparing ourselves to some of the global players. If we have to compete with the likes of Singapore Airlines and make sure India is a connecting place, then that should be our point of reference rather than purely looking at domestic competitive points, he added. About Air India's acquisition by the Tata group, he expressed that this represents a natural progression in a maturing market. In other parts of the world, as aviation markets mature, consolidation has historically been observed. "The fact that the markets are consolidating that you go to a certain stage of larger airlines and larger airline groups. We have seen that in Europe, the US, China, etc, and we are seeing it now in India, he noted. Elbers pointed out that when travellers go abroad and purchase tickets in the United States or Europe, they can readily discern the remarkable competitiveness of the Indian market when comparing domestic prices. So, yes, there is a lot of competition (within India), he added. Our USP has remained very stable right from the start. Three points: affordable fares, on-time performance and hassle-free and courteous service. Pilgrim, a startup operating in the field of beauty and personal care, on Tuesday said it has raised USD 20 million (around Rs 166.6 crore) in a funding round. This Series B round was led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India along with existing investors Fireside Ventures & Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office, a joint statement said. The company currently has an annual run rate of Rs 300 crore and aims to scale it to Rs 1,000 crore by 2025 on the back of its commitment to robust R&D and consumer-centricity. Pilgrim, which is serving over five lakh consumers monthly, will deploy this funding to increase brand building, and R&D, and bolster offline expansion within India, it added. "Pilgrim has been steadfast in crafting efficacious solutions tailored to individual consumer needs and co-creating products alongside our customers. This approach has empowered us to introduce groundbreaking innovations, reshaping the landscape of India's beauty and personal care market," its co-founders Anurag Kedia and Gagandeep Makker said. Earlier, in the Series A round, Pilgrim had raised a total fund of Rs 48 crore. It had raised Rs 13 crore led by Fireside Ventures along with Angel Investors, including founding teams from BoAt, NoBroker, and the Founder-CEO of Bewakoof.com. Further, it had raised the remaining amount in a bridge round led by Fireside Ventures and Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. Also Read Not skin-deep: Luxury personal care shopping gets ethical, demanding Gold ornaments raise retail inflation in personal care segment to 9% in Apr HCLTech joins Meta, IT ministry programme to help India XR start-ups India's beauty and personal care market to touch $30 billion by 2027 Fourth quarter of 2022-23 sees lowest IPO fundraising in 9 yrs: Report Tax dept notifies 'Angel Tax' rules for valuing investments in startups SKUAST launches agricultural-entrepreneurship startup training programme Rapido aims to rope in over 200 women as auto-rickshaw 'captains' Visa application startup Atlys raises $12 million in series A funding Veteran entrepreneurs look to ramp up their bets in Indian startups Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat from September 26 to 27, during which he will participate in a programme marking the completion of 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and dedicate to the nation as well as lay the foundation stone of projects worth crores of rupees. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit started in 2003 when Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat. On September 27, around 10 am, the prime minister will participate in the programme marking the completion of 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. After that, around 12:45 pm, he will reach Bodeli in Chhotaudepur where he will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 5,200 crore. The prime minister will participate in the programme marking the completion of 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at the Science City in Ahmedabad. It will witness participation of industry associations, prominent personalities from the areas of trade and commerce, young entrepreneurs and students of higher and technical education colleges among others, the statement said. "The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started under the visionary leadership of the then chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi," it said. The journey of the summit started on September 28, 2003. Over time, it transformed to become a truly global event, attaining the status of being one of the most premier business summits in India, the statement said. From about 300 international participants in 2003, the summit witnessed an overwhelming participation of over a thousand delegates from more than 135 nations in 2019, it said. School infrastructure across Gujarat will get a massive boost as the prime minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects worth more than Rs 4,500 crore under the 'Mission Schools of Excellence' programme, the statement said. Also Read Lenovo launches Legion Slim series gaming laptops in India: Details here PM conferred with France's highest award 'Grand Cross of Legion of Honour' PM Modi conferred with Grand Cross of Order of Honour by Greek President PM Narendra Modi arrives in UAE for final leg of two-nation visit India, China offer differing views on which side sought Modi-Xi meeting LIVE: Khalistan supporters protest outside Indian Consulate in Vancouver It's critical Canada's probe proceeds, perpetrators brought to justice: US EAM meets UN leadership, discusses India's G20 Presidency, UNSC reforms Moody's rpt on Aadhaar made assertions without citing any evidence: UIDAI Hindutva leader Ekbote, 3 others booked for 'provocative' speeches in Pune Thousands of new classrooms, smart classrooms, computer labs, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) labs and other infrastructure built across schools in Gujarat will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Modi, it said. He will also lay the foundation stone for projects for improving and upgrading thousands of classrooms of schools across Gujarat under the mission. Modi will also lay the foundation stone of project 'Vidya Samiksha Kendra 2.0'. This project will be built upon the success of the 'Vidya Samiksha Kendra' which has ensured continuous monitoring of schools and improvement in student learning outcomes in Gujarat, the statement said. The 'Vidya Samiksha Kendra 2.0' will lead to the establishment of Vidya Samiksha Kendras in all districts and blocks of Gujarat, it said. During the programme, Prime Minister Modi will also dedicate to the nation multiple development projects, including a new bridge built across the Narmada river on the Odara Dabhoi-Sinor-Malsar-Asa road in Sinor taluka in Vadodara district. He will also dedicate to the nation the Chab Talav redevelopment project, a water supply project in Dahod, about 400 newly built houses for people from the economically weaker section at Vadodara, a village Wi-Fi project across 7,500 villages in Gujarat and the newly built Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Dahod. He will lay the foundation stone of a water supply project in Chhotaudepur, a flyover in Godhra, Panchmahal, and an FM radio studio at Dahod, to be built under the 'Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)' scheme of the central government. New Industry Minister Bang Moo-kyu visited a factory of Hyundai Motor on Tuesday and vowed extended support for the electric vehicle (EV) sector to boost the country's exports and the overall economic growth, his office said. Bang, who took office last week, launched a government delegation to be tasked with communicating with exporters and helping address issues, and chose the Hyundai factory in the western city of Asan as its first destination, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The delegation also involves the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency and other relevant organizations. During Tuesday's meeting, the minister and Hyundai officials discussed ways to expand the carmaker's presence in ASEAN and other emerging markets by further promoting EV products through Korea's official development assistance, or ODA, programs. The government plans to invest around 2 trillion won in research and development projects over the next five years to support domestic carmakers' transition to future mobility and to secure advanced technologies. It also seeks to increase trade financing and other supportive measures for automotive part manufacturers, according to the ministry. "The eco-friendly car market is expected to grow further in line with the global net-zero initiative," Bang said. "The government will strengthen supportive measures to promote the EV sector as our new export growth engine." Korea's car exports logged double-digit on-year growth over the past 14 months through August on the back of solid global demand for EVs and other eco-friendly cars. During the first eight months of 2023, auto exports surged 39.5 percent on-year to $46.85 billion, though the overall exports logged an on-year fall amid a global economic slowdown. The delegation will continue to visit major companies in battery, display and other industry fields, as well as smaller-sized firms, to support their business activities at home and abroad in an effort to prop up exports, the ministry said. (Yonhap) At least four vehicles were torched and employees of a private firm assaulted at a railway construction site by members of the banned CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand's Latehar district, police said. The incident occurred near Chatti river bridge in Chandwa on Monday evening, they added. The police said a group of Maoists set three heavy vehicles and a car on fire and assaulted the employees of the firm. A team of police personnel reached the spot and started an investigation. The incident occurred exactly a month after six vehicles were torched and two employees of a private road construction company were assaulted by members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in Palamu district. The jitters of the Derna dam collapse in Libya that claimed over 3,800 lives earlier this month are being felt in India. After the tragedy on the night of September 10-11, The New York Times reported last week that the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala is among some of the major dams in the world that are nearing obsolescence. Although government authorities maintain that there is no immediate danger to the dam located in Idukki district, the decades-old safety issue has resurfaced with experts pointing to well over 200 ageing large dams in India that are over 100 years old. Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, observed that dams above 50 years are of high risk. In the context of climate change, dam management needs to be fine-tuned. More intense rains are now occurring. This means that the spillway capacity for which the dams were originally designed is outdated. There should be an independent review to examine the safety aspects of all dams in India. The Central Water Commission is undertaking this task, but it has a poor track record, Thakkar added. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), India has 5,334 completed and functional large dams. Of these, 234 functional large dams are more than 100 years old. Besides, 1,034 operational large dams have ages ranging from 50 to 100 years. Experts are raising alarm bells after the failures of the two dams in Derna, Libya. According to some estimates, at least 10,000 people are missing following the catastrophe. Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala, India, is over 100 years old, visibly damaged, and located in a region prone to earthquakes. Its collapse would harm 3.5 million people downstream, The New York Times said in a report. When contacted, R Ramkumar, a member of the state planning board in charge of flood control, stated that Kerala is not anticipating any immediate threat to the dam. None of the experts who evaluated the strength of the dam have raised any issues. Hence, there is no immediate reason to build a new dam, Ramkumar told Business Standard. Also Read CWC Qualifier Day 8 preview: Ireland fight for survival, Oman face Scotland CWC Qualifier Day 9 preview: Zimbabwe eye streak, Windies win against NED CWC Qualifier Day 10 preview: SL, SCO fight for four wins; IRE for first CWC Qualifier Day 2 preview: Sri Lanka take on UAE, Oman challenge Ireland CWC Qualifier Day 3 preview: Depleted Dutch face Zimbabwe, Nepal take on US Waheeda Rehman to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award; all you need to know IIT Guwahati develops fabric to tackle oil spills in water bodies Absence of building permit system led to destruction in Joshimath: Report India's diplomacy touched new heights: PM at G20 University Connect Predator drones help Navy keep close watch over Indian Ocean region According to the CWC, Tamil Nadu is set to conduct a study on the safety of this dam. Experts also suggest that the government should revisit the Dam Safety Act, taking climate change issues into account. With the climate already being changed, these aged dams are becoming foes rather than friends, and the recent Libya crisis is a testament to this exacerbating crisis. Such crises are not new to India, and the current Dam Safety Act needs to be revisited, said Abinash Mohanty, sector head, climate change and sustainability, IPE Global (an international development organization) and an expert reviewer of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes sixth assessment report. Integrating hyper-granular carrying capacity assessments and operational safety components, which adhere to principles of climate risk assessments, into the current act should be a national imperative. Any further delay will turn this crisis-in-making into a disaster, Mohanty added. The Libyan incident took place at a time when in India, the Himachal Pradesh government discovered that 21 out of the 23 dams in the state had violated safety norms. There are 23 hydel projects with a total capacity of 9,203 megawatts in the hill state, operated by players such as the NHPC, NTPC, Bhakra Beas Management Board, SJVN, and independent power producers. Thakkar added that structural flaws were not the only issue with dams, as newly built structures too had cracked in the recent past in India. In August last year, the wall of an under-construction dam in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar district collapsed, affecting 18 villages. Similarly, in July 2019, the Tiware dam in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra gave way due to heavy rains, resulting in the loss of 19 lives. The dam was built only in 2000. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Manoj Vaibhav Gems N Jewellers was subscribed 2.25 times on the last day of subscription on Tuesday. The initial share sale got bids for 2,05,05,627 shares against 91,20,664 shares on offer, as per NSE data. The portion allotted for non-institutional investors was subscribed 5.18 times while the category for retail individual investors received 1.66 times subscription. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) part was subscribed 1.06 times. The IPO had a fresh issue of up to Rs 210 crore and an offer for sale of up to 2,800,000 equity shares. The price range for the offer was at Rs 204-215 per share. The company mopped up Rs 81.05 crore from anchor investors on Thursday. The company, a regional jewellery brand in South India, has a presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with 13 showrooms across eight towns and two cities. The funds raised will be utilised for opening eight new showrooms, inventory for these stores and general corporate purposes. Bajaj Capital and Elara Capital (India) were the managers to the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE. Tamil Nadu is continuing to receive water from Karnataka and as of today, the state has received 7,000 cusecs of water, state Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan said on Tuesday. Initially, Karnataka provided 2,500 cusecs of water per day and the quantum was increased to 3,000 cusecs per day. "We are steadily reviving water from the Cauvery and hope to realise the full quantum," Duraimurugan told reporters here. As per the Supreme Court order, Tamil Nadu is yet to receive 11,000 cusecs water, which he said is likely to be provided by tomorrow. As per the direction of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee that was upheld by the Supreme Court, Karnataka should release 5,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from September 13, the minister said. This means the 15-day period ends tomorrow. Despite protests in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government is releasing water, Duraimurugan said. He said that at the meeting of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee today, Tamil Nadu would insist upon the release of 12,500 cusecs of water. On the protests in the neighbouring state, the minister said the Supreme Court's verdict should be binding, notwithstanding the demonstrations. He urged politically enlightened people to ponder over what would happen to the apex court's authority if everyone starts holding demonstrations against its judgment. At the same time, the Supreme Court should decide on addressing the opposition to its verdict, he said. A comparatively new immaculate red-and-white temple stands beside the ruins of a 1000-year-old shrine overtaken by nature. Muslims take active part in Hindu puja rituals. A temple roof is made combining Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. Welcome to Kiriteshwari village in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which has recently been selected by the Centre's Ministry of Tourism as the Best Tourism Village of India. The village was named after the Kiriteshwari temple, one of the Shakti peeths'. Legend has it that the upper part of goddess Sati's skull had fallen here. Several other new temples and ruins of older shrines co-exist here. The village, also known as Kiritkona, located around 20 km from district headquarters Berhampur, is a sleepy hamlet with just a little more than 1,200 voters, whose main occupation is farming. The place is a classic example of communal harmony. Here, the temple committee has members from the Muslim community, and they participate actively in various rituals related to the Hindu religion and culture. The Muslims have also given a piece of land to the Hindus since a portion of a temple was there. My grandfather wanted to donate a piece of land for the temple and that was given according to his wish. The paperwork was completed around two years ago, said Sirajul Islam, a member of the Kiriteshwari Temple Committee. A grand feast is organised on the day of Ashtami during the Durga Puja festival every year and 7,000 to 8,000 people including many Muslim families participate in it, said 62-year-old Islam who has been taking part in temple rituals since he was in his early 20s. According to Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya, a priest of the Kiriteshwari temple, the shrine was built by Rani Bhavani of Natore, around 300 years ago, and pujas are performed every day. Later, Maharaja of Lalgola, Yogendra Narayan Roy, repaired it around a century back, he said. But very little is known about the other temple which is 900-1000 years old. It is now in ruins. We also don't know much about the other ancient temples around the village. Some say those were Shiva temples, Bhattacharya said. Also Read Swach Bharat Abhiyan had profound impact on temples: RSS chief Bhagwat First puja performed in name of PM Modi as doors open for Kedarnath Temple Reliance Jio begins 'True 5G' services at Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand On violations of Hindu temples in US, spokesperson says Guterres concerned Another Hindu temple vandalised in Canada by Khalistan supporters DGGI serves Rs 55k crore tax notices to gaming firms, biggest to Dream11 CM Dhami reaches London to invite industrialists to Global Investor Summit Govt may shelve self-regulation plan if egames majors dominate SRBs Aviation leasing watchdog cuts India's compliance rating amid Go First row 81% intent on festival season e-shopping: Nielsen Media India study The speciality of the 300-year-old Kiriteshwari temple lies in its structure as its roof has the influence of Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu architecture, the priest said. The design of the garbha griha' (sanctum sanctorum) where a black stone is worshipped as the goddess, also reflects Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim architecture, he said. After the village got the honour last week, tourists from other areas have started coming. A tourist from Kolkata, Madan Mohan Mitra, said, I have heard about the temple earlier. But the zeal to visit the place increased after it bagged the Centre's award a few days ago. I liked the place. Villagers Hemanta Mondal, Paban Das and Uttam Das who run small shops selling puja items near the temple feel their lives are about to change in the coming future as the award will bring more tourists. We are happy to hear about the award but a lot of infrastructure development is required to boost tourism. We will need lodges, a hospital and a police station, the priest said. The village now has a small lodge that can accommodate only a few pilgrims. Murshidabad District Magistrate Rajarshi Mitra said that the award has been given considering the immense potential of the place to grow into a tourism hub. The temple here is very old yet functional. The state government has sanctioned funds for restoration of the ruins, Mitra said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday morning reached London Airport to attract investors for the upcoming state Global Investor Summit slated to be held in Dehradun in December. The Indian diaspora welcomed Dhami at the airport with the playing of traditional musical instruments of Uttarakhand. "DHC @sujitjoyghosh welcomed CM of Uttarakhand @pushkardhami, leading a delegation to from Sept 25 - 28, for promotion of the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit. Uttarakhand offers exciting opportunities for investment in tourism, life sciences, energy sectors," tweeted the High Commission of India, London. The state government delegation accompanying the Chief Minister will remain in UK tour till September 28. According to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office, CM Dhami will hold roadshows in London on September 26 and in Birmingham the next day. The delegation will hold meetings with the world's big business houses in London and Birmingham and extend invitations for the Global Investors Summit to be held in the month of December. Dhami left for the United Kingdom on Monday to invite Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and industrialists for the Global Investors Conference to be held in Uttarakhand in December. "Leaving today for London and Birmingham to meet and invite NRI and international industrialists to the 'Global Investors Conference' being held to achieve the goal of a strong Uttarakhand," Dhami wrote on social networking site X. Also Read G20 Summit 2023: Here is what the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration states G20 Summit: Global Biofuel Alliance & other initiatives launched by India G20: DMRC urges commuters to use Magenta line to reach Airport Terminal 1 Hemkund Sahib Yatra in Uttarakhand resumes after 2-day halt due to snow G20 Summit: Delhi police's advisory; check restrictions, routes, and more Govt may shelve self-regulation plan if egames majors dominate SRBs Aviation leasing watchdog cuts India's compliance rating amid Go First row 81% intent on festival season e-shopping: Nielsen Media India study Give details of person authorised for correspondence: UP Rera to promoters Jharia Master Plan brings down surface fires sites from 77 to 27 Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with party workers later this week to decide on protests across districts in West Bengal, simultaneous to its proposed programmes in New Delhi next month against the alleged withholding of funds by the Centre for the state under the MGNREGA and other schemes. The date of the virtual meeting is yet to be decided but is likely to be held either on "Thursday or Friday", a party leader said. Banerjee, the party's national general secretary, and TMC MPs, MLAs and leaders from the districts will pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital on October 2 on his birth anniversary. Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who was supposed to attend the programmes in New Delhi, might not go there as she was advised 10 days of rest by doctors after she suffered an injury on her left knee during a recent trip to Spain and Dubai. A TMC delegation will meet Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh on October 3 and place before him the issue of "non-release of dues" under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya had said on September 23. The TMC had plans to stage protests in New Delhi for MGNREGA dues to Bengal. The ruling party had claimed that despite several requests to the Delhi Police, it was denied permission to hold demonstrations in the national capital. "Our party's national general secretary will hold a virtual meeting with district-level leaders to decide how simultaneous protest programmes can be held in every block of Bengal on October 2 and 3," a senior TMC leader said. During the TMC's Martyrs' Day rally on July 21, Abhishek Banerjee had announced that the party would launch a massive protest in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 against the alleged blocking of funds by the central government for Bengal under the MGNREGA and other schemes. Also Read TMC's Abhishek welcomes SC decision on reassigning hearings in school scam TMC to start dharna in New Delhi over MGNREGA funds for Bengal: Abhishek Bengal under TMC known for crimes, anti-national activities, says BJP TMC to send 10 mn farmers' letters to PM seeking MGNREGA funds: Abhishek TMC delegation holds talks with officials over MGNREGA fund dues Chhattisgarh elections: BSP, Gondwana Gantantra Party announce alliance Rajasthan will secure Congress a bigger victory than other states: Gehlot Kerala's left govt starts regional review meetings to assess performance Akhilesh Yadav to kick off SP poll campaign from Sirmaur on Sept 27 'BJP's like the camel in tent' Sibal's dig after AIADMK walks out of NDA The TMC had on August 30, claimed that it was denied permission to hold demonstrations in New Delhi as the BJP-led Union government wanted to "scuttle the voice of Bengal", a charge dubbed as "baseless" by the saffron camp. North Korea accused the United States on Tuesday of making 2023 an extremely dangerous year, saying its actions are trying to provoke a nuclear war and denouncing both U.S. and South Korean leaders for hysterical remarks of confrontation that it says are raising the temperature in the region. Kim Song, North Korea's U.N. ambassador, also said Washington was trying to create the Asian version of NATO, the military alliance that includes European nations and the United States and Canada. Kim came out swinging in his speech to world leaders with harsher words than he brought to the same U.N. General Assembly meeting last year. Such strong language is always noteworthy from a nation developing its nuclear program but is also hardly uncommon from Pyongyang, a government that sometimes weaponizes hyperbole in its public statements. Owing to the reckless and continued hysteria of nuclear showdown on the part of the U.S. and its following forces, the year 2023 has been recorded as an extremely dangerous year that the military security situation in and around the Korean peninsula was driven closer to the brink of a nuclear war, Kim said. "The United States is now moving on to the practical stage of realizing its a sinister intention to provoke a nuclear war," Kim said. He said the United States' attempt to create an Asian NATO was effectively introducing a new Cold War structure to northeast Asia." Kim took particular issue with what he called U.S. and South Korean statements that he said were about the end of the regime and the occupation of Pyongyang, the capital of what the country calls the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea itself said just last month that it had rehearsed how it might occupy South Korean territory in the event of a war. Those statements came after North Korea's military said it fired two tactical ballistic missiles from Pyongyang to practice scorched earth strikes at major South Korean command centers and operational airfields. The North said its missile tests were a response to a U.S. flyover of long-range B-1B bombers for a joint training with close ally South Korea. The North periodically launches missiles it says are tests, often in response to a perceived provocation from the United States or the South. Also Read Asian Games 2023 Day 2 Highlights: With 2 Golds, India 6th in medals tally Asian Games schedule today: IND vs MAL cricket, IND vs BAN football & more Asian Games 2023 Highlights: India lose to Chinese Taipei in women football Asian Games Day 3 Highlights: Gold in Equestrian, India 6th in medals tally Guest nations at G-7 worries over China's threats to Taiwan, Russia's war Apple exec defends decision to make Google default search engine on iPhones Taliban controls the world's best performing currency this quarter Tesla's China exports in crosshairs of EU anti-subsidy probe: Report US FTC sues Amazon in landmark antitrust lawsuit over marketplace JPMorgan settles claims that it enabled Epstein's sex trafficking acts North Korea's appearances at the United Nations are often illuminating, despite the absence of leader Kim Jong Un or other high-level officials, given that hearing words directly from the mouths of the country's leaders however carefully reviewed and calibrated is a relatively uncommon occurrence on the international stage. During his own U.N. speech last week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned fellow world leaders about the recent communication and possible cooperation between North Korea and Russia, saying any action by a permanent U.N. Security Council member to circumvent international norms would be dangerous and paradoxical. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took a lengthy railroad trip to Russia's far east earlier this month and met there with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two said they may cooperate on defense issues but gave no specifics, which left South Korea and its allies including the United States uneasy. The North's official Korean Central News Agency responded to Yoon's U.N. speech by calling him a guy with a trash-like brain. The North Korean government often deploys such ad hominem attacks and once called U.S. President Donald Trump a dotard. The Korean Peninsula was split into the U.S.-supported, capitalistic South Korea and the Soviet-backed, socialist North Korea after its liberation from Japan's 35-year colonial rule at the end of the World War II in 1945. The two Koreas remain along the world's most heavily fortified border since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, and are technically still in a state of war 70 years after an armistice was signed. Kim Jong Un oversees an autocratic government and is the third generation of his family to rule. He was preceded by his father, Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011, and his grandfather Kim Il Sung, a former guerrilla who established the state. Kim Song, the U.N. ambassador, said North Korea had little choice but to build up its methods of defense another common refrain from the Pyongyang government. The DPRK is urgently required to further accelerate the buildup of its self-defense capabilities to defend itself impregnably, he said. The more the reckless military moves and provocations of the hostile forces are intensified threatening the sovereignty and security interests of our state, the more our endeavours to enhance national defense capabilities would increase in direct proportion. China has refused to further expand cooperation in the areas of energy, water management, and climate change under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it emerged on Tuesday, signalling a strain in the 'ironclad' friendship between the two all-weather allies. Cash-strapped Pakistan also gave up its opposition to setting up a new imported coal-fired power plant in Gwadar in Balochistan province and agreed to a number of Chinese demands to address Beijing's concerns, The Express Tribune newspaper reported, citing the signed minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the CPEC. The JCC is a strategic decision-making body of the CPEC and its 11th meeting was held virtually on October 27 last year on the insistence of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government that wanted to showcase some progress. However, the minutes of the meeting were signed almost a year later on July 31 during the visit of Chinese vice premier He Lifeng, highlighting the difference of opinions on both sides that led to such a huge delay in reaching a consensus, the report said. When contacted, the Ministry of Planning stated that it was a global practice for the minutes of meetings between two countries to be signed by both sides only after due consultation and evolving consensus. Interestingly, the final draft shared with Beijing by Pakistan and the final minutes signed by both sides were different in many ways, the report said. China's disagreement to further expand cooperation in areas of energy, water management, and climate change under the CPEC underscores "the challenges that both the sides are facing in deepening the economic ties", it said. The USD 60 billion CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is seen as an attempt by China to further its influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments all over the world. The CPEC is a collection of infrastructure and other projects under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013. India has protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also Read 'Integrating renewable energy in power system crucial to meet climate goal' Asia Cup today's match: PAK vs NEP playing 11, toss result, live streaming We must join hands to tackle climate change: CII Eenrgy Conference Sale of petroleum products halves in Pakistan, high inflation to blame Historical trail of Pakistan's powerful military enterprise: Explainer Dollar hits 10-month high as US yields spike, yen recovers from dip EU's industry chief Breton tells Apple CEO to open its ecosystem to rivals US expresses concern to Lanka over Chinese research ship's planned visit Indo-US ties should vie for frictionless trade relationship: US Ambassador Omicron subvariant BA.5 more virulent, study in mice finds The details of the final minutes of the 11th JCC showed that China did not agree to a host of measures that Pakistan had proposed in the areas of energy, water management, climate change and tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, PoK and the coastal areas. China excluded cooperation in the areas of cross-border tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, PoK and cooperation for the promotion of coastal tourism from the final minutes, the details showed. China also did not agree to Pakistan's proposal for the inclusion of Water Resources Management and Climate Change and Urban Infrastructure Development in the CPEC framework. The proposal for setting up a new joint working group on water resources management and climate change was also rejected by China. China excluded the issue of financial challenges being faced by the power companies from the final minutes. Beijing also did not agree to a proposal to include a 500kv transmission line from Hub to Gwadar to link the seaport city with the national grid in the CPEC framework. China did not agree to carry out joint studies for future development of Thar coal blocks, including development of mega power parks and power evacuation infrastructure, with a view to meet Pakistan's energy needs from indigenous resources, conversion of coal into other products for domestic demand as well as exports", the report said. Similarly, there is no mention of the South-North gas pipeline project in the final minutes. The draft minutes mentioned the examination of a feasibility study and Chinese cooperation for the purpose. Pakistan had proposed Chinese participation in a strategic underground gas storage project but there is no mention of this mega project in the final minutes. Islamabad had also proposed the participation of China in the national seismic study for sedimentary areas and sought Chinese equipment. But this idea is also shelved at the bilateral level. Pakistan proposed joint exploration, development, and marketing of metallic minerals and sought Chinese technology, but the final minutes were silent on this issue too, according to the Express Tribune report. China also did not agree to Pakistan's proposal of developing a policy framework for coal gasification to fertiliser projects based on Thar coal. Meanwhile, Pakistan has given significant concessions to China on the issue of setting up the 300MW Gwadar Power Plant. Islamabad wanted to either shelve the 300MW project or change its location to Thar to use the local coal. However, China did not agree to it, the report said. Pakistan also wanted the conversion of the imported fuel-based Gwadar plant to Thar coal to address energy security and liquidity issues to which China did not agree. Pakistan also committed that it would follow the consensus reached by two sides, and will direct the Pakistani power purchase companies to stop deducting the capacity power rate and return the deducted power rate. To ensure the normal operations of CPEC power projects, the Pakistani side promised to take necessary measures to ensure timely exchange to US dollars for CPEC power projects to buy necessary fuels, the report said. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has not been shifted to Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail despite the Islamabad High Court on Monday gave orders to shift him from the Attock district Jail in Punjab Province, reported Dawn. The Islamabad High Court had asked the Adiala Jail Superintendent to receive Imran but he was taken to Attock Jail. According to Dawn, the main reasons behind this were security concerns and the absence of a written letter. However, one of his lawyers created confusion on social media platforms, claiming that Imran Khan had indeed been transferred to the Adiala Jail. Barrister Naeem Panjhota, a prominent member of Khan's legal team, claimed that he had indeed been shifted to Adiala Jail. However, the Attock Jail administration denied the claim and said that he had not been shifted due to security reasons and that they were still "hosting" him, Dawn reported. Mr Panjhota shared on social media 'X' that he had been informed that Imran Khan had been shifted to Adiala Jail but "it is beyond understanding that Attock Jail (authorities) are also saying that they have PTI chairman". The IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq observed that under-trial prisoners (UTPs) of all the courts in the federal capital were kept at Adiala and hence directed to shift Mr Khan to that prison, reported Dawn. Addressing AAG Barrister Munawar Iqbal Duggal, he inquired about the status of other UTPs. To which, Duggal said that all UTPs of Islamabad's courts are kept in Adiala Jail. Justice Farooq later directed to shift Khan to Adiala Jail and asked the jail administration to provide all entitled facilities to him, Dawn reported. However, he could not be shifted as Farooq did not issue a written order due to other engagements at the Federal Judicial Academy. Both Khan and Qureshi are on judicial remand till September 26, in connection with the cypher case. In August, the FIA booked the PTI chief and his party's vice chairman under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly misplacing and misusing the classified document for vested political interests. Also Read Imran Khan to get medical facilities at Attock jail, allowed meetings Pak ex-PM moved to Attock jail after 3-year sentence in corruption case Pakistan deploys troops to halt unrest from ex-PM Imran Khan's arrest Imran Khan's party claims police raided PTI leader Usman Dar's residence Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members threatened to quit party: Imran Khan PML-N President Sharif advises party leaders to avoid travelling abroad We care about both countries: US Envoy Eric Garcetti on India-Canada row Australian lawmakers call for warmer relations with 'self-ruled' Taiwan US Prez Biden headed to Michigan, will join the auto workers' picket line Net Zero by 2050 still possible with rapid renewables expansion: IEA Subsequently, both leaders were arrested in connection with the probe into the case and a special court was formed under the Official Secrets Act to try the accused. The cypher controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Imran Khan just days before his ouster in April 2022 brandished a letter, claiming that it was a cypher from a foreign nation, which mentioned that his government should be ousted from power, according to The News International report. He did not reveal the contents of the letter and the name of the nation that had sent it. However, a few days later Imran Khan named the United States and said that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his removal.PTI chairman had claimed that he was reading contents from the cypher and said that "all will be forgiven for Pakistan if Imran Khan is removed from power". By Baek Byung-yeul Late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hees (1942-2020) love of animals is being rediscovered through his efforts to preserve Jindo dogs, an indigenous Korean breed, and transform the countrys pet culture. Samsung recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its guide dog training school, also founded by the late leader, according to the group, Tuesday. During his lifetime, Lee, who was known for his love of animals, worked on promoting Koreas pet culture to the world by working on preserving the Jindo breed and establishing a guide dog training school to help the visually impaired. Samsung said Lee first tried to preserve the Jindo breed, a national treasure. The dogs are named after Jindo, an island in the country's southwest where they originate. Jindo dogs are not well-known to the world, nor even in Korea. So Lee traveled to Jindo in the late 1960s and brought 30 of the near-extinct animals to Seoul. After 10 years, he succeeded in producing purebred pairs. Since then, the program has raised nearly 300 Jindos and increased the purebred rate to 80 percent. To showcase the breeds excellence to the world, Lee presented Jindo dogs at a dog fair in Japan in 1979. This led to the South Jeolla Province island being registered as the breed's origin through the Dog World Kennel Club in 1982. In 2005, the Kennel Club, a U.K.-based organization, registered Jindo dogs as an official breed. When negative perceptions of Koreas dog-eating culture spread around the world before the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Lee played a key role in defusing the controversy. To defend the countrys image, Lee invited members of a U.K. animal protection association to Seoul and showed them how he was caring for his dogs at home to raise awareness of pet culture here. Eventually, the association canceled its protest. The late chairman also took the lead in promoting Koreas dog culture around the world. Starting in 1993, he sponsored the Crufts Dog Show in the U.K., one of the world's top three dog competitions. The Samsung Guide Dog School was also founded on his initiative in 1993. He believed in creating a society that cares for people with disabilities and accepts them as members of the community and expanded his corporate social responsibility activities through dogs. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the top UN leadership here and discussed India's G20 Presidency, regional issues and global challenges, sustainable development goals and Security Council reforms. A day before he addresses the General Debate at the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis on Monday at the headquarters of the world organisation. He also met with the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner. Jaishankar said it was a "pleasure" to meet with Guterres and that he discussed "how India's G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening" the UN's sustainable development agenda. "We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year," Jaishankar said in a tweet, adding that he appreciated Guterres' strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. In a readout of the meeting issued by the UN spokesperson's office, Guterres "expressed appreciation for India's cooperation with the UN and its leadership of the G20". Guterres and Jaishankar also "discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges", according to the readout. The UN secretary-general attended the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 held under India's Presidency of the grouping. Before his meeting with Guterres, Jaishankar met Francis and welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of India's G20 Presidency. "Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assembly's discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times," Jaishankar said. In a post on 'X', Francis said he was "delighted" to meet Jaishankar and congratulated him on India's "successful G20 Chairmanship, especially on India's unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South". Francis added that he discussed priorities and key issues of the 78th UNGA session, including UNSC reforms and building on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held during the high-level week ahead of the Summit of the Future to be held in 2024. Also Read Embellished trees, floral works: New Delhi gets ready for G20 Summit A look at the millet-rich culinary extravaganza that awaits G20 guests Tharoor lauds India's sherpa after '200 hrs of non-stop negotiations' claim Heading to India with a clear focus, says Rishi Sunak ahead of G20 Summit G20 Summit: Cong chief Mallikarjun Kharge not invited to President's dinner US offers Poland rare loan of $2 billion to modernise its military Taliban weighs using US mass surveillance plan, met with China's Huawei US govt shutdown would be negative for credit rating, says Moody's Goldman Sachs splits with regulators on risk that basis trade poses Merck's Covid medicine linked to virus mutation patterns, says study Jaishankar also thanked Francis for his presence at the special 'India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development' side event. The minister hosted the event in New York on Saturday. At the event, Francis said that India's recent G20 Presidency marked a historic milestone being the first to usher the African Union into the group as a permanent member. "India's legacy of contributions serves as a guiding light encompassing endeavours such as championing democracy, promoting women-led development, and being among the pioneers in adopting the UN's Global Goals. Indeed, it is a matter of great honour for me to follow in the footsteps of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first-ever female president of the General Assembly, whom India proudly entrusted to the United Nations," Francis had said. In his meeting with Steiner, Jaishankar appreciated the UNDP's engagement with India's G20 Presidency initiatives. "Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit," he said. Jaishankar also had a "warm meeting" with "our SAGAR partner", Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Yvette Sylla, referring to the security and growth for all in the region. "Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defense cooperation," he said. Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has advised all party leaders to avoid travelling abroad before party supremo Nawaz Sharif's highly-anticipated return to Pakistan on October 21, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. The Express Tribune is a daily English-language newspaper based in Pakistan. Shehbaz while speaking to the media said that the nation was eager for Nawaz's return, adding that the party leaders were instructed to focus on galvanising support and mobilising the public, rather than travelling abroad. Furthermore, in a statement issued by the party, Shehbaz instructed all PML-N centres, MNAs, MPs, and ticket holders who were currently abroad to return home within the next three days. He instructed: "All senators, MNAs, MPs, ticket holders, and local leaders of PML-N should devote their full attention and efforts to the preparations for the reception of PML-N supremo in Pakistan." Meanwhile, as preparations continue in Lahore in full swing, the PML-N is organising a grand political power show to welcome Nawaz Sharif. According to reliable sources, the party has decided to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan with separate pavilions for each division of Punjab being constructed on the grounds of the monument. The performance of all former assembly members and leaders during the rally will be highlighted and reported back to Nawaz Sharif. The main stage at the Minar-e-Pakistan venue will consist of three sections. The first section will house the dais for Nawaz Sharif's speech, while the central leadership will be seated in another section below the main stage. As per The Express Tribune, the remaining local leadership will occupy the third section and a separate large stage opposite the main stage will be built for the media. PML-N Lahore President Malik Saif ul Malook Khokhar has been nominated as the main coordinator and organiser of the rally, primarily responsible for the rally's arrangements. "Khokhar has taken the task of bringing in 140,000 workers to Minar Pakistan," party sources revealed, as per The Express Tribune. Also Read Shehbaz Sharif asks Nawaz to return Pakistan, become PM for fourth time Nawaz Sharif will return to Pak next month to face court cases: PM Sharif Petition seeking Pak PM Sharif's disqualification filed in Lahore HC Shehbaz stands firm on Parliament's supremacy amid Pak SC standoff Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan in October: Former PM Shehbaz Sharif We care about both countries: US Envoy Eric Garcetti on India-Canada row Australian lawmakers call for warmer relations with 'self-ruled' Taiwan US Prez Biden headed to Michigan, will join the auto workers' picket line Net Zero by 2050 still possible with rapid renewables expansion: IEA Complete isolation of Afghanistan will not work: Qatar Foreign Ministry The central leadership of the PML-N has set targets for all divisions, including Lahore, and separate chairs will be set up for each division at the Minar-e-Pakistan venue. Earlier on Saturday, Shehbaz Sharif said that the former Pakistan Prime Minister would return home to a resounding welcome. "Nawaz Sharif will return to a resounding welcome in Lahore and then address the nation at a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan where he will present the party's plan to tackle poverty, and unemployment and improve the economic situation. He will present the agenda of progress and success. Nawaz Sharif is the leader who took Pakistan to the path of progress and hope before, and delivered for the masses and will do so again," Shehbaz Sharid had told reporters in London. The captain of a river cruise boat that collided with another vessel in Hungary's capital in 2019, killing at least 27 people most of them South Korean tourists, was found guilty on Tuesday of negligence leading to a fatal mass catastrophe and sentenced to five years in prison. Judge Leona Nemeth with the Pest Central District Court found that the negligence of the Ukrainian captain, Yuriy Chaplinsky, had caused his river cruise boat, the Viking Sigyn, to collide with the tourist boat Hableany (Mermaid) from behind, causing it to sink into the Danube River within seconds. The court acquitted Chaplinsky of 35 counts of failure to render aid. He may appeal. The collision occurred May 29, 2019, when the Hableany, carrying mostly the South Korean tourists, sank after being struck beneath Budapest's Margit Bridge by the much larger Viking Sigyn. Seven South Koreans were rescued from the water in the heavy rain following the collision, and 27 people were recovered dead including the two-member Hungarian crew. One South Korean is still unaccounted for. Some of the victims' bodies were found weeks after the crash more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream. The Hableany spent more than 12 days underwater at the collision site near the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building, before being lifted from the river bed by a floating crane. Chaplinsky, the captain of the Viking Sigyn, had been in police custody since the collision, including being remanded to house arrest in Hungary since 2020. Part of the time Chaplinksy has already served will count toward his five-year sentence. In a final statement before the verdict Tuesday, Chaplinksy called the collision a horrible tragedy", and said that the deaths of so many innocent victims" kept him awake at night. "This will stay with me for the rest of my life, he said. Three staffers from the South Korean Embassy in Budapest were present for the reading of the verdict, but no South Korean family members of the victims attended the hearing. Also Read 300 Pakistanis dead as boat capsizes in Greece: Here's what happened Wheat prices rise after Russian attack on Ukrainian Port on Danube river 100 Ukrainian captives released in prisoner swap with Russia: Authorities At least 103 wedding guests killed when boat capsizes in northern Nigeria More survivors rescued 2 days after Nigeria boat mishap, death toll at 106 China's top diplomat calls on US to host 'cooperative' APEC summit America's poor math skills raise alarms over global competitiveness India-Canada row will not impact military ties: Canadian Army Vice Chief Researchers found the most intense heat wave ever registered- in Antarctica Over 20 people die due to gas station explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh US Army's Chief of Staff General Randy George on Tuesday said the partnership between the US and Indian Army is vital for stability in the Indo-Pacific and the relationship between the armies is strong and growing stronger. General George along with 17 other Army chiefs have arrived in New Delhi to attend the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC). The armies of India and the United States will host the 13th biannual Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the 47th annual Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS), the 9th Senior Enlisted Forum at the Manekshaw Center in the national capital from September 25-27. The gathering is notably the largest conference for land forces (army, marines, etc.) in the region. The objective of these meetings is to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue, and friendship. The US Army chief said: "Our soldiers are sharpening their skills, mastering their craft and learning from each other. They are building trust and deepening the friendship between our armies. We all know how important trust and friendship are in a challenging global security environment. Having great allies and partners is more important than ever before." The remarks by George came during a joint press briefing with Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army General Manoj Pande. General George further said: "We are here at IPACC to talk about the role of land power. It not only contributes to our shared security, land power is decisive. Our land power network, the network that General Manoj Pande and I and all of our fellow chiefs are building here at IPACC is a security architecture that binds this region together and leads to unity and collected commitment across the region. And that unity and commitment are the best deterrence." As per the US Army chief, the character of war is changing, and they all have to talk about how to strengthen their profession, the trust between the leaders in the land and standards and discipline. Also Read World Oceans Day 2023: Theme, History, Significance, How To Celebrate India to host conclave of Army chiefs of Indo-Pacific to ensure peace India, Africa face common threats like terrorism: Army chief Pande Australia to ramp up diplomatic ties with India, Japan in Indo-Pacific Sri Lanka key partner in free and open Indo-Pacific: Japan's Yoshimasa Canada's soft peddling of Khalistanis afftected pro-India Sikhs: Sources S Korea's Yoon seeks a strong military amid deepening N Korean-Russian tie Deeply embarrassing: Trudeau on honouring Nazi veteran in Canadian Parl EAM Jaishankar to address 78th United Nations General Assembly today Indian constitution protects its linguistic minorities: Activists at UNHRC "We do these things, and we do them together, we deepen our unity and collective commitment, and that is how together we maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said. Speaking at the conference Army Chief General Manoj Pande said that the cooperation between land forces was critical. "Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of Armed forces of nations have been ongoing...the theme of this year's event together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-pacific region resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations" General Pande said. The theme of this year's IPACC is "Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region." There will be both larger plenary sessions and more intimate break-out sessions at the conference. Participants will take part in vibrant conversations on subjects including peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid/disaster relief, leadership development, and women's emancipation as well as hear from eminent guest speakers. Participation in IPAMS has grown from nine nations at the first conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1977, to 31 nations in Seoul, Korea in 2017. IPACC is now held every two years and is co-hosted by the United States Army and the hosting country. IPAMS is the longest-running land forces conference held every year. In 2014, the SELF was added allowing senior enlisted members to experience the same fellowship, discussion and sharing opportunities, but from a different perspective, the US Embassy release read. Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Monday interacted individually with Chiefs of Armies who arrived in New Delhi to attend the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference 2023. According to the officials of the Indian Army, the Army Chief interacted individually with them to deliberate on ways for further enhancing the Defence Cooperation between the respective Armies. "The chiefs he met included Gen Morishita Yasunori of Japan, Gen Simon Stuart, Australian Army, US Army Chief Gen Randy George, Vietnam Peoples' Army's Dy Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Nguyen Doan Anh & Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru, Commander, Kenyan Army," officials said. "Discussions on a collaborative approach for strategic & constructive partnership to promote peace & stability in the Indo-Pacific region were also carried out during the interactions," they added. The premier of Canada's British Columbia province, where Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed, has said he was not taken into the loop on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive allegations against India and came to know about it only one hour before they came in the public domain. Premier David Eby's comments came as he met Prime Minister Trudeau on Monday, on a day when some Khalistan supporters held demonstrations outside the Indian missions in Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar, 45, outside a gurdwara in Surrey in British Columbia on June 18. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India has angrily rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. India last week asked Canada to crack down on terrorists and anti-India elements operating from its soil and suspended visa services for Canadians. Eby told CTV News he only learned one hour before the public did about the prime minister's allegation that India may have been involved in the murder. He said he wants the federal government to share security intelligence with provinces. There's a critical need for provinces to be brought into the loop at an earlier stage, CTV News quoted Eby as saying on Monday. CSIS (the Canadian Security Intelligence Service), for example, by law is required to only share their intelligence with the federal government, It means that when they brief me which they did that day they can share basically what's in the public domain already, which is not helpful. I can read the newspaper, too," he said. Following Trudeau's allegations, Eby said he was deeply disturbed and angered by this information. "I call, yet again, on the federal government to share all relevant information related to any known ongoing foreign interference & transnational organized crime threats with our provincial authorities & our government, so we may act in coordination and protect those at risk," he had said. Also Read Piaggio Vehicles launches Justin Bieber X Vespa in India at Rs 6.45 lakh Amid strained ties, Canada pulling diplomats from India, citing 'threats' People protest against Trudeau outside High Commission over Khalistan issue Deeply embarrassing: Trudeau on honouring Nazi veteran in Canadian Parl Trudeau's claim of India's link to Nijjar's killing 'shameless': US expert We're here to build relationships from Army to Army: Canada's Dy Army Chief US-India partnership vital for stability in Indo-Pacific: US Army Chief Canada's soft peddling of Khalistanis afftected pro-India Sikhs: Sources S Korea's Yoon seeks a strong military amid deepening N Korean-Russian tie Deeply embarrassing: Trudeau on honouring Nazi veteran in Canadian Parl On Monday, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Eby. According to Trudeau's office, the two leaders discussed how all governments can continue working together to improve housing supply and affordability for Canadians. Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Eby discussed public safety, including federal legislation to strengthen Canada's bail regime, which was recently passed in the House of Commons. The legislation makes changes to the Criminal Code's bail regime. Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Eby agreed to remain in close contact and to continue working together on shared priorities, it said. Trudeau on Friday said that Canada shared with India "many weeks ago" evidence on the killing of Nijjar and wants New Delhi to commit constructively with Ottawa to establish the facts in the "very serious matter." When asked about Canada sharing any information in the case with India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said: "No specific information has been shared by Canada on this case, either then or before or after. We have, you know, as we have said, or I think we have made very clear, we are willing to look at any specific information." Canada's Defence Minister Bill Blair on Sunday voiced concern over the measures taken by India including the suspension of visa services for Canadians and urged New Delhi to cooperate fully in the investigation of the killing of Nijjar to uncover the truth and work together to resolve it in an appropriate way. Approval is Based on Clinical Studies Conducted in Japan, Europe and North America Confirming the Efficacy and Safety of CUVITRU [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Solution] CUVITRU is Takedas First Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Plasma Therapy in Japan, Delivering on the Companys Commitment to Reach Patients with High Unmet Needs Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved the use of CUVITRU [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Solution] in patients aged 2 years and older with agammaglobulinemia or hypogammaglobulinemia1, disorders characterized by very low or absent levels of antibodies and an increased risk of serious recurring infection caused by primary immunodeficiency (PID) or secondary immunodeficiency (SID)2. The approval marks Takedas first subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) therapy for patients in Japan. The approval is based on results from a Phase 3 clinical trial that evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of CUVITRU [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Solution]in Japanese patients with PID (NCT04346108), as well as two Phase 2/3 clinical trials conducted in patients with PID in North America (NCT01218438) and Europe (NCT01412385). Results from the clinical trial in 17 patients in Japan confirmed its efficacy and safety profile1. No serious or severe adverse events were reported, and CUVITRU was well-tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were injection site swelling in four patients (23.5%) and injection site erythema in three patients (17.6%)1 during CUVITRU treatment. Previously reported clinical trial results also confirmed the efficacy and safety of CUVITRU. We are delighted that CUVITRU, approved in more than 30 countries worldwide, has now been approved in Japan as our first subcutaneous immunoglobulin treatment for agammaglobulinemia or hypogammaglobulinemia, said Naoyoshi Hirota, regional head of research & development for Takedas Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit in Japan. Patients with immunodeficiency often contract serious infections, including pneumonia, sepsis and other recurring infections. Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is the standard of care, and we are proud to offer a new flexible dosing regimen to patients in Japan. Timely diagnosis of PID is problematic in Japan and treatment with immunoglobulins is currently much lower than in other parts of the world3,4. Patient demand for plasma-derived therapies (PDTs) is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and Takeda is leading regulatory efforts and discussions to elevate the standard of care in Japan and introduce more of Takedas PDT portfolio into the country. Takeda is proud to build on our long and rich Japanese heritage by continuing to invest in and expand our PDT offerings to address the needs of patients, said Kristina Allikmets, head of research & development for Takedas Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit. Hand in hand with our recent investment in an end-to-end global plasma manufacturing facility in Osaka, the approval of CUVITRU marks the start of our commitment to bringing our broad and differentiated global PDT portfolio to immunodeficient patients in Japan over the next decade. About Agammaglobulinemia or Hypogammaglobulinemia Agammaglobulinemia is an inherited disorder caused by a gene defect that blocks the growth of normal, mature immune cells called B lymphocytes, and produces antibodies5. Hypogammaglobulinemia describes a condition in which patients have low levels of antibodies and can be both due to inherited genetic conditions, or caused by secondary effects, such as chemotherapy, certain comorbid disorders, or the use of immunosuppressants2. Individuals with any form of antibody deficiency frequently experience recurring infections, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy can increase the level of antibodies in the body. About Primary Immunodeficiency and Secondary Immunodeficiency Primary immunodeficiency (PID) describes a heterogenous group of more than 480 rare genetic diseases wherein part of the immune system is missing or not functioning properly6. Secondary immunodeficiency (SID) may be defined as an impairment of the immune response resulting from conditions or factors extrinsic to the immune system. SID may occur as a consequence of malnutrition, metabolic disorders, use of immunosuppressive medications, chronic infections, malignancies, or severe trauma7. Due to their impaired immune system, patients with PID and SID may be more susceptible to infection and it may take longer to recover from it. In patients with antibody deficiency and increased susceptibility and/or persistent infections, substitution with functional antibodies (immunoglobulin replacement therapy) is the standard of care to support the immune system's functioning7. About CUVITRU [Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Solution] CUVITRU is an Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human) (IGSC), 20% Solution indicated in Japan as a treatment for agammaglobulinemia or hypogammaglobulinemia in patients aged 2 years and older. It was developed as a treatment to help prevent infection in adult and pediatric patients with PID or SID. As of May 2022, it has been approved in over 30 countries. CUVITRU Product Overview in Japan Brand Name CUVITRU 20% S.C. Infusion 2 g/10 mL, 4 g/20 mL, 8 g/40 mL Generic Name pH4-Treated Acidic Normal Human Immunoglobulin (Subcutaneous injection) Indications Agammaglobulinemia or Hypogammaglobulinemia Dosage and Administration Normally, 50 ~ 200 mg (0.25 ~ 1 mL)/kg body weight of human immunoglobulin G is administered subcutaneously once a week. In case of every 2 weeks regimen, 2-fold higher dose than once-a-week regimen (100 ~ 400 mg [0.5 ~ 2 mL]/kg body weight) will be administered subcutaneously. The dose and dosing frequency of once-a-week or every-2-weeks regimen may be adjusted according to the patient's condition. About Takeda Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com. Important Notice For the purposes of this notice, press release means this document, any oral presentation, any question and answer session and any written or oral material discussed or distributed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda) regarding this release. This press release (including any oral briefing and any question-and-answer in connection with it) is not intended to, and does not constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of any offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, exchange, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction. No shares or other securities are being offered to the public by means of this press release. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States except pursuant to registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. This press release is being given (together with any further information which may be provided to the recipient) on the condition that it is for use by the recipient for information purposes only (and not for the evaluation of any investment, acquisition, disposal or any other transaction). Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws. The companies in which Takeda directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this press release, Takeda is sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Takeda and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words we, us and our are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any materials distributed in connection with this press release may contain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions regarding Takedas future business, future position and results of operations, including estimates, forecasts, targets and plans for Takeda. Without limitation, forward-looking statements often include words such as targets, plans, believes, hopes, continues, expects, aims, intends, ensures, will, may, should, would, could, anticipates, estimates, projects or similar expressions or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements: the economic circumstances surrounding Takedas global business, including general economic conditions in Japan and the United States; competitive pressures and developments; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; challenges inherent in new product development, including uncertainty of clinical success and decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; manufacturing difficulties or delays; fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates; claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates; the impact of health crises, like the novel coronavirus pandemic, on Takeda and its customers and suppliers, including foreign governments in countries in which Takeda operates, or on other facets of its business; the timing and impact of post-merger integration efforts with acquired companies; the ability to divest assets that are not core to Takedas operations and the timing of any such divestment(s); and other factors identified in Takedas most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and Takedas other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available on Takedas website at: https://www.takeda.com/investors/sec-filings/ or at www.sec.gov. Takeda does not undertake to update any of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. Past performance is not an indicator of future results and the results or statements of Takeda in this press release may not be indicative of, and are not an estimate, forecast, guarantee or projection of Takedas future results. Medical Information This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development. References CUVITRU Subcutaneous Injection Package Insert in Japan. Pimenta et al., Hypogammaglobulinemia: a diagnosis that must not be overlooked. BJMBR, 2019;52(10): e8926, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X20198926. The Marketing Research Bureau (MRB). Plasma-Derived Medicinal Products (PDMPs) and Plasma Supply into the Future. January 2020. Kohsuke et al., Physician awareness and understanding of primary immunodeficiency disorders: a web-based study in Japan, Immunological Medicine, 2023; 46:1, 45-57, doi: 10.1080/25785826.2022.2137966. National Organization for Rare Disorders: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/agammaglobulinemia/. Tangye et al., Human inborn errors of immunity: 2022 update on the classification from the international union of immunological societies expert committee. J Clin Immunol. 2022 Oct;42(7):1473-1507. doi: 10.1007/s10875-022-01289-3. Epub 2022 Jun 24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35748970. Karen S. Tuano,y; Neha Seth, Javier Chinen. Secondary immunodeficiencies. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 127 (2021) 617-626. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925363242/en/ Five Bulgarians living in the U.K. who were charged with spying for Russia appeared Tuesday in court for a brief hearing. The three men and two women were accused of conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy, namely Russia, between August 2020 and February this year. The five are alleged to be part of a network conducting surveillance on behalf of Russia. Much of the activity took place abroad, but coordination took place in the U.K., prosecutors said. The five ? Orlin Roussev, 45;, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41; Katrin Ivanova, 31; Ivan Stoyanov, 31; and Vanya Gaberova, 29 ? appeared Tuesday by video at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, speaking only to confirm basic details. The suspects were arrested by the Metropolitan Police's counterterrorism officers in February under the Official Secrets Act. Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were charged in February with having false identity documents, but news about them did not emerge until August. The three are accused of possessing 34 ID documents, some of which were suspected to be false, from the U.K., Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece and the Czech Republic. All five were remanded into custody until their next appearance at the Central Criminal Court on Oct. 13. (AP) October 2023 seems to be an eventful month, full of festivals and major events. Each meaningful date in October holds a specific significance, from promoting mental health awareness to honouring our Indian Air Force. Observing these dates further reinforces our responsibilities as global citizens and boosts our understanding of diverse critical areas, from Gandhi Jayanti, mental health, wildlife, food, and sight, to aspects of international diplomacy. There are occasions when specific days are specified rather than dates, in which case the date changes every year. Also, sometimes, and more frequently than not, more than one observance will fall on the same day. Here is a thorough list of noteworthy October 2023 dates. List of Important Days in October 2023 1st October International Day for the Elderly 1st October International Coffee Day 1st October World Vegetarian Day 1st October International Music Day 2nd October Gandhi Jayanti 2nd October International Day of Non-Violence 2nd October World Habitat Day 4th October World Animal Welfare Day 5th October World Teachers' Day 6th October World Cerebral Palsy Day 6th October World Smile Day 7th October World Cotton Day 8th October Indian Air Force Day 9th October World Post Office Day 10th October World Mental Health Day 10th October National Post Day 11th October International Girl Child Day 12th October World Arthritis Day 12th October World Sight Day 13th October UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction 13th October World Egg Day 14th October World Standard Day 15th October World Students Day 15th October International Day of Rural Women 15th October World White Cane Day 15th October Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 15th October Global Handwashing Day 16th October World Food Day 16th October World Anaesthesia Day 17th October International Poverty Eradication Day 20th October National Solidarity Day 20th October World Osteoporosis Day 21st October Police Martyrs' Day 22nd October International Stuttering Awareness Day 24th October United Nations Day 24th October ITBP Raising Day 24th October World Polio Day 24th October World Development Information Day 27th October World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 29th October World Stroke Day 30th October World Thrift Day 31st October Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) 31st October Halloween Day Brief on Important Days in October 2023 Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) Mahatma Gandhi, sometimes known as the "Father of the Nation," was born on October 2nd. On this day, India observes a national holiday to honour his service, commitment, and efforts toward India's independence. Gandhiji's nonviolent style of living is an inspiration to people all over the world. The UN General Assembly has declared this day as the International Day of Nonviolence, and it is one of the most important days in October. Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti (2nd October) Shastri was born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai to Sharada Prasad Srivastava and Ramdulari Devi, sharing his birthday with Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869. He received the Bharat Ratna posthumously. World Teachers' Day (5th October) The International Day of the Teacher was founded in 1994 to celebrate the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers. This is a significant day in October, and the practice of honouring Teacher's Day may be traced back to India's celebration of the birthday of renowned academician Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. UNESCO took the idea and declared October 5th as World Teacher's Day. Indian Air Force Day (8th October) This day is observed to honour the Indian Air Force's efforts. In India, it is regarded as one of the most important days in October. The Indian Air Force Day celebrations take place in Hindon, in the presence of key military leaders including the IAF chief. World Mental Health Day (10th October) Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is commemorated to raise awareness about the global prevalence of suicide and the role that each of us can play in preventing it. The World Federation for Mental Health organises this day. WHO, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and the United for Global Mental Health also support it. World Students' Day (15th October) Every year on October 15th, World Students' Day commemorates the birth anniversary of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This day recognises and pays tribute to him and his contributions to science and technology, as well as his position as a teacher throughout his scientific and political careers. Durga Ashtami (22nd October) Durga Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, is a very important day. It commemorates the destruction of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Devotees assemble at temples to perform special pujas and pray for courage and strength. United Nations Day (24th October) Every year on October 24, United Nations Day commemorates the anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into effect. This day has been honoured since 1948, and in 1971 the United Nations General Assembly suggested that it be observed as a public holiday by all member countries. Shardiya Navratri (15-24 October) Shardiya Navratri is a colourful nine-day festival honouring the goddess Durga and representing the triumph of good over evil. Devotees participate in a variety of activities, including prayer, fasting, and feasting. Each day honours a different facet of the goddess, with colourful processions and traditional dances adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Don't we all love travelling and exploring new places and also surfing on the web to update our checklist? World Tourism Day is observed on September 27 each year. According to the UN, the Day is significant in "fostering awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political and economic value". So here is a fun quiz, The answers are given in the form of fun facts at the end of the quiz. Q 1. Which is the most visited country for international tourists? A. India B. France C. USA D. United Kingdom Hint: It was the first country that Rani from the movie 'Queen' visited. Q 2. Which is the world's largest peaceful gathering? A. Kumbh Mela B. Arbaeen Pilgrimage C. Martyrdom processions of Musa al-Kadhim D. Funeral of C. N. Annadurai Hint: It is visible from space. Q 3. Which country has the world's largest railway network? A. USA B. India C. China D. Russia Hint: It's in the Miley Cyrus song. 'It's a party in the...' Q 4. Which is the most visited monument in the world? A. Forbidden City, China B. Taj Mahal, India C. Eiffel Tower, France D. Colosseum, Rome Hint: It's been trending since last year. Q 5. Where is the world's largest hotel, in terms of number of rooms, located? A. Las Vegas, USA B. Pahang, Malaysia C. Moscow, Russia D. Tokyo, Japan Hint: MH370 Q6. Which country has the largest number of natural lakes? A. USA B. Russia C. Canada D. China Hint: Robin Scherbatsky, from the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother,' was from there. Q 7. Which airline has the world record for longest-continuous all women crew flight? A. Air India B. Singapore airlines C. Emirates D. Qantas Hint: It has one of the most famous mascots. Q 8. Which country has the most number of time zones (including overseas territory)? A. Russia B. China C. Indonesia D. France Hint: Take a guess. Q 9. Which country has the most languages in the world? A. Papua New Guinea B. India C. China D. Indonesia Hint: Expect the unexpected. Q 10. When does India celebrate 'National Tourism Day'? A. 6th October B. 3rd December C. 21st March D. 25th January Hint: It's close to an important day. Answers 1. France is the most visited country in the world, with a whopping 90 million international visitors per year. 2. Kumbh Mela: Around 220 million devotees visited Kumbh Mela in 2019 over a period of 50 days, creating a world record. Apart from this, various other Guinness World Records were made during this time. It is also visible from space. 3. The USA has the biggest rail network in the world, with an operating route of over 250,000 km. It is followed by China, Russia and India. 4. Forbidden City in China is the most visited monument in the world, with over 17 million visitors in 2018 alone. It was constructed in 1420 A.D. 5. The First World Hotel and Plaza in Malaysia has set the world record for the largest hotel in the world with over 7,351 rooms. 6. Canada has over half of the world's lakes. Total number of lakes in Canada are estimated to be 31,752. Around 9% of Canada's surface is covered with freshwater. 7. In 2016, Air India set this record by flying continuously from New Delhi to San Francisco. All women crew was led by captain Kshamata Bajpayee and Shubhangi Singh. 8. France has more time zones. Even though it is much smaller than Russia/ the United states. France has 12 time zones, followed by Russia & USA. 9. Papua New Guinea holds this title with 840 living languages. It has around 11.86% of world languages, followed by Indonesia with 742 languages. 10. On 25th January, India celebrates National Tourism Day. Government has decided to dedicate this day to raise awareness of the importance of tourism in the economy. Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited has issued an official notification to recruit candidates for 429 Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer posts on its official website via the CSPDCL Recruitment 2023 Notification. From 22 September 2023 to 14 October 2023, interested and eligible candidates will be required to apply for CSPDCL Recruitment solely online. Overview Name of the Organization Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited Post Name Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer Vacancies 429 Category Engineering Jobs Application Start 22 September 2023 Last Date of Application 14 October 2023 Job Location Chhattisgarh CSPDCL Recruitment 2023 Official Website https://www.cspdcl.co.in Recruitment The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited is expected to release the CSPDCL AE / JE Notification 2023 in September 2023. Candidates seeking a job as an AE or JE in the CG can apply online by giving the needed information, uploading scanned copies of required papers, and paying the application cost. How to Apply? Visit the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited's official website, which is only available at https://cspdcl.co.in/. Look for the option that says 'Recruitment of AE / JE in CSPDCL, 2023' and click on it to be redirected to another page. Now, click on the 'Apply Online' link under the Important Links section. Finally, you must fill all essential facts, upload digital copies of papers, a photograph, and your signature, pay a charge, and submit the online application. Selection Written Test Interview (For AE Post) Document Verification Medical Examination Salary Assistant Engineer Rs. 56100/- to Rs.144300/- Junior Engineer Rs. 34400/- to 122400/- Education aspirants from the desert state of India have been waiting eagerly for the results of the Rajasthan Basic School Teaching Course Pre Diploma in Elementary Education (BSTC Pre-D.EI.ED) 2023. Aspiring teachers in Rajasthan are in luck, as the results for the coveted BSTC Pre-D.El.Ed exam 2023 are expected to be released soon. The examination, held annually, plays a cornerstone role in determining the future careers of several prospective teachers in the state. How to Check the Result? 1. Go to the official website, panjiyakpredeled.in/. 2. Locate and choose the 'Result' section. 3. Look for the Rajasthan BSTC Result 2023 link and click on it. 4. Enter your information, such as your roll number and date of birth. 5. Press the 'Submit' button. 6. If your information is right, you will see your results on the screen. 7. If your name and roll number appear in the Rajasthan BSTC merit list 2023, you have qualified and can download and save the PDF for future use. Crucial for Aspiring Teachers The BSTC Pre-D.El.Ed exam holds significant value for those aiming to pursue a career in teaching, as clearing it paves the way towards diploma courses in elementary education. The examination is known for its stringent selection procedure and the highly competitive nature inherent in its aspirants. The results of this exam are crucial in shaping the careers of thousands of potential educators in Rajasthan. Suggested Steps Post Results After the results are released, students who have appeared for the exam are advised to visit the official website for Rajasthan BSTC. There, they can download a digital copy of their results for future reference. Candidates who pass the examination will be eligible to enrol in D.El.Ed programs across the state, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards becoming educators. In what comes as a bit of a shock, Mazda has announced that will cease production of the CX-8 in its home market of Japan by December 2023. ... Zimbabwe boosts PPC sales growth 26 September 2023 PPC has recorded a three per cent advance in sales volumes in the five months to August 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, reports The Herald Zimbabwe. According to the company, the increase is being attributed to strong growth in its Zimbabwe market, which saw cement sales volumes expand by 42 per cent over the same timeframe. In January this year, the Zimbabwean government banned imports of cement, which has helped prop up domestic cement sales. Group cement sales volumes (including Zimbabwe and Rwanda) for the five months ended August 2023 were three per cent higher than the same period last year due to exceptionally strong growth in Zimbabwe and, to a lesser extent, Rwanda, while cement volumes continued to decline in South Africa, said PPC. PPC Zimbabwe saw its average selling price in US dollars expand by 12 per cent over the same five-month period. The cement producer said that ongoing residential construction projects and the government-funded infrastructure programmes were continuing to spur demand for cement. Earlier this year Finance and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, indicated that the Zimbabwean government would continue to prioritise the upgrading and rehabilitation of the countrys road network, along with the construction of dams, including the 635Mm3 Gwayi-Shangani project in Matabeleland, North Province. Published under Nova Marine Carriers ship grounds in St Lawrence River 26 September 2023 Two tugs have been dispatched from Montreal to assist the NACC Argonaut, a cement carrier that ran aground on Sunday morning on the St Lawrence River near Cornwall in Ontario. Nova Marine Carriers 13,977dwt ship is partially laden and was built in 2003. Traffic along the river has been suspended with authorities concerned that the cement carrier has taken on water. The ship has developed a list to port. Having veered off the fairway, the ship is wedged between an island and a dyke making it impossible for other ships to pass. Published under 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. Samuel Blackwell recently became the first person to complete BASFs apprenticeship program at the companys Chattanooga site, finishing 12 months of on-the-job training and education. The program is part of BASFs North American Apprenticeship Development Program, which aims to meet future talent needs for a skilled and diverse technician workforce. Upon completion of the program, Mr. Blackwell was offered and accepted a full-time process technician role at BASFs Chattanooga site. The apprenticeship gave me great insight into manufacturing and provided me the opportunity to connect in-class learning with my job responsibilities, said Mr. Blackwell. I appreciate BASF and Chattanooga State Community College for supporting me through this process and Im excited about beginning my career at BASF. BASF launched the apprenticeship program in August 2022 through a partnership with Chattanooga State Community College. The program pays apprentices a full-time wage for time spent on the job and in the classroom. In addition to paying a competitive salary, BASF offers full medical, dental and vision benefits, paid vacation and covers the cost of tuition, books and fees associated with earning a certificate in Chemical Engineering Technology. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials for an opportunity to be placed in permanent BASF positions with annual merit increases and bonuses. Im proud of Samuel for not only being the first apprentice at the Chattanooga site, but for seeing it through and completing the program, said Brittany Davis, operations manager at BASF in Chattanooga. He has set the tone for all other apprentices who join the program and will be a great resource to everyone who follows in his path. Officials said, "According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship programs bring about many benefits, including enhanced employee retention, a safer workplace, a stable and reliable pipeline of qualified workers and a systematic approach to training, which ensures that employees are prepared and certified to produce at the highest skill levels required." BASF is currently accepting applications for apprentices in Chattanooga. Visit www.basf.us/tn to apply or learn more about the program, or attend an open house at Chattanooga State Community College on Oct.16 from 4-7 p.m. in the Center for Engineering Technology, Arts & Sciences building. The trial judges of the Twelfth Judicial District of Tennessee announced the launch of a "new and improved district wide Recovery Court." Judge Justin Angel said, "We are fortunate to work in partnership with the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency to implement and administer this newly expanded program. The district is comprised of Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Marion, Rhea, Grundy, and Franklin counties. The program will focus on assisting non-violent offenders in all six of those counties with resources for counseling and recovery. "The Recovery Court will utilize three recently opened Day Reporting Centers; with each being strategically located to better serve the communities of the Twelfth District. These centers provide a location where participants can attend supervision meetings, obtain counseling, and find assistance with employment and housing needs. This program is exactly what our community needs to best combat addiction and recidivism. This new model will allow us to reach more individuals throughout our large judicial district. Too often we see overdoses, fentanyl poisoning, drug crimes, and other drug related events that could be prevented by sobriety and recovery. This program will be on the frontlines working to administer justice when needed, while focusing on alternative methods of solving our drug problem. The official launch of the Recovery Court will be held with an event at the Sequatchie County Courthouse on Friday at 4 p.m. CDT. Rachel C. Hackworth, executive director of SETHRA, said, The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency is proud to partner with the 12th Judicial District and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to provide a path to recovery for nonviolent offenders. We are honored to work alongside judges who genuinely care about the people who come before them who are struggling with addiction. This program is not only an opportunity to save and change lives, but to improve the quality of life for the people we serve. A man who Chattanooga Police say threatened to shoot a security guard and then led officers on a chase has been sentenced to 47 months in federal prison. Michael Wayne Ford, 45, appeared before Judge Charles Atchley. Ford earlier pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a gun. On Nov. 7, 2021, at Mary's Lounge, a security guard said he was threatened by a man with long dreadlocks. He said the man then left in a black Chrysler 300. The Chrysler struck multiple objects during the chase, including mailboxes and two parked vehicles. After it crashed, Ford was found with 10 grams of marijuana. He also had a 45 caliber Hi-Point handgun with two rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Chattanooga Police said a distinctive yellow and green hoodie and electronic evidence tie Sadik Antonio Spence to the 2021 homicide of 20-year-old Omar Escobar. Spence, 27, of 4617 Oakwood Dr., has been arrested in the case. Spence is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Omar Escobar was shot multiple times and killed outside his home in the 500 block of North Willow Street just before midnight Sept. 27, 2021. Police at the time said there was no evidence to suggest the victim and suspect knew each other. During the investigation process investigators said they obtained information that the suspect appeared to be a younger black male between 5'8" to 6' in height with a medium/stocky build. He was wearing a very identifiable yellow and green hoodie at the time of the incident. Police said the victim was dead by the time they arrived. Officers found several spent 7.62 rifle caliber cartridge casings at the scene. A witness said the man in the hoodie tried to conceal a short-barreled rifle under his clothing as he fled the area on foot. Multiple surveillance cameras in the area showed a man wearing a yellow and green hoodie walk toward 500 N. Willow prior to the murder and then flee just after the slaying occurred. Police said Spence was identified as a suspect with several documented ties to the area of the murder. A picture was on his Facebook account showing him wearing what appeared to be the same hoodie. Spence was interviewed and denied ever wearing or owning the hoodie. Police said when he was shown a picture of him wearing the hoodie he admitted to wearing and owning it. A detective said he obtained electronic intelligence that indicated Spence was at the scene at the time of the murder. He said a device linked to Spence interacted with a specific Wifi router at 500 N. Willow St. at the time of the shooting. Phone location records place Spence in the vicinity of the murder, it was stated. La Paz Chattanooga recently celebrated the finalists and winners of its 2023 Latino Leadership Awards. The event took place last Thursday at the Westin Chattanooga. After returning from a COVID-19-induced hiatus, this years LLA event shifted from its previous luncheon format into an evening soiree.This years winners include:- Latino Leader of the Year: Paulo Hutson Solorzano, A Medida Communications;- Chattanoogas Choice: Dylan Rivera, City of Chattanooga;- Latino Community Champion: Cempa Community Care;- Emerging Latino Leader Award: Daisy Hernandez Puac, Howard School & Chattanooga State Community College;- Volunteer of the Year: Velvet Hernandez-Johnson for leadership in Tech Goes Home Spanish classes;- Latino Business of the Year: Supermercado El Sol, Carlos Perez; and- New Latino Business of the Year: CulturAlly, Angela Garcia.Our staff has been so eager for the return of the Latino Leadership Awards, and the positive energy permeating the event made it apparent that our Latino leaders and community supporters felt the same, said La Paz Chattanooga Executive Director Stacy Johnson.Having the chance to bring so many incredible community members together in celebration of their accomplishments was truly a gift. A South Carolina contracting firm plans to open a Chattanooga Office in the upcoming months. Jack Evans said he formed Evans Contracting Group, which is a service disabled veteran owned business which specializes in civil construction with a specialty in concrete. The firm has completed projects at Joint Base Charleston Naval Weapons Station, Fort Jackson and Fort Stewart. The firm has built a large charter school in Charleston where the firm self performed the masonry and concrete package. The firm has also completed over 250,000 square feet of post tension slabs for multi-family projects. It is working on several Chattanooga area projects. The firm is in the process of getting certified with the VA and DOL "to have an apprenticeship project to help reinvigorate the skilled trades which desperately needs it." Mr. Evans said. Evans Contracting Group is described as a turn-key concrete contractor, focused on structural concrete projects in the residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare and government sectors. Mr. Evans said, "We self perform all labor in house including layout, excavation, formwork installation, reinforcing steel installation, and place and finish. ECG currently has around 40 workers and three superintendents. We are quickly growing and would like to focus on work in the Southeast. We typically like to stay within 500 miles of our home office, but can go further for the right project. "We have successfully completed projects in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and West Virginia." Mr. Evans said, "This will allow fellow veterans to be able to get out of the military and be a part of an organization in the civilian world that is bigger than themselves and which is very rewarding." Representatives from over 130 countries to attend 3rd Belt and Road Forum for Int'l Cooperation Xinhua) 16:46, September 26, 2023 BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from over 130 countries and many international organizations have confirmed their attendance at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation scheduled for October, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday. Preparations for the forum are on, and China is in communication with partners of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for this forum, Wang told a regular news briefing. The upcoming forum is the highlight of the commemorative events to mark the BRI's 10th anniversary. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Blog Archive: Nov 2023 (5) Oct 2023 (155) 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) 10/31/2023 Andy Smith, executive director for the YMCA YCAP Program in Chattanooga announces they are gearing up for the 14th Annual Chattanooga Guns and Hoses "Battle of the Badges" boxing event that raises ... more A slight alteration of the phrase from the Ray Stephens hit comedy song The Streak (1974)Dont Look Ethel evolves in a greater safety message than the recent news release by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) reprinted in this publication explains. Styled TDEC Lifts Water Contact Advisory from Citico Creek it raises new safety concerns about the creek that empties into the Tennessee River (TR site) that existed until 2012 as the Cannon Equipment/Cumberland Corporation on Riverside Drive. The rather confusing news release smacks of uncertainty that requires more discussion and defining of terms: Water contact advisory- issued by government agencies such as TDEC when recreational use (defined as swimming, wading or fishing) has been impaired by significantly elevated by pathogen levels; Pathogens are defined in one source as being any organism or agent that produced disease; Citico Creek recreational use will stay listed as impacted although the water contact advisory has been lifted?; An unnamed tributary (a river or stream flowing into a larger river or lake) has not had its water contact advisory lifted (?); Questions does Citico Creek or unnamed tributary empty into the Tennessee River?; Is the pathogen data that authorized the TDEC to lift the advisory on water from 2023 or is relied upon from a new analysis of data collected in 2019 and 2020? Does the unnamed tributary that connects to Citico Creek enter the T.R. on Riverside Drive? Will the advisory signs go back up after the race? Answers to these questions become relevant in 2023 and the future because of sporting activities that include a swimming contest in the Tennessee River! (Submission of this article has been delayed until after the September 24, 2023 triathlon so as not to discourage any participants from competing in the three-leg event including the 2.4 mile dip in the pristine Tennessee River!) In at least three of Lewis Grizzards (L.G.) 25 books written before his untimely death on March 24, 1994, as the result of his medical history pertaining to a defective aortic valve that was first discovered during a high school physical, acknowledges his close relationship with Porky/Petunia. In They Tore Out My Heaty and Stomped That Sucker Flat (1982- Peachtree Publishers), I Took a Lickin and Kept On Tickin" (1993- Villard Books), and The Last Bus to Albuquerque (1994- Longstreet Press) he and a group of friends entertain and regale the fortunate readers he acquired during his short life span (1947-1994). The publishing of his experience while the recipient of at least two porcine (pig) valves and the professional medical treatment from a multitude of doctors and nurses during his trips to Emory Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia have been previously discussed in prior articles. His remarks and tributes to the deceased porkers for keeping him alive are not only funny but also recognize the important contributions of their sacrifices that have saved thousands of lives. The modern donation of the lives of Porky/Petunia and their relatives in the swine family have been enlarged to the use of their hearts in at least two human transplants. The receiver of the first pig heart lived only two months and due to the uncertainty of the patient surviving the new innovative procedure, we did not write on the landmark attempted step forward in medical science. (Now available) In September, it has been announced that a 68-year-old Navy veteran has likewise undergone a pig heart transplant. For whatever government reason the military man was determined to be ineligible for a regular heart transplant but is surviving thanks to Porky/Petunia and their colleagues. In one of the prior articles we also discussed the situation of a recent announcement by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that they had convinced the University of Tennessee (U.T.) College of Medicine in the Gig City to immediately stop using live porcines in its surgical and medical training programs. (Best of Grizzard and PETA vs. Pig Valves?) With a second human being granted an extension of their life which may lead to eventually saving many lives the wisdom of such decision may be questionable (?) Both articles can be recovered at Best of Grizzard at the above citation as well as the second one at Best of Grizzard - Pig Valves Again. Porky/Petunia will be remembered by many for their contributions to medical science and the preservation of life to humans! * * * You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com The Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners on Tuesday chose two organizations to direct the case management and relocation of residents at two properties that will be rebuilt as part of the One Westside Plan. The application for the federal Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant, due Dec. 11 and worth $87.5 million, requires a resident relocation plan. We wanted to get a jump on these procurements, said CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright. Their involvement in the negotiations is essential. The grant application asks CHA to prove big support to maximize grant points tied to three objectives: housing, people and neighborhood. College Hill Courts and Gateway Towers are located near West 12th Street, across Riverfront Parkway from the Bend redevelopment. Urban Strategies Inc. won the bid to provide case management services. Housing Opportunities Unlimited won the bid to provide relocation services. These two organizations have the backing of EJP Consulting Group, a planning and redevelopment partner in the One Westside project. Funding for the nearly $15 million cost of the case management and relocation services will come from CHAs development budget and from the Choice Neighborhoods grant. The board will approve the final cost of these two services in 2025 when the project is set to break ground. Its all in conjunction with the Westside project, said Ms. McCright. Its getting ready for the future. OTHER NEWS The board approved a flat rent schedule presented by Mike Sabin indicating 80 percent of HUD's fair market rent for each buildings ZIP code. Mr. Sabin said that residents of College Hill Courts and Gateway Towers have been hammered with rising rent costs, up $200 a month this year, as plans grow for South Broad redevelopment and the new Lookouts stadium. Residents may choose the flat rate or choose 30 percent of their income. Mr. Sabin said that as development outpaces salaries, more are choosing the 30 percent each year. The board approved Williams Development LLC to build out the laundromat facilities at Emma Wheeler Homes in South Chattanooga. The quote was $224,400. The laundromat has been out-of-order and vacant since 2001. The Emma Wheeler homes have washer hookups but not dryer hookups. The board agreed that the project is cost-effective. The board approved observance of Juneteenth as a company-wide holiday. TLCs My Big Fat Fabulous Life follows plus-size dancer Whitney Way Thore dancing her way through life and showing her naysayers what shes made of. But her father Glenn Thores age, net worth, and job have become a point of curiosity, too. Although it initially focused on Whitneys career, it soon grew to highlight her personal and social life. Whitneys father, Glenn Thore, often appears on My Big Fat Fabulous Life, becoming a viewer favorite for his dad jokes and support of his daughter. So what is Glenn Thores age, job, net worth, and more? Glenn Thores age and birthday Glenn Thores birthday is Feb. 10, 1946, making his age 77 in 2023. In 2021, Whitney posted a tribute to her father on his 75th birthday on her Instagram account, writing, I have always known I won the parent lottery, and I have never known what I did to deserve this man who is still my biggest supporter, protector, and cheerleader. Regardless of his age, Glenn Thore is one of the most beloved reality show stars on TLC right now. He is known for his youthful charm, which has captured fans attention and hearts, and his demeanor can lead one to believe he isnt a day over 60. However, Glenn is older than he looks or presents. Glenn grew up in North Carolina and was raised by his parents, Dorothy Kurceski and Glenn William Thore Sr. He is an Aquarius, which speaks volumes about his personality. Aquarius individuals often exude confidence, maturity, focus, and creativity, which Glenn showcases often on My Big Fat Fabulous Life. Glenn Thores net worth Unsurprisingly, Glenn Thores age means hes had time to amass a solid net worth. Glenn earned his history and political science degree from Guilford College in his home state. Soon after completing college, he worked various jobs before landing in the commercial printing industry. The reality TV star has been in graphic design for over two decades now and has worked hard to climb the corporate ladder. According to his LinkedIn page, the 77-year-old was VP of Manufacturing at L&E Packaging Inc., a role Glenn held for 22 years before landing a VP & General Manager role at PBM Graphics, Greensboro division in 2003. He then became an account manager in 2010 at Hutchison Allgood and Graphic Visual Solutions in 2012. In 2014, Glenn became VP of manufacturing at Millennium Print Group, then VP General Manager in 2018 until today. The TV star announced his retirement in 2022 but has continued working. His extensive career and appearances on My Big Fat Fabulous Life have helped the star amass significant wealth. Glenn has an estimated net worth of over $1.5 million, although this remains unconfirmed. My Big Fat Fabulous Life patriarch, Glenn Thore Glenn and his wife Barbara Thore, aka Babs, got married on Aug. 6, 1977. The pair had a long and successful marriage that resulted in their two kids, Whitney and Hunter. Before Babs death, she and Glenn frequently appeared on the show since its premiere in 2015 and have been a rock for their daughter as she navigates life in front of the cameras. In season 11, the show took fans by storm when Whitney mentioned she had a half-sister from her father. Showing her sisters baby picture, Whitney revealed that Glenns other daughter, Angie, was a child out of wedlock. Angie, whose full name is Angela Burdett, was born before Glenn and Babs got married and was the result of a short affair between Glenn and an 18-year-old woman named Jackie. Jackie gave birth to Angie and gave her up for adoption. Since their reunion, Whitney has acted as the glue, helping her father build a connection with her half-sister. She also remained in contact with Angie and even celebrated her nieces bachelorette party. Sister Wives star Kody Browns reputation among TLC viewers has gone from bad to worse over the past several seasons. His contradictory actions have led viewers to believe much of what he said has been untrue. Now, after a strained sit-down with wife Janelle, Sister Wives fans are even more baffled. They think Kody blurted out one sentence that revealed building on Coyote Pass was a pipe dream. Sister Wives fans think Kody Brown never intended to build on Coyote Pass Six weeks after an explosive fight between Kody Brown and his second wife, Janelle, they sat down to discuss their relationship. The intent was to try and air their grievances more productively. However, during their discussion, Kody made a comment that infuriated many Sister Wives fans. They took to Reddit to air their grievances connected to a thread titled Kody just admitted it, maybe? The lead comment began: Kody was talking to Janelle about Robyns house and said, We have to house our children there for the next 15 years. He admits building on Coyote Pass was always just a pipe dream? Others agreed with the initial thread, believing Kody did intend to build on the property when it was purchased in 2018. However, since he settled into a monogamous relationship with his fourth wife, Robyn, that plan appeared to shift. They dont just get to stay at home but the SAME home. Unlike the OG 13, who were uprooted and moved around countless times, wrote one fan. Robyn mentioned years ago how she does not want to move around and wants to create a permanent home, so now its fine to stay in one place for Kody, I guess, penned a second viewer. Honestly, that rankles my cankles. Housing the children is a priority. Kody and the OG3 did so over the years, but not without a lot of drama and inconvenience to everyone. All of a sudden, its important they remain in one place until Ariella is out of HS, and then some? wrote a third Reddit user. The Brown family purchased Coyote Pass with the intent of building homes on the property The Brown family moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 2018. Kody Brown and his wives Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn left their cul-de-sac in Las Vegas for the southwest state to build homes. We are looking forward to cooler temperatures. The mountain air, scenic views, and the slower lifestyle of Flagstaff, the Browns told People in 2018. They also claimed Las Vegas was not the best place to raise their family. Vegas changed a lot over the last few years. We started worrying more about what the kids are getting exposed to, Robyn Brown said, according to In Touch Weekly. We needed to move out and needed to make an adjustment. The timing was just right for getting our kids out of Las Vegas and into a safe place, Kody continued. When they moved to Arizona, the family purchased four parcels of land called Coyote Pass in Flagstaff, Arizona, for $820,000. However, instead of paying off the properties to begin building, Kody and Robyn purchased their own homes, as did Christine, while Meri and Janelle rented homes. However, as the years passed, Kody told his wives they would have to pay off the land before they could build. The father of 18 reportedly did not prioritize this option, particularly his wife Janelle, who was keen to settle onto their property. Who owns Coyote Pass now? A mockup of the Coyote Pass lots | TLC/YouTube After five years, Kody and Janelle Brown paid off the remaining balance on the properties. It totaled two parcels, which cost the family $340K. The Sun reported the outstanding amount owed to Fidelity National Title Agency was paid off on June 2, 2023. Properties are owned by Kody and Robyn, Meri and Janelle, both with Kody. After splitting from Kody, Christine sold him back her plot of land. Kody Brown has since split from three of his four wives: Meri and Christine, who live in Utah, and Janelle, whose home base is AZ. He remains married to Robyn Brown and lives in Flagstaff, AZ, with their five children. Sister Wives airs Sundays at 10 p.m. EST on TLC. Originally built in 1844, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum is Oklahomas oldest public building. The first issue of the Cherokee Advocate was printed in this building 179 years ago. The billboard lists names of people classified as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People in Big Horn County, before a dedication ceremony for a billboard in support of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People movement on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, along I-90 in Hardin, Mont. This 24-year-old woman allowed a former co-worker, 21, to live with her. Leading up to this, her co-worker was unfortunately in dire straits. Her co-worker was pregnant, and she was living with her partner who, four months before giving birth, told her that she needed to move out once she had her baby. It turned out that this partner wasnt the father of her child. On the day that her co-worker was giving birth, she called her to ask if she could stay with her for one or two weeks until she could find somewhere to live. In the span of the four months since her partner asked her to move out, she hadnt yet had any luck in finding housing. After her co-worker moved in, she stayed longer than the two weeks she had originally claimed shed be living with her. Constantly, when three and then six weeks passed, she would ask her co-worker if shed seen any good prospects for an apartment, and her co-worker always said she hadnt found anything yet. By the sixth week, I was fed up. She was HORRIBLE! Never cleaned, never did her laundry, put the baby in dirty clothes, left him in dirty diapers, let him scream and left the house to take breathers while he screamed, never bathed the kid, played video games 24/7, tired giving the kid spoiled milk, ate ALL my food, left piles of dishes and baby bottles in the sink, sanitary pads on the floor, and every corner of my apartment had something of hers in it, she said. Also, her co-workers mother brought her 11-year-old brother, who has autism, over to the apartment, and he went to the bathroom directly onto the bathroom floor. Her co-worker said that the reason this happened was because of her brothers autism, but she was skeptical. To make the situation worse, her co-worker even dared to ask her several times if she could take care of her baby overnight so that she could go out drinking. Not only was her co-worker messy and inconsiderate, but she also caused the monthly bills to skyrocket. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. While American Chinese food is probably something that we are all familiar with, have you ever considered how the dishes that you know and love could differ from ones that are popular in British Chinese cuisine? The internet is currently debating the reason for the difference in food, and some are even claiming that a popular British phrase should be considered offensive to Chinese culture. TikTok user Heather (@hezzieee) silences the debaters with her knowledge about the subject. As a British Chinese woman whose parents own a Chinese takeaway place in the U.K., her background in this topic serves as a trustworthy source. Firstly, some American people on TikTok are stating the common British phrase, Lets get a Chinese, is offensive. Heather says that this phrase isnt offensive in the slightest and is simply a result of slang in British culture. Rather than saying, Lets get a Chinese takeaway, they shorten the sentence. The same goes with any type of cuisine, and they will even say that they are getting a full English. Secondly, Americans have been talking down on the popular menu items found in many British takeaways. Things such as chicken balls, salt and pepper chicken, and curry sauce are considered staples at any British Chinese takeaway location, even if we Americans have never heard of any of them. Its just based on a different kind of cultural context. So, British Chinese takeaway food is meant to appeal to the British public. Its catered around British tastes and the British palate, Heather explains. Just because the menu items differ between Chinese places in America and in Britain doesnt make one wrong and one right. They are simply different! British Chinese food is not aiming to be just like American Chinese food, so it shouldnt be considered gross or incorrect to Americans who have probably never tried it. Chances are, traditional Chinese food may sound different than what you are used to as well. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Pastor Lorenzo Neal had the first panic attack of his life on a hot summer night during the pandemic. He imagined it was what a heart attack would feel like. His neighbors called 911. As the pastor of New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi, he was carrying a lot of burdens through the pandemic. He has pastored New Bethel for 14 years, and said his 130-member church lost several key members to the virus, including a mother and son who died within two weeks of each other. Neal himself contracted the virus early on and was sick for more than a month. On top of that, he was initially shouldering the entirety of virtual worship himself. I was doing too much, he said. I was already seeing a therapist for some other things, but once that came to light, we were able to explore some areas that needed to be addressed. He asked his congregation for prayer without specifying what he was experiencing in his own mental health, which he said is common in Black faith communities. His anxiety has since calmed. COVID-19 hit Black congregations harder physically and brought a heavier mental health burden to Black or African American pastors, according to a new study on the impact of COVID-19 on the American church from Arbor Research Group and ChurchSalary, a sister publication of Christianity Today. But the study showed Black churches also had more unity about pandemic health measures and lower closure rates. In interviews with CT, a number of Black pastors affirmed the studys findings. The pastors dealt with a disproportionate amount of sickness and death while carrying the additional burden of ministering in their communities after the murder of George Floyd. Other ministry demands cropped up too: Married couples needed a lot of counseling during the pandemic, they said, and then local health officials came to the pastors to convince their congregants to get the vaccine when it became available. Pastor Jerry Young is the head of the National Baptist Convention and has also pastored in Jackson, Mississippi, for 50 years. I do not know of anything that has adversely affected the church as much as COVID has, he said. He said the mental health of pastors has not been sufficiently diagnosed or attended to. But he added that the pandemic also caused a lot of people to become a lot more serious about their walk with the Lord. Black Americans experienced higher rates of COVID-19 and death than white Americans, according to analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by KFF. In May 2020 in New York City, for example, African Americans counted for 28 percent of coronavirus deaths, even though they made up only 22 percent of the population. COVID-19 also killed a number of bishops in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the nations largest African American Pentecostal denomination. COGIC urged its church leaders to follow government directives and follow scientists advice. The last three years brought a level of unraveling that was unusual, said bishop D. A. Sherron, the pastor of Global Fire International in Brooklyn, New York. Sherron lost five family members in the first COVID-19 wave. It really, really took a toll on everything. The ChurchSalary study also found that Black or African American congregations were the most likely to have a positive response to pandemic health measures and were less divided about health measures, which may have insulated them from the kinds of internal COVID-19 conflicts that negatively impacted so many other churches, ChurchSalary found. Two-thirds of Black congregations interviewed for the study had an extremely positive reaction to pandemic health measures, compared to only 29 percent of multicultural congregations and 20 percent of majority-white congregations. Black congregations were among the most likely to still mask and practice social distancing indoors in 2022. The study also found that the ethnicities that were the least polarized in response to health measures also had fewer church closures. But most Black congregations also saw a decrease in attendance. Pastors said that some of their congregants still watch services online, though theyre trying to get people to come back. Young, the head of the National Baptist Convention, said he wrestled through health measures alongside his pastors as a pastor himself, deciding to pause in-person worship for a time. He felt he couldnt have services and tell people to decide individually whether to come or not. People would have kept coming because the pastor says, Come, he said. I made a decision for the people entrusted to my care. In interviews with CT, Black pastors described other changes because of the pandemic. They saw congregants develop deeper relationships with God. Many lives were lost, said Steve Smith, the administrative bishop for New Yorks COGIC churches. But somehow it has brought us to deeper depths with God, and greater expectations that the God of the Bible will manifest. Smith said he noticed congregants take up habits of practice in the presence of the Lordprayer, silence, solitude. Pastors reported becoming more engaged with congregational care themselves. Pastor Frank Williams, the former president of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention, leads two churches in the Bronx, Wake-Eden Community Baptist Church and Bronx Baptist Church. During the pandemic, Williams was checking in on congregants and praying for them, particularly nurses working on the frontlines. The church deacons would call people in the church regularly and report back to the pastors about who was called and when. Through the pandemic, ministry became more, for me, about the people, and not about the tasks of the vision, Williams said. Sometimes we can lose focus on the people because we are so focused on a destination. People mattered beyond what they can do and provide to the ministry. Still, attendance numbers are not back to where they were before the pandemic at his churches. Some people who used to attend in-person tell Williams that theyre continuing to watch online. Black pastors said that, like many other pastors, they had an added burden of shifting services online when many Black churches werent prepared technologically. At the start of the pandemic, Williams learned how to use video production software and set up cameras in his home to stream church services on Sundayno one could come over to help. It was anxiety-inducing but also exhilarating, he said. The worship team would record songs at home and send them to him, and he would use movie editing software to compile the songs to add in at the right parts of the live service. Smith said that in New Yorks COGIC churches, there were many pastors who were mighty men of God but had minimal training in technology. Many churches did not have an online giving platform, he said, and some had to close due to lack of funds or because the pastor died from the virus. Now, he says, most New York COGIC churches have an online presence, and the awareness of how much we need the younger generation, he added, saying some pastors reached out to their grandchildren for technology help. Overall for Black pastors, ministry burdens were greater, but their churches found ways forward through the toughest pandemic months. In the Bronx, Williams officiated seven weddings in his church, mostly in outdoor parks. And he buried his senior deacon, a mentor throughout his whole adult life, who died of the virus in isolation at a hospital in the deadly first wave in New York City. The same day that he did a small funeral service for the deacon, he had to take his wife to the hospital with a bad case of COVID. She eventually recovered. The church voted to create a regathering team that would have the power to make decisions about meeting during the pandemic. Once we had that in place, the members trusted the process, Williams said. They trusted the members on the team. Other than the death of the senior deacon, the church mostly felt indirect impacts of the virus. One member at Wake-Eden lost 11 members of her family to COVID in short order, Williams said. The church hosted a forum on processing grief. Williams preached about domestic violence, and about watching for how isolation is affecting your relationships. Then, just as Williams two churches were recovering from COVID losses from the first wave, George Floyd was murdered. For a Black church, racism was not an unexpected topic to address; every year in February, the Bronx churches did an event on the reality of Black life. So they held several forums about social justice in that June and July, modeled after the February forums. The first one lasted four hours because people needed to talk, Williams said. The churches also helped facilitate a march of pastors in the Bronx. There was so much emotional pain in those months, Williams remembered. You had to lean on each other and lean on God, and keep doing what has to get done. Was the COVID-19 pandemic punishment for Roe v. Wade? Bestselling author makes that claim A Messianic Jewish leader and bestselling author claims that the COVID-19 pandemic was a divine punishment for the United States acceptance of abortion. Jonathan Cahn, the author of such bestselling titles as The Harbinger and The Return of the Gods, released his new book earlier this month, titled The Josiah Manifesto. In the book, Cahn draws historical and biblical parallels related to American history, with a particular focus on the biblical concept of Jubilee, an Old Testament ordinance in which, every 50th year, the Israelites were to, among other things, free slaves and cancel debts. According to Cahn, there were certain parallels found between the steps taken in the early 1970s to legalize abortion and the phases of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S., with key events taking place exactly 50 years apart. The Bible says very clearly that if any nation or culture kills its children, that harms its children, it's going to come back at them. The prophet Jeremiah said that, Cahn told The Christian Post. When Jeremiah spoke about it to Israel, he said one of the forms that the judgment would come back for this, he said in Hebrew the term is dever gadol, which means a great plague or a massive pandemic. So, the first thing in the actual biblical connection would be that there's an ironclad law. Cahn believes that there are amazing and stunning connections between the pandemic and the legalizing of abortion. The very day that abortion entered the New York Legislature in 1970, which is the very beginning, it was Jan. 20. If you go 50 years later, it would be the plague, COVID, that enters officially in America on Jan. 20, 2020. Fifty years to the date, he said. You'll find parallel after parallel, match after match this 50-year match happened several times, even the place of where the pandemic focused when it came to America was New York, and New York is the abortion capital of America. Cahn also told CP that abortion is a sin of the old against the young, and it was strange that this contagion had the property of sparing the young and attacking the old. Jeremiah says that the blood of the children will be matched by the death that comes to the nation. And the amazing thing, one of the things I put in the book, is that when you look at the first three years of abortion from its entrance until Roe v. Wade, the number of children killed in that time period is 1.3 million, he continued. When, 50 years later, which is the Jubilee of the Bible, you have another three-year period that matches that period, and that's the three years of COVID. And in that same exact three-year period, the number of Americans who were struck down and killed by this plague is 1.3 million. Its the exact number of the children. In his interview with CP, Cahn talked more about his book's claims of biblical parallels regarding abortion, the political career of former President Donald Trump, and something he calls The Josiah Moment. Below are excerpts from that conversation. CP: You have written books about biblical prophecy before. How does this book compare and contrast with your past work? Cahn: About two-thirds of it are biblical mysteries that are unfolding in America now. That part goes with the other books. What we've been witnessing over the past few years, are some very stunning mysteries and patterns behind what's happening. So, in that sense, that's similar. What if the Lord was showing us where we are prophetically and where we are going? If you can imagine, if there was an ancient calendar that actually gives the events that have happened, that are going to happen, and even the time of those events. As far as it contrasting, The Josiah Manifesto [is] the one book where a good amount of it is giving the answer. That's why its called "Manifesto." Its giving a blueprint about what do we do. Is there an actual template from the Bible that is for now? How do believers stand in the face of everything that's happening and in the face of all that is coming? The last third, it is the manifesto. It is the guide, the blueprint, the template on which touches how to react, how to live, how to respond, and how to overcome in all these things. CP: In the book, you draw a parallel between pagan child sacrifices in the Ancient Near East and abortion in modern Western civilization, stating that "there is no meaningful distinction" between the two. What specific commonalities do you see between the two? Cahn: The killing of children is the first. In the ancient practice of child sacrifice, they did so in order to gain material benefit or financial reward or fertility and the number one reason given for women to have abortions is because they are told [having a child] is going to interfere with their career, their earning, their life. Also, back then, in ancient times, they would drown out the act, they would shield the culture from the horror of the act of killing the children. They would play drums to drown it out. And we do the same in our culture as well, in drowning out what is the real horror of this. The children who were offered up as child sacrifice, more than any other, were the children of the poor. And when you look at abortion today, it is exactly that. It is the children of the poor who are offered up more than any other. In child sacrifice, you had both the parents involved in it, and also the actual one officiating over it. And today, we have the parents and the abortionists. When you look at what the radical abortionists and radical feminists speak and say about abortion, they actually often speak of it in terms of a sacrament. As something that is a sacred act. And there are even some of them that link it themselves to the ancient pagan sacrifices. They themselves make the connection. CP: In Chapter 18, you draw parallels between the Old Testament King Jehu and Trump, noting that both were fighters, mentioned God but weren't known to be men of God, etc. When it comes to biblical figures, many have compared Trump to King Cyrus. What is your opinion of this comparison? Cahn: Trump has walked in the template of Cyrus with regard to the nation of Israel. Its what he did to Israel. Cyrus recognized that the temple and the right of Israel to Jerusalem and the temple, issued a proclamation. Well, Trump did the same thing. So, that's very much Cyrus to Israel. And they look at him as a Cyrus. But, with America, that's a whole different thing. Cyrus was not of Israel ... but Jehu was of Israel. Jehu made an alliance with the religious conservatives of his land, so did Trump. Jehu stood against the nation's former first lady in order to come to power, so did Trump. Jehu came against the temple of Baal and the cult of Baal, which involved child sacrifice. And it says that Jehu rid Israel of this. Well, Trump and again, no matter what one thinks of him was the president most instrumental for overturning America's own temple of Baal, which is Roe v. Wade, which has enabled the killing of 60 million children. CP: While drawing parallels between Jehu's followers storming the temple of Baal and the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, you acknowledged in the book that the fallout from the two events was different. As you wrote, "It was, in a sense, a rematch. Only this time, the modern Jehu and his forces would not prevail." Why do you not consider this different result between the two events to be evidence against the idea that they are linked? Cahn: The template [that] happens is manifested three times, so there's three outcomes here. One of the templates is that Jehu rises, the temple falls. Then with Jan. 6, the template still replays itself. The match with Jehu and the temple of Baal frames Jehu's reign. It starts it. With Trump, that also frames it with the fall of the temple of Baal. But it also frames the end of his reign, the end of his term. It doesn't mean its the end of the story, because the other thing is that another form in which the template comes to a manifestation is the pulling down of the temple of Baal. It was after Trump's term that what he did, when he was president, by nominating three Supreme Court justices, actually pulled down Roe v. Wade, which is the killing of children, which is the temple of Baal as well. This might not be over, either. There might be another rematch because there is another election coming. CP: You argued in the book that, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. is in a "Josiah moment," in which we have to make a crucial decision either to pursue repentance or keep accepting wickedness. As you know, earlier this year, there was a revival movement that broke out at Asbury University of Kentucky. What role, if any, do you see the Asbury revival playing in this "Josiah moment"? Cahn: With Josiah, its a real contrast. On the one hand, its near the end, its near judgment, and judgment was going to come. On the other hand, its revival that forestalled the judgment. There was this 50-year cycle that finished with the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. [The Asbury Revival] was soon after the end of that cycle. It was very interesting. And it wasn't just at Asbury, there were some others that were related to it. So, it is possible that it could be a first fruit. The question, though, is where does this go? Does this stop or does this keep going? CP: How do you respond to those who might say that, while you have found some interesting parallels regarding the Jubilee and events like the history of Roe and the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately these are just coincidences? Cahn: If it was one thing that happened once, but when you look at the 50-year parallels, there are multitudes of them and a whole bunch of them are exactly, not just to the year, but to the month, and to the day. Number two, its too consistent. Its not just this happens with this thing, but when you keep following the trajectory of Roe v. Wade, and abortion, the trajectory keeps getting fulfilled on the other end of the 50 years. Also, there's a message in it. Its not like its just something random that has no meaning to it. It has a meaning. It all converges with the broken altar and that's Josiah, and that is a very definite, definitive message. Its not random, its something very intentional. CP: What do you hope readers take away from your book? Cahn: One, that the God of the Bible is just as real as He was back then. Its not just a cliche, He's real, just as much as He is the God of history back then, He's the God of history in our lives. He is precise; He is exact with all that looks like much of the events that I speak about. People thought things were so out of control. Well, no, He's extremely in control. God is in control. God is never finished. His ways are never finished. We are never to lift up a white flag and surrender. We always have a purpose, even in the End Times or even in ungodly times. In fact, those could be the most exciting times. Josiah is a figure who lives in a very dark apostate time and yet he turns it around. The whole reason why I was very led to call it "Manifesto" is that there is a purpose, there is a calling for those who will rise to that calling. The fact that it is dark will not nullify the purpose that God has for the light. It will only magnify it. When the dark gets darker, the light just gets lighter. So, this could be the greatest time for those who will rise to the call and what I hope the takeaway will be is that they will rise to the call. Baptist pastor injured by radical Fulani herdsmen in attack killing 1 Christian, wounding 2 others ABUJA, Nigeria Fulani herdsmen attacked a village in Nasarawa state, Nigeria, killing one Christian and wounding three others, including a pastor, an area resident said. The herdsmen attacked Kola village, Akwanga County, at about 10 a.m. on Sept. 20, killing Amos Vonne Wakayi and wounding the Rev. Thomas Wakayi, a Baptist pastor, along with Victor Yakubu and Sunday Wakayi, said Nathaniel Lauji. The injured victims are being treated at Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Hospital, Akwanga, a Roman Catholic health facility, Lauji told Morning Star News in a text message. The attack forced Christians to flee from Kola and the villages of Angre, Tabu, Nganche and Bohar, he said. Other areas of Nasarawa came under attack earlier this year. Herdsmen on May 19 attacked the predominantly Christian community of Takalafiya, Karu County, where a pastor and 43 other Christians were killed. On May 13, Fulani militia attacked Tattara Mada and Ngah Barau villages in Kokona County, as people were conducting a mass burial of 11 Christians killed in these communities April 16-18, said area resident Denz Bartholomew Zarme. Of this number, seven Christians were from Tattara Mada, and four other Christians were from Ngah Barau, Zarme said. The pain of the brutal attacks and the sorrow it caused was evident at the memorial service, with bereaved families and friends of those killed weeping uncontrollably. The burial followed a memorial service at the mortuary of the Catholic Churchs health facility in Garaku. Cattle herders are forcefully evicting farmers from villages by initiating deadly attacks in some areas in Kokona and part of Karu Local Government Areas (LGAs), leaving hundreds of people homeless and floating in abject poverty, Zarme said. Nigeria led the world in Christians killed for their faith in 2022, with 5,014, according to Open Doors 2023 World Watch List (WWL) report. It also led the world in Christians abducted (4,726), sexually assaulted or harassed, forcibly married or physically or mentally abused, and it had the most homes and businesses attacked for faith-based reasons. As in the previous year, Nigeria had the second most church attacks and internally displaced people. In the 2023 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria jumped to sixth place, its highest ranking ever, from No. 7 the previous year. Militants from the Fulani, Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and others conduct raids on Christian communities, killing, maiming, raping and kidnapping for ransom or sexual slavery, the WWL report noted. This year has also seen this violence spill over into the Christian-majority south of the nation. Nigerias government continues to deny this is religious persecution, so violations of Christians rights are carried out with impunity. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe the herdsmen's attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Christian homeschool family who fled to US faces deportation after 15 years A German family that fled to the United States over 15 years ago after being fined thousands for homeschooling their children may be deported within the next few weeks, the advocacy group representing them says. The Home School Legal Defense Association says the the devout Christian Romeike, who came to the United States in 2008 on visas and lives in Tennessee, was told by their local Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Sept. 6 that they have four weeks to leave the country. The Romeike family garnered national headlines when they requested asylum status because they wanted to homeschool their children for religious reasons. Homeschooling is banned in Germany under nearly all circumstances, and any parents who refuse to send their children to school can face fines, imprisonment or even lose custody of their children. The decision to homeschool came from what HSLDA calls a "growing concern that the content of the German public school's curriculum particularly anti-Christian and sexual elements threatened to harm their children." Initially, the U.S. federal government agreed not to deport the family. Although the Department of Homeland Security granted the Romeikes asylum, officials overturned the decision, and the family was granted indefinite deferred action status in 2014 after years of legal battles, according to the HSLDA. Over the last decade, the family has regularly reported to their local ICE office and has been allowed to work and homeschool their children. ICE's decision to deport the family reportedly was announced during a routine check-in and came as a surprise to the couple and their seven children, two of whom are now adults and married. "The Romeike family should be able to stay in the United States and home educate their children," said HSLDA President Jim Mason in a statement. "America is a land of freedom and opportunity, and there are few freedoms or opportunities more important than the ability of parents to safely direct the education of their own children, without fear of punishment or persecution." The father, Uwe Romeike, said in an interview with the Knoxville-based WBIR News that being forced to move back to Germany would be disastrous. [My family members] work here. Everything is here in America," said Romeike. "We don't have any place to live there. I don't have any work to provide for my family over there." In 2008, the Romeike family immigrated to the United States after experiencing harassment from the German government over their decision to homeschool their children. The Romeikes faced years of legal battles in the U.S. as immigration officials argued that they did not meet the parameters for receiving asylum. In May 2013, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit unanimously ruled against the Romeike family, arguing that they were not being persecuted for their beliefs. "Congress might have written the immigration laws to grant a safe haven to people living elsewhere in the world who face government strictures that the United States Constitution prohibits. But it did not," read the panel opinion, in part. "There is a difference between the persecution of a discrete group and the prosecution of those who violate a generally applicable law. As the Board of Immigration Appeals permissibly found, the German authorities have not singled out the Romeikes in particular or homeschoolers in general for persecution." In 2014, several months after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the case, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted the Romeike family a special status that allowed them to remain in the country. Joni Eareckson Tada released from hospital after 16-day stay: 'God rescued me' Bible teacher, bestselling author and disabilities advocate Joni Eareckson Tada has been released from the hospital after a 16-day stay due to double pneumonia. "Like many of the people we serve who struggle with constant health challenges, I can say with them, 'God rescued me!' After 16 days in the hospital struggling with double pneumonia, I am home, happy, healing, and resting," the 73-year-old shared in a social media post last week featuring a photo of her and her husband, Ken, outside the hospital. "The hospital provided oxygen for me, but it's only temporary." She thanked her husband and friends for all they did to care for her, saying they "made sure I rested." "At night, the promise from God in Isaiah 43:1-2 was such a great source of comfort: 'Do not be afraid, for you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown,'" She said. "Yes, Jesus was with me through every scan, x-ray, blood draw, and breathing treatment." Tada, who heads Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community," said the experience reminded her of how critical it is to "share the salvation message of Jesus with the families we serve." "It's why we do what we do at Joni and Friends, and I couldn't be happier than to be on the frontlines with you and every friend of the ministry," she wrote. Tada was paralyzed after a diving accident in 1967 and has since used her platform to advocate for those with disabilities. Her book detailing her experience, Joni, has been translated into over 30 languages and made into a feature film. In addition to living with quadriplegia, Tada has battled cancer twice and, recently, COVID-19. In a 2022 interview with The Christian Post, the speaker and author revealed that resting in God's sovereignty, come what may is what enables her to have "profound, unshakable gladness" in the face of "horrible hardships and jaw-biting pain." God's sovereignty "isn't some doctrinal, otherworldly, theological ivory tower concept that academics talk about, but you'd never really know how to put into practice," she said, but a "trust in His Word; He can be trusted because He's not going anywhere." "I couldn't say that if that pain were happening perchance, or if it were some fluke, or if it was a cosmic roll of the dice. How can I be so confident, to speak calmly into my suffering, the confidence in God's Word were it not for His sovereignty?" Tada said. "When I'm in pain, which is often, especially at night in bed when I can't sleep I talk to my pain and I say, 'You're not going to make me anxious, pain. You're not going to make me fearful. I'm going to walk into you. I'm going to breathe, calmly, serenely. I'm going to enter you, pain, as though I were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego entering the fiery furnace, and I'm going to find Jesus, the Son of God, walking in the middle of the fire with me.'" Tada cited 2 Corinthians 6:10: "We are to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." "It seems to me, only in the Christian experience can we know both joy and sorrow at the same time; it's like it's on a continuum, and they happen simultaneously," she reflected. "In the West, even we Christians, we don't know what to do with suffering and pain. We try to drug it, medicate it, escape it, divorce it. If it's a child with a disability, we institutionalize it. We do everything but learn how to live with it. And I don't mean live with it begrudgingly, but live with it confident that a sovereign God has you in the midst of this for a good reason. And usually, most of those reasons are that we might cast ourselves wholly and completely on Christ Jesus." McLean Bible Church begins voting to affirm Mike Kelsey as a lead pastor Though Mike Kelsey was previously named as a lead pastor of David Platts McLean Bible Church in Virginia, members of the church now have until Wednesday to cast their vote to affirm the longtime pastor of the multi-campus congregation in that role due to recent changes in the churchs constitution. In a recent Q&A published on the churchs website, the church said they opened voting on Sunday. They also acknowledged that even though Kelsey and another preacher, Wade Burnett, were previously appointed as lead pastors alongside Platt in 2020, they were not formally affirmed as such by the congregation. Three years later, we revised our churchs constitution to include Lead Pastors, and this revision stipulates that Lead Pastors must be elected by the church membership. As soon as our constitution was revised, we removed the title of Lead Pastor from Mike and Wade until such time as the church would affirm them in this role, the church said. While the time has come to affirm Kelsey in the role as a lead pastor, Burnett, who only joined the churchs staff in March 2020, one week before the COVID shutdown will not be affirmed in a similar role out of respect for Kelseys 16-year contribution to the congregation, the church said. While we believe Wade is qualified to serve as a Lead Pastor, Wade was actually the first to say that we should affirm Mike alone at this time in a way that highlights the significance of Mikes role and honors the significance of Mikes leadership over 16 years in our church family, the church elders stated. As outlined in our constitution, we may affirm other Lead Pastors in the future, and our elders will communicate to the church when we believe it is the appropriate time to nominate anyone else to this role. At this time, we are focusing on affirming Mike as a Lead Pastor. The revision of the appointments comes more than a year after the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by disgruntled longtime members of the multi-campus church over the controversial election of new elders in 2021. The unhappy members whom Platt branded as activists alleged that the churchs leaders were trying to purge the church of conservatives. In June, the Court of Appeals of Virginia revived a part of that lawsuit, saying the entire case should not have been dismissed. In his message to the congregation on July 4, 2021, Platt said a group of activists inside and outside the church coordinated a campaign to vote down the new elders Chuck Hollingsworth, Ken Tucker and Jim Burris and seize control of the church. He said the campaign mainly targeted the Tysons campus of the multisite megachurch as the other four campuses Arlington, Loudon, Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince William were "almost unanimous in their affirmation" of the three elders. Kelsey, who once held the role of lead pastor of culture and preaching and served as a campus pastor, has been accused of being woke by some conservative critics. McLean Bible Church said, however, that they are building a church model that focuses on a plurality of elders and pastors leading the local church. In one of the most significant recent revisions to our churchs constitution, we intentionally did not include a Senior Pastor role. Instead, we affirm a plurality of elders and pastors across our church who have different roles and responsibilities. For example, we have a Chairman of our elders who is no more an elder than the others, but he has primary responsibility for leading our elders, the church explained. On a practical level, the Chairman leads meetings, sets agendas, carries a unique weight for the overall direction of the elders, and works toward consensus in decisions made by the elders. Similarly, as we affirm more than one Lead Pastor, one of them will carry primary responsibility for leading the other Lead Pastors in partnership with the elders (Lead Pastors actually report to our elders) and other pastors in the church. With the move to affirm Kelsey in his role as a lead pastor, the church said he would carry the primary responsibility of pastoral leadership. As our elders, Mike, and David have prayed through what this team of Lead Pastors will look like in practice, we believe that God has uniquely called and gifted Mike to shepherd our church to reach current and coming generations in our increasingly secular city with the gospel, and God has uniquely called and gifted David to mobilize the church for the spread of the gospel to unreached people in the world, the church said. Based on Gods call and gifting in both Mike and David, all of our elders (including David) believe that Mike should carry the primary leadership responsibility among our Lead Pastors. McLean Bible Church elders made it clear that Platt was not stepping down as a lead pastor or leaving the church, he will just be focused on different tasks. David is definitely not stepping down as a Lead Pastor or leaving our church. He will continue to serve and shepherd our church as a Lead Pastor and Elder alongside Mike and the other elders and pastors. He will continue to preach regularly, help shape the vision of our church, equip our leaders, and care for our members as we follow Jesus fully, the church said. As a Lead Pastor, David will continue playing a vital part in leading our church family to accomplish our churchs mission to glorify God by making disciples and multiplying churches among all nations, beginning in greater Washington, D.C. Migrant worker-turned-astronaut behind 'A Million Miles Away' shares how God called him to space HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. Jose Hernandezs story is said to be among the most remarkable in modern history: A migrant farmworker, he felt God calling him to become a NASA astronaut at just 10 years old. However, NASA rejected him from its program 11 times before selecting him for its astronaut class in 2004. Hernandez would make history aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009, the first shuttle mission to send two Latino astronauts into space. I attribute my success to pure naivete, the 61-year-old told The Christian Post in a sit-down interview on Friday. At 10 years old, in 1972, I remember watching our rabbit-ear TV, and I saw astronaut Gene Cernan walk on the surface of the moon while Walter Cronkite narrated the moonwalk. And I told myself, I want to be an astronaut. I felt a clear calling from God. Despite his incredible success, Hernandez said his story isnt really about him; its about the people who surrounded him, supporting his dream, including his migrant farmworker parents, his second-grade teacher, Miss Young, and his wife, Adela. My journey isnt about one individual's quest to turn a dream into reality, he said. Its about my teacher who went to my house to convince my parents to stay in one place; its about my wife, who taught me perseverance and propped me up. Its about my father, who only had a third-grade education but had the wisdom to give me a powerful, five-ingredient recipe when I told him I wanted to be an astronaut. He said: Find your purpose in life; recognize how far you are; draw a roadmap; if you dont know how, learn, and when you think youve made it, you probably have to work harder. Hernandezs story is told in the new Amazon Prime movie A Million Miles Away (rated PG) starring Michael Pena, Rosa Salazar and Julio Cesar Cedillo. Directed by Alejandra Marquez, the film is based on Hernandezs 2012 memoir, Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of a Migrant Farmworker Turned Astronaut. The film premiered on Amazon Prime on Sept. 15 in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and has remained at the No. 1 spot. Its so wonderful that that is being well received because my concern was that perhaps they would look at this as a plight of a Mexican immigrant family, but it's really more about family values, he said. A Million Miles Away opens with Hernandezs humble younger years growing up in a family of migrant workers who followed the harvest back and forth from California and Mexico. I learned the value of working and the ethics of responsibility early on, he said. Hernandez didn't speak English until he was 12, and due to the constant travel, he attended a number of different schools until his teacher, Miss Young, recognized his potential and encouraged his parents to help him pursue an education. Intent on becoming an astronaut, Hernandez worked tirelessly to pursue an education, earning bachelors and masters degrees in engineering. He worked for over a decade at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he co-developed the first digital mammography imaging system. Despite his success, his path to becoming an astronaut wasn't easy. A Million Miles Away highlights how he faced rejection from NASA 11 times but each rejection, he told CP, only made his desire to go to space stronger. I didnt take it wrong that NASA didn't select me, because there were over 12,000 that applied for 10 to 15 slots. So it's very competitive. I understood that. So, every time, I said, Ive just got to make myself more competitive so that NASA cant say no. I found out that most astronauts not only met the minimum requirements, which I did, but also were pilots or scuba-dived, were elite athletes or knew a third language. So, I said, Ive got to do this too. I didn't get frustrated because I was enjoying the consolation prize of having a graduate degree and working as an engineer at a world-premiere research facility. That wasn't a bad consolation prize. I was happy with who I was. It wasn't the end of the world if I never got selected. But aspiring to become an astronaut gave me so much joy. Youve got to enjoy the journey. If you're not enjoying the journey, chances are you've picked the wrong goal for yourself." Hernandez was finally accepted to NASAs training program in 2004 at the age of 42. He recalled the awe-inspiring moment of leaving Earth's atmosphere, describing the exhilarating ride from zero to 17,500 miles per hour and the intense pressure experienced during liftoff. Notably, it was Miss Young who sat next to Hernandez's parents as he blasted off into space. It was amazing, he said. I am one of less than 600 people who had the privilege of seeing our Earth from the outside. That's an exclusive club. To see Earth from the distance, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, Central America, you realize, Wow, we're just one race, the human race. And we're all God's children. How sad it is that humans have created borders because all they're designed to do is divide us. I wish our world leaders knew that, because we wouldn't be having the problems we have with Ukraine and Russia, North and South Korea, China and Taiwan, if they did. The film highlights the crucial role Hernandezs wife played in supporting him. After every rejection, it was Adela who encouraged him to keep pursuing his dream: I had perseverance, but thanks to my wife, that got converted to strategic perseverance, he said. Today, the couple has been married for over three decades and share five children: Julio, Karina, Vanessa, Marisol and Antonio. In a culture that often emphasizes instant gratification, Hernandez said instilling a strong work ethic and the value of hard work in children is crucial. All five of his children are college-educated, and the oldest has a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering with the dream of becoming an astronaut. "Teaching them values is essential," he said, adding his own parents taught him the importance of making sacrifices to secure a better future for their children. And it was ultimately his commitment to family that led him to prioritize his role as a parent over returning to space after 10 years with NASA and one shuttle flight. He recounted the moment when he returned from his space mission only to learn about the retirement of the Space Shuttle program. Reflecting on the lengthy gap between space shuttle programs, he considered the implications of returning to space. The kids were at the age when they really needed both parents making sure they stayed on the straight and narrow, he said. I thought it would have been way too much for my wife. And I said, I don't want to risk my marriage. I don't want to risk my kids' future, them make a wrong decision because I wasn't there to guide them. Today, Hernandez lives in Stockton, California and he still picks grapes with his father, who he said is very proud of him. However, theyre now picking grapes on their own vineyard, Tierra Luna Cellars, where they make and sell their own line of wines inspired by the constellations Hernandez saw from space. The former astronaut said hes hopeful for the future of space exploration, stressing that it keeps the U.S. at the forefront of technological advancements and competitive on the global stage. What better way to push the envelope of innovation than through space exploration? Because innovation and technology is the heartbeat of any country's economy, he said. You just have to look at India and China, and they're graduating a lot more engineers than we have. This means in the future, if we're not careful, they're going to be the technological innovators. We should keep pushing space exploration because that pushes technology, that pushes innovation, and that keeps the U.S. at the forefront of that and we remain competitive from a global economy perspective. Hernandez said he hopes his story is a testament to the power of faith, family and values and serves as an inspiration not only for aspiring astronauts but for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. I love the analogy of the monarch butterfly, he said. It starts in Canada and makes its way to a sanctuary for monarch butterflies in Mexico. Its several generations that it takes to make that trip to Mexico; it's not the same one. Thats exactly what my father and I did. We made that effort so that the next generation can go farther and farther. In the movie, my father says, We're not grasshoppers. We're all Monarch butterflies because we're trying to have our kids go a little further than what we can. And that's all we're doing. A Million Miles Away is now streaming on Amazon Prime. Gavin Newsom signs bill requiring gender-neutral bathrooms in California schools by 2026 California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed a series of LGBT-related bills, one of which requires all public schools to implement gender-neutral bathrooms by 2026. Newsom's office announced Saturday that the Democratic governor had signed the bills, including Senate Bill 760. The measure requires K-12 schools to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom by July 1, 2026, and the restroom must be available when students are present during school hours and school functions. Under the law, the restroom must have signage indicating that the space is open to all students. A school is only permitted to temporarily close the restroom if it's in need of repair or if there's a documented threat or immediate threat to student safety. Schools must also assign a staff member to ensure that the restroom complies with state law. "California is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, and we're committed to the ongoing work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all Californians," Newsom said in a Saturday statement. "These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities." The new laws also include legislation that requires families to show that they can meet the needs of children in foster care regardless of their sexual orientation or struggles with their gender identity. Another measure would create an advisory task force focused on addressing the needs of LGBT students. The signing of the bills comes as Newsom vetoed a law that would have required judges presiding over custody battles to consider whether a parent affirms their child's gender identity. The bill, AB 957, introduced by Democrat Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and co-authored by Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener, passed the state assembly earlier this month. In a statement explaining the veto, Newsom said he appreciates the "passion and values" that led to the bill's introduction but urged caution. "Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities," Newsom said. The governor also asserted that existing laws already require the courts to consider a child's well-being, including the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity. Wilson and Wiener disagreed with the governor's decision, with the latter describing the veto as "a tragedy for trans kids." Republican state Sen. Scott Wilk criticized the bill, calling on parents to leave California, as he warned that legislation like AB 957 would not stop at divorce proceedings. Earlier this year, a judge halted a Southern California school district policy requiring schools to tell parents if their child requests to identify as the opposite sex after Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the district over the policy. The Chino Valley School District (CVUSD) passed Policy 5020 in July, which required schools to inform parents within three days of becoming aware of a student's request to use a different name or pronoun or use the bathroom that doesn't align with their sex. Following the policy's approval, school board members were subjected to threats of violence. Bonta filed a lawsuit last month in the Superior Court of the State of California, arguing that the "forced disclosure" policy violates the state constitution. Bonta also claimed that the policy "unlawfully discriminates" against students who identify as trans or non-binary, stating that it "shoves" trans students who are not "out" at home "in the closet" while at school. The Murrieta Valley Unified School District passed a similar policy a month later in a 3-2 vote. The policy also requires schools to notify parents within three days of a student requesting to identify as the opposite sex. "The stakes are really high when you have young kids who are flirting with these different ideations about what their gender is at a very young age because right now, the state of California, for whatever reason, is intent on allowing minors to alter who they are physically," Clerk Nicolas Pardue said during the meeting. German Homeschool Family Takes Asylum Case to US Supreme Court An evangelical Christian family from Germany that fled to the United States to be able to homeschool their children has filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court against a lower court's ruling that they do not qualify for a political asylum. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), which is representing Uwe and Hannelore Romeike, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court to hear Romeike v. Holder, in which the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in April agreed with the Obama Administration's decision to revoke asylum granted to the family in 2010. "The United States should be a place of asylum for those who are persecuted because of their decision to follow their core religious beliefs," HSLDA Chairman and principal author of the petition, Michael Farris, said in a statement. "Parents, not the government, decide first how children are educated," added Farris, who filed the petition Thursday. "Germany's notorious persecution of families who homeschool violates their own obligations to uphold human rights standards and must end." The German Christian couple did not agree with some of the teaching children receive in public schools in their country. They began homeschooling, which is illegal in Germany. They sought political asylum in the United States and immigrated to Tennessee with HSLDA's help after paying about $10,000 in fines and watching the police apprehend their children and take them to the public school. The Romeike family was granted asylum by the original immigration judge, Lawrence O. Burman, under the Federal Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) on the premise that Germany's national policy of suppressing homeschooling violated their religious faith and that German authorities were improperly motivated to suppress homeschoolers as a social group. However, the Sixth Circuit six month ago rejected Burman's findings, stating that Germany's harsh treatment of homeschoolers did not amount to persecution and that the German authorities were not motivated by an improper purpose. In the case, the U.S. Justice Department argued that the freedom to choose to educate one's own children is not a fundamental right. "In virtually all other circuits, the Romeikes' chances of success would have been decisively higher," Farris argued. "But in this case, the Sixth Circuit created a new standard that dramatically departs from its own, as well as the Supreme Court's, jurisprudence in U.S. asylum law. The Supreme Court needs to settle this area of law." The HSLDA brief argues that the German Supreme Court's explicit approval for unequal treatment of homeschoolers for religious or philosophical reasons clearly violates human rights standards that the United States must recognize. HSLDA Director of International Relations Michael Donnelly drew attention to the seizing of the children of another German couple, Dirk and Petra Wunderlich, by German authorities, which sough "outrageous jail terms" because of homeschooling. "Germany's repression of homeschooling freedom is infecting other European nations and our country should send a message that the United States will provide a refuge for victims of persecution even from ostensibly free democratic countries like Germany," Donnelly said. The Wunderlichs were reunited with their four children last month, more than 20 days after armed police officers raided their home and forcibly took the children. At the time of the raid, the parents pleaded with the police saying they were willing to send their kids to public school if the police would not take them away. The police told them it was too late. HSLDA, believes that international pressure led to the court to send the Wunderlich children back to their parents. The petition regarding the Romeikes places considerable reliance on the statements of Germany's highest courts that explain that the purpose of the repression of homeschoolers was to prevent "religious and philosophical minorities" from developing into "parallel societies." A nation may require compulsory attendance and may impose reasonable rules related to educational quality, but no nation may exercise philosophical control over a child's education contrary to the parent's beliefs, HSLDA said. "These human rights protections were written in response to Germany's practices in the Nazi era," Farris said. "It is impossible to distinguish the German desire for philosophical conformity today from that of the 1930s. Children do not belong to any government in any decade." The White House posted a response to a petition to stop the deportation of the Romeikes, which received 127,258 signatures, in August. The White House does not respond to issues before the courts, the response said, but they understand why parents would value the freedom to homeschool. German Homeschoolers Reunited With Children That Were Seized by Government Dirk and Petra Wunderlich were reunited with their children Thursday after they were taken by their German government because the Wunderlichs homeschooled. The Wunderlichs had to agree to send their kids to public school before their kids were returned to them. On Aug. 29, armed police officers raided the Wunderlich's home and forcibly took their four children, ages 7 to 14. There were no accusations of abuse nor neglect. The Wunderlich's were homeschooling their kids, in violation of German law. The case has gained attention in the United States through the efforts of the Home School Legal Defense Association, which has been assisting the Wunderlichs. HSLDA encouraged its supporters to contact German officials and relay their support for the Wunderlichs. An article on the HSLDA website claims that thousands of Americans contacted the German embassy to complain about how the Wunderlichs were treated. HSLDA hopes that their efforts will "change Germany's attitude ... by embarrassing the authorities." At the time of the raid, the parents pleaded with the police. They agreed to send their kids to public school if the police would not take them away. The police told them at the time that it was too late to make such an agreement. Michael Farris, chairman of HSLDA, believes that the international pressure led to the court agreeing to return the Wunderlich children to their parents. "It's a small victory, but it's still a victory," Farris said. "... What we've seen today is a reversal in the German courts caused by the mounting international pressure from human rights advocates. This is a promising start to what will hopefully be a reversal on Germany's stance on homeschooling altogether." Farris believes that Germany's mistreatment of homeschoolers is part of a larger problem in Germany in which its citizens are not allowed to live according to the dictates of their conscience. "The way the parents were forced into complying with the government's wishes is only part of how Germany mistreats its citizens," he said. "The German government loves compromises as long as they ultimately get their way. They were fine with a Muslim teenager wearing a swimsuit with a head covering as long as she took part in co-ed pool activities despite her objections. And now they're fine that the Wunderlich family gets their children back as long as they attend a state school. The attitude of 'Our way or else' is still very much alive in a supposedly tolerant society." HSLDA has been helping another German homeschooling family, the Romeikes, that fled to the United States to avoid having their children seized from them. The Obama administration has been trying to deport the Romeikes back to Germany. In a last effort, HSLDA is petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to hear that case. Farris criticized the Obama administration for not speaking out about the Wunderlich case. "The State Department says it seeks to promote a greater respect for human rights on its website," he said. "It lists specific examples including freedom of expression and the protection of minorities, but what it doesn't mention is religious freedom. It is clear that the administration doesn't mind that religious homeschoolers in Germany are having their rights trampled upon by the way the Justice Department is going after the Romeike family." HSLDA Encouraging '5 Days of Prayer' That Supreme Court Will Take Homeschoolers Deportation Case The Home School Legal Defense Association has asked its supporters for "5 days of prayer" that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case of the Romeikes, a German homeschooling family that the Obama administration is attempting to deport. The Supreme Court will meet on Friday and announce its decision on Feb. 24. On Monday, Feb. 17, HSLDA sent a message to its supporters asking them to pray each day this week, Feb. 17-21. "We ask now if you will join us, beginning today, for five days of prayer? Let's join together and pray that the court will agree to hear HSLDA's appeal and that God will move in the hearts of the justices in favor of the Romeike family," the message says. Homeschooling is illegal in Germany. The Romeikes fled to the U.S. in 2008, with the assistance of the HSLDA, after they were threatened with the possibility of losing custody of the children. They were initially granted asylum by a U.S. district court. That decision, though, was appealed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The U.S. Justice Department sided with ICE in that and subsequent cases. In those cases, the Justice Department has argued that homeschooling is not a fundamental right and that banning homeschooling makes sense because it teaches tolerance of diverse views. Last May, a U.S. Appeals Court sided with ICE and the Justice Department, thus leaving the Supreme Court as the last chance for the Romeikes to appeal. In November, the Supreme Court ordered the Justice Department to respond to HSLDA's petition to hear the case. HSLDA attorney Jim Mason said that indicates that at least one justice believes the court should hear the case. The Supreme Court decides to hear cases based upon the "rule of four." If four of the nine justices agree, then the case will go before the court. "I believe we have made a strong and persuasive argument," Mason said. "The fact that the court ordered the Justice Department to respond seems to indicate that at least one justice is interested in the case, but now at least four justices must agree to hear the case." US Mint puts Methodist social reformer on new special quarter The U.S. Mint has released a quarter celebrating the life and accomplishments of Jovita Idar, a Mexican-American journalist and Methodist social reformer. The Mint held two ceremonies earlier this month to celebrate the release of the Idar quarter, one on Sept. 14 with the National Women's History Museum and another on Sept. 16 with the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum and the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Kristie McNally said in a statement there have already been over 34.6 million quarters featuring Idar that have gone into circulation. "That means that there [are] probably 34.6 million people that are learning about Jovita Idar each day, and for us to have the ability to share her story and her legacy with everyone is amazing," stated McNally. "Who better to honor on the eve of Hispanic Heritage Month than the woman who advocated for the preservation of Hispanic heritage through education and social services?" The Sept. 14 event occurred at the University of Texas at San Antonio. It featured a roundtable discussion that included members of Idar's family and retired United Methodist Church Bishop Joel Martinez. The Rev. Elizabeth A. Lopez, a UMC pastor who is one of Idar's grandnieces, told those gathered about the influence of her honored family member on her life. "Her commitment to The United Methodist Church's values of personal and social holiness prepared a way for me to confront the patriarchal constraints and racism that exists within the UMC," said Lopez in a statement shared by the UMC Rio Texas Conference. "Her [inherent] strengths to keep me going when I wanted to quit gave me and other Hispanic women the experience of ministry in cross-racial appointments. The commitment of her faith was an undercurrent for everything she did." Martha L. Aki, another grandniece who spoke at the event, recounted how Idar's brothers were a major source of support for their journalistic and reform efforts. "It was just Jovita and the boys all her brothers. She was an advocate for women's rights because she was supported by her brothers to be that woman," said Aki. "She was encouraged to study, get out there and write articles for La Cronica. For the dads out there: What you tell your little girl is extremely important. Not just the women, but the men were supportive of women's rights." The release of the Idar quarter was part of a four-year project by the U.S. Mint known as the American Women Quarters Program, which is centered on celebrating notable American women. In addition to Idar, other women honored by the program this year include Bessie Coleman, the first black and Native American woman to become a licensed pilot; Edith Kanakaole, a notable indigenous Hawaiian composer and custodian of native culture; Maria Tallchief, an influential Native American dancer who became the United States' first prima ballerina; and former First Lady and social reformer Eleanor Roosevelt. Earlier this year, it was announced that Pauli Murray, the first African American woman to be ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church and co-founder of the National Organization for Women, will be honored by the U.S. Mint with a quarter in 2024. Gavin Newsom's Child Gender Bill Veto, Texas Immigration Crisis, Netflix Controversy, Joni Eareckson Tada Released From Hospital link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:13 07:13 Top headlines for Tuesday, September 26, 2023 In this week's episode, we discuss California Governor, Gavin Newsom's veto of a bill focusing on gender identity and child custody cases. Then, we shift our lens to a Texas town grappling with a surge in illegal immigration, escalated crime rates, and the consequent closure of a vital international bridge. We'll also explore the stance of a children's safe media advocacy group warning against a controversial Netflix series featuring explicit content. Lastly, we share the inspiring resilience of Joni Eareckson Tada, Bible teacher, author and disabilities advocate, as she recovers from a severe bout of pneumonia. Subscribe to this Podcast Follow Us on Social Media Get the Edifi App Subscribe to Our Newsletter Links to the News Top headlines for Tuesday, September 26, 2023 In this week's episode, we discuss California Governor, Gavin Newsom's veto of a bill focusing on gender identity and child custody cases. Then, we shift our lens to a Texas town grappling with a surge in illegal immigration, escalated crime rates, and the consequent closure of a vital international bridge. We'll also explore the stance of a children's safe media advocacy group warning against a controversial Netflix series featuring explicit content. Lastly, we share the inspiring resilience of Joni Eareckson Tada, Bible teacher, author and disabilities advocate, as she recovers from a severe bout of pneumonia. Americans are divided but many agree on teaching this at school I don't have to remind most Americans there are countless polarizing debates about what kids are taught in public school. Heated arguments and sharp divides have emerged on various hot-button issues ranging from gun violence to mental health to racism and sexuality. But what do parents, teachers, and superintendents nearly universally agree on? Released time religious instruction a revolutionary phenomenon affirmed as legal by the Supreme Court is great for public school children. I have the privilege of spearheading the countrys fastest-growing released time religious instruction program, and I regularly meet with parents, teachers, and school officials. Not long ago, I had breakfast with a local superintendent. He had a reputation for being opposed to religious programs in his district, so I was intrigued by his request. At breakfast, after some very brief small talk, he shifted abruptly to his point. Joel, what is your vision for LifeWise Academy in my district? I told him we don't have any hidden agenda. LifeWise is a tool we offer to all communities, and if his community wants it, we're ready. His response left me stunned. Well, we're ready, he said without missing a beat. Our students need values, Joel. Other administrators I know have nothing but good things to say about LifeWise and its influence in their districts. I'll do whatever I can to get it running in my district. While I was not expecting that particular administrator's response, I was not at all surprised that this was the feedback he had gotten. Teaching the Bible to public school students, off school property, with parental permission, during school hours has made a tangible impact on these students outcomes. Ive devoted my career to this opportunity and have seen remarkable results with overwhelming approval from parents and school administrators. In a 2023 survey of 1,123 parents, a resounding 96% of parents say they recommend other parents enroll their children in our released time program. Furthermore, 77% of these parents also say our Bible classes help their children make better decisions. Educators also look favorably upon our religious instruction. Seventy-six percent of teachers surveyed agree their school and students have benefited from it, while only 8% disagree. Moreover, 65% of teachers say LifeWise positively impacts their students outlook, attitude, and motivation. One school district we serve recently reviewed the data on students most frequently referred to the principal's office for behavioral reasons. The students who did not attend released time Bible classes had increased numbers of office referrals from the first to second semester, while the office referrals for students who did attend released time dropped by more than 60%. Education researchers almost unanimously agree that religious education has a clear, significant, and positive impact on students. This clear, significant, and positive impact appears in the four major areas that communities are already deeply concerned about character education, mental health, academic outcomes, and community involvement. My friend Omar, a Muslim, is an attorney and sits on the city council where I live. If you can believe it, he is also a big proponent of our Bible classes for public school students. Why does a Muslim support a Christian program? Omar tells me its because kids need roots to anchor their lives. He wants to see us succeed because he believes it will help give students roots to grow a stable foundation on which they can thrive in life. Omar is like all of us in that we all want our students to thrive. But to do that, they need to develop good character. As Thomas Lickona writes in Character Education: The Heart of School Reform, Character provides the foundation for everything else. Without qualities such as good judgment, responsibility, the ability to overcome difficulties, and self-discipline students will be handicapped in all areas of their lives. Character is essential in todays digital society where our kids face opportunities and dangers that have never existed before. In our fast-paced, online world, where both information and decisions are presented to students at top speed, character is what will anchor them and help them cope wisely and effectively. A critical component downstream from character is mental health. In a review of 68 separate studies that examined the relationship between suicide and religion,84% found lower rates of suicide or more negative attitudes toward suicide among the more religious. As noted in the International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies, religious instruction can even help ease dread and anxiety, reduce personal and group tension and aggressiveness, allay fears, and moderate loneliness, depression, anomie, and/or feelings of entrapment and inferiority. When it comes to gun violence, bullying, and anxiety, or discussing controversial issues in the classroom, I dont get bogged down in polarizing debates. Instead, Im laser-focused on providing the foundation of Biblical education to help get at the root of these issues for all public school students. The evidence is already overwhelming. For the issues currently ailing our students, both parents and educators agree that the Bible offers timeless solutions we can depend on. The radical Supreme Court coup scheme America recently observed Constitution Day. On September 17, our nation celebrated the signing of the most remarkable document in our nations history. 236 years later, the Constitution is the worlds longest surviving written charter of government. It remains a guide and protector of our God-given rights and freedoms as Americans, including religious liberty. While many celebrate this foundational document, we cant ignore those who want to desecrate and destroy the Constitution. Today, this is perhaps most clear in the radical Supreme Court Coup the brazen scheme by extremists to take over the Court. A scan of headlines shows the judiciary is under assault like never before. Not a day goes by without an attempt to smear the reputation of Supreme Court justices. This also includes a concerted effort to push dangerous schemes such as court-packing, codes of ethics, judicial term limits or even stripping the Court of its power of judicial review. Whats the reason behind these attacks? Writing for National Review, William Duncan of the Sutherland Institute explained that its because of a misunderstanding of the Constitution and what it says about the role of the courts: Americans are developing a distorted view of the proper role of the U.S. Supreme Court, thanks to an ongoing torrent of criticism from the press, politicians, and activist groups. To protect the constitutional order, its time for voters to reacquaint themselves with the true purpose of the nations highest courtThe justices are meant to apply the law as written by Congress or ratified by the people, not to reflect public opinion, engineer policy outcomes, or carry out the agendas of politicians or activists. Attacks on the Supreme Court are only a symptom. The real problem boils down to a thirst for raw power. Its really about radical groups that dislike how the Constitution operates and the role it set out for the courts. The so-called need to reform the Supreme Court is nothing more than an attempt to get around the rules, even if it means destroying one of the institutional pillars that keeps our Republic standing. For many years, some in politics became accustomed to the Supreme Court rubber-stamping their agenda. If they couldnt achieve the results they wanted in the legislature, they could turn to the liberal majorities on the Supreme Court to legislate from the bench. But thats no longer the case. For the first time since the 1930s, the nations highest court has a reliable majority of justices who are applying the Constitution consistent with its original, plain meaning. It is correcting decades of bad law and harmful precedent, and returning to a more commonsense and historically faithful interpretation. Bottom line? Our nation is getting back to the Constitution. As First Liberty legal experts explain, this is really evident in the multiple victories for religious liberty that have taken place at the nations highest court in recent years. Because of these wins, Americans have more religious freedom now than theyve had in 50 years. That appears to be the reason behind the attempts to restructure Americas courts. Some of the nations most radical politicians and activist organizations have made clear everything is on the table in this scheme. They want to rig the Court by any means necessary even if it means destroying the Courts legitimacy and its independence, which have taken centuries to build. They prefer to trash the Supreme Court, if the alternative is for it to remain outside their control. Two centuries after its ratification, we should be tremendously grateful for the Constitution. As President Calvin Coolidge once said: To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race. And that means we cannot let our guard down. If the Constitution and our legal system are going to endure another 200+ years, we need to expose the lies of the Supreme Court Coup. This is the time when we need to spread the truth with our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. More Americans need to know that court-packing and attacks on the Supreme Court will ultimately destroy our constitutional order. Originally published at First Liberty. Why 20/20 gender vision doesnt cure spiritual blindness Who would have dreamed 15 years ago that so many Americans would suddenly begin rejecting the basic biological makeup of boys and girls? How can you explain such absurdity? And yet we are witnessing it before our very eyes. It reminds me of Romans 1:25: They exchanged the truth of God for a lie. Sadly, most people who downplay or even deny gender absolutes also happen to be spiritually blind, whereas most people with spiritual sight readily accept the biological reality that a persons gender at birth never changes. And then you have those people who are blessed with 20/20 gender vision, but who nevertheless suffer from spiritual blindness. It is all very curious, dont you think? It is natural to comprehend the biological differences between male and female, but it is supernatural to accept Jesus by faith and receive Him as your Lord and Savior (see John 1:12 & John 3:6). Scripture informs us: The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). Christians tend to marvel at how easy it is to see Jesus while being continually bewildered at why so many others fail to see the Lord. We often wonder, Why dont they get it? Compare our perplexity to the dismay of non-Christians who are blessed with 20/20 gender vision. They dont understand gender deniers any more than we understand gender deniers. Many non-Christians realize that it is impossible to change your gender, no matter how badly you may wish to do so. You can rebrand yourself with a new label, but you cannot alter your chromosomes. If you are a non-Christian with 20/20 gender vision, you should be able to relate at least a little bit to how Christians view your spiritual condition. We find it difficult to understand why you dont get Jesus, even though, as the recent national ad campaign put it: He gets us. We are perplexed as to why someone with your intelligence and your ability to solve problems nevertheless fails to see the true nature of your sin problem, as well as the only solution that is available. You fail to see the Savior who loved you enough to die on the cross for your sins. We are baffled by your persistent refusal to humble yourself before the One you will stand before on Judgment Day. We are left scratching our head every time you turn down Gods gracious offer of everlasting life in Heaven, and every time you refuse to repent and turn to God for forgiveness and salvation. It is surprisingly similar to the way you are mystified by those gender deniers who lack 20/20 gender vision. You find yourself in utter disbelief that so many people in recent years have chosen to reject something as basic and fundamental as gender distinctions. They dont seem to realize that biology is not bigotry. Those of us who know the Lord want everyone with 20/20 gender vision to see Jesus just as clearly as they see the science of gender. Unfortunately, many people with 20/20 gender vision remain spiritually blind and oblivious to what God did to rescue their soul from sin, death, and the devil. Who knows? You might even be one of them. Do you see the difference between male and female, and yet fail to see the Redeemer who is 100% God and 100% Man? Do you recognize that a persons birth gender is immutable, yet remain oblivious to the fact that God sent His only Son to be sacrificed on the cross for your sins? Do you wish that people who reject gender absolutes would come to their senses, while you yourself continue to ignore the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? If you have not yet embraced this historical absolute, you suffer from spiritual blindness. It is mind-boggling to think that so many people with 20/20 gender vision continue to walk in spiritual darkness. There is no natural explanation for this sad fact, but only a spiritual one. As Scripture explains, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan blinds people from seeing Jesus. And while the devil is a created being whose power is no match for Gods power, this dark angel nevertheless does have the supernatural ability to blind your mind and keep you confined in spiritual chains. Gender deniers have a big problem, but Jesus deniers are in much hotter water that is only going to get far worse unless they repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). When your soul gets converted through faith in Christ, you suddenly see Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you trust Him to wash away all of your sins. And so, at the very least, will you ask God to open your eyes to see the truth about your sin and the Savior? Jesus said, God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Believe and receive, and you will see Jesus for the very first time. 130 years of girls' empowerment: the history of the Girls' Brigade A journey through the Girls' Brigade physical archives is a journey through time. It's a small room tucked away at headquarters, and could be mistaken for a storage cupboard filled with donations from previous members and volunteers. But if you take some time to dig through the boxes of old badges, the uniforms, the photographs, the hats and the hundreds of carefully bound issues of the GB newsletters, a story begins to unfold the story of young women who, for 130 years, have participated in an organisation that has offered them significant and empowering opportunities starting years before women in the UK even had a vote. 2023 marks 130 years since Girls' Brigade began. They have existed in tandem with the women's equality and empowerment movements of the 1900s and they continue to equip young girls to grow in confidence to change their communities. So, what's changed since the beginning of the organisation for its members and for girls' rights? Take a walk through the archives to find out... 1893 In a time when women didn't have the vote and they had to fight for their right to formal education, an organisation began for girls. Girls' Brigade started as a regular PE session during Sunday School in Ireland, but soon became a formally recognised girls-only group the first of its kind. 1902 Before the Scouts or the Guides began, Girls' Brigade groups were being established across the UK. These Christian groups offered a place for girls to meet outside of church and encouraged self-reliance and responsibility as a woman. 1919 The Parliament Act 1918 was passed, allowing women to be elected to parliament for the first time. This January 1919 issue of The Life Brigade Chronicle reminds the young women of the importance of the milestone and the responsibility they have moving forward. 1940 A meeting of the Girls' Brigade was cancelled one evening after their city became the landing place for thousands of soldiers from Dunkirk. One of the chief items on the agenda that evening was to figure out how to care for and host the refugees who were expected to arrive, so rather than meet a notice went up, "Meeting cancelled. Please come and help feed 850 hungry heroes." 1950s Young girls work towards earning badges in hundreds of areas including first aid, PE, skipping, knitting, music, map reading and cooking. 1966 A recognisable fixture of the local community, Girls' Brigade members along with their leaders become close-knit groups, building friendships and learning new skills. Some groups had a youth marching band. 1976 The Girls' Brigade continued to reach out into the community wherever possible. Fundraising initiatives like a bring and buy sale and coffee morning in Leigh-on-Sea raised money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. 1970s - The Girls' Brigade network became even bigger. Girls had the opportunity to join with their peers to try a whole wealth of new things. New awards like public speaking, accident prevention, hosting, camping, travelling, international friendship and DIY reflected the new opportunities that women had to change and improve their communities across the country and across the world. 1993 Girls' Brigade celebrates its 100th anniversary the organisation has now expanded globally into Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. A vast network of past members shared their favourite things about being a part of the organisation and find that it's not changed too much one group leader from West Sussex, Margaret Taylor shares, "It's always been a safe place for all girls where they can be themselves and can be encouraged in their potential. We've consistently had a place for girls to grow and enjoy themselves and in the process become an important part of the community." One thing that does change is the uniforms! Girls' Brigade members no longer wear the hats, tunics, pinafores or blazers instead uniting in presentation colourful polo shirts. 2009 - New programme materials were launched to include topics such as ''Our Feelings', 'Inner Beauty', 'World Need' and 'Be the Change' to reflect topics relevant to the world young people are living in today. Today There are 6,000 young people and over 2,300 volunteers in Girls' Brigade England and Wales. Over 130 years, the organisation has been championing young girls to grow and learn and prepare them for life ahead. Now, the opportunities for girls are boundless but unlike the uniforms, this hasn't changed: having a group of peers and leaders cheering you on is one of the most significant ways women can be empowered today. Girls today can make life choices that women 130 years ago couldn't have made. Girls are growing up in a world that is changing fast, but organisations focused on female empowerment and opportunity have played an important role throughout history in shaping the women of today. To find out more about Girls' Brigade today and what it looks like in your community, go to girlsbrigadeministries.org.uk Do you need Jesus to get to heaven? The question was simple. However, the answer had complexity. On the one hand, how did God respond to people before Jesus' birth? Is there a strict New Testament era that sees only those that call on the name of Jesus as saved? On the other hand, isn't getting to heaven just about the "good news" of the Bible? Ultimately, getting into heaven (a.k.a being saved / having a living relationship with God) is a gracious gift. It is something that only God can do. In fact, most religions acknowledge the foundational truth of humanity that we are separated from God because of our sin. People, as His creation, reject the Creator. From this foundational truth most faiths offer a solution to reconcile humanity and restore this broken relationship. Strategies Some faiths offer up sacrifices hoping this will appease an angry God. Others promote good works hoping God is impressed by this obedience. However, the Christian faith sees this reconciliation completed in Christ. Christ sacrifices Himself in our place to wipe away the penalty for our rejection of God. But we come back to our question: do you need contact with Jesus to be saved? Is Jesus the only solution? Jesus said He is the only One that can fix this problem (John chapter 14). His perfect sacrifice reconciles us to God. Jesus saves However, what about the Old Testament era people? The key is that it is still Jesus that saves. Those people still trusted in a God that provides a way back to a relationship with Himself. In the Old Testament, God promised that He would send a Rescuer to do this: His Messiah/Christ (see Hebrews chapter 11 as an example of the faith they had in what God would do). Consider Rahab the prostitute in Joshua chapter 2 onwards. She was saved because she knew she was separated from God and facing judgement. However, she also had faith that this God could save her. The physical protection she found from the fall of Jericho was a foreshadowing of the spiritual protection she found in trusting Jesus as this promised Messiah. She may not have known Jesus' name, but she knew that God could be trusted to save her. In essence, Christ saved her. Ultimately, God has it all under control. He has the power to save. The challenge is what will you do with this Jesus you have heard now about? He is the one that "gets you into heaven." You have that choice to trust in Him. To find out more check out HERE Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the 20th century's great and counter-cultural champion of expository preaching On the 10th anniversary of the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust, Greg Jones, CEO of the Trust, looks back on Lloyd-Jones' life, legacy and impact on modern-day Christian leaders. He's been described as a 'titanic figure' of the 20th century. Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones' powerful preaching and passion for the gospel made him one of the most influential preachers in the world. A champion of expository preaching, Lloyd-Jones often took months, or even years to expound a chapter of the Bible. His dedication to the word of God inspired Christians from around the world to flock to Westminster Chapel, with several thousand listening to each of his sermons. His commitment to exposition continues to inspire many of the greater preachers today, and his sermon recordings have been listened to almost 20 million times online. "Lloyd-Jones was without question the finest biblical expositor of the 20th century," said Dr John F MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. "When the final chapter of church history is written, I believe he will stand as one of the greatest preachers of all time. His style of biblical exposition was meticulously thorough and yet full of energy." Born in Cardiff at the end of the 19th century, five years before the start of the Welsh revival, Lloyd-Jones went on to become a medical student at St Bartholomew's Hospital after attending a grammar school in London throughout World War I. In 1921, he started work as the assistant to the Royal Physician, Sir Thomas Horder, and after obtaining his medical degree from the University of London, the young graduate was held in such high esteem that he was touted to be the next Royal Physician. However, it was at this time that Lloyd-Jones began to sense a call to preach from the Lord, and he spent the next two years struggling to decide whether to sacrifice his medical position to become a 'physician of the soul' instead. In 1927, after marrying Bethan Phillips, he accepted an invitation to minister at a struggling church in Aberavon, Port Talbot. After a decade ministering in Wales, he was appointed as the Associate Pastor of London's Westminster Chapel, alongside G. Campbell Morgan. But the day before he was due to be officially accepted into the position, World War II started in Europe. Though he continued to minister at Westminster Chapel, Lloyd-Jones moved with his wife and two children to Haslemere, Surrey, for safety as the Blitz devastated the capital. G Campbell Morgan then retired in 1943, leaving Lloyd-Jones as the only remaining pastor at Westminster Chapel, where he stayed until his retirement in 1968. It was while ministering at Westminster Chapel that Lloyd-Jones first became famous for his expository preaching style. Chris Larson, President and CEO of Ligonier Ministries said, "Lloyd-Jones had a depth and thoroughness to his preaching that offered a gospel focus that always brought the listener to Jesus. There was a timelessness in the way he communicated the Word, and his commitment to steady, deliberate exposition was amazing. To honour God's Word by never leaving a single verse behind was inspiring." Such was the impact of Lloyd-Jones' sermons that members began to record them on tapes, and they were also printed in the weekly Westminster Record. Throughout his life, Lloyd-Jones was strongly opposed to the liberalisation of Christianity which he had seen become a growing force in a number of UK denominations. He encouraged Christians at these denominations, particularly Anglicans, to leave and believed that the church could only be united if Christians held common convictions regarding the nature of the faith. This approach led to a major dispute in 1966 at the National Assembly of Evangelicals when prominent Anglican evangelical John Stott publicly criticised Lloyd-Jones, arguing that his opinion was against the example of the Bible. The clash generated a lot of attention in the Christian press and brought widespread controversy. Though Stott subsequently apologised to Lloyd-Jones, the following year saw the inaugural National Evangelical Anglican Congress, which rejected the separationist approach proposed by Lloyd-Jones. The existence of the two conferences had far-reaching impact, helping to cement the direction of a significant portion of the British evangelical community to this day. "Lloyd-Jones was not afraid to be strident in his sermons," said Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor of Parkside Church, Cleveland. "He was brilliant, he was compelling, and he knew his purpose in the pulpit. He was an incredibly intelligent man, but his intellect never intruded on his preaching. He didn't carry people with the force of his personality, but with the strength of his conviction." Lloyd-Jones retired from his ministry at Westminster Chapel in 1968, following a major operation. For the rest of his life he counselled other ministers, attended conferences and helped to edit his sermons so that they could be published. Lloyd-Jones' final sermon took place on the 8th of June 1980 at Barcombe Baptist Chapel. He died peacefully in his sleep less than a year later and was buried at Newcastle Emlyn in west Wales. However, his preaching style and theology has lived on through new generations of Christian leaders. Greg Jones is President of the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust. Lloyd-Jones' sermons can still be listened to today for free on the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Trust's website, app and YouTubechannel. To listen to his sermons, visit MLJTrust.org. Meeting God in the midst of bereavement Jonny Wicks, a former policeman and father of three, lost his wife Rachel to a brain aneurysm in 2019. Although greatly devastated, Wicks recounts how his Christian faith carried him through this extremely difficult time. Four years on he is now remarried and now works at Leprosy Mission as a Partnerships Manager. Christian Today spoke with Jonny to hear about how God helped him to process Rachel's death, the comfort he received from the Bible, and what his role at Leprosy Mission means to him. Tell me about your late wife Rachel. We met at university in 2003 in Sheffield on our first weekend there. I was walking to church one evening and I noticed there was a girl following me. When I got into church she came in about 30 seconds after and we spoke. She said she was trying to find the church but didn't know where it was. She had seen the Bible in my hand so just followed me! That girl was Rachel and we started dating at the end of the first year. After university in 2006 she went back to Cheshire where she was from and I went back to Cambridgeshire. We did not want to be apart for too long, so we got married in September 2007 and she moved up to Peterborough. We had three children, Harry who was born in March 2014, Josh, born in 2016, and Jude who was born in February 2019. It was in early July 2019, when Jude was four months old, that Rachel passed away. What was special about Rachel? Many things. She was someone who was very gentle and cared about people. She was very unassuming and also very prayerful. Months after she passed I found notebooks with prayers for me, the boys and people at church. She was just lovely and I think everybody would say that she didn't have a harsh bone in her body. She was also a devoted mother - the boys absolutely loved her. That was probably the hardest thing to deal with: knowing that she loved them and the younger two not really having any memory of that. How did God help you process the loss of your wife? I remember in the hospital being in a little room and having just had the news shared with me, initially it was devastating. There was a Bible in the room and I asked the nurse to read Romans 8 from verse 18 to the end of the chapter. After she read it I felt this immediate peace. I knew God was there with me in that moment. I asked a nurse if I could pray and I remember vividly praying the words of Job, "The Lord gives, the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." I think back on it now, how on earth could you say that?! But that was God's spirit at that time just filling my soul with what I needed. God was incredible through his people. I will always be in debt to my church because they were amazing. They showed me so much love, grace and kindness. I just needed people to be with me, and so many came and sat and just wept and prayed with me. They supported me practically as well. I didn't cook a meal for about three months because people were always bringing food and cakes for us every week. I went back to work eight weeks after it happened and there was a family in the church who had three teenage kids so they said they would have the boys every Monday from eight in the morning until tea time. I would go and have dinner with them as well and then we would go home at about 7PM every single Monday. They did this for three and a half years until I got remarried. And there was another lady in the church who would come and clean my house every week. It was still challenging and painful and single parenting during that whole journey was a real challenge but God is so faithful and He looked after us and I will forever be thankful. What Bible verses were your greatest source of comfort during this period? Rachel was in hospital from Wednesday and she passed on the following Saturday. I remember Friday being with her and reading "for those who love God all things work together for good" and I circled "all things" because I was really convicted on that day. That phrase, "all things", kept coming back to me. We have to trust God in all things, good and bad. He is a faithful God and how do I know he's a faithful God? He is going to give me all the things I need to walk through this life and remain close to him. How do I know that? Because he gave me Jesus. If he's given me his own son he is going to give me all the things I need. Three months after Rachel passed, in our small groups at church we were reading through Job and Job was asking the Lord, why has this happened to me? I have not once thought why has God done this to me. I think this is because He has kept reminding me that I don't understand it. He's working these things through and I just have to trust him - and I do. What were the years following Rachel's death like for you and your sons? They were very hard. The way I've described this time before is that it was very grey. There was very little joy and little colour to our lives. That's not to say that the boys don't bring me joy but everything was harder. I found it very challenging being a single parent in that context despite the fact that I had so much help and support. I'm genuinely quite laid back as a dad but I just found myself to be snappy or getting short with the boys. That was painful because I did not want to be grumpy. Nine or ten months after Covid hit we couldn't see other people, it was just me and the boys. I think this was partly a blessing because life seems to get very busy quickly. What advice would you give to others who have lost a partner or spouse? Christians should just throw themselves on the Lord. I think everyone processes bereavement differently and for me I found just talking to people and being with people very helpful. I know other people don't want all of that contact. Initially you need to do what's most comfortable for you just to get by. But throw yourself on the Lord because the worst thing that you can do is to cut yourself off from Him. It's only his peace that can make a difference. As a human it's devastating, it's life changing, it's the worst thing that you can imagine, so only the Lord's peace will make a difference. Keep going to him, keep pleading with him, just cry out to him. How was your own faith impacted during this difficult time? I don't think I've ever felt closer to the Lord. In my heart I just desired to serve him and to be near him. During those few months I think that whole experience just strengthened my faith. In some ways I'm sad that I don't have that same reaction now. I think it's almost our sinful nature that when things are going well we think 'I'm all right, I've got this'. When you cling to God he makes himself very real to you. It certainly made me bolder in terms of sharing my faith. What surprised you most about grief? Probably that it pervades everything. There's no part of your life when you're grieving that it doesn't touch. And it's so raw. Constantly there will be something that happens, a memory, even a smell or you will see something and that becomes a stab to the heart all over again. I think that will always be there despite knowing where Rachel is - particularly with the kids. They will do something and suddenly I'll think, Rachel would love to see this! What excites you most about your role at Leprosy Mission and how did the role come about? The boys and I received so much love and compassion, I wanted to do something to give this back. I started looking at charity jobs, particularly Christian charity jobs, and this role came up. I am essentially a liaison for our supporters to keep them informed as to what is happening across the world and then feedback to them the impact they are having. It is also a role where I can do creative writing. I have the opportunity to write about what is happening and share the stories of people affected by leprosy. I applied and just prayed that God would give me peace about it because leaving the police seemed like a huge step. But I've never regretted it. I love the job so much and I feel privileged to be able to do what I do and honour people affected by leprosy. I am able to share the stories of people whose lives have been transformed, and I love sharing the stories of the staff who are serving faithfully in leprosy mission hospitals across the world. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasised that the Indo-Pacific is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges, including boundary disputes and piracy. He made the statement at the inaugural address of 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) here. The minister reiterated Indias stand for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific Region in the pursuit of shared security and prosperity. He defined 'Neighbourhood First' as the cornerstone of Indias culture since time immemorial. Indias approach to the region is defined by its 'Act East Policy'. Singh added that India's efforts towards building robust military partnerships with friendly countries underscore its commitment to not only safeguard national interests, but also address global challenges faced by all. He suggested that the three-day event discuss ways to enhance interoperability during the HADR operations. "Extreme weather events and natural disasters have become a new normal rather than being an exception and are major challenges in our region. It is our responsibility that the climate change-related concerns of small island nations of the Indo-Pacific are given the importance that they deserve, as these bear the brunt of climate change as an existential crisis. Climate change also threatens their economic security. The economic impact of climate change and extreme weather create a demand for climate-resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure. There is a need to understand the compulsions and perspectives of all our partner nations as well as sharing expertise and resources," he said. Rajnath Singh added that while it is a difficult task to arrive at a consensus plan of action in a big group, however, with determination and empathy, it is not impossible. He referred to the recently concluded G20 summit and stated that the group of countries adopted the New Delhi Leaders Declaration with consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues, making it historic and path-breaking. Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chiefs of Armies and delegates of 35 countries were present on the occasion. Singh explained his vision through a theoretical model by American author and speaker Stephen R. Covey, which is based on two circles 'Circle of Concern' and 'Circle of Influence'. He said, "The 'Circle of Concern' encompasses everything one cares about, including things which can be controlled and things which cannot. It includes a wide range of external factors and issues such as global events, economic conditions, other people's opinions, weather and many other aspects of life. The 'Circle of Influence' comprises things over which one has direct control or can exert some degree of influence. It may involve your attitudes, behaviours, decisions, relationships and actions." Applying this model to the domain of international relations, the Defence Minister said, "There may be instances when the 'circles of concern' of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones of any country, are relevant examples. This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation." Singh termed the IPACC, Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF) "one of the largest brainstorming events" of land forces in the region. These events provide a unique opportunity to build common perspectives towards a shared vision and build & strengthen partnerships in the spirit of collaborative security for all, he said. If you want to look into the future, sometimes you have to be able to predict it. Swiss energy services company IWB has a vision of a world with a fully renewable, climate-friendly energy supply. Not long ago, though, that goal seemed difficult to conceptualize. For many years, IWBs distribution grid supplied customers with electricity exclusively produced by large, centralized power plants. Grid feed-in characteristics were heavily dependent on solar irradiation and could fluctuate. But because electricity consumption was easy to gauge, there was no urgency for measuring current and low voltage power flows. That changed in 2017 when Swiss voters approved an energy act that would reduce the countrys dependency on fossil fuels by 2050. To help realize this vision, private households began using electric cars and installing heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) systems, converting light into electricity. In IWBs supply area the Canton, or state, of Basel-Stadt there are more than 1,700 solar PV systems, with an annual growth of approximately 300. The new installations shifted the consumption trend, resulting in a higher network load, impacting electric utility company distribution grids. It was imperative for IWB to assess the level of solar power production. But the measuring solution was complex and required frequent manual adaptions as solar PV systems increased. Without real-time power measurements, estimated power values were being used. Unfortunately, these were frequently inaccurate. The increasing amount of decentralized solar photovoltaic systems represents a challenge for planning and operating our distribution grid, explained Daniel Grossenbacher, IWBs Asset Management supervisor. Without knowing how much power is actually being fed into the grid, a grid-friendly control of this renewable energy source is difficult to achieve. If IWB hoped to fulfill its mission of helping to usher in a fully renewable future, an intelligent solution had to be developed to accurately predict solar power production. Merging the data IWB Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB) emerged from the private gas industry in 1852, becoming an electric company in 1899. Since 2010, IWB has been an independent company owned by the Canton of Basel-Stadt, supplying the region with electricity, heat, drinking water, and telecom and mobility solutions, as well as producing and selling renewable and CO2-neutral energy. As the company conceptualized the best measuring solution, planners understood the importance of integrating existing data from diverse sources. While scoping and modeling the project, IWB relied on support from SAPs Global Center of Excellence and Customer Advisory, providing both business and application expertise to organizations engaged in SAP implementations and optimizing existing ones. Throughout the development process, IWBs IT team worked closely with the multi-national, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software leader. SAP helped us to connect and combine our internal utility-related knowledge to build a valuable tool which supports us securing the performance of the grid, said Marcel Holzer, manager of SAP systems at IWB. Already, SAPs energy management data (EDM) solution was being used to store information gathered by the smart meters measuring the power production of each of the various solar PV systems. The problem was that the smart meters were only feeding their data once a day. As a result, total load calculations were not being provided to the grid control center in time. The new platform would alleviate this dilemma by using machine learning (ML) algorithms, along with source data accessed by SAPs Data Warehouse Cloud. Analytics would allow users to gain immediate insights into circumstances. The combination of the smart meter data and weather forecast information would provide a calculated load profile in real-time, driving solar power production for the near future. Digitalization pillar The new automated system was deployed earlier in 2023, freeing IWB from ongoing manual intervention while taking an intelligent approach to forecasting the next days electricity production from solar PV systems. With ML producing a total load profile in 15-minute intervals, forecasters could view solar production in eight-hour chunks. As solar PV systems are added, the calculation methods automatically adapt. The increased transparency allows IWB to quickly mitigate risks and develop short- and long-term countermeasures. The solution has become a pillar of IWBs digitization strategy, receiving international acclaim. This year, the company was honored as a winner in the Cutting Edge Genius category at the SAP Innovation Awards. The annual ceremony celebrates organizations incorporating SAP technologies to effect change. You can read IWBs pitch deck for the full details behind their amazing achievement that earned them this prestigious award. Pro-Khalistani protests held outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada Several Khalistan supporters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto following Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of India's involvement in the murder of radical Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in Surrey on June 18 this year with Khalistanis across Canada holding Indian diplomats responsible for his death. In downtown Vancouver, around 75 people gathered outside the Consul General of India on Monday chanting pro-Khalistani slogans, where demonstration was staged atop a large flag of India placed on the wet ground, the CBC news outlet reported. Vancouver police closed the 300 block of Howe Street in anticipation of the event -- called by Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) -- which came amid a heavy police presence. Meera Bains, a Sikh-Canadian journalist posted a video of the protest on X, which showed a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi garlanded with slippers. She wrote: "Protest in front of the Indian consulate underway on Howe Street in Vancouver. So far a few dozen people but very organised with flags, signs, loud speakers, and PM Modi image on cardboard." Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of SFJ, which was banned by India in 2019, was also present during the protests in Vancouver, and said that they are here "to shut down every Indian Consulate in the world today because the Indian back face has come to the front face". While announcing the protests a week ago, Pannun had said that they would also be calling for the expulsion of High Commissioner Sanjay Verma. Pannun, whose properties in Punjab were recently confiscated by the Indian government, had recently released a video with a view to divide Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada, asking all Hindus of Indian-origin to go back to their mother country. In Toronto and Ottawa, around 70 people demonstrated in front of the Indian High Commission, calling India to cooperate with the Canadian government in the investigation of Nijjar's murder. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Trudeau's allegations that India was behind the killing of Nijjar -- a designated terrorist in India. India rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated". Beginning this year, Khalistanis across the US, the UK, Australia and Canada have been calling referendums, vandalising Hindu temples and Indian missions and installations with spiteful anti-India graffiti. Following Nijjar's death in June, the Sikh radicals have unleashed a poster war across Canada, blaming Indian diplomats and High Commissioner Verma for the killing. 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 People in Need (PIN) Moldova este in cautarea unui grup de experti pentru a organiza si facilita un curs de formare de doua zile privind scrierea si raportarea proiectelor Over a month after it happened, the police raid of Kansass Marion County Record looks increasingly like a clear case of official retaliation against a local newspaper. Marion police chief Gideon Cody was allegedly upset that the Record had investigated him. When a local restaurateur accused its journalists of breaking the law, he found a judge willing to approve a search warrant based on a false affidavit, and that was that. But another narrative emerged in the raids aftermath: that the Record was asking for trouble through its aggressive approach to small-town journalism. The real story of how it happened, read a Washington Post subheading, is rooted in the roiling tensions and complex history of a few key community members. The New York Times added that the raid had uncorked a debate over the question of What is a newspapers role, anyway? and whether a local paper has a dutyto be a booster for the places it covers. If that debate is actually happening, its not because newspapers like the Record are crossing the line by agitating small-town officials. Its because those officials have grown unaccustomed to healthy scrutiny. And perhaps some of their constituents have forgotten the benefits of a robust Fourth Estate. In 2019, the United States had 6,700 newspapers, compared with 9,000 in 2004. That doesnt even account for more recent closures, including those forced by COVID. Newsrooms are shutting down at a rate of two a week. And that also doesnt include the countless papers that, while still publishing, are shells of their former selves and no longer equipped to serve as watchdogs against abuses of power. The prevalence of news deserts has apparently led some to think its normal for neighborhood news outlets to function as lapdogs rather than watchdogs. A Marion grocery store owner told the Times that the local paper should of course be positive about everything that is going on in Marion, and not stir things up and look at the negative side of things. Fluff pieces may be good for business (at least in the short term), but we wouldnt need a First Amendment if the presss role were to applaud the status quo. Cody agreed with the store owner. He told the Post, If you live in Marion, you understand. If you dont live in Marion, you dont understand. (Cody has lived in Marion for five months.) By the time that comment was published, the Kansas City Star had revealed that Cody resigned from his prior position in Kansas City, Missouri, earlier this year to avoid a demotion. The Record then reported on the laundry list of complaints against Cody that it receivedbut did not publishat the time he was hired. If anything, it seems that the Record should have been more aggressive in revealing the truth about Cody before Marion hired him. The ordeal also belies the notion that small towns dont need journalism because everyone knows each other and holds their friends accountable. Marion County has almost twelve thousand people. Small-town politicians and elites may all know each other, but there are still plenty of people outside the bubble. The presss job is to bring them in. And even towns far smaller than Marionwhere everyone actually might know each otherare by no means always exemplars of good government. The truth is that the powerful complain about aggressive media coverage everywhere, not just in small towns. Find me a government of any size that doesnt think the press is too hard on it. The difference is that small-town officials often have far greater ability to meaningfully retaliate against negative coverage rather than just complaining about it. That can mean filing frivolous SLAPP suits or pulling contracts for legal notices. These efforts are especially likely to succeed in small towns because the more desperate news outlets become for money, the more susceptible they become to intimidation and self-censorship. Fortunately, the Record was not intimidated and Codys raid backfired. The national media has shined a spotlight on his antics, and editorial boards and locals alike want him fired. Hes also being sued for allegedly snatching the phone of a Record journalist who had nothing to do with the news tip he cited to obtain the warrant (but who had investigated him). And, better late than never, the Record has exposed his background so the people of Marion can hold their elected officials accountable for hiring him in the first placeand make sure it doesnt happen again. Thats well worth stirring things up. Seth Stern is the director of advocacy for Freedom of the Press Foundation. He previously worked as a first amendment lawyer and journalist. In November 2014, at a time before President Trump took office, fake news and the acceleration of Americans dwindling trust in media, Rolling Stone published a viral sensation of a story called A Rape on Campus. At that time, the venerable music magazine had been around for nearly fifty years and was experiencing something of a renaissance as a no-nonsense, indefatigable home of hard-hitting journalism, as chronicled in Sticky Fingers, Joe Hagans unauthorized 2017 biography of the magazines founder and longtime editor in chief, Jann Wenner. An explosive 2010 profile of General Stanley McChrystal, in which he ridiculed President Barack Obama as unprepared, led to the generals resignation. Rolling Stone staffer Matt Taibbi had become something of a sensation with his acerbic essays; in one, he referred to investment bank Goldman Sachs, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, as a great vampire squid. A Rape on Campus was an especially harrowing account of a gang rape of a young woman at a University of Virginia fraternity house and a deeper exploration of sexual assault on school campuses nationwide. The story was told entirely from the recollection of the victim, referred to only by the pseudonym Jackie. But Jackies story quickly fell apart upon closer inspection by journalists at the Washington Post and Salon. Amid a firestorm of criticism, Wenner asked the Columbia Journalism School to produce an independent audit of what happened, hoping it would, in his words, somewhat exonerate us, if not for our practices, at least for our integrity and intentions. But our report didnt exonerate Rolling Stone. We found a host of basic reporting, editing, and fact-checking failures and wrong turns that were avoidable. The fallout was swift and severe. The UVA story ruined the careers of both its lead reporter and lead editor. Our report formed the basis of two libel trials that the magazine lost, resulting in judgments of $2.5 million to a university administrator and $1.65 million to the fraternity. Wenner, who by 2020 had sold his magazine to Penske Media, has described the episode, borrowing a phrase from late Rolling Stone luminary Hunter S. Thompson, as a Million-Pound Shit Hammer. More distressingly, the retracted story had the negative effect of increasing public skepticism about legitimate reports of sexual assault and rape, especially those that arent easily reportable. Most of this would be in the rearview mirror had Wenner not revisited the subject in an interview with the New York Times, in which he defended himself and the magazine he founded. Wenners unfortunate comments about female and Black musicians have garnered the most attention, and rightfully so. (Hes since apologized for his choice of words.) But Wenner also continued his quixotic attempt to absolve both himself and his beloved magazine of blame in the UVA rape case. Describing the retraction and resulting libel trials to the Times as one of the most miserable professional experiences Ive ever had, Wenner defended his professional reputation and that of Rolling Stone, concluding that the retracted story didnt represent some terrible black mark. Yes, the magazines journalists, in Wenners words, should have been tighter, meaning tougher and more discerning of their subjects. They opted not to interview people who could corroborate Jackies story, in his telling, as to avoid further identifying and victimizing her. (Our report found that, in reality, both the reporter and the editor on the story had sought to interview three friends whom Jackie claimed to confide in but, for various reasons, gave up.) In the end, Wenner argues, Rolling Stone was among the victims, along with the university, the fraternity, and the defamed parties. Likening Rolling Stones retraction to journalistic scandals at the Washington Post and at the Times itself, Wenner offered, to interviewer David Marchese, a takeaway of sorts: I think the lesson I learned is, yes, it does happen to everybody. We wrote the Columbia Journalism School report and spent months interviewing Rolling Stones journalists and the subjects of that story. In preparing the report, we reviewed the journalistic scandals that Wenner is referring to, those of Janet Cooke at the Post in the early 1980s, Stephen Glass at the New Republic in the 1990s, and Jayson Blair at the Times in the early 2000s. Those failures involved three reporters who, seeking a degree of fame in a competitive industry that, at the time, lacked appropriate guardrails, fabricated characters and stories wholesale and published them as fact. We can say, with a high degree of confidence: Failures like the Rolling Stone UVA story, involving a disregard of 101-level reporting and basic due diligence, do not happen to every newsroom. It is, thankfully, the exceedingly rare exception. Unreliable or outright false narratives like Jackies, when discovered, are caught early, before publication, and are cut. If unverifiable accounts were published with any frequency, the bleak state of American journalism would be even bleaker, with many fewer newsrooms staying afloat. Wenner has walked this blame-game tightrope for years. In the spring of 2016, during one of the libel trials, he testified via videotape in Manhattan, arguing that Rolling Stone had erred in fully retracting its story and not just the Jackie-provided anecdotes (never mind that her story proved to be crucial to the entire nine-thousand-word narrative). Brazenly, he told the UVA administrator who was suing him: Im very, very sorry. Believe me, Ive suffered as much as you have. In his 2021 memoir, Like a Rolling Stone, Wenner again acknowledged the journalistic failures at the heart of the Columbia reportthe unverifiable statements Jackie gave the reporter should have sent up a red flag. But, again, Wenner appeared focused on the outside treatment Rolling Stone received, as opposed to the fundamental errors it made. In his telling, Rolling Stone had been the victim of some kind of psychotic fantasy. The resulting Columbia report had left the magazine open to the libel lawsuits and further pillorying by a red-meat-hungry press corps. As Wenner is alluding to, journalism can be competitive and cannibalistic. Within that broad category, investigative journalism of the type Rolling Stone and other magazines and newsrooms produce is even more difficultexpensive, laborious, complexall in an effort to unpack a weighty subject in the hopes of exploring new truths. Investigative journalism on fraught topics like sexual violence routinely involves inconvenient and convoluted narratives offered by unreliable narrators. Clear, concise descriptions can be hard to find. Many good stories, those with revelatory details about how government agencies or institutions operate, fall apart before publication or simply go untold. Some stories are the victims of shrinking newsroom budgets, low morale, and journalist turnover. In short, investigative journalism of these topics can be lonely, demoralizing, and ultimately unfulfilling. Some of the best investigative journalism produced achieves little, if any, of the impact it is striving for. Yet, despite those substantial headwinds, investigative journalists routinely produce bulletproofed, fact-checked accounts of seemingly difficult-to-verify subjects. In just the past year, this work has been on display with some regularity: This spring, the Times published a multipart series on hundreds of underage migrant children being allowed to illegally work at slaughterhouses, construction sites, and factories across the country. To get the story, an investigative reporter drove to factories, spoke to underage workers as they left, and reviewed their legal documents, work badges, and paychecks to verify the details. A team of journalists at the Wall Street Journal collected data on thousands of toxic lead cables left abandoned by the nations largest telecommunications companies by poring over thousands of paper permit files, wrote code and built a database to understand them, andin a particularly impressive feat of journalistic verveaccompanied research divers, scientists, and environmental consultants on underwater missions to examine the lead-sheathed cables. In arguably the most relevant example, a recent ProPublicaNew York magazine investigation dived into the already prosecuted case of Dr. Robert Hadden, the Columbia University gynecologist who sexually abused hundreds of his patients over two decades. The reporters found that Columbia, the same private university that produced the Rolling Stone report, repeatedly deflected blame and distanced itself from the Hadden scandal at every turnand even allowed Hadden to continue practicing despite being told by his victims what was happening. Like UVA, Columbia didnt make it easy on the journalists investigating them, refusing to make any of its leaders available for interviews and providing terse and inadequate statements in response to the reporters questions. Still, the journalists involved attempted to speak to more than a hundred of Haddens former colleagues. Just one doctor would speak on the record. But the story is stronger for having that one named former colleague, the result of an untold number of hours of cold calls, emails, and rejections. To be sure, there are errors and corrections in todays investigative journalism but vanishingly few retractions. Thats a testament to the journalistic process, one replicated across mainstream media outlets seeking to develop sustained trust with the audience they serve. So no, Mr. Wenner, failures like this dont happen to everybody. And we should be thankful, as a profession and as a functioning democracy, that such journalistic failures are few and far between. Derek Kravitz is the investigations editor at MuckRock, and a co-author of the Columbia Journalism School report on Rolling Stone's "A Rape on Campus". by Saurav Sarkar Global Voices reported that over a dozen African leaders attended the first-ever continental climate summit in September 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. Among the countries represented were Egypt, Sierra Leone, Congo, Djibouti, Comoros, Ethiopia, and Senegal. Africas carbon footprint remains small. But the human toll of climate change [on the continent] is disproportionately high, said Kenyan President William Ruto. Head of states and delegates pose for a group photo, during the official opening of the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) The conference was co-hosted by the government of Kenya and the African Union. According to Global Voices, the African leaders called for radical action, the mobilization of Africas own resources, and streamlined access to international climate finance. However, as Africa Feeds reported, many African climate activists opposed the approach promoted at the summit, to rely on carbon credits and other market-based mechanisms. Africa needs funding from countries that have got rich off our suffering. They owe a climate debt, said Mohamed Adow of the think tank Power Shift Africa to Africa Feeds. Industrialized countries like the United States have historically generated most of the emissions that have contributed to global warming. Meanwhile, according to Africa Feeds, only about 3 percent of global emissions are currently generated by Africa. In contrast, China, the U.S., and India account today for more than half of all emissions by themselves. A year ago, Igor Matovic, a top government minister in Slovakia, wrote a lengthy Facebook post attacking Matus Kostolny, the editor in chief of Dennik N, a leading newspaper, after Kostolny published a critical op-ed. Matovic called Kostolny a disgrace and accused him of lying, legitimizing the mafia, and fascist practices. Kostolny wasnt surprised by the attack, he told me; after Matovic came to power, initially as prime minister, following elections in 2020, Kostolny had predicted that it would only be a matter of time before Matovic started to bash the press. Ive been in this business for more than twenty-five years, and that was my experience with all the prime ministers, Kostolny said. Whenever one started losing ground politically, journalists were always the ones who took the blame for it. If this was not a particularly surprising turn of events in todays deteriorating global climate for politician-press relations, it was, perhaps, a particularly disheartening one. In 2018, Jan Kuciak, a Slovakian journalist who had been investigating corruption and organized crime in the country, was murdered at his home alongside his fiancee, Martina Kusnirova. The murders came as a huge shock to Slovakia and its press, which as recently as 2016 had stood as high as twelfth place out of a hundred and eighty countries worldwide on Reporters Without Borders global press-freedom index. Street proteststhe biggest since the fall of communism in the countryswelled, and major political change soon followed. Less than a month later, Robert Fico, the press-bashing populist prime minister, was forced to resign. The following year, Zuzana Caputova, a liberal outsider, was elected president (which is largely a ceremonial post in Slovakia). Then, in 2020, a coalition led by Matovic swept to power on an anti-corruption platform. Matovic was himself a former regional newspaper baron. He pinned a photo of Kuciak and Kusnirova to his Facebook page. Their deaths, he said, woke up Slovakia. After Caputova was elected, sparking a wave of international headlines foreseeing the emergence of a regional counterweight to the authoritarian governments of neighboring Poland and Hungary, I spoke with observers including Kostolny and Beata Balogova, the editor in chief of the independent daily SME, who told me that the countrys media and wider democracy were at a crossroads. Four and a half years laterahead of elections, this weekend, that could usher Fico back into powerI checked in with them again, at what looks like another, far less hopeful turning point for Slovakia. Since we last spoke, it almost feels like the country has done a complete turn, Balogova told me. Now we are in a completely different situation, Kostolny said. Four years ago, I wouldnt have believed that people would really forget that fast. Back in 2019, there were reasons to worry for Slovakias journalists beyond the murder of their colleague: there were concerns about the independence of the public broadcaster; oligarchs had bought into the press (including what Balogova described as a toxic group that took a minority stake in SME); the prime minister who first succeeded Fico was seen by many as Ficos puppet. Since then, there have been some improvements in their situation. Relatively quickly, four individuals either pleaded guilty to or were convicted of involvement in the murders of Kuciak and Kusnirova. (A fifth defendant, Marian Kocner, a wealthy businessman whom Kuciak investigated, was accused of orchestrating the crime but has twice been acquitted. He is serving a separate nineteen-year sentence for forgery.) After the elections in 2020, Parliament passed new laws that, among other things, improved access to public records and increased transparency around media ownership. According to Kostolny and Balogova, Caputova lived up to her promises to treat the media with respect. The oligarchs who held a minority stake in SME sold up. This year, Slovakia was back up to seventeenth in RSFs press-freedom index. Still, any progress has been checkered. In general, oligarchs still hold power over the media landscape; Caputova may have been a voice of reason, as Balogova puts it, but she has decided not to run for reelection to the presidency next year. Politicians quietly loaded the new press laws with at least one provision boosting their interests, mandating that they be given a right of reply in certain situations. Physical threats to journalists have continued: in 2020, Peter Sabowho covered the investigations that followed Kuciaks death for Aktuality.sk, the news site where Kuciak workedfound a pistol cartridge in his mailbox; earlier this year, Marta Janckarova, an anchor for the public broadcaster, was given police protection after receiving death threats. (According to RSF, Fico had pledged to go after her employer after her show refused to let his party swap out a guest.) And, as Kostolny experienced, politicians from different parts of the political spectrum have bashed the press rhetorically. I am just sorry that the new government sees the media as its enemy, just as the previous government did, Peter Bardy, who was Kuciaks boss at Aktuality.sk, told the Committee to Protect Journalists in February 2021. Soon after that, Matovicwho had already proposed the establishment of a state-run newspaperstepped down as prime minister amid a controversy linked to the procurement of COVID vaccines from Russia; he was installed as deputy prime minister and finance minister instead, but blamed the press for his fall from the top job, according to Kostolny. The murder of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova brought hope to Slovak society, Michal Vasecka, a sociologist, told the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project last year. It existed for two years. But the new prime minister and the COVID situation flushed the hope down the sewer. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Late last year, the coalition led by Matovics successor started to fall apart, with a technocratic caretaker government taking its place in the run-up to this weeks elections. In a fractured political landscape, Ficos party is leading in the polls, making it a live possibility that he will return to the office he lost amid the popular, anti-corruption outcry that followed the murders. A possibility, but not a certainty. Grigorij Meseznikovthe president of Slovakias Institute for Public Affairs, who once said that the murders and their aftermath would come to be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the countrys entire historytold me last week that the legacy of Kuciak and Kusnirova lives on with parts of the electorate and put Ficos odds of returning to power only at fifty-fifty, describing the election as hard to predict. (One reason for this: pro-democracy forces are splintered into different parties, making it harder for them to maximize representation under Slovakias electoral system.) Still, the political atmosphere in the country has turned toxic again, and not only against journalists. Unlike in 2019 and 2020, Western media have framed the coming election (when theyve paid it heed at all) less as a referendum on liberal values including press freedom, and more on European support for Ukraines fight against Russia; many Slovaks, led by Fico and others, oppose supporting the Ukrainian cause, and the country has, in some ways, become a battleground for Russian propaganda. Fico is now more aggressive toward the press than ever, Balogova says; he has also claimed that the current government is trying to steal the election from him and bashed Caputova, who recently sued him. Its distressing to see that politics in Slovakia has turned into a circus, Balogova told me. Rather than being a counterpoint to Hungary, Slovakia, she now fears, will follow its path. I hope that another journalist will not have to die for people to realize that they might lose democracy in democratic elections, she said. Recently, on the campaign trail, the circus-like atmosphere hit its nadir when Matovic crashed a news conference for Ficos party in a pickup truck and ended up in a fistfight with Robert Kalinak, a former interior minister under Fico. For Kostolny, the incident was further proof that from aggressive language, its only a question of time before it turns to aggressive physical attacks. Slovakias journalists, of course, knew this all too well already. Other notable stories: ICYMI: Is Murdoch sticking around or bowing out? Yes. 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. CAIRO (AP) Libyas chief prosecutor said Monday he ordered the detention of eight current and former officials pending his investigation into the collapse of two dams earlier this month, a disaster that sent a wall of water several meters high through the center of a coastal city and left thousands of people dead. The two dams outside the city of Derna broke up on Sep. 11 after they were overwhelmed by Storm Daniel, which caused heavy rain across eastern Libya. The failure of the structures inundated as much as a quarter of the city, officials have said, destroying entire neighborhoods and sweeping people out to sea. Government officials and aid agencies have given estimated death tolls ranging from more than 4,000 to over 11,000. The bodies of many of the people killed still are under rubble or in the Mediterranean, according to search teams. A statement by the office of General Prosecutor al-Sidiq al-Sour said prosecutors on Sunday questioned seven former and current officials with the Water Resources Authority and the Dams Management Authority over allegations that mismanagement, negligence and mistakes contributed to the disaster. Derna Mayor Abdel-Moneim al-Ghaithi, who was sacked after the disaster, was also questioned, the statement said. The eight former and current officials didn`t provide evidence to spare them from potential charges, and prosecutors ordered them jailed pending the completion of the investigation, the statement added. The chief prosecutor said eight other officials would be summoned for questioning. The questioning and jailing of officials were a first crucial step by the chief prosecutor in his investigation, which is likely to face daunting challenges due to Libya`s years of divided leadership. Mounting calls for an international investigation into the disaster reflects the deep public mistrust in state institutions. The oil-rich North African nation has been in chaos since 2011, when an Arab Spring uprising, backed by NATO, ousted longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. For most of the past decade, rival administrations have claimed authority to lead Libya. Dach is backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The country`s east has been under the control of Gen. Khalifa Hifter and his self-styled Libyan National Army, which is allied with a parliament-confirmed government. A rival administration is based in the capital, Tripoli, and enjoys the support of most of the international community. The dams were built by a Yugoslav construction company in the 1970s above Wadi Derna, a river valley which divides the city. They were meant to protect the city from flash floods, which are not uncommon in the area. The dams were not maintained for decades, despite warnings by scientists that they may burst. A report by a state-run audit agency in 2021 said the two dams hadnt been maintained despite the allocation of more than $2 million for that purpose in 2012 and 2013. A Turkish firm was contracted in 2007 to carry out maintenance on the two dams and to build a third one in between them. The firm, Arsel Construction Company Ltd., said on its website that it completed its work in November 2012. It didnt respond to an email seeking further comment. Two weeks after the dams collapsed, local and international teams were still digging through mud and hollowed-out buildings to look for victims. They also are combing the Mediterranean Sea off Derna for the bodies of people who were swept away. The flood of water from the dams left as much as one-third of Dernas housing and infrastructure damaged, according to the U.N.s Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA. Authorities have evacuated the most impacted part of the city, leaving only search and ambulance teams, the U.N. office said. The World Health Organization says more than 4,000 flood-related deaths have been registered, but the head of Libyas Red Crescent previously cited a death of toll of 11,300. OCHA says at least 9,000 people remain missing. The dead in eastern Libya included foreigners living in the North African countries. The storm hit other areas in eastern Libya, including the towns of Bayda, Susa, Marj and Shahatt. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the region and took shelter in schools and other government buildings. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A federal judge rejected a request by McClenny Moseley & Associates to claim an interest in legal fees and expenses from a hurricane damage lawsuit, saying the law firm obtained its clients illegally by using a modern day case runner. Insurance defense attorney Steve Badger, a partner with the Zelle law firm in Dallas, said the order issued Friday by US Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay lays out a road map for a felony criminal prosecution. She cites the Louisiana statute making it unlawful for an attorney, such as MMAs attorneys, to pay money to a person for obtaining clients, Badger said in an email. She then cites the Louisiana statute making it unlawful for a person, such as Velawcitys employees, to solicit employment for a lawyer. A violation of these statutes is punishable by a $10,000 fine and between 90 days and five years in prison. MMA filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit that it filed in August 2022 on behalf of Jacob Semmes for property damage caused by Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta in 2020. Semmes fired MMA in March after US District Judge James D. Cain Jr. suspended all of the law firms Louisiana attorneys from practicing law in the Western District of Louisiana. The Louisiana Insurance Department fined the law firm and its partners $2 million for improperly soliciting clients through an online marketing firm called Velawcity. MMA founding partner John Zachary Moseley admitted that he borrowed a total of $40 million from investors and paid Velawcity $3,000 to $3,500 for each pre-screened client lead that the marketing firm provided, a total of nearly $13.9 million. Semmes lawsuit was one of some 1,600 that MMA filed in the Western District of Louisiana over the course of a few days just before the states two-year statute of limitations for Hurricane Laura claims was about to expire. Kay said in her order that the law firm cannot stake any claim to any of the contracts it made to represent clients who were illegally obtained. Louisiana has strong public policies against runner-based solicitation of clients, a practice sometimes known as case running, and against the practice of law by non-attorneys, her order states. Louisiana law makes it unlawful for any attorney to pay money or give any other thing of value to any person for the purpose of obtaining representation of any client.' A footnote attached to the opinion states that any attorney fee claim MMA makes to other lawsuits it filed will likely also be rejected unless the law firm can show that the clients were enrolled in a different way. Badger said Kay essentially accused the law firm of crimes. While any criminal liability would of course have to be decided by a jury, the legal and factual predicate for prosecution are set forth in Judge Kays opinion, he said. Time will tell whether a local prosecutor conclude that there is a basis to seek criminal prosecution. The attorney who filed MMAs motion to intervene, Clare S. Roubion, refused to comment about the ruling. Semmes is now represented by Austin Marks, with the Morris Bart law firm in New Orleans. Marks filed a memorandum opposing MMAs motion to intervene in Semmes lawsuit. He said the MMAs contract to represent Semmes was generated by Velawcity. Semmes said he tried to call the law firm several times to inquire about the status of his case but spoke with an employee only once and never did get hold of an attorney. Marks said Morris Bart has taken on approximately 2,000 clients who had been represented by MMA. He said MMA did not communicate with its clients but instead relied on data collected by Velawcity call center employees. He said the case files his firm took over are practically empty and the information in them cannot be trusted. Anything they did did more harm than good and we had to start over, he said. Often times they sued the wrong party. Austin said dozens of MMAs former clients settled their cases a year ago and havent received any money. The lack of any criminal prosecution against MMA so far has become an issue in the Louisiana governors race. Moseley donated $5,000 to state Attorney General Jeff Landry, a candidate in the Republican primary for the governors seat. The donation was made on April 5, which was the same day that the Department of Insurance referred a criminal case against MMA to the Attorney Generals Office, 4WWL Eyewitness News reported last week. The amount of the donation was the maximum allowed by Louisiana law. State Treasurer John Schroeder ran a television advertisement pointing out the illegal donation earlier this month, calling it part of a culture of cronyism. Most insurance fraud investigations in Louisiana are conducted by Louisiana State Police. However, Landrys office operates an insurance fraud support unit that assists local district attorneys in investigations. ATLANTA (AP) Randal Quran Reid was driving to his mother`s home the day after Thanksgiving last year when police pulled him over and arrested him on the side of a busy Georgia interstate. He was wanted for crimes in Louisiana, they told him, before taking him to jail. Reid, who prefers to be identified as Quran, would spend the next several days locked up, trying to figure out how he could be a suspect in a state he says he had never visited. A lawsuit filed this month blames the misuse of facial recognition technology by a sheriff`s detective in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, for his ordeal. I was confused and I was angry because I didnt know what was going on, Quran told The Associated Press. They couldnt give me any information outside of, Youve got to wait for Louisiana to come take you,` and there was no timeline on that. Quran, 29, is among at least five Black plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against law enforcement in recent years, saying they were misidentified by facial recognition technology and then wrongly arrested. Three of those lawsuits, including one by a woman who was eight months pregnant and accused of a carjacking, are against Detroit police. The technology allows law enforcement agencies to feed images from video surveillance into software that can search government databases or social media for a possible match. Critics say it results in a higher rate of misidentification of people of color than of white people. Supporters say it has been vital in catching drug dealers, solving killings and missing persons cases and identifying and rescuing human trafficking victims. They also contend the vast majority of images that are scoured are criminal mugshots, not drivers license photos or random pictures of individuals. Still, some states and cities have limited its use. The use of this technology by law enforcement, even if standards and protocols are in place, has grave civil liberty and privacy concerns, said Sam Starks, a senior attorney with The Cochran Firm in Atlanta, which is representing Quran. And thats to say nothing about the reliability of the technology itself. Quran`s lawsuit was filed Sept. 8 in federal court in Atlanta. It names Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto and detective Andrew Bartholomew as defendants. Bartholomew, using surveillance video, relied solely on a match generated by facial recognition technology to seek an arrest warrant for Reid after a stolen credit card was used to buy two purses for more than $8,000 from a consignment store outside New Orleans in June 2022, the lawsuit said. Bartholomew did not conduct even a basic search into Mr. Reid, which would have revealed that Mr. Reid was in Georgia when the theft occurred, the lawsuit said. Reached by phone, Bartholomew said he had no comment. A spokesman for the sheriff`s office, Capt. Jason Rivarde, said the office does not comment on pending litigation. In an affidavit seeking the warrant, Bartholomew cited still photographs from the surveillance footage, but did not mention the use of facial recognition technology, according to Quran`s lawsuit. The detective said he was advised by a credible source that one of the suspects in the video was Quran. A Department of Motor Vehicles photograph of Quran appeared to match the description of the suspect from the surveillance video, Bartholomew said. Starks believes the source Bartholomew cited was facial recognition technology, making the affidavit at best misleading, he said. A January email from Jefferson Parish Deputy Chief Dax Russo to the sheriff is further evidence of that, according to Starks. The email explaining the events that led to Quran`s arrest said members of the force were told again that they need additional evidence or leads when using facial recognition technology for an arrest warrant, according to the lawsuit. The suit accuses Bartholomew of false arrest, malicious prosecution and negligence. Lopinto failed to implement adequate policies around the use of facial recognition technology, so he, too, should be liable, the lawsuit contends. It seeks unspecified damages. As Quran sat in jail, his family hired an attorney in Louisiana who presented photos and videos of Quran to the sheriff`s office. The person in the surveillance footage was considerably heavier and did not have a mole like Qurans, according to his lawsuit. The sheriff`s office asked a judge to withdraw the warrant. Six days after his arrest, sheriff`s officials in Georgia`s DeKalb County released Quran. His car had been towed, and the food at the jail had made him sick, he said. Quran, who works in transportation logistics, also missed work. Nearly a year later, the experience still haunts him. He wonders what would have happened had he not had money to hire an attorney. And he still thinks about that police stop on a Georgia interstate. Every time I see police in my rearview mirror, he said, it just flashes back my mind to what could have happened even though I hadnt done anything. Top photo: Massachusetts Institute of Technology facial recognition researcher Joy Buolamwini stands for a portrait at the school in Cambridge, Mass., Feb. 13, 2019. Louisiana authorities use of facial recognition technology led to the mistaken identity arrest of a Georgia man on a fugitive warrant, an attorney for the man said. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A Cleveland Heights man is under arrest for allegedly stabbing a father and his adult son in an incident that occurred in traffic Monday (Sept. 25) afternoon on South Woodland Road. Just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, officers were dispatched to the 20000 block of South Woodland Road on a report of a disagreement among motorists. As officers headed to the scene, dispatch informed them that a male suspect had driven away in an Acura. EMS personnel were called to the scene to treat the victims, a Euclid man, 56, and his son, 27, of Cleveland Heights. The victims were immediately transported to the hospital. Shaker Heights police, as of late Monday, did not have an update on the victims condition. Police released a recording of a phone call made by a witness reporting the incident. The woman reported seeing a fight between two men in lime green shirts -- the victims -- and a shirtless man. The woman said the shirtless man ran from the scene and that she saw blood on one of the men in the lime green shirts. While the witness did not see a weapon, she said she heard one of the victims shouting, He stabbed me, he stabbed me. Using further witness information, officers broadcast a description of the suspects vehicle and his direction of travel. Cleveland Heights police stopped the Acura in the 800 block of Yellowstone Road and detained the suspect, 49. Police are in the process of investigating the matter. Read more from the Sun Press. STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- Only one of Strongsvilles four ward council members will face opposition in the Nov. 7 general election. Ward 2 Councilwoman Ann Roff is seeking re-election. Karan Farhat, a local business owner, is challenging her. Although Farhat has never before run in an election, she was one of 16 residents who applied for an open seat on the Strongsville school board in 2021 after board member Seth Roberts resigned. The board eventually chose John Krupinski, former Strongsville City Schools superintendent, to fill that seat. Jim Kaminski, Thomas Clark and Gordon Short -- the council members representing Wards 1, 3 and 4, respectively -- are running unopposed this year. Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak is also running unopposed for re-election to another four-year term. Early voting starts Oct. 11. Here is Farhats profile. Roff did not submit information for a profile after cleveland.com tried to reach her with an email and phone call. The race is nonpartisan, meaning the candidates are running without partisan labels. However, Farhats political party affiliation is included here to provide additional background for voters. Roff is a Democrat, although she has voted in only one recent Democratic primary, according to Cuyahoga County Board of Elections records. Karan Farhat (Photo Courtesy of Karan Farhat) Ward 2 council candidate: Karan Farhat Age: 44 Address: 16117 Glendale Ave. Occupation: Owner and stylist, Salon Ethos, a full-service salon where independent artists run their own businesses, in North Royalton. Prior elected office or campaign: None Party affiliation: Republican Education: Brown Aveda Institute, a cosmetology, beauty and esthetics school in Mentor Family: Husband, Joel Rohfeld; children Paige, 9, and Camden, 8 Why are you running? I have decided to run for this office to give Ward 2 residents a voice, to be responsive to their concerns and needs and to help with positive growth within our community. Residents of my ward do not feel their concerns are being addressed or even heard. They need someone who can offer them direction or resolution in a timely manner. Furthermore, over the past few years, many communities succumbed to fear and isolation, which devasted their small businesses. I plan to encourage togetherness and unity within the community of Strongsville in hopes that residents will work together to support our locally owned businesses. Finally, young families are important to the continued economic growth and stability of a city, and making Strongsville a strong, family-friendly city will encourage more young families to move here. Candidate website: Facebook page: Karan Farhat for Strongsville Ward 2 Candidate Read more from the Sun Star Courier. SOLON, Ohio -- A local store had to deal with the problem of employees helping themselves to merchandise not once, but twice in the same day. Police were first called at 1:55 p.m. Sept. 18 to Where Ya Bin, 33321 Aurora Road, where a manager reported that he suspected an employee of theft. Police watched surveillance video and saw an employee, a Chagrin Falls man, 38, leaving the store on Sept. 13 with $140 worth of merchandise for which he had not paid. Police acted and quickly cited the man for theft. Less than a half-hour later, at about 2:20 p.m., management learned of another case of employee theft and called police once more. Where Ya Bins manager reported that he suspected another male employee of theft. In this instance, surveillance video appeared to show this employee leaving the store on Sept. 11 with unpaid merchandise totaling $500. Officers found the employee at his home on Aurora Road in Solon. It was then learned that he was wanted on a Bentleyville police warrant for a traffic offense. Police arrested the man, 35, for theft and held him on the warrant. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The metrics remain puzzling, but the 2023-24 academic year already shows signs of marked improvement for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District -- on its state report card and beyond. Going into the fall semester, the CH-UH Schools found themselves taken off the Ohio EdChoice voucher designation list, followed up Sept. 14 with an overall 3 out of 5 possible stars on its 2023-24 report card. That score means the district is meeting state educational standards. As outlined in the new metrics, 10 out of 11 of our schools met state standards, with only the districts virtual school falling short, CH-UH Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby told the Board of Education during a Sept. 19 work session. Aside from the performance of the Tiger Virtual Academy, which grew primarily out of the pandemic, we are certainly pleased with that, Kirby noted, adding that were very proud that our third-grade students continue to outperform the state on reading, as part of the Early Literacy metric. Most of the data was compiled from the 2022-23 school year, with the exception of graduation rate, which was a year behind. Also, the district earned a 5-star rating in Gap Closing, specifically connected to closing educational gaps for student subgroups based on income, race, ethnicity or disability, as well as factors like chronic absenteeism, gifted performance and English learned as a second language. For third-grade reading, the districts Educational Services Leadership Team pointed out that 67 percent of third-graders were on track to read at grade level or above at the start of the last school year. Similar testing will be wrapped up this month for next years report card, which for the older kids will also add a new 11-facet College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness component that could benefit the district. District officials are still unpacking a 2-star state grade on Graduation rates, with the Class of 22 coming in at 88.9 percent. Thats more than a full percentage point over the state graduation rate of 87.3 percent last year. How do you calculate 2 out of 5 stars for a figure that is above the state average? CH-UH school board member Jim Posch asked. I could live with 3 1/2 stars, if thats the case. The district may have lost some points on something it has looked upon as a point of pride in the past -- the five-year graduation rate -- especially coming off a pandemic estimated by national educators to have set many students back as much as two years. District officials also pointed out that the graduation rate for the Class of 23 came in at 90.3 percent, which will be incorporated into the 2024-25 state report card. Overall, about 44 percent of CH-UH students demonstrated proficiency across all state standardized tests last year, with a strategic goal of 80 percent set for 2026. CH-UH officials added that the percentage of passing students increased in 14 out of 20 tested areas. Moving on In talking about the incredibly inspiring work being done in our classrooms by our teachers and supported by our families, school board member Dan Heintz, himself a social studies teacher in the Chardon Local School District, tried to put the state report cards into perspective. When we look at these report cards, the state would like us to think all districts are the same -- and theyre not, Heintz said. Looking at statistics from previous years -- not the most recent -- Heintz said that out of 611 school districts in Ohio, 32 of them were comprised of more than 50 percent minority students and were also majority-poverty, CH-UH among them. And at least until this (past) year, none of those districts had earned passing grades on previous state report cards, Heintz said. We really need (state officials) to look deeper, to look at the numbers were talking about tonight -- the number of students moving on to college and the number graduating, Heintz said. CH-UH grads also appear to be outperforming the state in post-secondary education, with nearly 50 percent of the Heights Class of 2022 enrolled in two-year or four-year institutions after high school, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. National figures showed total college enrollment in 2021 at 40 percent for high school graduates ages 18-24 and under 40 percent for those in that age group who are African-American. Were talking about real kids with real goals, working in our real classrooms with real teachers who then go home to real families, Heintz said. Algebra variables The district has also set a goal of 90 percent of ninth-grade students passing algebra by 2026. Last school year, 343 out of 459 students (75 percent) earned algebra credits, although that figure does include middle school students as well. For ninth-graders, it was more like 65 percent, district officials noted. In the other categories on the state report card -- five and then the overall -- CH-UH received 2 stars in Achievement and 3 stars in Progress. Kirby had earlier commended the work of the districts entire Education Services leadership team, along with the teachers, administrators and parents who partner with us each and every day for our students. You know how hard everyone works around here, Kirby added. And its good to see some nice gains because of that hard work. Read more from the Sun Press. NEWARK, Ohio Nearly 40 windows of downtown businesses were smashed out early Monday morning by a man with a hatchet, police say. Officers were called to Courthouse Square at about 2:46 a.m. after receiving reports of shots being fired and glass breaking. An officer arriving on the scene saw the suspect, identified as Joseph Davis, 38, of Newark, using the hatchet to break out the window at True Core Federal Credit Union, police say. Davis is accused of breaking 37 windows at 11 businesses. Police say they were able to quickly take Davis into custody. He was taken to a hospital because of injuries from the broken glass. He currently is being held in jail on a vandalism charge. The hatchet used the reported vandalism was recovered, police say. Newark is located in Licking County in the central part of Ohio, about 40 miles east of Columbus. CLEVELAND, Ohio Agave & Rye is moving into the space formerly occupied by Paladar at Eton Chagrin Blvd. Billed as a modern Tequila and Bourbon hall, the Covington, Kentucky-based restaurant is scheduled to open in spring 2024, representatives for the restaurant and Eton Chagrin Blvd. announced. The Israeli Air Force revealed that it had started using a new UAV called Spark but would not say much more because it had lots of new features and capabilities far in advance of any existing Israeli military UAVs. That means Spark is not for export and probably wont be for some time. All that was revealed were weight, which is 55 kg (121 pounds,) and its five meter (16 feet) wingspan. These characteristics would be obvious to anyone who saw Spark in action and knew something about UAV construction and operation. Spark is described as being far more capable than other UAVs of its weight class. Details of these capabilities (sensors, communications) are often kept secret for as long as possible to deny potential enemies information they can use to reduce a new UAVs effectiveness. Spark is assigned to the 144th squadron of the Israeli Air Force. This is their only squadron equipped with nothing but UAVs and was created in 2022 by replacing all the manned aircraft in a squadron and replacing them with UAVs. Until recently, Israel was very secretive about its UAV operations. Yet for over twenty years Israel was covertly using missile armed UAVs to carry out attacks outside Israel. Inside Israel, attacks from Gaza, Lebanon or Syria were handled with helicopter gunships, jet fighters, artillery and occasional commando raids. Secrecy is a common practice when it comes to Israeli military operations, especially those in retaliation for Islamic terrorist or state-sponsored attacks on Israel, Israelis or Jews in general. Evidence slowly piled up that the unidentified UAVs were Israeli, usually of photos taken of the UAVs, plus the targets always seemed to be someone Israeli was sort of at war with. In some of these attacks debris of the missiles was collected and this indicated they were Israeli. The Israelis did use their Spike and other missiles for these attacks. More recently the armed UAVs have been carrying GPS guided bombs. These have the advantage of being silent and the UAV can be high enough to not be heard. When surprise and a bigger bang is required, this is the way to go. Moreover, Israel designs and manufactures guided bombs that have more features than the popular American JDAM. One such feature is a video-camera in the nose that enables the UAV operator (in Israel, operating via a satellite link) to hit a specific, or moving target down there. As the years went by the Israeli armed UAVs were used more frequently and not all of them were large fixed wing models. Some were quadcopters carrying explosives and sometimes traveled to specific GPS coordinates so that they were immune to signal jamming. These quadcopters were launched from areas outside Israel and were often used in groups. These swarms are sometimes used against targets in Iran. This infuriates the Iranians because it means Iranians are cooperating with the Israelis. In Iran, growing anger towards the corrupt religious dictatorship has led Iranians to cooperate with Israel in carrying out attacks against unpopular projects. The quadcopters and explosives are smuggled in via Azerbaijan, an oil-rich nation which shares a border with Iran and is a major customer for Israeli weapons and much else. The Azeris are Moslem Turks who have long feuded with the Iranians. These attacks in Iran are denied and the Azeris say nothing. Israel tends to deny nearly all air strikes. In some cases, the denial is accurate but in most cases it was an Israeli attack, with the implied assurance there will be more unless the target nation ceases its violence against Israel. What caused Israel to go public with its use of armed UAVs was the growing use of such attacks by army units during major operations. So many Israeli soldiers are involved that it is a difficult secret to keep. The military now admits that about 80 percent of its flight hours are by unmanned aircraft. For example, in 2015 Israel formed a new UAV unit to improve cooperation between combat brigades and their supporting artillery. This new unit uses Hermes 450 UAVs operated by soldiers trained to act as a very effective link between ground units, especially infantry, and any artillery units within range. The object of this is to speed up the time between which a target is spotted and artillery can hit it with shells or rockets. Tests showed that UAV operators linked to infantry and artillery units, and familiar with how both services operated, could not only spot potential targets and call in artillery fire very quickly, but also confirm targets the infantry wanted to hit and get fire on those targets within minutes. In the past troops on the ground could call in fire on targets they could see, but since 2005 the infantry has gotten their own small UAVs which often spotted targets beyond the view of the artillery spotters and, unless an artillery spotter was looking over the shoulder at the UAV operators control console, he could not confirm the target and call in fire. After trying several alternatives, it was decided that the Hermes 450s, using operators trained to call in fire and linked electronically to both infantry and artillery units, was the best solution. The artillery UAV operators can also share what they see with nearby infantry commanders if that is needed to confirm a target only visible from the air. The artillery UAVs were only the latest Israeli use of UAVs. For example, in 2014 Israel replaced the last of its AH-1 helicopter gunships with armed UAVs (Hermes 450s). There was already a plan in place for the AH-1s to be replaced by AH-64 gunships, which Israel already had 44 of but even the AH-64s are facing competition from the UAVs and it was decided that replacing the AH-1s with UAVs was more affordable and effective. By 2015 Israel had a fleet of over 70 large (more than a quarter ton) UAVs. Israel was, next to the United States, the heaviest user of large (Predator size) UAVs on the planet, mainly because the aircraft are regularly used for border security and counter-terror operations. The AH-1 and artillery UAV decision makes it possible to further expand the UAV force. The most common large UAVs used by Israel are Heron, Hermes and Searcher. The Hermes 450 has long been the primary UAV for the Israeli armed forces, and twenty or more were in action each day during the 2006 war in Lebanon. That led to an expansion of the Hermes fleet. The Hermes 450s is a 450 kg (992 pound) aircraft with a payload of 150 kg. It can also carry Hellfire missiles, is 6.5 meters (20 feet long) and has an 11.3 meter (35 foot) wingspan. It can stay in the air for up to 20 hours per sortie, and fly as high as 6,500 meters (20,000 feet). The Hermes 900 UAV is similar in size (and appearance) to the American Predator (both weighing 1.1 tons), but the Israeli vehicle is built mainly for endurance. It has a 10 meter (31 foot) wingspan. The Hermes 900 can stay in the air for 36 hours, and has a payload of 300 kg (650 pounds). The Searcher 2 is a half-ton aircraft with an endurance of 20 hours, max altitude of 7,500 meters (23,000 feet) and can operate up to 300 kilometers from the operator. It can carry a 120 kg (264 pound) payload. The Heron I was very successful because it was similar to the American MQ-1 Predator and cheaper as well. In 2014 there was a major upgrade called Super Heron. This consisted mainly of a more powerful (200 HP versus 115 HP) engine that increased cruising speed to 210 kilometers an hour, and provided a faster climb rate with greater maneuverability. Super Heron had a larger payload of 450 kg (990 pounds) and could stay in the air for 45 hours. Because of this Super Heron was sold as a strategic surveillance UAV because it could carry more sensors, fly higher, longer and farther. Super Heron was better able to fly along the borders of another country and monitor what was going on more than a hundred kilometers deep in foreign territory. While performing maritime surveillance Super Heron could monitor a larger ocean area from that higher altitude and spend more time over water. One side effect of this switch to UAVs was that the military needed fewer pilots, who take longer to train and often leave soon to take jobs with commercial airlines. Ground based operators for UAVs are easier to train and, so far, not lured away by offers of commercial work. COVINGTON, Kentucky A 14-year-old boy has been charged with multiple terrorism-related criminal charges after police say he made four bomb threats targeting a suspension bridge over the Ohio River from Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. The Covington Police Department says in a news release the boy was arrested Friday in Michigan on an unrelated matter. He has been charged in Kenton County Common Pleas Court with four counts of terroristic threatening. The boys threats on the John A. Roebling Bridge resulted in it being shut down for hours each time, WLWT Channel 5 reports. The first threat was made on Sept. 13, WCPO Channel 9 reports. The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Boone County Sheriffs Department assisted with the investigation into the threats. The Roebling Bridge opened in 1866 and at the time was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1,057 feet. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- What if government could make an investment that would benefit everyone? Well, it can. And in a growing number of states, it does. The studies are clear: Every public dollar spent on high-quality early childhood education and child care, provides a $4-$9 return, in the form of increased tax revenue and decreased government spending on social support programs. When reliable childcare becomes affordable, family incomes increase, as parents decide to get an education or work full-time jobs; kids need fewer social services (or justice services) later in life, according to the Center of High Impact Philanthropy at the University of Pennsylvania; and more families feel encouraged to have kids -- a reversal of the dwindling birthrate that threatens the future of Social Security. In our Rethinking Child Care series, cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer in 2023 examine the struggle to find quality, affordable child care and propose solutions to share families burdens and help the economy. Follow the coverage here. What are the returns to the economy? said economist Kathryn Anne Edwards, in testimony Friday before the Senate banking committee. Right now, a lot of families are outgunned and outmatched by the child care market. They want to have more children, and theyre citing expensive child care as the reason theyre not having the number of children they want to have. They want to work, but theyre citing too expensive child care of why they cant work. Edwards believes at some point the federal government will be forced to address the child care crisis. Until then, states across the country -- led by both Democratic and Republican governors -- are tackling the problem, dedicating millions of dollars for creative programs that help parents work and businesses flourish. Thats even more important when the country this week will fall off a $24 billion child care cliff. Here are some of the states big ideas: Colorado: Voters in 2020 increased a nicotine and tobacco tax to pay for universal preschool, with 15 free hours a week for every 4-year-old. In November, voters will decide whether to increase the funding. Kentucky: The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program uses $15 million to match employers contributions to child care costs, based on families household incomes. A quarter of the fund is set aside for small businesses. Michigan: In the states Tri-Share program, which began in 2021 with $2.5 million from the state, the cost of child care is shared equally by parents, their participating employers and the state of Michigan. Said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: Our states economic vibrancy depends on removing barriers to employment so that every person who wants to work can afford to work and every employer who needs current and future employees to grow their business has a talent pool to draw from. Missouri: Missouri used $60 million in federal stimulus funds to give grants to expand or create new child care centers. Each center must have a business or community partner to match the money from the state, to support the programs when the government cash runs out. New Mexico: Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment last fall to annually spend hundreds of millions of dollars from the states oil and gas fund on early childhood education. North Dakota: The state in April allocated nearly $66 million to support child care services. Expanding access to affordable, quality child care will make it easier for parents and guardians to engage in work, provide for their families and strengthen local businesses and their communities, said Gov. Doug Burgum. Wisconsin: The Partner Up! Program uses $10 million in stimulus money to give businesses grants to buy child care slots for their employees. In Ohio, where the state legislature seems loathe to consider any improvement to childcare, the state Chamber of Commerce has named the lack of access to affordable child care as one of Ohios most pressing challenges. For our state to be great, people must want to live here, the chamber said in a statement, and that is much more likely to happen if parents feel satisfied with the available child care options. We have vast space to improve. Ohio families have less access to child care subsidies than anywhere else in America. And Ohio ranks last among all states in its child care reimbursement formula. The state has been ordered by the federal government to boost its subsidies. It feels like a no brainer. Lets learn from others, get creative and invest in child care to make all our lives better. Content director Laura Johnston is spearheading the Rethinking Child Care project this year. Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have partnered with Kindland/Values in Action to shine a spotlight on positive news. Each week, reporter Peter Chakerian will be taking a look at the people, initiatives and organizations across Greater Cleveland who are walking the talk in making the region a better place. Here is the first of our Kindland profiles. ---- A capstone project led Hawken High School senior Augusta Halle to an epiphany: If she could create more conversations between communities to help counterbalance social media with more positive aspects across Ohio schools, the resulting energy shift could benefit the whole state. Halles senior project resulted in a pair of partnerships first with Kindland/Values in Action and ultimately with the Governors Ohio School Safety Center, an association of high schools and students from around the state working in conjunction with Gov. Mike DeWine and state government. Together, they developed a 21 Simple Acts of Kindness bingo-like game; the number represented the memory of each of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims in Uvalde, Texas. Distributed to every K-12 school in the state, students were to log as many of their acts as possible competing in a Kindness Games, and thereby gamifying the 21 acts in a 21st-century way. A redux of the competition will take place this coming February. Participants are asked to download the Just Be Kind App [Google Play] [Apple] and use it to log community kindnesses. February was picked to coincide with National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17, Halle said. The Kindness Games was (and is) a win-win proposition, according to Halle: Students help change their respective schools and hometowns for the better; more group participation helps more people and scores big rewards for the winning school. With everything going on in the country, acts of kindness are often overlooked, Halle told Cleveland.com in a recent interview. We know bad news the moment it happens, she said. But in talking with Values-in-Action co-founder, President and CEO Stuart Muszynski, they agreed it takes a lot longer for the good happening to get noticed. Bad news is what led to the creation of the Ohio School Safety Center in the first place. In August 2019, DeWine signed an executive order creating the center, responsible for assisting local schools and first responders with preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violenceincluding self-harmthrough a holistic, solutions-based approach. Halle knows that the Center and a bingo game wont change the conversation or the energy overnight nor the social media snark prevalent among younger generations, or the chasms that exist between contrasting school systems or their respective cities. But greater awareness and understanding of what others are dealing with every day can bring all of us a whole lot closer together, Halle said. In helping one another, those actions can become habits. And thats a kind of collective consciousness epiphany we can all get behind. Related: Kindland Summit tackles lofty ideals, launches partnership with cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer Related: Aiming for a smile and hoping for peaceful discussion: Letter from the Editor If youre inspired to make your part of Cleveland a kind land, we want to hear from you. Its not about getting credit, its about inspiring and uplifting others. Email initiatives, organizations and acts of kindness to reporter Peter Chakerian at pchakerian@cleveland.com. Editors note: This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. By Aitana Vargas | Edited by Jessica Kutz Debanhi Romero, a first-generation Latina student at Georgia State University (GSU), found her first year of college classes difficult to keep up with. Her parents, who were born in Mexico, never had the chance to go to college. But in the fall of 2022, with the help of an academic scholarship, she began pursuing a Bachelors degree with a concentration in studio arts. She was juggling a part-time job, and with a 2.61 GPA after her first semester, she was on the cusp of losing her scholarship. It took me a minute to get used to college, she admits. But unlike at other schools, where she might have fallen through the cracks, a predictive analytics program called GPS Advising flagged that Romero, now 20, needed extra support from the school. She had to attend mandatory meetings with advisors who made sure she wouldnt lose her HOPE Scholarship, which required her to maintain a 3.0 GPA. Advisors provided Romero with a list of resources that could help her, including the universitys Writing Studio, a place on campus where students can meet with tutors to improve their writing and composition. Though she was born in Atlanta, Romero grew up in Mexico, and English is not her first language. Ever since she started college, shes felt the language barrier has been a major obstacle to her academic progress. I think Im gonna use (the studio) next semester, even if Im not required to, because I found it helpful, she says. Debanhi Romero works on a class project at Georgia State Universitys Edgewood Sculpture Studio in Atlanta. GSUs predictive analytics program, GPS Advising, flagged Romero as needing academic support when her GPA dropped below the requirement of her HOPE Scholarship. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra The GPS advising program that helped Romero is part of the universitys effort to revolutionize academics by harnessing the power of predictive analytics to provide tailored help when students hit roadblocks. At GSU, the program analyzes historical academic data to identify which students are at a higher risk of dropping out. The ultimate goal is to boost students overall academic performance and increase graduation rates. But as the role of predictive analytics and other tools like AI grows in education, concerns are mounting about the potential downside of these technologies and the possibility that they could perpetuate existing racial and ethnic biases. At GSU, the positive impact has been profound and measurable: overall graduation rates are up 30% from 2012. Among underserved groups, including Black, Hispanic and low-income students, the graduation rate has been at, or above, that of the student body as a whole for the last seven years. Their chance of graduating is higher than it was a decade ago, and the equity gap has disappeared, according to Timothy Renick, executive director of GSUs National Institute of Student Success (NISS), a program the university created to help other schools adopt some of its approaches. Disadvantaged students, on average, also graduate half a semester ahead of schedule, which can help them save on student loans. Were graduating now every year about 3,500 more students than we were a decade ago, said Renick. Executive director of GSUs National Institute of Student Success (NISS) Timothy Renick, left, and Crystal Mitchell, director of the GSU Advisement Center, chat in Mitchells office in Atlanta. The NISS program was established to train other academic institutions in GSUs success model. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra Student data is analyzed for 800 different risk factors. When a student is flagged, an advisor reaches out to schedule a 30-minute appointment to discuss why that student may be getting off track. While most students are flagged for academic-related issues, those who fall behind on payments also meet with advisors to resolve financial challenges they may be facing. Factors that trigger warnings include poor grades, performing poorly in classes essential to ones major, wasting money on the wrong course or taking too many difficult classes at once. If students take organic chemistry and calculus in the same semester, they might, on average, only have about a 60% chance of passing both those classes, says Renick. But when taken separately, the chance of passing both classes increases to 80%, he says. Atlanta-born Terrance Wiggins, a 24-year-old student who obtained a degree in media entrepreneurship from GSU in December 2022, says the predictive program kept him on track to graduate. After being flagged as someone who needed extra academic guidance, he was connected with an advisor at the schools student advisement center and was required to take a financial literacy class that helped him understand how to pay for school. That was actually helpful because instead of me trying to figure out what classes I needed on my own, or if Im taking the right classes, I could just come up to the advisement center, speak to someone that could lead me and guide me in the direction that I need to go in, he explains. It took a lot of stress off my back. Terrance Tee Wiggins on campus at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra For students on the verge of academic failure, the advisors proactive role is a lifeline, according to Crystal Mitchell, director of the advisement center. If a student isnt doing well on their current path, sometimes advisors take a direct approach to help them understand their options. We explain: This is how much it is going to cost you academically and financially to stay on this course. ... We have another course that can get you to your end goal and still make you attractive for the industry of interest, she says. Other resources include tutors and a 24/7 AI-enhanced chatbot named Pounce, which allows students to ask questions about registration, finances, class assignments and course content. It can also send email reminders about quizzes and exams. According to a study conducted by GSU, first-generation students who received the messages earned final grades about 11 points higher than their peers. Crystal Mitchell, director of the Georgia State University Advisement Center, speaks with members of the centers leadership team in Atlanta. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra The predictive analytics model has drawn attention from other institutions interested in developing similar strategies, Renick said. Representatives from over 500 colleges and universities have visited the campus and two years ago, GSU founded NISS to meet the high demand for training. While the universitys program is largely considered successful, the use of data-driven and predictive tools has been controversial since their inception. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a digital rights nonprofit, and civil rights advocates, some of these concerns include whether people know their data is being used and have consented to its collection, how and who is interpreting the data to make predictions or how its stored or potentially managed by third parties. For Michele E. Gilman, law professor at Baltimore University and author of the article Expanding Civil Rights to Combat Digital Discrimination on the Basis of Poverty, a major concern is how to eliminate biases from predictive tools, particularly those attached to ethnicity or race. It can be very hard to totally get rid of race (in an algorithm), she says because other variables correlate to race like a students neighborhood, his or her ZIP code or the high school that he or she attended. (Predictive analytics are) not a crystal ballits really just a mirror of all the biases and discrimination that we have in our current society, she says. Rather than making accurate predictions these technologies may perpetuate systemic racism. Students at the Georgia State University in Atlanta. GSU overall graduation rates are up 30% since 2012. Part of the success is attributed to the GPS advising program. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra Julia Dressel, a researcher and Dartmouth College graduate who a few years ago unraveled the inner workings of COMPAS, a controversial data-driven tool used by judges and probation officers to predict recidivism has similar fears. She warns that because predictive tools at universities end up inadvertently factoring in race, it may deter students of color from pursuing more difficult majors or fields where certain groups are often underrepresented. Women, and particularly women of color, in certain STEM majors, have been historically super disadvantaged, says Dressel. Theyre either facing discrimination or they also have no role models in the faculty to look up to. As a computer science major, Dressel found herself often being the only woman or one of a very few in most of her classes. She worries that predictive analytics reflect, perpetuate and reinforce systemic discrimination and the barriers that certain minority groups have historically faced. When past data about these groups is used to predict someones performance today, that is where youre re-encoding and making things worse that have been present historically, she explains. Furthermore, Gilman, the law professor, argues that by using other students data to make predictions about a current student, the algorithm isnt considering the aspirations and unique abilities a student has to overcome obstacles and achieve specific goals. Romeros experience seems to reflect that. While she was ultimately grateful that the program kept her on track for her scholarship, at times, she felt discouraged. I was very stressed about it, she says. I was trying to be sincere when I was talking about it with my advisors and stuff, and I did find most of them were trying to get me to look at other options or to have a backup plan, she says. Debanhi Romero works on a class project at the GSU sculpture studio in Atlanta. Romero is a first-generation Latina who struggled with her English skills. Being flagged by GSUs predictive analytics program helped her to improve her English and academic performance. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra She felt they doubted she could keep her scholarship on her current track. In the moment, I was like, I didnt need that. I was like, Im gonna keep my scholarship, she says. I needed them to also tell me that I could keep a scholarship, and they were mostly just telling me, Oh, but if you dont, here is this (option.) Mitchell, however, said that deterring students from pursuing a certain major is the option of last resort. They want students to have access to all the school resources and support to pursue the career of their choice. It is only after all these tools have been exhausted that they recommend other options. You have those that are committed, still dont do well and still dont want to change their major or take any of your advice. Thats a very hard conversation. But the student, ultimately, has the final decision, says Mitchell. Gilmans and Dressels concerns about data collection and their potential uses at other universities are nonetheless well founded. In 2016, Mount St. Marys University, a private Catholic institution in Maryland, attempted to use information provided by their students in a survey administered during freshman orientation to manipulate retention rates. Debanhi Romero chats with a friend near the Georgia State University student center in Atlanta. Photo by Bita Honarvar for palabra Struggling students were flagged and encouraged to drop out in the first weeks of the semester, before the school was due to report retention numbers to the federal government. Then-President Simon Newman argued that his efforts were aimed at avoiding academic debt. The story, first reported by the universitys paper, turned into months of heated controversy and turmoil that drew national attention and led to his resignation. Still, over the past decade, GSUs retention rates and graduation figures have shown that the model has succeeded overall in helping students of color graduate who may have otherwise dropped out. But as AI and predictive analytics continue to infiltrate our lives, Gilman offers one last word of caution. Its not like you graduate, and your data just disappears and goes away, she says. Someone is still using that to make predictions about other people, and it could perhaps fall into other hands to make predictions about you. __ Aitana Vargas is a Columbia University graduate and an award-winning on-camera news reporter, foreign correspondent and live tennis commentator based in Los Angeles. She began her career anchoring a local Spanish-language TV show while obtaining her B.S. in physics from Berry College and later interned at the BBC, CNN International and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope communications department in Germany. Her Masters thesis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at Columbia University was supervised by Professor Rashid Khalidi. Her stories have appeared on Publico, EFE, CNN Expansion, Narratively, Hoy Los Angeles, the LA Times, DirecTV Sports, TVE Internacional, Cuatro/Telecinco TV Network, HITN TV Network and others. Shes received several LA Press Club awards (Investigative Series, Sports Journalist of the Year, Obituary, Consumer, Sports & Hard News), the 2018 Berry College Outstanding Young Alumni Award and is a Livingston Award finalist. Aitana was also the Spanish-English interpreter for transgender artist Daniela Vega, lead actress in Academy Award-winning film A Fantastic Woman. Learn more about her at aitanavargas.com. Jessica Kutz is a national reporter covering gender and climate change at The 19th, a nonprofit news organization that reports at the intersection of gender, politics and policy. She previously worked as an editor and reporter at High Country News, a regional nonprofit that covers the Western United States. Her work has appeared in many outlets including The Guardian, Slate, Mother Jones, PBS NewsHour and The Atlantic. She is based in Tucson, Arizona. Bita Hornavar is an independent photojournalist and visuals editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. She also works as an image editor at Gravy, a quarterly publication from the Southern Foodways Alliance. There, she primarily commissions original illustrations, and also original photography, to accompany non-fiction stories, essays and poems. Bita spent the early part of her career at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she was a staff photojournalist and photo editor for 16 years. Her work there took her around the United States and abroad, including stints in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. More recently, she was the senior photo editor at Vox.com. She is a member of the National Press Photographers Association and serves on the board of the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, the longest continuously-operating photojournalism conference in the U.S. The defense budget has very different priorities than it does in peacetime. For Russia, this is a major problem in Ukraine, where their faltering invasion effort turned out to be a lot more expensive than expected. While the salaries of the troops and operating costs of the military came to $85 billion, the additional wartime expenses included $34 billion for lost weapons and equipment as well as $21 billion for medical care of those wounded and $26 billion for compensating the families of those killed in combat. The latter is also a good way for foreign intelligence agencies to estimate Russian casualties. Those families, especially if they consist of a wife and children, need continued support. Without this compensation you cannot obtain volunteers who join to be career officers and NCOs. For these men the military is a job that they will normally hold for about twenty years before they are eligible to retire with lifetime monthly pay. This compensation is usually a percentage of your active duty pay. Since the 1990s Russia has been attempting to recruit an all-volunteer force for the army. That is still a work-in-progress because the cost was more than Russia could afford. To supplement the career personnel, conscripts were used. Because of popular opposition to conscripts, the term of service was reduced to one year. After that the former conscripts were assigned to an inactive and unpaid reserve force that would only be called on in the event of a national emergency, like an invasion of Russia. The current problem is that the government is trying to portray their invasion of Ukraine as a national emergency. It certainly is for Ukraine and most Ukrainians have supported the fight against the invaders. In Russia there is little enthusiasm for the war in Ukraine. This time Russia is the invader and the Russian government's effort to portray that invasion as a national emergency is not popular with most Russians. Few will voluntarily fight in Ukraine. According to the Russian conscript law, conscripts are not allowed to fight outside Russia unless Russia is being invaded. The conscripts and their parents are angry that their government has violated this provision and sent conscripts into Ukraine to fight. The government justifies this by declaring the Ukraine operation as an effort to annex Ukraine and make it part of Ukraine. The Ukrainians and their NATO supporters are resisting the Russian invasion and many Russians believe the Russian invasion was unnecessary, illegal and harmful to Russia. Not only are a lot of Russian soldiers, including conscripts, getting killed in Ukraine, but the invasion has failed, the Ukrainians are counterattacking and most Western nations have imposed economic sanctions on Russia. The large Russian losses in Ukraine were openly and very accurately reported to the world. In Russia those losses were declared a state secret. That did not prevent Russians from finding out, it just took a little longer. Russia could not keep the bad news out and shutting down Russians access to the Internet did not work either. These casualty reports confirmed to many Russians what was really going on in Ukraine. Russia was losing the war and the Russian government was forcing their population to pay for it. The government originally believed the war would be over quickly with Russia in control of Ukraine and at little cost to Russia. When that didnt happen, the government of Vladimir Putin kept the war going because Putin believed withdrawing from Ukraine would be a defeat that would cause an upheaval in Russia threatening Putins control of the government. He keeps the war going in the hope that NATO nations would eventually tire of supporting the Ukrainians. This Putin plan has little support from Russians and few Russians, Ukrainians or NATO nations expect the Putin plan to succeed. The economic sanctions on Russia are continuing to damage the Russian economy and more Russians are suffering from the sanctions. Russian forces have lost over 200,000 dead, which is far more than they lost during their failed 1980s war in Afghanistan. Russian troops withdrew from Afghanistan after eight years of fighting. The Russians concluded that they couldnt win and withdrew. The damage was already done because within a few years the Soviet Union collapsed, along with Russian control of eastern Germany and most of Eastern Europe. Vladimir Putin was a KGB officer when the Soviet Union collapsed and he was out of a job. Putin considered the collapse of the Soviet Union as a great tragedy that must be rectified. His first move was to gain control of the Russian government. His attack on Ukraine is the first part of his plan to rebuild the Russian empire and it isnt working. SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) has developed a series of Falcon SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicles) rockets that are cheaper, more reliable and available in so many configurations that no other SLV manufacturer can compete. While some major SLV users, like China, continue to use older SLV technology but have developed, but not successfully used, a reusable rocket similar to Falcon. As of early September, Falcon SLVs have carried out 63 successful launches. The means a launch, on average, every four days. In all of 2022 there were only 61 launches. The first stage of the Falcon 9 returns to earth and lands intact. This first stage is reusable and SpaceX has its reusability technology to the point where booster rockets can be recovered, refurbished and reused up to 20 times. Already, many boosters are being reused at least ten times. Each refurbishment costs about $500,000 and performs as well as a new booster. This reduces the cost per launch from $62 million to about $30 million, and gives SpaceX a major advantage against the competition. The SpaceX reusable rockets currently reduce costs by more than half and have forced American and foreign launch providers to try and come up with something that can compete. SpaceX has been using its reusable first stage tech successfully for ten years and that track record has caused most SLV providers to lose business. Even American startups like Blue Origin and Rocket Lab failed to create viable competition for SpaceX. Several foreign nations, including China, are trying to emulate SpaceX, but so far have not been successful. SpaceX is a non-government operation that takes the lead and does not fear failure. The early development of Falcon was full of expensive failures that eventually, and rather quickly produced a cheaper and more reliable series of SLVs. The American competition, and some foreign government owned companies, were unable to compete. Economic disruptions created by the current Russian invasion of Ukraine had some beneficial effects. Two examples are the accelerated demise of the American ULA (United Launch Alliance) monopoly and the elimination of Roscosmos, the Russian government organization controlling all space program activities, as major competitors for new companies like SpaceX. ULA was already in trouble before the invasion. In 2006 veteran space program suppliers Lockheed Martin and Boeing formed a legal cartel that monopolized satellite launch services for the U.S. government. After 2006 all this business was to go to a government-approved monopoly called the ULA which gets Atlas 5 SLVs (Satellite Launch Vehicles) from Lockheed Martin and Delta 4 SLVs from Boeing. These two firms have dominated U.S. space launches for over half a century and in 2006 they monopolized it. But not for long, as the future arrived unexpectedly in the form of SpaceX, a new firm that required no guaranteed government contracts or any government subsidies and did what ULA did but faster and cheaper. If you want speed of launch after a request is made, there is Firefly Aerospace and its Alpha rocket. This 54-t0n rocket can carry a 1.1-ton payload into a 200 kilometers LEO (Low Earth Orbit) or a 630 kg payload into a 500 kilometer SSO (Sun Synchronous Orbit). The body of the Alpha rocket is made of composites, which are lighter and reduce the fuel needed. Alpha has demonstrated that it can be kept standing by, unfueled, but be fueled, payload added to the second stage and launched within 24 hours. Normally it takes at least a week, and usually longer to carry out a launch. Using solid fuel rockets for quick launch limits payload weight because liquid fueled rockets can carry more weight into orbit. Despite that, some retired ballistic missiles have been used successfully for quick satellite launches. Russia has tried this, but the state-owned Roscosmos has been a monopoly since 2015 when it absorbed the few remaining space program entities it did not already control. One item Roscosmos and ULA had in common was the Russian RD-180 rocket engine, which is used for both the Atlas and Delta SLVs. The Atlas SLV is retiring in a few years and the ULA already received all the RD-180 rockets needed for its remaining Atlas SLV launches. This was demanded by Congress after the 2014 Russian attack on Ukraine. The ULA monopoly is not absolute. Since 2013 NASA has been using the Antares SLV from Northrup-Grumman, a veteran aerospace firm that was getting back into the SLV business via this medium sized rocket. Antares uses RD-181 rockets, which consist of components made in Russia and Ukraine. Russia is now banned from supplying its RD-181 components while the two Ukrainian firms that build RD-181 components have been attacked by Russian missiles during the current invasion and may undergo more such attacks. One of those Ukrainian firms also produced the RD-843 rockets for upper stages of European Vega SLVs. Russia has threatened to cease all cooperation on supporting the ISS, but quietly suggested that a deal was possible if adjustments were made to the economic sanctions recently inflicted on Russia because of its current Ukraine invasion. Russian threats have accelerated efforts by American and European firms to build supply and crew capsules to replace the Soyuz capsules. SpaceX has already developed a cargo capsule that has been in regular use since 2010 and its crew capsule was recently approved for regular use. People exit the headquarters of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., on May 12, 2021. An Ohio podcast host ran an $11 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 50 investors with false claims of helping them become a "real estate investing badass," the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleged Monday. Matt Motil described himself as the "Cash Flow King," according to his social media presence, and promised to help teach investors how to leverage "rental real estate investments to help you get paid and live a lifestyle you actually love." But Motil's self-described success was an elaborate facade, according to regulatory filings and Ohio bankruptcy proceedings. In a 29-page complaint, the SEC laid out how Motil issued "promissory notes" fully collateralized by property across Ohio to dozens of investors. Motil told his investors that those notes were collateralized by "first mortgages" on properties, suggesting that no other investor had a more senior claim to the property, the complaint said. "Nearly everything about his scheme was a lie," the financial regulator's complaint read. CNBC has reached out to Motil for comment. In one instance, according to the SEC, Motil managed to get more than $1 million from 20 different investors for just one single-family home valued at no more than $130,000. Motil targeted a wide array of investors, from a cancer researcher to an active-duty U.S. armed forces officer, the complaint alleged. Motil filed for bankruptcy in March 2022 in Ohio but has evaded the SEC's administrative subpoenas since then, the regulator said. All the while, Motil relied on social media and his own website to advertise and entice other investors, the regulators said. Motil and his wife, Amy, profited handsomely from the scheme, the SEC alleged. Motil claimed that the promissory notes would go toward renovating and reselling the properties, a practice commonly known as "flipping." Motil also forged signatures and misused a notary's seal to continue his fraud, the SEC alleged, which is a crime in Ohio. Motil attempted to file for bankruptcy in Ohio in an effort to discharge the money he owes his investors, but his case has been contested by the U.S. Trustee. Federal regulators have stepped up their scrutiny of smaller-scale scammers who do significant financial harm to investors and the public. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission leveled civil charges against an Amazon e-commerce "automation" company that defrauded investors out of millions. That case is still proceeding. CNBC's Jim Cramer said he thinks investors not only need to know what to do in case of a market crash or enormous sell-off, but why the crisis might be occurring. Over the course of Cramer's decades-long career, he said he's seen only two "truly horrifying" sell-offs: the crash of 1987 and the rolling crash of 2007 to 2009 during the financial crisis. To Cramer, the crash during the Covid-19 pandemic doesn't compare to either of these because the market rebounded immediately. But Cramer noted a difference between the two, saying the crash in 1987 wasn't caused by an overarching failure of the economy. "Sometimes crashes have nothing to do with the economy," Cramer said. "They're caused by the mechanics of the market." He recounted 1987's "Black Monday" and "Terrible Tuesday," where the Dow lost more than 22% of its value in a single session. Yet, there was a rally over the next few days, Cramer said, due to Alan Greenspan, the Federal Reserve chair at the time, who managed to raise enough liquidity from the central bank to stabilize the market. But during the financial crisis, the market took years to recover, not bottoming until 2009 after the Dow initially plunged in 2007. Cramer said the crash in 1987 resembles the "flash crashes" of 2010 and 2015. These crashes, Cramer said, were caused by futures, or financial contracts that allow investors to speculate on the price of a financial instrument or commodity. "Black Monday happened because stock traders didn't understand the power of the futures market back then, which could flood the stock market with instant unseen supply, and no one was ready for it." Cramer said. "These days, we accept that the futures are worth watching, but it wasn't like that back then, because they were relatively new instruments, created about five years before the crash, and no one knew the power they had." CNBC's Jim Cramer examined two recent flash crashes, telling investors how to spot similar market events. Cramer emphasized that it's important not to panic in a decline, but to figure out why it's occurring, whether it's related to the fundamentals of the economy and how to handle your assets. "If you can figure out when a sell-off is caused by the mechanics of the market breaking down, then you might have an incredible buying opportunity," Cramer said. Cramer discussed short-lived sell-offs in 2010 and 2015, both of which he said were caused by system failures by the market, not the economy itself. Yet, during both flash crashes, Cramer added, investors panicked, pinning the sudden declines on the global economy or other factors. On air during the 2010 flash crash, Cramer said he felt the crash was a "phony sell-off" as it didn't reflect the economic landscape at the time. It later came to light that a large errant sell order caused panic on Wall Street, he added. In 2015, Cramer suspected something had gone wrong with market mechanics because some of the hardest-hit stocks were ones usually immune to recessions, such as biotech companies. Cramer likened these flash crashes to the decline of 1987, which saw the Dow drop hundreds of points in the span of two days. This crash, he said, was also caused by a mechanical failure of the market, not the economy itself. "I think investors weren't ready for either flash crash because, post-1987, the government had put in what are known as circuit breakers," Cramer said. "They were supposed to cool these declines by stopping trading momentarily. But the circuit breakers created a false sense of security that, oddly, still exists today, even as they failed to work properly on both occasions and did very little to stop the destruction of your nest egg." J.D. Power ranked the best airports in North America for 2023. J.D. Power released its annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study, which ranks large airports based on overall customer satisfaction on a 1,000-point scale. A large airport is defined as having 10 million to 32.9 million passengers per year. The study is based on 27,147 completed surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents, fielded between August 2022 and July 2023. It measured overall traveler satisfaction with large North American airports by evaluating six factors: Airport accessibility (getting to the airport/leaving the airport) Check-in/baggage check (as applicable) Security check Food, beverage and retail Terminal facilities (concourses, lounges, signage, restrooms and gate areas) Baggage claim (as applicable) No. 1 large airport in North America: Tampa International Airport For the second year in a row, Tampa International Airport is the best large airport in North America based on customer satisfaction with a score of 832/1,000. In 2021, CN Traveler ranked the airport in the top 10 in America and in 2020, Airports Council International named it the best airport in North America for its size, according to the airport's website. The Florida airport services more than 90 nonstop destinations across multiple airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and others. Tampa International Airport in Florida is ranked as the best large airport in North America. Education Images | Universal Images Group | Getty Images 10 best large airports in North America, 2023 watch now Here are the most important news items that investors need to start their trading day: 1. A brief reprieve September has lived up to its sullen reputation for stocks. Markets finished in the green Monday, snapping a four-day losing streak for equities, but we're still headed for a losing month. Futures looked glum Tuesday, at that. The quarter is winding down, too, so that means earnings season will begin in earnest in just a few weeks. On Tuesday, investors will also get a look at the Conference Board's freshest read on consumer confidence, as well as new home sales data. In Washington, meanwhile, the threat of a government shutdown in just a few days is growing as majority House Republicans struggle to reach an agreement on a bill. Follow live market updates. 2. Politics and picket lines UAW members and workers at the Mopar Parts Center Line, a Stellantis Parts Distribution Center in Center Line, Michigan, picket outside the facility on Sept. 22, 2023. Matthew Hatcher | Afp | Getty Images With no end in sight to the United Auto Workers' strikes against the Detroit automakers, things are about to get a lot more political. President Joe Biden is slated to head to Michigan on Tuesday to join workers on a picket line. UAW President Shawn Fain is expected to join Biden, who has said auto makers should pay up after making big profits. The UAW has yet to endorse Biden, however. Former President Donald Trump, likewise, has sought to exploit divisions within the union's ranks. Trump, who is on track to challenge Biden next year, is headed to Michigan on Wednesday for his own rally. The White House, meanwhile, said Trump's plans didn't force Biden's hand. "This decision to visit the picket line was based on his own desire. This is what the president wanted to stand with autoworkers," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. 3. Space shakeup Bob Smith, chief executive officer of Blue Origin LLC, (L), and Dave Limp, senior vice president of devices and services for Amazon.com Inc. Getty Images Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin will have a new CEO by the end of the year. On Monday, the Amazon founder's space comany told employees that Bob Smith would be stepping down come December, when he'll be replaced by departing Amazon executive Dave Limp. Bezos, when he was CEO of Amazon, worked closely with Limp on several key projects, including Alexa and the company's Project Kuiper internet satellite initiative. The shakeup comes as Blue Origin tries to play catchup with Elon Musk's SpaceX, which has become the dominant player in the launch market. 4. Apple on the stand Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple, and Eddy Cue, senior vice president of Internet Software and Services at Apple, attend the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, July 10, 2019 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Drew Angerer | Getty Images News | Getty Images One of Apple's most influential executives is headed for the stand Tuesday as the Justice Department tries to nail Alphabet 's Google for using licensing deals to monopolize online search. Eddie Cue, Apple's senior VP of services, is expected to testify that his company uses Google search as the default option on its iPhones because it is the best option. Cue negotiated the deal for Apple . Google pays Apple billions of dollars for that right. This year alone, analysts say it could amount to $19 billion. It's one of the most prominent agreements in the tech industry, and much of its details are otherwise shrouded in mystery, even as the government puts it on trial. 5. The show must go on Roy Rochlin | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images watch now Kneron, a U.S.-based semiconductor startup, said on Tuesday it raised a fresh round of funding as it looks to ramp up the commercialization of its artificial intelligence chips, which it hopes will rival Nvidia's. The company said it raised an additional $49 million, bringing its total round of funding to to $97 million. Taiwanese giant Foxconn , the company that assembles Apple's iPhones, and Alltek, a communications tech company, were among the investors in the round. Kneron is looking to capitalize on massive investor interest in artificial intelligence and the chip technology that underpins it underscored by Nvidia's 180% rally this year and the initial public offering of semiconductor designer Arm in the U.S. last week. Nvidia makes graphics processing units, or GPUs, which run in servers and data centers and can handle the massive computing power required to use huge amounts of data to train artificial intelligence systems. Many AI services today, such as ChatGPT, are run from the cloud. In contrast, Kneron designs a chipset that goes into devices like consumer electronics and cars that allow AI on the "edge." That means AI runs on a device rather than in the cloud. Advocates say this is better for security and speed as the AI application doesn't need to come from the cloud. Kneron calls its semiconductors neural processing units, or NPUs. Its latest product is called the KL730. This chip is designed for cars and the company says that it can be used to support autonomous driving. Albert Liu, CEO of Kneron, told CNBC's "Street Signs Europe" that GPUs are expensive to run which could help demand for its NPUs. "So that will force people to switch into the more low cost (NPUs)," Liu said. "With this tranche in funding, Kneron is specifically focused on expanding its efforts in enabling AI to make autonomous driving a reality," Kneron said in a press release. Kneron has no shortage of competitors from giants like Qualcomm and MediaTek which are aiming for on-device AI with their chips and startups developing AI semiconductors. Foxconn's semiconductor push Kneron has managed to get some high-profile backers on board. Foxconn is one of the more interesting ones, given its push to diversify away from just assembling electronics like the iPhone into areas such as electric cars and semiconductors. As part of Foxconn's investment in Kneron, the two companies will "accelerate the deployment of advanced AI" for automotive and other areas. They will develop "an ultra-lightweight AI chip that operates" so-called generative pre-trained, or GPT, models from the cloud. GPT models underpin AI applications like ChatGPT. Albert Liu, founder and CEO of Kneron. Harry Murphy | Sportsfile | Getty Images But Foxconn's foray into semiconductors so far has been rocky. Last year, it agreed with Indian metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta to set up a semiconductor and display production plant in India as part of a $19.5 billion joint venture. But Foxconn pulled out of that venture earlier this year, underscoring the difficulties of cracking the microchip market. Manufacturing diversifcation An Alibaba Group sign is seen at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, July 6, 2023. Alibaba plans to list its logistics unit Cainiao on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Chinese e-commerce giant said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday. Alibaba will continue to hold more than 50% of the shares of Cainiao after the spinoff. The move is part of one of the most radical shake-ups in Alibaba's history. In March, the company said it will split its structure into six business units, the majority of which will be able to raise outside funds and go public. Cainiao is the first of these businesses to officially file for an initial public offering (IPO). Alibaba said that there is "no assurance" that the proposed spinoff will take place. Alibaba said the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has confirmed that the Cainiao listing may go ahead. The exchange declined to comment on individual listings. Details have yet to surface on the pricing of shares or on the expected listing date. Founded in 2013, Cainiao is a logistics network that helps Alibaba fulfil deliveries placed on its e-commerce platforms both in China and abroad. Alibaba aims to fulfil consumer orders within 24 hours in China and within 72 hours anywhere else in the world. The company took a majority stake in Cainiao in 2017 and holds a nearly 70% interest as of Tuesday. Delivery speed is a point of competition among Chinese e-commerce firms. Alibaba rival JD.com has focused on same-day delivery to boost the appeal of its platform among Chinese shoppers. Alibaba said the IPO will enhance Cainiao's "standalone profile among its customers, suppliers and potential strategic partners, which will help Cainiao to be in a better position to negotiate and solicit more business." The Chinese giant added said that the listing will "lead to a more direct alignment of the responsibilities and accountability of the management" of both Alibaba and Cainiao with their operating and financial performance. The Cainiao IPO plans come after Alibaba announced a major leadership reshuffle in June, when former CEO Daniel Zhang stepped down and was replaced by Eddie Wu. Zhang, who retained leadership of the cloud computing unit, then made a surprise move this month to exit that business. Wu took over as the head of Alibaba's cloud division. As well as Cainiao, Alibaba is also looking to list its cloud computing business, though it has not officially filed for a spinoff. Apple senior vice president of services Eddy Cue is expected to testify all day Tuesday in federal court where the U.S. Department of Justice is accusing Google of using licensing agreements to monopolize online search. Under scrutiny is a deal in which Google pays Apple billions of dollars to be the default search engine on the iPhone's browser and other settings. Google could pay Apple as much as $19 billion this year, according to an estimate from Bernstein. Cue, who negotiated the deal with Google from Apple's side, is expected to testify that Apple picked the Google search engine as an iPhone default because it was the best product. He's also expected to say that Apple doesn't see a reason to create a new Apple search engine because Google already exists, according to a person familiar with Cue's anticipated testimony. Cue will also say that Apple has revenue-sharing agreements with competing search engines Yahoo, Microsoft Bing, DuckDuckGo and Ecosia, and that Apple users can change their default search engines, according to a person familiar with Cue's anticipated testimony. The testimony could shed some light on one of the highest-profile deals in the technology industry, which has been shrouded in secrecy for the past decade. The money Google pays to Apple for default placement is one of its biggest costs, and the advertising revenue Apple collects from Google is a major part of Apple's profits. Apple reports its payments from Google as advertising revenue, reported in its services business, which totaled $78.1 billion in sales in Apple's fiscal 2022. "I think their search engine is the best," Apple CEO Tim Cook said when asked about using Google as the iPhone's default search engine in 2018. In this article AAPL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Apple senior vice president for services Eddy Cue arrives at the Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 26, 2023. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, testified on Tuesday that the company chose to make Google the default search engine on iPhones because it made the most sense for consumers and "there wasnt a valid alternative." Cue, Apple's lead negotiator of its multibillion-dollar contract with Google , appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., to discuss the long-standing agreement between the two companies. Though more granular details of the agreement are likely to come up further in testimony that's closed to the public, Cue's opening statements shed light on aspects of the deal rarely discussed in the open. "When we're picking search engines, we pick the best one and we let the customer easily change them," Cue said. He later added that when it comes to alternatives Apple offers, they have some that "customers have never heard of," which can make them afraid of making the wrong choice. Bernstein has estimated that Google could pay Apple as much as $19 billion this year under the agreement, though the exact terms have not been revealed. When Cue renegotiated the Information Services Agreement with Google CEO Sundar Pichai in 2016, one of his goals was to get Google to increase the revenue share percentage it pays to Apple, Cue said in his testimony. Under the terms, Google pays an undisclosed cut of the net revenue it makes from advertising on searches run on Apple devices. Google CEO Sundar Pichai (L) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (R) listen as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a roundtable with American and Indian business leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2023. Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images Cue said he "thought it was the right thing and the fair thing for us" to increase the revenue sharing percentage. Apple had built the technology and "deserved" a higher revenue share, he testified. Meagan Bellshaw, the Justice Department attorney, brought up a 2016 email correspondence with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Cue's boss. Bellshaw directed Cue to reference a "Rosetta Stone" that matched letters to corresponding revenue sharing percentages, so that the exact numbers would not be revealed in open court. In the first exchange that was shared, Cook asked Cue how the meeting went, which Cue said he understood to mean his meeting with Pichai about the search contract. Cue responded that it was "good except for the rev share." Pichai "did not come back with a specific number, but said there is no way he could make C percentage work," referring to the number Apple sought in the negotiation. In the email to Cook, Cue said he needed to meet with Pichai "alone next week and agree to the economic terms or we shouldn't move forward," referring to the revenue sharing number. But Cue said on the stand Tuesday that he was confident a deal would get worked out with Google and that he hadn't seriously contemplated what Apple would do if it didn't. "Certainly there wasn't a valid alternative we would have gone to," Cue testified. "It's not something that we ever really truly considered." Ultimately, Cue said he felt it was in the best interests of both companies to finalize a deal. Cue said the two sides agreed to a revenue sharing percentage that was different from the number each presented initially. The terms of the deal were renewed in 2021 to extend the contract. The DOJ asked whether there was a provision in the agreement for Apple to support and defend the deal in connection to government actions. Cue confirmed there was but that he didn't know a lot about it. At the time, Cue said, Google had requested the addition while it was under investigation in Europe, and Apple's counsel had said it was fine to include. 'It frustrates customers' The DOJ also asked Cue to detail how Apple decides where and how it will give consumers a choice about the setup of their iPhones. One alternative Google competitors have floated to its default status on devices is to give consumers a chance to review their search engine options in a way that presents them equally. Cue's testimony spoke to some of the challenges that approach could face. He said that when consumers get a new device, they want it to work quickly. "The more choices or the more options that you get, it frustrates customers," he said. So when a customer gets a new iPhone, for example, they'll only be asked about choosing key details they want to deal with right away, such as font size. Cue said offering users a choice for their appearance settings out of the box is different from selecting a search engine. In certain countries, such as China and Russia, Apple has carved out the default status for Google because it determined that there was a better option for consumers in those regions. But in other places around the world, the company still sees Google as offering the best experience, Cue said. In his testimony, Cue also reiterated criticism that Apple has when it comes to Google's privacy practices. Cue said he agrees protecting privacy is important to Apple, including on search, and said the company has taken steps to limit Google's tracking ability on its devices. For example, it prevents Google from forcing users to log in to use the search engine. The DOJ presented a slide deck Cue sent to Cook in January 2013 titled, Competing on Privacy. A slide labeled "Privacy Timeline" included a headline about Google's $22.5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in 2012 over claims it misled users about its tracking on Apple's Safari browser. Cue acknowledged he was aware of that settlement when negotiating the Information Services Agreement, but added, "we've always thought we've had better privacy than Google." Another slide referenced a quote from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who said the company's policy boils down to getting "right up to the creepy line" but not crossing it. A later slide called Google's Android mobile operating system "a massive tracking device." "As I stated earlier, we think the iPhone is a much more private device," Cue testified. Google declined to comment on the testimony. During cross examination, Cue testified that having search integrated into its browsing product out of the box makes Apple's offerings more competitive. He referenced Apple founder Steve Jobs' original pitch of the iPhone as an iPod, phone and internet in your pocket, saying that's what consumers expect. Apple pioneered the idea of letting users search the web right from the address bar, Cue said, a feature that later caught on with other browsers. The company used to let search engines such as Yahoo and Bing notify customers through Safari that they could change their defaults. But it later discontinued that capability when it found search engines notifying customers repeatedly, diminishing the consumer experience. Cue said it's easy for consumers to change their default search engines today. If they know how to set their Wi-Fi, he said, they should also know how to alter their search defaults. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. WATCH: Facebook battles Apple over user privacy features in iOS update Fisker may grow out of its ugly duckling phase in the ever-growing electric vehicle market, Bank of America said. Analyst John Babcock initiated coverage of the underperforming electric vehicle stock at a buy. His $8 price target implies the stock can rally 50.7% from where shares finished Monday. "FSR offers investors pure-play exposure to the rapidly growing EV market, has key milestones coming in 2024 and a lower risk business model than peers," he said in a note to clients Tuesday, also describing the stock as a "pure-play EV force." Fisker popped 6.2% in early trading Tuesday. But the stock has tumbled nearly 20% this year, meaning it has underperformed both the broad S & P 500 index and the Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (DRIV) , which are both up on the year. FSR .SPX,DRIV YTD mountain Fisker vs. the S & P 500 and DRIV ETF this year Babcock described Fisker's first product, a car called the Ocean that launched earlier this year, as both attractive and compelling. He said there should be a "meaningful inflection" in volumes next year that can push revenue up and help break even on EBITDA, which he noted would be a major moment for the stock. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, he said continued growth should be aided by the launch of a smaller car and pickup truck. Babcock said the company could sell 385,000 units annually by 2030. The stock traded at a discounted sales-to-enterprise value multiple compared with Tesla 's early history. It's also at a discount compared to EV peers Lucid and Rivian . Babcock said the discount is warranted for Fisker, which went public in 2020 , given it's at an "earlier and more uncertain stage." Babcock said the company has a lower-risk business model than others in the space given that contract manufacturing can be used, which can help mitigate challenges usually faced by electric vehicle startups and lower capital requirements. Still, he noted Fisker may need additional capital as the EV market gets crowded and the company tries to break into one of its most competitive segments: electric crossovers and SUVs. He said the company will also need at least $1 billion more to get to self-funding status. Tesla's price cuts could be a harbinger for volume and profitability troubles for Fisker, Babcock warned. But Babcock used Bank of America's framework for analyzing automotive technology stocks, which looks at positioning and disruptive threats. Under this framework, the company meets enough criteria to make it "relatively compelling." CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. A broken window is seen after Russia launched 33 drones into the direction of Kyiv region, Ukraine on September 10, 2023. In a separate statement, the Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia sent 33 Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) toward Kyiv and Ukrainian forces shot down 26 of them. Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images The Biden administration slapped fresh trade curbs on 11 Chinese and five Russian companies Monday, targeting foreign actors seen as compromising national security and drawing Beijing's ire. The U.S. accused Hong Kong-based exporter Asia Pacific Links, three Finnish freight, warehousing, and logistics companies, three Russian entities and a German industrial equipment producer of being embroiled in a scheme to flout U.S. export curbs by supplying drone components to the previously blacklisted Special Technology Center in St. Petersburg, Russia. These companies were among 28 additions to the U.S. Entity List on Monday. The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security accused eight Chinese additions of procuring or attempting to procure U.S. drone equipment for Iran, while two Omani entities were cited for supporting the Houthi fighters in Yemen. The list is a tool Washington uses to levy trade restrictions on entities it deems as threatening U.S. national security and has recently been used to curb Chinese technology and penalize involvement in Russia's war machinery. "Our actions send a clear message to those trying to evade our export controls that there will be consequences for behavior that seeks to undermine U.S. national security interests," Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez in a statement. "We will not hesitate to take swift and meaningful action against those who continue seeking to supply and support Putin's illegal and immoral war in Ukraine," he added. None of the Chinese entities cited were able to immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment. CNBC was unable to reach the spokesperson of one company for comment, while some of the companies did not have public contact details. watch now IBMC, the UAE-based financial services consultancy and eMarket Place Trade Flow Service Provider, has launched an innovative Integrated International Trade-Flow System. The innovative platform connects 100-plus countries and 30-plus sectors to empower economies, industries and corporates supporting their projects and trades. The system will enable Gulf countries to boost growth in the non-oil sector and empower SMEs, large and medium-sized corporates and MNCs to explore international markets using the best-in-class industry practices. A streamlined five-step compliance procedure has also been prescribed to enhance international trust for attracting global partners and investors. 15 corporations empanelled The Industries Integrated International Trade-Flow System has over 15 corporations empanelled from more than 15 industry sectors. The project was launched as part of IBMC Vision 2025 at a glittering ceremony at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of ministers, diplomats, senior representatives of MNCs, large corporate entities, and invited guests from industries. As part of its Vision 2025, IBMC will also launch a global multi-assets exchange (stocks, commodities and currency), a unique model from the UAE, designed to increase exports, imports and re-exports by utilising highly compliant stock and commodity exchange platform, enabling dual listing and commodity listing. The Chief Guest, Humaid Ben Salem, Secretary General of the Federal Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce and Industry officially inaugurated IBMCS Industries International Trade-Flow System in the presence of Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed Al Hamed, Group Chairman of IBMC International; Sajith Kumar P K, Group CEO & Managing Director of IBMC; and Hon Henry Jons Amuli MP, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Papua New Guinea, and diplomats and special guests. Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea was the first country to launch into the Industries Integrated International Trade-Flow System from the gold industry. HummingbirdEV USA was the first corporation from the EV Industry, followed by SUSTAINOLOGY UAE for Carbon Credit. The Industries Integrated International Trade-Flow System will prepare corporates in the Gulf countries to understand international norms and procedures for using the upcoming Exchange, thus enhancing their international business capabilities. "For the past five years, IBMC has continuously worked towards supporting businesses of all classes, from startups to MNCs and listed companies, through various corporate awareness and empowerment programmes and systems. This aligns with the changing economic scenario in the Gulf economies, focusing on non-oil growth in the post-Covid pandemic times to expand their markets internationally," said Kumar. Innovative system "We are proud to introduce yet another innovative system to the global economies, industries, and corporates to empower them in the global open markets," said Sheikh Khalid, industrialist, and influential UAE National in the UAEs private sector. Another initiative is the creation of sectoral companies. This initiative supports industries by adhering to the best industry practices and international standards, providing additional assistance to economies in empowering their industries with updated practices and policies. Ben Salem expressed his support for the initiative. Having successfully concluded five years of visionary planning, IBMC is now entering the implementation phase by launching the Industries Integrated International Trade-Flow System, a pioneering system from the private sector in the UAE, said Kumar. The projects under the IBMC Vision have been started jointly under the leaderships of Sheikh Khalid, and Kumar. The projects have been structured and implemented with a highly professional international team under the leadership of Kumar. Non-oil sector diversification The IBMC Vision 2022 Project Structuring Phase, a five-year endeavour, commenced in 2017 and culminated successfully in December 2022. This project was dedicated to bolstering the diversification of the non-oil sector in the Gulf countries, primarily through the UAE. Its overarching aim was to extend significant opportunities from the Gulf region to the global business community, including traders and investors. IBMC adopted a strategic and innovative approach to empower a wide spectrum of businesses, ranging from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations. It sought to provide diverse opportunities for business, trade, and investment diversification. The project was propelled by a series of major and creative steps, including initiatives focused on industry awareness, corporate empowerment, and economic enablement. IBMC's Trade Flow emerged as a prominent portal that facilitated connections within the global business class during EXPO 2020 through the pavilions of respective countries. During EXPO 2020, IBMC actively supported participating countries in hosting economic forums, industry events, and industry roundtable discussions, aiming to attract business class, traders, and investors to their respective nations.-- TradeArabia News Service U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event announcing a new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2023. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden on Tuesday asked Congress in a social media post to fund the government as warnings grew that a looming shutdown could harm the U.S. credit rating and dollar. Biden in a video reminded Americans of the budget deal he cut with congressional Republicans in the spring to keep government programs operating, while cutting the deficit more than $1 trillion over the next decade. "There's a small group of extreme House Republicans who don't want to live up to that deal," Biden said in the video, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "So they're determined to shut down the government, shut it down now and it makes no sense," the president said. "I'm prepared to do my part, but the Republicans in the House of Representatives refuse." "They refuse to stand up to the extremists in their party, so now everyone in America could be forced to pay the price," Biden said. Funding appropriation for federal government operations is set to expire Saturday, leaving just days for Congress to pass all 12 appropriations bills and Biden to sign. The Republican-led House has only managed to pass one such bill. Failure to pass the remaining bills would cause federal workers to be furloughed, agencies to shutter and place many essential programs in peril. The White House last month asked Congress to pass a continuing resolution to keep the budget at current levels and allow the government to remain open while negotiations continue. Leaders of both parties in the Senate have expressed support for that. But extremists in the House reject the idea. Moody's and Wells Fargo warned this week a shutdown would negatively affect the U.S. economy. Moody's, the only major credit rating agency to still give U.S. sovereign credit a top AAA rating, on Monday said a shutdown would affect that rating. Another major credit rating agency, Fitch, last month downgraded the U.S. long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating. "A shutdown would be credit negative for the U.S. sovereign," Moody's analysts wrote in a note. "While government debt service payments would not be impacted and a short-lived shutdown would be unlikely to disrupt the economy, it would underscore the weakness of US institutional and governance strength relative to other AAA-rated sovereigns that we have highlighted in recent years." Moody's added, "In particular, it would demonstrate the significant constraints that intensifying political polarization put on fiscal policymaking at a time of declining fiscal strength, driven by widening fiscal deficits and deteriorating debt affordability." Wells Fargo analysts in a note Tuesday said a shutdown could lead to the U.S. dollar index falling between 1% and 1.5% in the upcoming weeks. "A potential U.S. government shutdown that could start October 1st looms, the chances of which are more or less seen as a coin flip at this point," Wells Fargo analysts wrote. "Should a shutdown transpire, there could be a negative impact of the U.S dollar, albeit one that is likely to be modest and short-lived." watch now BEIJING Europe has launched an investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies, but no assumptions should be made about the probe's outcome, the head of trade for the European bloc's executive branch said Tuesday. About two weeks ago, the European Commission announced an investigation into government subsidies for EV makers in China. The probe focuses on subsidies for electric vehicle production, and will be "fact-based," Valdis Dombrovskis, executive vice president and trade commissioner of the European Commission, told reporters Tuesday. He was speaking in Beijing after a four-day trip in China. The investigation will be in line with EU and World Trade Organization rules, and involve engagement with Chinese authorities and businesses, he added. "The outcome of investigation is going to be determined by those ... [I] cannot prejudge the outcome of the investigation," Dombrovskis said. watch now China's electric car exports have surged in recent months. When considering exports of all types of cars, China's have already surpassed Germany's, and are on track to surpass Japan's this year as the largest car exporter globally, according to Moody's. Homegrown Chinese electric car companies Nio , Xpeng and BYD are among those that have started to expand to Europe, but in relatively small numbers so far. More than two-thirds of China's electric car exports to Europe were from Tesla and other international brands manufacturing in China, according to HSBC. However, the future consequences for business are great. Dombrovskis noted the EU plans to phase out sales of internal combustion engine cars by 2035. He also said the share of Chinese EV brands in the EU market has gone from less than 1% to 8% in the last two or three years. The other element of the EU's subsidy probe is "risk of injury" for the European auto industry, he told reporters. European auto giants such as Volkswagen derive significant sales from China but have struggled to penetrate the highly competitive electric car market there. Earlier this year, VW and EV startup Xpeng announced a strategic partnership through which they would jointly develop cars for the Chinese market. China's Ministry of Commerce was quick to criticize the EU investigation and called it a "blatantly protectionist act" that would distort the global auto industry. Cui Dongshu, head of the China Passenger Car Association, also said in an online post that China's new energy vehicle exports are growing because of a highly competitive domestic supply chain and market environment. On Tuesday, Dombrovskis told reporters that the EU probe into EV subsidies was raised in pretty much every meeting with his Chinese counterparts. China's electric vehicle ambitions started well over a decade ago. Former Audi engineer Wan Gang became China's Minister of Science and Technology in 2007 and convinced the central government to roll out a national strategy for developing new energy vehicles and battery technology. Between 2009 and 2015, the central government spent at least 33.4 billion yuan ($4.57 billion) in subsidies on developing electric vehicles, according to the Ministry of Finance. Beijing has tended to lump EVs into the broader category of new energy vehicles. The government-led push was not without waste. In 2016, the Ministry of Finance said it found at least five companies cheated the system of over 1 billion yuan. The country's more recent electric car-related subsidies have focused on tax breaks for consumers. Electric cars are considered one of the bright spots in China's slowing economy, and a driver of advanced manufacturing, retail sales and exports. Sterling hit a six-month low against the U.S. dollar Tuesday as it traded down 0.3% on the previous session, after falling below $1.22 for the first time since March. The pound was at $1.2178 against the greenback at 3 p.m. London time. Its losses for September currently stand at 3.65%, according to LSEG data putting it on course for the worst month for a year, when the "mini budget" announced by former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss caused havoc in markets and the pound fell to a record low of $1.0327. The prospect of a lower peak interest rate than markets had previously expected has weighed on the currency, as concerns over the U.K. economy rise. The Bank of England held its key rate steady at 5.25% in September after 14 straight hikes. On its surface, the use of weight loss drugs may seem like it has little to do with the demand for office space, shopping malls and apartment buildings. But Jefferies analyst Jonathan Petersen begs to differ. He speculated that a more fit population would have a host of different habits that could ripple through the economy and eventually be felt by the real estate industry benefiting some pockets, while pressuring others. "While an immediate rebalance of your portfolio on this trend would likely be premature, we provide predictions on how GLP-1 drugs may transform Real Estate over the next decade," wrote Petersen in a note to clients Monday. A new class of weight loss drugs known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists has given people who struggle with obesity fresh hope that they can shed pounds and possibly ward off other chronic health conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Use of these drugs, which include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, is still small but analysts predict it will grow in the coming years due to the large percentage of people who can benefit from these therapies. SPG YTD mountain Simon shares have fallen 6% year to date. Petersen suggests the fallout might begin with a pickup in foot traffic at malls as patients on medication shop for new wardrobes to fit their smaller frames. That would help mall operators such as Simon Property , Federal Realty Investment Trust and Macerich . But restaurants could lose out as consumers eat less rich food, a blow to companies such as NNN REIT that own a lot of restaurant properties in their portfolio, Petersen said. NNN YTD mountain NNN REIT shares have fallen more than 22%. He goes on to speculate that a thinner populace might be more social, and look for apartment buildings with more shared spaces and amenities like pools. If that vision comes to pass, it could boost apartment operators such as Equity Residential , Avalonbay Communities and Apartment Income REIT , among others. PEAK YTD mountain Healthpeak shares are down 26% since January and hit a 52-week low Tuesday. Over the long term, the use of these drugs will boost patient well-being, and Petersen expects this could mean fewer doctor visits and longer lives, trends that could boost senior housing operators like Welltower , but pressure operators of medical office space such as Healthpeak . Healthpeak shares hit a 52-week low on Tuesday, while Welltower shares shed more than 2%. Welltower, which operates in the U.S., Canada and U.K., is up nearly 24% year to date. Healthpeak shares are down more than 26% during the same period. Petersen isn't the first analyst to take a look at the far-reaching implications of GLP-1 medications. Morgan Stanley predicted a reckoning for food and beverage companies as patients on these drugs eat fewer calories. And medical device stocks don't need to wait to see the knock-on effects. Their stocks have already been hammered by investors who are predicting fewer people will need insulin pumps, CPAP machines for sleep apnea and bariatric surgery. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. 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. Biden, son of President Joe Biden , since 2020 has been the target of attacks by Giuliani, former President Donald Trump , Republican members of Congress and conservative media outlets over the alleged contents of that computer. "They also are among those who have been primarily responsible for the 'total annihilation' of Plaintiff's data." "Defendants are among those who have been primarily responsible for what has been described as the 'total annihilation' of Plaintiff's digital privacy," Biden's suit in Los Angeles federal court says. Hunter Biden on Tuesday sued former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani , his companies and another attorney over alleged violations of computer fraud and data access related to a laptop computer Biden is said to have left at a Delaware repair shop. Giuliani delivered information allegedly gleaned from Biden's laptop to the New York Post, a newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp ., in October 2020, a month before the election between Trump and Joe Biden. The Post then published a story based on that data, which suggested that President Biden may have attended a meeting with a representative of a Ukrainian company that employed Hunter. Claims that Joe Biden was involved in his son's allegedly corrupt business dealings, which are in part based on information from the laptop, are the focus of an impeachment inquiry into the Democratic president by GOP-run House committees. Hunter Biden's lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court also names as a defendant Robert Costello, an attorney and former federal prosecutor who previously represented Giuliani. The suit says, "For the past many months and even years, Defendants have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from Plaintiff's devices or storage platforms, including what Defendants claim to have obtained from Plaintiff's alleged 'laptop' computer." The suit also says Biden's data was "manipulated, altered and damaged" before it was copied and sent to Giuliani and Costello. And it accuses them of being involved in "further alterations and damage to the data" that currently is unknown to Biden. In a footnote, the suit says, "This is not an admission by Plaintiff that [Delaware computer repair shop owner] John Paul Mac Isaac (or others) in fact possessed any particular laptop containing electronically stored data belonging to" Biden "Rather, Plaintiff simply acknowledges that at some point, Mac Isaac obtained electronically stored data, some of which belonged to Plaintiff," the footnote goes on to say. Hunter Biden was indicted in Delaware federal court this month on several criminal charges related to his purchase and possession of a handgun while being a user of illegal drugs. He previously was charged with two counts of failure to pay federal income taxes in 2017 and 2018. Last week, Biden sued the IRS for what he alleges is the "unlawful disclosure of Mr. Biden's confidential tax return information" by IRS agents who revealed that information to the media to embarrass him. Giuliani's spokesman Ted Goodman in a statement said, "Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop." "I'm not surprised he's now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing," Goodman said. Costello did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Asa Hutchinson, former governor of Arkansas and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, during the Republican primary presidential debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson fell short of qualifying for the second GOP presidential debate this week, but the other seven candidates who were there for the first debate in August will be back onstage Wednesday in California. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., have all qualified for the second debate Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, according to a statement from the Republican National Committee. That means those candidates met all three of the party's qualifying criteria a unique donor threshold, a minimum polling requirement and signed pledges that include supporting the party's eventual nominee. Former President Donald Trump, who also skipped the first GOP debate, easily surpassed the first two requirements, according to NBC News analysis. But he has refused to sign the party pledges, without which he can't qualify. Most of the candidates set to meet Wednesday passed each threshold easily, but Burgum did not notch all of his qualifying polls until the weekend before the debate. That made Hutchinson the only candidate who participated in the party's first debate last month who fell short of qualifying this time. A number of other GOP candidates including former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, conservative commentator Larry Elder, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson and Ryan Binkley, a pastor and entrepreneur didn't qualify for either contest. The main issue for Hutchinson and the issue that almost blocked Burgum was the polling threshold, which required candidates to hit a higher mark, in fewer polls, than the first debate's criteria. Neither candidate could consistently hit 3% in national or state-level polling. Missing out on the debate stage and the free publicity that comes with it proved costly before. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez dropped out of the presidential race days after failing to qualify for the first debate. Hutchinson, one of the weaker fundraisers in the 2024 presidential field, recently told reporters in South Carolina he didn't have a specific off-ramp in mind for his presidential race. In New Hampshire, he said that missing the debate would mean he'll need to reflect on his campaign. But shortly after the news broke that he would miss the debate, Hutchinson said in a statement that he would continue his campaign. "I understand that the RNC and the media are trying to reduce the number of candidates, but I measure success based on the response I receive in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire," he said. "My goal is to increase my polling numbers to 4% in an early state before Thanksgiving. If that goal is met, then I remain competitive and in contention for either Caucus Day or Primary Day." Hutchinson continued, "I entered this race because it is critically important for a leader within the Republican Party to stand up to Donald Trump and call him out on misleading his supporters and the American people. I intend to continue doing that." Although bank stock investors are wading through a period of uncertainty and jittery sentiment, Oppenheimer has a positive outlook on certain stocks. "Fortunately, the fundamentals are generally still stable and generally favorable," Oppenheimer analyst Chris Kotowski said in a Tuesday note about the U.S. banking industry. "Asset quality is normalizing but remains excellent, fees and trading as expected, and capital markets finally seem to be rebounding." Kotowski noted that loan growth is still positive despite seeing a notable slowdown. While net interest income peaked earlier this year, he added that the third quarter will likely come out in line with prior expectations and stabilize at levels more than 20% higher than before rates began rising. Oppenheimer named several megabanks as winners of the recovering industry, recommending Citigroup , Goldman Sachs , Bank of America , Jefferies Financial , JPMorgan Chase , Morgan Stanley and U.S. Bancorp . These stocks are trading at a 47% relative P/E multiple on a forward basis and are "significantly undervalued," according to the firm. "In the long run, the patience likely will be rewarded although we readily acknowledge that the sentiment toward the group is unlikely to improve near term," Kotowski said. JPM BAC,MS,JEF YTD mountain Megabank stock performance. Of Oppenheimer's picks, U.S. Bancorp and Bank of America have taken the most share price losses so far this year, down 23.3% and 17.1%, respectively. Jefferies and JPMorgan are the two gainers, trading higher by 12.7% and 8.5% this year, respectively. Oppenheimer on Tuesday trimmed its price target on Bank of America by $1 to $48 and maintained its outperform rating. The stock is also a favorite of Morgan Stanley, which said on Tuesday that Bank of America stands as the "biggest beneficiary of higher for longer rates" from free funding and the least exposure to short-dated CDs. JPMorgan was assigned a slightly lowered $215 price target by Oppenheimer. The firm kept its outperform rating on the bank and noted its "exceptional" performance in the second quarter, during which JPMorgan's revenue rose 34% as it took advantage of higher rates and solid loan growth. JPMorgan and Goldman are looking at a roughly 25% increase in capital requirements under new regulations, Kotowski said in the Tuesday note, explaining that the firms will start charging more for holding certain assets, hold less of others and entirely strike some asset categories. "The banks can quickly grow their capital bases in whatever is required and then resume buybacks after that. There should be a mid-single digits of capital share buy-back over time, and with the stocks as cheap as they are, that is a great value creator," Kotowski said. In this article JPM Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now JPMorgan Chase said Tuesday it will pay $75 million to settle a lawsuit by the U.S. Virgin Islands alleging that the American bank facilitated and benefited from the sex trafficking of young women by its longtime customer Jeffrey Epstein. JPMorgan did not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement, which will give $55 million to Virgin Islands charities and the American territory's anti-trafficking efforts. The remaining $20 million will cover attorneys' fees incurred by the Virgin Islands as part of the litigation in federal court in New York. The Virgin Islands said the deal "includes several substantial commitments by JPMorgan Chase to identify, report, and cut off support for potential human trafficking, including establishing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures." Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attend de Grisogono Sponsors The 2005 Wall Street Concert Series Benefiting Wall Street Rising, with a Performance by Rod Stewart, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on March 15, 2005. Joe Schildhorn | Patrick McMullan | Getty Images The territory said $10 million of the money received would be used to create a fund to provide mental health services for Epstein's victims. JPMorgan also said Tuesday that it had reached a settlement with Jes Staley, a former executive at the bank who had been friends with Epstein, to resolve claims by JPMorgan that he was responsible for any civil damages and costs associated with Epstein-related litigation. The terms of the agreement with Staley are confidential. JPMorgan said it "deeply regrets" its association with Epstein, who was a client between 1998 and 2013. Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith said the agreement settles what was the first enforcement action against a bank for facilitating and profiting from human trafficking. "As part of the settlement, JPMorgan has agreed to implement and maintain meaningful anti-trafficking measures, which will help prevent human trafficking in the future," Smith said in a statement. "This settlement is a historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about banks' responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking." Jes Staley, former CEO of Barclays, arrives at the offices of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in New York on June 11, 2023. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images The deals come months after a separate $290 million settlement by JPMorgan with victims of the now-dead predator. That earlier deal ended a similar lawsuit by one of those victims in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. As with that prior agreement, the new pacts let the bank avoid a trial on the Virgin Islands' allegations in that same court, which was due to start Oct. 23. The territory had said it would ask jurors at that trial to award it at least $190 million in damages from JPMorgan. The Virgin Islands previously obtained a $105 million settlement from Epstein's estate and another $62.5 million from billionaire investor Leon Black to resolve potential claims related to Epstein. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and other top bank executives had been questioned by lawyers for the Virgin Islands as part of its suit against the firm. Related court filings and hearings have led to a stream of embarrassing headlines about the bank since the case was filed in late 2022, more than three years after Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail following his arrest on federal child sex trafficking charges. The Virgin Islands claimed JPMorgan effectively ignored repeated red flags that Epstein was trafficking women to his private island in the territory because it wanted to retain his business and that of his wealthy and powerful friends. Among those red flags was Epstein's 2008 guilty plea in Florida to a state charge of soliciting sex from an underage girl, a conviction that led to a 13-month jail stint. In late August, a JPMorgan attorney told Judge Jed Rakoff that after Epstein died, the bank notified the U.S. Department of the Treasury that it since had identified more than $1 billion in transactions related to "human trafficking" by him dating back 16 years. But the bank also had alleged in court filings that the Virgin Islands was complicit in Epstein's crimes, saying he gave high-ranking territory officials money, advice and favors in exchange for their allowing him to traffic women there unhindered. watch now Meta's Threads real-time messaging app is struggling to attract new users like it did during its blockbuster July debut. The Twitter clone now ranks near the bottom of the most popular social media platforms, ahead of only Tumblr, as measured by the number of U.S. users, according to Insider Intelligence's first Threads forecast, published Tuesday. Insider Intelligence said it expects Threads to have 23.7 million U.S. users in 2023, far behind Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, which have 177.9 million, 135.2 million and 102.3 million users, respectively. Its closest rival, X, will have 56.1 million U.S. users in 2023, the forecast said, which means that Threads will have less than half of the U.S. user base of the messaging app formerly known as Twitter. For the U.S. market, the analyst firm said Threads will continue to "rank second-to-last among social networks" through 2025. Meta did not respond to a request for comment. The new forecast joins a growing list of third-party estimates from mobile analytics firms such as Sensor Tower and Similarweb that have recently documented declining usage of Threads. When Threads debuted, it rapidly gained millions of users due in part to its easy sign-up process for existing Instagram users. The messaging app also benefited by being a mainstream alternative to X, which several analyst firms including Insider Intelligence have said is losing users amid the ownership of Tesla chief Elon Musk. "Threads received an initial boost from Twitter's missteps, but it can't rely on X defectors to continue to grow," Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jasmine Enberg said in a statement. If Musk decides to charge all X users a monthly subscription fee, as he said during a recently livestreamed talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Meta could have a "clearer avenue to monetize Threads," Enberg said. "Assuming Musk doesn't backtrack, the move will likely alienate more X users and potentially increase advertiser interest in Threads," Enberg added. Still, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously said that the company has no plans to monetize Threads until it's bigger and more established. The social networking giant has been releasing several new features for Threads intended to make it more compelling, such as a desktop version and a search tool. Indeed, both advertisers and creators have previously told CNBC that Threads needs certain features such as analytics tools to become a more robust platform that they will invest time and money into. Enberg said Threads needs to establish an identity that's "more than an extension of Instagram or an alternative to X" in order to become a major player in the social media market. "TikTok was able to break through largely because it offered users a unique new social experience," Enberg said, referring to the ByteDance-owned short-video app's rise to prominence. Watch: Are the Threads unraveling? Armenian police officers walks near refugees as they queue in vehicles near the border town of Kornidzor, arriving from Nagorno-Karabakh, on September 26, 2023. Alain Jocard | Afp | Getty Images Thousands of ethnic Armenians on Tuesday fled their homes in the breakaway enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, as Armenia's prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, publicly blamed Russia for failing to ensure the country's security. The mass exodus comes after a lightning military operation by Azerbaijan last week that saw it take full control of the region that has endured more than three decades of conflict. The 24-hour offensive ratcheted up fears of major unrest throughout the Caucasus the border region between southeast Europe and west Asia. The U.S. has called for Azerbaijan to maintain a cease-fire and "take concrete steps" to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh. The landlocked territory of Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 and, with the support of Armenia, has fought two wars with Azerbaijan in the space of 30 years. The territory is currently home to an estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians. Hundreds of cars, buses and open-top trucks were seen Tuesday snaking their way through the last Azerbaijani checkpoint to enter Armenia via the so-called Lachin Corridor, a mountain road that connects Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The first convoys of civilians leaving the region began on Sunday. As of Tuesday morning, at least 13,350 people were estimated to have entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh, according to the Armenian government. A refugee waits in a car with her baby as she waits to cross the border, leaving Karabakh to Armenia, in Lachin, on September 26, 2023. Emmanuel Dunand | Afp | Getty Images It said it would provide accommodation to all those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh who have no place to live. Separately, at least 20 people were reported to have been killed on Monday in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to local Armenian authorities. The cause of the blast remains unclear. Local human rights official Gegham Stepanyan said via X, formerly known as Twitter, that the number of people injured in the explosion exceeded 200. Armenia, which has typically looked to Russia as a security guarantor, said Azerbaijan's military operation last week was an attempt to ethnically cleanse Nagorno-Karabakh, a charge it denies. Speaking on Sunday in an address to the nation, Armenia's prime minister said the likelihood was rising that people would seek to flee the Nagorno-Karabakh region "as the only way to save their lives and identity," Reuters reported. "Responsibility for such a development of events will fall entirely on Azerbaijan, which adopted a policy of ethnic cleansing, and on the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh," Pashinyan said. He added that the government's strategic partnership with Moscow was not enough to protect the country's external security. Russia on Monday hit back against Pashinyan's assertions, saying his address "contained unacceptable insinuations against Russia and can only elicit repudiation." "The most recent utterances by Nikol Pashinyan confirm our earlier conclusions that the processes driven by Western influence and encouraged by official Yerevan are systemic rather than sporadic and detrimental to their own country and our alliance," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Despite decades of security backing from Russia, Armenian authorities have grown increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of willingness from the Kremlin to support the country. Russia, alongside Armenia, is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Formed in 2002, the Moscow-led security bloc is a military alliance composed of six post-Soviet states. Like NATO, the CSTO is based on the principle of collective defense, meaning that an attack on one member is recognized as an attack on all members. Azerbaijan soldiers regulate traffic as refugees wait in their cars to leave Karabakh for Armenia, at the in Lachin border, on Sept. 26, 2023. Emmanuel Dunand | Afp | Getty Images The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, in partnership with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has wrapped up a series of strategic engagements with fifteen (15) leading international and independent Oil and Gas Companies operating in Nigeria. These sessions, held in Lagos and Abuja, were carefully chosen after a detailed review process by NUPRC and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy and included Chevron, Total, Shell, NAOC, Exxon Mobil, Seplat, Heirs Holdings, Waltersmith, First E&P, among others. A key objective of the discussions was to advance a Presidential Initiative aimed at addressing the nations revenue emergency whilst contributing to stabilising Nigerias economy. According to the Office of the special adviser on energy, results of these talks disclosed significant investment opportunities with an estimated $55.2 billion in investments projected by 2030, of which $13.5 billion is expected to be invested by these companies within twelve (12) months from now. During these consultations, participating Operators shared insights into the challenges and barriers affecting their investment strategies and the swift rollout of planned projects. Collectively, they also pinpointed key strategies that will ensure the delivery of 2.1 million barrels by December 2024, positioning Nigeria well ahead of President Tinubus campaign promise of the 2.6 million barrels by 2027. The proposed measures are also expected to cause a 100 per cent increase in gas production by 2027, exceeding President Bola Tinubus campaign pledge of 20 per cent growth in that sector. President Tinubu remains committed to overcoming these challenges, making Nigeria the top choice for energy sector investments. Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President said, we are faced with a revenue crisis which is impacting all Nigerians. To urgently address this, President Bola Tinubu is actively seeking ways to grow revenue and forex to stabilise our economy and currency; and the oil and gas sector remains critical to our ability to do so despite current production levels falling significantly short of our potential. She added, These strategic, high-level engagements with oil and gas producers will help fast-track bold reforms that will unlock investments required to restore and grow Oil and Gas Production in the short, medium, and long term. President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to enhancing the investment environment in Nigeria, positioning us as the preferred destination in Africa for the energy sector. With the conclusion of these consultations, it is anticipated that the $13.5 billion in short-term investment components, currently in the pipeline, will pave the way for the delivery of 2.1 million barrels per day production by December 2024, barring any unforeseen challenges.--OGN/ TradeArabia News Service Peloton co-founder and Chief Product Officer Tom Cortese is leaving the company and will be replaced by longtime Silicon Valley veteran Nick Caldwell, the company announced Tuesday. Cortese, who helped found the connected fitness company alongside former CEO John Foley in 2012, will move into an advisory role beginning Nov. 1, the company said. "After nearly 12 years of pouring myself into Peloton and serving our Members, I have decided it is time to move on and create space for new perspectives," Cortese said in a news release. "I'm eager for new growth for Peloton and for me personally, but I'm also excited to support and watch this next phase of Peloton's evolution. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished, together." Caldwell most recently served on the board of tech companies Bitly, HubSpot and True Search and previously did stints at Twitter, Google, Reddit and Microsoft, where he worked for nearly 16 years at the start of his career, according to his LinkedIn profile. He'll oversee global product development and will start the new role Nov. 1. "I want to thank Tom for his tireless dedication since launching Peloton nearly 12 years ago as a Co-Founder of the business. We simply wouldn't be here today without his contributions," CEO Barry McCarthy said in a statement. "Nick brings impressive engineering, design, and product experience to the Peloton team. Nick joins us at an exciting time as we lean into growing our subscriber base online and on our connected fitness hardware." In this article SPIR Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A Russian-chartered oil tanker in the sea off Morocco. Maritime technology company Windward identified the area as a hub for smuggling oil. Europa Press | Getty Images Ships are faking their locations to engage in illicit activity and rising numbers appear to be doing so to trade goods that are likely to be worth billions of dollars. So-called "dark vessels" shipping Russian oil in a suspected evasion of the G7's $60 a barrel price cap, tankers going under-the-radar in Venezuelan waters, and cargo ships allegedly smuggling grain from Ukraine are being uncovered by satellite technology that can identify when vessels report a false location. Large ships have to be fitted with automatic identification systems (AIS) and must broadcast their locations to prevent collisions, per International Maritime Organization requirements. But some are switching off their location transponders, or engaging in AIS "spoofing," where a vessel reports that it is in one location but is actually in another possibly hundreds of miles away. Data from maritime technology company Windward showed a rise of 12% in location manipulation among oil tankers and ships carrying dry cargo such as grain for the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period last year, and an 82% increase on the first half of 2021. Developments in technology are making it easier to track this kind of tampering, while new efforts to make ships' locations public is shining a light on such activities, according to John Lusk, CEO of Spire Maritime, an analytics company that provides data to governments and private companies. DOJ criminal cases and civil forfeiture actions involving shipping companies carrying illicit Iranian oil shows how the U.S. Government might react to AIS spoofing. Christopher Swift Partner, Foley & Lardner "We're starting to see even more focus and visibility on the maritime industry because of the sanctions," Lusk told CNBC by video call, referring to the G7's sanctions against Russia, with the EU's latest measures barring those vessels that have turned off or spoofed their AIS from entering ports. "Because of dark vessels, a lot of the illegal shipping is starting to increase," he said. When contacted by CNBC to ask how many such vessels have been turned away from European ports following the latest sanctions, an EU spokesperson said such information "is not for public disclosure." "Member States inform each other and the Commission about refusals of a port access call," the spokesperson said via email. "When you have black markets where they're blatantly breaking the law, whether that's breaking constraints, whether it's doing things that are going into EEZs [exclusive economic zones] in fishing, whether it's shipping products under the radar, there's just a lot of things now that are more visible, and a lot more recognition in terms of how that's impacting the global economy," Lusk said. Cargo cover up The G7 capped Russian oil sales at $60 a barrel to constrain revenues the Kremlin can make from the commodity, but according to Ami Daniel, co-founder and CEO of Windward, the illicit movement of Russian oil could be worth tens of billions of dollars. Over the past year, Windward's technology identified more than 1,100 tankers associated with Russia that went dark by switching off or manipulating their AIS, a Windward spokesperson told CNBC by email. "It's millions of barrels of oil," Daniel told CNBC by video call. For example, "500 vessels could be [carrying] 800 million barrels. Then multiply that by the price of oil let's call it $60. Sounds to me like 48 billion bucks," he said. In an online article, Windward said its data showed the number of dark ship-to-ship oil tanker transfers had increased in the Alboran Sea north of Morocco since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which it said suggested a smuggling operation. Such transfers allow one vessel to take oil from another without investigating the oil's purchase price, and can also mask the commodity's origin. Cargo ships and car ferries cross the Kerch Strait, an area of "dark activity," according to marine technology company Windward. Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Windward also identified a "Russian grain drain" that appeared to show a cargo ship carrying grain "engaging in a dark activity" in the Kerch Strait the body of water connecting the Azov Sea that has Russian and Ukrainian boundaries to the Black Sea. Two cargo vessels left Kerch to deliver grain to Morocco and the Arabian Gulf, Windward said. Spire, meanwhile, identified and tracked 50 very large crude carriers that it said covered up their whereabouts to ship oil from Venezuela. The U.S. has sanctions against Venezuela, but Spire estimated that 108 million barrels of oil worth around $8 billion in mid-July, when the company published its tracking data were moved from the South American country to East Asia between Nov. 1 last year and June 29. Tankers manipulating the location they transmitted most commonly appeared to be in waters around the oil fields of Angola but Spire's data showed their true positions to be across the South Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela's EEZ. Vessels then reported an accurate location once they sailed close to South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, with China and Malaysia their most likely destinations, the company added. Data also showed the draft of the vessels changed, suggesting cargo had been unloaded, Spire said. AIS manipulation As technology has developed, it has become relatively easy to tell whether a ship has turned off its AIS, according to Iain Goodridge, Spire's senior director of radio frequency geolocation products. "Let's say you're a good-sized oil tanker, and you turn off your AIS. You're going to hear about it not only from probably your ship owners, your shipbrokers, you're going to hear about it from the insurance company they're going to know that it was off. So that's definitely moved that focus into, okay, I'm now going to manipulate that signal," he told CNBC by video call. This can be done in a number of ways, a Spire spokesperson told CNBC by email. These include switching off the AIS transponder for a period of time; by adding a device between the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data and the transponder to suggest the vessel is on one route when it's actually sailing in a different direction; or via a software hack that has the transponder report a latitude and longitude that does not change despite the vessel moving. The spoofing technology is "almost plug and play," Goodridge said, "It's similar to, you know, you can go online and buy GPS jammers for your car it is that accessible," he added. Insurance implications OFAC, the U.S. Treasury Department body that administers and enforces sanctions, issued an alert in April about a "possible evasion of the Russian oil price cap," warning U.S. companies such as marine insurers that vessels they cover could be using "deceptive practices" like AIS spoofing to hide their presence at Russian ports such as Kozmino. OFAC recommended firms use maritime intelligence providers "to improve detection of AIS manipulation." Christopher Swift, a partner and member of U.S. law firm Foley & Lardner's government enforcement defense and investigations practice, called AIS spoofing "highly suspect." "If you're in the insurance industry, and you're not paying attention to this, you really need to start paying attention," Swift told CNBC by video call. U.S. action U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) delivers remarks, after he and his wife Nadine Menendez were indicted on bribery offenses in connection with their corrupt relationship with three New Jersey businessmen, in Union City, New Jersey, U.S., September 25, 2023. Many of the top financial donors to U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez will not say whether they will continue supporting his campaign in the face of a scathing federal bribery indictment against the New Jersey Democrat. Just one out of the more than a dozen major political action committees and individuals that historically have backed Menendez told CNBC they would still contribute to him as he seeks reelection next year. The pro-Israel NorPAC told donors in a memo Friday hours after Menendez was indicted that, "It is our intention to continue to support his re-election efforts." One individual, Baleon Capital founder Jon Kaiden, told CNBC in an email he does not plan to support Menendez in his campaign. Kaiden donated $10,800 to the Menendez Victory Fund in 2021, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. The other PACs and individuals did not respond or comment directly when CNBC asked if they would continue to donate to Menendez. Menendez was the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee until he stepped down following the indictment, as Democratic caucus rules require. But he remains on that committee, as well as on the powerful Banking and Finance committees. His presence on those panels has made him a favored recipient of donations from U.S. corporations' PACs, and PACs focused on foreign affairs. Since 2017, the top 10 PAC donors to Menendez have given him more than $280,000. Since he was indicted last week in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Menendez has insisted he will not resign, and that he will continue his reelection campaign. By Tuesday afternoon, nearly 20 Democratic senators, among them Cory Booker of New Jersey, urged him to resign from the Senate as he fights the criminal charges. Several top party donors have privately told Menendez's campaign that he should resign, according to a longtime past supporter who spoke with CNBC. Menendez, who is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, has raised more than $18 million through his campaign and leadership political action committee since 2017, according to data from OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan research group. PACs are a key resource for many candidates running for office. The Federal Election Commission allows PACs to give up to $5,000 directly toward a campaign of their choosing in either the primary or general election seasons. An individual donor can only give up to $3,300 during either of those seasons. NorPAC has been a major Menendez fundraiser for years. The PAC so far has raised about $300,000 for Menendez's 2024 reelection campaign, according to its president, Dr. Ben Chouake. NorPAC has donated a combined $15,500 toward the Menendez campaign and separate leadership PAC since 2017, according to OpenSecrets data. And the PAC raised over $500,000 for Menendez's successful 2018 reelection effort, according to The Jerusalem Post. Chouake defended the PAC's decision to stick with Menendez in an interview with CNBC. "We've known the senator for about 30 years, which is a pretty long time," he said. "We've always been impressed with his knowledge and his work ethic, and his integrity. He is probably the most knowledgeable person in the country on foreign affairs," Chouake said. The PAC chief added, "We are very much believers of innocent until proven guilty." Pfizer , the pharmaceutical giant, has donated $40,000 through its corporate PAC to Menendez's campaign and his leadership PAC since 2017, when he last sought reelection. When asked whether the company plans to donate toward Menendez's current reelection bid, a Pfizer spokeswoman said only, "We regularly evaluate our PAC giving to ensure consistency with our PAC bylaws for all federal and state contributions." Prudential Financial has donated $35,000 through their PAC toward Menendez's political operation since 2017, according to OpenSecrets. A Prudential spokeswoman declined to comment when asked whether the company's PAC would continue to support Menendez following his indictment. A Goldman Sachs spokesman likewise declined to comment when asked if the major Wall Street bank will donate to Menendez again. Goldman Sachs' PAC since 2017 has donated more than $12,000 to Menendez's election efforts, according to FEC records. Representatives for Comcast , AT&T , Blue Cross Blue Shield, Merck , General Atomics, Greenberg Traurig and Holtec International did not return requests for comment when asked if they would continue making donations to Menendez. Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC. Voters stand in a long line that leads out the door to vote at Beulah Baptist Church polling station in Montgomery, Alabama. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Tuesday handed a defeat to Alabama Republicans for the second time in three months, rejecting their latest attempt to use a congressional map that includes only one majority-Black district. The court in two related applications refused emergency requests from Republican state officials to block lower court rulings that invalidated the new map. Lower court proceedings to approve a new map are still ongoing. The decision was in line with the Supreme Court ruling against the state in June that reaffirmed a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act. There were no noted dissenting votes and the court did not explain its reasoning. The Supreme Court's earlier ruling forced the state back to the drawing board. But the new map like the previous one includes only one district where Black voters are likely to be able to elect a candidate of their choosing. Alabama has seven congressional districts, and 27% of the state's population is Black. he new map was thrown out in two different lower court rulings, with the judges saying an additional minority-Black district was required, in line with the Supreme Court's June ruling. "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," one of the court rulings said. The two consolidated cases arose from litigation over the congressional district map the Republican-controlled Legislature drew after the 2020 census. The challengers, including individual voters and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, said the map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by discriminating against Black voters. Lower court judges have now repeatedly ruled that under existing law plaintiffs had shown that Alabama's Black population was both large enough and sufficiently compact for there to be a second majority-Black district. Two conservatives Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the three liberal justices in the majority in the Supreme Court ruling in June. But the court did leave open future challenges to the law, with Kavanaugh writing in a separate opinion that his vote did not rule out challenges to Section 2 based on whether there is a time when the 1965 law's authorization of considering race in redistricting is no longer justified. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall seized upon Kavanaugh's pronouncements in his request to block the lower court rulings. He also cited the court's decision in June to end the consideration of race in college admissions as an example of why a remedy for historical race discrimination that may have once been lawful and justified is no longer appropriate. Lawyers for the challengers argued in court papers that the state had made no effort to draw a second majority-Black district even though it is the only remedy under existing law. The state "is not entitled ... to implement a congressional map that openly defies the clear rulings of the district court and this court," they wrote. U.S. Senator and Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott, R-S.C., speaks at Erick Erickson's conservative political conference The Gathering in Atlanta on Aug. 18, 2023. A super PAC supporting Republican Sen. Tim Scott's campaign for president has selected a billionaire tech executive to be its finance chair, according to an announcement by the group that was first reviewed by CNBC. The super PAC, titled Trust In The Mission PAC, announced on Tuesday that billionaire David Steward will be its finance chair. That role traditionally involves taking a lead in fundraising efforts for such political operations. The pro-Scott PAC bringing on Steward to help run its fundraising efforts comes as Scott is behind in the polls and is planning to take part in Wednesday's debate. Scott currently has 2% support in the Republican primary, according to a Morning Consult tracker. Former President Donald Trump leads the primary with 58% of support. Steward is the founder and chair of IT provider World Wide Technology. He has an estimated net worth of $7 billion, according to Forbes. The PAC has raised more than $19 million and had $15 million on hand going into the second half of the year, according to Federal Election Commission records. Steward has been a major donor to Republican politics, including contributing $100,000 to former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens' campaign and $100,000 to a super PAC that backed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush when he ran for president in 2016, according to data from the nonpartisan OpenSecrets. Steward pointed to Scott's attitude for why he's moving to help the South Carolina lawmaker. "His [Scott's] optimistic view of what America can do for everyone is one of the many reasons I'm proud to joining TIM PAC as Finance Chairman and helping him become the next president of the United States," Steward said in a statement provided by the PAC. Former Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, a co-chair of the PAC, said "the support for Tim's mission grows by the day and we're proud to have David on board as an important member of our team." In this article STLAM-IT F GM Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now DETROIT Strikes by the United Auto Workers union against General Motors , Ford Motor and Stellantis will get the presidential treatment this week in Michigan. Twice, in fact. President Joe Biden visited a picket line Tuesday at a GM parts facility in Belleville following a public invitation Friday from UAW President Shawn Fain, who joined Biden for the visit. Former President Donald Trump, the front-runner among Republicans in the 2024 presidential race, is scheduled to hold a rally Wednesday night at an auto supplier in Clinton Township, Michigan. Biden and Trump are effectively tied in the polls over a year out from the election. Each 2024 presidential candidate is trying to win over blue-collar voters such as Darius Collier, one of about 18,300 autoworkers currently on strike, who says he's "indifferent" about the candidates. President Joe Biden speaks next to Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, as he joins striking members of the union on the picket line outside GM's Willow Run Distribution Center in Bellville, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters "It would be good if they actually show the support that we need to get through this," said Collier, whose Mopar facility in Centerline, Michigan, is one of 10 parts and distribution centers set for potential closure under a recent contract proposal by Stellantis to consolidate facilities. Michigan voters helped both Biden and Trump in winning the White House during the past two presidential elections, in 2020 and 2016, respectively. They've both gained union support, but in different ways. Biden endorsement withheld While the UAW has historically supported Democrats, including Biden in 2020, Fain is withholding the union's reendorsement of the president, who has touted himself as the "most pro-union president in American history." Trump has won support of many rank-and-file union members. "Both President Trump and President Biden understand the importance that Michigan has electorally and there's a realization that elections can be very close, so they want to be seen frequently," said Mark Burton, a partner at Honigman law firm and a former chief strategist of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat. "The UAW strike is a wonderful, high-publicity moment to deploy their message and be seen once again." UAW members Niko Shinn, front, and Darius Collier, back, walk a picket line outside a Mopar facility owned by automaker Stellantis in Centerline, Michigan, Sept. 25, 2023. Michael Wayland / CNBC Michigan Democrats such as Whitmer and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell have attended UAW rallies since the UAW's Sept. 15 strikes began. However, Fain's politician of choice has been Sen. Bernie Sanders, who ran against Biden in 2020. Fain has appeared with the independent senator from Vermont in Washington, D.C., and during a recent UAW rally in Detroit. He also has echoed Sanders' messages of fighting "corporate greed" and has positioned the UAW's collective bargaining with the Detroit automakers as a "war" between the billionaire and blue-collar classes. Fain invited Biden to join the UAW picket lines days after Trump announced he would skip the second GOP debate to hold a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, where a large contingent of blue-collar autoworkers live. "We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line, from our friends and families all the way up to the president of the United States," Fain said Friday during a Facebook Live stream. Fain has not expressed much support for Biden, many times saying he needs to better prove his claim of being the "most pro-union president." However, Fain's made clear his position on Trump. watch now "Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers," Fain said last week in a statement. "We can't keep electing billionaires and millionaires that don't have any understanding what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to get by and expecting them to solve the problems of the working class." The UAW on Tuesday issued a largely generic press release ahead of Biden's visit, saying it will "mark the first time a sitting U.S. President has joined striking workers on a picket line," followed by several paragraphs about the union's strike and no statement from Fain. Fain, on the picket line with Biden at the Willow Run Redistribution Center, called the president joining the picket line a "historic moment." But he did not officially endorse the commander-in-chief for next year's presidential election. President Joe Biden addresses striking members of the United Auto Workers union at a picket line outside a General Motors Service Parts Operations plant in Belleville, Michigan, on Sept. 26, 2023. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images "Today, I just want to take a moment to stand with all of you with our president and say thank you to the president. Thank you, Mr. President, for coming," Fain said Tuesday. "We know the president will do right by the working class. And when we do right by the working class, you can leave the rest to us because we're going to take care of this business." UAW is not affiliated with Trump's Wednesday rally at Drake Enterprises, which is reportedly a non-union supplier of engine, transmission and other components for heavy truck, agriculture and automotive markets. But UAW members have previously attended and participated in Trump's events in Michigan. Trump stokes EV anxieties Fain has previously said a second Trump term in the White House would be a "disaster." However, Trump, as he has in the past, is gaining blue-collar support. "I like Trump," said Niko Shinn, another autoworker who's currently on strike at the Mopar plant. "He's a good businessman and seems like he knows more about, not politics, but negotiating and stuff like that." Trump's support among union members has increased as Biden's has fallen in recent months, according to Michigan polling company EPICMRA. Trump led Biden 46% to 43% among union members in an August survey, after Biden led Trump 51% to 42% in June, according to Bernie Porn, president of EPICMRA. "With union members, he has been so supportive of just about everything that union members want. The one thing that they're concerned about is the push towards electric vehicles because they're concerned about the fewer numbers of employees it takes to build an electric vehicle," Porn said. watch now Electric vehicles, or EVs, are expected to require less labor and parts than the traditional vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. They are expected to be one of several talking points Trump discusses during his Wednesday rally. "President Trump's rhetoric in his position stances, I think, stands clearly with the vast majority of the rank-and-file of the UAW who are concerned about their jobs being eliminated by this Biden administration forced transition to electric vehicles," said Jamie Roe, a Republican strategist based in Macomb County, where Trump's rally is being held. UAW workers picket outside Ford's Wayne Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, Sept. 26, 2023. Scott Olson | Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens during a meeting with US President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 21, 2023. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images Ukraine is trying to keep its international backers close as the spillover effects of the war with Russia as well as the thorny issues of diplomatic gaffes, conflict fatigue and elections threaten to upset its alliances and damage support for its cause. Opinion polls in both Europe and the U.S. carried out this summer show there has been an overall decline in support for measures backing Ukraine, particularly when it comes to additional funding and the supply of military equipment. "Partisan divides appear to be emerging in both Europe and the U.S. on supporting Ukraine," geopolitical analysts at Teneo risk advisory noted Monday, adding that governments were mindful of prioritizing domestic politics and policies ahead of Ukraine, particularly as elections are on the horizon in a number of allied countries like Poland, Slovakia and the U.S. As such, there are fears that Russia is smelling blood and could look to exploit weaknesses and fractures in Ukraine's partnerships as it watches the public attitude toward the war shifting. Russian analysts certainly think President Vladimir Putin is banking on Western support waning both politically and militarily. One noted Russian academic, historian and author Sergei Medvedev said he's worried about Western resolve in Ukraine, saying, "I think the West is tiring." "Everyone is anxious about the U.S. elections in 2024 and the mood of the American public, and especially if Trump or the Republicans, generally, come back to office. So there are many variables, and there are many ponderables here," he told CNBC. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during The Strong Ideas For The New Times Forum on June 29, 2023 in Moscow, Russia. President Putin visited an annual forum, hosted by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI). Getty Images Max Hess, fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and author of "Economic War: Ukraine and the Global Conflict Between Russia and the West," told CNBC on Tuesday that "Putin is undoubtedly 'playing the long game,' so to speak, and believes that time will be on his side, as evidenced by the latest plan to double the defense budget (again) for next year." "There is every reason to think that the potential fracturing of the West is something he is keen to exploit, and will actively seek to become involved in," Hess said, adding that "he needs a fracture in a major country [such as] Germany, France, the U.K., U.S." CNBC has contacted the Kremlin for a response to the comments and is awaiting a response. When a very public rift erupted between Poland and Ukraine last week, the Kremlin was quick to seize upon the tensions. Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters (with more than an underlying hint of schadenfreude) that Russia "can see that there are definite frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv" and predicted that "these frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv will increase." Moscow is likely to have been keeping an eye on the trouble that has been brewing between Ukraine and its ally and neighbor Poland over agricultural exports all summer. After all, Russia created the conditions for heightened tensions in Eastern Europe after it pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal in July, meaning that the vast majority of Ukrainian agricultural exports had to be transported over land, rail or river routes via Eastern Europe rather than by sea. That put further pressure on the region as it tried to deal with a glut of cheaper Ukrainian grain imports that farmers said were filling up storage, lowering domestic prices and distorting internal markets. Truck drivers queue on over ten kilometers at the Rava-Ruska border checkpoint on the Ukrainian-Polish border, on April 18, 2023. Yuriy Dyachyshyn | AFP | Getty Images Eastern European countries were given a reprieve in summer when the European Commission, the executive body of the EU, allowed them to restrict the imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seed, effectively meaning that the grains would transit through Eastern European countries but would not be consumed or stored domestically. When that restriction was lifted earlier in September, however, Poland and several other countries decided to unilaterally maintain restrictions, angering Kyiv. Tensions came to a head last week when Ukraine filed lawsuits against Poland, Hungary and Slovakia with the World Trade Organization over their refusal to lift restrictions, and then worsened when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to suggest to the U.N. General Assembly that some Ukrainian allies had only feigned support for Kyiv. That drew a furious rebuke from Warsaw, with Ukraine's ambassador being summoned to explain the remarks, before Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki then announced that Poland would no longer be sending weapons to Ukraine and would instead focus on its own military needs. Domestic needs Poland has been one of the largest individual donors of military aid, sending tanks and Soviet-era fighter jets, to Kyiv since Russia invaded in February 2022, as well as providing humanitarian assistance to millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Nonetheless, Poland and its neighbor Slovakia are heading in to elections in the next few weeks, with analysts saying the championing of domestic issues over Ukraine should be seen as an attempt to appeal to electorates. Analysts at Teneo noted that, like Poland, the most likely winner in the upcoming elections in Slovakia has also pledged to halt military supplies to Ukraine. "Meanwhile, last week's announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden on supplying more air defense systems and ammunitions to Ukraine has been received coldly by the isolationist wing of the Republican party. A majority of Republican voters, in fact, oppose additional funding for Ukraine," Teneo said in a note. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Sept. 21, 2023. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Describing the falling-out between Poland and Ukraine last week as "the first significant intra-coalition flare-up of the war," Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, said that the spat should raise alarm bells for a potentially seismic political shift in the U.S., too, if a Republican is in the White House after the 2024 presidential election. "The urgency in Europe is growing especially given expectations of a Trump nomination and growing potential that he becomes president, something most European leaders are now only just starting to seriously think about." Cooler heads prevailing? There seemed to be attempts to cool tensions at the weekend; Zelenskyy visited Poland on his way back to Ukraine from his week in the U.S., meeting medical staff who had helped Ukraine, and in his nightly address he thanked "all of Poland for the invaluable support and solidarity that helps defend the freedom of our entire Europe." Meanwhile, Poland's president appeared to soften Warsaw's recent rhetoric toward Ukraine, too, telling a Polish newspaper on Sunday that "we need to get our emotions under control, because let's remember who will benefit most if the paths of Poland and Ukraine diverge," alluding to Russia. "The consequences could be tragic," President Andrzej Duda told a Polish newspaper Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sits with the Ukranian delegation next to the U.S. delegation during the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, Sept. 19, 2023. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters Belarus again ruled out participating in the war in Ukraine alongside Russia, with its top diplomat insisting that a political and diplomatic solution is the only way to end the conflict. Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleynik was asked by the Associated Press whether he sees a situation in which Belarus could take part in the war. "My answer is no," Aleynik said, adding that Russia's longstanding ally Belarus has always supported peace in its neighboring country and will continue "to do everything in our power" to achieve it. He told AP that no one knows how long the war will last, but "we all understand that there is no alternative to the political and diplomatic solution for this conflict." Aleynik noted that Minsk had held three rounds of negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations last year "and they began to develop some elements of a potential peace agreement." But he blamed Ukraine and other countries "indirectly involved in the conflict" for the failure of those negotiations, and said Belarus "will continue to make peace efforts." Kyoto's flat geography makes long strolls easy. And by using bustling Shijo Street also known as Shijo-dori as a main street for navigation, it was a breeze to weave through the city during my three-month trip in May. Between meal runs and plotting routes to popular attractions such as Nijo Castle and Kiyomizudera, I clocked close to 130 miles on foot. Kyoto's traditional businesses and ancient temples didn't disappoint, but a new trend caught my attention. More artisanal shops are popping up many not far from the city's most famous sights. Here are five of my favorites. O'Chill for meditation and tea Opened in June 2023 Closest to: Kyoto Imperial Palace (12 minutes) The path to the front door of O'Chill. Source: Morgan Awyong Curiosity was my main motivation to visit O'Chill, which allows visitors the chance to drink and smoke tea. Phones are strictly forbidden in the zen-like ceremony room, where matcha is served in a traditional tea ceremony. Guests are then given hookahs, with tobacco replaced by tea leaves. Co-founder Kiruta Wataru explains that tea leaves remove the prejudice often associated with smoking, while the fired leaves act like incense. The experience is a form of "shiko-hin," or self-nurturing ritual, he said. "We believe that any lifestyle is good if the person is happy," Wataru said. My eyes widened with the first puff. The perfume of the tea leaves produced a sweet, woody flavor, as I passed the pipe between the company's other co-founder Daichi Isokawa and two guests. The 90-minute experience includes a guided meditation and refreshments. Rokuhichido for paper objects Opened in April 2023 Close to: Hokan-ji Temple (1 minute) Visitors shop the handmade paper products at Rokuhichido. Source: Morgan Awyong With all eyes on the famous five-story pagoda nearby, it is easy to miss Rokuhichido, a shop that makes Japanese paper products using methods like silk screen printing and paper cutting. The brand first gained popularity with postcards, then expanded to produce playful paper balloons and miniature figurines, shaped like marine animals or places like Mount Fuji. Designs are based on Japanese traditions and culture, the four seasons and landscapes, manager Shota Yamada said. Its ukiyo-e postcards, featuring classic motifs like geisha and shogun, are the most popular, he added. "Depending on the product, a single craftsman can produce only a few dozen of our products per day," said Yamada. Gokago for matcha drinks and food Opened in June 2023 Close to: Kiyomizudera Temple (2 minutes) The front door to Gokago. Source: Morgan Awyong There's no shortage of matcha cafes in Kyoto, but no one does it quite like Gokago. The finely ground green tea in everything from drinks and donuts to ice cream is whisked right in front of guests. Tea ceremonies are a wonderful Japanese tradition, said the company's director Kazuaki Nakanishi. "Since experiencing the traditional tea ceremony can be a hurdle, we thought it was important to offer it in a casual style to make it accessible to as many people as possible," he said. Admittedly, the experience here doesn't replace the real thing, but it's still a great stop for an authentic matcha brew en route to Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto's most famous temples. And visitors get to see the precise movements and formal presentation of the ingredients, which is part of the ritualistic grace of a formal ceremony. Kaji Kyoto for Peruvian and Japanese fine dining Opened in May 2023 Closest to: Nishiki Market (11 minutes) Food at the Peruvian Japanese restaurant, Kaji Kyoto. Source: Morgan Awyong Traditional restaurants are everywhere in Kyoto, but Kaji Kyoto isn't one of them. "I want guests to leave Kaji and see how Japanese people that left Japan had to adapt because the ingredients they had were different and were just as delicious," said head chef Keone Koki. Koki brings his Peruvian heritage to Japanese cooking, in one example using passion fruit from Okinawa as a marinade for a tiradito, an onion-free ceviche. "It's also a bit different since most sashimis are only eaten with shoyu," he said. With only eight seats, the restaurant is housed in a traditional merchant house, with seating split by a small kitchen in between. The effect is much like a performance, with Koki and his crew of five endearing themselves to guests with light banter. Fuku Coffee Roastery for specialty coffee Opened in March 2023 Close to: Kennin-ji Temple (4 minutes) Fuku Coffee Roastery is in a machiya, or traditional wooden townhouse, that Morio Ajiki inherited from his grandmother. QatarEnergy has announced the signing of a long-term naphtha supply agreement with Japan-based Marubeni Corporation, a leading integrated trading and investment business conglomerate. The agreement was signed by QatarEnergy, for and on behalf of Qatar Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum Products Company, and Marubeni Petroleum, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation. The 10-year sale agreement stipulates the supply of up to 1.2 million tons per annum of Naphtha to Marubeni starting from October 2023. This agreement is based on the successful and long-term relationship enjoyed between both entities and builds on the 5-year Naphtha sales agreement signed in 2018, which expires in September 2023. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: This agreement further enhances the long-standing, strategic, and fruitful relationship between QatarEnergy and Marubeni Corporation, spanning several decades. We are proud of the continued cooperation with our Japanese partners such as Marubeni Corporation, which reinforces Japans trust in Qatar as a reliable energy provider while further fostering cooperation between the two countries. QatarEnergy and Marubeni Corporation have a long-standing strategic partnership through several shared investments in the energy industry in Qatar, including investment in Al-Kharsaah solar power plant and Mesaieed power plant. Marubeni Corporation is one of the largest petrochemical feedstock trading entities and aggregators in Asia. It has received continuous and stable supplies of various grades of Naphtha from Qatar since 1986, which has enabled Marubeni Corporation to reliably supply a variety of end users in Japan.--OGN/ TradeArabia News Service Almost everyone in Cebu Citys bustling creative scenes has a story to tell about Turtles Nest, it seems. Over 26 years, the restaurant, gallery, and artist space has seen generations of artists grow even as urbanization transformed its surroundings. It was the last crumbling fort of the weirdos along Gorordo Avenue, said actress Chai Fonacier, who considered Turtles Nest her living room while her acting career was taking off. A lot of people tried to keep it open for as long as we could. Turtles Nest outlived other beloved venues like Outpost and Handuraw, which were part of the areas heyday in the 2010s. On a regular night, youd find artists, poets, call center agents, students, and an assortment of folks frequenting its tables. It attracted people from nearby universities such as the University of the Philippines Cebu and the University of San Carlos and the IT Park, since Gorordo Avenue was a main road that crossed Mango (now General Maxilom) Avenue. Among its regulars were the visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado, reggae trailblazer Budoy, alternative rock band Urbandub, riot grrrl band Tiger Pussy, and noise rock pioneers Bombo Pluto Ova, and more. Over 26 years, the restaurant, gallery, and artist space Kukuk's Nest has seen generations of artists grow. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE It was the last crumbling fort of the weirdos along Gorordo Avenue, said actress Chai Fonacier of Kukuks Nest. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE The names Turtles Nest and Kukuks Nest are used interchangeably, though the latter was originally that of the pension house and inn across the street. When the latter closed, the sign was moved to its present location. The house itself, whose architecture and jalousie windows are straight out of the early nineties, is among the last of its kind amid the low and high-rise buildings on the same block. Bambi Beltran, the owner of Turtles Nest, initially intended for the restaurant to be a library cafe. But given the patronage, they eventually added beer, and the place eventually expanded to involve a gallery. Street artists of Cebu including those from the Ubec Crew began to adorn the walls, and events for music and performance would pop up as people gravitated to the place. Pag Kukuks kasi, you can have a death metal show or a punk hardcore show, said Jerros Dolino, who has been a member of Urbandub, Sheila and the Insects, and many other bands. Then the next day, theres a poetry reading session. The next weekend, it could be a reggae show. Tapos meron art exhibit. It was a space for a lot of artists talaga. Its welcoming of different genres of music extended as well to what art could take place there. Ivan Zaldarriaga, son of Kukuks owner Bambi Beltran, stands amongst the crowd at one of the many houses farewell events. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE On a regular night, youd find artists, poets, call center agents, students, and an assortment of folks frequenting Kukuk's Nest's tables. In photo: Filmmaker Ron "Gagamboy" Gamboa and rapper/producer Adam Escano. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE Walang pakialaman, may art lang na nangyayari, recounted Ivan Zaldarriaga, Beltrans son, street artist, and filmmaker. Mga tumatambay din doon na non-artists, na-iinfluence din sila. Parang napapalawak ang utak nila na art is not just a painting. Or going out to party, you dont just watch music or a live band. Maraming alternatives to what you can do. One of the most awaited events at Turtles Nest was World Monggo Day, the annual year-end party that initially began as a night where each dish had monggo. Each year had a theme, whether it would be a doomsday get-up or a third eye on your forehead. Other events throughout the year would be Sloppy Firsts, a music event where each band on the lineup had to be playing for the first time. The Really Bad Poets had been holding poetry slams in 2010, long before spoken word poetry rose to mainstream popularity in the Philippines. (After the passing of RBPs founder and performance artist Alex Uypuanco in 2016, his urn eventually stood amongst the books on the shelves.) Of course, the list of nights to remember is a long one. But even on regular days, with no scheduled events, things could be happening. Because it was 24 hours and Maam Bambi herself is an artist, she understood that an artist needed a sounding board or a place to express [themselves], said Samantha Solidum of media collective Sutukil Sauce, which was conceptualized with Fonacier in Turtles Nest itself. It was one of those rare places where you could just bring what you can to the table, literally, like actual things, or just your ideas. And most probably you could find someone who would latch onto those ideas. Kurdapya Jones was a persona played by Chai Fonacier that did comedic and incisive documentaries about local issues. The poster for "Panamilit," a Kukuk's Nest tribute gig. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE When Turtles Nests impending closure was announced, Cebu artist groups and collectives like Sutukil Sauce, PAWN Records, Oldfart, Blaxkbox 6000, Ear Infection Records, and more reached out to put up their own tributes. The recent Cebu Art Book Fair gave a grant to a zine titled Farewell to Kukuks by Fidel Ricafranca, which documented Turtles Nest through the words of Erik Tuban of PAWN Press, visual artist Greys Lockheart, and Raymund Fernandez. Its write-up goes: If CBGB has a documentary, maybe Kukuks[sic] deserves at least a zine before it goes down eternally. JB Villagonzalo of Awkward Dancer, Ian Intong of School Girl Classic and The Spirals, and Cebu music scene veteran Dexter Duran at Kukuk's farewell gig last July. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE The zine Farewell to Kukuks by Fidel Ricafranca goes: If CBGB has a documentary, maybe Kukuks[sic] deserves at least a zine before it goes down eternally. Photo by ZACH ALDAVE Over the course of August 2023, the front bar closed and the furniture and other objects inside were slowly put up for sale. With Beltran moving away from the bustle of Cebu City, she left selections of her wardrobe an eclectic selection of vividly-patterned psychedelic prints, bold silhouettes, and quirky heels for people to take with them. Fittingly, Turtles Nest slowly settled back down into a house as its doors closed for good. The place is notorious enough, and it speaks for itself. Whatever people think of it, okay lang, said Zaldarriaga. With a storied subcultural history like Turtles Nest, no history may ever be definitive. Still, the legacy speaks of itself. People of its community have gone on to cultivate their own movements and practices as other artist-run spaces have popped up around not just the city proper, but also in spaces beyond. While the end of Turtles Nest closes a chapter of Cebus rich subculture, the momentum that began there is far from slowing down. ERRATUM: The article previously referred to living visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado as "the late visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado" and mislabeled Adam Escano as Adam Hechanova. We apologize for these errors. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Saudi Arabia in October to attend the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council summit, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. "His visit will further strengthen the strong, friendly and vibrant ties between the two countries," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Antonio Morales said. No details about the president's trip have been released yet. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) removed the floating barrier installed by China from the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM), also known as Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, it announced Monday night. The shoal is part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales. It is located 124 nautical miles (NM) west of the province and falls within the Philippines' 200 NM exclusive economic zone (EEZ). On Sept. 20, the PCG discovered that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) installed the 300-meter-long barrier in the southeast portion of Scarborough Shoal. Authorities said the CCG usually placed these when it monitored a large number of Filipino fishermen in a particular area. READ: China installs floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal PCG The removal of the barrier was done in compliance with instructions from Malacanang and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, the agency said. The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory, the PCG said. The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM, the coast guard added. The 2016 ruling, awarded by an international tribunal constituted under the UNCLOS, nullified Chinas sweeping claim over the South China Sea, which overlapped with the Philippines EEZ. Beijing has continued to defy the ruling, describing it as illegal and invalid. Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress denounced China for its bullying and urged the national government to hold the eastern superpower accountable. This floating barrier incident comes just a week after the Philippines accused China of destroying and harvesting corals in the Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal maritime features also located in the hotly contested West Philippine Sea after Beijings militia vessels were seen over the waters in question. READ: PCG to tap marine experts to inspect WPS reefs supposedly damaged by China The Department of Justice, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), and the PCG this week will discuss possible legal actions it can take against China for inflicting environmental damage, including the possibility of suing Beijing before the Permanent Court of Arbitration again. Furthermore, the OSG said it would review all of the incidents in the West Philippine Sea since the 2016 Arbitral Award to establish another solid case against China. These include the alleged reef destruction and the floating barrier incidents. China has been escalating its aggression towards Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea since 2021 according to a maritime law expert, as shown by its use of a military-grade laser at the PCG in February this year, blasting Filipino ships with a water cannon last month, and its vessels dangerous maneuvers that put Filipino lives at risk. 'Treated like thieves' The president of New Masinloc Fishermen's Association said he's thankful that the PCG was able to remove the floating barrier from Bajo De Masinloc, saying it was a huge threat to local fishers in the area. "Parang magnanakaw ang ating mga mangingisda. [They treat our fishermen like thieves]," Leonardo Cuaresma told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Monday. "'Yung mga huling palaot ng ating mga mangingisda ay totally talaga na hinaharang sila at hindi sila pinapayagan makapasok doon sa loob ng [Scarborough] Shoal," he added. [Translation: During the last sail of our fishermen, they are totally blocking them and not allowing them to go inside Scarborough Shoal.] He also said the fishers are being pushed back by the Chinese Coast Guard for about three nautical miles from their perimeter. Citing a report from Japan's public media organization Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK), Chinese diplomat Wang Wenbin asserted that Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) has always been China's territory. The envoy added that a Philippine vessel "intruded" into their waters and the China Coast Guard only "did what is necessary," which is to block the drive away the vessel. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) House Speaker Martin Romualdez demanded that Office of Transportation Security (OTS) Chief Mao Aplasca resign from his post after a Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) security officer allegedly stole and swallowed $300 from a Chinese traveler. READ: Authorities probe alleged theft by NAIA security officer I am advising the OTS chief: submit your courtesy resignation before the House of Representatives tackle the budget of your office. Mag-resign ka na. Kung hindi ka magsa-submit ng resignation, ako mismo ang magba-block ng approval ng budget ng OTS, Romualdez said Monday. The lower chamber is currently deliberating the 2024 budgets of government agencies. [Translation: If you do not submit your resignation, I will block the approval of the OTS budget.] Aplasca previously served as House sergeant-at-arms under the speakership of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco. Romualdez said such incidents were bad for the economy, as it could taint a tourist or investors first exposure to the Philippines. He called for an overhaul of the OTS, replacing its entire workforce and rehiring only those who pass a vetting process. Naka-strike three na ang OTS chief [The OTS chief has had three strikes]. We are already fed up with these reports of stealing and other acts of wrongdoing at the airport, for which OTS officials and their DOTr supervisors are ultimately responsible. A top-to-bottom overhaul is needed, he said. In March this year an airport security screening officer was arrested for stealing the watch of a Chinese passenger. After this incident, Romualdez said he called for a revamp of the OTS, something the agency and the DOTr committed to doing. Romualdez asked: What happened to those commitments? Where are the reforms? Every now and then, we hear of nefarious activities, aviation glitches, power equipment malfunctions and disruptions, and similar nasty things taking place at the airport. There may be people sabotaging him, he said, referring to Transport Secretary Jamie Bautista. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) A lawmaker wants the government to make state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) accountable for failing to protect its system against cybercriminals, calling the incident an attack on public health. "Ang cyberattack laban sa PhilHealth ay hindi lamang atake laban sa isang institusyon ng gobyerno. Ito ay atake laban sa bawat indibidwal na miyembro ng PhilHealth at sa kanilang karapatan sa secured at accessible na tulong medikal, Senator Mark Villar said in a statement on Monday. [Translation: The cyber-attack against PhilHealth is not only an attack against the institution of government. Its also an attack on every individual who is a member of PhilHealth and their right to have medical secure and accessible medical help.] The lawmaker said he filed Resolution No. 811 to investigate the Medusa ransomware attack on the PhilHealth system, as well as other cyberattacks on government websites. READ: Hackers demand $300,000 for compromised PhilHealth database https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/25/philhealth-hack-medusa-ransomware-hacker-price.html Villar called on government to step up efforts to secure digital space. Meanwhile, policy think tank Infrawatch PH also expressed its concerns, saying heads should roll given that PhilHealth has multibillion-peso funds for IT projects. "It's disconcerting that despite a budget of Php100.2 billion for 2023, the highest among Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), PhilHealth has failed to secure its database. Heads should roll. Why is there no adequate system in place to combat this mess?" Infrawatch PH Convenor Terry Ridon said in a statement on Monday. Ridon cited the agency's alleged overpriced IT projects, which were also questioned earlier by the Commission on Audit. READ: PhilHealth chief endorsed 'overpriced' IT projects, says official https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/4/PhilHealth-Ricardo-Morales-overpriced-IT-projects-corruption.html "The irregularities in the IT project, including overpricing by P98 million, raise questions about the integrity of PhilHealth's cybersecurity measures. It's not just about the money but about the trust of most Filipinos with PhilHealth coverage, Rigon said. The massive website hack is a clear breach of public trust, and those responsible must be held accountable," he added. The expert emphasized the need for "transparent investigation" as the cyberattack affects the digital footprint of many Filipinos. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) The Philippines may experience the impact of El Nino on rice supply starting the second quarter of next year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said. Iyong impact natin na tinitingnan will be by second quarter kasi nga ang forecast natin for the El Nino is itong dry season nag-ii-start na, it will end March next year meaning planting na ngayon nag-start na yung ibang areas most probably magha-harvest na sila by January, February, DA's Director of Field Operations Service U-Nichols Manalo said in an interview with CNN Philippines. [Translation: The impact that we are expecting will be by the second quarter because we have now forecast the start of El Nino in the dry season. It will end in March next year, which means that the planting is currently starting and the other areas will probably harvest in January to February.] The DA said if rainfall in a normal month went below average, the supply for water in irrigation sites may be compromised. "But tingnan muna natin din yung months pagpasok ng January Luzon areas natin especially Northern Luzon ito na rin yung parang pa-summer season so historically dry siya so yung crops diyan being grown mangga, sibuyas, bawang, tabaco kapag nando'n siya sa period na flowering vegetative na pag nabasa siya ng ulan nababad ng water nasisira siya so ibig sabihin yung climate na medyo pa-dry favorable sa areas na yun," Manalo said. [Translation: But let us see in the coming months of January in Luzon areas, especially Northern Luzon, where the summer season is coming because historically the crops are dry there, like the mangoes, onions, tobaccos, and other flowering vegetative, it can be destroyed when its long soaked in water. That means that the dry season favors some areas.] The agency also cited the National Irrigation Administrations (NIA) initial report about the possibility of scarcity in water supply in 122 hectares of farmland. Based on the DA's record, rice and corn may be the most impacted crops. To solve this, Romualdez earlier said that the House of Representatives will move to give the NIA an additional funding of 40 billion. "Iyong areas na nagtatanim pa ng rice pero magkakaroon ng kakulangan ang isang strategy is to offer drought-resistant or variety at least na nagta-thrive sa mga kulang na tubig na area may available na almost 38 BPI-registered rice seed varieties," Manalo said. [Those areas which may lack water supply but will plant rice, our strategy is to offer them drought-resistant or variety, those areas which will thrive, we still have an available of almost 38 Bureau of Plant Industry-registered rice seed varieties.] However, Manalo assured that those who cannot really plant due to water scarcity, will be enrolled in an assisting agency or program such as the DSWD and the DOLE. CNN Philippines correspondent Currie Cator contributed to this story. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said students and teachers in 35 schools across the country welcomed the first day of pilot implementation of its recalibrated MATATAG K-to-10 program. "Generally speaking, the first day of the pilot implementation of the MATATAG K-to-10 Curriculum was met with positivity as learners, teachers, and schools were receptive to the new curriculum," DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa said in a statement. The new curriculum was pilot run in selected schools in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. Prior to the pilot implementation, teachers in participating schools underwent capacity building activities and orientation sessions on the new curriculum, Poa said. "Having said that, class program designs are undergoing further adjustments in some schools to address the changes in time allotments of particular learning areas," he noted. The DepEd spokesperson said they expect a period of adjustment, as authorities determine needed improvements before MATATAG undergoes nationwide phased implementation by school year 2024 to 2025. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday maintained the government will not pay the $300,000 (around 17 million) ransom money being demanded by hackers who attacked PhilHealth. "It's the policy of government not to pay any ransom for any type of criminal activity including cyberattacks," DICT Usec. Jeffrey Dy told CNN Philippines The Source. On Sept. 22, PhilHealth was attacked by the Medusa ransomware that allowed hackers to obtain hundreds of thousands of internal files. Dy said the compromised data include confidential memos and employee information like passwords, pictures, and other personal data stored in the affected devices. The incident also led to the agency shutting down its systems, like website and online operations. Dy said the hackers gave the government until Oct. 2 to settle the ransom. Given the no ransom policy, the DICT official said authorities expect the criminals to slowly release information they obtained from PhilHealth. They want to cause panic among the public to urge the government to pay the ransom, he pointed out. Authorities have yet to determine the exact identity of the hackers, Dy said. Philippine authorities are working with computer emergency response teams of other governments since there are also international organizations victimized by the same criminals, he noted. Possible negligence of PhilHealth employees In a separate interview, PhilHealth Senior Vice President Israel Francis Pargas said they are working with other government agencies to further investigate the incident. "Today we are also meeting with the National Privacy Commission," he noted. "Titingnan po ng National Privacy Commission kung mayroong (The National Privacy Commission will check if there was) negligence on the side of the corporation or even among its employees." Pargas said the NPC will check if the state insurer has enough controls in place to make sure such attacks do not happen. PhilHealth is already seeking guidance from experts regarding tools that can be deployed to prevent a similar incident in the future, he added. He also assured the public that patient and member information remain safe, but access is currently limited internally. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) An opposition lawmaker at the House of Representives called out the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd), both led by Vice President Sara Duterte, for their "unprofessional" last minute postponement of plenary debates on their proposed budgets for 2024. "Two weeks ago pa po noong unang inanunsyo ang schedule ng pagdinig ng plenaryo ng Kamara sa budget. Wala pong ibang ahensya na sa araw mismo ay nagpabago ng schedule, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said. Ano po kaya ang dahilan ng pagliban na ito? Pati ba naman ito confidential din?" [Translation: It was two weeks ago when the schedule of the House's plenary hearing on the budget was first announced. No other agency postpones on the day of the hearing. What could be the reason for this absence? Is it also confidential?] "Last minute cancellations with vague explanations in any context is unprofessional, he added. Manuel said the OVP and DepEd were apparently scared to face the public and give an explanation, especially about their confidential fund, as evidenced by the lack of a clear explanation for the postponement. The House of Representatives moved the plenary discussions on the proposed 2024 budgets of the Duterte-led offices to Wednesday, Sept. 27, due to a possible conflict in schedule. This is also the last plenary session of Congress before it adjourns on Sept. 29. Session resumes on Nov. 6. During Tuesdays hearing, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro asked when the budget proposals of the OVP and DepEd would be tackled in the plenary. House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin responded that committees on appropriations and on rules received information from the OVP and DepEd about a possible conflict in schedule, details of which she said she is still not aware of. As of the moment, the deliberation of the proposed budget of the OVP as well as the DepEd has been temporarily moved tomorrow considering that we also have other agencies in the pipeline, Garin said. The House aims to pass House Bill 8980 or the proposed General Appropriations Act on third and final reading on Wednesday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a certification for the urgent passage of the proposed budget, which means the House can forego the three-day gap between the second and third reading for the approval of HB 8980. CNN Philippines correspondent Xianne Arcangel contributed to this story. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the proposed measure to reform the pension system of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) that includes a guaranteed annual salary increase. According to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, a total of 272 lawmakers approved House Bill No. 8969, four voted against it, while one abstained. The proposed bill was passed early Tuesday morning. Romualdez said the House bill provides for a 3% annual salary hike for the first 10 years from the effectivity of the planned law. Under the measure, personnel still in active service before the enactment of the proposed law can expect to receive a monthly retirement pay of 50% of the base pay and longevity pay of the grade next higher to the salary grade they last held, in case of 20 years of service. It would increase by 2.5% for every year of service beyond 20 years to a maximum of 90% for 36 years of service and over. For those who just entered or re-entered the service, they can receive 50% of their base pay plus longevity pay in case of 20 years of service, increasing by 2.5% for every year of service beyond 20 years to a maximum of 90% for 36 years of service and over. Two trust funds would also be established for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and for uniformed personnel services. Romualdez said the proposed measure hopes to deliver a fair pension system that recognizes their invaluable service to our nation. The speaker said this would also ensure the governments fiscal health. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier warned that if the government fails to reform the MUP pension system, the Philippines may see a fiscal collapse. Since the pension system is fully funded by the national government, Diokno noted that for 2023 alone, the Philippines has earmarked about 120 billion to 130 billion for it. An immersive exhibition titled, "The Second After Private Luxury Trilogy" by The Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi is underway at the Italian Cultural Institute, Abu Dhabi. The exhibition will be open to the public until September 29 (Friday). Experiential by design, the exhibition showcases a rebirth of Pompeii and Herculaneum, following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It is organised and conceptualised by KIF Italia, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi/Cultural Section of the Embassy of Italy to the UAE. Ida Zilio-Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi, said at the start of the exhibition: As we open the doors to The Second After Private Luxury Trilogy in Abu Dhabi, we embark on a journey of cultural exploration and discovery. This exhibition is a result of our commitment to fostering a connection through a shared love and appreciation for heritage". KIF Italia has employed state-of-the-art technologies to create a multi-sensory experience to take visitors on a captivating journey through the story of Pompeii and Herculaneum before, during and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Giuliano Gasparotti, Artistic Director of KIF Italia said: The artistic blend of visuals, sounds, and scents was integral to bringing to life this pivotal moment in time, in a way that articulates a very realistic interpretation of history and culture. This was the guiding light behind our creative direction and execution. Francesco Mazzei, Co-Director of KIF Italia said: "The idea is to enable the audience to step into a bubble suspended in time and perceive, with all their senses, the moments that preceded the eruption, and the dramatic moments that followed, and lastly the rediscovery of those places. This is supported largely by the excavations that have given us back the memory of that extraordinary era." The curators partnered with renowned personalities from the worlds of music, art, and production to craft a truly unique exhibition. The celebrated maestro Furio Valitutti composed the music, inspired by the works "De Vitiis" and "De Musica" by ancient poet Philodemus of Gadara. With the production entrusted to Federico Baciocchi and Valerio Ronzitti, KIF Italia collaborated with some of Italys finest artistic perfumers to create a fragrance exclusive to the exhibition. The exhibition supports the broader vision of the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi in strengthening the cultural bond between Italy and UAE. Tracing the historic connection between ancient Rome and the Arabian Peninsula along the Silk Route, the exhibition seeks to introduce the Gulf audience to the timeless beauty of Italy and its exquisite Italian craftsmanship, said a statement. TradeArabia News Service Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines is closely watching Chinas actions in contested waters with concern after the latter illegally put up a floating barrier at the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Japan strongly opposes any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea (SCS), it said in a statement issued Monday night. The WPS is a part of the SCS that China also claims. Japan stressed that issues in the disputed waterways are directly connected to regional peace and stability, and are a legitimate concern of the international community. The embassy then reiterated its commitment to bolstering its security ties with the Philippines and another military powerhouse, the United States. Japans statement came after reports of another act of aggression in the WPS surfaced. Late on Monday, the Palace instructed the Philippine Coast Guard to remove the floating barrier, which authorities said could put Filipino fishermen at risk. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, meanwhile, said the removal of the floating barrier was consistent with the Philippines' stance on the WPS. READ: DFA says removal of China's barrier 'consistent' with PH position Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) A lawmaker on Tuesday questioned the intention of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s frequent trips abroad, saying the Philippines even saw a drop in foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the first half of 2023, which contradicts the chief executive's target of enticing more investors. "Mas malaki pa ang rate ng pagpasok ng investment sa bansa noong [public health] emergency pa ang pandemic kumpara ngayon na biyahe ng biyahe ang pangulo," Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said during the House plenary debates for the 2024 national budget. [Translation: The rate of investment entering the country was even greater when the pandemic was a public health emergency compared to now when the president is traveling.] According to Manuel, the country had only $4 billion FDIs for the first half of 2023. While in the same period in 2022 and 2021, the country garnered $4.91 and $5 billion, respectively. Manuel revealed the figures after ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, sponsor of the budget of the Office of the President (OP), presented the total FDIs for 2023, which amounts to $71.78 billion. "This implies na hindi pag attract ng FDIs ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit biyahe ng biyahe ang Malacanang," Manuel said. [Translation: This implies that Marcos' foreign trips are not mainly for attracting FDIs.] Upon inquiry by Manuel, Tulfo said the actual appropriation for the president's foreign travel was 314.37 million, but 398.3 million were spent in 2022. The 84 million excess expenses were sourced from the continuing funds of the president's office, he added. For 2024, The OP is asking for 1.15 billion for its travel expenses. Manuel also scrutinized Marcos' attendance at the Singapore Grand Prix 2023 - F1 Race. However, Tulfo clarified that Marcos' was just invited to the event and it was not part of his official trip. READ: Bayan slams Marcos' 'insensitive' Singapore trip for F1 race "The Filipino people should not pay for the revenge travel of our top officials," Manuel said Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) Office of Transport Security (OTS) administrator Ma. O Aplasca has tendered his courtesy resignation in the wake of the alleged theft by a screening officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, he confirmed to CNN Philippines on Tuesday. Aplasca responded "yes" to a message from CNN Philippines seeking confirmation about his resignation. Di ko rin maintindihan kung bakit nawala na sa mga corrupt na tauhan ko yung issue at napunta na sa akin," he said. "You can ask Martin Romualdez." [Translation: I also don't understand why the issue was taken off from my corrupt staff and has gone to me.] This comes after House Speaker Martin Romualdez demanded him to step down from his post or he would personally block the approval of the 2024 budgets of the OTS. The lower chamber is currently deliberating the 2024 budgets of government agencies. Earlier, Aplasca expressed surprise at Romualdez's call, saying that he had "done nothing wrong" and that "corrupt officials should instead be asked to resign." Romualdez called for an overhaul of the OTS, replacing its entire workforce and rehiring only those who pass a vetting process after a Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) security officer was seen stealing and swallowing cash from a Chinese traveler. "We are already fed up with these reports of stealing and other acts of wrongdoing at the airport, for which OTS officials and their DOTr supervisors are ultimately responsible. A top-to-bottom overhaul is needed, he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) China on Tuesday warned the Philippines not to make "provocation" or "stir up trouble" after Manila removed the floating barrier Beijing installed in Scarborough Shoal. "China's resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) is unwavering," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press conference. "We call on the Philippines not to make provocation or stir up trouble," he added. The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, said the removal of the floating barrier was "consistent" with the government's position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Scarborough Shoalor Bajo de Masinlocis located in the middle of the WPS inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. On Sept. 20, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) installed a 300-meter-long barrier in the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc. It announced on Monday that it has removed the barrier in compliance with instructions from Malacanang and the National Task Force for the WPS. LINK: PCG removes floating barrier from Bajo De Masinloc The PCG said the barrier "posed a hazard to navigation" and "a clear violation of international law." In a previous statement, the China's Foreign Ministry defended the installation of the barrier, asserting that Scarborough Shoal is part of Chinese territory. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 26) A Senate bill which aims to provide organizational reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reached the plenary after a sponsorship speech was delivered by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa on Tuesday. Dela Rosa sponsored Senate Bill 2449 and was submitted jointly by the Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, and Local Government and Finance on Sept. 25. "For a quarter of a century, the Philippine National Police has waited patiently for the much needed reforms and reorganization they justly deserve," dela Rosa said. "The time has arrived for decisive action, for bold change, and for unwavering commitment," the senator said. "Rather than dreading the onset of change, let us embrace it as a unique opportunity - an opportunity that will not only elevate our PNP but also fortify the communities they have solemnly sworn to serve and protect," he added. Dela Rosa highlighted some key features of the bill, particularly one confronting the issue of "undue influence" in the appointment of chiefs of police. The lawmaker said as the authority to choose those who will take on the post lies with local chief executives, it can provide an opportunity to unwarranted influence. To rectify this, dela Rosa said the bill proposes that the power to designate the position of chief of police instead goes to the PNP chief. "We are reorganizing the organizational structure of the Philippine National Police based on the need of the organization and community and anchored with the appropriate National Police Commission Resolutions," dela Rosa added, naming another key point. SB 2449 also seeks to rename cadets to police cadets, who will also receive salaries and benefits equivalent to police executive master sergeant. Dela Rosa said this would propel them "towards excellence." The same bill wants to set the compulsory age of retirement at 57 -- similar to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The last point addressed by dela Rosa has to do with discipline within the ranks. "Under this bill, the chief of the PNP shall have the authority to immediately order the preventive confinement of erring PNP personnel," he said. Dela Rosa said the proposals in the bill would mean a police force that is better equipped to handle the challenges of current times, as well as "uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of our dear citizens, and maintain public trust.' '25-year wait is over' Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday also welcomed the proposed PNP reorganization measure filed in the Senate. Abalos said the measure will lead to the "first comprehensive reform of the PNP since 1998." He added that the move is a "timely response" to make the police force responsive to the contemporary challenges of law enforcement. "It's about time that we introduce organizational reforms in the PNP to empower our police force to effectively address current challenges of law enforcement," Abalos said. "The multitude of reforms provided in this bill are anchored on the needs of the PNP and the communities, and it will also fortify the capabilities of our police force to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people," he also said. Today is Sept. 26, 2023, and here's what you need to know: As Congress prepared to return to Washington on Tuesday, a prominent member of Colorado's House delegation warned that the federal government could be barreling toward a shutdown, even as the chamber's leading Republican worked furiously to corral factions of his party. "I think until cooler heads prevail within the House Republican conference and they decide to actually govern, unfortunately, it looks like they may have manufactured a situation in which we are going to be faced with a shutdown in five or six days, with destructive consequences for Colorado and the country," Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Lafayette, a member of the powerful House Rules Committee, told Colorado Politics on Monday. "I'm hopeful that when we go back tomorrow, we'll be able to avoid it." It could require masterful orchestration by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the California Republican in charge of bringing together moderates and hard-liners within his party to approve a spending plan ahead of a Saturday deadline to fund the government. The House Rules Committee held a rare Saturday session to set the stage for this week's voting, as the White House began telling federal agencies to prepare for a possible shutdown over the weekend, The Associated Press reported. The 2024 election could put Democrats in a position to do something that's never happened before in Colorado: hold a supermajority in both the state House and Senate. That could lead to controversial constitutional amendments being referred to the ballot from General Assembly Democrats, with protections for abortion topping the wish list. There's little doubt that Democrats will easily retain their hold on the state Senate, where they currently sit on a 23-12 advantage. But they are also targeting several Republican-held seats that could flip in 2024, giving the majority party that all-important 24th vote and a supermajority. Platteville Republican Scott Bright, the owner of a chain of child care centers, announced on Monday that he's running for the state Senate seat held by term-limited Democrat Kevin Priola, who switched parties a year ago. In a statement, the 53-year-old Bright said he wants to help spur "a conservative renaissance in the state legislature focused on protecting our communities and defending the values of smaller government, low taxes and better schools." "The American dream is under assault by Colorado Democrats' agenda of higher taxes, job-filing regulations, hostility toward education innovation and criminal-coddling politics," said Bright. "With conservative leadership and ideas, Colorado's best days still lie ahead." The Colorado Supreme Court clarified on Monday that, even if individual healthcare workers enjoy immunity from lawsuits when investigating potential prescription drug theft, organizations are not also shielded for their role in reporting criminal activity. Certain laws in Colorado grant immunity to "persons" who report crimes or elder abuse. However, the question for the Supreme Court was whether New Century Hospice could be held liable for turning in one of its employees to the Colorado Nursing Board when it suspected she may have diverted a patient's opioid medications for an illicit purpose. The court said "yes," as New Century is not a "person." "Relying on the plain meaning of 'person,' we hold that New Century is not entitled to immunity," wrote Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright in the Sept. 25 opinion, "because it is a corporation, not a person." Two members of the court wrote separately to ask state lawmakers to reconsider whether the lack of immunity for healthcare organizations amounts to wise public policy. Specifically, warned Justice William W. Hood III, the law as written could deter reports of prescription opioid theft at a time when drug overdose deaths are skyrocketing in Colorado. The field for the second Republican presidential debate will be smaller than the first. Seven candidates have qualified for Wednesday night's debate at Ronald Reagan's presidential library in California, the Republican National Committee said, confirming that former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson did not make the cut this time. Former President Donald Trump, the early Republican presidential front-runner who skipped the first debate, will also be missing from the stage and will instead hold events in the battleground state of Michigan. To qualify for the second debate, candidates needed at least 3% support in two national polls or 3% in one national poll as well as two polls from four of the early-voting states Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. The White House hopefuls also needed at least 50,000 unique donors, with at least 200 of those coming from 20 states or territories. They also had to sign an RNC pledge promising to support the party's eventual nominee. Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. 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. A job posting from Microsoft, for a qualified nuclear technology program manager, indicates that the company is planning to integrate small nuclear reactors into its power systems for data centers. The software giant is already working with at least one third-party nuclear energy provider in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The ad, though, signals an effort to make nuclear energy an important part of its energy strategy. The posting said that the new nuclear expert will maintain a clear and adaptable roadmap for the technologys integration, and have experience in the energy industry and a deep understanding of nuclear technologies and regulatory affairs. Microsoft has made no public statement on the specific goals of its nuclear energy program, but the obvious possibility particularly in the wake of its third-party nuclear enegry deal is a concern for environmental issues. Although nuclear power has long been plagued by serious concerns about its safety and role in nuclear weapons proliferation, the rapidly worsening climate situation makes it a comparatively attractive alternative to fossil fuels, given the relatively large amount of energy it that can be generated without producing atmospheric emissions. The job posting specified that Microsoft is looking for someone familiar with Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs. These are, as the name suggests, much smaller reactors than the facility-scale nuclear power plants of the public imagination, which can nevertheless generate substantial amounts of power one such reactor, which recently became the first certified for use in the US by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, generates about 50MW of power from a light-water design, requiring a facility about a third of the size of a standard power plant. (Light-water reactors, which use normal water instead of deuterium-rich heavy water, account for the vast majority of modern nuclear power plants, as they are generally thought to be easier to build and they do not generate excess fissile material, as some older designs do.) Microreactors are also mentioned in Microsofts advertising. These, naturally enough, are even smaller designs, potentially capable of being used in mobile applications, producing between 1MW and 20MW of power. The technology for microreactors, however, is still in the fairly early stages of development, with NASA working to build small powerplants for potential use in space, and civilian applications still in the research and testing phase. Microsoft has already moved to embrace nuclear power, signing a deal in June with Virginia-based nuclear plant operator Constellation Energy to power a data center in that area, with the aim of making that data centers power source carbon free. Govt provides Rs 256 cr relief to MSMEs under Vivad Se Viswas-I scheme New Delhi, Sep 26 (UNI) The government has accepted more than 10,000 claims from MSMEs under the Vivad se Vishwas-I scheme aimed at providing relief to MSMEs for the Covid period. "This has led to the grant of more than Rs 256 crore to MSMEs and an increased flow of bank credit through the freeing up of guarantees," the Finance Ministry said in a media release on Tuesday. Launched in Budget 202324, the Vivad se Vishwas IRelief for MSMEs scheme required government departments and its agencies to refund performance security, bid security, and liquidated damages forfeited or deducted in cases of failure by MSMEs to execute contracts during the pandemic period. Relief was also provided to MSMEs debarred for default in the execution of contracts. As per the official statement, the highest relief of Rs 116.47 crore has been granted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). This includes the claims settled and amounts paid by the agencies under the administrative control of the MoPNG. The Ministry of Railways accepted claims from 2,090 eligible MSMEs and provided relief to the extent of Rs 79.16 crore. The Ministry of Defense provided relief worth Rs 23.45 crore. "The relief provided under this scheme was in continuation of the efforts of the government to promote and sustain the MSME sector severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic," said the Finance Ministry. UNI NK ARN The society used to promote the learning and redefining of general science, Ayurveda and traditional healthcare, astrology, craftsmanship and both performing & visual arts. The residents still carry the legacy of ancient Indian culture, developed since the pre- historic days. Literary activists will brainstorm to rediscover their own past and pave the way for a futuristic and purposeful literary works Through the PLF initiative, the younger generation will come to know and realise the greatness of ancient cultural diversities of the land. With a series of discussions, interactive sessions, thematic quiz competition and literary recitations, the unique festival is expected to mobilize the young writers to connect with their roots of civilization through literature. National Book Trust-India chairman Prof Milind Sudhakar Marathe (a recognised author-critic), Padmashree Lil Bahadur Chetri (a noted Gorkha writer), Pankaj Chaturvedi (Delhi), Suvash Chandra Satapathy from Bhubaneshwar, Bhushan Bhave from Goa, television news personality Rubika Liyaquat along with a number of distinguished writers, translators, literary critics from various parts of the country as well as northeast Bharat are gracing the occasion to add more colour to the festival. Meanwhile, pre-events to the festival were organised in Dhubri Bholanath College, Dibrugarh H Surajmall Kanoi College, Dhemaji Balika Bidyalaya, North Lakhimpur College etc with great enthusiasm from hundreds of novice writers, book-enthusiasts and promising young talents. Inspired by PLF working president Soumyadeep Datta, a few more such literary awareness programmes are on the card, where the ancient civilisations of the great nation will be celebrated. --- *Senior journalist based in Guwahati PLF president Phanindra Devchoudhury expects a fruitful exercise showcasing eastern Indias rich history, culture and languages, where the literary activists will brainstorm to rediscover their own past and pave the way for a futuristic and purposeful literary works. When it came to exist as the Kamrup kingdom, legendary king Kumar Bhaskarvarman used to rule over the land. Bhaskarvarman enjoyed a dignified and mutually respected relationship with emperor Harshavardhan (of Kanauja and Thaneswara) and often sent valuable books as gifts to Harshavardhan.He was a vibrant patroniser of ancient Nalanda University, one of the greatest centres of learning across the globe.Pragjyotishpur itself was an abode of learning, publications and intellectual exercises as these were the oldest traditions and practices for the residents. Many valuable books were written in this part of the world, where Madhav Kandalis Ramayana in a local language signifies the dimension and intellectual capacity of an author. Silver Nova Inaugural Cruise Call in Gibraltar The Silver Nova, part of the Royal Carribean Group, arrived in Gibraltar on Sunday 24th September at 08:00hrs from Malaga, Spain and departed later on that afternoon at 18:00hrs to its next port of call in Casablanca, Morocco. The vessel was carrying a total of 738 passengers over its 11 decks on this occasion. Caretaker Minister for Tourism, the Hon Vijay Daryanani engaged in the traditional exchange of plaques onboard the Silver Nova with the vessels captain, Alessandro Zanello. Minister Daryanani said: I am delighted to be able to welcome the Silver Nova on its inaugural cruise call to the Port of Gibraltar. This is the third vessel from the Silver Sea fleet that we have had the pleasure of welcoming to Gibraltar within the last 16 months and we hope we will see many more follow in the future. Theres a long list of Saturday Night Live writers who went on to write other amazing television comedies, including Alan Zweibel (Its Garry Shandlings Show), Robert Smigel (TV Funhouse), Paula Pell (30 Rock) and Andy Breckman (Monk). For the most part, television writers do just that write television. The list of SNL writers who wrote fantastic movie comedies is shorter, but impressive none the less. Here are four of the best movies written by alumni of Saturday Night Live Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. 4 Scrooged, Michael ODonoghue Everyone on set was miserable making this Bill Murray holiday classic, which is sort of the point when youre working with ODonoghue, the original head writer on SNL. While ODonoghue and Murray fought over the screenplay, most thought it made the movie. I worshipped the films writing, Carol Kane told Vulture. Co-star Karen Allen agreed: I think the script was wonderful. Scrooged and O'Donoghue had us hooked from the get-go with this promo for The Night the Reindeer Died. 3 Mean Girls, Tina Fey (Based on Rosalind Wisemans book Queen Bees and Wannabes) Advertisement Some of the material in Mean Girls was about this period in my life when I felt like I was an outsider, former SNL head writer Fey told fans in Philadelphia. The stuff that was pent up in me as a teenage girl is all in the show. Advertisement But being an outsider wasnt the only thing Fey understood. "I was the mean girl," she says. I admit it openly. That was a disease that had to be conquered. Its another coping mechanism its a bad coping mechanism but when you feel less than, in your mind its a way of leveling the playing field. Though of course its not. 2 Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Adam McKay and Will Ferrell Advertisement Advertisement McKay, who wrote for several seasons on SNL, followed up Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy with another iconic comedy. But Talladega Nights is definitely more grounded in reality. We purposely with this one tried to give it more of a spine and trusted that if we did what we thought was funny there would be some moments like that, but theres no way this movie is like Anchorman in that every line is crazy, McKay told CHUD.com. I think if you look at Anchorman literally every line they say is crazy or a joke. This movie isnt like that, this has more actual moments that are story beats. Like when he shows up at his moms door and says, Mom, we have nowhere to go, there are no crazy lines there. If you cant truly make yourself stronger than an opponent, you can at least convince them youve got them beat in terms of numbers. Lets say you have 600 people, and you want the enemy to think there are 5,000 of you. You could trick them by having the entire lot of you walk in circles around a large fort. From a limited view, it will look like youre an endless number of fighters walking in a straight line. Granted, it helps if your opponent is an idiot. But idiot or not, a little misinformation robbed of context will make them think whatever you like. 5 SEAL Team Six Should Have Been SEAL Team Three Most of us never heard of SEAL Team Six until May 2011. It was then that the world caught news of the elite fighting group that had raided Osama bin Ladens compound, and some people assumed it was a group of six, much like how Fox Force Five was a group of five. It wasnt. In 2001, SEAL Team Six contained hundreds of sailors from the Navys Special Warfare Command though, of course, not all of them participated in the bin Laden raid. Navy SEAL Museum There wasnt enough room for all of them. So, what does the Six in SEAL Team Six mean then? The next most reasonable guess is its the sixth team of SEALs the Navy has, but thats not right either. The Navy created the teams in 1980, during the Iran hostage crisis, and SEAL Team Six was the third of the teams. That means it should be SEAL Team Three using any traditional number system. The military instead named them SEAL Team Six. They reasoned (correctly) that the Soviets had spies in the U.S. government, and if word reached Moscow about a SEAL Team Six, the Soviets would have to conclude America had at least twice as many SEAL teams as it did. It sounds silly today. Surely any spy who ferreted out the name of this then-secret squad would also be privy to other information about them, including just how many teams existed. On the other hand, you yourself have been thoroughly familiar with the name SEAL Team Six for years, and you had no idea how many teams there were, did you? Advertisement 4 The Nazis Tried the Same Trick with Their Numbers Some of you will be deeply confused and angry to hear us claim the Navy used the same tactics as the Nazis, but were talking about just one specific tactic, regarding their numbering system. Also, were not talking about the Nazis per se but the precursor to the Nazis, the German Workers Party. Adolf Hitler joined the party in 1919, having been sent in by the military as a spy to infiltrate the group and investigate them. He soon discovered that he loved their ideas but the party lacked ambition, so he abandoned his spy role, joined their central committee and transformed them from a debate society to a group with real goals. Heres Hitlers membership card, showing hes member number 7: via Wiki Commons Advertisement That number referred to his spot on the central committee. In the party overall, they assigned numbers based on where each members name popped up alphabetically, and Hitler got number 55. This revealed that the party really did not have a great many people at the time, which didnt reflect well on them. So, they decided to add 500 to everyones membership number. Hitler became member 555, and anyone who heard that fact might conclude the party was 10 times as big as it really was. Advertisement The moral of the story here was that in the 1920s, everyone really overestimated the true danger posed by the Nazis. Wait, no, thats definitely not the lesson here. How about we go with Nazis are all desperately overcompensating for something? Yeah, that one makes more sense. 3 Kansas Filled a Stadium to Fool a Producer Lets turn now to the most bloody battlefield of all: the music business. In the 1970s, only the very most famous bands had big followings on TikTok. With everyone else, if you wanted to convince a record producer that people were into you, you had to show that you could fill a concert hall, in person. Advertisement The band Kansas, from the state of Kansas, could not fill a concert house in person. They played bars, for people who came to drink and who tolerated whatever music happened to be playing. The music wasnt really there to entertain anyone but to drown out their conversation, so they had nothing to do but sip from their glass, and then buy another round. When a record company sent producer Wally Gold to the town of Ellinwood to scope out Kansas, the band rented out the tiny towns opera house. They put on a free show (Gold did not realize it was free). And they drew people in, not by promising the free music but by serving free beer (Gold did not realize they served free beer). This packed the house, naturally. And then, when those people got a taste of the bands music... Advertisement Advertisement Well, they didnt hear that specific song, which hadnt been written yet, but when they heard the song the band did perform... Nope, Kansas hadnt written that one yet, either. But whatever played, they cheered, because they had their beer, and so, Kansas landed their deal. Advertisement 2 Fake News Ended a War We started this article by mentioning the true story of how the Shawnee marched 600 people around Fort Detroit during the War of 1812, giving the appearance of an army of 5,000. Later, in the 20th century, an even more effective way emerged of conjuring an army of 5,000 from a couple hundred people. Advertisement During the 1971 India-Pakistan War (or the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War wars are complicated), the BBC reported on a major airdrop by India. India was dropping 5,000 Indian soldiers by air into the district of Tangail in Bangladesh. That was a whole lot of parachuters. No one had done an operation quite like that with those numbers since World War II, and after facing a few raids and suffering a few hundred casualties, Pakistan surrendered. There were about 8,000 people on the Pakistan side, but they figured this fight wasnt worth the cost. Alec Wilson Advertisement What are we even fighting for? Poongli Bridge? That bridge was lame anyway. However, the Indian Air Force never had really dropped 5,000 people. Theyd dropped fewer than 400. BBC had reported the news wrong. As for whether this was a plain old mistake or a carefully coordinated campaign to deceive Pakistan, we tried contacting Buckingham Palace for comment, but no one answered our calls. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Gold and Silver: Near-Term Technical Update Gold and silver prices weakened on Monday XAU/ USD inches closer to key rising support XAG/USD might have more room to consolidate. Recommended by Daniel Dubrovsky How to Trade Gold Get My Guide XAU/USD Analysis Gold and silver prices have continued lower amid the rise in longer-term US Treasury yields and a stronger US Dollar. As a result, how is the near-term technical landscape evolving in precious metals? Gold continues to trade in a directionless flow from a near-term technical perspective. Prices are consolidating between the falling trendline from July and rising support from February see chart below. Broadly speaking, XAU/USD remains unchanged form levels seen in mid-2020. With each passing day, the yellow metal is running out of room to consolidate between support and resistance. As such, the direction of the breakout could be key for the coming trend. Below, watch the August low of 1884.89. Above, resistance seems to be the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of 1971.63. Gold Bearish Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short. Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily 3% -4% 0% Weekly 3% -1% 1% Chart Created in TradingView XAG/USD Analysis Meanwhile, silver faces a similar setting. Like gold, XAG/USD is consolidating between rising support and resistance. The difference here is that there is still plenty of room left for sideways price action. As such, XAG/USD could be left directionless for a longer period of time than gold. Silvers drop on Monday has brought it to the midpoint of the Fibonacci retracement level at 23.02. As such, it is also sitting just above rising support from the end of last year. A meaningful breakout likely entails a push under the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of 22.29. That exposes the 78.6% point at 21.24. Otherwise, a turn higher places the focus on the 38.2% level at 23.75. Just above that is the falling zone of resistance since May. Silver Bearish Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short. Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily 2% -1% 2% Weekly 3% -1% 3% Chart Created in TradingView --- Written by Daniel Dubrovsky, Contributing Senior Strategist for DailyFX.com There is a certain irony to the predicament in which Russell Brand, former 'comedian' and now self-appointed, bare-chested guardian of 'truth' (lately a highly contested concept) finds himself. On the one hand, he proclaims himself a victim of cancel culture, persecuted and reviled on social media for his alleged sex crimes, pre-judged without fair trial, condemned without due process. On the other, he harnesses the feral power of the mob to his defence across multiple platforms, demanding that his millions of followers open their minds to the notion that he is not, in fact, a grubby sex pest but a brave and noble warrior whose actions have made him the target of a nefarious old-world cabal of murky government agents, big pharma, 'legacy media' and very possibly some lizard people, too. The double standards are impressive. Brand invokes 'free speech' as both proof of his innocence and as justification for his paranoid ramblings; and yet seeks to deny it in the case of his accusers and alleged victims. He rails against the 'cancel culture' that jeopardises his lucrative online revenue streams, seemingly oblivious to the irony that the vast and unregulated power of social media is the very thing that enables these virtual lynch mobs against him in the first place. SARAH VINE: There is a certain irony to the predicament in which Russell Brand finds himself On the one hand, he proclaims himself a victim of cancel culture. On the other, he harnesses the feral power of the mob to his defence across multiple platforms. Brand is pictured in 2014 Live by the sword, die by the sword, you might well think. But there is more to this than one man desperately clinging to his magic money tree as the storm engulfs him. This is about a fundamental shift in the way society works. The internet has created a whole new class of human, defined not by hard work or intelligence or kindness or bravery or indeed any of the qualities by which we used to measure humanity but by a simple ability to appeal to the deluded, the paranoid and the dispossessed. READ MORE: SARAH VINE: No army has ever matched the massed ranks of keyboard warriors backing Russell Brand online Advertisement The internet was never conceived as a tool of destruction: it was meant to make life easier, to connect minds, to usher in an age of utopian wonder. And in many ways it has succeeded: life in the online age has many advantages that those of us who grew up in an analogue world could barely have imagined. But the deeper the tendrils of digitisation infiltrate all aspects of our existence, the more the dark side begins to emerge. From primary schoolchildren being exposed to hardcore porn to all kinds of extremism and abuse, the total lack of any kind of civil, moral or legal boundaries online have encouraged the more depraved aspects of the human psyche to flourish. And as the lines between virtual reality and actual reality have become ever more blurred, the infection has spread. Increasingly, success is no longer sought in philosophy, art, academia, literature, philanthropy: it's measured in numbers of social media followers, or whether the algorithm approves. Skills and education seem increasingly meaningless; experience, wisdom, dedication, hard work and loyalty matter not a jot. The old world order is slowly but surely breaking down, and society in all its forms is being reshaped. We are caught in a never-ending downward spiral of mindless TikTok-ification, where the more you are prepared to expose yourself and the more you push the boundaries of what is decent, moral, honest and truthful the more you are rewarded, financially and socially. At the end of the day, Russell Brand is just Andrew Tate (right) in ripped jeans Why get a real job in the real world which requires real work when you can earn good money by just turning on your computer and feeding the hungers of the billions of humans on this planet for porn, for conspiracy theories, for viral dance trends or whatever gets the clicks and views? From Kim Kardashian to Bud Light's trans poster girl Dylan Mulvaney, via every wannabe sensation in between, the internet has turned civilisation into a grim circus of grotesques, a pageant of pointlessness with about as much intellectual nourishment as a triangle of processed cheese. At the end of the day, Russell Brand is just Andrew Tate in ripped jeans, a prince in this new empire of the depraved and deranged. He honestly believes that his virtual power places him above all scrutiny and renders him immune to the laws and strictures of the real world. And the saddest truth of all? He's almost certainly right. Have you ever done something so spectacularly stupid you fear you may be losing your mind? The other morning I stepped out of my front door and panicked when I saw my car was gone. I summoned my daughter and her long-suffering boyfriend, who scoured the immediate area and confirmed that it was nowhere to be found. I rang the police and reported it stolen. Some time later, I was trundling along on my bike when I suddenly had a flash of realisation. I knew exactly where my car was: I had left it in an underground garage near my office. There followed an extremely uncomfortable call to the police to un-report the theft and an eye-watering sum to pay at the car park. Now I understand what people mean when they talk about 'senior moments'. A leg up with Posh and flex Remember a few years ago when Victoria Beckham went through that weird phase of being photographed lying down with one leg in the air? Is this just an extension of that? Or maybe it's just what happens as you get older you can't quite get it up like you used to. Either way, it's an awfully odd way to advertise perfume. Victoria Beckham models for her beauty brand unveiling new fragrance line The other day, I was driving around a part of the countryside that's been dug up to make way for HS2. All I can say is that if the Government had come along and made such an godawful mess of my neighbourhood, I would be furious at the idea that it had all been for nothing. Last week, Iran approved a law that allows women to be jailed for ten years if they are dressed 'inappropriately'. In November, it takes up its role as chair of the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum. That's right: a regime that rapes, tortures and kills women for not wearing headscarves in a leading human rights role. No wonder Russia thinks it should rejoin, having been expelled for invading Ukraine. Why stop there? Kim Jong-un hasn't got much on at the moment... I don't understand why Sir Keir Starmer thinks imposing VAT on private school fees will 'shatter the class ceiling'. Surely it won't affect the elite, but middle-class parents will be forced to take their children out of private schools and put them in the state system. So that's the modern Labour Party: protecting the super-rich, penalising the aspirational middle class and stretching public services even further. Keep going Keir, you're on to a winner! I don't understand why Sir Keir Starmer thinks imposing VAT on private school fees will 'shatter the class ceiling' Avanti goes backwards... Stand-up comedian James Nokise's account of a farcical three-and-a-half-hour cab ride to Edinburgh after his Avanti West Coast train service from London was terminated at Preston due to a 'track defect' was hilarious. After what sounds like a terrifying journey in which his cabbie 'decided to change lanes without indicating and almost crashed into a mini-van overtaking him', Nokise concludes: 'Perhaps . . . throwing money at cab drivers and getting them to drive several hours in the middle of the night might not be the best contingency plan for train companies.' Indeed. But at least they tried. The same cannot be said of companies like British Airways which, when they leave their passengers stranded as they increasingly seem to do just dump them outside the airport, often in the middle of the night, without any assistance. It's been weeks since they did this to me in Marseille and still not a hint of reimbursement or a breath of apology. Lost in the post, perhaps? Isn't it interesting how after a couple of weeks of the liberal media wailing about Rishi Sunak's so-called 'lurch to the Right' (aka a few minor adjustments to the Government's green policies) he has shortened Labour's lead in the polls by eight points? Could it be that voters want a Tory prime minister who does conservative things? How do you know when someone has lost the argument? When they start calling you names. To wit, the leader of the Lib Dems, Sir Ed Davey, saying that 'clown' is the 'wrong C-word' for the Conservatives. Pathetic. They're calling it 'Sick Note Britain'. The number of people taking time off work due to supposed illness is at a 15-year high and is up sharply from just before Covid. As the Mail reported, new figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveal that the average worker took 7.8 days off sick over the past year - the highest number since 2008. But averages can hide as much as they reveal. Drill down further into the report and you will find that the average public sector worker took almost twice as much sick leave - 10.6 days - as their private sector colleagues on 5.8 days. And, of course, many workers will have taken no sick days at all - some people will be grossly skewing the figures. Is there some terrible new sickness sweeping the country? A crippling pathogen laying waste to the workforce? Hardly. In fact, the cause of this tidal wave of alleged illness deserves close scrutiny. New figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reveal that the average worker took 7.8 days off sick over the past year - the highest number since 2008 (stock image) While the top causes of short term sickness were minor illness, musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain and poor mental health, three-quarters of employers have recorded a big increase in 'stress' as the reason given by employees for absence, according to a report in the British Medical Journal's Evidence-Based Medicine, published in the Mail this week. And if you thought the pandemic was to blame, the report also suggested the risk of so-called 'long Covid' had been overestimated due to major research flaws. Maybe the increase in 'stress' reflects the isolation of working from home, which has remained the norm for so many of us since it was commonly adopted during the pandemic. Perhaps the back-ache and neck pain comes from working on a computer on a sofa and missing out on the journey to work. And could it be that these mental health difficulties are the result of cramming your work and family life - with all the chaos that often entails - into one small space, with nowhere to go for relief? So what is to be done? I would argue that tackling the problem of how to manage sick leave in the private sector is best left to individual businesses. After all, the pressure to remain profitable is one very clear and obvious reason why absentee rates are so much lower in private companies and bosses crack down more successfully on shirkers. But in the public sector, the soaring levels of sick leave should be seen as the urgent responsibility of ministers and managers who, for decades, have wilfully ignored the problem. Office culture in the public sector is too often focused on looking after the perceived needs of the staff and avoiding confrontation with the unions, rather than the quality and efficiency of the service that taxpayers pay them to provide. The average public sector worker took almost twice as much sick leave - 10.6 days as their private sector colleagues on 5.8 days (stock image) Too often, this means that managers effectively turn a blind eye to staff absence and sick leave. Of course, workers who are genuinely ill should be given time and space to recuperate. But research by the TaxPayers' Alliance has revealed that proper processes for managing sick leave are often completely ignored in the public sector. In the Ministry of Defence, for example, more than 35,000 periods of sick leave in excess of seven days were taken last year without a single sick note being asked for or supplied. This means that the MoD, even as a war rages in Europe, has seemingly ignored British employment law. This clearly states that a note from a health professional certifying whether an employee is fit for work or not is required after seven days' sickness leave. The problem actually goes back decades. Research shows that sick leave has been higher in the public sector than the private every year going back to 1995 - at an average annual cost difference of nearly 55 million a year to the taxpayer. And this is despite public sector workers typically enjoying about a week's more annual leave than their counterparts in the private sector. Analysis has shown that if public-sector leave was capped at the private-sector standard of 25 days a year instead of the 30 days more common in the state sector, the Government could save 3.1 billion a year. In addition, the Office for National Statistics has revealed that public sector workers are paid on average around 30,000 - 7 per cent more per hour than their private sector counterparts. They typically work fewer hours - 36 against 37 hours per week - as well as having higher pensions. It's easy to dismiss the nation's growing sick note culture as a minor inconvenience, but it can have surprisingly wide-ranging effects. Only this week, Gatwick airport cancelled dozens of flights and delayed tens of thousands of passengers because a third of its air traffic controllers reportedly called in sick. Sick note Britain is hobbling our economy, making public services unnecessarily expensive and forcing up the tax burden. In the private sector, it's a major drag on Britain's flatlining productivity, which in turn puts a brake on growth. With our economy in a parlous state, ministers need to practice what they preach. The public sector should now be expected to lead by example - cracking down on excessive sick leave, putting proper processes in place and making sure they're followed. Council and civil service managers should also consider whether it's time to end the ridiculous work-from-home experiment that increasingly seems to have undermined the efficiency of our public services, provided worse value for money for taxpayers and failed to become the promised panacea for the health and wellbeing of public servants. Needless to say, hybrid working is significantly more common in the public sector than in industry. As the Mail reported earlier this month, 1,350 council employees had been logging on remotely from destinations as exotic as Australia, Dubai, Brazil and India. Other local authorities have introduced a four-day working week, with no loss of pay for employees working 20 per cent fewer hours. The result of this pandering is that many town halls, which are built, equipped and run with taxpayers' money to provide the services we all pay for, are often at least half empty. Who could forget the pictures of Jacob Rees-Mogg leaving notes on the empty desks of Whitehall mandarins appealing for them to return to the office? They work shorter hours, get paid more, receive more holiday and don't even have to turn up to the office. Yet still, state employees take more time off sick. It looks increasingly like the WFH-sceptics were right. The latest statistics seem to show that mixing and interacting with your workmates, walking for the train or bus to work and having a change of environment between home and office might be not only better for creativity and productivity, but better for your physical and mental health as well. And a happier and healthier workforce is good for all of us. It might even boost the economy, too and do something to tackle the growing scourge of our sick note culture. John O'Connell is the CEO of the TaxPayers' Alliance Confirmation of Scotland Yard's criminal investigation into Russell Brand's alleged sex crimes (denied by Brand) prompts Nigel Cawthorne, the author of Prince Andrew: Maxwell, Epstein And The Palace, to urge the Metropolitan Police to interview the Duke of York about his London meeting with Virginia Roberts. Cawthorne asks: 'Why are the Met investigating Russell Brand but not interviewing Prince Andrew as requested by the FBI under the Mutual Legal Assistance treaty?' While Andrew has categorically denied having sex with Roberts, why can't PC Plod talk to him? Nigel Cawthorne, the author of Prince Andrew: Maxwell, Epstein And The Palace, has urged the Metropolitan Police to interview the Duke of York about his London meeting with Virginia Roberts Actor David McCallum, who has died aged 90, insisted he bore no ill will towards Charles Bronson, who stole his first wife Jill Ireland after David and Charles starred in The Great Escape. Glasgow-born McCallum, who had three children with Jill, later reflected: 'Charlie and I were very close friends. He became stepfather of my children, so it was essential everything was kept as pleasant as possible.' Actor David McCallum, who has died aged 90, played Carter in Colditz Will Steve Coogan, following in Peter Sellers' footsteps in a West End version of Dr Strangelove, go one better than Sellers and play all four roles? Sellers memorably played Strangelove, group captain Lionel Mandrake and US president Merkin Muffley. He was supposed to play Major T. J. 'King' Kong, but pretended to break his leg to cry off. He was later miffed to see his replacement, US actor Slim Pickens, enjoying the film's show-stealing moment when he rides a nuclear missile Wild West-style. Steve Coogan is set to star in Armando Iannuccis Dr Strangelove play Proof of Anna Wintour's stratospheric position in society is confirmed by the failure of Financial Times interviewer Lauren Indvik to secure a luncheon table at London's Ritz hotel until she confirmed that she was entertaining Vogue's premier fromage. Turning up early and sitting in the private room prepared for Anna, pictured, Lauren was startled when a waiter asked her to move. Why? she asked. 'You are sitting in Ms Wintour's chair,' he mewled. 'It's best if these things start off smoothly.' And when Anna descended from Planet Me and joined Lauren, she declined to lunch, declaring: 'I find it quite difficult to eat and to be interviewed.' Perhaps the Ritz's food taster was on his day off. Financial Times interviewer Lauren Indvik failed to secure a luncheon table at London's Ritz hotel until she confirmed that she was entertaining Vogue's Anna Wintour Strictly judge Anton Du Beke made the mistake of boasting on comedian Rob Brydon's podcast that he had been invited to King Charles's Coronation. 'Were you the one in the dress holding the sword?' asked Brydon. 'Was that you?... This was them saying, 'Anton, have a sword, have a sword near the Royals, we trust you'.' And trust is important, isn't it? Especially if you're lifting Ann Widdecombe! Rory Stewart, feverishly promoting his new book Politics On The Edge, gamely retweets a complaint from a reader who bought it thinking it was rocker Rod Stewart's biography. 'It's not as good as Rod's,' wailed the accidental bibliophile, adding: 'Don't buy when drunk.' Not known for showy jewellery, Camilla pulls out the stops on big occasions Not known for showy jewellery, Camilla pulls out the stops on big occasions Not only does she have the title, Queen Camilla is now custodian of one of the world's most impressive collections of jewellery. And however modest her taste might be in ordinary times, she has shown these priceless pieces off to great effect on grand state occasions, such as last week's three-day visit to France. In many cases, Camilla has chosen to wear jewellery associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, most notably last week, when Camilla appeared at Versailles in the George VI Sapphire diamond necklace and earrings. These pieces had been a wedding present to Princess Elizabeth from her much-loved father and it says much about their importance to her that, as Queen, she would later have a sapphire tiara, a bracelet and rings made to match. The bracelet and the rings, too, were worn by Queen Camilla the following evening. Queen Camilla at a State Banquet at The Palace of Versailles on September 20in the late Queen's sapphire jewellery, including necklace, earrings, bracelet and rings The neckland and earrings had been given to the late Queen by her father George VI as a wedding present Diamonds fit for a Queen The most spectacular of these were of course the Cullinan diamonds, which featured at that most spectacular of occasions, the Coronation in May. Originally parts of the biggest diamond ever to have been found, the Cullinan III and IV were placed in her Queen Consorts Crown, which had originally been made for Queen Mary in 1911. Often worn by Elizabeth II together as a brooch, the two diamonds took pride of place at the front of the crown along with the heart shaped Cullinan V, which Elizabeth II had also worn as a brooch. During the ceremony Camilla also wore the diamond Coronation Necklace. This was commissioned by Queen Victoria and made in 1858 from 25 brilliant-cut diamonds. The central pendant, known as the Lahore Diamond, is an impressive 22.48 carats. Queen Camilla watches the RAF fly-past following her Coronation. The crown no longer features the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond and instead displayed three of the Culinan diamonds Queen Elizabeth wearing the Cullian III and IV as a brooch at the Service Of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London in 2012 Queen Elizabethwears her Cullinan V diamond brooch for a service on the eve of the centenary of The Battle of The Somme at Westminster Abbey in 2016 A reminder of Prince Albert The present queen enjoys wearing brooches as much as Elizabeth did. Several of them have a 19th century provenance. These include the Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch which was a wedding present from Albert to Queen Victoria, who wore it during the ceremony. She described it as a splendid sapphire set round with diamonds which is really quite beautiful and was a permanent reminder of dearest Albert. It was a favourite of Elizabeth II and Camilla wore it in March in Hamburg during the State Visit to Germany. The Hesse Diamond Jubilee Brooch also has an association with Queen Victoria. It was given to her in 1897 to mark her 60 years as monarch by the children of her second daughter Princess Alice of Hesse. Alice died from diphtheria aged only 35 in 1878 and Victoria became a parent figure to the five surviving grandchildren including the future Empress Alexandra of Russia. The brooch features the number 60 in Cyrillic numerals and worn by Camilla at the late Queens funeral service on September 19. Camilla visits Hamburg City Hall wearing the late Queen's Prince Albert Sapphire Brooch Queen Elizabeth II shelters under an umbrella as she attends day two of Royal Ascot in 2019 Camilla shows off the Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch at the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey It was worn by Elizabeth II for her meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014 There is another Russian link with the Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch which dates to the 1840s and was acquired by Queen Mary following the Russian Revolution, when the surviving members of the imperial family were forced to sell off their treasures in exile. It was worn by Elizabeth II for her meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014 and by Camilla at this years Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey earlier this year. Two brooches with a more personal association are the Queen Mothers Scallop-Shell Brooch, which was left to Queen Elizabeth in 2002 and who wore it on occasions when she wanted to honour her mother including the unveiling of a statue to her in the Mall in 2009. Camilla wore it in June when she attended Royal Ascot. The other one is the turquoise and diamond floral brooch which Camilla wore at Schloss Bellevue on Day One of the State Visit to Germany in March. This was a gift from Queen Mary to her granddaughter, the future Elizabeth II, to mark the latters confirmation at Windsor in March 1942. Camilla has also worn two brooches inherited by Elizabeth II from her mother but rarely seen: The Queen Mothers Rock Crystal brooch given to Camilla shortly after her wedding to Charles and worn at the Maundy Service this year. Another diamond art-deco brooch belonging to the late Queen was worn by Camilla for the Christmas Day service at Sandringham in 2022. During her visit to Ireland with King Charles, Camilla wore the appropriate Emerald and Diamond Celtic Knot brooch which the late Queen wore at a banquet she hosted for the President of Ireland in 2014. A brooch with a more personal association is the Queen Mothers Scallop-Shell Brooch. She is pictured with Princess Margaret at the Guildhall for her 100th birthday celebration in June 2000 King Charles III and Queen Camilla, wearing the Scallop-Shell Brooch, attend Royal Ascot in June Camilla wore this turquoise and diamond floral brooch at Schloss Bellevue on the state visit to Germany The Queen Mothers Rock Crystal brooch was also inherited by Elizabeth but has rarely been seen A leek from the Welsh Guards (encrusted with diamonds, of course) Camilla has worn the late Queens regimental brooches gifts from the various military units she was associated with. These include the diamond Welsh Guards Leek Brooch which Camilla wore in Wales shortly after the death of the monarch last September. One with a particularly personal connection is the Grenadier Guards Brooch, which includes diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, and which she was given in 1942 at her first public engagements, aged just 16, when she was made Colonel of the Grenadier Guards by her father George VI and reviewed the regiment at Windsor. Camilla wore this in June during the Trooping ceremony and in April at Buckingham Palace during the presentation of new colours to the regiment see pic below. Camilla has followed the late Queens example and worn brooches on tour in acknowledgement of the host nation. Like Kate she borrowed the Queens Maple Leaf Brooch for visits to Canada. The maple leaf is the symbol of Canada, and the brooch was gifted to the late Queen Mother for her 1939 tour of the country. Camilla has worn the late Queens regimental brooches gifts from the various military units she had been associated with. These include the diamond Welsh Guards Leek Brooch worn after the death of the monarch last September Queen Elizabeth wears the leek during the presentation of the colours to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in May 1965 The Grenadier Guards Brooch, which includes diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, was given to the Princess Elizabeth in 1942 at her first public engagements Camilla wore it in June during the Trooping the Colour ceremony and in April at Buckingham Palace Camilla followed the late Queens example, choosing brooches on tour that acknowledge the host nation The maple leaf is the symbol of Canada, and the brooch was gifted to the late Queen Mother for her 1939 tour of the country. Pictured: Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during their Royal tour of Canada in 1951 Crowning glories... Camilla has also worn the late Queens Sapphire Tiara and her Diamond Fringe Necklace which was a 1947 wedding present for the then Princess Elizabeth from the City of London. Camilla has worn it with the late Queen Mothers Boucheron Tiara. Elizabeth II was a young woman when she had her ears pieced before her 1951 tour of Canada. Camilla hasnt had them pierced, however, so has fewer earrings to choose from. Camilla wearing the sapphire tiara during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in November 2022 The Late Queen had this sapphire tiara made to match her wedding-gift necklace The Diamond Fringe Necklace was a 1947 wedding present for the then Princess Elizabeth She did, however, wear the late Queens diamond, sapphire and pearl earrings for a portrait released shortly before the Coronation. Pearls will always be associated with the late Queen and once again Camilla was honouring her in a subtle and very personal way. One couple went on their dream holiday to a Caribbean island but weren't expecting to rack up more than a 3,000 medical bill and a gruelling eight hour A&E wait abroad. Two UK-based travel influencers were flown out to Barbados for what they expected to be a free trip - until boyfriend Bartek got so ill that he had to spend the night before his birthday in hospital - and left with a hefty bill. Travel influencer Bea Martinho, who goes by @kybetravel on TikTok, was jetted out to the beautiful island with her boyfriend Bartek, who is known by @letsmunch - a food influencer, on a PR trip to celebrate his birthday. Bea gleefully boasted: 'I downed not one but two green drinks because I'm in my healthy girl era'. She followed this with: 'We said goodbye to rainy London and got on a plane'. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with 'the strongest rum punch' she'd ever drank and 'taken to a room bigger than my flat in London', where the pair were set to enjoy a relaxing holiday. Two UK-based travel influencers were flown out to Barbados for what they expected to be a free trip - until boyfriend Bartek got so ill that he had to spend the night before his birthday in hospital - and left with a hefty bill But trouble arose when soon-to-be birthday boy Bartek's stomach started to suffer a severe bout of pain - and he ended up in hospital after Pepto Bismol failed to revive him. She told her 36,000 followers: 'Just about here is precisely when our trip turned into a nightmare and Bartek had severe stomach pains which we tried to fix but ended up in the hospital'. In a second clip, Bea explained the pair underwent a sleepless night before driving to the nearest doctor's clinic at eight in the morning where doctors took his bloods. This cost them 200. However - things got worse as the clinic's doctor suspected Bartek had appendicitis - so he was swiftly rushed to urgent care at 9:30am. 'Here we spent 650 on a CT scan that not only confirmed appendicitis but that he also had kidney stones and a hip fracture. We were transferred to the A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (11am) where we waited eight hours to be seen'. The influencer added: 'They did come round to give everyone a little goodie bag which was cute but Bartek wasn't allowed to eat or drink so I stole his juice box'. The agonising wait proved pricey, as his surgery and room for the night set him back a whopping 2,642. Travel influencer Bea Martinho, who goes by @kybetravel on TikTok , was jetted out to the beautiful island with her boyfriend Bartek, who is known by @letsmunch - a food influencer, on a PR trip to celebrate his birthday Despite the traumatising ordeal, the travel vlogger praised the Barbadian health system where nurses even serenaded Bea after she found out the hospital cafeteria was shut, and took her to a nearby chicken shop. After his surgery, hospital staff returned Bartek to his room 'exactly two hours before he turned 27'. On day four of their PR trip, when Bartek was in his post-operation recovery phase, his girlfriend Bea joked: 'The nurses made sure he knew he was their favourite - I suspect there was some flirting going on every time I left the room!' To relax after the nightmare trip the pair 'took the longest shower ever' and celebrated Bartek's 27th birthday with a sit down Japanese meal but the exhaustion meant 'they were both asleep by 8pm'. Princesses Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux Bourbon des Deux Sicilies and sister Maria Chiara wowed in shades of blue as they made their modelling debut in Paris. The Italian heiress sisters, who are daughters of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro- who holds a claim to the now defunct throne of the former House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies - and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro strutted on the Pierre Cardin catwalk yesterday. The sisters, who are enjoying an increased public profile after Chiara was linked to their heir to the Danish throne Prince Christian, took to the Pierre Cardin Womenswear Spring/ Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. Carolina, 19, and Chiara, 18, dazzled in show stopping avant-garde gowns as they oozed confidence walking the runway. Princess Chiara, who recently issued a statement denying she's dating the Danish royal, wowed in two-toned bandeau style gown, which was embellished with an elaborate gold detailing. Princesses Maria Carolina de Bourbon des Deux Siciles (pictured) wowed in blue as she made her modelling debut in Paris Princess Carolina stunned in a deep blue off the shoulder dress which featured a unique white border. Her ensemble was completed with silver pointed heels and her blonde locks were swept back in a slick glamorous style. The models glam makeup enhanced their flawless complexion and was completed with an extravagant shimmering blue eye shadow look. Their mother, Camilla de Bourbon des Deux Sicilies, attended the show to support the launch of her daughter's modelling careers, and beamed while posing for a photograph with the pair. As the sisters have become the face of Pierre Cardin's newest line, they will add catwalk models to their list of achievements - having also become TV stars this summer. Last month the sisters announced they would be starring in 'Cote d'Azur: In the Privacy of Billionaires, Stars & Princesses' on the French streaming service, myCANAL. In a snippet of the show shared on Instagram, Princess Carolina appeared to take a humble approach while shopping for sandals at a French market. 'I'm not interested in the brand,' she said. During the clip, the sisters are seen enjoying the culture, restaurants and stunning views that the French town has to offer. Princess Maria Chiara de Bourbon des Deux Sicilies (pictured) dazzled in blue as she strutted down the runway Camilla de Bourbon des Deux Sicilies (centre), attended the show to support the launch of her daughter's modelling careers, and beamed while posing for a photograph with the pair Chiara wowed in two-toned bandeau style gown, which was embellished with an elaborate gold detailing Chiara later shared a picture of her and Carolina in alike patterned boho-chic blue dresses alongside the writing: 'I hope you like it'. The streaming platform explained: 'The Cote d'Azur fascinates the most fortunate, like princesses Carolina and Chiara de Bourbon des Deux-Sicilies or Pierre-Jean Chalencon.' The news comes shortly after Chiara hit back at rumours she's dating Prince Christian of Denmark. The Italian heiress, 18, took to her Instagram account to break her silence regarding speculation about her and the 17-year-old future King, insisting that 'while we all enjoy dreaming of fairytales, what truly matters is reality.' She wrote: 'I would like to set the records straight with regards to the unfounded rumour that has been circulating about me. Prince Christian and I share a close friendship.' The models glam makeup enhanced their flawless complexion and was completed with an extravagant shimmering blue eye shadow look Both of the sister's ensembles were completed with silver pointed heels and their blonde locks were swept back in a slick glamorous style The glamorous socialite added that 'at first, this situation made me smile' as she further discussed the 'inaccurate information'. However, Chiara, the daughter of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro, added: 'I believe it is now time to put an end to this rumour. When important events will occur in my life, I will be happy to share them with you.' Her statement read: 'I would like to set the records straight with regards to the unfounded rumour that has been circulating about me. Prince Christian and I share a close friendship. 'However, some inaccurate information has been disseminated. At first, this situation made me smile; however, over time, this rumour has exceeded the limits of common sense and has spiralled becoming at odds with reality. 'I believe it is now time to put an end to this rumour. When important events will occur in my life, I will be happy to share them with you. While we all enjoy dreaming of fairy tales, what truly matters is reality.' Carolina, 19, dazzled in show stopping avant-garde gowns as they oozed confidence walking the runway Princess Carolina stunned in a deep blue off the shoulder dress which featured a unique white border As the sisters have become the face of Pierre Cardin's newest line, they will add catwalk models to their list of achievements - having also become TV stars this summer Speculation on whether the two were dating began in May when a group photo emerged on social media of the duo standing close together at the Monaco Grand Prix. It was then reported that the prince - son of Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary - had hosted Chiara in Denmark in June, making the brave decision to introduce her to his grandmother, the Danish monarch. 'Chiara was in awe of the Queen it's been a dream of hers to meet such an iconic female ruler and she's been practising her curtsies for months,' the source told Women's Day. Chiara, who spent her summer in St Tropez with her sister Carolina, 20, then recently told Italian paper Corriere: 'We've known each other since we were little, my father Carlo is godfather to his younger sister.' Her father Prince Carlo holds a claim to the now defunct throne of the former House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a cadet branch of the Spanish royal family , which descends from the Capetian Dynasty and ruled over Southern Italy and Sicily during the 18th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, her mother, Duchess Camilla, born Crociani, is the daughter of Italian industry Tycoon Camilla Crociani and the actress Edy Vessel. While Chiara seemingly likes to appear in the public eye, it seems Prince Christian has kept his private life quiet and has said he won't take a royal pension when he turns 18. He will only take money from the royal grant if his father ascends the throne, and will remain limited in his royal duties until he turns 21. Holidaying Brits have been flocking to a British-themed restaurant in sunny Costa Del Sol, which bears a number of similarities to a famous UK pub chain. Costa Del Sol is best known for its beautiful beaches, Tivoli World Theme Park - and now for its very own version of Wetherspoons. The pub dupe, with the witty name of 'Weatherspains', is located in Benalmadena, in Southern Spain. It has quickly become a popular place for tourists to enjoy a slice of home after spending the day in the sun abroad. The similarities between the UK pub chain and the Benalmadena bar don't begin and end at the similar names - the menu and price tag are also very much alike. Many Brits have been flocking to the Weatherspains pub in Costa Del Sol, which bears a number of similarities to Wetherspoons in the UK The restaurant boasts amazing reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook, with a ratings of 4.5 our of 5 and 4.8 out of 5 on each site respectively The Weatherspains menu is far cry from the tapas you would expect to see in a restaurant in southern Spain. But it does boast all the pub classics such as gammon, chips and peas, sausage and mash, as well as an assortment of different flavoured pies. The British-themed restaurant also dishes up burgers, salads, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, starters - and even desserts for those with a sweet tooth. The Costa Del Sol pub offers table service so customers don't have to deal with the hassle of going to and fro for their drink orders, similar to the UK pub which offers table service via their app. Much like its British look alike, the Spanish restaurant hosts a myriad of pints and cocktails to accommodate all its visitors. However, despite the name and a few other similarities, not everything in the Spanish pub is identical to the UK classic. First thing is the hot weather. Unlike British punters who most of the time have to enjoy their pint inside, tourists can relax on the terrace with their cold pint to hand whilst soaking up the warm weather. They also hold weekend events such as karaoke, raffles and bingo - a world away from the Wetherspoon pubs in the UK. Weatherspains also allows customers to make table orders, similar to the UK pub where punters are able to order their drinks via an app The dupe of the British pub chain boasts a number of pub staples commonly found in the UK, such as gammon and chips, sausage and mash and more But despite it's similarities on food and prices, there are a fair few differences between Wetherspoons and Weatherspains, notably the weekend events, such as raffles and karoake, held by the Spanish pubs The Spanish restaurant that is owned and run by Brits, boast a 4.5 our of 5 rating on TripAdvisor and a whopping rating of 4.8 on Facebook. On TripAdvisor, the pub has only received seven 'terrible' reviews, whilst having 137 reviews branded excellent. One person commented on the review site: 'We popped in here for a drink, and the staff were very friendly and English and we had a nice chat. 'The view is amazing looking out at the ocean. Highly recommend.' The feedback was also stellar on the pub's Facebook page, with one man calling it 'a nice slice of the UK for Brits away from home.' Others noted how it was 'just like being in a Spoons at home,' whilst another person said the restaurant served him the 'best pint' he has had in Spain. The restaurant has recevied stellar reviews from customers with one person describing it as 'just like being in a spoons at home' One woman wrote: 'Just met these guys today, beautiful food, very friendly staff and a great British owner, very highly recommend.' Customers have also had their fun, poking at the similarities between the Spanish restaurant and the British staple pub. Some took part in the viral Wetherspoon's chip count challenge, which saw customers across the nation counting their chips, to see how different portions were from plate to plate. One Weatherspains customer published a picture of his partner's fish chips and mushy peas with the caption: 'Does this count? 47 chips at Weatherspains in Benalmadena.'MailOnline has approached J D Wetherspoons for comment. Meghan Markle's Suits co-star Patrick J Adams has sent fans into a frenzy after sharing a number of shots from the show - leading his followers to speculate if the series 'could be coming back.' Suits tells the tale of Mike Ross (played by Patrick) as a plucky law school drop out who cons his way into a prestigious firm and falls in love with beautiful paralegal Rachel Zane (played by Meghan). Patrick shared a number of images of the cast on his Instagram with the caption: 'Let's get serious. Seriously. I miss my friends. Each and every one of them.' Among the images was a previously unseen black-and-white portrait of Meghan, apparently on the set of the show, while another showed the duchess lying on the floor as she posed with her co-star Sarah Rafferty. Fans were delighted to see the snaps, with many taking the post as an apparent hint the series could be coming back. Meghan Markle's Suits co-star Patrick J Adams shared this previously unseen black-and-white portrait of the duchess Another photo showed Meghan lying on the floor as she posed with her co-star Sarah Rafferty The actor shared a number of photos saying that he 'missed his friends' One commented: 'Law is a precise endeavour, Patrick. Be clear. The reboot is coming, right? A second took the post as an apparent hint, saying: 'Something's coming...isn't it?' Another wrote: 'I miss you all of you! Please do another season!!! Bring Rachel back too!' A third added: 'This show needs a reboot!!! I miss the show!' A fourth commented: 'Don't give us hope[s]. Is Suits coming back? After The Office [was] announced, this feels like a legitimate possibility.' Meghan starred as paralegal Rachel Zane in Suits from 2010 until her last episode was aired in April 2018, a month before her wedding at Windsor Castle. Season one began with an average of 4.6million viewers in 2011. However ratings consistently dipped since the start, even with Meghan in the show. Meghan and Patrick both left the show at the end of season seven. Their final episode saw Rachel and Mike finally tie the knot , before leaving for Seattle. According to FOX News, the return of season 8, (which excluded Meghan and Patrick), averaged with 1.2 million viewers, 100,000 less than its seventh season. It was axed in January 2019 after the ninth 10-episode-instalment. The official line on why the show was axed was unclear, but the series lost viewers after Meghan quit. Fans were delighted to see the snaps, with many taking the post as an apparent hint the series could be coming back However the show has seen a surge in viewers on screening platforms in recent months. After launching on Netflix earlier this year, the series set a viewing time record for an acquired series in the week of June 26-July 2, with 3.14 billion minutes of watch time. Following her exit from the show Meghan remained friendly with a possee of her former co-stars - Gabriel Macht, Abigail Spencer, Sarah Rafferty, and Patrick - who attended her wedding to Prince Harry. This isn't the first time in recent weeks that Patrick has updated his Instagram to reference his relationship to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Earlier this month, he changed his Instagram profile to include his connection to Meghan and Prince Harry. The Toronto-born actor, 42, described himself as: 'the guy from that show you're watching on that app because that girl married that prince'. Earlier this month, Patrick shared a video showing Meghan dancing to a reggae song in a bar in a previously unseen clip on Instagram Meanwhile he also posted a video of Meghan dancing to a reggae song in a bar in a previously unseen clip. The video shows the former actress pushing her arms out and rolling her shoulder as she sings along to Mr. Vegas's Heads High. The clip - which was filmed in 2012 but posted to Instagram earlier this month - shows the royal with Suits co-stars and crew, including Rick Hoffman who played Louis Litt, as well as Patrick's wife Troian Bellisario, who is also an actor. The footage appears to be taken in a darkened bar - most likely in Toronto where Suits was filmed - and shows Hoffman animatedly singing along to the song before the camera pans to Meghan and Mrs Bellisario. 'April 1, 2012,' Patrick simply captioned the post. It comes as Patrick, who played Meghan's husband in the legal drama, has changed his Instagram profile to reference the Duke and Duchess of Sussex The Toronto-born actor, 42, described himself as: 'the guy from that show you're watching on that app because that girl married that prince' However in October 2020, he said he had fallen out of touch with the Duchess. He told the Radio Times: 'Quite frankly, I think I'm intimidated. I have no doubt I could pick up the phone and call her at any moment, but I don't know what I would say. 'Weve spoken and texted a couple of times, but Meghans life is incredibly full and shes been navigating a lot. 'We dont spend any time together, but thats not because of anything other than how completely enormous her life has become in so many ways.' Patrick, who has spoken in defense of Meghan on several occasions, last year complained of being 'pulled into' debates surrounding his former co-star. 'Hello to the people and many bots debating all things Markle and including me in the conversation. I just want you to know a couple of things. 1. I dont read any of it. 2. Life is short. 3. There has to got to be better things for you to be doing. Even you, bots,' he wrote. Patrick has also previously described the monarchy as 'toxic, archaic, and shameless'. He said that his 'powerful' and 'kind' friend has been the subject of underhanded behavior on the part of the monarchy after reports were published that Meghan had 'bullied' several former staff members at Kensington Palace, claims she has strongly denied. Patrick previously hit out after being constantly 'pulled into' debates surrounding his former co-star Meghan Following her interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2022, he said: 'She fell in love, moved to a new country, became a household name across the entire globe and began the difficult work of trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic,' he wrote in the eight-tweet rant. At the time Buckingham Palace 'brought in an external legal firm' to carry out an investigation into the claims that Meghan bullied royal staff. Recently, the creator of the legal drama sensationally claiming that the Royal Family insisted the word 'poppycock' be removed from her script over fears that clips would be edited to make it sound as though the Duchess of Sussex had said something crude. Aaron Korsh, 56, spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about how things changed on set after Meghan started dating Prince Harry - as well as the bizarre demands he claims the monarchy made when it came to her lines. His claims echo those made by Harry, who alleged in his explosive memoir Spare that Suits writers had grown increasingly 'frustrated' with the 'palace communications' team 'advising' on changes to Meghan's lines. According to showrunner Aaron, the Royal Family 'weighed in on some stuff' - including what the Duchess of Sussex's character said in episodes filmed after she and Harry began dating - which he found 'a little irritating.' He said there was one particular word that he threw into the script as a tribute to his own in-laws - 'poppycock,' which is slang for nonsense - but claimed he was forced to change it after it was allegedly vetoed by the royals because it contained the term 'c**k.' A 'teacher's pet' married her favorite schoolteacher after the pair fell in love, despite a 25-year age gap. Monica Foster, 32, first met her now-wife, Michelle, 57, in 2004 when she was her science teacher in Big Rapids, Michigan. Seventeen years later, Monica, a self-confessed 'teacher's pet', searched on Facebook to see how her former favorite teacher was doing. Michelle had been in a relationship with a woman in the past, and Monica had just publicly come out as lesbian too. The pair met up and became close friends before a developing a romantic connection - despite being mistaken for mother and daughter 'several times every day'. Monica Ketchum (left) and her 'favorite school teacher' Michelle (right) tied the knot despite a 25-year age gap Ignoring daily online abuse from trolls, the couple got engaged in autumn 2022. They tied the knot earlier this year and have said that they're happier than ever after a 'perfect day' with a private beachfront wedding. Michelle, a now-retired teacher, said: 'When Monica first reached out, I was always willing to be supportive of former students, so I was very happy reconnect. 'As we grew close, I was worried about the age gap and I was worried about how we first met, but I had to let it all go. 'Our wedding was a beach wedding on a stunning day - and it was just perfect. 'It's amazing how fast the year has flown by since our engagement - it's kind of bewildering. 'It's amazing and very surreal - after everything, we know we've got this.' Monica, a school bus driver, said: 'Our wedding day was so significant to me - I don't care what people think because they're not living my life, I am. Monica and Michelle married in an intimate ceremony at Lake Michigan with close friends and family (the pair are pictured above on their wedding day) The newlyweds live with two children Zeke (top center) and Charlie (bottom center), Monica's children from a previous marriage Monica decided to search her favorite teacher from school on Facebook to see how she was doing 'It just felt so special.' Michelle had been Monica's favorited teacher in seventh grade - when Monica, then 13, had been 'the goody goody student'. While their relationship remained professional back then, Michelle left such a mark that Monica decided to find her on Facebook 17 years later, in April 2020. Monica had just gone through a tough situation and recalled Michelle's supportive classroom being a 'safe place' for her when she was younger and got in touch. They began speaking online before eventually meeting again for the first time in 17 years in August 2021. Over lunch they chatted about their lives and over time they grew to be close friends. Michelle was shocked when Monica reached out, but after going for lunch the pair quickly bonded The pair ended their previous relationships to be together in May 2022, with Michelle and her wife filing for a divorce Monica and Michelle have bonded over their love of music, camping, outdoor activities, and hunting down locally brewed beer Monica said: 'We were both in really dark places at that time, and finding someone you can relate to and be vulnerable with felt safe.' They ended their previous relationships to be together in May 2022, with Michelle and her wife filing for a divorce. Ever since then, the couple have been living together. Monica said that despite the 25-year age gap, they have a lot in common, having bonded over music, camping, outdoor activities and hunting down locally brewed beer. While Monica 'didn't really have concerns' about the age gap, Michelle initially struggled with it because of people's assumptions. The couple got engaged in autumn 2022, after organizing separate proposals for each other so they both had a chance to propose While Monica 'didn't really have concerns' about the age gap, Michelle initially struggled with it because of people's assumptions The pair now live with Monica's children from her previous marriage Zeke (right), 7, and Charlie (left), 5 She said: 'People ask, "Is that your mother?" or even "Is that your grandma?" all the time. 'We learned to laugh or brush it off, but if you see me kissing her, why would you ask if she's my mother?' 'Another question I get asked is whether I loved her when I was 13 - obviously not. 'At the time, we didn't have any relationship besides her being a good teacher.' The couple got engaged in autumn 2022, after organizing separate proposals for each other so they both had a chance to propose. Their big day rolled around, and the pair had a tiny beach wedding on June 17 at Suttons Bay, on the shore of Lake Michigan, and they said their vows in a tiny nearby cottage with just a handful of their nearest and dearest. After a whirlwind year, the pair are ready to settle down together and spend time at home with each other Afterwards they had a singalong to 'Good As Hell' by Lizzo on the waterfront before they 'cracked a beer in the forest'. Two nights earlier they had had a separate 'mini wedding' with Monica's children Zeke, seven, and Charlie, five, so they could enjoy the experience too. Monica said: 'They still talk about it - Charlie asks to wear her 'wedding dress'. 'Zeke was wearing a rainbow bowtie.' After enjoying a relaxing honeymoon in Traverse City, the newlyweds are back home and ready to relax as wife and wife. Michelle said: 'This year has flown fast - we travelled so much this past year. 'We're just ready to be home together - I'm ready for some boring.' Monica added: 'It's time to settle down.' An influencer has been slammed for using a derogatory slur aimed at disabled people in a YouTube video. Lydia Millen, who previously received backlash when she checked into the Savoy Hotel in London because the central heating in her home was broken, shared a video on Monday with her 989,000 followers where she spoke about her inexperience publishing her first book and referred to herself as a 'm*ng'. After receiving backlash for her use of the word, the 35-year-old from Milton Keynes, who has more than one million followers, defended her use of the word, insisting she did not mean it in the context it had been taken. The influencer instead claimed she had used the word 'in regards to a mongrel mixed breed dog' while referring to her own 'scruffy appearance'. However many of her followers didn't buy Lydia's explanation and instead urged her to take accountability for her 'ignorance' and edit the video. It has since been edited to remove the slur. Lydia Millen, 35, from Milton Keynes, has been slammed for using the word 'm*ng' in a YouTube video on Monday (pictured) Commenting on her own video, the digital creator explained: 'Hi everyone, Ive just come online and seen some of the comments on this video. 'I want to absolutely clarify that the word in question was said in regards to a scruffy (mongrel mix breed) dog, in direct reference to my scruffy appearance. 'I wanted to comment immediately as I would never use a word/this word to offend anyone and I want to make this absolutely clear. 'Thank you for your messages & comments, Lydia x' Her explanation received mixed responses as some people said Lydia needed to 'take accountability' for the use of the word, while others argued people should 'give her a break'. One person wrote: 'Doubling down, as usual. Try actually taking responsibility for your own ignorance and poor judgement for once.' Another agreed, saying: 'As the mother of a child with learning disability, who has had this word thrown at them, I take it VERY personally. 'It is a dreadful word, and is not acceptable. Stop making excuses for bad behaviour. Lydia should try flinging this word around at her next posh event/horse trials/whatever, and see how long it is before she is kicked out.' It's not the first time the influencer has been embroiled in controversy as she was slammed last year for booking into the exclusive Savoy hotel after complaining about the broken heating in her Buckinghamshire home Someone else said: 'She used a word that was historically used in Britain to derogatorily describe people who are diagnosed with Down syndrome. 'She is attempting to suggest she didnt know thats what it meant and that she confused it with a different shortened word to describe mixed-breed dogs. 'Basically, she used an insulting slur and is now backtracking with a hideous excuse rather than deleting the video and apologising. As always, its the fault of thousands of people who found it offensive, rather than her own.' Others defended the influencer with some saying to remember to 'be kind'. One person said: 'I have to say out of all of the vloggers I am subscribed to, people are the harshest with you Lydia. Views were mixed in the comments with some asking her to 'take accountability' while others saying to 'give her a break' 'I dont understand why to be honest. Youve got an overly aggressive critical audience. When people watch vlogs its for escapism not for criticism. Lydia is human just like the rest of us. Be kind to her.' Another said: 'Oh dear gosh, some people drunk too much vinegar. You can not say anything these days. People don't take s**t so personally.' Someone else said: 'I dont comment often but please give her a break she didnt or wouldnt mean it any offensive way. Please be kind.' It's not the first time the influencer has been embroiled in controversy as she was slammed last year for booking into the exclusive Savoy hotel after complaining about the broken heating in her Buckinghamshire home. Lydia shared a video with her TikTok followers showing her getting ready to check into the exclusive five-star establishment - which charges up to 1,000-a-night. The video amassed over one million views in less than 24 hours and unimpressed TikTokers branded the influencer 'tone-deaf' In the one-minute clip, Lydia is seen picking out a 2,000 outfit from the dressing room. Explaining why she was making the last-minute trip, Lydia said: 'The heating is currently broken in my house so I'm heading down to London. 'I'm checking into the Savoy and I'm going to make full use of their wonderful hot water. So let's get ready for the day!' When the video was uploaded, the clip had amassed more than one million views and sparked fierce debate in the comments - with critics labelling it 'tone-deaf' amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. However the comments on the video, which was posted in November 2022, have since been turned off. Princess Eugenie took a leaf out of Meghan Markle's book this weekend as she donned an apron and rolled up her sleeves to join a community kitchen. The mother-of-two, 33, teamed up with her Anti-Slavery Collective colleague Julia de Boinville at the Bramber Bakehouse in East Sussex this weekend, in her role with the charity which aims to end modern slavery. In a photo shared on the Anti-Slavery Collective's Instagram page, the Floodlight podcast co-hosts are wearing brown aprons with the Bramber Bakehouse branding, in a visit reminiscent of the Duchess of Sussex's involvement with a community kitchen at Grenfell in 2018. The Duchess, 42, became involved with The Hubb Community Kitchen in North Kensington a year after the horror fire in Grenfell Tower which claimed the lives of 72 people. As Princess Eugenie returns to her dedicated charity work following a few months of maternity leave after giving birth to her second son Ernest, she has evoked her cousin's wife with her involvement with Bramber Bakehouse. Princess Eugenie and her Floodlights podcast co-host Julia de Boinville visited an East Sussex cookery school The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson announced her return to work last week as she and Julia took to the Anti-Slavery Collective's Instagram account ahead of the release of the second series of their podcast. In a photo shared of their visit to Bramber Bakehouse, the Anti-Slavery Collective explained the cookery school supports female survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. The caption of the photo explained: 'The programme is designed to give women the confidence, knowledge and skills for a positive future.' In particular, the Bakehouse supports women using its services by providing therapeutic baking sessions, providing sessions with trauma-informed experts to focus on the wellbeing of the women, and teaching them transferrable skills that will help them rebuild their lives. Eugenie's visit to the cookery school evokes Meghan Markle's charity work with the Hubb Community Kitchen in Grenfell When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex teamed up with the Hubb Community Kitchen in 2018, it marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the couple and the initiative to support families who had been affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire. Meghan, who was praised at the time for rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in with food preparation at the kitchen, also contributed recipes to a cookbook, Together, which was her first solo venture as a member of the British Royal Family. Over the years, the relationship between the Sussexes and the kitchen has remained close, with Meghan checking in frequently despite now living thousands of miles away in Montecito, California. In June 2022, the Hubb Community Kitchen posted an update on Facebook to confirm Meghan was still in touch with the community at Grenfell. Voluntary staff at the kitchen shared how the Duchess of Sussex had been in touch asking about their welfare and sharing news of her own children, Archie, three, and Lilibet, one. They wrote: 'Today is a day spent looking back, remembering and reflecting. I just found this picture of us all, on the day our cookbook came out. 'The Duchess had wrapped a book for each one of us and wrote a lovely message to each lady on the first page.' The comment continued: 'Always very thoughtful, today we received a lovely voice message from the Duchess, being the 5 years anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy, asking how we are, about our children and families and giving us news of hers. Just being her beautiful kind self.' Meghan's contribution to charity work through cookery has seen her contribute towards another cookbook this year, the World Central Kitchen's Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope. The recipes in the book have been collated by Spanish-born chef Jose Andres and feature guest entries from famous faces including the duchess, as well as former First Lady, Michelle Obama. In a promotional video for the book, which was published today in the US and retails for $35, Andres tests out some of the recipes - including Meghan's cake. As he holds a plate with a slice of the moist-looking dessert and puts a forkful in his mouth, he doesn't say much to review the cake - but his very satisfied facial expression suggests it's a triumph. As he introduces the recipe in the promotional video, chef Jose says: 'This is from Meghan. This amazing lemon pound cake.' He then eats a forkful of the cake, which has been dusted with icing sugar and garnished with rosemary and what appears to be candied lemon rind, and nods as he tastes a bite of the dessert. He adds: 'Oh, yeah.' He then points to the cake, suggesting it's something everyone should try. The Princess of Wales stepped back in time this afternoon as she visited a Leeds textile mill that was once owned by her ancestors. Rolling back the centuries on her lineage, the royal learned more about how she's a direct descendant - on her father Michael Middleton's side - of one of the great dynasties of the Yorkshire textile industry. In 1773, Arthur Lupton set up a small textile firm that would transform the later Middleton family's fortunes. The Luptons became respected wool barons who enjoyed all the trappings of high society. However, cast a glance over to the maternal side of Kate's family and the path to Kensington Palace is a more chequered one; with the Goldsmiths anything but assured of financial security. Indeed, just 80 years ago Kates great-grandmother Edith Goldsmith was struggling to make ends meet in a condemned flat on the outskirts of London. That she'd have a great-granddaughter who might one day be destined for the throne, as King William's queen, would have seemed the stuff of idle daydreams. Here, FEMAIL reveals how the Princess of Wales' family tree shows ancestry that has experienced both sides of the coin of fortune. While the Middletons grew their family textile business into a booming trade - and even mixed with royalty - decades before Kate met William, the resilient Goldsmith family endured a trickier path... Perhaps it should come as no surprise given her reputation as one of the most stylish women in the world, but the Princess of Wales can trace back her roots to one of the great dynasties of Yorkshire textile manufacturing - but Kate Middleton's family tree isn't completely gilded, with stories of poverty and hardship on her maternal side The Princess of Wales visited AW Hainsworth textiles manufacturer in Leeds on Tuesday to learn more about the heritage, history and innovation of the industry Kate's paternal ancestors, who owned William Lupton and Co wool mill, sold their business to AW Hainsworth in 1958 THE GOLDSMITHS: RESOURCEFUL MATRIARCHS WITH AMBITION On the Princess of Wales' maternal side, poverty and hardship in the Durham coalfields, as well as in the working-class suburbs of London, feature in Kate's family history in a way that royal fans might not have expected. It's well documented that Kates mother Carole made sure her three children had the best possible start in life, setting up her own party business while pregnant with her third child James. She got her drive and ambition from her own mother, Dorothy Goldsmith, who set her family on the road from poverty to prosperity earning the affectionate nickname Lady Dorothy along the way. Heritage: Carole Middleton, Catherine's mother, gave birth to her eldest daughter in January 1982; she came from a long line of matriarchs Upwardly mobile: Carole and husband Michael Middleton, pictured arriving at St Mary's Hospital in 2013 to visit their daughter after the birth of her first child, Prince George Dorothy Goldsmith, Carole Middleton's mother, is pictured here at the christening of her granddaughter. Aspiring women feature on both sides of Kate's family Kates indomitable great-grandmother Edith Goldsmith was another who held her family together in difficult times, struggling to make ends meet as a widowed mother of six. But she instilled in her children a resourcefulness and drive for self-improvement. Edith was a tough woman, who smoked 20 Woodbines a day and brought up six children in Southall, then a working-class suburb for railway depot workers in west London. Widowed in 1938, Edith was left to bring up her two youngest children Joyce, then 13, and Kates grandfather Ronald, then six in a condemned flat. During the day, the youngsters were looked after by their elder sisters, Alice and Ede, while Edith went to work at a nearby Ticklers jam factory. Alice, who passed away on the Isle of Wight in 2019, lived to be 107. She left home in 1929 to marry Bill, a haulage driver, but when I spoke to her, still remembers how tough life was for her mother. She had to work hard to bring us all up, Alice said. She didnt like leaving her children but she had no choice. She wasnt a bad lady but she had a temper. You only had to say one word and she would take her shoes off and throw them at you. Kate's maternal grandfather, Ron, pictured here (left ) with family and friends, left school aged 14, like his siblings. Later, he started his own building firm Kate's maternal great-grandmother Edith Goldsmith, pictured with dog Bonnie, had struggled to make ends meet as a widowed mother of six, but held the family together 'She would take the odd swipe at us but woe betide anyone else who said or did anything to hurt us. She liked a drink and smoked but who could blame her with what she had to put up with? Alices daughter Pat still remembers visiting the flat in Dudley Road, Southall, where Edith and her younger children lived. In the corner of the kitchenette, there was one of those old-fashioned boilers which had a fire underneath to warm the water, she recalls. Granny Edith used to put coal in the boiler. All the washing went in there and she used to do the Christmas puddings there as well. She was the star for making Christmas puddings in the whole family. They were beautiful. The Middleton family tree: lines of indomitable women run through both sides of Kate's family While Edith never escaped her impoverished roots, she instilled in her children a resourcefulness and refusal to be beaten. Like his brothers and sisters, Kates grandfather Ron left school aged 14, and later started his own building firm. He was 22 when he married 18-year-old shop assistant Dorothy Harrison on August 8, 1953, at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity, Southall. They held their modest reception at the local pub, The Hamborough Tavern. Dorothy always took great of pride in her appearance, but she and Ron were so poor that she had to borrow her going-away outfit from Rons sister Joyce. They returned after their honeymoon to Ediths flat, where Kates mother Carole was born in 1955. However, Dorothy was ambitious. The daughter of a carpenter who had moved his family to London from the Durham coalfields during the Thirties, she became known within the family for her aspirations. Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives at the Coronation with daughter, Princess Charlotte, looking every inch the future queen After she and Ronald got married, they lived with Edith until my dad helped them get a deposit for their first home, recalls Pat. Dorothy had the biggest Silver Cross pram youve ever seen after Carole was born. My grandmother used to grumble about Dorothy because she thought she henpecked her Ronald. She thought Dorothy always wanted more and more money. She wanted to be the top brick in the chimney. You got the feeling that she thought she was too good for the rest of us. Rons niece Ann Terry got to know Dorothy when they worked together in a jewellery shop. Ann, now 60, says: Dorothys father was a dapper little man with a small moustache, who had a smallholding where he kept chickens. His wife Elizabeth was all right, too. They were just ordinary people. But we all thought Dorothy was a bit of a snob. She always wanted to better herself and the whole family used to call her Lady Dorothy. Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile as they are joined by Kate after their wedding at St Mark's Church on May 20, 2017 in Englefield, England Ronald was a very quiet man, but he worshipped her. He would do anything she wanted. Ive seen her walk into a newly decorated room and say she didnt like it and he would strip off the wallpaper and start again. She was never satisfied. She always wanted better. Over the next decade, Ron and Dorothy moved up the social ladder, as they took advantage of the property boom. In 1966, they moved into their first house, in Kingsbridge Road, Norwood Green, in the smarter end of Southall. And when Carole married Michael Middleton at St James the Less in Dorney, Buckinghamshire in 1980, it was a very different affair from her mothers wedding in the local pub. Carole had a beautiful dress, four bridesmaids and a horse and carriage. The reception was held in a local manor house. It was a grand affair but even Lady Dorothy could not have foreseen that her granddaughter would one day go on to marry a Prince and be by his side for a coronation. Kate: The Making Of A Princess, by Claudia Joseph, is published by Mainstream Books MONEY IN CLOTH: HOW THE MIDDLETON FAMILY'S EARLY FORTUNE WAS MADE The Princess of Wales' visit to the AW Hainsworth textiles manufacturer in Leeds offered her a chance to see how the paternal side of her family made significant money - and a chance to mix in society's highest circles. Yorkshire-based William Lupton & Co was founded in 1773 by Arthur Lupton, the youngest son of yeoman farmer William Lupton, who combined cloth-making with farming. By the turn of the century, the family was classified in the Leeds Register as cloth merchants. It was then greatly expanded by the Princess' great-great-great-grandfather, Frank Lupton, a magistrate and philanthropist. Born in 1813, a century before the war, Frank was a keen businessman, with an eye for a bargain. It was he who expanded the family firm, William Lupton and Co, buying an old cloth mill and letting it out to weavers who bought their cloth to his warehouse every Friday for him to inspect. Gradually, he began making fancy tweeds, livery tweeds and police uniform fabrics and bought a finishing plant, which meant he was involved in every stage of the manufacturing process. Frank and his wife Fanny had five children (their eldest son Francis was Kates great-great grandfather) and lived in Beechwood, a sprawling Victorian mansion in the village of Roundhay, seven miles north of Leeds. Leeds-based William Lupton & Co was founded in 1773 by Arthur Lupton, the youngest son of yeoman farmer William Lupton, who combined cloth-making with farming The business was then greatly expanded by the Princess' great-great-great-grandfather, Frank Lupton, a magistrate and philanthropist Their family seat, Beechwood, a sprawling mansion down a winding carriage lane in the village of Roundhay on the outskirts of Leeds, was only a few miles from the Royal couples home on the Harewood estate, where the Middletons were regular guests at musical soirees. Theirs was an affluent household with six servants. They socialised with the great and good of Leeds and involved themselves in the politics of the day their son Charles was the first Lupton to go to public school, setting a tradition which would carry right down through the family to Kate, Pippa and James. As Kate herself, her predecessors were privately educated, married into the aristocracy, attended Coronations and were presented at Court. The Middletons and Luptons had their portraits painted by society artist Sir Oswald Birley, who also painted the Royal Family, and were among the prominent Leeds families who rode with the Bramham Moor Hunt alongside the Princess and Lord Harewood. Michael Reed, an Australian historian, said: The parallels between Kate and the earlier Middletons are extraordinary. Kates great-great grandfather Francis, was a Cambridge graduate when he inherited his share the equivalent of nearly 1.5 million - and devoted himself to work The Middletons lived in an aristocratic world, were privately educated some even went to Kates alma mater, Marlborough College had cousins who were members of the peerage, lived in grand houses and worked with Royalty on philanthropic causes, much as Kate does today. When Frank died of heart disease at the age of 70, in 1884, he left his four sons a staggering 64,650 in his will, the equivalent of 5.7 million today. His son, Kates great-great grandfather Francis, was a Cambridge graduate when he inherited his share the equivalent of nearly 1.5 million. Francis became an alderman of the city of Leeds (his three surviving brothers also reached the upper echelons of local society, with one, Hugh, becoming the citys Lord Mayor). His wife Harriet, a vicars daughter, died of influenza two weeks after the birth of their fifth child, leaving him heartbroken, according to his nephew Charles Athelstane Lupton, who wrote a family history, The Lupton Family in Leeds. Kates great-grandmother Olive grew up to become a renowned society beauty and married one Noel Middleton, a successful solicitor descended from a long legal dynasty, in 1914. He went on to become a director of the textiles mill For many years he never talked about her to the children. He rarely took holidays. It was some 30 years before he would go abroad again. 'And we remember what a joy such holidays were to him in his young days. He devoted himself to the business and to civic work. By 1914 and the start of the Great War, Francis was 65 and his five children were Fran, Maurice, Anne, Lionel and Kates great-grandmother Olive, who was 32. Tragically, his three sons - Fran, Maurice and Lionel - were also all killed during the First World War, leaving their father a broken man, dying of kidney failure at the age of 72. The three boys were survived by two siblings, Kates great-grandmother Olive and her spinster sister Anne. They shared a 70,538 inheritance, the equivalent of 2.65 million today, making them very wealthy women. Of his surviving daughters, the youngest, Anne, never married, although was awarded a MBE for her work improving housing conditions for the disadvantaged. His eldest, Olive, grew up to become a renowned society beauty and married one Noel Middleton, a successful solicitor descended from a long legal dynasty, in 1914. He went on to become a director of the textiles mill. William Lupton and Co wool mill was sold by the family to AW Hainsworth in 1958 - and in a charming touch have supplied the Royal Family for many decades W ith her Lupton relatives, they were an integral part of a Royal Yorkshire set centred on Princess Mary sister of both Edward VIII and the Queens father George VI and her husband Henry Lascelles, later the 6th Earl of Harewood. Later, during the First World War, her house was converted into a Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital run by the Red Cross and the newly married Olive worked there as a nurse with her second cousin Doris, a fellow old Roedeanian. Meanwhile Olive and her husband Noel had their own social links to Princess Mary. Solicitor Noel co-founded the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, with both the Princess and her son George Lascelles as patrons. Lascelles married concert pianist Marion Stein, who later married Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe. Kates great-grandmother, Olive, was also on Princess Marys fundraising committee for Leeds Infirmary. Noel gave up his partnership in the legal firm of WH Clarke, Middleton & Co to join his wifes family business. The couple had four children Christopher, Anthony, Peter and Margaret. Kate's great-grandmother Olive was related by marriage to authors Beatrix Potter, pictured outside her Lakeland farm, Hill Top, and Arthur Ransome, author of the children's classic Swallows and Amazons Sadly, Olive died nine years at the age of 55, after she developed peritonitis, an inflammation of abdominal tissue, following a burst appendix. Her son Peter Kates grandfather was just 16 years old at the time. But she set up a trust fund of 52,031, the equivalent of 2.9 million for her four children. Noel died of a heart attack at the age of 72 on July 2, 1951, leaving 19,560, or 1.3million in todays money. It was split between his four children, who included Kates grandfather Peter. He went on to marry the princesss grandmother, bankers daughter Valerie, and they had Kates father, Michael. He became an RAF pilot during the Second World War, and later a commercial pilot, instilling a love of aviation in his son, Michael - Kate's father. He was born in Leeds in 1949. William Lupton and Co wool mill was sold by the family to AW Hainsworth in 1958 - and in a charming touch have supplied the Royal Family for many decades. They even provided Prince Williams uniform cloth for his wedding in 2011 - neatly bringing the remarkable story of his brides family full circle. The Duchess, 57, attended the sombre event without her husband Prince Edward Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attended the state funeral of former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano today. The royal, 58, put on a sombre display as she joined other officials for the official ceremony at Montecitorio Square in Rome, Italy. The former president and senator - and the nation's first person to be elected for two mandates - passed away aged 98 on Friday September 22. Sophie's appearance marked a solo visit for the royal as she was spotted making her way into the building without her husband Prince Edward. The mother-of-two looked smart in a respectful ankle length black dress, alongside black shoes and a matching bag. Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh (pictured right), has attended the state funeral of former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano today The royal, 57, put on a sombre display as she attended the official ceremony at Montecitorio Square in Rome, Italy She cut a stoic figure as she joined mourners to celebrate the life of the former president. Footage from the state funeral showed the body of Giorgio Napolitano being carried away from the Senate and over to Montecitorio Square. Giorgio, who declared himself an atheist, was honoured with a non-religious service at the Lower House. The ex-president was hospitalised in Rome shortly after his 98th birthday on June 29. By September, he was reported to be in critical condition and was taken off of life support - he died three days later. Italy's Council of Ministers announced a day of national mourning and instructed flags to be flown at half-mast for five days to commemorate his memory. Giorgio was first elected to parliament in 1953 and became president in 2006 as a prominent member of the Democratic Left, the rebranded Cold War-era Communists. He agreed to a second term in 2013 after a deadlocked election left Italy in a political crisis. The former president and senator - and the nation's first person to be elected for two mandates - passed away aged 98 on Friday September 22. Here, Sophie is pictured making her way into the funeral At one point the body of Giorgio Napolitano can be seen being carried away from the Senate and over to Montecitorio Square Her appearance marked a solo visit for the royal as she was spotted making her way into the building without her husband Prince Edward Her face appeared stoic, revealing the intensity of her emotions as she mourned the former president's passing Duchess Sophie's international solo appearance comes after she marked the first anniversary of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth's death earlier this month. Sophie appeared relaxed on the emotional day as she attended the Cornbury House International Trials in Oxfordshire. Prince Edward's wife was very close to Queen Elizabeth II , and was known as one of her closest confidantes. The pair formed a close bond after losing her own mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, to stomach cancer in 2005 aged 71, when her daughter Lady Louise Windsor was only two. Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - who counts Beyonce amongst her fans - has revealed her struggles with the 'violence' of childbirth, saying having her daughter in 2016 left her unable to write. The 46-year-old Americanah writer, who's married to Nigerian doctor Ivara Esege, gave birth to a daughter nearly eight years ago, but has only recently discussed being a mother in the media. Appearing on Woman's Hour last week, the award-winning author said that she'd struggled to find her 'fictional space' after giving birth and had battled constipation and aching joints during pregnancy. She told presenter Emma Barnett, who's recently returned to the Radio 4 following maternity leave: 'Becoming a mother is a glorious gift, but it comes at a cost. I could probably have written two novels had I not had my child. The bestselling author of books such as Half A Yellow Sun, who grew up in Nigeria but now lives in the US, said her brain felt like it'd been 'wrapped in gauze' during pregnancy and in the months after giving birth. She told the programme that she hoped the experience of raising a child would now 'feed her fiction' but that she had found it hard to pen novels in recent years. 'I felt as though my brain had been wrapped in gauze. So, my brain didn't work for a long time. And just more creatively, I think I am making my way back because I'm working on a novel finally.' Speaking about the realities of pregnancy and childbirth, Ngozi Adiche added that she'd been left 'horrified at the constipation, my joints were so achy.' She continued: 'The whole birthing, there's a violence to it isn't there? We're sort of reduced to our animal selves.' The 46-year-old Americanah writer said she'd struggled to find her 'fictional place' after giving birth - and 'wasn't prepared' for the 'violence' of childbirth The author is married to Nigerian doctor Ivara Esege; the couple welcomed a daughter in 2016 Speaking to The Times 2 Magazine after the criticism, she said: 'I will say what I think and often there are consequences, and Im willing to accept those consequences.' Last year, the author spoke out about cancel culture after being called 'transphobic' on social media. The author, who supports transwomen and has campaigned for LGBT rights in Nigeria, was criticised by fellow Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi, who is non-binary, who labelled her 'transphobic'. She added she believed 'the nature of certain social media platforms' had provided an environment in which people have become more angry. In an essay penned last year in response to the backlash, entitled 'It is Obscene', the author accused the angry mob of being 'terrified of having the wrong opinions' after she received criticism from people in both the UK and the US. Ngozi Adichie has rarely spoken about being a mother until this year but told Woman's Hour that motherhood was 'a glorious gift' but one that came with a price (pictured at Paris Fashion Week in 2020) Writing on her website, she said: 'There are many social-media-savvy people who are choking on sanctimony and lacking in compassion, who can fluidly pontificate on Twitter about kindness but are unable to actually show kindness. 'People whose social media lives are case studies in emotional aridity. People for whom friendship, and its expectations of loyalty and compassion and support, no longer matter. 'People who claim to love literature the messy stories of our humanity but are also monomaniacally obsessed with whatever is the prevailing ideological orthodoxy. 'People who wield the words 'violence' and 'weaponize' like tarnished pitchforks. And so we have a generation of young people on social media so terrified of having the wrong opinions that they have robbed themselves of the opportunity to think and to learn and to grow.' Last December, Chimamanda told the BBC she felt compelled to write the essay after people online targeted her parents, who both died within a year of each other. She said: 'I think the one thing that really tipped me over, and in some ways to write this essay, was having my nephew call me and tell me there were people on social media who saying that my parents had died and it was good for me and it was punishment because I had refused to say that trans women are women.' Her father, James Nwoye Adichie, died from complications of kidney failure in the summer of 2020, while her mother Grace Ifeoma Adichie also died unexpectedly in March 2021. While she admitted she doesn't think of herself as 'brave' for speaking up about issues that are important to her, she told The Times she will continue to speak out about issues that are important to her. Shes known as the first commoner to marry a future king in more than three centuries - and her ancestors include miners, farmers and even the occasional wool merchant. But Catherine Middleton, 41, has a number of distinguished forebears and relatives in her own right - even if some are a little distant. The family of her father, Michael has mingled with Royalty since the Victorian era, while her mother Carole descends from the baronet Sir William Blakiston, an ancestor of The Queen Mother. Her family tree includes children's authors Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome, and film director, producer, and screenwriter Guy Ritchie, meaning that Kate has both aristocratic blood and connections to Hollywood royalty. Pictured: Kate, the Princess of Wales during a visit to AW Hainsworth in Leeds today Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (pictured), who would later become the Queen Mother - is a distant relative of Carole Middleton, Kate's mother Catherine's family was wealthier on her father's side - the Middletons - than on her mothers. Most notably, the Luptons made a fortune in the Yorkshire textile trade, establishing royal connections of their own. It was a former Lupton-own mill that the Princess of Wales visited today The origins of the Middletons wealth lay in the family textile business, William Lupton & Co, established in 1773 by Kates great-great-great-great-great grandfather Arthur, who inherited his fathers cloth-making business. His grandson Frank Kates great-great-great grandfather - transformed the family business and accumulated the family wealth: when he died in 1884, he left a 200-acre estate and 64,650, the equivalent of more than 32 million today. His wife Fanny was directly descended from Sir Thomas Fairfax, a leading Parliamentarian general in the English Civil War, and had links to many of the great philanthropists and thinkers of the day. She was the niece of the author, philosopher, and feminist Harriet Martineau, who herself was a devout Unitarian and mixed in an elevated circle that included Florence Nightingale, Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot and Charles Darwin. She was also the second cousin of Guy Ritchies great-great-grandfather William Martineau, making cousins of the Princess of Wales and the Hollywood star (if somewhat remotely). Martineaus granddaughter, Doris McLaughlin married the war hero Major Stewart Ritchie, a Seaforth Highlander, who won a Military Cross during World War I. He was killed in action during World War II, leaving Guys father John Ritchie an orphan at the age of 12. Guy has often paid tribute to his grandfather, from whom he inherited his middle name. Pictured: Guy Ritchie attending the UK Premiere of the re-imagining of The Little Mermaid Her family tree includes Arthur Ransome, the childrens author of Swallows and Amazon Ritchie took Madonna to a remembrance service in honour of the Seaforth Highlanders, who remained on French soil when the British forces were evacuated from Dunkirk, and got married to the popstar in Highland dress. But it was Franks equally prosperous brother Darnton, Lord Mayor of Leeds, who made the Royal connections. Darnton Lupton had been in the welcoming party when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert opened Leeds Town Hall in 1887. His granddaughter Florence and her husband Albert Kitson, 2nd Baron Airedale, who lived in 17th century Gledhow Hall - famously painted by William Turner - attended the coronation of George V. And their daughters Doris and Evelyn were debutantes who were presented at court. Kates great-grandmother Olive Middleton, the granddaughter of Frank and Fanny, was close to her Airedale cousins, attending society balls at Gledhow Hall. Her own family had tentacles across Leeds. Her father Francis Martineau Lupton, who ran the family firm with his brother Arthur, was a JP and alderman on Leeds Council. Olive Lupton, Kate Middleton's Great great grandmother on her father's side. The Lupton family made a fortune in the Yorkshire wool trade As this family tree shows, the Princess of Wales has has surprising connections on her mother's side, too Pictured: The children's author Beatrix Potter in 1905 at her Farm Hill Top in the Lake District Pictured: The three youngest children of King George V and Queen Mary - Princess Victoria Mary, Prince John and Prince George, later Duke of Kent, in 1909 His brother Sir Charles Lupton was head of the legal firm Dibb Lupton, as well as Lord Mayor of Leeds and chairman of the Leeds Infirmary, presenting Princess Mary with a wedding gift from the city when she married Viscount Lascelles. Brother Hugh, who was chairman of Hathorn Davey & Co., a hydraulic engineering company, and his wife Isabella, were Lord and Lady Mayoress. And brother Arthur, was a pro-vice-chancellor of Leeds University he escorted King George V around the campus in 1915. He was married to Harriot Ashton, a cousin of Beatrix Potters mother Helen. Tragically she died in childbirth in 1888, before her famous cousin published her first childrens book The Tale of Peter Rabbit, leaving her husband to bring up their fourth children Thomas, then four, Arthur, three, Elinor, two, and baby Elizabeth. Princesses Maria Chiara and Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies were elegant as they attended the Christian Dior fashion show in Paris today. The Italian heiress sisters, who were born to Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro - who holds a claim to the now defunct throne of the former House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies - donned chic gowns during the Paris Fashion Week show on Tuesday. Chiara, 18, and Carolina, 19, who graduated from a fashion school in Paris earlier this week, posed up a storm during a photo call ahead of the Spring/Summer 2024 show. Princess Carolina wowed in a long silver and black patterned skirt which she paired with a matching puff sleeve blouse. She paired her sophisticated look with black stilettos and a leather baby blue designer bag. Princesses Maria Chiara (right) and Maria Carolina (left) of Bourbon-Two Sicilies oozed elegance at the Christian Dior fashion show in Paris Princess Chiara donned a similar ensemble to her sister in all black which she paired with a floral black and white shirt underneath. Adding height to her frame, she paired the look with stilettos and a bright green floral handbag. Maria Carolina wore her long blonde locks in bouncy curls and her glam makeup enhanced her flawless complexion. While Chiara pulled off a perfectly dewy makeup look and styled her hair in curls. It comes after the sisters walked in Pierre Cardin's fashion show on Monday evening as they prepared to become the face of the 'legendary fashion designer's' newest line. The pair can now add catwalk models to their list of achievements - having also become TV stars this summer. Last month the sisters announced they would be starring in 'Cote d'Azur: In the Privacy of Billionaires, Stars & Princesses' on the French streaming service, myCANAL. In a snippet of the show shared on Instagram, Princess Carolina appeared to take a humble approach while shopping for sandals at a French market. 'I'm not interested in the brand,' she said. Princess Carolina wowed in a long silver and black patterned skirt which she paired with a matching puff sleeve blouse Chiara, 18, and Carolina, 19, who graduated from a fashion school in Paris earlier this week, posed up a storm during a photocall ahead of the Spring/Summer 2024 show During the clip, the sisters are seen enjoying the culture, restaurants and stunning views that the French town has to offer. The siblings looked typically chic in casual but carefully curated outfits. Chiara later shared a picture of her and Carolina in alike patterned boho-chic blue dresses alongside the writing: 'I hope you like it'. The streaming platform explained: 'The Cote d'Azur fascinates the most fortunate, like princesses Carolina and Chiara de Bourbon des Deux-Siciles or Pierre-Jean Chalencon.' Last month, Chiara hit back at rumours she's dating Prince Christian of Denmark. The Italian heiress, 18, took to her Instagram account to break her silence regarding speculation about her and the 17-year-old future King, insisting that 'while we all enjoy dreaming of fairytales, what truly matters is reality.' She wrote: 'I would like to set the records straight with regards to the unfounded rumour that has been circulating about me. Prince Christian and I share a close friendship.' The glamorous socialite added that 'at first, this situation made me smile' as she further discussed the 'inaccurate information'. However, Chiara, the daughter of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, and Princess Camilla, Duchess of Castro, added: 'I believe it is now time to put an end to this rumour. When important events will occur in my life, I will be happy to share them with you.' Italian heiress sisters have revealed they took to the catwalk for Pierre Cardin at Paris Fashion Week Maria Carolina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies posted a photo on her Instagram story of herself behind the scenes Her statement read: 'I would like to set the records straight with regards to the unfounded rumour that has been circulating about me. Prince Christian and I share a close friendship. 'However, some inaccurate information has been disseminated. At first, this situation made me smile; however, over time, this rumour has exceeded the limits of common sense and has spiralled becoming at odds with reality. 'I believe it is now time to put an end to this rumour. When important events will occur in my life, I will be happy to share them with you. While we all enjoy dreaming of fairy tales, what truly matters is reality.' Speculation on whether the two were dating began in May when a group photo emerged on social media of the duo standing close together at the Monaco Grand Prix. Beatrice Borromeo has been snapped attending the the Christian Dior Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week. The 37-year-old, who was recently anointed 'most stylish European royal' by society bible Tatler, was accompanied by her husband Pierre Casiraghi - both are ambassadors for the label. Beatrice wed into Monacos glamorous royal family in 2015 when she tied the knot with Pierre, who is the youngest child of Princess Caroline and grandson of the late Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly. Described by Tatler as 'cut[ting] an elegant figure everywhere she goes whether its a red carpet, a royal appearance or simply yacht-hopping', Beatrice looked typically stylish today. She wore a cream, midi length skirt dress, which was cinched in at the waist with a belt made of the same fabric. Pierre Casiraghi (pictured, left) and Beatrice Borromeo (pictured, right) have been snapped attending the the Christian Dior Womenswear show at Paris Fashion Week Beatrice (pictured) who was recently nointed 'most stylish European royal' by society bible Tatler, looked stylish at the event Beatrice paired the frock with a pair of simple high heeled black pumps, and a small black handback, whose straps she looped around her wrists. The stunning royal wore her long blonde locks loose, with soft waves flowing past her shoulders. Meanwhile, her make-up was natural and classic, boasting a dewy base, peach blush, pink lip, and pink eye shadow. Pierre was equally dapper, donning a grey two-piece suit, boasting a single-breasted blazer. He paired the suit with a crisp white shirt, and a pair of classic black patent loafers. His look was finished off with a pair of large black shades. The couple appeared pleased to be attending the event, and were snapped smiling in some images. Other photos show the couple, who have been married since 2015, holding hands as they pose. Prior to marrying Pierre, Beatrice, whose family owns the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore near Milan, along with land in the Lombardy and Piedmont countryside, worked as a newspaper and broadcast journalist in her native Italy. Beatrice is a mother-of-two - she and husband Pierre share two sons - Stefano, five, and Francesco, four The couple are ambassadors for Dior, and they attended the label's Spring/Summer 2024 show in Paris Beatrice, who wed Pierre in 2015, donned four couture gowns when she tied the knot - two by Valentino for a civil service in Monaco and two by Armani Prive for a religious service at Lake Maggiore On her wedding day in 2015 dubbed the chicest of the summer by Vogue - she wore four couture gowns, two by Valentino for a civil service in Monaco and two by Armani Prive for a religious service at Lake Maggiore. Her family still own the Roca Borromeo castle where the reception took place. She and Pierre have since become parents to two sons, Stefano, five, and Francesco, four. A journalistic enterprise put Beatrice under the spotlight earlier this year: a Netflix documentary about a sensational murder case involving Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, the heir to the Italian throne. She has now turned her hand to documentary making, recently debuting the three-episode series The King Who Never Was on Netflix. The series focuses on an event in August 1978 which remains a mystery to this day. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, the last heir to the Italian throne, was holidaying at his summer residence on the island of Cavallo, France, when, enraged by a group of Italians partying on nearby boats, he produced a rifle. He shot a young German tourist, Dirk Hamer, who was sleeping on the desk of one of the boats. Victor Emmanuel was acquitted of murder charges in November 1991, following a lengthy court battle brought about by Dirks sister, Birgit Hamer who was one of Beatrices mother Paola Marzottos oldest friends. The Prince was convicted only of a firearms offence and given a suspended jail sentence of six months. Pierre (pictured, left) is the youngest child of Princess Caroline and grandson of the late Hollywood beauty Grace Kelly The royal (pictured) is a former journalist, and recently turned her hand to documentary filmmaking, making series for Netflix [The story] was a part of my family for as long as I can remember, Beatrice has said. In 2011, while working for an Italian newspaper, she leaked a secretly recorded video of Victor Emmanuel allegedly confessing to the killing. Victor, or Vittorio, Emanuele is part of the House of Savoy, which ruled Italy from 1861 to 1946, when they were displaced by the Italian Republic. For her next project, Beatrice is making a film about the origins of the family she has married into: the Grimaldis of Monaco, Europes longest-standing royal family. My company Astrea Films is producing the film about the seizure of the fortress of Monaco by the Grimaldi family in the Middle Ages, she said. Kate Middleton has revealed that her daughter Princess Charlotte is a keen dancer, during an outing to a print-works factory in Lancaster today. The Princess of Wales, 41, made the comment when she was leaving the factory, and spoke to one of the members of the public waiting outside for her. Emily May Catto, seven, also the royal a picture she had drawn of Kate while on the official visit to Standfast & Barracks, now part of the Sanderson Design Group. Kate asked Emily what her favourite hobby was, and she replied with a smile, 'Dancing!' The princess said, 'My daughter Charlotte likes dancing, she loves ballet and tap...Keep up the dancing.' The Princess of Wales (pictured) spoke about how her daughter Princess Charlotte enjoys dancing during an outing today It is a hobby Charlotte shares with her late grandmother Princess Diana who loved dancing too. As a child, Diana aspired to be a professional ballerina, but she was eventually deemed too tall. As an adult, she was also patron of the English National Ballet. Kate has previously spoken out about her daughter's love of dancing, mentioning it during a 2020 trip she took to Galway with her husband Prince William, 41. She made the admission while being filmed on a walkabout and meeting members of the public on their final day in Ireland. With hundreds of well-wishers lining the streets, the mother-of-three couldn't help but stop and chat with one adorable youngster, four. After asking the little girl her age, Kate questioned whether she was a fan of dancing. She then said: 'Charlotte likes dancing too.' Crouching down to speak with the youngster, who appeared to be standing next to her mother, Kate asked: 'How old are you going to be in May? You're going to be five? Princess Charlotte enjoys music, listening to a band during a visit to Cardiff Castle last year, during the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee 'So you're exactly the same age as Charlotte,' she said. A beaming Kate continued talking to the little one, asking: 'Wow, do you like dancing?', with the girl saying she did. 'Charlotte likes dancing too,' the proud royal revealed, before wishing the child a happy birthday for May. It had previously been revealed that Princess Charlotte was taking weekly ballet lessons, just like older brother Prince George. Charlotte started attending a dance school in south London in November 2018, sources told People. A mum has pleaded for help after her seven-year-old Dachshund started biting her and her husband and she fears what the dog could do to her young children. The woman, from Victoria, said her Dachshund, Pablo, bit her husband on the face so badly he had to get five stitches after never having displayed the behaviour in the years the family has owned him. She wants to rehome the dog as she worries Pablo will injure her four-year-old or nine-month-old however her husband refuses. Desperate for a solution, the mum has spoken to an animal behaviourist as well as a vet who even brought up possibly euthanising the dog for its sudden problematic biting. Sydney veterinarian Dr Tim Montgomery told FEMAIL there could be a number of factors at play but recommended the concerned mum try to understand why the dog could be feeling like it suddenly needs to bite. An Australian mum fears her dog Pablo could injure her young children after he started biting her and her husband suddenly after seven years (stock image) 'We have had a dachshund for almost seven years, recently he has bitten. First it was me approaching him on the bed with my husband (who seems to be the dog's 'chosen one'),' she wrote in a Facebook post. 'Second it was my husband's face after being picked up running out of the laundry and being carried back in. He started growling at my hubby and my hubby put his hand on his mouth.' She said the dog 'launched' at her husband's face when he removed his hand and he had to be admitted to hospital and given five stitches. Dr Tim said he did not recommend covering a dog's face or even punishing them if they are growling. 'While dogs can't use words they do speak to us all the time. Educating families on dog body language is critical for managing these situations well,' he said. 'Many people feel they should punish a growl because it's a 'bad' behaviour however a dog has only a few limited ways to tell us they need space and a growl is one of them.' 'Contrary to popular belief we should reward a growl by giving the dog what they want - and that's usually space.' The mum expressed her concern over the safety of her young son and baby who is about to start crawling. 'I want him gone, rehomed (we have him on Dachshund Rescue Australia on private sale) but I am being strangely shut down by my husband who has a very strong bond with him,' she said. 'I am worried everyday for the safety of my children, I am being told I am overreacting.' Dr Tim, who works with many families who have pets with challenging behaviour problems, said he sympathises with the mum's worries but cannot determine the root of the change without knowing more details. 'I completely understand why she would be concerned. It can be important to avoid bites between dogs and children,' he said. 'I usually I don't see it as my place to tell families how much risk they should take, this is ultimately a personal decision, however I always try and work with them to identify the risk as well as strategies to mitigate it.' The 33-year-old said there may be some underlying conditions that could have the dog feeling uncomfortable or anxious. 'In a dog of seven years of age without prior history of biting the family, there's quite a long list of possible explanations,' he said. 'Many pet parents can be surprised to learn the behaviours are rooted in some source of pain including arthritis or dental pain along with a long-standing anxiety disorder.' The dog owner has taken Pablo to their vet who said the dog is perfectly healthy and even mentioned euthanasia as an option if the behaviour persists but the mum was hesitant to take such drastic action. 'In the case she's already visited the vet, my usual next step would be complete blood testing followed by a long discussion to unpack the dog's past and any early warning signs of anxious or fearful behaviour,' Dr Tim said. 'Depending on the prognosis - how likely it is for the unwanted behaviour to be managed - there may be combination of medication and environmental and behavioural strategies that could improve things for the dog and manage the risk for the humans.' Pablo's owners have also spoken to a behaviourist who told them 'the dog must feel bad and (they) need to ensure he feels good'. The parents have tried to work out how to keep the dog separated from their children by keeping him in the laundry with their other dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and a 'big warm bed'. However the four-year-old has a habit of 'opening doors all day' letting Pablo loose. 'We don't have another suitable space for the dogs and can't fence them off without being cruel. We have a HUGE backyard and the dog is very active during the day,' the mum said. '(The behaviourist) also said to keep the dog off the bed, hubby has not (conformed) to this. I merely say 'Pablo' from a distance in a kind voice and he growls instantly from the bed.' Dr Tim encouraged owners to look at what could be causing the biting and the 'emotional state' of the pet rather than solely on the problem behaviour. 'Put yourself in the dog's paws - how must he be feeling in order to respond with these behaviours? That feeling is the problem, the behaviour is simply the strategy this dog has adopted to cope with the feeling,' he explained. 'I agree focusing on the feeling is the right place to start - a behaviour like biting is a last resort for most dogs when they're feeling very worried, vulnerable or uncomfortable.' He added euthanasia may be an option for some but would only recommend it as a 'last resort'. 'It's not usually something I would immediately discuss except where there was high level risk that couldn't be managed any other way,' he said. He says he's believed lies Aussies have told him about the country A Canadian who frequently travels to Australia has issued a warning to those wanting to travel Down Under. Chris Zou said Australians have a cheeky habit of 'trolling' tourists with lies about the country. The traveller said an Aussie friend successfully convinced him that koalas were poisonous during a previous trip and warned other tourists not to fall for other tricks. 'For any of you planning to visit Australia in the future, let me heed you a warning,' Chris said in a video. 'Take what Australians say with a grain of salt because for some reason one of their favourite pastimes is trolling tourists.' Scroll down for video Chris Zou has travelled from Canada to Australia several times this year and issues a warning to other visiting. He said Australians love to 'troll' tourists and he's fallen for their tricks The Canadian said he is about to visit Australia for the third time this year and is determined not to fall for any local tricks. 'You know how in basically every other country, if someone says something incorrect about that country, everyone in that country will correct that misinformation?' he asked. 'For some reason Australians don't really like to so that they like to just play along with the misinformation.' The first time Chris and his partner came to Australia they wanted to see if the rumour of the toilet flushing the opposite way to the northern hemisphere was true. 'The water spins the exact same f***ing way that it spins here and we stared at each other wondering why would any one make this up?' he recalled. The last time Chris came to Australia an Aussie friend told him a lie that he later shared with his 304,800 TikTok followers. 'I was chatting with an Australian friend of mine, or someone who I thought was a friend, and he just casually threw out you can't eat a koala because they're poisonous,' he explained. A friend of Chris's convinced him Koalas couldn't be eaten because they are poisonous. Chris shared the 'fact' on TikTok sending thousands into hysterics (stock image) The TikToker shared his newfound information online leaving hundreds of Aussies in stitches. 'The comment section was full of Australians being like, 'There go our people again, just tricking the tourist, we're so funny',' he said. 'I'm like why the f*** would my friend lie about this? Why would he be okay with me making a fool of myself in front of hundreds of thousands of people?' Chris also complained about how Australians speak in a 'confusing' manner specifically those who say 'Yeah, nah' or 'Nah, yeah'. 'The conversation keeps going and then I'm sitting there like a fucking idiot wondering wait did he mean yes or did he mean no?' he said. He finished by asking his Aussie followers if the recent news Melbourne Univeristy will be hosting a 'Swiftposium' academic conference to discuss Taylor Swift's impact on culture and the economy. READ MORE: I just arrived in Australia from America and I can't believe this one bizarre thing all Aussies do at the airport Advertisement Australian viewers thought Chris's experiences were hysterical and others shared their own Aussie 'facts'. 'I laughed so hard at this. We totally love going all in on these ideas. 'My Australian friend said this, is it true?'. Other Aussies: 'Sure',' one user said. 'Sarcasm is our unofficial language. We also get overexcited by tourists because they have so far to travel here,' a second explained. 'The money in Australia is called dollarydoos,' joked a third. 'All true. Sorry. But do be careful of the drop bears when you go to Melbourne,' a fourth added. Others cleared up the confusion over the way Australians speak. 'The yeah part is to acknowledge what youre saying or your point of view. The nah is the answer or response. Works the same opposite,' one view said. ''Yeah nah' means no. 'Nah yeah' means yes,' another agreed. Owners of imported dogs should wash their hands every time they touch they their pet, health chiefs urged today. The advice comes after three Brits were struck down with a bug usually confined to canines from the likes of Romania, Serbia and Bosnia. There are no signs that Brucella canis (B. canis) is spreading between people and the risk of people becoming infected is 'very low', according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, Brits who own imported dogs are at a higher risk of catching the infection through contact with their pet's reproductive fluid, blood or urine. They should wash their hands 'after any interaction' with their dog and 'may wish to consider' wearing gloves, goggles and a face mask when touching their pet, it said. The UKHSA also published a list of the tell-tale signs of the infection in people, which includes a fever, headaches and sweating. The UKHSA published a list of the tell-tale signs of the infection in people, which includes a fever, headaches and sweating, as well as a loss of appetite and weight loss In dogs, B. canis can cause infertility and miscarriages, as well as tiredness, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, as well as back or joint problems A loss of appetite, weight loss and tiredness, as well as back and joint pain may also be signs, according to the UKHSA. However, it noted that those who are infected don't always immediately develop symptoms and it can take weeks or years for them to show up. Its advice also urged all Brits to minimise contact with dogs' reproductive fluids, blood and urine regardless of whether it is imported or not and to wash hands using hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds if they have contact with these products. It noted that people who are immunosuppressed, young children and pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing symptoms and severe illness. While B. canis is 'rarely fatal' in humans and most people make a full recovery with antibiotics, if it is not treated it can lead to inflammation of the lining of the heart, called endocarditis. READ MORE: The symptoms of Brucella Canis and what YOU need to look out for The bacterial infection can jump to people, though severe disease is rare. Pictured: The Brucella canis bacteria under a microscope Advertisement It can also trigger meningitis swelling in the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord. The UKHSA urged those who feel unwell and have had contact with an infected dog especially its birthing products, such as reproductive secretions to contact their GP or NHS 111. A blood test, which is sent to a lab for specialist testing, spots whether a person is infected. Those who have the bug are usually treated with antibiotics. B. canis is an incurable disease in dogs and only infects humans in rare cases. Some 91 dogs have tested positive for the infection in the first half of the year, while only three cases had ever been spotted in the UK pre-2020, according to the UKHSA. All dogs who have tested positive in the UK were either imported from Eastern Europe where the infection is endemic had had contact with the birthing products of an imported dog or are its puppies, the UKHSA said. Officials last week confirmed that the infection was spreading between dogs in the UK through breeding in kennels. It comes after a surge of dog imports to the UK, which experts blamed on lockdown. Dogs from Romania alone leapt by two-thirds during the first year of the pandemic. The RSPCA warns that imported dogs are often bred in poor conditions on a puppy farm before being taken away from their mothers when just a few weeks old and transported to the UK with Brits often assuming they are buying a much-loved family-bred dog. In dogs, B. canis can cause infertility and miscarriages, as well as tiredness, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, as well as back or joint problems. Lateral flow tests and blood samples can be used to confirm an infection in dogs. While B. canis rarely kills canines, there is no treatment for the infection. Instead, vets advise on how to manage the infection, which can include neutering, limiting its contact with other dogs and putting it down. Testing in dogs has skyrocketed in the UK with 5,773 carried out in the first six months of this year, compared to just 1,332 in 2018 Wendy Hayes (pictured), from Stroke-on-Trent, caught the B. canis from a pregnant rescue dog called Moosha, from Belarus, which she was fostering While Ms Hayes was treated with antibiotics, all five of her dogs were put down to stop the infection from spreading Three human cases have been detected in the UK, with the first spotted in August 2022. Wendy Hayes, from Stroke-on-Trent, caught B. canis from a pregnant rescue dog called Moosha, from Belarus, which she was fostering. Moosha was taken into a Government quarantine facility due to problems with her paperwork and soon afterwards, the 61-year-old reported suffering from a fever, severe headaches and a sore back. Tests confirmed both Ms Hayes and Moosha were infected with B. canis. While Ms Hayes was treated with antibiotics, all five of her dogs were put down to stop the infection from spreading. Two more humans cases were detected this year. The first was identified in hospital, while the second worked at a vet and was spotted as part of routine contact tracing after an infection was detected in a dog. No cases of human-to-human transmission have been spotted in the UK a phenomenon which the UKHSA said is 'very rare'. But it warned that people who own imported dogs, breeders of imported dogs and vets are at higher risk of becoming infected with B. canis than the rest of the population. It is a cruel disease that blights the lives of millions of people across the world. Yet charities claim not enough is being done to teach the public about the early warning signs of dementia. After Hollywood actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with the incurable disease earlier this year, MailOnline shares some of the stranger early symptoms that can occur. What is frontotemporal dementia? The 68-year-old Die Hard star has frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can affect behaviour and language. It's one of the least common forms of dementia, accounting for just 2 per cent of diagnoses. Alzheimer's is the most widespread type of dementia making up three in four cases. FTD tends to strike earlier than other forms like Alzheimer's. Bruce Willis has been given a second devastating diagnosis less than year after it emerged he had an untreatable brain disorder (Pictured in 2019 at the European premier of Glass in 2021) Changes in humour and swearing more are all signs of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) a type of dementia that causes problems with behaviour and language. According to experts bad parking, and dressing scruffy are also signs of the memory-robbing disease. Graphic shows: Six signs of Alzheimer's disease Giving out money Giving out cash to strangers could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. That is according to research by USC and Bar-Ilan University in Israel, which linked financial altruism to the first stages of the disease. The study tested the theory on 67 adults around the age of 70. The participants were put in pairs with people they had never met, and were given $10 (8) to distribute between themselves and the other. Neurological tests were given to the participants to judge their cognitive state and their potential risk of developing Alzheimer's. The results, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggested those who were at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's were also more willing to hand out money to the person they had never met. Dr Duke Han, a neuropsychology professor at USC who led the research, said: 'Trouble handling money is thought to be one of the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and this finding supports that notion.' What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, in which build-up of abnormal proteins causes nerve cells to die. This disrupts the transmitters that carry messages, and causes the brain to shrink. More than 5 million people suffer from the disease in the US, where it is the 6th leading cause of death, and more than 1 million Britons have it. WHAT HAPPENS? As brain cells die, the functions they provide are lost. That includes memory, orientation and the ability to think and reason. The progress of the disease is slow and gradual. On average, patients live five to seven years after diagnosis, but some may live for ten to 15 years. EARLY SYMPTOMS: Loss of short-term memory Disorientation Behavioral changes Mood swings Difficulties dealing with money or making a phone call LATER SYMPTOMS: Severe memory loss, forgetting close family members, familiar objects or places Becoming anxious and frustrated over inability to make sense of the world, leading to aggressive behavior Eventually lose ability to walk May have problems eating The majority will eventually need 24-hour care Source: Alzheimer's Association Advertisement Changes to humour Starting to watch slapstick comedy classics like Airplane and Mr Bean could be another sign of Alzheimer's. Researchers at University College London found people who had the disease were more likely to enjoy watching slapstick, absurdist or satirical comedy compared to other people of the same age. A questionnaire was given to friends and relatives of 48 people with Alzheimer's and FTD. They were asked about their loved one's preferences for different types of comedy and whether their taste had shifted over the past 15 years. Researchers asked if they were a fan of slapstick comedy such as Rowan Atkinson's Mr Bean, satirical comedy such as South Park or absurdist comedy like The Mighty Boosh. Family and friends were also asked if they had noticed any inappropriate humour in recent years. According to the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2015, people with the disease start to prefer slapstick jokes nine years before typical dementia symptoms begin to show. It also found people with FTD were more likely to find tragic events funny, or laugh at things others would not find funny like a badly parked car or barking dog. These changes in humour in could be caused by the brain shrinking in the frontal lobe, researchers say. Dressing scruffy Making fashion disasters, struggling to piece together clothes that match and wearing things that are not weather-appropriate could be another sign of Alzheimer's. Researchers at the universities of Kent and York described how people suffering with dementia were less likely to be able to dress themselves when left to their own devices. The study, published in Sociology of Health and Illness in 2018, focused on 32 people in three care homes and 15 regular home sin Kent. Researchers interviewed 28 care homes staff, 29 family carers and relatives to find out how you should dress people suffering with dementia. Melissa, a family carer who was quoted in the study, said: 'I've never seen my dad scruffy. Never. Until that day I turned up in the home and he's sitting there in screwed up clothes which really hurt me because I'm not used to that not at all.' Carers also said it was difficult to dress people with more advanced dementia because they need encouragement and assistance guiding their arms. Scruffiness and changes what they wear can be caused by several Alzheimer's symptoms, from muscles stiffness and jolty arm movements making it physically harder to dress to simply forgetting clothes belong to them. Bruce Willis' family said the star's condition had 'progressed'. FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behaviour, problem-solving, planning and emotions (pictured with L-R wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and daughters Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, Evelyn and Rumer) Bad parking The memory-robbing condition can make Alzheimer's patient's bad at driving. The condition affects motor skills, memory and thought processes making their reaction times slow and bad at parking, leading patients to eventually give up the keys to their car. Researchers at Washington University in St Louis studied the driving habits of 139 people over a year to see how Alzheimer's changes the ay they drove. Half of the participants were diagnosed with early Alzheimer's while the other half were not. The study, published in Alzheimer's Research and Therapy in 2021, suggested those with the disease were more likely to drive slowly and made sudden changes in direction. The team used the findings to craft a model that predicted if people had Alzheimer's based on their skills behind the wheel. The model correctly guessed whether someone had the disease in nine out of 10 cases. Swearing Having no filter and swearing in inappropriate situations could be another warning sign. The filter people usually use to stop themselves using inappropriate language in front of children, for example, weakens with the disease, causing those with FTD to let more profanities slip. People with FTD are more likely to use the word 'f**k' when prompted to name words beginning with 'f', researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found. The study, published in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology in 2010, asked 70 patients to name as many words as they could think of beginning with letters 'f', 'a' and 's' in a minute. They also found that six of the 32 dementia patients said the swear word when asked to list words for 'f', and more said the word 's**t' for 's'. Having no filter Just like swearing, as Alzheimer's patients' brains change, they start to have no filter. How they act and what they say can degenerate in many cases. Undressing in public, being rude and talking to strangers are all signs of the disease, according to experts. The frontal prefrontal cortex in the frontal lobes of the brain is the part that controls are filter. But when you develop Alzheimer's this part of the brain shrinks. Alzheimer's Society said: 'These situations can be very confusing, distressing, shocking or frustrating for someone with dementia, as well as for those close to them. 'The person with dementia may not understand why their behaviour is considered inappropriate. Its very unlikely that they are being inappropriate on purpose.' A woman in Brazil was diagnosed with botulism after eating pesto from a market A woman in Brazil was left paralyzed after eating pesto that was feared to be contaminated with a deadly bacteria. Doralice Carneiro Sobreira Goes, 47, bought a jar of pesto last January from her local farmer's market, where she was a regular customer. However, the next day, she slept for 11 hours, and her body 'didn't feel right.' Within 24 hours, she was completely paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors diagnosed Ms Goes with botulism, a rare illness caused by a toxin that forms in the bacteria C. botulinum. Botulism attacks the body's nerves and causes difficulty breathing, paralysis, and, if left untreated, death. Doctors believe Doralice Carneiro Sobreira Goes, 47, from Brazil, contracted botulism from a jar of pesto she got at a farmer's market. The condition left her paralyzed Ms Goes spent about a year in the hospital learning how to eat, drink, talk, and walk again Ms Goes bought the pesto on December 31, 2021, and left it in her pantry for about a month. Its appearance, color, aroma, and flavor all stayed the same. The man who sold it to her didn't give her any storage instructions, and there was no expiration date printed on the jar. 'When I decided to finally have some, it was delicious,' she told NeedToKnowUK. '[The next day], I [slept] for 11 hours straight.' 'My body didn't feel right, my breathing had gotten worse, and my tongue felt like it was tingling.' Ms Goes drove herself to the emergency room, but by the end of the 12-mile drive, her symptoms had gotten drastically worse. 'My body stopped working,' she said. 'I couldn't move my body, so I threw myself out [of] the car.' Doctors rushed her into a CT scan, but she struggled to breathe and couldn't stop vomiting during the exam. A neurologist noticed she was only able to move two toes. Ms Goes was diagnosed with botulism, which affects just over 100 Americans per year. The illness is caused by a toxin released by the bacteria C. botulinum, which is normally found in mostly harmless spores in soil, marine areas, and on the surface of foods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the toxin this bacteria produces most commonly forms in foods that are improperly canned at home, such as tomatoes and pickles. In Ms Goes' case, the pesto was red, so it could have been made from tomatoes or peppers. It's possible the bacteria was in the ingredients used to make the pesto. Botulism attacks the nervous system, with symptoms starting within 12 hours of the toxin entering the body. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Left untreated, it can lead to paralysis and even death. The doctors believe the pesto was the most likely cause in Ms Goes' case. She was given an anti-botulin drug, which allowed her move her fingers and speak in small sentences. She also underwent physiotherapy to strengthen her muscles. Ms Goes remained in the hospital for about a year to recover from the paralysis. 'I had treatments every day of the week,' she said, 'from myofascial release to analgesia, laser, suction cup[s], pilates to recover muscular tone, strengthening and pulmonary physiotherapy.' She can now breathe without help and feed herself, as well as walk with a walker. She now is more careful when buying food from restaurants, stores, and fairs. It is now part of my history, and I am to overcome the difficulties I now face,' she said. Do not appear to cause any actual health harms - despite lots of misinformation Changes in menstruation have been a documented side effect of the vaccine Risk of bleeding in older women increased 2-3 times after getting the covid shot The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca Covid vaccines cause unexpected vaginal bleeding in older women and women on birth control, a study has confirmed. While changes in bleeding and periods in menstruating women post-shot have been known for years, few studies have looked at the impact on women who don't normally menstruate, such as the elderly and those on birth control. But a new study - that looked at data from more than 20,000 women in this category - found the risk of vaginal bleeding increased two to three times in the four weeks after Covid vaccination compared to before the shot. In women entering menopause and premenopausal women, the risk was three to five times higher. Researchers looked at data from August and September 2021. Ninety-eight percent of the women included reported receiving their Covid vaccines in January 2021, meaning they had received the original Covid vaccine as opposed to any updated booster shots. Experts are not entirely sure why changes in menstruation occur, but some believe the vaccine causes some of the body's tissue to become inflamed, causing changes to the lining of the uterus and hormone levels throughout the body Vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women can be a sign of a serious condition, such as cancer, and more women in this group than the others sought medical care after experiencing unexplained bleeding - 30.6 percent Additionally, in Norway, where the data was collected from, Covid vaccines used included those manufactured by Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. When Covid vaccines were first rolled out, tens of thousands of women complained about late or unusually heavy periods. Before formal research was conducted, anti-vaxxers latched onto the reports and used them to infuse fear in Americans that the vaccines caused infertility. However, research later released showed while menstrual changes do occur following Covid vaccination, they are minor, temporary and do not impact fertility. Experts are not entirely sure why changes in menstruation occur, but some believe the vaccine causes some of the body's tissue to become inflamed, causing changes to the lining of the uterus and hormone levels throughout the body. While the recent study did not investigate why these women experienced unexplained vaginal bleeding, sometimes referred to as breakthrough bleeding, scientists did suggest it could be linked to the spike protein used in the shots. Study author Kristine Blix from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, said: 'We had already, from the early pandemic, biweekly questionnaires going out to cohort participants to monitor effects of the pandemic. 'In the first questionnaire that covered COVID-19 vaccinations, sent in 2021, some women reported in free-text fields that they had experienced heavy menstrual bleeding. 'This urged us to ask for bleeding patterns in a structured manner.' What's normal for a period? A period is the part of the cycle when a woman bleeds from her vagina for a few days. For most women this happens every 28 days or so but its not unusual for the cycle to be between 21 or 40 days for individual women. Periods tend to last between three and to eight days, with the average being five. Bleeding tends to be heaviest in the first two days. Some women have irregular periods where the cycle is inconsistent. For some this is natural and nothing to worry about, but the NHS advises women to contact their GP if: if their periods suddenly become irregular and they are under 45-years-of-age their periods come more often than every 21 days and less often than every 35 days their period lasts longer than seven days there is a difference of at least 20 days between the shortest and longest menstrual cycle Advertisement Researchers looked at data from nearly 22,000 women who had already experienced menopause, women in perimenopause, the time just before entering menopause, and non-menstruating premenopausal women, including some who were on long-term hormonal birth control. They found 252 postmenopausal women (3.3 percent), 1,008 perimenopausal women (14.1 percent) and 924 premenopausal women (13.1 percent) reported unexplained or breakthrough vaginal bleeding throughout the entire year of 2021. Of the women who reported this, about half in every group reported their bleeding occurred within the four weeks following their first and/or second vaccine dose. The data showed: 45 percent of postmenopausal women, 51 percent of perimenopausal women and 55 percent of premenopausal women reported the unexplained bleeding. Among these women, 28 percent of those in perimenopause characterized the bleeding as heavy, compared to 18 percent of both women who had finished menopause and who had not yet experienced menopause. Women in the senior cohort of the study were aged 61 to 88 years old and were considered non menstruating. Other non menstruating females were aged 32 to 64 years. Respondents were then grouped into the three menopausal categories. Vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women can be a sign of a serious condition, such as cancer, and more women in this group than the others sought medical care after experiencing unexplained bleeding - 30.6 percent compared to 13.8 percent of perimenopausal women and 9.3 percent of premenopausal women. The risk of breakthrough bleeding in the first four weeks after a dose of Moderna's vaccine was associated with a 32 percent increase compared to Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine. Heavy menstrual bleeding has since been added as a vaccine side effect. The study, published this week in the journal Science Advances, analyzed data from an ongoing health survey called the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study. Three men and two women accused of spying in Britain for the Russians over a three year period from a base in a Norfolk seaside hotel were remanded in custody after appearing in court today. The five Bulgarian nationals allegedly helped to collect information for the Russian state that could aid 'hostile actions' including 'abduction plots' under the direction of the fugitive ex-boss of bust payment provider Wirecard Jan Marsalek, Westminster Magistrates Court heard. Mr Marsalek has not been charged and the case of the five Bulgarian nationals has been sent to the Old Bailey for a further hearing next month. Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Vanya Gaberova, 29 and Ivan Stoyanov, 31, all appeared separately via video links from different prisons. The court heard that the base of the group's alleged operations was Mr Roussev's former guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Vanya Gaberova, 29 and 31-year-old Ivan Stoyanov appeared at the hearing via video links from prison Fellow suspected spies (L-R) Orlin Roussev, 45, Katrin Ivanova, 31 and Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, were previously charged on February 11, 2023 Roussev lived in this guesthouse in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk All five were charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct espionage on behalf of the Russian state between August 30 2020 and February 8 2023. They were arrested by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command in February under the Official Secrets Act. Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova were previously charged on February 11 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. Prosecutor Kathryn Selby told the court these charges could be linked with the others at a later court date. She said: 'Three of the defendants - Roussev, Ivanova and Dzhambazov - have all already been jointly charged and that matter is set for trial on the second of January next year. 'On October 13, there will be an application to join these matters. 'Three of these defendants and all five, in fact, were arrested back in February this year.' It was alleged in court that the conspiracy involving the five pertained to them carrying out surveillance on people and places targeted by Russia. Alleged spies Katrin Ivanova (left) and Vanya Gaberova seen in an artist's illustration as they appear at Westminster Magistrates court via videolink Alledged spies Orlin Roussev (left) Bizer Dzhambazov (centre) and Ivan Stoyanov seen in an artist's illustration as they appear at Westminster Magistrates court via videolink The information gained from this surveillance would allegedly be used to aid the hostile intentions of the Russian state - including abductions. A sixth person, named in court as Jan Marsalek, was accused of being part of the conspiracy with the five defendants however he has not been charged. Prosecutor Selby said: 'Equipment linked to surveillance was uncovered at Roussev's address. 'Roussev's home was operating as a hub in relation to the offence of espionage.' 'Evidence reveals that they were part of a UK network. 'The purpose...seems to have been to assist the Russian state in hostile acts against specific targets. 'The coordination took place in the UK under the management of Mr Roussev. 'Information was fed back to the UK and reporting was sent from the UK to a tasker on behalf of Russia, a person known as Jan Marsalek.' Vanya has been charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct espionage on behalf of the Russian state She previously ran this Acton beauty store and had claimed help from the state during the pandemic Dzhambazov and Ivanova have also been held in custody and are suspected of working for Russia The pair were both registered at the same address in Harrow, north London The BBC reports that former Wirecard CEO Marsalek is now a wanted man in Germany and is thought to now reside in Russia. No applications for bail were made, and the defendants' case was sent to the Old Bailey on October 13. Both female defendants - Ivanova and Gaberova - appeared on separate links from HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey. Dzhambazov appeared on a link from Manchester Prison and Roussev from maximum security HMP Belmarsh in south east London. It was not heard where Stoyanov was being held. District Judge Tan Ikram told the five defendants: 'I send this case to the Central Criminal Court. 'The next hearing date will be October 13. I remand each of you in custody.' Helen Law, representing Roussev and the only defence representative who attended court in person, asked the Judge to remind the press of the reporting restrictions surrounding the case under Section 52A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. She claimed prejudicial reports had already been published in the case in August this year. Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'The CPS has authorised a charge of conspiracy to conduct espionage against three men and two women suspected of spying for Russia. 'Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will be charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between 30 August 2020 and 8 February 2023. 'Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were previously charged on 11 February 2023 with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. 'The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.' Children are being lured in to online scam operations in such alarming numbers that schools are holding urgent assemblies to warn pupils as young as nine about the dangers. In July, the UK's anti-fraud agency Cifas and banking trade body UK Finance advised primary and secondary schools to hold assemblies on being a 'money mule'. This is where children are told that if they allow money to be paid into their bank account and they cash it out or send it on to another account, they can keep a cut for themselves. However, crooks are simply using this ploy to launder money making the child unwittingly complicit in a crime. Children are told by criminals that if they allow money to be paid into their bank account and they cash it our or send it on to another account, they can keep a cut for themselves In the past two months 307 schools across the UK have signed up to classes for children aged nine to 14, as well as their teachers, about the risks of being targeted by criminal gangs using social media. Security minister Tom Tugendhat today tells Money Mail that social media platforms are making it easier than ever for criminals to target children. Tugendhat, who backs our Stop the Social Media Scammers campaign to force tech companies to better protect users, says providers must do more to identify and block mule recruitment. He says: 'Social media makes advertising cheap and easy, turning apps such as Instagram and Snapchat into a rich hunting ground for criminals to identify and recruit money mules. 'It's time social media giants stepped up to better protect their users.' Fraud campaigners want to teach children about the dangers of becoming a money mule before many of them will be targeted. Crooks typically go after teenagers and university students. Half of students are being approached by criminal organisations as universities welcome students for the new academic year, a report by crime prevention group We Fight Fraud found. Nine in ten young people are confident they would be able to recognise a suspicious message and identify a fraudulent recruitment, according to the study. But a worrying 66 per cent of university students approached via social media to 'earn up to 1,000 a day' responded by sharing their details and engaging with the sender, according to We Fight Fraud's research. Pupils as young as ten are approached on social media platforms by scammers who attempt to use their bank accounts to launder illegal money. This can have devastating consequences for their future, ruining their chances of going to university or getting a job and, in the most serious cases, can lead to a 14-year prison sentence. Criminals use money mules to launder the profits of their crimes and 'rinse' the money by passing it through a legitimate bank account. This money can originate from fraud or scams, drug dealing or people trafficking. The number of 14 to 18-year-olds misusing their bank accounts has soared by 73 per cent in the past two years, warns Cifas. Ria Nelson, an assistant head teacher at St Frideswide Primary School in Oxford, warns there is a real risk children can be contacted and be recruited as money mules. 'As teachers, we learn a lot about safeguarding students, but financial fraud is something we see little information on,' she says. 'Children are vulnerable and often don't understand the consequences of getting involved in activity like this. Security minister Tom Tugendhat said that tech companies need to do more to prevent children from being recruited as money mules 'These criminals are truly selfish. They are trying to take advantage of children and trick them into becoming money mules. The consequences of that can be detrimental to the child's future, impacting their life at home and future education and professional work, and that's truly awful.' University students are also a prime target, as they tend to have clean credit records and be on the lookout for easy ways to make extra money. Criminals typically make promises of 'easy cash' and 'cash-flipping opportunities' when recruiting. Nicola Harding, of We Fight Fraud and a criminology professor at Lancaster University, ran a secret study to see how susceptible students really are. In a survey, 95 per cent of students at the university said they would not accept an approach from a social media contact. Eight in ten said they would report approaches from criminals in person or online to Crimestoppers. But in a mock recruitment, a shocking number signed up to the offer and failed to alert anyone. Dr. Harding and her team invited students to take part in an 'online focus group' about fraud, to which 30 students signed up. What they didn't know was that student researchers Roni and Joel had added all the participants on social media platforms Instagram and Snapchat. After a cooling-off period to avoid suspicion, the researchers sent an initial message to each participant asking them to fill in a survey. It read: 'Hii! Can you do me a massive favour pls. I got a new job and was hoping you could fill out this survey, I get paid every time someone fills it out and I really need the money tbh [to be honest]. You'll be really helping me out :).' Dr Harding says: 'We did this because fraudsters may recruit young people to find other mules, but also they may create fake duplicate accounts and add friends of the real account holder.' Within 24 hours, 20 out of the 30 students had filled in the survey and engaged with the scammer. They shared enough important information for fraudsters to use it against them, for example to commit identity fraud and open bank accounts in their name. This included their name, their email address and details about who they bank with and what types of accounts they hold. The level of information they so readily handed over suggests they would be open to becoming a money mule with further social engineering, says Tony Sales, of We Fight Fraud, who ran the study with Dr. Harding. The Mail's Stop the Social Media Scammers wants tech giants to introduce tougher ID verification measures to stop fraudsters setting up social media accounts. The most common way a money mule is contacted is on Instagram, according to Lloyds Bank. Fraudsters then move the conversation to messaging app WhatsApp also owned by tech giant Meta. Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at the bank, says: 'Typically, the mule will be instructed to move funds from the bank account to foreign exchange platforms (who ask few questions), from which the recruiters collect the cash.' If you are worried a child you know might be involved in money muling, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Amazon has become the latest tech giant to enter the AI arms race by pouring billions into the start-up behind a popular chatbot. The online shopping firm said it will invest up to 3.3bn into San Francisco-based Anthropic, the developer of AIpowered chatbot Claude, a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT. Amazon will initially invest 1bn for a minority stake in the artificial intelligence (AI) safety and research company, with an option later to increase the cash injection to the full sum. Amazon becomes latest big tech player to embrace chatbot tech Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy said: 'We have tremendous respect for Anthropic's team and foundation models, and believe we can help improve many customer experiences, short and long-term, through our deeper collaboration.' The price tag is likely to boost Anthropic's valuation significantly following a fundraising earlier this year which valued the entire company at almost 4.1bn. Claire Holubowskyj, senior research analyst at media research service Enders Analysis, said: 'Amazon working with other AI companies isn't new, but this is a big lean in. 'Amazon approaches AI at all levels, from the chips to the software, so this new investment is simply putting their money where their mouth is.' Under the terms of the deal, Anthropic will use Amazon's cloud computing system Amazon Web Services (AWS) and AI computer chips to create its programs. It is also a marked shift for Anthropic away from rival tech giant Google, which last year pumped 246m into the business. Amazon's investment comes amid a fierce battle between some of the world's biggest tech companies as they scramble to lead the booming market for AI. Microsoft has already forged an alliance with OpenAI while rivals such as Inflection AI and Canadian outfit Cohere have raised hundreds of millions of pounds in funding from other large tech groups. Amazon is hoping to capitalise on the growing interest in generative AI, technology that is capable of generating text and images in a manner similar to humans. Amazon is also pitching its Trainium and Inferentia computer chips as viable alternatives to those developed by market leader Nvidia, which has seen its share price soar this year as the AI boom sparked a surge in demand for its products. The move follows the creation of AWS's Bedrock service, which allows customers to build AI applications on the company's cloud infrastructure and already boasts a range of products including Claude. But Amazon's investment is not an exclusive arrangement, unlike Microsoft's deal with OpenAI, which has seen the latter adopt the tech giant's Azure platform as its only cloud provider. The terms are also thought to leave Amazon with a much smaller stake than the 49pc of OpenAI that Microsoft controls. Anthropic will be hoping it can outshine its Silicon Valley rival, where its founders used to work before splitting from the business in 2021 amid a disagree- ment over the direction of the company. Microsoft fired the starting gun on Big Tech's AI scramble when earlier this year it signed its partnership with OpenAI and poured in billions to advance the technology. A key area of interest for the tech giant is using AI to enhance its Bing search engine as it looks for ways to loosen Google's iron grip on the market. Facebook-owner Meta is also jumping on the AI bandwagon, with the firm having released its own chatbot models, Llama and Llama 2, in a bid to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic. Aside from the tech giants, AI has also attracted the interest of the pharmaceutical sector as a way of speeding up the development of new medicines. Drug giants such as GSK have already begun using AI to make medical treatments more personalised for individual patients, which in turn can increase the effectiveness of drugs. But the rapid rise of AI - and its ability to create realistic images, videos and human-like text - have caused regulators and campaigners against the spread of disinformation to raise the alarm. Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned that AI could leave consumers more vulnerable to email scams and fake reviews when shopping online. The regulator has published seven principles to regulate AI models, which look at building more accountability and transparency for businesses that want to use the technology. The Yorkshire Ripper wreaked havoc across parts of Yorkshire, Bradford, Leeds, and Manchester between 1975 and 1980. In 1981, Peter Sutcliffe was jailed for life after admitting to killing 13 women and attempting to murder seven more in one of the most notorious serial killer cases in British history. Sutcliffe was found guilty on 13 counts of murder and was handed 20 concurrent life sentences, before being transferred to Broadmoor in 1984. The former lorry driver had even claimed that the voice of God drove 'him to kill' in a book released in 2022. But how did the man who committed one of the most grisly killing sprees Britain has ever seen spend his final days in Frankland prison? Peter Sutcliffe, also known as the Yorkshire Ripper wreaked havoc across Northwest England, committing one of the most grisly killing sprees Britain has ever seen Sutcliffe was pictured in public for the last time on September 26, 2015 when he was being taken from Broadmoor to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey for eye treatment. He previously bragged that he would not catch COVID-19 whilst incarcerated, but later contracted the disease on November 5, 2020 In the run up to his death on November 13, 2020, the Yorkshire Ripper was experiencing continuous vomiting and diarrhoea. According to a report produces by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman (PPO), who investigate deaths that occur in prisons, Peter Sutcliffe, 74, had tested positive for COVID. It is thought that the deadly lorry driver may have contracted the disease during a hospital visit, YorkshireLive reports. Sutcliffe's health wasn't its best, as it was discovered the serial killer has a 'blocked' heart, on October 28. 2020. The prisoner was not in the best health prior to the discovery, as he lived with angina, paranoid schizophrenia, diabetes and near blindness following an attack by an inmate. He was later sent to University Hospital of North Durham, where he received an ECG and set to have a pacemaker fitted. He stayed at the hospital until November 4, 2020. On November 5, Sutcliffe received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and was sent to the prison's health care unit. Lee Drumond, a governor at HMP Frankland confirmed that during March 2020, the prison created a list of people who were highly vulnerable to COVID-19. A composite of 12 of the 13 victims murdered by Sutcliffe. Victims are: (top row, left to right) Wilma McCann, Emily Jackson, Irene Richardson, Patricia Atkinson; (middle row, left to right) Jayne McDonald, Jean Jordan, Yvonne Pearson, Helen Rytka; (bottom row, left to right) Vera Millward, Josephine Whitaker, Barbara Leach, Jacqueline Hill These individuals - Sutcliffe included - were given the choice to isolate and be confined to their cell environment. He told The Mirror: 'They were limited in terms of use of the telephone and there were cleaning requirements around that - it was a shielding process.' 'Basically those on the vulnerable list were kept away from other prisoners.' However, the serial killer did not take up the opportunity to shield from the other inmates. He had previously boasted that he would not catch COVID-19 in jail before his ultimate demise. It was reported by a prison nurse that on November 6, the serial killer could not get out of his bed and had been 'coughing continuously'. Later that same day, the former lorry driver began vomiting and two days after that he was found by another nurse to be enduring diarrhoea as well as vomiting. He remained in the prison health unit at HMP Frankland in Durham and on November 7, he began to become chilly and jittery, struggling to keep down any liquids. Sutcliffe, also known as Peter Coonan, was shipped to hospital on November 9, after his heart rate began to flurry rapidly and it was discovered his oxygen saturation level had dropped to a 80 per cent. The killer had been in and out of hospital four times, until he was admitted for the final time on November 10. He was ferried back on his final ever trip to hospital after his coughing ensued once more, and he began to experience chest pain. His ill-health quickly worsened, and on November 12 the call was made for his restraints to be taken away for his 'decency'. The notorious serial killer, who was chained up until the day before his death, died shortly after 1.45am on November 13. PPO Sue McAllister stated in her report that the clinical reviewer of Sutcliffe's death stated that the care the serial killer received in Frankland was the same as what he would have been likely to experience in the community. She wrote: 'He found that healthcare staff acted responsively and appropriately when Mr Coonan became unwell in late October and early November.' However, McAllister did voice concerns regarding the eight-hour wait for a vehicle to take Sutcliffe to hospital. They were also displeased to find it took 'too long' to remove the former lorry driver's restraints, and that it was not done 'promptly' enough after an authorising manager gave the go-ahead to do so. Even though the PPO stated Frankland's liaison with the killer's next of kin, was of 'good standard'. Sutcliffe, under a blanket, arriving at Dewsbury Magistrates Court charged with the murder of 13 women and attempted murder of seven others in 1981. His cause of death was determined as COVID-19, with contributing factors being cited such as chronic kidney failure, heart disease and diabetes Sutcliffe in prison van on way to the Old Bailey in London, May 1981 (left). He had been handed 20 concurrent life sentences for his horrific crimes. He also suffered from angina, diabetes, paranoid schizophrenia and near-blindness following an attack from a fellow inmate Sutcliffe's next of kin, his ex-wife Sonia Woodward was told of his worsening condition and hospital admission prior to his death. She was also given the opportunity to be present at the inquest, virtually or in-person - but had opted not to attend. However, the PPO raised concerns regarding some aspects regarding the prison's liaison with the next of kin. Ms McAllister also added: 'We are disappointed that he could not talk directly with his next of kin when he was dying and that prison staff had to act as messengers for their personal messages.' An inquest confirmed Sutcliffe's cause of death to COVID-19, with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart disease being contributory factors. One of three experts heading an inquiry into Australia's Covid response described lockdowns as a 'necessary evil' and tweeted angrily about 'irresponsible adults' not wearing masks outside. Angela Jackson, an economist with expertise in gender and inequality, is one of three panellists appointed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's inquiry into the handling of the pandemic, alongside a disease expert and a public servant. Dr Jackson - a former senior adviser to ex-Labor finance minister Lindsay Tanner - stood by her previous tweets advocating hard lockdowns. 'They were, in terms of controlling the outbreak, a necessary evil,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'Nobody enjoyed those lockdowns.' Dr Jackson defended the extent of Victoria's lockdowns which saw schools closed and Melburnians subject to an 8pm curfew and a 5km travel limit from home. 'As somebody who home schooled two young children, during the period, it was not an overall positive experience but recognise at the time today they were part of the response that was necessary to control the pandemic,' she said. Economist Angela Jackson, a former Labor minsterial staffer, is one of three panellists on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's inquiry into the pandemic which won't examine state and territory government lockdowns By October 2021, Melbourne's 246 days in lockdown since March 2020 saw it overtake Buenos Aires to be the world's most locked down city. During that time, Dr Jackson had defended rules requiring face masks to be worn even outdoors even though epidemiologists said that wasn't necessary In 2021, during Melbourne's prolonged lockdown, Dr Jackson had demanded face masks be worn outside in a kids' play area. 'To the group of of six adults my husband asked to either mask up or leave the middle of the playground yesterday and who refused - this one's for you,' she tweeted. 'Thanks for being irresponsible adults and making out kids' lives that little bit harder.' Her position on mask use contradicted that of infectious diseases experts like Canberra-based epidemiologist Peter Collignon, who pointed out that Covid overwhelmingly spread indoors and the risk of contracting the virus in a public park was tiny. Professor Collignon, from Australian National University, was a fierce critic of the crackdown on outdoor gatherings, earlier this year telling Daily Mail Australia that government restriction on outdoor exercise 'was a real mistake'. 'There was a lot of hysteria about people going to beaches and to parks, and you could only be out for an hour a day and closing parks for children,' he said. The federal inquiry into the handling of Covid has been heavily criticised, because lockdown policies were imposed largely by state governments and not Canberra, yet those decisions will not be reviewed at all. 'It won't look into the unilateral decisions of the state government - it's been conveyed that as a commonwealth review, it's probably best placed that the states do those reviews themselves,' Dr Jackson told Daily Mail Australia. 'There's a question about whether state governments would take such a review, whether it would be a worthwhile thing to do.' Early in the pandemic in 2020, Dr Jackson praised the Covid policies of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Twitter - now known as X - in an open conversation with left-wing advertising executive Jane Caro. 'I'm anxious as well. It just helps me to know that we have been so well served by our leaders (esp @DanielAndrewsMP and @GladysB and they are being well advised,' she said. 'We've done well because of that leadership and I feel that we can trust them now.' Even when Melbourne went into lockdown again in August 2021, for the sixth time, she continued defending Mr Andrews and his hardline approach that included curfews and restrictions on movement. 'Why don't we give red hot go for two weeks?' she said. Dr Jackson, who was deputy chief-of-staff to former Labor finance minister Lindsay Tanner, stood by her previous tweets advocating hard lockdowns (pictured is Victoria's then chief health officer Brett Sutton in August 2020 when Melbourne was in its second lockdown) Early in the pandemic in 2020, Dr Jackson praised Victoria's Labor Premier Daniel Andrews and his then NSW Liberal counterpart Gladys Berejiklian on Twitter in an open conversation with left-wing advertising executive Jane Caro 'Because the alternative is three more months of lockdown to keep the numbers are control - before enough of us are vaccinated and we can open without overwhelming the health system.' By October 2021, Melbourne's 246 days in lockdown since March 2020 saw it overtake Buenos Aires to be the world's most locked down city, yet Victoria still had the highest number of deaths with Covid of any state. While the inquiry will not examine the core issue of Covid response - the severe curtailing of civil liberties and crushing of small businesses by state government policies - it could examine former prime minister Scott Morrison's ban on Australians travelling overseas for a holiday. 'Certainly border closures is part of the terms of reference and that would be something that would be part of the remit,' Dr Jackson told Daily Mail Australia. But by the time Melbourne went into lockdown again in August 2021, for the sixth time, she continued defending Mr Andrews and his hardline approach that included curfews and restrictions on movement Dr Jackson said the inquiry was designed to learn from the mistakes of Covid pandemic, even if restricted to federal government policies. 'Including the policy decisions that were made but also the processes that fed into that,' she said. Dr Jackson is on the panel with former NSW Health director-general Robyn Kruk and Deakin University's current Chair in Epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett. The brother of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando has said he hopes a Netflix documentary looking into her unsolved murder may 'prick the conscience' of her killer and make them come forward. The former Crimewatch presenter was shot dead aged 37 outside her home in Fulham, West London, on April 26, 1999. Her murder led to one of the biggest man hunts in the history of the Metropolitan Police. Sex offender Barry George was convicted of Ms Dando's murder in 2001 but he was acquitted at a retrial in 2008. Netflix series Who Killed Jill Dando - released today - features interviews with Nigel Dando, who is nine years older than his late sister. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning that he believes his sister's killer is still alive and that they or anyone else who knows something could come forward when they see the documentary. The brother of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando has said he hopes a Netflix documentary looking into her unsolved murder may 'prick the conscience' of her killer and make them come forward. Above: Nigel Dando with his sister The Crimewatch interview was conducted by a rising star at the BBC, Jill Dando, who at one time admitted that her role on the show left her in fear of retribution from the criminals she sought to expose. Above: Ms Dando at the front door of her home in Fulham 'It was a painful time and it remains a painful memory,' he said. 'But I thought, well, if I get involved, I can do my bit and maybe overall this documentary may just jog somebody's conscience into coming forward and confessing that they were the person who pulled the trigger on the day in question. 'It's as simple as in one way but it's a difficult thing to expect to happen. And I have to be realistic. 'That here we are 24 years on, whoever killed Jill is still at large; 24 years on, are they still alive? 'My belief is that if they are alive, then they do have a conscience and programmes like this may just prick the conscience of whoever did it. 'There are also people around who have some knowledge of this. I would say to them, it's never too late.' Mr Dando was also asked about the decision of Barry George to also take part in the documentary. George, who was convicted of attempted rape in the 1980s, expresses his fury in the programme that the authorities took 'eight years of my life'. At his 2008 re-trial, he opted not to give evidence. His initial conviction hinged on a single grain of gunshot residue that was found in his coat pocket. Mr Dando said he would liked to have heard George explain what he was doing on the day his sister was murdered. 'Well he denies any involvement on that day. He has denied any involvement from day one,' he said. Nigel Dando was nine years older than his late sister. Above: The pair with their father Jack in 1996 Police forensic officers at Gowan Avenue, Fulham, where TV presenter Jill Dando was murdered Six distinctive marks were found on the cartridge case used by the gunman who killed Jill Dando 'He chose not to give evidence, which I agree is his right, when you are the defendant in a trial like that. Britain's biggest police probe since the Yorkshire Ripper: Timeline of the Jill Dando case April 26, 1999: Jill Dando, the 37-year-old television presenter, is shot dead with a single bullet to the head on the steps of her home in Fulham, south-west London. May 25, 2000: Police arrest Barry George, also known as Barry Bulsara, following surveillance of his home. May 29, 2000: Police charge George with murdering Dando. July 2, 2001: A jury finds George guilty of murder. He is later sentenced to life imprisonment. July 29, 2002: George loses an appeal against his conviction at the Court of Appeal in London. Three judges rejected his claim that his conviction was 'unsafe'. December 16, 2002: The House of Lords refuses permission for George to mount a further challenge to his conviction. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) continues to look at the case. March 25, 2006: It emerges that lawyers for George have submitted new evidence to the CCRC which they believe undermines the safety of his conviction. They say they have new medical evidence which suggests George's mental problems would have made him incapable of carrying out the crime, and that new witnesses who were not heard at the original trial may provide an explanation for why a particle of gunshot residue was found on his coat. August 1, 2008: He receives a unanimous acquittal by a jury after being granted a retrial. January 2010: His claim for compensation for lost earnings and wrongful imprisonment is rejected. 2012: Serbian 'warlord' Arkan is named as a suspect in the case, although he had died in 2000. June 2022: French court documents claim that BBC journalist Lisa Brinkworth was the target of a hit ordered by modelling agency boss Gerald Marie but was confused for Miss Dando. He denies the claims. Advertisement 'Personally I would have liked to have heard him give evidence and just to say exactly what he was doing on the day that Jill was killed. 'And as I say, its totally his right. He didnt have to go into the dock to give evidence. 'But, you know, he is now a free man and the legal system has worked its way through and there's not a lot more I can say about it.' Mr Dando also repeated his belief that his sister's murder was a random killing. 'I think that Jill was in the wrong place at the wrong time. 'She just happened to call in on that day and my belief is that somewhere, along that road on that day was somebody with a gun who, for whatever reason, decided that he or she was going to take Jill's life. 'I think it was a random as that, because all the other theories have been investigated and all of them have been found wanting. And so I just happen to think that was probably what happened on the day.' Mr Dando, a retired journalist, was at work at the Bristol Evening Post when he saw the news of his sister's death on the office's TV screens. In the Netflix series, he describes the heartrending moment he discovered his sister had died and the immediate instinct to protect his father from the onslaught of news coverage. He wanted to warn his family would quickly 'be in the eye of the storm' with reporters turning up on their doorstep within a matter of hours. He said: 'Reports were coming out that she had died. I clicked into sort of automatic mode. 'I thought I need to protect my dad from this. I rushed down to Weston-super-Mare. 'He was obviously devastated. I was wondering how we were going to cope with all this. 'But half an hour after I got down to Weston the TV reporter from BBC Points West knocked on the door. I knew him. I slipped back into journalistic mode. I gave him an interview.' He added: 'It was a sense of emptiness and a sense of despair. 'And I had to explain to my dad what had happened, what was going to happen. That we were kind of going to be in the eye of a storm.' Mr Dando also described his sister's funeral in their home town. 'I'll always remember it,' he said. 'We were in the back of a limousine following Jill's coffin. There were just thousands of people who'd come out. Weston just stopped.' At the time of her death, she was best known for co-presenting the BBC One programme Crimewatch with Nick Ross. It has long been suspected that Ms Dando was shot by a professional assassin. A blue Range Rover that was parked illegally on the street where she lived, Gowan Avenue, was caught on CCTV driving away at speed from the area. In 1999, Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell who is featured in the series was a senior investigating officer in the Met's murder squad, based in Kensington, West London. He had never met Dando though she had made an appeal on Crimewatch for one of his old murder inquiries and they had attended the same lunch at Scotland Yard, where she had spoken of her fears of a 'hit' being carried out on a Crimewatch presenter. When told by a colleague that reports were coming through that a woman had been 'stabbed' in Fulham, Campbell decided to take a sergeant and go see for himself as it it was a 'very unusual' crime for that area of London. As he drove down, he received a call from his chief superintendent who said to him bluntly, 'that case, that's going to be Jill Dando'. Speaking in the documentary, he described the scene of horror he walked into. Police pictured outside the home of Ms Dando in 1999 following her murder These are the haunting last images of Ms Dando, pictured just 40 minutes before she was assassinated outside her home Another image shows her walking through the shopping centre with her raincoat and bag She was also spotted outside on the main High Street where she had been out shopping for the day He was briefed by officers who said no one had seen 'what had actually happened to Jill' but two witnesses had seen a man fleeing the scene. 'They described this white man, dark hair, thick set, wearing a coat, a dark coat, wasn't masked, wasn't wearing gloves,' he said. 'So the real focus right there, was how the person who had been seen running away, was to be caught. 'Uniformed officers were told to spread out and search the area. We were waiting for information from the hospital, because there was no confirmation that Jill had died.' Despite her grave injuries and the fact she appeared to be dead, extensive efforts were made to resuscitate her both at the scene and at Charing Cross Hospital, where she was declared dead. After being told of Ms Dando's death, more details about the shooting began to emerge, Mr Campbell said. 'When I was still on the pavement, and just looked from the gate up to the front door of Jill's house, and I could see the bullet encasing on the doorstep. Jill Dando had been shot in the head. 'It was immediately sort of unfathomable. The concept of any woman being shot in the head in London, let alone a celebrity, was rare in the extreme.' In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers began to trawl through the scene which the former Detective Chief Inspector said 'had been heavily contaminated' resulting in everything being picked up - 'relevant or not'. 'Scrapings, gravel, finger print marks from the gate, fibres. We had a bullet and a cartridge casing on the doorstep,' Mr Campbell recalled. 'The ballistics expert told me it was a single shot to the left side of her head, some thought like a professional execution. 'And that bullet and casing on the doorstep were from a 9mm caliber weapon.' Another line of inquiry looked into by police was that Ms Dando had been murdered on the orders of the Serbian warlord and underworld boss Zeljko Raznatovic, aka Arkan. Earlier in April 1999, Ms Dando fronted a BBC1 broadcast appealing for funds to help refugees fleeing the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces in the province of Kosovo. British warplanes were taking part in the Nato bombing of Yugoslavia to try to halt the massacre when Ms Dando was killed. The Mail revealed that an official police report blamed resuscitation efforts for potentially destroying vital evidence that could have led officers to her killer. New Netflix series Who Killed Jill Dando? was released on the streaming platform today The Daily Mail's coverage of Ms Dando's shocking murder, which gripped the nation Her clothes were ripped off to perform cardiac massage and the ground was 'trampled' by those who tried to save her. In June last year, it emerged that Ms Dando's killer may have mistaken her for another BBC journalist who was the real target of an assassination plot. Prosecutors in a French court accused fashion boss Gerald Marie, 73, of using the Russian Mafia to try and kill Lisa Brinkworth after she exposed him as a sex abuser. But their gunman may have assassinated Ms Dando by mistake. Ms Brinkworth claimed Marie, former boss of the Elite agency, wanted her dead because she claimed he sexually assaulted her in 1998 while she was working undercover to expose crimes in the fashion industry. She told the Mirror: 'Even if there was a tiny possibility, I don't know if I could live with that, so I'm hoping there's nothing in that. I try not to think about it. I really, really don't want it to be true. When Nigel Dando went into work at his local newspaper on April 26, 1999 he had no idea his peers would later be reporting on the murder of his beloved sister. TV presenter Jill Dando was shot dead on her doorstep in Fulham, west London, in a crime that sent shockwaves through the nation. To this day, it remains one of the most high profile and complex police investigations in history. Now more than 24 years later new Netflix series Who Killed Jill Dando is set to explore the cold case. In the production, Dando's older brother Nigel describes the heartrending moment he discovered his sister had died and the immediate instinct to protect his father from the onslaught of news coverage. Jill Dando pictured with her brother Nigel and her father Jack TV presenter Jill Dando was shot dead on her doorstep in Fulham, west London in April 1999 Netflix has produced a three-part series on the killing which is due to air on 26 September He wanted to warn his family would quickly 'be in the eye of the storm' with reporters turning up on their doorstep within a matter of hours. Nigel, who was nine years older than Dando, had been working at the Bristol Evening Post, where the news had flashed up on a bank of TV screens. He said: 'Reports were coming out that she had died. I clicked into sort of automatic mode. 'I thought I need to protect my dad from this. I rushed down to Weston-super-Mare. 'He was obviously devastated. I was wondering how we were going to cope with all this. 'But half an hour after I got down to Weston the TV reporter from BBC Points West knocked on the door. I knew him. I slipped back into journalistic mode. I gave him an interview.' He added: 'It was a sense of emptiness and a sense of despair. 'And I had to explain to my dad what had happened, what was going to happen. That we were kind of going to be in the eye of a storm.' Dando's death had sparked an outpouring of grief from tens of thousands of people across the country. Nigel described his sister's funeral, explaining how on that day life in their home town was brought to a halt. Nigel, who was nine years older than Dando, had been working at the Bristol Evening Post where the news had flashed up upon a bank of TV screens Nigel described his sister's funeral, explaining how on that day life in Weston Super Mare, where they had been raised, was brought to a halt The Crimewatch interview was conducted by a rising star at the BBC, Jill Dando, who at one time admitted that her role on the show left her in fear of retribution from the criminals she sought to expose 'I'll always remember it,' he said. 'We were in the back of a limousine following Jill's coffin. There were just thousands of people who'd come out. Weston just stopped.' At the time of her death, she was best known for co-presenting the BBC One programme Crimewatch with Nick Ross. It has long been suspected that Ms Dando was shot by a professional assassin. A blue Range Rover that was parked illegally on the street where she lived, Gowan Avenue, was caught on CCTV driving away at speed from the area. In 1999, Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell who is featured in the series was a senior investigating officer in the Met's murder squad, based in Kensington, West London. He had never met Dando though she had made an appeal on Crimewatch for one of his old murder inquiries and they had attended the same lunch at Scotland Yard, where she had spoken of her fears of a 'hit' being carried out on a Crimewatch presenter. When told by a colleague that reports were coming through that a woman had been 'stabbed' in Fulham, Campbell decided to take a sergeant and go see for himself as it it was a 'very unusual' crime for that area of London. As he drove down, he received a call from his chief superintendent who said to him bluntly, 'that case, that's going to be Jill Dando'. Theories sparked that a hitman closer to home was responsible for her death, and suggested Dando was murdered by London Underworld Mr Big After years of investigating, police made Barry George their prime suspect. After his house was raided a photo of him holding a gun (pictured) raised suspicions of police officers Speaking in the documentary, he described the scene of horror he walked into. He was briefed by officers who said no one had seen 'what had actually happened to Jill' but two witnesses had seen a man fleeing the scene. 'They described this white man, dark hair, thick set, wearing a coat, a dark coat, wasn't masked, wasn't wearing gloves,' he said. 'So the real focus right there, was how the person who had been seen running away, was to be caught. 'Uniformed officers were told to spread out and search the area. We were waiting for information from the hospital, because there was no confirmation that Jill had died.' Despite her grave injuries and the fact she appeared to be dead, extensive efforts were made to resuscitate her both at the scene and at Charing Cross Hospital, where she was declared dead. After being told of Dando's death, more details about the shooting began to emerge, Mr Campbell said. 'When I was still on the pavement, and just looked from the gate up to the front door of Jill's house, and I could see the bullet encasing on the doorstep. Jill Dando had been shot in the head. 'It was immediately sort of unfathomable. The concept of any woman being shot in the head in London, let alone a celebrity, was rare in the extreme.' In 1999, Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell who is featured in the series was a senior investigating officer in the Met's murder squad, based in Kensington, West London Dando had a number of public relationships and lived with television producer Bob Wheaton, but their relationship ended due to workloads The Crimewatch interview was conducted by a rising star at the BBC, Jill Dando, who at one time admitted that her role on the show left her in fear of retribution from the criminals she sought to expose This are the haunting last images of Jill Dando-pictured just 40 minutes before she was assassinated outside her home in Fulham In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, officers began to trawl through the scene which the former Detective Chief Inspector said 'had been heavily contaminated' resulting in everything being picked up - 'relevant or not'. 'Scrapings, gravel, finger print marks from the gate, fibres. We had a bullet and a cartridge casing on the doorstep,' Mr Campbell recalled. 'The ballistics expert told me it was a single shot to the left side of her head, some thought like a professional execution. 'And that bullet and casing on the doorstep were from a 9mm caliber weapon.' In July 2001, Barry George - a local loner and fantasist who had already served a prison sentence for attempted rape - was convicted of her murder. However, he was granted a retrial on appeal and was unanimously acquitted by a jury in August 2008 after spending eight years in prison. Ever since George was acquitted a string of theories have emerged over what truly happened to Dando. One theory at the time was that Dando may have been killed by a jealous ex-boyfriend or an unknown lover. Jill Dando and Nick Ross in 1995 In June last year, it emerged that Ms Dando's killer may have mistaken her for another BBC journalist who was the real target of an assassination plot Earlier in April 1999, Ms Dando fronted a BBC1 broadcast appealing for funds to help refugees fleeing the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces in the province of Kosovo Another line of inquiry looked into by police was that Ms Dando had been murdered on the orders of the Serbian warlord and underworld boss Zeljko Raznatovic, aka Arkan. Earlier in April 1999, Ms Dando fronted a BBC1 broadcast appealing for funds to help refugees fleeing the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces in the province of Kosovo. British warplanes were taking part in the Nato bombing of Yugoslavia to try to halt the massacre when Ms Dando was killed. The Mail revealed that an official police report blamed resuscitation efforts for potentially destroying vital evidence that could have led officers to her killer. Her clothes were ripped off to perform cardiac massage and the ground was 'trampled' by those who tried to save her. In June last year, it emerged that Ms Dando's killer may have mistaken her for another BBC journalist who was the real target of an assassination plot. Prosecutors in a French court accused fashion boss Gerald Marie, 73, of using the Russian Mafia to try and kill Lisa Brinkworth after she exposed him as a sex abuser. But their gunman may have assassinated Ms Dando by mistake. Ms Brinkworth claimed Marie, former boss of the Elite agency, wanted her dead because she claimed he sexually assaulted her in 1998 while she was working undercover to expose crimes in the fashion industry. She told the Mirror: 'Even if there was a tiny possibility, I don't know if I could live with that, so I'm hoping there's nothing in that. I try not to think about it. I really, really don't want it to be true.' HAVE YOU NOTICED LARGE RATS IN YOUR AREA? Mutant super rats are plaguing Britain's restaurants, pubs and homes with experts revealing to MailOnline that rodents are becoming less susceptible to pesticides and more wary of control methods. In the past week, video footage has emerged revealing the true extent of the terrifying rat invasions taking place in parts of the country. It comes as piles of rubbish have overflown the streets amid a series of bin strikes. Reports of a rodent infestation outside a block of flats in Liverpool left tenants 'petrified' to leave their homes, fearing they cannot step out the door without a rat scampering over their foot. Meanwhile customers tucking into their food at a McDonald's store were left screaming when a rat emerged from the seating area before scurrying across the fast food chain's floor. And at a pub in Exeter, a large rodent was seen tucking into leftovers that had been sat on an outdoor table. The rat is seen sticking its face into a bowl before nibbling on what appears to be discarded bones from a meat dish. Pest control experts told MailOnline that sightings have been on the rise, particularly in urban areas where the animals have access to strewn food from takeaways and piles of rubbish bins along the street. HAVE YOU NOTICED LARGE RATS IN YOUR AREA? Send your pictures and videos to danya.bazaraa@mailonline.co.uk Mutant super rats are plaguing Britain's restaurants, pubs and homes with experts revealing to MailOnline that rodents are becoming less susceptible to pesticides Customers tucking into their food at a McDonald's store were left screaming when a rat emerged from the seating area before scurrying across the fast food chain's floor Paul Blackhurst, of Rentokil Pest Control, said: 'Rats are opportunistic pests that are drawn to places teeming with available food sources. 'With unlimited access to leftover food from takeaways and rubbish bins, along with water and shelter, some urban areas have become home to what are often referred to as 'super-rats'. 'Despite their namesake, these rats are not going to save the world. Rather, through genetic mutations, combined with neophobic behaviours, they have become less susceptible to some forms of common rodenticide and wary of methods used to control them.' His comments come as young professionals and students living in a block of flats on Vine Street in Liverpool's city centre have come face to face with the creatures. Eve Bradley and Eireann Dobbins moved into their new home five months ago. They only realised there were rats living outside of the building after they had settled in. Frightening footage shows rats scurrying around the entrance of the flat. Ms Bradley, 22, told the Liverpool Echo: 'You can't leave your flat when it does start to go dark without them running across your feet. An infestation of rats outside a block of flats in Liverpool is making tenants 'petrified' 'It's getting dark earlier - they're going to start coming out earlier and earlier. 'One of the girls I live with, the rat was inside the lift with her. She didn't see it until she was in the lift going down.' The frightened woman, originally from Derry in Northern Ireland, said the ongoing issue has caused them 'so much distress'. A spokesman for the accommodation provider Urban Sleep said the issue of rats is a 'city-wide issue' that it has been 'proactively managing' on its site for some time. Urban Sleep said it is now speaking with Liverpool City Council about next steps. Earlier this year, another resident was left shocked to find dozens of rats living inside a bin in London. A video shows some of the rats peering up at the camera while others appear to be jumping to get out of the huge council bin. And diners eating at a McDonald's branch panicked when a seemingly large rat leaped across the restaurant floor. As people screamed, children could be seen turning around to catch a glimpse of the rodent while two McDonald's staff members appeared to coax it away with a broom. A rat on the floor of the fast food chain before it scurried across the restaurant The video showed workers looking under the chairs before the rat emerged at high speed Customers tucking into their burgers and queuing to order their meals are seen staring at the rodent in disbelief while parents lift their children off the ground. It is unknown which branch the footage was filmed in. The author of the clip wrote: 'I had to crop the video because I was screaming too much.' Earlier this month, another McDonald's in Notting Hill, London, saw a rat invade its restaurant. The giant rat, which customers said was 'the size of a foot' was caught brazenly running through the store, with diners left both laughing and screaming in shock. The appalling footage showed the rodent scampering across the floor before hiding behind an oblivious diner's chair, as others warned 'there's a rat, there's a rat'. Shocked diners crowded round the rodent, taking photos and videos on their phone. Luke Scott had been wandering into the store when he presumed a robbery was taking place because of the loud shouts of terror. Mr Scott, 47, who lives locally in the area said: 'I walked in and went to the self-service machines to try and get a milkshake, but the milkshake machine wasn't working. Mark Baker filmed the rat eating leftovers from a plate at the Mill on Exe pub in Exeter 'Roland on the next table gets a free meal,' Mr Baker wrote in a post on social media afterwards 'I was about to turn and leave, and then somebody shouted loudly. I thought it might be a robbery. 'I looked around and a couple of people were jumping up and then somebody shouted "rat, rat". 'I just saw it run across the floor. I felt like people wouldn't believe it unless they saw it, so I started filming.' As it tried to escape, the rat got caught in between people's feet and a customer's bag, leading to the restaurant to be evacuated. He added: 'The rat seemed fairly unafraid by the commotion. Everyone got their phones out and started crowding around. It seemed fairly relaxed; it wasn't manic. It seemed quite confident. 'Regardless of the tail, the body of the rodent was huge. It was about the size of my foot.' In May another so-called super rat was seen scavenging on takeaway scraps left in a bin outside McDonald's in Toryglen, Glasgow. Grim footage, captured by two disgusted customers, showed the fat rodent feasting on the rubbish before scuttling away into nearby bushes. MailOnline has contacted McDonald's for comment. In another incident, shocking video from a pub in Exeter shows a rat enjoying a nibble on one of the tables, to the horror of a patron. Diners eating at a McDonald's branch panicked when a large rat leaped across the restaurant The largest rat caught and recorded in the UK was 21 inches long, the size of a small dog Mark Baker, who filmed the footage, was at the Mill on the Exe two weeks ago when he saw a rat eating from a plate at one of the pub's outdoor tables. The video showed him approaching the rat, which was as large as a pint glass, before it jumped into the plants beside the table and scurried off. St Austell Brewery said that it had apologised to Mr Baker and that it was taking action to 'manage the situation'. A spokesman said: 'We can confirm that Environmental Health are aware of this matter and are carrying out regular visits to monitor and assist with the situation, which is impacting riverside properties from the Weir down to the Quay, including the Mill on the Exe.' 'We are working closely with Environmental Health and continuing to act on all advice. Last week, during their most recent visit to the area, they confirmed they were happy with the extensive measures we have put in place to help manage the situation that is affecting our external areas.' Pest experts have said that rats - who eat just about anything - are increasingly resistant to poisons and are getting better at finding hidden spots to breed and nest. Mr Blackhurst insisted more needs to be done to prevent further rat infestations. He added: 'This is why it is important for pest controllers to adopt innovative measures in order to help prevent infestations from occurring and to deal with them effectively when they do. 'Effective, long-term control is only achievable through first understanding population changes and challenges, and then implementing bespoke solutions that combat them and that is why seeking professional, expert help is recommended for rodent infestations.' His comments come after reports an infestation of rats outside a block of flats in Liverpool is making tenants 'petrified' to leave their homes. Steve Belmain, professor of ecology at the University of Greenwich said earlier this year that he could 'easily imagine' a plague of up to 300million rats being present in the UK. Mr Belmain said: 'Rats can certainly gnaw through concrete and metal, most normally soft metals such as tin, aluminium, copper and lead, but I have seen gnaw marks on steel, various hard plastics such as waste pipes and terracotta pipes - as well as concrete walls.' The pests are so flexible they can push themselves through the U-bend of a toilet to gain access to people's homes. The largest rat caught and recorded in the UK was 21 inches long, which is the size of a small dog. Experts fear that vermin such as rats and house mice carry diseases that are harmful to humans, with rat's urine carrying diseases that may be linked to salmonella and leptospirosis outbreaks. Recent figures show 78 per cent of rats and 95 per cent of house mice have genes that make them immune to poisons, which have been used as an exterminator since the 1950s. Dee Ward-Thompson, the British Pest Control Association's technical manager, said: 'This rise in resistance could be due to a number of factors. 'However, it is most likely the spread has been accelerated by the application of rodenticides, by amateurs such as home and business owners doing it themselves or employing an unqualified individual to try to resolve the problem.' Millions of train journeys that took commuters in and out of the capital during the week are no longer taking place, prompting fears that the drive to return workers to London is failing. Last night, shocking figures revealed that London's three main commuter railways are carrying 22 million fewer passengers than they did four years ago. South Western Railway told a London Assembly inquiry its metro service in and out of Waterloo was down to 68 per cent. Govia Thameslink now carries 20 million passengers compared with 30 million pre pandemic, while Southeastern's numbers have fallen from 15 million trips a month to 10 million. The dramatic decline, revealed by the Evening Standard, has led to rallying calls from City bank bosses, senior MPs and London Mayor Sadiq Khan for workers to ditch their work from home lifestyles and return to the capital's deserted offices. Shocking figures revealed that London's three main commuter railways are carrying 22 million fewer passengers than they did four years ago South Western Railway told a London Assembly inquiry its metro service in and out of Waterloo was down to 68 per cent READ MORE: WFH SAW COMMUTERS DROP 85 PER CENT AS BRITAIN LAGS BEHIND EUROPE IN RETURN TO OFFICE Google's mobility data shows British workers lag behind all of Europe for returning to work Advertisement JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs have now told staff they are expected to show up at the office most days, with department heads expected to be in the office five days a week. Meanwhile, London minister Paul Scully called on tens of thousands of workers to return to stop London from becoming a ghost town, keeping its restaurants, bars and shops thriving. The MP warned that a failure to return to the office could result in London losing jobs. He said 'getting back to the workplace' will not only boost office productivity for businesses but will 'protect London as an amazing place to live'. Mr Khan added: 'This is the greatest place in the world in which to work and play. You can't get the best out of it from your desk at home. 'Despite some advantages of home working, spending time in the workplace and engaging face to face with colleagues is essential for personal development and teamwork.' And hospitality staff are begging for office workers to return to London to give a much-needed boost to services. Andy Lewis-Pratt, CEO of Market Halls, which operates food halls in Victoria, Canary Wharf and Oxford Street, told the paper: 'It's vital to have workers coming back to the office. 'We have seen a change in the pattern of office workers coming into London. 'Professional workers are coming back, sometimes because they're told to, but sometimes because they want to.' South Western Rail managing director Claire Mann said: 'There has been a real drop-off. In the metro area, and specifically through Waterloo, we are at about 68 per cent now of where we were before Covid' Govia Thameslink now carries 20 million passengers compared with 30 million pre-pandemic South Western Rail managing director Claire Mann said: 'We [have] the slowest return of all the networks. 'There has been a real drop-off. In the metro area, and specifically through Waterloo, we are at about 68 per cent now of where we were before Covid. We are seeing the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday pattern in terms of the return. Mondays and Fridays are quiet.' Peter Williams, SWR's customer and commercial director, agreed with Ms Mann's observations, saying that Fridays were already 'weaker' days even before the pandemic. He added: 'We have not given up on the commute. But commuters are telling us that their travel patterns are fixed in the short term. But there are nuances. Younger people show more willingness to get into the office. It's important for them to build their profile - and to socialise after work. 'There are also some employers who hope that as some point they're able to coax their colleagues into the office more frequently. But with the cost of living pressures, they don't feel that now is the right time.' SWR states its passenger demographic are more likely to work in senior or management positions, given them more authority to work from home. Angie Doll, chief executive at Govia Thameslink Railway, told the Standard: 'We are not seeing the level of people commuting five days a week that we saw pre-Covid. 'We are seeing people commute on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and that pattern is absolutely set now. I cant see that changing again. 'Due to Covid, people established working from home in a way they never thought was going to be possible. Two years after Covid, we are not seeing that balance change.' Despite the gloomy outlook for commuter trains in and out of the capital, London's own tube system - in particular the new Elizabeth Line - is seeing a healthy growth in passengers Caroline Pidgeon, a Liberal Democrat member of the London Assemblys transport committee, suggested rail firms could 'incentivise' travel on Mondays and Fridays by offering a different fare. Despite the gloomy outlook for commuter trains in and out of the capital, London's own tube system - in particular the new Elizabeth Line - is seeing a healthy growth in passengers. In the last four-week period leading to mid-July, there were 94.1 million tube journeys - up almost 13 million compared to the same period last year. The biggest increase was on the Elizabeth Line and Overground, which saw 16.7 million journeys - up by more than five million. While these figures are encouraging, tube travel still remains down compared to pre-pandemic levels, with monthly journeys averaging at less than 100 million - a figure nearly always reached before the first lockdown. Overall tube use is at 85 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, lower on weekdays but sometimes over 100 per cent on weekends. House Oversight Republicans are launching an investigation into Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's taxpayer-funded cross-country electric vehicle trip - where a staff member blocked off charging station with a gas car and prompted a call to the cops. 'Your fleet of EVs could not complete the trip without the support of the fossil fuel industry which you and the Biden Administration have been intent to vilify and destroy,' a new letter, led by Chair James Comer and Energy subcommittee chair Rep. Pat Fallon, read, requesting documents related to the trip. The new probe comes as the Oversight Committee presses forward with its investigations into the Biden family business dealings. House Oversight Republicans are launching an investigation into Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm's cross-country electric vehicle trip where a member of her staff blocked off a charging station and prompted a call to the cops In August, Granholm and her staff embarked on a four-day road trip from North Carolina to Tennessee to promote the Biden administration's green agenda in a fleet of electric and gas-powered cars. One issue they were forced to contend with was the lack of charging stations across the country for electric vehicles to be a reliable choice of transport. An Energy Department staffer reportedly blocked off a working EV charging station with his gas-powered car in hopes of saving it for Granholm in her EV vehicle, who was soon to approach as they were trying to keep a tight schedule. The family felt they had been 'boxed out' on a sweltering Georgia day with a baby in the car so they decided to involve authorities. The incident arose when Granholm's staff attempted to use a gas vehicle to block off an EV charging station for the secretary's approaching vehicle (stock image ) Asked about the incident during a House hearing, Granholm said: 'It was poor judgment on the part of the team.' 'This taxpayer-funded publicity stunt illustrates yet again how out of touch the Biden Administration is with the consequences of policies it has unleashed on everyday Americans,' the letter said. The committee requested all documents and correspondence related to the trip, in addition to the names of the drivers of all the vehicles on the trip. They also requested a 'staff level briefing' on the trip with a deadline of October 3. 'The combination of anti-energy policies and Chinas consolidation of critical minerals necessary for EVs has left American domestic energy producers searching for answers just like you and your entourage were left searching for chargers,' the letter read. They also accused Granholm of excluding Tesla from her road trip due to political motivations. The probe comes at a time when vehicle production is back in the spotlight: the United Auto Workers (UAW) began a strike against the 'Big Three' auto makers last week - Ford, General Motors and Stelantis. The union is demanding higher wages, a four-day work week, more union representation and better retirement benefits. Republicans have been quick to blame the Biden administration's embrace of electric vehicles for causing anxiety amongst auto workers - noting many of the battery parts are currently made in China. Biden has backed the UAW strike and will join workers on the picket line in Michigan this week. Mining magnate Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest has suffered another personal heartache following his recent split with wife Nicola. His father, Donald Forrest, 95, died in his sleep early Sunday morning while staying at Minderoo station in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The 230,000-hectare cattle station property where Donald was also born and raised has been in the family for four generations. According to his family, the Forrest patriarch knew 'he was with people and places he loved' as he passed away. 'We all wish him well in his onward journey,' an obituary penned by the family read. Mining magnate Andrew ' Twiggy ' Forrest (left) is mourning the death of his beloved dad Donald just three months after he announced his shock marriage split from Nicola (right) 'He goes with the love, deep affection and enduring memories of all those whose lives his 95-year history has embraced. 'His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.' Donald is survived by wife Marie, his children David, Jane and Andrew from his first marriage, his stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family members joined farm staff to form a mounted guard of honour as Donald's body left the property in an ambulance on Monday. His family will celebrate his life at a ceremony on Sunday at the station, 'returning Don to his ancestral home he so loved'. A memorial service will be held in Perth at a later date for 'the broader community of family and friends unable to attend his funeral.' Donald Forrest is survived by his wife, three children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pictured is Donald's son Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest with his family Located almost 1,400km north of Perth, Minderoo Station was established in 1878 by Donald's grandfather, David alongside brothers Alexander and Sir John Forrest, who later became Western Australia's first premier. Donald was just 23 when he took over the reins of Minderoo from his father in 1951. He managed the station for almost half a century before Donald made the heartbreaking decision in 1998 to sell up after relentless drought and crippling debt took a heavy toll. The property returned to the family 11 years later when Donald's son Twiggy bought back Minderoo at auction for $12 million. 'We, as a family, had been forced to move on physically but in fact we had left our hearts behind,' Twiggy told the West Australian in 2012. 'To see the look on my brother's face, to hear the voice of my sister and to look into my father's eyes and my mother's eyes and see their joy, is something I will never forget. 'The place we had put so much heart into and so much blood, sweat and tears, was now back in the family and in the hands of the people who loved it. If you work hard, Australia affords you the opportunity to literally buy back the farm.' Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest (left) as a boy on his family's Minderoo Station, which was bought by his great-great grandfather and his two brothers in the 19th century. It was managed by his father Donald for almost half a century. Twiggy is pictured head stockman Scotty Black Donald's death is the latest blow for Twiggy. He and his wife Nicola announced in July that their 31-year marriage had ended and that the pair had been living separate lives. He was Australia's richest man prior to the split. READ MORE: The tell-tale signs that Andrew and Nicola Forrest were breaking up Advertisement 'Nic and I are good mates, we speak all the time - she's a fantastic lady,' Mr Forrest told Nine News recently. 'We made the call that it was better for everyone if we didn't live right on top of each other but we still absolutely support each other.' The couple insist it won't affect the direction of their mining empire or philanthropic interests. Mr Forrest was asked what assurances he could give to shareholders that the former couple's new arrangement wouldn't impact the business. His estranged wife is now Fortescue's largest shareholder. 'I give them complete reassurance- Nic and I are lockstep on that,' Mr Forrest added. 'We are completely committed to Fortescue, to Tattarang, all the objectives of Mindaroo, we are completely united.' A conservative British political commentator has urged Australia not to 'flirt' with an inheritance tax after the new head of the Productivity Commission flagged the idea for the Albanese government to consider. Danielle Wood, 43, the former head of the Grattan Institute think tank, suggested an inheritance tax in a speech delivered to the Economic Society of Australia on August 30. Ms Wood claimed the policy would shift some of the tax burden to older, rich people and off younger people But Esther Krakue has warned Australia against the idea after the same tax was introduced in the UK in 1986. Krakue described it as a 'death tax' during an interview with Andrew Bolt on Monday. British conservative political commentator Esther Krakue (pictured) has warned Australia not to 'flirt' with the idea of an inheritance tax 'I would say that inheritance tax is probably the second most hated tax after council tax, but it obviously is unfair,' she said. 'You've effectively pay taxes your whole life, and now it's effectively a death tax when you're trying to leave something to your children.' 'And then there's this automatic assumption that the government is better at spending your own money than you are.' Krakue claimed that data from last year showed the UK had the third highest number of billionaires and millionaires leaving the country after Russia and China. She added that most of these wealthy people were moving to countries like Australia and Singapore, as both don't have an inheritance tax. 'I would strongly urge Australia to not flirt with that idea because it's one of the things that makes Australia so attractive to very rich people from places like Britain, amongst other things.' 'So it's really been a contested issue here, particularly amongst all the voters in this country, but also amongst younger people that don't actually have any other way to get on the housing ladder than through their parents.' The new head of the Productivity Commission Danielle Wood (pictured), 43, suggested an inheritance tax in a speech delivered to the Economic Society of Australia Ms Wood suggested the idea for the Albanese government to consider but acknowledged that such a policy would be 'political dynamite' (pictured, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) During her speech where she brought up the idea of an inheritance tax for Australia, Ms Wood said it should not apply to all bequests, but only those over $1 million. She also called for retirees to pay a 15 per cent tax on their superannuation earnings and reducing the discount on capital gains tax. Ms Wood acknowledged such a policy was 'political dynamite' as it's 'seen as kind of interfering with a personal transaction, which is sort of given out of love'. 'But in a world...where we need to raise money, we're otherwise going to be pushing a huge burden onto future workers.' When pressed for further details about her idea, Ms Wood suggested the tax could kick in at around $1 million or $2 million - around the price of a modest home in Sydney. Ms Wood said she would not want smaller inheritances targeted by the tax. However she emphasised her 'longstanding' advocacy for an inheritance tax was a personal view, not yet an official Productivity Commission position. Ms Wood suggested the tax could kick in at around $1 million or $2 million - around the price of a modest home in Sydney (stock image) Australia abolished inheritance taxes in July 1979, a year after Queensland's National Party premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen led the charge to get rid of death duties. The other states copied Queensland and saw Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser scrap the federal inheritance tax. The Albanese government recommended to the governor general to appoint Ms Wood as the next Chair of the Productivity Commission earlier this month. Her term will last for five years. The real estate agent who slammed a 'cream pie' into the face of Natasha Fyles has told the Northern Territory Chief Minister to 'get over it' while revealing why she did it. Suzi Milgate, director of Milgate Real Estate, caught Ms Fyles outside shops at the Nightcliff Markets, in northwest Darwin, at about 11.40am on Sunday. She was charged with aggravated assault and bailed to appear in a Darwin Local Court on October 10. Ms Milgate admitted on Monday she made a 'minor error' by attacking Ms Fyles but claims the incident was the result of 'frustration' boiling over in the community. Suzi Milgate (above) was filmed hitting chief minister Natasha Fyles with a plate of fresh cream on Sunday 'It was just a cream pie out of frustration,' she told Sky News. 'She won't talk to the people and address the real issues of Darwin. 'All the crime, violence, murders and not being able to answer any of us with concerns in the community.' When questioned if she regretted the alleged assault, Ms Milgate said Ms Fyles was not at risk of any injury. 'What, a cream pie? For f**k sakes. That's not an assault, is a cream pie f**king assault? And it's fresh cream, how hard is fresh cream?,' she said. 'It's a slight error. It's a cream pie, tell her to get over herself.' She added she 'didn't mean to cause her any harm whatsoever'. 'It's a slight error of a cream fresh pie,' she said. A witness said Natasha Fyles (above) 'was very shocked and quite taken aback' by the attack Witness-captured footage of the incident on Sunday shows Ms Milgate rushing towards an unsuspecting and smiling Ms Fyles as she left a bank and shoving the cream-covered crepe into her face. A witness told the NT News that Ms Fyles 'was very shocked and quite taken aback'. 'The woman stood back from Natasha as she was wiping cream off her face,' they said. READ MORE: NT crocodile expert raped dozens of puppies and tortured 39 dogs Advertisement '(The Chief Minister) pulled out her phone and was trying to film and photograph the incident. There were a few people around supporting her but she didn't appear to be in any danger.' Ms Fyles had been attending a 15th anniversary celebration for the Bendigo Bank branch in Nightcliff, which is in her electorate. Nightcliff market manager Ross Dudgeon condemned the alleged attack. 'The Chief Minister's pretty upset,' he said. 'It's always been a relaxed community market. There's a difference between protesting peacefully and being obnoxious and violent. That's just not on. 'Natasha is always here every Sunday, grabs a smoothie and she should never be exposed to that sort of aggression and violence.' Ms Milgate (pictured attacking Ms Fyles) was charged with aggravated assault and bailed to appear in a Darwin Local Court on October 10 NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said the NT police are discerning whether security would need to be boosted for the territory's leader. 'It's about appreciating the threat and the risk assessments, and how that presents, and what sort of policing activities we put around people and make sure they're safe,' he told the Australian. Ms Fyles said the 'fair whack' had caused her some pain and left her with bruising around an eye but she would not be deterred from circulating with the public. 'I was in a little bit of discomfort yesterday and this morning, but I'm okay,' the Chief Minister said on Monday. 'I'm back at work, I'll get on with it. 'One of the great things about the territory is you can see members of parliament out and about in the community, you can approach them. 'I'm always up for a tough conversation. 'It won't deter me, I'll be back out in the community because that is what is so important to me.' Ingham's workers on strike have accused the chicken company of using bins full of rotting offal to try and disrupt their protests. Stinking bins brimming with chicken innards were seen left outside Ingham's processing plant at Bolivar, in Adelaide, on Monday. The bins were left just metres from picketers who are demanding better pay and conditions for staff. Disturbing photographs of the bins were posted on social media site X by the International Workers of the World account. 'Ingham's have responded to workers picketing their plant for better pay and conditions by placing containers of offal in steel bins near the picketers to drive them away,' the tweet said. 'As one picketer put it, 'the smell is a lot easier to deal with than the disrespect'. Ingham's denied the bins, which were taken away by the afternoon, were a deliberate ploy but were left there because the picket line prevented safe removal. Striking workers at an Ingham's factory in Adelaide have accused the company of trying to disrupt their picket line by dumping stinking bins of chicken offal near striking workers Ingham's workers are demanding better pay and conditions claiming they are even timed during toilet breaks Ingham's told 7News that holding trucks had overflowed meaning the material had to be put in the outside containers. United Workers Union national secretary Tim Kennedy said the picket would likely remain for 'some time'. 'The situation currently is that the plant won't operate today, the workers are quite determined to get a fair outcome from the company,' Mr Kennedy told ABC Radio Adelaide on Monday. 'Even if the workers said right now we'll go to work it would take some time to bring that plant up to standard to operate in a safe manner.' The workers are demanding a $1.50 pay rise to their current hourly rate of $25. Hundreds of employees for Ingham's, which supplies chickens to supermarkets such as Aldi and Woolworths and fast food chains, also walked off the job last week in Western Australia. In a viral TikTok clip posted by the United Workers Union, a disgruntled staffer argued the cost of living crisis has gotten too much for them. 'The cost of living has risen so much, peoples' mortgages, peoples' rent per week are like $500,' a worker says. 'How can you live? Pay your bills, feed your children, look after your family? 'A lot of workers here are immigrants that need to send money back home to their families. We cant afford it. We're living day by day.' The clip shows Ingham's employees calling out the company for its alleged strict treatment of workers. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has endorsed the cause of the striking workers 'We are timed when we go to the toilet,' the worker claims. 'We are pushed to the point that our bodies hurt all day long where we cant look after our families.' Ingham's, which was sold by the family to private equity firm TPG capital for $850million in 2014 and then listed on the ASX in 2016. It has over 8,200 employees and distributes their products in supermarkets all across Australia and New Zealand. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has endorsed the cause of the striking workers. 'These are low-paid workers often from migrant communities who have come to Australia to do work that a lot of other people frankly wouldn't consider,' Mr Malinauskas told ABC Radio Adelaide on Monday. A Jetstar passenger laughed and flexed his muscles outside court after he was charged for allegedly forcing a plane to turn around mid-flight. Wade Douglas Corbett, 33, has been charged with disorderly behaviour and failing to comply with safety instructions after he was allegedly a menace on board the JQ 989 flight that left Perth for Sydney just before midnight on Sunday. Corbett was allegedly intoxicated on the flight, which had to turn around just one hour into the journey, leaving 150 passengers stranded. He had been refused more alcohol on board and then allegedly locked himself in the cabin's toilet and didn't come out until the plane landed. Corbett faced Perth Magistrate's Court on Monday, and appeared unfazed by his charges as he left. Wade Douglas Corbett, 33, (pictured flexing his muscles outside court on Monday) has been charged with disorderly behaviour and failing to comply with safety instructions after he was allegedly a menace on board the JQ 989 flight that left Perth for Sydney just before midnight on Sunday When asked by a reporter what he had to say to the passengers impacted, Corbett laughed and said 'sorry guys'. He then bizarrely flexed his bicep as reporters continued to demand answers. Corbett could be hit with fines of up to $27,000, while Jetstar is seeking $20,000 in compensation for fuel and operational costs. The 33-year-old had been on his way to NSW for an unrelated court matter. Corbett was granted bail on Monday but will have to stay in Western Australia and must abstain from alcohol. Passengers onboard the plane had to find alternative accommodation following the incident. 'The safety of our crew and customers is our first priority and we do not tolerate any disruptive or abusive behaviour on our aircraft,' a Jetstar spokesperson said. 'We apologise to customers who were impacted by this disruption and thank them for their patience as our teams worked hard to provide overnight accommodation in Perth and replacement flights on Monday morning.' Corbett will return to court on October 6. The founder of a clothing drive has accused Anthony Albanese of turning his back on the homelessness crisis and forgetting about his public housing roots. Pass It On Clothing founder Chris Vagg said 'if ever an Australian prime minister was was going to deal with homelessness' it should be Mr Albanese. The Prime Minister describes himself as 'a working class boy from council housing' on his website and frequently talks about being raised by a single mother. 'He grew up in public housing, he understands the struggle. But he seems to have turned his back on the people he grew up with,' Mr Vagg told Daily Mail Australia. Mr Vagg started his homeless service provider with his partner Olga Puga in 2016 with the organisation handing out clothing to the needy. The homelessness crisis was highlighted last month after Sydneysiders were seen waiting in line for clothes at Martin Place in Sydney's CBD. Demand for Pass It On's services has escalated during Australia's cost-of-living crisis. Long queues of individuals and families wait clothes are distributed in Sydney's Martin Place on Tuesday Chris Vagg started social enterprise Pass it On Clothing with his partner Olga Puga in 2016 The Prime Minister describes himself as 'a working class boy from council housing' on his website and frequently talks about being raised by a single mother Similar scenes have unfolded since, prompting Mr Vagg to take aim at Mr Albanese and demand he stop dragging his feet on the issue. Mr Vagg even offered a suggestion on how to address the crisis saying more public space was needed to train unemployed residents for work. Mr Vagg, whose enterprise has so far given over 250,000 items of new and near-new clothing to homeless Sydneysiders and plans to expand the services it provides, told Daily Mail Australia Mr Albanese has been a disappointment as prime minister. 'If he was serious he'd be trying to give people opportunities. Instead it looks like he's left them behind,' he said. 'If there was one issue that he should have been looking to stand behind it was this. 'But he's chosen to take photos on overseas trips for his photo album to show off on a slide night in Marrickville.' Mr Vagg claims not enough is being done to prepare homeless people and those battling in public housing for work. 'Every day we do nothing - people suffer and every day the community pays for that,' he said. Demand for Pass It On's services has escalated during Australia's cost-of-living crisis and there are now long queues of individuals and families for the clothes that are distributed at Martin Place every Tuesday night. Mr Vagg claims much of Australia's homeless crisis could be solved by motivating homeless people and those in public housing by showing them how their lives will change by 'getting skilled up and having purpose every day'. 'There are plenty of people in housing who are capable of working but aren't being incentivized or inspired to get up and get going,' he said. Latest figures show 539,700 Australians are unemployed and there are another 1.3 million 'potential workers' interested in working, but not actively looking. In May the Business Council of Australia claimed there was something 'very wrong' with the job services system because 40,000 long-term unemployed have remained on JobSeeker payments for 10 years. 'It's not the work governments should be selling, it's the outcome,' Mr Vagg said. Anthony Albanese was raised in Sydney public housing by a single mum. Pictured: Albanese and his mum Maryanne Therese Albanese Pass It On Clothing has given more than 250,000 pieces of new clothing to the homeless since 2016. Pictured: co-founder Olga Puga gives new undies to a homeless man The business plans to take groups of 10 people into a 100 day program that would prepare people for work He cited the example of a homeless man who came into Pass It On's shop in central Sydney. 'He came in for a chat about how he wanted to get out of where he was in life,' Mr Vagg said. 'I said "wouldn't you rather be able to buy yourself a schooner and a chick parmy every afternoon instead of relying on food providers and what they give you?" 'He said "yes" so I suggested he ring his old boss in construction. He did and he got his old job back and he's been working for two and a half years so he can have a chicken parmy when he wants to. 'It's not always that simple of course but people need to be sold outcomes and ideas not threatened with job centres. 'Governments don't seem to know how to sell work to someone who has lost hope and doesn't know how to get back into it. They don't how to get people to stand up and do it for themselves. 'You have to know what people really want to get them to stand up and do it for themselves.' READ MORE: Why people queue for clothes in Sydney CBD Advertisement Mr Vagg and Ms Puga plan to commence the Pass It On Academy in 2024 to prepare groups of homeless unemployed people for work so they can afford private rentals. While Sydney and other cities are in the grips of a housing crisis centered on a lack of affordable housing there are signs of progress. The NSW government is fast-tracking a plan to build 19,000 homes in three large housing projects. The academy would take in groups of homeless people, aged 25 to 45 and unemployed for at least six months, for 100 day programs. They would be trained in life skills and every afternoon do work placements with business in the hospitality, retail and horticulture industries. 'On graduation they move into private housing and employment with a mentor.' Mr Vagg said. 'The graduates become taxpayers and an inspiration for those still in public housing. 'This plan also means we begin to address the human resource issues for businesses with locals instead of importing labour from overseas.' Mr Vagg said the Pass It On Academy is a model that could be repeated 'in every local government area' and beyond Sydney. 'I just need building with 1000 square metres. We can do this within a year, probably six months. 'We should have Pass It On academies in Sydney, Parramatta, Liverpool. Every LGA could have one.' Mr Vagg urged companies managing office spaces with reduced employee attendance since Covid to donate space for his project. A government spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the Albanese government has 'an ambitious housing reform agenda' including the Housing Australia Future Fund. It promises to 'help deliver the Governments commitment of 30,000 new social and affordable rental homes in the funds first five years'. The charity's humble aim is to give the city's homeless 'the ability to put on a fresh pair of underwear each day' and the dignity that goes with that Mr Vagg (left) and Ms Puga (second from right) with volunteers and homeless Sydneysiders 'This includes 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness.' It also claimed 'the number of Australians in work has never been higher than it is under the Albanese Labor Government'. 'This is what you get under a government that backs in secure jobs with better pay and conditions for Australian workers. 'This Government backed a pay rise for Australian workers on the minimum wage, backed and funded a 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers, and introduced a better and fairer bargaining system through last years Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation.' The husband of the Bronx daycare owner who has been charged in the fentanyl-related death of a baby was seen escaping the area in newly emerged photos. A manhunt has been underway for the husband of Grei Mendez De Ventura since the suspected overdose death of one-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici at the Divino Nino Daycare on September 15. In the new photos released by law enforcement, the man - whose name has not been released online - can be seen fleeing the daycare through a backdoor and taking off. According to sources who spoke with the New York Post, it's possible that Mendez's husband fled to the Dominican Republic - where they are originally from. 'Were all working together to find him nationally and over in the Dominican Republic,' the source said, describing the husband as the 'main player' in an alleged drug operation run out of the daycare's basement. Mendez, 36, has been charged alongside her husband's cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38. The husband of the Bronx daycare owner who has been charged in the fentanyl-related death of a baby was seen escaping the area in newly emerged photos The man looks casual as he walks through a grassy area in ripped jeans and a black Levi's shirt while holding the bags, which seem to be full Nicholas Feliz Dominici (pictured) , 1, died at Divino Nino Daycare on September 15 Authorities have already charged Grei Mendez De Ventura, 36, (pictured), Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, and Renny Antonio Parra Paredes, 38, in relation to the poisonings In the two newly released pictures, Mendez's husband appears to hold multiple plastic shopping bags while walking away from the Bronx daycare in an alley. The man looks casual as he walks through a grassy area in ripped jeans and a black Levi's shirt while holding the bags, which seem to be full. The unnamed fugitive is said to have been key to the alleged drug operation. Mendez reportedly called him twice and then deleted more than 21,000 messages before alerting the authorities to the unresponsive children. Mendez and Brito have been charged with murder, assault and child endangerment a day after Nicholas and three other children were found critically ill at the childcare facility. Nicholas was pronounced dead at the scene, with two boys, 2, and an eight-month-old baby girl were saved with overdose-reversal drug Narcan. Authorities claim the business was a front for a drug-peddling operation, with Mendez and Brito remaining behind bars. Manhattan federal prosecutors say that Paredes had 'tools and instruments that are used to prepare and distribute narcotics' at his apartment. During the raid, they found strainers, tape, a grinder, plastic bags, digital scales and two clear bags filled with a 'greyish powder'. Pictured: Nicholas Feliz-Dominici, 1, died on Friday after ingesting fentanyl at a Bronx day care De Ventura's alleged co-conspirator Carlisto Acevedo Brito, 41, (pictured) kept his head down as he left NYC's 52nd precinct after also being arrested in connection to the overdose Law enforcement sources told the New York Post the NYPD and the Regional Fugitive Task Force are following up on leads that he may have fled to the Dominican Republic Officers also found a 'rectangular, brick-shaped package which appeared to contain narcotics.' Paredes was arrested on Saturday, and is being held in custody without bail. Mendez and Brito also remain behind bars. Last week, officers found a cache of drugs hidden under a trap door at the nursery, including a large quantity of fentanyl. Other paraphernalia, which matched what was found in Paredes's apartment, was also concealed by the plywood and tile flooring. In the aftermath, photos shared by police showed bags full of powder inside the 'trap floor,' a few steps away from a shelf of children's toys. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: 'I promised last week that we would continue to work to bring those involved in the child poisonings at Divino Nino daycare to justice. 'Since then, this Office and our law enforcement partners have worked around the clock to identify and apprehend additional individuals who are responsible. 'Today's arrest is one more step toward obtaining justice for the child-victims of this heinous offense and their families.' Before discovering the hidden stash, officers had already confiscated a kilogram of fentanyl that was stored near mats that children used for sleeping. Last week officers found a cache of drugs hidden under a trap door at the nursery, including a large quantity of fentanyl Law enforcement sources believe that the basement under the day care where Brito lived was actually a front for drugs They also found multiple devices used by traffickers for mixing drugs and pressing it into bricks. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said last week 'one grain, two grains of fentanyl can take down a grown man so even the residue itself for a small child, would cause the death.' According to reports, there were no previous complaints made against Divino Nino Daycare. The daycare has a capacity of eight children between the ages of six weeks to 12 years old, records show. Nicholas' heartbroken father, Otoniel Feliz, 32, told DailyMail.com it had been the boy's first week at the day care. 'We had a good recommendation. We were told it was a great place. It looked like a nice place,' he explained. But within one week of being cared for at the daycare, Nicholas ingested fentanyl - a substance that has caused a spike in overdoses across the U.S. Otoniel said they'd been given a tour of the daycare the first time they dropped their son off and it looked like any other, with toys and kids' furniture inside. They also found multiple devices used by traffickers for mixing drugs and pressing it into bricks US Attorney for the Southern District, Damian Williams announced the new charges against a third person Paredes was arrested on Saturday, and is being held in custody without bail. Mendez and Brito also remain behind bars But after enrolling their son, Otoniel and his wife were never allowed to come back in their son often being brought to them by their caretakers, he claimed. 'Parents don't have permission to go inside. You see it on the first day to see where your son will be, but after that you don't have permission to go in,' he claimed. 'They said they 'don't want contamination from the outside to go inside because they keep everything clean,' that's what they said. 'My wife called me saying our child is going to hospital. We thought he was fine, 10 minutes later, my wife called me back on the way to the hospital and said he died.' Divino Nino Daycare passed its annual unannounced inspection with zero violations on September 6, city records note after receiving its license in May. DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III said: 'As alleged, Paredes had an instrumental role in this conspiracy and is charged with narcotics distribution and death in connection with the poisoning of four children. 'The alleged drugs and materials seized in the trap are indicative of a prolific drug packaging operation. 'Traffickers often hide contraband in inconspicuous or unsuspecting locations with no regard for the safety of others. 'In this case, the Daycare's floorboards were used as concealment, putting children's lives at risk who innocently sat on the floor to play. Police tape had been stripped from the street and hung across the doorway of the Divino Nino Daycare on Morris Avenue Frank A. Tarentino III (pictured) Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Division said the traffickers had hidden contraband with 'no regard for the safety of others' 'I reiterate that DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue justice for all members of this trafficking ring.' The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes Fentanyl as a powerful synthetic opioid that is FDA-approved to treat severe pain. Over the past decade fentanyl has been made and distributed illegally and other illegally made synthetic opioids have been increasingly found in the drug supply. During this time fentanyl and related substances have contributed to a dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The rate of drug overdose deaths involving the synthetic opioid fentanyl more than tripled in the United States from 2016 through 2021, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and has increasingly been mixed with other illicit drugs often with lethal results. The CDC report showed that the rate of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased from 5.7 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 21.6 per 100,000 in 2021. Fentanyl-related deaths rose by about 55% in 2019-2020, and 24.1% in 2020-2021, said Merianne Rose Spencer, one of the report's authors. READ MORE: Warning issued to Aussie drivers after major insurance error Fine print on travel insurance would not cover his expenses An Australian tourist who suffered 'life-altering' injuries in Bali has been left with a massive medical bill after making a common mistake with his travel insurance. Ehrin Coupe was surfing at Uluwatu Beach, 65 kilometres south of Denpasar in Indonesia, when things took a turn for the worst last Friday. A wave hit him and he suffered 'severe injuries to his nose and forehead' for which he was rushed to a hospital in Nusa Dua for surgery. The cost of the procedure and other treatment ballooned to $25,000 with Mr Coupe dealt another blow after learning the expenses were not covered by travel insurance. Aussie surfer Ehrin Coupe (pictured) suffered major injuries, following an accident while he was riding the waves at a beach in Indonesia and was rushed to a hospital nearby His wife Sarah said the couple had taken out 'comprehensive top level cover travel insurance for 12 months'. She admitted she didn't read the fine print that stated each trip could only be for a maximum of 60 days. 'I believed we were covered for 12 months,' she wrote on Facebook. Ms Coupe has been forced to turn to friends back home to cover her husband's medical costs. After contacting North Shore Boardriders, a surf club on the Sunshine Coast, in south-east Queensland, a fundraiser was set up by a family friend. Shane Bevan launched the GoFundMe revealing the couple needed to raise another $30,000 for a 'medical evacuation' and bring him home. Mr Bevan said his friend's 'situation is dire' and urged people to donate. 'Ehrin['s] devoted wife, Sarah, has reached out to us in this time of need,' he wrote. 'She's asked for our assistance in creating a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds for his medical treatment, including a crucial $30,000 for a medical evacuation to ensure his safety'. 'Despite the seriousness of his injuries, Ehrin spirits remain high'. 'Together, we can help him get the medical care he urgently requires. Please, let's come together as a community and make a positive impact on Ehrin's life during this challenging time'. Some $18,291 has been raised so far. Mr Coupe's wife Sarah (pictured left), didn't realise the couple's travel insurance, only covered single trips for a maximum of 60 days, after their insurance policy could not pay for Mr Coupe's medical bills A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover Mr Coupe's (left) medical bills, after his wife Sarah (right) launched a desperate plea for help by turning to friends back home to help pay for the staggering medical costs for her husband's treatment Compare Travel Insurance director Natalie Ball said not reading the fine print on policies is a major error. She urged holidaymakers to be aware of all terms and conditions. 'Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn't cover everything, which is something many travellers learn the hard way,' Ms Ball told Yahoo. 'While it may be lengthy, the Product Disclosure Statement is available and outlines what is and isn't covered. It's essential to pay particular attention to the General Exclusions section and ask your insurer any questions if you're uncertain. 'To reduce the risk of nasty surprises, always read the fine print so you can travel with peace of mind.' They say innocent children are living in squalid conditions Eleven women and 20 children living in a refugee camp in Syria after the fall of ISIL have launched an extraordinary bid to return to Australia. Charity Save the Children on Tuesday took the Home Affairs Department to the Federal Court, demanding the repatriation of the Australian citizens and their children. The 11 women are the wives and widows of Islamic State fighters - most of whom have either died or are serving prison sentences - have been living in the squalid detention camp known as Al Roj for the past four years. One of the children is now an adult, while others have been born since their mothers were detained. 'The situation of the remaining women and children is stark and dire... detained in hideous and appalling conditions,' Save the Children's barrister Peter Morrissey SC said. 'Their health, safety and dignity are seriously compromised by any standard.' Eleven women and 20 children living in a refugee camp in Syria after the fall of ISIL have today launched an extraordinary bid to return to Australia. Pictured, women and children at the al-Roj detention camp in northeast Syria CEO Mat Tinkler (pictured arriving to court on Tuesday) visited Al Roj in 2022, and said 'nothing could prepare [him] for seeing the impact of prolonged expose to these conditions' Save the Children says the children living in the camp are in 'grave danger' and lack basic necessities including healthcare, nutrition and education. CEO Mat Tinkler visited Al Roj in 2022, and said 'nothing could prepare [him] for seeing the impact of prolonged expose to these conditions'. Poll Should the Australian women and children be brought home? YES NO Should the Australian women and children be brought home? YES 98 votes NO 1124 votes Now share your opinion He said children were suffering from untreated shrapnel wounds and prolonged illnesses. 'They have already suffered immensely many have experienced violence, bombardment and lost loved ones,' he said. Other children are suffering dental decay, stunted growth, and a series of health complications. The women have been living in the camp in North East Syria since ISIS was defeated in March 2019. They travelled to Syria from Australia at the height of the caliphate, and many say they were coerced, tricked or forced into leaving their homes. But some of the children were born in the camp and have never known life outside of its confines. Armed guards line the exits and patrol the dirt streets. These women are the wives and widows of Islamic State fighters - most of whom have either died or are serving prison sentences - and they are now living in appalling conditions inside the squalid detention camp (ISIS fighters pictured) There are reports that most of the Australian cohort live in an area dubbed 'Australia Row', and that many other citizens of western countries have since been repatriated. France, Denmark, Canada, Norway, Russia, Spain and the United States are among some of the countries who repatriated citizens in 2023. In October 2022, the Federal Government repatriated four women and 13 children. Eight children were also returned to Australia in 2019. Save the Children is now arguing that the women and children still in Al Roj should be afforded the same treatment. The lawsuit is also based on an argument that the group's detention is unlawful. The women have been living in the camp in North East Syria since ISIS was defeated in March 2019 (pictured, al-Hol refugee camp Syria 2019) 'Despite countless opportunities to repatriate these families, the Australian government has ultimately failed in its duty to bring all of its citizens home to safety,' Mr Tinkler said. 'The government cannot allow these innocent children to suffer further they must do what is legally and morally right, before it's too late.' Save the Children argues previous repatriation efforts proves the Australian government is capable of successfully withdrawing families from these camps. The camp is also home to Britain's most famous ISIS bride, Shamima Begum, who has been locked in court battles with the UK government to repatriate her after they cancelled her citizenship. Meet the Canadian borzoi with a huge nose named Lapsha - whose daily antics on Instagram have gone viral among dog-lovers. The owners of the tall white pooch have hilariously been documenting her 'daily struggles' of having such a big snoot to navigate. With more than 108,000 fans, Lapsha shows off her ridiculously long nose - which is estimated to be about 12 inches -, as well as her cute puppy eyes. Her family reportedly believe that she should beat the world record for the longest snoot - or as they call it, her 'snootapede'. Despite looking adorable, the nose does cause Lapsha some serious daily problems such as clumsiness and messiness. Meet the Canadian borzoi with a huge nose named Lapsha - whose daily antics on Instagram have gone viral among dog-lovers The owners of the tall white pooch have hilariously been documenting her 'daily struggles' of having such a big snoot to navigate Borzois are known for their long faces. The name of the breed translates to 'fast' in Russian, where they are also known as wolfhounds. From nose to tail, Eris spans four-feet-nine-inches, with her nose being a foot long. Borzoi's are ranked 103rd in popularity among the 192 dog breeds listed by the American Kennel Club in 2018. Lily and Eris haven't yet met another borzoi in person but remain in hope. Whilst the length of her elongated sniffer is unverified, the super-snouted hound has plenty of time to become an official world-record holder, as borzois can live for up to 15 years. In a post explaining Lapsha's long nose, her owners quipped: 'When comfortable, the snootapede starts to droop and the snoot reaches maximum droop. This is called true form. 'This is often immeasurable, like trying to measure a shifting mountain range. Most people only view causal form in snootapedes as it is the typical shape they take when out and about.' Another post read: 'Snoot resting. Its important to rest the snoot on a comfortable surface such as, but not limited to: pillows, blankets, beds, people and couches. 'Here we see the snoot resting peacefully against a most favourable surface, the couch. Snoot resting can be as short as minute to as long as several hours.' With more than 108,000 fans, Lapsha shows off her ridiculously long nose, as well as her cute puppy eyes NHS strikes are likely to have been far more disruptive than previously feared with 2 million appointments cancelled, health leaders warned last night. Four days of industrial action by doctors led to 130,000 operations and consultations being postponed last week, official new figures show. It takes the total number impacted at the last minute to 1,015,067 since nurses first walked out in December. However, the NHS Confederation, which represents healthcare organisations, said the true number is likely to be up to double this, as many hospitals have stopped booking appointments on strike days. Rory Deighton, the confederation's director of the acute network, described the tally as 'grim' and added: 'The true scale of the cancelled appointments could be much higher, with the official figures only recording cancellations on the day. A total of 1,015,067 operations and consultations have been impacted by strikes since nurses first walked out in December (Pictured: Doctors striking in London last week) Four days of industrial action by doctors led to 130,000 operations and consultations being postponed last week, official new figures show (Pictured: Doctors striking in London last week) 'NHS trusts now routinely preempt the strikes by not filling slots that could otherwise be used for elective activity, meaning operations and appointments are often not being booked in, so our members are telling us that the true impact is much higher, perhaps as much as double what the figures show.' Mr. Deighton said strikes have cost the NHS around 1 billion, with hospitals spending vast sums on paying consultants overtime to cover for absent junior colleagues. Consultants walked out on Tuesday and Wednesday, and were joined by junior doctors on Wednesday. The junior doctors' strike then continued until 7am on Saturday. At the peak of the action, on Wednesday, there were 26,802 staff absent from work due to industrial action. Both groups will walkout again for three days next week to coincide with the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. It comes as waiting lists stand at a record high of 7.7 million and as hospitals are trying to tackle a huge backlog that built up during the Covid pandemic. Health leaders had described the first every joint strike as a 'nightmare scenario' and a 'step too far', warning patients would be put at risk. Health Secretary Steve Barclay (pictured) called on NHS staff to take the offered deal Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: 'Today marks the grim milestone of over 1 million appointments cancelled as a result of strikes, with coordinated and calculated industrial action by the British Medical Association creating further disruption and misery for patients and NHS colleagues. 'Regrettably, the BMA is threatening to escalate strike action again next month, which would mean the number of cancellations rising further and adding to the pressures on health services as we head into winter. 'Doctors have received a fair and reasonable pay rise - as recommended by the independent pay review bodies. 'My door is always open to discuss how we can work together with NHS staff to improve their working lives, but this pay award is final so I urge unions to end this damaging disruption.' Dr Vin Diwakar, national medical director for secondary care and transformation at NHS England, said: 'These figures reveal just part of the relentless impact of strikes over the last ten months with the number of appointments rescheduled hitting more than 1 million, with pressure on services increasing as junior doctors and consultants took joint action last week for the first time in the history of the NHS. 'We know that each appointment rescheduled is incredibly difficult for patients and families, and as we prepare for further joint action next week, there is precious little time for staff and services to recover.' Lance McCarthy, the chief executive of Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, told Hertfordshire and West Essex integrated care board on Friday: 'We shouldn't underestimate the impact industrial action is having.' Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said: 'We can't go on like this. It's an uphill battle. 'The consequences of each successive strike are deeper and wider and take longer to sort out, and add to trusts' mounting costs.' A woman and girl were found dead in a New York apartment Monday afternoon - along with their pet dog who reportedly was found with a bag over its head. The trio of bodies were found at a residence on Brooklyn's New York Avenue in Little Haiti, reportedly by a concerned family friend who lives in the building. Dispatchers responded to the 911 call at about 2:33pm and can be heard saying the apartment had 'blood everywhere' and that the victims had been missing since Friday. On Monday, family friends said the victims, identified as 37-year-old Azalea Rivas and her unnamed 14-year-old daughter, both lived at the residence, along with their pet poodle/terrier mix. Police sources further told NBC 4 the dog had a bag over its head, while a statement from the NYPD said the 37-year-old was found face-up in the living room with a slash across her face, while the teen was found face down with unspecified head injuries. Scroll down for video: The trio of bodies were found at a residence on Brooklyn's New York Avenue in Little Haiti, reportedly by a concerned family friend who lives in the building The discovery, made at about 2:33pm, led to a 911 call - one that dispatchers are heard responding to in shocking radio chatter that reveals how the apartment had 'blood everywhere' - and that pair, believed to be mother and daughter, had been missing since Friday Police in the 67th Precinct are currently probing what led to their deaths. 'Two females at the location, unconscious; blood is everywhere... they've been missing since Friday,' the dispatcher is heard warning cops in the frantic call, which was recorded around 2:45pm and has since been shared on the Citizen App. Both victims, sources said, were already dead - with the adult having sustained the stab wound and the girl having undergone 'severe head trauma.' Next to the girl, in a bedroom, was the family dog - found lifeless with a plastic bag over its head - apparently suffocated. Accounts from those familiar with the investigation - as well as neighbors who reportedly heard a commotion coming from the apartment on Friday - indicate all of the victims, including the canine, had been dead for days. According to a report from The Daily News, a downstairs neighbor was startled awake around 7:20am Friday to the sounds of blood-curdling screams and a dog whimpering. 'We got woken up by loud banging and screaming,' Steve Schor, 38, told the paper Monday, as police remained stationed outside the building near Avenue D in East Flatbush. 'We called 911 and the police came. When they went upstairs, no one answered. All they heard was loud music,' he added, while revealing the woman and girl had only been living at the apartment building for a few weeks. Accounts from those familiar with the investigation - as well as neighbors who reportedly heard a commotion coming from the apartment on Friday - indicate all of the victims, including the canine, had been dead for days That day, according to a report from The Daily News, a downstairs neighbor was startled awake around 7:20am to the sounds of blood-curdling screams and a dog whimpering As of Monday 10pm - nearly eight hours after the bodies were found - there were no immediate arrests, and police were still probing the deaths. No suspect has been named Law enforcement sources said police previously visited the home on the building's second floors multiple times, and that a 911 call was made as recently as Friday After multiple knocks, he said, the officers left. 'After the banging, we heard the dog crying and whimpering and then it just stopped,' Schor said, before suggesting that another person was responsible for the slayings. 'What I heard was pretty grotesque,' Schor added. 'Obviously, we heard people being murdered. 'I'm heavily distraught for the family. I can only hope they catch this guy.' As of Monday 10pm - nearly eight hours after the bodies were found - there were no immediate arrests, and police were still probing the deaths. Law enforcement sources also told The News that police previously visited the home multiple times, and that a 911 call was made as recently as Friday morning. Between then and the time of the discovery, the man who made the find, a 38-year-old who is currently being questioned by police, reportedly told cops he became concerned for the women's well being after receiving a call from a member of their family. As of Monday 10pm - nearly eight hours after the bodies were found - there were no immediate arrests, and police were still probing the deaths. Officers were seen taking clothes and other objects out of the building around that time, but have yet to issue an official statement regarding the case, which as of Monday night was still ongoing Worried he hadn't been able to get in touch with the woman or her daughter, the male relative asked the unnamed tenant to visit the apartment. After knocking repeatedly with no answer, he reportedly broke down the door - leading to the disturbing find. He is the believed to have called 911 - leading to a procession of officers descending on the building that afternoon, remaining there into the evening. Officers were seen taking clothes and other objects out of the building around that time, but have yet to issue an official statement regarding the case. Speaking to the News Monday evening, a family friend mourned the losses of the mother and daughter. 'She was a loving and dedicated mother,' said the man, identified only as Paul. 'She was a free spirit. Her daughter was her world. I'm just trying to take care of the people who were around her.' DailyMail.com has reached out to the NYPD for comment. They are accused of dropping Mejia's body on a sidewalk outside, causing bruises and a dent on his head, then denying that anything happened Employees from Twinwood Mortuary Services were hired to remove his body from the apartment The Houston man died in hospice care surrounded by his loved ones The family of a Texas man is seeking over $1,000,000 in damages after morgue workers allegedly manhandled his remains, dropping his body and leaving bruises and a dent on his head. Twinwood Mortuary Service is being sued by Margaret Mejia, the widow of Juan 'Chuco' Mejia, 69, along with his children William, Michelle and Melody who claim the company committed professional negligence and breached their duty to the family in mishandling Mejia's body. The company sent two employees to collect Mejia from his daughter Melody's Houston condo after he passed away there on June 14, 2021. But as the employees began to carry Mejia's body down the stairs, his son William closed the door and heard a thump followed by several thumps in a row, the June 19 suit alleges. Days later at his wake, the family then noticed denting and bruising on Mejia's head 'from being dropped on the ground' - something the funeral directors Yeager Barrera Mortuary denied ever happening, the court documents allege. Juan 'Chuco' Mejia - an avid Dallas Cowboys fan - died on June 14, 2021, in his daughter's Houston condo The zealous Dallas Cowboys fan is survived by his wife, Margaret, and three children After Mejia passed, funeral services were arranged and employees from Twinwood Mortuary were sent to retrieve his body The family contracted Yeager Barrera Mortuary of Eagle Pass, Texas, to provide funeral services and were told that Twinwood Mortuary would remove Mejia's body. However, the lawsuit alleges that the two employees who arrived that evening to were not licensed funeral directors, which is required by the State of Texas. Mejia's body was covered with a blanket and placed on a metal stretcher, with an employee holding either end. William noted that they 'appeared young and were visibly hesitant in their decision making.' He offered to help carry his father's body down the stairs, but the employees refused. William then 'instructed the employees that they should request more assistance from coworkers; however, the two employees stated they did not need to and did not seek help.' As the employees began to carry Mejia's body down the stairs, William closed the door and heard a thump followed by several thumps in a row. He discovered that the stretcher had toppled off its rolling frame and his father's body had fallen onto the sidewalk. One employee was on his knees beside the staircase while the other was on the ground. William saw his father's head, shoulder and upper half of his body lying on the cement. He hurried down the stairs and 'frantically covered his father's body by hugging it in an attempt to shield him from being viewed by neighbors.' William attempted to level the stretcher and lift it, along with his father's body, off the ground but was unable to do so. He shouted at the employees to help him. The employees sent to collect the body 'were visibly hesitant in their decision making,' according to the lawsuit filed by Mejia's widow and children Mejia's son, William, heard a thumping noise from outside the apartment. When he opened the door, he saw his father's body lying on the concrete The Twinwood employees are accused of tipping the stretcher, causing Mejia's body to fall to the ground and leaving his head, shoulder and upper body exposed William rushed outside and frantically tried to cover his father's corpse, shielding it with his own body, to prevent neighbors from seeing it William was left with pain in his arm and back, according to the lawsuit. One employee 'apologized for the situation and agreed that the situation should not have happened the way it did,' admitting that 'no one should have seen what William Mejia saw.' After the employees righted the stretcher and carried his father's body away, William contacted Yeager Barrera funeral home to inform them of the incident. When the funeral home responded, William was told 'the employees reported that they had safely put Juan Mejia's body down slowly to better adjust their grip, and that nothing else occurred.' On June 18, 2021, the family arrived at Yeager Barrera mortuary in Eagle Pass for Mejia's wake. William and his mother, Margaret, were the first to see the open casket. The family noticed denting and bruising on Mejia's head 'from being dropped on the ground by the employees' who transported his body. 'This caused tremendous mental anguish for Plaintiff, and even interfered with his and his family's grieving process,' the petition reads. The employees denied dropping the body and said 'they had safely put Juan Mejia's body down slowly to better adjust their grip' At the wake, Mejia sported a noticeable dent on his head along with bruising, much to the bewilderment of his family His widow and three children are suing the mortuary service for negligence and seeking over $1million in damages Twinwood Mortuary Services was founded by Todd and Julie Liem and advertises itself as 'providing a level of service never before seen in Houston' Twinwood Mortuary Services was founded in 2012 by husband and wife duo Todd and Julie Liem, according to their website. Julie has a over a decade's experience as a licensed funeral director and embalmer, while Todd has a background in construction. 'Since April 2012, Twinwood Mortuary Service has been providing a level of service never before seen in Houston,' the website says. 'No other Independent Mortuary Service comes close to Twinwood's level of service. We are proud of the facility we built and the service we provide.' The Mejia family continues to grieve and commemorate the loss of their father and husband each year. Back in 2021, Melody confirmed on social media that the family 'made the difficult decision to end my father's treatment and bring him home for hospice care to be surrounded by our warmth and love.' She added: 'We hope that you can continue to remember and honor my father by living life to the fullest - like he always did (especially when cheering on the Dallas Cowboys).' On January 23, Melody posted to Facebook, thanking those who honored her father's life through random acts of kindness. She announced that family and friends had collectively raised $1,000 for chemotherapy care kits and gifts cards for patients of the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, a Texas-based charity. 'Once more, thank you for helping us celebrate Chuck,' she wrote, referring to her father by his nickname. 'We hope you continue to live your life the way my father did...spreading kindness and laughs to everyone you cross paths with.' King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a glittering banquet as the highlight of a State Visit by the South Korean president. His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, accompanied by First Lady Kim Keon Hee, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty to visit Britain in November, Buckingham Palace announced today. The visit comes amid continuing tensions between South Korea and neighbouring North Korea. Leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia earlier this month to meet President Vladimir Putin. The meeting has raised concern that Pyongyang could receive sophisticated weapons technologies by Moscow in return for replenishing Russia's arms inventory, depleted by its invasion of Ukraine. King Charles and Queen Camilla (pictured) will host South Korea's president in November Yoon Suk Yeol (pictured) has accepted an invitation to visit Britain Last year, the British government began preparations to negotiate an enhanced post-Brexit free trade agreement with South Korea - the tenth largest economy in the world. Ministers said the new deal would 'upgrade' the UK's existing trading agreement with South Korea, which is currently worth 14.3 billion. South Korea is already the UK's 20th biggest goods trading partner but it is hoped that this will grow. Charles and Suk Yeol met in September last year when they attended a reception at Buckingham Palace the night before Queen Elizabeth II's funeral. The King also sent a message of condolence following the deadly crowd surge in Itaewon in October last year. The monarch has met with several South Korean Presidents in the past, but last visited the East Asian country in 1992. State Visits take place at the request of the British Government and reflect their global strategy over issues such as trade, security and culture. They are hosted by the monarch both as head of state and as a means of harnessing their power of 'soft diplomacy'. Further details of the State Visit programme will be announced nearer the time. A Halfords manager claims the firm has blamed him for suffering a life-changing injury that has prevented him from working after he was attacked by two shoplifters. Marty Scott, 57, was kicked in the head and suffered a stroke shortly after trying to stop the thieves from fleeing the store. The company he works for initially offered him just 16,000 in compensation, and went as far as to blame him for suffering the injury at the store in Stockton, County Durham. The listed company's lawyers reportedly told Martin, who worked for Halfords for 40 years: 'It is company policy not to attempt to retrieve stock or aggravate the situation and the claimant went directly against this policy, placing himself and potentially others at risk.' To rub salt in the wound, the case against the two thieves was dropped because police could not identify them, despite the fact that there was clear CCTV footage of the incident. Marty was kicked in the head by two assailants while working in the Halfords he manages - pictured Marty Scott, who was savagely attacked by shoplifters, pictured with his wife Kim Police dropped the case against the attackers after claiming they could not identify them Marty's wife Kim (pictured with her husband) described it as 'an appalling way to treat someone' Marty seemingly knew that something like this would happen at least two months before the attack happened, telling his bosses in a letter: 'We preach that our colleagues are more important than stock, which they are. 'I have a massive concern. I worry that sooner or later a colleague is going to get hurt or a colleague is going to hurt a thief because the abuse and threat is too much.' While Halfords later upped its compensation offer to 20,000, Marty rejected this and is suing the company. His wife, 51-year-old Kim, told the Sun: 'It's an appalling way to treat someone. Shoplifting is out of control. This is what happens when someone tries to stop these people helping themselves. It makes us so angry to read those words now, he spelled it out for them that something was going to happen - and the person he feared for turned out to be him.' Marty's brother-in-law has set up a GoFundMe page for him to assist him financially. MailOnline has contacted Halfords for comment. It comes as store owners in Britain's shoplifting capital reveal how they're living in a 'lawless' town where gangland bosses rule the streets and thieves openly sell their stolen goods Last week, MailOnline revealed the areas worst afflicted by shoplifting. Cleveland topped the rankings as the place with the highest number of shoplifting crimes in the past five years per 1,000 people. During the period 2018-2023, there were 32,378 reports of shoplifting in the region. With a population of 570,000 according to the most recent census data, that works out at 56.80 crimes per 1,000 in population. Shop owners and locals in Hartlepool, which falls under the protection of Cleveland Police, told MailOnline criminal gang bosses had taken charge and shoplifting was rife. Store owners in Britain's shoplifting capital are living in a 'lawless' town where gangland bosses rule the streets and thieves openly sell their stolen goods. Pictured: Abik Romarajan, 23, works in LS Convenience store in Hartlepool Avril Sprintall, 72, (pictured) a retired office manager, said: 'A lot of the shoplifting is just people trying to survive in a cost of living crisis' Gareth Richardson, 39, (pictured) works at Tech and Games, which provides a repair service and also buys and sells goods. He says shoplifting is so rife thieves will open up DVD boxes and take CDs which are only worth about 1 Your browser does not support iframes. Cleveland tops the table as the place with the most number of shoplifting crimes in the past five years per 1,000 people Residents said they never saw bobbies on the beat, and claimed Cleveland Police does little to protect the town from widespread theft. Locals regularly see thieves with huge hauls being chased down the rundown streets by security guards. Abik Romarajan, 23, works in LS Convenience store, where a massive TV screen providing views of the entire shop faces the counter. There is also a glass screen emblazoned with 'NO ENTRY' signs to keep customers away from the till. Abik said: 'We've taken a lot of precautions, including changing the layout of the shop, but we still have thefts. 'One person will hold the door of open, and another will run in, grab what they can, and run out again. 'It happens so quickly you barely have time to react. You get a lot of kids thieving. They go for the sweets. Anything that's easy to steal, anything that has sugar in it. 'Because of that, we have a rule whereby we only allow two children in at once. Last week, MailOnline revealed the areas worst afflicted by shoplifting. Cleveland topped the rankings as the place with the most number of shoplifting crimes in the past five years per 1,000 people During the period 2018-2023, there were 32,378 reports of shoplifting in the region With a population of 570,000 according to the most recent census data, that works out at 56.80 crimes per 1,000 in population Shop owners and locals in Hartlepool, pictured, which falls under the protection of Cleveland Police, told MailOnline criminal gang bosses had taken charge and shoplifting was rife 'I watch them very closely but they still take things. You try to speak to them and they are so rude. You have no power. What can you do? 'There's little point calling the police. To be fair to them, they can't get here quickly enough anyway. 'I tell the kids I'm going to ring the police, and they run out of the shop. At least it gets rid of them.' Tom Ward, 24, who works at Cut Price Vape, on the same street, says his shop is beset by anti-social behaviour and crime and claims the police aren't interested. He said: 'I caught someone trying to break in. 'I arrived one morning, and opened up the front. I realised someone was trying to drill into the back door. 'This was at 8am, not in the dead of the night. People have no shame. 'We get shoplifters too. They come in in threes. One will talk to you and pretend they are interested in buying something. While you are distracted the others will steal. 'You also get kids coming in. This is a vape shop and they are underage so you have to ask them to leave. In retaliation they will then try and steal stuff.' The shopfront of LS Convenience store (pictured) Abik Romarajan, pictured, who works in LS Convenience store said: 'We've taken a lot of precautions, including changing the layout of the shop, but we still have thefts' Cut Price Vape (pictured) on the same street is beset by anti social behaviour and crime Tom added: 'In Hartlepool, there is a shortage of police. 'The last time we reported a shoplifting offence we were told to upload a screenshot from CCTV to a link the police sent us. 'I even gave them the name of the shoplifter, as I knew who it was. But nothing happened. 'The shoplifters are getting away with it, 100 per cent. If it's not drug related, the police aren't interested. 'People here have given up on the police. They are having to sort out problems themselves. 'It's only at the point where someone gets their head kicked in that the police get involved.' Another local said: 'There's no deterrent. The police don't do anything. 'The shoplifters openly trade, right where we're standing now. They sell the items on in broad daylight. 'It's damaging to the business owner and it pushes prices up.' Another man added: 'It sounds about right that Cleveland is the worst in the country for shoplifting. 'It's the cost of living crisis. If you don't have food for your kids, what are you supposed to do? 'There are no police here. People can do what they want in this town. 'Shoplifting is rife. We have shoplifters knocking on our doors, trying to sell clothes. 'It's the big bosses, the gangs, who are in charge. It's lawless.' Dawn Conroy, 49, is the manager of Eden Mobility in the town, which has scooters lined up on the pavement outside. She said: 'We get people trying to steal the mobility scooters. 'The scooters are chained up, so thieves can't take them. If they weren't chained up they'd definitely be taken. 'We also have lots of cameras. It's not a massive problem for us, but it is for the town as a whole. 'I'm not shocked the Cleveland area is the worst in the country for shoplifting. 'We see shoplifters with big bags being chased down the street outside the shop by security guards. 'There's no shame, and there are no police around. The police should be back on the beat, you just don't see them. You used to feel safe. 'Sometimes CID will come in asking for our CCTV, but it's for more serious offences that have happened on the street, such as attacks or rape. 'They're not interested in shoplifting. It's difficult for the security guards. They're not able to physically get stuff back from the shoplifters. 'A lot of it is people on drugs. You don't know if they're carrying a knife. 'There's not enough support in the town and it's not getting dealt with. The town is going downhill and I don't even want to live here.' Gareth Richardson, 39, works at Tech and Games, which provides a repair service and also buys and sells goods. He says shoplifting is so rife thieves will open up DVD boxes and take CDs which are only worth about 1. He said: 'We have been here long enough to know who the regular shoplifters are. 'They are the type of people who would sell their niece's toy box. Gareth Richardson, pictured, works at Tech and Games. He told MailOnline: 'We have been here long enough to know who the regular shoplifters are. They are the type of people who would sell their niece's toy box' A nail bar and vape shop on a highstreet in Hartlepool, Cleveland Shoppers stroll towards Middleton Grange at the centre of Hartlepool 'I had someone come in here once trying to sell a little toy box with the name 'Stephanie' on it. I thought, ''just give that back to Stephanie''.' Gareth added: 'There's no police presence any more. You never see police walk past. 'People come in here and try to sell stolen goods. We tell the police, but they're not bothered. They don't want to put the effort in for something which costs 100.' Retired teaching assistant, Janet Carr, 58, said: 'I'm not surprised this area is the worst in the country for shoplifting. 'More needs to be done to help the shops. I don't know what the answer is, but something needs to be done. The police should take shoplifting more seriously. Retired teaching assistant, Janet Carr, 58, (pictured) said: 'I'm not surprised this area is the worst in the country for shoplifting' Alan Chambers, 70, (pictured) a retired plant hire manager, added: 'Shoplifting is rife in Hartlepool. There is a lot of unemployment and it's down to lack of money' 'I think the cost of living crisis and Covid have made the problem worse.' Alan Chambers, 70, a retired plant hire manager, added: 'Shoplifting is rife in Hartlepool. There is a lot of unemployment and it's down to lack of money. 'At Tesco they steal tubs of Lurpak and packs of bacon. Stuff that's easy to sell on. 'Just a few months ago there were kids on my estate trying to sell on Lurpak for 2 a tub. We do not see police in Hartlepool any more.' Chief Inspector Pete Littlewood, Cleveland Police's operational lead on retail crime, told MailOnline: 'Whilst shoplifting has increased in Cleveland, this is the same across the country and most likely a reflection of the impact of national social and economic changes. Dawn Conroy, 49, (pictured) is the manager of Eden Mobility in the town, which has scooters lined up on the pavement outside Two shoppers stroll down a highstreet in Cleveland 'Cleveland is an area of significant social deprivation with high crime levels similar to larger city forces such as Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Northumbria. Our smaller geographical area, with a lower population than these large city areas, shows a higher number of incidents per thousand of the population in comparison with these other forces, so some caution should be applied when comparing forces against each other. 'Cleveland's charge and detection rate for shoplifting is above the national average, with 22.8% of reports ending in a charge to court. Whilst much work remains to be done in dealing with the issue of retail crime, those figures are testament to the work Cleveland Police Officers do to tackle the problem. 'The force is proactive in its approach to preventing, reducing and catching those who regularly steal from shops. Neighbourhood teams work closely with retailers, encouraging them to report crime when it happens, offering crime prevention advice, and ensuring that we have a clear picture of what is happening through the offer of retail crime forums. 'Efforts are also made to arrest the top five shoplifters each week, and officers regularly carry out problem solving work to prevent reoffending by making applications for Criminal Behaviour Orders. The Neighbourhood Teams take part in regular weeks of action to target retail crime, with a visible policing presence in shopping centres and engagement activity with both retailers and shoppers. 'All reports of shoplifting reported to Cleveland Police are recorded so that our statistics provide a full and frank picture of the scale of the problem across the force area. Where there are solvability factors such as a named suspect, CCTV evidence, witnesses or other reasonable lines of enquiry, then the report will be investigated.' WARNING: Graphic content A once-respected academic and zoologist appeared to live an idyllic life on a rural property - before his secret and sickening obsession with raping and torturing pet dogs was revealed. Adam Robert Corden Britton, 52, pleaded guilty in Darwin's Supreme Court on Monday to 37 counts of animal cruelty, 10 counts of raping or attempting to rape a dog, and four counts of possessing or transmitting child abuse material. He confessed to killing at least 39 dogs which he called 'f*** toys', filming the abuse of puppies at his sprawling property at McMinns Lagoon, and sharing his depraved interests under pseudonyms online. The court also heard he sexually abused his own Swiss Shepherd pets, Ursa and Bolt, for almost a decade until he eventually took to Gumtree Australia to source more dogs to kill. However, until he was arrested Britton managed to keep his disturbing fantasies a secret - including from his wife. In a message read to the court, Britton spoke about his urges to a stranger on Telegram: 'I had repressed it. In the last few years I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to.' It was only two years ago that he was an esteemed researcher at Charles Darwin University who attracted international recognition for his work as a crocodile conservationist with his wife and business partner, Erin. Adam Britton is pictured with his wife, Erin. They were married for at least 15 years About six months prior to his arrest in April 2022, the couple - who were married for more than 15 years - were interviewed about their research on ABC News and Triple J's news program, Hack. During a Covid lockdown in 2020, the couple filmed themselves feeding a freshwater crocodile called Njall on their property before posting it on Facebook. In the video, Britton faced the camera and said: 'Hello everyone, Adam here. Well, we're at home at the moment and we've got to feed the crocodiles. 'So what I'm going to do is, I'm going to hand this camera to Erin - say 'hi', Erin.' Ms Britton smiled into the lens and said, enthusiastically, 'Hi everybody,' before she took the camera and filmed her husband feeding chicken legs to Njall with a large pair of tongs. There is no suggestion whatsoever that Ms Britton, a biologist and wildlife ranger who has assisted in a range of projects on sea turtles and counting crocodiles, knew anything about her husband's crimes or obsessions, and she appears to have dropped his surname. The National Geographic website suggests she will be on international wildlife expeditions for the next six months, and there is no mention in her bio of her husband and former business partner. Adam Britton (pictured) told a stranger on Telegram that he stopped trying to suppress his violent urges Britton was a crocodile expert who set up a consultancy company with his wife Adam Britton (centre) with his wife Erin (left) and David Attenborough (right) during filming for a BBC documentary Britton grew up in England and received his Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Bristol before moving to Australia after 1996 to pursue his fascination with crocodiles. He met his future wife and they set up a consultancy company, Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to television and film directors. They worked with natural history shows with the BBC and National Geographic. Their saltwater crocodile, Smaug, became something of a celebrity in his field and appeared in two horror films. Britton was a shameless self-promoter and would often update his social media profiles with photos of his crocodiles, property, and media clippings. While he managed to hide his sick fantasies, one of the more disturbing posts on his public Facebook page was a post celebrating his Swiss Shepherd Bolt's first birthday in 2016. The post included a photo of Bolt as a puppy in 2015. According to the court on Monday, Britton started sexually abusing his own dogs in 2014. Many of his crimes against animals were so graphic and disturbing that Daily Mail Australia has chosen not to publish them. In 2016, Britton uploaded a photo of one of his dogs, Bolt, as a puppy (pictured) The court heard Britton started abusing his dogs, Ursa and Bolt (pictured), in 2014 Prosecutors told the court on Monday he had a Telegram account which was used to engage with 'like-minded people', and another which was used to disseminate images and recordings of the abuse. 'Using these applications, the offender discussed his 'kill count',' prosecutor Marty Aust said. His account had 114 threads where he described how he acquired the pets and how he abused them. Britton sourced other canines off Gumtree Australia from unsuspecting owners in the Darwin region. The court heard he built rapport with the owners and negotiated taking custody of their pets, many of whom reluctantly gave their pets away due to travel or work commitments. In one scenario, Britton sent a message to the owners of a large brown dog to reassure them the animal was 'settling in well'. 'Wolfe was relaxed and eating well and enjoying her new home,' the message read. The prosecutor told the court they had already been 'sexually exploited, tortured and killed'. Last year, police seized 44 items including computers, mobile telephones, cameras, external hard drives, tools and weapons during a raid of his home. They also found 15 child abuse material files on his laptop. After pleading guilty to all charges on Monday, Chief Justice Michael Grant warned the gallery the facts of the offending detailed 'acts that could only be described as grotesque cruelty which are both confronting and distressing'. 'Which in my assessment have the potential to cause nervous shock or some other adverse psychological reaction to a person exposed to those details,' he said. Britton was charged last year, but his name was suppressed by the courts to ensure media attention would not bias a jury against him. The order was lifted after his pleaded guilty on Monday. His matter is set to return to court on December 13 for sentencing submissions. A mother has revealed the heartbreaking four words that went through her mind when she found out her daughter had been allegedly stabbed at university. Ilysha Perry, 20, is in intensive care in Canberra Hospital following the alleged attack at Australian National University (ANU), in Canberra, on September 18. Her mother Fiona Coffey had just spent the weekend with her and driven the two hours back to Bateman's Bay on the NSW central coast when she received a phone call every parent dreads. Ms Coffey spoke to reporters outside Canberra Hospital this week where Ms Perry, who is a second year student, remains in a serious but stable condition. She said the only thing going through her head when she got the call was: 'Not my precious baby'. Ilysha Perry, 20, remains in ICU in Canberra Hospital after she was allegedly stabbed on her university campus Her distraught mother Fiona Coffey spoke outside the hospital this week where she said she had just spent the weekend with her daughter before the alleged attack Police can be seen arresting the alleged attacker on the ANU campus (pictured) Ms Perry's accused attacker Alex Ophel, 24, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after police alleged he stabbed two women and assaulted two men during an alleged 30 minute rampage across campus. Police have thanked ANU staff and students who shepherded bystanders out of way of Ophel's alleged rampage through the university. Ms Coffey told reporters she immediately 'dropped everything, got in the car and went straight there' after she got off the phone. '(I felt) shock, disbelief, we didn't know whether she was going to survive or not so that was the worst part for me,' she said. 'I feel pretty lucky that she had hung on that long to see me.' Ms Coffey said a week on fron the incident she is running on adrenaline and still feels 'numb' but thanked the community and her other five children for their support. Whether the 20-year-old arts student will make a full recovery is still unknown. 'She's going to have some serious long-term issues but hopefully she'll recover,' Ms Coffey said. 'But she'll never be the same.' Ms Perry was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and the other woman is in a stable condition Police scour the usually quiet Canberra campus on Monday Despite being a private person, Ms Perry was described as a private person but also the 'quietest, loveliest girl you'd ever meet'. 'We're all devastated but she's a bit better today, so that's a good day,' her mother said. Ms Coffey also had a defiant message for other students. 'ANU is a safe place ... don't let fear stop you from reaching your dreams and don't let that fear change the path that you're on,' she said. 'Be brave, be strong, be heroes like Ilysha.' In addition to the attempted murder charges, Ophel has also been charged with two counts of assault and one count of possessing an object to be used to kill. Police remained standing on guard at the campus well into Monday evening Alex Ophel (pictured), 24, has been taken into custody following a stabbing rampage at the Australian National University in Canberra He allegedly hit a male student on the head with a frying pan before the victim fled the scene. He then allegedly stabbed the first female student and chased a second woman before stabbing her. He then approached a second male student and also struck him with the frying pan, police allege. Ophel will reappear before the ACT Magistrates Court on October 17 after a mental health assessment. A squatter house located next to a popular party strip has been buried under piles of rubbish prompting frustrated residents to call police to the property. The abandoned home on Norman Street in Southport, on the Gold Coast, is filled with rubbish that is strewn all over the front yard of the property. General waste as well as clothes, discarded trollies, and even a mattress that's been partly torn are littered across the home's entrance. It's prompted locals in surrounding homes and apartments to deem the squeamish scenes a major health hazard. One neighbor told 7 News used syringes had allegedly been thrown from the dump in the front yard of the property onto the balcony of her home next door. The home (pictured centre) looks like any other property in the neighbourhood but, a closer look past the broken gate out the front, reveals the filthy state of the property An abandoned home (pictured) in Southport in Queensland's south-east, is buried in piles of rubbish strewn across the property's front yard, forcing police to intervene after squatters were spotted at the residence The resident said it has become extremely difficult to live next to the property, which has been left with the heap of rubbish over the past year. The deserted house, which is surrounded by a tall grey fence, has been the home for several squatters. Gold Coast councillor Brook Patterson said the the illegal inhabitants of the dwelling have been confronted by officers from Queensland Police. 'We've got criminal behaviour there,' Ms Patterson told 7 News. 'The squatters have been very aggressive with our local law officers, with residents, and with the tradies trying to get to clean up the place,' she said. The property, which is covered by a high grey fence seems like any other dwelling in the neighbourhood. The property is surrounded by an apartment block and another home on either side. However a closer look, through a gap in the broken gate out the front of the property and from the balconies of the neighboring apartments, reveals the piles of mess strewn across the front yard. Piles of rubbish including general waste and clothes have been discarded all over the front yard of the home, with residents from nearby properties deeming the home a major health hazard Ms Patterson said police need to remove the squatters from the property after locals lodged complaints with the council to have the matter dealt with. She said the council told the owners of the home to clean up the mess, but when they hired tradies to remove the rubbish from the site, their tools were stolen by the squatters. 'So this is a criminal matter [now]. This is a police matter,' Ms Patterson said. A spokeswoman from Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia several people have now been charged for allegedly entering a property without permission. Two women and a man have been charged for allegedly trespassing the home while another man has been fined. 'On July 19, police were called to a property at Norman Street in regards to alleged trespassers inside a dwelling,' the spokesperson said. 'Around 9.20am, officers allegedly located a 35-year-old woman in a downstairs bedroom. She was arrested and charged with trespass'. 'A 27-year-old man was also located and issued with an infringement notice for trespass'. 'On July 22, it will be alleged that officers located a 37-year-old man inside the property. He was charged trespass. 'On July 24, it will be alleged that officers located a 36-year-old woman and inside the property. She was charged trespass'. New video shows hundreds of migrants cheering and waving the Venezuelan flag atop a US-bound cargo train - a continuation of scenes over the weekend when more than 5,000 were seen boarding another freighter to get into the country. Filmed on Monday, the clip shows a slightly smaller procession of several hundred migrants standing on a stopped train near Eagle Pass - a Texas border town whose mayor Saturday said it had reached 'breaking point' due to outsized daily arrivals. Accepting more than 2,000 per day, the city is the second in the state to say it has reached capacity - with El Paso, another common migrant stop, now also overrun. There, as well as Eagle Pass, asylum seekers are sleeping on the streets due to overcapacity - as thousands of mostly Venezuelan migrants continue to cross illegally before willingly turning themselves in to Border Patrol. The crisis reached new highs last week, when Mexican officials revealed that some 11,000 migrants reached the Mexican border with the US in a day alone - leading the country to strike a deal with the US to deport migrants from its own border cities. Scroll down for video: Filmed on Monday, the clip shows a slightly smaller procession of a several hundred migrants standing on a stopped train near Eagle Pass - a Texas border town whose mayor Saturday said it had reached a 'breaking point' due to outsized daily arrivals The clip shows hundreds of migrants cheering and waving the Venezuelan flag atop a US-bound cargo train - a continuation of scenes over the weekend when more than 5,000 were seen boarding another freighter to get into the country *NEW VIDEO* FOX News sources capture stunning new video of hundreds more of migrants making their way on top of trains, some waving a Venezuelan flag, en route to the US border in Eagle Pass, TX @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/LHsH79xG63 Griff Jenkins (@GriffJenkins) September 26, 2023 Shortly after, Mexico's biggest railroad said it would be halting several of its trains due to the amount of migrants illegally hitching rides - a decision that has reportedly led to dozens of premature deaths. Still, migrants continue to utilize the company's more than 700 remaining freighters - collectively known to many as The Beast - a fact bolstered by the new Fox footage. Several were seen making triumphant gestures to the drone filming overhead - offering a view of the group's overwhelming numbers. Standing atop a train that has no seats for passengers and is only meant for cargo, the asylum seekers likely spent hours - or even days - clutching onto whatever they can, as railroad officials on the ground continue to turn a blind eye to the practice. Such inaction was on full display Saturday, when a much larger group of migrants - also chiefly from Venezuela - were seen hopping onto a separate freight train on the outskirts of Irapuato, a city in Central Mexico. Seen sleeping alongside the tracks in anticipation of the convoy, the mob jumped into action when the train arrived - with countless seen traversing its trailers with ease, and others tossing up bags and handing up children swaddled in winter coats. By the time the other clip was filmed Monday, most of that procession had likely made its way into the US - if they did not lose their footing during the tumultuous journey. The footage shows how thousands of mostly Venezuelan migrants continue to cross illegally every day - before willingly turning themselves in to Border Patrol to be relocated in the US It comes days after Mexico's biggest railroad said it would be halting several of its trains due the amount of migrants illegally hitching rides - as railroad officials on the ground continue to turn a blind eye to the practice, which has led to dozens of deaths Such inaction was on full display Saturday, when a much larger group of migrants - also chiefly from Venezuela - were seen hopping onto a separate freight train on the outskirts of Irapuato, a city in Central Mexico Seen sleeping alongside the tracks in anticipation of the convoy, the mob jumped into action when the train arrived - with countless seen traversing its trailers with ease, and other tossing up bags and handing up children swaddled in winter coats The procession of more than 5,000 are now likely in the US - fueling numbers seen last week when some 11,000 migrants reached the Mexican border with the US in a day alone Meanwhile, footage from Juarez - the Mexican town located opposite El Paso - shows hundreds more migrants continuing to cross the border on foot Monday, traversing the also notorious Rio Grande. Days earlier, a double amputee looking to cross the dangerous body of water that has marked the boundary between Mexico and the United States for centuries, was seen being carried across by several other travelers. Another cluster of migrants were seen carrying the woman's two-year-old daughter - leading to a harrowing reunion on the El Paso side, where the pair were photographed together near razor wire designed to keep them out. The country's system of freight trains - long used as an alternative to other options like the Rio Grande - have also fueled rising numbers, spurring Mexico's railroad Ferromex last week to announce it would be halting 60 of its trains for the foreseeable future. The rationale behind the decision, the firm said, was that so many migrants were hitching rides on the trains that it became unsafe - citing at least a 'half dozen regrettable cases of injuries or deaths' in a span of just a few days. Meanwhile, footage from Juarez - the Mexican town located opposite El Paso - shows hundreds more migrants continuing to cross the border on foot Monday, traversing the also notorious Rio Grande to do so While strategies like traversing the famously tumultuous Rio Grande still remain popular, the country's sprawling system of freight trains has long been used as an alternative Such obstacles have proved fruitless in recent years as the migrant crisis has continued to worsen with the rescinding of Donald Trump 's Title 42 in May - a move that has made it easier for migrants to seek asylum and circumvent border laws The crisis reached new highs last week, when Mexican officials revealed that some 11,000 migrants reached the Mexican border with the US in a day alone - leading the country to strike a deal with the US to deport migrants from its own border cities Last week, the Mexican government announced a new agreement with the US that they hope will slow the outflow - by deporting migrants from border cities like Juarez, Chihuahuato, and Piedras Negras their home countries The new footage underscores the historic numbers of people heading north in search of a new life in the US, and the dilemma it poses for nations in Central and South America - as they also struggle to cope with the amounts of migrants traversing their territories Just days after that warning was issued - after mayors of both Eagle Pass and El Paso claimed their cities have reached capacity - the Mexican government announced a new agreement with the US to deport migrants from cities like Juarez, Chihuahuato, and Piedras Negras their home countries. The deal will also take several actions to deter migrants from traveling by rails, as part of a new effort to combat the recent surge in border crossings. Despite violence from drug cartels and the dangers that come with riding atop the train cars, such freight trains still remain popular. That said, the closures temporarily cut off one of the most transited migratory routes in the country at a time of surging migration. It also further underscores the historic numbers of people heading north in search of a new life in the US, and the dilemma it poses for nations in Central and South America - as they also struggle to cope with the amounts of migrants traversing their territories. Migrants hop a northbound freight train in Irapuato, Mexico, Saturday Migrants wait for a northbound freight train to hop in Irapuato, Mexico, Saturday Migrants wait to hop a northbound freight train, in Irapuato, Mexico, Friday Stateside, matters are even worse, after more than three years of thousands of illegal entries a day - leaving states like Texas, and more recently New York, at a loss. The Biden Administration, even after its rescinding of Title 42, has failed to address the crisis, and is actually turning a lower percentage of border-crossing migrants back into Mexico than his predecessor, statistics show. According to federal data an average of 1,000 people have been sent back across the border each month since Title 42 ended, compared with nearly 3,000 the month before. In August, the U.S. Border Patrol made 181,509 arrests at the Mexican border, up 37 percent from July but little changed from August 2022 and well below the high of more than 220,000 in December, according to figures released Friday. It reversed a plunge in the numbers after new asylum restrictions were introduced in May. That comes after years of steadily rising migration levels produced by economic crisis and political and social turmoil in many of the countries people are fleeing. Once, just dozens of migrants from Central American countries would pass through Irapuato by train each day, said Marta Ponce, a 73-year-old from who has spent more than a decade providing aid to those who travel the tracks running through her town. Now, that number often reaches the thousands. Cities like Eagle Pass say they are at absolute capacity and cannot handle any more migrants streaming across the border In the last handful of days, El Paso has seen an influx of some 2,000 migrants per day Migrants breach concertina wire set by the Texas National Guard at the border between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso In an aerial view, migrants are seen grouped together while waiting to be processed on the Ciudad Juarez side of the border on September 21, 2023 in El Paso Some of the babies were carried by National Guard and Border Patrol personnel who took the infants from their exhausted mothers as they struggled up the bank This is the astonishing moment a group of 100 migrants stormed across the Rio Grande National guard in boats and air boats and razor wire along the banks trying to discourage the migrants from crossing the Rio Grand and entering the USA on September 23 And migrants come from all over, including African nations, Russia and Ukraine. Most travel through the Darien Gap, a dayslong trek across the rugged Colombia-Panama border. The crossing was once so dangerous that few dared to attempt it, but now so many migrants flood through its dense jungles that it's rapidly become a migratory highway similar to the trains winding through Mexico. Crossings of the Darien Gap - a 66 roadless miles of dense, mountainous jungle and swamp filled with armed guerillas and drug traffickers in Panama - have shot up so much they could approach 500,000 people this year alone. Colombia, which has taken on the brunt of the exodus from Venezuela, has long called on the international community for aid. Panama and Costa Rica, meanwhile, have tightened migratory restrictions and demanded that something be done about hundreds of thousands of people passing through the notoriously dangerous Gap. Panama even launched a campaign dubbed 'Darien is a jungle, not a highway.' The Biden administration has pushed Mexico and Central American nations to control migratory flows and now requires asylum seekers to register through an app known as CBP One - despite its failure to address crises occurring in New York and Texas on American soil. On Thursday, the Biden administration announced it would grant temporary protected status to nearly a half million more Venezuelans already in the country. Activists like Ponce say they expect migration along the train line to grow. As migrants climbed onto the train early Saturday morning, they cheered as the train picked up speed and continued them on their winding route north - a destination they reached in roughly a day. When they touch down, a new struggle awaits - as politicians like Eric Adams mull policies that could put an end to complementary stays in hotels and shelters for the thousands of visitors, and instead thrust them out on the streets within two months of arrival. This comes as countless arrivals have found themselves with nowhere to sleep and nowhere to work, spurring protests, homelessness, and unrest from weary locals. On Saturday, border patrol sources told ABC News that nearly nine thousand migrants were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border that day alone - the highest rate since May. Migrants wait to be processed in Eagle Pass on Thursday morning after overwhelming the small Texas border town yesterday Thousands of migrants are pictured lining up to be processed on arrival in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday. At one point the line stretched five miles The line of migrants awaiting processing on Wednesday stretched as far as the eye could see in Eagle Pass Migrants sit under the bridge on Wednesday in Eagle Pass, awaiting processing Border agents say criminal gangs are taking 'full advantage' of the escalating crisis by increasing their human trafficking efforts. Above, a group of 49 who were found in a 'poorly ventilated trailer. They had come from Guatemala and Honduras Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday eviscerated President Biden for allowing the unfolding disaster. The only migrant shelter in the city, Mission Border Hope, has now been overrun with migrants. Many fled from Venezuela and arrived in the US via Mexico. Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas declared a state of emergency yesterday, warning that the town's hospitals are also becoming overwhelmed. Yesterday, a three-year-old boy drowned while trying to cross the Rio Grande into Eagle Pass with his family. The bridge between Eagle Pass and the Mexican city across the border, Piedras Negras, was closed on Wednesday so border agents could be redeployed to work on processing migrants. Randy Clark, a retired Border Patrol agent, said the decision to close the border to those legally crossing back and forth showed the scale of the problem. 'The only closure at the border is one of two ports of entry where legal residents and citizens cross. The inconvenience by DHS is reserved for legitimate trade and travel,' he wrote on X. 'No impediments on the constant flow of illegal traffic between the ports. 'This government is on crazy pills!' The line for processing illegal immigrants on Wednesday stretched for five miles on Wednesday, NewsNation reported, and wound its way back into Mexico. Rolando Salinas, the mayor of Eagle Pass, said 2,500 people crossed into his town of 29,000 on Monday - and 7,200 the week before. So far this year, the Del Rio sector of the border, in which Eagle Pass sits, has recorded 317,866 migrant 'encounters', the latest Border Patrol data shows. The figure is a 15.5 percent decrease on the same time period last year, but Salinas said his town was still struggling. EXCLUSIVE The tragic death of his stillborn twins at 21 weeks was just too much grief to bear for a gentle giant FIFO mine worker after 10 years of gruelling IVF. Towering 1.93m-tall Adam Edwards, 32, died suddenly last week after struggling with his mental health in the wake of the tragedy, his grieving widow Lucy, 30, told Daily Mail Australia. In February, the young Perth couple were on a high as they celebrated finally being told they were parents-to-be after years of sacrifice to fund expensive IVF treatment. And in April, they jubilantly announced to friends that they were expecting twins, with a snapshot of their latest scans and a due date of late October or early November. Just three months later in July though, the celebrations turned to tears when the twins were stillborn at 21 weeks. The devastated couple held a funeral service for the twins they named Penny Christine and James Robert, with a moving video on social media charting their short life. But in the emotional turmoil of the tragic aftermath, Mr Edwards struggled to recover from the heartbreaking loss. His body was found last Tuesday at the remote BHP mine where he worked in Western Australia's remote north-west. The tragic death of his stillborn twins was just too much to bear for gentle giant FIFO miner Adam Edwards after 10 years of gruelling IVF and wife Lucy's painful battle with endometriosis In February, the young Perth couple were on a high as they celebrated finally being told they were parents-to-be after years of sacrifice to fund their expensive IVF treatment In April, they jubilantly announced to friends that they were expecting twins, with a snapshot of their latest scans and a due date of late October, early November Wife Lucy broke the tragic news of her husband's death to friends last week with a picture of the couple consoling each other in grief as they held their stillborn babies. 'To love Adam Edwards has been the privilege and joy of my life,' his wife said. 'I dont know how to do this life without you. 'We all love you fiercely, but to have been loved by you is the greatest gift any of us could have asked for. 'I would do anything for one last kiss, one last hug or one last day. Please take care of our babies.' On Tuesday, Lucy told Daily Mail Australia how grateful she was for the support she'd received from friends and family, including a GoFundMe set up to help pay for her husband's funeral. But she said it served as a warning for other men and begged for anyone else feel similar despair to seek help before it's too late. 'Everyone who knew and loved Adam is devastated. His legacy brings to the fore the importance of mental health for men, particularly those who work Fly-In, Fly-Out,' Ms Edwards told Daily Mail Australia. Lucy Edwards said she hoped the death of her beloved husband Adam would bring home the importance of mental health for FIFO workers like him 'I hope no other family goes through this. 'My life changed irrevocably when I received the news that my best friend, husband and soul mate Adam Edwards had passed away. 'Adams death was sudden and unexpected. He died alone and hundreds of kilometres from the home we shared in Perth. 'His devastating passing came a little more than two months after we buried our twins - two perfect sleeping angels born at 21 weeks and five days. 'Our beautiful children were conceived after a seven-year IVF journey which Adam and I travelled side by side, hand in hand every step of the way. 'It is impossible to describe the excitement and pure happiness we experienced when we learned we would finally be parents.' She said her husband was ' quite simply overjoyed' to be a father and 'had so much love to give'. Lucy said Adam had been a vital emotional support for his wife while they grieved, but had masked his own heartbreak as he slid into depression over the tragedy. His job as a FIFO mine worker had added to the situation, being away from his wife and often alone at his lowest ebb, with no-one to turn to. 'When a fit and healthy young man like Adam dies suddenly and unexpectedly, it is natural for people to assume it was the result of a long battle with mental illness,' she said. 'But this wasnt the case with my beloved husband of four years. Over these past few unimaginable months of grief and loss, Adam was my rock. 'He was a strong and steady presence at a time when my heart was shattered into a million pieces. 'But I now know that sometimes grief and trauma can be utterly overwhelming for even the strongest people, and for many men, especially those working FIFO, reaching out for help is daunting.' She said she hoped his tragic death could serve to spark change to prevent a similar situation happening to anyone else. 'While all I can do is face my unbearable sadness one day at a time, my hope is that other families can be spared the heartache and pain that I and Adams family are now experiencing,' she said. 'We need more community conversations about the impact of infertility and losing precious unborn children. 'We need more understanding of the impact sudden loss and trauma can have on a persons wellbeing. 'We need to ensure that men working in high stress industries such as mining know that there is no shame or stigma in opening up about grief and accepting support.' She begged anyone in a similar situation facing their own personal crisis to contact support group MATES in Mining on 1300 642 111 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lucy added: 'You are loved and there is help, all you need to do is ask. 'Thank you to the many people who have wrapped their arms around me over the past week and for the continuing messages and gestures of love and support from family, friends, colleagues and even strangers. 'All I ask now is for privacy as I try to come to come to terms with life without Adam.' The Perth couple charted their long and costly journey to becoming a family on social media and in February they broke the news Ms Edwards was finally pregnant But on July 9, Mr Edwards posted an update with two emoji of angels. His wife added a picture showing the handprints and footprints of the twins with their baby caps The couple held a heartbreaking memorial for their two 'sleeping angels' in July The tragedy has triggered a wave of heart-wrenching messages on social media from her shocked friends and family. Family friend Roumelia Carroll added: 'Adam can be described as being larger than life, literally at 6.4ft and the biggest hands anyone has ever seen. 'He gave the best bearhugs and hugged everyone, even people he just met, with the love and kindness of a long-term friend. 'His laughter carried afar, his joyful presence filled the room, and the love he has for Lucy is what poems are made from.' 'I am utterly heartbroken for you,' posted one. 'No one can imagine what you are going through right now, I am so so sorry for this horrible news. 'Sending you all the love, strength and support. The epic love you guys had was clear to all....please be gentle with yourself and lean on your loved ones.' Another added: 'I wish I could take away all the pain in your heart right now. 'I feel so blessed to have met him and I know he is already so incredibly missed by my husband who loved him so much. You are so so loved Lucy, never forget that.' The couple charted their long and costly journey to becoming a family on social media and in February they broke the news Ms Edwards was finally pregnant. Her endometriosis condition - where uterus-like tissue grows outside the uterus and can cause agonising pelvic pain - had made it almost impossible. In April, they announced they were expecting twins, due in late October, early November, and began the preparations for their long-awaited new arrivals. 'Look what happened,' posted Mr Edwards, 33, on Facebook, with a picture of the ultrasound scans of their coming brood. 'We're as shocked as you are! So many years, so many tears and yet here we are with not one, but two! 'We are so thrilled to share that we expecting two perfect babies sometime in October/November, our rainbows.' On June 25, Lucy posted an update to her 100,000-plus followers on TikTok asking them to help pick the colour of their new nursery for the coming brood. But on July 9, Mr Edwards posted an update with two emoji of angels. His wife added a picture showing the handprints and footprints of the twins with their baby caps. She added: 'James Robert and Penny Christine Edwards were born at 21 weeks 5 days, two perfect sleeping angels.' It instantly sparked an outpouring of grief among their friends. 'My heart just aches for you both,' said one friend. 'Two precious angels that were loved so much. Sending you both so much love and healing.' They announced the memorial service held on July 17 with the touching words: 'At 11.30am, our precious twins will be carried by us for the last time. 'We know our babies were so wished for and loved from far and wide and we encourage anyone who wishes to attend to please do without hesitation.' Just two months later though, Ms Edwards now has to cope with the loss of her beloved husband, originally from Newman in Western Australia's Pilbara region. She revealed in an earlier social media post that the couple had written their own wedding vows - but without discussing it previously, had both used the same quote. 'I would rather share one lifetime with you than have all the ages of this world alone,' they both promised at their 2019 wedding. The couple married in 2019 The touching quote they both shared by accident in their wedding vows has now taken on a new significance for grieving widow Lucy Friends and family are rallying around Lucy, who runs her own PR company, as she deals with the latest heartbreak. 'The love you and Adam have has always been inspiring,' said one. 'He is a beautiful soul and it wasnt hard to see how much love he has for you.' Another added: 'My heart is breaking for you. It was so obvious to everyone who met Adam how much he loved you. Im so so sorry Lucy.' If this story has raised issues for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MATES in Mining on 1300 642 111 ANZ has been fined $15million after admitting it misled some of its customers about not having to pay fees on their credit cards. The bank didn't inform customers their credit card account balances were lower than indicated and then charged them unexpected fees and interest when they took out cash advances. The Federal Court on Tuesday found ANZ did not act efficiently, honestly and fairly and was in breach of financial regulations. More than 186,000 accounts were charged an average of $45 in fees and interest on cash advances between May 2016 to November 2018, with some customers unfairly charged thousands of dollars. ANZ has since paid back $8.3 million to the affected customers. ANZ Bank has been fined $15million after it admitted to misleading some of its customers over credit card fees (stock image) The financial regulator said consumers deserved clear and accurate information about their money and what fees they were liable to pay. 'These are errors that we expect a bank to be aware of and fix in a timely manner,' Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) deputy chair Sarah Court said. 'It should not have taken ANZ several years to address this issue. 'ASIC will continue to take action against banks who fail in their duty to act efficiently, honestly and fairly in dealings with customers' ANZ also agreed to establish a remediation program to pay back customers who were charged a cash advance fee between November 2018 and September 2021. In a statement, the bank said the proceedings related to a situation where funds were deposited to a credit card account and displayed as available, and then a cash advance was made on that account before the funds were processed. It said it accepted responsibility for what had occurred, had apologised to its customers, and had addressed the issues that gave rise to the contraventions. Leading No campaigner Warren Mundine has urged Indigenous Australians to 'move on' from past trauma, arguing 'we cannot lay down in the foetal position for the rest of our lives'. The anti-Voice campaigner addressed the National Press Club on Tuesday, arguing there are practical ways to improve the lives of disadvantaged First Nations people that don't involve a constitutionally enshrined advisory body. He said the Voice offered Indigenous Australians only two choices, one being a reality based on 'centralised, government dependence' and another a mindset focused on historical wrongs and 'identity politics'. Instead, the proud Indigenous Australian said: 'We need to move forward. 'That's not to say that we forget about it. That we don't acknowledge it. We don't remember it. We do. 'But if we're going to have our kids move forward, we have to give them positivity. We have to show them how to get educated and get jobs. 'If we don't do that, then they're just going, to generation after generation, just suffer.' Leading No campaigner Warren Mundine has urged Australians to 'move on' from past horrors inflicted upon Indigenous Australians as the nation cannot 'lay down in the foetal position for the rest of our lives' READ MORE: Our grim past: Photographs show the horrific treatment of Aboriginal people by early European settlers Advertisement Mr Mundine was asked about his differences with fellow No campaigner Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who said Indigenous people are not today feeling the negative impacts of colonisation. 'Whether you agree with victimhood or not, or whether you agree with colonial intergenerational trauma, there is a stage you have to move on,' Mr Mundine said. 'It's in history, it's a fact, you know it, you learn about it, and you - how do you take that experience and you move forward? If we don't do that, you know, then we're all going to lay down in the foetal position for the rest of our lives.' Mr Mundine has become one of the most high-profile figures in the referendum debate since he founded the Recognise a Better Way group opposing the body in January. He has since campaigned alongside Nationals Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, despite a split in opinions over Indigenous treaties and changing the date of Australia Day. Asked about his current position on treaties and native title claims, Mr Mundine said: 'Do you know today that 55 per cent of Australia's land mass has been given back to Aboriginals? 'Over the next 10-15 years, it's going to be nearly up to 70 per cent to 80 per cent of Australia's land mass will be going back to Aboriginal people. 'So that's through the acknowledgement that we took this land and we put legislation in place that would return land back to Aboriginal people.' In his speech, Mr Mundine said despite fractures in the No camp, Indigenous people needed to 'forgive' and 'fully invest in our shared national project' to reach reconciliation. 'Many Aboriginal people feel angry when they think about the wrongdoings of Australia's past. But these events can't be undone,' he said. 'So as Aboriginal people, we have a choice: to continue to feel angry and aggrieved - to be trapped in the past - or to draw a line in history and move on from a clean slate.' Mr Mundine said 'we all oppose the Voice and the radical and divisive Voice, Treaty, Truth agenda of the Uluru Statement that the Albanese government has committed to'. Anthony Albanese is pictured Mr Mundine described the Uluru Statement from the Heart - which called for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament - as a 'symbolic declaration of war against modern Australia'. The Uluru Dialogue - who helped to create the statement - later hit back at his claims, saying Mr Mundine 'incited violent imagery' in his speech. 'The Uluru Dialogue is deeply concerned that the NO campaign is using incendiary and inflammatory language to describe the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 'Referring to the Statement as a 'declaration of war' is not the kind of language that is suitable for a modern liberal democracy like Australia. Historically, petitions have always been issued by Indigenous populations to the Crown.' The Uluru Dialogue insisted the statement was presented as an 'olive branch', a 'hand of friendship' and 'sign of peace'. Mr Mundine's speech comes amid an increasingly divisive debate over whether the Constitution should change to create a body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to advise the government on policies affecting them. The referendum is Australia's first since 1999, and has seen a record number of people enroll to vote on October 14. Corporate Australia has overwhelmingly backed the proposed Voice, with national airline Qantas declaring its support after it unveiled three planes sporting a Yes logo on three planes at Sydney Airport in June. Mr Mundine, a successful businessman, harshly criticised corporations for treating the Voice like 'the shiny new thing' and said companies like Qantas failed to advocate for work which directly benefited Indigenous people. Mr Mundine was asked about his differences from fellow No campaigner Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who said Indigenous people are not today feeling the negative impacts of colonisation 'Large corporates have been advocating for the Voice - but when was the last time any of them raised awareness about violence and abuse in remote Aboriginal communities?,' he said. 'When will Qantas paint one of its planes with a call to confront the violence and abuse of Aboriginal women and children in remote Australia?' He said the referendum and Uluru statement have become a 'glossy marketing brochure' for the misappropriation of Indigenous culture and for a 'radical and divisive' Australia. 'We have also seen the good of this nation and the good its people and its institutions, and the great promise it offers to all Australians Our stories are testament. We must work harder to create the opportunities for other stories,' he said. 'But we all oppose the Voice and the radical and divisive Voice, Treaty, Truth agenda of the Uluru Statement that the Albanese government has committed to. 'That pathway will not reconcile us. It will only divide us and keep us that way.' Daniel Andrews has announced his resignation as Victorian Premier and quit politics in a shock call - confessing the 24/7 demands of the job had taken a toll. Andrews called a snap press conference on Tuesday afternoon as he announced 'it's time', flanked by his wife Catherine. Andrews' nine-year tenure as as Victoria's longest serving Labor premier will officially end at 5pm Wednesday. Andrews arguably became Australia's most divisive politician - and certainly one of its most iconic - during the Covid pandemic. He made the surprise decision to quit after discussions with Catherine and the couple's three children, Grace, Joseph and Noah. 'Today I will again visit Government House and resign as Premier and member for Mulgrave, effective 5pm tomorrow,' Mr Andrews said. 'When it's time, it's time. 'I have always known that the moment that happens, it is time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility to someone else. READ MORE: Daniel Andrews quits LIVE: Daily Mail Australia's live blog of the Premier's resignation Dan Andrews called a snap press press conference and announced he was quitting politics on Tuesday afternoon. Even some of his own caucus colleagues had no idea it was coming He departed the media conference flanked by his wife Catherine and two of their children, Noah and Joseph Andrews said: 'It is not an easy job being premier of our state, but that is not a complaint - that is just fact. Poll Did Daniel Andrews resign too soon? Yes, he was elected until 2026 Not a minute too soon Did Daniel Andrews resign too soon? Yes, he was elected until 2026 81 votes Not a minute too soon 435 votes Now share your opinion 'It requires 100 per cent from you and your family, that of course, is time-limited and now is the time to step away.' 'It's not an easy job as Premier of our state. It requires 100 per cent from you and your family. That of course is time limited and now is the time to step away. 'The only way that I know how to do this job is to have it consume me. Every waking moment is about work and that takes a toll.' 'Ultimately, once those thoughts of what ... life will be like after this roll start to creep in, you have got an important choice to make,' he said Andrews' legacy includes a massive - and expensive - infrastructure program, the eradication of level crossings on Victorian roads and an enormous state debt of $135.4 billion next year. Andrews said: 'To have been premier for nine years and the leader of my party for 13 years is a greater set of opportunities than I ever thought would be afforded to me a kid from the country with only really an aspiration to do good, to work hard, to work with teams of people that perhaps make things better.' Andrews' resignation came as a shock to his Labor caucus colleagues - some openly telling reporters they had no idea the political earthquake was coming. He had initially vowed to see out his current term, which runs until 2026, after he won a landslide election victory last year. The new Premier will be elected at a caucus meeting on Wednesday. The frontrunners include Mr Andrews' deputy premier Jacinta Allan and MP Ben Carroll from the Labor Right faction. Ms Allan's standing has taken a beaten recently as she was the relevant minister for the delivery of the Commonwealth Games - which Mr Andrews recently cancelled. READ MORE: Was video of Daniel Andrews smoking the first sign Victorian Premier was about to resign? Dan Andrews walks away from his final media conference as Premier supported by wife Catherine, who appeared visibly emotional The Premier was flanked by his his wife and two sons Joseph and Noah at the snap presser An emotional Catherine Andrews was supported by their sons as the Premier made the shock announcement Mr Andrews became premier in November 2014, booting out a first-term Liberal government, and led Labor to two more victories in 2018 and 2022. He became one of Australia's best known and most divisive leaders during the Covid pandemic when he shut down Melbourne for the world's longest lockdown. Critics roundly slammed Mr Andrews as 'Chairman Dan' and 'Dictator Dan' due to the stringency of his Covid measures, which included vaccine mandates and the country's toughest restrictions. The Premier insists he has no regrets, despite coming under fire for a string of controversial decisions 'I am not a regretful person and I do not look back, I have always been focused on the future. 'I've never been about being 100 per cent popular. If you try and be 100 per cent popular, you're essentially scared of doing anything that might upset anybody, you get precisely nothing done and then you finish up deeply unpopular. 'I worked that one out a while ago. It is for others to judge what I have done and not done.' Mr Andrews looks forward to having some time off to spend more time with the family, 'play a bit of golf' and start reading a growing pile of unread books. 'I'll do a few things that are about me and I am going to go through what would be a fairly challenging adjustment,' he said. He added he has no plans to leave the state as he shrugged off the public scrutiny has been under in recent years. 'This is my home, the thing about it is this, for all the kind of negative stuff that you get from time to time, and it's not the best feature of modern politics, some of the stuff that is said and written, but it is there and it does not bother me,' he said. 'It has never fazed me. I have a very thick skin and you need that to do this job, but that's the thing, it's not about me, the role is too important for that. 'The work is too important for that, people can say whatever they want about me, good and bad. It has always been about the work.' Mr Andrews had a departing message for fellow Victorians 'Doing this job has been the honour and privilege of my life and I have worked hard every day, not wasting a moment, to deliver our positive plans,' he said. 'To put people first, to do what matters, and I have will always be grateful profoundly grateful for the honour and privilege of leading this very special place.' Daniel Andrews says he walks away from the top job with no regrets, despite a string of controversies in recent years The 30 minute press conference ended after he was asked whether he would remain in the public sector where's he spent more than two decades. 'To be honest, I have spent a long time in the public sector, I won't spend much more time in the public sector after 5pm tomorrow,' Mr Andrews replied. 'I have spent a long time and been privileged and honoured to be a public servant for 21 years.' Mr Andrews later tweeted: 'Leading this state has been the greatest of gifts, every single day. Thank you, Victoria.' Shortly before the announcement, Sky News reported that Melbourne identity and TV personality Eddie McGuire told a packed lunch that Victoria would have a new premier by AFL Grand Final day, which is just four days away. It is unclear why McGuire, a well-connected Victorian personality and former Collingwood president, had advance notice. Daniel Andrews quit politics following discussions with his family (pictured together on 2022 election day) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the first to pay tribute, describing Mr Andrews as a titan of the political age. 'Daniel Andrews is a person of deep conviction, great compassion and fierce determination and he brought all those qualities to his time as Premier of Victoria. 'Dan has always been a builder and in education, health, infrastructure and housing he has built an extraordinary legacy that will endure for generations.' 'Dan's leadership was tested by some of the toughest times. In the relentless pressure of a once-in-a-generation pandemic, Dan never shirked the hard decisions. He fronted up, he stood up and he did everything in his power to keep Victorians safe. A Sydney P-plater who killed two cyclists after falling asleep while driving has had his conviction overturned. Nicholas James Parker, 23, had driven for less than 10 minutes when he hit cyclists Geoff Havill and Chris Culver in the early hours of December 10, 2019. The then 19-year-old was driving along Kurrajong Rd in Richmond, in the city's northwest, while on his way to his apprenticeship. The court previously heard Parker fell asleep at the wheel and veered onto the wrong side of the road where he hit the two cyclists, 7News reports. Mr Havill, 49, died at the scene while Mr Culver, 40, was rushed to hospital but did not survive his injuries. Nicholas James Parker, who killed Sydney cyclists Geoff Havill and Chris Culver (above), had his negligent driving conviction overturned Parker had been driving for less than 10 minutes when he hit Mr Havill (right) and Mr Culver After hitting a guardrail, Parker pulled over and a witness asked if he was okay, to which he responded: 'I fell asleep. Did I hit any other cars?' He was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, one count of negligent driving occasioning death and a minor driving offence. Judge-alone trials in 2021 and 2022 found Parker not guilty of the dangerous driving charges but convicted him for negligent driving. He was sentenced to a 12-month intensive corrections order, which required him to complete 200 hours of community service, and was disqualified from driving for three years. Parker had pleaded guilty to crossing onto the wrong side of the road and was additionally fined $1,000 for the offence. He appealed the guilty negligent driving verdict and was acquitted by the Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday. Trials in 2021 and 2022 found Parker (above) not guilty of the dangerous driving charges but convicted him for negligent driving In earlier trials, the court heard Parker had six hours sleep the night before the horror crash. Although he didn't dispute he fell asleep or drove onto the wrong side of the road, Parker said he had the 'honest and reasonable, albeit mistaken, belief that it was safe for him to drive'. That belief formed part of the evidence that proved Parker innocent of dangerous driving. In his appeal, Parker argued it should have also seen the negligent driving charge dismissed. '(Parker's) essential argument is that the finding made in the dangerous driving judgement in connection with honest and reasonable mistake of fact should have been, but was not, carried forward by (the trial judge) when dealing with that issue in connection with the negligent driving offence,' Justice Nicholas Chen said in his verdict. Parker's appeal was made on two grounds. Firstly, he claimed his guilty verdict could not be upheld due to erroneous findings of fact by the trial judge. On Monday, Parker's negligent driving offence was successfully appealed (pictured, the aftermath of the crash) Secondly, Parker argued the judge did not provide an adequate reason for finding him to have driven negligently. Both grounds were upheld and Parker's conviction was overturned. A retrial was not ordered as Parker has already complete his sentence and the judge found it 'unthinkable' he be subject to any further 'punishment'. A cause of death has yet to be identified but Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Dinwiddie said foul play was 'absolutely' involved The kindergarten teacher's aide was found just a few miles from home Makayla Fay Meave-Byers left her Macomb home with an unidentified man described as 'tall' and 'balding' The body of an Oklahoma mother-of-six has been found by her cousin wrapped in a carpet and tucked in a ditch - days after she went on a date with a mystery 6ft man. Makayla Fay Meave-Byers, 30, was found by her relative in a four-foot-deep drain just miles from home after leaving with 'a tall balding male with a dark-colored beard.' The kindergarten teacher's aide, who was working to get a teaching certificate before her death, vanished after leaving her home in Macomb, a tiny town with a population of around 24 people. She was last seen on September 15 at approximately 5.30pm and was wearing a Macomb Public School t-shirt reading 'It's a great day to be a Hornet,' denim shorts and a patchwork backpack. She left voluntarily and got into a white Chevy extended cab pickup with tinted windows, according to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office. Makayla Fay Meave-Byers, 30, went missing from her Macomb home on September 15 She was last seen with an unidentified man described as 'tall,' 'balding' and sporting a 'dark beard' The teacher aide was the mother of six, two foster children and four step-daughters Her body was found just miles from her home, wrapped in a carpet and left in a drain A search was launched when Meave-Byers didn't return after 24 hours. Law enforcement combed the area using infrared drones and search dogs but couldn't find any trace of her. Instead Meave-Byers' cousin, who was not named, was the one to call 911 after making the grim discovery on September 20. The body was found tucked into a culvert and was wrapped in what Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Dinwiddie called waterlogged 'old pieces of carpet.' 'We were walking down all of the canals down closest to the water and we smelt something and so my friend got down there and found her,' the cousin told 911 operators shortly after discovering the body. 'She's inside there 100 percent.' The medical examiner confirmed the identity as Meave-Byers on September 22. Although there weren't any obvious signs of trauma, Dinwiddie said foul play was 'absolutely' involved. Family members insisted that it was uncharacteristic for her to disappear and leave behind her two adopted children, four step-daughters and beloved dog. 'She's a great mother, it's all she cares about,' Andria Meave told KFOR. She also recalled the last thing her little sister ever said to her was that she loved her. Barbara Harper, Meave-Byers' mother, told the outlet that her daughter's phone was pinged within a three-mile radius of her home. She posted on Facebook, days before Meave-Byers was found dead: 'Her family loves her very much and just wants her home. Mama loves you baby girl.' Older sister Andria Meave described her as 'a great mother' The woman's body was discovered by her cousin, who had joined the search with a friend In a frantic 911 call, the cousin told operators: 'She's inside there 100 percent' Community members held a vigil outside a local high school where they lit candles and sang in her memory Friends and family held a vigil the night of September 23 in front of Lexington High School. Attendees lit candles, sang and recalled fond memories of the teacher. A GoFundMe was created to help the family with funeral expenses. 'Makayla was born on July 15, 1993. She grew up with a devoted mama and older sister, and lots of other family members who loved her so very much,' the page read. 'With such a tragic and unexpected loss the family could use help with providing Makayla the memorial service she deserves.' Macomb Public Schools also released a statement honoring their late employee. 'Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this tragic loss of a beloved Macomb Public Schools educator and parent,' a Facebook post read. 'Makayla cared deeply for our students and families and she will be greatly missed. 'We offer our heartfelt condolences to Makayla's family, friends, students and all those impacted by this terrible loss.' Annastacia Palaszczuk is the last 'Covid' premier Only two leaders of the Australian states and territories who battled through Covid lockdowns are still in the top job after Daniel Andrews announced his shock resignation after nine years at the helm. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is the only premier still standing - alongside territory leader, ACT's Chief Minister Andrew Barr - from the era of brutal Covid restrictions and stay at home orders. The most notable aspect of his time in office was his handling of the pandemic, which included implementing strict COVID measures such as the world's longest lockdowns, closing the state's borders for the first time ever and introducing social distancing restrictions and mask and vaccine mandates. Mr Andrews put Melbourne through six lockdowns in total, which gave the city the dubious title of the most locked-down city in the world. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) and the ACT's Chief Minister Andrew Barr are the final two leaders standing since the COVID pandemic. Ms Palaszczuk is the only premier This was closely contested with cities in Chile, Peru and the Philippines which also saw lengthy lockdowns. Buenos Aires in Argentina had the longest continuous lockdown, which lasted for 234 days. Melburnians spent more time in lockdown but less continuous time under harsh COVID restrictions. Restrictions during lockdowns included a five-kilometre travel limit and a nightly curfew for those in Melbourne. Critics and media outlets began to label Mr Andrews as 'Chairman Dan' and 'Dictator Dan' due to the stringency of his measures. The Andrews government was also lambasted over vaccine mandates and hotel quarantine mismanagement. The latter point received significant criticism when it was revealed private security contractors and workers with little training in infection control had been hired to enforce quarantine and work within the hotels. Daniel Andrews (pictured) announced that he was stepping down as the premier for Victoria, after nine years at the helm Some of these contractors caught the virus and spread in into the community which led to the second wave COVID in mid-2020. The next wave contributed to another lockdown, harsh restrictions and the loss of more than 800 lives. Mr Andrews nor any of his ministers took responsibility for the decision to use contractors throughout the inquiry into the matter, which the premier had called for and engaged retired judge Jennifer Coate to head. Mark McGowan, who was Western Australia's Premier during the pandemic and garnered a similar national profile, stepped down as premier in May, citing exhaustion. He was replaced by Roger Cook. NSW had two premiers throughout the pandemic. Dominic Perrottet took over from Gladys Berejiklian after she announced her resignation on October 5, 2021. The shock departure was sparked by an investigation into Ms Berejiklian's conduct during her time as premier that was launched by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. WA Premier Mark McGowan (pictured), who rose to national prominence with his hardline border closures, stepped down in May, citing 'exhaustion' from the 'all consuming job' The watchdog looked into whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust or engaged in corrupt behaviour while she was in a relationship with former disgraced Liberal MP, Daryl McGuire. The ICAC found that Berejiklian had engaged in 'serious corrupt conduct' but did not recommend criminal charges upon delivering its verdict in June of this year. Ms Berejiklian, who had been in the job since Mike Baird stepped down in January 2017, also made a plethora of controversial decisions during the pandemic. NSW had mask and vaccine mandates, gathering restrictions and social distancing like other states and territories, but the major differences came through lockdowns and border closures, which attracted praise but also condemnation. The premier was criticised for resisting calls to lockdown the state in June 2021 as cases grew. Some media outlets reported that this opposition resulted in infections growing into the tens of thousands. The severity of lockdowns also came down to which local government area (LGA) residents lived in. Government areas in Sydney's south-west endured harsher lockdown measures including patrols and curfew compared to LGA's in the eastern suburbs which were far more relaxed. Border closures were also more relaxed in NSW, with Ms Berejiklian sometimes slamming state premiers such as Mr Mcgowan for refusing to open up their borders in press conferences. Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) took a less strict approach to lockdowns and border closures during the pandemic compared to other premiers For South Australia, Liberal politician Steven Marshall ran the state for the pandemic before his government was soundly defeated in the 2022 state election. Labor's Peter Malinauskas has been in the top job since. Mr Marshall was less stringent with measures but still imposed border closures, shorter lockdowns, mask mandates and gathering restrictions. Peter Gutwein stepped in as Tasmania's premier after Will Hodgman resigned just before the pandemic in January 2020. He implemented border restrictions and hotel quarantine in March of that year. Similar COVID-safe measures were also imposed. Mr Gutwein resigned and his deputy Jeremy Rockliff took over in April 2022. The Northern Territory had Labor's Michael Gunner as chief minister throughout the pandemic. His government brought forward border closures, lockouts, face masks and other measures. There was significant concern at the height of COVID that the virus would reach vulnerable Indigenous communities in the territory. The chief minister later lifted border restrictions in December 2021. Several peak Aboriginal health groups proceeded to send a scathing letter to Mr Gunner criticising this move in early 2022. Natasha Fyles took over from Mr Gunner when he resigned in May 2022. Many Victorians have voiced their joy following the shock resignation of Daniel Andrews as several remain bitter over his actions and policies as premier. Mr Andrews announced on Tuesday he would stand down from the top job prompting a mixed reaction from Victorians. A large number were upset the premier was calling it quits while others met the news with unrestrained jubilation. Many were still furious with the premier over his 262 day Covid lockdown and heavy-handed police tactics used by officers during the pandemic. In a flashback to the Covid period the duelling hashtags of #DictatorDan and #IStandwithDan quickly began trending on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. A thread under the prominent Andrews critic and film-maker Rukshan Fernando quickly filled up with those wishing the Labor strongman anything but a fond farewell. In a shock move Dan Andrews is drawing his polarising premiership over Victoria to a close 'I feel relieved & alive now that this narcissistic vile human has resigned..Best news ever,' one said. 'Monumental disgrace of a politician,' said another. 'All our Christmases have come at once,' a third added. READ MORE: Daniel Andrews quits as Victorian Premier in shock announcement Advertisement Several Victorians took the chance to remember the trauma of the Covid period, where police violently put down protests, including firing rubber bullets at a crowd on the steps of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance. 'We won't forget. We won't forgive,' one Twitter user wrote posting footage of the riot police advancing into a panicking crowd amid the crack of their firearms. 'Good riddance. A reprieve,' another wrote. 'Time for some joy after so much suffering - and all who bowed down to him also need to resign.' Mr Andrews may have been in the role for nine years and earned himself a bronze statue, but his time in office has not been without controversy. The Victorian government announced in July that it would be cancelling the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, which were due to be held in regional Victoria. The move sparked pushback from the states Liberal Party, as well as from the Federal Government and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who spoke out soon after. Many X users were quick to celebrate the end of Mr Andrews' polarising rule over Victoria The independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission last year found two former government ministers breached parliamentary codes of conduct. The pair, who are not alleged to have committed any criminal conduct, misused public funds to fuel a vast branch-stacking operation, the IBAC found. The Victorian Labor Party was found to have misused $388,000 in parliamentary allowances to pay political campaign staff during the 2014 election. The Victorian Ombudsman found 21 past and present Labor MPs breached parliamentary guidelines when staff were diverted to help campaign for members. In March 2021, Dan Andrews broke his back after falling on the wet stairs in Sorento, on the states Mornington Peninsula. READ MORE: Was video of Daniel Andrews smoking the first sign Victorian Premier was about to resign? Advertisement The Premier spent 111 days recovering from his injuries, which included broken ribs and spinal damage, but faced criticism upon his return. The incident drew attention to allegations about the state of the Victorian health sector, as well flaming conspiracy theories about the incident. For some Victorians, seeing Andrews off the political stage was nowhere near enough. 'Now let the prosecutions begin and hope he gets a long jail sentence,' one X user wrote. 'Daniel Andrews most hated man in Victoria,' another wrote. 'You may resign. But we won't forget. Victoria won't forget you cringey fucking bully. Dan Andrews you need to PAY!!!!' Victorian UAP Senator Ralph Babet also did want to see Mr Andrews enjoying a quiet retirement from political life. 'He must not vanish into the private sector without first answering to a Royal Commission for the actions taken during the pandemic,' he tweeted. Some began speculating on what the real reason was for the departure with Labor sliding in the polls in the wake of the debacle around walking away from staging the Commonwealth Games due to the claimed spiralling costs. 'Getting more comments that the CFMEU & some unions planned to publicly call for Dan's resignation tomorrow, so he got in first,' wrote Emily Coltraine, the woman behind social meida political commentary brand Voice for Victoria. 'Internally everyone knew he was going soon anyway but that may have been the final straw.' Mr Andrews oversaw one of the world's longest Covid lockdowns and has been heavily criticised for the brutal tactic used by the state's police during that period The news of Andrews' resignation even reached as far as Hollywood with comedian and actor Rob Schneider weighing in. Premier Dan Andrews shirks accountability for COVID response!' he tweeted. 'As Australia wakens from its covid tyranny Nightmare, there was no other leader more full of hate and vengeance for his own people than Victorias Hitlerian Premier Herr Dan Andrews.' The virtual party is set to turn into an actual one with Fernando tweeting that there will be 'Dan Andrews Resignation Celebration' party to be held on the steps of Parliament House from 5pm on Wednesday after he finishes up. However, not everybody is celebrating. 'No, Thank you Dan. The best leader Ive seen in my decades of being a Victorian. Truly grateful & thankful for your tireless service,' one X user wrote. 'You deserve to get on the beers now!' 'He saved thousands of lives! Only selfish people think otherwise,' another commented. Several hit back at the 'dictator' label. 'Yes - the Dictator who voluntarily ceded power and left on his own terms to happily retire. That's totally how dictatorships work,' one X user wrote. 'Thanks, Dan, great job!' wrote another. An uncharacteristic video of Daniel Andrews puffing on a cigarette days before he announced his resignation may have been a sign the Premier had had enough. Mr Andrews announced his shock resignation from Victoria's top job in a snap press conference on Tuesday. His nine-year tenure in the role will end at 5pm on Wednesday with the premier saying he made the decision following recent talks with his wife Catherine and their three children. The announcement comes after a video emerged over the weekend with footage showing Mr Andrews smoking with another man outside a function in Victoria. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was seen smoking (above) outside an event last week The video provided a rare glimpse of Mr Andrews - whose public appearances are typically stage-managed - enjoying a candid moment. The footage followed a long week for Mr Andrews after he introduced - and vigorously defended - his new 'short stay tax', which is set to begin in 2025. He announced on Wednesday his government was introducing a 7.5 per cent consumer tax on all short term accommodation bookings with platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz. On Thursday the premier blew up at a reporter who argued the tax was far from the 'modest' fee Mr Andrews claimed. 'It's a modest charge - I'll say it 100 times if you want, and we'll disagree on that, but it's a modest charge,' Mr Andrews said. The fiery debate continued with the reporter describing the fee as potentially the 'straw that broke the camel's back' for homeowners. 'I'll leave the camels to you because there's a few lumps in your argument mate,' Mr Andrews responded. 'Like seriously, if you want to put it to me that $7.50 per hundred dollars - and because it's higher than what happens in Florence, or New York or Auckland - mum and dads are worse off, that's not right. 'People need somewhere to live. Everyone needs somewhere to live.' Upon announcing his resignation on Tuesday, Mr Andrews said: 'When it's time, it's time.' 'I have always known that the moment that happens, it is time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility to someone else,' he said. Mr Andrews announced his resignation from Victoria's top job in a snap press conference on Tuesday 'It's not an easy job as Premier of our state. It requires 100 per cent from you and your family. That of course is time limited and now is the time to step away. 'The only way that I know how to do this job is to have it consume me. Every waking moment is about work and that takes a toll.' Mr Andrews' resignation came as a shock to his Labor caucus colleagues - some openly telling reporters they had no idea the political earthquake was coming. The new Premier will be elected at a caucus meeting on Wednesday. The frontrunners are expected to include deputy premier Jacinta Allan and MP Ben Carroll. Mr Andrews became premier in November 2014, booting out a first-term Liberal government, and led Labor to two more victories in 2018 and 2022. He became one of Australia's most divisive leaders during the Covid pandemic when he shut down Melbourne for the world's longest lockdown. Qantas pilots have issued a desperate call for the airline's chairman to step down after declaring pilot morale has 'never been lower'. The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) - a union representing most of Qantas' roughly 3,000 pilots - calls for the airline's chairman Richard Goyder to stand down. In a statement, the union said it has written to Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson to inform her that the airline desperately needs a cultural reset. AIPA president Tony Lucas requested Mr Goyder to step down, claiming Qantas experienced the 'most damaging periods' in the airline's history. 'Richard Goyder has overseen one of the most damaging periods in Qantas history, which has included the illegal sacking of 1700 workers, allegations of illegally marketing cancelled flights, and a terribly managed return to operations after COVID-19,' Mr Lucas said. The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA) - a union which represents most of Qantas' roughly 3,000 pilots - is calling for the airline's chairman Richard Goyder (pictured) to stand down 'The morale of Qantas pilots has never been lower. We have totally lost confidence in Goyder and his board.' 'Qantas desperately needs a culture reset, but how can this happen with Richard Goyder as chairman?' The union president labelled Mr Goyder as 'galling and tone-deaf' after accepting a near $100,000 pay rise while staff are expected to accept a two-year wage freeze. 'For our great national carrier to flourish, it needs leadership from a board that understands the value of its employees, respects its customers and can win back the trust of a nation,' Mr Lucas said. It's understood Qantas has denied giving Mr Goyder any pay rise but outlined his income includes travel entitlements of $117,00 - up from $27,000 the last year. It is the first time in the union's history that a call has been made for a chairman to step down but it was prompted by the airline's 'botched recovery' from the Covid-19 shutdown and a 'series of woeful decisions'. It comes after a tumultuous few months for the national airline, during which former chief executive Alan Joyce left his role early. Earlier this month, Australia's consumer watchdog called for Qantas to be fined $250million over allegations the airline sold tickets to customers for already cancelled flights. The airline also lost a landmark High Court case after judges found the carrier had illegally sacked almost 1,700 workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement, the union said it has written to Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson to inform her the airline is in desperate need of a cultural reset and that pilot morale has 'never been lower' Qantas was also part of a senate hearing into its huge profits during Australia's cost-of-living crisis. The call also comes after Qantas removed the expiry date Covid-19 travel credits, which were worth $570 million. However, Mr Goyder is refusing to quit and maintains he has the confidence of the Qantas board and its major investors. 'While I retain that confidence I'll get to work and do the things we need to do to deal with some of the issues we've got at the moment,' Mr Goyder told The World Today. 'And the latest read I've got is that people want me to continue to do the role.' Mr Goyder admitted the airline has made mistakes but urged critics to view those decisions in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Shareholders are very supportive of the work we're doing now. On the customer side if things, we know we've got some work to do. We know we've let people down,' Mr Goyder said. 'I think we need a reasonable dose of humility now because we need to make sure we satisfy all our stakeholders and particularly our customers.' Ms Hudson, who replaced outgoing CEO Alan Joyce, issued a grovelling apology to Qantas customers on September 22, noting the airline has not 'delivered'. 'I know that we have let you down in many ways and for that, I am sorry,' Ms Hudson said. 'We haven't delivered the way we should have. And we've often been hard to deal with. We understand why you're frustrated and why some of you have lost trust in us.' Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson (pictured), who replaced outgoing CEO Alan Joyce, issued a grovelling apology to Qantas customers noting the airline has not 'delivered 'We understand we need to earn back your trust not with what we say, but with what we do and how we behave,' Ms Hudson added. 'Be patient with us and we will absolutely lift Qantas back to the national carrier that Australians are proud of.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not comment on whether Mr Goyder should step down, but noted the airline had to work to repair its image. 'Qantas has a lot of work to do to repair the damage that has been done to its reputation, both in terms of workers and in terms of customers,' Mr Albanese told reporters in Adelaide. Police say they are concerned the youths are being trafficked or becoming involved in gang activity In Georgia and North Carolina, which have similar populations, the number was less than 700 Last year, 1,600 kids were reported missing in the state of 11million Police say the number of runaways and missing kids is unusually high this year The number of missing and runaway children in Ohio for 2023 is nearly double that of states with similar populations, sparking panic among parents and police who in some towns can't keep up with the number of teenagers running away. In this month alone, 45 children have been reported missing in the Cleveland area. They join the total number of 1,072 who have been reported missing since the start of the year. While the majority have since returned home or been accounted for, cops say many are regular runaways who will likely vanish again. They say the rate of children going missing and running away in 2023 is unusually high. In 2022, Ohio had nearly double the number of runaways than states like Georgia, North Carolina and Illinois, all of which have populations of between 10million and 12million. Iyahna Graham (left) and Teonnah Thompkins (right) have disappeared in the last few weeks Gideon Hefner, 14, ran away from the foster home where he was staying earlier this month. Camryn Golias, 17, is also missing The missing kids from 2022. In Ohio, 1,455 were reported missing - more than double that of North Carolina, which has a similar sized population According to the Ohio Attorney General's office, there are now over 45 missing minors in the greater Cleveland area. All have been reported as missing since September 1. They join the total number of 1,072 kids who have been reported missing by their loved ones in the area since the start of the year. While police say most are likely runaways, they are struggling to keep up with the demand of anxious parents wanting to find their kids. Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy said earlier this year that cases of missing children between the ages of 12 and 17 remained unusually high. 'For some reason, in 2023, we've seen a lot more than we normally see, which is troubling in part because we don't know what's going on with some of these kids. 'Whether they're being trafficked or whether they're involved in gang activity or drugs.' Sherice Snoden, whose 15-year-old son Keshaun is missing, said yesterday at a community search for him: 'It's been over forty days without my child. I just want him back home. 'I miss my child everyday, I am worried, I don't know if he is eating or sleeping. I just want him back home.' Majoy told News5 Cleveland: 'There's just not enough police officers in the streets to do this as law enforcement. Keshaun Williams who disappeared on June 17 this year, was last seen attending a house party but never returned 'The public is our greatest asset. We can't do this without the public.' Other missing children include 14-year-old Gideon Hefner, who was last seen on September 12 in American Township, Ohio. According to the missing child report, he was wearing a dark colored shirt, jeans, black beanie and carrying a back pack at the time. Camryn Nicole Golias, 17, was last seen in Akron, Ohio, on September 2023 but still remains missing. Similarly, 16-year-old Elijah Hill disappeared on September 20 from Sandusky, Ohio, and hasn't been seen since. Meanwhile, Iyahna Graham, 17, vanished from North Canton, Ohio, on September 23. Police have also advised that if located she should be approached with caution. Days prior to Graham going missing, Teonnah Thompkins was last seen in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 17, wearing a black shirt, black pants and white shoes. Maurice Hamrick, 14, Honesty Howell, 16, Elijah Hill, 16, and Chloe Hadley, 17, all disappeared within five days of each other earlier this month also. A similar pattern started in May of this year, with as many as 27 children reported missing in the area at the beginning of the month. Majoy emphasized that he has never seen such high numbers of missing children in his 33-year-career. While Majoy claimed that it's likely the majority of cases are runaways and not abductions, he added that teenagers are naive when it comes to predators, who he can be 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' And, unfortunately, most missing children don't make the news, because there is usually no Amber Alert, said Majoy, describing the cases as 'silent crimes happening right under our noses.' There is a strict criteria for an Amber Alert - police have to have reasonable believe there has been an abduction, and that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost told the News5 Cleveland that inconsistencies often happen throughout the process, such as updating reports. He said: 'Now, what we know is when we look behind the numbers, some of those represent repeated runaways and local police have talked about that. 'All of these things have localized reporting problems that again are a function of local conditions. 'We do our best to encourage compliance and improve assistance to remove barriers, but at the end of the day, we have to rely on our local partners that we don't control. 'I am fearful of all kinds of things that fall through the cracks that include missing children. 'I rely on the tenacity of a worried parent more than I do a harried bureaucrat whose job it is to put data into a computer.' According to Yost, the University of Toledo is now working to improve the statewide data collection and reporting systems. He continued: 'Law enforcement can't be everywhere and can't see everything. 'We rely on the people, the population because we have 11.7 million pairs of eyes out there that can keep an eye out.' Daniel Andrews said 'when it's time, it's time' as he announced his resignation as Victorian Premier but he is already overdue for his own monumental tribute. Sky News commentator Peta Credlin famously predicted Mr Andrews would quit shortly after becoming eligible for a statue to be erected in his honour if he was re-elected last year. Victorian premiers are entitled to be memorialised in bronze near Parliament House once they pass 3,000 days in office - a milestone Mr Andrews reached on February 20. Sky News commentator Peta Credlin predicted Dan Andrews would quit politics shortly after he qualified to have a statue erected in his honour this year. Andrews' face is superimposed on a statue of his Labor predecessor John Cain Peta Credlin (above) tipped Andrews would hand power to his deputy if re-elected last year. 'I don't think he's around a long time,' she said. 'I think he'll want to make history' Mr Andrews, who announced his resignation on Tuesday, will leave office at 5pm on Wednesday. 'It's not an easy job as Premier of our state,' he said at a press conference. 'It requires 100 per cent from you and your family. That of course is time limited and now is the time to step away. 'The only way that I know how to do this job is to have it consume me. Every waking moment is about work and that takes a toll.' Effigies of four long-time Victorian leaders already stand outside Melbourne's State Government Office, where Mr Andrews works and the Department of Premier and Cabinet is based. Mr Andrews would join John Cain (1982-1990), Rupert Hamer (1972-1981), Henry Bolte (1955-1972) and Albert Dunstan (1935-1945) to have his likeness reproduced at 1 Treasury Place. Victorian premiers are entitled to be memorialised in bronze once they pass 3,000 days in office - a milestone Dan Andrews (above) hit on February 20 this year Mr Andrews would join Henry Bolte (left), Albert Dunstan (right), John Cain and Rupert Hamer to have his likeness reproduced at 1 Treasury Place outside the Premier's Melbourne office The Labor leader won a third term when Victorians went to the polls on November 26, which Credlin had predicted he would likely win. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the time, Credlin tipped Mr Andrews would then soon hand power to his deputy, Jacinta Allan. 'I don't think he's around a long time,' she said. 'I think he'll want to make history. 'Sometime early next year he ends up winning his little statue out the front of the Premier's office and then he'll p*** off and leave it to the woman, Jacinta Allan, which will enable them to effectively rebrand themselves.' After winning the election, Mr Andrews denied he was sticking around to get a statue. 'I'm not about legacies,' he said. '[I'm] about working hard and getting things done.' Andrews is the longest serving Labor premier in Victoria's history, ahead of John Cain, having been elected in 2014 and serving almost nine years. The statue of Cain is pictured Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett was responsible for introducing statues for premiers who had served 3,000 days, and fell short of the mark when tossed out of office after 2,571 days in 1999. 'If there's a Daniel statue, I think the other four will all jump off their pedestals and run,' Mr Kennett told the Weekend Australian in January last year. Asked about Mr Andrews being honoured in such a way a government spokesman said at the same time: 'The Premier has given no thought to this at all'. Mr Andrews is the longest serving Labor premier in Victoria's history, just ahead of Mr Cain, having been elected in 2014 and holding office for almost nine years. As he approached the 3,000 milestone a source close to the premier told The Age newspaper Mr Andrews 'couldn't care less'. 'The Premier has been genuinely bemused by the sudden obsession with an arbitrary number dreamt up by a former Liberal premier,' one of his advisers said. The 51-year-old said last year he was 'absolutely committed' to completing another four-year term if re-elected and wanted to remain premier 'for as long as the community and my colleagues want me'. 'We've got a lot of things to do,' Mr Andrews said in October. 'I serve at the pleasure of the Victorian community and my colleagues. 'I've got lots of stuff to build, lots of reform to make, there's a lot of things to get on with. I want to keep building, I want to keep making big change and reform.' READ MORE: Was video of Daniel Andrews smoking the first sign Victorian Premier was about to resign? Advertisement Mr Andrews took three months off work after slipping on two wet steps at a holiday home at Sorrento in March 2021. He suffered an acute compression fracture of the T7 vertebra as well as five broken ribs. 'I remember getting a lot of phone calls from people when I was crook, you know - "what are you doing?",' Mr Andrews said in October before the last election. 'And I came back, and it took some time, I didn't come back to head off, I came back to keep working hard. 'That's why we're running again - I say "we" because it's me, [wife] Cath and the kids, we're all in this - because it's only a Labor government that will do what matters and get things done.' Bolte is Victoria's longest continuously-serving premier at 6,288 days. He is followed by Dunstan's 3,834 days, Mr Andrews on 3,218, Hamer on 3,209 and Cain on 3,047. Mr Andrews passed Cain in April and overtook Hamer in September to put him in second place. Bolte remained well out of reach. 'Good riddance'. That's how callers to Melbourne radio welcomed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' shock resignation on Tuesday. 'I'll be getting on the beers tonight,' one told 3AW in reference to the now former Premier's famous Covid quip. LIVE BLOG: Daniel Andrews quits as Victorian premier Dan Andrews and his family (pictured voting last year) in his 'Danslide' state election victory Word of Mr Andrews' departure had champagne corks popping throughout Victoria - not least in the state Coalition, but also to the large percentage of residents who soured on him during the pandemic. To many Victorians, Mr Andrews was the face of pain and misery, a man who had caged them inside for the longest period of time on the planet during Covid 19. It was less than a year ago Victorians voted back in the man who throughout the lockdowns had been dubbed 'Dictator Dan'. Those who despised him never could get their heads around how his third win had happened - and in such a resounding fashion, hailed as a 'Danslide'. Independent Ian Cook was treated to royal-like status in November as early voters in the Victorian Premier's traditionally safe seat of Mulgrave arrived to vote. But vote they did, electing Mr Andrews in on the back of an insipid opposition that was plagued with bitter infighting. Victorian Premier Dan Andrews as he appeared during Victoria's six lockdowns A pro Ian Cook car parked outside the Mulgrave voting centre - branding Dan Andrews a 'liar' and showing him with his fingers in his ears Independent Ian Cook (pictured) tried to bring the Premier down, but failed In a sign of just how vitriolic the public debate had become, in 2021 a 'cooker' protest group brought a gallows and an effigy of the Victorian Premier into Melbourne 'Chairman Dan' - another of his nicknames - always had his fans. In the early days of the Covid pandemic, Mr Andrews was being talked about as a possible Prime Minister such was his strong stance and reaction to the potential risk of the illness. It was bold leadership sorely lacking at the time out of Canberra. But as the lockdowns dragged on, many Victorians grew to loathe his daily media conferences. Dressed in his The North Face jacket, Mr Andrews would call out the number of infected, numbers of the dead, and numbers of the days Victorians had been locked down. He hit social media with photos of 'doughnuts' when no-one was infected and caused anger when he posted an image of the top shelf whiskey he planned to drink when lockdowns were ended. All the while, Mr Andrews' fans continued to treat him with unwavering adoration. They made T-shirts and cups bearing his image and turned his chief health officer Brett Sutton into some kind of sex symbol. As playgrounds were closed and swings padlocked down, the Premier's fan club berated those who dared to complain. His media allies would brand Victorians selfish, idiots, dangerous and downright mean for showing a mere sniff of dissent. They backed him as mums were arrested in their homes for speaking out against his lockdowns. During early lockdowns, the Premier and his minions had blamed everyone for the spread of the virus from Victorian families to their failure to get the jab fast enough - despite a total lack of vaccine available. Police descend on protesters at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance during a protest against Covid-19 regulations in Melbourne on September 22, 2021. Protesters are gassed during the Shrine of Remembrance protest Heavily armed police blasted protesters with rubber bullets and gas cannisters And when Melburnians hit the streets to protest, they were blamed as the reason why Victorians were being locked up again. By then, the Premier had turned Melbourne into a ghost town inhabited only by soldiers and parking inspectors. When protesters made their way to the Shrine of Remembrance in September 21, they were met by police in tanks packing gas grenade launchers and rubber bullets. They were ugly scenes that saw men, women children and dogs blasted for practising their democratic right to protest. Property was destroyed, cars were damaged and ordinary people were injured. This was 'Chairman Dan's' Victoria and he ruled it with an iron fist. But when the orange dust settled, Mr Andrews continued to duck and weave his way out of trouble. The backlash was sometimes ugly - in one horrific scene, fringe protesters erected a gallows and pretended to hang an effigy of him on the streets of Melbourne. The Victorian premier celebrates Covid zero with some top shelf whiskey Victorians will never forget it was his bungled hotel quarantine program that killed more than 800 mostly elderly people. He told an inquiry into the disaster he was sorry for his government's disastrous decision to use private security guards at quarantine hotels. 'Mistakes have been made in this program and answers are required,' Mr Andrews said. 'Those mistakes are unacceptable to me... I want to make it very clear to each and every member of the Victorian community that I am sorry for what has occurred here and I want to issue an unreserved apology to all Victorians.' But Mr Andrews maintained he did not know who made that decision. The inquiry would see the end of various ministers and the police commissioner. But 'Chairman Dan' lived to fight another day. In the final months of Mr Andrews' reign he continued to be embroiled in ugly spats with Victorias former integrity watchdog chief. Former IBAC boss Robert Redlich hit out at the Premier, accusing him of seeking to 'conceal and disguise' the findings of a recent investigation. Again, Mr Andrews fobbed off the criticism. He ends his time at the top of Victoria's political heap untouched by the stain of corruption. His haters compare him to a 'mob boss'. His fans say a silent prayer of thanks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has once again shot down an online conspiracy theory he'd faked a photo of himself and Daniel Andrews cooking steaks on a barbecue two years ago. The pair had shared a snap of themselves cooking sirloins when they met at Mr Andrews' house in Melbourne in November 2021 - prompting many social media users to accuse the pair of staging the meet-up for a photo op. Some pointed out that when the photo was zoomed in, the meat did not appear to have any char marks from the barbecue grill - leading many to believe the photo was a fake. Mr Albanese on Tuesday put the rumours to bed, following the announcement of Mr Andrews' resignation. He once again confirmed - tongue firmly in cheek - that they did put their cooking skills to the test. Anthony Albanese has shut down a conspiracy theory he'd faked a photo of himself and Daniel Andrews cooking steaks on a barbecue two years ago 'I can confirm that he did cook that barbecue that day in his backyard,' Mr Albanese said. '(It's) an example of some of the crazy stuff sometimes that's thrown at people in public life. 'Daniel Andrews has throughout it all continued to front up, continued to represent the interest of Victorians. He is a very passionate Victorian and he has served his state and his nation to the best of his ability at all times.' The pair briefly lived together in a flat in Queanbeyan, on the border of NSW and the ACT, in 1996. Mr Andrews announced on Tuesday he was stepping down as the Premier of Victoria. His nine-year tenure as the state's longest serving Labor premier will officially end at 5pm Wednesday. He made the surprise decision to quit after discussions with his wife Catherine and the couple's three children, Grace, Joseph and Noah. 'When it's time, it's time,' he said. 'I have always known that the moment that happens, it is time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility to someone else. 'The only way that I know how to do this job is to have it consume me. Every waking moment is about work and that takes a toll.' READ MORE: Daniel Andrews quits LIVE: Daily Mail Australia's live blog of the Premier's resignation A 'vibrant and cheerful' young tradie was trying to watch the footy on television with family and friends when he was killed in a wild brawl near his home. Adam Robinson, 21, was stabbed to death on Butler Grove at Wyndham Vale, in Melbourne, at at 9.45pm on Friday. Victoria Police confirmed the incident was a homicide investigation after 'two groups of people [were] involved in a physical altercation'. Witnesses heard shouting before a neighbour came outside to find Mr Robinson laying lifeless on the ground. He died at the scene. Mr Robinson's 'young life was cut short in a senseless act', said a family friend who posted an online fundraiser to help pay for his funeral. 'Vibrant and cheerful' Adam Robinson (pictured right) was fatally stabbed while on his way home to watch the footy on television when a tragic late night brawl ended his life Mr Robinson, 21, died at 9.45pm in Butler Grove, Wyndham Vale on Friday, September 22 from stab wounds Mr Robinson's family and friends laid floral and photo tributes and bottles of spirits on the ground as they struggled to come to terms with the shocking incident. His loved ones are battling with the 'overwhelming burden' of arranging a fitting farewell for 'their cherished son and friend'. 'Our beloved Adam, a vibrant and cheerful 21-year-old, tragically lost his life while simply trying to enjoy a prelim AFL final at home with his family and friends,' the page said. 'He was the pillar of strength for his family, always wearing a smile that could light up a room.' Family and friends launched the fundraiser to help pay for Mr Robinson's funeral. As of Tuesday afternoon the GoFundMe page for Mr Robinson's funeral had raised $5,095 towards its $10,000 target. The post reposted a hashtag #justiceforadam which has been shared several times. The death has sparked an outpouring of grief with some threatening to take matters into their own hands as Mr Robinson's attackers remain on the run. 'Why I'll never know, but who, I will find you c***,' one posted online. 'You wanna hope the jacks get you before I do, I swear.' Meanwhile tributes continued to pour onto Facebook for Mr Robinson. Family and friends launched the fundraiser to help pay for Mr Robinson's funeral One friend said his death would 'break everyone' who knew him. 'You were such a bright and bubbly person, this news will forever break everyone who knew you,' they wrote. 'I'm praying so hard that you get justice, you deserve so much better.' Another added: 'He was the kindest soul.' Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A brazen fraudster conned victims out of more than $10million while splurging the money on a lavish lifestyle that included race cars, helicopters and boats. Terence Nugara, 50, used his knowledge of legitimate property businesses to persuade retirees and mum-and-dad investors to pour their money into a series of luxury developments scattered across Melbourne, along with one in Bali, over five years. Nugara, also known as 'Rio', lured victims in with promises of 98.93 per cent returns within two years if they invested in him and his Skynet Financial Services business. Between 2014 and 2019, Nugara conned 38 people into giving him $10,152,061 of their hard-earnt cash before pocketing the money himself rather than investing it. 'You are a selfish, greedy little man,' one victim told Nugara in the County Court of Victoria on Tuesday. Terence Nugara's victims gave him their life savings and access to their super funds, which he falsely promised to invest Nugara, from Brighton, in Melbourne's southeast, pleaded guilty to 37 counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and two counts of theft. Dressed in a grey prison tracksuit in the dock of a packed courtroom, Nugara pouted nonchalantly as the court was told about the damage of his fraud on his victims. One elderly couple spoke of the 'devastating' impact the ordeal had on their lives. They said having 40 years' worth of superannuation stolen from them had put an 'unimaginable stress on our marriage of 45 years'. Another investor told the court they had to sell their property and move into a rental, as they were no longer able to afford their mortgage after trusting Nugara with their money. 'Mr Nugara obviously had little regard for me or my family, he knew we were not wealthy,' another victim told the court. 'I take some solace in the fact that he will face justice for what he has done to myself and others.' Race cars were one of Nugara's preferred purchases with the money he was taking under pretence READ MORE: Commonwealth Bank scam that Australians need to know about Advertisement Nugara's main scam was to convince investors he was linked to a legitimate business that was developing six sites across Melbourne, the court was told. He told his victims to transfer money to him or to give him control of their self-managed superannuation funds so he could invest money on their behalf. In most cases, the money never made its way to the property developer and was instead used to fund Nugara's high-flying lifestyle. When concerned clients approached the legitimate company to ask where their money was, they were told they had never been investors in the developments. When Nugara did invest money on behalf of a client, he kept the returns for himself. The court was told Nugara also created two fictitious developments in Sandringham and Bali. He went as far as to invite investors into his office for a sham presentation where they were shown development "plans" for the Sandringham property that were completely made up, the court was told. Bogus financial planner Nugara fleeded more than $10million from victims over five years In some cases, Nugara transferred money from victims' bank accounts directly into his own after they had given him access for investment purposes. With questions piling up about where his victims' money had gone, Nugara fled Australia in August 2019. He spent three years on the run in exotic locations like Bali, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica before being arrested when returning to Melbourne airport in October last year. Nugara had previously been a legitimate financial adviser but had his licence suspended in 2015 before it was terminated in 2016, the court was told. His defence lawyer told the court that Nugara would never work in finance again. "He might without a licence," Judge Trevor Wraight quipped in response. Many of his victims are yet to receive a cent of their money back. "We are not the same happy-go-lucky people we were before 2018," a heartbroken grandmother told the court. "All we ever wanted was a quiet, contented life where our family would be happy. Nugara has taken that away from us." Nugara is due to be sentenced on October 5. Furious Pret A Manger fans have slammed the sandwich chain for charging 7.15 for a baguette - with the price almost doubling if diners opt to add crisps and a smoothie. Customers reacted with dismay on social media as the eye-watering 'dine in' price for the chain's 'posh' cheese and pickle sandwich was snapped at a London tube station branch. The baguette costs 5.95 at transport hub stations to take away - and, when coupled with a 1.75 bag of crisps and a 5 green smoothie for a fully rounded lunch, costs 12.70. To eat it in store, the chain then levies a 1.20 VAT charge on the sandwich - taking its price up to 7.15, and the total deal to 13.90. The price of the sub falls by more than 20 per cent to 5.72, including VAT, for those signed up to the 30-a-month Club Pret membership who want to eat in. What does your lunch meal deal cost? Email matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk Sophie Gallagher was 'fully tipped over the edge' by the price tag at Pret's high street Kensington branch Is the 'posh' cheese and pickle baguette Britain's worst value sandwich? Pret argued the operational costs hiked the price Sophie Gallagher was 'fully tipped over the edge' by the price tag and argued that she was not in an airport or major travel hub. Her tweet has gone viral on X, formerly Twitter, with more than 1.4million views and 320 comments at the time of writing. She wrote: 'What the f*** is happening here.' Before adding: 'I want it to own a country estate for that money.' Many quipped about its 'posh' name tag, while others simply said she should have gone to Greggs instead. Marie McEntree said: 'I deliberately didn't buy this baguette yesterday when I seen the price... nearly fell over with shock! Opted for the cheaper sandwich but still felt mugged off.' While Philip Livchitz walked out of one London chain last week because of the prices and backed his own sandwich-making skills. He said: 'I remember walking into a Pret near Piccadilly last week and instantly walking out. People must be mad for paying those prices for something that can easily be made at home far superior for less.' Jess used to 'absolutely love Pret' but has now been put off by the extortionate 'wild' prices. Another X user, under the handle @craig_arm, posted a picture of a bottle of Coca-Cola and a Pret baguette which set him back an 'outrageous' price of 9.60. People reacted in dismay on X, formerly Twitter, about the price of the baguette, calling the chain 'bonkers expensive', while another said the cost is 'outrageous' The baguette is reported to have been at the High Street Kensington branch, where prices are higher due to operational costs. The 'posh' sandwich costs 4.99 to takeaway in non-transport hub shops. A Pret spokesman said: 'Prices of our products are typically higher at train stations or transport hubs, due to higher operational costs, and like all food-to-go retailers, dine in prices are subject to 20 per cent VAT, as is the case with the price quoted here for our Posh Cheddar Baguette. 'The vast majority (87 per cent) of our sales in the UK are for takeaway, so most customers are not subject to the additional 20 per cent VAT. 'Like all businesses, we are facing intense cost pressures, which we are trying to absorb as much as possible. We continue to offer great value for high-quality, freshly made food and organic coffees, alongside a dedicated value range of sandwiches, Made Simple. 'We also recently doubled the Club Pret discount to help customers save even more, so subscribers now enjoy 20 per cent off everything in shop and up to five barista prepared drinks per day for 30 per month.' The chain hiked the cost of its popular coffee subscription by 5 earlier this year, as the price of a latte soared from 2.95 to 3.30. The move came against the backdrop of big increases in the cost of ingredients, including milk, coffee and cheese, and the need to boost staff wages three times in a year. Pret customers shared their anger about the news online, with many saying they are going to cancel their subscriptions as a result. It came on the heels of the chain ramping up the prices by as much as 18 per cent as it contended with higher ingredients costs, soaring energy bills and the need to give staff three pay rises this year. What does your lunch meal deal cost? Email matt.strudwick@mailonline.co.uk Some 300 Met officers downed weapons over the murder of the 24-year-old The number of Met firearms officers on duty is 'still significantly less than normal' after dozen put down their weapons in protest over the murder of Chris Kaba. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley admitted that while the force can provide 'credible firearms coverage' for London numbers are still lower than usual, meaning officers will face 'some difficult choices'. There were some 300 Met Police colleagues who took a step back from armed duties following concerns over the Crown Prosecution Service's decision to charge 'officer NX121'. It is feared colleagues across the country could follow suit. It comes as City of London marksmen downed their weapons in protest over the unnamed officer - who was charged with the 24-year-old's murder after he was fatally shot in south London last September. Armed police working for the force are reportedly considering making the move permanent, according to The Mirror, with a source saying the number of armed police cars dispatched at the weekend was down to just two - compared to the usual number of around 15. The number of Met firearms officers on duty is 'still significantly less than normal' after dozen put down their weapons in protest over the murder of Chris Kaba (pictured) Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (pictured) admitted that while the force can provide 'credible firearms coverage' for London numbers are still lower than usual, meaning officers will face 'some difficult choices' There were some 300 Met Police colleagues who took a step back from armed duties following concerns over the Crown Prosecution Service's decision to charge 'officer NX121' Speaking at the first meeting of the London policing board, he said: 'Over the weekend, it had a very significant effect on our capability. We're now in a position where the numbers are strengthening. 'We can provide credible firearms cover for London, but I must be honest, it's still significantly less than normal which will create some difficult choices.' Sir Mark's comments came after policing minister Chris Philp suggested that firearms officers should get paid more for carrying a gun. He told LBC: 'Chief constables deal with operational measures like who gets trained and who gets given a firearm ticket, but they do put themselves in extraordinary danger.' 'We need to make sure the law is on their side when the police do what is necessary to protect us, the public,' he said. 'And it wouldn't be a good thing if the police feel they can't do what is necessary to protect the public because the law is too heavy on their back, and that is what the review is designed to achieve. 'Of course if there is misconduct that needs to be dealt with but we need to make sure it is not excessive and the police officers don't feel they are being stopped from doing their job protecting the public. They're on our side, we need to be on their side as well.' Members of the SAS and regular soldiers had been poised to fill in on the capital's streets for the first time in over a century following the revolt by armed police. More than 100 officers were said to have handed in permits allowing them to carry weapons, prompting Scotland Yard to turn to the military for assistance. Some firearms officers in other forces allegedly refused to help out Met colleagues, while within the Met itself, firearms instructors are also understood to have refused to step in. But as of Monday, enough firearms officers had returned to armed duties for the Met to be able to meet its counterterrorism responsibilities without military help. The crisis emerged after an unnamed officer known only as NX121 was charged with murder over the shooting of unarmed black man Mr Kaba, 24, a father-to-be and aspiring architect who was killed last September in Streatham Hill, South London. Sir Mark's comments came after policing minister Chris Philp (pictured) suggested that firearms officers should get paid more for carrying a gun Mark Rowley told the Army to stand down after enough Met Police firearms officers had returned to armed duties in London (file photo) Protesters marching in London in September 2022 in a protest over the death of Mr Kaba Mr Rowley called for increased legal protections for officers and welcomed a review by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, telling her to 'let the police police'. Mrs Braverman has said she had ordered a review to ensure armed officers 'have the confidence to do their job'. Rishi Sunak also said that armed police need 'clarity' about the legal powers they have as he backed a review by the Home Secretary. Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to a community centre in Hertfordshire, the Prime Minister said officers are 'making life or death decisions in a split-second to keep us safe' and deserve gratitude. 'Now it is important when they are using these legal powers that they do so with clarity and they have certainty about what they are doing, especially given the lethality they are using,' he added. Downing Street said the Home Office review into guidelines used by firearms officers is expected to conclude by the end of the year. No 10 said it was being carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General's Office. The officer accused of Mr Kaba's murder is named only as NX121 after a district judge granted an anonymity order. Last Thursday, Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC told the marksman that a plea and trial preparation hearing will be listed for December 1, with a possible trial date of September 9 next year. NX121 was released on bail on the conditions that he lives at a named address, surrenders his passport and does not apply for international travel documents. MailOnline approached City of London Police and the National Police Chief's Council for comment. A British crocodile expert has pleaded guilty to raping puppies and torturing more than 40 dogs - including his own pets Ursa and Bolt - at his Australian animal shelter after luring owners to give him custody of their beloved canines. Adam Britton, 51, who grew up in West Yorkshire before moving to Australia, began his offending in 2014 and tortured and sexually exploited more than 42 dogs he had called 'f*** toys' until his arrest in April 2022. Britton, an academic at Charles Darwin University in northern Australia who once hosted legendary broadcaster David Attenborough at his home, tortured 39 of those dogs to death in a horrific case of animal cruelty that has shocked the nation. The married zoologist sexually abused his own Swiss shepherd pets, Ursa and Bolt, for almost a decade. He eventually expanded to Gumtree Australia to source more dogs to torture and kill at his sprawling rural estate at McMinns Lagoon on the northern tip of Australia. Britton would even film himself hurting the defenceless animals in what he called his 'torture room' - a shipping container fitted with recording equipment - and post the sick material online, the court heard. Britton, a leading zoologist who has worked with the BBC and National Geographic on productions, stood calmly as he pleaded guilty to 47 counts of animal cruelty at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory yesterday. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of accessing and transmitting child abuse material, including of toddlers being forced to engage in depraved acts. Britton will be sentenced at a later date. Britton is an academic at Charles Darwin University in Australia who once hosted legendary broadcaster David Attenborough, and presented on BBC programme Natural World In 2016, Britton uploaded this photo of one of his dogs, Bolt, as a puppy. The court heard how Britton sexually abused and tortured the dog The court heard Britton started abusing his dogs, Ursa and Bolt (pictured as an adult), in 2014 Adam Britton (centre) with his wife Erin (left) and David Attenborough (right) during filming for a BBC documentary Cold Blood The details of Britton's crimes are so horrific and 'grotesque' that Chief Justice Michael Grant urged the public and security staff to leave the courtroom before the prosecutors outlined the facts of the case in a rare move. 'These facts contain material that can only be described as grotesque and perverse acts of cruelty which is confronting and distressing and which in my assessment have the potential to cause nervous shock,' he said. Much of the details surrounding Britton's offending are also too gruesome to be published. Prosecutors told the court how Britton, who hosted Attenborough while the broadcaster filmed part of the BBC's Life in Cold Blood docuseries at his property, has a 'sadistic sexual interest' in animals, in particular dogs, since at least 2014. Britton's wife Erin, a wildlife ranger who met Prince Harry and helped him catch a saltwater crocodile, was unaware of her husband's disturbing fantasies and has since reportedly changed her surname. Britton would use Gumtree Australia to target pet owners across the Darwin region who were often reluctantly giving their pets away due to work or travel commitments, the court heard. Setting up alerts on the site for when a new dog or puppy was listed for sale in the area, he would build a 'rapport' with the unsuspecting owners in order to negotiate taking custody of their dogs, prosecutor Marty Aust said. If the pet owners reached out and asked Britton for updates on their old pets, he would spin a 'false narrative' to say they were healthy and send them old photos. In one scenario, Britton sent a message to the owners of a large brown dog to reassure them the animal was 'settling in well'. 'Wolfe was relaxed and eating well and enjoying her new home,' the message wrote. But unbeknownst to the previous owners the dog had already been 'sexually exploited, tortured and killed,' Mr Aust said. Britton not only tortured and sexually abused his own pets Ursa and Bolt (pictured together), who he created an Instagram page for, but also dogs from pet owners he had lured into his trap through the online marketplace platform Gumtree Australia The married zoologist had sexually abused his own Swiss Shepherd pets, Ursa and Bolt (pictured as a puppy in 2015), for almost a decade before he eventually expanded to Gumtree Australia to source more dogs to torture and kill at his sprawling rural estate at McMinns Lagoon on the northern tip of Australia Britton's wife Erin (left), a wildlife ranger who met Prince Harry (top right) and helped him catch a saltwater crocodile, was unaware of her husband's disturbing fantasies and has since reportedly changed her surname Britton's wife Erin met Prince Harry and helped him catch a saltwater crocodile Adam Britton, 51, began his offending in 2014 and tortured and sexually exploited more than 42 dogs until his arrest in April 2022 Britton, a leading zoologist who has worked with the BBC and National Geographic on productions, stood calmly as he pleaded guilty to 56 counts of animal cruelty at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory yesterday Prosecutors told the court how Britton has a 'sadistic sexual interest' in animals and in particular dogs since at least 2014 Britton, who grew up in West Yorkshire in the UK before moving to Australia 20 years ago, would share videos and images of himself sexually exploiting the dogs on Telegram under accounts titled 'Monster' and 'Cerberus' - named after Dante's three-headed dog in Greek mythology who guarded the gates to hell. Prosecutors told the court on Monday he used one Telegram account to engage with 'like-minded people', and another which was used to disseminate images and recordings of the abuse. 'Using these applications, the offender discussed his "kill count",' prosecutor Marty Aust said. In a message read to the court, Britton spoke about his urges to a stranger on Telegram: 'I had repressed it. In the last few years I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to.' His account had 114 threads where he described how he acquired the pets, how he abused them and how he disposed of their bodies. Britton boasted that he would tell pet owners on Gumtree Australia that his old dog had died of cancer and he wanted a 'new family member' - and that the tactic hardly ever failed. 'Owner is looking for a good "forever home" for their beloved pooch, make sure you offer them one telling them you want a new family member after your old dog died from cancer last year hardly ever fails,' Britton posted in the Monster Telegram account. A video was eventually sent to the Northern Territory Animal Welfare Branch and passed on to police who arrested Britton in April 2022. At the time, police seized 44 items including computers, mobile telephones, cameras, external hard drives, tools, weapons, sex toys and dog paraphernalia. Britton was charged last year, but his name was suppressed by the courts to ensure media attention would not bias a jury against him. The order was lifted after his pleaded guilty on Monday. He has been remanded in custody since then. Britton was a prominent crocodile expert in northern Australia and a senior researcher at Charles Darwin University. None of his offending is alleged to have been against the reptiles. He is set to return to court on December 13 for sentencing submissions. It was only two years ago that he was an esteemed researcher at Charles Darwin University who attracted international recognition for his work as a crocodile conservationist with his wife and business partner, Erin. There is no suggestion whatsoever that Erin, a biologist and wildlife ranger who has assisted in a range of projects on sea turtles and counting crocodiles, knew anything about her husband's crimes or obsessions, and she appears to have dropped his surname. The National Geographic website suggests she will be on international wildlife expeditions for the next six months, and there is no mention in her bio of her husband and former business partner. Britton grew up in England and received his Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Bristol before moving to Australia after 1996 to pursue his fascination with crocodiles. Adam Britton is pictured with his wife, Erin. They were married for at least 15 years Britton, who grew up in West Yorkshire in the UK before moving to Australia 20 years ago, would share videos and images of himself sexually exploiting the dogs on online forums under pseudonyms He met his future wife and they set up a consultancy company, Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to television and film directors. They worked with natural history shows with the BBC and National Geographic. Their saltwater crocodile, Smaug, became something of a celebrity in his field and appeared in two horror films. Britton was a shameless self-promoter and would often update his social media profiles with photos of his crocodiles, property, and media clippings. While he managed to hide his sick fantasies, one of the more disturbing posts on his public Facebook page was a post celebrating his Swiss Shepherd Bolt's first birthday in 2016. The post included a photo of Bolt as a puppy in 2015. According to the court on Monday, Britton started sexually abusing his own dogs in 2014. An animal control officer who killed an innocent dog by mistake has resigned from his position, saying he will live with the regret for the rest of his life. Sarge, a beloved family pet, was shot through the head with a bolt gun after being found by Gisborne council workers on the streets in New Zealand's North Island on September 22. The officer who killed the animal released a statement accepting full responsibility for what happened. He sincerely apologised to the family and community that had been affected by the tragedy and confirmed he will cooperate with an investigation into what happened. Seven hours after Sarge was found on the streets, his owners, Logan and Piri, were told he had been euthanised by an officer. The animal control officer who accidentally killed Sarge (pictured), a beloved family dog, has resigned effective immediately Sarge was found wandering the streets while his owners, Logan and Piri, were at work so he was taken to the pound only to be mistakenly euthanized (pictured, Sarge and Logan) 'It is with sadness and remorse that I acknowledge my actions which led to the untimely death of a much-loved family dog. An error that I will forever regret,' the statement read. 'To the whanau who has lost their beloved pet, words will never be enough to express how deeply sorry I am for your pain. A pet is more than just an animal; it's a family member, a companion, and a source of endless joy. 'I can't begin to imagine the void and grief you must be experiencing. Please accept my sincere and unreserved apology.' Whanau is the traditional Maori language word for family. READ MORE: Family of woman mauled by Rottweilers shares message The family of a young woman viciously mauled by her pet Rottweilers have made a bombshell claim 'there is more to this story'. Advertisement The officer also apologised to the local Tairawhiti community for the grief he had caused them. 'I understand that trust is a big part of the job, and I deeply regret breaking that trust. The safety of people's pets, the animals we encounter, and the welfare of the community have always been, and will always remain, paramount,' he said. 'This mistake was mine and mine alone. Gisborne District Council has processes in place, which I unfortunately did not follow. 'I want everyone to understand that one individual's error should not be a reflection on the entire Council and its staff who work hard for the community. No one else should be blamed for my mistake.' Gisborne District Council announced that it will be investigating the incident in an attempt to win back the trust of their community. Kate Wallingford, the Director of Owl Investigations, has been appointed as the head of the investigation by Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann. 'We genuinely and deeply regret the distress caused to Sarge's whanau and we acknowledge the huge outpouring of anger and grief from the community,' Ms Swann wrote. 'We have failed the community and need to work hard to regain its confidence in us. This should not have happened and we sincerely apologise.' Sarge had been microchipped and tagged, but when animal controllers tried returning him, his owners were at work so they took him to the pound instead. Council guidelines state that an escaped animal cannot be left at the same property they escaped from if there is nobody there to watch it. Sarge was allegedly returned to Logan and Piri in a garbage bag, who didn't know that he had been shot until they took him out to bury him Neighbours claimed they tried to stop animal controllers from taking Sarge away while Logan and Piri were at work. By the time the couple were called to pick him up, Sarge had already been put down. A whanau spokesperson told stuff.co.nz that they had no chance of saving their dog. 'His family had no opportunity to speak to anyone before he was killed. 'We were advised of this horrible "mistake" late Friday afternoon, a mere seven hours after he was taken.' Family friend Kara Hull said how the council dealt with the situation was cruel. 'Imagine accidentally killing a human, then just putting out a media statement,' she told stuff.co.nz separately. She said the dog was later delivered to its owners in 'a rubbish bag'. It was only when the couple opened the bag to bury the dog under his favourite plum tree that they discovered he had been killed by bolt gun. 'He basically had the shot wound in his head. Not only what happened, but then to see him like that was so painful to think he died like that is beyond awful,' said Ms Hull. Sarge was buried on Saturday. SPCA policy says that 'In most situations, the best method of euthanasia for dogs is by a veterinarian using lethal injection, where possible (and sedation if required to reduce the stress of handling prior to euthanasia).' The officer to blame tendered their resignation immediately and said that they would accept the consequences of their mistake. 'Given the seriousness of my failure, I have decided to resign from my position at the Gisborne District Council. I believe in taking ownership for my actions,' the statement continued. 'I will be fully cooperating with the independent investigation process. In closing, from the depths of my heart, I seek your forgiveness. And while the pain might not subside, I hope that in time, healing will begin.' An Audi driver appears to have brutally side-swiped a motorcyclist in an apparent road rage attack. The incident unfolded on the Hume Highway near Casula in Sydney's south-west on Saturday, with a motorbike and a silver Audi seen crossing back and forth between lanes moments before the collision. Terrifying dashcam footage posted on Sunday shows the car tailing behind in the right-side land before it speeds up and collides with the motorbike, sending the rider hurtling across four lanes of traffic before crashing into a barrier. The rider is seen lying on the hard shoulder as cars stopped and people ran to his aid READ MORE: Car's side mirror torn off in road rage attack Shocking footage has captured the moment a furious motorist rips off the side mirror of a car and smashes in a window during an unprovoked road rage attack. Advertisement Miraculously the rider was not hit by another vehicle as he lost control. The footage then shows the rider lying on the hard shoulder as cars stopped and people ran to his aid. The car that hit him did not immediately stop. The original poster of the video said that they had given the disturbing footage to the police. NSW Police said the 50-year-old motorcycle rider was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. The 55-year-old Audi driver returned to the scene and provided a negative breath test, police said. Officers are still investigating and no arrests have been made. Commentators reacted in horror to what they'd just watched. 'Wow what in the actual f***,' wrote one. 'Sooo lucky he skidded across three lanes of traffic without anyone hitting him.' 'That's f*****,' wrote another. 'Old mate just earned himself jail time by pulling that s*** with so many witnesses.' Another agreed that the car driver should face serious charges. The incident unfolded on the Hume Highway near Casula in Sydney 's southwest, with a motorbike and a silver Audi seen crossing back and forth between lanes moments before the collision Terrifying dashcam footage posted on Sunday shows the car tailing behind in the right-side land before it speeds up and swerves into the motorbike, sending the rider hurtling across four lanes of traffic before crashing into a barrier There was also some advice for motorcyclists who find themselves in a similar situation. 'To any other riders on here. If any of you get into a situation like this where a car has decided to use their vehicle as a weapon. Don't just sit there like this bloke. 'Break the f****** law - rip the throttle open for a couple seconds and lane split a few cars to put some distance between you and the nutcase. 'A risk which you control is infinitely better than being a sitting duck for an unhinged lunatic.' Water companies have been ordered to pay back 114million to customers after failing to meet key targets. All but five of the 17 water and wastewater companies will be forced to give money back to bill-payers after underperforming on reducing pollution, leakage and supply interruptions, the regulator Ofwat said. The repayments will be made through reduced bills rather than customers receiving a lump sum refund. Not one company achieved the regulator's top category of 'leading'. Dwr Cymru, Southern, Thames, Anglian, Bristol, South East and Yorkshire Water fell into the lowest category of 'lagging' and the remaining 10 were rated 'average'. Ofwat judges the performance of water companies in England and Wales each year against the 'stretching' targets they set in 2019 for a five-year period until 2025. Not one company achieved the regulator's top category of 'leading'. Dwr Cymru, Southern, Thames, Anglian, Bristol, South East and Yorkshire Water fell into the lowest category of 'lagging' and the remaining 10 were rated 'average' If they fail to meet these, Ofwat restricts the amount of money they can take from customers. Thames Water is the company which must return the most - more than 101 million - through lower bills, followed by Southern Water which must pay out 43million. Thames Water serves 15 million people with water and wastewater while Southern Water serves around 4.6 million. The net total industry amount of 114million is offset by some companies being rewarded, such as Severn Trent Water taking 88million and United Utilities taking 25million. Ofwat said these figures are provisional until it completes the review process. Since 2020, companies have shown improvements in reducing leakage and internal sewage, with all but one company achieving the target for unplanned outages, though progress has been too slow across the board, Ofwat said. Over the last year, fewer than half of water companies reached their target on reducing pollution or met their commitment on leakage, with an overall decline in customer satisfaction. Companies have also not fully invested their allowance for 2020-2023 for improving services. Todays @Ofwat report shows that while some water companies are making progress, it is not enough. Our #PlanForWater is holding water companies to account to ensure we have a water sector fit for the future. Defra UK (@DefraGovUK) September 26, 2023 David Black, Ofwat's chief executive, said: 'The targets we set for companies were designed to be stretching - to drive improvements for customers and the environment. 'However, our latest report shows they are falling short, leading to 114 million being returned to customers through bill reductions. 'While that may be welcome to bill payers, it is very disappointing news for all who want to see the sector do better. 'It is not going to be easy for companies to regain public trust, but they have to start with better service for customers and the environment. 'We will continue to use all our powers to ensure the sector delivers better value.' Ofwat said it is investigating all 11 water and wastewater companies with live enforcement cases for six companies for potential failures on sewage discharges into the environment. They are also investigating Dwr Cymru and South West Water in relation to the accuracy of leakage reporting and per capita consumption. Mike Keil, senior director at the Consumer Council for Water, said: 'Customers are tired of not getting the service they deserve for the things they care about. 'It's right and fair that people get their money back when they don't receive the services they were promised by some water companies. People want assurance that their water bill is good value for money.' The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said yesterday that it is providing more funding to reduce the amount of times sewage is pumped out of storm overflows, adding another 4billion on to the 56billion it announced last year. It has updated its Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan to include as 'high priority sites' those storm overflows that eject sewage into Marine Protected Areas, shellfish waters, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and bathing waters. Defra said this will not result in any bill rises for customers until 2025 and that stopping all pollution would cost between 120 billion and 600 billion, which would increase annual water bills by between 271 and 817 by 2049. Today, we've announced that water companies in England and Wales will need to return 114m to customers next year for under performance. Read a summary of our announcement here https://t.co/7ElxJDl1vI pic.twitter.com/wuxfPQB4Du Ofwat (@Ofwat) September 26, 2023 Labour shadow environment secretary Steve Reed said: 'This devastating report demonstrates the complete failure of water companies to act on the sewage scandal. 'There can be no more damning metaphor for 13 years of Conservative failure than stinking, toxic sewage lapping up on our rivers, lakes, and seas.' A Water UK spokesman said: 'Today's figures show that, in many areas, there have been significant improvements since the start of the decade. 'There were fewer incidents of serious pollution and less leakage from our ageing water infrastructure. However, companies recognise there is still much more to do to meet the regulator's ever-tightening targets. 'Ensuring the security of our water supply in the future while protecting the environment will take significant investment. 'That's why water companies in England and Wales are proposing record levels of investment over the rest of this decade, with detailed plans set to be published next week.' Staff at supermarket chain Aldi are to be given body-worn cameras as the German discounter becomes the latest retailer to bring in more security measures amidst rising rates of shoplifting across the country. UK boss Giles Hurley said that the company had not been 'immune' to reported rises in people stealing from shops - a rising pattern of behaviour seen nationwide, with some brazen thieves simply filling up carrier bags with items and leaving. Security staff and shop assistants are being offered the devices - which record video and audio as a deterrent to would-be thieves - on a trial basis while Aldi bosses assess their effectiveness in reducing crime and threats to staff. Aldi is the latest in a long line of major retailers to introduce body cameras - coming after Waitrose, the Co-op, Morrisons and Tesco, which has committed to giving the technology to every member of frontline staff. Mr Hurley made the announcement as he unveiled the latest company's results, which showed a 14 per cent rise in revenue to 15.5billion as shoppers opted for cheaper supermarkets amidst the cost of living crisis. Aldi UK boss Giles Hurley said the discounter had not been 'immune' to a rise in shoplifting The cameras will be offered to shop assistants and security staff on a trial basis (pictured: an Aldi supermarket worker) Aldi reported a 14 per cent rise in revenue to 15.5billion as hard-up customers switched to discount supermarkets In remarks first reported by The Grocer, the Aldi CEO said: 'Theres an uptick [in shoplifting] across the industry and were not immune to that. 'With body cams, we currently have a trial which is underway in part of our business, exploring what benefits we can derive from that for our colleagues. 'We have an absolutely fantastic team here at Aldi and we are very clear that they should expect a safe and secure working environment and it is therefore a priority for us.' The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said this summer that shoplifting had risen 27 per cent across ten of the largest cities in the UK, with some cities up as much as 68 per cent. It estimates that shops lost 953m to customer theft last year - the greatest loss on record in recent years. And official statistics published by the Office for National Statistics show that shoplifting rose 24 per cent between March 2022 and March 2023. Heartless thieves are even targeting charity shops - with 80 per cent of non-profits reporting a rise in thefts of donated goods. Shops are having to take desperate measures to deter thieves - from installing facial recognition cameras to locking up baby formula. Body cameras have become the go-to for several retailers. The Co-op has given them to staff since 2020, along with headsets that allow shop staff to speak to each other remotely. Morrisons announced earlier this month that it was trialling giving the cameras to staff at 25 stores - with security guards already equipped with the devices. But Asda has said it will not give cameras to staff amid privacy concerns. Some shops have also started imposing receipt checks at self-service checkouts, to ensure shoppers are paying what they should be for goods. Amid the cost of living crisis, shoppers are opting for cheap supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl on a greater basis than ever, according to data from market analysts Kantar. Its data showed that Aldi's share of the UK's supermarket customers rose above 10 per cent for the first time earlier this year - bigger than Morrisons, Lidl, Waitrose and Iceland. Your browser does not support iframes. Hartlepool, County Durham, is among the nation's worst-hit towns for shoplifting, according to official statistics The Co-op has been giving staff body cameras since 2020 as it contends with rising shoplifting rates READ MORE: Britain's 'soft justice': Shoplifters, drug users and even sex offenders given a 'slap on the wrist' for nearly a MILLION crimes - how many out-of-court deals does YOUR police force hand out? Sex offenders, shoplifters and drug users were among almost a million crooks given community resolutions for a shocking array of crimes, MailOnline can reveal Advertisement Only Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco have greater shares of the market than the German firm, known for its eclectic range of Specialbuys. Aldi boss Mr Hurley said Brits' shopping habits had been 'transformed' by rising food prices, adding: 'Britain is shopping very differently to how it did 18 months ago fewer trips, more own label products, and switching supermarkets in search of better value.' The news came after a MailOnline investigation revealed Britain's shoplifting hotspots - with Cleveland, Nottinghamshire and Humberside police forces dealing with more offences per head than any other force in England and Wales. In Hartlepool, County Durham - which falls under Cleveland Police's protection - shop owners have shared their exasperation at dealing with 'shameless' adults and even children who run into stores to steal in broad daylight. Vape shop worker Tom Ward, 24, told MailOnline: 'We get shoplifters too. They come in in threes. One will talk to you and pretend they are interested in buying something. While you are distracted the others will steal. 'You also get kids coming in. This is a vape shop and they are underage so you have to ask them to leave. In retaliation they will then try and steal stuff.' He added: 'People here have given up on the police. They are having to sort out problems themselves. 'It's only at the point where someone gets their head kicked in that the police get involved.' Chief Inspector Pete Littlewood, Cleveland Police's lead on retail crime, said the rise in shoplifting in the northern region was reflected 'across the country and most likely a reflection of the impact of national social and economic changes.' Recent MailOnline investigations have also revealed a rise in the use of 'soft justice' community resolutions across the country, with a 40 per cent rise in their use in the last six years. Shoplifting accounted for 14 per cent of community resolutions in the last eight years - over 60,000 cases in all - which could have seen thieves made to apologise to shopkeepers or hand back stolen goods, without being given a criminal record. The BRC's assistant business and regulation chief Graham Wynn said the organisation does not oppose community resolutions, but added: 'We believe that it is important that prolific or violent offenders are dealt with through the courts. 'We do need a greater prioritisation of retail crime and retail violence by the police forces.' A tradie who faked his own kidnapping so he could spend New Year's Eve with a sex worker instead of his partner has narrowly avoided jail. Paul Iera, 36, from Wollongong in New South Wales, was sentenced to a three-year community correction order in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to concocting the fanciful story as cover for his cheating. The tiler was also ordered to pay over $16,000 in compensation to NSW Police who spent 200 hour investigating the hoax, according to the Illawara Mercury. Iera left his home just before New Year's Eve at 11.45pm on December 31, telling his partner he was going to meet his 'financial guy' in Dapto, south of Wollongong. Paul Iera (pictured), 36, from Wollongong in New South Wales, was sentenced to a three-year community correction order in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to concocting the fanciful story as cover for his cheating However, his partner then received a text claiming that Iera had been kidnapped. The texts read: '[Iera's partner's name] it's '[name]' thank you for sending Paul to me, now payback is a b**** bye bye. 'But I'm going to be fare (sic) OK, we will keep him with us until the morning wen (sic) he gives us his bike we call it square, no one's touching him my word I'll give you hun OK'. Iera allowed his partner to believe he was being held hostage over a $7,000 dirt bike. Fearing for his welfare, she contacted police. Detectives immediately started investigating, with officers poring over CCTV and speaking to witnesses. The next morning, police carried out a 'high-risk vehicle stop' on Iera's van, believing he was being held hostage inside but it was only him inside, according to The Illawara Star. Iera (pictured) allowed his partner to believe he was being held hostage over a $7,000 dirt bike when in reality he was spending the night with his sex worker mistress Iera then told police his outlandish lie that he had been captured by 'unknown Middle Eastern males'. However, his story fell apart 12 days later after police tracked down CCTV footage showing he had been with the sex worker mistress for the night. Magistrate Michael Ong admonished Iera's 'abhorrent behaviour'. 'You chose to send alarming, frightening messages to your partner so you could get some extra time with another partner,' Mr Ong said. 'You thought that would be a great way to do it. Any reasonable person would have gone to the police and that is exactly what happened.' Iera must also undertake 350 hours of community service. He was fined and sentenced to a concurrent community order for three unrelated charges relating to the possession of unauthorised weapons and ammunition. Daily Mail Australia approached Iera for comment. Shoppers are forking out more for Galaxy chocolate bars while having 10g less of a bite in the latest example of 'shrinkflation'. The size of the 110g 'smooth milk' bars has decreased to 100g, but despite the confectionary being smaller supermarkets have pushed up the price. Prices at Tesco for the chocolate bar are 1.25 compared to 99p for the 110g slab back in September 2022, according to Trolley.co.uk. While in Asda the price has risen to 1.25 compared to 1 at the same time last year. At Morrisons the cost has been hiked by 50p to 1.50. It is the latest product to fall victim to 'shrinkflation' - the term used for when food giants quietly reduce the size of hundreds of products while still charging the same prices. A Mars Wrigley UK spokesperson said: 'We have been actively trying to find ways to absorb the rising costs of raw materials and operations, as we know the increase in the cost of living has impacted both consumers and businesses across the UK. The size of the Galaxy 110g 'smooth milk' bars has decreased to 100g, but despite them being smaller supermarkets have pushed up the price Consumer champion Which? says the tactic means shoppers are now being fooled into paying more for less 'Unfortunately, the growing pressures mean that more needs to be done. Reducing the size of our products is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is necessary for shoppers to still be able to enjoy their favourite Galaxy treats without compromising on quality or taste.' The phenomenon of 'shrinkflation' was widely adopted following the 2008 financial crash and is driven by firms anxious not to raise product prices despite the rising cost of raw materials, energy and transport. Food conglomerate Mars quietly changed the recipe for its Galaxy bars in November 2022 by increasing the amount of skimmed milk powder. It was the second largest ingredient on packaging, above cocoa powder, on its Ripple, Minstrels and Galaxy Milk products, reported The Grocer. While Mars blamed 'rising costs of raw materials' when it reduced its 'fun-size' Twix pack in July last year to 20g bars from 23g. McVities was another to fall victim earlier this month when it shrunk the size of its Jaffa Cakes without cutting the costs. The treats famed for their sweet, tangy taste are now a tenth smaller - reduced from 5.5cm to 5cm across. The orange bump has gone from 4cm to 3cm and the weight of each cake has been cut from 12.2g to 11g, The Sun reported. Boxes remained their usual size and still hold ten Jaffa Cakes - but the overall weight of the package is no longer shown. Jaffa Cakes are also now a tenth smaller - reduced from 5.5cm to 5cm across. The orange bump has gone from 4cm to 3cm and the weight of each cake has been cut from 12.2g to 11g Among the many big brands in the dock are Fairy Liquid, Pringles, Lurpak, Cadbury, Whiskas, Andrex, Hellmanns, McVities, Warburtons, Walkers, Head & Shoulders and Magnum The subtle changes to the product were picked up by fans. Ben Scott, 36, from Margate, Kent, said: 'You wouldn't notice from the packaging. The old and the new boxes are identical to look at. READ MORE: Shrinkflation eats into McVities as Jaffa Cakes are cut in size by nearly 1g - leaving fans devastated Advertisement 'But it's glaringly obvious with the old and new cakes side by side. The orange jelly bump, my favourite bit, is tiny compared to before.' Parent company Pladis blamed 'input costs'. A spokesman said: 'This is why weve made the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Jaffa Cakes products, while ensuring that each cake still includes plenty of our signature crackly chocolate and orange centre.' In June, MailOnline reported how every element of the weekly shop had been impacted by shrinkflation. Among the many big brands in the dock are Fairy Liquid, Pringles, Lurpak, Cadbury, Whiskas, Andrex, Hellmanns, McVities, Warburtons, Walkers, Head & Shoulders and Magnum. In some cases, firms will change the design to hide a switch. Bottles of Fairy Liquid, for example, were down from 870ml to 820ml. The new smaller bottle is taller, while the price had risen from 2.39 to 3 at the time of publication. Consumer champion Which? said the tactic meant shoppers are being fooled into paying more for less and they have called for moves to force stores to change the way prices are displayed to help people find the best- value products. Its head of food policy, Sue Davies, said: Our research has shown that while some popular products have shrunk, the same cant always be said for their prices which means people are inadvertently paying more for less. Consumers are facing enough financial stress during the cost-of-living crisis without having to check for changing packet sizes when theyre doing the weekly shop. The Office for National Statistics most recent report on shrinkflation was released in 2019, before the pandemic and cost of living crisis hit. It found 206 products had shrunk in size from September 2015 to June 2017, with bread, cereals, meat, and jams and syrups topping the list. The MCM London Comic Comic Con has cancelled a planned Harry Potter themed panel from its October event after an LGBT group claimed it would not be a 'safe and inclusive environment'. Activists from the LGBT group Switchboard threatened to pull out of hosting the first pride lounge if the panel was allowed to partake in the event due to author JK Rowling's historical 'transphobic' remarks. The National LGBTQIA+ helpline claimed they had been 'compelled to express their concerns about the potential impact on the community' the panel would have in relation to 'trans individuals.' It said that the panel's presence would not equate to MCM Comic Con providing the 'safe and inclusive environment' that it had promised but others have argued that the event's decision to cancel is a 'capitulation.' The group claimed that Comic Con had been 'receptive' to its concerns and that their own space at the event would be a 'sanctuary' where LGBTQIA+ people could 'connect with one another, and recharge during the event.' Activists from the LGBT group Switchboard threatened to pull out of London's MCM Comic Con if a Harry Potter themed panel was allowed to partake in the event 'Transphobic' JK Rowling (pictured) believes in some circumstances women and girls should have the right to single-sex spaces Switchboard, the National LGBTQIA+ helpline, claimed they had been 'compelled to express their concerns about the potential impact on the community' A panel from the West End play had been set to deliver a talk at the event Although still one of the most popular film and literary franchises of all time, the Harry Potter series has become associated with elements of transphobia in recent years due to comments made by its author. Who are Switchboard? Switchboard are an LGBT+ helpline that has offered support and advice to the UK gay community since 1974. The group say their mission statement is to provide a 'safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.' The group will host Comic Con's first Pride Lounge at the event next October in London's ExCel centre. The description on the event says it will be the perfect place to 'rest and reflect' and that 'pronoun badges' will also be on offer. Advertisement JK Rowling - the mastermind behind the seven best-seller Harry Potter books - came under intense scrutiny over her position on women's rights and gender. The author believes in some circumstances that women and girls should have the right to single-sex spaces, causing her to be at the centre of transphobic rows over the past few years. Rowling, 56, faced accusations of transphobia after she mocked an online article in June 2020 which used the words 'people who menstruate' instead of 'women'. She later defended herself against the claims in a passionate essay - but has been criticised by some ever since. The panel in question was set to be put on by the production team of West End play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In a statement released to Pink News, MCM London Comic Con stressed that the aim of the panel had been to 'hear from the production team working behind the scenes.' They said the decision to cancel the panel was a 'joint decision.' A spokesman said: 'Following discussions between MCM Comic Con and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a joint decision has been taken for the production not to run the proposed panel on 28 October. The aim of the panel was to hear from the production team working behind the scenes. Thank you for your understanding. MailOnline has approached the West End production for comment. The decision to cancel the panel due to external pressure has been mocked online as an overeaction and a 'capitulation.' The decision to cancel the panel due to external pressure was described as a 'capitulation' Drawing attention to the fracas, GB News presenter Andrew Doyle said: 'A Harry Potter panel at Londons Comic Con event has been cancelled due to pressure from activist group Switchboard. 'When will organisations stop capitulating to these ideologues?' One person said: 'Theyll stop capitulating as soon as they realise this performative nonsense is walloping them right in the profit margin.' Another argued: 'Because this is all they can do. They'll never be able to "cancel" JKR or her books so they go for small victories like these to make themselves feel better.' This is the shocking moment waiters brawled with 'foreign customers' after a row broke out at a cafe in Venice's famous St Mark's Square. Footage shows a group of men shove each other and crash into tables and chairs on the outside terrace of the Caffe Chioggia on St Mark's Square. The men can be seen kicking and slapping each other, while one man held a chair in front of his chest, seemingly to protect himself. Tourists enjoying their morning coffee at the cafe under the Marciana library and opposite the famous Doge's Palace were shocked when the fight broke out and quickly backed away. Four male customers of 'foreign nationality' and at least seven waiters were involved in the brawl, according to Italian outlet Corriere de Veneto. Footage shows a group of men shove each other and crash into tables and chairs (left) on the outside terrace of the Caffe Chioggia on St Mark's Square. The men can be seen kicking and slapping each other, while one man held a chair in front of his chest, seemingly to protect himself (right) Local media reported that after a heated discussion, a few waiters pushed one of the 'foreign customers' away (left). The men then retaliated by shoving staff members standing nearby who were trying to calm down the situation (right) Local media reported that after a heated discussion, a few waiters pushed one of the 'foreign customers' away. The men then retaliated by shoving staff members standing nearby who were trying to defuse the situation. A mass brawl ensued during which both sides seemed to get increasingly violent as they kicked and slapped their opponents. The video was taken by an English-speaking woman last Thursday, who can be heard saying 'What's happening? Oh my god' behind the camera. The waiters involved in the fight did not disclose a reason to Corriere del Veneto. The owner of the cafe, Sebastiano De Zotti, has not yet provided any answers. Suella Braverman will attack 'absurd' international refugee rules today warning that 780 million people are eligible to claim asylum in the UK. In a bold speech in Washington DC - being seen as a pitch to be the next Tory leader - the Home Secretary will demand an overhaul of the UN Refugee Convention to help end the Channel crisis. She will brand the system 'unsustainable', complaining that it creates 'huge incentives for illegal migration'. Insisting being trafficked as a sex slave is completely different from paying a gang to smuggle you across the Channel, Ms Braverman raises the prospect of rewriting the UN's 1951 treaty to raise the threshold for asylum claims. She will point out that would-be refugees once had to show they were facing 'persecution' but now they must only prove 'discrimination'. 'Simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination' should no longer amount to grounds for asylum, she will argue at the American Enterprise Institute think-tank. Mrs Braverman will suggest the UN treaty is 'an incredible achievement of its age', but highlight its role in the crisis that has seen nearly 110,000 migrants cross the Channel on dinghies to reach Britain since 2018. 'More than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time,' she will say. 'According to analysis by Nick Timothy and Karl Williams for the Centre for Policy Studies, it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. Suella Braverman (pictured) will claim international asylum laws are creating an 'absurd and unsustainable' system with 'huge incentives for illegal migration' Mrs Braverman will today warn that 780 million people are eligible to claim asylum in the UK under 'absurd' rules and argue that Channel boat migrants should not be treated as refugees Mrs Braverman will suggest the UN treaty has played a key role in the crisis that has seen nearly 110,000 migrants cross the Channel on dinghies to reach Britain since 2018 'It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform.' Ms Braverman - who has been accompanied by a TV crew on her trip to the US - is also expected to say in her speech: 'Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. Crackdown 'to bar families of foreign carers' Suella Braverman is pressing for sweeping changes to the visa system that would bar tens of thousands of foreign workers from bringing relatives to the UK. The Home Secretary is understood to have put forward plans to curb legal migration ahead of the next election. It comes amid concern among Conservative backbenchers that they will be punished at the ballot box over record net migration figures of 606,000 a year. Mrs Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick have urged Downing Street to approve major changes to legal migration routes, including restrictions on foreign care workers bringing dependents with them when they move to Britain, the Daily Telegraph reported. The number of health and social care visas issued by the Home Office has increased by 157 per cent in a year. Government data says 121,290 were handed out in the 12 months to June, up from 47,194 the previous year. The changes could mirror restrictions on foreign students. Advertisement 'The vast majority have passed through multiple safe countries, and in some instances have resided in safe countries for several years. In this sense, there is an argument that they should cease to be treated as refugees when considering the legitimacy of their onward movement.' She will ask whether the 70-year-old UN treaty still suits the modern age or should be rewritten. 'The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable,' she will say. Mrs Braverman will also level her sights at immigration lawyers and judges. She will question whether the way the convention has 'come to be interpreted through our courts' is also in need of reform. The Government's Illegal Migration Act, passed by Parliament earlier this year, bars 'irregular' migrants from claiming asylum. However, its powers have yet to be brought into force and it remains unclear whether it will make it easier to remove migrants whose claims are denied. Mrs Braverman's criticisms of the UN treaty will be disputed by many immigration lawyers and campaigners, who point to Britain's leading role in drawing it up after the horrors of the Second World War. Policing minister Chris Philp supported Ms Braverman's view, telling Times Radio the convention 'needs to be looked at on an international basis'. He said the government had 'seen people shopping around between different countries to choose where to claim asylum'. 'That's not how the UN Refugee Convention was originally designed, it's not designed to allow people to circulate in Europe for a number of years before deciding where to claim asylum and making dangerous and illegal journeys doing so,' he said. Mr Philp said some people are falsely claiming to be persecuted, saying that 'some people claim to be gay when they're not'. 'When I was immigration minister I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasn't a same-sex partner at all,' he added. Ms Braverman is expected to say in her speech in Washington DC tomorrow: 'Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril' Migrants are picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel last month Ms Braverman will point out that the convention defines refugees as those with a 'well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion'. 'However, as case law has developed, what we have seen in practice is an interpretive shift away from persecution, in favour of something more akin to a definition of discrimination,' she will say. 'And a similar shift away from a 'well-founded fear' towards a 'credible' or 'plausible fear'. 'The practical consequence of which has been to expand the number of those who may qualify for asylum, and to lower the threshold for doing so. 'Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. 'But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if, in effect, simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin, is sufficient to qualify for protection.' Mrs Braverman will also highlight 'asylum shopping' which sees migrants move through numerous safe countries to reach their target country. The convention 'makes clear' that it is intended to apply to individuals 'coming directly from a territory where their life was threatened', she will say, and that they must show 'good cause' for entering a country illegally in order to claim asylum. 'The UK along with many others, including America, interpret this to mean that people should seek refuge and claim asylum in the first safe country that they reach,' she will add. 'But NGOs and others, including the UN Refugee Agency, contest this. 'Seeking asylum and seeking better economic prospects are not the same thing. 'Seeking refuge in the first safe country you reach or shopping around for your preferred destination are not the same thing. Being trafficked ie, transported against your will, perhaps to be sold into sex slavery and being smuggled ie, asking someone to sneak you into a country are not the same thing. 'The extent to which the global asylum framework enables the merging of these categories creates huge incentives for illegal migration. This legal framework is rooted in the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.' She will note that when the convention was signed it conferred protection on two million Europeans, but a recent analysis by the Centre for Policy Studies think-tank concluded it now 'confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780million people'. Any reform of the convention will be a drawn-out process and would need to secure widespread international support. A Centre for Policy Studies report, published last year and co-authored by former Theresa May aide Nick Timothy, recommended the UK should 'work with international partners on updating the antiquated 1951 Refugee Convention'. But Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the convention's principles were 'just as important today as they have ever been'. 'Abandoning them is not an option: We must stand firm in our commitment to all people fleeing persecution and the international frameworks that were created to protect them,' he said. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said she was 'astonished' to learn of a German government initiative to finance migrant rescue charity groups operating in the Mediterranean in a letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz. A surge in migrant boat landings on the Italian island of Lampedusa earlier this month sparked a debate across Europe about how to manage arrivals. The right-wing Meloni is pursuing a hard line against illegal immigration but Italy has seen a surge in migrant arrivals this year with some 133,000 coming ashore so far against around 69,800 in the same period in 2022. As part of her efforts, Meloni's government has sought to limit the activities of charity rescue ships operating in the central Mediterranean, the world's deadliest sea crossing for migrants, drawing the ire of others within the EU. Meloni's letter is dated Sept. 23 and was made public on Monday after Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, a senior figure in Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, also took aim at Germany for supporting the charities in an interview on Sunday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (pictured) has said she was 'astonished' to learn of a German government initiative to finance migrant rescue charity groups operating in the Mediterranean in a letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz Meloni's letter to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (pictured) is dated Sept. 23 and was made public on Monday after Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, a senior figure in Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, also took aim at Germany for supporting the charities in an interview on Sunday The right-wing Meloni is pursuing a hard line against illegal immigration but Italy has seen a surge in migrant arrivals this year with some 133,000 coming ashore so far against around 69,800 in the same period in 2022. Pictured: A Italian Coast Guard boat carry migrants near the port of the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, September 18 'I have learned with astonishment that your administration - without coordinating with the Italian government - has allegedly decided to support with substantial funds non-governmental organisations engaged in the reception of irregular migrants on Italian territory and in rescues in the Mediterranean Sea,' Meloni wrote. She suggested on-land help would be better conducted in Germany than Italy. She repeated her accusation - strongly denied by NGOs - that charity rescue boats acted a 'pull factor' for migrants making the deadly sea crossing from North Africa. She said EU nations who wanted to help Italy manage irregular migration would be better to focus on 'structural solutions', including working with transit countries to stop the flows. Crosetto said the NGOs only pick up around five percent of arrivals into Italy. On Monday, a German foreign ministry spokesman said Berlin's financial support for the NGOs 'wasn't a surprise for anyone' as it was funding approved by parliament. 'Our Italian partners were also informed at the time about it. It has taken some time for the various NGOs worthy of funding to be selected,' they said. That has now occurred and thus the funds are being distributed,' the spokesman said during a regular government media briefing. A surge in migrant boat landings on the Italian island of Lampedusa earlier this month sparked a debate across Europe about how to manage arrivals. Pictured: Boats used by migrants to cross the Mediterranean sea are abandoned on the beaches of Lampedusa, September 25 Wooden crosses made with the remains of boats used by migrants to cross the Mediterranean sea are seen in the cemetery where victims of shipwrecks are buried, on the island of Lampedusa, September 25 A spokesperson for the German foreign ministry said on Friday Berlin was implementing a parliamentary financial support programme for both civilian sea rescue and projects on land, and had completed the review of two applications. It also said rescuing people at sea is a 'legal, humanitarian and moral duty'. The German foreign office confirmed to AFP news agency it was providing between 400,000 euros and 800,000 euros each to two projects relating to migrants. The projects were 'for the support on land in Italy of people rescued at sea and an NGO project for sea-rescue operations', a spokesperson said. The news of Germany's funding sparked anger among Matteo Salvini's anti-immigration League party, which shares power with Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. Meloni's defence minister, Guido Crosetto, also weighed in, saying it was a 'very serious' move that put Italy 'in difficulty'. The criticism comes after Berlin temporarily stopped accepting migrants living in Italy, after Rome itself suspended EU rules governing the distribution of migrants. Meloni last week signed off on new measures to lengthen the time migrants can be detained and increase the number of detention centres in an effort to deter them from embarking on sea crossings from North Africa. Her government also ruled migrants would have to pay to avoid detention while their request for protection is being processed. 'I believe that the efforts, including financial, of EU nations interested in providing concrete support to Italy should rather focus on building structural solutions to the migration phenomenon,' Meloni said in her letter to Scholz. She said Germany, governed by a centre-left coalition, should rather concentrate on assisting migrants on its own soil, adding that the presence of charity boats at sea can incentivise migrant trips that often result in shipwrecks and casualties. The impact of the migrant crisis across Europe has been laid bare in a map Migrants arrive in the harbour of Italian island of Lampedusa, on September 18, 2023 Migrants arrive at 'Molo Favarolo' in Lampedusa, southern Italy, September 18 2023 Thousands of people have perished while making the treacherous crossing from North Africa to Europe, with the Mediterranean in June described as a 'mass graveyard' after a boat carrying up to 750 migrants capsized. In February, a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Italy, killing dozens of people, with survivors accusing traffickers of throwing children into the ocean to try and lighten their boat and escape the coastguard. Over the weekend, Meloni admitted she had hoped to do 'better' on controlling migration, which has surged since her party won historic elections a year ago. 'Clearly we hoped for better on immigration, where we worked so hard,' she said in an interview marking the win, broadcast late Saturday on the TG1 channel. 'The results are not what we hoped to see. It is certainly a very complex problem, but I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of it.' Meloni's post-fascist Brothers of Italy party was elected in large part on a promise to reduce mass migration into Italy. After 8,500 people arrived on the tiny island of Lampedusa in just three days earlier this month, Meloni demanded the EU do more to help relieve the pressure. Brussels agreed to intensify existing efforts, and this week said it would start to release money to Tunisia - from where many of the boats leave - under a pact aimed at stemming irregular migration from the country. But Meloni's main coalition partner, Matteo Salvini of the anti-immigration League party, has been dismissive of EU efforts to manage the surge of arrivals that he dubbed an 'act of war'. While interior minister in a previous government in 2019, Salvini blocked several charity ships from disembarking rescued migrants in Italy, a move that saw him prosecuted in Sicily on charges of kidnapping. Since taking office in October, Meloni's government has restricted the activities of the ships, which it accuses of encouraging migrants, while vowing to clamp down on people smugglers. Italian firefighters and Red Cross personnel gather at the scene where bodies of migrants washed ashore following a shipwreck, at a beach near Cutro, Crotone province, southern Italy, 26 February 2023 A view of part of the wreckage of a capsized boat that was washed ashore at a beach near Cutro, southern Italy, Monday, February 27, 2023 It has also sought to boost repatriation of arrivals ineligible for asylum, including by building new detention centres and extending the time migrants can be held there. It emerged this week it would also be requiring migrants awaiting a decision on asylum to pay a deposit of 5,000 euros or be sent to a detention centre, prompting accusations the state was charging 'protection money'. The centre-left Democratic Party said earlier this week that 'on immigration, the Italian right has failed'. 'It continues on a path that is demagogic and consciously cynical, but above all totally ineffective both in the respect and safeguarding of human rights, and for the protection of Italy's interests,' it said in a note. This is the moment a Filipino diver armed with a knife severed an enormous 1,000ft floating barrier installed by Beijing near a disputed South China Sea reef. The Philippine Coast Guard said it had removed the barrier that was allegedly deployed by China to stop Filipinos from accessing the traditional fishing ground in the latest flash point between the two countries over competing maritime claims. As the coast guard released footage of the barrier being cut, Beijing reacted angrily to the admission, warning Manila on Tuesday not to 'stir up trouble'. The clip showed a diver cutting what the coast guard said was a 300-meter (984-feet) long string of buoys near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. The shoal - found 130 miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon - is small, but seen as a strategic location for both countries, while also being a fertile fishing ground. This is the moment a Filipino diver armed with a knife severed an enormous 1,000ft floating barrier installed by Beijing near a disputed South China Sea reef With coastguard personnel posing as fishermen in a small rickety boat, the diver had reached the barrier on Monday, the Philippines said. The video - presumably filmed by another diver - shows the first diver with a simple snorkelling mask swimming below the waves, holding a small knife. After swimming down the barrier, he takes a moment to pull the camera closer to show the cable, before easily slicing through it with the blade. He and the camera operate then both return to the surface, before fleeing the scene. China's coastguard had even removed remnants of the ball-buoy barrier from the Scarborough Shoal, a Philippine coastguard spokesperson said. They added Beijing was measured in its response to the presence of the vessel, which reached its closest point to the strategic atoll since China seized it in 2012. China claims more than 90 percent of the South China Sea. Coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said four Chinese vessels were in the area when a Philippine ship approached and were 'not that aggressive', adding it was clear media were on board the Philippine ship. The Chinese took away the barrier, a few hours after discovering it was no longer aligned and blocking the lagoon, Tarriela told DWPM radio. 'They might still return the floating barrier once again, they might still do shadowing and dangerous maneouvres once again,' he told CNN Philippines, adding that the Philippines 'will not back down' and will maintain its presence in the sea. This photo taken on September 20, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship (back) shadowing Philippine fishing boats anchored near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea The Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing spot off the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been the site of decades of on-off disputes over sovereignty. China made no direct mention of the barrier on Monday but its foreign ministry said the coastguard had moved on Friday to repel a Philippine vessel 'intruding' in what were indisputably Chinese waters. But on Tuesday, Beijing warned Manila not to 'stir up trouble'. 'China firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of the Huangyan island,' said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, adding: 'We advise the Philippines not to provoke or stir up trouble.' Japan's government urged restraint. The Philippines and China have repeatedly sparred over the shoal but under the previous pro-China administration in Manila, tension had been lowered for several years. But ties have soured this year, as new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who authorised the cutting of the cordon, seeks to strengthen relations with ally the United States. Such efforts included giving the U.S. military expanded access to Philippine bases. Vessels of the two countries have faced off several times this year elsewhere in Philippine EEZ, such as at the Second Thomas Shoal. There Manila has accused China of dangerous and aggressive acts in blocking resupply missions to a handful of troops stationed on a rusty, grounded warship. China says that occupation is illegal. This photo taken on September 21, 2023 shows the sun rising past a Philippine fishing boat near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea Late on Monday Chinese nationalist tabloid the Global Times posted an article that quoted an expert saying Philippine decision-makers were acting under the influence of a United States bent on instigating conflicts in the South China Sea to contain Beijing. Control of the shoal, about 528 miles off mainland China, is a sensitive issue for Beijing, which for the past decade has maintained a constant presence of coastguard ships and fishing vessels there. The rocky outcrop figured in a case the Philippines took to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which ruled in 2016 that China's claim to most of the South China Sea had no basis under international law. China does not recognise the ruling. The son of the Yorkshire Ripper's first victim Wilma McCann revealed how he had plotted revenge on the depraved serial killer before speaking to Desmond Tutu and learning the power of forgiveness. Richard McCann said he had hated evil Peter Sutcliffe until he eventually learned to let go. Speaking on Good Morning Britain about the moment he learned of Sutcliffe's death in 2020, he said he didn't celebrate it, but the next day 'things felt different' and like 'something had been released - something beautiful somehow'. When asked if he' hated his soul' by presenter Richard Madeley, Mr McCann admitted, 'I did. Me and Sonia plotted revenge. 'She was going to write to him and befriend him then go visit him and go kill him that was how we thought all those years ago, but I've been on a bit of a journey for the last 48 years and I let go of the anger and the need for revenge in 2010 when I met Desmond Tutu and spoke about forgiveness and I decided to let go of that and forgive. The tragic final days of Wilma McCann, 28, and Sutcliffe's second victim Emily Jackson, 42, will be re-told in ITV's The Long Shadow which is airing across seven episodes Sutcliffe would go on to kill a further 11 women and attack several others Richard McCann spoke about his journey towards finding forgiveness and learning to let go Mr McCann said it was Desmond Tutu who taught him about forgiveness 'Desmond Tutu's words were 'you can't force a person to forgive another but when it occurs it can change a situation'. 'I thought, I can't change my mum's death, I can't bring her back but I can change how it impacts on me and I let it go. 'I didn't become his friend incidentally. I used to think forgiveness was for the other person, it's not. Forgiveness is for you, to let go of the anger and need for revenge.' Asked if we'd still have had capital punishment in the eighties and Sutcliffe had been hanged how he'd feel now, Mr McCann said he feels that would have been the wrong thing to do. The son of the Yorkshire Ripper's first victim earlier paid tribute to his mother as an ITV drama recalling the hunt for Peter Sutcliffe aired last night. The tragic final days of Wilma, 28, and Sutcliffe's second victim Emily Jackson, 42, will be re-told in The Long Shadow across seven episodes. The women were murdered in Leeds three months apart in late 1975 and early 1976. Sutcliffe would go on to kill a further 11 women and attack several others. Tweeting just minutes before the programme aired, Mr McCann said: 'Not sure why I feel so nervous about the airing of the ITV drama The Long Shadow starting in a few minutes. 'Thinking of you mum more than I ever have for years as people get to see you showing love for your children.' Richard McCann said he had hated evil Peter Sutcliffe until he eventually learned to let go Tweeting just minutes before the programme aired, Richard McCann said: 'Thinking of you mum more than I ever have for years as people get to see you showing love for your children' Wilma, who was a mother-of-four, was brutally murdered just 100 yards away from her house on October 30 1975, after Sutcliffe hit her with a hammer and stabbed her 15 times in the chest, neck and abdomen. The young woman, from Scott Hall in Leeds, will be portrayed by Gemma Laurie, while Sutcliffe's second victim will be depicted by Katherine Kelly. The murder of Wilma, who was a sex worker, came after Sutcliffe had attacked three women that same year. The women - Anna Rogulskyj, Olive Smelt and Tracy Browne - had all miraculously escaped with their lives. On the night of October 29, McCann had said goodnight to her children and then headed out drinking. She was seen at four pubs - including the Regent and White Sawn - drinking whiskies an beer. Later in the evening, she ended up at a drinking club, where she continued consuming alcohol. Having left the club very drunk after 1am, she staggered around looking for a lift home and was seen by Sutcliffe, who stopped his car and picked her up. Wilma McCann's children. From left to right: Richard (then five), Sonje (then seven), Angela (three), and Donna (four) The sex worker was attacked and brutally murdered just 100 yards away from her house on October 30, 1975. Sutcliffe hit her with a hammer and stabbed her 15 times in the chest, neck and abdomen. Her body was found in Prince Philip Playing fields. Above: The site where Wilma's body was found Police search for Wilma McCann, the Yorkshire Ripper's first victim He parked his car near Prince Philip Playing fields and, after suggesting that they have sex on the grass, attacked and killed her. The first episode of The Long Shadow opens with Wilma's children waking up to find their mother gone. Viewers then see the moment her body is discovered. Detective Chief Superintendent Dennis Hoban - aware that women of 'loose morals' may not inspire public sympathy - is seen opting to direct public attention to Wilma's role as a mother. However, it would ultimately be more than five years before Wilma's killer was caught. Sutcliffe then carried on life as normal with his wife Sonia. Sutcliffe murdered 13 women between 1975 and 1980. He also attempted to take the lives of several more He would go on to tell police: 'After that first time I developed and played up a hatred for prostitutes in order to justify within myself a reason why I had attacked and killed Wilma McCann.' Speaking in 2020, Wilma's son Richard criticised the way police had described his mother and some of Sutcliffe's other victims. 'My mum was more than just a 'good time girl' or a 'woman of loose morals', as she was described by the police,' he said in a video. 'I hate the things that they said about some of the women, including my mum. 'It's like they seem to forget the person behind that black and white mugshot that I hated for years.' Police were forced to smash their way into the car of a Baptist minister who left his dog in 'overwhelming' 25C (78F) heat for over an hour while he had brunch with a colleague. Officers broke through the front window of Reverend Stephen Holland's car to rescue his 'panting' and 'very subdued' pet Alaskan Malamute named Wolf. The Eskimo pooch was 'hot to the touch' and no water was found in the boot, a court heard. He was rushed to a vets to be checked over, where he was found to be unharmed. Christian preacher Rev Holland, 56, had parked his motor in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in June where he was meeting a church colleague at a cafe. A ticket on his windscreen showed he arrived at 11.55am, but it was not until 1.10pm - more than an hour and 15 minutes later - that officers were called by a member of the public to rescue Wolf. Reverend Stephen Holland, 56, with his Alaskan Malamute, Wolf, who he left locked in his car while he went for breakfast in Macclesfield, Cheshire The Eskimo pooch was 'hot to the touch' and no water was found in the boot after police officers smashed their way into the car. He was taken to the vet to be checked over Rev Holland insisted his pet pooch was 'completely fine' and he believed it 'was not excessively hot' on the day, he told Crewe Magistrates' Court. He picked up his mutt an hour after it was taken to the vets, the court heard. When quizzed by officers, Rev Holland - who runs an independent evangelical church in Westhoughton, near Bolton, Greater Manchester - insisted he had left water for the dog and the windows open on his vehicle. The pastor initially pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty but after being informed of the 800 costs he would face if convicted after a trial, he changed his plea to guilty. Rev Holland, of Oswaldwistle, Lancashire was fined 200 with 200 in costs after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering by 'abandoning a dog in a hot car'. He was spared a ban on keeping animals. Prosecuting, Lisa McGuire, said the dog was 'panting excessively' when he was rescued. 'Had the police not attended the dog would have been left in the car for over two hours,' she said. 'At the time of the incident, the air temperature recorded on the dashboard of the attending police officer's vehicle was 26 degrees Celsius (78.8F).' Representing himself, Rev Holland told magistrates he had kept dogs for more than 30 years, and loved them 'as if they were his own children'. He argued he had parked in a shaded area under a tree under 'a lot of tall trees' and the white paint on his car would had reflected the heat. Rev Holland insisted his pet pooch was 'completely fine' and he believed it 'was not excessively hot' on the day Rev Holland told magistrates he had kept dogs for more than 30 years, and loved them 'as if they were his own children' He picked up his mutt an hour after it was taken to the vets. When quizzed by officers, Rev Holland insisted he had left water for the dog and the windows open on his vehicle When he returned to his car and found the window shattered and Wolf gone he went into a 'panic', he told the court. READ MORE: Police smash window of 25,000 electric Hyundai to save dog trapped inside Advertisement 'I was concerned for the welfare of the dog,' he said 'I explained that to the police officer then I went to the vet to see the state of the dog. 'My first question was, "Is he okay?", but the vet just shrugged his shoulders and said, "Yes, he is perfectly fine".' Rev Holland said that the dog was lively and jumping around and when he took it for a walk it was pulling powerfully on the lead. 'My dog was perfectly fine,' he said, 'There was no ill health to my dog at all.' Sentencing, JP Susan Taylor told him she disagreed with his statement about hte temperature and warned him he could be banned from having an animal if he is brought to the courts again. She said: 'We have heard you say that you look after your animals like your own children but may we suggest that you would not lock your child in a car for two hours. Rev Holland runs an independent evangelical church in Westhoughton, near Bolton, Greater Manchester 'Even if you thought you were not going to be that long, you might have gone back to check on the dog, which you did not. If you are going to leave the dog for that length of time I am sure the dog would be safer at home and I am sure that you have now come to the same conclusion.' Holland who was who became a minister in 2003 trained for the Christian ministry at the Faith Mission Bible College, and the London Reformed Baptist Seminary. He is not part of the Church of England and has campaigned against the ordination of women priests. He is the North of England 'Wycliffe Preacher' for the Protestant Truth Society named after theologian John Wycliffe is widely considered one of the medieval forerunners of the Protestant Reformation. Recently when asked on Facebook whether Wolf could cope with a warm climate he said: 'He's not too bad in hot weather. He has a squeeze bottle so I spray him with that.' Rishi Sunak looks to have pushed back a decision on downgrading HS2 after a furious Tory backlash. The PM had been expected to declare that the Manchester leg of the massive project was being axed or postponed amid alarm at spiralling costs. Allies have been briefing that those running the scheme have been acting like 'kids with the golden credit card', insisting Mr Sunak is not willing to accept a 'ballooning' bill. But Boris Johnson, George Osborne and Lord Heseltine are among the big beasts who have warned against abandoning the long-standing plans. The government now appears to have backed off an announcement before the Tory conference - due to take place in Manchester from this weekend. And the decision seems unlikely to be confirmed before Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Autumn Statement in November. Meanwhile, JCB chair Lord Bamford has suggested that the HS2 route could be repurposed for cabling infrastructure, with demand for electricity soaring. In a letter to the Telegraph, he said 'lateral thinking' was needed to 'secure some value' from the spending so far. Rishi Sunak (pictured in Hertfordshire yesterday) looks to have pushed back a decision on downgrading HS2 after a furious Tory backlash The PM had been expected to declare that the Manchester leg of the massive project was being axed or postponed amid alarm at spiralling costs Building in progress at the Old Oak Common station site in the suburbs of London A source told the Times that the HS2 finances were 'far worse than anyone knows' and Mr Sunak was unwilling to 'sit back and watch this balloon'. Touring broadcast studios this morning, Policing minister Chris Philp insisted no decision had been taken. Downing Street indicated there was no timetable for an announcement. The havering comes as it was claimed that ministers have known for nearly two years that the business case for much of HS2 does not stack up. Sources involved with the beleaguered project said officials were aware in the winter of 2021 that they would get as little as 90p of benefit for each pound of public money spent. Critics said it meant ministers have squandered the opportunity to potentially save billions. But Greater Manchester's Labour mayor Andy Burnham appealed to Mr Sunak not to axe the project entirely, even if it has to be delayed. He said ditching the northern leg from Birmingham to Manchester would create a 'North-South chasm', adding: 'It would leave the North of England with Victorian infrastructure, probably for the rest of this century.' Mr Osborne and former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine said abandoning the Manchester leg would be a 'gross act of vandalism' that would be seen as a sign the Government was 'abandoning' the North. Mr Sunak weighs up whether to axe the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2. This consists of Phase 2a, which links Birmingham with Crewe, and Phase 2b, which takes it to Manchester. Delaying its construction by up to seven years is another option being considered, The Independent reported. This could mean trains not running to Manchester until the late 2040s. Also being weighed up is whether HS2 trains should run into London Euston or stop six miles away at Old Oak Common. Mr Sunak yesterday refused to comment on reports that he plans to scrap the Birmingham to Manchester leg and stop short of central London. Speaking during a visit to a community centre in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire yesterday, the PM said: 'What I would say is we're absolutely committed to levelling up and spreading opportunity around the country, not just in the North but in the Midlands, in all other regions of our fantastic country.' Paul Johnson, of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said successive governments had signed off on the grandiose project despite knowing it was going to be 'hugely expensive, with relatively little gain'. He said: 'It rather looks like we're going to totally waste the money on this in producing a rail line at the cost of tens of billions, which will get you from Birmingham to central London less quickly than you can do at the moment.' A decision now seems unlikely to be confirmed before Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (pictured) delivers his Autumn Statement in November Sources confirmed that the business case for Phase One of HS2, which connects London and Birmingham, fell to around 90p of benefit per pound spent in November 2021. At the time, the business case for the entire London to Manchester route remained positive. But it had fallen to 1.10 of benefit for each pound spent by May this year. The business case for the Crewe to Manchester leg, which ministers are now considering scrapping, has fallen to about 70p per pound spent. Officials last night insisted that the figures did not include 'dynamic wider economic impacts'. Tory MP Greg Smith, who sits on the Commons transport committee, said the 2021 warning should have rung alarm bells more widely. Instead, more than 9billion has been ploughed into the project since then. He said: 'They've thrown away billions that could have been saved. I've been saying consistently and relentlessly that this project is not affordable and isn't going to deliver any value for the British public. 'It's therefore no surprise to me that ministers have known about some of these figures for some time. This project is nuts and a complete waste of money. 'It's something we didn't need before the Covid-19 pandemic and definitely don't need now with many still working from home. It's also unjustifiable with the human misery it has caused, with constituencies including mine turned into building sites. It's bonkers, totally mad.' CNN anchor Jim Acosta was caught in a testy exchange over President Joe Biden's handling of the 'open border crisis' with Republican Congressman Ralph Norman during an appearance on the flailing network on Sunday. The Biden administration has been in the crosshairs of conservatives recently, particularly after the Mayor of Eagle Pass, a border town located just over the Rio Grande, declared a state of emergency after 5,000 migrants descended on the area. Rep. Norman called on the president to 'get the wall built,' alleging that ex-president Donald Trump would have secured the border before he was unseated in the 2020 election. The congressman went a step further and alleged that CNN has been ignoring the issues surrounding the border crisis. Acosta tried to take Norman to task, asking how the GOP could possibly handle the border issue if they follow through with threats to shut down the government. Republican congressman Ralph Norman took CNN anchor Jim Acosta to task on the network's coverage of the border crisis live on air The dramatic increase in migrants crossing the U.S. border from Mexico has pushed the city of El Paso, Texas, to 'a breaking point' Officials have long said that the influx of migrants crossing the border illegally is directly linked to multi-billion dollar human trafficking schemes run by the notoriously violent Mexican drug cartels Shocking photos show the violence Border Patrol agents are being subjected to at the border , after an alleged encounter between a federal agent and a migrant that left both bloodied The anchor continued by asking Norman what was the proof for his claims that the Biden administration is intentionally keeping the border open. 'What do you mean by that? Intentionally doing what? Where is your evidence of this? Where's your proof of this? It just sounds like you're throwing rhetoric around with no basis in fact,' Acosta asked. 'Have you been to the border?' Norman responded. 'Of course I have,' Acosta answered. 'Have you seen what's going on? The rapes. It's open. I mean, nobody can deny that. It's a crisis,' the congressman probed. 'I'll ask the questions, sir. And the border is not open. That is something that is peddled as a talking point. That is not true. There are fences. There are walls. There are Border Patrol agents who work on the border,' a perturbed Acosta said. Norman also offered pushback on Acosta's suggestion that Trump never built a border wall. 'Jim, look, those are your talking points. He did build a wall. He couldn't finish it because Joe Biden stopped him when he unfortunately went into office. And steel is laying on the ground, paying subcontractors. It's a national security problem. CNN should report on what's going on,' Norman said. 'We are down there at the border all the time reporting on what's taking place. We're doing it every day,' Acosta pleaded. Video shared from the Central Mexico shows more than 5,000 asylum seekers illegally boarding a freight train to gain entry into the US 'We have a crisis. I don't care what the federal government says,' Sergeant Rene Cordova (above) told DailyMail.com as he stands overlooking a murky stretch of the Rio Grande River outside of Eagle Pass. The border crisis continues to provide a serious political headache for the Biden administration heading into election season. Over the weekend, the Democratic Mayor of El Paso Oscar Leeser said in a press conference that his city was at 'breaking point' with more than 2,000 people per day seeking asylum. The arrival of largely Venezuelan asylum seekers is part of a larger swell of immigrants who traveled dangerous routes on buses and cargo trains to Mexican border towns near San Diego, California, and the Texas cities of El Paso and Eagle Pass. Lesser said El Paso plans to open a new shelter, and on Saturday chartered five buses to take migrants to New York, Chicago and Denver. Republican governors in Texas and Florida have been criticized for sending migrants to cities perceived as liberal such as New York and Sacramento. But Leeser, a Democrat, said all of the migrants on the El Paso buses were going voluntarily to the cities of their choice. Leeser said the Biden had been a good partner. But he said the overall U.S. immigration system was broken. Many migrants from Venezuela, he said, lacked transportation to their desired destinations, while El Paso's current shelter houses only 400 people, and must also be available to help the homeless. As recently as six weeks ago, about 350 to 400 people were crossing into El Paso per day, but the past few days have brought 2,000 or more. Over the past 10 days, the city has worked with the U.S. Border Patrol to provide shelter for 6,500 people, Leeser said. About two-thirds of those crossing into El Paso currently are single men, he said. About 32% are families and just 2% are unaccompanied children. 'I think it's really important to note that we have a broken immigration system,' he said. 'It's the same thing over and over again.' A former real estate agent has been jailed for 15 months for possessing methamphetamine, with her mother storming out of court as the sentence was read. Siahn Cynthia Curran faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, three years after she was fired from her dream job with Ray White after a previous brush with the law. The 31-year-old was already on probation for the supply of drugs when police approached her in the Prince Consort Hotel in Fortitude Valley last January. She had 10 grams of methamphetamine in her possession which was for personal use, the Courier Mail reported. Curran pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a schedule 1 drug in a quantity of or exceeding schedule 3 but less than schedule 4. Former real estate agent Siahn Cynthia Curran (pictured) has been jailed for 15 months for possessing methamphetamine, with her mum storming out of court as the sentence was read READ MORE: Real estate agent goes on a 12-day bender and gets arrested three times A real estate agent who split with her long-term partner went on a drug bender that saw her arrested three times and fired from her dream job. Advertisement 'My client had a good upbringing, but unfortunately, she's had her struggles with addiction,' her lawyer Trent Playford said. 'She started out with using ecstasy whilst partying and that led ultimately to a more serious addiction in this instance to methamphetamine and GHB.' Curran, who is originally from Melbourne but moved to Queensland in 2017, spent five years working in real estate. But her life took a turn for the worse in 2020 when she split with her long-term partner and went on a 12-day drug bender that saw her arrested three times and fired from her job with Ray White. In August 2020, Curran pleaded guilty to five charges and was sentenced to 14 months of probation with a recorded conviction and banned her from driving for three and a half years. At the time, Magistrate Jennifer Batts said Curran was lucky she did not seriously injure anyone while driving erratically and on drugs. Three years on, Mr Playford told the court she was in drug rehab, has 'a great deal of potential and she is trying to beat her addiction and trying genuinely, she's had some setbacks that as much is clear from her reoffending'. Her lawyer said Curran (pictured) 'had a good upbringing, but unfortunately, she's had her struggles with addiction' Siahn Cynthia Curran (pictured) will be eligible for parole on February 25, 2024 The lawyer asked the court not to jail his client, but Magistrate Judith Daley pointed out that Curran had been found with a 'significant' quantity of meth. 'You've gone back to rehabilitation but I'm not convinced that you'll stay there after the sentencing today because your pattern has been very mixed in relation to rehab,' she said. Curran will be eligible for parole on February 25. The heartbroken brother of an eight-year-old schoolgirl who died from a rare brain tumour 12 days after she was diagnosed has won a national fundraising award. Harry Smith, 12, raised more than 28,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, with generous Mail readers gifting around 7,000 after reading about his tragic sister Emily on MailOnline. Little Emily had just broken up from school and was on a family holiday when she was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma and died less than two weeks later. She passed away in her parents' arms, on August 8, 2022, in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. Youngster Harry, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, won Young Fundraiser of the Year at last night's JustGiving Awards. After receiving his award last night, Harry said: 'Thank you to everyone who has voted for me and donated. The money raised will make such a difference to help find a cure for brain tumours like Emily's. 'I am dedicating this award to my sister, Emily, who I miss so much. I hope I can continue to make her proud as I will be fundraising forever. Thank you.' His speech was written on the back of a photo of Emily. Harry Smith, 12, (pictured) raised more than 28,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity, with generous Mail readers gifting around 7,000 after reading about his tragic sister Emily on MailOnline Eight-year-old Emily Smith (pictured with her brother Harry, 12) died of a brain tumour just 12 days after she was diagnosed Youngster Harry, from St Albans in Hertfordshire, won Young Fundraiser of the Year at last night's JustGiving Awards. Pictured: Harry with his father Andy (left) and mother Sarah, both 42, and the Brain Tumour Charity's community fundraiser Liam Mackinder Harry hugged his mother when he found out he had won the award last night at the Roundhouse in London Harry's acceptance speech was written on the back of this photograph of Emily Emily had one of the most dangerous and aggressive brain tumours - a diffuse midline glioma Outside of term time she would go hiking and climbing in the Lake District with her family. Pictured: Sarah and Andy with their children Emily and Harry Harry was presented his award last night at the Roundhouse in London. He added: 'Emily's brain tumour was incurable, and this should not have been the case. Children should not die, they should have a future and a life ahead of them. 'My sister was only eight when she died and I miss her so much every day and it hurts. It physically hurts. 'I chose the Brain Tumour Charity as they help fund research to find cures so that other children don't have to suffer like Emily did. 'Everything I do is to raise money for research towards brain tumours and awareness of the underfunded deadly brain tumours like Emily's. This award is for you Ems.' Emily was an active and outdoorsy eight-year-old. She would often go exploring outside with her family Harry has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Emily's Fund within the Brain Tumour Charity After receiving his award last night, Harry said: 'Thank you to everyone who has voted for me and donated. I am dedicating this award to my sister, Emily, who I miss so much' Eight-year-old Emily Smith died in her parents' arms, on August 8, 2022, in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge He previously said Emily 'was the best sister I could ever wish for'. Last month, he told MailOnline: 'She was just amazing. She was really clever. She loved school [and] had lots of friends. 'She said she wanted to be an artist when she was older.' More than 700million is spent on cancer research in the UK every year, but less than three per cent is spent on brain tumours. That is despite more than 5,300 people dying of brain tumours each year and it being the most deadly cancer in children and adults under 40. When Harry learnt this, he was shocked. At least 88,000 children and adults are thought to have brain tumours in the UK. The tumours decrease life expectancy by an average of 27 years, which is the highest of any cancer, and just 12 per cent of adults survive for five years after their diagnosis. It was only once Emily was rushed into surgery - which she never woke up from - that doctors realised the tumour was incurable Emily died just 12 days after her brain tumour diagnosis. Her life was tragically ripped away before she had even left primary school At least 88,000 children and adults are thought to have brain tumours in the UK Harry wanted that to change. Research into beating brain tumours costs money, and he was determined to raise thousands to help the cause. More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year - an average of 33 people every day. There are around 500 new cases of brain cancer in children and young people each year. Harry has raised more than 28,000 in his sister's memory for the Brain Tumour Charity on JustGiving by completing a series of gruelling physical challenges. First he climbed Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England. 'When we got to the top there was a vapour trail around the Sun shaped like a heart,' he said. 'We thought that was Emily giving us a sign.' Then, the 12-year-old swam a mile to honour his sister's love of swimming. Finally, Harry cycled the 75km from Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge to his family house in St Albans - the journey home his sister was never able to make. It wasn't easy and Harry even fell off, flying over his handlebars during the exhausting seven-hour cycle. Still, that didn't phase the youngster. He said: 'I got back up was because I told myself that Emily went through much worse than falling off a bike so if she can be brave and be in the hospital then I can push through and get back up and go on. So far, Harry has raised more than 28,000 in his sister's memory for the Brain Tumour Charity on JustGiving by completing a series of gruelling physical challenges First he climbed Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England. 'When we got to the top there was a vapour trail around the Sun shaped like a heart,' he said. 'We thought that was Emily giving us a sign' Harry also cycled the 75km from Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge to his family house in St Albans - the journey home his sister was never able to make 'I was thinking about Emily, thinking about maybe she would be proud of me doing these things.' The money he raised will go into Emily's Fund within the Brain Tumour Charity, which her family set up for paediatric brain tumour research. Harry added: '[Brain tumours] are one of the biggest killers. I want to change that and raise as much money as we can.' The Brain Tumour Charity said research was 'the only real hope of dramatic improvements in the management and treatment of brain tumours'. The charity's chief scientific officer Dr David Jenkinson told MailOnline that while he is hopeful scientists will find a cure, more funding is the key to breakthroughs. He said: 'Funding has historically been low. It's been one of those forgotten cancers.' Although recent clinical trials across the world have shown promising signs for the treatment of brain tumours, Dr Jenkinson said 'people feel helpless'. He said: 'It's only through the inspirational efforts of people like Harry that we can take the steps forward that we so desperately need. 'We are getting there. We need to keep going.' Emily's mother Sarah told MailOnline: 'We are doing things that make us feel closer to Emily. That's why Harry came up with the challenges he did' Although Andy admitted it was 'difficult talking about it all', he said the family needed to let other parents know about the deadly tumours. 'We owe it to Emily,' he said After the award ceremony last night, the Brain Tumour Charity's fundraising chief Gina Almond said: 'Harry is just incredible. Not only has he raised a huge amount of money for The Charity, but he has also achieved an enormous amount at such a young age and raised so much awareness about brain tumours. 'The challenges he has completed have been inspirational and he is a worthy winner of this award. Well done Harry on behalf of everyone at The Brain Tumour Charity!' JustGiving president Pascale Harvie said: 'Harry's story leaves me at a loss for words. Seeing someone so young turn the devastating loss of his sister, Emily, into a way of helping others is absolutely astounding. 'Harry really is an extraordinarily brave and admirable young man and thoroughly deserves this fantastic recognition for what he has achieved in Emily's memory. 'Celebrating the accomplishments of Harry and some of our other fundraisers and charities at the GoCardless JustGiving Award Ceremony was amazing - they should all be so proud of what they've achieved and the impact that they've had.' If you would like, you can donate to Emily's Fund here or vote for Harry in the Just Giving awards here. A man killed his 'best friend' by repeatedly ramming a car he was in after spotting love bites on the neck of his ex-girlfriend, a court heard. Michael Henley, 24, of Morphett Vale in Adelaide, drove after another vehicle and repeatedly smashed into it until it rolled, killing passenger Nicholas Darling, 20, around 9.50pm on July 20, 2021. Henley, and Joshua Shawn Rossborough, 21, of Morphett Vale a passenger in the car appeared in the Supreme Court to hear sentencing submissions on Tuesday, reported The Advertiser. Henley pleaded guilty to manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, while Rossborough pleaded guilty to impeding an investigation and driving charges. Lawyer Andrew Culshaw, who was defending Henley, said his client was incensed with the driver of the other car - Lewis Bennett - who had been seeing his ex-partner. Michael Henley (picture), 24, of Morphett Vale in Adelaide, drove after another vehicle and repeatedly smashed into it until it rolled, killing passenger Nicholas Darling (pictured, below), 20, around 9.50pm on July 20, 2021. Nicholas Darling was tragically killed in the incident When she came to visit with their daughter Henley 'saw love bites on her neck', Mr Culshaw told the court. 'That started the chain of events that ended with tragedy,' Mr Culshaw added. Mr Culshaw said his client had a diagnosed 'intermittent explosive disorder' and had 'nothing else in his mind but blind anger at the time'. He said while his client was 'criminally culpable' he had 'never intended for any of this to happen' and had penned an apology letter. 'Mr Darling's death was an accident,' Mr Culshaw said. 'This is a case where Henley lives every day with the knowledge that hes killed somebody who he, at least at one time, considered to be his best friend.' In a victim impact statement, the victim's father, Brian Darling, revealed his devastation at losing his son. 'The feeling of loss is so intense, I too want to die to be with you,' Mr Darling said. Henley and Rossborough will both be sentenced at a later date. CCTV footage captured part of the fatal car chase (pictured) Up to 25,000 passengers using London Gatwick will have their flights cancelled this week after airport bosses cut 164 flights amid a Covid outbreak in air traffic control. Bosses at the West Sussex hub said they will cut the number of journeys to a daily limit of 800 flights, affecting both departures and arrivals until at least Sunday. Nearly a third of National Air Traffic Services (Nats) staff are said to be unavailable for a variety of medical reasons including Covid. It means there will be about 29 fewer flights tomorrow, 40 fewer on Thursday, 65 fewer on Friday and 30 fewer on Sunday. The cap aims to prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for tens of thousands of passengers, who are being told to check with their airlines about their flights. It is thought that airlines will reveal cancellations on the afternoon before the flight day. But the disruption is likely to cause huge issues for those using Gatwick - with an average load of 150 passengers per affected flight giving a total of around 25,000 passengers who will have their trip cancelled, according to The Independent. Consumer group Which? blasted the 'completely unreasonable' issues as passengers pay 'record amounts of money for flights they can no longer trust will go ahead'. Passengers wait in a queue at Gatwick Airport yesterday ahead of further expected disruption Passengers sit on the floor at London Gatwick Airport yesterday as they wait for flights Passengers wait in a queue at Gatwick Airport yesterday ahead of further expected disruption Passengers look at their phones at London Gatwick Airport yesterday as they wait for flights Passengers wait for information at London Gatwick Airport on Sunday amid major disruption Passengers flying with easyJet are expected to be worst hit by the cancellations, but those using British Airways, Ryanair, Tui, Vueling and Wizz Air could also be affected. What are you rights if your flight is cancelled? Travel expert NICKY KELVIN reveals what airlines must provide There has been a significant amount of disruption at London Gatwick Airport following a reported outbreak of Covid among airport staff in recent days. With a number of flight cancellations and delays, it's important that travellers check their flights - by checking airport arrival and departure boards online and your airline's website to ensure that your flight is still proceeding as normal. Keep an eye on your emails too, travellers are often given updates on cancellations here before anywhere else. For an expert travel hack, I would recommend looking at Flight Radar 24 which allows you to track the exact aircraft that will be flying your route. You're then able to see where this plane is and whether it has made it out of its previous destination. Knowing this information will help you to determine whether you will be encountering any delays ahead of your trip. If you're delayed for more than two hours on a short-haul flight, airlines must provide you with support such as food and drink and reimbursement for phone calls. If you're delayed overnight, they will provide you accommodation and transport to a hotel (or home). Usually if you arrive at your destination more than three hours late you are entitled to compensation, however as this is an air traffic control issue and out of the airlines' control, this type of compensation will not be payable. If your flight has been cancelled, the airline should find you a new flight if you elect for that option. You can also request that the airline gives you a flight on a rival provider if there's a flight available that's earlier than your original airline can offer. You don't have to travel with the same airline. The issue with this situation is that all airlines have been affected by these issues so trying to fly with different airlines may also not be possible. NICKY KELVIN is editor at The Points Guy. For more of his tips, click here Advertisement Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate described the move as 'a difficult decision', but said it was needed to create 'reliable flight programmes' due to the issues at Nats. Mr Wingate said: 'This has been a difficult decision but the action we have taken today means our airlines can fly reliable flight programmes, which gives passengers more certainty that they will not face last-minute cancellations. 'We are working closely with Nats to build resilience in the control tower, and this decision means we can prevent as much disruptions as possible. 'London Gatwick would like to apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions.' Nats apologised to passengers in a statement, but said that a variety of medical reasons means 'we cannot manage the number of flights that were originally planned for this week'. It said: 'We have worked very closely with Gatwick airport throughout. Given the levels of sickness we have experienced over the last few weeks we believe it is the responsible thing to do to limit the number of flights this week in order to reduce the risk of daily disruption to passengers using the airport.' Nats added: 'Our operational resilience in the tower will improve as our staff return to work and we move out of the summer schedule, which is particularly busy at Gatwick. 'We continue to train additional air traffic controllers and expect another group to qualify to work in the tower over coming months, ready for next summer. 'Even an experienced air traffic controller takes at least nine months to qualify at Gatwick and very few are able to do so, as Gatwick is such a busy and complex air traffic environment.' Airlines were affected when about 1,500 flights due to serve airports across the UK were cancelled and many others were delayed on August 28, which was a bank holiday and one of the busiest days of the year for travel. An initial inquiry by Nats found the problem was caused by its system failing to process a flight plan correctly. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had announced an independent investigation into the wider issues surrounding the system failure. Since then Gatwick passengers have faced chaos due to air traffic control staff sickness on three occasions over the past three weeks, with incidents affecting flights on Sunday, September 24; Thursday, September 14; and Wednesday, September 6/ Data from the FlightRadar24 tracking website revealed Gatwick had 26 arrivals and 23 departures cancelled on Sunday. There was also one arrival cancelled yesterday. Johan Lundgren, the chief executive of easyJet, said: 'While it is regrettable that a temporary limit on capacity at Gatwick Airport is required, we believe that it is the right action by the airport so on the day cancellations and delays can be avoided. 'Gatwick Airport and Nats now need to work on a longer-term plan so the resilience of ATC (air traffic control) at Gatwick is improved and fit for purpose. 'Our call for a more wide-ranging review of Nats remains so the broader issues can be examined so it can deliver robust services to passengers now and in the future.' Full list of Gatwick flights cancelled on Sunday, September 24 ARRIVALS 2.05am: Tenerife (easyJet, U28038) 7.05am: Dalaman (WizzAir, W95710) 11.20am: Belfast (easyJet, U2824) 2.45pm: Bilbao (Vueling, VY6307) 3.20pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28677) 4.25pm: Geneva (easyJet, U28494) 5.35pm: Barcelona (Vueling, VY7824) 6.25pm: Naples (easyJet, U28342) 6.25pm: Nice (easyJet, U28424) 6.50pm: Glasgow (easyJet, U2864) 6.55pm: Paris Orly (Vueling, VY8944) 7.10pm: Berlin (easyJet, U28626) 7.30pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28683) 7.50pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2820) 7:55pm: Paris CDG (easyJet, U28456) 8.50pm: Edinburgh (easyJet, U26474) 9.35pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2832) 9.40pm: Basel (easyJet, U28484) 9.45pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28687) 10.00pm: La Rochelle (easyJet, U28452) 10:10pm: Paris CDG (easyJet, U28408) 10.15pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2804) 10.15pm: Geneva (easyJet, U28498) 10.20pm: Isle of Man (easyJet, U2844) 10.25pm: Nantes (easyJet, U28448) 10.45pm: Edinburgh (easyJet, U2816) DEPARTURES 7.50am: Belfast (easyJet, U2823) 1.50pm: Nice (easyJet, U28423) 2.55pm: Heraklion (Tui, BY5794) 3.15pm: Glasgow (easyJet, U2863) 3.25pm: Bilbao (Vueling, VY6306) 3.55pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28688) 4.45pm: Edinburgh (easyJet, U26473) 5.00pm: Paris (easyJet, U28455) 5.00pm: Geneva (easyJet, U28505) 5.50pm: Basel (easyJet, U28483) 6.10pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2831) 6.20pm: Barcelona (Vueling, VY7825) 6.30pm: Geneva (easyJet, U28495) 6.35pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2803) 6.40pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28684) 7.05pm: Naples (easyJet, U28341) 7.05pm: Paris CDG (easyJet, U28409) 7.05pm: Nantes (easyJet, U28447) 7.15pm: Isle of Man (easyJet, U2843) 7.45pm: Berlin (easyJet, U28627) 7.45pm: Paris Orly (Vueling, VY8945) 8.05pm: Amsterdam (easyJet, U28686) 8.30pm: Belfast (easyJet, U2821) Advertisement A spokesman for the airline, which apologised for any inconvenience which was outside its control, said that affected passengers would be contacted as soon as possible and may be able to rebook or get a refund. But Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said it was 'completely unreasonable' that passengers face yet more disruption. He said: 'While customers should be booked on alternate flights as soon as possible and given overnight accommodation when required, Which? has repeatedly documented that this duty of care is ignored by many airlines. 'Consumers are paying record amounts of money for flights they can no longer trust will go ahead. 'To help end this cycle of miserable passenger experiences, the Prime Minister must play his part and prioritise legislation to give the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) stronger enforcement powers in the King's Speech later this year.' EasyJet made up dozens of the flights affected on Sunday after a drop in the 'flow rate' of planes using the Gatwick runway, with some services delayed by up to seven hours. The airline said that it was 'extremely disappointed' by the issues over the weekend which saw eight flights cancelled to and from Belfast , and others to or from Edinburgh , Geneva and Paris. Among those left furious was consultant psychiatrist Daniel Wilkes, from Angus, whose flight from Gatwick to Edinburgh last night was cancelled after the scheduled departure time. He told The Independent : 'I just can't believe the lack of contingency planning from Nats for staff sickness and that this is happening again. 'Plus, airports and airlines have had quite a while to firm up their processes for cancellations, and yet always the poorly managed scrum ensues. Bizarrely, we were made to exit through border control. I didn't even have my passport as it was a domestic flight.' Dr Wilkes rebooked an easyJet flight this morning from London Stansted to Edinburgh, after travelling there in an Uber for 100 and spending 159 on a hotel at the Essex airport which he hopes the airline will pay. Others took to social media to complain of disruption, with one writing on X: 'Hello @easyJet my flight back to London Gatwick from Amsterdam was cancelled and I am currently stranded in the airport and cannot get through to your customer services. Please can you help me.' Another posted: 'AI172 should have departed at 20:00 - whilst I can see the gate number online, my mum at the airport has been asked to wait by the screen in a very packed terminal, airport are blaming the airline but can't be the case as ALL flights are delayed. Answers please?'. And a third wrote: '@easyJet you have cancelled the 4pm Gatwick to Schiphol and didn't complete confirmation for my rescheduled flight, booked through your shoddy app that crash's. Now all flights full today. Your staff were useless in the airport refusing to help and I have to get home today.' A fourth added: '@easyJet very unhappy this weekend. After a delay inc 25 mins on tarmac after landing at Gatwick on Friday, rtn flight today cancelled and only alternative landed 2+ hrs later. Which is now running 1+ hr late, including standing in an outdoor holding area for 30+ mins.' Influencer Andrew Tate has slammed the on-going investigation against him as a 'witch hunt' and expressed his hope that he can soon leave Romania as he and his brother appeared in court today. The pair - who appeared in the Bucharest court at around 12pm local time - are currently awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking and creating a criminal gang to exploit women, allegations which they deny. In August, the Tate brothers won an appeal to be released from house arrest. However, they were placed under judicial control, meaning their movement is restricted to Bucharest and the surrounding Ilfov County. A decision over whether or not to maintain the judicial control measures currently in place on the brothers will be announced on Thursday, MailOnline understands. They also appealed against the seizure of several high-value assets earlier in the year, including ten properties and 15 cars. The hearing on the asset seizures was postponed by the courts until November. Influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan (pictured outside court today) appeared in Romanian court today as they await trial on human trafficking charges In August, the Tate brothers won an appeal in Bucharest to be released from house arrested and placed under judicial control The Tate brothers were photographed leaving the court this afternoon with their legal team, flanked by security wearing 'Tate' branded t-shirts. They walked and talked with journalists as they arrived, with Tate accusing the prosecuting attorney of being 'some desperate nobody trying to make a name for himself off an imaginary things' who is 'basically a fan of ours'. One reporter asked how his last few months under house arrest had been, and if he hoped he could leave Romania. 'We'll see,' Tate said. 'God willing. But things are moving in the correct direction. I think everybody now has understood that this began in January. 'It's been going on for a very long time,' he added. He went on to say there was no 'video of an abused girl' and 'not a single statement against us', before going on to attack the investigation as a 'witch hunt'. 'I think everybody understands what's really happened here and it was a witch hunt,' he said. ;And unfortunately, in life you cannot shine light without casting a shadow. If you get too big and too successful, people are going to come and try and attack you. But you have to roll with the punches, take the rough with the smooth. 'And I am very sure this will all be concluded pretty quickly.' Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested on December 29, 2022 along with two women. All are suspected of human trafficking and forming an organised crime group, while one is suspected of rape. DIICOT, the Romanian anti-organised crime agency, has accused the Tates of having recruited women through the 'loverboy' method and forcing them to create explicit content on websites like OnlyFans for their financial benefit. Investigators have identified seven potential victims in the case. Romanian officials also seized 29 assets belonging to the brothers, including 15 cars and 10 properties, as well as watches and sums of money, totalling almost $4 million. They were officially charged on June 20 on charges of rape, human trafficking, and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women, and on August 4 they were placed under Judicial Control, restricting their movements. They continue to deny the charges. If you get too big and too successful, people are going to come and try and attack you,' Tate told reporters on Tuesday. 'But you have to roll with the punches, take the rough with the smooth. And I am very sure this will all be concluded pretty quickly.' Today, the pair appeared before a court in the Romanian capital at 12pm local time. They are currently awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking and creating a criminal gang to exploit women, allegations which they deny Andrew Tate touches his beard as he arrives at the Bucharest Tribunal today A reporter also asked him about the seized assets, and whether he thought he would be able to recover them from the courts. 'DIICOT took a lot of stuff, they took 15 cars and they took a lot of things of a lot of value. This is very strange for me as a Westerner,' he said. We don't work this way in our countries. Police can't just come and rob you and force you to open your safe and take all of your things at gunpoint. 'Obviously, things are a bit different here. It'd be nice to get my things back. But all in all, I'm not too materialistic a person,' he claimed. Asked what the most valuable thing investigators had taken, Tate said: 'Our freedom. Our peace of mind, but that's come back now. We're pretty stable and we understand exactly what's really going on here. 'And the whole world knows this garbage as well.' He added: 'Now they've seen the evidence put together by the DIICOT, judges keep letting me go. Isn't that wonderful? things moving in the right direction.' Tristan Tate ruled out taking legal action against the country of Romania, but did say he intends to sue individuals. 'I believe that Romania doesn't have very much money as a nation, and I don't need to take money away from schools and hospitals,' he said, adding: 'However, I will be taking legal action against individual people. Many individuals.' He said he was not in a position to name the people he plans to sue. Their latest court appearance in the Eastern European country comes as four British women are reportedly set to sue Andrew Tate after alleging he choked and coercively controlled them, with one claiming she was raped. The self-proclaimed misogynist is said to have carried out the abuse between 2013 and 2016, before he rose to prominence on social media. Each woman claims they were choked until the blood vessels in their eyes burst while one said the YouTuber once texted her saying 'I love raping you'. The hearing represented another opportunity for the brothers and the prosecution to present evidence. The pair were photographed leaving the court this afternoon with their legal team, flanked by security wearing 'Tate' branded t-shirts (pictured) Tate denies the allegations and has threatened to pursue them for defamation. Of the four women, three went to the police at the time but following a four-year investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service did not bring a charge. The women now believe a civil case is their only option, according to The Sunday Times. They reportedly plan to sue Tate for personal injury and physical harm. The claim is set to be made within the coming weeks. Officials in Italy have warned controversial couple Kanye West and Bianca Censori to 'behave' after their latest high profile escapade. Rapper Kanye, 46, and architect Bianca, 28, have been on an extended holiday in the country and have been snapped in Milan, Venice and Florence. And each time they have stepped out the couple have sparked controversy - including a possible offence of indecency and breaching terror laws. Last week in Florence Kanye was spotted directing a photo shoot which involved Australian born Bianca parading along the city's main shopping street in a 'nude' outfit that left little to the imagination. Officials from the city's tourism bureau warned the couple to respect the public decency laws and underlined the city's slogan of 'Enjoy and Respect Florence'. Last week in Florence Kanye was spotted directing a photo shoot which involved Australian born Bianca parading along the city's main shopping street in a 'nude' outfit that left little to the imagination (pictured) Officials from the city's tourism bureau warned the couple to respect the public decency laws and underlined the city's slogan of 'Enjoy and Respect Florence' (Bianca pictured) 'Florence is not a beach establishment - your clothing (and behaviour) must be decent' and any breaches are punishable by a 500 Euro fine. Senior tourist instructor Andrea Giordani at the Tourism and Promotion office in Florence, where the couple were seen at the weekend, said: 'I'd like to remind Kanye and his wife that they have broken the code of Enjoy and Respect Florence, in fact their behaviour goes beyond that, and especially in the case of Venice where they were seen on the boat allegedly engaged in sexual activity - Italy is not that kind of place. 'We remind them of the code of Enjoy and Respect Florence - it reminds holiday-makers to remember what are the wrong behaviours but also what are the 'good practices' to live the city correctly and better organise your stay. 'Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee the civil coexistence and the protection of the rights of each of us, respecting the environment, the artistic heritage and the identity of Florence, a city that was the cradle of the Renaissance and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.' The code lists a series of prohibitions stating it is forbidden to sit in streets, churchyards, on the steps of stairways, monuments and churches and avoid 'exaggerated games' and jokes and to cause danger or fear in public places. Police are investigating the boat incident after West exposed his bottom while on a boat with Bianca seen kneeling in front of him Graffiti, litter and loud behaviour is also forbidden as is being seen in indecent attire throughout the city and especially within places of worship. Police are investigating the boat incident after West exposed his bottom while on a boat with Bianca seen kneeling in front of him. In other images the American rapper was seen seated at the back of a river taxi while Bianca, nestled her head in his lap. Earlier this week MailOnline exclusively revealed how Kanye who officially changed his name to Ye was also potentially breaking Italian terror laws by appearing in public with his face covered. Wearing clothing that 'renders an individual difficult to identify' is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 Euro and police can stop anyone dressed in such a way. On Italian social media several have commented on the way Kanye is dressed with many pointing out: 'Isn't it an offence to walk around dressed like this?' A council boss intervened to remove negative comments from a Cambridge University report into the four-day week trial, it can be revealed. Liz Watts, chief executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council, made a series of key edits to the supposedly independent analysis by academics at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy. Both the Council and the Institute say that the changes were 'clarifications' and not intended to reduce criticism of the trial, but the intervention has drawn criticism locally. Ms Watts deleted one remark by a town hall manager admitting that the experiment in giving their team a three-day weekend had a 'negative impact on my wellbeing' until they realised 'we don't always have to deliver perfect work'. Other changes she made included removing claims that staff who worked on Fridays 'had it easy' and 'got very little done'. South Cambridgeshire district council chief executive Liz Watts (pictured) is secretly working on a university thesis about the four-day working week, it can be revealed. But neither she nor the Lib Dem-run local authority has ever disclosed that she has spent the past three years studying for a PhD about the four-day working week And she also edited out a complaint by a councillor that they were left with 'more work' because officials were failing to respond to their messages. Ms Watts' actions emerged after a draft copy of the report, including her suggested changes and comments, was requested from the town hall by independent councillor Dan Lentell. She has already come under scrutiny in the controversy over the four-day week trial after the Mail revealed that she was carrying out a PhD on the topic yet failed to publicly declare the potential conflict of interest. It will put the local authority under fresh pressure to comply by ministers' demands and end the project. Last night independent councillor Daniel Lentell said: 'The chief executive has not declared a massive conflict of interest contrary to the spirit and letter of the rules. 'Now we find out she tampered with what was presented to us councillors as an independent report. 'This is a pattern of bad behaviour that should not be tolerated in a democratic organisation where accountability is valued.' Local MP Anthony Browne added: 'The sleaze at SCDC has now dragged the name of one of Britain's great institutions through the mud. 'Before their reputation for independent research is damaged further, the University should investigate the full impact of allowing its report to be doctored by South Cambs.' And Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'South Cambridgeshire's boss has been caught red-handed manipulating a report into her town hall's failing experiment. It's time to end this bonkers trial and get staff back working full-time.' The final report published by the Bennett Institute in May said feedback from an initial three-month trial of the four-day working week at South Cambridgeshire had been 'mostly positive'. But the draft report shows that Ms Watts made at least eight changes to remove negative comments. One quote from a manager she deleted stated: 'At the beginning of the trial I was a control freak, and I did all the unfinished work on my day off so that my team could have time off. This had a very negative impact on my well-being.' The manager said she had then 'turned a corner' and let her team make decisions for themselves, adding: 'We don't always have to deliver perfect work and that's OK.' Ms Watts is now facing calls to quit over the potential conflict of interest after being accused of treating staff and residents as guinea pigs for her research at the University of the West of England (pictured) A remark that the new way of working would help staff 'avoid redundancy' was changed to say 'optimise productivity'. A long section about how the scheme worked in practice was also removed, including the observation that 'since Friday is a quieter working day, the team that has Monday off usually gets very little done on that day'. A lengthy complaint from a councillor was removed which stated: 'I have emailed some people at least three times and received no response, either none at all or I get an out of office notification.' A source claimed that this comment was removed as the author had not consented to its inclusion, and said that a positive comment was deleted for the same reason. A South Cambridgeshire District Council spokesman said: 'The clarifications suggested on the draft report were for three reasons. 'They made some confusing language clearer as the researcher is not a native English speaker, to remove individual member quotes which the Council did not have permission to include in the report, and for brevity.' The Welsh brewery was found to have breached rules on sensible drinking A brewery in Wales which 'mimicked well-known non-alcoholic drink brands' has been rapped by regulators for being 'socially irresponsible'. Tiny Rebel Brewing, which is based in Rogerstone, Newport, Wales, was found to have breached rules on sensible drinking and underage consumption. The complaints were made to four of Tiny Rebel products, which included Hywl, Monstar, TinyFast and Primed. They were then upheld by the alcohol industry's Independent Complaints Panel (ICP). The products were released in January with the text on the company's website including lines such as, 'Cos Jan's Bad Enough Beers are all made with love and fun to help chase away the January blues'. Tiny Rebel were critised for ripping off well-known brands such as Huel The Welsh Brewery even produced its own version of Monster's popular Pipeline Punch An image of Tiny Rebel's version of Slimfast's Summer Strawberry flavour The brewery even ripped off energy drink Prime, which was founded by popular YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul Tiny Rebel ripped well-known brands such as Monster, Prime and Slimfast Tiny Rebel also made its own version of Huel's Peanut Butter Powder into a drink ICP chair Nicola Williams said: 'It is socially irresponsible for a producer to mimic well-known non-alcoholic drink brands that are marketed on the grounds of weight loss, meal replacement and performance enhancing properties on alcoholic drinks packaging in such a flagrant manner. 'These cases set new, clear, precedents that all producers should take note of when using well-known non-alcoholic drink brands in alcohol marketing. 'All brands work hard to ensure that certain connotations are linked with their products and alcohol producers must remember that stricter rules apply in this space.' All products have now been discontinued. A young woman from Eritrea has been found dead on a beach in Calais today after falling off a small boat as she tried to cross the English Channel to the UK. The 24-year-old, who has not been named, is thought to have drowned in the early hours of this morning. She was hoping to claim asylum in Britain. An investigating source said: 'Her body was found at around 5.40am on Bleriot beach, in Calais, following a night of intense activity involving migrants crossing to England. 'Another migrant found her and alerted the authorities. Prosecutors in Boulogne have established that she was a 24-year-old Eritrean who was hoping to claim asylum in the United Kingdom. They have opened a criminal investigation. 'Medical examinations are still being carried out, but she undoubtedly died from drowning after falling off a boat. A stock image of Bleriot beach in Calais where a young woman, 24, was found dead after falling off a small boat in an attempt to cross the Channel to the UK. The pictured migrants are not related to this story A Border Force vessel was seen bringing migrants to the Port of Dover in Kent after they had attempted to cross the Channel in small boats 'A request for assistance has been sent to the British authorities, to find witnesses on board the boat she was on. It is believed to have reached the United Kingdom.' READ MORE: Suella Braverman says being gay is not enough to claim asylum and Channel migrants don't count as refugees as she demands overhaul of UN rules Advertisement The woman is the latest fatal casualty on the extremely dangerous crossing between northern France and Britain. People smugglers organise the journeys, charging the equivalent of up to 1,000-a-time. According to the French authorities, there was no sinking recorded in the English Channel overnight from Monday to Tuesday. But two successful crossings were reported one at 1.45am with 50 migrants on board the boat, and another at 2.39am, with 40 migrants on board. There were also three attempted crossings one on the beach at the hamlet of Hemmes-les-Marck, which resulted in the arrest of a migrant and a German national for transporting nautical equipment. Before last night, no crossings had been detected since September 17, when 56 migrants were packed inside one dinghy and sailed across the choppy waters, according to the latest Home Office figures. It comes has pictures emerged of small children wearing puffer jackets were seen among the dozens of migrants arriving in Dover today. Pictures have emerged of small children wearing puffer jackets arriving in the UK today. One woman can be seen carrying a child in her arms They were brought to the port in Kent by a Border Force vessel and were led up the gangway into the immigration processing centre at the former Jetfoil terminal. Many were seen wearing red life jackets. READ MORE: People smugglers overload boats and risk lives to boost profits after being forced to cut prices for Channel crossings Advertisement The tragedy comes as Home Secretary Suella Braverman is set to use her US speech today to declare that no migrant crossing the Channel to Britain is in 'imminent peril'. In August, six migrants died after a boat carrying mainly Afghans sank on the route. And in November 2021, at least 27 migrants died after their dinghy collapsed below them. More than 21,000 people have arrived in the United Kingdom via the English Channel since the start of 2023. August saw a monthly record established, with more than 5,300 people arriving on around 100 small boats. Across 2023, 23,996 migrants have arrived in 509 dinghies, according to official Government figures. In 2022 there were a record 45,755 compared to 28,526 in 2021 and just 8,410 in 2020. They were led up the gangway by Border Force officials to the immigration processing centre at the former Jetfoil terminal A sizeable number come from Eritrea, the east African country with one of the worst human rights records in the world. Around 5,000 refugees flee the country every month, complaining of enslavement, torture and the threat of murder, as well as malnourishment and economic destitution. Despite tougher legislation, which now prohibits migrants who have arrived illegally on British soil from seeking asylum, the British government is struggling to stop the small boats, with numbers exploding every month. Rishi Sunak's government also plans to expel migrants to their home countries or other territories such as Rwanda - a proposal currently blocked by the courts. A horrifying video has emerged showing the moment that an innocent man is jumped by two opportunistic muggers on a Chicago street in broad daylight in the latest disturbing crime to occur in the Democratic-led Windy City. The incident occurred on Monday in the Bucktown section of the city. The video begins showing the two attackers wandering through an alley. Eventually, at 2:55pm, the victim, 33, nonchalantly walks by his attackers while eating a piece of pizza. The man is then ambushed as one attacker throws him against a chain-link fence. Despite being outnumbered and ambushed, the victim fights back, repeatedly telling the assailants to 'Get the f*** off me!' Eventually, he wrestles one of the attackers to the ground around some nearby garbage cans. At that point, the other attacker says: 'Just let it go!' The video begins with the two attackers wandering around alleys in Chicago's Bucktown section While walking through one alley, the pair notice a man walking by them carrying a backpack and eating a piece of pizza Unbeknownst to the victim, one of the attackers sprints up behind him and sucker punches him The two are able to make off with his backpack and what appears to be a cellphone. A witness, who can be seen in the video in a car across the street, told CBS Chicago that she honked her horn repeatedly in the hope that she could scare the attackers off, but they continued the assault. She added that she remained with the victim until authorities arrived on the scene. He suffered bruising but seemed to be physically okay. No arrests have been made, Chicago police told the station. One commenter on social media remarked that he had walked through the alley in the video 'for years.' 'This was my alley for several years. This is not about being poor and desperate. This is savagery and needs to be handled as such,' the person wrote. 'Disturbing as hell. Could be me. Violent crime is out of control in Chicago. Lawless, these people. Heartless and lawless. No consequences. This poor man was just minding his own business, and his life will never be the same after this kind of attack,' another commenter said. Chicago Police Department statistics show that robberies are up nearly 100 percent from 2019 in the Bucktown neighborhood and up 53 percent from 2022. The two attackers ambush the victim, knocking him first against a chain-link fence and then to the ground The two attackers rain punches down on the victim Mayor Brandon Johnson was accused by a representative of the area where Monday's attack took place as having 'no comprehension' about how bad crime was in the area The area's local representative Alderman Scott Waguespack was quoted by CWB Chicago as saying at a local community meeting that the city's liberal Mayor Brandon Johnson 'has not comprehension of what's happening here. He had no comprehension and he had no answers.' Just hours after Monday's robbery, ABC Chicago reported that there were four armed robberies in the city across less than three hour period. The robbers primarily took cell phones and wallets. In addition to those crimes, a group also walked into an AT&T store around 8pm Monday and made off with several items. No injuries were reported as a result of any of the robberies. There seems to be no end in sight for Chicago's crime epidemic. The Windy City has suffered an 86 per cent rise in motor vehicle theft rates over the last year - from 42,512 incidents reported in 2022 to 54,983 so far this year. Overall, this figure has rocketed by 227 per cent since 2019, when 35,711 motor vehicle thefts were reported. Murder rates have also risen by 19 per cent over the past four years under the disastrous reign of the last Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, while robberies are up 30 per cent. During one of his cowardly kicks, the victim grabs on to the attacker's leg and wrestles him to the ground While on the ground, the other attack continues to hit him and steals the backpack Eventually, the attackers made off with the bag and what appears to be a cellphone. No arrests have been made Ultra-progressive Brandon Johnson previously supported the Defund the Police movement and has been widely criticized for a soft-on-crime approach. He made history when he was elected in May as the first person to unseat a presiding mayor in the Dem-led city since 1983, pledging to make the city a place where 'all residents can live and work free from the threat of violence'. Johnson's radical approach to policing involves reallocating funds from enforcement to social services like housing and education, while taxing the rich and local businesses. His outlook on crime was brought into sharp focus in April when he insisted the city should not 'demonize' teens for organizing an inner-city event that turned hopelessly violent and left multiple minors shot. An impoverished teenager who ferried asylum seekers across the Channel after smugglers offered him 600 euros to pilot the boat has been jailed for two years. 18-year-old Abdul Basset Ahmed took charge of a small inflatable boat crammed with 58 other passengers having watched a Tiktok video for guidance. Canterbury Crown Court heard that Ahmed, a fisherman from Sudan, had agreed to take control of the rib just two days before it set off from France on August 14. He later told police he was given a 'Euro 600 discount' by those in charge of the illicit enterprise for doing so, and was in control of the boat from start to finish before it was intercepted by the Border Force, prosecutor Stacey-Lee Holland said. She said: 'He stated he did not know it was illegal to pilot a boat but he knew he was entering the UK illegally. He stated he watched TikTok videos on how to do so. 'He said he was also aware the other passengers in the boat were entering illegally.' Abdul Basset Ahmed, 18, took charge of a small inflatable boat crammed with 58 other passengers Ahmed pleaded guilty to assisting in the facilitation of unlawful immigration and attempting to arrive in the UK without valid entry clearance. Just eight days earlier, the government had announced that tech giants including TikTok had signed up to an initiative to work with the National Crime Agency in finding and removing the criminal adverts. The adverts reportedly promote a range of illegal routes by dinghy, lorry and plane, as well as offering discounts, free children's crossings and fake documents. No details of the video content viewed by Ahmed was revealed in court, however. The court heard Ahmed had learned to pilot boats as a fisherman in Sudan and then in Tunisia as he travelled across several 'safe' countries to reach France. James Burke, defending, said organised criminals had then 'exploited' the teenager's limited finances and naivety. He said: 'His real intent was simply to make the journey across the Channel, exactly the same as the other 58 people on the boat, and to make a better life for himself in the UK.' Sentencing Ahmed for two years, Judge Simon James said he believed the main reason he had been charged with the more serious facilitation offence was due to his full and frank admissions. But he said custody was inevitable in spite of this 'complete lack of criminal sophistication' as well as his age, lack of previous convictions, no involvement in any planning of the trip, or any earlier attempts to enter the country illegally. Of the 59 people in the boat, including Ahmed, 44 were said to have since claimed asylum. His application is yet to be processed however and any decision will be made by the Home Office on his release. Whitehall has today been accused of 'cultural appropriation' by the SNP after claiming the beloved Dundee-born comic strip Dennis the Menace was 'created in London'. The loveable rascal was penned at The Beano's office in Dundee, Scotland, by George Moonie back in 1951, with children worldwide growing to love the tales of the mischievous lad in the red and black striped jumper. But a new UK government billboard campaign has ignited fury amongst Scottish nationalists after it featured a CGI image of Dennis and his faithful dog, Gnasher, with the slogan: 'Created in London, unleashed in more than 100 countries.' The claim has been branded 'utter garbage' by SNP MP Chris Law, who vented his displeasure on social media, writing: 'Dundee City created Dennis the Menace and Gnasher by publishers DX Thomsons. Cultural appropriation is a desperate measure to claim credibility.' Gerry Hassan, a political commentator on Scottish independence, also waded into the debate, tweeting: 'As a proud Dundonian and long-time reader of The Beano as a kid, this is incomprehensible, insulting and predictable.' Whitehall has today been accused of 'cultural appropriation' by the SNP after claiming the beloved Dundee-born comic strip Dennis the Menace was 'created in London ' Dennis the Menace, is now a stately 72 years old, and has been one of the Beano's most beloved characters The advert triggered outrage from the SNP and from Gerry Hassan, a political commentator on Scottish independence In a comment on the advert, Rob Glenny of Beano Studios, wrote: 'Dennis and Gnasher have been making mischief together since 1951. These days the CGI-animated pranktastic pals are watched by millions of kids (and a few grown-ups) in more than 100 countries. Find out how exporting could help you grow your business.' But Joe Fitzpatrick, the SNP MSP for Dundee West, said attempting to claim Dennis the Menace, 'one of Dundee's greatest exports', was created in London is 'quite embarrassing for the UK government'. 'The hard work and creativity that went into creating this character which has brought endless joy to people the world over should be credited solely to the brilliant work of DC Thomson and The Beano,' he added. Dennis was introduced to readers on March 17, 1951, with the message: 'Here's a new pal you'll enjoy He's the world's wildest boy!' The antics of the catapult-wielding lad proved a hit with readers, with the 'Menace' soon becoming one of the Beano's most popular characters. Brought to life by Ian Chisholm, the comic's chief sub-editor, and artist David Law, Dennis was later joined by his beloved pooch Gnasher, who was unveiled in 1968. Although The Beano continues to be written and produced in Dundee, the animated spin-off series Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! is made by Beano Studios and Jellyfish Pictures, which are both based in London. The Beano, which marked its 85th birthday in July, has been transformed to make the comic more appealing to young readers with the help of the publishing censors who came under fire for rewriting Roald Dahl's books to remove offensive material. Dennis was introduced to readers on March 17, 1951, with the message: 'Here's a new pal you'll enjoy He's the world's wildest boy!' 'Utter garbage' was the phrased used by SNP MP Chris Law over claims Dennis the Menace was created in London The Beano's Bash Street Kids have been transformed. Pictured is the original class with their new classmates After remaining mostly untouched for almost seven decades, the Bash Street Kids have quietly been joined by five new pupils - Harsha, Mandi, Khadija, Mahira and Stevie Starr, in an effort to be more inclusive and illustrate the demographics of modern Britain. Speaking of the Dennis the Menace billboard, a government spokesman told The Times: 'The Dennis and Gnasher animated series was created in London, based on the brilliant Beano cartoon that originated in Dundee. In this way it is the perfect representation of the 'Made in the UK, Sold to the World' campaign, which seeks to highlight success stories from across our great union of nations. 'We work closely with businesses like Beano to tell their start-up story, demonstrating the support the UK government provides to help companies grow and export around the world.' Hong Kong: August exports value down 3.7% The value of Hong Kongs total exports decreased to $358.3 billion in August, down 3.7% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of goods imports decreased 0.3% to $383.9 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $25.6 billion, or 6.7% of the value of imports, was recorded for August. Comparing the three-month period ending August with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of goods exported dropped 0.3%, while that of goods imported decreased 0.5%. The Government noted that merchandise exports stayed weak in August. Exports to the US and the European Union shrank notably from a year earlier, while exports to the Mainland and most other major Asian markets fell by varying degrees. Looking ahead, it added that a weak external demand for goods will continue to weigh on Hong Kongs export performance in the near term. This story has been published on: 2023-09-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Russian naval officers leaked top secret details to Ukraine which led to a devastating missile strike on Vladimir Putin's Black Sea Fleet headquarters, it is claimed. The dictator's regime had failed to pay its officers and they took their revenge by handing sensitive intelligence to a partisan resistance group working closely with Kyiv. The strike killed Admiral Viktor Sokolov, 61, commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and a total of 34 officers, with 105 wounded, according to Ukraine's special operations force. It came as Sokolov met with other commanders for a war-planning session. 'Delays in [salary] payments alone do not force the military armed forces of the Russian Federation to go against the Russian authorities,' a spokesperson for anti-Putin ATESH partisan group told Kyiv Post. The reported breakthrough came as Kyiv said that senior Russian navy commanders had been among dozens killed or wounded in a missile attack on Moscow 's Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Crimea Kyiv has formally claimed that 61-year-old Admiral Viktor Sokolov - who was handpicked by Putin to restore the fleet's pride after the embarrassing loss of the Moskva flagship to Ukrainian Neptune missiles in April 2022 - is among the dead. Russian naval officers who leaked intelligence to them believed Putin was 'waging a criminal war and that it needs to stop'. The group reportedly paid their sources. 'The financial reward only helps them to decide on cooperation with the ATESH movement, it serves as an additional incentive,' said the spokesperson. The Crimean partisan group refused to say how much the leakers were paid but 'it was enough to cover the risks for the officers and their families', reported Kyiv Post. ATESH said intelligence was passed immediately to the Ukrainian SBU security service and HUR military intelligence. Among the wounded in the Storm Shadow missile strike were Russian war commanders Colonel-General Alexander Romanchuk Chief of Staff and Lieutenant-General Oleg Tsekov, it was reported. Intelligence from the group was also key to the destruction of the Minsk large landing ship and damage to the Rostov-on-Don submarine earlier this month, it is claimed. Sevastopol before (top) and after (bottom) a missile attack struck the HQ of Moscow's Black Sea fleet on Friday in a suspected Ukrainian attack deep into Russian-held territory Ukraine now claims that Russia suffered 62 'irreversible losses' when the Minsk was hit. 'The Russian military is well aware of the existence of the partisan movement and throw all their forces and means to suppress it and identify our agents,' said the ATESH spokesperson. 'The growing resistance among the Crimeans confuses [the Russians] very much.' ATESH is confident it can carry out further subversive acts against the Russian occupation forces. 'We have ears and eyes both inside and outside, so we are the first to hear and see what is happening there,' said ATESH. Russia has not confirmed the losses in the strikes on the Black Sea Fleet HQ or the Minsk landing ship. Developers will be forced to demolish and rebuild more than 80 new homes worth an estimated 40million due to 'shocking' problems with their foundations. The Darwin Green estate, located less than two miles from Cambridge city centre, is still under construction and has outline approval for 1,593 new homes. Developers Barratt and David Wilson said in June that they had discovered issues with the design of some homes under construction on phase two of the project. The problem is said to have been caused by the 'trench fill foundations' for affected houses being built without adequate 'heave protection' to combat subsidence. The developers told residents at the time that foundations of 84 'incomplete and unoccupied' homes were 'insufficient given the geology of the next phase'. The new housing development at Darwin Green in Cambridgeshire is photographed today The Darwin Green estate is located less than two miles from Cambridge city centre The estate is still under construction and has outline approval for 1,593 new homes Initially, they said that 30 homes worth an estimated 20million would need to be demolished and rebuilt, and the remaining plots would 'also require work to remove the foundations and any other structures that have been started'. In documents submitted to Cambridge City Council this month the developers said that 'circa 83 units' would need to be demolished. The affected properties are said to be worth more than 40million in total - and the issues will now cost millions of pounds to fix. The developers said tiles and other materials will be salvaged where possible, and concrete and brick will be crushed on site and reused. At a city council meeting earlier this month, planning officers said they did not believe permission for the demolition work would be given before the end of October. In light of the problems, Liberal Democrat councillor Cheney Payne admitted she 'couldn't quite believe it' when the council was first informed of the planned demolition. She said: 'The buildings are already in place and pretty much completed. To suddenly find they're not fit to be occupied and actually need to be demolished is absolutely shocking. 'It's certainly been quite concerning for the residents who are living in nearby properties, built by the same developer, in terms of what it means for their homes.' In the letter to residents in June, the developers said that 'some of the properties which require demolition had been reserved by our customers'. Developers Barratt and David Wilson discovered issues with the design of some homes Labour councillors Antoinette Nestor (left) and Simon Smith (right) are pictured on the Darwin Green estate in Cambridge in June, close to houses which are now facing demolition The problem is said to have been caused by the 'trench fill foundations' for affected houses 'We have met with all of the customers whose homes are affected on Phase Two and have offered them a range of options and support,' they said. 'We are pleased that many have decided to continue with their purchase of a new home at Darwin Green.' The letter, from Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire, added: 'We sincerely apologise for any negative impact this situation may have on you and we are fully committed to minimising any impact of the remedial work as much as we possibly can.' The developers said they had been working with the local authority and a demolition contractor to prepare a plan which has 'as little impact on existing residents and the wider environment and community as possible'. Demolition proposals have now been submitted to the local authority and are awaiting a planning decision. The Darwin Green estate is still being built and when completed, it will be made up of around 1,500 homes. New-build houses on the Darwin Green development in Cambridgeshire are being demolished Caner Altinbasak, 43, outside his home on the estate which is close to those facing demolition The developer said tiles and other materials will be salvaged where possible The homes sell for at least 575,000 each, with some selling for as much as 850,000. READ MORE Country mansion which inspired best-selling book Watership Down when novelist Richard Adams was stationed there during WW2 goes on the market for offers of 1.5million or higher Advertisement Developers originally said that it was a 'small number' of unoccupied homes that 'did not meet its usual high standards'. Back in June, Labour city councillor Simon Smith said: 'I will make sure to work closely with residents to navigate this distressing situation. 'Unfortunately, this event reminds us of the risks of deregulation of standards and procedures that were put in place to secure high standards of development and avoid failures that present danger to the public and harm to the environment.' Also in June, MailOnline spoke to neighbours living next to the 36 houses which were first listed for demolition, and they spoke of their fears that their homes might also have to be knocked down. Software engineer Caner Altinbasak, 43, who has lived for early three years on the development with his with wife and two children in a 700,000 four bedroom house, said at the time: 'I am worried that the same design mistake might have happened to our house as well. 'It is worrying that these affected houses seem to have passed various tests until nearly the point when keys were going to be handed to owners. 'That makes me worry that our house might have passed 100 per cent of checks during the building process, but could now be found faulty.' Also speaking in June was software architect Eyal Lantzman, 42, who lives with his wife and three children. He said: 'I am concerned about the impact on my property. Demolition proposals have now been submitted to the local authority in Cambridgeshire Darwin Green Residents Association secretary George Crawley, 56, has said he is 'concerned' The homes being demolished are among 450 upmarket houses built in Cambridgeshire 'It would be a nightmare scenario if our house turned out to have the same issues, although we have insurance and I am sure we would be properly compensated. 'I just want to make sure that our house is safe. It is a concern that it could affect house prices and put off buyers. We need to get proper reassurances.' Biomedical engineer George Crawley, 56, the secretary of the Darwin Green Residents Association, said in June that he was only the sixth person to move on to the development in 2019 when he took on his first floor flat. He said: 'It is a wonderful community. There are lots of professors, academics and lecturers. The joke is that the list of people without a PhD is shorter than those with one. 'I am very concerned for people who were in the process of buying these houses. Some have bought furniture, and stopped leases on existing houses, to get ready to move in. 'Now they have been let down. Some are hanging on another year for their houses to be ready while others are having to buy elsewhere.' An 'optical illusion' cycle lane branded 'Britain's most dangerous' will remain open - despite causing people to fall over and break their bones and smash their teeth. The bike lane, on Keynsham High Street, in Somerset, has been blamed for injuring at least 80 people since it opened last March. Locals have criticised a 'hidden' kerb which has caused shoppers to trip over amid claims it looks like a flat surface because it is painted white. Photos of the 1.5million taxpayer-funded upgrade shows how it appears to be flat at a glance, but actually passes over an elevated pedestrian crossing. It comes amid calls to scrap the lane after MailOnline revealed in April that just three riders an hour are using it. A shopper is helped to his feet in April after tripping over the cycle lane and falling to the ground in Keynsham High Street, Somerset It has been branded as 'the most dangerous in Britain' with shoppers outside the bustling town centre tripping over a 'hidden' kerb But a cross-party plan to commit Bath and North East Somerset Council to investigate the costs of fixing it will now not go ahead. It was due to go before council on September 21, but Keynsham councillors withdrew the motion out of fear it could be 'torpedoed' by the administration. The motion stated 'many shoppers are too frightened to shop and will only be persuaded to return if the surface is returned to one without kerbs or raised surfaces in the road'. A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group said: 'We're taking reports of all falls seriously. 'The majority of incidents happened within the first six months of the scheme going in and the number of incidents is decreasing as people get used to the changes and in light of the amendments we have already made.' Official figures show that that at least 76 people have reported falls in the cycle lane since it opened in March 2022, although the unreported figure is believed to be significantly higher. Injuries people have included fractures, lost teeth, and significant bruising. Construction of the lane took nine months, and it had to be re-painted red in August 2022 after 46 injuries were reported on the stretch of road in just six months. Dave Dawson (pictured in April), 76, tripped over the kerb, which appears level but is actually a 4inch drop, and cut his hands and knees Official figures show that that at least 76 people have reported falls in the cycle lane since it opened in March 2022. Injuries include lost teeth, fractures, and significant bruising Locals wanting it scrapped have previously recalled their experiences of coming to harm there. Speaking in April, Retired local resident Martin Crew, 64, said he fears the deceptive kerb could result in tragedy. He said: 'It's not a question of if somebody gets seriously hurt or killed, it's only a question of when. 'They have completely ruined the high street with this, shops are closing, older people are afraid to come down here. 'It's such a massive waste of taxpayer money. We are told it's for the best but how can it be if it's never used.' Shopper Brie Jones, 23, added: 'It is stupid. They took years ripping everything up and sure it looks nice and new but people aren't looking where they are going and getting hurt as a result. 'You see the odd kid using it on their electric scooter but you hardly ever see cyclists going down it.' One of those who has used the cycle lane is Mike Wright, 84, who said: 'I use this cycle lane whenever I come into town but it's never busy. 'I think there's fault on both sides, they need to drop the kerb down to street level so people don't trip but people also need to watch where they are going and if they are unstable on their feet cross at the pedestrian crossing.' Shopper Brie Jones, 23, speaking in April said the lane 'is stupid'. 'They took years ripping everything up and sure it looks nice and new but people aren't looking where they are going and getting hurt as a result' While Dave Dawson, 76, tripped over the kerb in April, which appears level but is actually a 4inch drop, and cut his hands and knees. He said: 'I was walking along the pavement, and it's sort of like an optical illusion; it looks as if it's all level. 'I was walking back towards the church and stepped with my right foot on the edge of the pavement because it looked flat, and I lost my balance and fell down. 'I cut the palms of my hands and my knees a bit because the surface of the cycle lane is very sharp.' Last year, one pedestrian with arthritis and fibromyalgia reported a fall after mistaking the kerb for a painted line, while another elderly person ended up in A&E. The presidents of France and Germany attended the funeral of former Italian head of state Giorgio Napolitano today, putting their differences with Italy to one side amid tensions between both countries and Rome over migration. Emmanuel Macron and Frank-Walter Steinmeier joined Italian and other European dignitaries in paying their respects to the former president, who died Friday aged 98. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also attended the funeral, and held talks with Macron against a backdrop of tensions between the pair. Meloni's right-wing government has clashed with both Paris and Berlin in recent months over migration, after a surge in arrivals on Italy's shores. In particular, a sharp rise in migrants landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa this month reignited a debate across the EU over who takes responsibility for asylum seekers arriving in Europe from North Africa and the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron walks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the day of the state funeral of the former Italian President and senator, Giorgio Napolitano in Rome, Italy, September 26 Emmanuel Macron and Frank-Walter Steinmeier (pictured together) joined Italian and other European dignitaries in paying their respects to the former president, who died Friday aged 98 But after heated rhetoric in both France and Italy over who should take in the migrants, Macron and Meloni have promised to act together. Meanwhile, political parties in the France's hung parliament are wrangling over a draft law governing new arrivals. 'We cannot leave the Italians alone,' Macron said in a television interview on Sunday - an offer of help that Meloni immediately said she 'welcomed with great interest'. Rome's relations with Berlin are frostier. Meloni wrote to Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the weekend to complain about Berlin's funding of charity projects to help migrants either at sea or onshore in Italy. 'I have learned with astonishment that your administration - without coordinating with the Italian government - has allegedly decided to support with substantial funds non-governmental organisations engaged in the reception of irregular migrants on Italian territory and in rescues in the Mediterranean Sea,' Meloni wrote. The right-wing Meloni is pursuing a hard line against illegal immigration but Italy has seen a surge in migrant arrivals this year with some 133,000 coming ashore so far against around 69,800 in the same period in 2022. Rome blames the NGO boats that conduct rescue missions in the central Mediterranean - the world's deadliest sea crossing for migrants - for encouraging arrivals from North Africa. As part of her efforts, Meloni's government has sought to limit the activities of charity rescue ships operating in the central Mediterranean, the world's deadliest sea crossing for migrants, drawing the ire of others within the EU. Napolitano was a former communist who became the first Italian president to serve a second term. Pictured: The secular State Funeral for the President Emeritus Giorgio Napolitano, in the Chamber of Montecitorio in Rome, Italy, 26 September 2023 Napolitano was a former communist who became the first Italian president to serve a second term. Renowned for his moderation and statesmanship, he was regarded as a guarantor of stability during a time of particular turbulence in Italian politics Renowned for his moderation and statesmanship, he was regarded as a guarantor of stability during a time of particular turbulence in Italian politics. In office from 2006 to 2015, he was president during the premierships of Romano Prodi, Silvio Berlusconi, Mario Monti, Enrico Letta and Matteo Renzi. Representatives from Albania, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Britain and the European Union were also announced among the guest list for the funeral. Unusually for Italy, Napolitano had asked to have a non-religious ceremony, which was held in the lower house of parliament, the Chamber of Deputies. Ruby Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt has been accused of 'destroying' people's lives through her counseling program - that pitted spouses against each other and focused men's teachings on 'porn, sex and lust.' Hildebrandt, who is a licensed mental health counselor, faces six felony counts of aggravated child abuse alongside YouTuber Franke. Neither has entered a plea and they remain jailed without bond. They are both accused in connection to the alleged abuse of YouTube mom vlogger Franke's 12-year-old son. The counselor launched ConneXions, a life coaching service, in 2007 and focused on healing relationships with ethics rooted in principles of the Mormon church - but her teachings have been slammed as 'extreme.' In 2012, she was disciplined by Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing for 'unprofessional conduct' and she was removed from the Mormon family services roster after her license was temporarily put on probation. Ruby Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt has been accused of 'destroying' people's lives through her counseling program - that pitted spouses against each other and focused men's teachings on 'porn, sex and lust' Adam Paul Steed, 40, told NBC that Hildebrandt 'destroyed' his family after trying to treat him for porn addiction, and she started making false claims about him that left him losing his church privileges. Steed said: 'My family got destroyed. My life got destroyed.' According to her former patients, who used her services between 2008 and 2019, she separated spouses and encouraged them to 'cut off' people who weren't living in 'accordance with her teachings.' Stephanie Jones, 29, who used Hildebrandt's counseling services for nine months in 2019, told NBC: 'The theory was that if you're meeting with Jodi, then you are all living in truth, and so she didn't want you talking to anyone else about your problem. 'She wanted you talking to people that were also living in truth. So this is where I started to feel like it kind of got cult-like. She wanted everything to stay in the group. You're not allowed to have a different opinion than her.' Five men who were counseled by Hildebrandt said they were put into groups to talk about their porn, sex and lust addictions. They discussed how they were kicked out of their house or refused sex by their partner for months as punishment for watching porn. Spencer Tibbets, who was sent to Hildebrandt at 16 years old for having a secret phone to play video games on, was brought into the men's group for porn addicts. He said he lived an extremely sheltered childhood and didn't even know what porn was at the time. Franke (right) and her business partner Hildebrandt (left). Both have bene accused of child abuse There were also separate women's groups - which aimed to treat 'control addiction.' Stephanie Jones, 29, who was sent to ConneXions, said: 'Is it fair to call everyone that comes through your program an addict just because you want to be their savior? 'She labeled me an addict as well. And she had me through a 12-step program for control.' Eliza Tibbets, 19, was treated by Hildebrandt and put into a program for 'control addition' and 'lying addiction' at the age of 13 got a secret phone to watch Netflix and would write secret letters to her neighbors. She recalled: 'I'd never ever felt like any of them, especially Jodi, was like a safe place to go to for therapy. I never felt safe. I always felt like I was getting attacked.' This comes after Ruby Franke's 12-year-old son claimed Jodi Hildebrandt used ropes to tie him up and then dressed his wounds with cayenne pepper and honey, according to search warrants. The boy escaped Hildebrandt's home on August 30 with duct tape around his wrists and ankles and pleaded for food, water and help from neighbors - telling officers that two of his other siblings were still there. Hildebrandt, who is a licensed mental health counselor, faces six felony counts of aggravated child abuse alongside YouTuber Franke. Neither has entered a plea as they remain jailed without bond Franke (seen with her husband) is well-known for her strict parenting style on the channel, which she stopped uploading footage in January 2022. It was taken down earlier this year Mormon YouTuber Franke (pictured with her daughters) was taken into custody under suspicion of two counts of aggravated child abuse earlier this week He told officers that two other siblings were at Hildebrandt's house, according to the warrants. Franke had kept the three children in Hildebrandt's care, the warrants further added. Responding officers located the 10-year-old girl at Hildebrandt's house but did not find the 14-year-old, according to the search warrant. The two youngest children were taken to hospital. Franke's four youngest of the six children have now been placed in the custody of child protective services, court records said. After their initial sweep of Hildebrandt's home to find the children and seek medical attention, officers found a locked potential safe room in the basement. A warrant was then requested to search the house for any items, including rope and duct tape. Authorities also asked to search the locked room. After Hildebrandt was arrested she said the two youngest children 'should never be allowed around any other kids,' an officer wrote in a search warrant. Hildebrandt, who is a licensed mental health counselor, has agreed not to see patients until the allegations are addressed by state licensing officials. Last week, Franke's sister broke down in a video in which she blamed the YouTube influencer for causing their mother's heart attack - and revealed how she 'destroyed' their lives offline. Bonnie Hoellein teared up as she said their mother's health rapidly declined when Ruby cut her family off - before her sister was sensationally arrested for child abuse. Franke gained millions of YouTube subscribers and online followers through her 8 Passengers channel about parenting but viewers repeatedly complained about the way she treated her children. Hoellein, also a YouTuber who is based in Utah, posted the nearly 10-minute long video titled 'I am not my sister. I am not my Sisters [sic] Crimes.' ranke's husband, Kevin Franke, who she shares six children with - Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell and Eve - has said he is 'trying to keep his children together' following the arrests. The video came after all three of her sisters - who are all YouTubers - posted a joint statement to Instagram which said: 'For the last 3 years we have kept quiet on the subject of our sister Ruby Franke for the sake of her children.' They said they 'wouldn't feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events.' 'Once we do, we will not be commenting on it further,' the statement said. '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.' A woman got pregnant twice in three weeks A mum fell pregnant twice in the space of 18 days, through both IVF and natural conception, leaving doctors baffled. Sandra and David Searle, 36 and 40, entered their third round of IVF treatment in August 2022 without realising she was already carrying a child. The extremely rare phenomenon is known as 'superfetation' and Ms Searle is just the 10th recorded case in history - giving birth to little Michael and Poppy in April. Superfetation is an ultra-rare phenomenon where two children are conceived at different times in the same uterus which are then ultimately born as 'twins'. The Perth couple had undergone IVF twice before leading to the birth of their children Georgia, aged five, and Fred, aged three. But on the third occasion, puzzled doctors found two embryos at different stages of development during the ultrasound. Poppy and Michael (pictured) are the 10th confirmed case of superfetation in history, where two embryos are separately conceived in the same uterus READ MORE: Cancer couple's 'miracle' pregnancy A couple are celebrating the miracle birth of a healthy baby girl despite mum and dad both undergoing chemotherapy for cancer during pregnancy. Advertisement Health difficulties had previously ruled out natural insemination and after Ms Searle had what she thought was her period, they began their treatments at the clinic. 'Initially, we didn't understand how it could possibly have happened, especially when you're going through IVF and it's all very scientific, facts-based kind of stuff,' Ms Searle told The West. Blood screens failed to notice Poppy before the insemination process began and by the time doctors found out Ms Searle was already carrying twins. The couple were asked by doctors at the clinic if they had had sex during the process as they tried to figure out how a double pregnancy could have happened. Ms Searle assured them that she and her husband had restrained from trying naturally while undergoing treatment, and that it must have happened beforehand. The natural pregnancy came as a shock to the couple, as Mr Searle had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015. Around the same time Ms Searle had also been told that she had a low egg count. Under these conditions doctors warned the couple that their odds of falling pregnant naturally were minimal. Even though the newborns are technically twins, they were born at different stages of development since they spent different amounts of time in the womb. Poppy was three kilograms and had developed her sucking reflex by the time she was born, but Michael was only two kilograms and could not even roll yet. 'He's probably a month behind developmentally,' Ms Searle said. After some minor difficulties in the first week of his life however, Ms Searle said that Michael is doing just fine after five months. This was the couple's third round of successful IVF after Mr Searle was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015 and Ms Searle found out that she had a low egg count Mr Searle chose to freeze his sperm before he entered chemotherapy so that they could still have children down the line. 'We were quite lucky just to have the one in the first place, let alone two and then three, and then to find out we managed to get a bit of a two-for-one deal on the third pregnancy was exciting, but a little bit scary at the same time,' Mr Searle told Today. Ms Searle spent a fortnight in hospital before giving birth on the 37th week of her pregnancy. The couple's obstetrician was aiming for a 39-week pregnancy, which would have lenf Michael 36-and-a-half weeks in the womb. Although only 10 cases of superfetation have been recorded in the world, it is believed that the phenomena goes unreported because of how hard it is to detect. Dr Richard Murphy, the family's fertility expert, only picked up on the double pregnancy after noticing that Ms Searle's hormone levels were 'sky high' in her first blood test. A scan showed a fetus that was 18 days ahead of where it should have been. 'There's likely to be some other cases out there that are unreported and we just don't know about it,' Dr Murphy told ABC. 'It's always interesting to document these because they're so rare that there will be a few cases in the literature but not many, so it's interesting for other doctors to see that these rare things can happen.' New York City is planning on spending a staggering extra $1billion on hotel rooms for immigrants for three more years. The city's contract with the more than 100 hotels-turned-shelters, which was supposed to end this year, will now end in August 2026 and cost a total $1.365 billion - almost five times the original price tag of $237 million. The new cost does not include other facilities turned into shelters such as the tent shelters set up in the McCarren Recreation Center in Queens or the Island Shores Assisted Living in Staten Island. Mayor Eric Adams said on September 9 that spending would be slashed by 15 percent through next spring to cope with the influx of 116,000 migrants in 2023, with 60,000 of the desperate people being housed in the city. Adams - who is up for re-election in 2025 - told city agencies that they would each need to cut spending by 5 percent by November at the latest. There will then be another 5 percent slash in January and a final hack down in April. The Roosevelt Hotel (pictured), Paul Hotel and Paramount Hotel are among those designated for housing migrants in Manhattan. The city's contract with more than 100 hotels will cost cost a total $1.365 billion New York City's migrant crisis is expected to cost the city $4.7billion this year. Above is a list of some of the landmarks that have been turned into emergency shelters as officials struggle to house nearly 60,000 migrants in the city's care As Adams faces massive backlash for the crisis, city officials, including fellow Democrats, have spoken out about the extension of the contract with hotels 'The migrant crisis has evolved into a financial boondoggle, with quietly extended contracts fattening the pockets of a few at the taxpayers expense,' said Democratic Queens Councilman Robert Holden, as reported by The New York Post. 'Its time to halt this fiscal recklessness. Lets send those [migrant] buses to the White House and remember that "Right to Shelter" shouldnt be misconstrued as a global entitlement.' However, Department Department of Social Services/Homeless Services Commissioner Molly Wassow Park said there are cancellation clauses, and the city won't have to pay the full amount if it no longer needs the hotels. Adams has said the crisis will cost the city $12billion over three years. The city is currently paying hotels an average cost of $185 per day per room, and spending about $385 a night per migrant family that needs housing and feeding. According to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, asylum seekers are costing the city roughly $10 million every day. Adams has warned that the city's services will be affected by the incredible additional expenses on the budget. He has previously stated the city is planning on cutting services such as library hours, meals for senior citizens, and free, full-day care for three-year-olds. As the city struggles with about 60,000 asylums seekers under its care, Adams has entered several emergency contracts to provide the migrants with clean linens and towels. While the city usually pays 99 cents per pound of laundry at homeless shelters, it's currently paying DocGo $1.50 per pound, HappyNest $1.60 per pound and Garner $3 per pound. DocGo and Garner Environmental's costs include other services such as security, food and medical, but HappyNest is solely for laundry services. As the city struggles with about 60,000 asylums seekers under its care, Adams has entered several emergency contracts Migrants were seen sleeping outside The Roosevelt Hotel which has reached capacity since being turned into a designated center for asylum seekers The city is paying over 100 holels to house asylum seekers. One of the hotels, The Collective Paper Factory in Long Island City is pictured The City Council is now carrying out an audit into how a $432 million no-bid contract was handed to medical firm DocGo, which has been accused of mistreating migrants and having little experience in caring for asylum seekers. Adams has been using his emergency powers to sign off contracts to firms without contest, but opponents fear the practice is ripe for abuse and waste of taxpayer funds. As asylum seekers continue arriving in buses from southern border states, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Monday that an additional 150 soldiers will join more than 2,000 servicemen already helping with the migrant surge across New York state which has seen more than 116,000 people arrive just this year. The National Guardsmen will focus solely on case management for the Venezuelans who can apply for Temporary Protected Status and then get a work permit. Hochul's move comes as the migrant crisis in both NYC and Chicago reach a boiling point as thousands continue crossing the US-Mexico border before heading to north to sanctuary cities, where they have a right to shelter. Many of the migrants said they chose NYC because of the city's right to shelter law, which Adams is now seeking to axe. Many of the migrants said they chose NYC because of the city's right to shelter law, which Adams is now seeking to axe Senior Adams administration official, Anne Williams-Isom, the deputy mayor for health and human services told WNYC last night: 'We're back in court next week to really say, 'I don't think that the right to shelter as it was originally written should be applied to this humanitarian crisis in its present form.' The city first tried to amend the law in May and has been locked in court-ordered negotiations with NY State and the Legal Aid Society, which represents homeless people. Last week governor Hochul warned that asylum seekers who arrive in New York City will not be housed in hotel rooms as they have been in the past. 'We have to get the word out, that when you come to New York, you're not going to have more hotel rooms, we don't have capacity,' Hochul said on CNN. 'So we have to also message properly that we're at a limit - if you're going to leave your country, go somewhere else.' It's a stunning reversal from her statements in December 2021, when she promised to house and protect asylum seekers - before thousands of migrants began arriving every month from Sothern border states. More than 113,000 migrants have arrived in the city since last Spring. 'As you know, the Statue of Liberty is inscribed. It says, give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to be free,' Hochul previously said. 'You're welcome with open arms and we'll work to keep you safe... We'll not only house you, but we'll protect you.' Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has apologized for the 'deeply embarrassing' standing ovation the Canadian parliament gave to a Nazi SS veteran. Trudeau, 49, spent days scrambling for an answer as to why Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka was praised as a 'hero' by Canada's Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota on Friday. The Nazi served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS during World War II, but appeared alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he was welcomed in parliament as an apparent 'Ukrainian hero.' Three days after his parliament commended the Nazi, embattled Trudeau - who has also been locked in a bitter international feud with India in recent weeks - broke his silence to admit the ovation was a 'mistake.' 'Obviously its extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized, but this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians,' he told reporters on Monday. Seconds after apologizing, Trudeau then pivoted as he railed against anti-Semitism and called for a 'push back against Russian propaganda.' Trudeau addressed the scandal with reporters on Monday as he admitted it was 'deeply embarrassing', before he used the moment to call for a 'push back against Russian propaganda' On Friday, Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka was praised as a 'Ukrainian hero' in Canada's parliament in a visit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Hunka's history was only revealed after he was lauded alongside Zelenskyy on Friday, where the Ukrainian president travelled to bolster his nation's support in the war with Russia as it heads into the winter. But while Zelenskyy's speech was widely praised, people were appalled to discover Hunka's time in the SS - one of the most feared units in the Nazi arsenal who were often described as 'Hitler's personal bodyguards.' According to the Holocaust Encyclopedia, the SS 'would later become both the elite guard of the Nazi Reich and Hitlers executive force prepared to carry out all security-related duties, without regard for legal restraint.' Under mounting pressure from Jewish groups to explain how Hunka ended up being praised by Canadian lawmakers, Trudeau argued: 'I think its gonna be really important that all of us push back against Russian propaganda.' He added that Canada would 'continue our steadfast and unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week with announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russias illegal war against it.' His pivot to the Russian war machine came just seconds after he apologized for the ovation, admitting it was especially insulting to 'Jewish MPs and all members of the Jewish community across the country who are celebrating Yom commemorating Yom Kippur today.' The scandal came as Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) addressed the Canadian parliament to bolster his nation's support in the war with Russia as the conflict heads into the winter months His apology came the day after Speaker Rota also walked back his praise for the Nazi officer, saying: 'I regret my decision to do so, and accept full responsibility for my actions.' Rota conceded that the Canadian government failed to properly vet Hunka, and said he 'subsequently became aware of information which causes me to regret' inviting the SS veteran. 'I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.' Government House Speaker Karina Gould also came under fire after posing for a picture with Hunka in the halls of parliament, but argued she didn't know his past before the snap was taken. 'Like all MPs, I had no further information than the Speaker provided,' she said on X. 'Exiting the Chamber I walked by the individual and took a photo. As a descendent of Jewish Holocaust survivors I would ask all parliamentarians to stop politicizing an issue troubling to many, myself included.' Government House Speaker Karina Gould (left) was criticized after posing for a picture with the Nazi, but argued she did not know of his history before the snap was taken Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS during World War II, one of the most feared units in the Nazi arsenal While Trudeau has come under scrutiny for his three-day delay in condemning the ovation, Gould sprung to his defense and said the government wasn't aware of Hunka's invitation, and claimed it was down to Rota. 'The Speaker has now made it clear that he was responsible for inviting this individual to the House,' she said on X. 'The government played no role. It did not know he would be there. The PM did not meet him. I am deeply troubled this happened. I urge MPs to avoid politicizing this incident.' Trudeau's admission came under mounting pressure from Jewish groups to explain the shameful moment, with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) leading demands for an apology. 'FSWC is appalled that Canadas Parliament gave a standing ovation to a Ukrainian veteran who served in a Nazi military unit during the Second World War implicated in the mass murder of Jews and others,' the group said on X, formerly Twitter. 'An apology and explanation is owed.' 'The fact that a veteran who served in a Nazi military unit was invited to and given a standing ovation in Parliament is shocking,' the FSWC added in a statement. 'At a time of rising antisemitism and Holocaust distortion, it is incredibly disturbing to see Canada's Parliament rise to applaud an individual who was a member of a unit in the Waffen-SS, a Nazi military branch responsible for the murder of Jews and others and that was declared a criminal organization during the Nuremberg Trials. 'There should be no confusion that this unit was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable.' The group also called for an apology to 'every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis', which was echoed by Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs which said it was 'deeply troubled' by the incident. CIJA leadership noted Trudeau's reference to 'Russian propaganda' in its rebuke as it added: 'Canada's Jewish community stands firmly with Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression... But we can't stay silent when crimes committed by Ukrainians during the Holocaust are whitewashed.' Around 100 people have fallen ill after attending events there A wedding venue linked to a severe norovirus outbreak that sickened over 100 people at two separate events will temporarily close after guests at a third gathering fell ill. The Park venue in Albert Park, in Melbourne's inner south, will close its doors for the next two weeks as it investigates the source of the latest outbreak, linked to an event held at the weekend. Around 70 attendees at a medical conference dinner held at The Park on 13 September reported falling ill, while a wedding held three days later was ruined after dozens of the guests were struck down with gastro-like symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. The Park in Albert Park Melbourne was given the once over by health inspectors and cleared to keep trading (pictured). But it has now shuttered its doors for two weeks after guests at a third event reported falling ill At least 100 people from two separate events suffered food poisoning after visiting wedding venue The Park, Melbourne (pictured) 'It was more than half the guests,' one guest wrote on social media. 'At least 100 of us were sick. It was horrible.' Now, there has been reported illness after a third event held at the venue although it is unclear how many people have been sick. Bahaa Harb, venue manager for The Park, said on Tuesday it made the voluntary decision to close out of 'an abundance of caution'. 'We had taken all precautionary health and safety measures ahead of recent events, however, as there have been reported illnesses from an event on the weekend, we have decided to temporarily stop operating functions for the next two weeks until we have further information,' Mr Harb told Nine Newspapers. 'It is possible that these outbreaks are not linked, but we have decided to close out of an abundance of caution until we have further information.' The venue has found alternative locations for those affected by the temporary closure. Bahaa Harb, venue manager for The Park, said on Tuesday it made the voluntary decision to close out of 'an abundance of caution' (stock image) On Friday, the health department said patients' tests confirmed the outbreak was likely caused by norovirus, a common but highly contagious form of gastro. Norovirus can be transmitted primarily through contact with an infected person but also via contaminated food, liquids and even surfaces or objects. Symptoms include acute onset vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, muscle pains and low-grade fever. Health and safety inspectors visited The Park on 15 September and gave it a clean bill of health, according to Mr Harb. Meanwhile, investigations into the source of the outbreak are continuing. A Mexican man was busted trying to smuggle 400 pounds of cocaine into the US by concealing packages of the powdered drug among a shipment of cucumbers. The unidentified 33-year-old was caught with 401.68 pounds of cocaine when he tried to cross the Otay Mesa entry point in San Diego on September 15. The US Customs and Border Protection were suspicious of the tractor-trailer delivering the cucumbers because of a similar incident involving a meth smuggler in August. In last month's drug-bust the tractor-trailer - a large truck with a long trailer attached to the back of it - hid 200 pounds of liquid methamphetamine in the vehicle's fuel tanks. An unidentified 33-year-old from Mexico attempted to smuggle over 400 pounds of powder cocaine into the US by hiding it amongst cucumbers The Mexican man's truck was inspected at the border by CBP officers who found 146 packages of the illegal substance tucked away amongst boxes of cucumbers The most recent statistics from the UNODC say that a single gram of cocaine costs $169 on average and there was over 181,437 grams of cocaine hidden in the cucumbers The cucumber-smuggling attempt was botched when CBP officers carried out an inspection on the suspicious truck and discovered 146 packages of cocaine hidden amongst the healthy food, which is technically a fruit. Mexico is the fifth largest producer of cucumbers in the world and grows 400,000 more each year than the US - meaning that the food is regularly transported over the border. The most recent statistics from the UNODC say that a single gram of cocaine costs $169 on average. There was over 181,437 grams of cocaine hidden in the cucumbers making the drug-smuggle a $30 million job. US Customs and Border Protection officers are currently overwhelmed by the migrant crisis as their facilities are drastically over-capacity. Southwest states have seen as many as 7000 migrants illegally cross the border each day in recent weeks. Border Patrol in San Diego has reportedly been dealing with 20,000 migrants in custody over the last week - 5,000 more than facilities can manage. The El Paso port was closed 'temporarily' as border control personnel are being diverted to help process migrants that entered illegally in other parts of Texas. A surge of El Paso's influx of migrants saw 1,700 people cross the border in 24 hours. The tractor-trailer used to smuggle the cucumber-hidden drugs was flagged because of a recent meth-smuggling mission using the same vehicle which hid 200 pounds of liquid meth (pictured) Ovidio Guzman Lopez - son of drug lord El Chapo - was recently extradited from Mexico to the US to face drug charges for smuggling huge quantities of meth and fentanyl into the US Hundreds of migrants were let go from buses and set free to roam San Diego, California after facilities couldn't handle the shocking numbers at the border in their facilities The chaos caused by the overwhelming migrant influxes appeared to be orchestrated by drug cartels who used the surges of desperate people as a cover. By tying up crucial resources, it leaves Mexico's cartels free to carry out human trafficking and smuggling operations uninterrupted The cucumber cocaine smuggle is one of many drug-related incidents that are happening alongside the migrant crisis. The Biden Administration has come under increasing pressure to tackle the burgeoning crisis - and it will likely form a key plank of Republican rivals' 2024 election campaigns. President Joe Biden is doing balancing exercises, wearing sneakers and using the shorter stairs on Air Force One as he embarks on a new campaign: to avoid tripping and falling. The president, 80, has taken several stumbles in his nearly three years in office - falling while boarding Air Force One, tripping on various staircases, and taking a dramatic tumble at the Air Force Academy when he encountered a sandbag. Now, as polls show a majority of voters are increasingly concerned about his age, Biden's team is taking extra steps to prevent him from stumbling in public, Axios reported, betting that any mockery he receives will be worth it to avoid a public tumble. On Tuesday, the president used the lower stairs of Air Force One as he boarded the plane for a trip to Michigan to meet with striking auto workers. He appeared to be wearing hiking boots or work boots of some kind. And there has been some mockery. The president broke the internet in July when he wore Skechers without socks before boarding Air Force One to head to a NATO summit in Europe, with users fiercely debating whether or not bare feet were acceptable. But the White House also has to deal with legitimate questions about the president's health. Biden is the oldest president in American history and, if he wins a second term, would be 86 at its completion. President Biden wore sketchers without socks in July when he used the lower stair case of Air Force One to board the plane Biden has taken more precautions to avoid tripping after his dramatic fall at the Air Force Academy in June Biden appeared to be wearing hiking boots or work boots of some kind and used the lower stairs to board Air Force One for his trip to Michigan Biden took to wearing sneakers and using the shorter stairs on Air Force One more frequently since tripping over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony, leaving him sprawled on the ground and getting helped up by officials. That smaller stair case - which goes into the belly of the 747 - is about half the size of the stair case that is used to access the upper part of the plane: 14 stairs versus 26. The White House has said many factors go into deciding what stair case is used but didn't detail the process. 'I don't have any decision process to walk through,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in June. 'I'm sure there's a protocol that's used for Air Force One. I just don't have one.' She pointed to Biden's annual physicals, arguing the administration has been transparent about the president's health. In both reports on Biden's physicals, the president's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, noted the president has suffered from a 'stiffened ambulatory gait.' Biden fractured his foot during the 2020 presidential campaign and had to wear a boot. O'Connor recommended physical therapy - specifically 'proprioceptive maintenance maneuvers' - and shoe orthotics to help with his walking. Proprioception training focuses on the sense of body positioning in space and can involve balancing exercises, tai chi, and yoga. Biden, who works out most mornings at the White House gym, has been doing balancing exercises with Drew Contreras, who was a physical therapist in the Army and worked with Barack Obama when he was in the White House. President Biden has been wearing sneakers more - above he dons the casual footwear in September when exiting the White House with first lady Jill Biden Biden also has been using the lower stair case of Air Force One more frequently - only 14 stairs compared to the 26 stairs on the bigger stair case He's also been wearing sneakers more since he tripped in June - a moment that went viral on the internet, causing the country to collectively wince and critics to pounce. White House spokesman Andrew Bates mocked the latest report on Biden's footwear and physical therapy. 'Move over, tan suit!,' he wrote on X. 'Can confirm: @POTUS is one of the millions of Americans with sneakers. Notice that when others do the same, the media's tone is different?' The president is not the only politician to wear the more casual shoes. There was a massive debate on men's footwear in May, when Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Senator Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries all wore sneakers in the Oval Office. Some commentators bemoaned the informality. Others defended a man's right to wear the 'dress sneaker.' But, behind the optics, is genuine concern about Biden's advanced years. And Republicans are turning it into a political issue, often posting online videos that show Biden appearing to be lost or confused, stoking speculation about his health. In addition to his physical stumbles, Biden has made verbal gaffes and, at times, struggled for words. This summer, on Take Your Child to Work Day, Biden appeared to forget how many grandchildren he had when he spoke to the children of White House staff. 'So, let me see. I got one in New York, two in Philadelphia or is it three? No, three, because I got one granddaughter who is I don't know. You're confusing me,' he said. He also couldn't name the last country he had visited or his favorite movie. White House staff have defended the president as engaged and energetic. And, O'Connor, in his last report on Biden's health said the president was 'fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations. The White House defends President Biden as engaged and energetic. The president, a frequent bike rider, goes for a ride in Rehoboth in August MARCH 2021: Biden's first stumble as he bounded up the stairs of Air Force One. The White House blamed the wind for his struggles Multiple polls, however, have shown voters are worried about the matter. An NBC poll released on Sunday found 74% of voters are concerned with Biden's age as the country prepares for next year's election. For all his stumbles and gaffes, at other times, the president has been sharp, quipping with the best of them. 'You say I'm ancient?' he said in April at the White House Correspondents dinner. 'I say I'm wise.' Police say they have found a body in the search for a mother whose missing persons appeal was shared by a bestselling author. Mum Vanessa Ford was last seen walking along the street in a dark top and leggings in doorbell footage captured near her East London home on Saturday. Friend and bestselling author Sophie Heawood, best known for writing memoir The Hungover Games, had used social media to urge the public to look out for Ms Ford after she disappeared from the Richmond Road area of Hackney. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Met Police said it had been alerted to a British Transport Police investigation following a death on the tracks between Dalston Kingsland and Hackney Central on the London Overground. While formal identification is yet to take place, officers say they have informed Ms Ford's family of the news. The casualty is understood to be a woman in her 40s. Vanessa Ford was last seen in East London. Police say a body has been found in the search for her after the British Transport Police were called to a death on the tracks on the Overground Doorbell footage showed the missing mother in the vicinity of Richmond Road on Saturday, September 23 at around 11am Author Sophie Heawood had launched an appeal on social media urging anyone with information on Vanessa's disappearance to contact the police The statement read: 'A woman was reported missing to the Met on the evening of Saturday, September 23 and a number of enquiries were undertaken to locate her. 'We have been made aware of an investigation by the British Transport Police following a death on tracks between Dalston Kingsland and Hackney Central on Saturday morning and are liaising with them. 'While formal identification awaits, the family of Vanessa Ford have been informed of this development.' A British Transport Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'Officers were called to the line close to Dalston Kingsland at 11.49am on September 23 following reports of a casualty on the tracks. 'Paramedics also attended - however, sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene. 'The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.' Worried friends and family appealed for information on social media after Vanessa went missing - without her phone, wallet, bag and keys, they said. She was last seen carrying a pink and white water bottle, and may have been wearing flip flops. Her last confirmed sighting was on St Philip's Road in Hackney. Heawood had written: 'A friend of friends, a mother, has gone missing from London Fields, Hackney. 'Missing person Vanessa has been missing since 11am Sat 23rd September. Last seen in vicinity of Richmond Road where she lives, in dark top and leggings. Please contact police with any info at all.' Tom Gatti, executive editor of culture, books, ideas and print at the New Statesman, had tweeted: 'Looking for our friend Vanessa from Hackney, who has been missing since Saturday morning.' Heawood's memoir The Hungover Games: A True Story charts her life as a single mother working as a celebrity interviewer in Hollywood before moving back to London. A hacker gang has claimed it has breached Sony's security systems and stolen data. The group is now offering to sell the data to the highest bidder. Sony did not confirm the breach in a statement but said that it is investigating the claims. 'We have successfully compromissed [sic] all of sony systems,' Ransomed.vc claimed on both the clear and dark nets, as reported by Cyber Security Connect. 'We wont ransom them! We will sell the data. Due to Sony not wanting to pay. DATA IS FOR SALE,' the group Ransomed.vc said in a statement. The alleged breach was first reported by Australian site Cyber Security Connect. The Cyber Security report says that Ransomed.vc has posted a power point presentation online showing how the hacking was done, including screenshots of a login page and screenshots of files. A hacker group believed to operating out of Russia is claiming to have stolen data belonging to Sony customers and is holding it to ransom So far Sony has not confirmed the breach but said in a statement that it is investigating claims The group said it is in possession of 6,000 files, which is described as 'small' compared to 'all of Sony's systems.' 'We are currently investigating the situation, and we have no further comment at this time,' Sony's press release read. The Cyber Security report says that Ransomed.vc threatened to post the information it has harvested online on September 28 if it is not paid. The warning gives Sony contact details for the group. The stolen data is reported to be in Japanese. In a bizarre element to the alleged hack is that Ransomed.vc has said that if payment isn't received, it will be obligated to report the breach to the European Union's data privacy body. The last major hacking of Sony's system occurred in 2011 when the data of 77 million users were compromised. As a result, the company took the PlayStation Network offline for a month. Sony officials were even hauled before Congress in order to explain the breach while also being forced to pay compensation to victims. Ransomed.vc has only been in existence since this month, Cyber Security reports. While Video Games Chronicle reports that Ransomed.vc operates out of Russia and Ukraine. Then 19, she beat and stabbed her mother after she was kicked out of college A jury convicted a 23-year-old Ohio woman of killing her mother after she found out that her daughter had been kicked out of college. Sydney Powell was found guilty of murder, felony assault and tampering with evidence in the murder of her mother, 50-year-old Brenda Powell. The 23-year-old sobbed in court while the verdicts were read in the Summit County courtroom. In March of 2020, Sydney, then 19, struck her mother in the head with an iron skillet, then stabbed her nearly 30 times in the neck. Sydney pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. During the trial, defense attorneys argued she was suffering a psychotic break at the time of the attack, according to Court TV. Sydney Powell (pictured) sobbed while the verdict was read in the trial for her mother's murder Brenda Powell, 50, was on the phone with Sydney's college when her daughter killed her Defense attorney Donald Malarcik told jurors that since the attack Sydney has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is receiving treatment. Brenda worked as a child life specialist in the hematology oncology unit at Akron Children's Hospital for 28 years. A memorial scholarship in her name described her as selfless and dedicated, the best in her field of work. 'Countless patients and families benefited from Brenda's compassionate care and support. Brenda loved working with the teens in the Showers Family Center and always did everything possible to make sure they succeeded.' Prosecutors argued Sydney initially lied to police about what happened and said there had been a break in. They said she even broke a window to stage a crime scene. Witnesses from the University Mount Union where Sydney had attended testified they were on the phone with Brenda discussing her daughters suspension when they heard repeated thuds and screaming. Alarmed by what they heard, the school administrators called police to the Powell home. The defendants father Steven Powell testified in his daughter's defense, he said that his wife and daughter had a close relationship. Psychological experts for the defense said Sydney was in the throes of a psychotic break during the attack and could not understand that her actions were wrong. Dr. James Reardon, who diagnosed her with schizophrenia and depression, said that she was deteriorating and losing her grip on reality leading up to the attack. Dr. Thomas Swale, a neuropsychologist, and Dr. Robin Belcher-Timme both testified that Sydney's psychotic break began months before the attack and she was out of touch with reality when it happened. In rebuttal, prosecutors called Dr. Silvia O'Bradovich, a clinical psychologist, who said she interviewed Sydney. O'Bradovich agreed Sydney has mental health issues, but said was not suffering a psychotic break during the attack. Sydney was 19-years-old at the time when she bludgeoned her mother with an iron skillet and stabbed her to death Defense experts argued that Sydney Powell (right) was suffering a psychotic break during the attack, but the prosecution expert said she was in her right mind Brenda worked as a beloved child life specialist in the hematology oncology unit at Akron Children's Hospital She said Sydney's motive for killing her mother was that she would do anything to keep from disappointing her. Prosecutors argued Sydney knew what she was doing during the attack and was in her right mind when she switched the weapons she was using and staged the break in. 'Sydney stopped attacking with the pan, presumably went to the kitchen with a knife. She had to switch weapons and keep attacking her,' said Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano according to the Akron Beacon Journal. 'Just the knife just in the neck multiple times? That is purposeful. That is trying to end someone.' Sentencing is schedule for September 28. Sydney faces a maximum sentence of life behind bars. READ MORE: Who is Taylor Schabusiness' husband Warren? Inside the marriage of wife who murdered lover The killer appeared in Brown County Circuit Court shackled in cuffs by her waist A married woman who killed and dismembered her ex-boyfriend in a meth-fuelled attack has been sentenced to life without parole for the twisted slaying. Taylor Schabusiness, 25, appeared to smile beneath a large white mask as she appeared in Brown County Circuit Court in a prison-issued orange jumpsuit with handcuffs around her wrists. Judge Thomas Walsh handed her the life sentence for the murder of Shad Thyrion, 24, who she choked with a chain in February 2022 before beheading him and chopping up his body. He ruled that she was a risk to the public, and was handed life without extended supervision for murder, plus an additional ten and a half years for mutilation of a corpse and sexual assault. She refused to address the court, and repeatedly shook her head and pulled faces as the judge described her heinous crimes. Kelly Thyrion, Shad's uncle, addressed Judge Walsh by calling her 'S***business' before asking him to refuse her parole. 'After Judge Walsh sentences you today, I will pray that you meet the same fate as your idol Jeffrey Dahmer,' he said. 'So have a great life S***business'. Taylor Schabusiness, 25, appeared to smile beneath the large white mask, wearing a prison-issued orange jumpsuit with handcuffs around her wrists Thyrion's penis was found in the same bucket as his head while other body parts were found in a variety of bags in the basement including plastic shopping bags He added: 'I don't see no reason why you should have parole. You did the most cowardly, weakest thing possible.' Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was handed 15 consecutive life sentences in jail, but only served two before he was beaten to death by fellow inmate Charles Sarver. Thyrion's father, Michael, told his son's killer that he forgave her and asked the judge to give her 'a chance', despite her drug-fuelled rampage. He said: 'I forgive you, and I'm going to ask the judge if you can see the streets again sometime. I believe that everybody makes bad choices - maybe not on this scale. 'I think there is a lot of hope for you to be a better person, and I think you will do great things yet. I wish you no harm and I hope things to well for you.' But Judge Walsh felt that Schabusiness was a threat to the public, despite her defense team arguing she was addled by years of drug abuse and trauma. 'In a place where this kind of offense, kind of actions, kind of crime, is possible, with no advanced warning signs absolutely anything is possible,' the judge said. 'The public needs protection.' He added: 'This crime offends human decency; it offends human dignity; and it offends the human community. She laughed and smiled throughout the trial as she bragged about the disturbing details of how she killed Shad Thyrion, 24, in February 2022 She killed Thyrion in his mother's basement, telling the court that she 'liked' the killing and enjoyed cutting her lover's head off Body cam footage that was shown in court during the trial showed the victim's mother telling police something about a 'severed head' and pointed to the basement of their home Schabusiness said he put his chain around his own neck as strangulation was something they had used during intercourse before She strangled Thyrion at the Green Bay home he shared with his mother, sexually abused him and dismembered his body, leaving parts of it throughout the house 'When life is taken from a person in the fashion that it was in this case where the victim's remains are cut up and packaged in containers it's difficult to identify a human nature in those activities. It really is. It's very troubling 'These actions are foreign to all of that community. And they shock the community beyond the ability to adequately express in words. That's the gravity of the offense. 'That is the gravity of this offense. There aren't superlatives for it. There aren't really words for it. You can get a sense of it. You can get a sense of it and a feel for it.' Schabusiness, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, laughed at footage of herself talking about how she choked Thyrion with a chain as they had sex before mutilating his corpse. Schabusiness told officers in an interview that she had injected herself and Thyrion with Trazodone, a powerful sedative The sick killer was found guilty of homicide, third-degree sexual abuse and mutilating corpse in July after the trial. She killed Thyrion in his mother's basement, telling the court that she 'liked' the killing and enjoyed cutting her lover's head off. 'I was sucking and cutting at the same time,' Schabusiness said in the video. 'I liked it. I didn't know what to do.' Her grandmother, Esther Coronado, issued a plea in court that Schabusiness should be given parole and extended supervision before being sentenced by Judge Thomas Walsh. 'I know that she committed a crime and they want her to pay for it,' Coronado told the hearing. 'But I believe she should have the opportunity to come back to society one time and be with her son.' The Brown County jury deliberated less than an hour before convicting Schabusiness, who scattered his body parts at the home he shared with his mother and in a vehicle. Thyrion's severed head and penis were found by his mother, Tara Pakanich, and her boyfriend, Steve Hendricks, in a bucket in the basement of her home. Other body parts were found in various bags in the basement as officers searched the property, including plastic shopping bags. Other body parts were found in bags in the basement of his mother's home, including plastic shopping bags Green Bay Police Officer Alex Wanish reported how he found a plastic bucket on the floor. The officer 'lifted the towel and observed a human head inside the bucket Schabusiness said she 'got lazy' after dismembering her lover and intended to take his body parts with her in her minivan His upper torso was found in a storage tote with a carving knife and several internal organs in the basement Photos of knives found at the scene were shown to the jury in court. Schabusiness was found guilty of the offenses in July His upper torso was found in a storage tote along with a carving knife and several internal organs, with Schabusiness telling cops that she had planned to take the body parts with her. Hendricks called 911 and told the dispatcher that his girlfriend 'swears that she found the severed head of her son in the basement.' Body cam footage that was shown in court during the trial showed Pakanich telling police something about a 'severed head' and pointed to the basement of their home. 'I opened the towel,' Hendricks is heard telling police. 'I picked up the towel and dropped it because I don't know what the f*** it is, man. I have bad vision, and she's like: 'Is that what I think it is?' I don't f****** know.' Schabusiness said she 'got lazy' after dismembering her lover and intended to take his body parts with her in her minivan. However, she claims that she was ill-prepared to dispose of the corpse because the murder was random and not planned. Arriving on the scene, Green Bay Police Officer Alex Wanish reported how he had 'observed the plastic bucket on the floor...[with] a shower/beach towel over the bucket.' The officer 'lifted the towel and observed a human head inside the bucket,' and also noted 'what appeared to be dried blood on a nearby mattress.' Officers found Schabusiness, still covered in blood moments later, with scratches on her arm and a cut on her left thumb from the knife she used to dismember Thyrion. Schabusiness, who is married to a convicted felon and recently became a mother to a son, admitted that she and Thyrion had been doing drugs - including smoking methamphetamine - earlier in the day. She told officers in an interview that she had injected herself and Thyrion with Trazodone, a powerful sedative. Schabusiness gave disturbing details in the police interrogation video about choking her ex-boyfriend Shad Thyrion, 24, to death, and how much she liked it Body camera footage shown in court on Monday reveled the moment cops found Thyrion's head and penis in a blue bucket covered with a towel Schabusiness initially claimed to have blacked out during the attack, and when asked about why the head was in a bucket, she responded 'that is pretty f****d up' She said that she could feel his heart beating, 'so she kept pulling and choking him harder,' claiming that he would not die as he just kept 'rebuilding into muscle'. Pictured: A bloodstained mattress Green Bay Police Department Detective David Graf told the court that the twisted murderer told officers that she cuddled Thyrion's headless corpse after the killing Pakinich called authorities to her home in Green Bay shortly after 3am, and she revealed that she was woken at the time by the storm door slamming and the sound of a vehicle driving away Police recovered evidence of drug-taking, including a glass pipe and bag containing light-colored powder, from the scene. Schabusiness initially claimed to have blacked out during the attack, and when asked about why the head was in a bucket, she responded 'that is pretty f****d up'. She told police that she and Thyrion had been going to have sex and that he had produced two metal chains, one for him and one for her. Schabusiness who has a husband, Warren (pictured together), and recently became a mother to son, Mateo, admitted that she knew Thyrion The killer claims that he put his chain around his own neck as strangulation was something they had used during intercourse before. But she then shocked investigators with her next comment, as she blurted out 'Damn the head. I can't believe I left the head, though.' According to the complaint filing, she then told officers they were 'going to have fun trying to find all of the organs as she had dismembered the body.' Remaining calm, Schabusiness told detectives that after Thyrion put the chain around his neck which she compared to a dog choke collar she just went 'crazy' strangling him. She said that she could feel his heart beating, 'so she kept pulling and choking him harder,' claiming that he would not die as he just kept 'rebuilding into muscle.' Green Bay Police Department Detective David Graf told the court that the twisted murderer told officers that she cuddled Thyrion's headless corpse after the killing. He said: 'She described how she had sexual contact with the body in terms of playing with his penis. Taylor Schabusiness, 25, is seen attacking her attorney, Quinn Jolly, in court on February 14 2023 Following her brutal attack, three sheriff's deputies were eventually able to get Schabusiness to calm down, and sat her against a door Wisconsin attorney Quinn Jolly quit the case of an accused killer who violently attacked him in court in February 'Also, she described that she had a dildo that she placed into his mouth And that she had also cuddled the body.' Following her arrest, Schabusiness had a not guilty plea entered on her behalf by the court and a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity entered by her former attorney. Brown County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Walsh ruled in March that Schabusiness was competent to stand trial. In February, Schabusiness attacked her previous attorney during a hearing before a deputy wrestled her to the courtroom floor. Brown County District Attorney David Lasee called the case 'bizarre', telling the jury that Schabusiness also had sex with the corpse. During a previous hearing, a jury ruled that she was responsible for the murder of Thyrion and was not suffering from mental illness at the time of the incident. Her father told the jury during the trial that her mother died in her sleep, and the death took a toll on everyone in the family, with a psychology's claiming that she was not competent to stand trial. Dr Diane Lytton added that she felt Schabusiness was psychotic and had visual and auditory hallucinations, but the jury disagreed and ruled that she should be sent to prison instead of a secure facility. A hero porter who fought off London Bridge terror attacker Usman Khan with a ceremonial pike has collected a bravery award from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle. Lukasz Koczocik sprang into action when Khan killed a man and a woman at a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmongers' Hall in 2019 - forcing him out of the venue. Mr Koczocik grabbed a maritime ornament known as a boarding pike from the wall of the Grade II-listed building as he, along with three others, attempted to disarm Khan. Despite being stabbed three times by Khan, Mr Koczocik fought back until others joined and the terrorist was forced out onto London Bridge - where he was shot dead by cops. The 'true hero' today received the Queen's Gallantry Medal at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Mr Lukasz Koczocik is decorated with the Queen's Gallantry Medal by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle, Berkshire Mr Koczocik sprang into action when Usman Khan (pictured) killed a man and a woman at a prisoner rehabilitation event at Fishmongers' Hall in 2019 - forcing him out of the venue The 'true hero' porter (pictured) today received the Queen's Gallantry Medal at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle Pictured is Mr Koczocik collecting the bravery award from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle today Mr Koczocik photographed with his Queen's Gallantry Medal today at Windsor Castle The decoration is awarded for exemplary acts of bravery. The pair featured on this year's Civilian Gallantry List - which was approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II a week before her death in September 2022. It comes after Mr Koczocik received The Royal Humane Societys Stanhope Gold Medal - its top award - last December. Also set to be honoured for his role in confronting Khan is ex-prisoner John Crilly - who hosed the terrorist with a fire extinguisher after Mr Koczocik had used the pike to disarm him. Khan fatally killed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, on November 29, 2019, and injured several others. The killer was let out halfway through a 16-year sentence on licence after pretending that he had been de-radicalised The extremist, who wore a fake bomb vest, was tackled by men clutching chairs, a narwhal tusk and a fire extinguisher, and driven out onto London Bridge where he was shot dead by police. An inquest into the deaths of Mr Merritt and Ms Jones in 2021 found they were 'unlawfully killed', identifying mistakes from police, MI5 and the probation service that let the fanatic kill. Giving evidence at the time, Polish national Mr Koczocik said the best thing he could do was grab the pike. 'The next thing I remember - me going back to the lobby area and being with this man (Khan) face to face,' he said. 'I decided he had to be hurt, because I realised what was happening. I tried to stab him.' Mr Koczocik said Khan did not appear to be injured by the pike. The porter said he then landed a strike on Khan's stomach, at which point the terrorist grabbed the pike and stabbed Mr Koczocik in the hand and shoulder. Mr Koczocik dropped the pike as Khan had 'cut the tendon in my hands so I couldn't grip it'. It was at that point that ex-prisoner Mr Crilly hosed Khan with a fire extinguisher and communications manager Darryn Frost jabbed at Khan with a narwhal tusk, sending him off balance. The group's actions forced Khan out of the building. Then convicted murderer Steven Gallant tackled Khan to the ground, where all three restrained him until armed police arrived. The honour he has received recognises his actions during the terrorist attack at the learning together event in Fishmongers' Hall Mr Koczocik after receiving the Queen's Gallantry Medal at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on September 26 Khan fatally killed Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt (left), 25, and Saskia Jones (right), 23, on November 29, 2019, and injured several others Khan being confronted by Darryn Frost, Steve Gallant and John Crilly on London Bridge following the attack Usman Khan at Bank station on his way to attend a prisoner rehabilitation event - where he would later murder a man and a woman On the day of the attack, wearing a fake suicide belt and carrying a backpack containing the eventual murder weapons, Khan bounded over to his former prison counter-terrorism governor, offered him a hug, and declared: 'I have learnt that violence isn't the path.' Khan became interested in the extremist views of prominent figures Anwar al-Awlaki and Anjem Choudary, head of the banned terror organisation al-Muhajiroun, as a teenager. He later admitted planning a terror training camp to send anti-West fighters to the UK, and was handed an indeterminate sentence which was varied upon appeal to an extended sentence. As such, he was released without parole after eight years inside after convincing many he had changed his ways. He even succeeded in duping Mr Merritt, a co-ordinator on the Learning Together prisoner education scheme, who insisted Khan had been 'de-radicalised' when a colleague raised concerns about possible terrorist imagery in a poem Khan wrote ahead of his release. Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a shooting following a 'previous dispute' in South Carolina that left three teens dead and another wounded. Jahkeen Griffin, 17, and Karlos Damon Gibson, 17, are accused of fatally shooting Dre'von Riley, 17; JaKobe Fanning, 17; and Caleb Wise, 16, were students at Eau Claire High School. They were identified by the Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford, The State reported. The fourth victim, a 14-year-old boy who was a student at Acorn Middle School, was injured and is the sole survivor of the triple massacre that took place Sunday afternoon on Saddletrail Road just north of Columbia in the Richland County Sheriff's Department said. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said at a Monday news conference said the incident was regarding a dispute that took place years ago. He confirmed it was not gang-related but 'just teenagers making stupid decisions.' Both suspects are charged with three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Gibson is also facing charges of possession of a handgun under 18. Dre'von Riley (left) and Jakobe Fanning (right), both 17, were killed in a Sunday shooting in Columbia, South Carolina Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott (center) said at a Monday news conference said the incident was regarding a dispute that took place years ago. He confirmed it was not gang-related but 'just teenagers making stupid decisions' 'Three kids are dead....three teenagers are dead, if that doesn't shock you there is something wrong with you,' Lott said. 'We have to do something.' Gibson, who was arrested Monday afternoon, was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Alvin S. Glen Detention Center, the sheriff's department said. The sheriff also said at the press conference that, '(Griffin) is most likely going to be sentenced for a long time in prison.' Also in attendance at Monday's presser was Richland County Councilwoman Gretchen Barron, who said, 'here we are once again.' 'Young people got guns and they make poor choices. Now it's left up to us as a community.' She spoke about how the community itself must say the situation is unacceptable and that region cannot just rely on the school district. 'We can not leave it up to the school district to put these things in place we've got to take care of our children, we've got to take care of our neighbors' she said. Lott spoke of the violence plaguing the community and shared a message: 'Parents you need to take some responsibility for this also. It starts in the home. We will fill in the gaps when we can but it got to start in the home.' 'Three kids are dead....three teenagers are dead, if that doesn't shock you there is something wrong with you,' Lott said. 'We have to do something.' Richland One school district Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon who were overcome by the loss of three of their students issued a statement, WLTX News reported 'The Richland One family is grieving the loss of three young lives to senseless gun violence. Three Eau Claire High School students were killed Sunday afternoon (September 24, 2023) in an incident that occurred on Saddletrail Road,' he said. 'Our Crisis Team is at Eau Claire today to provide counseling and support to any students and staff who may need assistance. We also have additional security on campus as a precaution. 'This is an unimaginable tragedy, and we ask everyone to keep the students' families and the students and staff at Eau Claire High School in your thoughts and prayers.' Mystery surrounds newly released footage showing the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet today - a day after Ukraine announced he had been killed in a missile strike. In footage released by the Russian defence ministry, Viktor Sokolov appears to be taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu as well as other top admirals and army chiefs. While Sokolov appeared to blink as he attended the session remotely, he was not seen speaking, and sat in a chair that looked different to other naval commanders. The 'appearance' came after Vladimir Putin's spokesman declined to comment on claims that Sokolov had been killed. Ukraine claimed on Monday that Sokolov was one of 34 officers killed in a devastating missile strike on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet is Sevastopol. In a picture released by the Russian defence ministry, Viktor Sokolov (circled) appears to be taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (main picture on video screen) as well as other top admirals and army chiefs Ukraine claimed on Monday that Sokolov (pictured) was one of 34 officers killed in a devastating missile strike on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet is Sevastopol Ukraine also claimed that 105 military personnel had been wounded in the strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters The Russian footage today left open the possibility that old video of the commander had been superimposed on a meeting chaired by Russian defence minister Sergei Shogun. There was no immediate comment from the Ukrainian armed forces. But Ukrainian telegram channel Crimea's Wind reported the existence of the Russian footage and said it seemed Sokolov had 'attended the board of the Ministry of [Defence'.' It added: 'It's a pity of course.' Ukraine also claimed that 105 military personnel had been wounded in the strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Putin-loyal Russian Telegram channels immediately claimed Ukraine had been caught lying. The Russian footage today left open the possibility that old video of the commander had been superimposed on a meeting chaired by Russian defence minister Sergei Shogun Sevastopol before (top) and after (bottom) a missile attack struck the HQ of Moscow's Black Sea fleet on Friday in a suspected Ukrainian attack deep into Russian-held territory 'We can say that the enemy's statement [from] the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces that the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, died during the destruction of the Fleet headquarters building in Sevastopol is not true,' said Grey Zone. Military Informant channel said: 'The commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, appeared at today's meeting of the board of the Ministry of Defence. 'Earlier, the Ukrainian media and intelligence claimed that Sokolov allegedly died as a result of a strike on the fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. 'The point is that the command staff has not been in the headquarters building for a long time, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces is also well aware of. 'So no commander.could have died there [nor dozens of officers].' Russell Brand has begged his fans to splash out 48 a year and subscribe to his Rumble channel after being cut off from YouTube following a 'distressing' week of sexual assault allegations against him. The comedian, 48, went live on the platform after his lucrative YouTube channel was demonetised in the wake of the scandal, which has seen him losing the backing of publishers, agents and seen his stand-up tour postponed. About 70,000 viewers tuned into his stream, in which Brand launched a fresh attack on the so-called 'corporatist state and global media' in a long, rambling video where he urged his followers to 'oppose increasingly authoritarian centralised power'. Pleading with his fans to back him, Brand said: 'If you're watching this on YouTube or anywhere else, eventually you're going to have to click the link in the description and join us over in Rumble and if you can become a supporter it's the only way that you can back our independent voice at a time where it's obviously being challenged.' He added in another part of the stream: You now know that I have been demonetised on YouTube fully well aware that the government wrote to social media platforms to demand that I be further censored. Brand opened the programme begging for people to subscribe to his Rumble channel before then launching into a rambling attack on the so-called 'corporatist state and global media' Brand was last seen in public last Saturday night following his stand up show at a theatre in Wembley. The rest of his tour has since been postponed It's thought the under-fire comic was referring to a letter written by Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, who called on Rumble to cut off the comedians revenue like YouTube. However, Rumble stood by him with boss Chris Pavlovski saying in a statement: Although it may be politically and socially easier for Rumble to join a cancel culture mob, doing so would be a violation of our companys values and mission. We emphatically reject the UK parliaments demands. Brand's return to live-streaming came just minutes after the Metropolitan Police announced it was launching an investigation after a number of 'non recent' sexual offence allegations were made against the comedian. The comic-turned-political activist was accused earlier this month of multiple offences following an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times. On Saturday Brand, who has vehemently denied all the allegations against him, thanked his supporters for 'questioning' the allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him. On Monday however, the Met said it had received allegations of offences in London and elsewhere in the country and would investigate these, while offering specialist support to all women who made them. The investigation is being carried out by detectives in the Met's Central Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy. Brand's new video came just hours after a woman has claimed the comic left her feeling 'vulnerable and intimated', allegedly refusing to call a taxi for her to go until she performed a sex act Throughout his rambling speech he accused the British government of demanding that big technology platforms censor his online content Supt Furphy said: 'We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us. 'We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support.' A Met spokesman added: 'There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. 'Anyone who wants to report an offence to the police should contact us on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.' It came as Brand kept his promise to come back onto his Rumble show by publishing a video at 5.05pm on Monday evening. He had promised to investigate the BBC's 'Trust News Initiative' previously, without explaining why. Ahead of the episode, he tweeted on X: 'Are we being silenced? The battle for free speech - streaming now on Rumble.' Brand opened the programme and said he was going to be talking about the attacks on free speech. He claimed: 'We are going to be telling you the truth.' 'We are going to be talking about the State and the legacy media's war on free speech,' he continued. 'And in particular, how that has affected me this week. 'We are going to continue to do on this channel what we've always done [which is] tell you the truth as best we can.' Throughout his live stream, called The Battle for Free Speech, he made only oblique references to the 'events of the past week' that saw him accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. Waving his arms about, Brand also railed against the 'corporatist state and global media'. He went on to urge his 1.6million followers on the channel to fund him - with some in the comments pledging their support. On Friday he had put up a three minute video announcing his imminent return, describing the the past week as 'extraordinary and distressing'. Until now Brand hadn't spoken since last Friday night when he took to his YouTube channel to 'absolutely deny' what he called 'serious allegations' ahead of a mystery TV investigation Channel 4 's Dispatches and The Sunday Times made a number of allegations that Brand denies The seven days he was referencing saw him accused of rape and sexual assault by four women - allegations he vehemently denies. Rumble is an online video platform where Brand's subscribers pay a minimum $60 (48) fee to watch his exclusive content. During Friday's rambling speech he accused the British government of demanding that big technology platforms censor his online content. He also savaged his former employer the BBC for its 'trust news initiative' that tackles fake news. Over the last week, several women have come forward to make allegations against the comedian which they claim happened at the height of his fame. The shocking allegations, said to have occurred between 2003 and 2013, include the alleged rape of a woman at his home in Los Angeles and the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Brand denied the accusations claiming all of his relationships had been consensual. He had remained silent on the allegations of predatory and abusive behaviour first made by The Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches last Saturday. In a short video, posted to Instagram, X (formally known as Twitter) and YouTube he said: 'Hello there you awakening wonders, obviously it's been an extraordinary and distressing week and I thank you very much for your support and for questioning the information that you have been presented with. 'By now, you're probably aware that the British government has asked big tech platforms to censor our online content and that some online platforms have complied with that request. The comedian, actor and internet personality previously told his viewers that there are 'serious allegations' made against him which he 'absolutely refutes'. Pictured: Brand on stage in 2008 'What you may not know is that this happens in the context of the online safety bill which is a piece of UK legislation that grants sweeping surveillance and censorship powers and it's a law that's already been passed.' He added: 'I also don't imagine that you've heard of the trusted news initiative and now, as often is the case when a word like trusted is used as part of an acronym to describe an unelected body, trust is the last thing you should be offering. 'The trusted news initiative is a collaboration between big tech and legacy media organisations to target, patrol, choke and shut down independent media organisations, like this one.' On Thursday, another woman, named 'Olivia' to protect her identity, came forward alleging that Brand had exposed himself to her in an office where BBC Los Angeles operated from in 2008. The comic was said to have been in the building to filming a pre-recorded edition of his BBC Radio 2 programme on June 16 that year. The programme, that went out just five days later, featured a clip of Brand and his co-host appearing to joke about the incident, with his co-host Matt Morgan noting: 'It's been 25 minutes since he showed his willy to a lady.' She alleged that she answered the door to Brand and his team before going into the bathroom to get some medication. As she turned around from the medicine cabinet, she alleged Brand was stood in front of her with his groin in her face. She claimed that he remarked: 'I think you're a bit of alright...I'm going to f*** you.' She added that as she attempted to rebuff him Brand pulled out his penis and 'pretty much served it to me as you would someone serving food'. Until now Brand hadn't spoken since last Friday night when he took to his YouTube channel to 'absolutely deny' what he called 'serious allegations' ahead of a mystery TV investigation. The comedian, actor and internet personality told his viewers that there are 'serious allegations' made against him which he 'absolutely refutes'. After he allegedly exposed himself, he went on to pre-record a show for Radio 2, with his co-host Matt Morgan noting: 'It's been 25 minutes since he showed his willy to a lady' The remaining shows of Brand's Bipolarisation tour were postponed and the Metropolitan Police said they had received a report of an alleged sexual assault in the wake of media allegations about the comedian and actor Since the allegations were made, more women have come forward with accusations while the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault in Soho in 2003. The scandal has seen Brand's PR firm MBC PR and talent agency Tavistock Wood remove him from their websites, while his publisher Bluebird suspended their relationship with the comic. Channel 4 went on to remove all of its programmes linked to Brand on its website, including episodes of The Great British Bake Off and Big Brother's Big Mouth in which he was featured. And Netflix has now been urged to remove his comedy special, Re:Birth, from its catalogue. Brand's YouTube account has been suspended from YouTube's Partner Programme 'following serious allegations against the creator', meaning his channel is no longer able to make money from advertising. YouTube added that suspending a creator from the YouTube Partner Programme means they are 'prohibited from using a new or alternate channel to circumvent our enforcement decision'. The remaining shows of his new live show, Bipolarisation, have also been suspended. Brand still has a presence on video platform Rumble, where his channel has 1.4million followers and he hosts a weekly live show at 5pm BST. His weekly show will return on Monday after not being published this week. The Rumble channel description reads: 'Everybody knows that the old ideas won't help us. Religion is dead. Capitalism is dead. Communism is dead. Where will the answers of the next century lie? Particularly, when we're facing a mental health epidemic and ecological meltdown.' Critics claim Brand has 'set up a cult' online to back him since the birth of the Me Too movement in 2017 by giving a platform to conspiracy theories including the idea that the pandemic, the Ukraine war and climate change distract from the activities of the global elite. A 'sadistic' British crocodile expert filmed himself raping and torturing more than 40 dogs in a shipping container that he called his 'torture room' before sharing the depraved footage online, it has emerged. Adam Britton, 51, who grew up in West Yorkshire before moving to Australia, began his sick abuse in 2014 and tortured and raped more than 42 dogs he called 'f*** toys' in the bleak container that was fitted with cameras until his arrest in April 2022. Britton, an academic at Charles Darwin University in northern Australia who once hosted broadcaster David Attenborough at his home, would post the horrific footage of the abuse on his Telegram channel under the pseudonym 'Monster'. The married zoologist kept his twisted double life and depraved fantasies from his wife Erin for years. Erin, a wildlife ranger who met Prince Harry and helped him catch a crocodile, has since reportedly changed her surname. There is no suggestion whatsoever that Ms Britton, a biologist and wildlife ranger who has assisted in a range of projects on sea turtles and counting crocodiles, knew anything about her husband's crimes. Britton, who grew up in West Yorkshire in the UK before moving to Australia 20 years ago, would share videos and images of himself sexually exploiting the dogs on online forums under pseudonyms Adam Britton is pictured with his wife, Erin. They were married for at least 15 years The married zoologist had sexually abused his own Swiss Shepherd pets, Ursa and Bolt (pictured as a puppy in 2015), for almost a decade before he eventually expanded to Gumtree Australia to source more dogs to torture and kill at his sprawling rural estate at McMinns Lagoon on the northern tip of Australia Britton not only tortured and sexually abused his own pets Ursa and Bolt (pictured together), who he created an Instagram page for, but also dogs from pet owners he had lured into his trap through the online marketplace platform Gumtree Australia Adam Britton (centre) with his wife Erin (left) and David Attenborough (right) during filming for a BBC documentary Cold Blood. Britton hid the abuse from his wife for years The abuse by the leading zoologist was so depraved that 39 of the 42 puppies and adult dogs he raped and tortured died of their injuries in a horrific case that has shocked the nation. Britton, who pleaded guilty to over 40 counts of animal cruelty and accessing child abuse abuse material at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory yesterday, would boast online how he would lure owners to give him custody of their pets. He would tell pet owners on Gumtree Australia that his old dog had died of cancer and he wanted a 'new family member' in order to make them have pity on him and sell them their dog, the court heard. If the pet owners reached out and asked Britton how their old dog was doing, he would spin a 'false narrative' to say they were healthy and even send them old photos - when in reality their pet was already dead. In one scenario, Britton sent a message to the owners of a large brown dog Wolfe to reassure them the animal was 'settling in well'. 'Wolfe was relaxed and eating well and enjoying her new home,' the message said. 'But unbeknownst to the previous owners the dog had already been 'sexually exploited, tortured and killed,' prosecutor Marty Aust told the court. Britton, a leading zoologist who has worked with the BBC and National Geographic on productions, stood calmly as he pleaded guilty to 47 counts of animal cruelty yesterday. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of accessing and transmitting child abuse material, including of toddlers being forced to engage in depraved acts. Britton will be sentenced at a later date. The details of Britton's crimes are so horrific and 'grotesque' that Chief Justice Michael Grant urged the public and security staff to leave the courtroom before the prosecutors outlined the facts of the case in a rare move. 'These facts contain material that can only be described as grotesque and perverse acts of cruelty which is confronting and distressing and which in my assessment have the potential to cause nervous shock,' he said. Much of the details surrounding Britton's offending are also too gruesome to be published. Prosecutors told the court how Britton, who hosted Attenborough while the broadcaster filmed part of the BBC's Life in Cold Blood docuseries at his property, has a 'sadistic sexual interest' in animals, in particular dogs, since at least 2014. Britton would use Gumtree Australia to target pet owners across the Darwin region who were often reluctantly giving their pets away due to work or travel commitments, the court heard. Setting up alerts on the site for when a new dog or puppy was listed for sale in the area, he would build a 'rapport' with the unsuspecting owners in order to negotiate taking custody of their dogs, prosecutor Marty Aust said. Britton is an academic at Charles Darwin University in Australia who once hosted legendary broadcaster David Attenborough, and presented on BBC programme Natural World In 2016, Britton uploaded this photo of one of his dogs, Bolt, as a puppy. The court heard how Britton sexually abused and tortured the dog The court heard Britton started abusing his dogs, Ursa and Bolt (pictured as an adult), in 2014 Britton's wife Erin (left), a wildlife ranger who met Prince Harry (top right) and helped him catch a saltwater crocodile, was unaware of her husband's disturbing fantasies and has since reportedly changed her surname Britton's wife Erin met Prince Harry and helped him catch a saltwater crocodile Britton, who grew up in West Yorkshire in the UK before moving to Australia 20 years ago, would share videos and images of himself sexually exploiting the dogs on Telegram under accounts titled 'Monster' and 'Cerberus' - named after Dante's three-headed dog in Greek mythology who guarded the gates to hell. Prosecutors told the court on Monday he used one Telegram account to engage with 'like-minded people', and another which was used to disseminate images and recordings of the abuse. 'Using these applications, the offender discussed his 'kill count',' prosecutor Marty Aust said. In a message read to the court, Britton spoke about his urges to a stranger on Telegram: 'I had repressed it. In the last few years I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to.' His account had 114 threads where he described how he acquired the pets, how he abused them and how he disposed of their bodies. Britton boasted that he would tell pet owners on Gumtree Australia that his old dog had died of cancer and he wanted a 'new family member' - and that the tactic hardly ever failed. 'Owner is looking for a good 'forever home' for their beloved pooch, make sure you offer them one telling them you want a new family member after your old dog died from cancer last year hardly ever fails,' Britton posted in the Monster Telegram account. A video was eventually sent to the Northern Territory Animal Welfare Branch and passed on to police who arrested Britton in April 2022. At the time, police seized 44 items including computers, mobile telephones, cameras, external hard drives, tools, weapons, sex toys and dog paraphernalia. Britton was charged last year, but his name was suppressed by the courts to ensure media attention would not bias a jury against him. The order was lifted after his pleaded guilty on Monday. He has been remanded in custody since then. Britton was a prominent crocodile expert in northern Australia and a senior researcher at Charles Darwin University. None of his offending is alleged to have been against the reptiles. He is set to return to court on December 13 for sentencing submissions. It was only two years ago that he was an esteemed researcher at Charles Darwin University who attracted international recognition for his work as a crocodile conservationist with his wife and business partner, Erin. There is no suggestion whatsoever that Erin, a biologist and wildlife ranger who has assisted in a range of projects on sea turtles and counting crocodiles, knew anything about her husband's crimes or obsessions, and she appears to have dropped his surname. The National Geographic website suggests she will be on international wildlife expeditions for the next six months, and there is no mention in her bio of her husband and former business partner. Britton grew up in England and received his Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of Bristol before moving to Australia after 1996 to pursue his fascination with crocodiles. Britton, a leading zoologist who has worked with the BBC and National Geographic on productions, stood calmly as he pleaded guilty to 56 counts of animal cruelty at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory yesterday Adam Britton, 51, began his offending in 2014 and tortured and sexually exploited more than 42 dogs until his arrest in April 2022 Prosecutors told the court how Britton has a 'sadistic sexual interest' in animals and in particular dogs since at least 2014 He met his future wife and they set up a consultancy company, Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to television and film directors. They worked with natural history shows with the BBC and National Geographic. Their saltwater crocodile, Smaug, became something of a celebrity in his field and appeared in two horror films. Britton was a shameless self-promoter and would often update his social media profiles with photos of his crocodiles, property, and media clippings. While he managed to hide his sick fantasies, one of the more disturbing posts on his public Facebook page was a post celebrating his Swiss Shepherd Bolt's first birthday in 2016. The post included a photo of Bolt as a puppy in 2015. According to the court on Monday, Britton started sexually abusing his own dogs in 2014. A shocking new video has shown the moment a Jack in the Box drive-thru worker opened fire on a family after they argued about an order of french fries. Anthony Ramos was at the Houston fast food joint with his pregnant wife and his 6-year-old daughter when employee Alonniea Ford opened fire at him in March 2021 near Bush Airport on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The dad had stopped to get food - but returned to the window when he noticed an order of curly fries was missing. Alonniea Ford refused to fill the order - and an argument between the two ensued. Footage showed Ford throwing ice and ketchup at Ramos and his family before she pulled out a gun. Anthony Ramos was at the Houston fast food joint with his pregnant wife and his 6-year-old daughter when employee Alonniea Ford opened fire at him in March 2021 near Bush Airport on John F. Kennedy Boulevard Alonniea Ford refused to fill the order - and an argument between the two ensued She then started opening fire toward the car, as Ramos drove off. Ford has pleaded guilty to deadly conduct. Authorities have released surveillance video more than two years after the ordeal. Ford was seen loading a gun in her pocket before the encounter, then leaning through the window and shooting at the family. She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and pleaded guilty to a deadly conduct charge. Ramos said: 'I was dumbfounded by it. I really couldn't believe what was happening. It was scary. It was very, very scary.' 'It was more of a panic mode at that moment. I'm lucky that I saw it when I saw it and I was able to pull off when I did and then my initial reaction was to call the police. Ford was seen loading a gun in her pocket before the encounter, then leaning through the window and shooting at the family She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and pleaded guilty to a deadly conduct charge The Ramos family sued Jack in the Box for gross negligence. After launching a lawsuit last September, Ramos said: 'We are here today to ask Jack in the Box to get better policies and policies where potentially dangerous employees are not allowed to interact with the public where they could be a great danger.' Randall Kalinen, the family's attorney said: 'When they asked to get curly fries, they were denied, and keep in mind, there's no car behind them. 'So, there was no rush to get them out. They offered to pay for the curly fries, even though they had already paid for it already, but the answer was no. 'Pretty soon there was shouting.' Never-before-seen photos of Prince Philip that were compiled by a member of the Royal Yacht Britannia crew on on his round-the-world cruise in 1959 have come to light. They show the Duke of Edinburgh visiting various far-flung places, including some of the remotest islands on earth. Having been put together by an official photographer for the Prince, the album includes images that have never been published before. In his four-month journey, Prince Philip departed from Portsmouth and travelled to places including India and Pakistan, Rangoon in what is now Myanmar, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Solomon Islands and Bermuda. The new photographs show the Duke, who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, enjoying a trip on an 'almost extinct' sailing boat in the Solomon Islands and at the tiller of a native racing canoe off the island of Tarawa. Never-before-seen photos of Prince Philip that were compiled by a member of the Royal Yacht Britannia crew on on his round-the-world cruise in 1959 have come to light. Above: The Duke of Edinburgh beaming as he tours a village in Laulasi in the Solomon Islands Prince Philip is seen being given a makeshift crown by a resident on Ocean Island (now Banaba) in the Pacific Ocean He is shown being carried aloft in a boat by dozens of natives on the Pacific island of Vaitupu before he enjoys a feast of roast sucking pig and breadfruit. The Prince is also pictured approaching Gizo in the Solomon Islands in a war canoe before the party is entertained by a re-enactment of natives killing a missionary. Other pictures include those from Tench Island - near Papua New Guinea - where the party stopped at the request of the Duke, who wanted a picnic. They thought it was deserted but met with the 53 natives. Other photographs depict the various peoples visited, giving an insight into their cultures and dress. The album is being offered for sale by antique dealer Charles Wallrock of Wick Antiques in Lymington, Hampshire, one of the country's leading maritime dealers. Prince Philip greets islanders on Laulasi during his round-the-world tour in 1959 Prince Philip beams as he is greeted by islanders after arriving on the tiny island of Laulasi Philip is welcomed to the atoll of Vaitupu by dancers in another image that is in the amazing collection An islander on Laulasi in the Solomon Islands performs for Prince Philip during his visit in 1959 The Duke of Edinburgh beams as an islander on Laulasi wields a spear and shield during a performance to impress the royal Islanders on Laulasi wield Union Jack flags as they welcome Prince Philip in 1959 Prince Philip is seen meeting locals in Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands Prince Philip - an experienced sailor - is seen at the tiller of a racing canoe during his 1959 trip He has included it in his new book 'Britain on the high Seas - war and wealth', which includes other remarkable items for sale, among them two giant racing flags from the His Majesty's Yacht Britannia, the cutter built for King Edward VII when he was the Prince of Wales. Mr Wallrock said: 'Flicking through this album is a remarkable journey back in time, and the contrast between the Duke in his white uniform and the often grass-skirted South Pacific Islanders is clear. 'But so are the smiles on the faces of everyone as the different cultures meet in locations right around the world. 'There are two photographers listed as crew - both "Leading Airmen", A Masters and T Roberts - and the album is likely to have been put together by one of them. 'It is neatly captioned and includes a map of the voyage that went right around the world. 'There are some fascinating photos of what happened when Britannia passed over the equator. 'The crew are in bizarre fancy dress and the Duke appears to be joining in with the traditional "crossing the line" ceremony. A local dancer wearing traditional dress is pictured on the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands Prince Philip is pictured being carried on a throne as he is welcomed onto the atoll of Tarawa - the capital of Kiribati Prince Philip inspecting a guard of honour after arriving in Rangoon in Burma, which is now Myanmar Dancers perform for the royal party after its arrival in Sandakan, Malaysia. A banner reads: 'We Welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh' 'One photograph shows a half sunken Japanese ship from the war and in the accompanying book to the voyage the legacy of the war in that region is apparent. 'What is also clear is the interest the Duke has in the boats used by the islanders, and he is pictured in various craft. 'His interest would have been professional because he was a naval officer - and an extremely good one - and served in the Mediterranean and Pacific fleets in World War Two. Royal duties forced him to retire from the senior service in 1952. 'This album provides a wonderful insight into his life on the voyage and into that of the crew, many of whom gave up chances of promotion to stay with Britannia. 'Collectors of Royal memorabilia will be interested in this, as well as more general collectors.' Prince Philip is seen on the Royal Yacht while surrounded by crew members wearing fancy dress costume The Royal Yacht is pictured in the harbour on the island of Malta. Britannia was launched in Clydebank, Scotland, in 1953 and had travelled more than a million miles when she was retired This image, takenn in the Solomon Islands, is one of four captioned 'dancing and feasting at Graciosa Bay' The Prince is also pictured approaching Gizo in the Solomon Islands in a war canoe before the party is entertained by a re-enactment of natives killing a missionary Prince Philip greets locals on Gizo in the Solomon Islands after arriving in a boat Locals pretending to be cannibals re-enact the 'killing' of a missionary during a display put on for Prince Philip According to the handwritten caption, this image shows the wreck of a Japanese ship at Guadalcanal, an island in the Solomon Islands A photo of a small crowd seeing off the Royal Yacht on its departure from Portsmouth in January 1959 Prince Philip greeting islanders in Vaitupu, the largest atoll of the nation of Tuvalu Philip is carried ashore in a boat to the atoll of Vaitupu in another image from the album Prince Philip greets locals at Graciosa Bay in the Solomon Islands during his 1959 tour A caption on this image tells how Philip is on an 'almost extinct sailing boat' Prince Philip carried out two solo cruises on Britannia, which was decommissioned by Tony Blair's Labour government in 1997. The first, from 1956 to 1957, was turned into a storyline in Netflix drama The Crown and portrayed Philip as being footloose and fancy free, prompting press reports to suggest he and the Queen were drifting apart. Britannia was launched in Clydebank, Scotland, in 1953 and had travelled more than a million miles when she was retired. She was a symbol of the Commonwealth and helped generate billions of pounds in trade deals. Prince Philip married Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and died in 2021 aged 99. He was worshipped as a god by those on the remote South Pacific Island of Tanna. The album, which has 74 photographs, is on sale for 1,250. The book can be viewed here: https://wickantiques.co.uk/publications/britain-on-the-high-seas-wars-and-wealth/ Four British men said to be part of a major organised crime group responsible for more than 10 per cent of cocaine shipped into Europe have gone on trial in Greece, MailOnline can exclusively reveal. The men who can be named for the first time following the start of the case were held in June 2022 after a dramatic raid by armed officers in scenes straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. No other British media was in court for the proceedings which began after a lengthy year-long undercover operation involving officers from the US Drugs Enforcement Agency as well as Greek and Italian police. The four men three of whom were brought under heavy security from Thessaloniki jail where they have been on remand - were named in court as Neil Jones, 46, Anthony Bennett, 49, John Ellis, 39, and Stephen Wray, 52, and all are from Liverpool. A fifth man Ryan Ellis also from Liverpool, is charged along with them, with drug trafficking and is currently in jail in Holland where Dutch authorities have refused to hand him over because of 'conditions in Greek jails', it emerged. The three men who did appear were led handcuffed from a prison van which had arrived with an armed police escort - into the building, and taken to the third-floor court room where proceedings lasted all day (pictured: two of the alleged drug smugglers) The four men who were brought under heavy security from Thessaloniki jail where they have been on remand - were named in court as Neil Jones , 46, Anthony Bennett, 49, John Ellis, 39, and Stephen Wray (who was not present in court today), 52, and all are from Liverpool (pictured: one of the alleged drug smugglers) The suspects allegedly smuggled the huge 12million haul (pictured) in a banana shipment from Colombia In a dramatic development prosecutor Alexandra Xoleva explained Wray had been rushed to hospital just hours before the start of the trial suffering from severe abdominal pains and was not expected to be discharged for several days. The three men who did appear were led handcuffed from a prison van which had arrived with an armed police escort - into the building, and taken to the third-floor courtroom where proceedings lasted all day. Greek authorities say the arrest of the four men sparked a global manhunt for the ringleader of the gang, who has been dubbed a 'British Pablo Escobar' as he is the link between the Colombian cartels and a vast European network of traffickers. Footage released in June last year showed heavily armed officers raiding a luxury 1,700 a month villa 20 miles from Thessaloniki and which was being used as a base for the men. They were held after 297kg of cocaine was found in a consignment of bananas that had arrived in the Greek port city last summer said to be worth 42 million. During the operation one of the British men tried to overpower a Greek office and snatch his gun but was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed. Police said along with the drugs, which had been divided into 260 packages, a pistol loaded with nine rounds, a box of 41 cartridges, 1,000 Euros in cash, 11 mobile phones and portable radios were also seized in the bust. Following the raid Greek police said two of those arrested are 'leaders of an international drug trafficking ring' while a fifth person was wanted in connection with the seizure. Officials said the men were linked to another consignment just under 700kg- which was again found in a cargo of bananas that had come from South America via the Italian port of Gioia Tauro. The four suspects were arrested at the 1,700-a-month rental property (pictured) where one of them allegedly tried to snatch an officer's gun The British men were held after 297kg of cocaine (like the packages pictured above) was found in a consignment of bananas that had arrived in the Greek port city last summer said to be worth 42 million Police said along with the drugs, which had been divided into 260 packages, a pistol loaded with nine rounds, a box of 41 cartridges, 1,000 Euros in cash, 11 mobile phones and portable radios were also seized in the bust Investigators believe the British men (two of which are pictured here) are working in tandem with the Calabrian mafia in southern Italy, known as the 'Ndrangheta and who have long established links with the South American cartels Investigators believe the British are working in tandem with the Calabrian mafia in southern Italy, known as the 'Ndrangheta and who have long established links with the South American cartels. It can also be disclosed one of the men on trial is wanted in connection with the brutal murder of Tomasz Samel, who was kidnapped in the West Midlands and set on fire, dying in hospital from horrific injuries three months after he was attacked. The man, cannot be named for legal reasons, but his involvement was confirmed by West Midlands police last summer who revealed he was one of the men arrested in Thessaloniki. Tomasz, 44, was snatched from his home at Handsworth in March 2019, handcuffed and bundled into the back of a Peugeot Boxer van before being driven 100 miles to Bickerstaffe, Lancashire. He was seen knocking on doors and pleading for help, with 75 per cent of his body burned and West Midlands police believe he was torture before having petrol poured over him and set alight. Despite a three-month fight for survival, he later died in Liverpool hospital and police have been looking for his killers ever since. At the time of the arrests in June 2022 Greek media said a missing 41-year-old British suspect who was also being hunted was 'one of the biggest players in international cocaine trafficking' and a major target of the DEA. It can also be disclosed one of the men on trial is wanted in connection with the brutal murder of Tomasz Samel (pictured), who was kidnapped in the West Midlands and set on fire, dying in hospital from horrific injuries three months after he was attacked Officials said the men were linked to another consignment just under 700kg- which was again found in a cargo of bananas (like above) that had come from South America via the Italian port of Gioia Tauro Footage shows armed police arriving on the property where one of the suspects tried to grapple a gun The drugs were smuggled in boxes of bananas shipped in containers (pictured above) into Europe Four Britons were arrested in a raid on a luxury Greek villa after police seized 660lbs of cocaine in a major drugs bust (pictured outside court) No other British media was in court for the proceedings which began after a lengthy year-long undercover operation involving officers from the US Drugs Enforcement Agency as well as Greek and Italian police The reports said he may be personally in control of around 10% of the world's cocaine trade but it is not clear if this man is the same person being held in Holland as officials refused to disclose any details. Defence sources say the men who did not enter a plea were victims of 'police entrapment' and have said their clients' human rights have been abused while in custody awaiting trial. An Italian police source told MailOnline:'In total last year five tonnes of cocaine was seized on the route Ecuador, Gioia Tauro (Italy), Thessaloniki and we believe these men are part of the much wider operation. 'The cocaine was intended for markets in Europe and Australia and the investigation is continuing and involves officers from the DEA, as well as Italian and Greek police.' The case has been adjourned until next month. But he can still practice today with his license marked 'clear' until 2025 The state's medical board says he also performed botched and 'unnecessary' surgeries A Florida doctor accused of removing a woman's kidney instead of her gallbladder has been allowed to retain his medical license despite also being 'involved' in three other patient deaths. Dr Gregg Shore, from Sebring, FL, has been accused of 'negligence' and performing 'medically unnecessary' surgery over a nine month period in which three of his patients died. A complaint filed by the state's Department of Health details the incidents between August 2020 and May 2021. The first relates to the death of a man who presented with a diseased gallbladder and was noted to be septic. During surgery to remove the organ on August 12 2020, Shore spotted bleeding near the liver and placed a drain. Dr Gregg Shore, 61, still retains his medical license in Florida despite complaints of medical negligence by the state's health board But post-surgery the patient was observed to have 'profuse amounts of blood coming from the drain'. His pulse weakened and he eventually died. Officials said Shore, 61, should have stopped the bleeding before finishing the surgery and referred him sooner due to the severity of his condition. A similar complaint relates to the death of a 35-year-old woman who underwent surgery for a diseased gallbladder on September 17 2020. The complaint claims Shore encountered difficulty removing the organ and inflicted a tear on the patient's liver, which resulted in rapid blood loss. Despite the patient receiving blood transfusions, she died just hours later. State officials say Shore should have brought her back into theatre to ascertain the source of the bleed and enlisted the help of a vascular surgeon, both of which he allegedly failed to do. Shore was embroiled in legal proceedings over the incident and paid out $250,000 of his own money to settle the case, according to the Miami Herald. In a comment to the outlet about the allegations he said: 'Who are you? What gives you the authority to email me without my approval? The third patient died on December 8 2020 following surgery for a hernia. During an initial operation three days prior, Shore perforated the patient's small intestine whilst trying to place a trocar, a medical device which helps surgeons insert cannulas, according to the complaint. Shore was granted his medical license in Florida in 2004 and is cleared to continue practicing until at least 2025 despite complaints about malpractice including that he removed a woman's kidney instead of her gallbladder Florida's Department of Health (pictured above) filed complaints about Shore last year relating to his practice over nine months from May 2020 It states he was trying to fix the hernia using a mesh implant, but abandoned this due to fear of infection as the patient's abdomen was 'markedly distended'. The patient was later rushed back to surgery to repair the damage, but Shore allegedly failed to fix the hernia. Medical chiefs claim he 'fell below the minimum standard of care' towards his patient and should never have attempted to use a trocar or mesh to try and deal with the hernia. Shore was also accused of performing another 'medically unnecessary' surgery after he removed a woman's kidney instead of her gallbladder. The surgery on May 17 2021 allegedly saw him incorrectly remove the organ, with the mistake only caught by a pathology report after the operation. The final complaint relates to Shore allegedly failing to notice a patient already had a mediport installed for use with dialysis. Health regulators said he performed another 'medically unnecessary' surgery on April 8 2021 to install one on the right of the patient's body, before realizing he already had one implanted on the left. According to the state's medical board Shore's license currently remains listed as 'Active/Clear' and is not due to expire until January 2025. A stricken 84 year-old grandma and her granddaughter were filmed returning to their ruined home for the first time since the Lahaina wildfires. Noreen Wales, 84, and her granddaughter Tawni Katayama paid an emotional visit to the property in Maui Monday. They were recorded by a HawaiiNewsNow crew wearing hazmat suits and masks while crunching over broken glass that covers their former home. Wales, 84, lived in a two-story home on Kaniau Road that she built in 1968 and has passed down the family through four generations, only for it to be destroyed by the August blazes that have killed at least 97. She walked through the ruins with Katayama as they held each other for support throughout what they described as a painful but important part of the healing process. Sadly, the family fear they may end up homeless as prices of properties similar to theirs in Lahaina have hit $1 million or more. Tawni Katayama visited her home for the first time since the catastrophic wildfires with her grandmother Noreen Wales, 84, who built the house in 1968 for her family Katayama and her grandmother Wales were filmed crunching across the broken glass strewn across the site of their ruined home Four generations of Wales's family had lived in the home and her granddaughter Tawni - who grew up there - planned to raise her three children in their Lahaina house As the pair walked through what was left of their family home dressed in hazmat suits for safety, the glass crunched beneath their feet Noreen cried as she said: 'It's pretty bad. After so many years of living here.' Her granddaughter Tawni Katayama said 'it's unrecognizable - it's hard to process.' Katayama was raised in the home and was planning on raising her three children there. Katayama said: 'Right now it just looks weird, 'It looks like out of a horror movie.' She said they don't want to leave Hawaii, but they might have to because of how expensive it is to buy property in the state. The Hawaii native is a photographer who depends on tourism to make money. Katayama said it's frustrating because she relies on tourists to make an income, but she doesn't think Lahaina is ready to be re-opened to the public just yet. The residents were given gloves, googles and hazmat suits to protect them from the toxic fumes and soot that is left from the deadly wildfires Tawni Katayama is a professional photographer who relies on tourism to make money - but she says she is not ready to welcome tourists back to Maui just yet as they are still struggling The talented photographer said: 'As much as I need the income, none of us is ready to put on a smile and you know work for them when we're struggling.' She said: 'You'd think with two really good incomes - my husband and I - we'd be able to buy a house and, you know, give my children what they deserve, 'What I had growing up here we had a home with a yard and a neighborhood, 'It's not possible, because of how expensive homes are, 'We were looking around a little bit and it's like a million dollars.' Tawni's mother Tiara Wales was also devastated to see the state of their family home. She said: 'I just can't believe it's gone. It's heartbreaking, you know, all our memories were here.' Lahaina families are being allowed back to their homes gradually as part of a program based on phases of re-entry. The first residents that were welcomed back to what they once called home were living in Zone 1C, mostly along Kaniau Road which is the West part of town. Katayama said growing in Lahaina she had a home with a yard and a neighborhood and she is worried her children won't experience that because of expensive property prices in Hawaii Darryl Oliveira took over as interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency after Herman Andaya resigned from the role in August - but is planning to resign in November The zone includes two dozen addresses and about 100 residents. The residents that were going into the 'burn zone' - where their houses once stood - were given a bag including gloves, goggles and PPE to cover and protect their body from toxic dust or soot. Locals like Tawni and her family are worried about who will oversee the rebuilding of Lahaina - which will take years according to officials. Darryl Oliveira took over as interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency after Herman Andaya resigned from the role in August. Oliveira confirmed he will be leaving the role in November which leaves residents of Maui with uncertainty about how their lives will be rebuilt after the wildfires. Lahaina resident Tawni Katayama said: 'There's not enough support for the people that live here - for the Hawaiians that are here, 'I get it - there's a a balance there, we survive on tourism but we should be the priority, 'We live here. We've been here.' Hawaii plans to re-open West Maui to visitors on October 8, according to the state's Governor Josh Green. Green said that 7,400 people who lost their homes to the wildfires are transitioning from hotels to long-term housing. Suella Braverman warned uncontrolled immigration is an 'existential' threat to the West today as she attacked 'absurd' international refugee rules. In a bold speech in Washington DC - being seen as a pitch to be the next Tory leader - the Home Secretary pointed to huge inflows being seen across Europe and the US. Highlighting the Channel boats crisis, she warned that unless governments found a way of controlling their borders they would 'not endure'. She also delivered a stinging rebuke to those who dismiss people alarmed about immigration as 'idiots or bigots', arguing that the 'failure' of multiculturalism was evident from the streets of Paris, Brussels and Leicester. She insisted migrants could no longer be allowed to come to the UK and 'live parallel lives' rather than integrating. The intervention came as Ms Braverman called for an overhaul of the UN Refugee Convention to help end the Channel crisis - and took another swipe at the European Convention on Human Rights. She branded the system 'unsustainable', complaining that it creates 'huge incentives for illegal migration'. Insisting being trafficked as a sex slave is completely different from paying a gang to smuggle you across the Channel, Ms Braverman raised the prospect of rewriting the UN's 1951 treaty to raise the threshold for asylum claims. Suella Braverman (pictured) said international asylum laws are creating an 'absurd and unsustainable' system with 'huge incentives for illegal migration' Mrs Braverman warned that 780 million people are eligible to claim asylum in the UK under 'absurd' rules and argue that Channel boat migrants should not be treated as refugees Mrs Braverman suggested the UN treaty has played a key role in the crisis that has seen nearly 110,000 migrants cross the Channel on dinghies to reach Britain since 2018 Taking aim at advocates of multiculturalism, the Home Secretary said she supported immigration, having been the child of immigrants herself, but claimed that uncontrolled migration risked a threat to nationhood and national security due to a lack of integration. She said migration had been 'too much, too quick' to the UK in the past 25 years, with 'too little thought given to integration and the impact on social cohesion'. 'Uncontrolled immigration, inadequate integration, and a misguided dogma of multiculturalism have proven a toxic combination for Europe over the last few decades,' she said. 'Multiculturalism makes no demands of the incomer to integrate. It has failed because it allowed people to come to our society and live parallel lives in it. They could be in the society but not of the society. 'And in extreme cases they could pursue lives aimed at undermining the stability and threatening the security of society. 'We are living with the consequence of that failure today. You can see it play out on the streets of cities all over Europe. From Malmo, to Paris, Brussels, to Leicester.' Mr Braverman added: 'If cultural change is too rapid and too big, then what was already there is diluted eventually it will disappear.' Pressed on how her views square with her background as the child of migrants from Mauritius and Kenya, the Home Secretary said: 'What you're suggesting is because I'm the child of immigrants, I have to adopt a position which is pro-migration and pro the status quo, and I totally and fundamentally refute that. 'I think that is totally at odds with the challenge that we are facing today, unprecedented levels of people coming into our country illegally with no right to be here. They are gaming our system, pretending to be refugees, pretending to be fleeing persecution to come to the country illegitimately. 'I think that cannot be how we conduct this conversation. We need to be honest with the British people and we need to be honest about the challenges and the solutions. Just because I have an immigrant background does not exclude me from this conversation. 'My job as Home Secretary is to be honest with the British people to tell them that the system as it currently stands internationally is not working. We need to start working towards a solution that is sustainable and fair.' Ms Braverman pointed out that would-be refugees once had to show they were facing 'persecution' but now they must only prove 'discrimination'. She suggested the UN treaty is 'an incredible achievement of its age', but highlighted its role in the crisis that has seen nearly 110,000 migrants cross the Channel on dinghies to reach Britain since 2018. 'More than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time,' she will say. 'According to analysis by Nick Timothy and Karl Williams for the Centre for Policy Studies, it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. 'It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform.' Ms Braverman - who has been accompanied by a TV crew on her trip to the US - said in her speech: 'Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. 'The vast majority have passed through multiple safe countries, and in some instances have resided in safe countries for several years. In this sense, there is an argument that they should cease to be treated as refugees when considering the legitimacy of their onward movement.' Ms Braverman admitted the European and UN accords on refugee rights could be a struggle to update due to the unwieldy task of getting member states to agree on changes. But she said there was also a 'more cynical' reason for not broaching reforms, arguing there was a 'fear of being branded a racist or illiberal'. 'The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable,' she will say. Mrs Braverman said the West had 'created a system of almost infinite supply, incentivising millions of people to try their luck, knowing full well that we have no capacity to meet more than a fraction of demand'. She also launched a salvo at immigration lawyers and judges. Asked after the speech whether the current interpretation of the ECHR was 'compatible' with the need to protect and control UK borders, Ms Braverman said: 'My personal views on the ECHR have been chronicled and they're very clear, but what I think is a legitimate question for all of us to be asking in the UK is whether its operation and its interpretation by the courts is compatible with our pressing need to control our borders and national sovereignty.' She went on: 'We are wanting to work within those frameworks and we are confident that we can achieve that, but I do think legitimate questions need to be asked about the somewhat ill-fitting nature of how these outdated international models are sitting with the global migration crisis of the 21st century.' The Government's Illegal Migration Act, passed by Parliament earlier this year, bars 'irregular' migrants from claiming asylum. However, its powers have yet to be brought into force and it remains unclear whether it will make it easier to remove migrants whose claims are denied. Mrs Braverman's criticisms of the UN treaty has been disputed by many immigration lawyers and campaigners, who point to Britain's leading role in drawing it up after the horrors of the Second World War. Migrants are picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel last month Ms Braverman pointed out that the convention defines refugees as those with a 'well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion'. 'However, as case law has developed, what we have seen in practice is an interpretive shift away from persecution, in favour of something more akin to a definition of discrimination,' she will say. 'And a similar shift away from a 'well-founded fear' towards a 'credible' or 'plausible fear'. 'The practical consequence of which has been to expand the number of those who may qualify for asylum, and to lower the threshold for doing so.' Migrant, 18, who piloted crammed inflatable boat full of asylum seekers after watching TikTok videos is jailed for two years A teenager piloted a boat full of asylum-seekers across the Channel after watching TikTok videos on how to enter the UK illegally, a court was told. Advertisement She said: 'Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. 'Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. 'But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect, simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin, is sufficient to qualify for protection. Mrs Braverman also highlighted 'asylum shopping' which sees migrants move through numerous safe countries to reach their target country. The convention 'makes clear' that it is intended to apply to individuals 'coming directly from a territory where their life was threatened', she said, and that they must show 'good cause' for entering a country illegally in order to claim asylum. 'The UK along with many others, including America, interpret this to mean that people should seek refuge and claim asylum in the first safe country that they reach,' she will add. 'But NGOs and others, including the UN Refugee Agency, contest this. 'Seeking asylum and seeking better economic prospects are not the same thing. 'Seeking refuge in the first safe country you reach or shopping around for your preferred destination are not the same thing. Being trafficked ie, transported against your will, perhaps to be sold into sex slavery and being smuggled ie, asking someone to sneak you into a country are not the same thing. 'The extent to which the global asylum framework enables the merging of these categories creates huge incentives for illegal migration. This legal framework is rooted in the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.' Ms Braverman noted that when the convention was signed it conferred protection on two million Europeans, but a recent analysis by the Centre for Policy Studies think-tank concluded it now 'confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780million people'. Any reform of the convention will be a drawn-out process and would need to secure widespread international support. A Centre for Policy Studies report, published last year and co-authored by former Theresa May aide Nick Timothy, recommended the UK should 'work with international partners on updating the antiquated 1951 Refugee Convention'. But Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the convention's principles were 'just as important today as they have ever been'. 'Abandoning them is not an option: We must stand firm in our commitment to all people fleeing persecution and the international frameworks that were created to protect them,' he said. Policing minister Chris Philp supported Ms Braverman's view this morning, telling Times Radio the convention 'needs to be looked at on an international basis'. He said the government had 'seen people shopping around between different countries to choose where to claim asylum'. 'That's not how the UN Refugee Convention was originally designed, it's not designed to allow people to circulate in Europe for a number of years before deciding where to claim asylum and making dangerous and illegal journeys doing so,' he said. Mr Philp said some people are falsely claiming to be persecuted, saying that 'some people claim to be gay when they're not'. 'When I was immigration minister I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasn't a same-sex partner at all,' he added. A Minneapolis nightclub has been forced to apologize for canceling a Latinx event at the last minute to host higher bidder Dave Chappelle and his official show afterparty. Icehouse was due to host the Noche Chingona party on September 23 for DJs TaliaKnight and queenDuin. The event is held monthly at Ice house with tickets costing $5. At the last minute, this month's was canceled to make way for a full venue buy-out. Icehouse's owners said they offered Noche Chingona's team compensation and an alternative venue, and apologized for the last minute cancellation. Dave Chappelle (shown last year during a different show) returned to Minneapolis this week for his fall run Noche Chingona, a regular dance party, was canceled at Icehouse to make way for Chappelle and his afterparty Outraged: Fans of the event were furious that the venue had canceled to make way for Chappelle, who faced criticism last year over his trans jokes It later emerged that the club had been bought out by Chappelle's show for an official afterparty. His critics, still reeling from the LGBTQ jokes he made in his Netflix stand-up, were furious that he was the replacement. They vented their rage online along with Noche Chingona's fans, who were irate that the event had been canceled during 'Latinx Heritage Month' - also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month. They took to social media to complain, labeling Chappelle a 'TERF', and slamming Icehouse for the decision. While apologetic, Icehouse is standing by the move. Icehouse is a bar, restaurant and club in the city. It is standing by the decision to cancel the event In a statement, Icehouse explained how it relies on events like private parties - especially after COVID shut downs 'Bumping an event is never an easy decision and one that we never take lightly nor make a regular practice of. Why did we do this? 'As with many music venues around the country, revenue is still not back from COVID and finances continue to be a nightmarish struggle. 'The decision was made to accept a private party booking in order to keep the lights on and for that reason only. 'The private bookings is what allows venues to sustain themselves and continue diverse programming,' the venue said on its Instagram page. Chappelle was playing at the Xcel Energy Center to mark the start of his fall run of shows. Last year, the venue hosting his Minneapolis show buckled to pressure to cancel him and axed his show at the last minute amid uproar over his transgender jokes. The show was moved to another venue and was a roaring success. A British crocodile expert has pleaded guilty to 60 charges concerning bestiality and child abuse material. Adam Robert Corden Britton, 51, began abusing dogs in 2014 and tortured and sexually exploited more than 42 dogs he had called 'f*** toys' until his arrest in April 2022. Out of the 42 dogs, 39 died, an Australian court heard on Monday. Britton used to film himself torturing the animals and anonymously posted videos on online platforms, where he accessed child abuse material including of toddlers being subject to horrifying acts. The academic at Charles Darwin University in northern Australia, pleaded guilty to four counts of accessing and transmitting child abuse material and 56 counts of 'grotesque and perverse' animal abuse. He will be sentenced at a later date. The married zoologist sexually abused his own Swiss Shepherd dogs, Ursa and Bolt for almost a decade. Before sprawling through Gumtree Australia to source more dogs to torture and kill at his home at McMinns Lagoon, north Australia. But who is wife? And do they have any children? Here, MailOnline explores the personal life of the depraved dog killer. Adam Britton (pictured centre) has pleaded guilty to 60 charges relating to bestiality and child abuse material. But who is his wife Erin (pictured left) Who is Adam Britton's wife, Erin Britton? Before his arrest in April 2022, Adam was married to biologist and wildlife ranger Erin for 15 years. Her personal details such as her age, place of birth and background are unknown and she has stayed silent since her husband's arrest. According to reports, there is no suggestion that Erin was aware husband's crimes and she has since reportedly dropped his surname. Adam is pictured here with his wife Erin. They were married for at least 15 years, but reports say Erin had no knowledge of his crimes Britton grew up in West Yorkshire and moved to Australia after 1996, in the last two years he has gained international recognition for his work as a crocodile conservationist Adam and Erin Britton relationship details While not much is known about Erin's private life, she and her husband are co-founders of consultancy company Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to TV and film directors. Their saltwater crocodile, Smaug has featured in the horror film Black Water, starring Maeve Dermody and Diana Glenn. The couple once hosted David Attenborough on their property during the filming of Bafta-winning BBC series Life in Cold Blood which examines cold-blooded amphibians. About six months prior to his arrest, the couple were interviewed about their research on ABC News and Triple J's news programme, Hack. The couple filmed themselves during a Covid lockdown in 2020, feeding a freshwater crocodile on their property and posted the footage to Facebook. In the clip, Britton said: 'Hello everyone, Adam here. Well, we're at home at the moment and we've got to feed the crocodiles. 'So what I'm going to do is, I'm going to hand this camera to Erin - say 'hi', Erin.' Erin smiled while her husband filmed her feeding chicken legs to Njall with a large pair of tongues. The National Geographic website suggests Erin will be on an international wildlife expedition for the next six months, and there is no mention of Mr Britton, MailOnline reported. Britton and his wife founded a consultancy company Big Gecko, which sold footage of crocodiles to TV and film directors The married zoologist sexually abused his own Swiss Shepherd dogs, Ursa and Bolt for almost a decade Does Adam Britton have kids? It is unknown whether Britton is a father as he has stayed quiet about his personal life. Britton grew up in West Yorkshire before moving to Australia 20 years ago, it was only in the last two years he gained international recognition for his work as a crocodile conservationist with his wife Erin. He was charged for his crimes last year but his name was suppressed by courts to ensure media attention would not corrupt his trial. In a message read to the court, Britton spoke about his urges to a stranger on Telegram: 'I had repressed it. In the last few years I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to.' GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz wrote a letter Tuesday requesting he have his pay withheld in the event of a government shutdown. If such a shutdown takes place, members of Congress and the president continue to receive pay - even though they are the culprits of the impasse. Their staffers, along with the rest of the federal government, do not. Non-essential staffers will be furloughed while essential staffers will be forced to work without pay. Gaetz has been at the center of the fight to avoid a shutdown as he has opposed a continuing resolution (CR) or a stopgap spending bill that would keep the government open beyond Saturday and give more time to hash out a longer-term spending plan. GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz wrote a letter Tuesday requesting he have his pay withheld in the event of a government shutdown But the Florida Republican laid blame on Speaker Kevin McCarthy for failing to bring 12 single-subject spending bills with steep spending cuts to the House floor. 'Over the last eight months, Rep. Gaetz has consistently pushed for Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) to keep his January promise and bring individual, single-subject spending bills to the House floor to be voted on with open amendments to avoid a shutdown. 'However, because this has not happened, the nation is facing a possible expiration of appropriations at the end of the week,' Gaetz's office wrote in a statement accompanying the letter. The House is set to vote on a rule to advance four of the 12 spending bills Tuesday night in what could be a bellwether of how the rest of the week will play out. The idea was pitched to McCarthy by Gaetz last week, after two failed rule votes on the defense spending bill. McCarthy told reporters Tuesday if he is able to pass the rule to move on these four bills, he'll put a CR up to a vote in the House. The speaker would need to flip five Republican holdouts who voted 'no' on a rule vote for the defense spending bill last week, a rule vote that failed twice in 48 hours. But even if the House was able to pass 12 separate appropriations bills before Sunday at 12 a.m., the Senate would not pass the bills as-is and the government would still fall into shutdown. And if McCarthy puts a party-line CR on the House floor, he must pass it and then work with the Democratic-led Senate on a CR that could pass both chambers. But the speaker is in a bind because if he allows a CR that Democrats approve of to move through his chamber, it could trigger a movement to oust him by his right-wing detractors. Gaetz himself has already floated the idea repeatedly, and pulled stunts like leaving a copy of his motion to vacate in a House bathroom. Under rules McCarthy agreed to to get the speaker's gavel in January, only one member of his conference is needed to call a vote on the House floor to oust him. Meanwhile the Senate is set to vote on the House's FAA reauthorization bill this evening, a bill Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to attach a continuing resolution to. A successful rule vote would mean the House would immediately begin debating over 100 amendments to the agriculture-FDA spending bill. The rule also covers spending bills for defense, state, and homeland security. Meanwhile, House moderates have begun to prep their own bipartisan CR plans and look at ways to advance them without the blessing of leadership. Some moderate Republicans have said they would join with Democrats on a discharge petition, meaning they could force a CR vote on the floor if five Republicans and all Democrats agree to it. The former Fox News anchor said she is worried 'for his safety' Megyn Kelly echoed Republican fears for Donald Trump's safety as he continues his dominance of the GOP presidential nomination race, claiming he has become so 'demonized' that someone could try to harm or even assassinate him. The former Fox News anchor and podcast host, 52, said she is becoming increasingly concerned 'the left' could try to 'do something to (Trump)' or 'do something to our country' to stop him retaking the White House. 'He's so demonized to the point where I do worry for his safety,' she remarked, speaking the same week a stunning Washington Post poll showed Trump beating President Biden in a hypothetical - but increasingly likely - general election matchup by 10 points. She predicted that Trump's ability to 'drive so many on the left insane' could lead to coordinated chaos on the streets if he continues his charge, claiming that it will 'culminate in some sort of like serious meltdown for our country.' Donald Trump has dominated the race for the GOP presidential nomination in recent months, while a stunning poll showed him 10 points above President Biden in a hypothetical general election this week Kelly remarked on the state of the presidential race in her September 22 edition of The Megyn Kelly Show podcast, where she was joined by conservative commentator Dan Bongino. Despite her public run-ins with the former president, Kelly said she is 'worried' for Trump, while arguing that President Biden is not faced with the same scrutiny. 'On the other hand, you got "President basement" Joe Biden, who barely puts himself out there, and when he's there to greet the caskets coming home from Afghanistan, he's checking his watch,' she said. 'But they want us to believe that that guy, Uncle Joe, is the empathetic one, he's a sweet one, he's the kind one he's the avuncular one, and Trump is the devil. 'And Trump is ornery, he's a fighter, and he's controversial, but he, too, is a man. He's a human, he has a heart, he has a family.' Kelly's defense of Trump comes after several hostile interactions with the former president, the most famous of which was her confrontation of the then-candidate at the 2016 Republican presidential debates over allegedly sexist comments. Former Fox News anchor and podcaster Megyn Kelly (left) admitted she is 'worried' for Trump's safety as he stretches ahead in the Republican presidential race. She was joined by conservative commentator Dan Bongino (right) She speculated that 'the left' could look to take Trump out of the race before he has the chance to win back the presidency, including sparking Antifa-style mayhem on the streets. 'All that brings me to this,' she began. 'Whether Trump is worried, whether there's a realistic possibility the left is going to so meltdown as his power rises, as he rises toward a second term, that they try to do something to him God forbid, or that they try to do something to our country. 'You know that the riots we saw around BLM, the total overreaction we saw to basically everything surrounding Trump, and certainly the way they described January 6 as the new 9/11. 'All those things are going to culminate in some sort of like serious meltdown for our country He really drives so many on the left insane.' Many have noted Trump's toned-down campaigning throughout the year compared to his previous runs for the White House, where he has opted for smaller, cost-effective appearances over his famed stadium rallies. But Kelly said these decisions are down to his huge lead in the GOP race, saying that he is 'pivoting to the general' and turning his attention away from the yet-to-be-contested primaries. 'He's kind of moving past everybody else in the field, he's not debatingHe's pivoting to the general and he's looking good there too,' she said. According to FiveThirtyEight's polling aggregator, Trump is currently leading his nearest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, by a 55.1 percent to 13.9 percent nationally. Despite some promising early showings, all other candidates are languishing in single figures in the national polls. Kelly's speculation over a potential Trump assassination joins a growing chorus of conservative voices making similar accusations, most notably Tucker Carlson who asked Trump directly about his potential assassination last month. 'It started with protests against you and then it moved to impeachment twice, and now indictment. Are you worried that theyre going to try and kill you?' Carlson asked. 'They're savage animals,' Trump responded. 'They are people that are sick.' Carlson, who still commands a huge following on X - formerly Twitter - following his ousting from Fox News in April, repeated his dark prediction this month as he noted the mounting legal cases against Trump as the reason 'the left' may look to escalate threats against him. Speaking with Adam Carolla on the comedian's eponymous YouTube show, Carlson said: 'They indicted him three times, and every single time his popularity rose.' 'If you begin with criticism, then you go to protest, then you go to impeachment, then you go to indictment, and none of them work, what's next? 'Graph it out, man! We're speeding toward assassination, obviously. No-one will say that, but I don't know how you can't reach that conclusion.' New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker on Tuesday called for home-state Sen. Bob Menendez to resign, joining a chorus of a dozen senators calling for their colleague to go after an indictment accused him of accepting bribes and taking payment in gold bars. Booker, the state's junior senator, joins New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in calling for Menendez to resign, a day after Menendez gave a defiant press conference from Union City, New Jersey. Menendez said he stashed hundreds of thousands in cash in his home as a response to confiscatory policies of communist Cuba, while blasting prosecutors and claiming he was the victim of discrimination. 'Sen. Menendez fiercely asserts his innocence and it is therefore understandable that he believes stepping down is patently unfair,' Booker said in a statement. 'But I believe this is a mistake. I believe stepping down is best for those Sen. Menendez has spent his life serving,' he said. 'Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Sen. Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Sen. Menendez has spent his life serving.' 'I believe stepping down is best for those Sen. Menendez has spent his life serving,' said Sen. Cory Booker Booker's statement comes as Democrats fear Mendenez's trial could impact their own ability to maintain Senate control, at a time when former President Donald Trump is fighting multiple criminal indictments while seeking to unseat President Joe Biden. It could also have impacts down the ballot in New Jersey's off year elections. He was mum over the weekend even as the rest of the state's delegation released their own statements or called on Menendez to step down, with Rep. Andy Kim already announcing a bid to run against him. Booker appeared as a witness in Menendez's previous corruption trial, vouching for him as 'trustworthy' in a case that resulted in a hung jury. His statement came on a hectic Tuesday as senators returned to town for the first votes for the first time since the bombshell news and minutes before a scheduled party luncheon. Others calling on Menendez to go include Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Jon Tester of Montana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Peter Welch of Massachusetts, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, with the numbers increasing by the minute. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also said it would 'probably be a good idea if he did resign.' Booker broke his silence and released a statement calling for Menendez to step down Booker, a former presidential candidate, said despite Menendez's proclamations of innocence there is a 'higher standard' for public officials. He said the details of the allegations were of 'such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaking to the core.' That statement referenced the stunning images from the indictment, which included a monogrammed Menendez jacket where authorities said they found cash. The indictment says Menendez and his wife even accepted an air purifier as well as gold ingots. Menendez says piles of cash found in his home during his bribery probe were withdrawn from his personal savings in an incredible press conference on Monday denying corruption allegations. At a press conference, where he made his first public comments since Friday's indictment, the New Jersey lawmaker pushed back against some of the specific charges and demonstrated he intends to fight back, calling the charges 'salacious' and accusing those who called for resignation of acting in their own political interests. Menendez, 69, didn't mention the more than $100,000 worth of gold bars or the Mercedes prosecutors say he received for doing favors for a New Jersey developer as he confirmed he will not resign. 'I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be the New Jersey's senior senator.' The Democratic senator, who beat back corruption charges in 2015, noted: 'Remember, prosecutors get it wrong sometimes. Sadly I know that.' His wife Nadine was not seen with him during Monday's remarks but, standing behind the senator were about two dozen people he described as 'everyday people and constituents who know me.' More than a dozen Democratic senators have now called on Menendez to resign following his indictment Senator Bob Menendez proclaimed his innocence in a press conference in New Jersey 'To those who have rushed to judgment, you have done so based on a limited set of facts framed by the prosecution to be a salacious as possible,' he said. 'Others have rushed to judgment because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them. All I humbly ask for in this moment, in my colleagues in Congress, the elected leaders and the advocates of New Jersey that I have worked with for years, as well as each person who calls New Jersey Home is to pause and allow for all of the facts to be presented.' He did not take questions, including about the gold bars found in his home or the Mercedes-Benz, that prosecutors say he received as bribe payments. He also did not address whether he will run for re-election next year. More than two dozen Democrats in New Jersey have called for him to resign and one top Democrat in the state has announced a Senate bid. Menendez said he will return to Washington DC this week to perform his duties as senator. 'For now, I am remained focused on continuing to do the important work that I do every day on behalf of the 9 million people who call New Jersey home and including everything we can this week to avoid a government shutdown and everything to avoid catastrophic natural disasters and ensuring that the people in Ukraine have everything to defeat Putin and I will return to Washington to do that,' he said. In Washington, where the Senate is closely divided, some of Menendez's Democratic colleagues have stopped short of calling for his resignation, including Majority Leader Chuck Schume and the Number Two Democratic Leader Dick Durbin. In a June 2022 raid on Menendez's home, investigators found $486,461 in cash stuffed in envelopes and in the pockets of jackets with Menendez' name on them. They also found two one-kilogram gold bars and eleven one-ounce gold bars worth $110,000. Menendez defended the money, saying he often kept cash on hand because it's a lesson he learned from his parents, who escaped Fidel Castro's Cuba to live in the United States. He didn't mention the gold bars. 'For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies and because of the emergency of my family facing confiscation in Cuba,' he said. 'Maybe it is old fashioned, but these were monies withdrawn from my personal savings account from the income that I have lawfully derived. I will defend those actions at court,' he said. The 27-page indictment, unsealed on Friday, claims that Bob and Nadine Menendez had an improper relationship with three New Jersey businessmen: Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes, who allegedly paid the couple in exchange for Menendez to use his influence in Washington D.C. to their benefit. The couple face three criminal counts each: conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. The three businessmen face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud The indictment also charges the senator with providing 'sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt.' Menendez defended his record on Egypt. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. 'Throughout my time in Congress, I have remained steadfast on the side of civil society and human rights defenders in Egypt and everywhere else in the world. If you look at my actions related to Egypt during the period described in this indictment and throughout my whole career, my record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable for the unjust detention of Americans and others and the human rights abuses,' he said. Cash was found in envelopes during a June 2022 raid of Menendez home; Menendez claims it was from his personal savings Senator Robert Menendez leaves his press conference Senator Menendez did not mention the gold bars found in his New Jersey home Senator Menendez's wife was not at the press conference but, standing behind the senator were about two dozen people he described as 'everyday people and constituents who know me' Menendez has hired the same lawyer as Hunter Biden to defend him against federal bribery charges, CNBC reported. Attorney Abbe Lowell is representing Hunter Biden in his defense against federal gun charges and will now take on the senator's case. Lowell also represented Menendez in 2015 when he faced corruption charges that were eventually dropped. But support for the embattled Democrat is waning. More than two dozen Democrats in New Jersey have called on him to resign. And, Rep. Andy Kim, who cleaned up the Capitol after the rioters left on Jan. 6, 2021, announced he's running for Senate, setting up a tough primary challenge for Menendez. 'This is not something I expected to do, but I believe New Jersey deserves better,' Kim said in a statement. 'We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our countrys integrity. I believe its time we restore faith in our democracy, and thats why I am stepping up and running for Senate.' It is the second round of bribery charges for Menendez. A 2015 case ended in mistrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict on all counts and a judge acquitted him on some charges. The first time Menendez was indicted, he had been accused of using his influence to help a Florida eye doctor who gave him gifts and campaign contributions. Menendez was accused of pressuring government officials to resolve a Medicare billing dispute in favor of Dr. Salomon Melgen and securing visas for the doctor's girlfriends. He said he was innocent. His lawyers said campaign contributions and gifts from Melgen which included trips on his private jet to a resort in the Dominican Republic and a vacation in Paris were tokens of their longtime friendship, not bribes. Prosecutors dropped the charges after the mistrial. But, in contrast to eight years ago, when many in the party stood by him, multiple Democrats - including New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman - have now called on Menendez to resign. 'The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state,' Murphy said. As governor, he would appoint a senator to replace Menendez should he resign. Notably, New Jersey's other Democratic Senator, Cory Booker, has been silent on Menendez. Menendez himself has remained defiant - although he has stepped down from his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and his wife Nadine Arslanian arrive for a state dinner in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House in December 2022; the couple has been charged on three criminal counts related to bribery and extortion Rep. Andy Kim announced he will run for Senate in 2024, setting up a Democratic primary challenge with Menendez - above, Kim garnered national attention when he helped clean up the Capitol after the January 6 insurrection Fred Daibes, Chairman and CEO of Daibes Enterprises, in his Edgewater office In his press conference on Monday, Menendez did not mention his Latino background although he repeated his remarks in Spanish. It was a change of pace from Friday, when he claimed he was being 'falsely accused' because he is a 'Latin American' who rose from a humble childhood to the United States Senate. 'Those behind this campaign simply cannot accept that a first generation Latin American from humble beginnings could rise to be a U.S. senator,' he said in a statement. Republicans see an opening to win a Senate seat if Menendez stays on the ballot. But former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has ruled out a run, sticking with his campaign to be the Republican presidential nominee. 'I have no interest in being in the United States Senate,' Christie told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker in a Sunday morning interview. In the indictment, investigators outline a series of texts, payments and actions the couple allegedly took to help the three businessmen, actions from which they financially benefited. The probe listed several 'bribes' paid to them. 'Those bribes included cash, gold, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other things of value,' the indictment said. A June 2022 raid on their New Jersey home found 'over $480,000 in cash - much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe,' the indictment notes, adding Nadine had over $70,000 in a safe deposit box. It also found two one-kilogram gold bars and eleven one-ounce gold bars. The indictment alleges that Menendez tried to disrupt a federal criminal prosecution of Fred Daibes in exchange for the money and other items of value. Daibes is an old friend of Menendez, has fundraised for his Senate campaign, and allegedly has ties to the Genovese mob family. The indictment charges Menendez 'promised to and did use his influence and power' to pressure President Joe Biden to nominate a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey who Menendez 'believed could be influenced by Menendez with respect to the federal criminal prosecution of Fred Daibes.' Menendez recommended and Biden later nominated Phillip Sellinger as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, the top federal prosecutor in the state. Daibes has been under investigation before. New Jersey authorities have tracked high-ranking mobsters meeting with Daibes repeatedly over the last decade, the Daily Beast reported. Daibes provided the couple with gold bars and envelopes of cash, the indictment states. 'Multiple gold bars provided by Daibes were found during the court-authorized June 2022 search; of the couple's home, the indictment states. It also says the senator performed a web search for 'how much is one kilo of gold worth' and that the envelopes of cash had the fingerprints of Daibes and his driver. The luxury Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible worth more than $60,000 Authorities found two one-kilogram gold bars and eleven one-ounce gold bars in Menendez's home during a June 2022 search $486,461 in U.S. currency was seized from the couple's home, per the indictment The investigation also focused on 40-year-old New Jersey businessman, Wael Hana, who has known Nadine since before she started dating Menendez. Hana, who is originally from Egypt, operated the company IS EG Halal in New Jersey and it soon became the sole entity authorized to certify that any halal food product imported into Egypt from anywhere in the world had been prepared according to Islamic law. According to the indictment, Menendez 'improperly advised and pressured an official at the United States Department of Agriculture for the purpose of protecting a business monopoly granted to Hana by Egypt and used in part to fund the bribes being paid to Menendez through Nadine Menendez.' The designation of IS EG Halal surprised U.S. agriculture officials. Previously, several other companies had been doing that certification, but they were dismissed by Egyptian agriculture officials in favor of IS EG Halal, which had no previous experience in the field. The indictment charges Menendez with using the power of his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to influence the State Department regarding policy in Egypt and with sending Nadine 'highly sensitive' about Egypt that he got in Senate briefings that she, in turn, gave to Hana. As a senator, Menendez could put a 'hold' on State Department funding to the country. In a text to his wife, Menendez tells her: 'I am going to sign off this sale to Egypt today. Egypt: 46,000 120MM Target Practice Rounds and 10,000 Rounds Tank Ammunition: $99 million.' Nadine then forwarded it to an Egyptian official who replies with the thumbs up emoji. Businessman Jose Uribe allegedly bought Menendez and Nadine the luxury vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible worth more than $60,000. In exchange, Menendez 'agreed and sought to interfere in a New Jersey state criminal prosecution of an associate of Uribe,' the indictment states. Uribe provided Nadine Menendez with $15,000 in cash for the down payment for the Mercedes and then paid the monthly payment for her. After she had possession of the car, Uribe texted her: 'are you happy?' She responded, 'I will never forget this.' She also texted her husband, after the purchase was complete: 'Congratulations mon amour de la vie, we are the proud owners of a 2019 Mercedes,' with a heart emoji. The Portland, Oregon police union and former city commissioner have reached a settlement over claims they leaked false information implicating her in a hit-in-run. Portland Police Association (PPA) and two officers have agreed to pay former city commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty $680,000, ending their legal battle that would have gone to trial reported Oregon Public Broadcasting. In March 2021, a woman reported a car crash and told the 911 dispatcher that Hardesty was the driver who rear-ended her and fled the scene. By the time police identified the driver, who was not Hardesty, the false claim that she was had been leaked to the media. The former commissioner filed a lawsuit in December 2021 alleging that former Portland Police Association president Brian Hunzeker and Portland Police Officer Kerri Ottoman shared the false information. The first Black woman to serve as a Portland city commissioner, Jo Ann Hardesty sued the city, Portland Police Association and two officers for leaking false information Portland Police Association and two officers reached a settlement with Hardesty of $680,000, the city settled for $5,000 and a written apology from the mayor Hunzeker allegedly leaked the information to The Oregonian. He stepped down from his position shortly after calling it a 'serious, isolated mistake.' He resigned a second time after the city found he was moonlighting as a sheriff's deputy in Washington while still working for the Portland Police. The lawsuit accuses Ottoman of sharing the 911 report naming Hardesty as the driver with a political action committee called Coalition to Save Portland, which quickly shared the false claims online. The Willamette Week reported that members of Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications, which fields 911 calls, disciplined three employees in connection to the leak. A discipline letter to the employees said, 'You then referred to this information as 'juicy juicy' and immediately passed the information to [redacted] with whom you are friends.' In the original lawsuit, Hardesty requested $3 million from the Portland Police Association, $1 million from Hunzeker and $1 million from Ottoman. It is not clear how much each party will pay in the settlement. Hardesty accepted a $5,000 settlement from the city and a written apology from Mayor Ted Wheeler. 'Portland Police Bureau employees acting outside the course and scope of their employment leaked confidential information about Commissioner Hardesty. The leaks negatively impacted Commissioner Hardesty's public image and undermined her efforts to bring about police transformation and reform,' Wheeler said in the letter obtained by KGW. 'The City does not condone these actions. On behalf of the City, I apologize for the conduct.' If the lawsuit had gone to trial, a jury would have been asked to determine if police racially discriminated against Hardesty. The Portland Police Association's insurance company 'made the business decision to settle' the suit, PPA President Aaron Schmautz told Fox News. 'The PPA is pleased to have this matter behind it,' Schmautz wrote. The former commissioners lawsuit accused former Portland Police Association president Brian Hunzeker and Portland Police Officer Kerri Ottoman of sharing the false information Hardesty has a rocky relationship with Portland police and accused them of infiltrating protests in 2020 Hardesty has been a harsh critic of the Portland Police Department and has made calls to defund the police. In 2020, she claimed police 'saboteurs' were infiltrating anti-racism protesters and setting fires as 'justification for attacking community members.' She issued a joyous response saying 'the good old boy network is crumbling' when the entire Portland Police Department's Rapid Response Team resigned. Despite her stance on defunding, Hardesty once called the police on her Lyft driver after getting in an argument over covid-19 regulations. Hardesty was ousted from the city commissioner role last November and lost to Rene Gonzalez who ran on a campaign of anti-crime and public safety. A man found guilty of murdering his estranged wife has been denied parole from prison after maintaining his innocence and refusing to reveal where her body is. Glyn Razzell was convicted of the murder of his wife, Linda Razzell, 41, and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years, in 2003. Mother-of-four Mrs Razzell disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College, Wiltshire, in March 2002 and no trace of her body has ever been found. Razzell became the first prisoner to be refused parole under the so-called Helens Law in 2021 - which aims to make it harder for killers to get parole if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victims body - and the Parole Board considered the same law in his third and most recent review hearing in August. The Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020 was dubbed Helens Law after insurance clerk Helen McCourt, who vanished on her way home from work in 1988. Linda Razzell disappeared on March 19 2002 on her way to work at Swindon College Glyn Razzell (pictured above) became the first prisoner to be refused parole under the so-called Helens Law in 2021 Police digging up the ground in Wiltshire in the hope of finding the body of Linda Razzell. Under Helen's Law, it is harder for killers such as Razzell to get parole if they refuse to reveal where their victim's bodies are. It places a statutory duty on Parole Board panels to consider the non-disclosure of information as part of its decision on whether to release prisoners. The panel believed Razzell had information about where his wife's remains were disposed of and took this into account in turning down his bid for release, according to a Parole Board decision summary. It said: 'Mr Razzell had not disclosed information because he continues to deny killing the victim, does not want to lose his desired status of being a 'wrongly convicted murderer' and he has been attempting 'self-preservation' to keep himself 'psychologically intact' by keeping control of the narrative.' The panel said there was 'ample evidence that Mr Razzell is capable of wholesale deceit (and) that his wilful and deliberate withholding of the relevant information indicates that he continues to be a risk'. It also found that Razzell had done 'little work' to address his assessed risk factors in nearly 22 years of imprisonment and that he 'does not acknowledge' that he has any risk factors 'despite overwhelming evidence'. The panel was 'not satisfied' that Razzell's release would be safe and therefore refused it. At his latest review hearing, Razzell, 64, conceded that his wife 'must be dead', whereas in the past he has chosen to suggest that she is still alive. But he maintained that he did not kill her and the panel found his concession to be 'half-hearted'. He also denied any violence towards Mrs Razzell but the panel found that it was 'more likely than not' that he had committed 'abusive, threatening, and violent behaviour' towards her. An Aerial view of Pentylands Close the former home of Linda Razzell, February 23 2019 A shovel (pictured right) used in digging up the ground to find Ms Razzell's body The panel found that Razzell had not done what had been recommended by the previous review of the Parole Board or by professionals in his case. In its decision, the panel said his unwillingness to complete the work was 'evidence at best, his potential for non-compliance, at worst, his false compliance and continued deceit'. It added: 'He has, it seems still 'got something to hide'.' The Parole Board hearing was held at the open prison where Razzell is serving his sentence with a livestream being relayed to a public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Asked three times whether he killed his wife, he told the Parole Board panel each time: 'I didn't kill Linda Razzell.' Discussing his plans for the future if the panel decides he can be safely released, Razzell said he would try and locate his wife, saying: 'I don't know where she is and I would like to try and find out.' Razzell said there is 'absolutely no risk' of him being violent 'in any way' in the present or future, and when asked if he feels guilt about the psychological harm caused to his children, he said: 'I don't feel guilt for it because it is not caused by me but I do feel their pain and their suffering and I carry that too.' A livestream of the Parole Board hearing was relayed to a public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice in London Razzell and his wife were embroiled in divorce proceedings when she went missing and his trial was told he faced a financial settlement he was not prepared to accept. The court also heard that Mrs Razzell left her home in the village of Highworth, near Swindon, at 8.45am on March 19 with her children and boyfriend, Greg Worrall. She dropped Mr Worrall off in Highworth and her children at school before being seen parking for work in Alvescot Road, as usual. She is believed to have taken her usual route down an alleyway towards the college and her phone was found in a recess of the alleyway the next day during a police search. Her boyfriend contacted police on the evening of her disappearance after she failed to pick up her children from their after-school club. As a rush of migrants floods into the US and overwhelms the southern border, more than $1billion in Mexican goods is stalled and sitting on trains as resources are directed at the crisis. Businesses on both sides of the border and in Canada have been concerned as about 8,000 trailers carrying around $1 billion worth of products have sat idle on railroad track in Mexico over the last seven days as US officials have closed crossings, extended inspections and direct resources to address the migrant crisis. Manuel Sotelo, president of the transport association in the border city of Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso, Texas, told Reuters that some companies are now opting to ship their merchandise via entry points in New Mexico and Arizona and bypassing Texas, where thousands of migrants have flooded across the board in recent days. The worrisome delays caused Quebec-based company, BRP, to pause the production of snowmobiles and off-road vehicles at three factories in Ciudad Juarez, where close to 9,000 are employed. Trucks hauling freight containers wait on a road near the Zaragoza-Ysleta border crossing bridge on September 18. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has paused inspections for a week as agents have been transferred to Texas border cities to help with the processing og migrants, in some instances up to 2,000 a day Migrants travel freight train cars in Irapuato, Mexico, on Saturday as part of their journey to the border region with the United States. About 8,000 freight trailers with $1 billion worth of goods are sitting in Mexico across El Paso Texas, as immigration agents have paused inspections in order to process migrants A migrant family from Venezuela reacts after breaking through a razor wire barricade into the United States on Monday U.S. Border Patrol boat picks up families with young children in Eagle Pass, Texas, after they cross from Mexico via the Rio Grande on Monday 'Due to the waiting times on the international bridges in Ciudad Juarez, we have had a significant reduction in the volume of units that we can export daily,' the Canadian company said in a statement. Other companies in Ciudad Juarez may follow suit if the long wait times at the border persists, according to Jesus Salayandia, a representative of the Mexican industry association Canacintra. Processing at one of El Paso's international bridges came to a standstill last week after CBP moved border agents to cities along the Rio Grande, where migrants have been showing up by the thousands. An average of at least 2,000 migrants have been accepted each day in the border town of Eagle Pass. The crisis reached new highs last week, when Mexican officials revealed that some 11,000 migrants reached the Mexican border with the United States in a day alone - leading the country to strike a deal with the U.S. to deport migrants from its own border cities. Hundreds of migrants were spotted crossing from Ciudad Juarez to Texas via the Rio Grande on Monday. Over the weekend, a double amputee looking to cross the dangerous body of water that has marked the boundary between Mexico and the United States for centuries, was seen being carried across by several other travelers. Another group of migrants were seen carrying the woman's two-year-old daughter - leading to a harrowing reunion on the El Paso side, where the pair were photographed together near razor wire designed to keep them out. At least 500 trucks typically cross the bridge daily, but only 40 percent transport cargo into the United States, according to US Customs and Border Protection data shared with Reuters. However, the federal border agency said the temporary suspension 'would have the least total impact on our trade partners.' Texas authorities also began conducting enhanced vehicle inspections of commercial trucks and trailers at the city's other two bridges. The moves prompted Mexico's foreign ministry to urge U.S. authorities not to take 'unilateral measures' complicating trade. Truck drivers in Mexico told Reuters they had to wait hours to clear the bridges. A freight train stops in Irapuato, Mexico, on Saturday as migrants await to hop on and reach the U.S. border region A U.S. Border Patrol agents assists a migrant girl moments after she had crossed through a barbed wire fencer in El Paso, Texas, on Monday A man sells food on a road in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where freight containers are being held as U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporarily shut down inspections and transferred agents on site to border cities in Texas that are dealing with an increase arrival of migrants In addition to the slowdown for trucks and trailers, some 2,400 Union Pacific railroad cars were also stalled after border officials temporarily halted processing at the international railway crossing bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, last Wednesday. Union Pacific told Reuters it expected to finish working through the backlog by Tuesday morning. It declined to estimate the financial impact. Some cargo train service was also disrupted in Mexico last Thursday, when Ferromex temporarily suspended the operations of some 60 northbound trains after about a half dozen migrants were injured or died. Previous slowdowns at U.S.-Mexico border crossings have resulted in billions of dollars in total losses, according to analyses by the Texas-based economic research group, The Perryman Group. It estimated that the last such slowdown, in April 2022, represented a daily loss to GDP of $996.3 million dollars. Officials have long said that the influx of migrants crossing the border illegally is directly linked to multi-billion dollar human trafficking schemes run by the notoriously violent Mexican drug cartels In the small border city of Eagle Pass, the Democratic mayor has declared a state of emergency where last week it's thought that 100,000 people waded through the Rio Grande, the river that flows between Mexico and the US, and into the town. Around two million migrants are thought to have crossed the US southern border in 2023 with many citing Biden's lax policies as a reason. Another 500,000 could cross by the end of the year. Recently, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that 800 more military service men and women would be sent to the border to aid the crisis joining the more than 2,500 National Guardsman who are already present. Last week, Joe Biden announced plans to quickly process more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants who have crossed the border since July 31 in order to provide some relief to the growing numbers that underfunded border officials are forced to deal with. As the crisis continues, the Mexican and American governments and the United Nations are considering setting up a temporary pre-screening program for about 40,000 asylum seekers from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who are currently in southern Mexico, where there are no mobile US consulates to do this. UN migration and refugee agencies would review the migrants' asylum eligibility before they get to a mobile US consulate, according to Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena. More than a dozen members of the Hells Angels have been indicted after allegedly attacking and harassing three young black men with racial epithets in San Diego. In announcing 'one of the largest violent crime prosecutions against Hells Angels,' San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said 17 people had been placed under arrest for chasing and assaulting the men on June 6. The attack took place on Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach area and the victims - aged 19, 20, and 21 - were harassed, beaten, and stabbed. In a news conference, prosecutors announced charges ranging from accessory after the fact to attempted murder for the 17 defendants ranging in age from 22 to 57. 'In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack,' said Stephan. Three members of the Hells Angels biker gang are seen in court for their indictments Monday 17 members and supporters of the Hells Angels biker gang were arrested in connection to a racially-motivated attack in San Diego in June. Pictured: San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan presents Hells Angels paraphernalia during a press conference on Monday In a press release, Stephan said the three unnamed victims had been enjoying a night out on Newport Avenue when 'virtually out of nowhere,' they were attacked. Prosecutors asserted that the harassment may have been 'triggered because one of them dared to talk to one of the girlfriends of these members.' From there, the Hells Angels members and supporters chased the three men, shouting racial epithets and telling them they 'didn't belong in that neighborhood.' One of the three men was able to get away without injury but was still traumatized. Another one of the three victims was punched and kicked all over his body. According to Stephan, 'the beating only stopped after he was sucker punched in the head and knocked unconscious.' The third young black man was beaten by multiple bikers and 'left helpless, curled up on the ground,' a press release said. The assault ended as Hells Angels leader, Troy Scholder, 43, allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest, cracking his sternum in the process. After that, Scholder 'casually folded up his knife and walked away,' officials said. The two men who were physically hurt in the attack survived their injuries. 'The Hells Angels are well-known to have a despicable streak of racism, especially against black people, exemplified by what happened in Ocean Beach earlier this summer,' Stephan said. The assault ended as Hells Angels leader, Troy Scholder (pictured) allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest, cracking his sternum in the process 'In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack,' said Stephan (pictured) Stephan said that prosecutors felt pressured to pursue charges against the Hells Angels members as the group has sparked fear in the community for years. 'There were many people on the street, on the sidewalk that day, none of them intervened because of the fear and terror that the Hells Angels instill in our community,' she said. Three months after the brutal attacks, several of the accused were in court for their indictments, including one who is a member of the U.S. Navy. 29-year-old Mikael Everett Peters appeared in court Monday in a Navy uniform and pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. Also in court Monday was Scholder, who officials said shaved his head to try and avoid being caught by the police. He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. According to Stephan, he has been a member of Hells Angels since 2003 and faces 39 years to life behind bars if he is convicted. He has several prior convictions. The full list of those indicted are: Danny James Pinto, 23: Accessory after the fact Haley Michelle Castellano, 22: Accessory after the fact Billy Manuel Castellano, 57: Accessory after the fact Mikael Everett Peters, 29: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Matthew Shane Gungle, 37: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, evading officer with reckless driving, possession of leaded cane/billy/blackjack/sandbag/sandclub/sap/slungshot Joshua Winter, 38 Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Travis William Squire, 38: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Roberto Armando Ruiz, 32: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Tyson Mitchell Rhoads, 28: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury William Patrick McDonnal, 39: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Gabriel Ricardo Luna de la Fuente, 45: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Adam George Houx, 38: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Jermie Johnathan Hocanson, 42: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Kyle Patrick Robert Donegan, 36: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Troy Andrew Scholder, 43: Attempted murder, assault with deadly weapon Jacob Berghaus, 33: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury Anderson Eneliko Alexander Jr, 39: Assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury 29-year-old Mikael Everett Peters (pictured) appeared in court Monday in a Navy uniform and pleaded not guilty to an assault charge Some of the Hells Angels items seized during an investigation into the attacks The majority of the defendants are facing three to 17 years behind bars. Some of the defendants face variations of the penal code section which include versions of the count involving hate crimes, criminal street gang associations, etc. As of Monday, three of the 17 have bailed out of custody. During the investigation into the brutal assaults, law enforcement also executed search warrants that turned up 42 illegal guns. Authorities said they used a combination of surveillance video, cell phone video and witness statements to make their case. In total, police believe there are 25 members of Hells Angels in San Diego. The group has a hierarchy consisting of supporters, hang arounds, prospects and then full-patched members. In a 2000 interview with BBC, Sonny Barger, a founding member of the Hells Angel said: 'The club, as a whole, is not racist but we probably have enough racist members that no black guy is going to get in it.' A dire report has warned that NYC Mayor Eric Adams is slashing the city's budget too aggressively - overcompensating by $5 billion - to cope with the migrant crisis. Adams ordered city agencies - including the NYPD, fire department and Department of Education - to slash budgets by 15 percent this fiscal year - starting with a 5 percent cut by November. The Democrat leader says the city needs to make savings to cope with some 116,000 migrants who have arrived in 2023. But a report from the nonpartisan Fiscal Policy Institute claims that the 15 percent cut Adams is demanding amounts to $10 billion - far greater than the $4.7 billion which he says the city needs to take care of the migrants over the next year. 'While the growth in asylum seeker costs is adding new fiscal strain, the City's request for 15 percent cuts across all agencies - which totals $10bn in cuts in one year - significantly overstates the fiscal impact of migrant arrivals,' the report said. A new damning report has found New York City mayor Eric Adams' planned yearly $10billion budget cuts for 2024 and 2024 are billions above the cost of the migrant crisis in NYC Adams ordered city agencies - including the NYPD, fire department and Department of Education - to slash budgets by 15 percent this fiscal year New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaking with reporters on Thursday at the Borough of Manhattan Community College 'The City estimates the total cost for asylum seekers over 2024 and 2025 is $10.9 billion however, the City's portion of the cost for asylum seekers over 2024 and 2025 is $8.9 billion, of which $2.4 billion was already budgeted for in the adopted budget. 'This puts the City's new funding need at $6.5 billion over the next two years: $2.3 billion in 2024 and $4.1 billion in 2025. The proposed budget cuts of $10 billion per year are billions of dollars higher than the increased cost estimates for asylum seekers.' The mayor's proposed cuts also assume the situation will not improve in the next two years, and all the migrants will require the city to take care of them indefinitely, 'The City's cost estimates for asylum seekers assume that no progress is made on finding efficiencies in housing or work permits, and that the per-night cost for households remains $383 in the coming two years,' the research states. Mayor Adams' office told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'The mayor has been clear that absent significant and timely state and federal support, we will have to make tough choices to stabilize our citys budget. 'FPIs calculations are based on incorrect assumptions and are therefore inaccurate. The truth is that we must take strong and decisive action now to close anticipated multibillion dollar budget gaps in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, as required by law, and avoid substantial fiscal disruption that will hurt asylum seekers and longtime New Yorkers. 'If circumstances change over the year, we will reevaluate our savings initiatives.' The mayor says the city has already spent $1.45 billion taking care of migrants this fiscal year, and it expects to have spent over 4.7 billion by the end. Migrants wait to be processed in a shut down bar near The Roosevelt Hotel The mayor says the city has already spent $1.45 billion taking care of migrants this fiscal year Many have urged the Adams' administration to hike taxes on the wealthy to get the funds to pay for the crisis. His office has blamed the situation on the federal state and governments, who have not provided sufficient support to handle the situation in NYC. 'I want to be clear: these tough decisions are a direct result of inaction in Washington and in Albany,' Adams said of the cuts. 'The simple truth is that longtime New Yorkers and asylum seekers will feel these potential cuts and they will hurt. 'New Yorkers are angry and frustrated, and they are right to be. I am too.' As Adams looks for ways to mitigate the crisis, he has reduced the time single male migrants can stay in shelters from 60 days to 30 days. He has also asked a judge to temporarily suspend the city's Right to Shelter policy. Adams - who is up for re-election in 2025 - told city agencies that they would each need to cut spending by 5 percent by November at the latest. There will then be another 5 percent slash in January and a final hack down in April. Meanwhile, it has emerged that Adams is planning on spending a staggering extra $1billion on hotel rooms for immigrants for three more years. The city's contract with the more than 100 hotels-turned-shelters, which was supposed to end this year, will now end in August 2026 and cost a total $1.365 billion - almost five times the original price tag of $237 million. New York City's migrant crisis is expected to cost the city $4.7billion this year. Above is a list of some of the landmarks that have been turned into emergency shelters as officials struggle to house nearly 60,000 migrants in the city's care Migrants are seen crossing the US-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, Texas The new cost does not include other facilities turned into shelters such as the tent shelters set up in the McCarren Recreation Center in Queens or the Island Shores Assisted Living in Staten Island. As Adams faces massive backlash for the crisis, city officials, including fellow Democrats, have spoken out about the extension of the contract with hotels 'The migrant crisis has evolved into a financial boondoggle, with quietly extended contracts fattening the pockets of a few at the taxpayer's expense,' said Democratic Queens Councilman Robert Holden, as reported by The New York Post. 'It's time to halt this fiscal recklessness. Let's send those [migrant] buses to the White House and remember that 'Right to Shelter' shouldn't be misconstrued as a global entitlement.' However, Department Department of Social Services/Homeless Services Commissioner Molly Wassow Park said there are cancellation clauses, and the city won't have to pay the full amount if it no longer needs the hotels. Adams has said the crisis will cost the city $12billion over three years. Residents in a seaside town dubbed 'Chelsea on sea' and where the average house price is 1m have voted to stop people buying second homes. Burnham Market in Norfolk has been given the nickname because of the large proportion of Londoners with property there. But a recent referendum in the coastal town has seen locals overwhelmingly back a bid to limit the number of second homes and holiday lets. More than 80 percent of voters supported the introduction of new measures to curb such properties, by putting conditions on all new developments. These require them to be 'principal residences' and ban existing homes being turned into holiday retreats. Burnham Market has been dubbed 'Chelsea on sea' due to its high number of second home owners. Pictured: The No Twenty9 pub in the town The average house price in the village has now risen above 1million, with locals complaining they're being priced out The proposals only needed 50 percent approval to come into force but in reality the final figure was much higher. READ MORE HERE: Neighbours rail against rich second home owners destroying their picturesque 'Chelsea-on-sea' village and driving up house prices by 230 per cent Advertisement Dennis Clark, chairman of Burnham Market parish council, said: 'The vote in favour was very strong. It's a good result for a referendum. 'When we put out an early document for people to comment on, they could do so from their armchair but for this they had to go out and vote and they have made their feelings clear. 'It's a positive move forward for the village because it is what the village wants. 'We don't want to keep people away from Burnham Market, but we want to encourage lower-cost housing so that the people who work here can live here. 'We need young people to be able to stay here to keep the village vibrant.' It is estimated that one in four properties in Burnham Market is a second home, and the population has fallen by more than a fifth in just two decades. A 2021 census revealed Burnham Market has 724 residents. Residents of the village have now backed a bid to curb second homes and holiday lets. Pictured: people walk down the quiet streets of the town Poppy fields roll into the distance outside the village of Burnham Market in Norfolk Stephen Fry (left) is believed to have bought property in the area as is TV presenter Amanda Holden (right) Upmarket shops in the fashionable village of Burnham Market on the north Norfolk coast, England After the recent sale of the historical Burnham Market pharmacy, disgruntled locals erected a fake English Heritage site plaque Of them, some 635 people were eligible to vote in the village, with 201 casting their ballot - a turnout of 32pc. In total 161 - 80.1pc - voted in favour and 40 - 19.9p - voted against. The average house price in the village is now 1m and, as in other villages in the area, locals say they are being priced out. Those who remain have warned of the area being 'hollowed out' by the large number of properties which are often left empty. READ MORE HERE: Interactive map reveals the locations with the highest number of second homes - where up to one in 10 properties are used as holiday homes Advertisement Now the proposals have been approved they will become part of the village's neighbourhood plan which will be used to guide West Norfolk Council when determining local planning applications. In recent years the idyllic coastal village is said to have fallen victim to Nofolk's 'posh plague', with celebrities including Stephen Fry, Amanda Holden, TV presenter Anneka Rice and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge having bought property in the area. In 2019 the sale of a historical pharmacy sparked disgruntled locals to erect a fake English Heritage site plaque reading: 'The Pharmacy 1830-2019 Burnham Market; a dying village, poisoned by wealth. Finally dispensed with. RIP.' The pharmacy, steeped in history, was the unwitting vendor of arsenic to notorious murderers Frances Billing and Catherine Frary in 1835 - leading to the death of three victims and later the public hanging of the two perpetrators. It was put up for sale following the death of pharmacy owners of thirty years Sue and Brian Symonds last year, the couple had moved from London to run the pharmacy in 1985. It joined other local amenities including a village school, banks and post offices which have closed since the price hike - now replaced with high end shops and restaurants. Suella Braverman today attacked 'absurd' international refugee rules as the Home Secretary used a trip to America to demand global reforms. The senior Tory used a speech in Washington DC to call for an overhaul of the UN Refugee Convention and took a swipe at the European Convention on Human Rights. In the video below, ANDREW PIERCE declares 'three cheers for Suella' following her strong words across the Atlantic. He says the asylum and immigration system is 'broken beyond repair' and agrees the 70-year-old UN Refugee Convention is 'not fit for purpose'. 'As she said, it's no longer good enough to say "I'm gay, therefore I must be entitled to asylum in Great Britain",' he says. 'What? Every single gay man and woman in Africa and Europe can come here because they're gay? 'I'm gay, I can say it, it is ridiculous. We do not need extra protection because we're gay. Perhaps in Iran, where they tend to throw people like me off roofs.' The 41-year-old former MP represented Sheffield Hallam from 2017 to 2019 Mr O'Mara tried to claim around 52,000 for work and jobs that did not exist Former Labour MP Jared O'Mara, who was jailed for expenses fraud, has lost a Court of Appeal bid to challenge his four-year prison sentence. Mr O'Mara was found to have 'abused his position' by trying to claim about 52,000 of taxpayers' money for work that was never done and jobs that did not exist - as he sought to fund a five gram-a-day cocaine habit. The 41-year-old, who represented the constituency of Sheffield Hallam from 2017 to 2019, went on trial for submitting fake invoices to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) between June and August 2019. He was accused of making fraudulent expenses claims to fund his 'extensive' cocaine habit, with Judge Tom Bayliss KC later saying at sentencing that it had been 'cynical, deliberate and dishonest'. He was convicted of six counts of fraud and was sentenced to four years behind bars in February this year. Former Labour MP Jared O'Mara, who was jailed for expenses fraud, has lost a Court of Appeal bid to challenge his four-year prison sentence O'Mara sought permission to appeal his sentence, but his renewed application was rejected by the Court of Appeal in London on Tuesday. Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker and Mrs Justice Lambert, came to their decision after receiving written arguments, with no lawyers appearing in court. Reading out a ruling, Mrs Justice Lambert said the judges found the challenge raised 'no arguable ground that the sentence was manifestly excessive', adding that it was 'wholly proportionate' to the offences committed. She said judges had concluded 'without hesitancy' that the appeal 'is not meritorious,' she said. Leeds Crown Court previously heard that O'Mara made four claims for a total of 19,400 from a 'fictitious' organisation called Confident About Autism South Yorkshire. A jury found he also submitted a false contract of employment for his friend John Woodliff, pretending he worked as a constituency support officer. O'Mara, a former nightclub manager, was cleared of two fraud charges over invoices from another friend, Gareth Arnold, for media work that prosecutors claimed was never carried out. But he was convicted of an offence of fraud after emailing Ipsa in February 2020, falsely claiming the police investigation into him had been completed and he was entitled to be paid the two invoices relating to Arnold, which totalled 4,650. Above: O'Mara giving his victory speech after winning his seat from former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg (seen in the background) in 2017 Mr O'Mara was found to have 'abused his position' by trying to claim about 52,000 of taxpayers' money for work that was never done and jobs that did not exist Prosecutors said the total value of the fraud was about 52,000, including Mr Woodliff's proposed salary of 28,000. Arnold, who became O'Mara's chief of staff in June 2019, was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years after a jury found him guilty of three fraud charges, but cleared him of a further three. Mr Woodliff was cleared by the jury of having any role in the fraud. Prosecutor James Bourne-Arton previously said the fraud was not a victimless crime and that it had an impact on other MPs 'because it undermines public trust and confidence in them'. Mark Kelly KC, defending O'Mara, said he wanted to apologise to his constituents for failing to resign in October 2017, when controversial comments he made online before becoming an MP were revealed, and that he had felt 'hounded by the media'. He told Leeds Crown Court that O'Mara was 'an inadequate individual to cope with the stresses and strains of public life' and 'resorted to taking drugs, alcohol and distancing himself in many respects from those that were around him'. 'These circumstances were very difficult circumstances for him to cope with, with his particular disabilities,' Mr Kelly added. But Judge Bayliss said the apology was 'entirely disingenuous', while also finding that O'Mara's autism did not reduce his culpability. O'Mara won Sheffield Hallam for Labour from former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Nick Clegg in 2017, but later left the party after a series of controversies. He stayed in office as an independent MP but did not contest the 2019 general election. Police suspect a murder-suicide was the cause of death for a mom, her 14-year-old daughter and their pet dog who were all found dead in their Brooklyn apartment. Azalea Rivas, 37, was found dead alongside her 14-year-old daughter and the family dog on Monday at 4:30 pm by Rivas's boyfriend, according to the New York Post. The worried boyfriend broke down the door to discover a gruesome scene and called the police, law enforcement sources told The Post. Police are now calling the disturbing incident a murder-suicide after previously claiming they were investigating the scene as part of a brutal domestic dispute. It is unclear which of the two victims they think may be the killer. Rivas was found with a gory slash wound on her face as she lay dead on her back in the living room. A mother was found dead alongside her 14-year-old daughter and their pet dog in a Brooklyn apartment on Monday Police are now saying the horrific deaths could be the result of a murder-suicide A neighbor had called the Police on Friday after hearing an alarming noise coming from upstairs but the police left after knocking a few times and receiving no response Her teenage daughter was found lying face down with trauma to her head. Their pet dog was discovered next to them with a bag over its head. Sources said that Rivas's boyfriend was questioned by the police but isn't thought to be a suspect. Officers had been called to the apartment on New York Avenue multiple times over the past several weeks. A downstairs neighbor of the mother and daughter called the Police on Friday after hearing an alarming noise coming from upstairs. The neighbor Steve Schor said: 'I mean, when I call 911 I literally said it sounds like someones being killed'. Schor said: 'Ive never heard anyone get killed before except in the movies. But I can only imagine thats what it would sound like.' The police who showed up to the apartment on Friday left after nobody answered the door. The mother was identified as 37-year-old Azalea Rivas. She was found with a brutal slash wound on her face. Azalea's teenage daughter was found dead with trauma to her head and their pet dog was discovered with a bag over its head According to a report from The Daily News, a downstairs neighbor was startled awake around 7:20am Friday to the sounds of blood-curdling screams and a dog whimpering. 'We got woken up by loud banging and screaming,' Steve Schor, 38, told the paper Monday, as police remained stationed outside the building near Avenue D in East Flatbush. 'We called 911 and the police came. When they went upstairs, no one answered. All they heard was loud music,' he added, while revealing the woman and girl had only been living at the apartment building for a few weeks. 'After the banging, we heard the dog crying and whimpering and then it just stopped,' Schor said, before suggesting that another person was responsible for the slayings. 'What I heard was pretty grotesque,' Schor added. 'Obviously, we heard people being murdered. The scene they discovered on Monday was described as particularly gruesome and bloody by a police source. Police are waiting for final autopsy results, but they are considering the possibility that this grim incident was a murder-suicide. President Joe Biden slipped and almost fell coming down the small stair case from Air Force One on Tuesday, just after it was revealed he is doing balancing exercises, wearing sneakers and using the shorter stairs in an effort to avoid any stumbles. The president used the lower stairs of Air Force One as he exited the presidential plane in Michigan to meet with striking auto workers. Close to the bottom, his heel slipped but he caught himself before he fell. He also appeared to be wearing hiking boots or work boots of some kind, which would be sturdier for his feet than dress shoes. It was another close call for the president, 80, who has taken several stumbles in his nearly three years in office - falling while boarding Air Force One, tripping on various staircases, and taking a dramatic tumble at the Air Force Academy when he encountered a sandbag. President Biden slipped and caught himself before falling as he used the small stair case to exit Air Force One in Michigan Now, as polls show a majority of voters are increasingly concerned about his age, Biden's team is taking extra steps to prevent him from stumbling in public, Axios reported, betting that any mockery he receives will be worth it to avoid a public tumble. And there has been some mockery. The president broke the internet in July when he wore Skechers without socks before boarding Air Force One to head to a NATO summit in Europe, with users fiercely debating whether or not bare feet were acceptable. But the White House also has to deal with legitimate questions about the president's health. Biden is the oldest president in American history and, if he wins a second term, would be 86 at its completion. Biden took to wearing sneakers and using the shorter stairs on Air Force One more frequently since tripping over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony, leaving him sprawled on the ground and getting helped up by officials. That smaller stair case - which goes into the belly of the 747 - is about half the size of the stair case that is used to access the upper part of the plane: 14 stairs versus 26. The precautions barely worked on Tuesday, allowing the president to catch himself instead of making an embarrassing public fall. Biden caught himself before tumbling on the small staircase Biden appeared to be wearing hiking boots or work boots of some kind and used the lower stairs to board Air Force One for his trip to Michigan President Biden wore sketchers without socks in July when he used the lower stair case of Air Force One to board the plane Biden has taken more precautions to avoid tripping after his dramatic fall at the Air Force Academy in June The White House has said many factors go into deciding what stair case is used but didn't detail the process. 'I don't have any decision process to walk through,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in June. 'I'm sure there's a protocol that's used for Air Force One. I just don't have one.' She pointed to Biden's annual physicals, arguing the administration has been transparent about the president's health. In both reports on Biden's physicals, the president's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, noted the president has suffered from a 'stiffened ambulatory gait.' Biden fractured his foot during the 2020 presidential campaign and had to wear a boot. O'Connor recommended physical therapy - specifically 'proprioceptive maintenance maneuvers' - and shoe orthotics to help with his walking. Proprioception training focuses on the sense of body positioning in space and can involve balancing exercises, tai chi, and yoga. Biden, who works out most mornings at the White House gym, has been doing balancing exercises with Drew Contreras, who was a physical therapist in the Army and worked with Barack Obama when he was in the White House. President Biden has been wearing sneakers more - above he dons the casual footwear in September when exiting the White House with first lady Jill Biden Biden also has been using the lower stair case of Air Force One more frequently - only 14 stairs compared to the 26 stairs on the bigger stair case He's also been wearing sneakers more since he tripped in June - a moment that went viral on the internet, causing the country to collectively wince and critics to pounce. White House spokesman Andrew Bates mocked the latest report on Biden's footwear and physical therapy. 'Move over, tan suit!,' he wrote on X. 'Can confirm: @POTUS is one of the millions of Americans with sneakers. Notice that when others do the same, the media's tone is different?' The president is not the only politician to wear the more casual shoes. There was a massive debate on men's footwear in May, when Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, Senator Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries all wore sneakers in the Oval Office. Some commentators bemoaned the informality. Others defended a man's right to wear the 'dress sneaker.' But, behind the optics, is genuine concern about Biden's advanced years. And Republicans are turning it into a political issue, often posting online videos that show Biden appearing to be lost or confused, stoking speculation about his health. In addition to his physical stumbles, Biden has made verbal gaffes and, at times, struggled for words. This summer, on Take Your Child to Work Day, Biden appeared to forget how many grandchildren he had when he spoke to the children of White House staff. 'So, let me see. I got one in New York, two in Philadelphia or is it three? No, three, because I got one granddaughter who is I don't know. You're confusing me,' he said. He also couldn't name the last country he had visited or his favorite movie. White House staff have defended the president as engaged and energetic. And, O'Connor, in his last report on Biden's health said the president was 'fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations. The White House defends President Biden as engaged and energetic. The president, a frequent bike rider, goes for a ride in Rehoboth in August However Biden also took a tumble from his bike in June 2022 MARCH 2021: Biden's first stumble as he bounded up the stairs of Air Force One. The White House blamed the wind for his struggles Multiple polls, however, have shown voters are worried about the matter. An NBC poll released on Sunday found 74% of voters are concerned with Biden's age as the country prepares for next year's election. For all his stumbles and gaffes, at other times, the president has been sharp, quipping with the best of them. 'You say I'm ancient?' he said in April at the White House Correspondents dinner. 'I say I'm wise.' Governor Gavin Newsom has passed a law prohibiting school boards in California from banning books and educational material labelled 'inclusive' or 'diverse'. School districts can now be fined if they enforce book bans specifically against material promoting racial and LGBTQ+ figures. The law was passed on Monday evening with support from two thirds of the legislature. In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, Newsom called the law 'long overdue'. He said: 'Remarkable that we're living in a country right now in this banning binge, this cultural purge that we're experiencing all throughout America and now increasingly here in the state of California, where we have school districts banning books, banning free speech, criminalizing librarians and teachers. 'We want to do more than just push back rhetorically against that, and that's what this legislation provides.' Newsom passed the law as an urgency measure, meaning it takes immediate effect despite opposition from conservatives and the California School Boards Association. California's Governor Gavin Newsom (left) said laws to prevent book bans on material promoting LGBTQ+ or racial figures was 'long overdue' and thanked the bill's author Assembly Member Corey Jackson (right) for his work on it The bill drew attention earlier this year after a southern Californian education authority blocked curriculum about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors The Temecula Unified School District later u-tuned after Newsom threatened the board with a $1.5 million fine for breaking state law that mandates the teaching of historical contributions by LGBTQ+ Americans. The law follows a similar policy due to come into effect in Illinois in January and a wave of book bans that have swept the country, particularly in Florida. More than 170 books about black historical figures and LGBTQ+ themes were under review for schools in the pan handle earlier this year as part of governor Ron DeSantis' crackdown on 'woke' literature in classrooms. Books already banned include Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake and Rupi Kaur's poetry collection Milk and Honey. However even works of classic literature were not safe from censorship, with Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream and John Milton's Paradise Lost among canonical texts either banned or age restricted. Ibram X Kendi's Antiracist Baby is among one of a host of books that schoolboards in California will no longer be able to ban due to its treatment of racial issues after Governor Gavin Newsom passed a law designed to keep 'diverse' literature in school libraries Hundreds of books have been banned in Florida by some schools including Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner and Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey due to the presence of 'adult' themes Supporters of book bans say the laws give school boards and parents control over what their children are reading in order to protect them from pornographic or inappropriate themes. But those in favor of the bill argued that book bans are tantamount to censorship and an infringement on free speech. The bill's author, Assembly Member Corey Jackson, said: 'It is the responsibility of every generation to ensure that the rights go on for the next generation to be able to enjoy.' The deputy chairman of Russia's security council has publicly claimed that Russia is running out of options and may resort to a full war with NATO. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president, warned that this would lead to a third world war, which would have greater consequences than World War II. The 58-year-old politician also accused NATO of being like Nazi Germany and the Axis powers. 'It seems that Russia is being left with fewer and fewer options but to come into direct conflict on the ground with NATO,' he said. The 74-year-old alliance 'has become an openly fascist bloc like Hitler's Axis, only bigger', he claimed. Dmitry Medvedev (pictured, right) claims that Russia may be forced to launch a full-scale ground war against NATO soon Medvedev claimed NATO is acting like Nazi Germany and the Axis powers Medvedev is the deputy chair of Russia's security council Putin's invasion of Ukraine began in February last year 'We are ready, although the result will be achieved at a much greater cost to humanity than in 1945.' Medvedev, who was Russian president from 2008 to 2012, and was also the country's longest serving prime minister, criticised Canada's parliament for applauding a former member of the Nazi party. Scores of Canadian politicians were seen applauding Yaroslav Hunka, 98, who had served with the First Ukrainian Division, known also as Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, during Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's visit on Friday. Canadian House of Commons Speaker, Anthony Rota, has since expressed regret for inviting Hunka and praising him as a 'hero'. He said in a statement: 'I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. 'This initiative was entirely my own, the individual in question being from my riding and having been brought to my attention.' Rota introduced Hunka to Canada's House of Commons on Friday, telling his fellow parliamentarians: 'We have here in the chamber today a Ukrainian-Canadian veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and continues to support the troops today, even at his age of 98. 'He's a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service. Thank you.' The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the online retail giant of stifling competition and harming consumers with higher prices. The suit filed on Tuesday in federal court in Seattle, where Amazon is headquartered, is the latest legal volley in the government push to break Big Tech's dominance of the internet. The lawsuit, which was joined by 17 state attorneys general, follows a four-year investigation into Amazon, and federal lawsuits filed against Alphabet's Google and Facebook-owner Meta. The FTC accuses the Silicon Valley giant of anti-competitive practices, including punishing sellers who offer lower prices on different websites by burying their listings on Amazon and making them harder to find. The complaint also says the company degrades the customer experience by replacing relevant search results with paid advertisements, biasing its own brands over other products it knows to be of a better quality and charging heavy fees that force sellers to pay nearly half of their total revenues to Amazon. The FTC has filed a long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Amazon. Pictured: Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos with girlfriend Lauren Sanchez In a briefing with reporters, FTC Chair Lina Khan (above) dodged questions of whether the agency will push for a break-up of Amazon Amazon fired back, arguing that the FTC lawsuit was wrongheaded and would hurt consumers by leading to higher prices and slower deliveries. 'The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store,' said David Zapolsky, Amazon's general counsel. The FTC said that it was asking the court to issue a permanent injunction ordering Amazon to stop its unlawful conduct. The filing also asked the court to consider forcing the online retailer to sell assets, hinting at a possible attempt to break up the online retail giant. Many had wondered whether the agency would seek a forced break-up of the retail giant, which is also dominant in cloud computing and has a growing presence in other sectors like groceries and health care. In a briefing with reporters, FTC Chair Lina Khan dodged questions of whether the agency will push for a break-up. 'At this stage, the focus is more on liability,' she said. However, the FTC complaint asked for the court to consider 'any preliminary or permanent equitable relief, including but not limited to structural relief, necessary to restore fair competition.' Structural relief in antitrust jargon generally means a company sells an asset, such as a part of its business. Some estimates show Amazon controls about 40 percent of the e-commerce market Some estimates show Amazon controls about 40 percent of the e-commerce market. A majority of the sales on its platform are facilitated by independent sellers consisting of small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. In return for the access it provides to its platform, Amazon rakes in billions through referral fees and other services like advertising, which makes products sold by sellers more visible on the platform. The vast majority of third-party merchants also use the companys fulfillment service to store inventory and ship items to customers. Amazon has been consistently raising fees for those reliant on the program and more recently imposed - and then abandoned- another fee on some who dont, a move that was blasted by the companys critics. Last quarter, Amazon reported $32.3 billion in revenue from third-party services. According to the anti-monopoly organization Institute for Local Self-Reliance, the fees cost US sellers 45 percent of their revenue in the first half of this year - up from 35 percent in 2020 and 19 percent in 2014. Amazon has also long faced allegations of undercutting businesses that sell on its platform by assessing merchant data and creating its own competing product that it then boosts on the site. In August, the company said it was eliminating some in-house brands that weren't resonating with customers and would relaunch some items under existing brands like Amazon Basics and Amazon Essentials. Booksellers and authors have also been urging the Department of Justice to investigate what they've called Amazon's 'monopoly power over the market for books and ideas.' Khan said that Amazon had used illegal tactics to fend off companies that would have risen to challenge its monopoly. 'Amazon is now exploiting that monopoly power to harm its customers, both the tens of millions of families that shop on Amazon's platform and the hundreds of thousands of sellers that use Amazon to reach them,' she said. Khan, while a law student, wrote about Amazon's dominance in online retailing for 'The Yale Law Journal' and was on the staff of the House committee that wrote a report issued in 2020 that advocated reining in four tech giants: Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook. In 2021, Amazon had sought to get her recused from agency probes against the company because of her earlier criticism. Under Khan's watch, the FTC has aggressively attempted to blunt Big Tech's influence. Some of those bids have been unsuccessful, such as the attempt to block Microsoft's takeover of the video game maker Activision Blizzard and Meta's acquisition of the virtual reality startup Within Unlimited. Amazon's critics welcomed the new lawsuit. 'No corporation has ever centralized this much power across so many crucial sectors. Left unchecked, Amazon's power to dictate and control threatens the rule of law and our ability to maintain open, democratically governed markets,' said Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which has pushed for the government to act against Amazon. The need to take action against Big Tech has been one of the few ideas that Democrats and Republicans have agreed on. During the Trump administration which ended in 2021, the Justice Department and FTC opened probes into Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon. The Justice Department has sued Google twice - once under Republican Donald Trump regarding its search business and a second time on advertising technology since Democratic President Joe Biden took office. The FTC sued Facebook during the Trump administration and Biden's FTC has pressed forward with the lawsuit. Mark Drakeford today failed to rule out the introduction of charging schemes on Wales' busiest roads as the First Minister was quizzed over his future plans. Speaking in the Senedd, the Labour politician did not deny the Welsh Government could pursue schemes similar to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across London. But the First Minister stressed these would only be implemented as a 'fall-back' option if other measures failed to tackle air pollution. Mr Drakeford is currently facing a backlash after Wales recently became the first country in the UK to drop the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph for restricted roads. The Welsh Conservatives have accused the Labour-led Welsh Government of pursuing an 'anti-car' agenda. Mark Drakeford today failed to rule out the introduction of charging schemes on Wales' busiest roads as the First Minister was quizzed over his future plans Speaking in the Senedd, the Labour politician did not deny the Welsh Government could pursue schemes similar to the Ultra Low Emission Zone ( ULEZ ) across London The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill includes proposals for clean air zones on stretches of the M4 and A470, if 50mph zones fail to reduce emissions The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill includes proposals for clean air zones on stretches of the M4 and A470, if 50mph zones fail to reduce emissions. Andrew RT Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, grilled Mr Drakeford about the plans at First Minister's Questions. Mr Drakeford replied: 'The powers in that Bill are powers to do with improving air quality. 'I have heard the member make very positive contributions on the floor of the Senedd about the importance of improving air quality in Wales. 'We know it is a public health issue, we know that there are thousands of people whose lives might be shortened if the air that they breathe is not of the quality we would like it to be. 'The Bill sets out a whole series of ways in which we will aim to improve air quality here in Wales. 'It has, as a residual and fall-back position, powers that could in the future lead to road charging, if all those other things do not work. 'But the point of the Bill is to make those other things work. Those are the things that the Bill focuses on and those are measures we will be focusing on as a Government.' The expansion of London's ULEZ to all parts of the capital last month proved controversial, with many enforcement cameras having since been vandalised. It now means a 12.50 daily fee is charged on all vehicles not meeting minimum requirements across all London boroughs. The Conservatives attributed their win in July's Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election to a local backlash against the ULEZ expansion by Labour mayor Sadiq Khan. The unnamed woman, 66, had 'a cloth in her mouth' A female American Airlines flight attendant was found dead under 'suspicious' circumstances with a cloth stuffed in her mouth, two days after she was supposed to check out of an airport hotel. The unnamed woman, 66, was found in a room at a Marriott hotel at the Philadelphia International Airport on Monday evening. Officers rushed to the scene at around 10:40pm after the woman was found unresponsive by a cleaning crew, but police pronounced her dead minutes later. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said upon closer inspection of the body, it was found that she had 'a cloth in her mouth.' Police rushed to the Marriott hotel at the Philadelphia International Airport at around 10:40pm Monday after cleaning crews discovered the woman unresponsive The woman, who has not been identified, worked as an air hostess for American Airlines Philadelphia police are still investigating the death, although Small said there were no signs of forced entry into the room and she is believed to have suffered a 'sudden death.' Small noted that the flight attendant was also on 'several medications' at the time of her death. According to 6ABC, several unopened bottles of prescription drugs were also found in the room. No weapons were recovered from the scene, and no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation, which is reportedly being led by the department's homicide unit. Investigators told Action News that the woman was supposed to have checked out two days before she was discovered. It remains unclear how the hotel did not made the alarming find for several days, and the Marriott hotel group did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com. Just as an onslaught of Democratic senators have demanded indicted Bob Menendez hand in his resignation, the New Jersey senator has found strange bedfellows in some of his Republican colleagues. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., expressed mistrust in the Department of Justice, which late last week charged Menendez with a slew of salacious crimes. 'The charges against Senator Menendez are serious and troubling. At the same time, the Department of Justice has a troubling record of failure and corruption in cases against public figures, from Ted Stevens to Bob McDonnell to Donald Trump to Bob Menendez the last time around,' Cotton wrote on X. Some 18 Democratic senators have publicly called on Menendez to step down, even as he remained defiant and said he would not do so. Menendez and his wife Nadine Arslanian were indicted Friday over allegedly accepting over $600,000 in bribes. He's denied the allegations but stepped way from his role as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee while the legal drama plays out. Asked why he wouldn't resign, Menendez told reporters at the Capitol Tuesday: 'Because I'm innocent. What's wrong with you guys?' He would not say whether he planned to run for reelection in 2024. In 2015 Menendez had been indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami on bribery and fraud charges, but a judge later declared a mistrial and the DOJ dropped all charges against Menendez in 2018. Just as an onslaught of Democratic senators have demanded indicted Bob Menendez hand in his resignation, the New Jersey senator has found one rare defender in Republican Sen. Tom Cotton For Democrats, a Menendez resignation would spell little political trouble - the state's liberal Gov. Phil Murphy would appoint another Democrat to the seat. Come 2024, someone without the political baggage would be on the ballot, making it a more likely win for Democrats. 'The allegations against the Senior Senator from New Jersey are nasty & the evidence offered difficult to explain away,' Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., wrote on X. 'But in America guilt is decided by a jury, not politicians in fear of their party losing a Senate seat.' But many Republicans have spent the past year railing against the Department of Justice, beginning with the raid of Mar-a-Lago and pressing on after accusations the department slow-walked an investigation into Hunter Biden. Trump now faces two federal indictments, in addition to one out of Georgia and one out of New York. Senator Bob Menendez proclaimed his innocence in a press conference in New Jersey Hard-right Republicans have called to 'defund' the DOJ and the FBI - and have insisted funding for special counsel Jack Smith's investigations into Trump be stripped from appropriations bills. Asked about whether the New Jersey Democrat should resign, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Judiciary Committee, told reporters: 'I'd like all of my Democratic colleagues to resign.' Speaker McCarthy did an about-face on Tuesday, when asked if he thought Menendez should resign. Asked the question on Saturday, the speaker said: 'Yeah, very much so.' Asked again on Tuesday, he told reporters: 'I think George [Santos] could have his day in court, I think Menendez should have his day in court.' 'His choice on what he wants to do,' McCarthy said of Menendez. The indictment claims the couple had an improper relationship with three New Jersey businessmen: Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes, who allegedly paid the couple in exchange for Menendez to use his influence in Washington D.C. to their benefit. A June 2022 raid on their home found 'over $480,000 in cash - much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe,' the indictment notes, adding Nadine had over $70,000 in a safe deposit box. There were two one-kilogram gold bars and eleven one-ounce gold bars. According to the indictment Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes in exchange for using the senator's influence to protect and enrich the businessmen. 'Those bribes included cash, gold, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other things of value,' the indictment said. It also charges the senator with providing 'sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt.' Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, lays out the evidence against Democrat U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, from New Jersey and his wife Nadine Prosecutors said Hana, who is originally from Egypt, arranged dinners and meetings between Menendez and Egyptian officials in 2018. The officials pressed Menendez on the status of U.S. military aid and Hana put Nadine Menendez on his company's payroll, prosecutors said. At the time Egypt was one of the largest recipients of U.S. military aid, but the State Department had withheld $195 million and canceled an additional $65.7 million until the country could demonstrate improvements on human rights and democracy. Menendez told Hana non-public information about the status of the aid, prosecutors said. Menendez has denied the claims. 'To those who have rushed to judgment, you have done so based on a limited set of facts framed by the prosecution to be as salacious as possible,' he said. 'Others have rushed to judgment because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them. All I humbly ask for in this moment, in my colleagues in Congress, the elected leaders and the advocates of New Jersey that I have worked with for years, as well as each person who calls New Jersey Home is to pause and allow for all of the facts to be presented.' Two Philadelphia nail salons were robbed at gunpoint a three hours apart by two men wearing Muslim women's attire. The unidentified men first went to Happy Family Nail Salon and Spa at 4.20pm and to Nails In The City at 7.30pm on September 23. One robber was caught on camera wearing an orange niqab (face covering) and an animal-printed abaya. The other was wearing the same outfit but in purple. Police footage shows the the first man entering Happy Family Nail Salon and Spa threatening the employees on gunpoint and telling them to get on the ground. The unidentified men first went to Happy Family Nail Salon and Spa at 4.30pm and to Nails In The City at 7.30pm on September 23 Police footage shows the the first man entering Happy Family Nail Salon and Spa threatening the employees at gunpoint and telling them to get on the ground The employees later told Fox29 that they were forced into the back room while their money and purses were stolen The video then shows the pair arriving at Nails In The City three hours later and carrying an orange bag According to the police, a 43-year-old woman was also shot in the leg and foot when she went after the thieves at the second location A minute later, the other man runs into the spa and starts rummaging through the staff's purses. According to the police, the men stole all their wallets and IDS as well as cash from the register. The employees later told Fox29 that they were forced into the back room while their money and purses were stolen. The video then shows the pair arriving at Nails In The City three hours later and carrying an orange bag. They repeat the entire routine and once again on gunpoint, empty the register. Police say a 43-year-old woman was also shot in the leg and foot when she went after the thieves at the second location. Both owners told the channel the next day: 'Please stop it. We work hard to get money' The owner of Nails In The City told the channel: 'One guy come, get all the cash. Then, after they get the money, they shoot one bullet in the wall' The unidentified woman was taken to the local hospital and is now in a stable condition. The owner of Nails In The City told the channel: 'One guy come, get all the cash. Then, after they get the money, they shoot one bullet in the wall. 'I got the employee to the hospital right away, but I feel really bad for her.' Both owners told the channel the next day: 'Please stop it. We work hard to get money.' Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner told reporters during a Monday press conference that both nail salon robberies are under active investigation. Neither one of the suspects have been arrested and the police are currently looking for tips and information. Ralph Nader, the man blamed for Democrats' 2000 White House loss, said in a new interview that third-party challengers should stand down, arguing that President Joe Biden is the only choice over the 'fascism' former President Donald Trump represents. Nader, 89, spoke with The Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday and wouldn't admit to playing 'spoiler' in 2000, costing Democrat Al Gore the election, but said third-party hopefuls should think twice this time around. He paid some compliments to likely Green Party hopeful Cornel West and one of the two Democrats challenging Biden, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but argued they didn't have the infrastructure or the discipline, respectively, to win. 'We are stuck with Biden now,' Nader told The Post. 'In a two-party duopoly, if one should be defeated ferociously, the logic is that the other one prevails.' Nader also floated that Democrats should have an alternative to Biden in their back pocket, arguing that Vice President Kamala Harris is 'just not capable' and wouldn't win a general election. Ralph Nader, whose 2000 presidential run as a Green Party candidate was largely blamed for Democrat Al Gore's loss, told The Washington Post that third-party candidates should stand down to prevent the reelection of Republican former President Donald Trump Nader said the Green Party, with Cornel West (left), didn't have the infrastructure to mount a serious White House challenge while Robert F. Kennedy (right), currently running in the Democratic primary, didn't have messaging discipline 'Things happen rapidly in the 80s unfortunately to human beings, so they need to have a Plan B in case something happens,' Nader said, referencing Biden's age. Nader's shift on third-party challengers came because he viewed the reelection of Trump as such a danger. 'Ralph is in a different place because America is in a different place,' Mark Green, the former Democratic New York City public advocate told The Post, giving context to Nader's evolution. 'This stage is stopping a life-ending comet like the one that stopped the dinosaurs. He says this is an existential fight and he is going to marshal whatever he has to stop Trump and Trumpism.' To The Post, Nader put it in a more philosophical light. 'I know the difference between fascism and autocracy, and I'll take autocracy any time,' Nader said. 'Fascism is what the GOP is the architecture of, and autocracy is what the Democrats are practitioners of. But autocracy leaves an opening. They don't suppress votes. They don't suppress free speech.' Paying the president a pseudo-complement, Nader added, 'Biden is better than he has ever been but he is still terrible on empire and Wall Street.' But he's a more likely winner than Kennedy, who Nader characterized as a candidate incapable of getting out of his own way. Nader said that Democrats are 'stuck with' 80-year-old President Joe Biden (right) as the candidate of choice, but also warned that because of his age they should have a backup plan, calling Vice President Kamala Harris 'just not capable' of winning a general election 'Bobby Kennedy gives a good portion of his speech on corporate power. And it couldn't be better. But then he has this bizarre tick on vaccines and Ashkenazi Jews,' Nader observed. In July, Kennedy was caught on tape saying that COVID-19 was 'ethnically targeted' in such a way that Jews and the Chinese were spared. The 2024 hopeful clarified that he didn't believe COVID-19 was engineered with that aim. 'His advisers should tell him, "Why do you keep raising these crazy things?"' Nader said. 'That's the tragedy of his campaign. He can't resist raising new bizarre correlations-as-causation and all that stuff.' Kennedy is currently running in the Democratic primary but more recently has hinted at a third-party bid - and he met with the Libertarian Party chair in July. As for West, a candidate The Atlantic reported was already making the White House jittery, Nader said he simply didn't have the kind of party infrastructure to be a success. 'Cornel West has the most complete progressive agenda. It almost doesn't have any progressive aberrations,' Nader told The Post. 'The problem is that the Greens are not that organized. It is hardly a secret. And you can't run a presidential campaign if you don't have local candidates and some kind of organization 'round the country.' Nader's interview with The Post comes as polling shows the effect West and other third-party hopefuls could have on the race - putting Biden in a losing position against Trump. NBC's new poll that was released Sunday showed Biden and Trump tied at 46, when it was a two-party race. But when a libertarian, a Green and a 'No Labels' moderate candidate entered the fray, Biden lost 36 percent to Trump's 39 percent. In that scenario a libertarian candidate would take 5 percent of the electorate, a No Labels candidate would siphon away 5 percent and a Green Party candidate would get the support of 4 percent, the poll found. It also comes after NBC reported that Hillary Clinton had pulled Biden aside to warn him to take third-party threats seriously after she lost in 2016 by a smaller margin than Green Party candidate Jill Stein in three key states. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson wrote in her new book that former President Donald Trump admitted to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that he lost the 2020 election. She also held Meadows largely responsible for giving Trump false hope as he tried to overturn his 2020 election loss. Hutchinson wrote that after the Supreme Court declined to hear Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's bogus lawsuit challenging the election results in four swing states President Joe Biden had won, Meadows OK'd pressing on. 'Why didn't we make more calls? We needed to do more We can't let this stand,' Hutchinson quotes Trump as saying. 'I don't want people to know we lost, Mark. This is embarrassing. Figure it out.' Meadows, Hutchinson recalled, assured Trump he would work on it, according to a copy obtained by CNN, as the White House 'turned to utter lawlessness.' Former White House aide wrote in her new book Enough that former President Donald Trump once told his former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, 'I don't want people to know we lost, Mark. This is embarrassing' Enough by former Mark Meadows aide Cassidy Hutchinson was released Tuesday Hutchinson said that Meadows, her boss, was regularly burning documents in the fireplace in the chief of staff's office. She recalled former Rep. Devin Nunes asking, 'How often is he burning papers?' when Meadows' office smelled smoky before a meeting. Meadows' wife also complained. Hutchinson wrote. 'Mark doesn't need to burn anything else. All of his suits smell like a bonfire,' Debbie Meadows reportedly said to Hutchinson. A spokesperson for Meadows called Hutchinson's anecdote an 'absurd mischaracterization.' 'Mrs. Meadows was referencing how the wood fireplace made the office smell smoky - and we often started it using old newspaper. It has nothing to do with documents,' the spokesperson told CNN. Throughout the book, Hutchinson characterizes Meadows as a devoted servant to Trump. She recalled that Meadows asked her once, 'Would you take a bullet for him?' after a 2020 campaign rally. 'Could it be in the leg?' Hutchinson said that she joked. Meadows responded that he would 'do anything' to get Trump a second term. The chief of staff and former congressman from North Carolina also indicated that he knew that Trump wasn't always doing everything above board. 'Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep [Trump] out of jail, I'll have done a good job,' he said in June 2020. The British Museum is calling for the public's help to retrieve thousands of missing items which were allegedly stolen from the institution's collection. An estimated 2,000 artefacts - including gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass - are said to have been taken from the London-based institution over a 'significant' period of time. The British Museum announced on August 16 that items from its collection were believed to be missing, stolen or damaged, but it has not disclosed images of its lost artefacts until now. Today, the institution shared pictures of ancient Greek and Roman gems and jewellery, calling for people with information on their whereabouts to get in touch. The museum also confirmed in a statement that '60 items have now been returned, with a further 300 identified and due to be returned imminently'. The British Museum announced on August 16 that items from its collection were believed to be missing, stolen or damaged, but it has not disclosed images of its lost artefacts until now Visitors to the British Museum walk around the collection of ancient Greek sculptures known as The Elgin Marbles Last month it was reported that a member of staff, later revealed to be former curator Peter Higgs, was sacked in relation to the missing items and the British Museum is taking legal action The pictures released include a Roman sard gem engraved with representations of Graeco-Egyptian god Sarapis and Egyptian goddess Isis, a piece of blue glass showing a helmeted figure with a double-axe killing a four-headed serpent and an ancient Greek oval stone engraved with a young warrior on a rock. Among the images of gold rings, earrings and other pieces of jewellery, which date from the Late Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Roman periods, are a Cypriot necklace with horned lions' heads and a Cypriot gold earring in a twisted shape. In the wake of the items going missing, museum director Hartwig Fischer resigned and his deputy, Jonathan Williams, stepped back from their positions on August 25. German art historian Mr Fischer was replaced by former Victoria And Albert (V&A) Museum director Sir Mark Jones. Former chancellor George Osborne, who is now chairman of the museum's trustees, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme last month that an estimate 2,000 items were missing and some had been recovered. However, he said the museum did not have a complete catalogue of everything in its collection amassed over several hundred years. 'Someone with knowledge of what's not registered has a big advantage in removing some of those items,' he said. It is understood that the artefacts were taken over a 'significant' period of time. Last month it was reported that a member of staff, later revealed to be former curator Peter Higgs, was sacked in relation to the missing items and the British Museum is taking legal action. A picture issued by the British Museum of the upper part of a sard gem engraved with Sarapis wearing a calatho, dating from 1st-3rd century AD A gold finger-ring with a glass setting, similar to the missing items An oval plasma intaglio is seen in this handout image The British Museum's director Dr Hartwig Fischer (pictured) resigned from his position on August 25 British Museum officials launched an investigation into missing artefacts, comprising of gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass valued at up to 50,000, allegedly being sold on eBay for as little as 40 The museum's new interim director Sir Mark Jones (pictured) was appointed after Fischer stepped down A Metropolitan Police investigation is under way and a man was interviewed under caution on August 23. An independent review into why the items went missing and what can be done in the future is being led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman, and Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, Lucy D'Orsi. Ms D'Orsi said she and Sir Nigel 'are very grateful for the support we have received' from outside experts. She added: 'We have seen an encouraging start to the recovery programme and have been particularly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the British Museum staff working with us.' The museum said it is using an international panel of experts, whose members include: James Ratcliffe from the Art Loss Register; Lynda Albertson from the Association for Research into Crimes Against Art; and other specialists in the field of ancient gems and jewellery, to recover the objects. The missing artefacts are also on the private database of lost, stolen and looted art and antiquities, the Art Loss Register. James Ratcliffe, director of recoveries at the Art Loss Register, said: 'The British Museum's approach has carefully balanced the need to provide information to the public to assist the recovery efforts with the fact that providing too much detail risks playing into the hands of those who might act in bad faith. 'Thanks to our position as the principal due diligence resource for the art market, and experience in the recovery of stolen art and cultural property, the Art Loss Register has an unrivalled ability to assist with the museum's recovery programme. 'We are delighted to provide our assistance on a pro bono basis to the excellent team at the museum to support their efforts.' The images of missing items can be found at https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/recovery-missing-items. Terence Hipps, 15, and Ian Collins, 14, were arrested and both charged with grand theft motor vehicle Footage shows two police vehicles trying to box the car but the teenagers veer on to the grass. The clip then cuts to a police cruiser hitting the back of it The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a vehicle theft in Tampa on Sunday and spotted the juveniles driving the red Toyota RAV4 SUV Police in Florida have arrested two teenagers who led them on a high-speed chase that ended when an officer hit the stolen car on the highway and brought it to a stop. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a vehicle theft in Tampa on Sunday and spotted the juveniles driving the red Toyota RAV4 SUV. They told them to pull over but the teenagers refused, which resulted in the police pursuit on Interstate 75. On XXX, the office shared video from a helicopter that followed the chase. The footage shows two police vehicles trying to box the car but the teenagers veer on to the grass and evade them. The clip then cuts to a police cruiser hitting the back of the Toyota and bringing it to a stop. Terence Hipps, 15, was charged with aggravated battery on law enforcement with a deadly weapon, grand theft motor vehicle and fleeing to elude high speed and Ian Collins, 14, was charged with grand theft motor vehicle. Police in Florida have arrested two teenagers who led them on a high-speed chase that ended when an officer hit the stolen car on the highway and brought it to a stop The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a vehicle theft in Tampa on Sunday and spotted the juveniles driving the red Toyota RAV4 SUV Terence Hipps, 15, was charged with aggravated battery on law enforcement with a deadly weapon, grand theft motor vehicle and fleeing to elude high speed and Ian Collins, 14, was charged with grand theft motor vehicle The high-speed chase began after the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to 'reports of a stolen vehicle out of Riverview spotted driving on I-75'. Deputies said they spotted Hipps and Collins inside the Toyota SUV and pursued them after the teenagers refused to pull over. Footage from a police helicopter shows two police cars trying to do a roadblock and bring the vehicle to a stop. But the juveniles decided to cut right and cross the grass onto another section of the highway. 'Alright, hes driving over the grass,' the police helicopter pilot told his colleagues. The video then cuts to police cruisers chasing the Toyota on a different overpass before one cop clips the vehicle, in a move called a precision immobilization technique. The high-speed chase began after the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office responded to 'reports of a stolen vehicle out of Riverview spotted driving on I-75' Footage from a police helicopter cuts to police cruisers chasing the Toyota on an overpass before one cop clips the vehicle, in a move called a precision immobilization technique The stolen car smashes into the front of another police car and comes to a complete stop before an officer gets out his gun and points it towards the Toyota to arrest Hipps and Collins 'He PIT him. He PIT him. If we can, help him, he just PIT him,' the pilot says in the footage. However, the teenagers still try to get away but the officer uses the same technique again and the stolen car smashes into the front of another police car and comes to a complete stop. An officer gets out his gun and points it toward the Toyota to arrest Hipps and Collins. 'They were ultimately stopped on the Selmon Expressway with help from our partners at Florida Highway Patrol,' the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Sheriff Chad Chronister said: 'Unfortunately, there are people in our community who never learned, that if something is not theirs, don't touch it. 'Lock your car, no matter how quickly you're going to be inside your home. This car was left unlocked and running in a driveway, making it easy for these teens to steal.' The Speaker of Canada's House of Commons has resigned in disgrace after inviting a Nazi veteran into parliament last week, who he praised as a 'hero.' Anthony Rota announced Tuesday he was stepping down as speaker after he welcomed Yaroslav Hunka, 98, to the chamber alongside Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hunka, who served in the infamous SS division of the Nazi regime often dubbed 'Hitler's bodyguards', was given a standing ovation in parliament. He made his appearance as Zelenskyy implored Canadian lawmakers to bolster his opposition to the Russian invasion as it stretches into the winter months. But Hunka's past was revealed only after Canadian leaders heaped on praise and took pictures with the Nazi, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau branded 'deeply embarrassing.' Rota apologized for the scandal on Sunday and said he only became aware of Hunka's history after the appearance, saying he wanted to 'extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.' Four days after the regretful moment, Rota resigned following a meeting with the House of Commons party leadership, saying: 'No one in this House is above any of us. Therefore, I must step down as your speaker.' Anthony Rota announced Tuesday he was stepping down as speaker after inviting a Nazi SS veteran to Canada's parliament, describing him as a 'hero' On Friday, Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka was praised as a 'Ukrainian hero' in Canada's parliament in a visit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Continuing his resignation speech, which he delivered in front of parliament Tuesday, Rota said: 'I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelenskyy. 'That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in addition to Nazi survivors in Poland among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions.' Rota's decision to step down came after a meeting that included government House leader Karina Gould, who said lawmakers had lost confidence in Rota following the scandal. But Gould herself came under fire for the humiliating trip, after posing for a smiling picture with Hunka in the halls of parliament. She later claimed she was unaware of Hunka's past before the snap was taken and blamed Rota, saying on X: 'Like all MPs, I had no further information than the Speaker provided. 'Exiting the Chamber I walked by the individual and took a photo. As a descendent of Jewish Holocaust survivors I would ask all parliamentarians to stop politicizing an issue troubling to many, myself included,' she added. After Rota's resignation, Gould said: 'This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honorable thing in resigning.' Rota has acknowledged that he invited Hunka without informing either the government or Zelenskyy's delegation. His office also noted that the vetting process for invitees in the chamber is for security threats, not reputational ones. Government House Speaker Karina Gould (left) was criticized after posing for a picture with the Nazi, but argued she did not know of his history before the snap was taken Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS during World War II, one of the most feared units in the Nazi arsenal Hunka's disturbing history was only revealed after his appearance in Canada's parliament on Friday, where he appeared alongside Zelenskyy as the Ukranian president gave an impassioned speech about the war in his nation as it stretches into the winter. But while Zelenskyy's speech was widely praised, people were appalled to discover Hunka's time in the SS - one of the most feared units in the Nazi arsenal who were often described as 'Hitler's personal bodyguards.' According to the Holocaust Encyclopedia, the SS 'would later become both the elite guard of the Nazi Reich and Hitlers executive force prepared to carry out all security-related duties, without regard for legal restraint.' After the appearance sparked widespread backlash, including from prominent Jewish groups, Trudeau spent three days scrambling for an answer before appearing to blame 'Russian propaganda' in his apology on Monday. Speaking the day before Rota resigned, Trudeau told reporters the incident was 'deeply embarrassing.' Admitting the appearance was a 'mistake', Trudeau said: 'Obviously its extremely upsetting that this happened.' While the prime minister said Rota had 'acknowledged' the shameful moment, Trudeau condemned his oversight as he said it was 'embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians.' He also seemed to try and use the moment to rail against anti-Semitism, calling for a 'push back against Russian propaganda.' He added that Canada would 'continue our steadfast and unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week with announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russias illegal war against it.' His pivot to the Russian war machine came just seconds after he apologized for the ovation, admitting it was especially insulting to 'Jewish MPs and all members of the Jewish community across the country who are celebrating Yom commemorating Yom Kippur today.' The scandal came as Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) addressed the Canadian parliament to bolster his nation's support in the war with Russia as the conflict heads into the winter months Trudeau addressed the scandal with reporters on Monday as he admitted it was 'deeply embarrassing', before he used the moment to call for a 'push back against Russian propaganda' The incident led to a wave of condemnation from Jewish groups in particular, who were left stunned a former Nazi would not only be invited into Canada's parliament, but was also given a standing ovation. '(The incident) has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally,' said the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. 'This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. 'It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime.' The group also called for an apology to 'every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis', which was echoed by Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs which said it was 'deeply troubled' by the incident. CIJA leadership noted Trudeau's reference to 'Russian propaganda' in its rebuke as it added: 'Canada's Jewish community stands firmly with Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression... But we can't stay silent when crimes committed by Ukrainians during the Holocaust are whitewashed.' An abandoned two-month-old baby has been rescued at the border by Texas authorities - just days after another child died amid the humanitarian crisis. Eagle Pass has been overwhelmed with migrants in recent days, with more than 7,500 flooding into the tiny town of 28,000 people in just two days. Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez shared an image of the baby on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, as she warned of the danger presented by unscrupulous people smuggling gangs. 'Heartbreaking News Alert: Rio Grande City Border Partol Agents find a 2-month-old child left abandoned at the border!' Chavez wrote. 'This is a chilling reminder of how children are being exploited by human smugglers & criminal organizations every day.' It comes after a three-year-old boy drowned after he was swept by a current in the Rio Grande while his family was attempting to enter the United States last week. The boy's body was found by Texas Department of Public Safety officers north of the marine barrier in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon. An abandoned two-month-old baby has been rescued at the border by Texas authorities Last month, two Honduran siblings aged four and 12 were found along the Rio Grande after they were abandoned by smugglers Unaccompanied minors (not pictured) are sadly a common sight for border patrol, as Central Americans send their kids north with smugglers to meet with family in the US State troopers took the boy to the shore, where they were met by paramedics who rushed him to nearby hospital. The child was declared dead at the medical facility. The boy was part of about 4,000 asylum-seeking migrants who traveled crossed from Mexico and reached the Rio Grande shore near Eagle Pass on Wednesday. Unaccompanied minors are sadly a common sight for border patrol, as Central Americans send their kids north with smugglers to meet with family in the US. Last month, two Honduran siblings aged four and 12 were found along the Rio Grande after they were abandoned by smugglers. The children told officials they had family in San Francisco, California. More than 500 migrants have died this year while trying to cross the US-Mexico border. Last year, there were 853 total confirmed deaths. The massive gathering under the bridge linking Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, has led Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas to signing an Emergency Declaration. Around two million migrants are thought to have crossed the US southern border in 2023 with many citing Biden's lax policies as a reason. Another 500,000 could cross by the end of the year. The administration of President Joe Biden announced Wednesday it was going to dispatch 800 troops to help border officers. There are also 2,500 National Guard members across the border region helping the Department of Homeland Security along with an extra 24,000 U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and 2,600 non-uniformed officers. The three-year-old boy's drowning comes after Ramon, a 10-year-old boy from Honduras, also drowned September 13. The small border town of Eagle Pass, Texas has been overwhelmed with migrants in recent days, with more than 7,500 flooding into the tiny town of 28,000 people in just two days Last month, two Honduran siblings aged four and 12 were found along the Rio Grande after they were abandoned by smugglers More than 500 migrants have died this year while trying to cross the US-Mexico border The child was crossing the Rio Grande with his mother, Yesenia Perez, 26, when they were separated by a current. Authorities recovered their bodies and rushed them to a hospital, where Ramon was confirmed dead. On Tuesday, Elon Musk announced he will go to Eagle Pass later this week to observe the situation at the US-Mexico border, where thousands are crossing every day amid an asylum seeker crisis. The Tesla founder, 52, claimed on X, formerly Twitter, that he had spoken to congressman Tony Gonzales, who has been sounding the alarm about the crisis, and decided to go see the scene for himself. Last week, Biden announced plans to quickly process more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants who have crossed the border since July 31 in order to provide some relief to the growing numbers that underfunded border officials are forced to deal with. As the crisis continues, the Mexican and American governments and the United Nations are considering setting up a temporary pre-screening program for about 40,000 asylum seekers from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba who are currently in southern Mexico, where there are no mobile US consulates to do this. UN migration and refugee agencies would review the migrants' asylum eligibility before they get to a mobile US consulate, according to Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena. A Florida drug dealer who was illegally selling marijuana may have been high on his own supply when he called police to complain that a customer had stolen $10 from him. Eric Thomas, 33, showed a touching faith in law enforcement when he 'called police in reference to a theft' in Largo near Tampa Bay on Friday. 'Once police made contact with him he stated he was selling marijuana, and someone stole $10 from him while attempting to sell it,' officers recorded. Sadly for the affronted victim, they had to inform him that the sale of marijuana is illegal in the Sunshine State, as is possession of the two packets of cocaine they found in his wallet. 'The defendant had 11 baggies in his pocket while walking up to the officers,' his arrest affidavit recorded. Drug dealer Eric Thomas did not receive the service he expected from Florida police when he called them to report a $10 theft by one of his customers Martin Gonzalez-Garcia and his girlfriend Ashializ Roldan-Oscacio called police in Kissimmee, Florida to request their help in moving stolen belongings from a squatted house 'He was arrested for his and, while performing a search of his person, two baggies with a white powdery substance which tested positive for cocaine, were located in his wallet.' Earlier this year, two bungling burglars were arrested after one of them made a 911 call to ask Florida police to help them move stolen belongings from a home they had broken into. Police arrived at a home in Kissimmee to find Martin Gonzalez-Garcia and his girlfriend Ashializ Roldan-Oscacio who they were looking for after thefts at a nearby from a nearby Dollar store. Roldan-Oscacio told them that she wanted their help to move their stuff from the squatted property and asked if they could get a ride to the airport so they could spend the weekend in New York, the sheriff's office said. 'Deputies DID help them with their belongings, and DID give them a ride, but it wasn't to the airport it was to the Polk Pokey,' Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. 'And they are welcome to stay there all weekend long. The Polk Pokey is much better than New York anyway.' In August last year Georgia murder suspect Antoine Sims was arrested after calling police on a Kennesaw McDonalds manager who he accused of serving cold fries. Sims, 24, of Lawrenceville was wearing an ankle monitor at the time and had an outstanding warrant for for failing to appear in court over a 2018 homicide. Antoine Sims, 24, was wearing an ankle tag and wanted for murder when he called 911 to complain about the cold fries served him at a McDonalds in Kennesaw, Georgia 'We tried to order on the little box thing, and he said that wasn't working,' Sims complained to police. 'We ordered the food, but he couldn't print out the receipt,' 'So I guess our order was called, but we don't even know our order number, so now our food is sitting there cold.' Thomas was already facing drug charges after emptying seven Ziploc bags of marijuana into a clear plastic tray at a court security checkpoint. He is now in the Pinellas County Jail on a $7,000 bond charged with possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana with intent. An elite Irish commando unit stormed a drug cartel's 'mother ship' carrying 136 million worth of cocaine on Tuesday in a major operation off the coast of Ireland. Members of the highly trained Army Ranger Wing descended by fast-rope from a helicopter on to the deck of the MV Matthew in the early hours, after the vessel became the focus point of a multi-agency operation which began on Sunday. Cops believe the ship was being used by Narco criminals to smuggle the drugs in to Ireland and on to other European countries. The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat ran aground in St George's Channel, also suspected of being involved in the smuggling racket. The seizure of the two vessels off the south-east coast represents potentially the biggest ever drug seizure in Irish history, with more than 2,250 kilogrammes (4,960lbs) of suspected cocaine worth around 157 million euros found onboard. Last night, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the drugs would have 'no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets' and this 'will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally'. Three men aged 31, 50 and 60 have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences following the coordinated raid by commandos from the Army Ranger Wing, the Irish navy, Revenue and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. The men - two of whom were winched from the separate trawler which ran aground on Sunday - have been detained at garda stations in Wexford. An elite Irish unit of commandos stormed a drug cartel's 'mother ship' carrying '100 million' worth of cocaine in a major operation off the south-east coast of Ireland. Pictured: Military personnel onboard a cargo vessel named MV Matthew whilst it's escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard, Tuesday Members of the highly trained Army Ranger Wing descended by fast-rope from a helicopter on to the MV Matthew (pictured) in the early hours of Tuesday, after the vessel became the focus point of a multi-agency operation which began on Sunday Cops believe the ship was being used by Narco terrorists to smuggle drugs to Ireland and on to other European countries. The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat (pictured as a helicopter hovers above on Tuesday) ran aground off the east coast The MV Matthew is seen today moored at Marino Point in Cork which is being searched after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences Investigators from the Bureau believe the Panama-owned MV Matthew was the 'mother ship' used by South American gangsters to transport cocaine to Ireland. Once off the coast in the Atlantic, the vessel would distribute the drugs to smaller boats which would then ship them to other European countries, officials believe. The head of the Irish Defence Forces said the Army and Gardai had been working together for weeks to bring down the smuggling gang, leading to the MV Matthew being stormed by the Army Ranger Wing and detained. The vast cargo ship was on Tuesday night brought to Cork's Cobh Harbour for an inspection. Crowds of people lined the walls of the harbour as the vessel was transported to a naval base in Haulbowline, County Cork. Armed members of the Ranger Wing were seen on board alongside ship crew members and other Defence Forces personnel. The agencies said a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found on board the cargo ship. The Navy's patrol vessel LE William Butler Yeats had fired warning shots at the vessel after ordering it to stop, but it did not stop or comply with directions to allow Irish authorities to board the ship. In response, military commandos engaged the vessel. Personnel from the Army Ranger Wing - armed with sniper and assault rifles - fast-roped onto the cargo ship's deck from helicopters, firing warning shots as they boarded, in what the Irish Defence Forces said were 'challenging conditions'. Fast-roping involves sliding down a rope from a hovering helicopter. It is believed to be the first time the Irish Army has had to use this technique in a real-world setting. After the ship was made safe, the Garda units (Irish police) and customs officers boarded the vessel alongside the naval service. Members of the crew were interviewed by Gardai, and their documents were seized. Officers are understood to be working with Interpol and Europol to establish if any of the crew have links to known organised crime groups. The naval service escorted the ship to an Irish port where it was impounded. It will be detained for a detailed search and investigation. Forensic examinations of 'every inch' of the ship will now take place, according to security sources, who said that the actions since Sunday could represent one of the biggest, if not the biggest ever, seizures of drugs in the history of Ireland. Two helicopters and two planes were involved in the operation. The Irish Air Corps and Naval Service had been tracking the cargo ship over a number of days. In a statement, the Defence Forces said: 'A specialist team from the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) then deployed by helicopter on to the MV Matthew via fast-rope insertion in challenging conditions.' Military personnel onboard the MV Matthew whilst it was being escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences Military personnel are seen along-side what appear to be crew members of the MV Matthew Military personnel are seen onboard the cargo vessel named MV Matthew whilst it is escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy on Tuesday A handout photo issued by the Irish Defence Forces on Tuesday of the cargo vessel named MV Matthew, which was escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard Police in Ireland are said to have found 100 million worth of cocaine onboard a cargo vessel after it ran aground on a beach following a chase across the Atlantic Speaking to The Irish Sun, one source said: 'It looks like this bulk container was used to smuggle drugs across the Atlantic before rendezvousing with smaller trawlers. 'This was a very sophisticated operation at the upper levels of drug trafficking. Some of the drugs would have ended up in Ireland but other consignments would have been brought to other European countries.' The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat - the Castlemore - ran aground off the coast of Wexford. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of County Wexford at about 10:10pm on Sunday evening, after the vessel had hit a sandbank. Its movements were being monitored from then onwards. Waterford-based coast guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were sent to the scene, and attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful. Officers believe millions of pounds worth of cocaine were thrown overboard. The vessel remains stuck on a sandbank out at sea with poor conditions preventing the authorities from boarding and searching it. Two of the three men arrested in the operation were winched from this trawler, while the third was held after the MV Matthew was stormed by the elite unit. Officials believe they have busted a significant drug smuggling route and operation that brings narcotics from Colombia to Europe. It is thought that gangs would hold the drugs in Ireland before moving them on to be sold across the UK and the European continent. The Irish Sun has reported that one of the men arrested from the trawler is a UK national, while the other is from Russia. According to Irish reports, the country is seen as an ideal route to smuggle drugs through on account of its lack of naval patrols. The co-ordinated operation, involving the Irish navy, Army Ranger Wing, Revenue and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, resulted in the 'detention of a Panamanian-registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America' Armed members of the Ranger Wing were seen on board alongside ship crew members and other Defence Forces personnel In a joint statement, Revenue and An Garda Siochana said the operation was conducted using Air Corps and navy assets in challenging conditions off the south-east coast of Ireland. The agencies said 'a significant quantity of suspected controlled drugs were located onboard'. They added: 'After Army Ranger Wing personnel secured the vessel, members of the Irish navy, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue's Customs Service were transferred to the cargo vessel, which is currently under escort by a naval ship to an Irish port. 'The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. 'This intelligence-led operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC N) based in Lisbon, Portugal, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED.' Last night the Defence Forces, gardai and the Irish Coast Guard were seen searching the waters. The level of cooperation is said to be similar to those international vessels suspected of trafficking drugs worth tens of millions or up to 100million, the Irish Times reported. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces commended the efforts of all personnel involved in the operation. Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: 'I would like to personally commend the courage, discipline and professionalism of all personnel involved in this successful operation.' He said the multi-agency operation demonstrates the interoperability of the Defence Forces, underlining the 'unique capability that we bring to the defence of the State'. He added: 'The significant intelligence-led planning by the joint task force enabled the co-ordination and execution of this complex multiagency operation. 'This operation demonstrated the importance of all services of the Defence Forces and their ability to operate in the most challenging of conditions.' Minister for Justice Helen McEntee congratulated the State and international bodies involved in the operation. She said the drugs on board which would have 'no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets'. Military personnel onboard a cargo vessel named MV Matthew whilst it's escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences A cargo vessel named MV Matthew is escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a 'significant quantity' of suspected drugs were found onboard. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences In a statement she said: 'It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally.' She said it shows the success of An Garda Siochana in building coalitions to tackle transnational crime. 'Illegal drug distribution and misuse does untold damage to our communities. Criminals may seek to overcome the barrier of borders, but as shown today borders are not barriers to effective criminal co-operation. 'Tackling organised crime is a key priority for Government and is central to building safer, stronger communities. We will always provide An Garda Siochana with the support and resources they need.' A woman who went on a 14,000 spending spree with a wealthy recluses bank card was horrified to be arrested for the pensioners murder, a court heard. Susan Hawkey, 71, was found tied up and strangled under a duvet in her flat in Aylesbury Road, Neasden, northwest London, on 26 September 2022. Chelsea Grant, 28, and her boyfriend Xyaire Howard, 23, lived nearby and are accused of murdering Ms Hawkey after forcing her to give them her PIN number. They had targeted Ms Hawkey in a series of street robberies before using her stolen house keys to rob her at her home, it is claimed. Ms Hawkey was found with her trousers and underwear removed. A used condom containing the couples DNA was found by her body. 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 The court heard Ms Hawkey was a hoarder but had thousands of pounds in the bank. The pair spent 14,000 of her money and a series of CCTV clips were shown to the Old Bailey jury of the couple blowing her cash. Mother-of-two Grant admits she was a petty crook who had fraudulently used Ms Hawkeys bank card. But she said she had nothing to do with mugging or killing the victim and told how Howard would beat her up and threaten to have her deported back to the Caribbean if she did not do what he said. Prosecutor Annabel Darlow, KC, accused Grant of being was a greedy and ruthless individual. Grant replied: We were greedy as far as the cards were concerned but I wouldnt describe myself as ruthless. Ive looked after elderly people and never tied them up or anything or encouraged Xyaire to do that either. When I became aware of what Xyaire was capable of and willing to do I just felt confined to him and the situation. It doesnt make it right - I should have stopped and should have said something. I didnt and thats something I cant change. Grant told the court that she had been seen near Ms Hawkeys house as Howard had asked her to see if she could smell a body. Ms Darlow asked why Howard had asked Grant to come. It either stinks or it doesnt. Why was it you had to go? Ms Darlow said. I dont know, ask him, Grant replied. 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 Ms Hawkey (pictured) was a 'highly vulnerable' elderly woman who lived an isolated life with little contact with friends and family, according to police Grant admitted making searches for if someone is killed do the police tell the bank but said she did not know for sure Ms Hawkey was dead. She said Howard had told her that the smell might be Ms Hawkey or might be a dead animal somewhere in the area. You knew shed been killed because you killed her didnt you? Ms Darlow said. No, Grant replied. Grant said: If you tied someone up and they died you probably did kill them you just didnt mean to. So if someone ties you up with no food and water and you die is that not murder? Ms Darlow asked. I dont know if tying someone up and leaving them is murderous intent. But I would die and it would have been their fault if I died, Grant replied. Ms Darlow said Grant was worried about the police cancelling the card. I didnt care about the card. Everything we bought we already had - it wasnt really a worry for me. 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' She said that on 21 September Howard went through her phone and saw she was talking to the father of her child. She said Howard told her to block him and she said she couldnt as they had a child together. He said your daughters dads a waste man. I said, bro, youre a waste man, you told me you tied someone up. Then he hit me and he told me not to say anything like that ever again. Sometime after I went to the toilet and I had spotting. I told him and I sat on the floor, I was crying. He sat next to me and started to cry. He said let me make it up to you, Im taking you out. I said I dont feel like going out and he got agitated and said Im trying to say sorry init. We left the house and went to Westfield and when I was there I started to cry and walked away from him. I texted him saying youve hit me and I think youve killed the baby.. The couple then spent 94 in the Perfume Shop, 144 in SportsDirect, 139 in John Lewis and 239 on a new TV. Were you pressured to go into SportsDirect? Ms Darlow asked. Grant replied: Yes, I felt pressured and confined to the situation. Earlier that day he had hit me and threatened me so yes I was pressured. Ms Darlow said: Its a fiction you were being pressured to go on a shopping spree to Westfield, isnt it? Just like its a fiction that you were worried about Ms Hawkey because just over 24 hours earlier youd been standing outside sniffing for the smell of her dead body and this affected you so little that you go and blow large sums of money in Westfield. Grant replied: You cant speak to it Ms Darlow - Im the only person in the situation, I was pressured and threatened, its not justification for continuing, I shouldnt have. Ms Darlow said Grant was casting around trying to blame others. But Grant said: When I was arrested for the murder I was absolutely horrified. Grant and Howard, of Press Road, Neasden, deny murder. Grant denies three counts of robbery while Howard denies two and admits one. They both admit two counts of fraud. The trial continues. Target will close nine stores across the country, citing an uptick in crime and other safety concerns. The company announced Tuesday in a press release that it is set on closing locations in New York City, Seattle, San Francisco and Portland, because 'theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests.' On October 21, two locations in Seattle, three stores in the San Francisco-Oakland neighborhood, three stores in Portland and one store in Harlem, New York will close for good. 'We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,' Target said in the news release. 'We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.' Target will close at least nine stores across the country, citing an uptick in crime and other safety concerns These are the nine stores set to close on October 21: New York City: Harlem: 517 E 117th Street Seattle : Seattle University Way: 4535 University Way NE Seattle Ballard: 1448 NW Market St, Ste 100 San Francisco/Oakland: SF Folsom and 13th St: 1690 Folsom St Oakland Broadway & 27th: 2650 Broadway Pittsburg: 4301 Century Blvd Portland: Portland Galleria: 939 SW Morrison St Portland Powell: 3031 SE Powell Blvd Portland Hollywood: 4030 NE Halsey St The news comes just months after Target CEO Brian Cornell said violent crime in stores was costing the company millions. In May, Target projected to lose $500 million a year to violent shoplifters. Coupled with a $700 million inventory shrinkage from last year - due in part to supply chain chaos largely triggered by the pandemic - the retailer has seen a whopping $1.2 billion go up in smoke. At the time, some workers claimed their stores were being robbed every ten minutes. A Target store in San Francisco locked its entire product range behind security glass as crime in the city spirals out of control. A video posted on TikTok on April 20 shows all of the items locked away from customers One worker said that they at least a theft ten thefts a day and that it happens every ten minutes Before making the 'difficult' decision to close nine stores, Target said the retailor invested 'heavily' in various strategies attempting to prevent crime in stores. Target implemented methods to prevent and stop theft and organized retail crime, include added security, using third-party guard services, and theft-deterrent tools. The retailer, however, was ultimately unsuccessful as they continued to face 'fundamental challenges' that made it impossible to manage the stores 'safely and successfully.' 'Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully.' 'The team members at these stores have worked hard to maintain our high standards by creating a positive working and shopping experience for each other, our guests and their communities. We are extremely thankful for their efforts and will be partnering closely with all eligible team members to offer them an opportunity to transfer to other Target locations.' Nonetheless, Target pledges to continue its battle combatting theft and organized retail crime by making significant investments to keeping stores safe. 'Looking ahead, we remain committed to serving these guests with more than 150 locations open in markets where the closures are taking place and an always-open experience at Target.com.' Target Corp. shares fell 1.7 percent by 3:15 pm Tuesday. But crime isn't the only issue Target has faced in recent years. The retailer has also been struggling with weakening demand for discretionary goods such as clothing and home goods. Target's stock price dropped 25 percent this year after a 36 percent dip in 2022, as Bloomberg reported. Last month, dramatic footage captured the moment a Target shoplifter was nabbed by cops after he stole a TV, only to return to steal a second one moments later. Theft and crime has led to multiple store closures in recent years, most notably in San Francisco. Employees said they have watched individuals actively 'shoveling' goods into bags before making off. Multiple products including shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and some foods are now kept behind barriers that require staff to open them. Last month, dramatic footage captured the moment a Target shoplifter was nabbed by cops after he stole a TV, only to return to steal a second one moments later. Store workers flagged down a police officer after the man brazenly returned following the first theft. The cop waited outside with security and approached the male as he exited the store with the second 65 inch LG TV. Bodycam footage shows the cop sprinting after the man with his taser drawn and tackling him in the parking lot. A Target store in San Francisco locked its entire product range behind security glass as crime in the city spirals out of control. A video posted on TikTok on April 20 shows all of the items locked away from customers. In July, Target was in the process of spending $5 billion on its stores across the country as part of a strategy to keep them open and profitable. The Minneapolis company said it would use the money expand improve services for guests and invest in digital facilities. Its investment was a response to issues faced by retail spaces around the country, such as shoplifting and the rise of online shopping, among other things. Target is not the only store closing their doors for good. Business Insider reported that at least 20 other major retailers have announced store closures in 2023, with as many as 3,193 stores set to close across the US. The former CEO of Florida's federally-recognized domestic abuse charity has been arrested and hit with felony charges for defrauding the nonprofit of over $3.4million. Tiffany Carr, 54, was charged with three felonies in connection with the theft of millions of dollars that were intended to help victims of domestic violence. She was the Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, along with her CFO Patricia Duarte, 57, who was also charged with one count each of organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and official misconduct. A warrant was out for Carr's arrest, and she finally handed herself in at Jackson County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina on Monday. An image of 'selfish and greedy' Carr sitting in prison was released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today as they announced her felony charges. A warrant was out for Carr's arrest, and she finally handed herself in at Jackson County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina on Monday. An image of her in prison was released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today as they announced her felony charges The nonprofit group - which oversaw more than $52million annually - was set up 11 years ago to collect and distribute state and federal grants to give to local shelters to help abuse victims. But the company was dramatically dissolved by the state of Florida in 2021 after investigators inspected the fraud scheme. Carr and Duarte both gave themselves inflated salaries and time off, falsified reports, and billed the state for positions which were vacant, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 'The ill-gotten funds were used for excessive bonus and leave payouts to Carr and Duarte in the amounts of $3.4 million to Carr and $291,000 for Duarte,' the FDLE said. Attorney General Ashley Moody said: 'These officials were entrusted to run an organization to assist those seeking a safe haven from abuse. 'Instead of ensuring state funds went to help those in need, they schemed together to steal more than $3.7 million for grossly inflated salaries and vacations. 'We previously took civil action to rid the organization's bad management, and now we are filing criminal charges against these former officials.' Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said: 'Government corruption is a disease that weakens trust in our institutions and steals vital resources away from our citizens who need it most. Tiffany Carr, 54, was charged with three felonies in connection with the theft of millions of dollars that were intended to help victims of domestic violence 'The allegations against Tiffany Carr and her co-conspirator are absolutely despicable, and it's time they answered for their actions. 'I'm thankful for the hard work of so many, including my sworn fraud detectives, the FDLE, and the Attorney General's Office in helping bring these bad actors to justice and holding them accountable to the Floridians they were entrusted to serve.' FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said: 'Non-profit organizations exist to improve the lives of others, but during our investigation, it became clear the only thing these FCADV executives were serving were each other. 'Their selfishness and greed came at the expense of domestic violence victims who needed their organization the most. 'I appreciate the work of our agents and analysts, exploring years of documentation to detail these crimes as well as DCF who assisted on this case.' The 1840-published novel topped the survey with 29 per cent of the vote 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from A Tale of Two Cities has been voted the most iconic opening from a novel. The line from Charles Dickens's French Revolution-era classic, published in 1840, topped a survey of British book lovers with 29 per cent of the vote. Readers were asked to vote for the most famous, memorable and captivating opening lines from the world of literature - and could pick more than one. The top five also included the beginning of George Orwell's dystopian 1984, 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen' (24 per cent), followed by the famous opener of the 1904 children's classic Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie: 'All children, except one, grow up' (22 per cent). Also making the list was 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit' from The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien (22 per cent), and 'Mr and Mrs Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much' from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling (22 per cent). 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from A Tale of Two Cities has been voted the most iconic opening from a novel The top five also included the beginning of George Orwell's dystopian 1984, followed by the famous opener of the 1904 children's classic Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie The first line of Matilda by Roald Dahl, 'It's a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful' received a fifth of the votes (21 per cent). Meanwhile, Adrian's list of New Year's resolutions in the opening lines of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend also emerged as one of the best book openers (17 per cent), as did 'I'm pretty much f**ked.' which begins the story of The Martian by Andy Weir (16 per cent). The study was commissioned by Amazon Books UK ahead of the Amazon Literary Partnership, which offers support to aspiring and emerging underrepresented writers. The study also revealed that four in ten (43 per cent) Britons say that the first few lines can make or break a novel. In fact 64 per cent have stopped reading a book if the opening didn't grab their attention, while 50 per cent agree there is a lot of skill in crafting a good first line. Some 69 per cent feel a good first chapter sets the tone for the whole novel. Almost two in five (38 per cent) claimed the first few lines of their favourite books made such an impact that they know them off by heart, with a further 63 per cent believing they could identify a book they'd read and loved just by reading the first line. Also making the list was The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien (22 per cent), and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling (22 per cent) Darren Hardy, manager for UK Author and Editorial Programmes at Amazon.co.uk which commissioned the survey of 2,000 Britons, said: 'We know how hard it can be to put pen to a blank piece of paper when fashioning a novel, yet we also know how important these first few words can be to entice the reader further. 'The captivating and iconic first lines highlighted in the research demonstrate the power and impact words can have not only on popular culture, but also our lives. 'We hope that through the Amazon Literary Partnership, we can bring more voices to the fore and inspire readers with their words.' Campaigners say BT has quietly raised the age from when you can delay it to 75 BT is ditching a pledge to ensure phone users aged over 70 can keep their landlines and will not be forced on to controversial new digital lines for 12 months - and is signing them up straight away. The telecoms giant was made to shelve its initial rollout last year after an investigation by our sister newspaper The Mail on Sunday alerted the industry watchdog Ofcom to operational flaws, including how customers cannot use their phone lines in a power cut. It was only restarted after an advisory group agreed to allow elderly homeowners the chance to delay installation by 12 months so they could get to grips with the new technology and not feel forced by the move. Among those involved in this Digital Voice Advisory Group was campaigning organisation for the elderly, Silver Voices. Aaron Comber of Steyning, Sussex, fears his 75-year-old mother will be isolated if forced to switch over The change to traditional copper landlines will be rolled out across the UK at different times over the next year But it now feels tricked - as after agreeing to the deal BT is quietly raising the age from when you can delay installation to 75. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, says: 'We were part of that advisory group and agreed not to oppose the resumed rollout as long as those aged 70 were looked after during the change. We have been hoodwinked and BT has broken this pledge.' Although BT is alerting homes of the change - with cards and letters sent through the post, emails and texts - it is leaving it up to customers to put it on hold. The new digital phones must be plugged into an electric socket and require a broadband connection to work - using so-called Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology rather than analogue signals on copper lines. Six million adults do not own a mobile phone and 1.5 million homes do not use the internet. Digital Voice requires customers to use a new handset - or adapter for old phones - that plugs into an internet and electricity socket. If you do not use the internet, BT says it will send out engineers to adapt phone lines for free - and provide a new digital handset and adapter for free. BT charges 85 for power-pack batteries for those who fear they may be stuck in a power cut - but for vulnerable customers it should provide these for free. Phone users should not notice a change in sound quality. Over the next two years BT wants to switch 10 million customers to digital. Nationwide, the Government wants all 29 million homes to embrace digital technology. BT initially agreed it would allow everyone aged 70 or older a chance to delay switching for a year to give customers time to adapt to the technology. Digital Voice is being rollout out region by region. Some two million homes have already switched over. In July, it focused on the East Midlands and in August started contacting those in Yorkshire and Humberside, giving them a four-week warning they were next to connect. Northern Ireland is also being targeted. Homes in the North-West and London are to be contacted this autumn. Customers are initially targeted with emails and texts, along with cards posted through the letterbox. BT is holding regional town hall meetings. BT has announced the next phase of its Digital Voice switchover - which will see the old copper network scrapped in favour of broadband phone calls BT memorably used Maureen Lipman as 'Beattie' (pictured) to promote landline services in the 1980s Jackie Carlton, 70, of Kilham in the East Riding of Yorkshire, was told she and husband Allan, 71, would be switching in the summer - but were not given any information about how they could delay the switch because Jackie could be classified as vulnerable, as she has cancer. The retired librarian says: 'The hospital tried to call to book an appointment, but the landline had been switched to digital voice without my knowledge - so nothing got through. We live in a rural area with power cuts and terrible mobile reception so I rarely use a mobile phone. My experience shows how this switchover puts people's lives at risk.' BT says it 'won't be proactively switching' vulnerable homes, but admits the onus is on the customer to ask for the telecoms giant to give them a 12-month reprieve. Q&A: WHAT IS THE SWITCHOVER AND WILL IT AFFECT ME? Will I need a fast connection? Internet speeds of just one megabit per second (Mbps) should be enough for a good digital phone service. And every UK household has the right to demand a download speed of at least 10 Mbps. Will my bills rise? Customers will have to pay for the internet to use their home phone. But experts have said providers are likely to offer cheap, basic deals similar to landline-only contracts. It is not known if customers with older phones will need to buy a new handset or if they will get one for free. What if the internet goes down? If the internet crashes or there is a power cut, digital phone lines will stop working. Those who are vulnerable or do not have a mobile phone should be offered a back-up such as a battery pack, emergency phone line or mobile phone so they can still call 999 in an emergency. What do I need to do? Nothing yet. Those on landline-only deals or without the internet will hear from their providers later on. Ruth Comber, 75, of Steyning in West Sussex, says: 'As a widow I am totally reliant on my landline. I have a mobile phone, but the reception is so bad where I live it would be quicker to use pigeon post for communication. This switchover fills me with dread.' Her son Aaron, 53, a former pub landlord says: 'Anyone in a rural area with no mobile reception will be left totally isolated in a power cut.' After the switch, old phone lines simply go dead - and those unaware of the change-over may not realise what has happened until calls stop or they cannot dial out. Others affected include those wearing health pendants or with a home alarm system connected to the local fire service, as these will also usually stop working. Neville Withers, 84, of Acton in West London, says: 'There are many like me with mobility problems. I have a button attached to my wrist I can press in an emergency. It is routed through a traditional landline to a care centre. If the button fails, it could be a matter of life and death.' Other telecoms providers involved in the digital rollout include Virgin Media. It has five million customers, including retired mental health nurse Trevor Bailey. The 73-year-old says: 'I am having a perfectly good landline being changed to a system I do not want. I cannot get hold of Virgin on the phone without it trying to connect me to an 'expert chatbot' computer - so I'm struggling to get hold of a real person to explain my desire not to switch.' Virgin says it can provide phones for vulnerable customers in case of power cuts with eight hours back-up time. It also claims that it will offer technical support up to six months ahead of the change - with engineer visits. BT says: 'We are trialling the rollout of Digital Voice to a limited number of broadband customers aged over 70 who live in urban areas and are ready to switch. Early results show 98 pc of customers between the ages of 70 and 74 chose to switch.' It said the upgrade to 'future proof landlines' was essential because existing technology 'is fast becoming obsolete'. At least 68 people have died in a gas station explosion in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, amid rising tensions and the resurgence of a decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenians. Local authorities in the separatist region said on Tuesday that the explosion at the gas station outside Stepanakert, the de facto capital of the breakaway enclave that pulled away from Azerbaijan in 1994, also left 290 people injured while another 105 people have not yet been accounted for. The explosion took place as people lined up to fill their vehicles with fuel amid a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, many of whom fear that Azerbaijan will soon begin an ethnic cleansing. The cause of the blast remains unclear, but Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan said initial information suggested that it resulted from negligence, adding that sabotage was unlikely. Russian peacekeepers, who have been posted in the region since 2020, posted a video to Telegram showing them helping emergency services. The explosion at the fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh has killed at least 68 people Officials in the region said that so far 290 people have been injured while another 105 people have not yet been accounted for The explosion happened outside Stepanakert, the de facto capital of the breakaway enclave Already, 28,000 people, roughly 23% of the region's population have fled for the Armenian border since Azerbaijan launched a major military operation last week to take back control of the region. They began fleeing the region almost as soon as Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockage from the only road between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, which is currently filled to the brim with vehicles full of escaping people. Experts have said that they expect even more people to leave the region in the coming days. 'I think we're going to see the vast majority of people in Karabakh leaving for Armenia,' Thomas de Waal, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Europe think tank, told the Associated Press. 'They are being told to integrate into Azerbaijan, a country that they've never been part of, and most of them don't even speak the language and are being told to dismantle their local institutions. That's an offer that most people in Karabakh will not accept.' Azerbaijan launched a military operation last week, overwhelming the de facto government and forcing separatist authorities to agree to lay down weapons and start talks on Nagorno-Karabakh's 'reintegration' into Azerbaijan. A blockade preventing anyone from accessing the Lachin corridor was lifted by Azerbaijani authorities after 10 months At least 28,000 people have so far fled the region, and more people are expected to leave in the coming days Ethnic Armenians began fleeing almost as soon as Azerbaijan lifted the blockade on the Lachin corridor The region separated from Azerbaijan following the fall of the Soviet Union. In the bloc's dying days, separatist sentiment grew before flaring into war. Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, after a six-year separatist war that ended in 1994. Though there was an uneasy peace for several decades, Azerbaijan took parts of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and completely reclaimed surrounding territory that it lost earlier. Russia deployed a peacekeeping force of around 2,000 soldiers under an armistice that ended the 2020 conflict. Hundreds are still missing after the explosion on Tuesday night The number of injured and dead is expected to rise as emergency services work through the night But in recent years, Russia's influence in the region has waned amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan blamed Moscow, the country's main ally, of failing to prevent the hostilities, accusations the Kremlin has angrily rejected. The Russian Foreign Ministry retorted, denouncing Pashinyan's statement as an 'attempt to shift responsibility for failures in domestic and foreign policies onto Moscow' and part of efforts to take Armenia out of Russia's orbit in favor of forging stronger ties with the West. 'The Armenian leadership is making a huge mistake by deliberately attempting to sever Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, making the country a hostage to Western geopolitical games,' the ministry said in Monday's statement. Haunting photos show the situation on Tuesday at the southern US border, where Texas National Guard members were piling up concertina wire to prevent migrants from crossing. Photos from Eagle Pass, a Texas border town on the Rio Grande River, show National Guard members in a standoff with a group of migrants huddled feet away across a barrier of razor wire. Under orders from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the Guardsmen reinforced the razor wire barrier, adding new spools to deter entry at the illegal crossing point as several dozen migrants, including children, gathered on the other side. Texas authorities have been adding to the tangled barricade daily along the state's border with Mexico, but Abbott, a Republican, has accused the Biden administration's Border Patrol agents of cutting through the wire. Indeed, photos from elsewhere in Eagle Pass on Tuesday show federal Border Patrol agents cutting open the razor wire barrier to allow migrants from Venezuela to enter the US. Members of the Texas National Guard add more concertina wire to block migrants from Venezuela after they crossed the Rio Grande into the United States in Eagle Pass on Tuesday Migrants from Venezuela are trapped behind razor wire and watched by members of the Texas National Guard in Eagle Pass Guardsmen look on at migrants across razor wire in a standoff at the border in Eagle Pass A spokesman for the US Customs and Border Protection agency, which oversees the Border Patrol, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from DailyMail.com on Tuesday afternoon. It's unclear how the standoff between the Texas National Guard members and the large group of migrants in Eagle Pass ended. Last week, the mayor of Eagle Pass signed an emergency declaration after thousands of migrants crossed into the border town in a matter of days. Groups of migrants there have been as large as 1,000 or 2,000 people, including several hundred migrants who braved a hailstorm to wade through the river. The number of migrants attempting to enter the US has surged near record highs, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis at the border and the political challenge it presents for President Joe Biden. The dramatic increase along the border in recent weeks - notably in San Diego and the Texas cities of El Paso and Eagle Pass - marks a turning point after numbers had plummeted in recent months. Biden in May rolled out a new policy to deter illegal crossings, including deporting migrants and banning re-entry for five years, as his administration grappled with migration at record highs. Within a month the tougher measures drove the border-crossing rate down some 70 percent. But a recent uptick in arrivals at the border, combined with vastly higher numbers of people on their way north across Central and South America and riding dangerous cargo trains through Mexico, suggest the early deterrent effect is wearing off. Experts say the US lacks the capacity to detain and process migrants at the border, often making it impossible for the administration to carry out the harsh penalties it announced in May. Elsewhere in Eagle Pass, Texas on Tuesday, Border Patrol agents cut open the razor wire to allow migrants from Venezuela to enter after they crossed the Rio Grande Federal Border Patrol agents have been cutting razor wire erected by Texas National Guard members at the border, in a back-and-forth that plays out daily at the border A Border Patrol agent carries one year-old Juan Diego ahead of his mother through the opening they made in the razor wire to allow migrants from Venezuela to enter on Tuesday Biden's Border Patrol has cited humanitarian concerns in removing the razor wire As a result, some asylum seekers who cross illegally are being released into the US with a future court date, rather than being deported - becoming success stories repeated back to migrants still en route. There are already signs of a huge wave of migrants headed north from South America. Last month, a record 82,000 people last month entered Panama overland from South America through the deadly Darien Gap, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As many as half a million people could end up crossing by year-end, double the number of 2022, said Giuseppe Loprete, head of IOM in Panama. Most people crossing the Darien left their home countries due to lack of employment, according to a July UN survey. An unprecedented number of migrants entering Mexico hail from other continents, as the trek to the US southern border increasingly becomes a global migration route. The number of African migrants registered by Mexican authorities so far this year is already three times as high as during all 2022. In Eagle Pass, the crisis has played out in harrowing scenes of migrants risking drowning as they attempt to cross the Rio Grande. On Monday, one group tied belts together to create a makeshift rope to hold onto but it broke, and the river nearly swept away a mother and her one-year-old baby, according to an AFP reporter who was present. Elsewhere in Eagle Pass Tuesday, a man held a flag and looked on as Texas National Guard Members engaged in a faceoff with a group of migrants Migrants from Venezuela cross the Rio Grande into the United States in Eagle Pass on Tuesday Migrants from Venezuela stand behind concertina wire after crossing the Rio Grande Texas National Guard members look on after reinforcing the razor wire barrier The child was grabbed by another man deep in the river, and the mother reached the shore as US authorities watched on. Greeting them on the US side of the Rio Grande was an inextricable tangle of concertina wire, which Texas authorities reinforce daily. But turning back is not an option, and there is no obstacle that discourages them -- not this far into their journey, with the end goal of reaching US soil so close. They eventually find a section of border wall made of shipping containers. Rather than being deterred, they simply climb over. Meanwhile, back at the river, more migrants crossed, and Border Patrol agents prepared their boat for river rescues. Those on the US side crowded the concertina wire wall, as temperatures climb past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Worried about the scorching desert heat, Border Patrol agents eventually relented, cutting the wire to rescue them from the brutal temperatures. 'We just want to get our children ahead,' says Venezuelan Yusmayra Pirela, 38. Migrants laugh as they talk on a phone while waiting for a bus to transport them out of Eagle Pass Tuesday at the Mission Border Hope complex Migrants buy bus tickets to transport them out of Eagle Pass at the Mission Border Hope complex, an NGO that assists migrants after they are processed and released by CBP Migrants get onto a bus to San Antonio, to transport them out of Eagle Pass. US border forces report 1.8 million encounters with migrants in the last 12 months A map shows the locations migrants can use busses to transport them out of Eagle Pass, Texas, on Tuesday at the Mission Border Hope complex Another woman, Maria Argentina, a double amputee, found herself and her wheelchair stuck on an island in the middle of the river. Border patrol agents worried that the currents would make a boat rescue impossible. After a makeshift rescue by her fellow migrants, Argentina, covered in mud, burst into tears upon reaching the shore. Elsewhere, migrants pushed through sections of the wire, tearing their clothing. Some were cut, bleeding profusely. For many who are taken into custody and later released, months or years of legal uncertainty await them while their asylum claims work through a severely backlogged system. As the sun set, Texas authorities covered holes in the wire. But they know the same scenes will repeat themselves the next day -- and the day after that. 'This is a hot spot,' a Border Patrol agent says. 'Today was tense,' he adds. 'But for us, it's another day at the border.' An eighth migrant joined the group before a stray dog tagged along The footage shows seven migrants running over a chain-linked fence that was set up while U.S. construction workers awaited to set up a new metal barrier 10 undocumented migrants and a dog were seeing running across the United States-Mexico border in a video posted on TikTok on Tuesday This is the shocking moment a group of migrants - and a stray dog - took advantage of construction at border and crossed from Tijuana into San Diego on Tuesday. Footage posted on TikTok showed construction workers on the American side of the border working on reinstalling a section of the steel barrier near Tijuana Beach. It appeared that a chain-linked fence that had been previously set up to replace the old barrier had been already knocked to the ground when seven people ran over the fencing as the workers looked on. An eighth migrant could be seen running behind the group before a stray dog joined the dash for the American dream. A viral TikTok video posted Monday showed at least 10 migrants and a dog running through an open section of a steel border barrier that was under construction at the Tijuana-San Diego border A stray dog is seen running after a group of migrants who snuck past a section of a steel barrier that was under construction at the Tijuana-San Diego border Moments later, two more people raced across the sand and through a section of the barrier on the San Diego side of the border that had been left open by the workers. 'That dog will succeed the American dream and get into a nice warm home,' a TikToker wrote. One user on the popular social media platform chimed in: 'The dog said alright we all in this together.' Another declared: 'That dog is about to have it better than any of us.' A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson confirmed to DailyMail.com that all 10 migrants turned themselves in to border agents Border Field State Park and Imperial Beach. The border crossing incident comes as CBP, state and local law enforcement in Texas have dealt with a surge in undocumented migrant crossings from Mexico via the Rio Grande. Undocumented migrants make a run for an open steel barrier on the American side of the United States-Mexico border A woman (white t-shirt) follows a man (black t-shirt) as they illegally cross the United States-Mexico border with eight other migrants A two-month-old boy was found abandoned at the United States-Mexico border in Texas, U.S. Border Patrol chief agent Gloria Chavez revealed on X on Tuesday An average of about 2,000 migrants have been arriving in Eagle Pass, where its mayor issued a state of emergency last week because the border city was besieged by the crisis. At least two migrants, including a three-year-old boy, have drowned in the Rio Grande in separate, yet failed attempts, to reach the United States. Chief patrol agent Gloria Chavez, who oversees the U.S. Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector, reported Tuesday that border patrol officers discovered a two-month-old child that had been abandoned along the border. 'This is a chilling reminder of how children are being exploited by human smugglers & criminal organizations every day,' Chavez wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. CBPs latest monthly report showed 232,972 encounters with migrants unlawfully crossing the border were reported in August. In all, there have been 2,206,039 interdictions recorded in fiscal year 2023, which spans from October 2022 to September 2023. The current fiscal year will surpass the interdictions the border agency documented in fiscal year 2022 when 2,378,944 were reported after 1,734,686 were registered in fiscal year 2021. CBP saw just 458,088 interdictions in fiscal year 2020. While the House remains divided among itself, the Senate has reached a deal on a bill that would kick the deadline for a government shutdown down the road by six weeks. The continuing resolution (CR), endorsed by both Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would extend government funding from September 30 to November 17. It includes over $6 billion in Ukraine aid, sure to trigger some House conservatives. It also includes $6 billion in disaster relief and no border provisions. It's unlikely the deal could pass before Sunday if Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., holds up 'quick passage' - which requires unanimous consent. He claimed Tuesday he would continue to do so. 'I will object to any kind of easy passage or speeding up of the time. I think it's bad policy to borrow money from China to send it to Ukraine.' The CR, endorsed by both Senate leaders Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would extend government funding from September 30 to November 17. It includes over $6 billion in Ukraine aid Meanwhile Speaker Kevin McCarthy remained non-committal on whether he'd ever give a Senate-authored CR a vote on the House floor. He's also called for Ukraine aid to be dealt with separately from stopgap spending legislation. On Tuesday he did say he would put a stopgap funding bill on the floor before Saturday but said he would continue pushing for one that included border security. The Senate CR would likely pass both the upper chamber and the lower chamber with votes from Democrats and some Republicans if House GOP leadership put it up for a vote. But doing so could endanger McCarthy's speakership. McConnell endorsed a 'standard, short-term' stopgap spending bill on the Senate floor Tuesday. 'Over the years, Ive been pretty clear in my view that government shutdowns are bad news whichever way you look at them. They don't work as political bargaining chips,' the GOP leader said. The Senate is set to advance the House's FAA reauthorization bill on Tuesday, which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will use to advance a CR through the Senate. Meanwhile the knives are out between Congress and the White House four days before a government shutdown, as McCarthy lays blame on Joe Biden's border policies and tears into right-wing Republicans who 'side' with the president. The GOP leader said he would put a short-term continuing resolution (CR), or a stopgap spending bill to fund the government past September 30, on the floor before Saturday and it would likely include provisions to bolster border security. 'What's concerning to me is that there are people in the Republican Party who will take the position of President Biden against what the rest of Americans want,' McCarthy said Tuesday. The speaker can only afford to lose four Republican votes and still pass a party-line CR loaded up with spending cuts. More than four in his conference have expressed opposition to a CR - most vocally McCarthy opposer Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. They insist the House most move forward on 12 single-subject spending bills. The knives are out between Congress and the White House four days before a government shutdown, as Speaker McCarthy lays blame on Joe Biden 's border policies and tears into right-wing Republicans who 'side' with the president McCarthy, who cut a debt limit deal with President Biden that set top line spending numbers for fiscal year 2024, is now requesting a meeting him to cut another deal to keep the government funded. 'Why dont we just cut a deal with the president?' McCarthy told reporters who pressed him on when he would cut a CR deal with congressional Democrats. The House is set to vote on a rule to advance four of 12 appropriations bills Tuesday night in what could be an bellwether for the week to come. It's not clear yet clear whether a handful of obstinate Republicans will allow the rule to pass. He then suggested that if Biden fixed his border policy they could work together on funding - a seemingly infeasible tradeoff. 'Listen, the president, all he has to do its only actions that he has to take. He can do it like that. He changed all the policies on the border. He can change those,' McCarthy said. 'We can keep government open and finish out the work that we have done.' 'What's concerning to me is that there are people in the Republican Party who will take the position of President Biden against what the rest of Americans want,' McCarthy said Tuesday Border crossings in fiscal year 2023, which ends at the end of September, are on track to surpass that of 2022 after figures released Friday show an uptick of 50,000 in apprehensions in the month of August. In recent days the Biden team has piled on to the GOP for causing the shutdown: Biden warned voters to 'stop electing Republicans' if they could not pass spending deals that keep the government open. President Joe Biden once again ripped House Republicans Tuesday and warned against a government shutdown, with funding set to run out September 30th if lawmakers can't reach a resolution. 'In just about a week, we could be facing a government shutdown if Republicans in the House Representatives don't do their job. There's no reason for us to be in this position,' he inveighed in a new video Biden released on his official account on the former Twitter site. Biden cited his earlier talks with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which resulted in agreement on spending levels. He warned against the potential toll on the military and on government services, as the White House prepares to try to capitalize on the prospect of chaos in the Capitol. 'Now, there's a small group of extreme House Republicans who don't want to live up to that deal. So they're determined to shut down the government shut it down now. And it makes no sense,' he said, speaking from the Oval Office in a video with multiple camera cuts. President Joe Biden, who visited striking UAW workers in Detroit, blasted 'extreme' Republicans on Tuesday Biden said he was prepared to do his part by House Republicans 'refuse to stand up to the extremists in their party.' In a shutdown scenario, military members would be on duty 'but not get paid,' Biden said, in just one of the federal impacts the White House has been rollign out this week. 'And frankly, that's adding insult to injury.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday came to the Senate floor to warn against a shutdown, after earlier observing shutdowns haven't worked out well for Republicans in the past. 'Over the years, Ive been pretty clear in my view that government shutdowns are bad news whichever way you look at them,' McConnell said. 'They dont work as political bargaining chips. They create unnecessary hardships for millions of Americans. For example, nearly 46,000 servicemembers and 22,000 civilian workers in my home state of Kentucky who earn federal government paychecks. And they hardly ever produce meaningful policy outcomes at the end of the day,' he continued. 'A government shutdown would be an unnecessary disruption of the important work on the Senates agenda. So I would urge each of my colleagues to work this week to avoid one.' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is also warning against a government shutdown He spoke while on the other side of the Capitol, House Republicans struggled to find a way forward. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he would put a short-term continuing resolution (CR) on the floor to fund the government beyond September 30. But McCarthy, facing pressure from his conference, would likely include provisions to bolster border security. 'What's concerning to me is that there are people in the Republican Party who will take the position of President Biden against what the rest of Americans want,' McCarthy said Tuesday. The speaker can only afford to lose four Republican votes and still pass a party-line CR loaded up with spending cuts. But more than a quarter of Republicans have blasted a temporary funding bill, including Donald Trump loyalist Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Biden's video came a day after he dared Americans to stop electing Republicans if the government careens into shutdown next weekend. 'Funding the government is one of the most basic, fundamental responsibilities of the Congress and if Republicans in the House don't start doing their job, we should stop electing them,' Biden said in remarks at the White House. The government will run out of money on September 30 if the House and Senate do not agree on spending legislation to send to the president's desk. The president pointed to the debt ceiling deal he made with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which set funding caps for fiscal year 2024. But the deal roiled some House conservatives who demanded McCarthy write up 12 separate spending bills at caps lower than those agreed to in the debt ceiling legislation. 'Now, a small group of extreme House Republicans, they don't want to live up to that deal and everyone in America could be faced with paying a price for that,' he said. 'We made a deal. We shook hands. We said this is what we're going to do and now they're reneging on the deal, which is not much of a surprise these days.' President Biden dared Americans to stop electing Republicans if the government careens into shutdown next weekend The president pointed to the debt ceiling deal he made with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which set funding caps for fiscal year 2024 The criticism comes as House Republicans including Rep. Matt Gaetz are vowing to hold up a temporary bill to fund the government Democrats have launched an all-out campaign to lay blame on Republicans for a government shutdown. Earlier the Biden campaign accused House Republicans of 'gleefully letting Donald Trump function as their chief political strategist at the expense of American families.' Five days before a government shutdown, it's not clear the House is any closer to passing a spending deal than it was last week. Last week Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., warned shutdowns 'have always been a loser for Republicans politically' and that they've 'never produced a policy change.' Speaker Kevin McCarthy is expected to take yet another gamble with a rule vote that would advance four separate spending bills on Tuesday, though it's far from clear the rule would pass. The speaker would need to flip five Republican holdouts who voted 'no' on a rule vote for the defense spending bill last week, a rule vote that failed twice in 48 hours. The rule vote that tees up debate on spending bills typically passes with support from almost everyone in the majority party. But the House GOP has struggled to push through a rule vote three times this year. The rule vote for the military, the Department of Homeland Security, State and agriculture on Tuesday night will take the temperature for how the rest of the week could play out for House Republicans. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has already said she is a 'hard no' on the rule because it includes 'blood money' for Ukraine. McCarthy had said he would strip $300 million to train Ukrainian soldiers from the defense spending bill and hold a separate vote on it on Friday. But he did an about-face and decided to leave the money in their as he realized it would be too difficult to strip that and the Ukraine funding in the bill for State Department funding. The other GOP 'no' votes include Reps. Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Eli Crane (Ariz.), Matt Rosendale (Mont.) and Dan Bishop (N.C.) and it's not clear if any of them have changed their mind this week. Even if they are able to begin debate on the bills, it's far from clear they could actually pass them. And if all 12 appropriations bills were passed by the House, a daunting feat in itself, the government would still shut down because the Senate would never take up and pass those bills by Saturday night. Meanwhile, McCarthy is pushing forward with a Republican-only continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the government open and give his conference more time to push through spending bills. The Senate, meanwhile, is prepping a bill that could advance a Democrat-led CR and put pressure on McCarthy to put it on the floor. And House moderates have begun to prep their own bipartisan CR plans and look at ways to advance them without the blessing of leadership. Some moderate Republicans have said they would join with Democrats on a discharge petition, meaning they could force a CR vote on the floor if five Republicans and all Democrats agree to it. McCarthy has urged his colleagues to fight against a shutdown, even as some seem open to closing the government to get what they want. Trump urged Republicans on Truth Social Sunday: 'UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN!' 'You have to keep the government open. I mean, if people want to close the government only makes them weaker,' McCarthy said. 'Why would they want to stop paying the troops or stop paying the border agents or the Coast Guard? I don't understand how that makes you stronger. I don't understand what point you're trying to make.' President Joe Biden's dog Commander has bitten another Secret Service agent, marking the 11th biting incident at the White House. The 2-year-old German Shepherd bit an agent on Monday evening. 'Yesterday around 8pm, a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a First Family pet and was bitten. The officer was treated by medical personnel on complex,' USSS chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to DailyMail.com. The injured officer is doing okay, the Secret Service said. The incident was first reported by CNN. Secret Service emails obtained by Judicial Watch in July revealed the dog had bitten or threatened at least 10 people, making this the 11th biting incident involving the first pet. First lady Jill Biden's office reiterated what it said in July, that the White House can be stressful for pets. 'As weve noted before, the White House can be a stressful environment for family pets, and the First Family continues to work on ways to help Commander handle the often unpredictable nature of the White House grounds. The President and First Lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family, and the country safe,' East Wing communications director Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement. Commander Biden bit a Secret Service agent on Monday night at the White House - above the dog is seen on the South Lawn with groundskeeper Dale Haney in August 2022 One agent was sent to a local hospital after the dog bit them on the arm and leg, and one was attacked when Jill Biden let him off his leash. The agent also had to use a steel shield to fend him off from another attack. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also blamed stress for the dog's behavior. 'As you all know, the White House complex can be unique and very stressful. That is something I'm sure you can all understand,' Jean-Pierre said in July. 'It is unique and it is stressful for all of us. So you can imagine what it's like for a family pet or family pets, more broadly.' She added that the first family was 'working through ways to make the situation better for everyone.' At the time of the released emails in July, the White House said the Bidens were working through new training and leashing protocols for Commander but didn't detail what they were. In the batch of emails released in July, Secret Service officers called the dog 'freaking crazy,' argued he would have been 'put down' if he didn't belong to the Bidens and said he needed a muzzle. On November 10, 2022, Jill Biden 'couldn't regain control' of Commander as the dog charged another member of the Secret Service. The same month, the German Shepherd clamped down on an agent's arm, resulting in him needing to seek medical treatment. The 2-year-old German Shepherd has been involved in 11 biting incidents Commander was a birthday gift to President Biden from his brother James and sister-in-law Sara. The Bidens welcomed Commander to the executive residence as a puppy in December 2021. He was a birthday gift to President Biden from his brother James and sister-in-law Sara. Commander is not the first pet of the Bidens' to cause some issues for the first couple. Another one of the Bidens' German Shepherds, Major, also bit staff and Secret Service agents. The dog moved out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 2021 and re-homed with 'family friends'. Life expectancy in Scotland has rolled back almost a decade under the SNP, figures show. Scots can now expect to live three years fewer on average than their English counterparts amid an alarming decline in the nations health. Latest provisional data shows male life expectancy was 76.52 years in the period 2020-22. This is almost back to the level last seen in 2010-12 when it was 76.51. Meanwhile, average life expectancy for women was 80.73 years in 2020-22. In 2010-12 the figure was only slightly higher at 80.75. Average life expectancy is lowest in Glasgow at 72.9 years for men and 78.2 years for women The latest comparable statistics for England are 79.9 for males and 83.6 for females. The data shows life expectancy fell every year over the 2020-22 period in Scotland, with the figures well down from the recent highs of 77.1 for men in 2013-15 and 81.1 for women in 2017-19. Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane singled out the First Minister for blame. He said: These deeply concerning statistics have Humza Yousafs fingerprints all over them. His failures during his time as health secretary means life expectancy has fallen for the third year in a row in Scotland. While deaths from the pandemic must be taken into account, SNP ministers cannot hide behind that excuse given life expectancy had already started falling in Scotland before the virus struck. This comes against a backdrop of the SNP continuing to preside over the record drug deaths rate in Europe, the highest level of alcohol deaths since 2008 and horrendous cancer waiting times. Life expectancy remains lower in Scotland where the SNP have mismanaged our health service for the past 16 years than in the rest of the UK. Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane has blamed Humza Yousaf for the drop in life expectancy It should be a real source of shame for SNP ministers that the tragic reality for Scots especially those living in Glasgow is their lives will be shorter than their UK counterparts. He called on the First Minister and Health Secretary Michael Matheson to set out their plan to halt this alarming decline in the nations health. The National Records of Scotland data shows large disparities depending on where people live. For both males and females, average life expectancy is lowest in Glasgow at 72.9 years for men and 78.2 years for women. This compares to 79.9 for males in East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire, a difference of seven years. The situation is similar for women. Female life expectancy in East Renfrewshire (84) and the Shetland Isles (83.7) is far higher than in West Dunbartonshire (78.4) and Glasgow (78.2), a difference of at least five years. Scottish Labour health spokesman Jackie Baillie said: Scots are stuck in twin crises with the cost of living and chaos in our NHS, and it is having a devastating impact on the nations health. After 16 years of the SNP and 13 years of the Tories in government, both parties are failing Scots in the areas where it matters most. Age Scotland chief Adam Stachura said: These figures are a cause for concern. 'The pandemic had a significant impact but these figures were already stalling. Factors linked to poverty may contribute to a further reduction in life expectancy in the future. A Scottish Government spokesman said: It remains an unwelcome reality that communities experience life expectancy differently and the Scottish Government continues to take action to reduce such inequalities. Italian police escorted the body of Sicilian Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro back to his hometown Tuesday, media reports said, where he is expected to be buried quickly and with little ceremony. Messina Denaro, captured in January after three decades on the run, died on Monday in hospital in central Italy, taking to the grave the secrets of his brutal reign. His coffin was driven in a hearse out of the hospital in L'Aquila and is expected to arrive in his hometown of Castelvetrano in Sicily in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the ANSA news agency. Police normally ban funerals for mafia bosses, and only a few family members - including two sisters and a brother - are expected to be present at his burial in the town's cemetery, the agency said. Messina Denaro was one of the most ruthless bosses in Cosa Nostra, the real-life Sicilian crime syndicate depicted in the 'Godfather' movies. Hearse awaits Matteo Messina Denaro's body outside the morgue A handout mugshot made available by Italy's Carabinieri shows Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, Italy's most wanted man, following his arrest in Palermo, Sicily The 61-year-old was convicted of involvement in the murder of anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992 and in deadly bombings in Rome, Florence and Milan in 1993. One of his six life sentences was for the kidnapping and murder of the 12-year-old son of a witness in the Falcone case. Messina Denaro disappeared in the summer of 1993 and spent the next 30 years on the run as the Italian state cracked down on the Sicilian mob. But he remained at the top of Italy's most-wanted list and increasingly became a figure of legend. Denaro, caught by Italian anti-mafia police on January 16, 2023 Reputed by investigators to be one of the Italian Mafia's most powerful bosses, Matteo Messina Denaro (pictured left and right) disappeared in the summer of 1993 and spent the next 30 years on the run as the state cracked down on the Sicilian mob Denaro lived as a fugitive in western Sicily, his stronghold, eluding law enforcement for 30 years thanks to the help of complicit townspeople - all while remaining at the top of Italy 's most-wanted list and increasingly becoming a figure of legend. That was until eight months ago when, on January 16, 2023, his need for colon cancer treatment led to his capture It was his decision to seek treatment for colon cancer that led to his arrest on January 16, 2023, when he visited a health clinic in Palermo. Messina Denaro disappeared in the summer of 1993 and spent the next 30 years on the run as the Italian state cracked down on the Sicilian mob. But he remained at the top of Italy's most-wanted list and increasingly became a figure of legend. He was initially treated in his jail cell, but was moved to the inmates' ward of the hospital in L'Aquila in August, where he remained under heavy security. Since Friday night, he had been reported to have been in an 'irreversible coma'. Medics had stopped feeding him and he had asked not to be resuscitated, Italian media reports said. His arrest may have brought some relief for his victims, but the mob boss always maintained his silence. In 1993, Messina Denaro helped organise the kidnap of a 12-year-old boy, Giuseppe Di Matteo (pictured), in an attempt to blackmail his father into not giving evidence against the mafia, prosecutors say. The boy was eventually strangled, and his body dissolved in acid Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to a life term for his role in 1992 in the murders of anti-mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. Pictured: The scene of the murder of Falcone in Palermo, Sicily, in 1992 The scene of the bomb attack which killed Judge Giovanni Falcone on 24 May 1992 in Palermo, Sicily In interviews in custody after being arrested, Messina Denaro even denied he was a member of the Cosa Nostra. 'Unfortunately his capture did not help the search for truth and justice,' Borsellino's brother, Salvatore, told LaPresse news agency. The Corriere della Sera newspaper had previously reported that Messina Denaro could be buried in the family tomb, alongside his father, Don Ciccio. Don Ciccio was also head of the local clan. He was said to have died of a heart attack while on the run, his body left in the countryside, dressed for the funeral. After Messina Denaro went on the run, there was intense speculation that he had gone abroad - and he probably did. But in the months before his capture, he had been staying near his hometown. Castelvetrano mayor Enzo Alfano said he hoped the 'suffocating cloud' hanging over his town would now lift. 'It will take decades to eradicate the mentality, the sometimes rampant culture of lawlessness, of impunity' that Messina Denaro 'cultivated for so long', he said. Investigators had been combing the Sicilian countryside for Messina Denaro for years, searching for hideouts and wiretapping members of his family and his friends. They were heard discussing the medical problems of an unnamed person who suffered from cancer, as well as eye problems - a person who detectives became sure was Messina Denaro. They used a national health system database to search for male patients of the right age and medical history, and eventually closed in. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is in discussions with investors about the possible sale of existing shares that would value it at up to $90billion OpenAI is talking to investors about the possible sale of existing shares that would value it at up to $90billion. The artificial intelligence startup company behind ChatGPT is in discussions with shareholders, according to the Wall Street Journal. OpenAI, which is 49 percent owned by Microsoft, has told investors it expects to reach $1billion in revenue by the end of 2023 and generate billions more next year. In a sale of existing shares no new capital is raised, but insiders and investors are allowed to sell their shares. The deal would make OpenAI one of the most valuable startups in the world behind billionaire Elon Musk's Space X and TikTok owner ByteDance. OpenAI is talking to investors about the possible sale of existing shares that would value it at up to $90billion The artificial intelligence startup company behind ChatGPT, which is run by CEO Sam Altman, is in discussions with shareholders, according to the Wall Street Journal Representatives for OpenAI have started to pitch investors on the new deal but the terms could possibly change, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The new valuation of up to $90billion would be almost triple of what the company was worth after a share sale earlier this year. The company generates the majority of its revenue by charging people for access to its powerful version of ChatGPT and the licensing language models behind it to businesses. It highlights the surging enthusiasm for AI startups after ChatGPT was launched last year. The chatbot can generate human-like responses based on user prompts, has helped AI's popularity erupt. The AI space has been hailed as the next frontier for technology and has become the latest buzzword in Silicon Valley. Several other startups such as Inflection and Anthropic have raised funds from marquee investors in recent months. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged Congress in May to establish regulations for artificial intelligence, admitting that the technology 'could go quite wrong.' OpenAI, which is 49 percent owned by Microsoft , has told investors it expects to reach $1billion in revenue by the end of 2023 and generate billions more next year OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged Congress in May to establish regulations for artificial intelligence, admitting that the technology 'could go quite wrong' Lawmakers grilled him for five hours, stressing that ChatGPT and other models could reshape 'human history' for better or worse, likening it to either the printing press or the atomic bomb. Altman admitted his 'worst fears' are that 'significant harm' could be caused to the world using his technology. 'If this technology goes wrong, it could go quite wrong, and we want to be vocal about that. We want to work with the government to prevent that from happening,' he said. Leading authors including George R.R. Martin, David Baldacci and John Grisham joined forces to sue OpenAI on Tuesday for alleged 'mass-scale copyright infringement'. The writers are among 17 members of the Authors Guild embroiled in a legal battle against OpenAI, the parent company of Chat GPT. They claim their books have been 'fed' into algorithms to train AI and used to create derivative texts based on their work. The class action filed on Tuesday in New York also highlighted that many of the texts had been obtained by illegal pirate sites and shadow libraries, such as Library Genesis and Z-Library. The Authors Guild said it organized the lawsuit amid fears generative AI could 'decimate' the profession and highlighted the 'profound unfairness and danger' of using copyrighted texts to train AI. Rachel Geman, a partner with Lieff Cabraser and co-counsel for Plaintiffs and the Proposed Class said: 'Defendants decision to copy authors works, done without offering any choices or providing any compensation, threatens the role and livelihood of writers as a whole.' Memory Man author David Baldacci said he felt 'violated' to learn his work had been fed into AI algorithms without his consent Game of Thrones book series author George R.R. Martin is among the authors whose works have been spoofed by Chat GPT, according to The Authors Guild Scott Sholder, a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard and co-counsel for Plaintiffs and the Proposed Class, added: 'Plaintiffs dont object to the development of generative AI, but Defendants had no right to develop their AI technologies with unpermitted use of the authors copyrighted works. 'Defendants could have "trained" their large language models on works in the public domain or paid a reasonable licensing fee to use copyrighted works.' It comes two months after authors Mona Awad and Paul Tremblay filed the first class action lawsuit against OpenAI concerning copyright. Memory Man author David Baldacci, who is among the authors suing, told Good Morning America that he felt 'violated' after discovering Chat GPT could produce text which mimicked his style. He said: 'I thought my God I feel so violated. It's like some one had taken my entire library without my knowing it. 'If you can automate this then you can automate everything and no one will have a reason to get up out of bed. It feels like an existential threat to everything that makes us human.' The prime suspect in the brutal murder of Baltimore tech CEO Pava LaPere may have struck days earlier in a knifepoint sex assault and arson attack that left two people fighting for their lives, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Police issued an arrest warrant for Jason Billingsley on Tuesday afternoon along with a stark warning to the public that the convicted sex offender, 32, has a history of rape and violence. Billingsley faces charges of first-degree murder, assault and reckless endangerment in the killing of 26-year-old LaPere, a rising star in tech who made the prestigious Forbes '30 Under 30' list. The 6ft 4, 305lbs suspect had been jailed for 30 years in 2015, was set free in October 2022 - just nine years into his sentence. It is unclear why he was released so swiftly. LaPere was found dead on Monday morning at her Baltimore apartment with blunt force injuries that one veteran officer described to DailyMail.com as 'absolutely brutal some of the worst I've seen.' Pava Marie LaPere, 26 (left), was killed by blunt force trauma inside her luxury Mount Vernon, Baltimore apartment, and her body was found by police on Monday. On Tuesday police announced they have issued an arrest warrant for Jason Dean Billingsley, 32, of Baltimore (right) Billingsley has a criminal record dating back to 2009, and was sentenced to 30 years - but released after only nine Announcing the warrant for Billingsley's capture, Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the 'repeat violent offender' is a suspect in 'at least one other case,' without elaborating. 'BPD's Special Investigations Section is working to determine potential connections to Billingsley and other cases,' the police said. DailyMail.com can reveal detectives are probing possible links to an assault and arson attack in West Baltimore on September 19 that left two people in critical condition and a child in the hospital. The incident began when firefighters responded to smoke billowing from the basement of a townhouse at 9:24am. They rescued a man and a woman, both aged 26, who had burns and 'multiple injuries', along with a five-year-old child found suffering from smoke inhalation. A police source told DailyMail.com the attacker had initially targeted the woman, sexually assaulting her and slashing at her throat with a knife. Asked if Billingsley was considered a suspect, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore Police Department told DailyMail.com: 'We can't confirm that.' She said of the arson incident: 'Officers located a 26-year-old male and an adult female, suffering from multiple injuries. On the upper level of the home, fire personnel located a five-year-old child, unharmed.' Medics arrived to the scene and transported the victims to area hospitals where the adult male and female were both listed in critical condition. Billingsley was described on Tuesday as 'a repeat violent offender', and a suspect in at least one other case. 'He will kill, and he will rape,' said Richard Worley, the police commissioner, at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Billingsley is 'armed and dangerous,' and locals should stay alert, said Worley. 'To Jason Billingsley: I hope you are watching,' he added. 'Every single police officer in Baltimore and the state of Maryland is out there looking for you. We will find you, and we will prosecute you to the full extent of the law. So please turn yourself in.' Billingsley has a long criminal history, dating back to 2009 when he was arrested for robbery and assault in the second degree. He was arrested in 2011, and again in 2013, for multiple charges to include sex offense, 2nd degree assault charges and robbery. In 2015 he was given a 30-year prison sentence, with all but 14 years suspended, and served time at Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown. It is unclear what he was jailed for. Mosby is no longer the DA in Baltimore, having been replaced in January 2023 by Ivan Bates, who reversed her non-prosecution policy for low-level offenses like drug possession, prostitution, and trespassing on his first day in office. Mosby ran her reelection campaign on her record of reducing the population behind bars, holding police officers accountable for their actions, and reviewing convictions for potential exoneration. She fired a long list of veteran prosecutors upon taking office, including a 20-year veteran in the middle of an armed robbery trial against a violent repeat offender. She instead hired young, inexperienced lawyers to fill the posts, MetroVoice News reported. In January 2022, Mosby was indicted on federal charges of perjury and making false mortgage applications, having allegedly made false applications to withdraw retirement money to purchase a vacation home in Florida. Mosby has pleaded not guilty on all charges, and is currently scheduled to go on trial in November. Richard Worley, commissioner of Baltimore police, announced the name of the suspect and vowed to track him down and bring him to justice Worley on Tuesday said that a special task force was working alongside U.S. Marshalls to capture Billingsley. 'We ask that anyone who has seen him or knows him, or knows his whereabouts, to contact police immediately,' said Worley. 'We warn residents to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This individual will kill, and he will rape. He will do anything to cause harm.' The mayor of Baltimore, Brandon Scott, said it was 'difficult to express the sorrow' for the murder of LaPere, calling it 'horrific, senseless and tragic'. He said he knew LaPere, and said she 'would help anybody she could see'. Scott vowed that Baltimore 'will not rest until we have him in custody', adding that he 'should not have been on the streets in the first place.' Scott said he was 'extremely frustrated' that Billingsley was free to attack again. 'We need to get other parts of the system to understand that these cases impact people for an eternity,' he said. 'Pava's family is going to be dealing with the trauma and tragedy of their loss for the rest of their lives. 'Police go out and do their job, as they did in this case, and then the state's attorney goes out, does their work, and gives the conviction - the conviction should be the conviction. 'We are tired of talking about the same people doing the same crimes over and over again.' Baltimore police on Tuesday announced the identity of the man wanted for LaPere's murder Billingsley was described by the commissioner of Baltimore police as a repeat violent offender Officers arrived around 11:34am to her apartment complex in the 300 block of West Franklin Street on Monday. LaPere lived in the building, which is the former site of the Congress Hotel, where one bedroom apartments rent for $1,500 a month LaPere was expected to speak at an industry forum in Pennsylvania on October 2, and EcoMap Technologies publicized the event yesterday - after she was found dead Johns Hopkins University graduate LaPere lived and worked in the same building where she was found murdered, according to public records. Officers arrived around 11:34am at her apartment complex in the 300 block of West Franklin Street on Monday. Upon arrival, they found LaPere dead. She had signs of blunt-force trauma and detectives launched a homicide investigation, police confirmed. Worley said it was 'a secure building,' but would not comment on where she was found, only confirming it was 'at that address'. A neighbor, who lives across the hall from LaPere, said she woke up to police knocking on LaPere's door. There was no answer, she told local news. The medical examiner's office took possession of the body, and an examination is pending. LaPere, who attended Johns Hopkins University, was named on Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 list this year for her impact work The tech CEO (center) is pictured with her parents, Caroline and Frank LaPere According to investigators, there had been a missing person's call made for her a short time before her dead body was discovered. They declined to say who made the call, because the investigation is ongoing. LaPere, who attended Johns Hopkins University before starting the company, was named on Forbes' prestigious '30 Under 30' list this year for her impact work. She is the co-founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies - which she launched at the age of 22 in her college dorm room. As well as her Forbes recognition, she was named in Baltimore's '40 Under 40' and Maryland's '25 Under 25' lists for innovation. LaPere was remembered as one of the 'brightest stars' in Baltimore, and a 'compassionate visionary force' by those who knew and worked with her. A police report into the crash which led to the deaths of a couple beside the M9 described the driver as dangerous and put the blame solely on his actions, an inquiry heard yesterday. John Yuill, 28, and 25-year-old Lamara Bell were discovered on July 8, 2015, after their Renault Clio crashed down a steep embankment off the M9 near Stirling. They had been reported missing three days earlier when they failed to return from a camping trip with friends. Mr Yuill died at the scene but Ms Bell died later in hospital, having lain injured in the crashed car for three days. Workers in Esso services at Broxden, near Perth, noted Mr Yuill was acting erratically shortly before the crash, according to a police report which was examined during a Fatal Accident Inquiry. It heard Mr Yuill had been caught on a speed camera on the A9 before entering the services and hit a parking kerb at 6mph without braking, before leaving at 5.45am. Lamara Bell lay trapped in the car for three days before she was discovered by a passing farmer. Her partner John Yuill, 28, died of severe head trauma as a result of the crash The travel time between the services and crash site would ordinarily take 30 minutes, but investigators believe Mr Yuill was speeding excessively, missed a turning to Falkirk, and steered aggressively, losing control of the car, which spun 180 degrees. The car hit the hard shoulder at what is estimated to be just before 6am, and plunged 13ft down an embankment. Mr Yuill obtained a provisional driving licence a few weeks before the crash, and had previously been disqualified, according to the report from Police Scotland. Retired collision investigator Richard McEwan told Falkirk Sheriff Court of three occasions on CCTV footage from Broxden services when Mr Yuill appeared to be staggering as if intoxicated. Police search the scene of the crash The police report deemed the cause of the crash was either one or a combination of excess speed, harsh steering, inexperience and intoxication. A service station worker told police Mr Yuills behaviour was slightly erratic, and the report stated he had been drinking and smoking cannabis during the trip. The report added: The collision was instigated by now deceased Yuill a provisional driving licence holder and inexperienced driver. 'The toxicology report will show whether he has driven this vehicle in an apparently intoxicated condition, having consumed alcohol and smoked cannabis as per witness testimony. His actions pre-collision can be described as careless or even dangerous. 'He was detected driving at excessive speed travelling north on the A9 and his apparent lack of awareness at Broxden resulted in his vehicle colliding with a kerb. Investigators are of the opinion that the now deceaseds driving manner was responsible for this collision. The inquiry continues before Sheriff James Williamson. Fergus Ewing, the Nationalist MSP who today faces a disciplinary hearing that may result in his suspension from the party, stands in a long and honourable line of great Scottish troublemakers. We need more of them. Small countries like Scotland where everyone knows everyone else are particularly prone towards cosiness and cronyism. They become petri dishes for self-servers and yes men, for people who know that to ascend the greasy pole they need to conform. Long after these nameless souls have sunk into obscurity, we will still recall with fondness the contrarians, the radicals and the bolshy raspberry blowers who were prepared to stand up and demand that Scotlands cosy consensus be ruffled. Its they who represent the richer, more cacophonous true nature of Scotland. Its they who help maintain a vigorous and thoughtful democracy. I first recall Mr Ewing making trouble more than 20 years ago when, as a reporter with this newspaper, I sat watching the public inquiry into the construction of the Scottish parliament building. Fergus Ewings wrecking ball has been dusted off in recent months following the SNP's coalition with the Scottish Greens Mr Ewing, then an opposition backbencher, spent most of his time in the court room alongside journalists. For the then Labour government, he was a complete pain in the neck. He chased ministers over the awarding of contracts. He contacted the police to demand a formal investigation into the handling of the tender process. It didnt go much further but Mr Ewings proclivity for hurling spanners into the Scottish works had been established. Wrecking Freed from the burdens of political office and appalled by his partys recent coalition with the Scottish Greens Mr Ewings wrecking ball has been dusted off in recent months. On everything from gender reform to the abysmal failure to dual the A9, to proposals to close off parts of the sea for fishing or the reform of short-term lets, he has let rip at his partys record. Memorably, he described the Scottish Green party cadre at the Scottish parliament as wine bar revolutionaries. His support for a Conservative vote of no confidence in Green minister Lorna Slater appears to have been a rebellion too far. At a meeting of Nationalist MSPs today, who will be asked to vote on his actions, Mr Ewing will learn his fate with suspension deemed likely. If Mr Ewing is removed from the party, it will be quite a pretty pass for Scotlands nationalist movement. Mr Ewing is gold-lined SNP royalty; the son of SNP legend Winnie Ewing and a Highland MSP for more than two decades. That record counts for little these days, however, if you dont bow the knee before the Yousaf-Sturgeon Church of Scottish Progressive Virtue. But if he is shown the door today, Mr Ewing can at least take some comfort in knowing he has made it into the pantheon of Scottish noiser-uppers who, down the years, have seen it as their duty to smash up the established way of doing things. I think of such greats as Tam Dalyell, the late Labour MP for Linlithgow, and a man who entitled his autobiography: The Importance of Being Awkward. Famous as an MP for championing unpopular causes such as questioning the sinking of the Argentine battleship the General Belgrano during the Falklands War, Dalyell held the British record for being thrown out of the House of Commons (four), each time for using the forbidden word lie in relation to the actions of the then Prime Minister. Each time there was no shouting on every occasion I was scrupulously polite to the Speaker, Mr Dalyell wrote afterwards. It is not a record I am proud of, he added (not entirely honestly, you suspect). To Mr Dalyell, we can add the young Alex Salmond who, fresh in the House of Commons in the 1980s, also managed to get himself chucked out, before being promptly expelled from the SNP. Baiting We must include the former Conservative Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth who, in the 90s, enjoyed baiting his Scottish colleagues pro-devolution tendencies. In more recent times, at the Scottish parliament, the Caledonian Awkward Squad has also found space for the likes of the late Margo MacDonald (whose barbs became laser-guided missiles aimed at Mr Salmond); for the forensic and independently minded Green MSP Andy Wightman; and a growing number of older hands in the SNP who like Mr Ewing have become utterly cheesed off with the partys culture. Characteristics include a healthy ego, an obsessive streak and a thrawn instinct. They may not necessarily be the type of hard- slogging technocrats youd want in charge to keep the trains running on time. Yet these rebels have all served a purpose, often forcing those in power to think harder, to confront questions theyd rather not and to fashion better arguments in favour of what they were doing. Mr Ewings example excepted, the pity, Id suggest, is that in recent times, their numbers are waning. Late Labour MP Tam Dalyell was famous for championing unpopular causes Why? The Scottish parliament has not been a great incubator for trouble-making; something about its concrete walls has seemed to deaden the spark of mischief. Instead of debate, Holyrood is a place for pre-rehearsed speeches and soul-sapping soundbites and then home for the Six OClock news. Ironically, our dominant party, the SNP which once prided itself on its sparky, radical spirit has become the very thing it used to mock: an establishment outfit that today seeks to defend the status quo and protect its record from attack. Too many of its MSPs are anonymous lobby-fodder. But above all, our spirit of trouble-making has been sidelined thanks to Scotlands constitutional debate. Dug deep into our trenches, our political parties have become accustomed to parroting party lines in order to defend their respective positions. Mavericks No wonder acts of rebellion like Mr Ewings are so rare: in Scotlands polarised political culture, such acts are seen as political treachery. Yet more mavericks of whatever party are needed to rock the Scottish boat. This is a country where, as we learned over the past year, officials at one quango Public Health Scotland had decided that shielding ministers was among their core duties; where figures on NHS waiting times have been massaged to make them appear shorter; and where 400million and counting can be blown on two ferries on the Clyde yet where nobody is held accountable. Its a small country where the cosy circles of government work hard to keep things quiet and to protect each others backs. The mavericks, the obsessives and the trouble-makers in our political parties are a necessary part of a healthy democracy. We need them in Scotland, continuing to be awkward. Long live the mischief-makers. One of the largest U.S. drugstores chains Rite Aid is set to close around 500 stores nationwide as it negotiates a plan to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Wall Street Journal reported that the firm, which is the third largest in the country, is looking to close branches and either sell or let creditors take over their remaining operations. The outlet reported that a group of bondholders would prefer to liquidate a large number of their stores, with the two sides in discussion over how many stores to close. The Journal has previously reported that Rite Aid was considering a bankruptcy filing, and is dealing with more than $3.3 billion in debt. Besides the debt problem, the chain is also facing federal lawsuits that allege the company oversupplied opioids including fentanyl. Pedestrians pass a Rite Aid store in Oakland, California, U.S. April 1, 2015 A chapter 11 filing would allow the company to keep the business alive by reorganizing and paying creditors over time. The chain, which is headquartered in Philadelphia, has also closed several stores in the area in recent months. Wendell Young, who is the President of Local 1776, a union that represents Rite-Aid workers, told 6 ABC: 'People are going to have to go further for their pharmacies where the company doesn't have the resources to properly staff. 'They are going to find longer lines, probably some challenges getting things timely. 'It is mostly women. Hard-working women who took these jobs on part-time while raising a family and they really run these stores.' A chapter 11 filing would cover Rite Aid's debt and pending legal allegations, sources told the The Journal, and close roughly a quarter of its 2,100 locations. Rite Aid forecasts it will generate 'approximately $650 million and $680 million' in losses next year. In a statement, the company told NBC News that it is 'continuing to work collaboratively and constructively with our financial stakeholders to identify the best path forward to reduce our debt and position the business for continued success.' The company is facing a significant number of cases in state courts that allege it contributed to the opioid epidemic. In March, the Justice Department announced that they had filed a complaint in intervention of a whistleblower lawsuit against Rite Aid. The Justice Department allege that Rite Aid knowingly filled unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances. At the time, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: 'The Justice Department is using every tool at our disposal to confront the opioid epidemic that is killing Americans and shattering communities across the country Wendell Young, who is the President of Local 1776, a union that represents Rite-Aid workers, said that most of the people affected would be mostly women Attorney General Merrick B Garland participates in a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden, 21 June 2023 'That includes holding corporations, like Rite Aid, accountable for knowingly filling unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances.' Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta added: 'According to our complaint, Rite Aids pharmacists repeatedly filled prescriptions for controlled substances with obvious red flags, and Rite Aid intentionally deleted internal notes about suspicious prescribers. 'These practices opened the floodgates for millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Rite Aids stores.' The complaint alleges that over five years, Rite Aid knowingly filled hundreds of thousands of unlawful prescriptions. According to the Government, these prescriptions included prescriptions for opioids including oxycodone and fentanyl. Rite Aid has asked a court to dismiss the departments lawsuit and denied the allegations that it filled unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances. A bankruptcy filing would put those lawsuits on hold and open a path for Rite Aid to resolve them in a single forum, according to The Journal. DailyMail.com has approached Rite Aid for comment. Besides Rite Aid, CVS is set to close hundreds of stores across the country as it undergoes a complete retail overhaul. The major drugstore chain is coming to the end of a policy launched in 2021 which will see 300 stores closed each year - meaning 900 will have shuttered by 2024. Michael Wolff has defended his reporting in his latest book on Fox News and the Murdoch media empire while responding to critics in an interview with Mediaite. Wolff argued that everything he published was '100 percent' true adding that the book, published on Tuesday Sept 26, is his 'version of the experience, what he knows and what people have told him.' 'This is the story through my eyes. There will be other stories and other accounts and other books,' he said. 'What I tried to deliver is not the public story, not the story for public consumption, but the private story.' Wolff's book 'The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty,' claims to give readers a peak behind-the-curtains into how the corporation handled the Dominion defamation lawsuit, post-election clashes with Donald Trump, Carlson's firing and Murdoch family drama. Wolff is best known for Fire and Fury his tell-all about the Trump administration. Michael Wolff has defended his reporting in his latest book on Fox News and the Murdoch media empire while responding to critics in an interview with Mediaite When asked whether Wolff had gone to Fox to 'fact check' he retorted that he didn't do so on purpose to avoid a negotiation with the $14.12 billion company. 'Fox has said that I didn't call them to fact-check, and they're absolutely right,' he responded in the interview with Mediaite. 'I did not call Fox PR people to fact-check because that just means you put yourself in a position to negotiate with them.' Wolff argued that everything he published was '100 percent' true adding that the book (pictured), published Sept 26, is his 'version of the experience, what he knows and what people have told him' He added that he 'didn't want to negotiate the truth.' 'So many journalists actually find themselves in that position to have to talk to the Fox PR people, and be badgered and threatened by them,' he claimed. Wolff claims that he did however reach out to 'every principal' character in the book but a source at Fox alleged to Mediaite that he did not reach out to either Sean Hannity or Laura Ingraham. A Fox News spokesperson said: 'The fact that this author's books are spoofed by Saturday Night Live is really all we need to know.' The salacious details laid out in Wolff's book have been hotly contested with the Daily Beast going as far as to say the book includes 'absurd anecdotes that occasionally strain credulity.' Mediaite probed Wolff on one such claim in the book, namely that Tucker Carlson was fired as a secret condition of the $787 million settlement between Fox News and Dominion. The outlet noted however, that Carlson was not a major figure in the Dominion case with both Fox News and Dominion denying that this was the reason the firebrand commentator was ousted. Wolff's book 'The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty,' claims to give readers a peak behind-the-curtains into how the corporation handled the Dominion defamation lawsuit, post-election clashes with Donald Trump , Carlson's firing and Murdoch (pictured) family drama A Fox News spokesperson said: 'The fact that this author's books are by Saturday Night Live is really all we need to know' 'For Dominion it's like, 'We really want this money and we really want to get more and Hannity is not enough. Okay, they're offering Tucker okay, $787 million yes, we'll take that,' Wolff said in the interview standing by his reporting. 'So, just think about it in the context of this suited everyone's needs at that moment in time, and remember that the paramount needs here are the money.' Another aspect of the book which has already been disputed involved Carlson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis allegedly shoving and possibly kicking Carlson's dog. Wolff, who is best known for Fire and Fury, his tell-all about the Trump administration Both Carlson and DeSantis have denied this claim. 'Maybe he exaggerated. Maybe he lied. I don't know. Maybe he regrets saying that. I have no idea,' Wolff said when asked about Carlson's denial. DailyMail.com has contacted Carlson and Wolff for comment. In a review by the New York Times, it was pointed out that Wolff 'almost entirely avoids describing where his reporting is sourced from.' 'Instead, assertions of fact and judgments of character emerge through a hazy collective consciousness. 'Lachlan Murdoch is a 'chucklehead,' his brother James is a 'hothead,' Laura Ingraham is a 'drunk,' Sean Hannity is 'a moron.' Who says so?' the publication mused. When asked about his sourcing, specifically pointing out Ingraham's alleged drinking as well as a scene where a former Fox News host is described as wearing a revealing outfit to Roger Aile's funeral Wolff again backed his claims. 'I include here what I believe is incontrovertible truth,' Wolff said. 'That's on the basis of it coming from people that I trust, I've dealt with before, I know well. Or on the basis, speaking of revealing outfits, of what I might have.' A married British Airways pilot has been sacked after bragging to colleagues about snorting cocaine off a topless woman during a drug-fuelled orgy before trying to fly a plane back to the UK. A shocked co-worker raised the alarm hours before First Officer Mike Beaton was due to co-pilot a flight from South Africa to Britain after he revealed his night of debauchery. In texts to a stewardess, Beaton claimed he was left 'so f** I couldn't even lift my head until gone 2' after his all-night partying with a Welsh woman, a Spanish woman and local men. The father-of-one's behaviour forced the airline to delay the flight for 24 hours while it tried to find a suitable replacement for him, costing BA an estimated 100,000, The Sun reports. When Beaton, from Devon, returned to Britain he was forced to undergo a drugs test, which reportedly came back positive. British Airways has insisted there was no risk to passengers and revealed that he no longer works for the company. First Officer Mike Beaton was suspended by British Airways and later sacked after a night of debauchery in South Africa The married father-of-one boasted to a colleague about having a drug-fuelled orgy before trying to fly a plane back to the UK The First Officer had been in Johannesburg on downtime, and was set to co-pilot the flight back to London. But he revealed to a colleague that things had got out of hand after meeting a group of people at a nightclub in the city. He said that after going back to the hotel for 'one last one before bed' things turned raunchy with a 'bit of snogging, and then we're somehow all on our way to this dude's flat'. He added: 'Welsh has decided that I should actually be her boyfriend - Spanish has hooked up with one of the two local lads and is having her t**s sucked on their sofa.' The father then boasted about how the 'girls are dancing topless' and he decided to do the same, before one of the local men brought out some cocaine. 'So then there's a debate about whose chest is the best to do a bump off,' he bragged. 'That's the story of how I ended up snorting coke off a girl's t**s in Joburg.' He claimed the night didn't end there though, adding that he 'stayed the night with Welsh, sh** her for ages (I guess the coke played a part) and then was so f** I couldn't even lift my head until gone 2.' Beaton claimed he had snorted cocaine off a topless woman during the orgy in texts to a colleague British Airways was forced to delay the flight from South Africa to Britain for 24 hours while it found a replacement for him A source at the airline told The Sun that managers were 'furious' when his behaviour was reported to them by his colleagues. They said the pilot had 'hoisted himself by his own petard'. Although there would have been no alcohol in his system on his return to the UK, they added: 'He will never fly again.' A spokesman for British Airways told MailOnline: 'Safety is always our top priority. The matter was referred to the CAA and this individual no longer works for us.' The Civil Aviation Authority told The Sun it has strict procedures in place for when pilots misuse drinks or drugs. 'An airline must immediately inform us if a UK pilot has misused drink or drugs boarding, or being on board, an aircraft,' it said. 'In these cases we would immediately suspend the pilot's medical which means they cannot fly. 'In most cases the pilot would have an assessment with an expert medical team and if they wished to return to flying then a comprehensive rehabilitation programme would be put in place. 'The medical would only be reinstated if we were completely satisfied.' When confronted by reporters from the paper, Beaton's wife refused to comment, saying: 'You must speak to my husband about it.' Chinese businesses sent $250,000 to Joe Biden's private home in 2019, according to bombshell financial records obtained by Congress. The payments came in two wire transfers to Hunter Biden who listed his father's house in Wilmington, Delaware as his own address. The revelation marked a stunning escalation of the investigation into whether Joe Biden benefitted from Hunter's business dealings in countries including China and Ukraine. An impeachment inquiry into the president will hold its first hearing on Thursday. Joe Biden 's Delaware home was listed as the beneficiary address on two wire transfers Hunter Biden received from China , a top Republican says after obtaining bank records. Hunter is seen in his father's Corvette outside the home James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight and Accountability committee, obtained bank records through a subpoena and they that showed Hunter received payments from Beijing in 2019, while his father was a private citizen. The records state that Joe Biden's Wilmington, Delaware, home at '1209 Barley Mill Rd' was the beneficiary address. Hunter is believed to have lived there for two years following his divorce from first wife Kathleen Buhle in 2017. The first wire on July 26, 2019, for $100,000 came from a Ms. Wang Xin, who is listed on the website for Beijing equity firm BHR Partners. The second was allegedly from Jonathan Li, the Chinese national Hunter supposedly threatened over WhatsApp while Joe was in the room. 'I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father', Hunter said to Li in the messages revealed by an IRS whistleblower. The GOP released the latest evidence in the investigation just two days before Republicans hold their first impeachment inquiry hearing into Biden on Thursday. The party has revealed evidence showing $24 million flowed from foreign entities to the Biden family between 2014 and 2019. Comer, who has been investigating the Biden family and their overseas deals, subpoenaed financial records from a specific bank account connected to Hunter. BHR Partners is backed by Bank of China Limited, and was a joint venture between Hunter Biden's firm Rosemont Seneca and investment firm Bohai Capital. 'Bank records don't lie but President Joe Biden does,' Comer said on Tuesday night. 'In 2020, Joe Biden told Americans that his family never received money from China. We've already proved that to be a lie earlier this year, and now we know that two wires originating from Beijing listed Joe Biden's Wilmington home as the beneficiary address when he was running for president of the United States. 'When Joe Biden was vice president, he spoke on the phone and had coffee with Jonathan Li in Beijing, and later wrote a college letter of recommendation for his children. 'Joe Biden's abuse of public office for his family's financial gain threatens our national security. What did the Bidens do with this money from Beijing? Americans demand and deserve accountability for President Biden and the First Family's corruption. 'The Oversight Committee, along with the Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees, will continue to follow the evidence and money to provide transparency and accountability. Joe Biden 's Delaware home was listed as the beneficiary address on two wire transfers Hunter Biden received from China , a top Republican says The GOP released the latest evidence in the investigation just two days before Republicans hold their first impeachment inquiry hearing into Biden on Thursday The records state that Joe's Wilmington, Delaware, home at '1209 Barley Mill Rd' was listed as the beneficiary address The White House hit back at the latest claims, saying it was a stunt to try and distract from the looming government shutdown. Ian Sams, Biden's spokesman for oversight and investigations, said: 'Comer and (Republican Rep) Jim Jordan should explain to the military servicemembers living in Kentucky and Ohio who will continue to do their jobs even without their paychecks why they are wasting their time attacking President Biden with debunked conspiracies instead of trying to avoid the calamitous consequences of the House Republican government shutdown. 'This is exactly the kind of extreme, partisan politics the American people are sick and tired of.' A boy is in a critical condition after he and a younger boy were struck by a car while playing in a laneway in Melbourne's west. Emergency services were called to Braybrook shortly after 5pm on Tuesday after reports a Toyota Prado hit two parked cars in a rear laneway between Wirraway Ave and Liberator Lane. The Prado then allegedly struck two boys aged 8 and 3 before hitting another parked car. The eight-year-old ended up pinned between the vehicles. A boy is fighting for life after a Toyota Prado crashed into several parked cars. Pictured is one of the damaged cars READ MORE: Wild scenes as car ends up on busy Sydney beach Advertisement Firefighters found the boy trapped between a 4WD and a small hatchback when they arrived at the chaotic scene. They used rescue equipment to winch the vehicles apart and remove the boy. The boy was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The three-year-old was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The three parked cars that were crashed into sustained extensive damage. Detectives spent the night at the scene examining the Toyota Prado. The driver of the Prado was arrested at the scene. Detectives spent the night examining a Toyota Pardo which allegedly crashed into three parked cars The Braybrook man, 48 is currently assisting police with inquiries. No charges have yet been laid as Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives launched an investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or CCTV is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The Liberal Democrats vowed yesterday that every cancer patient will start treatment within two months of a referral. Ed Davey, who lost his parents to the disease as a child, said 'rescuing' the NHS was his party's top priority ahead of next year's election. In his closing party conference speech, which avoided the topic of whether the Lib Dems were still committed to rejoining the EU, Sir Ed claimed 'voting Conservative is bad for your health'. The party leader pledged to enshrine a legal right for cancer patients to start their treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral as part of a five-year plan to boost survival rates. Just over six in ten patients meet that NHS target. 'Far too many people are still waiting far too long for a diagnosis or to start treatment after being diagnosed,' he told delegates. In his closing party conference speech, which avoided the topic of whether the Lib Dems were still committed to rejoining the EU, Sir Ed (pictured) claimed 'voting Conservative is bad for your health' Sir Ed Davey walks to the Liberal Democrats conference with MP's and parliamentary candidates at Bournemouth International Centre on Tuesday 'Last year, the Government promised a new Ten-Year Cancer Plan. This year after two changes of prime minister and three changes of health secretary that plan has been junked. Yet another casualty of all the Conservative chaos. 'For Liberal Democrat MPs, it [cancer] will be a top priority. 'Of course, it's not just cancer where the Government is letting patients down. It's pretty much everything. The Conservatives have broken promise after promise on the NHS. 'Perhaps there should be a warning on the ballot paper, like there is on cigarette packets: Voting Conservative is bad for your health. 'So it falls to us to rescue the NHS, and make sure everyone can get the care they need, when they need it.' During their conference in Bournemouth the Lib Dems unveiled plans to treble the tax on social media giants and dropped a long-standing pledge to add a penny on income tax, with the latter seen as a move to woo voters in the Tory heartlands. The party was also forced to recommit to building 380,000 homes a year after a revolt from its youth wing. But the Brexit row within the party has continued to dominate, with pro-Brussels activists heckling Sir Ed for not clearly laying out the party's desire to rejoin the EU. In one media interview, he refused seven times to say if his party would reverse Brexit. Today he avoided the issue once again, despite accusing the Tories of a 'botched deal' with Europe. Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey (pictured) pledged to enshrine a legal right for cancer patients to start their treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral Sir Ed also criticised Labour's lack of ambition in reforging ties with Brussels, but was light on detail when it came to his party's plans. He said: 'Only we have set out a plan to tear down those trade barriers, fix our broken relationship with Europe and get a better deal for Britain Labour's plan if you can call it a plan is nowhere near that ambitious.' It is understood the cancer plan would involve patients reporting complaints to the health ombudsman, starting a process which could ultimately end with the Government facing legal action. Tory party chairman Greg Hands said last night: 'Ed Davey's speech did little to address the priorities of the British people.' A young tourist has plunged 50m off the side of a cliff while trying to take a selfie at a popular lookout. The 22-year-old woman was with two of her friends near the Pinnacles Lookout at Cape Woolamai, on Philip Island, in Victoria, when she fell at 12pm on Saturday. The woman was stuck for sometime with injuries to her back and her upper body. Her two friends climbed down the side of the cliff and waited with her until emergency services arrived at the scene. Stunned bystanders shared a photo to Facebook showing a rescue helicopter hovering in the area where she fell. A 22-year-old woman has been airlifted to hospital after she fell 50m down a cliff while taking a selfie near the Pinnacles Lookout at Cape Woolamai (pictured) Bass Coast Acting Police Inspector Dave Fyfe said the woman was winched to safety by air ambulance and flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne with non-fatal but serious injuries. 'She's in hospital now, they're not fatal injuries but they're still pretty serious,' Acting Inspector Fyfe told ABC News. 'I don't mean to make light of what happened to her, but I'm certainly hoping the lady makes a full recovery. 'The fact is, physics doesn't come with a selfie clause and gravity is a one-way trip.' Inspector Fyfe said the accident should serve as a warning to other tourists, after the veered off the walking trail before falling off the face of the cliff. 'So where there's tracks, stick to tracks, especially those people who might be visiting this area,' Inspector Fyfe said. Cape Woolamai is a destination known for its famous pinnacles, spectacular coastal scenery and one of Phillip Island's most popular walks. Cape Woolamai is a popular lookout and world-famous destination for surf competitions The area is also a renowned surf destination, hosting competitions which attract surfers from across the world. It comes as a 24-year-old man died after falling down a cliff face at Cape Schanck on Mornington Peninsula in January. The NSW man and his friend were was climbing a cliff face just off the Two Bays walking track at Bushrangers Bay at about 7pm on January 27 when he fell. Paramedics performed CPR on one of the men but he died at the scene, while the other man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. From ChatGPT to virtual girlfriends, a range of weird and wonderful chatbots have emerged in recent months amid the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). But the latest AI-powered app is arguably the most bizarre yet. Users of the erotic audio platform, BLOOM, can now send and receive sexts and voice notes from their favourite characters, with the launch of AI 'roleplaying' chatbots. The move, which its creators say will set a 'new, realistic standard for pleasure' will let BLOOM's nearly half a million users directly chat with characters from erotica and receive voice messages in the characters' voices. The AI model powering these chatbots has been trained to ensure they stay true to the style and personality of the audio-story characters, so, whether you're chatting with Rob the charming ranch hand or having a late-night conversation with 'strict German Professor Roman', the AI ensures the bot never breaks character. Users of the erotic audio platform, BLOOM, can now send and receive sexts and voice notes from their favourite characters with the launch of AI 'roleplaying' chatbots READ MORE: Influencer hires out an AI version of herself to men for a hefty price Caryn Marjorie (pictured), 23, has created a virtual clone of herself to talk with fans online Advertisement BLOOM CEO, Hannah Albertshauser, said that the company strives to 'create characters our users can genuinely relate to - with our exceptional voice actors and talented writers bringing them to life.' 'When it comes to sexual content, we all have unique and specific desires we want to see fulfilled,' she explained. 'And the more dynamic and customisable an experience can be, the more a user's exact preferences and desires can be satisfied. 'This is what we set out to change by introducing a feature where users can tell their favourite voices exactly what they are in the mood for and what fantasies they want to explore.' BLOOM says its platform caters to a wide range of audiences and sexualities, and emphasises that this new AI has been built with safety in mind. According to the company, the chatbots have been trained to 'consider consent and safewords' and will encourage users to lead the conversation, selecting the tone of the interaction. Sex educator and sexologist Susannah Weiss, who has previously written stories for BLOOM, said that the characters are so respectful and affirming that they might be 'helpful for people who are overcoming sexual trauma, relationship abuse, or body image issues'. Ms Weiss added that she 'left the conversation with my chosen character feeling uplifted and excited to try out some of the fantasies we discussed with a live person.' The AI model powering these chatbots has been trained to ensure they stay true to the style and personality of the audio-story characters, so, whether you're chatting with Rob the charming ranch hand or having a late-night conversation with 'strict German Professor Roman', the AI ensures the bot never breaks character READ MORE: I'm having an affair with a ROBOT called Idris Elba - and sexting my AI 'lover' is helping save my marriage 'Sonia' is having an affair with a Replika chatbot to fulfill her unmet sexual desires Advertisement With any case of AI implementation there are always concerns that increased automation might push human workers out of a job. However, BLOOM and its voice actors remain positive about AI's possible impact. Erotic voice actor 'Lizzy', who wished to keep her identity private, said that 'AI is a concern when so many companies want things cheap, fast, and forever, so residuals and usage restrictions are key'. 'Actors deserve to know exactly what their voice is being used for and given the opportunity to consent to each unique case,' she said. 'I think disclaimers that AI voices were used will also become important as the voices get more and more realistic.' However, Lizzy reassures that BLOOM's AI clearly outlines that her digital double will only ever be used for this chatbot and not sold on to other buyers. Lizzy also says she receives residual payments every time her bot generates audio meaning 'it's basically like I'm being paid to work.' While BLOOM claims its unique approach to chatbots is an industry first, it isn't the first company to let people live out their fantasies with an AI. Earlier this year Snapchat influencer Caryn Marjorie hired out a virtual AI clone of herself to fans to enjoy 'erotic discourse' with a chat service running at 1$ (80p) per minute. Marjorie's first was shortly followed by OnlyFans star Kaitlyn Siragusa, better known as Amouranth, who built a bot to allow her followers to enjoy their 'wildest fantasies' from the comfort of their smartphone. For $1 (80p) per minute, users can chat with an AI-powered bot trained to emulate the star's personality, and for a further $36 (29) an hour, users can receive eerily lifelike voice notes from the AI Amouranth. Scientists are blaming climate change for the rise in alcohol and drug use. A team from Columbia University analyzed hospital rates in New York State from 1995 to 2014, finding an increase amid warmer temperatures. Researchers suggested that alcohol-related visits may be driven by people's tendency to consume more substances in pleasant outdoor weather and more perspiring, leading to dehydration. For other drug use, including cannabis, cocaine, opioids and sedatives, higher temperatures also resulted in more hospital visits but only up to a limit of 65.8F. Researchers suggested that alcohol-related visits may be driven by people's tendency to consume more substances in pleasant outdoor weather and more perspiring, leading to dehydration The study authors note that their study may underestimate the link between temperature rise and substance use because the most severe disorders may have resulted in deaths before a hospital visit was possible. First author Robbie M. Parks said: 'We saw that during periods of higher temperatures, there was a corresponding increase in hospital visits related to alcohol and substance use, which also brings attention to some less obvious potential consequences of climate change.' The team used data from 671,625 alcohol- and 721,469 substance-related disorder hospital visits over 20 years, compared to a record of daily temperatures and relative humidity. This allowed them to create a statistical model of days with high temperatures and nearby days with lower temperatures to understand the impact of short-term climate-related phenomena such as periods of elevated heat. For other drug use, including cannabis, cocaine, opioids and sedatives, higher temperatures also resulted in more hospital visits but only up to a limit of 65.8F Data showed alcohol-related disorder hospital visits increased by 24 percent amid higher temperatures, while drug-related visits saw up to a 42 percent increase Researchers found that the higher the temperatures, the more hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Data showed alcohol-related disorder hospital visits increased by 24 percent amid higher temperatures, while drug-related visits saw up to a 42 percent increase. 'Males made up the majority of hospital visits across all causes, from 53 percent in sedatives to 63 percent in alcohol-related disorders, reads the study. Most hospital visits were in-patient, from 68 percent of cannabis hospital visits to 87 percent of sedative hospital visits. Most hospital visits were also not in NYC, from 53 percent of hospital visits for cocaine and opioids to 67 percent for cannabis.' Senior author Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou said: 'Public health interventions that broadly target alcohol and substance disorders in warmer weatherfor example, targeted messaging on the risks of their consumption during warmer weathershould be a public health priority.' The National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared data in 2022 showing that the highest alcohol-related hospital admissions were reported in July, August, and May. READ MORE: Now scientists say climate change is making us BLIND The experts said the findings were 'very worrying' in the context of global warming, which has seen global average temperatures rise by two Fahrenheit (1.1 Celsius) since the late 1800s. Advertisement In the US, many Americans kick off the summer in May, which would explain a spike in hospital visits. Doctors are blaming health issues on climate change - a Canadian medical professional pointed to it as the cause of a patient's asthma. This was determined after an unprecedented heat wave and poor air quality contributed to the person's deteriorating health. Dr. Kyle Merritt, who works at a Nelson, British Columbia hospital, said the environmental hazards prompted him to make his first climate change clinical diagnosis after treating a patient struggling to breathe. 'If we're not looking at the underlying cause, and we're just treating the symptoms, we're just gonna keep falling further and further behind,' the emergency room doctor told Glacier Media. It's me trying to just... process what I'm seeing. And in July, another group of experts from Canada said climate change is speeding up the rate of blindness. Researchers at the University of Toronto compared rates of vision problems among 1.7 million people across all 50 states in the US. They found those who lived in warmer regions were up to nearly 50 percent more likely to suffer severe vision impairment than those in cooler places. Archaeologists have uncovered new treasures from Heracleion, the 'lost' Egyptian city that sunk into the Mediterranean Sea over 1,000 years ago. The 'precious' new finds, shared by French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio, include gold jewellery, silver dishes and an odd pouring device shaped like a duck. There's also a Djed a pillar-like symbol from Egyptian hieroglyphs made of the blue stone lapis lazuli and an eerie ceramic hand that was found poking out of the sediment. For centuries, Heracleion was Egypts largest port on the Mediterranean before the foundation of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Heracleion has been described as Egypt's version of Atlantis, although, unlike Heracleion, many doubt that the mythical island ever existed. Gold objects, jewellery and a Djed pilar (a symbol of stability and made of the blue stone lapis lazuli) were retrieved at the remains of Heracleion. They likely date to 5th century BC A hand is emerging from the sediment during an archaeological excavation at Heracleion. It dates from the 5th century BC-early 4th century BC, probably from Cyprus What is Heracleion? Heracleion is a lost ancient Egyptian port city that was founded probably around the 8th century BC. It underwent diverse natural catastrophes before it sunk entirely into the depths of the Mediterranean in the 8th century AD. Remains are now deep under the Mediterranean, around two miles off the Egyptian coast near the ancient city of Alexandria. Heracleion was rediscovered by a team led by French marine archaeologist Franck Goddio in 2000. Before Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331, Heracleion was the largest port city in Egypt. Goddio said Heracleion 'knew glorious times as the obligatory port of entry to Egypt for all ships coming from the Greek world'. 'It had also a religious importance because of the temple of Amun, which played an important role in rites associated with dynasty continuity.' Advertisement Mr Goddio, who originally rediscovered Heracleion back in 2000, described the new finds on his website as 'precious' and 'moving'. 'They bear witness to the wealth of this sanctuary and the piety of the former inhabitants of the port city,' he said. According to Mr Goddio, Heracleion was founded around the 8th century BC and became the obligatory port of entry to Egypt for all ships coming from the Greek world. However, Heracleion underwent 'diverse natural catastrophes' likely earthquakes and tsunamis before it sunk entirely into the depths of the Mediterranean, likely in the 8th century AD. The remains of the port city are now located under the sea, around four miles (7 km) from the present coast of Egypt. The recent excavation, conducted in July this year, covered the lost city's south canal, where there's the remains of a great temple dedicated to the Amun, Egyptian god of the air. Huge blocks of stone from the temple collapsed during a 'cataclysmic event' dated to the mid-second century BC, Goddio said about 1,000 years before the entire city was lost. Among the findings at the temple's location were silver ritual instruments, gold jewellery and fragile alabaster containers, likely for perfumes. Two ritual dishes intended for 'libations for the gods' were made from silver, considered extremely precious in ancient Egypt. A beautiful Djed, meanwhile, was made of the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, long prized for its intense blue colour. 'It is extremely moving to discover such delicate objects, which survived intact despite the violence and magnitude of the cataclysm,' Mr Goddio said. Below the area of the temple, they also found underground structures supported by well-preserved wooden posts and beams, dating from the 5th century BC. The city of Heracleion was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean area. Before Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331, Heracleion was the largest port city in Egypt Two silver ritual dishes for libations for the gods from the temple treasure. Silver was considered extremely precious in ancient Egypt. An alabaster container for unguents and perfumes was found amongst them After excavation, an archaeological diver gazes at the huge blocks of the Amun temple, which fell in the mid-second century BC in the south canal of Heracleion. They were discovered under around 10 feet (3 metres) of hard clay Unravelling the mystery of Atlantis - READ MORE The story about the world of Atlantis was first told 2,300 years ago by the Greek philosopher Plato Advertisement East of the Amun temple they also discovered a Greek sanctuary devoted to Aphrodite, ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. The sanctuary yielded imported bronze and ceramic objects, including an usual object shaped like a duck, which was surrounded by ceramic pots and shields. The delicate pourer, though to date from the 4th century BC, could have been used for pouring wine, potentially suggesting some form of Greek trade. 'This illustrates that Greeks who were allowed to trade and settle in the city during the time of the Pharaohs of the Saite dynasty (664 - 525 BC) had their sanctuaries to their own gods,' Mr Goddio added. 'The presence of Greek mercenaries is also seen by numerous finds of Greek weapons.' Although the French explorer found Heracleion more than 20 years ago, new geophysical prospecting technologies has made it possible to detect cavities and objects buried under layers of clay several metres thick, allowing them to detect more objects. A delicate bronze duck-shaped pourer is discovered amongst ceramics of the 4th century BC on the site of a newly discovered Greek sanctuary to Aphrodite in ThonisHeracleion. Under the floor level of the Amun temple, very well-preserved under-ground wooden structures were discovered. 5th century BC Previous findings from Heracleion have already been displayed at the British Museum in London, such as statues of pharoahs and deities. While there's little doubt that Heracleion existed, the same can't be said about Atlantis, to which it is compared. The alleged ancient city is said to have been destroyed and submerged under the Atlantic Ocean, but it's generally believed to have been made up by Greek philosopher Plato. Earlier this year, another research team revealed they'd found Germany's equivalent of Atlantis the town of Rungholt, which was sunk by a storm in 1362. A metal detectorist has uncovered Britain's oldest hoard of gold coins dating back 2,173 years. Stephen Eldridge found the 12 Iron Age pieces while searching farmland in Buckinghamshire. Experts at the British Museum identified them as originating from a tribe in what is now Picardy in France and made in 150BC. It is thought that the coins would have been exported to Britain probably in exchange for Celtic mercenaries going to Gaul in western Europe to fight the Romans. While individual gold coins of this period have been found before, a hoard from this date is incredibly rare. A metal detectorist has uncovered Britain's oldest hoard of gold coins dating back 2,173 years Stephen Eldridge found the 12 Iron Age pieces while searching farmland in Buckinghamshire The coins are now expected to sell for 30,000 when they go under the hammer at London auctioneers Spink & Son. Mr Eldridge, 68, found the coins in the village of Ashley Green, Buckinghamshire, in November 2019. In 150BC, the area was inhabited by the Catuvellauni tribe, which rose to become the most powerful tribe in Britain over the next century. After going through the treasure process Mr Eldridge has now put the coins up for auction with London-based coin specialists Spink. Scientific x-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed the coins to be approximately 75 per cent gold with an alloy of silver and copper, pointing to the economy in which Britain's first gold coins circulated. Gregory Edmund, of Spink & Son, said: 'Whilst individual gold coins of this period have been recorded across south east England, it is incredibly rare for a trove of this size or date to be uncovered. 'Contemporary local coinage was simply cast base metal issues called 'potins'. Whoever successfully imported this trove of gold coins would have undoubtedly wielded influence in the region. Experts at the British Museum identified them as originating from a tribe in what is now Picardy in France and made in 150BC The coins are now expected to sell for 30,000 when they go under the hammer at London auctioneers Spink & Son 'They would have been exported, probably in exchange for mercenaries, equipment and hunting dogs to fight the Romans or other tribes in Belgium. 'Twenty or thirty years after they were deposited we started to get the first British coins in the same style. 'These coins were in the wealthiest part of the English kingdom. 'A hoard of this size and period is unprecedented in the archaeological record. 'There was one other hoard from this period of three coins found. 'These coins have been well used, it is very clear they are not fresh when they are put in the ground, but still retain remarkable details of a seldom-seen Iron Age art form. After going through the treasure process Mr Eldridge has now put the coins up for auction with London-based coin specialists Spink Scientific x-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed the coins to be approximately 75 per cent gold with an alloy of silver and copper, pointing to the economy in which Britain's first gold coins circulated 'It is often speculated that the portraiture of this coinage was deliberately androgynous despite being modelled on the classical male god Apollo. 'The feminine styling is probably a reflection of the political significance of women in Iron Age society, that enabled such historical figures as Cartimandua and Boudicca to rise to prominence and our now national folklore. 'It is incredibly satisfying to assist in the proper recording, academic analysis and now sale of these prestigious prehistoric relics.' The British Museum elected to disclaim the coins after coroner's inquest, meaning they pass back to the finder. Mr Eldridge will share the proceeds with the landowner. The coins will be sold at Spink on Thursday. Despite fears that AI is not fully understood, the CIA's AI boss Randy Nixon said it could grow with 'no limitations other than how much things cost' The push comes as experts fear China has taken a command over the technology on the global stage The CIA is set to launch its own ChatGPT-style AI tool to help sift through mountains of data for clues in ongoing investigations. Intended to mirror the famed OpenAI tech, the Central Intelligence Agency's latest initiative will use artificial intelligence to help analysts better access open-source intelligence, agency officials said. The CIA's Open Source Enterprise division developed the tech, which is also intended to be rolled out across the US government's 18 intelligence agencies in an effort to rival China's growing intelligence capabilities. 'Weve gone from newspapers and radio, to newspapers and television, to newspapers and cable television, to basic internet, to big data, and it just keeps going,' said Randy Nixon, director of the CIA's AI division. Nixon noted that analyzing the level of data across the web is a significant challenge that the AI program would help handle, adding: 'We have to find the needles in the needle field.' The CIA's Open Source Enterprise division has developed a ChatGPT-like AI program, which will be rolled out across the US government's 18 intelligence agencies The push to add artificial intelligence to the US military and intelligence apparatus comes amid mounting pressure to compete with China's advancing potency on the world stage. In particular, China is feared to be stretching well ahead in the race to command artificial intelligence and is seeking to become the global leader by 2030, according to Bloomberg. In an ominous glimpse into the nation's use of the programs, in 2021 China developed a 'prosecutor' that could identify and press charges with a reported 97 percent accuracy. In contrast, America's law enforcement sphere has also come under fire for struggling to utilize the power of AI in investigations, but Nixon said the new program will aid in condensing the unprecedented levels of information floating through the web. Among the CIA's new capabilities under the AI tool will be the capacity to see the original source of any information that they are viewing. Nixon added that, like ChatGPT, the program will see agents use a chat feature to receive information as succinctly as possible. 'Then you can take it to the next level and start chatting and asking questions of the machines to give you answers, also sourced,' he continued. 'Our collection can just continue to grow and grow with no limitations other than how much things cost.' Nixon was drafted in as the CIA's new Open Source Enterprise director in January, where he was expected to 'speed up the agency's development in open source intelligence just as the field is causing increasing concern and sparking rivalry in Washington', according to Intelligence Online. Randy Nixon, the head of the CIA's Open Source Enterprise division, praised the agency's new tech has as he claimed it could have 'no limitations other than how much things cost' China's embrace of artificial intelligence has worried some that America could be left behind, with the nation even introducing an AI news anchor earlier this year. To make up its ever-growing AI operation, his division will reportedly draw in information from publicly and commercially available sources. However, the push to implement AI into intelligence gathering comes at a time when experts are still unsure of the technology's red flags, including the potential for the CIA's information to be accessed in the open internet. While it won't be made available for Washington lawmakers, Nixon said the program will be rolled out across all 18 of the US government's intelligence agencies, including the FBI, the NSA, and all military branches. In August, the Defense Department launched a task force to explore using the tech, including a view to better understanding its downsides. Months before in May, the director of the NSA, Gilbert Herrera, told Bloomberg that the intelligence community was still trying to 'find a way to take benefit of these large models without violating privacy.' In the announcement of the new AI initiative, the CIA reportedly did not detail how it would protect the information it gathers from the seemingly vulnerable technology, nor which model it would use. Nevertheless, Nixon stressed the need to keep up with the unrelenting amount of data streaming throughout the internet. 'The scale of how much we collect and what we collect on has grown astronomically over the last 80-plus years,' he said. 'So much so that this could be daunting and at times unusable for our consumers.' He added that the Ai tool would help analysts work like never before, because 'where the machines are pushing you the right information, one where the machine can auto-summarize, group things together.' 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. Packed with organically sourced ingredients found in the Nordic countryside, Finlands favorite skincare brand Lumene has been impressing shoppers with how it can make wrinkles and lines disappear without any harsh side effects. The much-loved beauty brands Nordic Hydra range which includes the Purity Dew Drops Hydrating Eye Gel are more hydrating than other skincare lines thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like organic Nordic birch sap. Lumene Nordic Hydra Purity Dew Drops Hydrating Eye Gel Lumene Nordic Hydra Purity Dew Drops Hydrating Eye Gel intensely hydrates and refreshes the skin around the eyes through a luxury blend of organic ingredients found in the Nordic countryside. It's a lot more affordable than other eye creams, serums and gels but shoppers say it outperforms them on hydration and line reduction without irritation. Shop It outperforms most other eye creams when it comes to de-puffing and fading fine lines, but Lumenes Purity Dew Drops Eye Gel is one of the least expensive eye products weve ever seen at less than $22. All ingredients used in the formula are ultra-high quality with pure Arctic spring water and plumping hyaluronic acid contributing to the refreshing, revitalizing and confidence-boosting anti-aging effects. Hyaluronic acid and nordic birch sap double up in Lumene's Nordic Hydra Purity Dew Drops Eye Gel to hydrate the eye area to reduce lines at the same time as helping skin to renew and rejeuvenate The aforementioned Nordic birch sap rejuvenates skin, providing it with energy to renew itself. It also protects skin from oxidative stresses so that it doesnt suffer any side effects caused by everyday pollution and UV rays. Shoppers are amazed by how long the hydrating effects last compared to some eye gels or masks that deliver an instantly plump look, only to wear off a few hours later. When the Purity Dew Drops Eye Gel is applied in the morning, it will last until you close your peepers for a good nights sleep. Rating it better than any other eye cream on the market, one shopper praised: I absolutely love this product. I definitely saw a difference in the delicate skin around my eyes. Ive used a lot of different creams over the past ten years (Olay, Clinique, Shiseido just to name a few) but this is my ultimate favorite. Would recommend for all of my friends and family. Another added: I have bags under my eyes and use all different kinds of products. I was surprised this one worked as well as it did. It didn't irritate the area like some other products I've used. It did decrease the puffiness and make my eye area look younger. The Purity Dew Drops Eye Gel is part of Lumene Finland's Hydra range that also includes a gel mask, cleansing water, a hydrating serum and an intense moisturizer Lumenes eco-friendly credentials are strong, too, as the brand focuses on preserving the planet for future generations to enjoy its skincare-boosting goodness. Theres a big emphasis on wild crafting - meaning harvesting uncultivated plants from their natural or wild habitat, or wherever they may be found, typically by handpicking. Top quality natural ingredients means less irritation for skin and a formula so effective that shoppers need less concealer to cover up dark circles. I've used less color correcting since using this gel. My eyes are so much more hydrated resulting less fine lines under my eyes, another five star reviewer explained. Head to the Lumene website now if you want to experience the power of Nordic skincare for yourself. You should notice a real difference each time you catch sight of your face in the mirror during the day. We often hear about somewhere being a best-kept secret. Here is the real thing a secret so closely guarded that the outside world had no idea of its existence for half a century. It all adds to the sense of discovery and astonishment which greets visitors to one of Britains most exciting tourist attractions Bletchley Park. That is not just the opinion of a history-lover like me, but also of my three school-age children. They adored this place so much during their first visit in 2019 that, post-lockdown, they made me promise to take them back again which I have just done. Bletchley, a country house near Milton Keynes, was where some of the finest brains in the land (male and female) plus teams of bright young women from across the Forces, spent the war cracking supposedly impregnable enemy codes. Their brilliance led on to much of the thinking behind modern computers. No wonder Downing Street has chosen this place as the location for the global AI summit in November. What Bletchley Park does so well is to explain to us mere mortals who are not blessed with monster IQs just how all those unsung heroes did what they did, and saved countless lives in the process. Robert Hardman takes his children to Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, which was once home to the secret codebreakers of WWII Robert says that 'part of Bletchleys charm is the atmosphere'. Above is one of the exhibits The country house feels like a cross between a Poirot houseparty, an Army camp and a boarding school. There is no grand entrance but a single-storey brick building Block C where you get an introduction through videos and an easily digestible exhibition. These explain the basics: Coded enemy messages were intercepted through listening posts and sent to Bletchley. The Germans would change codes daily, but if one message could be cracked, then a days communications could be decrypted. You then pick up a headset and walk through the grounds, following a route which tells of Bletchleys unfolding story. Unsung heroes: Above are some of the 'finest brains in the land' working on the codebreaking operation during WWII 'The country house feels like a cross between a Poirot houseparty, an Army camp and a boarding school,' writes Robert Above is Robert in one of the huts, which were built when the main building ran out of space We learn how, in the early days of the war, German messages were encoded through a machine looking like a typewriter, called Enigma. But the codebreakers, including the great Alan Turing, knew that there would be certain key words, such as weather report, which would be in the messages every day meaning they could look out for a pattern of letters and work backwards. Part of Bletchleys charm is the atmosphere. The old mansion still has its library, wood panelling and dining room, which serves afternoon tea. In the grounds, you can wander between huts (built when the main building ran out of space) and learn about the code-breaking tricks or the gloriously amateurish contraptions for transferring top secret messages between the huts. Theres also a cafe in Hut 4 and a gift shop full of more than the usual tat. Come December, there will be a Christmas programme (with a Santas grotto) and much planned for 2024s 80th anniversary of D-Day. On the way home, I asked my daughter who has never had an interest in computers why she found it so enthralling. Its a place where women were just as important as men, she said. Plus I loved the puzzles. Some hotels are just a place to lay your head while travelling, but others go above and beyond. People have taken to social media to share the most creative things they have seen in hotels around the world and Bored Panda collated the best into a gallery. They include one fancy hotel that had a room service menu just for your pet with an array of delicious meals. While another hotel, in Sweden, offers a late check out at 6pm and extended breakfast until 12pm at weekends so their guests can leave feeling rested. Not such a romantic break! One UK hotel set up this cheeky feature for anyone finding a holiday with their partner testing Were you staying the Overlook Hotel? This bathroom inspired by The Shining might be a bit much if you have a nervous disposition Green fingered guests can take a plant to their room for company at this hotel in Poland Elsewhere a hotel in Odessa, Ukraine, changed the elevator carpets each day to tell guests which day of the week it was. Another clever idea, in Switzerland, saw a hotel put plug socks from different parts of the world in the room to cater for everyone. Here FEMAIL takes a look at some of the most creative hotel ideas from around the world... Another clever idea, in Switzerland, saw a hotel put plug sockets from different parts of the world in the room to cater for everyone Suds a good idea! A New York hotel asked guests to take home the bar of soap because 'slightly used bars are discarded daily' Thr Royal Lancaster Hotel in London keeps beehives on the roof so they can offer guests fresh honey Another hotel offered guests a black face cloth to remove their makeup so the white ones don't get stained Bone Appetit! Even your furry friend can enjoy room service at this pet-friendly hotel Elsewhere a hotel in Odessa, Ukraine, changed the elevator carpets each day to tell guests which day of the week it was This hilarious kids menu was spotted in another hotel, which a lot of parents will probably relate to A hotel, in Wuxi, China, gives guests a card to give to their taxi driver so they can find their way home The Montcalm hotel in Marble Arch, London became the first hotel in Europe to launch Handy - a free smartphone service for guests to use during their stay While another hotel, in Sweden , offered a late check out at 6pm and extended breakfast until 12pm at weekend so their guests can feel rested The Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi, India, created a funny 'weather station' with just a coconut Advertisement Fascinating colourised images have been released of Concorde's birth to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the supersonic aircraft's first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic, from Washington DC to Paris in a record-breaking time of three hours and 33 minutes on the 26th of September, 1973. Images released by Topfoto show men hard at work on the plane, flight attendants lined up in front of the famous aircraft and you even meet the two pilots who test-flew the prototype, Mr Andre Turcat and Brian Trubshaw. Concorde's first flight took place on the 2nd of March, 1969, with the 001 prototype taking off from Toulouse in France. When the French test pilot landed Concorde for the first time, he simply said: 'The big bird flies' The British-made 002 prototype flew from Bristol's Filton Airfield in the UK a few weeks later. Both models were displayed at the Paris Air Show in June of the same year. During the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic on the 26th of September, 1973, the supersonic passenger aircraft flew at an average speed of 954mph to Paris-Orly Airport. This flight brought to an end a publicity tour of North and South America designed to convince reluctant airline companies to buy the aircraft. The visit also coincided with the opening of Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas, on the 22nd of September, 1973, where Concorde touched down on American soil for the first time. Jointly designed and built by the French and British governments, with hundreds of private companies involved as subcontractors and suppliers, the planes were bought and run by British Airways and Air France. Commercial flights to Bahrain started in 1976, but regular flights to New York did not start until 1977. In Britain, the development of Concorde was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of Aviation, with links to many other government departments, each of which had a Concorde Division working under a Directing Committee. Consequently, the National Archives holds thousands of files concerning Concorde from many different departments across central government, such as the Foreign Office, the Board of Trade, the Department of Industry, the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority. This image of a mock-up Concorde was taken in August 1963 at the UK factory site for the supersonic aircraft in Filton, just north of Bristol A close-up of two of the four Rolls-Royce Olympus 593 turbojet engines that powered Concorde. This image was taken during the aircraft's public debut in Toulouse on the 11th of December, 1967 Concorde 001 on the tarmac at Toulouse on the 11th of December, 1967 Aviation journalists sit in a plywood version of the Concorde flight Hostesses from 15 of the 16 airlines that originally ordered Concorde lined up in front of a full-scale model of the airliner at the Paris Air and Space Show at Le Bourget Airport in 1967. Left to right - Japan Airlines; Braniff; United Airlines; American Airlines; Trans World Airlines; Lufthansa Airlines; Pan-American Airlines; Eastern Airlines; Continental Airlines; Air France; MEA Air Libyan; Air Canada; British overseas Airway Corp, and Qantas The two prototype test pilots at Toulouse - Mr Andre Turcat (left) and Brian Trubshaw Concorde takes shape: A part of the cabin and a section of wing being worked on in Toulouse The prototype is pictured here on its public debut in Toulouse. Concordes fastest-ever transatlantic crossing was on the 7th of February, 1996, when it completed the JFK to London Heathrow sector in just two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds Fast fact - there are more US astronauts than Concorde pilots. Pictured above is the Concorde 001 prototype, unveiled for the first time The tape is cut: Mr Wedgewood Benn, Minister of Technology, is seen with Jean Chamant, the French Minister of Transport, at Concorde's unveiling in 1967 This image of Concorde taking shape was taken on the 3rd of January, 1967, at the aviation factory in Toulouse The Toulouse Concorde assembly line, pictured on the 4th of March, 1967. Prototype 001 here has been elevated to just over 19ft from 11ft to allow installation of the nose wheel and other undercarriage sections Due to supersonic heating of the airframe at Mach 2, Concordes airframe stretched by 6-10 inches on every flight Travel brand Expedia has analysed billions of booking data points so you dont have to. The upshot? The 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, which contains some handy money-and-stress-saving hacks for Britons for future holidays, from the best day to book flights to how far in advance you should purchase tickets for the biggest savings. Read on for more WHEN TO BOOK If you book your airfare on a Sunday you can save up to 23 per cent, according to the report. Travellers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 21 per cent on domestic flights and 24 per cent on international flights, the study says. If you book your airfare on a Sunday you can save up to 23 per cent, according to a report by Expedia For domestic flights, the findings suggest you can save up to 35 per cent if you book at least five months ahead. 'Travellers that booked 162 to 180 days prior to departure saved 34 per cent on average compared to those who waited until the last minute,' Expedia said. 'Meanwhile, for international airfares, the ideal booking period is eight to 23 days prior to departure and the worst booking period is 36 to 63 days prior to departure.' Expedia notes that you can save eight per cent by booking in the former period rather than the latter period. WHEN TO TRAVEL Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of UK air passengers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress, according to the Expedia study Departing on a Friday can save you up to 26 per cent while Sunday is the priciest day on average to start your trip. So says the study, which suggests taking off before 3pm to reduce the chance of your flight being cancelled. Almost a fifth (19 per cent) of UK air passengers try to avoid morning flights because getting up early on the day of travel gives them additional stress, according to the findings. However, flights that depart after 3pm have a four per cent higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day, year-to-date flight status data reveals. MONEY-SAVING TOOLS Expedia offers 'a wide selection of customisable holiday packages in one place', allowing travellers 'to save hundreds of pounds on average when booking multiple items' Price tracking: Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the price-tracking feature on the Expedia app, which notifies travellers when flight prices change and uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book. Bundling: Expedia offers 'a wide selection of customisable holiday packages in one place', allowing travellers 'to save hundreds of pounds on average when booking multiple items', from flights to hotels. Whether booking items in stages or in one fell swoop, says Expedia, you can also benefit from having your itinerary in one place, making it easier to keep track of your journey. 2024 AIR TRAVEL TRENDS Among the most popular international destinations for UK flyers are New York City, Dubai, and Bangkok, according to Expedia data The average price of a plane ticket has dropped by up to three per cent compared to last year, according to Expedia data, with the number of scheduled short and long-haul flights almost at 2019 levels. Among the most popular international destinations for UK flyers are New York City, Dubai, and Bangkok. While the most frequented European destinations are Amsterdam, Barcelona and Istanbul. The fastest-growing destination, according to Expedia flight demand data, is Beijing in China. Gemma Collins has shared her hopes to front British Vogue as she revealed the magazines former editor Edward Enninful is a fan of hers. After ditching her loud and proud style for 'a look thats more Victoria Beckham the TV personality, 42, discussed toning down her outfits in an exclusive interview with MailOnline. Joking she is getting on a bit, she underwent a transformation with TK Maxx and admitted people might not recognise The GC now shes looking more VB. Elsewhere, Gemma, who once spent 50k a day in Gucci, explained how she now 'loves a high street bargain after her past spending habits left her 'feeling sick. Known for her flamboyant looks with bold, bright colours and plenty of feathers, Gemma gave denim and camel tones a try as she adopted the quiet luxury trend in a new photoshoot with the retailer. Transformation: Gemma Collins, 42, has shared her hopes to front British Vogue as she revealed the magazines former editor Edward Enninful is a fan of her's The former TOWIE star also revealed her dreams of covering Vogue, she said: 'I heard Edward Enninful is a fan of mine!' I was hoping that he might put me on the cover of Vogue after Maya Jama did her's. Unfortunately, British Vogues editor-in-chief announced he was leaving his role, amid rumours of a transatlantic power struggle with Anna Wintour. He has since been replaced by Chioma Nnadi. I don't know if I'll ever make it to the cover now! Gemma exclaimed, I was pinning all my hopes on Edward Enninful being a fan! Speaking of her style overhaul, she added: 'I like to be loud and proud but since finding the quiet luxury trend I'm going to whack on those Autumnal tones. I am getting on a bit now, I am 42 and there's a time and a place for everything.' Citing Posh Spice as her inspiration, Gemma said: 'Victoria Beckham nails it every time and I just thought that maybe I should start strutting through Knightsbridge looking a bit more VB. I don't think people will recognise me! They'll be like, "is that The GC in a camel coat?!' 'These camel and beige tones are exquisite for the winter, so you are going to be seeing a lot more of that from me.' Toned down: After ditching her loud and proud style for 'a look thats more Victoria Beckham the TV personality discussed toning down her outfits in an exclusive interview with MailOnline Chic: As she joked she is getting on a bit, she underwent a transformation with TK Maxx and admitted people might not recognise The GC now shes looking more VB' Admiration: The former TOWIE star also revealed her dreams of covering Vogue, she said: 'I heard Edward Enninful is a fan of mine!' (Edward Enninful and Anna Wintour pictured) Bargain hunter: Gemma also admitted that she now feels sick at the thought of how much she used to spend, saying people should be buying houses not handbags' 'For the winter I am going all in. I've been pulled out of my comfort zone. I wore a denim skirt! I look stylish, hun. As she partners with TK Maxx for the Theres No Deal Like a TK Deal campaign, Gemma also admitted that she now feels sick at the thought of how much she used to spend, saying people should be buying houses not handbags. 'I feel really sick about how I used to spend money actually. Everyone maybe needs to get it out their system at some point. But I do feel sick about how much money I used to spend in the designer stores. If you want a Chanel handbag, that is an investment, but people need to be buying properties and not handbags that's for sure. 'Now I go down TK Maxx and I can get a full outfit and everything for the same price as a bag.' The Great British Bake Off will kick off its 14th series tomorrow, set to delight fans and baking fanatics across the nation once more. Tomorrow's episode will air at 7pm, and, as per the trend set by previous series, episodes are expected to then air at 8pm every Tuesday on Channel 4. The contestants for the new series of The Great British Bake Off have been announced, with the shows first ever deaf baker featuring on the line-up, as well as a scientist, an accountant and a retired flight attendant introduced. With Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith reprising their roles as judges, the new series will mark the arrival of vivacious new co-host Alison Hammond, alongside fellow host Noel Fielding. Making its fourteenth appearance is the iconic white pitched tent - but where will it be located and can the site be visited by the public? Where was The Great British Bake Off previously filmed? Legendary: Making its fourteenth appearance is the iconic white pitched tent - but where will it be located and can the site be visited by the public? Series One of Bake Off saw the show's contestants travel around the country to various locations, filming cakes in the Cotswolds and biscuits in Scotland. However, this was quickly scrapped when it returned for season two, where it was based at Valentines Mansion in Redbridge, near London. Speaking to the Full Disclosure podcast in 2021, Sue Perkins told how the show is seen as the huge success it is now, but the beginning stages were quite different. She said: 'Bake Off can only be seen now through the prism of huge success. 'But we were there at its inception, when Barry's burger vans were the in-house catering, when we were in a youth hostel at 25 a night - and Mary Berry got bed bugs. 'We were a travelling show and the team had to put the tent up. But it evolved hugely from the intense documentary about foodstuffs into the beloved programme it is now.' Harptree Court in Somerset then became the shows home for seasons three and four, until they set up at Welford Park in Berkshire, where it remained until the pandemic. According to The Mirror, the Channel 4 programme consequently moved on from Down Hall Hotel in Essex, following the need to no longer record in a Covid 'bubble.' Dream team: With Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith reprising their roles as judges, the new series will mark the arrival of vivacious new co-host Alison Hammond, alongside host Noel Fielding (Pictured, from left: Hollywood, Hammond, Leith and Fielding) The hotel and spa has been used to film the series since 2020, in which contestants and producers stayed on-site for six weeks to prevent outbreaks - with the show previously shot at Welford Park in Berkshire. A source explained to the publication: We won't be filming in a bubble this year, but protocols will be in place to keep everyone safe. 'All the team, particularly Prue [Leith], found it really tough not being able to go home each week. 'They are delighted that this year it will go back to the way it was, when they filmed at weekends and could leave during the week. The show has since moved on from the luxurious 98 bedroom historic property, with the rooms being available to book over the summer. Last year, The Great British Bake Off 'relocated' its iconic bunting-draped marquee to Welford Park in ahead of the 2022 summer series. Where is the location for the 2023 series of The Great British Bake Off? Prestigious: The fourteenth series of The Great British Bake Off will take place at Welford Park in Berkshire, which was used centuries ago as a hunting lodge by Henry VIII The fourteenth series of The Great British Bake Off will take place at Welford Park in Berkshire once more. According to Country and Townhouse, the white marquee will be pitched up alongside the Grade-I Listed Welford Park House and its scenic round-tower church. Filming typically commences in April, stretching for ten weeks into the height of summer - inevitably when an ice cream related challenge is announced for some classic stuffy tent, melted mess drama. The park originally housed a monastery before Henry VIII called for its dissolution in 1536. He later used Welford Park as his hunting lodge before giving it to a courtier, Sir Thomas Parry, as a gift. According to Metro, another previous owner of the grounds includes Sir Francis Jones, a 17th Century Lord Mayor Of London, while it was also used as a hospital for distressed soldiers during World War I. The park has a current owner, John Puxley, who lives there with his wife and two children, after it has been privately owned by his forefathers since 1618. Scenic: The iconic white marquee will be pitched up alongside the Grade-I Listed Welford Park House and its round-tower church, with filming having taken place from April Inclusivity: The contestants for the new series will see the shows first ever deaf baker featuring on the line-up, as well as a scientist, an accountant and a retired flight attendant Can you visit Welford Park? While you sadly are not able to visit the iconic Bake Off tent - because it is only put up for filming - you can visit the Berkshire estate where the series is filmed, as reported by Country and Townhouse. Welford Park has been privately owned by the same family since 1618, currently owned by John Puxley and his family. Because of private ownership, it is prohibited to stroll onto the property throughout most of the year, however, the house puts on a series of events every year, Every winter, the gates open to welcome visitors inside to see the spectacular snowdrops (in 2023, this took place from February 1-March 5 - so there may be similar dates lined up for 2024). Other events at the park include musical and theatre performances, which visitors enjoyed last August. The Festival of Light took place in 2023 - a light trail guiding visitors around the grounds Thursday to Sunday from October 20-November 12. Michael Palin has reflected on the tragic loss of his wife and revealed that despite his grief he is still positive about the future, stating: 'there's still so much to do and so many people to meet'. The actor, 80, sadly lost his partner Helen in May following a brave battle with chronic pain and kidney failure, just weeks after their 57th wedding anniversary. Now in a new interview with Radio Times, Michael has said he still has the drive to 'do the things I love' and still feels able to 'get up and go out into the world'. He also told how his former Monty Python co-stars has 'touching and sincere' reactions to her death. Monty Python were a British comedy troupe formed in 1969 consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Love: Michael Palin has reflected on the tragic loss of his wife and revealed that despite his grief he is still positive about the future Pals: He also told how his former Monty Python co-stars has 'touching and sincere' reactions to her death (L-R: Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael and Terry Jones) The group came to prominence for the sketch comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus, which aired on the BBC from 1969 to 1974. While admitting they no longer speak much he did say he appreciated them reaching out after the loss. He told the publication: 'No, we don't speak to each other very often. There's no ex-Pythons WhatsApp group or anything. 'But we are in touch, and their reactions to Helen's death, from all of them, were very touching, very immediate and very sincere. I really appreciated that.' On his future optimism despite his ongoing grief he added: 'Well, I still love doing the things I love. 'I still find I'm able to get up and go out into the world. And there's still so much to do, so much to see, so many people to meet. I'm very fortunate.' It comes after earlier this month Michael spoke about the 'great emptiness' left by his beloved wife. Michael revealed Helen died after she decided to give up dialysis following years of being 'so ill and disabled'. Tough: The actor, 80, sadly lost his partner Helen in May following a brave battle with chronic pain and kidney failure, just weeks after their 57th wedding anniversary (pictured together in 2015) Candid: Now in a new interview with Radio Times , Michael has said he still has the drive to 'do the things I love' and still feels able to 'get up and go out into the world' Soulmates: Michael and Helen wed in 1966 when they were in their early 20s after a six-year relationship A grieving Michael said to The Times: 'When someone's gone, someone who has been so much part of your life for the past 60 years, you can't believe they're not there to enjoy a little joke, or an observation, or a b**** about somebody. 'A great sort of emptiness comes in.' He said: 'The last ten days of her life I've never seen her happier in a way. She'd accepted it, we'd accepted it, she was in a wonderful hospice. The children and grandchildren had all come to see her, so her death was a great deliverance for her.' According to the NHS Dialysis is a procedure to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. Michael and Helen were childhood sweethearts. They met when they were 16, married in 1966 and shared children Thomas, 54, William, 52, and Rachel, 48, as well as four grandchildren. Michael said he had a full circle moment when he went to Camden Registry office to register Helen's death. As the actor filled out forms, he witnessed a new father holding a newborn baby close to his chest. Despite his grief, Michael said he thought at the time: 'thats it, a new person - one in, one out.' Michael added: 'We had lots of laughs together, so Im very keen to keep humour as part of her memory. I dont want it to be seen as a dark pit into which I have now fallen.' When announcing the sad news of Helen's death earlier this year, the Monty Python star branded his wife the 'bedrock of my life' and said her death was an 'indescribable loss' for himself and their children. Announcing the news on his blog, Michael shared a selfie of them together and wrote: 'My dearest wife Helen died peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning. 'She had been suffering with chronic pain for several years, which was compounded a few years ago by a diagnosis of kidney failure. 'We first met on a summer holiday on the Suffolk coast when we were both sixteen and we married in our early twenties. Two and a half weeks ago we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary. 'Her death is an indescribable loss for myself, our three children and four grandchildren. 'Helen was the bedrock of my life. Her quietly wise judgment informed all my decisions and her humour and practical good sense was was at the heart of our life together. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this time.' Last September, Michael spoke about Helen's ill-health as he revealed she had been moved into respite care from the home they had shared for 50 years. He explained she had not been responding to medication for her chronic pain, saying they had moved her to help her 'manage' her symptoms. The comedian told the Telegraph at the time: 'I don't think you can cure it, but they will help her manage it. 'It's such a bore. She was so active and still is mentally. But the body is declining. We live life with our fingers crossed.' Love: During their 57-year marriage, the childhood sweethearts had three children together - Thomas, 54, William, 52, and Rachel, 48 (pictured in 1980) Comedy: Michael is best known for being a member of the Monty Python alongside Eric, Terry, Graham and John Michael and Helen met as teenagers when they were both on summer holidays in Southwold, Suffolk, where they were staying in neighbouring cottages with their families. He described Helen as a 'vision of rebellion' when he first met her and admitted their romance quickly blossomed, according to The Telegraph. Michael was living in Sheffield at the time while Helen was in Cambridgeshire, but the pair remained in touch by writing letters and met again the following summer. They were then reunited on Michael's first day at Oxford University, where Helen was visiting her friend for the weekend, with fate bringing them together once again. Recalling the reunion, Michael said: 'You can see fate was actually tightening the screws on us very hard at that time.' In 2015, Michael told The Telegraph what the secret to his happy marriage with Helen was enjoying spending time together. He added: 'What is the really important thing in a relationship, what is the main thing? Sex, or going to the theatre, or having lots of friends, or whatever? 'None of that matters. There's something underneath that works - that you're happy to be with somebody for an awful lot of the time. 'The more time you spend together, the more things you have to share, the less likely it is that you want to throw all that away.' Speaking about his family life to MailOnline in 2012, Michael also shared how he spent his day-to-day life with his wife. He told how he collected stamps, drank sensibly, jogged daily on Hampstead Heath and would sooner have run up and down Oxford Street with his underpants on his head than cheat on Helen. Gushing over his wife, he said: 'I was lucky to find somebody early on when I was in my teens who I got on with really well and still get on with really well. It sort of works better as it goes along. You build up layers of experience.' Speaking about his love for travel, he went on: 'Helen's always been really tolerant of my travels. If she said, "You've got to stay home", she'd just have a frustrated man kicking chairs in the kitchen and looking at atlases. 'So she's always been very happy to let me go. I see no reason to rupture such an extraordinary relationship. I don't like a life that's edgy and uncomfortable. I'm restless in other ways in terms of work.' Interview: Michael chats in the new edition of Radio Times In recent years, Michael has addressed his health and recently spoke about undergoing heart surgery in 2019 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In December 2020, Michael compared the coronavirus lockdown to a 'huge doctor's note' following his operation. He said he accepted having to remain in his home quite happily, particularly after being away while filming his show Travels of a Lifetime. Speaking to Radio Times, he said: 'The great surprise is that I've been extremely content to be in the same place for some time. 'I had heart surgery last September and was told to have rest and recuperation then lockdown came along. I accepted it rather happily, it's been like a huge doctor's note. 'Anyway, coming home has always been the best part of the process. We live near Hampstead Heath in London and near friends.' Michael had previously admitted how his recent heart scare reminded him that his body 'isn't indestructible'. He had an operation to fix a 'leaky mitral valve' after he was advised by doctors to have it repaired. He wrote in his blog: 'My heart scare reminded me that my body isn't indestructible and if I want to keep it that way I must know when to stop working as well as when to start again. 'Over the last year I discovered a rather enjoyable equilibrium, a balance between work and relaxation that for the first time in my life favoured the latter. 'After forty years I've given up running, and taken to long walks instead. Running was a a fierce and competitive fight with myself, justified largely by how good I felt afterwards. Walking is something to enjoy at the time.' The mitral valve is a small flap in the heart that stops blood flowing the wrong way. If damaged, it can affect how blood flows around the body. Together: The couple (pictured in 1989) met when they were just 16 years old and marked their 57th wedding anniversary just weeks before Helen's death Michael had a condition called mitral regurgitation, when the valve doesn't close tightly enough and blood goes the wrong way. This puts a strain on the heart and often causes symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue, according to Harvard Medical School. Michael is best known for being a member of the Monty Python comedy group alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Terry Jones. They rose to fame on the sketch comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus and went on to find success with the Monty Python films - including 1975's Monty Python And The Holy Grail. The Great British Bake Off returned for its 14th series on Tuesday, much to the delight of fans and baking fanatics across the nation. The new series marked the arrival of vivacious new co-host Alison Hammond, alongside comedian Noel Fielding, who has hosted the show since 2017. Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are reprising their roles as judges, with Prue, 83, having replaced original judge Mary Berry in March 2017 after the show moved to Channel 4 from BBC. But Prue Leith's life beyond the baking series is a colourful one. She has accolades in the food industry, is a strong advocate for euthanasia to be legalised, and has a close bond with her son, a controversial Conservative MP with an MBE. Here is everything you need to know about the beloved baking expert. Grand addition: Prue Leith, 83, replaced original judge Mary Berry on The Great British Bake Off in March 2017 after the show moved to Channel 4 from BBC Beyond Bake Off: Prue Leith has accolades in the food industry, is a strong advocate for euthanasia to be legalised, and has a close bond with her son, a controversial Conservative MP Who is Prue Leith? Prudence Margaret Leith was born on 18 February 1940 in Cape Town, South Africa. Her mother, Margaret "Peggy" Inglis, was an actress, while her father, Sam Leith, worked for African Explosives, which produced dynamite for use in mines. As a young woman, according to The Evening Standard, Prue began working as an au pair in France, where she fell in love with cooking. Her passion and curiosity to study the industry brought her to London, where she began learning the tricks of the trade at the coveted Le Cordon Bleu. She went on to open her restaurant, Leith's, in Kensington Park Road, West London in 1969. The establishment was a success, and Leith earned a Michelin star before going on to open Leith's School of Food and Wine in 1975, and, later, opening up Prue Leith's Chef's Academy in South Africa in 1997. Alongside running her businesses, Leith became a successful food columnist for The Daily Mail, The Sunday Express, The Guardian and The Daily Mirror. She also released twelve cookery books, as well as writing seven novels, including; Sisters, A Serving of Scandal and The Prodigal Daughter. Prue was given a damehood in May 2021 for services to food, broadcasting and charity. Humble start: Prudence Leith (pictured in 1971) was born on 18 February 1940 in Cape Town, South Africa, and, when she went on to work as an au pair in France, fell in love with cooking Sharpening her skills: Prue began learning the tricks of the trade at the coveted Le Cordon Bleu - going on to open her own restaurant, Leith's, in West London in 1969 DBE: Prue (pictured, with son Danny Kruger) was given a damehood in May 2021 for services to food, broadcasting and charity Who is Prue Leith married to? Prue married South African novelist Rayne Kruger in 1974, with the pair going on to have a son called Daniel, before adopting another child, Li-Da, from war-torn Cambodia. Kruger was 20 years' Prue's senior, with the Great British Bake Off star admitting earlier this year in her autobiography Relish that their long marriage started out as a 13-year affair. Prue worked with Rayne while he was married to the late South African actress Nan Munro - Prue's mother's best friend. 'I never asked him to leave his wife because I was very happy,' she explained of their affair to Kate Thornton on the White Wine Question Time podcast. 'I had none of the duties of life and all of the pleasures of somebody who loved me. I wasn't pressing for marriage. We did have 13 secret years and nobody ever guessed because we were discreet.' Eventually Rayne left his wife, who was 17 years his senior, to start a life and a family with Prue. Kruger passed away in 2002, with Prue moving on years later to have a relationship with pianist Ernest Hall, before splitting in 2010. In 2011, she met fashion designer John Playfair, and has said that she feels 'lucky' to have fallen in love again. She tied the knot with John in 2016 after five years together, and the star said that she's never been happier since becoming a wife again, despite the couple previously vowing they were happy remaining just partners. Awkward affair: Prue's first husband Rayne Kruger (pictured) was 20 years' her senior, with the Bake Off star admitting earlier this year that their long marriage started out as a 13-year affair Doting daughter: After marrying Rayne Kruger in 1974, the pair went on to have a son called Daniel, before adopting another child, Li-Da, from war-torn Cambodia (pictured) Lucky in love: Prue met fashion designer John Playfair (pictured) in 2011, and has said she feels 'lucky' to have fallen in love again, tying the knot with John in 2016 after five years together Who is Prue Leith's son Danny Kruger? Daniel Kruger, 48, was born on 23 October 1974, in Westminster, London, and has been a Tory MP for Devizes in Wiltshire since 2019. Danny worked in journalism before embarking on a career in politics, where he became a political secretary to the former prime minister, Boris Johnson. According to The Evening Standard, Kruger also worked at a centre-right thinktank, as well as securing a job as former prime minister David Cameron's speech writer. Kruger founded Only Connect, a project that focuses on stopping criminals from re-offending while they're in prison, with his wife Emma, who he shares three children with. The Tory MP has consistently voted against measures to prevent climate change, voted for a stricter asylum system, and voted against more EU integration. Danny was criticised last June for his comments on womens bodily autonomy, following the overturning of Roe v Wade. He had said: 'They think that women have an absolute right to bodily autonomy in this matter, whereas I think in the case of abortion that right is qualified by the fact that another body is involved.' In June 2021, Kruger was fined 717 after his puppy caused a stampede when he chased a 200-strong herd of deer in London's Richmond Park. Danny admitted losing control of his 11-month-old Jack Russell, Pebble, during a walk with his family on March 20. In 20202021, it was reported that he submitted the highest energy bill claim of any Westminster MP, at 3,598 for the year. Established: Daniel Kruger, 48, has been a Tory MP since 2019, a political secretary to former prime minister Boris Johnson, and a speech writer for former prime minister David Cameron Advocacy for assisted dying The chef, writer and beloved Bake Off judge wants to see assisted dying legalised in the UK. Prue is a patron of campaign group Dignity In Dying and, since surpassing her ninth decade, it's become a pressing personal issue. Her son Danny, however, chairs Dying Well, the all party parliamentary group campaigning against it. Both appeared in a documentary on Channel 4 earlier this year in February, named Prue and Danny's Death Road Trip. It posed an opportunity for mother and son to explore and discuss their different stances regarding euthanasia, as they travelled through the USA and Canada, where assisted dying has become legal. 'It's my life. If I want to die, that's my right and I don't see why you should stop me,' Prue tells him in one scene. 'The law drives desperately ill people one of three ways. They can grin and bear it. They can commit suicide which is very lonely. 'Or they can go to Dignitas [the Swiss assisted dying clinic] and who, frankly, wants to travel to an industrial estate outside Zurich to die in a soulless room? 'Switzerland, suicide, or suffering? I think that's a lousy choice. I would rather die like most dogs die, with a lethal injection. Out in seconds, instead of suffering for months or years in agony.' Danny is equally blunt, telling his mother: 'Assisted dying it's not healthcare, it's an execution. 'You can dress it up by talking about doctors and syringes, but it is a deliberate decision to end a life. It's a very, very sinister scenario in which there is a cadre of state employees who decide who should live and who should die.' Prue has been in the vanguard of this shift to help the terminally ill avoid suffering since watching her older brother David dying in agony from bone cancer ten years ago. Prue And Danny's Death Road Trip is available to stream on My4. Advocacy: Prue wants to see assisted dying legalised in the UK, and is a patron of campaign group Dignity In Dying - since becoming 83, it has become a pressing personal issue Sex And The City star Kristin Davis has opened up about how she has finally reached a place of body acceptance and the age of 58. The actress, best known for playing Charlotte in the iconic series, discussed how her attitude towards her body and exercise has developed with age and she now loves the skin she's in. Talking to Woman magazine she said: 'Finally I have come to accept and love my body shape - so rather than worrying about not being stick thin - I just do things I enjoy like yoga and Pilates.' Kristin also discussed her part in the discussion surrounding the ageism that exists in Hollywood after she weighed in on the topic. The star revealed that it was important for her to speak out but that she doesn't believe the issue relates specifically to Hollywood, and instead effects women everywhere. Finally, I have come to accept and love my body shape: Sex And The City star Kristin Davis, 58, has opened up about her journey to body acceptance Confident: The actress, best known for playing Charlotte in the iconic series, discussed how her attitude towards her body and exercise has developed with age and she now loves the skin she's in (pictured in recent scenes from And Just Like That) 'Women particularly live in a really ageist society and its important we only get procedures done if we want to, and not because we feel pressure,' explained Kristin. The actress told in an interview with Haute Living back in June that when she started out her career it was 'literally a place of stick-skinny women with blond hair and blue eyes'. Playing Charlotte in Sex and the City heightened her negative self image and she experienced a lot of body shaming. She remembered reading comments like ' Kristins hips are bigger than her shoulders," and Im like, "But theyre not! And then Im like, well, who cares? What if they are?" But I mean, its just ongoing.' Giving her advice to women in their 40s and 50s now she said: 'Its OK that you dont look 30 any more youre not supposed to!' The And Just Like that star also opened up about motherhood and how she felt waiting until she was in her mid 40s to have a child was the right decision. Kristin revealed that before that point she wasn't in the right place to start a family and doesn't regret waiting. The star adopted both her children, Gemma whom she adopted in 2011 and Wilson, whom she adopted in 2018. Low self-esteem: Kristin admitted that playing Charlotte in Sex and the City heightened her negative self image and she experienced a lot of body shaming (pictured with co-star Sarah Jessica Parker) Preach it: Giving her advice to women in their 40s and 50s she said: 'Its OK that you dont look 30 any more youre not supposed to!' Throwback: Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and The City back in 2000 The mother-of-two admitted it was hard being away from her kids during the week filming And Just Like That, however Charlotte had been part of her life for almost 25 years so she had to do it. She said while she would have said no to any other job that meant she had to make the sacrifice of being away from her kids, but she made an exception for this show. Throughout filming she flew back and forth between New York and California every weekend to be back with her children. Earlier this year, Kristin revealed that marriage was never something that interested her. Unlike her famous, wedding-obsessed character Charlotte, the raven-haired beauty has never tied the knot nor does she want to. She revealed on Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplins podcast Best Friend Energy that marriage was just not her 'thing.' 'Im not married. Ive never been married,' the And Just Like That...star declared. 'It was never like a goal, lets say,' she added. She has had some famous relationships, however. The star has romanced Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin and Aaron Sorkin. Ellie Simmonds looked sensational as she attended the GoCardless JustGiving Awards on Monday night. The Olympic swimmer, 28, wowed in a green silk dress with plunging neckline which she paired some chunky black heels. The athlete looked to be enjoying her evening as the beamed in snaps alongside her pals Neil Jones and Aimee Fuller. The threesome had gathered for the event to celebrate fundraisers and charities which have used JustGiving to raise money for good causes. The individuals and charities were selected from more than 13,000 nominations by a panel of judges including Radio DJ Rickie Haywood-Williams and actress Angela Griffin. Stunning: Ellie Simmonds, 28, wowed in a green silk dress at the GoCardless JustGiving Awards on Monday Good cause: She joined Strictly star Neil Jones, 41, and snowboarder Aimee Fuller, 32, for the event to celebrate fundraisers and charities which have used JustGiving to raise money Ellie and Neil crossed paths last year when the swimmer starred as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer looked incredibly dapper in a smart black suit, white shirt and black tie. Meanwhile British snowboarder Aimee Fuller put on a leggy display in a gorgeous black dress with cut outs as she flashed her slender pins. Neil and Aimee were presenting an award together at the event in a pairing that seemed somewhat interesting after their relationship links. Aimee is close friends with Neil's ex-wife Katy Jones after the two ended things back in 2019 amid a Strictly curse scandal with her celebrity dance partner Seann Walsh. The Strictly star and Aimee have been inseparable this past year being frequently pictured together on red carpets, Instagram and even enjoying a three week trip to Australia together. Rumours of them dating began circulating in March with even Katya's mother assuming the pair were an item, however the two women have remained tight-lipped on the gossip. Seemingly hinting at the unusual relationship between her and Neil, Aimee took to her Instagram as the pair waited in the wings before going on stage to present their award. 'Controversial': Aimee is close friends with Neil's ex-wife Katy Jones after the two ended things back in 2019 Close bond: Strictly star Katya Jones's friendship with the snowboarding beauty has prompted widespread speculation that they are in a relationship Moved on Neil is expecting his first child with his fiancee Love Island star Chyna Mills Ex: Neil was previously married to his Strictly pro co-star Katya for six years before calling it quits in August 2019 following her kiss with her 2018 Strictly partner Seann Walsh (pictured in 2018) She captioned the clip 'Controversial @mr_njonesofficial' before saying in the clip 'I've got a different Jones with me tonight.' Neil then joked 'the best one, the original' while Aimee laughed 'the OG'. Katya was also tagged in the clip alongside a laughing face emoji. The 41-year-old is currently expecting his first child with his fiancee Love Island star Chyna Mills. The dancer and the reality star went public with their romance in August 2022, and revealed in April that they were both engaged and expecting their first child together. Vittoria Ceretti looked typically stylish as she was pictured arriving at Leonardo DiCaprio's hotel in Paris on Monday during Fashion Week. The Italian model, 25, put on a chic display in a black leather coat, teamed with a matching top and trousers. She elevated her height in dazzling silver heels, while accessorising with silver jewellery. The 48-year-old Killers of the Flower Moon actor renowned for dropping girlfriends once they hit 26 has been spotted on several dates in the US and abroad in recent months. And now a source has now said they are getting to know each other on a 'deeper level'. Outing: Vittoria Ceretti looked typically stylish in a black leather coat as she was pictured arriving at Leonardo DiCaprio's hotel in Paris on Monday during Fashion Week Stylish: The Italian model, 25, put on a chic display in a black top and trousers, teamed with dazzling silver heels An insider told Page Six: 'They've been spending quite a bit of time together over the past few months, and they're enjoying getting to know one another on a deeper level.' Leo and Vittoria were first seen out in public during a steamy club outing in Ibiza, Spain , on 9 August. They were seen in a video exclusively obtained by Page Six kissing and partying together at the electrifying Hi Ibiza club and a few weeks later headed to California . The pair were also spotted getting ice cream and iced coffee in Santa Barbara. An eyewitness told Page Six they noticed a 'vibe' between the two during the date, adding: 'The way they were talking to each other you could feel the energy.' The pair were also spotted in the UK at the Vogue World: London party last week. A source told Page Six: 'Leo and Vittoria were chatting and dancing together all night. 'From the looks of it, their romance is much more than a passing fling.' Another insider said Leo has been supporting Vittoria abroad while she walked the catwalks at Milan Fashion Week. Leo was last in a long-term relationship with actress Camila Morrone, 26, but they split in August 2022 after four years together. He was then linked to supermodel Gigi Hadid, 28, before Vittoria. Smitten: Sources close to the actor say that he is 'besotted' with Vittoria, who is 23 years his junior (seen last year) His past loves include Bridget Hall (1994), Naomi Campbell (1995), Kristen Zang (1996 to 1997), Amber Valletta (1997), Helena Christensen (1997), Eva Herzigova (1998), Virginie LeDoyen (2000), Gisele Bundchen (2000 to 2005), Bar Rafaeli (2005 to 2010), Blake Lively (2011), Erin Heatheron (2012), Toni Garrn (2013), Kelly Rohrbach (2016), Nina Agdal (2016 to 2017), Camila Morrone (2017 to 2022), Gigi Hadid (2022), Victoria Lamas (2022). On Monday it was claimed DiCaprio was being eyed to play Riddler in The Dark Knight Rises. Studio executives were keen for Riddler to be the primary villain in the 2012 superhero movie, however, director Christopher Nolan decided on Bane (Tom Hardy) instead. David S. Goyer - who co-wrote the Dark Knight trilogy with Nolan - has revealed that the Oscar winner was the actor wanted to portray the supervillain. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he spilled: 'We had all these pitchesI remember at The Dark Knight [premiere], the head of Warner Bros said, 'You gotta do the Riddler. Leo [DiCaprio] as the Riddler.' That's not the way we work not to take anything away from him.' Goyer also revealed that Jake Gyllenhaal was considered for the role of Batman. He said: 'We would chat about all sorts of thingsThere were a number of people who had screen-tested, and I had advocated for Gyllenhaal. I mean, Gyllenhaal is amazing, Christian Bale is amazing, so who knows what.' Love life: Their budding romance comes amid claims that Vittoria has split from her husband Matteo Nolan previously revealed that he approached the late Heath Ledger to take on the role of Bruce Wayne in his 'Batman' movies. The actor would go on to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in 2008's 'The Dark Knight'. However, he was earlier invited by Nolan to play the Caped Crusader in 2005's 'Batman Begins' - but rejected the offer. Speaking to The Playlist, the director said: 'He was quite gracious about it, but he said, 'I would never take a part in a superhero film'. 'I explained to him what I wanted to do with Batman Begins and I think maybe he felt I achieved it.' Hailey Bieber showed off her daring sense of style on Monday as she headed out in a skimpy nude bodysuit to enjoy a evening meal at Hotel Costes Restaurant in Paris. The model, 26, put on a leggy display in her sexy ensemble, which she teamed with opaque Calzedonia tights as she headed into the French capital. Hailey exuded French-chic in the racy outfit and donned a glamorous black leather coat to keep warm for the occasion. The blonde beauty showed off her model physique in the tiny bodysuit and flaunted her long legs in a pair of black court heels. Hailey appeared to be in great spirits as she was spotted leaving the eatery during Paris Fashion Week. Leggy: Hailey Bieber, 26, showed off her daring sense of style on Monday as she headed out in a skimpy nude bodysuit to enjoy a evening meal at Hotel Costes Restaurant in Paris Risque: The model put on a leggy display in her sexy ensemble, which she teamed with opaque Calzedonia tights as she headed into the French capital The wife of Justin Bieber bravely stepped out in the risque ensemble and was pictured holding her leather jacket. The model was later swarmed by her fans wanting autographs as she arrived back at her hotel in the French city. She looked exceptionally chic in the nude polo neck bodysuit, that she teamed with the black jacket. The blonde beauty styled her trendy attire with an elegant pair of sunglasses and wore huge gold earrings. Hailey seemed as happy as ever while chatting with her gang of supporters before heading out. It comes after she showed off her toned legs in a tiny black leotard as she promoted her brand Rhode's new peptide tints last week. The businesswoman looked stunning in an 80s-inspired shoot which saw her sport a tousled updo and statement earrings. The model, who recently celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to Japan with husband Justin Bieber, paired her leotard with white socks and silk slippers. Wow: She looked French-chic in the racy outfit and donned a glamorous black leather coat to keep warm for the occasion Stole the show: Hailey appeared to be in great spirits as she was spotted leaving the eatery during Paris Fashion Week So glam: The wife of Justin Bieber bravely stepped out in the risque ensemble and was pictured holding her leather jacket Statement: She looked French-chic in the racy outfit and donned a glamorous black leather coat to keep warm for the occasion Sexy: She looked exceptionally chic in the skintight look as she headed out after dinner Gorgeous: The model was later swarmed by her fans wanting autographs as she arrived back at her hotel in the French city Beaming: Hailey had arrived in France ahead of the Paris Fashion Week Working hard: It comes after Hailey showed off her toned legs in a tiny black leotard as she promoted her brand Rhode's new peptide tints last week Bieber accessorised with several pieces of jewellery that added metallic shine to her outfit during the photoshoot. According to Forbes, the brand, which was previously focused on customers from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, will be expanding into five more European markets on that same day. The social media powerhouse launched her skincare company in June of last year. Bieber has also served as the company's creative director ever since it was initially founded. She has also taken a hands-on approach to her brand's marketing campaigns, as she has appeared in various promotional photos over the past year. She recently spoke to Forbes to speak about the inspiration behind her new line of products. 'I think that skincare and beauty should be fun, and these tints are meant to be playful,' she said. Body positive influencer Karina Irby was left humiliated on Monday when she was judged over a skin condition while receiving a pedicure. The bikini designer, 33, has been open about the battle she's fought with eczema her entire life, leaving her skin marred by scars and 'patches of white skin'. In an emotional Instagram video, she said she was now 'feeling great' about her body and wanted a pedicure - something she has previously avoided because of her skin. Unfortunately, rather than boosting her confidence, Karina's bravery was met with judgement from her pedicurist. 'I've got lumps, bumps, scars, like I get it, I look different. But this lady looked at me like I was pure disease,' the blonde beauty said in an emotional video. Body positive influencer Karina Irby was left humiliated on Monday when she was judged over a skin condition while receiving a pedicure In a heartbreaking Instagram video, Karina called the pedicure one of the worst experiences of her life Karina said the woman had a disgusted look on her face during the whole treatment and kept prodding at 'textured' bits of skin on her legs. Touting the moment as 'the worst pedicure experience of her life', the influencer said she was 'mortified' by the woman's reaction to her legs. 'I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole,' she said. She added: 'For the whole pedicure I couldn't relax. I felt so uncomfortable. I was just watching her look at my skin... It's just skin. I'm not a walking disease.' Moments after posting the video, which she filmed in her car after getting the pedicure, Karina shared a picture of herself with tears in her eyes. 'Kindness is so easy. I truly don't get it. Why act so loud and so careless. Surrounded by people, causing a stir. Over what? White patches on my skin?' she wrote. 'If you were that worried, why not ask privately? Why did you feel the need to make a loud announcement and have large hand gestures?' Karina said the woman had a disgusted look on her face during the whole treatment and kept prodding at 'textured' bits of skin on her legs In 2018 , the Gold Coast native opened up about her experience with eczema and how she has addressed it Karina is known for her body positivity posts and the empire she has built around selling cheeky bikinis. However, in 2018, the Gold Coast native opened up about her experience with eczema and how she has addressed it. She said she used to be brutally bullied as a child for her skin condition, and treated as though she was contagious, but now she is fighting to 'normalise' it. Christine McGuinness has signed up to take part in gruelling BBC show called Twos Pilgrimage. The model, 35, will join the next group of celebrities going on an intense trek along a path that was once tread as a historic pilgrimage, with bosses hoping she will talk about her split from ex husband Paddy McGuinness. A source told The Sun: 'Since stepping into the spotlight, Christine has bravely let fans into her personal life, from learning she is autistic at the age of 33 and parenting her two autistic children, through to the breakdown of her marriage to Paddy McGuinness. 'Pilgrimage comes at the perfect time for her, as she's starting to shrug off heartbreak and explore the potential of finding new love. 'Traditionally, pilgrimages were taken to explore personal growth towards a place of spiritual awakening and the BBC Two programme has shown to profoundly affect its cast. Career: Christine McGuinness has signed up to take part in gruelling BBC show called Twos Pilgrimage Honest: The model, 35, will join the next group of celebrities going on an intense trek along a path that was once tread as a historic pilgrimage, with bosses hoping she will talk about her split from ex husband Paddy McGuinness 'Not only could the experience prove to be incredibly positive for Christine's own development, bosses hope her journey will add real heart to the programme. 'Any revelations about Paddy or her current love life would of course go down a treat, too.' MailOnline has contacted Christine's representatives for comment. It comes after Christine detailed her 'struggles' making friends when she was younger as she helped launch BBC Children In Need's appeal on Monday. She is one of several celebrities including radio DJ Roman Kemp and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore to back this year's Spotacular campaign. Christine, who was diagnosed with autism in 2021 aged 33, said: 'My childhood was really fun. I remember playing outside with my brother and sister, and just being at home with my mum'. Earlier this year, the model released BBC documentary titled Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism, a journey of self-discovery that uncovers the links between her autism and struggles growing up. She continued: 'When I was younger, I really struggled at school, I struggled to make friends to socialise, and to fit in, it was at home I always felt the most comfortable. [My] mum was always the most positive mum... 'And she always made me feel like I can just be made it comfortable, and she just loves me and she made me smile every single day.' Candid: It comes after Christine opened up about her 'struggles' making friends when she was younger as she helped launch BBC Children In Need's star-studded appeal on Monday Christine continued: 'Thank you mum so much for being the most amazing and strongest person and an independent woman'. Before adding: 'She's inspired me massively, being a mum myself with three children, to go and smile every day to keep and making me believe that it's OK to just be yourself and that's the message that I pass on to my three children now.' Christine shares three children, Felicity, and twins Leo and Penelope, with her estranged husband, Top Gear presenter Paddy, 50. The charity is raising funds for children and young people facing mental health issues and difficult circumstances as well as putting a spotlight on positive relationships. The Long Shadow Rating: Pete Doherty, Who Killed My Son? Rating: The opening scenes of The Long Shadow (ITV1) seemed remarkably familiar: strikes, an energy crisis, and bitter debate about Europe. How depressing that it was introducing us to the UK in 1975. That was the year when Peter Sutcliffe, the so-called Yorkshire Ripper, claimed his first victim, Wilma McCann. We watched as she tucked her four children into bed before heading out into the night, never to return. Thankfully, we were spared the grisly details of her death. Television plays its part in recreating the atmosphere of the 1970s, writes Roland White The trouble with real-life crime on television is that it so often glamourises criminals. But you won't be seeing much of Sutcliffe in this remarkable and sensitive drama, which concentrates instead on the victims, their families, and the unfolding police investigation. Toby Jones is excellent as Detective Chief Superintendent Dennis Hoban, who initially led the hunt for Wilma's killer. Of course he is. He's excellent in pretty much everything. He gets most of the best lines too. 'It starts now and it doesn't end until one of us catches the bastard,' he tells his officers in a rousing speech. Part detective, part Henry V. This is a man so dedicated to his work that he gets an officer to call him into the station on Christmas Day, even though - as it's pointed out to him - he might miss Morecambe and Wise. Television plays its part in recreating the atmosphere of the 1970s. When DCS Hoban gets a call at home, his wife asks: 'Shall I tell him to ring back?' 'Why?' 'Because it's Emmerdale Farm'. You'd think Alan Bennett helped with the script. The story of Emily Jackson, the second victim, was particularly poignant. She moved reluctantly into the sex business because her family was struggling financially, promising her guilt-ridden husband that she'd do just three more jobs - at 5 a time. She needed 15 to buy her daughter a bridesmaid's dress. By this time, police knew that the killer drove a green Land Rover or a Corsair. As detectives stopped a Land Rover in the Leeds red light district, confident they'd got their man, Emily was climbing into a Corsair. As the lights disappeared into the distance, we knew she wouldn't live to buy that dress. Pete Doherty, Who Killed My Son? (Ch4) was another real-life murder investigation, and it surely made uncomfortable viewing for the Metropolitan Police. Backhanded compliment Michael Cockerell's 1996 portrait of Roy Jenkins, A Very Social Democrat (BBC4), featured Labour MP Leo Abse, a fellow Welshman, who praised the former Chancellor as 'wonderful at a dinner table, marvellous at high table'. In Labour circles, could anything be more damning? Advertisement They are accused of bungling their inquiry into the 2006 death of Mark Blanco, who fell from the balcony of a flat where Pete Doherty, rock star and former boyfriend of Kate Moss, was attending a party. It's been left to Mark's mother, Sheila Blanco, to pursue what she says is a case of murder. CCTV evidence presented last night looked damning. An American forensic investigator is certain that somebody else was on the balcony, and probably threw Mark to his death. One of Doherty's so-called minders, known as Johnny Headlock, admitted murder, but later withdrew his confession and was never charged. Both he and Doherty maintain they have no idea how Blanco came to fall to his death. Perhaps the police were mesmerised by Doherty's celebrity. In an interview with Jonathan Ross, he boasted that an officer once asked for his autograph while arresting him on a drugs offence. I fear little will happen after this programme, but at least it was a reminder of the collateral damage that can be caused by a huge, apparently untouchable celebrity, who lives a rackety lifestyle. Sound familiar at all? Tory Lanez will be spending the next 10 years of his life behind bars, but that hasn't deterred him from releasing new music. The 31-year-old rapper (born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson) recorded a message from North Kern State Prison in Delano, California for his fans dubbed Umbrellas, which was posted to his Instagram on Monday. He admitted it was a 'scary time' facing a 10-year prison sentence for the shooting of rapper Megan Thee Sallion, but the experience hasn't dampened his spirits. Lanez also revealed that a deluxe edition of his 2021 album Alone at Prom will be dropping in the near future. He began the message to his fans, affectionately known as 'Umbrellas,' 'Ayo Umbrellas man, what's good?' New music: Tory Lanez will be spending the next 10 years of his life behind bars , but that hasn't deterred him from releasing new music Prison pic: The 31-year-old rapper (born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson) recorded a message from North Kern State Prison in Delano, California for his fans dubbed Umbrellas, which was posted to his Instagram on Monday Deluxe: Lanez also revealed that a deluxe edition of his 2021 album Alone at Prom will be dropping in the near future 'I'm talking to you live from prison right now, man, I'm just happy to get out that bulls**t county jail,' he added of his stay in the Los Angeles County Jail. 'They was hating on a young fly, you heard? Had me on 24-hour lockdown, half-sized cell by myself, no windows, no mirrors,n***a hadn't even seen himself in a whole year, yo,' he added. 'But with all them disadvantages against me, my head is always been held high, man, and I want y'all to know I'm in great spirits,' he added. 'My drive and my ambition is growing stronger and stronger every day, and I'm so proud of how y'all been moving in my support,' he continued. 'Man, I know this feels like a scary time, but don't be afraid, man. This don't spark no fear in my heart at all,' he admitted. He added that he is, 'more prepared than ever' with new music, videos and, 'all the other projects you wanted, they all ready to drop.' 'So let's just start with the one that we want most, the Alone at Prom Deluxe,' Lanez said as the brief message came to an end. Lanez was arrested on July 12, 2020, after leaving a house party in the Hollywood Hills and charged with carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle. Live: 'I'm talking to you live from prison right now, man, I'm just happy to get out that bulls**t county jail,' he added of his stay in the Los Angeles County Jail No fear: 'Man, I know this feels like a scary time, but don't be afraid, man. This don't spark no fear in my heart at all,' he admitted Ready: He added that he is, 'more prepared than ever' with new music, videos and, 'all the other projects you wanted, they all ready to drop' Most: 'So let's just start with the one that we want most, the Alone at Prom Deluxe,' Lanez said as the brief message came to an end Arrested: Lanez was arrested on July 12, 2020, after leaving a house party in the Hollywood Hills and charged with carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle Rapper Megan Thee Stallion claimed a month later that she was shot in the foot by Lanez, though he continually denied it, even addressing the shooting on nearly every song on his Daystar album released in September. Just before Christmas in 2022, he was convicted in a jury trial on three felony charges connected to the shooting. Lanez was sentenced to spend 10 years behind bars in federal prison back in August and he was transfered to North Kern State Prison. He was also arrested in April 2022 for violating a protection order regarding the case and he was released on a $350,000 bond. Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren has had emergency surgery following a fall in her Swiss home, her agent has confirmed. The 89-year-old fell in her bathroom and sustained several 'serious fractures' to different parts of her hip, including her femur, which needed 'urgent surgery', her agent Andrea Giusti told the PA news agency. Sophia's representative also confirmed both Loren's sons, Carlo and Edoardo Ponti, were at her bedside. The Academy-Award winning Italian actress was married to film producer Carlo Ponti Sr from 1966 until his death in 2007. During her illustrious career, Sophia has starred opposite Hollywood greats including Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant - who she rejected a marriage proposal from after they appeared together in The Pride And The Passion in 1957. Recovering: Oscar-winning actress Sophia Loren, 89, has had emergency surgery following a fall in her Swiss home, her agent has confirmed (pictured in 2019) Her performance as Cesira in 1960's Two Women, directed by Vittorio De Sica, earned her the Oscar for best actress and made her the first actor or actress to win an Academy Award for a foreign-language performance. In 1990, Loren also won an honorary award at the Oscars for being "one of the genuine treasures of world cinema" who has had a "career rich with memorable performances" and added "permanent lustre" to the industry. News about Sophia's condition emerged on Monday and was was shared by the team at her self-titled restaurant chain, who shared the news on their Instagram page. The statement read: 'A fall at her home in Geneva today caused Ms Loren hip fractures. Operated with a positive outcome, she will now have to observe a short period of recovery and follow a road to rehabilitation. 'Thankfully everything worked out for the best and the Lady will be back with us very soon. The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.' The post announcing Sophia's surgery news was flooded with support from her devoted fans, wishing the star a speedy recovery. Sophia had been due to open a fourth branch of her restaurant chain in Bari, Italy, on Tuesday. The Italian native was also due to receive honorary citizenship from the city. The events have been cancelled along with her other upcoming public engagements. Painful: The 89-year-old fell in her bathroom and sustained several 'serious fractures' to different parts of her hip, including her femur, which needed 'urgent surgery' (pictured in 2014) Update: News about Sophia's condition was shared by the team at her self-titled restaurant chain, who shared the news on their Instagram page Sophia will have a short a convalescence before undergoing a long rehabilitation process in order to recover from the surgery. Sophia most recently appeared in the 2020 Netflix film The Life Ahead, directed by her son Edoardo, which won her a David di Donatello Award for best actress. Sophia plays a Holocaust survivor who bonds with a 12-year-old Nigerian immigrant. Speaking to Ew.com, she explained: 'I love cinema so much. I want to keep doing it forever. I know it's difficult to find good stories, but sometimes I fall in love with the right ones. I intend to make movies forever.' Earlier this year, Sophia was named as one of the AFT 50 greatest movies of classical Hollywood cinema. She is the only living actress on the list. Some of her most iconic films include Two Women (1961) and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963). She won the Academy Award in 1961 for Best Actress for her performance in the war drama feature, Two Women. Upon receiving the award, she became the first actress to take home the Oscar for a performance that was not in the English language. Loren's last public appearance was at the Armani fashion show in Venice on September 2, which was held during the 80th Venice Film Festival. Living legend: Earlier this year, Sophia was named as one of the greatest stars of classical Hollywood cinema. Some of her most iconic films include Two Women (1961) and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963) (pictured here in 1957) Sophia looked as glamorous as ever as she arrived at the Film Festival earlier this month, days before her 89th birthday. The showbiz icon looked wore a blazer and shirt, which she paired with black trousers and flat shoes as she waved to nearby fans upon arrival. Sophia's ageless look clearly matches how she feels inside, as she previously opened up about how she feels decades younger. Sophia said: 'Sometimes when I say I'm 86, I don't believe it. I feel 20.' Discussing ageing naturally, she said: 'Why change your body and be somebody else if you are happy inside? I never thought of that - never. I like what I have. I like me!' Sophia was born poor, despite the fact that her father was an Italian nobleman. He who would not marry her mother, leaving her to raise Sophia and her younger daughter Maria as a single mother. By age six, the star was hit in the chin and scarred by shrapnel while running to a bomb shelter during World War II. 'When I was a child growing up during the war, my mind was always in the sky - I wanted to be an actress like Rita Hayworth,' adding that she needed help to achieve her dream. 'Now I am an actress, like Rita Hayworth, and it's beautiful. It's a dream.' At age 16, she entered a beauty contest with a dress made of her family's living room curtains sewed by her grandma. One of the judges was Italian director and her future husband Carlo, who was 37 at the time. When she co-starred with Cary Grant in the film The Pride and the Passion in 1957, the duo embarked on an affair - Cary was married to Betsy Drake at the time. Sophia and Cary's romantic relationship was over by the time they filmed Houseboat soon after. While Cary wanted to continue their relationship, Sophia chose to marry Carlo. Marriage: At age 16, she entered a beauty contest with a dress made of her family's living room curtains sewed by her grandma. One of the judges was Italian director and her future husband Carlo, who was 37 at the time (pictured together in 1966) Sophia and Carlo married on September 17, 1957 despite the fact he was not yet legally divorced from first wife Giuliana, although they had separated for a while. In 1962, their marriage had to be annulled so he would not be charged with bigamy since at the time divorce was forbidden in Italy; but they continued to live together. They became French citizens in 1965 and got a divorce from Giuliana soon after, allowing Carlo and Sophia to marry on April 9, 1966. They welcomed Carlo Jr in 1968 and Edoardo in 1973; Carlo and Sophia remained together until his death in 2007. Chris Joannou and Ben Gillies broke their silence on their relationship with former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns on Monday morning. The bassist and drummer, both 43, opened up about their estranged bandmate, 44, after he refused to let them use his songs in their ABC documentary about the band. Speaking on WSFM's The Jonesy and Amanda Show, the musicians said they had 'drifted apart' from Daniel since Silverchair disbanded in 2011. Things became awkward when hosts Brendan 'Jonesy' Jones and Amanda Keller pressed them on whether they were still in communication with their estranged bandmate. 'We've all drifted into different directions over the years and done different projects,' Ben carefully told the radio hosts. Chris Joannou, 43, (left) and Ben Gillies, 43, (right) broke their silence on their relationship with former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, 44, on Monday morning He continued: 'And it's no disrespect to any individual in the way things rolled out, it's just what happened.' The duo also admitted Daniel was 'not involved' in their memoir Love & Pain which they co-wrote to document the history of Silverchair. Their joint radio interview came just hours after Daniel broke his silence on ABC's decision to pull part one of its Australian Story documentary A Silver Lining. The bassist and drummer opened up about their estranged bandmate (pictured) after he refused to let them use his songs in their ABC documentary about the band The two-part series, which premiered on September 18, tells the story Silverchair's meteoric rise to fame with interviews from Ben and Chris. Daniel, who has been estranged from Ben and Chris since the band split in 2011, did not participate in the documentary. Fans were surprised last Tuesday when Australian Story announced on social media that ABC had removed part one of A Silver Lining from its streaming platform iView. Speaking on WSFM's The Jonesy and Amanda Show, the musicians said they had 'drifted apart' from Daniel since Silverchair disbanded in 2011 When hosts Brendan 'Jonesy' Jones and Amanda Keller pressed them on whether they were still in communication with their estranged bandmate, they said no At the time, The Daily Telegraph reported that Daniel and his brother Heath (who runs the label BMG Music Australia), had not given ABC the rights to publish Silverchair's music on iView. Daniel finally set the record straight on Sunday, posting a lengthy essay to Instagram explaining why he chose not to give ABC permission to republish his songs. 'Australian Story reached out to me via my team "as a courtesy" on August 11 to let me know that they were doing a story on Ben and Chris. I was and remain incredibly supportive of them telling their story,' he said. Daniel went on to say he had nothing to do with Ben and Chris' memoir, and he felt uncomfortable 'promoting' the book without knowing what they wrote about him. The duo also admitted Daniel was 'not involved' in their memoir Love & Pain which they co-wrote to document the history of Silverchair Toni Garrn looked sensational as she stepped out during Milan Fashion Week in Italy on Monday. The German model, 31, left little to the imagination as she donned a sheer black dress which finished just below her knee. Her garment featured a high turtle neck and long sleeves, while the see-through material left her toned stomach on show. She carried a black handbag with her and opted for a pair of matching heels to add a few inches to her stature. The fashionista accessorised with some delicate gold earrings to match the accent of gold on her purse. Stunning: Toni Garrn, 31, looked sensational as she stepped out in a sheer black dress during Milan Fashion Week in Italy on Monday Fashion focus: Her garment featured a high turtle neck and long sleeves, while the see-through material left her toned stomach on show She was seen confidently striding out in front of awaiting photographers as she headed out for the evening in the European country. It comes after Toni split from her husband Alex Pettyfer earlier this year. The former couple - who have two-year-old daughter Luca together - made the 'very difficult decision' to go their separate ways after two years of marriage. Toni announced on her Instagram story: 'Alex and I have made the very difficult decision to divorce. 'We will continue our relationship as friends and co-parents to our angel Luca. 'Please respect our privacy during this sensitive time. Thank you.' Toni began dating the Magic Mike actor in 2018 and they got engaged on Christmas Eve the following year, before tying the knot in Germany in October 2020. At the time, the pair shared the news of their wedding on Instagram, Alex captioning a photo of their wedding rings: 'Mr + Mrs Pettyfer.' In style: The fashionista accessorised with some delicate gold earrings to match the accent of gold on her purse Toni shared a similar photo on her own account and wrote: 'Now you really get to call me wifey.' In June 2022, Alex and Toni exchanged vows again in front of family and friends in Paros, Greece. Toni shared a short clip of the happy couple dressed in their wedding attire while standing on a rock next to the sea, and she wrote on Instagram: 'Yesterday felt like the most beautiful dream. Collecting all pictures.. stay tuned' Toni wore a backless white custom Elie Saab wedding dress for her big day, while the Stormbreaker star dressed in a cream suit for the occasion. The couple had announced they were expecting a baby in March 2021 during a photoshoot for Vogue Germany. It's over! It comes after Toni split from her husband Alex Pettyfer earlier this year (Toni and Alex pictured in December 2022) In a video for the publication in which she showed off her baby bump, Toni revealed: 'I guess what it means for me is my life is definitely changing forever. 'What was my very first reaction when I found out that I was pregnant? 'I think the first word that came to me was "finally!" 'I was very, very, very excited.' Nearly two months after Angus Cloud's tragic death at just 25 years of age, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson opens up about how he tried to get him sober. Cloud was plucked from obscurity when he was noticed by a casting director while waiting tables in Brooklyn, which lead to him being cast as kind-hearted drug dealer Fezco in HBO's Euphoria. He quickly became a fan favorite, with Levinson, 38, revealing in an interview with People - his first since Cloud's death on July 31 that was ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and more - that they were originally planning on killing Fezco off at the end of Season 1... but he was just too beloved. 'Angus was supposed to die at the end of the first season, but I loved him so f---ing much,' Levinson admitted. 'The first thing I noticed about him was he had those Paul Newman eyes and his audition tape where he said that his name was Angus Cloud and hes "five foot 12." It killed me. He was perfect,' Levinson admitted. Sober: Nearly two months after Angus Cloud's tragic death at just 25 years of age, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson opens up about how he tried to get him sober Fezco: Cloud was plucked from obscurity when he was noticed by a casting director while waiting tables in Brooklyn, which lead to him being cast as kind-hearted drug dealer Fezco in HBO 's Euphoria Fan favorite: He quickly became a fan favorite, with Levinson, 38, revealing in an interview with People - his first since Cloud's death on July 31 that was ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and more - that they were originally planning on killing Fezco off at the end of Season 1... but he was just too beloved 'I think part of the problem is I would sometimes put actors ahead of the show at times. So I was like, "Okay, I can't kill him because then what is he to look forward to?"' Levinson admitted. One of Cloud's close friends, Lilita, revealed smoking weed with Cloud on the set after wrapping his first scene with Zendaya. 'I'm like, "Bro, we can't." But he's like, "It's good. The cast members are cool as long as the little f---ing asshole errand runners don't see us,"' Lilita said. Levinson admitted he was unaware of Cloud's drug use, adding, 'I would have kicked him off the set if he was smoking weed.' Cloud suffered a traumatic head injury at just 15, with his mother Lisa admitting, 'The drug use most likely had something to do with his need to relieve his pain.' Then during the pandemic, Cloud suffered another injury - cracking his heel bone in multiple spots while running from police in Los Angeles... after he was almost caught 'tagging.' The injury caused him to have to walk with a cane though he refused further treatment, which Lisa believes caused him to delve deeper into drug use. 'Thats really what started his drug-seeking behavior, I think. It was hugely painful. I was pushing him. I'm like, "You're not going to start season two for at least four months. Do that heel surgery. It is a four-month recovery. Do it now." But he just became unhappy, and he couldn't figure out how to deal with it,' Lisa said. Can't: 'I think part of the problem is I would sometimes put actors ahead of the show at times. So I was like, "Okay, I can't kill him because then what is he to look forward to?"' Levinson admitted Smoking: One of Cloud's close friends, Lilita, revealed smoking weed with Cloud on the set after wrapping his first scene with Zendaya Injury: The injury caused him to have to walk with a cane though he refused further treatment, which Lisa believes caused him to delve deeper into drug use Drug-seeking: 'Thats really what started his drug-seeking behavior, I think. It was hugely painful. I was pushing him. I'm like, "You're not going to start season two for at least four months. Do that heel surgery. It is a four-month recovery. Do it now." But he just became unhappy, and he couldn't figure out how to deal with it,' Lisa said It got to the point where Levinson even suggested a stint in rehab before the second season started filming. 'I looked him in the eye and I knew that he wasn't doing well. At the same time I've been in these situations before where you're trying to get someone clean,' said Levinson, whose own experiences as a teenage drug addict forms a loose basis for Euphoria. 'And I just said to him, "I love working with you and we've got this amazing season planned and stuff, but I need you to be sober because I got to be able to rely on you,"' Levinson explained. Cloud entered a 30-day in-patient rehab program that HBO paid for, and after the in-patient treatment he countinued with an out-patient program for three more months. 'I could always feel that he didn't want [sobriety] as much as we all wanted it for him," Levinson admitted. 'That's where it gets tricky because the whole world can want it for you. But he didn't want it. It's just the self-destructive side of addiction and it outweighs everything. But you can't give up on people. I wasn't going to let anyone give up on him,' Levinson said. Cloud started using heavily halfway through filming of Euphoria's second season, leading to Levinson staging another intervention for Cloud on the set. 'You've got to get help and you've got to get help right now,' Levinson told Cloud, before he took him to rehab again after wrapping the fifth episode of Season 2. Rehab: It got to the point where Levinson even suggested a stint in rehab before the second season started filming Clean: 'I looked him in the eye and I knew that he wasn't doing well. At the same time I've been in these situations before where you're trying to get someone clean,' said Levinson, whose own experiences as a teenage drug addict forms a loose basis for Euphoria Sober: 'And I just said to him, "I love working with you and we've got this amazing season planned and stuff, but I need you to be sober because I got to be able to rely on you,"' Levinson explained Right now: 'You've got to get help and you've got to get help right now,' Levinson told Cloud, before he took him to rehab again after wrapping the fifth episode of Season 2 Cloud was actually wearing the red hoodie that Zendaya's character Rue - who has struggled with addiction throughout the series - when he had a revelation in the backseat of Levinson's car. 'Oh, s---, I feel just like Rue,' Cloud said, as Levinson joked, 'All right, well, do us a favor and dont run,' as Cloud burst into laughter. After being initially set to be killed off in Season 1, he was again supposed to meet his maker in a hail of gunfire in Season 2... but Levinson just couldn't do it. Levinson revealed that when he told Cloud about his character's death, 'I could just see the blood kind of run out of his face.' 'I think the hardest thing is when you have addiction issues it's about finding your purpose and finding your meaning in life. The one thing that I knew is he loved making this show. He loved the crew. He loved the actors. He loved everything about it. And I just thought, if this goes away, I don't know what's going to happen in his life,' Levinson explained. So he decided to convince his producing partners that, once again, he can't kill off the beloved Fezco. 'I can't do it. I can't kill him. We got to keep him around. He's too special. It doesn't matter what the f---king story is,' Levinson told them, leaving to Fezs younger brother Ashtray (Javon Walton) being killed in a police raid. The second season wrapped in February 2022, with Levinson having a four-hour talk with Cloud at his home about getting sober for Season 3. Angus and Zendaya: Cloud was actually wearing the red hoodie that Zendaya's character Rue - who has struggled with addiction throughout the series - when he had a revelation in the backseat of Levinson's car Couldn't: After being initially set to be killed off in Season 1, he was again supposed to meet his maker in a hail of gunfire in Season 2... but Levinson just couldn't do it Ashtray: 'I can't do it. I can't kill him. We got to keep him around. He's too special. It doesn't matter what the f---king story is,' Levinson told them, leaving to Fezs younger brother Ashtray (Javon Walton) being killed in a police raid Talk: The second season wrapped in February 2022, with Levinson having a four-hour talk with Cloud at his home about getting sober for Season 3 'No, no, I'm good. I'm good,' Levinson said Cloud told him during that chat, but he knew otherwise. 'I could tell, at that time, it was like he wasn't interested. He wasn't going to do anything, and yeah, he didn't want it,' Levinson admitted. Cloud continued using when the actor learned that his beloved father was dying in the hospital, as he was given some time off of a horror movie he was shooting to visit his father in Oakland... and he passed away just one day later. While Cloud did fly to Ireland in late July, he missed the funeral because he was too high. 'He absolutely loved his father. He also knew he really loved him. He was so proud of Angus. My son thought of Pops as his best friend. There is no doubt that his father's death took a toll on him,' Lisa admitted. Euphoria actor Angus Cloud's mother is opening up about the actor's final weeks before his death at 25 on July 31 from an accidental overdose. Lisa Cloud spoke with People Monday about her son's passing, and how she found him in his childhood room the morning he died. The emotional interview came less than a week after officials with the Alameda County Coroners Bureau Cloud ruled the actor's death an accidental overdose as result of acute intoxication from combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines. While at the family's Oakland, California home, Lisa pointed to a desk in his room and told the outlet, 'This is where my boy passed away. 'He loved his home and he loved this little, tiny room,' she said of Angus, who was with his family in the wake of father's passing earlier in the month. Details: The mother of Euphoria actor Angus Cloud is opening up about the actor's final weeks before his death at 25 on July 31 from an accidental overdose. He was pictured in Paris in June of 2022 Lisa Cloud spoke with People about her son's passing, and how she found him in his childhood room the morning he died She recalled to the outlet how she found him in the morning, slumped down on his desk, and tried to revive him. 'I started shaking him and screaming,' Lisa said. 'I pushed him hard, and he fell on the floor. I tried to resuscitate him - mouth to mouth - and I was compressing him. 'I was screaming for my neighbor because I didn't want to leave him and call 911, and I just kept at it until they took him away. I miss him so much. He was the love of my life.' Lisa said that Angus had been 'deeply grieving' his father Conor Hickey's May 18 death of at the age of 65. She said that Angus and twin sisters Molly and Fiona in July had traveled to Ireland to spread the ashes of Hickey, who had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year. 'They were all devastated,' she said of the actor and his siblings, adding that Angus 'absolutely loved his father. 'He also knew he really loved him. He was so proud of Angus. My son thought of Pops as his best friend. There is no doubt that his father's death took a toll on him.' Angus had missed the funeral service because he was too high, his mother told the outlet, but was able to spread his dad's ashes near his grandparents' gravesite in Dublin. The emotional interview came less than a week after officials with the Alameda County Coroners Bureau Cloud ruled the actor's death an accidental overdose. Pictured in November of 2021 in LA Cloud died as result of acute intoxication from combined effects of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and benzodiazepines, officials said. He was pictured in LA in early 2022 Lisa said that Angus had been 'deeply grieving' the death of his father Conor Hickey (pictured) this past May. On July 14, he posted a pic of his late dad on Instagram captioned, 'miss u breh' 'His heart was overflowing with the love to share, running into the waves, heart filling with the ocean,' Lisa said of her son. 'His smiles and laughs will live on with us forever.' Cloud's mother said that the actor was dealing with frequent headaches and illness after the family returned to the U.S., adding that 'there were deep troubles. 'He was not functioning, and it was clear he was grief-stricken,' she said. 'And if you are somebody who turns to drugs, that would be the logical thing to do, and that's what he did.' Lisa said that the death of Angus's father 'isn't responsible for his, but he clearly couldn't cope.' Angus on July 14 shared a post on Instagram of an image of his father with the caption, 'miss u breh.' Lisa said that 'it was predominantly the central nervous system depressants' that led to her son's passing, as the medication 'started to slow his heart and slow his breathing.' 'He got tired from lack of oxygen,' she added. 'Everything just slowed down, and eventually his heart stopped and he went to sleep. But he didn't kill himself.' Lisa continued: 'He went out at his total power, his total beauty, his total influence, and the reaction that everyone has had is very moving to me. His final post came on July 18 when he showed off a set of grillz from the company Grant Grillz, with the geotag coming from Dublin, Ireland Cloud played the role of Fezco on the hit HBO series from 2019-2022 The show Euphoria said in a tweet about the actor, 'He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family' 'You know, he's not just an actor who overdosed. He was a beautiful soul, and that's why people miss him so much.' Cloud's uncle Kevin Cloud said that Angus appeared to be in a decent mood the day before his death. 'We spent about four hours of his last afternoon together,' he said. 'It was an easy and happy time. He seemed supremely fit and healthy.' Lisa said of her son: I always knew he was special and I'm so glad the world also found out he was special. My son will always shine bright.' Angus's final Instagram post came on July 18 when he showed off a set of grillz from the company Grant Grillz, with the geotag coming from Dublin, Ireland. Cloud had past appeared in films such as 2023's The Line opposite John Malkovich, 2021's North Hollywood and on the TV series The Perfect Women. He also had appeared in music videos for Becky G & Karol G's Mamii in 2022; and in Juice WRLD's Cigarettes in 2022. At the time of his passing, Cloud had a number of projects in the works, including two unreleased films, according to iMDb, including a horror film titled Your Lucky Day and an Oakland-based drama titled Freaky Tales, starring Pedro Pascal and Ben Mendelsohn. He was also linked to Scream 6 slated for next year. Cloud was pictured at an Oscar party in LA in March of 2022 Cloud was pictured with Euphoria collaborators Hunter Schafer, Sam Levinson and Zendaya in January of 2022 in LA Cloud did not have any acting experience ahead of his role on Euphoria, as he was discovered by casting scout Eleonore Hendricks while walking in New York City, according to the AP. Cloud was initially skeptical of the opportunity, thinking it was a scam, but eventually got the role after meeting with casting director Jennifer Venditti. Fans of the show lauded Cloud for his authenticity in the role, to an extent that he spoke about the misconceptions people had that he didn't have to do much when the cameras were on. 'It does bother me when people are like, "It must be so easy! You get to go in and be yourself,"' he told Variety. 'I'm like, "Why don't you go and do that?" It's not that simple. I brought a lot to the character. You can believe what you want. It ain't got nothing to do with me.' Deborra-Lee Furness has spoken out for the first time since her split from Hugh Jackman after answering a cold call from Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson. The radio duo accidentally called the Australian actress, 67, live on air on Tuesday and were left shocked when she answered the phone. 'We have actually called you by mistake, it's ridiculous. Seriously, this isn't a stitch up,' Kyle told Deborra-Lee. 'We didn't mean to actually call you. But now you're here, we won't go into it. We love you, we hope you're well.' 'Thank you guys, I really appreciate it. You're really sweet,' she responded. Hugh Jackman's estranged wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 67, has broken her silence on their shock split after 27 years of marriage. The former couple are pictured together in April Kyle continued: 'I just feel it's too soon. I don't want to get involved in anything. But we love you, and you ring us when you want to chat.' 'Thank you, guys. I really, really appreciate it,' Deborra-Lee said before hanging up. Deborra-Lee and Hugh, 54, recently shocked their fans when they announced they were divorcing after 27 years of marriage. 'We have been blessed to share almost three decades together in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,' the couple said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE earlier this month. 'Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.' Deborra-Lee spoke out after Kyle and Jackie O accidentally called the Australian actress live on air on Tuesday The former couple signed the statement as 'Deb and Hugh Jackman,' adding: 'This is the sole statement either of us will make.' The Australian couple share two children together; Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18. Last April, the pair celebrated their anniversary and Jackman had posted a gushing tribute to his wife on Instagram. 'I love you Deb. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. 27 years! I love you so much,' the actor wrote in his caption. 'Together we have created a beautiful family. And life. Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humour, cheekiness, courage, and loyalty is an incredible gift to me. I love you with all my heart,' he shared in the heartfelt post. 'We didn't mean to actually call you. But now you're here, we won't go into it. We love you, we hope you're well,' Kyle said While he is undoubtedly more well known than his wife, Deborra-Lee had already shot 20 movies by the time she and Jackman met while costarring as a prison psychologist and a brain-damaged convict in ABC TV's 10-episode series Correlli in 1995. Deborra-Lee most recently played Jill Bailey alongside Eric Bana in Robert Connolly's sequel Force of Nature: The Dry 2, which was released in Australian and New Zealand theaters on August 24. In February, Hugh told Smooth Radio: 'I think honesty and intimacy and making time [are the secret to a long and happy marriage]. You can't just assume that things will just tick along okay. You have to make time.' With just one day left until her new memoir Thicker Than Water debuts, Kerry Washington was hitting the subway in New York City to promote it. The 46-year-old actress took to Instagram on Monday evening, sharing a new video of her handing out copies of her book to fans and taking selfies with them. Judging from the exit signs in the subway station, it seems Washington was at the 5 Avenue/53rd Street Station in Manhattan which serves the E and F lines. 'Gave the F train some reading material,' Washington said in the caption along with an open book emoji. #ThickerThanWater comes out TOMORROW! Preorder now!' she concluded in the post, which received nearly 12K likes just one hour after posting it to her 7.3 million Instagram followers. Subway: With just one day left until her new memoir Thicker Than Water debuts, Kerry Washington was hitting the subway in New York City to promote it Selfie: The 46-year-old actress took to Instagram on Monday evening, sharing a new video of her handing out copies of her book to fans and taking selfies with them The video - set to The King Khan and BBQ Show's Love You So - showed Washington in a sleeveless frilly white dress walking through the F train station and handing out books to fans. She was seen taking selfies as well, both on the train itself and in the station, a day before the book will be released. The actress and writer started her book tour over the weekend with an appearance at Kip Bays Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx. She will continue the tour on Tuesday with a Q&A at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan with a conversation with Vanity Fairs Radhika Jones. Washington will then head to Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Chicago on Thursday, Dallas on Friday, Atlanta on Saturday and Los Angeles on Sunday. The writer will take a few weeks off from the tour in October before heading to London on Saturday, October 20, Manchester on Sunday, October 21, a virtual event on Tuesday, October 24 and the final stop Sunday, November 12 in Miami. She'll have a number of special guests along the way as well, with her Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn joining her in D.C., Tyler Perry in Atlanta and Reese Witherspoon for the virtual event. The book description reveals that Washington was on a drive in Los Angeles on a 'seemingly average afternoon' when she got a text message 'that would send her on a life-changing journey.' Kerry and fans: The video - set to The King Khan and BBQ Show's Love You So - showed Washington in a sleeveless frilly white dress walking through the F train station and handing out books to fans Selfies: She was seen taking selfies as well, both on the train itself and in the station, a day before the book will be released Tour: She will continue the tour on Tuesday with a Q&A at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan with a conversation with Vanity Fairs Radhika Jones Guests: She'll have a number of special guests along the way as well, with her Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn joining her in D.C., Tyler Perry in Atlanta and Reese Witherspoon for the virtual event She revealed in the memoir that she had an abortion for an unplanned pregnancy in her early 20s, not long after landing the leading role in Spike Lee's 2004 film She Hate Me. 'I struggled a lot in the beginning with whether or not to include my abortion story ... But I started to feel like it was really important for me to share this,' she said. 'This story had so much to do with my understanding of myself and the world as my career unfolded,' she said. 'It's just so important to me that abortion is not a bad word, and that my abortion is not another thing on the list of things that I'm ashamed of,' she added. Jennifer Garner got her week off to a studious start, taking her daughter Seraphina book shopping on Monday. The 51-year-old actress was spotted leaving Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica on Monday afternoon, with her 13-year-old daugher Seraphina. The outing comes just one day after traveling to New York City to see her beloved Alias co-star Victor Garber's final performance of Love Letters at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Garner stepped out with a white t-shirt under a grey blazer while holding a small white bag from Zibby's Bookshop. She accessorized with small hoop earrings and black sunglasses for the afternoon outing. Book shopping: Jennifer Garner got her week off to a studious start, taking her daughter Seraphina book shopping on Monday The actress completed her look with light blue jeans and black thick-soled dress shoes for the outing. Garner's daughter Seraphina was seen wearing a black shirt that matched her jet black hair for the outing. Just a day earlier, Garner surprised her Alias co-star Victor Garber by taking in his final performance of the off-Broadway play Love Letters. She shared photos of her with Garber and his Love Letters co-star J. Smith Cameron (Succession) with a sweet caption. 'If you are my person and you are on stage Ill do what I can to see you. @therealvictorgarber is my person. And on stage with incredible @jsmithcameron,' she said, adding a star emoji, black heart emoji and an applause emoji. Garber also shared the same photo, adding, 'Last night a surprise visit at Irish Rep Theatre. Today is the last performance for me and J Smith Cameron. Thank you Irish Rep for this wonderful opportunity.' Garner added in a commnt, 'I wouldnt miss seeing you on stage, my Spy Daddy. I love you, @therealvictorgarber. You and J. Smith were *chefs kiss.' Last week, Garner also made headlines by kindly helping a homeless man, even offering to give him her own shoes. Seraphina: The 51-year-old actress was spotted leaving Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica on Monday afternoon, with her 13-year-old daugher Seraphina Surprise: Just a day earlier, Garner surprised her Alias co-star Victor Garber by taking in his final performance of the off-Broadway play Love Letters She would go on to give him food and cash, while asking a photographer if he would help the wheelchair-bound homeless man, which he did, giving him his shoes and a blanket. Garner most recently starred in the Apple TV Plus series The Last Thing He Told Me and the revival of the beloved Starz series Party Down. The actress will also reprise her role as Elektra Nachios from 2003's Daredevil and 2005's Elektra in the new superhero sequel Deadpool 3. She'll next be seen in the body-swapping comedy Family Switch, arriving in theaters November 30. My Kitchen Rulers star Chris made a heartbreaking confession on Tuesday when he revealed his twin boys were struck by tragedy when they were born. The New South Wales native, 47, said his sons were born prematurely at 25 weeks, with one of them, Nicolas, dying just eight days later. His other son, Adrian, thankfully survived but was held in the neonatal intensive care unit 'for about four months', reported TV Week. However, Adrian was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and required regular therapy and constant care. Chris and his wife Mayleen were forced to give up working for two years so they could care for their child, who is now six-years-old. My Kitchen Rulers star Chris, 47, made a heartbreaking confession on Tuesday when he revealed his twin boys were struck by tragedy when they were born. Pictured with his wife Mayleen, their son Adrian, and their daughter Yvonne Chris is pictured with his friend and MKR partner Aaron on the latest season of the series However, when Mayleen returned to work, Chris chose to stay home and become the primary carer for his son. 'I regard it as a blessing that I was able to be there for my family to give them the support everyone needed,' the cook said. 'Obviously it was a defining moment in my life. I got a whole lot more perspective on what's important and what's not.' Chris and his friend Aaron both gatecrashed My Kitchen Rules earlier this month and have caused quite the stir with their tactics ever since. Accusations of 'sabotage' flew last Tuesday night after Aaron began called the other teams 'basic'. However, what really got tongues wagging was when Christian from Melbourne accused Chris and Aaron team of sabotage. Christian believed they were intentionally giving harsh criticisms to mess up the other teams and improve their own chances of winning the competition. His other son, Adrian, thankfully survived but was held in the neonatal intensive care unit 'for about four months', reported TV Week Chris and his friend Aaron (left) both gatecrashed My Kitchen Rules earlier this month and have caused quite the stir with their tactics ever since The trouble began when Chris and Aaron criticised the first two dishes made by Claudean and Anthony during their Instant Restaurant round. Because Chris and Aaron were the only ones at the table who didn't like the main dish, Christian accused them of having hidden motives for their criticism. 'I think Aaron and Chris are very, very critical of what was a very, very good dish. Is this a tactic? Are they trying to throw everyone off?' he said. When it was time to give overall scores for the meals, all the MKR teams gave Claudean and Anthony scores of six or seven, but Aaron and Chris only gave them a four. Simon Baker got in some father-son bonding time last Wednesday at Bondi Beach as he and his second eldest Claude Blue went for a dip in the sea. The lookalike duo wore their swim trunks and showed off their toned torsos as they soaked up some sun on the hot spring day. Leaving a pile of their belongings in the sand, The Mentalist star, 54, slipped into a pair of blue board shorts for his day out while Claude, 24, stepped out in black. They were spotted trudging back out of the shallows after drenching themselves beneath the waves. The father-of-three appeared to still have a lick of sunscreen clinging to his nose as he wiped the salty water from his eyes and swept back his hair. Simon Baker, 54, (pictured) got in some father-son bonding time last Wednesday at Bondi beach as he and his second eldest Claude Blue, 24, went for a dip in the sea Meanwhile, Claude trailed close behind his famous father, sweeping his own dark locks back as he squinted against the sun. Their outing came just days after the actor attended the North American premiere of his new movie Limbo at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Launceston native looked to be in good spirits as he rocked his best angles at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, Canada. The lookalike duo stripped down to their swim trunks to flaunt their toned torsos as they soaked up some sun on the hot spring day He was joined at the event by Limbo's director Ivan Sen and producer Rachel Higgins and was all smiles as he posed for snaps alongside them. Limbo follows Simon's character Travis, as he arrives in a small Australian outback city to research a twenty-year-old murder. Travis meets and forms bonds with those impacted by the homicide and unravels the challenging truths surrounding injustice and loss. Leaving a pile of their belongings in the sand, The Mentalist star slipped into a pair of blue board shorts for his day out while Claude stepped out in black According to The Guardian, the film has 'the grit of crime, but a heartbeat of compassion'. The film also stars Mystery Road actor Rob Collins and Rabbit Proof Fence's Natasha Wanganeen. Director Ivan discussed the film's meanings and thought provoking conversations at the Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin. He explained during the panel that one of the themes is 'the unresolved issues facing indigenous Australians when it comes to being victims of crimes in Australia'. Pierce Brosnan picked up 60 roses to celebrate his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan's 60th birthday on Monday. The 70-year-old James Bond alum took to Instagram on Monday, sharing a snap with his wife and the massive rose bouquet he got her. The birthday snap comes a month after the happy couple - who tied the knot in Ireland in 2001, after first meeting in Cabo San Lucas in 1994 - were spotted at LAX airport. 'Sixty roses for my brown eyed girl on her 60th birthday,' Brosnan began in his birthday post. 'Forever happy and blessed was I to be sitting there when you walked around the corner early one morning in Cabo San Lucas,' Brosnan said of their first meeting. Celebrate: Pierce Brosnan picked up 60 roses to celebrate his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan's 60th birthday on Monday Happy couple: The birthday snap comes a month after the happy couple - who tied the knot in Ireland in 2001, after first meeting in Cabo San Lucas in 1994 - were spotted at LAX airport Seven years after their first meeting, Pierce and Keely tied the knot at Ballintubber Alley in Ireland in 2001. The happy couple share two sons - Dylan, 26, and Paris, 22 - with Pierce also having three kids with his first wife, late actress Cassandra Harris. Brosnan recently curated his very first solo exhibition as an artist, entitled 'So Many Dreams,' which debuted in Los Angeles this past Saturday. The collection of works is comprised of various paintings, drawings and a short documentary, among others. The performer shared several images from the gallery to his Instagram account on So Many Dreams' opening day, in which he posed with several of his pieces. The exhibition is currently set to remain open to the public until May 21, when it will formally conclude. Brosnan recently spoke about his passion for art during an interview with Vanity Fair, where he discussed how working on his various projects often brought him solace in stressful times. 'I have been painting since '87 and it's very therapeutic. Painting has helped me find my way in life. Whenever I feel angst, I'll go to the canvas. It brings me comfort and it's just so joyful,' he said. First meeting: Seven years after their first meeting, Pierce and Keely tied the knot at Ballintubber Alley in Ireland in 2001 Family: The happy couple share two sons - Dylan, 26, and Paris, 22 - with Pierce also having three kids with his first wife, late actress Cassandra Harris Brosnan also recently opened up to US Closer and said that he sees 'no point' in getting angry. He said: 'I don't get angry. I could get angry but where would that anger go? There would be no point.' The star also enjoys meditation, using it to 'quiet his mind' and has an affinity with water, now living with his second wife Keely Shaye Smith in Kauai, Hawaii. Pierce said: 'I have fond memories of the seaside. So when I dropped into America in the 1980s, there was only one place to be and that was on the coast.' Just days after Daily Mail exclusively revealed Hulk Hogan tied the knot with Sky Daily, photos from the ceremony have been revealed. Hogan, 70, tied the knot with Daily, 45, in an intimate ceremony in Clearwater, Florida,Friday night. New photos show the pro wrestling icon rocking a black tuxedo with the signature skull cap that he's donned throughout his career in the squared circle. His wife, a yoga instructor, donned an elegant white dress from Rue De Seine for the intimate ceremony with jewelry from The Gold and Diamond Source. Hogan previously shared a video of the ceremony, including the moment the couple officially married and writing as the caption: 'My new life starts now!' Daily is Hogan's third wife - following Linda Claridge (who he was married to from 1983 to 2009) and Jennifer McDaniel (who he was wed to from 2010 to 2021). Newlyweds: Just days after Daily Mail exclusively revealed Hulk Hogan tied the knot with Sky Daily, photos from the ceremony have been revealed Intimate: Hogan, 70, tied the knot with Daily, 45, in an intimate ceremony in Clearwater, Florida on Friday night Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Borrea, shared a video of the ceremony with 2million fans Sky Daily, 45, showed off jewelry by the Gold and Diamond Source, presented at an intimate ceremony with family on September 22 two months after announcing the engagement Hogan has two children, Brooke, 35, and Nick, 32, from his first marriage, and while Nick was at the intimate ceremony, his daughter Brooke was not. 'Sky changed his life,' a friend told DailyMail.com. 'He is the happiest he's ever been literally over the moon. If a guy like Hulk could glow, then he'd be glowing. 'It was a low key wedding. Neither of them wanted over the top, just a small affair with their nearest and dearest to declare their deep love and commitment to each other. Sadly Brooke did not show up,' the source added.' The couple started dating in early 2022 after meeting at a friend's party, with Hogan popping the question in July. Since many fans were unaware that his marriage with McDaniel had ended, Hogan clarified he was dating Daily after they were spotted attending a Brett Michaels concert in February 2022. 'Yo Maniacs just for the record, the Facebook and Instagram posts are of me and my girlfriend Sky, I am officially divorced, sorry I thought everyone already knew, love my Maniacs4Life,' he said in a February 28, 2022 tweet. The couple married just two months after announcing their engagement and have, until now, maintained a low profile. Sky's Instagram profile is still set to private. Hogan shared a photo of the couple together three months ago, which received nearly 80,000 likes. 'Beach day with my Sky Baby, it always seems just perfect, like shes always been here, Sky Baby 4Life One Love HH,' he wrote. During his speech at the wedding of actor Corin Nemec and his wife Sabrina Nova on Sunday, the Hulkster revealed that he himself popped the question just three days earlier on Daily's birthday. Hulk Hogan donned his signature skull cap for the wedding ceremony on September 22 The intimate wedding ceremony on September 22 was attended a few close guests Changed: 'Sky changed his life,' a friend told DailyMail.com. 'He is the happiest he's ever been literally over the moon. If a guy like Hulk could glow, then he'd be glowing Low profile: the pair have kept a relatively low profile amid their romance, with Hogan sparsely sharing pictures with Daily on social media, while her Instagram is set to private 'She was crazy enough to say 'Yes,' brother!' Hogan told the crowd, referencing one of his most famous catchphrases from his wrestling days. In his speech at his friend's wedding, Hogan credited Nemec and Nova with bringing the pair together after they met at a party. The former six-time WWE champion said that Nova demanded that Hogan call Daily after they met. Daily and Hogan struck up a conversation after the superstar bought a round of drinks for everyone at the party and she came over to say thank you. Married At First Sight star Olivia Frazer has claimed she was reminded by a Channel Nine publicist that she 'signed an NDA' before each post-show interview. Olivia, 29, made the claims on her Instagram account on Wednesday, saying she was always 'scared' to tell the truth. 'It was so scary when the show was airing and I wanted to tell the truth about what happened,' she said in a post. 'What you guys don't know is that before every interview the publicist for MAFS would remind me ''remember you signed an NDA [Non Disclosure Agreement] and you can't talk about what happened off camera or what wasn't shown. Only what the audience saw.'' Olivia said she interpreted the reminder to mean she would be open to a lawsuit if she chose to disclose further information. Married At First Sight star Olivia Frazer, 29, has claimed a publicist warned her she 'signed an NDA' before each post-show interview. Pictured 'Which in other words is ''go along with our storyline or we'll sue the pants off you.''' Olivia finished by saying she has watched back episodes of The Kyle and Jackie O Show and Fitzy and Wippa, with her noting how uncomfortable she is. 'You can see how uncomfortable I am wanting to tell the truth but the fear of legal ramifications,' she finished. It comes after Olivia returned to Australia after moving to Scotland to find love earlier this year. In a post about her experience, Olivia said: 'What you guys don't know is that before every interview the publicist for MAFS would remind me ''remember you signed an NDA and you can't talk about what happened off camera or what wasn't shown. Only what the audience saw'' Last month, Olivia said her negative experience on Married At First Sight was partly to blame for her leaving Australia. Pictured The reality star decided to move after meeting a Scottish fellow she thought was the man of her dreams but he turned out to be a cheater. She said she decided to move after meeting a Scottish fellow she thought was the man of her dreams. 'It's important to remind other girls not to ignore red flags from the start because you so desperately want it to work with someone,' she told The Wash Online. Last month, Olivia said her negative experience on Married At First Sight was partly to blame for her leaving Australia. Olivia, who was relentlessly trolled after her stint on the Channel Nine series last year, told her Instagram followers that she's planning to continue working on OnlyFans. Pictured 'There's a lot more work opportunities and the people are more forgiving. It's easier to move on whereas in Australia people hold you to your edit forever,' she told Yahoo of her decision to relocate. Olivia said at the time she was moving to Scotland 'indefinitely' and would only return Down Under to collect her dog. Olivia, who was relentlessly trolled after her stint on the Channel Nine series last year, told her Instagram followers that she's planning to continue working on OnlyFans. Julia Fox has revealed that there 'wasn't any sex' in her relationship with Kanye West when they briefly dated in early last year. The Italian-American actress and model, 33, said that it 'wasn't about that' when describing the relationship between the unlikely pair. Kanye and Julia first stepped out together months after his split from ex-wife Kim Kardashian and made headlines thanks to their daring matching outfits. Julia, who is set to release her new memoir soon, opens up about her sexual relationships in the book, however she does not mention Kanye. In an interview with The New York Times, Julia was asked about these details she included in and how 'one boyfriend [she doesn't] describe sex with is Kanye.' Strictly platonic! Julia Fox has revealed that there 'wasn't any sex' in her relationship with Kanye West when they briefly dated in early last year Julia replied: 'Because there, like, wasn't any. It wasn't really about that.' During their romance, Julia was gifted a Hermes Birkin bag by the Yeezy designer, and she told the interviewer that she has kept hold of it after their split. It comes after Julia and another of Kanye's exes, Amber Rose, had a discussion about dating the troubled rapper in an episode of Julia's podcast Forbidden Fruits. They discussed their 'Cinderella moments' while dating Kanye and being 'thrown to the sharks'. They claimed that Kanye, who is now 'married' to Bianca Censori, has a tendency to 'love bomb' his new girlfriends. Love bombing is an attempt to influence a person by demonstrations of attention and affection. Julia's short-lived fling with Kanye lasted for six weeks in 2022, while Amber's two-year romance burned bright from 2008 to 2010. Both relationships boosted the careers of Julia and Amber, rocketing them into the global spotlight practically overnight. After sweeping the awkwardness out of the way, Julia eased into the topic of Kanye by saying, 'Sooo, I don't know if we want to talk about it or not'. Making a statement! Kanye and Julia first stepped out together months after his split from ex-wife Kim Kardashian and made headlines thanks to their daring matching outfits 'I figured this would come up,' laughed Amber, to which Julia quipped, 'Whatever, we both did it, it's fine. Literally, I get so much sh** for it.' 'Welcome to my life,' joked Amber, who went on to concede that she 'doesn't shy away' from her history with the Gold Digger hitmaker 'because it is a really big part of my story and how I became famous'. From there, Amber addressed her jarring transformation from struggling model to world-famous girlfriend, saying: 'I think the funny part is I didn't have anyone to look to and say, "Okay this happened to her so it's going to happen to me." 'I was the first, I was the girlfriend and then all of the sudden I was by myself walking around and paparazzi would follow me around, alone, and I would say "I'm not famous, he's not with me. You don't have to follow me."' Amber compared sudden fame to being 'thrown to the sharks' and ultimately addressed Kanye's public meltdown. 'Years of buildup will make a motherf***er look crazy after a while because you're just fed up,' explained the video vixen. 'I definitely can't make any excuses for the things that he says because I don't agree with them.' Exes: It comes after Julia and another of Kanye's exes, Amber Rose, had a discussion about dating the troubled rapper in an episode of Julia's podcast Forbidden Fruits (Amber and Kanye pictured together in 2009) Julia gave her two cents and shared that Kanye has 'always been the same, kind of' but said that his behavior has been getting 'more extreme'. Giving some insight into Kanye, Julia said: 'I feel like he has always just had really lofty dreams and always kind of pushing the envelope as much as he can, pushing the boundaries like if you tell the man no, he is going to find a way to get yes.' Amber agreed to be Kanye's date to the Grammys in 2008, resulting in a massive shopping spree to find a dress that made her feel like 'Cinderella or Pretty Woman.' 'I couldn't believe it,' recalled Amber. 'I was crying in the store. It was just shocking, because I had been so poor my whole life...' But both women eventually came full-circle to see their 'fairytale' dalliances with West as classic 'love bombing' with Julia admitting that she's 'a sucker for a good love bombing'. Amber and Julia's time with Kanye bookended his marriage to Kim Kardashian, 42, who began dating her future ex-husband in 2012. The pair tied the knot in 2014 and share four children together: daughters North, nine, and Chicago, five, and sons Psalm, three, and Saint, seven. Kim filed for divorce from West in 2021, citing irreconcilable differences and initially agreeing to joint custody prior to a breakdown in 2022 that saw the former couple clash over their children. Kylie Minogue has revealed she may attend this year's ARIA awards in Australia. The 55-year-old pop star has been nominated for four awards, with the ceremony set to take place on November 15 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. The pop princess is up for Best Independent Release, Best Pop Release, Best Solo Artist, and Song of the Year after releasing her 16th studio album, Tension, which includes the smash hit single Padam Padam. Kylie told ABC News this week that she's love to pick up her prizes in person should she win. 'Four ARIAs! Isn't that amazing,' she said, before adding, 'I hope so', when asked if she would be coming back to Australia for the show Kylie Minogue has revealed she may attend this year's ARIA awards in Australia. Pictured Furthermore, Kylie added that she'd like to tour Down Under but was still locking plans in place. 'We are trying to make decisions... I would love yo tour, but we are just trying to figure it out' she added coyly. Kylie also dropped a major hint about going on tour as she promoted her new album Tension with a series of radio appearances on Monday. Speaking to Roman Kemp on the Capital FM Breakfast Show, the Padam Padam hitmaker was asked about the album and if she was planning to go on tour. The 55-year-old pop star has been nominated for four awards, with the ceremony set to take place on November 15 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney The pop princess is up for Best Independent Release, Best Pop Release, Best Solo Artist, and Song of the Year after releasing her 16th studio album, Tension, which includes the smash hit single Padam Padam At first, she cryptically responded, 'Hmm.' But, when pressed, she admitted: 'I'm very tempted. I am thinking about it deeply.' Kylie was out promoting her latest single Tension, from her album of the same name, which hit number 6 on the UK's Big Top 40 earlier this month. The track is Kylie's 53rd Big Top 40 hit and, with Tension, she become the only female artist to score a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK. Her sixteenth studio album, Tension has already spawned Padam Padam, which hit number one and went viral on TikTok, with Tension set to follow in its footsteps. Molly-Mae Hague has dropped her latest PrettyLittleThing campaign just months after leaving her role as creative director with the brand. The Love Island star, 24, was back with a bang as she took to the streets of SoHo, New York City to shoot her new autumn/winter edit. Molly-Mae showcased a series of stylish looks as she modelled her own collection for the brand, who she has worked with since leaving the villa in 2019. The mother-of-one, who welcomed her first child Bambi this year, worked a series of looks with layering, staple denim, and cosy glamour. Adding a sexy touch, Molly-Mae flashed her bra through a lilac laddered sheer top, which was teamed with a pair of tight-fitting yellow trousers. She's back! Molly-Mae Hague has dropped her latest PrettyLittleThing campaign just months after leaving her role as creative director with the brand Glam: The Filter CEO also flashed her toned legs in a cream faux leather co-ord, including a biker leather jacket and a tiny mini skirt with boots Molly-Mae appeared every inch the native New Yorker as she enjoyed an al fresco croissant and mimosa while reading the newspaper at a cafe. The Filter CEO also flashed her toned legs in a cream faux leather co-ord, including a biker leather jacket and a tiny mini skirt with boots. She wore her blonde locks swept up into a chic updo and enhanced her naturally pretty features with a full face of glamour. While Molly-Mae still works collaboratively with PLT, she is no longer the creative director at the company, as she left 22 months after the position was announced. The businesswoman left to 'focus on motherhood', after giving birth to the daughter she shares with her fiance Tommy Fury in January. Last month, she unveiled a new 'secret project' on social media, as she plans to grow her eponymous brand, with a huge focus on lifestyle and beauty content. Molly-Mae recently teased the growth of her empire as she took to her home account to show off her huge new office space. 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. Strut: The Love Island star, 24, was back with a bang as she took to the streets of SoHo, New York City to shoot her new autumn/winter edit City girl: The Love Island star, 24, was back with a bang as she took to the streets of SoHo, New York City to shoot her new autumn/winter edit Vibes: The mother-of-one, who welcomed her first child Bambi this year, worked a series of looks with layering, staple denim, and cosy glamour 'Everyone thinks it could be as big as Holly Willoughby's company - or even Kourtney Kardashian's Poosh!' The publication reports that documents filed at Companies House reveal that the influencer has named her new company MMH Lifestyle. MailOnline have contacted representatives of Molly-Mae for comment at the time. Shona McGarty has sparked rumours she's engaged to her new boyfriend David Bracken - just three weeks after confirming their relationship. The EastEnders actress, 31, was spotted wearing a ring on her left hand as she attended her sister's wedding over the weekend. In the photos, obtained by The Sun, Shona looked as loved up as ever as she flashed the diamond jewellery while leaving the venue arm-in-arm with David. Guitarist David is one half of Irish guitar duo Blessed, who regularly gig across their homeland and boast over 18,000 Instagram followers. It comes weeks after she 'soft launched' her relationship with the tattooed Irish musician. Moving fast: Shona McGarty, 31, has sparked rumours that she's engaged to her new boyfriend David Bracken - just three weeks after confirming their relationship (pictured in June) New flame: The EastEnders actress was spotted wearing a ring on her left hand as she attended her sister's wedding over the weekend (David pictured) Shona shared a black-and-white photograph of their hands intertwined, with David's displaying his distinctive tattoo. The actress wrote: 'I promise,' along with a romantic John Lennon quote in the caption, which read: 'Love is a promise, Love is a souvenir, once given, never forgotten, never let it disappear.' Two days earlier, David had shared the same shot and penned: 'A promise is a promise. Never to be broken. #happy #happyplace.' MailOnline has contacted Shona's representative for comment. Back in October 2022, Shona and her ex-boyfriend Max Bowden reportedly split following a six-month romance, after he welcomed a baby boy with his ex Roisin Buckle. Roisin discovered she was pregnant at the beginning of 2022 but the couple decided to separate in March, while agreeing to co-parent once their son was born. Max - who plays Ben Mitchell on EastEnders - and Shona's former romance then came to light in May 2022 after sources claimed the pair were 'inseparable.' They made their relationship Instagram official in August 2022, but siz months later a source told The Sun: 'There has been a lot going on in Max's life and things were just getting too complicated with Shona being involved. 'Max will always have a lot of love and respect for Shona but it's just not the right time.' Announcement: It comes weeks after she 'soft launched' her relationship with the tattooed Irish musician Drama: In October 2022, Shona and her ex-boyfriend Max Bowden reportedly split following a six-month romance, after he welcomed a baby boy with his ex Roisin Buckle (pictured in September 2022) A friend close to the couple also added: 'Max and Shona have never spoken on it publicly but as their close circle would know, they were never in an official relationship and remain close friends who decided not to pursue anything romantic a number of months ago.' Shona opened up about her split from ex Max while at The British Soap Awards in June. She told The Mirror: 'Its lovely to be here tonight because Maxs mums here and I havent seen her for ages, I adore her. 'So its lovely to catch up with her. Were actually better than ever. Its a friendship, were in such a good place. 'You take a risk, and you do something and it doesnt work out, but thats life, youve got to take that risk.' Jeremy Kyle revealed this week he's set to become a father for the sixth time as his wife Victoria is pregnant with their second child. The broadcaster, 58, shared the news that he's set to welcome a daughter in the coming months, after he and Victoria, 39, welcomed their son Oliver, in 2020. Jeremy said he and Victoria, who he married in 2021, are 'over the moon' to be welcoming another child early next year, adding his family will be 'complete.' So here MailOnline tells you everything you need to know about Jeremy's wife and children: Exciting: Jeremy Kyle revealed this week he's set to become a father for the sixth time as his wife Victoria is pregnant with their second child (seen with Victoria in March 2023) Happy: The broadcaster, 58, shared the news that he's set to welcome a daughter in the coming months, after he and Victoria, 39, welcomed their son Oliver, in 2020 Who is Jeremy's wife Victoria Burton? Jeremy Kyle tied the knot with former nanny Vicky in October 2021 after they were forced to cancel their wedding six times due to the pandemic. They married in front of friends and family at the All Saints Church in Windsor, Berkshire. The pair first met when Vicky was hired as their family nanny, caring for Jeremy and ex-wife Carla Germaine's children. She took care of the couples younger children at the time: Alice, 18, Ava, 17, and son Henry, 13. Jeremey also has another daughter Harriet, 32, from his first marriage to Kirsty Rowley. He also shares baby Oliver with Vicky who was born in February 2020. Nuptials: Jeremy Kyle tied the knot with former nanny Vicky in October 2021 after they were forced to cancel their wedding six times due to the pandemic Lovely day: They married in front of friends and family at the All Saints Church in Windsor, Berkshire Vicky stopped working for the family in April 2016, but it was after that, that their relationship flourished. Jeremy then proposed in the Grenadines in the Caribbean in February 2017. At the time, a source close to the star said: 'Jeremy is completely loved up with Vicky - she's put a smile back on his face. 'He chose the Grenadines because it's a very romantic place and they're ecstatically happy. 'Both sets of families are absolutely chuffed for them.' Previously Jeremy has thanked his other half for getting him through 'the worst couple of years' after The Jeremy Kyle Show was axed in 2019. He said: 'Vick's been my rock in my darkest times. So, to see her today, having such fun enjoying the wedding of her dreams, was perfect. 'Thankfully, at what is our sixth attempt after all the Covid cancellations and postponements, we got to enjoy the big day we'd both longed for.' Speaking about her latest pregnancy Jeremy joked: 'Vic says I need to set up a side business by bottling it because I'm 58 and I've only got one testicle, but everyone knows that anyway. 'The other kids are really happy, although my eldest Harriet thinks I need sectioning. 'I personally think it's my late parents having a laugh from up above, to be honest.' Expanding their family: TV star Jeremy shares baby Oliver with Vicky who was born in February 2020 The past: Jeremy also has another daughter Harriet, 32, from his first marriage to Kirsty Rowley (pictured) Throwback: Jeremy and Kirsty were engaged after just two months and had a traditional white wedding in July 1989 at her family home in Almondsbury, near Bristol Jeremy, who is also a grandfather, previously overcame a battle with testicular cancer in 2012, and has since strongly advocated for men's health issues. Back in October, Jeremy said he would miss Vicky and Oliver as he threw himself into work for his new live show on TalkTV. The TV star made his television comeback with a brand new live show on TalkTV - three years after his daytime programme was axed following the death of guest Steve Dymond. The presenter's eponymous Jeremy Kyle Show was suspended indefinitely in May 2019 following the death of Steve, one week after a programme featuring him was filmed. He returned to television screens in April for the first time in three years, as he helped launch new channel TalkTV along with Sharon Osbourne. Relationship: The pair first met when Vicky was hired as their family nanny, caring for Jeremy and ex-wife Carla Germaine's children (Carla and Jeremy seen in 2014) Sad: The presenter's eponymous Jeremy Kyle Show was suspended indefinitely in May 2019 following the death of guest Steve Dymond, one week after a programme featuring him was filmed Dymond is suspected to have died from suicide seven days after filming for the Jeremy Kyle Show. He had taken a lie detector test after being accused of cheating on his ex-fiancee Jane Callaghan, of Gosport, Hampshire. The confrontational talk show, which was hugely popular and had been a regular fixture since 2005 in the daytime TV schedule, was axed for good following calls for it to be cancelled from MPs and members of the public. After the show was pulled, MPs launched an inquiry into reality TV - and ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall said the broadcaster had been 'looking at' cancelling it prior to it being removed from the schedules. Who are Jeremy's children? Brood: Vicky and his ex Carla share younger kids Alice, 18, Ava, 17, and son Henry, 13 (seen in 2011) Jeremy shares three children with ex Carla: Alice, 18, Ava, 17, and son Henry, 13. The TV personality also has another daughter Harriet, 32, from his first marriage to Kirsty Rowley. He also shares baby Oliver with Vicky who was born in February 2020. Jeremy regularly shares sweet snaps and clips of Oliver to his social media. In addition, Harriet made him a grandad when she gave birth to her own son in 2018. Jeremy met his first wife, Kirsty, in 1988 when he was working as a recruitment consultant in Bristol. The couple were engaged after just two months and had a traditional white wedding in July 1989 at her family home in Almondsbury, near Bristol. Love life: Jeremy went on marry Carla in 2002, who he met when he was hosting a late night show on the Birmingham-based radio station, 96.4 BRMB (seen in 2014) The couple welcomed daughter, Harriet in June 1990, but just one year later Jeremy and Kirsty's marriage hit the rocks. Jeremy went on marry Carla in 2002, who he met when he was hosting a late night show on the Birmingham-based radio station, 96.4 BRMB. After 14 years of marriage, the pair announced they'd made the decision to separate after 'growing apart' and their divorce was finalized in 2016. Jeremy said: 'We have sadly grown apart over recent years and have been living apart since earlier this summer.' Dame Joan Collins has opened up about her experiences of predators in the film industry and the advice Marilyn Monroe gave her. The legendary actress, 90, appeared on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain to talk about her new memoir, Behind The Shoulder Pads - Tales I Tell My Friends. She spoke about how young actresses had to deal with predatory behaviour from actors and producers constantly, so much so that it became the norm. Joan revealed that she was given advice by famed actress Marilyn back in 1955, after Joan had been cast as Evelyn Nesbitt in The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing. She recalled: 'I was at Gene Kelly's house, which was full of intellectual people there, talking about things that went way above my head as I was just 21. Candid: Dame Joan Collins has opened up about her experiences of predators in the film industry and the advice Marilyn Monroe gave her Tell-all: The legendary actress, 90, appeared on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain to talk about her new memoir, Behind The Shoulder Pads - Tales I Tell My Friends Words of wisdom: Joan revealed that she was given advice by famed actress Marilyn back in 1955, after Joan had been cast as Evelyn Nesbitt in The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing 'Marilyn was sitting at the bar, no make-up, drinking a martini. She said, "I hear you're playing the role I was supposed to play, but I was too old." Joan went on: 'She then said, "Beware of the wolves of Hollywood." I said, "Oh Ill handle the wolves, we had those in the English film industry." 'Marilyn said, "Not the Hollywood kind darling. If they dont like you, they'll cancel your contract, it's happened to lots of young girls." 'I said I'll just avoid them. I was good at avoiding them because my father was an agent and he told me, "One of the best things to do to avoid a predatory man, laugh at him!"' Hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley commented that there were still instances of this behaviour in the current film industry. Joan replied: 'Not to the same extent. Not in the business, it was just taken as an act as divine right to sleep with his leading lady. 'George Peppard, Richard Burton, Richard Todd. They just took it as that's meat there for me. And if it wasn't them it was the producers. So I don't think it's nearly as bad.' She described an incident that occurred as a teenager, when a producer had made unwanted advances towards her. Awful: Joan spoke about how young actresses had to deal with predatory behaviour from actors and producers constantly, so much so that it became the norm (pictured in 1960) Entitled: Joan said it was worse back in the day as actors, Richard Burton (pictured with Joan in Sea Wife in 1857) saw it as a 'divine right to sleep with his leading lady' She explained: 'That was in England with a producer and I was only 17. He was chasing me around the corner and said, "Do you really want this part?" and I said, "I really do!" 'Then he said, "Well then, you have to be nice to me". That was their euphemism. So the wardrobe people used to hide me in the wardrobe, as he came prowling down the corridor to put me in his car. And he did get me in his car one day.' Joan added: 'We all bound together, it was the sisterhood of young Hollywood actresses. I talked to an older actress about it. 'I said, "What do you do about all these men that pat your cheek and say these things?" 'And she said, "You just have to put up with it because its part of the profession." And we did.' Discussing roles she would've liked to have played in her career, Joan revealed she had been up for the role of Cleopatra in the 1963 film. She said: 'I would have really liked to play Cleopatra. I tested for it three times and again went through the predatory men, this time the CEOs and head honchos of 20th Century Fox. 'I tested with all these dreadful actors - to say they were wooden would be unkind to trees. 'Then the whole budget went insane so they decided they couldn't have me and decided to have the biggest star in the world, Elizabeth Taylor, which was fine.' A bride starring on Married At First Sight UK was questioned by the police after being accused of 'cutting up' her husband's clothes and smashing two of his designer watches. Porscha Pernnelle, 35, who said 'I do' to husband Terence Edwards, 41, on Monday night's show, allegedly ransacked the apartment they shared during filming of the E4 series following an explosive argument. Father-of-three Terence was shocked to discover his clothing and personal items including a Michael Kors and Hugo Boss watch had been damaged after one of the show's 'commitment ceremonies' where contestants decide whether they are going to stay or leave the process. He called the police who questioned his bride Porscha about the broken items given she had been the only person with access to the Wembley flat, where couples were housed by the broadcaster during the TV experiment. As a sign of good will and after Terence complained to Channel 4 about his torn up clothing and shattered watches, they replaced the items, with the groom telling pals: 'Fair play to the show, it took forever, and it was stressful waiting, but they got all my stuff sorted in the end.' A bride starring on Married At First Sight UK was questioned by the police after being accused of 'cutting up' her husband's clothes and smashing two of his designer watches Porscha Pernnelle, who said 'I do' to husband Terence Edwards, on Monday's show, allegedly ransacked the apartment they shared during filming of the E4 series following an argument Father-of-three Terence was shocked to discover his clothing and personal items including a Michael Kors and Hugo Boss watch had been damaged As a sign of good will and after Terence complained to Channel 4 about his torn up clothing and shattered watches, they replaced the items A source close to the programme told MailOnline: 'Porscha and Terence struggled to get along during the process and often had different ideas about their marriage. 'On multiple occasions, Terence opted to leave the show while Porscha was keen to stay and so tensions continued to rise in their partnership. 'Terence discovered one morning that belongings he left in his apartment had been damaged, his clothing torn up and his watches smashed. 'He had no option but to call the police because he suspected his bride may have been the cause.' In an image exclusively obtained by MailOnline, Terence pictured his two restored watches, admitting that while he was 'stressed' waiting for them to be replaced, he is pleased the 'show got his stuff sorted in the end.' Viewers saw Porsha and Terence marry on Monday night's show after they met for the first time at the altar. Mum-of-one Porsha, who is a devout Christian, had doubts about whether their new relationship could work because Terence is a DJ and often parties in nightclubs until the early hours, while she likes to be in bed by 11pm. Before asking Terence his name, Porscha quizzed him on his religious beliefs, with Terence confirming he is in fact a Christian, and a dad to three children from a previous relationship. Viewers saw Porsha and Terence marry on Monday night's show after they met for the first time at the altar Porsha, who is a devout Christian, had doubts about whether their relationship could work because Terence is a DJ and often parties until the early hours, while she likes to be in bed by 11 Before asking Terence his name, Porscha quizzed him on his religious beliefs, with Terence confirming he is in fact a Christian, and a dad to three children from a previous relationship It is the latest in a string of scandals connected to the E4 show after contestant Nathaniel Valentino branded the series a 'sham' and claimed couples are manipulated by 'goblins' who provoke conflict. Nathanial married transgender bride Ella Morgan last week and has since spoken out about his experiences, insisting the show didn't listen to the list of preferences that he looks for in a partner. The former Geordie Shore star claims he requested not to be paired with a smoker or someone who worked within the sex industry, of which Ella is both. MailOnline also exposed the show for 'faking' reactions among the cast after producers told Nathanial in advance that he was marrying a transgender bride, which goes against the premise of the series. A Channel 4 spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Some clothing was damaged on location but the contributor had the items replaced or was reimbursed by production.' Dina Broadhurst is Sydney's most beloved sensual artist. But on Tuesday, the 45-year-old suffered somewhat of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction on Instagram. In a gallery shared to social media platform, Dina suffered a 'nip slip' as she posed braless in a plunging turquoise mini-dress. She was sure to make the most of the wardrobe malfunction however, flaunting her most provocative angles. 'Blue Mood. Film back,' she captioned the post. Dina Broadhurst is Sydney 's most beloved sensual artist. But on Tuesday, the 45-year-old suffered somewhat of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction on Instagram. Pictured In a gallery shared to social media platform, Dina suffered a 'nip slip' as she posed braless in a plunging turquoise mini-dress Dina's loyal followers couldn't get enough of the star. 'Dina, you're amazing,' one fan wrote. 'This is casually gorgeous,' another added. 'Your blue is the best,' said one more. The sighting comes after Dina was seen canoodling with property investor Tony Benjamin at Bondi Beach. Tony is said to have previously been in a professional and romantic relationship with Potts Point jeweller Chrissi James, who confirmed her shock when she saw paparazzi photos of the pair together on Daily Mail Australia. Chrissi said she had seen the flirty photos and appeared upset when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. She was sure to make the most of the wardrobe malfunction however, flaunting her most provocative angles. 'Blue Mood. Film back,' she captioned the post 'I don't want to comment, it's not a great situation to be in,' she said. Chrissi is understood to still be working alongside Tony, managing the pair's Sydney holiday rentals - III Rooms. Friends close to Dina have confirmed she and Tony were in a relationship 10 years ago, and the pair recently rekindled their romance and have been dating for around three months. The wardrobe malfunction comes after Dina was seen canoodling with property investor Tony Benjamin at Bondi Beach. Tony is said to have previously been in a professional and romantic relationship with Potts Point jeweller Chrissi James The shock romance comes one year after Tony and his on-again-off-again partner Chrissi went on a romantic holiday to Paris, the city of love. Meanwhile, Dina recently split from her longtime partner Max Shepherd. Max, 31, moved into Michael Clarke's bachelor pad in Vaucluse, and he nursed his heartbreak with a trip overseas. Kylie Minogue was shocked to find out that her friend Boy George accidentally leaked her song, Padam Padam, before it was released to the public. George made the confession on a recent episode of The Project, and Kylie was asked about it on the show on Tuesday night. Questioned on what she felt about the leak, the 55-year-old did a double take before gasping, 'He did!?' 'I didn't know!' she exclaimed, with host Sarah Harris backpedalling, 'I'm sorry. I think I've caused an international scandal.' Kylie graciously went on: 'I would like to think it was just pressing the wrong button, or that he was very excited, but naughty George'. Kylie Minogue (pictured) was shocked to find out that her friend Boy George accidentally leaked her song, Padam Padam, before it was released to the public The pop star didn't seem too bothered by the revelation, just again calling her pal, 'Naughty George.' It comes after Kylie revealed she may attend this year's ARIA awards in Australia. The 55-year-old star has been nominated for four awards, with the ceremony set to take place on November 15 at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. The pop princess is up for Best Independent Release, Best Pop Release, Best Solo Artist, and Song of the Year after releasing her 16th studio album, Tension, which includes the smash hit single Padam Padam. Kylie told ABC News this week that she's love to pick up her prizes in person should she win. George (pictured) made the confession on a recent episode of The Project, and Kylie was asked about it on the show on Tuesday night 'I didn't know!' she exclaimed, with host Sarah Harris (left) backpedalling, 'I'm sorry. I think I've caused an international scandal.' Kylie graciously went on: 'I would like to think it was just pressing the wrong button, or that he was very excited, but naughty George' 'Four ARIAs! Isn't that amazing,' she said, before adding, 'I hope so', when asked if she would be coming back to Australia for the show Furthermore, Kylie added that she'd like to tour Down Under but was still locking plans in place. 'We are trying to make decisions... I would love yo tour, but we are just trying to figure it out' she added coyly. Kylie also dropped a major hint about going on tour as she promoted her new album Tension with a series of radio appearances on Monday. Speaking to Roman Kemp on the Capital FM Breakfast Show, the Padam Padam hitmaker was asked about the album and if she was planning to go on tour. It comes after Kylie revealed she may attend this year's ARIA awards in Australia The pop princess is up for Best Independent Release, Best Pop Release, Best Solo Artist, and Song of the Year after releasing her 16th studio album, Tension, which includes the smash hit single Padam Padam At first, she cryptically responded, 'Hmm.' But, when pressed, she admitted: 'I'm very tempted. I am thinking about it deeply.' Kylie was out promoting her latest single Tension, from her album of the same name, which hit number 6 on the UK's Big Top 40 earlier this month. The track is Kylie's 53rd Big Top 40 hit and, with Tension, she become the only female artist to score a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK. Her sixteenth studio album, Tension has already spawned Padam Padam, which hit number one and went viral on TikTok, with Tension set to follow in its footsteps. Furthermore, Kylie added that she'd like to tour Down Under but was still locking plans in place Strictly star Angela Scanlon has been reported to the police after she was filmed dancing out of a window of a moving car. The One Show host, 39, was sitting in the backseat of a vehicle, without wearing a seatbelt, as she leaned her body out of the rear window for the routine, which was captured by a friend in the passenger seat in front. The video obtained by MailOnline, was uploaded to her Instagram account before being hastily deleted. The clip of Angela hanging out of the car is edited with the music of classic hip hop anthem Rapper's Delight. Angela said: 'I made absolutely the wrong decision when I filmed this video. I was coming from rehearsals and was giddy with excitement. Strictly star Angela Scanlon has been reported to the police after she was filmed dancing out of a window of a moving car Angela made a promising start on her Strictly debut last Saturday, earning praise from the judges for her Tango routine to Miley Cyrus track, Prisoner (pictured) 'That's not an excuse, because what I did was stupid and I'm sorry I let my excitement get the better of my judgement'. Angela can be heard laughing as she performs the dangerous sequence as the car travels at speed. MailOnline can reveal the Irish presenter, who is partnered with Carlos Gu for this year's series, was reported to the police on Monday night and is likely to get a ticking off from BBC bosses for her actions. A source said: 'Angela thought she was having a laugh, playing up to being on Strictly. 'But leaning out of a moving car is incredibly dangerous and she should know better. 'Her place on Strictly won't be at threat but she'll be warned about her behaviour going forward.' Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, said: 'Every day on the UK's roads, around five people are killed and more than 60 people are seriously injured. 'Driving is a privilege, not a right. With that privilege, comes a great deal of responsibility for safety, but sadly, many road users overlook this important fact. 'It is very disappointing when celebrities, who have a significant influence on others, behave in a way that does not acknowledge the importance of using the roads safely and of the huge risks posed by distracted driving.' A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said: 'Hertfordshire Police have received a report from a member of the public about a woman not wearing a seatbelt in a moving vehicle in Borehamwood.' The video obtained by MailOnline, was uploaded to her Instagram account before being hastily deleted. The clip of Angela hanging out of the car is edited with the music of classic hip hop anthem Rapper's Delight. MailOnline can reveal the Irish presenter, who is partnered with Carlos Gu for this year's series, was reported to the police on Monday night (pictured on Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing) Angela made a promising start on her Strictly debut last Saturday, earning praise from the judges for her Tango routine to Miley Cyrus track, Prisoner. Anton de Beke said: 'The drama, the intense, the commitment was magnificent.' And Craig Revel Horwood added that although her arms were 'a tiny bit loose,' Angela's attack moments were 'fantastic'. Writing on Instagram afterwards, Angela said: 'Week one DONE!!! I've just had a fry up and a very small lie in. My head is reeling & I'm not quite sure what the hell happened. 'What a night. Everyone was incredible. I literally forgot how to speak I was so nervous/stunned, so far out of my comfort zone, so exposed, so ladylike. 'But I loved every second of it & thank you ALL for the messages and comments on our TANGO!! 'When I heard we were doing it I almost vomited but actually I kind of loved being fierce & moody & fiery. Angela shares two young daughters Ruby, five, and Marnie, one, with husband Roy Horgan, whom she married in 2014. As well as The One Show, which she's hosted since 2015, Angela has also fronted BBC shows Robot Wars and Your Home Made Perfect, and is also regular presenter on Virgin Radio. Angelina Jolie exuded elegance on Monday as she arrived at at JFK airport in New York City. The Oscar-winning actress, 48, looked as classy as ever in a long black coat with a collar and adorned with gold buttons. The humanitarian added a few extra inches of height to her frame with a pair of black high heels. Angelina toted a large cream designer handbag and hid her face behind a pair of oversized aviator sunglasses. Her brunette tresses were swept up in a chic updo to show off her dangly gold earrings. Timeless: Angelina Jolie exuded elegance on Monday as she arrived at at JFK airport in New York City Chic: The Oscar-winning actress, 48, looked as classy as ever in a long black coat with a collar and adorned with gold buttons Angelina was also spotted arriving at JFK last week, accompanied by her youngest daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 15, whom she shares with ex-husband Brad Pitt. Vivienne is one of six children Angelina shares with Brad, whom she split from in 2016 after two years of marriage and a decade together. They're also parents to Maddox, 22, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17, and Vivienne's twin brother Knox. The former couple are still engaged in a custody battle over their minor children. Angelina has been spending more time with Vivienne in recent weeks as the teen is now working for her mother as her assistant on a Broadway musical. The A-lister is a lead producer on a musical adaptation of the 1983 film The Outsiders which starred Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe. Not only is this her first Broadway involvement, but it is also the first time Angelina has worked on a project with Vivienne. According to ET, Vivienne will serve as Angelina's volunteer assistant and have direct involvement with the production. Lookalike: Angelina was also spotted arriving at JFK last week, accompanied by her youngest daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 15, whom she shares with ex-husband Brad Pitt (Angelina and Vivienne pictured together in 2022 with Dear Evan Hansen cast) Family: Vivienne is one of six children Angelina shares with Brad - Maddox, 22, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17, and Vivienne's twin brother Knox (picture L-R Shiloh, Zahara, Angelina, Vivienne, Maddox and Knox in 2021) 'Viv reminds me of my mother [Marcheline Bertrand] in that she isn't focused on being the center of attention but in being a support to other creatives,' the actress said in a statement to the outlet. 'She's very thoughtful and serious about theatre and working hard to best understand how to contribute.' A source dished that Vivienne 'loves musical theatre' and that Angelina has been taking her to productions 'since she was a little girl.' The musical is based on S.E. Hinton's novel and Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 coming-of-age crime drama. That film starred a who's who of young Hollywood at the time: Tom Cruise, Diane Lane, Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, C Thomas Howell and Ralph Macchio. The musical had its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse earlier this year and a source told ET that Angelina and Vivienne 'both fell in love with the musical' when they saw it. 'Angelina and Vivienne subsequently met with S.E. Hinton, who was around Vivienne's age when she wrote the novel,' the insider claimed. 'As a result of seeing the show and the conversation with S.E. Hinton, Angelina was inspired to take a role as a lead producer for the upcoming launch on Broadway.' What a cast! Angelina is working on a musical adaptation of the 1983 film The Outsiders. The film starred Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio, C. Thomas Howell and Tom Cruise (L-R) The Broadway cast of The Outsiders and show dates have yet to be revealed. In a statement earlier this month, Angelina said: 'I hope to be able to contribute while continuing to learn from this amazing team, who I have been working with since my daughter brought me to see the show at La Jolla Playhouse. 'I can't begin to express how excited I am for this musical to make its Broadway debut and look forward to sharing this new adaptation of The Outsiders with the world.' The synopsis for The Outsiders film reads: 'A teen gang in rural Oklahoma, the Greasers are perpetually at odds with the Socials, a rival group. 'When Greasers Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) and Johnny (Ralph Macchio) get into a brawl that ends in the death of a Social member, the boys are forced to go into hiding. 'Soon Ponyboy and Johnny, along with the intense Dallas (Matt Dillon) and their other Greaser buddies, must contend with the consequences of their violent lives. While some Greasers try to achieve redemption, others meet tragic ends.' The Outsiders musical features a story by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jonathan Clay, Zach Chance and Levine. It will be directed by Danya Taymor. Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin are currently enjoying the sights and tastes of Paris as they holiday in the French capital. And it seem the city of love is working its magic on the famous director, 61, and his Oscar-winning wife, 58, on Tuesday. Baz took to Instagram to share a tender moment of the couple lovingly gazing into each other's eyes as they stood before an ornate blue door. The couple, who have been married since 1997, are currently on vacation with daughter, Lilly, 20. 'Time to stop hanging out in Paris and get back on the creative road,' Baz captioned the post of the pair. Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin are currently enjoying the sights and tastes of Paris as they holiday in the French capital. Both pictured Baz took to Instagram to share a tender moment of the couple lovingly gazing into each other's eyes as they stood before an ornate blue door It comes after the pair put their stunning New York Gilded Age townhouse on the market for $28 million. The Australian couple initially listed the property last year for $31million and was also listed for rent for $117,000 per month. The couple purchased the 790sqm home back in 2017 for $21million. Luhrmann and Martin's reason for selling is to return home to Australia and set up their main base. 'Since the pandemic and making the movie Elvis in Australia, our work has kept us mostly away from our New York City base,' Luhrmann told New York Post's Gimme Shelter. 'We shot Elvis entirely on the Gold Coast in Queensland and will continue to develop shows to be shot there. The couple, who have been married since 1997, are currently on vacation with daughter, Lilly, 20. All pictured The couple will potentially downsize back home. The filmmaker said they're 'becoming empty nesters' as their children - Lilly and son William, 18 - get older. 'Our enormous, beautiful family house seems very quiet without our children,' Luhrmann added. The property, originally built in 1852, boasts six spacious bedrooms, five bathrooms, two powder rooms and five fireplaces. TV presenter and former glamour model Melinda Messenger has recently announced that she is engaged to Dr Raj Joshi, ahead of her appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Melinda is one of 16 contestants who has ditched the spotlight for a slog through a Vietnamese jungle in the fifth series of the show. And her new partner was there every step of the way for all the famous faces as a member of its team behind the scenes. So, who is Melinda's fiance Dr Raj Joshi? Loved up: Melinda Messenger, 52, has revealed how she first met fiance Dr Raj Joshi, 47, while filming gruelling survival show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in Vietnam - thanking the series for 'changing her life' Not very glam! Recalling first clapping eyes on the hunky medic she said how she was sent to visit him during the shoot while covered in 'blood, sweat, tears and wee' (Melinda pictured on the show) Who is Melinda Messenger's fiance Dr Raj Joshi? Melinda, 52, met her new fiance while filming the gruelling Channel 4 show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in Vietnam in September 2022, where Dr Joshi, 47, was the medic. Recalling first clapping eyes on the hunky medic she told The Sun how she was sent to visit him during the shoot while covered in 'blood, sweat, tears and wee'. Dr Joshi is an expedition leader and doctor who has worked on various BBC documentaries, such as David Beckham: Into the Unknown and Kilimanjaro: The Big Red Nose Climb. He has also been involved in humanitarian projects in Nepal, India, and Africa. The medical man popped the question during a trip to New Zealand, where he and Melinda celebrated the Maori New Year, Matariki. The pair plan to get married in 2024. The TV medic is a qualified doctor who graduated from the University of Birmingham in 1999 and has a special interest in wilderness medicine and tropical diseases. He has led expeditions all around the world and has climbed some of the highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Dr Joshi is also a co-founder of 360 Expeditions - a company that offers adventure travel and bespoke expeditions. Happy news: Melinda confirmed her engagement to survivalist Dr Raj Joshi after he proposed during their stay in New Zealand earlier this year Who is Melinda Messenger's ex-husband Wayne Roberts? Wayne Roberts, now Roberts-Messenger, met Melinda in a Swansea club in the late 1990s. They got married in a Buddhist ceremony in Bali the following year, but separated in 2008. However, they reunited later that year when Melinda starred on Dancing On Ice before splitting again in 2012, citing that they had grown apart too much. Melinda said that they still care about each other and prioritise their children's wellbeing. She also said that Wayne feels like a cousin to her, as he is still a member of their family but in a different way. Wayne now works as a psychotherapist in Exeter, and was quick to congratulate his ex on her new engagement. Congratulations: Melinda Messengers ex-husband Wayne has led well-wishers congratulating her on getting engaged to survival expert Dr Raj Joshi following a whirlwind romance Does Melinda Messenger have children? Melinda has three with her ex-husband. Morgan Kelly Roberts was born in 2000, Flynn Jefferson Roberts in 2002, and Evie Brooke Roberts in 2004. Melinda has said that she loves being a mother and that her children are her priority, despite also opening up about her struggles with postnatal depression. The actress, 46, she learned in 2018 that her 'Dad' was not her biological father Kerry Washington has explained how yoga helped her to process the shock discovery that her dad is not her biological father. The 46-year-old actress revealed in her new memoir, Thicker Than Water, that she only learned in 2018 that Earl Washington, the man she called 'Dad', was not her biological father when she was invited to participate in an episode of Finding Your Roots. Kerry told the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast that yoga enabled her to handle the emotional turmoil caused by the unexpected revelation of her parentage as she tried to come to terms with living with 'two truths'. 'In yoga practice, you must have this combination of being steady and strong but also flexible and yielding,' she explained. 'Thats the very practice of yoga, it only works if you can tap into the surrender of each pose combined with the commitment and strength for each pose.' Kerry Washington has claimed that yoga was a key tool which helped her process the shock discovery that her dad is not her biological father In her new memoir, Thicker Than Water, the actress revealed that her parents admitted to her in 2018 that they had secretly used a sperm donor to conceive their beloved daughter She continued: 'So thats one of the places where I started to learn what that feels like in my body and to think about it.' The actress then told the podcaster: 'But, as Im sitting here, even just my commitment to say and to help my dad say that its okay for me to have two energies in my life that represent father. 'That this donor, this stranger... I have no idea who this person is. Theres a whole team of people on the search but I dont know who this donor is. 'That because of the amount of genetic material that theyve poured into me, and therefore all kind of coding, that person represents some of the father story and energy in my life.' She continued: 'But my dad is my dad. He represents the father energy in my life, he is the man who raised me and has loved me like a father and is also father. Theres no way for me to live my life without embracing those truths. It just is the fact of my life.' The truth about her parentage came to light because Finding Your Roots uses genealogical records and DNA results to track family histories. Kerry's parents hadn't realized this when she had first revealed that she would be taking part in the show. 'When I said, "Spit in this tube," they started freaking out,' Kerry told The New York Times about her parents' reaction to the DNA test. 'My mom was like, "I didnt know that this was going to happen".' Kerry explained that the discovery has helped deepen her bond with her father, Earl, and her mom, Valerie, pictured here during her childhood Kerry explained on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast that yoga was the surprising tool she was able to lean on when trying to live with the 'two truths' The Scandal star says practicing yoga helped her to be able to process the fact there are now two energies in her life that represent a father The Prophecy star said her father began having panic attacks and suffering from insomnia, and decided to pull out of the show. After being advised by Gates to reveal the information while all parties were still alive, her parents scheduled a meeting with the Emmy winner. During their 2018 get together, Kerry's parents revealed they had used an anonymous sperm donor after they had trouble conceiving naturally. Kerry said the secret of per parentage inspired her memoir, Thicker Than Water Recalling the aftermath in her chat with Jay Shetty, Kerry explained: 'This was shocking to me. And also not... It made so much sense to me because there had been this sense... I felt like I didn't know myself.' She continued: 'I felt a disconnect to my parents and I felt a disconnect with myself. I never knew what to ascribe that to, I never knew why. Suddenly the pieces all fell into place. 'It was like there was this beautiful puzzle on the wall of our home that had this one wrong piece in it but it was close enough that everyone just pretended that the painting was perfect.' The actress admitted: 'When my parents told me it was like somebody finally took that wrong puzzle piece that had been jammed into place and pulled it out and we all got to be honest. 'And we don't even know what the missing piece is because I don't know who the donor is but at least now the painting is honest.' Kerry has since gone through family therapy with her parents and her husband Nnamdi Asomugha, 42 Before finding out the truth, Kerry said she had always felt like something wasn't quite right as a child Noting that her father had struggled with the idea of her knowing the truth, she added: 'To my dad, I am his and he is mine and theres no point in acknowledging any other truth It doesnt matter He is my dad, he will always be my dad. 'Theres more complexity, theres more nuance. Yes, we belong to each other and there is this other figure thats 50 percent of my genetics.' The Little Fires Everywhere star revealed that her mom had originally planned on revealing the truth to her in a note which she would leave in a safe after she and her husband died. Kerry admitted to Jay that she was relieved to not have discovered the truth that way, and explained that finding out now helped her build a closer bond with her parents. 'Once I had this truth, I now have the opportunity to show my father what it feels like to be actually loved unconditionally,' she said. 'From this point on every time I say "I love you" its despite this truth that you thought was too horrible to bear It felt like such an opportunity for healing.' Thicker than Water is now available to buy. Elle Macpherson showed off her smooth complexion as she made a stylish appearance at the Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday afternoon. The model, 59, looked as youthful as ever for the event where she wore a stylish long black dress. The sophisticated number was cinched in at the waist and teamed with a sleek bag from the designer brand and velvet heels. She wore her blonde tresses pinned back with pretty tendrils around her face and opted for subtle makeup. Elle was joined by an array of stars at the show including Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy, Alexa Chung and Charlize Theron. Youthful: Elle Macpherson showed off her smooth complexion as she made a stylish appearance at the Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday afternoon Confident: The model, 59, looked as youthful as ever for the event where she wore a stylish long black dress Actress Jennifer, 33, looked as chic as ever in a crisp white shirt and long black trousers as she posed up a storm for the cameras. She was cinched in at the waist with a belt and accessorised her look with gold hoop earrings while her blonde tresses were styled into soft waves. Elsewhere model Alexa, 39, flashed her toned abs in a flower patterned black bralet and sheer skirt and jacket. Meanwhile actress Anya, 27, put on a leggy display in a pair of tiny black shorts, vinyl jacket and heels. Also at the event actress and producer Charlize, 48, brought a touch of glamour in a glittery gold skirt and white shirt. Also at the show was Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega, 20, who wore a smart navy blazer and long pleated skirt. She completed the look with lace-up boots a sheer black top that revealed her bralet underneath. Joseph Quinn and Robert Pattinson were among the other stars in attendance at the show. Ensemble: The sophisticated number was cinched in at the waist and teamed with a sleek bag from the designer brand and velvet heels Paris Fashion Week is a series of designer presentations held semiannually in Paris, France, with spring/summer and autumn/winter events held each year. Dates are determined by the French Fashion Federation and shows are held at venues throughout the city. It comes after Australian supermodel Elle took to Instagram last Wednesday to mark her 20-year sobriety as well as one year of romance with her boyfriend Doyle Bramhall. In a series of loved-up snaps, Elle was seen glowing alongside the guitarist, 54, as they embarked on trips around the world together. 'Life beyond my wildest dreams they say,' she captioned her post. 'As I celebrate my 20 years anniversary this week ..I am also celebrating 365+days of heart expanding bliss.' Stunning: Elle was joined by an array of stars at the show including Jennifer Lawrence (pictured), Anya Taylor-Joy, Alexa Chung and Charlize Theron Work it: Elsewhere model Alexa, 39, flashed her toned abs in a flower patterned black bralet and sheer skirt and jacket Beauty: Also at the event actress and producer Charlize, 48, brought a touch of glamour in a glittery gold skirt and white shirt Pins: Meanwhile actress Anya, 27, put on a leggy display in a pair of tiny black shorts, vinyl jacket and heels Style: Also at the show was Wednesday actress Jenna Ortega, 20, who wore a smart navy blazer and long pleated skirt And fans rushed to congratulate the supermodel on her significant twin milestones. 'Im so happy for you!!! You are the ultimate example of changing your world from the inside out!!!' wrote one. Another commented, 'Congrats!! This post makes me so happy.' While yet another added, 'Congratulations on the sobriety as well, I did not know you struggled.' Demi Moore was seen arriving at her Paris hotel hours after her ex-husband Bruce Willis made a rare public outing amid his battle with dementia. The actress, 60, and her former partner, 68, remain close friends and share three daughters Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29. The family have rallied around the Die Hard actor after he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - an uncommon form of dementia that causes a deterioration in behaviour, personality and language. They publicly revealed his condition in February of this year and his wife Emma Heming recently gave a heartbreaking update on his ongoing battle with dementia. The Hollywood icon was seen in the passenger seat of a car in Los Angeles, on Monday - the same day that Emma, 45, revealed it's 'hard to know' if he is even aware of what is happening to him health-wise. Stepping out: Demi Moore was seen arriving at her Paris hotel hours after her ex-husband Bruce Willis made a rare public outing amid his battle with dementia Rare sighting: The Hollywood icon was seen in the passenger seat of a car in Los Angeles , on Monday - the same day that Emma, 45, revealed it's 'hard to know' if he is even aware of what is happening to him health-wise The sighting came just hours before Demi stepped out in Paris during Fashion Week, as she was seen arriving at her hotel with a puppy scooped in her jacket. The A-lister made a low-key arrival and looked downcast she she stepped out in the French capital on Tuesday. She was cuddling her pet Chihuahua Pilaf. She was bundled up in an oversized black blazer, which she was wearing with jeans and a pair of boots. During his outing in LA, Bruce was sporting a quilted navy jacket and a matching navy hat, the actor was seen sitting with the passenger window down as he was driven around his home town in what has become an increasingly rare public outing amid his ongoing health struggles. Emma fought back tears while she opened up about how she and her two daughters with the actor are coping with the 'grief and the sadness' of watching the actor's health decline in an interview on the Today show. 'What I'm learning is that dementia is hard,' she said, during an appearance at the show's New York studio. 'It's hard on the person diagnosed. It's also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls. 'And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is.' Out and about: The sighting came just hours before Demi stepped out in Paris during Fashion Week, as she was seen arriving at her hotel with a puppy scooped in her jacket Stylish: Kate Moss was also seen stepping out in the French capital Back on: She was seen with her boyfriend Nikolai von Bismarck Inspirational: In an emotional interview on the Today show that day, Bruce's devoted wife said it was 'hard to know' if he was aware of what was happening to her husband health-wise The family: Bruce's daughters Scout and Tallulah showed their support to Emma after the interview (L-R) Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Scout, Emma and Tallulah in 2019 When asked how she went about explaining his illness to their children, she said: 'I think it's always been... we're a very honest and open household. 'And, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense. 'So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don't want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad's diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.' When asked by host Hoda Kotb if he is aware of what is happening to him, Emma paused and revealed: 'Hard to know'. But despite the difficulty of caring for her husband, she said receiving a diagnosis has made life 'easier'. 'I think it was the blessing and the curse. You know, to sort of finally understand what was happening so that I can be into the acceptance of what is. 'It doesn't make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance and just being in the know of what is happening to Bruce just makes it a little bit easier. Proud: Taking to Instagram to reshare a behind-the-scenes clip of Emma's interview, Scout, 32, wrote: 'I truly could not be more proud of @emmahemingwillis' Strong: The youngest of Bruce and Demi's children Tallulah, 29, posted on her Instagram stories her older sister's words with the caption: 'So proud of my family' Emotional: Emma fought back tears during her appearance on Today on Monday morning Exclusive: In honor of World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness week, Bruce Willis wife Emma Heming Willis speaks to @hodakotb about the condition in her first interview since his diagnosis. It was the blessing and the curse, Emma said of receiving Bruces diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/VY5yhVjZIf TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 25, 2023 'There is so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It is just really important for me to look up from the grief and the sadness so that I can see what is happening around us,' Emma added. In a particularly touching moment, Hoda asked Emma what she thinks Bruce is teaching their girls as they all come to terms with his illness as a family. 'Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience, so much...' Emma said. 'And he's teaching me and our whole... I mean, you know, for me to be out here doing this, this is not my comfort zone, but this is the power of Bruce.' Hoda continued: 'I have heard from people that have an ailing family member, and I remember this from a friend of mine... she said, "my husband's diagnosis made my kids better people". Is that what you're noticing?' 'That is what I'm noticing,' Emma replied. 'Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what! And this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it is teaching them so much and how to care and love and it's a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.' She confirmed that she refers to herself as Bruce's 'care partner' as opposed to his 'caretaker', and also noted the importance of taking care of herself as well. 'It's so important to ask for help and support. And you can look to organizations like the AFTD, like Hilarity For Charity... it is sort of a great starting point. 'And it's important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care, partner for the person that they're caring for,' she added. Demi Moore has never looked better. On Tuesday she was seen in a black-an-white dress and matching hat as she posed on the cover of Town and Country Magazine with her dog Pilaf. Also on the cover with the diva were Diane Lane and Chloe Sevigny. The trio seemed to be dressed in an homage to Truman Capote's infamous black and white ball, a fitting theme as the article is focused on their work in the upcoming series Feud: Capote Vs The Swans. Demi, 60, who wowed recently when she attended Milan Fashion Week, was reminiscent of the dress Audrey Hepburn wore as Eliza Doolittle in the film My Fair Lady. The Brave New World star's hair was pulled back in a sleek bun and she wore a matching wide brimmed hat. A collar made of red silk roses was designed to gently frame her face. Dog gone: Demi Moore has never looked better. On Tuesday she was seen in a black-an-white dress and matching hat as she posed on the cover of Town and Country Magazine with her mini dog Pilaf Black and white ball: Also on the cover with the diva were Diane Lane and Chloe Sevigny The Emmy nominee wore natural looking makeup with a muted lip, and she brought her beloved pooch, Pilaf, to the shoot. Demi, Diane, and Chloe are starring alongside Naomi Watts and Molly Ringwald in the series, which has been developed by Ryan Murphy. It focuses on writer Truman Capote and the group of New York socialites he referred to as the 'Swans.' 'They were like the original Real Housewives,' Ryan told the outlet. 'Thats something now that people are obsessed with.' All of the actresses' interviews were conducted before the current SAG/AFTRA strike. Demi stars as Ann Woodward, who was a friend of the In Cold Blood author for years before he betrayed her secrets, and those of others, in his short story La Cote Basque, 1965, which was published in Esquire. The copy implied that Ann, who had fatally shot her husband, saying she thought he was a burglar, had actually shot him on purpose. Cover models: Diane, 58, Demi, 60, and Chloe, 48, star as the real-life women who were close friends of In Cold Blood author Truman Capote when he scandalously revealed many of their secrets in a short story called La Cote Basque, 1965 Modern style: Demi stars as Ann Woodward, a friend whose secrets Truman Capote betrayed in his short story La Cote Basque, 1965. For a modern look, the actress was dressed in a loose fitting cream Valentino shirt dress with a collar and mock tie Capote-like: During the photo shoot, Demi was styled in a very Capote-like cream toned suit with a fitted jacket, vest and high waist slacks Southern charm: The look capitalized on Truman Capote's Southern charm with a black bow tie, coordinated with black pumps with a black bow Once the story was published, she and many of Truman's elite friends dropped him like a hot potato. For Demi, the attraction to the project wasn't necessarily the scandal, but the author's contribution to another beloved book. 'I had a general awareness of Truman betraying these close friends who really were his entree into this world that he so desperately wanted,' the Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle star explained. 'But I didnt know the details. I was more aware of and intrigued by the idea that he is the inspiration for Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird. I have a daughter named Scout, so obviously that book has real importance to me.' For a more modern look, Demi was dressed in a loose fitting white Valentino shirt dress with a collar and mock tie. The flowing frock featured sly, but sexy cutouts at the shoulder. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back and the only pop of color seemed to be the actress' bright red nail polish. During the photo shoot, the Ghost star was styled in a very Capote-like cream toned suit with a fitted jacket, vest and high waist slacks. Socialite: Diane took on the role of socialite Nancy 'Slim' Keith. She was styled in a form fitting black Dolce & Gabbana midi with dramatic puffed sleeves. Her hair was styled in a chic French twist and she wore Gucci slingback shoes and black opera gloves Playful: For a more playful look, the Under the Tuscan Sun star was costumed in a sexy black feather boa Jewels: Diane was accessorized with architecturally styled diamond, ruby and sapphire earrings She wore a white button down shirt with a black bow tie and black pumps with a bow. Diane, 58, was styled in a chic, modern tuxedo for her cover look. The form fitting jacket was accessorized with a large flower-shaped diamond brooch. The outfit was completed with a white vest and wide leg pants. The Oscar nominee wore black pumps with a block heel. Her light brown hair was styled in loose curls and she wore natural looking makeup. The Y: The Last Man star accessorized with a shimmering vintage diamond necklace. Diane took on the role of the often-married socialite Nancy 'Slim' Keith who was fictionalized as Lady Ina Coolbirth in La Cote Basque, 1965. Slim was known in her time as a fashion influencer and style setter whose glamorous life was often covered in the pages of magazines and newspaper society sections. For the shoot, Diane was photographed at the Plaza Hotel, one of the Swans former stomping grounds, and styled in form fitting black Dolce & Gabbana midi with dramatic puffed sleeves. Her hair was styled in a chic French twist and she wore black Gucci slingback shoes and black opera gloves. For a more playful look, the Under the Tuscan Sun star was costumed in a sexy black feather boa with diamond, ruby and sapphire earrings. Chloe, 48, showcased her toned legs on the cover in a pair of black shorts and stiletto sandals. The Girl from Plainville star slipped into a men's white button down shirt, and wore a black tie, and held a black and white feathered coat like a boa. Her blonde locks were styled in a low bun and she accessorized with diamond earrings. Chloe stars as C.Z. Guest, one of the only people Truman didn't betray, and consequently, one of the few people that didn't cut him off. Betrayal: Chloe stars as C.Z. Guest, one of the only people Truman didn't betray, and one of the few people that didn't cut him off. 'Its about this dying world that an older generation is still holding on to, and what that means to them,' she said of her understanding of the era Style: To capture C.Z.'s style, Chloe was styled in a layered pink tulle Carolina Herrera gown with a diamond Van Cleef and Arpels brooch The Boys Don't Cry star said she was attracted to the role for several reasons. 'Its about this dying world that an older generation is still holding on to, and what that means to them,' she said of her understanding of the era. 'Im from Darien, Connecticut,' the Oscar nominee explained. 'I still send handwritten thank-you notes in the days of text and emails. I think theres a certain elegance to these ladies that, as I am aging, I want to inhabit more.' Hulk Hogan's daughter, Brooke Hogan, revealed why she chose to skip her father's wedding to his third wife, Sky Daily, in Florida over the weekend. The blonde beauty, 35, took to her Instagram on Tuesday to let fans know that she wanted to avoid any 'speculation' about her absence despite valuing her 'privacy'. 'As we all experience this with our own families, the dynamics of a family unit continuously change over the years,' she began the lengthy message. 'With that being said, my family has experienced a LOT of change. With all of it happening in the public eye, I've had to learn how to best navigate those changes as they come, which has been difficult to say the least.' Brooke continued: 'For my own journey to healing and happiness, I have chosen to create some distance between myself and my family, and am focusing on people and things that heal my heart and align with my own personal beliefs, goals, and values.' Better days: Hulk Hogan 's daughter, Brooke Hogan (pictured), revealed why she chose to skip her father's wedding to his third wife, Sky Daily, in Florida over the weekend Newley weds: The blonde beauty, 35, took to her Instagram on Tuesday to let fans know that she wanted to avoid any 'speculation' about her absence despite valuing her 'privacy'. Hulk and Sky Daily The actress ended the heartfelt message on a positive note, writing 'I wish him well,' alongside a heart emoji. Brooke was the first child welcomed by Hulk and his first wife Linda Hogan, who was married to the iconic WWE wrestler from 1983 to 2009. The former couple also share 33-year-old son, Nick, who attended his father's weekend ceremony alongside his partner Tana Lea. Hulk - real name Terry Gene Bollea went on to marry Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but filed for divorce in October 2021 shortly before he began a romance with Sky. Brooke's Instagram comes just a few days after Hulk had walked down the aisle with the 45-year-old yoga instructor in an intimate ceremony in the coastal town of Clearwater on Friday. 'Sky changed his life,' a friend told DailyMail.com. 'He is the happiest he's ever been literally over the moon. If a guy like Hulk could glow, then he'd be glowing. 'It was a low key wedding. Neither of them wanted over the top, just a small affair with their nearest and dearest to declare their deep love and commitment to each other. Sadly Brooke did not show up.' As fans know, Brooke has been a staunch supporter of her father in the past. It's love for real! Sky is 45-years-old and only 10 years older than Brooke. Hulk is 70-years-old Family love: Brooke and Hulk share a sweet daughter-father moment in 2009 in Miami Even in the face of major criticism in 2015, when an audio transcript emerged revealing him using racial slurs to describe her then-boyfriend, Brooke continued to have Hulk's back. 'What he said was not right, but I know thats not who he is, she said at the time to People. 'He has told me that he made some really bad choices, but that it never changed that I was his baby girl and he loved me and be would lost without his kids.' Davide Sanclimenti has risked the fury of his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu as he attended a party with the girl he was accused of cheating on her with. The Love Island winner, 28, went to the Meraki Party at Sakku Samba in Manchester on Saturday night. Harriet Wilson was also in attendance at the event which comes after she was reportedly branded a 'f*****g s**g' by Ekin-Su who accused the blonde, 24, of sleeping with Davide. The Italian hunk tried to keep a low profile during the night out as he went in through the back door of the venue. Harriet set pulces racing with her daring look as she arrived to the restaurant in a skimpy black mini dress that highlighted her incredible figure. Trouble in paradise: Davide Sanclimenti has risked the fury of his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu as he attended a party in Manchester with the girl he was accused of cheating on her with Drama: Harriet Wilson was in attendance at the event which comes after she was reportedly branded a 'f*****g s**g' by Ekin-Su who accused the blonde, 24, of sleeping with Davide Accusations: Ekin-Su (pictured) was said to have called Harriet 'disgusting' and fumed 'Youre finished' in angry messages after finding texts from her on Davide's phone back in April The garment featured a sheer detail and plunging neckline along with a cut out embellishment at the sides. Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Harriet carried a black handbag and topped off her look with a pair of black heels. Davide kept it casual in a beige shirt and a pair of black, slim-fitting trousers as he arrived to the venue with a group of pals. The outing comes after Ekin-Su was said to have called Harriet 'disgusting' and fumed 'Youre finished' in angry messages after finding texts from her on Davide's phone back in April. The Sun on Sunday reported the Turkish TV star also lashed out at a second woman, Phoebe Wintle, after also discovering her texts on his mobile. Ekin-Su's alleged outburst came after she returned from a trip to Belfast in April and feared Davide had hooked up with Harriet and Phoebe. In messages reportedly seen by The Sun on Sunday, Ekin-Su is said to have ranted: 'You f***ing s**g. Sleeping with my boyfriend! Disgusting. Why would you do that? 'You and Phoebe are gonna be shown to everyone slags. Pretending nothing happened. Just wait for it. You cow. Youre finished mate.' Party: The Italian hunk tried to keep a low profile during the night out as he went in through the back door of the venue Stunning: Harriet set pulces racing with her daring look as she arrived to the restaurant in a skimpy black mini dress that highlighted her incredible figure Looking good: The garment featured a sheer detail and plunging neckline along with a cut out embellishment at the sides A source is said to have told the publication that Harriet was 'taken aback' by the Instagram messages, adding: 'What makes it worse is that they knew each other before this all kicked off. 'Harriet used to keep an eye on Davide for Ekin-Su on his nights out in Manchester and report back to her.' The couple later headed off on a make-or-break trip to Amsterdam, and while Davide shared a snap of the beauty at breakfast, she failed to upload an image of him. Ekin-Su was reportedly left furious after finding messages and pictures from two models on Davide's phone. The reality star was said to have been 'fuming and upset' as she suspected Davide had a romantic rendezvous with the pair, who are said to be regulars on the Manchester party scene. Ekin-Su allegedly messaged one of the girls to ask what had gone on after Davide returned from a trip to Belfast. Furious: Ekin-Su's alleged outburst came after she returned from a trip to Belfast in April and feared Davide had hooked up with Harriet and another woman, Phoebe Wintle A source told The Sun: 'It all exploded last Sunday after she found messages on Davides phone discussing their time together. 'He had been messaging both of the girls and she suspected they had all met up one night. 'Ekin-Su contacted one of the girls to tell them she knew about things. She was furious and really upset.' Television personality Ekin-Su posted a number of cryptic social media messages, including a tweet which appear to mock Wilson's Instagram snaps. The post, which has since been deleted, read: 'No man will ever take u seriously with just half naked pictures of u in a bikini and lingerie'. While she also liked two posts from another user which mentioned 'disrespect' and the need for 'distance', according to the publication. She also shared some words on Instagram which read: 'A girl can be just as sexy without showing some skin.' Chloe Brockett has quit a major reality show just days into filming after clashing with her co-stars. The TOWIE star, 22, who was suspended from the ITVBe reality show earlier this year, has now quit Celebrity Ex On The Beach. The TV personality has reportedly 'already flown back to the UK' after not getting along with some of the other celebrity girls who have signed up the MTV series. An insider told The Sun: 'She wasn't getting on with some of the other cast members on this year's series. 'There was friction between her and some of the girls and she opted to leave and has already flown back to the UK.' 'There was friction': Chloe Brockett has quit a Celebrity Ex On The Beach just days into filming after clashing with her co-stars 'She opted to leave': The TV personality has reportedly 'already flown back to the UK' after not getting along with some of the other celebrity girls who have signed up the MTV series MailOnline have contacted Chloe and Ed On The Beach for comment. Chloe was set to be joined by her ex and TOWIE co-star James Locke, as well as his ex, former TOWIE favourite Yazmin Oukhellou on the show. Chloe's other famous exes include former Love Island winner Jack Fincham, who she dated after his split from Dani Dyer. However Jack was reportedly axed from the MTV series and sent home from filming earlier this month. It comes after the former Love Island winner, 31, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and using false plates on his car on August 26. The Sun also revealed this week that Love Island winners Paige Turley and Finn Tapp have signed up for the show following their split in June. Her exit from the show comes after she was suspended from TOWIE after she allegedly threw three tumbler glasses at Roman Hackett during a heated argument while filming in Essex last month. The cast of the ITV series were said to have been 'appalled' by Chloe's behaviour and have called for her to be axed from the show permanently. Co-stars: It comes as The Sun revealed this week that Love Island winners Paige Turley and Finn Tapp have signed up for the show following their split in June Fight: Chloe quitting comes after she was suspended from TOWIE after she allegedly threw three tumbler glasses at Roman Hackett during a heated argument while filming in Essex last month (Roman pictured last month) Fight night? Chloe also allegedly threw an ice bucket at her TOWIE co-star Ella Rae Wise during a row while on a night out in April 2022. Chloe was pinned down on the floor by security, her white boots visible in the crowd (pictured) She has since been suspended from the show but now her castmates have claimed they 'want her gone for good.' A TOWIE spokesperson confirmed to MailOnline: 'Chloe Brockett will not be returning to filming for the remainder of the series.' 'Most of the cast are absolutely appalled by Chloe's behaviour and do not believe she should be allowed to come back,' a source told The Sun. 'They are grouping together and discussing how they will not shoot scenes with her in the future and want her to be axed from the show for good.' The source added: 'They believe it's a bad look for the show to allow someone back into the cast with a history of violence and, to be frank, the majority of them wouldn't feel safe filming with her in the future. If she can do this twice, they believe she is capable of it again.' The bust up is reportedly on everyone's lips in Essex and while the scene was fully caught on camera it is unlikely it will ever be aired. The star has reportedly apologised to Roman after the incident. It isn't the first time Chloe has lost her temper after she threw an ice bucket at co-star Ella Rae Wise in April 2022. Chloe launched a Grey Goose cooler at Ella during an argument, however she missed and instead hit Rem Larue's cousin in the face, leaving her bleeding. The injured woman then had to be held back by other partygoers as she seethed with anger and attempted to reach the reality star. After flying off the handle Chloe was pinned to the ground by security to diffuse the situation. Rachel Zegler looked glamorous in a black and pink gown at the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The Snow White star, 22, looked French-chic in the butterfly embroidered dress which detailed polka dotes on the skirt. She looked effortlessly chic and showcased her slender physique in the mesh gown that cinched in her waist. The West Side Story alumna flashed a sweet smile and posed up a storm as she arrived at the fashion show. She teamed her ensemble with a pair of black high-heels and accessorised her outfit with a black Chanel shoulder bag. Wow: Rachel Zegler, 22, looked glamorous in a black and pink gown at the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Gorgeous: The Snow White star looked French-chic in the butterfly embroidered dress which detailed polka dotes on the skirt Stunning: She looked effortlessly chic and showcased her slender physique in the mesh gown that cinched in her waist It comes after she was faced with backlash for trashing the original animated Snow White film in a newly resurfaced video. Recently, Zegler has been faced with controversy after resurfaced footage showed her talking about how much she disliked the original 1937 classic Disney film and the 'stalker' prince. This comes after she was cast as Snow White in the upcoming live action remake, which is set for release in 2024. When the casting for the film was revealed, she was met with criticism and disgraceful racist trolling for not being a traditionally 'fair' German princess. During a red carpet interview with Extra TV, she made controversial comments about how her version of Snow White was going to differ. 'The original cartoon came out in 1937 and very evidently so,' she said in the interview. 'There's a big focus on her love story with the guy who literally stalks her.' She called it 'weird' before saying: 'So we didn't do that this time.' 'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we casted a guy in the movie,' she said about whether there is still a prince in the reboot. Sensational: The West Side Story alumna flashed a sweet smile and posed up a storm as she arrived at the fashion show Stole the show: She teamed her ensemble with a pair of black high-heels and accessorised her outfit with a black Chanel shoulder bag Pals: Rachel appeared to be in great spirits as she shared a photo with pal Jenna Ortega Cat walk: Rachel took full advantage of the view as she sat centre stage with Elizabeth Debicki, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jenna Ortega, RosalAa and Jennifer Lawrence (left to right) Facing backlash: Recently, Zegler has been faced with controversy after resurfaced footage showed her talking about how much she disliked the original 1937 classic Disney film 'It's one of those things that I think everyone's going to have their assumptions about what it's actually going to be,' she continued. 'But it's really not about the love story at all which is really, really wonderful.' In another interview with Variety, Zegler admitted that she would not be playing the beloved Disney princess in the same way the character was portrayed in the 1937 animated film. She said that her Snow White was 'not going to be saved by the prince' and is not someone who's 'going to be dreaming about true love'. 'She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true,' she added. Whether her character finds love, she said, 'is anybody's guess until 2024.' Comedian John Mulaney has announced a solo standup comedy tour titled John Mulaney in Concert. The Emmy-winning comic, 41, kicks off his latest tour in Kingston, New York on November 2. John - who enjoyed a beach day with his family this summer - will hit cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Tampa before he wraps up his tour and 2023 on New Year's Eve in Phoenix. The new tour comes on the heels of his April Netflix special Baby J, for which he was nominated for two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Special. Baby J recounted Mulaney's experience with addiction, his intervention and his process of getting and staying sober. He has a child with partner Olivia Munn. In concert: Comedian John Mulaney has announced a solo standup comedy tour 'John Mulaney in Concert'; seen in May 2022 in NYC He had three previous Netflix specials as well: The Comeback Kid, Kid Gorgeous and John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch, which are all streaming on Netflix. Mulaney was a staff writer on Saturday Night Live where he is credited alongside Bill Hader with creating the recurring Stefon character. The comedian has been open about his long history of struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism and often used his personal stories in his act. In 2014, the Documentary Now writer said he'd been sober since September 2005. In December 2020, he checked into a rehab program for cocaine, alcohol and prescription drug abuse. In 2021, he admitted that he checked into rehab in September 2020 but left the program to host SNL in October 2020 and relapsed after that. His friends - including Seth Meyers, Natasha Lyonne, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and Nick Kroll - staged an intervention which led to his December 2020 trip to rehab. Mulaney split from his wife of seven years, Annamarie Tendler in May 2021 and announced he was expecting a baby with his current girlfriend Olivia Munn, 43, in July of that same year. Standup comic: The Emmy-winning comic, 41, kicks off his latest tour in Kingston, New York on November 2. John will hit cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Tampa before he wraps up his tour and 2023 on New Year's Eve in Phoenix Solid couple: John has been dating actress Olivia Munn since 2021; seen last week in LA Family: The couple welcomed their son Malcom in November 2021 John and Olivia welcomed their son Malcolm on November 24, 2021. Olivia and Malcom celebrated the comedian's 41st birthday last month and the New Girl alum made him a cake. But before she could serve the cake, the toddler got his hands on it. Munn shared a video of the chaos on Instagram and could be heard exclaiming: 'Whoa, no no, no, no! Oh my gosh!,' while John said: 'Oh my gosh.' Kelly Osbourne has doubled down on her Prince Harry 'whinger' rant and said she lashed out because he and his wife Meghan Markle went 'down the victim road'. In a fresh outburst against the rebel Royals on their family podcast The Osbournes, Kelly was backed by her brother Jack, while their mother Sharon defended the Monarchy. Kelly, 38, said: 'I said he was a t**t. I just think he's such a whinger and the thing is, maybe it's because I feel a certain level of disappointment in the sense where I feel like they had an opportunity to become the most liked, loved people in the entire world that could actually bring some positive change. 'But then went down this, like, victim road instead. I get wanting to leave [the Royal Family]. I get that, but then just leave. Don't leave and then just give "woe is me" stories about how difficult it was. 'Because again, I said this on the podcast I was on, life is hard for everybody. I was just on a podcast and they asked me what I thought of Harry and I just said I think he's a 't**t'. And that's it.' Hitting out: Kelly Osbourne has doubled down on her Prince Harry 'whinger' rant and said she lashed out because he and his wife Meghan Markle went 'down the victim road' Kelly said: 'I get wanting to leave [the Royal Family ]. I get that, but then just leave. Don't leave and then just give "woe is me" stories about how difficult it was' Her brother Jack, 37, added: 'But the funny thing was, I don't know if you looked at any of the comments from any of the articles, but it was amazing how many of these wokey American people were vehemently defending them. And you're like, "Hang on a f***ing second!"' Their mother Sharon countered that she still cares for the monarchy, having met Elizabeth II four times, but also called for it to be 'modernised'. She added: 'That's because I'm old. I love it! Everybody's human, we're all human. They do a lot of good, but they're human beings and they f*** up. We all f*** up. So the thing is, they do a lot of good also. 'I think that it needs to be scaled down and I do think that a lot of the pomp should go. It should be much more modernised, but I don't think it should be stopped. It should be more modernised - they've got to stop with the silly hats and the capes.' Meanwhile, Jack also made a dig at Prince Andrew over the infamous sex allegations against him involving a teenager. Kelly had said she met the Queen twice, before Jack added: 'I only ever met Philip and Andrew, but we don't really like talking about that. 'And Beatrice and Eugenie. I actually denied Eugenie a dance, I was embarrassed. It was at Beatrice's 18th birthday at Windsor Castle. 'She was a couple of years younger. And I was just sat there minding my own business and she's like, "Would you like to dance with me?" Opinion: Their mother Sharon countered that she still cares for the monarchy, having met Elizabeth II four times, but also called for it to be 'modernised' Kelly added: 'Life is hard for everybody. I was just on a podcast and they asked me what I thought of Harry and I just said I think he's a 't**t'. And that's it' 'And I was like, "No..." I literally denied a princess a dance. I was 20 maybe. But it just felt weird dancing with a 15-year-old. At 20 I'm not going to f***ing dance with a 15-year-old. You can't... it will end up like her dad.' It comes three months after Kelly delivered a scathing rant against Harry on the I've Had It podcast, leaving hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie 'Pumps' Sullivan in hysterics when she branded Harry a 'f*****g t**t.' She said at the time: 'I think Harry is a f*****g t**t, I do! He is a whining, whinging complaining, woe is me, I'm the only one whose had mental problems, my life was so hard, everybody's life was f*****g hard! 'Everybody's f*****g life is hard, you were the Prince of a goddamn country who dressed up as a f*****g Nazi, and now you're trying to come back as the Pope. Suck it! No!' Elsewhere on the podcast, Kelly also reflected on her own struggles with drug addiction, and revealed she was admitted to rehab five times during her battle to get clean. 'Rehab can be the best thing that ever happened to you, and it can also be the most boring 28 days of your life, right? It's all about what you put into it,' she confessed. 'I got to the bottom of so many hardcore issues and the root of so many of my problems. It changed everything, once you have an understanding and you get a diagnosis of what it is that's going on.' Anya Taylor Joy turns heads as she arrived at the Christian Dior spring/summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The actress, 27, looked incredible as she put on a very leggy display in a pair of grey shorts which she teamed with a bold black PVC jacket. Anya showcased her amazing figure in the number as she cinched in her waist with a large coordinated belt. Turning up the heat The Queen's Gambit star elevated her frame in a pair of towering black pointed toe heels. She commanded attention as she posed on the star-studded red carpet while donning a chic pair of black sunglasses. Dressed to impress: Anya Taylor Joy turns heads as she arrived at the Christian Dior spring/summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Incredible: The actress, 27, looked incredible as she put on a very leggy display in a pair of grey shorts which she teamed with a bold black PVC jacket Completing her outfit, Anya styled her blonde tresses in a neat up-do as she was escorted by security into the fashion show. It comes after the star looked classically chic as she stepped out with her 'husband' Malcolm McRae for a lavish shopping trip in Beverly Hills last week. Anya joined the musician, 29, as they stopped by luxurious shops on the iconic Rodeo Drive. The Golden Globe winner opted for stylish comfort wearing a short-sleeved, little black dress that was partially unbuttoned around the neckline. She slipped into a pair of black loafers to coincide with the monochromatic color scheme of her outfit. The beauty was seen carrying a black purse in her hand by the straps to hold a few items she needed during the weekday outing. Her blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves. Anya threw on a pair of oval-shaped, black shades for a fashionable flare and to protect her eyes from the bright, California sunshine. A black hair tie was placed around her right wrist in case she wanted to toss her long locks into an up do later in the day. Sensational: Anya showcased her amazing figure in the number as she cinched in her waist with a large coordinated belt Leggy display: Turning up the heat The Queen's Gambit star elevated her frame in a pair of towering black pointed toe heels Stunning: She commanded attention as she posed on the star-studded red carpet while donning a chic pair of black sunglasses Malcolm stayed close to The Menu actress during their relaxing shopping outing and was seen sporting a black, turtleneck sweater as well as loose-fitting trousers. The music artist slipped into a pair of sleek, brown shoes and easily held his smartphone in his hand as they strolled along a busy sidewalk. The star was first linked to McRae in 2021, and the lovebirds officially confirmed their relationship by making their red carpet debut in March 2022 while attending the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. Soon after, Anya notably broke her silence on her relationship during an interview with British Vogue. At the time, she gushed, 'I've finally found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading. We're basically 80 years old and 7 at the same time, and it works really well.' She also sweetly expressed, 'I said to my partner the other day that he was my hobby,' while also stating that the couple do long distance at times which she admitted was 'hard.' Looking good: Completing her outfit, Anya styled her blonde tresses in a neat up-do as she was escorted by security into the fashion show Posing up a storm: Anya dressed to impress as she beamed on the red carpet Arriving: The beauty pointed at fans as they lined the street watching the star-studded arrivals 'But it's also kind of great because when you're together you're really valuing the time that you have,' the star explained. 'Everyday mundane activities are so full of joy. I love going to the petrol station with him and filling up the car and going to get breakfast.' Rumors later arose that the pair have already secretly tied the knot, with Page Six reporting that Anya and Malcolm said 'I do' in July 2022 during an intimate courthouse wedding after one year of dating. The couple have yet to publicly comment or confirm reports that they have tied the knot. While spending quality time with McRae, the actress has also been filtering through a busy schedule of her own. Kim Novak and Yoko Ono look breathtaking on new collector's issues of Esqure magazine to mark the publication's 90th anniversary. The men's magazine is celebrating its milestone birthday by featuring some notabe stars who have graced the cover in years past. On one cover, Hollywood star Kim Novak, 90, looked incredible in what appeared to be a pink tasselled coat while lying on a bed. Fixing the camera with a sultry stare, the star's blonde locks were in a vintage style while she wore a light palette of makeup. Yoko's cover fetured a simple black and white image of the star, 90, staring serenly at the camera in a small bedroom. Stunning: Kim Novak looked breathtaking on a new collector's issue of Esqure magazine to mark the publication's 90th anniversary Vintage: Yoko Ono's cover fetured a simple black and white image of the star, 90, staring serenly at the camera in a small bedroom The magazine has also created a new cover featuring an image of a young Clint Eastwood shirtless while using a payphone. The fourth cover features Michael Caine in another black and white image of the star throwing a punch while looking dapper in a coat. It comes after Kim opened up about her decision to leave Hollywood after strarring in films like Vertigo and Of Human Bondage. 'I had to leave to survive,' she told the outlet. 'I lost a sense of who I truly was and what I stood for.' 'I fought all the time back in Hollywood to keep my identity so you do whatever you have to do to hold on to who you are and what you stand for.' And fight she did, in a time when it was even more difficult for a woman to be heard in Hollywood than it is today. One of the actress-turned-painter's first points of contention at the time was her name. 'I was both dazzled and disturbed to see me being packaged as a Hollywood sex symbol,' Novak writes in the introduction to her new book. Suave: The magazine has also created a new cover featuring an image of a young Clint Eastwood shirtless while using a payphone Dapper: The fourth cover features Michael Caine in another black and white image of the star throwing a punch while looking dapper in a coat 'However, I did win my fight over identity. I wouldn't allow [then-Columbia Pictures chief] Harry Cohn to take my bohemian roots away by denying me my family name. Novak. I stood my ground and won my first major battle,' the star, born Marilyn Pauline Novak, continued. Novak burst onto the scene in Hollywood in the early '50s, in films such as 1954's Phffft opposite Jack Lemmon, Picnic the following year with William Holden, and 1957's Pal Joey with Frank Sinatra. But it was two films with Hollywood megastar Jimmy Stewart in 1958 Bell Book and Candle and especially Vertigo that would make Kim a household name. 'There was constant pressure to be seen and not heard,' she wrote, 'especially if you had a pretty face. 'In Hollywood a lot of people assume who you are, because of the character you play, but also just because of who they expect you to be, how they expect you to dress,' she said. Candid: It comes after Kim opened up about her decision to leave Hollywood after strarring in films like Vertigo and Of Human Bondage, saying she lost a sense of who she was 'I kept feeling like I was going deeper and deeper, lost in almost like a quicksand, where it's swallowing you up, your own personality, and I'd started to wonder who I am,' Novak explained. 'I realized needed to save myself.' And that was why the retired actress famously left Tinseltown and drove north, eventually moving to the Pacific coast of Oregon. 'I needed the Pacific Ocean to inspire me, the animals, the beauty,' the Chicago native said. 'I wanted to live a normal life and a life with animals.' Kim married her second husband Robert Malloy, an equine veterinarian whom she referred to as her 'soul mate', in 1976, and the pair remained together until his death in November 2020. Emily Ratajkowski bundled up and braved the Big Apple's 60F-degree rainy weather in order to walk her canine companion Colombo close to her downtown Manhattan apartment on Tuesday. The 32-year-old DNA Model originally adopted the four-year-old Husky-German Shepherd mix, whom she affectionately calls her 'first born son,' back in 2019. It was a rare sighting of Emily wearing an overabundance of clothing as she covered up her phenomenal 5ft7in figure in a dark-brown leather jacket over a grey blouse, black baggy slacks, and white canvas sneakers. Ratajkowski wore round sunglasses and wrapped a black scarf around her shoulder-length brunette locks in order to keep them dry in style. That same day, the Inamorata CEO took to TikTok to lip synch the latest meme where a man tells a woman 'You're the most jealous woman I know' and she replies: 'You know other women?' Bundled up! Emily Ratajkowski braved the Big Apple's 60F-degree rainy weather in order to walk her canine companion Colombo close to her downtown Manhattan apartment on Tuesday Puppy love! The 32-year-old DNA Model originally adopted the four-year-old Husky-German Shepherd mix, whom she affectionately calls her 'first born son,' back in 2019 Last Friday, Emily - who boasts 41.1M social media followers - shared a TikTok video of herself posing in front of a billboard for her EmRata + AG Jeans collaboration with the caption: 'For all my NYC exes.' In it, Ratajkowski lip-synched a pointed lyric from Fleetwood Mac's 1977 song Silver Springs: 'You'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you.' The London-born SoCal native - who chatted up Justin Theroux during the US Open on September 10 - has enjoyed past 'situationships' with DJ Orazio Rispo, comedian Eric Andre, SNL alum Pete Davidson, and artist Jack Greer. It's been over a year since Emily filed for divorce to end her four-year marriage to 'serial cheater' Sebastian Bear-McClard, with whom she shares two-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear. The Independent Spirit Award-nominated producer has since faced sexual misconduct and grooming allegations from other actresses. Ratajkowski famously wed Sebastian at a New York City courthouse in February 2018 - just two months after she ended her three-year, live-in relationship with music producer Jeff Magid. On Tuesday, the Victoria's Secret stunner released her interview about 'disordered eating' with influencer Remi Bader on her podcast, High Low with EmRata. Emily recently scored a nomination for the Listener's Choice trophy at the 2nd Annual Signal Listener's Choice Awards, which will be announced in November before the ceremony takes place in January. Yes she can! It was a rare sighting of Emily wearing an overabundance of clothing as she covered up her phenomenal 5ft7in figure in a dark-brown leather jacket over a grey blouse, black baggy slacks, and white canvas sneakers Chic cover-up: Ratajkowski wore round sunglasses and wrapped a black scarf around her shoulder-length brunette locks in order to keep them dry in style That same day, the Inamorata CEO took to TikTok to lip synch the latest meme where a man tells a woman 'You're the most jealous woman I know' and she replies: 'You know other women?' Last Friday, Emily - who boasts 41.1M social media followers - shared a TikTok video of herself posing in front of a billboard for her EmRata + AG Jeans collaboration with the caption: 'For all my NYC exes' In it, Ratajkowski lip-synched a pointed lyric from Fleetwood Mac's 1977 song Silver Springs: 'You'll never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you' On the prowl! The London-born SoCal native - who chatted up Justin Theroux (R) during the US Open on September 10 - has enjoyed past 'situationships' with DJ Orazio Rispo, comedian Eric Andre, SNL alum Pete Davidson, and artist Jack Greer Full-time gig: On Tuesday, Emily released her interview about 'disordered eating' with influencer Remi Bader (L) on her podcast, High Low with EmRata Voting ends October 5! Ratajkowski recently scored a nomination for the Listener's Choice trophy at the 2nd Annual Signal Listener's Choice Awards, which will be announced in November before the ceremony takes place in January Who should win? High Low faces heavy competition against Scheana Shay's Sheananigans, Sam Sanders' Into It: A Vulture Podcast, and Jill Scott's J.ill the Podcast High Low faces heavy competition against Scheana Shay's Sheananigans, Sam Sanders' Into It: A Vulture Podcast, and Jill Scott's J.ill the Podcast. Ratajkowski also keeps busy running her six-year-old bikini brand Inamorata with her BFF/co-founder Kat Mendenhall. But The History of the World: Part II actress first found fame as a topless model in Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams' 2013 music video for Blurred Lines. Iris Law stole the show as she attended the Saint Laurent womenswear fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday. The model, 22, who is the daughter of Jude Law and and Sadie Frost, looked nothing short of sensational in a daring black bandeau top and shiny black trouser-tights. The figure-hugging ensemble showcased her incredible toned figure and long pins. Iris added an extra few inches of height to her frame with a pair of black toe-pointed high heels. She elevated her striking look even further by adding a pair of black shiny gloves and wore a silver bangle bracelet. Wow! Iris Law stole the show on Tuesday as she attended the photocall for the Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week Stunner: The model, 22, who is the daughter of Jude Law and and Sadie Frost , looked nothing short of sensational in a daring black bandeau top and shiny black trouser-tights It comes as Lila Moss and Iris led the way as the next generation of Victoria's Secret models at this year's revamped runway show in New York City. The daughter of Kate Moss, 20, and Iris stomped the streets of the Big Apple in semi-sheer mini dresses, sequin underwear and a pair of dramatic wings, reminiscent of the brand's former Angels. Victoria's Secret made the decision to officially phase out their iconic Angels in 2021 after over two-decades of recruiting the world's top models to hit the catwalk. However the celebrity offspring looked notably like the models who had gone before them, in their scanty lingerie and ornate gold and black wings. Lila wore black underwear layered with a see-through shift dress, which was heavily embellished with gold beading and teamed with short cowboy boots. Meanwhile, Iris was modelling a complementary look, sporting a silver beaded dress with black lingerie and twisting black metal wings. This time around, audiences will be treated to a 'reimagined' feature-length show on Amazon Prime Video that focuses on 'emerging global trailblazers' instead of strictly lingerie-clad vixens. Victoria's Secret The Tour 2023 the first VS fashion show in four years will begin streaming on September 26th. Chic: The figure-hugging ensemble showcased her incredible toned figure and long pins Beauty: Iris added an extra few inches of height to her frame with a pair of black toe-pointed high heels Gorgeous: She elevated her striking look even further by adding a pair of black shiny gloves and wore a blue bangle bracelet French fashion: The beauty posed in front of the famous Eiffel Tower Details: She also sported huge black earrings Earlier this month, Victoria Secret revealed some former and recent model's who will be attending the star-studded event and also teased to 'stay tuned' to some other familiar faces which could make an appearance. The underwear brand has launched the campaign to bring back models from the lingerie brands once-coveted Angels list alongside some newer faces. Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Lily Aldridge and Taylor Hill were among the Victoria's Secret veterans to attend the event celebrating the revamp. The VS Fashion Show was cancelled four years ago after the brand adopted a more inclusive image, but executives recently revealed they planned on bringing it back this year. In a press release, the brand stated the film will 'unite fashion, film, art and culture featuring dynamic global creatives, top supermodels, musical talent and more.' The movie will focus on 'emerging global trailblazers from a range of artistic disciplines, creating on their own terms.' Advertisement Hailey Bieber, Kate Moss and Demi Moore led the stars attending the Saint Laurent womenswear fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. Model Hailey, 26, cut a glamorous figure for the event as she slipped into a black long-sleeved dress that highlighted her jaw-dropping frame. The garment featured a backless detail and a high collar while the star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels. Styling her brunette locks into a wavy bob, Hailey complimented her outfit with a pair of gold earrings. Kate, 49, also cut a trendy figure in a white silk blouse with a plunging neckline.The model also wore a black skirt while she cinched her waist with a matching belt and black blazer. Here they come: (left to right) Hailey Bieber, Kate Moss and Demi Moore led the glamour at the Saint Laurent photocall during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday evening Stunning: Hailey looked incredible in a black dress as she attended the Saint Laurent womenswear fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Don't mind me: But Hailey was hard to miss in a backless black dress as she posed for photos on Tuesday evening Meanwhile: Kate went braless beneath her plunging cream top as she greeted photographers at the exclusive event She's pleased: Demi flashed a beaming smile as she arrived at the Paris photocall on Tuesday evening Lovely: Oscar winner Demi opted for an elegant black dress with an off-the-shoulder detail for her latest public appearance She wore her blonde tresses in loose waves and also sported a pair of brown heels with sheer tights. Demi put on a racy display in a black dress with a sheer detail that highlighted her incredible figure. The garment featured an off the shoulder detail while the actress added height to her frame with black heels. Letting her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders, she added to her outfit with a stylish pair of sunglasses. Norman Reedus and his partner Diane Kruger looked every inch the dapper couple as they arrived at the event. Diane opted for an all black look as she wrapped up in a woolly coat which she paired with daring leather boots. The Walking Dead star Norman sported a black blazer and trousers along with a dark grey shirt. Emma Mackey set pulses racing with her look as she went braless in a black sheer top, pairing it with a matching blazer. Also wearing black trousers, the Sex Education star boosted her frame with a pair of leather boots. Make way: British model Iris Law was also in attendance at the star-studded event on Tuesday evening Side by sie: Iris Law opted for a sleeveless top and trouser-tights (left) while Georgia May Jagger wore a sleek trouser suit (right) Mother and daughter: Georgia was joined by supermodel mum Jerry Hall at the star-studded event on Tuesday evenng Stars: Natalia Dyer looked fashion forward with her look as she donned a plum sleeveless top with a flowing train while Demi Moore opted for an all black look Wow: Hailey's garment featured a backless detail and a high collar while the star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels Stylish display: Diane Kruger (left) and Emma Mackey (right) ensured they claimed their fair share of the spotlight Supermodel: Also in attendance at the event was Kate Moss who cut a trendy figure in a white silk blouse with a plunging neckline Models old and new: Catwalk veteran Kate was joined by younger models such as Iris at the exclusive event on Tuesday Sitting pretty: Austin Butler, Hailey Bieber and Kate Moss occupied neighbouring seats in the front row at the event Here he comes: Designer Anthony Vaccarello walked the runway during the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show on Tuesday evening Radiant: Demi put on a racy display in a black dress with a sheer detail that highlighted her incredible figure Couple: Norman Reedus and his partner Diane Kruger looked every inch the dapper couple as they arrived at the event Fashion: Zoe Kravitz put on a leggy display in a black short sleeved mini dress with a white and grey polka dot print Siblings: Madonna's children Lourdes Leon and Rocco Ritchie attended the show together Zoe Kravitz put on a leggy display in a black short sleeved mini dress with a white and grey polka dot print. The Big Little Lies actress also wore a pair of black heels and added to her look with a pair of silver earrings. Madonna's children Lourdes Leon and Rocco Ritchie attended the show together. Lourdes opted for a black long-sleeved mini dress with an off the shoulder detail which she paired with matching heels. The star also wore eye-catching gold hoop earrings and wore her brunette locks in a slicked back ponytail. On point: Lourdes opted for a black long-sleeved mini dress with an off the shoulder detail which she paired with matching heels There they are: Rocco and Lourdes watched the show from their places on the front row, where they say close to legendary film director David Cronenberg (third left) Make way: Iconic supermodel Eva Herzigova walked the runway at the star-studded event on Tuesday evening Daring: Emma Mackey set pulces racing with her look as she went braless in a black sheer top while Diane Kruger wrapped up in a woolly coat Beauty: Iris Law looked sensational in a black strapless top which she wore with high-wiasted black leather trousers Star: Amber Valletta ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived to the show in a black sheer dress Beauty: Hailey looked incredible as she posed for snaps in front of the Eiffel Tower Smart: Rocco sported a black pinstripe coat along with a pair of leather trousers Trendy: Charlotte Gainsbourg donned a navy striped blazer and matching skirt Looking good: Former adult film actress Mia Khalifa donned a black low cut top with a leather skirt and jacket Runway; The models showed off several sophisticated looks during the show Material girl: Lourdes struck a pose as she greeted onlookers at the event in Paris on Tuesday evening Iris Law looked sensational in a black strapless top which she wore with high-wiasted black leather trousers. The model also wore black heels and a pair of matching leather gloves while her locks were dued platinum blonde. Meanwhile, Amber Valletta ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived to the show in a black sheer dress. The garment highlighted the model's toned midriff while paired it with black, open-toed heels. Demi Moore put on an animated display as she attended the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The actress, 60, looked glamorous in a sheer black gown while wearing matching underwear underneath. She boosted her height in chic stilettos and hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses. Demi's shiny raven tresses were styled poker straight and she sported a bronzed makeup palette which accentuated her natural features. The star flashed her dazzling white smile as she arrived at the star-studded event with supermodel Kate Moss. Beaming: Demi Moore put on an animated display as she attended the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Stunning: The actress, 60, looked glamorous in a sheer black gown while wearing matching underwear underneath It comes hours after her ex-husband Bruce Willis made a rare public outing amid his battle with dementia. Demi and her former partner, 68, remain close friends and share three daughters Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29. The family have rallied around the Die Hard actor after he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - an uncommon form of dementia that causes a deterioration in behaviour, personality and language. They publicly revealed his condition in February of this year and his wife Emma Heming recently gave a heartbreaking update on his ongoing battle with dementia. The Hollywood icon was seen in the passenger seat of a car in Los Angeles , on Monday - the same day that Emma, 45, revealed it's 'hard to know' if he is even aware of what is happening to him health-wise. The sighting came just hours before Demi stepped out in Paris during Fashion Week, as she was seen arriving at her hotel with a puppy scooped in her jacket. The A-lister made a low-key arrival and looked downcast she she stepped out in the French capital on Tuesday. She was cuddling her pet Chihuahua Pilaf. She was bundled up in an oversized black blazer, which she was wearing with jeans and a pair of boots. During his outing in LA, Bruce was sporting a quilted navy jacket and a matching navy hat, the actor was seen sitting with the passenger window down as he was driven around his home town in what has become an increasingly rare public outing amid his ongoing health struggles. Emma fought back tears while she opened up about how she and her two daughters with the actor are coping with the 'grief and the sadness' of watching the actor's health decline in an interview on the Today show. Gorgeous: Demi's shiny raven tresses were styled poker straight and she sported a bronzed makeup palette which accentuated her natural features Beauty: She boosted her height in chic stilettos and hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized sunglasses Pals: The star flashed her dazzling white smile as she arrived at the star-studded event with supermodel Kate Moss Stylish: She carried a black patent clutch handbag Ex: It comes hours after her ex-husband Bruce Willis made a rare public outing amid his battle with dementia 'What I'm learning is that dementia is hard,' she said, during an appearance at the show's New York studio. 'It's hard on the person diagnosed. It's also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce or myself or our girls. 'And when they say that this is a family disease, it really is.' When asked how she went about explaining his illness to their children, she said: 'I think it's always been... we're a very honest and open household. 'And, the most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is because when you know what the disease is from a medical standpoint it sort of all makes sense. 'So it was important that we let them know what it is because, you know, I don't want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad's diagnosis, or for any form of dementia.' When asked by host Hoda Kotb if he is aware of what is happening to him, Emma paused and revealed: 'Hard to know'. But despite the difficulty of caring for her husband, she said receiving a diagnosis has made life 'easier'. 'I think it was the blessing and the curse. You know, to sort of finally understand what was happening so that I can be into the acceptance of what is. 'It doesn't make it any less painful, but just being in the acceptance and just being in the know of what is happening to Bruce just makes it a little bit easier. The family: Bruce's daughters Scout and Tallulah showed their support to Emma after the interview (L-R) Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Scout, Emma and Tallulah in 2019 'There is so many beautiful things happening in our lives. It is just really important for me to look up from the grief and the sadness so that I can see what is happening around us,' Emma added. In a particularly touching moment, Hoda asked Emma what she thinks Bruce is teaching their girls as they all come to terms with his illness as a family. 'Honestly, he is the gift that keeps on giving. Love, patience, resilience, so much...' Emma said. 'And he's teaching me and our whole... I mean, you know, for me to be out here doing this, this is not my comfort zone, but this is the power of Bruce.' Hoda continued: 'I have heard from people that have an ailing family member, and I remember this from a friend of mine... she said, "my husband's diagnosis made my kids better people". Is that what you're noticing?' 'That is what I'm noticing,' Emma replied. 'Listen, I think my kids would be great no matter what! And this is not what I would want for them. But really, like I said, it is teaching them so much and how to care and love and it's a beautiful thing amongst the sadness.' She confirmed that she refers to herself as Bruce's 'care partner' as opposed to his 'caretaker', and also noted the importance of taking care of herself as well. 'It's so important to ask for help and support. And you can look to organizations like the AFTD, like Hilarity For Charity... it is sort of a great starting point. 'And it's important for care partners to look after themselves so that they can be the best care, partner for the person that they're caring for,' she added. Kate Moss looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped out at the Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The supermodel, 49, showcased her incredible figure as she went braless in a plunging white satin short sleeved top which she tucked into a black satin skirt. She turned up the heat by draping a coordinated blazer over her shoulders and elevated her frame in a pair of brown pointed toe heels. Kate styled her blonde tresses in loosse waves as she posed in a pair of black sunglasses. The icon was all smiles as she posed on the star-studded red carpet at the designers Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show. Turning heads: Kate Moss looked nothing short of sensational as she stepped out at the Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Daring: The supermodel, 49, showcased her incredible figure as she went braless in a plunging white satin short sleeved top which she tucked into a black satin skirt Earlier in the day Kate arrived in Paris with her boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck ahead of Fashion Week. The model and the photographer, 36, appeared to still be together after rumours began circulating that they'd called off their eight-year romance. Stepping out in the French capital, Kate looked chic in a black satin blouse with a slight peplum hem and some smart trousers. She elevated her height with a pair of peep toe heels and shielded her eyes with some stylish cat-eye shaped sunglasses. Following closely behind, Count Nikolai wore a black wool coat with a knitted sweater and tortoiseshell shades. Rumours of Nikolai's split from Kate first started swirling when he was spotted heading to a hotel with model Camille Rowe in July. Before last week, Nikolai and Kate were last seen together in September 2022 and neither have spoken about the status of their relationship. Kate famously skipped usual haunt Glastonbury in June while Nikolai opted to attend with friends. Amazing: She turned up the heat by draping a coordinated blazer over her shoulders and elevated her frame in a pair of brown pointed toe heels High spirits: Kate styled her blonde tresses in loosse waves as she posed in a pair of black sunglasses Glamorous: The icon was all smiles as she posed on the star-studded red carpet at the designers Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show Stylish: Kate looked incredible in the satin number as she arrived at the show But this week, Kate was seen heading to the Fendi runway show at Milan Fashion Week with Count Nikolai, their first sighting together this year. Last week, Kate opted to snub the Vogue World after party, while Nikolai was pictured partying at the event with her friend Rita Ora and Rafael Pavarotti. Kate has called Count Nikolai her boyfriend since 2015 and has daughter Lila, 19, from a previous relationship with Jefferson Hack. Opening up to Harper's Bazaar last year, Kate spoke about her relationship with Nikolai. She said: 'Being in love makes me feel beautiful. My daughter Lila inspires me to be the best person I can be. 'My favourite moments are when all the family are sitting down together having lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the country.' In 2016, it was reported that Kate had split from Nikolai, after his partying ways became too much for her. The model is said to have previously argued with her beau over his refusal to calm his wild partying down, according to The Sun, but they later got back together. Fashionista: The beauty opted for a radiant palette of makeup and posed with her hand tucked in her skirt pocked Love: Earlier in the day Kate arrived in Paris with her boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck ahead of Fashion Week (pictured in 2019) The reports came at the same time her divorce from ex-husband of four years, Jamie Hince was finalised. The Croydon-born beauty married The Kills guitarist in 2011 but split in 2015 after four years of marriage. Kate previously dated Babyshambles rocker Peter Doherty - they met at the model's 31st birthday party in 2005 and instantly hit it off. Kate was in a relationship with Jefferson Hack between 2001 and 2004 and the pair welcomed a daughter, Lila in 2002. Norman Reedus and fiancee Diane Kruger dressed to impress as they attend the star-studded Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. The Walking Dead actor, 54, and the Inglourious Basterds star, 46, looked loved up as they held hands while posing for photos. The couple looked very stylish in all black outfits as they watched the designers Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show. Norman cut a smart figure in a black blazer and trousers which he donned over a coordinated patterned shirt. Meanwhile Diane turned heads in an eye catching long fur jacket which she teamed with daring PVC thigh high boots. Dressed to impress: Norman Reedus and fiancee Diane Kruger dressed to impress as they attend the star-studded Saint Laurent show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday Turning heads: The Walking Dead actor, 54, and the Inglourious Basterds star, 46, looked loved up as they held hands while posing for photos She styled her blonde tresses in a neat up-do while hiding behind a pair of stylish dark sunglasses. Adding a pop of colour to the look, the actress applied a swipe of bold red lipstick as she stepped out in the French capital. The couple welcomed Nova in 2018 and got engaged in August 2021. The duo - who officially went public with their romance in March 2017 - originally met back in December 2015 while portraying lovers on the set of their film Sky. Reedus shared the story about how he proposed to Kruger - and how their daughter helped him - while on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last year. The Florida-born said: 'Well, I had the ring for quite a long time in my pocket, just burning a hole in my pocket. Yeah. Trying to find the right way to do it.' He revealed that while they were home he put their then two-year-old daughter on his lap, so he could ask Kruger to retrieve his boot with the estimated $500K eight-carat ring secretly hidden inside. 'I was like, "Can you get my boot? It's in the closet." She's like, "Why?"' recalled Norman. 'I'm like, "I want to look at the boot" because I had it shoved in the boot. Then I proposed. She started crying, then Nova started crying - everybody's crying. It was waterworks city. And then Nova's going, "Why are we crying?!" And then Diane's going, "It's happy tears." She's like, "Yes, it's happy tears!"' Looking good: The couple looked very stylish in all black outfits as they watched the designers Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show Last year Diane candidly admitted that she didn't want children for a 'long time' and then thought it was too late. Diane explained that having a child wasn't her priority when she was younger and she then gave up hope' in her late 30s because she wasn't in a place where it was 'possible' in an interview with Tatler. 'In my late thirties, I was starting to think about it but I wasn't in a place in my relationship at the time or whatever where that was going to be a possibility and so I had kind of given up hope and I thought it was just too late. 'The arrival of Nova has changed my life our lives in the best possible way, it's just amazing that you thought you were one thing but you're meant to do something completely different,' she added. When they originally met on set, Diane was still in a decade-long relationship with Dawson's Creek alum Joshua Jackson. Reedus will mark Kruger's (born Heidkruger) second marriage after divorcing Mon idole castmate Guillaume Canet in 2006 following five years of marriage. Meanwhile Reedus shares son, Mingus Lucien Reedus, 23, with 90s Danish supermodel Helena Christensen, 54. The pair dated for five years, beginning in 1998 before separating in 2003 but have remained happy co-parents. Engaged: The couple welcomed Nova in 2018 and got engaged in August 2021. The duo originally met back in December 2015 while portraying lovers on the set of their film Sky The ex: Reedus also shares son, Mingus Lucien Reedus, 23, with 90s Danish supermodel Helena Christensen, 54 Co-parents: The pair dated for five years, beginning in 1998 before separating in 2003 but have remained happy co-parents; Norman, Mingus, and Helena pictured in 2002 Former pair: Diane was previously in a decade-long relationship with Joshua Jackson. She was also married to Guillaume Canet, before they divorced in 2006; Pictured with Jackson in 2015 Last year Mingus pled guilty to disorderly conduct on March 16, after 'accidentally' punching an 'intoxicated' woman in the face. He originally faced a misdemeanor assault charge but his attorney Isabelle Kirschner told DailyMail.com that she negotiated with the District Attorney to downgrade the charge to disorderly conduct, which is only a violation in New York City. Meanwhile Reedus concluded his role as crossbow-wielding tracker Daryl Dixon in the 11th and final season of the post-apocalyptic zombie drama on AMC last year. He is next set to appear in a Walking Dead spin-off series, which was announced in September 2020, with principal photography beginning in October 2022 in Paris, France. The Great British Bake Off return to Channel 4 screens on Tuesday evening. And fans have already declared their love and are ready to die for new contestant Saku after just the first episode. Kicking off the series, the latest bakers were tasked to create a vertical cake infused with buttercream. The Intelligence analyst, 50, admitted she was 'not nervous' but as time went on her nerves started to show. This resulted in Saku having a Bake Off first... a Paul Hollywood hug. Amazing: The Great British Bake Off return to Channel 4 screens on Tuesday evening and fans have already declared their love for new contestant Saku after just the first episode Wow: The Intelligence analyst, 50, admitted she was 'not nervous' but as time went on her nerves started to show which resulted in her having a Bake Off first... a Paul Hollywood hug Unfortunately unlike the Hollywood Handshake this did mean nothing but prompted fans to rush to X, formerly known as Twitter, to gush over the Sri Lankan-born baker. One wrote: 'I want it on record that I would die for Saku' Another penned: 'Figured out the baker Im going to hyper-fixate over this series. love you Saku #GBBO' A third said: 'I already love Saku #GBBO' 'I LOVE SAKU. PROTECT SAKU AT ALL COSTS. #GBBO', gushed another. Saku struggled with her vertical cake cracking but later placed in fifth for the Technical Challenge as they bakers created the iconic chocolate cake from the GBBO opening titles. For her Showstopper, Saku created an incredible turtle cake however it was not a hit with the judges as Prue described it as 'stodgy' which Paul added: 'It's a case of style over substance'. It comes as Alison Hammond takes over hosting duties and confessed her nerves ahead of her debut episode. 'I would die for Saku': Unfortunately unlike the Hollywood Handshake this didn't mean anything but prompted fans to rush to X to gush over the Sri Lankan-born baker The TV personality, 48, appeared on This Morning on Tuesday where she expressed her excitement about teaming up with Noel Fielding to host the show this year. Speaking to Holly Willoughby and Ben Shephard, she said: 'Obviously, I've been in the tent before, Ive been on the baker side so I know what is like to be that nervous. 'But I'm gonna be honest, I have never been that nervous since I hosted first with Dermot O'Leary on the main show. 'If you think of the bigger pictures, you think this is a global show, I dont want to ruin this. And I could you know, Im a little bit risky!' Alison explained she was adamant that she kept Bake Off the same and that she was worried about upstaging the other stars with her iconic laugh. She said: 'I was really respectful of the brand. I just wanted it to be Bake Off - what it it was. 'I didnt want it upstage anyone but I couldn't help the laugh. The laugh always comes out.' She went on: 'It is a massive responsibility. I feel so blessed and so privileged to be given that role, Im pinching myself now. 'When it was first released I didnt realise how big it was, people I've never met before were saying well done Alison! 'Everyone loves Bake Off, it's non offensive, it's wholesome, it's so good. Its a lovely show.' Son of RHOC star's ex was arrested Saturday following 10-day probe Joe Janssen, the son of The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador's ex-boyfriend John Janssen, was arrested Saturday in in Newport Beach, California, a week after before the Bravo star's DUI alcohol and hit-and-run arrest in the upscale city. Newport Beach police arrested Joe, 26, in connection with felony vandalism, Page Six reported Tuesday, after reviewing booking documents. Authorities said a complaint was filed September 13 in regards to vandalism at the cross street of Newport Place and Dove Street. Following a probe, Joe was arrested 10 days later at 7:15 p.m. PST, according to the paper, and released from custody on $20,000 bail at 11:38 p.m. PST. Joe faces up to three years in prison if convicted on the charges. Joe alluded to previous legal issues earlier this month in a post on his public Instagram account. The latest: Joe Janssen, 26, the son of The Real Housewives of Orange County's Shannon Beador's ex-boyfriend John Janssen, was arrested in in Newport Beach, California Saturday, a week after before the Bravo star's DUI alcohol and hit-and-run arrest in the city Beador and ex-boyfriend John Janssen, both 59, were pictured in November of 2019 in NYC He shared a clip on September 6 that appeared to depict himself and others being detained by officers in connection with 'drifting.' Joe captioned the clip: 'Its x drive #cars #fyp #explore #bmw #police #viral #trending #reels.' According to Red Bull's motorsports section, drifting 'is a sport that focuses on a particular driving technique of the same name, which has been used in other well-known motorsports, such as rally and speedway racing, for numerous years. 'Car drifting is all about using oversteer to get the vehicle to drive sideways through corners' which 'has to happen at a high speed and while the driver remains in full control of the car.' Beador on Thursday said she will pay for the damage she caused after she drunkenly crashed her car into a home and was arrested for DUI alcohol and hit-and-run September 17. The incident occurred after The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member was seen at a Newport Beach, California establishment called A Restaurant. She had visited her ex John Janssen - they split in January - before the drunken incident, and was subsequently seen with him the Tuesday after her arrest. 'We are friends, I care about her,' John told DailyMail.com last week, adding that he had 'no comment' in regards to further inquiries about their relationship. Newport Beach police arrested Joe this past Saturday in connection with felony vandalism stemming from a September 13 incident Joe shared a clip on September 6 that appeared to depict himself and others being detained by officers in connection with 'drifting' Beador says she will pay for the damage after she drunkenly crashed her car into a home and was arrested for DUI alcohol and hit-and-run September 17. Pictured last October in NYC Beador's attorney Michael Fell has touched base with the owner of the Newport Beach property the reality star damaged while drinking and driving, insiders told TMZ Thursday. Beador is looking to 'help make things right' in compensating the property owner for the damage caused, the source said, and has said she will pay for any necessary repairs stemming from the incident. Beador is also looking at different options to receive treatment, but has not yet committed to a course of action, the source told the outlet. While the situation remains 'very fresh to her,' the source told the outlet, Beador is focused on receiving professional help in the wake of the dangerous incident. According to TMZ, Beador was arrested September 17 in the luxe Orange County city, as authorities said she hit a house, parked in the middle of a street and pretended she was walking her dog. Beador's vehicle was seized by authorities, and she was was subsequently released without bond. The Newport Beach Police Department told People that Beador had been 'arrested at 1:17 a.m. on September 17 after fleeing the scene from a collision that caused property damage;' and she was 'booked for two misdemeanors - hit-and-run and DUI alcohol,' and 'released on a citation.' Fell told DailyMail.com last week: 'Shannon is extremely apologetic and remorseful. 'We will be awaiting the official information on this case as it becomes available, and Shannon is prepared to accept full responsibility for her actions.' While the situation remains 'very fresh to her,' the source told the outlet, Beador is focused on receiving professional help in the wake of the dangerous incident. Pictured on the Bravo series The incident occurred Saturday after The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member was seen at a Newport Beach, California establishment called A Restaurant. Pictured on the Bravo series last month Beador had been 'arrested at 1:17 a.m. on September 17 after fleeing the scene from a collision that caused property damage,' police said. Pictured in LA in October Bravo personality Jeff Lewis, who is a friend of Beador's, said that Beador 'was injured' and is 'going to be recovering' in the aftermath of the incident. 'Shannon and I have been friends for a very long time,' Lewis said on his SiriusXM show. 'I was shocked - she called me yesterday and we talked for awhile - and I was shocked because I've never known Shannon to ever, ever drink and drive. 'I will tell you she's accepting full accountability. She is ashamed, she's embarrassed. I personally, as her friend - cause people are like, "Oh she needs rehab," "Oh she's an alcoholic" - I don't think Shannon is an alcoholic.' He added: 'I think she's been going thorough a lot of personal struggles right now, and I think she has been leaning on alcohol - but I don't think she's an alcoholic.' Lewis said that Beador is 'going to be entering counseling this week' following the accident and arrest. The Real Housewives of Orange County can be seen on Bravo every Wednesday at 8/7c. AFL WAG Tayla Damir has lashed out at Qantas after attempting to fly her dog from Melbourne to Perth. The Love Island star claimed the airline left her dog Charlie in a crate for over nine hours without food after failing to put him on his scheduled morning flight. After contacting the airport, the departures team confirmed that Charlie was still at Melbourne airport and she returned to pick him up. Tayla revealed he was 'rattled, exhausted and dehydrated' and 'couldn't even get up the stairs' after returning home. 'Our poor Charlie was meant to embark on a flight early this morning. Instead he has been left a the airport in a crate for over 9 hours without food,' she explained on Instagram. AFL WAG Tayla Damir has lashed out at Qantas airlines for leaving her dog 'in a crate for over nine hours without food' after delayed flight from Melbourne to Perth: 'This is disgusting' 'Qantas didn't notify us of any changes so my brother has been waiting at Perth Airport to collect him for hours. No one is able to tell us where Charlie is. Just that he didn't get put on his morning flight.' 'We are unsure if he is currently in the air or still stuck inside a crate at the airport. Every person we speak to gives us a different answer as to where they 'think' he is!' 'This is disgusting and animal abuse. We should have been informed and given the opportunity to collect our little man hours ago if he even is in Melbourne.' Tayla then provided an update with her followers, confirming that Charlie had been found. 'The amazing team at departures have found him and taken him back to their depo [sic] to give him water, food and care,' she explained. The Love Island star claimed the airline left her dog Charlie in a crate for over nine hours without food after failing to put him on his scheduled morning flight 'Qantas thought it was ok to attempt to put him on a later flight tonight at 5pm which would mean he was in a create with no care for over 14 hours. In what world is that ok?' She later revealed she had brought Charlie back home but he appeared 'exhausted and dehydrated'. 'Home safe! This is breaking our hearts though. He is so rattled. Couldn't get up our stairs due to exhaustion. So dehydrated. Drooling and out of sorts. Qantas you have a lot of explaining to do,' she wrote. Tayla then provided an update with her followers, confirming that Charlie had been found However, Qantas Airlines has disputed Tayla's allegations and claimed that Charlie was repeatedly checked on and provided with water. 'Unfortunately the pet was unable to travel on its scheduled flight and was put onto the following available flight later in the day,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 'Our team regularly checked the pet was ok, refilled their water and made sure the crate was clean. The crate was kept under cover in our freight terminal while waiting.' 'We know how important it is for people to know their pets are well cared for when they're travelling with us.' 'We're sorry for the delay and we're working with our pet travel agents to make sure we can get them where they need to go as soon as possible.' Graham Norton has celebrated his career milestone on This Morning on Tuesday and discussed how is show had to change throughout the time. The TV legend, 60, - who is known for bringing some of the biggest A-list stars on the famous red sofa - admitted: 'If someone told me in 25 years you will be doing this job, I wouldn't believe them.' Nearly thirty years in the making, the Irish star admitted it doesn't feel like this much time has passed, and added the job is always thrilling as 'it never stays the same' and 'guests are always different'. But a while has passed since he began his legendary Graham Norton Show - and he had to adapt to the change of times. 'You know, when I first began, I was in my thirties, now I am in my sixties. Oh Gosh,' he told Holly and Ben. Making an appearance: Graham Norton has celebrated his career milestone on This Morning on Tuesday and discussed how is show had to change throughout the time Milestone: The TV legend, 60, - who is known for bringing some of the biggest A-list stars on the famous red sofa - admitted: 'If someone told me in 25 years you will be doing this job, I wouldn't believe them' 'Well, asking about your sex life in your 30s was fine, but I think in your 60s is a bit creepy. So things had to change.' Speaking on how comedy has changed throughout time, Graham added: 'You deal with big stars at the top on their game these days, so you have to be a bit more careful with what you say.' When Holly asked him if it's hard to choose who is going to sit with who on certain episodes, the Irish star joked: 'On your good days, you think of that.' 'But on the bad days, you'll just be like 'Here it is'. But you try to kind of plan.' He added: 'Some people are actually interested in people. Some other big stars just sit there waiting for their name to be called.' His appearance on the daytime show comes after the comedian was spotted enjoying a relaxing dog walk with his husband Jonathan McLeod through north London's Hampstead on Sunday. The couple, who married last year, tend to keep their relationship away from the spotlight so this was a rare sighting for them. They were joined by their black cockapoo named Douglas, who walked faithfully beside them as Jonathan held his lead. Exciting: Nearly thirty years in the making, the Irish star admitted it doesn't feel like this much time has passed, and added the job is always thrilling as 'it never stays the same' and 'guests are always different' Graham said: 'Well, asking about your sex life in your 30s was fine, but I think in your 60s is a bit creepy. So things had to change' Professional: Speaking on how comedy has changed throughout time, Graham added: 'You deal with big stars at the top on their game these days, so you have to be a bit more careful with what you say Graham, who usually appears suited and booted for his TV appearances, ditched his signature smart look for a more casual off-duty outfit. The Graham Norton Show show wore a beige jumper with white stripes across the chest, teamed with a colourful denim and fleece jacket. He added a pair of blue jeans to the outfit, along with a pair of white trainers. Graham finished the look with a pair of aviator sunglasses. Meanwhile, Jonathan also opted for a low-key ensemble, wearing a floral print khaki jumper and jacket with jeans and trainers. Earlier this year, Graham broke his silence on his marriage Jonathan, revealing that he wed the filmmaker in July 2022. The news took his fans by surprise due to the private nature of their relationship. But in a new interview he has now lifted the lid on details from their wedding and what it was like to marry later in life. Graham and Jono tied the knot in Bantry House in Ireland last summer having opted for an Irish wedding to accommodate the former's mother Rhoda Walker. The lavish do was held in his native west Cork with 120 guests in attendance with a rumoured performance from music icon Lulu while drag queen Panti Bliss DJed. Graham has now told The Guardian about the day as he joked that 'till death do us part' was 'more achievable' at the age of 60. He said: 'I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. 'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age. 'If you get married at 23, that's a big ask. We only have to put up with each other for a couple of decades. And then I'll be out of here.' Jonathan 'Jono' McLeod is an esteemed Scottish filmmaker and the couple tied the knot in July last year, having met six years previously. Having drawn together a slew of stars for their glamorous Irish wedding, the couple have remained blissfully happy ever since. At the time, Graham revealed: 'I got married this year and we had our wedding party near to where my mother lives in Ireland just so she could come. Loved-up: Speaking on his marriage, Graham has now told The Guardian about the day as he joked that 'till death do us part' was 'more achievable' at the age of 60 'She wouldn't have been well enough to come to London so West Cork it was. And it made me very happy.' Speaking about their marriage, Graham went on: 'It's good so far, it would be awful if it wasn't at this stage, just a few months in, I'd like to think that even I could manage a few months. 'I'm from that generation of gays who assumed it was never going to be on the cards. So, one, it's extraordinary that it can happen, I mean, I never gave up hope of finding the one. If it was a surprise, it was a pleasant surprise.' Jono is a moviemaker, who has been recognised by BAFTA Scotland for his work. Jenna Ortega appeared in great spirits at the Christian Dior catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday afternoon. The Wednesday star, 20, looked typically chic in a smart navy blazer and a long pleated skirt. She completed the look with lace-up boots and a sheer black top that revealed her bralet underneath. Jenna was seen giggling and dancing after the catwalk show which revealed the Dior Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear collection. She was also seen chatting to Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy, Alexa Chung and Charlize Theron at the star-studded event. Fun: Jenna Ortega appeared in great spirits as she was spotted dancing at the Christian Dior catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday afternoon Beaming: The Wednesday star, 20, couldn't stop smiling during the catwalk show which revealed the Dior Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear collection Paris Fashion Week is a series of designer presentations held semiannually in Paris, France, with spring/summer and autumn/winter events held each year. Dates are determined by the French Fashion Federation and shows are held at venues throughout the city. It comes after Jenna shut down the 'ridiculous' speculation that both she and fellow actor, Johnny Depp, are dating as she recently took to Instagram. The actress who was seen filming scenes for the anticipated Beetlejuice 2 before the SAG-AFTRA strike, responded to rumors that circulated after the gossip account, DeuxMoi, reported the two were spotted together. The site also reported that the pair could possibly be working on Beetlejuice 2 together, per NME. However, the actress wasted no time to set the record straight about whether she is in a relationship with the Pirates Of The Caribbean actor, 60. 'This is so ridiculous I can't even laugh,' Ortega wrote on her Instagram Story. 'I have never met or worked with Johnny Depp in my life. Please stop spreading lies and leave us alone.' Last year, in June, unconfirmed rumors spread that Depp would be taking on a role in Beetlejuice 2 when he appeared on the cast list on Google searches, leading to fans excitement. Stylish: The actress looked typically chic as she wore a smart navy blazer and long pleated skirt Details: She accessorised her look with a silver necklace and matching earrings Beauty: She opted for a glowing covering of makeup complete with a slick of light pink lip Thumbs up! She was happy to pose for the cameras once inside the catwalk area The speculation arose shortly after his defamation trial ended with ex-wife, Amber Heard, which resulted in the actor being awarded $15million in damages from the Aquaman actress. Production for the upcoming sequel officially began a few months earlier on May 10 in London. Winona Ryder reprised her role of Lydia Deetz in the movie, with Jenna portraying her daughter. Michael Keaton is also returning to step into the iconic shoes of Beetlejuice once again, with other stars joining the cast, such as Filipe Cates and also Justin Theroux -although his role has yet to be specified. In early July, both Ryder and Ortega were seen on set in Hitchin, Hertfordshire to film wedding scenes with Cates also spotted. The Stranger Things star notably sported the same spiked black fringe from the original movie as she was seen strolling towards the main set while wearing a puffer jacket to stay warm. Later that same month, Jenna was seen in character while riding a bike down a quiet road while filming a scene in the quaint town of East Corinth, Vermont. The star donned an edgy ensemble as well as a pair of black lace-up boots as she jumped into her role. The town itself was notably decorated for Halloween for the film, with pumpkins, hay and leaves scattered around. However, due to the current SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike, television and film productions in Hollywood have been temporarily shut down. Ready for the show: Jenna, Rosalia, and Jennifer Lawrence made up the epic FROW The looks: The runway was full of all the latest trends Racy: One model wore a sheer black dress and chunky boots In May, Variety reported that the official premiere date of Beetlejuice 2 would be on September 6, 2024 - 36 years after the original Tim Burton film was released back in 1988. Jenna is known for taking on the role of Wednesday Addams in the hit Netflix series, Wednesday, with four of the eight episodes being directed by Burton. In July, the actress took to her Instagram page to celebrate the show receiving a whopping 12 Emmy nominations , including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (for Ortega), Outstanding Comedy Series, and also Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for Burton. 'What wonderful news to hear the Wednesday team has received twelve Emmy nominations,' Jenna excitedly penned in the caption at the time, alongside a photo of herself in character with co-star, Gwendoline Christie. 'Ive been so fortunate to witness first hand the incredible time/effort being put in by our cast, crew, writers, and directors, and feel so excited to be able to share this with them,' and further expressed her gratitude for the 'honor.' The nominations came before Ortega jumped to Instagram to shut down romance rumors with Depp. During a past interview with Elle Fanning for Variety's Actors On Actors series , she became emotional while discussing social media . She admitted that her relationship with Instagram can be 'ugly' and expressed that her sense of humor can get herself 'in trouble.' 'Ridiculous': The actress wasted no time to set the record straight about the Pirates Of The Caribbean actor and typed out, 'This is so ridiculous I can't even laugh' 'Appalled': A statement from Depp's representative included, 'He is appalled by these baseless and malicious rumours that are intended to harm his reputation and career'; seen in May in Cannes 'I want people to be able to get to know the people behind the camera and realize that people should never be put on a pedestal,' she explained. 'And the more I've been exposed to the world, people prey on that and take advantage of that. They see your vulnerability and twist it in a way that you dont always expect.' In regards to being authentic on social media and with her followers, the Scream star explained, 'I don't want to feel gross. I would rather people see me cry and do whatever than be something I'm not.' Jenna later emotionally added, 'Social media, what it does to anyone our age, it's such a comparing game. It influences bandwagon mentality. It's very manipulative. After the show, I'm really nervous to post or even say anything on there or even be myself.' Maura Higgins oozed sex appeal in an ab-flashing crop-top selfie and a black and white wet bikini shot posted on Instagram on Tuesday. The reality star, 32, posed in an outdoor shower in a sultry black and white shot, her long black hair dripping down her back. She captioned the saucy snap 'cool down' and shared it to her 3.8 million followers on Instagram. In another photo, Maura flashed a peace sign as she showed off her enviable figure and super-defined abs in a crop top and gym leggings. She captioned that photo 'done', with a sweat drops emoji, as she finished her workout session for the day. Saucy: Maura Higgins, 32, oozed sex appeal in a black and white wet bikini shot and an ab-flashing crop-top selfie on Instagram on Tuesday Fitness: Maura flashed a peace sign as she showed off her enviable figure and super-defined abs in the crop top and gym leggings after a workout session Maura recently returned from Fiji, where she was working as the social ambassador for Love Island USA. Stepping away from reality TV, Maura is launching her career as an actress. Maura first teased her upcoming project in September, when she wrote on Instagram: 'Script reading on my flight....today I'm going to be an actress.' 'Btw I have never acted in my life so this will be very interesting.' Maura will make a film debut in Irish musical comedy The Spin. It will follow two friends, travelling through Ireland, looking for old music records. Edward McCaffrey, a producer on the film, also praised Maura's performance, telling RTE: 'I have to say, she was brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.' "For someone who's never acted before, to see her hit her cues, hit her marks, give the same performance every take, was excellent.' He continued: 'She played the role exactly how she was directed. She arrived, she was absolutely fantastic on set, very friendly, very approachable. Wonderful to work with.' During a shutdown in 2018, employee attendance was lower but flights operated A government shutdown on October 1 might cause delays to Americans looking to travel - but flights across the country should continue. In the event of a shutdown, President Biden has planned to furlough without pay more than half a million government employees, leaving many state departments running lean. Thankfully for travelers, most government employees involved in air travel will be retained on the grounds that they are considered 'necessary to protect life and property'. The vast majority of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, considered essential workers, will be expected to work without pay. But if that that drags on, there may be fewer of them working and longer lines to contend with at security. Similarly, air traffic controllers and border officials will be required to work without paychecks until the shutdown ends. How might this affect Americans' travel plans? Essential government employees will be expected to work without pay, which may increase the reduce the number that come in, potentially causing delays and lines In 2022 the State Department issued a record of 22 million passports. It is on track to break that record this year TSA More than 95 percent of TSA agents - about 58,000 - will be retained without pay, according to a contingency plan published by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the agency. Once appropriations are approved the workers are expected to receive back pay, according to the plan. 'Excepted employees will be paid when a full-year appropriation or Continuing Resolution is enacted,' read the plan. 'Exempt employees may be paid during a lapse in appropriations because there are funds available to pay those employees.' In previous shutdowns that has presented issues. During a 35-day shutdown in 2018, many TSA employees began calling in sick after they missed paychecks. On the final Sunday of that shutdown in January 2019, the TSA's unscheduled absence rate was 10 percent, up from around 3 percent on the same day the previous year. The Department of Homeland Security also oversees US Customs and Border Protection. Similarly, some 92 percent - or about 59,000 - of it officers will be retained, according to the report. More than 95 percent of TSA agents - about 58,000 - will be retained without pay, according to a Department of Homeland Security contingency plan Passports Americans that need to renew their passports or attend scheduled visa services should be able to do so since passport processing, overseen by the State Department, is due to continue both at home and abroad. According to a separate contingency plan filed by the State Department in August: 'Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain 100 percent operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations.' DailyMail.com wrote to the State Department for more details on this funding and how long it could be expected to last in the event of a shutdown. A spokesperson for the agency said they were unable to comment further on the plan. It comes as passport applications are at an all-time high, causing substantial delays to processing times. As a result, the State Department recommends applying for a passport at least six months ahead of travel or your documents expiring. It will be possible to mail passport applications, since the US Postal Service is funded through revenue it generates as opposed to tax dollars. More than 25,000 Federal Aviation Administration personnel will retained because they are deemed 'necessary to protect life and property' Air traffic controllers A contingency plan issued by the Department of Transportation notes that more than 25,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel will be retained in the event of a shutdown because they are deemed 'necessary to protect life and property.' As such, air traffic control will remain in action. However, there would not be pay for training new FAA employees, which could in turn hurt the airline industry if the shutdown is to persist. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday: 'We now have 2,600 air traffic controllers in training. 'A government shutdown would stop that training. Even a shutdown lasting a few weeks could set us back by months or more.' Drugstore chain CVS is set to close hundreds of stores across the US as it undergoes a major reform to adjust to the needs of modern online shoppers. The retail giant is coming to the end of a policy launched in 2021 which will see 300 stores closed each year - meaning 900 will have shuttered by 2024. In the announcement, which has hit headlines again recently amid rampant shoplifting at the store, bosses they said that they were undergoing a new 'retail footprint strategy.' But CVS is not the only major pharmacy chain which is making changes to its stores. Walgreens has announced it will be shuttering locations, while Walmart is reportedly cutting hours for thousands of its pharmacists in a bid to cut costs. Rite Aid has also announced store closures amid reports the company is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Walgreens announced it expected to shutter 150 stores nationwide by the end of August 2024 Walgreens Earlier this year Walgreens announced it will close 150 locations across the country amid muted consumer spending. The pharmacy chain reported lower earnings in June compared to the same time last year - dropping from $289 million to $118 million. Chief financial officer James Kehoe said store closures were part of a cost-saving effort - with the company aiming to have saved $3.3 billion by the end of this year and a further $800 million by the end of 2024. While the company did not specify which of its 9,000 stores around the US would be closing, it said it expected to shut the locations before the end of August next year. Rite Aid is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would involve widespread closures Rite Aid Rite Aid announced it would close two more stores earlier this month, following the closure of 25 stores earlier this year - amid reports the company is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is negotiating with creditors over the terms of a plan that would include liquidating a substantial portion of its more than 2,100 drugstores nationwide. People familiar with the talks reportedly told the outlet the company has proposed to close as many as 500 stores in bankruptcy, and either sell or let creditors take over its remaining operations. The Philadelphia-based company faces more than $3.3 billion in debt, and over a thousand federal lawsuits over its alleged role in the opioid epidemic. In June Rite Aid forecast it will generate 'approximately $650 million and $680 million' in losses next year. Rite Aid's chief financial officer and executive vice president, Matthew Schroeder, said: 'We're constantly looking at performance of stores, particularly ones that don't have much lease life left on the lease and determining whether we've got an opportunity to continue to maximize the profitability and the efficiency of the fleet. 'I would expect us to continue to do that.' Walmart cut back pharmacy operating hours at thousands of its locations earlier this year Walmart The chain reportedly asked some of its 16,000 pharmacists across the US to voluntarily take pay cuts by reducing their working hours in a bid to lower costs. For example, a pharmacist could go from an 80-hour, two-week pay period to one lasting 64 or 72 hours, Reuters reported. The cuts were allegedly aimed at pharmacists in higher wage brackets. The retail giant has also agreed to pay $3.1 billion as its share of an opioid-related legal settlement, adding to its legal costs this year. Walmart confirmed to Reuters in August that it was reducing the amount of hours it was offering some pharmacists, citing a drop-off in demand for drugs during the summer and requests from pharmacists for a better work-life balance. Earlier this year the company also cut back the operating hours of its pharmacies by two hours at more than 4,500 locations, amid a shortage of pharmacists that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. Walmart has also closed at least eight stores across the US this year. If you've been involved in a car accident in Philadelphia, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take. In these challenging times, finding the right legal representation becomes paramount. You need a dedicated Philadelphia PA Car Accident Lawyer to advocate for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal terrain that follows an auto accident. Philadelphia, with its bustling streets and heavy traffic, unfortunately, sees its fair share of auto accidents. When you or a loved one are injured in a car crash, you'll want the best legal experts by your side. Here, we'll guide you through the process of finding the finest auto accident lawyers in Philadelphia. Start with Research Begin your search by researching reputable auto accident lawyers in Philadelphia. You can do this by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who may have faced similar situations. Online platforms are also excellent resources for finding lawyers with strong track records in handling car accident cases. Look for Experience When it comes to auto accidents, experience matters. Look for attorneys who specialize in personal injury law, particularly those with extensive experience in handling car accident cases. A Car Crash Law Firm that has successfully resolved numerous cases similar to yours is more likely to provide you with the representation you need. Check Credentials Ensure that the lawyers you're considering are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and are in good standing with the state bar association. Additionally, look for any relevant certifications or memberships in professional organizations related to Personal Injury Lawyer. Read Reviews and Testimonials Reading reviews and testimonials from past clients can provide valuable insights into the lawyer's reputation and the quality of their services. Pay attention to feedback regarding their communication, negotiation skills, and overall client satisfaction. Schedule Consultations After narrowing down your list of potential lawyers, schedule consultations with each of them. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your case and assess whether you feel comfortable working with them. During these meetings, ask about their approach to handling auto accident cases and inquire about their success rate. Evaluate Communication Effective communication is crucial in legal matters. Assess how responsive and accessible the lawyer is during your initial consultation. Clear and open communication is a sign of a lawyer who is dedicated to keeping you informed throughout the legal process. Discuss Fees Don't forget to discuss the lawyer's fee structure during the consultation. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Make sure you understand their fee arrangement and any additional costs associated with your case. Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing the best auto accident lawyer. You should feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to represent your interests. Remember that you'll be working closely with your attorney throughout the legal process, so a good personal connection can go a long way. In a city as bustling as Philadelphia, accidents happen. When they do, having a trusted Car Crash Law Firm in your corner can make all the difference. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can increase your chances of finding the best auto accident lawyer to help you seek the compensation you deserve after a car accident in Philadelphia. An archaic and complicated tax system, with too many amendments, not only confuses the taxpayers but also leads to leakages and corruption A complicated tax system in India with a six-decades-old Income Tax Act 1961 with too many amendments in the form of a lot of confusing patchwork is in force. Likewise, ever since the reformative step of introducing the Goods & Service Tax (GST) Act was introduced on 1st July 2017, there has been a regular practice of changing tax structure in an ever-confusing GST regime with too many confusing and complicated provisions incorporated in the system. An altogether new tax regime should be introduced without patches of useless and largely misused exemptions. Implementation of Raja Chelliah Committee recommendations to fix the highest tax slab at 30 per cent to be in tune with most countries in the world, had largely abolished the practice of converting black money into white money. Gradually increasing this highest slab also through imposing cess and surcharges has undone the good achieved. The highest tax slab of 30 per cent should be restored so that people may find it advantageous to bring complete income to books. Rather a permanent Voluntary Disclosure Scheme should be introduced whereby provision may be there in tax-return to declare at the highest suggested tax rate of 30 per cent, any income without disclosing the source of income. This will make cash transactions, especially in property deals accounted for if registration fees on the property are also reduced to say just three per cent. Names of all those disclosing incomes under the suggested highest 30-percent slab should be on the website according to income disclosed so that status-conscious persons may race to disclose more incomes. Basix tax exemption should be fixed at rupees five lakhs abolishing most tax-exemptions including on charity, donation, contribution to political parties and even agricultural income which are largely misused. An ordinary farmer does not earn more than rupees five lakhs per annum, and the provision is grossly misused by ultra-rich persons including known celebrities to declare their unaccounted income as agricultural income through some village-land purchased only for the purpose without practically having any agricultural produce. Income Tax slabs can then be 10 and 20 per cent for incomes between 5-10 lakhs and 10-15 lakhs respectively and thereafter 30 per cent for the rest. LK Jha committee recommendations to make the calendar year a financial year should be implemented to be in line with most countries of the world, thus abolishing another British legacy of following April-March presently as a Fiscal Year. It is ridiculous to have different depreciation rules for Tax and Corporate audits. There should be a single and unified Tax and Corporate Audit. Rather than concentrating more on small cash transactions, all sale-purchases above rupees 10000 must be compulsorily through bank transactions. For this, transaction charges on credit cards should be slashed down to just half per cent (GST-exempted) which too to be borne by the central government with all incentives on purchases made through credit cards abolished. Present high two-percent transaction charges on credit cards make traders charge it separately from customers especially where trade margins are low. Such a system will fetch much higher tax revenue for the government, than through half-per cent transaction-charges to be borne by the government. Banks issuing credit cards will get much more earnings even with a half-per-cent transaction charge because of the manifold use of credit cards. Two sets of credit card machines should be compulsory for every GST-registered dealer dealing in cash to avoid payment receipt through credit cards with the usual excuse that the swapping machine is out of order. Strict action must be there against those refusing payment through credit/debit cards. The input-tax-credit system in the GST-regime in manufacturing is the biggest corrupt practice of tax evasion where left-out GST invoices by ordinary customers are sold by traders to consuming manufacturers or producers to avail false Input-Tax-Credit where cash is paid back by traders to those purchasing left-out GST-invoices of actual consumers bringing more currency in circulation, this being the reason of basic motive of currency-demonetisation being failed where currency in circulation rapidly increased rather than projected decrease. An annual forensic audit may be made compulsory on claims made for Input-Tax-Credit by manufacturers/producers to avoid false claims of excessive input tax credit in these sectors. Rather study should be made if, with the abolition of an excessively high 18-percent GST slab, Input-Tax-Credit can be altogether abolished from manufacturing/producing sectors, retaining it only on tradable commodities. But such reform in the Input-Tax-Credit system can be practically possible with drastic reform in the GST tax structure wherein initially only three tax slabs of 6, 12 and 30 per cent may be there abolishing all presently existing GST rates. India is the only country that has so many GST rates. Gradually even slabs of 6 and 12 percent may also be replaced by a new 10-percent tax structure. Zero-percent GST may only be retained on totally unbranded raw materials that cannot be consumed without giving a finishing touch like agricultural products, fish, meat, cotton yarn etc. All items of long-term use like cars, air-conditioners, TV sets, refrigerators etc. may attract 30 per cent GST while their parts may uniformly attract 12 per cent GST. Unmindful policy framers brought clutch-plate and clutch-bearing under different GST slabs of 18 and 28 per cent. Likewise, similar items sold by confectioners like sweets, biscuits, napkins etc. attract different GST slabs with luxury sweets causing diabetes attracting just 5 per cent GST. Invoices for items like gold jewellery can be drawn in two parts, one for metal and embodied items and the other for making charges so that the suggested 12-cent GST may be payable only on making charges. Cess on extra-luxurious items should be replaced by additional GST slabs in multiples of 60 per cent, also bringing petroleum products under the GST regime to ensure uniform pricing of petrol and diesel in all states. Abolishing an 18-percent GST slab will be more than compensated by clubbing lower slabs of 3 and 5 percent into a single 6-percent GST slab. The input-tax-credit (ITC) system should not apply to non-tradable commodities and services like has been done, and rightly too, in the case of car expenses for non-commercial use. With the GST slab of 18 per cent abolished and the service sector attracting just 12 per cent GST, those with income of rupees ten lakhs or more (instead of the present rupees 20 lakhs) can be brought under the GST regime like was the system before the GST-regime. It is illogical to keep lawyers out of the purview of the GST regime. The useless system of Tax-Deducted-At-Source for GST, which is hardly used in practice, should be altogether abolished. Otherwise, any such deducted tax should be auto-reflected in the GST accounts of affected ones, abolishing the cumbersome practice of filing a new monthly return to get credit for deducted GST. All government payments can be considered to be exempted from GST to avoid unnecessary government accounting by putting tax from one government pocket to another. It is illogical that some premium postal services like Speed Post may attract GST while other postal services do not attract GST. Even illogical postal rates (both inland and foreign) need simplification for the equal rise of postal tariff for the equal rise in slab-weight in multiples of 50 gms. of inland postal-article with all postal tariffs being in multiples of rupees ten except for registered newspapers and post-cards which may cost rupee one with the abolition of outdated Inland-Letter-Cards. Presently a postal-article weighing 200 gms sent locally by reliable and fast Speed Post costs just rupees 30 but if sent by unreliable ordinary post, it will cost rupees 50. Likewise, foreign-mail tariffs can be fixed for 20 gms or part slab-weight independently for air and sea-surface-mail. (The writer is an RTI consultant; views expressed are personal) Indian space industry must be given a fillip to make the country future-ready for space. It will be good, both for Indias standing and its economy India's space programme has come a long way and has catapulted India to the world stage. Space technology ushers in possibilities for the future which are huge and varied, and some of these possibilities are yet to be explored. Few would understand that India's success in space technology enhances possibilities of trade and the earning of foreign exchange by providing services that are intrinsic to excellence in this domain. The private players have started playing an important role in bringing it to a level where it can be the leverage India requires for setting a benchmark for the world. Certain joint endeavours by private and public players have given rise to exceptional dividends in the last year. The successful launch of 72 satellites by OneWeb through ISRO has boosted the broadband internet services in the country. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has worked to enable and facilitate the participation of private players in the space domain. The Indian Space Association, set up for the collaborative development of the private space industry in India facilitated the launch of India's first private rocket by Skyroot Aerospace and the establishment of the Mission Control Centre by Agnikul Cosmos. The launch of the worlds first commercial Space Weather Monitoring System by Digantra, the launch by ISRO of Anand hyperspectral satellite of Pixal, and the collaborative effort of L&T and HAL to improve the efficiency of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle are some of the giant leaps in space technology that will help India to bring in a lot of foreign exchange in the days to come. ISRO, through its commercial arms, has already earned $279 million in foreign exchange by launching satellites for global clients, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. According to the Director General of the Indian Space Association, the launch of the Shakuntla constellation by Pixxel has bolstered India's Earth observation capabilities and will help in agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. The launch of commercial satellites by India of friendly foreign countries is sure to boost India's clout, not only as a regional player in Asia but also globally. This collaborative effort of the private and public sectors is bound to give dividends economically and also usher in prosperity amongst humanity in general. Can the space program help humanity? Is it the bird's eye view we have been talking about for almost all the humanitarian challenges that exist? Let's face it, humanity faces challenges of resources, and among them, energy is one of the most critical. So can space exploration in the long run help humanity to solve the crisis of a resource crunch, including that of energy? The possibility for the same is huge, and so is the possibility of Indian Industry making it big in the decades to come. It is estimated that thousands of satellites would be required to be sent into space if the requirement of humanity is to be met. Over 100 satellites have been launched solely for monitoring the Earths atmosphere. Helium-3 is one moon resource that could potentially be cheaper to mine from the moon. Helium-3 is a very attractive fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors. If this becomes possible in the future it could solve a lot of clean energy-related issues that humanity faces today. It could also unlock a lot of economic value for the Indian Space Industry in the future. Lunar resources could also be used to help build up an industrial infrastructure in near-Earth space in the future. Satellites provide accurate weather reports which also help to track increasing rates of climate change and its effects, such as rising seas, moisture levels, and incidents of floods, wildfires, and atmospheric changes; helping us stop deforestation. Satellites cover the entire globe enabling high-capacity connectivity over wide & hard-to-reach areas including deserts, mountain ranges, islands, rainforests, or wetlands. Around fifty per cent of illegal mining activities can be monitored from space only. Ninety-nine per cent of weather forecasts can be from space alone. Space technology provides information regarding water and food production, precision irrigation and farming techniques. The direct economic impact of the sector is important, but it is the indirect impact that highlights how critical space is going to be for our life on Earth. The UN has been urging for use of space technology to attain sustainable development goals. The private sector and public sector milieu in the Indian context are best suited to exploit these opportunities in the future. Private players that are into satellite communication, GPS technology, surveillance, and disaster management are likely to benefit most from advancements in space technology. The Indian Space Industry would also be required to collaborate and work towards the transfer of technology with players in countries like the United States and France to enhance the scope of their achievements in space. The calmness and maturity of the public sector, along with the dynamism and initiative of the private sector, when invested in the development of space technology can for sure help in solving some of the challenges confronting humanity today. We are at an inflection point from where the Indian Space Industry is only destined to go up, and this is going to increase India's clout in the international community many fold. (The writer is an expert on geopolitics and international Affairs. The views expressed are personal) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the top UN leadership here and discussed India's G20 Presidency, regional issues and global challenges, sustainable development goals and Security Council reforms. A day before he addresses the General Debate at the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis on Monday at the headquarters of the world organisation. He also met with the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner. Jaishankar said it was a "pleasure" to meet with Guterres and that he discussed "how India's G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening" the UN's sustainable development agenda. "We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year," Jaishankar wrote on X, adding that he appreciated Guterres' strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. In a readout of the meeting issued by the UN spokesperson's office, Guterres "expressed appreciation for India's cooperation with the UN and its leadership of the G20". Guterres and Jaishankar also "discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges", according to the readout. The UN secretary-general attended the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 held under India's Presidency of the grouping. Before his meeting with Guterres, Jaishankar met Francis and welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of India's G20 Presidency. "Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assembly's discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times," Jaishankar said. In a post on 'X', Francis said he was "delighted" to meet Jaishankar and congratulated him on India's "successful G20 Chairmanship, especially on India's unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South". Francis added that he discussed priorities and key issues of the 78th UNGA session, including UNSC reforms and building on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held during the high-level week ahead of the Summit of the Future to be held in 2024. Jaishankar also thanked Francis for his presence at the special 'India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development' side event. The minister hosted the event in New York on Saturday. In his meeting with Steiner, Jaishankar appreciated the UNDP's engagement with India's G20 Presidency initiatives. "Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit," he said. Jaishankar also met with the Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New York. "Always a pleasure to meet FM @ABZayed of UAE, this time in New York. Appreciate the rapid progress in our bilateral cooperation. Value our regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues," he posted on 'X' later. The external affairs minister said he had a "warm meeting with our SAGAR partner", Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Yvette Sylla. "Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defence cooperation," he tweeted. In the backdrop of the US envoy to Islamabad visiting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday said the American delegation has visited Jammu and Kashmir as well for G20 meetings. Garcetti was reacting to questions on US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blomes six-day visit to POK last week. Its not my place to react to the US Ambassador in Pakistan but hes been before and we obviously had part of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during G20 as well, the American envoy told reporters on the sidelines of the 20th Indo-US Economic Summit. At the same time, Garcetti made it clear that the Jammu and Kashmir issue has to be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan and not by any third party, including the US. Well stay engaged but this is an issue we very religiously know that has to be resolved between India and Pakistan not by any third party including the US, he said. US Ambassador to Pakistan Blome visited the Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK and interacted with the locals there, according to a Pakistani media report. Asked about the standing ovation given to a Nazi war veteran in the Canadian Parliament, Garcetti said: I think everybody recognises the mistake. He refused to comment on the US sharing intelligence on the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Its not my place to speak on another country, Canada. As a matter of business not just this, we dont talk about intelligence or criminal justice matters, Garcetti said. The killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June, which triggered a diplomatic row between India and Ottawa, was an outcome of internal turf war between Khalistani groups patronised by former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and those backed by Pakistan Army-ISI syndicate. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has held dialogues several times with Pakistani Army-ISI combine as also with political leaders during the last over four years. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shares a close relationship with Joly who has been instrumental in shaping his pro-Khalistan outlook and anti-India stance. After his divorce with his wife in April this year, Trudeaus reliance on Joly has further surged leading to his hard-hitting outbursts against India over the killing of Nijjar, counter-terrorism experts tracking the Khalistani movement said. In 2018, the Canadian intelligence agency in a report warned the Government over increasing Khalistani extremism there. However, the Government stopped the monitoring of the Khalistani terror activities from 2019 onwards. The development came in the backdrop of increasing bonhomie between Joly and the Pakistani politico-military-ISI complex, they said. During the period, Pakistans notorious spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) strengthened its Khalistani agenda in Canada to the extent that its operatives were openly invited to the Gurudwara committee meetings by the Sikh extremists. Simultaneously, the approach of the Canadian Government towards the Khalistanis softened 2019 onwards, counter-terrorism and geopolitical analyst Dr Rituraj Mate told The Pioneer. The terror groups propped up by Pakistan in India and elsewhere receive funding from the Army-ISI syndicate during dictatorial regimes in Islamabad based on loyalty to the Pakistani military establishment. When a political party is in power, the terror groups, including of Khalistani hue, get funding support from the party in power, Dr Mate said. During his stint as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan supported the Khalistan Tiger Force headed by Nijjar. However, the competition between the terrorist groups for funding support took an ugly turn when the Khalistani groups affiliated with the Pakistan Army-ISI liquidated Nijjar at a Gurudwara in British Columbia on June 18 this year, he said, adding, turf war between the terror groups backed by Pakistan is common during the threshold of transition of power between the army and democratic forces in Islamabad. The relation between India and Canada took a hit after Trudeau stated in Parliament there on September 18 that Canadian intelligence agencies were pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between Indian Government agents and the killing of Nijjar. The red flags of increasing Khalistani extremism were apparently ignored by the Indian agencies and papered over by the Canadian counterparts. Indian decision makers apparently ignored the meetings between Khalistani terrorists and ISI operatives in Gurudwaras in Canada and 80 per cent of online Khalistani propaganda was being peddled by Pakistani Muslims. Indian decision makers in Delhi also did not take cognisance of the love-jehad style of ISI campaign for luring Sikh youth for radicalising them for the so-called Khalistani cause by honey-trapping them, another analyst said. Likewise, the Canadian Government not only ignored the intelligence reports of growing Khalistan extremism but also stopped monitoring activities of such groups. Inter-gang rivalries among gangsters from Punjab are common in Canada now, but the agencies there ignored it. The timing of the diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Ottawa suggests that the controversy is not going to die down soon as elections are round the corner in India, Canada and Pakistan a few months away. Pro-Khalistan elements have been operating freely from Canadian soil for nearly five decades in the garb of notions like freedom of expression and political advocacy but the country maintains complete silence on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking by these extremists, top sources said. The bombing of Air India plane Kanishka was perpetrated by Khalistani extremists way back in 1985 and it was the biggest aviation terror attack in the world in the pre-9/11 era. However, due to the apparent soft-pedaling by Canadian agencies, key accused Talwinder Singh Parmar and his Khalistani extremist cohorts got away scot-free, they said. If that was not enough, Parmar is now a hero of pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada with banned group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) naming its campaign centre after him. During the last four to five years, Khalistani extremists were further emboldened and started operating with impunity from Canada and issuing blatant threats against Indian diplomats and Hindus. During the period, links of Canada-based Khalistani extremists have emerged in more than half of the terror cases reported from Punjab, the sources elaborated. The multiple targeted killings of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Punjab after 2016 were the handiwork of Khalistani separatist Nijjar, whose killing has led to a row between India and Canada. During the period, Research and Analysis Wing, countrys external intelligence agency, was helmed by Punjab cadre IPS officer Samant Kumar Goel. In 2019, when Goel took charge as chief of RAW, the Union Home Ministry then helmed by Rajnath Singh slashed the blacklist of Sikhs barred from travelling to India from 314 to just two. The list officially called the Central Adverse List was pruned in the run up to the opening of the Kartarpur corridor. Despite India furnishing dossiers on the extremist activities of Khalistani groups, the Canadian agencies never launched any enquiry or investigation against Nijjar and his associates Bhagat Singh Brar, Parry Dulai, Arsh Dalla, Lakbir Landa and many others and they remain political activists in Canada. The lack of cooperation by the Canadian authorities in acting against Khalistani terrorists has led to an increase in the body count in Punjab due to the terror-gangster network operated from Canada, the sources further said. Pro-India Sikh leader, Ripudaman Singh Malik, was killed in 2022 in Surrey in Canada, a murder ostensibly orchestrated by Nijjar. But Canadian agencies allegedly did not show any urgency in finding the culprits and unravelling the real conspiracy, they said. Two local criminals who were not of Indian origin were only charged in the case. Soft pedalling of Khalistanis ensured that moderate and pro-India Sikhs were thrown out of many big Gurdwaras in Canada using the muscle and money power of the pro-Khalistan extremists backed by ISI, they added. Emboldened by their rising clout in the face of official backing in Canada, pro-Khalistan extremists have started openly intimidating the minority Hindus in the Indian diaspora in Canada and defacing their temples. The recent open threats by Khalistanis to the physical security of Indian missions and diplomats in Canada are a very serious development and challenge the obligation of Canada under the Vienna Convention. Canada has been vocal in protesting even trivial issues in Punjab but has maintained a complete silence on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking and extortion by pro-Khalistan extremists sitting there and affecting both countries, they said. India has strongly rejected Trudeaus charge of Indian hand in Nijjars killing subbing the same as absurd and motivated and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawas expulsion of an Indian official over the case. Hardening its stance on the issue, India on September 20 advised all its nationals living in Canada and those contemplating travelling there to exercise utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes as well as criminal violence in that country. The next day, New Delhi announced that it was temporarily suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of security threats faced by its High Commission and consulates in Canada. The Delhi Police has arrested a person for abducting and killing a man and then extorting `2 lakh from his family in northeast Delhis Karawal Nagar area in the national Capital. The two accused allegedly stabbed Nitin (22) on September 19 and demanded ransom from his family the next morning. They fled after finding out that police were investigating the case. According to police, the accused was identified as Sachin Kumar Sharma (24), a resident of Karawal Nagar in northeast Delhi, while a manhunt is on to nab the absconding co-accused Arun. Sachin , one of the accused in the case, was arrested from Rajasthans Sri Ganganagar, police said. Arun, the other accused is yet to be traced, police said. Sachin and Nitin are both residents of Johripur in Karawal Nagar in New Delhi. The victim worked in a cloth store in Shahdara, police said. Geeta Chaudhary, the victims sister, said in her complaint to the police that on September 19, Nitin left home around 5.30 pm. Around 10.23 am the next day, she received a message saying her brother had been kidnapped and would be released only after they paid `2 lakh, as per the complaint. A case of kidnapping for ransom was registered immediately and investigation was taken up, Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey said. Police checked the victims call details record and found the movement of two persons suspicious but could not trace them. Police located Sachin, one of the accused, in Ganganagar in Rajasthan after technical surveillance. A team went there and nabbed him, police said. Sachin, who works as a salesman in a utensils shop in Karawal Nagar, knew Nitin since 2018. He has a wife and a two-month-old daughter, they said. After his daughters birth, he had been facing a lot of financial difficulty, the DCP said. Sachin met Arun, the co-accused, around two years ago. Around 15 days back, Sachin and Arun hatched a plan to kidnap Nitin and demand `2 lakh as ransom from his family, Tirkey said. On September 19, Sachin invited Nitin for drinks in the evening. Arun, who was also present there and Sachin were carrying knives. They were close friends so Nitin did not suspect anything, police said. Nitin reached Johripur main road around 6.15 pm, where Sachin and Arun were waiting for him. All three of them reached the railway station, Behta Hazipur, Ghaziabad, police said. They had liquor near the railway tracks and around 9 pm, Sachin asked that they should return home. While they were walking back in the dark, on a lonely stretch near the railway tracks, both Sachin and Arun overpowered Nitin and allegedly stabbed him to death, the DCP said. They allegedly hid his body in the bushes near the railway track and returned home with Nitins mobile phone, Tirkey said. Around 10.30 am next day, the duo made the ransom demand from Nitins sister using his phone from Loni, Ghaziabad, police said. However, when the accused realised that police were investigating the case, they decided to leave Delhi, the DCP said. Sachin took his wife and daughter and went to his wifes friends place in Ganganagar, Tirkey said. The DCP added that efforts are being made to arrest Arun. Police said Nitins body was recovered from the bushes near railway station in Behta Hazipur. Sachin took the police to the spot where they stabbed Nitin to death, they said. The post-mortem will be conducted on Tuesday and further investigation in the case is underway, they added. In a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed approximately 51,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits in various government departments and organizations across India. The distribution ceremony took place simultaneously at 46 different locations across the country and was conducted via video conferencing. Modi, virtually addressing the recruits, emphasized the significance of this event taking place during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Utsav. He likened their entry into public service to a new beginning, much like the arrival of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing auspiciousness and prosperity. He expressed confidence in the abilities of these new recruits and their role in shaping India's future. During his address, Modi outlined a vision for a developed and prosperous India by the year 2047, marking the centenary of India's independence. He encouraged the newly appointed government officials to play an instrumental role in achieving this goal through their dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service. The main event, held at Samanvaya Bhawan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, saw the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Mohan Yadav, Cabinet Minister of the Madhya Pradesh Government, and Malti Rai, Mayor, Bhopal, also graced the occasion as special guests. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the distribution of appointment letters to 22 newly recruited Nursing Officers of AIIMS Bhopal, handed over by Narendra Singh Tomar, in a symbolic gesture of support for the healthcare sector. Prof. Dr. Ajai Singh, Executive Director, AIIMS Bhopal, while congratulating the selected nursing officers, said, "The nationwide distribution of appointment letters is in line with the government's commitment to strengthen the workforce and provide opportunities to talented individuals to contribute to the growth and development of the country." AIIMS officials, Danish Javed and Ramendra Singh Sirodiya, were also present during this momentous event. The 91st Foundation Day of the Indian Air Force will be celebrated on September 30 in Bhopal, in the air show more than 30 fighter planes and helicopters like Tejas, Mirage will be seen performing stunts. Fighter planes are rehearsing at the boat club for this air show. For this, regular flights of Raja Bhoj Airport have also been rescheduled. Jaguar, Mirage, Suryakiran, Tejas, -130 and Chinook helicopters are involved in the rehearsal. This airshow can be seen for free by standing at the Boat Club and VIP Road. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is not attending the program. Governor Mangubhai Patel will be the chief guest. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will also participate in the air show program. Air Marshal AK Bharti said that this air show will be on the theme of Power Beyond Boundaries. In this, aircraft and helicopters like Tejas, Dhruv, Jaguar, Chinook, Surya Kiran will showcase their power. Women pilots will also participate in the flypast, 30 fighter planes and helicopters have reached Bhopal. Of these, 25 aircraft have been parked at Rajabhoj Airport and the remaining 3 at the EME Centre. A large number of people along with their families have reached VIP Road, Boat Club to watch the rehearsal of the Air Force Air Show. A large number of people along with their families have reached VIP Road, Boat Club to watch the rehearsal of the Air Force Air Show. Due to the exercise, flights arriving between 10 am to 12 am have been rescheduled from September 26 to September 30. Passengers have been informed. Indigo's Mumbai flight will arrive at 8.45 am and depart at 9.15 am. Indigo's Udaipur flight will arrive at 8.55 am and depart at 9.20 am. Similarly, Indigo's Goa flight will arrive on these dates at 12.40 pm and will depart from Bhopal at 1.10 pm. A large number of people are coming to the boat club to watch the rehearsal of the air show. This fighter plane will display on September 30. The flypast will include fighter aircraft (Sukhoi-30, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, LCA Tejas, Hawk), helicopters (Chinook, Mi-17 V5, Chetak) and transport aircraft (C130, IL-78 and AN-32). . The ceremony will witness spectacular performances by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team, Sarang Helicopter Display Team and Akash Ganga Team. The full dress rehearsal of the fly past will be held till 29th September. This team is the aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. The team consists of 13 pilots, 9 fly together. Surya Kiran is part of the 52nd Squadron of the Air Force. It was established in 1996. Air Force personnel will also be seen sky diving.Fighter planes will fly from Hindon airbases of Agra, Gwalior and Ghaziabad and come to Bhopal. Some planes will also take off from Bhopal Airport and helicopters from 3 EME Centre. Air Force Chief V.S. Chaudhary, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Vibhash Pandey will also be present. On the question of choosing Bhopal for the celebration of Air Force Day, Air Marshal AK Bharti said that every year we do it in a new city. That's why we came to Bhopal this time, we are asked the same question in every city. Although Bhopal is a very nice city, the Air Force liked it very much. Along with this, we had done a study that fighter planes always have problems with birds, but according to our survey, very few birds were found here at our standard height. Which is a good thing for our air show. Khajuri Sadak police have arrested an auto driver who robbed a 20-year-old married woman of her mobile phone and assaulted her at Fanda toll plaza on Monday. On Monday Varsha Bharti of Sehore lodged a complaint against an auto rickshaw driver of auto rickshaw bearing vehicle registration number MP04RA2023 who robbed and assaulted her. She boarded auto rickshaw from Sehore to Bhopal and when the vehicle reached near Fanda toll plaza he snatched mobile phone from her and pushed her off the vehicle injuring her in her head and hands. Before this the accused took information of the victim and revealed his name as Rahul James of Halalpur Lalghati Bhopal. After the robbery, the accused escaped the spot and the victim reached police station and lodged a complaint against the accused. Based on the complainant police registered a case under section 394 of IPC was established and discussed. During the investigation, the house of the accused was raided near the cemetery in Halalpur Lalghati Bhopal. The accused was found present at the house and when asked for his name and address, He told his name as Rahul, James, Halalpur Lalghati, Bhopal. He confessed to the crime and told about snatching a mobile phone from a woman near Bhori jod and hiding his auto behind the Kolukhedi Kalari and hiding the mobile phone in his trunk. The mobile phone looted by the accused was recovered from the trunk of the auto rickshaw. Auto rickshaw was hidden in Kolukhedi by the accused. Apart from Postgraduate and undergraduate students of all Ayurveda colleges, trainee students have also joined the indefinite strike. These students are continuously demanding timely conduct of examinations and increase in stipend. More than 450 students from Khushi Lal Ayurvedic Hospital went on strike on Tuesday and registered their protest. Students claimed that students of all seven Government Ayurvedic Colleges across the state are currently on strike. The government AYUSH Maha Vidyalayas of the state, autonomous postgraduates, house doctors and interns are being treated with complete negligence by the government. Correspondence has been sent to the government from time to time for many years but has always resulted in disappointment. The discrepancy is arising due to the stipend given to Ayurveda trainees (interns), home physicians and postgraduate students of Madhya Pradesh not being revised on time. Madhya Pradesh Medical Sciences University, Jabalpur should complete the examinations and other academic activities of undergraduate and postgraduate students as per the academic calendar of the university. Under the Government of Madhya Pradesh, new posts for Ayurveda Medical Officer should be created every year by the Public Service Commission in the combined ratio of graduate and post-graduate students obtaining degrees every year. Ayurveda postgraduate students of the state should be provided medical leave like other states. The Bharatiya Janata Party has unveiled an ambitious plan to integrate 2,00,000 individuals from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) into its fold. The initiative kicked off on Tuesday with a training programme inaugurated at the BJP state headquarters. Utilising the power of social media, the BJP aims to reach 2,00,000 OBC individuals who will undergo training to become active members of the party. This initiative is spearheaded by the BJP OBC Morcha, the partys OBC wing. Through social media platforms, the BJP intends to engage with individuals from the previous generation and communicate its message effectively. The OBC Morcha will conduct training workshops on social media strategies in every district with dedicated teams formed for this purpose. These teams, operating at the block level, will ensure the dissemination of the governments initiatives and work targeting the backward classes at both the central and state levels. Each assembly constituency will also see the formation of teams comprising equal numbers of previous-generation and current-generation party workers. A significant focus will be placed on the 79 major OBC sub-castes during the team formation process. These teams will actively engage with the public in preparation for upcoming elections, becoming the driving force behind election campaigns and promotions. This initiative by the BJP seeks to empower and train active workers and leaders from the backward classes, ensuring their participation in handling in entirety the Lok Sabha election campaigns. Himachal CM visits Partition Museum, Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday visited the Partition Museum in Amritsar and paid his tributes to the people who lost their lives in the 1947 communal carnage. Sukhu, who was in the city to attend the Northern Zonal Council meeting, also visited Jallianwala Bagh, Golden Temple, and Durgiana Temple. The CM said the museum will always inspire the young generation to live together and understand the importance of their loved ones. The Partition Museum, established in 2017, in the historic Town Hall of Amritsar, is the first museum in the world where the historical documents related to partition have been preserved, a statement issued here said on Tuesday. During his visit to the Jallianwala Bagh, the CM paid his tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and exhorted youths to study the history of Indias freedom struggle and remember the British oppression. He also prayed at the Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple. Hry DGP holds coordination meeting on cyber security with private bank officials Chandigarh: Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on Tuesday emphasized the importance of working within the "golden hours" and reducing response time to prevent cybercrime. He said that the chances of stopping a cybercrime are highest in the initial period after it occurs, which is known as the "golden hour. Kapur made these remarks while presiding over a meeting with senior officials of HDFC Bank regarding cyber security. He stressed that the police department and bank employees play equally important roles in this effort and that enhanced coordination between the two entities is essential for effective crime prevention. The meeting focused on discussing the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting Management System module of the Cyber Portal, as well as the challenges associated with apprehending cybercriminals and potential solutions. 15 percent discount till Sept 30 in Hry on self verification of property data Chandigarh: Haryana Government is offering a 15 percent discount to urban property owners who make complete payments of their property tax for the year 2023-24 by September 30. A spokesperson of the Urban Local Bodies Department said that if there are any errors in the Haryana Urban Property Tax assessment, property owners can online rectify them at https://ulbharyana.gov.in/ portal. After addressing the errors, they should proceed to verify the property data. The spokesperson said that all property owners have the opportunity to avail 15 percent discount by verifying their property data on their own before September 30. Sale of Plots for Mega Food Park Rohtak launched Chandigarh: HAFED and HSIIDC have launched the sale of plots in the Mega Food Park at Rohtak. HAFED has set up the Mega Food Park, Rohtak, which spreads across 50 acres and has 80 plots ranging from 450 to 4050 square meters. Dr. J Ganesan, Managing Director, HAFED, issued allotment letters to the first allottees at the HAFED Corporate Office in Panchkula. He said that the Mega Food Park is located at IMT Rohtak on NH-10, linking Delhi and Rohtak. He informed investors that they can set up a wide range of units in the Mega Food Park, including cattle feed, fruit and vegetable processing, dairy and milk processing, grain and cereal processing, meat and poultry processing, spice processing, beverage production, edible oil extraction and refining, bakery, snack food manufacturing, ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) foods, canning and preserving, and food ingredient manufacturing. Today the term democracy is widely understood as synonymous with representative democracy. Under the system people have a right to choose representatives through periodic elections based on the principles of universal adult franchaise (Article 326 of Indian Constitution). In order to participate in election process, the minimum age should be 18 years in our country. A sound party system based on the ideological principles as we find in developed countries has not been developed in our country. There are so many hurdles in the party system which have weakened our democratic system. Organisational problem, widening gap between a party and its the workers, strong leadership crisis, political immorality and giving tickets to criminals in a party etc have polluted the political atmosphere in our country and undermined the political morality. We do not find members and political parties following political morality. Here are a few examples to bring home the point. In spite of passage of the Anti Defection Act 1985, the evil of defection is still in practice. Formation of new parties and breakaway groups is still continuing. In December 2003 , our Parliament has passed a law making amendment in the Anti Defection Act 1985 but defection has not been put under check; rather it has grown destabilising the basic essence of democratic values. To make our parliamentary democracy a success , the evil of defection should be controlled permanently. Moreover, growing political corruption has patronised corruption in the administration and bureaucracy all over the country. What is defection and what are its causes? Defection in politics means transfer of loyalty from one party to another for some personal gains or vested interests. When a representative after having been elected on the ticket of a party symbol leaves the party and joins another party in hope of getting some benefits, it is called defection. Defection is the opportunistic transfer of faith or loyalty to another party which is like a contagious disease ( Aya Ram, Gaya Ram) in our country. There are several factors responsible for the defection such as lack of proper leadership, lust for power, lack of ideological commitment and disobedience to the whip of the party high command etc. Defection has very dangerous effects in the democratic paradigm of our country. It has fully corrupted and demoralised politics and spoiled our social values. The highest defect of defection is breach of faith with the electorate. A representative is elected on the symbol of a political party whose ideals and principles have been recognized by the voters at the time they elect the representative with the hope that he/she would represent their ideas till the next election. But if the representative shifts his affiliation just after getting elected, its like cheating of the voters and against the democratic principles. Also, in this way, the national interest stands ignored. It brings political instability from Panchayat level to Parliament and defames the sacred parliamentary system of democracy. In December 2003, the Indian Parliament passed a law making amendment in Anti Defection Act 1985 to check the unfair practice but this has not been effective in a larger perspective. To conclude, the Central and State Election Commissions must be vigilant to stop defection by framing stringent rules by giving top priority to the sentiments of the voters. Under the present circumstances it is a crucial challenge to the Republic of Bharat. (Writer Dr Ray is a former faculty, DMS, Regional Institute of Education, NCERT, Bhubaneswar and a professional in journalism and mass communication; Email: rdrayfreelancer@gmail.com) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, emphasised the need for technical institutes to leave the old programmes and embrace modern ones, saying, Today is the time of technology; it can be used for nation-building and public welfare. Inaugurating a new administrative building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and built at a cost of Rs 12 crore at Madan Mohan Malviya Technological University in Gorakhpur, the chief minister said, Till 2017, there were only two cyber police stations in Uttar Pradesh. However, there is now a cyber police station and a cyber help desk in each district of the state. Due to this, cybercrime has been significantly reduced. The chief minister said that it was the responsibility of universities and technical institutes to enter into memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with cyber stations for technical cooperation. In this regard, the Gorakhpur Zone police have taken a proactive step by signing an MoU with Madan Mohan Malviya University, he added. Highlighting that the countrys largest data centre was in Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister said that the states technical institutes should establish connections with it. Prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh was at number 14 in ease of doing business, but significant improvements were made through the introduction of the Nivesh Mitra single-window portal. In addition, the administrative system was compelled to put the reforms into effect by utilising technology more effectively. As a result, UP now ranks second in the country in ease of doing business, he pointed out. Yogi Adityanath asserted that digital payment has revolutionised the life of every citizen by bringing a corruption-free system. Uttar Pradesh, with the largest youth population in the country, has seen its young citizens benefit immensely from Prime Minister Narendra Modis visionary Digital India initiative, he remarked. He highlighted that schemes such as PM Startup, PM Mudra, One District, One Product, and Mukhyamatri Swarozgar have brought about substantial changes in the lives of states youth. Moreover, he noted, these government schemes are now efficiently reaching the people of Uttar Pradesh through technology. The chief minister said that an International Trade Show was held in Greater Noida from September 21 to 25, drawing the participation of buyers and over 2,000 exhibitors from Uttar Pradesh. This event showcased the states innovation and potential to the world. Additionally, the trade shows success was evident as approximately four lakh individuals visited and shopped at the event. Chief Minister Yogi also stressed the importance of aligning research efforts with the needs of society, emphasising the positive outcomes that such an approach can yield. Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan Shukla, district panchayat chairperson Sadhna Singh, Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor Jai Prakash Pandey, MLA Fateh Bahadur Singh, Bipin Singh and other dignitaries were present in the programme. In a major success on the first day of the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's five-day visit to Britain, the Uttarakhand government entered into a Rs 2,000 crore Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) with the French manufacturing giant Poma Group in London on Tuesday. The MoU was signed by the secretary, industries, Vinay Shankar Pandey, on behalf of the government of Uttarakhand. Speaking on the occasion Dhami said that keeping in mind the geographical conditions of the state, there is immense potential for investment in the field of eco-friendly tourism in Uttarakhand. He said that Poma Group is a leading group in the field of ropeway construction in the world and it has experience of working in the State. On Tuesday Dhami participated in a meeting organised in London for the global investors summit to be held in Dehradun in December this year. In the meeting Dhami met many leading industrial houses of London and held detailed discussions about possibilities of investment in Uttarakhand. The CM also extended an invitation to all the investors for investors summit. Dhami said that the focus of the state government is on ecology and economy, along with tourism. He said that the state government is looking for different ways of investment in which there is a balance between development and environment. Addressing the investors in London, Dhami said that London is a major centre of the service sector. He said that being a mountainous State the agriculture scenario in Uttarakhand is different from other states. He said that almost the entire production of the State is organic and with the help of the summit, the organic products of the State can be delivered to foreign countries more effectively. The CM said that the governments aim is that global investors should come to Uttarakhand, so that the industrial activities here can gain more momentum. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was accorded a rousing reception by the natives of Uttarakhand on his arrival in London on Monday. A cultural programme was organised to welcome him in which presentations were given on Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari folk songs. The Uttarakhand diaspora was present wearing traditional clothes on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Dhami expressed gratitude to the natives of Uttarakhand residing in London for the welcome given to him and said that it is his honour to come to London to attend a meetings related to investors summit to be held in Dehradun. Visibly moved by the presence of a large number of people in the programme he said that it appears a small UK (Uttarakhand) resides in the United Kingdom (UK). He said that apart from being devbhommi, Uttarakhand is the land of Yoga and spirituality. Dhami said that we should feel proud for having roots in Uttarakhand. The CM appealed the non resident Uttarakhandis to visit their native place at least once in a year. Dhami said that the prestige and honour of India has increased under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is taking shape in the foreign destinations as well. He said that today India is surging ahead in the direction of becoming a Vishwa Guru (world leader) and the recent success of Chandrayaan III and safe landing on moon are its examples. Dhami is on a five-day official visit to Britain to interact with the business fraternity there for the global investors summit to be held in Dehradun in December this year. The CM is leading a delegation which will meet the representatives of top industrial houses of the world and extend them an invitation to attend the investors summit. Apart from London the delegation will also visit Birmingham. It will hold meetings with the representatives of different industrial houses and will hold road shows in Britain. The secretary to CM, R Meenakshi Sundaram, secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey, director general of industry Rohit Meena, resident commissioner Ajay Mishra and others were present on the occasion. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) will frame comprehensive guidelines aiming to enhance public safety and ensuring timely assistance to electrocution victims. Delhi Power Minister Atishi on Tuesday said the Delhi government has decided to come up with comprehensive guidelines to prevent such mishaps and determine a compensation amount for the families of victims. The Kejriwal Government has taken this decision in light of the recent incidents of electrocution recorded in Delhi. In June a woman died after she came in contact with an electricity pole near the New Delhi Railway Station. Atishi said the guidelines to be framed by the DERC will be useful for government officials and the power distribution companies in taking proactive measures and avert such incidents. These guidelines will also have a framework for substantial compensation for the families of victims, she said. The DERC will draft these guidelines in consultation with stakeholders, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the residents of the city, the power minister said. The decision of the government for framing of guidelines on electrocution follows the orders issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2021, said a statement from the power department. In July 2023, the department proposed issuing policy directions under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, empowering DERC to frame necessary regulations. As part of the process, the opinion of the lieutenant governor will also be sought to ensure a comprehensive approach to the issue, the statement said. Atishi underscored the guidelines would also ensure that affected families receive the support they need during challenging times. She said every incident of electrocution or injury to workers due to electric shock profoundly impacts families concerned and the Kejriwal government is determined to stand with them in their difficult times. Addressing the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council, Chaired by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah at Amritsar, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday urged to immediately resolve various issues related to the interests of Himachal with its neighboring states and to provide a special relief package. He sought a special relief package to the disaster-affected Himachal, after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides and caused a loss of nearly Rs. 12000 crore besides loss of 450 human lives. He said that the government was trying to recover from one of the worst destruction ever witnessed in which as many as 13,000 houses were completely damaged. The State Government with the help of the people of the State, immediately started relief and rescue operations during the disaster and now has taken up a task of rehabilitating the homeless. We have created Disaster Relief Fund-2023 for the same, he said. Sukhu stressed for the amendment in the prevailing norms of disaster relief fund at the National and State level. These norms were currently affecting the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. The formula for providing compensation package for hilly states like Himachal having tough topography should be so amended. The parameters of providing financial assistance during disasters should be on a higher side and demanded practical amendments in these norms, remarked Sukhu. The CM thanked the Governments of Haryana and Rajasthan for extending financial assistance for carrying out relief and rehabilitation works. He also sought co-operation from Punjab Government in handing over the 100 MW Shanan Hydroelectric project, as its lease period will expire in March 2024. A request has also been made to the Central Government in this regard. Sukhu said that Himachal has always made its full contribution in Nation building and the people of the state had to suffer due to the construction of hydro power projects. He said that in view of Himachal's 7.19 percent share in the projects of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), there should be a regular full-time member in the BBMB Board of Directors. He urged for providing 12 percent free energy royalty to Himachal in BBMB projects and also advocated for increasing the royalty from existing 12 percent to 30 percent in the hydro power projects of central undertakings viz: National Hydro Power Corporation, (NHPC) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). He also urged to get released the outstanding amount of Rs 4000 crore from BBMB as per the decision of the Supreme Court of India. The CM stressed the need to use early warning system and get inundation mapping done before releasing water by reservoirs in the state. It was seen that during the recent disaster in the state, sudden release of huge amount of water from Pong Dam, Pandoh Dam and Parvati-3 reservoir caused widespread devastation even in the adjoining states. He said that it was the moral responsibility of the management of Hydel Projects to compensate for this loss and ensure voluntary participation in rehabilitation works. In the meeting, the Himachal CM also demanded to resolve the border disputes with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, pointing out that border disputes at Mohal Theka Dhar Padhri in Chamba district and Jammu and Kashmir and the Sarchu border dispute between Himachal and Ladakh were long pending and needs to be resolved at the earliest. During his four-day visit to Lucknow, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a pivotal message centered on unity and inclusivity, transcending the traditional boundaries of the organisation. Addressing a gathering of RSS members and supporters, Bhagwat made a striking statement, Muslims are not strangers to our RSS organisation. Those who oppose us are also part of us. The RSS should not be concerned about damage from the opposition. This statement carries profound implications, emphasising the willingness of RSS to engage with individuals of varying beliefs and perspectives. In an effort to actualise this vision of inclusivity, Bhagwat stressed the importance of reaching out to those who oppose the RSS ideology and fostering open dialogues. He envisioned a society where all segments come together, transcending differences, including professionals such as doctors, teachers, military officers, lawyers and freedom fighters, all working in harmony to advance the RSS mission. Furthermore, Bhagwat underscored the RSS initiative to bridge gaps with individuals holding opposing political ideologies. He extended the organisations hand even to those affiliated with parties like the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party or the Indian National Congress), suggesting a commitment to national unity that transcends party lines. This statement by the RSS chief signifies a momentous step toward fostering unity and cooperation among diverse segments of society, even amidst differing viewpoints. It reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and dialogue, which is critical in a diverse and democratic nation like India. Bhagwats message in Lucknow underscores the RSS willingness to evolve and engage with a changing India, fostering a sense of unity that transcends ideological and political divides. As the nation watches and assesses this new direction, it offers a glimmer of hope for a more harmonious future, said Nomita P Kumar from the Giri Institute of Development Studies. Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., the fifth-largest cement group in India and leading cement player in East India, in terms of capacity, has achieved yet another milestone in its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company is pleased to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious "Best CSR Impact Award" at the 8th Edition Corporate Social Responsibility Summit and Awards, hosted by UBS Forums on September 14, 2023, in New Delhi. The accolade was bestowed for Nuvocos outstanding contribution to society through Project TARA - Technology Aided Resources at Anganwadis, which was nominated in the Swasth Bharat - Best CSR Impact Category. This transformative initiative was designed with the goal of enhancing the quality of health and child development services offered by Anganwadis, which serve as pivotal community centers in rural India. Project TARA has had a profound impact on the communities it serves, with more than 1,200 women and 2,000 adolescent girls benefiting from its various interventions. The project's success can be attributed to its multifaceted approach, which includes the provision of advanced technological resources, training and capacity building for Anganwadi workers, and community outreach programs. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said that there was no place in the opposition INDIA bloc for any political party which in the past had close association with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Akhilesh Yadav said this in response to speculations over Bahujan Samaj Party being included in the INDIA bloc. In an apparent jibe at the UP Congress leadership for claiming that they were preparing to contest all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh said, Why only 80? They may contest many more seats across the country. The Congress deserves to decide how many seats they want to contest, but when it comes to the INDIA bloc, the decision will be taken by the Congress national leadership. When discussions are being held at the national level, then such questions should not come up. Such questions not only spread confusion but also create a rift in the alliance. The SP president was hopeful that the INDIA coalition would win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The public will come in support of INDIA and it will win. Also, the BJP will suffer its worst defeat in Uttar Pradesh, he said. Akhilesh Yadav also attacked the BJP government in the state over the murder of a doctor in Sultanpur, allegedly by a cousin of the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, over a property related dispute. The SP chief said: Bulldozers steering is in the BJP hands. Whenever any BJP person is at fault, then the bulldozers keys get misplaced. Wherever there are murders over land disputes, the BJPs people are involved. Akhilesh Yadav added that he attempted to visit the slain doctor Ghanshyam Tiwaris family but the police did not allow him citing law and order issue. Akhilesh was in Sultanpur on Monday to express condolences to the family of former SP MLA Abrar Ahmed, who died of ill-health in August. Vociferously championing Punjabs cause on various fronts, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday raised a multitude of crucial issues during the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC), presided over by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Amritsar. Strongly opposing Rajasthans demand for a member in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Mann argued that the BBMB primarily deals with the successor states of Punjab and Haryana as per the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966. Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are not covered under this Act, and therefore, Mann vehemently opposed the proposal to include a member from either of these states in the BBMB. He also raised concerns about the Shanan Power House in Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh, which the hill state has claimed should be transferred to them as the 99-year lease of the land is expiring in 2024. Mann emphasized that the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) was entrusted with this project under the provisions of the Punjab Reorganization Act, and this arrangement has remained unaltered for over half a century. He stressed the need for the Government of India to uphold this legal position. Mann further opposed the recruitment of Members of Irrigation and Power in BBMB through direct recruitment via open channels. He argued that this new approach alters the traditional arrangement wherein the Member Power always came from Punjab, and the Member Irrigation came from Haryana. The Chief Minister called for the restoration of the original pre-2022 position. Regarding the full reservoir levels (FRL) of Pong and Bhakra Dams, Mann pointed out that the original design heights of these dams were set at 1400 feet and 1685 feet for Pong and Bhakra Dams, respectively. He highlighted that due to severe floods in Punjab in 1988, a decision was made to lower the FRL of both dams by 10 feet and 5 feet, respectively. Punjab faced the brunt of these floods, with no support from neighboring states. Mann emphasized that as other states do not offer assistance during such crises, it is unjustifiable to increase the FRL of these dams. He vehemently opposed this move and called for a reconsideration of the decision. He also expressed opposition to the waiver of conditions for Himachal Pradeshs water supply and irrigation schemes, stressing the need for a no objection certificate. Chief Minister made a strong case for handing over Chandigarh to Punjab as its capital city only, highlighting the historical and geographical reasons for Punjab's claim. He emphasized that Chandigarh's status as a union territory was unjustified, and it should be governed by Punjab only. Currently, Chandigarh is the capital city of both Punjab and Haryana. The dispute over Punjab University's affiliation with Haryana also found its way into the discussion. Mann pointed out that Haryana had not expressed any interest in affiliating its colleges with Punjab University in the past but was now demanding it. He questioned the sudden change in Haryana's stance, while reiterating Punjab Governments stand that there should be no change in the varsitys status. Panjab University is our University and we will continue to support and fund it in future also, he said. Mann categorically rejected the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, asserting that Punjab had no surplus water to share with Haryana. He suggested the canal be transformed into a Yamuna-Satluj Link (YSL) canal, aligning it with current realities. He said that Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it; rather water from Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through Satluj river. He stressed the importance of reevaluating water-sharing agreements and suggested the establishment of a new tribunal to address the water dispute. Mann noted that Punjab faced groundwater depletion issues, with 76.5 per cent of its blocks being over-exploited, while Haryana had only 61.5 per cent over-exploited blocks. In a cautionary note, Mann said that SYL canal is a highly emotive issue for Punjab and construction of this canal will lead to serious law and order issues and it will become a national problem, with Haryana and Rajasthan also suffering the impact. Mann said that Haryana is not the basin state of the rivers Ravi and Beas, but Punjab is forced to share waters of these rivers with Haryana adding that if Haryana gets Ravi-Beas waters being a successor State of Punjab, on the same analogy, Yamuna waters should also be shared with Punjab being a successor State. Firmly pleading for utilization of discharge of river Ujh and Ravi going waste to Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that the state had proposed long back to stop this water by constructing a barrage across River Ravi just downstream to the confluence point of River Ujh with River Ravi. This project should be cleared and its execution should be allowed on fast track, he said. Mann pleaded for a revision of flood relief norms, highlighting the heavy damage caused to Punjab due to excessive rainfall in hilly areas. He emphasized the need for a relaxation of compensation norms to adequately support flood-affected people. The Chief Minister also voiced concerns about the financial burden on Punjab related to the deployment of paramilitary forces for maintaining law and order. He called for abolishing the clause requiring Punjab to pay for these forces and requested a more generous allocation of companies when needed. Security issues were another critical aspect of Mann's address. He called for the establishment of a regional center of the National Security Guards (NSG) in Pathankot, emphasizing Punjab's vulnerability to terror attacks due to its border location. Mann also advocated for the development of technology to counter the threat of drones, proposing the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Drones in Punjab. He highlighted the increasing use of drones for espionage, smuggling, and potential terror attacks, necessitating a proactive approach. The Chief Minister raised concerns about illegal travel agents operating in Punjab, who deceive young individuals with promises of overseas jobs but end up providing them with tourist visas, leaving them stranded. Mann called for the registration of travel agents dealing with manpower export and stricter enforcement of the Indian Emigration Act. On the issue of grain procurement, Mann pointed out that Punjab had been diligently contributing to the nation's food security but was not being adequately reimbursed by the central government. He stressed the need for the central government to fulfill its commitment to the state. He also opposed the imposition of a water cess by Himachal Pradesh on hydro power projects, citing provisions in the Inter State River Water Disputes Act. The Chief Minister also sought the release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF), which had been pending for a considerable time. He emphasized that the Punjab government had addressed all ambiguities but was still awaiting the release of the funds. In a sensational robbery, diamond, gold jewellery and other valuables worth at least Rs 20-25 crore were lifted from a store in Bhogal area of Jangpura in southeast Delhi by unidentified burglars who bore a hole in the shops wall to access it in the intervening night of September 25 and 26. This is one of the biggest robberies reported in the national capital in the recent past. The robbery came to light on Tuesday when the showrooms owner, who had locked the showroom on Sunday evening, discovered that all the diamond and gold jewellery were missing when he opened the showroom early on Tuesday. The store remains shut on Mondays on account of weekly closure. The heist occurred at Umrao Singh Jewellers, established in 1948. The Delhi Police said it was a big incident of burglary and that they were conducting an investigation. The heist was meticulously planned, as evidenced by the disconnection of CCTV cameras and disabling of security alarms to avoid detection. The burglars used gas cutters to bore the holes and knew exactly where to look for the loot. To get into the strong-room of the jewellery shop, the thieves allegedly climbed on to the jewellery shops terrace through a neighbouring building and gained access through the terrace of the four-story building, making their way to the ground floor where the secure vault was situated. The visuals from the spot showed a big hole in the wall along the staircase. The owner, and later the police, found that the security and alarm systems in the shop had been disabled and did not trigger any alarm when the intruders went in. We closed the shop on Sunday and when we opened it on Tuesday after an off on Monday, we saw that there was dust in the whole shop and there was a hole in the wall of the strong room... We think they (thieves) have looted everything. There was jewellery worth around Rs 20-25 crore. They entered from the terrace. Everything is damaged including CCTV. An investigation is underway, said shop owner Sanjeev Jain. The police said the thieves cut the cables of the CCTV system at the shop before they executed the heist. According to officials, thieves had meticulously planned the entire heist. The thieves decamped with all the gold and diamond ornaments leaving behind just the ones made of silver. The police have launched an investigation, and efforts to trace the accused are underway. Senior police officer Rajesh Deo, who arrived at the crime scene, described it as a big burglary incident and stated that a probe has commenced. We got information on Tuesday from Umrao Jewellers. Police teams reached the spot. We have started an investigation into the matter, said Rajesh Deo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast). There are many CCTV footage available which our forensic teams are checking. The accused will be nabbed soon, the official said. Police have identified at least five routes through which the burglars could have reached the roof of the building. Police sources said that the robbers had prior information about the shop and jewellery and knew how to reach the strong room. They said the robbers also knew about the electronic instruments. The police sources said the way the burglary had been committed, it appears that the robbers had come to the place earlier to plan their act. Sources said the police are also investigating why the shops security system failed to trigger an alarm during the theft. Furthermore, a significant portion of the stolen ornaments was taken from the strong room of the shop. A similar incident was reported in Haryanas Ambala on Monday where thieves broke into a cooperative bank and stole jewellery and other valuables. They drilled a hole in the wall using a gas cutter to enter the bank and broke open 32 lockers, police said. The theft came to light only on Monday morning since the bank was closed over the weekends. Last year, the burglars dug an 8-metre long and four-ft wide tunnel horizontally and another three-ft tunnel vertically to enter precisely in the strong-room in Kanpur. They did not touch Rs 35 lakh in cash that was in another locker.They used a gas cutter to open the locker which had the gold mortgaged to the bank by 29 people against loans. BJP national spokesperson Zafar Islam on Tuesday termed the JMM/ Congress alliance government as in-charge of the sleeper cell of corruption accusing the government of committing a scam of Rs 77,000 crore in the last four years. Islam said that the real bosses of the scam are sitting in Delhi and Patna. With the help of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Mallikarjun Kharge etc., the property of this state is being looted and the property is also being distributed. The national spokesperson said that the arrogant coalition looted the country's wealth from 2004 to 2014. After 2014, when the UPA government was removed from Centre they started finding the sleeper cells of corruption. He got sleeper cells in those states where they had a coalition government. In Jharkhand, they started looting in collaboration with the JMM/Congress government. Corruption is happening all over Jharkhand. In Jharkhand, officials and middlemen are together doing corruption. Be it the mines scam, MNREGA scam, transfer posting scam, ruler development scam, all have connections somewhere with corruption sleeper cell in-charge Many officials and middlemen including their Finance Minister, Rural Development Minister are involved in this corruption. The national spokesperson said that scams like MGNREGA, coal allocation, illegal mining, land scam etc. have tarnished Jharkhand. Hemant Soren has committed a land scam by changing the name of himself, his father etc. All its documents are available with the party. A land scam of 100 acres has been done next to the firing range. Apart from this there are many properties. He has given details of 108 properties to CBI. They themselves have forgotten many properties. These are citizens of many districts of the state. Wherever they go, they are registered in the same district. In Jharkhand, the saying *Land is sold, orders are sold, if you put a price then faith is sold* is completely accurate. The national spokesperson said that after 2014, a slogan was raised very strongly in the country that *If there is Modi, it is possible*. No matter how adverse the circumstances may be, if the intentions are good and strong then nothing is impossible. Narendra Modi has proved this time and again during his 9-year tenure. Women's reservation is no longer a dream but has become a reality. The matter which was pending for 27 years, all the opposition parties tried to mislead and deceive the women. The Modi government created history by fulfilling this guarantee. For this, women across the country are grateful to Narendra Modi. Just as women have an invaluable contribution in running the household, similarly their participation is necessary in the country too. Congress misled women for 70 years, did not care about women. The PM kept what he promised. Kosovo on Monday was observing a day of mourning for the Kosovar Albanian police officer killed by Serb gunmen who then barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery in an attack that left three assailants dead and further raised tensions between the two former wartime foes as they seek to normalise ties. Flags were at half mast on all public buildings in the capital Pristina to mourn Afrim Bunjaku. In the north, where most of Kosovos ethnic Serb minority lives in four municipalities around Mitrovica, police were patrolling in search of the armed assailants after they left the monastery. About 30 gunmen dressed in combat uniforms were involved in the attack, but it is not clear who they are or who is supporting them. Pristina accuses Belgrade of backing the terrorists, an accusation Serbia denies, saying they are Serbs from Kosovo protesting the government there. On Sunday the masked gunmen opened fire on a police patrol at about 3 a.m. (01:00 GMT) in Banjska, a village located 55 kilometres north of Pristina, killing Bunjaku and injuring another officer. They then used an armoured vehicle to break down the gates to the monastery in the village, where they remained in a stand-off with Kosovo police until evening. The two sides exchanged gunfire sporadically until darkness fell, when the assailants escaped from the monastery on foot. Three of the attackers were killed and two injured. Another Kosovar police officer was injured in the confrontation near the monastery. Two of the gunmen and four Serbs discovered nearby with communication equipment were arrested and are being investigated for terrorist acts. Police seized vehicles used by the gunmen which contained an arsenal of firearms of different calibers, explosives, ammunition and logistics capable of equipping hundreds of persons, according to Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla. Its a terrorist, criminal, professional unit that had planned and prepared what they did and who are not a smuggling band but a mercenary structure which is politically, financially and logistically supported by official Belgrade, sad Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the gunmen were local Kosovo Serbs who no longer want to stand Kurtis terror. Vucic condemned the killing of the Kosovo policeman, but still said the clash was the result of brutal pressure on Kosovo Serbs by the Kosovo government. He denied that Belgrade had anything to do with the attack. Vucic also blasted the West and its hypocrisy over Kosovo. You can kill us all. Serbia will never recognize the independence of Kosovo, that monster creation that you made by bombing Serbia, Vucic said, referring to the 1999 NATO intervention which led to Kosovo separating from Serbia. Serbia and its former province, Kosovo, have been at odds for decades. Their 1998-99 war left more than 10,000 people dead, mostly Kosovo Albanians. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence in 2008 but Belgrade has refused to recognise the move. The international community condemned the hideous attack. The European Union and the NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo are in close contact with Kosovar authorities. Earlier this month, an EU-facilitated meeting in Brussels between Kurti and Vucic to normalise ties ended in acrimony. The United States has supported the negotiations and the EUs position in trying to resolve the ongoing source of tension in the Balkans. In February, the EU put forward a 10-point plan to end the latest round of heightened tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Kurti and Vucic gave their approval at the time, but with some reservations that have still not been resolved. The EU warned both countries that the commitments the leaders made in February are binding on them and play a role in the European path of the parties in other words, Serbia and Kosovos chances of joining the 27-nation bloc. China and Nepal on Monday signed 12 agreements, including seven MoUs, to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors including trade, road connectivity, and information technology after Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda held wide-ranging talks in Beijing. During the meeting, the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the close and cordial ties subsisting between the two countries, according to a press release issued by the Nepal embassy in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on the ways to further strengthen and consolidate the mutual understanding and cooperation and give a new impetus in the front of economy, trade and people-to-people contacts, it said, two days after Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Prachanda in Hangzhou on the sidelines of the Asian Games being held in the eastern Chinese city. Prachanda, who politically distanced from the pro-China Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) headed by KP Oli after becoming Prime Minister in December last year, made his maiden visit to China after visiting India and the US. Following the official bilateral talks, 12 agreements were signed between the two countries, the Nepalese embassy said. The agreements include an MoU for Cooperation between The National Planning Commission of Nepal and Chinas National Development and Reform Commission; an MoU on enhancing digital economy co-operation; an MoU related to cooperation on green and low-carbon development; and an MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the release said. The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a Joint Technical Working Group for the review and modification of the Nepal-China trade and payment agreement. They also signed a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of plant-derived medicinal materials for Chinese medicine from Nepal to China. China and Nepal also signed MoUs on the Hilsa-Simkot Road Project and the Nepal-China Power Grid Interconnection Project (Chilime-Kerung). The other agreements include cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation; and in the field of Human Resources Development, the release said. Prachanda also met with National Peoples Congress Chairman Zhao Leji during which they focused on further broadening the historical ties between Nepal and China and promoting exchange of high-level visits, it said. On Saturday, Prime Minister Prachanda met Chinese President Xi. Had a fruitful meeting with Xi Jinping, President of PR China. We exchanged views on a range of issues of bilateral relations and cooperation in our mutual interests. We agreed to collaborate closely and advance Nepal-China relations to strengthen ever-lasting friendship, Prachanda said in a post on platform X after the meeting. Prachanda has directly flown to China from New York, where he addressed the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. A controversial Pakistani anchor and YouTuber, who went missing four months ago following the May 9 anti-government protest after former prime minister Imran Khans arrest, has returned home safely, police said on Monday. Imran Riaz Khan, 47, with more than three million followers on YouTube, was known for his highly critical views of the powerful military. He was reportedly arrested two days after violent protests broke out across the country following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khans arrest on May 9 in an alleged corruption case. The anchor was believed to be in the custody of intelligence agencies for the last four months. Khan was an ardent supporter of the former prime minister and highly critical of the establishment after the former premier was ousted from office in April last year. He was last known to be taken to the Lahore Cantonment police station after his arrest and later to the Sialkot prison in Punjab province. On May 15, a law officer told the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the anchor was released from jail after taking an undertaking in writing. However, on Monday Punjab provinces Sialkot police said that Khan has returned home safely without divulging any further information. Punjab Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar said in a statement on Monday that TV anchor and YouTuber Khan is safe and back to his family in Lahore. Journalist/Anchor Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. He is now with his family, Sialkot Police said in a statement on X. Khans lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq also confirmed the development and said: By Gods special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince. It took a lot of time due to the pile of difficulties, the last limit of understanding of the matter, a weak judiciary, and the current ineffective public constitution and legal helplessness, he said. Sharing a photograph with Khan in which he grew a white beard, the lawyer further said: Weak, not in the best of health. The Lahore High Court was hearing the case of his alleged abduction and on September 20 had given the Punjab Police a last chance to recover the anchor. It was not clear where he had been kept during that period. Last week the IGP had told the Lahore High Court that good news was coming regarding Khan. Khan was leaving the country for UAE when the Federal Investigation Agency arrested him at the Sialkot Airport saying his name was on a no-fly list and handed him over to the Sialkot police. However, the police told the LHC on a petition that he was released from their custody and they had no knowledge of his whereabouts. His family however had suspected the intelligence agencies involvement in his abduction. Former premier Imran Khan before his arrest in Toshakhana (national treasury gifts) case had made passionate appeals to the judiciary to take up the matter of anchor Khan for his safe recovery. In recent months, Pakistani activists and journalists have increasingly come under attack by the government and the security establishment. Prominent TV anchor and investigative journalist Arshad Sharif, a strong critic of the military establishment and supporter of Imran Khan, was killed in Kenya last October as he fled Pakistan citing threats to his life from the security agencies. He first fled to the UAE and then reportedly left for Kenya after the refusal of his visa extension. In an FIR, Sharifs mother has named former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and seven other intelligence officers for their alleged involvement in her sons assassination. 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LLC a Delaware LLC, CT Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., CT Presov s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., California Health and Wellness Plan a California corporation, Cantina Laredo Clayton LP a Delaware limited partnership, Cardium Health Services, Care 1st Health Plan of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Care1st Health Plan Administrative Services Inc. an Arizona corporation, Carolina Complete Health Holding Company Partnership a Delaware partnership, Carolina Complete Health Inc. a North Carolina corporation, CeltiCare Health Plan Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, Celtic Group Inc., Celtic Group Inc. a Delaware corporation, Celtic Insurance Company an Illinois corporation, Cenpatico Behavioral Health LLC a California LLC, Centene Center I LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center II LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Company of Texas LP a Texas limited partnership, Centene Europe Finance Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene Health Plan Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene International Financing Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene International Ventures LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Management Company LLC a Wisconsin LLC, Centene Technology Europe S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Centene Technology UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Centene Venture Company Alabama Health Plan Inc. an Alabama corporation, Centene Venture Company Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Centene Venture Company Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Centene Venture Company Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, Centene Venture Company Kansas Inc. a Kansas corporation, Centene Venture Company Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Centene Venture Company Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Centene Venture Insurance Company Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Centro Inmunologocia De La Comunidad Valenciana S.L. a Spanish S.L., Centurion Correctional Healthcare of New Mexico LLC a New Mexico LLC, Centurion Detention Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Arizona LLC an Arizona LLC, Centurion of Delaware LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Florida LLC a Florida LLC, Centurion of Indiana LLC an Indiana LLC, Centurion of Kansas LLC a Kansas LLC, Centurion of Minnesota LLC a Minnesota LLC, Centurion of Mississippi LLC a Mississippi LLC, Centurion of New Hampshire LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Pennsylvania LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Centurion of Tennessee LLC a Tennessee LLC, Centurion of Vermont LLC a Vermont LLC, Centurion of West Virginia LLC a West Virginia LLC, Centurion of Wyoming LLC a Wyoming LLC, Chrysalis Medical Services LLC a New Jersey LLC, Circle Birmingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Clinical Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Harmony Health Ltd. a Hong Kong private company, Circle Health 1 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 4 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Holdings Ltd. a Jersey private company, Circle Hospital (Reading) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle International an English and Welsh PLC, Circle Nottingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Rehabilitation Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Clinica Santo Domingo De Lugo S.L. a Spanish S.L., Collaborative Health Systems IPA LLC a Florida LLC, Collaborative Health Systems LLC a New York LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Maryland LLC a Maryland LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Virginia LLC a Virginia LLC, Community Medical Group, Community Medical Holdings Corporation a Delaware corporation, Comprehensive Health Management Inc. a Florida corporation, Coordinated Care Corporation an Indiana corporation, Coordinated Care of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, DELMARVA Collaborative Care LLC a Delaware LLC, Discare CZ a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., District Community Care Inc. a Washington D.C. corporation, Dr Magnet s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Elche-Crevillente Salud a Spanish S.A., Envolve Benefits Options Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Dental Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Dental of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Envolve Health, Envolve Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Optical Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve PeopleCare Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Pharmacy IPA LLC a New York LLC, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Total Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision Benefits Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Vision of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Essential Care Partners LLC a Texas LLC, Fidelis Care, Forensic Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Foundation Care LLC a Missouri LLC, GHG (DB) Pension Trustees Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Healthcare Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Intermediate Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Leasing Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Mount Alvernia Hospital Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Group Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Generale de Sante International Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Golden Triangle Physician Alliance a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Granite State Health Plan Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, HHS Texas Management Inc. a Texas corporation, HHS Texas Management LP a Texas limited partnership, HLM Strategic Investment Fund L.P. a Delaware limited partnership, Hallmark Life Insurance Company an Arizona corporation, Harmony Health Management Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Harmony Health Plan Inc. an Illinois corporation, Harmony Health Systems Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Health Care Enterprises LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Access Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Community Solutions Inc. a California corporation, Health Net Community Solutions of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Federal Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Health Plan of Oregon Inc. an Oregon corporation, Health Net LLC, Health Net LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Life Insurance Company a California corporation, Health Net Life Reinsurance Company a Cayman Islands corporation, Health Net of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net of California Inc. a California corporation, Health Plan Real Estate Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, HealthSmart Benefit Solutions Inc. an Illinois corporation, HealthSmart Benefits Management LLC a Texas LLC, HealthSmart Care Management Solutions LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Information Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, HealthSmart Preferred Care II LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Preferred Network II Inc. a Delaware corporation, HealthSmart Primary Care Clinics LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Rx Solutions Inc. an Ohio corporation, Healthy Louisiana Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Healthy Missouri Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, Healthy Washington Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Heritage Health Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Health Systems of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Physician Networks a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Home State Health Plan Inc. a Missouri corporation, HomeScripts.com LLC a Michigan LLC, Hospinet S.L. a Spanish S.L., Hospital Polusa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Hospital Povisa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Illinois Health Practice Alliance LLC a Delaware corporation, Infraestructuras y Servicios de Alzira S. L. a Spanish S.L., Integrated Mental Health Services a Texas corporation, Interpreta Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Interpreta Inc. a Delaware corporation, Iowa Total Care Inc. an Iowa corporation, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Inc. a Kentucky corporation, LifeShare Management Group LLC, LifeShare Management Group LLC a New Hampshire LLC, Louisiana Healthcare Connections Inc. a Louisiana corporation, MH Services International Holdings (UK) Limited an English and Welsh private company, MHM, MHM Correctional Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Health Professionals LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHM Services of California LLC a California LLC, MHM Solutions LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Government Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Services LLC a California LLC, MHS Consulting International Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHS Travel & Charter Inc. a Wisconsin corporation, MR Centrum Melnick s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., MR Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., MR Zilina s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Magellan Health Inc, Magnolia Health Plan Inc. a Mississippi corporation, Managed Health Network LLC a Delaware LLC, Managed Health Network a California corporation, Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation a Wisconsin corporation, Marina Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Maryland Collaborative Care Transformation Organization Inc. a Delaware corporation, Mauli Ola Health and Wellness Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Medicina NZ spol s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Meriden Hospital Advanced Imaging Centre Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Meridian Management Company LLC (a/k/a Meridian Administration Company LLC) a Michigan LLC, Meridian Network Services LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx IPA LLC a New York LLC, MeridianRx LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx of Indiana LLC a Michigan LLC, Michigan Complete Health a Michigan corporation, Mid-Atlantic Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Mount Alvernia PET CT Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nations Healthcare Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nebraska Total Care Inc. a Nebraska corporation, Network Providers LLC a Delaware LLC, New York Quality Healthcare Corporation a New York corporation, Next Door Neighbors Inc. a Delaware corporation, Next Door Neighbors LLC. a Delaware LLC, North West Cancer Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Northern Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Novasys Health Inc. a Delaware corporation, OB Care a Czech Republic S.R.O., OB Klinika a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., Ohana Health Plan Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Oklahoma Complete Health Holding Company LLC a Delaware LLC, Oklahoma Complete Health Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, One Care by Care 1st Health Plans of Arizona Inc an Arizona corporation, Operose Health (Group) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health (Group) UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, OptiCare Health Systems - Managed Vision Business, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, PRIMEROSALUD S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Panther Pass Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Panther Specialty Holding Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Access Services LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Specialty LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Parker LP LLC a Nevada LLC, Peach State Health Plan Inc. a Georgia corporation, Penn Marketing America LLC a Delaware LLC, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, Preamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Premier Marketing Group LLC a Delaware LLC, Primary Care Partners Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Pro Diagnostic Group A.S. a Slovakia A.S., Pro Magnet CZ s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., Pro Magnet s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Pro Nuclear a.s. a Slovakia A.S., Pro RTG s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Progress Medical A.S. a Czech Republic A.S., Prowl Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, QCA Healthplan Inc. an Arkansas corporation, Qualchoice Life and Health Insurance Company and Arkansas company, Quincy Coverage Corporation a New York corporation, Rhythm Health Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Ribera Diagnostics S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Healthcare S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Lab S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Management S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Salud II a Spanish UTE, Ribera Salud Proyectos S.L. a Spanish S.L., Ribera Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Ribera Salud Tecnologias S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Slaud Infraestructuras S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera-Quilpro UTE a Spanish UTE, Runnymeade SPV Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Salus Administrative Services Inc. a New York corporation, Salus IPA LLC a New York LLC, Secure Capital Solutions 2000 S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., SelectCare Health Plans Inc. a Texas corporation, SelectCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Servicios De Mantenimiento Prevencor S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Shanghai Circle Harmony Hospital Management Limited a Chinese private company, SilverSummit Healthplan Inc. a Nevada corporation, Social Health Bridge LLC a Delaware LLC, Social Health Bridge Trust a Delaware trust, Specialty Therapeutic Care GP LLC a Texas LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care LP a Texas limited partnership, Sunflower State Health Plan Inc. a Kansas corporation, Sunshine Health Community Solutions Inc. a Florida corporation, Sunshine Health Holding LLC a Florida LLC, Sunshine State Health Plan Inc. a Florida corporation, Superior Health Management Advisors LLC, Superior HealthPlan Community Solutions Inc. a Texas corporation, Superior HealthPlan Inc. a Texas corporation, TKH Holding Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Terapias Medicas Domiciliarias S.L. a Spanish S.L., The Pavilion Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, The Practice Properties Limited an English and Welsh private company, The WellCare Management Group Inc. a New York corporation, Three Shires Hospital LP an English and Welsh limited partnership, Torrejon Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Torrevieja Salud S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Torrevieja Salud UTE a Spanish UTE, Transplant Health Solutions IPA Inc. a New York corporation, Trillium Community Health Plan Inc. an Oregon corporation, UAM Agent Services Corp. an Iowa corporation, US Script, Universal American Corp. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Financial Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Vivamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., WCG Health Management Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of America an Arkansas corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Louisiana Inc. a Louisiana corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Nevada Inc. a Nevada corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Hawaii Inc. a Hawaii corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Southwest Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, WellCare Health Plans, WellCare Health Plans Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Missouri Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Rhode Island Inc. a Rhode Island corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Vermont Inc. a Vermont corporation, WellCare National Health Insurance Company a Texas corporation, WellCare Prescription Insurance Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare of Alabama Inc. an Alabama corporation, WellCare of Arkansas Inc. an Arkansas corporation, WellCare of California Inc. a California corporation, WellCare of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare of Georgia Inc. a Georgia corporation, WellCare of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, WellCare of Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, WellCare of Maine Inc. a Maine corporation, WellCare of Michigan Holding Company a Michigan corporation, WellCare of Mississippi Inc. a Mississippi corporation, WellCare of Missouri Health Insurance Company Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare of Ohio Inc. an Ohio corporation, WellCare of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare of Pennsylvania Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, WellCare of South Carolina Inc. a South Carolina corporation, WellCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, WellCare of Virginia Inc. a Virginia corporation, WellCare of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, Western Sky Community Care Inc. a New Mexico corporation, Windsor Health Group Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Winning Security S.L. a Spanish S.L., and Worlco Management Services Inc. a New York corporation. Read More NuStar Energy (NYSE:NS) pays an annual dividend of $1.60 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 9.40%. NS has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The dividend payout ratio is 202.53%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on EPS estimates, NS will have a dividend payout ratio of 139.13% in the coming year. This indicates that the company may not be able to sustain their current dividend. Read our dividend analysis for NS. Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence. Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since. Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank. Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022. As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services. Pfizer Inc. is a US-based multinational biotech company. The company operates as a research-based pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, production and marketing of medicines and vaccines. It is the 2nd largest drugmaker globally by revenue and is ranked 64th on the Fortune 500 list. The companys avenues of research include Immunology, Oncology, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology. Regarding its product line, the company has at least ten blockbuster drugs producing more than $1 billion in avenue revenue each. The company brought in over $81 billion in total revenue in 2021. The US is its main market and represents roughly 50% of all revenue. China and Japan make up roughly 12% of the business, while the rest come from the rest of the world. It employs roughly 79,000 people and is headquartered in New York state. Pfizer Inc. was founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer Sr. and his cousin Charles Earhart. The two were German immigrants and chemists that set up shops outside New York City to make medicinal compounds. The first major success was an antiparasitic called santonin, and the commercialization of citric acid-making technologies quickly followed that up. Their success with citric acid led to the companys expansion and other major discoveries. World War I caused a shortage of materials for making citric acid and forced the company to seek alternatives. The one they latched on to was the fermentation of certain fungi known to produce citric acid naturally. This led to the advancement of fermentation technology that was later used in the commercial production of penicillin and then the advancement of antibiotics in general. Pfizer Inc was incorporated on June 2nd, 1942 in Delaware, and another period of expansion began. The postwar drop in demand for penicillin led to the discovery of newer, more marketable antibiotics and cemented the companys role in modern medicine. By the time he 80s rolled around, the company was trading on the New York Stock Exchange and on the path to developing todays blockbuster lineup. The companys top seller in 2021 was Comirnaty, a COVID-19 vaccine. It generated nearly $37 billion in 2021 and was followed by Prevnar, Ibrance and Eliquis with just over $5 billion in sales each. Other blockbuster names on Pfizers list include Xeljanz and Enbrel, each bringing in $3.5 billion. Pfizer operates 39 research and production facilities worldwide and sells its products in 125 countries. As of 2022, the company had a robust pipeline of potential treatments, with more than 220 in some stage of clinical trials. Among its leading candidates is a vaccine for RSV, a life-threatening respiratory disease affecting children. 2021 highlights include 8 FDA approvals, four new regulatory submissions and 13 new trial startups. Pfizer is also a well-known dividend payer and has returned more than $8.7 billion to shareholders since going public. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. is a financial technology company that provides software, services and solutions to financial institutions, merchants and other businesses worldwide. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with operations in more than 110 countries. FIS is a Fortune 500 company and is one of the largest global providers of banking and payment technologies. FIS offers a wide range of products and services, including core banking and payment processing solutions, risk management, fraud detection, compliance services, mobile banking, digital wallets and other consumer-facing products. The company serves diverse customers, including banks, credit unions, merchants, governments and corporations. Stephanie Ferris is the CEO and President of FIS. She joined the FIS team after FIS purchased WorldPay. At WorldPay, she specialized in revenue synergies and long-range strategic planning. Other notable team members include John Durrant, the President of Banking Solutions. John has focused on enterprise payment systems, product experience and small-business banking for over a decade. Over the past few years, FIS has seen a weak financial performance. The company has been reporting losses for approximately three years. FIS's debt levels have increased in recent years due to the company's acquisition of Worldpay in 2019, which added roughly $16 billion in debt to FIS's balance sheet. Since 2019 FIS has maintained a debt level of around $35 billion. With a price-to-earnings ratio higher than the industry average and a price-to-book ratio lower than the industry average, FIS's valuation metrics suggest that the company is trading at a premium compared to its peers. FIS's stock price has performed poorly in recent years, consistently falling since Q2 of 2020. FIS operates in the financial technology industry, which is experiencing significant growth and disruption. The rise of digital banking and payments has led to increased competition, innovation in the industry and regulatory and cybersecurity challenges. FIS's primary competitors include global financial technology companies like Fiserv, Square and PayPal. In addition, FIS competes with traditional banks and payment processors investing in digital technology. FIS has several growth opportunities, including new product launches, acquisitions and expansions into new markets. In 2020, the company launched several new products, including a real-time payments solution and a digital wallet. FIS also acquired the payments technology company Worldpay for $43 billion in 2019. The acquisition has positioned FIS as one of the largest payment processors in the world and has expanded the company's global footprint. It is important to note that in 2023 FIS began discussing spinning WorldPay off into a separate entity. FIS is also exploring opportunities to expand into new markets, particularly in emerging economies such as Asia and Africa. The company has partnered with regional financial institutions to provide digital banking and payment solutions. While FIS has seen strong financial performance and growth opportunities, the company has several potential risks and challenges. One significant risk is the increasing competition in the financial technology industry, particularly from new entrants and non-traditional players such as tech companies and fintech startups. In addition, regulatory and compliance challenges could impact FIS's operations and growth. The financial technology industry is highly regulated, and changes in regulations or compliance requirements could increase costs and limit growth opportunities for FIS. Cybersecurity threats are another significant risk facing FIS and the financial technology industry. As the company processes and stores sensitive financial data, any breaches or cyber-attacks could significantly damage FIS's reputation and financial performance. Changes in consumer preferences and behavior could impact FIS's growth and profitability. As digital banking and payment solutions evolve, consumers may prefer alternative solutions, such as cryptocurrency or blockchain-based systems, which could impact FIS's traditional business model. The following companies are subsidiares of TJX Companies: AJW South Bend Realty Corp., Arizona Merchants Inc., Bob's Stores, Concord Buying Group, Derailed, Fashion Factory Outlets (Trade Secret) Pty Limited, H. G. Conn. Merchants, H.G. AZ Merchants, H.G. Brownsburg Realty Corp., H.G. Conn. Merchants, H.G. Conn. Realty Corp., H.G. Georgia Merchants, H.G. Indiana Distributors, HomeGoods, HomeGoods Georgia, HomeGoods Imports Corp, HomeGoods Imports Corp., Jusy Meazza Buying Company S.r.L., Marmaxx Operating Corp., Marshalls, Marshalls Atlanta Merchants, Marshalls Bridgewater Merchant, Marshalls Bridgewater Merchants, Marshalls Woburn Merchants, Marshalls of Beacon, Marshalls of Beacon VA, Marshalls of CA, Marshalls of Elizabeth, Marshalls of Elizabeth NJ, Marshalls of Glen Burnie, Marshalls of Glen Burnie MD, Marshalls of IL, Marshalls of MA, Marshalls of Matteson, Marshalls of Matteson IL, Marshalls of Nevada, Marshalls of Richfield, Marshalls of Richfield MN, NBC Apparel, NBC Apparel LLC, NBC Atlantic Holding Limited, NBC Atlantic Limited, NBC Attire, NBC Attire Inc., NBC Charlotte Merchants, NBC Distributors Inc., NBC Europe Limited, NBC Fashion India Private Limited, NBC Fifth Realty Corp., NBC First Realty Corp., NBC Fourth Realty Corp., NBC GP, NBC Holding, NBC Hong Kong Merchants Limited, NBC Manager, NBC Manteca Merchants, NBC Merchants, NBC Nevada Merchants, NBC Operating, NBC Philadelphia Merchants, NBC Pittston Merchants, NBC Second Realty Corp., NBC Seventh Realty Corp., NBC Sixth Realty Corp., NBC Trading, NBC Trust, New York Department Stores, New York Department Stores de Puerto Rico Inc., Newton Buying Company of CA, Newton Buying Corp, Newton Buying Corp., Newton Buying Imports, STP Retail, STP Technology Systems, Sierra Trading Post, Strathmex Corp., T.J. Maxx of CA, T.J. Maxx of IL, T.K. Maxx Holding GmbH, T.K. Maxx Management GmbH, TJX Australia Holding Company Pty Limited, TJX Australia Holding Company Pty Ltd., TJX Australia Merchants Pty Limited, TJX Australia Pty Limited, TJX Australia Pty Ltd., TJX Austria Holding GmbH, TJX Deutschland Ltd & Co. KG, TJX Deutschland Ltd & Co. KG, TJX Digital, TJX Digital Memphis Merchants, TJX Distribution Ltd. & Co. KG, TJX Europe Buying (Deutschland) Ltd, TJX Europe Buying (Polska) Ltd, TJX Europe Buying Group Limited, TJX Europe Buying Ltd, TJX Europe Limited, TJX European Distribution, TJX European Distribution Sp. Z o.o, TJX Germany Ltd., TJX Incentive Sales, TJX Ireland Unlimited Company, TJX Nederland B.V., TJX Oesterreich Ltd. & Co. KG, TJX Poland, TJX Poland Sp. Z o.o, TJX UK, TJX UK Property Limited, TJX Vietnam Company Limited, TK Maxx, Trade Secret, WMI-1 Holding Company, WMI-1 Holding Company, WMI-99 Holding Company, WMI-99 Holding Company, Wagon Wheel Realty, Winners Merchants International, and Winners Merchants International L.P.. Read More Motorola Solutions, Inc. provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Its land mobile radio communications, and video security and access control devices include two-way portable and vehicle-mounted radios, fixed and mobile video cameras, and accessories; radio network core and central processing software, base stations, consoles, and repeaters; and video analytics, network video management hardware and software, and access control solutions. The Software and Services segment provides public safety and enterprise command center, unified communications applications, mobile video equipment, and video software solutions; repair, technical support, and maintenance services; and monitoring, software updates, and cybersecurity services. The company was formerly known as Motorola, Inc. and changed its name to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in January 2011. Motorola Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Dillard's (NYSE:DDS) pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 0.32%. The company does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 2.10%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, DDS will have a dividend payout ratio of 2.76% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for DDS. Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. The Chemicals segment produces and markets ethylene and other olefin products; aromatics and styrenics products, such as benzene, cyclohexane, styrene, and polystyrene; and various specialty chemical products, including organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalysts, and chemicals used in drilling and mining. The Refining segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks into petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, aviation, and renewable. The M&S segment purchases for resale and markets refined petroleum products, including gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels. This segment also manufactures and markets specialty products, such as base oils and lubricants. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Ford Motor Company is the second largest US auto manufacturer by market cap and market share and ranks 4th globally. The company was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford following a series of cars that led to the introduction of the Model T. The Model T revolutionized the automobile industry not only because it made vehicles affordable for the budding middle class but it changed the way manufacturing was done. The Ford factory features the worlds first moving assembly line, an introduction that not only improved the pace of production but lowered the cost of its vehicles. Other prominent innovations made by Mr. Ford include the strict standardization of parts that allowed for easy construction and repair and the standardized workweek. Henry Fords switch to a $5 workday and 8-hour shifts allowed him to run 3 shifts per day and improve productivity while providing his employees with the power to buy their own products. Today, Ford Motor Company makes and markets a large lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, and Lincoln luxury vehicles globally. The companys iconic F-series of trucks is the worlds best-selling pickup truck for decades running and the new all-electric Lightning is on track to dominate the top spot in the EV market. Other iconic brands in the Ford lineup include the Thunderbird introduced in 1954, the Mustang in 1964, and the Transit work van in 1965. The Mustang, notably, was created for the Worlds Fair and expected to sell 100,000 in its first year but shocked the industry with 22,000 units sold on the first day. The company operates through four segments including Ford Blue (ICE vehicles), Model e (EVs) Mobility, and Ford Credit. The Ford Blue and Model e segments sell Ford and Lincoln vehicles, parts, and accessories while the Mobility segment designs and builds advanced technologies including but not limited to self-driving autonomous car systems. The Ford Credit segment primarily offers commercial and retail loans to auto dealers and car buyers. This segment not only provides financing for new purchases and dealer inventory but makes loans for new dealerships and expansions of old ones. Ford has fully embraced the switch to EV and is planning for an all-EV future. To that end, the company pledged to spend up to $50 billion on EV infrastructure by 2026. The plans include the build-out of an entirely new campus dedicated to EV manufacture from batteries to motor platforms, manufacturing capacity, and new vehicles. In regard to total capacity, the company is targeting 2 million in total annual EV sales by that same year. AbbVie Inc. is a US-based biopharma company with global operations. The company originated as the bio-pharma segment of Abbott Laboratories and was spun off in late 2012. The company officially IPOd on January 2, 2013; contrary to criticisms, the move was solely to protect the parent company from expiring patents. Post-spin, AbbVie emerged as a research-based biopharma that has more than doubled in size. AbbVie, like its parent Abbot Laboratories, is a well-established dividend growth stock. Over the years, AbbView Inc. has made numerous acquisitions. Among the more notable are ImmuVen, Pharamcyclics and Allergan plc. Allergan plc was an Ireland-based pharmaceutical company focused on health-oriented aesthetic products and is the owner of Botox. Botox accounts for the bulk of the companys Aesthetics portfolio revenue and about 4% of the net as of 2022. The total revenue in 2021 was $56.20 billion with a 31% operating margin. Today, AbbVie operates as a diversified multi-national pharmaceutical company with a patient-centric approach to research. It is in business to discover, develop, manufacture and market pharmaceuticals globally but in a way that best serves the needs of patients and the global community. The companys original winner, Humira, is still the number one revenue source but the portfolio has been greatly expanded. Other profitable therapies include but are not limited to SKYRIZI for psoriasis, RINVOQ for rheumatoid arthritis and IMBRUVICA and VENCLEXTA for chronic leukemia conditions. The company is focused on research and has a number of collaborations and partnerships to that end. Among the many avenues of research and innovation are the advancement of precision medicine or pMedicine. PMeds are designed not only to target the specific causes of diseases, often at the genetic level, but the patients that are most likely to benefit from them. Assuming there are 2 highly effective drugs for 1 disease, PMedicine seeks to identify which patients respond better to each. As of 2022, AbbVie employed more than 50,000 people globally with 21,000 in STEM-related positions. To date, the company had invested more than $50 billion into research through more than 250 partnerships. Partnerships are with universities, medical facilities, research organizations and other pharmaceutical companies. The companys operations span 20 countries, treating more than 60 million people and 40 conditions annually. AbbVie has 5 focus areas for its research and products. These are Immunology, Oncology, Neurology, Virology and Eye Care. The company has a robust pipeline of new products that are in some stage of clinical trials. In most cases, trials are underway for multiple indications, including some therapies that have already been approved for 1 or more conditions. AbbVie is a leader in ESG and sustainability. The company is a member of the Fortune 100 and one of the Fortune 100s Best Companies To Work For. It is a Top 50 Company regarding diversification and a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the S&P ESG Index. Among its many positions is sustainable operations so it can deliver life-changing therapies to those who need them most. NVR, Inc. operates as a homebuilder in the United States. The company operates through, Homebuilding and Mortgage Banking segments. It engages in the construction and sale of single-family detached homes, townhomes, and condominium buildings under the Ryan Homes, NVHomes, and Heartland Homes names. The company markets its Ryan Homes products to first-time and first-time move-up buyers; and NVHomes and Heartland Homes products to move-up and luxury buyers. It also provides various mortgage related services to its homebuilding customers, as well as brokers title insurance; performs title searches in connection with mortgage loan closings; and sells mortgage loans to investors in the secondary markets on a servicing released basis. The company primarily serves in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. NVR, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. Omnicom Group Inc., together with its subsidiaries, offers advertising, marketing, and corporate communications services. It provides a range of services in the areas of advertising and media, precision marketing, commerce and brand consulting, experiential, execution and support, public relations, and healthcare. The company's services include advertising, branding, content marketing, corporate social responsibility consulting, crisis communications, custom publishing, data analytics, database management, digital/direct marketing, digital transformation, entertainment marketing, experiential marketing, field marketing, financial/corporate business-to-business advertising, graphic arts/digital imaging, healthcare marketing and communications, and in-store design services. Its services also comprise interactive marketing, investor relations, marketing research, media planning and buying, merchandising and point of sale, mobile marketing, multi-cultural marketing, non-profit marketing, organizational communications, package design, product placement, promotional marketing, public affairs, retail marketing, sales support, search engine marketing, shopper marketing, social media marketing, and sports and event marketing services. It operates in the North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific. The company was incorporated in 1944 and is based in New York, New York. PPL (NYSE:PPL) pays an annual dividend of $0.96 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 3.94%. The company does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 92.31%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, PPL will have a dividend payout ratio of 55.81% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for PPL. Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. The Private Client Group segment provides securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance products to their individual clients; and borrowing and lending of securities to and from other broker-dealers, financial institutions, and other counterparties. The Capital Markets segment offers securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with a focus on sale of the United States and Canadian equities and fixed income products; and manages and participates in underwritings, merger and acquisition services, and public finance activities. The Asset Management segment engages in the operations of Eagle, the Eagle Family of Funds, Cougar, the asset management operations of Raymond James & Associates, trust services of Raymond James Trust, and other fee-based asset management programs. The RJ Bank segment provides corporate loans, SBL, tax-exempt loans, and residential loans. The Other segment engages in private equity activities, including various direct and third party private equity investments; and private equity funds. Raymond James Financial, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. About Thursday, September 30th, 2021, marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours lost Indigenous children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. It is a day for national reflection on the historic legacy and present-day consequences of residential schools, which is critical to reconciliation. Reconciliation is the process of healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians and addressing wrongs of the past. This requires building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, embedding Indigenous needs and perspectives in decision-making, and recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and the inherent right to self-determination. Efforts at reconciliation must be guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action. The TRC was conducted between 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of residential schools with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Commissions final report provided 94 calls to action. The Calls to Action provide important direction for all levels of government, institutions, and all residents of so-called Canada to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. Saturday, September 30th also coincides with Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, grassroots commemorative day honouring residential school survivors and victims. The day honours experience of Phyllis Webstad, from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, when on her first day of school she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. The orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance of all Indigenous children who were violently removed from their families to attend residential schools, enduring experiences which the TRC has described as cultural genocide. All Dalhousie students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to wear orange on September 30th. Waheeda Rehman's filmography includes over 90 movies across various languages, earning her a National Film Award for her role in 'Reshma and Shera' (1971). (File Image: DC) Hyderabad: Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Indias highest cinematic honour, according to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur. With a remarkable career spanning over five decades, the actor is celebrated for her iconic roles in films like 'Pyaasa', 'CID', 'Guide', 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', 'Khamoshi', and 'Trishul'. Thakur announced the news on his official social media account, expressing immense happiness at honouring Waheeda for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. The 85-year-old actor made her debut in Telugu cinema in 1955 with 'Rojulu Marayi' and later ventured into Hindi cinema with 'CID' in 1956 alongside Dev Anand. Waheedas filmography includes over 90 movies across various languages, earning her a National Film Award for her role in 'Reshma and Shera' (1971). She has previously been honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards. Thakur praised her lifetime of work, highlighting her philanthropic endeavours and contribution to society. Rehmans last appearance was in the 2021 film Skater Girl, marking a remarkable career filled with timeless performances. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (AP/PTI) New Delhi: In a strong rebuke to Canada for its sloth attitude towards India's concerns over terrorism, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that political convenience cannot determine responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, without naming Canada directly, Mr Jaishankar stressed that respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry picking. "When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out. Without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust," said the external affairs minister. Pushing for early reform and expansion in the United Nations Security Council, Mr Jaishankar said the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over. To strengthen Indias candidature in the reformed UNSC, the external affairs minister gave the example of how the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G-20. "By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent, which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary. Broad representation is, after all, a prerequisite for both effectiveness and credibility," Mr Jaishankar said. The external affairs minister added that next year, the United Nations will be hosting the "Summit of the Future" and this should serve as a "serious opportunity to drive change, champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including the expansion of the Security Council memberships." Ms Jaishankar highlighted that at a time when East-West polarisation is sharp and North-South divide is deep, the New Delhi summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. "The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over," he said. The external affairs minister further said that though during deliberations everyone advocates the promotion of a rules-based order and respect for the UN Charter, it is still a few nations that shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. "But for all the talk, it is still a few nations that shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This cannot go on indefinitely. Nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule-makers do not subjugate rule-takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all," he said. In this context, Mr Jaishankar mentioned that injustice like vaccine apartheid should not be allowed to recur, climate action cannot continue to witness the evasion of historical responsibilities and the power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. The external affairs minister said India seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. "From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of Vishwa Mitra. This is reflected in our ability and willingness to engage with a broad range of nations. And, where necessary, harmonise interests," Mr Jaishankar said. "Mr President, all nations pursue their national interests. We, in India, have never seen that as being in contradiction with the global good. When we aspire to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandisement but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions. The goals we have set for ourselves will make us different from all those whose rise preceded ours," Mr Jaishankar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist) Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling party and affiliated groups were behind most hate speech events against Muslims during the first half of the year, according to a report released on Monday. Some 80% of the 255 documented incidents of "hate speech gatherings targeting Muslims" occurred in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states and union territories, according to a report from Hindutva Watch. The Washington DC-based research group tracks hate crimes and inflammatory speech against Muslims and other minorities in India. Researchers wrote that India has seen an "escalating trend" of anti-Muslim speech since Modi rose to power in 2014. The report found that more than half of the documented incidents this year were orchestrated by the ruling BJP and affiliates including the Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Sakal Hindu Samaj. Those groups have ties to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP. Abhay Verma, a senior member of the BJP in New Delhi, called the report "totally baseless" in an interview. "We dont divide the country and people based on their religions," he said by phone. "Theres no support from the BJP in favor of hate speech." The report is the first of its kind to document hate speech against Muslims after Indias crime bureau stopped collecting data on hate crimes in 2017. Hindutva Watch relied on social media and news outlets in gathering data. It used data scrapping techniques to locate verifiable videos of hate speech events, and then conducted an in-depth investigation of incidents through journalists and researchers, according to an explanation of the methodology. Though India doesnt have an official definition for hate speech, the research group used language from the United Nations, which characterizes hate speech as "any form" of communication that employs "prejudiced or discriminatory language towards an individual group based on attributes such as religion, ethnicity, nationality and race." The report found that Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat witnessed the highest number of gatherings with hate speech. A third of documented incidents occurred in states scheduled to hold legislative elections this year. Hindutva Watch, which monitored activities in 15 states and two union territories, also reported that about 64 per cent of the events propagated anti-Muslim "conspiracy theories," including the claim that Muslims are luring Hindu women into marriage to convert them. Inflicting violence against Muslims was a rallying call in 33 per cent of the events, the report said, and 11% included appeals for Hindus to boycott Muslims. The remaining gatherings featured "hate-filled and sexist speech" targeting Muslim women, according to the report. "Rather than combating hate speech, government officials have frequently engaged in it themselves," the report said. "As this report documents, some of the purveyors of hate speech include chief ministers, legislators, and senior leaders from the ruling BJP." Brewing dissent within BRS and BJP has led to many prominent leaders holding talks with the Congress. (Representative Image: Wikipedia) HYDERABAD: The Congress is likely to release its full list of candidates for the Assembly polls on October 9, with sources attributing the delay to leaders from other parties seeking to join the Congress and ongoing alliance talks with Left parties, BSP and Telangana Jana Samiti. Between August 18 and 25, the TPCC received 1,016 applications for 119 constituencies, with the units chief A. Revanth Reddy then stating that it was the only route for nomination. However, brewing dissent within BRS and BJP has led to many prominent leaders holding talks with the Congress. Among them was former BRS minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who joined the Congress after August 25 and Malkajgiri MLA Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, who intends to join the party. In the next few days, nearly 30 prominent leaders, all former MPs and MLAs, from the BJP are also expected to join the party. BRS MLAs Rathod Bapu Rao, Rekha Naik, Bethi Subhash Reddy, T. Rajaiah, Muthireddy Yadagiri Reddy and BRS MLC Kasireddy Narayan Reddy are also expected to join the Congress if assured of tickets. The task of holding alliance talks is learnt to have been assigned to CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other senior leaders. The party's high command plans to announce candidates for all seats in one go to give candidates time to campaign and also pacify disgruntled leaders with promises of nominated posts. Telangana Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao. (Twitter) Hyderabad: In the run-up to the elections, the government will release Rs 5,000 crore from the Chief Ministers Special Development Fund within two weeks to facilitate developmental works in all Assembly constituencies before the model code of conduct is enforced, official sources in the CMO said. With the Election Commission of India expected to notify the Assembly polls on October 6, BRS MLAs are making a beeline to the Chief Ministers office to seek funds. MLAs, after exhausting their Constituency Development Fund (CDF), are seeking funds under SDF, with the state government allocating Rs 10,000 crore in the Budget. The BRS government had hiked CDF for MLAs from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore from 2021-22, on par with the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme). MLAs did not receive CDF funds as the state government imposed restrictions citing an economic slowdown in 2019-20 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Due to this, MLAs could not take up developmental activities. Although the MLAs receive Rs 5 crore on paper, they are left with only Rs 2 crore as the state government made it mandatory for MLAs to spend Rs 3 crore on beefing up infrastructure in government schools under the Mana Ooru-Mana Badi programme. The government is directly deducting Rs 3 crore from CDF funds and allocating only Rs 2 crore to MLAs, sources said. With this, MLAs were grappling with a shortage of funds as several works that were launched earlier were pending due to non-payment of bills to contractors. Most of the villages and towns in Assembly constituencies are facing infrastructure issues, such as bad roads and inadequate drainage systems, due to which there is strong demand from locals to improve the conditions. With Assembly polls nearing, MLAs are under pressure to complete pending projects, as well as meet voters fresh demands. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is likely to chair a final Cabinet meeting of the current term on September 29. (Image Source: Twitter) HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is likely to chair a final Cabinet meeting of the current term on September 29 and clear a variety of welfare schemes before the Assembly elections are announced and the model code of conduct comes into force. These include a decision on setting up the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for government employees and pensioners, announcing Dearness Allowance (DA) in lieu of delay in implementation of new PRC The ruling party expects the Election Commission to issue the poll schedule by mid-October, after which the announcements of sops are barred. The Cabinet meeting also assumed significance against the backdrop of Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan rejecting the recommendations to nominate BRS leaders Dasoju Sravan and Kurra Satyanarayana as MLCs under the Governor's quota. The Cabinet is expected to approve the same two names and send them again to the Governor for approval. The Cabinet is expected to approve the CM's Breakfast Scheme for government school students of Classes 1 to 10 from October 24 as a "Dasara gift." The scheme will cost Rs 400 crores per year, which is in addition to the mid-day meals scheme being implemented in all the government schools. The previous PRC was constituted in July 2018 and its recommendations were implemented in April 2021 with a fitment (hike in basic pay) of 30 per cent. A new PRC had to be appointed by July last. MP Komatreddy Rajgopal Reddy. (Image Source: ANI) HYDERABAD: The BJP in Telangana is in complete disarray barely a couple of months ahead of the Assembly polls, with a group of senior leaders declaring that they would take every opportunity including joining the Congress to defeat Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. "We are frustrated at the lack of leadership, at the complete absence of purpose, which is to defeat KCR. We have been talking amongst ourselves for some time now and there are about 30 of us who are willing to do whatever it takes to defeat KCR," former MP Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy said on Monday. Asked how far the group would go, Rajgopal Reddy said, "Everything is on the table. This includes even joining the Congress." He said that among the leaders who have been discussing "the sorry state of affairs in Telangana BJP" and ways to make the party realise that they had all joined the BJP with the sole purpose of defeating K. Chandrashekar Rao. "It is becoming clear that the BJP is no longer in a position to do this (defeat the CM)," he said. Rajgopal Reddy said the group included former MPs Vijayashanti, G. Vivek Venkataswamy and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy. "There are another 25 BJP leaders with whom we have been discussing these issues," he said. It was learnt that another former MP, Chada Suresh Reddy, was involved in the discussions. The only way to save the party now is for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and take corrective steps. "One leader in the party blackmailed the high command to do his bidding and ensured changes, with a post for himself. Ever since the BJP here has gone down," Rajgopal Reddy said. "This, coupled with no action on BRS MLC K. Kavitha in the Delhi liquor scam, has hurt the party. People are asking us what we are doing in the BJP when it is clearly incapable of doing anything to defeat KCR. If the situation is to be saved, only Modi and Shah can do so and they should do what they have to do," he said. Much of the ire of the group appeared to be directed at Etala Rajendar, who, a few months ago, was appointed the partys state election management committee chairman, a decision that came alongside the removal of Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the state BJP president post and installation of Union minister G. Kishan Reddy in his place. Ever since there has been strong resentment brewing among senior leaders who joined the BJP from other parties. It was learnt that some of these former MPs had been trying to reach out to Shah but had been hitting a wall, resulting in a feeling that they were not cared for, and even worse, their presence or absence in the party no longer made a difference to the BJP in Telangana. A leader privy to the discussions of this group of former MPs said, "Any talk of joining the Congress would be jumping the gun. But yes, there is a lot of concern. The BJP had a 65 per cent anti-incumbency vote with it until a few months ago, and now, it is split with the Congress, which has the upper hand. Our efforts are to find ways on how the BJP can regain the edge." While Kishan Reddy was not available for comment, nor was Rajendar, as several other party leaders expressed concern at the near-open rebellion. Agreeing that there was a lot of discontent within the ranks, a party leader said: "It would be helpful for the party if those unhappy can spell out exactly what they are looking for." Javadekar, when asked about the disgruntlement and whether he was in touch with the group, said: "s part of the party work, we are in touch regularly with all our karyakartas. We do this every day." While Javadekar said issues within the party were attended to within the party structure, another party leader said, "There is a lot of discontent within the ranks. It would be helpful for the party if those unhappy can spell out exactly what they are looking for." Demonstrators burn a placard depicting Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during a Sikh rally outside the Consulate General of India, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on September 25, 2023, following the murder of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. (AFP) New Delhi: Under heavy security around Indian Consulates in Vancouver, Toronto, and Ontario, elements of Sikh For Justice held protests against the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As a preemptive measure, the police around the Consulates had blocked the road, due to which the protesters had to keep off the main roads. Security was also beefed up around the Consulates ahead of the call for protests. According to Canadian TV channel CTV News, the protesters burned the Indian flag and shouted slogans against India. The premier of Canadas British Columbia province, where Nijjar was killed, has said he was not taken into the loop on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus explosive allegations against India and came to know about them only one hour before they came into the public domain. He said he wants the federal government to share security intelligence with the provinces. "Theres a critical need for provinces to be brought into the loop at an earlier stage," CTV News quoted David Eby as saying. "The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), for example, by law is required to only share their intelligence with the federal government. It means that when they brief me which they did that day they can share basically whats in the public domain already, which is not helpful. I can read the newspaper, too," he said. Following Trudeaus allegations, Mr Eby said he was deeply disturbed and angered by this information. On Monday, Trudeau met with Eby. According to Trudeaus office, during which, among other things, the two leaders discussed public safety. According to the Washington Times, members of the local Sikh community said authorities have told them little about their investigation of the June 18 killing outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. They said police were slow to the scene, and disagreement between agencies caused further delay. Several business owners and residents near the Gurdwara said investigators have not visited to ask questions or request security video. The United States has said Canadas investigation into the murder of Nijjar must proceed and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by the Canadian Prime Minister. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference. "We believe its critical that Canadas investigation proceeds and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation," Mr Miller said in response to a question. On the India-Canada row, Sri Lankas foreign minister Ali Sabry backed India, saying, "Some of the terrorists have found a haven in Canada. The Canadian Prime Minister has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka was a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had committed genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country. I saw yesterday that he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who had been associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War. So this is questionable, and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometimes Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations." Meanwhile, in Geneva, Baloch activists questioned the Canadian government's alleged inaction on the mysterious death of political activist Karima Baloch in Toronto in 2020. Baloch Voice Association president Munir Mengal said, "Karima Baloch was a Baloch student, human rights activist, and political activist, she came to Canada to save her life from Pakistani forces. Unfortunately, her body was found mysteriously in a lake. We organised a protest in Paris outside the Canadian Embassy. We submitted a document for an answer... Approximately 3 years have passed, and we have received no information from the Canadian authorities." The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). Read More 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 British soldier who murdered Daniel Hegarty (15) has died. Known as 'Soldier B' the man who murdered Daniel in Creggan during Operation Motorman (July 31, 1972) passed away last Thursday. After extensive legal battles, Lord Justice Treacy, in the Court of Appeal in Belfast in June past, gave the verdict that, In Daniel's case, the decision to discontinue the prosecution of 'Soldier B' could not stand. Following Lord Justice Treacy's judgement, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) had 28 days to consider its position. In a statement to Derry Now at the time, solicitor Desmond Doherty, who represents the Hegarty family said : "Daniels family have welcomed the Court of Appeals decision and expect the criminal process to continue in Derry." On the 50th anniversary of Daniel's murder, his sister Margaret told Derry News: "They want to put their feet in my shoes and and walk our path and ask themselves, 'If it was my child, would I want less?' On that occasion, Margaret's husband, Hugh, revealed that the Director of Public Prosecutions said he could not explain how 'Soldier B' changed his story from saying initially he shot Daniel from a distance of 75 feet, to saying he shot him from a distance of six feet or possibly closer. Hugh said: In his first statement 'Soldier B' said the general purpose machine gun he used was mounted on the ground. He changed that in his second statement to say he had held the gun, which is capable of firing 800 rounds per minute. He fired four rounds, which showed he was an expert shot because that gun would have been extremely hard to control. Daniel was shot twice in the head and the bullet from the back of his head hit his cousin, Christopher [Hegarty], who he was with at the time. Christopher's brother, Thomas, who was also there, was dragged up the street. He did not if he was going to get back alive. Using the gun in a built up area like Creggan was illegal in itself, said Hugh. After he murdered Daniel, 'Soldier B' stepped over him. According to Margaret, he was taken back to Limavady to barracks. He got a sleeping bag and he went in and slept for a couple of hours. This is a man that murdered a child and he is able to go and grab a sleeping bag and go to sleep for a couple of hours. What kind of human being is he that he could go and do that and my brother lying dead? He never even assisted Daniel, to see if he was dead or if he needed medical help. He just left him lying dead and Christopher lying badly wounded. Daniel had left his home to look at the British army tanks. He met his cousins and they decided to walk to Creggan Heights. When they spotted British soldiers ahead of them, they turned to go home. That was when 'Soldier B' crossed the road and shot Daniel and Christopher, said Margaret. Margaret said Daniel's death wrecked their family. We were only children ourselves, Kathleen, Philomena (deceased) and I, so we did not really question my mammy (Maggie) and daddy (Alec) because when you spoke Daniels name they were in tears, said Margaret. They just shut down themselves. They did not know how to cope so we did not know how to cope. It was during an exhibition celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Creggan we discovered the British army had said Daniel was a terrorist. There was a photograph there we had never seen before showing Daniel's blood all over the footpath. Thats when I said, 'Mammy, we cant allow Daniel to be called a terrorist'. So then we decided we would take them on. 20 years ago we started the campaign to clear Daniel's name, which we did at his second inquest in 2011." In 1967, 179 young women travelled to Beaumont Old Windsor to embark on their teaching careers. It was during that year that long lasting friendships were formed and have stood the test of time. Many of those friendships are strong today as they were over five decades ago. The ladies- who have named themselves the Beaumonteers- organise reunions every few years to catch up with each other, despite now living all over the globe from the Philippines to Tasmania. Some of the women even met their future husbands during their time studying and their husbands often attend the reunions, too. Lorna Kearney, a Limavady native who studied teaching during the college's opening year, organised the latest reunion for everyone which was held at the Roe Park Hotel in Limavady at the end of August. Lorna said it was so wonderful to host everyone in her hometown and the trip was a great success. Lorna explained: "There have been a number of reunions over the past 56 years, all of which were celebrated in Beaumont which is now a hotel. "This is the first reunion to be held in Northern Ireland. The previous reunions were arranged by Colette and Carol and Mona- Mona has since sadly passed away. "The three ladies played a huge part in keeping in contact with as many of the Beaumonteers as possible." When it was suggested that the next gathering should be in Northern Ireland, Lorna regarded it as an honour and a privilege to be asked. "In total, 30 Beaumonteers and five husbands arrived at Roe Park Hotel on the 30th of August to celebrate 56 years since we all first met. "Some travelled from Tasmania, Capetown, El Salvador, Philippines, Granada and various parts of England as well as across the island of Ireland. "It was wonderful to see those threads of friendship being rekindled. The bonds formed in 1967 were as strong now in our twilight years- when the journey first started." The group held a Remembrance Ceremony orchestrated by Mary and Joan for those they had lost throughout the years. Those who could not travel for personal or medical reasons were also included. Lorna continued: "The same camaraderie that got us through Beaumont and on to Keyworth was as strong as ever it was- in particular Una who is and continues to be an inspiration to us all. "It must be acknowledged that the Roe Park venue was exceptional as indeed were the staff. "Some of the Beaumonteers who had never been to Northern Ireland before had already been in contact to say that they intend to return." Lorna, who taught for seven years prior to working for the Education Board for almost forty years, said that she has been so blessed with all those that she has worked alongside both in her teaching career and as an Education Welfare Officer. She retired two years ago and has just returned from a holiday in Italy with her friend Mary- a Beaumont friend of 56 years- who will now return to Tasmania. Lorna added: "I will always cherish those two amazing days in Roe Park and my time in Italy. "These ladies are already planning another reunion in 2027- for our 60 year anniversary. This time it will be held in Beaumont where all our wonderful friendships began." The women formed such a strong bond as they were the pioneer students for the college. There were no years above or below, they only had each other. In 1966 final arrangements were in fruition by the Loreto Sisters to open Mary Ward College of Education in Keyworth, Nottingham. When it became clear that the buildings would not be ready on time, one solution to the problem was to find temporary accommodation and it was suggested that Beaumont in Old Windsor might be available. Following negotiations, Mary Ward College was set up for one academic year 1967-8 and then moved to its new building in Keyworth in September 1968. That single year in Beaumont in 1967, led to Lorna and so many others forming bonds that would last a lifetime. Derry was alive with song, dance, art and culture over the weekend following two successful events on Friday and Saturday. The 18th edition of Culture Night took place on Friday evening with a jam-packed programme of exciting events happening across the city and district. Following that, the vibrant One World Festival took over the City Centre on Saturday with an array of fantastic art, song and dance performances. Derry and Strabane celebrated Culture Night alongside towns, villages and cities across the island of Ireland with the biggest programme of events to date. Attendees were treated to a cultural explosion and a feast of events over one wonderful evening. Free events took place in historic venues across the city and district including the Tower Museum, the Guildhall, St Augustines Church and St Columbs Cathedral. Suitable for all ages, families and individuals enjoyed song, dance, poetry, spoken word, visual arts, heritage, environment, circus, carnival. The multi-cultural One World Festival took place on Saturday afternoon and welcomed an eclectic programme of events with inspiration from around the globe. A vibrant tapestry of global cultures were showcased across the Guildhall Square with interactive workshops and exhibitions taking place inside the Guildhall and Harbour House. Festival-goers enjoyed a comprehensive programme of worldwide music, song, dance and cuisine as well as arts and crafts, captivating storytelling and engaging dialogues. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, said she were delighted to welcome the two successful festivals to the city and district this weekend. One World Festival took over the City Centre at the weekend with an array of fantastic art, song and dance performances. We were thrilled to see not only one successful festival, but two, take place in our city this weekend. Culture Night continues to grow and we were thrilled to welcome a huge array of acts and performers this weekend to complete our biggest programme of events so far. We were delighted to host events in some of our key historic buildings here and showcase their beauty while celebrating the cultural arts and heritage our city and district have to offer. The One World Festival continued the celebrations and we loved to see the vibrancy and energy that all those different cultures brought to our city centre. The festival of cultural identities brought together a huge range of traditions where traditional Irish customs met with the richness of cultures and communities from across the globe. We pride ourselves on our events and festivals and continue to grow our already established events such as Culture Night, Halloween and Spring Carnival, however we love to deliver new and exciting events and this weekend has been a refreshing addition to our already extensive calendar of events. To keep up with Derry City and Strabane District Councils calendar of events for the year ahead, please visit: www.derrystrabane.com/what-s-on Detectives investigating a shooting which left a man in a critical condition in Co Armagh have made four arrests. The men aged 35, 58 and two aged 31 were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following searches in the Crossmaglen area on Tuesday. The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was shot just after 6.10am as he sat inside his car, a silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat, in the Ballsmill Road area of Crossmaglen on September 4. Detectives investigating an attempted murder in Crossmaglen on Monday September 4th have made four arrests, and issued a renewed appeal for information https://t.co/nont9HAtMW Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) September 26, 2023 Superintendent Norman Haslett said: The victim was sitting in his car, parked on the Ballsmill Road, waiting for a connecting lift to work. Here, he was approached by a masked person, who fired a number of shots. He was shot in the arm and neck, but somehow managed to drive a short distance before calling for help. This was a shocking and callous act, which has left a man in a critical condition in hospital. It was also a pre-planned and targeted attack on a victim who parked his car here on a regular, daily basis. Mr Haslett continued: I am appealing to anyone with information to get in touch. The attack took place early on a Monday morning, 4 September, just after 6.10am. Although this is a rural area, its also a road well-used by motorists for their morning journey to work, linking with onward routes to both Dublin and Belfast. Furthermore, there are many commuters who routinely park their cars in this area in order to share onward lifts to work. Im asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. Did you witness the attack, or anything untoward? For example, did you notice any vehicles parked on the Ballsmill Road that might not usually be there at the time of your morning commute? Im particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dashcam footage. Please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 253 of 04/09/23. The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro offers an intelligent fusion of design, functionality, and affordability. Powered by an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD, the laptop stands out as a potent contender in the mid-tier gaming laptop sector. Its robust CNC aluminum and PC-ABS chassis, coupled with impressive connectivity options and a 16-inch 240Hz display with superb color accuracy, sets a high bar. While its GPU might not be the most advanced, it ensures a satisfying gaming experience across most modern 3D titles, making the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro a compelling choice for mid-tier gamers in 2023. The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Review: The Tesla Model 3 of Gaming Laptops Christian Von Koenigsegg, CEO of Koenigsegg Automotive AB, called the Tesla Model 3 as the best EV daily driver. You must be wondering then that the Tesla Model 3 must be one really fast car, and objectively, it is. You must also think that the Tesla Model 3 must be the best-handling, the most feature loaded, or the most reliable car out there. Well, I am afraid, it isnt so either. What it really is is a very clever mixture of performance, design, and features that feel just right for the money you have to spend in order to own one. And in the same sense, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is also just like the Tesla Model 3 of the gaming laptop world. By now you must have gotten an idea about where the new Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2023 stands as a gaming laptop. But if you didnt get my reference, then heres what you need to know. The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is a high-end gaming laptop that isnt exactly super-premium but delivers performance to easily play games at 1440p 60FPS and even higher in most cases. So what can we concur from this? Is the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro worth the price tag? To answer that question heres the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro (2023) review. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Specifications Processor Intel Core i7-13700HX 24-core CPU with 5.00GHz maximum turbo boost frequency. Graphics Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM (140W TGP) Memory 16GB DDR5 Display 16-inch WUXGA+ IPS LCD 240Hz display with 500 nits of brightness Storage 1TB SSD Battery 80Wh Weight 2.55kg Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Design And Build Quality The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro chassis uses plastic as well as metal. The lid cover is made up of CNC or Computer Numeric Control aluminium, in which metals, in this case, aluminium, are precisely cut with the help of machines. And the CNC process does not affect the strength of aluminium in any way and the lid does indeed feels very sturdy. The rest of the laptops chassis meanwhile, is made up of PC-ABS, which stands for polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. These two plastics combine resulting in a material that is strong and also heat resistant. The ABS part of the PC-ABS also helps prevent cracking or breaking in the laptop chassis. Also Read: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 15IAH7 Review: The Ideal Budget Gaming Laptop? My Legion 5i came in a greyish colour but obviously, Lenovo being a brand has to call it something fancy. And it indeed does, my laptops colour name is Onyx Grey. I think all the Pokemon fans just got hit with a wave of nostalgia. Nevertheless, it looks stealthy, with no RGB lights sticking out on its lid, and with a 22.45mm thickness and 2.55kg body weight, it is also decently portable. Both sides of the chassis and the back of the laptop feature air vents and a wide variety of I/O ports. However, one small detail that impressed me a lot was the curved corners of the laptop. I mean, they're not excessively curved but curved enough to prevent discomfort in your wrist while typing. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro I/O Ports Review In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro earns impressive accolades. A standout feature is its USB-C port, which boasts DisplayPort Alternate Mode and Power Delivery up to 140 watts. While this doesn't match the full power the laptop requires at maximum load, as it's supplied with a 300-watt power adapter, it's ample for less intensive tasks. This versatility allows users to leave the hefty 300-watt power adapter behind when the laptop's peak performance is not a necessity. Complementing the primary USB-C port is another USB-C port, which supports DisplayPort but lacks Power Delivery, and three USB-A ports. The combined count of five USB ports is commendable for any laptop available in 2023. These are supplemented by an HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. The strategic placement of most of these ports at the rear of the laptop enhances desk-based cable management. On the wireless front, the Legion 5 Pro incorporates Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, in line with the standards set by contemporary gaming laptops. The Wi-Fi performance proves to be quite robust when linked to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router, negating the need for a wired Ethernet connection for many gamers, though it's available if required. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Keyboard Review The Legion Pro 5i from Lenovo is a substantial piece of machinery that doesn't bring the tactile satisfaction of a mechanical keyboard to the table but still provides an unexpectedly comfortable and pleasing typing experience. Its keys function with a level of discretion that would appeal to noise-sensitive users, while still offering the personalization of a color-customizable keyboard, separated into four unique zones. Lenovo has incorporated a full-size keyboard which means it has a dedicated number pad. Despite the numerical keys being somewhat less expansive compared to the standard keys, they offer a streamlined way to for using programs like Google Sheets, Excel, etc. As for the touchpad, Lenovo has opted for a plastic construction that, though smaller compared to the increasingly oversized touchpads that have become somewhat standard in recent releases (the Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra being a case in point), still capably handles navigation within Windows 11. That said, in the realm of gaming where precision is paramount, my preference was towards a wireless mouse when I was using the Legion Pro 5i. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Display Review The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2023 gaming laptop features an expansive 16-inch display and a resolution of 2560 x 1600, all framed within a 16:10 aspect ratio, and enhanced by a 240Hz Hz refresh rate. The goal? To provide an excellent visual experience. Transitioning to the more technical side of things, a comparison with the previous Gen 7 model reveals some adjustments Lenovo has made in the Gen 8 variant. According to my readings, the Legion Pro 5i achieved a peak brightness of around 540 nits, making it one of the brightest laptops in its segment. Moreover, the Legion 5i Pro maintained commendable scores in both the sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, registering at 106.4% and 78.2% respectively. The Legion 5i Pros display also has a very high degree of colour accuracy. During the Calman ColorChecker analysis test, the laptops display scored an Average Delta E value of 1.3. For context, this value is inversely proportional to the display. And the maximum Delta E value is 2.4, making the Legion 5i Pros display one of the best in its segment in terms of colour accuracy. To conclude, it's clear Lenovo has successfully elevated the display capabilities in their transition from the previous generation to the Legion Pro 5i. Also Read: Lenovo Yoga 9i Review: The 2-in-1 all-rounder Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Performance Review Performance is one of the main reasons why you could consider buying this machine. Let me talk about some numbers 19133 Multicore scores in Cinebench R23, 8665, and 20133 in 3d Marks TimeSpy and Firestrike. For reference, here are its CPU and GPU benchmarks in comparison with the MSI GL66 and HP Omen 16. The Legion 5i Pro easily beats both of them. The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro flexes its robust mid-tier specifications, boasting an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor with an aggregate of 16 cores eight Performance and eight Efficient ones reaching a maximum clock speed of 5GHz. This powerhouse couples with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB solid-state drive, whose read and write speed you can see down below. As you're undoubtedly aware, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is equipped with high-performance components that consume considerable power. Consequently, after extended periods of gaming, it's not unusual to observe a significant rise in the laptop's surface temperature. Moreover, with an initial PCMark 10 score of 9424, the Lenovo Legion starts on a strong footing. Though this score may not shatter records, its indeed commendable and situates the Legion 5 Pro amongst the top mid-tier gaming laptops, demonstrating its potential for impressive overall performance. The performance of the RTX 4060, while not a top-of-the-line GPU, is still robust enough to tackle most modern 3D titles at high settings, ensuring a satisfying gaming experience. It is noteworthy that the laptop was able to recover and sustain high frame rates in Shadow of the Tomb Raider without Nvidias DLSS technology turned on. But its performance in games like Metro Exodus positions RTX 4060 as a less significant upgrade compared to last year's RTX 3060. Overall, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro's real-world gaming performance should satisfy most mid-tier gamers. The gaming experience is generally smooth and enjoyable, especially for those who value high frame rates and are ready to make some minor concessions on the highest possible settings for the most demanding titles. Lenovo Legion 5i Pro Verdict In the world of gaming laptops, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro, priced at Rs 186,837, stands out as a significant player. Much like the Tesla Model 3 in the realm of electric vehicles, the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro is a high-performance machine that presents an intelligent blend of design, functionality, and value for money. Its a well-built, robust laptop, delivering a commendable gaming performance at 1440p 60FPS and higher. The device is powered by an Intel Core i7-13700HX processor, paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD, presenting itself as a substantial contender in the mid-tier gaming laptops. Although the laptop's base model only comes with a 512GB SSD you can upgrade it to 1TB and other specifications on Lenovo's official website as well. The laptop's chassis, built with a precise CNC aluminium lid and sturdy, heat-resistant PC-ABS body, exudes strength and durability. Coupled with its connectivity prowess, which includes two USB-C ports, three USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port, and wireless capabilities, the laptop sets a high bar for versatility. The quality continues with a pleasing keyboard experience and an expansive 16-inch 240Hz display with excellent color accuracy and brightness. Although the RTX 4060 GPU may not be the most advanced on the market, it is more than capable of providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience across most modern 3D titles. Despite the significant power consumption and resultant heat output, the laptop maintains impressive performance, positioning the Lenovo Legion 5i Pro as a compelling option for mid-tier gamers in 2023. The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G looks similar to its other siblings across categories, it has a very good display for the price and the 6,000mAh battery lasts about two days. The 25W charging is a bit slow, similar to the smartphones performance. The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G has been launched as the new mid-range "revolutionary camera sensation" from the brand. With a focus on the camera, and a design that is in-line with the company's more premium A-series and S-series smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G looks the part Samsung smartphone from 2023. With mid-ranges, however, Samsung doesn't really have a good record in terms of matching the experience that the brand's more expensive flagships or high-end smartphones offer. With the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G, the brand aims to change just that. With features like astrolapse and a 120Hz super AMOLED display at a sub-Rs 30,000 price, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G does offer things that Samsung isn't really known to offer. Now, I used the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G for a couple of weeks and here is what I think about the device: DESIGN This year, Samsung is taking a more streamlined approach with the design of all its smartphones. With the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G, the company has carried on with the same approach and the Galaxy F54 5G looks pretty much like every other Samsung smartphone that was launched this year. We get a glossy back panel, with the cameras protruding out of the back panel itself, similar to what we have already seen with the Samsung Galaxy S-series and the Galaxy A-series smartphones that have launched in 2023 so far. The Galaxy F54 5G, however, has a glossy finish on the back panel, which makes the device a bit of a fingerprint magnet and it scratches rahter easily. Up front, things are again pretty familiar. We get a hole-punch display with minimal bezels. The chin, however, is a little thicker, which doesn't really give an end-to-end feel, but that is something we have witnessed on pretty much all the smartphones in this range. The screen's orientation is a bit on the taller side and we get the volume rockers and power button on the right side of the frame. The sim tray is located on the left side of the frame. At the bottom, we have the speaker grille and the USB type-C port, and up top, there is nothing apart from a mic. Overall, this design approach brings the more affordable Samsung Galaxy F-series in-line with other, more premium Samsung smartphones. Now, this isn't exactly a good or a bad thing, because while it makes all Samsung smartphones similar to each other, it also puts the Galaxy F-series right up there with the brand's flagships, at least in terms of the looks. DISPLAY The display on the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is also very good. We get a nice Super AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display on this smartphone is pretty good. Since this is a Samsung, there is no doubt the display quality is very good. The colours are nice and vibrant and the details are crisp and sharp. I watched several YouTube videos and used a bit of social media on the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G, and never did I feel any lack in terms of colours or details during my brief usage of this smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G also supports HDR, meaning watching content on apps like YouTube and Netflix is a supreme experience on this smartphone. This is one of the few devices in this range that offer HDR support, which makes the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G a pretty solid deal, in terms of the display we get for the price. The display also feels very responsive with the 120Hz refresh rate. We get two settings 60Hz refresh rate and 120Hz refresh rate. There is no adaptive setting, but at 120Hz, the display feels absolutely slick and smooth. The smartphone also runs games like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Call of Duty: Mobile on high frame rates, which is good for our mobile gamer friends out there. We also did a Lux Meter test on the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G to test the device's brightness. Here, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G showed a maximum luminance of 636 nits and a minimum luminance of 4 nits, which is pretty good range. Of course, this is an AMOLED display so this was somewhat expected. PERFORMANCE AND BATTERY Performance wise, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is powered by an Exyos 1380 SoC paired with 8GB of RAM. We also get a massive 6,000mAh battery, which is one of the highest on any smartphone in this range. Now, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G feels pretty decent in terms of how the smartphone performs or handles different tasks. The smartphones benchmark numbers, however, are a bit lower than expected, as compared to some of the competing devices in this range. For example, on AnTuTu, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G scored 506,452 points, which is lower than the likes of the Moto Edge 40, the Poco F5, the Vivo V27 Pro, and more, but the smartphone scores higher than smartphones like the Oppo F23 5G and its cousin, the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G. On Geekbench, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G scored 1006 points in the single-core test and 2841 points in the multi-core test. This, again, is not the highest in this range, but its pretty good for any smartphone in this range. In GPU-based benchmarks also, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G puts out decent numbers. For example, in the 3D Mark Wildlife test, the Galaxy F54 5G put out a score of 2829 in our tests, which is not the highest, but enough to smoothly run all kinds of games youd ever want to play on your smartphone. In GFXBench, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G held its own among competing devices like the Oppo F23 5G and Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, but of course, was much lower than more performance-centric devices like the iQOO Neo 7, the Poco F5 and the likes. In terms of battery, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G comes with a huge 6,000mAh battery, which is one of the largest we get on smartphones these days. In terms of backup, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is very good. The smartphone only lost 4 percent battery after playing a YouTube video on full 2160p resolution on about 80 percent brightness for 30 minutes. Using GPS for one hour drained only 6 percent of the battery, and in our video loop test, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G lasted 1303 minutes or 21 hours 42 minutes. That is outrageous battery backup. Coming to charging, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G supports 25W fast charging. This, in our 0-100 test, charged the device from zero to full in about 128 minutes or 2 hours and 8 minutes, not too fast given todays standards. CAMERA Now, the most exciting feature of the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G, the cameras. We get a triple rear camera setup, which includes a primary 108-megapixel shooter, an 8-megapixel wide angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. This is where Samsung has claimed to put all its flagship learnings in the optics department. The smartphone has features like nightography, which is Samsungs term for the smartphones night photography capabilities. We also get features like astrolapse, single take, and more. The camera performance on the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is pretty good. In ideal lighting conditions, the smartphone takes very good quality photos. The colours are vibrant, the details are sharp, and the dynamic range is very good. I took the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G to Ladakh during my time with the smartphone, and the images out of the 108-megapixel shooter are just brilliant. Both, in terms of vibrancy and details. Furthermore, the night photography on the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G or Nightography is also brilliant. Even at the darkest hour in one of the darkest place in India (Hanle, Ladakh), the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G was able to capture brilliant images that actually exceeded my expectations. Coming to astrolapse, I also tried capturing the star trails with the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G. And while the smartphone wasnt able to capture the stars movement, the smartphone took a brilliant hyperlapse of the night sky and was able to even capture the milky way moving across the earths sky! Absolutely fantastic for a smartphone priced under Rs 30,000. VERDICT So that was my review of Samsungs latest sub-Rs 30,000 offering. The smartphone looks similar to its other siblings across categories, it has a very good display for the price and the 6,000mAh battery lasts about two days easily. The 25W charging is a bit slow if we compare it with the competition, but that is not a deal breaker. One thing where the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is just average is the smartphones performance. We tested the smartphone using many benchmarks, and the numbers werent as convincing to recommend the smartphone over some other high-power devices. But that is not what the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is made for. The smartphone is more about the experience and camera and with the camera, I can safely say that this is one of the best in this segment. Taiwan approves 10-year innovation program to address semiconductor industry weakness The Taiwan Chip-Driven Industrial Innovation Program (TCIIP) was approved by Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), with implementation to start in 2024. The NSTC pointed out three challenges the semiconductor industry in Taiwan is facing: 1) there is a lack of system specification to determine power and direct access to markets; 2) there is insufficient capability in advanced IC design and lack of self-developed EDA tools; 3) advanced processing technology advantages have to be maintained while the mature-node IC manufacturing sector is susceptible to cut-throat competition in the market. The TCIIP, which is to be implemented within a 10-year period, plans to address those challenges with four approaches, including attracting international startups and venture capitalists to come to Taiwan, accelerating innovations in heterogeneous integration and advanced technologies, synthesizing AI and chips to stimulate innovation within the industry, and enhancing the talent incubating environment to attract global R&D talent. The NSTC has started its first step in connecting international startup ecosystems with local innovation hubs. In the future, more collaboration opportunities will be created for startups to work with Taiwan's IC manufacturers and IC designers. There are also various projects related to heterogeneous integration and advanced technologies in government-sponsored research entities such as the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). the program will help upgrade the equipment the researchers need for those projects. As for the synthesis between AI and IC, the National Center for High-Performance Computing has obtained a budget of NT$230 million (US$7.14 million) to engage in the development of generative AI models based on Taiwan's language characteristics, and integrate with various technology services to promote the development of "trusted" generative AI model. 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. India expected to emerge as EV manufacturing hub by 2028 Despite being in the early stage, the rapidly growing EV sales have led to rising investments in EV production in India, which is expected to reach one million units over the next five years. The Economic Times reported that according to "Charged for Success: India's EV Landscape," co-released by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Avalon Consultancy, EV production in India is likely to reach 9.7 million units by fiscal 2028 (April 2027 to March 2028), with EV-specific component market anticipated to grow from US$1.25 billion in fiscal 2023 to US$13 billion in fiscal 2028. Meanwhile, rising EV demands in India are expected to lead to a growing demand for battery packs, which may go from 29.5 GWh in fiscal 2026 to 152.3 GWh in fiscal 2030. India's developing EV industry grows with rising EV sales. Since 2021, led by electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), EV sales in India have grown by more than 100% annually. India saw more than 200% growth in EV sales in 2022, and EV sales for the first eight months of 2023 surpassed that of the previous year. Besides a growing market, India's policies, such as FAME II and the Production Linked Incentive schemes for advanced chemistry batteries and automobiles and their components, have come together to reach an expected 30% EV penetration rate in India by 2030. India also hopes EVs will constitute 80% of the two- and three-wheeler sales in coming years. Vikram Pawah, India president at BMW Group, told PTI that the company expected EVs to account for 25% of its sales in India by 2025, and the company may localize EV production as the volumes grow. Hyundai Motor Group, which plans to launch five EV models in India by 2032, will make small EVs in India starting from 2025, reports Reuters. Foxconn also plans to set up EV and EV battery manufacturing facilities in India. Source: Vahan Dashboard, September 2023 Nissan to go fully electric in Europe by 2030 Nissan has jumped on the bandwagon to go fully electric in Europe. The automaker announced on September 25 that it plans to sell only EVs on the continent by 2030. From now on, all new Nissan models launched in Europe will be all-electric. The Japanese carmaker made the announcement when unveiling a sporty, urban EV concept in London on Monday. Makoto Uchida, Nissan president and CEO, said in a statement that EVs are key to the company achieving carbon neutrality. He also said that "there is no turning back now." According to Nissan, two future EVs have been confirmed for the European market, with one being manufactured at the company's plant in Sunderland, UK. Reuters reported that Uchida declined on Monday to reveal when the EVs will be rolled out. The CEO said Nissan is trying to reduce costs in response to the fierce competition from China-made EVs. According to Reuters, he said that Chinese automakers are growing massively and have moved much faster than expected. Europe aims to ban new internal combustion engine vehicle sales in 2035. Nissan's commitment to selling EVs only in Europe by 2030 aligns with the strategies of other carmakers like Renault, Ford and Stellantis. Nissan said EVs represent 16% of its total sales in Europe. By 2030, the carmaker plans to introduce 27 electrified vehicles, including 19 EVs, globally. It also aims to use cobalt-free batteries to reduce battery costs by 65% by fiscal year 2028. In the same period, Nissan said it will roll out EVs equipped with all-solid-state batteries (ASSB). The battery technology is expected to reduce the cost of battery packs to US$75 per kWh by fiscal year 2028 and further down to US$65 in the future. An additional one billion euro has been diverted to state efforts to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in Ireland. The supplementary estimate agreed by the Government will help the Department of Integration cover the costs of housing Ukrainians and other people seeking international protection. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have relocated to Ireland since the outbreak of the war last year. More than 70,000 are being housed in state provided accommodation. Integration Minister Roderic OGorman and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe announced the funding agreement after cabinet discussed the issue on Tuesday. Mr Donohoe made clear that provisions for the supplementary estimate had already been factored in when last years budget was announced and the sum diverted to the department was within the estimate of what would be needed, albeit at the higher end of the estimate. Fielding questions from reporters, Mr OGorman said continued pressure on accommodation supply meant a small number of Ukrainians would continue to be housed in tents an arrangement that is set to remain through the winter. Minister Donohoe said: Today I have agreed an additional one billion euro for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to support the Department in meeting costs associated with accommodating Ukrainian people fleeing the war and those seeking international protection. The Government set aside funds in Budget 2023 to meet non-core pressures, such as this, and this supplementary estimate will be met through that contingency. This funding will continue to support the states humanitarian response to the Ukraine crisis. The state has had to work extremely hard to manage the significant influx of people from Ukraine since the onset of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Minister OGorman and his officials have played a central role in this response in terms of the provision of accommodation. Frontline situation, enemy plans, our offensive and defensive operations, frontline supplies, increased domestic arms production, particularly drones, and the state of the Russian army and military-industrial complex. These were the key subjects of todays meeting of the Staff. Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 26, 2023 The number of people in state-provided accommodation is now over 70,000. The past year and a half has also seen a significant increase in the number of people arriving into the country seeking international protection. In January 2022, our international protection accommodation system had 8,600 people in it. It now has 23,200. This is a trend being experienced across the EU with over half a million asylum applications being received by EU countries, in the first half of 2023. Mr OGorman said Ireland was involved in a significant humanitarian effort to house Ukrainian refugees. We are currently providing accommodation to more than 70,000 people from Ukraine, increasing weekly by around 550 people, he said. With further supply constrained, it is likely that the provision of accommodation will remain challenging for the foreseeable future, and there will be an ongoing reliance on contingency measures. An elite Irish army unit has stormed a Panamanian cargo ship suspected of carrying significant amounts of drugs in a major operation off the south-east coast of Ireland. Members of the highly-trained Army Ranger Wing descended by fast-rope from a helicopter on to the ship, which became the focus point of a multi-agency operation which began on Sunday. The co-ordinated response from the Irish Naval Service and Army Ranger Wing also involved customs officers and the Irish polices national drugs and organised crime unit The agencies said the seized MV Matthew is a Panamanian-registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America. It was intercepted by the Army Ranger Wing and detained in the early hours of Tuesday. The agencies said a significant quantity of suspected drugs were found on board the cargo ship. The Army Ranger Wing boarded the ship after the Naval Services patrol vessel, the LE William Butler Yeats, fired warning shots in its direction. Two helicopters and two planes were also involved in the operation. The Irish Air Corps and Naval Service had been tracking the container ship over a number of days. In a statement, the Defence Forces said: A specialist team from the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) then deployed by helicopter on to the MV Matthew via fast rope insertion in challenging conditions. After the ship was made safe, the Garda units (Irish police) and customs officers boarded the vessel alongside the naval service. The naval service escorted the ship to an Irish port where it will be detained for a detailed search and investigation. Crowds of people lined the walls of Cobh harbour as the cargo ship was transported to a naval base on Haulbowline in Co Cork. Armed members of the Ranger Wing were seen on board alongside the ships crew members and other Defence Forces personnel. Three men, aged 60, 50 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and are detained at garda stations in Wexford. In a joint statement, Revenue and An Garda Siochana said: The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics (MAOC N) based in Lisbon, Portugal, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces commended the efforts of all personnel involved in the operation. Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: I would like to personally commend the courage, discipline and professionalism of all personnel involved in this successful operation. He said the multi-agency operation demonstrates the interoperability of the Defence Forces, underlining the unique capability that we bring to the defence of the State. He added: The significant intelligence-led planning by the joint task force enabled the co-ordination and execution of this complex multiagency operation. This operation demonstrated the importance of all services of the Defence Forces and their ability to operate in the most challenging of conditions. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee congratulated the State and international bodies involved in the operation. She said the drugs on board would have no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets. In a statement she said: It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally. She said it shows the success of An Garda Siochana in building coalitions to tackle transnational crime. Congratulations to @gardainfo @defenceforces @RevenueIE and partners on the brave and significant seizure today. The operation, which Commissioner Harris and A/C Kelly briefed me on yesterday, again shows the importance of international co-operation in tackling drugs gangs. pic.twitter.com/UOjvYU6c1B Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) September 26, 2023 Illegal drug distribution and misuse does untold damage to our communities. Criminals may seek to overcome the barrier of borders, but as shown today borders are not barriers to effective criminal co-operation. Tackling organised crime is a key priority for Government and is central to building safer, stronger communities. We will always provide An Garda Siochana with the support and resources they need. The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat ran aground off the east coast. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Co Wexford at about 10.10pm on Sunday. Waterford-based coast guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were sent to the scene where a fishing vessel was aground on a sandbank off the coast of Blackwater, Co Wexford. After attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful, the people aboard were successfully winched from the vessel. Both R117 and the Rosslare RNLI were subsequently stood down. Local senator, Erin McGreehan, has condemned the violence that erupted on the streets around Leinster House last week on the Dails return after the summer recess. About 200 protesters from the far-right gathered on Molesworth Street, Kildare Street and Merrion Street and began shouting abuse as politicians and Leinster House staff entered and exited Government Buildings. Garda intervention was needed to guide the politicians to safety. Gardai kept the protesters away from the main entrance to Leinster House, but it was while walking towards the building that politicians and others had to run the gauntlet on the mob, some of whom carried placards depicting among others Taoiseach Leo Vardaker, Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald and Minister for Education, Norma Foley. Mock gallows were erected at the height of the protest. Gardai later said that 13 arrests had been made. The behaviour throughout the day has been condemned by the three leaders of the government parties, all of whom were attending the United Nations in New York at the time. In a statement, Sen McGreehan said it was unfortunate that demonstrations can turn to acts of aggression. Violence and aggression against public representative is not new, but the frequency of the abuse has increased. We had the incident a few years where a Minister at the time, Joan Burton, and others, were unable to leave their car for hours after being trapped inside by protesters; and more recently, a Fianna Fail colleague of mine, Minister Anne Rabbitte, had a bag of faeces thrown at her. On a smaller scale, but not less concerning, the clinic where I hold meetings had a window smashed a number of weeks back. The senator added: We live in a democracy where people are allowed to protest. Almost every day groups gather outside the Dail for peaceful protests over a variety of issues, which they are entitled to do. Indeed, I have been involved myself in one. But what happened last week was different. This was violence where people going about their work were at risk of being injured. Violence only further divides us and hinders progress towards meaningful solutions. Spinal Injuries Ireland has published a pre-budget submission calling on the Government to automatically provide medical cards to 37 people from county Louth who are living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The organisation made the call as part of its pre-budget submission and also wants the Government to ensure that medical cards are provided to these 37 service users for a period of 10 years without review. Spinal Injuries Ireland estimates that 700 people, or almost one third of its 2,200 service users, do not have a medical card despite those who sustain a Spinal Cord Injury being medically certified as having a lifelong condition that requires medical support. It said that medical card holders in Louth and other counties were living in fear of HSE reviews that could result in the loss of their medical card and that this fear had also become a barrier to them returning to the workforce and achieving the optimal outcome from their rehabilitation. The system for determining eligibility for medical cards is arbitrary and inhuman. It is delaying or denying treatment and the supply of necessary equipment to many people living with a Spinal Cord Injury, and it is also preventing them from returning to work, said Fiona Bolger, CEO of Spinal Injuries Ireland. The current process of reviewing medical cards annually or once every three years has created a climate of fear and uncertainty. It is causing enormous distress and anxiety and it is making it extremely difficult for anyone with a Spinal Cord Injury to make long-term life plans, she added. Spinal Injuries Ireland is calling on the Government to automatically provide medical cards to people with a Spinal Cord Injury on the basis of their certified medical needs rather than their means and to extend the review cycle for medical card holders with a SCI to ten years, she continued. The organisation said that people with a Spinal Cord Injury had to evaluate the potential loss of their medical card when it came to pursuing employment opportunities because the weekly income thresholds for retaining the card were too low at 184 for a single person living alone, or 164 for a single person living with their family. Our research has found that up to 700 of our service users do not have a medical card. This is a sobering statistic when you consider that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has described a Spinal Cord Injury as one of the most devastating and life changing injuries that a person can sustain, said Ms. Bolger. 54% of those we work with have been subject to a medical card review. Young people, in particular, are living in fear of losing access to medical services if they return to work. They are choosing not to do so, or to only earn up to the income threshold, which impacts their opportunity to develop careers and to achieve social, psychological and intellectual fulfilment, she added. Spinal Injuries Ireland estimates that three people sustain a devastating Spinal Cord Injury every week in Ireland. Some lose the ability to walk and depending on the level of injury can also lose arm and hand function. A SCI can also result in serious secondary health issues including chronic pain, loss of body function, severe psychological distress, and financial issues. The experience is life changing for individuals who are suddenly faced with the cost of medical care, bowel and bladder care and pressure relieving equipment along with specialist requirements such as a motorised chair, a bed hoist and having to adapt their car or home to their new reality. In many cases people with a SCI are unable to return to their former employment. Spouses, family members or partners commonly give up their employment to provide them with home care. There is a huge loss of family income, and it is estimated that 25% of those with a SCI live below the poverty line, said Ms. Bolger. European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and the Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness; Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Simon Coveney TD; and Colm Markey MEP, were among the guests at a free business event focusing on North-East businesses at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) last week. DkIT says it was "delighted" to facilitate the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, whose event concentrated on the opportunities and challenges presented by the green economy and digital transformation. Richard Curran presenter of The Business radio show on RTE Radio One was master of ceremonies at the event and kicked off the proceedings by welcoming DkIT President Dr Diarmuid OCallaghan to the stage for a few words. This was followed by remarks from Minister Simon Coveney TD and then an address by Mairead McGuinness. Panel discussions were presented at the event which focused on the opportunities and challenges of the digital and green transition, and on the experiences of successful SMEs in the North-East. On the day, Minister Coveney, Commissioner McGuinness along with MEP Colm Markey got to meet a selection of DkIT Graduates from various industries in the region. These graduates gave the Minister a snapshot of their academic and professional career and highlighted what they took from their higher education in DkIT, how it prepared them for the workplace and how it instilled them with the academic know-how as well as the softer skills to succeed in their profession. This session was opened by Aidan Brown, Head of Innovation & Business Development, Regional Development Centre, DkIT and was facilitated by Elaine Cunniffe, Placement Development Officer Careers & Employability Centre, DkIT. The seven DkIT graduates who gave a description of their careers in the region since leaving DkIT included, Brendan Gallagher, Kaseya; Brianan Johnson, Overhaul; Tiernan Gonnelly, Leinster Rugby; Maureen Hoey, Mojo & Co; Billy Curran, Controlsoft; Orla McDonnell, OMD Consultants; Aoife Traynor, Statsports; and Steven Byatt, WuXi Biologics. Dr Diarmuid OCallaghan, President, DkIT said: This session with the graduates was so on-topic for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and provided a great context for why the staff of DkIT all get up every morning which is to assist in the education of the people of the region, so they can support socio-economic development in our community. "This was so elegantly presented by our graduates. It was powerful, and truly authentic. Dr OCallaghan added The Minister mentioned the warmth and commitment he felt on the campus, I felt it was a fantastic day for DkIT. Many staff were involved in making this day happen and portraying our institute in such a positive way to quite influential visitors. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment were also catered to by the Culinary Arts and Hospitality students of DkIT who provided lunch. THREE men have been arrested following a major drug smuggling investigation. Three males aged 60, 50 and 31 have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and are currently detained at Garda stations in Wexford. A Joint Task Force (JTF) comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, Naval Service and An Garda Siochana have implemented a co-ordinated operation at sea, which resulted in the detention of a Panamanian registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America, MV MATTHEW in the early hours of this Tuesday. According to a spokesperson for the gardai, a significant quantity of suspected controlled drugs were located onboard. "The Inter Agency operation was conducted using Naval and Air Corps assets and interagency personnel, including the Army Ranger Wing in challenging conditions off the South East coast. After Army Ranger Wing personnel secured the vessel, members of the Irish Navy, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenues Customs Service were transferred to the cargo vessel, which is currently under escort by Naval Ship to an Irish port," they commented. The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. The gardai added: "This intelligence led operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC (N)) based in Lisbon, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED." ITS been quite a journey for Bridget McGinty, whose culinary career has taken her from living in a car in McDonalds, where she worked as an 18-year-old, to owning and operating an award-winning restaurant, Tastebuds, in her native Cleveland, Ohio. It was a restaurant that ran on love and happiness and an addictive Greek salad! says Bridget, 52, and mum to her son Ari, 9. Now, 5,474 kilometres from home, Bridget has opened a new Tastebuds, in a small horse box in Coolbawn, Midleton, with the help of Ari. I ran Tastebuds for almost 20 years in Ohio, says Bridget. It was a fast-paced restaurant where myself and a staff of five fed 200 to 300 people a day in three hours from Monday to Friday. I loved the restaurant, but things went downhill during the pandemic. I was planning to move to Ireland. After the lengthy Covid lockdown restrictions, Bridget eventually made the difficult decision to close the restaurant, running out of both options and money as regulations made it more and more difficult for her to do the job she loved in the place she loved. The revival of Tastebuds wasnt in her initial plan when she moved to Ireland. I always wanted to be a writer, says Bridget. And what better place than in the land of story-telling to start? Fate had other plans. Tastebuds would have to support me in that endeavour, says Bridget. So the writing is on hold for now, but always in the pipeline. After two decades of running her beloved restaurant in the U.S, she swore shed never get into the industry again. But now Tastebuds, still operating on love and happiness and still popular for a Greek salad or a chicken panini, is a staple on Broderick Street, Midleton. Apart from the story-telling aspect of Ireland, why did Bridget choose Cork, and specifically Midleton to set up shop? Why not? she replies. I had always heard so much about Achill and Dublin for instance. The amazing people here are so friendly; the quality of life is so good. I needed to slow down a bit. Ive always been rushing around my whole life before I moved here. Bridget had Cork contacts too. A former mayor of Cleveland married a Cork woman who had a cousin in Midleton. She helped me source Educate Together for Ari because her girls go to that school. She gave me good information and good advice. There were other reasons why Bridget decided on East Cork for her business. In my 20s, I always harboured a desire to do a cookery course in Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry. I was desperate to go there but I had no funds or no way to get there, says Bridget. However, full of resilience and determination, she eventually reached her dream destination. When Ballymaloe hosted a food and wine festival in 2016, I got to experience that, she says. Did Ballymaloe live up to Bridgets expectations? It was absolutely fantastic. I stayed in Youghal, and I visited Galway and Dublin. However, Cork had found a place in her hearts. I went sightseeing in Cork city and I fell head over heels in love, says Bridget. Dublin was too much, and Achill was too little, she adds, laughing. Tastebuds, famous for its Mediterranean Salad, its Blue Walnut salad and Chicken Caesar Salad, washed down with home-made lemonade, is proving a hit with customers. Tastebuds took off right away, says Bridget. Even though I am only open a few weeks, I already have regular customers who come at the same time every day and have the same salad every day. Bridget cant believe her luck of the Irish. Who would have thought it, having regulars already and only open a couple of weeks! Business has been great, the weathers been good and people are out and about. Bridget is a grafter. I get pains in my legs, my knees, my feet and my hips, but its all worth it, she says. I am building a brand around wonderful people. Where did the cute horsebox come from? It was advertised on Cloyne Facebook marketplace, says Bridget. It was retrofitted to suit my needs. The friers were taken out and coolers for the salads were installed instead. I dont do a variety of coffees; I do an American-style gourmet blend of coffee that I created myself. Bridgets culinary creations are going down well. At the first restaurant, I found out what people wanted was some good, proper salads and Greek pasta. My food is my passion and everything was hugely popular back home. Bridget knows that the business world can be a roller-coaster. After the heartbreak of losing Tastebuds, I thought Id never do anything like this again, she says. But she dusted herself off and started again. But here I am! adds Bridget She makes all of her produce in her own kitchen, with a focus on using high quality ingredients. How does she transport her goods from her home in Towns Park, Mill Road, Midleton? I dont have a car, says Bridget. She has another mode of transport. I bought a trike! I load it up and head off downtown to my trailer. Bridget is delighted with her life and work in Midleton, where she has made lots of friends. I am glad that I made the move, she says. I thought maybe Id just be a writer but then the money ran out. Tastebuds was meant to be. I think it was Gods way, for me to be a chef and feed people, says Bridget. Tastebuds is reborn. I still cant believe it. How it all came together is nothing short of a miracle. Bridget quotes Abraham Lincoln. I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so his place will be proud of him. She says: This quote describes perfectly the sentiments I have been feeling and those I hope to convey. A seasoned American cook, who has a way with words, Bridget says Tastebuds is her passion. I love it here, she says. Thank you so much for stopping by. Tastebuds in the Coolbawn on Broderick Street, Midleton. Open Mondays to Thursdays, 11.30am to 3pm. Ballincolligs VMware premises hosted the official launch of the 2023 Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards by Finance Minister Michael McGrath. Tech Industry Alliance (TIA) is the new umbrella brand for it@cork and KerrySciTech, and the awards will take place on Friday 10 November in Rochestown Park Hotel. For over 16 years, the Leaders Awards have recognised annually those who have excelled in the technology sector in Irelands South West region of Ireland. From global multinationals to schools and start-ups, the Leaders Awards recognise those who have showcased their unique talents in the use of technology in their respective organisations and businesses. The Tech Industry Alliance Board at the launch of the 2023 Leaders Awards: Olga Walsh, Dell Technologies; John Sheehy, ViClarity; Sean Ryan, Aspen Grove Solutions; Gerry Murphy, Chairperson VMware; Mary O Donoghue, Trend Micro; Minister Michael McGrath; Louise O Neill, Berkley; Laura Hughes, Cloudera; Donagh Kiernan, Tenego Partnering; Sean McSweeney, MTU; and Donal Murray, Deloitte. Photography By Gerard McCarthy. Finance Minister Michael McGrath said he was delighted to be part of the TIA Leaders Awards. They are an endorsement of the diversity, passion and resilience of the tech sector and shine a light on those working together to drive innovation and growth across the region, Mr McGrath said. These awards recognise the technology, business and innovative contributions made by leaders and trailblazers across the South West. Speaking at the launch Gerry Murphy, TIA chairperson and senior programme manager with VMware, said he was honoured to be launching the 2023 Leaders Awards, and celebrating the innovation and ambition of the tech ecosystem in the South West. We have 10 award categories and nominees have always represented the highest standards and technological innovations, Mr Murphy said. Over the years, nominations reflected the dynamic nature of the tech sector in Cork and Kerry and we expect no different this year. This years awards are another milestone in the growth of our organisation as it is our first time hosting the awards under our new name, Tech Industry Alliance. With a network of members and stakeholders from over 250 ambitious tech-producing and tech-enabled organisations across the South West, TIA is one of the largest industry clusters in Ireland, including startups, scale-ups, multinational companies, academia and public sector organisations. Through a connected ecosystem, TIA supports and creates a vibrant region in which people, ideas and enterprises can thrive. Sponsors for this years Leaders Awards include Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, Trend Micro, Cork Smart Gateway, KPMG, Cork City Council, Fuzion Communications, Cork County Council, Enterprise Ireland, Barden and the Kinsale Spirit Company. Nominations for the Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards are now open and will remain open until October 6, 2023. Tickets can be reserved through info@techindustryalliance.ie. Find out more on www.techindustryalliance.ie. This years TIA award categories include tech start-up of the year; tech scale-up of the year; multinational corporation of the year; excellence in education; smart technology innovation award; tech Industry Alliance Skillnet best learning workplace award; diversity, inclusion and social impact award; environmental sustainability award; tech person of the year award; and chairperson award. ALMOST a quarter of the more than 300 parking fines issued in the MacCurtain St area since the start of the year have been issued to motorists parking on footpaths. According to the figures which were issued to Green Party councillor Oliver Moran by Cork City Council, of the 309 parking fines issued to date in the MacCurtain St area, 68 were for cars illegally parked on footpaths. 59 were issued for parking at a prohibited time, while 51 were for parking in a loading bay. Failure to display a valid parking disk resulted in 48 fines and 44 were for failure to display a current motor tax disk . Mr Moran said: The new public realm investment on MacCurtain St will improve the attractiveness of the area to visit. The residents and traders of the area have a great plan for investing in it. Unfortunately, thats being eaten away at by illegal parking, something people have been complaining about. Its not surprising that the largest number of fines issued is for parking on footpaths. Councillor Oliver Moran shared the figures. Even as the project is being worked on, motorists are squeezing onto footpaths and holding up traffic in bus stops. One of the issues contributing to the annoyance is the lack of a traffic warden service beyond daytime hours, Monday to Saturday, and the Green Party is currently negotiating to secure an out-of- hours traffic warden patrol in the city centre as part of the citys budget for 2024. The gardai have been very helpful in responding and doing out-of-hours operations, especially for blocking footpaths at night-time, but they would prefer the city to take over. Currently, wardens work daytime hours Monday to Saturday. For an area like MacCurtain St, which is a nighttime destination, patrolling the streets out-of-hours will be key to delivering for the area. A CORK woman is using her gift as a musician to help people navigating the trauma of heartbreaking brain injuries. Esther-Anna Bennett opened up about her role as a music therapist and day rehabilitation officer at Headway in Ballincollig where she is changing lives one note at a time. The organisation made the decision to take on Esther-Anna full-time after seeing the firsthand benefits music had on the rehabilitation outcomes of a number of their clients. Headway supports people from all walks of life living with the effects of a brain injury. While their premises is located in Ballincollig, their music therapy service is currently being rolled out in nursing homes across Cork. Esther-Anna, who leads the Headway Choir, said she works with clients of all ages. Headway has a number of clients who reside in nursing homes who I visit for individual or group sessions, she explained. People often think that only elderly people reside in nursing homes but this just isnt the case. Im working with people of all ages in nursing homes who are in their thirties right up to the age of 65. Its unfortunate that there are so many young people living in nursing homes but this is the best care currently available to them in Ireland, Ms Bennett said. There are others who come to us who might not require around the clock care but do benefit from community living. Some of the instruments used by Esther-Anna might be considered unconventional by some. They include a kazoo which uses the players voice to create a buzzing timbral sound. One of the clients in the choir uses a kazoo, she told The Echo. This is a mouth instrument, so you breathe and create sound when you blow air into it. You have to back it up with sound so he is creating sound when he plays it. This is a big thing for him because he presents as mostly non-verbal and only has a few words such as yes or no. He is basically strengthening the muscles around his mouth by playing it. You can actually see him mouthing the words and one or two people have heard him sing as well which is very cool, she said.. I myself have a ukelele and also play along with the piano or keyboard just to create that blanket of sound. Every client involved with Headway has their own unique story. The highest percentage of clients would have suffered a stroke but of course there are accidents too, Ms Bennett explained. They can range from vehicle accidents to workplace accidents that involve falling from heights or anything like that. There are also a small percentage of people who have acquired brain injuries as a result of physical assaults. She explained that trauma normally comes hand in hand with such an injury. The life that was there before their acquired brain injury is still part of them, she said. It means they have all the previous trauma and mental health difficulties that have come with this as well. With music therapy, were trying to create a place of wellness where people can express their feelings. Even though everyone is in the building together they are there for different reasons. However, they can still find support in each other as well. The UCC graduate described the rewarding nature of her position. I have a passion for music anyway, but when Im in a room with a group of people its great to see the ones who have had a rough day or week that can now end it on a lighter and happier note. To find out more about the charity visit https://headway.ie/ A man with more than 100 shoplifting convictions confessed to several more thefts from shops in Cork city amounting to more than 2,000 worth of stolen property. Judge Olann Kelleher said that the latest series of offences committed by 37-year-old Shane Murphy originally of Harcourt Place, Ballymacthomas, Cork, left shops in the city at a loss for a total of 2,084 worth of stolen property. The judge said that Shane Murphy had brought no compensation to Cork District Court and this loss would never be recovered by the stores. Judge Kelleher sentenced him to a number of prison sentences that resulted in a total jail term of 16 months for the accused. The judge said he had to consider the circumstances of the defendant but that he had to balance this with protection of shopkeepers. Sergeant Pat Lyons said the offences were committed between June 29 and August 7. In a four day period the accused stole property from Boots pharmacy on Patrick Street, stealing goods worth 264, 324, 120 and 130. He also committed offences at Centra on Patrick Street, Aldi in Bishopstown, Aldi in Douglas, Holland and Barrett in Wilton, Aldi in Blackpool and Dunnes in Ballyvolane. Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said: He has an untreated heroin addiction. He was homeless at the time. He has family based in Cork but is not allowed to live at home because of his heroin situation. Now he has come off all drugs and he will be allowed to return home when he is not on heroin. A NUMBER of childcare providers in Cork are set to close their doors until Friday as part of a three-day protest by members of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers (FECP). The Federation is calling for a change in funding for the sector, and members are today poised to gather outside Leinster House where they hope to shine a light on the challenges faced by their members. Some pre-schools and creches have also highlighted concerns around the amount of administration required to implement the government scheme which sees parents get two years of free pre-school education. Julie Murray, who owns St Marys Preschool in West Cork, said that changes to funding for the sector had a significant impact on her business. Two years ago, the ECCE Higher Capitation payment, which paid a higher rate of 80.25 (compared to the 69 they receive per child currently) for ECCE classes with a graduate room lead, was replaced by the Core Funding model. Ms Murray said, however, that Minister OGorman doesnt understand that one shoe doesnt fit all. She added: I felt that we were robbed by the minister because he took the higher capitation off us. That left me working at a loss for the last two years and Im one of so many providers like this, there are so many sad stories. Small providers like me are at the end of their tether, theyre so close to going under and theyre already a lot of money in debt. Ms Murray will close her business today as part of the protest. She explained that she had meetings with parents and that they have been completely understanding about the closure. They understand, they get it, the parents have been so supportive. This support has kept us going and its kept the fight in us. We want to continue providing that quality service to the parents and the children, because the children are the future, but were not babysitters, were educators, and we want recognition, she concluded. Local councillor and dad Declan Hurley has a son who attends her pre-school. He spoke to The Echo and said: To me, the strike is totally warranted. Mr Hurley added: Its an immensely important service. My son is three and has been attending preschool for a month, I see a huge transformation and development in his progress in that short time, they do amazing work in nurturing the kids and preparing them for primary school. Theres the child education side and the childcare side of it. Most families nowadays need two wages coming into a house to survive, a huge amount of parents need these services to allow them to go out and work. A TEENAGER sped off from gardai in a stolen car, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with another garda car and in a follow-up search a stash of drugs was found at his home. 19-year-old Cian OLeary of Churchfield Terrace, Churchfield, Cork, was jailed for seven months at Cork District Court and banned from driving for four years. He was accused of being in possession of Alprazolam tablets for sale or supply at his home on February 6, and having cannabis for sale or supply on the same date and place. The drugs were found in his bedroom and in a shed near his home. Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the total jail term of seven months on the accused on the drugs charges and for driving a stolen car and other charges related to that. Sergeant John Kelleher said, On February 6 2022 at 6.20 p.m. Garda Damien Cremin and Garda Peter Kelleher were on patrol on Knocknaheeny Avenue, Cork when they observed a silver Toyota Aqua (16-registered) pull out on to Knocknaheeny Avenue with no lights on. It was dark at the time and lighting in the area was very poor. Garda Cremin indicated for it to stop to speak to the driver but it failed to stop and drove at speed on Kilmore Road. It was driven towards Tadhg Barry Road and Dave McCarthy Road through a red light at high speed at the junction of Dave McCarthy Road and Harbour View Road. The car overtook vehicles at speed on Harbour View Road in to oncoming vehicles. It narrowly avoided a head-on collision with an unmarked patrol vehicle before eventually losing control and colliding with a parked vehicle on Churchfield Hill. Cian OLeary was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle had been unlawfully taken between February 4 and February 5. He was found in possession of a small quantity of cannabis herb and empty baggies. A search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act was executed at his address where 1,140 of cannabis herb and Alprazolam tablets with a value of 102 were found in his bedroom and in a shed at the rear of the premises. Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said the defendant was doing very well since he was remanded in prison and had been participating in educational courses. Mr Buttimer also said the teenager had pleaded guilty to the offences at the earliest opportunity. THE Director of Public Prosecutions has yet to decide on the venue for the case against a 35-year-old Cork woman accused of attacking and robbing a 15-year-old girl of a 300 necklace which she got for her Confirmation. Sergeant John Kelleher applied to have the accused remanded in custody until October 9 to allow time for DPP directions to be obtained and Judge Olann Kelleher acceded to that application at Cork District Court. Eddie Burke, solicitor, said that the defendants appearance in court on the next occasion should once again be by video link from prison. Michelle Harrington of Ravensdale Road, Mahon, Cork, said thanks as the case was adjourned. It is alleged that she carried out the robbery on a 15-year-old girl at around 4pm on September 3. Michelle Harrington said she spoke with the teenager and her two friends but had nothing to do with any attack or robbery. Garda Conor Cronin testified during a bail objection. At approximately 4pm two females aged 15 and 16 and a male aged 18 were together in an area beside the skate park at Mardyke Walk, talking and enjoying the sun," he said. They were approached by two females one of them being Michelle Harrington. At first the two females were talking normally to them. As the three began to leave, Michelle Harrington said they were not allowed to leave until they handed over money. The male handed over 9, the 16-year-old female handed over 4.80 and the 15-year-old female handed over 1 as that was all she had for the bus home. Michelle Harrington and the other female wanted more from this teenager and they attacked her. She was boxed in the face and body numerous times and kicked into the back. (Ms Harrington) caught the injured party in a head-lock and removed a chain from around her neck. She had gotten this for her Confirmation. A Caribbean bulk cargo ship boarded by gardai and members of the Army Ranger Wing, and containing a large quantity of suspected illegal drugs, docked at the Port of Cork this evening. The Panamanian-registered vessel, the MV Matthew, had been boarded in the early hours of this morning off the Cork and Waterford coast, following a co-ordinated operation carried out at sea by a joint taskforce comprising members of the Revenue Customs Service, the Naval Service, and An Garda Siochana. The ship, which was heading into international waters, did not stop when ordered by Irish Naval Service officers on board the LE William Butler Yeats, and the Naval Service vessel then fired warning shots. The MV Matthew was then boarded by armed Army Ranger personnel, who are understood to have abseiled onto the ship from an overhead helicopter in what have been described as challenging weather conditions. Once the vessel was secured, members of the Irish Navy, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB), and Revenues Customs Service were transferred to the ship, which was then escorted to Marino Point. Military personnel onboard MV Matthew as it was escorted into Cobh in Cork by the Irish Navy after a "significant quantity" of suspected drugs were found onboard. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire A statement from the garda press office said a significant quantity of suspected controlled drugs had been located onboard the MV Matthew. Three males aged 60, 50 and 31 have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and are currently detained at Garda stations in Wexford, a spokesperson said. Upon the cargo vessels arrival at Cork Port, it would be subjected to a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana, they added. The ship was impounded just 24 hours after it emerged a trawler that was being monitored on suspicion of carrying drugs had run aground on a sandbank off the Wexford coast late on Sunday night. The trawler, named the Castlemore, had left Castletownbere in West Cork on Friday night just hours after it had been sold in good faith to an unknown buyer. It is understood that gardai suspect the MV Matthew may have rendezvoused with the trawler off the south-east coast on Sunday, before the trawler subsequently ran aground. The cargo ship Matthew in Passage West, Cork as it makes its way to berth at the old IFI plant at Marino Point. Picture Dan Linehan In a statement to The Echo, Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin, praised those involved in the operation. I commend all involved in this multi-agency operation, and the bravery of the members of the Defence Forces, our Naval Service and Army Ranger Wing, he said. I have remained in regular contact with the Defence Forces Chief of Staff throughout the operation, and I pay tribute to the close cooperation between the Defence Forces, Naval Service, An Garda Siochana, and Revenue officials. The Tanaiste also stressed the importance of intelligence in the operation and a collective, pan-European response. He also thanked the Army Chief of Staff for the bravery shown by members of the Defence Forces. The garda press office said the operation, which had resulted in the impounding of the MV Matthew, had been intelligence-led and had been conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N), which is based in Lisbon, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED. MAOC-N is an initiative of seven EU member states: France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and the UK, with financial support from the Prevention against Crime Programme of the European Union, European Commission - Directorate - General Home Affairs. The centre provides a forum for multi-lateral cooperation to suppress illicit drug trafficking by sea and air. 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. (L-R) Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marapeand, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown, U.S. President Joe Biden and President of Kiribati Taneti Maamau in a group photo at the Pacific Islands Forum as part of the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit at the White House in Washington, DC on Sept. 25, 2023. The White House hosted the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit on Monday, during which President Joe Biden renewed the United States commitment to a partnership with the Pacific Islands. Biden announced plans to provide almost $200 million in funding for new activities and programs in the Pacific Islands, a press release from the White House said. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent will inform the programs priorities and activities. At the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit meeting at the White House on September 25, President Biden renewed our commitment to enhancing our partnership with the Pacific Islands, and the respective governments, to achieve our shared vision for a resilient Pacific region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity, where individuals can reach their potential, the environment can thrive, and democracy can flourish, the press release said. The White House also announced that the U.S. recognizes the independence of the Cook Islands and Niue, as well as the intention to establish a relationship with both nations. This momentous occasion celebrates our shared history, common values, and people-to-people ties. We also affirmed our shared values of promoting democracy, combating climate change, and supporting a free and open region that benefits people in the Pacific, the White House said. In furtherance of the U.S. goal of increasing its diplomacy and development in the region, U.S. embassies have been opened in Tonga and the Solomon Islands, with a plan to open one in Vanuatu next year. U.S. interest in opening an embassy in Kiribati is also being discussed. A Fiji USAID regional Pacific Mission has been opened, as well as a Country Representative Office in Papua New Guinea. USAID has plans to hire additional Pacific Islanders as it doubles its staff. The United States believes it is important to be guided by Pacific priorities and needs, and values a strong, unified, and resilient Pacific Islands Forum. To that end, the United States intends to provide $500,000, subject to Congressional notification, to strengthen the Pacific Islands Forums institutional capacity and increase U.S.-PIF cooperation, the White House said. The climate crisis continues to be of immediate concern to island nations due to their vulnerability to extreme weather and sea-level rise. Pacific Islands Forum Leaders declared five years ago that climate change is the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific, according to the press release. The White House said it will keep partnering with the Pacific Islands to strengthen the worldwide ambition to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, speed up the transition to clean energy and assist the Pacific Islands in adapting to and managing climate change impacts. [T]he United States considers that sea-level rise driven by human-induced climate change should not cause any country to lose its statehood or its membership in the United Nations, its specialized agencies, or other international organizations. The United States is committed to working with those States and others on issues relating to human-induced sea-level rise and statehood to advance these objectives, the White House said. The U.S. intends to give Pacific Islands nations $8 million for the expansion of the Information Services for Resilience Initiative, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will keep investing in climate and weather observations and provide essential communications services. They will also develop products and decision-support tools for all communities in the Pacific Islands to have effective early warnings access. We plan to build strong expert networks throughout the Pacific for integrating climate data and risk into island-led sustainable development, including through efforts being pioneered through the Local2030 Islands Network, which includes Pacific Island countries as well as Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Additionally, the Department of State continues to advance climate-based early warning for dengue fever and plans to convene a major pan-Pacific meeting on climate-health in 2024, the White House said. USAID also intends to help Pacific national governments and regional organizations access the climate finance necessary to support efforts to adapt to climate change, as well as to support grants for local communities to address their climate issues. Additionally, $12.2 million will be provided by USAID to reinforce national, regional and local disaster preparedness, as well as for the promotion of self-reliance throughout the region. A $1.5 million initiative to support implementation of the Pacific Communitys Pacific Energy and Gender Strategic Action Plan will seek to promote womens climate and clean energy leadership and economic security by increasing career and income generating opportunities for women and girls in 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories through pilot projects to promote women-owned businesses in the sale, distribution, and maintenance of renewable energy systems, and scholarships for women and girls to pursue studies in relevant science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, the press release said. A $50 million Microfinance Facility will be launched to provide expanded financial access for micro, small and medium Pacific Islands businesses. An emphasis will be placed on climate resilience, women-owned businesses and enterprises that are adaptation-focused. Sixty million dollars will also be provided for the promotion of economic development and support of sustainable fisheries and fisheries development and management. The U.S. Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative will provide funding to support sustainable, resilient and secure infrastructure. Under the umbrella of the Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative, the U.S. also intends to provide as much as $10 million for development and infrastructure projects, including preparation for healthcare, transportation, clean energy and digital projects. An additional $8 million will be provided by USAID for an initiative to increase economic competition and diversify trade. The initiative engages public and private partners to make the business environment and economic system more efficient, transparent, and resilient, while also providing transaction advisory services to make private sector infrastructure investments more competitive. Support also includes working with financial institutions to increase access to U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and other multilateral or bilateral financing facilities, direct financing products, and loan portfolio guarantees to increase fair, competitive, and transparent small- and medium-sized enterprise lending, the White House press release said. Development of climate-resilient infrastructure and donor coordination will be bolstered by $1.25 million in renewed funding for the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility. The Biden administration made a pledge last year to help Pacific Island nations stop what it called Chinas economic coercion, reported Reuters. The United States is committed to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure. Were committed to working with all the nations around this table to achieve that goal, Biden said at the summit welcoming ceremony, as Reuters reported. A joint statement by the Pacific Islands and the U.S. said their next summit will be in 2025, followed by political engagements every other year. The Australian lungfish is a river fish native to southeastern Queensland. According to fossil records, the ancestors of this ancient fish appeared about 380 million years ago. As their name suggests, lungfish dont just breathe with their gills, but also have a lung to supplement oxygen intake during unusual circumstances, such as when there is poor water quality, low water levels or during spawning season. Lungfish are the most closely related of any living creature to the first fish to crawl from the sea onto land. One particular lungfish, named Methuselah, was taken from her native waters in 1938, along with 231 other fish from Australia and Fiji, and brought to San Francisco on a steamship, a press release from the California Academy of Sciences said. She was then transported to the California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium, where she has been all these years. Methuselah has since become the oldest living fish in captivity at around 92 years old. Methuselah was previously thought to be roughly 84 years old. But now, using a new DNA method, scientists in Australia were able to test a small sample of her fins in order to get a more accurate estimate of 92 to 101 years old, reported The New York Times. Although we know Methuselah came to us in the late 1930s, there was no method for determining her age at that time, so its incredibly exciting to get science-based information on her actual age, said Charles Delbeek, curator of aquarium projects at Steinhart Aquarium, in the press release. Methuselah is an important ambassador for her species, helping to educate and stoke curiosity in visitors from all over the world. But her impact goes beyond delighting guests at the aquarium: Making our living collection available to researchers across the world helps further our understanding of biodiversity and what species need to survive and thrive. A study by Dr. David T. Roberts of Seqwater and Dr. Ben Mayne of CSIRO of more than 30 lungfish from the California Academy of Sciences and six other U.S. and Australian institutions will be used to create a living lungfish catalog in order to improve the accuracy of an earlier age clock based on DNA. For the first time since the Australian lungfishs discovery in 1870, the DNA age clock we developed offers the ability to predict the maximum age of the species, Dr. Mayne said in the press release. Accurately knowing the ages of fish in a population, including the maximum age, is vital for their management. This tells us just how long a species can survive and reproduce in the wild, which is critical for modeling population viability and reproductive potential for a species. It is a rare and valuable opportunity for researchers to access exceptionally long-lived fish such as Methuselah kept in the care of California Academy of Sciences, as it helps us understand maximum longevity of a species under ideal care conditions. Figuring out the age of such long-lived fish can be difficult, but the new DNA method allows for more accurate, non-invasive samples that can be used to continuously update the age clock for lungfish. By aging living lungfish from across the world we are creating a library of living lungfish that will enable Dr. Mayne, and other researchers working on longevity of the vulnerable Australian Lungfish, to continually recalibrate the aging clock as new and older aged samples of lungfish become available. Methuselahs age was challenging to calculate as her age is beyond the currently calibrated clock, Roberts added. This means her actual age could conceivably be over 100, placing her in the rare club of fish centenarians. While her age prediction will improve over time, she will always live beyond the calibrated age clock, as no other lungfish we know is older than Methuselah. A private institute in Kochi came into the limelight as the students of the institution took to the streets on Monday, September 25, to protest against the fraudulent practices carried out at the centre, according to a report by The New Indian Express. The students from the institute claim that they were promised assured jobs with airline companies during admission, but the institute failed to fulfill its commitments. However, such allegations have been refuted by the owner and managing director of the institute, saying that the students have deliberately besmirched the reputation of the organisation. Students angered as institute didn't keep its promise According to the students, the institute had assured them that job placements would commence as early as the third month of their one-year diploma course. The students further alleged that the centre had charged them a course fee of Rs 1.5 lakh a year, which is higher than what the other centres charge. They also say that they were willing to pay the amount as the institute lured them with the prospect of immediate job placements, especially with prestigious airlines like Qatar Airways. But in contrast to their expectations, none of the students after the completion of a year secured positions with Qatar Airways or even with any domestic airlines. And only a few students from the first two batches secured placements in Qatar but are not receiving the salaries originally promised. "Many of our seniors only managed to find jobs at local airports, working in cafeterias as waiters!" the students claimed. They also are demanding a refund of the fees they paid to the institute. Owner calls the accusations baseless A complaint was also filed by the owner against the protesting students, as they dismissed the allegations as baseless. "These students are making baseless accusations. How can we issue certificates or provide placements to students who haven't taken their exams or paid their fees?" he countered. The authority says that they have successfully placed students who completed their examinations, and further add that the protesting students are the only ones who haven't participated in the end-of-course examination. The owner of the institution says that he was forced to file a complaint after the students stormed into his office and verbally abused him and his family, including his wife. "I have learned that these students have caused similar issues at other institutes they attended," he said according to The New Indian Express. Nigeria's poultry farmers plead for government action to prevent collapse of industry Poultry farmers in Nigeria, particularly, in Lagos State, have called on the Nigerian government to intervene and prevent the imminent collapse of the domestic poultry industry. The development came following fuel subsidy removal, the devaluation of the naira and the attendant negative impact on poultry businesses. The farmers, under the aegis of the Erikorodo Poultry Association, made the appeal in a statement signed by its chairman, Juliana Ibitoye. They appealed to the government to provide support directly to farmers within the Erikorodo Poultry Estate. The association said that most of its members have lost their capital in the past one year and their businesses are on the verge of shutdown. "Over the last couple of months, the prices of poultry feeds have increased by over 100%," the association said. "This is as a result of the scarcity of maize, which is a major component of poultry (feed) production. The devaluation of the naira and the fuel subsidy removal have also impacted the industry adversely. "Most poultry farmers have resorted to selling off their birds since they are no longer able to feed them. Some others are selling their farms as there seems to be no hope in sight. "Farms within our estate employ over a thousand staff directly and more than 500 indirectly with several thousands also depending on these people for livelihood. Closure of these farms will throw many people out of employment, dim the hope of a better life for their families and adversely affect the food security drive of the government." The association also appealed to the government to provide grants and soft loans to farmers to enable them to resuscitate their businesses. It expressed its support for the establishment of commodity boards to help regulate the price of poultry products. 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Good luck!Question dactyloscopyFirst recorded in 190510; dactylo- + -scopydactylo-, dactylogram, dactylography, dactylology, dactylomegaly, dactyloscopy, -dactylous, dactylus, -dactyly, dad, dadaDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 What Is Statistical Significance?super graphics lucky cats slots Statistical significance is a determination made by an analyst that the results in the data are not explainable by chance alone. Statistical hypothesis testing is the method by which the analyst makes this determination. This test provides a p-value, which is the probability of observing results as extreme as those in the data, assuming the results are truly due to chance alone. A p-value of 5% or lower is often considered to be statistically significant. Key Takeaways Statistical significance is a determination that a relationship between two or more variables is caused by something other than chance. Statistical significance is used to provide evidence concerning the plausibility of the null hypothesis, which hypothesizes that there is nothing more than random chance at work in the data. Statistical hypothesis testing is used to determine whether the result of a data set is statistically significant. Generally, a p-value of 5% or lower is considered statistically significant. Statistically Significant Understanding Statistical Significance 1:26 Statistical significance is a determination about the null hypothesis, which suggests that the results are due to chance alone. A data set provides statistical significance when the p-value is sufficiently small. When the p-value is large, then the results in the data are explainable by chance alone, and the data are deemed consistent with (while not proving) the null hypothesis. When the p-value is sufficiently small (typically 5% or less), the results are not easily explained by chance alone, and the data are deemed inconsistent with the null hypothesis. In this case, the null hypothesis of chance alone as an explanation of the data is rejected in favor of a more systematic explanation. Statistical significance is often used for new pharmaceutical drug trials, to test vaccines, and in the study of pathology for effectiveness testing and to inform investors on how successful the company is at releasing new products. Examples of Statistical Significance Suppose Alex, a financial analyst, is curious as to whether some investors had advance knowledge of a company's sudden failure. Alex decides to compare the average of daily market returns prior to the company's failure with those after to see if there is a statistically significant difference between the two averages. The study's p-value was 28% (>5%), indicating that a difference as large as the observed (-0.0033 to +0.0007) is not unusual under the chance-only explanation. Thus, the data did not provide compelling evidence of advance knowledge of the failure. On the other hand, if the p-value were 0.01% (much less than 5%), then the observed difference would be very unusual under the chance-only explanation. In this case, Alex may decide to reject the null hypothesis and to investigate further whether some traders had advance knowledge. Statistical significance is also used to test new medical products, including drugs, devices, and vaccines. Publicly available reports of statistical significance also inform investors on how successful the company is at releasing new products. Say, for example, a pharmaceutical leader in diabetes medication reported that there was a statistically significant reduction in type 1 diabetes when it tested its new insulin. The test consisted of 26 weeks of randomized therapy among diabetes patients, and the data gave a p-value of 4%. This signifies to investors and regulatory agencies that the data show a statistically significant reduction in type 1 diabetes. Stock prices of pharmaceutical companies are often affected by announcements of the statistical significance of their new products. How Is Statistical Significance Determined? Statistical hypothesis testing is used to determine whether the data is statistically significant. In other words, whether or not the phenomenon can be explained as a byproduct of chance alone. Statistical significance is a determination about the null hypothesis, which posits that the results are due to chance alone. The rejection of the null hypothesis is needed for the data to be deemed statistically significant. What Is P-Value? A p-value is a measure of the probability that an observed difference could have occurred just by random chance. When the p-value is sufficiently small (e.g., 5% or less), then the results are not easily explained by chance alone and the null hypothesis can be rejected. When the p-value is large, then the results in the data are explainable by chance alone, and the data is deemed consistent with (while proving) the null hypothesis. How Is Statistical Significance Used? Statistical significance is often used to test the effectiveness of new medical products, including drugs, devices, and vaccines. Publicly available reports of statistical significance also inform investors on how successful the company is at releasing new products. Stock prices of pharmaceutical companies are often affected strongly by announcements of the statistical significance of their new products. Darling River New Word List Save This icy wilds online pokiesWord! Save ThisWord! nouna river in SE Australia, flowing SW into the Murray River. 1,160 miles (1,870 km). long. Words nearby Darling River How to use Darling River Darling River nouna river in SE Australia, rising in the Eastern Highlands and flowing southwest to the Murray River. Length: 2740 km (1702 miles) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!QuestionDarlan, Darlene, darling, Darling Downs, Darling Range, Darling River, Darlington, Darmstadt, darmstadtium, darn, darnationDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 Some words sound alike but dont mean the same thing. Such words are called homophones, and they are common in English and in other languages as well. Dryer and drier are just two examples of English homophones. There are quite literally hundreds of them from which to chose, but today, we are talking about these two. Drier and dryer are indistinguishable in spoken English; a skilled listener must depend on context to determine which word is being used. While the listener must rely solely on context to tell these words apart, in written English, readers have a letter spelling difference to guide them on the word to choose. While these words differ by just one letter in their spelling, they are different parts of speech, and cannot be substituted for one another. With that in mind, should you be writing drier or dryer? Continue reading to find out. What is the Difference Between Drier and Dryer? In this article, I will compare drier vs. dryer. I will use each word in at least one example sentence to illustrate its proper meaning and context. Plus, I will give you a helpful memory tool to help you decide whether you should choose dryer or drierwhen you are writing about things that are becoming less wet. When to Use Drier What does drier mean? Drier is a comparative adjective. It describes something that is less wet than something else. For example, My boots became much drier after I left them by the fireplace for a few hours. This merlot is deliciously tangy, but I gravitate toward much drier reds, Giovanni said. The carpet is drier over there, where my dog was not drooling on it, said Elora. Drier air also can trigger headaches. Despite it being cold outside, your body still loses a considerable amount of water through sweating and evaporation. The Richmond Register When you are referencing the weather, drieris the word of which you are thinking. Arizona, for example, is known for having a drier climate than that of Washington state. When to Use Dryer What does dryer mean? Dryer is a noun. It refers to a device that makes something less wet, for instance, a load of laundry or freshly washed hair. For example, Jamies hair dryer fell into the bathtub with her, and now she is dead. Theresa doubted very much that her husband had remembered to put their clothes in the dryer. The manufacturer has recalled all Volta 9000 hair dryer units after a lawsuit claimed the devices were responsible for several house fires. Todays dryers are loaded with sophisticated features such as moisture sensors, wrinkle shields and steam cycles. But many consumers are making very basic mistakes that affect how they work. The Washington Post As the examples indicate, the proper spelling is hair dryer, not hair drier. Similarly, after your clothes have been washed, you throw them in to the dryer, not the drier. Trick to Remember the Difference Although these two words are spoken identically, they are different parts of speech. If the word you are using is an adjective, you should choose drier. If, on the other hand, you are using the word as a noun, you will want to choose dryer. If you dont think you will be able to remember this, here is a helpful trick for dryervs. drier. You can remember that drier is an adjective since both drier and adjective contain the letter I. By considering these words spelling, you can remember drieralone functions as an adjective. Summary Is it drier or dryer? Drier and dryer are a set of English homophones that represent different parts of speech. What Is Principal,video poker keno cash frenzy casino Interest, Taxes, InsurancePITI? Principal, interest, taxes, insurance (PITI) are the sum components of a mortgage payment. Specifically, they consist of the principal amount, loan interest, property tax, and the homeowners insurance and private mortgage insurance premiums. PITI is typically quoted on a monthly basis and is compared to a borrower's monthly gross income for computing the individual's front-end and back-end ratios, which are used to approve mortgage loans. Generally, mortgage lenders prefer the PITI to be equal to or less than 28% of a borrower's gross monthly income. Key takeaways PITI is an acronym for principal, interest, taxes, and insurancethe sum components of a mortgage payment. Because PITI represents the total monthly mortgage payment, it helps both the buyer and the lender determine the affordability of an individual mortgage. Generally, mortgage lenders prefer the PITI to be equal to or less than 28% of a borrower's gross monthly income. PITI is also included in calculating a borrower's back-end ratio, the sum total of his monthly obligations against his gross income. Click Play to Learn All About PITI Understanding Principal, Interest, Taxes, InsurancePITI 1:49 Let's look at the quartet of components that make up PITI. Principal A portion of each mortgage payment is dedicated to repayment of the principalthe amount of the loan itself. So, on a $100,000 mortgage, the principal is $100,000. Loans are structured so the amount of principal repaid starts out low, and increases in subsequent years. Interest Interest is the price you pay for borrowing money (and the lenders reward for risking its funds on you). Mortgage payments in the early years of the loan are applied more to interest than principal; the ratio gradually shifts as time goes by. If the interest rate on our $100,000 mortgage is 6%, the combined principal and interest monthly payment on a 30-year mortgage would be about $599.55$500 interest + $99.55 principal. Taxes Real estate or property taxes are assessed by local governments and used to fund public services such as schools, police forces, and fire departments. Taxes are calculated on a per-year basis, but you can include them as part of your monthly mortgage repayments; the amount due is divided by the total number of mortgage payments in a given year. The lender collects the payments and holds them in escrow until the taxes are due. Insurance Like real estate taxes, insurance premiums can be paid with each mortgage installment and held in escrow until the bill is due. There are two types of insurance coverage that may be included: homeowners insurance, which protects the home and its contents from fire, theft, and other disasters; and private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is mandatory for people who buy a home with a down payment of less than 20% of the cost. FHA homeowners loansmortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)include a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). MIP is similar to private mortgage insurance, but it requires a large upfront payment, along with the monthly payments. PITI's Role in Mortgages Because PITI represents the total monthly mortgage payment, it helps both the buyer and the lender determine the affordability of an individual mortgage. A lender will look at an applicant's PITI to determine if they represent a good risk for a home loan. Buyers may tote up their PITI to decide if they can afford to purchase a particular home. The front-end ratio compares PITI to gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer a front-end ratio of 28% or less, though a few will let borrowers exceed 30%, or even 40%. For example, the front-end ratio of a PITI totaling $1,500 to a gross monthly income of $6,000 is 25%. The back-end ratio, also known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI), compares PITI and other monthly debt obligations to gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer a back-end ratio of 36% or less. Suppose the borrower above has two regular monthly obligations: a $400 car payment and a $100 credit card payment; the back-end ratio would be 33% (PITI: $1,500 + $400 +$100 / $6,000 = 33%). Some lenders also use PITI to calculate reserve requirements a borrower should have. Lenders require reserves to secure mortgage payments in the event a borrower temporarily suffers an income loss. Often, lenders quote reserve requirements as a multiple of PITI. Two months of PITI represents a typical reserve requirement. If subjected to this requirement, the borrower from the above example would need $3,000 in a depository account to be approved for a mortgage. Special Considerations Not all mortgage payments include taxes and insurance. Some lenders do not require borrowers to escrow these costs as part of their monthly mortgage payment. In these scenarios, the homeowner pays insurance premiums directly to the insurance company and property taxes directly to the tax assessor. The homeowner's mortgage payment, then, consists of only principal and interest. Even if not escrowed, most lenders still consider the amounts of property taxes and insurance premiums when calculating front-end and back-end ratios. Moreover, additional mortgage-related monthly obligations, such as homeowner's association (HOA) fees, may be included in PITI for the calculation of debt ratios. Is Property Tax Included in PITI? It depends. Some mortgage payments don't include taxes and insurance. In this case, the homeowner pays insurance premiums directly to the insurance company and property taxes directly to the tax assessor. What Does PITI Stand For? PITI is an acronym for principal, interest, taxes, and insuranceall of the standard components of a mortgage payment. Because PITI represents the total monthly mortgage payment, it helps both the buyer and the lender determine the affordability of an individual mortgage. What Is Principal and Interest? Your principal is the money that you originally agreed to pay back. Interest is the cost of borrowing the principal. For example, if the interest rate on a $100,000 mortgage is 6%, the combined principal and interest monthly payment on a 30-year mortgage would be about $599.55$500 interest + $99.55 principal. What's the Maximum PITI? The front-end ratio compares PITI to gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer a front-end ratio of 28% or less, though a few will let borrowers exceed 30%, or even 40%. For example, the front-end ratio of a PITI totaling $1,500 to a gross monthly income of $6,000 is 25%. The Bottom Line PITI, or principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, refers to all of the normal components of a mortgage payment. Because PITI contains everything that homeowners will typically have to pay toward their mortgage on a monthly basis, it is a useful way of working out whether a person can afford a mortgage. To make that calculation, a borrower's PITI is compared to their monthly gross income. Generally, mortgage lenders prefer the PITI to be equal to or less than 28% of a borrower's gross monthly income. This indicates that they should be able to afford to repay the mortgage loan they are applying for. How exactly is the color (colour?) between white and black supposed to be spelled? Is it grey or gray? Do they mean the same thing? And which is correct? These are probably some of the most frequently asked questions my readers write in to ask me, so today Im going to address this problem head on. In this post, we will finally solve the grey vs. gray debate, so that you will never have to second-guess yourself while writing these words again. Whats the Difference Between Grey and Gray? Grey and Grayboth can function as adjectives, nouns, and verbs, with all uses centering on the color intermediate between black and white. For example, He is wearing a grey sweatshirt. (Adjective) You need to add more gray into the mixture. (Noun) My hair quickly grayed after my thirties. (Verb) So youre probably still asking yourself, Okay, when do I know when to use gray or grey? The answer is that the difference between them is entirely dialectal. There is no demonstrable difference of sense or function between them, meaning both words can be used interchangeably. Thats right; using grey or gray is acceptable. When to Use Grey Even though the only thing separating grey and gray is a dialectical difference, it is still important to keep the audience in mind while you are using these words. Grey(with an E) is the preferred choice in British English. If you find yourself writing to a British audience in an English newspaper or magazine, greyis the word choice you will want to use. As the above chart indicates, grey is much more preferred in British English. When to Use Gray Gray(with an A) is the preferred choice in American English. Similarly, if you find yourself writing to an American audience, you will want to use gray. In fact, the AP Stylebook requires the use of gray, not grey. As the above chart shows, grayis favored in American English. Exceptions to the Rule While it is generally acceptable to use these words interchangeably, there are few instances where you cannot and one form is absolutely required over the other. The first is with proper names. This one should be self-explanatory. If someones last name is Grey, you cannot spell it Gray and have that be acceptable. The second is the name of the dog breed Greyhound. This name cannot be changed, and, interestingly enough, actually has nothing to do with the color of the dog. The same thing goes for the busing company Greyhound Lines. This cannot be changed. The third and final exception is with the scientific measurement called the gray. This measures absorption of one joule of radiation energy by one kilogram of matter. This cannot be changed. History of Gray/Grey The modern day spelling of gray (grey) actually comes from the Old English grg. Throughout the centuries there have been many variations in spellings, ei and eyand ai and ay. There have also been attempts to distinguish grey and gray into different colors or hues, with the color gray being a simply black and white mixture but the color grey being slightly bluer. Perhaps this is why national surveys in both England and the United States show that many people believe these are actually two different hues, even though they arent. Despite the complicated history, all you need to know is that they are used for different audiences. Remember the Difference A great trick to remember when to use which of these two words is that Grayis used in America and Greyis used in England. Summary So, how do you spell grey? Well, even though people get confused on the gray vs. grey debate, they can actually be used interchangeably. It is still important, however, to keep your audience in mind. BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory letter to the Global Sustainable Transport Forum. Building a sustainable transport system that is safe, convenient, efficient, green, economical, inclusive, and resilient is a major move to support high-quality economic and social development and realize the vision of enjoyable travel for passengers and smooth transport of goods, Xi said. China is accelerating building up its strength in transport and will continue to promote global transport cooperation, providing new opportunities for the world with its own development, Xi said. Following the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China is ready to work with other countries to make the benefits of sustainable transport better delivered to people all over the world, Xi said. Xi vowed contribution to the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the realization of the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. Themed "Sustainable Transport: Working Together to Promote Global Development," the forum, held by the Ministry of Transport, opened here Monday. Illustration: Liu Rui/GT Over the last 40 years,the Chinese government has lifted over 800 million people out of extreme poverty - defined by the World Bank as people living with incomes below $1.90 per day. This enormous achievement should not simply be viewed from a Chinese perspective, as it also has an impact that goes beyond China's borders, accounting for around 75 percent of extreme poverty reduction in the world. China's fight against poverty has contributed to the well-being of the largest number of people in human history.Over the last few decades, China has been the main engine of economic growth in the world. China's economic growth in the period is one important reason why many countries in East Asia have been able to experience robust economic growth and cushion themselves against economic downturns and financial crises.Just like ancient Chinese inventions such as papermaking, printing and the compass that made an enormous contribution to the world, the modern age Chinese inventions and breakthroughs in sectors such as space technology, AI, biotechnology, renewables, and robotics are adding a great deal of value to human development, not only in China, but also to the world at large.Especially, developing nations across the world, from Asia to Latin America, are China's natural partners. China is the globe's largest consumer of raw materials, and many developing nations are major minerals exporters, making their relations mutually beneficial for capturing complementarities and synergies. After all, over the past several decades, it's the developing nations that have been keeping the global economy running.China is viewed as a threat by some in the West, not only because of its rising economic, technological, geopolitical and military power in Asia, but also because it's helping other powers rise, disrupting the old hegemonic world order and its sub-global orders.The fact that China has experienced devastating defeats and humiliation but managed to make a marvelous comeback within the span of less than 200 years should be a reason for celebration and a source of inspiration for the world. But, sadly, some narrow-minded ideologues in the West find this fact a source of threat.One reason some Western countries try to portray China as a threat is their desire to contain China's rise. It has little to do with their security, but it has a lot to do with their self-perceived global dominance, which has been fading away.China is not a threat to the US; the US is secure, surrounded by oceans and friendly neighbors. China, along with other emerging nations such as India and South Africa, is demanding a just and fair power distribution in the current system of global governance. The US' fears stem from the prediction that it won't be the sole world hegemon anymore and it won't be able to dictate to the world any longer. It's this loss of world hegemony that China's rise has accelerated that's making some in the West view China as a threat.Also, by developing technologically and economically, China proves to the world, especially to developing nations, that they don't need Western "liberal democracy" to develop; they can follow their own path of development.When some ideologues in the West say "China is the most dangerous threat to the democratic world in the 21st century," what they actually mean is "China is a major threat to the West's hegemonic position in the world." The fact of the matter is that many democracies don't consider China a threat.Unfortunately, nowadays, some in the West, especially in the US, openly admit "China's development is a threat to us" as if China and other nations are not allowed to develop. This is an outdated mind-set from the long-gone era of colonialism and imperialism.However, those in the West cannot stop this transition in the world order - the best they can hope for is a slight delay in the short term, but it will incur a huge cost for themselves. The world system transformation is not driven by the growing power of China only, but also by that of other rising and re-emerging nations such as India, Indonesia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria.The US' number one threat is not China; it's the arrogant and reckless approach of some US establishment members and their allied peers toward the rest of the world; it's the visible internal decay of the US; it's the widespread sense of insecurity; it's the lack of self-confidence; it's the lack of trust in the government and its institutions; it's the prevalent belief that there's systemic injustice and inequality; it's the system's inability to deliver to the people.Because of the efforts by Arab states, rising Chinese soft power, and the declining credibility of those who try to perpetuate the "China threat" theory in the Arab world, the "China threat" narrative has not gotten traction in the Arab world.This article was compiled by Global Times reporter Yu Jincui based on an interview with Ebrahim Hashem, former adviser to the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, an authority responsible for Abu Dhabi's long-term strategies, and Asia Global fellow at the Asia Global Institute at the University of Hong Kong. [email protected] M.A., History of Art, The Courtauld Institute of Art B.A. History of Art, Yale University Surrealist painter Remedios Varo is best known for her canvases depicting spindly-limbed, heart-faced figures with wide eyes and wild hair. Born in Spain, Varo spent much of her young adulthood in France and eventually settled in Mexico City after fleeing there during World War II. Although never officially a member of the surrealist group, she moved in the close circle around its founder, Andre Breton. Fast Facts: Remedios Varo Known For: Spanish-Mexican surrealist artist who blended the imagery of surrealism with a classical artist's education Spanish-Mexican surrealist artist who blended the imagery of surrealism with a classical artist's education Born: December 16, 1908 in Angles, Spain December 16, 1908 in Angles, Spain Parents: Rodrigo Varo y Zajalvo and Ignacia Uranga Bergareche Rodrigo Varo y Zajalvo and Ignacia Uranga Bergareche Died: October 8, 1963 in Mexico City, Mexico October 8, 1963 in Mexico City, Mexico Education: Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando Mediums: Painting and sculpture Painting and sculpture Art Movement: Surrealism Surrealism Selected Works: Revelationor The Watchmaker(1955), Exploration of the Source of the Orinoco River(1959), Vegetarian Vampires(1962), Insomnia(1947), Allegory of Winter(1948), Embroidering the Earth's Mantle(1961) Revelationor The Watchmaker(1955), Exploration of the Source of the Orinoco River(1959), Vegetarian Vampires(1962), Insomnia(1947), Allegory of Winter(1948), Embroidering the Earth's Mantle(1961) Spouses: Gerardo Lizarraga, Benjamin Peret (romantic partner), Walter Gruen Gerardo Lizarraga, Benjamin Peret (romantic partner), Walter Gruen Notable Quote: "I do not wish to talk about myself because I hold very deeply the belief that what is important is the work, not the person." Early Life Remedios Varo was born Maria de los Remedios Varo y Uranga in 1908 in the Girona region of Spain. As her father was an engineer, the family travelled often and never lived in one city for very long. In addition to traveling across Spain, the family spent time in Northern Africa. This exposure to world culture would eventually find its way into Varos art. Raised within a strict Catholic country, Varo always found ways to rebel against the nuns who taught her in school. The spirit of rebellion against imposing authority and conformity is a theme seen throughout much of Varos work. Varos father taught his young daughter to draw with the instruments of his trade and instilled in her an interest in rendering with precision and focus on detail, something that she would draw on throughout her life as an artist. From an early age she exhibited an unnatural talent for creating figures with personality, an aspect of her character that her parents encouraged, despite the relative lack of prospects for female artists at the time. She entered the prestigious Academia de San Fernando in Madrid in 1923 at the age of 15. It was around the same time that the surrealist movement, founded in Paris by Andre Breton in 1924, made its way to Spain, where it captivated the young art student. Varo made trips to the Prado Museum and was drawn into the work of proto-surrealists like Hieronymous Bosch and Spains own Francisco de Goya. An image of Spanish painter Remedios Varo, honored on an altar during the Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations.OMAR TORRES / Getty Images While at school she met Gerardo Lizarraga, whom she married in 1930 at the age of 21, partially to escape her parents household. In 1932, the Second Republic of Spain was founded, the result of a bloodless coup, which deposed King Alfonso VIII. The young couple left for Paris, where they stayed a year, captivated by the citys artistic avant-garde. When they eventually moved back to Spain, it was to the bohemian Barcelona, where they were a part of its burgeoning art scene. She would return to France a few years later. Life in France The situation in Spain reached new heights while Varo was living in France. As a result, General Franco closed the borders to all nationals with Republican sympathies. Varo was effectively barred from returning to her family under threat of capture and torture due to her political leanings. The reality of her situation was devastating to the artist, as she began life as a political exile, a status which would define her until she died. Though still married to Lizarraga, Varo began a relationship with the much older surrealist poet Benjamin Peret, a fixture in the surrealist circle. Varo was briefly imprisoned by the French government due to her association with the communist-leaning Peret, a ghastly experience she would never forget. Perets status as one of the elder surrealists (and a good friend of Bretons), however, ensured their relationship would withstand such trials. Though never officially accepted by Breton, Varo was deeply involved with the surrealist project. Her work was included in the 1937 edition of the Surrealist journal Minataure, as well as in the International Surrealist Exhibitions in New York (1942) and Paris (1943). Au Bonheur Des Dames (Au Bonheur Des Citoyens) (1956) by Remedios Varo.EMMANUEL DUNAND / Getty Images The Mexico Years Varo arrived in Mexico in 1941 with Peret, having escaped Nazi encroachment in France through the port of Marseilles. The emotional trials of transition made it difficult for Varo to begin painting with the same force she did in Europe, and the first few years in Mexico saw the artist focus more on writing than art. Among these writings are a series of prank letters, in which Varo would write to a person at random, asking him or her to visit her at a future date and time. To earn money, she took up a series of odd jobs that centered around painting, which included costume design, advertising, and a collaboration with a friend painting wooden toys. She frequently worked with the pharmaceutical company Bayer, for which she designed advertisements. Friendship With Leonora Carrington Varo and fellow European exile Leonora Carrington (who was born in England and also fled Europe during World War II) became close friends while in Mexico City, a friendship which can be evidenced in the clear sharing of ideas apparent in their paintings. The two often worked collaboratively and even co-wrote several works of fiction. Hungarian photographer Kati Horna was also a close friend of the pair. Invocacion (1963) by Remedios Varo. EMMANUEL DUNAND / Getty Images Maturity as an Artist In 1947, Benjamin Peret returned to France, leaving Varo in the romantic company of a new lover, Jean Nicolle. This entanglement did not last, however, but soon gave way to a relationship with a new man, Austrian writer and refugee Walter Gruen, whom she married in 1952 and with whom she would remain until her death. It was not until 1955 that Varo hit her stride as an artist, as she was finally afforded a period of uninterrupted time to paint, free from the burdens of worry due to her husbands financial stability. Along with a prolonged period of production came her mature style, for which she is known today. Her group show in 1955 at Galeria Diana in Mexico City was met by such critical success that she was quickly awarded a solo show the following year. By the time of her death she had consistently sold out her gallery shows, often before they opened to the public. After decades of emotional, physical, and financial struggle, Varo was at last able to support herself on the strength of her artwork. Varo died unexpectedly in 1963 at the age of 55, from an apparent heart attack. Legacy Varos posthumous career has been of even more repute than the brief years of flourishing she saw at the end of her life. Her work has been given many retrospectives beginning the year after her death, which was followed by retrospectives in 1971, 1984, and most recently in 2018. Her death was lamented far beyond the close group of artists she had built around herself in exile, but extended to a world devastated to learn of the artists untimely death, as she no doubt had many years of creative expression left in her. Though she was never formally a part of the group, Andre Breton posthumously claimed her work as part of the surrealist cause, an act Varo herself may have found ironic, as she was known to disparage surrealisms insistence on automatic production, a core tenet of Bretons school. The originality of her work, which combined a meticulous attention to layered and lustrous painted surfacesa technique Varo learned in her classical painting classes back in Spainwith the deep psychological content still resonates with the world today. Sources Darmstadt [ dahrm-stat; German dahrm-shtaht ]/ drm stt; German drmtt / New Word List Save This davincis gold casino no deposit bonus codes 2022Word! [ dahrm-stat; German dahrm-shtaht ]/ drm stt; German drmtt /Save ThisWord! nouna city in SW central Germany, S of Frankfort: former capital of Hesse. Words nearby Darmstadt How to use Darmstadt Darmstadt/ (dmstt, German darmtat) / nounan industrial city in central Germany, in Hesse: former capital of the grand duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt (15671945). Pop: 139 698 (2003 est) Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondarling, Darling Downs, Darling Range, Darling River, Darlington, Darmstadt, darmstadtium, darn, darnation, darned, darnedestDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 What Is Irrational Exuberance?mardi gras magic free spins Irrational exuberance refers to investor enthusiasm that drives asset prices higher than those assets' fundamentals justify. The term was popularized by former Fed chair Alan Greenspan in a 1996 speech, "The Challenge of Central Banking in a Democratic Society." The speech was given near the beginning of the 1990s dot-com bubble, a textbook example of irrational exuberance: "But how do we know when irrational exuberance has unduly escalated asset values, which then become subject to unexpected and prolonged contractions as they have in Japan over the past decade? And how do we factor that assessment into monetary policy?" Key Takeaways Irrational exuberance is unfounded market optimism that lacks a real foundation of fundamental valuation, but instead rests on psychological factors. The term was popularized by former Fed chair Alan Greenspan in a 1996 speech addressing the burgeoning internet bubble in the stock market. Irrational exuberance has become synonymous with the creation of inflated asset prices associated with bubbles, which ultimately pop and can lead to market panic. Breaking Down Irrational Exuberance Irrational exuberance is widespread and undue economic optimism. When investors start believing that the rise in prices in the recent past predicts the future, they are acting as if there is no uncertainty in the market, causing a positive feedback loop of ever-higher prices. It is believed to be a problem because it can give rise to bubbles in asset prices. But, when the ultimately bubble bursts, investors quickly turn to panic selling, sometimes selling their assets for less than they're worth based on fundamentals. The panic that follows a bubble can spread to other asset classes, and can even cause a recession. The investors who get hit the hardest the ones who are still all-in just before the correction are the overconfident ones who are sure that the bull run will last forever. Trusting that a bull won't turn on you is a sure way to get yourself gored. Alan Greenspan raised the question of whether central banks should address irrational exuberance via a preemptive tight monetary policy. He believed that central should raise interest rates when it appears that a speculative bubble is beginning to take shape. Example: The Late 1990's Dotcom Bubble Fed Chair Alan Greenspan warned the markets about their irrational exuberance on December 5, 1996. But he did not tighten monetary policy until the spring of 2000, after banks and brokerages had used the excess liquidity the Fed created in advance of the Y2K bug to fund internet stocks. Having poured gasoline on the fire, Greenspan had no choice but to burst the bubble. The stock market crash that followed erased more than four years of gains in the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index and wiped out many billions of dollars in market capitalization. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Irrational Exuberance, The Book Irrational Exuberanceis also the name of a 2000 book authored by economist Robert Shiller. The book analyzes the broader stock market boom that lasted from 1982 through the dotcom years. Shiller's book presents 12 factors that created this boom and suggests policy changes for better managing irrational exuberance. The book's second edition, published in 2005, warns of the housing bubble burst which ended up occurring three years later in 2008, and led to the Great Recession. harmony one crypto newsshows grade level based on the word's complexity. decreasing term insurance New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nouna life insurance policy providing a death benefit that decreases throughout the term of the contract, reaching zero at the end of the term. Words nearby decreasing term insurance How to use in a sentence But on Thursday Boxer triggered a Golden State political earthquake, announcing that she would not seek a fifth term in 2016. The Golden State Preps for the Red Wedding of Senate Races|David Freedlander|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Golden State Preps for the Red Wedding of Senate Races|David Freedlander|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST His life as a man is built around health insurance and tax services. Houellebecqs Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Houellebecqs Incendiary Novel Imagines France With a Muslim President|Pierre Assouline|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST Term limits could be a prescription to speed change along. The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST Wrapees was the term marines used for the Japanese because they had wrapping round their legs. The Story Behind Lee Marvins Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST This was later repurposed in Europe as an explanation for racial superiority, and the term Aryan came to define a white race. The Himalayas Hidden Aryans|Nina Strochlic|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Himalayas Hidden Aryans|Nina Strochlic|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST So he bore down on the solemn declaration that she stood face to face with a prison term for perjury. The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden All changes are to be Rang either by walking them (as the term is) or else Whole-pulls, or Half-pulls. Tintinnalogia, or, the Art of Ringing|Richard Duckworth and Fabian Stedman Tintinnalogia, or, the Art of Ringing|Richard Duckworth and Fabian Stedman These practical demonstrations occurred usually in the opening enthusiasm of the term. The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells I shall show how it is possible thus to prolong life to the term set by God. The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor But men, through neglecting the rules of health, pass quickly to old age, and die before reaching that term. The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondecouple, decoupling, decoy, decrease, decreasing, decreasing term insurance, decree, decree absolute, decree-law, decree nisi, decreetDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 What Is the Percentage of Completion Method?hedge fund and mutual fund difference The percentage of completion method is an accounting method in which the revenues and expenses of long-term contracts are recognized as a percentage of the work completed during the period. This is in contrast to the completed contract method, which defers the reporting of income and expenses until a project is completed. The percentage-of-completion method of accounting is common for the construction industry, but companies in other sectors also use the method. Key Takeaways The percentage of completion method reports revenues and expenses in terms of the work completed to date. This method can only be used if payment is assured and estimating completion is relatively straightforward. The percentage of completion method has been misused by some companies to boost short-term results. Understanding the Percentage of Completion Method The percentage of completion method of accounting requires the reporting of revenues and expenses on a period-by-period basis, as determined by the percentage of the contract that has been fulfilled. The current income and expenses are compared with the total estimated costs to determine the tax liability for the year. For example, a project that is 20% complete in year one and 35% complete in year two would only have the incremental 15% of the revenue recognized in the second year. The recognition of income and expenses on this work-in-progress basis applies to the income statement, but the balance sheet is handled the same way as the completed contract method. There are two main conditions for the use of the percentage of completion method. First, collections by the company must be reasonably assured; second, the company must be able to reasonably estimate costs and the rate of project completion. Examples of the Percentage of Completion Method The percentage of completion accounting method is commonly used by construction firms that are contractors for buildings, energy facilities, public sector infrastructure, and other long-term physical projects. It has also been used by defense contractors (think nuclear submarines or aircraft carriers) and software developers whose projects represent a multi-year commitment of resources. For software developers, the product must be a significant custom-designed project for a client. Fluor Corporation, a global engineering and construction firm, provides details about its use of the percentage of completion method in its 10-K filing under "Note 1 - Major Accounting Policies" of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. An analyst would learn that changes to total estimated contract costs or losses, if any, are recognized in the period in which they are determined by the company. Income recognized in excess of billed amounts is booked as a current asset under "contract work in progress" and billed amounts to clients in excess of income recognized to date are booked as a current liability under "advance billings on contracts." Potential for Abuse of the Percentage of Completion Method Percentage of completion method is vulnerable to abuse by unethical companies. Those who wish to engage in creative accounting can easily move around income and expenses from one period to another period, understating or overstating amounts. This game would not be sustainable, however, as Toshiba Corp. discovered in 2015. The infrastructure unit of the Japanese conglomerate understated operating costs by approximately 152 billion yen ($1.2 billion) between 2008 and 2014. Shortly after the scandal broke, the CEO was forced to resign, and half the Board of Directors stepped down. Its an old saying that you cant have light without darkness, and for the universe its also very much true that you cant have darkness without light. Failing to pass another round could mean were going back into the economic darkness, were going back into recession, he declares. The shadows resemble the lines of darkness, known as crepuscular rays, that youll often see around clouds lit from behind by the sun. The Darth Vader density distribution is so highly packed on the four- or five-level of darkness, but it doesnt mean that he cant every now and then have these moments where things slip through, and he saves his sons life, who he cares about. You take your seat just in time and wait for the darkness to swallow you up. The first murder|Katie McLean|August 19, 2020|MIT Technology Review And then that chorus kicks in, and the young lady formerly known as Lizzy Grant transforms into the princess of darkness. The 14 Best Songs of 2014: Bobby Shmurda, Future Islands, Drake, and More|Marlow Stern|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST Light trumps darkness, hope beats despair, grace wins over sin, love defeats hate, life conquers death, the cardinal said. 'Please Don't Die!': The Frantic Battle to Save Murdered Cops|Michael Daly|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST The city of Stanleyvillenow called Kisanganiwas a majestic port city as deep as one can go into the Heart of Darkness. The Congo's Forgotten Colonial Getaway|Nina Strochlic|December 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST But when the darkness closes in, we actually run to fairy tales and fables. On Torture, Chuck Johnson & Sondheim|James Poulos|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST He was kept in total darkness, kept cold, had music blasted at him and was shackled and hooded. Inside the CIAs Sadistic Dungeon|Tim Mak|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST A few, very few, little dots had run back over that green patchthe others had passed down into the world of darkness. Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton In the darkness and confusion I did not distinguish the face of the man who rendered me this assistance. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various The sudden pall of darkness in this strange house of mystery was just a tiny bit awesome. The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman Thus night fell, and darkness settled down about him, relieved only by the red glow of the logs smouldering on the hearth. St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini French Open champion Li Na of China was forced to quit her first-round match at the WTA Paris crypto and gambling today liobetIndoor Open on Tuesday because of injuries. Third-seeded Li withdrew while trailing Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 7-6 (7-5), 3-2 at the Paris-Coubertin Stadium. Li was visibly suffering with a back problem and finally abandoned the match after receiving treatment courtside. Earlier Serbias Jelena Jankovic, the fourth seed, withdrew after failing to recover from a left thigh injury she picked up during her win over Belgium Kirsten Flipkens in Serbias Fed Cup World Group first round success last weekend. Germanys Mona Barthel reached the second round after beating Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2 with another Czech Petra Cetkovska easing past Italys Alberta Brianti 6-3, 6-3. Xinhua Li Na out of Paris WTA Openadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline A passenger plane from Chinas Taiwan made an emergency landing Sunday at an airport in central Japan. Theufc 257 fight card odds China Airlines plane from Taipei was scheduled to land at Toyama Airport around noon, but failed to do so due to unstable air currents, according to Japans Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The pilot, after trying to land at Toyama Airport three times in vain, changed the direction and made an emergency landing at the Chubu Airport in Nagoya due to shortage of fuel, according to the ministry. A total of 155 passengers and crew members were on board the plane, and none was injured. Xinhua Passenger plane from Chinas Taiwan makes emergency landing in Japanadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline best way to make money online casinoshows grade level based on the word's complexity. dark tourism New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nountourist travel to areas affected by or associated with disasters or other public tragedies. Words nearby dark tourism How to use in a sentence He wore white gloves, a dignified long black coat, and matching pants and vest, and he carried a dark walking stick. The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate|Philip Dray|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate|Philip Dray|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I thought about the mother, her fear of the dark, of the harm she feared might come to her daughters. I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Then she managed to struggle a mile through dark, rainy woods. The 7-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivors Brutal Journey Through the Woods|James Higdon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST The 7-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivors Brutal Journey Through the Woods|James Higdon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST These are dark times for network TV, but experiments like Galavant are the silver lining. Galavant: A Drunken, Horny Musical Fairy Tale|Melissa Leon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST Slowly, two were opened up, and in 2010 the regional government opened all four Brogpa villages in a push for tourism. The Himalayas Hidden Aryans|Nina Strochlic|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Himalayas Hidden Aryans|Nina Strochlic|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST Ripperda's eye fell upon the mantle,it was discoloured a dark red in many places, he nodded his head, and the man withdrew. The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter He glanced aside, and saw an exceedingly pretty, dark face, which looked vaguely familiar. Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson Down in his galleries and chambers where it was dark as a pocket Grandfather Mole enjoyed himself thoroughly. The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey His dark, shining, almost too intelligent eyes looked at Nigel, and looked away. Bella Donna|Robert Hichens Bella Donna|Robert Hichens The seeds of some species are of a dark brown while others are of a lighter shade. Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings. QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question dark tourismFirst recorded in 19952000dark reaction, darkroom, dark slide, darksome, dark star, dark tourism, darktown, dark web, darky, Darlan, DarleneDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 What Is a Deferred Annuity?top cryptocurrency exchanges by volume A deferred annuity is a contract with an insurance company that promises to pay the owner a regular income, or a lump sum, at some future date. Investors often use deferred annuities to supplement their other retirement income, such as Social Security. Deferred annuities differ from immediate annuities, which begin making payments right away. Key Takeaways A deferred annuity is an insurance contract that promises to pay the buyer a regular income or a lump sum of money at some date in the future. Immediate annuities, by contrast, start paying right away. Deferred annuities come in several different typesfixed, indexed, and variablewhich determine how their rates of return are computed. Withdrawals from a deferred annuity may be subject to surrender charges as well as a 10% tax penalty if the owner is under age 59. How Deferred Annuities Work There are three basic types of deferred annuities: fixed, indexed, and variable. As their name implies, fixed annuities promise a specific, guaranteed rate of return on the money in the account. Indexed annuities provide a return that is based on the performance of a particular market index, such as the S&P 500. The return on variable annuities is based on the performance of a portfolio of mutual funds, or sub-accounts, chosen by the annuity owner. All three types of deferred annuities grow on a tax-deferred basis. Owners of these insurance contracts pay taxes only when they make withdrawals, take a lump sum, or begin receiving income from the account. At that point, the money they receive is taxed at their ordinary income tax rate. The period when the investor is paying into the annuity is known as the accumulation phase (or savings phase). Once the investor elects to start receiving income, the payout phase (or income phase) begins. Many deferred annuities are structured to provide income for the rest of the owner's life and sometimes for their spouse's life as well. What Are Deferred Annuities? Special Considerations 1:55 Deferred annuities should be considered long-term investments because they are less liquid than, for example, mutual funds purchased outside of an annuity. Most annuity contracts put strict limits on withdrawals, such as allowing just one per year. Withdrawals may also be subject to surrender fees charged by the insurer. In addition, if the account holder is under age 59, they will generally face a 10% tax penalty on the amount of the withdrawal. That's on top of the income tax they have to pay on the withdrawal. Before purchasing an annuity, buyers should make sure they have enough money in a liquid emergency fund. Prospective buyers should also be aware that annuities often have high fees, compared with other types of retirement investments. Fees can also vary widely from one insurance company to another, so it pays to shop around. Finally, deferred annuities often include a death benefit component. If the owner dies while the annuity is still in its accumulation phase, their heirs may receive some or all of the account's value. If the annuity has entered the payout phase, however, the insurer may simply keep the remaining money unless the contract includes a provision to keep paying benefits to the owner's heirs for a certain number of years. Theaceodds lucky 15 roblox blockchain leaders of China from late 19th century to 1949. Short-term Prime Ministers are not included. The Leaders of China: From Late 19th Century to 1949added by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline pc gamerzshows grade level based on the word's complexity. deception bed New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nounany of various kinds of concealed or disguised beds designed in the 18th century. Words nearby deception bed How to use in a sentence My doctor insisted that once I filed this piece I lie down on my bed and not get out. I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I fall back into a dream and then suddenly there is a tapping on the window just above my bed. The Story Behind Lee Marvins Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST The Story Behind Lee Marvins Liberty Valance Smile|Robert Ward|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST The distinction between over-policing and non-responsiveness was alive and well in Bed-Stuy. Ground Zero of the NYPD Slowdown|Batya Ungar-Sargon|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST Ground Zero of the NYPD Slowdown|Batya Ungar-Sargon|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST At Woodhull Hospital, the Bed-Stuy ambulance crew kept doing all they could as they wheeled Ramos into the emergency room. 'Please Don't Die!': The Frantic Battle to Save Murdered Cops|Michael Daly|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST While violent offenses are dramatically down in Bed Stuy, pockets of violence persist here. Anger at The Cop Killer - And The Police|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST Anger at The Cop Killer - And The Police|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST She sat straight up in bed, and jerked her hands to her head, and screamed long and terribly. The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux The embankment or road-bed was commenced by gigantic piling, and is very broad and substantial. Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley Gaze not upon another man's wife, and be not inquisitive after his handmaid, and approach not her bed. The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various A little boy had been quarrelling with his sister named Muriel just before going to bed. Children's Ways|James Sully Children's Ways|James Sully She folded them tightly in a handkerchief, and thrust the parcel as far as her arm could reach between the mattress and the bed. Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questiondecentralize, decentralized, decentralized processing, decentre, deception, deception bed, deception table, deceptive, deceptive cadence, decerebrate, decernDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 Theindonesia casino online Athletic, the sports website owned by The New York Times Company, announced on Thursday that Steven Ginsberg, a top editor at The Washington Post, would become its executive editor. In a note to staff members, David Perpich, the publisher of The Athletic, said that Mr. Ginsberg would join the publication on Jan. 3 in the newly created role. We conducted an intensive search and interview process during which it became clear that Steven is the right leader for The Athletics newsroom, Mr. Perpich wrote. He is a champion of ambitious and creative journalism who has a love for breaking news, beat reporting, analysis and investigative scoops. Mr. Perpich added that Mr. Ginsberg shares our vision for The Athletic to be the best destination for sports journalism in the world. The Times bought the The Athletic in January for $550 million. Meredith Kopit Levien, the chief executive of the Times Company, told analysts at the time that she expected the sports site to take three years to turn a profit. It has lost nearly $29 million in the past three quarters while under The Timess ownership. Mr. Ginsberg, 50, will lead the site as it further integrates into the Times Company and pushes to expand its subscriber base. In Mr. Perpichs letter to The Athletic newsroom, Mr. Ginsberg said his goal as executive editor was to build on what you have created, to continue bringing together the worlds best journalists to create the worlds best sports journalism site. Mr. Ginsberg is currently a managing editor at The Post, overseeing the publications major news sections. He started at the news organization in 1994, and worked as a reporter on The Posts business and metro desks before becoming an editor in 2007. He was named national editor in 2017, and was a top candidate to take over as executive editor of the paper when Martin Baron announced his retirement in 2021. That job went to Sally Buzbee from The Associated Press. Mr. Ginsbergs departure is the latest in a stream of top executives and journalists exiting The Post. In recent months, Shailesh Prakash, the chief information officer, and Kat Downs Mulder, the chief product officer, left for other opportunities. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book critic Carlos Lozada joined The Timess Opinion section as a columnist in September. Mr. Ginsbergs move to The Athletic was first reported by Semafor. Advertisement Continue reading the main story pi network information in urdushows grade level based on the word's complexity. darkling beetle New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nounany brown or black beetle of the family Tenebrionidae, the larvae of which feed on dead or decaying plant material, fungi, stored grain, etc. Words nearby darkling beetle How to use in a sentence Blister rust is like having the flu; the pine beetle is like fast acting leukemia. What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST In 2007, FWS reported that the beetle outbreak had affected only 16 percent of the whitebark pines. What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST The Beetle was launched with a series of television commercials unlike any before them. Nationalism on Four Wheels|Clive Irving|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST Nationalism on Four Wheels|Clive Irving|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST Who could turn down a seaside drive in a bright yellow Beetle? World-Famous Architects Design Dollhouses For New Charity Project|Chloe Ashby|November 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST The rhino beetlefried, stewed, grilled, or roastedis high in calcium and protein. Cicadas, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Ants Among the Tastiest Insects|Nina Strochlic|May 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST Cicadas, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Ants Among the Tastiest Insects|Nina Strochlic|May 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST Her feet crush creeping things: there is a busy ant or blazoned beetle, with its back broken, writhing in the dust, unseen. God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford But strangest of all the dishes at the Tagal's feast was one prepared from a kind of beetle. Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade He entered his darkling, shabby old third-floor room and threw himself into the arm-chair before the fire to think. The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux Then the juice would fill up the hole the beetle had made, and the tree would go on growing as before. The Wonder Book of Knowledge|Various The Wonder Book of Knowledge|Various There was a toy balloon, a beetle that ran all over the room in a life-like manner, a jumping jack, and some popcorn balls. The Story of the Big Front Door|Mary Finley Leonard QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question darkling beetleFirst recorded in 181020dark internet, darkish, dark lantern, darkle, darkling, darkling beetle, darkly, dark matter, dark meat, dark mineral, dark moneyDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 If you have ever taken a course in microbiology, you have probably heard of DNA and RNA. Depending on how long ago you took the class, you might not remember the specifics of exactly what each term means. DNA and RNA both refer to genetic molecules, and they are actually so closely related that they require each other to function correctly. Still, they are different enough that you need to use each term correctly, especially in the context of biology and other sciences. What is the Difference Between DNA and RNA? In this post, I will compare DNA vs. RNAand use each in a sentence to show you how it appears in context. Plus, I will share a useful mnemonic that will help you choose either DNA or RNA correctly for your own writing. When to Use DNA What does DNA mean? DNA is an initialism (see acronym vs. initialism) for deoxyribonucleic acid, a genetic material present in nearly all living organisms. DNA carries the genetic information that determines individual characteristics of people, animals, and plants. Here is an example sentence, Human DNA mapping has led to incredible breakthroughs in genetic research. DNA is also used in a figurative sense to describe the characteristics of a person or living being. Huell will never change; being shy and timid is part of his DNA, said Kendall. In either sense, DNA functions as a noun in sentences. DNA molecules are arranged into strands that twist around each other in a helical shape. If you were to look at a strand of DNA under a microscope, it would look something like the picture to the right. The smallest unit of information in a DNA molecule is called a base pair. Humans have over three billion base pairs. Scientists have estimated that if all of the DNA in the human body were arranged in a straight line, it would be long enough to stretch from the earth to the sun and back 100 times. When to Use RNA What does RNA mean? RNA is also an initialism. It stands for ribonucleic acid. RNA is an important molecule in cellular biology. It controls many processes at the cellular level, including protein synthesis and some functions related to genetic coding. Unlike DNA, which is known for its double-helix shape, RNA is a single-stranded molecule. It is usually found in nature as a single strand folded onto itself. The primary purpose of RNA is to act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins. Here are a few examples, Messenger RNA molecules carry information from an organisms DNA to its cells protein synthesis centers. In 2015, scientists simulated the conditions of outer space and used interstellar material found in asteroids to synthesize DNA and RNA molecules. RNA or DNA? When to Use Which DNA and RNA are both macromolecules, but they have different functions. RNA vs. DNA Check: Since DNA determines individual characteristics, and determiner begins with the letter D, it should be easy to remember that DNA is the determiner of genetic expression. Also, you can remember that DNA has a different shape that RNA to differentiate the two. DNA has a double-helix shape. DNA and double both start with D. Summary Is it RNA or DNA? RNA and DNA are both macromolecules that play important genetic roles in cellular biology. DNA molecules contain genetic information that determines individual characteristics. RNA plays several roles in protein synthesis and genetic coding. While the two molecules are related, and cannot function without each other, they are different. Biologists and other scientific writers must be sure to know the difference between them. What Is an Itemized Deduction?joo casino sign up An itemized deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from adjusted gross income (AGI) to reduce your taxable income and therefore lower the amount of taxes that you owe. Such deductions permit taxpayers who qualify to pay less tax than if they had opted to take the standard deductiona fixed dollar amount that varies by filing status. Allowable itemized deductions, which may be subject to limits, include mortgage interest, charitable gifts, and unreimbursed medical expenses. Key Takeaways An itemized deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from adjusted gross income (AGI) to reduce your tax bill. Itemized deductions must be listed on Schedule A of Form 1040. Most taxpayers have the option to either itemize deductions or claim the standard deduction that applies to their filing status. The type of expenses that can be itemized was drastically reduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that went into effect in 2018. Understanding Itemized Deductions Itemized deductions reduce your taxable income. The actual amount that you save depends on your tax bracket. For example, consider an unmarried single filer who has a gross income of $80,000 and claims itemized deductions totaling $15,000. Subtracting those deductions from gross income yields a taxable income of $65,000. To figure out the actual tax relief, you would multiply the deducted amount ($15,000 in this case) by the effective tax rate for a single person in that income bracket. Tax deductions should not be confused with tax credits, which directly reduce your tax bill. For example, if you calculate your taxes due to be $14,000, and you are eligible for a $1,000 tax credit, your bill is cut by $1,000 to $13,000. Itemized deductions are listed on Schedule A of Form 1040. You must save all your receipts in case the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) asks to see them if you are audited. Additional proof of expenses could include bank statements, insurance bills, medical bills, and tax receipts from qualified charitable organizations. Starting in 2018, the doubling of the standard deduction made itemizing tax deductions less advantageous for many taxpayers. Itemized Deduction vs. Standard Deduction The vast majority of taxpayers have the option to itemize deductions or claim the standard deduction that applies to their status. (Exceptions are nonresident aliens, who must itemize, and married individuals who are filing separately, who must both claim the same type of deduction.) The decision should hinge on a calculation of which deduction type lowers your tax liability the most. For example, if you file as a single taxpayeror youre married and filing separatelyyou will be better off taking the standard deduction of $12,950 for 2022 ($13,850 for 2023) if your itemized deductions total less than that amount. Here are the standard deduction amounts for the 2022 and 2023 tax years: Standard Deductions for 2022 and 2023 Filing Status 2022 Standard Deduction 2023 Standard Deduction Single $12,950 $13,850 Married Filing Separately $12,950 $13,850 Head of Household $19,400 $20,800 Married Filing Jointly $25,900 $27,700 Pros and Cons of Itemizing Deductions Each year, you get to choose between itemizing or taking the standard deduction. You should always research that choice since the allowable deductions and their amounts sometimes change from year to year. Mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of indebtednessor $1 million, if you bought the home before Dec. 16, 2017 Charitable contributions Medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) State and local income, plus either personal property or sales taxes up to $10,000 Gambling losses Investment interest Mortgage interest on loan amounts over $750,000unless you bought your home before Dec. 16, 2017 State and local income, sales, and personal property taxes beyond $10,000 Unreimbursed employee expenses Tax preparation expenses Natural disaster losses (unless in a federally declared disaster area) Deductions You Can ItemizeDeductions You Cannot Itemize The list of expenses that can be itemized is extensive, but there are new limits and exclusions compared to deductions allowed before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) went into effect. For example, you can deduct mortgage interest on a loan of $750,000 or less for any home bought on or after Dec. 16, 2017. Previously, you could deduct interest on a mortgage up to $1 million. (You can still refinance a home under the old rules if it was purchased before Dec. 15, 2017.) Usually, you can deduct charitable donations of up to 60% of your AGI (the exact percentage depends on the type of contribution and charity). You can deduct qualified, unreimbursed medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of AGI; state and local income or sales taxes plus real estate and personal property taxes up to $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately), gambling losses, and investment interest less than investment income. Some formerly available itemized deductions went away as of 2018. Those include deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses, tax preparation expenses, and natural disaster losses (unless a tax break for a specific event is authorized by the president). There was previously no limit on deductions for state and local taxes (SALT). The current $10,000 limit has been a serious financial hit to taxpayers living in high-tax states. Home equity loan debt was also affected, in complicated ways. If you have a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), check with your tax advisor about whether the interest is deductible. What Does It Mean to Claim Itemized Deductions? When you file your income tax return, you can choose to either take the standard deductiona fixed dollar amount based on your filing statusor itemize your deductions. Unlike the standard deduction, the dollar amount of itemized deductions varies by the taxpayer, depending on the expenses that they deduct on Schedule A of Form 1040. The total amount is subtracted from the taxpayers taxable income, and the remainder is your actual taxable income. Which Expenses Can I Itemize? You itemize your deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. You can generally deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses, long-term care premiums, home mortgage interest, home equity loan (or line of credit) interest, charitable donations, certain taxes, casualty and theft losses, and some gambling losses. Who Should Itemize Deductions? You have the option to take the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. If the value of expenses that you can itemize is greater than the standard deduction, then it likely makes sense to itemize. What Are the Standard Deduction Amounts for 2022? For 2022, the standard deduction is $12,950 ($13,850 for 2023) for single and married filing separately taxpayers, $19,400 ($20,800 for 2023) for heads of households, and $25,900 ($27,700 for 2023) for married filing jointly filers and surviving spouses. What Is Just in Case (JIC)?excalibur hotel near me Just in case (JIC) is an inventory strategy where companies keep large inventories on hand. This type of inventory management strategy aims to minimize the probability that a product will sell out of stock. A company that uses this strategy typically has difficulty predicting consumer demand or experiences large surges in demand at unpredictable times. A company practicing this strategy essentially incurs higher inventory holding costs in return for a reduction in the number of sales lost due to sold-out inventory. Key Takeaways: Just in case (JIC) is an inventory strategy where companies keep large inventories on hand. This strategy minimizes the probability that a product will sell out of stock. A company that uses this strategy typically has difficulty predicting consumer demand or experiences large surges in demand at unpredictable times. The main disadvantage of this strategy is higher storage costs and wasted inventory if all stock does not sell. How Just in Case (JIC) Works The JIC inventory strategy differs from the more recent "just in time" (JIT) inventory strategy, where companies try to minimize inventory costs by producing the goods after the orders have come in. The JIC strategy is more common in less industrialized countries where poor transportation infrastructure, natural disasters, poor quality control, and vulnerability to other suppliers' production problems are concerns. Such instabilities in the supply chain could lead to costly production inefficiencies. Therefore, a manufacturer may decide to pay for excess inventory to avoid production shutdowns. For JIC, manufacturers reorder stock before it reaches the minimum level to continue to sell inventory while the suppliers are supplying the goods. The time from when the firm reorders the stock to the time the supplier provides the new stock is known as lead time. A JIC inventory system tries to keep a minimum level of inventory in case of emergencies. JIC is typically more costly than JIT because it can lead to waste if not all of the inventory is sold and there are additional storage costs due to the additional inventory. Why Choose the More Costly JIC Strategy? One major reason for practicing a more costly JIC system is the potential losses, such as permanent loss of major customers, loss of suppliers, and supply-chain collapse. If the JIT response contingencies are too slow or fail to keep production flowing, additional costs may be incurred. The additional costs due to maintaining extra storage and resources may be more cost effective than using a more efficient JIT system. In a recent turn of events, some companies have started understocking their inventories on purpose. Makers of particular popular items for which buyers are not willing to accept substitutes can use this strategy. The "just in case" strategy is used by companies that have trouble forecasting demand. With this strategy, the companies have enough production material on hand to meet unexpected spikes in demand. Higher storage costs are the main disadvantage of this strategy. Real World Examples of Just In Case (JIC) An example of JIC buyers are the military or hospitals. These types of organizations must maintain large inventories because waiting for JIT producers to ramp up production for needed supplies may result in lost lives and even wars. What Is Momentum Investing?sixers pelicans spread Momentum investing is a strategy that aims to capitalize on the continuance of an existing market trend. It is a trading strategy in which investors buy securities that are already rising and look to sell them when they look to have peaked Momentum, in markets, refers to the capacity for a price trend to sustain itself going forward. Key Takeaways Momentum investing is a strategy that aims to capitalize on the continuance of existing trends in the market. Market momentum is the ability for a price trend to sustain itself and continue. Momentum investing usually involves a strict set of rules based on technical indicators that dictate market entry and exit points for particular securities. Few professional investment managers make use of momentum investing, relying instead on fundamental factors and value indicators. Understanding Momentum Investing Momentum investing involves going long on stocks, futures, market exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or any financial instrument showing upward-trending prices and short the respective assets with downward-trending prices. Momentum investing holds that trends can persist for some time and that its possible to profit by staying with a trend until its conclusion, no matter how long that may be. For example, momentum investors that entered the U.S. stock market in 2009 generally enjoyed an uptrend until December 2018. Although he wasn't the first to use the strategy, fund manager and businessman Richard Driehaus is often credited as being the father of momentum investing. Momentum Investing Methods Momentum investing usually involves abiding by a strict set of rules based on technical indicators that dictate market entry and exit points for particular securities. Momentum investors sometimes use two longer-term moving averages (MAs), one a bit shorter than the other, for trading signals. Some use 50-day and 200-day MAs, for example. In this case, the 50-day crossing above the 200-day creates a buy signal, while a 50-day crossing back below the 200-day creates a sell signal. A few momentum investors prefer to use even longer-term MAs for signaling purposes. Another type of momentum investing strategy involves following price-based signals to go long on sector ETFs with the strongest momentum, while shorting the sector ETFs with the weakest momentum, then rotating in and out of the sectors accordingly. Other momentum strategies involve cross-asset analysis. For example, some equity traders closely watch the Treasury yield curve and use it as a momentum signal for equity entries and exits. A 10-year Treasury yield above the two-year yield generally is a buy signal, whereas a two-year yield trading above the 10-year yield is a sell signal. Notably, the two-year versus 10-year Treasury yields tend to be a strong predictor of recessions, and also has implications for stock markets. In addition, some strategies involve both momentum factors and some fundamental factors. One such system is CAN SLIM, made famous by William ONeill, founder of Investors Business Daily. Since it emphasizes quarterly and annual earnings per share (EPS), some may argue its not a momentum strategy, per se. However, the system generally seeks stocks with both earnings and sales momentum and tends to point to stocks with price momentum, as well. If you intend to practice momentum investing, make sure you choose the proper securities and consider their liquidity and trading volume. Like other momentum systems, CAN SLIM also includes rules for when to enter and exit stocks, based mainly on technical analysis. The Debate Over Momentum Investing Few professional investment managers make use of momentum investing, believing that individual stock picking based on an analysis of discounted cash flows (DCFs) and other fundamental factors tend to produce more predictable results, and is a better means of beating index performance over the long term. "As an investment strategy, its a thumb in the eye of the efficient market hypothesis (EMH), one of the central tenets of modern finance," to quote a UCLA Anderson Reviewarticle, "Momentum Investing: It Works, But Why?" However, momentum investing has its advocates. A 1993 study published in the Journal of Financedocumented how strategies of buying recent stock winners and selling recent losers generated significantly higher near-term returns than the U.S. market overall from 1965 to 1989. More recently, the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) found that CAN SLIM can beat the S&P 500 when looking at trailing five-year and 10-year periods, and has beaten it soundly over an even longer time frame. What Technical Indicators Can Momentum Traders Use? There are several momentum indicators that technical analysts can use in momentum trading. Among the most popular include the relative strength indicator (RSI), price rate of change (ROC), stochastics, and moving average convergence divergence (MACD). What Is the Formula For Market Momentum? Generally, market momentum can be defined from the following equation: M = V V x where: V = The latest price V x = The closing price x number of days ago \begin{ aligned} &M = V - V_x\\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &V = \text{ The latest price}\\ &V_x = \text{ The closing price }x\text{ number of days ago}\\ \end{ aligned} M=VVxwhere:V=The latest priceVx=The closing price x number of days ago What Is the Market Psychology Behind Momentum Trading? Momentum traders benefit from herd mentality, greed, and fear of missing out. This can lead bull markets to rise higher than fundamentals might predict. Fear of losses and panic can likewise lead selloffs to become crashes. Pino and Lobato arent what Id call careful in this lightning-paced thriller, whose tone vacillates between darkly comic and sincerely tragic. When it comes to the draft, were all looking through a glass darkly, and that extends even to the professionals. Knowing that Morriss films were darkly revealing about his subjects, I asked Bob what his capacity for further excoriation and humiliation would be. Things hit a snag when one of the girls misses a meetingsetting off a narrative that is equal parts thrilling and darkly funny. These are exquisite seances in line with the sonic traditions she pioneered a half-century ago, but suffused with the darkly tinted wisdom of a life entering its winter. Jane Birkin is back with a new album, but her presence is everlasting|Jeff Weiss|March 19, 2021|Washington Post He looks at me darkly, as if to blame me for the price of movie tickets. Alfred Hitchcocks Fade to Black: The Great Directors Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST Well we have a new parliament and there are no excuses left, he says darkly. Ukraine Militias Warn of Anti-Kiev Coup|Jamie Dettmer|November 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST Smart, so smart, and darkly handsome; a practical joker, large-hearted and fun. Those Kansas City Blues: A Family History|Katie Baker|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST But this season he turns down the wattage, playing a darkly serious role in a play said to be about fly-fishing. Fall Broadway Preview: 'This Is Our Youth,' Bradley Cooper as The Elephant Man,' and More|Janice Kaplan|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST Alan Cumming shimmered darkly and brilliantly as the emcee in the Cabaret performance. Hugh Jackman's Tony Jumping Fail, Plus the Winners and Standout Moments of Broadway's Biggest Night|Tim Teeman|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST But that sin was of small importance compared to the other revelations, so darkly hinted at by Aunty Rosa. Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling Marius frowned darkly, but before he could speak, Tressan was insinuating a compliment to the Marquise. St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini The camphor tree overhead was thrown out darkly against the stars, like its own shadow. The Dragon Painter|Mary McNeil Fenollosa "There may have been reasons," Diana suggested darkly, and Sir Rowland's eyes narrowed at the hint. Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini agent138slot madonna slot machineshows grade level based on the word's complexity. decemvirate [ dih-sem-ver-it, -vuh-reyt ]/ dsm vr t, -vret / New Word List Save This Word!See decemvirateFrom the Latin word decemviratus, dating back to 161020. See decemvir, -ate3 Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.[ dih-sem-ver-it, -vuh-reyt ]/ dsm vr t, -vret /Save This Word!See decemvirateFrom the Latin word decemviratus, dating back to 161020. See decemvir, -ate Words nearby decemvirate Words related to decemvirate decemvirate/ (dsmvrt, -ret) / nouna board of decemvirsthe rule or rank of decemvirs Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 deceleron, decem, December, Decembrist, decemvir, decemvirate, decenary, decencies, decency, decennary, decennialDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 You have probably seen rural workers portrayed in the American media in a somewhat negative light. Redneck stereotypes in American culture have been enduring and popular, to the extent that they are one of the most recognizable tropes in contemporary American media, and they function as a stand-in for all Americans in some international media, as well. What is the Difference Between Hillbilly and Redneck? In this post, I will compare redneck vs. hillbilly. I will use each word in some example sentences that will give you an idea of how they should appear in context. Then, I will show you a mnemonic device that anyone can use when choosing either hillbilly or redneck. When to Use Redneck What does redneck mean? Redneck can be used a noun or an adjective. It has a few different, but related, meanings. The original term redneckwas used to refer to a working-class white person. The term became widely used in the early half of the 20th century and is based on the distinctive tan line or sunburn field workers sometimes get on the backs of their necks. In the modern parlance, redneck is used in a more common sense to describe a rural American stereotype. As the stereotype goes, a redneck is a person from a small town in the southern United States with minimal education and a blue-collar job. Rednecks are often portrayed as ignorant and offensive, with viewpoints and mannerisms that might be considered socially unacceptable. It is used in a derogatory fashion by urban dwellers and the upper classes, but many self-described redneckswear the term proudly. Here are some examples of redneck as a noun, Why are you still dating a redneck like Dave? Kelsey asked Lauren. Rednecks in the media enjoy NASCAR, drink cheap beer, like either Ford or Chevy (but not both), and work on farms. Redneck can be an adjective, as well, where it describes any of the qualities associated with this stereotype, like ignorance, poor hygiene, low educational achievement, and a preference for country music. The sentence below is an example, Turn that redneck nonsense off, Kelsey told Lauren when Luke Bryan came on the radio. Redneck is generally considered a derogatory term, so it is not appropriate for polite, professional English. When to Use Hillbilly What does hillbilly mean? In many cases, hillbilly can be used as a synonym for redneck. It carries most of the same connotations, and you could substitute hillbilly for redneck in the sentence examples from the previous sections without much loss in meaning. Redneckbegan as a reference to the working class in the south, whereas hillbilly originated in the remote regions of the Appalachians. This is a possible distinction between the two. While the both refer to people from rural, unpopulated areas, hillbilly has a more remote connotation to it. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, hillbilly comes from the nickname from the given name William. Billy is a shortened form of William, so a hillbilly is a man (possibly named Billy) who lives in the hills (or another outlying rural area). Some readers might see hillbilly as a more gently derisive term than redneck, but any difference is one of degree, rather than actual meaning. A hillbilly is still a poorly educated person from a small rural town, probably with poor social skills and uninspiring career prospects. The term is still chiefly a derogatory insult that is not found in polite English. For what its worth, the chart below graphs the usage of hillbilly vs. rednecksince 1800, Both words have only gained popularity since roughly 1920. Hillbillyhas seen consistently higher usage, possibly due to its perception as the milder of these terms. Either way, this chart is not exhaustive in its literary scope, since it looks only at books published in this time frame, and no other sources. Still, it is a good snapshot of these words usage. When to Use Hick What does hick mean? Hick is another term with a similar meaning. It refers to a person living in the country, who is regarded as unintelligent or provincial. Unlike redneck and hillbillythere is no association with a region or geographic area when this term is used. It does not refer to the South or the Appalachians. A common use of hick is when describing a small, country town. For example, We passed through a hick town on the way here to get something to eat. While the dictionary doesnt label this term as explicitly derogatory or offensive, most people would be insulted if you called them a hick. Trick to Remember the Difference In modern contexts, these words are synonyms. You might choose hillbilly to describe someone from an especially remote region, but aside from this consideration, there is no real reason to choose one over the other besides personal preference. Both terms are derogatory and even considered to be racial slurs, so they are not words you will want to use in polite company. Some readers may find hillbilly less derogatory than redneck, and it is also more common, so it might be a better choice if you are concerned about these issues. Since hillbilly rhymes with silly, you should have little trouble remembering that hillbilly is more silly than nasty. Summary Is it redneck or hillbilly? Hillbilly and redneck are two synonyms that denote a negative stereotype of rural people in America. The intentional homicide trial of Bogu Kailai and Zhang Xiaojun began Thursday in the Hefei City Intermediate Peoples Court in Anhui Province. The Peoples Procuratorate of Hefei City, capital of east Chinas Anhui Province, filed the charges against the two in the Hefei City Intermediate Peoples Court on July 26. Bogu Kailai and her son surnamed Bo had conflicts with Neil Heywood over economic interests. Worrying about Neil Heywoods threat to her sons personal security, Bogu Kailai decided to murder Heywood. She asked Zhang Xiaojun, the other defendant and then an employee of the general office of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), to invite Heywood to Chongqing Municipality in southwest China and to accompany him from Beijing. Heywood stayed in Room No. 1605 of the 16th building of a vacation resort, the Lucky Holiday Hotel, in Chongqing. On Nov. 13, 2011, Bogu Kailai met Heywood in his hotel room for a drink. After Heywood was drunk, vomited and asked for water, she put the poison she had prepared, and which Zhang had brought along to the hotel room, into Heywoods mouth, which led to Heywoods death. The prosecuting body said the facts of the two defendants poisoning the victim to death are clear and the evidence is substantial. Their behavior has violated Article 232 of the Criminal Law of the Peoples Republic of China; therefore, the two defendants should be held criminally responsible for intentional homicide, according to the prosecuting body. The case is a joint offense with Bogu Kailai as the principal and Zhang Xiaojun as the accessory, the prosecuting body said. The Hefei City Intermediate Peoples Court accepted the case according to the decision designating jurisdiction made by the Supreme Peoples Court, and delivered a copy of the indictment in a timely way to the two defendants Bogu Kailai and Zhang Xiaojun, and also informed the two defendants and the close relatives of the victim of their litigation rights and obligations. The court notified the lawyer to meet the defendants and gave the lawyer access to the entire case file, fully ensuring the litigation rights of Bogu Kailai, Zhang Xiaojun and the close relatives of the victim. The Hefei City Intermediate Peoples Court began the public trial on Aug. 9, after following the legal procedure of issuing a notice before the trial and making a public announcement. During the trial, procuratorial authorities presented relevant evidence, witnesses appeared in court to testify, and defense counsels entrusted by Bogu Kailai and Zhang Xiaojun to represent them pleaded on their behalf. An attorney representing Neil Heywoods close relatives was present during the trial and made comments. More than 140 people attended the trial. They included relatives and friends of Bogu Kailai, Zhang Xiaojun and Neil Heywood, diplomats from the British embassy and consulates in China, representatives from the media, deputies to Chinas legislature, members of Chinas political advisory body, as well as people from all walks of life. After Thursdays court session, the court announced an adjournment and the judgment will be announced on a day to be decided. According to the court, four other police officers, who were suspected of covering up Bogu Kailais illegal conduct during the investigation into Neil Heywoods death, were also charged by the Peoples Procuratorate of Hefei City with bending the law to achieve personal benefit. The officers are Guo Weiguo, former deputy chief of Chongqings Public Security Bureau, Li Yang, former chief of the bureaus criminal section, Wang Pengfei, former chief of the bureaus technical detection team and also former chief of the Public Security Sub-bureau of Chongqings Yubei District, and Wang Zhi, former executive deputy chief of the Public Security Sub-bureau of the municipalitys Shapingba District. The court will hold an open trial for the officers on Aug. 10. Xinhua Bogu Kailai stands trial for intentional homicideadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline This is comedy based on a cold humor, detached, euphemistic, devoid of any generosity. Writer, producer, and actress Lena Waithe, star of Justin Simiens comedy Bad Hair participated in a conversation about the dark comedy. Noma Dumezweni plays Fiffany in a new dark comedy TV series, Made for Love, an onscreen adaptation of Alisa Nuttings 2017 novel of the same name, which premiered on HBO Max April 1. Up until this point in the series, most critics have categorized Succession as a dark comedy or dramedy. He wore white gloves, a dignified long black coat, and matching pants and vest, and he carried a dark walking stick. The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate|Philip Dray|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I thought about the mother, her fear of the dark, of the harm she feared might come to her daughters. I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Then she managed to struggle a mile through dark, rainy woods. The 7-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivors Brutal Journey Through the Woods|James Higdon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Was that a transitional moment for you from music to comedy? Coffee Talk with Fred Armisen: On Portlandia, Meeting Obama, and Taylor Swifts Greatness|Marlow Stern|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Ripperda's eye fell upon the mantle,it was discoloured a dark red in many places, he nodded his head, and the man withdrew. The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter He glanced aside, and saw an exceedingly pretty, dark face, which looked vaguely familiar. Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson Down in his galleries and chambers where it was dark as a pocket Grandfather Mole enjoyed himself thoroughly. The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey His dark, shining, almost too intelligent eyes looked at Nigel, and looked away. Bella Donna|Robert Hichens Once the marshmallow is roasted, lay it on the coconut chips and dark chocolate, using another coconut cookie to slide it off the stick. That heady mix is rolled into balls and then coated in melted dark chocolate for a truffle-like presentation. After dinner, a plate of sticky dates, discs of bitter dark chocolate, and clementines the size of a babys fist. The sourness of lemonade and the bitterness of dark chocolate come from our tongue sensing the acids in lemons and the bitter compounds in cocoa. Crisp on the outside, chewy in the center and filled with pockets of molten dark chocolate, this is the classic chocolate chip cookie you know and love but reimagined with the dark, nuanced flavor of caramelized bananas and cinnamon. Caramelized banana chocolate chunk cookies are the new best use for the rest of that bunch|Jesse Szewczyk|December 2, 2020|Washington Post He wore white gloves, a dignified long black coat, and matching pants and vest, and he carried a dark walking stick. The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate|Philip Dray|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST I thought about the mother, her fear of the dark, of the harm she feared might come to her daughters. I Tried to Warn You About Sleazy Billionaire Jeffrey Epstein in 2003|Vicky Ward|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST Then she managed to struggle a mile through dark, rainy woods. The 7-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivors Brutal Journey Through the Woods|James Higdon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST These are dark times for network TV, but experiments like Galavant are the silver lining. Galavant: A Drunken, Horny Musical Fairy Tale|Melissa Leon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST Luke Skywalker is an evil robot who has fallen to the dark side of the force. Juiciest Star Wars: The Force Awakens Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones)|Rich Goldstein|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST Ripperda's eye fell upon the mantle,it was discoloured a dark red in many places, he nodded his head, and the man withdrew. The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter He glanced aside, and saw an exceedingly pretty, dark face, which looked vaguely familiar. Rosemary in Search of a Father|C. N. Williamson Down in his galleries and chambers where it was dark as a pocket Grandfather Mole enjoyed himself thoroughly. The Tale of Grandfather Mole|Arthur Scott Bailey His dark, shining, almost too intelligent eyes looked at Nigel, and looked away. Bella Donna|Robert Hichens In math, an array refers to a set of numbers or objects that will follow a specific pattern. An array is an orderly arrangement (often in rows, columns or a matrix) that is most commonly used as a visual tool for demonstrating multiplication and division. There are many everyday examples of arrays that help with understanding the utility of these tools for quick data analysis and simple multiplication or division of large groups of objects. Consider a box of chocolates or a crate of oranges that have an arrangement of 12 across and 8 down rather than count each one, a person could multiply 12 x 8 to determine the boxes each contain 96 chocolates or oranges. Examples such as these aid in young students' understanding of how multiplication and division work on a practical level, which is why arrays are most helpful when teaching young learners to multiply and divide shares of real objects like fruits or candies. These visual tools allow students to grasp how observing patterns of "fast adding" can help them count larger quantities of these items or divide larger quantities of items equally amongst their peers. Describing Arrays in Multiplication When using arrays to explain multiplication, teachers often refer to the arrays by the factors being multiplied. For example, an array of 36 apples arranged in six columns of six rows of apples would be described as a 6 by 6 array. These arrays help students, primarily in third through fifth grades, understand the computation process by breaking the factors into tangible pieces and describing the concept that multiplication relies on such patterns to aid in quickly adding large sums multiple times. In the six by six array, for instance, students are able to understand that if each column represents a group of six apples and there are six rows of these groups, they will have 36 apples in total, which can quickly be determined not by individually counting the apples or by adding 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 but by simply multiplying the number of items in each group by the number of groups represented in the array. Describing Arrays in Division In division, arrays can also be used as a handy tool to visually describe how large groups of objects can be divided equally into smaller groups. Using the above example of 36 apples, teachers can ask students to divide the large sum into equal-sized groups to form an array as a guide to the division of apples. If asked to divide the apples equally between 12 students, for example, the class would produce a 12 by 3 array, demonstrating that each student would receive three apples if the 36 were divided equally among the 12 individuals. Conversely, if students were asked to divide the apples between three people, they would produce a 3 by 12 array, which demonstrates the Commutative Property of Multiplication that the order of factors in multiplication does not affect the product of multiplying these factors. Understanding this core concept of the interplay between multiplication and division will help students form a fundamental understanding of mathematics as a whole, allowing for quicker and more complex computations as they continue into algebra and later applied mathematics in geometry and statistics. It is customary to leave a tip for many services that are supplied by people like waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers, hotel maids, moving company staff and hair salon staff to name a few. The rule of thumb amount is 15%, although there are varying thoughts as to the amount that would be appropriate for exceptional service (usually 20%) and poor service (10% or less). Some people frown on giving no tip, as in many instances the server is not the reason for the service issue; traffic snarls and kitchen issues can be the problems and these people rely on tips to supplement their minimum wage. So now that we have some ideas as to the etiquette involved, lets look at some simple math ideas to make the calculation simple but effective. Easy Way to Calculate a 15% Tip Rule of thumb standard service 15%. The most commonly used shortcut to 15% is to find 10% and then add a half. This is an easy calculation, since all you need to do to find 10% is move the decimal point one space to the left (make the number smaller). Consider a bill for 47.31. First impressions show us 10% is 4.70 and a half of this amount is 2.35, so a tip of 7.00 is reasonable. This is a simplification as we can do the exact math 4.70 add 2.35 is 7.05 but we are looking for an easy method, not an exacting science. Another sound strategy is to work from the highest place value, in other words, if the bill is in the 50s then the tip should be in the 7.50 range. If the bill is 124.00, the logic follows that 12 add 6 =18 so a total of 124 add 18 or 142 is reasonable. Calculating a Tip Based on Sales Tax Another very sound strategy is to work from the sales tax. Look at your sales tax rates and devise a strategy based on the amount. In New York city, the tax on a meal is 8.75% so you can just double the amount of tax and your service provider is happy. There are also some fun and unique answers to the question of how to do the math without straining yourself. Consider the following examples that people have provided: Great service - bill times 10%, then doubled. Less then great service - bill times 10%. For a bill under $50: Great service - bill times 10% then doubled - you will be over 15 and the appreciation should be noticed. Good service - somewhere in between great and less than good. Add a little to less than good and you will be safe. Less than good service - bill times 10% - the message will be conveyed but you are smart enough to realize that it may not be their fault alone. For a bill over $50: Make sure you start your calculations based on the pre tax amount of your bill. Great service - 10% of the bill - doubled - round down. Less than great - 10% round down. With the exception of those bills where the tip is already included, tipping and how to figure out the tip is a very individualized experience. Estimation and rounding is something I do all the time for tipping as I am not going to worry about a few extra cents here and there. And 'tip-ically' I round up as it's a rare event when I don't feel like being generous when I'm out for a meal. Edited by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. bacciform / (bksfm) / New Word List Save This mohegan sun thames garageWord! / (bksfm) /Save ThisWord! adjectivebotany shaped like a berry Words nearby bacciform QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Questionbacchius, Bacchus, Bacchylides, bacci-, bacciferous, bacciform, baccivorous, baccy, bach, bacha, BacharachCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 What Is Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)?southland gaming and racing casino The term modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) refers to an individual's adjusted gross income (AGI) after taking into account certain allowable deductions and tax penalties. It is an important number to understand since it can help reduce an individual's taxable income (to account for your retirement account contributions), factor in the eligibility for benefits like the student loan interest deduction and the Child Tax Credit, and establish eligibility for income-based Medicaid coverage or health insurance subsidies. Key Takeaways Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is an important figure for understanding your taxable income. MAGI adjusts the adjusted gross income (AGI) for certain tax deductions and credits. Youll have to crunch some numbers to find your MAGI, but tax preparation software makes this easy. MAGI can change your eligibility for specific programs like qualified retirement account contributions and other programs. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Understanding Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) 1:50 Modified adjusted gross income can be defined as your households AGI after any tax-exempt interest income and after factoring in certain tax deductions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses MAGI to establish whether you qualify for certain tax benefits. MAGI notably determines: Whether your income does not exceed the level that qualifies you to contribute to a Roth individual retirement account (IRA) Whether you can deduct your traditional IRA contributions if you and/or your spouse have retirement plans, such as a 401(k) at work Whether youre eligible for the premium tax credit, which lowers your health insurance costs if you buy a plan through a state or federal Health Insurance Marketplace You can contribute to a traditional IRA no matter how much you earn. In addition, you can typically deduct the IRA contribution amount, reducing your taxable income for that tax year. However, you cant deduct contributions when you file your tax return if your MAGI exceeds limits set by the IRS and you and/or your spouse have a retirement plan at work. MAGI and Its Uses Your MAGI is an important figure, not only for understanding your taxable income but also for qualifying for certain tax credits or deductions. Several such credits and deductions have thresholds that look at your MAGI, not your unadjusted gross income. MAGIs above those thresholds will see those credits or deductions phase out or disappear. MAGI is also used to determine eligibility for healthcare waivers and incentives under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for states' health insurance marketplaces. It is also used as a threshold for qualifying for state Medicaid programs. Roth IRAs MAGI is also used to determine your eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA. Roth accounts use after-tax dollars and grow tax-exempt (unlike traditional retirement accounts that are instead tax-deferred). To contribute to a Roth IRA, your MAGI must be below the limits specified by the IRS. If youre within the income threshold, the actual amount you can contribute is also determined by your MAGI. Your contributions are phased out if your MAGI exceeds the allowed limits. Heres a rundown of Roth IRA income limits for 2023: 2023 Roth IRA Income Limits If your filing status is And your modified AGI is Then you can contribute Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) Less than $218,000 Up to the limit More than $218,000 but less than $228,000 A reduced amount $228,000 or more Zero Single, head of household, or married filing separately and you didnt live with your spouse at any time during the year Less than $138,000 Up to the limit More than $138,000 but less than $153,000 A reduced amount $153,000 or more Zero Married filing separately and you lived with your spouse at any time during the year Less than $10,000 A reduced amount $10,000 or more Zero Traditional IRAs You have to remove the excess contributions if you contribute more than youre allowed. Otherwise, youll face a tax penalty. Excess contributions are taxed at a rate of 6% per year for as long as the extra amount remains in your IRA. Your MAGI and whether you and your spouse have retirement plans at work determine whether you can deduct traditional IRA contributions. If neither spouse is covered by a plan at work, then you can take the full deduction up to the amount of your contribution limit. However, if either spouse has a plan at work, then your deduction may be limited. Heres a rundown of traditional IRA income limits for 2023: 2023 Traditional IRA Income Limits If your filing status is And your modified AGI is Then you can take Single or head of household covered by plan at work $73,000 or less A full deduction up to the amount of your contribution limit $73,000 but less than $83,000 A partial deduction $83,000 or more No deduction Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) covered by plan at work $116,000 or less A full deduction up to the amount of your contribution limit $116,000 but less than $136,000 A partial deduction $136,000 or more No deduction Married filing separately covered by plan at work; married filing separately with spouse who is covered by plan at work $10,000 or less A partial deduction $10,000 or more No deduction Single, head of household, qualifying widow(er); married filing jointly or separately NOT covered by a plan at work but your spouse is Any amount A full deduction up to the amount of your contribution limit Married filing jointly or separately NOT covered but with a spouse who is covered by a plan at work $218,000 or less A full deduction up to the amount of your contribution limit $218,000 but less than $228,000 A partial deduction $228,000 or more No deduction Tax laws are complicated and change periodically. If you need help figuring out your MAGI, or if you have any questions about IRA contribution and income limits, contact a trusted tax professional. Many deductions are not commonly used, so your MAGI and AGI could be similar or identical. Calculating Your MAGI Determining your MAGI is a three-step process: Figure out your gross income for the year. Calculate your AGI. Add back certain deductions to calculate your MAGI. Figure Out Your Gross Income Your gross income includes everything you earned during the year from: Alimony, which is court-ordered payments to a spouse due to divorce or separation Business income Capital gains or any realized gains after selling an asset for a profit Dividends, which are typically cash payments to a companys shareholders Interest Farm income Rental and royalty income Retirement income Tips Wages There are two scenarios in which alimony payments are not considered gross income. The first is if your divorce agreement was executed after 2018. The second is if your divorce agreement was executed before 2019 but later modified to expressly state that such payments are not deductible for the payer. Your gross income appears on line 9 of Form 1040. Calculate Your AGI Your AGI is important because its the total taxable income calculated before itemized or standard deductions, exemptions, and credits are taken into account. It dictates how you can use various tax credits and exemptions. For example, AGI affects the amount of money you can claim for the Child Tax Credit. Your AGI is equal to your gross income, minus certain tax-deductible expenses, including: Certain business expenses for performing artists, reservists, and fee-basis government officials Educator expenses Half of any self-employment taxes Health insurance premiums (if youre self-employed) Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions Moving expenses for members of the armed forces moving due to active duty Penalties on early withdrawal of savings Retirement plan contributions (including IRAs and self-employed retirement plan contributions) Student loan interest You can do the math to figure out your AGI. Or you can find it on line 11 of Form 1040. Add Back Certain Deductions To find your MAGI, take your AGI and add back: Any deductions you took for IRA contributions and taxable Social Security payments Deductions you took for student loan interest Tuition and fees deduction Half of self-employment tax Excluded foreign income Interest from EE savings bonds used to pay for higher education expenses Losses from a partnership Passive income or loss Rental losses The exclusion for adoption expenses What Purpose Does MAGI Serve? The IRS uses MAGI to determine whether you qualify for specific tax programs and benefits. For instance, it helps to determine the allowed amount of your Roth IRA contributions. Knowing your MAGI can also help you avoid tax penalties because over-contributing to these programs and others like them can trigger interest payments and fines. Your MAGI can also determine eligibility for certain government programs, such as the subsidized insurance plans available on the Health Insurance Marketplace. What Is the Difference Between MAGI and AGI? Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is your adjusted gross income (AGI) plus additional items such as student loan interest, qualified education expenses, passive income or losses, IRA contributions, and foreign income, among others. Can MAGI and AGI Be the Same? Yes, MAGI and AGI can be the same. For many people, the list of deductions that need to be added back to AGI to calculate MAGI will not be relevant. For instance, those who did not earn any foreign income would have no reason to use that deduction and would have none of those earnings to add back to their AGI. The Bottom Line Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is important for your tax returns to determine what you owe the IRS. It takes your gross income and adjusts and modifies it for certain exemptions, qualifications, and allowances. Your MAGI will differ from your adjusted gross income (AGI) if you have foreign income, qualified education expenses, or passive losses, among other items. The most vibrant parts of life are colored by nuance. It is simple to say that someone is enthusiastic about something, but if we choose excited,zealous, or passionate instead, we can add a whole new dimension of meaning to the same piece of writing. Similarly, a person who is not enthusiastic about something could be said to be bored, uninterested, or apathetic. What nuances in meaning do these choices unlock? What is the Difference Between Disinterested and Uninterested? In this article, I will discuss disinterested vs. uninterested. I will use each word in example sentences, so you can it in its proper context. Plus, I will show you a useful memory tool that will let you know whether you are disinterested or uninterested in something. When to Use Uninterested What does uninterested mean? Uninterested is an adjective. It means inattentive or unconcerned. Here are a few examples, I am uninterested in politics, said Aiden, a sports aficionado. The kids are uninterested in our vacation plans, so they will have to put up with whatever destination we choose. The teacher heaped praise on Karl Pearsons statistical testing method, but her students were uninterested. But the Epix launch came amid the Great Recession, and pay-TV distributors initially were uninterested in adding another expensive movie channel to their line-ups. LA Times If you are sitting bored in a classroom, you are uninterested in the subject matter. In this sense, uninterestedis a synonym for bored, unenthusiastic, not excited, etc. When to Use Disinterested What does disinterested mean? Disinterested is also an adjective. Its noun form is disinterest. Disinterestedis a rough synonym for impartial, but it also describes the condition of not standing to gain from taking a side. In other words, a disinterested person can be unbiased because no judgment he could make in a given situation would benefit him. Here are some examples of disinterested in a sentence, Kelly is a good referee because her kids dont play soccer, so she is disinterested in the outcome of the matches. Aunty Kim always tries to be fair when she settles her nephews arguments, but she cannot be said to be completely disinterested. Disinterest is an admirable quality in a federal judge. That unethical encounter had tainted Lynchs pose of disinterested adjudication, and she accordingly de facto fobbed off her prosecutorial responsibilities to Comey. National Review Disinterested is often used in place of uninterested to mean bored or uncaring. Though common, this usage is imprecise and should be avoided. If you are a journalist or news writer, TheAP Stylebookstates, Disinterested means impartial, which is usually the better word to convey the thought. Uninterestedmeans that someone lack interest. Trick to Remember the Difference As noted above, disinterested is often misused as a synonym for uninterested. Still, these words have separate meanings, and should be used as such. To be disinterested is to be unbiased and impartial. To be uninterested is to be inattentive or bored. To help you remember uninterested vs. disinterested, remember that someone who is disinterested has no dog in the fight. Since disinterested and dog each begin with the letter D, this should be an easy image to remember. Summary Is it disinterested or uninterested? Disinterested and uninterested are adjectives. Disinterested means unbiased, while uninterested means inattentive.Disinterest is sometimes used to mean both of these things. As a memory aid, remember that disinterested people have no dog in the race. Disinterested and dog each begin with the same letter, so you should have no trouble picking disinterestedor uninterestedin your writing. Remember, you can always reread this article any time you need a quick refresher. wild west gold slot free playshows grade level based on the word's complexity. daric [ dar-ik ]/ dr k / New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.[ dar-ik ]/ dr k /Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nouna gold coin and monetary unit of ancient Persia. Words nearby daric How to use daric C16: from Greek Dareikos, probably after Darius I QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question daric156070; M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento The phrase is a bit of a contradiction, isnt it? Modern classicsits a bit like ancient baby, isnt it? Havent you ever seen babies sporting wise yet cantankerous looks that made them seem like smooth-skinned octogenarians? Modern classics in literature are like thatsmooth-skinned and young, yet with a sense of longevity. But before we define that term, let's start by defining what a work of classic literature is. A classic usually expresses some artistic qualityan expression of life, truth, and beauty. A classic stands the test of time. The work is usually considered to be a representation of the period in which it was written, and the work merits lasting recognition. In other words, if the book was published in the recent past, the work is not a classic. A classic has a certain universal appeal. Great works of literature touch us to our very core beingspartly because they integrate themes that are understood by readers from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience. Themes of love, hate, death, life, and faith touch upon some of our most basic emotional responses. A classic makes connections. You can study a classic and discover influences from other writers and other great works of literature. Thats as good a definition of a classic as youll find. But what is a modern classic? And can it meet all of the above criteria? Something That's Modern Can Be Familiar Modern is an interesting word. It gets tossed around by cultural commentators, architectural critics, and suspicious traditionalists. Sometimes, it just means nowadays. For our purposes here, lets define modern as based in a world the reader recognizes as familiar. So although Moby Dick is certainly a classic, it has a hard time being a modern classic because many of the settings, lifestyle allusions, and even moral codes seem dated to the reader. A modern classic, then, would have to be a book written after World War I, and probably after World War II. Why? Because those cataclysmic events shifted the way the world sees itself in irreversible ways. Certainly, classic themes endure. Romeo and Juliet will still be foolish enough to kill themselves without checking for a pulse thousands of years from now. But readers who live in a post-WWII era are concerned with much that is new. Ideas about race, gender, and class are shifting, and literature is both a cause and an effect. Readers have a broader understanding of an interconnected world where people, pictures, and words travel in all directions at warp speed. The idea of young people speaking their minds is no longer new. A world that has witnessed totalitarianism, imperialism, and corporate conglomeration cannot turn back that clock. And perhaps most importantly, readers today bring a hardened realism that stems from contemplating the enormity of genocide and perennially living on the edge of self-destruction. Modern Themes and Styles Shift With the Times These hallmarks of our modernism can be seen in a wide variety of works. A glance at previous winners of the Nobel Prize in Literature brings us Orhan Pamuk, who explores conflicts in modern Turkish society; J.M. Coetzee, best known as a white writer in a post-apartheid South Africa; and Gunter Grass, whose novel The Tin Drum is perhaps the seminal exploration of post-WWII soul-searching. Beyond content, modern classics also demonstrate a shift in style from earlier eras. This shift began in the early part of the century, with luminaries such as James Joyce expanding the reach of the novel as a form. In the post-war era, the hardened realism of the Hemingway school became less of a novelty and more a requirement. Cultural shifts have meant that obscenities once viewed as outrageous are commonplace. Sexual liberation may be more of a fantasy than a reality in the real world, but in literature, the characters certainly sleep around a lot more casually than they used to. In tandem with television and movies, literature has also shown its willingness to spill blood on the pages, as violent horrors that once would not even have been alluded to now become the basis of best-selling novels. Philip Roth is one of Americas preeminent authors of modern classics. In his early career, he was best known for Portnoys Complaint, in which young sexuality was explored in unprecedented ways. Modern? Certainly. But is it a classic? It can be argued it is not. It suffers the burden of those who go firstthey seem less impressive than those who come after. Young readers looking for a good shocker that reveals all no longer remember Portnoys Complaint. Great Examples of Modern Classics One modern classic is Jack Kerouacs On the Road. This book is modernits written in a breezy, breathless style, and its about cars and ennui and easy morality and vigorous youth. And its a classicit stands the test of time. For many readers, it has a universal appeal. Another novel that often appears atop the contemporary classics lists is Joseph Hellers Catch-22. This certainly meets every definition of an enduring classic, yet it is thoroughly modern. If WWII and its ramifications mark the boundary, this novel of the absurdities of war stands definitively on the modern side. In the science fiction aislea modern genre in itselfA Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. is perhaps the modern classic, post-nuclear holocaust novel. It has been copied endlessly, but it holds up as wellor better than any other work in painting a stark warning of the dire consequences of our path to destruction. There is a quite a bit of confusion surrounding the verb to dieand its various tenses. Is dieing or dyingcorrect to use when we are writing about death? What about dyeing? What is the difference between all of these? Today, I want to go over the basic tenses of to die, their uses in a sentence, and give you a few ways to remember which is correct. After reading this post, you shouldnt have any trouble picking the correct tense to include in your writing. Lets get started. When to Use Dieing The first thing that you probably noticed when typing out dieingon your computer keyboard is that a red line appears underneath it. Whats the deal with that? Well, thats because dieingis actually a misspelling. Yes, thats right; dieingis a common misspelling when used to refer to death, but that doesnt mean that it isnt a word. Although Microsoft Word doesnt recognize it, dieing is a real word, but it isnt at all related to death. If you are dieingsomething, you are cutting or stamping it with a die, which is a device used for cutting, forming, or engraving metals. It is a process used in machining, and your local town may even have a tool and die shop, which would make extensive use of the process. With the exception of this specialized use, average writers will almost never find themselves using the verb dieing, so they can effectively eliminate it from their vocabulary. Just remember, dieinghas nothing to do with death, so unless youre talking about machinery, forget the words exists. When to Use Dying If you are referring to death, the verb you have in mind is most likely dying. Dyingis the present participle of die, i.e., to cease living. For example, Soldiers are dying for their country. I think my car is dying right now. Dyingcan also be used as an adjective meaning on the point of death or extinction. Her dying words were that she loved him. Proper penmanship is a dying art form. The word dyinghas no other meanings other than those dealing with death or, more broadly, ceasing to exist, so you can remember that only dying deals with death. When to Use Dyeing Another word that sometimes gets confused with dieingand dying is the word dyeing, which, again, has nothing to do with death, but it still quite confusing. Dyeing is the present participle of dye, i.e., to color with a liquid. For example, I cant talk right now; Im dyeing my hair. These jeans are faded; Im thinking about dyeing them. This is a good material; it should dye well. Remember the Difference As I said above, its best to effectively eliminate dieingfrom your vocabulary, as it usually just leads to more confusion. Unless you are a machinist, you will almost never use it. You can remember that dyeing has to do with materials and clothes, all three of which have the letter E in them. Summary These three words are very easy to confuse with each other and can make your writing look very sloppy if you mix them up. We should therefore be sure to never mix up dying vs dieing vs dyeing. Dieing is a word, but its one you should almost never use, and it never refers to death. Dying refers to death. Dyeingrefers to coloring a fabric or other material. Online gambling in Croatia has gained significant popularity in recent years,betting union apk slot boss log in providing players with convenient access to a wide range of casino games and betting opportunities. Croatian players have access to both domestic and international online casinos, offering an extensive selection of games and sports betting options. The advantages of online casinos in Croatia The online casinos listed at casino-hrvatska.com bring numerous advantages that have contributed to their growing popularity among players. One of the key benefits is the convenience and accessibility they offer. Players can enjoy their favorite casino games from the comfort of their own homes or on the go. Online casinos also provide a vast selection of games, including popular classics and innovative new releases, ensuring there's something for every player's preference. Moreover, online casinos often offer attractive bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free spins and loyalty rewards, which can enhance the overall gaming experience. They offer the ability to play at any time, without the need to wait for a table or travel to a physical casino, providing unparalleled flexibility. With secure payment options and dedicated customer support, online casinos in Croatia present a convenient, entertaining and rewarding alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. Image: Pexels.com Exploring Croatia's top online casino platforms Croatia is home to a vibrant selection of top-tier online casino platforms that offer an exceptional gaming experience. These platforms feature a diverse range of games, including immersive video slots, thrilling table games like blackjack and roulette, and exciting live dealer options that bring the atmosphere of a real casino directly to players' screens. The leading online casino platforms in Croatia boast user-friendly interfaces, seamless navigation and visually stunning designs that create an immersive and engaging environment for players. With cutting-edge software providers powering these platforms, players can expect seamless gameplay, crisp graphics and innovative features. Moreover, Croatia's top online casino platforms prioritize player safety, employing state-of-the-art security measures to protect personal and financial information. Licensing and regulations in Croatia The Ministry of Finance is responsible for overseeing and granting licenses to online casino operators in Croatia. These licenses serve as a seal of approval, indicating that the casino has met stringent criteria and complies with the country's legal requirements. Licensed online casinos in Croatia are subject to regular audits and inspections to maintain transparency and fairness in their operations. Also, they implement robust security measures to protect players' personal and financial information. By choosing licensed online casinos, players can have peace of mind knowing that their gaming experience is conducted in a regulated and secure environment, fostering trust and confidence in the Croatian online gambling industry. Category: Casino Blog Throughout your writing career, you will need to highlight important points and focus on the most salient aspects of the topic of your writing. Strong writing emphasizes important things and spends less time on less important things. But should this word be spelled emphasize or emphasise? Continue reading to find out. What is the Difference Between Emphasise or Emphasize? In this article, I will compare emphasise vs. emphasize. I will use each of these words in at least one example sentence, so you can see them in context. Plus, I will show you a helpful memory device that you can use to remember whether emphasise or emphasize is the correct word, depending on your audience. When to Use Emphasize What does emphasize mean? Emphasize, a verb, means to highlight the importance of something. Some people use makeup to emphasize their facial features, and many writers use strong language to emphasize their feelings on a particular subject. Here are a few examples, The politician emphasized the importance of his economic plan by waggling his hands about as if he were playing an accordion. This mascara will emphasize the natural color of your eyes, cooed the mascara salesperson. Any judgment on the Gastrepo case will emphasize the inherent bias in the police force. Entelos may emphasize people with a large online footprint; SAPs might prefer those who best match characteristics of people who were hired in the past. The Wall Street Journal Emphasizehas been the preferred American English spelling of the word for over 200 years, but the same cannot be said for British English. When to Use Emphasise What does emphasis mean? Emphasise was at one point the predominate spelling in British English. In this sense, it followed other American-British spelling differences, such as organization-organisation, realize-realise, baptized-baptised, and others. However, within the last 100 years or so, emphasize has replaced emphasise in British English as the predominant spelling. Here is a chart that shows the relative frequency of emphasisvs. emphasizein American English, As you can see, emphasizehas always been the preferred spelling in American Englishand by a large margin. Here is a similar graph that shows the words use in British English, The two are much closer, but it appears that emphasize may have overtaken emphasisearound the year 1920. That said, it is still common to see emphasise in British writing and publications. For example, One Foreign Office document seen by the Guardian stresses the need to emphasise the links between those working in British embassies across the world and the new department for international trade. The Guardian It should also be noted that these charts arent 100 percent exhaustive in their scope, since they only look at books published in English since 1800. They are still useful, however, for illustrating long-term usage trends. Trick to Remember the Difference If you are writing in modern times, you should choose emphasize, whether you are an American or British writer. This version is standard in both communities. Emphasise used to be more common in British English, but that appears to have changed around 1920. Emphasizeis used today and is spelled with a Z, like Zurich and Zanzibar, two places which exist today in the world. The Zis therefore your clue that you should use emphasize for all contemporary writing, unless instructed to do otherwise by a professor or supervisor. Summary Is it emphasise or emphasize? Emphasise and emphasize are two spelling variants of a verb that means to highlight the importance of something. Historically, emphasise was standard in British English, but today, emphasize is more common in both British and American English. Emphasize shares its Zwith Zurich and Zanzibar, two places which exist in the modern world. Since you are writing in a world which includes these places, you should also include the word emphasize in your writing. Remember, you can always reread this article any time you need a quick refresher on the meaning of these words. We all know that men set forth in sailing ships and risked their lives to harpoon whales on the open seas throughout the 1800s. And while Moby Dickand other tales have made whaling stories immortal, people today generally don't appreciate that the whalers were part of a well-organized industry. The ships that set out from ports in New England roamed as far as the Pacific in hunt of specific species of whales. Adventure may have been the draw for some whalers, but for the captains who owned whaling ships, and the investors which financed voyages, there was a considerable monetary payoff. The gigantic carcasses of whales were chopped and boiled down and turned into products such as the fine oil needed to lubricate increasing advanced machine tools. And beyond the oil derived from whales, even their bones, in an era before the invention of plastic, was used to make a wide variety of consumer goods. In short, whales were a valuable natural resource the same as wood, minerals, or petroleum we now pump from the ground. Oil From Whales Blubber Oil was the main product sought from whales, and it was used to lubricate machinery and to provide illumination by burning it in lamps. When a whale was killed, it was towed to the ship and its blubber, the thick insulating fat under its skin, would be peeled and cut from its carcass in a process known as flensing. The blubber was minced into chunks and boiled in large vats on board the whaling ship, producing oil. The oil taken from whale blubber was packaged in casks and transported back to the whaling ships home port (such as New Bedford, Massachusetts, the busiest American whaling port in the mid-1800s). From the ports it would be sold and transported across the country and would find its way into a huge variety of products. Whale oil, in addition to be used for lubrication and illumination, was also used to manufacture soaps, paint, and varnish. Whale oil was also utilized in some processes used to manufacture textiles and rope. Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. Spermaceti was also used, distilled in liquid form, as an oil to fuel lamps. The main American whaling port, New Bedford, Massachusetts, was thus known as "The City That Lit the World." When John Adams was the ambassador to Great Britain before serving as president he recorded in his diary a conversation about spermaceti he had with the British Prime Minister William Pitt. Adams, keen to promote the New England whaling industry, was trying to convince the British to import spermaceti sold by American whalers, which the British could use to fuel street lamps. The British were not interested. In his diary, Adams wrote that he told Pitt, the fat of the spermaceti whale gives the clearest and most beautiful flame of any substance that is known in nature, and we are surprised you prefer darkness, and consequent robberies, burglaries, and murders in your streets to receiving as a remittance our spermaceti oil. Despite the failed sales pitch John Adams made in the late 1700s, the American whaling industry boomed in the early to mid-1800s. And spermaceti was a major component of that success. Spermaceti could be refined into a lubricant that was ideal for precision machinery. The machine tools that made the growth of industry possible in the United States were lubricated, and essentially made possible, by oil derived from spermaceti. Baleen, or "Whalebone" The bones and teeth of various species of whales were used in a number of products, many of them common implements in a 19th century household. Whales are said to have produced the plastic of the 1800s. The "bone" of the whale which was most commonly used wasnt technically a bone, it was baleen, a hard material arrayed in large plates, like gigantic combs, in the mouths of some species of whales. The purpose of the baleen is to act as a sieve, catching tiny organisms in sea water, which the whale consumes as food. As baleen was tough yet flexible, it could be used in a number of practical applications. And it became commonly known as "whalebone." Perhaps the most common use of whalebone was in the manufacture of corsets, which fashionable ladies in the 1800s wore to compress their waistlines. One typical corset advertisement from the 1800s proudly proclaims, Real Whalebone Only Used. Whalebone was also used for collar stays, buggy whips, and toys. Its remarkable flexibility even caused it to be used as the springs in early typewriters. The comparison to plastic is apt. Think of common items which today might be made of plastic, and it's likely that similar items in the 1800s would have been made of whalebone. Baleen whales do not have teeth. But the teeth of other whales, such as the sperm whale, would be used as ivory in such products as chess pieces, piano keys, or the handles of walking sticks. Pieces of scrimshaw, or carved whale's teeth, would probably be the best remembered use of whale's teeth. However, the carved teeth were created to pass the time on whaling voyages and were never a mass production item. Their relative rarity, of course, is why genuine pieces of 19th century scrimshaw are considered to be valuable collectibles today. Staff members sort packages at a logistics center in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, Nov. 11, 2022. China's annual "Double Eleven" festival, which falls on Nov. 11, was first started by Alibaba's e-commerce platform in 2009 and quickly grew into a major shopping event.(Photo: Xinhua) Many brands have posted record sales on Saturday as China's Double 11 online shopping festival concluded with new trends and highlights amid a continued recovery in the country's consumption.As Chinese e-commerce platforms place increased emphasis on quality development and integration with the real economy amid economic pressures, major platforms including Tmall and JD.com didn't release the gross merchandise volume (GMV) for 2022's Double 11 online festival like in past years.The shopping festival has shown an increasingly important role of China's digital economy in the overall economy amid the impact of downward pressure on global economy and the COVID-19 resurgence, experts said.On Saturday, Chinese brands including Xiaomi, TCL and Vivo have reported sales hitting new highs.Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, posted on his Sina Weibo account on Saturday that sales across all of the company's sales channels exceeded 17 billion yuan ($2.4 billion) during the shopping festival.Chinese electronics firm TCL announced that the brand's sales of all products in this Double 11 festival exceeded 3.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 60 percent.Although the market sentiment and expectation among consumers and businesses still remain cautious amid the epidemic, companies' sales growth during the Double 11 festival shows China's consumption continues to recover, Tian Yun, former vice director of the Beijing Economic Operation Association, told the Global Times on Saturday.Amid the downward pressure on the global economy, Chinese enterprises are still innovating and stimulating new consumption hotspots, Tian said.This year's Double 11 shopping festival is the most diverse event for participating merchants, with 290,000 brands, millions of small and medium-sized businesses, and livestreaming sellers signing up. More than 21 million products participated in the event, according to a Hangzhou Daily report.New online business models like livestreaming sales have attracted wide attention at the Double shopping festival. The average daily view of livestreaming selling events on Taobao increased by 561 percent year-on-year, according to the report.As China's Double 11 online shopping festival enters its 14th year, China's digital economy not only plays a supportive role for the development of the real economy, but also develops many new forms of businesses, providing a new drive of growth for the Chinese economy, Tian said.Global Times China will conduct a military exercise off its southeast coast starting July 29,verge crypto wallet the Ministry of National Defense announced on Sunday. The manoeuvre with troops is part of the Chinese armys routine training, the ministry said in a statement. China to conduct military drill off SE coastadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline What Is a Gap?gratorama mobile casino A gap is an area discontinuity in a security's chart where its price either rises or falls from the previous days close with no trading occurring in between. Gaps are common when news causes market fundamentals to change during hours when markets are typically closed, for instance an earnings call after-hours. Key Takeaways A gap is a discontinuous space in the price chart of an asset or security, often occurring between trading hours. There four different types of gaps Common Gaps, Breakaway Gaps, Runaway Gaps, and Exhaustion Gaps - each with its own signal to traders. Gaps are easy to spot, but determining the type of gap is much harder to figure out. What Does A Gap Tell You? Gaps typically occur when a piece of news or an event causes a flood of buyers or sellers into the security. It results in the price opening significantly higher or lower than the previous days closing price. Depending on the kind of gap, it could indicate either the start of a new trend or a reversal of a previous trend. Gapping occurs when the price of a security or asset opens well above or below the previous days close with no trading activity in between. Partial gapping occurs when the opening price is higher or lower than the previous days close but within the previous days price range. Full gapping occurs when the open is outside of the previous days range. Gapping, especially a full gap, shows a strong shift in sentiment occurred overnight. Some traders make it a strategy to profit from playing the gap when such a situation occurs. The Difference Between Different Types of Gaps There are some fundamental differences between the different types of gaps: Common Gaps, Breakaway Gaps, Runaway Gaps, and Exhaustion Gaps. In general, there is no major event that precedes this type of gap. Common gaps generally get filled relatively quickly (usually within a couple of days) when compared to other types of gaps. Common gaps are also known as "area gaps" or "trading gaps" and tend to be accompanied by normal average trading volume. A breakaway gap occurs when the price gaps above a support or resistance area, like those established during a trading range. When the price breaks out of a well-established trading range via a gap, that is a breakaway gap. A breakaway gap could also occur out of another type of chart pattern, such as a triangle, wedge, cup and handle, rounded bottom or top, or head and shoulders pattern. A runaway gap, typically seen on charts, occurs when trading activity skips sequential price points, usually driven by intense investor interest. In other words, there was no trading, defined as an exchange of ownership in a security, between the price point where the runaway gap began and where it ended. An exhaustion gap is a technical signal marked by a break lower in prices (usually on a daily chart) that occurs after a rapid rise in a stock's price over several weeks prior. This signal reflects a significant shift from buying to selling activity that usually coincides with falling demand for a stock. The implication of the signal is that an upward trend may be about to end soon. Each type of gap has certain consequences for traders. For example, reversal or breakaway gaps are typically accompanied by a sharp rise in trading volume, while common and runaway gaps are not. Additionally, most gaps occur due to news, or an event such as earnings or an analyst's upgrade/downgrade. Common gaps happen more regularly and do not always need a reason to occur. Also, common gaps tend to get filled, whereas the other two gaps may signal a reversal or continuation of a trend. Example of a Gap In the historical example below, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) stock gaps higher on October 27, 2017, rising sharply from the previous days close after months of sideways consolidation. The stock's gain is accompanied by a massive increase in volume, confirming a breakaway gap. It is the start of a new trend higher in Amazons stock, which goes on to rally from $985 to $2,050 by September 2018. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 In the next example, Alphabet Inc.s (GOOGL) chart shows a runaway gap. Alphabets stock was already increasing in April 2017 when it gapped sharply higher, continuing its previous uptrend. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Limitations of Gaps There are limitations despite gaps being easy to spot. The glaring flaw is one's own ability to identify the different types of gap that occur. If a gap is misinterpreted, it could be a disastrous mistake causing one to miss an opportunity to either buy or sell a security, which could weigh heavily on one's profits and losses. Facebook Facebook Twitter Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Mercury is a heavy, liquid metal once common in thermometers and other equipment. Have you ever touched mercury or been exposed to it? Were you fine or did you experience symptoms or exposure? Did you shrug it off or seek medical attention? Here are responses from readers: Info Is Exaggerated Mercury does not absorb through your skin instantly. Elemental mercury does absorb through your skin, but at a very slow pace (very slowly). As long as you don't expose your skin to the metal too much and you wash your hands after then you would be fine. If any mercury did absorb through your skin then the amount will be so small then you would urinate it out, leaving no mercury in your body and meaning it won't build up to harmful amounts. In fact you could absorb more mercury by eating a can of tuna. I'm not trying to build up a false sense of safety with this material, as it's not something you should have out all the time. If you kept exposing yourself every day even small amounts could build to harmful amounts in the body, while if you did it a couple of times a month then it won't build up. And as for the vapor, when the mercury is at room temperature then the evaporation rate is only 0.063 ml per hour per cm squared of surface area exposed of mercury. chris Played With Mercury My dad's dad was an inventor type, and I once found a little bottle with mercury. I poured some out and was amazed. I had a hard time getting it picked up off the counter. I told my dad I found it and he told me not to mess with it and that it is toxic if exposed for a prolonged time. Mercury is dangerous, and you need to be cautious not to be exposed to it directly for long periods of time, but simply handling it is not going to make you drop dead. It's like cigarettesdeadly over long periods of exposure, but you aren't going to die if you walk into a smoky bar and have a drink. Marcus Things Mess Up When I was in primary school my science teacher told us that we should not touch mercury and not to break the thermometer. Instead she was the one who broke it and the mercury spilled on me, all over my hands and maybe face. I'm not sure as it happened too fast. I was too shocked to take immediate action, and so all I did was wash my hands thoroughly. I'm not sure if that is enough. croc beauty Mercury Risk I touched mercury back in the day, before it was regulated. It is fun stuff. We all know better now, but I do need to chime in on the actual risks. The risk from elemental mercury is ingestion and inhalation. Ingestion is a "normal" risk, similar to that of other toxic chemicals and cleaners, and it should not be eaten. The vapor pressure of mercury is so low at room temperature that there is very little risk of inhalation. If you wash your hands after handling, risks are very low. But if you drop a bit, it could become atomized, and inhalation risks go up considerably. Also, if it is heated, as in artisanal gold mining, the risks are high. So, I agree, when mercury is dropped or vaporizes, evacuate the building. The more problematic and more toxic form of mercury, methylmercury, bioaccumulates, can have serious health consequences, especially for the young and unborn. According to the Blacksmith Institute, a third of the mercury in the environment is due to artisanal gold mines. jbd People Thought It Was an Elixir Jack London used to rub it on himself in the belief that it would cure him of illness. Needless to say, he did develop mercury poisoning, but that was over many years. So I am sure touching it once won't hurt you at all. Chris Hell Yeah It was probably the funniest thing I ever did and I'm not brian damajed. Player I Touched Liquid Mercury It wasn't intentional or planned, but when one of our thermometers in the lab was broken, we found it the right time to get the experience while we were trying to collect the small pieces. The experience of seeing the tiny pieces turned into a big one and break them again into tiny pieces was kind of interesting, if not amazing, to us during our freshman year. Elizabeth Kentucky I can't imagine there would be so many stupid people who believe touching mercury would kill them. When I was in high school we spilled a pint bottle of mercury in the floor. We got down with notebook paper and scraped it up into a pile and scooped it up and put in back in the bottle. None of us died; in fact, most of us are now very well and over age of 75. Our local school broke a thermometer and the school was evacuated, closed, and a chemical response team called in to clean up the mercury. oldfellow START HERE START HERE Beautiful interesting element I played with it as a kid and in high school, but was never around fumes. I'm now in my 60s, healthy and teaching. crazylablady Loved those magical little beads! In grade school during the early 60's we were given mercury as a hands on experiment. Touch it and it bursts into tiny balls, round them up and they meld into one larger one. I'm 56 and pretty darn healthy! I also remember getting a tube of gunk that you could squeeze out a blob, blow it up into a balloon and pinch shut. Probably was full of lead! How did we survive such "unhealthy" childhoods! Ruthe For sure! When I was a grade-schooler, I belonged to an informal "science club". We used to study various science topics and run low-cost experiments. One member had some mercury in a bottle that we put into a bowl and played with using our fingers, splitting it into smaller drops and then reuniting. We didn't realize then it wasn't a good idea! Maybe could account for some of my digestive problems now....? Steve Mercury, lead, asbestos etc. I rubbed mercury on coins, made lead soldiers, and our home water pipes were lead. When I worked in a large lab for two years in my early twenties we mixed asbestos, flour, and water to insulate our equipment. The inside of our noses were white with asbestos. A friend of mine who had a similar background died two years ago from a heart attack unrelated to mercury. I am 80 with no known health problems. Nomar Thermometers When I was a kid, back before there were spirit thermometers, the various oil companies and insurance companies used to mail out desk calendars with little thermometers on one side. I would collect as many as I could, break them open, and chase the globs of mercury around for hours, rolling it around in my hand and across the floor. I had amassed a sizable amount of Hg from several years of multiple calendars. The only warning I ever got was mom saying, "Don't eat that stuff." Rouxgaroux Mercury I am 80 so of course I touched mercury in chemistry lab. It was a great way to make silver dimes new and shiny. C Bryant Moore A thief got it in the end. In high school chemistry, I accidentally got in on a blue birthstone ring that was gold. It turned it silver. It stayed like that until a thief stole it when I was in college. Luckily, it was not a very expensive ring nor something I wore much. We were playing with the mercury on our desks at our teacher's suggestion when this occurred. There were no warnings about toxicity at the time (a long time ago). NANCYJMG Mercury Yes, in fact I knew a guy who was trapped in a vessel of Hg up to his waist! His wellingtons where full and he could not move, before I helped to rescue him he fell over in 3 foot deep Hg. He didn't drown. He was fine after this, but his mercury urine levels where well over the safe limits. david bradbury In Middle School I had some in the palm of my hand for about five minutes when I was in middle school. Knowing nothing about it I had no idea why my hand turned red. Edgar Have I ever touched Mercury Darn bet'cha. It was every science teachers toy after blowing up magnesium in water. The danger in mercury is long term exposure to its vapor. Most chemistry rooms have a bead of Mercury flowing around their mop boards. Pull them up and wow, if the environmental agency saw that. I use to float a shot put in a half gallon of mercury until they sent in the boys from hazmat took my toy away. Now I just blow up magnesium. Anyone know where I can get some phosphorus? epearsonjr Link Between Mercury and Depression? In primary school we each had some on our desk ALL the time to play with. When I worked in the University of Newcastle as a research Assistant in Chemistry I spent 3 years using Anodic Stripping Voltametry in researching certain compounds. I was always cleaning mercury, cleaning up small spills and a few times arrived in the lab in the morning to find the seal on the mercury storage container on the machine had broken and the floor of the lab would be covered with a fine layer of mercury -- all of which I had to clean up. This was quite a few years ago before all the new OH&S laws, and this lab was completely internal with no exhaust fans. Yes I am still alive at 62 years old, but I do have a rare form of depression for which there is only one form of medication to keep it under control. I have lost my sense of smell, and so taste. Not sure if this is a result of that or working in chemicals laboratories all my life. Pamela Played with mercury As a middle school age boy we had an old oil burning boiler removed and in the removal was about a pint of liquid mercury. I asked for it and was given it. for months we poured it over our hands and arms, soaked our pennies in it so they looked silver, etc. I ended up majoring in chemistry in college as a result and taught it for 30 yrs. No known ill effects so far and I am nearly 60. Jon Sure Did When I was about 10, I broke a thermometer and cleaned it up with my fingers. I was also exposed to other poisons as part of university agricultural research. Now I have MS. I'm sure the poisons turned on my MS gene. Jean Sure, lots of times Like a couple above, we used to push it around. Mostly on our desks at school. I can't remember where / how we got it but I think it was in some sort of bottle and not a broken thermometer. We didn't smear it on pennies. That seems odd. We smeared it over dimes as that kept the same color but made the dime really shiny. This was back in the 50s and I don't remember anyone thinking it was dangerous. I also remember tossing sodium into water and taking phosphorus (?) out of water and letting it ignite as it dried. spokey Broken thermometer As a kid I loved playing with mercury I remember pushing the small spheres together to make a larger sphere. I was a child of the 60's and we were unaware of the dangers. I do not remember any warnings about mercury until maybe the 70's. I do not remember any problems that occurred at the time or since that time. Ann M Yes I've played with it! As a grade school kid back in the 1950's we always played with mercury. Loved dropping it on the desk into many tiny beads, then push them all together to form a bigger bead. Nobody told us it was bad. chuckles11 Mercury form drives toxicity Mercury exists as a vapor (gaseous elemental Hg), as a liquid (elemental Hg), as a reactive species (Hg2+) and as organic methylmercury (MeHg). Form dictates toxicity. The most toxic is inhaling gaseous mercury. It goes straight to the brain and causes insanity. Ingesting liquid mercury is not very toxic. Any basic environmental chemistry text will say about 7% stays in the body, while 93% is excreted. Even if mercury continues to be ingested, it will not cause insanity but it could cause kidney failure. Popping a few balls of Hg from a thermometer into your mouth isn't a good idea, but it's not likely to hurt you. Bacteria transform inorganic mercury into MeHg, which accumulates up the food chain. Eating a lot of highly contaminated seafood can cause nervous system problems in a fetus and infants. It is unlikely to harm adults. Inorganic and MeHg are metabolized, with half life of about 70 days. Except for inhalation, only massive and continuous doses are toxic. Kendra_Zamzow Mercury I work on mercury for preparation of their salts, it is poisonous & and its salts are corrosive. 1st time i touch mercury when i am in class 6 from medical thermometer it is running like a ball like a small dew, mother say's don't touch it is poisonous but i touch many times. drashwani Forgery In school chemistry lessons we used to clean pennies with nitric acid and then "silver plate" them with mercuric chloride solution by rubbing the solution on with our fingers. It made them appear to be half crowns (yes it's a longtime ago) so we could then go into the newsagent after school, buy ten cigarettes and still get change. So mercury and cigarettes from age 12 and I'm still here (I did give up smoking a long time ago). houghtong Have you touched liquid mercury? When I was a lot younger, we would take mercury and place a drop on a penny, then with our fingers, spread the mercury on the penny until the penny was entirely coated giving it a silver appearance. This was done several times by my brother and me. My father was a chemical engineer and he showed us how to do this. I never had any reaction either topically or systemically to the mercury. I did this about 60 years ago. I also love swordfish steaks, which are reported to have high Hg content. On another idea, I also made my own black powder and cannon (small 1/2 inch shot used). And I remember using DDT as an insecticide. Still alive and kicking. gemlover7476 oops Several times during my childhood a mercury thermometer would break and my mother let me push the minute beads of mercury together (from all over the bathroom floor) and watch them eat each other and grow. It was fascinating. So now I'm brain-damaged? CRS When I was a kid... We used to take the mercury out of thermometers and put it into a glass bottle. We would turn the bottle and watch it move around and thought it was cool. We were around 6-12 in a group of kids that just hung out together. Back in the early 70s nobody cared what we were doing as long as we weren't fighting or in the grownups hair. When I got into high school I found out how dangerous it is. We knew it was poison but to us that meant we shouldn't eat it. Knittykitty Sure! As a child, of course! My mother even let us touch it, thinking it was a good science learning. And once in a class at school. But then, I'm old and nobody knew better then. My kids got the "don't touch it" lecture. Jone Lewis Mercury is Deadly Hi, I've always been warned since childhood not to touch mercury, so never have. Over a decade ago science professor at US Davis passed a way from over exposure to Mercury in the lab. Also a very dear Doctor of chiropractic passed away in 2003 from having eaten sea food tainted with Mercury. It was very sad to see a once robust individual who had helped to restore my own health, waste with away with declining health over a period of 18 months. Still saddens me to think of him. Sukhmandir Kaur Why? I'm sorry, but I don't see why anyone would ever touch the stuff! People have known it is toxic for a long time. Seems like anyone alive who touched it must be terminally stupid. That's my opinion, anyway! Bea Yes, I've touched it! I had a gold ring on one time and accidentally touched the mercury drop with the ring. The gold and mercury reacted, permanently discoloring the ring. Anne Watch Now: Record-High Amounts of Mercury Found in Some Fish What Is a Leverage Ratio?get free coins for cashman casino A leverage ratio is any one of several financial measurements that look at how much capital comes in the form of debt (loans) or assesses the ability of a company to meet its financial obligations. The leverage ratio category is important because companies rely on a mixture of equity and debt to finance their operations, and knowing the amount of debt held by a company is useful in evaluating whether it can pay off its debts as they come due. Several common leverage ratios are discussed below. Key Takeaways A leverage ratio is any one of several financial measurements that assesses the ability of a company to meet its financial obligations. A leverage ratio may also be used to measure a company's mix of operating expenses to get an idea of how changes in output will affect operating income. Common leverage ratios include the debt-equity ratio, equity multiplier, degree of financial leverage, and consumer leverage ratio. Banks have regulatory oversight on the level of leverage they are can hold. Understanding The Leverage Ratio What Does a Leverage Ratio Tell You? 1:53 Too much debt can be dangerous for a company and its investors. However, if a company's operations can generate a higher rate of return than the interest rate on its loans, then the debt may help to fuel growth. Uncontrolled debt levels can lead to credit downgrades or worse. On the other hand, too few debts can also raise questions. A reluctance or inability to borrow may be a sign that operating margins are tight. There are several different ratios that may be categorized as a leverage ratio, but the main factors considered are debt, equity, assets, and interest expenses. A leverage ratio may also be used to measure a company's mix of operating expenses to get an idea of how changes in output will affect operating income. Fixed and variable costs are the two types of operating costs; depending on the company and the industry, the mix will differ. Finally, the consumer leverage ratio refers to the level of consumer debt compared to disposable income and is used in economic analysis and by policymakers. Banks and Leverage Ratios Banks are among the most leveraged institutions in the United States. The combination of fractional-reserve banking and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection has produced a banking environment with limited lending risks. To compensate for this, three separate regulatory bodies, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and the Comptroller of the Currency, review and restrict the leverage ratios for American banks. This means they restrict how much money a bank can lend relative to how much capital the bank devotes to its own assets. The level of capital is important because banks can "write down" the capital portion of their assets if total asset values drop. Assets financed by debt cannot be written down because the bank's bondholders and depositors are owed those funds. Banking regulations for leverage ratios are complicated. The Federal Reserve created guidelines for bank holding companies, although these restrictions vary depending on the rating assigned to the bank. In general, banks that experience rapid growth or face operational or financial difficulties are required to maintain higher leverage ratios. There are several forms of capital requirements and minimum reserve placed on American banks through the FDIC and the Comptroller of the Currency that indirectly impacts leverage ratios. The level of scrutiny paid to leverage ratios has increased since the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 when banks that were "too big to fail" were a calling card to make banks more solvent. These restrictions naturally limit the number of loans made because it is more difficult and more expensive for a bank to raise capital than it is to borrow funds. Higher capital requirements can reduce dividends or dilute share value if more shares are issued. For banks, the tier 1 leverage ratio is most commonly used by regulators. Leverage Ratios for Evaluating Solvency and Capital Structure Perhaps the most well known financial leverage ratio is the debt-to-equity ratio. The Debt-to-Equity (D/E) Ratio This is expressed as: Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Liabilities Total Shareholders Equity \text{ Debt-to-Equity Ratio} = \frac{ \text{ Total Liabilities}}{ \text{ Total Shareholders' Equity}} Debt-to-Equity Ratio=Total Shareholders EquityTotal Liabilities For example, United Parcel Service's long-term debt for the quarter ending December 2019 was $21.8 billion.United Parcel Service's total stockholders' equity for the ending December 2019 was $3.3 billion. The company's D/E for the quarter was 8.62. That is considered high. A high debt/equity ratio generally indicates that a company has been aggressive in financing its growth with debt. This can result in volatile earnings as a result of the additional interest expense. If the company's interest expense grows too high, it may increase the company's chances of a default or bankruptcy. Typically, a D/E ratio greater than 2.0 indicates a risky scenario for an investor; however, this yardstick can vary by industry. Businesses that require large capital expenditures (CapEx), such as utility and manufacturing companies, may need to secure more loans than other companies. It's a good idea to measure a firm's leverage ratios against past performance and with companies operating in the same industry to better understand the data. Fedex has a D/E ratio of 1.78, so there is cause for concern where UPS is concerned. However, most analysts consider that UPS earns enough cash to cover its debts. The Equity Multiplier The equity multiplier is similar, but replaces debt with assets in the numerator: Equity Multiplier = Total Assets Total Equity \text{ Equity Multiplier} = \frac{ \text{ Total Assets}}{ \text{ Total Equity}} Equity Multiplier=Total EquityTotal Assets For example, assume that Macy's (NYSE: M) has assets valued at $19.85 billion and stockholder equity of $4.32 billion. The equity multiplier would be: $ 1 9 . 8 5 billion $ 4 . 3 2 billion = 4 . 5 9 \$19.85 \text{ billion} \div \$4.32 \text{ billion} = 4.59 $19.85 billion$4.32 billion=4.59 Although debt is not specifically referenced in the formula, it is an underlying factor given that total assets includes debt. Remember that Total Assets = Total Debt + Total shareholders' Equity. The company's high ratio of 4.59 means that assets are mostly funded with debt than equity. From the equity multiplier calculation, Macy's assets are financed with $15.53 billion in liabilities. The equity multiplier is a component of the DuPont analysis for calculating return on equity (ROE): DuPont analysis = N P M A T E M where: N P M = net profit margin A T = asset turnover E M = equity multiplier \begin{ aligned} &\text{ DuPont analysis} = NPM \times AT \times EM\\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &NPM=\text{ net profit margin}\\ &AT=\text{ asset turnover}\\ &EM=\text{ equity multiplier}\\ \end{ aligned} DuPont analysis=NPMATEMwhere:NPM=net profit marginAT=asset turnoverEM=equity multiplier The Debt-to-Capitalization Ratio An indicator that measures the amount of debt in a companys capital structure is the debt-to-capitalization ratio, which measures a companys financial leverage. It is calculated as: Total debt to capitalization = ( S D + L D ) ( S D + L D + S E ) where: S D = short-term debt L D = long-term debt S E = shareholders equity \begin{ aligned} &\text{ Total debt to capitalization} = \frac{ (SD + LD)}{ (SD + LD + SE)}\\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &SD=\text{ short-term debt}\\ &LD=\text{ long-term debt}\\ &SE=\text{ shareholders' equity}\\ \end{ aligned} Total debt to capitalization=(SD+LD+SE)(SD+LD)where:SD=short-term debtLD=long-term debtSE=shareholders equity In this ratio, operating leases are capitalized and equity includes both common and preferred shares. Instead of using long-term debt, an analyst may decide to use total debt to measure the debt used in a firm's capital structure. The formula, in this case, would include minority interest and preferred shares in the denominator. Degree of Financial Leverage Degree of financial leverage (DFL) is a ratio that measures the sensitivity of a companys earnings per share (EPS) to fluctuations in its operating income, as a result of changes in its capital structure. It measures the percentage change in EPS for a unit change in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and is represented as: D F L = % change in E P S % change in E B I T where: E P S = earnings per share E B I T = earnings before interest and taxes \begin{ aligned} &DFL = \frac{ \% \text{ change in }EPS}{ \% \text{ change in }EBIT} \\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &EPS=\text{ earnings per share}\\ &EBIT=\text{ earnings before interest and taxes}\\ \end{ aligned} DFL=% change in EBIT% change in EPSwhere:EPS=earnings per shareEBIT=earnings before interest and taxes DFL can alternatively be represented by the equation below: D F L = E B I T E B I T interest DFL = \frac{ EBIT}{ EBIT - \text{ interest}} DFL=EBITinterestEBIT This ratio indicates that the higher the degree of financial leverage, the more volatile earnings will be. Since interest is usually a fixed expense, leverage magnifies returns and EPS. This is good when operating income is rising, but it can be a problem when operating income is under pressure. The Consumer Leverage Ratio The consumer leverage ratio is used to quantify the amount of debt the average American consumer has relative to their disposable income. Some economists have stated that the rapid increase in consumer debt levels has been a contributing factor to corporate earnings growth over the past few decades. Others blamed the high level of consumer debt as a major cause of the great recession. Consumer leverage ratio = Total household debt Disposable personal income \text{ Consumer leverage ratio} = \frac{ \text{ Total household debt}}{ \text{ Disposable personal income}} Consumer leverage ratio=Disposable personal incomeTotal household debt Understanding how debt amplifies returns is the key to understanding leverage. Debt is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if the debt is taken on to invest in projects that will generate positive returns. Leverage can thus multiply returns, although it can also magnify losses if returns turn out to be negative. The Debt-To-Capital Ratio The debt-to-capital ratio is a measurement of a company's financial leverage. It is one of the more meaningful debt ratios because it focuses on the relationship of debt liabilities as a component of a company's total capital base. Debt includes all short-term and long-term obligations. Capital includes the company's debt and shareholders' equity. This ratio is used to evaluate a firm's financial structure and how it is financing operations. Typically, if a company has a high debt-to-capital ratio compared to its peers, it may have a higher default risk due to the effect the debt has on its operations. The oil industry seems to have about a 40% debt-to-capital threshold. Above that level, debt costs increase considerably. The Debt-To-EBITDA Leverage Ratio The debt-to-EBITDA leverage ratio measures a company's ability to pay off its incurred debt. Commonly used by credit agencies, this ratio determines the probability of defaulting on issued debt. Since oil and gas companies typically have a lot of debt on their balance sheets, this ratio is useful in determining how many years of EBITDA would be required to pay back all the debt. Typically, it can be alarming if the ratio is over 3, but this can vary depending on the industry. The Debt-To-EBITDAX Ratio Another variation of the debt-to-EBITDA ratio is the debt-to-EBITDAX ratio, which is similar, except EBITDAX is EBITDA before exploration costs for successful efforts companies. This ratio is commonly used in the United States to normalize different accounting treatments for exploration expenses (the full cost method versus the successful efforts method). Exploration costs are typically found in the financial statements as exploration, abandonment, and dry hole costs. Other noncash expenses that should be added back in are impairments, accretion of asset retirement obligations, and deferred taxes. The Interest Coverage Ratio Another leverage ratio concerned with interest payments is the interest coverage ratio. One problem with only reviewing the total debt liabilities for a company is they do not tell you anything about the company's ability to service the debt. This is exactly what the interest coverage ratio aims to fix. This ratio, which equals operating income divided by interest expenses, showcases the company's ability to make interest payments. Generally, a ratio of 3.0 or higher is desirable, although this varies from industry to industry. The Fixed-Charge Coverage Ratio Times interest earned (TIE), also known as a fixed-charge coverage ratio, is a variation of the interest coverage ratio. This leverage ratio attempts to highlight cash flow relative to interest owed on long-term liabilities. To calculate this ratio, find the company's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), then divide by the interest expense of long-term debts. Use pre-tax earnings because interest is tax-deductible; the full amount of earnings can eventually be used to pay interest. Again, higher numbers are more favorable. What Is a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA)?nfl week 5 best bets A multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) is a system for marketing health and welfare benefits to employers, for their employees. Also described as a "multiple employer trust (MET)," a multiple employer welfare arrangement happens when a group of employers combines their contributions in a self-contributing benefits plan for the benefit of their employees. For the arrangement to work, the employers must make contributions to the plan based on the number of employees they have and the estimated costs associated with each employee. MEWAs are a way for smaller companies to offer employee benefits outside of the government-run health insurance exchanges by sharing risk. They became popular as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). For more on MEWAs from the Department of Labor, see ERISA's Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement informational page, which lists the rules governing them, fact sheets, filing requirements, news releases, current amendments, public comments, and more. How a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) Works As defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a multiple employer welfare arrangement is "an employee welfare benefit plan, or any other arrangement which is established or maintained for the purpose of offering or providing" medical, surgical, or hospital care or benefits, or benefits in the event of sickness, accident, disability, death or unemployment, or vacation benefits, apprenticeship or other training programs, or daycare centers, scholarship funds, or prepaid legal services to the employees of two or more employers (including one or more self-employed individuals), or to their beneficiaries. Overall, a multiple employer welfare arrangement is a good way for smaller employers to get group health and other insurance benefits for their employers. By pooling their contributions together, these smaller employers are better positioned to offer the best benefits packages from insurance companies due to economies of scale. Also, since each employer is a partner in a MEWA, they have the ability to suggest plan changes, giving them more power over what they can offer employees than when they go it alone. Special Considerations There are some financial considerations and challenges that need to be taken into account when an employer is thinking of participating in a MEWA. In some cases, multiple employer welfare arrangements find themselves unable to pay claims as a result of inadequate funding or reserves. In more extreme cases, due to poor management or outright fraud and embezzlement, some MEWAs have seen their funds drained altogether. As such, most MEWA administrators and participants buy stop-loss insurance to limit their liability. Such insurance covers errors and omissions, fidelity bonds, directors and officers, crime, cyber liability, and more. MEWAs must follow ERISA law, and also may be subject to state insurance regulation, which can vary by jurisdiction (some states are MEWA-friendly; some not so much). An example of such state-level regulatory requirements can be found at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (an example of a state with generally higher oversight standards). At a minimum, MEWAs must follow filing, reporting and funding guidelines. Key Takeaways What Is a Multiple?odds to win the cup 888 casino ita A multiple measures some aspect of a company's financial well-being, determined by dividing one metric by another metric. Metrics are quantitative tools that measure a company's performance. The metric in the numerator is typically larger than the one in the denominator. Investors use multiples to quantify a company's growth, productivity, and efficiency. They use multiples to make comparisons among companies and find the best investment opportunities. For example, a multiple can be used to show how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings, as computed by the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. Assume you are analyzing a stock with $2 of earnings per share (EPS), which is trading at $20. This stock has a P/E of 10. This means investors are willing to pay a multiple of 10 times the current EPS for the stock. This is calculated as: Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2020 Key Takeaways A multiple measures the well-being of a company by comparing two metrics, usually by dividing one by the other. Investors generally rely on two stock valuation methods: one based on cash flow and the other based on a multiple of a performance measure. The most common multiple used in the valuation of stocks is the price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple. Enterprise value (EV) is a popular performance metric used to calculate different types of multiples, such as the EV to earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) multiple and the EV to sales multiple. Understanding Multiples In the world of stock valuation, investors and analysts generally rely on two major methods. One is based on cash flow, while the other is based on a multiple of some performance measure, such as earnings or sales. Valuation based on cash flow (i.e., the discounted cash flow analysis) is considered to be an intrinsic valuation. Valuation based on a multiple is considered to be relative because the multiple is relative to some performance measure. The multiples approach to valuation is a theory based on the concept that similar assets should sell for similar prices. Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Multiple The most common multiple used in the valuation of stocks is the P/E multiple. It is used to compare a company's market value (price) with its earnings. A company with a price or market value that is high compared to its level of earnings has a high P/E multiple. A company with a low price compared to its level of earnings has a low P/E multiple. A P/E of 5x means a companys stock is trading at a multiple of five times its earnings. A P/E of 10x means a company is trading at a multiple that is equal to 10 times earnings. A company with a high P/E is considered to be overvalued. Likewise, a company with a low P/E is considered to be undervalued. EV/EBITDA Multiple Enterprise value (EV) is a popular performance metric used to calculate different types of multiples. EV shows how much money would be needed to buy a specific company. The EV of a company is calculated by taking the company's market capitalization, adding total debt (including long-term and short-term debt), and subtracting all cash and cash equivalents. Many investors see EV as a better performance metric than relying on market capitalization alone because it offers a more complete picture of a company's valuation. A widely used multiple is the EV to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) multiple, also referred to as EV/EBITDA. This multiple helps investors compare companies in the same industry or sector before making an investment decision. Many equity analysts consider EV/EBITDA to be a solid measure of cash flow available to a firm. EV/EBIT Multiple The EV to earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) multiple, also referred to as EV/EBIT, is similar to the P/E multiple, but is preferred by some analysts for its ability to give a more complete picture of a company's financial performance and actual worth. The multiple is useful for pinpointing companies that might be undervalued or overvalued. It's best used for less capital-intensive companies, with fewer depreciation and amortization expenses. EV/Sales Multiple The EV to sales ratio, also referred to as EV/sales, compares the enterprise value of a company to its annual sales. The EV/sales multiple is considered an important valuation tool because it takes into account a company's equity and debt while giving investors a quantifiable metric of how to value a company based on sales. It's also useful in evaluating companies with negative earnings. To be most effective, investors should compare the EV/sales multiple of the company they are analyzing to that of other companies in the same industry. Some homophones, similar-sounding words that dont mean the same thing, are harmless. But elicit and illicit are not among them. They are completely different parts of speech; choosing the wrong one would be an embarrassing mistake. Moreover, it could mean the difference between asking for a response and instigating dangerous criminal activity. With that important warning in mind, how should you use illicit or elicit in your writing? There is an easy way to decide. Continue reading for a discussion of these two confusing homophones. What is the Difference Between Elicit and Illicit? This article compare elicitvs. illicit. I will use each word in an example sentence to demonstrate its proper use. Plus, I will give you a useful trick to help you remember whether to use elicit or illicit, depending on your meaning. When to Use Elicit What does elicit mean? Elicit is a verb. It is a synonym of evoke, where that word has the meaning to draw out. For example, The disruption, though annoying, was not enough to elicit a response from the judge. The company commissioned a survey to elicit the publics views on the newest flavor of its sour candies. Let us interview the witnesses to elicit the facts of the case. Specific projects are not the only target of NIMBYism. Proposed zoning and land-use regulation changes likewise elicit strong reactions and resistance. The Washington Post When to Use Illicit What does illicit mean? Illicit is an adjective. It means illegal or otherwise forbidden. You can see examples of this words use in the sentences below. The cartel used buckets of batter to traffic illicit drugs into other countries. The pawn shops owner is on trial for selling illicit goods in his store. The car enthusiasts held an illicit race on Beachside Avenue at 1:00am. Whats missing, former Losers tell The Post, is any examination of the shows secret and brutal tactics, which include providing illicit drugs to contestants and submitting them to questionable medical exams by the shows resident doctor, Rob Huizenga, known as Dr. H. New York Post Trick to Remember the Difference Here is a helpful trick to remember illicitvs. elicit. Illicit is an adjective that means illegal. Elicit is a verb that means evoke. If the word you are using is an adjective, you probably mean illicit. Elicit is never an adjective. If you are trying to use the word as a verb, you should use elicit. Much in the same way elicit is never an adjective, illicit is never a verb. You can remember the difference between these words by remembering their synonyms. Both illicit and illegal begin with the letter I, and both elicit and evoke begin with the letter E. Summary Is it elicit or illicit? While these two words sound the same when spoken, the mean very different things. Elicit is a verb, and a synonym of evoke. Illicit is an adjective, and a synonym of illegal. Neither word is ever used as any other part of speech. Since elicit and evokeboth start with the same letter, much the same as illicit and illegal, pairing these words with their synonyms will help you remember which is which, and in what contexts they should be used. Now that you know the difference between these words, you can be confident that your writing will not suffer from this simple mistake. Any time you have questions about other confusing words, you can check this site for an explanation. It is easy to make this, for it is believed that Daruma lost his legs from sitting too long in one position. Our Little Japanese Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade Not an Irish gentleman with a pipe in his mouth, such as you like to build, but a figure of Daruma, who was a disciple of Buddha. Our Little Japanese Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade Thus certain legless and shapeless dolls are called after him, and snow-figures are denominated Yuki-daruma (Snow Daruma). Japanese Literature|Various BEIJING,casino online sicuri con bonus senza deposito Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's services industry made marked progress over the last decade, with industrial structure improved and new drivers emerging, official data showed on Tuesday. The added value of the services sector grew at an average annual rate of 7.4 percent during the 2013-2021 period, 0.8 percentage points higher than the average annual GDP growth during the period, the National Bureau of Statistics said in a report. The sector's contribution to GDP expansion increased from 45 percent in 2012 to 63.5 percent in 2019, the report said, and its contribution in 2021 was 54.9 percent despite COVID-19 disruptions. China's services sector has an improving structure. In 2021, the added value of information transmission, software and information technology services accounted for 7.2 percent of the added value of the services sector, up 2.3 percentage points from 2012, the report said. The sector has also seen thriving new growth drivers. In 2021, e-commerce transactions in the country totaled 42 trillion yuan (about 6 trillion U.S. dollars), with an average annual growth rate of 20.3 percent during the 2013-2021 period, according to the report. What Is Profit before Tax (PBT)?robinhood shiba inu petition Profit before tax is a measure that looks at a company's profits before the company has to pay corporate income tax. It essentially is all of a companys profits without the consideration of any taxes. Profit before tax can be found on the income statement as operating profit minus interest. Profit before tax is the value used to calculate a companys tax obligation. Profit Before Tax (PBT) Understanding Profit before Tax 1:05 Profit before tax may also be referred to as earnings before tax (EBT) or pre-tax profit. The measure shows all of a company's profits before tax. A run through of the income statement shows the different kinds of expenses a company must pay leading up to the operating profit calculation. Gross profit deducts costs of goods sold (COGS). Operating profit factors in both COGS and all operational expenses. Operating profit is also known as earnings before interest and tax (EBIT). After EBIT only interest and taxes remain for deduction before arriving at net income. Key Takeaways Profit before tax is the same as earnings before tax. Profit before tax is used to identify how much tax a company owes. Profit before tax can also be a profitability measure that provides for greater comparability among companies that pay a varying amount of taxes. Calculation of Profit before Tax Understanding the income statement can help an analyst to have a better understanding of PBT, its calculation, and its uses. The third section of the income statement focuses in on interest and tax. These deductions are taken from the summation of the second section, which results in operating profit (EBIT). Interest is an important metric that includes both a companys interest from investments as well as interest paid out for leverage. Following the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), all C-Corporations have a federal tax rate of 21%. All other companies are pass-throughs, which means they are taxed at the individual taxpayers rate. Any kind of entity will also have to pay state taxes. State tax rates can vary widely by state and entity type. The basics of calculating PBT are simple. Take the operating profit from the income statement and subtract any interest payments, then add any interest earned. PBT is generally the first step in calculating net profit but it excludes the subtraction of taxes. To calculate it in reverse you can also add taxes back into the net income. As mentioned above, different types of companies will have different tax obligations at the federal and state level. Calculating the actual amount of taxes owed will come from the PBT. Usefulness of PBT PBT is not typically a key performance indicator on the income statement. These are usually focused on gross profit, operating profit, and net profit. However, like interest, the isolation of a companys tax payments can be an interesting and important metric for cost efficiency management. The pre-tax profit also determines the amount of tax a company will pay. Any credits would be taken from the tax obligation rather than deducted from the pre-tax profit. Further, excluding the tax provides managers and stakeholders with another measure for which to analyze margins. A PBT margin will be higher than the net income margin because tax is not included. The difference in PBT margin vs. net margin will depend on the amount of taxes paid. Also, excluding income tax isolates one variable that may have a substantial impact for a variety of reasons. For instance, C-Corps pay a federal tax rate of 21%. However, different industries may receive certain tax breaks, often in the form of credits, which can influence the tax impact overall. Renewable energy is one example. Wind, solar, and other renewables can be subject to an investment tax credit and a production tax credit. Thus, comparing the PBT of companies when renewables are involved can help to provide a more reasonable assessment of profitability. EBIT, EBT, and EBITDA Working down the income statement provides a view of profitability with different types of expenses involved. Operating profit, also known as EBIT, is a measure of a companys full operational capabilities. This includes the direct, COGS involved with manufacturing a product and the indirect operating expenses that are associated with the core business but not directly tied to it. PBT is a part of the final steps in calculating net profit. It deducts interest from EBIT. This arrives at the taxable net income for a company. Interest itself is often an indicator of a companys capitalization structure. If a company has been financed with a high amount of debt, it will have higher interest payments to make. EBIT is often the best measure of full operational capabilities, while the differences in a companys EBIT vs. PBT will show its debt sensitivity. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is an extension of the well-known usefulness of EBIT as an operational profitability and efficiency measure. EBITDA adds the non-cash activities of depreciation and amortization to EBIT. Many analysts find EBITDA is a very quick way to assess a companys cash flow and free cash flow without going through detailed calculations. EBITDA, like EBIT, is before interest and tax, so it is readily comparable. Many types of multiples comparisons will use EBITDA because of its universal usefulness. Enterprise value to EBITDA is one example. What Is a POS?altcoins with low market cap A POS or point of sale is a device that is used to process transactions by retail customers. A cash register is a type of POS. The cash register has largely been replaced by electronic POS terminals that can be used to process credit cards and debit cards as well as cash. A POS may be a physical device in a brick-and-mortar store or a checkout point in a web-based store. The software for POS devices is growing increasingly elaborate, with features that allow retailers to monitor inventory and buying trends, track pricing accuracy, and collect marketing data, Key Takeaways A point of sale (POS) is a place where a customer executes the payment for goods or services and where sales taxes may become payable. A POS transaction may occur in person or online, with receipts generated either in print or electronically. Cloud-based POS systems are becoming increasingly popular among merchants. POS systems are increasingly interactive, particularly in the hospitality industry, and allow customers to place orders and reservations and pay bills electronically. Understanding POS Points of sale (POSs) are an important focus for marketers because consumers tend to make purchasing decisions on high-margin products or services at these strategic locations. Traditionally, businesses set up POSs near store exits to increase the rate of impulse purchases as customers leave. However, varying POS locations can give retailers more opportunities to micro-market specific product categories and influence consumers at earlier points in the sales funnel. For example, department stores often have POSs for individual product groups, such as appliances, electronics, and apparel. The designated staff can actively promote products and guide consumers through purchase decisions rather than simply processing transactions. Similarly, the format of a POS can affect profit or buying behavior, as this gives consumers flexible options for making a purchase. Amazons concept convenience store, Amazon Go, which deploys technologies that let shoppers come in, grab items, and walk out without going through a register, could revolutionize POS systems. Besides increasing convenience, this could enable POSs, loyalty, and payments to be rolled into a single customer-centric experience. Benefits of POS Systems Electronic POS software systems streamline retail operations by automating the transaction process and tracking important sales data. Basic systems include an electronic cash register and software to coordinate data collected from daily purchases. Retailers can increase functionality by installing a network of data-capture devices, including card readers and barcode scanners. Depending on the software features, retailers can track pricing accuracy, inventory changes, gross revenue, and sales patterns. Using integrated technology to track data helps retailers catch discrepancies in pricing or cash flow that could lead to profit loss or interrupt sales. POS systems that monitor inventory and buying trends can help retailers avoid customer service issues, such as out-of-stock sales, and tailor purchasing and marketing to consumer behavior. Special Considerations: POS Innovation Modern POS systems are commonly programmable or allow enhancement with third-party software programs. These systems can be tailored to meet specific needs. For example, many retailers use POS systems to manage membership programs that award points to frequent buyers and issue discounts on future purchases. Cloud-based POS systems are increasingly in use, particularly for large online merchants, to track and process numerous purchases. Cloud-based systems can greatly reduce the upfront costs of implementing a POS system for many businesses. Customers can also interact directly with POS systems, particularly in the hospitality industry. Often referred to as location-based technology, these systems can process transactions at customer locations. For example, at many restaurants, customers can view menus and place orders on terminals located at their table. In hotels, customers use similar terminals to place orders for room service or to pay hotel bills. To stay competitive and aid brand owners in promoting their products, POS display manufacturers are focused on improving aesthetics and creating innovative product designs. Also, the intensifying competition in the retail industry and resulting use of POS displays for enticing customers to purchase products have encouraged retailers to demand different custom-made displays capable of serving specific needs across different retail facilities. Customization offered in terms of aesthetics, capacity, and mobility can greatly impact a company's brand identification. What Is an Arbitrageur?red rock casino sportsbook hours An arbitrageur is a type of investor who attempts to profit from market inefficiencies. These inefficiencies can relate to any aspect of the markets, whether it is price, dividends, or regulation. The most common form of arbitrage is price. Arbitrageurs exploit price inefficiencies by making simultaneous trades that offset each other to capture risk-free profits. An arbitrageur would, for example, seek out price discrepancies between stocks listed on more than one exchange by buying the undervalued shares on one exchange while short selling the same number of overvalued shares on another exchange, thus capturing risk-free profits as the prices on the two exchanges converge. In some instances, they also seek to profit by arbitraging private information into profits. For example, a takeover arbitrageur may use information about an impending takeover to buy up a company's stock and profit from the subsequent price appreciation. Key Takeaways Arbitrageurs are investors who exploit market inefficiencies of any kind. They are necessary to ensure that inefficiencies between markets are ironed out or remain at a minimum. Arbitrageurs tend to be experienced investors, and need to be detail-oriented and comfortable with risk. Arbitrageurs most commonly benefit from price discrepancies between stocks or other assets listed on multiple exchanges. In such a scenario, the arbitrageur might buy the issue on one exchange and short sell it on the second exchange, where the price is higher. Arbitrage Understanding an Arbitrageur 1:47 Arbitrageurs are typically very experienced investors since arbitrage opportunities are difficult to find and require relatively fast trading. They also need to be detail-oriented and comfortable with risk. This is because most arbitrage plays involve a significant amount of risk. They are also bets with regards to the future direction of markets. Arbitrageurs play an important role in the operation of capital markets, as their efforts in exploiting price inefficiencies keep prices more accurate than they otherwise would be. Examples of Arbitrageur Plays As a simple example of what an arbitrageur would do, consider the following. The stock of Company X is trading at $20 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) while, at the same moment, it is trading for the equivalent of $20.05 on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). A trader can buy the stock on the NYSE and immediately sell the same shares on the LSE, earning a total profit of 5 cents per share, less any trading costs. The trader exploits the arbitrage opportunity until the specialists on the NYSE run out of inventory of Company X's stock, or until the specialists on the NYSE or LSE adjust their prices to wipe out the opportunity. An example of an information arbitrageur was Ivan F. Boesky. He was considered a master arbitrageur of takeovers during the 1980s. For example, he minted profits by buying stocks of Gulf oil and Getty oil before their purchases by California Standard and Texaco respectively during that period. He is reported to have made between $50 million to $100 million in each transaction. The rise of cryptocurrencies offered another opportunity for arbitrageurs. As the price of Bitcoin reached new records, several opportunities to exploit price discrepancies between multiple exchanges operating around the world presented themselves. For example, Bitcoin traded at a premium at cryptocurrency exchanges situated in South Korea as compared to the ones located in the United States. The difference in prices, also known as the Kimchi Premium, was mainly because of the high demand for crypto in these regions. Crypto traders profited by arbitraging the price difference between the two locations in real-time. What Is Adjusted Present Value (APV)?betty bingo The adjusted present value is the net present value (NPV) of a project or company if financed solely by equity plus the present value (PV) of any financing benefits, which are the additional effects of debt. By taking into account financing benefits, APV includes tax shields such as those provided by deductible interest. The Formula for APV Is Adjusted Present Value = Unlevered Firm Value + NE where: NE = Net effect of debt \begin{ aligned} &\text{ Adjusted Present Value = Unlevered Firm Value + NE}\\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &\text{ NE = Net effect of debt}\\ \end{ aligned} Adjusted Present Value = Unlevered Firm Value + NEwhere:NE = Net effect of debt The net effect of debt includes tax benefits that are created when the interest on a company's debt is tax-deductible. This benefit is calculated as the interest expense times the tax rate, and it only applies to one year of interest and tax. The present value of the interest tax shield is therefore calculated as: (tax rate * debt load * interest rate) / interest rate. How to Calculate Adjusted Present Value (APV) To determine the adjusted present value: Find the value of the un-levered firm. Calculate the net value of debt financing. Sum the value of the un-levered project or company and the net value of the debt financing. How to Calculate APV in Excel An investor can use Excel to build out a model to calculate the net present value of the firm and the present value of the debt. What Does Adjusted Present Value Tell You? The adjusted present value helps to show an investor the benefits of tax shields resulting from one or more tax deductions of interest payments or a subsidized loan at below-market rates. For leveraged transactions, APV is preferred. In particular, leveraged buyout situations are the most effective situations in which to use the adjusted present value methodology. The value of a debt-financed project can be higher than just an equity-financed project, as the cost of capital falls when leverage is used. Using debt can actually turn a negative NPV project into one thats positive. NPV uses the weighted average cost of capital as the discount rate, while APV uses the cost of equity as the discount rate. Key Takeaways APV is the NPV of a project or company if financed solely by equity plus the present value of financing benefits. APV shows an investor the benefit of tax shields from tax-deductible interest payments. It is best used for leverage transactions, such as leveraged buyouts, but is more of an academic calculation. Example of How to Use Adjusted Present Value (APV) In a financial projection where a base-case NPV is calculated, the sum of the present value of the interest tax shield is added to obtain the adjusted present value. For example, assume a multi-year projection calculation finds that the present value of Company ABCs free cash flow (FCF) plus terminal value is $100,000. The tax rate for the company is 30% and the interest rate is 7%. Its $50,000 debt load has an interest tax shield of $15,000, or ($50,000 * 30% * 7%) / 7%. Thus, the adjusted present value is $115,000, or $100,000 + $15,000. The Difference Between APV and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) While the adjusted present value method is similar to the discounted cash flow (DCF) methodology, adjusted present cash flow does not capture taxes or other financing effects in a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) or other adjusted discount rates. Unlike WACC used in discounted cash flow, the adjusted present value seeks to value the effects of the cost of equity and cost of debt separately. The adjusted present value isnt as prevalent as the discounted cash flow method. Limitations of Using Adjusted Present Value (APV) In practice, the adjusted present value is not used as much as the discounted cash flow method. It is more of an academic calculation but is often considered to result in more accurate valuations. Learn More About Adjusted Present Value (APV) To dig deeper into calculating the adjusted present value, check out Investopedias guide to calculating net present value. pokies slot machines island betshows grade level based on the word's complexity. deemster [ deem-ster ]/ dim str / New Word List Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Thisshows grade level based on the word's complexity.[ deem-ster ]/ dim str /Save This Word!This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. nouna judge of the Isle of Man. OTHER WORDS FROM deemster Words nearby deemster How to use deemster deemster/ (dimst) / nounthe title of one of the two justices in the Isle of ManAlso called: dempster Derived forms of deemster deemstership, noun Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!Question deemster12501300; Middle English demestre;see deem, -sterdeemstership, noundeely boppers, deem, deemed, de-emphasis, de-emphasize, deemster, de-energize, deep, deep-chested, deep clean, deep cutDictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2022 What Is a Moving Average (MA)?fair go bonus codes june 2022 In finance, a moving average (MA) is a stock indicator commonly used in technical analysis. The reason for calculating the moving average of a stock is to help smooth out the price data by creating a constantly updated average price. By calculating the moving average, the impacts of random, short-term fluctuations on the price of a stock over a specified time frame are mitigated. Key Takeaways A moving average (MA) is a stock indicator commonly used in technical analysis. The moving average helps to level the price data over a specified period by creating a constantly updated average price. A simple moving average (SMA) is a calculation that takes the arithmetic mean of a given set of prices over a specific number of days in the past. An exponential moving average (EMA) is a weighted average that gives greater importance to the price of a stock in more recent days, making it an indicator that is more responsive to new information. Moving Average Understanding a Moving Average (MA) 1:34 Moving averages are calculated to identify the trend direction of a stock or to determine its support and resistance levels. It is a trend-following or lagging, indicator because it is based on past prices. The longer the period for the moving average, the greater the lag. A 200-day moving average will have a much greater degree of lag than a 20-day MA because it contains prices for the past 200 days. 50-day and 200-day moving average figures are widely followed by investors and traders and are considered to be important trading signals. Investors may choose different periods of varying lengths to calculate moving averages based on their trading objectives. Shorter moving averages are typically used for short-term trading, while longer-term moving averages are more suited for long-term investors. While it is impossible to predict the future movement of a specific stock, using technical analysis and research can help make better predictions. A rising moving average indicates that the security is in an uptrend, while a declining moving average indicates that it is in a downtrend. Similarly, upward momentum is confirmed with a bullish crossover, which occurs when a short-term moving average crosses above a longer-term moving average. Conversely, downward momentum is confirmed with a bearish crossover, which occurs when a short-term moving average crosses below a longer-term moving average. Types of Moving Averages Simple Moving Average A simple moving average (SMA), is calculated by taking the arithmetic mean of a given set of values over a specified period. A set of numbers, or prices of stocks, are added together and then divided by the number of prices in the set. The formula for calculating the simple moving average of a security is as follows: S M A = A 1 + A 2 + + A n n where: A = Average in period n n = Number of time periods \begin{ aligned} &SMA = \frac{ A_1 + A_2 + \dotso + A_n }{ n } \\ &\textbf{ where:} \\ &A = \text{ Average in period } n \\ &n = \text{ Number of time periods} \\ \end{ aligned} SMA=nA1+A2++Anwhere:A=Average in period nn=Number of time periods Charting stock prices over 50 days using a simple moving average may look like this: Charting a 50-Day Simple Moving Average. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Exponential Moving Average (EMA) The exponential moving average gives more weight to recent prices in an attempt to make them more responsive to new information. To calculate an EMA, the simple moving average (SMA) over a particular period is calculated first. Then calculate the multiplier for weighting the EMA, known as the "smoothing factor," which typically follows the formula: [2/(selected time period + 1)]. For a 20-day moving average, the multiplier would be [2/(20+1)]= 0.0952. The smoothing factor is combined with the previous EMA to arrive at the current value. The EMA thus gives a higher weighting to recent prices, while the SMA assigns an equal weighting to all values. E M A t = [ V t ( s 1 + d ) ] + E M A y [ 1 ( s 1 + d ) ] where: E M A t = EMA today V t = Value today E M A y = EMA yesterday s = Smoothing d = Number of days \begin{ aligned} &EMA_t = \left [ V_t \times \left ( \frac{ s }{ 1 + d } \right ) \right ] + EMA_y \times \left [ 1 - \left ( \frac { s }{ 1 + d} \right ) \right ] \\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &EMA_t = \text{ EMA today} \\ &V_t = \text{ Value today} \\ &EMA_y = \text{ EMA yesterday} \\ &s = \text{ Smoothing} \\ &d = \text{ Number of days} \\ \end{ aligned} EMAt=[Vt(1+ds)]+EMAy[1(1+ds)]where:EMAt=EMA todayVt=Value todayEMAy=EMA yesterdays=Smoothingd=Number of days Simple Moving Average (SMA) vs. Exponential Moving Average (EMA) The calculation for EMA puts more emphasis on the recent data points. Because of this, EMA is considered a weighted average calculation. In the figure below, the number of periods used in each average is 15, but the EMA responds more quickly to the changing prices than the SMA. The EMA has a higher value when the price is rising than the SMA and it falls faster than the SMA when the price is declining. This responsiveness to price changes is the main reason why some traders prefer to use the EMA over the SMA. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2020 Example of a Moving Average The moving average is calculated differently depending on the type: SMA or EMA. Below, we look at a simple moving average (SMA) of a security with the following closing prices over 15 days: Week 1 (5 days): 20, 22, 24, 25, 23 Week 2 (5 days): 26, 28, 26, 29, 27 Week 3 (5 days): 28, 30, 27, 29, 28 A 10-day moving average would average out the closing prices for the first 10 days as the first data point. The next data point would drop the earliest price, add the price on day 11 and take the average. Example of a Moving Average Indicator A Bollinger Band technical indicator has bands generally placed two standard deviations away from a simple moving average. In general, a move toward the upper band suggests the asset is becoming overbought, while a move close to the lower band suggests the asset is becoming oversold. Since standard deviation is used as a statistical measure of volatility, this indicator adjusts itself to market conditions. What Does a Moving Average Indicate? A moving average is a statistic that captures the average change in a data series over time. In finance, moving averages are often used by technical analysts to keep track of price trends for specific securities. An upward trend in a moving average might signify an upswing in the price or momentum of a security, while a downward trend would be seen as a sign of decline. What Are Moving Averages Used for? Moving averages are widely used in technical analysis, a branch of investing that seeks to understand and profit from the price movement patterns of securities and indices. Generally, technical analysts will use moving averages to detect whether a change in momentum is occurring for a security, such as if there is a sudden downward move in a securitys price. Other times, they will use moving averages to confirm their suspicions that a change might be underway. What Are Some Examples of Moving Averages? The exponential moving average (EMA) is a type of moving average that gives more weight to more recent trading days. This type of moving average might be more useful for short-term traders for whom longer-term historical data might be less relevant. A simple moving average is calculated by averaging a series of prices while giving equal weight to each of the prices involved. What Is MACD? The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is used by traders to monitor the relationship between two moving averages, calculated by subtracting a 26-day exponential moving average from a 12-day exponential moving average. When the MACD is positive, the short-term average is located above the long-term average and is an indication of upward momentum. When the short-term average is below the long-term average, it's a sign that the momentum is downward. What Is a Golden Cross? A golden cross is a chart pattern in which a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term moving average. The golden cross is a bullish breakout pattern formed from a crossover involving a security's short-term moving average such as the 15-day moving average, breaking above its long-term moving average, such as the 50-day moving average. As long-term indicators carry more weight, the golden cross indicates a bull market on the horizon and is reinforced by high trading volumes. The Bottom Line A moving average (MA) is a stock indicator commonly used in technical analysis, used to help smooth out price data by creating a constantly updated average price. A rising moving average indicates that the security is in an uptrend, while a declining moving average indicates a downtrend. The exponential moving average is generally preferred to a simple moving average as it gives more weight to recent prices and shows a clearer response to new information and trends. An escalating dispute between Japan and China over an island chain in the East China Sea is focusing attention on increasingly nationalistic moves by the rival Asian powers. Experts say the governments in Beijing and Tokyo are reacting to new domestic challenges as well as to long-running grievances of their nationalist movements. The latest escalation in the dispute started in April, when Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara said he had begun negotiations to buy four of the archipelagos five islands from a Japanese family that has owned them for decades. The islands are named Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japanese steps Ishihara, a prominent nationalist, said he wants to ensure the islands remain under the sovereignty of Japan, which annexed them unilaterally in 1895. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda later said the central government also was talking to the Kurihara family about buying the islands. When a group of Chinese activists sailed to the islands on August 15 to emphasize Chinas sovereignty claim, Japan detained and deported them. Four days later, Tokyo appeared to allow a group of Japanese nationalists to land on the chains main island, despite having warned them to stay away. Japans moves can be explained in part as a reaction to the prospect of a deal between the Kurihara family and the Tokyo governor. Reacting to negotiations Japanese media said the Kuriharas have been under pressure to sell the islands because of heavy debts. They bought the islands, known individually in Japanese as Uotsuri, Kita, Minami and Kuba, from another family in 1978, before leasing them to the government in 2002. Professor Kiichi Fujiwara of Tokyo University said the Kurihara family also is nationalistic and has apparent misgivings about the level of the ruling partys commitment to Japanese control of the islands. Fujiwara said Japanese nationalists were upset when the Democratic Party of Japan came to power in 2009 and advocated a cozy relationship with China, which insists the islands were Chinese territory long before Japans annexation. Japanese media said Tokyo governor Ishiharas bid to buy the islands has worried Mr. Nodas central administration, with some officials warning China could react angrily if Ishihara succeeds. The officials said a central government purchase of the islands could reduce the risk. Japanese nationalist grievances Fujiwara, an international relations expert, said Japanese nationalists also worry about what they see as aggressive Chinese actions in other disputed waters. Many Chinese fishing boats have been operating in waters [claimed by] the Philippines and Vietnam [around] the Spratley islands, he said. There is this fear that the Chinese now are about to claim territorial control [of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands] and also use them for their own purposes. Bonnie Glaser, a China studies expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said Japans ruling party is listening to the nationalists because it has weakened public support and may be forced to call early elections this year. They are trying to respond to the demands of their people and at the same time trying to manage relations with their neighbors, she said. They are not doing a very good job of it at the moment. Tensions have persisted between Japan and China since September 2010, when a Chinese trawler entered the waters around the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands and collided with Japanese Coast Guard vessels. Japanese authorities detained the Chinese captain for about two weeks, infuriating China, which stopped exporting rare earth materials to Japan and suspended political and cultural exchanges. Chinese moves Chinas more recent actions also reflect growing nationalism. After Japanese activists landed on the islands August 19, Beijing lodged a protest with Tokyo and for the first time in years allowed thousands of people to join anti-Japanese street protests in major cities. The Chinese government also gave diplomatic support to the Chinese activists who landed on the islands this month, denouncing Japans detention of them and demanding their unconditional release. Domestic political challenges Chinese leaders are facing new domestic challenges, including preparations for a 2012 Communist Party congress aimed at approving a once-in-a-decade leadership transition. I think the Chinese leadership is very nervous about being seen as weak (in the run up to the Congress) and not defending Chinas territorial integrity, Glaser said. The Chinese government also has been trying to focus national attention away from allegations of corruption and abuse of power involving a prominent former Communist Party official, Bo Xilai. Rory Medcalf of Australias Lowy Institute for International Policy said Chinese assertiveness on the islands also reflects deep-rooted anti-Japanese sentiment. Chinas nationalism entrenched [This] nationalism has been there for a long time in China, [and)] has been fostered by the Communist Party and is now getting harder to control, partly because of social media, said Medcalf. Glaser of CSIS said many Chinese nationalists have taken to the Internet to express anger toward Japan and criticize their government for not doing more to defend Chinas sovereignty. Beijing began asserting its claim to the islands in 1971, two years after a U.N. study showed a potential for oil in the area. Medcalf said the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands have become such a focus of national pride in both China and Japan that the two governments feel compelled to react to perceived provocations by nationalists of the other side. There is a really unpleasant action-reaction dynamic here, and the only hope we have is that governments can see sense and manage public opinion in both countries to try to prevent a wider diplomatic crisis, he said. Michael Lipin Victor Beattie contributed to this report. Nationalism fuels Japan-China island disputeadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline For Christina Monroe,leafs odds to win the cup dating apps are a useful way to handle the politics conversation early in a potential relationship. The 29-year-old media strategist shares on her profiles that her political views are leftist and uses prompts to encourage potential matches to share their own leanings. For Monroe, being politically aligned with romantic partners has become a bigger issue since she relocated last year from New York City to Hollywood, Fla. I consider myself to be a very progressive person, but now Im in Florida, where its kind of the oppositeeveryones either very moderate or conservative, or completely apolitical, she says. I have no tolerance for somebody whos apolitical. If you dont care about whats going on with women, whether thats Me Too or Roe v. Wade, then I just dont think theres going to be any sort of intellectual connection there. Monroe isnt alone. Politics and social issues have had a major impact on how singles across the U.S. are approaching dating in 2022, with the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health decision this June having an especially significant effect. According to the 2022 Match Singles in America report, released this week, two out of three single women say they will not date a partner who has opposing views on abortion, and 13% of active daters in the U.S.about 9.8 million peoplehave said that the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has made them more hesitant to date. Even more people, 20% of respondents, said that the Supreme Court decision will make them more hesitant to have sex. Singles surveyed reported that the top three ways that Roes reversal has changed their dating lives have been more condom use, more hesitation around sex, and more fear of pregnancy. Read more: Would You Date Someone With Different Political Beliefs? Heres What a Survey of 5,000 Single People Revealed For the study, Matchs 12th annual report, researchers surveyed 5,000 single people between the ages of 18 and 98 across the U.S., finding that societal issues are top of mind this year for singles looking for love. When it came to questions about politics more broadly, the report found that a lack of political engagement is a red flag for many daters: 31% of respondents said that having no opinion on key issues is a reason to call a relationship quitsnearly double the percentage who said the same five years ago. But singles also emphasized the importance of open-mindedness: 58% considered it a deal breaker if a partner wasnt open-minded on key issues, and 46% said they would date someone with very different political views. Only one in four said they want a partner who thinks exactly like they do. Anthropologist Helen Fisher, Matchs Chief Scientific Advisor, who helped co-lead the study, was struck by the tension within the results between the relative openness of singles when it came to general politics and their inflexibility when it came to the issue of abortion. Thats because politics change, but the implications of Roe v. Wadewill never change, Fisher says. Political figures come and go, but it is part of our DNA to want to raise our families when we want, the way we want. For all the impact that singles reported the Dobbsdecision has had on their dating lives, not all respondents felt positively about having the conversation: 25% of women said they would like to speak less with their partners about abortion. Read more: The Fight Over Abortion Has Only Just Begun Monroe has found it sobering to be living in Florida during the rollback of Roe v. Wade. While abortions are still legal in the state, a ban on the procedure at 15 weeks has recently been reinstated. And she says that the decision has also made her far less willing to entertain the idea of dating someone who hasnt been vocal about supporting access to abortion. Im in a state now where its not as easily accessible for me to get an abortion or seek help, and that definitely weighs heavily on how I approach sex and dating, she says. If a man I was speaking with didnt think my rights should be protected, I would absolutely never see them again. For some singles, concerns around abortion access have led to them reconsider their means of contraception. Zevi Ryan, a 30-year-old DJ and producer living in New Orleans, has long considered getting a vasectomy at some point because he doesnt want children. Since the Dobbsdecision, Ryan has begun considering it with more urgencysomething on the minds of many men. A lot of female-bodied people have to either alter their hormones or go through a painful procedure just to make sure they dont have unwanted children, he says. The procedure we go through is very routine, not very painful, and rarely has any side effects, so it just felt right. Read more: Vasectomies Are Going Viral After the Roe v. WadeLeak, But They Arent a Solution to Abortion Bans Maria Avgitidis, the CEO of Agape Match in New York City and the host of the podcast Ask a Matchmaker, sees the impact of the Dobbsdecision on dating as part of a larger trend of social consciousness that she saw emerge in 2015 after Donald Trump announced he was running for President. She says that the singles she works with, particularly women, are now asking to be matched with people who share their views on politics and abortion. That political consciousness is certainly at the highest Ive personally seen as a professional matchmaker in 14 years, she says. People are articulating what theyre looking for. What Is a Jobber?free welcome bonus forex "Jobber" is a slang term for a market maker on the London Stock Exchange prior to the mid-1980s. Jobbers, also called "stockjobbers," acted as market makers (MMs). They held shares on their own books and created market liquidity by buying and selling securities, and matching investors' buy and sell orders through their brokers, who were not allowed to make markets. The term "jobber" is also used to describe a small-scale wholesaler or middleman in the retail goods trade. Key Takeaways A jobber, also known as a stockjobber, was a term used for a market maker on the London Stock Exchange. Jobbers held shares on their own accounts and help boost market liquidity by matching investors' buy and sell orders through their brokers. The term jobber was used prior to October 1986, but little is known of their actual activities as they kept few records. Jobbers left few records of their affairs and neither journalists nor other observers retained much in the way of detailed accountings of their work. The jobber system evolved into a recognizably modern form during the course of the 19th century, as the range of securities types broadened. Understanding Jobbers Little is known about jobbers' activities because they kept few records, but in the early 19th century, London had hundreds of jobbing firms. Jobbers' numbers declined dramatically over the course of the 20th century until they ceased to exist in October 1986. This month was when the financial "Big Bang" occurred, a major shift in the London Stock Exchange's operations, occurred. London's financial sector was suddenly deregulated, fixed commissions were replaced by negotiated commissions, and electronic trading was implemented. Jobbers left few records of their affairs and neither journalists nor other observers retained much in the way of detailed accountings of their work. Oral histories of banks, stockbroking firms, and other concerns have been and will continue to be the primary basis of any historical record relating to jobbers. The Centre for Metropolitan History has compiled an archive of interviews with former jobbers which serves as a permanent record of the last half-century of a distinctive part of the financial life of London. Special Considerations The jobber system evolved into a recognizably modern form during the course of the 19th century, as the range of securities types broadened. At least half the members of the London Stock Exchange began to specialize in making a continuous market in one of the leading types of these securities. The distinction between these market-makers, or jobbers, and the brokers who dealt with them on behalf of the public was a clear-cut one but was essentially based on custom and tradition until 1909 when a single capacity was formally embodied in the London Stock Exchange rules. By 1914, over 600 jobbing firms were in existence, along with many one-man jobbing operations. Those numbers steadily declined as the institutional investor supplanted the private one, and the scale of required jobbing capital increased dramatically. By the eve of "Big Bang," there were only five major jobbing firms on the floor of the London Stock Exchange, though this numerical decline did not necessarily denote a decline in the marketability provided by the system. How Did Stockjobbing Originate? Stockjobbing, or the professional trading of stocks on an exchange, has its origins in the 1690s following Britain's Financial Revolution. The result of these financial reforms was the emergence of joint-stock companies whose shares could be bought and sold freely. This led to the advent of regulated stock exchanges and the creation of "jobbers" to facilitate trading in these new shares. When Did Jobbers Disappear? Stockjobbers officially disappeared from British stock exchanges in October 1986, coinciding with a sudden deregulation of financial markets in the U.K. put into effect by then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This deregulation meant that stockjobbers were no longer needed to facilitate stock trades; while at the same time, efforts to introduce electronic, screen-based trading were enacted that further led to their obsolescence. What Was the Difference Between a Jobber and a Broker? A stockjobber functioned like a market maker in stocks, buying and selling shares for their own account, and earning money from the bid-ask spread. A stockbroker instead facilitates orders on behalf of customers, earning a commission. A broker may have bought or sold securities from a jobber for their clients. The owner of shuttered Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City says that plans to tear down the nearly 40-year building are already underway and that the citys legal action seeking its immediate demolition is unnecessary. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Smalls administration filed last month a civil lawsuit in the Superior Court asking a judge to order that the owner of the former Boardwalk hotel and casino resort tear it down immediately. City officials initiated the legal action after pieces of Trump Plazas facade tore looseduring heavy winds and crashed to the sidewalk. Atlantic City building department officials and firefighters inspected the property after the incident and classified it as an imminent risk to public safety. City Fire Chief Scott Evans said that there were five big holes in this buildingand that more panels would fall, which posed threat to the surrounding area. Puzzled by Mayor Smalls Actions Trump Plaza is owned by a subsidiary of Icahn Enterprises LP, a diversified holding company managed by New York investor Carl Icahn. The property, built and previously owned by US President Donald Trump, was one of four hotel and casino resorts to close doorsin Atlantic City in 2014 as a result of heavy regional competition and oversaturation of the local market. Trump Plaza was supposed to be demolished in the fall of 2018, but no action has been taken since then by its owner. Mayor Small said earlier this year that one of the goals before his administration would be to remove the biggest eyesore in town. According to court documents filed this week by attorneys representing Trump Plazas owner, it has already hired a demolition project managerand that the entire building would be gone within the next two years. Attorney Michael Sklar also noted that the civil lawsuit filed by Atlantic City requesting the immediate demolition of the former casino resort should be dismissedand that the defendant is at a complete loss as to why the City is wasting the Courts and parties time and effort on this matter. Mr. Sklar wrote in a recent response to the civil suit that the property does not pose an imminent safety threatand that Icahn Enterprises has taken, and continues to take, substantial measures to secure the Plaza Tower and to protect the public. Demolition to Take Between 12 and 15 Months Icahn Enterprises attorney also wrote that the Trump Plaza owner has already decided to tear down the building and that New York-based Gardiner & Theobaldhas been retained as the demolition project manager. According to court documents, the propertys owner has informed Mayor Small that the demolition of the former casino resort could take between 12 and 15 months, following a nine-month window for bidding, securing necessary permissions, and project mobilization. The area around Trump Plaza has been fenced offin a bid to prevent pedestrian access to the building. However, Atlantic City officials argue that what the measures taken are not enough to protect the public and ensure that the property does not pose a major threat. Atlantic Citys Interim Solicitor Michael Perugini wrote earlier this week that Icahn Enterprises proposed remedy the installation of additional fencing is inadequateto address the true problem: a building in dire need of demolition. The citys legal representative went on that property of Trump Plazas size and location cannot and should not be shedding debris from numerous stories highand that the owner of such property should not be content with merely installing fencing that should virtually eliminate danger to pedestrians if there are any future incidents with falling debris. Source:Demolition plans for Trump Plaza already underway, attorney says Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the days top casino news stories There are many words in the English language that have very similar meanings but different applications. The two words effective vs. efficient fall into this category. They both generally mean having an effect, but each word has its own distinctive application. What is the Difference Between Effective and Efficient? Today, I want to discuss the differences between these two words and how to use them in a sentence. I will go over their definitions, their functions and, at the end, I will give a few tricks to keep track of them. After reading this post, you should never mix up effective or efficient again. When to Use Effective Effective functions as an adjective and is defined as having an intended or desired effect. The young politician was a very effective public speaker. I need to develop some more effective study habits; I failed my last test. We need an effective solution for everyone. The word effectivefocuses on whether or not something is accomplished. It doesnt focus on howsomething is done, but rather, if it is done at all. Efficient, on the other hand, focuses on how something is done. Was it done with little waste or expense? (See below.) When to Use Efficient Efficient also functions as an adjective and is most commonly defined as acting or producing effectively with minimum waste, expense, or unnecessary effort. My new car is very fuel-efficient, and it gets 40 miles per gallon. I just had new energy-efficient windows put in the house. We are losing too much revenue; we need a more efficient means of production. This definition of efficienthas strong economic connotations, but there is one additional definition of the word that bears no economic meaning. In addition to its economic meanings, efficientcan further be defined as acting directly to produce an effect. In this sense, something that is efficientis something that causes change to start or stop. This is usually the thing (or person) that brings something about. For example, in the case of a statue or painting, it is a person chiseling the rock and stroking the brush that causes the transformation. In this example, the artist would be said to be the efficient cause. This use of efficientis less common in everyday usage, but it quite common to see in philosophical and scientific journals. Efficient vs. Effective: Lets Compare Examples If youre still not entirely clear when to use which word, efficient or effective, dont worry. Heres a real life example comparing the two words that should make their uses perfectly clear. Think about these two words when describing a public speaker, as we did in our first example. The young politician was a very effective public speaker. If you were to call someone an effective speaker, you might think of someone who is convincing or persuasive, someone whom people understand, someone who is relatable, etc. Conversely, if you were to call someone an efficient speaker, you might think of someone who says what needs to be said and nothing more. He or she gets to the point and doesnt waste time with small talk or pleasantries. As you can see, these words clearly evoke a very different kind of speaker, so its important not to mix them up. Tricks to Remember the Difference Think of the word efficiencyas a science: the science of minimizing waste, time or effort. Science and Efficiency have similar internal spellings, both containing CIENC. Think of something as being effective as whether or not it got the job done. It may not have been pretty (or efficient), but it got it done. Both effectiveand doneend in the letter E. Summary Both efficient and effective have similar meanings, but they have their own distinct applications. Heres how to never mix up efficient or effective again. Effectivemeans having a desired effect. Was something accomplished at all? Efficientmeans accomplishing something with little waste. Was it accomplished efficiently? darts / (dts) / New Word List Save This ladbrokes promo code existing customers 2020 no depositWord! / (dts) /Save ThisWord! noun(functioning as singular) any of various competitive games in which darts are thrown at a dartboard Words nearby darts Words related to in a sentence The exhibition darts in and out of the history of various train journeys and the links they developed between cultures. All Aboard the Orient Express: Looking Back at the Golden Age of Train Travel|Sarah Moroz|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST All Aboard the Orient Express: Looking Back at the Golden Age of Train Travel|Sarah Moroz|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST The bell rang, and the kid charged, fists flying out like misdirected darts; he wanted to kill the old fool. The Stacks: The True Greatness of Muhammad Ali|Peter Richmond|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST The Stacks: The True Greatness of Muhammad Ali|Peter Richmond|February 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST Mike Tyson is famous for a lot of things, but is his next endeavor professional darts? Ellen Sings The Fox, Ride on an Eagles Wing & More Viral Videos|Julian E. Wright|September 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST Ellen Sings The Fox, Ride on an Eagles Wing & More Viral Videos|Julian E. Wright|September 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST It sold more than 4,100 Fiat 500s and 5,235 Dodge Dartstwo recent introductions. U.S. Car Sales Continue Their Rise in September|Daniel Gross|October 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST At that point, the partner officer used the Taser in contact mode, which means it did not deploy the darts. Autopsy of Porn Star 'Sledge Hammer' Reveals 'Neck Trauma,' Raising Questions About LAPDs Actions|Maria Elena Fernandez, Christine Pelisek|August 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST Autopsy of Porn Star 'Sledge Hammer' Reveals 'Neck Trauma,' Raising Questions About LAPDs Actions|Maria Elena Fernandez, Christine Pelisek|August 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST It darts hither and thither, angrily contending with the surrounding darkness. Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist|Alexander Berkman Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist|Alexander Berkman It may be we have been struck with one of fortune's darts; we can scarce be civil, so cruelly is our spirit tossed. The Pocket R.L.S.|Robert Louis Stevenson The Pocket R.L.S.|Robert Louis Stevenson Nothing seems more useless than this thorn with its darts as sharp as steel,does it, mother? The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue Caroline darts a viper-like glance at Adolphe, who recoils and proceeds to walk up and down the room. The Petty Troubles of Married Life, Complete|Honore de Balzac The Petty Troubles of Married Life, Complete|Honore de Balzac They who shoot with their darts across the sea with might; with the Maruts come hither, O Agni! Sacred Books of the East|Various QUIZWILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!QuestionDartford, dartitis, dartle, Dartmoor, Dartmouth, darts, daruma, Darvon, Darvon Compound, Darwin, Darwin, CharlesCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 The deacon said he is demanding an explanation from Williams. Interestingly, if Grimm is expelled, he is not legally prohibited from running in the special election for his seat. On the Democratic side, many expect former Rep. Mike McMahon to make another run at the seat. They want to change bad behaviorstobacco, alcohol, using a seat belt, anything. His sermons were pretty much from his heart, the deacon told us. Exposed: The Gay-Bashing Pastors Same-Sex Assault|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST Aristide replaced the baby, and with a complicated arrangement of string fastened it securely to the seat. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke Pierre Van Cortlandt, a distinguished revolutionary patriot, died at his seat at Croton river, aged 94. The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell Aristide clambered back to his seat, took the child on his knees, and commiserated it profoundly. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke He deposited it on the vacant seat, clambered up behind the wheel, and started. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke What Is a Retail Investor?bet app customer service A retail investor, also known as an individual investor, is a non-professional investor who buys and sells securities or funds that contain a basket of securities such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Retail investors execute their trades through traditional or online brokerage firms or other types of investment accounts. Retail investors purchase securities for their own personal accounts and often trade in dramatically smaller amounts as compared to institutional investors. An institutional investor is an umbrella term for larger-scale investments by professional portfolio and fund managers who might manage a mutual fund or pension fund. Key Takeaways Retail investors are non-professional market participants who generally invest smaller amounts than larger, institutional investors. Due to their smaller trades, retail investors may pay higher fees and commissions, although some online brokers offer no-fee trading. The retail investment market is enormous since it includes retirement accounts, brokerage firms, online trading, and robo-advisors. Understanding Retail Investors Retail investors usually buy and sell trades in the equity and bond markets and tend to invest much smaller amounts than large institutional investors. However, wealthier retail investors can now access alternative investment classes like private equity and hedge funds. Because of their small purchasing power, most retail investors may have to pay higher fees or commissions for their trades, although many brokers have eliminated fees for online trades. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is charged with protecting retail investors to ensure the markets function in a fair and orderly manner. The SEC helps retail investors by providing education and the enforcement of regulations to ensure people remain confident and comfortable investing in the markets. Retail investors have a significant impact on market sentiment, which represents the overall tone in the financial markets. Predictors of investor sentiment include mutual fund flows, the first-day performance of IPOs, and survey data from the American Association of Individual Investors, which questions retail investors about their expectations for the market. Sentiment is also tracked by stockbrokers like TD Ameritrade and E*TRADE. Criticisms of Retail Investors Critics say smaller investors do not have the knowledge, discipline, or expertise to research their investments. An investor who makes small size trades is sometimes pejoratively known as a piker. As a result, they undermine the financial markets role in allocating resources efficiently; and through crowded trades, cause panic selling. These unsophisticated investors are said to be vulnerable to behavioral biases and may underestimate the power of the masses that drive the market. The Retail Investment Market The retail investment market in the United States is significant in size and scope, and according to the SEC, in 2020, "American households own $29 trillion worth of equitiesmore than 58% of the U.S. equity marketeither directly or indirectly through mutual funds, retirement accounts, and other investments." "Forty-three million U.S. households hold a retirement or brokerage account. Fifty-six million U.S. households (44% of all households) own at least one U.S. mutual fund" as of 2018. And while Americans gravitated to savings accounts and passive investing in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the number of households that own stocks has risen since. According to the Federal Reserves survey of consumer finances, about 53% of families owned stocks, and 70% of upper-middle-income families owned stocks in 2019. Unlike institutional traders, retail traders are more likely to invest in stocks of smaller companies because they can have lower price points, allowing them to buy many different securities in an adequate number of shares to achieve a diversified portfolio. Retail investors now have access to more financial information, investment education, and trading tools than ever before. Brokerage fees have decreased, and mobile trading has enabled investors to actively manage their portfolios from their smartphones or other mobile devices. A huge range of retail funds and brokers have modest minimum investment amounts or minimum deposits of a few hundred dollars, and some ETFs and robo-advisors dont require any. Nevertheless, as democratized as investing becomes, it is still all about doing your homework. Institutional Investors Institutional investors are the big players in the market who move big money. Examples of institutional investors include: Pension funds Mutual funds Money managers Insurance companies Investment banks Commercial trusts Endowment funds for a university or college Hedge funds Private equity firms or investors Institutional investors account for a significant amount of the trading volume on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). They move large blocks of shares and have a tremendous influence on the stock market's movements. Because they are considered sophisticated investors who are knowledgeable and, therefore, less likely to make uneducated investments, institutional investors are subject to fewer of the protective regulations that the SEC provides to your average, everyday investor. The money that institutional investors use is not actually money that the institutions own themselves. Institutional investors generally invest for other people. If you have a pension plan at work, a mutual fund, or any kind of insurance, you are actually benefiting from the expertise of institutional investors. The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is dead. Absent a body, no one can say with absolute certainty whether Castro is dead, even if all signs point in that direction. A policewoman was shot dead this morning while law enforcement searched for the Charlie Lebdo killers. The cartoonist, better known as Charb, was shot dead Wednesday. Yes, Byrddead four-and-a-half years nowwas a Kleagle in the Ku Klux Klan. Steve Scalise and the Rights Ridiculous Racial Blame Game|Michael Tomasky|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST A little boy of four was moved to passionate grief at the sight of a dead dog taken from a pond. Children's Ways|James Sully When he plays a sonata it is as if the composition rose from the dead and stood transfigured before you. Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay To-day I'm more dead than alive, as we had a lesson from him yesterday that lasted four hours. Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay It is a fearsome thing for a man to be left alone in the dead of night with a young baby. The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke What Is the Misery Index?coingecko reddit natural blackjack The misery index is meant to measure the degree of economic distress felt by everyday people, due to the risk of (or actual) joblessness combined with an increasing cost of living. The misery index is calculated by adding the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to the inflation rate. Since unemployment and inflation are both considered detrimental to one's economic well-being, their combined value is useful as an indicator of overall economic health. The original misery index was popularized in the 1970s with the development of stagflation, or simultaneously high inflation and unemployment. Key Takeaways The first misery index was created by Arthur Okun and was equal to the sum of inflation and unemployment rate figures to provide a snapshot of the U.S. economy. The higher the index, the greater the misery felt by average citizens. It has broadened in recent times to include other economic indicators, such as bank lending rates. The misery index is considered a convenient but imprecise metric. There are several circumstances where it may not be accurately representative of economic distress. In recent times, variations of the original misery index have become popular as a means to gauge the overall health of a national economy. Click Play to Learn What the Misery Index Is Understanding the Misery Index 1:49 The misery index has two components: unemployment and inflation. Unemployment, as measured in the U.S., is the number of able-bodied adults who are actively looking for work, as a fraction of the total workforce. Inflation refers to the rate at which money loses buying power, due to the rise of consumer prices. In most cases, these numbers are inversely correlated: when more people are employed, prices tend to rise, and vice versa. The misery index is calculated by adding both components: the seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment and the annual inflation rate. Misery index = Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Unemployment + Annual Inflation Rate Economists generally consider "full employment" to mean an unemployment rate of 4%5%, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) targets an inflation rate of 2%. Therefore, a satisfactory misery index rating would be in the range of 6%7%. Components of the Misery Index Seasonally Adjusted Rate of Unemployment The unemployment rate is adjusted seasonally to remove the seasonal patterns that may arise and thus provide a good insight into the relative level of employment. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is measured as a percentage, and it reflects the total labor workforce who can work and seek employment actively but cant find any job. Workers who are retired but working and those who have quit their efforts to find a job are excluded from the seasonally adjusted rate. The percentage is reported monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. in their report. Annual Inflation Rate The annual inflation rate is the percentage increase in the price of the goods and the services consumed by the buyers. In short, it measures the costs of any goods and services existing in the economy. The consumer price index (CPI) report, released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, contains any data related to the economy's inflation. Current Misery Index as of July 2022 Current Misery Index = 12.02 Unemployment rate (3.5) + Inflation rate (8.52) History of the Misery Index Arthur Okun's Concept: The first misery index was created by economist Arthur Okun, using the simple sum of the nations annual inflation and unemployment rates to provide an easily understood snapshot of the economys relative health. The higher the index, the greater the misery felt by the average citizen. The first misery index was created by economist Arthur Okun, using the simple sum of the nations annual inflation and unemployment rates to provide an easily understood snapshot of the economys relative health. The higher the index, the greater the misery felt by the average citizen. Period of stagflation: During the 1970s, after President Nixon restricted and then severed the final links between the U.S. dollar and gold, the U.S. experienced several years of simultaneously elevated price inflation and unemployment, known as stagflation. The American people were caught in a squeeze between the hardships of joblessness as the economy hit a series of recessions and a rising cost of living as the dollar rapidly lost value. This phenomenon did not fit with dominant macroeconomic theories at the time, based on the Phillips curve, which led economists to explore alternative ideas to describe and explain what was going on, including Okun's misery index. At the time the misery index was novel because mainstream economists had previously believed that inflation and unemployment would tend to offset one another and should not both rise at the same time. During the 1970s, after President Nixon restricted and then severed the final links between the U.S. dollar and gold, the U.S. experienced several years of simultaneously elevated price inflation and unemployment, known as stagflation. The American people were caught in a squeeze between the hardships of joblessness as the economy hit a series of recessions and a rising cost of living as the dollar rapidly lost value. This phenomenon did not fit with dominant macroeconomic theories at the time, based on the Phillips curve, which led economists to explore alternative ideas to describe and explain what was going on, including Okun's misery index. At the time the misery index was novel because mainstream economists had previously believed that inflation and unemployment would tend to offset one another and should not both rise at the same time. Use in presidential campaigns:During the 1976 campaign for U.S. president, candidate Jimmy Carter popularized Okuns misery index as a means of criticizing his opponent, incumbent Gerald Ford. By the end of Fords administration, the misery index was a relatively high 12.7%, creating a tempting target for Carter. During the 1980 presidential campaign, Ronald Reagan in turn pointed out that the misery index had increased under Carter. Limitations of the Misery Index While it is a convenient shorthand for economic misfortune, there are several reasons why the misery index should not be considered a precise metric for economic health. For one thing, both components of the misery index have inherent blind spots. The unemployment rate only counts the unemployed who are actively looking for work; it does include those who have given up looking for work, as might be the case for long-term stretches of unemployment. Likewise, low inflation can also be accompanied by unexpected misery. No inflation, or even deflation, can be signs of a stagnant economy, but they would produce a very low misery index. In addition, the misery index treats unemployment and inflation equally. However, a 1% increase in unemployment likely causes more misery than a 1% increase in inflation would. Warning The Okun misery index is considered a convenient but highly imprecise metric, due to the inherent blindspots of both inflation and unemployment as measurements of economic health. Criticisms of the Misery Index The Okun misery index has faced some criticism from economists. It doesn't include some key factors . Some believe it is not a good indicator of economic performance because it doesn't include economic growth data. This mistakes the intent of the misery index as a measure of general economic performance rather than as a measure of the pain felt by the average citizen. Regardless, it is smart for investors to build an emergency fund in case of an economic downturn or job loss. . Some believe it is not a good indicator of economic performance because it doesn't include economic growth data. This mistakes the intent of the misery index as a measure of general economic performance rather than as a measure of the pain felt by the average citizen. Regardless, it is smart for investors to build an emergency fund in case of an economic downturn or job loss. It only considers current data. As a measure of personal economic distress, the misery index may underweight the role of expectations and uncertainty by looking only at current unemployment and inflation rateswhen much of the stress and worry that people actually feel is for their future economic prospects (in addition to current conditions). In particular, the unemployment rate is generally considered to be a lagging indicator that likely understates perceived misery early in a recession and overstates it even after the recession is over. As a measure of personal economic distress, the misery index may underweight the role of expectations and uncertainty by looking only at current unemployment and inflation rateswhen much of the stress and worry that people actually feel is for their future economic prospects (in addition to current conditions). In particular, the unemployment rate is generally considered to be a lagging indicator that likely understates perceived misery early in a recession and overstates it even after the recession is over. It's used inconsistently.During the Great Moderation, the prevalence of low unemployment and low inflation figures across much of the world also meant that the misery index was seldom used except during brief recessions and crises from time to time. Bad news sells, so periods of simultaneously low inflation and unemployment simply don't generate the same impetus to measure and track economic misery. There have been several attempts to modernize the misery index by including other metrics. Newer Versions of the Misery Index The misery index has been modified several times, first by Harvard economist Robert Barro. In 1999, Barro created the Barro misery index, which adds consumer lending interest rates and the gap between actual and potential gross domestic product (GDP) growth to evaluate post-WWII presidents. In 2011, Johns Hopkins economist Steve Hanke modified Barro's misery index and broadened its application to be a cross-country index. Hanke's annual misery index is the sum of unemployment, inflation, and bank lending rates, minus the change in real GDP per capita. Hanke publishes his global list of misery index rankings annually for the countries that report relevant data on a timely basis. In 2020, his list included 156 nations, with Guyana being identified as the worlds happiest country and Venezuela as the world's most miserable country. The concept of a misery index has also been expanded to asset classes. For example, Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat Advisors, created the Bitcoin Misery Index (BMI) to measure the average bitcoin investor's misery. The index calculates the percentage of winning trades against total trades and adds it to the cryptocurrency's overall volatility. The index is considered "at misery" when its total value is less than 27. A variation of the original misery index is the Bloomberg misery index. Argentina, South Africa, and Venezuela, countries beset by widespread inflation and unemployment, topped the index in 2020. On the other end, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan were considered the happiest countries according to economist estimates. But low inflation and low unemployment rates can also mask low demand, as the publication itself pointed out. Japan is a textbook case of persistently low demand due to an economy that has been in stagflation for the last two decades. Misery Index Under Different Presidents Although the misery index was first popularized in the 1970s, it is possible to evaluate the economic misfortunes under different presidents by comparing their inflation and unemployment figures. Unsurprisingly, the most miserable year on record was during the Great Depression; the misery index reached 25.7% in the first year of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency. The index fell to 3.5% by 1944, likely due to the full employment during the Second World War. Richard Nixon (19691974) and Jimmy Carter (19771981) have the unenviable distinction of presiding over the most miserable economies of the post-war period, with the misery index reaching 20% under Nixon and 22% under Carter. Misery fell sharply under Ronald Reagan, and it continued to trend downwards during the Bush and Clinton presidencies. During the presidency of George W. Bush, the misery index again trended upwards, reaching a peak of 12.7% under President Obama due to the ongoing Great Recession. The index fell to a low of 5.06% by 2015 and remained low through most of the Trump presidency (20162020). However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp increase in unemployment, causing the misery index to reach 15%. What Is the Current Misery Index? The Misery Index as of July 2022 is 12.02 (Unemployment rate of 3.5 + Inflation rate of 8.52). Who Created the Misery Index? The Misery Index was created originally by economist Arthur Okun in the 1960s and it was initially called the Economic Discomfort Index. What's the Most Miserable Country in the World? As of 2021 and according to the Misery Index, Cuba was the most miserable country in the world with a misery index score of 1,227.6, followed by Venezuela (index score of 774.3) and Sudan (397.2). The Bottom Line The misery index, created by economist Arthur Okun, is an economic indicator that is calculated by adding the seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment and the annual inflation rate. Broadly speaking, it serves as a measure of a nation's economic health and helps determine how the average citizen is doing economically. While the misery index became a popular measure due to its simplicity, it is widely regarded as an ineffective measure of macroeconomic conditions since it doesn't consider economic growth data. Who Is Jerome Kerviel?situs bandar judi qq sport1x2com Jerome Kerviel was a junior level derivatives trader for French securities firm Societe Generale. He was charged with losing more than 4.9 billion in company assets by conducting a series of unauthorized and false trades between 2006 and early 2008. When company managers discovered that Kerviel had conducted tens of billions of euros worth of unauthorized trades, they rushed to close out the open positions (most of which were specialized equity arbitrage trades) and contain the extent of the fraud. Several of the trades were closed out with heavy losses due to a falling market at the time of sale. Key Takeaways Jerome Kerviel is a French rogue trader convicted of conducting false and unauthorized trades at Societe Generale. To offset his one-sided bets with the opposite position that did not actually exist, Kerviel created fake trades in the system's computers and logs. To conceal his success, he began creating losing trades intentionally to generate losses to offset his early gains. Kerviel's trades resulted in losses of 4.9 billion in company assets. Kerviel served five months in prison and was required to pay 4.9 billion in fines, which was later cut down to 1 million. Understanding Jerome Kerviel Jerome Kerviel was born on Jan. 11, 1977, growing up in Pont L'Abby, Brittany, France. Kerviel completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Nantes in 1999 and then a master's in finance at the University of Lyon in 2000. Jerome Kerviel joined Societe Generale in the summer of 2000 at the age of 23. His first position at the company was in the compliance department, but in 2005 he moved to a junior trader job working with derivatives. Kerviel's role was to capitalize on pricing discrepancies between equity derivatives and the market price of stocks upon which the derivatives were based. Understanding Derivatives Derivatives are investment instruments that derive their value from another asset, such as the price of corn, a stock, or an index. There are many different kinds of derivatives, such as futures, options, and swaps. To limit risk in derivative trades, a long derivative position is generally offset with a similar short position. For example, if a trader purchased Euro stock market futures hoping the market would go up, typically, this bet would be offset by shorting U.S. stock futures to profit if markets decline, as European and U.S. stocks tend to move in a similar fashion. Kerviel began making only one side of these bets. Kerviel and Unauthorized Trades With several years' experience in Societe Generale's back office, Kerviel was well-versed in the company's policies for approving and regulating trading among its brokers. He took advantage of this knowledge in late 2006 and early 2008 to offset his one-sided bets with the opposite position that did not actually exist by creating fake trades in the system's computers and logs, so the trades were not flagged by the bank's oversight systems. Initially, these trades were profitable. With so much early success, Kerviel feared the bank would discover the false transactions. To conceal the activity, he began creating losing trades intentionally to generate losses to offset his early gains. Managerial staff at Societe Generale uncovered unauthorized trading activity in January 2008 and took steps to unwind the positions created by Kerviel. When the dust settled, Kerviel's losses were estimated at 4.9 billion. Kerviel maintains that his bosses knew about his fraudulent trades but intentionally looked the other way as he was making profits for the bank. An appeals court in Versailles sided with Kerviel in 2016 and stated in a judgment that it was not "occasional negligence" but "managerial choices" that ensured Kerviel could get away with his criminal acts. Special Considerations There are conflicting accounts about Kerviel's talents as a trader and student. Professors at his alma mater, the University of Lyon, are reported to have said that he was a student just like any other. The former governor of the Bank of France described Kerviel as a "computer genius" but colleagues claim that he was not a star trader within their ranks. Notably, Kerviel is not believed to have profited personally from his reckless trading, though he now falls into the infamous group of rogue traders that have collectively lost their employers billions of dollars through risky and unauthorized trading activity. While Kerviel's case was being considered, he made a pilgrimage on foot to Rome from Paris to meet the Pope. Together they discussed the problems of capitalism. Kerviel was convicted of breach of trust and other charges in the French court in 2010. He was sentenced to at least three years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of 4.9 billion. He served five months in prison in 2014 before being released. His fine amount was also reduced to 1 million in 2016. Jerome Kerviel FAQs What Does Rogue Trader Mean? A rogue trader is one who trades on behalf of others; clients or a company, and does so in a reckless manner, often flouting company policy and risk management procedures. The actions a rogue trader takes are usually on a speculative basis involving high-risk securities and significant amounts of capital. What Is Jerome Kerviel's Net Worth? Jerome Kerviel does not have a positive net worth. After his sentence, he owed 4.9 billion but this amount was cut to 1 million in 2016. Therefore, he has a negative net worth of approximately 1 million euros. What Does Jerome Kerviel Do Now? Jerome Kerviel is currently working as an IT consultant at Lemaire Consultants. Is Societe Generale Still In Business? Yes, Societe Generale is still in business. It is a global financial firm with offices all over the world. It is headquartered in Paris. The company has extensive retail banking services, along with sales and trading and investment banking. The Bottom Line Jerome Kerviel was a trader for the French investment bank, Societe Generale, where he made rogue trades using derivatives. His trades resulted in losses of 4.9 billion for the bank. He was sentenced to three years in prison, serving only five months, and was ordered to pay fines totaling 4.9 billion but that was later reduced to 1 million. B.B.A., Finance and Economics, University of Oklahoma A degree in a polynomial function is the greatest exponent of that equation, which determines the most number of solutions that a function could have and the most number of times a function will cross the x-axis when graphed. Each equation contains anywhere from one to several terms, which are divided by numbers or variables with differing exponents. For instance, the equation y = 3x13+ 5x3 has two terms, 3x13 and 5x3 and the degree of the polynomial is 13, as that's the highest degree of any term in the equation. In some cases, the polynomial equation must be simplified before the degree is discovered, if the equation is not in standard form. These degrees can then be used to determine the type of function these equations represent: linear, quadratic, cubic, quartic, and the like. Names of Polynomial Degrees Discovering which polynomial degree each function represents will help mathematicians determine which type of function he or she is dealing with as each degree name results in a different form when graphed, starting with the special case of the polynomial with zero degrees. The other degrees are as follows: Degree 0: a nonzero constant Degree 1: a linear function Degree 2: quadratic Degree 3: cubic Degree 4: quartic or biquadratic Degree 5: quintic Degree 6: sextic or hexic Degree 7: septic or heptic Polynomial degree greater than Degree 7 have not been properly named due to the rarity of their use, but Degree 8 can be stated as octic, Degree 9 as nonic, and Degree 10 as decic. Naming polynomial degrees will help students and teachers alike determine the number of solutions to the equation as well as being able to recognize how these operate on a graph. Why Is This Important? The degree of a function determines the most number of solutions that function could have and the most number often times a function will cross the x-axis. As a result, sometimes the degree can be 0, which means the equation does not have any solutions or any instances of the graph crossing the x-axis. In these instances, the degree of the polynomial is left undefined or is stated as a negative number such as negative one or negative infinity to express the value of zero. This value is often referred to as the zero polynomial. In the following three examples, one can see how these polynomial degrees are determined based on the terms in an equation: y= x(Degree: 1; Only one solution) y= x 2 (Degree: 2; Two possible solutions) (Degree: 2; Two possible solutions) y= x3(Degree: 3; Three possible solutions) The meaning of these degrees is important to realize when trying to name, calculate, and graph these functions in algebra. If the equation contains two possible solutions, for instance, one will know that the graph of that function will need to intersect the x-axis twice in order for it to be accurate. Conversely, if we can see the graph and how many times the x-axis is crossed, we can easily determine the type of function we are working with. On Monday, December 6th, 2021 Everton took on Arsenal from Evertons home stadium of Goodison Parklocated in Liverpool, England. Everton has been desperate for points as they have been suffering through an 8 game winless streak lately. During the 2nd minute of the first half of injury time Arsenals aggressive and attacking midfielder, Martin Odegaard, volleyed in the first goal of the match. This put Arsenal up with a score of 1 to nil, and Arsenal was well on their way now to jump back in to 5th place in the standings. Evertons Brazilian forward, Richarlison, unfortunately had 2 goals ruled out on video reviews due to very slight counts of offsides. The first of those occurred in the 43rd minute of play when Richarlison headed in a potential goal, and the second one happened in the 57th minute of the match when Richarlison booted in a low shot that was also ruled a no goal because of an offsides video reviewed decision. Everything was pointing towards an Arsenal win until the 79th minute of the contest when the sure footed winger of Everton, Demarai Gray, struck the crossbar of the goal on s blast of a shot, and Richarlison was there once again to head in the loose change for the equalizing goal. With the game tied up at 1 to 1 entering stoppage time Evertons chances of ending their winless streak were dwindling by each and every second. Then approximately 2 minutes into stoppage time, Gray cut to the inside from the left, and he absolutely drilled the ball hard as can be with a strong right footed shot that ultimately banked in off of the inside of the post to put Everton in front of Arsenalwith a score of 2 to 1. That eventually ended up being the final tally of the match as Evertondefeated Arsenal 2 to 1, and more importantly they ended their wretched 8 game winless streak on Monday. Gray was the hero of the football game, and he celebrated his late goal by tearing off his jersey and walked into a section of screaming fans to the side of the pitch. This victory for Everton pushed them 8 points clear of the relegation zone in the English Premier League as well. Media Statements It was a crazy moment, my best moment here so far, says the Everton winger Demarai Gray.It was important to get that win. We have gone through a bad patch but we stuck together. It is clear when the fans, the players, everybody sticks together, we are stronger, the manager of Everton Rafa Benitez proclaimed.The reaction of the team to the goals that were disallowed and conceding a goal at the end of the first half, we still scored goals and reacted. Every player and fan is expecting that. Everybody is really pleased and hopefully it is the right step forward. Its hard to say exactly what happened, Arsenals attacking midfielder, Martin Odegaard, explained. We have to do better when we have that lead.We stopped playing and gave them the game they wanted to play. Sources: The Associated Press News Services. Everton scores late, beats Arsenal 2 1 to end winless run. The Associated Press. December 6, 2021. 01:55 As much as it is sportsbetting ag desktopwell-known and appreciated in China, Flying Tigers enjoys little recognition here in America. It is the name of a small group of U.S. aviators, who volunteered and helped defend the Chinese people against Japan during World War II. For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report. What Is the Stochastic RSI?ladbroke spin The Stochastic RSI (StochRSI) is an indicator used in technical analysis that ranges between zero and one (or zero and 100 on some charting platforms) and is created by applying the Stochastic oscillator formula to a set of relative strength index (RSI) values rather than to standard price data. Using RSI values within the Stochastic formula gives traders an idea of whether the current RSI value is overbought or oversold. The StochRSI oscillator was developed to take advantage of both momentum indicators in order to create a more sensitive indicator that is attuned to a specific security's historical performance rather than a generalized analysis of price change. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Key Takeaways A StochRSI reading above 0.8 is considered overbought, while a reading below 0.2 is considered oversold. On the zero to 100 scale, above 80 is overbought, and below 20 is oversold. Overbought doesn't necessarily mean the price will reverse lower, just like oversold doesn't mean the price will reverse higher. Rather the overbought and oversold conditions simply alert traders that the RSI is near the extremes of its recent readings. A reading of zero means the RSI is at its lowest level in 14 periods (or whatever lookback period is chosen). A reading of 1 (or 100) means the RSI is at the highest level in the last 14 periods. Other StochRSI values show where the RSI is relative to a high or low. The Formulas For the Stochastic RSI (StochRSI) are: StochRSI = R S I min [ R S I ] max [ R S I ] min [ R S I ] where: R S I = Current RSI reading min [ R S I ] = Lowest RSI reading over the last 14 periods (or your chosen lookback interval) max [ R S I ] = Highest RSI reading over the last 14 periods \begin{ aligned} &\text{ StochRSI}=\frac{ RSI-\min\left[{ RSI} \right ]}{ \max\left[{ RSI} \right ] - \min\left[{ RSI} \right ]}\\ &\textbf{ where:}\\ &RSI = \text{ Current RSI reading}\\ &\min\left[{ RSI} \right ] = \text{ Lowest RSI reading over the last 14 periods}\\ &\;\text{ (or your chosen lookback interval)}\\ &\max\left[{ RSI} \right ] = \text{ Highest RSI reading over the last 14 periods}\\ &\;\text{ (or your chosen lookback interval)} \end{ aligned} StochRSI=max[RSI]min[RSI]RSImin[RSI]where:RSI=Current RSI readingmin[RSI]=Lowest RSI reading over the last 14 periods(or your chosen lookback interval)max[RSI]=Highest RSI reading over the last 14 periods Where: RSI = Current RSI reading; Lowest RSI = Lowest RSI reading over last 14 periods (or chosen lookback period); and Highest RSI = Highest RSI reading over last 14 period (or lookback period). How to Calculate the Stochastic RSI The StochRSI is based on RSI readings. The RSI has an input value, typically 14, which tells the indicator how many periods of data it is using in its calculation. These RSI levels are then used in the StochRSI formula. Record RSI levels for 14 periods. On the 14th period, note the current RSI reading, the highest RSI reading, and lowest RSI reading. It is now possible to fill in all the formula variables for StochRSI. On the 15th period, note the current RSI reading, highest RSI reading, and lowest reading, but only for the last 14 period (not the last 15). Compute the new StochRSI. As each period ends compute the new StochRSI value, only using the last 14 RSI values. What Does the Stochastic RSI Tell You? The StochRSI was developed by Tushar S. Chande and Stanley Kroll and detailed in their book "The New Technical Trader," first published in 1994. While technical indicators already existed to show overbought and oversold levels, the two developed StochRSI to improve sensitivity and generate a greater number of signals than traditional indicators could do. The StochRSI deems something to be oversold when the value drops below 0.20, meaning the RSI value is trading at the lower end of its predefined range, and that the short-term direction of the underlying security may be nearing a low a possible move higher. Conversely, a reading above 0.80 suggests the RSI may be reaching extreme highs and could be used to signal a pullback in the underlying security. Along with identifying overbought/oversold conditions, the StochRSI can be used to identify short-term trends by looking at it in the context of an oscillator with a centerline at 0.50. When the StochRSI is above 0.50, the security may be seen as trending higher and vice versa when it's below 0.50. The StochRSI should also be used in conjunction with other technical indicators or chart patterns to maximize effectiveness, especially given the high number of signals that it generates. In addition, non-momentum oscillators like the accumulation distribution line may be particularly helpful because they don't overlap in terms of functionality and provide insights from a different perspective. The Difference Between the Stochastic RSI and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) They seem similar, but the StochRSI relies on a different formula from what generates RSI values. RSI is a derivative of price. Meanwhile, StochRSI is derivative of RSI itself, or a second derivative of price. One of the key differences is how quickly the indicators move. StochRSI moves very quickly from overbought to oversold, or vice versa, while the RSI is a much slower moving indicator. One isn't better than the other, StochRSI just moves more (and more quickly) than the RSI. Limitations of Using the Stochastic RSI One downside to using the StochRSI is that it tends to be quite volatile, rapidly moving from high to low. Smoothing the StochRSI may help in this regard. Some traders will take a moving average of the StochRSI to reduce the volatility and make the indicator more useful. For example, a 10-day simple moving average of the StochRSI can produce an indicator that's much smoother and more stable. Most charting platforms allow for applying one type of indicator to another without any personal calculations required. Also, the StochRSI is the second derivative of price. In other words, its output is two steps away from the actual price of the asset being analyzed, which means at times it may be out of sync with an asset's market price in real time. Once hailed as the Jackie Kennedy of China, Gu Kailais fall from grace is just as dramatic, if not more so, than that of her husband Bo Xilai, a former Communist Party star stripped from power in a political scandal. The glamorous, intelligent and savvy former lawyer now needs a lawyer of her own as she faces murder charges stemming from the death of British businessman Neil Heywood last November in what Xinhua calls a conflict over economic interests. Gu, 53, was once seen as a role model for many Chinese women. She was born to a prominent family but claims to have had to eke out a living in a variety of menial jobs after her family was detained during the Cultural Revolution. She later studied law at the prestigious Peking University. She met Bo at university in 1984, and married in 1987, the same year Gu began working as a lawyer. She started her own law firm in 1995, and was perhaps most noted for her involvement in a landmark legal case in the United States where several Dalian, China, firms were involved. Bo was mayor of Dalian at the time. Ed Byrne, an American lawyer who worked with Gu on the case, recalls her as smart, charismatic, attractive. I was very impressed with her, he said in a BBC television interview. The BBC, quoting a source close to the family, said Gu shut down the law firm in 2001, when her husband became the Communist Party chief of the megacity Chongqing to deflect any potential allegations that the firm was benefitting from Bos position. The same source speculated that Gus health has deteriorated in recent years, saying she rarely left the family house in Chongqing. Following her success with the U.S. legal case, Gu was able to parlay her notoriety into a book called, Winning a Lawsuit in the U.S. Now, her life likely depends on winning a case in China. Matthew Hilburn Gu Kailais Fall from Graceadded by chinatimesonline on View all posts by chinatimesonline Cyberpunk 2077's developer has apologized for dialog and graffiti inserted in the Ukrainian version of the 2.0 update that's critical of Russia's invasion of the country, PC Gamer has reported. CD Projekt Red said it had nothing to do with the changes and promised to remove them. "The Ukrainian localization of Cyberpunk 2077 contains several remarks that could offend some Russian players," the studio said in a (Google translated) statement. "These remarks were not written by CD Projekt Red employees and do not represent our views. We are working to fix them and replace them in the next update. We apologize for this situation and are taking steps to ensure it does not happen again." As originally reported by Zone of Games (via a Rock Paper Shotgun report) some dialog makes reference to Ukrainian resistance slogans. Elsewhere, graffiti suggests Crimea is still part of Ukraine in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, following Russia's 2014 invasion. Other messages refer to citizen missile detection, COVID initiatives under President Zelensky, derogatory terms for Russians and more. The Ukrainian localization was reportedly handled by the Ukrainian company SBT Localization, which also worked on Baldur's Gate 3, Darkest Dungeon and other titles. The changes were noticed by Russian and Ukrainian players, with multiple complaints registered on Steam and CD Projekt Red forums. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, deemed unlawful by a majority of nations, has had a deleterious effect on Ukraine's game industry. Developer GSC Game World was forced to halt work on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl after the aggressions forced it to relocate staff to Prague in order to help employees and their families "survive" the conflict, it said. Earlier this year, Ukraine sent letters to Sony, Microsoft and Valve, urging them to block the title Atomic Heart from their gaming platforms over concerns about Russian connections. X, the company previously known as Twitter, could soon find itself in hot water with European Union officials due to the amount of misinformation on its platform. The platform has an outsize role in the spread of misinformation , according to a new EU report. The EU shared its findings in its first report on platforms handling of mis and disinformation as part of the Digital Services Act. The sweeping law, which recently went into effect, requires major platforms to disclose details about their handling of misinformation. Dozens of companies have additionally agreed to a voluntary Code of Practice on disinformation. X announced in May that it was pulling out of the agreement, though the company said it would adhere to the stricter disinformation policies required under the DSA. The report found that X outstripped many of its larger peers when it comes to the volume of disinformation on its platform, and the engagement such posts attract. X is the platform with the largest ratio of mis/disinformation posts, European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said in a statement . The report also found that X ranked the highest in discoverability of misinformation and disinformation, followed by Facebook and Instagram. X didnt respond to a request for comment. In a series of tweets from its Global Affairs account, the company disputed the framing of the data and said it remains committed to complying with the DSA. We disagree with the overall framing of this data and believe that the data does not fit the narrative being covered in the media. This important debate should take into account the full range of actions taken by platforms & recognize the importance of protecting free expression Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) September 26, 2023 In a statement, Jourova said that all of the major platforms need to to adjust their actions to reflect that there is a war in the information space waged against us. She said that upcoming elections within the EU will be an important test for the Code that platforms signatories should not fail. The CIA and other US intelligence agencies will soon have an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT. The program, revealed on Tuesday by Bloomberg, will train on publicly available data and provide sources alongside its answers so agents can confirm their validity. The aim is for US spies to more easily sift through ever-growing troves of information, although the exact nature of what constitutes public data could spark some thorny privacy issues. Weve gone from newspapers and radio, to newspapers and television, to newspapers and cable television, to basic internet, to big data, and it just keeps going, Randy Nixon, the CIAs director of Open Source Enterprise, said in an interview with Bloomberg. We have to find the needles in the needle field. Nixons division plans to distribute the AI tool to US intelligence agencies soon. Nixon says the tool will allow agents to look up information, ask follow-up questions and summarize daunting masses of data. Then you can take it to the next level and start chatting and asking questions of the machines to give you answers, also sourced, he said. Our collection can just continue to grow and grow with no limitations other than how much things cost. The CIA hasnt specified which AI tool (if any) its using as the foundation for its chatbot. Once the tool is available, the entire 18-agency US intelligence community will have access to it. However, lawmakers and the public wont be able to use it. Nixon said the tool would follow US privacy laws. However, he didnt state how the government would safeguard it from leaking onto the internet or using information thats sketchily acquired but technically public. Federal agencies (including the Secret Service) and police forces have been caught bypassing warrants and using commercial marketplaces to buy troves of data. These have included phones locations, which the government can technically describe as open-source. The scale of how much we collect and what we collect on has grown astronomically over the last 80-plus years, so much so that this could be daunting and at times unusable for our consumers, Nixon said. He envisions the tool allowing a scenario where the machines are pushing you the right information, one where the machine can auto-summarize, group things together. The US governments decision to move forward with the tool could be influenced by China, which has stated that it wants to surpass its rivals and become the worlds de facto AI leader by 2030. The US has taken steps to counter Chinas influence while examining AIs domestic and economic risks. Last year, the Biden administration launched a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, defining the White Houses generative AI values. It has also pushed for an AI risk management framework and invested $140 million in creating new AI and machine learning research institutes. In July, President Biden met with leaders from AI companies, who agreed to (non-binding) statements that they would develop their products ethically. US Democratic Senator Bob Menendez denied wrongdoing and vowed to stay in Congress after prosecutors charged him and his wife with taking bribes from three New Jersey businessmen. Trump shows off new endorsements in South Carolina during a campaign rally Former President Donald Trump showed off his new endorsements during a campaign rally outside of a boat manufacturer facility in Summerville, South Carolina. Monday, September 25, 2023 Abstract L7 DEX is ushering in a paradigm shift in decentralized futures contract markets by adopting the PvP-AMM model. Within the L7 DEX ecosystem, a novel liquidity trading model is being developed, focusing on liquidity-as-a-service. Recognizing the higher risks associated with futures trading, L7 DEX has also introduced an order insurance (stop-loss insurance) mechanism. In the future, L7 DEX aims to provide the market with even more straightforward and efficient investment solutions through liquidity and IEO combination. What is L7 DEX? Compared to centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) initially had a smaller share in the futures trading market due to on-chain performance constraints. However, recent advancements in mainstream blockchains and Layer 2 solutions have propelled the decentralized perpetual futures exchange sector into the spotlight as high-frequency trading is increasingly viable. L7 DEX is a decentralized contract trading platform based on Web3 with its major innovations of the PvP-AMM protocol, liquidity-as-a-service (LaaS), and more. The innovative PvP AMM protocol, coupled with optimized smart contracts, provides users with a seamless futures trading experience while addressing issues such as high slippage, front running, poor liquidity, and the inability to place orders, making futures trading safer, more stable, and cost-effective. How Does L7 DEX Work? In the DeFi sector, most protocols use automated algorithms like AMMs to balance the supply and demand of tokens in liquidity pools. However, L7 DEX introduces the PvP-AMM mechanism, bringing a paradigm shift in decentralized futures markets. In the L7 DEX ecosystem, LP (Liquidity Provider) tokens act as an intermediary in the PvP-AMM model and are minted through depositing USDC, BTC, or ETH. These tokens can be used as collateral for perpetual futures trading or to provide liquidity to the market for a share of the protocol revenue. In particular, LP tokens are introduced to present the overall profit and loss of trades and the income and expenses of the insurance business. Here's an example to illustrate: Suppose Alice mints 1,000 LP tokens by depositing 1,000 USDC and opens a $10,000 long ETH position while Bob mints 2,000 LP tokens with 2,000 USDC deposits and opens a $20,000 short ETH position. Now, there are 3,000 USDC in the LP pool and 3,000 LP tokens, where 1 LP token = $1. If ETH rises by 5%, and both Alice and Bob close their positions, Alice's balance will become 1,500 LP tokens, and Bob will have 1,000 LP tokens left. Then, there are 3,000 USDC in the LP pool and only 2,500 LP tokens, with 1 LP token = $1.2. The specific calculation is as follows: Alice: 1,000 + $10,000 * 5% / $1 = 1,500 LP tokens; Bob: 2,000 - $20,000 * 5% / $1 = 1,000 LP tokens New LP Supply = Alice's LP tokens + Bob's LP tokens = 2,500 LP tokens New LP Price = 3,000 USDC / 2,500 LP tokens = $1.2 In this example, we can see that the total deposits in the pool remain constant, and the profit and loss of traders are reflected in the LP token supply, inversely affecting LP token prices. This means that PvP traders are regarded as a group, and when the group profits, it drives up LP token supply and lowers token prices. Traders need to make relatively higher profits compared to the group level to earn money by trading USDT-margined futures. Further analysis reveals that in the PvP-AMM model, the critical factor influencing profit and loss is the ratio of long positions and short positions. This allows PvP-AMM to address issues related to one-sided market conditions. It is pure Alpha trading that is less affected by market trends and doesn't require additional liquidity providers, as traders can perform trades independently. Additionally, this model provides a combination arbitrage opportunity for API and SmartMoney, attracting new minority orders and automatically balancing the long and short ratio. Apart from serving as initial margin in futures trading, LP tokens have several use cases: 1) Users purchase LP tokens (i.e., mint LP tokens) at the current price by depositing USDC, BTC, or ETH assets into the protocol vaults. 2) Users sell LP tokens (i.e., burn LP tokens) at the current price by withdrawing USDC, BTC, or ETH assets from the protocol vaults. 3) After purchase (minting), LP tokens enter Staking Earn. Note: The PvP-AMM model gained industry attention primarily because of GMX's X4 plan in 2022. However, the X4 plan was put on hold as GMX later shifted its focus to synthetic assets. What Are the Advantages of L7 DEX Ecosystem? Within the L7 DEX ecosystem, a new liquidity trading model centered around LaaS has been established. In this context, liquidity procurement entails acquiring liquidity from the market through a combination of ."token incentives." and ."transaction fee rewards.". Liquidity distribution (often through compensated means) involves providing the acquired liquidity to other entities, including institutions, project teams, or users in need of liquidity. Additionally, liquidity management includes offering liquidity management tools to project teams that have purchased liquidity, enabling them to plan their liquidity expenditure effectively. L7 DEX's liquidity provision mechanism generates income for the platform by efficiently managing obtained liquidity while maintaining synergy between trading and the liquidity markets. This integrated approach ensures long-term financial stability and sustainable operations. Recognizing the higher risks associated with futures trading, L7 DEX has also introduced an order insurance (stop-loss insurance) mechanism. This mechanism significantly raises the threshold for potential losses, albeit potentially sacrificing a portion of profits. Consequently, it is more suitable for long-term investors and traders with higher risk tolerance. Traders can choose to create diverse insurance strategies for the same trading asset. Different insurance ratios used in trades will generate multiple distinct positions, while trades with the same insurance ratio will be merged with existing positions. Subsequently, the PnL along with the insurance fees will be calculated. Regarding the PvP-AMM protocol, traders have the option to apply insurance to long-term trading orders, adding an extra insurance ratio that can range from 10% to 50% of the trading margin. If an order is settled or liquidated, traders who experience losses can receive compensation up to a maximum equivalent to the trading margin. Furthermore, L7 DEX's PvP-AMM protocol calculates the PnL percentage of trading orders using an index price (derived from ChainLink and the average weighted prices from multiple CEXs). This approach helps mitigate potential issues associated with Oracle latency arbitrage. In the future, L7 DEX aims to provide the market with even more pure and efficient investment solutions through liquidity and IEO combination. It attempts to establish an asset management and allocation system centered around LSD (L7 DEX's native token) and other platform assets. This comprehensive system seeks to remove barriers that have previously hindered ordinary users from participating in the primary market. L7 DEX distinguishes itself from other DeFi protocols through its innovative design mechanism, which offers liquidity providers a higher income ratio while bolstering overall system stability. Additionally, it diminishes platform token volatility and elevates the user experience within the protocol. Participants, encompassing institutions, project teams, and individual users who provide liquidity within the L7 DEX ecosystem, stand to benefit not only from trading fees and insurance fees generated by L7 DEX but also from the potential upside associated with the growth of other blue-chip project tokens within the ecosystem. What Is the Token Mechanism of L7 DEX? In its early developmental stages, L7 DEX has successfully cultivated synchronized growth in both its incremental and existing user base by establishing a global community and a fundamental NFT economic model. Owning an NFT within the project is akin to actively participating in its construction. Users have the opportunity to stake their NFTs and reap long-term profits, simultaneously becoming early-stage investors who benefit from the project's growth. NFT holders can also enjoy advantages such as reduced trading fees and increased liquidity rewards. Furthermore, these users actively contribute to shaping the community and influencing the direction of product development through voting. LSD is the native governance token of the L7 DEX platform, offering users a diverse array of utility and value-driven interactions. The total supply of LSD is 210 million tokens. In addition to its governance functionality, holding LSD offers several advantages within the ecosystem: (1) Provide users with reduced or waived trading fees for futures trades on L7 DEX. (2) Engage in LP mining for blue-chip projects within the L7 DEX ecosystem. (3) Enjoy priority access to all forthcoming airdrop benefits released by L7 DEX, along with high-priority participation and early access to the platform's future innovative products. (4) Have the right to vote on crucial proposals within the ecosystem, with governance rights commensurate with their holdings. (5) Gain early investment opportunities in a diverse range of distinguished projects. Summary In the long term, the decentralized derivatives trading sector presents significant opportunities. L7 DEX is ushering in a paradigm shift in decentralized futures contract markets by adopting the PvP-AMM model, poised to accelerate its growth. Furthermore, L7 DEX distinguishes itself through unique features such as an innovative liquidity trading model, an order insurance mechanism, and the ."liquidity + IEO." development approach. These attributes bolster the protocol's efficiency and security, making decentralized contracts more accessible and enhancing the user experience. Moreover, they act as compelling incentives, attracting a wider user base to participate in the ecosystem. Website: https://www.l7dex.finance/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/L7_DEX Telegram: https://t.me/L7DEX_Official Discord: https://discord.gg/l7dex Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment or intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing in or trading securities and cryptocurrency. Just the Facts on 'Geofencing,' the Intrusive, App-Based 'Dragnet' That Sgt. Joe Friday Never Dreamed Of The European Commission has proposed that the herbicide glyphosate be extended by a further 10 years, with a vote due in October. The Commission's proposal will be voted on by the EU's 27 member states on 13 October. A "qualified majority" of 15 member states, representing at least 65% of the EU's population, is required to pass or to block the proposal. Glyphosate, which is the world's most widely used herbicide, is currently approved for use in the bloc until 15 December 2023. A row over possible risks to the environment and human health has prompted numerous investigations in the US and Europe, forcing delays to re-licensing decisions. However, a recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) study found that glyphosate was unlikely to pose a carcinogenic hazard to humans. "The assessment of the impact of glyphosate on the health of humans, animals and the environment did not identify critical areas of concern," the regulator said. "EFSA did not identify any critical areas of concern in its peer review of the risk assessment of the active substance glyphosate in relation to the risk it poses to humans and animals or the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency have also classified glyphosate as non-carcinogenic. The NFU has said that the loss of glyphosate would cause 'huge problems' for the farming industry. NFU senior regulatory affairs adviser, Dr Chris Hartfield said: Reviews of all the available and latest evidence by regulatory scientific experts in the EU and across the world have confirmed that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Glyphosate reduces the need to use other herbicides, helps to protect soil and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for ploughing. "It also enables European farmers to grow crops that help produce safe, affordable and high-quality food. Farmers have been urged to 'act now' to protect their farms 'before it's too late', as the UK's first named storm of the autumn and winter season approaches. Named by the Met Office, Storm Agnes is forecast to bring gales of up to 80mph to many parts of the UK. A yellow severe weather warning for wind has been issued from Wednesday through Thursday morning. NFU Mutual has called on farmers to make their farms 'storm resilient', as strong gusts could rip off roofing sheets and cladding from rural homes and farm buildings. Gusts of 80mph could be strong enough to destroy trees, branches and debris, which in turn could cause damage to agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock. And heavy rain could also lead to localised flooding, the rural insurer said. According to NFU Mutual figures, the cost of last year's storms - Dudley, Eunice and Franklin - exceeded 92m. Safety for farmers, family members and workers should always be the number one priority," said Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist. "And while fully understanding the pressures farmers are under, it is vital they avoid taking risks which could lead to injury or fatalities." She said farmers should avoid being near barn doors if there are high winds, and if working alone, to tell someone where they will be and when they expect to return. Ms Binns added: There are a number of actions farmers can take while the weather is calm, such as identifying safer ground to move livestock to in the event of flooding and carrying out necessary repairs to buildings, fences and walls. It is also worth checking alternative fuel and power sources in case of a power cut or disruption, such as making sure generators are in working condition and able to run at full load for long periods of time. It is important to keep up-to-date with weather warnings and have your insurers details to hand. NFU Cymru has called for further clarity on funding for the new Habitat Wales Scheme just days before it opens for applications. Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths announced that applications for the scheme will open on Friday 29 September, with contracts commencing in January 2024. However, details around the budget for the new interim scheme are still unclear, despite Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic area-based contracts ending in December 2023. NFU Cymru said it had received 'no reassurances' that the new interim scheme would match levels of income currently received through Glastir. The union warned that this level of ambiguity was 'unsettling' for farmers considering the scheme. As developments unfold, we are increasingly anxious for Glastir contract-holders," said NFU Cymru rural affairs board chairman, Hedd Pugh. "Many have been participants in agri-environment schemes for decades and have adapted their businesses as a result, who could well lose a significant part of their income in 2024." The Habitat Wales Scheme offers farmers an opportunity to maintain and increase the area of habitat land under management across Wales. It is expected to provide a payment per hectare of eligible habitat land, including habitat land previously under management in 2023. It will be available to all eligible farmers, including Glastir Advanced, Commons and Organic farmers. But Mr Hugh said it would be 'very difficult' for farmers to make a commitment to the scheme without more information on its budget. He added: "Regrettably, todays statement does little to answer the fundamental questions farmers need answered in order to inform decisions about participation in the scheme. To maintain the confidence of farming in the proposed direction of travel, the budget of around 35m for agri-environment must be at least maintained." Applications to Habitat Wales Scheme will open on Friday 29 September, with contracts commencing in January 2024. The pig sector has backed calls for the government to speed up plans to allow the commercial use of precision breeding techniques in farmed animals. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act was granted Royal Assent in March, paving the way for gene edited crops and livestock to be introduced on farms. One of the first potential applications in livestock could be porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) resistant pigs. PRRS is a disease of economic importance to the global pig industry, as it can cause reproductive failure in sows and respiratory problems in weaners up to finisher pigs. But under new precision breeding regulations, the sector hopes that pigs will be bred using gene edited traits developed by scientists at the University of Missouri in the US and the Roslin Institute in the UK. However, under the terms of the Precision Breeding Act, which applies to England only, gene edited plants are being prioritised over livestock. The UK government has indicated that the equivalent process for farm animals could take a further two years. Yorkshire pig producer Rob Beckett has written to Farming Minister Mark Spencer urging him to step up the UK's precision breeding plans for the pig sector. Mr Becket said pig producers should get access to the same advanced genetics as soon as possible to help alleviate the suffering to animals, and distress to producers, caused by intractable diseases such as PRRS. He said in his letter to Mr Spencer: PRRS is a dreadful condition, endemic in both indoor and outdoor pig production in the UK, and responsible for significant losses, as much as 30 million per year in England alone. "But as a fellow farmer, I know you will understand that this issue is not just about pounds and pence. It is also about avoiding animal suffering, and the distress this causes among producers. "A genetic solution is now available which could eradicate this horrible disease it seems unethical not to get it out onto farms at the earliest possible opportunity." NPA chief policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst said gene editing had the potential to deliver 'huge benefits' for the pig sector, including helping to tackle one of the most damaging pig diseases on the planet. "While we understand the need to proceed with caution and consider all the implications, we would like to see the process speeded up, so the industry can access this game-changing technology at the earliest opportunity." The Welsh beef sector is showing signs of 'longer term optimism' as well as the possibility of some positive price growth, new analysis says. New calf registration numbers match other statistics showing supply tightening from the end of 2023 forward, according to analysist by Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). The levy board explains that, after a more plentiful 2023, supply may contract if there is no recovery in registration numbers during the second half of 2023. HCC reports that from January to July this year, total calf birth registrations in Wales fell by 2%, compared to the same period a year ago. The British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) registered almost 223,100 calves during the period more than 5,000 calves less year-on-year. Trends across Britain reveal total calf registrations are down 2% to 1.5 million head, explained Glesni Phillips, HCCs market intelligence analyst. In Wales, we are seeing the least number of calf registrations recorded during the first half of the year since 2019. Its a different trend to what we have seen to date in 2023; BCMS figures relating to the numbers of prime cattle on the ground currently suggest supply will remain plentiful during the remainder of this year- but it might well be tight from the end of next year. All in all, it would suggest that in late 2024 supply will reduce, and that should give the sector some optimism moving forward. Glesni said dairy female calves registered in the first six months of this year in Wales decreased by 6% compared to the same period a year ago, but dairy male numbers were down by a significant 20%. She said: Dairy male calf numbers have been in decline for some time, probably influenced by a combination of increased uptake of sexed semen on farm and new dairy calf management requirements. "In 2021, males accounted for 37% of dairy registrations; now its just 30%. This will likely impact on the availability of animals for beef production within the supply chain. Brooke Hogan snubbed her father Hulk Hogan's wedding for her own "healing and happiness". Brooke Hogan didn't attend dad Hulk Hogan's wedding The 35-year-old daughter of the 70-year-old WWE Hall of Famer has revealed why she chose not to attend his wedding over the weekend as he tied the knot to Sky Daily, 45, at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida. Taking to Instagram after speculation over her absence from the ceremony, she wrote: "As we all experience this with our families, the dynamics of a family unit continuously change over the years. "With that being said, my family has experienced a LOT of change. "With all of it happening in the public eye, I've had to learn how to best navigate those changes as they come, which has been difficult to say the least. "For my own journey to healing and happiness, I have chosen to create some distance between myself and my family, and am focusing on people and things that heal my heart and align with my own personal beliefs, goals, and values. "I wish him well." Brooke explained that she "values her privacy", but felt the need to respond to speculation over her decision not to attend, and to "shut it all down". Hogan - whose real name is Terry Bollea - proposed to Sky two months ago in July, after over a year of dating. It's said the wedding was an intimate affair, with their children - besides Brooke - making up most of the guest list, with Hogan's 33-year-old son Nick among the attendees. Sharing a heartfelt video of the special occasion on Instagram, the Hulkster wrote: "My new life starts now!" The marriage is the former wrestling champion's third, as he was first married to ex Linda - the mother of both his children - for 24 years. He later married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but they got divorced in 2022 after over a decade of marriage. The UK and the US state of Washington have formalised a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two parties. This MoU is the sixth such agreement as part of the UK's strategic initiative to increase trade with individual US states. With this latest agreement, the combined GDP of the states the UK has MoUs with now stands at 2.2 trillion. Washington State, which boasts a GDP roughly equivalent to that of Poland, is home to significant US corporations such as Amazon and Boeing. Minister for industry and economic security Nusrat Ghani signed the MoU in Seattle, standing alongside Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, the government of UK said in a press release. The UK has signed an MoU with Washington State to enhance trade and investment, marking the sixth such US state agreement. The move contributes to a combined 2.2 trillion GDP across states with UK MoUs. The UK government is also in talks with other states including Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, and Illinois for potential trade agreements. Previously, the UK had secured MoUs with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Utah. These states collectively imported 5.1 billion worth of UK goods in 2022. The UK government is also in talks with other states including Florida, Texas, California, Colorado, and Illinois for potential trade agreements. In addition to the MoU, Minister Ghani will lead a delegation of 35 UK businesses to the 2023 Boeing Supplier Showcase. The businesses were selected by Boeing to engage with their procurement and supply chain teams. Boeing, which has invested more than 12 billion in the UK supply chain since 2015, recently invested 80 million in a composite research facility in Sheffield. This new investment aims to establish new long-term partnerships and supply chains within the UK. Our pact with the state of Washington is a win for the UK, opening a door for our businesses to trade more openly and unlock new opportunities in key sectors. Each US state is a massive global market in its own right, and many have economies larger than the GDP of whole countries. By notching up our sixth such deal, weve surpassed the 2 trillion mark for combined GDP of states whove done a deal with the UK, with many more in our sights, said Nusrat Ghani. Todays MOU makes the UK Washingtons latest global partner in trade and innovation focused on clean technology and industry. We cant ebb the tide of climate change and usher in this new future all on our own, it takes partnerships all over the world like the one announced today to realise our full economic potential and help curb carbon emissions worldwide, said Washington State governor Jay Inslee. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra recently got married in Udaipur, and the couple has published the first images from the lovely event. Fans were enamored with the couple's understated elegance at their wedding and their ethereal appearance in the gorgeous photographs. Parineeti and Raghav were a stunning couple, and fans couldn't stop praising them. Heres decoding their wedding attire, including their jewelry, clothing, and more: By dressing in neutral tones, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha complemented one another. Parineeti Chopra's appearance in Manish Malhotra's hand-crafted wedding attire, which took 2500 hours to make, epitomizes regality infused with grace. On the lovely ecru base, the detailed hand embroidery and vintage gold thread were arranged in a captivating linear geometric pattern. The mesh blouse and tulle framework dupatta, both decorated with fair-sized pearls, were beautifully complemented by the Nakshi and metal sequins, which improved the appearance. Moreover, Raghav's name in Devanagari script is etched using badla work on the veil. The addition of Parineeti's jewelry elevated the style to a whole new level, and the emerald jewelry contrasted nicely with the outfit's softer beige color. The necklace, which was made with uncut diamonds, Russian, Zambian, and emeralds and had an antique finish, was worn with matching earrings, a haathphool, and a maang tikka. Uncut bangles round off Parineeti's ensemble. Her custom-made kaleeras, pink choodas, and lehenga latkan patterns further enhanced her lovely bridal appearance. Parineeti chose a custom Kaleerein by Mrinalini Chandra. According to Mrinalini's Instagram post, Parineeti's Kaleerein may appear to be delicate ornaments assembled, but they actually contain tiny components that symbolize the happy accidents the pair experienced together. The story of Parineeti & Raghav is truly a modern-day fairytale, the most organic and beautiful coming together of two worlds that are wide apart yet equally complex. She chose each and every element, ensuring that they symbolize her journey with Raghav in the most love-filled way. At first glance, the Kalira appears to be dainty ornaments cascading from the bangle. However, its true beauty lies in the underlying story it conveysa tale of love. The design of these Kaliras is very special. Each motif represents a moment of serendipity, a chance encounter when their paths crossed in a cosmic dance, the caption read. The addition of Parineeti's jewelry elevated the style to a whole new level, and the emerald jewelry contrasted nicely with the outfit's softer beige color. The necklace, which was made with uncut diamonds, Russian, Zambian, and emeralds and had an antique finish, was worn with matching earrings, a haathphool, and a maang tikka. Uncut bangles round off Parineeti's ensemble. Her custom-made kaleeras, pink choodas, and lehenga latkan patterns further enhanced her lovely bridal appearance. Pawan Sachdeva, Raghav Chadha's maternal uncle and a fashion designer, created an ivory-colored sherwani for him. The front of the white achkan had golden buttons. The ivory sherwani's subtly golden hue increased the festive vibe of the look. He was observed wearing a beige safa with a sarpech as well as an attractive pearl multi-layered necklace as an accessory. He might be spotted sporting his wedding band, a stylish watch, and a pair of dark mojaris. This beautiful ceremony definitely seemed spectacular for the ones who witnessed it. Both the bride and groom ensured their traits and likes were imbued in the elements and detailing of this ceremony, and the photos stand as evidence. Wishing the couple a beautiful journey ahead. Imran Khan has undoubtedly aced his roles in romcoms, curating a separate fan base for himself. He recently recalled the Gori Tere Pyaar Mein filming and how he felt "comfortable" and "optimistic" when sharing the screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan. Imran shared memories of Gori Tere Pyaar Mein's filming on Instagram on Tuesday morning. He also talked about working with Kareena Kapoor Khan again after Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. He also reminisced about his time in Bangalore writing, Our first schedule was in Bengaluru, a city very dear to me; I attended The Valley School there for a few years, and many of my core memories feature Brigade road, Nagarjuna's chilli chicken, and the legendary Corner House (Cake Fudge gang unite!). The Bengaluru shoot was a blast, particularly 'Dhat Teri Ki'. You may be surprised to learn that most of the remaining scenes were shot on sets in Film City Mumbai... the village set, in fact, was built in the same place that years before had been the site of the Mall Road set from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander!, said Imran and further continued, It was also conveniently located across the street from the massive set constructed for OUATIM. I remember shooting 'Tayyab Ali' during the days, then peeling off my mustache while I walked across the street to shoot night scenes for Gori. Imran Khan described the summer of 2013 as "most grueling" in the heartfelt post as he juggled to finish Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. He did, however, add in his conclusion that he had fun while shooting. Imran abruptly vanished from the big screen after his 2015 film Katti Batti. Now Imran Khan is in early talks with Abbas Tyrewala for an OTT project, which will be a spy action drama series, as it was previously reported. Renowned filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has stirred up a conversation within the Hindi film industry with his latest video, where he addresses what he terms as the "Bollywood Scam." In this candid discussion, Agnihotri sheds light on how this alleged scam has impacted the reception of his recent release, "The Vaccine War." Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi are all set to release their much-anticipated film, 'The Vaccine War'. In a heartfelt appeal to the public, Agnihotri has taken to social media to request support and love for the film. Agnihotri's message reflects the essence of the film, as he emphasizes that "This is your film." He urges people to write about it and share it with others, highlighting the importance of collective support in the success of a project. He says " This is your film and I request you to write about it and show it to people. Make 'The Vaccine War' Your Film. Friends, it's a request to show the film to your household help and their kids. Let this also proof that if you make good film, public will support it. I am a people's director and I make people's film. The Vaccine War is coming on 28th September, Please give it your love and Support. Thank you. VERY VERY IMPORTANT: Pl watch this video and understand Bollywood Scam. Please share with everyone as #TheVaccineWar is your film. Only you can burst this scam. #ATrueStory pic.twitter.com/Ur6wvEMJKT Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 26, 2023 As "The Vaccine War" is scheduled to release on the 28th of September, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri appeals to everyone to shower it with love and support. This film, which carries a vital message, serves as a reminder that when good cinema is created, the public's support can make it a resounding success. 'The Vaccine War' features a star-studded cast, including Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, Raima Sen, Anupam Kher, and Pallavi Joshi as lead characters. The movie tells the story of the crisis time when India developed the vaccine. Produced by Pallavi Joshi and I Am Buddha, the film will be available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages and is slated for release on September 28, 2023. Actor Bank Janardhan Hospitalized After Heart Attack: In a concerning turn of events, the esteemed Kannada actor, Bank Janardhan, experienced a heart attack, necessitating immediate medical attention. The actor is currently receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital, where he is being closely monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Bigg Boss Kannada 10: Rumoured Contestants Revealed For Kiccha Sudeep's Show Bank Janardhan made a name for himself as a theater artist. Later, he became popular as a comedian in many Kannada movies and TV serials. Bank Janardhan, aged 74, experienced a heart attack yesterday evening. Presently, actor Bank Janardhan is under intensive care, and there are plans for an angiogram scheduled for tomorrow. In a gesture of concern, veteran actor Vijanath Biradar paid a visit to the hospital to check on the well-being of his friend. It has been indicated that visitors are currently not permitted to visit Janardhan in the ICU. Bank Janardhan: From Comedic Brilliance To Film And TV Stardom Bank Janardhan has had a prolific career spanning four decades within the film industry. His contributions extend to over 500 movies, showcasing his versatility in Kannada cinema, television, and theater. His repertoire is rich with a multitude of roles, particularly excelling in comedic performances. Janardhan's comedic brilliance illuminated the Kannada film industry. Bank Janardhan's exceptional talent as a comedy actor earned him recognition in numerous films, such as "Shhh!", "Tharle Nan Maga," "Belliyappa Bangarappa," "Ganesha Subramanya," and more. His presence in a movie guaranteed an abundance of laughter. Malavika Jayaram's Instagram Post Featuring Mysterious Man Sparks Wedding Buzz Following his success in movies, actor Bank Janardhan continued to spread laughter through his appearances in TV serials. Bank Janardhan graced the screens in popular serials, including "Papa Pandu," "Mangalya," "Robo Family," and "Jokali." Blue Sattai Maran Trolls Raghava Lawrence For Falling At Rajinikanth's Feet: Actor Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut starrer Chandramukhi 2 movie is releasing in theaters worldwide on September 28th. Raghava Lawrence Met Superstar Rajinikanth The film crew is involved in the promotions of this film. On the occasion of the release of the film, Raghava Lawrence met actor Rajinikanth in person and received his blessing. While the subsequent trailers and posters of this film have been released and attracted the fans, promotional events of the film have been organized in places like Coimbatore and Hyderabad. Actor Rajinikanth, Jyotika, Nayanthara, Vadivelu and others acted in Chandramukhi, a super hit film released in 2005. This film was directed by P Vasu. After 18 years, P Vasu has completed directing the second part of this film which is one of the best films in Rajini's career. The second part stars Raghava Lawrence, Kangana Ranaut, Lakshmi Menon, Radhika Sarathkumar, Srushti Dange, Vadivelu and many others. Blue Sattai Maran Calls It A Publicity Stunt While Oscar winner Keeravani has composed the music for the film, songs from the film have been released as lyric videos. The shooting of this film has been completed in Hyderabad and Mysore in grand palaces. On the occasion of the film's release, the hero of the film, Raghava Lawrence, met actor Rajinikanth at his home and took his blessings. He also shared the photos taken during this meeting on his Twitter page. Director and film critic Blue Shirt Maran has criticized that the mini super is looking for publicity by taking a photo and publishing it in the media. "Atleast Lawrence fell on Rajinikanth's feet inside the house. But Rajinikanth fell at Yogi's feet outside his house (at the entrance)." says Blue Sattai Maran in his Tweet. It is noteworthy that Raghava Lawrence, who claims Rajini as his guru, received Rajini's blessing even before the shooting of this film began. DISCLAIMER: The particular article is a compilation of thoughts shared by social media users on the subject. Ideas expressed do not reflect the view of Filmibeat. The board of directors of Iceland Seafood International hf. ("ISI"), a leader in exports of seafood from Iceland, is pleased to announce the appointment of gir Pall Fribertsson as the new CEO of ISI, succeeding Bjarni Armannsson, who is stepping down after five years with ISI.Simultaneously, Sjavarsyn ehf., a holding company fully owned by Bjarni Armannsson has sold its total shareholdings of 10,83% in ISI to Brim hf. as further set out in a separate notification regarding manager's transaction that has been notified and made public according to Article 19 of regulation No. 596/2014.The board of directors will summon to a shareholders meeting in the coming weeks.gir Pall has been Chief Operating Officer at Brim hf. for the last 5 years. Before that he was Managing director for Utgerarfelag Reykjavikur hf. for 3 years and a managing director for Isfelag Vestmannaeyja for 9 years. gir Pall has worked in the seafood industry for most part of his professional career. He holds a business degree from the University of Iceland and a master degree in finance.gir Pall Fribertsson, incoming group CEO:"I'm very pleased to take the helm at Iceland Seafood. I believe the company has a good potential and I look forward to work with its employees, suppliers and customers to further develop the company.The company has built up a leadership position in Europe and has first-class track record for a very long time for quality, innovation and reliability of its products.The company is deeply rooted amongst Icelandic producers and I'm confident we can continue to produce value added products in Europe at a premium for the advantage of all stakeholders."Bjarni Armannsson:"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to lead Iceland Seafood for the last almost 5 years. It's been a time of learning for me and characterized by volatile externalities that have at times been challenging. I would like to thank the people I've worked with and the board of Directors in particular for its continued support.The Iceland Seafood group is a strong entity with a very good potential for profitability and growth going forward. Its unique position in delivering quality seafood to its customers, particularly in Europe is something that has been developed for a very long time and remains with many good opportunities.I strongly believe in gir Pall Fribertsson, whom I've known for many years. He will be a good leader for Iceland Seafood. His knowledge, drive and persuasive character will drive the company forward. I wish him and everyone at ISI well and look forward to closely following their continued success."gir Pall will conclude his current duties at Brim hf. in October and starts as CEO of ISI on November 1st, replacing Bjarni, who will support the transition for the following months. New report finds that switching enterprise network services from on premises devices to Cloudflare services can cut related carbon emissions up to 96% Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today shared a new independent report published by Analysys Mason that shows switching enterprise network services from on premises devices to Cloudflare's cloud-based services can cut related carbon emissions up to 78% for very large businesses to up to 96% for small businesses. The report is one of the first of its kind to calculate potential emissions savings achieved by replacing enterprise network and security hardware boxes with more efficient cloud services. Global Internet usage accounts for 3.7% of global CO2 emissions, about equal to the CO2 emissions of all air traffic around the world. The Internet needs to reduce its overall energy consumption, especially as regulators continue to implement the Paris Climate Accord, including plans to transition to a zero emissions economy. The European Climate Law requires that Europe's economy and society become climate-neutral by 2050, with a target of reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Regulators in the United States and the European Union, among others, have also announced plans to require companies to disclose climate-related information including carbon emissions resulting from their operations and supply chains, as well as climate related risks and opportunities. Finally, among the Fortune Global 500, 63% of companies now set 2050 targets for emissions reductions. Companies large and small will increasingly be looking to reduce carbon throughout their supply chains, particularly their IT infrastructure. "The best way to reduce your IT infrastructure's carbon footprint is easy: move to the cloud," said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder, Cloudflare. "At Cloudflare, we've built one of the world's most efficient networks, getting the most out of every watt of energy and every one of our servers. That's why, with Cloudflare, companies can help hit their sustainability goals without sacrificing security, speed, performance, or innovation." The Analysys Mason study found that switching enterprise network services from on premises devices to Cloudflare services can cut related carbon emissions up to 96%, depending on the current network footprint. The greatest reduction comes from consolidating services, which improves carbon efficiency by increasing the utilization of servers that are providing multiple network functions. On premises devices are designed to host multiple workloads and consume power constantly, but are only used for part of the day and part of the week. Cloud infrastructure is shared by millions of customers, often all over the world. As a result, cloud providers are able to achieve economies of scale that result in less downtime, less waste, and lower emissions. Furthermore, the Analysys Mason study found that there are additional gains due to the high Power Usage Effectiveness of cloud data centres, and differences in the carbon intensity of generation in the local electricity grid. ?"Happy Cog is a full-service digital agency that designs, builds, and markets experiences that engage our clients and their audiences. We've relied on Cloudflare for many of those websites and apps because it's secure, reliable, fast, and affordable but also aligns with many of our clients' sustainability roadmaps and goals," said Matt Weinberg, Co-Founder and President of Technology at Happy Cog. "Switching our clients from their previous on premises or other constant-usage infrastructure to Cloudflare's network and services has let them be greener, more efficient, and more cost effective. It's ideal when you can offer your clients a solution that covers all their needs and provides a delightful experience now, without having to compromise on their longer term priorities." Report Methodology Analysys Mason compared a typical hardware stack deployed in an enterprise data center or IT closet, and its associated energy consumption, to the energy consumption of comparable functions delivered by Cloudflare's global network. Traffic requirements were translated to energy requirements for both on-premise and cloud-based alternatives. The analysis includes assumptions for the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of cloud data centers vs. on-premises data centers or data rooms, and the carbon from electricity, based on the mix of fossil fuel versus renewable energy sources in the local grid. To learn more, please check out the resources below: Blog: Switching to Cloudflare can cut your network carbon emissions up to 96% (and SBTi) Full report: Carbon Savings of Cloud-Based Enterprise Network Functions About Cloudflare Cloudflare, Inc. (www.cloudflare.com @cloudflare) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare's suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. Cloudflare was awarded by Reuters Events for Global Responsible Business in 2020, named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2021, and ranked among Newsweek's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in 2022. 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, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Cloudflare's plans and objectives for its global network and other products and technology, the benefits to customers from using Cloudflare's global network and other products and technology, the expected functionality and performance of Cloudflare's global networkand other products and technology, the impact of switching enterprise network services to the cloud, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2023, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements. 2023 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925468353/en/ Contacts: Cloudflare, Inc. Daniella Vallurupalli Vice President, Head of Global Communications press@cloudflare.com Industrial Robot installation in Japan rose by +9% and reached 50,413 units in 2022. This result is exceeding the pre-pandemic level of 49,908 units in 2019. Japan ranks second to China as the largest market for industrial robots worldwide. It is also the predominant industrial robot manufacturing country with a global market share of 46%. "Japanese exports achieved a new peak level at 207,737 units in 2022, adding another 12% to the previous peak level of 2021," says Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics. "The country's export ratio rose 1 percentage point to 81%. Japanese imports of robots have always been extremely low: 1,343 units were imported in 2022, representing only 3% of the installations." Japanese robot suppliers have increased their production capacity considerably in recent years. Like other international robot suppliers, Japanese suppliers often serve the Chinese market directly from their factories in China. Japanese robot producers have also established production sites in other countries. Japanese suppliers were able to benefit comprehensively from the Chinese post-crisis boom that started in the second quarter of 2020. The value of exports increased by 21% to 496bn (US$3.8bn), setting a new peak value in 2022. In 2022, domestic production of industrial robots in Japan reached another new record level of 256,807 units, exceeding the record set in the previous year by 11%. From 2017 to 2022, production in Japan grew by 4% on average per year. This refers only to domestic production and does not include production sites abroad. Outlook Economic observers see major headwinds for the Japanese economy due to rising energy prices and price increases for raw materials due to a weakening yen as well as in a lack of demand from the USA and China as major export destinations. There are, however, reasons to be more optimistic with regard to robotics. Weakening of the yen against the US dollar makes exports from Japan cheaper, which is beneficial for exports of the Japanese robotics industry. In the domestic market, the Japanese government took action to make the economy more resilient to disruptions in international trade. VIDEO "FACTS about Robots 2023": https://youtu.be/mtxMYJz4v2Y FULL TEXT press release: https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/ About IFR www.ifr.org Follow IFR on LinkedIn Twitter and YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925584423/en/ Contacts: International Federation of Robotics PRESS OFFICER Carsten Heer +49 (0) 40 822 44 284 press@ifr.org Leading Japanese researchers in innovative, disruptive, and translational oncology were rewarded during the 2023 JCA-Mauvernay Award Ceremony. Debiopharm deepens its ties with cancer research in Japan. Debiopharm (www.debiopharm.com), a Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company, today announced the acknowledgement of the two recipients of the 2023 JCA-Mauvernay Award. This prestigious award honored remarkable and breakthrough Japanese oncology research in two categories: Innovative and/or Disruptive Research Dr. Daichi Inoue and Translational Research Dr. Hiromichi Suzuki. At the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) on September 23rd in Pacifico Yokohama, Prof. Hideyuki Saya President of the JCA, Thierry Mauvernay, President of Debiopharm, Bertrand Ducrey, CEO of Debiopharm, and Frederic Levy, Senior Executive Director, Head of Search Evaluation and Scientific Innovation of Debiopharm, jointly awarded this year's winners with trophies and a monetary prize, symbolizing their acknowledgement. "We have a strong ambition to support Japanese oncology research in becoming new therapies for cancer patients that need them. This award was inspired by our previous success with the development of oxaliplatin, a standard-of-care now commercialized worldwide to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer. This example of success is proof that Debiopharm can play a role in evolving early Japanese innovation into development stage compounds that can eventually become new safe and efficacious standard-of-care therapies for patients battling cancer", commented Thierry Mauvernay, President of Debiopharm. Dr. Daichi Inoue, awarded in the disruptive research category for his work at the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe (FBRI), where he focuses on pre-mRNA splicing, a natural and regulated cellular event that removes non-coding regions of genes to produce mRNA that will in turn be translated into proteins. Splicing is controlled by the activity of protein complexes called Splicing Factors. It is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells and produces nonsense mRNAs and non-functional proteins. Dr Inoue made the remarkable discovery that alterations of specific protein components of Splicing Factors, lead to mis-splicing of a key tumor suppressor resulting in cancer development. More recently, Dr Inoue extended his research to other Splicing Factor alterations across various oncogenic pathways and tumor types. His research is innovative and indicates that non-mutated genes can become oncogenic through alterations of the cellular mRNA processing machinery. Prof. Hiromichi Suzuki, awarded in thetranslational research category for his work at the National Cancer Center Research Institutemore specificallyon mutations of human brain tumors through multi-omics sequencing data. Characterization of the mutational landscape across over 700 cases of low-grade glioblastoma led to the identification of distinct, mutationally defined subtypes of glioblastoma with different clinical behaviors. In medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain cancer, Dr Suzuki identified a recurrent hotspot mutation in a small nuclear RNA that causes cryptic splicing of many genes, including oncogenes. This mutation is also present in other cancers. This novel discovery demonstrates that access to large cohorts of patient material and large-scale molecular analysis of tumors enables the uncovering of new mutations involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. The JCA-Mauvernay Award Since 2005, the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) and Debiopharm have co-organized the 'JCA-Mauvernay Award'. This prize illustrates the curiosity that drives researchers as well as the scientific cooperation between Japan and Switzerland. It aims to recognize the outstanding achievements in the field of oncology amongst Japanese researchers, in both the fundamental and the clinical aspects. The award has a total value of CHF 25'000. Debiopharm's commitment to patients Debiopharm develops innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy and then select large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally. For more information, please visit www.debiopharm.com We are on Twitter. Follow us @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925620227/en/ Contacts: Debiopharm Contact Dawn Bonine Head of Communications dawn.bonine@debiopharm.com Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11 In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Ford Motor Co. (F) has paused construction on a $3.5 billion plant in Michigan where it planned to make batteries for electric vehicles using technology from a Chinese company, media reported quoting a Ford spokesman said on Monday. The reports said Republican lawmakers probed the project, and Ford's partnership with the Chinese company, scrutinizing issues around American jobs, technology-sharing and links to forced labor. 'We're pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall project until we're confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant. There are a number of considerations. We haven't been specific about what they are, nor made any final decision about the planned investment there,' the Ford spokesperson reportedly said in an email statement. Ford Motor said in February 2023 that it would invest $3.5 billion to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. The plant - called BlueOval Battery Park Michigan - initially would employ 2,500 people when production of LFP batteries begins in 2026. The project would be fully-owned by a Ford subsidiary, but would use technology licensed from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. D3 Security, the leader in smart security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), today announced it will be demonstrating its Smart SOAR platform at it-sa Expo&Congress, happening 10-12 October, 2023, at the Exhibition Centre in Nuremberg, Germany. The D3 Security team will be at Booth 251 in Hall 7. "D3 is coming to Germany's leading IT security event because we have the ideal SOAR solution for companies based in Germany, as well as the rest of Europe," said Amardeep Dhingra, Director of Strategic Alliances at D3 Security. "We already work with world-class automotive, financial services, and managed services clients-all of which are prevalent industries in the German market-so German companies can be confident in our ability to meet their security automation needs." D3 Security's growing footprint in Europe includes sales, sales engineering, and system engineering staff, some of whom are based in Germany. D3 Security's European customers include the Danish managed security services provider (MSSP) Trifork Security, whose Manager of Security Analytics, Philip Lyng, said in a recent testimonial, "D3 is giving us a much better possibility for our business to grow. Even though we are rapidly growing, with the current staff that we have now, we'll be able to scale up to a lot more customers without adding more staff." Attendees to it-sa Expo&Congress can stop by booth 7-251 to get a personalized demo of D3 Security's Smart SOAR software or book a meeting on D3's upcoming events page. In just a few minutes with D3's vendor-agnostic platform, it's easy to see why 70% of new Smart SOAR customers in the past year were replacing their existing SOAR vendor. About D3 Security D3 Security's Smart SOAR helps solve many of the most entrenched problems in cybersecurity-including analyst burnout, alert overwhelm, and information silos-by transforming separate tools into a unified ecosystem with multi-tier automation, codeless orchestration, robust case management, and environment-wide reporting. Smart SOAR performs autonomous triage and drastically reduces false positives so that enterprise, MSSP, and public sector security teams can spend more time on real threats. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925337314/en/ Contacts: Contact for D3 Security Walker Banerd, Director of Communications and Content wbanerd@d3security.com KUNSHAN, China, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22nd, Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega from the Technical University of Madrid visited Arctech and both parties have successfully joined in an agreement on deepening cooperation on the Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez is an internationally renowned wind tunnel expert who has participated in over 70 wind tunnel studies in fields such as building aerodynamics, bridge aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, wind energy, solar energy, and has also led multiple wind tunnel experiments on photovoltaic tracker in Spain. Professor Omar Gomez Ortega is a member and treasurer of the Nation Association for Wind Engineering (ANIV) belonging to the International Association for Wind Engineering (IAWE). As an influential wind tunnel expert in Spain, he has participated in the research and development of wind tunnel engineering in over 30 civil engineering, wind engineering, aerospace, and other projects worldwide. As a leading manufacturer and solution provider of photovoltaic trackers in the world, Arctech adheres to the mission of " Empowered by Technology, Shine Forward", and always regards innovation as the fundamental driving force for enterprise development, empowering customer value, and leading industry progress. To this end, Arctech has conducted in-depth cooperation with well-known universities both domestically and internationally such as Technical University of Madrid, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University, jointly promoting the implementation and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and accelerating the modernization process of the photovoltaic industry chain. In 2021, Arctech became the only photovoltaic enterprise in the world to have its own wind tunnel laboratory. The Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory can simulate the site environment and conduct tests from five stages: static, dynamic, CFD stability, aeroelasticity, and Aero Plus. Based on the test data, structural calculations are conducted to obtain accurate aerodynamic information on the solar tracking system, ensuring its stability. In 2022, Arctech established a Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Calculation Center. By selecting appropriate air turbulence mathematical models and using electronic computers as tools, various discrete mathematical methods are applied to conduct numerical experiments, computer simulations, and analysis research on various problems in fluid mechanics. An intelligent design platform for photovoltaic structural systems in complex terrains is established, providing support for Arctech to improve product solutions. Relying on its strong research and development capabilities of "integrating industry, academia, and research", Arctech has pioneered the world's leading multi-point parallel drive tracking technology, leading the technological leap of solar trackers and solutions from single-point drive to multi-point drive. The exclusive development of the "3D Geographic Information System (GIS) + Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Simulation" application technology provides a theoretical basis and technical support for improving the reliability and structural optimization design of trackers in complex terrain. So far, Arctech Global R&D Center Laboratory has obtained the qualification of the Photovoltaic Tracker TMP Laboratory issued by TUV SUD and the laboratory accreditation certificate issued by CNAS. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega highly praised the construction of Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory and Arctech's leading product technology. They expressed their willingness to further deepen cooperation with Arctech and jointly contribute to the world's photovoltaic development. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220031/Professor_Mikel_Ogueta_Guti_rrez_Professor_Omar_G_mez_Ortega_visited_Arctech.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220032/Wu_Liang_Manager_Arctech_Wind_Tunnel_Lab_demonstrating_products_professors.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arctech-conducts-in-depth-cooperation-with-the-technical-university-of-madrid-on-wind-tunnel-laboratory-301938295.html SINGAPORE, Sept 26, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The Accounting & Finance Show Asia, the region's leading technology event for accounting, finance and business professionals from enterprises and SMEs, is set to welcome 3,000+ attendees this 10 and 11 October 2023, in Singapore.Finance leaders, accountants in practice, accountants in business and bookkeepers in Asia will meet at Singapore's Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre to connect, share knowledge and explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities disrupting the finance and accounting digital landscape."We're delighted that the Accounting & Finance Show Asia has cemented itself as the must-attend event of the year for the region's community of accounting and finance leaders looking to discover the latest digital solutions and technology trends," says Laura Binns, General Manager at Terrapinn. "The Accounting & Finance Show Asia provides a platform for business leaders to discover what's next and to stay ahead of the curve. This year's edition is CPD-accredited for the first time, meaning that attendees can now find ways to transform their practice or finance function while maintaining their professional qualifications."Over 120 sponsors, exhibitors and partners will showcase the latest innovations in accounting software, finance technology and digital business tools, designed to enable finance teams and businesses to streamline processes and propel growth. They include Title Sponsor Xero (returning for the 6th year running), Diamond Sponsor Spenmo and Platinum Sponsors Aspire, Stripe and WebAccountPlus."Accounting and finance technology has transformed the way businesses operate, managing business pain points, streamlining processes and even more critically, offering decision makers deep, actionable insights to build more resilient, competitive businesses. We are thrilled to join the Accounting and Finance show again this year to discuss digitalisation trends, along with how businesses and practices can leverage Xero's growing ecosystem to achieve greater success," said Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia.Across five diverse content themes (Digital Innovation, SME Finance Transformation, Grow your Business, Digital Practice and The Enterprise CFO), attendees will hear best practices and applicable tips from a line-up of industry thought-leaders, including:- Alison Bertholon, APAC Finance Director, Volvo Group Singapore Pte Ltd- Arup Raha, Chief Economist, Asia, Oxford Economics- Chris Ho, Director of Finance, Klook- Daniela Radrizzani, Partner, Asian Tax Advisory Singapore Pte Ltd- Heather Smith, Founder, ANISE Consulting- Indrie Tjahjadi, Director - Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC Singapore- Jeff Zielinski, Chief Financial Officer, Gusto Collective- Jo-Ann Chung, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Spenmo- Joanne Flinn, Chairperson, The ESG Institute- Joe Dische, Chief Financial Officer, PropertyGuru- Koren Wines, Managing Director, Xero Asia- Matthew Phua, Co-Founder, Harvest Accounting Pte Ltd- Roland Stahli, Founder and Chairman, WebAccountPlus (Holding) AG- Saurabh Chauhan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Peakflo- Shruti Kapoor, Regional Finance Lead, SodexoFor event information and full conference agenda, visit www.terrapinn.com/AFAsiaInfoAbout The Accounting & Finance Show Asia 2023:The Accounting & Finance Show Asia 2023 will take place on 10 - 11 October at Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. It is a dedicated in-person platform to exchange knowledge, explore the latest digital tools and form lucrative new partnerships to establish growth in the accounting and finance landscape.About Terrapinn:Terrapinn has been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Whether you're looking to make new connections, introduce product or inspire change in your industry, we invite you to join us as agitators of change. Terrapinn - spark something.Press attendance is complimentary. Enquiries should be directed to:Jia Le LimMarketing ManagerTerrapinn Pte Ltdjiale.lim@terrapinn.comChristine LeeMarketing Director - AsiaTerrapinn Pte Ltdchristine.lee@terrapinn.comSource: Terrapinn Holdings Ltd.Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KaarTech ( www.kaartech.com ), a global Digital Transformation Consulting company, is excited to announce its latest strategic move in the world of digital transformation. The company has broadened its' capabilities and geography by successfully acquiring Dunn Solutions Group Inc. ( www.dunnsolutions.com ), a leading Customer Experience Solutions Consultancy headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2006, KaarTech has solidified its position as a key player within the SAP ecosystem. With a proven track record of delivering digital transformation success across various sectors, including Discrete Manufacturing, Process Manufacturing, and Consumer Packaged Goods, KaarTech has carved a niche for itself. The company has also developed proprietary intellectual property, KEBS for Professional Services ( https://kebs.ai/ ) and KTern.AI for SAP Digital Transformation ( https://ktern.com/ ), reinforcing its reputation as a formidable force in the Digital Transformation Arena. Founded in 1988, Dunn Solutions is headquartered outside of Chicago and has offices both in Minneapolis and Bengaluru. The company has carved its niche as a Digital Commerce and Business Transformation Consultancy. Their core mission revolves around delivering unmatched velocity and transformative solutions to their clients. This strategic acquisition facilitated by Eiliant Advisors, a Bangalore based Investment Banking Firm, marks a watershed moment for KaarTech as it combines its extensive SAP domain expertise, especially in SAP S/4HANA, with Dunn Solutions' prowess in Digital Customer Experience. Speaking about the acquisition, Mr. Maran Nagarajan, CEO of KaarTech, says, "We are excited to join forces with Dunn Solutions to accelerate our vision of redefining Digital Transformation. This partnership brings together the best of both worlds - our SAP expertise and Dunn Solutions' prowess in Customer Experience - to create a transformative force that will deliver exceptional value to our clients." This union not only broadens the horizontal scope of KaarTech's services but also strengthens its commitment to providing cutting-edge digital solutions that drive business growth and competitiveness. With this partnership, KaarTech solidifies its position as a true leader in the Digital Transformation Arena. Mr. Bill Dunn, CEO of Dunn Solutions, says "KaarTech has earned a reputation as a key driver of SAP innovation across a number of verticals over the years globally, and we are excited to join them as we look to leverage the assets and experience of Dunn Solutions to continue building on KaarTech's success in the Digital Transformation Space." For additional information, visit http://kaartech.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2219898/KaarTech_and_Dunn_Solutions.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2219899/KaarTech_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kaartech-expands-digital-transformation-footprint-with-acquisition-of-dunn-solutions-group-inc-301937444.html LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- European proprietary trading firms and hedge funds are set to expand trading across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region as opportunities and volumes grow, a new study by Acuiti and Trading Technologies has found. European Attitudes to Trading in APAC, which was commissioned by Trading Technologies ahead of its inaugural TT Connect: Asia Insight event taking place tomorrow in London, was based on a survey of senior executives at 53 European based proprietary trading firms and hedge funds. The survey finds that trading in APAC holds significant potential for firms. However, there are challenges unique to markets in the region that must be overcome in order to realise the rewards on offer. Of those surveyed, 59% traded derivatives on markets in APAC with a further 11% set to start doing so. 37% of respondents who traded on markets in APAC said that trading in the region was more profitable than on markets in Europe, a view particularly pronounced among hedge funds. Nevertheless, European firms face challenges to trading in APAC. Finding the right local partners and understanding local rules were the top challenges cited by survey respondents. Another major challenge for proprietary trading firms was gaining access to regional derivatives markets via their preferred clearing firm. Technology requirements were lower down the list of challenges. Over the past decade, third-party front office vendors have made substantial investments in expanding connectivity to exchanges in APAC, significantly reducing the cost of entry for their clients when it comes to engaging new markets. Other key findings were: Japan is the most commonly traded market in the region, followed by Australia and Hong Kong Singapore was the easiest market to connect to, China the hardest Firms trading Indian onshore markets reported the highest profitability from trading in APAC Equity futures are seen as the asset class with the most potential in APAC over the next three years "APAC is the fastest growing region for listed derivatives trading volumes, and that is fueling interest in trading in the region among European proprietary trading firms and hedge funds," said Will Mitting, founder and managing director at Acuiti. "At the same time, many exchanges have invested in technology and processes designed to make it easier for international trading firms to connect and trade. This is creating a virtuous circle of growth that is set to continue." TT CEO Keith Todd said: "Trading Technologies has long recognised the tremendous trading opportunities in the APAC region. This study clearly demonstrates that these opportunities have only grown. European hedge funds and proprietary trading firms are among those poised to benefit as they learn more about how to navigate some country-specific challenges through education and the right partnerships." Download full report here: https://www.acuiti.io/european-attitudes-to-trading-in-apac Taking place on 27 September at the Andaz London Liverpool Street, TT Connect: Asia Insight is aimed at helping members of the European trading community discover new trading opportunities through insights and updates from a roster of expert speakers and panelists. Attendees will gain a broad understanding of the region's geopolitical and macroeconomic trends and their potential impacts on trading strategies. The event is open to members of sell-side and buy-side firms with complimentary registration . ####### About Acuiti Acuiti is a management intelligence platform designed to provide Senior Industry Professionals in the Derivatives Industry with high-value insight into industry-wide performance and business operations. Acuiti provides a platform through which our exclusive network of Senior Industry Executives can share and source information on day-to-day operational challenges, providing them and their management teams with increased transparency and in-depth analysis to make more informed decisions and benchmark company performance. Financial Institutions benefiting from our services include Banks, Non-bank FCMs, Brokers, Proprietary Trading Firms, Hedge Funds and Asset Managers. About Trading Technologies Trading Technologies (www.tradingtechnologies.com) is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology platform provider to the global capital markets industry. The company's award-winning TT platform connects to the world's major international exchanges and liquidity venues in listed derivatives alongside a growing number of asset classes, including fixed income and cryptocurrencies. The TT platform delivers advanced tools for trade execution and order management, market data solutions, analytics, trade surveillance, risk management and infrastructure services to the world's leading sell-side institutions, buy-side firms and exchanges. The company's blue-chip client base includes the Tier 1 banks as well as brokers, money managers, hedge funds, proprietary traders, Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs), commercial hedgers and risk managers. These firms rely on the TT ecosystem to manage their end-to-end trading operations. In addition, exchanges utilize TT's technology to deliver innovative solutions to their market participants. TT also strategically partners with technology companies to make their complementary offerings available to Trading Technologies' global client base through the TT ecosystem. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1956994/acuiti_LOGOS_v1_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1672454/Trading_Technologies_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/european-trading-firms-set-to-expand-derivatives-trading-in-apac-301938225.html Mithra Financial Results for First-Half 2023 Good progress on strategy to strengthen balance sheet and refocus on innovative R&D Revenues EUR 7.0 million, driven by Estelle and Myring sales and Myring sales U.S. Estelle (Nextstellis ) H1 dispensed cycles surged 80% over H2 2022 (Nextstellis ) H1 dispensed cycles surged 80% over H2 2022 EU Estelle (DROVELIS ) revenues hit EUR 1.5 million; launched in new EU and Latam countries (DROVELIS ) revenues hit EUR 1.5 million; launched in new EU and Latam countries Financing secured with EUR 20 million private placement in August 2023 and access to EUR 12.5 million loan facility in June 2023 Positive top-line results from Donesta Phase 3 program and confirmation of safety profile support application for U.S. marketing authorization by year-end Phase 3 program and confirmation of safety profile support application for U.S. marketing authorization by year-end Signed binding term sheet for Canadian licensing deal for Donesta with Searchlight Pharma, worth up to EUR 17.05 million plus royalties with Searchlight Pharma, worth up to EUR 17.05 million plus royalties Cash position EUR 23.7 million at end June 2023 Liege, Belgium,26 September 2023- 7:00 CEST - Mithra (Euronext Brussels: MITRA), a company dedicated to Women's Health, today announces its financial results for the six-month period ending on 30 June 2023, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The full interim report is available on the Investors section of the website. David Solomon, CEO Mithra Women's Health, commented: "Mithra has made significant progress in the first half of 2023advancing our business strategy, with the aim of becoming a global leader in women's health. Dispensed cycles of Estelle, the first contraceptive based on Estetrol (E4) natural estrogen, have surged 80%in the U.S. compared to the previous 6 months period and it has now been launched in Chile, Ecuador and Maltaas well as Australia. We reported positive topline efficacy results of the Phase 3 Donestaprogram and are now completing thefiling ofU.S. marketing authorization application, expected in H2 2023. "We have significantly reinforced our financial position through several measures, including raising EUR 20 million in a successfulprivate placement equity financing, with potential for up to an additional EUR 45 million in equity; we accessed EUR 12.5 million in loan financing and received EUR2.5 million in proceeds from an equity investment by Highbridge and Whitebox after amending our loan facility agreement with them. We also signed a binding term sheet for a new Canadian licensing deal for Donesta with Searchlight Pharma, worth up to EUR 17.05 million plus royalties. "Mithra's businesses will continue to provide access to capital and afford us opportunities to pursue our ambitious goals. Weare nowcompleting the U.S. marketing authorization application for Donesta. We also are taking steps to continue to investstrongly in Donesta, along with our commercialization partners,by generating more clinical trial data to support new claims on theEstetrol risk/benefit profile to further differentiate and expand on its already significant market potential.These examples showcase our efforts, in line with our newly laid out plan to drive for growth." Financial Highlights (including post-period end) Revenues of EUR 7.0 million mainly driven by Myring for EUR 2.4 million and Estelle product sales of EUR 2.6 million. for EUR 2.4 million and Estelle product sales of EUR 2.6 million. Estelle (Nextstellis ) U.S. product sales volumes ( i.e. , dispensed cycles) by Mayne Pharma increased by 80% in H1 2023, compared to H2 2022. Estelle H1 revenues were impacted by lower supply sales to Mayne, as Mayne sold trade units from inventory purchased in 2022 during H1 2023. Mayne's promotional initiatives to ramp up Estelle's U.S. sales also led to Mithra predominantly supplying sample units for the U.S. market during H1 2023 at reduced prices. As a result, while U.S. sales volumes by Mayne improved, a similar increase in supply sales volume is not reflected in Mithra's H1 2023 Estelle sales figures, which also were impacted by lower supply prices. Given the 80% increase in sales volume by Mayne Pharma in H1 2023, compared to H2 2022, the continuing increase in sales volumes in U.S. and Europe, and the generally temporary nature of promotional product pricing , the average Estelle supply price and volume are in good shape to rebound in the future. in H1 2023, compared to H2 2022. Estelle H1 revenues were impacted by lower supply sales to Mayne, as Mayne sold trade units from inventory purchased in 2022 during H1 2023. Mayne's promotional initiatives to ramp up Estelle's U.S. sales also led to Mithra predominantly supplying sample units for the U.S. market during H1 2023 at reduced prices. As a result, while U.S. sales volumes by Mayne improved, a similar increase in supply sales volume is not reflected in Mithra's H1 2023 Estelle sales figures, which also were impacted by lower supply prices. the continuing increase in sales volumes in U.S. and Europe, pricing Revenu e s from Estelle ( Drovelis ) EU product sales achieved EUR 1.5 million in H1 2023, as Gedeon Richter continued to launch the product in new countries: Ecuador and Malta, as well as Chile in August 2023. as Gedeon Richter continued to launch the product in new countries: Ecuador and Malta, as well as Chile in August 2023. Sales of Novalon complex generic products , including Myring , Tibelia and Daphne , achieved EUR 3.3 million, increased by 36% compared to the same period last year, primarily due to Myring sales in Europe and Canada, and, as of December 2022, in U.S. including Myring , Tibelia and Daphne , achieved EUR 3.3 million, increased by 36% compared to the same period last year, primarily due to Myring sales in Europe and Canada, and, as of December 2022, in U.S. Cash collection of EUR 50 million Donesta from EUR 55 million out-licensing fee relating to Europe with Gedeon Richter (EUR 5 million were paid upon signature in H2 2022 and the remaining amount in February 2023). This did not impact H1 2023 revenue as it was already recognized as per IFRS15 in 2022, before the total sum was received. with Gedeon Richter (EUR 5 million were paid upon signature in H2 2022 and the remaining amount in February 2023). This did not impact H1 2023 revenue as it was already recognized as per IFRS15 in 2022, before the total sum was received. Research and development expenses (excluding depreciation) increased by 19% to reach EUR 27.0 million compared to EUR 22.7 million in the first half of 2022. This increase is mainly attributable to Donesta clinical studies and the end of the Phase 3 for the U.S. Mithra is maintaining a focus on innovation as the foundation of future growth while paying close attention to R&D costs. (excluding depreciation) increased by 19% to reach EUR 27.0 million compared to EUR 22.7 million in the first half of 2022. This increase is mainly attributable to Donesta clinical studies and the end of the Phase 3 for the U.S. Mithra is maintaining a focus on innovation as the foundation of future growth while paying close attention to R&D costs. REBITDA for the first half of 2023 stands at EUR -33.7 million, compared to EUR -21.2 million for the first half of 2022, mainly due to lower revenues and higher expenses incurred in research and development. for the first half of 2023 stands at EUR -33.7 million, compared to EUR -21.2 million for the first half of 2022, mainly due to lower revenues and higher expenses incurred in research and development. Below REBITDA, the negative impact of EUR -0.9 million booked in the change in fair value loss related to contingent consideration payable relates to Estelle , mainly due to the update of both discount rate and timing effect. No payment was done during the period to former owners of Uteron Pharma. mainly due to the update of both discount rate and timing effect. No payment was done during the period to former owners of Uteron Pharma. Financial result de creases mainly due to Highbridge/Whitebox facility to reach EUR 10.3 million for the first half of 2023. mainly due to Highbridge/Whitebox facility to reach EUR 10.3 million for the first half of 2023. EUR 23.7 million cash position , on top of which the following facilities are available (subject to conditions): EUR 12.5 million (under Tranche C2) from the senior secured convertible facilities agreement signed on 8 August 2022 with funds managed by Highbridge Capital and funds managed by Whitebox Advisors for an amount of EUR 100 million. The first Tranche A was for an amount up to EUR 50,000,000.00, the second Tranche B was for an amount up to EUR 25,000,000.00, and the third Tranche C1 and the fourth Tranche C2 are each for an amount up to EUR 12,500,000.00. The first Tranche A has been drawn in August 2022 (following the signing of the Previous Facilities Agreements), the second Tranche B has been drawn in October 2022 and the third Tranche C1 has been drawn in June 2023 (following the signing of the Amended Facilities Agreements). EUR 52.8 million in the framework of LDA Capital's commitment agreement entered in April 2020 with a maturity date of April 2025. EUR 20 million were received by Mithra when the private placement with Armistice Capital was completed on 24 August 2023. The options granted as part of the placement may provide Mithra up to an additional EUR 22.5 million during the next 18 months, and up to EUR 45 million over a longer five-year term, subject to the exercise of the options by Armistice. , on top of which the following facilities are available (subject to conditions): Equity of EUR -8.7 million, compared to EUR 33.7 million at the end of December 2022. The total comprehensive loss for the period (EUR 49.0 million) was compensated for by the capital increase of Highbridge/Whitebox and by multiple conversions of the Highbridge/Whitebox loans for a total amount of EUR 6.2 million (net of transaction costs). Equity should be improved by the post-closing event on August 24, 2023, which relates to the EUR 20 million in gross proceeds via a private placement placed with Armistice Capital, a professional, qualified institutional investor in the U.S. of EUR -8.7 million, compared to EUR 33.7 million at the end of December 2022. The total comprehensive loss for the period (EUR 49.0 million) was compensated for by the capital increase of Highbridge/Whitebox and by multiple conversions of the Highbridge/Whitebox loans for a total amount of EUR 6.2 million (net of transaction costs). Equity should be improved by the post-closing event on August 24, 2023, which relates to the EUR 20 million in gross proceeds via a private placement placed with Armistice Capital, a professional, qualified institutional investor in the U.S. Monetized investment in Mayne Pharma by selling shares and reducing Mithra's stake to 4.96% from 9.93% previously, in exchange for cash proceeds of EUR 10.2 million, which have been received by Mithra. by selling shares and reducing Mithra's stake to 4.96% from 9.93% previously, in exchange for cash proceeds of EUR 10.2 million, which have been received by Mithra. Negative financing cash flowwhich includes, among other items, the repayment of straight loans and other loans/leases for EUR 30.6 million; and the payment of EUR 5.3 million of interests offset by the reception of tranche C1 of Highbridge/WhiteBox for EUR 12.3 million and by the capital increase for EUR 2.5 million. Operational Highlights (including post-period events) Estetrol (E4) Platform Signed License and Supply Agreement (LSA) with Gedeon Richter for the commercialization of Donesta in Europe, the CIS countries, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Mithra received EUR 55 million in upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to EUR 15 million in additional milestone payments subject to specific regulatory achievements plus tiered double-digit royalties depending on net sales' evolution during the 20-year term contract. Gedeon Richter will be in charge of the supply and the production of the product for all its territories. (LSA) with Gedeon Richter for the commercialization of Donesta in Europe, the CIS countries, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. Mithra received EUR 55 million in upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to EUR 15 million in additional milestone payments subject to specific regulatory achievements plus tiered double-digit royalties depending on net sales' evolution during the 20-year term contract. Gedeon Richter will be in charge of the supply and the production of the product for all its territories. Announced p ositive top-line safety results from Donesta Phase 3 Program in North America for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in post-menopausal women. These topline safety results not only confirm Donesta 's safety profile in the treatment of VMS, but also delineate further E4's unique benefit/risk profile for postmenopausal women. These results will support the filing with U.S. regulatory agency, anticipated by end of H2 2023, for a potential market authorization in 2024, whereas primary safety data are anticipated in H1 2024 for Europe with a potential market authorization in H1 2025. for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms in post-menopausal women. These topline safety results not only confirm Donesta 's safety profile in the treatment of VMS, but also delineate further E4's unique benefit/risk profile for postmenopausal women. These results will support the filing with U.S. regulatory agency, anticipated by end of H2 2023, for a potential market authorization in 2024, whereas primary safety data are anticipated in H1 2024 for Europe with a potential market authorization in H1 2025. Completed recruitment in p a ediatric study of Estelle in adolescent patients with data expected in H1 2024. The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety, compliance, and pharmacokinetics profile of Estelle in 100 participants aged 12 to 17 years old, as agreed with regulatory authorities. The study is being conducted in a number of European countries. with data expected in H1 2024. The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety, compliance, and pharmacokinetics profile of Estelle in 100 participants aged 12 to 17 years old, as agreed with regulatory authorities. The study is being conducted in a number of European countries. Demonstrated proof-of-concept (POC) for a novel manufacturing process of a key estetrol intermediate , in collaboration with the University of Liege's Centre for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis (CiTOS). The manufacturing methodology improves robustness and productivity while ensuring a limited environmental footprint through the removal of a metal catalyst in the production process. , in collaboration with the University of Liege's Centre for Integrated Technology and Organic Synthesis (CiTOS). The manufacturing methodology improves robustness and productivity while ensuring a limited environmental footprint through the removal of a metal catalyst in the production process. S igned a binding term sheet License and Supply Agreement (LSA) with Searchlight for the commercialization of D onesta in Canada. Searchlight is a private Canadian-specialty pharmaceutical company and has repeatedly ranked among the top-growth companies in Canada, with one of the largest portfolios of women's health products and associated sales team in the Canadian market. Mithra is eligible to receive up to 17.05 million in licensing fees and regulatory and sales-related milestone payments, plus tiered double-digit royalties on total Canadian annual net sales. Mithra and Searchlight have a continuing partnership for Nexstellis , a combined oral contraceptive product based on Estetrol and Haloette , a vaginal contraceptive ring in Canada. Nextstellis was launched in Canada in Q3 2021, while Haloette was launched in Q1 2022. Searchlight is a private Canadian-specialty pharmaceutical company and has repeatedly ranked among the top-growth companies in Canada, with one of the largest portfolios of women's health products and associated sales team in the Canadian market. Mithra is eligible to receive up to 17.05 million in licensing fees and regulatory and sales-related milestone payments, plus tiered double-digit royalties on total Canadian annual net sales. Mithra and Searchlight have a continuing partnership for Nexstellis , a combined oral contraceptive product based on Estetrol and Haloette , a vaginal contraceptive ring in Canada. Nextstellis was launched in Canada in Q3 2021, while Haloette was launched in Q1 2022. Signed Supply Agreement with Gedeon Richter for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for the combined oral contraceptive Estelle and Donesta. The agreement specifies that Gedeon Richter will manufacture and supply the Estetrol (E4) native estrogen for Mithra's Estelle and Donesta. Novalon complex therapeutics Successful commercial launch of Myring in the U.S. by Mayne Pharma (January) under the trademark Haloette. During H1 2023 Mayne Pharma, entered into an agreement to sell its US retail generics portfolio, including Myring, to Dr. Reddy's Laboratories SA, which now sells Haloette. Mayne Pharma kept all its rights to Estelle. Tyrosine kinases inhibitors Positive progression in the research collaboration with BCI Pharma , with the identification of 4 distinct chemical series of selective CSF-1R inhibitors, showing promising profiles in a range of in vitro tests. The most promising compounds were evaluated in a range of in vivo models. , with the identification of 4 distinct chemical series of selective CSF-1R inhibitors, showing promising profiles in a range of in vitro tests. The most promising compounds were evaluated in a range of in vivo models. Positive data from preclinical studies on CSF-1R inhibitors for treatment of endometriosis, oncology, and inflammatory disorders, in collaboration with BCI Pharma. The lead CSF-1R inhibitor demonstrated efficacy as a single agent in 3 different preclinical cancer models and the data suggest it may also be synergistic when used in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. Mithra CDMO Collaboration with VaRi Bioscience to develop an innovative long-acting vaginal ring to treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Mithra will be responsible for the development of an innovative long-acting (3 months) estriol (E3)-based vaginal ring to treat VVA in post-menopausal women requiring systemic anti-estrogenic therapy. to treat vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Mithra will be responsible for the development of an innovative long-acting (3 months) estriol (E3)-based vaginal ring to treat VVA in post-menopausal women requiring systemic anti-estrogenic therapy. Mithra is actively exploring several strategic options for the CDMO. This unique state-of-the-art facility holds unlocked potential for partners and Mithra shareholders' value creation. Governance Appointment of David H Solomon as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 11, 2023. This follows the temporary assignment of Mr. Leon Van Rompay and an extensive, global search process for a successor. Dr. David H. Solomon brings over 30 years of experience of strong strategic, operational, and innovation-minded leadership to Mithra. He has a proven track record of successful R&D pipeline delivery, strategic business development and deal making across multiple leading roles in the life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in the US and Europe. This follows the temporary assignment of Mr. Leon Van Rompay and an extensive, global search process for a successor. Dr. David H. Solomon brings over 30 years of experience of strong strategic, operational, and innovation-minded leadership to Mithra. He has a proven track record of successful R&D pipeline delivery, strategic business development and deal making across multiple leading roles in the life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in the US and Europe. Changes within Mithra's Board of Directors: appointment of Life Science Strategy Consulting SRL (permanent representative: Mr. Christian Homsy) as Chairman and the nominations of Ribono SRL (permanent representative: Mr. Sydney Bens) as Independent Director, Inge Beernaert (permanent representative: Mrs. Inge Beernaert) as Independent Director, and Gaudeto SRL (permanent representative: Mr. Jacques Galloy) as Independent Director. The Board of Directors is now made up of 6 members with varied backgrounds spanning both the financial and pharmaceutical sectors, bringing extensive expertise to Mithra covering all aspects of pharmaceutical development. Strategic prioritiesand outlook Donesta U.S. marketing authorization application -- submission is planned for H2 2023. -- submission is planned for H2 2023. Donesta U.S. licensing deal -- management is in active discussions with potential partners interested in licensing rights for Donesta in the U.S. -- management is in active discussions with potential partners interested in licensing rights for Donesta in the U.S. Mithra CDMO and Novalon -- advancing discussions on strategic options. -- advancing discussions on strategic options. Exploring options to rationalize Mithra 's capital structure to make it compatible with the interests of supporting investors and potential investors. to make it compatible with the interests of supporting investors and potential investors. Updating full-year Estelle revenue guidance to EUR 8.5 million (from EUR 12 million) to reflect inventory and promotional pricing effects in H1 by marketing partners. FINANCIAL RESULTS 1.Interim consolidated statement of income statement (in thousand) 30 June 2023 30 June 2022 Revenue 7.035 11.357 Cost of sales (8.430) (7.083) Gross profit (1.396) 4.275 Research and development expenses (32.386) (27.518) General and administrative expenses (7.198) (7.042) Selling expenses (1.194) (1.185) Other operating income 1.955 3.933 Loss from operations (40.219) (27.537) Change in the fair value of contingent consideration payable (944) 4.332 Financial income 741 1.889 Financial expenses (11.013) (7.638) Loss before taxes (51.435) (28.952) Income taxes 966 (2.295) NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (50.469) (31.247) 2.Interim consolidated statement of financial position (in thousand) 30 June 2023 31 December 2022 ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 39.051 40.717 Right-of-use assets 63.259 65.534 Goodwill 5.233 5.233 Other intangible assets 136.537 134.905 Deferred income tax assets 16.009 16.354 Contracts assets 203 2.828 Derivatives financial assets 67 - Investments in equity securities 11.315 21.437 Other non-current assets 10.144 9.544 Non-current assets 281.817 296.552 Inventories 49.447 50.312 Contract assets 5.630 44.988 Derivatives financial assets 200 - Trade and other receivables 13.934 22.277 Cash and cash equivalents 23.714 28.285 Current assets 92.926 145.863 TOTAL ASSETS 374.744 442.414 (in thousand) 30 June 2023 31 December 2022 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Share capital 42.891 41.228 Additional paid-in-capital 413.163 408.647 Other reserves (20) (19.934) Accumulated deficit (464.763) (396.254) Equity attributable to equity holders (8.730) 33.687 Subordinated loans 10.124 10.710 Other loans 136.291 127.052 Lease liabilities 34.350 38.253 Refundable government advances 8.592 8.127 Other financial liabilities 75.304 74.210 Derivative financial liabilities 15.601 15.261 Contract liabilities 10.300 - Provisions 266 266 Deferred tax liabilities 3.574 4.420 Non-current liabilities 294.402 278.298 Current portion of subordinated loans 919 1.252 Current portion of other loans 19.848 45.980 Current portion of lease liabilities 6.230 5.179 Current portion of refundable government advances 1.499 1.417 Current portion of other financial liabilities 13.558 15.959 Derivative financial liabilities 2.306 2.561 Trade and other payables 44.711 58.082 Current liabilities 89.071 130.430 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 374.744 442.414 3.Interim consolidated statement of cash flow (in thousand) 30 June 2023 30 June 2022 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 28.285 32.872 Net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities 14.234 (33.204) Net cash (used in)/ provided by investing activities 2.361 (12.124) Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (21.129) 41.765 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (4.535) (3.563) Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (37) (10) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 23.714 29.299 Profit and Loss The Group reported a net loss of EUR 50.5 million for the first half 2023, compared to a net loss of EUR 31.2 million for the first half 2022. Revenues stand at EUR 7.0 million mainly driven by Myring for EUR 2.4 million and Estelle product sales of EUR 2.6 million. Sales from generic products in our portfolio (including Myring , Tibelia and Daphne ), at EUR 3.3 million, increased by 36% compared to the same period last year. The majority concerns Myring sales in Europe, Canada and since December 2022, in U.S. , Tibelia and Daphne ), at EUR 3.3 million, increased by 36% compared to the same period last year. The majority concerns Myring sales in Europe, Canada and since December 2022, in U.S. Estelle H1 revenues were impacted by lower supply sales to Mayne, as Mayne sold trade units from inventory purchased in 2022 during H1 2023. Mayne's promotional initiatives to ramp up Estelle's U.S. sales also led to Mithra predominantly supplying sample units for the U.S. market during H1 2023 at reduced prices. As a result, while U.S. sales volumes by Mayne improved, a similar increase in supply sales volume is not reflected in Mithra's H1 2023 Estelle sales figures, which also were impacted by lower supply prices. Revenues from Estelle (Drovelis) EU product sales achieved EUR 1.5 million in H1 2023, as Gedeon Richter continued to launch the product in new countries: Ecuador and Malta, as well as Chile in August 2023. Research and development expenses (including depreciation) increased by 17.7% to EUR 32.3 million, compared to EUR 27.5 million in the first half of 2022. This increase is mainly attributable to Donesta clinical studies and the end of Phase 3 in the US. General and administrative expenses and selling expenses are relatively stable versus the same period in 2022. Other operating income (EUR 1.9 million compared to EUR 3.9 million in the first half 2022) are composed of: R&D tax credit for EUR 0.5 million; wage tax reductions for researchers of EUR 0.5 million, and of costs reinvoicing for EUR 0.4 million. The negative impact of approximately EUR -0.9 million for change in fair value related to contingent consideration payable Estelle is mainly the consequence of the updated of both discount rate and timing effect. The decrease in financial income is explained by the impact of the remeasurement of refundable government advances measured at amortized cost, due to the review of revenue forecasts. Increase of financial expenses is mostly driven by interest charges linked to the higher financial liabilities during the period, which are higher than first half 2022. The financial expenses contain interests and commitment fees paid in kind to Highbridge and Whitebox lenders for a total amount of EUR 2.8 million The group recorded a tax income of EUR 1 million for the six months mainly resulting from the review of tax impact on temporary differences, partially offset by the recognition of tax losses carried forward. The latter are limited compared to previous periods in the view of the tax forecasts and the accumulated losses already recorded on the balance sheet (to be set off against future taxable income). Alternative performance measures Mithra has applied some alternative performance measures (APMs) that are not defined by IFRS but that provide helpful additional information to better assess how the business has performed over the period. Mithra uses REBITDA and EBITDA in order to provide information on recurring items, but those measures should not be viewed in isolation or as an alternative to the measures presented in accordance with IFRS. REBITDA is an alternative performance measure calculated by excluding the non-recurring items and the depreciation & amortization from EBIT (loss from operations) from the consolidated statement of profit or loss prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Group considers share-based payments as non-recurring items above EBITDA. EBITDA is an alternative performance measure calculated by excluding the depreciation and amortization from EBIT (loss from operations) from the consolidated statement of profit or loss prepared in accordance with IFRS. Financial Highlights (management figures) are presented as follows in the first part of this report (with a condensed view): (in thousand) 30 June 2023 30 June 2022 Revenue 7.035 11.357 Cost of sales (8.156) (6.842) Gross profit (1.121) 4.516 Research and development expenses (27.009) (22.714) General and administrative expenses (6.365) (5.818) Selling expenses (1.160) (1.143) Other operating income 1.955 3.933 REBITDA (33.701) (21.226) Share-based payments expenses (365) (485) EBITDA (34.066) (21.711) Depreciations (6.153) (5.826) Loss from operations (40.219) (27.537) Change in the fair value of contingent consideration payable (944) 4.332 Financial income 741 1.889 Financial expenses (11.013) (7.638) Loss before taxes (51.435) (28.952) Income taxes 966 (2.295) NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (50.469) (31.247) Please refer to the table below for the reconciliation to loss from operations as presented within consolidated statement of profit or loss: (in thousand) 30 June 2023 30 June 2022 Loss from operations (40.219) (27.537) Depreciations 6.153 5.826 Share-based payments 365 485 REBITDA (33.701) (21.226) Share-based payments (365) (485) EBITDA (34.066) (21.711) 2023 Half Year Financial Results Webcast Mithra will host a live webcast on Tuesday, 26 September 2023at 14:00 CEST to announce its 2023 Half Year financial and operating results. The live webcast can be accessed on the Mithra websiteor by clicking here. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Mithra investor's website shortly after the close of the call. For more information, please contact: Mithra Pharmaceuticals SA David Horn Solomon Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@mithra.com (mailto:investorrelations@mithra.com) Investor & media relations Chris Maggos Cohesion Bureau chris.maggos@cohesionbureau.com (mailto:chris.maggos@cohesionbureau.com) +41 79 367 6254 About Mithra Mithra (Euronext: MITRA) is a Belgian biotech company dedicated to transforming Women's Health by offering new choices through innovation, with a particular focus on contraception and menopause. Mithra's goal is to develop products offering better efficacy, safety and convenience, meeting women's needs throughout their life span. Mithra explores the potential of the unique native estrogen estetrol in a wide range of applications in women health and beyond. After having successfully launched the first estetrol-based product in 2021, the contraceptive pill Estelle, Mithra is now focusing on its second product Donesta, the next-generation hormone therapy. Mithra also develops and manufactures complex therapeutics in the areas of contraception, menopause and hormone-dependent cancers. It offers partners a complete spectrum of research, development and specialist manufacturing at its technological platform Mithra CDMO. Active in more than 100 countries around the world, Mithra has an approximate headcount of 300 staff members and is headquartered in Liege, Belgium.www.mithra.com Estelle, Donesta, Haloette, Myring, Zoreline are registered trademarks of Mithra Pharmaceuticals or one of its affiliates. Drovelis is a registered trademark of Gedeon Richter Nyrt. Nextstellis is a registered trademark of Mayne Pharma. Important information The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Subscribe to our mailing list on investors.mithra.com (https://investors.mithra.com/en/contact/subscribe) to receive our press releases by email or follow us on our social media : Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/1456363/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/mithrapharma) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mithrapharmaceuticals/) Attachments NMD Pharma initiates Phase II trial of NMD670 in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Aarhus, Denmark, 26 September 2023 - NMD Pharma A/S, a clinical-stage biotech company developing first-in-class, small molecule ClC-1 inhibitors directly targeting muscle function within neuromuscular disorders, today announces that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase II clinical trial with the ClC-1 inhibitor NMD670 in patients impacted by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The patient was dosed under the direction of Prof. dr. Kristl Claeys, MD, PhD at the Kliniekhoofd Neurologie, Neuromusculaire Ziekten, Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies at UZ Leuven University Hospital in Belgium. The Phase II clinical trial) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of twice-a-day oral dosing of NMD670 for 21 days in ambulatory adult patients with SMA Type 3. The study is an international multicenter study including sites in North America and Europe. "SMA is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterised by severe muscle weakness and fatiguethatgreatly affects the quality of life of patientsand their families." commented Jorge A. Quiroz, EVP and Chief Medical Officer NMD Pharma. "NMD670 has already been shown to be safe andefficaciousin a proof of mechanism study in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and we are confident that it could also be beneficial for the treatment of patients affected by SMA." Thomas Holm Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of NMD Pharma, added: "Despite great advances in the therapeutic armamentarium of therapies to treat SMA, patients can still experience muscle weakness and impaired mobility. This represents a significant unmet need for new interventions that can help patients independently perform daily activities and better manage the symptoms of SMA. We are very pleased to announce the dosing of the first patient in this Phase II study. This represents a significant milestone for NMD Pharma as we further expand our pipeline into new indications, and I look forward to keeping the patient communities and market updated as we progress." "We are excited for the start of this Phase II clinical trial that will test a new approach for SMA. Building on the impact from our current genetically targeted disease-modifying therapies, NMD670 may help to restore muscle strength and function by targeting the neuromuscular junction which is known to be affected in SMA,"said Kenneth Hobby, President, of Cure SMA. NMD670 is a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor of the muscle-specific chloride ion channel, the ClC-1 ion channel. NMD Pharma has pre-clinically demonstrated that ClC-1 inhibition can enhance neuromuscular transmission and ultimately skeletal muscle function in multiple animal models of neuromuscular diseases. NMD670 has already demonstrated positive clinical study results in a Phase I/II study in patients with MG. Based on these preclinical and clinical data, it is expected that this novel approach could be beneficial in the treatment of patients impacted by SMA. Ambulant adult type 3 SMA patients in the US and Europe are encouraged to participate in the study. Further information and a list of currently active investigational sites can be found on clinicaltrials.govor via email at contact@nmdpharma.com. -END- Contacts NMD Pharma A/S Dan Brennan, SVP Corporate and Commercial Strategy E-mail: contact@nmdpharma.com Consilium Strategic Communications Mary-Jane Elliott / Ashley Tapp / Lindsey Neville E-mail: NMDPharma@consilium-comms.com Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 5700 About NMD Pharma NMD Pharma A/S, is a clinical-stage biotech company leading in the development of novel first-in-class therapies for severe neuromuscular disorders. The Company was incorporated as a spin-out from Aarhus University, Denmark in 2015 and was founded on more than 15 years of muscle physiology research with a focus on regulation of skeletal muscle excitability under physical activity. NMD Pharma has built a world-leading muscle electrophysiology platform leveraging its in-depth know-how of muscle physiology and muscular disorders and is developing a pipeline of ClC-1 inhibitors for the treatment of patients with neuromuscular disorders including myasthenia gravis and spinal muscular atrophy. Positive top-line data reported from a Phase I/II clinical trial of lead program NMD670 in myasthenia gravis has provided clinical validation of ClC-1 inhibition to restore neuromuscular function. NMD Pharma has raised ~80 million from investors including Novo Holdings, Lundbeckfonden BioCapital, INKEF Capital, Roche Venture Fund, and Jeito Capital. Find out more about us at http://www.nmdpharma.com/. About Spinal Muscular Atrophy Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease characterized by progressive destruction of nerve cells that control essential skeletal muscle activity leading to weakness and fatigue. SMA is the most common genetic cause of mortality in infants with an incidence of 1:5,000 to 1:15,000 new-born babies. Typically, SMA is caused by a defect in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) on chromosome 5q13 and is commonly classified into Types 1 to 4 dependent on age of onset, symptom severity and the number of copies of the SMN2 gene. Financing co-led by new investors Canaan and Alpha Wave, and with participation by the Global BioAccess Fund and existing investor Novo Holdings COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acesion Pharma ('Acesion' or 'the Company'), a biotech company pioneering first-in-class novel therapies for atrial fibrillation ('AF'), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, today announces that it has successfully closed an oversubscribed 45M Series B financing round. The equity financing was co-led by new US-based investors Canaan and Alpha Wave and with participation by the Global BioAccess Fund, as well as existing investor Novo Holdings. The financing will be used to advance the clinical development of AP31969, an SK ion channel inhibitor optimised for chronic oral treatment of AF. Earlier this year, Acesion demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept with AP30663, its first-in-class SK ion channel inhibitor for conversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm. AP31969 will be developed for chronic oral maintenance treatment to prevent AF recurrence. Following the successful Series B financing, Acesion is well capitalised to progress AP31969 into a phase 1 and completion of a phase 2 trial. AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. Existing drug therapies for AF are associated with the risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. With AP31969, Acesion is aiming to develop a safer alternative. In connection with the closing of the financing, the composition of the Acesion board of directors will change to include Tim Shannon, General Partner at Canaan, and Nik Economopoulos, Analyst from Alpha Wave. Jrgen Sberg Petersen, Partner at Novo Holdings, will remain Chairman. Anders Gaarsdal Holst, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Acesion, said,"The high levels of investor interest and demand that we saw during this financing speak to the strong data we have generated, both on the novel mechanism of SK channel inhibition in general and the AP31969 compound specifically. This is a powerful endorsement for our team and the quality of our science. With the financing in hand, we are focused on progressing AP31969 into a phase 1 clinical trial later this year." Tim Shannon, MD, General Partner in Canaan, said, "Acesion is redefining treatment for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. The impressive preclinical data from AP31969 shows great promise and we are delighted to support Acesion in taking AP31969 through to Phase 2 completion." Jrgen Sberg Petersen, MD, PhD, MBA, Partner in Novo Holdings, said, " As the founding and largest shareholder, Novo Holdings remains committed in helping Acesion realise the full potential of AP31969. The preclinical data is encouraging and with this series B financing in place Acesion will be able to progress the development to the important milestone of completing a phase 2 trial and thereby being ready for phase 3 programme." About Acesion Pharma Acesion builds on 20 years of know-how with development of small-molecule SK inhibitors and is the world leader in the field of SK channel inhibition, being the only company able to identify and progress SK channel inhibitors into clinical trials. In pre-clinical studies, inhibiting the SK channels has been shown to result in pronounced antiarrhythmic effects in the atria while avoiding effects on the ventricles, the major chambers of the heart and the source of most safety issues with existing drugs. Furthermore, the SK channel has strong genetic validation, with genes encoding the SK channels having one of the strongest associations to AF in human genome-wide association studies. Acesion's AP30663 IV is a short acting conversion therapy for hospitals that has completed a phase 2 trial proving the value of this first-in-class mechanism in AF and thereby de-risking Acesion's broader SK inhibitor pipeline. Acesion's oral program is designed and engineered using in house knowhow to optimise for, and meet, very high hurdles in both efficacy and particularly safety where existing treatments fall short of patient needs. Acesion Pharma is backed by Novo Holdings A/S, Canaan, Alpha Wave Alpha Wave Ventures, Global BioAccess Fund, Wellcome Trust, Broadview Ventures and FC Capital. https://www.acesionpharma.com/ About Canaan Canaan is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in entrepreneurs with visionary ideas. With $6.8 billion under management, a diversified fund, and hundreds of exits to date, Canaan partners with entrepreneurs building the next generation of technology and healthcare companies that will transform how we live, work, and thrive. To learn more about our people and our portfolio, please visit: www.canaan.com About Alpha Wave Alpha Wave is a global investment company that manages a variety of partnerships that separately focus on three main verticals: private equity (venture and growth), credit, and public markets. It is led by Rick Gerson, Navroz Udwadia, and Ryan Khoury. Alpha Wave has offices in New York, Miami, London, Monaco, Madrid, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Jakarta, and Sydney. Its flagship global venture and growth fund, Alpha Wave Ventures, aims to invest in best-in-class venture and growth-stage companies and endeavors to be helpful long-term partners to the founders and management teams. For more information, please visit www.alphawaveglobal.com. About the Global BioAccess Fund The Global BioAccess Fund invests in companies developing novel therapeutics and devices to address serious unmet medical needs in oncology, cardiovascular, neurological, and rare diseases. Leveraging the deep life sciences expertise and global reach of its management, scientific advisors, and partners, the Global BioAccess Fund actively supports ventures who are in clinical-stage development, including IND enabling studies and clinical trials. See www.globalbioaccess.com. About Novo Holdings Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seeds, Venture, Growth, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2022, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 108 billion. www.novoholdings.dk About atrial fibrillation (AF) AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia mainly affecting the elderly population. Lifetime risk for development of AF is estimated at more than one in three. It is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. AF is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, resulting in an irregular and high heart rate. AF is associated with impaired quality of life, increased rate of hospitalization, and a five-fold increased risk of stroke. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with AF also face a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. AF is often treated by electrical shock to bring the heart back to its normal rhythm (conversion). This requires general anesthesia in a hospital setting. In addition, many patients are likely to benefit from chronic treatment to prevent AF and maintain normal sinus rhythm. Existing drug therapies for cardioversion or prevention of AF are associated with risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. A landmark New England Journal of Medicine published clinical trial (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2019422) has shown that sinus rhythm maintenance treatment improves survival and long-term outcomes for AF patients. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/acesion-pharma-closes-oversubscribed-45m-series-b-financing-round-to-advance-development-of-novel-therapy-for-atrial-fibrillation-301938318.html 26 September 2023: Hexagon Composites' (OSE: HEX.OL) wholly owned subsidiary, Hexagon Ragasco (the "Company") is the global market leader in composite cylinders for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) with more than 22 million cylinders sold to over 100 countries worldwide. Its portfolio of products, used for leisure, household, and industrial applications, are manufactured in its highly automated production facility in Norway. Today, Hexagon Composites announces a strategic review of the Company. Hexagon Ragasco is currently developing the next generation composite LPG cylinder concept; a sensor-based digital ecosystem with the potential to improve data insights to drive down costs across the value chain and unlock new business opportunities for LPG distributors. An initial pilot is being carried out together with the leading LPG distributor in Norway. The Company is also eyeing substantial growth opportunities outside its core market in Europe. This includes developing markets where LPG is expected to be a critical part of the energy transition, improving air quality and health for billions of people who today rely on highly pollutant and toxic fuels. "Hexagon Ragasco has an exciting pipeline of growth opportunities which may be realized through, inter alia, structural strategic moves. We will carefully evaluate whether the Company's growth potential can best be realized inside or outside the Hexagon Group," says Jon Erik Engeset, CEO, Hexagon Group. "We take tremendous pride in the position Hexagon Ragasco has developed to date and we intend to secure the Company the best possible conditions for continued success." DNB Markets and Danske Bank Norwegian Branch have been retained as financial advisors. For more information: Karen Romer, SVP Communications, Hexagon Composites ASA Telephone: +47 950 74 950 | karen.romer@hexagongroup.com Ingrid Aarsnes, VP Investor Relations and ESG, Hexagon Composites ASA Telephone: +47 950 38 364 | ingrid.aarsnes@hexagongroup.com About Hexagon Ragasco AS Hexagon Ragasco is committed to quality, safety, and innovation. We are the leading manufacturer of composite LPG cylinders with an industry-leading safety record of 20+ years and more than 20 million cylinders sold worldwide. Its products bring unique benefits to both LPG marketers and their customers. ? Learn more at www.hexagonragasco.com and follow @Hexagon_Ragasco on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Hexagon Composites Hexagon Composites (OSE: HEX.OL) is a world leader in composite cylinder technology and related systems, delivering safe and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future. Our solutions enable storage, transportation, and conversion to clean energy in a wide range of mobility, industrial and consumer applications. Learn more at hexagongroup.com and follow @HexagonASA on Twitter and LinkedIn. This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Ingrid Aarsnes, VP IR & ESG, Hexagon Composites ASA on 26 September 2023 at 08:00 am CEST. LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive research report by Brandessence Market Research (BMRC), "Vaccines Market Size, Share, Companies & Trends Analysis Report By Technology, By Indication, By End User, Based On Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022-2028". The Vaccines Market was valued at USD 56.98 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 153.49 billion By 2028, amplifying with a CAGR of 14.1% over 2022-2028. Market Overview: In a world that has been irrevocably altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccines market has come into sharper focus than ever before. With the race to develop effective vaccines against the virus, the industry has witnessed unprecedented growth and innovation. However, the vaccines industry is not limited to just one virus; it encompasses a wide range of vaccines designed to combat various diseases. In this article, we will delve into the market, exploring its scope, segmentation, market dynamics, and its promising outlook. Scope of the Vaccines Market: Report Metric Details Vaccines Market Revenue forecast in 2028 USD 153.49 billion Market Size in 2021 USD 56.98 billion Market Growth Rate CAGR of 14.1% from 2022 to 2028 Base Year 2021 Study Period 2022-2028 Key Players/Companies Glaxo Smith Kline plc, Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Sanofi, CSL Limited, Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Medimmune LLC, AstellasPharma Inc., Serum Institute of India, Bavarian Nordic, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Panacea Biotech, Protein Sciences Corporation, AstraZeneca, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novavax Inc., Gritstone Oncology, PaxVax Corporation., Bharat Biotech., VBI Vaccines Inc., Dynavax Technologies Corporation, Immunomic Therapeutics Inc., Gamma Vaccines Pty Limited, Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical Company, Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., China National Biotech, Tiantan, Hualan, Kangtai, Prokarium, ImmunoBiology Ltd. The scope of the vaccines market is vast, covering a plethora of infectious diseases and preventive measures. Vaccines are biological products that stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response against specific pathogens. This market extends its reach to vaccines targeting diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and more. Additionally, the recent surge in vaccine development for emerging diseases like COVID-19 has showcased the industry's capacity for rapid response. Moreover, the vaccines market has witnessed an expansion into therapeutic vaccines, which hold the potential to treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. The market's scope, therefore, is not just limited to prevention but also includes treatment, making it a crucial segment of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/276 Segmentation of the Vaccines Market: The market can be segmented in various ways to provide a comprehensive view of its dynamics. Here are some key segments: 1. Type of Vaccine: Inactivated Vaccines: These contain killed pathogens or portions of them, incapable of causing disease. These contain killed pathogens or portions of them, incapable of causing disease. Live Attenuated Vaccines: These contain weakened forms of the pathogen, which can still induce an immune response without causing the disease. These contain weakened forms of the pathogen, which can still induce an immune response without causing the disease. Subunit, Recombinant, or Conjugate Vaccines: These vaccines contain only specific antigens or proteins from the pathogen. These vaccines contain only specific antigens or proteins from the pathogen. mRNA Vaccines: A more recent addition, these vaccines use genetic material to trigger an immune response. 2. Disease Indication: Infectious Diseases: This includes vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. This includes vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. Non-Infectious Diseases: This encompasses therapeutic vaccines against cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. 3. Age Group: Pediatric Vaccines: Designed for infants and children to protect against childhood diseases. Designed for infants and children to protect against childhood diseases. Adult Vaccines: Targeting diseases such as influenza, shingles, and HPV in adults. 4. Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World: Each region has its own vaccine market dynamics influenced by factors like disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, and government policies. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (300 Pages) on Vaccines Market: https://brandessenceresearch.com/healthcare/vaccines-market-by-technology Competitive Hierarchy: The prominent players Vaccines Market Outlook are- Glaxo Smith Kline plc Pfizer Inc. Merck & Co. Inc. Sanofi CSL Limited Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Johnson & Johnson Medimmune LLC AstellasPharma Inc. Serum Institute of India Bavarian Nordic Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited Panacea Biotech Protein Sciences Corporation AstraZeneca Abbott Bristol-Myers Squibb Novavax Inc. Gritstone Oncology PaxVax Corporation. Bharat Biotech. Others. Market Dynamics: 1. Growing Awareness and Immunization Campaigns The global awareness of the importance of vaccination has surged, driven by educational campaigns and increasing access to information. Governments and healthcare organizations worldwide are running immunization programs to reach underserved populations, contributing to market growth. 2. Expanding Investment in Research and Development The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid vaccine development. This has led to increased investment in research and development, fostering innovation in vaccine technology. 3. Rising Disease Burden As global populations grow and age, the burden of infectious and non-infectious diseases is on the rise. This necessitates the development of new and improved vaccines. 4. Regulatory Support and Stringent Quality Control Governments and regulatory bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy. Stringent quality control measures are in place to maintain public trust. Purchase Copy of This Research Report @: https://brandessenceresearch.com/Checkout?report_id=276 Vaccines Market Outlook: The future of the vaccines market is bright. It is expected to continue its growth trajectory due to ongoing research and development efforts, increased disease awareness, and government support. The global vaccine market is also likely to benefit from advancements in vaccine technology, including mRNA vaccines and personalized vaccines tailored to individual genetic profiles. Additionally, the lessons learned from the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines have paved the way for a more agile and responsive industry, better prepared to tackle emerging threats. With a broader range of preventive and therapeutic vaccines on the horizon, the market is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. Conclusion: The vaccines market is not just about preventing diseases; it is about safeguarding public health and driving innovation in healthcare. As we navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the vaccines market will remain at the forefront, offering hope, protection, and a brighter future for humanity. 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A Hopeful Sign for Migraine Sufferers: Zavzpret Rethinking Treatment Options for a Better Future with Hemophilia Gene Therapy About Us: Brandessence Market Research & Consulting Pvt ltd. Brandessence Market Research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in?Pune, India?and our sales office is in?London. Follow Us:?LinkedIn ? Contact: Mr.?Vishal Sawant? Email:?vishal@brandessenceresearch.com Email:?Sales@brandessenceresearch.com Corporate Sales:?+44-2038074155? Asia Office:?+917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/BEMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vaccines-market-size-to-reach-usd-153-49-billion-with-at-a-14-1-cagr-between-2022-to-2028--brandessence-market-research-301938455.html LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive research report by Brandessence Market Research (BMRC), "Bioinformatics Market Size, Share, And Trends Analysis Report By Product (Sequence Analysis Platform, Sequence Alignment Platforms, Structural & Functional Analysis Platforms, Sequence Manipulation Platforms), By Application (Drug Development, Protein Function Analysis, Gene Therapy, Molecular Genomics, Personalized Medicine) Based On Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028". The Bioinformatics Market was valued at USD 10.82 Billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 24.07 Billion by 2028, amplifying with a CAGR of 12.1% over 2022-2028. Bioinformatics Market Overview: Bioinformatics, a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and information technology, has emerged as a pivotal player in the life sciences industry. It encompasses the storage, analysis, and interpretation of biological data, enabling scientists to extract valuable insights and accelerate advancements in genomics, proteomics, and other branches of life sciences. In this article, we delve into the current state of the bioinformatics market, exploring its size, market share, trends, drivers, opportunities, threats, and recent industry developments. Bioinformatics Market Scope- Report Metric Details Bioinformatics Market Revenue Forecast in 2028 USD 24.07 Billion Market Size in 2021 USD 10.82 Billion Market Growth Rate CAGR of 12.1% from 2022 to 2028 Base Year 2021 Study Period 2022-2028 Key Players/Companies Life Technologies, Affymetrix, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eurofins Scientific, Illumina and Others. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/1221 Bioinformatics Segmentation: By Product: Sequence Analysis Platform Sequence Alignment Platforms Structural & Functional Analysis Platforms Sequence Manipulation Platforms By Application: Drug Development Protein Function Analysis Gene Therapy Molecular Genomics Personalized Medicine Trends and Drivers: 1. Advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): The adoption of NGS technologies has witnessed an upswing, driving the demand for bioinformatics solutions to handle the deluge of data generated. This trend is anticipated to persist as NGS becomes more accessible and cost-effective. 2. Rising Focus on Personalized Medicine: The shift towards personalized medicine, tailoring treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup, is bolstering the demand for bioinformatics tools. This approach holds immense potential in optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. 3. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are revolutionizing data analysis, allowing for more accurate predictions and discoveries. Bioinformatics platforms leveraging these technologies are gaining traction for their ability to discern complex patterns within biological datasets. Eminent industry players profiled in the Bioinformatics Market report include: Life Technologies Affymetrix Bio-Rad Laboratories Agilent Technologies Thermo Fisher Scientific Eurofins Scientific Illumina Others. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (300 Pages) on Bioinformatics Market: https://brandessenceresearch.com/healthcare/bioinformatics-market-size Bioinformatics Market Dynamics: Bioinformatics is a fusion of biological sciences and information technology, playing a crucial role in the management of biological data within medical research and drug development. It leverages computer software tools for tasks like database creation, data management, warehousing, mining, and networking. The escalating investments in drug discovery are acting as a catalyst for market expansion. Furthermore, the inclination towards collaborative efforts with genetics research institutions stands as a pivotal factor driving the significant market share in medical biotechnology. This field encompasses a wide array of specialized domains including structural genomics, functional genomics, DNA microarrays, comparative genomics, and medical information management. The escalating demand for integrated bioinformatics systems in proteomics and genomics is also bolstering market growth. Genomics, as an application, dominates the bioinformatics industry. Recent trends in the industry include an upsurge in mergers, acquisitions, and a surge in new product innovations. Noteworthy growth opportunities lie in technologies like nanopore sequencing. However, challenges persist in the form of a shortage of skilled professionals and the high implementation costs associated with bioinformatics software. Opportunities and Threats in the Industry: Opportunities: Emerging Markets: Untapped regions like Asia-Pacific offer significant growth opportunities due to expanding research activities and government initiatives. Drug Repurposing: Bioinformatics plays a pivotal role in identifying existing drugs that can be repurposed for new therapeutic purposes, presenting a cost-effective approach to drug discovery. Threats: Data Privacy and Security Concerns: With the surge in biological data, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information remains a critical challenge. Regulatory Hurdles: Adhering to evolving regulatory frameworks and compliance standards can be a hurdle for companies operating in this space. Market Industry Developments: Recent developments in the bioinformatics market include partnerships between academic institutions and industry players, mergers and acquisitions, and the launch of innovative software solutions aimed at streamlining data analysis workflows. Report Scope: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the bioinformatics industry, including its current size, market share, key players, trends, drivers, opportunities, threats, and recent industry developments. It aims to offer valuable insights to stakeholders, researchers, and industry enthusiasts keen on understanding the dynamics of this rapidly evolving field. Porter's Five Forces Analysis: 1. Threat of New Entrants: Low Threat: The bioinformatics market requires a substantial investment in technology, research, and development. Additionally, there are high regulatory barriers due to the sensitive nature of biological data. Existing companies have established brand recognition and a strong foothold in the industry, making it difficult for new entrants to gain market share. 2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate Threat: Suppliers in the bioinformatics market mainly provide hardware, software, and data management solutions. While there are several suppliers in the market, some specialized components may have limited sources. However, the presence of multiple suppliers reduces their individual bargaining power. 3. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Moderate to High Threat: Buyers in the bioinformatics market, which include research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic organizations, have a reasonable degree of bargaining power. They can switch between bioinformatics providers based on factors like pricing, service quality, and technological capabilities. 4. Threat of Substitutes: Low Threat: There are limited substitutes for bioinformatics in terms of effectively managing and analyzing biological data. Traditional methods of data analysis are less efficient and cannot handle the large volumes of data generated in fields like genomics and proteomics. Purchase Copy of This Research Report @: https://brandessenceresearch.com/Checkout?report_id=1221 Competitive Rivalry within the Industry: High Threat: The bioinformatics market is highly competitive, with numerous well-established players vying for market share. Key companies like Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Qiagen have a significant presence and engage in constant innovation to maintain their competitive edge. Additionally, the market is characterized by a continuous influx of startups and technological advancements. Conclusion: The bioinformatics market is poised for remarkable growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing research endeavors, and a burgeoning focus on personalized medicine. However, it is not without its challenges, including data security concerns and regulatory complexities. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain agile, leveraging innovation and collaboration to unlock the full potential of bioinformatics in shaping the future of life sciences. Related Reports: Global Landscape of Lung Cancer Services: Insights and Trends Monkeypox Unveiled: Symptoms, Transmission, and Preventive Measures Pneumonia Demystified: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Strategies Understanding Lupus: Navigating the Complex Autoimmune Disorder Comprehensive Guide to Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Comprehensive Guide to Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions Regulatory Insights, Disease Landscape, and Market Access Expertise are some of the areas we help you grasp when it comes to strategic Diabetes Disease consulting. With specialized market entrance techniques, find solutions to HPV disease. Advice on clinical trials and FDA/EMA insights. Investigate now! 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Investigating AI's Potential to Transform Radiology: Applications AI in Medical Imaging AI Healthcare Solutions:Addressing Ethical Considerations: Insights and Strategiesm Top Death Causes Associated with Cancer A COVID-19 Breakthrough Therapy with Emergency Use Authorization is paxlovid. Monkeypox and the Top 5 Monkeypox Research Companies The Power of Tech Innovation: How Technology is Revolutionizing the Entire Drug Discovery Sector Causes, Treatment, Research, and Leading Companies Fighting Lung Cancer Money Matters: Increasing Clinical Trial Revenue Strategies by Addressing CRO Challenges About Us: Brandessence Market Research & Consulting Pvt ltd. Brandessence Market Research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in?Pune, India?and our sales office is in?London. Follow Us:?LinkedIn ? Contact: Mr.?Vishal Sawant? Email:?vishal@brandessenceresearch.com Email:?Sales@brandessenceresearch.com Corporate Sales:?+44-2038074155? Asia Office:?+917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/BEMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bioinformatics-market-size-is-projected-to-hit-24-07-bn-by-2028--with-at-a-12-1-cagr-by-2022-2028--brandessence-market-research-301938458.html Decoupling VMware from the stack accounts for 50% of new CloudStack projects LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broadcom-VMware deal has created huge uncertainty for many users over the last months. Enterprises may be able to wait to see the final outcome, but the service provider space, where margin and long-term product stability are key, is already looking to mitigate these risks. Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, a deal worth an eye-water $69 billion, was announced in May 2022 with Broadcom saying at the time, "the combined company will provide enterprise customers an expanded platform of critical infrastructure solutions to accelerate innovation and address the most complex information technology infrastructure needs.". The deal was recently been approved by regulators But the deal has introduced a high level of uncertainty regarding future pricing policies and innovation strategies with existing customers. With Broadcom's focus on larger customers, demonstrated through acquisitions such as Symantec and CA Technologies, many companies are actively seeking alternatives that enable them to build a reliable, future-proof cloud infrastructure while effectively managing costs and fostering innovation. In a recent survey (August 2023), 52% of organizations adopting Apache CloudStack, cited VMware migration as a key driver for their implementation. This is up from only 8% of respondents 12 months earlier. "In the last few months, we have seen massive interest in Apache CloudStack as an enabler for people to remove their VMware lock-in" says Giles Sirett, CEO of ShapeBlue - a leading global CloudStack integrator. "In terms of what's driving our customer's projects, the situation with VMware currently accounts for more than half of those projects." Apache CloudStack gives organizations the ability to move to a mixed hypervisor environment and to decouple their automation layer from VMWare. Sirett continued, "For obvious reasons, organizations are worried now about their long-term dependency on VMware. Apache Cloudstack isn't a like-for-like replacement but adds a translation layer between VMware and other tooling. As it supports multiple hypervisor types (including V?ware, KVM, Xen & XCP-ng) it then gives organizations the ability to seamlessly move workloads to alternative hypervisors" "If we look at those organizations, the majority are cloud service providers and telcos - which is logical as licensing costs are a direct cost of sale for them. However, it is also very interesting to see a number of traditional enterprise organizations also adopting the same approach" Apache CloudStack is a free-to-use open-source technology that allows organizations to build IaaS cloud environments or orchestrate their internal data centers. It presents one API, irrespective of the underlying hypervisor used. Commenting on alternative hypervisors, Sirett added: "We're seeing more organizations targeting KVM or XCP-ng as their hypervisor of choice going forward, but this is a long-term strategy: VMware continues to be part of the mix for most organizations". The migration from VMware to a CloudStack and KVM-based IaaS environments can not only save companies from long-term infrastructure issues and worries but seems to bring significant cost decreases. In a recent analysis, comparing VMware's IaaS offerings to to alternatives, it was shown that service providers could save 69% in ongoing licensing and maintenance costs by adopting alternatives. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shapeblue-ltd-cloud-service-providers-seek-vwware-alternatives-as-broadcom-acquisition-looms-301937522.html BUCHAREST, Romania, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeedBlink, the financing and equity management platform for European tech start-ups, launches "Community Stars" - an initiative dedicated to early-stage start-ups. This new type of opportunity, strategically placed alongside VC-backed rounds and syndications, is aimed at graduating start-ups of technology and business accelerators. Community Stars thus complements SeedBlink's offering for start-ups and investors, which includes a variety of funding modalities tailored to specific investment needs, as well as initiatives such as the Tech Investors Academy to educate and develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem, or Nimity, the equity management solution for companies and their private investors. "Community Stars is on a mission to bring together promising founders with their communities, providing essential support in the early stages of company development," said Ionu? Patrahau, Managing Partner & Business Development at SeedBlink. "A startup founder not only needs capital, but also a strong network. We're here to provide the knowledge of financing and infrastructure needed, enabling them to build a community of supporters and develop their vision." Eric Bartha, Head of Investment Management, added: "From discussions with startups, there is a real need for alternative funding in every European country. We want to team up with local incubators and accelerators to support those entrepreneurs with solid business plans and innovative ideas. Also, this new type of opportunity is accessible with a lower investment ticket to better accommodate the supporters of founders." The Community Stars pilot project is the start-up Unison, which specializes in vegan snacks. In the future, the platform will host a variety of promising early-stage start-ups, fresh graduates of European accelerators. SeedBlink currently offers three main types of investment rounds, each addressing specific needs of start-ups and investors: VC-backed rounds : These are specifically designed for start-ups from seed to Series B. With a range of investments from 100,000 to 2,000,000, these are aimed at start-ups with demonstrable maturity and traction. Investors can enter these rounds with tickets starting at 2,500. All start-ups in this category are subject to a rigorous due-diligence process carried out by partner venture capital funds. : These are specifically designed for start-ups from seed to Series B. With a range of investments from 100,000 to 2,000,000, these are aimed at start-ups with demonstrable maturity and traction. Investors can enter these rounds with tickets starting at 2,500. All start-ups in this category are subject to a rigorous due-diligence process carried out by partner venture capital funds. Syndications: This type of round is also aimed at seed start-ups, but with an investment range between 100,000 and 1,000,000. Like VC-backed rounds, investors can participate with tickets starting at 2,500. However, the major difference is that the start-ups' check is performed directly by the SeedBlink team, ensuring a rigorous internal evaluation. This type of round is also aimed at seed start-ups, but with an investment range between 100,000 and 1,000,000. Like VC-backed rounds, investors can participate with tickets starting at 2,500. However, the major difference is that the start-ups' check is performed directly by the SeedBlink team, ensuring a rigorous internal evaluation. Community Stars: aimed at very early stage (pre-seed) start-ups. They target investments ranging from 50,000 to 300,000. The major advantage here is flexibility and accessibility, allowing investors to participate with investment vouchers from a much lower threshold of 500. Impact at European level SeedBlink has established itself as a key pillar in the evolution of the European tech start-up ecosystem. With an impressive track record of co-investing in over 100 technology start-ups in more than 15 countries and backed by a network of 75,000 investors in 92 countries, SeedBlink has been able to raise no less than 250 million to support technology innovation. About SeedBlink SeedBlink is an equity management and tech-specialized venture investment platform that enables European startups and their stakeholders to access, manage, and trade equity alongside established institutional investors. SeedBlink SA is registered in the Register of the Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority. Futoshi Saito Joins as President & General Manager, Japan BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023, the leading global innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced changes to its executive leadership team in Japan as the company continues its strong growth trajectory in the country. Futoshi Saito will join Anaqua Japan, effective October 10, 2023, as President & General Manager, responsible for driving Anaqua's ongoing business development and delivering enhanced client solutions in Japan. Saito-san has previously held leadership positions at LexisNexis as Managing Director, Japan and South Korea, and Thomson Reuters (now part of Clarivate) as head of the IP & Science business in Japan. Saito-san holds a bachelor's degree in international studies from Dokkyo University and studied at the Graduate School of History at the State University of New York at Albany. Anaqua also announced the opening of its new Japan headquarters in the TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower, providing an expanded work space to support the company's accelerated growth, which has seen further strengthening of the team and a 50% increase in new sales YTD . The move continues Anaqua Japan's mission to invest in people, infrastructure and solutions in order to provide clients with the most comprehensive and effective IP management software and solutions in Japan. Other recent Anaqua investments in Japan include opening a second client datacenter on Microsoft Azure, hiring additional team members for the growing annuities and renewals business, and developing Japan-specific enhancements to the AQX IP management platform, both for the pharmaceutical market and trademark professionals. "I am excited to join Anaqua, a company I have admired for many years over the course of my career in IP and legal technology," said Saito. "I am honored to lead Anaqua Japan through its next stage of growth and to help our clients better protect and maximize value from their IP portfolios." Anaqua CEO Bob Romeo said: "We are delighted to have appointed Saito-san to lead Anaqua's business in Japan. His extensive IP and technology experience will enable him to engage quickly with our business and the wider market, forming important relationships with our existing and future clients, and providing strong leadership for our team and our further business development. I am very proud of our operations in Japan and I am excited for what is yet to come." About Anaqua Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property, or on LinkedIn. KANAZAWA, Japan, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters high-speed atomic force microscopy studies that shed light on the possible role of the open reading frame 6 (ORF6) protein COVID19 symptoms. While many countries across the world are experiencing a reprieve from the intense spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections that led to tragic levels of sickness and multiple national lockdowns at the start of the decade, cases of infection persist. A better understanding of the mechanisms that sustain the virus in the body could help find more effective treatments against sickness caused by the disease, as well as arming against future outbreaks of similar infections. With this in mind there has been a lot of interest in the accessory proteins that the virus produces to help it thrive in the body. "Similar to other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 expresses an array of accessory proteins to re-program the host environment to favor its replication and survival," explain Richard Wong at Kanazawa University and Noritaka Nishida at Chiba University and their colleagues in this latest report. Among those accessory proteins is ORF6. Previous studies have suggested that ORF6 potently interferes with the function of interferon 1 (IFN-I), a particular type of small protein used in the immune system, which may explain the instances of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV2. There is also evidence that ORF6 causes the retention of certain proteins in the cytoplasm while disrupting mRNA transport from the cell, which may be means for inhibiting IFN-I signalling. However, the mechanism for this protein retention and transport disruption was not clear. To shed light on these mechanisms the researchers first looked into what clues various software programs might give as to the structure of ORF6. These indicated the likely presence of several intrinsically disordered regions. Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements also confirmed the presence of a very flexible disordered segment. Although the machine learning algorithm AlphaFold2 has proved very useful for determining how proteins fold, the presence of these intrinsically disordered regions limits its use for establishing the structure of ORF6 so the researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), which is able to identify structures by "feeling" the topography of samples like a record player needle feels the grooves in vinyl. Using HS-AFM the researchers established that ORF 6 is primarily in the form of ellipsoidal filaments of oligomers - strings of repeating molecular units but shorter than polymers. The length and circumference of these filaments was greatest at 37 C and least at 4 C, so the presence of fever could be beneficial for producing larger filaments. Substrates made of lipids - fatty compounds - also encouraged the formation of larger oligomers. Because HS-AFM captures images so quickly it was possible to grasp not just the structures but also some of the dynamics of the ORF6 behavior, including circular motion, protein assembly and flipping. In addition, further computer analysis also revealed that the filaments were prone to aggregate into amyloids as found in some neurodegenerative diseases, and which can lead to complications in COVID19 symptoms. As the researchers point out this aggregation works "to effectively sequester a vast numbers of host proteins, particularly transcription factors involved in IFN-I signaling." Since these filaments break up in the presence of certain alcohols, urea, or sodium dodecyl sulfate Wong, Nishida and their colleagues conclude that the protein is largely held together by hydrophobic interactions. "Potential druggable candidates that dissociate ORF6 aggregates by disrupting hydrophobic interactions should be considered and tested in the near future to evaluate their therapeutic value in COVID19 management and treatment." Related image https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/thumbnail-2.jpg Caption: Observation of aggregation dynamics by COVID-19 severity factor ORF6 protein (licensed as, CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.) Glossary High-speed atomic force microscopy Atomic force microscopy (AFM) "feels" the topography of surfaces by the increase and decrease of surface forces tugging on a nanoscale tip as changes in surface height change the distance between the tip and the surface. The tip is mounted on a cantilever so that the tiny changes in the force can be read out by the resulting deflection in the cantilever. AFM can resolve structures with subnanometre scale resolution. It has particular advantages for biological studies because it does not require conducting substrates or a current, which are requirements for other primary microscopes with comparable resolutions, such as the scanning tunnelling microscope. For a long time AFM was limited by the time it takes to capture an image of the surface, but this changed when Toshio Ando at Kanazawa University revealed how the tool could be upgraded to high-speed AFM using various modifications to the scanning, deflection detection and other electronic devices, as well as specifications for the cantilever. With high-speed AFM it became possible to capture dynamics at the nanoscale for the first time. Reference Goro Nishide, Keesiang Lim, Maiki Tamura, Akiko Kobayashi, Qingci Zhao, Masaharu Hazawa, Toshio Ando, Noritaka Nishida, Richard W. Wong Nanoscopic Elucidation of Spontaneous Self-Assembly of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Open Reading Frame 6 (ORF6) Protein Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 14, XXX, 8385-8396, (2023) Online Sept 14, 2023 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01440 URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01440 Contact Hiroe Yoneda Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach NanoLSI Administrative Office WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550 About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. About Kanazawa University http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/ As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kanazawa-university-research-researchers-identify-the-dynamic-behavior-of-a-key-sars-cov-2-accessory-protein-301938477.html Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - F3 Uranium Corp. (TSXV: FUU) (OTCQB: FUUFF) ("F3" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Laurie Thomas to the Board of Directors. Ms. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a major in accounting from the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation in 2008 and is also one of the first graduates of the CIRI/Ivey Business School Investor Relations Certification Program (CPIR). Ms. Thomas has an extensive background in the uranium sector, including 12 years with Cameco Corporation, one of the world's largest uranium producers. Ms. Thomas has more than 20 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and is certified in Investor Relations. She is currently the Controller at Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute. Prior to joining Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, Ms. Thomas held positions in Investor Relations at Standard Uranium and MAS Gold Corporation. She also held the position of Vice President of Corporate Relations at UEX Corporation, responsible for developing strategic plans, communications, presentations for conferences and investor road shows. Ms. Thomas is a Past Director of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan and Past Chair of the Audit Committee. She currently sits as a Director on the Board for Meadow Lake Tribal Council Industrial Investments and is Chair of the Audit Committee. Laurie Thomas commented, "I am delighted to join the F3 board of directors. These are exciting times for the company with the recent discovery of the high-grade JR zone and rising uranium prices. I look forward to working with the successful technical team at F3." Dev Randhawa, CEO of F3, commented, "We are excited to have Ms. Thomas join the F3 Board of Directors. Her extensive knowledge and experience in the uranium sector will be a significant benefit to our board and management team." About F3 Uranium Corp. F3 is a uranium project generator and exploration company, focusing on projects in the Athabasca Basin, home to some of world's largest high grade uranium discoveries. F3 currently has 16 projects in the Athabasca Basin. Several of F3's projects are near large uranium discoveries, including, Arrow, Triple R and Hurricane deposits. F3 is currently in the middle of its winter exploration/drill program, expanding and growing its JR zone discovery on its PLN project. F3 Uranium Corp. Contact Information Investor Relations Telephone: 778 484 8030 Email: ir@fission3corp.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Dev Randhawa" Dev Randhawa, CEO The TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange have not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release, and do not 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/181913 LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive research report by Brandessence Market Research (BMRC), "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Industry Analysis, Trends, And Forecast 2020-2027". The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market was valued at USD 184.2 billion in 2020 and expected to reach USD 284.4 billion By 2027, amplifying with a CAGR of 6.4% over 2020-2027. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Overview: The global pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in healthcare, and at the core of this industry are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). These essential components form the foundation of various pharmaceutical products, from common pain relievers to cutting-edge biotechnological drugs. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market, examining its segmentation, major trends, drivers, opportunities, threats, target demographics, and consumer preferences. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Report Scope: Report Metric Details API Market Revenue forecast in 2027 USD 284.4 Billion Market Size in 2020 USD 184.2 Billion Market Growth Rate CAGR of 6.4% from 2020 to 2027 Base Year 2019 Study Period 2020-2027 Key Players/Companies AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Cipla Limited, Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Lupin Limited, Merck & Co., Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Roche Holding AG, Sanofi S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Other. Segmentation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market: Type of API: The API market can be categorized into synthetic APIs and biological APIs. Synthetic APIs are chemically synthesized, while biological APIs are derived from living organisms, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins. Therapeutic Area: APIs are used in a wide range of therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, anti-infective, oncology, central nervous system, and more. The segmentation here is essential to identify the specific demand and growth areas within the market. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/51 Competitive Hierarchy: Some of the key players in global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market AbbVie Inc. AstraZeneca plc Bayer AG Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Bristol Myers Squibb Company Cipla Limited Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Eli Lilly and Company GlaxoSmithKline plc Johnson & Johnson Lupin Limited Merck & Co., Inc. Mylan N.V. Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. Roche Holding AG Sanofi S.A. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Other Major Trends and Drivers: Biotechnology Advancements: The growing field of biotechnology has spurred the development of biologically derived APIs. This trend is driven by the increased demand for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies. Regulatory Changes: Stringent regulations and quality standards have become more pronounced, emphasizing the need for high-quality APIs. Regulatory changes are a significant driver for API manufacturers to maintain compliance. Increasing Generic Drug Demand: The rising demand for generic drugs, especially in emerging markets, drives the growth of the API market as generic drug manufacturers seek cost-effective sources for APIs. R&D Investments: Continuous research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical industry are propelling the discovery of novel APIs, often with enhanced therapeutic properties. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (300 Pages) on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market: https://brandessenceresearch.com/pharmaceutical/global-active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-2018-2024 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Opportunities and Threats: Opportunities: Global Expansion: Expanding into emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for API manufacturers. Expanding into emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for API manufacturers. Custom Synthesis: Offering custom synthesis services to pharmaceutical companies seeking unique APIs can be a profitable niche. Offering custom synthesis services to pharmaceutical companies seeking unique APIs can be a profitable niche. APIs for Rare Diseases: Developing APIs for rare diseases can be lucrative due to limited competition and potentially high prices. Threats: Counterfeit APIs: The API market faces the risk of counterfeit products, posing potential harm to patients and damaging the reputation of legitimate manufacturers. The API market faces the risk of counterfeit products, posing potential harm to patients and damaging the reputation of legitimate manufacturers. Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting API production and distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting API production and distribution. Price Erosion: Intense competition can lead to price erosion, impacting profit margins for API manufacturers. Target Demographics and Preferences: Pharmaceutical Companies: These companies are the primary customers for API manufacturers, ranging from multinational pharmaceutical giants to small-scale drug developers. Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs): CMOs often outsource API production to specialized manufacturers, offering opportunities for collaboration. Biotech Startups: The growth of the biotechnology sector has led to increased demand for specialized APIs, making biotech startups a valuable target demographic. Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and healthcare institutions that compound medications on-site may require APIs directly. Purchase Copy of This Research Report @: Checkout_Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Here are some of the latest news and developments in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market: API Market Growth Continues: The API market continues to grow steadily, driven by the increasing demand for generic drugs and biologics. Market analysts predict that the global API market will maintain a healthy growth rate in the coming years, thanks to factors such as the aging population, rising chronic diseases, and advancements in pharmaceutical research. Biological APIs on the Rise: The demand for biological APIs, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, is witnessing significant growth. Biotechnology companies are investing heavily in the development of biologically derived APIs, leading to a shift in market dynamics. Regulatory Compliance Challenges: API manufacturers are grappling with evolving regulatory requirements and quality standards. Stringent regulations, especially in regions like the United States and Europe, are driving the need for advanced manufacturing processes and quality control systems. API Supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Many API manufacturers are now focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience by diversifying sourcing options and adopting digital technologies for real-time monitoring. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the API industry. Several companies are adopting eco-friendly manufacturing practices, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact. This shift aligns with both consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and CMOs is on the rise. Such partnerships facilitate efficient API production and distribution, ensuring a steady supply of medications to the market. Conclusion: The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market is dynamic and evolving, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preferences. While it offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges that API manufacturers must navigate to thrive in this competitive landscape. Understanding market segmentation, staying abreast of major trends and drivers, and identifying target demographics and preferences are critical factors for success in the API market. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, API manufacturers play an integral role in ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications worldwide. Related Reports: Unlocking the Latest Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's Disease Research: Hope on the Horizon Rising Against the Odds: Global Insights into Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Disease Managing the Alzheimer's Landscape: How We Point Market Participants in the Direction of Special Solutions Personalized Medicine Driven By AI is revolutionizing healthcare The Future of Skin-Credible Care Is Unlocked by New Topical Drug Delivery Therapies, Creating a Psoriasis Care Crisis! 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Asia Office:?+917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/4254672/BEMR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-api-market-expected-to-reach-usd-284-4-billion-by-2027-at-a-6-4-cagr-by-2027--brandessence-market-research-301938483.html World's largest independent health agency cracks the code on authentic integration model for life-sciences clients across the region Klick Health today shared new details about the ongoing build-out of its global ecosystem, differentiated by its singular focus on health and improved patient outcomes, authentic integration modus operandi, and longstanding commitment to providing unmatched client experience. The large independent agency announced its UK-based leadership team for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The news follows the appointment of EMEA Managing Director Jennifer Lambert and debut of Klick's Asia-Pacific (APAC) hub in Singapore. Lambert is joined in the London hub by industry veterans Ankita Batla, January Coyle, Preeti Moseman, Tara Page, Michael Smith, and Adrian Swift, as the team celebrates 13 wins at last week's Creative Floor Awards and its stellar showing at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. "We are thrilled to be building the most innovative life sciences agency model EMEA has ever seen. While most global agencies tend to force-fit their services together, Klick teams are integrated from the start. Based on our clients' needs, we provide them with bespoke end-to-end services to ensure authentic and borderless solutions," Lambert said. "I am proud of the work our team is doing. In Preeti, Tara, Michael, Adrian, Ankita, and January, we have proven leaders from both the agency and client side, who deliver solutions that amplify our clients' success." Lambert introduced Klick's EMEA leadership team: Preeti Moseman Senior Creative Lead, EMEA Moseman marks her return to the UK as Senior Creative Lead in London, following two years serving as a Creative Director on Klick's New York team. An award-winning creative with over 16 years of industry experience, Moseman previously held positions at London agencies, EG+ (TBWA) and Wunderman, where she worked for a range of clients, including GSK, Johnson Johnson, Pepsico, and Microsoft. Within the healthcare sector specifically, she has played senior creative roles on global launches in immunology, vaccines, and women's health. "I joined Klick because its drive for innovation aligns with my passion for crafting engaging experiences," Moseman said. "With a multitude of diverse, global perspectives and reach, Klick offers the perfect stage to foster creativity, build impactful cross-functional teams, and collaborate on successful campaigns for our clients." Tara Page Vice President, Head of Client Success, EMEA Heading up Klick's UK-based Client Success team, Page is a veteran healthcare communications professional with over 25 years in the field, and is responsible for delivering an exceptional end-to-end client experience. Prior to joining Klick, Page was Global Director, Client Engagement at VMLY&R Health London, preceded by Managing Director, Sudler London, where she collaborated with top-tier pharmaceutical and biotech companies across brand lifecycles, covering therapeutic areas including, cardiovascular, hematology, oncology, and rare diseases. "Being part of building a global life sciences agency from the ground-up and being surrounded by exceptionally kind and talented people is incredibly exciting. I'm loving the collaborative environment and the bright minds at Klick, as we work with our clients to enhance health outcomes and patients' lives in EMEA and around the world," explained Page. Michael SmithScience Regulatory Director, EMEA Bringing more than 17 years of experience leading in-house regulatory and healthcare compliance teams at pharmaceutical companies, Smith joins the agency world as Klick's newest Science Regulatory Director, EMEA. He previously served as Allergan's Director of Regulatory Affairs for the UK and Ireland. Smith has worked across aesthetic medicine, cosmetics, dermatology, medical devices, movement disorders, neurosciences, ophthalmology, and OTC, with extensive experience in UK, EU, and EMEA regulations to help ensure HCP and consumer-focussed campaigns are compliant. Smith excels in managing the complex requirements of healthcare compliance, ensuring creative teams are able to push boundaries and exceed expectations, while maintaining promotional compliance. "I was drawn to the Klick's team enthusiasm, professionalism, and regulatory rigour," Smith said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to build our UK-based science and regulatory team, and serve our clients as part of the single, largest medical team integrated across a full-service agency." Adrian Swift Vice President, Project Management, EMEA With over 20 years of experience in delivery and project management roles, Swift joins Klick as Vice President, Project Management, EMEA. A seasoned leader who has worked on brands, including Coca-Cola, Centrica, and Unilever, he is adept in agile processes and managing projects for timely delivery. During his previous role as Managing Partner and EMEA PMO at Ogilvy, Swift worked on large accounts like IBM, Nestle, and The Nightingale Hospital, and led the agency's consolidation of three regional markets into a global hub. One of his proudest career highlights was leading the team who helped expedite the establishment of temporary hospitals in the UK during the pandemic. "My ultimate professional goal has always been to create a meaningful impact. Joining Klick and contributing to the development of something great in EMEA is an incredible opportunity to do so," Swift said. "I'm thrilled to be part of a company that has a true entrepreneurial spirit and unique workplace culture, and eager to share my expertise in fostering agile mindsets to ensure our clients' success." To further support Klick's ongoing global expansion, Lambert also shared the following additions to the London-based team: Ankita Batla, MBBS, MBA Senior Vice President, Medical Strategy, Global With over two decades of experience in patient engagement, health communications, and medical strategy, as well as a medical degree and an MBA, Dr. Batla specializes in research, strategy, and behaviour-change communication within pharmaceuticals, nutrition, health services, and public health and patient groups. As Klick's Senior Vice President, Medical Strategy, Global, she focuses on the medical strategy needs of Klick's growing number of international clients. She has also held senior medical roles at other UK-based agencies, including VMLY&R Health and WPP's System Analytic. Prior to moving into healthcare communications, Dr. Batla served as a resident doctor in hospitals' general medicine, pediatrics, public health, and neurology departments. As a leading expert in patient advocacy, she has served as a guest lecturer at top educational institutions in the UK, including the London School of Hygiene Tropical Medicine, UCL Business School for Health UK, and University of West London. She is currently also pursuing her Masters degree in public health. "A doctor by training and a patient advocate at heart, I love making connections between the numbers in science and the lived realities of people. At Klick, I have a work family that believes in this ethos," Dr. Batla said. "Having worked and lived in different parts of the world has also given me a unique perspective in tackling health challenges and inequities across markets, and developing innovative creative strategies that can maximise access" January CoyleSenior Vice President, Global Strategy Enablement Playing a key role on Klick Health's holistic Strategy leadership team, Coyle joins its London hub as Senior Vice President, Global Strategy Enablement to ensure the effective coordination of strategy across Klick's global markets and regions in EMEA, APAC, and LATAM. With over 20 years of experience in life sciences market research, KOL consulting, and advertising, Coyle most recently led a strategy team in Klick's New York office for over three years. She previously served as Saatchi Saatchi Wellness Senior Vice President, Director of Engagement Strategy for over six years. She has worked with a wide range of brands from pre-launch through LOE across therapeutic areas that include cardiovascular, metabolic, rare disease, and oncology, focussing on reaching key stakeholders in novel and engaging ways. "It was the people and people-first culture that initially brought me to Klick. Now, I'm beyond excited to help scale the Klick magic in other markets and drive meaningful experiences for HCPs, patients, and their involved loved ones in partnership with our clients." Global momentum going strong Today's announcement follows Klick joining the Healthcare Communications Council (HCC), one of the five European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) councils, and it highlights the latest in a long line of global hires over the last year, as the agency continues to expand across APAC, EMEA, and LATAM. In June, Klick welcomed veteran agency leaders Mitchell Tan, Dr. Shraddha Tawate, Dr. Nevil Chimon, and Alvin Yeo to its APAC hub in Singapore. "We are energized by our global momentum and how EMEA clients are responding to our unique agency model, end-to-end offerings, and success-driven approach," Klick Health President Ari Schaefer said. "We're excited by what the future holds." About Klick Health Klick Health is the world's largest independent commercialization partner for life sciences. For over 25 years, Klick has been laser-focused on developing, launching, and supporting life sciences brands to maximize their full market potential as a core commercialization partner. Recognized by leading global advertising authorities, Klick was named 2023 Independent Agency of the Year by Clio Health; its work has also been celebrated by Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Art Directors Club, Clios, New York Festivals Health, and the Webbys. Follow Klick Health on LinkedIn and for more information on joining Klick, go to careers.klick.com. About Klick Group The Klick Group of companies-Klick Health (including Klick Katalyst and btwelve), Klick Media Group, Klick Applied Sciences (including Klick Labs), Klick Consulting, Klick Ventures, and Sensei Labs-is an ecosystem of brilliant talent collectively working to maximize their people's and clients' full potential. Established in 1997, Klick has teams across North America, with offices in New York, Philadelphia, Toronto; global hubs in London, Sao Paulo, and Singapore; and plans to open more offices in Basel, Buenos Aires, Munich, Paris, and Tokyo. Klick has consistently been named a Best Managed Company and Great Place to Work. Over the last two years alone, the company has been recognized with almost 30 Best Workplace awards, including Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces for Inclusion, Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators, FORTUNE's Best Workplaces in New York, and FORTUNE's Best Workplaces in Advertising. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230919111057/en/ Contacts: PR@Klick.com EpiSwitch Prostate Screening (PSE) is designed to run alongside a standard PSA test PSE boosts PSA predictive accuracy from 55% to 94% 1 for determining the presence or absence of prostate cancer for determining the presence or absence of prostate cancer PSE is immediately available to men in the US using a centralized high-complexity CLIA-certified lab facility in Frederick, Maryland, Increased accuracy of diagnosis should significantly reduce false positives and in turn unnecessary referrals for more invasive procedures with longer term health risks Oxford BioDynamics, Plc (AIM: OBD, the Company), a biotechnology company developing precision medicine tests based on the EpiSwitch 3D genomics platform, today announced validation of its EpiSwitch Prostate Screening (PSE) blood test in its US clinical laboratory, resulting in the immediate access to its highly accurate PSE test to men with prostate cancer risk. The PSE test is run alongside a standard PSA test to predict the presence or absence of prostate cancer with 94% accuracy.1 It is now available immediately in the US as part of a program to men being screened for prostate cancer, either with an elevated PSA result or where prostate cancer must be ruled out. The announcement coincides with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September). "Although the traditional PSA has demonstrated clinical utility in prostate cancer screening and monitoring, it also has limitations that are well-described," said Dr. Phillip Pierorazio, Section Chief of Urology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Professor of Surgery at the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania. "A more sensitive and specific test would have the potential to increase diagnostic accuracy and address some of the current challenges with prostate cancer screening." As well as very high accuracy, PSE has high specificity of 97% (PSA: 53%) and sensitivity of 86% (PSA: 64%), along with both high positive, 93% (PSA: 25%), and high negative, 95% (PSA: 86%), predictive values to assess the risk of prostate cancer in men.1 The PSE test has been validated as a laboratory developed test (LDT) in OBD's CLIA-certified testing laboratory in Frederick, Maryland. The test is completed via a simple ordering system by a patient's doctor with results available in five days after a blood sample is received. Physicians and their patients can find out more information and order the PSE test at www.94percent.com. The current blood screening test, the PSA test, is only 55% accurate, and is considered an unreliable test by many doctors, including the NHS in the UK2. Consequently, following an elevated PSA result, men and their doctors face the cancer screening dilemma; retest PSA even with its low accuracy, send the patient maybe needlessly for a more invasive biopsy (88% accurate) or do a MRI scan (49% accurate).3 In the US, nearly 1,000,000 patients undergo a prostate biopsy every year and only about a quarter of those who have a prostate biopsy due to an elevated PSA level are found to have prostate cancer.4,5 Biopsies can put patients at risk of erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract infections, rectal bleeding, extended hospitalization and the rare occurrence of death due to procedural complications or post procedural infections.6-12 In contrast, the PSE test combines the PSA score with five epigenetic biomarkers to predict the presence or absence of prostate cancer. Those with a PSE result of low likelihood of cancer can be placed on active surveillance and retested later without being referred for an invasive and often destructive biopsy. A high likelihood result would necessitate referral to a urologist for treatment. "There is a clear need in everyday clinical practice for a much more accurate blood test that can screen men for prostate cancer and accurately identify those at risk, while sparing those who up to now would be subject to unnecessary, expensive, and invasive procedures. It feels wholly appropriate that the early launch of the test coincides with Prostate Cancer Awareness month," said Dr Jon Burrows, OBD's Chief Executive Officer. "With the news today of the launch of another EpiSwitch-based product, we are continuing to improve patient health whilst also reducing the cost of care." In the US, 1 in 7 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and every 15 minutes a life is lost due to the disease.13 How to order/get more info: More information can be found at www.94percent.com. Physicians and other healthcare providers should contact Oxford BioDynamics client services by emailing the team at Episwitch.PSE@myobdx.com. References [1] Pchejetski, D., et al. (2023). Circulating Chromosome Conformation Signatures Significantly Enhance PSA Positive Predicting Value and Overall Accuracy for Prostate Cancer Detection. Cancers, 15(3), 821. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers15030821 [2]NHS Health A to Z. Prostate cancer: PSA testing (2021). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/psa-testing [3] Hashim, U. A. et al (2017). Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study. The Lancet. 389 (10071). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32401-1 [4] Vickers, A. et al (2010). Reducing Unnecessary Biopsy During Prostate Cancer Screening Using a Four-Kallikrein Panel: An Independent Replication, Journal of Clinical Oncology [online], 28:15. Available from: National Library of Medicine [accessed 21 September 2023] [5] Bhanji Y, Allaway MJ, Gorin MA. Recent advances and current role of transperineal prostate biopsy. Urol Clin North Am 2021; 48: 25-33. [6] Pinsky PF, Parnes HL, Andriole G. Mortality and complications after prostate biopsy in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening (PLCO) trial. BJU Int. 2014 Feb;113(2):254-9. doi: 10.1111/bju.12368. Epub 2013 Nov 21. PMID: 24053621; PMCID: PMC3873374. [7] Rosario DJ, Lane JA, Metcalfe C, Donovan JL, Doble A, Goodwin L, Davis M, Catto JW, Avery K, Neal DE, Hamdy FC. Short term outcomes of prostate biopsy in men tested for cancer by prostate specific antigen: prospective evaluation within ProtecT study. BMJ. 2012 Jan 9;344:d7894. doi: 10.1136/bmj.d7894. PMID: 22232535; PMCID: PMC3253765. [8] Loeb S, Carter HB, Berndt SI, Ricker W, Schaeffer EM. Complications after prostate biopsy: data from SEER-Medicare. J Urol. 2011 Nov;186(5):1830-4. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2011.06.057. Epub 2011 Sep 23. PMID: 21944136; PMCID: PMC9840843. [9] https://prioritymensmedical.com/blog/can-a-prostate-biopsy-lead-to-erectile%20dysfunction/#:~:text=Four%20weeks%20after%20the%20biopsy,maintained%20a%20healthy%20erectile%20function. [10] Quinlan MR, Bolton D, Casey RG. The management of rectal bleeding following transrectal prostate biopsy: A review of the current literature. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Mar;12(3):E146-E153. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.4660. Epub 2017 Dec 22. PMID: 29283091; PMCID: PMC5869041. [11] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/prostate-biopsy-side-effects-are-common [12] Fainberg J, Gaffney CD, Pierce H, Aboukhshaba A, Chughtai B, Christos P, Kashanian JA. Erectile Dysfunction is a Transient Complication of Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Urol. 2021 Mar;205(3):664-670. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001398. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33026920. [13] American Cancer Society. Facts Figures 2023. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2023. -Ends- About Oxford BioDynamics Plc Oxford BioDynamics Plc (AIM: OBD) is a global biotechnology company, advancing personalized healthcare by developing and commercializing precision medicine tests for life-changing diseases. Its flagship products are the EpiSwitch CiRT (Checkpoint Inhibitor Response Test) and EpiSwitch PSE (EpiSwitch Prostate Screening test) blood tests. CiRT is a predictive immune response profile for immuno-oncology (IO) checkpoint inhibitor treatments, launched in February 2022. PSE is a blood test that boosts the predictive accuracy of a PSA test from 55% to 94% when testing the presence or absence of prostate cancer, which has been launched in the US and UK in September 2023. In March 2021, the Company launched its first commercial prognostic test, EpiSwitch CST (Covid Severity Test) and the first commercially available microarray kit for high-resolution 3D genome profiling and biomarker discovery, EpiSwitch Explorer Array Kit, which is available for purchase by the life science research community. The Company's product portfolio is based on a proprietary 3D genomic biomarker platform, EpiSwitch, which can build molecular diagnostic classifiers for the prediction of response to therapy, patient prognosis, disease diagnosis and subtyping, and residual disease monitoring in a wide range of indications. Oxford BioDynamics has participated in more than 40 partnerships with big pharma and leading institutions including Pfizer, EMD Serono, Genentech, Roche, Biogen, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma. The Company has created a valuable technology portfolio, including biomarker arrays, molecular diagnostic tests, bioinformatic tools for 3D genomics and an expertly curated 3D genome knowledgebase comprising hundreds of millions of data points from over 15,000 samples in more than 30 human diseases. OBD is headquartered in Oxford, UK and is listed on AIM of the London Stock Exchange. It also has a commercial office in Gaithersburg and a clinical laboratory in Frederick, MD, USA, and a reference laboratory in Penang, Malaysia. For more information, please visit the Company's website, www.oxfordbiodynamics.com, or follow OBD on Twitter (@OxBioDynamics) and LinkedIn. About EpiSwitch The 3D configuration of the genome plays a crucial role in gene regulation. By mapping this architecture and identifying abnormal configurations, EpiSwitch can be used to diagnose patients or determine how individuals might respond to a disease or treatment. Built on over 10 years of research, EpiSwitch is Oxford Biodynamics' award-winning, proprietary platform that enables screening, evaluation, validation and monitoring of 3D genomic biomarkers. The technology is fully developed, based on testing of over 15,000 samples in 30 disease areas, and reduced to practice. In addition to stratifying patients with respect to anticipated clinical outcomes, EpiSwitch data offer insights into systems biology and the physiological manifestation of disease that are beyond the scope of other molecular modalities. The technology has performed well in academic medical research settings and has been validated through its integration in biomarker discovery and clinical development with big pharma. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926908052/en/ Contacts: For more information: Oxford BioDynamics Plc Jon Burrows, CEO Thomas Guiel, Chief Operating Officer Tel: +44 (0)1865 518910 Tel: +1 888-236-8896 Instinctif Partners media Tegwyn Collins /Mike Gaynes (US media) Tel: +1 9178657226 +1 650 728 0227 Melanie Toyne-Sewell Gina Tilly Jack Kincade (UK EU media) Tel: +44 (0)20 7457 2020 OxfordBioDynamics@instinctif.com Success story content marketing specialist One Page Case Studies announces a new report analyzing how short form content is being used to establish businesses as trusted experts in their field. Wilton, Connecticut--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - A new report from One Page Case Studies explores the use of short form content for building trust, generating leads, and achieving higher sales conversion rates. The firm gives the example of a conversation between a landscaping business and a prospective client, and explains how a short story could have a greater impact. More details can be found at https://onepagecasestudies.com/how-to-write-a-one-page-case-study/. One Page Case Studies Announces Report on Success Story Writing for Landscapers To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/181911_d8c1698d54157bce_001full.jpg The recent report is the latest is series, which aims to demonstrate how businesses of any size can leverage short form digital content to build more effective sales funnels. One Page Case Studies has developed its own model for the creation of success stories, and the firm also explains how this can be applied across a range of online materials. The release of the new report comes as more businesses focus on content marketing to connect with audiences and generate growth. Smaller companies, such as landscapers, have limited resources at their disposal, making it important to identify strategies that offer the greatest returns for a given amount of time and effort. As the latest piece from One Page Case Studies now explains, success stories can consist of something as simple as describing the processes a business uses. In addition to being comparatively easy to produce, the company states that such content demonstrates the expertise of a business, thereby building trust among prospective clients. "The key to sales, whether from your website, your SEO, social media or videos, or one-on-one meetings, is to show proof," Edward Winslow of One Page Case Studies explains. "Proof creates trust, credibility, and believability. A simple one-page case study can promote you from being an expert to being a trusted expert, and that's who gets all the clients." As part of the new report, One Page Case Studies also states that the company's approach can be used across a range of digital channels, making it an effective and efficient technique for smaller businesses. Potential applications the firm suggests can include press releases, websites, videos, social media messages, video calls, and in-person meetings. The latest article adds to a growing library of informative pieces that highlight the potential of short form content, as well as explaining how small businesses can adopt the technique as part of their marketing strategy. Some other recent releases include the use of AI to assist in creating content, and how content with a local focus can have a greater impact. Interested parties can find more information by visiting https://onepagecasestudies.com/how-to-write-a-one-page-case-study/. Contact Info: Name: Edward Winslow Email: ed@onepagecasestudies.com Organization: One Page Case Studies Address: 26 Tory Pl, Wilton, CT 06897, United States Website: https://onepagecasestudies.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181911 Enhanced network expands capacity and scalability to support global bandwidth demands Zayo Group, a global communications infrastructure provider, announced that its future-ready network in Europe is fully 400G enabled, providing enhanced capacity and scalability for businesses throughout Europe and across the globe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926316381/en/ Map of Zayo's 400G enabled route across Europe. (Photo: Business Wire) Zayo's 400G network allows businesses, data centres, carriers and hyperscalers to access high bandwidth, low latency connectivity throughout Europe with the most direct routing for multi-cloud and multi-market connectivity. The 400G enhancements also support global connectivity for Zayo customers outside of Europe, with Zayo's North American network also scheduled to be fully 400G enabled by the end of 2024. The upgrades of Zayo's network to 400G, coupled with its global reach, is a true differentiator in the market, acting as the backbone of the internet from the most northerly parts of the UK, through to mainland Europe, and across the globe. Zayo's European network is built on five diverse subsea cables, three of which are owned and operated by Zayo, powering 2,500 on-net buildings, 125 core points of presence (PoPs) and 16 metro fibre markets. As next generation technologies demand more and more bandwidth, 400G connectivity is increasingly becoming the standard for businesses across the world, largely thanks to enhanced scalability, simplified application and reduced circuit monitoring. Omdia research, commissioned in partnership with Ciena, highlights the appetite for 400G. Findings showed that 74% of companies rely on high-capacity services like 400G connect with enterprise locations or cloud providers, while 58% rely on it for data centre to data centre communication. Zayo's network enhancement also provides a significant sustainability benefit for 400G-connected businesses. Independent research showcases that Ciena's WaveLogic 5 Extreme, which underpins Zayo's 400G network, drives a threefold increase in fibre capacity while reducing power per bit by 80% and physical space needed by 85% compared to the original WaveLogic generation. Zayo is already looking towards the future, at the growth of 800G networks, having broken the world record for the longest 800G optical wave in a commercial network at 1,044.51km. Yannick Leboyer, Managing Director, Europe at Zayo Group, says: "Our customers are increasingly taking advantage of bandwidth-intensive applications to keep up with the competition from AI and IoT to advanced analytics which require significantly higher bandwidth and low latency connectivity. "Our ultimate goal is to ensure our global clients can remain on the cutting edge. That's why we're committed to the continued enhancement and modernization of our network to provide the fastest, most reliable connectivity." Will Rhodes, CMS Consultant at Ciena says: "Customers are now starting to buy 400G wave services across Europe, turning this from a niche to a real market. They are looking to achieve the highest capacity to support their business outcomes whilst delivering on their sustainability goals. 400G will support the ever-increasing data demand driven by new applications such AI and the aggregation of Machine-to-Machine connectivity." To learn more about Zayo's global network and capabilities, visit: https://www.zayo.com/resources/global-network-capabilities/ About Zayo Group For more than 15 years, Zayo has empowered some of the world's largest and most innovative companies to connect what's next for their business. Zayo's future-ready network spans over 17 million fibre miles and 142,000 route miles. Zayo's tailored connectivity and edge solutions enable carriers, cloud providers, data centres, schools, and enterprises to deliver exceptional experiences, from core to cloud to edge. Discover how Zayo connects what's next at www.zayo.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926316381/en/ Contacts: Avery Hand BLASTmedia for Zayo Group zayogroup@blastmedia.com LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The prevalence of genetic diseases is soaring at an alarming rate worldwide. This increased disease burden has elevated the demand for effective diseases management solutions. Most genetic ailments are complexed in nature since they are generally caused by abnormal alterations or mutation in a person's DNA. Medical researchers are making efforts to get deeper genetic disease insights and understand their underlying causes with the sole aim to simplify their management. Genetic ailments may affect people across all age groups irrespective of their gender or other biological characteristics. The accurate detection and treatment of many such diseases is still a distant dream. Understanding genetic disease pathways can get quite challenging for medical researchers. Widespread technological advancements in the healthcare vertical have undoubtedly paved the way for these researchers to delve into the world of genetic diseases and find ways to cure them and save millions of lives. DiseaseLandscape Insights with its healthcare consulting abilities has been supporting medical researchers and pharma organizations in their R&D activities. It has been helping various pharma firms in solidifying their position in the genetic disease market by providing them with drug launch strategies, post launch services, commercial strategy analysis, and product pipeline analysis-based pharma consulting services. DLI's Exhaustive Genetic Disease Consulting Repository- DLI has been associated for genetic disease research extensively. It maintains a vast repository of epidemiology study pertaining to numerous types of genetic disorders. Here are top diseases covered by DLI as a part of its vast repository- Cystic fibrosis Sickle cell anemia Huntington's disease. Solid Tumor Charcot Marie Tooth disorder Angelman Syndrome Albinism Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Disease Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Others DLI has been guiding healthcare research organizations, biotech firm, and pharma companies through overall genetic disease pipeline including genetic diseases drug discovery. With its deep dive expertise in the field, it is also helping these concerned entities to comply with fda gene therapy guidance regulations when it comes to drug development or formulation of diagnostic solutions. Elucidating the characteristics and symptoms of various genetic ailments- Genetic diseases manifest diverse symptoms that may vary from person to person. The symptoms generally comprise of cognitive, behavioural, and physical complications. Growth delays, chronic aches, learning disabilities, organ dysfunctions, and the onset of physiological issues are some of the primary symptoms of these ailments. It is notable to mention that most genetic diseases are passed down from one generation to the next through altered or mutated genes. The age of onset or severity of these ailments is not constant. Some genetic disorders may develop at an early stage whereas others may start showcasing symptoms later in life. Most of these diseases are chronic in nature and therefore cannot be cured permanently. Although DLI has been helping genetic disease experts in developing top selling rare disease drugs and eradicate such ailments. Diagnostic Landscape- The diagnosis of genetic ailments is not as simple as it sounds like. This is because most of these diseases are chronic and complicated in nature. Some of the noticeable symptoms may also be similar to that of non-genetic diseases, making it extremely difficult for professionals to detect the disorder accurately. But with the integration of advanced technologies in this vertical, experts have developed cutting edge diagnostic solutions. The promising results shown by these techniques are not only improving the lives of patients but are also bolstering genetic disorder market growth. Clinical evaluation, genetic testing, biopsies, imaging tests, prenatal testing, and biochemical tests are some of the efficient genetic disorder diagnostic tools. The first and foremost step in the course of disease diagnosis is to identify the symptoms and conduct medical history assessments. Since genetic disorders are inherited conditions, getting accurate data on family medical history eases the entire diagnostic process for the healthcare professionals. Price and Market Access Genetic Disease Treatment- Treatment gap identification is one of the crucial steps when it comes to the development of new treatment entities for any disease including inherited conditions. Without analysing the existing treatment landscape, players cannot cater to genetic disease unmet needs. DiseaseLandscape Insights through its commendable research capabilities has been assisting the concerned players in their drug and therapy formulation endeavours. Genetic disease statistics worldwide are suggesting a steep rise in the cases of genetic diseases. This has pushed medical scientists, pharma organizations, and healthcare experts to join hands and develop beneficial drugs and therapies. There are numerous gene therapies in development that are projected to revolutionize the genetic disease treatment vertical. Apart from that, various forms of oral medications, surgeries including stem cell transplants, along with occupational and physical therapies are already showing successful results in alleviating the symptoms of genetic disorders and improvising the lives of the masses. Pfizer rare disease drugs DLI has been conducting in depth research on the efforts taken by well known pharma companies when in comes to rare disease treatment solutions. From their product portfolio analysis to their price and market access strategies, DLI examines it all. As a result, DLI has discovered that Pfizer has been extensively involved in the development of treatments for various rare genetic diseases. It is known to have developed a drug named atolimod, aimed at treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Besides, it has also formulated other drug therapies for ailments such as haemophilia, Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis (hATTR), and Huntington's disease, among others. Role of DLI in Clinical Trials- For any drug or therapy to gain commercial recognition, its efficacy, safety, and long-term feasibility are required to be assessed thoroughly. Drug developers need to put their potential products through a series of clinical trial assessments. It is worth noting that clinical trial management comes with stringent responsibilities. DLI has been a forefront in ensuring smooth conduction of clinical trials. It helps players with clinical trial feasibility analysis, regulatory compliance, protocol development, patient recruitment, data management, safety monitoring, market access, and product portfolio extension, among others. Apart from these trials, DLI empowers players with new product launch services, post launch services, along with price reimbursement insights to ensure that their potential drugs survive in the highly competitive market. Pharma consulting Services Summing Up- DLI has been offering genetic disorder consultation to the related players to support them in their endeavours to develop effective diagnostic and treatment solutions. Inherited disorders are becoming highly prevalent across the globe, impacting people across all age groups. These diseases are complicated in nature since they are triggered by genetic alterations or mutations. It is crucial for medical experts to get comprehensive overview of such ailments so that they can identify the underlying causes and work on developing the genetic disease pipeline. By leveraging DLI's consulting services, these players are successfully conducting R&D activities and clinical trials, leading to the emergence of advanced drugs and therapies. These entities are giving a ray of hope to the genetic disease patients along with their caregivers. 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 the 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? Email: ajay@diseaselandscape.com? - Email: vishal@diseaselandscape.com? Corporate Sales:?+44-2038074155? Asia Office:?+917447409162 Blog: https://www.diseaselandscape.com/blogs? Case Study: https://www.diseaselandscape.com/casestudies?? Pharma consulting Services? Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2217060/Disease_Landscape_Insights_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revolutionizing-genetic-disease-research-dlis-vital-role-in-meeting-unmet-needs-pipeline-assessment-disease-intelligence-pricing-market-access-data-and-analysis-for-pharma-companies--disease-landscape-insights-301938540.html CAMBRIDGE, England, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Syskit Point, a leading platform for providing visibility in the Microsoft 365 environments, introduced a new homepage and security features. A new starting point brings all the crucial dashboards to IT admins in a centralised place to simplify management and increase security. "Through continuous dialogue with our customers, we deduced that the biggest challenge is the obscured visibility in the environment and the inability to take action immediately," said Toni Frankola, CEO of Syskit. "Syskit Point is recognised for its superior reporting and management features, but now we're taking things further. We have the simplest UX and powerful governance automation to include all employees and delegate responsibilities according to the best security practices". The latest release entails two security features in the form of Security and Compliance Checks and Policy Automation. Security and Compliance Checks enable organisations to see immediately when a vulnerability occurs. Vulnerabilities are marked by severity, and the navigated dashboard indicates how to resolve the issues directly. The feature supports IT admins in keeping up with security policies and compliance standards. Policy Automation provides an easy way to apply policies to all existing and newly created workspaces automatically. Frankola explained why companies must prioritise visibility in Microsoft 365: "With the advent of AI and upcoming business technologies, visibility in the environment is crucial now more than ever. IT admins must spend days digging through admin centres to create simple reports such as user permissions reports or try to detect how many external or orphaned users are in the environment. At the same time, the uncontrolled growth of workspaces creates security risks and hinders business continuity. Not to mention potential financial losses." All these novelties come as part of the company's rebrand that started earlier this summer. They've unveiled a new website imagined as a free knowledge hub for all things Microsoft 365. Website visitors can master effective management of tenants of any size through various resources. These include MVP-led webinars, PowerShell scripts, blogs, case studies, and eBooks." About Syskit Syskit is the creator of Syskit Point, a leading platform for introducing visibility in the Microsoft 365. Driven by a mission to empower users and reduce complexities in their ecosystems, the company developed a centralized hub for streamlining management and governance. The platform is available for a 21-day free trial. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2161152/syskit_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/redesigned-syskit-point-introduces-complete-visibility-to-microsoft-365-301937262.html KardiaMobile 6L is the first smartphone-based personal electrocardiogram (ECG) to be conditionally recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as part of its Early Value Assessment (EVA) pilot project. 1 KardiaMobile 6L has been recommended for use in psychiatric services as an option to measure cardiac QT interval for adults having or about to have antipsychotic medication, subject to the generation of additional evidence. 1 People taking antipsychotic medication are at increased risk of severe cardiac events 1 and their life expectancy is significantly lower than the general population. 2 There is an unmet need for more accessible and available measurements for detecting cardiac abnormalities in psychiatric services.1 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AliveCor, the world's leading innovator in personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology, today announced the publication of the Early Value Assessment (EVA) by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which conditionally recommends the use of KardiaMobile 6L in psychiatric services as an option to measure cardiac QT interval for adults having, or about to have, antipsychotic medication.1 There is an unmet clinical need for a more easily accessible and available measurement for detecting cardiac abnormalities in NHS psychiatric services, as antipsychotic medication can prolong the QT interval* and lead to severe cardiac events.1 Detecting cardiac abnormalities in people taking antipsychotic medication - such as prolonged QT interval - can inform choice of therapy, dosing and whether to stop therapy, and potentially avoid severe cardiac events, which are contributing to the significantly lower life expectancy of these patients, as compared to the general population. 1, 2 KardiaMobile 6L is a portable ECG recording device that provides instant detection of cardiac abnormalities and can be used to measure heart changes including cardiac QT interval.1 "Timely ECG monitoring of patients who are on antipsychotic medication can save lives. Having access to KardiaMobile 6L will mean potentially vulnerable patients can now be seen in the comfort of their homes, reducing their stress whilst ensuring that this essential monitoring is completed anywhere, at any time. It's encouraging that NICE has recognised the need for early access to this important technology," said Dr Mani Krishnan, Consultant Psychiatrist and Specialty Clinical Director, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. KardiaMobile 6L has been recommended as part of NICE's EVA pilot project, created to drive earlier access to promising healthcare innovations for use within the National Health Service in England and Wales. The first and only NICE recommended smartphone-based ECG device, KardiaMobile 6L can be used by healthcare professionals in both a hospital setting and as part of routine home visits.1 This may reduce stress and anxiety amongst psychiatric patients as the test can be completed in familiar surroundings.1 Portable ECG testing also eliminates the need for travel and the requirement for conductive gel and undressing, which can cause reluctance and distress for patients.1 KardiaMobile 6L has the potential to ensure timely ECG testing is available which could help adults having antipsychotic medication get faster access to safe and effective antipsychotic treatment.1 "We are delighted that KardiaMobile 6L has been recognised by NICE and reviewed by the Early Value Assessment pilot project. This decision is testament to the clinical importance of detecting and monitoring heart disturbances both in clinic and at home, something especially important in psychiatric services," said Sean Warren, Business Director UK&I, AliveCor. "We have a wealth of clinical data on the use of KardiaMobile 6L in cardiology, with NICE's EVA recommendation we will now support the collection of real-world evidence as to its effectiveness in psychiatric services. We applaud NICE and the physicians that have worked on this project for their forward-thinking approach to the use of novel health tech within the NHS, as we know it is patients that will be the ultimate beneficiaries." NICE's decision was based on a systematic review of eight studies that evaluated the technical performance of KardiaMobile 6L compared with a 12-lead device.1 Conditional to NICE's positive recommendation is that further evidence on the use of this innovative technology in psychiatric services must be generated to inform a further full technology reassessment.1 *A prolonged QT interval indicates an abnormality detected on an ECG.3 This abnormality reflects a disturbance in the conduction of electricity in the lower chamber (ventricles) of the heart.3 Multiple factors can trigger prolonged QT interval including high doses of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, antibiotics, and antidepressants.3 Notes to editor NICE's EVA recommendation for KardiaMobile 6L's use in psychiatric services1 KardiaMobile 6L can be used in psychiatric services as an option to measure cardiac QT interval for adults having or about to have antipsychotic medication while more evidence is generated only if: A repeat QT interval measurement using a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device is offered to: Women with a corrected QT interval (QTc) longer than 470 milliseconds Men, trans people having hormone treatment, and intersex people who have QTc longer than 440 milliseconds People who have a follow-up ECG with more than a 50 millisecond increase in QTc For trans people not having hormone treatment, use the QTc threshold for their sex registered at birth Training for healthcare professionals on recording an ECG, and measuring and interpreting QT interval is provided People are offered information about why this testing is done and why testing may be repeated using a 12-lead device after it has been measured using KardiaMobile 6L Additional evidence required by NICE on KardiaMobile 6L in the use of psychiatric services1 NICE has requested that additional evidence is generated on: The accuracy of KardiaMobile 6L to measure QT interval in adults having or about to have antipsychotic medications How the test result affects clinical decision making How long the testing takes, who interprets the results and how often the test is repeated using a 12-lead device Patient preferences How long it takes before antipsychotic medication is started How many adults who need an ECG to measure QT interval have one How common prolonged QT is in adults having antipsychotic medication About AliveCor AliveCor, Inc. is transforming cardiological care using deep learning. The FDA-cleared KardiaMobile device is the most clinically-validated personal ECG solution in the world. KardiaMobile 6L provides instant detection of Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, Tachycardia, Sinus Rhythm with Supraventricular Ectopy, Sinus Rhythm with Premature Ventricular Contractions, Sinus Rhythm with Wide QRS, and Normal Sinus Rhythm in an ECG. Kardia is the first AI-enabled platform to aid patients and clinicians in the efficient detection of atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia and one associated with a highly-elevated risk of stroke. AliveCor's enterprise platform allows third-party providers to manage their patients' and customers' heart conditions simply using state-of-the-art tools that provide easy front-end and back-end integration to AliveCor technologies. AliveCor protects its customers with stringent data security and compliance practices, achieving ISO 27001 Certification, SOC 2 Type 2 Certification and HIPAA compliance attestation. AliveCor is a privately-held company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. "Consumer" or "Personal" ECGs are ECG devices available for direct sale to consumers. For more information, visit alivecor.com. For further information please contact: Ruder Finn Annabelle Redfern T: +44 (0) 79509 17945 annabelle.redfern@ruderfinn.co.uk AliveCor For media enquiries: Chris Shelford chris.shelford@alivecor.com For business enquiries: Sean Warren sean.warren@alivecor.com References 1NICE. Health Technology Evaluation: KardiaMobile 6L for measuring cardiac QT interval in adults having antipsychotic medication (HTE10). 2023. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/hte10. Last accessed: September 2023. 2 NICE. Diagnostics Assessment Programme: KardiaMobile 6L for measuring QT interval in people having antipsychotic medication. Final scope. 2022. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-hte10026/documents/final-scope. Last accessed: September 2023. 3 NHS Long QT Syndrome. 2017. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/long-qt-syndrome. Last accessed: September 2023. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alivecors-kardiamobile-6l-becomes-first-personal-ecg-device-recommended-for-use-in-psychiatric-services-in-england-and-wales-301938573.html AHMEDABAD, India, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a pivotal move to elevate occupational health, safety, and environmental standards, Oizom has successfully deployed its real-time air quality monitor - Dustroid - at the world's deepest gold undermine South Africa. Oizom is a leading global company in environmental monitoring solutions with over 2000 devices installed to cater to various industries. The gold mine, distinguished by its Guinness World Record for staggering depth, has daily operations that see over 4000 miners excavating more than 5400 metric tonnes of rock. Such an expansive operation inevitably leads to massive dust generation. When combined with the mine's notably high temperatures, this dust can severely compromise the air quality, posing respiratory hazards to the miners. This could impact their long-term health, diminishing their quality of life. Ensuring the air miners breathe is of the best quality isn't just good practice-it's essential. Remember when miners used Canary birds to know the air quality on mining sites? Thankfully, those days are behind us. With Oizom's Dustroid, we are not just talking about an upgrade; it's a game-changer. Imagine a device that doesn't falter, even with particulate matter concentrations of up to 30,000 ug/m3 or when temperatures rise above 40C. Dustroid offers more than just readings, it gives us a clear picture by breaking down the various gases detected within the dust. With automated dust suppression systems, you can automate sprinklers or other techniques to take quick actions and avoid potential hazards. With the accurate data insights offered by our dust monitoring system , the mine has been able to implement preventive measures, reducing potential health risks for the miners. Reflecting on this landmark collaboration, Jainam Mehta, CBO of Oizom, commented, "We are immensely proud to see Dustroid making such a profound impact in one of the world's most challenging mining environments. Our mission has always been to create safer, more sustainable workspaces, and this partnership reiterates the capabilities and commitment of Oizom's solutions." In an industry where atmospheric conditions directly impact operational efficiency and safety, Oizom stands out as the beacon of transformative change by providing accurate real-time air quality monitoring in mines . For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Jainam Mehta - CBO at Oizom hello@oizom.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220384/Oizom_Instruments_Pvt_Ltd_1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worlds-deepest-mining-site-trusted-oizoms-real-time-air-quality-monitors-for-maintaining-occupational-health--safety-301938560.html In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Sweden's producer prices declined for the fourth straight month in August amid a continued slump in costs for energy-related products, figures from Statistics Sweden showed on Tuesday. The producer price index dropped 5.9 percent year-on-year in August, faster than the 2.1 percent fall in July. The annual rate of the producer price index, excluding energy-related products, was 3.0 percent. Prices in the domestic market alone slid 9.3 percent. Prices for energy-related goods fell sharply by 37.5 percent annually in August. Meanwhile, prices of consumer goods gained 9.2 percent, and those of capital goods climbed 7.2 percent. Monthly, producer prices dropped 0.7 percent in August versus a 0.6 percent fall seen in the preceding month. Data also showed that import prices fell 3.2 percent yearly, and the export price index was 1.9 percent lower. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EMF, a leading premium carnations producer with farms in Ethiopia and Kenya has secured investment from AgDevCo to expand into two further farms in the Naivasha area, Kenya. The partnership with AgDevCo expands on EMF's expertise as one of East Africa's leading premium carnation producers. EMF currently produces on 60 hectares for export to Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. With the planned expansion in Kenya, EMF will substantially increase its production and assortment by opening at least two new production locations, creating at least 400 new jobs. Dirk Hogervorst, CEO of EMF commented: "We are delighted to be concluding this financing with AgDevCo. EMF has already established itself as a supplier of some of the best quality carnations available in Europe, which is opening doors for us in other global markets. Our customers want more of our flowers. This financing will allow us to significantly expand our production and portfolio in Kenya - where we started producing at Kinangop Farm in 2022 - while maintaining our reputation for top quality carnations." The market for premium carnations continues to grow in Europe. Ideal climatic conditions in Kenya combined with EMF's technical expertise, result in high yields of the highest quality flowers, at a lower unit cost and lower carbon footprint than European producers, where flowers are typically grown in heated greenhouses. Farms in Naivasha are less than a day's travel to the international port of Mombasa, with sea freight links to Europe and other key markets. "We are thrilled with this partnership with AgDevCo, which allows EMF to harness Kenya's potential as one of the best places in the world to grow flowers," said Riaz Currimjee, Chairman of EMF. "AgDevCo have been thorough and thoughtful in their approach and have structured a financing product that is well-tailored and aligned to EMF's needs. We now have the tools to take advantage of the substantial opportunity we see for growth in premium carnations globally." AgDevCo's Managing Director for East Africa, Rebecca Sankar said: 'We're pleased to be making our first floriculture investment by partnering with EMF for this significant development in Kenya's flower industry. We have been impressed by EMF's commitment to quality jobs and sustainability, including actively exploring the future use of sea freight to minimise its carbon footprint. We see potential for continued growth in premium carnations internationally. This will increase rural employment and skills in a niche but high value segment of the Kenyan floriculture industry.' EMF's expansion in Kenya provides valuable employment and training opportunities for local communities in the Naivasha region, particularly with the challenges faced by rose growers in the region in recent years. EMF already employs some 600 employees in Ethiopia and over 200 employees in Kenya. With the planned Kenyan expansion, employee numbers in Kenya should reach similar levels to Ethiopia. NOTES FOR EDITORS: The transaction was supported by Charles Russell Speechlys in London, Dentons and YKJ Legal in Mauritius, and Anjarwhalla & Khanna in Kenya. EMF is a specialist producer of premium carnations with a market-leading position at the Royal FloraHolland flower auction market, with GLOBAL G.A.P. certifications. www.emf-flowers.com AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture, growing sustainable and impactful agribusiness, with USD 280m under management. Backed by leading development finance institutions including BII, Norfund, US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, AgDevCo's vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector, which benefits both people and planet by investing in and supporting agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, produce and process food and link farmers to markets. They support their partners to work towards climate sustainability, and where possible, regenerative solutions. www.agdevco.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221260/AgDevCo_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/737847/4295287/AgDevCo_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/east-african-magical-farms-emf-with-support-from-agdevco-to-expand-carnation-production-hub-in-kenya-301938673.html The software manufacturer demonstrates how a Clean Core approach can accelerate the smooth transition to the new SAP product generation with its solution for automated invoice processing on SAP BTP. At the SAP SBN User Conference taking place on 17./18. October 2023 in Oslo, visitors will be informed about the latest SAP product developments. The conference will also cover topics including Clean Core, AI-enabled technologies, hybrid scenarios, business innovation and future-proof business processes. The User Conference offers visitors a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with SAP experts and SAP partner companies. SAP user companies are facing the transition to the new product generation in the foreseeable future. Therefore SAP encourages its customers to replace previous individual SAP landscapes based on user exits with a "clean core" characterized by standardization. The SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which SAP envisages as the future basis for SAP business processes, meets all the requirements for this. It is the ideal solution for customer-specific processes. xSuite provides two solutions on the SAP BTP. The first one is a business partner portal, which simplifies, among other things, digital supplier communication as a central platform for P2P processes. The second is a very new solution for accounts payable invoice automation, which was released at the SAPPHIRE conference in Orlando. Both solutions are suitable for any S/4HANA operating model: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Cloud Private Edition and on-premises installations. This streamlines any migration and provides SAP user companies with maximum flexibility. Johanna Roman, Finance Systems Lead at Neptune Energy, will share insights on the collaboration and experiences with xSuite. The session (LOGISTIC track, 1:30-2:10 pm) will address the question how to build internal resilience in a changing world. xSuite is an established provider of APIA solutions for the SAP market with strong expertise in the areas of e-invoicing, AI in invoice processing and holistic P2P processes. The software developer will present its solutions at the SBN User Conference 2023 on booth S1. Event information: SAP SBN User Conference 2023 Address: Nationaltheatret Konferansesenter, Haakon VIIs gate 9, Oslo, 0161, Norway Registration/information: https://sbn.no/catalog/products/sbn-conference-2023 About xSuite With offices in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., experience across industries and multiple SAP solutions to boot, xSuite is a top innovator in optimizing SAP-based P2P workflows, providing software and implementing solutions for over 1,300 clients. The company has become a trusted partner in modernizing AP systems and automating manual, paper-based processes. www.xsuite.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926673955/en/ Contacts: Contact xSuite Nordic: Martin Lundsteen DK-2500 Valby Tel. +45 70 27 03 09 info.nordic@xsuite.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - First Lithium Minerals Corp. (CSE: FLM) (OTC Pink: PGPXF) (FSE: X28) ("First Lithium Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update at its 100% owned OCA project ("OCA Project") in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. The Company completed a selective geochemical surface sampling program at the Salar de Ascotan. A total of 15 brine and brackish water samples were collected directly off the surface in the salar at depths of up to 0.3 meter and in the alluvium surrounding the salar surface. Results from AGS Laboratory, Coquimbo, Chile assays of the complete sample set range from trace to 78 Li (mg/L), with the average of 42.6 Li (mg/L) and median of 57.3 Li (mg/L). Potassium assay values averaged 1,042.8 K (mg/L) with a median at 1,445 K (mg/L), and Boron averaged 705.1 B (mg/L) with a median of 1,003.3 B (mg/L). As total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations increase with depth in common hydrogeological settings of northern Chilean salars, the geochemical results are congruent with the expectation that lithium and alkaline metals should be present in higher concentrations at depth. Figure 1. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Samples, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. Number Coordinates UTM Element Sample East North B Ca Li K Na Mg (m) (m) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) AST-1 575,042 7,629,681 169.3 1,901.9 63.5 1,445.0 15,148.6 999.7 AST-2 575,765 7,629,933 166.9 1,926.5 61.4 1,454.5 14,222.4 1,007.8 AST-3 572,797 7,627,938 162.4 1,908.8 59.2 1,440.2 15,047.0 1,001.3 AST-4 572,609 7,627,646 148.5 1,788.1 54.9 1,355.9 12,865.6 964.3 AST-5 570,767 7,616,586 155.2 1,975.7 57.3 1,482.1 15,818.2 1,022.7 AST-6 570,693 7,615,647 170.3 2,153.1 60.8 1,597.4 18,454.4 1,099.3 AST-7 575,087 7,606,651 158.8 2,014.9 56.1 1,503.3 15,418.0 1,036.0 AST-8 575,278 7,605,089 171.2 2,033.4 59.8 1,532.2 14,884.9 1,043.6 AST-9 573,064 7,620,083 225.8 2,465.9 78.0 1,832.6 17,668.6 1,237.8 AST-10 572,392 7,620,570 187.4 1,989.6 65.6 1,510.4 16,353.8 1,017.7 AST-11 584,941 7,600,005 143.4 86.5 4.8 102.5 2,488.2 31.1 AST-12 581,340 7,626,179 146.9 108.8 4.9 112.2 2,624.5 34.3 AST-13 581,416 7,621,226 125.0 83.8 4.2 93.4 2,197.9 28.0 AST-14 583,239 7,623,593 134.4 89.5 4.5 101.8 2,380.7 29.8 AST-15 582,382 7,630,840 107.4 56.4 3.6 79.1 1,862.7 22.7 Average 158.2 1,372.2 42.6 1,042.8 11,162.4 705.1 Median 158.8 1,908.8 57.3 1,445.0 14,884.9 1,001.3 Source: Company reports Figure 2. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Sample Location, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3968/181869_5be1c3e7747b8b84_002full.jpg Source: Company reports The Company is advancing to its inaugural brine resource exploration program in the northeastern property areas at the Salar de Ascotan (approx. 1,775 ha), which also displayed promising geophysical characteristics based on the Transient Electromagnetic ("TEM") and Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysical surveys conducted in Q4/22 and Q1/23. Future drilling and sampling are planned to test the conceptual hydrogeologic model, enhance understanding of the controls as well as obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the lithium and alkaline metals bearing brines and sediments and their economic potential. In August 2023, First Lithium Minerals personnel met with the Quechua Cebollar Ascotan Community on the envisioned exploration activities, visited the proposed sites for a drilling program, and discussed the areas and elements of future cooperation and engagement. In September 2023, the Company applied for a regulatory environmental assessment permit and is currently in the process of applying for a drilling permit, concurrently with the drilling contractor selection. Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director of First Lithium Minerals commented: "Highs of 78 Li mg/L at surface brine and brackish water samples validate Salar de Ascotan as a strong exploration target and potential future resource. It is also important to note that samples were collected just off the surface with no shallow or auger drilling performed. Typically, such surface samples are highly diluted with only traces of lithium and alkaline metals. It is our belief Salar de Ascotan mineralization will exhibit typical hydrogeological conditions of the salars in northern Chile where deeper brine enrichment is encountered at depth. We look forward to starting our drilling program as soon as all regulatory permits are obtained, and weather conditions allow." The Company is expecting to commence a drilling program in Q4/23-Q1/24, conditional upon obtaining required government permits, licences, and agreements. The field sampling of brines and brackish water from the surface was done in accordance with generally accepted industry standards. The sampling program included Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) standard elements such as including duplicate, CRM, and blank samples. Formal chain of custody documents were prepared for every sample obtained and submitted for laboratory analysis to AGS Laboratory, Avenida La Cantera 2270, Coquimbo Chile (ISO/IEC NCh17025:2017 Standard and the ISO 900:2015 Standard). In the opinion of the QP, sample preparation, security, and analytical procedures were acceptable and results from the laboratory analyses are considered adequate. About First Lithium Minerals First Lithium Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. The Company is currently focusing on exploring for alkali metals at its 100% owned OCA project comprised of approximately 9,000 ha of mineral exploration concessions located in the salars of Ollague, Carcote, and Ascotan in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. In Q4/22 and Q1/23 the Company conducted two property-wide geophysical surveys, identified two priority exploration targets for potential brine mineralization, and is currently planning its inaugural drilling program at the Salar de Ascotan pending obtaining required drilling permits and licences. First Lithium Minerals also acquired and is currently focusing on exploring for lithium and rare earth metals at its 100% owned LSL project comprised of 1,900 ha of mining claims located in the Patricia Mining Division of northwestern Ontario. Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's website: www.firstlithium.ca Qualified Person Aldo Moreno Salinas is the VP of Exploration for First Lithium Minerals and the Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Moreno is a seasoned geologist with 40 years of experience in exploration and evaluation of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, has a degree in geology from Universidad de Chile, is a member of the Chilean Professional Association of Geologists No. 437 and registered in the Public Records of Competent Persons No. 328. For further information please contact: First Lithium Minerals Corp. 77 King St. W Suite 3000 Toronto, ON M5K 1G8 Tel: 416-402-2428 Email: rob@firstlithium.ca Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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 but not limited to: exploration activities, geophysical and geochemical surveys, its results and interpretation, studies and interpretations of historical exploration information, drill target definition, permitting, licences, environmental laws and regulations, changes in government regulations and laws, obtaining social licence to explore and operate, community engagements, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, general business, economic, competitive, reliance on third parties, the actual results of operations, and other risks of the resources industry. 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. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181869 ADIPEC 2023 will provide a platform for industry to demonstrate it can help fast-track the energy transition - building the energy system of the future , while rapidly decarbonising the energy system of today . Policymakers, energy industry leaders, consumers, and technology pioneers will address the strategies and innovative ideas needed to accelerate the energy transition. Ten strategic and technical conferences to platform diverse perspectives of more than 1,600 experts from energy, finance and technology. ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 40 ministers and 120 leading energy industry executives from across the world, will come together in Abu Dhabi for ADIPEC 2023, where they will demonstrate progress, share strategies and spark innovative solutions needed to accelerate decarbonisation and the energy transition. Hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2023 is the world's largest energy industry gathering, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 2-5 October under the theme of 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together.'. It is expected to bring together more than 160,000 attendees from 160 countries, across the global energy industry, to collaborate to decarbonise today's energy system and partner to build the energy system of tomorrow. Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore, said: "By 2030, the world will be home to an additional half a billion people, demanding more energy every year. At the same time, the global challenge of climate change calls for urgent, game-changing solutions to eliminate emissions. Every government, industry, business and individual has a role to play in decarbonising quicker, and creating the future of energy, faster, while safeguarding energy security and ensuring nobody is left behind. "Decarbonising, faster, together, is not just the theme of ADIPEC 2023, it is a rallying call to industry to work together to transform, decarbonise and future-proof our industry. We want to accelerate the innovation and tangible actions needed to enable a lower-carbon and higher-growth future for the world." ADIPEC 2023 will host a series of ministerial panel discussions that will encompass the geopolitical, sustainability and economic issues around decarbonisation and the future of energy, including sessions on 'Navigating energy and geopolitics in the new world order'; 'Global partnerships: a critical agenda to solve the energy crisis' and 'The road to COP28: climate, sustainability and an equitable transition'. Through its 10 strategic and technical conferences, ADIPEC will address how the energy industry can respond to critical industry challenges including eliminating methane emissions by 2030; phasing out carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2050; assuring energy security and clean energy investment flows in the global south; and scaling decarbonisation technology and clean energies to achieve carbon neutrality. Government leaders confirmed to speak at ADIPEC 2023 include: H.E. Haitham Al-Ghais, Secretary General, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; H.E. Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE; H.E. Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt; H.E. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan; and H.E. Matt Jones, Minster of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Alberta Canada. ADIPEC's ministerial dialogue will be complemented by diverse perspectives from more than 120 C-suite executives from across the energy value chain. The lead CEO panel on day one of ADIPEC, titled 'Actions for a net-zero world: solving the current energy trilemma' will address the strategies and credible solutions needed to deliver net-zero pledges, including managing investor and consumer expectations, creating resilient workforces and ensuring financial investment to build new operating models. The session will feature Dai Houliang, Chairman, CNPC; Wael Sawan, CEO, Shell; Patrick Pouyanne; Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies; Vicki Hollub, President and CEO, Occidental; and Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, organisers of ADIPEC 2023, said: "For nearly 40 years, ADIPEC has been a key international gathering driving the global energy debate. In 2023, when the relationship between energy and climate is dominating government agendas, ADIPEC will again gather the world's leaders from government and industry to address the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. "With the participation of over 40 government ministers and 120 leading industry executives, ADIPEC 2023 will be where policymakers and the energy industry exchange the insights and find the solutions that will enable the world to decarbonise faster and create a new, sustainable energy system sooner." This year, ADIPEC will include two new strategic conferences. In response to the growing role of hydrogen in global net zero plans, the ADIPEC Hydrogen Strategic Conference has been designed to discuss the role of hydrogen in global economies, the latest technological breakthroughs, near-term and long-term strategies, and the actions required to scale the hydrogen economies of the future. Meanwhile, the Decarbonisation Strategic Conference will feature strategic sessions with a focus on addressing the need for innovative policies, new investment, technological advancement, new energy sources, and decarbonisation of heavy industries. Also new this year is the ADIPEC Energy Talks that will include a series of 18 high-profile, in-depth interviews with global industry CEOs, government leaders and industry experts including Ashraf Al Ghazzawi; EVP, Strategy and Corporate Development, Saudi Aramco; Dr Ernest J. Moniz, Chief Executive Officer and President, EFI Foundation; Dr. Roland Busch, CEO, Siemens AG; Mark Brownstein, SVP, Energy Transition, Environmental Defence Fund; and Lord John Browne, Chairman, BeyondNetZero. ADIPEC will also feature over 350 curated sessions to address some of the world's most pressing climate and energy challenges. They will feature the unique perspectives and experiences of experts from around the world, helping to forge international collaborations while exploring the strategies and innovations critical to accelerating a cleaner, more secure global energy future. More than 160,000 attendees from 160 countries are expected to attend ADIPEC 2023, and over 2,200 exhibiting companies - including 54 NOCS, IOCS, NECS, and IECS at 30 dedicated country pavilions - will convene in Abu Dhabi towards a common goal - to decarbonise quicker, future-proof sooner, and create the energy system of the future, faster. NOTES TO EDITOR: Other government leaders who will speak at ADIPEC's strategic conferences include: H.E. Belinda Balluku, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Albania H.E. Hakob Simidyan, Minister of Environment, Armenia H.E. Parvaiz Shabazov, Minister of Energy, Azerbaijan Senator The Honourable Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business Development, Barbados Government Honourable Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mines, Burundi H.E. George Papanastasiou, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Cyprus Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Gambia H.E. Dr Matthew Opuku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana Honourable Vickram Bharrat, M.P. Minister of Natural Resources, Guyana H.E. Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia H.E. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan H.E. Dr Saleh Al Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Minister of Resources, Jordan H.E. Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Kenya H.E. Sheikh Dr Nimr Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Minister of Oil, Kuwait H.E. Nani Chrougha, Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy, Mauritania H.E. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Morocco Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honourable Minister of State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Nigeria Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria H.E. Eng. Zafer Melhem, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Palestinian Energy Authority Chief, Palestine H.E. Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy, Romania H.E. Aissatou Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Senegal H.E. Devika Vidot, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, Seychelles H.E. Dr Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Somalia H.E. Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Timor-Leste H.E. Dr Alparslan Bayaktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Turkey Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda Top global industry executives who will speak at ADIPEC's strategic conferences include: Thomas Gangl, CEO, Borealis Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, CEO, Mubadala Energy His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman, Bapco Energies Anders Opedal, President and CEO, Equinor Dai Houliang, Chairman, CNPC Dr Roland Busch, CEO, Siemens AG Jeff Miller, CEO, Halliburton Alfred Stern, CEO, OMV Martin Helweg, CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics Takayuki Ueda, President and CEO, INPEX Lorenzo Simonelli, President, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes Majid Jafar, CEO, Crescent Petroleum Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO, Uganda National Oil Company Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA Akshay Kumar Singh, CEO and Managing Director, Petronet The full conference programme and list of speakers can be viewed here: https://www.adipec.com/conferences/ Media registration for access to ADIPEC 2023 can be completed here: https://www.adipec.com/press-media/registration/ About ADIPEC Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC will take place in Abu Dhabi on October 2-5, 2023, under the theme of 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together.' Built on a nearly 40-year legacy of innovation and evolution, ADIPEC brings together the ideas, ambition, technology and capital needed to decarbonise and create the energy system of the future, faster. It unites key stakeholders from across the energy value chain to accelerate urgent, collective and responsible action, produce credible, game-changing solutions, and foster the transformational progress needed to create an inclusive, future-proof energy system. Across 350 unique sessions comprising strategic and technical conferences, ADIPEC 2023 will welcome more than 1,600 speakers - including government ministers, CEOs, policymakers, energy experts and innovators - to rally industries, sectors and individuals around a common cause, encouraging collaboration and the action required to advance the world's decarbonisation goals. As the UAE prepares to welcome global leaders to COP28 in November 2023, ADIPEC will help frame diverse conversations that complement the nation's goal of delivering a COP of collaborative action, while driving investment into the clean energies of the future. For more information visit: www.adipec.com About ADNOC ADNOC is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADNOC's objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate's vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates' economic growth and diversification. To find out more, visit: www.adnoc.ae For media inquiries, please contact: media@adnoc.ae Or prteam@acornstrategy.com; Maryam Danagege/ M: +971565885578 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221314/ADIPEC.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/over-40-global-ministers-and-120-ceos-to-address-fast-tracking-the-global-energy-transition-at-adipec-2023-301938736.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) ("StrikePoint" or the "Company") announces the results of its first phase of exploration results for the 44 square kilometer Cuprite Gold Project ("Cuprite Gold") strategically located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada between Centerra's Gemfield Deposit and Anglogold's "Expanded Silicon" project. (Figure 1, Nevada Locator Map) Michael G. Allen said, "We have completed 13.5-line kilometers of Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical surveys and collected over 1,000 soil samples on the project as well as detailed geological mapping. This work resulted in a 2.6 square kilometer multi-element soil anomaly, coincident with resistivity and chargeability highs and projected ground preparation by multiple structures. The Company is evaluating additional geophysical and geological work while targeting a drilling program for late 2023 or early 2024." Exploration Update Webinar The Company will be hosting an interactive webinar on Thursday September 28, 2023 at 10 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern time. Register from this link: https://events.6ix.com/preview/strikepoint-gold-nevada-exploration-update Soil Sampling Results A total of 1,041 soil samples were collected on 17 lines spaced approximately 200 meters apart. On-line sample spacing was approximately 30 meters. Samples were collected using a hand auger at an average depth of approximately 30 cm. Results of the survey were a coherent mercury soil anomaly, coincidental with the projection of and geophysical signature of normal faults of the Stonewall Mountain Caldera, plus minor mercury anomalies possibly associated with secondary structures. Associated arsenic and antimony anomalies appear to be associated slightly outboard of the mercury anomalies suggesting the possibility of a convection cell caused by the oxidation of sulphides at depth. Individual samples ranged from 0.0009 ppm to 7.4 ppm mercury, with 12 samples registering greater than 1 ppm mercury. (Figure 2, Cuprite Mercury in Soils) Geophysical Survey Results Zonge International completed the three lines of IP data using a dipole-dipole array with a 250-meter dipole length. The survey identified a possible 6-kilometer-long structural corridor that aligns with the hypothesised Stonewall Mountain Caldera margin. Zones of high resistivity thought to be potential silicification were offset through normal faulting. (Figure 3, Cuprite Inverted Resistivity) Chargeability highs corresponded to the interpreted faults. (Figure 4, Cuprite Inverted Resistivity) Overall, the data indicates a possible large scale hydrothermal system in a similar structural environment to the nearby 4.22-million-ounce gold Silicon Deposit operated by AngloGold. Geological Mapping In addition, the Company's on-going geological mapping at the Cuprite Gold Project has identified multiple east-west structures that project into the mercury anomaly identified from the soil sampling program. This highlights the potential of significant ground preparation for mineralizing fluids where the east-west structures intersect the hypothesised Stonewall Mountain Caldera Margin. (Figure 5, Mapped Cuprite Geology and Structures) Conclusion The Cuprite Gold Project is a known area of significant hydrothermal and acid-leach alteration. Work by StrikePoint has identified sizable, structural, geochemical and geophysical anomalies similar in scale to the AngloGold's Silicon Deposit. The soil geochemical anomalies, coincident with geophysical and mapped structures indicate a large-scale target exists on the property. (Figure 6, Cuprite Target Areas) The Company is evaluating the additional geophysical and geological work to help refining the target prior to the Company's inaugural drill program at the Cuprite Gold Project, expected in late 2023 or early 2024. Option Grant The Company announces that it has granted 3,750,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, consultants and/or employees. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share until September 26, 2028. Additionally, a total of 300,000 incentive options have been awarded to Knox Communications Inc., a Canadian based firm focusing on marketing, investor communications and raising capital for the Company. The options will vest on a quarterly basis over a twelve-month period in blocks of 25%. For further information on Knox Communications please refer to the Company's April 27, 2023 news release. Incentive stock options granted to directors, officers and consultants of the Company are subject to restrictions on resale until January 26, 2024 in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About StrikePoint StrikePoint Gold is a gold exploration company focused on building precious metals resources in Canada and the Western United States. In addition to Cuprite Gold Project, the Company controls two advanced-stage exploration assets in British Columbia's Golden Triangle: the past-producing high-grade silver Porter-Idaho Project and the high-grade gold Willoughby Project. The Cuprite Gold Project consists of approximately 574 unpatented claims covering approximately 44-square kilometers, located 15-kilometers south of Goldfield Nevada, and 85-kilometers northwest of Beatty. The project is easily accessible by Highway 95 on the western margin of the property. The project is located within the Walker Lane Gold Trend, which hosts Anglogold's exciting Silicon Gold and Merlin discoveries approximately 75-kilometers southeast of Cuprite. In addition, the Walker Lane hosts Tier 1 gold mines including Kinross's Round Mountain Mine located approximately 130-kilometers North of Cuprite Gold Project. Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Michael G. Allen, P. Geo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Allen is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. The soil samples were delivered to the American Assay Laboratories prep lab in Reno, Nevada. They were prepped using method P-SP81, in which samples are dried at 60 degrees C and sieved to -80m. Prepped samples were analyzed by the method IM-2A16, which uses a 2-acid digestion of a 0.5g sample and gives results for 16 elements. Another analysis for mercury utilized method DM-Hg11, which is a direct mercury analytic technique analyzing mercury vapor from the sample. The samples were also analyzed using the method TS-SP99, which utilizes near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to analyze clay minerals. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC. "Michael G. Allen" Michael G. Allen President, Chief Executive Officer & Director For more information, please contact: StrikePoint Gold Inc. Michael G. Allen, President CEO & Director T: (604) 374-8381 E: ma@strikepointgold.com W: www.strikepointgold.com Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "speculates", "could" or "would". All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. 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 information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181863 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (CSE:GLM)(OTCQB:GOLXF) ("GLM or the "Company") is pleased to announce the staking of an additional forty-six Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") lode claims totaling 924 acres near its Jewel Ridge project in Eureka County, Nevada. GLM now controls approximately 2,642 acres or approximately 10.7 square kilometers ("km") in the prolific Eureka mining district. The new claims were staked to secure ground on which the Company obtained high-grade precious and base metal values in preliminary sampling. The property consists of unpatented lode claims that are 100% owned by the Company, without any royalty obligations or work commitments, and includes the historic Kentucky and Mountain Boy mines, as well as numerous small mines and prospects (Figure 1). Initial selective grab samples taken by the company's geological team have returned significant precious and base metal values of up to 1.73 grams gold per tonne (g/t Au), 698 grams silver per tonne, (g/t Ag), 1.47 % copper (% Cu), 6.66 % lead (Pb), and >30 % zinc (Zn). Table 1 lists the initial sample results. "With all of the exploration activity ongoing in the re-emerging Eureka District, Golden Lake is excited to be able to report a significant addition to our land position and the encouraging preliminary samples results from the newly acquired area." stated Mike England CEO of Golden Lake. Table 1 - Initial sample results Sample Name Au (ppm) Ag (ppm) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) EUR-1 0.016 9.35 0.004 0.84 1.62 EUR-7 1.250 594.00 0.738 4.03 18.55 EUR-8 0.050 5.86 1.045 0.72 1.52 EUR-9 0.334 186.00 0.190 3.74 >30.00 EUR-10 0.815 221.00 0.973 3.94 3.39 EUR-11 0.974 200.00 1.475 3.86 1.86 EUR-12 0.085 698.00 0.762 6.66 22.50 EUR-13 0.114 98.00 0.036 2.60 0.51 EUR-14 1.735 3.26 0.019 0.08 0.16 EUR-15 0.009 0.57 0.001 0.01 0.03 EUR 16 0.084 169.00 1.235 0.18 >30.00 EUR-17 0.136 27.90 0.045 0.32 7.77 Samples were collected from historic mine dumps and prospect pits. The samples are 100% oxidized gossan and are indicative of Carbonate Replacement Mineralization ("CRD"), typical of the historically mined mineralization in the Eureka District and currently being explored for at i-80 Gold's neighboring Ruby Hill property and other properties in the area. While grab rock samples are not representative of the grade of mineralization of an occurrence or target, they are useful in determining prospectivity and geological features. The above rock samples were delivered by the company consulting geologist to the ALS prep facility in Elko, Nevada. All samples are analyzed for gold, silver and 48 other elements. Gold is determined by ALS method Au-AA23, which is a fire assay with an atomic absorption finish on a 30-gram split. The remaining 48 elements are determined by ALS method ME-MS61, which is a four-acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy assay, with ALS OG62 analysis four acid ore grade analysis for the over-limit samples. Golden Lake is reliant on ALS Labs in Reno, Nev., for its QA/QC protocol as these are preliminary samples and limited in number. About the Jewel Ridge Property The Jewel Ridge property is located on the south end of Nevada's prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka trend, along strike and contiguous with i-80 Gold's Archimedes, Ruby Hill and FAD shaft gold deposits to the north, Timberline Resources advanced-stage Lookout Mountain project to the south and North Peak Resources Prospect Mountain Mine Complex to the west. The property contains several historic precious and base metal mines as well as zone of disseminated Carlin-type gold mineralization at the Eureka Tunnel target. The Company's focus is on Carlin-type mineralization as well as CRD type mineralization. Nevada Carlin-type gold deposits have a combined endowment of more than 250 million ounces, which are concentrated in only four trends or camps of deposits: Carlin, Cortez (Battle Mountain-Eureka), Getchell and Jerrit Canyon. The Company cautions that results on adjacent and/or nearby projects are not necessarily indicative of results on the Company's property. About Golden Lake Exploration Inc. Golden Lake is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and acquisition of mineral assets. Its objective is to acquire, explore and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to aggressively advance its exploration program on the Jewel Ridge property. Qualified Person Golden Lake Exploration's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, M.Sc., P.Geo., who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Mike England" Mike England, CEO & DIRECTOR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll-Free: 1-888-945-4770 Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM). Figure 1 - Rock samples from the newly expanded Jewel Ridge property https://www.goldenlakex.com/images/gallery/GLM_Jewel-Ridge_Figures_73.jpg SOURCE: Golden Lake Exploration Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787348/golden-lake-exploration-increases-eureka-district-property-position-by-50-obtains-high-precious-base-metal-assays-in-surface-grab-sampling Anticipated 6,000 m drill program focused at Campbell-Crawford discovery area near Kerr Lake Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to present an update on drilling at the Silver Kings Project, Canada. Drilling at the Silver Kings Project is following up on the Campbell-Crawford target, where early 2023 grassroots drilling intersected significant silver and cobalt mineralization (15,372 g/t silver, 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m), both with uses in renewable energy. Drill Program Highlights: A diamond drill is now mobilized to site to start work at the Campbell-Crawford area, greater Kerr Lake area (Figure 1) The primary drill target is the Angus Vein (March 2023 grassroots discovery of 15,372 g/t silver, 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m), which will be tested at depth along the lower Nipissing Diabase contact where mining was historically focused in the Cobalt mining camp. Drilling will test the lateral extent of this discovery vein, with a target zone over 175 m in length in this vein alone, based on recent surface mapping. Secondary drill targets include the nearby and untested McNamara and Clark veins, with similar surface characteristics and orientations to the Angus Vein, and with similar mineralized potential at depth. Other blind veins and mineralized structures intersected in previous drilling will also be tested Combined, these three veins are exposed in a comparable location, surface area and buried target zone to several major, historic silver minesites in the Cobalt area, such as 21.6 million ounce Deerhorn Mine (750 m to northeast; Sergiades 1968). Other targets, including Mary Ann, Juno, and newly-uncovered silver-cobalt mineralization at Silver Centre, may also be tested in this drill program. David Lewis, Kuya Silver Vice President Exploration, commented: "Kuya Silver is in the enviable position of controlling two promising, district-scale projects in diverse jurisdictions and at different stages of development, namely the Silver Kings Project in Ontario Canada, and the Bethania Project in Peru. Follow-up drilling at our Canadian Campbell-Crawford target is set to test the vertical and lateral extent of the grassroots Angus Vein discovery at depth in the ideal silver-cobalt mineralized zone. We also exposed two other nearby veins on surface with similar untested silver-cobalt potential at depth and all three of these veins are in close proximity and on a similar scale to major historic mines in Cobalt. Although we have focused a great deal of effort this year at our Silver Kings Project, we intend to discuss work progress at our Bethania Project in the upcoming weeks." Figure 1 - Kuya Silver's Silver Kings Project area (satellite properties not shown in this map area) showing past-producing mines, historic workings and target areas. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5945/181879_08854d6b24a52b95_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Major historic silver mined properties in the Cobalt mining camp, Ontario. Kuya Silver's mining property is shown in green (mining claims) and blue (mining patents and leases). Mining production presented in million ounces silver (MM Ag) from Sergiades, 1968. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5945/181879_08854d6b24a52b95_002full.jpg Silver Kings Drill Program Preparations for this current drill program (announced July 25, 2023) are largely complete and a diamond drill has now been mobilized to site. The primary target for this work is the grassroots Angus Vein discovery at the Campbell-Crawford target area, initially drilled by Kuya Silver in March 2023. In the Cobalt mining camp, the ideal silver-cobalt target zone tends to be found at, and up to 75 m above or below, the Nipissing Diabase sill rock contact. The Angus Vein was first pierced 10 m below the diabase sill and returned grades of 15,372 g/t silver and 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m (hole 23-SK-08 from 234.90 m) and, 18 m deeper, 2,424 g/t silver and 0.03% cobalt over 2.49 m (hole 23-SK-13 from 252.73 m) in this ideal target zone. In subsequent stripping and trenching work, the Angus Vein was exposed on surface for >175 m along trend (Kuya Silver June 29, 2023 news release). Based on surface and drilling work, there is potential for a buried silver-cobalt mineralized panel in this ideal zone >175 m laterally (>575 ft) on the main Angus Vein alone following the vein exposed at surface; this zone is the first priority and is set to be drill tested both vertically and along trend in this work program. The McNamara and Clark veins (Campbell-Crawford and neighboring Airgiod properties), have comparable mineralogy, vein textures, widths and orientations to the Angus Vein on surface, and are set as second priority drill targets. Conceptually, they have similar target dimensions to the Angus Vein and have never been drill tested in the ideal mineralized horizon. The surface area and vein extent of the Campbell-Crawford and Airgiod target areas match well with major historic mines in the Cobalt mining camp (Table 1, Figure 2), many of which were divided by historic property ownership only. Kuya Silver personnel have also identified other target areas, including recently stripped areas at Frontier NW in Silver Centre, Juno and Mary Ann with further potential for economic mineralization following a similar exploration model to the Angus Vein discovery. Three new tightly spaced, mineralized veins were stripped and exposed on surface at the Frontier NW target, Silver Centre, with channel sampling assays pending. The Juno target is a small, near-surface, past-producing minesite, but, similar to the Angus Vein at the Campbell-Crawford target, has never been tested at depth below the Nipissing Diabase sill. The Mary Ann target was drilled in the 1960s with no follow-up work, piercing several veins yielding up to 500 g/t silver over 6 inches (with no cobalt assays recorded), and with comparable rock types and structural configurations to Kerr Lake. These target areas remain highly prospective and match well with Kuya Silver's goal of developing a district-scale project in Ontario. One or more of these targets may be drill tested during this work program. Table 1 - Historic silver production (presented in million ounces) relative to size of major historic mines in the Cobalt mining camp, Ontario Canada (Sergiades 1968). See Figure 2 for the location of these properties. The majority of these historic minesites are currently owned by Agnico Eagle, but a significant proportion, specifically in the Kerr Lake area, are owned by Kuya Silver. Property ownership is based on the current understanding of Kuya Silver, property size is based on Ontario Ministry of Mines information, and deposit size is denoted after Sergiades, 1968. There has been no recorded silver production at Kuya Silver's Campbell-Crawford or Airgiod properties. Property Name Historic Production (million ounce silver) Property Surface Area (hectares) Ounce Silver per Hectare Property Ownership (current understanding) Airgiod No historic production 17.0 - Kuya Silver Campbell-Crawford No historic production 24.8 - Kuya Silver King Edward 1.3 17.3 75,166 Agnico Eagle Colonial 1.2 15.0 79,787 Agnico Eagle Nova Scotia 1.1 13.3 82,931 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 401 10 48.2 207,594 Agnico Eagle Bailey 3.2 13.9 230,398 SMC Drummond 3.9 16.6 235,025 Kuya Silver Lawson 4.2 14.3 294,283 Kuya Silver Penn-Canadian 3.8 11.4 334,007 SMC Tretheway 7.3 16.0 455,737 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 404 32.8 68.7 477,702 Agnico Eagle Silverfields 19 26.5 717,685 Kuya Silver O'Brien 43.8 60.7 721,296 Agnico Eagle Buffalo 14.2 16.5 862,697 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 400 32 31.5 1,016,938 Agnico Eagle Deerhorn 21.6 19.5 1,104,972 Agnico Eagle Beaver-Temiskaming 19.2 17.3 1,109,827 Agnico Eagle / Canada Silver Cobalt Works McKinley Darragh 21.8 14.7 1,487,040 Agnico Eagle Kerr Lake 28.5 17.4 1,635,957 Kuya Silver La Rose 27.3 16.2 1,686,539 Agnico Eagle Coniagas 34 16.1 2,106,176 Agnico Eagle Crown Reserve 20.3 9.3 2,179,983 Kuya Silver References Sergiades, A.O. 1968. Silver Cobalt Calcite Vein Deposits of Ontario; Ontario Department of Mines, Mineral Resources Circular No. 10, 498p. National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. David Lewis, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Kuya Silver and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with a focus on acquiring, exploring, and advancing precious metals assets in Peru and Canada. For more information, please contact: David Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 398-4493 info@kuyasilver.com www.kuyasilver.com Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statements, any discussion of the potential of exploration targets and assay results, is forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181879 HOUSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Plesk, a leading web hosting management platform and part of the WebPros family of brands, has recently introduced Sitejet Builder for Plesk, a free website builder fully integrated into Plesk that enables users of all levels to effortlessly create and manage websites quickly, with no coding skills required. Designed with the latest technologies and suitable for hosting environments, Sitejet is built to enhance the success of web professionals, e-commerce stores, SMBs, and agencies. "Our primary goal has always been to enhance customer and partner experiences through continuous investment in technology modernization and innovation," said Sean Melton, Chief Marketing Officer of WebPros. "With the release of Sitejet Builder for Plesk, we are empowering our partners with a state-of-the-art DIY website builder for their customers that is easy-to-use, self-explanatory, and speeds up the publishing time immensely. With Sitejet, you'll not only keep pace with SaaS-based DIY builders but also conquer new markets and increase revenue by retaining 100% of your profits." A Modern, User-Friendly Website Creation Tool Sitejet Builder makes website creation easy for everyone, regardless of their level of design, content, or web development expertise. The easy-to-use editor enables anyone to create and publish fast, responsive, and SEO-friendly websites quickly. Websites are automatically installed, hosted, and secured on the Plesk server, so they can handle increasing demands without compromising on performance. Sitejet Builder's integration into Plesk streamlines domain management and scaling, offering enhanced multi-site management. The power of the Plesk control panel and the seamless functionality of Sitejet Builder enable anyone to create high performing websites that drive conversions. It's the perfect choice for both current and new Plesk users, as well as our partners' customers. Unveiling Sitejet Builder's Innovative Features The Sitejet Builder for Plesk includes: 140+ Professionally Designed Website Templates Responsive, Fast, and SEO-friendly Websites AI Text Generator to Create and Embed Copy Directly Into the Page White Labeling Capabilities For Our Partners 100% Retained Earnings for Partners Sitejet Builder is pre-enabled for all new Plesk servers (Plesk 18.0.55 and above) and will soon be auto-enabled for existing ones (Sitejet is compatible with Plesk 18.0.54+). Plesk customers and partners can activate Sitejet Builder directly via Install Application in the Plesk Domain Card or find it in the Plesk Extension Catalog. Once installed, users can create Sitejet websites via Add Domain in their dashboard. For more information, please visit https://www.plesk.com/sitejet-builder-for-plesk/ About Plesk: Streamlining Website Management with a Leading Web Hosting Control Panel Plesk is a leading web hosting control panel. It has simplified the lives of system administrators, hosting providers, website owners, SMBs, and digital agencies since the early 2000s and continues to add value across multiple cloud services. Its OS-agnostic, comprehensive web hosting management platform effectively enables users by providing a series of automation tools to easily install, manage, update, and secure sites and online applications. For more information, please visit www.plesk.com About WebPros: Fueling Business Growth With Innovative Web Management Solutions At WebPros, we're not just a company; we're an innovative web enablement ecosystem that fuels the success and growth of businesses in the digital world. As the world's leading provider of hosting and web management platforms, including Plesk, cPanel, and WHMCS, we are committed to providing effortless and convenient solutions that streamline server and website management complexities to meet the ever-evolving needs of web professionals. But we're not just here to provide tools - we're dedicated to empowering businesses to build, operate, and expand their digital presence. Our comprehensive suite of products is characterized by cross-platform versatility, multi-functionality, and an omni-channel approach. We equip our clients with the tools they need for server management, monitoring, virtualization, billing automation, and so much more. Whatever aspect of web management you're looking to excel in, we've got you covered. For more information, please visit www.webpros.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-power-of-integration-plesk-and-sitejet-revolutionize-website-design-and-management-for-web-professionals-smbs-and-agencies-301938274.html Powering Censys' Internet Intelligence Platform, the Internet Map provides critical insights to identify, understand and mitigate threats ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Censys , the leading Internet Intelligence Platform for threat hunting and exposure management, announced the Censys Internet Map. As the data foundation that powers the Censys Internet Intelligence Platform, the Censys Internet Map provides users with the most comprehensive, up-to-date collection of global internet infrastructure to empower security and intelligence teams. In today's threat landscape, enterprises cannot rely on "good enough" data to defend their organization. Security teams require comprehensive and accurate data to serve as the center for their security solutions - external attack surface management, vulnerability management, zero-trust, and threat detection, investigation, and response - all rely on exposure management data to protect organizations. The Censys Internet Map offers the fastest discovery and best coverage of internet hosts and services. Through comprehensive scans of the top 100+ ports and proprietary ML-based discovery of services across 65k ports, it reduces false positives by 70%, improving security teams' ability to successfully map and defend. With the most complete and up-to-date index of hosts and services on the internet, the Censys Internet Map provides users with the three C's: Coverage, Context and Connections, which are imperative to an organization's security posture. "The organizations we work with face growing challenges that make security insights and threat intelligence critically important to delivering on their mission," commented Mike Riordan, CEO of RavenTek. "Through the powerful capabilities of Censys solutions powered by their Internet Map, our clients are better able to stay ahead of emerging risks, proactively defend their organization, and quickly make data-informed decisions." With the widest depth of internet scanning coverage available, the Censys Internet Map scans 45x more services than competitors. This coverage is enriched with detailed context to identify host types, understand how assets are connected and configured, empowering security teams and threat hunters to identify patterns and trends. "Censys is the only vendor providing this level of detailed visibility and running daily scans to help organizations eliminate false positives and stale data," said Zakir Durumeric, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at Censys. "Our intelligence provides threat analysts and security teams with more details to conduct investigations, understand, and block threats - ultimately reducing the risk and impact of a breach. We're proud that our industry-leading data provides the most complete and up-to-date index of the internet, and are excited to expand this offering for even more users this year." To learn more about the Censys Internet Map and its approach to intelligence data and visibility, visit: https://censys.com/internet-map/ . About Censys Censys, Inc. is the leading Internet Intelligence Platform for Threat Hunting and Exposure Management. Founded in 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Censys gives organizations the world's most comprehensive real-time view of global networks and devices. Customers like Google, Cisco, Microsoft, Samsung, Swiss Armed Forces, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, and over 51% of the Fortune 500 rely on the company's Exposure Management solution for a real-time, contextualized view into their internet and cloud assets. At Censys, you can be yourself. We like it that way. Diversity fuels our mission, and we are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age and identity. To learn more, visit censys.com and follow Censys on Twitter. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1510668/4295975/Censys_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/censys-introduces-the-ground-truth-for-internet-intelligence---the-censys-internet-map-301938734.html TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive research by RGCA (Research Group Central Asia, accredited by IPSOS), every second respondent in Uzbekistan made purchases on Uzum Market, the nation's leading online marketplace, and 40% of respondents ordered on the platform within the last month. According to KPMG, Uzbekistan remains the fastest-growing e-commerce market in Central Asia, projected to grow sevenfold and reach USD 2.2 billion over the next five years. RGCA conducted a study of a demographically representative sample of over 800 residents aged 18 to 54 to better understand what apps Uzbek consumers prefer, what items they order most frequently, and how they choose an online shopping platform. These studies allowed RGCA to analyze the dynamics of Uzbek consumers' habits and how they change over time. The study demonstrates that the awareness of the national marketplace, Uzum Market, has significantly grown over the last months. 83% of respondents mention Uzum Market among the apps and services for online shopping, and 56% name Uzum Market first when asked about services they use. Notably, Uzum Market continues to strengthen its leadership both in the nation's capital and in the regions. Meanwhile, OLX and Telegram, the long-time leaders are gradually decreasing, being named by only 43% and 32% of respondents respectively. Every fourth resident uses Telegram messenger for online shopping, while 23% of Uzbekistan's population turn to OLX. This is a major shift compared to the previous RGCA study in March this year, when only 52% of respondents indicated familiarity with the Uzum Market brand, while 58% and 53% mentioned OLX and Telegram as online shopping platforms. "When studying how consumers' habits change over time, it's important to identify reasons that drive Uzbek users' choice of one platform over the other," notes Vyacheslav Karpov, Director of RGCA research agency. "While a rewarding loyalty program remains the most important criteria for platform selection, the ease of choice and order placement has significantly increased in importance in recent months, indicating a growing number of experienced users among the marketplace customers. Fast delivery and low prices also remain the top factors defining customers' preferences. Uzum Market, with its wide range of goods and one-day delivery, aligns perfectly with the key considerations of Uzbek consumers, and its popularity continues to grow across all age groups." About the Company: Research Group Central Asia was established in early 2022 as an agency providing a full range of consumer research services. RGCA primarily consists of experts with extensive experience in conducting research projects. The company conducts a full spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research and is an officially accredited agency of the international operator IPSOS. For additional information please contact: PR@uzum.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uzum-market-strengthens-its-e-commerce-leadership-achieving-over-80-brand-awareness-among-consumers-in-uzbekistan-301938837.html EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement of the 2023 Half Year Performance Briefing 26.09.2023 / 14:11 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG Announcement of the 2023 Half Year Performance Briefing Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 26 September 2023 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published an announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and applicable PRC laws in relation to the 2023 Half Year Performance Briefing. The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020230926695634158117.pdf IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 26.09.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Emmanuel Schalit Named CEO AYRO, the designer and manufacturer of the revolutionary OceanWings wingsail solution for cargo ships and yachts, announced today the close of a 19.2 million ($21 m) Series B round, led by Blue Ocean, managed by SWEN Capital Partners, which brings the total funding for the leader in Wind Powered Decarbonation solutions for the maritime sector to over 30 million . This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926465677/en/ AYRO OceanWings 363 wingsails on the Canopee. (Photo: Business Wire) Existing investors Ocean Zero and Bpifrance, through its Ecotechnology 2 fund, as part of France 2030 initiatives, participated in the round, alongside new investors AmInvest, Colam Impact, Normandie Participations, Normandie Littoral and FCPI Capital Innovant n2 managed by SWEN Capital Partners. Christian Lim, Managing Director of Blue Ocean, will join the board of AYRO. This major investment in AYRO occurs at a unique moment when both the company and the market are at an inflection point. 2023 was the warmest year on record for the planet, and shipping is expected to represent up to 17% of human CO2 emissions by 2050 if no action is taken.1 "Every year, some 90,000 ships transport nine billion tons of goods globally, accounting for almost 90% of all logistics flows. Reducing the emissions of these ships is an urgent priority," said Emmanuel Schalit, AYRO's new CEO. "The good news is that wind is free, available on every ocean, and the technology to harness it is now mature and available." In July, AYRO installed 4 OceanWings 363 wingsails on the Canopee, a groundbreaking vessel dedicated to transporting Ariane 6 space launch system components from Europe to French Guiana, which will enable a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions over its regular route. "Blue Ocean backs startups that can deliver both systemic impact for ocean health and competitive market returns. We studied the wind propulsion market in detail for 2 years and concluded that AYRO is clearly positioned to be a global leader in this sector," said Christian Lim, managing director of SWEN Capital Partners. "Wind propulsion is critical for decarbonization of shipping in the context of what is now being called 'global boiling,' and ambitious targets set by the International Maritime Organization and carbon reduction regulations coming into effect across the globe. The transformation of the maritime industry has begun, and we are excited about the major contribution that AYRO will make." AYRO STORY AYRO was founded in 2018 by Marc Van Peteghem, also Co-Founder of the VPLP Naval Architecture firm, who imagined the OceanWings concept based on the wingsail design which won the America's cup in 2010 with the BMW Oracle racing trimaran. Marc's pioneering vision was to take that high-performance concept and apply it to the decarbonization of shipping. The concept was perfected with prototypes and demonstrators such as the Energy Observer zero emission Catamaran which verified the high-performance wingsail design over several years and across several oceans. The new generation of OceanWings powering Canopee represents a major step-up in scale (40 meters high 363 m2), ease of use (OceanWings are fully automated) and maturity of the solution. "For centuries sails were used in maritime trade. When coal started being used in the 19th century, transport vessels continued to need sails because they could not transport enough coal to cross oceans," said Marc Van Peteghem, Founder of AYRO. "Now that we need to abandon oil with its high energy density as the single source of power for ships, wind will be an essential component, alongside other technologies, to create hybrid zero-emission ships in the coming years." Marc who until recently was the CEO of AYRO, will continue to support the company as Chairman of the Board. Emmanuel, who was since 2022 Chairman of the Board, has been appointed as CEO to succeed Marc, and he will join Romain Grandsart in his new role as COO of AYRO. Prior to joining AYRO's board, Emmanuel was Co-Founder and CEO of Dashlane, which he led for 9 years, growing the company from 4 to 350 employees, raising more than $200 million in capital from tier 1 US investors. Prior to Dashlane, Emmanuel was the CEO of CBS Outdoor France, a top 3 Outdoor advertising company; the COO of LMG Group, a leading international publishing group; and SVP at Vivendi Universal, where he led a global K-12 Publishing division with 1.5 billion in revenue. Emmanuel holds a master's degree in Math and Physics from Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and a PhD in Computer Science from Universite of Toulouse. He also studied Marketing and Finance in the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. "Having worked with Marc, Romain and the rest of the board over the last 18 months, I know how exceptional the team is: they enabled the building of the most advanced wind powered transport vessel in history in just 24 months," continued Schalit. "I am honored to have been offered the opportunity to join as CEO and am looking forward to helping scale the company to its massive potential." About AYRO AYRO, a leader in maritime transport decarbonation, is a French industrial start-up that designs, manufactures and markets OceanWings, rigid wings designed for installation on cargo ships and yachts, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by cutting fossil fuel consumption. For more information, please visit our website: https://ayro.fr/ Corporate Communications: communication@ayro.fr About SWEN Capital Partners and Blue Ocean SWEN Capital Partners is a leading responsible investor in unlisted assets in Europe, with 8 billion under management (cumulative commitments). Blue Ocean is SWEN's venture capital fund investing in innovations that help regenerate ocean health, hence contributing to achieve SDG14. It was launched in scientific partnership with Ifremer, France's ocean research institute. Blue Ocean is the largest ocean impact innovation fund in the world to date, with a size of 170m. Press inquiries: lfornari@swen-cp.fr About Ocean Zero LLC Ocean Zero invests in innovative young companies such as AYRO that can make a breakthrough difference in decarbonizing transportation on the world's oceans, rivers and seas. The fund seeks visionaries who have a realistic opportunity to make a significant leap in scale and impact that can dramatically change the overall emissions of CO2 and other pollutants incurred by sea shipping, ferries and recreational boats. Ocean Zero was the lead investor in AYRO's Series A raise and a repeat investor of significance in Series B. AYRO was the second of eight companies Ocean Zero invested in since its founding in 2020. For more information, visit OceanZeroLLC.com About Bpifrance Bpifrance Investissement is the management company that handles Bpifrance's equity investments. Bpifrance is the French national investment bank: it finances businesses at every stage of their development through loans, guarantees, equity investments and export insurances. Bpifrance also provides extra financial services (training, consultancy) to help entrepreneurs meet their challenges (innovation, export...). For more information, please visit: https://www.bpifrance.com/ Follow us on Twitter: @Bpifrance @BpifrancePresse _______________________ 1 "Emission Reduction Targets for International Aviation and Shipping," Policy Department A for the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), November 2015 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926465677/en/ Contacts: AYRO Corporate Communications: communication@ayro.fr VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Jackpot Digital Inc. (the "Company" or "Jackpot") (TSXV:JJ)(TSXV:JJ.WT.B)(TSXV:JJ.WT.C)(OTCQB:JPOTF)(Frankfurt Exchange:LVH3) is pleased to announce that on July 31, 2023, the Company has signed a licensing agreement to install three (3) of the Company's Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort ("Jackson Rancheria"), located in Jackson, California, USA, further expanding the Company's growing Jackpot Blitz footprint. The installation is subject to Jackpot obtaining the customary regulatory and licensing approvals. "Jackson Rancheria is thrilled to partner with Jackpot Digital as we introduce Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker electronic table games to our casino floor," said Ms. Crystal Jack, CEO of Jackson Rancheria. "At Jackson Rancheria, we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of state-of-the-art gaming experiences for our valued patrons. This exciting opportunity further expands our award-winning resort amenities, and we look forward to establishing a successful partnership with Jackpot Digital for years to come." Year-to-date, the Company has announced new agreements or letters of intent ("LOIs") for 20 Jackpot Blitz table installations and has received LOIs for an additional 16 tables from yet-to-be-announced partners, for a total of 36 new Jackpot Blitz orders so far this year. These new orders, once installed, represent approximately 55% increase in Jackpot Blitz installations. The Company is in the process of obtaining licensing for the relevant jurisdictions and is expected to begin installing the next generation Jackpot Blitz in the second half of 2023. The Company's pipeline of new business is expected to grow throughout 2023 as the Company obtains licensing for new jurisdictions. Each new table installed shall represent additional monthly recurring revenue to the Company. In addition to Jackpot's cruise ship customers, which include Carnival Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, Holland America, AIDA, and Costa Cruises, Jackpot has announced land-based installations or orders in 12 states and territories in the U.S. and growing, including Michigan, Mississippi, Washington, Nevada, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as several international jurisdictions. To view a short video of the new Jackpot Blitz, click the thumbnail below. Jackpot President & CEO, Mr. Jake Kalpakian states "We are excited to be working with Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, a well-known casino resort in central California. Players and casinos alike are excited by our product as it offers more game options and faster, error-free gameplay, all while improving casino operational efficiencies." Mr. Kalpakian continues "We continue to experience strong demand for Jackpot Blitz. Our customers tell us Jackpot Blitz is more attractive than ever before because of the many problems it solves, including cost control and the ability to fully automate the tournament functionality of a large scale poker room with minimal staff requirements. We are not aware of any other poker-first machines like Jackpot Blitz in the marketplaces, and so we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the macro trend toward automation in the casino industry. Through the innovative dealerless Jackpot Blitz technology, casinos are quickly recognizing the benefits of more revenues by dealing more hands per hour while at the same time drastically reducing costs and eliminating operational/employee requirements all at once. Demand for Jackpot Blitz has strengthened since introduction of our next generation Jackpot Blitz, which allows for cash in / out and easier integration with each casino's back-end system." About Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642, in beautiful Amador County. Resort amenities include the Casino with table games, slots, and a High-limit Room, hotel, RV park, resort shuttle, and a variety of award-winning dining options. The surrounding region is home to the famous Mother Lode Gold Country, and features adventures for all, including world-class hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wineries, and rich history. For more information, call 1-800-822-9466 or visit www.JacksonCasino.com. About Jackpot Digital Inc. Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading electronic table games manufacturer for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry. The Company specializes in multiplayer gaming products, including poker and casino games, which are complemented by a robust suite of backend tools for operators to efficiently control and optimize their gaming business. For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681- 0204 ext. 6105, or visit the Company's website at www.jackpotdigital.com. On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc. "Jake H. Kalpakian" Jake H. Kalpakian President & CEO Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. 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. Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking". Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Jackpot's future plans, the obtaining of customary regulatory approvals, projected or proposed financings, costs, objectives, economic or technical performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this News Release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "enable", "feel", "seek", "project", "predict", "potential", "should", "might", "objective", "believe", "expects", "propose", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "plans" "estimate", "in due course" and similar words are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, projections and estimations, there can be no assurance that these assumptions, projections or estimations are accurate. Readers, shareholders and investors are therefore cautioned not to place reliance on any forward-looking statements as the plans, assumptions, intentions or expectations upon which they are based might not occur. SOURCE: Jackpot Digital Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787273/jackpot-digital-signs-three-table-deal-with-jackson-rancheria-casino-resort-in-california NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Sofidel By: Fabio Vitali, Vice President, Marketing, Sofidel As businesses begin to open their doors or develop plans for future re-openings following COVID-19-related closures, they face a range of new challenges. From sourcing essential supplies and meeting the increased demand for cleaning to adjusting building capacities and employee schedules, businesses will need to adapt to new standards while protecting their brand image. Three elements - hand hygiene, clean surfaces and environmental responsibility - can all support brand protection during a delicate reopening process, because they all reduce risk in some way. In Good Hands To make sure employees and visitors feel like they are in good hands, providing everything they need for proper and frequent hand hygiene is crucial. Here are steps businesses should take: Consider enhancing hygiene with additional products. The new normal will require businesses to make guests and employees more comfortable in their facilities with a greater focus on hygiene. Companies should implement new cleaning protocols to address this need. Restaurants may ask waiters and kitchen staff to wear masks, and offices may require visitors to do that same. Facilities like airports and hotels can consider offering single-use sanitizing wipes, antibacterial wipes or other highly effective sanitizing products. A must-have new product is the so-called door tissue: to reduce touch points in facilities, businesses can install door tissue and a garbage bin near elevator panels, door handles and other high-touch surfaces so visitors or guests can securely protect themselves. The new normal will require businesses to make guests and employees more comfortable in their facilities with a greater focus on hygiene. Companies should implement new cleaning protocols to address this need. Restaurants may ask waiters and kitchen staff to wear masks, and offices may require visitors to do that same. Facilities like airports and hotels can consider offering single-use sanitizing wipes, antibacterial wipes or other highly effective sanitizing products. A must-have new product is the so-called door tissue: to reduce touch points in facilities, businesses can install door tissue and a garbage bin near elevator panels, door handles and other high-touch surfaces so visitors or guests can securely protect themselves. Stock paper towels, toilet paper and soap. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages frequent soap-and-water handwashing for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. To meet the need for occupants to wash hands more often, facility managers maintain a consistent stock of hand soap and paper towels in restrooms and kitchens. Because wet hands can attract unwanted microbes, hand-drying is also vital. The most effective method is with paper towels since the friction from using a paper towel helps remove more germs than handwashing alone. Therefore, facilities should carefully weigh whether paper towels or jet air dryers are better for this new era of cleanliness. For facilities that opt for paper towels, managers can consider dispensers made from antibacterial plastic that add another layer of protection from pathogens. Install hand sanitizer stations. In addition to making effective handwashing easy in restrooms and kitchens, businesses should strategically install hand sanitizer dispensers. This helps patrons reduce the spread of germs throughout the facility and offers added assurance that your business is prioritizing health and safety. Make sure to use a product with at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the CDC. Consider placing automatic dispensers at entrances, exits, corridors or break rooms that see the most foot traffic. Research shows improved handwashing can curb the spread of infectious disease, especially in public facilities. One study at MIT found increased handwashing at just 10 major airports could decrease the risk of a global pandemic by as much as 37%. In short, facilities should prioritize hand hygiene to support occupant and employee health. Comprehensive Cleanliness The CDC and other authorities have been urging businesses and those in quarantine to clean and disinfect surfaces frequently to help slow the spread of coronavirus. Therefore, the public is increasingly attuned to the key role of these processes. Before businesses open after a hiatus, they should conduct a thorough cleaning, create a plan for maintaining the building each day and stock the appropriate solutions. In restrooms, cleanliness should always be a top priority. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, customers cared about the state of restrooms. For example, a survey found 60% of Americans decide to visit specific businesses because of their clean, well-maintained restrooms. Implementing a new maintenance schedule can help facilities meet customers' expectations of their restrooms. Meanwhile, managers should train staff to respond quickly to lapses in cleanliness, such as clogged toilets. Clogs are unsightly, cause odors and 86% of Americans say a clogged toilet would negatively impact their perception of a brand. Addressing restrooms is critical, but it is not enough. Businesses should frequently clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces throughout the facility. A few examples include door handles, check-in and customer service counters, elevator buttons and credit card payment terminals. Employees should clean first and disinfect second, as pathogens can hide underneath stubborn soils that only an effective cleaner can remove. Supporting Sustainability At first glance, COVID-19 and climate change may seem like disconnected topics. However, as the World Economic Forum points out, studies show climate change-fueled phenomena including deforestation and loss of wildlife lead to increased infectious disease - in other words, global warming and increased disease are not unrelated. Climate change and environmental degradation aren't going away, but the pandemic - by forcing countless greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles off the streets and out of the skies - has revealed glimmers of hope environmentally. Businesses can show they haven't forgotten to take their environmental responsibility seriously by integrating it into their reopening plans. Before the pandemic, a survey showed 77% of Americans would prefer to purchase from brands who prioritize efforts to fight global warming over those that do not. This growing concern on the part of consumers will not simply dissipate after COVID-19's impact lessens. Businesses can protect their brand image by selecting products that minimize environmental impact. These include absorbent paper towels, toilet paper and napkins that can help reduce paper waste. Additionally, there are innovative toilet tissue options designed to dissolve after being flushed, reducing the risk of clogs and helping keep pipes clean. This helps limit the use of environmentally harmful chemicals for sewage system maintenance. Choosing products wrapped in paper packaging, rather than plastic, can help the environment as well, since plastic waste is a major cause of air pollution. Reopen Responsibly Deciding whether to reopen a facility when COVID-19 is still circulating will be difficult for many businesses. As some facilities choose to reopen in accordance with government requirements, they should have a heightened focus on health and cleanliness. Offering hand hygiene essentials and routinely disinfecting surfaces limit the spread of disease and put customers and employees at ease. Meanwhile, integrating sustainability into reopening plans helps brands further protect reputation during a challenging time. Fabio Vitali is Vice President of Marketing for Sofidel, a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use, including its Papernet brand. For more information, visit www.papernet.com/americas. About?The?Sofidel?Group The?Sofidel?Group, a privately held company owned by the Stefani and?Lazzareschi?families, is a world leader in the manufacture of paper for hygienic and domestic use. Founded in 1966, the Group has?subsidiaries in 12 countries - Italy, Spain, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Romania, and the USA - with more than 6,400 employees. A member of the UN Global Compact and the international WWF Climate Savers program, the?Sofidel?Group considers sustainability a strategic imperative and is?committed?to promoting sustainable development.? For more information, visit?www.sofidel.com.? Media Contact:? Brianna Fitzpatrick? Mulberry Marketing Communications? bfitzpatrick@mulberrymc.com? View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sofidel on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Sofidel Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sofidel Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Sofidel View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787376/protecting-your-brand-in-a-precarious-time TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / SecTor, Canada's largest cybersecurity conference, will be taking place this October 23rd through 26th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Now in its 17th year, SecTor annually connects IT and security experts from around the world. Thought leaders share the very latest in information security research, development, and trends, providing relevant, engaging, and reputable content for the benefit of the Canadian cybersecurity community. SecTor 2023's Day 2 Keynote address will be delivered by Laura Payne, Chief Enablement Officer (CNO) and VP Security Consulting at White Tuque. With two decades of experience in cyber and information security, Payne is a proven expert in her field. "Laura Payne is highly respected by the SecTor community and her expertise has been a tremendous contribution to the success of SecTor over the years," said Steve Wylie, General Manager, Cyber Market Group at Informa Tech. "Laura has served on the SecTor Advisory Committee since 2015, presented multiple sessions, including a Keynote panel in 2016, moderated the Cloud Security Summit, and more. Our team is delighted to welcome Laura back to the Keynote stage for 2023 and we look forward to the insight this Keynote will provide the SecTor community. "AI has been the dominant conversation in technology in 2023, and Payne's Keynote will address questions about the future of AI and cybersecurity. "When we look back at the past year, it's hard to imagine that just 12 months ago hardly anyone was talking about ChatGPT and AI. Now it seems you can't go a day without encountering another way this technology is being adopted into our daily lives," Payne explains. "What will it be like to look backwards a year from now, and what would we wish we were doing today in 2023 to be better prepared? That's the question I'll be exploring at SecTor." With many in the industry looking ahead to Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the announcement of Payne as one of the keynote speakers at SecTor 2023 is particularly well-timed. Founder and CEO of White Tuque, Robert D. Stewart, believes this year's conference attendees will be in for an impressive keynote address. Stewart said, "The entire White Tuque team could not be prouder of Laura for being selected as one of the keynote speakers at SecTor 2023. SecTor will always be a special event for our group - it was our first conference we attended as a team, our first booth as part of the start-up showcase in 2022, and we're returning to the start-up showcase this year." He continued, "Laura delivering a keynote address - demonstrating her leadership and sharing her vision and experience - only deepens our connection to the SecTor and Black Hat communities." About White Tuque White Tuque's mission is to give companies a trusted partner and a framework of best practices for cyber defense. We are a boutique team with expertise in cyber risk, cyber protection, and intelligence. Partnership with White Tuque gives all companies access to a battle-tested and crisis-proven team of Canada's leading cybersecurity experts. We make this level of protection affordable by condensing simple and repeatable tactics into a digestible and scalable format for all organizations. These tactics are the backbone of what protects businesses of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions. At White Tuque our mandate is to make these available to organizations of all sizes. Learn more at www.WhiteTuque.com/help or contact Info@WhiteTuque.com . About SecTor Since 2007, SecTor, Canada's largest cybersecurity conference, has brought relevant, engaging, and reputable content for the benefit of the Canadian cybersecurity community. As one of the global events in Black Hat's portfolio, SecTor provides an unmatched opportunity for security professionals to connect with their peers and learn from their mentors. For over 25 years, Black Hat has provided attendees with the very latest in information security research, development, and trends. These high-profile global events and trainings are driven by the needs of the security community, striving to bring together the best minds in the industry. Black Hat inspires professionals at all career levels, encouraging growth and collaboration among academia, world-class researchers, and leaders in the public and private sectors. Black Hat Briefings and Trainings are held annually in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia. More information is available at blackhat.com . Black Hat is brought to you by Informa Tech. For more information, please contact: White Tuque: Robert D. Stewart CEO rob@whitetuque.com SOURCE: White Tuque View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787372/white-tuque-cno-laura-payne-to-give-keynote-address-at-sector-2023 Medisca sues Fagron, HiperScan, and Gako for patent infringement. Through decades of strategic research and development ("R&D") investment, the Medisca name has become synonymous with innovative, customer-focused technologies. In compounding, for example, Medisca continues to deliver customized solutions with an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. This includes the industry-leading Medisca MAZ Mixer, a compounding technology pioneered by the company following years of research and testing. The Medisca MAZ Mixer provides an efficient, uniform, high-quality solution for compounding hundreds of formulations. So that it may continue to provide the innovations the industry wants and needs, Medisca complements its investment in R&D with a robust intellectual property ("IP") portfolio. This includes patents in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Australia. For years, Medisca has taken steps to inform the industry about its patent portfolio, including those related to the pioneering Medisca MAZ Mixer. A few companies, unfortunately, have decided to offer products that infringe on Medisca IP. To protect its valuable rights and ensure that companies compete fairly, Medisca intends to protect its proprietary technologies against competitors' infringing activities. That global enforcement effort began today with Medisca filing suits against Fagron B.V., HiperScan GmbH, and Gako Deutschland GmbH for infringement of patent number 3,538,071, belonging to the German counterpart of Medisca. The lawsuit was filed in the Munich district court of Germany and requests, as relief, an injunction and monetary remedies. "With a deep respect for innovation and a responsibility to protect our intellectual property, we find it necessary to take legal action against this patent infringement," said Panagiota Danopoulos, SVP of Global Strategy Innovation at Medisca. "We believe in a fair and competitive marketplace, where innovation thrives, and this lawsuit reinforces our commitment to upholding these principles while defending our innovative spirit." Medisca hopes today's filing will remind all competitors of the importance of respecting intellectual property belonging to the company. The compounding industry (e.g., pharmaceutical and CBD) has come to rely on the quality and efficiency offered by the Medisca MAZ Mixer. The industry must be able to continue to trust in these products and the unparalleled customer service and problem-solving innovations offered by Medisca. About Medisca: Medisca is a global corporation with locations throughout North America, Australia, and Europe that contributes to healthcare by leveraging strong partnerships that deliver customized solutions with an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Backed by 30+ years and a strong foundation in pharmaceutical compounding supply, Medisca is a business-to-business company that delivers comprehensive offerings by providing value, consistency, responsiveness, and loyalty. As Partners In Wellness, Medisca offers an unfailing devotion to improving lives across a multitude of needs and people. For more information, visit www.medisca.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926935264/en/ Contacts: Adam Pinsky Director of Communications apinsky@medisca.com +1 (438) 304-6756 SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) now has 109 Members after its Board of Governors today approved the applications of three economies. The milestone was reached with the addition of El Salvador, Solomon Islands and Tanzania during the Bank's eighth Annual Meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AIIB Members collectively account for 81 percent of the world's population and 65 percent of global gross domestic product. "AIIB has a track record of successful collaborations with our Members. The addition of El Salvador, Solomon Islands and Tanzania strengthens the AIIB community and supports our collective mission to finance Infrastructure for Tomorrow," said AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun. "Together, we will work on priority projects within our clearly defined thematic priorities to drive long-term sustainable growth." The three prospective members will officially join AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first capital installment with the Bank. "Our journey began with 57 founding members," said AIIB Vice President and Corporate Secretary Ludger Schuknecht. "That we have been able to grow our membership to 109 in the past eight years shows that many believe in our mission to achieve sustainable infrastructure development and economic growth as well as our commitment to actively support infrastructure projects that contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience." AIIB's Board of Governors approved the resolution welcoming the three prospective Members during the Bank's eighth Annual Meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. About AIIB The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 109 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aiib-grows-to-109-members-globally-301938885.html MONACO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sustainability as a central element to create virtuous marinas and tourism that is more aware and respectful of the environment. It is the Leitmotiv of the Monaco Smart and Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, organized by Monaco Marina Management (M3), a company active in the development, management and promotion of marinas and yacht clubs, at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Numerous international guests brought their contribution to the event where 50 startups and scaleups and 20 mariners and architects gathered, all from 26 countries, alongside financiers and political representatives. Prince Albert II of Monaco also participated at the event and, after greeting the participants, he spoke with some of them including HH Prince Saud Bin Turki Al Saud, general manager Saudi Red Sea Authority, S.E. Ana Elena Pinto Lozano, Costa Rica Ambassador in Francia, Permanent Delegate of Costa Rica to UNESCO, Rear Admiral Reda Ahmen Ismail, head of maritime transport sector of Egypt, Elisabeth Anna Rebecca Chouraki, International Technical Expert PAMEx (Action Plan for a Model Mediterranean). "Yachting is a circular economy - underlines Alessandra Priante, director of the UNWTO Regional Department for Europe - which includes many factors from the producer to the final destination. The marina is a bit like an airport: it all starts from there, from the arrival, and from how the marina is able to involve the entire territory in which it is located. The more there is a 360-degree vision, the more successful it is to find winning strategies because sustainability must materialize in a series of actions." And the situation is developing rapidly: "We noticed - she adds - that before Covid, at the end of 2019, there was talk of the problem of too much tourism. So we have always raised the red flag with the United Nations agency specialized in this that sustainable strategies should become reality. After the recovery of Covid we saw that the destinations that were already sustainable and the marinas that already had sustainability approaches integrated with the territory were successful. However, situations where this effort had not been made now find themselves with the same problems as 2019." The main objective of the event is to present the latest innovations in terms of sustainability, allowing financiers, political representatives and innovators to come together and be put in contact with the entire ecosystem of marinas closely linked to the development of increasingly responsible tourism. "Our idea of sustainable nautical tourism and therefore in a broader way a protected marine ecosystem - states Linos Voskarides, Policy Officer - Maritime Policy - Blue Growth, European Commission - is to make the sustainable marinas a part of the city and not apart from the city. Sustainable nautical tourism and sustainable development of marinas are the key to having a protected marine ecosystem and a well-preserved coastline in the future." Saudi Arabia is taking the first steps in this direction, hoping to become a leading country in this sector: "In our country we are starting to lay the first bricks. Fifteen, ten or even five years ago in our country we had no activities or forms of tourism linked to the marinas, so we are taking the first steps in this direction. Precisely because we are at the beginning, however, we will immediately include sustainability and environmental protection in our regulations," adds HH Prince Saud Bin Turki Al Saud, general manager Saudi Red Sea Authority. And Egypt is also working in this direction: "This meeting allows us to become aware of the ideas of the sector and therefore to develop our marinas in order to make them smarter and more ecological in the future. Egypt has worked hard to welcome all those who visit the country by sea on cruise ships or yachts," underlines Rear Admiral Reda Ahmed Ismail, head of maritime transport sector of Egypt. Representing more than 26 different countries, 50 startups and scaleups generated by Blumorpho, expert in innovation for sustainability, as well as 20 marinas and architects coming from M3 network, are taking part at the two-day event. At the end, the International Smart & Sustainable Marina Awards will be presented for three categories, Startups & Scaleups, Marinas and Architects. The famous French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte chairs the jury that will decide between the numerous proposals. In addition to this year's edition, an ideas competition is also being held to inspire architects and students to create waterfront projects that are not only attractive and functional but also sustainable. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51222fe5-d9de-424a-8f59-a49e03296111 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/671c6248-dbb9-4105-813b-ad1989f02603 Melanie's Law took effect July 1, 2023 LOUISVILLE, KY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they deserve after they or a loved one is injured or killed due to a drunk driver. As of July 1, 2023, victims that were injured by a drunk driver now have another tool to use to get compensated in Kentucky's new Melanie's Law, which allows a judge to require someone that was convicted of a DUI that resulted in a disability or death of a parent or guardian to financially support the children of the victim. On July 1, 2022, Melanie Hull - who inspired the law - was involved in a Louisville-area car crash while she was on her way to drop off her 8-year-old son at daycare. A drunk driver ran a red light and hit their vehicle, resulting in 18 of Hull's bones breaking due to the impact of the crash. Since the crash, Melanie has suffered permanent brain damage and resides in a nursing home, requiring constant treatment and care. While Melanie's life is forever altered, it also impacts her son, as she can no longer care for him due to the negligence of a drunk driver. Now, because of Melanie's story, when an impaired driver in Kentucky causes a wreck that results in someone being fatally injured or permanently disabled, the judge on the case has the right to order that person to financially support any children of the injured parent or guardian. Senate Bill 268 was officially signed into law by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on April 4, 2023, and went into effect as Melanie's Law on July 1. "Even with the well-documented risks and warnings that have been broadcast for years, some people still choose to drive while under the influence," said Lee Coleman, Attorney, Founding Partner, Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers. "We want the victims these drivers injure to know that they don't have to handle it alone. Melanie's Law is an important step forward in holding these dangerous drivers accountable, and we will fight for clients who are injured by drunk drivers to make sure they and their children are financially supported." To help motorists better understand Melanie's Law and learn more information about DUI laws and impaired driving facts, Hughes & Coleman has a detailed blog "Melanie's Law Increases Penalties For Kentucky Drunk Drivers" discussing the new penalties for drunk drivers and the ways their team of experienced car accident lawyers will fight for the compensation families deserve if they have been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver. The Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers team has the expertise to help if someone has been injured in a drunk driving accident and needs a car accident attorney in Kentucky or Tennessee.Hughes & Coleman understands what victims are going through, which is why the firm offers a free consultation service. Attorneys can explain legal options and provide needed information to help victims make informed decisions about how they want to move forward. To learn more about how Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers can help if you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Kentucky or Tennessee, watch Call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers As Soon As Possible After A Car Accident in Louisville, KY. For a free case consultation, contact Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today at 800-800-4600 or book an appointment online. About Hughes & Coleman: Hughes & Coleman was founded in 1985 and has recovered over a billion dollars for our clients in Kentucky and Tennessee injured from auto accidents, big truck wrecks, motorcycle accidents, defective medical products, nursing home abuse, slip and fall accidents, and wrongful death. Hughes & Coleman operates 10 offices in Kentucky and Tennessee. Contact: Lora Fisher, Brand Development Director 270-782-6003 ext. 147 lfisher@hughesandcoleman.com Related Images: Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers Logo Lee Coleman-Attorney and Founding Partner Melanie's Law Blog SOURCE: Hughes & Coleman View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/775195/hughes-coleman-injury-lawyers-to-hold-drunk-drivers-financially-responsible-for-child-support-as-result-of-new-kentucky-law RANCHO SANTA FE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / A leading global pharmaceutical company has partnered with Rancho BioSciences to address the challenge of inconsistent medical terminology within the UK Biobank, renowned for its vast collection of genetic data on over half a million individuals. An upcoming webinar will delve into the challenges and strategies employed to harmonize the UK Biobank's Primary Care clinical dataset. The primary focus is on mapping subsets of Read codes to universally recognized disease terms like ICD and SNOMED CT. The mission behind this extensive data curation process is to provide an all-encompassing view of medical history across the entire biobank repo. Such a holistic view will propel genetic analyses and other pertinent research. Essential to this project is the partnership with Rancho BioSciences, who bring their expertise in data stewardship, ontology creation, and data quality control to the table. This collaboration arrives at a crucial juncture in biogenetic research, especially considering the Genetics Center's dedication to accelerating the exome sequencing of UK Biobank's 500,000 participants. For this vast data pool to truly benefit the research community, the data must be of impeccable quality, meticulously annotated, and easily accessible for deriving meaningful insights. Rancho BioSciences' proven curation process entails thorough steps, from data stewardship to the maintenance of data alignments, ensuring the data remains consistent, relevant, and of the highest quality. The outcome will be a gold-standard resource that will be invaluable for researchers and pharmaceutical innovators worldwide. As this ambitious endeavor progresses to its next phase, the curation pipelines can be adapted for other biobank and EHR data standardization projects, making the data readily available for subsequent analyses. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of having a standardized, cohesive dataset in propelling genetic research, facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic solutions, and broadening our grasp of human genetics. Rancho BioSciences invites researchers, professionals, and all those intrigued by the future of genetic research to attend the webinar and delve deeper into this pioneering project. New partners and collaborators are always welcome. About Rancho: Founded in 2012, Rancho BioSciences is a privately held company offering services for data curation, management and analysis for companies engaged in pharmaceutical research and development. Its clients include top 20 pharma and biotech companies, research foundations, government labs and academic groups. For more information about Rancho and Clinical Data Curation, contact: Julie Bryant, CEO Julie.Bryant@RanchoBiosciences.com Contact Information Julie Bryant CEO julie.bryant@ranchobiosciences.com 760-717-7881 SOURCE: Rancho BioSciences View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787225/rancho-biosciences-collaborates-to-standardize-uk-biobank-clinical-data-for-improved-genetic-analysis WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden will join the picket line in Wayne County, Michigan, where members of the United Auto Workers union are on strike against three auto giants for a second week. The President is set to visit the striking workers at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne at 12 PM Tuesday 'in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create,' the White House said in announcing his public schedule. Biden's visit, described as 'historic', is seen as part of an attempt to ensure the support of the labor union in Michigan, seen as a key presidential election battleground state. It comes a day before former President Donald Trump's announced visit to Detroit to address union members, including from the UAW. Trump criticized Biden, saying that he 'had no intention' of visiting the striking workers, and claimed that it was his decision to speak in Michigan that prompted Biden to walk the picket line. At a Press Briefing Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied Trump's decision to visit the UAW workers played into Biden's decision to go there in advance, and clarified that it was based on UAW President Shawn Fain's invitation last week. Asked if the President is explicitly taking the side of the union workers as opposed to the companies, the White House spokesperson replied, 'He's always going to stand on the side of workers.' Despite being known as a pro-working class president, the UAW has not yet endorsed Biden for his reelection bid. Thousands of UAW members at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis walked out on September 15, marking the beginning of a Stand Up Strike. Their main demands include pay increases and cost of living adjustments, end of two-tiered wage structure, defined benefit pension plans for all, and four-day workweek and more time off. The White House didn't say if Biden supports UAW's demands. 'We are not involved in negotiations. That is something for them to decide what is going to work for the parties that are involved, but he is standing with the autoworkers. That's what the president is doing,' Jean-Pierre told reporters. Meanwhile, UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Ford's announcement that they are pausing construction on the Marshall EV Battery Plant. 'This is a shameful, barely veiled threat by Ford to cut jobs. Closing 65 plants over the last 20 years wasn't enough for the Big Three, now they want to threaten us with closing plants that aren't even open yet. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom,' he said in a statement. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Die Top 3 Dividendenaktien 2024 In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! Hier klicken In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! 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. SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / KOSEC - Kodari Securities, a pioneer in the financial industry, is thrilled to announce its dynamic relaunch, ushering in a transformative era in the world of financial markets. This isn't merely a redefinition of investing; it's a revolutionary mission. Through pioneering technologies and innovative strategies, KOSEC is poised to overhaul the very foundations of the investment landscape. At the core of KOSEC's ethos lies an unwavering commitment to excellence and an unrelenting pursuit of innovation. The passion for breaking new ground propels KOSEC to embrace state-of-the-art technologies and trailblazing strategies, setting the company apart from its peers. By seamlessly integrating advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence into their investment strategy, KOSEC has crafted a more precise, forward-thinking, and inclusive investment experience, unlocking unprecedented insights and opportunities for clients. This dedication to excellence has earned the trust of some of Australia's wealthiest and most successful investors. KOSEC is confident that its extraordinary value proposition, combined with an extensive range of top-tier products and services, cements its position as the preferred choice in the market. Driving this transformation is CEO Michael Kodari, a prominent figure in the stock market. Michael's vision to create innovative, game-changing products has been the guiding light of KOSEC's journey. Not too long ago, Michael Kodari made a captivating appearance on the business channel that left the entire nation in awe. His portfolio's performance was nothing short of extraordinary, boasting an astonishing average return of 93.81% and an exceptional market outperformance of 95%. This outstanding achievement, showcased on national television, served as a testament to Michael Kodari's remarkable talents and his unique investment approach. It became evident that, regardless of prevailing market conditions, even during challenging downturns, he possessed an unrivaled ability to consistently outperform, earning him global recognition and widespread acclaim. Michael Kodari's journey, from televised market excellence to the creation of groundbreaking valuation models, algorithms, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools has brought the company to this pivotal moment, redefining the world of finance. His story serves as an inspiration to investors worldwide, illustrating the possibilities that can be achieved with dedication, innovation, and a pursuit of excellence. The revitalized KOSEC introduces an array of Artificial Intelligent and Machine Learning software and tools, a testament to the company's commitment to innovation. Crafted by a highly skilled team of programmers renowned for their work with leading hedge funds, these tools are poised to disrupt the financial market in unprecedented ways. Michael Kodari's visionary leadership has led to the creation of innovative products that are set to revolutionize the industry. Empowering the Investment Journey Explore KOSEC's comprehensive suite of offerings, designed to empower your investment journey: Private Wealth: KOSEC offers the advantage of a dedicated team of experts, including advisers, analysts, traders, economists, mathematicians, and data scientists, providing comprehensive support that transcends traditional advising, distinguishing KOSEC from other institutions. Research: Gain access to valuable insights through daily video and email pre- and post-market summaries, informative news articles, engaging webinars, buy recommendations, detailed weekly reports, and in-depth company analysis. Cutting-Edge Fintech Tools: Harness the power of state-of-the-art stock market software like Phantom X, Lotus Blue, Buffett 2.0, Portfolio Screener, and Livermore AI for making data-driven investment decisions. Education: Elevate your knowledge with engaging videos, interactive quizzes, informative articles, insightful webinars, and a weekly podcast show. Corporate Finance Opportunities: Explore unique opportunities in venture capital, pre-IPO investments, IPOs, private placements, and mergers and acquisitions. Events & Magazine: Network and acquire knowledge through exclusive conferences hosted in luxury venues, including hotels, yachts, and superyachts, as well as events in collaboration with KOSEC's magazine brand partners. At the heart of KOSEC, a distinct culture fosters an environment that attracts the industry's brightest and most skilled minds. This culture enables the company to address even the most intricate challenges and present innovative solutions. KOSEC is driven by a singular mission-to empower investors with unparalleled knowledge, cutting-edge tools, and abundant resources that unlock groundbreaking investment opportunities. Through an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality in both products and services, KOSEC guides clients towards making exceptional, well-informed investment decisions. KOSEC's vision is to ascend as the global leader-an embodiment of innovation, transparency, and excellence in the realm of financial services. Championing Innovation and Excellence An instrumental figure in KOSEC's transformation is Dr. Adam Sierakowski, recognized as a global authority in financial mathematics and currently a Senior Research Analyst at KOSEC. His pioneering contributions have set new benchmarks in the domain of financial analysis, and he plays an instrumental role in charting KOSEC's strategic course alongside the CEO, Michael Kodari. His remarkable journey includes significant contributions to the Fields Institute, a global beacon of mathematical excellence, which has been privileged to witness Dr. Sierakowski's genius, an institution synonymous with mathematical excellence worldwide. Named after John Charles Fields, the creator of the esteemed Fields Medal-often equated to a Nobel Prize in Mathematics-this institute has witnessed some of the most groundbreaking research in mathematical sciences. A perusal of his research at the Fields Institute underpins his academic prowess. He has an enviable record of publications, most of which are featured in the elite (ERA: A) and extraordinary (ERA: A) journals-a testimony to the quality and impact of his work and is a sought-after speaker at several esteemed conferences, including Ban Research Station and the Fields Institute itself. With Dr. Adam Sierakowski's academic prowess and Michael Kodari's visionary leadership, KOSEC is not just a participant in the financial market; it's a driving force for change. Together, they are steering KOSEC towards uncharted territories, ushering in a new era of financial analysis, and creating a legacy of excellence, promising a brighter future for global financial analysis. About KOSEC - Kodari Securities: KOSEC is a leading financial institution committed to redefining the future of investment through cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies. With a relentless pursuit of excellence, KOSEC aims to empower investors with unprecedented opportunities and insights, revolutionizing the world of finance. Media Contact: Organization: KOSEC - Kodari Securities Pty Ltd Contact Person: Dr. Adam Sierakowski Website: https://www.kosec.com.au Email: a.sierakowski@kosec.com.au Contact Number: +61 2 9955 3151 City: Sydney State: NSW Country: Australia SOURCE: KOSEC - Kodari Securities Pty Ltd View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787379/a-new-era-in-investing-kosecs-visionary-relaunch-unveiled NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / The Home Depot Originally published on Built From Scratch In partnership with SkillPointe Foundation, The Home Depot's Path to Pro program is redefining the back-to-school experience, equipping students with the essential tools required to navigate their journey. Scholars are sharing their perspective on why they're choosing a career in the skilled trades. Derek has always been a quick learner when it comes to manual labor. After talking to an electrician and learning about the trade, he decided to pursue a career in the field. When he graduates technical school, Derek wants to work as an apprentice for a local electrical company while he prepares for his journeyman exam. "My drive going through school is to get all the certifications that I need and finally break off to do my own thing and be my own boss. I am putting 110% effort into schooling, so I can obtain the knowledge and experience that I need when I am on my own." - DEREK MONTGOMERY LOCATION: MONTICELLO, MINNESOTA FIELD OF STUDY: ELECTRICAL ANTICIPATED PROGRAM END: MAY 2024 Elizabeth describes construction as a form of art. As a child, she would make her own art from anything she could find around the house. She built birdhouses and clay sculptures, and also crafted wooden tents in the backyard. With aspirations in various areas of construction, she aims to graduate college and secure a fulfilling job, driven not only by personal fulfillment but also by the goal of making her mother proud and becoming the first college graduate on her mom's side of the family. "After I find a job in construction it will feel less like a job and more like a hobby because building makes me happy." - ELIZABETH BRADFORD LOCATION: ST. LOUIS, MO FIELD OF STUDY: CARPENTRY AND CONSTRUCTION ANTICIPATED PROGRAM END: MAY 2024 Tyler's father has his own construction business, so he's been around construction his whole life. It has been his passion to work in this field for as long as he can remember.? After graduating high school, he enlisted with the US Army, and he also currently serves as a volunteer firefighter.?He's looking to learn more about how to run a construction business and wants to become a great boss and leader in the future.? "Many skilled people are now retiring, and we don't have enough young people joining the trades. Just like my dad, my grandfather was a construction worker, and a lot of methods and knowledge has been passed down from my grandfather and my dad to me. I feel it's my responsibility to keep the business alive and thriving." - TYLER DYKHOUSE LOCATION: NORTH HALEDON, NJ FIELD OF STUDY: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ANTICIPATED PROGRAM END: DEC. 2023 To learn more about The Home Depot Foundation's commitment to trades training visit our website or check out the 2023 ESG Report. Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Home Depot on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: The Home Depot Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/home-depot Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: The Home Depot View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787425/tools-and-textbooks-the-home-depot-foundations-path-to-pro-program-paves-the-way-for-skilled-trades-students NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Suncor Energy Indigenous artist Keegan Starlight reveals the Firebag mural, sharing it with the community members who gathered to celebrate together. A vibrant mural commissioned by Suncor, is now a dazzling display for employees flying into our Firebag operations. The art helps strengthen our relationship with the Indigenous communities in the region and gives the over 300,000 passengers who fly in and out every year something to reflect on. The giant mural now graces the 60-foot-wide by 40-foot-high wall of the airport's firehall and was created by Keegan Starlight, an artist from Tssut'ina First Nation in Treaty 7 near Calgary. It is the largest Indigenous mural created on a corrugated metal surface in Canada. Read more about our Indigenous reconciliation efforts in collaboration with communities here. Regular maintenance, including new paint, was planned for the firehall so our Manager of Aviation, Genevieve DaCambra, and team took the opportunity to look at the work in a more meaningful way. "I wanted to try something that was a challenge for me," Keegan says. "It was an easy 'yes' when I was asked to paint the mural, because I knew it was going to be massive." The project was more than a painting to Keegan, whose work can also be seen on the Petro-Canada retail station in Calgary's Signal Hill. To Keegan, the mural is a chance to tell the story of the Indigenous people of Treaty 8 territory, now known as Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. To do that, he had to learn about the people, their culture and the land, and Keegan decided the best way to do that was to make art with them. Keegan hosted art workshops for all ages in both Fort Chipewyan and Fort McKay. He provided communities art lessons and they shared with him stories and knowledge about their way of life, and their values and traditions, which inspired the concept for the Firebag mural. "That's just the way Indigenous people are, we don't take until we give," says Keegan "I wanted to give something to the community in exchange for them giving me teachings about their community." It took Keegan about a month to paint the mural. Working in the dark hours before the sun rose or after it set, he would project his design on the side of the building and sketch it out on the massive blank canvas. "It was important to me to talk to the communities I would be in arm's reach of," explains Keegan. "It didn't make sense to incorporate things into the mural that were only in my region, which is Treaty 7. We're all Indigenous, but the different cultures and regions should be reflected in the work." The result depicts the relationship the Indigenous People have with the area, including the land, the water and the animals in Keegan's signature style of teals, corals and reds. While Keegan's time in the communities was short, the artwork, the lessons learned, and relationships built by both artist and his muse will last for decades. See how our Petro-Canada gas stations are honouring reconciliation through murals here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Suncor Energy Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Suncor Energy View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787405/the-art-of-relationships-at-suncor The company looks forward to building on this momentum to drive positive change and make the world of real jewelry more inclusive, transparent, and environmentally responsible. LONDON, ENGLAND / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Finematter, the circular marketplace revolutionizing the jewelry industry, is thrilled to announce the successful second close of its Seed round, bringing the total raised to $2.85 million. Renowned tech founders and industry veterans exclusively backed the round, sharing Finematter's vision of promoting circularity and transparency in the jewelry market. Finematter The seed round counts contributions from distinguished angel investors such as Heini Zachariassen (Vivino), Christine de Wendel (Zalando/Sunday), Jeppe Rindom (Pleo), Dino Patti (Playdead/Jumpship), Peder Michael Pruzan-Jrgensen (Pandora's Sustainability board), with 46% of investors being female. Their support not only brings substantial financial backing to Finematter but also bolsters the company's position with invaluable expertise from seasoned experts. "We are absolutely thrilled and grateful to be backed by such an incredible group of investors. They, as we do, believe that we have a unique opportunity to create a category-defining company, which can make a difference for the many thousands of independent creatives in the jewelry industry, as well as a blueprint for a truly circular business model," said Caroline Chalmer, Founder & CEO of Finematter. "This funding will enable us to further develop our platform, expand our network of jewelers, and create a lasting impact on the circularity of the jewelry space." The successful closure of this seed round comes at a critical time when investments in B2C start-ups have faced a significant decline, down by more than 60% compared to last year. Despite this drop, Finematter attracted funding due to its extraordinary collection of leading jewelers in the $350B industry and their truly circular solution at the core of their model. Remarkably, gold, a primary material in jewelry production, is infinitely recyclable without any loss of quality, yet less than one-third of the global gold supply is currently recycled. Finematter aims to change this narrative and promote a sustainable approach to jewelry consumption and production. The company enables customers to order, repair, remodel, and recycle real jewelry, connecting them with top jewelers vetted by Finematter. Finematter's approach could serve as a blueprint for a circular business model across various industries, promoting conscious consumption and sustainability beyond just jewelry. About Finematter is an online marketplace connecting customers to the world's leading independent jewelers. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in London, and New York City, the company empowers customers to order, repair, remodel, and recycle real jewelry, giving them access to work with the world's most skilled jewelers, all vetted by Finematter. Committed to circular principles, all jewelry transacted through the platform is issued with a digital certificate, documenting the full life-cycle of a piece of jewelry and enabling circularity. Contact Information Valentina Zabala Account Manager info@publicize.co 1-646-480-0356 SOURCE: Finematter View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787239/finematter-the-startup-fostering-a-circular-jewelry-economy-closes-out-285m-seed-round Seventh annual list reveals leading MSSP, MDR and MSP security companies expect strong revenue growth in 2023 vs. 2022 CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / onShore Security, a leading provider of enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions nationwide, ranks among the Top 250 Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) for 2023, according to MSSP Alert, a CyberRisk Alliance resource. The company rose in the rankings to 146, compared to 192 in 2022. onShore Security onShore Security logo "We are honored to continue to be included in the MSSP 250 list, and are pleased to have moved up in the ranking yet again this year," said Stel Valavanis, CEO of onShore Security. "I believe our pure-play approach and our own Panoptic Cyberdefense platform are what make onShore Security stand out. No other company has network detection and response (NDR) integrated directly into their platform." The 7th annual list and report identifies and honors the top MSSP, managed detection and response (MDR), and managed security provider (MSP) companies. The rankings are based on MSSP Alert's 2023 readership survey combined with the site's editorial coverage of MSSP, MDR and MSP security providers. The research also highlights key MSSP business, security and market trends. The complete list and research report are available online at https://www.msspalert.com/top-250. Key findings include: MSSP Revenue Growth & Financial Performance: MSSP honorees, on average, expect to generate $56.3 million in revenue for 2023, more than double the number from our 2022 report. MSSP honorees, on average, expect to generate $56.3 million in revenue for 2023, more than double the number from our 2022 report. Geography: Honorees are headquartered in 37 different countries. Honorees are headquartered in 37 different countries. Profits: 87% of MSSPs surveyed expect to be profitable for fiscal year 2023. 87% of MSSPs surveyed expect to be profitable for fiscal year 2023. Security Operations Centers: ?67% have in-house SOCs, 23% are hybrid, 8% completely outsource their SOCs, and 1% are reevaluating their SOC strategies. ?67% have in-house SOCs, 23% are hybrid, 8% completely outsource their SOCs, and 1% are reevaluating their SOC strategies. Cyberattack Trends: ?The most frequent attacks targeting MSSP customers in 2023 include phishing (95%), vulnerability exploits (91%) and ransomware (86%). ?The most frequent attacks targeting MSSP customers in 2023 include phishing (95%), vulnerability exploits (91%) and ransomware (86%). Cybersecurity Solutions: ?Larger MSSPs were more likely to run their SOC entirely in-house (85%) while just half of our smaller segment MSPs ran their SOCs in-house. ?Larger MSSPs were more likely to run their SOC entirely in-house (85%) while just half of our smaller segment MSPs ran their SOCs in-house. Key Managed Security Services Offered:?Almost all of the larger MSSPs (90%) provided 24/7 security event monitoring and response for threat detection use cases on their own. "MSSP Alert and CyberRisk Alliance congratulate onShore Security on this honor," said Jessica C. Davis, editorial director of MSSP Alert, a CyberRisk Alliance resource. "The Top 250 MSSPs continue to outperform the overall cybersecurity services market in 2023. It's an indication of the strength of managed security services provided by these specialists at a time when cybercrime has accelerated and threatens businesses of every size and from every industry." Inclusion in the list follows several 2023 highlights for onShore Security. In April, onShore was one of more than 150 private sector companies to endorse principles developed by the Cybersecurity Tech Accord to curb the growth of cyber mercenaries. onShore executives presented at industry conferences including Inventures Canada, Blue Team Con and the ISACA Chicago Convergence Conference, and CEO Valavanis will present at the upcoming CornCon. In addition, the company launched the second season of its popular cybersecurity podcast, onSecurity. About CyberRisk Alliance CyberRisk Alliance (CRA) is a business intelligence company serving the high growth, rapidly evolving cybersecurity community with a diversified portfolio of services that inform, educate, build community, and inspire an efficient marketplace. Our trusted information leverages a unique network of journalists, analysts and influencers, policymakers, and practitioners. CRA's brands include SC Media, Security Weekly, ChannelE2E, MSSP Alert, InfoSec World, Identiverse, Cybersecurity Collaboration Forum, its research unit CRA Business Intelligence, the peer-to-peer CISO membership network, Cybersecurity Collaborative, the Official Cyber Security Summit, TECHEXPO Top Secret, and now LaunchTech Communications. Visit http://cyberriskalliance.com/ to learn more. About onShore Security Founded in 1991, onShore Security is a leading provider of managed cybersecurity services nationwide, providing 24/7 real-time monitoring, correlation and analysis of organization-wide, full-telemetry network data to achieve a complete end-to-end security view for midmarket and enterprise companies. For more news and information on onShore, please visit https://www.onshore.com. Contact Information Josh Eklow Marketing Manager josh.eklow@onshore.com +13128505200 Andrew Huff Glendale Communications Group andrewhuff@glendalecomm.com +18473827404 SOURCE: onShore Security View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787276/onshore-security-named-to-mssp-alerts-2023-list-of-top-250-mssps Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. ("ArcStone") proudly announces its trailblazing support and participation at the upcoming Benzinga event from September 27 to 28 in Chicago. This year's highlight will be the world's inaugural panel focusing on the 3rd wave of drug reform and the surrounding ecosystem, from coca leaf nutraceuticals and CPG products to testing and narcotic laboratory investments. This timely and pivotal discussion, moderated by ArcStone's CEO, Michael Astone, a seasoned investment banker, discusses the evolving global scene, numerous global drug reform initiatives, and the recent IPO of Safe Supply Streaming (CSE:SPLY) debut on the CSE exchange. Benzinga's events consistently assemble a unique mix of investors, dealmakers, companies, and advisors keen on identifying emerging trends. Leaders in the cannabis sphere, including Canopy Growth, Tilray, Sundial, and Aurora Cannabis, will be in attendance, emphasizing the event's significance. Michael Astone, known for his influence in the cannabis, psychedelic, and growth industries, will engage in an illuminating discussion with industry frontrunners: Bill Panagiotakopoulos, David Craig, and Geoff Benic. This conversation will shed light on investment avenues in this sector, highlighting opportunities and pathways reminiscent of the cannabis industry's nascent phase in 2013. At ArcStone, the focus extends beyond financial dealings. Here, entrepreneurial dreams find their tangible forms. Reflecting on past market dynamics, Michael reiterated the capital surge around Canadian cannabis legalization in 2013, followed by the rise of the psychedelic market by 2019. Michael accentuated the ongoing addiction and overdose dilemma is a global crisis, applauding policy reforms in places like British Columbia, Switzerland, and Oregon for recent advancements in policy. He also acknowledged Harbour's ventures with major brands, emphasizing the coca plant's potential health advantages and the new products being formulated as the war on sugar and aspartame are now leading consumers while major brands are looking for alternative ingredient options. Stakeholders, enthusiasts, and industry leaders are warmly invited to be part of this conversation: ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. - www.arcstoneglobalsecurities.com Safe Supply - www.safesupply.com Harbour Solutions - www.harboursolution.com This panel, a first of its kind, is backed by visionary investors, executives, and key figures from Canada and the USA, all rallying for a sector poised to revolutionize global health and wellness. Join us at Benzinga where conversations shape tomorrow's industry. About ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. is recognized as a hands-on, entrepreneurial North-South financial firm, delving into diversified and specialized sectors. With a team heralding from prominent financial institutions across Canada and the USA, ArcStone offers unmatched strategic guidance in diverse markets and access to capital. With offices in Canada and the US, we are well equipped to advise companies globally. Learn more at www.arcstoneglobalsecurities.com. Press Inquiries: Michael L. Astone, CPA, CA - Chief Executive Officer Email: michael@arcstoneglobalsecurities.com Jack J. Bensimon, LL.M. - Managing Director Email: jack@arcstoneglobalsecurities.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181929 In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement in principle with the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) government to resolve pending litigation related to Jeffrey Epstein. The settlement terms provide for a payment by JPMorgan Chase of $55 million, the majority of which will go to local charities and assisting victims, plus an additional $20 million in attorneys' fees. The settlement agreement includes $30 million contribution by JPMorgan Chase to support USVI charitable organizations and $25 million paid to the USVI to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of law enforcement to prevent and combat human trafficking and other crimes in their territories. While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes. The firm will continue to work with law enforcement to combat human trafficking and help to identify improper money movement into the global payments systems. An agreement has also been reached with former executive James Edward Staley to resolve JPMorgan Chase's claims against him. The terms of the agreement with Staley are confidential. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. In partnership with CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, Oxitec will initiate development of a Friendly solution for the invasive, disease-spreading Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus . . Oxitec and CSIRO have launched the new partnership to combat this major public health threat to communities in the Pacific region and beyond, and to protect against invasion of the Australian mainland. Aedes albopictus is an aggressive mosquito that transmits dangerous viral diseases - including dengue, Chikungunya and yellow fever - and has spread across much of the world, posing a threat to billions of people. OXFORD, England, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxitec Ltd, the leading developer of insect-based biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock, today announced the launch of development of a targeted, biological Friendly solution for the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, which transmits debilitating and dangerous viral diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. This development program, funded by CSIRO, will enable development of a Friendly Aedes albopictus - a safe, effective, and self-limiting strain of the mosquito that results in non-biting, non-disease transmitting male mosquitoes - in Oxitec's UK R&D facilities. This is the first step towards delivering an urgently needed, highly effective biological solution for Aedes albopictus in the Pacific region and beyond. In addition to posing a major disease risk to billions of people, the Aedes albopictus mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter, causing major nuisance and hindering outdoor activities in many parts of the world. Infamous for being spread globally via international shipping, car tyres and ornamental 'lucky bamboo', Aedes albopictus continues to invade new territories. Experts predict that if it continues to spread uncontrolled it will pose a disease threat to more than 6 billion people. Aedes albopictus is absent from mainland Australia but is present in neighbouring islands widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, where it causes regular disease outbreaks. Oxitec's safe, sustainable and targeted biological pest control technology is ideally and uniquely suited to control this public health threat. Oxitec's Friendly solutions are harmless to local ecosystems, are species-specific, and are already proven to control the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito - another invasive, disease vector - by up to 96% in dengue-prone urban communities. The Friendly Aedes aegypti is now being sold to households, businesses and governments across Brazil in just-add-water devices. Working with local communities impacted by this disease vector, CSIRO and Oxitec will work in partnership to deploy the technology in vulnerable regions once completed. Grey Frandsen, Oxitec's CEO, commented, "We're proud to be entering into a partnership with one of the world's preeminent scientific institutions to take on the Asian tiger mosquito, which poses a danger to billions of people around the world. And climate change is only going to help it spread further. We're ready to join the fight against this mosquito and we're grateful for the support of and strong partnership with CSIRO, with whom we're united in our commitment to deliver ground-breaking solutions to help communities most in need." Kelly Matzen, Oxitec's Chief Technology Officer, added, "Our world-class team of experts is excited to start work on a solution for Aedes albopictus. We're developing end-to-end solutions for some of the world's most dangerous mosquitoes - something we're deeply passionate about - and we're ready to translate the proven success of our Friendly platform to deliver impact against this globally important disease vector." CSIRO's Dr Brendan Trewin said "Alongside Oxitec, we aim to develop a non-toxic, insecticide-free, and environmentally sustainable vector control tool that is safe for humans, animals, crops, and the environment. It has potential to improve the health of communities in Australia and the Pacific regions, reduce public health impacts, and limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases within the region." About Oxitec Oxitec is the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. Founded in 2002 at the University of Oxford, Oxitec is led by a passionate team comprised of 15 nationalities and is supported by world-class public, private and non-profit partners. Learn more at oxitec.com . About CSIRO As Australia's national science agency and innovation catalyst, CSIRO solves the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We work with organisations large and small, delivering world-leading research and development solutions. With 5,000 experts, state-of-the-art facilities, and a global collaborative research network we bring together the best and brightest minds to drive strategic growth and overcome unique business challenges like no other. CSIRO. Unlocking a better future for everyone. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221406/Oxitec_CSIRO_Partnership.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/oxitec-partners-with-csiro-australias-national-science-agency-to-launch-development-of-a-friendly-solution-for-the-invasive-dengue-spreading-asian-tiger-mosquito-301938871.html Geneva, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor group to provide financing of up to CHF 100 million This financing is part of NewGAMe's long-term commitment to secure funding to meet GAM's liquidity needs and ensure stability at the firm GAM's Chief Risk Officer Elmar Zumbuehl announced as proposed CEO candidate FINMA has issued its "no objection" letter in relation to NewGAMe increasing its GAM shareholding to 20-30% 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"), announces Elmar Zumbuehl as its proposed candidate for CEO of GAM. NewGAMe's previous proposed candidate, Randel Freeman, has withdrawn due to unforeseen family circumstances. Elmar Zumbuehl, a Swiss citizen, joined GAM in 2010 and is currently Chief Risk Officer and a member of the Group Management Board. Prior to joining GAM, he worked at Julius Baer for 10 years in a range of senior roles, including covering Julius Baer's Asset Management business, of which GAM was part at the time. NewGAMe is committed to securing the necessary financial resources to fund GAM's operations and ensure stability for clients, employees and other stakeholders. Rock Investment SAS, a member of the NewGAMe investor group, has already provided short-term financing of up to CHF 20 million to cover GAM's immediate liquidity needs. In line with its pre-announced commitment to secure support, Rock is prepared to provide GAM with a mix of short- and long-term funding up to an increased total of CHF 100 million. The additional support is subject to NewGAMe's proposed directors being elected at GAM's EGM on 27 September 2023 but is not contingent on the outcome of any other EGM proposals. After submitting applications to regulatory authorities in Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg, Ireland and Italy to be authorised to hold between 20 and 30% of the issued share capital of GAM, NewGAMe has now received a "no-objection" letter from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. The investor group expects similar feedback from other regulators in the near future. Antoine Spillmann, CEO and Partner at Bruellan and proposed candidate for Chair of GAM, said: "We have had intense and productive interactions with GAM's teams in London, Zurich and other locations over recent weeks and understand the importance of demonstrating our long-term commitment to the company. Therefore, we are pleased to see Rock commit further funding of up to a total of CHF 100 million to allow GAM to invest in growth and give clients, fund managers, regulators and employees total confidence in the future of the company. We are also thrilled that Elmar has accepted the opportunity to work with the new board as CEO of GAM. He has the right blend of experience and operational expertise, as well as an in-depth knowledge of GAM, to stabilise the company and take it forward. Elmar is well known and respected at GAM, and he offers continuity as we look to build on GAM's heritage to return the company to profitability and growth." Elmar Zumbuehl, proposed candidate for CEO of GAM, said: "I am very excited by the opportunity to lead GAM. The business has a strong international brand, talented teams across the business and exceptional investment performance. I look forward to building on these strengths to put GAM onto a sustained recovery path." The "Global Bronchial Spasms Treatment Market Report and Forecast 2023-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global bronchial spasms treatment market, valued at USD 351.8 million in 2022, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period of 2023-2031, reaching a market value of USD 505.07 million by 2031. This growth can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases and the rising awareness surrounding bronchial spasms treatment. Market Overview Bronchial spasms treatment involves medical care for individuals experiencing bronchial spasms, a condition characterized by sudden muscle tightening around the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Treatment options include medication, inhalers, and supportive services such as pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises. The market's growth is driven by factors like the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma and COPD), increasing awareness about bronchial spasms, government initiatives, and a growing demand for innovative treatments. Technological advancements, particularly in digital health tools like telemedicine and online therapy platforms, have made bronchial spasms treatment more accessible, further expanding its reach and meeting the rising demand for services. Bronchial Spasms Epidemiology Globally, approximately 339 million people suffer from asthma, and more than 251 million individuals are affected by COPD. Both conditions can lead to bronchial spasms, increasing the demand for bronchial spasms treatment. It's crucial to recognize that bronchial spasms can vary among individuals, necessitating personalized treatment. Efforts to improve access to bronchial spasms treatment should consider the unique needs of different age and gender groups, as well as factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Addressing these factors can reduce the burden of respiratory diseases and enhance access to effective treatment for everyone. Market Segmentation The bronchial spasms treatment market can be segmented as follows: Diagnosis Type Imaging Test Spirometry Test Others Treatment Type Short-acting Bronchodilators Long-acting Bronchodilators Inhaled Steroids Oral or Intravenous Steroids Distribution Channel Hospitals Clinics Homecare Settings Others Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Bronchial Spasms Treatment Market Analysis The global bronchial spasms treatment market has experienced significant growth, driven by factors like increasing respiratory disease prevalence, awareness about bronchial spasms, and demand for innovative treatments. North America leads the market due to high respiratory disease prevalence, a well-established healthcare system, and substantial investment in respiratory health R&D. Europe is another significant market with countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France at the forefront. The region benefits from a large population, growing respiratory health awareness, and government initiatives. Asia Pacific is witnessing substantial market growth driven by its large population, increasing awareness of respiratory health, and adoption of digital respiratory health technologies. Key Market Players Key players in the bronchial spasms treatment market include: Novartis International AG GSK plc Merck Co., Inc AstraZeneca plc C. H. Boehringer Sohn Co. KG Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Viatris Inc Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc Amphstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc Pfizer, Inc. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 147 Forecast Period 2023 2031 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $366.22 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2031 $505.07 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.1% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nn1abl 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926289573/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T. Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 The Business Research Company's global market reports are now updated with the latest market sizing information for the year 2023 and forecasted to 2032 LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Push To Talk Global Market Report 2023, the global push to talk market size is poised for impressive growth, with its size set to increase from $25.21 billion in 2022 to $27.57 billion in 2023, showcasing a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, projecting a market size of $39.5 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 9.4%. The driving force behind the push to talk market growth is the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT Revolution The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) is significantly contributing to the expansion of the push to talk market. IoT involves interconnected physical objects equipped with sensors, software, and technology, enabling data exchange over the internet. This connectivity is harnessed to integrate push to talk solutions with IoT sensors, facilitating automatic alerts and notifications. In the manufacturing industry, this synergy empowers timely alerts to workers about potential equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance actions and the prevention of unplanned downtime. As an example, in September 2021, global IoT connections increased by 18%, reaching 14.3 billion active IoT endpoints. Projections for 2023 indicate another 16% growth, totaling 16.7 billion active endpoints. This sustained growth underscores the pivotal role of IoT in driving the push to talk market. Learn More On The Push To Talk Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/push-to-talk-global-market-report Market Landscape The global push to talk market is characterized by a degree of fragmentation, with numerous players operating within the industry. In 2022, the top ten competitors collectively accounted for 23.5% of the total market. Leading this competitive landscape, AT&T Inc. held the largest market share at 7.7%, closely followed by Verizon Communications Inc., T-Mobile, Motorola Solutions, Inc., Bell Canada Enterprises Inc., L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Zebra Technologies Corporation, Hytera Communications Corp Ltd, and Icom Inc. Innovation and Technology The push to talk market is experiencing a surge in innovative technologies, with advanced voice recognition and AI-driven features redefining real-time communication and enhancing user experience. Companies in this market are actively focusing on innovative technologies to solidify their market positions. For instance, in February 2022, Thuraya, a UAE-based mobile-satellite service provider, introduced Thuraya PTT, an IP-based radio communications system that seamlessly integrates with Thuraya Broadband terminals, forming a private network. This system leverages multiple technologies, including 3G, LTE, and LMR, providing secure interoperability between various communication systems on land and at sea. It offers dependable and cost-effective access with seamless switching between satellite, cellular, and LAN. Request A Free Sample Of The Push To Talk Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=5648&type=smp Market Segmentation The global push to talk market is segmented as follows: By End-User: Public Safety and Security, Transportation and Logistics, Government, Energy and Utility By Technology: 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi By Components: Hardware, Software, Services The hardware segment within the push to talk market is expected to exhibit the most promising growth potential, contributing $8.5 billion in global annual sales by 2027. Regional Insights In 2022, North America emerged as the largest region in the push to talk market, accounting for 40.2% of the global push to talk market share. The fastest-growing regions in the forecast period are expected to be Asia Pacific and Western Europe. View More Similar Market Reports: Wireless Telecommunication Carriers Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/wireless-telecommunication-carrier-global-market-report Cellular Or Mobile Telephone Services Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/cellular-or-mobile-telephone-services-global-market-report Broadcast Communications Equipment Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/broadcast-communications-equipment-global-market-report Interested to know more about The Business Research Company? The Business Research Company has published over 6500+ detailed industry reports, spanning over 3000+ market segments and 60 geographies. The reports draw on 1,500,000 datasets, extensive secondary research, and exclusive insights from interviews with industry leaders. 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The exciting program taught local children escalator and elevator safety tips through fun animations, quizzes and coloring contests. One of the highlights of the event was incorporating the Otis "Little Engineers" STEM volunteer program, which gave the children an opportunity to build miniature elevator models alongside Otis volunteers. Special thanks to Otis volunteers for their efforts and making this event a success as they help inspire the next generation of young innovators! Click here to learn more about how Otis is working to encourage early STEM learning through volunteerism as we work towards 500,000 volunteer hours by 2030. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Otis Worldwide on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Otis Worldwide Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/otis-worldwide Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Otis Worldwide View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787500/otis-colleagues-in-malaysia-host-kids-safety-ambassador-program The ARES study on MaaT013 reached the required patient threshold for DSMB 1 planning in early Q4.23 planning in early Q4.23 The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted MaaT033 orphan drug designation aiming to improve overall survival in patients undergoing HSCT 2 First patient was dosed in the IASO Phase 1b pilot study in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with MaaT033 Completion within 12 months of the manufacturing facility in partnership with Skyepharma and transfer of MaaT Pharma's Production and Development capabilities to the new 17,200 sq ft site As of June 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were 35.1 million, anticipated cash runway into Q2 2024 Revenues of 1.4 million in H1 2023 Regulatory News: MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer, today announced its half year financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 and provided a business overview. "Over the first half of 2023, we laid a solid foundation for clinical development and manufacturing scale-up. Regarding MaaT013, our onco-hematology lead product, the lifting of the FDA hold and the upcoming DSMB review for our Phase 3 trial represent pivotal moments in our development. In addition, our second asset, MaaT033, has received orphan drug designation from the EMA, highlighting the pressing medical need for improved treatments in HSCT. Achieving these significant milestones reflects MaaT Pharma's unwavering commitment to progress and innovation." stated Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma. "These achievements also contribute to the overall positive trends in the global microbiome landscape, as demonstrated by the industry's latest positive clinical data and the recent approval of the third microbiome drug by regulatory agencies." Pipeline Highlights MET-N platform MaaT013 In onco-hematology: In April 2023, MaaT013 clinical results in its early access program for 81 patients, previously communicated during the 64 th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), were presented during the 49 th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT 2023). In April 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted the clinical hold and cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for MaaT013 in patients with aGvHD 3 . MaaT Pharma intends to consult with the FDA on the next steps of the regulatory process to bring MaaT013 to US patients in the most expeditious way possible while the Company continues the late-stage clinical development of MaaT013 in Europe with the ongoing international multicenter, open-label, single arm, pivotal Phase 3 trial (ARES). As a post-period event, in July 2023, the Company announced that clinical data on MaaT013 as a treatment for aGvHD was published in eClinicalMedicine, one of the Lancet Discovery Science suite's journals. As a post period event, the Company announces that the ARES study has recruited the required number of patients and that the DSMB is planned for early Q4.23. In immuno-oncology: The PICASSO study, sponsored by APHP, is largely on track for data readout now expected by end of 2024/early 2025. This is the only double-blind randomized clinical trial in the field evaluating a microbiome approach (MaaT013) to enhance the efficacy of Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors (ICI) treatments in patients with metastatic melanoma. With more than half of the patients now having completed their week 9 visit, the Company is in a position to receive biomarker data from its partner. MaaT033 In onco-hematology: In April 2023, MaaT033 data of Phase 1b study CIMON, previously communicated during the 64 th annual ASH meeting, were also presented at the EBMT 2023. As a post period event, in September 2023, the Company announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had granted MaaT033 orphan drug designation aiming to improve overall survival in patients undergoing HSCT and had recognized the significant benefit that MaaT033 could therefore bring to this patient's population. The status offers key benefits including market exclusivity, clinical protocol assistance, waivers or reductions in regulatory fees. In neurodegenerative diseases: As a post period event, the Company announces that the first patient was dosed in the IASO Phase 1b pilot study (NCT05889572) in ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in the US and Charcot's disease in French-speaking countries). The Company has developed the clinical trial in partnership with the French patients' association Tous en Selles contre la SLA. MET-C platform MaaT034 In combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors MaaT034 is the first member of the MaaT03X co-culture family from the MET-C platform. First in human is scheduled for 2025, with the manufacture of the first clinical batch in 2024. As a post period event, the Company announces that two posters have been accepted for the 38 th Annual Meeting of Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), Nov 1-5, 2023 in San Diego, CA USA. Corporate update In February 2023, the Company announced the successful completion of a capital increase of approximately 12.7 million supported by its existing shareholders including Seventure Partners, PSIM Fund represented by Bpifrance Investissement, Biocodex, Invus, Celeste Management, Skyviews Life Sciences and Tocqueville. In June 2023, MaaT Pharma announced new appointments to the Board of Directors and Executive team, to align with the Company's long-term vision and goals: Karim Dabbagh as Chairman and Nadia Kamal as Director, both independent. Philippe Moyen as Chief Operating Officer. In June 2023, MaaT Pharma also announced the appointment of Guilhaume Debroas as Head of Investor Relations. As a post period event, in July 2023, MaaT Pharma announced joining the Microbiome Therapeutics Innovation Group (MTIG). As a post period event, in September 2023, the Company and Skyepharma announced completion of the cGMP manufacturing facility and the transfer of MaaT Pharma's Production and Development teams to the new site. As a post period event and with deep sorrow, MaaT Pharma announces the sudden passing of Professor Gervais Tougas, who served as our part time acting Chief Medical Officer. The Company has initiated a search for a full-time replacement. Key Financial Results The key unaudited financial results for the first half of 2023 are as follows: Income Statement In thousands of euros 2023.06 2022.06 Revenue 1 378 494 Cost of Goods Sold (284 (72 Gross Margin 1 095 422 Other Income 2 659 1 793 Sales and distribution costs (541 (140 General and administrative costs (2 097 (2 115 Research and development costs (9 650 (7 328 Operating Income (loss) (8 534 ) (7 368 ) Financial Income 258 Financial Expense (159 (50 Net financial income (expense) 99 (49 ) Income (loss) before income tax (8 435 ) (7 417 ) Income tax expense Net Income (loss) for the period (8 435 ) (7 417 ) Prepared in accordance with international standards, IFRS Revenues totaled 1.4 million for the half year ended June 30, 2023, compared with 0.5 million in the half year ended June 30, 2022, reflecting the increase in demand from healthcare professionals and the treatment of an increased number of patients. Operating loss amounted to 8.5 million in the first half of 2023 compared with 7.4 million in the first half of 2022, an increase of 1.2 million. This increase reflects the growth of research and development costs which have risen from 7.3 million in the first half of 2022 to 9.7 million in 2023, representing an overall increase of 2.3 million and fully consistent with the advancement of the Company's research programs, offset in part by the R&D tax credit of 2.7 million included in "Other Income". The net loss amounts to 8.4 million as of June 30, 2023, compared with 7.4 million as of June 30, 2022, reflecting the growth of the Company and in particular the investment in R&D. The average number of employees has increased from 39 over the first half of 2022 to 47 for the same period of 2023. As of June 30, 2023, there were 51 employees, of which 39 were dedicated to research and development. Cash Position As of June 30, 2023, total cash and cash equivalents were 35.1 million, as compared to 35.2 million as of December 31, 2022. Over the first half of 2023, the net decrease in cash position amounted to 0.2 million compared with 4.9 million in the first half of 2022. Nonetheless, cash used to finance operations increased by 5.9 million for compared with the first half of 2022 due to the increased in operating expenses, particularly associated with research and development. Cash inflows related to financing activities amounted to 13.2 million as a result of the capital increase of approximately 12.7 million supported by its existing shareholders in February 2023, in addition to financing of the 2022 R&D tax credit for a total of 3.1 million offset by loan repayments totaling 1.5 million. Total financial debt (including lease liabilities) totaled 13.0 million as of June 30, 2023, of which 0.6 million relates to state-backed loans ("PGE"). Based on the development plans and corresponding cash needs, the Company believes it has sufficient cash to finance its activities into the second quarter of 2024. The Company has updated its corporate presentation, which can be downloaded here: https://www.maatpharma.com/investors/ Upcoming financial communication November 9, 2023 Q3 2023 Results *Indicative calendar that may be subject to change. Upcoming investor and scientific conferences participation September 27, 2023 6 th edition Forum LPB Valeurs Regionales edition Forum LPB Valeurs Regionales October 4, 2023 KBC Securities Life Sciences Conference October 4-5, 2023 Portzamparc Seminar Biotech Health October 9-10, 2023 Investor Access Event November 1-5, 2023 38th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) About MaaT Pharma MaaT Pharma, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has established a complete approach to restoring patient-microbiome symbiosis in oncology. Committed to treating cancer and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, MaaT Pharma has launched, in March 2022, an open-label, single-arm Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with acute GvHD, following the achievement of its proof of concept in a Phase 2 trial. Its powerful discovery and analysis platform, gutPrint, enables the identification of novel disease targets, evaluation of drug candidates, and identification of biomarkers for microbiome-related conditions. The company's Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies are produced through a standardized cGMP manufacturing and quality control process to safely deliver the full diversity of the microbiome in liquid and oral formulations. MaaT Pharma benefits from the commitment of world-leading scientists and established relationships with regulators to support the integration of the use of microbiome therapies in clinical practice. MaaT Pharma is listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT). Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 1 Data Safety Monitoring Board 2 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant 3 acute Graft Versus Host disease View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926723892/en/ Contacts: MaaT Pharma Investor Relations Guilhaume DEBROAS, Ph.D. Head of Investor Relations +33 6 16 48 92 50 invest@maat-pharma.com MaaT Pharma Media Relations Pauline RICHAUD Senior PR Corporate Communications Manager +33 6 14 06 45 92 media@maat-pharma.com Trophic Communications Corporate Communications Charlotte SPITZ or Stephanie MAY +49 171 351 2733 maat@trophic.eu DZ Bank AG - Pre-Stabilisation Notice PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, September 26 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. Pre-Stabilisation Notice Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW) DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) 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: KfW Guarantor (if any): Federal Republic of Germany Aggregate nominal amount: Size: EUR 3 billion Description: 3.25%, due 24.03.2031 Offer price: 99.882% Other offer terms: Fixed, Annual, Act/Act, XS2698047771 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: DZ BANKDZ BANK CA-CIB BNP Paribas Nomura Stabilisation period expected to start on: 26th of 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 Stock Exchange In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended 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. In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State. HATTIESBURG, MS / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Climate change has radically altered the life cycle of ocean quahog (Arctica islandica), one of the longest-lived species in the ocean. According to a new pair of studies funded by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS), the species is growing much faster and maturing much earlier as global temperatures have risen over the past 200 years, one of the clearest examples yet of how climate change is affecting marine life. Because of the ocean quahog's extreme longevity, they provide a unique record of climate change over the centuries. The oldest ocean quahogs are over 200 years old, and can provide us with insights into the ocean climate before widespread industrialization. The new papers, published in the journals Continental Shelf Research and Estuarine, Coastal, and Shelf Science, examine ocean quahog growth rates, and their changes over time, by examining the age and length data of a large, diverse sample set of ocean quahogs, and finds a clear pattern of biological change over time in response to climate conditions. In 1800, the average ocean quahog reached full maturity between 18 and 26 years, and reached a commercially harvestable size (according to the standards of the modern fishery, developed in the 20th century) in anywhere from 63 to 119 years. By 2000, ocean quahogs were reaching maturity as early as 8 years, and had reached harvestable size between 26 and 29 years, over three times faster than 200 years ago. Ocean Quahog. Photo Credit: SCEMFIS The dramatic shift in growth and maturity rates correspond directly with long-term rising temperatures at the sample sites, which were taken from two areas off the coast of New Jersey, one area on Georges Bank off the coast of New England, and one area off the coast of Long Island. These results indicate that ocean quahogs are very sensitive to changes in temperature, and are currently more productive than in previous decades. "This is a clear demonstration of the dramatic change in ocean climate over the last 200 years, and how one species has adapted with it over time," said Jillian Sower, of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at the University of Southern Mississippi, and a lead author of one of the studies. "Studying ocean quahogs gives us the history of both this species and the ocean around it, and these studies are a significant addition to that historical record." A unique aspect of these studies is the unusually large sample size of ocean quahogs available to the authors. Over the past several years, SCEMFIS-funded research on ocean quahogs has allowed researchers to collect and age hundreds of ocean quahogs from several regions across the species' range. This provides a broad, representative sample of the ocean quahog population across ages and regions, and leads to a high confidence in the findings of the studies. "We are in a unique position to draw from one of the most extensive samples of ocean quahog available anywhere," said Kathleen Hemeon, of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, and a lead author of another one of the studies. "We have an unusually clear picture of ocean quahogs both over time and across regions, and can be confident that the results of these studies reflect an accurate picture of the ocean quahogs over the last 200 years." About SCEMFIS SCEMFIS utilizes academic and fisheries resources to address urgent scientific problems limiting sustainable fisheries. SCEMFIS develops methods, analytical and survey tools, datasets, and analytical approaches to improve sustainability of fisheries and reduce uncertainty in biomass estimates. SCEMFIS university partners, University of Southern Mississippi (lead institution), and Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, are the academic sites. Collaborating scientists who provide specific expertise in finfish, shellfish, and marine mammal research, come from a wide range of academic institutions including Old Dominion University, Rutgers University, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, University of Maryland, and University of Rhode Island. The need for the diverse services that SCEMFIS can provide to industry continues to grow, which has prompted a steady increase in the number of fishing industry partners. These services include immediate access to science expertise for stock assessment issues, rapid response to research priorities, and representation on stock assessment working groups. Targeted research leads to improvements in data collection, survey design, analytical tools, assessment models, and other needs to reduce uncertainty in stock status and improve reference point goals. PRESS CONTACT Stove Boat Communications john@stoveboat.com SOURCE: Science Center for Marine Fisheries View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787502/new-studies-climate-change-causes-ocean-quahog-to-grow-quicker-mature-earlier Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, September 26 For immediate release 26 September 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 65,700 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 853.45 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 20,123,869; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 204,867,434. The figure of 204,867,434 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 Press Release Nokia to bring semiconductor expertise to CHIPS and Science Act funded innovation hub Nokia will join a new innovation hub that seeks to expand U.S. global leadership in microelectronics technical development. The program will help reduce U.S. reliance on foreign microelectronics and safeguard supply chain risks, while ensuring access to cutting edge semiconductors for the Department of Defense. 26 September 2023 Murray Hill, New Jersey - Nokia today announced that it is part of the Northeast Microelectronics Coalitionrecently announced$238 millionin funding that established the regional innovation hubs. This is the largest award to date under President Biden's CHIPS and Science Act. It will help make the American supply chain more resilient, safeguard the nation from supply chain risks and support national security and access to key technologies to keep America at the forefront of innovation and technological development. With $2 billion in funding for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027, the Microelectronics Commons program aims to bridge the gap between R&D and chip production by leveraging the Hubs to accelerate domestic hardware prototyping and "lab-to-fab" transition of semiconductor technologies. This will help mitigate supply chain risks, ultimately expediting access to the most cutting-edge semiconductor electronics and photonics and creating a direct pathway to reduce America's reliance on foreign microelectronics. Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, said: "Nokia is excited to be a key part of the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub and apply our extensive experience in R&D to help accelerate U.S. semiconductor production. We are committed to ensuring U.S. scientific and industrial powerhouses have access to cutting-edge semiconductors and can deliver what is needed to secure future semiconductor needs while mitigating any future supply chain challenges." Carolyn Kirk, Executive Director of the MassTech Collaborative, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the trust and collaboration of our coalition members and the Department of Defense to establish and launch the NEMC Hub for the northeast and for the nation. Our selection demonstrates the power of partnerships and illustrates the immense talent that has come together to earn this designation." Building on Nokia's recent announcements as the first telecom company to manufacture fiber-optic broadband network electronics products and optical modules in the U.S. for use in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the first technology Buy America compliant vendor, Nokia is taking another important step with the NEMC collaboration to further contribute to U.S. technology leadership, economic growth, and job creation. Resources and additional information Press release: Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Announces $238M CHIPS and Science Act Award|U.S. Department of Defense Press release: Nokia first to announce manufacturing of broadband network electronics products for BEAD program in U.S. | Nokia Press release: Nokia expands manufacturing in U.S. to fiber broadband optical modules for Department of Commerce BEAD program | Nokia Press release: Nokia on track to be first technology Buy America compliant vendor | Nokia Webpage: Northeast Microelectronics Coalition) |MassTech Webpage: Microelectronics Commons About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today - and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Corporate Email: Press.Services@nokia.com Follow us on social media LinkedInXInstagramFacebookYouTube BAGHDAD, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk Iraq, an affiliate of the global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care, has been officially recognized as one of the best places to work in Iraq for 2023. The company received outstanding scores across several aspects of their workplace such as leadership, organizational culture and corporate responsibility resulting in its recognition among the employers of choice in Iraq. Moreover, 97% of employees are recommending the organization as one of the best employers in the market. Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered as the 'Platinum Standard' in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world, providing employers the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions. In a statement from Ali Bengi, Vice President & General Manager for Novo Nordisk Iraq "We are honoured to be named as one of the Best Places to Work in Iraq. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases and by living this purpose we aim to make a positive difference in patients' lives every day. Our employees are playing a key role in living Novo Nordisk's purpose and in serving patients. And creating a healthy and engaging work environment is always one of our top priorities" Meanwhile, Aydogan Cantimur, Head of People & Organization said "In Novo Nordisk, we are committed to offer life-changing careers for all our of colleagues, which is possible if we're continuously able to evolve our workplace and create the best employee experience by implementing to the point and innovative HR practices. We are very proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work in Iraq for the second time, passing through the years in which our colleagues have to manage more uncertainties/challenges than ever. It gives us the impression that we're on the right track to be a sustainable employer in being the best in market" Every year, the program partners with many organizations in Iraq, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations. The certification provides a valuable benchmark for employees and reinforces the company's commitment to retaining and attracting the best talent to serve its clients locally and internationally. For more information about the program, visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/novo-nordisk-awarded-the-best-place-to-work-certification-in-iraq-for-2023-301939239.html OSLO, Norway, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nel has selected Plymouth Charter Township, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, as the location for its next gigafactory. Fully developed, the factory will be among the world's largest electrode manufacturing facilities, with a total annual capacity of 4 GW Alkaline and PEM technology. "Plymouth Charter Township is an ideal location for Nel. Here, we have access to a highly educated workforce, universities and research institutions, and we are close to our collaborating partner, General Motors. In addition, the Government and the authorities of Michigan have provided a very attractive financial support package for us," says Nel's CEO, Hakon Volldal. The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has today decided to support the project with a USD 10 million Michigan Business Development grant. The MSF board also approved a 15-year, 100% State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) Exemption Request, valued at up to USD 6.25 million to support the project. Nel has so far secured more than USD 50 million in support for its Michigan site. Pending approval of additional state and federal applications, this amount could increase to around USD 150 million. "We are thrilled to welcome Nel Hydrogen and its new gigafactory to Southeast Michigan," says the Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer. "This investment will bring good-paying jobs to the region and build on our leadership in cars, chips, and clean energy. We know the best manufacturing in the world happens right here in our state, and we were proud to share our vision for a clean energy future during our economic mission to Europe earlier this year. We will continue to let the world know about our state's attractive business climate, talented workforce, and commitment to clean hydrogen development as we work to bring these transformational investments home to Michigan," says Whitmer. The manufacturing facility in Plymouth will build on Nel's fully automated electrolyser concept, which the company has developed at its production facility in Herya, Norway. Similarly, the company's expansion of the facility in Wallingford will play a critical role in creating a blueprint for scaling up the production of Nel's PEM electrolysers. The factory will be built in steps to match supply with demand. A final investment decision for constructing this facility has not been made yet. For additional information, please contact: Kjell Christian Bjrnsen, CFO, +47 917 02?097 Wilhelm Flinder, Head of Investor Relations, +47 936 11 350 Lars Nermoen, Head of Communication, +47 902 40 153 About Nel ASA | www.nelhydrogen.com Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen, and hydrogen fueling equipment for road-going vehicles. Nel's product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia. The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/115/3842788/2321109.pdf Release View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nel-asa-nel-has-selected-plymouth-in-michigan-for-its-next-gigafactory-301939312.html AMSTERDAM, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Merrill Lynch B.V. today informs its security holders that its Half-Yearly Financial Report for the period ended June 31, 2023, has been filed with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (the "AFM"), the competent authority of the Netherlands, Merrill Lynch B.V.'s home Member State. Merrill Lynch B.V. makes available free of charge on its website its Annual and Half-Yearly Financial Reports filed with the AFM as soon as reasonably practicable after Merrill Lynch B.V. electronically files these documents with the AFM. These documents are posted on Bank of America Corporation's website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com/financial-information/subsidiary-and-country-disclosuresfbid=C0rA-iMt6oC under "Subsidiary and Country Disclosures / Subsidiary Information". The AFM maintains a website that contains reports and other information that issuers are required to file with it. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the AFM's page at https://www.afm.nl/en/sector/registers/meldingenregisters. Copies of the above referenced information will also be made available, free of charge, by calling +31-20-5925-606 or upon written request to: Merrill Lynch B.V. Amstelplein 1, Rembrandt Tower, 27 Floor 1096 HA Amsterdam The Netherlands View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/merrill-lynch-bv-files-half-yearly-financial-report-301939407.html In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - The FTC and 17 state attorneys general have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolistic practices. The complaint alleges that Amazon's actions stifle competition by preventing rivals and sellers from lowering prices, degrading product quality, overcharging sellers, stifling innovation, and inhibiting fair competition. The lawsuit argues that Amazon's antitrust violations result from a pattern of exclusionary behavior rather than its sheer size. Amazon's strategies hinder current competitors from growing and new ones from emerging, maintaining its market dominance. These practices impact a significant portion of the retail market, influencing countless products and millions of consumers. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stated, 'Our complaint details Amazon's coercive tactics to unlawfully preserve its monopolies.' She emphasized that Amazon's monopoly power has led to higher prices and declining service for millions of American families and businesses. The lawsuit aims to restore free and fair competition and hold Amazon accountable. John Newman, Deputy Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition, noted the lawsuit's potential to benefit many, saying, 'Seldom in U.S. antitrust history has one case held such promise.' The FTC and state attorneys general identify Amazon's anticompetitive practices in two main markets: the online superstore serving shoppers and the online marketplace services used by sellers. These practices include measures that discourage sellers from offering lower prices than Amazon, maintaining higher prices across the internet. Additionally, Amazon's requirement for sellers to use its costly fulfillment service to qualify for 'Prime' eligibility limits competition from other platforms. Amazon's exclusionary conduct hinders competition by favoring paid advertisements over organic search results, biasing search results toward its products, and imposing high fees on sellers, leading to increased prices for consumers. The FTC and state partners seek a permanent injunction to prohibit Amazon's unlawful conduct and restore competition. Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have joined the lawsuit. The Commission's vote to authorize staff to seek relief was unanimous. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. In diesem Report stellen wir Ihnen 3 Top-Aktien aus dem Energie-Sektor vor, die Sie unbedingt auf Ihre Watchlist setzen mussen. Lassen Sie sich diese kostenlose Analyse nicht entgehen! OAK BROOK (dpa-AFX) - McDonald's is set to spice up its menu, unveiling two enticing dipping sauces to tantalize taste buds. Starting October 9, the fast-food giant will treat customers to these limited-time additions, expanding its selection of condiments to enhance the dining experience. These flavorful newcomers will join the existing lineup of six beloved sauces, including barbecue, ranch, and sweet and sour. The first addition is a mouthwatering sweet and spicy sauce, boasting a 'jammy red pepper sauce with a tongue-tingling Szechuan peppercorn kick and an extra dash of heat from cayenne pepper.' This innovative sauce is the first-ever 'breakfast-inspired' dipping option available at McDonald's US locations. The second offering is the 'mambo sauce,' inspired by a tomato-based, sweet, spicy, and vinegary sauce deeply rooted in Washington, DC's food culture. Synonymous with the vibrant Black DC food scene since the 1950s, this sauce briefly appeared at select KFC locations in 2021. Dipping sauces offer a simple way to infuse excitement into the menu, and McDonald's has successfully leveraged this strategy. The return of the Szechuan sauce and celebrity meal-specific condiments, some regionally exclusive, have stirred customer enthusiasm. This approach has yielded remarkable results, with McDonald's US locations reporting a 10.3% sales increase in the quarter ending June 30, setting it apart from competitors struggling to attract diners. To celebrate the new sauces, McDonald's is partnering with culinary experts and influencers to showcase exciting pairings. One suggestion is pairing the sweet and spicy sauce with iconic items like the sausage McMuffin with egg or chicken McNuggets. Tariq Hassan, Customer Experience Officer for McDonald's US, expressed the company's commitment to pleasing patrons, drawing inspiration from diverse tastes and flavors across the nation. This news follows McDonald's earlier offer of its famed Big Mac sauce for a limited time and plans to incorporate more of this iconic sauce into its Big Mac sandwiches as part of a broader menu revamp. Food enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate these delectable dipping sauces, set to grace the menu and elevate the dining experience, starting October 9. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Since September 2022, Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province has launched a Twitter account, "Nanchang China," to establish an international cultural brand, "@VisitNanchang," on a major overseas social media platform. NANCHANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Since September 2022, Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province has launched a Twitter account, "Nanchang China," to establish an international cultural brand, "@VisitNanchang," on a major overseas social media platform. This initiative focuses on promoting Nanchang's natural beauty, cityscape, history, culture, and current events to a global audience. Through this platform, it has presented Nanchang as a welcoming city with deep-rooted cultural significance. As of now, VisitNanchang has shared over 660 posts and videos on Twitter, with a cumulative impression of nearly 20 million times and a total interaction with its subscribers of more than 284,000 times. Visit Nanchang "Nanchang China" in Twitter Helps Overseas Netizens Appreciate the Charm of Nanchang Online In its efforts to keep overseas audiences informed and engaged, VisitNanchang regularly updates its feed with the latest news and events from the city. The account also strategically tailors its content to align with holidays and trending topics worldwide. Starting in March 2023, VisitNanchang has launched special thematic columns, including "Nanchang Namecard," "Nanchang Beat," "Nanchang Spring Travel Handbook," "Summer Escape Guide in Nanchang," and "Nanchang Autumn Delights." Among those, the Nanchang Namecard" column stands out by curating the top ten cultural symbols that define Nanchang: Nanchang August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall, Bada Shanren , Wanshou Palace, Xiaoping Path, Fang Zhimin, Meiling National Scenic Area, the Tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, Shengjin Tower (Rope and Gold Pagoda), the Headquarters of the New Fourth Army, and Tengwang Pavilion. Each poster serves as an informative snapshot of Nanchang's history and culture, enriched by captivating short stories associated with these iconic sites. Furthermore, the "Nanchang Namecard" column adds a touch of emotion, humor, and wonder by weaving captivating short stories associated with these landmarks into the posters. This approach aims to deeply resonate with overseas audiences, allowing them to appreciate the profound significance of these cultural symbols within their historical context. The "Nanchang Sync Videos" column utilize the popular video format prevalent on social media to deliver more information in a short video. This column closely follows global trends, offering enticing content such as "Nanchang Delights Collection," "Dopamine Nanchang," "Nanchang Night Scenery," and "Ancient and Modern Nanchang." In addition, the "Nanchang Seasonal" column showcases Nanchang's cultural and tourism offerings tailored to each season. Utilizing various approaches, including electronic handbooks, travel tips, and food recommendations, it entices overseas netizens to embark on a journey to Nanchang, where they can immerse themselves in the city's natural beauty and cultural traditions. Contact Information Grace Shi PR graceshi@xinhuanetus.com 6465712146 Chenchen Shen Manager chenchenshen@xinhuanetus.com 6465712146 SOURCE: Nanchang City View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787606/twitters-nanchang-china-invites-overseas-netizens-on-an-enchanting-virtual-journey-through-charming-nanchang Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for proceeds of up to $3 million (the "Private Placement"). The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund continued exploration and development activities at Aton's Rodruin and Hamama concessions, located in Egypt, and for general working capital. Aton also announces that OU Moonrider ("Moonrider"), a significant shareholder of the Corporation, proposes to settle $6,314,013.87 in outstanding debt through the issuance of common shares (the "Shares for Debt Transaction"), and has exercised certain outstanding share purchase warrants of the company which it held. The Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transaction are currently expected to close on or about October 10, 2023, and are subject to receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. All currency amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars. Private Placement Highlights: Non-brokered Private Placement financing of up to 13,636,363 common shares of the Corporation (the "Shares") at a price of $0.22 per common share for total proceeds of up to $3,000,000. The Private Placement is open to existing shareholders of the Corporation, who are invited to contact the Corporation if they are interested in participating. Depending on other subscriber interest, Moonrider may subscribe for up to $2,000,000 of the Private Placement. The Private Placement may close in one or more tranches. Shares for Debt: Aton proposes to settle a total of $6,314,013.87 in debt to Moonrider in exchange for 28,700,063 Shares at a price of $0.22 per Share. The Shares for Debt Transaction is a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, as Moonrider is a control person of the Corporation. The Shares for Debt Transaction was considered by the board of the Corporation excluding Moonrider nominee Tonno Vahk. The Shares for Debt Transaction is exempt from the valuation and majority of the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as (a) the Corporation is in serious financial difficulty, (b) the Shares for Debt Transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the issuer, (c) the Corporation has one or more independent directors in respect of the transaction, and (d) the Corporation's board of directors, acting in good faith, has determined, and at least two-thirds of the Corporation's independent directors, acting in good faith, have determined that (a) and (b) above apply and that the terms of the Shares for Debt Transaction are reasonable in the circumstances of the Corporation. All Shares issued in the Private Placement and the Shares for Debt Transaction will be subject to a four-month hold period from their date of issuance. No new control person will be created as a result of the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Corporation will issue a further news release upon the completion of the Private Placement and the Shares for Debt Transaction. Warrant Exercise: On September 21, 2023, Moonrider exercised share purchase warrants to acquire 9,090,909 Shares. The 9,090,909 warrants were exercised at a price of $0.22 per Share for total consideration of C$1,999,999.98. Prior to the warrant exercise, Moonrider beneficially owned, controlled, or directed an aggregate of 18,974,053 Shares and 29,090,909 share purchase warrants, representing approximately 33.87% of the outstanding Shares of Aton on a non-diluted basis and approximately 56.47% on a partially diluted basis, assuming Moonrider's exercise of its warrants. Following the warrant exercise, Moonrider beneficially owns, controls, or directs an aggregate of 28,064,962 Shares and 20,000,000 share purchase warrants, representing approximately 43.10% of the outstanding Shares of Aton on a non-diluted basis and approximately 56.47% on a partially diluted basis, assuming Moonrider's exercise of its warrants. Moonrider may, depending on market or other conditions, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership, control or direction over, or exercise its current rights to acquire, Shares through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise. Moonrider's head office is located at Toompuiestee 37, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia. Aton's head office is located at 1700 - 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8. This press release is being disseminated as required by National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issuers in connection with the filing of an early warning report. in connection with the filing of an early warning report. An early warning report will be electronically filed by Moonrider with the applicable securities commission in each jurisdiction where Aton is reporting and will be available on Sedar Plus at www.sedarplus.ca. About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km 2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: Tonno Vahk Interim CEO Tel: +1 604 318 0390 Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 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: Aton Resources, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/787610/aton-announces-private-placement-of-up-to-3-million-shares-for-debt-settlement-and-warrant-exercise Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (FSE: 7HI) ("Hillcrest" or the "Company") announces revised terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement and termination of brokered listed issuer financing exemption ("LIFE") private placement. The Company is revising the terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement. The Company will now be offering up to 10,500,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.40 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $4,200,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.50 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. However, the Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry upon 30 business days' notice from the Company in the event the Common Shares trade for ten (10) consecutive trading days any time after four (4) months from closing of the Private Placement at a volume-weighted average price of at least $0.60 on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Company currently has commitments exceeding $1,500,000 for the Private Placement and anticipates closing the first tranche in approximately five business days. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company may pay a finder's fee in connection with the Private Placement to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the CSE. The Company will use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for technology and product development, commercialization, and general working capital. It is the belief of management, based on a review of the trading activity since announcement of the previously announced brokered LIFE private placement, that the announcement of a financing of free-trading securities created pressure on the price of the listed securities of the Company, which ultimately resulted in the LIFE offering being unmarketable. Thus, the Company and Canaccord Genuity Corp. have terminated their engagement letter and the Company will not be proceeding with the brokered LIFE private placement as previously announced on September 11, 2023. About Hillcrest Energy Technologies Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a clean technology company developing high value, high performance power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest is publicly traded on the CSE under the symbol "HEAT," on the OTCQB Venture Market as "HLRTF" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as "7HI." For more information, please visit: https://hillcrestenergy.tech/. Contact Information Don Currie Chief Executive Officer and Director dcurrie@hillcrestenergy.tech O: +1-604-609-0006 Toll-free: 1-855-609-0006 The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. The securities of the Company referred to in this news release 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. Accordingly, the securities of the Company may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Private Placement and the use of proceeds therefrom. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's public securities filings with the Canadian securities commissions. 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 forward-looking statements. 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. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181954 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY) ("West High Yield" or the "Company") announces that it has repriced the non-brokered private placement of units (each, a "Unit") for gross proceeds of up to CAD$900,000 (the "Offering"), previously announced on September 13, 2023. The price per Unit has been repriced from CAD$0.30 per Unit to $0.23 per Unit. Each Unit will continue to consist of one (1) common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant (each, a " Warrant"). Each Warrant, together with CAD$0.35, will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one (1) additional Common Share for a period of twenty-four (24) months from each Warrant's date of issuance. The Warrants will not be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Corporation may still pay a finder's fee in connection with the Offering to eligible finders in accordance with the policies of the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities laws consisting of: (i) a cash commission of up to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering; and (ii) a number of common share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") of up to 6% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. The Finder's Warrant will have identical terms to the Warrants. The Offering will be completed pursuant to certain exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable Canadian securities laws. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period from their date of issue in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. None of the Units will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and none may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. The proceeds from the Offering will be used for supporting the Company's pilot testing project, concluding its permitting process, covering essential operations and general working capital purposes and expenses. The Offering is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the acceptance and approval of the TSXV. About West High Yield West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to develop its Record Ridge magnesium, silica, and nickel deposit using green processing techniques to minimize waste and CO2 emissions. The Company's Record Ridge magnesium deposit located 10 kilometers southwest of Rossland, British Columbia has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. in accordance with NI 43-101. Contact Information: WEST HIGH YIELD (W.H.Y.) RESOURCES LTD. Frank Marasco Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (403) 660-3488 Email: frank@whyresources.com Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary Telephone: (403) 829-2246 Email: barry@whyresources.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181984 Crediverso, a Los Angeles, CA-based Spanish and English language consumer technology company providing financial and educational resources to underserved communities, raised additional $3.5M in funding. The round, which brought the total amount to $6.6M, was led by Torch Capital and Gaingels, with participation from earlier investors Bessemer Venture Partners and Act One Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Led by CEO and Founder Charlie Hernandez, Crediverso provides an Hispanic-owned and operated technology platform offering legal and financial tools and educational resources for underserved and under-resourced communities. It helps consumers make informed professional decisions by providing access to free, unbiased, and easy to understand information in both English and Spanish about financial and legal products. Crediverso includes My Pocket Lawyer, a new consumer tech legal tool that simplifies and democratizes access to legal resources and empowers individuals, small businesses, and freelancers to navigate complex legal issues, as well as a Learning Center, a large online library of English and Spanish financial educational resources. FinSMEs 26/09/2023 ECI Partners, a London, UK-based growth-focused, mid-market private equity firm, closed its twelfth buyout fund, ECI 12, at 1 billion. This raise, alongside a strong re-up rate of c.95% from existing investors, also included c.300m of new capital, with high quality investors from across the globe, including North American pension plans, European foundations as well as capital from Asia. Led by Chris Watt, and Tom Wrenn, ECI is a private equity investor, focused on offering collaborative support to management teams. The firm invests in growth businesses valued up to 300m, investing as either a majority or a minority investor. ECI manages funds of over 2bn. ECI has achieved: long-term performance generating 2.8x gross MOIC and 35% gross IRR across 127 realised investments since 1990 A net IRR of 24% for investors committing to all funds since 1990 A track record of consistent winners across the last three fund cycles, with over 70% of investments realised at 3.0x gross MOIC and/or 30%+ gross IRR. FinSMEs 26/09/2023 Kolena, a San Francisco, CA-based AI and machine learning model testing company, raised $15M in Series A funding. The round, which brought the total amount to $21M, was led by Lobby Capital, with participation from SignalFire, Bloomberg Beta, 11.2 Capital, Zero Prime Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate development of its AI testing and validation solution. Led by CEO Mohamed Elgendy, Kolena provides ab end-to-end ML model testing for computer vision, generative AI, natural language processing, LLMs, and multi-modal models, with the goal of ensuring trustworthiness and reliability in an AI-driven world. The platform allows enterprises and teams to assemble highly specific test cases from the data sets that power their AI models, enabling evaluation of each models effectiveness in key scenarios and applications. This testing approach allows teams to root out unexpected model behavior such as biased hiring algorithms, false positives or misclassifications in critical healthcare applications and a vast range of other failure modes. Several Fortune 500 companies, leading AI startups, government organizations and European AI standardization institutes have adopted Kolenas solution. The company also supports AI testing for military applications around the world. FinSMEs 26/09/2023 traceless materials, a Hamburg, Germany-based bioeconomy startup, raised 36.6M in Series A funding. The round was led by UB Forest Industry Green Growth Fund (UB FIGG) and SWEN CPs Blue Ocean fund, with participation from GLS Bank, Hamburg, Hamburger Sparkasse, Planet A Ventures, High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF), and b.value. The company intends to use the funds to expand the production capabilities for its innovative biomaterial technology to industrial scale. Founded in 2020 by Dr. Anne Lamp and Johanna Baare, traceless materials provides technology that turns agricultural industry plant leftovers into natural biomaterials that are bio-based, home compostable, plastic-free and have a minimal ecological footprint. The natural biomaterial traceless is certified completely bio-based, home-compostable, and plastic-free. By using agricultural residues, valuable biomass resources are conserved. The patent-pending technology is based on natural polymers, contains no potentially harmful chemicals, and has a minimal ecological footprint. To realize the ecological potential, the technology is being scaled up from pilot scale to industrial scale. The company currently has a team of 40 employees. FinSMEs 26/09/2023 Legendary actor Dev Anand, known for hits like Guide and Baazi, would have turned 100 on Tuesday, 26 September. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, we remember another veteran actor Dilip Kumar who praised the iconic cinema personality for his remarkable nature. Kumar began his career in 1944 with Jwar Bhata. In 2011, when Dev Anand died, Dilip Kumar told The Hindu about how the former often gave takes after takes for junior artists to prove their worth. On the special occasion of Dev Anands 100th birthday, lets look at some of the most remarkable things that Dilip Kumar said about maestro. Dilip Kumar on working in Insaniyat In 2011, when Dev Anand died of a cardiac arrest at 88, his close friend Dilip Kumar opened up about working with him in SS Vasans Insaniyat. Recalling memories from the sets of the 1955 film, he told the newspaper that Dev Anand was very generous in adjusting his own dates to match his. Dilip Kumar, who originally grew up as Mohammad Yusuf Khan from Peshawar, while shedding light further on Dev Anands nature added that he personally saw how he helped junior artists by giving take after take so they could prove their worth. He never neglected anyone, the veteran actor continued. Talking about their relationship, Dilip Kumar revealed their friendship was such that they never missed each others family functions. In addition, they never allowed their profession or competition to affect their equation. Dev Anands pet name for Dilip Kumar Sharing details of their visit to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Dilip Kumar stated, We discussed many issues together. Just as I addressed him as Dev, he addressed me as Lale. Dev Anands birth anniversary In order to commemorate Dev Anands 100th birth anniversary, the National Film Development Corporation Of India (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in association with the cinema chain PVR-INOX have inaugurated a special film festival. As part of the collaboration, at least 55 cinema halls across India are participating in the grand event. The actors hit films Johny Mera Naam, Guide, CID, and Jewel Thief will be screened during the festival. Funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the restoration of the films for the festival Dev Anand@100 Forever Young has been undertaken as part of the National Film Heritage Mission. Vivek Agnihotris film The Vaccine War highlights the nations war against Covid-19 and how we fought it. The film will give an insight into Indias remarkable victory in preparing the best vaccine for the world to save them from the hazardous COVID-19 pandemic. In a conversation, actor Nana Patekar mentions as to why he agreed to do the film and why it is important for actors to stay grounded in life. He believes in leading a simple life and doing selective war. The story of The Vaccine War delves deeper into the nation and its scientists war against the virus, how we fought, combated and ultimately overpowered it. The film will feature Anupam Kher, Nana Patekar, Sapthami Gowda, and Pallavi Joshi as lead characters. Produced by Pallavi Joshi, the film is all set for a release on September 28. Edited excerpts: What was there in this role that made you say yes to it? I was totally ignorant like many of us about the vaccine war and I wanted people to know about it. I was not even interested as to how much I get paid for my work in The Vaccine War, what was important to me was to let the people know who were those warriors during the COVID time who risked their own lives to save the nation. It was important for the people to know that there was a team of women who were actually the main creators of the vaccine. My character Dr Balram Bhargava here is just leading that team. There was so much research that went into the making of the film that most of the time I was astonished to know that such instances happened during the COVID time. Did you meet DR Balram Bhargava while doing The Vaccine War? No, I wished I had, but I really didnt have the time. But when the shooting got over we had a program with the scientists and he was there. He was surprised at my performance as to how managed to do it so well without meeting him. I told him that the credit goes to my director Vivek Agnihotri who told me every detail about you. I am just an artist who does what is instructed by the director. What keeps you so grounded? I lead a very simple life and I am in this profession because I am fond of acting and if this acting brings happiness to peoples life, I get satisfaction from it. Now people ask me why I do selective work. To which I have to say what I will do with all the money. During my younger days, I used to take up one work after another because I needed the money to make a house like any other ordinary man and I am an ordinary man. Then comes the need for a car. Its human to have desires, but now with time I have realised that it is better to come out of the vicious cycle of human desires and that is the way we can live our life the way we want to. Otherwise you end up living your life in square feet. And we keep asking each other how much is the square feet of your house and we end up saying if yours is 200, mine is 800. That decides the status of our life. The day we are able to come out of the vicious cycle of square feet, that is the real achievement. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Lara Dutta has completed two decades in acting. She started her career in 2003 with the late Raj Kanwars Andaz and in 2023, she collaborates with Vishal Bhardwaj for his web show Charlie Chopra and The Mystery of Solang Valley on SonyLIV. It also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Neena Gupta, Wamiqa Gabbi, and many more. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Lara Dutta spoke about her character, working with Vishal Bhardwaj, and shooting in Solang and Manali. She said, He was on my wish list for a very long time. We had an opportunity of working together twice in the past which for whatever reasons, the universe at that point of time didnt allow that to happen. So both of us were very determined that this time, come what may, we are going to fulfill this. The actress added, Working with Vishal Bhardwaj is I think every actors dream. Its just something that you have to experience at least once in your career. And I genuinely hope and pray that there will be many more opportunities that will come in future. On the shooting locations The show was shot in Manali, Solang and Kothi which is even higher in altitude. We filmed this in February and it was absolutely freezing. In fact, my first day of shoot was in deep snow and it was possibly the hardest day that we shot. We always joke that our directors like to throw us off the deep end on day one itself because then, from there everything else becomes a cakewalk. The conditions were very challenging for the entire unit to shoot but it just brings this most amazing atmosphere and stunning locales. After Mali, Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic, France is being forced to withdraw troops from yet another former African colony that pivoted to Russia after souring on Paris: Niger. Faced with growing anti-French sentiment since a military takeover in Niger in July, French president Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to bring home 1,500 counter-terrorism troops, along with Frances ambassador to Niamey. He announced on Sunday that Frances ambassador to Niger will return to Paris within the next few hours, adding that French troops will leave the west African country by the end of 2023. The decision followed two months after the conflicts with the Niger military junta that ousted the president. We are putting an end to our military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger because they dont want to fight terrorism anymore, Macron said of the military commanders who seized control of the northwest African country, as per a CNN report. France has refused to recognise Nigers military leadership, insisting that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who was deposed in the coup, is the countrys sole lawful authority. The decision to end the cooperation is because we are not there to deal with internal politics and be hostages of putschists, Macron added, reports CNN. The pullout will be the fourth in under two years by the French, who still have bases in a handful of African countries. Here is a short summary of the three other pullouts. Mali Nearly a decade after French troops were hailed as liberators in northern Mali for helping government forces drive out Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists, France pulled out of Mali in 2022 after a bitter row with the countrys military leadership. Relations soured following back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021 and growing hostility towards France from the Malian public, which accused Frances regional counter-terrorism operation of failing to stop jihadists pushing into the centre of the country. Bamakos junta leaders struck up a partnership with the Moscow-linked mercenary group Wagner instead and Mali became one of Russias rare defenders on the global stage following its invasion of Ukraine. Central African Republic French troops were also deployed in recent years in the Central African Republic, helping keep the peace after a fierce bout of inter-communal bloodshed in 2013. But there too, French troops were forced to leave after the president called in Wagner to quell a rebellion and France became the victims of a disinformation campaign allegedly whipped up by Moscow. The last troops from Frances Operation Sangaris left in December 2022. Burkina Faso In January 2023, the junta that had come to power in a coup in Burkina Faso in September 2022 the second coup in nine months gave the 400 French special forces stationed there a month to leave the country. Like Mali and Central African Republic, the small French contingent, which had been powerless to stop a devastating jihadist insurgency, had become increasingly unpopular among the public. Burkina has since held talks with Russia on developing military cooperation. With inputs from AFP Schools and colleges are shut in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Google and Walmart have asked employees to work from home. Domestic airlines like IndiGo and Vistara have issued advisories to passengers travelling to the city. The Karnataka capital has come to a standstill amid continuous protests against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and the call for a bandh. There are two bandhs this week. The second is a statewide strike called on 29 September, Friday. The 200-year-old dispute over the sharing of the Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has resurfaced despite the Supreme Court verdict in 2018. What was the 2018 verdict in the Cauvery dispute? Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been sparring over the allocation of Cauvery water since the British colonial rule. In 1924, the Mysore princely state and the Madras presidency arrived at a consensus. Mysore was permitted to build a dam at Kannambadi village to store 44.8 thousand million cubic feet of water, an agreement which was valid for 50 years following a review. Post-Independence both states continued to fight and took the dispute to the Supreme Court. In the 2018 verdict, the Supreme Court reduced the allocation of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka now supplies 177.25 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) instead of 192, a reduction of 14.75 TMC, from its Billigundlu site to the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu. The court observed that Bengaluru had attained the global status and its drinking water requirement had increased multi-fold. How did the Cauvery dispute start again? According to the SC verdict, Karnataka has to release 123.14 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu between June and September. It should release 45.95 TMC of water in August and 36.76 in September in case of a normal monsoon, according to a report in The Indian Express. However, until 23 September, Karnataka released only 40 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, saying that the monsoon wasnt normal and the state was in distress. In August, Tamil Nadu approached to Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), a central agency which regulates the water dispute between the two states, about the irregular water supply The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee under the CWMA made recommendations after looking into the issue. Based on this, the authority on 12 August ordered the release of about 13 TMC of water for 15 days at the rate of 12,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu. It had asked for 25,000 cusecs per day. On 28 August, CWMA reviewed the situation and reduced the amount of water released to Tamil Nadu to 5,000 cusecs per day. Both the states approached the SC to challenge these orders. Tamil Nadu wanted more water 12,000 cusecs per day and Karnataka said it had no water to share. On 21 September, the apex court upheld the CWMA order, directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu until 27 September, an additional 15 days. Why has a bandh been called in Bengaluru? Various pro-Kannada groups, farmers and labour unions have called for the bandh on Tuesday. They have the support of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal Secular. The protest is against the Congres government in Karnataka, which has decided to abide by the directive to follow orders by the CWMA to release 5,000 cusecs per day. The demonstrators are pressuring the state government to not release water to Tamil Nadu until the situation is reviewed again. Protesters in Karnataka argue that water is being released to Tamil Nadu despite storage levels in the Cauvery basin reservoirs in its state being low. Officials in Karnataka say that there was no water available to release as it faces a drought-like situation. They state that Tamil Nadu will receive most of its rainfall between October and November from the retreating northeast monsoon. Political parties in both states argue that the SC order on water-sharing chalked out the rules for a normal monsoon and when there was a rainfall deficit like this year. The southwest monsoon is coming to a close, and in the current year, rainfall has been more than 30 per cent below normal. In Karnataka, the rainfall in August and September two out of the four monsoon months starting June has been the lowest in more than 120 years. #WATCH | Farmers organisation holds protest on Cauvery water sharing issue in Freedom Park, Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/ZR0eRyE8hj ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 How has the bandh affected Bengaluru? The Bengaluru bandh has been called by Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti, an umbrella outfit of farmers associations and other organisations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar. Schools and colleges are shut and some companies have asked employees to work from home. Auto drivers, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport corporations had extended support to the bandh call. However, BMTC has said that it will operate a limited number of buses on essential routes. #WATCH | Karnataka: Security forces deployed in Bengaluru's Whitefield as a Bandh has been called by various organizations, in Bengaluru, regarding the Cauvery water issue pic.twitter.com/19mrBYboiW ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Security has been tightened in the Krishnagiri district along the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. Bus services from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu faced disruptions. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber are available. Ola-Uber Drivers Association on Monday said they would extend full support for the September 29 Karnataka Bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations but will not support Tuesdays Bengaluru Bandh. Flights at the Kempegowda International Airport are operating normally. Restaurants in the city will remain closed today, said PC Rao, the president of the Bangalore Hoteliers Association. Its our duty, we are also supporting the bandh as we are not getting justice for several years, he said, according to an ANI report. Shopping malls, theatres, and multiplexes are closed. Essential services, including hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, banks and government offices, will stay open. With inputs from agencies NGOs in India pay attention. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday (25 September) in a late-night notice has introduced changes to regulations under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). As per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the amendments have been made to bring about more transparency in the funding of NGOs. In addition to the new rules, the MHA also decided to extend until 31 March 2024, the validity of the FCRA licence of those entities, whose licences were expiring on 30 September and whose renewal was pending. We take a closer look at what exactly is the FCRA and what are the new rules introduced by the Centre. What is the FCRA? Before we jump into the changes that have been introduced under the FCRA, heres a simple guide to what it is. The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security. It was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in Indias affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organisations. The law mandates that all NGOs register themselves under the FCRA and its registration is initially valid for five years and it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms. As per the FCRA, every person or NGO seeking foreign donations has to be registered under the Act and has to open a bank account in the State Bank of India, Delhi. Moreover, they can utilise the funds received from abroad only for the purpose they stated during registration. They are also required to file annual returns, and they must not transfer the funds to another NGO. What are the new changes introduced? The MHA on Monday introduced changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Rules, 2010 by inserting two clauses (ba) details of movable assets created out of foreign contribution (as of 31 March of financial year) and (bb) details of immovable assets created out of foreign contribution (as on 31 March of financial year) in Form FC-4. What this means is that the Centre is now asking NGOs to furnish details of moveable and immovable assets created by them using foreign funds every year. The new Form FC-4 asks NGOs to list their movable assets, their value at the beginning of the relevant financial year, value of assets acquired and disposed of during the financial year and their value as per the balance sheet at the end of the year. For immovable assets, NGOs must list details of the land and buildings acquired from foreign contributions as on 31 March of the relevant financial year, their size, location and value as per the balance sheet. How Amit Shah has played a big role in amending FCRA While asking NGOs to furnish details on movable and immovable assets is a new change, the FCRA has seen modifications and amendments in the past. Amit Shahs home ministry has been at the forefront of the changes, which have been ushered in under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2020, the Centre amended the FCRA, causing much debate. The Lok Sabha passed the Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill on 21 September 2020, which was introduced by Shah. It made changes to the FCRA Act of 2010, enacted by the previous governments. It stated that foreign contributions received by an organisation cannot be transferred to any other person or organisation unless that person or organisation is also registered to accept foreign contributions. NGOs raised their voices against this rule, claiming that smaller organisations that work at the grassroot levels would be denied the opportunity to work in collaboration with big NGOs which have the capability of raising money. The new rules also reduced the use of foreign funds to meet administrative costs by NGOs to 20 per cent from 50 per cent. In 2022, the Centre introduced more amendments, allowing Indians to receive up to Rs 10 lakh in a year from relatives staying abroad without informing the authorities. The earlier limit was Rs 1 lakh. In a notification, the Shah-led home ministry also said if the amount exceeds, the individuals will now have 90 days to inform the government instead of 30 days earlier. Shahs eyes are always trained on notorious NGOs. The home minister said in Lok Sabha in December last year that some non-profits were trying to change the demography of the country through foreign funding and this would not be allowed. Replying to a short discussion on the drug abuse crisis in the country, Shah said that some NGOs and civil society organisations were working with the government to create awareness about the drug menace. But NGOs who do not follow FCRA rules will not be tolerated. Those who want to change the demography of the country using FCRA funds cannot be allowed. We will not allow any foreign funds to destroy the country. Enough had taken place during your [UPA] rule. This is Narendra Modis government, he asserted. Whats the present scenario of NGOs in India? In March of this year, the Centre told Parliament that a total of Rs 55,449 crore had been received through foreign funding by Indian NGOs in the past three years. Giving a breakup, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that NGOs had received Rs 16,306.04 crore in 2019-20, Rs 17,058.64 crore in 2020-21, and Rs 22,085.10 crore in 2021-22. He added that NGOs based in Delhi received the highest amount of foreign funding at Rs 13,957.84 crore, followed by Tamil Nadu (Rs 6,803.72 crore), Karnataka (Rs 7,224.89 crore) and Maharashtra (Rs 5,555.37 crore). According to official data, there are 16,301 NGOs in the country with valid FCRA licences as of 17 July. FCRA licences of more than 6,600 NGOs have been cancelled in the last five years for violation of the law. Overall, FCRA licences of 20,693 NGOs have been cancelled to date. Just a week ago, it was reported that the Centre had cancelled the licenses of three NGOs: Save The Children, Srinivas Malliah Memorial Theatre Crafts Museum, and SEWA. Earlier in March, the Centre had cancelled FCRA licences to the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Oxfam India, Centre for Policy Research (CPR), and Centre for Equity Studies (CES). With inputs from agencies The chasm between India and Canada continues a week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged New Delhis role in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. India has rebuffed the allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. Being one of the most important news last week, Trudeaus allegations were extensively covered by media across the globe. However, some Western publications coverage of the incident has come into question in India, with some accusing it of whitewashing Nijjars crimes. Lets take a look at the Western medias reporting and Indias charges against Nijjar. Western medias coverage A Washington Post report published in Canadas National Post referred to Nijjar as a Canadian citizen. Indian authorities, who said Nijjar headed a group called the Khalistan Tiger Force, sought his extradition from Canada in 2022, the report said. It also mentioned that the 45-year-old was designated a terrorist by Indian security agencies in 2020 and accused of supporting attacks in Indias Punjab state. The report went on to say that months before Nijjar was killed, India ratcheted up a campaign to pressure countries to crack down on the pro-Khalistan movement. Many media outlets, including BBC, referred to Nijjar as a Sikh separatist activist. In a profile of Nijjar, the American news agency Associated Press (AP) called him a Sikh independence advocate. The AP reported that Nijjar owned a plumbing business and served as president of a Sikh temple or gurdwara in suburban Vancouver. While it laid out Indias charges against the wanted man, it also mentioned how about 200 protesters from the Canadian Sikh community had assembled outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver after his slaying. A report in New York Times, titled Justin Trudeau Accuses India of a Killing on Canadian Soil, called Nijjar a Sikh community leader who advocated separatism. A CNN article described Nijjar as a prominent Sikh leader in western Canada. An op-ed in Canadas Global and Mail said, There are tensions, because the Indian government has for decades accused Canada of being soft on Khalistani terrorists. However, it further claimed that India has often conflated non-violent Sikh separatist advocates with terrorists and extremists. Western media faces flak in India Hitting out at a BBC analysis titled Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Why Western nations fear India-Canada row, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that Western media was so quick to judge other countries, so blind to their own. He also highlighted the BBC report, which said: In the past, Western nations have condemned alleged extraterritorial assassinations carried out by countries such as Russia or Iran or Saudi Arabia. They will not want India to join that list. To this, Tharoor retorted, Hello? The two foremost practitioners of extra-territorial assassinations in the last 25 years have been Israel and the US! Any mirrors available in the West? I never cease to be amazed by the blinkers regularly put on by Western media. They are so quick to judge other countries, so blind to their own! This @BBC analysis says, Western nations have condemned alleged extraterritorial assassinations carried out by countries such as Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 20, 2023 An opinion piece in News18 also chided Western media for humanising Nijjar and whitewashing his crimes. The Western media has gone to agonising lengths to exonerate Nijjar, glossing over a ghastly track record that this supposedly virtuous, devoid-of-all-things-foul individual just happened to be tainted with, the piece said. ALSO READ: What intel reveals about Gurpatwant Singh Pannuns big plan to divide India Nijjars many crimes Nijjar, the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief, was designated a terrorist by the Indian government in July 2020. An Interpol red notice was reportedly issued against him in November 2014. After the Indian government shared details of more than a dozen criminal cases of alleged murder and other terrorist activities against Nijjar with Canada, the Trudeau government simply put him on the no-fly list in 2017-18, Times of India (TOI) reported citing a dossier on the Khalistani extremist compiled by Indias intelligence establishment. Nijjar, who became the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey in 2021, used his credentials to turn the Sikh temple into a prominent centre of Khalistani activities and build a community of radically-inclined Canadian Sikhs, as per the TOI report. He reportedly met Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist, who later became KTF chief, Jagtar Singh Tara during a visit to Pakistan in April 2012. According to Hindustan Times (HT), Nijjar met Tara and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials in 2013 and 2014 to strengthen KTF and organise terror activities in Indias Punjab. In 2014, Nijjar had planned a terror attack on Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Haryanas Sirsa. However, he could not carry out the attack as he was denied an Indian visa, reported TOI. He directed Punjab-based gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill to murder a priest in Jalandhars Bhar Singh Pura village in 2021. However, the priest survived, the newspaper cited the intelligence dossier as saying. Nijjar was also accused of organising an arms training camp in Canada in 2015. With inputs from agencies Human beings, who have evolved over the years, have come to dominate Earth unlike any species that came before. But how long is it before we go extinct? Call it morbid, but its a question that has been asked several times by the common man as well as scientists with no proper answer. Until now. A new study, which is quite bleak in its findings, has the answers for us, and its not good news for humankind. Humans will go extinct in The study carried out by the University of Bristol pegs mass extinction of humans and all other mammals in the next 250 million years. The researchers, led by Alexander Farnsworth a paleoclimate scientist at the University of Bristol, built a virtual simulation of our future world, and using data on the movement of continents, as well as fluctuations as well as effects of climate change has come to the conclusion that the planet will become too hot for any mammal including humans to survive on land. In the paper, now published in the journal Nature Geoscience, Dr Farnsworth wrote that for any life form to survive, it would have to cope with temperatures between 40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius. Also read: Humans nearly went extinct 900,000 years ago, say scientists. Heres what we know The outlook in the distant future appears very bleak, Dr Farnsworth said. Carbon dioxide levels could be double current levels. Humans along with many other species would expire due to their inability to shed this heat through sweat, cooling their bodies. Whats even worse about the news is that the study doesnt take into factor the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This means that the extinction date for humans could be even sooner than mention by the study. Formation of supercontinent Pangea Ultima The study has also revealed that the earth will slowly morph into a supercontinent, called Pangea Ultima, in the next 250 years. Furthermore, only eight to 16 per cent of this future continent will be habitable. The study reveals that Earths landmass would then form a doughnut shape with an inland sea in the middle. The Pacific Ocean would make up the majority of the planets surface. Scientists have said that in the era of Pangea Ultima, temperatures would reach dramatic levels. There would be more humidity than now along the coasts and extremely arid conditions in the vast inland deserts. Global temperatures would rise at least 15 degrees Celsius and the world would return to extreme heat it last experience in the PermianTriassic era. Incidentally, it was in this period that 90 per cent of species were eradicated. As Dr Farnsworth said, It wouldnt be a fun place to live. What this study implies is that only highly specialised migratory mammals would be able to compete in such environments. But even for these rare few, the continental conditions such as extensive desserts may make such migratory strategies ineffective. Even burrowing species that can avoid surface heat above ground only show a small increase in survivability. Climate change and human extinction The extinction of humankind owing to the climate crisis has become a hot topic in recent times. Climate scientists, have in fact, warned that governments need to look at the worst case scenario outcomes of climate change. They say global warming could become catastrophic for humanity if temperatures rise by even more than they are predicted to, or if the rising temperatures set off an unpredictable chain of events in nature with the potential of the end of all human life on Earth. Also read: Why this man is advocating for the extinction of humanity Dr Luke Kemp, from the University of Cambridges Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, said: There are plenty of reasons to believe climate change could become catastrophic, even at modest levels of warming. Climate change has played a role in every mass extinction event. It has helped fell empires and shaped history. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their March report urged governments across the globe to embark on an urgent course correction to tackle the climate emergency, warning current plans were insufficient to prevent the worst of what the crisis has in store. It further added that deep, rapid and sustained greenhouse gas emission reductions across all sectors is necessary if warming is to be limited by 1.5 degrees Celsius, noting that global emissions should already be decreasing and will need to be slashed almost in half by 2030. With inputs from agencies The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, issued a Red Notice on Monday (25 September) against Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Karanvir Singh. The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has alleged Indias hand in the murder of Nijjar, while New Delhi has called the claims absurd and motivated. Since last week, Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also raised the heat on gangsters and Khalistani separatists. What is Interpol and a Red Notice? Who is Karanvir Singh? What is the Babbar Khalsa International? What is Interpol? The Interpol is an inter-governmental organisation with 195 member nations. It helps the police of its member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals, along with offering technical and operational support. Headquartered in Lyon, France, the operations of the organisation are managed by a General Secretariat under the direction of a secretary general. All member countries have a National Central Bureau (NCB) run by national police officials and observed by the government ministry responsible for policing, as per Interpols website. India joined Interpol in October 1949. What is Red Notice? First of all, it is not an international arrest warrant. A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action, says Interpol. It is issued at the behest of the concerned member country. However, member nations decide upon themselves whether to arrest the person depending on their laws. Who is Karanvir Singh? Karanvir Singh hails from Kapurthala in Punjab. The 38-year-old is associated with Babbar Khalsa International and is believed to hiding in Pakistan, intelligence sources told news agency ANI. According to the Interpol notice, Singh is wanted by India on the charges of criminal conspiracy, murder, offences related to the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act, raising funds for terrorist act, conspiracy, and being a member of a terrorist gang or organisation. Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. pic.twitter.com/ggtPqb4xBA ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2023 He is the right-hand man of BKIs Wadhwa Singh and Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, reported India Today. What is BKI? BKI is headquartered in Pakistans Lahore and is believed to have the backing of the countrys intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as per The Hindu. BKIs origins can be traced back to the Babbar Akali Movement of 1920. However, its current form came into existence following the April 1978 clashes between the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Nirankaris. It gained limelight after some leaflets were distributed after the killing of Nirankari chief Gurbachan Singh in April 1980, as per ANI. One of the oldest pro-Khalistan outfits, BKI was founded by Sukhdev Singh Babbar and Talwinder Singh Parmar, both from Punjab. Parmar, who shifted to Canada in May 1970, is considered to be the mastermind of the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 that killed 331 civilians, including 80 children. The outfit was also behind the assassination of the then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995. As per The Hindu report, the BKI has spread its presence outside India, including in countries such as Pakistan, Canada, the United States and Europe. Wadhwa Singh, the current leader of the terror group, took over after Babbar and Parmar were killed in police encounters in 1992, the report added. He is a designated individual terrorist, with several cases registered against him in India. NIAs chargesheet filed in March this year revealed that BKI has created a network between gangsters and Pro-Khalistan Elements (PKEs) residing in different countries across the world. Mehal Singh is the deputy chief of BKI. Both, Mehal Singh and Wadhwa Singh are amongst the 20 terrorists whom India wants Pakistan to extradite, ANI quoted the chargesheet as saying. Recently, the NIA announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information on listed terrorists Rinda and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu, alias Landa. Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a gangster turned terrorist has been involved in murders, attempt to murder, contract killing, robberies and extortions and is presently based in Pakistan, has been actively operating for BKI since 2020, the NIA had said in its March chargesheet. With inputs from agencies Is Shivraj Singh Chouhan being sidelined in Madhya Pradesh? Thats the question many are asking after the chief ministers name did not appear on the BJPs second candidate list for Assembly polls that are due at the end of the year. The ruling party has thus far declared candidates for 78 seats for polls to the 230-member House, including its first list of 39 names that was released in August. The name of Chouhan the partys longest-serving chief minister has remained conspicuous by its absence from the candidate list. While the Congress has claimed this reflects a lack of confidence on the saffron partys part, Chouhan has said the development will ensure a big victory for the BJP as all senior leaders will contest polls. #WATCH | On BJP releasing three list of candidates for Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan says, This has ensured BJPs big victory. All our senior leaders will contest pic.twitter.com/8oJuYiaMDr ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Lets take a closer look: What happened? The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday released its second list for the upcoming Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The list included some big hitters including national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, Union ministers Faggan Singh Kulaste from Niwas (ST), Prahlad Singh Patel from Narsinghpur, whose brother Jalam Singh Patel is the incumbent MLA, and Narendra Singh Tomar from Dimni. Along with the three Union ministers, the BJP has also fielded four Lok Sabha members Rakesh Singh, Riti Pathak, Ganesh Singh and Udaypratap Singh for the state Assembly polls. The extent of their deployment has taken even many within the party by surprise. Two of the ministers, Narendra Singh Tomar and Faggan Singh Kulaste, will be contesting from seats that were won by the Congress in 2018, while three of the four other Lok Sabha MPs will also fight in constituencies where the main Opposition party had emerged victorious in the last assembly polls. A former state BJP president, Tomar was appointed in July as the convenor of the partys election management committee in Madhya Pradesh, a responsibility which required him to oversee the entire state. A three-term MP, Tomar was an MLA for two terms till 2008 and has been in Lok Sabha since 2009. Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel is a five-term Lok Sabha MP and has never been an MLA while Kulaste, a tribal leader, was last an MLA way back in 1992 before getting elected to Lok Sabha six times and Rajya Sabha once. What do experts say? As per NDTV, the ruling BJP is seemingly attempting to make the best possible use of its senior regional leaders. By fielding seven sitting MPs, not only does the party want to win the weak seats, but also ensure that neighbouring seats too are influenced by these seasoned politicians continued presence, the piece noted. Senior sources on Monday told the outlet that the party will not be putting forward a CM candidate in any of the elections slated to be held this year. The party instead wants collective leadership to win the day. Sources also on Monday claimed that it is completely wrong to say Chouhan will not make the list of candidates, but added that any leader can become chief minister after the election. Sources told The Quint the development has come as a shock for Chauhan. A senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the outlet the move is a signal that the position of chief minister is up for grabs as well as a tactic to counter anti-incumbency. Political commentator Dinesh Gupta told The Quint the BJP might add even some more big names to as a bulwark against anti-incumbency. The BJP has shown its fear and panic in an attempt to counter the anti-incumbency against CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Second, the BJP is micromanaging its winning probability in every seat. Thats another strong reason why they have fielded so many MPs and might field a few more, Gupta added. As per India Today, this isnt the first time the BJP has turned to this formula. The party in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls fielded five sitting Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs. However, just two MPs managed to emerge victorious. The BJP similarly fielded Union minister SP Singh Baghel against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Karhal only for Yadav to handily defeat his contender. In Tripura, the BJP fielded MP and Union minister Pratima Bhoumik. Bhoumik emerged victorious in Dhanpur Assembly constituency. Party leaders told PTI that the BJP leadership has sought to send out several messages with their choices while acknowledging the strong challenge the BJP faces from the Congress, which had bettered its tally in the state Assembly in 2018 for the first time after 1998. Amid a view that Chouhan, who led the BJP to massive wins in 2008 and 2013 before found wanting in 2018, is no longer the same political force, the party has sought to keep the leadership issue open by pitting many of its big names in the contest in a signal to those supporters who may no longer be drawn to him but remain sympathetic to it. It is also a message to these senior leaders, who include Vijayvargiya, long seen as an aspirant for the chief ministers chair, that they should prove their mettle by ensuring a good show for the party before their leadership claim is considered sympathetically by its top brass, sources noted. With all regional satraps barring Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia fighting the assembly polls expected in November-December, the party is hopeful that this will minimise factional feuds, an issue that has plagued the state organisation, and result in a cohesive campaign. That they come from a mix of castes; Tomar and Rakesh Singh are Thakurs, Patel is a Lodh (OBC) and Ganesh Singh is a Kurmi (OBC) while Kulaste is from a tribal community, will be helpful in social messaging, its leaders said. Congress slams BJP The Congress, which is set to give BJP a tough fight in MP, slammed Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath claimed the ruling party has accepted defeat in the state and played its last bet of false hope. 18.5 15 Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) September 25, 2023 In a post on X late Monday night, Nath claimed the BJP has accepted defeat in MP and played its last bet of false hope. The candidates list of the BJP, which claims to have crores of party workers, is surely a stamp on the partys internal defeat and refutes the claims of development during the eighteen-and-a-half years of BJP government and more than 15 years of Shivrajs (Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan) rule, Nath said. The Congress leader also said the hollow claims of Madhya Pradeshs development have been exposed and proved to be a white lie. Randeep Singh Surjewalla, meanwhile, claimed the BJP was trying to right a sinking ship by roping in Central leaders. BJP * , * 18 15 Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 26, 2023 Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said no matter who the BJP fields, people of the state have decided to oust it as he accused the saffron party of forming government in the state through the back door. The Congress has its tail up after defeating the BJP first in Himachal Pradesh in a close contest and then in Karnataka in a landslide, following a series of reverses it has suffered at the hands of the ruling party. Its leader Rahul Gandhi had recently claimed that his party is certainly winning in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. In the 2018 polls, the Congress won 114 seats while the BJP bagged 109 seats. The Congress then formed government under Kamal Nath, but it collapsed in March 2020 after a rebellion by MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, paving the way for Shivraj Singh Chouhan to return as CM. Following bypolls due to legislators switching sides after the rebellion, the BJP now has 126 MLAs in the 230-member House, while the Congress has 96 legislators. With inputs from agencies It could not be long until you have the capacity to grow teeth. According to the Japan Times, Japanese researchers are developing the first medicine in the world that may help in patients tooth regrowth. In July next year, Toregem Biopharma, which is backed by Kyoto University, plans to carry out clinical trials on healthy adults. The company also plans to release the drug. Lets take a closer look. Also read: Are crickets healthy food? Why does a Canadian mother feed them to her 18-month-old baby? How will it work? In addition to baby and adult teeth, both humans and animals have tooth buds, which may develop into a new tooth. The majority of the time, these buds do not grow and eventually die. In order to prevent tooth buds from forming, Toregem Biopharma has created an antibody medication that blocks the mouth protein that slows growth. The business claims that inactivating the USAG-1 protein promotes tooth resorption. In 2018, scientists successfully provided the medications to ferrets, who have teeth that are identical to human permanent and baby teeth. It now intends to carry out tests on people who have anodontia, a congenital disorder in which part or all permanent teeth are missing. To encourage tooth growth, children will receive one injection. According to ABC News, Katsu Takahashi, a co-founder of the company and the head of dentistry and oral surgery at Osakas Kitano Hospital, said that children with missing teeth had issues growing a strong jawbone. He continued, We hope the drug will serve as a key to solving those problems. The medication may also be used in the future to treat adults who have lost teeth to cavities. Toregem Honokas president Honoko Kiso stated on the company website that she lost her teeth as a teenager as a result of a bone disease. I wanted to study the cause of my illness and how to regenerate lost teeth, she said. Honoko added Toregem Biopharma first hope to treat patients with congenital tooth loss who do not grow permanent tooth buds due to genetic causes. (Our) final goal is to offer advanced and scientifically driven clinical solution for the growth of teeth derived from their own tissues. Also read: Have a sweet tooth? Heres why your cravings may burn a hole in your pocket How many teeth do humans have? There are a total of 28 permanent teeth in the human dental structure, or 32 if one considers the wisdom teeth. The first 20 teeth are referred to as the baby teeth, milk teeth, or primary teeth. Around six months old, these teeth begin to erupt. The shift from baby teeth to permanent teeth starts about age six and lasts until a youngster is about 12 or 13 years old, explained Economic Times. Eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and four molars are found in each jaw. The fourth set of molars, known as wisdom teeth, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. It is crucial to keep in mind that not everyone gets wisdom teeth, and in cases where there is not enough room in the jaw, removal may be required. With inputs from agencies Its a worrying time for Hindus in Canada. Hindus living in the North American country are concerned for their safety, as the diplomatic standoff between the two countries India and Canada continues. And for the Hindus, its the pro-Khalistani elements that are threatening them. The situation is such that Indian intelligence agencies also discussed this in a meeting they held recently, in which they spoke about the growing clout of pro-Khalistani extremists and how they have openly taken to threaten and intimidate the Hindu community residing there. Lets take a closer look at whats going on and the continuous fears the Hindus in Canada are facing. Khalistani threats against Hindus Indians account for 18.6 per cent of the total number of people who immigrated to Canada between 2016 and 2021. According to official data, around 2.1 per cent of the population is Sikhs, while Hindus make up 2.3 per cent of the people. The recent incident of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau accusing India of having a hand in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar has laid bare the divisions between the Indian diaspora. While India has rejected these allegations, calling them absurd and politically motivated, it has only led to tensions between the two communities. Also read: What did Indias intel reveal about Khalistani Hardeep Singh Nijjar? Shortly after Trudeaus allegation, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs for Justice a pro-Khalistani banned group in India issued a warning to Hindus residing in Canada, urging them to leave. In a video posted on social media platform X, Pannun accused Indo-Canadian Hindus of not being loyal to the Constitution of Canada and asking them to relocate to India. He also claimed that the Canadian Sikhs, unlike the Indo-Canadian Hindus, had never wavered from their loyalty to the country of their residence. Chandra Arya, an MP for Trudeaus party, also raised the issue of Hindus in Canada facing threats. I have heard from many Hindu-Canadians who are fearful after this targeted attack, he wrote, adding that the Khalistani movement was trying to provoke Hindu-Canadians to react and divide the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. But even before Nijjars killing Canada has seen several instances of Hinduphobia and hate crimes against the community. According to Americankahani.com, there have been repeated attacks against Hindu places of worship across Canada with more than two dozen break-ins between 2021 and 2022; and more than 15 incidents of vandalisation in the last two years. In this year alone until today, there have been three incidents of temples being defaced with pro-Khalistani sentiments. In August, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in British Columbia was defaced with Khalistan referendum posters. The posters bore messages such as Canada investigates Indias role in June 18th assassination and featured a photo of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist and chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force who was killed in June that year. In April, the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Ontario was vandalised with anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti. In January, the Gauri Shankar temple in Brampton was also targeted with similar graffiti. There have also been repeated incidents of vandalism of Mahatma Gandhi statues. Even an innocuous park sign which was inaugurated in 2022, was defaced, simply because it is named after the Bhagwat Gita. In addition to this, pro-Khalistani elements have carried out a number of protests and demonstrations on the streets of Canada, denouncing India and calling for the creation of a separate Khalistan. The India-Canada row How the pro-Khalistan sentiment has grown in Canada Movies, yachts and more: The many investments by Khalistanis in Canada Seizing properties, revoking OCI status: Indias big crackdown on Khalistanis Should Indian students, diaspora worry amid souring Indo-Canada relations? Why Justin Trudeau has been soft on Khalistani extremists in Canada How Justin Trudeaus anti-India antics have angered Canadians Voicing their concerns Pannuns video against Hindus, it seems has been the last straw. Hindus in Canada have collectively written to countrys public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, expressing their concerns. In the letter, the Canadian Hindus urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh to recognise the threat posed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as a hate crime. They said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and his Khalistani associates have repeatedly expressed their beliefs and they intend to target people who do not subscribe to their ideology. These threats have now materialised within Canada and it is imperative that the Canadian government does not underestimate their gravity, the letter stated. They added that both Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh have previously defended the incidents of Khalistan referendum as matters of freedom of expression. The community urged them to address the threat posed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to Indo-Canadian citizens. We anticipate that Canadian authorities will take decisive action to address this matter. Will they persist in classifying this threat as an exercise of freedom of expression, or will they acknowledge the danger that has inadvertently befallen Canadian citizens? the letter stated. Trustees of Hindu temples have also voiced their displeasure at the Canadian governments inaction against the acts of vandalism at religious sites. Everyone is talking about the threats, the slogans, swords being waved in the open, but the government has done nothing to curb it, one trustee told IndiaToday.in. Many Hindu temples have also taken measures to protect their premises and their devotees. This includes the installation of additional CCTV cameras and gates. In fact, IndiaToday even reported that the Sanatan Mandir in the Greater Toronto area now has only one entrance, which is via a CCTV-protected manned gate. The larger open entrance has been shut with a fence and a metal gate. Denouncing hate Canadian government officials have reacted strongly to the hateful video put out by Pannun, arguing that the country was safe for Hindus and that the nation had no place for acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear. Canadas security department, Public Safety Canada, called the video offensive and hateful and is an affront to all Canadians and the values we hold dearly. Taking to X, last Friday, it said: Acts of aggression, hate, intimidation or incitement of fear have no place in this country and only serve to divide us. We urge all Canadians to respect one another and follow the rule of law. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. 1/2 : There is no place in Canada for hate. The circulation of an online video in which Hindu Canadians are told to leave Canada is offensive and hateful, and is an affront to all Canadians and the values we hold dearly. Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) September 22, 2023 Jagmeet Singh and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed similar sentiments, calling the video offensive and hateful. Poilievre said, Conservatives condemn these comments against our Hindu neighbours and friends. Hindus have made invaluable contributions to every part of our country and will always be welcome here. With inputs from agencies The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) declared on Monday that it was breaking its ties with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), signalling a dramatic change in Tamil Nadu politics. Both parties marked the collapse of the alliance by lighting off firecrackers outside their office. The AIADMK highlighted that BJPs unnecessary remarks about AIADMKs former leaders were the reason for breaking up with NDA. Lets take a closer look at what went wrong. AIADMK-BJP split According to PTI, the AIADMK on Monday announced, The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary (EK Palaniswami) and our cadres for the past one year. AIADMK has decided to break all ties with the BJP and NDA alliance from today. The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary EPS and our cadres for the past one year. In todays meeting, this Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 25, 2023 The move came as a result of remarks made by BJPs state unit head K Annamalai criticising the Dravidian leader CN Annadurai. During a gathering in Madurai in 1956, Annamalai said that Annadurai had disrespected Hinduism, according to India Today. The rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was created by Annadurai, but the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam bears his name and has attempted to carry on his political and ideological traditions. In Coimbatore, Annamalai, who is currently on a padyatra (or foot march), claimed that he did not speak incorrectly. On Thursday, he made an attempt to minimise the conflict by asserting that there was no issue between the allies. In the midst of the conflict, AIADMK leaders met with the BJPs national president JP Nadda and union minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi and demanded that Annamalai either apologise or be replaced with a non-controversial leader, according to NDTV. The AIADMK eventually ended the coalition because both of these demands were not met. However, when asked about the latest development, Annamalai said, Our national leadership will respond. They will be reacting to this. We will talk again soon. Following D Jayakumars statement to the media that we will decide on alliance before the election, the coalition was already on the verge of breaking up last week. Annamalai is unfit to be BJPs state president. He speaks ill of late leaders only to project himself, NDTV quoted him as saying. It is pertinent to mention here that the alliances dissolution coincided with the AIADMKs struggles with a Dravidian political landscape that was becoming more fragmented and the loss of minority votes in the previous two significant elections. The decision, nevertheless, appeared to be the result of long-standing disagreements between the two parties and the increased war of words between Annamalai and other leaders. AIADMK Spokesperson Sasirekha, Based on the members opinion we are taking this resolution This is the happiest moment for AIADMK. We are very happy to face the upcoming elections whether it might be Parliament or Assembly elections https://t.co/GiNZLJsRR7 pic.twitter.com/wkwn2QYNEI ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2023 Also read: Bengaluru bandh over Cauvery water-sharing: Why Karnataka, Tamil Nadu are fighting again The major issue Annamalai, according to AIADMK, had been acting contrary to the alliance dharma. Senior party officials have often acknowledged that Annamalai was less respectful and mature in conducting the partnership than the prior BJP state presidents, particularly in admitting that the AIADMK is the organizations leader in Tamil Nadu. Many believed that Annamalai never wanted this alliance, especially after he announced to run unopposed in the local body elections. The BJP state unit chief believes the saffron party must fight its own battles in order to grow its significance in the southern state. The alliance became more strained when Annamalais top aide and the head of the BJPs IT arm Nirmal Kumar joined the AIADMK in front of EPS in March of this year. Since then, a few BJP officials jumped ship. More importantly, the AIADMK was in a pickle because the southern state didnt react well to the BJPs Hindutva agenda. As a national party, the BJP has taken positions on important topics that are at odds with the views of the Tamil Nadu public and the AIADMK. According to the AIADMK, the BJP coalition also hurt the Dravidian partys standing with the states minority communities. The BJP and Annamalai have allegedly tried to portray themselves as an aggressive Opposition party during the past few months, according to India Today sources in the AIADMK. The saffron party was thought to have been more vocal than AIADMK in its criticism of the DMK on a number of important issues. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu | BJP workers burst firecrackers in Madurai after AIADMK announces breaking of its alliance with BJP and NDA. pic.twitter.com/u1Ij32aT9E ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2023 War of words When it comes to highly charged political matters in Tamil Nadu, the alliance with the ruling party at the centre BJP frequently puts the AIADMK in tough spots. Earlier, Annamalai declined to support the AIADMKs demands that the NDAs Chief Ministerial face in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming elections be projected as EPS. He asserted that he had no authority to make an announcement and that the national leadership alone would be responsible for doing so. When Annamalai released the DMK files in July, revealing the alleged corruption of prominent DMK leaders, he warned that he would expose the corruption of all parties in Tamil Nadu, including the AIADMK, which of course, was not well-received by the party. This was especially in reference to the late AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa. Annamalai said in a media interview in June of this year that the states former CM had been found guilty of corruption. Leaders of the AIADMK took this as an insult and passed a resolution denouncing Annamalai for lacking political maturity and experience. Annamalais recent comments on CN Annadurai just added fuel to the ongoing disagreements. Also read: Sanatana Dharma: Stalin remark is drama to cover up its failures by diverting peoples attention, says AIADMK Interference in internal party affairs The AIADMK claims that Annamalai tried to meddle in party business during the Erode East by-elections by meeting with both the Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) and O Panneerselvam (OPS) factions and that the BJP wants the AIADMK to present a united front. Although AIADMK is the largest Opposition party, its leaders believe Annamalai was attempting to defend himself in his role as the states chief Opposition figure, as per India Today. Big jolt to BJP The BJP has been taken aback by the move, as the national party was counting on the strength of the AIADMK in the southern state, where, in contrast to other states, the saffron party has not yet been able to establish its mark. According to BJP leaders, their plan was to run for the Lok Sabha together in 2024 while also strengthening their organisation so they could run independently in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections in 2026, as per Hindustan Times. In the state, obviously the AIADMK is the larger party and EPS is the strongest leader of the party. This decision will only favour the DMK. We will have to see what the central leadership decides, said the outlet quoting a senior state BJP leader. The BJP had also been trying to entice the three individuals who had been kicked out of the NDA by EPS, Panneerselvam, TTV Dhinakaran, and V K Sasikala. Soon after J. Jayalalithaas demise in office in December 2016, the BJP made its way into the state by bringing together the AIADMKs feuding factions. Since then, the alliance has suffered from far too many tensions. Also read: DMK means Dengue Malaria Kosu (mosquito): TN BJP chief K Annamalai hits out at Udhayanidhi for Sanatan Dharma remark Whats next A separate front for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would be spearheaded by the AIADMK, which is headed by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. According to ANI, AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy said, The AIADMK will fight the 2024 election with its allies. BJP and AIADMK worked together as allies during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly elections. With inputs from agencies A top US diplomats visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has created a row. Donald Blome, the US ambassador to Pakistan, recently paid a secret six-day visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has repeatedly dismissed Pakistans claims over the region and stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country. This is Blomes second trip to the region in less than a year. Prior to that, high-profile US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar visited PoK in 2022. On Thursday, Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India, brushed off any disapproval of the American envoy in Islamabad visiting PoK. Garcetti made mention of the fact that a US delegation visited Jammu and Kashmir during the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar in May. Lets take a closer look: What happened? As per Dawn, Blome recently paid a six-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan during which he visited different areas and met local representatives and government officials. As per the Pakistan-based news daily, the Ambassadors tour was kept secret by both the embassy and local government as no details about the visit were provided to the media. The only official information about the envoys visit came in a statement issued by the Gilgit Baltistan deputy speakers office. Blome also met Food and Tourism Minister Ghulam Muhammad in Gilgit. Blome also visited the port city of Gwadar days before his visit to Gilgit Baltistan, where China is executing infrastructure projects as part of CPEC. The Opposition leader in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kazim Mesum, however, questioned Blomes visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. Speaking in the Assembly on Friday, Mesum said the mysterious activities of the US ambassador in the region have raised questions. Mesum added that the GB government was not aware of the visit, as per Dawn. There is a set procedure for any countrys ambassador to visit the region, he said. He called Blomes arrival in Gilgit after visiting Gwadar suspicious. The Opposition leader said visits to the two most vital areas of CPEC were part of the US CPEC containment policy. The ambassador visited areas from which the CPEC route will pass, Mesum was quoted as saying by Dawn. There are many under construction mega projects in GB including CPEC, Diamer Bhasha Dam, while threats of insurgency from Afghanistan and local security issues also exist Messum added During this time, the undisclosed visit was alarming, he said. According to Pakistan-based news outlet The News International, Blome visited various recreational places as well as ongoing projects of UNDP with the help of the local government. The American ambassador visited Attabad Lake after reaching Hunza and also went to the Karakoram International University. The American ambassador also visited the Hunza royal palace, along with the American delegation, as per the outlet. What do experts say? Blomes visit to Gwadar has raised eyebrows in many quarters. The Print noted that this is the first time a US ambassador to Pakistan has visited the port in nearly two decades. Its a significant move because Gwadar port is a heavily barricaded area, access to which is closely monitored, the piece stated. Senior journalist Hamid Mir, speaking to The Print, said Blomes visit indicates a silent diplomacy between Washington and Islamabad. Mir participated in one of the meetings between Blome and the Baloch authorities. A political analyst from India, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the trip could Islamabads all-weather relations with Beijing. It signifies the start of [US] amenable diplomacy with Pakistan, the analyst added. Garcetti, asked about Blomes PoK visit, said, I know he has been there before, but our delegation has also visited Jammu and Kashmir during the G20 meeting. Garcetti on Tuesday said Blomes visit to Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter which should be resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party including the US. Earlier visits to PoK But this isnt the first time Blome has visited Pok. Hindustan Times quoted a statement from the US embassy in Islamabad as saying Blome made the trip to promote the bilateral partnership and highlight people-to-people ties. The statement referred to the region as AJK. The envoy in October 2022, visiting PoK, also called the region Azad Jammu and Kashmir. His handle tweeted: Damaged during the 2005 earthquake, the local government has beautifully restored this heritage site for the benefit of the community and visiting travelers. -DB #AmbBlome #CulturalHeritage 2/3 pic.twitter.com/d7a28FUsrC U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) October 2, 2022 India in 1994 had passed a resolution saying PoK is part of India and Pakistan must vacate and end its illegal occupation Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi at the time said, Our objections to the visit and meetings in PoK by the US envoy have been conveyed to the US side. Omar, the controversial Democratic Congresswoman, earlier visited Pakistan and PoK in 2022. In August, an annual House financial disclosure report revealed that Omars trip was funded by the Pakistani government. Islamabad had paid for Omars visit from 18 to 24 April including food and lodging. I dont believe that it (Kashmir) is being talked about to the extent it needs to in Congress but also with the administration, Omar told reporters at the time. India had at the time taken strong exception to Omar visiting PoK. The MEA in a strongly-worded statement said: She visited a part of Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home that may be her business, but violating our territorial integrity in its pursuit makes it ours. Derek Chollet, counsellor to Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the time said, Its an unofficial personal visit and it does not represent any policy change on behalf of the United States government. With inputs from agencies A potential global health threat known as Disease X, a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO), could potentially trigger a deadlier pandemic than COVID-19, a UK health expert has warned. Kate Bingham, former chair of the UKs Vaccine Taskforce, has raised concerns about the severity of Disease X, suggesting it could rival the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919. What is Disease X WHO defines Disease X as a new, unidentified agent, whether its a virus, bacterium, or fungus, for which there are no known treatments. Bingham draws parallels between Disease X and the Spanish Flu, which claimed the lives of at least 50 million people worldwide, surpassing the death toll of World War I. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Kate Bingham emphasised the urgency of preparedness. She stressed that if the world is to combat the potential threat posed by Disease X, it must be ready to launch large-scale vaccination campaigns and deliver doses at an unprecedented pace. Diversity of viruses Bingham also highlighted the vast diversity of viruses, noting that while scientists have identified 25 virus families, there could be over a million undiscovered variants capable of jumping from one species to another. COVID-19, she explained, was relatively fortunate in that a significant majority of those infected eventually recovered. Disease X, however, could be as infectious as measles with the fatality rate of a disease like Ebola, making it considerably more lethal. Why increased frequency of pandemics Pointing to factors contributing to the increased frequency of pandemics, Bingham cited global interconnectedness and the burgeoning urban population. People living in densely populated cities, she noted, often come into close contact with one another, facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, deforestation, modern agricultural practices, and the destruction of wetlands have created conditions conducive to viruses crossing over from one species to another. The WHO first mentioned Disease X on its website in May, describing it as the potential for a severe international epidemic caused by an as-yet-unknown pathogen. This term was introduced by WHO in 2018, a year before COVID-19 began its global spread, highlighting the prescience of preparing for unforeseen health crises. In the supplementary chargesheet filed against Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, the city police have mentioned that he stayed for two days at a hotel in suburban Powai till 21 November, 2008, days before the attacks, an official said. The Mumbai polices crime branch on Monday submitted the over 400-page chargesheet, the fourth in the case so far, before a special court hearing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cases. Rana, currently under detention in the United States, faces multiple charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 strikes. The chargesheet mentions that Tahawwur Hussain Rana came to India on 11 November, 2008 and stayed in the country till 21 November. He spent two of these days at the Renaissance Hotel in Powai, a senior official of the Mumbai polices crime branch said on Tuesday. We have found documentary evidence against Rana and some statements in which his role in the conspiracy was established. The documentary evidence shows that Rana was actively involved in the conspiracy with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 strikes, he said. He (Rana) was the person who helped Headley get an Indian tourist visa based on fake documents, the official added. Rana allegedly provided logistic support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba in carrying out the 26/11 terror attacks, he said. The crime branch has found email communications between Headley and Rana, he said, adding that in one of the emails related to 26/11 terror attacks, Headley asked about Major Iqbals email id, he said. Major Iqbal, an operative of the Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was named as accused in the 26/11 terror plot case, he said. A total of 166 people were killed when 10 terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route on November 26, 2008, and laid a more than 60-hour siege in the financial capital during which they targeted the citys landmarks, a hospital and a Jewish centre, among other places. Among the 10 terrorists was Ajmal Kasab, who was caught alive and later put on trial and sentenced to death by a special court. He was hanged to death at Punes Yerawada central prison in November 2012, two years after being held guilty in the case by the court. The consecration ceremony or pran pratishtha of Ram temple in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya is expected to take place on 22 January 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the Ram temples consecration ceremony-related event on any day between 20-24 January 2024, PTI quoted Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra as saying. VIDEO | The administration has enhanced security for the Prime Minister, who is scheduled to visit Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony. I would like to appeal to everyone not to visit Ayodhya during this time. It would be better for them to plan their visit in February, says pic.twitter.com/EI5qDcrgZQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2023 The final date is yet to be communicated by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), he said. Ram temple trust appeal to people Security has been heightened in Ayodhya for the visit of PM Modi for the consecration ceremony, said Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. I would like to appeal to everyone not to visit Ayodhya during this time. It would be better for them to plan their visit in February, Rai added. The temple construction committee has said a huge rush is expected on 22 January next year when the ceremony will take place. The trust has urged people to see it from their homes, and villages (via television broadcast). Meanwhile, a formal invitation will be sent to PM Modi from the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the consecration ceremony during which the idol of Ram Lalla will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The temple trust has decided to start the process of the consecration of Ram Lalla after Makar Sankranti on 14 January, and observe a 10-day ritual of Ram Lallas pran pratishtha (consecration). When will Ayodhyas Ram temple open for public? The Ram temple in Ayodhya is likely to open for devotees on 24 January 2024, after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol, Mishra said in June. Speaking about the plan for devotees who will come after the consecration ceremony, Mishra said, they will get 15-20 seconds time to for a darshan, but they will be satisfied with the overall experience at the temple complex. Update of Ayodhyas Ram temple construction The construction of the ground floor of the three-storey Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by December 2023-end, Mishra said. Mishra informed that the work is underway to design an apparatus that will be installed on the shikhar of the temple, which will make sun rays fall momentarily on the forehead of the deity in the sanctum sanctorum on the day of Ram Navami every year. It is being built in Bengaluru and its design is being overseen by scientists, he added. The Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, and an institute in Pune have jointly created a computerised programme for this, Mishra said. Giving details on the temple architecture and construction material, Mishra said, iron has not been used in its construction, and copper has been used to link stone blocks. The built-up area of the temple is 2.5 acres and if one includes the parikrama path the total area of the complex is about eight acres, he said. Ninety bronze panels will depict the life and duties performed by Lord Ram, he added. He also said about Rs 900 crore has been spent so far on the temples construction, and it is estimated that about Rs 1,700 crore to 1,800 crore will be spent on the overall construction of the complex. Mishra said some artifacts were unearthed during excavations by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and some objects were found during the temples groundbreaking and construction work. Some of these items have been placed safely under the custody of the trust, Mishra said. After taking permission from the ASI, we will display these in a proposed museum. Asked about the invitees for the consecration ceremony, he said, a preliminary list of 10,000 people is being prepared, which will include saints, seers, people associated with Ram temple movement etc, he added. The Supreme Court in a 2019 verdict had paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot an alternative five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a prominent place in the holy town of Uttar Pradesh. The court had ruled that the 2.77 acres of the disputed land where the demolished 16th century-era Babri Masjid once stood would remain with a Central government receiver and be handed over to the trust within three months of the ruling for the construction of the temple. With inputs from PTI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with top UN officials in New York to address Indias G20 presidency, regional difficulties and global challenges, sustainable development objectives, and Security Council reforms. On Monday, a day before addressing the General Debate at the present high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th General Assembly Dennis Francis at the international organizations headquarters. He also met with Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. Jaishankar stated that meeting with Guterres was a pleasure and that they addressed how Indias G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening the UNs sustainable development agenda. We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year, Jaishankar said in a tweet, adding that he appreciated Guterres strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. In a readout of the meeting issued by the UN spokespersons office, Guterres expressed appreciation for Indias cooperation with the UN and its leadership of the G20. Guterres and Jaishankar also discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges, according to the readout. The UN secretary-general attended the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on 9 September and 10 September held under Indias Presidency of the grouping. Before his meeting with Guterres, Jaishankar met Francis and welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of Indias G20 Presidency. Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assemblys discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times, Jaishankar said. In a post on X, Francis said he was delighted to meet Jaishankar and congratulated him on Indias successful G20 Chairmanship, especially on Indias unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South. Delighted to meet External Affairs Minister of India , H.E. @DrSJaishankar. Congratulated Indias successful #G20 Chairmanship, especially on s unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South. Discussed #UNGA78 priorities and key issues, including UNSC reform and pic.twitter.com/1Dk06pVpLH UN GA President (@UN_PGA) September 25, 2023 Francis added that he discussed priorities and key issues of the 78th UNGA session, including UNSC reforms and building on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held during the high-level week ahead of the Summit of the Future to be held in 2024. Jaishankar also thanked Francis for his presence at the special 'India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development' side event. The minister hosted the event in New York on Saturday. At the event, Francis said that India's recent G20 Presidency marked a historic milestone being the first to usher the African Union into the group as a permanent member. "India's legacy of contributions serves as a guiding light encompassing endeavours such as championing democracy, promoting women-led development, and being among the pioneers in adopting the UN's Global Goals. Indeed, it is a matter of great honour for me to follow in the footsteps of Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first-ever female president of the General Assembly, whom India proudly entrusted to the United Nations," Francis had said. In his meeting with Steiner, Jaishankar appreciated the UNDP's engagement with India's G20 Presidency initiatives. "Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit," he said. Jaishankar also had a "warm meeting" with "our SAGAR partner", Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Yvette Sylla, referring to the security and growth for all in the region. "Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defense cooperation," he said. In his speech to the G20 University Connect Finale on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised Indias recent advancements in science and diplomacy. In the past 30 days, he claimed, Indias diplomacy had reached new heights, and as a result of Indias efforts, six additional nations had joined the BRICS group. PM Modi also applauded the Chandrayaan-3 missions successful launch, which made India the fourth nation to set foot on the moon. He claimed that when it was revealed that India is on the Moon, the entire globe could hear Indias voice. This Bharat Mandapam was buzzing with activity two weeks ago. This Bharat Mandapam had become a vibrant place. I am happy that in the same Bharat Mandapam, my future Bharat is here. The world is amazed at the level at which India hosted the G20. But I am not amazedDo you know why? When youth like you take charge of making an event successful, it becomes successful, Modi said congratulating the youth for making the G20 Summit, which was hosted by India two weeks ago, a vibrant and successful event. PM Modi also claimed that Saudi Arabia will spend $100 billion in India and that in the previous 30 days, he had talks with 85 foreign leaders. In todays divisive international environment, bringing so many nations together on one platform was no minor achievement, PM Modi said. PM Modi exhorted the youth to be motivated by Indias accomplishments and seek to create a better future for both the nation and the entire planet. The issue of equitable water distribution between Haryana and Punjab was brought up by the Haryana government on Tuesday at the 31st Northern Zonal Council meeting in Amritsar. Punjab is deceiving about the Sutlej Yamuna Links construction, according to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who was speaking at the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC), which was presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Punjab government is continuously misleading on the construction of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL). They are continuously saying that the availability of water has reduced, but the construction of the canal and the availability of water are two different issues, the Haryana government said. Additionally, he asked that work on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL) canal in the Punjab region be finished. The administration also claimed that Pakistan receives the excess unchanneled water from the Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas rivers. In the last 10 years, an average of 1.68 MF of Sutlej water and 0.58 MF of Ravi and Beas water went towards Pakistan. For the proper utilization of this national wastage, production of SYl is necessary, they added. There is only one carrier channel from Bhakra Dam to Haryana i.e. 61 km long Nangal Hydel Channel which is 68 years old. In case of any emergency, if there is no water supply in Haryana, in such a situation SYL will also work as an alternative channel,' they said. According to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the project should now be thought of as Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) rather than the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal because the state has no extra water to share with any other state. He said The Satluj river has already dried up and there is no question of sharing even a single drop of water from it. Rather, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that water from the Ganga and Yamuna should be supplied to Punjab through the Satluj River. (With agency inputs) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will address a high-level session of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today. The EAM is in New York to lead the Indian delegation at the 78th UNGA. EAM Jaishankar on Monday met President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dennis Francis in New York. The EAM also held a meeting with Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the 78th UNGA. The two leaders affirmed a strong bilateral relationship. On the sidelines of #UNGA78, met with @AraratMirzoyan FM of Armenia. Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship, Jaishankar posted on X. On the sidelines of #UNGA78 , met with @AraratMirzoyan FM of Armenia. Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship. pic.twitter.com/T10QFK2RKg Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 24, 2023 Jaishankar also met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konakovic. The two leaders discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy. Jaishankar also met Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Barcena. The two leaders discussed taking forward the partnership between the two nations with a focus on business, science and technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. engaging in meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the event. During his New York visit, Jaishankar interacted with several world leaders. A video shared on the social media platform X captures Jaishankars interactions with his counterparts, including Sameh Shoukrey of Egypt, Gen Jeje Odongo of Uganda, Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, Carlos Pereira of Guinea Bissau, and Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Additionally, he also paid a visit to Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia during his stay in New York. In the video, Jaishankar is also seen meeting the Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji, Dominicas Foreign Minister Vince Henderson and Guyanas Foreign Minister Hugg Todd, among many others. Meanwhile, the EAM while speaking on Saturday evening during an event South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities. Further, citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister also stressed that it is still a world of double standards. There is a growing sentiment in the world and the Global South in a way embodies it. But theres also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change, said EAM Jaishankar during the event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India and the Reliance Foundation. They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, its a world very much of double standards, he added. Speaking about the Global South and Indias G20 Presidency, Jaishankar highlighted how India was the voice of the Global South and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the real problem of the G20. After concluding his visit to New York, Jaishankar will travel to Washington, DC. UNGA President Dennis Francis on Sunday shared his delight to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at a special event to showcase the success story of India-UN cooperation with the Global South. Francis met EAM Jaishankar during the 78th session of the UNGA and addressed the session on India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development event in New York on Saturday (local time). Sharing a glimpse of his meetings on social media X, the UNGA President stated, Glad to join Minister @DrSJaishankar & @IndiaunNewyork at a special event to showcase the success story of India-UN cooperation with the Global South. India, home to one-sixth of humanity, plays an unparalleled role in our global mission for a better, more sustainable world. While addressing the India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development event in New York, Francis said, Indias recent G20 presidency marked a historic milestone. Being the first to usher the African Union into the group as a permanent member. A strong symbol of solidarity and cooperation across the Global South. Francis said that India plays an unparalleled role in the global mission for a better and more sustainable world. He called Indias legacy of contribution a guiding light and encompassing endeavours like championing democracy and promoting women-led development. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of the Indian governments link in a Khalistani terrorists killing has no bearing on the army to army relationship between both countries, Canadas Deputy Army Chief Major General Peter Scott said Tuesday. I am fully aware of, Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement. The governments stance and the government request for India to participate in, and cooperate in the investigation. But, really, that has no impact on us here at the Indo-Pacific conference. Were really here to build relationships from army to army, and well let our governments deal with that issue, themselves, Major General Peter Scott said while attending the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPAC), 2023. #WATCH | Delhi: Canadas Deputy Army Chief Major General Peter Scott says, Were very grateful to be here as part of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPAC), 2023. Canada continues to look for opportunities where we can participate in training or exercises with partners pic.twitter.com/QCVwXEIMgB ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 India is hosting the conclave of Army chiefs from the Indo-Pacific region in Delhi. The meeting will be attended by 15 Army chiefs and delegations from 22 countries The Canadian General thanked India for hosting the conference which seeks to strengthen the military relationship in the region and address common challenges. Were very grateful to be here as part of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPAC), 2023. Canada continues to look for opportunities where we can participate in training or exercises with partners in the end of the Pacific region. And this conference provides us a forum to meet with other leaders of other nations of similar interests. Were very happy to be here and very gracious for India to be hosting Last Monday Trudeau, while speaking in the Canadian Parliament, alleged that the Indian government was behind the killing of Nijjar. India dismissed the allegation as absurd. Nijjar was wanted in India under Indias Terrorist Act for several cases, including a 2007 bomb blast at a movie theatre in Punjab, which killed six people and injured 40 others, and the 2009 assassination of a Sikh BJP leader, Rulda Singh. Pictures of the bodies of two Manipuri students, who had been missing since July, have gone viral on social media platforms. These images depict moments from before and after they were killed. One of the photographs portrays the two students with two armed men in the frame and the other one was of two bodies. The students have been identified as 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit. The recent images went viral days after two Kuki women in Manipur were stripped and paraded by a mob on 4 May. The video of the incident surfaced on 19 July. The police had previously said that the whereabouts of the two missing students were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. The last location of their handsets was traced at Lamdan near the winter flower tourist spot in the Churachandpur district, they had said earlier. After the images went viral, the Manipur government asked the people to exercise restraint and allow the authorities to investigate the kidnapping and killing of two students. In a statement issued by the secretariat of Chief Minister N Biren Singh late on Monday night, the state government said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Press Release from Chief Ministers Secretariat. pic.twitter.com/Z7ds64Pas8 CMO Manipur (@manipur_cmo) September 26, 2023 The state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators, the statement said. Security personnel have been put on alert, and additional measures taken to prevent any incident following the viral of photos of the students, a senior officer said, according to PTI. The government is committed to ensuring justice and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for the heinous crime, it said. With inputs from agencies External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the G20 Summit under Indias presidency is special and different. In a virtual address at the G20 University Connect event, Jaishankar underlined that it is because of the substantial outcomes of the G20 Summit that the world recognises Indias convening power. Our G20 presidency is specialit is different. We succeeded in taking the G20 out of the capital city and its convention centres and made it a mass movement. It was truly a peoples G20 and Jan Bhagidari was the central feature of our presidency, Jaishankar said. While addressing the students, faculty members, and Vice Chancellors of the participating Universities, the External Affairs Minister hailed Indias role as the G20 chair this year and added by saying, With over 220 events in over 60 cities, spread in all states and Union Territories of the country, our G20 presidency has really been a national celebration. More than 30,000 delegates from the 125 countries were witness to our spirit of Atithi Devo Bhavo and saw an experienced India that was ready for the world, the EAM noted. Jaishankar addressed the gathering in a virtual format as he is currently in New York to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The G20 Summit took place on September 9-10 in New Delhi at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre. It saw massive participation from leaders across the world. It was in this building we were able to make African Union a permanent member of the G20 grouping, come up with a green development pact and action plan on Sustainable Development Goals, high-level principles on anti-corruption and garnered support for digital public infrastructure and reform or multilateral development pacts, Jaishankar said during his address, while referring to Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the Summit. I would like to delve into many substantial outcomes of the G20 Summit that the world recognises Indias convening power and acceptance to its ideas is a key takeaway, he said. Jaishankar further spoke at length on the University Connect programme and stated that the G20 Presidency began with it in the first place. We began the presidency with the University Connect programmeOur endeavours to make India a developed nation by the centenary of our independence stems from the collective desire to build a more prosperous nation for the future generations, Jaishankar said. The G20 University Connect Finale was attended at the event venue by about 3000 students, faculty members, and Vice Chancellors of the participating Universities. In addition, students from across the country have also joined the event Live. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also addressing the G20 University Connect Finale programme at Bharat Mandapam here in the National Capital. In his address, PM Modi has said that the world is surprised to see the height at which India took the organising of G20. Two weeks back, in this Bharat Mandapam, there was a great bustle. This Bharat Mandapam had become a happening place. I am delighted that in the same Bharat Mandapam, my future Bharat is present. The world is surprised to see the height at which India took the organising of G20. But I am not surprisedDo you know why? When youth like you take up the responsibility to make an event successful, it does become successful, he said. Several programmes were held across the country under the G-20 University Connect initiative. They witnessed extensive participation from higher education institutions. Further. what initially began as a programme for universities quickly grew to include schools and colleges, reaching an even wider audience. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday distributed appointment letters to nearly 51,000 newly-inducted employees in various government departments under the Rozgar Mela initiative and said that every government employee will have a huge role in making India the third largest economy in the world. Addressing new appointees during Rozgar Mela via video conferencing, PM Modi said, The country has resolved to become a developed India by 2047. In the next few years, we are going to be the third-largest economy In this period, every government employee is going to play a huge role. You always need to work with a citizen-first spirit. You are part of a generation which has grown up with technology.You need to use the technology in your work domain. The country has resolved to become a developed India by 2047. In the next few years, we are going to be the third-largest economy In this period, every govt employee is going to play a huge role. You always need to work with a citizen-first spirit. You are part of a pic.twitter.com/JfzB3vYzZo ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 He said that over the last nine years ever since BJP came into power the governments plans have paved the way to achieve even bigger goals. Our policies are based on a New Mindset, Content Monitoring, Mission Mode Implementation and Mass Participation. In nine years, the government has implemented policies on a mission mode. said PM Modi. He said the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill in Parliaments new building has heralded a new future for the country, asserting that it is his governments policy to open new doors for girls. Today our country is witnessing historical achievements and decisions. A few days ago, half of the countrys population received great strength in the form of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. The Womens Reservation Bill, which was pending for the past 30 years, has now been passed pic.twitter.com/zA2k3UlKZ2 ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Today our country is witnessing historical achievements and decisions. A few days ago, half of the countrys population received great strength in the form of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. The Womens Reservation Bill, which was pending for the past 30 years, has now been passed by both houses with record votes. This decision was taken in the first session of the countrys new Parliament. In a way, the new future of the country has started in the new Parliament, said PM Modi. In the last nine years, PM Modi said the country has witnessed how technological transformation can ease governance. Earlier, people used to stand in queues at the booking counters of railway stations. Technology has overcome this problem. Aadhaar cards, digital lockers and eKYC have eliminated the complexity of documentation With technology, corruption has decreased and credibility has increased, said the Prime Minister. He said Indias GDP is growing rapidly amid difficulties in the global economy as there has been a huge increase in our production and exports. Today, Indias GDP is growing rapidly amid difficulties in the global economy. There has been a huge increase in our production and exports. The amount of investment the country is making today in its modern infrastructure has never been done before, says PM Modi addressing new pic.twitter.com/GK4uyM3rOt ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Today, Indias GDP is growing rapidly amid difficulties in the global economy. There has been a huge increase in our production and exports. The amount of investment the country is making today in its modern infrastructure has never been done before, PM Modi added. He said the the speed and scale of implementing policies also increases when millions of youth like you join government services. With inputs from agencies Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, has been granted permission by the Supreme Court to travel to Delhi to meet his ailing mother and avail treatment for his daughter. The apex court has relaxed the bail condition for the Lakhimpur violence accused and while passing the order, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Dutta, asked Mishra not to address the media or any public meeting during this time. The request was submitted by senior advocate Siddhartha Dave who said Mishras mother has been admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the national capital and that his daughter needed to undergo some surgeries. The bench proceeded to allow Mishras application to travel to and reside in Delhi. Mishra, son of the minister of state in the Ministry of Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni was granted interim bail on 25 January on condition that he shall not stay in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh. The court today clarified that the restriction on Mishras entry to Uttar Pradesh, except for attending the trial in the case, will continue to operate. Lakhimpur Kheri violence case On 3 October 2021, eight people were killed in Tikunia district of Uttar Pradeshs Lakhimpur Kheri where violence broke out during farmers protest against the now revoked farm laws. According to an FIR by Uttar Pradesh Police, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV that belonged to Mishra. Following this, Mishra was arrested on 9 October 2021, after a daylong interrogation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). On 15 February 2022, the Allahabad High Court granted him bail. However, he had to surrender on 24 April, 2022, after his bail order was cancelled by the Supreme Court. In January 2023, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and JK Maheshwari granted Mishra an eight-week interim bail and stated that the top court would monitor the trial in the case. With inputs from agencies Hundreds of students took to the streets in Manipurs capital Imphal on Tuesday after photos of two missing pupils, who were allegedly killed by armed men, went viral on social media. The protesters gathered in large numbers and shouted slogans like we want justice. Some of the students even tried to reach Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singhs residence. The security forces reportedly used smoke bombs to disperse the agitators. Several students were injured and later rushed to the hospital. The agitation comes after photos of the bodies of two students, who had been missing since July, had gone viral on social media. These images depict moments from before and after they were killed. One of the photographs portrays the two students with two armed men in the frame and the other one was of two bodies. The students have been identified as 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit. Soon after the photos went viral, the state government asked the people to exercise restraint and allow the authorities to investigate the kidnapping and killing of two students. The statement issued by the secretariat of CM N Biren Singh late on Monday night, stated that the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). With inputs from agencies In the complex web of global diplomacy, alliances and friends are always calibrated. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the dynamics between Arab countries and Pakistan. In fact, during the recent G20 summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al-Saud and the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, visited India and returned, while there was no halt in Pakistan to engaging in any bilateral ties. While there could be multiple reasons for this change, it is essential to examine the possible factors that have contributed to what appears to be a growing indifference towards Pakistan in the Arab region. There could be multiple reasons ranging from the lack of governance to the rise of religious extremism, from anti-Arab sentiments to the perceived threat of exploitation of Arab resources. Experts have started to speculate about the growing distance between the Arab nations and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, Saudi Arabia and UAE will not forsake Pakistan fully, because of its strategic location, its status as a nuclear-armed nation, and its role as a major Muslim country in South Asia make it a valuable partner for these Arab nations. Moreover, creating new adversaries by mere forsaking, wont be something the Arab nations would like. Lack of stability and governance The apparent indifference of Arab nations towards Pakistan in recent years can be largely attributed to concerns about Pakistans stability and governance. Pakistan has grappled with a series of formidable challenges, resulting in an unstable political landscape and hindered economic progress. Consequently, this has led to a diminished level of credibility on the global platform. The primary contributors to this instability are rooted in internal issues, including corruption, political discord and governance deficiencies. No prime minister in Pakistan has served the full term. They were either cooed or assassinated. The prevailing dog-eat-dog phenomenon within Pakistan has, regrettably, acted as a regressive force, pulling the nation back into what feels like medieval times. This cutthroat environment, marked by ruthless competition has hampered the countrys progress and development. Just like any other nation, Arab countries seek to engage in partnerships with nations that exhibit stability and reliability, as these qualities are pivotal in fostering positive contributions to regional development. Loyalty and Trust in Arab-Pakistani Relations Arab countries perceptions of Pakistan are influenced significantly by the concept of loyalty and reliability as a friend. Historically, Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been a steadfast supporter of Pakistan, offering substantial support, including financial bailouts and significant investments. However, Pakistans ongoing challenges in repaying loans and recurrent financial crises have raised legitimate questions about its loyalty and commitment as a trusted partner. In international diplomacy, every nation seeks stable and self-sufficient allies. When a country finds itself mired in financial turmoil and unable to meet its financial obligations, it inevitably strains its relationships with other nations. This financial instability becomes a focal point in assessing the reliability of a partner. Consequently, addressing these financial challenges becomes paramount for Pakistan if it hopes to rekindle the trust and respect of its Arab counterparts. Anti-Arab sentiments and extremist propaganda during Imran Khans era Under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan found itself embroiled in what can only be described as a concerning period marked by anti-Arab sentiments and propaganda campaigns, particularly targeted at Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. These actions not only raised eyebrows but also contributed to animosity and mistrust in international relations. One notable incident during this time was Pakistanis criticism of the United Arab Emirates decision to allow the construction of Hindu temples within its borders. While nations must have the freedom to make sovereign decisions regarding their domestic affairs, such criticisms suggested a lack of sensitivity to the UAEs cultural and religious diversity. Similarly, Pakistanis vocal opposition to the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel further exacerbated criticisms. Moreover, within Pakistan, a significant portion of the YouTube community actively promoted Islamist figures such as Israr Ahmed, Mirza Engineer Jhelumi and Khadim Rizvi among others. These individuals often espoused extremist views, exemplified by the use of the term Waelul-lil-Arab, which translates to Destruction is for the Arabs. So-called Pakistani YouTube analysts like Mubashir Luqman and Imran Riaz Khan played a significant role in painting Mohammed bin Salman as a deviant figure who was allegedly tampering with the tenets of Islam. The baseless conspiracy theories that claimed MBS was constructing the NEOM city to welcome Dajjal Anti-Christ, gained traction and had a substantial online following. This misinformation campaign, fuelled by these analysts, contributed to the spread of false narratives against the Arabs. Such rhetoric not only further deepened the divide but also undermined the prospects of fruitful diplomatic relations. Expatriate attitudes and their impact While Indians, Americans, British, Sri Lankans and others typically come to these nations, earn their livelihoods and eventually return to their home countries, Pakistani expatriates sometimes exhibit a different mindsetone that involves laying claims over the resources of Gulf nations. This trend has not gone unnoticed, and there are concerns that it could potentially lead to problems in host countries. One particularly troubling example of this behaviour was exhibited by the hardliner cleric, Salman Hussein Nadwi, who maintained close associations with banned preachers Salman Audah and Yusuf Qardawi. Nadwi went as far as suggesting that the revenue of Saudi Arabia should be considered the property of the entire Muslim Ummah, and thus, Saudi Arabia should share its wealth with all Muslims. Such claims and narratives, propagated by individuals like Nadwi, can potentially create discord and complications in the countries that host expatriate workers. They disrupt the harmony of the host nations. Moreover, many Pakistanis behave or act as if they are the sole protectors of Islam and Muslims. They often talk negatively about Arab leaders and governments in their private conversations, criticising them for not following Islam as they see it. Its important for them to understand that this kind of meddling and interference can create problems. Criticising the governments of the countries theyre in and trying to impose their own beliefs can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. In international relations, its essential to be respectful and not interfere in the affairs of the host nation. Moving forward Its significant to stress that no one wishes ill for Pakistan as it is in the interest of regional stability to have a prosperous and secure Pakistan. But Pakistan needs to understand that it can get the respect and attention it wants from Arab nations and the rest of the world by being a responsible and reliable country. On the contrary, India has shown that it can keep its promises and work well with other countries, which has made people notice and respect India on the world stage. Pakistan can learn from India and aim to be a trustworthy partner that helps its region grow and stay peaceful. The road to regaining its standing and influence in the international arena lies in Pakistans commitment to shut down extremism and terrorism completely, and its assurance to have responsible governance, diplomatic maturity, and constructive cooperation with its neighbours and the global community. The author is a Saudi-based Indian national. He is Director of Milli Chronicle Media London. He holds a PG-Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML) from IIIT. He did a certificate program in Counterterrorism from the University of Leiden, Netherlands. He tweets under @ZahackTanvir. Views expressed are personal. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win the 2024 Lok Sabha polls irrespective of which party allies with it. His comments came as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) announced that it will end its alliance with BJP on Monday. BJP has taken along its allies like a family. Many parties like JD(S) are also joining (NDA). The NDA was strong in 2014 as well as 2019, and both times, it formed the government (at the Centre) with full majority. PM Modi-led NDA will form the government in 2024 too, Thakur said. VIDEO | BJP has taken along its allies like a family. Many parties like JD(S) are also joining (NDA). The NDA was strong in 2014 as well as 2019, and both times, it formed the government (at the Centre) with full majority. PM Modi-led NDA will form the government in 2024 too, pic.twitter.com/pC4ze72lGr Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2023 The AIADMK has announced that it will lead a state-level coalition, setting in motion a three-cornered fight between Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, I.N.D.I.A and BJP. The formal break-up was announced by AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy after a resolution was passed unanimously at a meeting of MPs, MLAs and district heads at the partys headquarters in Chennai. After the news emerged, party workers celebrated by setting off firecrackers. A senior AIADMK leader at that meeting told news agency PTI that discussions were smooth and cordial, but remarks by the BJPs M Chakravarthy told a different story. The resolution, without naming anyone, said the BJPs state leadership has been of late defaming Dravidian stalwart, the late CN Annadurai and late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, besides criticising its policies. Meanwhile, last week Janata Dal (Secular) forged an alliance with BJP in the presence of HD Kumaraswamy and JP Nadda. Amazon is making a substantial move into the world of artificial intelligence by investing up to $4 billion in Anthropic, an AI startup. This strategic investment, announced on Monday, includes an initial injection of $1.25 billion for a minority stake in Anthropic, with the potential for further investment up to $4 billion down the line. Amazon aims to establish a strong partnership with a prominent AI startup, similar to Microsofts alliance with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT. As part of this partnership, Anthropic will leverage Amazons cloud computing platform and dedicated AI chips to develop its AI models. In todays AI landscape, startups are in fierce competition to secure the necessary resources, including costly chips and data centre infrastructure, to build cutting-edge AI systems, such as large language models. Anthropic was recently valued at nearly $5 billion in a funding round earlier this year, making it a key player in the surge of AI startups raising substantial funds. Notable examples include Inflection AI, which secured $1.3 billion from Microsoft and NVIDIA, as well as Toronto-based Cohere, which received $270 million in investment from NVIDIA and others. Amazons partnership with Anthropic appears to represent a shift away from Google, which invested $300 million in Anthropic last year. This transition comes just seven months after Anthropic announced its plans to use Googles chips and cloud infrastructure for its AI model training. For Amazon, this deal represents its latest move to capitalize on the growing excitement surrounding generative AI, a technology capable of producing human-like text and realistic images. Amazon is positioning its Trainium and Inferentia chips as viable alternatives to NVIDIAs processors for training and running generative AI models. Anthropics Claude chatbot competes with ChatGPT and is already among the AI products available on AWSs Bedrock service, enabling customers to create generative AI applications in the cloud. Adam Selipsky, head of AWS, describes this partnership as a significant expansion in collaboration with Anthropic. The startup will gain access to significant quantities of Trainium chips to train future iterations of its foundational models. While Microsofts partnership with OpenAI is exclusive and involves a substantial investment, Amazons approach differs. Selipsky states that Amazons strategy is centred on providing customers with choice and security, with exclusivity not being the goal. According to the companies, Amazon will be the primary cloud provider for mission-critical workloads for Anthropic. Co-founder of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, has emphasised that this deal doesnt change the startups arrangement with Google, as Google was previously described as Anthropics preferred cloud provider. NVIDIA, a prominent chipmaker, has been a significant beneficiary of the excitement surrounding generative AI. This new deal allows AWS to showcase that NVIDIAs chips are not the only option for AI developers. Jim Hare, a technology analyst at Gartner, suggests that Amazons partnership with Anthropic could help dispel the perception that Amazon has lagged behind in AI. Anthropic was founded by a group of former OpenAI employees, led by Dario Amodei, after differences in the organizations direction following Microsofts $1 billion investment in 2019. Amodei expressed confidence in the safety provisions of the Amazon deal. The specific valuation and Amazons ownership stake will be determined in a subsequent funding round. Insiders familiar with the deal suggest that Amazons stake will be significantly smaller than the 49% ownership Microsoft sought with its investment in OpenAI. Samsung Electronics is gearing up to commence laptop production in India in the coming month, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move aligns with the Indian governments fervent efforts to promote domestic manufacturing by offering financial incentives, tax benefits, and import regulations. The companys expansive Greater Noida factory, primarily dedicated to mobile phone production, has recently undergone expansion to accommodate a new laptop manufacturing unit with an anticipated annual capacity ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 units, as per a report by the Mint. Although this number is tiny compared to what Dell, Lenovo and HP are making in India, it is a monumental stepping stone for Samsung, which, historically, has been a minor player in the laptop space in India. One of our sources revealed, Samsung is all set to initiate laptop production here. The Noida facility, already the largest mobile phone manufacturing factory for the company, will incorporate the additional lines dedicated to laptop production. This source preferred to remain anonymous. A second anonymous source corroborated that the new manufacturing unit is slated to commence operations in the upcoming month, albeit initially at a limited capacity. We expect to produce around 60,000 to 70,000 units, which represents the annual production capacity, the source added. This strategic move positions Samsung as one of the first foreign hardware manufacturers lacking local laptop production capabilities to kickstart manufacturing. This comes in response to the Indian governments proposed measures aimed at reducing laptop, tablet, personal computer (PC), server, and ultra-small form factor device imports, with these restrictions set to take effect from November 2024. The overarching goal is to curtail Indias reliance on imports, especially from China. The establishment of this laptop manufacturing capacity is expected to necessitate an investment of approximately 100-200 crore. Unfortunately, queries directed to a Samsung India spokesperson remained unanswered as of Monday evening. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in conjunction with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce, is in the process of establishing an import management system. This system will require companies that import IT hardware, including laptops and servers, to register from 1 November and reduce their imports through annual quotas. The government plans to allow a specific quantity of products to be imported each year, with a gradual reduction over subsequent years. These restrictions are subject to review after a six-year period. Alongside these import restrictions, the government is offering incentives amounting to 17,000 crore through a production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme for IT hardware over a span of five to seven years. Its worth noting that Samsung India did not partake in the IT hardware PLI scheme, which concluded at the end of August, according to data released by the IT ministry. Samsung already manufactures a range of its consumer products in India, with its largest mobile phone manufacturing facility also based in the country, an endeavour which was started in 2017 with an investment of nearly 5,000 crore. Currently, a significant portion, approximately 83-85 per cent, of laptops, valued at around $8 billion, sold in India are imported. However, the local PC market, encompassing laptops, has witnessed a decline for the past four consecutive quarters since April 2022. Imagine watching Joe Rogan or any of your favourite podcasters speaking in fluent Hindi. Well, something like that may soon be a possibility. Spotify is in the process of testing a groundbreaking AI feature designed for its podcasts. This innovation aims to translate podcasts into various languages while preserving the distinct voices of the hosts. In essence, it replicates the hosts voice, intonation, and cadence, maintaining the speakers distinctive speech characteristics. Spotifys $1 billion gamble While Spotifys primary focus has been music streaming, the company has made significant strides to establish a strong presence in the podcasting industry, which has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that Spotify has invested approximately $1 billion to solidify its position in the podcasting realm. This investment stems from the belief that the podcast advertising market, currently valued at $2.3 billion, has the potential to become a more substantial segment within the broader $200 billion digital advertising market. Its worth noting that, like the rest of Spotifys endeavours, podcasting has yet to turn a profit. During an investor day presentation in June 2022, Spotify expressed its expectation that its podcasting venture would become profitable within one to two years. To test this innovative AI-powered voice translation feature, Spotify has collaborated with a select group of podcasters, including Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Steven Bartlett, and Bill Simmons. Translated episodes will be made available worldwide on the platform, with Spanish translations set to roll out in the coming weeks. Spotify also has plans to offer French and German translations, although the company has not disclosed a specific timeline for the features broader release. This new feature, rooted in OpenAIs voice generation technology, truly replicates the podcasters voice, resulting in a more genuine listening experience for global audiences. This approach offers a more personal and natural experience compared to conventional dubbing methods, fostering deeper connections between listeners and content creators. Spotifys earnings Ziad Sultan, Spotifys Vice President of Personalization, emphasized the significance of this innovation by stating, By matching the creators own voice, Voice Translation gives listeners around the world the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters in a more authentic way than ever before. We believe that a thoughtful approach to AI can help build deeper connections between listeners and creators, a key component of Spotifys mission to unlock the potential of human creativity. Spotifys financial filings have revealed a notable increase in ad sales from its podcasts, with a growth of 22 million (equivalent to $23.3 million) during the first six months of this year. The companys second-quarter podcasting ad revenue showed a significant upswing, rising by 30 per cent compared to the previous year. A bid to salvage their investment However, the results stemming from Spotifys deal with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been less than stellar. Bill Simmons, who holds a position as a Spotify executive for podcasts, publicly referred to the royal couple as grifters. On a podcast episode in June, Simmons recounted an unproductive Zoom call with Prince Harry, which was intended to brainstorm podcast ideas. During the call, Simmons criticized Prince Harry for his complaints against the British royal family, expressing frustration, and saying, Shoot this guy to the sun. Im so tired of this guy. Simmons questioned the value that Prince Harry brought to the table, particularly highlighting his focus on grievances and public interviews, with a touch of scepticism about the publics interest in his life. Simmons remarked, You live in Montecito, and you just sell documentaries and podcasts, and nobody cares what you have to say about anything unless you talk about the royal family and you just complain about them. In addition to these challenges, Spotify has also incurred significant expenses in its efforts to address issues within its podcasting initiatives. Notably, the company spent $12 million on staff layoffs, and an additional $41 million has been written off for cancelled podcast contracts as part of the strategy to rectify challenges in the podcasting domain. Five Bulgarian nationals accused of being part of a Russian spying network in Britain, tasked with carrying out surveillance and obtaining information about targets, appeared by video link in a London court on Tuesday. The three men and two women are accused of conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between August 30, 2020 and February 8, 2023. Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, all Bulgarian nationals who lived in London and Norfolk, were arrested by counterterrorism police in February this year. They did not enter a plea at this stage and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Londons Old Bailey court on October 13. Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova had already been charged with identity document offences and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday over those allegations. Describing the charges, prosecutor Kathryn Selby told Westminster Magistrates Court the defendants were accused of being part of an organised network which had carried out surveillance and hostile action on behalf of Russia against specific targets, including for potential abductions. Selby said Roussevs home was the groups alleged operating hub in Britain, and said the network had been given tasking by a person known as Jan Marsalek. Marsalek, the former chief operating officer for collapsed payments company Wirecard, is wanted by German police over alleged fraud and his whereabouts are currently unknown. He has not been charged with any crime in Britain but was named as an alleged co-conspirator in the charges against the five Bulgarians. The office of Marsaleks lawyer declined to comment. Britain has been seeking to take tougher action on external security threats and potential spies, and in July passed a national security law, aiming at overhauling its means of deterring espionage and foreign interference with new tools and criminal provisions. At the time, the government labelled Russia as the most acute threat to its security. There has been no response from the Russian embassy in London to the news of the accusations. Last November, Britains domestic spy chief said more than 400 suspected Russian spies had been expelled from Europe, striking the most significant strategic blow against Moscow in recent history. The President of Baloch Voice Association (BVA), Munir Mengal Tuesday questioned the Canadian authorities for not investigating the mysterious death of Human rights activist, Karima Baloch and requested them to public the evidence they found in the case. To the Canadian government and particularly to the Prime Minister of Canada, we Baloch are looking to your organization and we are asking you please do reinvestigate the case of Karima Baloch and whatever facts your organizations, your authorities, your police has. Please publish that and give us under what circumstances she was killed and who was behind that killing, Mengal said. BVA President shared that a document was given to the Canadian government to seek a response from them about the update in the case but he said they didnt get any follow-up from the Canadian authorities. He added, We submitted a document to the Canadian embassy and they said that we will contact our government and we will reply to you as soon as possible. Unfortunately, approximately three years passed. Till now, we have not received any information from the Canadian authorities when Karima was eliminated. And after that, we saw a statement by the police authorities that theres no wrongdoing in the case of her death. Claiming that his organisation has lots of evidence against the Pakistan security force ISI and alleged that ISI is behind the killing of Baloch based Human rights activists. Mengal further said, Baloch people, we as an organization, we have a lot of evidence that in such sort of cases theres the Pakistani secret services thats called ISI. And shes very much notorious and she has a lot of experience with respect to this. And there are many cases and incidents that Pakistani security forces and ISI have done this sort of killings where their hands are masked. Karima Baloch was a Baloch human rights activist and a dissident. She was granted asylum in Canada in 2016. She was found dead after having gone missing in December 2020 in Toronto. She was slated to be buried on 25 January, but, before the corpse could be transported from Karachi to Balochistan, Pakistani authorities forcibly took Karimas body along with her family from the airport to her hometown, Balochwarna reported. Later, she was buried under Army watch as thousands who came to pay their last respect werent allowed near her, the Balochistan Times reported. Prior to her burial, the mobile services were suspended in the district, and Tump and surrounding areas were put under strict lockdown. Karimas death sparked protests across Europe and North America as the Baloch diaspora took to the streets in Toronto, Berlin and the Netherlands calling on the Canadian government to investigate. Karima had campaigned vigorously against the disappearances and human rights violations in the troubled Balochistan province of Pakistan. Four central European countries Tuesday urged the European Union to thoroughly inspect the so-called solidarity corridors through which Ukrainian grain passes on its way to third countries. Farm ministry officials from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia said part of the transported grain stays in countries such as Poland, and harms local farmers as it is much cheaper than local grain. We are calling on the European Commission to check the efficiency of the solidarity corridors more actively, Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny told reporters. Our joint interest is to help get Ukrainian grain to countries ideally outside the EU and we need really efficient corridors for that, he added. Vyborny hosted a meeting of farm officials from the so-called Visegrad-Four countries, attended by Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky via a video link. He said that to prevent grain leaks during transport, the EU could introduce refundable deposits for dealers who would get them back when the grain has left ports in Poland and the Baltics for non-EU markets. Vyborny added the four countries would like European authorities to approve the proposed steps even before the EU farm ministers meet in Luxembourg next month. The EU lifted customs duties on Ukrainian grain in May 2022 after Russia had blockaded Ukraines Black Sea ports, the main route for its exports. The move sent prices tumbling, and Brussels authorised restrictions by several member states until September 15 to protect their markets. Hungary, Poland and Slovakia then introduced unilateral bans on Ukrainian grain imports as the EU failed to extend the restrictions. The ban led Ukraine to file a complaint with the World Trade Organisation. Vyborny said the complaint burdens the atmosphere in our search for an agreement on helping Ukraine. We have asked Mr Solsky to consider steps to withdraw the complaint, he added. The solidarity corridors are land and river routes created by the EU to facilitate the export of EU agricultural products via Europe. A top Australian envoy on Tuesday claimed China is putting together the largest conventional military buildup since the Second World War, without clarifying the strategic purpose behind the exercise. Australia has sought to stabilise its relationship with China after a difficult period, he said. China is engaging in the largest conventional military buildup that the world has seen since the Second World War. And, this buildup is happening without an explanation of its strategic purpose or any reassuring statecraft. Australia values the productive engagement we have with China and we have sought to stabilise our relationship after a difficult period. Dialogue has recommenced, including in the important area of defence, Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, said, without elaborating on the exact area of the military buildup. China has disputes with almost all its neighbours over maritime and land borders including in the South China Sea, an area of special interest to Australia. Green was speaking at the Kolkata Dialogue Australia and India: Working Together to Build Island State Resilience, organised by the Australia India Institute in partnership with Indias Observer Research Foundation. The Kolkata Dialogue is happening as the two-day 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference started in New Delhi on Tuesday. Australian and Indian experts deliberated at the Kolkata Dialogue on subjects such as building climate resilience in the Indo-Pacific island states, countering economic coercion and disinformation in the region. Australia and China resumed a high-level dialogue earlier this month after a hiatus of three years. But we need to acknowledge what we see in the world. And, one of those realities is military buildup and its potential to destabilize, Green said. The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of Chinas rising military maneuvering in the region. The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has reportedly built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China and Nepal on Monday signed 12 agreements, including seven MoUs, to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors including trade, road connectivity, and information technology after Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda held wide-ranging talks in Beijing. During the meeting, the two leaders comprehensively reviewed the bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the close and cordial ties subsisting between the two countries, according to a press release issued by the Nepal embassy in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on the ways to further strengthen and consolidate the mutual understanding and cooperation and give a new impetus in the front of economy, trade and people-to-people contacts, it said, two days after Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Prachanda in Hangzhou on the sidelines of the Asian Games being held in the eastern Chinese city. Prachanda, who politically distanced from the pro-China Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) headed by KP Oli after becoming Prime Minister in December last year, made his maiden visit to China after visiting India and the US. Following the official bilateral talks, 12 agreements were signed between the two countries, the Nepalese embassy said. The agreements include an MoU for Cooperation between The National Planning Commission of Nepal and Chinas National Development and Reform Commission; an MoU on enhancing digital economy cooperation; an MoU related to cooperation on green and low-carbon development; and an MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the release said. The two sides also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a Joint Technical Working Group for the review and modification of the Nepal-China trade and payment agreement. They also signed a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of plant-derived medicinal materials for Chinese medicine from Nepal to China. China and Nepal also signed MoUs on the Hilsa-Simkot Road Project and the Nepal-China Power Grid Interconnection Project (Chilime-Kerung). The other agreements include cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation; and in the field of Human Resources Development, the release said. Prachanda also met with National Peoples Congress Chairman Zhao Leji during which they focused on further broadening the historical ties between Nepal and China and promoting exchange of high-level visits, it said. On Saturday, Prime Minister Prachanda met Chinese President Xi. Had a fruitful meeting with Xi Jinping, President of PR China. We exchanged views on a range of issues of bilateral relations and cooperation in our mutual interests. We agreed to collaborate closely and advance Nepal-China relations to strengthen ever-lasting friendship, Prachanda said in a post on platform X after the meeting. Prachanda has directly flown to China from New York, where he addressed the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. China is pressing countries to boycott a British-organised event at the United Nations in Geneva on media freedom in Hong Kong with the son of a jailed media tycoon, a letter showed and four diplomats confirmed on Tuesday. The event on Wednesday titled Media Freedom in Hong Kong is being held on the sidelines of the five-week meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council. Among the speakers is Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai who this week marked his 1,000th day in a Hong Kong prison on charges related to the former British colonys national security law and sedition. In a letter circulated widely among diplomats at the U.N. in Geneva, Chinas mission asked countries to refrain from participating in this event in any way. Hong Kong-related issues are Chinas internal affairs that brook no external interference, said the diplomatic note reviewed by Reuters. Four diplomats confirmed having received it and three of them said that Chinese diplomats had also been contacting some countries individually to not attend or support the event in any way. The diplomats declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Still, so far, at least 22 countries have co-sponsored the event, a document showed, including the United States, France and Germany. Chinas and Britains diplomatic missions in Geneva did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. Diplomatic tensions between Chinese authorities and Britain have been running high in recent years with the latter alleging that Chinas attempts to assert its authority over the city contravene a handover agreement that guaranteed broad freedoms. The financial hub returned to China from Britain in 1997. Britain released a report this month saying that Hong Kong authorities have extended the application of a Beijing imposed national security law beyond genuine national security concerns. Jimmy Lais trial under the new law has been postponed to Dec. 18 and is expected to last 80 days. China, one of the 47 members of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and seeking re-election next month, has in the past sought to counter criticism of its human rights record. Last year, it asked the then-U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet not to publish a highly-anticipated report which said that Chinas arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs in Xinjiang may constitute crimes against humanity. Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Tuesday that Beijing will reject the wanton expansion of military alliances, the latest in a series of cautions as rival Washington strengthens security connections in the Asia-Pacific. China has long warned that any attempt to form a military alliance similar to NATO in the Asia-Pacific region would only lead to bloodshed. It has also stated that the EUs fast growth in Eastern Europe is to blame for Russias invasion of Ukraine, which it has refused to condemn. Wang stated at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday that China will oppose the wanton expansion of military alliances and the squeezing of other countries security space. He said Beijing would seek to resolve differences and disputes among countries through dialogue and consultation, without specifying the nations in question in either case. Wang also declined to confirm whether President Xi Jinping would travel to the United States for a meeting with US counterpart Joe Biden. The two leaders are expected to meet at an APEC summit in San Francisco on November 14-16. Regarding your question about the arrangements for attending APEC, we are in communication with all parties and will make an official announcement in due course, Wang said. Wangs remarks came as he unveiled a broad programme laying out Beijings foreign policy goals for the coming years. Building a global community of shared future is the way forward for all the worlds peoples, the policy paper, released by Chinese news agency Xinhua, reads. However, it is not a goal to be accomplished overnight, and there will be no plain sailing, it continues. We need to make unremitting efforts and forge ahead with perseverance. The document also touches on Russias war in Ukraine, reiterating a multi-point position paper released by China earlier this year that was widely seen as conciliatory towards Moscow. Western countries have warned Chinas proposals could enable Russia to hold much of the territory it has seized in Ukraine. Conflicts and wars produce no winner, the new paper reads while adding that there is no simple solution to a complex issue. The paper which runs to over 14,000 words draws a new blueprint for a better world, it says. It contains a number of broad proposals for dealing with a litany of global challenges, including climate change, poverty and security. The Cuban government has denounced the Sunday night molotov attack on its embassy in the US as a terrorist attack. Allegedly, a man hurled two Molotov cocktails at the embassy building. After it happened, the United States had strongly condemned an attack on the embassy located in Washington. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, the Foreign Minister of Cuba, voiced his concerns on social media, highlighting that this was the second violent assault on Cubas diplomatic mission. He referred to a similar incident that occurred in April 2020 when a man opened fire on the embassy building, luckily causing no injuries. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez also labeled this incident as a terrorist attack and expressed his thoughts on social media, characterizing it as a violent and impotent act that could have endangered lives. He called for action from the North American authorities. On the other side, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the State Department, asserted their commitment to the safety and security of diplomatic facilities and personnel. He firmly stated that attacks and threats against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable. When questioned about the motive, Miller refrained from speculating while the investigation was ongoing. The State Department is collaborating with the Washington police in this investigation. A reliable source in law enforcement informed CBS News that two incendiary devices resembling Molotov cocktails were discovered, but these devices were not highly sophisticated and likely did not detonate. The U.S. Secret Service is currently leading the investigation. Cuban Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera disclosed that they promptly engaged with U.S. authorities, granting them access to the embassy to collect samples of the Molotov cocktails. This attack occurred shortly after President Diaz-Canel returned to Havana following his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In New York, there were reports of Cuban demonstrators expressing their opposition to Diaz-Canels presence at the U.N., as seen in social media posts and videos. The Cuban Foreign Minister voiced concerns about the use of terrorism by anti-Cuban groups, emphasizing that Cuba had previously warned U.S. authorities about such activities. Following the shooting incident in April 2020, the Cuban Foreign Minister summoned Mara Tekach, the then-U.S. charge daffaires in Havana, to formally protest what he described as a terrorist aggression against the embassy. This attack resulted in bullet holes in the embassys exterior walls and columns, along with damage to a street lamp and several glass panes and moldings on the buildings front. The U.S. authorities arrested Alexander Alazo in connection with the 2020 shooting, charging him with multiple offenses, including a violent attack on a foreign official or official premises using a deadly weapon, as per the Justice Department. Its worth noting that the Cuban embassy fully resumed its diplomatic mission after former President Barack Obama reestablished official diplomatic relations with Havana. (With inputs from agencies) With Canada yet to provide any evidence on Indias alleged link with the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Njjar, a report by the Washington Post has revealed how authorities in British Columbia were slow to respond to the murder and has also highlighted a botched investigation into the matter. The Post reviewed a 90-second-long video that documented the series of events that culminated in the murder of Nijjar. The report suggests a larger and more organized operation than has previously been reported. Last week, relations between India and Canada soured after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the Indian government had links to the killing of the Khalistani terrorist in June. What has the video revealed? The video was captured by a CCTV camera in a gurdwara near the crime scene. Nijjar was shot to death on June 18 outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. The video starts with Nijjars gray-coloured pickup truck pulling out of a parking space following which a white sedan shows up in an adjacent lot. A few moments later the two vehicles start driving parallel to each other. Soon enough, the truck was blocked by the sedan to prevent Nijjar from running away. Bhupinderjit Singh, a volunteer at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara said he heard gunshots and was the first one to witness Nijjar in a lifeless state. Investigators say that the assailants fired about 50 bullets out of which 34 hit Nijjar. It was blood and shattered glass everywhere. The ground was strewn with bullets, Singh said. A botched investigation The report has testimonies of members of the nearby Sikh community, saying that the police were slow to report the crime. Some even said that investigators had not visited them for questioning. According to France, the European Union should officially put forth dates by which the use of planet-warming fossil fuels should be phased out in order to boost its campaign for a worldwide agreement on a phase-out at the next COP28 UN climate meeting. Diplomats from the EUs 27 member states are putting up their negotiation position for COP28. Nearly 200 countries will strive to boost efforts to combat climate change at the summit, which begins in November in Dubai. The EU should adopt a much stronger and clearer narrative on the exit from fossil fuel demand, with a quantified trajectory and an exit date for each fossil energy, based on science, said France, in a document shared with other EU countries and seen by Reuters. Setting out a timeline would increase the pressure on countries that are reluctant to agree on a phase-out of fossil fuels, said the document, citing measures already agreed by the EU and others that will curb oil consumption including by fixing dates to end new sales of petrol cars. In a report this month on global efforts to curb climate change, the United Nations said phasing out all unabated fossil fuels was required to reach net zero emissions and avoid far more severe climate change. Unabated fossil fuels are those that do not use technology to capture the emissions produced by burning them. France encouraged the EU to clarify its position on emissions-capture technology so that they are not exploited to postpone efforts to phase out fossil fuels and replace them with low-carbon energy. Some EU nations that rely on fossil fuel-based energy envisage these technologies playing a larger role, which might help them keep their old infrastructure working. Poland is supportive of using abatement technologies in order to strengthen climate action globally we plan specific investments in those technologies in the future, a Polish official told Reuters. The EU aims to finalise its COP28 negotiating position in mid-October. The tensions between EU nations reflect a global split between countries demanding a deal to phase out fossil fuels and those seeking to preserve a role for coal, oil and gas. Around 80 countries, including EU nations, backed an Indian proposal to phase down fossil fuels at last years COP27 summit, but it was blocked by Saudi Arabia and other oil- and gas-rich countries. The Prime Minister of Canada stated Monday that singling out a Ukrainian veteran accused of fighting for the Nazis during WWII for a standing ovation during a visit by Kyivs leader was disgraceful and disgusting. Anthony Rota, the Speaker of Canadas Parliament, has apologised for the blunder. During President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to Canada on Friday, he paid tribute to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, telling the House of Commons that Hunka had fought for Ukrainian independence. It was later pointed out that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this was clearly unacceptable. This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians, he told reporters. A minority fraction aligned with Trudeaus Liberals called for Rotas resignation, while the major opposition Conservatives chastised the Trudeau government for failing to thoroughly screen Hunka, despite allegations that he was invited to the event with no prior warning. According to a Jewish advocacy group, the event was shocking and incredibly disturbing. Rota, a Liberal MP, issued an apology on Sunday, claiming he had subsequently become aware of more information that forced him to regret his recognition of Hunka. This initiative was entirely my own I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, he said, repeating his comments on Monday in the House. Indian intelligence sources have uncovered a web of covert activities orchestrated by pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, aimed at enticing vulnerable Indian youths. Operating under the radar, these individuals, including the deceased terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, have been actively sponsoring visas for young Punjabis, luring them with promises of employment and religious roles in gurdwaras under their control. Additionally, political asylum schemes and the exploitation of freedom of expression have been leveraged to further their separatist agenda on Canadian soil. This sheds light on the intricate network that has allowed these elements to evade scrutiny and fuel anti-India sentiment, even as their influence extends to gurdwaras across the nation. Offering Visas and Jobs Canadian-based pro-Khalistan figures like Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been luring young individuals from Punjab, India, by sponsoring visas for various jobs, including religious roles in gurdwaras under their control. They also provide shelter and low-paying jobs using gurdwara resources to sustain illegal immigrants and Indian students, according to Indian intelligence sources. Exploiting Indebted Youths Many of these young people, referred to as indebted youths, are initially brought in for jobs like plumbing or truck driving, or to serve as sewadars, pathis, and ragis in gurdwaras across Surrey, Brampton, Edmonton, and other locations controlled by pro-Khalistan elements. Once in Canada, they become entangled in the separatist movement, participating in anti-India protests and radical-religious gatherings, as reported by an Intel Intelligence officer. Political Advocacy garb The Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar, a political party in Punjab, is alleged to charge Rs 1-2 lakh to issue a letter to young individuals, falsely claiming they face persecution in India based on religious grounds. These youths are subsequently recruited for pro-Khalistan activities after arriving in Canada. Pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, including figures like Nijjar, Bual, and Bhagat Singh Brar, have concealed their separatist and terrorist activities under the guise of freedom of expression and political advocacy for five decades. This strategy has allowed them to operate freely on Canadian soil. Canadian authorities leniency towards pro-Khalistani elements has bolstered their influence in gurdwaras across the country, enabling them to intimidate Hindu members of the Indian diaspora and even threaten to deface their temples. These pro-Khalistani elements have utilized their foot soldiers to garner support for the Khalistan Referendum campaign led by Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Moreover, they have forged alliances with gangsters in Punjab and brought them to Canada, diverting their activities from Punjab to avoid terror attacks. Canadas Historic Tolerance Canadian agencies historic indifference towards Khalistani extremists has allowed them to evade accountability for their actions. Notably, the 1985 Kanishka bombing, orchestrated by Khalistani extremists, went largely unpunished due to this lax approach. Talwinder Singh Parmar, one of the accused, is now celebrated as a hero among Khalistanis in Canada, with SFJ naming its campaign center after him. Links to Punjab Terror Canada-based Khalistani extremists have been linked to more than half of the terror cases reported in Punjab. Investigations have also linked Nijjar and his associates to multiple targeted killings of Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians in Punjab since 2016. Surprisingly, Canadian agencies have yet to initiate inquiries against Nijjar and his associates, such as Bhagat Singh Brar, Parry Dulai, Arsh Dalla, and Lakbir Landa. Drug Funding Canada-based gangsters play a role in smuggling drugs from Pakistan into Punjab and use the proceeds to fund Khalistani activities. Inter-gang rivalries among Punjabi gangsters in Canada have become common. In 2022, the suspected involvement of Nijjar in the killing of pro-India Sikh leader Ripudaman Singh Malik in Surrey raised suspicions. However, Canadian agencies only charged two local criminals, who were not of Indian origin, in the case. According to an Indian intelligence officer, the human trafficking channel operated in plain sight by Canadian agencies aims to compensate for the lack of support for the Khalistani cause among Sikhs residing in Canada. Canada has updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India asking them to stay vigilant and exercise caution as the row over killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar escalated between the two countries. In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution, the Canadian government said in an updated advisory. The ties between India and Canada strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed potential contribution of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar in British Columbia on 18 June. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India furiously dismissed the charges as absurd and motivated and removed a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawas ejection of an Indian diplomat over the issue. The revised Canadian advisory came after New Delhi issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada and halted visa services late last week. India has accused Canada of not acting upon specific evidence about criminal activities done by Canada-based individuals. Meanwhile, Khalistani sympathisers on Tuesday protested outside the Indian embassies and consulates in Canadas Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver over Nijjars killing. Protesters led by the members of a pro-Khalistani outfit -Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) were seen raising slogans and waving Khalistani flags. With inputs from agencies Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over the killing of a Sikh extremist leader, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reiterated Indias fullest support to the global community for the United Nations General Assemblys theme this year of rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity. This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and challenges, even while sharing our aspirations and goals. Indeed, with regard to both there is much that India has to share. The world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil and there is much that countries together need to do, Jaishankar said at the General Debate of the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session. Reiterating that political convenience could not be the basis for a nations response to terrorism, he stressed on the need to respect territorial integrity and called for non-interference in internal affairs. Jaishankars comments at the UN General Assembly come amid a massive diplomatic row with Canada, which has claimed agents of Delhi were involved in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Nijjar wanted by India on terrorism charges was a Canadian citizen. The Indian External Affairs Minister was addressing the ongoing 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The UN General Assembly is the main policy-making body of the global organisation comprising all member states and provides a crucial forum for multilateral discussions on the full gamut of international relations covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Our latest assertion is in path-breaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in our legislatures. I speak for a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots and as a result, our thinking, approaches and actions are more grounded and authentic, he told the gathering at the global summit. Our Statement at the General Debate of the 78th session of #UNGA. https://t.co/yY3kdVf45p Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2023 As a civilizational polity that embraces modernity, we bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that defines India that is today more aptly called Bharat, Jaishankar said. Emphasizing that a few nations setting the agenda on the global stage wont go unnoticed by the developing and emerging economies of the world, Jaishankar said, We must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid to recur. Climate Action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities. The power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. Nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out... India stepped forward as first responders in disasters like in Turkey or Syria. When Sri Lanka experienced an economic crisis, India came forward to help. Partners like the Pacific Islands have appreciated our help in climate action, food, and other areas, he recalled. Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar met the top UN leadership and discussed India's G20 Presidency, regional issues and global challenges, sustainable development goals and Security Council reforms. A day before he addresses the General Debate at the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis on Monday at the headquarters of the global organisation. Jaishankar met Francis at the UN headquarters and thanked him for his presence at the special India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development side event he hosted on Saturday on the margins of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. He also met the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner. Jaishankar said it was a "pleasure" to meet with Guterres and that he discussed "how India's G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening" the UN's sustainable development agenda. "We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year," Jaishankar wrote on X, adding that he appreciated Guterres' strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. Guterres and Jaishankar also "discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges", according to a UN readout. The UN secretary-general attended the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 held under India's Presidency of the grouping. Jaishankar began his nine-day visit to the United States on Friday last week, primarily to attend the annual session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and to host a special event on Global South. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday said India has demonstrated the most successful G20 ever. Indias marvellous growth, its rapid rise, its leadership in the world today has demonstrated the most successful G20 we have ever seen, the US Ambassador said. #WATCH | The goal that we should be establishing together is how to be more ambitiousIndias leadership in the world today has demonstrated the most successful G20 we have ever seen says US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on US -India relations pic.twitter.com/e3C90f65gu ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Garcetti was addressing the 20th Indo-US Economic Summit Sharing ideas & Potential for sustainable partnership between India and the US for the next 25 years organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC). Garcetti while speaking on India-US ties, said: The goal that we should be establishing, I think, together, is, how can we be more ambitious. Not just settle for another deal, not just settle for, as weve done just in the last few months, bringing down the retaliatory tariffs and the trade disputes between our countries. Thats not good enough. I think we need to close our eyes and dream of what this relationship can be like even more than we would imagine today. The US Ambassador congratulated India on ISROs Chandrayaan-3 mission. He said: Congratulations on a marvellous space year here in India. Landing on the dark side of the moon, doing something that only four nations have done before and doing it so beautifully, so reasonably and so successfully. But now were looking at commercial space together. #WATCH | US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on ISROs Chandrayaan-3 mission Landing on the dark side of the Moon and doing something that only four nations have done before, and doing it so beautifully, reasonably and so successfully pic.twitter.com/6B5xVuLIK0 ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 The US Ambassador on Tuesday reiterated that the United States cares deeply about its relationship with both India and Canada. His comments come amidst heightened tensions between India and Canada after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau alleged that there was an Indian hand behind the killing of Khalistani operative Hardeep Nijjar. We care about both countries, and we care about their relationship. Our relationship is rock solid with both of them. And I think that all of us need to make sure that we can come together as countries that take seriously sovereignty, take seriously security, and take seriously the potential of our relationship, the US Ambassador said. On Monday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry stated that Colombo has not granted permission for a Chinese warship to dock, adding that Indian security concerns are important for Sri Lanka. When asked about rumours of a Chinese research vessel named Shi Yan 6 docking in Sri Lanka in October and Indias worries, he stated they have a standard operating procedure (SOP) and have informed many friends, including India. Thats a conversation going on for some period of time. India has expressed its concerns for a long period of time, but we have now come out with the SOP standard operating procedure. When we were making that, we consulted many of our friends, including India. So, as long as it complies with the SOP, we have no problem. But if it doesnt comply with the SOP, we have a problem, Ali Sabry told ANI. He said that Sri Lanka has not given permission for the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock during the month of October, adding that negotiations are going on. So, therefore, as far as I know, we have not given permission to come to Sri Lanka during the month of October. So, there are negotiations going on. But, Indian security concerns, which are legitimate, are very, very important for us. We have always told that because we want to keep our region as a zone of peace, he added. Earlier, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the SPO for foreign vessels had been worked out. According to the Sri Lanka-based Daily Mirror, the Chinese research vessel will arrive in Sri Lanka in October to undertake research alongside the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Meanwhile, at a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland expressed worry over the scheduled arrival of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6, according to the Daily Mirror. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Victoria Nuland stated, The U.S. supports a strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. Our work together continues at #UNGA. I met with @MFA_SriLanka Minister Ali Sabry to discuss U.S. economic assistance, human rights, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. supports a strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. Our work together continues at #UNGA. I met with @MFA_SriLanka Minister Ali Sabry to discuss U.S. economic assistance, human rights, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. #USSriLanka75 pic.twitter.com/QBVurl4ULc Under Secretary Victoria Nuland (@UnderSecStateP) September 22, 2023 Sabry told Nuland that Sri Lanka had worked out the Standard Operating Procedure (SPO) to be followed by foreign ships and aircraft in carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory, according to a Daily Mirror report. Reportedly, he told her that Sri Lanka had been even-handed in this approach for all nations and could not exclude China from the process. The two leaders held a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while commenting on Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 which had docked in Sri Lanka, said that any developments that have a bearing on India's security are "obviously of an interest to us". "What happens in our neighbourhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security obviously are of an interest to us," Jaishankar said at a joint press conference after the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting. India had expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at the Sri Lankan port as it was shown as a research vessel with the capability of mapping the ocean bed, which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. The Chinese research ship had docked at Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port. The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, on Monday issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. Interpol updated its website by putting out a Red Corner Notice for the Khalistani leader. According to intelligence sources, Singh is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and was a member of the pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. As per the Interpol portal, 38-year-old Karanvir Singh has roots in Punjabs Kapurthala district. Further, according to Interpol, Singh is wanted by India for criminal conspiracy, murder, offences related to the Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act, raising funds for terrorist acts, conspiracy, and being a member of a terrorist gang or organisation. A Red Corner Notice is a request to the law enforcement authorities of Interpols member countries to find and temporarily detain a person until extradition, surrender, or a similar legal process can take place. Earlier, Interpol issued a Red Notice to all member countries against gangster Himanshu alias Bhau, who is believed to be living abroad. Giving details, a spokesman of Haryana Police said Rohtak Police succeeded in getting a Red Corner Notice issued against a most wanted accused, who is believed to have fled abroad. The Red Corner Notice against the wanted pro-Khalistani leader comes amid a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Ottawa in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus claim of an India hand in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi dismissed the allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. At a news conference in New York, the Canadian PM, however, failed to present any evidence to back his claim of Indian involvement in Nijjars killing. Trudeau was repeatedly quizzed on the nature of the allegations but stuck to reiterating that there were credible reasons to believe that India was linked to Nijjars death. There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is there is something of utmost foundational importance in a countrys rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters, Trudeau said. We call upon the Government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter, the Canadian PM added. According to CBC News, the Canadian government invested both human and signal intelligence in a months-long investigation into Nijjars death. That intelligence includes communications involving Indian diplomats present in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, however, said no information has been shared by Canada with regard to the killing of Nijjar. We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a briefing. A designated terrorist in India, Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on 18 June. Iran has claimed to have developed a drone that can take off from and land on water while carrying both missiles and bombs. Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGS)s Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri on 24 September announced that the new drone would be deployed soon, according to Irans Mehr News Agency. Tangsiri didnt divulge much information on this new drone though. This capability will be announced in the future, he added. Besides the water-landing drone, the IRGC Navy has also developed hybrid drones with two independent engines for propulsion and launch, which can conduct reconnaissance missions for 15 hours running. These, the Admiral said, would join the IRGSs naval fleet soon. This announcement came just a couple of days after Iran unveiled the longest-range drone in the world. Irans drone program has been catching pace in the last few years. While the West accuses Iran of reverse engineering foreign equipment, Irans Chief of Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri denies the claim strongly. Iran today has a line-up of drones, with claims of more in the works. Mohajer, Shahed, and Arash are the known series of Iranian drones thus far. Irans drone program became more prominent after Russia deployed the Kamikaze drones, Shaheds, to successfully destroy Ukraines civilian infrastructure. Last month only Iran announced the development of Mohajer-10, a cutting-edge development over the Mohajer-6 used by Russia. The upgrade can fly longer, and farther and carry more payload. Iranian state media said that it had a range of 2000 km and could carry a payload as heavy as 300 kg, twice that of the Mohajer-6. The success of Irans drone program has triggered the attention of its regional adversary Israel and that of the US which stations troops around the Persian gulf. The Israeli media reported the Down with Israel, Down with the USA, and Prepare your shelters signs at the parade which saw the unveiling of the drone with the longest range in the world. And last week the US sanctioned seven people and four companies from China, Russia and Turkey for alleged connections to Irans drone progam. Iran has sentenced four people to death for selling illicit contaminated alcohol that killed 17 people and sent dozens more to hospital in June, the judiciary said on Tuesday. The sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, giving rise to a huge illicit trade in smuggled or bootleg alcohol, some of it adulterated with poisonous methanol. In June, at least 17 people died and 191 were admitted to hospital with symptoms of methanol poisoning after drinking adulterated alcohol. Judiciary spokesman Massoud Setayeshi said 11 defendants had been charged with the capital offence of corruption on earth over the distribution of toxic liquor in Alborz province, west of Tehran. Of the 11, four were sentenced to death while the rest received prison sentences of one to five years, Setayeshi said, adding that the convicts could appeal to the Supreme Court. In June, authorities said they had raided a cosmetics factory where they had seized more than 6,000 litres (1,585 gallons) of bootleg alcohol preventing its distribution. In the year to March, 644 people died after consuming counterfeit alcoholic beverages, Irans forensics institute said, a 30 per cent increase on the previous 12-month period. At the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, at least 210 Iranians died after drinking bootleg alcohol, falsely believing it to be a remedy for the virus. Only members of Irans Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian minorities are exempt from the alcohol ban. Foreigners are required to respect it. Japans industry minister will go to France later this week to attend an International Energy Agency (IEA) symposium on vital minerals and sustainable energy, as the country boosts its diplomacy to obtain critical metals. The Japanese minister of economy, trade, and industry, Yasutoshi Nishimura, has been travelling abroad frequently this year as the resource-poor country seeks to expand international collaborations and build a resilient supply chain for key minerals, such as those used in batteries that power electric vehicles. Batteries are a critical component of Japans aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 since they support automotive electrification while increasing the use of renewable energy. Just last week, Japan and Canada agreed to work more closely together to establish sustainable and reliable global battery supply chains. During his trip from 27 September to 30 September, Nishimura may also attend the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developments (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency meeting, according to an official at the industry ministry. Japan made a major nuclear power policy shift last year to tackle its energy crisis more than a decade after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster prompted it to idle most of its reactors. In May this year, Japan and France signed a nuclear cooperation agreement in Paris to deepen and accelerate ties in the research and development of next-generation nuclear such as sodium-cooled fast reactors. A blast at a fuel store in Nagorno-Karabakh injured more than 200 persons, a separatist leader claimed on Monday, urging immediate medical attention. Taking to X, the regions rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan, said, As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200. The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe. As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200. The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe. The medical capacities of NK are not enough. Sanitary aviation must land very urgently to save peoples lives. Gegham Stepanyan #StopArtsakhBlockade (@Gegham_Artsakh) September 25, 2023 The medical capacities of (Nagorno-Karabakh) are not enough, he added, calling for air ambulances to be allowed to land. It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which happened as residents were lining up to get fuel for their cars in order to leave the region. The victims would need to be airlifted out of the region for medical treatment to save their lives, Stepanyan added. It was not immediately clear if there were any deaths. Dozens of people had been lining up at the fuel facility where the blast occurred because they had been promised fuel a scarcity during the blockade for their cars in order to move to Armenia, according to Nagorno-Karabakhs separatist authorities. With inputs from agencies In response to Chinas attempt to bar Filipino fishermen from a hotly contested shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippines promised on Tuesday that it would not back down, while Beijing issued a warning to the Southeast Asian country not to provoke and cause trouble. The remarks were made a day after Manila sent coastguard troops disguised as fisherman in a small boat to break a floating 300-m (980-ft) barrier put up by Beijing at the shoal, one of Asias most contentious marine features. The action, which was described as a special operation by the Philippines, may further erode relations that have already been worse this year. They might still return the floating barrier once again, they might still do shadowing and dangerous maneouvres once again, Philippine coastguard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told CNN Philippines. Earlier he said four Chinese vessels were in the area when a Philippine ship approached and were not that aggressive, adding it was clear media were on board the Philippine ship. He claimed that Chinas coastguard had even removed the broken ball-buoy barriers remains and had reacted calmly to the presence of its warship, which had been the closest to the vital atoll since China had taken control of it in 2012. The Filipino people have demonstrated to the rest of the world that they will not back down, and Tarriela declared that they would continue to do whatever it would take to keep them in the world. Years of intermittent arguments about sovereignty have taken place in the Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing location 200 km (124 miles) off the coast of the Philippines and within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China has accused the Philippines of intruding into waters that were unquestionably Chinese and named the rocky outcrop Huangyan Island. On Tuesday, it warned Manila to steer clear of provocations. China firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights of Huangyan Island, and we advise the Philippines side not to provoke and cause trouble, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular press briefing. China and the Philippines have fought over the shoal numerous times, although under the previous pro-China administration in Manila, hostilities have subsided. However, relations have worsened this year as new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who gave the order to dissolve the cordon, tries to improve ties with ally the United States. As part of these efforts, the Philippine bases were opened up to the U.S. military, a decision China denounced as provocative and likely to inflame regional instability. This year, the two nations vessels have clashed many times in the Philippine EEZ. Beijings coastguard has been charged by Manila with risky and aggressive behaviour, including employing a military-grade laser to thwart resupply missions for troops stationed on a rusted, grounded cruiser. According to China, occupation is forbidden. An analyst claimed on Monday that Philippine decision-makers were working under the sway of a United States determined to start wars in order to restrict Beijing, according to the Chinese government-run tabloid the Global Times. Beijing is sensitive about who controls the shoal, which is around 850 km (528 miles) off the coast of China. For the past ten years, coastguard ships and fishing boats have been stationed there continuously. The shoal was a key element in a case the Philippines brought before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which found in 2016 that Chinas claim to the majority of the South China Sea lacked legal support. The ruling is not recognised in China. (With agency inputs) A well-known British expert on crocodiles and an academic has admitted to 56 charges related to cruel acts with animals, specifically involving dogs. Adam Britton, a 51-year-old zoologist based in Darwin, Australia, acknowledged his guilt during a court appearance at the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. Along with the charges related to dogs, he also pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing and sharing inappropriate material involving children. Chief Justice Michael Grant strongly condemned Brittons actions, describing them as extremely cruel. Brittons actions led to the tragic deaths of 39 dogs. The judge cautioned that the details of the charges were disturbing and could be distressing to hear, urging members of the public, security personnel, and reporters to leave the courtroom before the prosecutor, Marty Aust, presented them. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Britton had a disturbing sexual interest in animals, particularly dogs. He not only subjected his own dogs to torture but also acquired animals from unsuspecting pet owners in the Darwin area. Mr. Aust explained that Britton would often establish a rapport with dog owners to gain custody of their pets, many of whom had to reluctantly part with their beloved animals due to travel or work commitments. Shocking evidence emerged that Britton had a shipping container on his property equipped with filming equipment, which he used for the sexual exploitation, torture, and killing of dogs. He also shared videos and images of these gruesome acts on online forums under various aliases. In a chilling message, he admitted, I had repressed it. In the last few years, I let it out again, and now I cant stop. I dont want to. A tip-off led to Brittons arrest when one of the video clips was reported to the NT Animal Welfare Branch, which subsequently alerted the NT police. During the investigation, authorities seized 44 items, including computers, mobile phones, cameras, external hard drives, tools, weapons, dog-related items, and sex toys. Previously, Britton had held a senior research position at Charles Darwin University and had also been involved in producing documentaries for the BBC and National Geographic. He once hosted Sir David Attenborough on his property while the renowned broadcaster was filming a documentary series. Britton has been remanded in custody and is set to be sentenced on 13th December. After Japan dumped treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, Russia is considering joining China in outlawing Japanese seafood imports and is seeking talks with Japan over the issue, a Russian regulator said on Tuesday. Last month, Japan began discharging plant water into the ocean, prompting harsh criticism from China. China retaliated by outlawing all imports of aquatic life from Japan. On Tuesday, the Chinese counterparts of the Russian food safety agency Rosselkhoznadzor said that they had discussed Japanese food exports. One of the main providers of marine products to China is Russia, which is working to gain market share. Taking into account the possible risks of radiation contamination of products, Rosselkhoznadzor is considering the possibility of joining with Chinese restrictions on supplies of fish products from Japan, Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement. The final decision will be made after negotiations with the Japanese side. According to the authority, Russia has brought in 118 tonnes of Japanese seafood so far this year. Rosselkhoznadzor reported that it had written to Japan, urging the two countries to start negotiations and asking details about the countrys radiological testing of exported fish products, including tritium, by October 16. The majority of radioactive materials have been removed through treatment, according to Japan, with the exception of tritium, a radionuclide that is challenging to isolate from water. Before being released, it is diluted to levels that are allowed around the world. According to Japan, Russia and Chinas criticism is not backed up by facts. Japans Ministry of Environment announced on Monday that examination findings of seawater tested on September 19 revealed the tritium concentrations were below the lower limit of detection at all 11 sampling points and would have no adverse impact on human health and the environment. According to the far eastern branch of Rosselkhoznadzor on Tuesday, Russia has also found no anomalies in marine samples used for tests in areas of the country that are relatively close to where the treated water was released. According to Russias fisheries department, the country exported 2.3 million metric tonnes of marine products worth approximately $6.1 billion last year, or roughly half of its total harvest. China, South Korea, and Japan were the major consumers. (With agency inputs) Ukraines special forces said on Monday they had killed Moscows top admiral in Crimea along with 33 other officers in last weeks missile attack on the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet in the port of Sevastopol. The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters to confirm or deny that Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet and one of Russias most senior navy officers, had been killed. Moscow-installed authorities in Sevastopol, however, were taking extra measures to address Ukraines increased attacks on Crimea, a critical region providing a platform from which Russia has launched many of its air attacks on Ukraine in the 19-month-long war. If confirmed, Sokolovs killing would be one of Kyivs most significant strikes on Crimea, which Russia seized and annexed from Ukraine in 2014. After the strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, 34 officers died, including the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Another 105 occupiers were wounded. The headquarters building cannot be restored, Ukraines special forces said on the Telegram messaging app. It was not immediately clear how Ukraines Special Forces counted the dead and wounded in the attack. Reuters could not independently verify the report. Each side has at times exaggerated enemy losses in the war and says little about its own losses. In a statement after the attack, the Russian defence ministry said one serviceman was missing, revising an earlier statement that the man had been killed. Air defences had downed five missiles, the ministry said. Ukraine has stepped up its attacks in the Black Sea and on the Crimean Peninsula and started using missiles in addition to assault drones. Kyiv has said that destroying the Russian Black Sea fleet would significantly speed up the end of the war. Earlier this month, Russias defence ministry said that Ukraine attacked a Black Sea naval shipyard with 10 cruise missiles. In a possible indication of how serious the recent Ukrainian attacks on Sevastopol have been, the Russian-installed governor of the city held a meeting on Monday to work out better defence and attack warning systems for the city. We understand that we have moved into a new situation that requires a systemic response, Russian agencies cited the governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, as telling its government. Earlier, we and our military faced attacks from unmanned vehicles Now everything has changed and we must be prepared for this kind of threat. In an apparent effort to convey that Riyadh has not given up on the Palestinian cause, Saudi Arabias first envoy to the Palestinians described a long-standing Arab land-for-peace offer on Tuesday as a cornerstone of any normalisation of relations with Israel. Over the past week, anticipation for a historic Saudi-Israeli agreement brokered by the United States has increased, albeit the timetable and specifics are still unclear. Calls from Riyadh and Washington for the Palestinians to establish diplomatic ties as part of any settlement are among the complications; this is a prospect that Israels conservative coalition government finds repugnant. Tuesday was the first visit by Saudi Arabias non-resident ambassador to the Palestinians, a position it announced last month. He brought credentials identifying him as consul-general in Jerusalem as well as making the trip to their seat of government in the occupied West Bank. That phrase is controversial since Israel views all of Jerusalem as its capital and disagrees with the Palestinians notion that East Jerusalem would serve as the seat of their future state. Reporters in Ramallah were told by the ambassador, Nayef Al-Sudairi, that his visit reaffirms that the Palestinian cause, Palestine, and the people of Palestine are of high and important status and that there will be a chance for a bigger cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the state of Palestine in the coming days. Referring to the prospect of normalisation with Israel, Al-Sudairi said: It is the normal thing among nations to have peace and stability. The Arab initiative, which Saudi Arabia presented in 2002, is a fundamental pillar of any upcoming agreement, he added. That was in reference to a plan put up by Riyadh and then largely adopted by Arab governments, according to which Israel would only receive pan-Arab recognition if it ceded regions it had seized in the 1967 war, including those where the Palestinians desired to establish their own state. Despite the fact that negotiations with the Palestinians have been on hold for years, Israel has been eager to pursue more peace agreements with Arab states without ceding any land. In 2020, it was able to normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and upgrade ties with Morocco and Sudan. The Palestinians have been more involved in the Saudi negotiations out of frustration over being left out of the 2020 diplomatic effort. President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Al-Sudairis visit will contribute to reinforcing the strong ties between the two countries and the two fraternal peoples in a statement that was carried by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. According to Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, any Saudi normalisation agreement will be one supported by the right winga reference to religious-nationalist groups in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition that refuse to hand over occupied West Bank territory to the Palestinians. Given, among other things, shared Arab fears over the growth of Iran, Netanyahu reiterated in a speech that Israeli military and economic might, rather than territorial compromises, are the keys to regional statecraft. Thanks to this strength, we are deterring our enemies. Thanks to this strength, we are achieving peace with our neighbours, he said. (With agency inputs) South Korea will stage its first military parade in a decade on Tuesday, showcasing its advanced arsenal in the face of plummeting ties with nuclear-armed North Korea. Pyongyang regularly puts on huge military parades but such events in Seoul are traditionally only arranged every five years to mark South Koreas Armed Forces Day. The last parade was in 2013. Five years later, then-president Moon Jae-in chose to hold a celebratory ceremony instead of a military event, in line with his conciliatory approach to North Korea. Tuesdays parade in Seoul will begin around 4 pm (0700 GMT) and will involve around 6,700 troops and 340 pieces of military equipment, including F-35 stealth fighters, the South Korean defence ministry said. The KF-21, South Koreas first domestically produced fighter jet, as well as next-generation helicopters and drones, will also be on display, it added. Further, around 200 South Korean and US personnel will demonstrate tactical drops in the same way as an actual aerial infiltration, the ministry said. President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was elected last year, has pulled South Korea closer to the United States and the longstanding allies have ramped up defence cooperation including large-scale drills to counter growing threats from North Korea. Around 300 US military personnel will take part in the parade on Tuesday. During a separate ceremony to mark the 75th Armed Forces Day at an air base south of Seoul on Tuesday, Yoon hailed the expansion of US-South Korea defence ties. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the ROK-US alliance, he said, repeating a warning the partners have issued in the past. Visually provocative gesture Despite international sanctions, North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests this year, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Pyongyang has held three military parades this year alone, showing off a wide range of equipment including its largest Hwasong-17 ICBMs. The parade in Seoul is a not-so-subtle and visually provocative gesture on the part of the South Korean government of telling (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un that Seoul will not be backing down or looking for ways to reconcile, LMI Consultings Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst, told AFP. South Korea is a major weapons exporter but a longstanding domestic policy prohibits it from selling arms to countries in active conflict such as Ukraine. South Korea has thus resisted calls to supply weapons directly to Kyiv, despite condemning the Russian invasion. However, any deal that sees North Korea sell arms to Russia for use in the conflict could force South Korea to review its position on Ukraine, experts say. Last year, South Korea secured defence export deals worth $17.3 billion, including a $12.7 billion agreement with Poland a NATO member and key Ukraine ally for K9 Howitzers, K2 battle tanks and more. The Kremlin said Tuesday that US Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine would not change the outcome of its offensive and would burn after Kyiv received shipments of the armoured vehicles. Kyiv announced Monday it had received deliveries of the US Abrams battle tank, boosting its forces as they seek to break through heavily fortified Russian defensive lines. All this can in no way affect the essence of the special military operation, its outcome, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a briefing. There is no panacea, no single weapon that can change the balance of power on the battlefield. Repeating a talking point the Kremlin has used about Western weapons, he said: They too will burn. Ukraine has been asking for more Western weapons, including longer-range missiles, to help break through Russian positions and launch strikes deep within Russian-controlled territory. Washington had promised to provide 31 Abrams tanks to Kyiv at the start of the year, part of more than $43 billion in security assistance pledged by the United States since the conflict began. Russia has denounced the successive shipments to Ukraine, arguing they were prolonging the conflict. Senior diplomats from South Korea, China and Japan agreed on Tuesday that their countries leaders would meet at the earliest convenient time, Seouls foreign ministry said after a rare meeting aimed at kick-starting trilateral exchanges. The three countries had agreed to hold a summit every year starting in 2008 to foster regional cooperation, but that initiative has been frayed by bilateral feuds and the Covid-19 pandemic. The last summit was in 2019. Seouls foreign ministry said in a statement that specific dates remained under discussion and that the countries foreign ministers would meet in a couple of months. South Korea is this years host for three-way meetings and has proposed a summit in late December, Japanese broadcaster TBS reported. Japans foreign minister, Yoko Kamikawa, said the three countries share the need to restart high-level talks, including summits, as soon as possible. I believe it is very valuable to discuss the various challenges the region faces, she told a briefing in Tokyo. The latest meeting was seen partly intended to assuage Beijings concerns over the two U.S. allies tightening cooperation after Seoul and Tokyo agreed this year to end legal, diplomatic and trade disputes over issues dating to Japans 1910-45 occupation of Korea. We unanimously believe that carrying out cooperation is in the common interests of the three parties, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday. We should work together to strengthen practical cooperation and make new contributions to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have taken steps to mend ties and in August held a historic trilateral summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, where the three vowed to boost cooperation, including on defence and economic security. A senior South Korean official said China has been proactive in seeking trilateral cooperation and arranging meetings since bilateral ties soured over the deployment in 2017 of a U.S. THAAD anti-missile system in South Korea. Im sure there should be some discomfort on their side regarding our increasingly close trilateral security partnerships with the United States and Japan, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. There seems to be a view there that they need to properly manage bilateral ties with us, as they saw how their THAAD responses backfired and fuelled anti-China sentiment to serious levels. Beijing will most likely look to leverage trilateral trade ties to counterbalance the U.S. friend-shoring strategy, promote people-to-people exchanges, and enhance communication and dialogue with Seoul and Tokyo on security and defence matters, said Tong Zhao, senior fellow at the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Japan and South Korea have an interest in avoiding conflicts and maintaining a stable security relationship with China, and Beijings assistance in slowing down, if not halting, North Koreas extensive nuclear development program, he added. These shared interests open up new avenues for strategic communication, confidence-building, and measures to prevent crises, Zhao said. Chinas premier has traditionally attended the trilateral summits, and South Korea is also pushing for a separate visit by President Xi Jinping. The latest meeting involved South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won, Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi, and Nong Rong, Chinas assistant minister of foreign affairs. The top officer of the U.S. Space Force revealed on Monday in Tokyo that they are thinking about creating a unit in Japan. This move highlights the significance of working together with Japan in space activities, especially because China is advancing its capabilities in this domain. General Chance Saltzman, who leads the newest branch of the U.S. military, mentioned that they are currently in the early stages of planning and determining the exact role of this headquarters. This decision comes as the U.S. Space Force, established in December 2019, is increasing its presence in Asia. In November, it set up a unit within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, followed by a subordinate unit in South Korea in December. Saltzman, the head of the U.S. Space Force, didnt specify where this new unit in Japan would be located, but he mentioned that Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo is a possibility. He emphasized the need for a mission planning process to decide the units responsibilities, size, and other related matters. He mentioned that there isnt a fixed timeline for its establishment yet, but once the planning is complete, they will have a clearer idea of when it will happen. The U.S. government is strengthening its collaboration with Japan and other allies in space activities, especially in the face of increased competition with nations like China and Russia. Saltzman highlighted the growing partnerships between the U.S. Space Force and Japan, emphasizing the important role both countries collaborative efforts can play in ensuring safety, security, stability, and sustainability in space, which has become a more dynamic and hazardous security environment. He stated, We will work together with Japan and other like-minded nations to establish responsible norms of behavior and prevent conflicts in the space domain. Regarding the situation concerning Taiwan, Saltzman expressed concern about Chinas assertive actions and stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive rather than confrontational relationship between the U.S. and China. He suggested that by maintaining a network of sensors through international partnerships, the United States and its allies can respond more effectively to aggressive actions and prevent further escalation. China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan, which it considers a part of its territory, even if it means using force. Earlier on Monday, Saltzman met with Japans Defense Minister Minoru Kihara in Tokyo, and they agreed to further enhance their cooperation in outer space activities, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry. To strengthen their combined space operations, the U.S. Space Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force held the first-ever Space Engagement Talks in July at Yokota Air Base. (With inputs from agencies) The captain of a river cruise boat that collided with another vessel in Hungarys capital in 2019, killing at least 27 people, most of whom were South Korean tourists, was found guilty of carelessness leading to a catastrophic mass disaster on Tuesday and sentenced to five years in jail. The recklessness of the Ukrainian skipper, Yuriy Chaplinsky, led his river cruise boat, the Viking Sigyn, to crash with the tourist boat Hableany (Mermaid) from behind, causing it to sink into the Danube River within seconds, according to Judge Leona Nemeth of the Pest Central District Court. Chaplinsky was found not guilty on all 35 charges of failing to give help by the court. He may file an appeal. On 29 May 2019, the Hableany, carrying largely South Korean tourists, sank after being hit beneath Budapests Margit Bridge by the considerably bigger Viking Sigyn. Following the crash, seven South Koreans were rescued from the river in heavy rain, and 27 persons were found dead, including the two-member Hungarian crew. One South Korean is still missing. Some of the victims remains were discovered more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) downstream, weeks after the incident. The Hableany was submerged for more than 12 days near the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building before being hoisted from the river bed by a floating crane. Chaplinsky, the captain of the Viking Sigyn, had been in police custody since the collision, including being remanded to house arrest in Hungary since 2020. Part of the time Chaplinksy has already served will count toward his five-year sentence. In a final statement before the verdict Tuesday, Chaplinksy called the collision a horrible tragedy, and said that the deaths of so many innocent victims kept him awake at night. This will stay with me for the rest of my life, he said. Three staffers from the South Korean Embassy in Budapest were present for the reading of the verdict, but no South Korean family members of the victims attended the hearing. Ukraine may soon find the aid channel from the US dried out if Congress doesnt pass a new spending bill in time. The US is headed to a government shutdown as Congress struggles to pass a new spending bill with the 30 September deadline closing in. The lawmakers continue debating a stop-gap budget bill with $25 billion in assistance to Kyiv. Weve got a little bit more funding to go, so I think well be ok for the next few weeks or so. But without the supplemental request that we asked for, it will absolutely have an effect on our ability to support Ukraine well into the fall and into the winter months, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in a CNN interview. Not getting that supplemental request if theres a shutdown thats gonna have a significant impact on their ability to succeed on the battlefield. The spending bill logjam was also caused by the differences over additional aid to Ukraine, according to the New York Times. Lawmakers told the Times that Republicans rejected a proposal for another tranche of aid worth $25 billion. Despite broad bipartisan support in the Senate for money for Ukraine, officials said, some Republicans were arguing that it would present an added complication in trying to provide [House] Speaker Kevin McCarthy with a way out of the spending logjam, the Times reported. While officials have warned that the US coffers were running dry, the Defence Department said that the budget woes would have no effect on US aid to Ukraine. The US military had designated the aid as essential deeming it an excepted activity under a government lapse in appropriations, Pentagon spokesperson Chris Sherwood said. However, Sherwood said the opposite just a few days ago. The US has thus far committed over $100 billion in aid to Ukraine since the war started in February 2022. However, there has been growing Republican scepticism about funding Ukraine. Before becoming the House Speaker in January this year, Kevin McCarthy had warned that Republicans would not write a blank check for Ukraine when they get back the majority. Republicans secured a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives in the 2022 midterm election. Washington: The United States is not currently prepared to provide advanced Abrams tanks to Ukraine, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday, citing difficulties in maintenance and training. Ukraine has repeatedly pushed for modern Western tanks to help battle Russias invasion, and Germany has reportedly linked its decision on whether to do so to Washingtons willingness to provide Abrams. I just dont think were there yet, US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl told journalists when asked about providing Abrams to Ukraine, though he did not completely close the door on a shift in the future. The Abrams tank is a very complicated piece of equipment. Its expensive, its hard to train on, it has a jet engine I think its about three gallons to the mile with jet fuel. It is not the easiest system to maintain, Kahl said. He also noted that US defense chief Lloyd Austin has been keen to avoid providing equipment to Ukraine that they cant repair, they cant sustain and that they over the long term cant afford because its not helpful. Both German and US media reported that Berlin would not agree to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine unless Washington made a similar decision, but Kyiv has received pledges of a variety of other armored vehicles. Britain promised last weekend that it would provide Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, becoming the first country to announce the provision of Western heavy tanks to Kyiv. Germany and the United States said last week that they would respectively provide Bradley and Marder armored vehicles, and France has also promised to provide AMX-10 RC light tanks. Asked about the thinking behind the rise in the number of armored vehicles being promised to Kyiv, Kahl said they are needed to help Ukrainian forces defeat increasingly heavy Russian defenses. Moscows troops are digging in, theyre digging trenches, theyre putting these Dragons Teeth, laying mines. Theyre really trying to fortify that FLOT, that forward line of troops, he said. The aim is to enable them to change that dynamic with these kind of static defenses by being able to fire and maneuver through the use of more mechanized forces, Kahl said. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Biden administration stated Monday that it is extending a $2 billion loan to Poland, which has served as a corridor for weapons entering Ukraine, to help the ally modernise its defences. The State Department said in a statement that Poland is a stalwart ally of the US whose security is vital to the collective defense of NATOs eastern flank and that such funding is reserved for Washingtons most important security partners. The US government is also giving Warsaw with up to $60 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to facilitate urgent procurements of defence articles and services from the United States, according to the State Department. The $60 million is a loan subsidy intended to ensure that Warsaw can achieve favourable credit conditions. Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been a loyal backer of the nation, providing over substantial numbers of its own tanks, fighter planes, and other weaponry. It has also served as a conduit for the majority of Western armaments destined for Ukraine. It has been modernising to replace what it handed away, much of which was based on outdated Soviet technology, placing orders with US and South Korean defence firms. The Polish-Ukrainian relationship has recently been strained as a result of a commercial dispute centred on Ukrainian grain entering the Polish market and pushing down the prices available to Polish farmers. During the conflict, Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated that his nation will no longer transfer weaponry to Ukraine. The comment created some confusion. Analysts noted that Poland has already in fact given Ukraine most of what it has to give, and the statement was made ahead of a Polish election and did not mean much. But it also raised concerns that Western support for Ukraine could be weakening. US officials have sought to play down the spat, praising Polands role in helping Ukraine and noting that it is in Polands strategic interest for Ukraine to prevail against Russia. A 23-year-old woman from Ohio has been found guilty of brutally killing her mother, 50, by hitting her on the head with a heavy iron pan and stabbing her almost 30 times in the neck. All because the young woman, Sydney Powell from Akron, didnt want her mother to know that she had been kicked out of college. The Summit County Prosecutors Office announced that Sydney Powell has been convicted of murder, felonious assault, and tampering with evidence in the brutal killing of her mother, Brenda Powell, who worked in healthcare. In March of 2020, Sydney Powell used an iron skillet to strike her mother Brenda on the head, and then she repeatedly stabbed her mother in the neck, as stated by the Summit County Prosecutors Office. Reports from the Akron Beacon Journal reveal that Sydney Powell, who used to be a student at Mount Union University, cried in court when the jury declared her guilty. On March 3, 2020, the police found Brenda Powell in her home on Scudder Drive with severe injuries. She was quickly taken to the hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. According to a report from the New York Post, Sydney attacked her mother while she was speaking on the phone with officials from her college. During the trial, the defense argued that Sydney Powell suffered from schizophrenia and therefore should not be held responsible for her mothers murder. James Reardon, one of three experts for the defense who diagnosed her, stated that Sydney experienced a severe mental breakdown when she killed her mother, whom she had previously considered her closest friend. However, Sylvia OBradovich, a psychologist hired by the prosecution, disagreed with this diagnosis. She argued that Sydney Powell did not meet the legal criteria for insanity at the time of the crime. Ms. OBradovich acknowledged that Powell had mental health issues, including traits of borderline personality, pretending to be ill, and an anxiety disorder. Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano described the horrific incident in court, stating, Sydney stopped using the pan, apparently went to the kitchen to get a knife. She had to change weapons and continue her attack, as reported by the Akron Beacon Journal. Stano added, Repeatedly stabbing someone in the neck with a knife is a deliberate act with the intent to kill. Sydney Powells sentencing is scheduled for September 28th. In the vanquished breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, hungry and fatigued Armenian residents clogged roadways to evacuate houses as the United States pleaded with Azerbaijan to safeguard civilians and allow in relief. This week, the Armenians of Karabakh, a region of Azerbaijan that has been out of Bakus control since the fall of the Soviet Union, started to leave after their troops were routed by the Azerbaijani military in a quick military operation. On the first day of the migration, at least 13,550 of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians who call Nagorno-Karabakh home made it to Armenia, hundreds of automobiles and buses jam-packed with belongings winding down the mountain route out of Azerbaijan. Others escaped on tractors, while some were jammed into the backs of open-topped trucks. Narine Shakaryan, a four-grandmother, arrived in her son-in-laws old car with 6 people packed inside. The 77km drive had taken 24 hours, she said. They had had no food. The whole way the children were crying, they were hungry, Shakaryan told Reuters at the border, carrying her 3-year old granddaughter, who she said had become ill during the journey. We left so we would stay alive, not to live. Fuel stations were overrun by panic buying as Armenians hurried to evacuate the Karabakh city, known by Armenia as Stepanakert and by Azerbaijan as Khankendi. The officials there reported that a petroleum storage facility explosion on Monday resulted in at least 20 fatalities and 290 injuries in a major fire. In the Armenian capital Yerevan, Samantha Power, the director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), urged Azerbaijan to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Power, who had previously presented a letter of solidarity from U.S. President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, stated that Azerbaijans use of force was wrong and that the United States was considering the best course of action. She urged President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to honour his pledge to defend the rights of ethnic Armenians, fully reopen the Lachin corridor connecting the area to Armenia, and permit relief delivery as well as an international monitoring team. Although Aliyev promised to ensure the protection of the Armenians in Karabakh, he claimed that his iron hand had relegated the idea of the regions independence to antiquity. Armenians of ethnicity who made it there shared horrifying experiences of escaping starvation, war, and death. Some claimed to have seen numerous dead citizens; one stated truckloads. Others, some of whom were carrying small children, sobbed uncontrollably as they related their horrific odysseys of fleeing conflict, sleeping on the ground, and experiencing intense hunger. We took what we could and left. We dont know where were going. We have nowhere to go, Petya Grigoryan, a 69-year-old driver, told Reuters in the border town of Goris on Sunday. According to USAIDs Power, the world will soon learn more about the harsh conditions in Karabakh and what the residents had to go through to make the decision to leave. (With agency inputs) As hundreds of Armenians left their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh, citing fears of ethnic cleansing, the US urged Azerbaijan to preserve civilian rights and allow humanitarian and monitoring missions in. The Armenians of Karabakh, a breakaway region of Azerbaijan that has been independent since the Soviet Unions breakup, began fleeing this week after their troops were destroyed in a quick military operation by Azerbaijans military. On the first day of the exodus, at least 13,550 of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians who call Nagorno-Karabakh home arrived in Armenia, with hundreds of automobiles and buses filled with possessions snaking down the mountain route out of Azerbaijan. We are calling on Azerbaijan to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh, US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power told reporters in Yerevan. Power, who earlier gave Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a letter of solidarity from US President Joe Biden, said Azerbaijans use of force was wrong and that the US was considering a reaction. She urged Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev to keep his pledge to defend ethnic Armenian rights by reopening the Lachin corridor, which connects the area to Armenia, and allowing relief supplies and an international monitoring team to enter the country. Aliyev has promised to ensure the protection of Armenians in Karabakh, but he has also said that the regions independence is a thing of the past. Fear and fire Ethnic Armenians who managed to get to Armenia gave harrowing accounts of fleeing death, war and hunger. Some said they saw many dead civilians one said truckloads. Others, some with young children, broke down in tears as they described a tragic odyssey of running from war, sleeping on the ground and with hunger churning in their bellies. We took what we could and left. We dont know where were going. We have nowhere to go, Petya Grigoryan, a 69-year-old driver, told Reuters in the border town of Goris on Sunday. Reuters was unable to independently verify accounts of the military operation inside Karabakh. Azerbaijan has said it targeted only Karabakh fighters. We are going to learn a lot more in a hurry about the severity of those conditions and what those individuals have gone through causing them to leave Nagorno-Karabakh, USAIDs Power said. As Armenians rushed to leave the Karabakh capital, known as Stepanakert by Armenia and Khankendi by Azerbaijan, fuel stations were overwhelmed by panic buying. The authorities there said at least 20 people were killed and 290 injured when a fuel storage facility blew up on Monday. The doctors and medical staff in Stepanakert are doing their best to save the lives of the wounded in these difficult and cramped conditions, the local Armenian authorities said. Balance of power The Azerbaijani victory changes the balance of power in the South Caucasus region, a patchwork of ethnicities crisscrossed with oil and gas pipelines where Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Armenia had relied on a security partnership with Russia, while Azerbaijan grew close to Turkey, with which it shares linguistic and cultural ties. Armenia has sought closer ties with the West and blames Russia, which had peacekeepers in Karabakh but is now preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, for failing to protect Karabakh. Moscow denies blame and has told Pashinyan that he is making a big mistake by flirting with the United States. Aliyev hinted on Monday at the prospect of creating a land corridor to Turkey across Armenia. Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the United States, told Washington to stop stoking anti-Russian sentiment in Armenia. The Kingdom of Eswatini, Africas only absolute monarchy, holds legislative elections on Friday, with political parties barred from running. The constitution highlights individual merit as the foundation for picking parliamentarians, who are not allowed to be members of any political party. Being in the good graces of King Mswati III, who holds ultimate power, carries a lot of weight as well. Democracy? Not that much Around 585,000 registered voters will be invited to pick 59 members of parliaments lower chamber, which serves only as an advisory body to the king. Mswati, who has the power to veto any legislation, chooses another ten members directly. The election is unlikely to affect the political landscape because most candidates are loyal to the monarch. Only roughly a dozen of those nominated in primaries last month had links to the opposition. Many people are afraid to state which side they support. Democracy is not that much practiced around here, Thantaza Silolo, spokesperson for the largest opposition group, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (Swalimo), told AFP. Terrorist party Political parties have unclear status and cannot directly take part in the vote. They were effectively banned in 1973, but a new constitution in 2005 provided an opening allowing for freedom of association. Still, in practice, there is no legal avenue for them to register, according to democracy watchdog Freedom House. Swalimo is incorporated as a non-profit. The Peoples United Democratic Movement, one of the largest opposition movements, has been declared a terrorist organisation and banned. Two opposition lawmakers elected in the last vote in 2018 are currently in jail. A third is in exile. Most opposition groupings have called for a boycott. Three have told voters to go to the polls. Few political gatherings have taken place during a two-week campaigning period. Polls open at seven am (0500 GMT) and close at six pm, according to the electoral commission, with results expected over the weekend. Absolute monarchy Formerly known as Swaziland, the mountainous country of 1.2 million people is landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique. About half the size of Belgium, it gained independence from Britain in 1968. Mswati, 55, ascended to the throne at the age of 18 and has ruled with an iron fist for 37 years. The king is constitutionally above the law. He appoints the prime minister and the cabinet, can dissolve both parliament and the government and commands the police and the army. Protests and killings Shows of dissent are rare, but in 2021 the kingdom was shaken by pro-democracy protests. Dozens of people were killed as security forces violently quashed demonstrations calling for reforms. A curfew was imposed, demonstrations banned and internet access curbed. Protests have continued sporadically after the crackdown. Earlier this year, human rights lawyer and government critic Thulani Maseko was shot dead through the window of his home. Hours before his murder, the King had warned activists who defy him not to shed tears about mercenaries killing them. The United Nations has called for an independent investigation. The lion king Known as Ngwenyama, the lion in SiSwati, the king has been widely criticised for his lavish lifestyle, while nearly 60 per cent of the population live on less than $1.90 a day. The plump monarch, who usually appears in public wearing traditional clothes, is known to love luxury cars and watches. He spends millions of dollars a year on his 15 wives, some of whom he married when they were minors and has at least 25 children. To mark the 50th anniversary of independence, in 2018 he changed the countrys name to Eswatini meaning land of the Swazis. Eswatini has one of the highest prevalences of HIV in the world with around 26 per cent of adults aged 15 to 49 living with the AIDS-causing virus in 2022, according to UN figures. Azerbaijans lightning victory in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Moscow has stationed peacekeepers, shows that Russias influence is quickly dwindling in a region it has long considered its backyard, analysts say. Russia, which has been mired in Ukraine since the start of the assault last year, refused to intervene when Azerbaijan seized control of the Armenian-populated region of Karabakh last week. What happened in Karabakh would have been impossible without a systemic weakening of the Russian state, independent Caucasus expert Gela Vasadze said. Russia has no resources to shape the Caucasus affairs any longer. Over the past three decades Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. Following a six-week war in 2020 Armenian separatists ceded territory they had controlled for decades in a deal brokered by Russia. Moscow deployed some 2,000 peacekeepers mandated to ensure the safety of territories remaining under separatist control and prevent any new conflict. Armenia bitterly accused Russia of failing its mission when Azerbaijan last week launched a new offensive and took over the rest of the territory. Suitcase without a handle The hostilities that according to the separatists killed some 200 people followed a months-long blockade in Karabakh that Armenia said Russian peacekeepers had also failed to prevent. Azerbaijans one-day military operation ended on Wednesday with a separatist pledge to disarm and thousands of refugees streaming into Armenia. Russian peacekeepers turned out to be powerless in front of one of the parties Azerbaijan, said independent Russian analyst Arkady Dubnov. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not mince his words on Sunday, saying a security agreements with Russia had proved insufficient and suggesting he would seek new alliances. Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Moscow-led security alliance comprised of six post-Soviet states. The group pledges to protect other members in case of an attack. In recent days no one has mentioned the CSTO as if it does not exist, said Dubnov. And thats the truth it does not, he added, calling the alliance a suitcase without a handle hard to carry around and a shame to abandon. No vision for the future Moscow insisted that its peacekeepers were not to blame, vowed to ensure the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and said it was maintaining dialogue with Yerevan. But in a sign of rising tensions, Moscow on Monday accused the Armenian leadership of running to the West. The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenias multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, Russias foreign ministry said. This month Armenia and the United States held military drills, in the latest sign of Yerevan drifting from Moscows orbit. Russias assault on Ukraine has spurred other ex-Soviet countries to deepen alliances elsewhere. The leaders of five Central Asian former Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan met for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Last week US President Joe Biden met the leaders of the so-called C5 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Russia is losing its influence because it cant offer a vision for the future, being busy with territorial expansion, mythologising history, and looking for the future in its past, Dubnov told AFP. Azerbaijan has taken advantage of the fact that Russia is focused on the conflict with Ukraine, he added. Dubnov argued that Baku and Moscow were following the same logic as they sought to reshape their borders by force. The law of the strongest wins, and Moscow is leading by example. Vasadze suggested that Russia would seek to regain ground in Armenia by helping install a new government there. Of course, Russia wants to maintain its influence on Armenia, where it lost its main lever Karabakh, he said. It is now focusing on its goal to have a loyal government in Yerevan and Pashinyan is not fit for the role. A Yemeni Houthi rebel drone attack killed a Bahraini officer and soldier guarding Saudi Arabias southern border early Monday, according to Bahrains military leadership. The Houthis did not immediately admit to carrying out the attack, as negotiations between Riyadh and the rebels continued. According to the military statement, which was relayed by the state-run Bahrain News Agency, a number of Bahraini soldiers were also injured in the strike, but no more details were provided. This terrorist attack was carried out by the Houthis, who sent aircraft targeting the position of the Bahraini guards on the southern border of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia despite the halt of military operations between the warring sides in Yemen, the statement said. It did not identify the site of the attack. The corpses were eventually returned to Bahrain, where they were received by an honour guard and top military authorities. Bahrain, a small island nation, is a strong ally of Saudi Arabia, which has spearheaded the battle against the Houthis. The worst attack on Bahrain thus far in the fight was a missile strike by the Houthis near Marib in September 2015, which killed five of its forces as well as 52 Emirati and 10 Saudi troops. A cease-fire had essentially put an end to the fighting, and the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis looked to be close to reaching an accord in recent months. It was unclear if the strike would disrupt Saudi Arabias and its partners efforts. In a statement from Riyadh, the Saudi-led military coalition mourned those killed and claimed there had been attacks targeting an electrical distribution site and a police station on its southern border by some Houthi elements. In line with the positive efforts being made to seek to end the crisis and reach a comprehensive political solution, the leadership of the joint forces of the coalition affirms its rejection of repeated provocations and reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place, Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki said in a statement. Yemens war began in 2014 when the Houthis swept down from their northern stronghold and seized the capital, Sanaa, along with much of the countrys north. In response, a Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to try to restore the internationally recognized government to power. The fighting soon devolved into a stalemated proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, causing widespread hunger and misery in Yemen, which even before the conflict had been the Arab worlds poorest country. The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters, killing tens of thousands more. Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations earlier this year in a deal brokered by China, further raising hopes for an end to Yemens conflict. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia welcomed a Houthi delegation for peace talks, saying the negotiations had positive results. A UN-brokered cease-fire had already largely halted the violence, and Yemen has seen only sporadic clashes since the truce expired nearly a year ago. But diplomats have warned that the situation remains volatile. Yemens internationally recognized government condemned the attack. Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak said he spoke by phone with Bahrains chief diplomat, Abdullatif al-Zayani, offering his condolences and solidarity with Bahrain. Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia, was rocked by an uprising in 2011 inspired by the Arab Spring protests elsewhere in the region. Many from the countrys Shiite majority called for the overthrow of Bahrains Sunni monarchy. Bahrain quashed the revolt with aid from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and blamed much of the unrest on Shiite-majority Iran. Sursa foto: https://amintiridincomunism.wordpress.com/ VIDEO Canalul Dunare-Marea Neagra, 39 de ani de la inaugurare / Se estimeaza ca aici au murit intre 1.400 si 1500 de muncitori in accidente de munca / Alte cateva sute de dizidenti comunisti au decedat in lagarele de munca / Canalul este al cincilea ca marime, din lume Iti doresti o presa libera si independenta, care nu da inapoi cand vine vorba de respectarea standardelor profesionale, refuza sa se lase cenzurata, sustine independenta justitiei, transparenta decizionala si valorile democratice. Alege sa o sustii. An Garda Siochana joined Minister of State James Browne, Dublin Fire Bridge, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and ISPCA for launch of Fireworks Awareness Campaign 2023 Minister for of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD, has today launched an awareness raising campaign urging against the misuse of fireworks, in collaboration with An Garda Siochana, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dublin Fire Brigade at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre in Marino. The Department of Justice runs an annual campaign to inform the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the significant penalties that people face for selling or using illegal fireworks. This years campaign focusses on the significant distress that fireworks can cause vulnerable people in our communities, particularly elderly people and those with sensory issues. They can also cause great harm and stress to family pets, Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs, and that is why this years campaign is being launched in collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Siochana. Speaking at the launch of this campaign, Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said; To complement the launch of the 2023 Department of Justice Awareness campaign against the misuse of fireworks, An Garda Siochana will also launch Operation Tombola, our annual strategy to combat the importation, sale and use of fireworks on 1st October 2023. This operation seeks to create an awareness of the legislation which prevents the possession of unlicensed fireworks, but moreover to increase understanding of the harm that can arise from their use. An Garda Siochana will work with our partners and stakeholders to implement a strategy as we approach Halloween to keep people safe from the dangers of fireworks. Minister of State Browne said, As we head into the run-up to Halloween, I would like to urge everyone to refrain from purchasing or using illegal fireworks. When misused, they are a nuisance to our communities, but they can also have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of some more vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and people with sensory challenges. Fireworks can be very frightening for elderly people living alone and they can also seriously aggravate Guide and Assistance Dogs and other pets. It is also important to acknowledge that fireworks are illegal and there are serious penalties in place for those caught misusing them. For example, a person convicted of having fireworks in their possession with intent to sell or supply can face penalties including a fine of up to 10,000 and up to five years imprisonment. Minister of State Browne welcomed the continued collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Siochana. The ongoing awareness campaign and associated advertisement campaign is aimed at the general public but particular attention is being given to targeting the younger generation and their parents as these groups are most likely to engage in the use of illegal fireworks. Minister of State Browne continued, Parents, particularly those with young children, should be aware of the dangers associated with the misuse of fireworks. We have unfortunately seen many instances where people have done serious and permanent damage to themselves or others through the misuse of fireworks and I would ask parents to take this into consideration before they purchase illegal fireworks for their children. I would urge parents to instead take their children along to legal and professional fireworks displays organised in their local area. Also in attendance at the launch and echoing the Ministers sentiments, Tim OMahony, Chief Executive from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said, Every year our team is faced with the heartbreak of seeing Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs traumatised from the impact of fireworks. Whilst our dogs are highly trained to cope with many situations, if a dog has an experience that goes beyond a normal level of stress, such as a firework exploding close to them, this can overly sensitise the dog, similar to PTSD in humans. Our trainers will work very closely with the dog and owner to reverse the effects, and whilst most dogs recover, some overreact to unexpected noise, which manifests as a fear reaction. In that situation, the dog must be retired. That has devastating consequences for their owner whose independence and mobility, which they previously enjoyed, is hugely curtailed or completely taken away. They face a lengthy wait to be matched with another suitable dog. Dr Cyril Sullivan from the ISPCA added, The ISPCA would like to remind anyone considering the purchase or use of illegal fireworks, to consider the fear and distress it can have on all animals. We are asking the public to take extra measures this Halloween to keep their pets indoors, but to also consider the safety of not only domestic pets, but livestock and wildlife too. By working together, we are ensuring that people and animals in our communities are safe and are unharmed this Halloween. Please report any illegal use or sale of fireworks to your local Garda Station to support this years National Fireworks Awareness Campaign. On the dangers facing emergency services, Chief Fire Officer, Dennis Keeley from the Dublin Fire Brigade added, The Chief Fire Officer for the Dublin City & County Councils, Dennis Keeley spoke about the dangers of using fireworks, the injuries that fireworks can cause to people and fire fighters and urged everyone to think before they act and what the unintended consequences of their actions might be. 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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 U.S. and Bulgaria to Collaborate on Combatting Disinformation US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2023 The United States and Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today that increases cooperation to counter foreign information manipulation. The MOU - signed by Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy Liz Allen and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel - provides a strong foundation for both countries to work together against the spread of disinformation and media manipulation, an increasing threat in Central and Eastern Europe. The MOU signals a commitment by the United States and Bulgaria to develop a shared approach to better understanding foreign disinformation and building collaborative mechanisms to counteract its threat. The United States and Bulgaria recognize that authoritarian governments manipulate information and spread disinformation to influence people around the world. This MOU demonstrates the commitment of the United States and Bulgaria to work together, and with like-minded nations, to counteract information manipulation. This cooperation includes national policy making, support for civil society, and multilateral engagement. The MOU signing ceremony concluded the Second U.S. Bulgaria Strategic Dialogue, held at the State Department on September 25, and marked the 120th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Bunker Hill Decommissions US Navy 22 September 2023 From Julie Ann Ripley SAN DIEGO -- USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), the 11th ship of the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser, recognized more than 37 years of naval service during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 22. During the ceremony guest speaker, Bunker Hill's second commanding officer, Vice Adm. Rodney Rempt, USN, Ret., wished the current crew fair winds and following seas as they bid farewell to their ship. Bunker Hill's final commanding officer, Capt. Jason Rogers reflected on the service of his crew and those who came before, addressing the decommissioning of this distinguished vessel. "With great pride, I acknowledge the dedication and valor of the sailors who served aboard this ship for the past 37 years," said Rogers. "The USS Bunker Hill's legacy is a testament to our commitment to national security. As we lower the flag one final time, we honor the past while embracing the Navy's future. Our sailors' unwavering dedication and the ship's service will never be forgotten. Today's decommissioning ceremony, September 22, 2023, marks the end of an era, but the spirit of Bunker Hill lives on in all of us." Capt. Rogers also retired from active service during the ceremony. Marine 1st Lt. Mathieu Rogers, assigned to 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, reflected on his father's lifelong guidance. "You demonstrated that finding your passion and sticking to it, not giving up," said 1st Lt. Rogers turning to his father, "is not only a rewarding thing to do, it's the right thing to do." Bunker Hill maintained a crew of 40 officers, 31 chiefs, and 300 enlisted Sailors. The ship was built in Pascagoula, Mississippi, by Ingalls Shipyard Company and commissioned Sept. 20, 1986, at Charlestown in Boston. It was the first U.S. surface warship to be equipped with the below-deck, advanced MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), a multi-warfare missile-launching system capable of striking targets in the air, on and under the ocean surface, and on land. Bunker Hill operated in the North Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, supporting 10 Earnest Will convoys in 1987. The ship arrived in its new homeport of Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan the following year. At the end of January 1991 the ship launched its first Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs), a total of 28, against targets in Iraq from its station in the North Arabian Gulf, in support of Operation Desert Storm. It also supported Operations Desert Shield. In 2008, it was one of the Coalition ships from the British-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 maintaining a presence off the east coast of Africa in response to the recent events in Somalia. The following year it was the first guided-missile cruiser to receive a complete set of upgrades as part of the Navy's Cruiser Modernization program including a new Aegis Weapons System, the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), and SPQ-9B Radar. The guided-missile cruiser made full speed from off the coast of Panama to reach Haiti, joining U.S. military efforts on the Caribbean island devastated by a massive earthquake in 2010. The first and second U.S. Navy ships named Bunker Hill honored the Revolutionary War battle fought primarily on adjacent Breed's Hill at Charlestown, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1775. The battle occurred in the midst of the larger siege of the city of Boston, when the Americans learned that the British intended to deploy troops to some of the heights surrounding the city in order to command its vital harbor. Nearly 1,200 patriots marched stealthily onto the peninsula on the night of the 16th and 17th and dug defensive positions. Despite the colonists' secrecy, the British detected the move and their ships and batteries opened fire on the positions while they landed troops to carry the newly established works. American reinforcements during the battle raised their strength to about 2,400 men, and the British to more than 3,000, though not all the men on either side took a direct part in the fighting. American snipers in Charlestown harassed the British until their ships fired incendiary shot that set much of the town ablaze. In the meanwhile, the British resolutely assaulted the colonist's positions twice, and both times the patriots, with equal resolution, fired into the regulars and Royal Marines and scythed them down. The British regrouped and attacked a third time as the patriots began to run out of ammunition, and finally drove the Americans back at the point of the bayonet. The Americans inflicted twice the number of casualties on their assailantsan estimated 450 patriots fell as opposed to 1,054 regulars and Royal Marines. The colonist's valiant defiance imbued them with confidence that they could stand up to the British, while the crown's losses shook their officers and they often maneuvered prudently to avoid direct assaults against entrenched patriots in subsequent battles. The decommissioning of CG 52 supports department-wide business process reform initiatives to free up time, resources, and manpower in support of increased lethality. Modern U.S. Navy guided-missile cruisers perform primarily in a Battle Force role. These ships are multi-mission surface combatants capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces or operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. Cruisers are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles giving them additional long range strike warfare capability. Some Aegis Cruisers have been outfitted with a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability. The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VRC-30 Flies its Last C-2A Greyhound to Norfolk US Navy 22 September 2023 From Jennifer Cragg, Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK, Virginia -- As taps played in the distant background the last C-2A Greyhound aircraft assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 arrived at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Sept. 20, after flying its final flight. Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING) leadership and Sailors assigned to VRC-40 welcomed the crew after their eleven-hour flight from Naval Air Station North Island to land their last C-2A Greyhound which will be used by VRC-40 for the next several years. VRC-30 will officially sundown later this year. VRC-30 began flying the C-2A Greyhound aircraft in 1981 and continued to use the aircraft for carrier onboard delivery (COD) to transport passengers, equipment, gear and supplies around the fleet for 42 years. Cmdr. James Light, VRC-30's commanding officer, participated in the final flight which also signified his last flying mission of his naval career as he is expected to retire from the Navy. Light has accumulated more than 2,900 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings in the C-2A including arrestments on all ten Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. "It has been the greatest ride in the world," Light added reflecting on a career spent supporting logistics movement of manpower and equipment. Capt. Scott A. Wastak, Commander, ACCLOGWING, was on hand to meet the crew when they arrived at Naval Station Norfolk. He congratulated the crew for their long-standing dedication to the Greyhound mission. "A truly historic event for our community and the Navy. The end of an era that is now part of Naval Aviation legacy. Logistics are a critical enabler to warfighting readiness and VRC-30 was instrumental to delivering readiness to the fleet for 45 years," Wastak said. Similar to Light, Cmdr. Jesse King, VRC-30's executive officer, who also participated in the final flight will retire at the end of 2023. "This is an amazing aircraft that has supported the needs of the Navy," King added, who has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 150 carrier landings flying the C-2A. Lt. Cmdr. Joe Swindel who flew a portion of the flight to Norfolk with Light and King, shared his experiences flying the C-2A. "This is the platform that made me an aviator," said Swindel, who flew the C-2A for the past twelve years through four deployments. The C-2A Greyhound will remain in use on the east coast for several more years before they too will eventually be replaced by the MV-22 Osprey as the only COD aircraft used for all aircraft carriers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 Transcript Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record, Press Briefing DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't have too much at the top. Happy Monday, everyone. I don't really have too much at the top. I just wanted to, as you guys are probably tracking, the secretary's in Kenya during his first trip across Africa as the secretary of defense. He met with the Kenya MOD this morning to discuss our strong defense partnership, and also during the meeting, thanked the secretary for hosting U.S. forces at Manda Bay. I think the secretary, just met with President Ruto to also discuss our strategic bilateral partnership. In both of these meetings, he's just been reiterating how grateful the U.S. is to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world. And during his meeting with the secretary today, he also thanked him for Kenya's willingness to consider leading multinational security support mission in Haiti. So his trip continues. It wraps up at the end of the week on Thursday, and then on Friday, we have General Milley's Change of Responsibility Ceremony happening on Friday. And with that, I'm happy to dive in with any questions. Yeah, hi. Q: Hi. Shutdown. MS. SINGH: Yeah, sure. Q: Could you sort of walk us through how you're preparing guidance given to the services MS. SINGH: Yeah. Q: the impact here, (sort of racing ?) through at this point. MS. SINGH: So we are a planning organization. We have issued - and OMB has issued - guidance that is available online. I don't have the URL off hand, but it is available. Our biggest focus right now is, you know, of course, a shutdown would be detrimental for the department, and I think for agencies across this administration. Troops would go without pay. Military families would be impacted, of course. For folks that are not getting paychecks, that impacts, you know, how and when you can buy groceries, childcare all of these things. Commissaries would be closed on bases. So we are still, you know, we are hoping that Congress can reach a deal to avert a shutdown, but we are planning for that, or taking steps to plan for that, should a shutdown occur. Q: Any impact to readiness? And at what if there is, is it to spot MS. SINGH: Yeah. Q: something further into the future, or is that an immediate MS. SINGH: Well, I mean, a shutdown, of course, I mean, literally puts the government on a complete standstill. The U.S. military's going to continue to do its job and protect our national security interests and, you know, of our allies and partners, as well. But of course, I mean, of course it does. When you don't have your full operating capacity to be able to help with the mission, to be able to conduct an exercise or training, of course, that gets to our national security and readiness. So the shutdown is the worst thing that could happen. We're, hoping that Congress can find a way to avert that, but, you know, planning for the worst. Yeah, Phil. Hey oh, sorry, (inaudible). Q: The Ukrainians are saying that they've killed the commander of the Black Sea MS. SINGH: Yeah. Q: Russian commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Just wonder if you could confirm that. MS. SINGH: Yeah, I don't have anything to confirm that. I've seen the reports on that, but I can't independently confirm that at this time. Q: And does the Pentagon have any assessment on the on the impact from the strike? You know, how many people were and the Russians who were killed in that strike? MS. SINGH: I don't have anything. I haven't seen, an assessment that we've done yet, so I can't really speak to that. We'd really let the Ukrainians speak to their own operations, but have just seen the reports of, what's been publicly out there on the commander being killed, but I can't verify that. Q: Is (inaudible) sharing intelligence (inaudible) that strike? MS. SINGH: I won't get into intel sharing or what we do share or not. I'll go to Will, and then I'll come back. Q: Just after following the announcement that France is going to pull its forces out of Niger, has there been any or any change to either the number of U.S. forces, the disposition of the U.S. forces, anything related to that or or is is something like that upcoming as a result of this? MS. SINGH: So we're still at the point where we're continuing to relocate - personnel and assets from Air Base 101 to 201. Our position hasn't changed. Right now, we're focused on U.S. force protection within Niger. But you know, again, we'll do an assessment of what it means for France to have its troops withdraw from Niger. But right now, we're just focused on continuing that move. And I just don't have any updates on any force posture changes at this time. Lara? Q: Just following up on that MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: you said that DOD was going to do an assessment of what it means for France to have pulled its troops from Niger. MS. SINGH: Yeah, I just don't want to speculate, what it means for our any ongoing work within Niger. Right now, we're just focused on moving from Air Base 101 to 201. Q: Is that is that considered a review that the secretary directed, or MS. SINGH: No. Q: Okay. MS. SINGH: No, I just don't want to speculate and get ahead of anything. Q: Okay, okay. I yeah. Because I guess my question is, is what what the MS. SINGH: Right. Q: having troops out. So what is the secretary doing to prepare (inaudible) France? MS. SINGH: It's too early to say right now; don't want to speculate. Again, we're focused on U.S. force protection in Niger. We're focused on moving our assets, personnel, and continuing that movement to Air Base 201. As you know, we're not conducting any training or military exercises with the Nigerian military. We are just focused on, our personnel that's there right now, and that's really our intent. Q: Just on a different topic MS. SINGH: Uh-huh. Q: There is a story about how there's a Canadian arms deal in the works to sell F-16s to Vietnam. Can you comment on that? MS. SINGH: I don't have anything to provide on that. Q: Just on Niger again. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: Have you done any CT strikes since we last spoke? And what percentage of the move from 101 to 201 are you at? Are you almost done? Are you are you (inaudible) there? MS. SINGH: In terms of counterterrorism, we've not been conducting any counterterrorism operations in Niger. In terms of personnel that have moved, I don't have those numbers. I can take that question. I don't think we'd get into specific numbers, but maybe we could get you Q: Yeah, you (inaudible) MS. SINGH: a majority or you know, like 80 percent have moved. I just don't have that. Q: How do you how do you define "operations"? You were talking about counterterrorism operations. MS. SINGH: Like strikes within Q: Only strikes, or MS. SINGH: Not necessarily, but Q: (inaudible) strike would include be included in that? MS. SINGH: Sure, but we're not doing any counterterrorism or, not conducting or planning any counterterrorism operations right now at this time. Q: But the U.S. is flying drones, though? MS. SINGH: That's ISR, yes, for our own force protection, but nothing for counterterrorism. Q: Since we're out on the same topic MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: how do you describe the contact between the forces, U.S. forces, and the current people in power in in Niger? Is it going well? Is it no communication? What is the situation? MS. SINGH: We've had communication in terms of when we had flights out of Niger, I believe in early September when some of our personnel left the country. We did communicate and get the proper authorities that we needed to have some personnel safely leave. But that's really the extent of the contact, and I really wouldn't comment any further on what our contact is because I would refer you to AFRICOM for that. Q: Okay. MS. SINGH: Yeah. Did I see a hand over here? Yes? Q: Could the Pentagon comment on U.S. officials being reported to say that Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine? MS. SINGH: I believe President Zelenskyy said Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine, so I wouldn't dispute that. It's the first tranche, or first batch of Abrams that have arrived in Ukraine. But in terms of numbers or you know, movements on the battlefield, anything like that, I'd let the Ukrainians speak to that. Q: Thank you. Q: How many batches will there be? MS. SINGH: I'm not going to comment on that. Hi, Liz. Q: The Pentagon said last week that training for Ukrainians and weapons shipments, that would be exempt from being affected by a potential government shutdown. Is there any way that it would still be impacted though, like, if there's interruptions to the supply chain or, you know, (half of ?) DOD's staff would be able to show up to work? MS. SINGH: Yeah, so as you saw, Operation Atlantic Resolve, we're exempting that from we're trying to keep equipment and supplies flowing but absolutely, things could be delayed when it comes to training. If any of our personnel are furloughed, yes, that could have impacts to the larger mission. Again, it's something that we're trying to well, we hope Congress could avert, although it looks less and less likely every hour that passes, but it is something that we're still managing and we're trying to continue those allow the flow of assistance to continue to go to Ukraine. And we'll continue you know, again, like, I don't know how this impacts how we roll out additional PDAs with a government shutdown. So it doesn't affect the funds that we have accessible to us but, like, how we continue to do that, I just don't have more for that. (Hailey ?)? Q: Has Secretary Austin spoken to Senator Tuberville since some of these General Brown, General George, and Smith were were brought through? MS. SINGH: So he was on he was on the Hill on Wednesday of last week, where he did a closed door Senate briefing on Ukraine. In that meeting, Senator Tuberville was there and the Secretary did address the impact that these holds have on our military. I believe that was also the day that Majority Leader Schumer started to move forward on some of the confirmation of some of our nominees. So there's not been a direct one-to-one conversation with Senator Tuberville, other than that last meeting, but over this past week and weekend, the Secretary did engage with senators on both sides to continue to urge for the holds to be lifted and for our nominees to be confirmed. Q: Is he hopeful that, you know, this is the beginning of what could be like, a trickle, I know, would still take a while (inaudible) over 300 through but MS. SINGH: Yeah. I think it's hard to say. I think it's really up to the Senate to make that decision. And, you know, Senator Reed has been pretty I think many senators have been pretty frank about how long it would take if you were to confirm each individual of all 300 you know, it could really gridlock the Senate, so it's up to the Senate to determine how they'd decide to confirm our nominees. We are very grateful and thankful that three of our nominees have been confirmed but we still have over 300, so it doesn't really get to the larger issue at hand. And as you know and I know we've talked about this but these are nominees that are usually confirmed in large blocks, that aren't, pulled out and confirmed individually, and have enjoyed bipartisan support. So we would hope that Senator Tuberville lifts these holds. Yeah? Q: With those 300 nominees, is there has the department generated kind of list a priority list? If you're going to do them one by one, here's who should be next? MS. SINGH: No, I wouldn't say we have a priority list because they're all a priority. We saw the Senate take action on the Chairman for the Joint Chiefs, the Army, and the Marine Corps. Certainly important to have our service chiefs in place, it's certainly important to have our Chairman in place. But we believe that all of our nominees are important, they're important to ensuring continuity, to ensuring stability in maintaining our national security and readiness, but I don't think we have, a list in priority. We want them all confirmed. Yeah? Yes? Q: Sorry. MS. SINGH: No, that's okay. Q: just back the exemption for Ukraine weapons, is you is the department looking at something similar for Taiwan? MS. SINGH: So the Secretary will make decisions on what operations are exempt. Because the Secretary makes those decisions, I don't want to get ahead of and I want to make sure that I preserve his decision-making space. So I don't have anything for you on that yet, but as we if there is a shutdown, you know, we can get back to you on what things are maintaining and what things are being kept into place. Q: Thank you. MS. SINGH: Oh, were you pointing at were you pointing at me, Phil, or were you pointing at the photo? Q: No, I was pointing at the the (Laughter.) MS. SINGH: Oh okay, great. It was a lovely photo. Yeah? Hi. Q: In the South China Sea, the Philippines has been dealing with aggressive actions by China for about two months now, and the U.S. and (inaudible) countries, including Japan and Australia, are responding or talking about patrols. I wanted to ask if you could talk about what the U.S. military is doing both to support the Philippines specifically and also the kind of rallying to facilitate that multilateralism? MS. SINGH: Well, I think you've seen the Secretary speak to this before, and we're certainly concerned of the PRC's aggressive behavior in the region. We've made public commitments to the Philippines of, you know, deepening our partnership and security. I would point you to the readout that the Secretary had I want to say it was a month ago with his Philippine counterpart, and leave it at that. Anyone else? Yeah? Q: Is the is the department (involved ?) by any means to the summit that's happening today at the White House with the leaders from the MS. SINGH: Yeah. Q: (inaudible). MS. SINGH: Yes. I'm sorry, what's the question? Q: (I'm all trying to say ?), I mean, there is one part that is happening today at the White House that is, like, in between the President and leaders from this part of the I is the defense any part of it? Are we involved by any means in talking to them? MS. SINGH: This is a White House-led "summit's" not the right word but meeting that's happening there. So I don't want to get ahead of the White House in any announcements that they're going to make, so I'm just going to let them take the lead and Q: part of it? MS. SINGH: We're not involved in, I mean, as you know, the Secretary's traveling in Africa. This is White House-led the President is having a meeting with his counterparts, and I'll just let the White House speak to that. Great. Anything else before we wrap up? No? Short gaggle. Okay, I'm going to go meet with some Girl Scouts. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3537108/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meetings with President of Kenya William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary of Defence Aden Duale Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with President of Kenya William Ruto to discuss the strong U.S.-Kenya bilateral defense relationship and a range of topics, to include regional security and our shared interest in combating terrorism. Secretary Austin expressed deep appreciation for Kenya's partnership and hosting of U.S. forces at Manda Bay. The Secretary also thanked President Ruto for his country's willingness to lead the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti at the invitation of Haiti and in response to the appeal by the UN Secretary-General. Secretary Austin also met with Cabinet Secretary of Defence Aden Duale to discuss mutual plans to advance bilateral security priorities and other regional issues of shared importance, particularly Kenya's leadership in countering al-Shabaab in Somalia. The two leaders also signed a new roadmap agreement to guide U.S.-Kenya defense cooperation over the next five years. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3536601/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 Speech Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Gives Remarks in Nairobi, Kenya (As Prepared) Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Nairobi, Kenya Good afternoon, everyone. And thank you, Secretary Duale. It's great to be here in Nairobi, and it's great to be in Kenya during my first trip across Africa as Secretary of Defense. I'm grateful for your warm welcome and your hospitality. Now, I wanted to be here in person to underscore the importance of our ties to Kenya. It was a pleasure to be able to meet today with Secretary Duale to discuss our strong defense partnership. And during our meeting today, I thanked him for hosting U.S. forces at Manda Bay and for his commitment to our shared security. Signing the Framework for Defense Cooperation between our countries today reinforces the importance of our strategic partnership with Kenya. And it will help guide our bilateral defense relationship for the next five years. And I'm looking forward to meeting with President Ruto later today, to discuss our strategic, bilateral partnership. Now, the U.S. government deeply values our partnership with Kenya in countering al-Shabaab. And we're grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world. I also thanked the Secretary today for Kenya's willingness to consider leading a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The United States stands ready to support that important mission by providing robust financial and logistical assistance. And we intend to work with the United States Congress to provide up to $100 million in support. And we urge others in the international community to follow Kenya's great example and to step up to provide more personnel, equipment, support, training, and funding. So, the United States remains committed to working with Kenya to help bring stability and security to the region, and beyond. And we deeply appreciate Kenya's leadership and friendship. So, thank you again for being such great hosts and partners. And we're happy to take a few questions. https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3536563/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 Release Department of Defense Approves $30 Million in Grants Under Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program Today, the Department of Defense awarded six Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program grants totaling approximately $30 million from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The DMCSP makes long-term investments in critical skills, facilities, workforce development, research and development, and small business support to strengthen the national security innovation base. On August 16, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy designated six consortia as Defense Manufacturing Communities and instructed the OLDCC to invite them to submit grant applications based upon the competitiveness of their respective scopes and funding in response to the April 24, DMCSP Notice of Funding Opportunity. The awards derive from Fiscal Year 2023 appropriated funding and leverage an additional $10,934,491 in non-Federal funds for a total investment of $40,759,243. "Delivering capabilities to our warfighters at scale depends on a resilient and robust manufacturing base," said Dr. William L. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. "This year's awards will strengthen advanced manufacturing capabilities in defense-critical sectors while cultivating our most important resource: our people. I am confident that the collaboration with public, private, and academic partners fostered by the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program will have a lasting impact not only on our defense industrial base, but on our national security for years to come." "These grant awards are focused in defense-critical sectors, from battery and energy storage to microelectronics and castings and forgings," said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. "These projects highlight the important innovation ecosystem that exists between public, private and academic partners, and DoD looks forward to following the progress on each of these initiatives." The grant awards are as follows: $4,997,965 to the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium to undertake a $6,302,965 project to create the critical foundation for energy storage and battery manufacturing necessary to support the Department of Defense's rapid transformation from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and beyond by leveraging federal and state investments, and providing a series of technical assistance, technology acceleration, and workforce training initiatives. $4,999,950 to the Missouri Defense Manufacturing Community Consortium to undertake a $7,875,486 project to create a pipeline of engineers and tradespeople skilled in the usage of modern digital advanced manufacturing technologies applied to the Department of Defense priority area of castings and forgings. $5,000,000 to the New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development to undertake a $6,814,586 project to address the need for advanced defense space technology manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities by fostering collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry experts, and government agencies in New York State for the space technology sector. $5,000,000 to the New York State Microelectronics Defense Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Workforce consortium to undertake a $7,809,500 project to address challenges in the microelectronics industry by strengthening talent pipelines, cultivating an innovation ecosystem, and enhancing local supplier resilience in New York State. $4,908,960 to the Central Pennsylvania Defense Shipbuilding Talent and Innovation Defense Ecosystem to undertake a $6,137,444 project to support the U.S. Navy's national security goal of increasing production from one to three submarines annually by supporting a sustainable pipeline of skilled defense specific talent and increasing adoption of production automation by the submarine industrial base. $5,000,000 to the America's Additive Foundry Consortium to undertake a $7,526,385 project to secure a U.S. supply of tactical alloys through additive, hybrid, and intelligent manufacturing to address casting and forging supply chain issues facing the U.S. military by developing and providing technical support for novel materials and processes, offering certificate/training programs, and serving as a regional tech demonstration hub. The Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program is authorized by Section 846 of Public Law 115-232, which enabled the Secretary of Defense to establish a program to designate and support consortiums as Defense Manufacturing Communities to strengthen the national security industrial base. For additional information about these programs visit the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation website at https://oldcc.gov/defense-manufacturing-community-support-program. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3536350/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News With Government Shutdown, Troops Still Protect Nation, But Possibly Without Pay With a possible government shutdown less than a week away, defense leaders say the nation will remain protected. But service members may end up doing that defense work without being paid. Elsewhere, training operations could be curtailed, which will affect long-term readiness. Efforts to support Ukraine may also be hampered. "A shutdown ... puts the government on a complete standstill," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a discussion today with the Pentagon press corps. "[But] the U.S. military is going to continue to do its job and protect our national security interests and ... those of our allies and partners as well." While the nation will remain safe, there will be challenges to the young service members who provide that security, to their families, and to the long-term readiness that comes from the training that keeps them combat ready, Singh said. "A shutdown would be detrimental for the department," she said. "Troops would go without pay. Military families would be impacted, of course. For folks that are not getting paychecks, that impacts how and when [they] can buy groceries, child care, all of these things. Commissaries would be closed on bases. So, we are still ... we're hoping that Congress can reach a deal to avert a shutdown. But we are planning for that or taking steps to plan for that, should a shutdown occur." While national security will be maintained during a shutdown, Singh said, readiness will suffer as the training operations that keep service members sharp are curtailed. "When you don't have your full operating capacity, to be able to help with a mission, to be able to conduct an exercise or training, of course, that gets to our national security and readiness," she said. In Europe, efforts under "Operation Atlantic Resolve" provide increased troop rotations and equipment to the European theater to help maintain security there. Pentagon officials have said they expect to be able to maintain much of that effort through a government shutdown. But there will still be some effects felt, Singh said. "Things could be delayed when it comes to training," she said. "If any of our personnel are furloughed ... that could have impacts to the larger mission." When it comes to supporting Ukraine, Singh said already approved funding means the U.S. could still offer more equipment and support as needed. But a government shutdown could affect the department's ability to actually draw down that equipment from stocks and get it to Ukraine. "I don't know how this impacts how we roll out additional [presidential drawdown authority packages] with a government shutdown," she said. "It doesn't affect the funds that we have accessible to us, but like how, how we continue to do that I just don't have more on that." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 By Joseph Clark , DOD News Austin Praises Kenya's Commitment to Regional Peace Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored today the U.S. and Kenya's shared commitment to regional peace and security during a meeting with Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. The defense counterparts underscored their countries' ties, signing a five-year framework for defense cooperation and enhancing interoperability between the two militaries. "Signing the framework for defense cooperation between our two countries today reinforces the importance of our strategic partnership with Kenya, and it will help guide our bilateral defense relationship for the next five years," Austin said following the meeting. Austin specifically noted Kenya's partnership with the U.S. in countering al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group based in neighboring Somalia. The militant group is responsible for multiple attacks in Nairobi, including a multiday attack on the Westgate shopping mall in which al-Shabab militants killed 67 people in 2013. In 2019, gunmen associated with al-Shabab attacked DusitD2 Hotel complex in Nairobi, killing at least 21 people. A U.S. citizen was among the dead. Duale welcomed the signing of the framework, which he said emphasizes interoperability and opens avenues for enhanced cooperation on defense technology and innovation. The framework, he said, reaffirms "the strong, enduring partnership between Kenya and the United States." "In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, our ability to work seamlessly together is paramount," Duale said. "This cooperation will enable us to respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges in our region." Austin's meeting with Duale was part of his first trip across Africa as secretary of defense. On Sunday, Austin met with the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh. The two leaders discussed U.S. and Djiboutian defense ties and regional security issues, including Djibouti's support for the African Union's mission in Somalia to counter violent extremist organizations in the region. Austin thanked Guelleh for Djibouti's leadership in the region and for his country's longstanding security partnership with the U.S. Throughout his meetings in Djibouti, Austin said he has highlighted the need for a holistic approach to countering extremist groups and stabilizing the region. "Our approach across the continent has always been a combination of defense capability, development and also diplomacy," Austin said following his meeting with Duale. "I think that's the right combination to ensure that you create lasting effects." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure in support of Beninese Armed Forces European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 25 September 2023 The Council today adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility worth 11.75 million to support the Beninese Armed Forces. It will, in particular, focus on supporting the Operation Mirador deployed in the northern parts of Benin since 2022. Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and Unmanned Air Systems, including spare parts and maintenance training, in full respect of relevant international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China refutes Philippine's accusation of 'floating barrier' near Huangyan Island Global Times Manila should realize potential danger of being used by the US: experts By Yang Sheng Published: Sep 25, 2023 09:50 PM The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday refuted the latest accusation made by the Philippines claiming the Chinese coast guard installing a "floating barrier" that "prevented Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area." Chinese Foreign Ministry said that a Philippine official vessel tried to enter China's territorial waters near Huangyan Island, and the actions of the Chinese coast guard were professional and restrained. Chinese experts said that the reemergence of frictions between China and the Philippines are obviously driven by US instigation, as in the past few years, China has handled the issue in a very peaceful manner with the then administration of Rodrigo Duterte and successfully prevented disruptions by external forces, and warned that if Manila continues to follow the US' instructions to repeat the wrong approach of confronting China on the South China Sea issue, it would be extremely unwise and unfortunate. Jay Tarriela, a Philippine coast guard spokesperson, posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday that Manila's coast guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources "strongly condemn" the installation of a "floating barrier" by the China Coast Guard in a "disputed area of the South China Sea," saying it prevented "Philippine fishermen from entering and fishing in the area." In response to the Philippines' accusation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that Huangyan Island has always been China's territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. "On September 22, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines, without China's permission, intruded into the adjacent waters of Huangyan Dao and attempted to enter its lagoon," Wang said at a routine press conference on Monday. "China Coast Guard did what was necessary to block and drive away the Philippine vessel. The steps it took were professional and restrained," Wang noted. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Monday that "The current decision-makers of the Philippine government are clearly under the influence of the US, which has always tried to instigate conflicts and tensions in the South China Sea to serve its strategy of containing China." In the past few years, China and the Philippines have established negotiation and communication mechanisms over the South China Sea issue, but unfortunately, under Washington's manipulation, Manila is now trying to deal with China with a more hostile approach, Li noted. Chinese analysts warned that the Philippine government should realize the potential danger of being used by the US and learn from its lessons since 2016, as provocation and confrontation against China will bring them nothing but a heavy price, and the US will never pay for Manila's losses. The US is now seeking a greater military presence in the region. According to Japanese media Nikkei Asia on Saturday, the US and the Philippines have begun discussions to expand America's military footprint in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines. "General Brawner and I may make recommendations to our senior leaders for the consideration of additional sites but there is still work to do there before we get to that answer," Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said at a press conference on September 14, referring to the chief of the Philippine Armed Forces Romeo Brawner. The US military has access to nine outposts in the Philippines, seven of which are located on Luzon island and Palawan island, Nikkei Asia reported. The US and the Philippines may choose new sites in other areas, the sources told Nikkei Asia, including on the island of Samar and Leyte. The eastern part of Mindanao as well as Bicol province on Luzon island are also under consideration, while one of the sources cautioned that talks are "preliminary." Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy of Beijing Foreign Studies University, said that the intention of the US to rapidly expand and enhance military cooperation with the Philippines, and to contain China in the region through more military activities and a greater presence, is very clear. "This kind of plan aims to utilize the Philippines' unique geopolitical position, serving as a forward military outpost for the US to enhance its deterrence against China during peacetime, and as a base to support and even launch US military operations against China during wartime. The US plan will undoubtedly promote militarization in the Asia-Pacific region, attempting to turn the Asia-Pacific region, which has long maintained overall peace, into a powder keg. The risk of the Philippines becoming the blasting fuse is increasing," Zhuo noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran envoy to Pashinyan: Armenia territorial integrity must be preserved IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador to Armenia has met with the country's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reiterating the Islamic Republic's stance that Armenian territorial integrity should be preserved. During their meeting in Yerevan on Monday, Mehdi Sobhani told Pashinyan that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches importance to protecting the security and rights of the Armenians living in the Karabakh region, said a press release by the Iranian Embassy in the Armenian capital. According to the embassy, the Iranian ambassador also announced his country's interest to develop relations with Armenia in all fields. Pashinyan referred to "an existing reliable dialog" with President Ebrahim Raisi, which the Armenian premier said helps constantly deepen cooperation between the two countries. The Armenian PM also said that Tehran and Yerevan should maintain their "active relations" during the "difficult time" of the region. Pashinyan and Sobhani meanwhile exchanged views on top bilateral issues such as economy, trade and health, among others. Sobhani was appointed Iran's new ambassador to Yerevan in March this year, beginning his diplomatic mission there nearly four months later. The Armenian prime minister expressed hope that the two countries' relations are further strengthened during the tenure of Sobhani. Their meeting took place as tensions remain high between Armenia and the Azerbaijan Republic over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region disputed by the two neighbors for decades now. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Potential further strengthening of Lithuanian-Swedish cooperation discussed Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2023-09-25 International cooperation September 25, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anusauskas met with Ambassador of Sweden HE Lars Wahlund. They discussed the potential enhancement of Lithuania's cooperation with Sweden when it becomes a new member of NATO. "We anticipate to see Sweden as a new NATO member soon. Your accession will doubtlessly improve security in the Baltic Sea region and strengthen the Alliance even more. We can see a strong potential for a closer cooperation between our countries," Minister said at the meeting. A. Anusauskas noted when addressing further bilateral cooperation that Lithuania wished to tighten the ties in the areas of air defence and maritime defence. Minister and Ambassador also discussed assistance to Ukraine. Sweden was invited to join the formed demining coalition with financial contributions of necessary equipment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 26th MEU(SOC) Concludes Baltic Sea Exercise - Northern Coast 2023 US Marine Corps News 25 Sep 2023 | 1st Lt. Stephanie Downing, 26 MEU(SOC) 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit VENTSPILS, LATVIA -- Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked on the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde, concluded exercise Northern Coasts 2023, a multinational naval exercise series in the Baltic Sea region, Sept. 4-22, 2023. "Our forward-deployed posture and participation in Exercise Northern Coasts 2023 highlighted our warfighting readiness, flexibility, and operational capabilities to our Allies and Partners participating in this exercise," said Lt. Col. Josef Wiese, executive officer of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Officer-in-Charge of the Marines embarked on the USS Mesa Verde. "The Marines and Sailors with the 26th MEU(SOC) showcased their ability to integrate with German Sea Battalion Marines, Italian San Marco Brigade Marines, members of the Latvian National Guard, and U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, further strengthening our interdependence with regional partners while showcasing the interoperability of the 26th MEU(SOC) with Joint Forces and our Allies and Partners within the USEUCOM area of responsibility." This year's participants in the exercise include: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United States. The exercise began Sept. 4 with the onload of the German Sea Battalion Marine onboard the Mesa Verde, in order to execute an integrated Rapid Response Planning Process cycle for an amphibious assault at the beach in Ventspils. Shortly after the arrival of the German Sea Battalion, Mesa Verde executed a port visit in Riga, Latvia, to offload personnel and equipment in support of the upcoming exercise serials. "Exercise Northern Coasts 2023 offered the logistical team a unique training experience, supporting over 400 personnel with the necessary supplies, equipment, vehicles and transportation requirements for multiple cities in Latvia," said 1st. Lt. Wesley Greene, Logistics Officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th MEU(SOC), embarked on the USS Mesa Verde. "This was a great training environment, and opportunity to fully integrate our MEU(SOC) capabilities with the host nations logistical requirements and demonstrating our ability to accomplish transportation requirements, via Air, Land, or Sea," Greene concluded. Part of the personnel who offloaded at the Port of Riga included BLT 1/6 Combined Anti-Armor Team Red, elements of Light Armored Reconnaissance, and Combat Logistics Battalion 22 detachments, that travelled to Adazi, Latvia to conduct a series of advanced live-fire training events to sustain their overall warfighting capabilities and lethality. "The Adazi training facilities provided us an opportunity to conduct advanced live-fire training with a wide variety of weapon systems, at our max effective ranges, in a unique environment," said Gunnery Sgt. Paul E. Middaugh, platoon sergeant, BLT 1/6 CAAT Red Platoon. "We had the opportunity to integrate and operate with the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, Heavy Weapons Company while they were forward deployed, showcasing our interoperability with Joint Forces and with our Allies and Partners." After departing Riga, Charlie Company, BLT 1/6, with elements of the German Sea Battalion and Italian San Marco Brigade Marines attached and fully integrated, executed a full-mission profile amphibious assault at the beach in Ventspils, highlighting the relevancy of the force to integrate and interoperate with our Allies and partners in the U.S. European Command area of operations. More so, this amphibious assault marked the first time a U.S. MEU(SOC) landing force participated in this multinational naval exercise. Following the amphibious assault, BLT 1/6 Charlie Company, and attached ally and partner units, travelled to Skrunda, Latvia, to execute advanced Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training. In addition to integrating German Soldiers and Italian Marines, Latvian National Guard elements joined the advanced MOUT training in Skrunda, creating a training opportunity amongst four allied nations. The 26th MEU(SOC)'s involvement in exercise Northern Coast 2023 marks the first time a U.S. Landing Force participated in land-based activities during the exercise. The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as one of the United States' premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on-forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the USS Bataan ARG, the 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of any adversary. The Bataan ARG and embarked forces of the 26th MEU(SOC), under the tactical command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa operates U.S. Naval Forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Deputy Secretary General discusses NATO's adaptation on visit to Hamburg NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 25 Sep. 2023 On Monday (25 September 2023), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana addressed 250 staff officers and faculty members at the German Command and Staff College in Hamburg. He emphasised the importance of maintaining support to Ukraine for as long as it takes, pointing out that if President Putin wins in Ukraine that would send the wrong message to other authoritarian leaders and undermine the rules-based international order. During his visit, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted NATO's work on innovation and thanked Germany for its contributions to the Alliance. Mr Geoana met the First Mayor of Hamburg Dr Peter Tschentscher and participated in a roundtable discussion with start-ups at Hamburg Invest. Breakthroughs in disruptive technologies from Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies, to biotech and human enhancement are rapidly changing the world. NATO is adapting to address the challenges and opportunities new technologies present to our security. Mr Geoana also delivered a speech at the opening of the academic year at the University of Medicine and Technology Targu Mures - Medical Campus. He discussed how global pandemics like COVID-19 had underlined the importance of increasing our resilience. He also spoke about the expanded notion of security. The Deputy Secretary General highlighted the transformative power of new technologies and encouraged students and professors to stay ahead of the curve, to safeguarding democratic values and support the ethical use of the new technologies in their fields. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNGA 78: Philippines Calls for Just, Equitable and Rules-based Order, Solidarity for SDGs Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs NEW YORK 25 September 2023 -- The Philippines today called for renewed trust and solidarity towards a rules-based order guided by international law that guarantees the flourishing in peace of free and equal nations during the high-level General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78). In his message delivered on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. before world leaders, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo emphasized the country's unwavering commitment to multilateralism, with the UN Charter as its bedrock. "The UN spirit calls upon us to decisively respond to existential threats such as global warming, degrading ecosystems, diseases, and food insecurity, and to reclaim the power of dialogue and diplomacy as we manage new complexions of conflict and strategic competition," Secretary Manalo said. Secretary Manalo reiterated the Philippines' commitment to promoting the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in addressing cross-border concerns, including abidance to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to deal with continuing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. "If multilateralism must endure, all states must adhere to the rule of law. Guided by an independent foreign policy, the Philippines actively works with nations to promote a rules-based international order. We advocate the peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with international law. This has always been our position with respect to the disputes in the West Philippine Sea, in as much as we are prepared to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity," the Secretary added. The theme for this year's UNGA is "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all." In line with the UNGA theme, Secretary Manalo stressed that "the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the aspirations of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights are unfinished projects whose future is in our hands. Through solidarity, we can foster a constructive multilateralism that embraces this challenge with courage and perseveres in hope and common purpose." Acknowledging the country's vulnerability to climate change, Secretary Manalo called on "industrialized countries to abide by their obligations under the UN FCCC and the Paris Agreement," adding that the Philippines "look(s) forward to COP28 adopting decisions on the Loss and Damage Fund and other climate financing mechanisms." During the General Debate, the Philippines touted its mid- and long-term development plans and vision as the country's contribution to global efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "We are in the homestretch to secure SDG outcomes globally. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is well-integrated in the Philippines' mid- and long-term development plans. We can unlock opportunities for the Philippines and developing countries, including middle-income countries, to advance South-South cooperation and meet development goals across the world. As a middle-income country, we support initiatives to make international financial and development mechanisms more attuned to the needs of middle-income countries," Secretary Manalo stated. Finally, highlighting the longstanding recognition of the Philippines as a partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker at the national and international levels, Secretary Manalo highlighted the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028. "The Philippine candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028 manifests our strong desire to offer the best of the Philippine diplomatic tradition. We count on the support of all UN member states in this regard," he concluded. The General Debate opened on 19 September with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres presenting his annual state of the world report. Over the course of six days, the Philippines joined the 193 other UN member states in discussing solutions to address interlinked global issues on peace, security, and sustainable development. The Department of Foreign Affairs was joined by various Philippine government agencies in representing the country to the 2023 UNGA High-level Week in New York, which included important meetings that tackled climate change, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, international finance for development and health issues such as universal health care, elimination of Tuberculosis, as well as pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey's Erdogan hails Azerbaijan's achievement in Karabakh Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 5:56 PM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in Azerbaijan, days after Baku managed to reclaim full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Erdogan held talks with Aliyev in the Azerbaijani territory of Nakhichevan on Monday. The Turkish president said Azerbaijan's military achievement in Nagorno-Karabakh "is a matter of pride" and it has opened a "window of opportunity" to normalize relations in the region. "This opportunity must not be missed," Erdogan stated. "We expect from the Armenian side that they will shake the hand stretched out to them in peace and will take sincere steps." Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the Caucasus and lies within Azerbaijan's borders. The region has always been internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan though it is mostly populated by ethnic Armenians, who have resisted Azerbaijan's sovereignty over the territory. Last week, Azerbaijan launched an operation designed to seize control of the breakaway territory and perhaps end a three-decade-old conflict. The operation ended on September 20, after the Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in 24 hours and made the separatists agree to lay down weapons, under a Russian-mediated ceasefire. Thousands of ethnic Armenians have now begun an exodus from the region. Yerevan said Monday the first refugees arrived in the country on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered. Russia said its peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh were assisting the evacuation in the region. During the meeting with Erdogan, President Aliyev said Baku "began sending humanitarian aid to Azerbaijan's Karabakh region. Fuel, foodstuffs, medicines were sent." He said the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region would be protected. "This shows once again that Karabakh's residents - regardless of their ethnicity - are citizens of Azerbaijan. Their rights will be guaranteed by the Azerbaijani state." Aliyev said he was "confident the process of reintegration of Karabakh's Armenians into Azerbaijani society will be successful." Russian peacekeepers are helping Azerbaijan disarm the Karabakh separatists. The European Union and the United States, which have been mediating between Baku and Yerevan in recent months, have struggled to have an impact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden proposes $40M for Pacific Islands infrastructure The proposal at the Pacific Islands Forum in Washington comes as Congress deadlocks over budget cuts. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.09.25 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday called on congress to approve $40 million in infrastructure spending for the Pacific Islands, the latest in the administration's push to stem Chinese influence in the region. The proposal came on the first day of the second Pacific Islands Forum in Washington in a year. The U.S. also recognized two new Pacific Islands nations - Niue and the Cook Islands, both self-governing states in free association with New Zealand. Speaking alongside the leaders of the Pacific Island states after a morning meeting and a "family photo" at the White House, Biden said the United States was a committed friend of the 18 small nations, who say they want more substance and less rhetoric from America. "We hear your warnings of a rising sea, that it poses an existential threat to your nations," Biden said to the leaders. "We hear your calls for reassurance that you never, never, never will lose your statehood, or membership with the U.N., as the result of a climate crisis." The United States would provide $20 million to the Pacific Islands countries to deal with climate change mitigation, he said. But he added that Congress should approve far more for infrastructure projects. "Strong growth begins with a strong infrastructure," Biden said. "So today I'm pleased to announce that we're working with Congress to address $40 million in our Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative." Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said he appreciated the proposals made by Biden, which he said represented a welcome focus on the Pacific in just the second such forum hosted on U.S. soil. But he called for a "more engaged" United States, and said the senior partner's engagement "cannot be restricted to annual summits." "The United States is a country that's 247 years old. Our Pacific countries here celebrate 40, 50 and 60 years as independent nations from decolonization," said Brown, this year's forum chair, noting that his country and Niue were only just getting U.S. diplomatic recognition now. "It must be a year-long effort, working to an agreed plan of action and supported by requisite resources to deliver transformative actions," he said. "Our gathering today is our joint commitment to elevating our efforts as the Pacific [Islands] Forum and the United States." Charm offensive The feasibility of Congress passing such a package - clearly aimed at countering China's growing influence in the Pacific thanks to its own high-spending Belt and Road Initiative - is less than assured. Last year's Pacific Islands Forum in Washington, spurred on by Chinese inroads in the Solomon Islands, produced a far-larger pledge of a $800 million in funding for the Pacific over a decade. Biden's latest proposal also comes with Congress deadlocked in last-minute talks to keep the U.S. government open past Saturday, with the Republican-led House unable to pass a budget even with heavy spending cuts as hardliners push for more penny-pinching. That has left the Biden administration searching for other ways to woo the leaders, including a charm offensive taking advantage of the fact the leaders were in New York for the U.N. General Assembly. On Sunday, they were given their own special Amtrak train to travel from New York to Washington, with a quick day-trip in Baltimore. In Baltimore, they were feted on the field during the Baltimore Ravens 22-19 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, before boarding a Coast Guard cutter to meet with Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan and discuss U.S. efforts to help counter illegal fishing in the Pacific. The leaders are next scheduled to meet with Biden's climate envoy, John Kerry, on Monday evening. On Tuesday, they take part in a trade roundtable with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and attend a barbeque hosted by Australia's ambassador, Kevin Rudd. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misspelled Niue and misstated the change in the U.S. diplomatic stance on Niue and the Cook Islands. Also, this version has been updated after the White House corrected the aid figure to million, instead of billion. 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 Philippine Coast Guard removes 'floating barrier' at disputed reef Manila had accused China of installing it to prevent Filipinos from fishing near Scarborough Shoal. BenarNews staff 2023.09.25 -- Manila removed a floating barrier Beijing had installed last week at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea to prevent Filipinos from fishing in the area, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, said the "special operation" to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the entrance to Scarborough Shoal was carried out under the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law," said Tarriela in a statement posted on social media platform X. The West Philippine Sea is Manila's name for parts of the South China Sea within its jurisdiction. "It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," he said. BDN refers Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippine name for the Scarborough Shoal. Tarriela also said the Philippine Coast Guard's removal of the barrier "aligns with international law and the Philippines' sovereignty over the shoal." A United Nations arbitration tribunal in 2016 dismissed China's sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, but Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling. On Sunday, Philippine officials had accused the China Coast Guard of planting the barrier to block Filipinos from their livelihood activities in the shoal's rich fishing grounds. The Philippine Coast Guard had said the barrier was 300 meters (328 yards) long. Photographs posted on X showed a series of what appeared to be white buoys linked to each other by a rope. Videos posted Monday, which the coast guard said were of the removal operation, showed a man underwater cutting a rope attached to the buoys, and what appeared to be an anchor being pulled out of the water. China counters For its part, China on Monday said its coast guard "did what was necessary" to drive away a Philippine ship from the Scarborough Shoal area that "has always been China's territory." The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the China Coast Guard had acted in a restrained and professional manner during the Sept. 22 incident, but did not mention the floating barrier. Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters," ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said during a news conference. Huangyan Dao is China's name for the Scarborough Shoal. "On Sept. 22, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines, without China's permission, intruded into the adjacent waters of Huangyan Dao and attempted to enter its lagoon. China Coast Guard did what was necessary to block and drive away the Philippine vessel," Wang said. China took control of the Scarborough Shoal area in 2012 after a standoff between Manila and Beijing. In late 2016, Chinese ships allowed Filipino fishing boats into the area when then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pivoted to Beijing. Meanwhile, Philippine officials said they were preparing to file a diplomatic protest against China over the incident. Maria Teresita Daza, Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, said the Philippine government will take appropriate measures to protect the country's sovereignty. When BenarNews asked if these measures would include a diplomatic protest, Daza answered in the affirmative. If it is filed, this would be the 45th diplomatic protest lodged by Manila against Beijing. "China's reported installation of barriers and its negative impact on the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines' sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award," Daza said. She was referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 ruling in favor of the Philippines, while throwing out China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. This latest incident with the floating barrier came on the heels of China Coast Guard ships and its maritime militia seen by media harassing Philippine Coast Guard ships accompanying boats on a supply mission to Manila's military outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. In August, Manila said Chinese ships also fired water cannons on vessels accompanying one such mission. Manila-Beijing tensions have risen even as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who took office last year after Duterte's term ended, has been more vocal about protecting Philippine sovereignty. Marcos appears to have embraced the United States and other democratic allies, and shifted away from six years of his predecessor Duterte's pivot to China, analysts have said. The Philippine president has granted the U.S. expanded access to more Philippine military bases, and Washington may be asking for even greater access, the two countries' military chiefs said earlier this month. Jeoffrey Maitem and Jojo Rinoza in Manila contributed to this report. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. 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 Russia Calls Pashinian's Criticism Of Moscow Over Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh 'Unacceptable' By RFE/RL September 25, 2023 Russia's Foreign Ministry on September 25 slammed remarks by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian that were critical of Moscow, saying they "include unacceptable outbursts addressed against Russia and can spark nothing but rejection" and calling them a "big mistake." Pashinian had said in a televised address that Yerevan's involvement in "the external security systems" -- referring to Armenia's membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) -- "are not effective" for Armenia's interests. Pashinian and many Armenians blame Russia -- which traditionally has served as Armenia's protector in the region -- for failing to use its peacekeeping force to protect ethnic Armenians in Azerbaijan's mostly Armenian-populated breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. "Multiple cases of terror against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, and Azerbaijan's September 19 attack against Nagorno-Karabakh have raised serious questions about goals and motives of the Russian Federation's peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh," Pashinian said. He warned that Baku and Russian peacekeepers will be fully responsible if "ethnic cleansing" follows Baku's final victory over the separatist forces in the breakaway region. Russia's Foreign Ministry in a statement rejected Pashinian's remarks, calling them "an attempt to evade responsibility for failures in domestic and foreign policies" and blaming Armenian leadership of "steps to give Armenia's development a new, Western direction." "The leadership in Yerevan is making a big mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West," the ministry said. The statement also said all allegations that ongoing protests in Yerevan demanding Pashinian's resignation have links to Russia "have nothing to do with the reality." Yerevan said on September 25 that more than 6,000 ethnic Armenians had left Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia after Baku asserted control over the region last week following what Baku called "anti-terrorist measures of local character." The military operation was halted on September 20 after Nagorno-Karabakh's separatist leadership accepted a cease-fire proposal by the Russian peacekeeping mission. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-armenia-azerbaijan- pashinian-criticism/32608635.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 Roads Clogged As Ethnic Armenians Flee Nagorno-Karabakh; Mass Casualties Reported In Fuel Depot Blast By RFE/RL's Armenian Service, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service September 25, 2023 Thousands of ethnic Armenians continue to clog roads leading to Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh, where new reports say a powerful explosion at a fuel depot has led to more than 200 casualties, with local health officials struggling to deal with the disaster. Separatist officials in Karabakh said the blast occurred at a fuel warehouse near the Stepanakert-Askeran Highway and that rescue crews are at the site. The cause was not yet known. The region's rights ombudsman, Gegham Stepanian, said at least 200 people who were lining up to get fuel for their trip to Armenia were hurt and that the majority were in severe or grave condition. The number of deaths was not stated. Officials said most of the injured needed to be air-lifted to other sites where health facilities can handle the high number of casualties. The reports come as Armenia struggles to deal with a flood of refugees fleeing Karabakh following Azerbaijan's victory over separatist forces there. Armenia's government said that as of 5 p.m. local time on September 25, at least 6,650 refugees had entered the country, while de facto officials inside Nagorno-Karabakh said gas stations would provide free fuel for those making the move. Unrest mounted on the streets of Yerevan, where dozens of demonstrators were detained after they blocked streets to protest the policies of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. Meanwhile, top officials from the U.S. administration arrived in Yerevan on September 25 to meet with Armenian leaders. Among the group were U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power and State Department official for the region Yuri Kim. "The United States is deeply concerned about reports on the humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls for unimpeded access for international humanitarian organizations and commercial traffic," USAID said in a statement. Power delivered a letter from President Joe Biden to Pashinian expressing the support of the American people for Armenia, officials said. According to the Armenian government, Pashinian told Power during their meeting: "You are aware that, unfortunately, the process of ethnic cleansing of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh continues. Iit is happening right now, and it is a very tragic fact." The first of several hundred refugees from the region began arriving in Armenia on September 24, with Nagorno-Karabakh leaders saying nearly all of the estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians are likely to leave as soon as possible, saying they did not want to live under Azerbaijani control even though Baku has vowed to protect the rights of civilians there. "The authorities [of Nagorno-Karabakh] will continue to stay in place and implement state administration until they fully ensure the process of transporting citizens who wish to go to Armenia," a statement by the de facto government said. "Due to traffic jams, it is currently not possible to organize the transport of seriously and extremely seriously injured people." As Armenia began accepting refugees, anger over the quick loss of the region last week continued to spill out in the streets of Yerevan. Media reports quoted police as saying more than 200 demonstrators had been detained so far on September 25, with reports from RFE/RL correspondents in Yerevan saying the protests continue, with groups of people roaming the streets urging others to join them. The unrest comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his ally, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in Azerbaijan's autonomous Naxcivan exclave -- a strip of Azerbaijani territory nestled among Armenia, Iran, and Turkey -- to discuss the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Erdogan insisted Baku's victory in last week's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh opened a window of opportunity for normalization of relations in the wider region. He called Azerbaijan's actions "a source of pride" for Tukey. Aliyev again vowed to protect the rights of Karabakh's Armenians, even as the flood of refugees toward Armenia mounted. Erdogan and Aliyev again discussed the idea of creating a land corridor through Armenian territory to Naxcivan, thus linking their two countries -- a plan Armenia has long rejected. The project, if put in place, would likely intensify political pressure on Pashinian from his opposition. Pashinian has been on rocky political footing since overwhelming Azerbaijani forces retook much of the territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh held for decades by ethnic Armenians in a six-week war in late 2020 that led to a Russian-brokered cease-fire. Discontent over his leadership grew after the breakaway leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh was thrashed last week by a lightning Azerbaijani offensive that led Baku to declare victory in returning its sovereignty to the territory. Pashinian and many Armenians blame Russia -- which has traditionally served as Armenia's protector in the region -- for failing to use its peacekeeping force to protect ethnic Armenians in Karabakh. Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that Russia has tried to position as a counterweight to NATO, although as recently as this month its armed forces were conducting exercises with U.S. forces. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington on September 25 that Moscow had shown "that it cannot be relied on as a security partner" following its failure to support Armenians in Karabakh. The Russian peacekeepers have been in place since a cease-fire that ended six weeks of fighting in 2020 in which Azerbaijan recaptured much of the territory and seven surrounding districts controlled since the 1990s by ethnic Armenians with Yerevan's support. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan-karabakh- erdogan-aliyev/32607769.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 Foreign Ministry statement regarding an address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh 25 September 2023 15:35 1873-25-09-2023 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's address on independence on September 24, 2023, contained unacceptable insinuations against Russia and can only elicit repudiation. What we are witnessing is an attempt to shift responsibility for failures in domestic and foreign policies onto Moscow. The most recent utterances by Nikol Pashinyan confirm our earlier conclusions that the processes driven by Western influence and encouraged by official Yerevan are systemic rather than sporadic and detrimental to their own country and our alliance. In essence, the head of the Armenian government admitted that his country has been consciously prepared to pivot away from Russia this whole time. There have been unconvincing attempts to justify his actions aimed at setting a different - Western - direction for Armenia by pointing to alleged mistakes made by the Russian Federation and the CSTO, while forgetting the many common interests in security and development our countries share. The United States and other NATO countries have set a goal to not only inflict strategic damage to Russia but to destabilise our common Eurasian space as well. Russia has always been true to its alliance commitments and respected Armenian statehood, and has never forced the republic to choose between being with us or against us. Moscow has provided and continues to provide extensive economic, cultural, and security support to fraternal Armenia. In the autumn of 2020, the efforts of the Russian Federation and President Vladimir Putin personally prevented the total defeat of Armenia. Had Nikol Pashinyan agreed to a ceasefire a few weeks earlier, the defeat would have been less severe. Furthermore, the Russian peacekeepers' selfless work in Nagorno-Karabakh, sometimes at the cost of their own lives, is solid proof of Russia's commitment to fulfilling its extremely challenging mission in the interest of achieving peace between the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples which fact Nikol Pashinyan has conveniently omitted. Despite the increasingly frequent signals about artificial difficulties for Russian companies being created in the republic, our country consistently works towards expanding economic and investment ties with Armenia, both bilaterally and as part of the Eurasian Economic Union. These ties are enjoying record-breaking dynamics thus contributing to the substantial growth of the Armenian economy and the well-being of its citizens. Russia remains firmly committed to strengthening the shared cultural and educational space with Armenia despite the attempts undertaken by certain Armenian representatives to obstruct the progress of mutually beneficial projects in the humanitarian sphere. In regional affairs, instead of adhering to the gentlemen's agreement reached by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in November 2020 to leave the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh's status to future generations, Nikol Pashinyan succumbed to Western influence. In Prague and Brussels the decision was made to act based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration by recognising Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh. This fact fundamentally altered the circumstances that were in place when the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020 was signed, as well as the situation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Due to the poor judgment of the Armenian leadership, several agreements aimed at enhancing Armenia's security, including the deployment of a CSTO observer mission to areas bordering Azerbaijan, were not brought into existence. In particular, Nikol Pashinyan failed to sign the decision agreed by all six foreign ministers to deploy a CSTO observer mission to the areas bordering on Azerbaijan. The situation was further exacerbated by Armenia's persistent denial of the continued presence of Armenian armed formations in Nagorno-Karabakh after November 9, 2020, which became one of the key reasons for the escalation in September. The agreement reached through the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping mission on September 20 to withdraw remaining Armenian units and fully disarm the "Nagorno-Karabakh army," including the withdrawal of heavy equipment and weaponry, exposed the actual state of affairs and laid the groundwork for sustainable de-escalation. The inconsistent stance of the Armenian leadership, which flip flopped on policy and sought Western support over working closely with Russia and Azerbaijan, halted the implementation of the array of 2020-2022 high-level trilateral agreements. Precious time has been wasted during which significant progress could have been made toward reaching a peace agreement, delimiting the border, and unlocking regional roads - factors that would enhance Armenia's security. Notably, during the above meetings in Prague and Brussels under the auspices of the European Union, the Prime Minister of Armenia acknowledged Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, but failed to address the rights and safety of the Karabakh Armenians. Today, we do not see a strong commitment from official Yerevan to help address pressing issues in Nagorno-Karabakh, such as creating favourable conditions for maintaining a ceasefire, improving the humanitarian situation, or initiating a sustainable Baku-Stepanakert dialogue. The reckless approach by Nikol Pashinyan's team understandably fuelled discontent among parts of Armenian society, which showed itself in popular protests. Of course, claims that these protests were fomented by Russia have no basis in reality. The Prime Minister of Armenia should be well aware of the fact that, unlike the West which has become quite skilled in organising colour revolutions, Moscow does not engage in such activities. Strangely enough, they have chosen to turn a blind eye to the numerous instances of the Armenian authorities cracking down on protesters. It is well-known that the US ambassador maintains close contacts with the Armenian government. Against this backdrop, a frenzied anti-Russian campaign has swept the Armenian media at the behest of the authorities. We are convinced that the Armenian leadership is making a huge mistake by deliberately attempting to sever Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, making the country a hostage to Western geopolitical games. We are confident that the overwhelming majority of the Armenian population realises this as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and the Cook Islands US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2023 Today Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown signed a joint statement commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Cook Islands. This historic step reaffirms our joint commitment to deepen our cooperation as equal and sovereign partners, guided by respect, genuine engagement, and partnership. With the establishment of diplomatic relations, the United States and the Cook Islands will strengthen bilateral cooperation on shared priorities including the climate crisis, ocean stewardship, marine resources, renewable energy, education, sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and good governance. In addition, the United States and the Cook Islands will continue to work closely together in Pacific regional institutions, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community, and bolster connections within the Pacific region. The United States greatly appreciates and supports Prime Minister Brown's leadership as the current Chair of the Pacific Island Forum. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Cook Islands is a celebration of our shared history, common values, and people-to-people ties, and the United States looks forward to deepening our relationship for years to come. For further information, please contact EAP-Press@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the United States and Niue US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2023 Today Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Premier of Niue Dalton Tagelagi signed a joint statement commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Niue. This important step is a celebration of the shared history, common values, and people-to-people ties between our two nations, as well as an affirmation of our commitment to deepen our cooperation. Moving forward, the United States and Niue will cooperate on shared priorities including the climate crisis, ocean stewardship, education, culture, sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and good governance. The two nations will also continue to work together through important regional institutions, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Niue marks a historic achievement that will further reinforce the friendship and deepen the bonds that exist between our two nations. The United States looks forward to our continued and strengthened partnership with Niue. For further information, please contact EAP-Press@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New U.S.-Poland Foreign Military Financing Direct Loan Agreement Showcases Strong Security Partnership US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2023 Today, the United States is proud to announce the signing of a milestone $2 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loan agreement to support Poland's defense modernization. Poland is a stalwart U.S. Ally, and Poland's security is vital to the collective defense of NATO's Eastern Flank. In addition to its central support role in facilitating international assistance to neighboring Ukraine, Poland has demonstrated its ironclad commitment to strengthening regional security through its robust investments in defense spending. Poland continues to demonstrate leadership in NATO on meeting the 2014 Wales Summit Defense Investment Pledge. Poland plans to significantly expand the Polish Armed Forces; has divested its legacy Russian origin military equipment in favor of an ambitious multi-year, multi-billion-dollar defense modernization program; has concluded an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States; hosts Allied and U.S. forces, including the U.S.-led NATO Battlegroup and U.S. V Corps Headquarters (Forward); and actively participates in NATO missions across the region. The U.S. government is providing up to $60 million in FMF for the cost of this loan, which will help accelerate Poland's defense modernization by supporting urgent procurements of defense articles and services from the United States. FMF direct loans are a security cooperation tool reserved for some of our most important security cooperation partners. Loan proceeds will further advance Poland's military modernization effort across a wide range of capabilities, substantially contributing to strengthening the defense and deterrence of NATO's Eastern Flank. For additional information, please contact the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs' Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at pm-cpa@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Condemnation of Violent Attacks on Kosovo Police US Department of State Press Statement Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State September 25, 2023 The United States strongly condemns the coordinated violent attacks on the Kosovo Police near the Banjska Monastery on September 24, and expresses deep condolences to the family of the Kosovo Police sergeant killed in the line of duty. The perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable via a transparent investigative process. We call on the governments of Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from any actions or rhetoric which could further inflame tensions and to immediately work in coordination with international partners to de-escalate the situation, ensure security and rule of law, and return to the EU-facilitated Dialogue. The Kosovo Police have full responsibility for enforcing the rule of law in the Republic of Kosovo. The United States recognizes and respects the Kosovo Police's role as first responder in emergency and crisis situations. The United States appreciates the close coordination of the Kosovo Police with the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and with NATO Kosovo Force, particularly in ensuring the safety of the civilians on the scene. We will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with all involved. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement on the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Bulgaria US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2023 The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and Bulgaria. Begin text: On September 25, 2023, the United States and Bulgaria held the second high-level Strategic Dialogue to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues of priority importance for both countries. The Dialogue aligned with the 120th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bulgaria, and we marked that milestone together as friends, Allies, and partners. We remain focused on advancing the following priorities: Common Approaches to Global and Regional Issues We stand resolutely united in support of Ukraine. Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine blatantly violates international law, threatens the rules-based international order, and undermines the stability of Europe, including the security of the Black Sea region. We share the goal of a secure, prosperous, and interconnected Black Sea region that is free from threats to territorial integrity, economic coercion, and malign influence. Deepening Defense and Security Cooperation Noting Bulgaria's strategic position in the region and within NATO, we are growing our defense partnership to improve security in the Balkans and the Black Sea region, including through our joint participation in the multinational NATO battlegroup hosted by Bulgaria. Our robust cooperation enhances NATO interoperability, advances Bulgaria's defense modernization efforts, and further develops Bulgaria's defense industrial sector. Expanding Economic and Energy Cooperation We noted Bulgaria's significant progress in diversifying its energy sector and further reducing its dependence on Russian energy resources. We are working together to create a more resilient energy market, expand our civil nuclear cooperation, and accelerate the transition to low-carbon and renewable energy sources. We plan to collaborate on expanding bilateral trade and investment ties by promoting innovation, adopting effective governance of new technologies, and fostering a favorable business environment, and we will consider how to expand our cooperation on emerging technology and space policy. We intend to prioritize the screening of foreign direct investments to ensure national security. Defending Democracy and Strengthening Rule of Law Acknowledging the importance of deepening and extending our cooperation on countering foreign disinformation and propaganda, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation. We are working to achieve tangible and practical results that will help safeguard our democracies by countering the growing threat of foreign malign influence and state-sponsored disinformation. We also underscored our continuing efforts to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring judicial independence, and we intend to continue joint efforts to eradicate the scourge of trafficking in persons. Broadening Bilateral Ties We recognized our abiding people-to-people ties and will continue to nurture them through academic, cultural, and professional exchanges. Both sides welcomed Bulgaria's progress towards inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, and the United States reaffirmed its support of Bulgaria's ongoing efforts to fulfill the legal requirements for admission into the program. The Strategic Dialogue was convened by the Counselor of the U.S. Department of State Derek H. Chollet and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel, and included high-level representatives from both governments. End Text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN HRC54: UK Statement on Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French. 25 September 2023 Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update. Its work is critical to monitoring human rights violations and abuses. The report evidences intensified targeted persecution against human rights defenders and shrinking civic space. From the sentencing of six union leaders without due process to the continued arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, fundamental rights continue to be denied. Human rights violations must stop. The resolution of Venezuela's humanitarian crisis requires tolerance of dissenting voices and democratic normalisation. Unconstitutionally banning opposition candidates moves Venezuela further from a solution. We stress the importance of an independent, credible electoral arbiter and the right of Venezuelans to register and vote in free and fair elections. We understand that these incidents are not isolated but are part of a context of continuous deterioration of the rule of law. We therefore believe that the situation in Venezuela continues to warrant the attention of the international community and the mandate of the Mission remains fundamental to deliver progress on human rights. Senora Valinas, the UK encourages Venezuela to give effect to previous recommendations made by the Mission. What are the most urgent recommendations in the lead up to the electoral period? 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 25 September 2023 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Alright, since I don't have that much big news for you today, just a couple of programming notes. ** Briefings Tomorrow Tomorrow, at 1:30 p.m., Amina Mohammed, our Deputy Secretary-General will be here to brief you on the on the closing of UN General Assembly session. ** Afghanistan And also tomorrow, in the Security Council, there will be a briefing by the [Secretary-General's Special Representative] for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva. She will be here in person and we expect her to come to the stakeout afterwards. Just for you, James. Excellent. ** General Assembly And just a couple of numbers that we want to share with you. This year, our security colleagues told us that they issued 10,829 passes for delegates, for this year's GA. That's up from 6,755 last year. They also issued 2,255 media passes, up from 1,141 last year. Also, they issued about 40,000 special event tickets compared to about 12,000 last year. So, looking at the state of all of you, I can tell that it was a busier GA than last year. ** South Sudan From South Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says they strongly condemn a deadly attack on two trucks delivering aid to Yei in Central Equatoria State that took place over the weekend on Saturday. Two drivers were shot and killed, and both trucks were burnt and destroyed on their way back, as they were making their way back from the capital, Juba. As a result, UNICEF has paused moving supplies to the area. The acting Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Mary-Ellen McGroarty, said that those who provide vital assistance to the most vulnerable must be protected, and the killing of those who deliver aid as they are trying to save lives is unacceptable. Across South Sudan, humanitarian workers mostly national staff face violence, threats and looting, among other challenges, while trying to reach people in need. South Sudan tops the list of the world's most dangerous places for humanitarian workers. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo In the nearby Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that it is seriously concerned about the persistent cases of gender-based violence, particularly in conflict-affected provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu in the country's east. Between January and June of this year, 35,000 survivors received care. The actual number of survivors is likely to be much higher as only a fraction of them are reporting or seeking support. The majority of survivors in the DRC are women and girls, underscoring the urgent need to particularly strengthen their protection. Despite the gravity of the scope of gender-based violence in the country, programs related to it are only 18 per cent funded, which limits survivors' access to services. ** Yemen And Hans Grundberg, the Special Envoy for Yemen, today held discussions in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with senior Yemeni, regional, and international officials and diplomats. He met with the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohamed Al Jaber, to discuss the progress of efforts to advance an agreement between the Yemeni parties on measures to improve living conditions in Yemen. Grundberg also met with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the Security Council in Riyadh to coordinate international peace advocacy. Mr. Grundberg reiterated that Yemen needs the support of the region and the international community to navigate the path towards sustainable development and peace. ** Methane Emissions And our friends in Rome at the Food and Agriculture Organization today released a report analysing methane emissions in livestock and rice systems. The report outlines how methane emissions can be measured as well as mitigation strategies. You may know that methane emissions are one of the main drivers of the climate crisis, with methane accounting for about 20 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is also more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. If you are interested, there is much more on the interweb. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Dezhi yields to James. Okay. Question : Sorry, Yemen. Can I stay on Yemen then? There are lots of optimistic noises coming out of Yemen. What exactly is Mr. Grunberg...? Are they trying to come up with a comprehensive peace deal or just at first stage or what exactly is he working on? Spokesman : Well, I think he is working on supporting a lot of the efforts that we've seen involving different parties as they're meeting in different configurations to see if we can build a lasting and sustainable peace. Question : And can you tell us what the next steps are? What his next meetings are? What...? Spokesman : No. I can check, but I don't have that information. Question : Okay. Staying with Yemen then, condemnation of the humanitarian response in Yemen coming from Save the Children who has calculated that humanitarian aid in Yemen has been slashed by over 60 per cent in the last five years. They point out that, for example, the UK slashed its funding by 86 per cent, Denmark by 80 per cent, the United States has reduced by 23 per cent, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, have virtually abandoned their fundings with cuts of 99 per cent, 98 per cent, and 90 per cent. How worried is the UN? How worried is OCHA about the lack of funding for Yemen? Spokesman : We're very worried. I can't speak to the exact veracity of the calculations of Save the Children. I've no doubt it's correct, but we have seen in many different places, not just Yemen, cuts to humanitarian aid. We've talked here about how WFP and UNHCR are routinely having to make tragic decisions about how much food people get, and when to push people off the food rules. We have never seen a greater need for humanitarian funding and the money is out there. We just need to have that money so our humanitarian operations can all be fully funded. Question : I won't connect my next question. You can if you want, but did the Secretary-General visit the SDG Pavilion that costs nearly $4 million during UNGA? Spokesman : Yes, he did. Question : And what did he make of it? Did he think it was value for money? Spokesman : I think it was value for the money that was paid from various donations. It had a large number of visitors, especially over the weekend and throughout the week for all sorts of advocacy on the SDGs. Let me put it this way. We've been very clear in highlighting how the SDGs have reversed for a number of external reasons, notably COVID and others. I think the awareness of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals is much more palpable today than it was a few years ago. Even in the reporting that you all do, that I wouldn't have seen it a few years ago and I think that's thanks to the kind of advocacy that we get out of events like the ones that have been held at the pavilion. Dezhi, and then Alan. Question : Okay. Two days ago, when the Russian Foreign Minister, Lavrov, was here, he said he asked the Secretary-General to offer evidences of his accusation that Russia was kidnapping kids from Ukraine to Russia in the bilateral meetings. Can you confirm this? And what's the response from the Secretary-General? Spokesman : This is an issue that has come up a number of times, and I would refer you to the reports from the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict. Question : So this issue has been raised during their bilaterals? Spokesman : I don't know if it was raised in the last bilateral. Question : Because this is not what the minister said. Spokesman : But please don't interpret this as me questioning what the foreign minister said. What I'm saying to you is that this is an issue that has come up in discussion. My answer to you is, in terms of the facts, is to look at the report from the Children and Armed Conflict. Question : Which means, not which means, but then do you consider the foreign minister of Russia there was spreading misinformation because you just said that you got the report from the rapporteurs. Spokesman : No. Please don't interpret what I said in that way. I'm not accusing anyone of that. Question : Okay. Spokesman : Mr. Bulkaty? Question : Thanks so much, Stephane. I have a first short follow-up on Dezhi's question regarding this children's matter. Do you have information if the human rights, I mean, the author of the report you mentioned was relying to the data coming only from the Ukrainian government or was it some independent assessment? Spokesman : The data included in the report, I think, sources of data is clearly laid out in the report. As is in any report, Ms. Gamba relies on various sources, which we feel are true and factual. Question : I see. And the question, please, it's regarding the recent scandal in Canada. On Friday, the Parliament of Canada just gave a standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, who is a 90-year-old Ukrainian Nazi veteran. He fought in Nazi SS 14th Waffen Grenadier Division during Second World War. So the hiring of him happened right before the address of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Canadian Parliament. Already a number of countries demanded apologies from Canada. What's the reaction of the UN? Spokesman : From what I've seen in the reports, the speaker of the house in Ottawa apologized for inviting this individual, giving the reasons that he gave. We, of course, stand against any honouring of people who actively took part in Nazi activities during the Second World War. Monsieur? Question : Merci. Four of the five Security Council permanent members, heads of states were absent during the UNGA. These countries, they play a critical role in the world peace. Any comment on their absence? Most of them were represented by just a minister, not even head of the government. Spokesman : Look, I think the important thing is not to personalize these issues. It's not as if the countries were not represented. It's not as if the chairs were empty. The Secretary-General had very good discussions with the heads of delegations for all of the countries. I think the foreign ministers for three of them. And the Deputy Prime Minister for one of them, they took active parts in all of the discussions. And we understood why the leaders could not come and I will leave it at that. Dezhi? Question : That actually inspired me a little bit because the other day when I was in the visitor plaza, there's a sign of #UNGA, which occurs to me, it feels like UN great again. Do you think this year the UNGA general debate will not just make UN great again? But maybe... [Cross talk] Spokesman : But the UNGA hashtag has been there for a couple of years. Question : Yeah. I know. Spokesman : Yeah. Question : But that occurs to me like it's a UN great again. Spokesman : Well, look at the numbers I just rolled off in the beginning. There was almost with a 90 per cent increase in the number of journalists that covered the UN. In terms of delegations, I don't know with the numbers. But we went... Question : Do you think this year, this... [Cross talk] Spokesman : Last year, we had 6,700 delegates. This year, we had more than 10,000. If that's not a show of the importance of this event as a multilateral forum where there were very important discussions on sustainable development, on artificial intelligence, on financing for development, to name just three. Question : So you think this year, the general debate boosts some of the confidence of the United Nations? Spokesman : I think it showed that this is a place where we all have to come to discuss these global issues. Yes, sir. Question : Hello, [Inaudible]. Spokesman : Yeah. You have to press the button on the microphone. Question : So this is [Inaudible] from Sky News Arabia. I have two questions. The first on Armenia and Azerbaijan. Apparently, more countries are getting involved in this. And I was wondering if the UN has any plans to elevate the participation in any peacekeeping or an envoy or anything on the short term? And my second question is on the Israeli Prime Minister, he showed a map when he was speaking to the GA that covers all the area between the Mediterranean and the Jordanian river as Israel. Does the UN have any comment on that? Spokesman : I'm not going to do a colour commentary on all the props that may have been brought in different meetings. As far as Israel is concerned, the UN's position is unchanged. We're obviously following very closely and with concern the mass movement of people we're seeing into Armenia. If we, as the UN, are given access, we stand ready to conduct humanitarian needs assessment and provide assistance to affected people. We have country teams, both in Azerbaijan and in Armenia and they are ready to support any relief efforts if we're given any space. Question : Sorry. Do you have any further actions that you're willing to take in the near future? Spokesman : Or focus right now is on possible humanitarian assistance. I'm going to go to the screen, then I'll come back to you James. Stefano? Question : Thank you, Stephane. Migrant issue in Europe. The German government decided to found ONG, they are trying to help the migrants to cross the Mediterranean to rescue them. And the Italian government had protested because this, you know, they are against this kind of founding. Does the Secretary-General have any opinion on that who is right? Should the ONG be given money? Spokesman : Well, I don't. For once, I will not comment on something that I don't have enough facts about. Yes. Question : Okay. Just a minute. Just leave me for a second question. On that, please, well, I mean, this UNGA78 very few, at least, I think, a very few leaders talked about peace, tried to reach peace in Ukraine and between Ukraine and Russia. The Cardinal [Inaudible] that is a special envoy of the Pope has been now for the last month has been going around this. Was able to practically speak with the capitals, interested and he still continues. He's going very soon back to Moscow. I asked before but I was never given an answer. But what does Secretary-General thinks about attempt by the Vatican to find a solution? Does he think that he has a chance? Spokesman : Well, no one should stop working towards a just peace in line with the relevant General Assembly resolutions and respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. James? Question : You mentioned Israel earlier on. I just wondered what the Secretary-General's reaction and the UN's reaction was to the Israeli ambassador's protest during President Raisi's speech standing up there displaying a photo. He was basically demonstrating during a speech, which I assume he had to be escorted out by UN Security. What's the reaction of the Secretary-General? And will there be any further sanction against him? Spokesman : He was indeed escorted out, and we consider the case closed. Obviously, I think it is a matter of principle. It's important that everyone respects the decorum of the institution. As a reminder, Monica will resume her daily press briefings tomorrow, and I shall see you tomorrow. Hopefully, all with a little higher energy level. So that's doubtful. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I didn't see your hand. Please go ahead. Go ahead. You have to press it on the side. Maybe no, on the side. There we go. Okay. Question : Yeah. What's the view of the United Nations and the Secretary-General for the recently concluded New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit and the inclusion of the AU as a permanent member and also on the issue of Security Council reforms? President Biden, last Tuesday, addressed the general debate supporting reforms of the UN Security Council and also the AU and the G-4, Quad and L.69 also have been, like, voicing the support for... Spokesman : I would refer you to the things the Secretary-General has been saying extremely publicly, notably when he was in New Delhi speaking to your colleagues in support of serious Security Council reforms so we have a Council that is reflective of the world of 2023 and not 1945. And I think he's been very clear for a long time and very forceful on that. I think on the G20, I think we've expressed ourselves right after. So I have really nothing to add to what we've already said on that. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestine: Rights experts call for stronger torture prevention measures 25 September 2023 - Palestinian authorities must strengthen fundamental legal safeguards against torture and ill-treatment, especially from the first moments of detention, a group of UN human rights experts said on Monday. The members of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) issued the appeal after concluding their first visit to the State of Palestine, conducted from 10 to 21 September. Daniel Fink, who headed the delegation, said they received full cooperation from the Palestinian Authority to visit locations in the West Bank, "but we regret that, despite all efforts, we were unable to visit detention facilities in Gaza." The Palestinian Authority has administrative control over the West Bank while the militant group Hamas rules the Gaza Strip, which has been under Israeli blockade for more than 15 years. High-level meetings The delegation visited 18 detention places in different locations in the West Bank, including prisons, police stations, facilities of the security forces, a psychiatric hospital and a military detention centre. Members met with high-level officials, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, who coordinates the National Team for Monitoring the State's Commitments. They also held meetings with other State authorities, and the Independent Commission on Human Rights, involving its Gaza branch. Establish monitory mechanism The experts recalled that Palestine has been a party to the Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol since 2014 and 2017, respectively. States that ratify the Optional Protocol give the SPT the right to visit their places of detention and examine the treatment of people held there. They said the Government has done much in the interim, pointing to recent positive relevant amendments to the penal code. However, they remain concerned over the implementation of torture prevention measures during detention and the effective establishment of a monitory body, officially called the national preventive mechanism (NPM). The delegation also engaged with entities working on drafting legislation related to the NPM and Mr. Fink expressed hope that their visit will prompt its swift formation. "In particular, we look forward to seeing an independent body that can carry out its mandate in accordance with the State's legal international obligations, including unannounced visits to any places of deprivation of liberty," he added. About UN experts The SPT is composed of 25 independent and impartial experts from across the globe who monitor adherence to the Optional Protocol, which has been ratified by 93 countries. They were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva, and are neither UN staff nor are they paid for their work. Four members visited the State of Palestine, accompanied by two human rights officers from the SPT Secretariat. The delegation will submit a confidential report to the Palestinian authority in the coming months, which they hope will be made public. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address $210.2M Contract Awarded for Weapons Generation Facility at Barksdale AFB US Navy 25 September 2023 From Jeffrey Hamlin, NAVFAC Public Affairs Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $210.2 million firm-fixed-price construction contract, September 12, to B.L. Harbert International, LLC, of Birmingham, Alabama. The project will encompass the construction of a weapons generation facility aboard Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), Bossier Parish, Louisiana.This Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $210.2 million firm-fixed-price construction contract, September 12, to B.L. Harbert International, LLC, of Birmingham, Alabama. The project will encompass the construction of a weapons generation facility aboard Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), Bossier Parish, Louisiana. This project is quite exceptional as it involves the Navy contracting command awarding a project that will take place outside the usual Navy or Marine Corps facilities. Nevertheless, the primary mission remains to deliver essential services and maintenance required to ensure optimal readiness. "This contract award supports the lethality and readiness of the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) B-52 bombers assigned to Barksdale AFB," said Lt. Cmdr. James Keokosal, resident officer in charge of construction (ROICC) at Barksdale AFB. "The completed complex will be critical to the Air Force Global Strike Command's mission of providing lethal precision strikes anywhere, at any time." The contract includes the design-bid-build construction of five new facilities and the renovation of an existing one-story facility. The scope of work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to: construction of the main facility, a weapons generation facility; an entry control facility; a security forces facility; a fire pump building; a diesel generator building; a weather shelter; and multiple towers to supporting various security features. For nearly a decade, ROICC Barksdale and NAVFAC Southeast have been in collaboration with the USAF in the planning and design of this project. The completed complex will be the largest project to be executed at Barksdale AFB since its establishment following World War II. The contract also contains 11 unexercised options, which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative contract value to $221.2 million. The contractor was chosen using the Best Value Tradeoff Source Selection procurement. Award for this procurement was based on technical factors and price, which together constitute a best value to the government, however, not necessarily the lowest price. This contract was competitively procured by means of the Contract Opportunities SAM.gov website with two proposals received. Work will be performed at Barksdale AFB and is expected to be completed by January 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Kenya Sign Defense Agreement Ahead of Haiti Security Mission By Carla Babb September 25, 2023 The United States and Kenya signed a defense agreement Monday aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts in East Africa and supporting Kenya's efforts to take the lead in a security mission to Haiti. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenya's Defense Minister Aden Duale signed the five-year agreement Monday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Austin said the United States is "grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world" and thanked the country for its willingness to take the lead of a multinational security force to combat gang violence in Haiti. He said the Biden administration would work with Congress to secure the $100 million in funding that it pledged for the Haiti mission last week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. "The United States stands ready to support that important mission by providing robust financial and logistical assistance," he said. Austin urged other nations to follow Kenya's example and provide more personnel, equipment, support, training, and funding for the planned multinational security mission to Haiti. Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to counter gang violence that has surged since the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The security mission, which has yet to be approved by the U.N. Security Council, was requested by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry last October. On the regional fight against al-Shabab, Austin said the U.S. government deeply values its partnership with Kenya in countering the militant group. While in Djibouti on Sunday, Austin praised Somali forces for making "impressive progress" in the fight against al-Shabab but cautioned that the terror group still can "export terror from ungoverned spaces." Austin met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Djibouti as part of his first visit to the African continent as defense secretary. Earlier, Austin met with the Djiboutian president and defense minister, thanking them for hosting the United States' primary base in Africa and for supporting Somalia in its fight against extremist groups. Before departing Monday for Nairobi, Austin thanked U.S. troops at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, highlighting what he called their "very impressive" role in evacuating U.S. diplomats from Sudan in April. "This facility is really important. We stood up a capability here following the 9/11 attacks as we were working our efforts against violent extremist organizations," Austin said. "Since that time, not only has this location helped us to do that, but we've also expanded the kinds of things that we can do from this location to include some of the things that you recently helped us with like evacuating our diplomats from Sudan." Somalia's army and allied clan militias have continued to drive al-Shabab fighters out of central Somalia as part of the country's military offensive since the president declared "total war" against the militants in August 2022. But terrorists continue to strike at Somali forces, with a truck bombing near a security checkpoint in the central Somali town of Beledweyne killing 21 people and wounding 52 others Saturday. Security forces had been tipped off about the truck and were inspecting it when it detonated, Beledweyne District Commissioner Omar Osman Alasow told VOA. The meeting between Austin and Mohamud came two days after a small arms fire attack on a military barracks in Kulbiyow, Somalia, left one U.S. contractor and a partner force member injured, a senior defense official told VOA. A pro-al-Shabab outlet claimed the attack injured four U.S. forces and nine members of Kenya's forces. The senior defense official told VOA that was "overblown," adding that no U.S. service member was injured, and the contractor's injuries did not require medivac. Recent violence has led Somali officials to seek a 90-day delay in the scheduled drawdown of African Union peacekeepers to account for what the Somali government calls "several significant setbacks." "He [President Mohamud] wants to do everything that he can to maintain momentum," Austin said in response to VOA, without commenting further on the Somali request to the African Union. Three thousand African Union forces are expected to withdraw from Somalia by the end of this month, with all African Union forces set to withdraw by the end of next year. Pulling support for Somalia too early, or not devoting enough resources to countering Islamic extremists in Africa, could allow terror groups to overrun the country much like the Taliban did while the U.S. was withdrawing its military forces there, says Bill Roggio, a former soldier and editor of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Long War Journal, which publishes reporting and analysis of global counterterrorism efforts. "We're operating on the margins against these jihadist groups, barely keeping them contained," Roggio told VOA. Wagner Group in Africa Meanwhile, U.S. defense officials say the U.S. has not seen a withdrawal of a substantial number of Wagner Group forces following the death of its leader last month. "Wagner still has a substantial presence on the continent," Austin told reporters Sunday in Djibouti. More than one month since Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's death, the U.S. has not yet seen a "decisive shift" in Wagner's relationship with the Kremlin or signs that Moscow has absorbed the group's operations across Africa, a senior defense official said. "I think what you'll see in the future here is probably some competition within the ranks to [see] who's going to be the next leader," Austin told reporters Sunday. "I think you'll also see potentially the Russian government moving to either replace Wagner with some other kind of element or using Russian forces to support efforts on the continent." Wagner forces will likely be able to sustain its presence in Africa in the near term, Austin added, but will struggle to do so in the mid- to long term without support from the Russian government. One senior official told reporters that some governments have expressed regrets to U.S. officials after allowing Wagner to operate in their countries. U.S. officials also said there have been signs of Wagner forces trying to "exploit" the political situation in Niger since military forces seized control and removed the president from power in July, without elaborating. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Sunday that France will pull its ambassador out of the country and end its military presence in Niger by the end of the year. The military junta had repeatedly requested for the French ambassador to leave, saying France did not recognize the junta as the legitimate leaders of Niger. The announcement is a significant hit to France's policy in Africa. France had stationed thousands of troops in the Sahel region to fight jihadi groups in response to requests from state leaders, but French troops pulled out of neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso in recent years following coups there. U.S. force posture in Niger has remained steady at about 1,000 forces since the junta took power in July, but the U.S. has moved some of its forces within Niger from a base in Niamey to a base in Agadez, about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the capital. Austin said the U.S. has not resumed counterterror operations with Niger's military forces but has conducted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions to protect its forces from potential threats. VOA's Harun Maruf and Mohamed Olad Hassan contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnam Reportedly Seeking Military Aid From Both Moscow and Washington By VOA News September 25, 2023 Military analysts say Vietnam is desperate for a new generation of powerful fighter jets and other arms, and recent news reports indicate the country could be seeking them from both the United States and Russia, although no details can be confirmed. Reuters reported Saturday that the Biden administration is in talks with Vietnam over an agreement for the largest transfer of arms between the two countries, including F-16 fighter jets. The report says the deal is still in its early stages and may not come together. But it was a key topic of recent Vietnamese-U.S. Talks in Hanoi, New York and Washington over the past month, according to Reuters. The White House declined comment on the matter. A few weeks ago, before President Joe Biden visited Vietnam and upgraded the two country's relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the New York Times reported that Vietnam's military was pursuing a secret Russian arms deal that would violate U.S. sanctions on Moscow. Since the release of the report, U.S. and Vietnamese officials have declined to discuss the issue. The deal was outlined in a March 2023 document from Vietnam's Ministry of Finance and has been verified by former and current Vietnamese officials, according to the Times report. The Times report contends that Hanoi plans to fund defense purchases by shifting $8 billion over 20 years to Vietsovpetro - a joint oil venture in Siberia. Although experts say the Times report is well-founded, it is unclear whether it will go through and how it could affect Hanoi's standing with Western partners, particularly the United States. "I do believe the NYT story has credence ... If true, the report highlights that Vietnam still views Russia as an important defense cooperation partner," wrote senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Ian Storey over email. "We do not yet know if the Vietnamese government has decided to follow through on the deal," he wrote. Nguyen The Phuong, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of New South Wales who specializes in Vietnam's defense and maritime security, told VOA he first heard about a potential arms deal with Russia in June. Although he said he had not seen the leaked Finance Ministry document, he has seen a letter of intention from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to his Russian counterpart to pursue an arms purchase. "There's a letter of intention from the Vietnamese prime minister to push that plan," Phuong said of the arms deal. "It's become more and more clear about the intention of the Vietnamese to move forward with that plan." Historic ties Even as defense purchases from Russia become riskier, the secret arms deal would make a certain kind of sense for Hanoi, experts said. "The military is the most pro-Russian and anti-Western among all the national institutions in Vietnam," said Alexander Vuving, professor at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. "The leaders in the Ministry of Defense are still embracing Russia," he said. The tight-knit bond is just part of the story, though. Vietnam's supply of fighter jets is quickly aging beyond its service life and Russia can provide an affordable update without training pilots, ground, and mechanic crews in a new language and weapons system, said Zachary Abuza, professor at the National War College in Washington. "Vietnam is desperate for a new generation of fighter jets, and they have a limited budget. They're comfortable with the Russians, and the Russians are willing to consider alternative funding mechanisms, so it's kind of a win-win," Abuza told VOA. The deal could fulfill another crucial requirement for Vietnam through the joint oil venture: energy. Following the slump in manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam is scrambling for enough energy to power its growing economy. "Vietnam can lock into a long-term supply contract for energy it desperately needs given its economic growth," Abuza said. "At the same time, they can make sure some of that money is then directed into an arms procurement platform." Risky deal Despite the benefits, the proposed Russian arms deal carries risks and the document leak reveals potential dissent among Vietnamese officials. "This leaked document would cause a lot of trouble for the Vietnamese," Vuving said, adding that Hanoi is looking for support to build up a semiconductor supply chain and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently advocated for Vietnam to be granted market economy status during a Washington visit this month, which would benefit Vietnamese exporters in antidumping disputes. "It shows that they are not reliable to the United States," Vuving stated. "That's why they wanted to keep [the arms deal] secret." A defense partnership with Moscow is also increasingly chancy as Russia becomes more isolated and moves closer to China. The prospect of Russian lack of support in disputes between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea may have contributed to the leak. "There are less reasons for Vietnamese to trust Russia in the South China Sea than before," Vuving said. "That's why I think some Vietnamese officials were so unhappy with this agreement and they leaked the document." Even with the uncertainty, the majority consensus still supports the Russian arms deal. "At the moment, Vietnam sees that the benefits outweigh the risks in dealing with Russia in the short term," Phuong said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kenyan MP Proposes Extending Presidential Term to Seven Years By Mohammed Yusuf September 25, 2023 A Kenyan lawmaker from the ruling United Democratic Alliance, or UDA, has suggested extending the presidential term limit from five to seven years. Speaking to reporters at the parliamentary buildings, Samson Cherargei of the United Democratic Alliance, senator from the Rift Valley region, said that the current five-year mandate is not enough to run a government. "This enables the president to have a good opportunity to form and establish a formidable team to deliver his manifesto," he said. "Besides, the Kenya presidential election is always highly profiled as a result of it being conducted within a short period of time, thus making it a do-or-die adventure." "The continuous campaign mood in the country has been occasioned by the perception that elections are held within a short period of five years. In any election period, we lose a whole year in campaigns. And another year is lost immediately after the election because of the litigation in the Supreme Court," Cherargei added. Kenya usually has very competitive politics during elections which can lead to deadly protests, ethnic tensions and violence. In case of a presidential election dispute, the matter is taken to the country's supreme court which takes less than a month to decide. The court judgement, if it favors the winner, gives him a week to be sworn in and a few weeks to create a cabinet, which is approved by parliament. Kenya's political commentator Martin Andati says the plan is intended to divert voters' attention away from the real problem faced by the country. "I think they are creating diversionary tactics because they know that for you to be able to change the term limits you have to go through a referendum. So, I think they could basically be creating something to keep Kenyans busy as a diversionary tactic to get people concerned with that, so that they move away from raising the pertinent issues. So, there are issues. There are issues of the economy, there are issues of the government over borrowing, all those issues. So, to create a diversionary tactic, you come up with something that would now be attractive for people to talk about," he said. This month, Kenya experienced the highest fuel prices in its history, reaching 211 shillings per liter of petrol. This increase is expected to impact the prices of essential goods. The government blames the price increase on the global rise in oil prices. In a statement, Cleophas Malala, secretary-general of the ruling party, distanced the UDA from the ongoing debate on extending presidential terms. Malala said the president has sworn to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution, which outlines the presidential term limit. Any changes to the Constitution would require a referendum. Cherargei argues that the Constitution can be amended through a popular vote. "Let's meet in the contest because our constitution envisages amendment of the constitution at any given time so long as the threshold is met under the provisions of Articles 256 and 257 through popular initiative," he said. The senator has submitted a proposal to the committee tasked with finding a political solution for the hotly contested 2022 elections. He anticipates that government and opposition members will adopt this proposal in future political conversations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands Before Meeting with Pacific Islands Forum Leaders September 25, 2023 East Room 10:46 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, fellow leaders and friends, welcome. Welcome to the White House. Following our historic summit last year, I was honored to host all of you at the Pacific Islands Forum in the White House today. And I know it's two more days of this. You're going to get to see more of our our staff and our our administration. And I want to apologize again for not being able to join you in Papua New Guinea this past May the place holds a special meaning to my family. I want to thank the Prime Minister for his incredible gift: a small piece of an A-20 aircraft that During World War Two, my my mother's number-two brother, Ambrose Finnegan number-three brother, I should say my uncle was in the Army Air Corps, and he flew many missions in that A-20 across the Pacific. And in 1944, during one of those missions, his plane crashed off the coast of Papua New Guinea. And like so many soldiers who served freedom's cause during that time, my uncle's remains were never recovered never found. But his sacrifice was always remembered, including when General MacArthur, who sent my family a condolence letter, wrote, and I quote, "He died serving in a crusade from which a better world for all will come." "A better world for all will come." My friends, that's why our nations come together here today. That's why they came together in World War Two and where we are today. And that is why we're going because I'm our objective is to build a better world. One of the great opportunities for security, prosperity, and dignity for all our people, no matter where they live that starts by building stronger partnerships with each other. And that's why the United States has delivered on the promises we made last year to, one, open new embassies in Tonga and the Solomon Islands, establish a USAID mission in Fiji, and return the Peace Corps to Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. And that's why we've signed a new economic agreement with Micronesia and Puala [Palau]. Aiming to do the same for the Marshall Islands as well. And that's why the United States is formally establishing diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands. And the real reason is: We're both from Baltimore. (Laughter.) That's a long story, but but all kidding aside, the Cook Islands and Niue. Additionally, as the White House honors National Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders Serving Institutions Week for the first time, I'm proud to announce that we are going to double the number of academic exchanges of Pacific Island students, beginning this year. We're going to double it. All of these steps are going to help build a strong foundation from which we can tackle the challenges that matter most to our people's lives. And key among them is climate change. I want you to know: I hear you. The people of the United States and around the world hear you. We hear your warnings of a rising sea and what they pose an existential threat to your nations. We hear your calls for reassurance that you never, never, never will lose your statehood or membership at the U.N. as a result of a climate crisis. Today, the United States is making it clear that this is our position as well. And alongside our Partners in the Blue Pacific, we're increasing our climate assistance, including more than $20 million for new investments to prepare for climate and natural hazards. The second point I'd like to make is economic development. Strong growth begins with a strong infrastructure. So, today, I'm pleased to announce we're working with Congress to invest $40 billion [million] in our Pacific Islands Infrastructure Initiative. We call it the PG- PI- anyway, it doesn't matter what we call it, but that's what it is. (Laughter.) I was going to get back to acronyms, and I'm going to I'm going to withstand not doing that. Including investments in digital connectivity through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. We're also working to launch a new microfinance facility in the Pacific to expand access to finances for small business. We realize how difficult it is and how important it is. And we have signed a new 10-year $600 million agreement to support the sustainable development of the Pacific Island fisheries, as I pledged to you last year. Finally finally and finally, I want to talk about security. The United States is committed to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure. We're committed to working with all the nations around this table to achieve that goal. So, this year, we shall send the U- first U.S. Coast Guard vessel solely dedicated to collaborate and train with Pacific Island nations. And alongside our Quad partners, we intend to invest more than $11 million in bringing cutting-edge maritime domain awareness technology to the region. All told, today, in the in consultation with the Congress, we're launching $200 million in new proposals. Let me close with this. Like our forebearers during World War Two, we know that a great deal of the history of our world will be written across the Pacific over the coming years. And like them, we owe it to the next generation to help write that story together to do the hard work, the historic work that General MacArthur said and I quote him again for "which a better world for all will come." That's the objective here. So, today, let's recommit to that goal and let's recommit to each other because, with the past as our proof, we're stronger and the world is safer when we stand together. So, thank you very much. And I think I'm now turning this over to the Cook Islands? Or am I SECRETARY BLINKEN: That's right. PRESIDENT BIDEN: turning it to you? Mr. Pre- PRIME MINISTER BROWN: Thank you, sir. PRESIDENT BIDEN: Mr. Prime Minister, the floor is yours. PRIME MINISTER BROWN: Thank you. Thank you very much, President Biden. Honorable leaders, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, kia orana to you all. As we, the leaders of the United States and the Pacific Islands Forum, gather today to recommit our resolve to partnerships for prosperity, we are reminded of historical milestones that should inspire us to reach meaningful outcomes today. The United States is a country that's 247 years old. Our Pacific countries here celebrate 40, 50, and 60 years as independent nations from decolonization. Our own organization, the Pacific Islands Forum, is 52 years old this year. And as mentioned, today, the Cook Islands and Niue celebrate milestones of formal diplomatic relations with the United States respectively. These milestones celebrate eras of change and demonstrate that with unshakable resolve and leadership, remarkable achievements are possible. In our discussions today, let us be empowered by the needs and aspirations of the people of the Pacific and the United States. We have an opportunity here, as the Pacific Islands Forum and as the United States, to develop our partnerships for prosperity. Excellencies, last year, the Pacific Island Forum leaders launched the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Our strategy sets out our long-term approach to working together as a region and as countries, communities, and people of the Pacific. It frames our regional cooperation and broader actions around seven key theme thematic areas, which are designed and developed to support the achievements of our region. Our strategy also outlines how our international partners, including the United States, can partner with us to deliver partnerships for prosperity. In a few weeks, I will host the 52nd Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting, where we will endorse the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan. A plan by the Pacific and for the Pacific that will ensure the security and prosperity of all Pacific people to lead free, healthy, and productive lives. A plan that requires international partnerships to succeed and can serve as a cornerstone of our U.S.-Pacific framework for future cooperation. We know this partnership is not only attainable but also rests on three key pillars. Firstly, the successful implementation of our 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan. At its core, our plan identifies key regional collective actions under each of the seven thematic areas that we believe will propel our development. For the Pacific, access to development and climate finance which, in the Pacific content context, is exactly the same thing is the only way to achieve meaningful change at the grassroots level and at the national level. Let us remember that our people at home must feel connected to the decisions that we make here. Mr. President, our strategy calls for more engaged and effective partner coordination. I strongly encourage the U.S., as a critical founding dialogue partner, to actively engage at the highest level in the upcoming Forum Dialogue Partners meeting in Rarotonga this year. That engagement cannot be restricted to annual summits. It must be year-long efforts working to an agreed plan of action and supported by requisite resources to deliver transformative actions on the ground. Secondly, the significance of global collaboration. Just last week, our nations actively engaged in the discussions at the 78th session of the U.N. General Assembly. Mr. President, you wisely stated that "no nation can meet the challenges of today alone" that the world must recognize the need for more diverse leadership and capability, particularly from regions that have not always been included. Those narratives, Mr. President, were born in regions like ours. I therefore applaud the G7 and ASEAN chairs of Japan and Indonesia, respectively, for the opportunity afforded to me as the Pacific Islands Forum chair to attend and speak at these important forums earlier this year. My attendance to the G7 and ASEAN Leaders' Summit is partnerships for prosperity in action. It demonstrates a genuine commitment to not just talk, but to really hear our voices on the challenges we're confronted with but, more importantly, the solutions to those challenges and how and in what way international partners can support our region. Our gathering today is our joint commitment to elevating our efforts as the Pacific Forum and the United States. It follows our first summit a year ago in this very building and our gathering in Papua New Guinea with Secretary Blinken. I cannot emphasize enough the centrality of the forum for U.S. forward engagement with the Pacific. And I wish to commend you, Mr. President, for your foresight and the significant elevation of engagements over the last year. And this brings me to the final pillar of security. This concept takes on various forms in the U.S., but for the Pacific, it represents the ability to provide our people with security climate security and economic security. As leaders, this requires international partnerships to deliver financing initiatives to address areas that we have long identified as being important to our countries. And I'm encouraged, Mr. President, with your opening comments in this regard. This includes building infrastructure that will help build our resilience to climate change impacts, reestablishing transportation and connectivity links to help grow our economies, and forging partnerships that will allow business and investments to flow between our regions. Mr. President, our development agenda is uniquely Pacific, and partnerships built on mutual understanding and mutual benefit that will deliver a Pacific that we can all be proud of. As we engage with you and your leaders both in government, in the private sector, and in civil society we do so with a clear understanding that our voice, our agency, and our values are respected. Through this lens of inclusivity and respect, we seek to build a genuine partnership with the United States. Unlocking our full potential for development begins today. Let our deliberation set our compass on the same path as we re- recommit ourselves to achieving a truly resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific. With these remarks, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you, my fellow leaders, and offer our sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for hosting this second summit of the U.S. and Pacific. Kia orana. Thank you very much. God bless. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very, very much, Prime Minister Brown. And thank you, Mr. President. We'll now just hold for a moment to give our colleagues from the press a chance to depart. Thank you. 11:00 A.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President Biden on the Recognition of Niue and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations September 25, 2023 Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognizes Niue as a sovereign and independent state and will establish diplomatic relations between our two nations. Niue plays a critical and constructive role in the Pacific, including supporting the region's sustainable development, security, and marine protection and ocean conservation. Today's announcement will enable us to deepen our cooperation with Niue on these challenges and morefrom tackling the climate crisis, to protecting maritime borders and marine resources, to building sustainable economic growth, to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The United States plans to work closely with Niue, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community to bolster Pacific regionalism. Together, we intend to align the objectives of the United States' first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy with the Pacific's own priorities as embodied in the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. And, the United States looks forward to participating in the upcoming PIF Leaders' Summit to support Pacific voices, Pacific choices, and the Pacific way. Since day one of my Administration, I have been committed to being an active and engaged partner in the Pacific. Last year, I launched our first-ever national strategy dedicated to the Pacific Islands. I appointed the first US Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum. We held the first US-Pacific Islands Summit. And today we are meeting with the full Pacific Islands Forum at the White House for the first time. Today's recognition of Niueand the establishment of diplomatic relationswill not only further strengthen our bonds in the region, it will help forge the shared future we seekone of greater security, prosperity, and dignity for all. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President Biden on the Recognition of the Cook Islands and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations September 25, 2023 Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognizes the Cook Islands as a sovereign and independent state and will establish diplomatic relations between our two nations. The United States has a long history of cooperation with the Cook Islandsdating back to World War II when the U.S. military built airport runways in the northernmost atoll Penrhyn and in Aitutaki. Today's announcement will enable us to expand the scope of this enduring partnership as we seek to tackle the challenges that matter most to our peoples' livesfrom countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, to combatting climate change, to building inclusive economic growth, to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and beyond. The United States plans to work closely with the Cook Islands, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community to bolster Pacific regionalism. Together, we intend to align the objectives of the United States' first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy with the Pacific's own priorities as embodied in the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. And, the United States looks forward to participating in the upcoming PIF Leaders' Summit to support Pacific voices, Pacific choices, and the Pacific way. The history and the future of the Pacific Islands and the United States are inextricably linked. The United States' recognition of the Cook Islands, and the establishment of diplomatic relations will not only strengthen the ties between our nations, it will help ensure that our shared future is more secure, more prosperous, and more freefor our people and people around the world. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address X-66 NASAs Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD), a full-scale transonic truss braced wing (TTBW) design in development by Boeing for flight tests later this decade, was designated the X-66A by the U.S. Air Force 12 June 2023. The latest X-plane, the X-66A is the first in the almost 80-year experimental aircraft series specifically focused on achieving the goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions, according to NASA. The new X-plane seeks to inform a potential new generation of more sustainable single-aisle aircraft the workhorse of passenger airlines around the world. Working with NASA, Boeing will build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft with extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts, known as a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept. Key modifications by Boeing to the MD-90 will include replacing its wings with a new pair that will be thinner and extra-long, stabilized by diagonal struts. The design concept, known as the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing configuration, promises to be more fuel efficient than todays best-in-class commercial aircraft. NASA announced 18 January 2023 it had issued an award to The Boeing Company for the agencys Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, which seeks to inform a potential new generation of green single-aisle airliners. Under a Funded Space Act Agreement, Boeing will work with NASA to build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft and validate technologies aimed at lowering emissions. Over seven years, NASA will invest $425 million, while the company and its partners will contribute the remainder of the agreement funding, estimated at about $725 million. As part of the agreement, the agency also will contribute technical expertise and facilities. Since the beginning, NASA has been with you when you fly. NASA has dared to go farther, faster, higher. And in doing so, NASA has made aviation more sustainable and dependable. It is in our DNA, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Its our goal that NASAs partnership with Boeing to produce and test a full-scale demonstrator will help lead to future commercial airliners that are more fuel efficient, with benefits to the environment, the commercial aviation industry, and to passengers worldwide. If we are successful, we may see these technologies in planes that the public takes to the skies in the 2030s. At NASA, our eyes are not just focused on stars but also fixated on the sky. The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator builds on NASAs world-leading efforts in aeronautics as well climate, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The X-66A will help shape the future of aviation, a new era where aircraft are greener, cleaner, and quieter, and create new possibilities for the flying public and American industry alike. The X-66A is the first X-plane specifically focused on helping the United States achieve the goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions, which was articulated in the White Houses U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan. To reach our goal of net zero aviation emissions by 2050, we need transformative aircraft concepts like the ones were flying on the X-66A, said Bob Pearce, associate administrator for NASAs Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, who announced the designation at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Aviation Forum in San Diego. With this experimental aircraft, were aiming high to demonstrate the kinds of energy-saving, emissions-reducing technologies the aviation industry needs. NASA and Boeing sought the X-plane designation shortly after the agency announced the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project award earlier this year. The Air Force confers X-plane status for development programs that set out to create revolutionary experimental aircraft configurations. The designation is for research aircraft. With few exceptions, X-planes are intended to test designs and technologies that can be adopted into other aircraft designs, not serve as prototypes for full production. Were incredibly proud of this designation, because it means that the X-66A will be the next in a long line of experimental aircraft used to validate breakthrough designs that have transformed aviation, said Todd Citron, Boeing chief technology officer. With the learnings gained from design, construction, and flight-testing, well have an opportunity to shape the future of flight and contribute to the decarbonization of aerospace. For the X-66A, the Air Force provided the designation for an aircraft that validates technologies for a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing configuration that, when combined with other advancements in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, could result in up to 30% less fuel consumption and reduced emissions when compared with todays best-in-class aircraft. Due to their heavy usage, single-aisle aircraft today account for nearly half of worldwide aviation emissions. Creating designs and technologies for a more sustainable version of this type of aircraft has the potential for profound impact on emissions. NASAs history with the X-plane designation dates to the 1940s, when its predecessor agency, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) jointly created an experimental aircraft program with the Air Force and the U.S. Navy. The X-66A is the latest in a long line of NASA X-planes. Additionally, NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, has provided technical expertise and support for several additional X-planes. For the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator, NASA had a Funded Space Act Agreement with Boeing through which the agency will invest $425 million over seven years, while the company and its partners will contribute the remainder of the funding, estimated at about $725 million. NASA also will contribute technical expertise and facilities. The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project is an activity under NASAs Integrated Aviation Systems Program and a key element of the agencys Sustainable Flight National Partnership, which focuses on developing new sustainable aviation technologies. The Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept involves an aircraft with extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts. This design results in an aircraft that is much more fuel efficient than a traditional airliner due to a shape that would create less drag resulting in its burning less fuel. NASA is working toward an ambitious goal of developing game-changing technologies to reduce aviation energy use and emissions over the coming decades toward an aviation community goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, said Bob Pearce, NASA associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. The Transonic Truss-Braced Wing is the kind of transformative concept and investment we will need to meet those challenges and, critically, the technologies demonstrated in this project have a clear and viable path to informing the next generation of single-aisle aircraft, benefiting everyone that uses the air transportation system. NASAs goal is that the technology flown on the demonstrator aircraft, when combined with other advancements in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, would result in fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 30% relative to todays most efficient single-aisle aircraft, depending on the mission. Through separate efforts, NASA has worked with Boeing and other industry partners on advanced sustainable aviation concepts, including the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept. Were honored to continue our partnership with NASA and to demonstrate technology that significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency resulting in substantially lower fuel burn and emissions, said Todd Citron, Boeing chief technology officer. Boeing has been advancing a multipronged sustainability strategy, including fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced technologies to support the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan and meet the industry objective of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator builds on more than a decade of NASA, Boeing, and our industry partners investments to help achieve these objectives. The new Funded Space Act agreement allows NASA to capitalize on private industry knowledge and experience, with Boeing and its partners laying out a proposed technical plan. NASA will provide access to its aeronautics facilities and expertise. NASA will not procure an aircraft or any other hardware for its missions. The agency will obtain access to certain ground and flight data that can be used to validate the airframe configuration and associated technologies. The Sustainable Flight Demonstrator will help the United States achieve net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050 one of the environmental goals articulated in the White Houses U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan. The International Civil Aviation Organization also has set a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine - M1A2 Abrams American Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce the brigades. The President announced this 25 September 2023 on Telegram following the results of a meeting on the synchronization of the main security areas, Ukrinform reports. According to Zelensky, there is good news from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. "Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades. I am grateful to the allies for fulfilling the agreements! We are looking for new contracts, expanding the geography of supply," Zelensky noted. During their meeting at the White House on 21 September 2023, US President Joe Biden told Zelensky that the first Abrams M1s will be arriving in Ukraine next week. The Abrams tanks are some serious weapons, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted, while talking to journalists. He then cited President Vladimir Putin, who, according to his spokesman, said that other Western-made tanks were readily burning. These will burn too, Peskov added. The Wall Street Journal reported "Ukrainian officials acknowledge that, four months into the offensive, the vehicles are unlikely to significantly alter the shape of the war. A tank like the Abrams was created for a slightly different war with the goal of destroying Soviet armored vehicles from a position or in head-on collisions. The Ukrainian battlefield is a cocktail of continuous minefields, the dominance of drones with attack helicopters and the dominance of artillery, where the tactics of using heavy armor differ significantly from the ideas of the end of the last century. These samples do not contain secret uranium armor, modern thermal imagers and night sights, as well as information equipment. US-supplied Abrams tanks should only be deployed by Kiev in specific breakthrough operations, or they will be quickly destroyed by Russian forces, Kirill Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian military, said 22 September 2023. Ukraine is looking forward to receiving the 31 Abrams M1 main battle tanks that Washington promised to provide in January, Budanov said in an interview with the War Zone website. However, the spy chief warned that if the American armor is deployed on the front line and just in a combined arms fight, they will not live very long on the battlefield with Russia. In order to make the best use of the tanks, Kiev should only engage them in very specific, well-crafted breakthrough operations, he said. The wide use of artillery and mines by both Russian and Ukrainian forces has reduced the possibility of using armored equipment in practically all of the main directions to the minimum, Budanov explained. If we just deploy some battalion tank group into the battlefield somewhere, just as soon as it gets under the range of artillery it will get hit, he said. According to the spy chief, this is the reason, why currently, all main instances of fighting are done on foot without using any materiel. The Ukrainian Armed Forces may receive the first 10 of 31 US M1 Abrams tanks in mid-September 2023. This was reported on 31 August 2023 by the newspaper Politico, citing sources in the Pentagon. "The United States intends to expedite the delivery of 31 tanks to Ukraine by autumn," Martin O'Donnell, spokesman for the US Army Command in Europe and Africa, told the publication. He added that the training of 200 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to operate the M1 Abrams at American training bases in Germany has been completed. Now at Gravenfort, they are working to preserve the skills they have learned until "the tanks are ready for combat," O'Donnell said. The US hopes to deliver the first Abrams heavy tanks to Ukraine sometime in September 2023 so they could join the ongoing offensive, Politico reported on 27 July 2023. The Pentagon had previously estimated their deployment sometime in the fall. The first handful of tanks will be sent to Germany in August, where they will undergo final refurbishments before getting shipped to Ukraine the following month, the outlet said, citing six unnamed officials familiar with the discussions. Six to eight tanks will be involved in the initial delivery, according to a congressional aide and an industry official. The US has pledged a total of 31 tanks, or the equivalent of a Ukrainian battalion. Originally the Pentagon intended to use the more modern M1A2 variants, but changed plans in March, opting for the older M1A1. The tanks first need to be refurbished, which includes stripping them of sensitive technology the US fears might be captured by Russia, from fire control systems to the depleted uranium armor. Washington was working with NATO allies to establish heavy maintenance repair facilities, especially for battle damage so the Abrams tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles already delivered to Kiev can be maintained. The U.S. Army has thousands of older Abrams in storage that a contractor could be hired to refurbish to a like-new condition. The U.S. Army is believed to have 2,509 Abrams in various versions in active service, with an additional 3,500-3,700 in storage. A number of these tanks were upgraded to the M1A2 standard. US Army has over 2,300 of these tanks in reserve storage. Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) in Herlong, California is the US Army's largest facility (36,000 acres) dedicated to long-term desert storage, regeneration, reutilisation and redistribution of mechanised vehicles. The US Army's Sierra Army Depot tank storage facility in California and shows an estimated 2,000 "spare" M1 Abrams MBTs. Designed for use by the armed forces of Ukraine, Abrams tanks are already undergoing a process of re-equipment, their transfer will take place before the end of the year. This was announced on25 Msy 2023 at a briefing by Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General of the Air Force Patrick Ryder. "Tanks that are intended for Ukraine are currently undergoing a re-equipment process. They will be improved and prepared for shipment to Ukraine," he said. "Since we are doing this at the same time (with training Ukrainians to operate tanks - ed. note), we will be able to meet the deadlines set for the fall and provide them with tanks before the end of the year," he added. The M1 was equipped with the American 105mm M68 gun and an armor package that was said to be pretty good for its time. The highly classified armor package on later versions contain depleted uranium, and are not readily exportable even to major allies. Beginning in October 1988, new Army M1A1 Abrams tanks were equipped with the armor, made from a mesh of "depleted" uranium encased in steel. It is 2 1/2 times as dense as steel. The original version of this armor was engineered under a top-secret Special Access Program (SAP) nicknamed Green Grape. Armor packages that incorporated DU were included on subsequent A2-series variants, as well. Many older American M1A1s were later upgraded with the newer armor. The Foreign Military Sales armor package replaces the uranium with tungsten, which is very hard, and less closley regulated. The Army reportedly estimated that the total cost of converting the tanks turrets would be nearly $6 million. Some 31 Abrams tanks will arrive at Grafenwohr Training Area in Germany at the end of May 2023, US officials said 21 April 2023, and troops would begin training a couple of weeks later. Similar training programs for Ukrainian troops learning to operate new gear have taken place at Grafenwohr near the Czech border. The United States timeline for providing M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine has been expedited to deliver training tanks to Germany in the coming weeks, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. "Weve also expedited our M1 Abrams timelines to supply Ukraine with more armored capability in the coming months, and the M1s that the Ukrainians will use for training will arrive here in Germany in the next few weeks," Austin said during a press conference. The United States will send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of persistent arguments that they were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain. The US decision comes on the heels of Germany agreeing to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its own stocks. President Joe Biden announced the decision in remarks at the White House 25 January 2023, saying the tanks are needed to help the Ukrainians 'improve their ability to manoeuvre in open terrain'. Speaking at the White House, he said, Im announcing that the United States will be sending 31 Abram tanks to Ukraine the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion. Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it all enhance Ukraines capacity to defend his territory to achieve strategic objectives. Biden also said Washington was giving Ukraine the necessary parts and equipment, and will be providing Ukrainian personnel with training. Kiev had included the Abrams in its 2023 wish list issued in late December 2022, as Ukrainian officials sought heavier weapons from the West for its conflict with Russia. The US was reluctant to supply these particular tanks due to the logistical and maintenance challenges of the tanks, and not over concern that their transfer could escalate the conflict, a US official was quoted as saying. US President Joe Biden will announce on 25 January 2023 the decision to supply Ukraine with Abrams tanks. This was reported by the Al Jazeera TV channel, citing an unnamed representative of the US administration. According to the channel's interlocutor, the tanks that Washington intends to transfer to Kyiv "will not be taken from the Pentagon's warehouses, they will be contracted." Politico reported that the US could send at least 30 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as military aid. Berlin contradicted a White House account that US President Joe Biden only agreed to the delivery of Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine at Germany's insistence against the recommendation of military officials. Deputy government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner on 27 February 2023 said that, from Germany's point of view, the decision to jointly supply battle tanks was reached amicably. "These were good, constructive talks in which care was always taken by both sides to arrive at a joint approach," he said. Buchner reiterated an earlier statement by government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had never made the delivery of German Leopard tanks conditional on the US providing Abrams tanks. Biden's security adviser Jake Sullivan spoke differently about the decision-making in a television interview with broadcaster ABC on 26 February 2023. He said Biden "originally decided against sending them Abrams tanks because his military told them that they would not be useful on the battlefield in this fight." "The Germans told the president that they would not be prepared to send those Leopards into the fight ... until the president also agreed to send Abrams.... So, in the interest of alliance unity and to ensure that Ukraine got what it wanted, despite the fact that the Abrams aren't the tool they need, the president said okay." in early September 2022, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed hope for the supply of Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, noting Germany's progress in providing weapons to Ukraine. He also again mentioned the provision of tanks for training by a certain country. At the end of September, the United States confirmed its readiness in principle to transfer M1 Abrams tanks or other modifications to Ukraine, while noting the difficulties with logistics and maintenance, as well as the long period of crew training. On 17 January 2023 White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at a regular briefing declined to clarify whether the United States intends to supply tanks to Ukraine, but noted that Washington supports the supply of any military assistance to Kyiv by its allies. "Of course, I do not intend to make any announcements from here, but we will be with the Ukrainians as long as they defend themselves," she said, answering a question about the possibility of transferring American tanks to Kyiv. We dont like to tell our allies what they should or shouldnt do. In relation to Ukraine, we are partners with them, partners on how we continue to provide assistance to Ukraine , but, of course , this is not something we will lead [them] in," Jean-Pierre added. Washington would not deliver the M1s to Kiev, allegedly because their heavy fuel consumption and propensity to break down make these 60-ton tanks unsuitable for the Ukrainian military. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is ready to allow the supply of Leopard-2 battle tanks to Kyiv, provided that the United States, for its part, will provide Ukraine with Abrams tanks. This was reported on 18 January 2023, citing its own sources, the newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. Such a condition was set by Scholz during a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden on 17 January 2023. The Chancellor had repeatedly stated that the FRG will not take unilateral steps on the issue of military support to Ukraine. As noted by the newspaper, Biden, in an interview with Scholz, did not give firm consent to the transfer of Abrams. Washington, obviously, was trying to ensure that Berlin not only allows other NATO countries to re-export the Leopard to Ukraine, but also supplies it with tanks from its own stocks, writes Suddeutsche Zeitung. Leopard deliveries cannot be made without the permission of Germany, which manufactures these tanks. Scholz had decided to send around 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine after the USA had promised to supply infantry fighting vehicles. A senior U.S. defense official told TIME "The Pentagon contends that Leopards consume less fuel than Abrams tanks, are easier to maintain, and, perhaps most importantly, are already widely available across Europe. ... the Biden Administration says it has no plans to send American tanks for now, because they pose too big of a challenge for Kyiv to maintain and run...." The M1 consumes 83% more fuel than the Leopard II when driven at a constant speed (1.71 gal/mile for the M1 vs. only .93 gal/mile for the Leopard II). With the introduction of the heavier M1A1, the fuel situation has worsened. In an effort to standardize the fuel used by all Army vehicles, the Army will no longer use diesel to fuel the M1. Instead, a type of aviation fuel, which runs less efficiently in the M1, will be used by all Army vehicles. While moving fuel consumption is not much worse than tanks of its weight class, but its range and speed will allow it to out run its logistics faster than almost any other tank in the world. It is said that maintenance hours to operational hours are several times higher for Abrams versus the Leopard, although actual Leopard numbers are not readily available. Maintainability measures the number of maintena81e hours expended for each hour of tank operation. The maintenance ratio sought is 1.25 to 1. At 1980-81 Fort Knox testing the tanks scored 2.86 to 1, and at Aberdeen trsting, 1.71 to 1. The M1 required maximum maintenance ratio is 1.25 man-hours per operating hour. This represents a sacrafice of tank availability. In 1976, a reliability test of tanks, including five new M-60 Als coming off the production line, showed that the M-60 was superior to the M-1 in maintena81e hours expended for each hour of tank operation, wiih a maintenance ratio 0.41 man-hours per operating hour. "Availability" is the average number of tanks available for combat each day during a reporting period. The tank sample on which the 1.4 mh/oh rate is based had an availability rate of only 88%. Abrams also has the highest ground pressure over 1 kg/m2, whereas Leopard 2A6 has ground pressure of 0,86 kg/m2 and both Leclerc and Challenger II have ground pressure of between 0,9 and 1 kg/m2. "The Abrams tank is very complicated; its expensive; its hard to train on, Colin Kahl, the Defense Departments undersecretary for policy, told reporters 18 January 2023 at the Pentagon. I think its about three gallons to the mile with jet fuel. It is not the easiest system to maintain. It may or may not be the right system. But well continue to look at what makes sense. Kahl held the door open to possibly providing Abrams in the long-term, saying the Biden Administration had yet to make a final decision. I just dont think were there yet, he said. But I will say that one of the things that Secretary Austin has been very focused on is that we should not be providing the Ukrainian systems they cant repair, they cant sustain, and that, over the long term, they cant afford because its not helpful. Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general who once commanded all U.S. Army forces in Europe, says the maintenance and logistics concerns associated with the battle tanks is no reason to hold them back. The U.S. should stop being so condescending when talking about how difficult this would be for the Ukrainians, to meet the fuel requirements, he says. The Ukrainians will sort that out. Theyll MacGyver a solution as theyve been doing for monthsjust give them the capability they need. The US will not include the coveted M1 Abrams main battle tanks in a major Ukraine aid package that will be announced this week, Politico magazine reported 18 January 2023, citing three US officials and another person familiar with the matter. Politico magazine reported 19 January 2023 that one of the most significant moments at the World Economic Forum happened out of sight in a quiet room: OLAF SCHOLZ, the German chancellor, told the American congressional delegation that he won't send Leopard tanks to Ukraine until the U.S. agrees to transfer its Abrams tanks. The exchange in Davos, described by four people with knowledge of what was said, including Rep. SETH MOULTON (D-Mass.), was respectful in tone but showed just how far apart Washington and Berlin are on a tank deal. Moulton said Scholz made a "fairly reasonable" request because Germany relies on the U.S. for nuclear deterrence and the Germans "are much closer to this fight than we are." Scholz was "pretty direct," one person said. The lawmakers in the room which included Moulton alongside Sens. CHRIS COONS (D-Del.), JOE MANCHIN (D-W.Va.) and MARIA CANTWELL (D-Wash.) were surprised to hear the remark as they felt more progress has been made on the issue, two people said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did not link the issue of transferring German Leopard tanks to Kyiv with the mandatory provision of American Abrams tanks to Ukraine. This was stated on 20 January 2023 at a briefing by German government spokesman Steffen Hebeshtreit. "I have read a post about it. There has never been a conditionality or requirement that one step must first follow in order for another to be done," he argued. Hebeshtreit said that Berlin adheres to three principles when providing military assistance to Kyiv. "First, to support Ukraine as much as possible, we are on the side of Ukraine. Secondly, to prevent NATO and Germany from becoming a belligerent, and thirdly, we should not take national unilateral steps, but closely coordinate actions with international partners, including the United States," the cabinet spokesman said. Ukraine needed more armored vehicles like Abrams main battle tanks, which had the ability to push Russian forces out of its territory and end the Kremlin threat to the free world. The M1 Abrams was tested in action during the training of the forces of the alliance during the Cold War and in real military operations in the Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen. This model retained its reputation as one of the most effective tanks in service with the modern armies of the world for more than 40 years. Tanks are inherently used to support infantry in combat missions as well as offensive operations. Where there is a possibility of breaking through the defense, tank formations are used. According to the latest events at the front, it becomes clear why Ukrainian diplomacy and military leadership had stepped up requests for this type of weapon. The United States has 3700 of these tanks in storage. Bradleys can provide "support of both offensive and defensive operations, providing a level of firepower and armor that will bring advantages on the battlefield as Ukraine continues to defend their homeland," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said on 05 January 2023. The Abrams M1 A2 tank is one of the best in its class. It has high firepower, good protection and high speed. Electronic equipment and night vision devices allow him to successfully operate in a variety of weather conditions. The use of the built-in dynamic protection of the tower and the strengthening of the armor protection of the roof of the hull increased the tank's protection even more. In the Soviet Union, the "Abrams" was looked at exclusively through the slot of the sight - being the basis of NATO's tank power, it was enemy No. 1 for Soviet tankers. It was with "Abrams" that the lists of armored vehicles of a potential enemy began in reference books and manuals of the Soviet Army. However, little has changed since then. Currently, the Ukrainian army is armed with Soviet models of T-72 tanks and similar armored vehicles. Western models are distinguished not only by better firepower and armor, but also by maneuverability, which means they will allow them to have an advantage in battle with Russian invaders. On 28 April 2022, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of granting Lend-Lease to Ukraine. Thanks to him, the Armed Forces of Ukraine can receive a list of the necessary weapons to liberate the territory from the invaders. Lend-lease has been agreed to provide armored vehicles, air defense systems, aviation and other types of weapons, and this document comes into force in early October 2022. Until now, Ukraine received weapons under the USAI military assistance program. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said 02 September 2022 that Ukraine expected to receive Abrams tanks from the US and Leopard-2 tanks from Germany. "Germany has made tremendous progress in supporting Ukraine with weapons. We are grateful to Germany, grateful to Chancellor Scholz for supporting Ukraine. At first, only protective equipment or helmets were supplied, today it is modern weapons: air defense systems or multiple launch rocket systems, artillery, etc.", he said in an interview with the German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur. At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that Ukraine wants to get even more weapons and equipment from Germany as soon as possible. He stressed that a change in the philosophy of arms supply is required, in particular, it is necessary to supply modern battle tanks. "We expect that the United States will supply us with their Abrams tanks, and Germany - Leopard-2. These are the modern tanks that Ukraine needs on the battlefield." In a flurry of announcements, in early January 2023 some of Ukraine's major Western allies pledged to send advanced armored combat vehicles to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia's invasion. Both the United States and Germany said they would provide new powerful weapons to Kyiv: 50 M2 Bradley fighting vehicles from Washington and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles from Berlin. The January 5 announcement came a day after France made a similar pledge to send new weapons -- AMX-10 RC armored reconnaissance vehicles -- in a development that marks a clear escalation of Western military support. While representing a significant upgrade in military aid, the Bradley vehicles are not atop Kyiv's main wish-list: main battle tanks, such as the U.S.-made M1 Abrams or the German Leopard. Poland will buy 116 used Abrams tanks from the US as Warsaw bolsters its military after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Poland promised to increase defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product and more than double the size of its army to deter any possible attack. "We have agreed on a contract with the United States for the purchase of 116 used Abrams tanks on preferential terms," Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said 15 July 2022, adding that the agreement would "significantly strengthen" Poland's defense capability. The agreement is an addition to the contract for the purchase of 250 Abrams tanks. In April 2022, the Polish Ministry of Defense signed a contract for the purchase of 250 American Abrams M1A2 tanks in the amount of 20 billion zlotys (more than 4 billion euros), which is the largest contract for the purchase of weapons for the Polish army. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said 02 September 2022 that Ukraine expected to receive Abrams tanks from the US and Leopard-2 tanks from Germany. "We expect that the United States will supply us with their Abrams tanks, and Germany - Leopard-2. These are the modern tanks that Ukraine needs on the battlefield." Ukraine's military claims to have destroyed over 3,000 of Russia's tanks. And the independent Dutch research group Oryx, which keeps a running total of documented incidents of Russian military equipment knocked out of commission, puts the figure at about 1,600 tanks. In addition to directly confronting that threat, experts said the Western infantry fighting vehicles will give Ukrainian ground troops relatively safe and speedy mobility. The vehicles are intended to enable infantry to keep up with and support armored attacks by heavy tanks. The administration of US President Joe Biden had ruled out sending large Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine for technical reasons. This was reported by The Washington Post 05 January 2023, citing a senior American official. Abrams tanks weigh 55 tons and rely on a gas turbine engine that consumes fuel at a tremendous rate. Moreover, said the source of the publication, the tanks are prone to breakdowns and require a lot of maintenance experience. The main reasons given by US and German defense officials for the delay in deliveries are the differences in Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks from Soviet designs. Western models of weapons require different logistics and maintenance, as well as long-term training of our military. Ukraine must convince partners that it is able to form crews for the effective use of equipment and is able to keep it. This need for fuel creates logistical problems for the troops. During the offensive in the Middle East, the US Army first encountered the low speed of movement in tanks, because they needed frequent refueling, which was carried out by special vehicles. The large weight of the M1 Abrams, in turn, creates problems with the speed of deployment of tanks, because it requires specialized equipment for their transfer. The decisions by the United States and Germany to send Bradley and Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ukraine could pave the way for the West to supply more powerful tanks, U.S. political news outlet Politico said on 05 January 2023. Those could include Germanys Leopard tanks or even the U.S. Armys M1 Abrams, experts and two U.S. officials told Politico. Retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, a former commander of U.S. Army Europe, said the Western infantry fighting vehicles are designed to work in tandem with the Abrams, providing a complementary capability. At the same time, a Defense Department spokesperson declined to comment on the issue of tank supplies. One adviser to the Ukraine government told Politico that Washington and Kyiv had been talking for months about sending heavier armor. The M1 Abrams tanks that Washington promised to Ukraine might end up being a liability rather than a boost to Kievs war effort, the Financial Times reported on 05 February 2023. Such a view is explained by the armors complicated logistics and maintenance needs. The 70-tonne tank has a gas turbine engine, which allows it greater acceleration than a diesel engine but requires meticulous maintenance and consumes larger amounts of fuel, the FT explained. The paper cited former US Army platoon commander John Nagl, who said his soldiers spent a whole lot of time literally banging our air filters during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq amid big concerns about the tank engine ingesting sand and not working. Maintaining the combat readiness of the Abrams tanks would require completely different types of machinery relative to other Western-designed tanks promised to Kiev, as well as crews trained for special gadgets, the FT highlighted. The mechanics crews for the tanks would also take longer to train, the paper reported. The tanks will need a steady supply of spare parts and have their 500-gallon tank refilled every day with jet fuel given that it cannot run on diesel, it added. The M1 Abrams is a terrific tank, but it is an American tank and the American way of war demands all the logistics in the world, Nagl told FT. The paper then noted that the logistics and supply network for the Abrams tanks would remain in the US. The logistical shortcomings might eventually turn the Abrams into something of a liability for Ukrainian troops as they could easily fall prey to Russian attacks, Josh Kirshner, a managing director at Beacon Global Strategies, a strategic advisory firm, warned. Kievs forces dont want the Cadillac of defense items, they just need good enough gear, he argued. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vietnamese People's Air Force - F-16 Vietnam will soon become the next developed country in Asia. A large amount of foreign investment will pour into Vietnam. Large factories have been built in the original muddy land. Vietnam not only accommodates a large number of manufacturing industries, It even began to accept financial resources. While the economy is developing rapidly, the Vietnamese government is also promoting its own military modernization. Judging from the actual situation, the Vietnamese government puts more energy into economic and political reforms. Vietnam's military modernization has lagged behind, although it is equipped with equipment from many countries. As far as the Vietnamese Air Force is concerned, despite the upgrade with the help of India, the old MiG-21 fighter jets still need to be phased out as soon as possible. Vietnam plans to invest US$1.5 billion to purchase a single-engine fighter jet to replace the MiG-21. For now Judging from the situation, it is more likely to choose the American-made F-16 fighter jet. The Vietnamese Air Force has long been equipped with fighter jets made by the Soviet Union/Russia. However, military cooperation with other countries in recent years has also made Vietnam increasingly aware of the training and tactical systems of American fighter jets. As for the need to establish a separate logistics and maintenance system, and the existing The integration of command systems is not a big problem. There are many countries equipped with fighter jets from the United States, Russia, and even the United States, Russia, and France. Compared with Russian fighter jets, although the initial selling price of U.S. fighter jets is more expensive (excluding second-hand fighter jets), in terms of the entire life cycle, its cost is not higher than that of Russian fighter jets, and it can even be said to be cheaper, especially given the life span of U.S. fighter jets Several times that of Russian-made fighter jets. This has even been recognized by some Russian "allies". While acquiring the latest Su-30SM fighter jets, Belarusian President Lukashenko complained that Russian-made fighter jets were more expensive. In terms of price and performance, the latest Su-30SM It is also inferior to the F-16 fighter jets purchased by neighboring countries. The F-16 was born in the Vietnam War, when the United States discovered their heavy Cold War "lead sled" fighters were not designed for old-fashioned dogfights against the North Vietnamese Air Force. The large, heavy, unmaneuverable and purely missile-armed American fighters were forced to engage older but more agile MiGs. By 1965 a small group laterknown as the "Fighter Mafia," instigated the creation of a new fighter that was agile with good pilot visibility and armament for close engagements, with "not a pound for air-to-ground". The F-XX was reborn in a modified form in 1971 and ultimately evolved into the highly-successful F-16. Washington lifted its arms sales embargo on Vietnam in 2016. Vietnam saw the lifting of the 50-year-old US arms embargo as an opportunity to securely access a flow of advanced American technology for the next generation and to buy F-16 combat jets to patrol the South China Sea, US experts on East Asia said. "The Vietnamese want F-16s," Eurasian Business Coalition (EBC) Vice President Ralph Winnie said 02 June 2016. "That is what they would like to patrol the South China Sea." while the F-16 Fighting Falcon jets were on Hanois immediate shopping list, Winnie explained that the Vietnamese also had a much more ambitious, long-term agenda of business cooperation with the United States in mind. "The Vietnamese would like to focus on developing joint venture partnerships with the United States to ensure technological progress over the next 10 to 20 years. The idea would be to gain access to US and Western technology on a reliable and sustained long-term basis," Winnie stated. Although Vietnams direct relations with China were deteriorating, Hanoi still looked to Beijing as its model for maintaining control over a centralized, militarily-strong society while applying free market competition to achieve long-term economic growth. However Vietnam was increasingly alarmed by Chinas growing assertiveness over its sovereignty rights in the South China Sea, known in Vietnam as the East Sea. These concerns rested on a long historic record of mutual suspicion and distrust between Beijing and Hanoi. US veteran foreign policy analyst and author Joe Lauria noted that the growing ties between Hanoi and Washington fulfilled a prediction famous political scientist Hans Morgenthau made back in 1970. "During one of his lectures in Spring 1970, Morgenthau predicted that the Vietnam War would end, that the United States would lose the Vietnam War and leave Vietnam, but that someday Vietnam would invite the United States back in in order to counteract China," Lauria recalled. Vietnam planned by 2020 to invest US$1.5 billion to purchase a single-engine fighter jet to replace the MiG-21. For now Judging from the situation, it is likely to choose the American-made F-16 fighter jet. The topic of Vietnam purchasing US-made F-16 fighter jets has been around for a long time. The United States is willing to facilitate this deal and strengthen the previous military cooperation between the United States and Vietnam. The United States has lifted most restrictions on arms sales to Vietnam. The two countries are politically and Economic cooperation has also been deepened. Vietnam may purchase second-hand F-16 fighter jets retired by the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. With the batch service of F-35 fighter jets, the F-16 is currently accelerating its retirement. In the future, the U.S. military will fully retire this classic fighter jet, extend its life and add some upgrades. The later second-hand F-16 fighter jets still have strong combat effectiveness. In fact, not only the United States, but also other countries that are replacing F-35 fighter jets are planning to sell off the F-16 fighter jets that are about to be retired. Defence Security Asia reported "Washington is expected to offer the F-16 Block 70 Viper variant, the most advanced version of the aircraft, equipped with various weapon systems, an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, a new mission computer, and several other upgrades. While still categorized as a fourth-generation fighter, the latest F-16 Block 70 Viper boasts some fifth-generation technology." The Biden administration was in talks with Vietnam over an arms sale package featuring a fleet of F-16 fighter jets that could come together within the a year. When President Biden visited Vietnam earlier this month, Vietnam elevated the United States to the highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia. It marked a major diplomatic shift nearly half a century after the end of the Vietnam War. The US is reportedly in talks with Vietnam on offering the country F-16 fighter jets after the two countries upgraded their diplomatic ties earlier in September. The sovereignty dispute in the South China Sea and the increasingly tense relationship with China occasion to assist Vietnam in strengthening its defense capabilities. Discussions were still at an early stage and specific terms had not yet been finalized. During September 2023, it became a key topic in talks between Vietnamese and American officials in Hanoi, New York and Washington. Since the arms embargo was lifted in 2016, U.S. defense exports to Vietnam have been limited to coast guard ships and training aircraft, while about 80% of Vietnam's armaments come from Russia. Hanoi's annual arms import budget is approximately US$2 billion. The high cost of U.S. weapons is a major obstacle, as is training in the use of the equipment, a major reason why Vietnam has purchased less than $400 million in U.S. arms over the past decade. "Vietnamese officials are very clear that they have to allocate funds. We need to take the lead and help Vietnam get what it needs," one U.S. official said. Washington was considering setting special financing conditions for the expensive arms sale, which would help cash-strapped Hanoi wean itself off dependence on low-cost Russian-made weapons. Spokespersons for the White House and Vietnam's foreign ministry did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. "One of the issues that the U.S. government is grappling with within the U.S. government is how to creatively provide better financing options to Vietnam so that they can potentially get something that is really useful to them," a U.S. official said. The deal, which could eventualoy become one of the largest arms transfers between the two countries since the Cold War, is still in its early stages, with exact terms yet to be worked out, and may not come together, Reuters reported. Reuters brought up the tensions between China and Vietnam over the South China Sea issue, citing it as a reason Vietnam should consider buying the US warplanes, with another named reason being that the Ukraine crisis is making it harder for Vietnam to acquire weapons from its longstanding arms supplier Russia. Jeffrey Ordaniel, assistant professor of international security studies at Tokyo International University and director of maritime security at the think tank Pacific Forum, said: "They are developing asymmetric defense capabilities but hope not to trigger a reaction from China. This is a delicate balance." He Adding that Washington should shift military spending that finances the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific: "Partner countries like Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan so that they can cover the costs of the armaments they need to fight China." The Biden administration had said the United States is trying to balance geopolitical competition with China in places like the Pacific. At the same time, the Russo-Ukrainian war has complicated Hanoi's long-term relationship with Moscow, and purchasing Russian-made weapons is no longer as easy as before. However, Vietnam is still actively negotiating with Moscow on a possible arms sales agreement, which may trigger US sanctions. The "could irk China and sideline Russia," Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the deal. Chinese experts said on 24 September 2023 that the potential deal, serving the US' hegemonic goals of containing China, would stir up troubles that sabotage peace and stability in the region, and that Vietnam will not easily accept that. Chinese military experts said that the US proposal has its own hegemonic goals. The Vietnamese air force now mainly operates Russian-made fighter jets, and if the US-made F-16s replace them, it means that the US could win another major customer from Russia, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Sunday. By offering F-16 fighter jets, potentially second-hand, to Vietnam and boosting defense ties, the US aims to gain another foothold in the region through adding political strings like demanding the use of Vietnam air force and naval bases, Wei said. Taking advantage of this new foothold, the US military can stir up more troubles in the South China Sea to build up a military encirclement and contain China, Wei said. However, analysts believe that Vietnam can weigh the pros and cons independently and avoid falling into a trap that would make it a US pawn. If Vietnam buys US fighter jets, it could find itself controlled by the US, and its defense policies and military activities could become dependent on US decisions, Wei said. "Vietnam will unlikely find this acceptable," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 25 September 2023 - Day 579 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 over the last week, Russian forces have made a concerted effort to conduct local counter attacks against advancing Ukrainian forces in both the Orikhiv and Bakhmut sectors. In both areas, Ukrainian forces have defeated the Russian attacks and maintained their hold on recently liberated territory. Comments posted by the Russian military community suggest extreme disillusionment amongst those involved in these counter attacks, especially near Bakhmut, with reports of 'ill-conceived' advances, lack of artillery support, and heavy casualties. Over the last nine months, the Russian force in Ukraine has proved itself capable of conducting stalwart defensive operations. However, it continues to display only minimal capability on the offensive. Commanders struggle to orchestrate complex joint effects, to concentrate sufficient artillery ammunition, and to maintain high morale and offensive spirit. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of September 25, there were 17x combat engagements. Moreover, the Russian Federation launched another attack with 12x Kalibr cruise missiles, 2x P-800 Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles and 19x Iranian Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs on the port infrastructure of Odesa oblast. Air defense shot down 11x Kalibr cruise missiles and all 19 Shaheds. In total, Russian forces launched 14x missile strikes, 57x air strikes, 40x MLRS strikes at the positions of Ukrainian troops and civilian targets. Unfortunately, Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Residential buildings, a hotel, a kindergarten and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The operational situation in the east and south of Ukraine remains difficult. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. There are no signs of offensive groups being formed. Certain units of the Belarusian armed forces are performing tasks in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the border areas, continues shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. The Russian adversary launched air strike in the vicinities of Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Popivka and Ponomarenky (Sumy oblast). More than 25x settlements suffered Russian artillery and mortars fire, including Klyusy, Bleshnya, Hrem'yachka, Kostobobriv (Chernihiv oblast), Bila Bereza, Volfyne, Myropillya, Ryasne, Pozhnya (Sumy oblast), Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, Nesterne, Budarky (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: the Russian adversary launched air strikes in the vicinities of Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka (Kharkiv oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Novomlyns'k, Lyman Pershyi, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Kotlyarivka, Tabaivka (Kharkiv oblast), suffered Russian artillery and mortars shelling. Lyman axis: Russian forces launched air strikes at the settlements of Nadiya, Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast) and Spirne, Vasyukivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 15x settlements including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Zarichne, Dibrova, Fedorivka, Nykyforivka (Donetsk oblast), suffered Russian artillery and mortars fire. Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled a Russian attack in the vicinity of Klishchiiivka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian occupiers launched an air strike near Pivnichne (Donetsk oblast). More than 25x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortars fire, including Min'kivka, Bohdanivka, Chasiv Yar, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, Kurdyumivka (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Keramik, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Sjeverne and Orlivka (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: during the day of September 25, the Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled 7x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Mar'inka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces made unsuccessful attempts to regain lost ground near Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian adversary launched an air strike near Novomykhailivka. The invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Antonivka, Katerynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Kurakhove (Donetsk oblast). Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces launched an air strike near the settlement of Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast). About 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortars fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: The Russian occupiers launched air strike near Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at about 30x settlements, including Chervone, Orikhiv, Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, P'yatykhatky, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Kherson axis: Russian forces launched air strikes against Beryslav, Odradokam'yanka, Ol'hivka, L'vove (Kherson oblast). The russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at about 10x settlements, including Kherson, Tokarivka, Antonivka (Kherson oblast) and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol' axis and offensives (assaults) on Bakhmut axis, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the Russian occupation forces, and exhausting Russian forces along the entire front line. During the day of September 25, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 11x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment and 1x strike on an anti-aircraft missile system of the Russian adversary. Missile troops hit 9x artillery systems, 1x concentration of weapons and military equipment, 1x ammunition depot and 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have launched a group strike with long-range precision weapons and strike drones against temporary deployment sites of foreign mercenaries and sabotage groups training points of the AFU. All the facilities have been neutralised. The goal of the attack has been reached. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in cooperation with aviation and artillery, have successfully repelled seven attacks by AFU assault groups close to Spornoye, Berestovoye, and Mayorsk (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 445 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, and 11 motor vehicles. In addition, in the course of counter-battery warfare, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system and two D-30 howitzers have been destroyed. One ammunition depot of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade of the AFU has been also destroyed near Zvanovka (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 71th Jaeger Brigade of the AFU close to Verbovoye (Zaporozhye region). In addition, AFU 21st and 65th mechanised brigades' manpower and hardware clusters have been hit close to Malaya Tokmachka, Novodanilovka, and north of Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were up to 100 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, and three motor vehicles. During the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, one D-20 gun, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and four D-30 howitzers have been destroyed. In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of coordinated actions of units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, Army Aviation and artillery, two attacks by assault groups of the 67nd Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been repelled north of Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). In addition, one manpower and hardware concentration area of the 12th Azov Special Purpose Brigade has been hit near Serebryansky forestry. The enemy losses were up to 55 Ukrainian servicemen, two infantry fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and two D-30 howitzers. In South Donets direction, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces have struck manpower and hardware of the 56th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU and the 110th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Urozhainoye and Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, two sabotage and reconnaissance groups of the AFU have been eliminated near Marfopol (Zaporozhye region) The enemy losses were up to 125 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, one D-20 gun, and two D-30 howitzers. In Kupyansk direction, aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces have hit manpower and hardware clusters of 14th, 43rd and 66th mechanised brigades of the AFU near Sinkovka, Peschanoye, and Cherneshchyna (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 25 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 90 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, two motor vehicles, two D-30 howitzers. In addition, one ammunition depot of the 126th Territorial Defence Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been destroyed close to Nikolayevka (Kherson region). Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have eliminated command and observation posts of 105th, 122nd territorial defence brigades near Krasnogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Kherson, as well as enemy manpower and military hardware in 116 areas during the day. The Russian Aerospace Forces have destroyed one Mig-29 fighter of the Ukrainian Air Force close to Dolgintsevo airfield (Dnepropetrovsk region). Air defence facilities have shot down 7 projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS. In addition, 33 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been hit close to Belogorovka, Lisichansk (Lugansk People's Republic), Aleksandrovka, Berestovoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Shevchenko, Novoye, Ilchenkovo, and Tokmak (Zaporozhye region). In total, 478 airplanes, 250 helicopters, 7,115 unmanned aerial vehicles, 438 air defence missile systems, 12,135 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,155 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,533 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 13,449 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder Monday, September 25, 2023 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs A Maryland man was sentenced today to life in prison for racketeering and murder in aid of racketeering conspiracies, for committing murder in aid of racketeering, and for conspiracy to destroy and conceal evidence in connection with his participation in La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a transnational criminal enterprise. According to court documents, on March 8, 2019, Jose Rafael Ortega-Ayala, aka Impaciente, 30, of Greenbelt, along with Jose Henry Hernandez-Garcia, Victim 1, and other MS-13 members, participated in a Los Ghettos Criminales Salvatruchas (LGCS) clique meeting, where gang matters - including recent contacts that Victim 1 had with the police - were discussed. During the meeting, Jose Domingo Ordonez-Zometa, the leader of LGCS, questioned Victim 1 about his/her cooperation with police. During the questioning, Ortega-Ayala and at least one other MS-13 member assaulted Victim 1, based on their incorrect suspicions that Victim 1 was cooperating with law enforcement. They also assaulted another MS-13 member who attempted to defend Victim 1. The assault culminated with Ordonez-Zometa, as LGCS clique leader, ordering that Victim 1 be killed. Ortega-Ayala, Hernandez-Garcia, and other MS-13 members then stabbed and murdered Victim 1 in Ordonez-Zometa's basement. After the murder, Ordonez-Zometa ordered Ortega-Ayala, Hernandez-Garcia, and other LGCS clique members and co-conspirators, to conceal and destroy evidence of the murder. Ortega-Ayala and other MS-13 members transported Victim 1's body to a secluded location in Stafford County, Virginia, set the body on fire, then destroyed and concealed evidence of the murder from the vehicle used to transport the victim. Meanwhile, Ordonez-Zometa, Hernandez-Garcia, and another MS-13 member stayed at the crime scene and attempted to remove, destroy, and conceal evidence of the murder, including the blood of Victim 1. On March 6, Ordonez-Zometa was sentenced to life in prison. On Aug. 4, Hernandez-Garcia was also sentenced to life in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland, and Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and state and local law enforcement partners investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Jared Engelking and Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Morgan for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case. Topic: Violent Crime Components: Criminal Division Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - Maryland Press Release Number: 23-1048 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Despite China's 'batwoman' warning of another coronavirus outbreak, Chinese virologists refute the claim Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Sep 25, 2023 09:05 PM After virologist Shi Zhengli warned another coronavirus outbreak "highly likely", other Chinese virologists shot down the possibility of outbreak the world experienced in the past three years would reappear, claiming that the immunity most population gained during this period could help fend off possible outbreaks. However, those virologists also warned sporadic outbreaks of coronavirus in the future. Shi Zhengli, a virologist from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), also dubbed as China's "batwoman" and her team from WIV evaluated the human spillover risk of 40 coronavirus species and rated half of them as "highly risky". Of these, six are already known to have caused diseases that infected humans, while there is evidence that further three caused disease or infected other animal species. "It is almost certain that three will be further disease emergence and it is highly likely that a [coronavirus] disease will emerge again,' the study warned. This paper was published in the English-language journal Emerging Microbes & Infections in July. It has recently gained attention on Chinese social media lately. The risk of coronavirus is only one factor that causes large-scale infection, immune system is another factor, a virologist from the pathogen biology department at Wuhan University, who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Monday. He said that in the past three years, human being and animals had already built strong immunity against coronavirus, which allow them to fend off possible infection. Another virologist from a Beijing-based university, who was once in WHO-China Joint Mission on SARS-CoV-2 origin study, who also requested anonymity, told the Global Times that Shi's research which labeled 40 coronavirus species "highly risky" is based on the virus's structure, and is a relative evaluation only within those 40 species. However, the two anonymous virologists also warned that although a large-scale outbreak is unlikely in near future, sporadic ones are possible, especially during winter. Since late 2019, the novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly spread across the globe. Since November 2021, the Omicron strain has been the predominant variant of concern in most countries, noted an article published online by the Emerging Microbes & Infections journal on September 5. The Omicron variant has continued to mutate over the past few years and subvariants such as BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5 and BF.7, as well as the latest XBB.1.5, have swept the world, causing lots of deaths and huge economic losses, according to the article. In light of the double challenges of COVID-19 and influenza this fall and winter, Chinese doctors and medical experts have called for the public to get vaccine boosters by the end of October. The suggestion came following the latest study by a research team led by Chinese infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong that revealed weakening neutralization against Omicron subvariants as the virus continues to evolve. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Green ghost is shipshape By Sub-Lieutenant Sharni Koenig 25 September 2023 HMAS Hobart, affectionately known as 'the green ghost', recently received a much-needed refresh inside and out. It was a significant milestone, as the ship became the first Hobart-class guided missile destroyer to undertake a docking selected restricted availability (DSRA) as part of its usage and upkeep cycle. The extensive maintenance period, which spanned 20 weeks of production, included about 180,000 hours of work, 3800 isolations, 76 tank openings and more than 1300 hot work permits. Commanding Officer Hobart Commander Tina Brown addressed ship's company and destroyer enterprise representatives on September 25, acknowledging the significant efforts of planning, coordination and execution of the DSRA. "Achieving such a safe and successful docking required intricate levels of system knowledge, problem solving and resource management, and the outcomes demonstrated the high levels of professionalism and technical mastery of both our technical sailors and industry partners," Commander Brown said. "The strong relationship between enterprise partners was a testament to One Defence principles." HMAS Hobart will transition towards force generation targets, achieved through the Sea Release Assurance Framework. The ship will be assessed on its seaworthiness and battleworthiness, as it gets ready for future taskings into 2024. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minsk hosts coordination meeting on IFF operating under the Council of Ministers of Defence of the CIS States 25.09.2023 On 19 September in Minsk, the Central House of Officers of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus hosted a coordinating conference on the organisation of the use of the united system for radar-based friend-or-foe identification operating under the Council of Ministers of Defence of the States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The meeting was attended by the Secretariat of the Council of Defence Ministers of the CIS member States and representatives of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. During the meeting, the attendees discussed issues related to the development of the Unified System of State Radar Identification, the improvement of the regulatory legal framework for military cooperation and the training of specialists. Following the meeting, the complex group of armed forces representatives began the 22 September inspection of the practical issues of the organization of the use of means of the state identification system in the military units and subdivisions of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2023 Release Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker's Meeting With Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defence Bill Matthews Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. Devin Robinson provided the following readout: Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker hosted Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defence Bill Matthews for a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon, Sep. 25. The two leaders discussed NATO's continued efforts to support Ukraine, modernization of the North America Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command, defense investment, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders reaffirmed the deep and long-standing partnership between the United States and Canada, based on a shared commitment to a secure and prosperous North America. The leaders also discussed potential areas for enhanced cooperation between the United States and Canada in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, and agreed to continue close coordination on Indo-Pacific security and a range of other bilateral and global issues. Additionally, the leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to work together through the U.S.-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defense and the North American Defense Ministerial process. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3537269/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada urges India to cooperate in Sikh leader's death investigation People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:02, September 25, 2023 OTTAWA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair on Sunday called for the Indian government to cooperate on the probe into the assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Blair said, "The only request we've made of our allies and India is that they cooperate fully in that investigation because its outcome is very important." "It's another reason why I place such emphasis on the investigation that's taking place, that we'd be able to move beyond credible intelligence to evidence, strong evidence of exactly what happened, so that we and the Indian government can know the truth, have the facts and then work together to resolve it in an appropriate way," the defence minister was quoted as saying. Blair made the appeal amid a diplomatic spat between Canada and India after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had accused Indian government agents of being behind the murder of Sikh leader Nijjar on Canadian soil. The Indian government flatly rejected the charge while accusing the Canadian side of providing safe havens to anti-Indian separatists on the Canadian territories. Nijjar, an ardent supporter of the Khalistan independence movement, was killed by unknown assailants in Canada's British Columbia in June this year. Amid deepening rift, Canada and India expelled each other's diplomats and issued travel advisories urging their citizens to exercise "utmost caution" while traveling in the other country. India has suspended visa services for Canadians while Canada has downsized its diplomatic staff in the New Delhi-based diplomatic mission. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. helps Canada confirm India's involvement in Sikh leader's killing People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:11, September 25, 2023 OTTAWA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Recent leaks indicate that the United States has contributed to Canada's allegation that India is responsible for the assassination of a Canadian citizen, playing a crucial role in the simmering diplomatic tiff between New Delhi and Ottawa. Canada-India ties recently sank to a deep freeze after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeatedly accused Indian agents of being behind the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, which was strongly rejected by the Indian side. Both countries have started to expel each other's diplomats and issued travel advisories urging their citizens to exercise "utmost caution" while traveling in the other country. Canadian CTV News network on Sunday released an interview with U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen, during which he explicitly stated, "There was shared intelligence among 'Five Eyes' partners that helped lead Canada to making the statements that the prime minister made." Citing "Western allied officials," The New York Times, in its Saturday report, went one step further in specifying that "U.S. intelligence agencies offered their Canadian counterparts context that helped Canada conclude that India had been involved." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that he hopes India will work with the Canadians on this investigation and expects accountability from the Indian side. Previously, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also issued a stern warning, saying that the United States would not grant India any "special exemption" in this matter. "There's not some special exemption you get for actions like this. Regardless of the country ... we will also consult closely with allies like Canada as they pursue their law enforcement and diplomatic process," he said. Indians have started to voice their dissatisfaction with the U.S. stance in the diplomatic spat. In a recent editorial, The Tribune, an Indian daily newspaper, inveighed against the United States, stating that "the U.S., that inveterate global policeman ... has laid bare its bias and double standards by targeting India." "Does the U.S. have the moral authority to grant such an exemption, even if unsolicited, considering its own unenviable history of adventurism in foreign lands?" the editorial asked. "The answer is again an emphatic no." Analysts believe that the row will take a toll on the relationship between India and the United States. The U.S. government "is in a no-win situation with this latest bombshell of India-Canada news," Derek J. Grossman, a political analyst at the RAND Corporation, said on social media X, formerly known as Twitter. "Canada's bombshell accusation ... against India could be (the) most significant test of strength of U.S.-India partnership since early 2000s," he opined. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, EU hold 'productive' trade dialogue; bloc urged to take concrete steps to stop protectionism Global Times By Yin Yeping and Wang Cong Published: Sep 25, 2023 11:27 PM Chinese and EU officials on Monday held a high-level economic and trade dialogue in person in Beijing for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that they had held "in-depth, candid and productive" talks and reached a series of new win-win results and consensus in various areas, including setting up a communication mechanism for export controls. The successful holding of the 10th China-EU High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue and the relatively constructive tone following the meeting send a positive signal for the world that amid a severe global economic downturn and a series of other challenges, two of the world's biggest economies are trying to manage their differences and boost cooperation, Chinese experts noted. However, major differences and challenges remain, as the EU side has taken a series of policy measures in recent months under its so-called "de-risking" campaign, which have been widely viewed as targeting China and Chinese businesses. While the EU side continues to claim that it is not seeking to decouple from China and make accusations against China's market, it is Brussels that needs to take real actions to stop its rising protectionism, experts said. Constructive talks On Monday afternoon, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Executive Vice President of the European Commission and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis co-chaired the 10th High-level Economic and Trade Dialogue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in downtown Beijing. The dialogue is the highest level of its kind in which the two sides addressed economic and trade issues and one of the "three pillars" of China-EU ties. This year's meeting resumed the in-person format for the first time since the pandemic. After the talks, the two officials held a press conference on Monday night. He said that the two sides held "in-depth, candid and productive" talks on four topics - the macro economy, trade and investment, industrial and supply chains and financial cooperation. The two sides also reached a series of new win-win results and consensus in six areas, including strengthening macro policy coordination, jointly preserving the WTO-centered multilateral trade system and opposing unilateralism and protectionism, and jointly safeguarding the stability of industrial and supply chains. Specifically, the two sides will set up a dialogue mechanism for export controls. The relatively positive tone underscored the fact that China and the EU remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, despite disputes and tension in some areas, businesses and experts noted. Fang Dongkui, secretary-general of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, told the Global Times on Monday that the in-person talks are conducive for the two sides to expand China-EU economic and trade cooperation and reduce the "deficit in mutual trust," which will lift the confidence of Chinese and EU business communities. "Holding in-person talks is a positive thing, and is better than holding virtual talks," Chen Fengying, a research fellow at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday, noting that while it remains to be seen whether such talks will result in concrete changes, similar meetings between Chinese and US officials have resulted in the establishment of economic and financial working groups. After a series of high-level meetings and visits to China by senior US officials, China and the US announced on Friday the establishment of two working groups for economic and financial matters in a major step that experts say could help put the brakes on a downward spiral in bilateral ties. Chinese and EU officials have also in recent months been stepping up exchanges. In June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Germany and France, where he rejected the rhetoric of "de-risking" and stressed win-win cooperation. Earlier this month, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India, Li met with top EU officials, stressing that China's development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe. Many EU officials have also visited or are planning to visit China this year, including a high-stakes visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in April. Last week, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova co-chaired the second China-EU high-level dialogue in the digital area in Beijing, where the two sides focused on broad common interests and strong complementarity in the digital field. After Dombrovskis, EU's energy commissioner Kadri Simson is set to visit China next week and top diplomat Josep Borrell next month, the South China Morning Post reported. Before the dialogue in Beijing, Dombrovskis also visited Shanghai and attended events both there and in Beijing. In a speech at the Tsinghua University in Beijing on Monday, the EU trade chief said that the EU is not seeking to de-couple from China, but to reduce economic dependencies and de-risk, according to Reuters. Dombrovskis has also complained about "unbalanced trade" with China and repeated the long-standing grievances held by some EU business groups in China about its business environment. A spokesperson for the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China told the Global Times on Monday that "the Chamber expects that long-standing issues including a lack of a level playing field in China and the politicisation of the business environment can be addressed." Such claims pushed by the EU have become clichA, as "they have been raising similar issues at every dialogue for the past 10 years," Cui Hongjian, professor with the Academy of Regional and Global Governance with Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. Chinese officials and experts have repeatedly refuted such accusations against China's business environment and stressed that it is the EU's growing protectionist actions under the guise of "de-risking" that are posing profound risks and challenges for business cooperation. EU protectionism During the talks on Monday, the Chinese side once again expressed great concern and strong dissatisfaction with the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The Chinese side also said that China is willing to expand imports from the EU, but hoped that the EU will lift restrictions on high-tech exports to China. Asked about the dialogue and the EU's anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs at a regular press briefing on Monday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that China opposes all forms of trade protectionism and the relevant actions of the EU are not conducive to the stability of the global auto industry and supply chains and are not in anyone's interests. Mao urged the EU to create a fair, non-discriminatory and predictable market environment for the common development of the Chinese and European electric vehicle industries and jointly oppose trade protectionism. Cui pointed out that from the Chinese perspective, the EU has in recent years taken a slew of measures in the areas of investment, trade and industries that are of a protectionist nature. "All these issues urgently need to be addressed... the EU side cannot adopt an attitude of blaming China for all the problems," he said. The investigation into Chinese EVs is hardly the only protectionist move taken by the EU. Last week, the EU's European Chips Act officially went into force, which entails massive subsidies to bolster the EU's chip industry. In June, it launched the European Economic Security Strategy, essentially a step to "de-risk," and claimed that Chinese 5G suppliers Huawei and ZTE pose "materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers." Under such rhetoric, some EU countries are reportedly taking steps to exclude Huawei and ZTE, with the latest being Germany, which drew a harsh response from China and even the German business community. Experts said that such steps, including the latest probe into Chinese EVs, are not just attempts to increase the EU's leverage during talks, but are also aimed at systemically cutting so-called "dependencies" on China due to geopolitical and ideological biases. Furthermore, despite all their protectionist moves, EU officials have repeatedly claimed that they are not seeking to "decouple" from China; however, for China, the EU must demonstrate its intention with real actions not rhetoric, experts added. Fang also urged the EU to clarify these moves and seek positive consultations and proper solutions with the Chinese side. The EU should "not easily resort to trade and policy tools that overstretch the concept of national security and politicize economic and trade issues," Fang said. "If the EU wants to prove that it is de-risking and not decoupling, the burden of proof falls squarely on the EU side," Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the MOFCOM, told the Global Times on Friday, stressing that the "unbalanced trade" is due to the EU's own policies, not China's. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LONG RANGE TRAINING DEPLOYMENT OF FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON TO SOUTH EAST ASIA India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 25 SEP 2023 6:24PM by PIB Delhi The ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) - INS Tir, INS Sujata, Sail Training Ship Sudarshini and CGS Sarathi are presently on a long Range training deployment to South East Asia. The deployment is part of the ongoing afloat training of the 105th Integrated Officers' Training Course. During the deployment, the ships will visit Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Various training activities, professional interactions and Joint Maritime Partnership Ex are planned to be conducted with the host navies and maritime forces during the visit. Presently, trainees from friendly foreign countries- Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius and Vietnam are embarked onboard 1TS for the deployment. In addition, personnel from Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NCC cadets are also embarked furthering jointness and interoperability. The visit aims to strengthen India's commitment towards Maritime Security and foster goodwill in the region. _____________________ VM/JSN 173/23 (Release ID: 1960603) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran nuclear chief, head of IAEA hold 'important' meeting IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2023 London, IRNA -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has met with the UN nuclear watchdog's director general Rafael Grossi in Vienna, with the later describing the meeting as "important". Eslami is in the Austrian capital to attend the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference. His meeting with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA, took place on the sidelines of the conference on Monday. "Important to engage with Mohammad Eslami, VP and Head of @aeoi_ir during #IAEAGC. I reiterated @IAEAorg willingness to engage and make concrete progress in the spirit of the March 4 statement to provide credible assurances that [Iran's] nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful," Grossi said on X, formerly known as Twitter. That statement was announced by Iran and the IAEA on March 4, 2023 during a two-day visit by Grossi to Tehran where he met with President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and AEOI chief Eslami. Based on the statement, Iran and the agency agreed to continue cooperation on resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, with the Islamic Republic expressing its readiness to provide further information and access to address those issues. In addition, Iran agreed on a voluntary basis that it will allow the IAEA to implement further appropriate verification and monitoring activities, according to the text of the statement released by the agency on March 4. The safeguards issues, related to what the agency calls undeclared locations, are on the table because of allegations levelled by the Zionist regime. Tehran has time and again rejected those allegations, saying that they are based on faked evidence provided by the regime and are aimed at politicizing Iran's nuclear issue. Iran also says that it will continue to have cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran reserves right to respond to Israeli threats: Nuclear chief IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond to the Israeli regime's aggressive threats against the country's nuclear program, Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), has said. "There is no doubt that the international community's silence in the face of the repeated threats by this regime has recently emboldened it. It is clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its right to respond to the aggressive acts of the Zionist regime," Eslami said Monday while addressing the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. The remarks came days after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday to issue an explicit nuclear threat against Iran. "Iran must face a credible nuclear threat. As long as I'm prime minister of Israel, I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said on Friday. Eslami also said the Israeli regime's threats against Iran's nuclear scientists are a violation of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Charter. "The Islamic Republic of Iran, as the initiator of the proposal for a nuclear-free Middle East, once again expresses serious concerns about the clandestine military nuclear program of the Zionist regime," he stated. Iran's nuclear chief added that the Israeli regime's refusal to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) has turned it into "a constant threat" to international peace and security. "Consequently, it has endangered not only the stability and security of the region, but also the unity and credibility of the NPT and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," he pointed out. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deal on JCPOA within reach if other sides show determination: Iran FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2023 New York, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says an agreement to revive the 2015 nuclear deal is within reach if the other parties to the deal, also known as the JCPOA, have the necessary will to do so. "If the other parties and the Americans have the necessary will in the framework of the previous negotiations and Iran's priorities, we can consider an agreement accessible," Amirabdollahian said in an exclusive interview with IRNA in New York, before leaving for Tehran, late on Sunday. He said he had told former American diplomats and politicians during his stay in New York that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has made it clear that the Islamic Republic is in favor of fair and respectful negotiations. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its diplomatic efforts to reach a good and sustainable agreement, but I emphasized that we will never tolerate America's hypocritical behavior and actions," he asserted. The chief Iranian diplomat made clear that Iran's hands are not tied in responding to those actions, but has chosen the path of diplomacy for now. "The positive approach and constructive actions of the other parties to reach an agreement is also important," he said. Amirabdollahian further said that Tehran has received positive messages from Washington but will judge those messages based on America's "political behavior". He also explained that the initiative put forward by the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, to revive the JCPOAS is intended to accelerate the process of returning all parties to their commitments under the deal. "It does not mean that the Sultan of Oman carries a new plan or text," he added. Iran-Egypt ties Regarding Tehran-Cairo relations, Amirabdollahian said that he had held some good talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in New York. "We discussed all aspects of bilateral relations of interest. We exchanged views on some regional and international issues. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers Egypt a very important country in the Muslim world and in the region," he said. The top diplomat said that Iran believes that the improvement of Tehran-Cairo relations will not only benefit the two countries but also the entire region and the Muslim world. Amirabdollahian said he and Shoukry had agreed to take joint steps on the way to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Egypt. 4354**6125**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran cmdr. warns foreign nuclear-powered subs could cause potential environmental threats in Persian Gulf Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 5:12 PM The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has censured the presence of extra-regional forces and their nuclear-powered submarines in the Persian Gulf, saying such types of warships should not be deployed in the strategic waterway due to their potential environmental threats. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said in televised remarks on Sunday that the presence of nuclear-powered submarines in the Persian Gulf can result in marine pollution in case of an accident, which can lead to a "catastrophe" in the international waterway. "Extra-regional countries like the United States, France and others have nuclear-powered submarines. Considering that the Persian Gulf is a closed area, if something happens to one of the submarines and the submarine's reactor faces a problem or collides with other vessels, it will cause the area to remain polluted for 11 years," Tangsiri said. "This means that for 11 years, there will be no fish and aquatic animals in this area, and its water will become unusable. In fact, the Persian Gulf region will be facing a catastrophe," he added. The senior commander stressed that the countries present in the region do not take their nuclear watercraft into closed bays "but they do so in the Persian Gulf while it is prohibited and this should not happen." Tangsiri said Iran's neighbors should know that the presence of foreign forces would not create security in the region. "Our neighbors should never think that extra-regional countries will stay in the region to defend them; but they will [eventually] leave the region," he added, stressing that the foreigners are in the region either for selling weapons or plundering oil resources. Eight-nation alliance for Persian Gulf security The commander of the IRGC's Navy also proposed that the eight littoral states of the Persian Gulf should form a naval alliance to ensure regional security without the presence of outsiders. Stressing that the Persian Gulf countries are capable of ensuring regional security through mutual cooperation within the framework of an 8-nation alliance, Tangsiri said, "We can work together to ensure the security of this region in the form of the alliance of the eight Persian Gulf countries and let the people of the region live in peace." Tangsiri added that the extra-regional countries promote Iranophobia in order to justify their illegitimate presence in the region. The Persian Gulf a spanning some 251,000 square kilometers a is bounded by the Arvand River in the north, which forms the frontier between Iran and Iraq, and the Strait of Hormuz in the south, linking the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The strategic inland sea is an international trade route connecting the Middle East to Africa, India, and China. Iranian military officials have on numerous occasions stated that the presence of extra-regional forces in the Persian Gulf is illegitimate and there is no need for them to ensure the security of the strategic waterway. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran entitled to respond to Israel's arrogant behavior: Nuclear chief Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 11:08 AM Iran's nuclear chief says the Islamic Republic is entitled to respond to Israel's arrogant behavior, days after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran "must face a credible nuclear threat." Speaking at the 67th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna on Monday, Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), referred to Netanyahu's remarks at the UN General Assembly, saying there is no doubt that the international community's silence has emboldened the Israeli regime. "It is clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its right to respond to the audacities of the Zionist regime," he said. During his speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, Netanyahu warned about the "curse of a nuclear Iran" and accused Tehran of spending "billions to arm its terror proxies." "Iran must face a credible nuclear threat. As long as I'm prime minister of Israel, I will do everything in my power to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons," The Israeli prime minister said. Iran's diplomatic delegation at the UN dismissed Netanyahu's speech as a "comedy show", saying "The baseless allegations made by Israeli officials no longer fool anyone." Meanwhile, Eslami also said Israel's threats against Iran's nuclear scientists are in violation of the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Charter. He said the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the initiator of the nuclear-weapon-free-zone plan in the Middle East, expresses its concern about the secret nuclear military program of the Israeli regime. "Unfortunately, the Zionist regime has not placed its nuclear program under the safeguards agreement, and therefore, it is considered a threat to international peace and security," he said, adding that Israel has endangered the integrity and credibility of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA. Israel, which pursues a policy of deliberate ambiguity about its nuclear weapons, is estimated to possess 200 to 400 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, making it the sole possessor of non-conventional arms in West Asia. The regime has, however, refused to either allow inspections of its military nuclear facilities or sign the NPT. Israel has also assassinated at least seven Iranian nuclear scientists and conducted a series of sabotage operations against the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC Navy develops water landing drone capable of carrying bombs, missiles Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 6:52 AM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy experts have developed unmanned aerial vehicles capable of landing on water and carrying missiles and bombs, according to the commander. Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said on Sunday that the combat drones are also capable of taking off from water. "The IRGC Navy has also produced hybrid drones that have two separate engines for launch and propulsion," he added. These drones can perform patrol and reconnaissance operations for up to 15 hours, Tangsiri stated, noting that they will join the IRGC Navy's fleet in the near future. Last month, the IRGC Navy took delivery of sophisticated homegrown missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and armament featuring state-of-the-art technologies suitable for electronic warfare. The indigenous military hardware was supplied to the naval force during a ceremony attended by IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami, Tangsiri, and other top-brass military figures on August 5. Various types of reconnaissance and combat drones, as well as different types of armored command and logistics vehicles, surveillance systems, and electronic warfare systems, were among the new homegrown armament. The IRGC Navy also took delivery of different types of cruise missile launcher trucks, radar and command systems, and several hundred cruise and ballistic missiles with ranges between 300 and 1,000 kilometers. Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China gets veto over ethnic Kazakhs' nationality applications Deal makes neighboring Kazakhstan much less of a safe haven for Kazakhs who want to leave China. By Gu Ting for RFA Mandarin 2023.09.25 -- Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Beijing to set immigration curbs on ethnic Kazakh nationals of China, including the sharing of information on each others' citizens and the potential repatriation of asylum-seekers who cross their common border, Radio Free Asia has learned. The deal, voted through the lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament on Sept. 20, requires both countries to inform each other and provide details of any "violations of entry, stay or exit regulations," Kazakhstan's Azattyq Ruhy news agency reported. It comes as China marks 10 years of its "Belt and Road" regional aid, investment and global influence program, and as its state media lauded Kazakhstan as a "pioneer in jointly building" the scheme. The agreement allows each country to veto applications by its nationals for citizenship in the other, and will make Kazakhstan less safe for members of ethnic minority groups from China's Xinjiang region, while making it much harder for those still in China to flee the country to escape persecution, rights activists and emigre Kazakhs said. It also places mutually agreed quotas on visas and visa-free entry across the two countries' shared border. The deal effectively gives Chinese officials the power of veto over applications for Kazakhstan citizenship made by ethnic Kazakhs who hold Chinese passports, according to Bekzat Maksutkhan, who heads the Kazakhstan-based rights group Atajurt. "They need to get the consent of the Chinese side if they want to become citizens of Kazakhstan," he said. "Also, the Kazakhstan government is obliged to repatriate anyone who immigrated from China and has become a Kazakh national, if the Chinese government requests it." Immigration hurdles Nurlan Kuhedubai, who emigrated to Kazakhstan from Xinjiang as a child and now lives in Almaty, says it is already much harder for Chinese nationals to settle in Kazakhstan than it used to be. "The Chinese and Kazakhstan authorities have been joining forces to persecute Chinese Kazakhs over the past six or seven years," he told Radio Free Asia. "[They are preventing] Kazakhs from emigrating to Kazakhstan." Rights activist and YouTuber Serikzhan Bilash said there is now a crucial bureaucratic hurdle in place that wasn't there before. Previously, someone applying for Kazakhstan citizenship could simply declare that they renounced their Chinese nationality, but under the new agreement, they must produce an official certificate from the Chinese government before they can cease being a national of that country, he told Radio Free Asia. "The Kazakhstan immigration bureau requires Kazakhs from Xinjiang to cancel their Chinese nationality at a Chinese embassy or consulate," he said. "But the embassy and consulates make things difficult [for them] and refuse to cancel their [Chinese citizenship]." Many Kazakhs fled mass incarceration and other forms of persecution in Xinjiang, thinking Kazakhstan would be a safe haven for them, Serikzhan said, only to find that Beijing is now able to have the final say over their nationality. He said Kazakh herders are also required to give up any grazing rights in Xinjiang before they can give up their Chinese nationality. "Administratively accountable" Kazakhstan doesn't allow dual citizenship, and anyone caught between their Chinese nationality and Kazakhstan citizenship can be punished for violations of that rule. More than 400 people have been "held administratively accountable" by the Kazakhstan authorities for holding dual nationality since the beginning of this year, according to local media reports in Kazakhstan. China's state-backed Global Times newspaper ran an interview with Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao earlier this month, in which he said the anniversary was "a new starting point for China-Kazakhstan cooperation." "China will continue to strengthen security cooperation with Central Asian countries through bilateral channels and within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," Zhang told the paper. "China will actively implement global security initiatives and practice a new concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security," he said. Official figures show that there are around 1.5 million Kazakhs in China, mostly concentrated in and around the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. China once welcomed Kazakhs who wished to relocate from Kazakhstan, but the mass targeting of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang prompted many Kazakhs with Chinese nationality to head back in the other direction. Chinese restrictions on the free movement of ethnic Kazakhs with Chinese nationality to neighboring Kazakhstan have sparked cross-border tensions in recent years. Translated with additional reporting by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2016, 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 kill 28 militia members in Myanmar's Sagaing region Locals said there were too many bodies to cremate. By RFA Burmese 2023.09.25 -- Junta troops ambushed and killed 28 People's Defense Force members in Sagaing region's Myinmu township, witnesses told Radio Free Asia on Monday. The dead include 20 members of the Black Eagle defense force, five members of the Myaung Revolution Army, two members of People's Security Group-Myinmu and a 14-year-old boy connected with the anti-junta militias, a People's Security Group official told RFA Burmese. A local who saw the bodies said that some were shot dead, but others died after their limbs were cut off. "They were shot in their heads and chests and body parts were cut off," said the local who didn't want to be named for fear of reprisal. "We were not able to cremate the bodies because there was not enough wood for the number of dead. They were buried by backhoe." Military violence across Sagaing Sagaing region has been an anti-junta stronghold and cradle of resistance to the country's brutal military rule since the army seized power in a February 2021 coup. Junta forces have swept through villages across Sagaing, sometimes more than once, to find and punish suspected resistance fighters belonging to People's Defense Forces and their civilian supporters. Junta troops often torch not only the houses of families they suspect of being revolutionaries, but also those of teachers who participated in the nationwide civil disobedience movement following the coup. In 2022, RFA reported that junta troops killed 29 men in Mon Taing Pin village, maiming and burning the bodies in a 44-hour orgy of violence that was recorded on a soldier's cell phone. RFA analyzed a cache of files retrieved from a cell phone that was dropped in a neighboring township and found by a villager. It included an image of about 30 men with their hands tied behind their backs on the grounds of a monastery, and victims of execution a day later. Other instances of Burmese military atrocities and abuses by security forces have been revealed through testimony from victims and military defectors; images and footage from citizens' cell phones; CCTV video; and satellite imagery analysis of dozens of villages in Sagaing burned to the ground. More allegations of atrocities and war crimes by junta forces have piled up since the Mon Taing Pin massacre. In the deadliest reported incident since the coup, as many as 200 people were killed in an April 11 air strike on Pa Zi Gyi village in Sagaing's Kanbalu township. Video of mutilated victims In last week's incident in Myinmu township, video obtained by RFA showed women and children crying next to the mutilated bodies. Residents said that the defense force soldiers killed were men from Myaung and Myinmu townships who joined the militias because they wanted to defend their villages after the coup. Junta telegram channels said Saturday that the junta seized 10 guns and ammunition in Friday's ambush. The column of 70 troops who killed the defense force members occupied Myaung township on Saturday. Calls to the junta spokesman for Sagaing region, Tin Than Win, went unanswered. From February 2021 to July 2023, there were 144 killings of five or more people across the country, and 1,595 people died, the shadow National Unity Government's Ministry of Human Rights announced on July 31. The NUG, a shadow government formed of politicians ousted in the coup and other pro-democracy campaigners, did not specify whether the dead were civilians or defense force members. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn, Elaine Chan and Matt Reed. 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 India plans to extend fence along Myanmar border Rights groups and Burmese refugees say the move will keep civilians from seeking safety. By RFA Burmese 2023.09.25 -- India plans to begin installing an additional 70 kilometers (44 miles) of border fencing over concerns about illegal immigrants entering Manipur state from neighboring Myanmar and an increase in arms and drugs smuggling. India and Myanmar share a 1,600-kilometer-long (1,000-mile-long) border. Manipur state, where the additional fencing will occur, accounts for 400 kilometers (250 miles) of that border, of which less than 10% is fenced, leaving the region open for arms and drug smuggling, according to Indian media. Earlier this year, Indian authorities began installing barbed-wire fencing along Manipur's border with Myanmar to curb smuggling, infiltration and other border crimes, according to Indian media. "In view of the rise in illegal immigration and drugs smuggling from the neighboring country, safeguarding our porous borders has become an urgent necessity," N. Biren Singh, chief minister of Manipur state, said at a meeting with officials from India's Border Roads Organisation, Indian media reported on Sept. 24. The organization develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and in friendly neighboring countries. The move comes as nearly 60,000 Burmese civilians from Chin state and the northern Sagaing region have fled across the border into India's Manipur and Mizoram states since the military ousted Myanmar's democratically elected government in a February 2021 coup, according to ethnic Chin civil society organizations. Junta forces have bombed and conducted armed attacks on civilian areas while trying to root out resistance fighters. Over 5,000 of them have taken refuge in Manipur state, of which more than 70 have been arrested for immigration violations or other charges, according to India For Myanmar, a group that helps Burmese refugees in India. Trapping civilians Human rights groups and Burmese refugees have decried the move to extend the fence in Manipur because it would keep people from fleeing into a safe area. "The closure of the border is only intended to fence off Myanmar refugees, but I don't think it will prevent many other crimes and other illegal trade," said Salai Dokhar, founder of India For Myanmar. "If India wants to end these illegal businesses, it should cooperate with the western countries and those with strong democratic values to be able to take more effective actions along the border," he said. In 2018, under Myanmar's previous civilian-led government, travel was allowed through the Myanmar-India land border to promote trade between the two countries. But now the Manipur government has accused Myanmar of allowing more arms and drug trafficking on the border, thereby worsening ethnic conflict in the state due to an influx of Burmese civilians fleeing violence at home. Ethnic conflict Manipur itself is experiencing an ethnic conflict between the mostly Hindu Meiteis and the mainly Christian Kukis, and state officials often accuse the Burmese refugees who seek a safe haven there of making the problem worse. In the meantime, Indian authorities in Manipur state arrested an alleged terrorist suspected of being associated with Myanmar-based rebel groups, and handed him over to the National Investigation Agency, India's central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, the Indian English-language daily newspaper Deccan Herald reported on Sept. 23. Although Myanmar's armed resistance groups have traveled across the border to India, they have done nothing to cause harm or damage, and have even helped arrest border drug smugglers, said Chin National Defense Force spokesperson Salai Kyung Gain. The Chin ethnic armed group in western Myanmar's Chin state, which lies south of Manipur state and east of India's Mizoram state, is the armed wing of the Chin National Organization. "If we close these entrances and exits on the border, there will be some difficulties," Salai Kyung Gain said. "Drug and arms trade always occurs along the border, but they have become more frequent lately during tough situations like there is now." "But since our defense forces and revolutionary forces have to commute to the Indian side of the border, such as to Mizoram, we help arrest some [weapons and drug smugglers] as much as we can to protect the people," he said. 'Will hurt Myanmar refugees' If the Manipur state government extends the fence, it will hurt Myanmar refugees forced to flee their homes by Myanmar junta forces fighting anti-regime forces in Chin state and Sagaing region, said Salai Kyung Gain. Indian authorities have driven back Burmese civilians from Sagaing and Chin who fled across the border to Manipur, forcing them to shelter along the border in difficult conditions, some of the refugees said. Pu Khaing, a displaced Burmese, told RFA that those who fled were civilians and not arms or drug smugglers. "There is no problem for us with their fence because we are no longer building our refugee camps on the Indian side, but only on the Myanmar side of the border," he said. "They [Indian authorities] drove us out, but the smugglers have their own way of crossing the border. Ordinary refugees don't get involved with them." A Burmese refugee in Mizoram, who declined to be named for safety reasons, said the local office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in New Delhi should not ignore the situation. "If they shut down the [Burmese refugees'] right to freedom of travel, we will have to see what kind of measures UNHCR will take," he said. "Another thing is that we have to wait and see what kind of action the Mizoram state government will take against us." The Indian Embassy in Yangon and the UNHRC in New Delhi did not respond to emailed requests for comments. RFA could not reach junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment. Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin 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 US, South Korea to Boost Deterrence Against North Korean Threats By Nike Ching September 25, 2023 The United States and South Korea are pledging to enhance joint deterrence against growing threats from North Korea, as Washington and Seoul celebrate their seven-decadelong alliance. During an address in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Monday underlined the ongoing collaboration between the two allies in "real-time sharing" in North Korea's missile warning data and countering North Korea's malicious cyber activities, which finance Pyongyang's massive weapon programs. The top diplomat's remarks came as officials from the U.S. and South Korea prepare for a visit to Seoul by Blinken in the coming weeks. Blinken is expected to hold talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin in November a their first face-to-face meetings in Seoul as chief diplomats a to discuss ongoing issues such as strengthening the regional alliance to defend against threats from North Korea, according to people familiar with the planning in Seoul. The two had met several times in the United States. Last Friday, Blinken, Park, and newly appointed Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko held direct talks in New York on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly meetings. They pledged to "respond sternly" to any acts that threaten regional security. Blinken is also expected to attend a foreign ministers' meeting of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations, or G7, Nov. 7-8 in Tokyo. "Attempts to assist North Korea's unlawful programs or to engage in arms trade with North Korea" must "stop," South Korea's Park said Monday from Seoul, speaking virtually to the event hosted by the Korea Foundation and Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS. He added North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development constitutes a clear violation of ten U.N. Security Council resolutions. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, or ROK. In Seoul, preparations are under way for a large-scale military parade to commemorate the alliance formed seven decades ago, and the 75th anniversary of ROK's Armed Forces Day. Tuesday's parade will be the first such event to be held in 10 years. According to a poll conducted by Gallup Korea from September 4-8, 91.6% of the 1,238 people interviewed said that the U.S.-South Korea bilateral alliance is important, with 53.7% of them also expressing the opinion that the alliance should continue to be reinforced. These views are especially prominent among individuals in their 20s and 30s. On Monday, a three-day U.S.-South Korea joint naval drill took place in the waters east of the Korean Peninsula to reinforce readiness amid growing military threats from North Korea. Nine U.S. and South Korean warships and two maritime patrol aircraft were participating in what Seoul said were anti-submarine warfare and live-fire drills in the East Sea. This training is designed to "enhance the ROK-U.S. combined operational capabilities and interoperability" amid increasing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea, said an official from South Korea's Navy on Monday. Officials from the U.S. and South Korea recently discussed the revision of a joint deterrence strategy against Pyongyang's military threats, known as the "Tailored Deterrence Strategy." South Korean defense officials said that Seoul and Washington are close to completing its revision by the end of this year, following regular defense talks between the two countries. Lee Juhyun contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov The President held a working meeting with the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation. Igor Krasnov informed Vladimir Putin about the supervisory authority's priority areas of focus this year. September 25, 2023 13:15 The Kremlin, Moscow President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon. Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov: Good afternoon, Mr President. Vladimir Putin: Mr Krasnov, you have an update on your agency's performance, correct? Please, go ahead. Igor Krasnov: Mr President, the prosecution agencies continue to work in a consistent manner on the tasks you identified as priorities for us at the expanded meeting of the Prosecutor General's Office Board earlier this year. As a result of our work in the first six months of the year, many prosecutors were given additional specific assignments such as to conduct supervisory activities and address violations with account taken of the specifics and the circumstances in each particular region of our country. In anticipation of the upcoming single election days, we ensured strict compliance with electoral and other legislation to prevent possible violations and to promptly address them, if any. At the same time, we responded to acute social issues which, as you know, can destabilise the situation during this time. We monitored compliance with the law regarding pensioners, children, orphans, people with disabilities, Great Patriotic War veterans, and large families. In the first six months of the year alone, following the results of our work, courts satisfied over 6,000 of our claims in defence of socially vulnerable population groups. This includes creating a barrier-free environment, providing assistance to large families as mandated by legislation, and other matters. Due to the increasing number of instances where people with disabilities were denied the provision of rehabilitation equipment due to its cost, I immediately addressed the Prime Minister [Mikhail Mishustin] with a proposal to take response measures. As of today, all necessary measures have been taken, and the situation is improving. We monitor the situation around the clock regarding compliance with legislation concerning military and mobilised personnel and their families in terms of providing state support. We responded to cases of denial of or low-quality medical care to the wounded, denial of rehabilitation aids, and denial of medical insurance pay-outs in cases of the deaths of military and mobilised personnel to their family members. Thousands of enforcement proceedings against mobilised personnel have been suspended, and a grace period has been provided to everyone who has taken out a loan. We will continue this work, Mr President. Currently, the prosecution agencies have about four million complaints from citizens. As I have reported in the past, we are reviewing all of them in a comprehensive manner in order to identify systemic problems, so we can quickly resolve them, and reduce social tensions. What issues interest people the most? Violations in the housing and utilities sector and overstated utility tariffs continue to top the list. Each year, prosecution agencies receive hundreds of thousands of such complaints. We respond quickly to each of them, take supervisory action and restore justice. Some supervisory measures are a lengthy process, for example, the provision of water for specific communities or issues pertaining to the heating season. Mr President, as per your instructions, this year we carried out a comprehensive statutory compliance audit in the sphere of electric power industry, gas distribution and high-quality power supply. Following the inspection, this year, we eliminated unjustified expenses worth over five billion rubles from utility company rates. The people were basically paying these costs. In addition, the supervisory measures made it possible to reduce tariff rates for the next two years by over four billion rubles. Electricity bills for individuals have been recalculated in 23 Russian regions, due to substandard electricity distribution. Vladimir Putin: What does "substandard electricity" mean? Igor Krasnov: This means irregular power supply. Vladimir Putin: This is a substandard service. Igor Krasnov: Yes, substandard service. Additionally, prosecutors in all regions responded to the failure of officials to meet deadlines to repair utility systems. We are recording a slow response of the concessions to maintain the utilities infrastructure. So all prosecutors are auditing concession agreements, especially long-term agreements, including until 2050, as well as the specific terms for signing concession agreements. For example, certain concession agreements do not aim to repair or renovate utilities infrastructure before 2042. This is why prosecutors are looking into these issues, and we will respond accordingly. Vladimir Putin: No repairs are stipulated before 2042? Igor Krasnov: Unfortunately, no repairs were planned in many cases. We continued providing supervising support for national priority projects. Unfortunately, in as many as 80 Russian regions cases of embezzlement and concurrent misconduct have been recorded. Hundreds of criminal cases were initiated based on our investigations; we will continue this work. With the help of supervisory measures, repair and construction works have been completed on more than 50 socially important facilities in the country. In addition, it helped to put expensive equipment into service in schools and hospitals. Mr President, to reduce the burden on doctors, 34 regions have transitioned from using many information systems to an integrated regional information system following our proposal. This helped increase the time a doctor spends with a patient by reducing the time needed for completing reports and doing other paperwork. During the preparations for and the holding of the children's summer health promotion campaign, over 12,000 violations were eliminated by prosecutors. They were mostly related to sanitary-epidemiological and fire safety requirements; there also have been violations related to catering service, and the transportation of children to resorts and back. We used harsh measures in response to cases of infections and mass food poisoning of children at health resorts. This effort will also be continued. On September 1, this month, many prosecutors attended ceremony events at schools and universities. This was preceded by a lot of work on control over the timely completion of repairs, construction and commissioning of new schools. Our constant attention was devoted to the issues of reducing administrative pressure on business. We have already begun drafting a plan of inspections for 2024. Naturally, we will do everything in our power to keep the number of inspections as low as possible. The main, key criteria is the policy to not conduct inspections at low-risk facilities. We understand that each inspection should be considered with regard to the existing risks. Mr President, a lot has also been done in transport oversight. During the special military operation, the issue of security, as well as the reliable functioning of transport infrastructure, has been under the control of prosecutors. In addition, we continued to monitor the implementation of projects to construct seaports and related infrastructure. We made sure that budget funds were spent as intended, and that infrastructure was commissioned according to the schedule and within the deadlines stipulated by the law and contractual obligations. As part of the deoffshorisation of the Russian economy, and within the efforts to protect the interests of state property, the courts have satisfied over 24,000 of our claims relating to the illegal loss of state property, valued at more than 187 billion rubles. By using supervision measures, we also managed to release a number of key strategic enterprises, that are essential to Russia's economy and security, from foreign control. In general, prosecutors are focused on responding to Russia's social and economic development tracks, while considering the geopolitical and external situation. We also looked into issues of compliance with housing, labour and pension law, as well as compliance with legislation in the field of environment and information security. We continue to coordinate the work of law enforcement agencies to combat crime, corruption, extremism and terrorism. Of course, Mr President, all these issues cannot be resolved without the professionals working in the prosecution agencies, including in the new regions. Starting from September 1, a branch of the Russian Prosecutor's Office University opened in Lugansk, where specialists are already being trained under higher education programmes, and also advanced training programmes are available for prosecution officers from the new regions. Vladimir Putin: Mr Krasnov, I know that you do a lot to maintain the rule of law in the defence industry sector, for which I would like to thank you separately. I hope that this work, like the work in other areas, including on the observance of the citizens' lawful rights and interests in the social sphere, will continue. Thank you very much. Igor Krasnov: Thank you, Mr President. Of course. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Northern Fleet conducts drills in East Siberian Sea: Report Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 5:56 AM Russia's Northern Fleet, which operates in the Arctic, has conducted naval military exercises in the East Siberian Sea. Interfax news agency reported on Monday that the Russians used some of their largest destroyers and landing ships in the naval drills aimed to practice countering unmanned mock enemy boats. "During the exercise in the East Siberian Sea, the crews of the large anti-submarine ship Vice Admiral Kulakov and the large landing ship Alexander Otrakovsky practiced actions to protect a detachment of ships in the event of a threat from the enemy using unmanned boats," the agency reported, citing a statement by the fleet's press office. It was not immediately clear when the exercises took place. However, media reports said last week that Russia's military exercises of its Northern Fleet were engaging up to 1,800 personnel and 80 units of combat and special military equipment. "Up to 1,800 people, about 80 units of combat and special equipment, up to 10 aircraft, 15 ships, submarines and support vessels of the Northern Fleet are expected to participate," the naval force said in its statement. The exercises, supervised by fleet commander Adm. Alexander Moiseev, are being conducted in the Barents, Kara and East Siberian seas. The level of training of the command and staff of the fleet's Arctic Expeditionary Group in solving tasks to ensure Russia's security amid the threat of aggression and warfare will be assessed. "Coordination of tactical groups of ships and vessels, units and forces of the fleet will be tested," the statement said. The naval exercises take place as Russia has been engaged in a war with Ukraine and its US-led NATO backers since February 2022. Russia has warned the West against the use of more advanced weapons and flooding Kiev with arms and munitions, saying it will only prolong the conflict. Meanwhile, US broadcaster NBC News reported recently that President Joe Biden has informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, that Washington will provide Kiev with ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 300 kilometers. "There will be more drones, more attacks, and fewer Russian ships. That's for sure," Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, said in an interview with Reuters earlier this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Satellite Imagery Points To Uptick In Activity At Russian Arctic Nuclear Testing Site By Mike Eckel September 25, 2023 Russia has significantly increased construction at a remote Arctic island location where Soviet nuclear tests were conducted, new satellite imagery shows, suggesting Moscow may be intending to resume tests. Annotated images obtained by the Middlebury Institute for International Studies and shared with RFE/RL showed a number of new facilities and construction equipment on Novaya Zemlya, an island archipelago located in the northern Barents Sea. The images were released as part of a report examining the uptick in construction at nuclear test sites not only in Russia, but also in the United States and China. Details of the report were published earlier by CNN. A comparison of imagery taken in July 2021 and in June 2023, showed large trucks, shipping containers, construction cranes, and building supplies at a settlement in Novaya Zemlya called Severny, according to the analysis by the Middlebury Institute, located in Monterey, California. The activity appears to be aimed at least two new buildings, including what will be the location's largest. Such a pace of construction at the site has not been seen "since the end of nuclear testing in the 1990s," the institute said, and may indicate Russia plans to expand personnel there or operate it year-round. The archipelago was used by the Soviets for years of Cold War nuclear testing, including the detonation of the most powerful device ever constructed, the Tsar Bomba, in 1961. A 2004 research paper estimated 224 nuclear detonations on the islands until 1990, when Moscow conducted its last. Russia and the United States later announced a moratorium on all nuclear tests, and both signed the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban. However, the treaty has not come into effect, since the minimum number of countries required to ratify it has not been reached. Russia ratified the treaty in 2000; the United States has yet to do so. Novaya Zemlya has been the focus of new, heightened attention from analysts and open-source researchers in recent years, in particular after a 2019 incident in the White Sea, where, according to U.S. officials, a nuclear-powered missile called the Burevestnik exploded accidentally, spewing radiation over long distances, including a nearby Russian city. In the months after the blast, satellite imagery and other data -- including warnings issued to airlines about airspace closure in the Barents Sea -- suggested Russia might be seeking to move testing of the Burevestnik missile to another location on Novaya Zemlya, a site called Pankovo. Within the past month, meanwhile, other researchers have detected new activity at the suspected Pankovo test site, along with airspace and maritime warnings. Open-source researchers Bellingcat released a new image of the site dated September 20. Hints that Russia might be preparing to resume nuclear testing come as other nuclear powers, including the United States and China, have also signaled intentions, overtly or covertly, to do the same. In 2019, under the administration of then-President Donald Trump, some U.S. officials reportedly pushed to resume full testing. The official U.S. policy statement on the subject -- the Nuclear Posture Review -- ultimately stated that the United States would not seek to ratify the test-ban treaty, and it would "remain ready to resume nuclear testing if necessary to meet severe technological or geopolitical challenges." Middlebury researchers contrasted the imagery at Novaya Zemlya with imagery from a U.S. test site in Nevada, where, they said, U.S. officials have conducted mining operations to add more than 1,000 square feet of underground laboratory space. That could be an indication the United States intends to conduct new subcritical nuclear experiments -- tests that are allowed under the test-ban treaty. China has also expanded construction in recent years at Lop Nor, a known nuclear testing site in the western Xinjiang Province, Middlebury researchers found. "A resumption of nuclear explosive testing by the three big nuclear powers would allow all three to resume development of new nuclear weapons and accelerate the arms race among the three," they said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-novaya-zemlya-nuclear- tests/32608303.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 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the opening ceremony for an exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Egypt, Moscow, September 25, 2023 25 September 2023 14:30 1872-25-09-2023 Your Excellency, Friends, Today, we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The exhibition of archive documents we are opening today is dedicated to this event. I want to thank the Department of History and Records of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and personally its director, Nadezhda Barinova, for their painstaking work in compiling and presenting this comprehensive account of our relations in the 20th and 21st centuries. Moscow and Cairo established relations on August 26, 1943, a trying period for our two countries and the entire world. At that time, we and the anti-Hitler coalition were opposing the attempts to impose hegemony on a global scale, something that Nazi Germany and militarist Japan were trying to achieve. Today, we are facing a challenging period as well. We see yet another attempt by a narrow group of countries to legitimise their domination over the world. But, like in those years, the nations that respect themselves and value their history and traditions are defending their right to determine their paths of development on their own and choose their friends without prodding or limits from the outside. We promote our strategic partner relations with Egypt based on these foundations of respect for the national interests of the other. This is precisely what the Treaty of Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation signed in October 2018 says. Our presidents have established close, trust-based relations and are regularly in contact. In late June of this year, they held yet another round of wide-ranging talks on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit. Let me remind you that President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was at the source of creating the Russia-Africa forum and holding the first summit in this format. We are expanding our trade and economic ties at a good pace. In 2022, trade grew to $6 billion, which is almost 30 percent more than in 2021. On March 20 of this year, Cairo hosted the 14th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Egyptian Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which approved new resolutions on promoting cooperative projects. In the latter half of the 20th century, Russian and Egyptian engineers and workers jointly carried out the huge project to build the Aswan High Dam. Today, Egypt's first El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant is the flagship of our cooperation. Simultaneously, a Russian industrial zone is being created in the Suez Canal area. Observers can talk for long about our humanitarian ties. Thousands of Egyptians have been educated at Russian universities or are continuing their educations. On September 12 of this year, a closing ceremony for the Year of Humanitarian Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Arab Republic of Egypt, a very successful event, was held on the new stage of the Bolshoi Theatre. I congratulate all of us on this important anniversary and look forward to seeing an interesting display. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address First Anniversary of Moscow Mechanism Report on Russia: Joint Statement to the OSCE UK and 38 other participating States mark the first anniversary of the 2022 Moscow Mechanism Report on the Russian Federation. 25 September 2023 Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, inter alia those that on 28 July 2022 invoked the Moscow (Human Dimension) Mechanism on the Threats to the Fulfilment of the Provisions of the Human Dimension Posed by Human Rights Violations and Abuses in the Russian Federation. One year ago, the report released on 22 September under the Moscow Mechanism revealed a clear link between internal repression of human rights and fundamental freedoms and external aggression: "To start a war with another country, the elite must be sure that there will be no two-front war (with one front inside and one front outside the country). Therefore, restrictive measures are considered necessary in order not to be disturbed during the preparation for war or after it has started". Today, Professor NuAYberger's report sadly remains topical, as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues unabated, and as the human rights situation in Russia has deteriorated further. Russia has continued its systemic curtailment of human rights and civic space through further dissolution of independent media, harassment of lawyers, arbitrary imprisonment of civic activists and human rights defenders, and closure of human rights organisations, including Memorial, Moscow Helsinki Group and the Sakharov Center. The wave of repressions against dissenting voices has continued, with an array of unjust and arbitrary sentences issued under the penal code imposed on persons who only exercised their human rights and fundamental freedoms: including those that exercised their freedom of expression, by sharing posts on social media or they exercised their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. While in the past repression hit certain groups disproportionately, such as ethnic and religious minorities (e.g. Chechens, Jehovahs Witnesses), certain professions (journalists or opposition politicians) or persons belonging to particularly vulnerable groups (such as LGBTIQ persons), it is now a generalised phenomenon. While larger organized protests have become impossible in Russia, there are still individuals across the country, who - in the face of omnipresent repression and the arbitrary application of Russia's laws - continue to exercise their right to freedom of expression. Their attempts to oppose the Kremlin's despotic regime are severely punished. Let me cite a few examples: Vladimir Kara-Murza (sentenced to 25 years), Alexey Navalny (whose term was extended to 19 years in August 2023), Ilya Yashin (sentenced to 8,5 years), Alexey Gorinov (sentenced to 7 years), Maria Ponomarenko (sentenced to 6 years), Olga Smirnova (sentenced to 6 years), but there are many others, such as Igor Paskar (sentenced to 8,5 years), Igor Baryshnikov (sentenced to 7,5 years), Oleg Belousov (sentenced to 5,5 years), Pavel Pekpaev (sentenced to 5,5 years), Parvinahan Abuzarova (sentenced to 3 years), and a number of others awaiting their trials in jail or currently on trial, such as Oleg Orlov, Evgeny Bestuzhev, Alexandra Skochilenko, Evgenia Berkovich, Svetlana Petriychuk, Konstantin Kochanov, Anna Bazhutova, Azat Miftakhov, and Pavel Stepanov. These are just a handful of the individual activists and bloggers that reports describe as targeted for repression simply for expressing opinions contrary to government propaganda and disinformation. An Orwellian dystopia is being realized before our eyes in Russia. In August of this year, Memorial, a prominent human rights organisation, and a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, published a 200-page report on political repression in Russia in 2022. The report gives a grim overview of continuing repressions, thus illustrating and confirming the trends detailed in Prof. NuAYberger's report, including the conclusion that numerous Russian laws are clearly incompatible with the rule of law and provide the pretext for targeting opposition voices, resulting in ever intensifying repressions. Under what amounts to military censorship, anti-war protests are completely banned and the extensive application of an entire array of anti-extremism legislation since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has resulted in the use of ever harsher punishments, as the examples listed beforehand show. We renew our appeal to Russia to uphold its international commitments and obligations on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the OSCE principles and commitments. We call on Russia to release all the political prisoners immediately and unconditionally. We call on the OSCE to continue giving priority to addressing the most critical issues in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia that continue to seriously undermine democratic stability, peace and security throughout the OSCE region and could have even greater unpredictable consequences at national and international levels. We continue to remind Russia of one of the cornerstones enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. The universal significance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect is an essential factor for peace, justice and well-being. We will continue to support those civil society actors whose work accords with the values upon which the OSCE was founded. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia says it will build first nuclear power plant Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 5:38 PM Saudi Arabia has unveiled a plan to expand the use of nuclear technology that would also include the construction of a first nuclear power plant in the kingdom. Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman said in an address to the annual General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna on Monday that the building operations for the country's first nuclear plant, known as the National Atomic Energy Project, will be carried out in close cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. He said that Saudi Arabia is also planning to expand the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in other fields, including for treatment of cancer patients. The announcement from Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, comes a month after media reports suggested that Riyadh is considering a Chinese bid to build a nuclear power plant in the kingdom. The Wall Street Journal reported in late August that Saudi Arabia's consideration of the bid by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) had come after the United States refused to support the Arab country's plans for building a nuclear power plant. The CNNC has proposed building a nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia's border regions with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Experts say China's involvement in the Saudi nuclear projects will enable the kingdom to have a freer hand on issues such as uranium enrichment or mining as opposed to contracts with Western suppliers which ban customers from enriching uranium or mining their own uranium deposits. In his address to the IAEA, Abdulaziz said that Saudi Arabia's plans for expanding the use of nuclear technology will comply with the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's 1st domestically manufactured submarine ready for testing ROC Central News Agency 09/25/2023 03:02 PM Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) Taiwan's first domestically built submarine prototype will begin underwater testing after it is launched in a ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen (ee) on Thursday, according to the leader of Taiwan's Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program. After the ceremony at local shipbuilder CSBC Corp.'s shipyard in Kaohsiung, the prototype, named "Hai Kun," will undergo a harbor acceptance test on Oct. 1, followed by a sea acceptance test, and hopefully be delivered to the Navy before the end of 2024, Huang Shu-kuang (ea), convener of the IDS program said during an internal briefing, which was attended by the media. The IDS program aims to establish a fleet of three domestically developed submarines by 2025 and four more by 2027 that will be deployed to defend the waters around Taiwan and the area from Suao in Yilan to Yonaguni Island in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, Huang said. According to Huang, the main objective of deploying the submarines is to prevent the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from encircling Taiwan by blocking the country's access to other locations in the first island chain -- a number of islands including the Japanese Ryukyu Islands, the northern Philippines, Borneo and Taiwan. Because northern Taiwan is located near Japan's southwestern islands, deploying submarines in the waters between the two nations can help leverage first island chain joint defense operations, Huang added. The plan is for Japan's forces to defend the narrow Miyako Strait and prevent China's navy from entering the Pacific and launching an "anti-access/area denial" (A2/AD) operation against the U.S. military, he added. Huang said that if Taiwan's northern waters were sealed off, the Bashi Channel and Balintang Channel -- between southern Taiwan and the Philippines -- would become crucial transit channels for China's military aircraft carriers and other fleets to enter the Philippine Sea. Therefore, he said, Taiwan's military must also have enough submarines and naval forces to guard the Bashi and Balintang channels, and prevent the Chinese navy from encircling Taiwan. Huang emphasized that the purpose of the domestically-built submarines is not to attack, but to defend Taiwan's waters. Huang, a National Security Council adviser, added that to launch an attack on Taiwan, the PLA would need to deploy at least three carrier battle groups in waters to the northeast, southeast and southwest of the island. He said U.S. military strength would also need to decline to make it possible. He predicted the PLA will have the ability to invade Taiwan by 2027 but will not necessarily do so, adding that Taiwan needs to focus on strengthening its asymmetric warfare capabilities. Domestic submarine production is crucial in national defense independence and is also an indicator of Taiwan's advancement in asymmetric warfare, Huang said. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Nakhchivan holds a special place in our relations with Azerbaijan" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 25.09.2023 Addressing a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Aliyev, President ErdoAYan said: "Nakhchivan, with the strategic importance it has had throughout history, holds a special place in our relations with Azerbaijan." President Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan, who is paying a one-day working visit to Nakhchivan, held a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev. Stressing that the TArkiye-Azerbaijan relations are of a unique nature unparalleled in the world, President ErdoAYan said: "In line with the principle of 'one nation, two states,' we continue our efforts aimed at strengthening our relations and cooperation in every field. The Shusha Declaration, which I and my brother Ilham have cosigned, marks a milestone elevating our relations to the alliance level." "Nakhchivan, with the strategic importance it has had throughout history, holds a special place in our relations with Azerbaijan," stated President ErdoAYan. "Nakhchivan, today also, harbors an important potential in terms of economy, transport and energy lines. I believe that we will have the opportunity to realize this potential to the fullest extent with the establishment of regional energy lines." "THE NATURAL GAS LINE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO EUROPE'S ENERGY SUPPLY SECURITY" Underscoring that the Coronavirus pandemic and the wars in the region have further highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian International East-West Middle Corridor, President ErdoAYan added: "The IAYdAr-Nakhchivan Natural Gas Pipeline, for which we are breaking ground now, will both deepen our energy partnership with Azerbaijan and will contribute to Europe's energy supply security. Agreements on the Kars-Nakhchivan Railway Project as well as on mass housing and electric power have just been signed. We thereby demonstrate our will to further our relations in the areas of energy, transport and logistics." Thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their strong support to heal the wounds of the February 6 earthquakes in TArkiye, President ErdoAYan said: "We shall never forget the sincerity of our brothers and sisters who loaded their cars with whatever they have in their possessions and hit the road to help our nation. This press conference will be followed by the inauguration of the Military Repair and Maintenance Complex, which we have newly modernized. This project will significantly contribute to our defense industry cooperation." "WE EXPECT ARMENIA TO TAKE THE HAND OF PEACE EXTENDED TO ITSELF" Touching upon the recent incidents in Karabakh, President ErdoAYan said: "Critical developments have occurred in our region in recent days. Unfortunately, the legitimate and rightful concerns Azerbaijan has repeatedly raised over the past three years since the Second Karabakh War have not been duly addressed. As a result, it has had to launch an anti-terror operation in its own sovereign territory. It has been a source of pride for us that the operation has been completed successfully in an extremely short span of time with extreme care for the rights of civilians. I wish Allah's mercy on our brothers who died a martyr's death during the operation, and extend my condolences to their relatives. I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded." Congratulating the victorious Azerbaijani army on its historic victory as well as on its humanitarian attitude towards civilians, President ErdoAYan underlined that Azerbaijan has again showed the Turkish nation's justice and mercy to the entire world. "This most recent victory has opened new windows of opportunity for a comprehensive peace in the region. I believe that this opportunity should be seized. We expect Armenia to take the hand of peace extended to itself and start to take sincere steps. As I always say, there is no loser in a peace. It is our debt to our people to establish peace, tranquility and prosperity in our region. We are sincere and determined to pay this debt. It is our expectation that our interlocutors also show the same sincerity." PRESIDENT ERDOAzAN AND PRESIDENT ALIYEV INAUGURATE NAKHCHIVAN MILITARY COMPLEX Following the joint press conference, President ErdoAYan and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan inaugurated the newly-modernized Nakhchivan Military Complex. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At the UN Human Rights Council, Nordic-Baltic countries condemn Russia's continued human rights violations in Ukraine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2023.09.25 On 25 September, at the UN Human Rights Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine presented information about the numerous human rights violations caused by Russia's war against Ukraine. In this discussion, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries, condemning the impacts of Russia's 19-month-old aggression against Ukraine on the human rights situation. A joint statement by Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland expresses concerns about Russia's ongoing deliberate torture, killing, sexual violence and destroying Ukrainian civilians' vital civilian infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President met with the Lithuania Friendship Group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine President of the Republic of Lithuania September 25, 2023 On Monday, President Gitanas NausAda met with the Interparliamentary Friendship with Lithuania Group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. The President thanked the delegation for their long-standing work in developing bilateral relations between Lithuania and Ukraine and underlined that cooperation ties have grown stronger in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. "We have welcomed more than 80,000 refugees from Ukraine in Lithuania. Many of them have found a home and work here. I am glad that during your visit you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Ukrainian Center, established on the initiative of the First Ladies of Lithuania and Ukraine in Vilnius. Its activities reflect the united efforts of all Lithuania," the President said. Gitanas NausAda emphasized that politicians need to mobilize political support for Ukraine and assured that Lithuania has been consistently urging its allies to increase and accelerate military assistance to Ukraine. "Ukraine must get what it needs on the battlefield. The strategic goal of the West must be Ukraine's victory. Otherwise, the threats posed by Russia to both our region and the countries of Eastern Neighborhood will grow and expand," the President said. According to Gitanas NausAda, Ukraine belongs in the European Union family and in NATO. The President said that it is important for Ukraine to use the window of opportunity for a positive decision to be taken before the end of the year on launching EU accession negotiations. A prerequisite for this is to implement the reforms specified by the Commission in its opinion on Ukraine's application for EU membership. The role of parliament in delivering the necessary reforms is crucial, the President said. He called for continued robust efforts to have key initiatives approved, with special focus on fighting corruption and money laundering. The Interparliamentary Group for Friendship with Lithuania of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was established in 2019 and is co-chaired by Ihor Huz and Yuliia Ovchynnykova. Members of the Group work to strengthen contacts between Lithuanian and Ukrainian municipalities, promote collaboration and partnership between cities, address pressing issues of Ukraine's development, engage in launching joint cultural and infrastructure projects, support Ukrainians who have found refuge in Lithuania during wartime, and engage in humanitarian activities with the Lithuanian Interparliamentary Friendship Group. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Human Rights Council Hears that the Special Procedures Have Achieved Gender Parity for the First Time, and that the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Has Found Continuing Evidence of War Crimes Committed by Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine MORNING 25 September 2023 Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus The Human Rights Council this morning held its annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms. The Council also concluded an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Belarus, and began an interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Erik MAse Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, presenting the oral update, said that well into the second year of the armed conflict, people in Ukraine had been continuing to cope with the loss and injury of loved ones, large-scale destruction, suffering, trauma, and economic hardship. Thousands had been killed and injured and millions remained internally displaced or out of the country. There was continuing evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. The Commission was now undertaking in-depth investigations regarding unlawful attacks with explosives, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on energy infrastructure. Mr. MAse said the Commission had collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control had been widespread and systematic: the principal victims had been persons accused of being informants of the Ukrainian forces. Similar methods of torture were used across different facilities during interrogation sessions, mainly aimed at extracting information from the victims. The Commission was also concerned about the possibility of genocide and incitement to genocide, and was continuing its investigations. Ukraine, speaking as a country concerned, said until today, accountability for Russia's criminal legacy in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine and Syria was largely lacking, which had paved the way to its aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine was grateful to the United Nations Human Rights Council for its rapid response by setting up the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine with a clear mandate to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and humanitarian law, in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Ukraine continued to document, investigate and prosecute over 100,000 incidents of war crimes. In the discussion, some speakers thanked the Commission of Inquiry for the update and the continuous work in investigating all alleged violations and abuses of international law stemming from the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Speakers condemned the systematic and widespread use of torture, the wilful killings and summary executions, attacks on civilians, rape, unlawful confinement and unlawful transfers, as documented by the Commission. Some speakers said Ukrainian children had been transferred or deported to Russian-occupied areas or to the Russian Federation, and separated from their families for a prolonged time. It was vital to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children and accountability of the perpetrators. Speakers reiterated their resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression, which violated international law and the United Nations Charter. Investigations needed to continue until full accountability and justice were ensured. At the beginning of the meeting, the Council held its annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective on the theme of revisiting gender parity and its contributions to the integration of gender into the work of international human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, opening the discussion, said the Human Rights Council had demonstrated its commitment to enhancing women's meaningful participation in its work by requesting the Advisory Committee to prepare a report on the levels of representation of women in human rights organs and mechanisms. Since 2015, there had been increased appointment by the Council of female experts as Special Procedures mandate holders. As an International Gender Champion, the High Commissioner was committed to parity for panel speakers and combatting gender-based violence and vowed to foster the meaningful involvement and participation of young women and girls of diverse origins in programmes and initiatives by the Office. Aua BaldA, Chair of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, panellist, said 2023 marked an unprecedented moment in the history of the Working Group, which was currently and for the first time composed of five female members. The Working Group had currently 47,774 outstanding cases of which 4,945 concerned women. The gender dimension of enforced disappearances was multi-layered and complex and often not sufficiently recognised. It was only fitting that the international community recognise and publicly celebrate the uncompromising struggle of women who kept alive the fight against enforced disappearances. Frans Viljoen, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council, panellist, said there had been considerable progress, both within the Human Rights Council Special Procedures and treaty body mechanisms. A majority of thematic special rapporteurships were now held by women, standing at 58 per cent. However, even if most thematic rapporteurs were women, country-specific mandates were still held by a majority of men. A significant part of the report was devoted to the challenges at the national level, which had resulted in an insufficient number of women being nominated for and elected to United Nations positions. The report urged States to ensure that more female candidates were identified, nominated and elected or appointed. Alejandra Vicente, Legal Director of Redress and member of the GQUAL Campaign Secretariat, panellist, said as of today, out of 81 members holding Special Procedures, 45 were women, namely 55 per cent, leading to gender parity for the first time in the history of the Special Procedures. Such progress was not the result of luck, but the impact of increased attention to gender equality within the work of the Human Rights Council, the concerted action of States that had sponsored key resolutions on gender parity within the Council, the priority of the President of the Council to ensure women were elected to positions where they had been historically left out, and the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In the discussion, some speakers said that achieving gender parity was an urgent priority and was essential to the United Nations' efficiency, impact and credibility. Gender equality and non-discrimination were two fundamental principles which underpinned the realisation of human rights. Speakers welcomed the Human Rights Council's increased efforts to achieve balanced gender representation, including as part of the existing system-wide strategy on gender parity. However, challenges remained within the United Nations system which needed to be jointly addressed. The international community was still far away from the target of equal representation in the human rights organs and mechanisms. The Council also concluded the interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in Belarus, which began at the previous meeting. A summary can be viewed here. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, in concluding remarks, welcomed the statement of the delegate of Belarus on the need to build dialogue, and not fences, and she looked forward to this occurring. The Office stood ready to engage. Belarus should offer free and unrestricted access to all human rights monitors, and cooperate with the Office and other human rights mechanisms, as well as ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. On accountability, Member States could work towards this through national proceedings in line with international human rights standards and in the context of extraterritorial and extrajudicial legislation. In the discussion, some speakers said the report vividly highlighted the heightened plight of human rights defenders in Belarus and those identified as opponents of the regime since the disputed 2020 election. They were concerned about peaceful activists, opposition leaders, journalists and bloggers being held in prisons only because they were not afraid to exercise their rights - the right to participate in peaceful assemblies, to express their opinion and to be involved in political activities. There was severe repression in Belarus with over 40,000 arrests and 12,000 politically motivated prosecutions since 2020. Speaking in the discussion on gender parity were Spain, Norway on behalf of a group of countries, Canada on behalf of a group of countries, European Union, Indonesia on behalf of a group of countries, Jamaica on behalf of a group of countries, Luxembourg on behalf of Benelux, Chile on behalf of a group of countries, Brazil, France, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Slovenia, United Nations Women, Republic of Korea, Egypt, Colombia, China, Georgia, United Nations Population Fund, Romania, South Africa, Angola, Peru, Togo, Senegal, Mauritius and Sierra Leone. Also speaking were Action Canada for Population and Development, Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women, International Lesbian and Gay Association, Plan International, Inc., and Akshar Foundation. Speaking in the discussion on Belarus were Human Rights House Foundation, Conscience and Peace Tax International, International Bar Association, Right Livelihood Award Foundation, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Institute for Human Rights, Amnesty International, and Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety. Speaking in the discussion on Ukraine were Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states, European Union, Denmark on behalf of a group of countries, United Nations Women, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Czechia, Italy, Slovenia, Portugal and Finland. The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council's fifty-fourth regular session can be found here. The Council will reconvene at 3 p.m. this afternoon to continue the interactive dialogue on the oral update of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Annual Discussion on the Integration of a Gender Perspective on Revisiting Gender Parity and its Contributions to the Integration of Gender into the Work of International Human Rights Bodies, including the Human Rights Council and its Mechanisms Opening Statement NADA AL-NASHIF, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the equal representation and participation of women in public and political life was necessary to deliver on the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Some countries had advanced in achieving gender parity in parliament, yet equal representation across all national decision-making bodies remained an elusive goal. According to 2023 data, only 9.8 per cent of countries had women Heads of Government, compared to a decade ago when the figure stood at 7.3 per cent. Women today represented 22.8 per cent of Cabinet Ministers and only 13 countries had gender-equal cabinets. While 2022 marked the year in which women were represented in every single functioning parliament in the world, the share of women parliamentarians today still stood at only 26.5 per cent. For decades, women had also been underrepresented as judges, commissioners, or members of international decision-making bodies, occupying only 44 out 249 seats in international tribunals, 62 out 283 in regional human rights courts, or 46 out of 168 in international commissions. Women's participation in public life delivered better and more transformative results. During the COVID pandemic, women's participation led to more proactive and coordinated policy responses, which prioritised clear communication, rapid response, and social protection. In an open letter issued last June, the High Commissioner called for decisive actions to tackle gender-based discrimination and stereotypes undermining efforts towards parity. These efforts should also be accompanied by practical measures through education and awareness; more ambitious quotas; greater visibility to women role models; and the integration of a gender perspective in the work of international human rights bodies. The Human Rights Council had demonstrated its commitment to enhancing women's meaningful participation in its work, requesting the Advisory Committee to prepare a report on the levels of representation of women in human rights organs and mechanisms. Since 2015, there had been increased appointment by the Council of female experts as Special Procedures mandate holders. Some tangible progress was also visible in the treaty bodies, with an increase from 41.8 per cent in 2015, to 52.9 per cent today of women experts in Committees. The Office had developed guidance to help Member States in their efforts towards gender integration and parity, such as the updated handbook issued jointly with the Inter-Parliamentary Union. As an International Gender Champion, the High Commissioner committed to parity for panel speakers and combatting gender-based violence and vowed to foster the meaningful involvement and participation of young women and girls of diverse origins in programmes and initiatives by the Office. The Office had taken decisive steps to close the gender gap: women represented 58 per cent of "professional" staff, and 50 per cent of senior managers. The message of the Office was unequivocal: the participation and equal representation of women were essential for the protection and promotion of human rights. Statements by the Panellists AUA BALDA, Chair of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, said 2023 marked an unprecedented moment in the history of the Working Group, which was currently and for the first time composed of five female members. The Working Group had currently 47,774 outstanding cases of which 4,945 concerned women. While women may comprise the minority of the disappeared, they undoubtedly were the majority of those at the forefront of the search for their disappeared relatives, often at great personal risk. The gender dimension of enforced disappearances was multi-layered and complex and often not sufficiently recognised. It encompassed women as victims of enforced disappearances - be it when they themselves were subject to enforced disappearance or by the virtue of their family ties to the disappeared, but also as activists and front-line human rights defenders in the struggle against enforced disappearances. Despite the adversity and maybe because of it, women relatives of the disappeared had emerged as activists, leading human rights movements in a relentless struggle for truth, justice and accountability. Women had from the beginning created and run family associations and civil society organizations, which in no small measure pushed for, and led to, the adoption of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, the United Nations international legally binding instrument aiming at preventing and eradicating enforced disappearances. Thus, it was only fitting that the international community recognise and publicly celebrate the uncompromising struggle of women who kept alive the fight against enforced disappearances and who, from the grassroots, influenced the national, regional, and international agendas, including within the various United Nations organs and human rights mechanisms. Women were indeed and had always been, unmistakeably, the driving force behind the quest for truth, justice, reparations, and the memory of victims of enforced disappearances. The Working Group believed that not one single human rights' issue would advance and thrive without women's equal representation in international decision-making bodies. Such change would not happen by chance, but it rather required concerted and conscious efforts and strong political will to translate words into action. If the fight against enforced disappearances - and for that matter, the human rights fight - was to succeed, women must have unhindered access to national, regional and international human rights forums and to taking part actively in all steps of the process, from the decision-making, the implementation and evaluation. FRANS VILJOEN, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council, said in 2021, the Committee submitted its report 'Current levels of representation of women in human rights organs and mechanisms: ensuring gender balance' (A/HRC/47/51). In its resolution 50/18, adopted in 2022, the Council took note of the recommendations contained in this report and encouraged States to consider ways to enhance the participation of women in the work of the Council. In its report, the Advisory Committee expressed concern about the general picture of women's underrepresentation in United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms. Part of what the Advisory Committee did today was provide empirical evidence about the extent of female representation within the United Nations human rights world by tracking numbers and percentages. There had been considerable progress, both within the Human Rights Council Special Procedures and treaty body mechanisms. A majority of thematic special rapporteurships were now held by women, standing at 58 per cent. However, even if most thematic rapporteurs were women, country-specific mandates were still held by a majority of men. Even if, overall, treaty body-gender parity had been achieved, women had never made up the majority in five of these bodies. In its report, the Advisory Committee had some words of criticism about its own composition, noting that the Committee reached its highest female representation in 2020, but at a lowly 39 per cent. However, when the Committee met in August the current female membership stood at 44.4 per cent and would grow to 50 per cent by February 2024 A significant part of the report was devoted to the challenges at the national level, which resulted in an insufficient number of women being nominated for and elected to United Nations positions. The most basic challenge was the absence of formal, transparent and public procedures for selecting candidates, which often favoured the nomination of male candidates. Where national-level selection processes existed, they generally did not require that consideration be given to gender balance. A number of recommendations of the report encouraged the Council and its organs to take a more vociferous leadership role on the issue. One specific example was the recommendation that, 'where two candidates are of equal merit, the President of the Human Rights Council should recommend the candidate of the underrepresented gender'. Aligned with the report's recommendations, the Office of the High Commissioner was making great efforts to disseminate vacancies of Special Procedures widely among women's networks and kept track of the current gender composition of the mechanisms. The report urged States to ensure that more female candidates were identified, nominated and elected or appointed. In this regard, the recently adopted resolution of the Argentinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was inspirational. In addition to setting out a transparent and inclusive national selection process for United Nations treaty membership, the resolution championed gender parity in the nomination as part of the equality guarantee in the country's Constitution and the human rights treaties to which it was party. When voting, States were encouraged to elect members only of the gender that was currently underrepresented in the body. States were also encouraged to study the complete recommendations and to report on their domestic implementation in their periodic reports, and in their national reports presented as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. ALEJANDRA VICENTE, Legal Director of Redress and member of the GQUAL Campaign Secretariat, said the Gqual Campaign was launched in 2015 in response to a particular concern: despite the right to equality being recognised in several human rights treaties as well as in the Sustainable Development Goals, women were underrepresented in virtually all international human rights and justice institutions. Significant progress had been made since the GQUAL Campaign started its work. As of today, out of 81 members holding Special Procedures, 45 were women, namely 55 per cent, leading to gender parity for the first time in the history of the Special Procedures. Such progress was not the result of luck, but the impact of increased attention to gender equality within the work of the Human Rights Council, the concerted action of States that had sponsored key resolutions on gender parity within the Council, the priority of the President of the Council to ensure women were elected to positions where they had been historically left out, and the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The work of civil society, including the GQUAL Campaign and many other colleagues, had also been key by pointing to the existing challenges, making data and research available, advocating for change with a wide group of stakeholders, and contributing specific proposals to improve appointment processes to make gender parity a criteria and goal, among others. The work of the Council had positively impacted regional systems, but despite the progress achieved, many challenges remained. As of today, gender parity in the work of the Council was not guaranteed, as it had still not taken key measures that would institutionalise some practices to ensure gender equality. When it came to the role of States, very few States had implemented public national selection and nomination processes that considered gender parity as a goal. States should adopt formal processes that considered gender parity when selecting, nominating and voting for positions in international courts, bodies and mechanisms. As requested by the Council, the Office was encouraged to submit a progress report on existing nomination policies, practices and mechanisms, highlighting best practices, as well as progress indicators, obstacles to achieving gender parity, and proposed recommendations. The Council should ensure the Office had the resources needed to undertake this task. To conclude, the key message for the Council was that, as the progress made so far was celebrated, gender parity could only be sustained if further action was taken by States, the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner to learn from the recent good practices, and to adopt institutional processes that ensured gender equality in the long run. Discussion In the discussion, many speakers welcomed the panel's theme on gender parity and its contribution to the integration of gender into the work of international human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. Achieving gender parity was an urgent priority and was essential to the United Nations' efficiency, impact and credibility. Gender equality and non-discrimination were two fundamental principles which underpinned the realisation of human rights. Women's leadership in institutions and in society was transformative and inclusive. Gender parity contributed to the integration of gender perspectives throughout the United Nations human rights mechanisms. This was important for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council and its mechanisms. Some speakers welcomed the Human Rights Council's increased efforts to achieve balanced gender representation, including as part of the existing system-wide strategy on gender parity. The full, equal and meaningful participation and representation of women in international human rights bodies and United Nations structures was paramount. The Council had taken steps to reduce the gender gaps in human rights bodies and mechanisms, as indicated in the report of the Advisory Committee in 2021. The appointment of a gender focal point in the Council was welcomed, as was the fact that in 2022 for the first time, the Council reached parity in the appointment of Special Procedures mandate holders. Speakers also recalled the ongoing elaboration, by the Committee for the Elimination of Discriminations against Women, of a new general recommendation on equal and inclusive representation of women in decision-making systems. Many speakers emphasised their support for this resolution which would continue to inspire concrete action by States. Speakers commended human rights mechanisms, including Special Procedures, for addressing the gender dimensions of human rights violations and abuses. Some speakers noted that challenges remained within the United Nations system which needed to be jointly addressed. System-wide efforts needed to be continued, in areas where the representation of women had fallen below target. The obstacles that women encountered in their professional and political careers were part of a broader pattern of discrimination, which needed to be combatted from a multidimensional approach. The international community was still far away from the target of equal representation in the human rights organs and mechanisms. More women needed to be appointed as members of the treaty bodies and as mandate holders. Some speakers said governments had a responsibility to appoint women to decision-making positions within countries and in international organizations. Gender parity was about equal representation. Speakers outlined national steps taken to promote the participation of women in all their diversity at all levels of decision making at the global level, including for United Nations bodies. They emphasised their commitment to supporting gender parity at all levels. Speakers asked what measures were recommended to effectively ensure gender parity in the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations? How could the integration of a gender perspective be further integrated across the human rights architecture? How could men and boys be actors in work to combat gender stereotypes? How could Member States effectively collaborate to enhance gender parity? What were some of the key lessons learned or best practices that had contributed towards gender parity in the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, and what else could be done to speed up progress? Concluding Remarks AUA BALDE, Chair of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, said the progress that had been made in both Special Procedures and treaty body representation needed to be incorporated in a more systematic manner leading to structural changes, as a key issue leading to imbalance had not been addressed: when a position became available, in the requirements for the selection, the gender issue needed to be highlighted. By referring to this gender criteria in the nomination process, States would be forced to take it into consideration: it could not be left to chance. Beyond that, the international community needed to ask itself what was in the way to stop women from applying to these posts, and women needed to be encouraged to do so by the removal of obstacles, including locally. When a position became available, regional diversity should also be mainstreamed in all mandate holders. The crucial point was that the invisibility of women could not continue. Women had led the human rights movement from the beginning, and their expertise was seldom recognised. As the gender perspective was integrated, these challenges needed to be taken into account, and it should be remembered that it was women doing the work at the grassroots level. FRANS VILJOEN, Member of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, said he wished to highlight that these issues were often embedded in broader societal contexts, and this needed to be addressed. For many States, the impression was that there was a lack of a general, transparent system in the nomination process, irrespective of women's inclusion. The first point was to encourage the adoption of public, transparent and accessible processes at the national level, and then to mainstream the gender perspective in terms of who would be put forward. The consistent and persistent patterns of patriarchy remained a major issue, being embedded in these societal forces, including in the treaty body system, and reversing stereotypes would aid in this. There must be a focus on the collaborative energies between men and women when addressing disparities. Gender should not only be understood as an axis of male-female, but should also take into account the non-binary aspect. Energy should be drawn from the positive trends such as the movement to push back against the restriction of reproductive rights. ALEJANDRA VICENTE, Legal Director of Redress and member of the GQUAL Campaign Secretariat, said States had asked for ways to accelerate gender representation in the work of the Council. The answers were largely provided in the targeted recommendations included in the Advisory Committee report. One concrete recommendation was for States to ensure that women were represented in the consultative group of the Council. The President of the Council could also apply gender guidelines when recommending candidates to be appointed for Special Procedures. The Council could produce periodic reports on progress and additional measures to be undertaken to ensure gender parity in the work of the Council. Gender parity in the treaty bodies required targeted action by States. Gqual had produced a country ranking to see how many people had been nominated to international positions and how many of those people were women. Countries that were developing a feminist foreign policy should ensure women could be elected to international positions on parity with men. Looking at the procedure adopted by Chile and Argentina, women were nominated and eventually elected to international positions. If other States had adopted those policies, they were encouraged to make them public, and those who had not were encouraged to adopt them. Gqual remained committed to ensure gender parity and policies and mechanisms. Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the High Commissioner on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus in the Run-Up to the 2020 Presidential Election and in its Aftermath The interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Belarus in the run-up to the 2020 Presidential election and in its aftermath started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here. Discussion In the discussion, a number of speakers expressed gratitude for the timely update of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Belarus. The report vividly highlighted the heightened plight of human rights defenders in Belarus and those identified as opponents of the regime since the disputed 2020 election. All were at risk of arbitrary detention, torture and disappearance. Some speakers were concerned about peaceful activists, opposition leaders, journalists and bloggers being held in prisons only because they were not afraid to exercise their rights - the right to participate in peaceful assemblies, to express their opinion, and to be involved in political activities. There was severe repression in Belarus with over 40,000 arrests and 12,000 politically motivated prosecutions since 2020. Out of these, close to 100 civil society members were imprisoned on fabricated charges. One speaker said since 2020, over 100 lawyers had faced harassment and been forced to flee the country. On 27 July 2023, prominent lawyer Yuliya Yurgilevich and journalist Pavel Mazheika were sentenced to six years' imprisonment on spurious charges, including against Yurgilevich for publicising her disbarment and disseminating information on political prisoners. Some speakers were concerned about the arbitrary detention of people held for political reasons, including Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka, detained without access to the outside world, including lawyers. A speaker deplored the widespread and systematic human rights violations in Belarus, and condemned the escalating pattern of retaliation against lawyers. The recent 4 September presidential decree, restricting Belarus nationals in exile from accessing consular services, was unacceptable. It jeopardised the enjoyment of human rights for those exiled and their families, including the right to freedom of movement, work, health, education, and housing. The denunciation of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by Belarus deprived victims of human rights violations from the opportunity to seek remedies via available United Nations mechanisms. Some speakers called on Belarus to immediately release all individuals arbitrarily detained for political reasons, and ensure that all detained persons had access to lawyers, doctors and their families. Belarus should cease further persecution, and immediately withdraw the presidential decree on consular services. Host States needed to provide all necessary assistance to protect the rights of exiled Belarus nationals and their families. Considering the thousands of innocent victims in Belarusian prisons, United Nations Member States were encouraged to establish a special tribunal for Belarus. Concluding Remarks Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, welcomed the statement of the delegate of Belarus on the need to build dialogue, and not fences, and she looked forward to this occurring. The Office stood ready to engage. On detainees, the Office had documented many cases of politically motivated convictions, with many detainees facing alarming restrictions of communication and on their movement, often held without official information on their whereabouts and well-being, putting them in danger of disappearance. Visits by lawyers were often limited or not allowed, and lawyers faced disbarment for taking on cases. Belarus should offer free and unrestricted access to all human rights monitors, and cooperate with the Office and other human rights mechanisms. It should also ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. There had been trials in absentia and arbitrary deprivations of citizenship. States must establish safeguards against statelessness. On restrictions imposed on civil society, Ms. Al-Nashif said that it was of great concern that the authorities criminalised human rights work, including by labelling it as extremism, at a time when such work was crucial for the victims of human rights violations. The Government should give effect to the relevant treaty obligations dealing with human rights defenders in order to ensure the full protection of the range of rights in this area. On supporting human rights defenders and civil society organizations in general, they had a critical role to play, and despite the risks they undertook in such a repressive environment, it was critical that they be able to continue to monitor human rights violations and analyse and collect trends. These principles of engagement must be upheld; these human rights defenders and civil society organizations did often require technical assistance or fund-raising support. The international community must support those in exile. On accountability, Member States could work towards this through national proceedings in line with international human rights standards and in the context of extraterritorial and extrajudicial legislation. In addition to possible prosecutions, the collection of data and preservation of evidence must continue, and Member States could consider further measures to be taken against those credibly accused of human rights violations. Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Presentation ERIK MASE, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, presenting an oral update, said in March, the Council considered the Commission's comprehensive written report, and extended the Commission's mandate for another year. Well into the second year of the armed conflict, people in Ukraine had been continuing to cope with the loss and injury of loved ones, large-scale destruction, suffering, trauma, and economic hardship. Thousands had been killed and injured and millions remained internally displaced or out of the country. There was continuing evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. The Commission was now undertaking in-depth investigations regarding unlawful attacks with explosives, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on energy infrastructure. This may clarify whether torture and attacks on such infrastructure amounted to crimes against humanity. Recently, the three commissioners had visited the country and held instructive discussions with the authorities in Kyiv. They had held discussions with victims of attacks. The Commission appreciated the cooperation of the Government, and appreciated the willingness of victims to share their experiences. It regretted that all communications addressed to the Russian Federation remained unanswered. The update reflected the Commission's ongoing investigations, and was a continuation of previous reports. Attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas had led to extensive destruction and damage, and had been the leading cause of death and injuries to the civilian population. There had been attacks on residential buildings, a medical facility, a railway station, restaurants, shops and other facilities, leading to the disruption of essential services and supplies. In most cases, there appeared to be no military presence at the affected sites or in their vicinity. The Commission was investigating the cause of the breach of the dam at Nova Kakhovka. The Commission had collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control had been widespread and systematic: the principal victims were persons accused of being informants of the Ukrainian armed forces. The Commission had found that torture mostly took place in various detention centres controlled by Russian authorities. Similar methods of torture were used across different facilities during interrogation sessions, mainly aimed at extracting information from the victims. Rape and sexual violence had taken place. The armed conflict had had many devastating consequences for children. There were many incidents on children being transferred to the Russian Federation, and the Commission was of the view that insufficient knowledge about the precise number of children transferred could hamper an expeditious return process. The Commission was also concerned about the possibility of genocide and incitement to genocide, and was continuing its investigations. It was concerned about the scale and gravity of the crimes committed by the Russian Armed Forces and emphasised the need for accountability. It also called upon the Ukrainian forces to investigate the few allegations of human rights violations committed by their own forces. The Commission insisted on the need to ensure accountability, and for the international community to support such accountability measures. Statement by the Country Concerned Ukraine, speaking as a country concerned, said until today, accountability for Russia's criminal legacy in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine and Syria was largely lacking, which had paved the way to its aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine was grateful to the United Nations Human Rights Council for its rapid response by setting up of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine with a clear mandate to investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and humanitarian law, in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The work of the Commission and its findings were integral aspects of the accountability architecture. Ukraine commended the Commission for its efforts and expressed commitment to continue cooperation and dialogue. Ukraine continued to document, investigate, and prosecute over 100,000 incidents of war crimes, ranging from willful killing, summary execution, torture and ill-treatment, to indiscriminate shelling and unlawful confinement. More than 19,000 Ukrainian children had become the victims of forcible transfer and deportation planned and implemented by the top leadership of the Russian regime, a war crime and crimes against humanity that also could amount to the crime of genocide in line with the 1948 Genocide Convention. Meanwhile, thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war were subjected to torture. The conduct of the Russian invasion and subsequent occupation had been accompanied by numerous violations on discriminatory grounds, which were also detailed in the Commission's previous reports. Therefore, documenting and ensuring full accountability was paramount along with the reparation for the damage suffered by the millions of victims and survivors. The Commission's dedication, efforts and contribution to the quest for justice and accountability remained indispensable. Discussion In the discussion, a number of speakers thanked the Commission of Inquiry for the update and the continuous work in investigating all alleged violations and abuses of international law stemming from the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The recently published conference room paper based on a detailed account of the evidence gathered showcased the brutality and the wide range of grave human rights and humanitarian law violations committed by the Russian armed forces. Speakers condemned the systematic and widespread use of torture, the wilful killings and summary executions, attacks on civilians, rape, unlawful confinement, and unlawful transfers, as documented by the Commission. Some speakers said for 19 months, Russian armed forces had continued to indiscriminately and deliberately kill, torture, commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Ukrainian civilians, and destroy vital infrastructure in clear violation of international humanitarian law. Russia was putting global food security and global peace and security at risk. The Commission had also found that in areas under temporary occupation, many of these violations amounted to war crimes, according to a growing body of evidence presented in the Commission's report. A number of speakers said Ukrainian children had been transferred or deported to Russian-occupied areas or to the Russian Federation and separated from their families for a prolonged time. Instead of facilitating the reunion of families, the Russian authorities to the contrary dispersed them with the aim of facilitating long-term placement of Ukrainian children in the Russian Federation. This cruel policy was in complete disregard of children's rights. The International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova was an important step towards accountability. It was vital to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children and accountability of the perpetrators. Some speakers reiterated their resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression, which violated international law and the United Nations Charter. The continued military support for Russia's war of aggression provided by Iran and Belarus was also condemned. Speakers reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. They agreed with the Commission that comprehensive accountability was paramount, including ensuring the right to truth. There must be no impunity for Russia's violations of international law. Investigations needed to continue until full accountability and justice were ensured. In this regard, speakers strongly supported the work of this Commission of Inquiry. Speakers asked the Commission, after the last visit to Ukraine, how could efforts be strengthened to ensure justice for all victims, including comprehensive reparations programmes? Could the Commission elaborate on its views with respect to setting up a possible mechanism for finding and ensuring the safe return of those civilians, especially children, that remained in Russian captivity? How could the needs of persons in vulnerable situations be more effectively addressed? NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine finds continued systematic and widespread use of torture and indiscriminate attacks harming civilians GENEVA (25 September 2023) - There is continuous evidence that Russian armed forces are committing war crimes in Ukraine, including unlawful attacks with explosive weapons, attacks harming civilians, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, and attacks on energy infrastructure, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said in its latest update today. During a presentation to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the Commission reported that it had documented explosive weapons attacks on residential buildings, a functional medical facility, a railway station, a restaurant, shops and commercial warehouses. These attacks led to civilian casualties, the damage or destruction of key facilities, and the disruption of essential services and supplies. The Commission deplores that attacks affecting civilians and medical institutions, which have protected status, continue to take place. The Commission is investigating the cause of the breach of the Nova Kakhovka dam and its impact on the civilian population. The Commission's investigations in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia indicate the widespread and systematic use of torture by Russian armed forces against persons accused of being informants of the Ukrainian armed forces. In some cases, torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of the victim. One victim who suffered torture through electric shocks stated: "Every time I answered that I didn't know or didn't remember something, they gave me electric shocks ... I don't know how long it lasted. It felt like an eternity." In the Kherson region, Russian soldiers raped and committed sexual violence against women of ages ranging from 19 to 83 years, the Commission found. Frequently, family members were kept in an adjacent room hence being forced to hear the violations taking place. Amongst the many devastating consequences for children, the Commission has continued to investigate individual situations of alleged transfers of unaccompanied minors by Russian authorities to the Russian Federation. It regrets that there is a lack of clarity and transparency on the full extent, circumstances, and categories of children transferred. The Commission is also concerned about allegations of genocide in Ukraine. For instance, some of the rhetoric transmitted in Russian state and other media may constitute incitement to genocide. The Commission is continuing its investigations on such issues. The Commission reiterates its deep concern at the scale and gravity of violations that have been committed in Ukraine by Russian armed forces and emphasizes the need for accountability. It also recalls the need for the Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and thoroughly investigate the few cases of violations by its own forces. The Commission's latest update to the Human Rights Council is a continuation of its previous reports, including its Conference Room Paper with detailed findings, released on 29 August 2023. Since its establishment, the Commission has travelled over ten times to Ukraine. In the course of its investigations, its members and investigators met with government authorities, international organisations, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders. ENDS The full text of the Oral Update as presented to the UN Human Rights Council can be found here The Members of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine are available for interviews. Background: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine is an independent body mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. The Commission will submit reports of its activities to the General Assembly in October 2023, and to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2024. The Commission comprises Erik MAse (Chair), Pablo de Greiff and Vrinda Grover. More information on the work of the Commission can be found at https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/index NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Zelensky says first batch of US Abrams tanks has arrived Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 2:38 PM President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's army has taken delivery of an initial batch of US-made Abrams tanks. The Ukrainian president said on Monday he had received the news from the defense minister, who told him "Abrams are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades." Zelensky did not elaborate on the quantity of the tanks. President Joe Biden of the United States promised at the start of the year to supply Ukraine with 31 Abrams tanks. The tanks would be paired with 120-mm armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds. Washington had already informed the public of sending the armor-piercing munitions to Ukraine. The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons warned at the time there are dangerous health risks from ingesting or inhaling depleted uranium dust, including cancer and birth defects. Russia also denounced the move, saying it was "an indicator of inhumanity." Depleted uranium is not considered nuclear weaponry, but it contains low levels of radiation. The tanks are part of more than $43 billion in military assistance pledged by the Biden administration since Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022. Russia's ambassador to the US had said previously that Biden's decision to send the tanks to Ukraine amounted to "another blatant provocation" against Moscow. He said the tanks would be destroyed and warned the West it would come to regret the "delusion" that Ukraine could ever win the day. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, has also warned the Abrams would need to be deployed "in a very tailored way, for very specific, well-crafted operations," or risk being destroyed. If the tanks are simply sent to the front lines to try to punch through Russian defenses, Budanov said, "they will not live very long on the battlefield." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's air defense systems down four Ukrainian drones over Black Sea, Crimea Iran Press TV Monday, 25 September 2023 11:17 AM Russian air defense systems have downed eight Ukrainian drones as Kiev forces increase their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and missile attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that Russian forces destroyed four drones over the northwestern part of the Black Sea and Crimea in addition to four more over Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions. The extent of possible damage or casualties caused by falling debris is yet unclear. The regional governor of Kursk, Roman Starovoyt, said several homes and the roof of an administrative building were damaged "due to an attack by Ukrainian UAVs" in the Central district. No casualties were reported. Aleksandr Bogomaz, Bryansk's regional governor, said there were "no casualties or damage" in the region. Odesa under Russian airstrikes Meanwhile, Ukraine claimed Odesa had come under Russian drone and missile attack overnight. The Ukrainian military said on Monday that grain storage facilities were targeted in these attacks. Russian armed forces "attacked the south of the country again," Ukrainian Forces of the South reported on Telegram. The Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine said Russia directed 19 drones and 2 Onyx supersonic missiles at Odesa and fired 12 Kalibr missiles. Russia "hit the port infrastructure" in Odessa, which "suffered significant damage," they said, adding that most of the projectiles had been shot down."Onyx missiles destroyed granaries. But people were not hurt." "As a result of falling debris" some damage was done, they added. One Ukrainian official claimed an empty grain store was hit and another said a civilian woman in Odesa was injured by shrapnel "in a blast wave". Russia and Ukraine are two major agricultural powers whose supplies are crucial for global food security. To continue its grain exports that were cut off after Russia's exit from the UN-mediated grain deal with Turkey, Ukraine is testing a new Black Sea route that avoids international waters and uses those controlled by NATO members Bulgaria and Romania. According to maritime traffic monitoring sites, the first ship loaded with wheat reached Turkey on Thursday and the second shipment reached Turkey on Sunday. This is despite Russia's threat to attack ships heading to or from Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Hails Arrival Of First U.S. Abrams Tanks As Occupation Officials Claim Missile Attack On Sevastopol Repelled By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 25, 2023 Ukraine received its first shipment of U.S.-made Abrams tanks that it says will strengthen its counteroffensive against Russian troops in the east amid continued Russian attacks in the southern city of Odesa and claims by occupation authorities in the Crimean port of Sevastopol that they had repelled a fresh missile attack on the port. "Good news from [Defense] Minister [Rustem] Umerov. Abrams are already in Ukraine and are getting ready to strengthen our brigades. I am grateful to the allies for implementing agreements on this," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a post on Telegram a week after U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed the deliveries were imminent. The United States agreed in January to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine as the country was preparing its counteroffensive against Russian forces that launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. In total, Washington said 31 of the battle tanks would be sent to Ukraine. Earlier in September, the United States said it would provide Ukraine with the controversial depleted uranium ammunitions the M1 Abrams tanks use. Ukraine has said it needs tanks to strengthen its brigades amid its counteroffensive that started in July. Russian forces repelled an attack on the Crimean port of Sevastopol on Monday, downing one missile, the Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said on Telegram. Razvozhayev, citing preliminary data, said Russian air-defense units downed a missile near the Belbek military airfield. An air-raid alert was subsequently lifted. Traffic on the main bridge linking the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula, annexed from Ukraine in 2014, was restored. At least one Ukrainian missile struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on September 22. Ukrainian forces have delivered crippling blows to Russian forces near Sevastopol in recent weeks. Ukraine's military on September 25 said the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed along with other 33 naval officers in Ukraine's September 22 attack on the fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, although Russia gave vastly lower casualty figures. The claims could not independently be verified. On September 13, some 62 Russian naval personnel were killed in an attack on a Sevastopol shipyard that also damaged a submarine and a landing craft carrier, Kyiv said. Separate reports late on September 25 stated that Russian air defenses had shot down seven Ukrainian drones in a "massive attack" on Russia's Belgorod region. No injuries were reported. Ukraine's General Staff said on September 25 it was conducting offensive actions in the direction of the embattled city of Bakhmut and the regions of Donetsk, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhya. Ukraine's military also said it had repulsed Russian attacks in the Donetsk region. Earlier on September 25 the Ukrainian military said Russia had launched a major aerial attack on southern Ukraine overnight, hitting the port area of the southern city of Odesa, destroying grain storage facilities. The Defense Forces of the South of Ukraine said Russia directed 19 Shahed drones and two Onyx supersonic missiles at Odesa and fired 12 Kalibr cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force said the Kalibrs were launched from a ship and a submarine in the Black Sea. Only one of the Kalibr missiles was not shot down. However, Russia "hit the port infrastructure" in Odesa, which "suffered significant damage," the southern defense forces said, while the regional governor, Oleh Kiper, said close to 1,000 tons of grain was stored in the facilities that were hit. He said a woman in Odesa was injured in the attack, adding that she was being treated at a local hospital. Russia has ramped up attacks on Ukraine's grain-exporting infrastructure in the southern Odesa and Mykolayiv regions after it pulled out of a UN-brokered deal allowing safe grain shipments via the Black Sea in July. Elsewhere in the south of Ukraine, the Kherson military administration reported that shelling had intensified. Regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said Russia attacked the town of Beryslav on the right bank of the Dnieper River, killing at least one person. "The information is being clarified," he added in a Telegram post. Serhiy Lysak, governor of the east-central Dnipropetrovsk region, said falling debris from a downed drone caused a fire at an industrial enterprise in Kriviy Rih, Zelenskiy's hometown. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. With reporting by Current Time, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-odesa- russia-strikes/32608092.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 Participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs LuminiEa Odobescu in the UN Security Council Open Debate on Ukraine, Held on the Margins of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Type: Press release Date: 09/25/23 Minister of Foreign Affairs LuminiEa Odobescu participated on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, in New York at the UN Security Council's high-level open debate on peace and security in Ukraine. The summit, attended by a significant number of world leaders, was hosted by Albania, which holds the Presidency of the Security Council in September 2023. On this occasion, the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Romania's firm condemnation of the illegal military aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Security Council, which is the guarantor of international peace and security. Minister of Foreign Affairs LuminiEa Odobescu reaffirmed Romania's active role at the UN as a supporter of effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order, as well as an actor committed to strengthening the international security and countering the negative impact of the consequences of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. At the same time, she underlined that the war of aggression unleashed by the Russian Federation constitutes a flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law, enshrined in the UN Charter and has caused a serious crisis with multiple consequences and global reach, including in terms of food, energy, economic security and environmental protection. On this occasion, she reaffirmed her support for the Peace Formula proposed by President Zelenski and for the diplomatic efforts to secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed Romania's firm support for the identification of appropriate and effective legal solutions to hold accountable those responsible for the crime of aggression committed in the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine. She also informed on the constant and comprehensive support that Romania will continue to provide to the Republic of Moldova, which is severely affected by the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. The speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the UN Security Council is available here: https://www.mae.ro/node/62890 The transcript of the Minister of Foreign Affairs' speech is available below: Mr. President, I commend the Albanian Presidency of the Security Council for organizing this significant high-level open debate on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine. As neighbouring country of Ukraine, I would like to share some perspectives, after more than a year and a half since the Russian Federation's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression towards Ukraine has started. The Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Security Council, generated and prolongs the gravest international crisis of multilateralism since the end of the Second World War. It undermines the UN Charter and everything the UN stands for. Today we stand with the UN Charter and international law and reiterate that there is only one way to end the aggression. The Russian Federation needs to cease the use of force and withdraw completely and immediately from the territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected by all UN member states. But peace in Ukraine cannot be restored by inaction. Romania fully supports the Ukrainian Peace Formula, as the single framework conducive to a fair, lasting and sustainable peace. A peace that does not reward the aggressor. Ladies and gentlemen, This illegal war is affecting both our region and, as you know, the entire world. It is severely affecting the security in the wider Black Sea area. Recently, fragments of Russian drones were found on our territory, in the proximity of the Romanian-Ukrainian border, generating high risks for the inhabitants of those areas. It is challenging the resilience of neighbouring states, such as Republic of Moldova, the most affected state by this war, except Ukraine itself. But the impact of the war of aggression against Ukraine remains also a matter of concern for all UN member states. It has consequences of global proportions, especially on food security, energy and economic stability. By terminating the Black Sea Grain Initiative and by attacking Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and on the Danube River, just across the territory of Romania, the Russian Federation further intensifies the global food crisis. Romania remains committed to supporting global efforts on food security. So far, we have facilitated the transit of more than 25,5 million tons of Ukrainian grains. With the winter approaching again, we will raise to the expectations of those vulnerable once again. Since the first day of this war of aggression, the Government and population of Romania acted as first-responders in providing for and helped around 6 million Ukrainians that crossed our borders and looked for shelter in our country. Mr. President, Romania strongly supports the efforts to seek accountability for all crimes committed against Ukraine, including the crimes of aggression. There should be no impunity for those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine. This is another aspect of the comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The crisis we face today requires enhanced cooperation and common solutions. It is now when global action for Ukraine and for defending rules-based international order becomes even more relevant. And it is now when we need an effective UN reform, starting with this very body entrusted with maintenance of international peace and security. We must avoid fatigue and grow even more united and resolute in defending and upholding our values, and international peace and security, starting with a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. President. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 25.09.2023 On 25 September at around 2.30 p.m., the Russian Armed Forces have foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by fixed-wing UAVs against facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation. One Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by alerted air defence systems over Belgorod region. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address British Army trains Ukrainian soldiers in mine disposal skills The Royal Engineers are delivering world-leading training to Ukraine's combat engineers in Poland, with 1,500 mine detectors having been provided to Ukraine by the UK. 25 September 2023 Royal Engineers sappers have delivered crucial explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) training to Ukrainian soldiers to disable mines, munitions and other explosive devices that are being used in Ukraine and are currently one of the biggest threats to the safety of civilians in the country. Mines present one of the biggest obstacles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they seek to re-take illegally occupied land. It is critical to the success of the ongoing counter-offensive that Ukraine has the resources to deal with mines; this thorough and tailored training package teaches soldiers munition recognition, disposal methods and search procedures to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines, booby traps and trip wires. Training includes how to conduct a threat brief, plan mine-disposal operations, and practical lessons on how to clear not only vast swathes of land, but also trench systems, bunkers and civilian buildings. Final assessments involve search teams covering a complex area with a designated commander. Soldiers use metal detectors and personnel mine extraction kits and are taught how to adapt the equipment they have available on the front line. They have also been trained on equipment donated by the UK, including VALLON detectors. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and I want to be clear that we will continue to support Ukraine to ensure they win this war and reclaim their sovereignty. Putin's illegal invasion has left Ukraine's fields and towns covered in deadly landmines and unexploded munitions, which presents an immediate danger to its citizens now, and for years to come. The Royal Engineers are using their world-leading experience to train Ukraine's bomb disposal experts, who can pass on these lifesaving skills to their own recruits and ensure a safer future for all Ukrainians. Much of the training takes place within an area designed to simulate conditions similar to those on the frontline, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine are encountering minefields, booby traps, and improvised explosive devices. The training package, which was developed following a request from Ukraine, is delivered in Poland by 35 Engineer Regiment EOD&S and is tailored based on feedback provided by Ukrainian sappers, some of whom have served on the frontline since as far back as 2014. The UK is also supporting a Canadian-led programme in Poland, teaching basic combat engineering skills to the AFU and both courses have collectively trained approximately 1,000 soldiers with ambitions to train more. Considerable equipment and training to Ukraine has been provided by the UK to improve their ability to clear mines. This has included over 1,500 sets of both vehicle-mounted and 'on-the person' mine clearing and explosive ordnance disposal equipment, including necessary training. More mine-clearance capabilities are expected to be announced in the next round of funding from the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine, which has raised A770million from partners to supply military equipment to Ukraine. Captain Chris Wilson, 35 Engineer Regiment EOD&S, who is commanding the EOD training, said: We are teaching Ukrainian sappers skills we developed during various deployments, as well as evolving our own techniques based on feedback from Ukraine's frontline, in order to deliver vital training which will save Ukrainian lives. More than 23,500 recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already received training in the UK since the start of 2022, learning essential frontline skills including trench and urban warfare, leadership, and medical training. At the start of 2023, the UK committed to train a further 20,000 Ukrainian recruits - approximately double the amount trained last year - under one of the largest training programmes of its kind in the world. Beyond teaching combat skills to recruits, the UK has provided a broad package of other skills including medical training to provide pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance. Including both the Op Interflex and the programme for marines, the UK's training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine is supported by Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. The UK remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine, with a further A2.3bn already earmarked for further military support through 2023, with additional munitions and equipment to be delivered in the coming months. Further UK government assistance continues in the form of humanitarian support and economic aid. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The best thing for us is to be capable of producing advanced weapons to guarantee Ukraine's security, and we will do so - address by the President President of Ukraine 25 September 2023 - 21:42 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today Defense Minister Umerov delivered an important report: the first American-made Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine. We are preparing them to reinforce our actions against the occupiers. And it will be a significant reinforcement. We are also working to get all the other weapons capabilities we need. This includes F16s - we are preparing pilots and infrastructure. This also includes long-range weapons - we are doing our utmost to enable Ukraine to do more to liberate its territory. The same goes for air defense. To cover the entire territory of our country, we need more systems than we currently have. The best thing for us is to be able to produce air defense and other advanced weapons. This is the only way. To guarantee Ukraine's security. And we will produce, we will build all the necessary production facilities step by step. And, by the way, we see a very clear interest of the world in working with us to build a new defense force not only for Ukraine, but also for our partners. For our world as a whole - a rules-based world that will not tolerate the aggression and terror that Russia is trying to make the norm. Today, Minister for Strategic Industries Kamyshin reported on the preparation of the first Defense Industries Forum: there are already more than 160 companies that will participate. 26 countries. Different parts of the world: America, Asia, Europe, Australia. Manufacturers of a full range of weapons. We will bend every effort to unite the world to create a new and powerful arsenal for Ukraine and all defenders of international law. Today, I also held meetings on the results of my visit to the United States and Canada, as well as meetings with the leaders of partner countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. All the agreements we have reached, all the prospects for Ukraine - everything must be implemented as soon as possible. For each of the areas, we are appointing a specific official who will be responsible for the implementation of the agreements. Defense, political cooperation, strengthening and purging of institutions, energy sector, recovery. I would like to pay special attention to Penny Pritzker, the newly appointed U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Recovery. This is a very important appointment. It is a clear symbol of America's confidence in Ukraine's future. I had a meeting with Mrs. Pritzker in New York, and she was also in Washington for expanded talks with President Biden. The atmosphere is productive. And it is important for us to ensure that the Special Representative can start working with Ukraine and in Ukraine as soon as possible. I also held a meeting with government officials and the Office on our grain exports. We coordinated further steps and noted the results achieved. First: The European Commission endorsed the roadmap for mutual monitoring of grain exports. This is completely rational. Second, we are gradually removing emotions from this topic on most issues. Work with our neighbors can and should become fully constructive, and Ukraine is doing everything for this. Third, I am grateful to those of our partners who have prevented violations of EU trade rules and the Association Agreement. We expect the same constructive cooperation as with Bulgaria and Romania from other neighboring countries. The European Union is a space for mutual understanding and cooperation. This is how it should be. And one more thing. I would like to thank all our Air Force servicemen, all our anti-aircraft gunners, and servicemen of mobile fire groups who repel Russian missile and drone attacks every day and night. During just one attack against Ukraine last night, the enemy used 33 strike weapons - "Shaheds" and missiles. Most of them were launched against Odesa and the region. Most of them were shot down. Unfortunately, not all of them. Unfortunately, there were hits. But 30 targets out of 33 were neutralized. It is important to bear in mind that each neutralized target means saved lives. And we will retaliate against Russia for every strike against our cities and villages, against every Ukrainian community. For Odesa, for Beryslav and Kherson, for Donetsk, Kharkiv and Sumy regions. For all our regions. I thank everyone who rescues people after the occupiers' attacks! I thank everyone in the world who helps us defend Ukraine! Glory to our warriors! Glory to all who work for the sake of the state! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Investigators Find Growing Evidence of Russian War Crimes in Ukraine By Lisa Schlein September 25, 2023 A new report by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine documents a growing body of evidence of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity committed by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. The report, which was submitted to the U.N. human rights council Monday, presents a picture of widespread violations and abuse against the civilian population and of wanton, large-scale destruction of essential infrastructure. "The commission is concerned by the continuous evidence of war crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine," said Erik Mose, chair of the commission. "Well into the second year of the armed conflict, people in Ukraine have been continuing to cope with the loss and injury of loved ones, large-scale destruction, suffering and trauma as well as economic hardship that have resulted from it," he said. "Thousands have been killed and injured, and millions remain internally displaced or out of the country." Russia boycotted the proceedings and was not in the room to respond to these charges. In the past it has denied targeting civilians. Latest figures from the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights put the number of civilian deaths at 9,614 and injuries at 17,535 since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The agency, however, notes the number of casualties is likely to be much higher. Statistics from UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, show 5.1 million people are displaced within Ukraine and another 6,197,200 have fled to other countries as refugees. Since it was established in March 2022, the three-member commission has visited Ukraine more than 10 times, gathering information from government authorities and "listening to harrowing testimonies" from victims and witnesses of abuse. "The commission regrets that all communications addressed to the Russian Federation remain unanswered," said Mose. The investigators report that "attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas have led to extensive destruction and damage and have been the leading cause of deaths and injuries among the civilian population." They have documented explosive weapons attacks against residential buildings, a railway station, commercial warehouses, medical and other key facilities that have disrupted essential services and supplies. "In most cases, there seemed to not have been a military presence at the affected sites or in their vicinity," said Mose. In Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, regions which had been under prolonged Russian occupation, the commission collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control has been widespread and systematic, noting that the principal targets of torture were persons accused of being informants of the Ukrainian armed forces. Mose told the council that torture mostly took place in various detention centers controlled by Russian authorities and that "the torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of some of the victims." He said the armed conflict has had devastating consequences for children and that the commission is continuing to investigate individual situations of alleged transfers of unaccompanied minors by Russian authorities to the Russian Federation. "It regrets that there is a lack of clarity and transparency on the full extent, circumstances, and categories of children transferred," said Mose. Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, addressing the proceedings by video link, lambasted "the massive atrocities committed to a shocking degree by Russia in the course of its war of aggression against Ukraine." He spoke with passion and anger about the harm caused to the more than 19,000 Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred and deported from their country by Russia's top leadership. "Ukrainian children are stripped of their Ukrainian citizenship and put for adoption into Russian families," he said. "It is a war crime and crimes against humanity that also could amount to crime of genocide in line with the 1948 Genocide Convention." Mose said the commission also was "concerned about allegations of genocide in Ukraine." For instance, he said that "some of the rhetoric transmitted in Russian state and other media may constitute incitement to genocide." He said the commission is continuing its investigations on such issues. "We continue our efforts to collect evidence which may be of use for judicial accountability purposes," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zmeevik / Serpentine Anti-ship ballistic missile Work on the Zmeevik / Serpentine Anti-ship ballistic missile project was suspended in September 2023. "Work on Zmeevik has been frozen, because now all efforts of the defense industry are aimed at improving all missile weapons that have already flown" TASS news agency reported, according to an unnamed source in the country's military-industrial complex. This may be due to lack of funds or more rational use of funds. According to an agency source, the decision to freeze the development of the Zmelvik missile was a stopgap measure to focus all efforts on modernizing the missile. According to interlocutors of the agency, "Zmeevik" is supposed to be a response to the "Dark Eagle" hypersonic missile being developed by the United States. However, the Pentagon encountered some difficulties in manufacturing this missile, which also caused the Snake project to be temporarily frozen. The source did not name the organization developing the new project, but Reutov NPO Mashinostroeniya, part of Tactical Missile Corporation, which plays a key role in Russia's hypersonic program. The TASS news agency published on March 12, 2022, the first, and indeed the only, information about the project with the code "Snake" (possibly referring to the serpentinite mineral). The information was received from two unnamed sources close to the Ministry of Defense and the military-industrial complex. Meanwhile, organizations capable of handling new projects did not comment. The mineral serpentine, also known as malachite, received this name because of its appearance: it is very reminiscent of snake skin. In the literature, the crystal was called serpentinite, since serpent translated from Latin means nothing more than snake. There are a large number of legends around this stone. One relates that the serpentine is a fossilized part of the skin of a fiery serpent named the Great Snake. Once in ancient times, this monster was placed in front of a cave to protect treasures from people. Serpentinite was believed to driveaway illnesses, evil spirits and restless dreams. Armor fabric was previously woven from serpentine threads, like chain mail, which was the basis of armor in the time of Peter I. Serpentine is a group of minerals of the layered silicates subclass. In nature, serpentines are found in the form of dense masses of leaf or fibrous structure. A homogeneous, lightly colored, often translucent variety of high-density serpentine is called noble serpentine and is mainly used as an ornamental stone. Serpentine is not a precious or semi-precious stone, but it is widely used in jewelry. The word "Smeevik" has other meanings, such as coil, a long metal, glass, porcelain (ceramic) or plastic tube, bent in some regular or irregular way. Possibly the name corresponds to the intended flight path in the termal homing phase. Many anti-ship ballistic missile designs are equipped with a MaRV (Maneuvering Reenty Vehicle). The imagination of Russian weapons developers when naming products had run to a collection of flower plants of different artillery systems, such as acacias and carnations. Peonies, cornflowers, etc. Now it seems they have decided to continue the Minerals and Geology series. There used to be "Basalt", now there will be "Serpentine". According to TASS sources, development of the Serpentine project began a long time ago. The goal is to create an anti-ship complex equipped with ballistic missiles and hypersonic combat equipment. This anti-ship missile can serve in the missile force of the Navy's coastal forces. Whether surface ships or submarines will be able to receive it has not yet been determined. Complex performance characteristics, even approximate ones, are not named. However, sources mentioned that in terms of its parameters, the Russian "Zmeevik" will be similar to similar Chinese systems DF-21D and DF-26, with a claimed flight range of up to 4 kilometers. The warhead will be able to hit large surface targets, including aircraft carriers. Oddly, the 2022 TASS report remained the only source of information about the Serpentine project. No new information has been received about the project in the future, either official or anonymous. Apparently this is due to the general secrecy surrounding the work and other aspects of advanced weapons manufacturing. Aircraft carrier killer is a common name that has been widely used in military news reports by mass media . It generally refers to military weapons that can effectively attack aircraft carriers. It is also called anti-aircraft carrier weapons , aircraft carrier nemesis , etc., and often refers to anti-ship ballistic missiles, The idea of developing "anti-ship ballistic missiles" originated from the Soviet Union and began as early as the Cold War in the 1960s. The Soviet Union began to develop the world's first anti-ship ballistic missile, the R-27K. The R-27K is improved from the R-27 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The length of the first-stage rocket power section is greatly reduced, and a new second-stage rocket engine is used. It still uses a nuclear warhead as the warhead and is equipped with a passive radar for guidance. In December 1973, the Soviet Navy's K-5 diesel-electric submarine launched a ballistic missile, and the warhead accurately hit the target ship. The launch was part of a test of the D-27 naval missile system. R-XNUMXK became the first ballistic missile in history capable of hitting moving surface ships. Several tests were conducted in the 1970s, and one of them directly hit the target ship. However, after the test was completed, the R-27K was not put into use. Due to the installation of a large number of electronic equipment and computers for terminal guidance, the range of the P-27K has dropped significantly from the P-27's 2,500 kilometers to only 900 kilometers. The test results were very unsatisfactory - P-27K The circular error probability (CEP) of the missile is actually in the range of 2,700 to 3,000 meters. However, even a nuclear warhead with the equivalent of 1 million tons of TNT has a damage radius of just 2,700 meters for surface targets. The Russian military is using the Tu-22M3M "Backfire" bomber to test-fire the latest X-32 cruise missile. This hypersonic missile, known as the "super carrier killer", continues the hard-core style of Russian anti-ship missiles, which can accurately strike enemy surface ships at ultra-long distances and break through existing missile defense systems. According to a People's Daily report on August 28, 2020, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post was the first to report relevant news. The report quoted "a source close to the Chinese military" as saying that the People's Liberation Army launched two missiles into the South China Sea on the morning of the 26th. Issued a "clear warning" to the United States. It is said that the two missiles are the "Dongfeng-26" medium-range ballistic missile launched from Qinghai, and the "Dongfeng-21D" medium-range ballistic missile launched from Zhejiang. The source said the two missiles landed in the area between Hainan and the Paracel Islands. "Dongfeng-26" and "Dongfeng-21D" are both anti-ship ballistic missiles. "Dongfeng-21D" has a range of 1,800 kilometers, and "Dongfeng-26" can hit ship targets 4,000 kilometers away. Russia does not have much technical difficulty in developing anti-ship ballistic missiles based on the "Dagger". The real technical difficulty lies in the effective reconnaissance and monitoring of the ocean, as well as the precise guidance of long-range missiles, especially the ability to correct terminal targets. This is the technical difficulty of anti-ship ballistic missiles. In order to develop anti-ship ballistic missiles, China built three optical satellite systems: the ocean surveillance satellite system, the Beidou navigation and positioning system, and the Skylink data link transmission system. With Russia's current level of national power, it cannot even maintain the "GLONASS" system. Building three different satellite systems is tantamount to wishful thinking. The Agni-P missile is an Indian version of the anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). Its research and development goal is to equip a land-based anti-ship missile with a range of 1,500 kilometers, which can be launched from most parts of India, covering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, to enhance India's future maritime capabilities against aircraft carrier battle groups in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It can be seen from India's research and development goals that this seems to be an Indian version of the Dongfeng-21D anti-ship missile. On 24 March 2022, Ukraines Tochka-U hit the Russian Crocodile-class landing ship Saratov anchored in the Port of Berdyansk and detonated the cargo on the ship, causing it to sink. As a result, the Tochka-U became the first ballistic missile to sink a surface ship in actual combat. On 04 March 2022 information emerged in Russia about the development of a new coastal missile system equipped with the Zircon hypersonic missile. According to people familiar with the matter, a prototype of the mobile launcher for the Zircon hypersonic missile had been developed and was being tested. The development of the "Zircon" hypersonic ballistic missile system was in full swing, and the launcher was already "on hardware" and ready for preliminary testing. The source said that the mobile complex was similar to the Onyx-equipped Bastion ballistic missile system; it is also placed on a four-axle chassis and carries two missiles. According to a report by the American "Drive" website on 13 July 2022, news reports from Russia stated that Russia is the latest country to develop anti-ship ballistic missiles. Anti-ship ballistic missiles are a class of weapons known as "carrier killers." Russias previously unknown missile program dubbed Serpentine by Russia could add a powerful boost to the Kremlins anti-access/area denial strategy, which already includes a variety of coastal defences. missiles and hypersonic anti-ship missiles under development. This missile combines the characteristics of a ballistic missile with the characteristics of a maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicle in the final flight phase. TASS said its main purpose is to attack large surface warships, including aircraft carriers. Sources said the "Serpentine" missile is similar to China's Dongfeng-21D and Dongfeng-26B anti-ship ballistic missiles, with a range of about 2,500 miles (approximately 4,000 kilometers). The report did not mention the details of the current development work of the "Serpentine" missile, but the TASS news agency said it contacted the Russian Machinery-Building Scientific Production Joint Corporation for comment, which indicates that the company is likely to be the missile's design agency. Notably, the company also manufactures Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles for surface ships and submarines, Vanguard hypersonic glide vehicles that can be carried by intercontinental ballistic missiles, and Bastion equipped with Onyx supersonic missiles. "Coastal defense system. According to reports, the basis of the "Zmevik" complex will be ballistic missiles equipped with hypersonic combat equipment. At the same time, the missile's structure, flight profile and methods of obtaining and using hypersonic flight speeds are unknown. Its tactical and technical characteristics and the combat potential of the entire complex depend on these characteristics of the product. However, all possible architectures and variants of such complexes have their advantages and allow you to effectively deal with ground targets. It could be a "conventional" medium-range or shorter-range ballistic missile. According to the usual ballistics of such devices, the warhead generates hypersonic speeds during the descent part. The warhead is controllable and has active maneuverability. In this case, the rocket will become a quasi-ballistic rocket and gain additional capabilities. The American "War Zone" website interviewed Dmitry Stefanovich, a researcher at the Center for International Security at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and asked him to express his opinion on the prospects of the "Serpentine" missile. Stefanovich said: "It seems that the development work on the project has indeed been carried out for some time. Although no relevant tests were mentioned or observed, this does not mean that prototype tests were not carried out. For the Soviets and the Russian It's pretty traditional for people to make fast anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles are an excellent choice." However, Stefanovich also pointed out some shortcomings of the missile concept, at least for the Russian Navy. "Given their range and speed, strong intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and targeting capabilities are required, as well as terminal guidance capabilities. Maneuvering reentry vehicles, and as a subcategory of them, hypersonic glide vehicles, have every reason to be major payload types, but there are clear gaps in Russias intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, he said. Stefanovich said: "Of course, we don't know the actual deployment timetable (of the missile), so it is possible that US weapons such as the long-range hypersonic weapon 'Black Hawk' or the medium-range weapon system 'Typhoon' will be earlier Arriving in Europe or Asia. According to the report, although there is no detailed information on what launch platform the Serpentine missile will use, a high-mobility truck chassis used by other Russian mobile coastal defense missiles seemed likely to become the launch platform. Such missile systems require guided or gliding warheads. Russian industry has the technology and expertise to manufacture such products, and samples of such products are already in service. It can be assumed that borrowing finished blocks from other projects would be impossible or impractical, and the Serpentine tank would receive its own combat load. Regardless of the specific technical characteristics of the flight profile, hypersonic equipment will be distinguished by its high combat qualities. Therefore, it will reduce the time to attack and hit the target, incl. to the maximum extent. In addition, the kinetic energy of a warhead with a speed exceeding 5M is enough to cause serious damage to the target. Warheads the size of modern Russian anti-ship missiles are capable of damaging or even disabling a large ship, or even an aircraft carrier. At the same time, it can carry warheads to enhance the impact on targets. It is said that "Zmevik" can be a coastal missile system. This option to deploy new anti-ship missiles has aroused great interest. Thanks to him, the naval coastal forces will have defense systems with special combat characteristics. In key parameters, Zmivik surpasses modern coastal complexes, including state-of-the-art fortresses equipped with Onyx missiles. The presence of several different missile defense systems and missiles will make it possible to create a more effective layered defense system capable of keeping the enemy a long distance from the coast. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AURORA, Ill., Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BERNINA, the premium sewing, serging, and longarm manufacturer, has partnered with Hoffman Media to present Quilt Street, a first-of-its-kind platform offering both curated educational content and community in the quilting space. Quilt Street is the first exclusively digital quilting platform, designed for quilters of any style and skill level. The membership-based platform allows access to a like minded community and a plethora of exclusive content to enhance skill level. From video tutorials and an online shop to weekly quilt blocks and patterns, members can enjoy quilting content anytime, anywhere. The platform is powered with the help of well-known sponsors, such as BERNINA of America. The manufacturer has contributed an extensive repertoire of content to assist both the beginner and most seasoned quilter; three courses sponsored by BERNINA are available now through Quilt Street. BERNINA has played such an important role in helping us bring a seamless community-rich learning experience through the video series weve released thus far and with those that are soon to be released, shared Susan Guzman, Hoffman Medias editorial director, Ive been especially pleased with the level of expertise the BERNINA educators weve worked with have shown and with how theyve contributed to the quality of learning making it a fun and exciting experience for our community of quilters. The BERNINA team is thrilled to be a part of this innovative platform and looks forward to continuing with content creation and community building. Were so excited to be a collaborative partner with Hoffman Media for this endeavor, said Christy Burcham, vice president of BERNINA Education, Were looking forward to setting people up for success, embracing the fun, and providing the resources needed to accomplish the project at hand. To celebrate the launch, BERNINA of America will be giving away a generous prize package worth $3,800 that includes a BERNINA 475 Quilters Edition Sewing Machine, a rolling bag, and dealer-guided class. Those interested in winning the prize can enter by joining Quilt Streets weekly newsletter online from now until 9/30/23. Winner will be chosen 10/1/23. In addition to launching an innovative quilting platform, both parties look forward to honoring and remembering industry legend and Hoffman Medias founder, the late Phyllis Hoffman DePiano. The well-known publisher was a dedicated sewist and quilter that devotedly worked on Quilt Street up until her passing. Im sure Phyllis DePiano would have been overflowing with joy as we were finally able to reveal the months of hard work we all put forth in developing the first comprehensive digital quilting brand, said Guzman. To sign up for exclusive content and the Quilt Street community, visit quiltstreet.com. Those interested can choose between the following options and use code BERNINA for 30% off their Monthly or Annual membership: Newsletter and Free Content: Sign up for free to enjoy quilt blocks of the week, access to the quilt shop, promotions, and more. Monthly Membership: For $9.99, members can enjoy all free content in addition to quilt patterns, interviews, video tutorials, archives, and more. Annual Membership: At $79.95 per year, memberships will have access to all content at a discounted rate, as well as exclusive savings and bundles in the Quilt Shop. Annual members will receive 20% items in the shop all year long. ABOUT BERNINA BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer of quality state-of-the-art sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, overlockers and embroidery software. Since being founded over 130 years ago, BERNINA has maintained a strong commitment to serving the creative community. This dedication threads through the Swiss precision found in every machine, the training and education available through our over 400 fully trained independent BERNINA Dealers and the endless tutorials and content shared on the BERNINA WeAllSew blog and social media channels. BERNINA products are designed for beginning to advanced sewists and priced to meet a variety of budgets, with new products being introduced every year. CONTACT: Samantha Shreve Lola Charles Communications samantha@lolacharlescommunications.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fcfbe25-63ad-4339-b973-bbdcb6d71662 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94b2e6fa-ed90-4e7c-b90d-d91bc0d6e5fc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8e483df-63e5-4e9d-871e-9b14b4d9716a HOUSTON, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) ("Targa" or the "Company") announced today that representatives from the Company will participate in investor meetings at the Wolfe Research Utilities, Midstream and Clean Energy Conference on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in New York City, NY. A copy of the slides used for the conference meetings will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at www.targaresources.com, or by going to https://www.targaresources.com/investors/events. About Targa Resources Corp. Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Companys assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil. Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500. For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.targaresources.com. Regulation FD Disclosures We use any of the following to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. We routinely post important information on our website at www.targaresources.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. We encourage investors and others interested in the company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release are 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. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our projected financial performance and capital spending. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Companys control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the impact of pandemics or any other public health crises, commodity price volatility due to ongoing or new global conflicts, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, the impact of disruptions in the bank and capital markets, including those resulting from lack of access to liquidity for banking and financial services firms, the timing and success of business development efforts and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact the Company's investor relations department by email at InvestorRelations@targaresources.com or by phone at (713) 584-1133. Sanjay Lad Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations Jennifer Kneale Chief Financial Officer NEWARK, Del, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The mezcal market will be valued at US$ 557 million in 2023. In 2022, the mezcal markets valuation was US$ 430.3 million. The market is forecasted to capture an exceptional CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period. By the end of 2033, the market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 1,347.9 million. A change in lifestyle for many people means frequent trips to bars, pubs, and the like. As the spending power of the people increases, their preferences also change. In the case of alcoholic drinks, there is now a growing demand for premium and luxury drinks. Several consumers are veering away from traditional drinks towards drinks like mezcal. Therefore, Shifting consumer preferences drives the demand in the mezcal market. For a quick overview of the Comprehensive Research Report, consider downloading the Sample PDF Summary: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5067 Production of agave, the source ingredient of mezcal, is confined to Mexico. Nonetheless, there is a drive from mezcal suppliers to expand their market. Due to its closeness to Mexico, the United States has been the dominant force in the mezcal market. However, companies in the mezcal market are intending to have their products reach far and wide. The Asia Pacific is seen as a region with potential in the mezcal market. Compared to other alcoholic beverages, mezcals are seen as more sustainable and organic. Made from agave, mezcals are sourced from natural ingredients. Mezcals are also termed to be healthier. Most mezcals are gluten-free and untampered mezcals contain very low sugar and calories. Thus, mezcal is quickly becoming the favored drink of the environment-conscious and the enthusiasts. Mezcal offers consumers a unique smoky taste. This taste has made the drink popular among the bar-going crowd. The taste of mezcal is also being increasingly used to enliven cocktails. Nonetheless, mezcal manufacturers are becoming aware of the value of innovation. Mezcal drinks with different flavors diversify the portfolio of mezcal suppliers. Moreover, non-alcoholic mezcals are another innovation that is set to drive the market in the coming years, says an analyst at FMI. Key Takeaways from the Mezcal Market The mezcal market is predicted to be valued at US$ 1,347.9 million in 2033. Mezcal Joven resoundingly leads in the product type segment, estimated to account for 63.3% of the market share. 100% tequila leads the concentration segment, predicted to make up 54.7% of the market share in 2023. The United States is the key force in the mezcal market growth, it is expected to account for 33.1% of the market share in 2023. The Asia Pacific region is tipped to experience growth in the coming years, with Japan forecasted to make up 2.2% of the mezcal market share in 2023. China is also on an upward trajectory in terms of growth and is expected to account for 5.2% of the market share in 2023. Request for Methodology: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/request-report-methodology/rep-gb-5067 Competition Analysis of the Mezcal Market The mezcal market is highly fragmented, but the established players are trying to gain control of a huge share of the market. Acquisitions and mergers are common strategies in the mezcal market. The mezcal manufacturers are also relying on a diverse portfolio to appeal to consumers. A few of the established players in the mezcal market are Bacardi Limited, Familia Camarena Tequila, Craft Distiller, and Destileria Tlacolula. Key Companies in the Mezcal Market Bacardi Limited Familia Camarena Tequila Craft Distiller Destileria Tlacolula Diageo Plc. Don Julio S.A.de. El Silencio Holdings INC Fidencio Mezcal Desolas Mezcal Drink Moday Inc. Recent Developments in the Mezcal Market In September 2023, Ilegal Mezcal was acquired by Bacardi Limited. Ilegal Mezcal is a specialty mezcal brand. With the acquisition, Bacardi is aiming to increase its foothold in the mezcal market. In August 2023, American brand Desolas Mezcal formed a partnership with Canadian distributors Renaissance Wine Merchants. With the help of this partnership, the American brand is expanding into Canada. In April 2022, Drink Monday Inc. introduced a non-alcoholic mezcal in the market. Named Monday Mezcal, the drink was an extension of the companys already extensive non-alcoholic drinks catalog. Outpace Competitors By Leveraging Our Expertise. Buy Now For Unparalleled Industry Insights: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/5067 Key Segments in the Mezcal Market By Product Type: Joven Reposado Anejo By Concentration: 100% Tequila Mixed Tequila By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Author: Nandini Roy Choudhury (Client Partner for Food & Beverages at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has 7+ years of management consulting experience. She advises industry leaders and explores off-the-eye opportunities and challenges. She puts processes and operating models in place to support their business objectives. She has exceptional analytical skills and often brings thought leadership to the table. Nandini has vast functional expertise in key niches, including but not limited to food ingredients, nutrition & health solutions, animal nutrition, and marine nutrients. She is also well-versed in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, retail, and chemical sectors, where she advises market participants to develop methodologies and strategies that deliver results. Her core expertise lies in corporate growth strategy, sales and marketing effectiveness, acquisitions and post-merger integration and cost reduction. Nandini has an MBA in Finance from MIT School of Business. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nagpur University, India. Nandini has authored several publications, and quoted in journals including Beverage Industry, Bloomberg, and Wine Industry Advisor. Top Reports Related To Food and Beverage Market Insights Premium Alcoholic Beverages Market Size: The premium alcoholic beverages market is valued at US$ 0.7 trillion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, reaching a valuation of US$ 1.7 trillion by 2032. Functional Beverages Market Share: The functional beverages market is projected to record a CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2032. Low-alcohol Beverages Market Trends: The global low-alcohol beverages market estimated at US$ 1.41 billion in the year 2023, is projected to reach a revised size of US$ 2.36 billion by 2033. Agave Nectar Market Sale: The global agave nectar demand is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 6.3% through 2033. The market revenue is likely to be valued at US$ 2,06,024.0 million in 2023 and exhibit a revenue growth of US$ 3,78,776.4 million by 2033. Agave Syrup Market Value: The global agave syrup market is expected to have robust growth in the coming years. According to projections, the market is estimated to reach a value of US$ 571.1 million by 2023, indicating a year-over-year growth rate of 5.4%. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 5000 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube New York, NY, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zion Market Research has published a new research report titled Cell Culture Market By Product (Consumables And Instruments), By Application (Biopharmaceutical Production, Diagnostics, And Cell & Gene Therapy), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of global Cell Culture Market size & share in terms of revenue was valued at USD 5.55 billion in 2022 and it is expected to surpass around USD 8.75 billion mark by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.37% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030. What is Cell Culture? How big is the Cell Culture Industry? Report Overview: The global cell culture market size was evaluated at $5.55 billion in 2022 and is slated to hit $8.75 billion by the end of 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 8.37% between 2023 and 2030. The act of removing cells from animal and plant sources and then cultivating them in a lab under specific circumstances is referred to as cell culture. In addition, the pH, humidity, optimum temperature, and gases that are present in this artificial environment all contribute significantly to the process of cell proliferation. In addition, prior to the process of cell cultivation, the removal of cells from the tissues can only be done with the assistance of mechanical and enzymatic techniques. Get a Free Sample PDF of this Research Report for more Insights with a Table of Content, Research Methodology, and Graphs - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/cell-culture-market (A free sample of this report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the Following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package About 223+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on Request Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023 Includes Tables and figures have been updated The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Zion Market Research research methodology (Please note that the sample of this report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Global Cell Culture Market: Growth Factors In the next eight years, the expansion of the market all over the world will be driven by technological advances in the biopharmaceutical domain. The need for 3D cell culture systems is expected to increase as a result of recent technological developments in proteomic gene expression and large-scale manufacture of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, which will in turn drive trends in the worldwide cell culture market. The expansion of the worldwide market will be directed by the assistance that governments provide for cell-based research activities and the development of cell-based vaccines. In addition to this, in the years to come, the expansion of the global market will be driven by a significant increase in the demand for monoclonal antibodies, the implementation of systems that are designed for a single patient alone, and an increased emphasis on precision medicine. In addition to this, the rise in the number of businesses that engage in contract manufacturing and research in countries such as the United States of America and Canada will drive the expansion of the market across the world. In the years to come, an increase in the amount of research conducted on stem cells is expected to lead to a proliferation in the size of the global market. In the years to come, the introduction of innovative products and the formation of strategic alliances will have a positive impact on the expansion of the worldwide market. For example, in the second half of 2022, the American company Cytiva, which is a major player in the life sciences industry, purchased the German company Cevec Pharmaceuticals GmbH. Cytiva's position in the biomanufacturing solutions portfolio around the world will be strengthened as a result of the strategic move. Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/cell-culture-market Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2022 USD 5.55 billion Projected Market Size in 2030 USD 8.75 billion CAGR Growth Rate 8.37% CAGR Base Year 2022 Forecast Years 2023-2030 Key Market Players Corning Inc., Merck KGaA, Sartorius AG, BD, Bio-Techne, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Avantor Inc., Eppendorf SE, PromoCell GmbH, and others. Key Segment By Product, By Application, and By Region Major Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East &, Africa Purchase Options Request customized purchase options to meet your research needs. Explore purchase options Cell Culture Market: Segmentation Analysis The cell culture market on a global scale may be broken down into three categories: product, application, and region. Consumables and tools are the two primary categories that make up the worldwide cell culture market's two distinct divisions, respectively. In addition, the consumables sector, which accounted for roughly 58 percent of the total revenue generated by the global market in 2022, is anticipated to record the highest CAGR over the course of the following years. It's possible that an increase in the demand for consumables in cell culture operations will be the driving force behind the segment's expansion in the time frame that's been anticipated. In the years to come, an increase in spending on research activities connected to the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry will contribute significantly to the overall growth of the category. The global cell culture industry can be broken down into the subfields of biopharmaceutical production, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy, according to the applications that call for it. In addition, the biopharmaceutical production segment, which accounted for a sizable portion of the worldwide industry's revenue share in 2022, is anticipated to take the lead in the worldwide industry throughout the course of the evaluation period. It's possible that an increase in biopharmaceutical production in nations like China is to blame for the market segment's expansion throughout the course of the evaluation period. In addition to this, developments in grafting procedures and alternatives to precision medicine will culminate significantly towards the segmental expansion throughout the course of the predicted year. The global Cell Culture market is segmented as follows: By Product Consumables Instruments By Application Biopharmaceutical Production Diagnostics Cell & Gene Therapy Browse the full Cell Culture Market By Product (Consumables And Instruments), By Application (Biopharmaceutical Production, Diagnostics, And Cell & Gene Therapy), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030" Report At https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/cell-culture-market Competitive Landscape Some of the main competitors dominating the global Cell Culture market include - Corning Inc. Merck KGaA Sartorius AG BD Bio-Techne Danaher Corporation Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Avantor Inc. Eppendorf SE PromoCell GmbH Key Insights from Primary Research: According to the analysis shared by our research forecaster, the Cell Culture market is likely to expand at a CAGR of around 8.37% during the forecast period (2023-2030). In terms of revenue, the Cell Culture market size was valued at around US$ 5.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 8.75 billion by 2030. The global cell culture market is anticipated to grow rapidly over the forecast timeline owing to technological innovations in the biopharma domain. In terms of product, the consumables segment is slated to register the highest CAGR over the analysis period. Based on application, the biopharmaceutical production segment is expected to dominate the segmental growth over the assessment timeline. Region-wise, the Asia-Pacific cell culture industry is projected to register the fastest CAGR during the assessment timeline. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/cell-culture-market Key questions answered in this report: What is the market size and growth rate forecast for Cell Culture industry? What are the main driving factors propelling the Cell Culture Market forward? What are the leading companies in the Cell Culture Industry? What segments does the Cell Culture Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the Cell Culture Market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20232030 Market Dynamics Leading Trends, Growth Drivers, Restraints, and Investment Opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis By Product, By Application, and By Region Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Request for Customization on this Report as per your requirements - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/7604 (We tailor your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customising your report.) Regional Analysis: North America is anticipated to maintain global market domination over the anticipated timespan North America, which contributed about half of the global cell culture market revenue in 2022, is likely to retain its market dominance over the projected timespan. Furthermore, the regional market growth can be due to thriving pharmaceutical and biotech industries in countries such as Canada and the U.S. Growing need for cell culture techniques in clinical applications will steer the growth of the market in the region over the coming years. Asia-Pacific cell culture industry is set to register the fastest CAGR in the upcoming years due to a rise in healthcare spending along with a surge in awareness related to gene and cell therapies. Moreover, the region possesses a huge potential for clinical research activities, thereby boosting regional industry trends. Furthermore, large-scale acceptance of emerging therapeutics such as regenerative medicines and cancer immunotherapeutics will reinforce the growth of the industry in the Asia-Pacific zone. By Region North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe France UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America To know an additional revised 2023 list of market players, request a brochure of the report: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/cell-culture-market Browse Other Related Research Reports from Zion Market Research: Insurance Analytics Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/insurance-analytics-market Smart Stethoscope Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/smart-stethoscope-market Organic Chocolate Spreads Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/organic-chocolate-spreads-market Virtual Reality Headset Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/virtual-reality-headset-market Cosmetic Dentistry Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/cosmetic-dentistry-market Urinalysis Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/urinalysis-market Workforce Analytics Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/workforce-analytics-market Automation And Control System Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/automation-and-control-system-market Medical Flexible Packaging Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/medical-flexible-packaging-market Healthcare Additive Manufacturing Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/healthcare-additive-manufacturing-market Thermal Spray Coatings Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/thermal-spray-coating-market Packaging Materials Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/packaging-materials-market Low Calorie Food Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/low-calorie-food-market Plant Milk Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/plant-milk-market Point Of Care Molecular Diagnostics Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/point-of-care-molecular-diagnostics-market Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/laboratory-proficiency-testing-market Platform Carts Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/platform-carts-market Peripheral Guidewire Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/peripheral-guidewire-market Photovoltaic (PV) Tracker Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/photovoltaic-pv-tracker-market Plastic Coating Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/plastic-coating-market About Zion Market Research: Zion Market Research is a leading market research organization offering industry expertise and scrupulous consulting services to clients for their business development. The reports and services offered by Zion Market Research are used by prestigious academic institutions, start-ups, and companies globally to measure and understand the changing international and regional business backgrounds. Our clients/customers conviction on our solutions and services has pushed us in delivering always the best. Our advanced research solutions have helped them in appropriate decision-making and guidance for strategies to expand their business. Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zion-market-research/ Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zion_research Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionmarketresearch Follow Us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zionmarketresearch/ Follow Us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0Yfi7N8zSs Contact Us: Zion Market Research USA/Canada Toll Free: 1 (855) 465-4651 Newark: 1 (302) 444-0166 India: +91 7768 006 007, +91 7768 006 008 Skype no: +13479038971, +17187054574 Skype no. United Kingdom: +442032894158 Web: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/ Blog: https://zmrblog.com/ Still, Looking for More Information? OR Want Data for Inclusion in Magazine, Case Study, or Media? - MyopiaX-1 trial to generate first clinical evidence with MyopiaX, a novel therapeutic approach to manage myopia progression - First data readout expected in Q1/ 2024 with study completion planned for September 2024 Berlin, Germany, September 26, 2023 --- Dopavision, a clinical-stage company developing innovative solutions for the management of myopia, today announced the successful completion of enrollment in its MyopiaX-1 trial (NCT04967287). MyopiaX-1 is a randomized, active-controlled trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and clinical outcomes of MyopiaX in pediatric participants with myopia. The first clinical results are expected in the beginning of 2024 and the 12-month MyopiaX-1 trial is scheduled to be completed in September 2024. The MyopiaX-1 trial is being conducted at 10 clinical sites in Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The MyopiaX-1 clinical trial is a proof-of-concept investigation generating the first clinical evidence with MyopiaX. More than 100 children between the ages of 6 and 14 years with progressive myopia and a refractive error between 0.75 and 5.00 diopters were randomized to participate in the 12-month trial. The enrolled participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either MyopiaX or myopia control spectacles for the first 6 months. During the second half of the study, participants in the MyopiaX group will add the myopia control spectacles. An independent Data Safety Monitoring Board reviews the clinical safety outcomes of the randomized trial participants on a quarterly basis. Dopavision is developing MyopiaX as an active medical device. Pediatric myopia is a global public health problem that presents a significant burden for children, with an increased risk of long-term eye health complications and impaired quality of life, said Mark Wuttke, CEO of Dopavision. We designed our treatment approach to control myopia progression as a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical method. Developed as a smartphone application, MyopiaX is accompanied by fun virtual reality content, easy for children to use, and has the potential to broaden access for a larger number of people suffering from myopia. The MyopiaX app administers an intervention that targets the eyes innate growth mechanisms using blue light delivered to the optic nerve head. The MyopiaX-1 study is designed to provide the first clinical insight into the effects of MyopiaX, and we are very pleased to have reached this important milestone with the completion of the trial enrollment. While the MyopiaX-1 trial is ongoing, Dopavision is committed to generating further scientific and clinical evidence to optimize MyopiaX for all users and stakeholders. MyopiaX-1 clinical trial sites Sudblick GmbH, Augsburg, Germany MVZ Makula-Netzhaut-Zentrum Breyer Kaymak, Dusseldorf, Germany BeyondEye Clinic, Koln, Germany University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany University Eye Hospital Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands University of Minho, Braga, Portugal Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom MyopiaX-1 trial coordinating site Centre for Eye Research Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland ### About Dopavision Dopavision is set to develop disruptive treatments in ophthalmology and beyond by targeting the bodys known biological pathways, using light and digital technologies. Its first goal is to provide an innovative, clinically validated intervention to manage myopia non-invasively by leveraging the eyes innate dopamine-related growth mechanisms. Dopavision is backed by top-tier international investors such as Seventure Partners, Novartis Pharma (dRx Capital), Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, and Ababax.Health and is supported by the German government via the Industrie-in-Klinik program of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF. www.dopavision.com For further information please contact: Dopavision GmbH Mark Wuttke Chief Executive Officer info@dopavision.com New York, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Slimicides Market size is slated to expand at ~ 4% CAGR between 2023 and 2035. The market is poised to garner a revenue of USD 5774 Billion by the end of 2035, up from a revenue of ~USD 3606 Billion in the year 2022. Slimicides or commonly known anti-slime agents, are antimicrobial chemical agents used widely for eliminating microorganisms that produce slime, such as algae, bacteria, slime, and fungi. Request Free Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/sample-request- 4294 These chemicals are gaining popularity in the paper manufacturing industries as papermaking processes involve the addition of numerous paper-making chemicals and the recirculation of a large amount of water for improving the process productivity and quality of papers, and slimicides control slime and assist in halting the formation of slime during the paper-making process. Thus, the enlarging production of paper for various purposes globally is estimated to expand the slimicides market size in the assessment period. For instance, every year, approximately 300 million tons of paper are produced globally. Global Slimicides Market: Key Takeaways Market in Asia Pacific to propel the highest growth Paper Industry segment to garner the highest growth Market in North America to grow at the highest rate Augmenting Demand for Sustainable Packaging to Boost Market Growth The global slimicides market projected growth in the assessment period can be attributed to the rising environmental concerns as well as the growing call for the elimination of single-use plastics, including polystyrene and extended polystyrene commodities, and the rapidly growing consumption of paper and paper products owing to increasing demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging materials in the FMCG industries. The increasing consumption of paper and paper products globally reached around 399 million tons in 2020, and in the upcoming decade, or by 2031, it is expected to rise to about 466 million tons. Furthermore, the rising trend of flexible packaging as well as the upscaling demand for sustainable packaging by e-commerce, cosmetics, retail, and food industries are directly responsible for the tremendous growth of the packaging and paper industries, indirectly leading to slimicides market growth. Global Slimicides Market: Regional Overview The global slimicides market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa region. Growing Production Paper Industry to Drive Growth in the Asia Pacific Region The slimicides market in the Asia Pacific region is estimated to garner the largest revenue by the end of 2035. The market growth in the region in the assessment period can be attributed to the emergence of countries like China as major producers of paper owing to the extensive availability of raw materials, as well as the widespread adoption of agriculture as a primary occupation in the region owing to the presence of large agricultural lands, which is expected to bolster the demand for slimicides to kill microorganisms. China was the largest paper-producing country in the world and produced nearly 117 million tons of paper in 2020. Moreover, as per the World Bank, in 2018, agricultural land in the Asia-Pacific region totaled 47.45% of the total land in the region. Furthermore, the huge investments made by governments in the region to increase the production and extraction of oil and gas are expected to create strong demand for slimicides in the assessment period. Tremendously Increasing Volume of Online Shopping to Drive Growth in the North America Region The slimicides in the North American market is estimated to garner the highest CAGR by the end of 2035. The market growth in the region in the assessment period can be attributed to the boom in remote jobs as well as the growing disposable income of the middle-class population, together with the rapidly changing consumer behaviors and the increasing rate of online shopping in the region, resulting in the skyrocketing demand for eco-friendly packaging. According to the data, more than 70% of Americans currently opt for online shopping. There were nearly 268 million online shoppers in the United States in 2022, and it is projected that this number will increase to around 285 million online shoppers in 2025. Make an Inquiry Before Buying this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/inquiries-before-buying- 4294 Global Slimicides, Segmentation by End-User Paper Industry Oil Extraction Industry Others The paper industry segment is anticipated to hold the largest revenue by the end of 2035. The segment growth in the assessment period can be attributed to the massively increasing consumption of paper and paperboard worldwide by various end-use industries, including the packaging industry, as well as the growing counts of paper mills in the world. It was observed that, globally, China was the largest consumer of paper and paperboard in 2021, consuming more than 132 million metric tons worth. Moreover, in the United States, the number of active paper mills was counted at 137 in 2022. Furthermore, the growth of the segment can also be evaluated by the increasing provision of employment made by paper mill businesses globally. It was found that there were approximately 48,600 paper mill employees in the United States in 2022. Request for Customization of this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/customized-reports- 4294 Global Slimicides, Segmentation by Form Powder Liquid The liquid segment is anticipated to hold the largest revenue by the end of 2035. The factors applicable to the growth of the segment include the growing demand for liquid slimicides by the paper manufacturing units, which are the largest consumers of slimicides. In the papermaking process, the pulp stage involves the employment and recirculation of a lot of water. Hence, at this stage, the abundant growth of microorganisms makes slime imminent. As slime is responsible for adversely affecting paper machine runnability, clogging pipelines, and hindering thermal transfer, liquid slimicides are used both as a preservative for mill additives as well as an active anti-microbial to control growth in the process water. Therefore, the growing number of pulp and paper mills as well as the increasing use of industrial slimicides in mills, the oil industry, and cooling towers are expected to boost segment growth in the assessment period. Global Slimicides, Segmentation by Type Bromium Aldehydes Organic Sulfur Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Others A few of the well-known market leaders of slimicides are profiled by Research Nester as The Dow Chemical Company, Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals, Inc., LANXESS, BASF SE, Lonza Group Ltd., Vink Chemicals GmbH & Co. KG, Albemarle Corporation, Superior Plus, Finor Piplaj Chemical Limited, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and other key market players. Recent Development in the Global Slimicides Market Parchem Fine and Specialty Chemicals, Inc. an expert in locating specialty chemicals became the official distributor for YAPOX Tolyltriazole and Benzotriazole of the Yasho Industries in the USA. Lonza Group Ltd., a Swiss multinational manufacturing company for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition sectors announced its plans to construct a large-scale commercial drug product fill and finish facility in Stein (CH). 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 investments 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. CLEVELAND, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ON Partners, a pure-play retained executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams today announced the companys Partner Heidi Hoffman is a recipient of the esteemed 2023 Women in Supply Chain award by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Heidi has been in the executive search industry since 1998, and leads the growing supply chain practice for ON Partners, said Tim Conti, co-president at ON Partners. She is not only an asset to the company itself, but to the clients she serves, and the communities that she belongs to. Heidi recently sponsored the Annual BPOC Private Equity Conference and has been featured in the Supply & Demand Chain Executive publication where she shared her insights on the history of women in supply chain roles and discussed possibilities for the future of supply chain recruitment. She is passionate about the industry that she is in, and it shows in the work she delivers daily. Over 400 submissions were received this year for the award, which was the highest number of applications thus far, and for all the Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive awards offered. The prestigious recognition honors female supply chain leaders and executives whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women at all levels of a companys supply chain network. Heidi leads the growing supply chain practice for ON Partners, where she focuses on the recruitment of senior supply chain and operations executives in privately held, investor-backed, and publicly traded organizations. Heidi is also an active member of the community and her alma maters Franklin & Marshall College and the Chicago Booth School of Business. Throughout her career at ON Partners, Heidi has built supply chain leadership in collaboration with leading companies such as Estee Lauder, O-I Glass, Thermo Fisher, Sonos, La-Z-Boy, Traeger Pellet Grills, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Lucid Motors, continued Conti. Its always an honor and privilege to be recognized by your industry peers, said Hoffman. This award specifically is a testament to the incredible strides that women are making in the supply chain functions and the broader industry. Were breaking barriers and proving that we have what it takes to excel and succeed, but theres still work to be done. We need more women in this field, and I am determined to support and empower them every step of the way. Committed to helping to build more diverse organizations, Heidi actively listens to her community leaders and executive influencers to better understand what actions they are taking, where the challenges are occurring, and how they have progressed in their DEI journey. Over the past three years as a result of her dedication, over 40% of ON Partners placements have resulted in diverse candidates. Recipients will be recognized this year at the Women in Supply Chain Forum on Nov. 14-15, 2023, in Atlanta. To view the full list of winners visit https://foodl.me/fdx.1zi and to learn more about the top 20 nationwide ranked retained executive search firm visit https://onpartners.com/contact-executive-recruitment-agency/. About ON Partners Established in 2006, ON Partners is the only pure-play executive search firm building diverse C-level and board leadership teams. We rebuilt the institution of executive search in the way you work, with an approach that includes present partners who engage with clients from the first brief to the final decision, individually crafted solutions unique to each client, and an easier experience overall. Named by Forbes as one of Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms and to the Inc. 500/5000 List nine times, ON Partners is consistently ranked among the top 20 retained executive search firms in the U.S. Media Contact Amber Good LeadCoverage amber@leadcoverage.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae2daeec-235d-4919-b48b-8ddaf85f53ac CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 21st, ECO Canada hosted its third national virtual career event, bringing together todays leading innovative organizations, thought leaders, and professionals in the environmental sector. In addition to the English event, ECO Canada hosted its first French Virtual Career Fair tailored to the Quebec environmental workforce on September 6th. The interactive career fair platform recreates the look and feel of a face-to-face career fair. Employers had fully customizable branded booths with multiple chat and video options to connect with professionals in the exhibition hall. Attendees were able to browse the booths in the tradeshow and attend 20 different options of live webinars in the auditorium. A few webinar topics delivered by industry thought leaders included writing resumes and cover letters, insights for newcomers, green careers for people with disabilities, job interview tips, and where and how to find work in the environmental sector. Job seekers and employers were able to interact at networking tables about different environmental industries, as well as a resource library for more information on special opportunities. This event provided employers with the opportunity to connect with professionals who will contribute to business growth and environmental initiative advancements. The English Virtual Career Fair on September 21st featured 21 sponsors, over 2,500 attendees, 5,000 unique booth visits and over 780 job applications submitted. The first French event was a resounding success with 16 sponsors, 585 registrants, more than 1,000 unique booth visits and 168 job applications submitted. This years Virtual Career Fairs had the largest participation ECO Canada has ever seen. ECO Canadas French and English sponsors included Matrix Solutions, Bishop Water, Energy Safety Canada, ZENO, AGAT Labs, Primary, Efficiency, Royal Roads University, NorthWind Land Resources Inc., Flint, Acuspire, GEO Morphix, Silvacom, University of Toronto, AET Group Inc., World Education Services, GLC Environmental Ltd., Hatfield, Summit, Envision Consultants, Action Environnement, EEM EHS Management, JMP Consultants, CREDDO, Atour Recrutement, Envirocompetences, Coesio, Sanexen, Groupe DGE International, Coop Ecologie, Logiag, Groupe Pureshera, Enviro-Access, Arrimagecom, and Solmatech. In recent years, virtual career fairs have surfaced as a dynamic solution to help employers break free from all the limitations of traditional hiring events. By providing a 3D online platform, employers and job seekers can now connect in a virtual setting mimicking the feel of a physical event, but without the restricting attributes known to be a source of frustration for recruiters. This event also provided the opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers all across Canada, no matter where they themselves are located. Our virtual career fairs align with our mission to support the growth of a diverse and skilled environmental workforce, says ECO Canada President and CEO Kevin Nilsen. They offer a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to connect, learn, and collaborate in a sustainable and accessible way." With nearly 30 per cent of the current workforce expected to retire in the next decade, there is a growing need to attract new talent, including young professionals. By 2025, there are over 170,0000 environmental job openings expected to be filled, and labour shortages are predicted across a wide range of different occupations. These virtual career fairs were also an opportunity for job seekers and employers to learn more about ECO Canadas wage funding programs. ECO Canadas commitment to the environmental workforce has created more than 17,000 job placements, and the federal subsidies released through their program oversight have amounted to over $176 million to date. Click here to view ECO Canadas employment programs. To learn more about ECO Canada and future events, visit www.eco.ca. About ECO Canada: ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth within the industry while ensuring that environmental care and best practice are priorities. Over the past 30 years, we have forged academic partnerships, tools, and research to train and certify environmental job seekers and help fill the labour market. We work alongside government, policymakers, academia, students, employers, professionals, industry, and international audiences to ensure we support Canada as a global leader in innovative workforce solutions and job creation. We remain the go-to source in the environmental labour market; our research provides unmatched statistics and analysis on the industry's economic and labour trends that identify workforce gaps. For more information, contact: Aaron Wilson VP, Marketing & Sales ECO Canada media@eco.ca Philadelphia, PA, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diversified Search Group, one of the nations top ten executive search firms, announced today that Lauren E. Smith will become Co-Head of the firms board and governance practice to expand the firms impact in the boardroom. Smith will share leadership of the practice with Veronica Biggins. Smith has earned a national reputation for her work in the boardroom with the National Association of Corporate Directors and was again named to the NACD Directorship 100 as a top governance professional. Deeply committed to strong corporate governance and board composition, she is the current Chair, Nominating & Governance, and past President, NACD Florida Chapter and a NACD Certified Director. Smith joined Diversified Search Group in 2008 as Managing Director and has recruited senior executives from a broad range of industries for C-Suite and boardroom positions. Laurens passion for how our firm can make a difference in the boardroom is infectious. I am thrilled to have her join Veronica Biggins, who founded our practice, and is a widely recognized and highly regarded leader in the industry, said Aileen Alexander, Chief Executive Officer. Working together in this growing area will enable us to expand our reach to have an impact in even more corporate boardrooms. So many companies are transforming to face todays dynamic world and the changing technology landscape - the right board and board structure can help them do so more effectively. Our firm is uniquely positioned to help companies to build strategic asset boards with multi-dimensional diversity and I am looking forward to co-leading the growth of our board practice, said Lauren E. Smith, Managing Partner & Co-Head, Board Practice. Judith von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair of Diversified Search said, Lauren has been instrumental in contributing to the growth of our board practice over the last decade. She is known for her strong relationships with both clients and candidates and her insightful engagement with boards. We are excited to have her step into this leadership role. Smith started her search career in 2000, where she helped design and execute Egon Zehnders first board assessments. Before moving into executive search, Lauren held marketing and strategy leadership roles at two Fortune 50 companies Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Motorola Inc. Lauren has lived and worked in Europe and Latin America and is fluent in Spanish. She has a BS from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management. About Diversified Search Group Purpose. Progress. Performance. Diversified Search Group, one of the nations fastest growing and top ten executive search firms, is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is comprised of a combination of specialty practices with deep industry expertise, providing clients with a wide range of resources through: Diversified Search, Alta Associates, BioQuest, Koya Partners, Grant Cooper, Storbeck Search, and Yardstick Management. The firm also offers clients a range of customized strategic advisory services designed to assess, develop and support outstanding leadership. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on their top 10 list of Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms. The firm operates with over a dozen offices nationwide and offers global services as the exclusive U.S. partner of AltoPartners, altopartners.com, the international alliance of independent executive search firms. For more information, visit diversifiedsearchgroup.com. About AltoPartners Established in 2006, AltoPartners is a leading international alliance of retained executive search and leadership consulting firms that combines the reach of a global network with the local knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit of independent partners working together to find the clients perfect candidate fit. Today the alliance covers 64 offices in 37 countries and is ranked in the Top 10 Global Search Firms. The AltoPartners alliance has created a distinctive force in executive search worldwide, giving global coverage across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. For more information about the work we do and the countries we cover, please visit altopartners.com. Attachment MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North American Strategic Minerals Inc., a private US Delaware corporation, was formed in 2020 to explore for rare earth metals after its founders recognized a significant new geologic model for rare earth mineralization hosted in paleo basin pelagic sediments. Similar rare earth mineralization was first noted in modern basin pelagic sediments found at various locations on the Pacific seafloor. The mechanism of formation of this new type of rare earth mineralization is the direct precipitation of these critical metals from seawater into seafloor pelagic sediments. The largest and most important of these rare earth seafloor metal precipitate deposits is known as the Minamitorishima deposit in the western Pacific. Technical details of Minamitorishima were first published in 2018 by a consortium of Japanese scientists who described this world-class rare earth deposit as having the potential to supply these metals on a semi-infinite basis to the world.1 Minamitorishima is considered to be the largest rare earth deposit in the world eclipsing all terrestrial deposits documented in China, Australia, Brazil, Vietnam, Greenland and elsewhere. The Japanese are currently investing six billion Yen to advance and develop the Minamitorishima deposit. After recognizing the significant importance of this new style rare earth mineralization, NASM has applied this new target model to its exploration activities in paleo basin sediments at various localities of North America since 2020. NASMs rare earth targets are found in a unique and very specific paleo basin sedimentary facies containing significant stratiform rare earth mineralization. This new style of rare earth mineralization discovered is distinctly different from common black shales or coal bearing sediments typically found throughout the world containing trace amounts of various minor metals. The rare earth metals discovered by NASM are contained in paleo basin pelagic sediments as in-situ diagenetic elemental substitutions primarily within the crystal lattice of biogenic calcium phosphate minerals. Geochemical sampling on the Companys primary target at its Lost Basin project has encountered grades between 0.1% and 0.5% Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO). The average grade of Minamitorishima is 0.1% TREO. Biogenic calcium phosphate concentrates are shown to contain up to 2.0% TREO at both Minamitorishima and at NASMs primary exploration target. This style of biogenic calcium phosphate rare earth mineralization is also very important as it is found to display rapid and high leach recoveries as reported by the Japanese researchers at Minamitorishima. Comparative data from both Minamitorishima and NASMs primary project area indicates Heavy Rare Earth Oxide contents of +35% TREO. _______________ 1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-23948-5 Mineral rights covering over 200 square kilometers have been secured by NASM and its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary on multiple targets in southern Manitoba and central South Dakota as NASM continues to explore this extensive sedimentary basin region for rare earth mineralization. Further evidence that this region contains this unique style of paleo basin metal precipitate mineralization is highlighted by the fact that central South Dakota contains the worlds largest paleo ferromanganese nodule deposit in the 4,000 square kilometer region centered around the town of Chamberlain. This paleo Fe-Mn nodule deposit is in many respects similar to the vast Clarion-Clipperton modern seafloor ferromanganese nodule field in the central Pacific. Other new targets identified by NASM are also found to host this style of paleo basin pelagic sediment stratiform rare earth mineralization in three States in the mid-Continent region of the US. NASM is continuing to explore these new targets which, in places, contain laterally uniform and continuous grades of 0.15% to 0.2% TREO over strike length distances of 50 kilometers as seen from initial sampling. Recently, in July 2023, Chinese researchers announced the discovery of paleo-continental sedimentary rare earth deposits2 in Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces and published that these deposits have advantages over ionic clay rare earth deposits. We now believe that the Chinese rare earth industry has recognized and discovered the importance of this exact same style of rare earth mineralization that NASM has previously identified and has been working on since 2020. The nearly identical host rock lithologies, mineralogy and rare earth grades between NASMs paleo basin pelagic sediment rare earth targets and the world-class Minamitorishima Pacific seafloor deposit is strong evidence supporting the discovery of a significant new rare earth deposit type. Next month, NASMs Executive Chairman, Michael Thomsen, will be attending Metal Events 19th Annual International Rare Earths Conference in San Antonio, Texas on October 19-20 and will be available to discuss NASMs projects with potential investors. For further information on North American Strategic Minerals Inc: Website: www.strategicminerals.us Contact details: info@strategicminerals.us Francis Boulle, President & CEO - Founder Michael Thomsen, Executive Chairman - Founder Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e66c1a95-5aa9-447a-bc37-2806276177b6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a55935e2-a941-49bd-afa0-c067b180cfb4 _______________ 2 http://www.imumr.cgs.gov.cn/cxzx/news/202307/t20230711_738481.html SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Now in its 14th year, the ICCS Business Awards annually selects Italian excellence in investment and innovation in the Asian city-state and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) area. MERMEC Group, Italys leading specialist in technologies for rail network safety and maintenance, as a part of Angel (a holding company that develops solutions for the rail, digital mechatronics, and aerospace), won the prestigious ICCS Business Awards 2023 as Best Italian MNC (Multinational Corporation) in Singapore in the technology sector, awarded by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore in the presence of the Ambassador of Italy, Dante Brandi and the Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, Giacomo Marabiso. MERMEC, which has a long-standing partnership with LTA (Land Transport Authority) as well as with Singapores metro operators-Singapores Mass rapid transit (SMRT) and SBS Transit - which is known to be among the safest and most advanced urban transportation systems in the world - was awarded for its ability to transfer its technology and know-how to the strategic logistics and infrastructure sector. "In 2013, MERMEC was awarded its first contract in Singapore. Ten years later, after many projects have been developed and much commitment, this recognition has been given and it gratifies us as well as gives us further confidence and determination. We are present in 72 countries and proud to export high technology for Safety Made in Italy that has been developed thanks to the strict standards of Italian railways and that is appreciated worldwide," said Angelo Petrosillo, Vice President Institutional Affairs of MERMEC. Ambassador-designate Dante Brandi commented, "The Business Award given to MERMEC by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore as the best company in the technology sector is a prestigious recognition for a group that makes constant technological development its company hallmark. In a highly competitive market like Singapore's, MERMEC represents Italian excellence and, together with many other national companies present in the City-State in different productive sectors, it contributes to nurturing mutually beneficial bilateral relationships, which see the most relevant added value in innovation, technological development, and human resources qualification." At the award ceremony, MERMEC also announced the upcoming opening of an additional office in Singapore, where highly specialized Singaporean and Italian technicians and engineers will operate in close coordination with the partners LTA and SMRT. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bcca2944-7d9f-440d-9505-efedee5c499d Bend, Oregon, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Family and employee-owned Deschutes Brewery once again demonstrated its commitment to crafting exceptional beers receiving several prestigious awards at the renowned Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition, hosted and presented by the Brewers Association. in Denver this weekend. Tim Gossack, Director of Brewery Operations at Deschutes Brewery added, For over 35 years, Deschutes Brewery has been known for award winning, balanced, and delicious beers. Were continuing to innovate and explore new recipes at our pilot breweries. That new beer youre trying at our Public Houses might be your new favorite and the next Gold Medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. Visit our Public Houses in Bend and Portland or tasting room in Bend to try these award-winning beers before they are gone. In the competitive craft beer landscape, Deschutes Brewery secured top honors in multiple categories. The brewerys dedication to quality and innovation has been recognized with the following awards: Prinz Crispy Gold Medal Munich Style Helles Category In a fiercely competitive field of 172 entries, Deschutes Brewery's "Prinz Crispy" emerged victorious, earning the highest recognition for its Munich-Style Helles beer. Very light with a touch of malt character and hints of noble hop aroma, Prinz Crispy was brewed with precision and dedication at Deschutes Brewery & Public House in Bend, OR, and is available exclusively on tap at Deschutes Brewery locations, while supplies last. This beer is next in line to King Crispys throne! Co-Munichator Silver Medal German-Style Doppelbock In a category featuring 44 entries, Deschutes Brewery's Co-Munichator" claimed the silver medal. A rich, malty German Lager with a ruby hue and light noble hop aromatics, Co-Munichator is medium-full body, smooth and warming, with notes of bread crust and dried dark fruit. Co-Munichator was brewed at Deschutes Brewery & Public House in Portland, OR and is currently available on tap at Deschutes Brewery locations, while supplies last. Neon Butterfly Bronze Medal Brett Beer Category - With 46 entries, Deschutes Brewery's "Neon Butterfly" was honored with a Bronze Medal. This hoppy farmhouse style ale is made with Pilsner malt, wheat, and oats, with Lemondrop, Wai-iti, Nelson and Mosaic hops. Neon Buttery has lime and mandarin aromas with refreshing white grape and fruity yeast esters. The beer was originally crafted at Deschutes Brewery & Public House in Portland, OR and is currently available in 500 ml bottles throughout Oregon and Washington, including Deschutes Brewery locations, while supplies last. The Great American Beer Festival is possible in part thanks to a Professional Judge Panel comprising of 250 judges from around the world, as well as more than 300 volunteers. Throughout three phases over nine days, 9,200+ entries were evaluated from 2,033 breweries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. "The Great American Beer Festival competition serves as a platform for the finest brews from around the world to undergo rigorous scrutiny to earn the title of the best of the best, remarked Chris Williams, competition director of the Great American Beer Festival. "The beer community's unwavering commitment to pushing the frontiers of innovation and quality is truly commendable. The Brewers Association takes great pride in recognizing the achievements of this year's victors." All three award-winning beers will be available on draft at the Deschutes Brewery & Public Houses in both Bend and Portland and at the brewerys tasting room in Bend, OR. Find Deschutes beers near you by visiting the Deschutes Brewery Beer Finder at DeschutesBrewery.com. Stay up to date on Deschutes Brewery news and beers by following @deschutesbrewery on social media. For more information on the Great American Beer Festival competition, including a complete 2023 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com. # # # About Deschutes Brewery Deschutes Brewery is a family and employee-owned craft brewery based in Bend, Oregon. Utilizing the glacier fed waters of the Deschutes River and local hop farmers around Washington and Oregon, Deschutes has been a pioneer in creating award-winning, Damn Tasty Beer since 1988. As a leader with key brands such as Fresh Squeezed IPA, the award-winning and top-selling Black Butte Porter, and Boneyard Brewery, Deschutes holds a high standard of craftsmanship and quality while continuing to push the envelope with innovative barrel-aged beers and creative small batch brews. Committed to community and sustainability, Deschutes beer can be found at their local Bend and Portland taprooms as well as through a selection of local retailers and bottle shops across the US. Learn more at www.deschutesbrewery.com Attachments 26 September 2023 PRESS RELEASE Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules: Rock Investment SAS announces its intention to provide financing of up to CHF 100 million to GAM Holding AG Rock Investment SAS ("Rock"), a member of the investor group (NewGAMe) comprised of Newgame SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.6% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG ("GAM"), has announced today that it intends to provide GAM with a mix of short- and long-term funding up to an increased total of CHF 100 million. Rock has already provided short-term financing of up to CHF 20 million to cover GAMs immediate liquidity needs. The additional support announced today is subject to NewGAMes proposed directors being elected at GAMs Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 27 September 2023, but is not contingent on the outcome of any other EGM proposals. NewGAMe has also announced Elmar Zumbuehl as its proposed candidate for CEO of GAM. Elmar Zumbuehl, a Swiss citizen, joined GAM in 2010 and is currently Global Chief Risk Officer and a member of the Group Management Board. Prior to joining GAM, he worked at Julius Baer for 10 years in a range of senior roles, including covering Julius Baers Asset Management business, of which GAM was part at the time. Upcoming events: 27 September 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting 19 October 2023 Q3 2023 Interim Statement For further information please contact: Charles Naylor Head of Communications and Investor Relations T +44 7890 386 699 Media Relations Ute Dehn Christen T +41 58 426 31 36 Visit us: www.gam.com Follow us: Twitter and LinkedIn GAM GAM is an independent investment manager that is listed in Switzerland. Total assets under management were CHF 68 billion as at 30 June 2023, with Investment Management at CHF 21.9 billion and Fund Management Services at CHF 46.1 billion. GAM has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. It has 3,500 clients globally, of which c. 2,700 are based in Europe. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983 and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. Other Important Information This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, believe, expect, "estimate", "aim", project, forecast, "risk", likely, intend, outlook, should, could, "would", may, might, "will", "continue", "plan", "probability", "indicative", "seek", target, plan and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements. Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith. This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction. Attachments Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mihalis Belantis announces today that on September 22, 2023 he acquired ownership of 200,000 common shares (the Purchased Shares) in the capital of Aisix Solutions Inc. (formerly, Minerva Intelligence Inc.) (TSXV: AISX) (the Issuer or Aisix Solutions), representing approximately 0.21% of the issued and outstanding common shares (the Common Shares) in the capital of the Issuer (the Acquisition). The Purchased Shares were acquired through normal course purchases through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Venture Exchange for C$0.11 per Purchased Share in cash, for an aggregate amount equal to C$22,000. Prior to the Acquisition, Mr. Belantis owned, or had control or direction over, 7,707,420 Common Shares and 2,000,000 options to purchase Common Shares (Options), representing approximately 9.81% of issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially diluted basis. After the Acquisition, Mr. Belantis owns, or has control of direction over, 7,907,420 Common Shares and 2,000,000 Options, representing approximately 10.01% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially diluted basis. Mr. Belantis acquired the Shares for investment purposes. Mr. Belantis may from time to time acquire additional securities, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional securities or may continue to hold the securities of the Issuer. This press release is being issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues which requires a report to be filed under the Issuers profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) containing additional information respecting the foregoing matters. The Issuers head office is located at Suite 810 1166 Alberni St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3Z3, Canada. For inquiries or a copy of the related early warning report required under Canadian provincial securities legislation, a copy of which has also been filed on www.sedar.com, please contact: Mihalis Belantis Suite 810 1166 Alberni St. Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3Z3 Telephone: (604) 620-1051 For more information about AISIX Solutions and its climate risk solutions, please visit our website www.aisix.ca or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. About AISIX Solutions AISIX Solutions, is a leading global climate risk and data-analytics solutions provider trusted by organizations seeking a more predictive future. Leveraging the advancements of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and risk assessment, AISIX Solutions is on a mission to provide accurate assessments to help people, businesses and governments effectively analyze, manage, and mitigate climate-related risks. By empowering organizations with real-time insights, AISIX Solutions aims to foster resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. For further information: Mihalis Belantis, Chief Executive Officer +1 (604) 620-1051 investors@aisix.ca Media Contact media@aisix.ca Investor Relations investors@aisix.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 news release New York, United States, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thermoplastic elastomers are used in electrical equipment, cars, and other high-temperature things. It is tear-, flex-, creep-, and abrasion-resistant. Chemical properties benefit automotive and electronic sectors. Chemically, elastomers resist hydrocarbons and other lubricants. The Global Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market size was valued at 1229.14 million tons in 2021 and is predicted to reach at 2240.78 million tons by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030. Manufacturers of thermoplastic polyester elastomers have produced many unique solutions, such as substituting thermosets, wood, and metals for polyester. This should boost the thermoplastic polyester elastomer market, said by Seema, Research Manager at Straits Research P. Ltd. Get a Free Sample Copy of This Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/thermoplastic-polyester-elastomer-market/request-sample Rising Trends Automotive Boom Although the automotive elastomers market is predicted to be stable throughout the projection period, it remains one of the most promising globally. Automotive elastomer demand has surged, leading to rapid industry growth. Both passenger and commercial automobiles are in higher demand. As the best material for lightweight vehicle components, rubber's demand in the automotive sector has grown. Rising Healthcare Costs Rising healthcare expenses are expected to encourage investments in medical equipment such plastic syringes, instruments, surgical gloves, and other plastic consumer and industrial goods. As a result, these and other medical gadgets and products require lighter plastics like TPE. These materials are also used to package medicines and other drugs since they save weight during transit and protect the inside components hygienically. Growth Opportunities Biobased TPE Is Growing Biobased TPE uses plant oils and fatty acids. This breakthrough technology benefits the electronics, sportswear, and footwear industries. Biobased TPE uses fewer nonrenewable resources while improving biodegradability. Biobased TPE is being commercialized, creating new revenue streams. Some synthetic TPE manufacturers are producing eco-friendly products. Regional Overview North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa make up the global thermoplastic polyester elastomer market. North American automakers are likely to continue employing plastic vehicle parts, which lowers costs and boosts profitability. This polymer dominated North America's TPE market. Plastic is used in North America's automotive, electrical, packaging, and construction industries. China, India, and Southeast Asia are the region's three major economies. Rising production will increase demand for TPE compounds in the automotive, industrial machinery, packaging, and electrical & electronic industries. Europe will remain a major market, estimates say. Despite the financial crisis, rising unemployment, and stalled industrial output, an optimistic outlook for manufacturing and consumption in Eastern Europe is predicted to underpin the region's economy. Key Highlights The Global Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market size is predicted to reach at 2240.78 million tons by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030. is predicted to reach at 2240.78 million tons by 2030, increasing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2030. By End-Use, the Global Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market is segmented into Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial, Medical, Consumer Goods, and Others. Here, the Automotive sector dominates the market. the Global Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market is segmented into Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial, Medical, Consumer Goods, and Others. Here, the Automotive sector dominates the market. By Region, the Global Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the dominating region. Recent Developments April 2022 - SK Chemicals and Oncobix develop pharmaceuticals. Under the agreement, Oncobix will develop new drug candidates and conduct synthesis research using TOPFOMICS. SK Chemicals will also verify, develop, and licence the derived candidate chemicals for commercialization. SK Chemicals and Oncobix develop pharmaceuticals. Under the agreement, Oncobix will develop new drug candidates and conduct synthesis research using TOPFOMICS. SK Chemicals will also verify, develop, and licence the derived candidate chemicals for commercialization. February 2022 - DuPont has agreed to sell Celanese Corporation a majority of its Mobility & Materials segment, including the Engineering Polymers business line and certain Performance Resins and Advanced Solutions product lines, for $11.0 billion in cash, subject to customary transaction adjustments. Top Key Players of Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market Ashland Inc. BASF SE Schulman DuPont LG Chemicals Celanese Corporation Covestro SK Chemicals Sunshine Plastics Mitsubishi Engineering Plastics Corp. RadiciGroup SABIC Taiwan Changchun TOYOBO Teijin Plastics Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Market Segmentations By End-Use Automotive Electrical & Electronics Industrial Medical Consumer Goods Others By Regions North America Europe APAC Middle East and Africa LATAM About Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. Straits Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision-makers. Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. provides actionable market research data, specially designed and presented for decision making and ROI. Whether you are looking at business sectors in the next town or crosswise over continents, we understand the significance of being acquainted with the clients purchase. We overcome our clients issues by recognizing and deciphering the target group and generating leads with utmost precision. We seek to collaborate with our clients to deliver a broad spectrum of results through a blend of market and business research approaches. For more information on your target market, please contact us below: Phone: +1 646 480 7505 (the U.S.) +91 8087085354 (APAC) +44 208 068 9665 (the U.K.) Email: sales@straitsresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Attachment We're sorry, you encountered a page that doesn't exist. New York, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global P otassium S ulfate M arket is expected to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. Factors such as increasing agricultural production, growing demand from medical and industrial applications, and others are accelerating the demand for potassium sulfate, which, in turn, is boosting the market growth. In addition, the increasing usage of potassium sulfates in industrial as well as agricultural activities will further boost the market growth during the forecast period. Get Sample Report@ https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/request-sample/1284 According to a recent report by Consegic Business Intelligence, the Potassium Sulfate Market is poised for strong expansion and is expected to reach USD 7,732.06 Million by 2031. The market, which was valued at USD 4,583.75 million in 2022, and USD 4,833.28 million in 2023 is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3% during the period 2023-2031. The report highlights the rising demand for the food industry, which is augmenting the global market growth. Consegic Business Intelligence study also provides insights into the market's competitive landscape, market segmentation, regional outlook, and emerging technologies in the potassium sulfate market. Potassium sulfate is an inorganic compound that contains sulfuric acid and has a low concentration of chloride. The chemical is highly known for producing nutrition-rich feed and high-quality crops. It is a white crystalline powder which is odorless and has a saline-like taste. The chemical is widely used as fertilizer for different crops which includes fruits and vegetables. Moreover, potassium sulfate is also used for the production of lubricants and dyes and is useful in manufacturing ceramics, glass, and production of gypsum boards. Global Potassium Sulfate Market: Report Attributes Report Attributes Report Details Study Timeline 2017-2031 Market Size in 2031 (USD Million) USD 7,732.06 Million CAGR (2023-2031) 5.3% By Form Solid and Liquid By End-use Industry Agriculture, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Food & Beverage, and Others Report Coverage Company Ranking and Market Share, Growth Factors, Total Revenue Forecast, Regional Competitive Landscape, Business Strategies, and more. By Region North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa Key Players K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Van Iperen, SESODA CORPORATION, Sigma-Aldrich Co., Merck KGaA, HOLLAND COMPANY, Sunway Group, K+S Minerals, Tessenderlo Group, and Yara International ASA Immediate Delivery Available, Buy Now @ https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/secure-checkout/1284 Global Potassium Sulfate Market Segmentation Details: Based on Form, the solid segment contributed the largest shares to the market growth in 2022. This is due to the products high demand in the agricultural sector. Owing to the high demand for the product in plant growth and crop production, the solid form of potassium sulfate such as powder, granules, and prills is widely demanded. Based on End-use Industry, the agriculture segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2022. Rising demand for food grains and cereals is increasing the demand for potassium sulfate in crop yield and fertilizers. The chemical provides essential nutrients to the plant and helps in improving the production of food grains and vegetables. Furthermore, potassium sulfate provides an important source of sulfate which is essential for supporting the plants' need for enzymes and protein synthesis. Hence, increasing high quality crop production and thus increase in agriculture production numbers is boosting the growth of the agriculture segment in the potassium sulfate market. Get Sample Report@ https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/request-sample/1284 Based on Region, in the year 2022, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share contribution to the market growth. High investment opportunities coupled with easy trade flow is driving major demand for the chemical in this region. Also, the high dependence of the economy of Asian countries on the agriculture sector is boosting the demand for potassium sulfate. Also, the increasing population and growing demand for food grains act as a catalyst for the growth of the potassium sulfate market. Furthermore, increasing specialty crop cultivation in the region such as cash crops, fruits, and vegetables is fostering market growth. Competitive Landscape K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Van Iperen, and SESODA CORPORATION are major market players that comprise the latest market circumstances. These companies are substantially leveraging their technologies for the development of a new range of potassium sulfates. Further, the potassium sulfate market is expected to grow steadily due to increasing usage of potassium sulfates in industrial as well as agricultural activities, especially in the regions such as the Asia Pacific, and North America are estimated to boost the market statistics in the coming years. Additionally, the rising demand for the food industry is expected to increase the competition in the industry. Recent Developments In October 2021, Van Iperen announced an exclusive agreement with Cinis Fertilizer. With this partnership, Cinis will build two fertilizer factories in northern Sweden over the next four years for a total investment of 100 million euros and with a maximum capacity of 300,000 mt SOP per year In June 2022, K+S intends to gain access to potassium sulfate in Scandinavia, by signing a letter of intent with the Swedish company Cinis Fertilizer. K+S and Cinis Fertilizer intend to convert the letter of intent into a binding contract for both sides in the short term and thus establish a long-term business relationship Key Market Takeaways Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share at 39.11% valued at USD 1,792.70 million in 2022 and USD 1,893.68 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 3,040.25 million in 2031. Moreover, in Asia Pacific, China accounted for the highest market share of 22.30% during the base year of 2022. Based on form, the solid segment accounted for the highest share contribution to the potassium sulfate market statistics in 2022. Based on end-use industry, the agriculture segment accounted for the highest share contribution of 41.50% to the potassium sulfate market statistics in 2022. North America is expected to boost the market demand for potassium sulfates due to the presence of major market players along with a wide industrial base across the region. Browse Full Report & TOC @ https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/potassium-sulfate-market List of Major Global Potassium Sulfate Market: K+S Aktiengesellschaft Van Iperen SESODA CORPORATION Sigma-Aldrich Co. Merck KGaA HOLLAND COMPANY Sunway Group K+S Minerals Tessenderlo Group Yara International ASA Global Potassium sulfate Market Segmentation: By Form Solid Liquid By End-use Industry Agriculture Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Food & Beverage Others Request for Customization @ https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/request-customization/1284 Frequently Asked Questions in the Potassium sulfate Market Report What was the market size of the potassium sulfate industry in 2022? In 2022, the market size of potassium sulfate was USD 4,583.75 million. What will be the potential market valuation for the potassium sulfate industry by 2031? In 2031, the market size of potassium sulfate will be expected to reach USD 7,732.06 million. What are the key factors driving the growth of the potassium sulfate market? Increasing agricultural production is fueling market growth at the global level. What is the dominating segment in the potassium sulfate market by end-use industry? In 2022, the agriculture segment accounted for the highest market share of 41.50% in the overall potassium sulfate market. Based on current market trends and future predictions, which geographical region is the dominating region in the potassium sulfate market? Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share in the overall Potassium Sulfate market. Our Other Research Reports here:- Robotic Lawn Mower Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends | Analysis Forecast 2023 - 2030 Audiophile Headphone Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends | Analysis Forecast 2023 - 2030 Transient Voltage Suppressor Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends | Analysis Forecast 2023 - 2030 Industrial Metal Detectors Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends | Analysis Forecast 2023 - 2030 Large Circular Knitting Machine Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends | Analysis Forecast 2023 - 2030 About Consegic Business Intelligence Pvt Ltd. Consegic Business Intelligence Pvt Ltd . is the leading research industry that offers contextual and data-centric research services to its customers across the globe. The firm assists its clients to strategize business policies and accomplish sustainable growth in their respective market domains. The industry provides consulting services, syndicated research reports, and customized research reports. Topnotch research organizations and institutions to comprehend the regional and global commercial status use the data produced by Consegic Business Intelligence Pvt Ltd. Our reports comprise in-depth analytical and statistical analysis on various industries in foremost countries around the globe. Press Releases:- https://www.consegicbusinessintelligence.com/press-release/potassium-sulfate-market Contact: Consegic Business intelligence Pvt Ltd. Contact no.: (US) (505) 715-4344 LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Designers and visionaries Stephan Schenk and Hannah Konig are thrilled to announce the launch of their award-winning childrens brand Stapelstein to the U.S. market. After learning of the lack of activity amongst children and diving into the science of play as a practice, Schenk and Konig imagined a world that could be transformed for the betterphysically, emotionally, and mentallyall through the power of play. The result is Stapelstein, founded in 2016 in Germany, which offers up a range of products designed to unlock the potential of play while improving the world around us. Since its launch, the brand has earned prestigious accolades including the spiel gut quality label, presented by the German Committee for Children's Play and Toys, along with the certification of being "Besonders entwicklungsfordernd" (particularly development-promoting) by the Federal Association for Posture and Physical Activity Promotion. These commendations are a testament to Stapelstein's unparalleled vision, highlighting its commitment to delivering exceptional toys that adhere to the highest standards of play quality and child development. Unique and innovative to its core, the Stapelstein collection for the U.S. launch is comprised of Stapelstein Originals (stacking elements) and the Stapelstein Board (balance and stacking board). Versatile, durable, and fun, these products can be used alone or together to create a variety of games, structures, and landscapes all while encouraging open play and creativity in children, educators and caregivers. The vibrant and aesthetically pleasing elements possess a remarkable ability to transform any room into an adventure playground, an obstacle course, or a fantasy worldperfect for stacking, bouncing, balancing, building, jumping, climbing, or anything children can imagine. Weve poured our passion into creating products that foster out-of-the-box thinking, promote movement and activity, and bring families and communities closer together, says Schenk. Were grateful to have had an amazing response in Europe; its a dream to bring Stapelstein to the U.S. and to continue to amplify the benefits of open-ended, active play. Crafted in Germany with climate-neutral production methods, Stapelstein elements are made from eco-friendly EPP foam (expanded polypropylene) that is expanded in a production process solely using pure air and water vapor, making them lightweight, remarkably strong, and durable. They are free from harmful substances, food-grade (safe for little mouths to teethe on), odorless and entirely recyclable. Balance, float, spin or stackfind yourself intrigued and engaged by the myriad ways these beautifully-designed objects integrate into homes and classrooms. Stapelstein is acclaimed among parents, educators and childhood experts for the overarching mission behind its products: To transform the present moment and our collective future through the power of play. Without rules and prescriptive play, children of all abilities and ages are free to experiment and discover playtime in ways that widen their perspectives. A revolutionary movement that considers the activity, imagination and innovation of our next generationits play, the Stapelstein way. Join us at the 2023 Toy Fair New York where Stapelstein will be featured on Level 1 Exhibit Hall at Booth 5685. As a testament to its excellence, Stapelstein will also be proudly displayed as a Toy of The Year Finalist at Crystal Palace (Level 3) and the North/South Concourse (Level 2). This marks a significant milestone for the brand, introducing its innovative products to a wider audience and gaining recognition among industry experts and enthusiasts alike. About Stapelstein Established in 2016 by partners Stephan Schenk and Hannah Konig, Stapelstein helps unlock childrens potential with a collection of sustainable, minimalist products that encourage creativity, movement, imagination, and confidenceall through the power of play. Since its launch Stapelstein has received the prestigious spiel gut quality label, presented by the German Committee for Children's Play and Toys, along with the certification of being "Besonders entwicklungsfordernd" (particularly development-promoting) by the Federal Association for Posture and Physical Activity Promotion, has sold over one million units, and recently launched the brand in the U.S. (September 2023). Made in Germany from eco-friendly EPP, Stapelsteins production methods, sustainable design and passion for open play offers children endless opportunities for creative expression. Better play for a better world. Media Inquiries: pr@stapelstein.com Media Link to press pictures For additional information and brand updates, visit www.stapelstein.com , subscribe to the Newsletter and follow @stapelstein.us on Instagram. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3726cc11-15f0-4c51-b9af-68af6d889553 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/774dbf01-fc1a-4b8b-b3b4-d285a4cf6f31 Newark, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the telemedicine market will grow from USD 94.02 Billion in 2022 to USD 510.74 Billion by 2032. The telemedicine market is expanding due to the rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, rising investments in the healthcare industry and supporting government initiatives. Request to Download Sample Research Report https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/12486 Key Insight of the Telemedicine Market North America region to account for the largest market size during the forecast period. North America will have the most major telemedicine market share during the forecast period. The factors supporting the growth of the regional telemedicine market include the growth of healthcare industries in countries such as the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Many regional players are investing in the deployment of advanced technologies which can be used to deliver better and more efficient services to the patients, payers and providers. The store & forward segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. The modality segment is divided into real-time, store & forward and others. The store & forward segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. In store-and-forward telemedicine, clinical data is gathered and electronically sent to a different location for analysis. Medical history, demographic information, documents including lab reports, and images and videos are common types of information. The services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The component segment is divided into products and services. The product segment further includes software, hardware and others. The services segment further includes tele-education, tele-monitoring and tele-consulting. The services segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. Telemonitoring and teleconsulting are the most widely used services by patients. Surgeons, physicians and students utilize telemedicine services, propelling the market growth. The telepsychiatry segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. The application segment is divided into teledermatology, telepathology, telepsychiatry, telecardiology, teleradiology and others. The telepsychiatry segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. Many patients can receive psychiatric care through the method of telepsychiatry, which involves the use of telecommunication devices. Many people may find telepsychiatry beneficial as a substitute for conventional in-person psychiatric services. The providers segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. The end-users segment is divided into patients, payers, providers and others. The providers segment is expected to augment the market during the forecast period. The providers can improve their treatment methods, workflow and solutions through telemedicine. The providers can manage data and schedule patient appointments through telemedicine technology. Report Coverage Details Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 USD 94.02 Billion Market Size in 2032 USD 510.74 Billion CAGR 18.44% No. of Pages in Report 247 Segments Covered Modality, Component, Application and End-users Drivers Increasing use of telemedicine for monitoring remote patients Opportunities Increasing technological advancements Restraints Unavailability of physical diagnosis Procure Complete Research Report- https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/telemedicine-market-12486 Market Dynamics Driver: Rising use of smartphones Smartphones have emerged as an efficient means of communication both inside and between medical specialities for the care of patients. The surgical team can connect via voice, multimedia, text, email, and camera. Surgeons can offer consultation and opinions right away due to a variety of smartphone features. Telemedicine services are used in place of a second opinion in medical practises, and this system could generate income by enabling patients in remote locations to access specialized medical care without the hassle and expense of travelling to far-off medical facilities. Restraint: Expensive installation The cost of telemedicine solutions is high. Implementing a solution takes technology, software, and training, which are unquestionably expensive. To fully utilize the system, healthcare workers must master its ins and outs. Some mid-scale clinics and medical facilities might need help generating the required ROI. Opportunity: Growing investment in telemedicine The sustained expansion of telemedicine is fueled by strong ongoing uptake, positive consumer perception, and concrete investment in this area. A recent analysis shows telemedicine use has grown 38X since the pre-COVID-19 baseline. With 3X as much investment in digital health in 2020 as in 2017, investment in virtual care and digital health in general has soared, spurring greater innovation. With the potential to enhance customer experience/convenience, access, outcomes, and affordability, virtual healthcare models and business models are increasing and evolving. They are moving from urgent case virtual care to a range of services, including integration of telemedicine with other health solutions, longitudinal virtual care, and hybrid virtual care models. Challenges: Data security issues The telemedicine industry is increasingly facing cyber and technology-related data security and privacy exposure threats. Patients' worries about privacy and security are exacerbated by their lack of trust and knowledge of telemedicine technology. Thus, the data security issues are limiting the growth of the market Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/buying-inquiry/12486 Some of the major players operating in the telemedicine market are: American Well Corp. MDlive, Inc. Twilio, Inc. Teladoc Health, Inc. Zoom Video Communications, Inc. NXGN Management, LLC SOC Telemed, Inc. Plantronics, Inc. VSee Practo Sesame, Inc. PlushCare Doxy.me Inc. HealthTap, Inc. Key Segments Cover in the Market: By Modality: Real-Time Store & Forward Others By Component: Product o Software o Hardware o Others Services o Tele-education o Tele-monitoring o Tele-consulting By Application: Teledermatology Telepathology Telepsychiatry Telecardiology Teleradiology Others By End-users: Patients Payers Providers Others By Region North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., 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) Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/12486 About the report: The market is analyzed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analyzed on a global, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyzes 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, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' 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: www.thebrainyinsights.com WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman participated in multiple events and panels at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations 52nd Annual Legislative Conference to discuss how the SBA and Biden-Harris Administration are promoting equity across the small business landscape and supporting Black entrepreneurs. Before the start of the conference, Administrator Guzman joined Axios reporter Eugene Scott for a fireside chat to unpack the unique challenges facing minority-owned small businesses, highlight how the SBA is prioritizing equity across SBA programs, and discuss outreach to Black communities to increase awareness of SBA opportunities. Last Thursday, Administrator Guzman participated in a Procurement Forum where she further discussed how the SBA has significantly increased opportunities for Black-owned small businesses in government contracting and is on track to meet the Biden-Harris Administrations goal of 15% of prime government contracts going to small disadvantaged businesses by 2025. Later in the day, she joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04) at a press conference to announce that the SBA has achieved record lending rates to Black-owned small businesses under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since 2020, the number of loans, total loan dollars, and overall share of loans going to Black-owned businesses have all more than doubled since 2020. On Friday, Administrator Guzman joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) for a panel to discuss the small business impacts of the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action. During the panel, she discussed how the Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dept of Ag. court case has impacted the SBAs 8(a) business development program and what guidance the SBA is offering 8(a) participant firms in light of a recent injunction. For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Rebecca Galanti at rebecca.galanti@sba.gov. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. BROOKFIELD, News, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN) (Brookfield Business Partners) today announced that it has filed recast audited consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, together with corresponding managements discussion and analysis (collectively, the Recast Financial Statements). The Recast Financial Statements have been prepared in connection with Brookfield Business Partners previously disclosed adoption of IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts. The Recast Financial Statements supersede and replace in all respects the previously filed annual consolidated financial statements and managements discussion and analysis of Brookfield Business Partners for such periods. The Recast Financial Statements are available on Brookfield Business Partners website at bbu.brookfield.com, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions website at www.sec.gov and on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request. Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation, or Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com . Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Managements Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $850 billion of assets under management. For more information, contact: Media: Marie Fuller Tel: +44 207 408 8375 Email: marie.fuller@brookfield.com Investors: Alan Fleming Tel: +1 (416) 645-2736 Email: alan.fleming@brookfield.com CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION Note: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Brookfield Business Partners, as well as regarding recently completed and proposed acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions, and the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as expects, anticipates, plans, believes, estimates, seeks, intends, targets, projects, forecasts, views, potential, likely or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as may, will, should, would and could. Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, investors and other readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Business Partners to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions and risks relating to the economic, including unfavorable changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation and volatility in the financial markets; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including our ability to complete dispositions and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and pandemics/epidemics including COVID-19; the possible impact of international conflicts, wars and related developments including Russias invasion of Ukraine, terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States including in the Risk Factors section in our most recently filed Form 20-F. We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. MUMBAI, India, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Datamatics, a strategic partner to global publishers providing content, analytics, and technology solutions, is thrilled to announce that its innovative publishing platform, BluPencil, has been honored with the esteemed "Operational Excellence through Digital Transformation Award" at the 5th Edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) DX Awards 2023. The award ceremony concluded at Le Meridian, New Delhi, on September 26, 2023. BluPencil, Lumina Datamatics online author-proofing platform, has redefined how authors collaborate, edit, and review their work. This platform allows authors to instantaneously enhance their content, leveraging the platforms intuitive UI and auto-validations, while maintaining the XML integrity of the content. BluPencils recommendations and notification capabilities simplifies editing and facilitates seamless communication between authors and editors during the submission and proof review process. There are over 6,000 authors across the world using BluPencil. The DX Awards recognize the innovative, resilient, and sustainable strategies for introducing or adopting digital technologies and serve as a benchmark for other industries in their journey for Digital Transformation. Speaking about the win, Mr. Sameer L. Kanodia, Managing Director & C.E.O., Lumina Datamatics, said, "We are honored to receive the DX Award for BluPencil. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to technology innovation and excellence within the publishing industry. Lumina Datamatics remains steadfast in our dedication to crafting solutions that empower organizations to excel in the digital era." About Lumina Datamatics : Lumina Datamatics is a strategic partner to global publishers providing content, analytics, and technology solutions. Lumina Datamatics enables publishers and aggregators to be at the forefront of content workflows by managing the entire publishing process from content creation to product delivery. Lumina Datamatics' expert solutions combine its various in-house and client-facing platforms, partnership with global technology leaders, and more than 3,500 professionals across the UK, Germany, the United States, and India. Media Contact: Jamie Israel, VP, Marketing Email: jamie.israel@luminad.com Phone: 848-200-6188 Oklahoma City, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - ClearSight LASIK, a pioneering vision correction enterprise, today made public an extensive article to allay the common apprehensions people have regarding discomfort following LASIK eye surgery. The article, aptly named "Will I Have Pain or Discomfort After LASIK?" found here: https://www.clearsight.com/lasik/will-i-have-pain-or-discomfort-after-lasik/ furnishes detailed answers to the recurrent queries surrounding this life-altering procedure. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a frequently performed refractive surgery in the United States and globally, successfully rectifying common vision issues such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure reshapes the cornea the clear front part of the eye enhancing the way light is focused or refracted by the eye, thereby improving visual perception. A fundamental concern many prospective LASIK patients have is whether they will experience pain or discomfort after the procedure. The ClearSight article addresses this, stating that an anesthetic eye drop is applied prior to the surgery, numbing the eyes and ensuring no pain during the procedure. However, as the numbing effect wears off, patients may experience a mild sensation of grittiness or a feeling akin to something in the eye. These symptoms, while common, are typically short-lived, with most patients reporting relief within a few hours. The ClearSight team stresses that LASIK is a transformative procedure, often providing patients with 20/20 vision and significantly reducing their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The procedure itself is quick, typically taking only about 10-15 minutes for both eyes. While recovery times can vary, most patients are back to their normal routines within 24-48 hours, with complete healing potentially taking several weeks. Additionally, ClearSight informs readers that the nerve regrowth in the cornea commences immediately post-surgery, leading to occasional sensations of grittiness and dryness. The cornea houses a dense network of nerves that are temporarily disrupted during LASIK, creating a brief sense of dryness. Despite this, the vast majority of patients do not notice these microscopic changes as their vision gradually improves with each passing day. Addressing post-operative discomforts such as itchiness and dryness, ClearSight suggests the use of over-the-counter artificial tears, which can be used as needed. Protective eyewear is also recommended to safeguard the eyes from sunlight and dust. Additional tips for a smoother recovery include adequate rest for the eyes, avoiding activities causing eye strain, and adhering to the prescribed usage of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Headaches following LASIK are another concern that the ClearSight team addresses, reassuring readers that minor, temporary headaches are normal as the brain adjusts to the new pattern of visual signals, similar to the experience when adjusting to a new pair of glasses. Extreme headaches, however, are not a typical symptom of LASIK and require immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. The importance of post-surgical follow-up appointments is another key point emphasized by ClearSight. These appointments are critical for healthcare providers to monitor the healing process, answer any lingering questions, and intervene if additional therapies are needed. ClearSight underscores that LASIK is transformative. While there may be some discomfort following the procedure, severe pain is rare. With proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions, most patients experience the life-changing reward of clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. ClearSight's mission is to ensure the safety and comfort of their patients throughout their journey towards clearer vision. Their team of board-certified surgeons and highly skilled medical staff provides the necessary information and support patients need before, during, and after the procedure. Prospective patients and journalists are encouraged to read the article "Will I Have Pain or Discomfort After LASIK?" on the ClearSight website for a more in-depth understanding of what to expect post-procedure. As a leader in the vision correction industry, ClearSight is committed to patient education and transparency in every aspect of their services. About ClearSight LASIK: ClearSight is the only vision correction center that is so committed to providing 20/20 vision to its patients, that they guarantee "20/20 or it's free" in writing. Providing LASIK in Oklahoma City, OK. ### For more information about ClearSight LASIK, contact the company here: ClearSight LASIK Todd Spessard (405) 733-2020 info@clearsight.com ClearSight LASIK 7101 Northwest Expy Suite 335 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 Long Beach, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Long Beach, California - Lucent Vision, the leading authority in the eye treatment and laser surgery domain in Long Beach, is proud to unveil the latest in a series of articles highlighting the immense benefits and safety measures associated with LASIK. Under the unparalleled guidance of esteemed refractive surgeon Dr. Nimesh Pathak, Lucent Vision has transformed countless lives, helping patients to "See clearly now." The article, "LASIK Safety and Future Procedures: The Benefits of LASIK in Long Beach Part 5," offers an in-depth perspective on the groundbreaking advancements in LASIK procedures. As the number of individuals keen on replacing their glasses and contact lenses grows, the necessity for understanding LASIK becomes more prominent. The article elucidates the impressive safety precautions, unparalleled benefits, and future trajectory of LASIK surgery. A significant highlight from the article is the impressive low enhancement rate of LASIK surgeries at Lucent Vision. Under Dr. Pathak's expert guidance, less than 1% of patients require any post-operative enhancements or touch-ups, emphasizing the accuracy and customization with which each surgery is approached. This metric not only underscores the precision of Lucent Vision's LASIK treatments but also the meticulous pre-operative evaluations to minimize any potential complications. Patients considering LASIK often gravitate towards it for its promise of no visible scarring. Lucent Vision ensures that their LASIK procedures are not only effective but also artfully crafted to keep the cornea's appearance natural. The precision of Lucent Vision's laser, combined with the surgical expertise, guarantees a scarring-free experience, allowing patients to not only see better but to do so without compromising their eye's natural beauty. In an era where contact lenses have become ubiquitous, it's important to highlight LASIK's potential long-term safety benefits over contact lenses. The article presents a striking fact: over an extended period, the risks associated with LASIK may be fewer than those presented by daily contact lens usage. LASIK's one-time procedure promises not only better vision but reduced long-term risks compared to the continuous exposure to potential issues with contact lens hygiene. A forward-looking perspective has always been the hallmark of Lucent Vision, and the article reinforces this by addressing compatibility with future procedures. Dr. Pathak emphasizes that choosing LASIK today doesn't close doors for future treatments. Whether it's cataract surgeries or the latest in ophthalmic innovations, undergoing LASIK ensures patients remain in the best position for any future eye health needs. For those seeking clarity, understanding, and vision solutions, Lucent Vision remains at the forefront, blending state-of-the-art technology with a deep concern for patient well-being. They invite everyone to schedule an examination, immerse themselves in LASIK FAQs, and experience the transformative power of laser vision correction firsthand. In a world where visual acuity is paramount, Lucent Vision offers a chance to escape the constraints of traditional corrective lenses and enter a brighter, clearer tomorrow. They urge everyone interested to reach out and embark on this transformative journey with them. For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Dr. Nimesh Pathak, please contact Lucent Vision's media relations team. This press release serves as an invitation for reporters to delve deeper into the transformative world of LASIK and to get firsthand insights from the renowned Dr. Pathak. About Lucent Vision: Lucent Vision, led by Dr. Nimesh Pathak, stands at the forefront of laser eye surgeries and treatments. With a blend of expert knowledge, advanced technology, and a keen focus on patient well-being, the clinic has transformed countless lives. Lucent Vision continues its mission to be a beacon of clarity in the vast landscape of eye treatments. ### For more information about Lucent Vision, contact the company here: Lucent Vision Nimesh Pathak M.D. 5175 E Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90804 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthWest Copper Corp. (TSXV:NWST) (OTCQX: NWCCF) (NorthWest or the Company) wishes to announce the results of its Annual Meeting held earlier today. A total of 155,185,868 common shares were voted in person or by proxy at the meeting representing 81.60% of the votes attached to all outstanding shares. The following table sets out the votes received by the directors elected at the Annual Meeting: Director Votes For Percentage of Voted Shares Maryantonett Flumian 84,901,601 54.71% Braam Jonker 84,901,601 54.71% Adam Manna 84,901,601 54.71% David Moore 151,855,002 97.85% Grant Sawiak 84,901,601 54.71% Jim Steel 84,901,601 54.71% John Theobald 84,901,601 54.71% At the Annual Meeting, shareholders also approved: (i) the setting of the number of directors at seven; (ii) the appointment of the auditor and authorization of the directors to fix the auditors remuneration; and (iii) to approve the Companys equity compensation plan. Following the meeting, David Moore tendered his resignation from the Board but will continue as Interim President and CEO. The Company would like to thank the outgoing directors for their service. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of NorthWest Copper Corp. Lauren McDougall CFO For further information, please contact: Peter Lekich, Director Investor Relations Tel: 778-389-2446 Email: plekich@northwestcopper.ca 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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 statements with respect to the plans and intentions of the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although NorthWest believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since NorthWest can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWests periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWests expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Companys mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWests filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.com ). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Vancouver - 25 September 2023 - Newlox Gold Ventures Corp. ("Newlox" or the "Company") (CSE:LUX) (Frankfurt/Stuttgart:NGO) (OTC:NWLXF), is providing an update on the status of a management cease trade order (the "MCTO") that was granted by the British Columbia Securities Commission on 1 August 2023. The Company is providing this bi-weekly status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company's audited annual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2023, including the related management discussion and analysis, and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial certifications (collectively, the "Annual Financial Filings") were not filed before the Filing Deadline of July 31, 2023 (the "Filing Deadline"). Pursuant to National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") the Company has voluntarily applied to the applicable securities regulatory authorities and received a management cease trade order related to the Company's securities to be imposed against the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company to trade securities of the Company (the "MCTO"). The MCTO will be in effect until the Annual Financial Filings are filed. All other securityholders will still be able to trade in the securities of the Company in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company confirms that, except as provided herein, there are no changes from its news release dated 1 August 2023. The Company reports that the audit is progressing and the Company expects to file the Annual Financial Filings by 29 September 2023. Until the Annual Financial Filings are filed and the MCTO has been revoked, the Company intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines specified in NP 12-203 by issuing default status reports in the form of further press releases every two weeks. The Company confirms that there is no other material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed. On Behalf of the Board, Newlox Gold Ventures Corp. Contact Newlox Gold Ryan Jackson Newlox Gold Ventures Corp., President Website: www.newloxgold.com Email: info@newloxgold.com Phone: + 1 604 256 0493 Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Maiden Sale and Purchase Contract signed with global commodity trader, Gerald Metals, part of the Gerald Group Gerald Group was founded in 1962 in Stamford, CT USA and is today the World's oldest and largest independent and employee-owned metals trading house Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from its bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain As well as the Sale and Purchase Contract, Gerald may elect to provide a US$10 million Run-of-Mine finance facility to be made available to Lindian Sales contract is for 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from Kangankunde Stage 1 development over a 60-month period Contract period can be reduced at Lindian's election through increased production and delivery of rare earths concentrate; Lindian has the right to enter into additional Sales contracts Monthly and annual quantities representing a minimum of 40% of the rare earths concentrate produced by the Project, with delivered quantities of: not less than 750 tonnes of concentrate per month, and not less than 9,000 tonnes of concentrate per year Sale and Purchase Contract revenues will effectively underwrite the Stage 1 Project development cashflows as Lindian moves to construction and producer status Follows maiden mineral resource estimate of 261 million tonnes at the high grade of 2.19% TREO reported last month. Refer ASX announcement dated 3 August 2023 Lindian is in early-stage discussions with the US Government regarding support for the large-scale Stage 2 development of Kangankunde, and welcomes Gerald's expertise in financing critical minerals and leveraging its relationships with multilateral agencies to support Kangankunde's development SYDNEY, Sept. 25, 2023 - Lindian Resources Ltd. (ASX:LIN) ("Lindian" or the "Company") is extremely pleased to advise it has signed a Sale and Purchase Contract ("Contract") with global metals trading company, Gerald Metals SARL ("Gerald"). The Contract provides for the supply and sale of 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from the Stage 1 development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Malawi. Gerald Metals SARL is part of the Gerald Group, the world's largest independent, employee-owned metal trading house, and one of the world's leading global commodity trading companies. Founded in the United States in 1962 and now headquartered in London UK with trading operation hubs in Stamford USA, Morges Switzerland and Shanghai China. Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from Gerald's bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain, including: sourcing, marketing, logistics and storage, hedging and risk management, and structured finance solutions. In addition, Gerald may elect to make available to Lindian a finance facility of up to US$10 million. The terms of such facility are being separately negotiated and subject to a financing agreement and proposed security package over Kangankunde's mined ore stockpiles. Together with Lindian's strong cash balance and in-the-money options, this financing facility, once finalized, considerably strengthens Lindian's financial flexibility. Lindian representatives have commenced early-stage discussions with US Government officials regarding the potential for the provision of funding and concentrate sales support for the future large scale development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project. Given Gerald's long history and US shareholder base, it is the ideal partner to enable Lindian to meet the US critical metals strategic objectives. More details will be made available as these discussions advance. Gerald Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Dean, stated "Kangankunde is truly one of the most exciting REE projects to be explored in recent memory, and represents a key mineral asset for development in Malawi. We have been following Lindian's ongoing drilling campaign closely. I am very pleased to now be part of the development of Kangankunde and look forward to working closely with Lindian's team to bring multilateral investment to the table." Lindian Executive Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga commented: "I am delighted that the globally recognized metals trading group, Gerald Metals, is partnering with Lindian to facilitate the accelerated development of the world class Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. We have been working with Gerald for an extended period on the terms of this Sale and Purchase Contract and the financing facility. They have made multiple visits to site to undertake due diligence on the project and our staged development strategy. As such, we have established a great working relationship over this time and built confidence in them as a trusted partner." "This maiden Sale and Purchase Contract for rare earths concentrate provides one of the key enablers to advance Lindian to producer status by end-2024. This is a major achievement for a project that was effectively acquired in August 2022, just 13 months ago." Lindian Executive Officer, Alastair Stephens added: "The Kangankunde Rare Earth Project continues to deliver excellent results including the globally strategic maiden mineral resource estimate reported last month." "With a mining licence, and environment and social impact assessment licences granted, the Company is able to quickly move to project development following the execution of this Sale and Purchase Contract." "These are exciting times for Lindian and we look forward to making further announcements as project development works ramp up." Key terms of the Sale and Purchase Contract are summarised below. Sale and Purchase Contract Key Terms Term 60 months from the commencement of Commercial Production defined as the first day of the month following four (4) consecutive months of 700 metric tonnes (MT) of Material being delivered by the Seller (Lindian) and received by the Buyer (Gerald). Subject to agreement between the parties, the Offtake Agreement can be extended a further 2 years in 12 month increments. Purchase/Sale Quantity Monazite Concentrate produced by/from the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer 45,000 MT of Material from the date of First Production. Monthly and annual quantities from the date of Commercial Production representing a minimum of 40% of the Monazite Concentrate produced by the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer: not less than 750 MT of Material per Month, calculated on an ongoing basis from the Commercial Production Date during such period; and not less than 9,000 MT of Material per Year during such period. Delivery The Material shall be delivered by the Seller to the Buyer on a Free on Board (FOB) basis at a port to be mutually agreed and in accordance with an agreed delivery schedule. Pricing Market based pricing for each shipment less selling costs and fees typical for an agreement of this type. Provisional payment upon delivery of product to the Buyer. Conditions Material to be delivered from the First Production date of 31 December 2024 and other conditions typical for an agreement of this type. Specifications Monazite Concentrate with a TREO content of above 55% and an NdPr minimum content of 18% and average content of 20%. The Thorium and Uranium content shall not exceed the International Atomic Energy Agency's Class 7 limits. This Media Release was authorised for release by the Board of Lindian Resources Ltd.. Forward Looking Statements This announcement may include forward-looking statements, based on Lindian's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Lindian, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Lindian makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of the announcement. MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT - RARE EARTHS A summary of the mineral resource estimate for the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project is shown in the table below. Kangankunde Rare Earths Project Mineral Resource Above 0.5% TREO Cut-off Grade Resource Classification Tonnes (millions) TREO (%) NdPr% of TREO** (%) Tonnes Contained NdPr* (millions) Inferred Resource 261 2.19 20.2 1.2 Rounding has been applied to 1.0Mt for tonnes and 0.1% NdPr% of TREO which may influence total calculation. * NdPr = Nd 2 O 3 + Pr 6 O 11 , ** NdPrO% / TREO% x 100 The Competent Persons' consents remain in place for subsequent releases by the Company of the same information in the same form and context, until the consents are withdrawn or replaced by a subsequent report and accompanying consent. The Company is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in the ASX announcement of 3 August 2023 originally referencing its resources estimate, and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kangankunde-rare-earths-concentrate-sale-and-purchase-contract-signed-with-american-trading-house-301938196.html SOURCE Lindian Resources VANCOUVER, Sept. 25, 2023 - As previously disclosed, Northwest Copper Corp. ("NorthWest" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NWST) (OTCQX: NWCCF) will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM") on September 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at which time there will be an election of the board of directors (the "Board"). The Company advises that, based on the deposit of proxies by the cut-off time for the AGM, the activist slate of director nominees, represented on the Yellow Proxy, will receive a greater number of shareholder votes than the management nominees, represented on the Blue Proxy. As a result, the activist slate of nominees will be elected directors of the Board at the AGM. Mr. Terry Lyons, outgoing Chair of the Board, and the departing Board members would like to thank all the shareholders who expressed their vote in favor of management's nominees during the recent proxy contest and for their support in the past. They would also like to acknowledge the contribution of employees who continued their work during uncertain times and who are committed to the success of the Company. Because registered shareholders who have not yet voted have the opportunity to do so while attending the AGM, the final results will be confirmed following the meeting. For further information, please contact: Investor contact: Peter Lekich, Director Investor Relations Tel: 778-389-2446 Email: plekich@northwestcopper.ca 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to: the plans and intentions of the activist group of shareholders; and the plans and intentions of the Company. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWest's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWest's expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to a change in the Board or management of the Company; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWest's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 - Gold Line Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GLDL) (OTCQB: TLLZF) ("Gold Line" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Gernot Wober has been appointed to the Company's Advisory Board. Mr. Wober is a professional geologist (P. Geo.) and has over 32 years of international resource exploration experience. Mr. Wober is currently VP Exploration for Discovery Silver Corp. where he started in 2018, and in 2019 identified the Cordero silver deposit in Chihuahua, Mexico for acquisition. Previously, he served as VP Exploration, Canada, at Osisko Mining Inc. ("Osisko"), during which time he took part in several key mergers and acquisitions and led the team through the advancement of the Windfall gold deposit and the discovery of the new Lynx Zone. Other roles Mr. Wober has held include VP Exploration for Oban Mining Corporation, Director of of Site Operations for the Pebble project in Alaska with the Pebble Limited Partnership, VP Exploration for Great Basin Gold Ltd., and various exploration roles with Chevron Canada Resources Limited, Noranda Exploration Company Limited, and Taseko Mines Limited. President and CEO Taj Singh commented, "We are very pleased to have Gernot join the Gold Line Advisory Board. Gernot has a deep understanding of orogenic gold deposits, their economic potential and modern exploration techniques. He has had significant experience and success working in greenstone geological settings similar to those found at Gold Line's projects. Having previously worked closely together with Gernot before I am excited to now bring him on at Gold Line. In my opinion, he is one of the top exploration minds in our sector. His impressive profile adds to our already strong and experienced geological team here and is highly encouraging for the future of our promising project portfolio." ABOUT GOLD LINE RESOURCES LTD. Gold Line is focused on acquiring mineral properties with exceptional exploration potential in the most prolific gold-producing regions of Sweden and Finland, which are both regarded as top-tier mining jurisdictions and emerging exploration frontiers. Both countries possess very prospective mineral endowments, stable tenures, straightforward permitting, favorable tax regimes and supportive geopolitical landscapes. Gold Line's Swedish projects are located in the Gold Line Mineral Belt and Skelleftea Belt of north-central Sweden and the Mjsa-Vanern Belt in the southwest. In Finland, Gold Line holds the entire underexplored Oijarvi Greenstone Belt located in the north of the country. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF Gold Line Resources Ltd., Taj Singh, M.Eng, P.Eng, CPA President, CEO & Director FOLLOW US: Website: https://www.goldlineresources.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GLDL_Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gold-line-resources-ltd Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Gold Line's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. SOURCE Gold Line Resources Ltd. The Hunt for a New Vaccine Theres Always Been Pushback A Slew of Bills Last week, the Colorado Senate passed a bill that would make it more difficult for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children. On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators showed up in hopes of blocking the bills passage in the state House.Its a scene that has been replayed recently in capitals across the country. Last month, more than 500 people showed up to testify about a vaccine bill in Connecticut, stretching a committee hearing out to more than 21 hours. In January, New Jersey lawmakers pulled a bill that would have ended religious exemptions for vaccines after weeks of sustained protests against it.On Tuesday, voters in Maine rejected, by an overwhelming margin, a measure that would have overturned a law passed last year to eliminate non-medical exemptions. Despite the defeat, vaccine skeptics are undaunted -- and well organized.The fact that enough people came out and got the signatures required to get it on the ballot, and that there are many legislators supporting this effort, shows that this is not a cut-and-dry issue, Dawn Richardson, advocacy director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a nonprofit group opposed to universal vaccination requirements, said before Tuesday's vote. Theres obvious division on it.For years, legislators sought to distance themselves from that division. Although the number of parents who are skeptical about vaccines has been growing for a couple of decades, most states have kept exemptions on the books. Recent outbreaks of preventable diseases, however, have prompted some lawmakers to make it harder for parents to opt out.There were enough people who were choosing to exempt themselves from vaccines, and diseases came back, says Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.In Colorado, for example, 87.4 percent of kindergarteners have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine one of the lowest rates in the nation and well below the 95 percent rate sought by both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Senate-passed bill. Connecticut has seen a 25 percent year-over-year spike in religious exemptions. Non-medical exemptions have also been growing in Maine, leaving the state with the sixth highest rate of such exemptions during the last school year. All told, the percentage of unvaccinated children has increased fourfold since 2001.We unfortunately talk to people on a daily basis who have lost their children to vaccine-preventable diseases, says Erica DeWald, advocacy director for Vaccinate Your Family, a pro-vaccine advocacy group. A whole other group of parents are terrified their kids are going to school with unvaccinated kids.With the new coronavirus spreading across the country, most of the public would welcome the protection of a new vaccine. Its possible that dynamic could shift the debate around the broader vaccination question.We could have lots of problems before a vaccine is available, says Jack Pitney, a government professor at Claremont McKenna College who has written critically about vaccine exemptions. That long, unhappy period could remind people about the value of vaccination.But DeWald notes there have been public health scares in the recent past that havent pulled off that trick, including anthrax and H1N1. DeWald and other vaccine supporters believe that the whole idea of inoculation has been a victim of its own success.When you hear celebrities like Jenny McCarthy say that, 'between the vaccine and measles, Ill take measles every time,' it shows weve not only eliminated measles but the memory of measles, Offit says.Polls indicate that the vast majority of Americans support vaccines. According to a Gallup poll released in January, 84 percent believe that vaccinating children is important. That number has dropped, however, from 91 percent at the start of the century.There are now a number of organized groups who are staunchly opposed to mandated vaccinations. They insist that theyre not opposed to vaccination, but contend that not all vaccines are equally safe and effective. They argue that parents should be able to make informed choices for their families.Who do you think cares most about their children do you think its the parents or the drug producers? says Mary Holland, general counsel for Childrens Health Defense, an anti-mandatory vaccine group chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This is a voting issue for people on the right and the left. This is about their kids.Those who are skeptical or hesitant about vaccines may hold a minority viewpoint, but their staunch advocacy and sometimes aggressive tactics have made the vaccine issue a difficult one for legislators.Youre going to see this issue become more and more contentious in the states, Richardson says.The idea of universal vaccination has always met with resistance. In 1796, Edward Jenner developed the smallpox vaccine, which over the next quarter-century cut the death rate from the disease in half. In 1867, the British government passed a law making the smallpox vaccine compulsory under penalty of fines and possible imprisonment. Compulsory vaccination spawned the first anti-vaccine movement, Offit writes in his 2015 bookWith the advent of the polio vaccine during the 1950s, there was in fact real and demonstrated harm. A small pharmaceutical company called Cutter Laboratories failed to fully deactivate the virus, leading to 70,000 mild cases of polio and 10 deaths. It was one of the worst biological disasters in U.S. history, Offit writes. Yet, he notes, demand for the vaccine from other manufacturers did not abate.More recently, there was concern about thimerosal, a preservative that contained mercury and was used in some childhood vaccines. Studies showed thimerosal to be safe and not be linked to autism, but it has not been used in childhood vaccines since 2001 due to parental concerns.Following measles outbreaks during the 1970s, states began to mandate vaccines for children attending public schools. Those laws faced pushback as well. In the end, all but two states Mississippi and West Virginia allowed for religious or philosophic exemptions.In 1998, a study purported to show a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. That study was withdrawn in 2010 and has been refuted by numerous other studies, but it helped fuel skepticism and even downright hostility to vaccines particularly the MMR vaccine.Each child is different and each vaccine is different, Richardson says. Some can be harmful for some people.Although billions of doses have been injected into millions of people since the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program was created, only about 6,600 people have been compensated for harm they claim was caused by one of 16 vaccines. Harm was not proven in most of those cases. Approximately 70 percent of all compensation awarded by the VICP comes as a result of a negotiated settlement between the parties in which HHS has not concluded, based upon review of the evidence, that the alleged vaccine(s) caused the alleged injury, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration Failure to vaccinate can cause real problems. An anti-vaccine group in Minnesota highlighted the debunked MMR study among Somali Americans living in Minneapolis. Between 2004 and 2010, the MMR vaccine rate among Somali children in Minnesota dropped from 91 percent to 54 percent, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . During a 2017 measles outbreak in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, 64 of the 79 confirmed cases were in Somalis, with 74 cases in unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals.Last year, there were almost 1,300 cases of measles in the U.S., the most since 1992.Get to a few thousand, and people would die, Offit says. The choice not to get a vaccine is not a no-risk choice. It creates different and more serious risks. This isnt a choice theyre making just for themselves and their children. Its a public health issue.Legislatures are now weighing more than 200 vaccine-related bills, according to the National Vaccine Information Center. They are roughly divided in number between those that would make it harder to avoid vaccinations and those that would give parents greater leeway or provide them with more information.Health groups such as the American Medical Association support limiting the ability to opt out of immunizations. Some states are considering joining the few that allow older or mature minors to consent to vaccination, even when their parents object.Richardson says the fact that most states considering reducing or eliminating exemptions have rejected the bills shows that this is not a popular position.She contends that the pharmaceutical companies are backing the anti-exemption bills to line their own pockets. Merck and Pfizer each contributed $250,000 to defeat the referendum in Maine. Drug companies spend millions annually on campaigns and lobbying after losing credibility in some quarters, given the opioid epidemic and accusations of price gouging.But anti-vaccination groups have also benefited from wealthy donors, including a hedge fund manager and a physician who has made millions selling natural health products.No one doubts that thousands of parents are sincerely motivated by a desire to protect their children. If you look at it from their perspective, these are parents who are made to believe their children are injured, so theyre very passionate, says DeWald, of Vaccinate Your Family.That passion can sometimes spill over into intimidation. Last summer, an anti-vaccine activist was cited for assault after shoving California state Sen. Richard Pan, the lead sponsor of the states anti-exemption law. In October, another protester spattered senators with a small amount of menstrual blood from the Senates visitors gallery. Colorado state Rep. Kyle Mullica, a sponsor of pro-vaccination legislation, received death threats last year, including a threat to burn down his house with his children in it.Richardson says such incidents are purely the products of disturbed individuals and not supported by any organized group. Still, doctors such as Offit who are prominent pro-vaccine spokesmen have received enough serious death threats to receive police protection at times. And vaccine skeptics are known to be highly vocal on social media.They are generally the most aggressive, hostile, rudest and threatening group of people I have ever experienced as a legislator, Bob Duff , majority leader of the Connecticut Senate, told the New Havenafter needing a security escort to leave a forum on the issue last month.Parents who advocate stronger vaccination mandates in the media and in statehouses can find the experience to be intimidating, says DeWald. These people who have lost children can be heckled when they stand up and testify, she says.But DeWald and other mandate supporters recognize that they have to try to match the emotion and energy that vaccine skeptics bring to the debate. Making the case clinically is not the same as making it politically.As opposition to mandatory vaccines continues to grow, countering that movement will require compelling storytelling, not just statistics.Its disappointing to see so many politicians yield to the anti-vaccine people, says Pitney, the Claremont McKenna political scientist. Theyre buying a few minutes peace and quiet by jeopardizing the long-term health of school children. Educations Role in Combating Youth Unemployment in Ghana Dr Andrews Ayiku Business News Sep - 26 - 2023 , 03:03 According to the Ghana Statistical Service, more than 57% of the population is under the age of 25 as of 2020. While this population offers opportunities for economic growth and development, it also brings obstacles, especially in terms of youth unemployment. Youth unemployment is a major problem in many developing nations, including Ghana. With a young population that accounts for a sizable component of the country's demographic makeup, resolving youth unemployment is critical for long-term economic growth and social stability. Education has long been acknowledged as an effective method for tackling this issue. In Ghana, initiatives to enhance educational access and quality are critical in providing young people with the skills and information they need to find productive work. Ghana's youth face a conundrum: they are educated yet frequently fail to find adequate career prospects. This contradiction highlights the need to investigate the role of education in alleviating the country's severe issue of young unemployment. This article investigates education's complex role in solving young unemployment in Ghana. Development of Skills One of the key purposes of education in tackling youth unemployment is the provision of essential skills to young Ghanaians. Technical skills such as carpentry, welding, and computer programming are included, as are soft skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. A well-rounded education system that blends academic knowledge with practical skills equips students to confidently join the labor market. Education, especially vocational and technical training, provides young Ghanaians with practical skills that are in high demand in the labor market. These abilities include anything from carpentry and plumbing to computer technology and healthcare. Education must be aligned with the demands of the labor market in order to be effective. Ghana's education system must keep up with industry developments and employer expectations. This alignment guarantees that graduates have in-demand skills, making it simpler for them to find relevant work opportunities after graduation. Vocational and technical education is very important in combating young unemployment in Ghana. These programs provide students with specialized instruction in a variety of trades and crafts, preparing them for specific employment. Employers frequently seek graduates of vocational and technical colleges, particularly in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Entrepreneurship Training Entrepreneurship education provides students with hands-on business knowledge and abilities. Topics covered include company planning, financial management, marketing, and risk assessment. Entrepreneurship education is critical for motivating young Ghanaians to generate jobs. Education allows adolescents to create and operate their own enterprises through teaching entrepreneurial skills, stimulating creativity, and developing a culture of self-employment. Economic development and employment creation are fueled by innovation. Entrepreneurship training promotes an innovative culture by encouraging students to create new ideas, products, and services. Innovative solutions are critical in Ghana for tackling social concerns and providing new job possibilities. Traditional education frequently focuses on training pupils to find work. By encouraging students to become job creators, entrepreneurship education changes the narrative. Graduates are more likely to create their own enterprises, hire employees, and contribute to the economy. Education and Industry Partnerships Education-industry collaboration facilitates the creation of relevant and up-to-date courses. Collaboration between educational institutions and companies ensures that courses and programs meet the demands of the industry. This means that graduates are more prepared for the labor market's expectations. Internships, apprenticeships, and industry-relevant curricula can be facilitated by strengthening the link between educational institutions and the corporate sector. Collaborations between universities, technical schools, and companies can assist students to get practical experience and improve their employability. Internships, apprenticeships, and cooperative education programs are important components of education-industry partnerships. These programs enable students to obtain hands-on experience while still in school. Work-based learning improves students' employability by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Partnerships between education and industry assist educational institutions in tailoring their training programs to match specific industrial skill requirements. Industry input, for example, might inform training programs in areas such as machine operation, quality control, and safety procedures in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Access to High-Quality Education Quality education is an effective instrument for ending the cycle of poverty. When young Ghanaians have access to a high-quality education, they get the skills and information they need to land higher-paying employment, which may lead to better living circumstances and economic stability for themselves and their families. Providing equal access to quality education for all young Ghanaians is critical to reducing youth unemployment. Education should be accessible to all, including those living in rural places and vulnerable groups. The government's Free Senior High School (SHS) program, which removes financial barriers to secondary education, is a step in this direction. One of the fundamental reasons for young unemployment is a mismatch between job seekers' talents and the skills required by employers. Quality education integrates curriculum with job market demands, lowering the skill gap and boosting the chance KIA marks girls in aviation day Maclean Kwofi Business News Sep - 22 - 2023 , 17:46 Last Saturday, Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark another Girls in Aviation Day, the day set aside to foster and inspire female participation in aviation related jobs. This years celebration, which is the nineth edition, was organised globally by the various chapters of Women in Aviation International (WAI). In Ghana, the event was held at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra by WAI, Ghana Chapter comprising women professionals working in the aviation industry. Selected students from Accra Girls, Temasco, Ola Girls, Lashibi and Afia Kobi Senior High Schools were privileged to have been sponsored for this years celebration. Formation of Ghana Chapter The President of the WAI Ghana Chapter, Juliet Okae, at the forum, stated that the Ghana Chapter was established in 2015 to bring all the women in aviation together. She said the formation of the chapter was significant because it serves as an avenue to share ideas and basically harness the potential of Africa's youth, especially young girls. She said the girls in aviation was a flagship programme for the umbrella body, Women in Aviation International organised annually to inspire young girls to take up professions in the aviation industry. Ms Okae who is the deputy Director-General in-charge of the Finance and Administration at the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), underlined the need to catch them young and prepare them for the future. She added that WAI Ghana Chapter was looking at creating aviation clubs in Senior High Schools (SHS) to whip up interest in the youth, especially girls. Congratulation In her remarks, the Managing Director (MD) of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Pamela Djamson-Tettey, congratulated the WAI, Ghana Chapter for organising the event. She noted the diverse, evolving and fast-paced nature of the aviation industry with women professionals blazing the trail in their respective areas such as airline managers, aircraft engineers, flight stewards, air traffic controllers, and a host of other professions. She urged the young girls to take advantage of the opportunity by participating fully in the various educational sessions and tours so that they could share their experiences with their colleagues in school. Enormous potential The Deputy Minister of Transport, Hassan Tampuli, noted that there was enormous potential in the aviation industry that was yet to be harnessed. He encouraged young girls at the event to consider themselves as the privileged few for the kind of exposure being offered and study hard to achieve their full potential. He highlighted the critical roles women were playing within the aviation industry and challenged the young girls to emulate the strides and aim for careers in the industry. Women in Aviation Women in Aviation International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields and interests. It offered educational outreach programmes to young girls, national and internationally, through initiatives such as the Annual Girls in Aviation Day. Linking enterprise risk management and corporate social responsibility Frederick Pokoo-Aikins Business News Sep - 26 - 2023 , 03:00 In today's business landscape, the importance of both Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) cannot be overstated. ERM helps organizations anticipate and navigate risks that may hinder their objectives, while CSR initiatives reflect an organization's commitment to act responsibly towards its social, environmental, and economic impacts. While these two elements may seem distinct, they are in fact deeply intertwined. This article explores how ERM and CSR are linked, and why this relationship is crucial for modern organizations. Understanding ERM and CSR Before delving into their connection, it's essential to grasp the roles of ERM and CSR. ERM is a holistic approach to managing all types of risk that an organization may face. It includes identifying, assessing, responding to, and monitoring risks at an enterprise level. On the other hand, CSR, also known as corporate citizenship, involves a company making a commitment to contribute positively to society and the environment beyond its primary business activities. CSR activities can encompass a wide range of areas, including environmental sustainability, community development, employee welfare, and ethical sourcing. ERM and CSR: Two sides of the same coin ERM and CSR may seem like separate concepts, but they are two sides of the same coin. Both involve an organization looking beyond its immediate business operations and considering thebroader impacts of its activities. In ERM, this involves looking at how risks could affect the organization's strategic objectives. In CSR, it involves considering the organization's impacts on society and the environment. Furthermore, both ERM and CSR are about creating long-term value. ERM achieves this by protecting the organization from risks that could harm its performance and reputation. CSR does it by enhancing the organization's reputation, strengthening relationships with stakeholders, and contributing to a sustainable future. The Intersection of ERM and CSR The intersection of ERM and CSR is most evident when considering the risks related to an organization's social and environmental impacts. These risks, often classified as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks, can have significant effects on an organization's reputation, financial performance, and long-term viability. For instance, environmental risks, such as those related to climate change, can affect an organization's operations, supply chains, and regulatory compliance. Social risks, such as labor disputes or community relations issues, can disrupt operations and harm the organization's reputation. And governance risks, such as ethical breaches, can lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. These ESG risks are directly connected to an organization's CSR activities. By effectively managing its social and environmental impacts, an organization can mitigate these ESG risks. For example, by adopting sustainable business practices, a company can reduce its environmental risks. By treating employees fairly and investing in the community, it can minimize social risks. And by acting ethically and transparently, it can mitigate governance risks. In this way, CSR activities can be seen as a form of risk management. They are proactive measures that an organization takes to manage its ESG risks and protect its reputation and performance. Leveraging the link between ERM and CSR Organizations can leverage the link between ERM and CSR in several ways. Firstly, by integrating CSR considerations into their ERM processes, organizations can ensure that ESG risks are effectively managed. This could involve including CSR representatives in risk identification and assessment activities or incorporating CSR metrics into risk reporting. Secondly, organizations can use their ERM processes to identify opportunities for CSR initiatives. By assessing their risks, organizations can identify areas where they can make a positive social or environmental impact and enhance their reputation. For instance, a risk assessment might reveal a high risk of water scarcity, leading the organization to implement a water conservation initiative. Finally, organizations can use the link between ERM and CSR to communicate with stakeholders. By demonstrating how they are managing ESG risks and contributing to social and environmental sustainability, organizations can enhance their relationships with stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees, and the community. Case Study: Linking ERM and CSR in Practice Let's consider the case of a hypothetical company, Boronta Inc. Boronta Inc operates in a resource-intensive industry and has a robust ERM program. It also has a strong commitment to CSR, with initiatives in areas such as environmental sustainability, community development, and employee welfare. Boronta Inc recognizes the link between ERM and CSR. It integrates CSR considerations into its risk management processes, ensuring that environmental, social, and governance risks are effectively managed. It also uses its risk assessments to identify opportunities for CSR initiatives. For example, a risk assessment revealed a high risk of energy scarcity, leading Boronta Inc to implement an energy efficiency program. Boronta Inc also communicates about its ERM and CSR activities to stakeholders. It publishes an annual sustainability report that outlines how it is managing ESG risks and contributing to social and environmental sustainability. This has helped to enhance Boronta Inc's reputation and strengthen its relationships with stakeholders. Conclusion: ERM and CSR - A Strategic Connection In conclusion, ERM and CSR are deeply intertwined. They both involve looking beyond an organization's immediate operations and considering the broader impacts of its activities. They both contribute to the creation of long-term value. And, most importantly, they can both help organizations manage the critical ESG risks they face. By recognizing and leveraging this connection, organizations do not only protect themselves from ESG risks but also enhance their reputation, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and contribute to a sustainable future. In today's complex and dynamic business landscape, the link between ERM and CSR is a strategic advantage that no organization can afford to overlook. The writer is an independent Internal Audit Advisor, Enterprise Risk Management Consultant, and professional trainer. He is the founder and Chief Operating Officer of Redric Consulting, your trusted partner for comprehensive training and consulting services in the fields of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). With a proven record of accomplishment Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, Internal Control, Compliance, Fraud Risk Management, and Cybersecurity, Redric Consulting empowers your organization and ensures its success. Safety, security of mining operations key for W/A economic growth Kan-Dapaah Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Sep - 26 - 2023 , 04:10 THE government has maintained that the safety and security of mining operations is paramount for West Africas economic growth. It therefore stressed the need for cooperation to secure West Africa's mining future and contribute to a region that thrives in peace, stability and prosperity. The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, said this in an address read on his behalf at the opening of the third West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) conference in Accra last Wednesday (September 20) on the theme: Operating in Challenging Environments. Together, we can cultivate an environment of trust, transparent communication, and cooperation, enhancing security efforts and promoting sustainable development, he said. The minister explained that West Africa, with its abundant mineral wealth and untapped potential, holds the key to the prosperity of its nations and the broader global economy. However, the region faces numerous security threats and operational risks. From the spillover of terrorism from the Sahel to concerns about porous borders and the evolving dynamics of Salafi-Jihadi insurgent groups, our mining industry operates in an ever-evolving security environment, he said. WAMS conference The two-day conference was organised by the Australian High Commission in partnership with Australia-Africa Minerals and Energy Group (AAMEG), Atlantic Lithium and the Perenti Group. It brought together academia, security practitioners and experts in the mining industry across Africa to discuss regional security trends and operational challenges. It also provided mining and exploration managers and security professionals with current information on regional security developments and best practice risk mitigation strategies to inform security and investment decisions in West Africa. The theme, he said, recognised the difficulties in navigating local mining spaces, the susceptibility of the sector to global economic shocks, the role of the sector in terrorism financing and political instability, and the complex interdependency between mining and communal or civil conflicts. For instance, he said, in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, mining-induced conflicts fuelled civil wars and political instability. That, he said, confirmed a World Bank finding that countries which have a substantial share of their Gross Domestic Product coming from the export of primary commodities are at more risk of conflict, particularly during periods of economic decline. Amidst these challenges, mining security is not a luxury or an afterthought but a necessity. The commonality of the challenges, particularly political instability, illegal mining activities, and community conflicts prompt concerted and collaborative measures toward sustainable mining operations. Our success lies in addressing these challenges head-on and working towards comprehensive solutions, he said. Interventions The Australian High Commissioner, Berenice Owen-Jones, emphasised the Australian governments support to programmes helping regional countries facing pressures from the spread of terrorism. Specifically, we have invested over AUD8 million in counter terrorism programming in Africa, including to the International Counter-Terrorism Academy in Cote dIvoire to research and deliver training in countering terrorism threats, she said. She said her outfit was funding Ghanas West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism to deliver a grass-roots programme aimed at preventing violent extremism in northern Ghana and mining communities. We are supporting improved livelihoods to maintain stability across the Sahel through investment in the World Food Programmes Integrated Resilience to the Sahel Programme, she added. For his part, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AAMEG, Roger Staley, underscored the importance of strengthening Australia-Africa engagement in the mining sector. He noted that currently USD12.8 billion had been invested by Australian mining companies in West Africa. We still have strong buffers BoG Emmanuel Bruce Business News Sep - 26 - 2023 , 05:37 The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison has insisted that the central bank does not need a positive equity to be able to effectively play its role as the lender of last resort. The decision of the central bank to take a 50 per cent hair cut during the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) has resulted in huge losses which has affected the capital of the bank. This has prompted the need for the bank to be recapitalised but considering the tight fiscal space that the government is operating in, talks and plans of recapitalising the BoG have been shelved until the countrys economic environment improves. At a recent Graphic Business Twitter (now X) dialogue series, Banking Expert, Dr Richmond Atuahene advised that the recapitalisation of the central bank should be prioritised as soon as the fiscal situation improves. He said although the impairment to the BoGs balance sheet might not have any immediate impact on its operations, there could be a potential impact in the next year or two, reason why the government should act fast and recapitalise it. The losses itself may not directly affect you today, but have consequences over the period if it is not well managed. Today, banks are looking for capital and if the central bank cannot perform its role of the lender of last resort, what will be the situation? he asked. There are certain specific roles that the central bank can continue to play effectively, but if the situation is not well managed, in the next year or two, the reality can hit us hard, he stated. But responding to a question at the 114th MPC press conference yesterday on how ready the central bank is to support any bank which may require liquidity support, Dr Addison said yes, the BoG can assist as the lender of last resort. He noted that the banks were holding 12 per cent of their deposits with the central bank as liquidity, which meant the BoG have resources to fall on should any of the banks require support. The central bank can operate effectively even in the presence of negative equity, we dont need positive equity to be effective and we dont have to print money to do that, he stated. No bank has requested liquidity support Dr Addison pointed out that no bank has yet approached the central bank for liquidity support. He said should any of the banks need liquidity support, the BoG stands ready to assist them in line with the guidelines for assessing liquidity support. He noted that the rate at which banks borrowed from one another, that is, the interbank weighted average rate, rose to 26.59 per cent in August 2023 from 21.93 per cent in August 2022, in line with increases in the monetary policy rate. Consequently, average lending rates of banks increased to 31.78 per cent in August 2023, from 27.96 per cent recorded in August 2022. Banking sector stable The governor assured that the banking sector remained stable as the industrys total assets increased to GH244.7 billion in August 2023 from GH204.6 billion in August 2022. He said the growth in banks assets was funded by deposits, which grew sharply by 38.9 per cent to GH189.9 billion from GH136.7 billion in the same comparative period. Total borrowings by banks, however, contracted by 41.per cent to GH13.9 billion in August 2023 from GH23.5 billion a year earlier. He said the central banks profitability remained strong in the first eight months of 2023, with the industry recording a profit-after-tax of GH5.7 billion, representing a 41.4 per cent annual growth, compared with 26.5 per cent growth recorded last year. Specifically, he said net interest income increased sharply by 37.9 per cent to GH13.5 billion, while net fees and commissions went up by 27.3 per cent to GH2.9 billion. Dr Addison said key financial soundness indicators remained broadly stable. Profitability indicators improved, with Return-on-Equity (ROE) at 36.9 per cent in August 2023 from 23 per cent in August 2022, while Return-on-Assets (ROA) increased to 5.4 per cent from 4.7 per cent in the same comparative period. Also, liquidity indicators for the industry improved during the period under review. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) adjusted for the regulatory reliefs was 14.2 per cent in August 2023, higher than the revised prudential minimum of 10 per cent. The industrys NPL ratio ,however, increased to 20 per cent in August 2023, from 14.3 per cent in August 2022, attributable to elevated credit risk associated with the lagged effect of the macroeconomic crisis in 2022. Ghana must congratulate Kwaw Ansah for Bisa Aberwa Museum - Prof. Akosa Kouame Koulibaly Showbiz News Sep - 25 - 2023 , 19:38 He was on hand to present a citation to Kwaw Ansah for his exploits in film at Ghana Clubs Film Pioneers Achievement Gala event in Accra on September 20 but Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa couldnt help patting the acclaimed filmmaker on the back for another outstanding feat. The well-known pathologist, academic and politician said Kwaw Ansah had proved what a patriot and real asset he was to this country by singlehandedly putting up the Bisa Abrewa Museum at Nkontompo, Sekondi in the Western Region. Those of you who have not been there, please find an opportunity to go to Nkontompo and just go and see something for yourselves, Prof Akosa said in reference to the museum located near the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital. The Bisa Aberwa Museum was officially inaugurated on July 28, 2019. It is four floors and outdoor spaces that brim with information about the amazing achievements of black people from around the globe: Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, the South Pacific, Asia and Europe. Exterior View of the Bisa Aberwa Museum The museum emphasizes solid attainments in areas such as visual arts, literature, film, music, architecture, philosophy, humanities, science and technology, social sciences and more. Prof. Akosa described Kwaw Ansah as an African through and through who always had useful insights about the continent and that he dearly cherished him. I can without any equivocation state that I dont believe theres anywhere in this country where one individual has done what Kwaw Ansah has done by way of the Bisa Aberwa Museum. He needs to be congratulated by the whole country, Prof. Akosa stated. Kwaw Ansah thanked the management of Ghana Club after receiving his citation from Prof Akosa. He pointed out that it was incumbent on every African to tell the positive stories of the continent to the world at all times. Another filmmaker, King Ampaw, also received a citation from Ghana Club for his contribution to the advancement of cinema in this country. Both him and Kwaw Ansah are members of the Club. Veteran actor Michael Caine says younger wives are one of 3 secrets to a long life www.independent.co.uk Showbiz News Sep - 26 - 2023 , 11:40 Sir Michael Caine has shared his three secrets for living a long life. The 90-year-old actor can next be seen opposite the late Glenda Jackson in the drama film The Great Escaper. In the movie, Caine plays a World War II veteran who breaks out of his British care home to attend the D-Day celebrations in France. In an interview with the Daily Mail promoting the film, Caine was asked what he thought was the key to a long life. Younger wives, no snacking and wear trainers at all times, he said. And you have to be careful not to fall down. Caine has been married to former actor and fashion model Shakira Caine (formerly Shakira Baksh), since 1973. She is 76 years old, 14 years Caines junior. Elsewhere in the interview, Caine gave his thoughts on everything from national service to intimacy co-ordinators. The actor said he thought that mandatory national service should be reinstated for young people. Caine completed national service in the military himself, serving in Iserlohn, West Germany in the aftermath of World War II and seeing action in Korea. I think every young man should be made to do it, he said. It truly makes a man of you. He added: I only became an actor after I left the army. I did rep for nine years then got a movie and was like, f*** this! I love films more. I liked the money and all. Later in the interview, Caine offered his thoughts on intimacy co-ordinators specialists who are employed on film and TV sets to help ensure the comfort and consent of performers while filming scenes involving sex or other intimate behaviour. The practice is now commonplace across the industry, but has attracted criticism from actors including Sir Ian McKellen and Sean Bean, who have argued that they negatively impact the acting process. Asked about intimacy co-ordinators, Caine responded: Really? Seriously? What are they? We never had that in my day. Thank god Im 90 and dont play lovers anymore is all I can say. In my day you just did the love scene and got on with it without anyone interfering. Its all changed. Earlier this week, a leading intimacy co-ordinator who worked on Netflixs Sex Education addressed criticisms of the profession, stating that he understands why actors may be reluctant to embrace their presence on set. The Great Escaper is out in cinemas on 6 October. The view from here Letter to European Commission President on Migrant Crisis Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng The view from here Sep - 26 - 2023 , 06:41 Dear Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, Perhaps it is a tad unfair to pick on you, but as I suspect we will both agree, personal feelings are far from being an issue in this self-initiated conversation. My explanation is that at the moment, as the President of the European Commission, you represent the European conscience, such as it is; by extension, the collective West can be roped into your moral jurisdiction. I, on the other hand, hope that my side of the discourse will represent the perspectives of Africans, who, as a collective, cannot be differentiated from victims of our relationship dating back more than half a millennium. The urge to write to you came to me when you rushed emergency-style to inspect for yourself more than 8,000 migrants, most of them described by various media outlets as coming from sub-Saharan Africa, who had arrived on the shores of Lampedusa in Southern Italy in one day. You went there in response to the migrant problem Europe has on its hands. It is easy to understand your panic response. This year, according to a story in the French newspaper Le Monde, almost 126,000 migrants have arrived on Italys shores, up from 65,000 in the same period last year. While in Italy, you pledged action to help Italys crisis-hit island during a visit after the island was left struggling to cope with an influx of migrants. There was no such pledge to the migrants. The question to ask is this: why are hundreds of thousands of young Africans investing in the dubious privilege of risking their lives in unsafe boats across choppy seas to get to Europe? In their responses to the migrant crisis European leaders have avoided this question preferring instead to look at the problem as if it were a maritime issue for which sea blockades and placing barriers have been tried as solutions. Indeed, the Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is pushing for a European Union naval blockade to prevent boats from crossing the Mediterranean to reach Italian shores. Some governments pretend that this is a simple refugee crisis for which the most ridiculous responses, such as the case of Britain shipping them to Rwanda, have been offered. These have not worked because they have not addressed the real issue. The time has come to have an adult conversation about this problem. Europe is not happy, and you wouldnt think that the hordes arriving on European shores are happy tourists enjoying the Mediterranean breeze, So youre not happy, they are not happy, no one is happy; why dont we address the issue logically from its source? Addressing irregular migration from Africa to Europe is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach, including addressing the main root cause, which is the lack of economic opportunities, at home here in Africa. The fundamental cause of this destabilisation has been known for centuries. This has been expressed most succinctly by the late great writer, Ama Ata Aidoo. [Since] Some 500 years ago, weve given everything for nothing. You are still taking where would the whole Western world be without Africa? Our cocoa, our timber, our gold, our diamonds, our platinum, our whatever.Everything. That is the crux of the matter. Europe and the West have taken everything they want either through direct force or force in other guises. Under colonial rule, every African endowment that could be taken was appropriated. Africa got nothing in return, but that was not enough. We had to pay for nothing, and in many ways, we continue to pay even today. There is a straightforward question here: in what logical market would the buyer solely determine the price of the commodity? This is what has happened to our trade with Western countries even in post-colonial times. The result is that while African resources have enriched the West, Western enterprises have impoverished Africa. The West has used every means at its disposal to ensure that its dominance over our resources continues without disruption. This has included the worst forms of degradation that can be visited upon any section of the human race. Colonialism and slavery are mere words that hide the enormity of crimes committed against Africa and its people as we gave you everything and got nothing in return. Change the past tense to the present because we continue to give. The human beings arriving on European shores are products of an unfair and unjust system now codified in neoliberal linkages in terms to which per our own leaders signatures, the pillaging continues in broad daylight. The effect is that Africas youth are not only living a horrendous present, they are facing a hopeless future at home. Some of them, the ones whose skills you need are enticed in through the front door; the others who brave the Sahara and the Mediterranean are treated worse than chattel. They are the problem we are talking about. They are the humans counted as a problem of numbers. Your Excellency, do you know how much Africa loses to the West every year? I dont either. No one knows. There are estimates, guesses and guestimates, and that is as far as we can go because the triplicates of billions which must form the computational baseline of the biggest theft in global history is hard for our minds to form, hold and communicate. If we must define the problem, this ought to be the starting position. You are familiar with the proverb As you sow, so shall you reap, which encapsulates the theme of cause and effect, emphasising that the outcomes we experience are directly linked to our actions and choices. When applied to the European exploitation of African resources and its impact on the migration crisis, this saying conveys a powerful message. The message is that if we want to solve the problem of the dangerous migrations into Europe, we must sow seeds that will yield that result. In the past and currently, Europe is sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. If we dont address matters, it will turn into a tornado. Your Excellency, the proverb also offers hope and a path forward. If European nations and other global actors take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and adopt fair and sustainable practices in their interactions with Africa, they can help reverse the negative effects that have contributed to the migration crisis. I remain, as usual, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng. REMAR Empowering Youth Graphic.com.gh Education Sep - 26 - 2023 , 08:39 Anoushka De, a senior from Lincoln Community School, Accra, has left an indelible mark on her community through her project REY. Her story is one that embodies the spirit of generosity, passion for impact, and a determination to bridge the gap in her community. REMAR as an organization was born out of ingenuity of ex-marginalized individuals in Spain, and has grown to be an international force for good, under the leadership of Juan Miguel Diez Alvarez, in almost 70 countries. After Anoushka met Pastor Valentin, the Director of REMAR Ghana, an organisation dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned children, single parent children, and street children who are in the vicious grip of drug abuse, she initiated and established project REY. She was inspired to contribute positively to the lives of these children and her project REY and has now become a Ray of Hope for them. Her research had revealed that a significant number of these youth fall into the trap of drug abuse due to factors such as high unemployment rates for untrained individuals, economic challenges, and peer pressure. She envisioned providing these youths in the age group of 15 to 19 years, with basic computer training recognizing its crucial role in pursuing future careers. While mentoring, she observed that the people she was teaching lacked the resources needed to apply her teachings effectively. Her passion for impact compelled her to go above and beyond. She initiated a Community Laptop drive, and these laptops were then donated to Remar. She understood that bridging the digital divide required not only knowledge but also access to the necessary tools. This gesture had a profound impact on the lives of the youth she touched. It opened the doors of opportunity and empowerment for those who had previously been held back by their lack of resources. As the project gained momentum, she expanded its scope by collaborating with iSON Experiences Ghana limited, a world leader in Business process outsourcing. This partnership allowed her to provide both Software and Hardware training to the children. Anoushka is very proud that after an extensive training program of more than a year, 3 of her mentees have already been selected in iSON experiences Ghanas Customer care and IT department. Punit Arorah Country Head iSON Experiences Ghana said: What Anoushka has started is truly remarkable, while mentoring she has shown her boundless compassion and her ability to recognize the needs of others. iSON Experiences is proud to be a part of this amazing journey. Pastor Valentin Director Remar Ghana said: I had never imagined that in such a short duration, my Boys will find meaningful jobs. I am thankful to Anoushka and iSON experiences for this collaboration with us. Anoushka De's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Her project at REMAR Ghana has showcased her determination to make a difference. She bridged a gap in her community, providing not only technical knowledge but also the means to apply it effectively. Her actions reflect the potential that lies within every individual to create positive change. Having grown up in Ghana since age 5, our sense of communality and generosity hasnt been lost on her. Her decision to uplift others resulted in not just mentoring these students but also building a curriculum that can be scaled and replicated across different centres. We are certain that as the rest of her mentees reach the age of 18, there will be similar jobs that await them. Her journey reminds us all, that one persons kindness can change lives, and that, indeed, the path to a brighter future is illuminated by both knowledge and compassion. Our youth are definitely our future. 2.4 million Ghanaians may be suffering mental illness WHO GraphicOnline Sep - 26 - 2023 , 09:35 The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concern over the state of mental health in Ghana, revealing that nearly 2.4 million Ghanaians may be grappling with various forms of mental illness. In light of this alarming statistic, the WHO emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to bolster the country's faltering mental healthcare system, focusing on both infrastructure and technical support. Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Professor Francis Kasalo, the WHO representative to Ghana, highlighted the significance of this issue. It is in Ghana for example out of the population of almost thirty million plus it is estimated that almost 2.4 million have a form of mental illness. Thats not a small number and if you are looking at that number why are we not investing in ensuring that those people receive appropriate care? So the numbers are huge he said. Professor Kasalo emphasized that a critical challenge in Ghana is the general public's attitude towards mental health, often treating it lightly. He also lamented the tendency to label individuals with mental health conditions as naturally difficult, prone to anger, or even experiencing spiritual problems. In response to these concerns, Professor Kasalo disclosed that WHO, Ghana is actively developing a comprehensive framework for partnership with the government of Ghana. This collaboration aims to address the shortcomings in the mental healthcare sector and to build capacities for those in need to access vital services. "People should understand that we can build capacities for people who we assume are difficult people to be able to access these services to understand why is it that theyre behaving like that? he quizzed. As Ghana grapples with this mental health crisis, the World Health Organization's call for concerted action underscores the pressing need to prioritize mental healthcare and destigmatize these conditions. 2 Sites identified for nuclear power plant installation Juliet Akyaa Safo Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:47 Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) has identified two potential sites to host the countrys first nuclear power plant. The sites are Nsuban in the Western Region, which is the preferred option, with Obotan in the Central Region as the backup site. Already, comprehensive technical assessments are being concluded at the sites to help make a final decision. The Executive Director of NPG, Dr Stephen Yamoah, who made this known, explained that the selection of the site was part of the second phase of activities in the countrys nuclear power programme. The phase entails selecting a preferred site, conducting detailed site investigations and assessment of various technologies; selecting a strategic partner and conducting engagement and stakeholder management. Sites identified Four candidate sites were initially selected for the construction of the nuclear power plant and after further studies by Ghanaian researchers, the team ranked the sites to settle on the first option and the backup. Dr Yamoah said the vendor engagement for strategic partner had advanced. The report is being finalised for submission and engagement with the Ministry of Energy, he said. He explained that the nuclear power projects involved a particularly complex supply chain with quality control issues at different levels. As a newcomer country, it is critical to ensure the qualification of local suppliers to guarantee the success of the project, Dr Yamoah added. He said it was important to maximise the economic opportunities that came with the project. We must, therefore, get ourselves ready to maximise the economic opportunities that come along with the project. This is because there are benefits for capacity-building opportunities, technology transfer, strengthening partnerships, access to world market in nuclear and non-nuclear areas, he said. Local suppliers The NPG Executive Director explained that the nuclear power projects involve a complex supply chain with quality control issues at different levels. To promote the use of local industries in the nuclear power project, the Executive Director said the NPG would work with the government and the Association of Ghana Industries to develop an understanding of the scope of commodities, components and or services needed for the project. Dr Yamoah said they would also establish a process for identifying local suppliers who could reliably supply commodities, components and/or services, as well as others who could develop those capabilities over time. He stated that they would develop approaches and programmes, supported by national and local investments to contribute to the upgrade of skills and capabilities required to support the project. We will develop incentive programmes to realise the full potential for localisation, establish policies for developing industrial capacity, providing training in nuclear industrial standards and quality assurance mechanisms and requirements. We will also establish partnerships with qualified nuclear international suppliers, he said. Dr Yamoah expressed commitment to foster sustained collaboration with industry, partner to ensure efficient local content delivery with associated benefits and strengthen regional businesses in the supply chain. Addiction to betting by youth worrying Rt Rev. Prof. J.O.Y. Mante Shirley Asiedu-Addo Sep - 26 - 2023 , 06:29 The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has expressed worry about the increasing addiction of the youth to betting, and called for efforts to check the trend. He observed that the situation had left many of them in pain and poorer as betting companies continued to cash in on their vulnerabilities. Rt Rev. Mante was speaking at the dedication of the Daniel Ntow Obese Children and Youth resource centre for the Unity Presbyterian Congregation at Nkanfoa in Cape Coast yesterday. The project, which was at the ground floor, was taken over by the Obese family which set up a foundation to complete the work in honour and in memory of their father, Daniel Ntow Obese. The family of the late Daniel Ntow Obese, who was the caretaker of the Unity Presbyterian Congregation at Nkanfoa, constructed the two-storey facility for the church. It has a 250-seater conference room and 12-seater Information Communication and Technology centre with computers and internet to train the youth in ICT. Concerns At the handover ceremony yesterday, Rt Rev. Mante said the nation's youth faced several challenges such as drug addiction, sex and betting which he said were detrimental to their wellbeing and that of their communities. He called on the church and other relevant stakeholders to help instil discipline among the youth and also guide them on the path of growth. The moderator also urged the government to come up with necessary strategies to check such activities. Rt Rev. Mante further advised churches to set up effective counselling units to help rehabilitate persons with addictions. He said prayer and deliverance alone which tackled the spiritual aspect of addictions were not enough to adequately deal with the situation, adding that "prayer with specialised counselling will do the work". Rt Rev. Mante said it was important churches worked together to create avenues for such people to receive help. He commended the Obese family for the gesture and pledged that the facility would be put to good use to impact the community. Scholarship The wife of Mr Obese, Mrs Elizabeth Obese, who is the Chairperson of the Daniel Ntow Obese Foundation, said the foundation would also support needy, brilliant tertiary students through school. She expressed hope that the facility would positively impact children and the youth in the community. The late Mr Obese who worked as a hydrologist was an astute Presbyterian who held various positions in the church. He was a Presbyter at the PCGEbenezer Congregation at Sekondi and St. Pauls Congregations in Cape Coast and later made a caretaker at the PCGUnity Congregation at Nkanfoa from 2005- 2020. As the caretaker, he led the Unity Congregation to acquire plots of land for permanent church buildings. He also designed and supported the construction of the church auditorium which is yet to be completed. Agona Asafo community library receives support Shirley Asiedu-Addo Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:36 The Transforming Teaching Education and Learning (T-Tel) has presented a cheque for GH51,000 to support the refurbishment and expansion of the children's wing of the Agona Asafo community library. The Agona Asafo community library is a facility that is impacting the learning of pupils in the community. Inaugurated 10 years ago, the facility has provided a safe haven for many pupils to have a convenient place to study. Pupils and students who use the library are often awarded on occasions such as the Independence Day celebrations by the management of the facility, to encourage many more people to use the library. Hundreds of pupils from different schools gathered at the facility a fortnigt ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the community library that is impacting the quality of education in their town. In an address read on his behalf by the Executive Director of T-Tel, Dr Robin Todd; Prof. Jonathan Fletcher, Key Advisor for Teaching and Learning Partnerships at T-Tel said libraries continued to remain critical to quality education. Prof. Fletcher said providing access to school was not enough to get children in school and did not guarantee inclusive, equitable and quality education, adding that it required more than a school to optimise the potential of learners. He said learners must be able to read and write, saying libraries played a critical role in the provision of quality education. Prof. Fletcher said the libraries were also places of networking and socialisation that help build the characters of learners. He stated that the relationship between education and development had compelled many nations to invest hugely in education and urged the community to continue to support the library. Background The Agona Asafo community in the Agona East District of the Central Region is a farming community and is home to many illustrious sons and daughters of Ghana, including a former Finance Minister, Prof. Kwesi Botchwey. Another illustrious son of the community is Prof. George Kwaku Toku Oduro, a professor of educational planning at the University of Cape Coast. It was in honour of his father's memory and his continuous advice to him that Prof. Oduro built the community library 10 years ago to enhance the teaching and learning of children in his hometown, Agona Asafo. While a student in Cambridge, Prof. Oduro formed the "Friends of Agona Asafo" association, who contributed to make the project a reality. The facility was inaugurated on September 6, 2013. The librarian, Abigail Arthur, said currently, children who needed help with their homework visited the facility to be assisted. The chiefs, churches in the community and philanthropists also contribute towards the payment of salary of staff at the facility. Commendation The Chairman of the Board of the library, Dr Ismael Anderson, thanked the initiators of the project and all who had contributed to the success of the library. The Library Administrator, Edward Koufie, thanked Prof. Oduro for the initiative and sustained support to the library, saying the quality of language learning and speaking among pupils had changed considerably in the town. Prof. Oduro urged the young learners to make adequate use of the facility and aspire to great heights. "Use the place to improve your learning so you can achieve your aspirations," he stated. A student who uses the library, Augustina Koranteng Donkor, said she had utilised the facility to improve her learning. ASA Savings and Loans donates to Tamale Childrens Home Mohammed Fugu Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:57 The Gumani branch of the ASA Savings and Loans in the Tamale Metropolis has donated a large quantity of assorted items to the Tamale Childrens Home. The gesture formed part of the organisations Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to help support the upkeep of the orphans. Items donated include baby diapers and wipes, detergents, mattresses, toiletries and assorted food items. Presentation Presenting the items to caretakers of the facility in Tamale, the Tamale Area Manager of ASA Savings and Loans, Imarat Hossain, said as a financial institution that derived its success from the people, its main aim was giving back to society, particularly the vulnerable within its operational areas. As a financial institution, we believe in giving back to put smiles on the faces of the vulnerable and less privileged in society. These children are very special to us and we will continue to do our best to put smiles on their faces, he said. Aside from the donation, he indicated that the organisation would in the coming days undertake health screening exercises and other activities in all its operational areas as part of efforts to give back to society. Timely donation Receiving the items, the acting Supervisor of the Tamale Childrens Home, Saratu Suleimana, thanked the institution for the gesture and said it would go a long way to help in the upkeep of the children. She said the items had come at the right time because the facility was running out of most of the essential items that were being used for the upkeep of the children. Ms Suleimana used the opportunity to appeal to other corporate institutions, philanthropists and individuals to extend a helping hand to the home to help improve on the living condition of the children. Heart diseases, stroke leading causes of death Study Augustina Tawiah & Mildred Asaah Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:16 The leading causes of death in the country now are heart diseases and stroke, the Ag. Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), Professor Mark Mawutor Tettey, has disclosed. Quoting a research conducted by a trainee of the centre, Mr Tettey said high cholesterol (fat) in the blood, known as dyslipedemia, stood out as the worst cause of heart attacks. Other pervasive risk factors are hypertension, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Worldwide, Prof, Tettey said, it was estimated that 18.6 million people died from heart diseases and stroke, which were also the leading causes of death in the world. The cardiologist therefore stressed the need for people to take good care of their heart by eating healthily, exercising and avoiding stress in order to reduce the risk of the two conditions. Prof. Mark Tettey - Ag. Director of the National Cardiothoracic Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, delivering his address at the media launch of the World Heart Day celebration. Picture: EDNA SALVO-KOTEY World Heart Day He said this at the launch of the World Heart Day in Accra yesterday. September 29 each year is marked as the World Heart Day to spread awareness of heart diseases and stroke prevention. The theme for this years celebration is: Use heart, Know heart. Activities planned for the day by the centre include a free health screening and a talk on the importance of the heart. Before using your heart for others, one must know that you yourself are fit and stress-free enough. We can use our hearts for ourselves by taking good care of them. Eating healthy, exercising daily and kicking out the tensions and the stress of life are helpful for a healthy heart, he said. Important organ Describing the heart as the most important organ in the body, Prof. Tettey, who is also a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School, said the heart was like the pillar holding ones life and that when it crushed, ones life went with it. Before anybody is declared dead, the heart must be examined and must be found to have ceased beating. No matter how you appear to look after sickness or accident, if your heart is still beating, you can never be declared dead. Our state in this world, whether dead or alive, is determined by our heart. You have life in you because your heart is working, he explained. He said despite the importance of the heart, unfortunately, management of heart diseases in the country was too expensive for most Ghanaians to afford. Backing that fact with figures, he said for a diagnosis of a heart disease and treatment, one needed to cough out not less than GH40,000, while a heart surgery cost not less than GH80,000. How many of us can afford this? There should be a way around this so that Ghanaians who need these services will not be denied access because of poverty. Heart diseases do not respect your status in life, he said. Worst of all, Prof. Tettey lamented that the NCTC had outgrown its limited space to ensure efficient practice, with congestion everywhere. He said it was for this reason that the management of the centre had now decided to build a National Heart Institute which would house the latest facilities and equipment for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of any heart disease and research. In line with that, he announced the establishment of the National Heart Foundation by the management of the centre, which would, among others, mobilise funds to ensure the construction of the institute and in the long term help make heart surgery and other expensive procedures involved in the management of heart diseases free of charge in the country. If we can get at least 2 million workers in Ghana who are willing to sacrifice a bottle of coke, thats about GH5 a month, I can assure the country that we can treat heart diseases free of charge. All hospitals that will be engaged in offering advanced heart treatment in the country will be linked to this fund, he explained. He therefore appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians and companies to make a commitment to this foundation which, he said, was more reliable and could serve the entire country. Awareness Touching on the theme, a Cardiologist and Head of Cardiology at the centre, Dr Abdul-Samed Tanko, revealed that the ways to know the heart included knowing ones blood pressure, BMI, sugar and fat levels. Some people dont even know they are walking with bad cholesterol in their system and lots of people come from families with these diseases that lead to stroke which they are not aware of. The only awareness is when they get stroke. People should do regular checks to know their cholesterol, sugar and other levels, he admonished. Kan-Dapaah sues Oliver Barker-Vormawor over attempted bribery allegation Graphic.com.gh Sep - 26 - 2023 , 16:06 The Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah has sued Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, one of the leaders of last week's protest in Accra over an attempted bribery allegation made against the minister. Mr. Barker-Vormawor in an interaction with the media on the sidelines of the Occupy Jubilee House protest had alleged that at a meeting between him and the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, he was offered $1 million by the Minister in an attempt to get him to stop his activism. After the National Security Ministry released a statement to debunk the allegation on Friday, Oliver Barker-Vormawor in a television interview with Joy News said he is ready to release an audio, and that he recorded the said meeting where the offer was made. I will release an audio into the public domain, which would confirm that the Minister invited me to a secret safe house location, that we should have an individual meeting between him and myself, at which meeting he made that offer to myself. No other FixThecountry convener was involved there, Oliver Barker-Vormawor said. It is following this that Mr Kan-Dapaah on Tuesday, September 26, filed the law suit. In the writ of summons filed by Mr Kan-Dapaah's lawyers, the Minister is seeking a declaration that the words uttered by the Barker-Vormawor and particularized below or words to that effect are Defamatory of the Plaintiff. "They went as far as offering us US$1 Million, they offered us a Committee Appointment, set up a Committee and appoint us to Government positions in order to stop this activism. This was made directly to me and other leaders of fix the Country Movement." "This conversation we had with the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Finance and a Brigadier General at a safe home." He also wants the recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH10,000,000.00) as General Damages including Aggravated and/ or Exemplary Damages for Defamation for the words uttered by Defendant. He also wants an apology for and retraction of the words complained of supra. In addition to that, he wants a perpetual injunction restraining Barker-Vormawor from repeating similar or other defamatory words against the Plaintiff and costs as well. Statement of Claim 1. Plaintiff is a Ghanaian and inter alia a Chartered Accountant, former Member of Parliament for Afigya-Sekyere West and currently Minister of National Security of the Republic of Ghana. 2. Defendant is a Lawyer and holds himself out as the lead convener of the ' Fix the Country Movement' (hereinafter called "the Group"). 3. As part of the discharge of his duties and in response to the continued agitations of the Group, Plaintiff in or about 2021 invited the conveners of the Group to a meeting at his Ministry to give them audience in the interest of peace and stability of the state. 4. The meeting ended cordially and it was suggested that another meeting be convened where the Minister for Finance will be present to comment on some of the Economic and Financial issues raised by the Group. It bears emphasising that the Defendant was not present at this meeting. 5. After this first meeting Plaintiff was approached by a high ranking Military Officer ("the Officer") who proposed to Plaintiff that Defendant was his colleague lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and thus he could arrange for the attendance of the Defendant at the next meeting with the Group which was to be scheduled. 6. Plaintiff accepted that proposal and the Officer immediately contacted the Defendant via a phone call to facilitate the scheduling of the second meeting between the Ministry and the Group. Plaintiff confirmed on the Officer's phone to the Defendant his willingness to meet with him and the Group together with the Minister for Finance. Defendant in turn requested the Officer also to be in attendance at the meeting. 7. A second meeting was accordingly conducted at the Ministry with the Plaintiff, the Minister of Finance and the Officer in attendance while the Defendant attended the meeting with some members of the Group. 8. The second meeting, as the first meeting, was also cordial and frank and it was agreed that the Group would submit its concerns in writing for further engagements with Government. 9. Plaintiff says emphatically that at both meetings no inducements of any sort were offered or threat of any sort made to the Defendant and/or any member of the Group as alleged or at all. 10. On or about 22/09 / 2023 at a public demonstration Defendant stated emphatically that Plaintiff on behalf of the Government had with a view to compromising him and the Group offered them a bribe and assurances of positions in Government. Defendant stated words to the following effect. They went as far as offering us US$1 Million, they offered us a Committee Appointment, set up a Committee and appoint us to Government positions in order to stop this activism. This was made directly to me and other leaders of fix the Country Movement ... This conversation we had with the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Finance and a Brigadier General at a safe home. 11. On or about 23/09/2023 on News file, a program aired on Joy Fm, Defendant in a plot twist said that the alleged bribery attempt was made by the Plaintiff to the Defendant alone at a meeting between only the parties herein. 12. Defendant has also alleged that because he rejected the alleged bribery attempt, Plaintiff threatened him. 13. The above statements are not only palpably false, absolutely fabricated but were also deliberately calculated to disparage the Plaintiff. Those words are malicious and were clearly further intended to convey and would be understood to convey meanings that diminish the Plaintiff in the minds of right thinking members of society. 14. The said words set out supra in their natural and ordinary meaning meant and were understood to mean inter alia ; a. That Plaintiff is corrupt, b. That Plaintiff undertakes the criminal acts of offering bribes and threats c. That Plaintiff abuses his office. 15. Plaintiff says that beyond the brief telephone conversation on the phone of the Officer and the second meeting, Plaintiff has never had any other interaction with Defendant. 16. By reason of the foregoing Plaintiff has been greatly injured in his credit, character and reputation, and has been brought into public scandal, ridicule, distress and embarrassment and has thereby suffered damage. 17. Notwithstanding Plaintiff's denial of Defendant's vile defamatory statements, Defendant is persisting in this totally fabricated story to continue to tarnish Plaintiffs reputation. 18. Plaintiff says that the defamatory words made against him by the Defendant are treacherous falsehoods. 19. Plaintiff will rely on the following matters in support of a claim for aggravated and/or exemplary damages. Particulars a. Defendant had absolutely no basis whatsoever for his defamatory statements. b. Defendant was absolutely reckless by his defamatory statements as he showed no scintilla of evidence to support the defamatory statements. c. Plaintiff has never had any other meeting with the Defendant beyond the aforementioned second meeting whether alone or in concert with others. d. Notwithstanding the fact that Plaintiff has made it clear to Defendant that the statements are false, the Defendant has not offered the Plaintiff any apology or retraction. It is to be inferred that Defendant has failed to do so because he is indifferent to the truth and is simply reckless and malicious. 20. Plaintiff contends that unless restrained by the Court, Defendant will not retract and apologize for the defamatory words and will continue to publish or cause to be published same or similar defamatory words concerning the Plaintiff. Wherefore Plaintiff Claims against the Defendant as per the Writ of Summons. 21,500 healthcare workers benefit from health workforce programme Augustina Tawiah Health Sep - 26 - 2023 , 18:53 More than 21,500 healthcare workers across Ghana have undergone a capacity building programme that is aimed at enabling them to respond to emerging health challenges. The training programme, is a strategic partnership between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Kingdoms (UK) Department of Health and Social Care (UK-DHSC). A total of 3,663,918 funding was provided towards it, to help transform Ghanas health workforce to better contribute to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Dubbed, Health Workforce Programme, senior health managers and other healthcare workers undergo training in various components including Public Health Surveillance, Emergency Preparedness and Response, including COVID-19 Case management, Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Health Services, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health as well as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Training. At a closeout meeting with partners to mark the end of the two-year programme, the WHO representative to Ghana, Professor Francis Kasolo said, qualified health workers were the foundation for the delivery of quality health services. Partnership He said that the success of the programme had demonstrated that so much more could be achieved through partnership. The Workforce Programme is particularly significant as it contributed to all of WHOs triple billion objectives of more people benefitting from universal health coverage without financial hardship; more people better protected from health emergencies; more people enjoying better health and well-being as outlined in the Global Programme of Work (GPW13), he added. Speaking on behalf of UK-DHSC, Health Advisor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Uzo Gilpin, commended WHO for mobilizing and coordinating partners from different areas of health for the successful implementation of the programme and expressed the commitment of the government of UK to continue supporting interventions for the health and wellbeing of Ghanaians. The Director for Human Resources for Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr Kwesi Asabir said, the programme would contribute significantly to developing agile health workers who were driving the countrys health sector agenda. KTU students, staff donate blood to St Joseph Hospital Haruna Yussif Wunpini Health Sep - 26 - 2023 , 10:35 Students and staff of the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) in the New Juaben South Municipality in the Eastern Region last Friday donated 76 pints of blood to the blood bank of the St Joseph Orthopaedic Hospital. The hospital had run short of blood for some time making it almost impossible for the hospital to supply blood to patients. The shortage of the blood necessitated the students and staff of the KTU to come to their rescue by donating blood. Collaboration At the blood donation exercise organised by the authorities of KTU in collaboration with the hospital, a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist of the hospital, Selina Quarshie, said since the hospital was located at Koforidua, it was the responsibility of the residents to voluntarily donate blood. That, she said, would make it possible for their relatives admitted at the hospital to benefit. Ms Quarshie said by donating blood, one would be able to know his or her blood group and HIV status to enable such a person to do what was expected to improve their health. Processing fees She indicated that blood was not sold to patients in the market as well as in the hospital but rather the payment of small amount of processing fees before the blood would be given to patients and asked the public to disabuse their minds that blood was always sold at the hospital. Ms Quarshie said currently the hospitals blood bank had only 10 pints of blood which she described as woefully inadequate in case of emergency situations. She said the hospital was in dire need of blood to take good care of patients who needed it most for their survival. University CSR The Vice-Chancellor of KTU, Professor David Kofi Essumang, who described the blood donation exercise as a yearly one, said donating blood was part of the university's corporate social responsibility (CSR) to support the hospital. He said: "There is no substitute for blood and sick people in hospitals need our support to donate blood to save their lives. "It is, therefore, necessary for us to sustain the availability of blood to avert any eventuality. He thanked the students as well as the staff of KTU for taking part in the blood donation exercise to support the St Joseph Orthopaedic Hospital to save lives of patients. Scale up IPT access to protect pregnant women in Africa - First Lady tells stakeholders Daily Graphic Health Sep - 26 - 2023 , 10:26 The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has appealed to the international community and stakeholders to help scale up efforts aimed at using Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) to protect pregnant women and their unborn babies from the harmful effects of malaria during pregnancy. Mrs Akufo-Addo made the call when she addressed participants at a side event organised by Devet at the Neuehouse, Madison Square, New York, on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the theme: "Protecting Pregnant Women against Malaria: Speeding up Uptake to IPT in affected African countries". The event, which was sponsored and convened by Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership To End Malaria, invited African First Ladies to provide leadership to the continuation of the campaign and join as champions, the effort to scale up access and uptake of antenatal care services and IPT on the African continent. Treatment "Our pregnant women must receive IPT once a month or at least three times, during pregnancy. We must also ensure that they sleep under treated bed net in addition to effective case management of malaria when necessary. This can help save the lives of pregnant women and their unborn children," Mrs Akufo-Addo said. The First Lady, who is also the Chairperson of the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, affirmed its support of Ghanas Malaria Prevention Programme, saying we will continue to educate, create awareness, conduct medical outreaches, provide insecticide treated nets and construct more primary health facilities known in Ghana as CHPS compounds. The First Lady of Liberia, Clar Weah, in solidarity remarks, said she has been very much inspired in her work in malaria prevention in Liberia, by the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo. Statistics Globally, one in three pregnant women suffer from malaria in moderate to high transmission countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal anemia and malaria in the fetus. It is also responsible for approximately 10,000 maternal deaths and 100,000 newborn deaths in Africa yearly. IPT is used as early as in the second trimester and taken once each month at least three times during pregnancy, and it can save the lives of both expectant mothers and their unborn children from malaria, together with sleeping under a bed net and effective treatment of malaria. In 2022, as part of efforts to increase access to IPT for pregnant women, the malaria in the pregnancy working group of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria initiated the "Speed Up Scale Up IPTP campaign". Over 1,000 people signed a letter under the umbrella of the campaign from some 300 organisations in 43 countries in Africa, calling on decision makers to support access to all eligible pregnant women with the malaria preventive treatment they need. A book with the signatures was handed over to the African Leaders Malaria Alliance at a media briefing and malaria awards ceremony at the 2023 African Union Summit. Worst decision in Alan's political career, he is finished - Kwamena Bartels Graphic.com.gh Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 18:01 "It is the worst decision in his political career." That is how Kwamena Bartels, a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North in Accra described Alan Kwadwo Kyerematens decision to resign from the NPP when he spoke to the media on Tuesday. Mr Bartels, who served with Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen as Cabinet Ministers in President J.A. Kufuor's government was speaking to Accra based Citi FM. He encouraged the NPP leadership to beautifully accept Mr Kyerematens resignation and completely cut him loose from the party. I felt sorry for him [Alan], he has taken the worst decision he can ever take in his political life. He is finished as a politician. This is the end for him as a politician, Bartels said in the Citi FM interview. Read also: Alan's third force agenda, farce or reality? When asked if he believed Mr Kyerematen had been treated unfairly, the former Ablekuma North MP responded, I wont judge, but there are processes in the party for dealing with unfair treatment and every human institution has these little skirmishes and when they come, they are judged according to the laid down processes. Mr Bartels encouraged the NPP not to try to mend the relationship with the former Trade and Industry Minister since this is not the first time he has abandon the party. Related: Throwback: What B.J. da Rocha said about Alan Kyerematen being an NPP 'disruptive factor' in 2008 It has happened twice and we wont allow it to happen thrice and if the party has my views, it should beautifully accept it, he said. Mr. Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP on Monday, September 25, to pursue an independent presidential bid. credit: Citinewsroom Alan Kyerematen pledges review of Free SHS Policy if elected as President Kweku Zurek Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 12:57 Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has announced his intention to conduct a thorough review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy if he secures the presidency in the 2024 elections. During an interview on UTV, Mr. Kyerematen commended the NPP government's commendable efforts in enhancing accessibility to education through the Free SHS policy. However, he stressed the importance of subjecting the policy to a comprehensive evaluation after seven years of implementation. He articulated his vision for the education sector, emphasizing the critical need for a comprehensive review of the Free SHS policy. In addition to ensuring continued access to education, Mr. Kyerematen pledged to focus on upholding and elevating the quality of education provided to children. He elaborated on his plans, underlining the imperative for increased investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. Furthermore, he highlighted the intention to construct additional Community Day Senior High Schools and enhance education at the Basic School level. Mr. Kyerematen emphasized the significance of creating a well-rounded education system that equips students to tackle both academic and practical challenges. The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) says former Trades Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen's decision to resign from the party was premeditated. The most disappointing part of his decision was that he failed to engage party executives ahead of his announcement on Monday in Accra. Read the full response below PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE RESIGNATION OF MR. ALAN KYEREMATEN FROM THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2023. The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is pleased that you have honored the invitation to this press conference. As many of you might have heard, the Party has also learnt with shock, the sudden demise of Hon. Daniel Okyem Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and former Government Spokesperson on Finance. We therefore, plead with you all, to join us in observing a minute silence in honor of the memory of this illustrious son of the land. As the Party was coming to terms with the demise of one of our illustrious sons we were hit with news about the resignation of Mr. Alan Kyerematen through a press conference he organised. The disappointing part is the mode in which he decided to resign from the party, which was through a press conference without prior notice to the party. The Party wants to believe that by his decision to hold the press conference to resign without first informing the leadership of the Party suggests that he has made a premeditated and irrevocable decision to resign from the Party. It needs emphasizing that, when the National Chairman visited him on behalf of the Party after the August 26 Special Electoral College, in an attempt to bring all the ten aspirants together, he did not portray any sign of resigning from the party, let alone going independent. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledges Mr. Kyerematens contributions to our party's growth and development over the years. We respect his decision and extend our gratitude for the services rendered to the NPP and the nation. Since 1992, several party faithfuls have had the vision to lead the party and, subsequently, to lead the country, but sadly, as nature has its own course, only a few have had the opportunity to achieve that vision. Party faithfuls who never had the opportunity to lead, never resigned from the party but continued to serve, some until they were called to eternity. Just as many faithfuls who had no vision to lead the Party but served the Party in various capacities and never tasted power but died holding unto the banner of our great party. The NPP has always been a dynamic and resilient political party, and this moment serves as an opportunity for us to demonstrate our unity, fortitude, and unwavering commitment to the principles upon which our party was founded. As the party strives to win the 2024 general election and make a monumental record, we urge party faithfuls to reaffirm their dedication towards this common goal. Our party's strength has always been derived from the unity and resilience of our members, and we call upon each and every one of you to rally together and uphold the principles that define us. Indeed, we are the NPP, and the elephant is our winning symbol. It must be stated that this press conference is not tailored to attack the personality of Mr. Kyerematen, but, rather to correct certain erroneous statements made in his press conference and also to use this opportunity to set the record straight. Fellow Ghanaians, central to the reasons given by Mr. Kyerematen for his resignation as captured in pages seven (7) and eight (8) of his resignation address are the allegations of so called unconstitutional and unmeritorious decisions of the National Council regarding a petition by some presidential aspirants which demanded that the Super Delegates Conference should be held at a single venue as well as allowing each delegate to nominate five persons instead of one. Riding on the above narrative, Mr. Kyerematen asserts that the Partys Super Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed to favour one aspirant. First, Article 13(1) (1), of the Partys Constitution states that the date and venue for the presidential primaries shall be decided by the National Council, provided, however that the National Council may, on appropriate occasion vary the date. Without doubt, the National Council, the appropriate body mandated by the Partys Constitution to make a determination on the date and venue did not violate the Constitution by voting against the proposal for the use of a single venue for the elections. Furthermore, there is a historical precedence. In 2014, the Special Electoral College elections were held at several venues. At the time, no aspirant including Mr. Kyerematen filed no petition regarding the venue. The Partys Constitution further states in Article 13(2)(2) that where there is more than one contestant, each delegate will cast his or her vote by secret ballot for one of the contestants. Therefore, the demand by the petitioners for delegates to vote for five (5) persons instead of one is unconstitutional. It needs mentioning, that as democratic and transparent as the leadership of the Party has been, it recommended to the consideration of the National Council a determination on the petition upon receipt of same. Even more important is the fact that, the petitioners (although most of them are not members of the National Council) were granted the rare opportunity to appear before the Council and make their case on why such a proposal should be adopted. In a true democratic process, seventy-three (73) members of the National Council voted against both proposals relative to nine (9) others who voted in support, underscoring the overwhelming rejection of both proposals. Ladies and gentlemen, the leadership of the Party is equally disagrees with assertions made by Mr. Kyerematen in page eight (8) of his resignation address that the Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, and government appointees behind the curtain power brokers. Guided by facts and data, the leadership of the Party disagrees entirely with this assertion. Historically, the selection of flagbearers for political parties in Ghana had been the preserve of a privileged few until the New Patriotic Party took the bold decision to decentralize the process by expanding its electoral college to enfranchise some One Hundred and Six Thousand, Five-Hundred and Ninety (106,590) delegates in 2010. Currently, about Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates would be voting to select the Partys next flagbearer relative to the estimated One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight delegates (1,998) who did same in 1992. Clearly, the quantum leap to Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates in 2023 underscores the decentralization of power to all Party stakeholders and defeats the assertion that the Party has been hijacked by a privileged few. In reference to Mr. Kyerematen's concerns, which include allegations of intimidation against his supporters, it is noteworthy that certain government appointees, including cabinet ministers, who openly declared their support for him are still at post and have never been intimidated. Under the Fourth Republic, both the NPP and the NDC have had some leading members of their party breaking ranks to either form their own party, or join other political parties, yet the mother party remained resilient. Going into the 2024 general elections, the party has a message, and we use this opportunity to commend Mr. Kyerematen for admitting the good work the government has done under his then ministry. Namely: Establishment of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) with the headquarters of the Secretariat in Ghana The development of new strategic anchor industries, including automobile assembly and Component Manufacturing. The establishment of business resource centres and technology solutions centres all over the country Integrated Customs Service (UNIPASS) to enhance government revenue. The establishment of industrial parks, including the greater Kumasi industrial city and Special Economic Zone. The development of a national export strategy with a target of achieving export revenue of 25 billion US dollars by 2030. The introduction of business regulatory reforms and public-private dialogue mechanisms to facilitate government interaction with the private sector. The party urges all sector Ministers and other government appointees to also start propagating the unprecedented achievements of the government in their respective sectors just as Mr. Kyerematen has done. We also commend the Partys rank and file for remaining steadfast and openly rallying behind the party. Indeed, this is the true spirit of the New Patriotic Party. To all Party faithfuls who were hitherto supporting Mr. Kyerematen by virtue of his membership in the Party, though it is disappointing and distressing, we urge you to continue supporting the Party in our quest to break the eight (8). Together, we shall overcome challenges, and together, we shall achieve success. We urge all party faithfuls to remain committed, dedicated and resolute in the ongoing Voter limited registration exercise. Together, we shall persevere, and together, we shall succeed. Indeed, we are the NPP, and the elephant is our winning symbol. Alan's Northern Region campaign team declares support for Bawumia Graphic.com.gh Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 19:17 Members of the campaign team of Alan Kyerematen in the Northern Region have declared support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the New Patriotic Partys National Delegates Conference in November. This follows the resignation of Alan Kyerematen from the NPP in a widely televised press conference on Monday. At a press conference in Tamale on Tuesday, Chabite Moses Moye, an administrator of the Alan campaign team in the region, expressed shock at Mr. Kyerematens decision to quit the New Patriotic Party. He emphasized that the campaign teams support for Alan Kyerematen was tied to his affiliation with the NPP and therefore, by cutting ties with the party, the former flagbearer aspirant, has also severed ties with his support base in the region. The group says following Mr Kyerematens resignation, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia now stands as the best candidate to lead the NPP into the 2024 election, hence their resolve to support him. All signs show that the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who is also contesting will win. We have to work for the party. We will surely work with him and make sure that he gets the nod and continue to work for NPP to win power in 2024, he stated. Mr. Chabite stressed the teams continued support of the NPP and that they will not betray the party for Alans personal agenda. He bemoaned Alans failure to compete in the partys contest, blasting him for betraying his loyal supporters. We are concerned, former supporters of Alan Kwadwo Kyerematens presidential candidacy of NPP are here today to express our profound disappointment with Mr Kyerematen. We as individuals have steadfastly believed in Alan within our party. We have diligently supported his campaign and believe in his potential to lead NPP. However, Alan chose to withdraw from the race without prior notice, citing isolated incidents of violence after our special delegates conference. This decision has inflicted unnecessary hardship on us because we firmly believe that the grassroots was firmly behind him. We were shocked and dismayed when he withdrew from the November presidential election. We can only describe this action as cowardly, and a betrayal of his loyal supporters. Today, we think of the party first, our support for him was rooted in NPP and not as an individual. We were shocked by his resignation from NPP, and some of us were disappointed. We will not betray our party, we remain NPP. The NPP during a press conference on Tuesday accepted Mr Kyerematens decision. credit: Citinewsroom Alan's third force agenda, farce or reality? Joshua Bediako Koomson & Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 05:48 Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who has nurtured presidential hopes since 2007, on Monday confirmed his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and announced a new ambition to vie for the presidency in 2024 as an Independent candidate. The former Minister of Trade and Industry said he offered a new hope beyond the duopoly of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and promised to establish and lead a new "movement for change" in Ghana, one of inclusivity that, he said, would make room for the NPP and the NDC, and other parties and political organisations should he win the presidential polls. While the Fourth Republic is not lacking in political parties of different persuasions, none had come close to usurping the supremacy of the NPP and the NDC. Those who finish in third place always come at a big distance from the two front runners, and usually of the Nkrumaist stock. Over the years, parties such as the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Peoples National Convention (PNC) and the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) have faded in popularity and votes, sometimes making a combined total of less than five per cent of the total votes. Alans appeal In spite of Mr Kyerematens supposed appeal, he appears to have a tall order reaching a height that established parties have struggled to attain. Whether his ambition of breaking the duopoly of the NPP and the NDC is a farce or a reality remains to be seen. Meanwhile, three political scientists have cautioned that Alan Kyerematens exit from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for a second time could impact the partys chances in the 2024 general election. An Associate Professor of Marketing, specialising in Political Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Kobby Mensah; a lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Dr George Asekere, and a lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ), Dr Etse Sikanku, said how the party would handle the situation between now and December 2024 would prove crucial to the outcome of the polls. Prof. Mensah said Mr Kyerematens exit could have a negative impact on both the NPP and the NDC. He said the development could potentially harm the NPP because Mr Kyerematen had over the years been a key figure in the party, and as a result, cultivated a certain following. Clearly, he is one of the most dynamic potential figures in the country. He has been with the NPP from the very beginning; one of the founder members. He has performed quite a number of political roles and appointments in the party in the Kufuor and Nana Addo governments respectively, he stressed. He has contested for the flagbearship on a number of occasions, and that means he has cultivated a certain following or constituency that believes in his leadership, principles and politics. With that character, going independent is a big statement for the political system, which has the potential to change the political dynamics in Ghana, Prof. Mensah added. Breaking the jinx Prof. Mensah further stressed that Mr Kyerematens decision could ruin the partys goal of breaking the eight. That, he said, was because the former Minister of Trade and Industrys following was largely centred in the Ashanti Region, which served as one of the strongholds of the entire party. There are people who absolutely believe they can be given another term having squandered eight years, and having one of the most significant personalities in their party break away, it is almost a nail in the coffin to break the eight, he said. Prof. Mensah said individuals who were initially going to vote for the NDC because they had been disappointed in the NPPs leadership could have a dilemma and could even be swayed to join Mr Kyerematen. It is dicey because those who are in the middle, not really partisan but are craving for good leadership, could be persuaded by Alan Kyerematen, depending on his campaign, he added. So, for those who would be going in to vote NDC because of the disappointment of NPP, they would probably be in a dilemma, thinking theyve seen both party governments over the years might perhaps try Alan Kyerematen. So that dilemma would be lingering in people who we usually call floating voters swaying to NDC with the entry of Alan Kyerematen, he explained. Internal democracy On the other hand, Dr Asekere urged the NPP to address its internal democratic challenges to prevent the party from losing more supporters to Mr Kyerematens camp. Looking at the current happenings in the party, he said it was clear that democracy was not at work. He said this was because the partys structure appeared to be in support of one candidate against the remaining candidates. Dr Asekere suggested that the national council of the party should immediately have a meeting and take practical steps to address internal democratic challenges. The playing field should be made fair for all the candidates going for the November 4 polls, and if that is demonstrated, the party supporters and voters will be convinced that democracy is reigning in the party. This can help win back their trust and prevent them from going to Alans camp, he said. He said Mr Kyerematens resignation did not come as a surprise since the party had continuously been unfair to him and treated his supporters as outcasts. More alternatives Dr Sikanku said this was an interesting development within the countrys democracy as it presented more choices and alternatives for the citizenry. We can only look forward to how it pans out in the coming weeks. Absolutely, an independent candidate can make a difference in terms of not necessarily winning but playing kingmaker or changing the dynamics of the fortunes of the two major parties, he stated. Indeed, political watchers are drawing similarities between Mr Kyerematens resignation from the NPP and a 1979 scenario. In what looks to repeat itself today, the UP tradition split in 1979 due to the breakaway of William Ofori Atta, popularly known as Paa Willie, to form the United National Convention (UNC) after losing the Popular Front Partys (PFP) primary to Victor Owusu. Asenso-Boakye commiserates with former Bantama MPs familiy Diana Mensah Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:20 The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has expressed condolences to the family of former MP of the area, Daniel Okyem Aboagye, who has been reported dead. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Daniel Okyem Aboagye, the former Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Daniel was not only a respected colleague but also a dear friend for many years, and his loss is deeply felt," Mr Asenso-Boakye said in a statement. "In this moment of grief, lets all find solace in the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which reminds us that 'to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.' This verse serves as a reminder that life is filled with both joy and sorrow, and that we must embrace the ebb and flow of these seasons," the statement said. "As we mourn the loss of Daniel, let us also remember the wise saying, 'Grief is the price we pay for love'. It is a testament to the impact Daniel had on our lives, and the love we shared with him. May his memory be a source of strength and comfort to his family, knowing that he was deeply loved and respected by many," Mr Asenso-Boakye, who is also the Minister of Works and Housing, added. Mr Asenso-Boakye succeeded Okyem Aboagye as the MP of the area following a New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary. Flag bearers agents to police November 4 election Severious Kale-Dery Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 07:07 The various camps of the flagbearer hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are in talks to jointly police the November 4 election, the Campaign Coordinator of Dr Owusu Afriyie Akotos Camp, Peter Oteng-Darko, has disclosed. "Given what's going on, we expect some forces to align. When we talk about alignment, we want to align in terms of the process. "We want to bring our synergies together to police the process and not the candidates aligning to present one force," Mr Oteng-Darko explained in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra. Aftermath of August 26 After the August 26 super delegates election, some of the candidates raised objections, pointing out some infractions during the election, such as some delegates showing their cast ballots before putting them into the ballot box, while others were intimidated. Mr Oteng-Darko explained that unlike the August 26 super delegates voting where individual camps were raising various concerns, "for the November one, it will not be one person or one camps voice. We are going to sing in unison." He further said that meant having a collective force to police the election process. Sheared responsibility Mr Oteng-Darko acknowledged the role the police and other security agents played during elections, including the August 26 super delegates election, but said security at an election should not be ceded to only those deployed in uniform. "Security is a shared responsibility and not for only the police. That's why I said we will put our synergies together to police the process. "We have a civil arrest. As civilians, you can arrest and hand over to the police. So, the training we gave for the August 26 election will be different from that of the November 4," he added. Mr Oteng-Darko said the agents would be conscientised to ensure that the right thing was done at the various polling stations, and blamed the EC officials at some of the polling stations for helping to compromise the process. He cited instances where EC officials were mentioning names and issuing multiple voting papers, thereby making them queue in front of the ballot box. For Mr Oteng-Darko, that was a grand plan to force people to vote in a particular way, especially making sure that the one ahead showed his or her vote to the next person in the queue. He said in every election, casting ballots had always been on a first come first serve basis and that the EC never mentioned names. So, he wondered why in the super delegate elections, that was done. Guidelines Meanwhile, the party has released guidelines for the conduct of the November 4 election. Key among them is that the delegates would not be allowed to take phones to the voting perimeter, and it is an offence to take a picture of any vote or show any vote to any person or the public. Pay attention to concerns of Jubilee House protesters - Dormaahene to gov't Biiya Mukusah Ali Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 16:05 The Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has urged the government to pay critical attention to the concerns raised by last week's protesters in Accra. I will like to appeal to the government to listen to the demonstrators, who are mainly youth, rather than victimising them in order to find solutions to their demands, he stated. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, who is also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, was speaking during the elevation and swearing of oath of allegiance by three sub-chiefs at the Abanpredease Palace at Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono Region, last Monday. Appeal I will also want to use this platform to appeal to the police administration and the authorities at the Jubilee House, the seat of the government to exercise restraint when dealing with demonstrators. It is true there is economic hardship in the country. Recently, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, also admitted that there is economic hardship in the country, the Dormaahene said. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu explained that the youth were not the only group of people complaining about the economic hardship and some unhealthy issues happening in the country. I dont think somebody is behind the demonstration, even if that is the case, just listen to their challenges and tackle them to avoid future demonstrations, he explained. Galamsey Touching on illegal mining, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said he visited some illegal mining sites popularity known as galamsey last Monday to arrest eight illegal miners, who were busy prospecting for gold during the operation. He said he had since handed them to the police to take further action. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said he is scheduled to sign anti-galamsey agreement contracts with all the sub-chiefs in the area on Friday, September 29, 2023. Destool He explained that the main content in the agreement was that any chief who would allow or fail to halt galamsey activities in his jurisdiction would be destooled irrespective of his throne or personality. Osagyefo Agyemang Badu said after the contract he would require the chiefs to institute measures to halt all illegal mining activities in their jurisdictions to enable them continue to enjoy their positions. He vowed that he (Osagyefo Agyemang Badu) would not accept any plea from anyone on behalf of galamsey offenders because he did not want to entertain illegal activities in the area. Chiefs The newly installed chiefs are Baffour Oppong Yeboah, installed as Gyasoahene and Baffour Dei Kusi Adjei, Nsuasehene, while Nana Kwame Adinkra Kosopre, Yaakromhene was elevated to become Akwanserahene of the traditional area. The ceremony was attended by chiefs many chiefs. NCCE condemns police mistreatment of protesters Daily Graphic Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 06:33 The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has added its voice to the condemnation of the mistreatment of protesters of Democracy Hub by the Ghana Police Service last Thursday. In a statement dated September 25, 2023, the independent state institution said there was absolutely no justification for the alleged heavy handedness and excessive response by personnel of the police on the demonstrators. Indeed, it is unfortunate that after 30 years of constitutional democracy, the Police Service often appears to have difficulty responding to basic crowd control challenges, and all too frequently, resort to heavy-handed tactics, it added. Caution However, the NCCE also cautioned citizens that fundamental human rights were not absolute and that demonstrations, processions and other expressions of citizens' discontent must happen within the confines of the law. The Commission reiterates the need for all Ghanaians, including the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, state institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, and the clergy to unite and work together to help consolidate and preserve Ghana's democracy in order to bequeath to posterity, a democracy better than what we inherited, it said. Background About 49 protesters participating in the protest dubbed; Occupy Jubilee House were arrested last Thursday for allegedly defying a court injunction secured by the police to ban the demonstration. The protesters, made up mainly of the youth, were spotted in red and black attires with red bands around their heads and arms. The first 30 protesters, who gathered at the assembly point, were arrested by police officers in riot gear and taken away in waiting buses. Later, an additional group of about 19 protesters were also arrested and taken together with those arrested. Demand Among their reasons for organising the demonstration was a demand for the government to implement sustainable measures to alleviate the difficulties in the country. They are also demanding some reforms, including improved governance, measures to fight corruption, reduction in the high cost of living, good economic management and improved relief packages for the citizenry, among other things. Despite the alleged brutality, the group went on to demonstrate for two more days at the entrance of the 37 Military Hospital. Police have no justification for assault of Democracy Hub protestors - NCCE Gifty Boadu Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 12:07 The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has expressed concern over the arrest and alleged assault of members of the Democracy Hub by the Police during their demonstration last week. In a press release, the NCCE underscored the importance of upholding citizens' fundamental right to freedom of assembly, including the right to participate in processions and demonstrations. The NCCE emphasized that there is no justification for the reported heavy-handed and excessive response by personnel of the Ghana Police Service toward the demonstrators. It lamented that, despite thirty years of constitutional democracy, the Police service often struggles to manage basic crowd control challenges, resorting to heavy-handed tactics. However, the NCCE also reminded citizens that fundamental human rights, while crucial, are not absolute. It emphasized that demonstrations, processions, and other expressions of discontent must always occur within the boundaries of the law. The Commission called for unity among all segments of Ghanaian society, including the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, state institutions, political parties, civil society organizations, and the clergy. It said this unity was essential to consolidate and preserve Ghana's democracy, ensuring that it thrives and progresses for the benefit of future generations. NPP's official response to Alan Kyerematen's resignation [FULL ADDRESS] Graphic.com.gh Politics Sep - 26 - 2023 , 15:59 PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE RESIGNATION OF MR. ALAN KYEREMATEN FROM THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2023. The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is pleased that you have honored the invitation to this press conference. As many of you might have heard, the Party has also learnt with shock, the sudden demise of Hon. Daniel Okyem Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and former Government Spokesperson on Finance. We therefore, plead with you all, to join us in observing a minute silence in honor of the memory of this illustrious son of the land. As the Party was coming to terms with the demise of one of our illustrious sons we were hit with news about the resignation of Mr. Alan Kyerematen through a press conference he organised. The disappointing part is the mode in which he decided to resign from the party, which was through a press conference without prior notice to the party. The Party wants to believe that by his decision to hold the press conference to resign without first informing the leadership of the Party suggests that he has made a premeditated and irrevocable decision to resign from the Party. It needs emphasizing that, when the National Chairman visited him on behalf of the Party after the August 26 Special Electoral College, in an attempt to bring all the ten aspirants together, he did not portray any sign of resigning from the party, let alone going independent. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledges Mr. Kyerematens contributions to our party's growth and development over the years. We respect his decision and extend our gratitude for the services rendered to the NPP and the nation. Since 1992, several party faithfuls have had the vision to lead the party and, subsequently, to lead the country, but sadly, as nature has its own course, only a few have had the opportunity to achieve that vision. Party faithfuls who never had the opportunity to lead, never resigned from the party but continued to serve, some until they were called to eternity. Just as many faithfuls who had no vision to lead the Party but served the Party in various capacities and never tasted power but died holding unto the banner of our great party. The NPP has always been a dynamic and resilient political party, and this moment serves as an opportunity for us to demonstrate our unity, fortitude, and unwavering commitment to the principles upon which our party was founded. As the party strives to win the 2024 general election and make a monumental record, we urge party faithfuls to reaffirm their dedication towards this common goal. Our party's strength has always been derived from the unity and resilience of our members, and we call upon each and every one of you to rally together and uphold the principles that define us. Indeed, we are the NPP, and the elephant is our winning symbol. It must be stated that this press conference is not tailored to attack the personality of Mr. Kyerematen, but, rather to correct certain erroneous statements made in his press conference and also to use this opportunity to set the record straight. Fellow Ghanaians, central to the reasons given by Mr. Kyerematen for his resignation as captured in pages seven (7) and eight (8) of his resignation address are the allegations of so called unconstitutional and unmeritorious decisions of the National Council regarding a petition by some presidential aspirants which demanded that the Super Delegates Conference should be held at a single venue as well as allowing each delegate to nominate five persons instead of one. Riding on the above narrative, Mr. Kyerematen asserts that the Partys Super Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed to favour one aspirant. First, Article 13(1) (1), of the Partys Constitution states that the date and venue for the presidential primaries shall be decided by the National Council, provided, however that the National Council may, on appropriate occasion vary the date. Without doubt, the National Council, the appropriate body mandated by the Partys Constitution to make a determination on the date and venue did not violate the Constitution by voting against the proposal for the use of a single venue for the elections. Furthermore, there is a historical precedence. In 2014, the Special Electoral College elections were held at several venues. At the time, no aspirant including Mr. Kyerematen filed no petition regarding the venue. The Partys Constitution further states in Article 13(2)(2) that where there is more than one contestant, each delegate will cast his or her vote by secret ballot for one of the contestants. Therefore, the demand by the petitioners for delegates to vote for five (5) persons instead of one is unconstitutional. It needs mentioning, that as democratic and transparent as the leadership of the Party has been, it recommended to the consideration of the National Council a determination on the petition upon receipt of same. Even more important is the fact that, the petitioners (although most of them are not members of the National Council) were granted the rare opportunity to appear before the Council and make their case on why such a proposal should be adopted. In a true democratic process, seventy-three (73) members of the National Council voted against both proposals relative to nine (9) others who voted in support, underscoring the overwhelming rejection of both proposals. Ladies and gentlemen, the leadership of the Party is equally disagrees with assertions made by Mr. Kyerematen in page eight (8) of his resignation address that the Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, and government appointees behind the curtain power brokers. Guided by facts and data, the leadership of the Party disagrees entirely with this assertion. Historically, the selection of flagbearers for political parties in Ghana had been the preserve of a privileged few until the New Patriotic Party took the bold decision to decentralize the process by expanding its electoral college to enfranchise some One Hundred and Six Thousand, Five-Hundred and Ninety (106,590) delegates in 2010. Currently, about Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates would be voting to select the Partys next flagbearer relative to the estimated One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight delegates (1,998) who did same in 1992. Clearly, the quantum leap to Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates in 2023 underscores the decentralization of power to all Party stakeholders and defeats the assertion that the Party has been hijacked by a privileged few. In reference to Mr. Kyerematen's concerns, which include allegations of intimidation against his supporters, it is noteworthy that certain government appointees, including cabinet ministers, who openly declared their support for him are still at post and have never been intimidated. Under the Fourth Republic, both the NPP and the NDC have had some leading members of their party breaking ranks to either form their own party, or join other political parties, yet the mother party remained resilient. Going into the 2024 general elections, the party has a message, and we use this opportunity to commend Mr. Kyerematen for admitting the good work the government has done under his then ministry. Namely: 1. Establishment of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative 2. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) with the headquarters of the Secretariat in Ghana 3. The development of new strategic anchor industries, including automobile assembly and Component Manufacturing. 4. The establishment of business resource centres and technology solutions centres all over the country 5. Integrated Customs Service (UNIPASS) to enhance government revenue. 6. The establishment of industrial parks, including the greater Kumasi industrial city and Special Economic Zone. 7. The development of a national export strategy with a target of achieving export revenue of 25 billion US dollars by 2030. 8. The introduction of business regulatory reforms and public-private dialogue mechanisms to facilitate government interaction with the private sector. The party urges all sector Ministers and other government appointees to also start propagating the unprecedented achievements of the government in their respective sectors just as Mr. Kyerematen has done. We also commend the Partys rank and file for remaining steadfast and openly rallying behind the party. Indeed, this is the true spirit of the New Patriotic Party. To all Party faithfuls who were hitherto supporting Mr. Kyerematen by virtue of his membership in the Party, though it is disappointing and distressing, we urge you to continue supporting the Party in our quest to break the eight (8). Together, we shall overcome challenges, and together, we shall achieve success. We urge all party faithfuls to remain committed, dedicated and resolute in the ongoing Voter limited registration exercise. Together, we shall persevere, and together, we shall succeed. Indeed, we are the NPP, and the elephant is our winning symbol. The Office of the Attorney Generals Love Your Kids program has been one of the ways to help boost child support services, an official from the agency told mayors during their most recent meeting. In the past several months, we started the Love Your Kids program. Were trying to educate the community about the importance of child support and provide additional services, Raymond Illagan, acting deputy attorney general for the Child Support Office, told the Mayors Council of Guam meeting on Sept. 20. Illagan said the office now has a grant for access and visitations in order to help provide services to non-custodial parents. The problem usually arises when the non-custodial parents are denied access to their children, and thats what we are trying to fix, Illagan said. It is our position that children should have some type of relationship on both sides. The grant would allow the OAG to help parents find mediation and support through their two contracted partners, Inafamaolek Conciliation and Ericas House. Inafamaolek can serve as a mediator for parents conflicts through virtual meetings, while Ericas House can serve as a drop-off point or an area for supervised visitations. When non-custodial parents have more access to their kids and are part of their lives, they dont focus on paying money. Their focus is now on money for the children, Illagan said. Illagan noted that in order to help ensure parents relationship with children, the OAG is also seeking possible employment services or partnerships with the Department of Labor, Guam Trades Academy and other private companies. Individuals come in and say I cant get a job. Usually, it has to deal with their background or criminal history, Illagan said. Its usually a drawback for individuals, and a lot of them give up hope. So, were trying to develop this program so we know what companies are willing to accept people with criminal history or some other baggage. Illagan concluded that their goal is to encourage visitations. It helps the children, the family, and the community, he said. Piti Mayor Jesse Alig, president of the mayors council, shared his support for the proposal to help previous criminals find employment. If we can get them employed within the village, we can help in that way. Helping you get them into a job will help us as well as a community, Alig said. Many times, we are faced with the questions of drug abuse and the many issues that plague our community. One of the things that Im really focused on is going back to the beginning, and its these children that are growing up without a parent or proper guidance. Alig added that with some mayors after-school programs, they dont just supplement education, they also supplement the home. Its troubling because there are so many facets to these issues and how we will resolve them, Alig said. In our capacity as community leaders, we have to work together to make it so that these children are taken care of and guided properly. By the time they grow up, its too late. A jury found Nathan Ojeda guilty of all charges Tuesday in the January shooting death of Anthony Herrera Mendiola in Hagat. Ojeda, 36, was convicted of aggravated murder and murder, both as first-degree felonies, and both with the special allegation of possession and use of a deadly weapon in commission of a felony. Prosecutors will seek the maximum sentence of life in prison plus 25 years, according to a news release from Attorney General Douglas Moylan. This trial took four days for the jury to hear the evidence, which included two videos, Moylan said in the news release. It was emotionally traumatizing for the families to re-live the cold-blooded murder of their father, brother and husband, Mr. Anthony Mendiola. The jury returned the verdict after deliberating for half a day. After his arrest in the Jan. 4 killing, Ojeda denied committing the crime but told police he was happy Mendiola was dead. Court documents described a shoot-out on San Vicente Avenue in the village, with a witness saying Ojeda fired shots from a purple Jeep. The witness said he returned fire in defense of himself and Mendiola, and police reported Ojeda was hospitalized after being shot in the leg. When police arrived at the scene, they found Mendiola unresponsive in his yard with multiple gunshots in his torso. He was taken to Naval Hospital, where he was declared dead at 6:45 p.m. that evening. Police later found the purple Jeep at Ojedas house, and they found 9 mm casings in the vehicle, which matched the caliber of ammunition located at the scene. The case was prosecuted by Basil OMallan, and Moylan thanked Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena III for bringing the case to trial within nine months of the murder. The jury heard witnesses that were available, and witnesses memories that accurately explained the truth of what occurred, he said. The attorney general said his office urges senators to pass Bill 140, which is the People of Guams Right to a Speedy Trial, so crime victims can realize timely justice, and begin their slow, healing process. Justice was timely served today. The United States has agreed to pay Guam $48.9 million for past costs that the local government incurred to clean up and close the environmentally hazardous Ordot dump, according to a 12-page partial consent decree that a federal judge approved Monday. Payments are expected within 120 days, or four months. This is a result of March 2017 case, when GovGuam filed a lawsuit asking the federal court to order the Navy to pay Guams past and future costs in connection with the Ordot dump. Judge Jia M. Cobb, district judge for the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, approved the partial consent decree between GovGuam and the United States, during a Sept. 25 status conference. Adelup said on Tuesday that this partially resolves a dispute pending since 2017 over the past costs that GovGuam incurred for Ordot dumps cleanup, corrective action, and closure. The local government already has spent $69.05 million to close the dump, GovGuam earlier said. Long-term monitoring and maintenance of the site are expected to cost $31.3 million more, according to a status report filed in May in the District Court of Guam. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Tuesday said the approved partial consent decree, which she and Attorney General Douglas Moylan signed, is a significant victory for Guam. This Consent Decree brings closure to an issue that has plagued our island for decades. While serious concerns remain regarding liability for future costs associated with the Ordot Dump, this settlement represents a significant victory for our island and will enable us to move forward, the governor said in a statement. She said the settlement was achieved following intense litigation in the District Court, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court victory, and mediation efforts late last year, in which Guam was represented by the Office of the Governor, prior Attorney General Leevin Camacho, and our litigation counsel Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. Credit is also due to the vision and tireless efforts of former Attorney General Elizabeth Barrett-Anderson, who initiated the lawsuit. I also thank Attorney General Douglas Moylan for ensuring final execution and filing of the Consent Decree, the governor said. Under the consent decree, the U.S. has agreed to pay $48.9 million to resolve Guams claims for these past costs. GovGuam earlier argued that a federal appeals court in February incorrectly ruled that Guam missed a three-year window under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund Act, to ask the military to pay for costs related to the dump. The federal government also earlier argued a consent decree that required Guam to close the Ordot dump and build a new landfill triggered the three-year-window in the Superfund Act for the island to seek reimbursement. Our islands natural resources are sacred and must be protected. While we have resolved the past costs associated with the Ordot Dump cleanup, significant work remains to ensure the dump is properly maintained and the surrounding community remains safe and healthy, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said in a statement. We all have a part to play in safeguarding our land and preserving it for future generations. The dump was created before World War II, when the U.S. owned and controlled Guam under a naval government. The dump was transferred to the local government in 1950, but the military continued to dump waste there until the 1970s, the GovGuam complaint states. The military dumped hazardous chemicals there, including DDT and Agent Orange, according to GovGuam. The dump was closed in August 2011 because of Clean Water Act violations, and Guam now uses the Layon landfill for its solid waste. Vice Speaker Tina Rose Muna Barnes and Vincent Anthony Borja, both from Guam, have been appointed to serve on the new Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for U.S. Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States. Del. James Moylan, who nominated Muna Barnes and Borja, made the announcement of the appointments in a Sept. 25 press release. I am ecstatic to learn that two of our nominees were selected and appointed, and I am optimistic in what Tina and Vince will bring to the table for Guams veterans, Moylan said. This seat is direct access for veterans in Guam and in the region, as this committee would serve as an advisory to the Secretary on issues of importance for those who served their nation. Moylan said this would include sharing the inequities veterans face at home. Ive advocated with the DVA since the start of the year to get the process rolling on this advisory committee, as we hope that in due time, it would be helpful in terms of improving services and care for veterans. As noted, we now have two capable representatives on the committee who will bring the much-needed advocacy in their capacity, the delegate said. Muna Barnes and Borja received their letters of selection recently and have been provided with details as Veterans Affairs starts the process to hold the first meeting. Muna Barnes is the spouse of the late Jake Barnes, an Air Force Veteran who sadly passed away earlier this year. The Vice Speaker has been a passionate advocate to improve Veteran services and care on island, as her late spouse had to relocate to the mainland to secure the much needed treatment that was needed for his survival, Moylan said. The delegate said the vice speaker for the 37th Guam Legislature brings the voice of what families of veterans must endure as their loved ones seek specialized care not available on island. Mr. Borja is not only a veteran but an educator, a small business owner, a decorated soldier, and an advocate for improving veteran services and care in Guam. Vince has dedicated years to ensuring those who wore the uniform to defend our island and nation are afforded decent opportunities and held with dignity. He brings the needed energy to the advisory committee, Moylan said. The Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for U.S. Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States was created and enacted in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Have an idea? Want to praise or comment on something? Submit your letter to the editor. Haiti - FLASH : The United States and Kenya sign a defense agreement before possible deployment in Haiti On Monday September 25, 2023, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Duale signed an agreement in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. The deal will allow Kenya to secure resources and support for security deployments as it prepares to lead a multinational mission to Haiti to combat gang violence. The agreement guides the two countries' defense relations for the next five years as the war in East Africa against the al-Qaeda-linked extremist group al-Shabab intensifies. Austin thanked Kenya for volunteering to lead the multinational force in Haiti and reiterated that the U.S. Government would work with Congress to secure the $100 million in funding it has committed, in teh sideline of the United Nations General Assembly. Austin said the rest of the world should follow Kenya's commitment to global security and "step up and provide more personnel, equipment, support, training and funding." Let's recall that Kenya has committed to sending 1,000 men to Haiti to fight against gangs as part of a mission which is awaiting formal approval from the UN Security Council but which has received support from the UN and the United States. Some security analysts have expressed concerns that a language barrier exists between the deployment of Kenya, an English- and Swahili-speaking country, and the population of Haiti, where the official languages are French and Creole. Read also about the possible international force led by Kenya : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40568-haiti-un-kenya-asks-world-not-to-leave-haiti-behind.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40566-haiti-un-high-level-meeting-on-the-establishment-of-a-multinational-intervention-mission.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40549-haiti-politic-haiti-and-kenya-establish-diplomatic-relations.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40361-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40333-haiti-pnh-pm-back-on-the-working-day-with-the-kenyan-delegation.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40315-haiti-flash-first-meetings-with-the-kenyan-delegation.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40269-haiti-flash-confirmation-of-american-commitment-in-support-of-the-intervention-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40201-haiti-crisis-why-kenya-have-the-support-of-the-usa-canada-and-france.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40187-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40184-haiti-politic-declaration-on-the-multinational-force-to-support-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40175-haiti-crisis-to-date-5-countries-are-involved-in-the-international-intervention-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40173-haiti-flash-jamaica-is-preparing-to-send-troops-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40165-haiti-un-flash-the-usa-is-preparing-a-resolution-to-authorize-an-intervention-in-haiti-led-by-kenya.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40161-haiti-flash-the-united-states-congratulates-kenya-and-pledges-to-support-the-intervention.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40157-haiti-flash-the-bahamas-promise-to-join-kenya-in-the-international-intervention-force.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40149-haiti-un-flash-antonio-guterres-urges-the-states-of-the-region-to-join-kenya.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40141-haiti-flash-first-reactions-to-kenya-s-announcement-to-support-the-pnh.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40134-haiti-flash-kenya-agrees-to-deploy-1-000-police-officers-in-haiti.html PI/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Sanctioned by Canada, the President of UNIBANK reacts Thursday September 21, 2023, Canada imposed sanctions on 3 other members of the Haitian economic elite https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40559-haiti-flash-3-other-members-of-the-haitian-economic-elite-sanctioned-by-canada.html including the important businessman Frantz Carl Braun, President Emeritus of UNIBANK. Canada writes that it has reason to believe that these people "[...] fuelling the violence and instability in Haiti through corruption and other criminal acts and by enabling the illegal activities of armed gangs that terrorize the population and threaten peace and security in Haiti." Rejecting this sanction and these allegations, Frantz Carl Braun and President Emeritus of UNIBANK reacted strongly in a press release made public Monday September 23, 2023 "[...] I have never had, during my 69 years of existence including 47 years of professional career, to participate, neither as a briber, even less as a corrupt, in any business, any transaction, any contract with the Haitian State or with national or international private individuals and companies, for which I would have given or received a payment, a commission, a prebend or others, contrary to the law and ethics" "[...] I have never committed criminal acts and have no relationship, direct or indirect, financial, political or otherwise, with the bandits and armed gangs who terrorize the Haitian population. On the contrary, my family, my friends, my employees, my clients and my businesses have suffered and continue to suffer from the widespread insecurity that is rife in Haiti." "[...] I intend to take and will take all measures to defend my dignity. I do not underestimate the length of the road, nor the personal, family and financial costs that will be associated with it, but I will not let my reputation as a man of honesty and integrity be sullied without defending myself. My honor demands it [...]" he wishes to receive from the Canadian authorities the file containing the concrete and verifiable acts and facts with which he is accused, so that he can organize his defense. Let's rmember that since November 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions against more than twenty Haitian citizens, whom it describes as the "political and economic elite" of the country... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40559-haiti-flash-3-other-members-of-the-haitian-economic-elite-sanctioned-by-canada.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Crisis : Spain reiterates its participation in a multinational intervention mission in Haiti Spain will be one of the Western participants in a possible deployment of a multinational mission to support the Haitian National Police (PNH) requested from the UN by the Haitian Government, to fight against armed gangs... The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, reiterated his support for Haiti and declared, at a press conference, that he is waiting for the Security Council meeting to clarify his contributions. He explained that the mission will likely last a long time because it is about "ensuring security and saving the country from gangs", and insisted that Spain is "one of the biggest donors" to Haiti. Last March, Albares declared that Spain was ready to be part of any formula aimed at supporting the Haitian people. Friday, September 22, during his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40565-haiti-flash-intervention-by-pm-ariel-henry-at-the-united-nations-video-speech.html Prime Minister Ariel Henry launched a passionate call for international collaboration to address the "question of security" in Haiti which is "the top priority" of his Government. "The Security Council must take urgent measures authorizing the deployment of a multinational support mission composed of military and security personnel," declared Henry, for whom "the use of force as a first step is essential." HL/SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Cap-Haitien : Gang member arrested at the airport Monday Joseph Madly was arrested at Cap-Haitien International Airport. He was preparing to leave the country under the Biden Administration's conditional stay in the USA program. He is accused of being an active member of the "Ti bwa" gang led by the nickname Krisla. Canal Crisis : behind-the-scenes negotiations ? Haiti has never ended communications with the Dominican Republic, said Ariel Henry upon his return from New York on Monday. "We have constant communication channels with the Dominican Republic. I say constant." Communications so discreet that Vice-President Raquel Pena seems not to know it (!) declaring that the Dominican Government was willing to sit at the table of dialogue with the Haitian authorities to seek a harmonious solution to the conflict generated by the construction of an agricultural irrigation canal in Haiti with water intake from the Massacre River... Massive attack in Saut-dEau Monday, New offensive by armed bandits who carried out the deadly attack last Friday in the town of Saut-d'Eau, which left at least 11 dead and 14 injured https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40582-haiti-flash-saut-d-eau-attacked-at-least-11-dead-and-more-than-14-injured.html . It was nearly sixty heavily armed individuals who sowed terror in the town, shooting in all directions according to Marie Andree Ruth Thelus, Mayor of Saut-d'Eau. They also took 14 vehicles and set fire to several houses. The UDMO agents sent to reinforce the scene were powerless, faced with the number and violence of the attackers, lamented the mayor, who launched an SOS to the authorities concerned. Gangs : Peace Initiative, rejected Monday, Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry rejected the Peace initiative proposed by the coalitions of armed groups G-9 and G-pep with a view to restoring Peace in the country, particularly in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. "Gangs cannot make peace or live together. The bandits are assassins," insisted the Head of Government, condemning the recent armed attacks in Saut-dEau. Date of nursing exam results The Ministry of Public Health and Population informs nursing school officials and candidates that the results of the State exams for obtaining a license to practice will be published on Thursday, September 28. Following this publication, the Training Department (DPFSS) undertakes to issue practice permits within 3 to 4 weeks for successful candidates who request them in accordance with the established requirements. UEH NOTICE : FAMV registrations postponed The Deanship of the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAMV) of the State University of Haiti (UEH) informs professors, members of the administrative and technical staff and applicants that depending on the situation which is rampant around the campus and delays observed in the registration process, the period chosen for its validation is postponed and will extend from Monday October 16 to Wednesday October 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The date chosen for the completion of the admission competition is set for Friday October 27, 2023. The Dean's Office asks all those concerned, in particular the members of the competition commission, to take all appropriate measures for the smooth running of activities at all levels. HL/ HaitiLibre Korean Movie | 2023 Mystery Thriller Directed by Lim Kyung-ho () So Jun-beum () 110min | Release date in South Korea: 2023/11 Synopsis A brutal serial murder, all evidence points to the guy who died 10 years ago. A murder case occurred in a bathroom in the middle of the night, and homicide detective Dong-geun discovers a fragment of a diary with a date from 10 years ago on the body. "This too shall pass" Dong-geun learns that the only evidence in the case, a note, is part of the diary of Yeong-hoon, who served in the military with the murdered person, and that he chose to commit suicide 10 years ago. Dong-geun points out Seong-hyeon, a pharmaceutical company executive and the person behind the military brutality at the time, as a suspect, but as he is also found to be a victim of the same serial murder case, the case gradually falls into a labyrinth. Meanwhile, while digging into the case, Dong-geun learns that Yeong-hoon was a friend he spent his school days with, and with his forgotten memories, the case enters a new phase... Korean Movie | 2020 Romance Romantic comedy Directed by Park Jung-rye () 97min | Release date in South Korea: 2023/10/11 Synopsis A delightful, fantasy, romantic comedy film featuring 'Il-woo' who became a 'fake natural person' and Bong-sook who became a 'fake farmer' in Bongtaeri, the dead end of life. Thinking that 'a home of one's own' and 'stable and happy life' go together, Il-woo goes to the mountainous valley called Bongtaeri for the first time to save a failing pharmaceutical company and get 200% of his annual salary, in turn becoming a 'fake natural person'. Bong-sook's parents, on the other hand, declared that their economic aid will be suspended so to achieve their dreams, Bong-sook becomes a 'fake farmer' in Bongtaeri where her maternal grandfather lives. Published on 2023/02/23 | Source "It was really hard because of the large amount of energy consumed mentally, but all the actors on the scene put their lives and lives on the line". Advertisement Is this the actress who played Choi Hye-jeong in "The Glory"? @star1 met with Cha Joo-young, who played 'Stewardess Hye-jeong', who is united by material desire and honor in Netflix's "The Glory". She met with splendidly inflated bobbed hair and a sensuous silhouette. After explaining the fierce atmosphere of the drama scene, Cha Joo-young raised expectations for the remaining episodes by saying, ""The Glory" part 2 is more". Cha Joo-young drew admiration by presenting a brilliant visual through the March issue of 2023 @star1. In particular, in a pictorial with Italian luxury fashion house Etro, Cha Joo-young revealed a series of colorful outfits reminiscent of spring, showing off her urban and trendy charm. Cha Joo-young expressed her feelings about the sensational popularity of "The Glory" by saying, "I'm always grateful". Cha Joo-young then replied that she paid attention to the overall details such as hair, makeup, and clothes to complete the character Choi Hye-jeong in "The Glory". Both Choi Hye-jeong's 'bomb hair' and crew uniform were her ideas, and she showed deep affection for the character, adding, "I was nervous not to miss even a little detail and gave a lot of opinions". After "The Glory", Cha Joo-young made her face known to the public. When asked to pick her favorite modifier among the various modifiers that explain her, she replied at once, "Stewardess Hye-jeong" and said, "That's what everyone calls me. I'm so happy with it", she said gratefully. Honest interviews and pictorials with Cha Joo-young, the colorful main character of "The Glory", can be found in the March issue of @style1 2023. The labor movement in Finland has engaged in a prominent battle against the government's labor market reforms. Various measures and actions are taken nearly every day. So far, these actions have been more moderate than the rhetoric from labor leaders, and hopefully, they will remain so in the future, writes Mikael Pentikainen , CEO of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises. Labor unions present a strong argument against why Finland's labor markets should not be reformed even under this government. They want to continue down the path of avoiding reforms and complicating business operations, primarily to protect their power, a path Finland has followed for decades. Let's recap why there is a dire need for reforms. Rising Debt and High Structural Unemployment Firstly, Finland's public finances are heavily indebted. We need stronger growth, cost-saving measures, and reforms that do not exacerbate the crisis in public finances. Continuously accumulating billions in debt year after year in a multi-generational approach to policymaking is unsustainable. Therefore, every reform that strengthens employment and saves public expenses is worth its weight in gold. Secondly, despite developments in recent years, Finland still faces high structural unemployment. Finland's structural unemployment is around seven percent, whereas in Denmark, for example, it is approximately three percent. Structural unemployment can only be reduced through structural reforms. Thirdly, in the past couple of years, Finland has lost around 10,000 employer entrepreneurs, about every eighth employer company. Many small employers are closing down or transitioning to sole proprietorship because the risk of hiring has become too great. It is not in the interest of employees if small employer companies disappear. Two Tiers in Finland's Labor Markets Fourthly, there are approximately 300,000 individuals between the ages of 25 and 59 who are outside the labor market, neither employed nor unemployed. We need stronger incentives for labor force participation to ensure that resources are available to care for those who genuinely cannot participate in the workforce, for one reason or another. This is essential as our dependency ratio worsens. Fifthly, in a free society, individuals and businesses are equal before the law, regardless of their background or whether they are union members. In Finland's labor markets, equality is not realized. We have two tiers: organized and unorganized labor. This cannot be, as people should be treated equally under the law. In a free country, one may belong to a union, but one should also have the right not to belong. Functional Labor Markets Benefit Workers The government program includes several structural reforms, and while there is much good in it, some aspects, such as local bargaining, fall short. Implementing the program is crucial for restoring the health of Finland's public finances and strengthening employment. It is also essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as it equips them to compete. When labor unions attack the government and its labor market reforms, they are also attacking Finnish businesses, as these reforms are vital for companies to thrive. Functional labor markets and competitive companies are also in the best interest of workers. If one's employer does not prosper, job security is at risk. Many are painfully aware of this right now as numerous businesses face difficulties, and bankruptcies are more frequent than in decades. This is a compelling reason to persistently pursue labor market reforms. Mikael Pentikainen, the author, is the CEO of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises. HT Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) treats approximately 15 electric shock patients in intensive care each year. Severe injuries are usually associated with high-voltage accidents and often require intensive care. Injuries and fatalities resulting from electric shocks have significantly decreased due to improvements in safety culture and safety requirements. "In Finland, there are on average 23 electric shock-related deaths annually, with a significant portion occurring when a young person climbs on top of a train. These young deaths due to high-voltage electric arcs are particularly tragic because they could have been avoided through awareness of the dangers," says Dr. Janne Alakare, Chief Physician at HUS Acute Care. Electric shock incidents in domestic settings can be life-threatening at the moment of exposure, but severe injuries are rare. Typically, these incidents involve contact with live household current, often without the need for a doctor's visit. According to new guidelines, an asymptomatic patient who has survived an electric shock without skin burns and whose electrocardiogram (ECG) is normal can be discharged without monitoring or laboratory tests. "We have found that there is no medical justification for keeping patients who have survived a low-voltage electric shock under monitor surveillance. In the past, patients were often monitored to watch for delayed problems. Based on international data, there is no reason for this in cases of electric current at or below household voltage. The updated practice streamlines healthcare operations and is in the best interest of patients," explains Dr. Alakare. Relatively few patients seek treatment for electric shock injuries. In 2021 and 2022, Helsinki University Hospital's emergency departments recorded electric shocks as the primary diagnosis for a total of 450 patients. Only 1.3% of these patients required further hospitalization. Seek Help by Phone First Before rushing to the emergency department, it is advisable to call the Emergency Services helpline at toll-free number 116117. There, nurses can assess the need for medical attention, guide you to the appropriate healthcare facility, or provide self-care instructions. If the incident involves a high-voltage injury, loss of consciousness, lightning strike, burns, chest pain, dizziness, or discomfort, dial 112 immediately. For adults with momentary contact with household electrical current resulting in dry skin and no loss of consciousness, there is no need to contact healthcare professionals unless there are clear symptoms or skin damage associated with the incident. HT What would you do if you couldn't replace your broken vacuum cleaner or refrigerator due to a chip shortage? Chip technology and chip self-sufficiency are burning issues not only in global politics and the world economy but also in the daily lives of modern consumers. Microscopic chips play a pivotal role in contemporary life, powering devices ranging from smartphones and cars to refrigerators and vacuum cleaners. When a part of the production chain falters, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in the automotive industry, Finnish chips, household appliances, and cars may get stuck in the production pipeline. However, Finland has excellent prospects to become a leading European hub for chip expertise, with Espoo at the forefront of chip technology and manufacturing. What Are Microchips? Tiny microchips are crucial in everyday life and across industries. They are used in mobile phones, household appliances, mobile networks, and cars, as well as in high-tech products like quantum technology and healthcare. According to industry estimates, global demand for chips is expected to double from the current 500 billion dollars to approximately one trillion dollars by 2030. The proliferation of artificial intelligence and the green transition are driving this growth. Microchips are currently a pressing global issue and a multi-billion-dollar industry. The United States and China are battling for chip supremacy, and in response to chip shortages, the European Union has created its own chip regulation to ensure chip self-sufficiency. Quantum technology is one sector that relies on semiconductor technology. It can, for instance, help develop new medicines more rapidly. Future Technology Developed and Manufactured in Espoo Espoo has been at the forefront of microchip development since the early 1990s, collaborating with universities and companies on projects spanning from mobile phones to telecommunications networks. In the depths of Otaniemi's low red-brick buildings, technology that plays a key role in enhancing chip self-sufficiency and Finland's position as one of Europe's most important microelectronics and quantum technology hubs is being developed. From a strategic standpoint, Micronova, the largest cleanroom facility in the Nordic countries located in Espoo, along with the new pilot line called Kvanttinova, will strengthen Finland and Europe's security of supply for microchips and semiconductors. Finland now has the opportunity to establish itself as Europe's leading specialized microelectronics and quantum technology research and business cluster. "In Finland, we are ahead of the world in many areas of technology research and development. People from abroad want to come and work with us and learn from us. In Otaniemi, the facilities and equipment serve not only general research purposes but also as a springboard for start-ups in the semiconductor industry. The Kvanttinova project aims to build a new shared cleanroom environment for companies and research organizations, seamlessly connected to Micronova's cleanroom in Otaniemi. Micronova is already the largest research cleanroom in the Nordics, and through Kvanttinova investments, this capacity will nearly triple," says Tauno Vaha-Heikkila, Head of Microelectronics and Quantum Technology at VTT. Semiconductors and microchips represent a booming industry for the future. According to Technology Industries of Finland, companies in the semiconductor sector in Finland currently employ 5,000 people, and they expect the number of jobs to increase to 20,000 by 2023. Semiconductor industry revenues in Finland are projected to grow from around 1.5 billion euros to six billion euros by 2032. Facts: What Are Chips and Semiconductors? Chips , also known as microchips, integrated circuits, or processors, are tiny electronic components made using semiconductor materials such as silicon, silicon carbide, and germanium. , also known as microchips, integrated circuits, or processors, are tiny electronic components made using semiconductor materials such as silicon, silicon carbide, and germanium. Chips often contain additional electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and transistor arrays, all integrated onto an extremely small piece of silicon. The semiconductor industry encompasses the manufacturing, design, research, and application of semiconductors in electronics and technology. Semiconductors are materials that conduct electricity and facilitate controlled electrical conduction. In the semiconductor industry, various materials and emerging technologies are being used and combined, including superconductors and photonics. Facts: What Is Quantum Technology? Quantum technology is one area that relies on semiconductor technology. is one area that relies on semiconductor technology. Components required for quantum computers are based on microelectronics, meaning that both microelectronics and quantum technology ecosystems will accelerate each other's growth in the shared cleanroom environment. Espoo already has a strong ecosystem for quantum technology development, including quantum computing, quantum software, and quantum computers. The rapid development of quantum technology will challenge progress across all industries. Quantum technology is even seen as part of global great-power competition. Europe aims to increase its self-sufficiency in microelectronics from the current 10 percent to 20 percent by 2030. The Kvanttinova Project and Key Players in Brief Kvanttinova is a joint initiative by VTT, Aalto University, the City of Espoo, the Technology Industries of Finland's semiconductor industry group, and other industry companies. The goal is to establish a new shared cleanroom environment for companies and research organizations, seamlessly connected to Micronova's cleanroom in Otaniemi. Micronova is already the largest research cleanroom in the Nordics, and investments in Kvanttinova will nearly triple its capacity. Finland aims to create one of Europe's largest and most significant research and business clusters for specialized microelectronics and quantum technologies. The semiconductor companies operating in Finland currently employ 5,000 people, and they estimate that the number of jobs will increase to 20,000 by 2023. Publicly funded shared cleanroom facilities support research and the purchase of research equipment. This project will be executed on a commercial basis, allowing companies to rent their own premises within the shared cleanroom building. The budget for shared publicly funded cleanroom facilities is currently 130 million euros. In addition to this, companies' planned investments in Kvanttinova exceed 500 million euros. HT COMEDIAN Russell Brand is now being investigated by police following fresh allegations of non-recent sexual offences. The Metropolitan Police says it has received a number of allegations of sexual offences in London and elsewhere in the country. No arrests have been made. It follows a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4s Dispatches programme in which four women accused Brand of sexual assaults and rape. Brand, who lives near Henley with his pregnant wife and two children, has denied the allegations and said all his relationships were always consensual. The Met said it was encouraging anyone who believed they may have been a victim of a sexual offence to contact them. The latest allegations come after the Met last week said it had received a report of an alleged sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003. Brand said in a livestream on video platform Rumble that it was hard for me to be objective given events of the last week but that is what we must try to do. He did not directly address the statement from the Met or the allegations against him but he was critical of the mainstream media throughout. Brand said there was an apparent concerted effort between the legacy media and the state to silence independent voices. In the media investigation, four women levelled accusations against Brand between 2006 and 2013, while he was working for the BBC and Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films. One woman alleges that Brand raped her without a condom against a wall in his Los Angeles home. She was reportedly treated at a rape crisis centre on the same day, which The Times said it has confirmed via medical records. A second woman, in the UK, alleges that Brand assaulted her when he was in his early 30s and she was 16 and still at school. She alleges he referred to her as the child during an emotionally abusive and controlling relationship. A third woman claims that Brand sexually assaulted her while she worked with him in Los Angeles. She says he threatened to take legal action if she told anyone else about her allegation. The fourth woman has alleged being sexually assaulted by Brand in the UK and him being physically and emotionally abusive towards her. AUTHOR Cesca Major says she feels lucky. Her latest novel number 13 is being given the Hollywood treatment by actress and producer Reese Witherspoon. It is my first one that sold to America, which is really nice, she says. Cesca, who will be hosting two sessions at next months Henley Literary Festival, says the book, Maybe Next Time, helped her with her own work-life balance. The 41-year-old lives in Pangbourne with husband Ben, son Barnaby, seven, and four-year-old twin daughters, Inessa and Lexi. She says the story came out of the shared yet isolating experience of the coronavirus pandemic. The book tells the story of frazzled mother-of-two Emma, who is married to Dan, the true love of her life. The couple take time out each year to remember their anniversary until one fateful time when things go awry. However, Emma is given a chance to relive the day. I think Maybe Next Time was a slight cry for help as a busy working mum, says Cesca. It was written during covid, that strange Groundhog Day time we all lived, and essentially is about getting your priorities straight. Its also a reflection, I suppose, on all women really, not just mothers, who take on all the extra stuff. Its a look at whats important and what isnt and how we let this happen. Those are the themes, I think, when looking back at that time. It was almost a bit of therapy, working some of that stuff through. Working mums seem to be the ones that say, Oh my god, I feel this in my bones, you know? Like many writers, Cesca had a slightly strange path to writing. I used to work in television, she says. Then I became a history teacher but I was always writing. My debut novel came out in 2015 and Ive been a full-time author since then. Ive written under four or five different pseudonyms as I write in different genres. I write under my initials, C D Major, which is darker stuff, crime and sort of supernatural. Then I used to write romantic comedies [as Rosie Blake] and also wrote a couple of what they call UpLit under another name [Ruby Hummingbird]. It has been a funny, roundabout way to get to where I want to be. I mean, you learn something from every genre. I do screenwriting as well, which I love. I basically write full-time and look after the kids. Its amazingly flexible and works really well with motherhood its just the escape of doing something for yourself. She is looking forward to the literary festival. Im really lucky, she says. The festival has always supported me, since way back, when I had my debut book, The Silent Hours. Bless them, they had me on a book panel then. I think theyre wonderful and just such a nice team. This year, Cesca will join authors Eva Rice and Georgina Moore to talk about their latest novels. Oxfordshire novelist Eva, daughter of star lyricist and Hambleden resident Tim Rice, is best known for her bestselling 2005 novel The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets. Her latest book, This Could be Everything, follows a 19-year-old girl, who is trying to find hope during dark times with the support of an escaped canary. Cesca says: I fell in love with The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, as everyone did, so this is really exciting. Georgina, who publicised books before she started writing them, lives on a houseboat on the River Thames with her husband, two daughters and dog. She has written her first novel, The Garnett Girls, which tells of the adventures of three sisters growing up in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. Cesca says: Georgina is a very well-known publicist in the industry and I know her very much by reputation, so it should be fun. She will also host Locally Criminal with Shiplakes bestselling thriller writer Simon Kernick, Marlow crime writer Suzanna Beard and Simon Mason, who has written Oxford mysteries. Cesca says she will be interviewing these three authors with my C D Major hat on. She adds: Im always curious when the audience members are keen to write anything themselves. I like it if anyone wants to discuss writing or ask me questions afterwards. I love finding people that havent got the confidence to start, so a few writing tips are always flung in as well. Locally Criminal with Simon Kernick, Susanna Beard and Simon Mason is at Henley town hall on Sunday, October 1 from 6pm to 7pm. Cesca Major talks to Georgina Moore and Eva Rice at Henley town hall on Thursday, October 5 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. For more information, visit www.henley literaryfestival.co.uk PROFESSOR Dr Dirk Boll, deputy chairman of 20th and 21st century art at Christies in London, challenged traditional concepts of the international art market at the Relais Henleys latest Salon networking meeting on Thursday last week. Hotel owner Grace Leo hosted the event with intellectual curiosity and warm hospitality in an elegant and comfortable room overlooking the riverside. The talk was titled From Great Master to collective how collecting art will develop in between cutting-edge painting, NFT and the latest social practice. Starting with an overview of the global art market, Dr Boll described how in November last year Christies achieved the biggest sale in auction history. The Paul Allen Collection, which belonged to the late philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, went for more than $1.5 billion, including works by Seurat and Cezanne. This year, however, turnover for auction houses is down by 25 per cent with high-profile sales taking the oxygen out of regular auctions. Sales to private collectors were down from 2019 to 2021 with increased reliance on online platforms for bidding at auction and as a portal for selling. Dr Boll explained how the use of technology in an image-driven society coupled with a visually-led business had led to a bottleneck of taste. Taste had become more conservative due to the choices presented through technology and algorithms presenting us with images of similar searches on our phones. Despite greater awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in the art world, Dr Boll described how most works of art were still sold disproportionately by white male artists. I found this surprising. He moved on to talk about computer-generated art and how, in 2018, Portrait of Edmond de Belamy became the first AI-generated artwork to be sold and went for $432,500. Reassuringly, he added that the price reflected it being the first rather than the merit of the piece. This moved us on to thinking about how copyright becomes an issue in generative AI. Who is the creator the person or team who inputs the algorithm that creates the artwork? Dr Boll described the opposing stances of, for example, Getty Images, who are not using AI, and Shutterstock, who are. Being from the more traditional tangible auction world, I felt challenged at this point but Dr Boll pushed our boundaries further by talking about NFT (non-fungible tokens) in art. This is where the value lies in being the owner of the original unique digital certificate of a computer- generated work (audio, visual or moving image) and where you own the content and trade the certificate on a blockchain. There followed some interesting discussion around the use of a persons image being reproduced in art and some insight into Dr Bolls favourite art galleries, the Louisiana in Denmark and Sir John Soanes Museum and the V&A in London. I felt fortunate to have the insight of a global expert in an auction world I know something of but very little of an art world, which is fast changing with the impact of technology. It was a great way to start the day in a beautiful setting and connect with others. The next salon networking breakfast is on Wednesday, October 4 (8am) with journalist Alan Philps on How Stalin turned western war reporters into Kremlin stooges. Tickets are free for full Salon members, 45 for non-members and guests. The ticket price includes continental breakfast, tea, coffee and juices. For more information, call (01491) 523288 or email salon@therelaisretreats.com Sue James Fifty years ago, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) was signed into law, marking a turning point in our nations civil rights history. The Rehab Act authorized services that support disabled people in living the lives they want to lead, fully included in their communities. The law established accessibility standards for information technology, which are crucial in todays high-tech world, and more. Perhaps most important, the Rehab Act was the first federal law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Although it would be another four years before the regulations were established to implement them, those civil rights provisions represent a watershed moment for the independent living movement, which was then in its infancy. The Rehab Act paved the way and provided a model for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which extended anti-discrimination protections beyond the federal government, and other federal laws and actions to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities. None of these achievements would have happened without the relentless advocacy of disabled people. Led by people like the late Judy Heumann, whose tenacity and total commitment to the rights of people with disabilities led her to become known as the mother of the disability rights movement people with disabilities, their families, and other advocates came together and changed our country in a fundamental way. These issues are personal to me. I began my career by providing legal aid to cases involving people with intellectual disabilities. During my time as Attorney General of California, I established a Bureau of Disability rights and made it a priority to focus on protecting and advancing the rights of people with disabilities. Disability rights are civil rights, and you can count on me to continue the fight for them. While we have made great strides in disability rights, we still have work to do. Disabled people still face discrimination and barriers to exercising their basic civil rights. Thats why the Biden-Harris Administration specifically recognized disabled people in its executive order on advancing equity and has prioritized strengthening civil rights protections for people with disabilities. And thats why HHS has proposed comprehensive updates to our regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehab Act, which will be a critical tool for fighting disability discrimination. I am deeply grateful for their work. Today, we reach for the next step - equitable access to our health care and human services system for all individuals with disabilities. ----- The Biden-Harris Administration has been working to tear down the barriers in our society that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in public life. We are committed to expanding the very idea of access, and to developing a health care and human services infrastructure that supports all Americans. We wouldnt be here today without the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I am proud to be part of a Department, and an Administration, that makes equitable access to health care and human services a priority. - HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 laid a foundation for our commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where people with disabilities succeed and prosper, and this landmark legislation continues to remind us that creating opportunity for everyone makes our nation stronger. Half a century later, the Administration for Children and Families remains as dedicated as ever to reducing barriers for children, youth and families and ensuring people of all abilities can thrive. - Administration for Children and Families Acting Assistant Secretary, Jeff Hild The Rehab Act was the first civil rights law to protect disabled people from discrimination. It opened doors to federally funded programs and activities and served as a foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act. It also united disability advocates in a common cause, which grew into the disability rights movement that has changed our country in fundamental ways. The Rehab Act is also special to ACL it created our Independent Living programs and our National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. Fifty years has not diminished its power or importance, and ACL remains committed to working every day to move closer to fulfilling its promises. - Administration for Community Living Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Alison Barkoff To ensure that individuals with disabilities may fully participate in our society, Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This landmark legislation paved the way for transformative laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, that enhance and promote inclusivity. At AHRQ, we pursue our unique scientific mission to improve healthcare for all, following the principles of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure that healthcare is equitably available so that every individual may access the healthcare they need or want. - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Director, Robert Otto Valdez, Ph.D., M.H.S.A. Today, the Rehab Act of 1973 turns 50. As the first federal civil rights legislation protecting people with disabilities from discrimination, the Rehab Act serves as a cornerstone for the Americans with Disabilities Act and other advances, paving the way for what we continue to build upon today. As we continue to shape equity in our society and expand access across our nation, lets remember to protect the rights of people with disabilities and afford all people the right to well-being, dignity, and opportunity. - HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, ADM Rachel Levine, M.D. As we mark the anniversary of this landmark act, we renew our commitment to creating a culture of belonging and integrating people with disabilities into current and future public health activities. CDC and other federal agencies work hard each day to lead change to advance and promote disability inclusion, pride and power. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director, Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. We join the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 with a strong recommitment that people with disabilities will not be an afterthought in healthcare or within the CMS programs. Disability is part of our human existence. Our programs are here to serve everyone who needs them, including millions of people who were born with a disability or develop one later in life. We must continue to be inclusive and intentional in our policies, support, and services across the healthcare system to effectively care for disabled people of all ages. - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure The Departmental Appeals Board commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which laid the groundwork for the ADA and stands as a testament to our relentless pursuit of equity and access for all. Let us not forget the courageous individuals who occupied the then-HEW building in San Francisco, pushing for the rightful implementation of Section 504 and ensuring that rights on paper are fully implemented in practice. - HHS Departmental Appeals Board Chair, Judge Constance Tobias The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 finally brought the civil rights revolution to Americans with disabilities. The fight to implement the statute catalyzed the disability rights movement and steadily increased opportunity and integration for disabled Americans. As people with disabilities continue to face discrimination and barriers in health and social services programs, we at HHS honor the 50th Anniversary of this landmark statute by working to vigorously enforce the law today and every day. - HHS General Counsel, Samuel R. Bagenstos HRSA works every day to help ensure equal access to health care services for all, and we have seen the critical role that the Rehabilitation Act has played in making that a reality for individuals with disabilities. Whether its training primary care providers to better care for individuals with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities or integrating development screening in HRSA-funded health centers that see patients regardless of their ability to pay, we are committed to the goals and vision of better health and better services to meet communities needs. - Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator, Carole Johnson As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we recognize its profound impact on access and equity for people with disabilities, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. This landmark legislation laid the foundation for equal rights and paved the way for the ADA. The history of disability rights activism reminds us of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and inspires our commitment to providing inclusive health care and services for all. - Indian Health Service Director, Roselyn Tso Much progress has been made to address access and equity in the 50 years since the passage of the Rehab Act, but theres more work to be done still. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT continues the important work to ensure that certified health IT can be leveraged to improve health equity and reduce health disparities across the nation. - National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Micky Tripathi, Ph.D., M.P.P. Coinciding with todays 50th anniversary, NIH has designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities, recognizing the significant disparities in rates of illness, morbidity, mortality and survival compared to the health status of the general population. This designation is among several important steps NIH is taking to address health disparities faced by people with disabilities and ensure their representation in NIH-supported research. - National Institutes of Health Acting Director, Lawrence A. Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D. We are proud to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act, yet we are eager to continue our work toward improvement. The proposed update to HHS Section 504 rule is a major step forward in the fight to ensure that people with disabilities are not excluded from or discriminated against in health care and social services across the United States. - HHS Office for Civil Rights Director, Melanie Fontes Rainer "Passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was a pivotal step in addressing discrimination against people with disabilities. Today, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rehabilitation Act, we remain committed to working with and supporting people with disabilities, so that they have access to high-quality and affordable behavioral health services and supports. - HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and SAMHSA Administrator, Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. Pisces (19th February to 20th March) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, You are a man of words Keep the lover happy to stay happy in the personal life. Despite minor productivity challenges, you will deliver good results at office for career growth. Aquarius Daily Horoscope Today, Sept 27, 2023. Resolve the troubles in the love life to stay happy today. Resolve the troubles in the love life to stay happy today. Minor professional issues will not stop your career. Both health and wealth are good today. Aquarius Love Horoscope Today Your lover will have higher expectations. And you need to fulfill it. Your partner may be highly sensitive and this can cause issues with the love life today. Handle the problems with a mature attitude. You need to talk openly with your partner and avoid all misunderstandings before they turn ugly. For married couples, this is a good time to start a family. Being sincere and loyal to the lover is the success mantra of a relationship. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today You may be productive at the workplace but some seniors may not be happy with the performance. Be innovative at meetings and come up with out-of-the-box concepts. However, some co-workers may object to your ideas but do not get into an argument. Instead, politely agree to the decision. Your professional ethics will win Students may find the examinations a little tougher but they will be able to crack the papers. Aquarius Money Horoscope Today Handle wealth smartly as you need to save for the rainy day. A few Aquarius natives will have trouble with funds in the first half of the day. However, things will back on track as the day progresses. You may need the support of a financial advisor and there is nothing wrong with seeking one. Cut down the expenses, especially the purchase of luxury items that are not crucial in life. Aquarius Health Horoscope Today Health is no big deal today. You are good and some Aquarius natives will also recover from old ailments. Wake up early today and start the routine with mild exercise or meditation. Some seniors will have breathing issues in the second half of the day and will need medical attention. Children should be careful while riding a bicycle today. Aquarius Sign Attributes Strength: Tolerant, Ideal, Friendly, Charitable, Independent, Logical Weakness: Disobedient, Liberalistic, Rebel Symbol: Water carrier Element: Air Body Part: Ankles & Legs Sign Ruler: Uranus Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Color: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 22 Lucky Stone: Blue Sapphire Aquarius Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius Good compatibility: Leo, Aquarius Fair compatibility: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces Less compatibility: Taurus, Scorpio By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: https://www.cyberastro.com E-mail: caresponse@cyberastro.com Phone: 9717199568, 9958780857 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 Have you ever wondered how the stars and planets align to shape our destinies right here in Bangalore? This question invites us to embark on a fascinating journey to unveil the mystic world of astrology right here in the city of Bangalore, where celestial forces are believed to influence our lives. We'll delve into the top 3 astrologers in the city who interpret these cosmic energies to guide and enlighten its residents. These three astrologers have not only deciphered the language of the cosmos but have also earned the trust and admiration of countless seekers. 1.Swami Vedanthan Surya Narayana Famous For Providing his services almost for free, driven by a deep sense of devotion to helping others. For the past three decades, Bangalore's residents have been captivated by Vedantham Suryanarayana's celestial insights. They credit him with helping them overcome obstacles and make life-altering decisions. Expert Kashi Pandit Swami Vedanthan Surya Narayana has been delivering precise and accurate predictions, all while offering his services for free or at an exceptionally minimal fee. Trustworthy and competent astrologer like Swamiji, who has been practicing Vedic astrology and its supportive branches for ages, has helped thousands of people from all walks of life globally. With his uncanny accuracy and profound wisdom, Vedantham Suryanarayana has become the go-to guide for those seeking cosmic clarity on issues like Finance, Career, Health, Family Dynamics, Relationships, Love, inter-caste Marriage, Childless couples, Business, etc. The ace astrologer always lays out a complete and comprehensive picture of an individual's life by interpreting their birth chart through zodiacal position/signs and houses. After detailed and insightful analysis, he offers actionable advice that can positively impact their lives. Contact details Website -astrology astrology (vedanthamsuryanarayanaastrology. in) Phone: 7386472374 2. Ramalinga Shastry Famous for Sai Divya pooja, astronomical remedies with 99% accurate predictions Meet Astro sage Ramalinga Shastry, who has an astrological specialization in Vedic & KP Astrology, Palmistry, Numerology, and Vaastu. With 25+ Years of experience in the realm of astrology, Shastry Ji has now been credited with 99% accurate prediction testimonials. He is also a practitioner of palmistry, face and photo analysis, and Kundali reading. Astro enthusiasts often approach him for a spectrum of services, including Online Pooja, Horoscope Reading, Marriage issues, Relationship problems, legal disputes, Career in media and acting, Politics, and Abroad aspirations. Contact details Website- astrology astrology (srikalikaastrology. in) Phone-9849199132 3. Viswa Mohan Bhatt Famous for his unique approach to services that are highly customized to individual interests. Pandit Viswa Mohan Bhatt's reputation as a trusted astrologer in Chennai has spread far and wide. His clients come from all walks of life, and many have attested to the positive changes they've experienced after following his guidance. Viswa Mohan Bhatt's expertise and compassion are bound to leave a lasting impression as his predictions are precise and accurate. He has a deep knowledge of Vedic astrology, Numerology, Vastu, and palm Reading. In his cosmic journey of 25 years, he has always worked with a vision to bring people closer to their sense of peace, happiness, success, and joy in life, which has helped him enlighten people's lives beautifully. Panditji is renowned for his astrological knowledge, dependable, logical, and scientific predictions, and intuitiveness, among other things. He is known for his down-to-earth nature. Clients can approach him for issues related to love, relationship compatibility, family, business growth, birth chart analysis, And all other spectrum of services. Contact details Website- https://srisairamastrology.in/ Phone-7893031073 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! New Delhi, Delhi, India Business Wire India Key Takeaways Worlds first Generative AI Apps Pack. Premium customer support, every step of the way. Globally Recognised, Locally Priced at Rs. 2999. AppyHigh, India's top 10 app publishers with over 570 million downloads, has launched a first-of-a-kind generative AI led productivity, and creativity bundle aimed at solopreneurs and SMBs. With this launch, AppyHigh will bundle an AI image generator, AI Photo Editor, chat assistant, Avatar maker, VPN & Camera Scanner all in one, driven by the mission of democratising best in class technology products. AppyHigh has priced this toolbox at a tenth of other similar apps. AppyHigh Prime will also give users unlimited access to all premium features of 12+ AppyHighs flagship apps, including Generative AI apps like: Imagine Go - AI Image, Avatar & Art Generator, with templates Pixel Go - AI Photo editor & enhancer Mage AI - GPT-powered Chat personal assistant Other productivity apps such as Instore, Scanner Go, Pulpy VPN, AppLock Go, Browser Go are also included in the bundle. At the heart of AppyHigh Prime is a simple belief: Everyone deserves the best, and so, whether you are a designer, photographer, retailer, seller, student, gamer, a solopreneur building a brand, or a small business looking to optimise operations, AppyHigh Prime is your Go to toolbox. "Generative AI products have the potential to 10X productivity and outcomes in many fields. But one of the key driver of adoption will be lowering the cost of access, especially in a market like India. Today, we are proud that AppyHigh has built a globally recognised product, and delivered it at a tenth of the price. Just like Jio democratised connectivity, our goal is to empower the next billion users with cutting edge app tools, said Venus Dhuria, Co-Founder, AppyHigh and Partner, VedaVC. Users get 1 year unlimited access to all premium features of the participating apps for Rs. 2999 which can be accessed from AppyHigh website. "At AppyHigh, we use cutting-edge modular technology to craft exceptional apps and deliver unparalleled user experiences along with our 90+ engineers. Our app ratings of 4.3 star outshines similar apps in the industry. With instant customer support, we're truly dedicated to our valued users' satisfaction," said Aneesh Rayancha, Co-Founder, AppyHigh. Moreover, app developers have the opportunity to showcase their app on AppyHigh Prime, simultaneously gaining visibility, generating revenue, and accessing a premium audience. About AppyHigh Founded in 2018, by Venus Dhuria & Aneesh Rayancha, its a mobile internet technology company. AppyHigh has launched 15+ chartbuster applications. Built an ecosystem of Productivity & Utility Apps, AppyHigh has garnered 570 million downloads, Ranked Top 10 among Indian publishers consistently for 5 years. AppyHigh also built Phot.AI, Generative AI-powered design tool that lets you create, modify, and enhance images online seamlessly. Media Contact Details Ravish Jain, AppyHigh, ravish.jain@appyhigh.com 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! Seeking comprehensive healthcare in Kuwait City? Discover Shape Clinic Dispensary, a sanctuary of healthcare excellence, offering a diverse array of medical services. This esteemed establishment has earned its stripes as the go-to destination for top-tier healthcare solutions. Shape Clinic Dispensary's hallmark is its commitment to all-encompassing healthcare. From cosmetic enhancements to dermatological interventions, advanced laser treatments to comprehensive dental care, body sculpting to plastic surgery, this clinic offers a holistic range of services designed to cater to every conceivable healthcare need. What sets Shape Clinic Dispensary apart is its cadre of experienced specialists. Armed with a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge, these specialists ensure that each patient receives tailored, world-class care. The clinic's offerings span a gamut of services, including cosmetic procedures for aesthetic enhancements, dermatological solutions for skin-related issues, state-of-the-art laser treatments, and a full spectrum of dental services, from routine check-ups to intricate surgical procedures. Additionally, the clinic boasts advanced body sculpting and liposuction procedures, modern slimming devices, and a dedicated department for plastic surgery. Shape Clinic Dispensary's strategic location in Salmiya, Kuwait, adjacent to Symphony Hotel, ensures accessibility. The clinic's Licence No. 172 underscores its standing as a trusted healthcare provider in Kuwait. Whether you seek a transformation or require specialised medical care, Shape Clinic Dispensary extends an invitation to experience healthcare excellence. With their exceptional team and a comprehensive suite of services, they stand poised to address your healthcare needs comprehensively and expertly. 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! The deadline for returning 2,000 currency notes is on Monday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive on May 19, removing 2,000 banknotes from circulation and advising the public to exchange or deposit them. RBI issued an advisory to exchange the 2000 note by September 30.(Reuters) Can you use 2,000 notes after September 30 deadline? Yes, 2,000 currency notes will remain legal tender even after September 30. According to the RBI's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the public can continue to use 2,000 banknotes for regular transactions. Individuals can accept them as payment or use them for their own transactions without any restrictions. However, it's advisable to deposit or exchange the high-denomination banknotes on or before September 30, as some shops may refuse to accept them. E-commerce giant Amazon has already stopped accepting 2,000 currency notes as cash. How to exchange scrapped 2,000 notes 2,000 notes with a limit of amount 20,000 can be exchanged or deposited in banks and RBI facilities. When depositing the discontinued 2,000 notes in your bank accounts, you must follow Know Your Customer (KYC) norms and other statutory requirements. Even if you don't have an account with the bank, you can avail of the exchange facility for 2,000 banknotes at any bank branch. Additionally, business correspondents (BC), or bank agents who provide services to customers at locations other than a bank branch/ATM, can be utilised for the exchange of 2000 banknotes up to 4000/- per day. 93% of 2,000 notes returned to banks As of August 31, 2023, the RBI reported that 93% of 2,000 currency notes in circulation on May 19 have been returned to banks. The total value of 2,000 banknotes returned from circulation is 3.32 lakh crore. Consequently, as of August 31, 2,000 banknotes in circulation stood at .24 lakh crore. Why did RBI withdraw 2,000 notes? "The 2000 denomination banknotes were introduced on November 10, 2016, under Section 24(1) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, to expeditiously meet the currency requirement of the economy post-withdrawal of the legal tender status of all 500 and 1000 banknotes in circulation at that time," MoS Pankaj Chaudhary said in his in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha in July. Chaudhary further stated in his written reply that the stock of banknotes in other denominations continues to be adequate to meet the currency requirement of the public. In view of the above and in pursuance of RBIs Clean Note Policy, it was decided by RBI to withdraw the 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation. 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 Moody's Investors Service, a global rating agency, recently expressed concerns about security and privacy vulnerabilities in biometric technologies, specifically mentioning the Aadhaar programme in India. The Centre, however, strongly rejected the report, stating that it raises concerns "without citing any evidence or basis." Aadhaar is the world's largest digital ID programme.(Representational image/HT_PRINT) Also Read- Moody's opinion on Aadhaar baseless, lacks evidence and basis: Govt What concerns Moody's has raised against Aadhaar? In a research note titled 'Decentralized digital identity has rich potential but wider adoption faces obstacles' issued on Thursday Moody's raised several concerns about Aadhaar. The United States-based rating agency related Aadhaar with Sam Altman's newly launched Worldcoin. It said both have stood out due to their scale and innovative nature but they have drawn scrutiny, especially concerning privacy and security. ALSO READ- OpenAI CEO rolls out Worldcoin crypto project. What sets it apart? Moody's says the Aadhaar system faces obstacles such as the burden of establishing authorization and concerns about biometric reliability. The New York-headquartered rating agency raises concerns that the Aadhaar system often results in service denials, and the reliability of biometric technologies, especially for manual labourers in hot, humid climates, is questionable. However, it does not provide any evidence or explanations. In a research note, Moody's draws attention to Decentralized Digital Identity (DID) saying that it can be a strategic response to the security and privacy vulnerabilities posed by centralized ID systems like Aadhaar. Moody's emphasises that although DID systems are still in their early stages of development, they hold substantial potential to offer a more robust and private avenue for managing digital identities.. What is decentralised identity and how does Aadhaar differ from it? Unlike traditional systems, DID allows individuals to own and control their digital credentials. In DID, a person's personal data is securely stored in their digital wallet, and the process of verifying their identity doesn't rely on a single, centralized institution. Instead, it occurs on a decentralised digital ledger, such as a blockchain, Moody's research note said. On the other hand, Aadhaar, the world's largest digital ID programme, assigns 12-digit unique identification numbers to over 1.2 billion Indian residents using a combination of biometric and demographic information. This system grants individuals access to both public and private services, with verification methods that include fingerprint or iris scans, as well as alternatives like One-Time Passcodes. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) serves as the central agency responsible for administering Aadhaar. 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! Kotak Mutual Fund (KMF) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday launched Seekho Paiso Ki Bhasha, an initiative towards investor education and awareness. Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mutual Fund, announcing the initiative (YouTube/Kotak Mutual Fund) The initiative will pave the way for financial literacy by conducting an extensive series of education and awareness programmes aimed at empowering teachers in India, KMF said in a press release. Through Seekho Paiso Ki Bhasha, we are committed to promoting financial empowerment; we recognise that teachers stand as the architect of our nation's future, shaping the future generations. The scheme will help create a future where the teachers not only shape minds but also the economic backbone of our nation, the release quoted Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mutual Fund, as saying. Dr Biswajit Shah, Director (Skill Education), CBSE, meanwhile, said: CBSE has taken initiative along with Jeevitam to sensitize the teachers of affiliated schools across the country on Financial Literacy. Many financial institutions have supported this initiative. We are pleased to see Kotak Mutual Fund joining hands in a big way to empower teachers across India with financial knowledge, thereby contributing to a promising future for the nation. Seekho Paiso Ki Bhasha': Salient features (1.) The scheme includes around 1000 financial literacy programmes, scheduled between September and October, and to (3.) These will be held in more than 100 locations, ensuring a broad reach and accessibility for educators across the nation. (2.) The training sessions will be led by more than 500 trainers from Centre for Investment Education Learning (CIEL) (3.) By the end of the programme, KMF intends to reach more than 75,000 teachers; half of them are expected are to be women educators. 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 Get alert on your mobile and email as soon as the result is declared. For this, please provide information. On World Environmental Health Day, a report by PwC India and Observer Research Foundation titled "Climate, Community, Cooperation: An Indian Approach to Adaptation in the Global South" sheds light on challenges in climate financing. (Representative Image/HT Archive) ALSO READ- World Environmental Health Day 2023: Date, history, significance What is climate financing? Climate financing, as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), encompasses local, national, or transnational funding from various sources, including public, private, and alternative, to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Cancun Agreements of 2010 set the initial target of mobilizing USD 100 billion annually by 2020 from developed countries for developing nations. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established to facilitate this goal. This target was reinforced in the 2015 Paris Agreement, with plans to increase it after 2025, emphasizing contributions from diverse funding sources, both public and private. Climate finance is crucial for adaptation initiatives, just as it has been for mitigation, as addressing emissions reduction and adapting to the "new normal" requires substantial investments. Sources of climate financing Currently, climate finance primarily comes from three sources: bilateral, multilateral, public, and private. Multilateral organizations, such as the GCF, Adaptation Fund, and the World Bank's Climate Investment Funds (CIF), manage a significant portion of these funds. Developed countries can provide financial support either directly or through accredited institutions. According to data from OXFAM and the OECD, middle-income countries received almost 70% of total climate finance from 2016 to 2018, while the least developed countries (LDCs) received only 14%, and small island developing states (SIDS) obtained merely 2%. Notably, approximately 66% of the finance targeted mitigation, leaving only about 25% for adaptation. Climate finance extends to various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Some large-scale projects, while not entirely green or climate-compliant, may have climate-sensitive elements that impact funding requirements. Therefore, it is essential for national governments and stakeholders to assess their climate finance needs and mobilization strategies, the report says. Challenges to climate financing The definition and features of climate finance, particularly the notion of additivity, have been subjects of debate. Estimation methodologies vary, leading to inconsistencies in calculating India's climate finance requirements. Additionally, private sector involvement remains inadequate to bridge the multi-billion-dollar funding gap in India. The lack of consensus on equity and common but differentiated responsibility further complicates climate finance discussions. While India estimated 2,30,000 crore in climate finance requirements in its Economic Survey of 2012-13, precise mobilisation, provision, and utilization of these funds remains unclear. Furthermore, there is a disconnect between measured flows of climate finance from developed countries, disbursed cross-border funds, and their actual utilization. Independent reviews of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) have highlighted ambiguities in financial estimates and a lack of objective criteria for prioritizing actions, the report notes. What is the solution? The report says According to the report, to address these challenges, there is a need to involve the private sector more actively in catalysing climate finance. While multilateral climate financing plays a significant role, blending public and private sector finance is essential for climate investments. The State of Climate Finance in India Report 2022 indicates a USD 1.01 trillion pledge for climate finance by 2030, driven by increased focus on priority sectors like infrastructure. India remains a prominent recipient of climate change assistance in the Global South, surpassing all other nations. However, aligning clear policy signals with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and ensuring judicious allocation of funds between mitigation and adaptation are crucial for the country's sustainable climate resilience, the report adds. In India, domestic sources continue to be the primary contributors to climate finance, accounting for 87% and 83% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, respectively. The private sector played a significant role, contributing approximately 59% of these domestic sources, amounting to USD 22 billion. Public sector flows were evenly distributed between government budgetary allocations (central and state) and public sector undertakings (PSUs). Most of the finance was directed towards mitigation initiatives, particularly clean energy, clean transport, and energy efficiency, the report says. Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation says: The need for action is now, especially around investments in adaptation-related action which addresses the basic needs and creates capacity for rural and indigenous communities. The private sector, along with others, needs to create models that can scale and have the flexibility in approach so that we are curating to the context of localised needs. Profit and environmental responsibility coexist, and that our success is intrinsically tied to the health of the planet we all share. As a sustainable baby and mom care brand, beyond our product, we address eco-friendliness in our operations, especially waste management, to shrink our ecological footprint. Sustainability for us is not just in product, our circular economy initiative has enabled an efficient reduction of 15% to 30% in production wastage on an yearly basis. I believe for businesses today, minimizing our environmental footprint isn't a choice; it's our duty, Pallavi Utagi, CEO and Founder of SuperBottoms, said in a statement. 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 central government on Monday extended the term of M Rajeshwar Rao as the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Deputy Governor by one year. The re-appointment has been approved by the Cabinet's Appointments Committee. RBI dy governor M Rajeshwar Rao The central government has re-appointed shri M Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, for a period of one year with effect from October 9, 2023, of until further orders, whichever is earlier, the press release by the central bank said. Rao was appointed as the Deputy Governor of the central bank in October 2020 for a period of three years. Who is M Rajeshwar Rao? An economics graduate and a masters of business administration from the University of Cochin, Rao joined the RBI in 1984. He was elevated as RBI executive director in November 2016. As a career central banker, he has exposure to various aspects of the RBI's functioning. He has previously held the charge of the Risk Monitoring Department. He has also worked as the Banking Ombudsman in New Delhi and in the Reserve Bank's regional offices in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and the national capital. 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 Almost all modes of transport are available on Tuesday in Bengaluru even as farmer bodies and Kannada organisations have called for a bandh over the Cauvery water dispute with neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The development came as organisations withdrew their support for the bandh on Tuesday and announced to shut services for a state-wide bandh on Friday. Less number of passengers seen at Majestic Bus Station, Bengaluru because of the Bandh called by various organizations regarding the Cauvery water issue.(ANI) Track all the live updates on Bengaluru bandh here BMTC buses: All routes of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will be operational as usual as per an announcement by the city transport body on X, reported ANI. However, visuals showed buses with few passengers onboard leaving from the bus stands including the Majestic bus stop. Earlier, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation had extended its support for the Bengaluru Bandh. Namma Metro: Metro services are available for commuters in the city. There will be no disruptions on any line of the Namma metro in Bengaluru. Ola/ Uber cab services: Taxi services will be available across the city after the Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association withdrew its support for the bandh. Its president, Tanveer Pasha, said the organisation would rather be supporting the state-wide bandh on Friday. We have decided to participate in the state-wide bandh and have withdrawn from the Bengaluru bandh as we cannot participate on both days, he said. Auto services: Auto drivers are reportedly supporting the strike and are charging a lot more than usual. A commuter from Maharashtra was reportedly asked to pay 300500 rupees for 12 kilometres, reported ANI. "We support the bandh called by various organisations. When the Cauvery water issue comes up, we have a very clear stand: Karnataka will not provide water to anyone. Only night drivers are here; autos will not run today; we will support the band," said Naseer Khan, an auto driver at Majestic BMTC bus stop. Why is the bandh being called? Farmer bodies, Kannada organisations, and opposition parties have called for a bandh in the city to protest against the order of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing the state to release 5000 cusecs of water to its neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu, for 15 days, effective September 13. 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 dawn-to-dusk Bengaluru bandh called by local outfits over the Cauvery dispute evoked partial response on Tuesday, even as the protesting groups demanded implementation of the Mekedatu reservoir project, a proposal touted by state deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar as a solution for the inter-state river water dispute involving Tamil Nadu. Bengaluru bandh on Cauvery row evokes partial response. (Arijit Sen/HT Photo) Also Read - Bengaluru Bandh LIVE Updates: Pro-Kannada activists call strike successful, sets three day deadline for govt Amid the protests in the Karnataka capital today and a proposed one on Friday, Tamil Nadu said the Supreme Court verdict is binding, irrespective of such agitations. Shivakumar also welcomed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) rejecting Tamil Nadu's request for 12,000 cusecs of water from the river and recommending his state release 3,000 cusecs to the neighbouring state till October 15. 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti', an umbrella outfit of farmers associations and other organisations led by Kuruburu Shanthakumar, had given the call for today's dawn to dusk (6am to 6pm) shutdown, and it found the backing of opposition BJP and the JD(S). The protest affected normal life. Accusing the two opposition parties of politicising the Cauvery row, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rejected allegations his government has failed on the issue, and said his administration has never lagged behind in protecting the interests of the state, its people and farmers. On Tuesday, Shanthakumar and other leaders of the Samiti were detained by the police at the Mysuru Bank circle, as they were trying to lead a protest march towards Town Hall. Several activists of pro-Kannada organisations were also whisked away by the police at Town Hall, as they gathered there to stage a protest. The activists hit out at the government for allegedly using police force to curtail the protests and the bandh. Farmers and pro-Kannada organisations with their leaders, including Shanthakumar and others, later staged protests at Freedom Park, which is the only designated place for such demonstrations. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy met protesters there and received a memorandum from them and said he will take it to the notice of the chief minister. The five-point memorandum includes demands that water is not released from Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, an election commission-like body be put together to assess things during distress years and implementation of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. Shanthakumar claimed the bandh was successful. The samiti set a 3-day deadline for the government to announce its decision, failing which it will intensify protests. City police had taken all adequate security measures to respond to any violent situations that may happen during the protests. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said prohibitory orders under section 144 will be in place across the city from midnight on Monday to midnight on Tuesday. There were reports of some miscreants allegedly trying to shut hotels that were open in Jayanagara area and trying to damage property. Police registered a case. Meanwhile, 'Kannada Okkuta', an umbrella organisation for pro-Kannada organisations led by activist Vatal Nagaraj, which has called for a statewide bandh on September 29, did not support today's bandh. Yet, Nagaraj and other Kannada Okkuta leaders tried to lay siege to Raj Bhavan, but were stopped midway by the police, who detained them and whisked them away. Educational institutions in the city were shut today. Though cab services, autos, and hotels/restaurants were seen operating, drivers and hotel operators said not many people patronised the services. Similar was the case with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses and Metro rail services, as no regular rush was seen at bus and metro stations. The Ola-Uber Drivers' Association and Hotel Owners' Association had said their services will be normal today, but have extended support for the September 29 Karnataka bandh. Most private companies and firms, including those in the IT sector, asked their employees to work from home. Most malls and cinema theatres remained shut, as were many shops and establishments. The bandh was also in force in Malavalli in Mandya district, Ramanagara and a few other places. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian state, said Supreme Court's verdict should be binding, notwithstanding such agitations. "Legislature, executive and judiciary are part of cooperative federalism. It is said the executive and legislature should follow the judiciary. The politically enlightened people should ponder what will happen to the special powers and authority of the judiciary, if everyone starts protesting against the Supreme Court verdict," TN Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan told reporters in Chennai. At the same time, the judiciary should decide on addressing such opposition, he added. Shivakumar, a strong proponent of the multi-crore Mekedatu reservoir scheme, asserted it is the only solution for this dispute. He also expressed satisfaction over the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) rejecting Tamil Nadu's request for 12,000 cusecs and recommending that Karnataka release 3,000 cusecs of water to the neighbouring state till October 15. "Rejection of Tamil Nadu's application has made me happy. I congratulate the people who have taken part in the agitations, cutting across party lines," he said. On the Mekedatu proposal, he said, "the court had recently said during proceedings, 'Let them (Karnataka) construct the dam (Mekedatu). They will release your (TN) share of 177 tmc water -- why are you (TN) opposing it?'". He said the Mekedatu project would be beneficial to both states and additionally generate power. The Supreme Court on September 21 refused to interfere with the order of the CWMA which endorsed the directions of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to the Karnataka government to release 5,000 cusecs (cubic foot per second) of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from September 13. Karnataka has been maintaining that it is not in a position to release water, taking into account its own need for drinking water and irrigation for standing crops in the Cauvery basin areas, as there has been water scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains. 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 Bandh LIVE Updates: The Karnataka capital has been witnessing a city-wide bandh today in protest of the release of Cauvery water to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Farmers, opposition party members and pro-Kannada groups came together to protest. Pro-Kannada activists call strike successful A wider bandh across the state has been called on Friday. The Cauvery river water dispute between the two southern states has been going on for decades. The issue flared up recently after an order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) asking Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Now, the CWRC has asked Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water everyday from September 28 till October 15. Read more here Also read: Bengaluru Bandh: Not going to curtail protests, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah The bandh has evoked a partial response as auto drivers, KSRTC, BMTC and other transport corporations ran their operations as per usual. However, schools, colleges and other educational institutions were closed, along with restaurants, shops and other establishments. Bus services were also hit in border districts. Stay further informed with Hindustan Times, your source for all the latest and LIVE news from Bengaluru, Karnataka. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Tuesday recommended Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water every day to Tamil Nadu starting from September 28. The committee made the decision after holding a meeting on Tuesday. The CWRC has now directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till October 15.(HT_PRINT) This comes on the same day that a horde of farmers, pro-Kannada organisations and opposition party members are protesting the release of Cauvery river water to the neighbouring southern state, while observing a Bengaluru bandh. Protestors gathered in huge numbers at Bengaluru's Freedom Park and other places as well, where they raised slogans and staged demonstrations. Meanwhile, daily life activities came to a halt in Bengaluru today as restaurants, schools and offices were closed. However, public transport including metro, BMTC, KSRTC buses, and cab aggregators including Ola and Uber operated as per usual today. READ | Farmers stage half-naked protest amid Bengaluru bandh over Cauvery water row In the midst of this, the CWRC in its meeting decided to reduce the amount of water being released to Tamil Nadu, from the earlier directed 5,000 cusecs to 3,000 cusecs. Officials from Karnataka have been maintaining that the state is facing a severe shortage of water amid a drought-like situation. The shortfall in cumulative inflows to Karnatakas four reservoirs is up to 53.04 per cent till Monday, officials told the committee. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the state had earlier declared 161 taluks as severely drought affected and 34 taluks as moderately drought affected. Out of this, 32 severely drought affected taluks and 15 moderately drought affected taluks fall in the Cauvery basin. This aspect needs utmost recognition and invites critical consideration by the committee, Officials discussed at its meeting. READ | There is SC verdict but not going to oppose, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Bengaluru Bandh The ruling Congress had also plead with the committee that Karnataka is not in a position to release any water from its reservoirs or contribute any flows to maintain water levels at the interstate border, Biligundlu. In turn, Tamil Nadu argued that Karnataka also has to reduce it's irrigation supply based on the distress proportion, and that it has to release shortfall quantity immediately and further flows as per the distress proportion. Considering all these aspects, the CWRC came to a conclusion and recommended that Karnataka to ensure 3000 cusecs realization at Biligundlu starting from 8am on Thursday till October 15. 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 Karnatakas Mandya, protests are underway over the sharing of Cauvery water with neighbouring Tamil Nadu following the Supreme Courts refusal last week to interfere in the enforcement of the water-sharing agreements between the states and the decisions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee. PREMIUM The Cauvery starts from the catchment area in the Brahmagiri Hills at Talakaveri in Coorg district and passes through four districts of Karnataka before entering Tamil Nadu at Dharmapuri district. (File Photo) And with both sides now hardening their positions, a 150-year-old dispute may well have entered a new phase. It is a dispute born of geography and hydrology, shaped by politics, and now, with extreme weather events increasing in intensity and frequency, exacerbated by the climate crisis. First, the geography. The Cauvery starts from the catchment area in the Brahmagiri Hills at Talakaveri in Coorg district and passes through four districts of Karnataka before entering Tamil Nadu at Dharmapuri district. It has 21 principal tributaries --- nine in Karnataka and the rest in Tamil Nadu. It is the third largest river in southern India after Godavari and Krishna, and the largest in Tamil Nadu. The river is crucial for farmers in the two states with paddy being the principal crop in the Cauvery delta. Karnataka has two seasonskharif (monsoon sown) and rabi (winter), while farmers in Tamil Nadu have three harvestskuruvai (June-September), thaladi (October to December), and samba (August-January), said Lakshmana Gowda, 71, one of the women protesting in Mandya since August 17, when the Cauvery Water Management Committee asked Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water every day to Tamil Nadu. Farmers in Tamil Nadu argue that because they get less water from Cauvery they have resigned themselves to only two seasons. The history Disputes to do with water sharing are as common as they are enduring in India. Punjab and Haryana have been sparring over sharing the Sutlej; Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi; Andhra and Telangana over the Godavari; Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the Periyar; and Karnataka and Goa over the Mhadei. The Central government enacted the Interstate Water Disputes Act in 1956 to help resolve them, but the Cauvery dispute predates the passage of that law by at least 75 years. In the mid-19th century, the British exercised control over Mysore and Madras states. During this period, there were several proposals for harnessing the waters of the Cauvery. However, these plans were shelved due to a severe drought and ensuing famine in the mid-1870s. In 1881, Mysore decided to resurrect the demand for these irrigation projects. By this time, Mysore was ruled by its native kings, while Tamil Nadu remained under the administration of the Madras Presidency. Mysores plans to revive the irrigation projects met with resistance from the Madras Presidency. There was always a fear among the British that any reservoir construction would affect the interest of the Madras presidency. In fact, it was not just the British. Even the Chola soldiers used to destroy any bunds built by farmers to store water. In 1701, the Kannambadi dam was constructed first by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar. It was about 30 feet in height. But it was damaged by the Tamilians, said irrigation expert N Narasimhappa. The demand for reservoirs is old in the Mysore Kingdom. There is a Persian inscription which dates back to 1794, where Tipu Sultan laid the foundation of the Mohyi Dam across Cauvery, he added. The 1892 agreement A series of meetings were convened in 1890 under the British, leading to the Agreement of 1892 between the Madras presidency and the rulers of Mysore, which remains the basis of water-sharing negotiations between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The agreement allowed Mysore to build some new irrigation projects on five tributaries of the Cauvery but ensured Madrass water interests would be safeguarded as per the estimate for drinking water and agriculture needs. The most important aspect of the agreement was the need for prior consent of the Madras Presidency for new irrigation projects over the Cauvery or its tributaries. Clause three of the agreement read: When the Mysore Government desires to construct any New irrigation Reservoir or any new anicut requiring the previous consent of the Madras Government under the last preceding Rule, the full information regarding the proposed work shall be forwarded to the Madras Government and the consent of that Government shall be obtained previous to the actual commencement of work. The first fight In 1910, tensions flared up when Mysore, under the leadership of King Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar and Chief Engineer Captain Nicholas Dawes, announced a proposal to build a dam in the village to store a substantial 41.5 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water. The plan faced stiff opposition from Madras, which had its own ambitious scheme to construct a storage dam in Mettur with a much larger capacity of 80 TMC. The proposal would have not allowed enough water for the Mettur dam. After referring the matter to the British Government of India, Mysore was granted permission for construction, albeit with a reduced storage capacity of 11 TMC. However, during the actual construction process, the foundation was laid to accommodate the originally desired full storage capacity, intensifying the dispute with Madras. As a result, the British Government of India opted to resolve this contentious issue through arbitration. This marked the first arbitration process in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. After a series of meetings and discussions from 1910 to 1924, both Mysore and Madras reached a consensus marked by the signing of the 1924 Agreement. This agreement had a remarkably long-term horizon; it was to remain in effect for 50 years. These agreements enabled both Mysore and Madras to successfully complete their respective projects. Mysore constructed the Krishna Raja Sagar dam at Kannambadi, boasting a capacity of 45 TMC, while Madras undertook the construction of the Mettur Dam, designed to hold a substantial 93.5 TMC. In fact, prior to this agreement, M Visvesvaraya, who was responsible for the construction of the reservoir convinced the Madras presidency saying that the reservoir was important to provide electricity to John Taylor company for mining gold in Kolar, and over the period of time got permission for irrigation, Narasimhappa added. The 1924 Agreement established specific limits, with Mysore being allocated up to 110,000 acres of irrigated land, and the Madras government agreeing to restrict new areas of irrigation from the Mettur project to 301,000 acres, resulting in two different crop seasons, with Madras getting additional irrigated land during its crop season. The agreement mentioned that the limitations outlined in the agreement on irrigated areas could be reconsidered after the passage of 50 years. The reconsideration was to be in the light of experience gained and of an examination of the possibilities of the further extension of irrigation within the territories of the respective governments and to such modification and additions as may be mutually agreed upon, read the agreement. The 1892 and 1924 Agreements played a pivotal role in bringing the stretch of the Cauvery River between the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Mettur Dam to the forefront of the Cauvery water dispute. The 1924 agreement provided that Tamil Nadu would receive 75% of the water, Karnataka, 23%, and Kerala, the rest. State reorganisation and beyond The dispute continued to be a contentious issue. After India gained Independence, Parliament passed a law in 1956 to deal with interstate water issues. Receiving 75% of Cauvery water, Tamil Nadu had expanded its irrigated areas; Karnataka faced restrictions due to the 1924 agreement. But despite the friction, both states adhered to it. By the late 1960s, both the states and the Union government began to realise the gravity of the situation as the 50-year run of the 1924 agreement was soon coming to an end. The then Water Resources Ministry started negotiations with the two states in the 1960s. Two years before the expiry of the 1924 agreement, there was a water shortage due to insufficient rainfall. Tamil Nadu requested water from the KRS dam to safeguard crops in the Tanjore region. The Central Government under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi tried to intervene by proposing a new draft agreement in 1974. However, the imposition of Emergency and the subsequent Presidents Rule in Tamil Nadu derailed the mediation process. READ MORE: OTHER RIVER DISPUTES IN THE COUNTRY The courts In 1983, a farmers association from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, moved the Supreme Court (the state followed with its own one in 1987) demanding the establishment of a tribunal to adjudicate the issue. The court initially directed the parties to negotiate. However, upon their failure in April 1990, the Supreme Court finally directed the Central Government to constitute the tribunal. In 1991, then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao presided over the Cauvery River Water Tribunal, which conducted an aerial survey of drought-affected areas. Based on this, it issued an interim decision on June 25, 1991. This decision directed Karnataka to ensure an annual release of 205 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu and halted its plans to expand irrigated land. The tribunals decision faced resistance from Karnataka, leading to riots in both states. Karnataka sought to annul the tribunals award, but the Supreme Court upheld it, leading to further discontent. Disputes continued to arise, and in 1993, Tamil Nadu farmers, led by Chief Minister J Jayalalitha, protested demanding more water. In 1995, the tribunal allocated 230 TMCFT of water to Tamil Nadu, while imposing restrictions on Karnatakas irrigation projects. Karnataka expressed concerns about unequal treatment. But these were interim awards. Over 17 years, the tribunal held 502 sittings and pondered over large volumes of evidence running up to fifty thousand pages. It delivered its final award on February 5, 2007, upholding the validity of the agreement of 1924 but in a modified form as per equitable consideration to address the historic grievances of Karnataka. Tamil Nadu was allocated 419 TMC, and Karnataka received 270 TMC. The tribunal specified monthly deliveries at the interstate border, Biligundlu. However, the tribunals allocation lacked clarity during distress years, which continued to fuel disputes over water-sharing arrangements. In 2013, the central government notified the final award. Tamil Nadus Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, sought the formation of the Cauvery Management Board, but this request remained unfulfilled. Disputes persisted, especially in years with inadequate rainfall. The 2018 verdict Following the appeals filed in 2012-13 and 2015-16, the Supreme Court issued a series of interim orders regarding water delivery, which sparked widespread protests in Karnataka. Eventually, the Supreme Courts division bench decided to address the appeals and resolve the matter. The court spent an unprecedented 28 days meticulously reviewing a staggering 25,000 pages of documents. On February 16, 2018, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous judgement that partially granted Karnatakas appeal. This decision led to a reduction in Karnatakas annual water releases from 192 TMC to 177.25 TMC. The court also disagreed with the tribunals position that limited Bangalore citys entitlement to one-third of its water requirement based on the fact that only a third of its territory fell within the Cauvery basin region. It allowed an additional allocation of 14.75 TMC for Bengaluru with 4.75 TMC designated for meeting Bangalores drinking water needs and the remaining 10 TMC for irrigation in drought-prone areas. It said in its order that being in a state of flow, no state can claim exclusive ownership of such waters or assert a prescriptive right to deprive other states of their equitable share. On the courts direction, the Centre on June 1, 2018, established the Cauvery Water Management Authority to implement the judgement. The latest turn On August 14, the Tamil Nadu government approached the Supreme Court, seeking its intervention in compelling Karnataka to immediately release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from its reservoirs. Tamil Nadu urged the Court to direct Karnataka to adhere to the release of 36.76 TMC of water, as stipulated for September 2023 in accordance with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)s final award of 2007. Karnataka argued that lower rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, including regions in Kerala, resulted in insufficient inflow into its reservoirs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained that historically, whenever there was surplus water in the reservoirs, Karnataka had willingly released it to Tamil Nadu. However, this year, due to unfavourable conditions, Karnataka finds itself unable to do so. He added that the Kodagu district (the source of the Cauvery River), experiencing a rainfall deficit, received 44% less rainfall between June 1 and August 15 than what was anticipated. After the matter reached the court, The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere with orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. On September 18, The Cauvery Water Management Authority asked Karnataka to continue releasing 5,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, upholding The Cauvery Water Regulation Committees (CWRC) September 12 order demanding the same. Lakshmana Gowda wants the historic injustice to Karnataka to be undone to save their crops. Tamil Nadu wants water for their third crop cycle, while we are struggling to keep the first crop alive, she said. We want justice," she added. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the opposition should refrain from gaining political mileage through the Cauvery water dispute. He also reiterated that the government is not against any protests though there is a Supreme Court verdict against them. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah(PTI) Also Read - Bengaluru Bandh LIVE Updates Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said, We have no objections to any kind of protests or bandh. But there are few people and parties who are making the Cauvery issue political. We all must work for the people of Karnataka and not for self-political gains. There is a Supreme Court verdict against bandh, but we do not want to curtail it. Meanwhile, Bengaluru police said there is no permission for any bandh, protest, or demonstration and announced Section 144 in the city prohibiting the assembly of more than five people. The 12-hour (6am to 6pm) Bengaluru bandh on September 26 has been called by the farmers' organisation and the opposition parties have extended support. The next bandh in Karnataka is on September 29 and it will be a statewide bandh on the same issue. Siddaramaiah on Monday welcomed JDS supremo and former PM Devegowdas open letter to PM Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention into the Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Janata Dal (S) supremo released a copy of the September 23 letter that he wrote to the Prime Minister on issues of "resolving the ongoing disputes and differences between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the matter of releasing Cauvery waters from Karnataka reservoirs to Tamil Nadu", at a press conference on Monday. He also suggested the Prime Minister to appoint an external agency and conduct study for permanent solution for the Cauvery issue. I suggest to appoint an external agency, independent of the party states and the union government, which has expertise in the field of Integrated Reservoir Operation Studies, for conducting the studies of all the identified/designated reservoirs in Cauvery Basin, immediately," he said in the letter. 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 is witnessing a complete shutdown today as farmer bodies, several Kannada organisations, and opposition parties called for a bandh in the city to protest against the release of Cauvery water to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. The Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti - an umbrella outfit of farmers' associations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar, announced the shutdown from 6 am to 6 pm. (FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES HERE) Majestic bus terminus in Bengaluru remains deserted due to a city-wide bandh(Arijit Sen/HT Photo) Meanwhile, a wider bandh across the state has also been called on Friday. What is the Cauvery issue? The Cauvery river water dispute between the two southern states - Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - has been going on for decades. The issue flared up recently after an order from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) asking Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. According to the Karnataka government, the lower rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, including regions in Kerala, resulted in insufficient inflow into its reservoirs, and hence, they are in no position to release the water. Karnataka deputy chief minister Shivakumar who holds the water resources portfolio said that they only have one-third of the required water. The issue intensified after the Supreme Court last week refused to interfere with the CWMA's order, saying that the top court is not inclined to entertain Tamil Nadu's plea. What is closed today? All shops, street vendors, commercial outlets, and theatres will be closed today. The services of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), and private cabs including Ola, Uber are likely to be affected. Along with this, all educational institutions will also be closed today. What services will be open? All emergency service-related including ambulances, pharma vehicles, and other important goods-carrying vehicles will be working. Hospitals, medical stores, and restaurants will also run as usual. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will be running metro services across the city as usual. 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 look-out circular (LOC) was issued against former Punjab finance minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manpreet Singh Badal at all airports by the state Vigilance Bureau on Tuesday. A look-out circular (LOC) was issued against former Punjab finance minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Manpreet Singh Badal at all airports by the state Vigilance Bureau on Tuesday. (HT file photo) Badal, who left the Congress for the BJP in January, is facing a criminal and corruption case in the purchase of two plots in Model Town Phase-1, Bathinda. Also read: Punjab BJP jumps to Manpreets defence, questions FIRs timing The case was registered against him under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13 (1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, besides the Information Technology Act. The notice has been issued by the vigilance department to stop Manpreet Badal from leaving the country. Hours after the registration of a criminal case against him by the vigilance bureau, Badal withdrew his application for anticipatory bail on Tuesday. Sukhdeep Singh Bhinder, who represented him in the Bathinda court, said that the five-time legislator will now explore all legal options, including approaching the Punjab and Haryana high court soon. Badal is among six persons booked for allegedly manipulating the records of the Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) to pocket sites located in the prime location. The VB has arrested three confidants of Manpreet Badal, who participated in the bidding for the BDA plots. According to the police probe, they were part of the conspiracy to enable Badal to get the plots.The arrested accused are Rajiv Kumar of New Shakti Nagar, Amandeep Singh of Lal Singh Basti, and Vikas Arora of Tagore Nagar. On Monday, vigilance teams raided various places, including the former ministers farmhouse at Badal village in Muktsar, but he remained untraceable. The anticipatory bail plea was filed in the Bathinda court on September 22 as the VB had not registered any case and we were unaware of it. But as a first information report (FIR) was lodged on Sunday, we had to withdraw the application for pre-arrest as a procedure. Manpreet is exploring legal options available to him. The police investigation and subsequent registration of an FIR shows that it all was done with malafide intentions. We will fight back in court, said Bhinder. The case was registered on a complaint by Saroop Chand Singla, former MLA of Bathinda city. The VB said during the probe, it was found that Manpreet Singh Badal, during his tenure as finance minister between 2018 and 2021, used political pressure and influence to buy two plots measuring 1560 square yards in Model Town Phase-1 Bathinda near the TV tower, causing a loss of lakhs of rupees to the state exchequer. (With ANI inputs) 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: A 27-year-old Kasganj man, who had worked as a porter for an army unit for nine months in the pst, has been arrested by Uttar Pradeshs anti-terror squad (ATS) for allegedly passing information to Pakistani spies who honey-trapped him via Facebook last year, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday FILE: Police said the 27-year-old UP man from Kasganj was possibly targeted by Pakistan ISI spies because he posted a photograph that showed him in an army uniform (AP File) Shailesh Kumar alias Shailendra Singh Chauhan created a Facebook profile in the name of Shailesh Chauhan. His profile described him as army personnel and he had put out a photograph in which he was wearing an army soldiers uniform, Prashant Kumar, UPs special director general (law and order) said in a statement. He was also paid for his information via a mobile application. Police said Shailesh Kumar had worked as a porter with an army unit in Arunachal Pradesh for nine months and picked up some information about the armys movement and installations. At some point, Shailesh Kumar was approached by a woman who identified herself as Harleen Kaur. Police said it was a pseudonym used by an agent of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence who tempted him to have intimate conversations. Later, a second agent, who identified herself as Preeti, also made contact with him over WhatsApp. A police officer said the initial conversations were mostly sex chats. Once the two sides established a relationship, the women started pumping Shailesh Kumar for information. He shared information from time to time about the movement of armys vehicles and installations to Preeti as well as Harleen, the official said. He was paid by the ISI handlers through the Phone Pe application on his phone. The official said it was not uncommon for intelligence agencies to develop bits of information into something that could be used to its advantage. ATS said Shailesh Kumar has been booked under sections 121 (A) [for conspiring to wage war against the country] and 171 [impersonating a public servant] of the Indian Penal Code and section 13 [abetting, inciting or taking part in unlawful activity] of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act . 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 Raina Assainar HT Image Navi Mumbai A 63-year-old man has been arrested for molesting a 13-year-old school going girl at his shop in Turbhe. The incident happened on the afternoon of September 21 following which the child spoke about the incident to her mother. The next day, the mother approached APMC police and registered a complaint against the man, leading to his arrest. The accused who runs a stationary shop at Turbhe has been identified as Ramesh Gala, a resident of Turbhe village. On September 21, the victim had visited the shop to buy some school supplies. During the afternoon hours, there was no one in the shop except for the shopkeeper and the girl, and he took advantage of the situation and touched her inappropriately. The distraught girl left the shop and hurried back home. When she reached back home in a distraught state of mind with no school supplies, the mother asked the child what was wrong following which she narrated the abuse. The mother discussed the matter with her family and close circle of friends and learnt that he had done similar things with another minor girl as well in April which went unreported. There are no previous complaints against the accused registered with us, but we believe that he might have committed similar crime with more girls as well and we are investigating the same, senior police inspector Tanvir Shaikh from APMC police station said. The accused has been arrested under section of sexual abuse of the IPC and relevant sections under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The accused is currently under magisterial custody. It is important that every victim steps ahead and reports the matter to us so that we can take timely action. If any previous victims had reported the matter to the police, he would have not had the chance to further molest any other girl, the officer 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! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shahnawaz Hussain, national spokesperson of the BJP and former union minister, underwent an angioplasty in Lilavati hospital on Tuesday. BJP national spokesperson and former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain. He is admitted under senior consultant Dr Jalil Parkar and was operated upon by cardiologist Dr Suresh Vijan. He was in Mumbai for Ganesh darshan and other party work. When he complained of high blood pressure and acidity, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar sent him to Lilavati . Initially, the BJP leader said he had a late dinner. . The hospital doctors did a 2D echo and was normal, but his ECG showed changes. When an angiography was done, the doctors found one block and a stent was inserted. Hussain is in the ICU and will be shifted to the room on Wednesday. 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 Bhiwandi A ganesh pandal in Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi has been witnessing footfalls from thousands of devotees to catch a glimpse of a replica of the Maha Mrityunjay Temple from Assam ,in Thane, in Mumbai, India, on, Sunday, September, 24, 2023. (Praful Gangurde / HT Photo) Thousands of ganesh devotees are visiting Dhamankar Naka ganesh mandal in Bhiwandi to catch a glimpse of a replica of the Maha Mrityunjay Temple from Assam, built in a form a a huge Shivling. Dhamankar Naka mandal is popular for recreating eye-catching and larger than life replicas of famous national monuments and architectural wonders during the 10-day ganesh festival, and the imposing 110-feet high shivling modelled on the temple located 12 kms from Nagaon in Assam is attracting large number o fdevotees. The construction of the replica engaged 100 artisans from Calcutta who gave shape to the temple over the last 60 days. Over 20,000 bamboos, 7,000 meters of cloth, and 10 tonnes of sticks were used to construct the shivling. Dilip Omprakash Poddar, an office-bearer of Swamibhan Seva Santha and Dhamnakar Naka Mitra Mandal, said, We have a daily footfall of over 20,000 devotees coming across the Bhiwandi city and adjoining suburbs like Kalyan and Ulhasnagar, and Thane. Out of the team that built the replica, nearly 25 odd people have stayed back for the duration of the festival to carry out any maintenance of the replica. Poddar said, We formed a team comprising four to five people who visited Assams Nagaon city and surveyed the temple and its history in detail. They came back and executed it to perfection. Santosh Shetty, President of Dhamakar Naka Mitra Mandal and Swabhiman Seva Santha said, We try to make famous and prominent temple replicas every year as a large number of devotees come here to catch a glimpse of Ganeshji and experience the feel of what we make. he added, We had made a replica of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya last year. Earlier we have made replicas of Akshardham temple, Somnath temple, Surya temple, Jagannath temple, Kalimata temple. Our volunteers take up the challenge of creating a novel temple replica with enthusiasm and devotees also await to catch something new from the Mandal. The mandal completes 35 years of its establishment this year. For the last 11 years, it has also been organising a popular drawing competition for school children which sees participation across Bhiwandi. This year, the drawing competition them was former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam and saw participation from over 4,500 students from 41 schools across Bhiwandi. It also organised an exhibition of weapons used by Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs army in its battle against the Mughals. 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! PANVEL Navi Mumbai, India - Sept. 26, 2023: Panvel nodes to get concrete roads, 421 cr approved for developmental work ( little world to uttsav chowk ) at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO) Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has planned sprucing up of roads in the nodes of the civic body that have been handed over to it by CIDCO by taking up concretisation of the roads for the first time. It has approved an expenditure of 421 crore for various development works which primarily include 305 crore worth of works of concretisation of roads at several locations and also 116 crore for development at Kaamboli lake. The civic body will for the first time start concretising the roads constructed by CIDCO in Kharghar, Kalamboli and New Panvel that have been handed over to it, apart from roads in Panvel. PMC has also planned works at Kalamboli lake which include removing silt from it, constructing a pump house there and its beautification. PMC is presently under administrative control of which municipal commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh is the head as its administrator. He leads the general body meeting in which decisions have recently been taken for the works in the city. CIDCO developed nodes of Kharghar, Kalamboli, Kamothe, New Panvel, Khandeshwar, Taloja and Navde are presently under PMC jurisdiction. Some of these nodes were developed almost 30 years back by CIDCO. CIDCO had for years not constructed concrete roads in the nodes. PMC has taken a decision to concretise the road in view of the rising population, number of vehicles which could result in potholes issues in a few years. The approvals will now undergo technical evaluation followed by a tender process. Municipal commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh has assured early implementation of the plans. PMC plans to completely concretise the roads in the nodes in the next two financial years. Said municipal commissioner Ganesh Deshmukh, Our objective is to ensure there is balanced development in the rural and nodal areas under the Corporations jurisdiction. All works are being undertaken to achieve this goal. He added, We are laying stress on the concretization of roads. Once they are ready, there will not be any need for regular repairs or pothole issues. The city will have permanent roads. BOX The works Kharghar 140 cr will be spent on the concretisation of the entire stretch of road from Little World Mall sector 2 to Utsav Chowk and asphalting of internal roads. Renovation of footpaths, repairs of footpaths and roads, rain water drain and road construction from Belpada underpass to NIFT college, concretization of road between proposed Belpada metro station via Ganesh Mandir to Utsav Chowk. Kalamboli Concretisation of the entire stretch of road from Shiv Sena Shakha in sector 1 along Sion-Panvel highway to Avida Hotel in Roadpali. Karavli Chowk to Fire Station costing 80.88 cr. Asphalting of road from KLE college (Kamothe bus stand) to Roadpali pond at a cost of 19.96 cr. Removing silt from the lake in Kalamboli near LIG colony, constructing and commissioning a pump house here for which 116.60 cr will be spent. PMC will thereafter take up beautification work at the lake. New Panvel Concretisation of HDFC roundabout and Adai roundabout at a cost of 6.50 cr Panvel Concretisation of link road from the new Swarajya PMC headquarter to JNPT road at a cost of 46.43 cr. Concretisation of road from Swami Narayan Road (Thana Naka) to Mitranand Society at a cost of 9.46 cr. 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 NAVI MUMBAI Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis during 90th birth anniversary celebrations of late Mathadi leader Annasaheb Patil held at APMC Onion-Potato Market, Vashi in Navi Mumbai, India, on Monday, September 25, 2023. (Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured mathadis (headloaders) that the Mathadi Act is here to stay and the government will not tinker with it. He however sought their support to help plug the loopholes in the Act to ensure those misusing it are nabbed and punished. HE also assured them that the government is sensitive to the demand for Maratha reservation, a community to which they belong. Fadnavis was in Vashi on Monday to attend the 90th anniversary of revered mathadi leader Late Annasaheb Patil. Present for the annual meeting were MLAs Ganesh Naik, Shivendrasingh Raje Bhosale, Manda Mhatre, Pravin Darekar, Prasad Lad, Niranjan Davkhare along with Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Mahamandal (APAMVM) president Narendra Patil, former MLA Shashikant Shinde, BJP Navi Mumbai chief Sandeep Naik, former MP Sanjeeb Naik among others. Narendra Patil and Shashikant Shinde raised various pending issues of the mathadis with Fadnavis. Shinde expressed fear that the Mathadi Act that was introduced in the 1970s to protect the mathadis, will be abolished.Patil came down heavily on labour minister Suresh Khade stating, We will not hesitate from taking a morcha to the labour minister. He has not responded to the mathadi demands, forgetting his origins. He added, Anti-social elements are forming mathadi unions for extortion. Mathadi leaders have become contractors out to make money by fraud. Fake mathadis are hurting us badly. However, little action is being taken. Stated Patil, The APMC market here is in a dilapidated state and housing is a major issue for the mathadis. We want it near the market where CIDCO is developing houses. Addressing the concerns raised by the mathadi leaders, Fadnavis said, I assure you that there will not be any tinkering with the Mathadi Act. We will not allow it to be scrapped. Stated Fadnavis, You tell us the amendments that need to be made to stop the exploitation, blackmailing and extortion by fake mathadis using the loopholes in the Act. They get away because of these loopholes every time we take action against them. We dont want to enforce anything, you study the Act and suggest to us how the menace can be eradicated for good even if it means taking on the leaders you are attached to. According to Fadnavis, Industries coming to the State are scared of extortion by the fake mathadis and hence have moved to other states. If these elements are put away in jail, we will be able to help the real mathadis even more. Fadnavis ordered the Navi Mumbai police department to inquire into an agreement which Narendra Patil claimed brazenly mentioned payment of extortion money to a mathadi union, take swift action and report to him. Addressing the demand for housing close to the APMC market, Fadnavis said, I will speak to the chief minister and also CIDCO to ensure the mathadis get houses at the development taking place at the truck terminal close to the market. PM Modi too has said that people should get their houses close to their place of residence. Informing that the government is seized of the issue of dilapidated APMC market, Fadnavis said, The plan for the re-development of the market is ready. We will show it to the stakeholders and following discussions take further steps. Speaking on empowering mathadi youth, Fadnavis, I revived APAMVM that had been defunct for years and entrusted Narendra Patil, whose father it is named after, to ensure 1 lakh entrepreneurs are created. He toured the entire State and I am glad that so far 70,000 entrepreneurs have been created with 5,000 cr loans being extended to them, with the government bearing the interest cost of 507 cr to ensure the youth do not have to bear the burden. Box Government sensitive to Maratha reservation, making legally strong case Declaring that the government is sensitive to the Maratha reservation demand, Fadnavis claimed that he does not take decisions sans ensuring its legal standing. Said Fadnavis, Any decision taken should be within the legal framework else the court rejects it and people feel duped. I study everything in detail, legally and then make decisions unlike some people who do it only for effect and applause, something which does not benefit the society. Informed the deputy CM, We have formed a committee of retired judges and are also working with the Supreme Court on it. We are committed towards Maratha reservation. Box Mathadi Act, Amendments and opposition to it The Maharashtra Mathadi, Hamal and other Manual Workers (Regulation of Employment and Welfare) Act, 1969 seeks to regulate the employment of unprotected manual workers to ensure better terms and conditions for them. There are 34 boards formed in the State under the Act for regulating employment and welfare of the mathadis who are employed primarily in the wholesale agriculture produce markets and also in some other industrial units. The Act came into being following the efforts of much revered mathadi leader Late MLC Annasaheb Patil. He is credited with uniting the unorganised workers under the umbrella of Maharashtra Rajya Mathadi Transport and General Kamgar Union (MRMTGKU). It is currently led by his son, Narendra Patil, who is its general secretary. The state government introduced a bill in the house in August this year which sought amendments in the Act. The amendments were planned following complaints of extortion by some mathadi unions. They sought to change the definition of mathadis and also to keep some businesses out of the purview of Mathadi Act. The bill was vehemently opposed by the Mathadi leaders who claimed the Act provisions were being diluted and would put a question mark over the very existence of the mathadis and their livelihood. Fadnavis then announced the formation of a special committee that included Mathadi leaders to look into the changes. Box Political significance of Mathadis The Mathadis, who belong to the Maratha community and hail from Satara have traditionally been staunch Sharad Pawar supporters and hence an NCP vote bank. Over the past few years, however, there seems to have been a shift in loyalties with Annasaheb Patils son Narendra Patil becoming a staunch Devendra Fadnavis loyalist. Fadnavis rewarded him with the post of chairman of Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Mahamandal (APAMVM), to help provide loans to youths in the State to start their business. The difference has been visible at the annual mathadi meet on Annasaheb Patils anniversary. While earlier Sharad Pawar would lead NCP leaders in attending the meet, it has been Fadnavis for the past few years. Mathadi leader Shashikant Shinde, a Pawar loyalist, seems to have taken a backseat and in fact praised Fadnavis for his support to the Mathadi cause at the meeting on Monday. The mathadis have been actively participating in the demand for Maratha reservation. 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 Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) will jointly contest the upcoming assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, party leaders said in a joint press conference on Monday. Bahujan Samaj Party. (Representative photo.) The BSP will contest in 53 seats and GGP in 37 seats in the 90-member Chhattisgarh state assembly, leaders of the two parties said at a joint press conference. (A) Majority (of) women will be given tickets from the alliance, the leaders added. Members of all tribal communities are welcome to join the alliance and issues connected with Jal Jangal Zameen (water, forest, land) will be its focus, party leaders said, adding that a tribal will be made the states chief minister if the alliance comes to power. In the 2018 assembly elections, BSP had formed an alliance with Ajit Jogi-led Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) and Communist Party of India (CPI), which bagged seven seats with a total vote share of 7.6 %. The BSP contested in 35 seats and won two of them - Jaijaipur and Pamgarh constituencies -- while the JCC bagged five seats. The GGP had unsuccessfully contested 38 seats in 2018 with their candidates losing their election deposits in 36 seats. Ramji Gautam, BSPs Chhattisgarh in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP, said the alliance will fight for the rights of Dalits, tribals and poor people from all sections of the society. We will win this election as Gondwana Gantantra Party represents the tribals and BSP has a huge vote bank of scheduled caste ( SC) in Chhattisgarh. The OBC community is also with us and the combination of all will work, Gautam said. The BSP-GGP alliance appears to be a new thing for Chhattisgarh politics. In 2018, it was the CCJ and BSP and not GGP-BSP which had an alliance. Ideologically, this alliance is a perfect match as GGP talks about tribals while BSP claims to be a champion of the downtrodden, especially Dalits. If someone combines the SC-ST votes of Chhattisgarh, one has the winning equation. However, things are not that optimistic on ground, said a senior Congress leader who asked not to be named. The leader claimed that the SC voters of Chhattisgarh are concentrated in the states central belt around the Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur administrative zones and the states SC reserved seat lies in that belt and two BSP MLAs are from the region. The ST vote on the other hand is mostly concentrated in the north and south of the state, while also maintaining presence in the central belt. So, while BSPs presence is limited to two-three districts and just one community, GGP is almost absent from that zone and has influence somewhere else. Hence, transfer of votes between them, even if perfect, might not create a winning equation, said the leader. The GGP is not an all-ST party but primarily a Gond community-based organisation. Though Gond are the most populous in the ST community, they dont control the tribal politics of the state, which has numerous ST communities like Kanwar, Oraon, Khairwar etc, said the leader. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW A former student surreptitiously infiltrated the premises of his alma mater, disguised in the very school uniform he once wore, and subjected an underage female student to a harrowing encounter. This shocking episode marks the second time he has relentlessly pursued his unsettling advances towards his unsuspecting victim. Representative pic (HT File) Earlier, on September 23, the accused allegedly hurled abuses upon the young girl as she exited the school premises after classes. The girl initially chose to overlook this distressing ordeal. However, upon returning to her abode, she confided in her parents, burdened by the weight of her troubling encounter. Regrettably, the family, perturbed by the spectre of societal scorn, decided against lodging a formal complaint with the perpetrators family. Emboldened by the lack of consequences for his earlier transgressions, the accused hatched a plan to make contact with the girl. He donned the familiar attire of the school and carryed a backpack as a ruse. Undeterred, he boldly entered the hallowed halls of the institution astride a scooter. His objective was to seek out the girl during her classroom session. Within the schools walls, the girl, along with her fellow classmates, soon identified the imposter, prompting an immediate intervention by the vigilant class teacher, who promptly alerted the schools principal. Swift action ensued, with the school administration instructing the diligent peon to secure the schools gates and commence a thorough search for the intruder. In desperation he made a hasty retreat, scaling the boundary wall of the institution. In his haste, he abandoned both his scooter and the backpack within the confines of the school premises. These crucial pieces of evidence were promptly handed over to the authorities by the vigilant school administration, launching a formal investigation into this shocking incident. 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! To educate the students about the significance of entrepreneurship, under the ICAR-NAHEP programme, 39 students of Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) on a field trip on Tuesday. During the session, students were introduced to innovative agribusiness practices and products, such as on-farm on-road markets, which reduce middlemen exploitation of farmers. (HT File) Ramandeep Singh, director and professor at the School of Business Studies, PAU, welcomed the students and faculty and emphasised the significance of entrepreneurship. He noted that becoming an entrepreneur was essential to address the issue of unemployment and encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Singh highlighted the importance of knowledge, self-motivation, and understanding the basics of the agribusiness system. During the session, Singh introduced students to innovative agribusiness practices and products, such as on-farm on-road markets, which reduce middlemen exploitation of farmers. He also stressed the role of social media and networking in connecting agripreneurs with like-minded individuals. Dr Singh emphasised that there were no shortcuts to success and that hard work was irreplaceable. Shaktiranjan Panigrahy, assistant professor and head of operations management at the international agribusiness management institute, Anand Agricultural University, addressed students queries about entrepreneurship in agribusiness. Gagandeep Banga, professor at the School of Business Studies, PAU, discussed Entrepreneurship and qualities of successful entrepreneurs with the students. She emphasised that entrepreneurship was a mindset that extended beyond products or technology to marketing, processes, and geographical areas. The two-day, district-level event, Kala Utsav, under the Samagra Sikhya Abhiyan, commenced at the PAU campus on Tuesday. The event inaugurated by district education officer (DEO) Dimple Madan featured students from government, private, and aided schools. This event comprises of events based on visual arts 2D painting 3D painting, clay modelling, folk songs, solo vocal classical, solo instrumental, classical dance, folk dance, folk music and drama solo acting. While addressing the students DEO Madan said Art culture-based Kala Utsavs play a pivotal role in polishing the career of the students and inculcate cultural values and the importance, concept of national integration among the 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! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 45-year-old railway man jumped off the roof of his two-storey house in Babupurwa after he was attacked by the monkeys, injuring himself grievously, late on Monday night. For representation only (HT File Photo) He was rushed to hospital with the help of neighbours. However, he died during treatment. Totaram Raywar, a senior technician with the railways was posted in the Old Washing Line. His daughter, Kalpana, 20, said her father had dinner and retired to bed. Around midnight, he went to the toilet on the rooftop and was attacked by a group of monkeys. In a bid to save himself from the attack he jumped from a height of 30 feet. His wife, Pushplata said that she rushed outside following the sound of a thud. My husband was senseless, and the monkeys were screaming aggressively, she said. Kalpana who has been selected in the Merchant Navy, said there is a menace of more than 1,500 monkeys in their colony. Many people have suffered injuries after falling from heights due to their menace. Anup Singh, SHO, Babupurwa, said that the police were writing to the Kanpur Nagar Nigam on this issue. The local residents we spoke to have said the monkeys move in a pack, and when found alone, they tend to become aggressive. 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 Several top ministers of the Bihgar government were found absent from their offices when Chief Minister Nitish Kumar paid a surprise visit to their offices on Tuesday. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrives to inspect Vikash Bhawan(PTI) The chief minister, who expressed his unhappiness at the state of attendance, also gave orders asking all ministers and government officials to reach their respective offices by 9.30 am. Kumar paid surprise visits to Vikas Bhavan (New Secretariat) and Visvesvaraya Bhawan (technical secretariat), located on Bailey Road in the state capital. During his visit to Vikas Bhavan, Kumar found that some of the ministers were not present inside their chambers. The ministers who were not present in their chambers included: Chandra Shekhar (Education), Alok Kumar Mehta (Sugarcane Industries minister), Samir Kumar Mahaseth (Industries), Sheela Kumari (Transport) and Kumar Sarvjeet (Agriculture). According to officials, the CM expressed unhappiness over their absence. The CM reached Vikas Bhawan at 9.30 am. The CM inspected chambers of ministers and senior officers and offices of Education, Health, Industry, Agriculture, Sugarcane Industries, Road Construction, Prohibition, Excise & Registration departments and inquired about the attendance of ministers, officers and employees. When the CM visited the state Education minister's chamber and found him absent, the former immediately spoke to the latter over the phone and asked the reason for not reaching the office at 9.30 am, officials said. Later, the CM visited Visvesvaraya Bhawan, the building houses more than six departmental offices, including the state planning board, rural works department, road construction department, minor water resources department, etc. "I want all officers to reach their respective offices by 9.30 am. Those who are found absent during my inspection, are immediately asked the reason for the absence", Kumar told reporters after inspecting the offices of several departments at Visvesvaraya Bhawan. The CM said from the year 2008 to 2012-13, he used to visit his office at the main secretariat at 9.30 am, on a regular basis. "Now, I have decided to visit government offices on a regular basis", he said. Earlier, the CM on September 20 had inspected the main secretariat that houses the offices of key departments like Cabinet Secretariat, Home, General Administration, Finance, Planning and Development as well as the offices of chief secretary and development commissioner and additional chief secretaries. He had said, "I will visit my office at the main secretariat three days a week and office at the CM secretariat two days a week and inspect the presence of officials". Though the CM had expressed his unhappiness over the absence of the officers and employees during his visit to the main secretariat, he did not take any punitive action against the absent staff. 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! Deccan Education Society (DES), headquartered in Pune, launched the Deccan Education Society Pune University (DESPU). The University has set up a cumulative of 5 schools and 21 programmes under them, according to a press release issued by the University. Deccan Education Society (DES), headquartered in Pune, launched the Deccan Education Society Pune University The University will offer courses in Commerce and Management, Science and Mathematics, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Design and Arts. Founded in 1884, the Deccan Education Society is spread across India through 18 colleges and 21 schools, with an enrollment of more than 50,000 students and over 2,000 staff members. DESPU is the biggest and first university under the aegis of the Deccan Education Society, according to the media release. According to the University, DESPU will aligned with the framework of the National Education Policy 2020. In addition to offering foundation courses at the bachelor's level and specialisation courses at the major and minor levels, the university will also engage its resources in Experiential Learning Courses. With the intention of creating an inclusive environment in the educational ecosystem, DESPU is all set to bring about the much-needed transformation that the education industry necessitates," the university notified. The need of the hour for India right now is to provide a world-class education that will equip students to become future leaders and contribute significantly to regional, national, and global developments. While the aim is to provide globally competitive education, the value system will also ensure quality learning above all. We persist in pursuing this identical trajectory, progressing to the subsequent rational phase as a hub for generating knowledge and resources built on years of expertise and knowledge, said Prof. Prasad D Khandekar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of DESPU in the press release. The university will have a specialised division for corporate relations, which aims to offer 100% placement assistance through career counselling and skill-development workshops. By 2028, the university aims to be a leading private university in Pune and by 2030, DES Pune University hopes to be among the top 100 universities in India, according to the media release. 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 The University of Bath has opened its applications for BSc Sport course for the academic year 2024-25. The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences of the University of Bath offers popular postgraduate campus-based courses such as MSc Economics, MSc Sport Management, MSc Applied Clinical Psychology, MSc International Relations, and MA International Education and Globalisation. Some distance learning courses are also offered, according to a press release by the University. University of Bath invites applications for Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Postgraduate Courses. Deadline: The overseas application deadline is 30 June 2024. In some cases, late applications can be considered, however, students may need to take into account the time to apply for and receive a UK Student Visa. Students are also required to submit a personal statement, stated the media release. Eligibility Criteria: According to the release, to be eligible to apply for postgraduate study at the University of Bath students are required check the entry requirements of their chosen course. Entry requirements for students from India typically include having an undergraduate degree with a final overall result of at least First Class. However, due to the number of different grading scales in use, when submitting their application candidates should upload a copy of the grading scale used by their institution, along with their transcript. Some courses require students to have studied a specific subject area for their undergraduate degree, others allow any subject. Applicants are also required to meet the University of Baths English language requirements. The University accepts qualifications such as types of IELTS, Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), and TOEFL IBT. The exact requirements depend on the course, the press release mentioned. Fee Structure: Fees for Indian students on full-time campus-based Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences postgraduate courses starting in 2024 range from 22,400 to 28,300 per year. As tuition fees increase annually, it is recommended to budget for an increase of up to 5% for every year of the course, stated the press release. The release also mentioned that some Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences postgraduate courses have an application fee of 50-60 and that applicants must also pay a deposit of 1000 within 4 weeks of applying unless they meet the condition to waive the deposit. The remaining fees should be paid according to the payment terms once they have completed online registration. 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 Bengaluru Schools Closed Today: All schools and colleges in Bengaluru will be closed today, September 26, in view of a bandh called by farmers' organisations of Karnataka to protest against the release of water from the Cauvery river to Tamil Nadu. All schools, colleges in Bengaluru closed today (Representative Photo) Bengaluru Urban District Collector KA Dayanand has announced a public holiday for all schools and colleges and Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has said that Section 144 will be imposed in the city during which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted, news agency ANI has reported. The bandh has been called by Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti, an umbrella outfit of farmers associations and other organisations. Opposition parties have also extended their support. Another statewide Karnataka bandh is scheduled for September 29 which has been called by Kannada Okkuta. Both strikes have been called for the same issue but Kannada Okkuta is not supporting today's. There is no information yet whether it will be a school holiday on September 29 or not. (With inputs from ANI) 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 Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) will release exam centre details for the 69th Combined Competitive and other examinations (BPSC 69th Integrated CCE) today, September 26. Candidates can check it by logging in to their dashboards on bpsc.bih.nic.in. Exam centre details for BPSC 69th CCE 2023 today on bpsc.bih.nic.in (File Photo) Admit cards of the exam have already been released in which exam centre code and district names have been mentioned. Now, candidates will get complete details of exam centres allotted to them. The commission said candidates who have received admit cards with wrong photo printed on it will get a final opportunity to re-upload photos between September 26 and 29 through their dashboards. They have been asked to bring one additional copy of the admit card to the exam venue and submit it during the exam after signing it in the presence of an invigilator. The recruitment examination will be held on September 30 in a single shift. The paper will be held from 12 pm to 2 pm. Through a recent notification, the commission informed that the paper will have objective-type questions and rd of the total marks allotted to a question will be deducted for incorrect answer. BPSC 69th CCE and other exams is being held for a total of 475 vacancies. In the original notification, the commission announced 379 vacancies, which, in July, was increased to 379. After that, the commission recieved another 33 vacancies and now, the total number stands at 475. 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 Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has issued an important notice to aspirants of the school teacher recruitment examination regarding uploading documents. They can check it on bpsc.bih.nic.in. BPSC teacher recruitment exam 2023: Important notice on documents upload released (Santosh Kumar/HT) The commission said that those who appeared for the examination in level 1 to 5 can re-upload documents during the extended period of September 26 to 29. Such candidates whose documents were incorrect or unreadable can login to the commission's website, onlinebpsc.bihar.gov.in, on or before this deadline and upload error free, readable documents, BPSC said. The size limit of uploaded xerox copies of documents is 100 KB, the commission said and added that it must be attested by proper government officials. Further, candidates will be required to share details of the official(s) along with contact information while uploading documents, BPSC informed. Here is the official notification. The written examination for school teacher recruitment was conducted by BPSC from August 24 to August 26. The examination was held in two shifts from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3: 30 pm to 5:30 pm across the state at various exam centres. 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 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2023 results today, September 26. Candidates who have appeared for the CAPF (ACs) written examination can download the results from the official website at upsc.gov.in. UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2023 results released at upsc.gov.in, here's list of qualified candidates The Commission conducted the CAPF (ACs) Examination, 2023 on August 6, 2023. The candidates who have been declared qualified in the written examination are required to get themselves registered on the relevant page of the website before filling up the Detailed Application Form (DAF) ONLINE along with uploading of the scanned copies of relevant certificates/documents in support of their eligibility, claim of reservation etc. through the Commissions Website http://www.upsc.gov.in. Online Detailed Application Form will be made available on the Commissions website in due course reads the official notification. The Nodal Authority, ITBP, will issue E-Admit Cards to candidates who have successfully completed their Detailed Application Forms (DAF) in order to appear for the PST/PET & MST. UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2023 results: Know how to check Visit the official website at upsc.gov.in On the homepage, click on the Written Result: Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2023 A list of candidates will be displayed on the screen Check the UPSC (ACs) 2023 result Take print for future reference. 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 Exam and College Guide Top Engineering Colleges in India Click here Click here Top Medical Colleges in India Click here Click here Popular BBA colleges in India Click here Click here Explore Scholarships Click here Click here Top LLB Colleges in India Click here Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sambit Patra on Tuesday hit out at the Congress, accusing it of being hand in glove with Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, which goes to polls later this year. Congress is working hand in glove with Naxalites. They blocked Central schemes in Chhattisgarh. Congress stood against anti-conversion law... They have betrayed the people of Chhattisgarh, Patra said in a briefing. Lashing out at the Bhupesh Baghel government in the state, Patra said,""Scams worth crores have taken place under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh...Mining mafia and criminals are given free run under Congress government in the state. Where is the cess collected during the COVID?... No action has been taken in several rape cases under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh". Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Sambit Patra addresses a press briefing on Tuesday. (X/ANI) The BJP leader cornered Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over Chhattisgarh."I want to ask Rahul Gandhi where is the cess collected during the COVID?... No action has been taken in several rape cases under the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. Mining mafia and criminals are given free run under Congress government in the state", the BJP spokesperson added. 'Thagesh sarkaar' of Congress in Chhattisgarh deprived lakhs of farmers of 6,000 that were being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana", he added. PM Modi has a remote control, he secretly presses it On Monday, Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the poll-bound state hurled remote control jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while unveiling the Congress government's Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana. We press the button of the remote control in the open. But the BJP presses it secretly and Adaniji gets Mumbai airport -- public sector becomes private, he had said in Bilaspur. And when I questioned PM Modi on Adani in the Lok Sabha, I got the reply, my Lok Sabha membership got cancelled, Gandhi added. Chhattisgarh is currently ruled by Congress led by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. The state along with Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram will go to polls later this year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chennai: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) walking out of an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has left the former regaining a sense of freedom, in whose company, the latter was hoping to win a few seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to redraw its strategy in Tamil Nadu. PREMIUM Annamalai has been unsparing of Dravidian leaders including the late J Jayalalithaa, linking them to corruption, which led to AIADMK calling off its alliance with BJP. (ANI) The breakdown of ties, however, is not likely to immediately impact the state as assembly elections will be held in 2026, by when the BJP will want to contest on its own anyway. But, Tamil Nadu has not just been a major state in aiding successive parties to clinch the seat of power in New Delhi, it has also played a pivotal role in providing numbers in the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament to pass key resolutions. The development also throws open new formulations in Tamil Nadus politics. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is a part of an alliance that also consists of the Congress, Left parties and minority parties, and will face the parliamentary polls as part of the INDIA bloc. But, with AIADMKs decision to exit the BJP-led NDA, it remains to be seen in which way the remaining regional parties will swing, within the coalition. While both the parties facing the challenge of consolidating an alliance, the AIADMK, which is the main opposition in the state, will have to regain its lost ground and contest the 2024 elections with no Prime Ministerial face and will also have to woo back minorities, who were alienated since its tie-up with the BJP in 2019. The BJP had occupied a more visible space as the opposition against the ruling DMK government, while the AIADMK had remained consumed by internal squabbles over its leadership and various factions. It was only earlier this month, after fighting several battles within the party and in the courtrooms, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) secured the reins of the AIADMK and sealed the ouster of O Panneerselvam (OPS). We will go to the masses, the people. That will be our first step, said a senior AIADMK leader, requesting anonymity. AIADMKs internal assessment has consistently shown that being with the BJP is baggage on ideological issues and particularly because of alienating Tamil Nadus minorities, the leader added. After coming together in 2019, the AIADMK-BJP coalition had also lost every electionthe 2019 parliamentary polls, 2021 assembly elections and 2022 local body elections, while the ruling DMKs secular progressive alliance had swept each of these elections. While it is evident that the Dravidian parties still hold sway in Tamil Nadu with the DMK winning a majority in the 2021 polls and the AIADMK finishing second with 66 seats, the BJP with a modest performance kept its ambition of becoming a dominant force in the state by 2026, alive. Since the 2021 elections, the BJP has been exploring the option of uniting the expelled trio of OPS, TTV Dhinakaran and V K Sasikala. With their caste-based vote bank in southern Tamil Nadu, the BJP had wanted them to be brought back to strengthen the NDA, but EPS was firm to not allow that. Now, OPS and Dhinakaran have already joined hands, hoping to find a space in the NDA, leaders from the OPS camp told HT earlier. Annamalai has been unsparing of Dravidian leaders including the late J Jayalalithaa, linking them to corruption, which led to AIADMK calling off its alliance with BJP. This has unexpectedly ended but the AIADMK is perturbed by the success of our yatra, said a senior BJP leader referring to Annamalais padayatra across the state. The scenario is reminiscent of the 1960s in Tamil Nadu when Congress did not align with anyone from 1967 to 1972 when it tied up with the DMK, political commentator Ramu Manivannan said, adding that Tamil Nadus politics is based on identity and culture. Now the AIADMK cadre will have more freedom to speak in line with the identity politics of Tamil Nadu which is Dravidian and the BJP will use Annamalai to cut through the Dravidian politics. In 2019, when the AIADMK joined hands with NDA, out of 39 parliamentary seats, the party contested in 20, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in 7, BJP in 5, DMDK in 4 and Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT), Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) and Puthiya Needhi Katchi in one each. The opposition DMK swept the polls winning 38 seats leaving the AIADMK with only one seat. In the 2021 elections, the DMDK walked out of the alliance, but the remaining allies were intact, which further allowed the BJP to enter the Tamil Nadu assembly for the first time in 20 years. BJP won four of the 20 seats it contested in and one of the legislators, Nainar Nagendran had joined from the AIADMK affirming the opinion that the Dravidian major contributed to the national partys performance. Actor Waheeda Rehman will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke award for this year, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur announced on Tuesday. Waheeda started working in showbiz in the 50s and continues to be one of the most enigmatic stage performers. Here is a look at her professional journey. (Also read: Waheeda Rehman to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award) Waheeda Rehman will receive this year's Dadasaheb Phalke award. Debut in films Waheeda told Nasreen Munni Kabir in the book Conversations with Waheeda that she lost her father early and when she was 17, her mother wanted her to get married, though she did not want to. "I didnt want to get married and preferred the idea of working. But what could I do? I didnt have much of an education, so how was I supposed to find a job?" she said and recalled how her father's friend producer CV Ramakrishna Prasad offered her her first film - the Telugu film Rojulu Maray. It took a lot to convince her mom and she agreed only when she was asked to accompany her daughter on sets. Waheeda was only supposed to dance for her first role in front of the camera. Bollywood debut In her 2012 interview with Hindustan Times, Waheeda recalled her first meeting with Guru Dutt and how he gave her a break in Hindi cinema. After noticing a huge crowd for Waheeda after her performance during the jubilee celebrations tour for the success of Rojulu Maray in Hyderabad, Guru Dutt sought a meeting with her and later invited her to Bombay for a test. Though she did not audition or test for the production house, Guru Dutt then signed her on a salary basis for three films. The first one to release was CID, which featured Dev Anand alongside Waheeda and the film became an overnight sensation. Before bagging her first contract in Bollywood, Waheeda managed to delay it for few days when she insisted a clause be added. She wanted to ensure that she had the right to reject costumes if she did not like them. Initial success Waheeda maintained her upward success graph after CID, with films such as Guide, Pyaasa, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, and Teesri Kasam. Apart from the romantic and emotional dramas, she also featured in the hit thriller Neel Kamal, the horror film Kohraa, and the comedy Ram Aur Shyam. Critically acclaimed films Following the commercial success of her initial films, Waheeda continued to work in a variety of films that showcase her acting and dancing skills perfectly. She bagged her first National Film award in 1971 for Reshma Aur Shera. She has since worked in films such as Kabhi Kabhie, Chandni, Lamhe, Trishul, Namak Halaal, and the more recent Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6. She also featured in Irrfan Khan's last film to be released. Anup Singh's The Song of Scorpions which released in theatres earlier this year featured Waheeda as an old tribal woman who can cure people bitten by scorpions, just with her songs. Waheeda even sang for the film. When Waheeda was asked to change her name In the book, she also recalled that Raj Khosla had once suggested she should change her name as it is too long but she declared she wouldn't change a name given to her by her parents. Raj had told her, Change your name. Its common practice for actors to have screen names. Dilip Kumars real name is Yusuf Khan, Meena Kumari is Mahjabeen Bano, Madhubala is Mumtaz Jahan and Nargis is Fatima. Everyone has changed their names." And Waheeda simply replied, I am not everyone, according to the book Conversations with Waheeda. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Katrina Kaif has become the latest face of Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo. The actor took to Instagram to share the update and a few promotional pictures and videos. Earlier, Kareena Kapoor and her sister Karisma Kapoor did an ad for Uniqlo. (Also read: Katrina Kaif not pregnant, busy with work: Source) Katrina Kaif in a promotional picture for Uniqlo. She also posted the ad video on her WhatsApp channel and wrote, So Excited to be joining UNIQLO, one of my favourite clothing brands. Love the brand for its style, simplicity, and elegance." About her association with the brand, she said, "I am very excited about my partnership with Uniqlo. Personally, I have always been fascinated with Japanese culture and their design aesthetics. Uniqlo has been my go-to brand for my daily essentials and over the years I have admired how functional and innovative their products are. Their simple, high-quality clothing is also very versatile, and perfect to build ones everyday wardrobe with. Alongside her role as Uniqlo's ambassador, Katrina also serves as the brand ambassador for Etihad Airways. She made that announcement via an IG post on September 12. "I am excited to be part of a team that aims to create thoughtful connections. I look forward to representing Etihad and being a part of their journey," Kaif had said. Katrina was last seen in Phone Bhoot with Ishaan Khatter and Siddhant Chaturvedi. It did not perform too well. Her upcoming films include Sriram Raghavan's Merry Christmas, which also stars Vijay Sethupathi. She also has Tiger 3 with Salman Khan and Jee Le Zaraa with Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Jee Le Zaraa is suffering some delays in beginning the shoot due to scheduling issues with Priyanka's dates amid the actors, and screenwriters' strike in Hollywood. The film promises to be another tale of friendship following the lineage of Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. 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 Actor-filmmaker Olivia Wilde and actor Jason Sudeikis' legal battle has come to a close as they agreed to joint custody of their two children son Otis and daughter Daisy. According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Jason will pay a $27500 a month in child support. His estimated income was $10.5 million, while Olivia made about $500000, according to the court documents, reported the portal. Also read: Olivia Wilde accuses Jason Sudeikis of putting her into debt in custody war Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis have two kids together. The couple split in 2020. Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis settle custody case As per the portal, the exes are set to share joint custody of their two children from next month on what is described as a 'week-on, week-off basis'. Jason Sudeikis, who led the series Ted Lasso, has reportedly been ordered to pay a child-support sum of $27500 per month to Olivia Wilde. The amount comprises $10300 for Otis and $17200 for Daisy. Per the court papers, Daily Mail reported that Jason will also have to cover 25 percent of Olivia's childcare costs, on top of the $27500 monthly payment. Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis' relationship timeline In 2011, the former couple reportedly began dating after meeting at a Saturday Night Live finale party. Olivia and Jason got engaged the next year and welcomed son Otis in August 2014 and daughter Daisy in October 2016. They called it quits in 2020. Bitter legal battle over kids Things appeared amicable between Olivia and Jason for some time after their split; however, the co-parents made headlines in April 2022, when Jason served Olivia with legal documents regarding their children, while she was onstage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. In August 2022, a source spoke to People about their bitter custody battle. "She (Olivia) and Jason don't speak to each other, so they have help communicating about the custody schedule," the source had said. In March 2022, court filings revealed that the former couple was no closer to settling their custody battle, reported People. Oliva's legal team had claimed that Jason was trying to 'litigate her into debt' as they attempted to determine whether Otis and Daisy should live in New York City or Los Angeles. As per People, a filing by Oliva's legal team in April claimed that Jason was 'not paying child support' to cover costs outside of school tuition. This was disputed by the actor's team. 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 In the last four years, the Philippines and India have started to build upon previous gains to further strengthen their bilateral relationship, achieving significant milestones through meaningful engagements. Having served as charge daffaires in the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi from July 2022 up to the present, it has been my distinct honour to have worked in promoting Philippine interests as well as enhancing the engagements between the Philippines and India, especially on the economic front. India - Philippines relations India is an important trading partner and one of the centres of economic activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi has advocated for the Philippines as the most strategic partner in South East Asia, which has the potential to truly complement Indias investments and expansion of its research and development, as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industries. This is in view of the Philippines growing strength in innovation, young and skilled population, competitive advantage in the English language, and current economic reforms. The Philippines and India can definitely both benefit from continued engagements, collaboration as well as learnings from each countrys unique experiences. India is set to become the third largest economy by 2027 and, by all accounts, is expected to surpass Japan and Germany, the currently ranking third and fourth largest economies, respectively. Indias economy has also become the worlds fastest-growing economy among the large economies, with a 5.5% average Gross Domestic Product over the past decade. Just last year, Indias economy overtook the United Kingdom in terms of size, making the former the fifth-largest economy in the world. For its part, the Philippine governments foreign policy takes forward a socio-economic agenda that aims to reduce poverty to 9% by 2028 and bring the Philippines to upper-middle income status. Food and energy security have become a main objective of our bilateral and multilateral engagements, and in line with this, the Government has issued clear directives for optimising partnerships to accelerate agricultural productivity as well as modernise agricultural infrastructure. The Philippines also acknowledges the role of emerging space-based technologies as sources of opportunities to innovate. There is much room for collaboration between the Philippines and India on this front, and of note is the recent establishment in 2019 of the Philippine Space Agency or PHILSA, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. As part of its mandate, the agency is tasked to contribute and promote the development of the Philippines national security and development through space education, space research, space industry, and capacity building, among others. Shambhu S Kumaran, the Indian ambassador to the Philippines, recently pronounced that the government of India is making headway in more capacity-building activities as well as future collaboration with the Philippines via the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Philippines, for its part, has its sights set to be a space-capable country by 2030. In the pharmaceutical sector, the Philippines sources critical inputs for the production of essential goods, such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, from India. Indian pharma companies are encouraged to have their research and development facilities in the Philippines that would employ Filipinos or go into joint ventures with local pharma companies, which would result in technology transfer and capacity- building. Indian pharma companies from India are likewise encouraged to set up their manufacturing facilities in the country as there are vast opportunities for Indian investments with the implementation of the countrys Universal Health Care Program, complemented by the growing population and economic development of the Philippines. Philippine government officials from the department of health may look into visiting Indian pharma companies to get the ball rolling in improving the Philippines capacity to develop and manufacture medicines. We can learn a lot from India in this regard. In the information technology sector, the Philippines and Indias collaboration in the BPO sector has grown exponentially in the last few years. Several Indian IT companies have already set up BPO operations in the Philippines, and these include companies like WIPRO, TCS, L&T Infotech, Innodata, IL&FS Genpact, Infosys, HIGS (Hindujas) and Tech Mahindra giving jobs and employment opportunities to thousands of Filipino professionals. This is just as well, as the Philippines offers state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities and adequate uninterrupted power supply. Specialised IT zones offer ready-to-occupy offices and production facilities, computer security and building monitoring systems, as well as complete office services. Since the early 2000s, the Philippines has been the leading voice BPM services provider, surpassing all other markets. Today, the industry has proven its ability to evolve by expanding to multi-tower and higher-value services that have attracted investors and locators globally. Offering more complex and digitally-enabled non-voice services, the Philippine IT-industry has transformed into a multi-delivery model and continues to provide business process services to various industries. The Philippine government is also keenly working on the strengthening of telecommunications and digital infrastructure in the country. The country aims for an ICT sector policy ecology that will promote the broad market-led development of essential ICT sectors, a level playing field, partnership between the public and private sectors, strategic alliance with foreign investors, and balanced investments. The finalisation of this policy is a significant step in addressing the nations connectivity needs, that was rendered more urgent because of the pandemic. With these developments, it is a great opportunity for the Philippines and India to promote the development and growth of the information technology industry for mutual interests and benefits. With all the foregoing, there is clearly good reason to be optimistic about the Philippines economic prospects. Of course, sustained and consistent economic growth will not be possible without the preservation of national security. In this regard, the Philippine government is working diligently in pursuing the Philippines security and defence agenda, whose key elements include sovereignty and territorial integrity, disaster resilience, climate change adaptation, cyber defence, capability modernisation, as well as security cooperation and agreements. Recently, in June of this year, both countries engaged in the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) headed by the Philippine department of foreign affairs secretary Enrique A Manalo as well as Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. One of the most important achievements of said bilateral talks is both countries joint statement, which said, in part, They underlined the need for a peaceful settlement of disputes and for an adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in this regard. This is a promising development, and the Philippines is grateful to India for its support in this very important matter. With high hopes, and as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-India diplomatic relations in November next year, may both countries engagements be more extensive, cooperative, and meaningful. This article is authored by John Boitte Santos, charge daffaires, Philippine Embassy, New Delhi. 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 Tahawwur Hussain Rana stayed for two days at a hotel in suburban Powai till November 21, 2008 days before the attacks the Mumbai Police has said in the 405-page supplementary chargesheet filed against the Pakistani-origin Canadian in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. It was the fourth chargesheet, which was submitted before a special court hearing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cases, by the Mumbai Police in the case so far. Canadian businessman of Pakistani descent Tahawwur Rana. (ANI Photo) The court registration process of the supplementary chargesheet could not be completed on Tuesday and the evidence against Rana will now be presented before the court on Wednesday. Rana, currently under detention in the United States, faces multiple charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 terror attacks. Charges against Tahawwur Rana: Key points 1. The chargesheet claims that Tahawwur Rana came to India on November 11, 2008, and stayed in the country till November 21. He spent two of these days at the Renaissance Hotel in Powai, a senior official of the Mumbai Police said. 2. The officer said the police have found documentary evidence against Rana and some statements in which his role in the conspiracy was established. 3. The documentary evidence shows that Rana was actively involved in the conspiracy with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, he said. 5. Rana was the person who helped Headley get an Indian tourist visa based on fake documents. He allegedly provided logistic support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba in carrying out the 26/11 terror attacks, the officer said. 6. The police has also found email communications between Headley and Rana and in one of the emails related to the 26/11 terror attacks, Headley asked about Major Iqbal's email ID, he said. 7. Major Iqbal, an operative of the Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was named as accused in the 26/11 terror plot case. Where is Tahawwur Rana? Tahawwur Rana is currently lodged in jail in the United States in the case of the murder of a journalist. In May this year, a US court had ordered his extradition to India. The court said that Rana had been charged in India with criminal conspiracy, committing terrorist acts and murder - all of which are extraditable offences as per the treaty between the US and India. However, in August, a stay was ordered on his extradition to face trial in India for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks Mumbai terror attacks A total of 166 people were killed when 10 terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route on November 26, 2008, and laid a more than 60-hour siege in the financial capital during which they targeted the city's landmarks, a hospital and a Jewish centre, among other places. Among the 10 terrorists was Ajmal Kasab, who was caught alive and later put on trial and sentenced to death by a special court. He was hanged to death at Pune's Yerawada central prison in November 2012, two years after being held guilty in the case by the court. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Army jawan, who claimed he was assaulted by unidentified miscreants and PFI was written on his back, was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly giving false statement about the incident. According to th soldier, the alleged incident took place in a rubber forest in Kerala's Kollam region. Soldier's friend said Kumar carried out the act to become famous.(ANI) He filed a complaint before the Kadakkal Police Station and during the course of investigation, it was revealed that his complaint was false. On the basis of that, he was arrested today and one of his friends was also arrested, R Prathapan Nair, Addl SP, Kollam Rural, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. According to senior police official, as reported by news agency PTI, the solider, Shine Kumar, was giving various reasons for making such a false statement and they have to be verified. The soldier's friend has also been arrested in the case and according to him, the act was carried out because Kumar wanted to become famous. The police have recovered green paint, brush and tape that were allegedly used in the incident. The soldier's friend gave out the details of how the incident took place and said he was asked to write PFI on Kumar's back and beat him up. I was drunk, so I initially wrote DFI, but he (Kumar) said to write PFI. So I made it PFI. Then he asked me to beat him up, but I said I couldn't because I was drunk, he told the media. He was then asked to drag Kumar on the ground, which he couldn't do due to his intoxicated state. "So, he asked me to tape his mouth and hands and then to leave. So I did that," he claimed. The soldier, who is posted in the Indian Army's Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps in Rajasthan, claimed that he was beaten and PFI written on his back by six persons on Sunday night near his home while he was returning on his bike. The police had lodged complaints under relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code. However, no marks of injury were found on the soldier's body. PFI generally refers to the Popular Front of India, an organisation that was banned by the central government last year. 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 NEW DELHI: Indian vendors on Tuesday put up a display of an array of locally produced weapons and systems before 30 countries, with a variety of drones, artillery guns, unmanned ground vehicles, surveillance gear and armoured personnel carriers underscoring advances in the defence manufacturing sector. The Bharat ULH 155mm 52calibre ultra lightweight gun system is displayed at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) on September 26. (AFP) The drones showcased on the margins of the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), included loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-payload drones and nano UAVs. The ALS-50 loitering munition, built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has been delivered to the Indian Air Force. Each ALS-50 can carry six high explosive pre-fragmented warheads, and 100 units have been delivered to IAF with more on order, officials aware of the matter said. Two types of nano UAVs, Doot and Parush - they have been built by Greater Noida-based IDR Research and Development - have been bought by the army for its counterterrorism units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The palm-sized Doot weighs 350 grams. Kalyani Groups Bharat 150 multi-mission drones and ideaForges Switch UAVs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance were also on display. The other military hardware showcased included Kalyani Strategic Systems MaRG 155mm/39-calibre artillery guns with shoot and scoot capability, the Bharat 155mm/52-calibre ultra-light howitzers, the Garuda 105mm/37-calibre guns, long-range observation systems, and wheeled and tracked unmanned ground vehicles. The hardware displayed holds export potential and some Indo-Pacific armies may be interested, said an official, who asked not to be named. Indias defence sector is characterised by a firm export push and an unprecedented cut back on imports under a multi-pronged self-reliance drive. India is currently exporting military hardware to more than 85 countries, with around 100 domestic firms involved. Its exports include missiles, artillery guns, rockets, armoured vehicles, offshore patrol vessels, personal protective gear, a variety of radars, surveillance systems and ammunition. India has set a defence export target of 35,000 crore by 2024-25, which experts believe is within the countrys reach. Indias military exports have risen sharply, and imports have recorded a drop on the back of policy initiatives and reforms. Exports grew 23 times between 2013-14 and 2022-23 (from 686 crore to 16,000 crore), while the spending on imported weapons and systems dropped from 46% of the total expenditure in 2018-19 to 36.7% in December 2022. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Farmer leader Kurubur Shanthakumar was among protesters who were detained in Bengaluru on Tuesday as he led a march under the banner of Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samithi, an umbrella organisation of farmers, amid a bandh call against the release of the Cauvery River waters to Tamil Nadu. Police said no incidents of violence have been reported so far. (ANI) Police said no incidents of violence have been reported so far and that the protesters were detained as they did have permission for the march. The Supreme Courts refusal last week to stay the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Regulation Committees order directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu triggered protests. Farmer and Kannada outfits have been staging protests in the Cauvery river basin districts of Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagara, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru and urging Karnataka against releasing water. Karnataka has maintained it was not in a position to release water, citing its needs for drinking water, irrigation, and deficit monsoon rains. A section of transport workers backed the bandh while the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and Metro services operated as usual even as the authorities barred gatherings of over five people. Essential services such as hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, petrol pumps, etc functioned as usual. Disagreements among protesting groups resulted in separate calls for bandhs on Tuesday and Friday and promoted associations, including those of hotel owners to withdraw their backing for the protest. Associated Management of English Medium School in Karnataka announced the closure of schools in Bengaluru on Tuesday in view of the bandh call. Former lawmaker Vatal Nagaraj, who also withdrew support for the bandh on Tuesday, said national highways will instead be shut and they will also try to close the airport down on Friday as part of their state-wide protest. Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy condemned the detention of the protesters as unjust while referring to Congresss march in violation of the Covid norms in January 2022 for a reservoir on the Cauvery at Mekedatu to meet drinking water requirements of Bengaluru. On one side, you marched backing Mekadatu [reservoir] but you are arresting those protesting for the right over the Cauvery water, he said in a post in Kannada on social media platform X. Is there one justice for Congress in Karnataka and another justice for Kannadigas? He asked if Congress leaders could undertake a protest march violating Covid rules, then why cannot Kannadigas peacefully protest for their lifeline, the Cauvery River. The farmers protesting peacefully have been detained. This is condemnable. Is this the government of Kannadigas? Is it a regime like [Tamil Nadu chief minister MK] Stalins? Whose interests are Kannadigas serving? The protesters, the farmers, must be released immediately. He called for stopping the release of Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu. Kumaraswamy called the ruling Congress the B team of Tamil Nadus governing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and JD(S) backed the bandh. Additional police forces were deployed and prohibitory orders were issued around midnight ahead of it. Bengaluru Police chief B Dayananda cited court orders and said no permission for the bandh or procession was granted. No one can forcefully implement the bandh by using force, other than in cases where someone wants to observe it voluntarily. Amid the ongoing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order to release water, farmers and Kannada organisations along with the BJP and JD(S) called for a bandh in Bengaluru on Tuesday and Friday. All schools and colleges remained closed on Tuesday in view of the bandh. Bengaluru Bandh(HT File Photo) What is the CWMA order? The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order directed Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. However, the top leaders governing the state said there has not been enough water to release. Following the CWMA order of water sharing, concerns arose over the availability of surplus water in Karnataka. Both Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar held an important meeting in New Delhi on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in resolving the issue, Siddaramaiah said, The prime minister has the authority to summon the two states and hear their arguments. Given this context, we have appealed for the Prime Ministers intervention. Reason for the dispute Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who also holds the water resources portfolio, said that Karnataka has only one-third of the required water available. CM Siddaramaiah cited low precipitation after August and low groundwater table, being two major reasons for not releasing the water to Tamil Nadu. The top Congress leader said, "Our rainfall ceases after August, whereas Tamil Nadu continues to receive rain after that. Their groundwater table is also higher, which worsens our situation. Cauvery water dispute history The Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Cauvery water dispute dates back to the British era. A resolution was acquired in 1924 after the Mysore princely state and the Madras presidency arrived at a consensus. Mysore was permitted to build a dam at Kannambadi village to store 44.8 thousand million cubic feet of water. The agreement was supposed to be valid for up to 50 years followed by a review. However, both the states took the dispute to the Supreme Court after 1947 multiple times, but to no avail. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was constituted by the government in 1990 to resolve the water-sharing row between the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. The CWDT passed an interim order to Karnataka for releasing 205 million cubic feet of water, monthly or weekly to Tamil Nadu. What will remain closed? Schools, colleges and private institutions will remain closed on Tuesday. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed across the city by the Bengaluru city police. The Bengaluru city police instructed gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted. However, essential services such as hospitals, medical shops, nursing homes, emergency services, petrol pumps, water supply, electricity and sanitation services are expected to remain open. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited will remain open and continue with the metro services across the city on Tuesday. Cabs/taxi services and restaurants are expected to be available as they withdrew their support from the Bandh on Monday. Bengaluru Airport has also released an advisory on planning journeys accordingly, in view of the bandh. Multiple airlines including Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara and Akasa Air requested passengers to take sufficient time to travel to the airport as it may take longer than usual Supreme Court refuses to interfere The Supreme Court refused to interfere with CWMA's order and said that it is not inclined to entertain the plea of Tamil Nadu challenging the decision of the CWMA. CWMA and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) have taken all key aspects into consideration-- like drought and deficit rainfall before passing the order, the SC bench said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid the diplomatic row over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India asking them to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Safety and security calls for protests; Entry and exit requirements visa services suspended, The latest updates state. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks past India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.(AP file) According to the Canadian government, the decision has been taken in the context of recent developments in Canada and India and calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution," the Canadian government said in an update on Sunday. The Canadian government's move comes after New Delhi issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada and halted visa services last week. India advised all its citizens living in Canada and those contemplating travelling there to exercise "utmost caution" in view of growing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes in the North American country, as the diplomatic row over the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader threatened to snowball into a major confrontation. In a strongly-worded advisory, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) in New Delhi referred to threats targeting Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community that oppose the "anti-India agenda", and asked Indian nationals to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada which have seen such incidents. The Canadian government. however, rejected the travel advisory issued by India, saying it is one of the safest countries in the world. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's explosive allegations of a potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Nijjar, 45, on his country's soil on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. The Indian government has already rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated. US provided Canada intelligence on Nijjar's killing: NYT The US provided Canada with intelligence after the killing of Nijjar, but communications intercepted by Ottawa were more definitive and led it to accuse India of orchestrating the plot, The New York Times has reported citing sources. The report came on Saturday as the top US diplomat in Canada confirmed that there was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that had prompted Trudeaus offensive allegation against India in the killing of Nijjar. India had designated Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), as a terrorist in 2020. The United States has urged India to cooperate with Canada in its investigations. "In the aftermath of the killing, US intelligence agencies offered their Canadian counterparts context that helped Canada conclude that India had been involved," the NYT reported, quoting unnamed allied officials as saying. David Cohen, US ambassador to Canada, in an interview with CTV News said that "shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners" had informed Trudeau of the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder of a Canadian citizen in June. "I will say this was a matter of shared intelligence information. There was a lot of communication between Canada and the United States about this, and I think that's as far as I'm comfortable going," Cohen told CTV News. (With inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A team of CBI officials, led by the agency's Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, will reach Imphal in a special flight on Wednesday to investigate the "kidnapping and killing" of two students who went missing in the northeastern state on July 6, sources said. Imphal: Security personnel stand guard during a protest against the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July, in Imphal, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. More than 30 students, mostly girls, were injured after the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged the protestors. (PTI Photo) (PTI09_26_2023_000378B) Also Read: Manipur reimposes ban on mobile internet services for 5 days after fresh protests The decision was taken within hours of the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Manipur government. The team of officials under Bhatnagar, the second-in-command in the federal agency, will also have Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who is camping in Imphal, the sources said. The team will comprise officers who have expertise in special crime, crime scene recreation, interrogation and technical surveillance. It will also have experts from the CBI's elite Central Forensic Science Laboratory, the sources said. Photos of the bodies of the two students -- Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) -- who were missing since July, went viral on social media on Monday. One of the two photos purportedly showed the students with two armed men and the other was of two bodies. Police had previously said the whereabouts of the two were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. The last location of their mobile handsets was traced to Lamdan, near the winter flower tourist spot in Churachandpur district, police had said. In a post on X, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said: In light of the distressing news that emerged yesterday regarding the tragic demise of the missing students, I want to assure the people of the state that both the state and central government are closely working together to nab the perpetrators. He said the presence of the CBI officers in the state "underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter". "I have been constantly in touch with Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice," Singh said. Security personnel have been put on alert and additional measures taken to prevent any incident following the photos of the deceased students going viral, a senior officer said. The government has assured people that "swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi". SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The United States has once again said that it was deeply concerned by the allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's possible involvement in the killing of banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar and called for continued probe into the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden. Addressing a press briefing, department of state spokesperson Matthew Miller also said the US has publicly and privately urged India to cooperate in the Canadian investigation. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by (Canadian) Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners," Miller told reporters on Monday (local time). "We believe its critical that Canadas investigation proceed and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian Government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation," he added. Tensions between India and Canada have escalated after Trudeau alleged that India was behind the killing of Nijjar. India has rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated." Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed in Canada's Surrey on June 18. US Representative Jim Costa calls for a probe Meanwhile, US Representative Jim Costa called for an investigation into the killing of Nijjar. In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, Costa said, "I am very concerned about reports that Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Niijar was assassinated, and I have requested an official briefing as a member of the House Foreign Affairs committee. We must fully investigate this crime to determine who should be held accountable." Late last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was "deeply concerned" about the allegations made by Trudeau about the Indian government's involvement in the killing of the Khalistani terrorist. He said the US wanted to see accountability and called it "important" that the investigation runs its course and leads to the result. Blinken said that the US has engaged directly with the Indian government. He said that the US is consulting "very closely" with Canada and coordinating on the issue. Asked about the US's engagement with India and Canada amid the diplomatic row, Blinken said, "We are deeply concerned about the allegations that Prime Minister Trudeau has raised. We have been consulting throughout very closely with our Canadian colleagues, and not just consulting, coordinating with them on this issue." "And from our perspective, it is critical that the Canadian investigation proceed. And it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and it's important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result," he added. Blinken refused to give details regarding the diplomatic conversations that the US had with both nations. He said that the investigation must move forward and be completed. Blinken said, "I'm not going to characterize or otherwise speak to diplomatic conversations that we've had. We've been engaged directly with the Indian government as well. And again, I think the most productive thing that can happen now is to see this investigation move forward, be completed. And we would hope that our Indian friends would cooperate with that investigation as well." "More broadly, you've heard me speak to this. We are extremely vigilant about any instances of alleged transnational repression, something we take very, very seriously. And I think it's important more broadly for the international system that any country that might consider engaging in such acts not do so. So, it's something that we're also focused on in a much broader way," he added. 'Terrorists found safe haven in Canada': Sri Lankan foreign minister Reacting to the India-Canada diplomatic row, Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry said that terrorists have found safe haven in the North American country and Trudeau has this way of coming out with outrageous allegations. Sabry told news agency ANI that he is "not surprised" by his comments as Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations. Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country," the Sri Lankan foreign minister said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON All eyes are towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's address to UN General Assembly in New York tomorrow where he is expected to respond to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus credible allegations over Indian involvement in the killing of Pak-trained Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in June. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.(File) While New Delhi is still waiting for Canada to provide legal evidence of linking India to Khalistan Tiger Force chief Nijars killing, it is quite evident that Trudeaus Sikh politics will not allow him to back down on the issue. Whether the quality of evidence or intelligence will stand the legal test or not, expect Trudeau to throw some Indian name in the air and pin the Nijjar murder on him or her. The fact is that the Sikh vote is so important to Canadian politics that former prime minister Stephen Harper requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit a Surrey Gurudwara in British Columbia when he visited Canada in 2015. It is another matter that PM Modi found his supporters even within that radicalized community some two hours away from Vancouver. Meanwhile, Canada updated its travel advisory to India after duly informing South Block well in advance about the impending exercise as some videos targeting Canada were floating on the net. It is understood that New Delhi was informed at a senior level that the travel advisory was being updated and nothing much should be read into it. Since Trudeau chose the Canadian Parliament as his platform to hurl unsubstantiated allegations against the Modi government for ordering an extra-judicial killing, it is understood that a proper response in Jaishankars style is expected in his speech to UNGA tomorrow before he boards a train to Washington DC for bilateral meetings with Biden Administration. During his meetings in Washington, EAM Jaishankar will discuss bilateral ties as well as the validity and credibility of the evidence provided by Five Eyes Alliance to Canada on Nijjars killing. However, with the time passing by, it is for the Trudeau government to name the contract killer of Nijjar soon unless the Canadian plan is to keep the issue simmering with India and make another unsubstantiated allegation a month or two months later to revive the issue. India on its part is very clear that since the Modi government has no role in the political killing of Nijjar, it supports the legal process in Canada but will confront any unsubstantiated charge against India. It is for Trudeau or his Sancho Panza Jagmeet Singh to provide credible evidence on paper against India and arrest the rapid decline in bilateral ties initiated by the PM and his Foreign Ministers incredible remarks. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shishir Gupta Author of Indian Mujahideen: The Enemy Within (2011, Hachette) and Himalayan Face-off: Chinese Assertion and Indian Riposte (2014, Hachette). Awarded K Subrahmanyam Prize for Strategic Studies in 2015 by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) and the 2011 Ben Gurion Prize by Israel. ...view detail JAIPUR: Enforcement Directorate officials on Tuesday carried out searches at multiple locations in Rajasthan including the states higher education minister Rajendra Singh Yadavs residence, in connection with a money laundering probe, people aware of the matter said. Rajasthan higher education minister Rajendra Singh Yadav said (X/RajendraSYadav_) The raids were being conducted at about 10 locations linked to the minister, his associates and their businesses in Kotputli, Jaipur, Behror, and Viratnagar, a government official, who asked not to be named, said. On September 7 last year, the income tax department also carried out searches at premises linked to the minister who represents Kotputli in the state assembly. At the time, 53 premises linked to Rajendra Yadav and his family, including his son Madhur Yadav, were raided in Jaipur, Kotputli, Gurgaon, and Uttarakhand. A second official said Tuesdays raids were linked to a case related to irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme but did not elaborate. It has been alleged that a company headed by him supplied inferior quality products to schools in 2018. ED and Yadav havent issued formal statements on the searches. After the income tax raid last year, Yadav insisted that his family was in the clear. We are clean. Let them investigate. If there is any political malice in the income tax action, that too will come to light. It is wrong to link names with political funding. Our work is packaging. We have no connection with mid-day meals. We make the packets and packaging the same. We are not responsible for what anyone fills in them SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated its concern over the delays in the appointments of judges in various high courts. The bench comprising justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia remarked that nothing had happened in the last seven months since it last heard the plea, ANI reported. The Supreme Court of India(HT File Photo) According to the report, the court asked the Centre about the non-clearance of names of judges of various high courts recommended by the collegium. According to a report by legal website Bar and Bench, Justice Kaul remarked that there are 26 transfers pending, along with the appointment of a chief justice at a sensitive high court. Nine are pending without being returned, I have the data, Justice Kaul was reported by the website as saying while hearing a petition against the Centre for keeping pending the Collegium-recommended names of judges for appointment in the various High Courts. According to the report, the sensitive high court being referred to by the court is likely to be of Manipur, which has been witnessing violence since May. Justice Siddharth Mridul of Delhi high court was recommended to be appointed as Manipur high court chief justice on July 5. During the hearing, lawyer Prashant Bhushan claimed that potential candidates were withdrawing their names from candidature due to delay in appointments. During the hearing, senior lawyer Arvind Datar argued that delay in appointment of judges were not only detrimental to legal profession but also embarrassing to candidates. The top court said it was withholding comments as the Attorney General of India requested a week's time to get instructions on the matter. Last year, the top court had observed that the seniority of judges was affected as the Centre adopted a policy of picking and choosing persons from the names recommended by the collegium. The apex court had further lamented that the delay in the process of appointment was resulting in the best of first-generation lawyers declining to be part of the bench. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted his predecessor Manmohan Singh on the occasion of the Congress leader's 91st birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former PM Manmohan Singh.(HT File Photo) Born in 1932 in a region that is now part of Pakistan, Singh served as India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014. In a post on X, Modi said, Birthday wishes to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray for his long life and good health. Singh, who served as the finance minister in the then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao-led dispensation from 1991-1996, is credited as a key architect of the economic reforms effected by the government that broke the stranglehold of socialist-era policies. Currently a member of Rajya Sabha, Singh has been ailing for some time. The largest Sikh diaspora in Canada is vibrant and prosperous despite facing challenges and pressures of assimilation and discrimination. Their accomplishments and contributions are notable. Canadian Sikhs make over 2% of the population and are one of the largest non-Christian religious groups in Canada. Like Jews, Sikhs are distinguished as an ethnic group globally. About 30 million Sikhs worldwide make Sikhism the fifth largest religion. PREMIUM Representative photo. (HT file) Sikhs began to migrate overseas in the late 19th century as they were involved in the armed services for the British Empire. In both World Wars, 83,005 Sikh soldiers were killed, and 1,09,045 wounded. Six battalions of Sikh regiments were raised in the Second World War and in 1945, 14 of the 22 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per capita record. They commanded respect for their valour. The presence of Sikhs in Canada can be traced back to the Sikh wife of Charles Metcalfe, who served as governor general of the province of Canada from 1843-45. He had signed the Treaty of Lahore with Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809 on behalf of the British East India Company. As the first Sikh man in Canada, prince Victor Duleep Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was posted from December 1888 to February 1890, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as an aide to Sir John Ross, the commander of British forces in British North America. In June 1897, Sikh regiments along with troops from other Commonwealth countries came to Canada to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. In the first decade of the 20th century, Sikh migrants reached Canada, peaking up to 5,500 and worked in the lumber mills and logging industry but their wives and children were not allowed until about 1920. Legalised discrimination to keeping Canada white A widespread legalised discrimination occurred against the Sikhs as anti-Asian sentiment regarding them as alien and inferior was endemic from the 1850s to the 1950s. The prejudice, discrimination and ethnic stereotypes depicted them as peasant-origin, poor, illiterate, diseased, morally lax, politically corrupt, and religiously deficient. Employers paid Asian workers less than others and Asians were excluded from most unions. South Asians, Chinese, and Japanese did not have the right to vote, practise law or pharmacy, be elected to public office, serve on juries, or have careers in public works, education or the civil service. They had difficulty being served in hotels and restaurants, and in being admitted to theatres and swimming pools. Attempts were made to exclude Asians from public schools, and restrict the sale of land to them. Anti-Asian, Sikhs and Chinese riots occurred, the most serious riots were in Vancouver in 1887, 1892 and 1907. An order-in-council banned immigration from India in 1907. Chinese immigration was stopped by a head tax by the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923. In March 1907, to keep Canada white, BC Premier Bowser introduced a Bill to disenfranchise all natives not of Anglo-Saxon parents and in April, Sikhs were denied the right to vote. In 1908, the federal government passed a series of ordinances, by which Indian immigrants entering Canada had to arrive directly and with continuous journey from the country of their nationality, even though there was no direct shipping route between India and Canada, and had to have 200 Canadian dollars (CAD), while the Europeans had to have only 25 CAD. The Immigration Act, 1910, came under scrutiny when 39 of 376 Indians passengers (340 Sikhs) arriving on the Komagata Maru ship in 1914 succeeded in challenging the racial policy and obtaining habeas corpus against the immigration departments order of deportation. After two months, the ship was escorted out by a Canadian navy ship; the ship arrived on September 24 at Budge Budge Ghat near Calcutta, 20 passengers were killed and nine injured after British police opened fire. I was the first to repeatedly ask in the House of Commons for the government to offer an apology or redress. Later in 1906 and 2015, two prime ministers offered apology to redress the racist immigration policy and the Komagata Maru tragedy. Also Read: India, Canada should work together to bring truth out: SGPC resolution New tolerance toward immigrants The Sikhs political activism started when they rejected the governments plan to relocate members of the community to British Honduras (now Belize). In 1913, the Gadhar Party was founded in Canada and the US to gain independence of India from the British. In 1914, Mewa Singh killed inspector William Hopkinson who was using agents to divide the Sikh community. Mewa Singh was executed in January 1915. In 1918, the population of Sikhs reduced to about 700. Signing of the United Nations Charter in 1944 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 brought Canadas discriminatory policies to light. Through the lobbying by South Asian groups, Asians got the right to vote in 1947. The ban on Chinese and South Asian immigration was repealed though only wives and children of existing Canadian citizens were eligible for immigration. Immigration after 1945 was still biased in favour of the Europeans, the government allowed a small quota of immigrants from India, and Pakistan. This new wave of immigration re-awakened prejudices. Organisations such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), the Native Sons of Canada and the Orange Order criticised the new immigrants as a threat to Canadas Anglo-Saxon character. In 1960, the passage of the Canadian Bills of Rights, provincial human rights Bills, and the creation of human rights commissions mitigated Anglo-Saxon racism. It was the birth of new tolerance toward immigrants. In 1982, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms extended equality and freedoms to others as well. It led to eliminate racial discrimination and help improve the justice system, police services, and new immigrants to acquire the skills to integrate into the economy and society. Canada home to second largest Sikh population after Punjab Sikhs started migrating in large numbers after the quota system was dropped in 1962. Of the six major waves of immigrants to Canada, it was the 1970s wave, called Recent Immigration Patterns, in which most Sikhs migrated to Canada, until recently. By 2001, the proportion of visible minorities had increased to 13.4%; 16.2% by 2006; 19% by 2011; and 23% (8.3 million) by 2021; about 15 million people are expected to be visible minorities by 2031. Canada used to have two pillars of foundation English and French; but now the third pillar seems to be immigrants. The main driver of growth of population is immigration. Canada is now home to the largest national proportion in the world (2.5%) and the second largest Sikh population after Punjab. Canadian Sikhs are affected by events concerning Sikhs and Sikhism in India like the nationalist movement for Sikh rights and an independent state. Specifically, after the attack on Golden Temple, backlash and riots against Sikhs after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi. The injustice that no one was ever charged further alienated Canadian Sikhs from the Indian government and fuelled separatists. The Air India Flight 182 tragedy was regarded as an act of revenge against the Government of India. Heightened Sikh consciousness has led to an increase in their faith, even among second and third-generation Canadian Sikhs. Sikhs faced a ban on wearing the turban, kirpan, and beard on many jobsites, including Courts and Transportation Canada, and at the airport security, Sikhs felt insulted when they were asked to remove their turbans. In 2004, the Quebec Court of Appeal struck down a decision, ruling that community safety was more important than individual rights and the ceremonial dagger violated the weapons and dangerous objects of the student conduct code. But in a Supreme Court decision in 2006, religious tolerance was to be encouraged in Canadian society and that a total ban infringed on the guarantee of religious freedom under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Integral part of all walks, but not organised as diaspora The contribution of Sikhs in economic, political, social, and cultural fabric of Canada has been significant. Sikhs have become an integral part of all walks of life police, armed forces, banks, finance, media, transportation, hospitality, philanthropy, arts, sports, education, construction, development, and every other industry. Sikhs own large real estate, businesses, mills, agricultural farms. Sikhs hold prominent professional positions doctors, engineers, judges, lawyers, managers, corporate heads, scientists, professors, actors, and public servants. Sikhs are community-minded and donate more than their share for natural disaster victims and the needy. Sikhs participate in all political parties at all levels of governments. Since 1950, after the election of Niranjan S Grewal as mayor of Mission, there is no political office (except the Prime Minister) that Sikhs never held. Sikhs are influential and hold balance of power. Unfortunately, despite ample progress and accomplishments, Sikhs have never organised themselves as a diaspora; in building worthy institutions; selecting and following strategic leaders; getting rid of ego and jealousies; controlling drugs, gangs and violence; in strengthening ties and contributing to the development of their villages in India. In 2001, I was invited to speak at Harvard university where I highlighted the political participation and integration of visible minorities in North America. Many of the issues that I raised as a member of Parliament benefitted the diaspora and other visible minorities. These included recognition of international credentials; apology for the Komagata Maru tragedy of 1914; de-hyphenation of Canadians so that every Canadian is treated equal; inquiry of the Air India bombing so that the blame of terrorism hanging over the head of every Sikh be cleared and the few responsible be punished; corruption in Canadian missions abroad; dual citizenship; ending black lists; recognising the articles of Sikh faith; and accomplishments of Sikhs; celebrating Baisakhi in Parliament; allowing the turban in RCMP; ending discrimination (including with taxi drivers); restoring provincial human rights commissions; removal of head tax from immigrants and as a result the right of landing fee was reduced to half, strengthening Canada-India relations, among others. --------------- The writer, an alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is three-time MP in Canada( 1997-2006). He was elected to Canadian Parliament just after five years and eight months of immigration to Canada, a record. He served as deputy house leader of the Opposition and shadow minister for foreign affairs. His wife Nina Grewal was 4-time MP and both were the first married couple to concurrently serve as MPs in Canadian history. Views expressed are personal. External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. During his speech, Jaishankar invoked India's presidency at the G20 and the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future. He also called for respecting territorial integrity and non-interference and internal affairs. Indian EAM S Jaishankar (AP) Here are the top quotes from Jaishankar's speech: The world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil...At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility India took up the presidency of G20. Our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' sought to focus on the key concerns of the many just the narrow interests of the few, he said. 2. It was also noteworthy that at India's initiative, the African Union was made a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary, Jaishankar said on African Union's inclusion in the G20. 3. During his address, Jaishankar said,"India also seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of 'Vishwa Mitra - a friend to the world'. This is reflected in our ability & willingness to engage with a broad range of nations and where necessary harmonise interests. It is visible in the rapid growth of the QUAD; it is equally apparent in the expansion of the BRICS grouping". 4. India has entered the 'Amrit Kaal'...The world saw a glimpse of what is to come when our Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon. Today, our message to the world is in digitally enabled governance and delivery in the widening ambit of amenities and services and rapidly growing infra and in our energetic start-up structure, he said. 5. Respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out, the minister said. 6. Jaishankar also spoke on the women's reservation bill, recently passed in the Parliament. Our latest assertion is in path-breaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in legislatures. I speak for a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots. As a result, our thinking, approaches and actions are more grounded and authentic, he said. 7. We must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid to recur. Climate Action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities. The power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy, 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 In the run-up to the 2021 Tamil Nadu polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) courted superstar Rajinikanth as it sought a foothold in the state. Rajinikanth was expected to shake up the politics in the state, where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have held power since 1967. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. (ANI) Rajinikanth formed Rajini Makkal Mandram but backed out in December 2020. The DMK wrested power from the AIADMK months later with the BJP managing to win just four seats in the 234-member House. K Annamalai, 39, who quit the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 2019, would subsequently be elevated to the state BJP chiefs post in July 2021 around a year after joining the party. Annamalai resorted to aggressive politics as the BJP sought to expand its limited influence in the state much to ally AIADMKs discomfort. The ties between the two parties soured to an extent that AIADMK on Monday quit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Annamalais claim that Dravidian stalwart CN Annadurai apologised to Forward Bloc leader late U Muthuramalinga Thevar for allegedly insulting Hinduism was the immediate provocation. The AIADMK rubbished the claim as untrue amid simmering tensions between the two parties for months. The tensions flared up on September 11 when Annamalai cited an anecdote from 1956 to make his claim about Annadurai. AIADMK leader KP Munuswamy accused the BJPs state unit of insulting Annadurai and the late former chief minister J Jayalalithaa and criticising their ideology. The AIADMK did not name anyone but blamed the BJPs state leadership in what was seen as a reference to Annamalai. BJP chief JP Nadda met a delegation from the AIADMK late last week in what was seen as its last-ditch attempt to seek action against Annamalai. The AIADMKs exit from the NDA underlined the backing Annamalai enjoys from the BJP leadership. In July, Union home minister Amit Shah addressed Annamalai in Tamil as thambi (younger brother) and praised his work. AIADMK viewed Annamalai as an uncontrolled political greenhorn even as the BJP sought to project him as a sincere leader who quit IPS for clean and corruption-free politics in Tamil Nadu. Born in 1984 in Thottampatti village in Tamil Nadus Karur district, Annamalai studied engineering in Coimbatore before receiving a Master of Business Administration degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. He was the Bengaluru South deputy police commissioner when he quit IPS in June 2019 around the time Rajinikanth launched his party. A BJP leader, who did not want to be named, said Annamalai has finally brought the BJP to the mainstream in Tamil Nadu. With his almost daily press conferences, Annamalai has ensured that the party is regularly in the news. His statements including against AIADMK grabbed eye-balls. He has critics within the state BJP unit too. He has sidelined a lot of veterans and workers who were groomed in and have been working for the party, said a second BJP leader. Annamalai was reported to have threatened to quit politics at a closed-door BJP meeting earlier this year if the party continued the alliance with the AIADMK. In an interview, he spoke of Jayalalaithaas conviction in a disproportionate assets case and prompted the AIADMK to pass a resolution against him in June. AIADMK had since then been asking the BJP leadership to reign him in. Annamalai did not respond to HTs calls and messages for comments. In an interview with HT in 2021, he said he did not want to be known as a Dravidian politician. 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 The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Tuesday ordered Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water to Tamil Nadu for 18 days starting from September 28. Karnataka ordered to release 3000 cusecs Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu This decision comes at a time when various organisations are staging protests in Bengaluru and Mandya, demanding that the state not release water to Tamil Nadu. . Pro-Kannada organisations are observing Bengaluru Bandh on Tuesday over the ongoing water dispute between the two states. . The decision was taken at a CWRC meeting in New Delhi. Tamil Nadu initially sought 24,000 cusecs of water, which was subsequently reduced to 10,000 cusecs and then further lowered to 5,000 cusecs A communication from deputy chief minister DK Shivakumars office said that representatives from Karnataka argued that the state had experienced a considerable shortfall in the inflow of water into its reservoirs. The cumulative inflow shortfall to Karnatakas four reservoirs up to September 25 is 53.04%, the communication read. The Government of Karnataka, in its order dated September 13, declared 161 Talukas in the state as severely drought-affected and 34 Talukas as moderately drought-affected. Out of these, 32 severely drought-affected Talukas and 15 moderately drought-affected Talukas fall within the Cauvery basin. This aspect needs utmost recognition and invites critical consideration by the committee, the communication said. The state representatives further argued that Karnataka is not in a position to release any water from its reservoirs or contribute any water from its reservoirs to the flows that need to be maintained at the interstate border at Biligundlu. On their part, Tamil Nadu representatives argued that Karnataka had to reduce its irrigation supply based on the distress proportion. Karnataka had to release the shortfall quantity immediately and further flows as per the distress proportion, they argued. Finally, CWRC recommended that Karnataka ensure the realisation of 3,000 cusecs at Biligundlu starting from September 28 (8 am) up to October 10, the statement concluded. Responding to the decision Shivakumar, who is also Karnatakas water resources minister, said that the order is a victory for peoples struggle. The Tamil Nadu government had sought 12,000 cusecs of water. The decision to not allow Tamil Nadus demand is a victory for our peoples struggle. At a given point in time, around 2,000 cusecs of water flow to Tamil Nadu. We just need to add another 1,000 cusecs of water. Since yesterday (Monday), we have also seen some increase in inflow. It is a matter of happiness that Tamil Nadus demand has been rejected by the committee, he said. The directions of the CWRC come after the Supreme Court on September 21 refused to interfere with the orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and CWRC, directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. On September 18, the CWMA asked Karnataka to continue releasing 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, upholding CWRCs September 12 order demanding the same. The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) latest forecast said while Karnataka is expected to receive rain in the next seven days, the Cauvery catchment area is unlikely to receive much. The IMD forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall from Tuesday to October 4 over isolated parts of Karnataka. Heavy rains are expected over North Interior Karnataka and coastal districts. Coastal districts are likely to receive rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 100 mm over the next few days. However, the Cauvery catchment area, which has experienced over 50% shortfall in rainfall, is not expected to receive any considerable amount of rain, as per the forecast. NEW DELHI: Days after the US envoy to Pakistan made a low-profile visit to Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, said on Tuesday that the Kashmir issue can only be resolved by New Delhi and Islamabad. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti at the 0th Indo US Economic Summit on Tuesday (HT Photo/Sanchit Khanna) Donald Blome, the US ambassador to Pakistan, made a multi-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan that concluded on Sunday. He toured different parts of the strategic region and met several officials, including a minister and the deputy speaker of the local assembly. In October last year, India formally protested to the US after Blome visited PoK and repeatedly referred to the region as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. When Garcetti was asked by reporters about Blomes visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, he replied: Look, its not my place to react to the United States ambassador in Pakistan but I know hes been before, and weve had obviously part of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during the G20 as well. Garcetti added, Well stay engaged but this is an issue, we very religiously note, that has to be something that is resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party, including the US. There was no immediate reaction from Indian officials to Blomes visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. Earlier this month, Blome became the first senior US diplomat to visit the strategic port of Gwadar in southwestern Pakistan since 2021. Blome met local officials and the Pakistan Navys regional commander. Gwadar port is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which also has several projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. Blomes back-to-back visits to Gwadar and Gilgit-Baltistan prompted a local opposition leader, Kazim Mesum, to allege in the regional assembly that the envoys mysterious activities were part of the USs containment policy for CPEC. The ambassador visited areas [through] which the CPEC route will pass, Mesum was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. However, a spokesman for the US embassy in Islamabad said the purpose of the envoys visit was to explore opportunities for strengthening Gilgit-Baltistans climate resilience. Noting that the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, the spokesman said Blomes trips are closely coordinated with the Pakistan government. Garcetti was also asked about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of a potential link between Indian government agents and the June 18 killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar though he declined to comment on specifics. Trudeau triggered a diplomatic storm with his accusation, which India has dismissed as absurd. The Indian side also said the allegation was aimed at diverting attention from Canadas failure to act against extremists and terrorists operating from its soil. Its not my place to speak on another country. As a matter of business, not just this, we dont talk about intelligence matters or criminal justice matters, Garcetti said in response to questions about Trudeaus accusation and reports of the US sharing intelligence with Canada on Nijjars killing. Responding to another question on the US accepting Indias invitation for President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at next years Republic Day celebrations on January 26, Garcetti said: We cant speak to that yet. The invitations been made but his [Bidens] schedule isnt made that far in advance. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permission to Ashish Mishra - the prime accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence which claimed eight lives - to visit and stay in Delhi to look after his ailing mother and daughter. In January, the apex court granted Mishra, the son of minister of state in ministry of home affairs Ajay Mishra Teni an eight-week interim bail, however, he was not allowed to enter the national capital or Uttar Pradesh. Ashish Mishra, main accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur violence case. (File Photo) Hearing Mishra's plea seeking modification of the interim bail condition, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta directed him not to participate in any public function or address media in connection with the case. Mishra's mother is reportedly admitted to the RML hospital in New Delhi, while his daughter needs treatment for leg deformities. Lakhimpur Kheri violence case On October 3, 2021, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri's district Tikunia where violence broke out during farmers' protest against the then Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area. According to the UP Police FIR, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in which Ashish Mishra was seated. Following this, the person who was driving the SUV and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by angry farmers. The FIR said that a journalist also died in the violence. Ashish was arrested on October 9, 2021, after a daylong interrogation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). On February 15, 2022, the high court granted him bail. However, he had to surrender on April 24, 2022, after his bail order was cancelled by the Supreme Court. In January this year, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and JK Maheshwari granted Mishra an eight-week interim bail and stated that the top court would monitor the trial in the case. Photos of the bodies of a man apparently decapitated and a girl, who had been missing since July, went viral after a ban on mobile internet was lifted in the ethnic violence-hit Manipur over the weekend. The ethnic violence between dominant Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur has since May left at least 175 dead. (PTI) A photo of the two students showed them sitting on the ground in what appears to be a forest with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed them lying on the ground apparently after being shot dead. The head of the man appeared to be missing. The photos were taken on July 8 two days after the two students went missing. In a statement, Manipur chief ministers secretariat late on Monday confirmed the photos were of Phijam Hemjit, 20, and Hijam Linthoinggambi, 17, both Meiteis, from Imphal. They had gone missing on July 6 and remained untraced even as security agencies looked for them and locals took to the streets seeking their whereabouts. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI [Central Bureau of Investigation] as per the wishes of the people of the state, said the statement. It added police and central security agencies were investigating the case and search operations were on to nab those who murdered the two students. The government assures the public that swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The statement said the government was committed to ensuring justice for the murdered students and severe punishment on any perpetrators found responsible for this heinous crime. It urged the public to exercise restraint and let the authorities handle the investigation. The ethnic violence between dominant Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur has since May left at least 175 dead and around 50,000 displaced. The Kukis and other tribal groups live in hill districts while the Meiteis in the Imphal valley and plains. Central forces have been 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. They have been directed against allowing even state police to cross the buffer zones without taking them along. The directive was issued amid allegations of bias against the state police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal Parashar Utpal is a Senior Assistant Editor based in Guwahati. He covers seven states of North-East India and heads the editorial team for the region. He was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times. ...view detail The Manipur government has assured "swift and decisive" action after photos showing the bodies of two students, who had gone missing in July, surfaced on social media after mobile Internet was restored in the violence-hit northeastern state. The two students have been identified as Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20. In the statement, the Manipur chief minister's office said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The two students have been identified as Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20. It has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit (20 years) and HijamLinthoingambi(17 years), who have been missing since July, 2023 have surfaced on social media. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state, the statement, issued on September 25, said. The photos, which have gone viral on social media, show the two students sitting at the grassy compound of what appears to be a makeshift jungle camp of an armed group. The Manipur police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students, the statement said. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators, it added. In response to this distressing situation, the government assures the public that swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and HijamLinthoingambi. The government is committed to ensuring justice prevails and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrators found responsible for this heinous crime. The Government encourages the public to exercise restraint and to let the authorities handle the investigation, the statement said. Manipur descended into chaos and untrammelled violence in May over a high court order directing the state government to consider including the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. The order led to rampant ethnic clashes. More than 170 people have been killed and several hundred others injured since ethnic violence first broke out in the state on May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for ST status. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis criticism of the party in his election speeches in Madhya Pradesh, saying he spent too much time attacking the Congress in the state though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power in the state for the last two decades except for 15 months when Kamal Nath was chief minister. AICC chairman, Media & Publicity Department, Pawan Khera briefs the media (PTI File) PM Modi mentioned the Congress 44 times in his 51-minute speech in Madhya Pradesh In a state where the BJP has been in power for 18 years, you are taking the name of Congress 44 times. This indicates that the achievements of the government in Madhya Pradesh are zero, Khera said at a briefing on Tuesday. In speeches on Monday at events in the capital cities of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan ahead of assembly polls later this year, PM Modi accused the Congress of dragging its feet on womens reservation, keeping the people of India poor and forcing them to live in misery for decades. In Bhopal, PM Modi said the Congress administrations were remembered for misrule that made the state BIMARU a reference to an umbrella moniker used for the underdeveloped states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The BJP government has completed almost 20 years in MP. The youth who will vote for the first time have seen only the BJP government. They are fortunate that they have not seen the bad governance and evils of Congress in MP, the PM said. Khera said PM Modi was misleading voters about the Congress, adding that he mentioned the party so many times that the BJP leader appeared to the Congresss star campaigner. Khera said in Rajasthan too, PM Modi criticised the Ashok Gehlot-led government. He might have forgotten how he awarded the state for effective administration during the pandemic times... Gehlot in power, developed 2,500 colleges, brought Swasth and Chiranjeevi Yojana, and 25 lakh health insurance in the healthcare system. The fiscal deficit, which was once 9.2%, is now at 3%. Yet, he is accused of corruption? said Khera/ Khera also sought to counter PM Modis accusation that the Congress and the Opposition were against the empowerment of women and recalled instances where leaders of the BJP opposed the reservation. HYDERABAD: A class 10 student at a private school who had gone missing in Hyderabads upscale locality of Raidurgam on Monday evening has been found dead, police said on Tuesday Police said the boy went missing at 7.30 pm on Monday evening (X/psraidurgam_cyb) Police suspect the 14-year-old died by suicide. Raidurgam police inspector M Mahesh said the boys family filed a missing report at 2am. We also took up a search for the boy and went through the footage of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras of the apartment. On Tuesday morning at around 7 am, the boys body was found behind the adjacent block of the same apartment complex, Mahesh said. His father, a businessman and a financial analyst based in Mumbai, told us that the boy was feeling a lot of pressure, but could not explain what kind of pressure it was and the reason for the same. The boy did not leave any suicide note or any such message on his mobile. We need to further investigation in this regard, the inspector said. Mahesh said the school authorities have not shared any information that could indicate why the student took the extreme step. The teenagers friends have said he was into online games. (If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290 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 Manipur on Tuesday once again suspended the mobile internet services for five days following a fresh protests in the state that flared up after two students were bruttaly murdered by suspected armed men. Scores of students on Tuesday took to streets and marched towards chief minister N Biren Singh's residence demanding justice for the victims. The unrest took place after pictures of two students' bodies went viral on social media. Students shout slogans during a protest against the killing of two missing students by unknown miscreants and the restoration of peace in India's northeastern state of Manipur in Imphal(AFP) All the schools in the state will also be remained closed tomorrow (September 27) in the wake of the protests. The administrative officials said the internet services have been suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation and in an attempt to curb the spread of disinformation, false rumours and other violent activities. The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with immediate effect till 7:45 pm of October 10, the circular said. Internet services were recently restored in the state after almost a five month ban following the ethnic violence in May. In one of the pictures, two students a man, 20, and a girl, 17, were seen sitting in a purportedly makeshift jungle camp of an armed group. Moreover, two men could also be seen in the picture standing behind them holding guns. They went missing during the peak of the ethnic violence in July. In the next picture, bodies of both the student are seen crumpled on the ground. The head of the man appeared to be missing. The photos were taken on July 8 two days after the two students went missing. According to the chief minister's office, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the case, and the state governement has assured swift and decisive against the perpetrators. Manipur has been under the grips of widespread violence over the high court's decision to including non-tribal Meitei community in the state to the list of scheduled tribes (ST), which spaked ethnic clashes largely between Meitei and the tribal Kuki communities. 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 Saket Gokhale of the Trinamool Congress on Tuesday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using terms like Urban Naxals and tukde tukde gang in speeches while attacking the Congress and sought details, in a letter, from the ministry of home affairs about such organisations. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale (File) Addressing a massive gathering of Bharatiya Janata Party workers, 'Karyakarta Mahakumb', in Bhopal on Monday, Modi tore into the Congress, equating it with "rusted iron" and alleging its functioning has been outsourced to "Urban Naxals" and that the organisation is not run by leaders. The Congress has become a company and is outsourcing every policy and plan. Now, they are with urban naxal and giving a contract to them. Reacting to Modi's comments, Gokhale on social media X alleged that the PM has used the terms on several occasions for political parties, journalists and NGOs among others. In a letter to the special secretary of internal affairs at the home ministry, the TMC leader sought details of the group called urban naxals and on how the government of India has identified this group and the official SOP adopted for handling Urban Naxals. Taking a dig at Modi's use of the phrase tukde tukde gange, Gokhale claimed that that a few years ago, the home ministry told him on record that nothing of that sort exists. Gokhale added that the statements by the prime minister carried immense importance and should be factual. Therefore, the country needs to know how the Govt of India & PM Modi have formally identified urban naxals & the official Govt of India records & SOP on the remarks made by PM Modi yesterday, he said. The letter states that Modi made a startling allegation and termed it a matter of grave concern of internal security that the PM indicated the existence of such a group. Asking the MEA if it has identified a category called Urban Naxals, Gokhale sought details of this category of persons including their activities and the basis on which they're identified. He also asked how many prosecutions were conducted by the MHA or other central investigation agencies into this group or its members. Gokhale added, Please state the standard SOP laid down by the Ministry of Home Affairs along with any communication extended to all state governments regarding the topic of urban naxals. Gokhale sought the information claiming it to be prospective parliamentary work and urged the ministry to treat it as urgent and a priority considering the serious nature of the allegations by the PM. PM Modi's attack on Congress in Bhopal speech Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress blaming it for keeping the people of India poor for years. He warned the youth, poor, women and first-time voters against voting for the Congress in the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Modi also said the Congress neither wanted to change itself nor did it want to allow the country to change, and alleged that the party wanted to take the country back to the 20th century. Congress remained busy in glorifying only one family. Congress turned democracy into a family system. Congress continued to nurture the corrupt system in India. Congress created such a system that the poor always had to lend a helping hand. Congress deliberately kept the country poor, Modi said. Congress neither has the ability to see nor to understand the interest of the country, that is why you will see that Congress criticises every project related to developed India, he added. Attacking the Congress rule in neighbouring states, the PM said, We are seeing around us that when they got a chance in Rajasthan, how Congress brought only destruction there. We have seen in Maharashtra how Congress, after joining the alliance, made loot their number-one taskAfter Independence, Congress ruled Madhya Pradesh for a long time. But, it turned resource-rich Madhya Pradesh into a BIMARU Madhya Pradesh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the outcomes at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi earlier this month have great significance for the international community and the African Union became a permanent member of the forum at Indias initiative. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (PTI) Addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar said India began its G20 presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit, recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable. He said the world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil. At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility India took up the presidency of G20. Our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' sought to focus on the key concerns of the many just the narrow interests of the few, he said. READ | Respect for territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs.cherry picking: Jaishankar at UNGA The minister said that the African Union becoming a member of G20 should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary. "Recognising that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable, we began presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit. This enabled us to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 Agenda. As a consequence, issues that deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community, he said. It was also noteworthy that at India's initiative, the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation, to also make the Security Council contemporary," he added. Jaishankar began his address with "Namaste from Bharat!. Our fullest support to this UNGA's theme of rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity. This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and challenges even while sharing our aspirations and goals. Indeed, in regard to both, there is much that India has to share, he said. The G20 Summit was held in New Delhi earlier this month. The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration was adopted on September 9 with leaders forging a consensus. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rajkumar Malhotra, a Pakistan born Hindu, immigrated to India with his family in 1992 seeking political asylum and settle permanently here as they were being persecuted and tortured there. The person was granted citizenship of India on February 15, 2017. (Representative file image) Indian government granted them citizenship by naturalization under citizenship laws a person can acquire citizenship by naturalization if he/she stayed in India for 12 years in 2017. With the help of his relatives, who had also immigrated from Pakistan here, Malhotra did petty businesses for survival and bought two properties in Dehradun, a plot worth 13.50 lakh in 2007 and another worth 19 lakh in 2012. After almost 23 years, one fine day, in July 2015, Malhotra received a show cause notice from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for contravening regulation 7 of the foreign exchange management act (FEMA) stating that he had not taken permission from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before acquiring the properties as he was a Pakistani national at that time. Also Read: Kerala: ED raids at four locations linked to members of banned PFI The adjudicating authority under FEMA imposed a penalty of 3 lakh on Malhotra, which he deposited as ordered. To be sure, FEMA, which deals with foreign exchange and funding, is a civil offence. However, unhappy with the penalty amount, ED moved the special director (appeals) under FEMA with a plea that the amount of penalty imposed does not correspond with the quantum of contravention, requesting more penalty and confiscation of the properties. Based on documents and considering the facts put by the ED, the special director (appeals) passed a fresh order imposing a further penalty of 4.5 lakh on Malhotra. Aggrieved by the enhanced penalty, Malhotra approached the appellate tribunal for forfeited property (ATFP) in Delhi in September last year saying when he acquired these properties, the legal intricacies were not known to him and that he had already paid 3lakh penalty which was imposed on him earlier. He submitted before ATFP that he is a law-abiding individual who has never been involved in any criminal or anti-social activity. He (Malhotra) came to India under very difficult circumstances, with the intention of permanently settling here. He has been leading a precarious existence doing petty business with the help of his relatives here who had also similarly immigrated from Pakistan. He acquired the properties in question, but as the legal intricacies were not known to him, he could not comply with the statutory requirement, argued his lawyers, Prashant Pandey, Manish Mishra and Nitin Verma before ATFP. The lawyers informed the court that the family came to India in 1992 as they were being persecuted and tortured in Pakistan for being Hindus. Based on his political asylum plea, Malhotra was granted citizenship of India on February 15, 2017, and a certificate of naturalization was issued by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) under the Citizenship Act. In view of this, he submits, the adjudicating authority ought to have considered that the transaction pertaining to the purchase of immovable property has been automatically regularized and Malhotra cannot be treated as a Pakistani national for the purpose of FEMA regulations, the lawyers argued. They further argued that there was no violation of FEMA because there was no use of foreign funds. Rather, money earned in India was used to buy properties besides his relatives helping him. He (Malhotra) had sought political asylum in India on account of facing persecution in Pakistan. He will have to face severe consequences and irreparable loss will be suffered if the improved order is not set aside, the lawyers said, adding that there was no mens rea on part of Malhotra while buying the properties. Agreeing with Malhotras lawyers, the tribunal, in its order on September 5, set aside the penalty of 4.5 lakh further imposed by special director (appeals). No doubt ignorance of the law is not a defence and every person is presumed to know the law to which he or she is subject. Nevertheless, in view of the facts mentioned above which are not in dispute, we are of the view that the ends of justice have been met with the penalty of 3,00,000 imposed upon the appellant and his father in the first instance which was duly paid, and levy of further penalty of 4,50,000 was not justified in his case. Accordingly, the same is hereby set aside, the tribunal said in the order, a copy of which has been seen by HT. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid the escalating diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a small group of pro-Khalistan supporters staged a protest outside the Indian high commission in Ottawa on Monday. Reports claimed that around 100 pro-Khalistani supporters waved yellow flags marked with the word Khalistan on them outside the Indian consulate. Pro-Khalistani supporters protesting outside the Indian high commission Some pro-Khalistan supporters also burned an Indian flag and protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported news agency Reuters. Notably, India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. One of the protesters belonging to the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) alleged that India compromised the sovereignty of Canada, Reuters reported. The protest was held a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made stunning allegations linking India to the killing of Nijjar - who was shot dead in June outside a gurdwara in British Columbia, and triggered a massive diplomatic row. While India has dismissed Canada's accusations calling it absurd and motivated, Trudeau's move sparked a tit-for-tat action with each nation expelling diplomats. India suspends visa services for all Canadians, issues advisory On September 21, India suspended visa services for Canadian citizens citing security threats to its staff in its consulates in Canada, adding that even those Canadian citizens living in another country cannot apply for an Indian visa. Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, The issue is not about travel to India but the issue is incitement of violence and inaction by the Canadian government. Earlier, India also advised its citizens in Canada to exercise utmost caution due to growing anti-India activities and hate crimes. The advisory also reflected the worsening bilateral relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, Canada updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India asking them to remain vigilant and exercise caution. "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution," the Canadian government said in an update. (With inputs from Reuters) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for "collective efforts" to deal with the complexities of the Indo-Pacific, and ensure a future marked by prosperity, security and inclusivity in the region. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference (IPACC)(PTI) In an address at the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference (IPACC), Singh pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation. His comments came amid growing global concerns over China's aggressive military behaviour in the Indo-Pacific. The defence minister said peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific can be achieved in consonance with the ancient Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family). Delegates from over 30 countries are attending the conference being hosted by the Indian Army. Singh emphasised that the Indo-Pacific is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges, including boundary disputes and piracy. He explained his vision for the region through a theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles -- 'Circle of Concern' and 'Circle of Influence'. "There may be instances when the 'Circle of Concern' of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples," he said. "This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation," he added. Singh pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation. He stressed the need to engage with the broader international community and work collaboratively through diplomacy, international organisations and treaties to tackle common concerns within the overlapping 'Circle of Concern'. He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping 'Circle of Concern' of different nations. Singh was of the view that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their 'Circle of Influence' to promote national interests on the global stage. This, he said, may involve building partnerships, participating in regional organisations and employing diplomatic, economic or military tools strategically. "This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our 'Circle of Influence' while harmonising the overlaps of our 'Circle of Concern'," he added. NEW DELHI: The diplomatic row between India and Canada will not impact the bilateral military relationship and the two sides will have to deal with it at the political level, said Canadian Army deputy commander Major General Peter Scott. Canadian Army deputy commander Major General Peter Scott during his visit to Gandhi Smriti at Tees January Marg in New Delhi, India September 26 (HT Photo/Sanchit Khanna) He is in Delhi to attend the two-day Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), which began on Tuesday. We are grateful to be here as part of IPACC. I am aware of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement and the request to India to cooperate in the investigation. This is an issue between both our countries at the political level and it does not affect us at the army level, he said. India on September 19 dismissed as absurd and motivated Trudeaus claim of a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. Both sides carried out tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NEW DELHI:The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the Nagaland government time till November 10 to pass the legislation to give women 33% reservation in urban local bodies, reminding the state that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. A view of Supreme Court in New Delhi (HT File Photo) This matter has been pending now for several years. We understand the state has to take many factors into consideration. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating. So when will we have it, the bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia said. Nagalands advocate general KN Balagopal told the top court that the bill, which sought to introduce 33% reservation in 36 town councils and three municipal councils, was expected to become a reality before the next hearing. He said tribal leaders of 16 major tribes and 7 minor tribes have been taken into confidence by the state government and the bill, currently pending before a select committee of the assembly, will be passed before the next date. Balagopal told the bench that he wanted the final order to be passed by the bench before justice Kaul demits office in December. The bench led by justice Kaul has passed a string of orders over several months to prod the state into action, warning that the court will step in if the state government fails to resolve the issue. Balagopal said that he will prepare a blueprint along with the schedule to show how the state intends to go about executing the 33% reservation to women in urban bodies. The womens reservation issue in Nagaland has long been tied up in a web of traditional laws, customs and local political dynamics. The 33% womens reservation in urban local bodies was introduced in the Constitution in 1992, but the municipal laws in Nagaland did not provide for it. It was added in 2006 and since then, the tribal groups have objected to its implementation citing the provisions were not in consonance with Naga tribal customary laws. In October 2011, the Gauhati high court directed the state to hold urban local body elections, demarcating seats for women. This led to the Nagaland assembly in September 2012 resolution not to implement the 33% reservation for women under Part IX-A of the Constitution in the state. This resolution was challenged by PUCL in SC in 2016. When the top court pushed the state to implement womens reservation in urban local body elections scheduled in May this year, Nagaland repealed the municipal law under which elections were to be held. The move provoked the top court to warn the Centre and the state to take remedial measures, ruling that if customary laws were standing in the way of implementing the constitution, it would not hesitate to hold them unconstitutional. The bench also initiated contempt proceedings against the chief minister and chief secretary. The state took defence under Article 371A, which states that any central law passed by Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions as per Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, cannot apply to the state unless the Nagaland assembly adopts it by passing a resolution. Nagaland also reasoned that introducing reservations in urban bodies would lead to an anomalous situation as women in urban local bodies would get reservations while those in villages, governed by Panchayati Raj institutions, would be denied the benefit. This was because the operation of Panchayats under Part IX of the Constitution is specifically excluded for Nagaland by Article 243M of the Constitution. Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George on Tuesday visited a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi here and paid tribute to him at the Martyr's Column. Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti welcomes the US Army chief and other guests.(X/Vijay Goel) He attended the opening of the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference (IPACC) hosted in Delhi in the morning. Besides Gen George, several chiefs of armies were among the delegates at the two-day conference. The US Army is the co-host of the conference. READ | Watch: G20 leaders visit Rajghat in Delhi before attending Day 2 of summit Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti welcomed the US Army chief and other guests. The US Army chief and others saw the exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and the room where Mahatma Gandhi had spent the last 144 days of his life at the old Birla House, before his assassination, Goel's office said in a statement. The Martyrs Column marks the site of his assassination on January 30, 1948. Goel said khadi stole and autobiography of Gandhi was presented to members of the delegation. The Uttarakhand government has signed a memorandum of understanding worth 2,000 crore with global ropeway construction firm Poma Group in London. The MoU was signed by Uttarakhand's secretary (industries) Vinay Shankar Pandey on behalf of the state government. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said keeping in mind the geographical conditions of the state, there is immense potential for investment in the field of eco-friendly tourism in Uttarakhand. The Poma Group has worked in Uttarakhand, having been associated with the Auli ropeway in Chamoli district of the state. The company is also also providing technical support in Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway & Yamunotri ropeway projects, the government statement said. The Poma Group has expressed its desire to invest in providing technical support for ropeway & establishing a Center of Excellence in many other religious and tourist places including Haridwar, Dhami said. Dhami said that the focus of his government is also on ecology & economy, along with tourism. The chief minister said that the state government is looking for different ways of investment in which there is a balance between development & environment. In such a situation, on one hand, options like ropeway will provide convenience to the tourists in Uttarakhand, while on the other hand, it will prove to be better from the environmental point of view, along with increasing the livelihood opportunities of the local people, the CM added. Dhami also participated in the meetings organised at the London roadshow for the Global Investors Summit in Dehradun. He met many leading industrial houses of London and held detailed discussions about possibilities of investment in the hill state. Dhami also invited all the investors to Uttarakhand for the Global Investor Summit to be held in the month of December this year. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Dhami said that London is also a big center of service sector. He added that the Uttarakhand governments aim is that global investors should come to the state, so that the industrial activities here can gain more momentum. Britain is established as a global center in the field of innovation & technology. Availability of Londons skilled manpower provides impetus to this sector. Uttarakhand too has been successful in making its mark in India, in the field of innovation & technology, the government statement 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 Kolkata: A Calcutta high court division bench has upheld a single bench order passed in February this year allowing Shaona Barik, an assistant professor who teaches Victorian English at Visva-Bharati, West Bengals only Central university, to travel to England where the Leeds University awarded her the Charles Wallace India Trust Visiting Fellowship for 2022 at its history department. Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal (File photo) In November last year, Visva-Bharati did not grant Barik leave for the fellowship and subsequently moved the division bench challenging the single benchs February 22 order that went in Bariks favour, allowing her to stay in England from March 5 to May 9. The division bench of justice Prasenjit Biswas and justice Soumen Sen passed the order on September 18, rejecting the universitys appeal against the February 22 order of justice Kausik Chanda. The division bench order, a copy of which was seen by HT, said: We do not find any reason to interfere with the order passed by the learned single Judge. The appeal and the connected applications are dismissed. On November 2, 2022, Visva-Bharati sent a letter to Barik saying her application for leave could not be considered. The university told the single bench during hearing on Bariks petition that Visva-Bharatis English department had only ten professors against a sanctioned strength of 17 and no other teacher was qualified to teach Victorian English. Barik was not granted leave in the interest of students, the court was told. Justice Chandas order, a copy of which was seen by HT, said: It is always expected that the teaching staff of the university should take advantage of such fellowship to get wider exposure, which in turn, will help them contribute to their institution more effectively. I do not see any justification not to allow the petitioner to participate in the fellowship. Accordingly, the communication dated November 2, 2022, is set aside. The university will grant the necessary leave to the petitioner within 72 hours from date. Also Read: Visva-Bharati notice to professor after FIR filed against vice chancellor The professor alleged on Tuesday that she is being victimised because she belongs to the Dalit community. Many professors from Visva-Bharati were awarded this fellowship in the past. I perceive this as caste discrimination against me. The fellowship adds to the empowerment of the Dalit community to which I belong. Such fellowships are necessary for promotions as well. I will write to Visva-Bharati again citing the division bench order because my leave has not been sanctioned till now, Barik said. The university did not grant me leave although the single bench ordered that it should be done in 72 hours. I left India on March 5 citing extra-ordinary leave. I completed the fellowship. It is a three-month-one-week programme but I had to return after two and a half months because of a medical emergency and subsequently underwent an operation. I resumed work on May 26 but they did not allow me to officially join duty till July 1. The university did not pay me the salary for June, Barik added. A girl student is working on her M.Phil thesis under my supervision. After I returned from England, the university did not allow me to sign her thesis papers. Working as a supervisor also adds to career growth, Barik said. Bidyut Chakrabarty, the vice chancellor, could not be reached for a comment. Mahua Banerjee, the universitys spokesperson, said: The decision to not sanction Bariks leave was taken by higher authorities. I cannot comment on that. I dont know if the university will move a higher court challenging the division bench order. The Prime Minister is the chancellor of Visva-Bharati which was set up by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921. The campus has witnessed a number of agitations following disciplinary action against teachers and students who subsequently moved the Calcutta high court. Most of the court orders went in their favour. A section of prominent academicians has demanded removal of vice-chancellor Chakraborty for insulting Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen during the ongoing row over the universitys claim on part of the leased land covered by Sens ancestral home on the campus. The case is being heard by the Birbhum district court. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sonam Kapoor, the ultimate fashionista of B-town, recently attended the Hugo Boss event at Milan Fashion Week and made everyone swoon with her incredible style and sartorial flair. The actress is an absolute stunner and knows how to rock any look to perfection, whether it's a glam red carpet-worthy gown or a casual holiday outfit. Filled with stylish looks, her Insta-diaries are a treasure trove of fashion inspiration for all her followers. Her Milan look book is no exception and is truly a visual treat for all fashion lovers. Previously, the actress wore a blue plunging neck dress and this time she shows off her fashion prowess in a white pantsuit. Scroll down for more details. (Also read: Sonam Kapoor attends Milan Fashion Week for Hugo Boss in deep-neck black gown, internet says 'She is the BOSS': Watch ) Sonam Kapoor radiates glamour in Hugo Boss white pantsuit at Milan Fashion Week(Instagram/@sonamkapoor) Sonam Kapoor Stuns in a White Pantsuit at Milan On Monday, Sonam drove our blue away as she took to Instagram to upload a series of pictures accompanied by the caption, 'For B O S S in Milan'. In the post, Sonam can be seen exuding the ultimate boss babe vibes in a stunning white pantsuit. Her post quickly went viral on social media with over 400k likes and several comments from her adoring fans who can't stop gushing over her look. She also received praise from several B-town celebs, with Bhumi Pednekar commenting "Hotttttttt" and her husband Anand Ahuja writing "Whatttttt. Now that's how you get our attention!!". Let's take a moment to admire their pictures. We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join For her glamorous look, Sonam got dressed from head to toe in Boss. Her outfit consisted of a white blazer featuring full sleeves, a double collar, a V-neckline and a tie-on pattern at the side. She paired it with a matching straight-filled trouser. Assisted by her fashion stylist sister Rhea Kapoor, Sonam accessorised her look with a chic black bag, a pair of black rectangular sunglasses and a pair of black lace-up shoes. With the help of celebrity make-up and hair artist Namrata Soni, Sonam went for nude eyeshadow, mascara lashes, darkened brows, rosy cheeks and a shade of nude lipstick. With her hair left loose in an updo, she finished off her head-turning look. 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! Pitru Paksha 2023: It is believed that during this period of time every year, the ancestors visit their relatives on earth to accept gifts, food and water. The deceased souls visit their families. This is an extremely auspicious time of the year when the deceased people of the family are remembered. Pitru Paksha is observed over a period of sixteen days when auspicious rituals such as Pind Daan, Shradh and Pitru Tarpan are performed. Every year, Pitru Paksha is observed when the ancestors and the deceased souls are offered food and water. Here are a few things to know about this period of time. Pitru Paksha 2023: Date, history, significance, rituals of Shradh Date: According to Drik Panchang, this year, Pitru Paksha will start with Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima on September 29, and will go on till October 14, Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya. We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join History: It is believed that three generations of ancestors, after their death, stay in a realm called Pitriloka. During Pitru paksha, every year, for the sixteen days, Yamraja or Yama the god of death frees them to visit their relatives and family members to accept gifts, food and water. ALSO READ: Pitru Paksha 2023: Astrological Guidelines To Seek Blessings Of Our Forefathers Significance: People offer food, water and other gifts to the deceased ancestors through priests and brahmins. People also visit the river Ganges to perform Tarpan, Shradh and Pind Daan during this period. People also invite the Brahmins to their homes and offer satvik food, clothes and dakshina. Rituals of Shradh: It is an extremely auspicious time of the year to perform Tarpan, Shradh and Pind Daan. People mix water with white flour, black sesame, barley, and kusha grass, and offer Tarpan to their ancestors. It is believed that the deceased ancestors get satisfied with tarpan. Shradh at home is performed by inviting the Brahmins and performing the fore ceremony and then offering rice balls to the departed souls of the ancestors. 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 Intellectual disability (ID) is thought to be associated with an increased risk of dementia and its onset is influenced by both inherited and acquired factors. It is also known that a lower cognitive reservethe capacity for thinking developed by learning and deliberate mental effortincreases the risk of dementia in the general population. Adults with intellectual disabilities are at risk for dementia: Study(Unsplash) It is hypothesised that dementia is more common in people with ID given the likelihood of a shorter educational lifespan and a reduced intellectual capacity. We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join The prevalence of dementia among individuals with ID without Down syndrome (DS) in comparison to the general population is unknown, and the risk variables that affect dementia risk aren't fully understood. ALSO READ: Association between dementia risk, size of white blood cell telomeres: Study Recently, researchers uncovered the prevalence of dementia and identified the risk factors that can lead to dementia among people with ID in Japan. The team was led by Professor Shintaro Takenoshita, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Okayama University Hospital, Japan. Their findings were published in the journal Alzheimers Research & Therapy on 18 July 2023. Diagnosing dementia in people with ID is difficult owing to the mixed effects of innate cognitive decline and the cognitive decline that occurs over time due to dementia. However, it is quite possible to diagnose dementia if cognitive and lifestyle functions are assessed chronologically based on information from family and other support persons. We believe that even in persons with intellectual disabilities, dementia needs to be properly evaluated, explains Prof. Takenoshita regarding the groups motivation to pursue the study. The team surveyed the severity of ID, educational history, and comorbidities across 1,831 participants in residential treatment facilities spread across Japan. The relevant data was collected by interviewing caregivers of all the participants, and a direct examination was performedusing clinical criteria for dementia and neurocognitive disordersfor participants suspected of having cognitive decline. Emphasizing the reports key findings, Prof. Takenoshita says, We found that 6.44% of the participants were diagnosed with dementia. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that dementia was more prevalent in younger people with ID compared to the general population. Lastly, we pinpointed seven factors with significant links to dementia. These were hypertension, depression, stroke, age, severity of ID, duration of education, and traumatic brain injury. These findings are expected to enable better screening for dementia and improve the support and medical care for people with ID. It is important to note that some of the risk factors are modifiable. Therefore, depending on a patients profile, providing adequate education, preventing head trauma and stroke, and making hypertension and depression medications readily available could be the first steps in preventing the onset of dementia in people with ID. This is the largest study that explores the prevalence of dementia in a population with ID. Additionally, we minimized the studys bias by surveying participants from a wide geographic range. This implies that the risk factors we identified are reliable targets for designing interventions intended to minimize the risk of dementia in people with ID, explains Prof. Takenoshita. Moving forward, Prof. Takenoshita is confident that future studies can build on the scope of his teams work. As the understanding of dementia evolves, public health recommendations in medical policies can be developed specifically for people diagnosed with ID. Along these lines, the insights on the modifiable risk factors can potentially help catch the onset of dementia and ensure that people with ID do not miss out on treatment or interventions that are readily available. (ANI) 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! World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 to focus on promoting tourism in various parts of the world. When it comes to India's heritage and culture, one can't help but conjure images of vibrancy, diversity, and rich history. However, what if we told you that you could unravel the secrets of India's heritage while journeying on rails? For many millennials, train travel may invoke a sense of nostalgia. In an era where road trips and flights have taken centre stage in travel preferences, train journeys have often faded into the background. However, in India, a train voyage is an adventure in itself. Heritage trains offer not only a journey through nostalgia but also a captivating ride through India's culturally diverse landscape. (Unsplash/Sugden Guy sugden) Engaging in conversations with fellow passengers, gazing at the picturesque landscapes unfolding outside your window, swaying to the rhythmic motion of the train, and making occasional station stops for some refreshing stretching all these experiences combine to make train travel a holistic odyssey. These trains offer not only a journey through nostalgia but also a captivating ride through India's culturally diverse landscape. Moreover, India's extensive railway network boasts several UNESCO-recognized heritage trains that promise to transport you to the heart of the country's cultural treasures. (Also read: World Tourism Day 2023: Date, history, significance ) Top heritage trains of India for a mesmerising journey Dinesh Kumar Kotha, Co-founder and CEO, ConfirmTkt shared with HT Lifestyle some of the amazing Indian heritage trains that are sure to offer you an incredible journey. 1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway Nilgiri Mountain Railway stretches from Mettupalayam to Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Built-in 1908, the train passes through 16 tunnels and across 250 bridges in the Nilgiri mountain ranges. (Instagram/@brav0juliett) Nestled amidst India's treasure trove of heritage trains, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway emerges as a true marvel of both engineering and natural beauty. This UNESCO-recognized gem winds its way through the picturesque Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, promising passengers an enchanting journey like no other. Cherished by travellers and even gracing the silver screen in Bollywood films, this delightful train adventure unfolds against a backdrop of lush tea plantations, serene forests, and charming hill stations. As you ascend to over 6,000 feet, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway not only treats you to breathtaking landscapes but also offers a captivating glimpse into India's colonial history and the timeless allure of rail travel. One of its cinematic claims to fame includes its appearance in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Dil Se" where the chart-topping song "Chaiyya Chaiyya" was filmed on the slow-moving train, adding to its legendary charm. 2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Darjeeling 'toy trains', formally known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). (File Photo) The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It offers a nostalgic ride through the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, and as you traverse steep slopes on vintage locomotives, you will soak in breathtaking views while immersing yourself in the region's rich history and culture. This iconic railway has also made its mark on the silver screen, most notably in the Bollywood film "Parineeta" where Saif Ali Khan serenades aboard the train while ascending the hills. The route, stretching from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling station, is a beloved choice for tourists seeking historical charm and natural beauty. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this train winds through picturesque mountains, featuring five captivating loops on its ascent to the hills. 3. Palace on Wheels Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train in India renowned for its opulent amenities and royal travel experience.(Pinterest) The Palace on Wheels is like a regal time machine, sweeping you into a captivating week-long journey through the enchanting landscapes of Rajasthan, India. This experience seamlessly blends luxury, culture, and history, making stops at iconic destinations like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Picture yourself stepping into exquisitely designed cabins, savouring gourmet feasts, and unwinding in opulent surroundings. However, what truly distinguishes this adventure is its deep cultural immersionyou will explore magnificent forts and palaces, savour traditional performances, and revel in top-tier hospitality. It's a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that unveils Rajasthan's rich heritage, promising indelible memories along the way. 4. Kalka-Shimla Railway Kalka-Shimla Railway connects the town of Kalka in Haryana to the hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.(Pinterest) Envision yourself embarking on an enchanting journey through the lush Himalayan foothills, all thanks to the Kalka-Shimla Railwaya UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a captivating time capsule to India's colonial-era engineering marvels. This narrow-gauge heritage train gracefully winds its way through 103 tunnels, traverses over 800 bridges, and conquers steep gradients, all while treating passengers to breathtaking vistas of verdant valleys, dense forests, and picturesque villages along the way. As you step into its vintage carriages, adorned with polished woodwork and spacious windows, you will be transported back in time to an era of elegance and charm. This remarkable railway, conceived by the visionary HS Harington in 1898 to connect Shimla, the former summer capital of India, to the national rail network, now falls under the careful stewardship of the Northern Railway. With its well-deserved Heritage Site status earned in 2008, it beckons not only railway enthusiasts but also nature lovers to embark on a truly scenic and historic voyage through the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. 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! With Canadas allegations, Indian diplomacy confronts its most serious challenge in recent times. The issue has dominated international headlines. It has forced friendly western governments to take positions. It has also led to a greater education about Canada as a hub of extremism and terror. External affairs minister S Jaishankars visit to Washington DC this week will serve as a critical intervention in clarifying Indias stance in public and finding a modus vivendi around the issue with American policymakers in private. The UN itself remains stuck. It is the only organisation with the buy-in of all member States, it does tremendous development work, it is a forum for civilised discussion, and it offers the only semblance of semi-moral authority in an anarchic world(AP) But Canadas allegations should not distract us from five international trends, all of which intersect with Indian diplomacy, and have been visible at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. First, the world is exhausted with Ukraine. Yes, Washington alone has sent $76 billion to Kyiv since January 2022, with over $46 billion in military aid. Despite Republican anxieties in the House, the United States (US) administration is determined to continue this line of support to defend Ukrainian sovereignty. For its part, Russia continues to blame the West at the UN for the conflict and has shown no sign of letting up its brutality on the ground. And it seems to be privately waiting for November 2024 to see if Donald Trump returns to the White House, leading to a possible reset in the American calculus. But beyond the principal players, voices from the Global South indicate they are tired of dealing with the consequences of a conflict they have nothing to do with and which has no military solution, an echo of Indias original line when the war broke out. Two, most of the world is concerned about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate finance, and preparing for the future. The world is behind on meeting SDGs. The pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war and economic crises have set back countries from meeting the goals while the issue of resourcing for SDGs remains contentious. Indias G20 presidency made progress on resourcing and also showcased its model of digital public infrastructure in driving inclusion. UN officials have told India that the G20 deliberations on SDGs fed into the SDG summit at the UN and the UN would like India to remain engaged on the issue. Delhi will be happy to do so. Climate finance discussions are getting tied with the reform of multilateral development banks, where, once again, the Indian presidency has taken the lead in presenting recommendations of an expert group on both expansions of the mandate of these banks to include climate, but not at the cost of the battle against poverty, and ways to resource them better. The UN is very keen to partner with India in pushing this forward. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, before leaving office, wants to end with a grand summit of the future in 2024. This may be a good moment for India to push through its demand for reformed multilateralism for what future can there be in global governance which doesnt include India and any country from Africa or Latin America in UN Security Council and bypass the logjam in the intergovernmental negotiation process on reform blocked by China; parts of Africa under Chinese influence; and a group of naysayers who dont want regional rivals to get the coveted seats. The summit of the future may be the moment to take the issue straight to the UNGA, where China will have to show its hand rather than hide behind the principle of consensus while blocking consensus in practice. The third trend is the US reaching out to the Global South on its own. Fully aware that the future geopolitical battle will be fought in these 130-odd countries, here is what Washington has done just this week. Joe Biden is hosting the leaders of the Pacific Islands in Washington DC stepping up US diplomatic, security, climate and developmental assistance in the region. The US held its first summit with five Central Asian countries, kicking off a new plurilateral grouping, C5+1, in New York. The US also launched a new forum for cooperation among 32 Atlantic countries, including coastal countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. This is good news for India, which is already ahead of the curve in deepening its engagement with the Global South and sees its own partnership and American engagement as complementary, not competitive, a far cry from the Cold War years. The fourth trend is India-specific. Last year, this column, from the UN week in New York, argued that the India Way is winning. This year, there was even more evidence of this at two events in the Global South. Leaders from Samoa, Guyana, Mauritius, Maldives, Bhutan, Dominica, Jamaica, and St Lucia hailed New Delhi. They made three points. One, India had delivered when these countries needed assistance and help most with the provision of Covid-19 vaccines when much of the world had turned away. Two, India was at the high table with its G20 presidency but had not said bye bye to where it was coming from, but instead, provided a platform to Global South countries. And three, India was articulating issues that concerned the wider Global South at every platform despite its own challenges of development. And finally, the UN itself remains stuck. It is the only organisation with the buy-in of all member States, it does tremendous development work, it is a forum for civilised discussion, and it offers the only semblance of semi-moral authority in an anarchic world. But it is ineffective in meeting its fundamental duty of maintaining peace and security. It is increasingly rendered dysfunctional due to the geopolitical divide in the Security Council. It is dependent on the dominant actors for both money and authority. And it is making itself even more irrelevant if its decision-making structures dont change, with even four of the P5 leaders (Biden was the exception) choosing to skip the summit this year. This paradoxical story of the UNs importance and irrelevance remains, but within that wider matrix, India has done well in shaping the narrative as a responsible power that cares for the global good. 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! SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON One of the pillars of Indias G20 women-led development agenda is the promotion of womens entrepreneurship. According to several studies, if women were represented in the formal economy on par with men, the Indian economy would grow by an additional 60% by 2025, adding $2.9 trillion. At present, only about 14% of all enterprises in India are women-led businesses. The sixth economic census says that women entrepreneurs account for 13.76% (about 8.05 million) of the total entrepreneurs of 58.5 million in India. Undoubtedly, there has been a growth in the number of women entrepreneurs, but it has been patchy and slow and needs to be stepped up. PREMIUM The existing women-led enterprises employ 30% of Indias female workforce with the capability to create around 150 million jobs by 2030 (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) The existing women-led enterprises employ 30% of Indias female workforce with the capability to create around 150 million jobs by 2030. But there are many gaps that hold women back as identified by a research study by MicroSave Consultancy. One is the lack of space, capital, and support to get started. By and large, in India, we do not have physical incubation/acceleration spaces that recognise the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Among these are the need for shared services (legal, accounting), exhibition space, mentorship and peer to peer support. Women in tier 2 and tier 3 cities also need online/hybrid support that takes into account the time and mobility constraints of women entrepreneurs. An enormous challenge that aspiring women entrepreneurs face is access to finance. Most financial products are not designed or delivered in a manner that is tailored to their needs. Issues around collateral and gendered approaches to loans lead to women having to borrow from the informal sector or remain in low capital/low growth enterprises. What we need are appropriate financing solutions which begin bottom up, tailored to the requirements of women entrepreneurs. The delivery and design of these cannot be based on the old models but through innovative approaches after consulting the women. Yashodhara Bajoria, co-founder, CAXpert, an online accounting platform that provides low-cost accounting solutions and financial analytics to small business owners says, Categorising entrepreneurs based solely on traditional factors like turnover and investments is limiting. To truly empower entrepreneurs, we need insights into their mindset and approach. Compliance psychology provides this crucial understanding. It not only aids resource allocation but also informed policy development. At CAXpert, we believe this is where meaningful change begins. Women entrepreneurs and aspiring ones have suffered for lack of a collective voice. There is no single collective focused on promoting womens entrepreneurship. This has several fallouts, among them the lack of negotiating power, lack of agenda setting ability, lack of ability to shape the narrative on critical issues and a lack of visibility on tailwinds, trends and opportunities. In the past, we have had models like SEWA and Lijjat papad, among a few others, that have shown what could work for mass women entrepreneurship. But beyond that, no new models which keep in mind changing technologies and access routes to finance have come up which can be scaled across geographies. There is also a significant gap in womens entrepreneurship models designed for urban and rural areas. The greatest potential today for womens entrepreneurship lies in the gig economy, which is estimated to grow to 2.35 crore (23.5 million) workers by 2030. This has been boosted by the growing use of smartphones, internet penetration, education and digital payments infrastructure. The government has to do much more to support the private sector to identify, test and validate business models that are suitable for women entrepreneurs. The G20 summit has laid out the aspirations, now for the implementation. The views expressed are personal The Nipah Virus (NiV) infection reported from Kozhikode, Kerala, coming in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, has attracted worldwide attention. The previous outbreaks in Kerala were recorded in 2018, 2019 and 2021. In all these instances, the states public health system responded efficiently and was able to contain these outbreaks effectively. In the present outbreak, two deaths have occurred and the four remaining cases are stable and responded to the treatment; 1,233 contacts were traced and categorised into high-risk and low-risk contacts. According to Kerala health minister Veena Georges statement on September 18, the outbreak was under control and more than 200 samples from high-risk contacts have tested negative. The two deaths in this years outbreak need to be contrasted against 21 deaths in the 2018 outbreak, again in Kozhikode district. There has been no second wave as was feared and all restrictions have been eased. A young migrant male worker who returned from Kerala with symptoms suggestive of NiV infection is under investigation at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kolkata. PREMIUM Health workers shift a man with symptoms of Nipah virus to an isolation ward at a government hospital in Kozhikode in Kerala (AFP) NiV outbreaks have so far not led to an enormous number of cases as in respiratory viral infections such as influenza or vector-borne viruses like dengue. In the first recorded outbreaks in Malaysia and Singapore, where the infection in humans was linked to pigs, there were 300 cases and more than 100 deaths. The worrying dimension about NiV infections is that mortality (more accurately, case fatality rate) can range between 40% and 75%. The outcome (mortality) is determined by early diagnosis and good quality supportive treatment since there is no specific curative treatment. In contrast, the case fatality rate for Ebola is over 60%. It has a propensity to infect close family contacts and health care workers through human-to-human transmission; that has been the case in the current outbreak too. The World Organisation for Animal Health (formerly Office International des Epizooties [OIE]) observed that human cases have occurred sporadically in Bangladesh and India since 2003 without apparent related domestic animal disease outbreaks, suggesting possible human-to-human transmission. NiV can also infect companion animals but it is likely that it does not play any important role in the epidemiology of the disease. It has emerged as a highly localised form transmitted directly to populations without an intermediate amplifying host (pigs). The natural reservoir of NiV is wild fruit-eating bats (Pteropus sp.) that can spill over to human or carrier animals (cat, dog, pig, horse). While it causes mild symptoms in pigs with a mortality of about 1-5%, in human diseases it has a much higher fatality on account of acute respiratory and neurological complications. A critical impact is on the animal husbandry industry for outbreaks linked to pigs; more than 100,000 pigs were killed to contain the Malaysia/Singapore outbreak. A new wave of zoonotic (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) have emerged towards the turn of this millennium on account of an interplay of several key determinants including large and/or industrial-scale farming, high demand for animal source foods, destruction of forests and wildlife habitats and the climate crisis. The first NiV outbreak goes back to late September 1998 near the city of Ipoh in the northern Malaysian state of Perak. Initially considered Japanese Encephalitis, (that is linked to pigs and present with similar clinical features) the outbreak could not be halted with the specific measures for JE. It further spread to the southern state of Negeri and then through imported pigs to abattoir workers in Singapore in early March 1999. The viral genome was sequenced at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US and identified as a new virus. The virus was named Nipah in April 1999 after the river in the town where the first victim lived. The slash-and-burn deforestation for the plantation of palm trees and pulpwood in Malaysia was considered to have displaced bats towards the mango orchards at the edge of pig farms, triggering the chain of events. Covid-19 prompted the Prime Ministers Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) to recommend a One Health Mission to develop a unified pandemic preparedness plan for addressing priority One Health diseases (diseases of zoonotic nature, transboundary animal diseases as well as diseases of epidemic/pandemic potential) through cross-ministerial coordination and engage non-governmental stakeholders including academia, private sector and international agencies for better disease control and preparedness. One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems and recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are linked and interdependent. Kerala formulated a One Health Scheme in the context of zoonotic outbreaks such as scrub typhus, Kyasanur forest disease (monkey fever) and Nipah virus disease. The department of animal husbandry and dairying (DAHD) has supported pilots in Karnataka and Uttarakhand to develop a national One Health Framework through early prediction, detection, and diagnosis of zoonoses through increased quality, availability and utility of data evidence. The National Institute of Virology-led surveillance has so far detected evidence of Nipah viral antibodies in bats in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya and Pondicherry. The G20 Leaders Declaration, under the Indian presidency, has pledged to implement the One Health approach, enhance pandemic preparedness and strengthen existing infectious disease surveillance systems. One Health is marked by shared interests where common goals are set and the team works towards benefiting the overall health of a population. It will require sustained collaboration of multiple disciplines and sectors across local, national and global levels. The barriers to effective multi-sectoral engagements are many; carefully thought-out rules of engagement and shared leadership will be the key ingredients to success. Rajib Dasgupta is professor (Community Health), JNU and co-investigator, UKRI-GCRF One Health Poultry Hub, an international One Health research programme. The views expressed are personal Although the British are better known for their love of dogs, the preferred quadruped at their prime ministers official residence is a cat. Known as the Chief Mouser, its principal responsibility is to keep Downing Street rat-free. Its usually a tabby but David Cameron told Parliament in 2016 it should be considered a civil servant. Larry, the present incumbent of this grand office, is a stray rescued from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. He served during the premiership of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. But theres an important difference. Defeat will ensure prime ministers are turfed out of Downing Street. Only death or old age can remove the Mouser. PREMIUM Larry, the official 10 Downing Street cat, seen before the nationwide Clap for Carers to recognise and support National Health Service (NHS) workers and carers fighting the coronavirus pandemic on May 21, 2020.(Frank Augstein / AP) My niece, Narayani Basu, who is, in fact, an accomplished biographer, has compiled a brief history of the feline presence at the heart of the British government. It goes back to the reign of Henry VIII. Cardinal Wolsey kept a cat by his side whilst fulfilling his duties as Lord Chancellor. Records dating back to 1929 show the government officially took charge of the cats upkeep. In that year a penny a day was provided towards the maintenance of an efficient cat. Thereafter, the sum steadily increased and by the 21st century, the Mouser cost the British exchequer 100 per annum. The Downing Street website describes Larrys duties as greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality. It says hes contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house and hes informed the prime minister that a solution is still in the tactical planning stage. Clearly, Larry prefers the perquisites of the office to its responsibilities. Narayanis research suggests Cameron has had more to say about Larry than any of his successors. She found no mention of Sunaks opinion of the cat. So we have to rely on Cameron if we want to understand Larry better. According to him, Larry is a bit nervous around men. However, it seems Barack Obama is the exception. Funnily enough he liked Obama. Obama gave him a stroke and he was alright with Obama, Cameron is reported to have said. However, there have been times when Larry has upset prime ministerial wives. When his fur was found all over her husbands suits, Samantha Cameron banned him from the prime ministers flat. Indeed, there was even a time when a cat-proof barrier was erected to prevent Larry from entering the nearby Foreign Office. William Hague, as foreign secretary, asked for it to be taken down. It is said he had a soft spot for Larry. The blunt truth is Larrys security lies in the fact his popularity often exceeds that of the prime minister of the day. So, as stories started to spread that the Camerons did not like him, the prime minister was forced to tweet that he and Larry got on purr-fectly well. The British public was reassured! People have often wondered why Larry hasnt featured in a departing prime ministers honours list. Perhaps thats because he finds artful ways of stealing the show. When Theresa May and her husband posed with the Trumps at the entrance of Number 10, Larry perched on the window ledge and featured in every photograph. Later, he sheltered from the rain under Trumps armoured Cadillac and could not be coaxed out. This led Jon Sopel, then of the BBC, to tweet: BREAKING: Anti-Trump demonstrators fail to stop Donald Trump motorcade, but Number 10 cat does. Of late, criticism of Larry is heard more frequently than before. It centres around his temperament and job performance. Apparently, officials at Downing Street have noticed a distinct lack of killer instinct. Karan Thapar is the author of Devils Advocate: The Untold Story. The views expressed are personal A groundbreaking study has highlighted the possibility of self-sustaining chemical reactions capable of supporting alien life vastly different from that present on earth. While Earth's biology hinges on organic compounds, comprised mainly of carbon along with elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur, scientists feel alternative chemical frameworks could give rise to alien life forms. One of the two supposed non-human alien corpses displayed at Mexico Congress(X(formerly Twitter)/@iohmbra) In this innovative study, scientists sought autocatalytic reactions beyond the realm of organic compounds, speculating that such reactions could have driven abiogenesis, the emergence of life from non-life. They delved in on a specific type of chemical process known as "comproportionation cycles," which can yield multiple copies of a molecule and employ these products as catalysts for the same cycle, effectively achieving autocatalysis. Autocatalysis, a chemical interaction that perpetuates itself by generating molecules is a concept central to life on our planet. Think of it as a population of rabbits growing exponentially pairs of rabbits produce litters, and the cycle continues, leading to a proliferation of rabbits. Betul Kacar, an astrobiologist, bacteriologist, and evolutionary biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is quoted on space.com explaining that one of the major reasons that origin-of-life researchers care about autocatalysis is because reproduction a key feature of life is an example of autocatalysis. Life catalyzes the formation of more life. One cell produces two cells, which can become four and so on. As the number of cells multiply, the number and diversity of possible interactions multiplies accordingly. Zhen Peng, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the lead author of the study, likens comproportionation cycles to reproduction due to their capacity to generate multiples of an output. To identify these reactions, researchers analysed over two centuries' worth of digitized scientific literature in various languages, making use of advanced language search and translation tools. The outcome was astonishing: they uncovered 270 different cycles of autocatalytic reactions. These cycles often deviated from the organic compounds typical on Earth, occasionally involving elements like mercury, thorium, and even noble gases such as xenon. Some cycles were conditioned by extreme temperatures or pressures. Remarkably, even relatively inert gases like xenon participated in autocatalysis. This revelation hinted at the potential prevalence of autocatalysis across a broader spectrum of elements. Of the 270 cycles discovered, only eight were complex, composed of four or more reactions. The majority consisted of simple, two-reaction cycles, which defied the conventional belief that such reactions are exceedingly rare. Kacar noted, "It was thought that these sorts of reactions are very rare. We are showing that it's actually far from rare. You just need to look in the right place." Researchers suggested that combining multiple cycles, even when starkly different, could generate self-sustaining chemical reactions producing a diverse array of molecules, thus fostering complexity. Kacar states a shift in research focus toward understanding how autocatalysis, specifically through comproportionation, shapes a planet's chemistry. The research team anticipates that future experimentation will test the practical applicability of their findings. The groundbreaking findings were published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on September 18th. 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 Akshata Murty, entrepreneur and spouse of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, recently shared some interesting insights about the pets residing at 10 Downing Street. While appearing on the Sky Kids FYI show, Murty revealed that her family dog Nova has mixed emotions about living in Number 10 with Larry the Cat. She further shared about the hidden power struggle between the two and who ended up victorious. Akshata Murty shared her family dog Nova's feelings about living in Number 10 with Larry the Cat.(British High Commission) Nova has mixed emotions about (living here) because she sometimes doesnt get on with Larry the Cat. And theyve had some heated exchanges and Larrys come out on top, Murty told Sky Kids FYI. She added, But, you know, our family is so grateful to be here. Watch Akshata Murtys first-ever interview here: Larry, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, recently completed a 12-year tenure and has provided his services to five Prime Ministers, namely David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and the current one, Rishi Sunak. Former Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Sheffield adopted Larry from Londons Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 to address a pack of rats near their official residence. This cat was the first to be appointed to the rat-catching portfolio after the retirement of Humphrey the Cat in 1997. When Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and moved to 10 Downing Street with his family and dog Nova, Larry expressed his disapproval. A tweet from the cats official X (formerly known as Twitter) account read, ANOTHER dog?! Bring back Liz Truss. A few days later, the cat tweeted a picture of himself standing behind the podium and declared that he was not UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks cat. He added that he is a permanent resident of Number 10, while politicians are temporary residents. 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 Workers at a car wash in Indianas Fort Wayne were left astonished when they stumbled upon a groundhog wedged within a customer's front bumper. The customer had initially brought the car in because a bird had become trapped in the front grille of their vehicle, but little did they know that an even greater surprise awaited them. Snapshot of the groundhog stuck inside the car. (Facebook/@ Jiffy Lube) After finding the groundhog, the car wash employees transported the vehicle to Jiffy Lube, a vehicle repair shop. The Jiffy Lube staff promptly contacted Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control for help. Their team then began to dismantle the front section of the car to reach the trapped animal, reported UPI. It was definitely an odd day at work, last thing I expected was to be pulling apart a front bumper to remove a groundhog. He was cute but definitely mad that we were trying to take him from his warm home. We ended up having to take off the front skid plate to give him room to leave the engine bay. After we got him out, he ran to the back of the car and hopped up in the rear suspension. Had to take off the left rear tire to get him out, Dalton Brenneke of Jiffy Lube told to 21AliveNews.com. (Also Read: Hyundai dealership store in Canada rescues cat stuck in a car belt) Jiffy Lube even took to Facebook to share a picture of the incident. In the caption of the post, they wrote, "Just hangin' out! Our Fort Wayne J-Team helped out Mike's Car Wash team after finding a groundhog in a customer's wheel well. Kudos to all parties involved!" Take a look at the picture of the groundhog trapped in a car here: This post was shared on September 21. Since being shared, it has received several likes and comments. Check out what people are saying about this incident here: An individual wrote, "He's so cute." Another said, "Too cute, lucky little dude." A third commented, "Priceless!" 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 South Korean Embassy in India held a special pooja ceremony to mark the arrival of a new vehicle for Ambassador Chang Jae-bok. The official X handle of the embassy took to the microblogging platform to share a video of the pooja ceremony. Ambassador Chang Jae-bok during the pooja ceremony. (Twitter/@Korean Embassy India) "We are delighted to have a new Hyundai Genesis GV80 as the Ambassador's official vehicle and held a Pooja ceremony wishing for good luck! Join our embassy's new journey!" wrote the Korean Embassy India on X. (Also Read: South Korean embassy staff groove to Naatu Naatu. Watch) In the video they shared alongside, a text inlay reads, "We have Hyundai Genesis GV80 as Ambassador's new car. And we are doing Pooja, wishing for good luck." The clip shows a priest holding the pooja ceremony. Chang Jae-bok and other officials were also in attendance during the ceremony. Watch the video shared by the South Korean Embassy in India here: This post was shared on September 26. Since being posted, it has been viewed close to 80,000 times. The share also has more than 1,700 likes. Many netizens took to the comments section of the post to share their reactions. Numerous people were happy to see the pooja ceremony and wished the Ambassador for the new car. Check out what people are saying about this video here: An individual wrote, "Good luck and safe driving Ambassador Chang!" A second commented, "That is how you appreciate someone's culture. Best of luck." "Thank you for embracing our culture. Good luck with the new vehicle," expressed another. A fourth said, "Nice looking car... Holding Puja is very heartwarming, be rest assured the positive forces are aligned and bring much more glory & closeness between India - S. Korea. Happy and Safe driving/riding excellence." A fifth expressed, "That's commendable. Ambassador will be riding his own country vehicle, will send a good message!" Another posted, "Great to see this and respect!" 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 ongoing ethical battle between Humans of New York and its ripoff entity Humans of Bombay has entered a new phase with Brandon Stanton taking a subtle dig at those making profit of art. Humans of New York Founder Brandon Stanton and Humans of Bombay founder Karishma Mehta In a recent social media post, Humans of New York founder, Brandon Stanton commented on an ongoing 'court case involving my work, but which thankfully doesn't involve me.' Clearly he was referring to the copyright infringement case filed by Humans of Bombay against People of India. Brandon has in the past shown displeasure at Humans of Bombay making huge profits after using his brand. "I've stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think @HumansOfBombay shares important stories, even if they've monetized far past anything I'd feel comfortable doing on HONY. But you can't be suing people for what I've forgiven you for," posted the American blogger. Today again he posted a long comment on how he doesn't believe in profiteering from art and art seizes to exit if that happens. 'For the last thirteen years I haven't received a penny for a single story told on Humans of New York, despite many millions offered. All my income has come from books of my work, speeches I have given, and Patreon.' He stated. The commenting on copyright infringment he went on to add, I cannot provide an informed opinion on the intricacies of copyright law, but I do have an opinion on what it means to be an artist. Beautiful art can make money, there is nothing wrong with that. But when art begins with a profit motive, it ceases to become art. And becomes a product Clearly Brandon respects his art and won't take any step against those using his name but doesn't want to be identified with profiteers, 'I welcome anyone who is using the 'Humans of' concept to express something true and beautiful about their community. I do not identify with anyone who is using it for the sake of creating a certain lifestyle for themselves.' Also Read: Humans of Bombay vs Humans of New York: Why HONY founder Brandon Stanton is angry with HOB Netizens have been quick to showcase their support for Brandon who has allowed several versions of his brand being created across the world. 'Brandon's continued principled refusal to turn HoNY into an "influencer" "brand" is admirable and wholesome and inspiring by itself.', wrote Gaurav Sabnis, Associate Professor ast Stevens Business. He even called out HOB founder Karishma for her hypocrisy, Karishma, who came from money and has made a lot more money, could just show some humility, swallow Brandon's scolding and move on. It's not like he has any power in Indian courts.. Meanwhile Humans of Bombay founder, Karishma Mehta, has thanked Brandon, We are grateful to HONY & Brandon for starting this storytelling movement. The suit is related to the IP in our posts & not about storytelling at all. We tried to address the issue amicably before approaching the Court, as we believe in protecting our teams hard work. It is interesting to note how Humans of Bombay is a heavily monetised website and earned over 6.78 crores of revenue last year's and 3.2 crores in Profits. Reports on social media suggest they even charge 2-7 lakh per social media post. 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 Tensions are flaring up between India and Canada over Khalistan separatists, with the row also sending out shockwaves throughout the Sikh diaspora. But the independence movement seems to have lost steam back home. A supporter waves a pro-independence Khalistan flag during a protest outside India's consulate in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier(REUTERS) India and Canada have engaged in tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions as part of an intensifying row over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist, on Canadian soil. The 45-year-old came to Canada as a refugee decades ago and had since became a Canadian citizen. He was an ardent advocate of establishing a sovereign state of Khalistan, a Sikh homeland in India's Punjab region. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claims that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Nijjar. India dismissed the allegations as "absurd." However, Indian officials view Nijjar as a terrorist, a member of the banned Khalistan Commando Force, whom India links to targeted killings of various political and religious figures. No threat to India's unity While the accusations from Prime Minister Trudeau are likely to further strain relations between the two nations, the row has also brought renewed focus to the issue of Khalistan. Some in India fear a revival of militant Sikh separatism that once threatened to tear the country apart. Pockets of Punjab are also afflicted by social problems such as a drug epidemic and unemployment. But a senior Indian intelligence official told DW there is not much to worry about. "There is currently no unrest in Punjab, one of the country's most successful states. Khalistan is not a threat to India's unity, but it could affect its foreign policy because of the sharp rhetoric of the community living abroad," he told DW. "All mainstream political parties, including in Punjab, have denounced violence and separatism," the official added. Millions of Sikhs abroad The Sikh separatist movement has long been a source of tension in Canada-India ties. Canada is home to the world's largest Sikh diaspora, comprising of about 800,000 people, which is roughly 2% of its population. Some 3 million Sikhs are estimated to live outside India, mainly in the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada. The movement to create an independent Sikh nation, known as Khalistan, led to the killing of tens of thousands of people in the 1980s and 1990s. The violence was inspired by radical preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. An especially traumatic event for the Sikh community was the storming of the Golden Temple the holiest shrine for Sikhs in 1984. Indian security forces allegedly hoped to capture Bhindranwale in a surgical strike, but the operation went awry after they encountered resistance. Officials say hundreds of lives were lost, but Sikh activists claim the death toll was much greater. Additionally, Sikhs around the world were incensed that their sacred place was violated by police action and former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated in retaliation by Sikh members of her own bodyguard. Since then, India has outlawed the Khalistan movement and groups associated with it are listed as terrorist organizations under the terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Radicalization easier outside India Sikh organizations say there is no consensus on the support for Khalistan even if it might have traction amongst the diaspora. "Sikhs in Punjab and those settled in other parts of the country do not support a separate Khalistan. At the same time, Sikhs have hurt feelings and serious grievances for being treated indifferently right after the partition of the country in 1947," Partap Singh, secretary general of the Sikh Forum in Delhi, told DW. "There is a need for long awaited healing by political dialogue with full understanding and compassion instead of the use of unethical techniques and forces in spreading hatred against Sikhs," added Singh. Pramod Kumar, director of the Chandigarh based Institute for Development and Communication, who has studied the issue closely, points out that radicalization of Sikhs was pre-dominant among the community abroad. "Sikh terrorism is not about to erupt again in Punjab and does not have the legs. The diaspora abroad tries to give it moral muscle," Kumar told DW. Khalistan 'without bombs and bullets' He cited the detainment of Amritpal Singh, a radical separatist whom Punjab who was the target of a weeklong manhunt before reportedly surrendering in April this year. His activities raised fears of a resurgence of militant Sikh separatism. "He anointed himself leader of Waris Punjab De but when he was arrested, it did not prompt significant protests suggesting there was little support. That should have settled the matter," said Kumar. Still, many Sikh organizations in Punjab remain wary of the future. The latest incident in Canada has forced the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages Sikh places of worship, to express "serious concern" over the allegations levelled by Trudeau against India over the killing of Nijjar. The organization also strongly condemned what they see as hate propaganda against Sikhs and Punjab by a large section of the media. But Nijjar's death has apparently struck a different chord with the pro-Khalistani organization Dal Khalsa. After news of Nijjar's death was first reported in July, the Dal Khalsa held a protest march, and many of its activists were arrested. Its spokesperson Kanwarpal Singh told DW about the movement's vision of the future. "We believe in a Khalistan which is without bombs and bullets. It will be democratic and without bloodshed and violence. This is something which you cannot rob us of," he told DW. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the top UN leadership here and discussed India's G20 Presidency, regional issues and global challenges, sustainable development goals and Security Council reforms. Jaishankar also met with Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New York. (Twitter) A day before he addresses the General Debate at the ongoing high-level United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the 78th session of the General Assembly Dennis Francis on Monday at the headquarters of the world organisation. He also met with the United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner. Jaishankar said it was a "pleasure" to meet with Guterres and that he discussed "how India's G20 Presidency has contributed to strengthening" the UN's sustainable development agenda. "We have coordinated closely in this regard over the last year," Jaishankar said in a tweet, adding that he appreciated Guterres strong commitment to reforming international financial institutions. In a readout of the meeting issued by the UN spokesperson's office, Guterres "expressed appreciation for India's cooperation with the UN and its leadership of the G20". Guterres and Jaishankar also "discussed the situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other global challenges", according to the readout. The UN secretary-general attended the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 held under India's Presidency of the grouping. Before his meeting with Guterres, Jaishankar met Francis and welcomed his appreciation of the outcomes of India's G20 Presidency. "Confident that it would contribute to the UN General Assembly's discourse and deliberations. Agreed on the importance of reforming multilateralism and giving the Global South its due on crucial issues of our times," Jaishankar said. In a post on 'X', Francis said he was "delighted" to meet Jaishankar and congratulated him on India's "successful G20 Chairmanship, especially on India's unwavering advocacy in support of the Global South". Francis added that he discussed priorities and key issues of the 78th UNGA session, including UNSC reforms and building on the outcomes of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held during the high-level week ahead of the Summit of the Future to be held in 2024. Jaishankar also thanked Francis for his presence at the special 'India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development' side event. The minister hosted the event in New York on Saturday. In his meeting with Steiner, Jaishankar appreciated the UNDP's engagement with India's G20 Presidency initiatives. "Can work together to scale up Indian success stories for global benefit," he said. Jaishankar also met with Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New York. "Always a pleasure to meet FM @ABZayed of UAE, this time in New York. Appreciate the rapid progress in our bilateral cooperation. Value our regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues," he posted on 'X' later. The external affairs minister said he had a "warm meeting with our SAGAR partner", Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Yvette Sylla. "Discussed development partnership, millets and rice production, digital delivery and defense cooperation," he tweeted. Elon Musks X (formerly Twitter) is the biggest outlet for peddlers of disinformation, European Union warned urging social media platforms to combat Russias war of ideas. European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said platforms need to act ahead of national and European elections next year. Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X (Twitter).(Reuters) This is a multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation aimed both internally at the Russians as well as Europeans and the rest of the world, Vera Jourova said, adding, The very large platforms must address this risk. Especially that we have to expect that the Kremlin and others will be active before our European elections. X, former Twitter, who is not under the code any more, is the platform with the largest ratio of mis- or disinformation posts. The pilot also showed that disinformation actors were found to have significantly more followers than their non-disinformation counterparts and tend to have joined the platform more recently than non-disinformation users," she said. The European Union released reports on how each of the major tech companies, including Metas Facebook, Alphabets Google and ByteDances TikTok are doing to battle disinformation on the platforms. Noting several steps taken by platforms to combat Russian influence, European Commission Vice President said that Google terminated more than 400 channels involved in Russian influence operations in the first four months of the year while Meta expanded fact-checking partnerships in 22 languages in the EU. 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 Cassidy Hutchinson, the former aide to Donald Trump in the White House, urged Republicans in Congress who still back the ex-president to take a stand against him, saying he is a threat to democracy and wants to run for office again to exact revenge on his enemies. FILE - Cassidy Hutchinson, the former aide to Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)(AP) Hutchinson spoke to MSNBC host Rachel Maddow on Monday, ahead of the release of her book that reveals the chaos and dysfunction inside the Trump administration. She testified before the House Jan. 6 Committee last year, describing how Trump and his allies tried to overturn the 2020 election results and incited the violent mob that stormed the Capitol. Maddow asked Hutchinson why Trump remains the frontrunner in the GOP primary polls, with only four months left before the Iowa caucuses. The former White House aide said she does not consider herself part of the same Republican Party as Trump and his supporters. I am a Republican in the tradition of Senator Mitt Romney and President Reagan. I think we need a strong, conservative party in this country. I dont think Mr. Trump represents that, she said. She said the 2024 election is a critical moment for the GOP to distance itself from Trump, who has been charged with multiple crimes since leaving office and has vowed to lock up his political rivals if he returns to power. If these politicians, these men and some women who are currently in Congress, want to make a break and want to take a stand, they have to do it now. We cant wait any longer for them to do it. I dont understand why they are so loyal to him. I think its very disappointing and its not a difficult issue to take, she cited. The former Trump aide acknowledged that some lawmakers may be afraid of the consequences of speaking out against Trump, as Sen. Romney claimed in an excerpt from an upcoming biography published in The Atlantic this month. Hutchinson confirmed that she had to move out of Washington, D.C., after her congressional testimony because she feared for her safety. ALSO READ| Spanish influencer Isabella Gonzalez allegedly groped by tourist during live Twitch broadcast However, she said that she could not live with herself if she were a Republican in Congress who supported Trump. He is someone who almost destroyed our democracy in one day, and he wants to do it again, she warned. He wants to be president again to do it again. Trump was impeached for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, but he was acquitted by Republicans in the Senate, with only seven of them voting guilty, including Romney. A conviction would have prevented Trump from running for office again. Gatwick Airport, London's second-busiest, is limiting flights amid an outbreak of Covid-19 within air traffic control. In a statement, the airport said a daily 800-flight limit, including both departures and arrivals, has been imposed until Sunday. Around 30% of staff in the division within air traffic control are off sick for several reasons, including Covid-19. The daily cap will prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers while National Air Traffic Services (NATS) gets back to normal, the airport said. Gatwick Airport Covid Outbreak: Passengers walk into the Departures entrance at the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport near Crawley, just south of London.(AP) Stewart Wingate, the airport's chief executive, said the decision means we can prevent as much disruptions as possible. The largest number of cancellations will be on September 29 when 33 departures affected. The reason that we are doing this is to provide as much certainty as we can, not only to the airlines but most importantly to the passengers who will travel this week, that the flights that remain scheduled will actually operate," Stewart Wingate said. NATS apologized to passengers saying that the decision was taken as due to a variety of medical reasons it can't manage the normal flows in and out of the airport. Easyjet will be the most affected, with BA and Ryanair among those asked to cancel flights. Johan Lundgren, chief executive officer of EasyJet said that it is "regrettable that a temporary limit on capacity at Gatwick Airport is required". It is the right action by the airport so on-the-day cancellations and delays can be avoided, he said, adding that Gatwick Airport needs to work a longer term plan to improve the resilience of the air traffic service. This comes just weeks after a data glitch at NATS triggered widespread disruption to airlines grounding flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Britain's aviation regulator is set to launch a probe looking into why the country's air traffic control system collapsed. 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 Two sentences about Meghan Markle that Prince William uttered hurt Prince Harry, it has been revealed. These remarks were allegedly made by William after Harry had opened up about his budding romance with Meghan Markle in 2016. Two sentences about Meghan Markle that Prince William uttered hurt Prince Harry, it has been revealed (AP/PTI, AP Photo/Martin Meissner) William uttered two sentences in 2016, on the night that Harry told him and Kate Middleton about dating Meghan, that reportedly hurt the Duke of Sussex. Harry said in his book Spare that William said, Shes an actress after all, Harold. Anything can happen. Harry was a bit hurt, but responded with a nod and hugged Kate and William goodbye, reported Cheatsheet. The fact I was dating an American actress was probably what clouded their judgement During another conversation with William about Meghan, William predicted a host of difficulties I could expect if I hooked up with an American actress, Harry recalled in Spare. Harry added that William always managed to make the phrase sound like convicted felon. In the 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, released on Netflix, Harry recalled introducing Meghan to the royal family before his marriage, noting that some relatives judged her because of her acting career. I remember my family first meeting her and being incredibly impressed, Harry said. Some of them didnt quite know what to do with themselves. Because, I think, they were surprised. They were surprised that a ginger could land such a beautiful woman and such an intelligent woman. But the fact I was dating an American actress was probably what clouded their judgement more than anything else at the beginning, he added. Oh, shes an American actress; this wont last. Meghan ended her acting career after appearing in Suits as Rachel. She also shut down her lifestyle blog, The Tig. Harry and Meghan stepped down as royals back in 2020, and now live in Montecito, California, with their two children. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the vice chairman, had their judicial detention in the cipher case extended by a special court on Tuesday by 14 days now, reported Dawn. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.(Reuters) The cipher case refers to a diplomatic document which reportedly went missing from Imran Khans possession. The judicial remand of Khan and Qureshi has been extended till October 10. According to the PTI, it contained a US threat to depose Imran from office. It was discovered that the PTI chairman had been held on judicial remand in the cipher case after the Toshakhana case's three-year prison sentence was suspended, Dawn reported. Imran's special court proceedings are being held at the Attock jail "for security reasons," according to a notice from the law ministry. Notably, Imran's judicial detention along with Qureshi's was originally prolonged until September 13 and then again until September 26. The special court earlier this month denied the bail requests of both leaders. Imran then went to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to ask for post-arrest bail. The former premier had been sent to the Adiala prison, under an IHC order. However, security concerns and the lack of a documented order are the major reasons he is still being held at the Attock prison. The hearing was held behind closed doors today at the Attock prison, and it was presided over by Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain. Extensive security preparations were made outside the jail before the hearing, according to Dawn. The law ministry had yesterday issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the hearing to be held at the Attock jail. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team and Imran's lawyers Salman Safdar and Umair Niazi attended the session. The PTI leader's attorneys Naeem Haider Panjotha and Latif Khosa also arrived at the jail to take part in the session. The ex-premier's legal remand was then extended to October 10. The court further directed the FIA to file a challan of the matter as soon as possible. The cipher controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Imran Khan just days before his ouster in April 2022 brandished a letter, claiming that it was a cypher from a foreign nation, which mentioned that his government should be ousted from power, according to The News International report. He did not reveal the contents of the letter and the name of the nation that had sent it. However, a few days later Imran Khan named the United States and said that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his removal. The PTI chairman had claimed that he wasreading contents from the cypher and said that "all will be forgiven for Pakistan Imran Khan is removed from power". The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, on Monday issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. As per the Interpol portal, 38-year-old Karanvir Singh has roots in Punjabs Kapurthala district. (Interpol Website) Interpol updated its website by putting out a Red Corner Notice for the Khalistani leader. According to intelligence sources, Singh is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and was a member of the pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. As per the Interpol portal, 38-year-old Karanvir Singh has roots in Punjabs Kapurthala district. Further, according to Interpol, Singh is wanted by India for criminal conspiracy, murder, offences related to the Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act, raising funds for terrorist acts, conspiracy, and being a member of a terrorist gang or organisation. A Red Corner Notice is a request to the law enforcement authorities of Interpol's member countries to find and temporarily detain a person until extradition, surrender, or a similar legal process can take place. Earlier, Interpol issued a Red Notice to all member countries against gangster Himanshu alias Bhau, who is believed to be living abroad. Giving details, a spokesman of Haryana Police said Rohtak Police succeeded in getting a Red Corner Notice issued against a most wanted accused, who is believed to have fled abroad. The Red Corner Notice against the wanted pro-Khalistani leader comes amid a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Ottawa in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim of an India hand in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi dismissed the allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. At a news conference in New York, the Canadian PM, however, failed to present any evidence to back his claim of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing. Trudeau was repeatedly quizzed on the nature of the allegations but stuck to reiterating that there were "credible reasons" to believe that India was linked to Nijjar's death. "There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is ...there is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters," Trudeau said. "We call upon the Government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter," the Canadian PM added. According to CBC News, the Canadian government invested both human and signal intelligence in a months-long investigation into Nijjars death. That intelligence includes communications involving Indian diplomats present in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, however, said no information has been shared by Canada with regard to the killing of Nijjar. "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a briefing. A designated terrorist in India, Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. (ANI) Iran has sentenced four people to death for selling contaminated bootleg alcohol that killed 17 people and sent dozens more to hospital in June, the judiciary said on Tuesday. The sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.(Reuters) The sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned in Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, giving rise to a huge illicit trade in smuggled or bootleg alcohol, some of it adulterated with poisonous methanol. In June, at least 17 people died and 191 were admitted to hospital with symptoms of methanol poisoning after drinking adulterated alcohol. Judiciary spokesman Massoud Setayeshi said 11 defendants had been charged with the capital offence of corruption on earth over the distribution of the toxic liquor in Alborz province, west of Tehran. Of the 11, four were sentenced to death while the rest received prison sentences of one to five years, Setayeshi said, adding that the convicts could appeal to the Supreme Court. In June, authorities said they had raided a cosmetics factory where they had seized more than 6,000 litres (1,585 gallons) of bootleg alcohol preventing its distribution. In the year to March, 644 people died after consuming "counterfeit alcoholic beverages", Iran's forensics institute said, a 30 percent increase on the previous 12-month period. At the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020, at least 210 Iranians died after drinking bootleg alcohol, falsely believing it to be a remedy for the virus. Only members of Iran's Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian minorities are exempt from the alcohol ban. Foreigners are required to respect it. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON King Charles III and Queen Camilla will welcome the president of South Korea for a state visit to the U.K. in November, the second such visit of the monarchs reign. South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol (AFP) The king and queen will host Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, at Buckingham Palace on an as yet unspecified date in November, the palace said Tuesday. Yoon, a conservative former prosecutor, has sought to strengthen South Koreas military alliance with the United States, drawing an angry response from North Korea. But Yoon, 62, has also showed the lighter side of his character. During a state dinner at the White House in April, he belted out the opening verse of one of his favorite songs, the 1970s folk-rock classic American Pie, at the request of President Joe Biden. A state banquet at Buckingham Palace is unlikely to feature a moment of impromptu song. Such events are traditionally more composed affairs featuring tiaras, toasts and dinner for around 150 guests, with a string orchestra usually providing the musical backdrop. State visits normally begin with a welcome from the king and other members of the royal family, with the visitors inspecting the guard of honor then riding to the palace in a procession of carriages accompanied by mounted soldiers. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was honored with the first incoming state visit of Charles reign when he visited the U.K. last November. New York City is paying a huge amount for both the Biden administrations border crisis and the citys own anti-ICE policies, a bill footed by the taxpayers. According to a report in conservative Washington-based news outlet The Washington Examiner the city will spend $12 billion in nearly three years in response to the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants that the sanctuary city hosts. Migrants sit in a queue outside of The Roosevelt Hotel that is being used by the city as temporary housing, Monday, July 31, 2023, in New York.(AP) Republican Joseph Borelli of Staten Island, a minority leader of the New York City council told the House Homeland Security Committee that city will spend $6.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal for illegal immigrants. He said at a hearing: Adding the approximately $1.5 billion we have already spent, [the] total projected cost of sheltering migrants in New York City will exceed $12 billion over three fiscal years. To put that in perspective, over the next year alone, we will spend enough money to cover the entire budget of Dallas, Texas, meaning the cost of sheltering migrants in New York City, taxpayers could pay to man every firehouse, police station, pick up the garbage, maintain the water and sewers, inspect the buildings, run the airport, and even cut the grass in Dallas parks, a city of 1.3 million people. Since Joe Biden took office in early 2021, the Border Patrol agents have apprehended roughly six million who entered illegally through Mexico, of which 2 million were ultimately released to the US and allowed to travel into the country. Borelli claimed that 125,000 illegal immigrants arrived in the city and requested assistance since 2021. Around 15,000 of them were bused to New York City from Texas. The city of New York has set up 200 shelters across five boroughs, which has led to protests. Borelli added: "The city expects to shelter over 78,000 individuals in the current fiscal year at a cost of $4.7 billion. By next fiscal year, assuming no action is taken by the federal government and New York doesn't amend its own policies, the city anticipates the average daily number of migrants and shelters would be more than 100,000, at a cost of $6.1 billion." The Biden administration had clashes with local Democratic leaders in late August over claims that the Federal government had failed to help the sanctuary zone respond to its immigrant crisis, despite receiving $100 million in aid from Congress in June. Interestingly, residents of the Big Apple are overwhelmingly in favor of immigration to the US, and a new poll from the Siena College Research Institute found that majority of New York residents want the federal government to make it easier for migrants to obtain documents to procure work and also want migrants housed on federal property rather than private hotels or city shelters. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Ohio woman, 23, attacked her mother with an iron frying pan, and then stabbed her to death after the mom found out that she had been kicked out of college. Brenda Powell, 50, a healthcare worker, was stabbed over a dozen times by her daughter, Sydney Powell of Akron in March 2020. According to the Summit County Prosecutors Office, Sydney has been found guilty of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Brenda Powell, (R) a healthcare worker, was stabbed over a dozen times by her daughter Sydney Powell (L) in March 2020 (Summit County Sheriff's Office, Akron Children Hospital) According to the Akron Beacon, Sydney, an ex-student of Mount Union University, was seen weeping in the Summit County Common Pleas courtroom after being found guilty by the jury last week. Sydney allegedly attacked her mom because she did not want her secret to be revealed. In March of 2020, Powell struck Brenda Powell in the head with an iron skillet, then stabbed her nearly 30 times in the neck, the Summit County Prosecutors Office said in a release. On March 3 that year, Brenda was discovered by cops inside her Scudder Drive home with severe injuries. Both Brenda and Sydney, who was 19 at the time, were taken to the hospital. The mother eventually succumbed to her injuries. Did Sydney Powell suffer from mental health issues? Brenda was reportedly a child life specialist at Akron Childrens Hospital. Sydney attacked her while she was on the phone with officials from Sydneys school. The defence claimed during the trial that Sydney battled schizophrenia, and thus must not be held accountable for the murder. James Reardon, one of three defence experts who diagnosed Sydney, argued she suffered a psychotic break at the time she killed Brenda. It was pointed out that Sydney considered her mom her best friend. However, Sylvia OBradovich, a psychologist hired by prosecutors, dismissed the diagnosis. She claimed that at the time of the murder, Sydney did not meet the legal definition of insanity. However, she did acknowledge that Sydney suffers from mental health issues like borderline personality traits, malingering and an anxiety disorder, the Beacon Journal reported. Describing the incident, Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano said, according to New York Post, Sydney stopped attacking with the pan, presumably went to the kitchen with a knife. She had to switch weapons and keep attacking her. Just the knife just in the neck multiple times? That is purposeful. That is trying to end someone, Brian said. Brendas husband and Sydneys father, Steven Powell, as well as Sydneys maternal grandmother Betsy Brown, requested that prosecutors reach a resolution without a trial, but the prosecution wanted a jury to decide. Sydney, whose sentencing is scheduled for September 28, could receive a maximum of life in prison with possible parole after 15 years, as well as additional time for the conviction related to tampering of evidence. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on Tuesday said the speaker of the House of Commons lower chamber should resign after he publicly praised a former Nazi soldier in Parliament. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly.(AFP) The speaker, Anthony Rota, apologized in the House on Monday but has resisted growing calls to quit. Last Friday, during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Rota called the veteran a war hero. But it soon emerged that ex-soldier Yaroslav Hunka, 98, who received two standing ovations from lawmakers, had served in one of Adolf Hitler's Waffen SS units during World War Two. Russia called the incident outrageous. "It was an embarrassment to the House and to Canadians and I think the speaker should listen to members of the House and step down," Joly told reporters ahead of a cabinet meeting. She was the first member of the Liberal cabinet to demand Rota quit. Senior officials from the four major political parties in the House are due to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the matter. If Rota refuses to quit, legislators can propose a formal motion of no confidence. "It is a good thing that speaker Rota apologised personally and I am sure he is reflecting now on how to ensure the dignity of the House going forward," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters ahead of a cabinet meeting. The furor helped tarnish the visit by Zelenskiy, who thanked Canada for the billion of dollars in aid and weapons it has provided since Russia invaded in February 2022. The episode plays into the narrative promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he sent his army into Ukraine last year to "demilitarise and denazify" the country, a charge Kyiv and Western allies say is baseless. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The British Museum launched a public hotline on Tuesday asking for help to locate some 2,000 missing artefacts, revealing they were mostly ancient Greek and Roman gems and jewellery. A sign for the British Museum is seen in London, Britain.(Reuters) The museum said last month it had sacked a staff member over stolen, missing or damaged items in a crisis that highlighted internal failings and led to its director quitting days later. Home to treasures such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon marbles, the British Museum houses one of the world's most visited collections and has since tightened its security. Sixty items had now been returned, with a further 300 identified and due to be handed back imminently, the museum said in a statement. "If you are concerned that you may be, or have been, in possession of items from the British Museum, or if you have any other information that may help us, please contact us," said a page on its website advertising a dedicated email address. The page said it was only disclosing the types of artefacts stolen and heeding expert advice not to share full details. It said the stolen items included gold rings, ear-rings and other pieces of jewellery dating back to ancient Greek and Roman periods as well as small objects such as gems that were often set in rings. The museum, which is facing demands from several governments for the repatriation of historical treasures to their home countries, said it was working with London's police, "actively monitoring" the art market, and had registered the missing items on the Art Loss Register database. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Joe Biden will show his support for striking United Auto Workers (UAW) union members in Michigan on Tuesday by joining them on a picket line in a rare presidential gesture of solidarity. US President Joe Biden during a a meeting with the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Photographer: Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg(Bloomberg) Bidens visit is part of his strategy to win over union members in Michigan, a crucial state for the presidential election next year, and to outflank Donald Trump, his likely Republican rival, who will also visit Detroit on Wednesday to address workers. Trump, who secured the support of many union members in his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton in Michigan before losing the state to Biden in 2020, is not expected to join the picket line. Bidens trip is meant to highlight his claim to be the most pro-union president in US history and possibly also to secure the endorsement of the UAW, which has not yet backed his re-election bid. In a post on X, the social media platform that replaced Twitter, the president said he was going to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create. He added, Its time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs. ALSO READ| Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson urges Republicans to take a stand against Donald Trump before it's too late The President expressed his support for the strike by Ford, General Motors and Stellantis workers, which has been going on for 12 days, and had announced he was sending his labour secretary, Julie Su, and Gene Sperling, a senior White House adviser, to help the union reach a deal with the companies. That plan was scrapped after criticism from the UAWs president, Shawn Fain, who has also rejected Trumps attempts to woo union members. Trump, who needs to regain union support to win next year, has accused the union leadership of betraying workers and also criticized Bidens green policy of encouraging the three American carmakers to switch to making electric vehicles. A British crocodile expert who worked with Sir David Attenborough has pleaded guilty to dozens of charges of bestiality involving the abuse, rape and murder of more than 40 pet dogs. Adam Britton(BBC) Adam Britton left the UK for the Northern Territory of Australia as a young man to follow his interest in saltwater crocodiles, the massive predators that live in the tropical regions of northern Australia. The zoologist, who is based in Darwin, wrote books, worked on films, made nature documentaries with the BBC and National Geographic, and kept a pet 16-foot-long saltwater crocodile weighing half a tonne, which he named Smaug. On Monday, the 51-year-old admitted to 60 criminal charges in the Northern Territorys Supreme Court, including animal cruelty, raping or trying to rape a dog and having and sharing child abuse material. The charges were so appalling that the judge, Chief Justice Michael Grant, warned people in the court that the evidence could cause nervous shock. He offered the option of leaving the courtroom to the people in the public gallery, the journalists and the security officers. ALSO READ| President Joe Biden to join UAW picket line in Michigan, slams Donald Trumps anti-union stance Britton had committed acts that could only be described as grotesque cruelty which are both confronting and distressing. In my assessment (they) have the potential to cause nervous shock or some other adverse psychological reaction to a person exposed to those details, the judge said. Either way Ill leave that up to you, but the potential has been described. Britton, who is originally from West Yorkshire, was arrested in April last year. His identity was hidden by a suppression order until now. The court heard that the wildlife expert had a sadistic sexual interest in animals, especially dogs, and that he had deliberately killed around 40 animals in a pattern of behaviour that started in 2014 at least. The court heard that Britton had a shipping container on his property which he called his torture room. Police found the container full of computers, cameras, external hard drives, and sex toys when they raided his rural property near Darwin last year. Prosecutors said Britton used the container to torture, sexually exploit and kill dogs. He got the pets through Gumtree Australia, an online marketplace, assuring their former owners that they would be well cared for. [He] often built a rapport with the dog owners in negotiating taking custody of their animals, many of whom had to reluctantly give their pets away due to travel or work commitments, said Crown prosecutor Marty Aust. Police also found several files of child abuse material on his laptop. Mr. Aust said that Britton had a Telegram account that he used to contact like-minded people. He also had another account that he used to upload and share video recordings of him torturing and sexually abusing dogs. He is accused of sexually abusing his own pet dogs, two Swiss Shepherds called Bolt and Ursa. One such video found its way to an animal welfare organization, which subsequently alerted the authorities. In a disturbing revelation, Mr. Aust disclosed, "Using these applications, the offender discussed his 'kill count'... and described the shipping container on his property as his 'torture room.'" In a poignant online message presented in court, Britton messaged a contact, stating, "I had repressed it. In the last few years, I let it out again, and now I can't stop. I don't want to." ALSO READ| We are fortunate that no one died: Despite rain, Hell's Kitchen crane dismantling proceeds after weekend weather delay For many years, Britton held a position as a respected academic at Charles Darwin University in Darwin. Notably, a few years back, his pet crocodile Smaug played a role in the BBC wildlife documentary "Life in Cold Blood," narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Britton recounted, "They really wanted to get a shot of two crocodiles copulating underwater. I said: 'OK, whatever you want [but] it will be virtually impossible to film in the wild,' " during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 2015. Additionally, Britton mentioned his collaboration with Bear Grylls, commenting, "He was a bit of a sook (Australian slang for wimp) to be honest. He was definitely a bit apprehensive about going in with Smaug," in an interview with the ABC. Britton has been remanded in custody, and the case has been adjourned until December for the sentencing phase, during which defense lawyers are expected to present their submissions. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US Ambassdor to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday said US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome's visit to Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter which should be "resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party including the US." Eric Garcetti US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome recently paid a six-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan during which he visited different areas and met local representatives and Gilgit-Baltistan government officials, as per Dawn. Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper. As per the Pakistan-based news daily, the Ambassador's tour was kept secret by both the embassy and local government as no details about the visit were provided to the media. The only official information about the envoys visit came in a statement issued by the Gilgit Baltistan deputy speakers office. Blome also met Food and Tourism Minister Ghulam Muhammad in Gilgit. The US Ambassador Garcetti said: It's not my place to react to the US Ambassador in Pakistan but I know he's been before and we have had obviously parts of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during the G20 as well. We'll stay engaged but it has to be something that is resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party including the US, he said. Speaking on US President Joe Bidens India visit, he said there is an Invitation but schedule is not confirmed. According to the Dawn News, Blome also visited the port city of Gwadar days before his visit to Gilgit Baltistan, where China is executing infrastructure projects as part of CPEC. Opposition leader in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kazim Mesum has, however, questioned Blome's visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The opposition leader of GB, Kazim Mesum in the GB assembly on Friday said, the mysterious activities of the US ambassador in the region has raised questions, adding that the GB government was not aware of the visit, as per Dawn. There is a set procedure for any countrys ambassador to visit the region, he said, and called Blomes arrival in Gilgit after visiting Gwadar suspicious. The opposition leader said visits to the two most vital areas of CPEC were part of the US CPEC containment policy. The ambassador visited areas from which the CPEC route will pass, Mesum was quoted as saying by Dawn news. There are many under construction mega projects in GB including CPEC, Diamer Bhasha Dam, while threats of insurgency from Afghanistan and local security issues also exist" Messum added During this time, the undisclosed visit was alarming, he said. According to Pakistan based news outlet The News International the US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome was on a multi-day private visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The Ambassador was visiting various recreational places as well as ongoing projects of UNDP with the help of the local government the News reported. According to the News International the American ambassador visited the Attabad Lake after reaching Hunza and also went to the Karakoram International University. The American ambassador also visited the Hunza royal palace, along with the American delegation. Several villages in Russia's Kursk region bordering Ukraine lost power after a Ukrainian drone strike on an electricity substation, the region's governor said. Russia-Ukraine War: An hour before the power outage, it was reported that locals had noticed mysterious disturbances.(AP) "In the morning, a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive device on an electricity substation in the village of Snagost in Korenevsky District. Seven settlements were left without power," Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit said. "None of the residents were injured. Emergency crews will start restoring power as soon as the situation allows," he added. Meanwhile, St. Petersburg's Pulkovo airport and the surrounding areas were hit by a temporary power outage after residents reported hearing a loud sound and a bright flash. Russia's state-run news agency Interfax reported that a temporary power outage occurred in the airport's domestic flights departure hall. Electricity was also reportedly cut off in the nearby Shushary district. Read more: North Korea allows foreigner entry for first time since 2020 An hour before the power outage, it was reported that locals had noticed mysterious disturbances. "According to locals, the power outage happened about half an hour ago, and before that, they saw a flash in the sky and heard [an explosion]," reports claimed. "The entire area, all the buildings are without power, the elevators are standing still, there is no light, there is no water supply either," residents said as per Newsweek. Pulkovo Airport said the power supply was restored in the departure hall "within one minute" and that the airport is operating as normal. 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 Russia's former leader Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday he visited troops near the frontline in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, upon orders from President Vladimir Putin. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman and the head of the United Russia party, Dmitry Medvedev, front right, awards Russian servicemen during his visit at a military training range.(AP) Several high-ranking Russian officials have visited occupied regions of Ukraine since Moscow's offensive began last year, including Putin, who paid an unannounced visit to the southeastern Ukrainian port of Mariupol in March. "On the instructions of the president, I visited a firing range near the contact line on the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic," said Medvedev, who formerly served as president and prime minister. "The servicemen are demonstrating excellent combat qualities of will, firmness and a general attitude to victory," Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of the Kremlin's Security Council, said in a video posted on social media. He added that "over 325,000 people" had been recruited into the Russian armed forces since the start of the year -- up from the figure of 280,000 he gave at the start of the month. AFP was not able to independently verify these numbers. Medvedev has been one of Moscow's most hawkish voices in support of the Ukraine offensive and often denounces the West in inflammatory posts on social media. Russia claimed to annex Ukraine's regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in September 2022, but does not fully control any of them. South Korea's constitutional court ruled on Tuesday the ban on sending propaganda leaflets to North Korea was unconstitutional, striking down a law passed in 2020 by the liberal party of then President Moon Jae-in, who sought better ties with Pyongyang. South Korea: Flags of North Korea, rear, and South Korea, front, flutter in the wind.(AP) The law, which subjects violators to up to three years in prison or 30 million won ($22,210) in fines, had come under intense criticism from rights activists and conservative lawmakers as a violation of free speech rights. The seven-to-two ruling found that a clause in the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act banning the distribution of leaflets excessively limited freedom of speech, the Court said in a summary of the ruling. The clause characterized the sending of leaflets as a potential cause of danger and serious harm to South Korean citizens, especially those who live near the border in the event North Korea retaliated by force. The court's decision to nullify the law takes effect immediately. Groups run by North Korean defectors and other campaigners had sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets, alongside food and USB sticks containing South Korean news and dramas, into the North, usually by balloons or in bottles on border rivers. The leaflets were often printed on small plastic bags, which are known to be coveted by North Koreans, with messages harshly critical of the North Korean leadership and news and information about the democratic South. North Korea reacted angrily to the practice and denounced it as an obstacle to better relations between the two Koreas. Some residents of border towns also criticized the action as stoking tension and putting their safety at risk. Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry, reacting to India-Canada diplomatic row, has claimed terrorists have found safe haven in the North American country and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has this way of coming out with outrageous allegations. Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Ali Sabry(HT File Photo) Backing India over the matter, Sabry told news agency ANI, Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country. The Sri Lankan minister added, The ministry of global affairs has very clearly said that Sri Lanka did not go through a genocide, whereas PM Trudeau as a politician stands up and says that genocide had taken place. That itself is contradictory to each other. That doesn't help." Earlier, outgoing Sri Lankan high commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda claimed that the people of Sri Lanka have suffered due to terrorism and that his country has zero tolerance for terrorism. On being asked about Canada's allegations against India, he said, "I think India's response has been inequitable and also firm and direct. And I think as far as we are concerned, we support India on that. Having said that, also, in my lifetime now, I'm 60 years old, 40 years of my life, we have spent facing various forms of terrorism in Sri Lanka. I have lost many friends, and colleagues to terrorism. "We have all mean many Sri Lankans have died to terrorism. So, therefore, our position on these matters, I think is very clear because we have endured and we have suffered. And as a country that has gone through that tolerance for terrorism is zero tolerance," he added. Ties between India and Canada have been strained after Trudeau on September 18 alleged Indias involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canada's Surrey on June 18. India, however, rejected the allegations, terming them "absurd" and "motivated". We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. India also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a reciprocal move to Canada expelling a senior Indian diplomat in light of the claim of New Delhi's involvement in the killing of Nijjar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid a massive backlash over the Canadian Parliament honouring a Ukrainian Nazi veteran, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said the act was deeply embarrassing. Trudeau, who was among those to applaud Yaroslav Hunka - a veteran of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi division - added that the act was clearly unacceptable. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (REUTERS) "This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians," Trudeau told the media. On Monday, the Canadian lawmakers gave a standing ovation to a man who was introduced as a war hero after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's address in the House of Commons - only to realise later that the veteran had served in a Nazi unit during World War II. This resulted in a massive controversy with the main opposition conservatives slamming Trudeau. A Jewish advocacy group also called the incident "shocking" and "incredibly disturbing." The Kremlin hits out The Kremlin on Monday called the act by the Canadian parliamentarians outrageous, and said that the episode showed a careless disregard for historical truth. Such sloppiness of memory is outrageousMany Western countries, including Canada, have raised a young generation that does not know who fought whom or what happened during the Second World War. And they know nothing about the threat of fascism, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Speaker of Canadas House of Commons issues apology After receiving backlash, the speaker of Canadas House of Commons Anthony Rota apologised for recognizing the 98-year-old Nazi veteran as a "Ukrainian hero" before the Canadian Parliament. In my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognized an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so, Rota said in a statement. He added, I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. (With inputs from agencies) A top US antitrust regulator sued Amazon on Tuesday, accusing the online retail behemoth of running an illegal monopoly by stifling potential rivals. The US Federal Trade Commission(AFP) "Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies," said Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. The FTC, which was joined by 17 states in the case, said Amazon broke antitrust laws in two ways. In the first instance, the case alleges Amazon punishes companies that sell items elsewhere at lower prices by downranking their products on the site. It also coerces sellers into signing on to Amazon's "costly" fulfillment service in order to be exposed to Prime customers that are the site's biggest and most catered-to users, the FTC said. READ | Amazon duped millions of consumers into enrolling in Prime: US watchdog "Seldom in the history of US antitrust law has one case had the potential to do so much good for so many people," said John Newman, Deputy Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition. Amazon said it firmly rejected the premise of the case. "Today's suit makes clear the FTC's focus has radically departed from its mission of protecting consumers and competition," said David Zapolsky, Amazon Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy. "The lawsuit filed by the FTC today is wrong on the facts and the law, and we look forward to making that case in court," he added. The case is hugely symbolic for Khan, who made her name in academia for questioning whether antitrust laws were fit for purpose in the digital age in a paper titled "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox". Her celebrated paper was a retort to a seminal work by conservative scholar Robert Bork that said enforcers of fair competition should leave mergers alone unless a clear risk of higher prices and a threat to consumers could be proven. Written in the 1970s, that philosophy guided the government's attitudes and influenced the judges deciding the biggest cases today. US President Joe Biden in 2021 picked Khan to lead the agency in charge of safeguarding the interest of consumers and preserving a level playing field for businesses. Her track record since taking the job has been checkered after a series of court defeats sowed doubt that she will put an end to decades of Washington's light-touch approach to antitrust regulation. In July, Khan was handed her latest loss when a federal court threw out her agency's objection to Microsoft's $69 billion buyout of video game giant Activision. She had suffered an earlier defeat in the same San Francisco courtroom, when a judge said the FTC's opposition to Facebook-owner Meta buying Within, a VR software company, was out of bounds. 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! Vivek Ramaswamy, chairman and co-founder of Strive Asset Management and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, left, and Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations and 2024 Republican presidential candidate,(Bloomberg) Never before have Indian Americans been represented in US politics the way they are now. Considering the latest opinion polls, two of the four leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination are Indian Americans. According to Nate Silver's 538, Trump still continues to lead the pack ( 55.2%), with DeSantis at number 2 (13.8%) The next two candidates are Vivek Ramaswamy (6.1%) and Nikki Haley (5.6%). Both are polling better than former VP Mike Pence (4.3%) and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (2.8%). In both major parties, Indian Americans have become the leading faces with a Veep sitting in the White House. The Samosa Caucus, the term used to refer the grouping of Indian Americans, was first coined by US House Representative Raja Krishnamoorthy, from the US House of Representatives from Illinois 8th District. Indian Americans today consist of 1% of the US population and for the first time in American history represent 1% of the US Congress. It wasnt always the case. As far back as 2013, Ami Bera (D-CA) was the only Indian American in the House of Representatives. Today, there are five Indian Americans serving in Congress, a remarkable stride for a community which a decade back saw hearings in the US House of Representatives to impose strong restrictions against the entry of Indian laborers into the US. At that time, it was estimated that most Indians were concentrated in the American West Coast and numbered fewer than 6,500. The first Indian American to break the ceiling was Dalip Singh Saud who represented Californias 29th District in Congress in 1957. Indian Americans account for 2.1 million voters and are the third-largest Asian-origin population behind Chinese and Filipino Americans. Compared to other Asian America subgroups, Indian Americans have tended to side more with Democrats but that seems to be changing slightly now. On the other side of the aisle, you had Bobby Jindal who served three years in Congress representing Louisiana in 2004 before becoming the Governor and who also became the first Indian American to run for President during the 2016 campaign. Meanwhile, in 2016, Kamala Harris became the first Indian American elected to the US Senate and in 2020, also became the first woman, the first person of color and the first Indian American to serve as Vice President of the United States of America. However, the rise of Indian American politicians on the other side of the aisle has also been equally swift. Chief among them is former Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy who are both leading the Republican charge and dominating debates. Even more interestingly, Ramaswamy has also steadfastly held on to his Hindu lineage views, making him a unicorn in a field of Republicans whose major base is evangelical Christians. Ramaswamy has argued that hes running for Commander-in-Chief, not Pastor-in-Chief and remains the candidate whos viewed most favorably by Trump supporters. However, the views of Halley and Ramaswamy on several issues have disconcerted Indian American voters. A New York Times report states that Ramaswamys promise to dismantle the Education Department has been viewed negatively by many Indian Americans The New York Times report noted that many of the Indian Americans interviewed had expressed frustration and dismay over the hard-line positions taken by the two candidates. It noted that many of the voters were worried that Ramaswamy's vow to dismantle the Education of Department could destroy the same institutions that had been critical to the success of the Indian Americans. Suresh Reddy, a city councilman from Iowa who identifies as a centrist Democrat told The Times: Im really proud. I just wish they had a better message. The NYT report, which interviewed two dozen Indian American Voters across the political spectrum from early voting of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, stated that while they might form a small slice of the overall electorate, they can swing states and in purple suburbs like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada. Another Democrat, Venu Rao, a retired engineer said that Haley and Ramaswamy captured the ideological diversity that existed among members of the Indian American community. Many of those interviewed by The Times expressed dismay at Halleys and Ramaswamys hardline views on immigration, race, and identity. Both Ramaswamy and Halley have expressed their love for America and have spoken glowingly of the immigrant experience. While Ramaswamy has used his platform to express gratitude to his parents for immigrating to the greatest nation on Earth, Haley who converted to Christianity a year after getting married, has often spoken about the pain of watching her Sikh father, who wears a turban, endure racism. French President Emmanuel Macron announced they will pull out France's military presence from Niger. He confirmed this decision on Sunday, Sept. 24, claiming that the West African country no longer wants to fight terrorism. French President To Pull Out France's Military in Niger As of writing, Niger is still under the control of a military junta. Although this is the case, Macron still wants to pull out his French military troops and ambassadors. CNN World reported that the French leader's decision is the latest major development during the high tensions between France and Niger. "We are putting an end to our military cooperation with the de facto authorities of Niger because they don't want to fight terrorism anymore," explained the French leader. Right now, the French government doesn't consider military authorities as the main authority of the African country. Officials said that Niger's only legitimate authority is ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Macron explained that they decided to end the France-Niger cooperation because they were not there to deal with internal politics and "be hostages of putschists." He said they will continue to consult the military junta leaders to ensure the French military pull-out can be done peacefully. "They will come back in an orderly manner in the weeks and months to come, and for that, we will coordinate with the putschists because we want this to happen calmly," said Macron. The French president wants their troops and ambassadors safely pulled out of the West African nation before 2023 ends. Read Also: Philippines Slams China's Floating Barrier in Contested South China Sea, Claiming It Prevents Filipinos From Fishing Will Niger's French Aircraft Ban Be an Issue? On Saturday, Sept. 23, Niger's military leaders decided to ban France's aircraft and airplanes chartered by the French airlines, such as Air France. They said the African country's airspace is open to all international and national commercial flights except French airplanes. But, The Guardian reported that it is still unclear if this French aircraft restriction will prevent France's soldiers and ambassadors from leaving the country. This will depend on the upcoming conversations between Macron and Niger's military leaders. Numerous factors, such as possible demands from Niger junta leaders, can play a major role in France's military presence withdrawal. If you want to learn more details about the ongoing issue in Niger, you can click here. Related Article: Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad Death: Nigerians Protest Over Mysterious Case of Afrobeats Star @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required judges to take into consideration a parent's affirmation for a child's gender identity when making decisions in custody cases. California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a new bill on Friday that would have provided parental support during custody cases for children regarding their gender identity. The measure would have instructed judges responsible for presiding over such cases to consider a parent's support for the child's gender identity before making decisions. California's Child Gender Identity Bill Newsom also wrote a letter saying that while he shares a "deep commitment" to advancing transgender rights, he urged caution about making legal standards in "prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic." The Democratic lawmaker added that similar-minded elected officials in California and other states across the country could use such a strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities. The California governor noted that under existing state law, the court must consider a child's health, safety, and welfare in these proceedings. This is something that Newsom said already includes the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity, as per the New York Times. While Newsom did not elaborate further on his stance on the matter, Scott Altman, a law professor at the University of Southern California, said that the veto decision could have stemmed from a concern that courts could overemphasize that particular fact of parental love. He also warned that it could lead to courts discriminating against parents whose religions adhere to traditional gender roles. The bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, said following the veto that she was "extremely disappointed." She added that she had already been "disheartened" by what she called the "rising hate and vitriol" toward transgender people." Newsom's veto decision is a break from the governor's usual stance on transgender rights, and Wilson called him a "champion" for LGBTQ people. The bill's co-sponsor, Sen. Scott Wiener, said the California governor was a "staunch ally." Read Also: UAW Strike: Biden To Joint the Picket Line as Workers Move Expands Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill The vetoed bill, AB 957, was passed earlier this month by the state assembly and was quickly sent to Newsom's desk for his signature. While issuing his disagreement with the measure, the governor said that he appreciates the "passion and values" that led Wilson to introduce the bill in the first place, according to Fox News. Under the proposed bill, gender affirmation would have become one of the several factors judges should consider when deciding custody cases. Wilson noted that her bill would not have required parents to move forward with gender transition medical treatment. The situation comes after Newsom signed several bills on Saturday to bolster California's protections for LGBTQ+ people. These include legislation that focuses on support for youth within the community. One law provided timelines for required cultural competency training for public school teachers and staff. Another creates an advisory task force that would determine the needs of LGBTQ+ students and help advance supportive initiatives. At the time, the governor said that the state is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation regarding the protection and support of the LGBTQ+ community. He added that they are committed to the ongoing work to create safer and more inclusive spaces for all California residents, said Yahoo News. Related Article: US Government Shutdown Could Lead to Pay Halts, Affecting Millions of Federal Workers @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Paula RAMON / AFP) (PAULA RAMON/AFP via Getty Images) Authorities from El Paso, Texas, announced that they would create another shelter to house migrants amid the surge of asylum seekers crossing the border. Authorities from El Paso, Texas, ordered the creation of new shelters in a frantic attempt to address the rapid influx of migrants crossing the border from Mexico. The situation comes as officials reported more than 2,000 migrants entering the United States daily seeking asylum. The high number of migrants crossing into El Paso mirrors the historic numbers of asylum seekers coming into the region last month, based on new government data. El Paso To Create New Migrant Shelter In a statement, El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said during a press conference on Saturday that the city only has so many resources. He noted that the region has hit a breaking point and is forced to look at different resources. Leeser added that the city, which does not have the facilities to hold the rapidly growing number of migrants, is opening up an additional shelter that is estimated to be able to hold roughly 400 individuals, as per Axios. While the city mayor said that the situation was something that they had prepared for, the sheer number of migrants grew faster than they anticipated. Officials from the city said that roughly 6,500 migrants were seeking shelter and that more are expected to come in the coming days as US Customs and Border Protection processes more people. Additionally, authorities said five buses were chartered on Saturday to bring migrants to other cities, including Chicago, Denver, and New York. They added that the people boarding the buses did so voluntarily and were traveling to destinations they chose. Furthermore, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to "deploy more buses to Eagle Pass and El Paso" amid the rapid influx of migrants. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Republican said that Texas border towns should not have to shoulder the burden of United States President Joe Biden's open border policies. Read Also: Protestors in Staten Island Block Bus Carrying Migrants, Asylum Seekers; 10 Arrested Surge of Asylum Seekers Last week, The Biden administration said it plans to deploy an additional 800 troops to the border to help with the latest migration surge. The rapid influx of asylum seekers grew higher in the last two months following the end of Title 42, according to The Hill. The planned personnel will focus on "logistics and other functions at the border" that would allow more Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers to return to their core mission and responsibilities. Additionally, the administration said it would extend the Temporary Protective Status to nearly half a million Venezuelans living in the country. Leeser said that while the Democratic president has been a good partner regarding the situation, the overall U.S. immigration system is broken. He noted that many migrants from Venezuela lacked transportation to their desired destinations. The El Paso mayor noted that roughly two-thirds of the asylum seekers crossing into the city are single men, adding that 32% were families while 2% were unaccompanied children. Leeser noted that the same thing was happening repeatedly, said Reuters. Related Article: Biden Admin To Expand TPS To Nearly Half-a-Million Venezuelan Migrants @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) made another promise to replace her Tesla EV during an interview. Aside from this, the American politician also explained why she still owns a Tesla Model 3 despite her recent claims of getting another EV. AOC Makes Another Promise to Replace Her Tesla EV According to Business Insider's latest report, AOC was asked on the Face the Nation if she still plans to switch her Tesla. The US representative said she wanted to trade her Tesla for a union-made electric car. "We're actually looking into trading in our car now," said Alexandria. This is not the first time she shared her interest in buying a union-made EV to replace her Tesla Model 3. In May, she also said that she wanted to own an EV made by an automaker that allows employees to unionize. In the same month, she also had an issue with Tesla's CEO Elon Musk after accusing Twitter (X) of allowing her impersonator on the platform. However, it is unclear if she made her statement about Tesla concerning her issue with the social media platform. "He's a billionaire. I could care less what he thinks," said AOC in May. As of writing, Tesla hasn't commented regarding the latest statement shared by the US representative. Read Also: Mitch McConnell Freezes During Interview, Raising Concerns of Senate Minority Leader's Health Netizens Confused by AOC's Explanation Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan asked AOC why she still owns a Tesla. "Is it a problem with the quality, is it a problem with the style, is the market just not there?" said the reporter via The Daily Mail UK. AOC explained that she purchased the Tesla Model 3 since it was the safest way to travel in 2020, the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that when the COVID-19 vaccine wasn't available, she had to travel between New York and Washington. The politician said she saw the Tesla Model 3 as their safest travel option. Many netizens were confused by her explanation. Meanwhile, other people just made fun of her latest interview. One of them said that if AOC's explanations make sense to others, they should quit the day and lie down. Another netizen said AOC makes word salad for breakfast, pointing out the representative's statement regarding the COVID-19 jab being unavailable and the Tesla Model 3 being the safest travel method. An X user also explained AOC's explanation, saying that the American official only got Tesla because COVID-19 vaccines weren't released yet during that period. These are just some of the comments made by netizens about AOC's latest Face the Nation interview. You can click here to see more. Related Article: US Sen. Bob Menendez Charged With Bribery; Gold Bars, $500K Cash Confiscated @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An Arizona woman was arrested after authorities found dead dogs in her freezer. The police began investigating her residence after a veterinarian complained about her dogs not being in healthy conditions. Arizona: Woman Arrested After Dead Dogs Were Found in Freezer According to Fox News, April Mclaughlin's house was visited by the police on Friday, Sept. 22, in Chandler, Arizona, and found dozens of dogs living in squalor with no water. Tragically, some of these dogs were found dead in a freezer. But, thanks to authorities' efforts, around 55 furries were rescued. Mclaughlin owns a shelter for special needs dogs. At first, people thought that the woman was taking care of them. But, it turns out that April did not care for the dogs and just allowed them to live in filthy conditions. Firefighters who responded to her residence even wore special equipment so they could breathe properly inside her house. Police officials said an investigation began on Sept. 8 after a vet complained about the unhealthy living conditions of Mclaughlin's dogs. "We wanted to ensure there weren't hazardous fumes occurring at the residence with first responders inside a very small home, so that's why they were requested to ensure that everybody was safe inside the home," said the police department. When the Chandler Police Department discovered dead dogs inside her freezer, April argued there was nothing wrong with storing dead canines next to frozen food. April Mclaughlin currently faces 100 misdemeanors, one count of vulnerable adult abuse, and other charges, such as animal abuse. Read Also: Romeoville Family Murder: Suspects Found Shot in Oklahoma Days After Killings Other Animal Abuse Cases in the US An Ohio woman was also arrested in August after authorities found 30 dead dogs in her freezer. 60-year-old Ronda Murphy's case is similar to April Mclaughlin's latest arrest. The Butler County Sheriff's Office said 90 dogs were rescued from Murphy's place. However, 30 canines were found dead on two of her properties. Some of these dead dogs, including puppies, were found inside her refrigerators and freezers. Officials said that the dead bodies have varying states of decomposition, as reported by FOX 59. The Butler County Sheriff's Office moved all the living dogs to the Animal Friends Humane Society of Butler County so they could be treated properly. Meanwhile, the animal abuser faces three charges. These include two counts of misdemeanor and one felony count of cruelty to a companion animal. Related Article: UK to Ban American XL Bulldogs; PM Rishi Sunak Describes Them as 'Danger to Communities' @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Thomas COEX / AFP) (THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images) Tens of thousands of Spanish protesters take to the streets of Madrid in opposition to the potential provision of amnesty to Catalan separatists. Spanish demonstrators took to the streets of Madrid to protest the government's potential decision to provide amnesty to people who took part in a failed push for Catalan independence six years ago. Roughly 40,000 residents gathered on Sunday to protest the possible decision, throwing the country into its worst political crisis in the past few decades. The divisive issue of amnesty started after the inconclusive general election held in July. Spanish Protests Against Catalan Separatists' Amnesty The conservative People's Party (PP) finished first by defeating the governing Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) but failed well short of an overall majority. Despite the PP's victory, the party, led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo, is seen as having little chance of securing the necessary parliamentary support to form a new government during a congressional vote this week. Instead, the numbers favor the PSOE, led by the acting prime minister, Pedro Sanchez. However, to have any chance of forming a new administration, Sanchez must secure the support of the hardline Catalan independence party led by former Catalan regional president Carles Puigdemont, as per The Guardian. Six years ago, Puigdemont fled Spain to avoid arrest over his role in masterminding the unilateral and unlawful push for independence. He has since insisted that his support will be conditional on granting amnesty to him and hundreds of other Catalans whom the Spanish court wants for their involvement in the attempt at secession. Two years ago, Sanchez pardoned nine Catalan independence leaders who were convicted over the secessionist push, and he has now refused to rule anything out. However, the PP has seized on the possibility of an amnesty to rally its supporters and portray the PSOE leader as cowardly, beholden to Catalan separatists, and hellbent on remaining in office. The PP was also responsible for organizing the rally held on Sunday and putting attendance at around 60,000. On the other hand, the central government's delegation to Madrid said that its estimates put the number at around 40,000 people. Read Also: Azerbaijan, Artsakh Officials Begin Talks on Fate of Armenian Enclave Ruling Spanish Government Feijoo told his supporters at the Madrid rally that withdrawing criminal cases against the Catalan separatists would amount to granting amnesty to "coup plotters." a 72-year-old pensioner, Gregorio Casteneda, traveled from Santander on Spain's north coast to show his opposition to any form of amnesty for the separatists, according to Reuters. The resident said he did not favor the Spanish government that the people currently have ruling over them. He added that the situation is a disaster because it will divide the country. Many PP figures participated on stage in the Madrid rally, including Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida and regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso. Two of Spain's former leaders, Mariano Rajoy and Jose Maria Aznar, were also part of the protests. On Tuesday, the lower house of the Spanish parliament is scheduled to vote on Feijoo's candidacy for prime minister. DW News said that the official's bide is widely expected to fall short and would pave the way for Sanchez to put forward his own candidacy. Related Article: UK Plans To Charge 5 Bulgarian Nationals for Allegedly Spying for Russia Over 3 Years @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Olivier MORIN / AFP) (OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images) Jamaican health officials confirmed a dengue fever outbreak after the country recorded hundreds of confirmed and suspected cases. Jamaican health officials confirmed a dengue outbreak in the Caribbean on Saturday after at least 565 suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases. In a statement, the country's Ministry of Health and Wellness said that the latest outbreak comes as its National Surveillance Unit "advised that Jamaica has surpassed the dengue epidemic threshold for July and August." It added that the nation is on track to do the same for September. Jamaica's Dengue Fever Outbreak Officials added that the current dominant strain is Dengue Type 2, which last predominated in 2010. The statement said that there are currently no dengue-related deaths that officials have recorded. However, there are six deaths that they are currently investigating for any relation to the deadly disease. Jamaican health officials noted that there are currently at least 78 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease across the country. The Ministry of Health and Wellness added that roughly 500 temporary vector control workers have been engaged and deployed across the island in high-risk communities and 213 permanent workers, as per the New York Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also said dengue viruses are "spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito." The health agency warned that roughly one in four infected people will get sick, developing mild symptoms including nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains. The CDC also warned that about one in 20 people infected by the disease will develop severe dengue, which officials said can result in shock, internal bleeding, and sometimes death. The Minister of Health in Jamaica, Christopher Tufton, said that the Ministry and Regional Health Authorities have prepared for a potential outbreak. The Ministry also warned the Jamaican public that the Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in any containerized environment that can hold water. This includes drums, tires, buckets, and animal feeding containers. Read Also: Experts Warn That Zika Virus is Getting More Contagious-Here's Why Addressing the Spread of the Disease Additionally, it urged the people of Jamaica to play their part in ensuring that the cases are minimized by monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding and keeping surroundings free of debris. According to Fox News, they can also destroy or treat potential mosquito breeding sites and wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellent, and stay indoors as much as possible to minimize contact with the insects. While there are cases of severe dengue that can lead to death, treatment for the disease is rest and adequate hydration. These are usually sufficient to help a patient get through the illness, while health professionals recommend treating fever with acetaminophen or paracetamol. The Ministry also recommended the public not to use aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or any of the medications or pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Officials said that when used to treat dengue fever, these drugs have been known to increase the severity of the disease. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie also cautioned that severe dengue can cause organ failure and result in severe fluid depletion, said Outbreak News Today. Related Article: CDC Recommends Pfizer's Maternal Vaccine for RSV @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol seeks Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to discuss peace and security within the region. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol looks forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the international relationship between Beijing and Seoul. The potential trip would mark a turning page in relations between the two Asian nations as the South Korean government has continued to align itself more closely with the United States. The office of President Yoon is believed to be arranging a visit, said a senior government official over the weekend. China-South Korea Relations The remarks came after the Chinese president met with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on the sidelines of the Asian Games held on Saturday. As per Bloomberg, the former said that he would "seriously consider" visiting South Korea in the future. Separately, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that the Chinese president told Han that China would work with South Korea to promote a strategic partnership between the two nations. The situation comes as Xi has not visited South Korea since 2014 and after he held talks with Han in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou before the opening ceremony of the Asian Games. The commitment to cooperation also came shortly before the scheduled trilateral talks in Seoul on Sept. 26. Those discussions will involve senior officials from China, Japan, and South Korea. They are intended to pave the way for the first summit between the three Asian nations in four years. The situation comes as China attaches great importance to the positive willingness of South Korea to commit to cooperation. Xi also asked South Korea to meet him halfway to maintain friendly cooperation. The Chinese president also said that China supports dialogue between the two Koreas and will continue efforts to achieve peace and security on the Korean peninsula. On the other hand, Han asked Beijing to play a constructive role in relations with North Korea, according to Reuters. Tensions between China and South Korea have been increasing after North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un made a week-long visit to Russia earlier this month. The development angered the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Read Also: US Aims to Access More Philippine Bases to Strengthen Alliance, Deter Beijing Addressing International Relationships South Korea then imposed sanctions on ten individuals and two entities in relation to North Korea's nuclear program and weapons trade with three countries. These nations include Russia, said the foreign ministry on Thursday. Xi noted that China and South Korea have close economic ties and deep integration in industrial and supply chains. He added that the two nations can deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and continue to achieve mutual success. Beijing has also become increasingly frustrated with the growing U.S.-Japan-South Korea alliance within the region. The Chinese government strongly protested against a joint statement at the Camp David summit held last month that condemned the Asian superpower's actions in the South China Sea. Additionally, tensions between China and South Korea have risen after the US lobbied its allies to join its tech war against China. Yoon also angered Beijing in April when he called Taiwan a "global issue" comparable to North Korea, said the South China Morning Post. Related Article: AFP to Increase Presence in West Philippine Sea-Alleging China of Massive Illegal Coral Harvesting @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NYC Mayor Eric Adams tried to make a heart sign with a new armless patrol robot. Of course, netizens didn't let this opportunity just pass. They made fun of the official's interaction with the machine. Meanwhile, others criticized the release of the new patrol robot, saying that the mayor could have done other things more important. NYC Mayor Eric Adams Tries to Make Heart Sign With 'Armless' Patrol Robot According to Business Insider, Eric Adams attended the launch of the new K5 patrol robot; a 5 feet, 3 inches tall machine weighing 400 lbs (181 kg). This new patrol bot is set to patrol the New York Times Square subway station. Officials will use it from midnight until 6:00 a.m. every day for two months. During the robot's launch event, Adams was captured trying to make a heart sign with the machine. This was quickly spotted by netizens. Many X users made fun of Eric's action, saying that no one could have predicted that the NYC mayor would try to make a heart sign with the handless cop robot. "Who could predict him making heart hands with a handless cop bot. His strangeness has no precedent," said an X user. Meanwhile, other netizens criticized Adams for allowing the robot's release. They said that the NYC leader could have done more important things to do. "We need affordable housing and the trains to run on time but instead, we get a robocop that can't even make a heart," said another netizen on X. But, some Americans explained the reason why Eric Adams acted this way. They said that the odd behavior of the mayor has become a near-daily habit for him since he always makes a heart sign with other people. Read Also: 'You're Not Welcome!' Protestors in NYC's Staten Island Block Bus Carrying Migrants, Asylum Seekers; 10 Arrested Eric Adams Explain The Main Goal of New Armless Patrol Robot The New York Post reported that the egg-shaped patrol machine is specifically designed to monitor the Midtown subway station. But, since it is still in its pilot program, NYC officials said that the robot will be accompanied by NYPD officers. Eric Adams explained that K5 is one of New York City's efforts to explore innovative tools that can keep the city safe. He added that this new armless machine has the potential to serve as an important technology in law enforcement. Since some NYC residents might be concerned about their privacy, city officials clarified that the robot will only record videos, excluding audio recordings. These are just some of the things you need to know about the new K5 patrol robot. You can click this link to learn more about it. Related Article: NYC Considers Removing George Washington Statues; Reparations Task Force Effort Criticized by Some Residents @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's new UFO hunter weapon has been revealed. This hints that the International Space Agency is already taking unidentified flying objects, which are now called UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena), more seriously. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained how important and effective the technology they'll use to find UAPs. NASA's New UFO Hunter Weapon Unveiled The new NASA UFO hunter weapon is not a new technology since the aerospace organization refers to artificial intelligence and machine learning. The latest effort of NASA to incorporate AI and ML in its UFO hunt program was confirmed by Bill Nelson during a recent briefing on September 14. "We will use AI and machine learning to search the skies for anomalies... and will continue to search the heavens for habitable reality," he explained via Fox News. The NASA official added that artificial intelligence is already being used to explore numerous areas. "So why should we limit any technological tool in analyzing, using data that we have?" added Nelson. NASA's Associated Administrator, Dr. Nicola Fox, also shared her opinion regarding using AI and ML technologies. She said that artificial intelligence is an amazing tool to find "signatures that are sort of buried in data." Meanwhile, NASA's independent UAP research team shared their findings, claiming that incorporating AIs and machine learning tools is necessary for a comprehensive UFO detection campaign. Read Also: New NASA UFO Report to Be Released-What's in It? Here's How to Watch the Livestream NASA Begins Official UFO Hunt Effort According to Politico's latest report, NASA finally launched its official UFO hunt effort. This time, the Space Union is seeking help from Americans to find UAPs. NASA said people can use their smartphones and other gadgets to capture mysterious aerial aircraft. The aerospace organization even called for a government-wide approach to collect UFO data. NASA requested assistance from Americans and other people worldwide after its UFO team explained the things needed to find UAPs. The independent research group said there's no standardized system for making civilian UFO reports. Because of this, there are insufficient and incomplete data devoid of curation or vetting protocols. The NASA team suggested that open-source smartphone-based apps that can gather imaging data and other databases across the globe should be checked by the space agency. Recently, many NASA officials were quiet when asked about their opinions on UFOs. Now, many of them are becoming more open regarding their beliefs. One of them is Bill Nelson, who said he believes there's life in a vast universe. Related Article: NASA UFO Report Update: Study Team Found No Evidence Proving UAPs are Extraterrestrial @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Qatar Museums) NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 09: UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake supports the launch of '1 in 11', a partnership between FC Barcelona Foundation, UNICEF and Reach out to Asia (ROTA) to help children to fulfil their potential through sport and education at Danny Kaye Vistors Centre on January 9, 2015 in New York City. In a startling turn, the Speaker of Canada's House of Commons, Anthony Rota, issued a public apology on Sunday for recognizing a 98-year-old man who had fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II. The incident occurred during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address in the House of Commons, as per The Washington Post. Canadian Speaker Apologizes for Recognizing WWII Veteran Canadian lawmakers gave Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation, mistakenly introduced as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Rota's introduction of Hunka included the statement that he had fought against the Russians in World War II. However, Speaker Rota later regretted his decision, citing newly acquired information that led to his change of heart. He acknowledged that his fellow Parliament members and the Ukrainian delegation were unaware of his plan to recognize Hunka, who hails from Rota's district. In his formal apology, Speaker Rota extended his deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and worldwide. He took full responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse, stating, "I accept full responsibility for my action." Hunka, the subject of the controversy, has not yet commented on the matter. During Zelensky's visit to Ottawa to seek support from Western allies for Ukraine's struggle against the Russian invasion, Canadian lawmakers cheered while Hunka received two separate standing ovations. Speaker Rota described him as a "Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero" and thanked him for his service. However, this unexpected recognition of Yaroslav Hunka has raised significant concerns and sparked outrage among various organizations and individuals. Vladimir Putin has repeatedly labeled his adversaries in Ukraine as "neo-Nazis," despite President Zelenskyy being Jewish and losing relatives in the Holocaust. The First Ukrainian Division, in which Hunka fought, is also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division. It was a voluntary unit under the command of the Nazis during World War II. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement on Sunday condemning the division's actions, emphasizing that it "was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable." They demanded an apology to Holocaust survivors and WWII veterans who fought against the Nazis. B'nai Brith Canada's CEO, Michael Mostyn, expressed his outrage, highlighting that Ukrainian "ultra-nationalist ideologues" who volunteered for the Galicia Division promoted an ethnically homogenous Ukrainian state and endorsed ethnic cleansing. He called for a meaningful apology from Parliament and a thorough explanation of how Hunka was allowed to enter the Canadian Parliament and receive recognition, according to CBS News. Read Also: US Reconstructs Cold War Submarine Program as China Bolsters Navy Cross-Party Applause for Hunka Raises Questions, Demands for Explanation Members of Parliament from various political parties applauded Hunka during the incident, with some expressing their shock and lack of awareness about his history. Sebastian Skamski, a spokesperson for the Conservative party, stated that the reports of Hunka's history were troubling, and Trudeau's Liberal party would need to explain why he was invited. Karina Gould, leader of the government in the House of Commons, also expressed her concern on social media, emphasizing that she had no additional information beyond what Speaker Rota provided. She clarified that the government played no role in inviting Hunka, and the Prime Minister did not meet him. She urged MPs not to politicize the incident but acknowledged her deep distress. The recognition of Yaroslav Hunka, a former member of a Nazi unit, in the Canadian Parliament has led to widespread outrage and calls for a meaningful apology and explanation. This incident has raised important questions about how such recognition could occur in the heart of Canadian democracy and has ignited a broader conversation about acknowledging and addressing historical atrocities, The Guardian reported. Related Article: UAW's Next Step is the 'More Nuclear Option,' Claims Top Analyst @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a bid to address allegations surrounding a controversial cash-for-visas scheme for migrants that has stirred political turmoil in Poland, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged the Polish government to provide clarifications. This move comes as Germany finds itself grappling with an intensifying debate on immigration, according to Business World. Germany Presses Poland for Visa Scheme Details The demand from Chancellor Scholz signals a heightened level of engagement from Poland's influential western neighbor, following reports that Germany had summoned the Polish ambassador and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser held discussions with her Polish counterpart on this pressing matter. Since the beginning of this month, the Polish government has been embroiled in allegations put forward by opposition parties. These claims suggest that the government may have been involved in a system where migrants obtained Polish visas at an expedited rate without undergoing proper vetting facilitated by intermediaries. Given Poland's open borders as an EU member state, individuals who gained entry to Poland could cross into other European Union countries, raising concerns about the broader implications of the scandal. Poland's government has responded to these accusations by characterizing them as an exaggerated "media fact," suggesting that the timing of these revelations is politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the ruling nationalists ahead of the challenging reelection battle scheduled for next month. In a statement made during an event, Chancellor Scholz stressed the need for clarity surrounding the visa scandal. He expressed his desire to avoid a situation where people from Poland might be allowed to pass through unchecked. Furthermore, Chancellor Scholz hinted at the possibility of Germany taking measures to control its border with Poland, depending on how the situation evolves. Germany has already grappled with significant waves of migrants and asylum seekers in recent years, particularly from conflict-ridden regions such as Syria and Ukraine. This experience has added complexity to the ongoing debate on immigration within Germany, as per Financial Times. Read Also: Netizens Criticize NYC Mayor Eric Adams' Interaction With New Armless Patrol Robot EU Commissioner Urges Poland to Clarify Alleged 350,000 Work Visa Scandal In a related development, European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson sent a letter to Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, demanding a thorough clarification of the scandal, which reportedly involved up to 350,000 purchased work visas for the EU-Schengen area. The letter, disclosed by BILD, highlights concerns that the conduct of Polish authorities may constitute a violation of EU law, specifically the EU Visa Code.The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged cash-for-visas scheme has placed Poland under significant international scrutiny and has also ignited discussions about the integrity of EU immigration policies. As Poland faces increasing pressure to address these allegations and provide clarifications, the situation remains fluid, and its implications continue reverberating within the EU's broader immigration discourse, South China Morning Post reported. Related Article: AOC Makes Another Promise to Replace Her Tesla EV @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On the first day of a new visa-free entry program that officials hope will revive the nation's tourism industry, which was severely hurt by the coronavirus pandemic, top Thai officials welcomed hundreds of Chinese tourists at Bangkok's international airport. As his tourism minister and other dignitaries welcomed roughly 300 visitors from Shanghai, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin distributed gifts and posed for photos. Inside the arrivals area at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai traditional dancers and drummers amused the guests. Srettha stated that the authorities' first objective is to address tourist worries about safety, as reported by The Associated Press. This also addresses numerous stories and speculations about fraud and kidnapping in Thailand circulating on Chinese social media. The "very lively" welcoming ceremony at the airport, according to a Shanghai visitor who only went by the name Dai, impressed him. However, he pointed out that the immigration officer who checked his passport was unaware of the temporary visa exemption policy. He declared that he intended to stay for two weeks and travel to cities other than Bangkok, including Chiang Mai and Phuket. Read also: Thailand Entomologists Discover New 'Electric Blue' Tarantula in 'Enchanting Phenomenon' A Good Strategy for Thailand's Tourism? Chinese citizens entering Thailand without a visa is a terrific strategy, according to Peng Chunyu and Wan Yi, who arrived on the same flight. "Very smooth," remarked Peng of the procedure. The two claimed they were excited to explore Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Arun temple, and Chinatown during their nine-day vacation. The visa waiver is in place until February 29 and includes travelers from Kazakhstan, a country in Central Asia. Bookings for hotels and flights have increased by nearly 30 percent since the program was announced, according to tourism minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. With nearly 11 million visitors in 2019, China overtook the United States as Thailand's top supplier of tourists, accounting for 27.6 percent of total arrivals in that year before the pandemic ravaged the travel industry. Because of the stringent visa procedures, the administration worried that the number of Chinese tourists might be smaller than anticipated this year. After learning that roughly 1.4 million Chinese visitors visited Thailand in the first six months, the state tourism authority of Thailand reported that the goal number of arrivals from China had been reduced from 5 million to 3 million. The Goal to Increase Chinese Visitors According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, director of the tourism authority, the government is optimistic that with the introduction of the visa-free program, the number of Chinese visitors would reach 4 million to 5 million. Due to the pandemic's devastating effects on Thailand's massive tourism industry, the country's economy suffered. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the nation attracted over 40 million visitors in 2019, who are expected to have spent 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion). However, by 2021, this figure had decreased by more than 99%. The prime minister's spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, previously stated that 15 million foreigners visited Thailand in the first seven months. In 2023, he claimed, the government hopes to welcome 28 million visitors and earn 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in revenue. Related article: Thailand's New PM to Rectify Legislation to Permit Cannabis Use for Medicinal Purposes Alone @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A mass exodus is underway as ethnic Armenians in the Azerbaijani-claimed region of Nagorno-Karabakh leave their homeland for Armenia after Baku launched a successful decapitation strike on the regional capital of Stepanakert last week. The offensive quickly overwhelmed ethnic Armenian fighters that Artsakh officials were compelled to return to the negotiating table to discuss the enclave's fate. As a result of the blitz, many ethnic Armenians packed everything they could carry and began leaving for friendly lands, specifically for Armenia, where the border city of Goris is being used as a staging ground for processing those evacuating Karabakh. Those leaving the region are to be escorted by Russian peacekeepers to the Armenian border, Artsakh officials added. Azerbaijan's Turkish Backing Being a fellow Turkic state, Azerbaijan was able to garner the material support of Turkey in capturing Nagorno-Karabakh by force, especially during the 2020 war, which lasted six weeks long. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was due to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Monday (September 25) in the Azeri exclave of Nakhchivan. Erdogan stressed last week that he was supporting Baku's military operation but played no part in it. US Officials Travel to Armenia On the other hand, An unnamed US official told Reuters that US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power and State Department Acting Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim would also arrive in Armenia Monday to affirm US support for Armenia's democracy, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its commitment to address humanitarian needs out of Nagorno-Karabakh. The official added that power would be the first of the two Washington officials arriving in Yerevan to affirm US partnership with the country and to address the humanitarian efforts needed to accommodate those fleeing their homes. Read Also: Ethnic Armenians, Azerbaijan Agree to Russia-Brokered Ceasefire Hours After Attack in Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh Lives On in Armenia, Artsakh Officials Say Nagorno-Karabakh officials told Reuters that the region's 120,000 Armenian residents refused to live as part of Azerbaijan for fear of persecution and ethnic cleansing, much like the famed Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Back in Yerevan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan faced calls for him to resign for his failure to save Karabakh. In an address to the nation, he said that the mass exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh was the only way for ethnic Armenians in the region to save their lives and identity. Those whose cars still had fuel started to drive down the Lachin corridor toward the Armenian border, with the likelihood they would never return to their homeland again. Officials in Yerevan said over 1,000 people had crossed into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of 22:00 local time Sunday (18:00 UTC, September 24). Despite Azerbaijan's promises to guarantee their rights as Nagorno-Karabakh is integrated, Artsakh presidential adviser David Babayan claimed that "99.9%" of ethnic Armenians would rather leave their historic lands than become Azerbaijani citizens. "The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilized world," he added. "Those responsible for our fate will one day have to answer before God for their sins." Related Article: Fall of Armenian Karabakh Imminent? Azerbaijan, Artsakh Officials Begin Talks on Fate of Armenian Enclave @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple supplier Pegatron temporarily suspended iPhone manufacturing at its factory in south India on Monday, September 25. According to three people who spoke with Reuters, this follows a fire incident that occurred the night before. Fire Breaks Out at iPhone Factory Pegatron has canceled all shifts for the day at the plant located close to the city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Taiwanese company has not yet reportedly informed the assembly employees whether or not the facility would operate on Tuesday, September 26. In a statement sent to Reuters by Pegatron, there was a spark incident at the factory, which is now under control. The occurrence has no significant financial or operational effect on the firm. It took about five hours to put out the fire, as per a local official who works for the emergency services department. They even had to bring in many fire engines from different stations. There are no reports of injuries or deaths, and there is no damage to any other property. According to Pegatron's statement, the appropriate authorities are presently investigating to determine what caused the accident. Counterpoint, a research organization, estimates that Pegatron is responsible for 10% of Apple's iPhone manufacturing in India right now. Apple has placed a substantial number of bets on India ever since it launched iPhone assembly in the nation in 2017 through Wistron and then Foxconn, despite the fact that the Indian government was pushing for local manufacture at the time. Pegatron, which began iPhone assembly in India in September 2022, is also discussing establishing a second Indian contract plant for Apple near the current one in Tamil Nadu. See Also: Shifting From Dragon to Tiger: US Companies Plan to Move Manufacturing Facilities from China to India Firms Leaving China for India As tensions rise between the US and China in the Asia-Pacific region, a number of American corporations are exploring other countries, such as India, to set up new factories. COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in China, as well as the most recent semiconductor embargo, are two examples of events that had an impact on most of the US businesses. India boasts a developing young workforce and increasing telecommunications and industrial capacities. It has overtaken China as the world's most populated country this year. MarketWatch reports that large US corporations were enticed by these trends, especially since US electronics exports are estimated to grow from $7 billion in 2019 to $22 billion in 2023, as per CEIC worldwide statistics. Dec Mullarkey, managing director of SLC Management and an expert in investments and asset allocation, made it clear that businesses were not planning to "decouple" from China. They are seeking alternatives. Reportedly, several Western companies are following suit and diversifying their holdings away from China and into other emerging economies. See Also: China Denies iPhone Ban in Government Offices, Says It Hasn't Passed Any Laws @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Matteo Messina Denaro, an Italian mafia leader convicted of many murders and who was finally apprehended in January after 30 years on the run, died of cancer on Monday, September 25, at the age of 61, according to authorities. Messina Denaro, who was dubbed "the last Godfather" by the Italian press, was arrested when he was in the midst of a colon cancer battle. His health has been deteriorating over the last several weeks, so he was moved from the central Italy maximum-security prison where he was being detained to a hospital. He went into a coma last Friday, September 22, and never woke up. Captured After Years of Hiding When Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, two anti-mafia prosecutors, were murdered in 1992, it outraged Italy and prompted a crackdown on the Sicilian mob. Messina Denaro was found guilty of many crimes, including aiding in the killings, according to Forbes. In 1993, he was accused of orchestrating the abduction of 12-year-old Giuseppe Di Matteo to prevent the boy's father from testifying against the mafia and of being responsible for explosions in Rome, Florence, and Milan that killed 10. Two years later, the youngster was slain after being kept captive. Messina Denaro was arrested on January 16 outside a private clinic in Palermo, Sicily. He has been reported to have cooperated with authorities. Leaked medical documents to the Italian media indicate he had colon cancer surgery between 2020 and 2022. Messina Denaro's health deteriorated drastically in the months leading up to his arrest, according to a doctor at the Palermo clinic who spoke with La Repubblica. Also Read: At Least 4 Dead Following Gun Battle Between Ethnic Serbs, Local Police During the Kosovo Monastery Siege Earlier Life in Mafia Messina Denaro, the son of a mafioso, was born in the town of Castelvetrano on the southwestern coast of Sicily in 1962. In a report by Reuters, he had already joined the mafia-like his father at the age of 15, and was armed with a revolver. At age 18, he allegedly committed his first murder, according to the police. The Castelvetrano family was friends with the Corleonesi, headed by Salvatore "the Beast" Riina, who rose to become the unchallenged "boss of bosses" of the Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra (Our Thing). Messina Denaro was one of his pupils and proved to be equally as ruthless as his mentor by receiving 20 life sentences for his part in several mob killings during trials that were conducted while he was in jail. He allegedly boasted that he was responsible for the deaths of enough individuals to fill a cemetery. Investigators suspect Messina Denaro seldom left Sicily after he went into hiding in 1993 as more and more mafia turncoats began disclosing information about his participation in the organization. According to the police, he spent most of 2022 hiding away in Campobello di Mazara, a town of around 11,000 people in western Sicily, near his mother's home. Also Read: French Military to Be Pulled Out of Niger, Announces French President @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ukrainian officials are yet to formally confirm if the Russian Black Sea Fleet commander, Adm. Viktor Sokolov, was among the 34 officers killed after a row of Ukrainian missile strikes hit Sevastopol over the weekend. Ukrainian special forces also said via Telegram Monday (September 25) that an additional 105 Russian personnel were injured. Sokolov was assigned as commander of the Black Sea Fleet by Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore the fleet's pride after the sinking of the fleet's flagship, Moskva, last year. Read Also: Russia Slams Ukraine's Peace Plan at United Nations, Says War Would Be Resolved on Battlefield Recap on the Missile Strikes On Friday (September 22), British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles were fired against the Crimean port city. While Russian defense officials say they have shot down five of the attacking missiles, some have hit their targets, including the headquarters of the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet, which military officials in Kyiv said was beyond repair. A second attack was launched the day after (Saturday, September 23). The missiles were also allegedly used to severely damage two Russian warships drydocked in Sevastopol earlier this month. Following the operation, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Gen. Kyrylo Budanov said several high-ranking Russian military personnel were injured in the strikes but fell short of confirming or denying reports surrounding Sokolov's alleged death, Newsweek reported. Related Article: Ukraine Launches Two Missile Attacks on Sevastopol In A Row @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Philippines officials claim they have knocked down a Chinese-built floating barrier blocking Filipino fishing vessels from accessing a disputed region in the South China Sea. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. explicitly ordered such action. "The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk," the Philippines coast guard stated. The 'Floating Barrier' Manila claims China's construction of a 300-meter-long (1,000-foot-long) artificial barrier at the Scarborough Shoal is an infringement on Philippine fishing rights. This shoal was called "an integral part of the Philippine national territory." The shoal was taken by China in 2012, and the country now claims more than 90% of the South China Sea. According to Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela, a patrol found the barrier on Friday, September 22. He said the barrier was set up when the Philippine ship arrived. Reportedly, it was constructed by three Chinese coast guard vessels and a Chinese maritime militia service boat. The Chinese boats issued 15 radio challenges, during which they accused the Philippine ship and fishermen of breaking international and Chinese law. When they realized that there were journalists on board, the Chinese boats left. Also Read: Philippines Slams China's Floating Barrier in Contested South China Sea, Claiming It Prevents Filipinos From Fishing The Disputed South China Sea According to BBC, Japan has called for peace in order to highlight the importance of the South China Sea to the stability of the region. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said during a routine news briefing, "Our country strongly opposes any conduct that heightens tension in the South China Sea." There is speculation that large oil and gas deposits exist in the South China Sea, which is also a productive fishing area. The region supports the activities of more than half of the world's fishing boats. China has enraged the Philippines and Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei with its territorial claims, which cover both land and the oceans immediately around it. China has built islands and conducted naval patrols to support its vast claims. Even while the United States claims it stays out of territorial disputes, it has dispatched warships and aircraft to contested islands in the name of "freedom of navigation" operations. After ties improved under previous President Rodrigo Duterte, China permitted Filipinos to fish in the disputed area. But since Marcos Jr. took office as president last year, tensions have risen. In early 2023, President Marcos Jr. allowed American forces greater access to Philippine military outposts after mending fences with the US on the security front. Also Read: Philippines Seeks Legal Options Against Beijing Over Coral Reefs Destruction Within EEZ in South China Sea @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. COVID-19 mutations that may be passed from patient to patient are linked to a popular medication produced by US pharmaceutical giant Merck to treat the virus. The research, which was peer-reviewed and published in Nature, may cause more people to question the drug's use and the billions of dollars spent by governments to acquire it. Uptick in Mutations Researchers examined a family tree of 15 million coronavirus sequences to determine when specific mutations happened, according to the Financial Times. The findings indicated an uptick in mutations in 2022, shortly after the widespread introduction of molnupiravir (trade name Lagevrio). Those receiving molnupiravir who were older, at higher risk for severe illness, and from countries where the antiviral medication was more often used were also more likely to have mutations. Since Omicron subvariants have driven the increase in cases with a substantial number of mutations, the results will cause health officials to worry about the efficacy of antiviral medications used to treat COVID-19 during the next busy fall. Francis Crick Institute, University of Cambridge, University of Liverpool, University of Cape Town, Imperial College London, and the UK Health Security Agency researchers found that these mutations had a common signature with those seen in pharmacological trials. According to lead author and Francis Crick Institute postdoctoral researcher Theo Sanderson, "Molnupiravir treatment can sometimes result in viruses that carry large numbers of mutations but remain viable, and in some cases transmissible," which can be taken into account when weighing the pros and cons of the drug. He also noted that future medications with a similar mechanism of action should take into consideration the risk of long-lasting antiviral-induced mutations. See Also: Customers Receiving Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Experience Appointment Cancellations, Delays in Private Insurance 'Molnupiravir' Drug Antiviral medications work by inhibiting the virus' ability to infect healthy cells, bolstering the immune system's capacity to clear the infection. Merck's marketed drug molnupiravir was developed in collaboration with a US biotech company called Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and is thought to act by causing minor mutations in the virus. Although the genetic profile is not associated with any currently worrying abnormalities, the research reveals there were modest clusters of mutations that may spread across individuals. The use of this has not been connected to an increase in instances caused by Omicron variants such as BA. 2.86. In 2022, it was reported that the European Medicines Agency had rejected marketing authorization for molnupiravir, and the drug is currently seldom used in other Western nations. After originally appealing the European regulator's judgment, Merck ultimately decided to drop the case, as reported by the Financial Times. According to Andrew Hill, a senior visiting research fellow in the pharmacology and therapeutics department at Liverpool University, pregnant women may also be at risk for adverse consequences from the medicine. Furthermore, according to the findings of a UK clinical study published last year, the medicine failed to demonstrate it might reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and mortality among those at greater risk from the condition. See Also: Biden-Harris Admin Provides $600 Million To Restart Manufacture, Offer of Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TRIGGER WARNING: The following story may be distressing to some readers as it tackles topics such as suicide, harassment, and abuse. A 14-year-old girl named Jaylee Chillson was reported to have shot herself while a police officer tried to persuade her to return home to her family. She was last seen alive Saturday (September 23) after she ran away from a party in Aurora, Kansas, ABC's Wichita affiliate KAKE reported. Police from the Cloud County Sheriff's Office said a local resident called for assistance after the girl went missing. It was alleged that Chillson told her parents she was going out with the family dog but later realized she went much farther from home to a party about 40 minutes away and believed she went there with a 20-year-old male. Police added that a deputy located Chillson and attempted to convince her to return home, but she pulled a gun and shot herself in front of the deputy. The deputy, an off-duty firefighter, and the girl's father attempted lifesaving measures but were later pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight Sunday (September 24). In the aftermath of the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help Chillson's family. On the other hand, Kansas lawmakers said firearms were not to blame for increasing youth suicide rates. Read Also: Florida Woman Eaten by 13-Foot Alligator; Remains Spotted in Its Jaws Two Years of Living Hell According to her obituary, Jaylee Chillson was born in 2009 in Manhattan, Kansas, as the eldest child and only daughter of her parents, Jeb and Stacie. She was described as someone who enjoyed spending time outside in the woods, as well as in sports. However, Chillson's family said she was the subject of physical, verbal, and mental abuse in the last few years of her life. Jeb Chillson, the girl's father, told The Messenger that his daughter's hellish experience began two years ago in 7th grade when some Clay Center Community Middle School students began to bully her through teasing, rude acts, and even death threats. Chillson's parents attempted to settle their concerns with several school officials, but nothing was done, according to the father. Transferring her to another school did not help Jaylee either, as she was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted, and nothing was done to prevent students from bullying her. The bullying did not stop even if Chillson's parents pulled her out of school altogether to finish eighth grade with homeschooling. Chillson's Father: Bullying a 'Terrible Pandemic' in Cloud County Despite professional help from a therapist, nobody knew Jaylee Chillson would take her own life, her father added. Since her death, many parents have reached out to the Chillsons to tell them that bullying was a "terrible pandemic" in their living area. Meanwhile, Stacie Chillson took to social media and lashed out her anger at those who contributed to her daughter's death. "I'm angry with those that hurt my baby," she wrote on Facebook. "I'm furious with those I know hurt her and will talk about her now like they didn't play a part in crushing her." Several reporters contacted Clay County school officials for comment but have since denied the allegations made by Jaylee Chillson's father. Related Article: Loneliness Is Major Risk to Public Health, Expert Warns @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : KAREN BLEIER/AFP via Getty Images) Coca-Cola unveiled its brand new AI-generated Y3000 flavor that was advertised to taste like "the future" but mostly fell short of expectations. Coca-Cola is jumping on the artificial intelligence bandwagon by creating its new Y3000 flavor, which was made with the help of AI. The massive drink industry company is now also taking advantage of advancements in the technology sector in developing a new flavor for its iconic beverage. The company has the tagline "Futuristic Flavored" for its new product that it advertises as being based on what the future tastes like. Coca-Cola's New Y3000 Flavor While many customers expect the same acidic, carbonated sensation of the iconic Coke, the new Y3000 flavor does not provide the same experience. The aftertaste leaves you with a hint of berries and sugar. The company produced the new Y3000 flavor with the help of AI, but it is a different version of the same taste that lacks any hint of novelty. This is similar to how there are plenty of flavors for Oreo. Some people who tried the new Coca-Cola flavor mostly had disappointing conclusions about the AI-generated taste. Kevin Hurler said that he is not a big fan of soda drinks and mostly drank water. His first thought when drinking the new Y3000 flavor was that his flavor receptors were not developed enough, as per Gizmodo. However, his colleague, Kyle Barr, reiterated Hurler's concerns by saying that they came to the same conclusion. This was that the new AI-generated flavor fizzled out with no pop, making it seem bland. Coca-Cola's new flavor is only available for a limited time at select stores, and people still wondering how it tastes would have to check if their local spots have it in stock. It also comes in two kinds: the regular Y3000 and the Y3000 Zero Sugar. In a press release, the company's senior director of global strategy, Oana Vlad, was the one who said that the new AI-generated Y3000 flavor is supposed to taste like "the future." They noted that the "Real Magic" brand platform celebrates unexpected connections that make the ordinary into the extraordinary. Read Also: New AI Technologies Emerging to Combat the Growing Wildfire Threat Taking Advantage of Artificial Intelligence Vlad added that the company intentionally brought human intelligence and artificial intelligence together for an uplifting expression of what Coca-Cola believes the future has in store. Many of the people who have already tried the new flavor said that it tastes fruity and has no hint of vanilla, butter, or caramel, according to Deseret. One person who wrote a review about Coca-Cola's new flavor said it reminded them of a mix of all the drinks at a soda fountain. They noted that it tasted artificially fruity, like a gummy bear or a lollipop. The packaging for the new AI-generated flavor comes in light blue and pink with purple and red accents. While the regular Coke has a red cap and white text, the Zero Sugar version has a black cap and black text. The company's regular Y3000 flavor is marketed to have 240 calories as it is made with high fructose and corn syrup. On the other hand, the Zero Sugar version has zero calories and is said to contain aspartame, said Business Insider. Related Article: Nissan Announces Plans to Go Fully Electric in Europe by 2030 @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) A California teen was rescued from kidnappers who kept him hostage for four days and demanded a ransom of $500,000 for his safe return. California authorities charged three men for allegedly kidnapping a teen rescued after being held hostage for four days with a massive $500,000 ransom. Officials noted that the suspects were arrested on Friday morning and were charged in a federal criminal complaint. They allegedly kidnapped the teenage boy from Highland, California, and held him hostage nearly 200 miles away in Santa Maria, California. California Teen Rescued from Kidnappers The Department of Justice identified the suspects as 22-year-old Fidel Jesus Patino Jaimes, 26-year-old Jair Toma Ramos Dominguez, and 27-year-old Ezequiel Felix Lopez. All three defendants told law enforcement personnel that they were from Santa Maria. The three men allegedly caused a car collision on the morning of Sept. 18 in San Bernardino County. It was the area where the victim crashed into the suspects' silver-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, as revealed by an affidavit filed with the complaint. The teenage boy exited his car, where the suspects took him by force and made him go into their Jeep, as per USA Today. Then, the victim's mother received a call from a Mexican phone number. The caller said that they wanted $500,000 delivered to an unspecified location in Nogales, Mexico, in exchange for her son's safety. The caller also blamed the abduction on the victim's father, authorities said. Following the call, the victim's mother received a video from a separate Mexican telephone number via WhatsApp that showed the teenage boy riding in the backseat of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The captors forced the young boy to read off a script that said his father was to blame for the incident because of something in New York. The DOJ said that the captors also threatened to cut off the victim's body parts unless the payment was made. While the ransom was eventually brought down to $100,000, it was never actually paid. Read Also: Florida Train Crashes Into Family's SUV, Killing At Least 6 People, Including 3 Children Charged in a Federal Criminal Complaint Investigators were able to track the suspects to a motel in Santa Maria by assessing a Facebook marketplace post that listed the silver Jeep driven by the captors up for sale. A document also noted that they analyzed ring camera footage of the kidnapping to locate the suspects, according to NBC News. On Friday morning, investigators executed a search warrant for a motel room and discovered the victim and the three suspects. The 17-year-old was found on the floor in a corner of the motel room. They also discovered a loaded 9-millimeter handgun and switchblade inside the motel room. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said that few things can terrorize a parent more than having their child kidnapped and held for ransom. They noted that working with the FBI and local law enforcement partners allowed them to act swiftly to rescue the teenage boy and capture the suspects. Now, the suspects face life in prison if they are convicted of the charges against them and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, said KCRA. Related Article: LAPD Says 2 Men Shot in Altercation in East Hollywood @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Mohd RASFAN / AFP) (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images) Singaporean authorities ordered the evacuation of people in Upper Bukit Timah after the discovery of a World War II bomb. Singaporean authorities ordered evacuating residents in Upper Bukit Timah after discovering a World War II bomb estimated to contain roughly 47 kilograms of explosives. Officials said the WWII bomb was likely dropped in February 1942 during the Battle of Bukit Timah, the final stage of the country's fall to the Japanese forces. On Monday, history buffs said that the bomb was discovered last Wednesday at a condominium construction site off Upper Bukit Timah Road. WWII Bomb Found in Singapore The relic, which weighed 100 kilograms, had enough explosives to destroy a block of flats and was said to have been a high-explosive bomb deployed by an aircraft supporting the Imperial Japanese Army on the ground. A senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Dr. Euan Graham, said that bombs of similar weight, when dropped from a height by an aircraft that is diving at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour, are capable of easily penetrating several meters underground, as per the Straits Times. War historian John Kwok said that a high-explosive bomb can either explode on impact or be equipped with a timed fuse that detonates the explosive after some time. The latter can cause more damage to buildings as it would penetrate roofs before killing everyone sheltered inside a building. However, because of various factors, the fuse of a bomb can sometimes fail to detonate the explosive properly. Kwok noted that, for some reason, such remains from the war were missed when officials conducted the post-war clean-up. He noted that some relics are discovered again when the area is disturbed during construction projects. The Asia correspondent for United States-based defense magazine Defense News, Mr. Mike Yeo, warned that there is a chance for the massive 100-kilogram bomb to become more dangerous over time because of degradation. He cited a blaze that occurred in 1967 that involved exploding old bombs on a U.S. aircraft carrier, causing the death of 134 people. Read Also: China's National Security Fears Lead to Crackdown on Drone Owners and Hackers Disposing of the War Relic The recent discovery prompted officials to order the evacuation of the more than 4,000 people living and working near the site of the bomb discovery. According to Channel News Asia, officials also plan to create a 200-meter cordon around the site and close roads. An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist with Blastwork Solutions, Mr. Winson Chew, said that the newly discovered bomb is most likely a "type 94." He noted that it was important to identify the device so that EOD professionals know what type of fuse it has and the required safety approach. The police noted that the EOD team of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) assessed that the bomb was too unsafe to move and must be disposed of on-site. Law enforcement personnel added that the SAF EOD team will carry out an on-site controlled disposal of the war relic on Sept. 26 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., said Today Online. Related Article: Philippines Removes Chinese-Built Floating Barrier in Disputed South China Sea @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : BAY ISMOYO / AFP)(BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images) The Indonesian government is considering placing a ban on TikTok sales amid discussions over the country's e-commerce sector. The Indonesian government is considering banning TikTok sales as the country's government is set to discuss e-commerce within the region. The situation comes as many people and businesses have taken to social media platforms to market their products or services. These include the Tanah Abang Market in Jakarta, which belongs to entrepreneur Andre Oktavianus. Indonesia Considers Ban on TikTok Sales The businessman said that promoting children's clothes online instead of to people who pass by his stall was one of the best decisions he made for his business. The 37-year-old said that his sales increased after deciding to start selling on online platforms via live stream in 2017, which came nearly a decade after he began his business. Oktavianus added that TikTok Shop, in particular, has helped him grow his business bigger than ever. He noted that with the social media platform, he has seen a turnaround increase of 30% to 40%. It referred to the platform's shopping arm, which launched in Jakarta roughly two years ago, as per the Straits Times. However, those good times may soon end, and entrepreneurs such as Oktavianus, who uses social media to generate sales, may not be able to do so for much longer. In recent weeks, several government officials have called for social media and e-commerce to be separate, a remark aimed at companies such as TikTok and Shopee. They argued that unfair social commerce practices threaten local and small businesses. Social commerce is a subset of e-commerce that involves social media and has consumers interacting with sellers while buying and selling products and services. The situation comes at a time when live shopping, a form of social commerce, is on the rise within the region and has helped many businesses make huge profits in a shorter amount of time than before. Read Also: Apple's iPhone Supply Chain Interrupted by Fire at Pegatron's Facility in India Social Media E-Commerce Indonesia's Ministry of Trade plans to officially release revised regulations regarding e-commerce within the region as early as this week. This could ultimately determine the fate of TikTok Shop and how people and businesses take advantage of it within the country, according to Tech in Asia. The ministry's director general of domestic trade, Isy Karim, said the updated rules will be finalized before submission to the law ministry. The decision comes after many regulators in Indonesia expressed concerns that TikTok Shop was monopolizing the market. One of the most contentious points covered by the updated rules is whether or not e-commerce transactions should be prohibited on social media platforms. The Indonesian government is also considering ordering a ban on selling imported goods priced below $100 through cross-border services on e-commerce platforms. In a streamed video address on Monday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, said that the people had just decided to use social media for e-commerce. He added that the expectation was that technological advancement would help create new economic potential, not kill existing economies, said Reuters. Related Article: Coca-Cola Creates New Y3000 Flavor With Artificial Intelligence @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Japanese health ministry has approved Leqembi, a medicine for Alzheimer's disease developed in collaboration between Japanese and American pharmaceutical companies. It is the first medicine to treat the condition in a country with an aging population. The medicine, developed by Eisai Co. of Japan and Biogen Inc. of the United States, was approved in Japan two months after it was approved in the United States by the FDA, as reported by The Associated Press. Leqembi is the first drug to modestly reduce cognitive loss in adults with mild dementia and other signs of Alzheimer's disease. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who announced Japan's approval of Leqembi on Monday, hailed it "a breakthrough" and said the "treatment of dementia has now entered a new era." Kishida has promised to support the growing number of dementia patients and their families, and he plans to convene a panel this week to study dementia-friendly policies. According to the health ministry, the number of dementia patients 65 and older in Japan will climb to 7 million in 2025, up from 6 million. However, the medicine is not effective for everyone and, like other Alzheimer's drugs that target brain plaques, can induce hazardous side effects like brain swelling and bleeding in rare situations. Eisai stated that it will perform a post-marketing special use survey on all patients who received the drug until adequate data from an undisclosed number of patients is acquired in accordance with Japanese health ministry protocols. The medicine will be partially funded by health insurance and will be available for clinical trials by the end of the year. The price has yet to be determined, but it is expected to be high, according to Kyodo News. A Significant Change for Japan The approval of Leqembi is particularly significant in Japan because the country has a rapidly aging population. According to the Japanese government, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease in Japan is expected to increase from 6.2 million in 2020 to 8.7 million in 2030. The Japanese government has been investing heavily in research on Alzheimer's disease, and the approval of Leqembi is a testament to the success of these efforts. The government is also working to make Leqembi accessible to as many patients as possible, and it has announced that the national health insurance system will cover the drug. The approval of Leqembi is a major milestone in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, and it is hoped that it will lead to the development of even more effective treatments in the future. Read also: New Study Shows Connection Between Cognitive Deterioration and Constipation Alzheimer's in Japan There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. These treatments include medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, as well as non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive stimulation therapy and physical activity. The Japanese government is investing heavily in research on Alzheimer's disease, and there are a number of promising new treatments in development. In addition to medical treatments, there is a growing recognition of the importance of social support and community engagement for people with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The Japanese government has launched a number of initiatives to support people with Alzheimer's disease and their families, including providing financial assistance for caregivers and developing dementia-friendly communities. Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future of people with Alzheimer's disease in Japan. Thanks to advances in research and treatment, people with Alzheimer's disease are living longer and better lives than ever before. And with the support of their families, communities, and the government, people with Alzheimer's disease can continue to live full and meaningful lives. Related article: How to Plan for the Future When Living with Dementia @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Following a rare summit intended to jump-start trilateral exchanges, senior diplomats from South Korea, China, and Japan agreed on Tuesday that their leaders will meet at the "earliest convenient time." To promote regional cooperation, the three nations had agreed to host a summit once a year beginning in 2008. However, this initiative has been weakened by disagreements between the two parties and the COVID-19 epidemic, as reported by Reuters. The meeting between the two nations' foreign ministers will take place "in a couple of months," according to a statement from Seoul's foreign ministry. Specific dates are still being worked out. The Need for Summit-Level Negotiations According to Japanese broadcaster TBS, South Korea, which is hosting three-way meetings this year, has suggested holding a summit in late December. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan's foreign minister, stated that the three nations agreed on the need to "as soon as possible. After Seoul and Tokyo agreed this year to terminate their legal, diplomatic, and trade disputes over matters relating to Japan's 1910-1945 occupation of Korea, Beijing was reportedly concerned about how closely the two U.S. allies were working together. This was one of the goals of the most recent meeting, according to observers. In an effort to improve relations, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, convened a historic trilateral summit with the United States in August, where the three pledged to increase collaboration, notably on security issues for the economy and the military. Read also: South Korea-China Relations: Yoon Seeks Xi's To Maintain Peace, Security China Seeks Trilateral Cooperation A senior South Korean official claimed that since bilateral relations deteriorated over a U.S. military force deployment in 2017, China has proactively sought trilateral cooperation and set up talks. Tong Zhao, senior fellow at the American Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, predicted that Beijing would use trilateral trade ties to counterbalance the U.S. friend-shoring strategy, advance intercultural exchanges, and improve communication and dialogue with Seoul and Tokyo on security and defense issues. He said that Japan and South Korea are interested in preventing crises, upholding a secure security relationship with China, and enlisting Beijing's help in reducing if not completely stopping, North Korea's vast nuclear development program. The Chinese premier has customarily participated in the trilateral summits, and South Korea is also pushing for President Xi Jinping to make a separate trip there. The most recent meeting was attended by Nong Rong, China's assistant foreign minister, Chung Byung-won, South Korea's deputy foreign minister, and Takehiro Funakoshi, Japan's senior deputy foreign minister. Related article: Boosting US-Vietnam Ties: China, Russia, Airbus Among Those That Could Be Negatively Affected @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent defense of Hunter Biden against allegations of nepotism and shady business deals follows emails from Biden's infamous laptop showing the president's son donated thousands of dollars to Newsom's gubernatorial campaign and lent his name to multiple fundraisers on his behalf. Newsom, who is expected to attend Wednesday's GOP debate on behalf of the Biden campaign, brushed off allegations of Hunter Biden's corrupt business dealings last week, saying it is "hardly unique" for people to use their family members to get ahead, as reported by Fox News. A Series of Emails Following Newsom's recent remarks, a review of dozens of emails between Hunter and Newsom and his associates over the course of nearly ten years was conducted by Fox News Digital. Newsom had officially agreed to participate in a Fox News debate in November against Gov. Desantis, with Sean Hannity as the moderator. As "usual suspects" to try to connect with when he is in California's Bay Area, Hunter Biden's business colleague Eric Schwerin floated then-San Francisco Mayor Newsom and his sister, Hilary, in October 2010. A month or two later, Schwerin proposed that Newsom and other people be invited to a state dinner in China. But it doesn't seem like he went to the dinner. In an email sent earlier that year, Hunter mentioned how much "fun" he had during the summer in California and enquired whether Newsom's sister would be "interested in White House Easter Egg Roll tickets" for her and her family. The White House invitation was respectfully declined by Newsom's sister, who stated that she had been "invited to join some friends on their boat in St. Lucia" even though neither she nor her sister had ever gone to St. Lucia or been on a boat. When Hunter visited San Francisco, Schwerin advised him to meet with Gavin Newsom, among others, and that he should be "asking any of them to bring together potential other investors in Real Estate." Schwerin made this recommendation in an email from March 2011. On June 11, 2014, a woman who collaborated with Jennifer Siebel Newsom on her documentary films contacted Hunter Biden and informed him that she had obtained his contact information from the office of the lieutenant governor and that Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, was looking for his advice on how to market a couple of her documentaries in Washington, D.C. On June 23, a little more than ten days later, Lee thanked Hunter for the conversation and outlined how to contact one of Hunter's contacts. The email also implied that they had discussed hosting a screening of the documentary "The Mask You Live In" at the White House. Uncertainty surrounds the existence of any more communication between Hunter and Lee. Two days later, Newsom sent Biden an email with the subject line "Here's my direct email" from his personal account. In response to hearing that Biden had been found in possession of cocaine and was being expelled from the Navy Reserve, Newsom wrote him encouraging words in October 2014. The lobbyist Eve O'Toole, whom Newsom described as his "best friend and trusted adviser," sent Hunter an email in April 2015, according to a report on a Newsom fundraiser. She was informed that although he could not attend the event in Washington, DC, Newsom could "count on" a $5,000 donation from him. Although it doesn't seem like the donation was made, it's possible that Hunter bundled $5K from his network. A week later, Hunter asked lobbyist Mike Manatos to contribute to Newsom's run for governor of California by referring to him as a "good friend" in an email. Hunter responded to an invitation to the event from the then-mayor of San Francisco, Ed Lee, in a different email from a week earlier. In the email, Hunter requested that Howard Krein, Schwerin, and Joan Mayer, who served as vice president of Hunter's now-defunct Rosemont Seneca Advisors investment firm and her husband, be added to the guest list for Newsom's celebration. Hunter Biden can be seen assuring O'Toole in another email from June 27, 2018, that he owes her "big time" and that his uncle, Jim Biden, will provide money to the cause. Read also: Biden's Pseudonymous Emails Raise Questions About Ukraine Probe Frequent Communication According to her Linkedin page and the website for her firm, O'Toole and Hunter communicated by email frequently, particularly in relation to Newsom events in D.C. Less than a month later, according to campaign finance reports, Hunter gave Newsom's campaign $10,000. But it doesn't seem like Hunter's Uncle Jim gave the $10,000. A week after the gift, Hunter got an email from Newsom's finance department explaining how to meet state reporting requirements because he had given $10,000 or more during the year. Related article: Gubernatorial Debate: Gavin Newsom, Ron DeSantis To Discuss Visions of the Future @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, is scheduled to spend Tuesday, September 26, testifying in a federal court case involving Google. In the lawsuit, the US Department of Justice accuses Google of abusing its dominance in the search engine market by means of exclusive license arrangements. Specifically, the billions of dollars Google pays Apple to set its search engine as the default on the iPhone's browser and other settings are being looked at. A Bernstein estimate puts Google's potential payment to Apple at $19 billion for the current fiscal year. Apple's Negotiator With Google According to CNBC, Cue serves as Apple's negotiator with Google. He is anticipated to testify that Google's product was the finest, which is why Apple made it the default search engine on the iPhone. According to a source familiar with Cue's planned testimony, he would also claim that Apple lacks a need to develop its search engine since Google already exists. The Apple executive will also claim that the company shares income with other search engines, including Yahoo, Microsoft Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia, and that Apple customers may choose the default search provider. One of the most high-profile transactions in the tech industry has been kept secret for the last decade, but that might change if the witnesses testify. One of Google's largest expenses is the sum it pays Apple for default placement, while a sizable chunk of Apple's revenues come from advertising income collected from Google. Advertising income, which includes the money Apple receives from Google, amounted to $78.1 billion in revenues for Apple's services division in fiscal 2022. In 2018, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Google's default search engine is the best. See Also: Google Faces Antitrust Showdown with US Regulators Over Search Engine Dominance Against Anti-Monopoly Laws The justice department claims that by entering into exclusive arrangements with mobile phone manufacturers for its Android operating system and browser vendors for default placement, Google has violated anti-monopoly legislation. The government claims that this approach impedes the ability of new search engines to enter the market. Before the trial began earlier this month, Google said it regarded licensing agreements as a common business practice that gets its products to customers and improves user experience. Google claims Android and Apple phone users may simply change their default search engines. Machine learning executive at Apple John Giannandrea testified last week, as per Bloomberg's report. He discussed a new search engine setting in the most recent version of iOS. He previously worked on Google's search engine before joining Apple. See Also: Apple's US iPhone Dominates 55% of Smartphone Market Share in Q2 2023 @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hong Kong: HK-SZ health pact signed The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen governments signed the Framework Agreement on Medical Collaboration between Shenzhen & Hong Kong at a meeting in Shenzhen today. Leading delegations of the governments of both cities, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission Director General Wu Hongyan held a meetting in Shenzhen of the Task Force for Medical Collaboration between Shenzhen & Hong Kong. At the meeting, the two parties signed the agreement, covering areas such as healthcare services, nurturing of talent, clinical medical research, hospital quality accreditation on an international level and collaboration on Chinese medicine. The signing of the agreement paves the way for the further deepening of cross-boundary healthcare service development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and facilitates the flow of talent, drugs and medical devices as well as healthcare services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Prof Lo said under the principle of complementarity and mutual benefits as well as on the premise of benefitting the healthcare development of both the Mainland and Hong Kong, the Hong Kong SAR Government has all along been working together with various Mainland provinces and cities in reinforcing co-operation on healthcare service development for levelling up healthcare quality. He noted that the agreement signed between the Health Bureau and the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission would inject new impetus to joint efforts in pressing ahead the co-ordinated development of the GBA. Prof Lo added: In fact, the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government have been maintaining close communication with strong co-operation on the healthcare front. During the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, the two places had seamless collaboration in the monitoring, prevention and control of the epidemic. Upon the full resumption of normal travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong earlier this year, we have been engaging in in-depth interactions with the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission. We had a constructive discussion during the task force meeting today in areas including healthcare innovation, hospital management and service quality advancement. Looking ahead, we will remain committed to fostering co-operation within the GBA, so as to propel the important national strategy of 'Healthy China' through concerted contributions. This story has been published on: 2023-09-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. An iconic landmark in the heart of Zurich blending modern luxury with historic charm and providing exceptional experiences through Mandarin Oriental's legendary service. Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich will open its doors this winter following a full multi-million-dollar renovation, bringing Mandarin Oriental's legendary service to the heart of the city. Founded by Johannes Baur in 1838, this iconic property was Zurich's first grand hotel. Located on the famous Paradeplatz, the hotel lies just steps away from high-end fashion houses, the historic old town and the charming promenade leading to Lake Zurich. Mandarin Oriental Savoy is destined to become the city's most desirable address, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication and exceptional service. Tasteful design and interiors Created by respected Paris-based interior designer Tristan Auer, the beautifully curated interiors merge historical details with modern style, using a carefully selected colour palette mirroring the hotel's surroundings. Meticulously crafted design elements and materials, such as artisan hand-painted silk wallpapers, adorn the rooms and embody a contemporary style that strikingly contrasts with the building's architecture. Many of the 44 rooms and 36 suites offer balconies, terraces or private rooftops, presenting stunning views of the city's landmarks and the Swiss Alps. Mandarin Oriental Savoy features some of the city's largest suites, including a lavish four-bedroom apartment spanning 275sqm, providing an exquisite blend of modern luxury and time-honoured charm. Exquisite dining Enjoying the hotel's enchanting ambience, guests can embark on a culinary adventure and savour global flavours in four captivating dining venues. Intimate and sophisticated, ORSINI is a fine-dining Italian restaurant led by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, from the two-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. It showcases authentic Italian culinary traditions with a contemporary international approach using the best, freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. The glamorous, Frenchinspired Savoy Brasserie & Bar offers all-day dining and signature cocktails. Guests can also unwind in the refined Mandarin Lounge, or enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the new 1838 rooftop bar with a choice of mouth-watering Asian delights. Celebrations and events Given its prime location in the city centre, Mandarin Oriental Savoy is the perfect place for special occasions such as weddings, parties, celebrations and corporate functions. Exclusive settings provide timeless elegance-designed to make any occasion unforgettable. A grand ballroom now restored to its former glory exudes old-world charm with authentic stucco, glistening mirrors and beautiful high ceilings. Hotel website The PKF hospitality group has found a new operator for the former Wolfgang's Hotel in Salzburg, Austria. Harry's Home has signed a long-term partnership with the owner Fanny-v-Lehnert Grundstucksgesellschaft. The 119-room hotel at Fanny-von-Lehnert-Strae 6-8, is located in direct vicinity to Salzburg's main train station, 400 m and 5 minutes walking distance. In addition, it has a lobby area, a lean f&b concept, one conference room, a gym and underground parking. There are numerous shopping opportunities in the vicinity alongside restaurants and cafes. There are also excellent public transport connections. The opening is planned for Q1 2024. Salzburg's hotel market has seen significant rebound after the pandemic and the city has experienced some positive signs that the meetings and events, leisure and corporate segments are starting to rebound. Hotel website The Gwen (521 N. Rush St., Chicago), a Luxury Collection Hotel, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Sundberg. In this new leadership role as Director of Bars & Restaurants, Sundberg will execute the luxury hotel's mission of delivering unparalleled guest experiences in the food and beverage space, injecting creativity and passion at every turn. For the past two years, Sundberg has been an integral part of the team at The Gwen, joining in May of 2021 as Kostali's Service Manager, and was quickly promoted to Restaurant Manager. Jason grew up outside of Boston, working in a number of upscale restaurants in the area before moving to Chicago. Upon relocating to the Midwest in 2013, Jason joined the team at Trattoria Gianni in Lincoln Park while exploring a career in real estate. It was during his time climbing the ranks to General Manager at the 2 Michelin-starred Acadia, where he ultimately discovered that his love of fine dining and elevated service was undeniable. Sundberg has been working in hospitality for 16 years, honoring humble beginnings at TGIFridays. For him, every position at all types of restaurants is an opportunity to learn more about the art of cuisine and create memorable dining moments for guests. Shashi Hotel Mountain View, a modern lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Rodriguez as General Manager. A native of the Bay Area, Justin has remained an asset to the Shashi Group team since July 2019, where he previously held the role of Director of Food and Beverage, managing all dining outlets of the hospitality group. In this new role, Justin will oversee the property's day-to-day operations, sales, and marketing and will continue to ensure that Shashi Hotel's top-notch guest experience prevails. Justin has an extensive management background at some of The Bay's most discerning restaurants and prior to joining Shashi Group, he served as General Manager at Cotogna, an authentic neighborhood Italian restaurant in San Francisco. Previously, he held the role of Service Manager at San Francisco's three Michelin-starred restaurant, Quince, and General Manager of Mountain View's Michelin-starred local institution, Chez TJ, where he aided in driving profitability, guest satisfaction and facility management improvements. Shashi Hotel Mountain View is a 200-room lifestyle hotel designed for the corporate traveler in mind, while offering remarkably elevated food and beverage options, including the Spanish and Portuguese inspired restaurant, Broma, and craft cocktail bar, The Emerald Hour, led by Michelin-starred Chef Jarad Gallagher. Opening later this month, Shashi Hotel will also be home to Carte Blanche Coffee, offering guests artisan coffee aimed to spark insight and ignite new ideas in a smart, clean space. With Justin's leadership experience and hospitality expertise, he is sure to excel and bolster Shashi Hotel as a must-see destination in Silicon Valley. Mazen Allam has been named the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, effective from September 2023. With a deep-seated knowledge of luxury hospitality and a profound grasp of the Saudi Arabian market, Allam's appointment is poised to enhance the hotel's executive team. Educated at Prince Sultan College in Jeddah, where he earned a degree in Hotels and Tourism Management, Allam brings a wealth of experience that underscores The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh's stature as a premium luxury destination in Saudi Arabia. Beginning his illustrious journey in the hospitality realm at Le Meridien Jeddah in 2002, Allam's initial position at the front desk quickly transitioned due to his exceptional skills. By 2009, his keen commercial insights had propelled him to the role of Assistant Director of Sales. By 2011, he transitioned to the Rosewood Jeddah, contributing significantly to its ascent as a top-tier luxury establishment in Jeddah. Initially taking on the mantle of Director of Sales & Marketing, Allam's consistent leadership prowess led to his elevation as General Manager in 2018. His string of successes didn't stop there, as by 2021 he assumed a regional position as Managing Director, directing new development ventures throughout the kingdom. The Well Spa & Hotel in Norway proudly welcomes its new General Manager, Kim Nyheim Ragnarsson. With more than ten years at the helm of international luxury hospitality, Kim's profound expertise will further elevate the stature of Northern Europe's largest spa. Situated in Sofiemyr, a mere 15-minute journey from the heart of Oslo, The Well Spa & Hotel champions a holistic approach to wellness. Among its myriad amenities are 15 diverse saunas, 11 refreshing pools, an authentic Japanese bathhouse, a Middle Eastern Hammam, and an extensive menu of spa treatments and rituals. Nestled amid lush woodlands, the spa caters to both day visitors and overnight guests. Before his appointment here, Kim was the esteemed Director of Son Spa. He also held significant roles at Refsnes Gods, a prominent part of the revered Classic Norway Hotels collection, and spent a commendable 8.5 years in various leadership capacities at Continental. Kim's international tenure includes pivotal Front of the House experience at London's Firmdale Hotels, deepening his grasp on global hospitality nuances and elite customer service. Education remains a linchpin in Kim's illustrious career. He boasts a BA in Hospitality Management, specializing in events, from the renowned Swiss Hotel Management School in Montreux. This academic bedrock profoundly influences his managerial style in elite establishments. Moreover, Kim's culinary prowess is evident with his culinary trade certification, underscoring his love for gourmet cooking and the world of exquisite wines. This culinary acumen further refines his comprehensive understanding of the hospitality sector. Los Angeles, CA - The Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association (BLLA) proudly presents the 12th iteration of the esteemed Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, slated for October 10-11, 2023. This year, the Westlake Village Inn in Los Angeles will play host to a transformative retreat-style experience, captivating attendees from start to finish. The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference, brought to you by the official global association founded in 2009, serves not only as a cornerstone for independent, boutique hotels and small brands but also as a nexus for hospitality vendors who prioritize the boutique ethos. BLLA's mission is to offer unwavering support to property owners and creators while delivering resources, education, and representation to both consumers and the broader hospitality industry. This year's conference promises to foster a sense of community and inclusiveness through an open mic Q&A opportunity available to attendees throughout the two-day event. Conference Highlights: A Diverse Program : With a roster of 20 sessions covering topics such as human capital solutions, the ideal hotel tech stack, building regenerative businesses, boutique hotel development and investment, AI solutions for hotel owners, and more, this conference offers invaluable insights and personal connection/networking opportunities throughout the 2 days for attendees. : With a roster of 20 sessions covering topics such as human capital solutions, the ideal hotel tech stack, building regenerative businesses, boutique hotel development and investment, AI solutions for hotel owners, and more, this conference offers invaluable insights and personal connection/networking opportunities throughout the 2 days for attendees. Illuminating Voices : Renowned speakers from various sectors of the hospitality industry will share their expertise and insights. Speaker details are available at bllaevents.com. : Renowned speakers from various sectors of the hospitality industry will share their expertise and insights. Speaker details are available at bllaevents.com. Exclusive Book Release : The first 100 attendees will receive a hot-off-the-press book on Talent Disruption. : The first 100 attendees will receive a hot-off-the-press book on Talent Disruption. Supporting Education : Several scholarships have been awarded to students, hotel owners, and entrepreneurs in the early stages of development, enabling them to attend the conference. : Several scholarships have been awarded to students, hotel owners, and entrepreneurs in the early stages of development, enabling them to attend the conference. Varied Sponsorships : Top Headline sponsors for the event include Capital One Travel, Tripleseat, Dragonfly Strategists, Nestle Premium Waters, Greenberg Traurig, SHR as well as boutique & lifestyle sponsors including Jonas Chorum, THUMA, DIRECTV Hospitality, and ROOMZA. Many global media sponsors, supporting organizations, and partners are also contributing to the success of the event. : Top Headline sponsors for the event include Capital One Travel, Tripleseat, Dragonfly Strategists, Nestle Premium Waters, Greenberg Traurig, SHR as well as boutique & lifestyle sponsors including Jonas Chorum, THUMA, DIRECTV Hospitality, and ROOMZA. Many global media sponsors, supporting organizations, and partners are also contributing to the success of the event. Distinct Companies: We search far and wide to bring together both the icons and the emerging leaders and we prioritize giving them a platform for unheard voices. A wide range of companies will be speaking at the conference, including 1 Hotels, Aivolution, AQAD Blind Villains, BLLA, StayBoutique, Capital One Travel, Common Table Creative, Dragonfly Strategists, Eason Branding, Equite, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, GO PR, Gold-Diggers, Greenberg Traurig, Lark Hotels, LOGE Camps, Main Street Hospitality, Modern Elder Academy, Mogul Hospitality, Nestle Premium Waters, New Waterloo Hospitality, Nomade, Orli La Jolla, Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, PKF Hospitality Group, Relevant Hospitality, SHR, Staypineapple Hotels,, Studio Nilebrand, The Culver Hotel, The Madison Melle Agency & tech theory group, The Ramble Hotel, The Ranch at Laguna Beach, TMC Hospitality and Tripleseat. Tickets for the conference are available here, with discounts offered to current BLLA members. If you're not yet a member, you can apply here for BLLA membership to access member rates. Note: certain memberships include a complimentary ticket to a BLLA conference of your choice. Student pricing is also available; please contact [email protected] for details. To enhance networking opportunities, an exclusive digital Webex networking App will be available for attendees to build personal profiles, connect with peers, and receive real-time updates such as the agenda and announcements during the conference. Additionally, recorded video sessions from the conference will be accessible within a few weeks following the event. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available, offering a range of digital and in-person benefits. For more information on sponsorships, please contact [email protected]. For a glimpse into the excitement and value of past events, check out video reels from previous conferences here. Join us, and be a part of an unforgettable mosaic of innovation, interaction, and inspiration. BLLA is also excited to announce that the 2024 edition of The Boutique Hotel Owners Conference will take place on October 23-24 at The Westlake Village Inn. About BLLA The official organization for the world's boutique lifestyle hospitality leaders promoting connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA's boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. The BLLA Corporate Manifesto video. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today's traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via it's Boutique Money Group division. Press Office BLLA +1-818-883-4363 BLLA UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State School of Hospitality Managements Food Decisions Research Laboratory (FDRL), directed by Amit Sharma, Edward Friedman and Stuart Mann Professor of Hospitality Management and associate director of the School of Hospitality Management, has launched a project that helps addresses food insecurity in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The FDRL Free Food Map identifies locations throughout Centre County and others across the state that offer free food to those in need. The project, produced in collaboration with the YMCA of Centre County, is particularly timely, as September is Hunger Action Month in Centre County. This proclamation by the Centre County Board of Commissioners is intended to draw attention to and provide support for the countys nearly 8% of residents that experience food insecurity. Using the FDRL Free Food Map, community members can identify free food distribution sites in their vicinity. After selecting a site on the map, they can obtain further information, including the sites name or affiliate organization, address and distribution days or hours. Map users can also learn more about the sites food-distribution-eligibility requirements and find contact information. Beyond addressing community need, Sharma explained that the project provides a unique opportunity for students. The Free Food Map project engages students in conducting active research projects that are highly relevant to the community. Also, importantly, the project emphasizes the schools commitment to approaching our activities with a focus on sustainable development, he said. Sharma further detailed that the project aligns with one of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, goals which Penn State uses as a guiding framework for its broader sustainability efforts. Sustainable Goal No. 2 emphasizes our need for a hunger-free world zero hunger, Sharma said. It is therefore relevant for us to look at the needs of our communities when it comes to those areas of our expertise. Michael Matthews, a senior majoring in hospitality management at Penn State, worked on the Free Food Map project as a part of his studies. The Free Food Map Project will do so much good to combat food insecurity and the stigma surrounding the processes to acquire food," said Matthews. I believe this project has personally become one of several ways in which professionals of my industry can define service. The Free Food Map is an ongoing project, and the FDRL aims to expand the maps coverage to include all of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and beyond. Those with comments or feedback on the project are invited to send their inquiries to Kimberly Impellitteri, research and teaching labs coordinator in the School of Hospitality Management, at [email protected]. About the School of Hospitality Management Established in 1937, Penn States School of Hospitality Management is one of the nations oldest and most respected schools of hospitality management. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It is also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society. For more information about the school, contact Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Endowed Director of the school, at [email protected] or 814-865-0081. LAST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 About Penn State School of Hospitality Management Established in 1937 Penn State's School of Hospitality Management is one of the nation's oldest and most respected. Its top-ranked undergraduate and doctoral programs prepare global leaders with a rigorous, diverse curriculum focused, since its inception, on engaged scholarship, featuring partnerships with Penn State's Hospitality Services, Housing and Food Services, and top global hospitality brands. It's also home to the oldest Penn State alumni program group, The Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society. Ben Jellison Director of Industry and Alumni Relations 814-865-6728 Penn State School of Hospitality Management View source NAF Acquires Japan Hotel Portfolio For JPY 3.1 Billion Japanese REIT, Nippon Accommodations Fund Inc. (NAF) have agreed to purchase a portfolio of three hotels for a sum of JPY 3.1 billion, with the purchased properties in Nishi-Akashi, Matsuyama, and Naha, Japan. A total of 331 Rooms were acquired in this transaction, representing approximately 7,000SQM of Gross Floor Area. This recent purchase brings NAFs total acquisitions to 136 Properties, with 13,477 units. The Smile Hotel Nishi-Akashi, originally completed early 2003, is located close to the Nishi-Akashi Station on the JR Kobe Line and the San-Yo Shinkansen Line. The propertys 106 keys were acquired for JPY 970 million, (JPY 9.15 million per key). While the Smile Hotel Okinawa Naha, originally completed mid-2007, is located close to the Miebashi Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail line. The 128-key hotel was agreed to be acquired for JPY 1.12 billion, (JPY 8.75 million per key). The third property, Smile Hotel Matsuyama with 97 keys, like the first two properties is also conveniently located close to a train station, the Iyo Railway Katsuyama Station. Originally completed in October of 2007, the hotel was agreed to be acquired for JPY 1.01 billion, (JPY 10.4 million per key). Blackstone Acquires Student Accommodation Provider In Australia For $322 Million US private equity giant Blackstone has made its first foray into student accommodation investment in the Asia Pacific region with the acquisition of Brisbane-based Student One for over AUD500 million. The deal includes three premium student housing assets in Brisbane's central business district, providing a total of 2,300 beds. Blackstone intends to address the shortage of on-campus accommodation in Brisbane, where universities currently accommodate only 5% of students. The strategically located Student One properties offer amenities like a 24-hour concierge, pool, gym, study areas, and more, catering to Australia's growing international student population. Blackstone aims to capitalize on Australia's attractiveness as a student destination and the post-COVID resurgence in student visa grants. I-Berhad Partners With Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Aiming To Reshape Malaysias Hospitality Landscape I-Berhad, a Malaysian developer, has collaborated with the US-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on a RM820 million luxury condominium project, Wyndham Suites KLCC, in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The 50-story luxury residence offers 5-star services and ties into Wyndham's renowned loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards. This venture taps into the growing business and leisure travel market in the Asia Pacific, solidifying Wyndham's presence in Malaysia. I-Berhad Chairman, Mr. Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, sees this alliance as pivotal for global recognition and branding. Its proximity to i-City in Shah Alam presents potential cross-promotional benefits, boosting tourism in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The initiative resonates with i-City's tech-forward vision and emphasis on unity, mirroring Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit that highlighted Malaysia's dedication to diversity and unity, linking to the One Shah Alam One Destination agenda. Marriott Inks Multi-Property Deal In Indonesias New Capital: Strategic Implications For Hospitality Sector Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed a Hotel Management Agreement with Indonesian real estate developer, PT. Pakuwon Jati Tbk. to open three properties in Indonesias new capital city, Nusantara. Nusantara is planned as a smart forest city, in line with zero carbon emissions and national goals of 100% renewable energy. With the agreement, Marriott expects to debut three brands Four Points by Sheraton, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Tribute Portfolio. Four Points by Sheraton in Nusantara is anticipated to have 300 keys with facilities that range from an outdoor pool, function spaces with natural daylight and a gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The Westin in Nusantara is expected to have 200 rooms and suites featuring the brands iconic Heavenly Bed and wellness theme programs. The hotel plans for three bars & lounges, three restaurants, function spaces, meeting rooms, swimming pool, Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa, and The Westin Kids Club. Tribute Portfolio is planning for 150 rooms and suites, with a signature destination dining venue, a cafe, pool bar and lobby lounge. The property amenities expect to feature a spa, gym and an outdoor swimming pool. About HVS HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. The signing of the MOU signals the continuation of a proven partnership between Saudis ultra luxury hospitality and development company, Boutique Group, and the worlds leading hospitality education and training company, Sommet Education The signed MoU will focus on curriculum development, recruitment, internship and training programs The MoU was signed by the CEOs of both companies at the regions prestigious Future Hospitality Summit in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Boutique Group, a hospitality company fully owned by Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, merging the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's culture and heritage with contemporary elegance to develop historic and cultural places into ultra-luxury boutique hotels, has signed an MoU with Sommet Education, a leading international network of hospitality management and culinary arts schools. Sommet Education encompasses prestigious institutions such as Swiss originated hospitality business schools Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, together with culinary and pastry arts school Ecole Ducasse. Boutique Group is a one-of-a-kind hospitality company developed to deliver a unique ultra-luxury Saudi experience that contributes to the local economy and enhances the Kingdoms position as a leading cultural tourism destination in line with the Vision 2030. The collaboration between Boutique Group and Sommet Education will focus on three main areas: training programs, recruitment, and internships. Sommet Education will support Boutique Group through customized and bespoke training pathways, enabling Boutique Group employees to benefit from Sommet Education's vast experience in crafting hospitality programs, tailored to the talent development of the companys employees. As Boutique Group continues to recruit talent, locally and internationally, Sommet Education has the opportunity to play a significant role through its established network to ensure that the unique talents from its Hospitality schools join the Boutique Groups team. Boutique Group will offer internship programs for students, providing them with invaluable hands-on training and experience. In turn this will help to establish a talent network, ensuring a flow of passionate individuals who are familiar with the company's ethos and standards. CEO of Boutique Group Mark De Concinis, and CEO of Sommet Education Benoit-Etienne Domenget met in Abu Dhabi at the Future Hospitality Summit and Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference 2023, to sign the MoU on September 26th, 2023. Boutique Group is a platinum sponsor of FHS & AHIC 2023, an international platform where the worlds most influential hospitality investment decision makers connect, exchange knowledge and explore new partnerships, making the venue a fitting place to solidify the agreement. Partnering with Sommet Education was a natural next step for us. Their commitment to delivering top-tier hospitality management and culinary arts schooling directly aligns with our goals of cultivating industry professionals and fuels my enthusiasm for fostering Saudi talents. Through innovative training, we aim to nurture possibility and inspire the visionaries who will drive our industry forward. Mark De Cocinis, CEO, Boutique Group Sommet Education is a leading international network of hospitality management and culinary arts schools offering the highest quality of education and training, aligning with industry best practices and standards. It is the only education group with two in the Top 5 globally-ranked institutions for hospitality education and by employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). We are excited about our collaboration with novel pioneers, Boutique Group, as it enhances our potential to revolutionize how hospitality professionals are developed. We spark new heights of greatness for generations of leaders via collaborative programs that combine our recognized expertise. Benoit-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Sommet Education Signing the MoU confirms the expansion of an already fruitful partnership. Boutique Group previously engaged the educational institution to deliver MedhYaf a hospitality immersion program that focused on the luxury hospitality landscape, techniques to develop and bring to life cultural heritage, and how to deliver the ultra-luxury experience, to more than 70 of their employees. To find out more about Boutique Group, please visit @Boutiquegroupsa on social media platforms as well as the website: https://boutiquegroup.com/. For Media Enquiries, please reach out to: [email protected] ABOUT BOUTIQUE GROUP Boutique Group is a hospitality company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which aims to develop, manage, and operate historical and cultural palaces in the Kingdom and transform them into ultra-luxury boutique hotels to revive the vibrant national heritage with the authentic culture of the Kingdom, and provide an exceptional and unique hospitality experience. In addition, the group translates the commitment of the Public Investment Fund to developing promising sectors in the Kingdom and contributing to the diversification of the Saudi economy. Website: https://boutiquegroup.com/ Social Media: @Boutiquegroupsa ABOUT SOMMET EDUCATION Sommet Education is the worlds leader in hospitality management education. Its global network of prestigious institutions comprises Swiss originated hospitality business schools Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, together with culinary and pastry arts school Ecole Ducasse. In 2021, Sommet Education acquired South African Education leader Invictus Education and Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) with a campus in Gurugram (Delhi NCR). These institutions offer 400 undergraduate, graduate and technical training programs to 9,000 students from 100 different nationalities and 10,000 learners. Teaching is offered across four continents on 18 campuses, as well as through state-of-the-art remote learning platforms. Between them, the schools have a network of 60,000 influential alumni in hospitality and beyond. Sommet Education is the only education group with two in the Top 5 globally-ranked institutions for hospitality education and by employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). Website: www.sommet-education.com Media Enquiries: [email protected] Anouck Weiss Chief Communication Officer Sommet Education Sommet Education View source Rendering of the Myriad Hote in Louisville, Kentucky Weyland Ventures, in partnership with the Common Bond Hotel Collection, announced the opening of the 65 room Myriad Hotel in Louisville's Highlands district. The Myriad Hotel offers two restaurant and bar concepts, Paseo and Switchboard, a signature retail concept and event space, Bar Keep, pool and lounge, and indoor and outdoor event space. "The Myriad Hotel embodies what makes Louisville, and specifically the Highlands neighborhood, so special," states Craig Pishotti, COO of Weyland Ventures and Co-Founder of Common Bond Hotel Collection. "We wanted to create a space for both visitors and locals to escape to, a getaway to relax and unwind, where they can expect the unexpected. But it's not just about providing a memorable experience for our guests; we are proud to support the local community and contribute to its growth." Nestled amongst the quirky architecture and artisan shops in Louisville, upon entering, guests will notice that Myriad's design elements are inspired by the unique history of the site, a factory that once was responsible for creating the majority of the world's supply of disco balls. The free-spirited essence of the 70's era reverberates through the lobby, which features warm wood wallcoverings that evoke a funky retro feel, an installation of disco balls that hang from the ceiling, and the elevator which transforms into a disco ball, complete with a "party button" which triggers music and dancing lights. Designed from the ground up to create a truly unique and independent experience, the Myriad's contemporary and cozy accommodations provide a warm welcome after a busy day exploring the city. The Myriad Hotel offers 65 modern guest rooms and suites, including 15 different room styles and two bunk rooms. Featured layouts include the King Room with Balcony in which a fully furnished lanai overlooks the pool, and the Corner Suite, which consists of a king bed and separate living room with a sectional sleeper and dining table, the ideal comfort level and size for couples, families, individuals, and business travelers alike. All rooms are equipped with workstations and premium bath amenities. "Louisville is a city full of strength, pride, and charm, and the introduction of the Myriad brings a new perspective that is different from any other concept," said Draek Shepard, General Manager of The Myriad Hotel. "Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences with unexpected touches that will surprise and delight guests. We are excited to welcome both locals and visitors to experience The Myriad Hotel." Advertisement The Myriad is proud to present two culinary experiences, Paseo and Switchboard. Executive Chef Jeremy Frederiksen and Director of Culinary at the Common Bond Hotel Collection Chef Mike Wajda have designed a menu at Paseo of sharable and approachable dishes that will enchant guests with its wood-fired regional ingredients inspired by the countries of Southern Europe. Plates include homemade pastas, land and sea paella, traditional entrees, and innovative and simple sides that will be seasonally rotated. The cocktail program pays homage to European drinking trends and traditions while exploring new techniques to facilitate new experiences. Cocktail styles emphasize seasonal fruits and vegetables, providing unique flavors to satisfy both the adventurous and casual drinker. The restaurant offers effortless, sincere service in an indoor and outdoor courtyard setting. Paseo currently hosts dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday Thursday and from 4:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. In-room dining will be available to all guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner beginning in December. Switchboard, a vibrant cafe and cocktail experience that is a natural extension of the Myriad with convenient access for grab-and-go coffee and pastries and space to work remotely in a cozy atmosphere or enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif. Lunch and light bites include Caperberry & Quinoa Grain Salad, Smoked Fish Rillette - Creme Fraiche, and Sherry Gigante Beans with Garlic Confit. Switchboard, which pays homage to the telephone company that once occupied a portion of the building, is designed to be airy and vibrant, timeless with a hint of nostalgia. As the sun sets, the cafe undergoes a transformation into a sexy and modern cocktail bar where guests are transported to an era of secrecy and indulgence. With a dark and alluring atmosphere reminiscent of a New York speakeasy, this hidden gem offers a unique fusion of old-world charm and contemporary elegance that promises an experience that is both enchanting and unforgettable. Beginning today, Switchboard will open Tuesday Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for coffee and pastries. Light bites will follow starting on September 20, 2023, at noon. Evening hours will begin on September 21, 2023, Tuesday Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for cocktails, wine, and light bites. Switchboard will close on Sunday and Monday. The Myriad Swim Club is a sanctuary from the urban hustle in the heart of Louisville. The spacious pool provides guests and visitors a cool respite from the day's exploration. Poolside day beds and chaise lounges are available for reservation, with light bites and hand-crafted cocktails provided by the pool bar. Day passes are available for non-hotel guests. In the evening, the pool patio transitions into a lively lounge where guests can drink and dine under the iconic swim club tower, a vestige left from the disco ball factory. The Myriad Hotel features three creatively appointed spaces with elevated catering from Paseo, perfect for social celebrations and corporate gatherings of up to 30 people. Bar Keep, a private lounge and dining area that will evolve into a luxury retail experience featuring a curated selection of hand-crafted, rare, and unique quality bar goods. The Myriad Swim Club is located under the iconic tower and features a mix of high and low-top seating. And the Myriad Swim Club Firepit, adjacent to the pool, with seating up to 12 people. Weyland Ventures and Common Bond Hotel Collection partnered with WorK Architecture to recreate the space from the ground up with respect to its storied past. Common Bond Hotel Collection, a subsidiary of Weyland Ventures, has assembled a team of creatives led by Ashlyn Ackerman, Head of Design for Weyland Ventures, to develop unique identities for each property based on its location, community, and history. The team draws inspiration from years of travel and exploration and for the Myriad, many of them live locally in the highlands, bringing a unique perspective and hometown pride to the project. For the hotel's design, the Common Bond Hotel Collection worked closely with WorK Architecture to bring to life the authenticity of Louisville and the Highlands by designing the interior with nods to the building's history and local craftsmanship of old and new. This includes locally sourced artwork from JD Dotson, and Cletus Wilcox found in the lobby, guest rooms, and corridors. 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. Clark Art Presents Classical Music Performance WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. On Saturday, Sept. 30 at 4 pm, the Clark Art Institute hosts a concert by the BlackBox Ensemble on its Fernandez Terrace, located by its Reflecting Pool. "The Sound of Space Between Us" is a site-specific performance connecting sound and movement through physical space. According to a press release: In this performance, the Clark's grounds are used as a meeting place for music and dance to converse about our public place in the ecosystem and our private paths with(in) it. The musicians are choreographic agents, responding to each other, the dancers, and the audience in real time while stationed around the space, whether working as parts in a predetermined map or improvising as a unit. The performance features work by Annie Nikunen, Meg Stuart, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Dai Fujikura, Morton Feldman, and inti figgis-vizueta, with choreography by Annie Nikunen and Joelle Antonia Santiago. The Sound of Space Between Us was conceived and curated by Annie Nikunen (flutist of BlackBox Ensemble) and Leonard Bopp (Artistic Director of BlackBox Ensemble). Bopp grew up in Albany and attended Williams College, and both Bopp and Nikunen studied at the Tanglewood Music Center this past summerNikunen as a composition fellow, and Bopp in the Conducting Seminar. About Blackbox Ensemble Founded in 2018, the BlackBox Ensemble is a collective of young contemporary music performers based in New York dedicated to exploring the experimental boundaries of the music of our time. The group's performance at the Clark kicks off their ambitious 202324 season, with major performances slated in New York and beyond, including touring engagements in Washington, DC, Florida, Michigan, and throughout the Northeast. The BlackBox Ensemble aims to present contemporary classical music in a format that is approachable, innovative, and impactful. About Annie Nikunen Referred to as the "...best flute player in NY by The Observer, Nikunen is a New York-based multidisciplinary sound-movement artist, drawing from both sound and movement in her process and combining them in her practice. As a composer, flutist, choreographer, dancer, curator, and radio broadcaster, she uses physical space as a vector and vessel to invite dialogue between ear, eye, and body. As an Artist Ambassador for Creatives Care, Nikunen applies her passion for these subjects, creating communities where artists feel connected and heard. Nikunen studied composition at New York University and previously studied music at Barnard College and Columbia Universitywhere she also studied contemporary flute performance at the Manhattan School of Music with Tara O'Connor. About Leonard Bopp Bopp is a New York-based conductor and trumpet player. After graduating from The Juilliard School Pre-College Division (where he studied trumpet with Raymond Mase), Bopp attended Williams College and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (where he studied with Kenneth Kiesler). In the summer of 2022, Bopp was selected as a recipient of the American Austrian Foundation/Faber Young Conductors Fellowship at the Salzburg Festival. In addition to his work with the BlackBox Ensemble, Bopp is the chamber orchestra conductor at the Kaufman Music Center's Face the Music program. About Joelle Antonia Santiago Santiago is a New York-based artist whose work straddles dance, performance, and film. A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Harriet Hale-Woolley Award for the Arts (Paris), Santiago has presented collaborative and solo work at the New York University (NYU) Tisch School for the Arts, International Studio and Curatorial Program, and Columbia University Ballet Collaborative Workshop. Santiago directs the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Dance program and has guest lectured at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. Santiago studied at the Barnard College of Columbia University. Free. Bring a picnic and your own seating. Rain moves the performance to Oct. 1 at 4 pm. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Gareth Edwards shot his directorial debut Monsters (2010), a love story terrorised in its margins by aliens, for less than $500,000. In Hollywood, thats considered pocket change. So, when the film became an unexpected hit, the franchise machine was quick to descend. First came Godzilla (2014), then Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). He blessed both with a sense of visceral, ground-level chaos the feeling of total insignificance in the face of a mountainous, monstrous kaiju lumbering out of the fog. However, Hollywood, in turn, ignored their own investment, as well as the economic ingenuity Edwards had shown with Monsters. He was tossed into the centre of these bloated productions and, in the case of Rogue One, then had said production wrested from his hands for even more expensive reshoots. Now, hes returned with The Creator, a sci-fi epic about a war against AI waged in Southeast Asia by American-led, western forces. Written alongside Rogue Ones Chris Weitz, and shot for a modest $86m, its both Edwardss personal film and a challenge to the industry status quo with all your money, The Creator asks, why cant you make your films look as good as this? Edwards, with the aid of Dunes cinematographer, Greig Fraser, and his protege Oren Soffer, embellishes his real-world locations with futuristically mundane but mesmeric sights: AI robots in repose, jagged outlines of metal against a beautiful, scarlet-shaded Thai sunset; an AI robot with a cat nestled in its lap; a group of AI robots huddled around a glitchy, fuzzy hologram depicting the erotic gyrations of other AI robots. The story here is somewhat basic, yet another Lone Wolf and Cub pairing of a war-wizened, emotionally stunted man whose barriers are gradually broken down by the adorable, wide-eyed adoptive child theyre tasked with escorting. Joshua (John David Washington Pedro Pascal was presumably busy) is an ex-special forces Yankee parachuted into the Republic of New Asia in order to track down and kill a weapon fashioned by the Creator, the inventor of advanced AI. The weapon surprise, surprise turns out to be a very cute, robotic child (Madeleine Yuna Voyles) prone to heartfelt speeches and making audiences cry. The Creator is periodically clunky. Washington swings from stiff to charismatic alongside the films quality of dialogue and tone. Its also a film that is unexpectedly very funny for 15 minutes and then almost never again. But Edwards presents himself as an ideas-on-his-sleeve kind of guy, whos invested in readdressing the meaning behind some of the most commonplace sci-fi imagery. Much of the genres aesthetics have been appropriated from Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, and yet its stories have been repeatedly relocated to the west or far out in space (see: Star Wars, Blade Runner, Dune). The Creator features the typical blended, pan-Asian aesthetics. Its also a film explicitly set in Southeast Asia, with a largely Asian cast (alongside Voyles, Ken Watanabe and Gemma Chan play major roles as AI and human leaders in the war). Allison Janney, meanwhile, plays Joshuas commander and arrives on the scene with all the no-bulls*** style and militant competence of an Ellen Ripley or a Sarah Connor. Yet, for all those trappings of lean-in feminism, were reminded that a woman in power is no victory if that power is exclusively evil. Edwards then wraps it all up with a nuanced take on an extremely prescient issue, specifically the matter of if and how we transpose blame onto technology itself and not the people who wield it. Its the perfect question for The Creator to ask it is, after all, an increasingly rare piece of mainstream cinema that proves CGI can be good for art when placed in the right hands. Dir: Gareth Edwards. Starring: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Allison Janney. 12A, 133 minutes. The Creator is in cinemas from 28 September 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 day in July this year, Chen Siming received a disturbing call from the police that urged him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. His crime: being a vocal dissident in China. The phone call made Chen, a well-known political activist, feel sad, angry and afraid he knew he had been on the radar of Chinese officials for quite some time, but this was a worrying new step. After spending hours at a police station, he returned home and decided it was time to flee China not an easy decision especially because the pressure and harassment from Xi Jinpings regime was getting crazy and cruel. The activist has now been living off a suitcase in Taiwans Taoyuan International Airport at the age of 60 and has refused to budge since last week until he gets asylum in either the US or Canada. In interviews he has described his situation as dangerous and urgent and says he is willing to stay like this for months. Chen is known in his home country for the annual commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre a taboo subject there and his social media posts about the massacre have previously irked Beijings authorities. Police harassment was not new to him either, and he says he has been detained many times in the past. But in recent years, he has noticed a significant crackdown on dissent. On 21 July this year, Chen packed his clothes. He had decided to run. He first chose Thailand a country considered a friend of China that has in the past turned in other dissidents to Chinese authorities. But for Chen, fleeing repression was the most immediate priority. He could no longer continue to accept the ravaging of my personal dignity, the trampling of my honour and the threat to my body. The activist travelled from Hunan province down to the southern border with Laos a distance of almost 1,400km, his bagful of clothes in tow. In this photo taken June 4, 2021 and released by Chen Siming, he poses for photos with a paper which reads Commemorate June 4, on 2021, June 4 near a candle light in Zhuzhou in central Chinas Hunan province. The Chinese dissident is known for regularly commemorating the 4 June 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square (AP) Despite it being a notoriously risky route for those fleeing China, Chen decided to make the border crossing by land. After several days of a brutal journey that forced him to cross the Mekong river, he reached Thailand by early August. But Chen did not feel any sense of ease despite being in a different country. He applied for refugee status with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), but feared even this may not shield him from deportation by Thailands immigration authorities or being detained by Thai police. In 2015, Thai authorities apprehended Chinese dissidents Jiang Yefei and Dong Guangping, who were affiliated with a marginalised Chinese opposition political party. Despite the UNHCRs objections and subsequent protests, the two were deported to China and later incarcerated. They were arrested in China for criticising the government, while in Thailand they were detained for entering the country illegally. Several reports say there is a notable rise in the number of Chinese nationals fleeing the country and seeking refuge in the US through an arduous expedition across perilous jungle terrain that spans Colombia and Panama known as the Darien Gap. Recent Panamanian government data shows about 400 Chinese citizens journeyed through during the first half of 2022. In November 2022, that number increased to 377, followed by another significant jump to 695 in December. In January this year, an unprecedented 913 Chinese nationals crossed the border, establishing them as the fourth-largest group of migrants to undertake this journey in the current year. Chen, meanwhile, felt ill at ease in Thailand after fleeing Xis repression. He flew to Taipei on 22 September, where he has been since. Unlike Thailand, Taiwan shares an icy relationship with China given it continues to assert its status as a self-governing democracy, while Beijing claims it as part of its own territory and has said it will bring about reunification with the island by force if necessary. In a video he posted on X/Twitter, Chen said he was in the transit area at the Taoyuan airport to escape Chinese political persecution. The Chinese polices stability maintenance methods directed towards me were becoming more and more cruel and crazy, he wrote. They detained me at will without following legal procedures, taking my cell phone and even giving me a psychiatric evaluation. I can no longer continue to accept the ravaging of my personal dignity, the trampling of my honour and the threat to my body. Chen Siming on X/Twitter Chen pleaded for help seeking asylum, saying his situation is dangerous and urgent. To avoid the political oppression of the Chinese Communist Party, I have now come to Taiwan. I hope to receive political asylum from the US or Canada. I ask friends to call on the Taiwanese government to not send me back to China, he said in a video, adding in the caption: I am forced to be illegally stranded here. Chen said in an interview with The Guardian that he is willing to wait for months at the airport terminal to escape the wrath of Chinese authorities. I am willing to wait for months because I feel safe in Taiwan. I want to go to the United States. I think Taiwan is very safe and there are no security problems. Taiwan has democracy and liberty as its shelter, so Taiwan is safe for me personally. But security is not my first option in where I settle, I have a lot of work to do in the US, he said. Chen was in transit from Thailand to Chinas Guangzhou, with a layover at Taoyuan airport on Friday. But he chose not to board the second flight and declined requests to return to Thailand due to concerns about a possible deportation. This is not the first time a Chinese dissident was stranded in a Taiwanese airport. In 2018-19, Chinese dissidents Yan Bojun and Liu Xinglian found themselves spending four months in the transit area of a Taiwanese airport. In this image taken from video footage run by TVBS, Chinese dissident Chen Siming speaks during an interview at Taoyuan International Airports transit lounge in Taipei on Friday (AP) They had come from Thailand like Chen but refused to continue their journey to Beijing. Eventually, the UNHCR granted them temporary asylum status and, after a long standoff, Yan and Liu departed for Singapore. They were later permitted to return to Taiwan legally this time on short-term humanitarian visas. Ultimately, they resettled in Canada. China has become stricter when it comes to arresting dissidents, even when they flee overseas. Beijing has established overseas police stations, issued rewards for the capture of critics who sought refuge abroad, coerced members of the Chinese diaspora into acting as informants and succeeded in detaining or deporting exiled individuals living overseas. More recently, 50-year-old Chinese human rights attorney Lu Siwei was forcibly returned to China after being arrested in Laos while on his way to reunite with his family in the US. Sadly, Chinese human rights lawyer #LuSiwei was deported back to China, according to his lawyer in Laos. We should continue to put pressure on China, calling for his release, Tokyo-based human rights activist Patrick Poon wrote on X/Twitter. Lus wife Zhang Chunxiao told Radio Free Asia earlier this month that she fears for her husbands safety. The thing I feared was suddenly right there in front of me. Before that, it just had a vague existence [in my mind], but then I saw all at once, saw clearly that this was real. She said her husband will probably be tortured in a Chinese prison. What is really threatening is that China has increased its reach into neighbouring states, and also well beyond that. Nowhere is safe, Eva Pils, a law professor at Kings College London who studies human rights in China, told the New York Times in late August when Lus case was talked about in the international media. That poses many threats to the individuals concerned, it undermines the ability of other governments to keep people within their jurisdiction safe. Chen was still at the airport on Monday. In this photo taken on 4 June 2018 by Chen Siming, he holds up pieces of paper with the Chinese characters for 6 and 4 referring to 4 June next to a display of an obsolete tank in Zhuzhou in central Chinas Hunan province (AP) With regard to the matter of Chinese dissident Chen Siming being stranded at the Taoyuan International Airport, the government is currently working on it, and is not able to share relevant details, Taiwans mainland affairs council told CNN. Rights group Chinese Human Rights Defenders has urged Taiwan to help Chen in seeking asylum. If Chen Siming is returned to China, he faces an almost certain risk of detention, torture and other ill-treatment, and an unfair trial, said William Nee, the groups research and advocacy coordinator. E-Ling Chiu, the national director of Amnesty International Taiwan also urged Taiwan to help him. If the Taiwanese government takes a deportation position, they can send him back to Thailand. But if they deport him back to China, it will violate the non-refoulement principle. Its not acceptable. Chens journey might get slightly complicated as Taiwan does not have a formal refugee policy. According to the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Taiwan authored by the US State Department, the law does not provide for granting asylum or refugee status, and authorities have not established a system for providing protection to refugees. Due to its unique political status, Taiwan is not eligible to become a party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, said the report. Given the current political climate in China, there is no space for me to operate there, Chen told CNN. I hope the US government will stand with the Chinese people, and help bring an end to the authoritarian rule of the Chinese Communist Party so that China has democracy. One of Chinas leading #MeToo activists and a top labour rights advocate have been tried behind closed doors on charges of subversion, their supporters say, in conditions of intense secrecy remarkable even by the standards of Xi Jinpings authoritarian government. Journalist Sophia Huang Xueqin was put on trial on the charge of inciting subversion of state power along with labour activist Wang Jianbing on Friday, two years after they were detained by police in the southern city of Guangzhou. The Independent has learned that the trial at the Guangzhou Intermediate Peoples Court, which was held behind closed doors a standard practice under the Xi Jinping government has concluded. 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 }} Canada has advised its citizens in India to remain vigilant and exercise caution in an update to its travel advisory for the country, amid a growing rift between the two nations over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. The diplomatic crisis between New Delhi and Ottawa began last week when prime minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Canadian national Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who India had designated as a wanted terrorist, was killed in Surrey on 18 June by two masked men, who fired an estimated 30 to 50 shots at him. New Delhi has called the allegations "absurd" and suspended visa services in all categories for all Canadian nationals citing security threats to its consulates. Each country expelled one senior diplomat from the other in a tit-for-tat move. Canada updated its travel advisory on Sunday, warning its citizens that the recent diplomatic developments have led to "calls for protests" and a rise in "some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media". India last week advised its own citizens in Canada to exercise caution due to "growing anti-India activities" and "politically-condoned hate crime and criminal violence". The foreign ministry added that Indians should avoid going to places where "threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of Indian community". Canada is home to 770,000 Sikhs the highest population of Sikhs outside the state of Punjab in India. While it no longer inspires an active militant insurgency in India, the Khalistan movement which calls for a separate homeland for the Sikh religious community to be carved out of Punjab state still finds supporters among the diaspora in other parts of the world. An Indian flag is burned during a protest outside Indias consulate in Canada (REUTERS) In recent months Sikh protesters pulled down the Indian flag at the countrys high commission in London and smashed the buildings window in a show of anger against the move to arrest another Sikh leader. Protesters also smashed windows at the Indian consulate in San Francisco and skirmished with embassy workers. Mr Trudeau has repeatedly claimed that Ottawa had "credible reasons" to believe that agents of the Indian government had been involved in Nijjar's killing on Canadian soil. Ottawa has amassed both human and signals intelligence in a months-long investigation into the Sikh separatist leaders death, CBC News reported last week, citing unidentified sources. A banner with the image of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple (REUTERS) The US worked closely with Canada on the intelligence pointing toward the possible involvement of Indian agents in the murder, a senior Canadian government source told Reuters. Defence minister Bill Blair in a statement to Global News said Canada has a "responsibility to defend" its citizens and at the same time "make sure that we conduct a thorough investigation and get to the truth". Meanwhile, Canadian Sikhs staged small protests and burned the Indian flag outside diplomatic missions on Monday. "We are really thankful to Justin Trudeau... We want no stone left unturned to get to the bottom of this cowardly act," protester Reshma Singh Bolinas said in Ottawa. Canada should put pressure on India to "stop the killing of innocent people in future." Some of the protesters in both Toronto and Ottawa called for the expulsion of the Indian high commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, who earlier said authorities have been informed of the protests and were providing security. 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 founder of social media page Humans of New York (HONY) has called out an Indian version of the page amid a copyright row. Brandon Stanton, the creator of the HONY page, issued a statement on Saturday on X/Twitter after the page Humans of Bombay (HOB) filed a copyright suit against another page called People of India. Ive stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think Humans Of Bombay shares important stories, even if theyve monetised far past anything Id feel comfortable doing on HONY, he said. But you cant be suing people for what Ive forgiven you for. HOB filed a copyright infringement suit in the Delhi high court against the Instagram handle People of India and sought to restrain the page from appropriating what it claimed was its unique format of storytelling. Abhishek Malhotra, the advocate for HOB, said the defendant had started the People of India page by hosting identical content. He asserted that the defendant had duplicated images and videos from HOBs platform and incorporated them into their own platform. The suit claimed People of India replicated the business model of Humans of Bombay. The defendants have, evidently, knowingly and deliberately, published content that is identical or substantially similar to the popular content comprised of the plaintiffs works in an attempt to ride on the goodwill that has been painstakingly built by the plaintiff, the plea read. The suit claimed People of India has completely replicated the stories and the business model of Humans of Bombay. The defendants have, evidently, knowingly and deliberately, published content that is identical or substantially similar to the popular content comprised of plaintiffs works in an attempt to ride on goodwill that has been painstakingly built by the plaintiff, the plea read. Mr Stanton, 39, voiced his criticism of the company for taking legal action against another storytelling platform, all the while accusing them of copying his own original initiative. Responding to Mr Stanton, HOB issued a statement on Saturday and said the founder of HONY ought to have equipped himself with information about the case and what the project aims to achieve before making those comments. Its therefore shocking that a cryptic assault on our efforts to protect our intellectual property is made in this manner, especially without understanding the background of the case, the statement read. The HOB website states that its founder Karishma Mehta started the page in 2014 as a simple Facebook page and that the intention was simple: to tell stories, to connect strangers with the emotion of, Youre not alone. Humans of New York began as a photography project in 2010. The initial goal was to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers on the street, and create an exhaustive catalogue of the citys inhabitants, Mr Stanton states on his own website. Earlier, Ms Mehta was criticised on social media over her alleged reluctance to recognise her privilege. She had addressed the accusations in an interview. In January 2019, several months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, HOB released a five-part interview featuring prime minister Narendra Modi. Although the posts gained widespread attention and went viral on social media, they also sparked controversy, with many social media users accusing HOB of disseminating propaganda in favour of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. 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 prominent pro-democracy lawyer in Thailand has been sentenced to four years in prison for insulting the royal family under a controversial law that forbids any criticism of the monarchy. Arnon Nampa, 39, was found guilty on Tuesday of defaming King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a speech during a Bangkok protest rally in October 2020. He was among the first people to publically demand reform of the Thai monarchy as part of the pro-democracy movement in 2020, which saw thousands of young citizens pouring onto the streets in protest. Arnon Nampa accused the government earlier this year of using Pegasus spyware to monitor his mobile devices. The human rights activist was fined 20,000 baht (451) for violating an emergency decree that banned large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic. Tuesday's verdict was the first of 14 cases brought against Arnon Nampa under the lese-majeste laws protecting the monarchy, which carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that Arnon Nampa had "defamed and aroused hatred" against the king by allegedly declaring at the rally that if it were displaced, it would be at the order of the king. The defendants speech was distorted and harmful to the king," the court said, according to Benar News. File: Protesters call for release of activists Anon Numpa and Panupong Jadnok in Bangkok (AFP via Getty Images) His lawyer, Kritsadang Nutcharat, said his client will appeal and seek bail. The activist was accompanied by his wife, son and father along with other supporters who visited the court to express their solidarity. "The movement of the new generation created a phenomenon of change for the country in a way that cannot be turned back," he told reporters before entering the courtroom. "I want the fight of the new generation to truly change the country," he said. Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (C-L) accompanied by the Royal Consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi (EPA) Arnon Nampa added that "loss of personal freedom is a sacrifice I'm willing to make" that will be worth it in years to come. He was awarded the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights by a South Korean foundation for his pro-democracy work in 2021. Critics of the monarchy have accused the government of enforcing the lese-majeste law to throttle dissent since the Thai military took power in a 2014 coup. After almost a three-year hiatus, in November 2020 then prime minister Prayut Chan-ocha ordered the authorities to restore lese-majeste prosecutions, ostensibly because of growing criticisms of the monarchy. At least 257 people have been charged in 278 cases since November 2020, including at least 20 minors, according to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. 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 }} A record-shattering summer heatwave appears to be melting Americans scepticism towards the climate crisis, according to a new survey. Extreme weather that brought dangerously high temperatures, wildfires, severe storms and flooding across the United States coincided with a shift in public sentiment about the causes of climate change, a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows. The survey found 64 per cent of US adults reported having a recent experience with extreme weather and that they believe it was caused in part by climate change, up from 54 per cent in April. And 87 per cent said they had personally experienced an extreme weather event in the past five years, with about three-quarters of respondents linking it to the climate crisis. The polling showed views on climate were tied closely to political affiliation. Some 93 per cent of Democrats who had experienced extreme weather believe it was linked to climate change, compared to just 48 per cent of Republicans. The summer of 2023 was the hottest ever measured in the Northern Hemisphere, according to data from NASA and the World Meteorological Organisation. By the end of August the US had suffered 23 weather disasters that caused more than $1bn, surpassing the 2022 record of 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said last week. About six-in-10 US adults reported they were affected either a lot of a little by Canadian wildfires that shrouded large parts of the US in thick smoke and smog. Residents of Phoenix pause for a cold drink doing Julys record-breaking heat wave (Associated Press) Although higher-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean brought by El Nino may have contributed to the record temperatures, climate scientists have concluded the primary cause is man-made use of greenhouse gases. Experts say that the changing attitudes towards the causes of climate change is the continuation of a trend that began in 2016. And the signal has been getting stronger and stronger year by year as these conditions continue to get worse and worse, Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, told the Associated Press. Media coverage of climate change had affected public sentiment, with many interpreting information in a more scientific way, Mr Leiserowitz 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 }} Dane Cook has married Kelsi Taylor, his partner of six years, during an intimate Hawaii wedding. On Sunday 24 September, Cook, 51, confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he and Taylor, 24, had tied the knot over the weekend. Last night I married the girl of my dreams here in Hawaii. The greatest feeling in the world is knowing youve got the strongest person you could ever imagine by your side and giving them all of your love in return, the comedian wrote. The years of laughs, adventures and accomplishments weve shared were solidified in front of some of our dearest friends and family during an emotional ceremony. I cant wait to share more but for now just know this.. Ive never felt this way. Its so wonderful. According to People, the Good Luck Chuck star and the fitness instructor exchanged vows at a private estate in Oahu, Hawaii, in front of 20 guests. Cook told the outlet that they chose Hawaii because it has such a special place in our hearts and our relationship. It was one of the first trips we ever went on together and we continue to go back often. Its such an oasis, and we couldnt be more excited to have spent our wedding week surrounded by the beauty of Oahu, he said. As for their actual wedding, the actor said that he and Taylor had wanted something more intimate and had envisioned something that was more along the lines of a gathering of our closest family and friends. According to Cook, this meant that the wedding celebrations included a welcome BBQ, a night out at a jazz bar, and a pool party. For the occasion, the 24-year-old bride wore the Solstice Gown from Grace Loves Lace, which features a v-neck, a low back and a leg slit. She told People that the gown was one of the first dresses she tried on, and that she immediately fell in love with it. Theres just something about the simplicity and comfort of it and the beautiful stitching design and detail. So happy to have found this gem! she said. As for the couples vows, Taylor said that they went with traditional vows because she suspected that her comedian partners would outshine hers. She told the outlet: He has the best way with words, and I knew I wouldnt even be able to match up to his delivery. I also really just wanted to keep our more intimate vows private and to give him a handwritten letter the morning of. The couple, who began dating in 2017, first met at a game night hosted by Cook at his house, according to the actor, who revealed the detail about their relationship during an Instagram Q&A in 2018. We were friends for a while & soon after fell in like with each other and then upgraded to love, he said at the time. They got engaged in July of last year after five years of dating. Cook previously addressed the pairs more than 25-year age gap during a 2019 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where hed mentioned the age difference with his girlfriend, who was 20 years old at the time, and been met with groans from the audience. Thank you for the snickers of approval, Im sure that wasnt judgement at all, he joked. Sometimes I actually find myself saying where has she been all my life, Cook later said. And then I realise she wasnt alive for the first 26 years of it. He added: People are like: Youre robbing the cradle. I was like: She hasnt slept in a cradle for, like, nine years. 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 uptick of Covid transmissions this summer has raised questions about whether or not certain safety measures such as wearing masks should be brought back. Several companies and schools nationwide decided to reinstate Covid mask mandates in light of the rising hospitalisations including Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Lionsgate headquarters in Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente across all California locations, and several hospitals in the state of New York. Workers and attendees at these locations are now required to wear masks upon entry. It is ticking up a little bit, but its not something that we need to raise any alarm bells over, Dr David Dowdy, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told the Seattle Times. Although many health experts like Dr Dowdy dont believe people have cause to worry, some have expressed their concerns. While many people have forgone wearing masks, UC San Francisco infectious diseases expert, Dr Peter Chin-Hong, cautioned the Los Angeles Times that swearing off masks for good would put people at higher risk of contracting the virus, elaborating: Right now, when things are heating up all around the country with Covid, you might want to think about [masking at] public transit and airports. Two new variants have emerged to the concern of public health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned the public on two new variants, EG.5 and BA.2.86, that have emerged. Earlier in August, the former was classified as a variant of interest by the organization. BA.286 has spread to the US, UK, Denmark, Israel, and South Africa, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk summary assessment. In the same report, the CDC reported that as of 23 August the BA.2.86 variant is the more infectious of the two, and wrote that those with existing immunity from Covid - either from vaccines or prior infections - were more likely to get infected. According to the Los Angeles Times, the number of Covid hospitalisations has risen an estimated 12 per cent weekly over the course of the last three weeks. But, compared to the heights of the pandemic, these reported numbers are rather low. Covid-19 hospital admissions were at 9,056 for the week ending 29 July, a number that is marginally less than past peaks such as 44,000 weekly hospital admissions in early January, or during the omicron surge of January 2022, in which there were 150,000 admissions. As of 19 August, hospital admissions across the US have continued to rise by at least 15,000 due to the new variants. While a far cry from the heights of the pandemic, the numbers signal that the public should exercise caution all the same. Its highly likely that, due to a lack of ongoing data collection nationally, the numbers may not truly reflect the number of people contracting Covid. Since President Joe Biden declared that Covid is no longer a national emergency in April, the majority of federal authorities have scaled back hypervigilance and data tracking, so the CDC and many states have not been tracking the number of positive test results since May. Many health experts stress that people should remain vigilant. Even though the declared emergency is over, Covid is still circulating - and it probably will be for quite some time. And so if you really dont want to get sick, you can protect yourself by wearing a mask when youre indoors, Dr Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County public health director and health officer, told the LA Times. But its, at this point, an individual decision. Dr Cody said that wearing masks even only in a high-risk environment is better than nothing at all because the more people are together, the greater the chance that one of those people is going to be infectious and spread Covid to others. Health experts also urged people to be respectful of those who choose to wear masks, especially since you never know their reasons for doing so. In Los Angeles, the Department of Health encouraged individuals to consider risk levels of close family or friends they spend time with, and the nature of the event or location when deciding whether or not to wear a mask. If you are up to date on your vaccinations, the likelihood of you contracting coronavirus is lower, while those who have not received a booster shot since the September 2022 omicron surge are urged to schedule an appointment for overdue booster shots. Dr Chin-Hong suggests that, for those who are either immunocompromised or older, its better to get the 2022 boosters now rather than wait for the 2023 formula. The 2023 version of the vaccine will be designed to combat the latest dominant Omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5, which according to The New York Times, has reportedly seen a wave in hospitalisations on the East Coast. 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 }} Alexandra Grant has opened up about her relationship with her boyfriend, Keanu Reeves. On Friday 22 September, the 50-year-old artist attended the Los Angeles Beverly Arts Icon Awards without Reeves by her side as he was performing with his band Dogstar at the time. She said that it didnt phase her whether or not she had to walk red carpets alone and it doesnt affect the way she views her relationship. The good news about falling in love as an adult is that I had built my own career by the time that my relationship had begun, she said in an interview with People. I feel very confident in the relationship on the red carpet. I feel confident on it alone. Its interdependent and independent in the best ways, Grant added. The couple is known for having a largely private relationship. They first went public with their romance when they walked the red carpet while holding hands at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in November 2019. Since then, the couple have been seen together in Berlin, shopping in New York City, and attending a Broadway show together. Most recently, Reeves and Grant were photographed together in Los Angeles while attending the MOCA Gala at the Museum of Contemporary Art in June 2022. While the Matrix star and the visual artist made their relationship official more than three years ago, their friendship dates back more than a decade. Because of that foundational friendship, Grant says hes able to push her creatively. In a moment of frustration in my life, I once said: Sometimes I feel like a Maserati stuck in traffic, that I have this big engine, but, for a variety of reasons, that I couldnt ever go, she said. And I know a lot of people feel frustrated in their lives, that theyre not able to run their engine. Grant continued: I think every creative person feels that way. What I love about Keanu and our exchange is that were pushing each other to build new roads, she said. Seeing the other persons problem-solving is inspiring, like: Oh, well, okay, this one, thats a cul-de-sac. How do I try this other thing? Hes such an inspiration to me, Grant continued. Hes so creative, hes so kind. He works so hard. And despite the two expressing their art using different mediums, Grant said that storytelling is their focus. My work is much more of a private performance, but I have a text that I interpret in the studio into a painting, into an object, she explained. He takes the text in private and then turns it into a performance in public. Theres a relationship. Were both at the heart readers and researchers. We both care about people and we care about characters. As for her art, Grant recalled that people have pointed out that her art looks happier since she began dating the actor. I had a studio visit a few years ago, and this very kind, very high-level person said: I can see that your work has gotten happier, she told People. Thats real. Were all human beings. Were animals. Were expressing from where we are and certainly feeling happier. I think the work is happier. 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 }} Kerry Washington has candidly revealed that she had an abortion in her 20s. The Scandal actor wrote in her memoir, Thicker Than Water, that she accidentally got pregnant when she was in her 20s, after her role in the 2004 film She Hate Me. She said that she decided to have the abortion, and because of her rising star, gave the doctors a false name to protect her reputation. Now, Washington said she no longer wishes to hide her experience. I struggled a lot in the beginning with whether or not to include my abortion story, Washington told People. At first I wasnt really sure how it fit into this story of my life. But I started to feel like it was really important for me to share this. Im telling my truth about my life, excavating some of my secrets, she explained, I dont want my not telling it to make anybody think there is shame to be had. Throughout the memoir, Washington reflects on the period early on in her career, not long after the success of Save the Last Dance in 2001 and leading Spike Lees 2003 dramedy She Hate Me, that a romantic encounter led to an unplanned pregnancy. This story had so much to do with my understanding of myself and the world as my career unfolded, she said. At the time, she admitted to her doctors and nurses that she felt like a hypocrite after having been a sexual health educator when she was a teenager. Its just so important to me that abortion is not a bad word, and that my abortion is not another thing on the list of things that Im ashamed of, she continued to the outlet. Were at a moment where its really important to be telling the truth about our reproductive choices because some of those choices are being stripped away from us. The Emmy-winning actor now shares three children - a teenage stepdaughter, daughter Isabelle, nine, and Caleb, six - with Nnamdi Asomugha, her husband of 10 years. Washingtons abortion admission wasnt the only experience that shes spoken candidly about recently. In a 20/20 special, Washington admitted to Robin Roberts that she struggled with suicidal ideation while contending with a toxic cycle of self-abuse that utilised the tools of starvation, binge eating, body obsession, and compulsive exercise. Washington recalled the destructive period in her life, adding that the behaviour was tiny little acts of trying to destroy myself. I could feel how the abuse was a way to really hurt myself, as if I didnt want to be here, the Little Fires Everywhere actor explained. It scared me that I could not want to be here because I was in so much pain. Although the Emmy winner considered herself high-functioning in some aspects, she said that the food took [her] out and led her to experience body dysmorphia and body hatred that spiraled out of control. The actor clarified that she no longer experiences suicidal ideation and has gotten the necessary help. The bottom has gotten a lot higher where just a little discomfort with it is enough for me to know this is a way to check myself, she explained. But it definitely looks a lot healthier. Its a lot easier. Its a lot saner than it used to be. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this article, eating disorder charity Beats helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677. NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040 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 }} Prosecutors filed additional criminal charges Monday against two teenagers being held as adults in the video-recorded killing of a retired former Southern California police chief as he rode his bicycle on a Las Vegas road. The teens, ages 18 and 16, are due in court on Tuesday following what police say were at least three hit-and-run incidents the morning of Aug. 14 including the apparently intentional crash that killed cyclist Andreas Andy Probst, 64. The Associated Press is not naming the teens due to their ages. Probst retired in 2009 as police chief in the Los Angeles-area city of Bell. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said he filed five felony and two misdemeanor charges against the 18-year-old, including attempted murder, battery with a weapon, leaving the scene of a crash and possession of a stolen vehicle. A battery with a weapon charge was added to the murder and attempted murder counts against the 16-year-old. David Westbrook, a public defender representing the older defendant, declined to comment about the new charges. Westbrook has confirmed his client was 17 when he was arrested last month. The younger teen was not represented by an attorney during an initial court appearance on Friday. He is expected to have a lawyer appointed to his defense on Tuesday. The behavior exhibited by (the) defendants ... is outrageous and cannot be tolerated in this community," Wolfson said in a statement. The teens cannot face the death penalty. Under Nevada law, if they are convicted in adult court of murder committed before they were 18, the most severe sentence they can receive is 20 years to life in state prison. The teenagers were in a stolen Hyundai sedan that first struck a 72-year-old bicyclist, drove away, crashed into a Toyota Corolla and again drove away before striking Probst, according to police. The video, shot from the front passenger seat, recorded the teens talking and laughing as the vehicle steers toward Probst and hits the bicycle from behind. Probst's body slams onto the hood and windshield before a final image shows him on the ground next to the curb. The 18-year-old was arrested that day. The 16-year-old was arrested last week, after police said they became aware of the video circulating at a high school and announced their search for the person who recorded it. 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 }} Police in Germany said they found more than 100 Syrian citizens inside apartments and other buildings that were searched Tuesday in connection with the suspected smuggling of migrants. More than 350 federal police officers searched locations as part of an investigation, police said. Officers executed five arrest warrants, three in the northern town of Stade and two in the western town of Gladbeck. All five arrested people were Syrian asylum-seekers already living in Germany, federal police said in a statement. The Syrian migrants had paid them up to 7,000 euros ($7,400) to be smuggled into Germany. The suspects then bought gold with the money. Investigators seized cell phones, sim cards, gold worth around 220,000 euros and cash amounting to 16,000 euros. The investigations in this case ... show how criminal networks take advantage of the personal circumstances and (the migrants') high motivation to flee to maximize their own profits, according to a statement by federal police at Frankfurt airport, which had ordered the raids on suspicion of gang and commercial smuggling of foreigners. From the perpetrators point of view, fugitives are a commodity from whose transport maximum profit is to be made, the statement added. The focus of the raids was on cities and towns in northern and western Germany but also in Bavaria in the south. 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 therapy normally used to treat blood cancers by resetting the immune system could slow the progression of a common form of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study suggests. Researchers said they hope the treatment could be included as a standard of care in treating MS in the future. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) aims to kickstart a patients immune system. Blood cells are harvested from their own bone marrow or blood and are then reintroduced following chemotherapy. The process could help slow the progression of relapsing remitting MS, according to a Swedish study. People with the condition have spells where their symptoms get worse but is followed by a period of recovery. The results indicate that patients would benefit from aHSCT and that this form of stem cell therapy can be safely performed in a clinical setting, representing a powerful clinical tool to successfully treat MS and restore function and quality of life to patients Dr Alena Pance, University of Hertfordshire However, after each relapse, their disability can end up worse than before. The research team recruited 231 patients, 174 of which had been treated with aHSCT before 2020. Those included in the study had had MS for more than three years and had received two lots of standard treatment. The study found no evidence of disease activity in 73 per cent of those treated after five years and in 65 per cent after 10 years. Among the 149 patients who had some disability to begin with, 54 per cent improved, 37 per cent remained stable and nine per cent got worse. On average patients were relapsing 1.7 times in the year before the aHSCT treatment. Following the therapy, the average relapse rate was one every 30 years. The team said its findings, published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, demonstrate that aHSCT for (relapsing-remitting MS) is feasible within regular healthcare and can be performed without compromising safety. The researchers added: Our study corroborates the results observed in the only randomised controlled trial conducted to date. We believe that aHSCT could benefit a greater number of MS patients and should be included as a standard of care for highly active MS. According to the MS Society UK, there are more than 130,000 people with the condition in the UK and 7,000 are newly diagnosed each year. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle spasms and pain, as well as problems with vision, mobility, thinking, talking and swallowing. Dr Alena Pance, a senior lecturer in genetics at the University of Hertfordshire, said: The disability caused by MS is the result of damage or degradation of the myelin that envelops and protects the nerves of the central and peripheral nervous system. Though aHSCT can generate only blood cells (of all types) and not cells of the neuronal system, resetting the immune system stops the constant attack on myelin, which then gives a chance to the specialised repair cells called oligodendrocyte precursors to regenerate the damaged myelin. However the potential and extent of repair depends on the severity of the disease, which is why, as the study indicates, the effect on disability is greater the lower the severity of the disease is. Dr Pance added that a limitation of the Swedish study is the absence of control groups treated only with regular therapies which makes it difficult to assess the magnitude of the effect of aHSCT. However, she cited a trial comparing aHSCT and disease-modifying therapy (DMT), which showed similar positive effects of aHSCT in terms of prolonged time to disease progression and better outcomes than DMT. The results indicate that patients would benefit from aHSCT and that this form of stem cell therapy can be safely performed in a clinical setting, representing a powerful clinical tool to successfully treat MS and restore function and quality of life to patients, she added. Dr Sarah Rawlings, executive director of research and external affairs at the MS Society, said: HSCT on the NHS is subject to strict eligibility criteria and can be difficult to access. We know HSCT doesnt work for everyone with MS, but it has been an important development in MS treatment and some people see life-changing results. This study provides further evidence as to how it can help slow progression of symptoms. More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK and there are multiple treatments available, but we still dont know enough about how the effectiveness of HSCT compares with the most effective DMTs. Dr Rawlings also urged patients to consider the StarMS study, which is looking at the effectiveness of stem cell transplants compared to the latest DMTs. Some patients involved in the trial will be given stem cell transplants if they have highly active multiple sclerosis failing drug treatment or as a first-line treatment for patients with the aggressive multiple sclerosis. Others will be given drug treatments which have shown promise in clinical trials alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab or cladribine. Dr Rawlings added: These new results are encouraging but only observe how disability progresses after HSCT and so reinforce the need for randomised controlled trials comparing HSCT with the most highly effective DMTs. The new StarMS trial, currently taking place in hospitals around the UK, will do this. We would urge anyone considering HSCT or interested in taking part in the StarMS trial to discuss this with their neurologist. 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 }} Seventeen people pleaded not guilty Monday to various charges involving an attack on three Black men by members of the Hells Angels biker gang in San Diego this year, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office said. The victims, ages 19, 20 and 21, were suddenly chased and attacked in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood on June 6, subjected to a racial epithet and told they didn't belong there, prosecutors said in a news release. One escaped injury by running, another was punched, kicked and knocked unconscious, and the third was stabbed in the chest by a Hells Angels leader after being beaten by other bikers but survived, prosecutors said. On Sept. 13, a grand jury indicted 14 people for allegedly taking part in the assault, including an allegation that it was carried out in association with a criminal street gang. The grand jury included hate crime allegations against 11 of the defendants. The most serious charge, attempted murder, was brought against the alleged gang leader accused of the stabbing. The grand jury added three more defendants on charges of being accessories after the fact for allegedly helping to drive the leader away from the scene. In San Diego County, we cannot, and will not tolerate violence and racism of any nature, much less crimes like this hateful, vicious, and unprovoked attack, District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement. All 17 defendants were arrested on Sept. 21. They entered pleas Monday during their arraignments on an array of charges that carry possible sentences ranging from three years to life in prison. Trial was set for Nov. 14. 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 Conservative MP has said the Prime Minister made the right decision in delaying net zero policies after becoming a dame at Windsor Castle. After being given a DBE for her political and public service on Tuesday, Dame Andrea Jenkyns told the PA news agency: I think Rishi made a very good decision last week delaying the climate change policies because in my red wall seat weve seen it is affecting working-class people, all these extra costs. People cant afford to buy electric cars, they cant afford to change their heating system. As weve seen this week the polls have narrowed slightly, so hopefully itll continue, everythings still open to play more than it was previously. After receiving the damehood from the Princess Royal, Dame Andrea paid tribute to her mother who died in December. It was an amazing feeling today, but my thoughts have turned to my mum and dad, she said. I lost my mum in December, she was amazing very blunt and outspoken. The MP for Morley and Outwood was honoured for her role as the former Tory assistant whip and minister for skills on Boris Johnsons resignation honours list in June. Dame Andrea a long-time supporter of the former leader previously described him as the nations greatest prime minister since Margaret Thatcher. Dawid Konotey-Ahulu and David Wightwick also received honours at Tuesdays investiture. Mr Konotey-Ahulu, co-founder of the 10,000 Interns Foundation, said its an incredible thing to be made a CBE for his services to diversity and inclusion by providing paid internships black students and graduates. The former barrister, who attended the castle with his 93-year-old Ghanaian father and 92-year-old English mother, said his mantra has helped him uplift under-represented groups. My mantra is lift as you climb as you start to make it as you start to climb, remember other people and start to lift people up. Also, at least every child needs in their life one adult who is irrationally crazy about them. He has also helped create 10,000 paid internships for disabled students and graduates. David Wightwick, chief executive of UK-Med a humanitarian medical NGO said it was a huge honour to be made a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to UK humanitarian support. The 30-year humanitarian veteran oversaw UK-Meds relief effort in Ukraine after the start of the war. He said: Its a huge honour to be recognised for my kind of work. I would really like to thank everyone that Ive worked with over the years. Mr Wightwick has delivered humanitarian aid to various major disasters including the civil war in Liberia, the West Africa Ebola outbreak, and the Yemeni conflict. 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 }} Four British women are set to sue influencer Andrew Tate in Londons High Court, alleging that he raped and coercively controlled them. The abuse is said to have taken place between 2013 and 2016, before he rose to prominence on social media. Each of the women claim that Mr Tate throttled them until the blood vessels in their eyes burst, while he allegedly texted one to say: I love raping you. Three of the women reported him to Hertfordshire Police but after a four-year investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service did not bring charges. Tate has denied the allegations and is threatening to sue them for defamation. According to The Sunday Times, the women now believe a civil case to be their only option, and are reportedly planning to sue Mr Tate for pychiatric harm and personal injury. We were forced to watch as Andrew was allowed to leave the country while still under investigation, and saw his fame and influence grow in the way that it did, one of the women said. They are expected to file their claim in the coming weeks, which includes allegations that Tate choked them, beat them with a belt and raped them numerous times. Two of the women first made public allegations against the influencer in a Vice World News article in January, with the third coming forward the following week. Having read about the womens legal action, the fourth joined the civil claim in June, with lawyers saying that more than six other women had approached them with potential personal injury cases against Mr Tate. The women are claiming that Mr Tate coercively controlled and raped them (Andreea Alexandru/AP) (AP) Their solicitor, Matthew Jury at McCue Jury & Partners, said Tates public profile had grown since the women came forward, and that they had seen children copying his mannerisms as he became a martyr of masculinity. A spokesman for Andrew Tate said the British womens allegations stem from a letter submitted by Matthew Jury, in which he suggested mediation through financial compensation, adding: It is important to emphasise that this letter does not constitute a formal legal case. A letter written in response to the pre-litigation notice said that Mr Tate shall resist any attempt to claim anonymity for all or any of the complainants and was contemplating proceedings against the complainants for defamation. Jennifer Sayles, a lawyer working alongside Matthew Jury, said the four women were suffering immensely and had been dealing with bouts of depression and anxiety. The Tate brothers are facing human trafficking and sexual exploitation charges in Romania (AP) One of the women alleges she was recruited by Tate as a webcam model in 2014 and was promised a glamorous lifestyle, before she was isolated and raped by him. Another said that Mr Tate told her I own you and you belong to me while regularly choking her, while another claimed he throttled her to the point she thought she would die. While he was being investigated by Hertfordshire police for three of the allegations, he appeared on Big Brother and travelled to live in Romania. Mr Tate is currently banned from YouTube, Instagram and Facebook due to his comments towards women, many of which are deemed as sexist and misogynistic. He sells access to the War Room, an online brotherhood and community with membership fees of 4,000 and continues to use X (formerly known as Twitter). He and his brother Tristan, as well as two Romanian women, are currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They each deny the allegations against them. 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 }} Britains biggest police force has stood down a plan to use military back-up after enough firearms officers returned for it to cover counter-terrorism duties. Soldiers had been on standby after scores of Metropolitan Police officers stood down from firearms duties to consider their position after one of their colleagues was charged with murder over the death of 24-year-old Chris Kaba in south London. But the Army has been stood down after enough officers returned to armed duties, the force said. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: On Saturday, the Ministry of Defence agreed to provide the Met with counter-terrorism support as a contingency option. As of lunchtime on Monday, the number of officers who had returned to armed duties was sufficient for us to no longer require external assistance to meet our counter-terrorism responsibilities. A large number of armed officers from the Metropolitan Police stepped back from firearms duties in the wake of a murder charge over the death of Chris Kaba (PA) Cover was drafted in from neighbouring forces over the weekend after it was claimed that around 100 of the Mets 2,595 marksmen were refusing to perform their armed roles. The military also agreed to help, but soldiers do not have the authority to be used for routine policing and can only be used in the case of a counter-terrorism attack or for guarding certain locations such as nuclear sites. On Monday afternoon, a limited number of armed officers from other UK police forces were still providing support to the Met, the force confirmed, adding that the situation will be kept under review. It comes as the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said that armed police need clarity about the legal powers they have as he backed a Home Office review announced by Suella Braverman. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has announced a review of armed policing (iStock/PA) Rishi Sunak said it wouldnt be right for him to comment on the case of the unnamed officer, known as officer NX121, who appeared in court last week charged over the 2022 shooting of Mr Kaba. Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to a community centre in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, on Monday, he said: Our firearms officers do an incredibly difficult job. They are making life or death decisions in a split second to keep us safe and they deserve our gratitude for their bravery. Now it is important when they are using these legal powers that they do so with clarity and they have certainty about what they are doing, especially given the lethality they are using. On Sunday, the home secretary said she had ordered a review into armed policing, adding we depend on our brave firearms officers to protect us. It was welcomed by Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who had called for reforms to the way officers are held to account in an open letter to Ms Braverman. Proposed reforms put forward by the police chief include legal changes over the way self-defence is interpreted in police misconduct cases. He also called for the introduction of a criminal standard of proof for unlawful killing in inquests and inquiries, along with changes to the threshold at which the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) can launch an investigation. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary about firearms officers (PA) Sir Mark said: There is a concern on the part of firearms officers that even if they stick to the tactics and training they have been given, they will face years of protracted legal proceedings which impact on their personal wellbeing and that of their family. However, charity Inquest said his proposed reforms would give firearms officers a licence to kill. Director Deborah Coles said: Police cannot be judge, jury and executioner and must not be above the law. Already we know that accountability for officers involved in wrongdoing and deaths is exceedingly rare. Mark Rowleys asks to the home secretary, including overturning two recent Supreme Court judgements, would make accountability for police use of force virtually impossible. Effectively giving firearms officers a licence to kill. That cannot be in the public interest. Meanwhile, a former terror chief accused firearms officers of staging an industrial protest after officers stepped down from armed duties en masse. Former counter-terrorism police chief Nick Aldworth said that unarmed police officers faced the same risk of being charged with a criminal offence following a death as firearms officers. We are an unarmed police service, and therefore we will only ever have volunteers who wish to perform the roles of armed officers. Those come with enormous responsibility and potential risk, both physical and judicial, Mr Aldworth said. The judicial risks are no different to that experienced by any other police officer. We have seen police officers charged with murder and manslaughter without using firearms. The problem I have with whats going on is [that] those risks and the perceived weaknesses in the law are well known. So what is happening now is not people who are experiencing a sudden questioning of morally whether they to want to carry a gun, or do they really feel that the law doesnt support them, they are engaged in industrial protest. For good reason, the Police Act does not allow police officers to strike or undertake industrial action. But that is what this is, quasi-industrial action. The National Police Chiefs Council and the Police Federation will work with the Home Office as they carry out their armed policing review, The Independent understands. On behalf of the NPCC, Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: Mutual aid is routinely used to share officers across the country to ensure public safety, and so the National Police Coordination Centre is supporting the Metropolitan Police to ensure the force has the resilience it needs. 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 review has been launched by the Home Secretary after a police marksman was charged with the murder of a 24-year-old Black man last year. The death of Chris Kaba and the subsequent decision to charge the officer by the Crown Prosecution Service has led to questions being asked over protection for firearms officers. The firearms officer charged with the 34-year-olds murder appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday. Here we explain, within legal restrictions, who Mr Kaba is, how he died and what will happen next. Who is Chris Kaba and how did he die? Mr Kaba was a 24-year-old Black man who was driving an Audi car in a residential street in Streatham Hill, in south east London, when he was shot in the head on September 5 last year, at around 10pm. Mr Kaba was a construction work who also performed as a rapper under the alias Madix or Mad Itch. His death resulted in protests in the Black community. Mr Kabas family led a rally with hundreds gathering outside the headquarters of the Met Police as they called for an investigation launched by The Independent Office for Police Conduct to be dealt with swiftly. And in March this year, Mr Kabas mother Helen Lumuanganu again called for answers on who was responsible for the shooting as they pushed for a decision on criminal charges in the case. Chris Kabas mother Helen Lumuanganu called for a swift conclusion to the investigation into her sons death (PA) Charging of the police marksman On September 21, the Crown Prosecution said a firearms officer had been charged in connection with Mr Kabas death. The unidentified officer, known as NX121, was charged following a review of evidence provided by the IOPC following its investigation. Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC, the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba. Mr Kaba died after he was struck by a single bullet in Streatham Hill, south London. The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. Court hearing and what happens next The firearms officer charged with Mr Kabas murder appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday. The officers barrister, Patrick Hill, was asked to confirm the defendants identity in court and the officer did not speak. They later appeared at the Old Bailey for a second brief hearing to discuss bail. He answered yes when asked by the court clerk if he is NX121, and passed a piece of paper to court staff with his date of birth on it. Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC told the defendant that a plea and trial preparation hearing will be listed for December 1, with a possible trial date of September 9 next year. A hearing will take place at the same court on Friday next week to discuss a legal order that bans the identification of the officer. NX121 was released on bail on the conditions that he lives at a named address, surrenders his passport and does not apply for international travel documents. 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 sex offender who drove his car into the Downing Street gates in an attack on democracy has avoided prison. Seth Kneller, 43, launched his Kia Ceed at the gates protecting the Prime Ministers residence on May 25 as pedestrians fled the scene and armed police watched. In a TikTok video posted earlier that day, he blamed politicians for societys ills and said someone has to pay. He said he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism and asked: What is there to live for anymore? The cars impact caused the outer gates to swing open and the main gates to shake, Southwark Crown Court was told on Tuesday. Officers with firearms shouted armed police and detained Kneller after his car came to a stop. As he was being detained, he told them he had had enough, adding: I need help. When his phone was examined as part of the police investigation it was found to contain three category A indecent images of children, the most serious type, and five category C images. The victims depicted were aged eight to 12. Kneller was found to have accessed a website known to contain indecent images of children 393 times. The defendant, from Crewe in Cheshire, pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving earlier this month and two of making indecent images of children at a hearing in June. Prosecutor Alex Krikler said: Shortly before 4.30pm on May 25 2023 the defendant, quite deliberately, drove his vehicle, a silver Kia hatchback, at the gates of Downing Street. There is CCTV footage that shows... pedestrians running away from the scene following the collision Alex Krikler, prosecuting The defendant had driven down Whitehall towards Parliament Square and manoeuvred his vehicle so he was facing the gates. He drove at speed across the carriageway, slowing down to allow pedestrians to move out of the way before striking the outer gates with his vehicle. The impact caused them to swing open. The defendants vehicle then collided with the main gates. They remained shut but were seen to shake with the force of the impact. The car then came to a halt. There is CCTV footage that shows pedestrians running away from the scene following the collision. There were a number of armed police, unsurprisingly, on duty who became aware of what the defendant had just done. They immediately drew their weapons and approached and shouted, Armed police. Officers approached and took the defendant out of the vehicle. He had just raised his hands. The prosecutor said Knellers actions were pre-planned and deliberate, which clearly raised concerns the attack was a terrorist one. He added: He was well aware that armed officers were on duty and that the consequences of his actions could have been catastrophic. Kneller had no previous convictions but was cautioned for assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2007. In mitigation, his barrister Charles Hannaford said his client was suffering from a mental health breakdown at the time of the Downing Street crash. He added: This is not an individual who has thought through the consequences of their actions and how they would affect another individual. Judge Christopher Hehir said Kneller launched an attack on democracy but was persuaded to spare him prison. He told him: You quite deliberately performed a highly dangerous manoeuvre. There was a real risk of serious injury or death to police officers or innocent members of the public. There are always members of the public thronging in the vicinity of 10 Downing Street. You chose to launch a violent attack on a place which is a government location and in many ways a symbol of democracy. Thank you, I am very grateful, your honour Seth Kneller Your violent attack on it must be regarded by the courts as being of the utmost seriousness. You are not guilty of any contact abuse of children, but if it was not for people like you who consume these images, the abuse in question would most likely not take place. The judge said the defendants lack of previous convictions, early guilty pleas, the fact he has served the equivalent of an eight-month prison sentence, mental health and good prospect of rehabilitation persuaded him to spare the defendant jail. Knellers 15-month prison term was suspended for two years and he must complete 30 rehabilitation days and 27 days of a separate rehabilitation programme. He was also banned from driving for 18 months, can no longer use the phone and car used in the offending and was made the subject of a seven-year sexual harm prevention order. The bespectacled defendant, who wore a blue shirt and purple tie, said thank you, I am very grateful, your honour after being spared jail. 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 }} On an April morning in 1999, one of the BBCs most high-profile presenters returned to her home in west London. As she was about to put her keys in the lock, she was forced to the ground by an unknown assailant and a single shot was fired into her temple. It soon emerged that the victim was Jill Dando, BBC News presenter and Crimewatch host. What followed was one of the Metropolitan Police largest ever murder inquiries but after nearly 25 years the killer has yet to be found. Jill Dando was gunned down in on the doorstep of her home in Fulham (PA) Decades later, theories continue to emerge as to why the 37-year-old was murdered and how the shooter has succeeded in evading justice despite officers interviewing more than 2,500 people. Motives have ranged from a jealous ex to obsessive stalkers to the possibility that she was murdered by a Serbian hitman for her work in covering the Serbia-Kosovo war. In the latest true-crime documentary to hit Netflix, Who Killed Jill Dando explores the lead-up to her death, and the widespread speculation that continues to make headlines. Who was Jill Dando? One of Britains most recognisable newsreaders, Ms Dando had fronted a number of popular BBC shows and was considered the golden girl of television during the 1990s. From 1988, she presented BBCs Breakfast Time, Breakfast News, the One OClock News and the Six OClock News and had been named BBC Personality of the Year in 1997. At the time of her death, she was presenting Crimewatch alongside Nick Ross, which attracted a monthly audience of 14 million at the peak of its success. Jill Dando at the NTAs the year before her death, in 1998 (Alan Davidson/Shutterstock) On the morning of 26 April 1999, she left her partners home in Chiswick and travelled to her home in Fulham, which she did not visit frequently and was in the process of selling. After reaching her front door, she was pinned to the ground and shot, with a neighbour overhearing a short scream. Her body was discovered 14 minutes later and she was pronounced dead. The Metropolitan Police launched Operation Oxborough and were soon bombarded with leads, none of which eventually proved successful, with her murder remaining a mystery over two decades later. A jilted lover In the early stages of the investigations, rumours began to swirl around Ms Dandos love life and the possibility that she was murdered by a former lover. Following her murder, her personal life was subject to scrutiny, with detectives analysing her phone calls, diaries and interviewing countless friends and acquaintances. Despite intense media speculation, each of the men who had formed romantic relationships with the presenter were swiftly ruled out of the investigation. Barry George Convicted sex offender Barry George was arrested for Ms Dandos murder ten months after her death and is the only man to have ever been put on trial for the crime. Named in a tip-off to police the day after the fatal shooting, it took officers ten months to seriously consider him as a suspect. A fantasist and mentally unstable loner who lived just 500 yards from Ms Dandos home, detectives soon realised that Mr George fitted the psychological profile written by forensic criminal psychologist Dr Adrian West. Barry George was wrongfully convicted of her murder and was jailed for life until his sentence was squashed by the Court of Appeal (PA) A neighbour had also alleged that she saw him on their street the day of the murder, and told an Old Bailey jury Im looking at him now when questioned about the identity of the suspect. Mr George had previous convictions for attempted rape and indecent assault, and was discovered hiding in the bushes of Kensington Palace with a knife and rope during the 1980s. He also went by several names and had some experience with firearms, having spent nearly a year in the Territorial Army being taught how to maintain and shoot assault rifles. When his flat was searched, police discovered many photographs of local women and four copies of the Jill Dando memorial issue of the BBCs magazine Ariel. A picture of Barry Georges flat used as an exhibit in his trial (Shutterstock) Police became convinced they had caught their man, with charges brought after a forensic scientist found a tiny particle in the pocket of Mr Georges overcoat, which he believed could be firearms residue from the gun. In July 2001, he was found guilty by a 10-1 majority verdict at the Old Bailey, and was jailed for life. Doubts however had gradually begun to emerge about his conviction, with questions posed about his intelligence to plan and execute such an ambitious murder. During a 2007 Court of Appeal hearing, evidence was submitted that showed Mr George had an IQ of 75 and was in the bottom one per cent for memory and executive tests. By this point, the firarms residue evidence had also been rejected, with a CPS official admitting: We looked for any [other] show stoppers. There werent any. Mr Georges conviction was quashed and he remains a free man, telling the Netflix documentary: It makes me angry that they have taken eight years of my life. A Serb hitman Perhaps the most enduring theory behind Ms Dandos death is that she was brutally murdered by a Serbian crime gang, as retaliation for her coverage of the Serb-Kosovo war. Just 20 days before she was killed, she had fronted a BBC Kosovo Crisis Appeal that raised more than 1m in 24 hours for refugees fleeing the violence. At the time, Western involvement which included Nato bombing of key Serb targets had begun, with British forces carrying out strikes in Belgrade just days before Ms Dandos murder. Floral tributes left near Jill Dando's home after her murder (Fiona Hanson/PA Archive/PA Images) It later emerged that the day after Ms Dando was killed, the BBCs former head of news Tony Hall was phoned by a man with an Eastern European accent, who threatened: Your prime minister Blair butchered innocent young people, we butcher back. While this theory prevailed on the front sheets of newspapers for months, subsequent investigations have cast doubt on the possibility, with the call to Mr Hall believed to be a hoax. A number of high-profile journalists had remained in Belgrade during the war, including veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson, who would have been a much more obvious target for Serbian warlords. Underworld crime gangs One of the most common theories around Ms Dandos death is that she was murdered by a professional hitman in revenge for her work as a Crimwatch presenter. During the police investigation, detectives discounted up to 30 people who had reason to resent the crime programme, while convicted contract killers were visited in prison for information. It has also been suggested that underworld figures ordered the killing of Jill Dando because of her work presenting Crimewatch (PA) In 2015, former Surrey police detective and TV investigative journalist Mark Williams-Thomas suggested that Ms Dando had been murdered on the orders of a London underworld Mr Big to send out a direct, bloody message to others: Do not take on organised crime. After trawling through 52,000 documents made available to Mr Georges defence team during his second trial, Mr Williams-Thomas said he had found an intelligence report naming two London men as having acted for a major organised crime gang. One of the men was never traced while the other was found with no clear evidence of his involvement in the criminal underworld. It was also noted that while Ms Dandos murder had the hallmarks of a professional assassin, there was an obvious contradiction as the killer had left the shell casing at the scene, indicating a more amateur attacker. Other theories Other lines of inquiry included the possibility that a deranged fan was responsible, or that Ms Dando was the victim of a mistaken identity. The latter was judged unlikely, given that she had been murdered on her own doorstep. Another theory that emerged after the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal was that Ms Dando had been investigating a paedophile ring at the BBC during the 1990s, prompting a revenge attack. The BBC said it had found no such evidence of such a claim. 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 has been jailed for killing his caring neighbour in a violent row last year. Andrew Gardner, 41, confronted 19-year-old LeSean Williams after he made derogatory comments to a friend of Mr Gardners on the street where they both lived in Handsworth, Birmingham. Mr Gardners friend, who had been living with him at his home had complained that Williams had mocked her facial disfigurement. Distressed, Mr Gardner confronted his neighbour but the altercation quickly turned violent with both men wielding knives, and Mr Gardner suffering a fatal wound to the chest. Williams, who is now 20, fled the scene on an electric scooter as Mr Gardner collapsed upon returning home. A short time later, he died of his injuries in hospital. On 20 March, Williams pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court. Today, he was sentenced to three years in prison, with police describing the case as terribly sad. This is a terribly sad case where a man has lost his life defending his friend. His family had described him as caring and told us at the time of his death, Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood of the West Midlands Police homicide unit said. His passing will leave a big hole in our lives, but he will be forever in our hearts. 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 MP jailed for expenses fraud has lost a Court of Appeal bid to challenge his four-year prison sentence. Jared OMara was found to have abused his position by trying to claim about 52,000 of taxpayers money for work that was never done and jobs that did not exist. The 41-year-old, who represented the constituency of Sheffield Hallam from 2017 to 2019, went on trial for submitting fake invoices to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) between June and August 2019. He was accused of making fraudulent expenses claims to fund an extensive cocaine habit, with Judge Tom Bayliss KC later saying at sentencing that it had been cynical, deliberate and dishonest. OMara sought permission to appeal his sentence, but his renewed application was rejected by the Court of Appeal in London on Tuesday. Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker and Mrs Justice Lambert, came to their decision after receiving written arguments, with no lawyers appearing in court. Reading out a ruling, Mrs Justice Lambert said the judges found the challenge raised no arguable ground that the sentence was manifestly excessive, adding that it was wholly proportionate to the offences committed. She said judges had concluded without hesitancy that the appeal is not meritorious, she said. Leeds Crown Court previously heard that OMara made four claims for a total of 19,400 from a fictitious organisation called Confident About Autism South Yorkshire. A jury found he also submitted a false contract of employment for his friend John Woodliff, pretending he worked as a constituency support officer. OMara, a former nightclub manager, was cleared of two fraud charges over invoices from another friend, Gareth Arnold, for media work that prosecutors claimed was never carried out. But he was convicted of an offence of fraud after emailing Ipsa in February 2020, falsely claiming the police investigation into him had been completed and he was entitled to be paid the two invoices relating to Arnold, which totalled 4,650. Prosecutors said the total value of the fraud was about 52,000, including Mr Woodliffs proposed salary of 28,000. Arnold, who became OMaras chief of staff in June 2019, was sentenced to 15 months suspended for two years after a jury found him guilty of three fraud charges, but cleared him of a further three. Mr Woodliff was cleared by the jury of having any role in the fraud. Prosecutor James Bourne-Arton previously said the fraud was not a victimless crime and that it had an impact on other MPs because it undermines public trust and confidence in them. Mark Kelly KC, defending OMara, said he wanted to apologise to his constituents for failing to resign in October 2017, when controversial comments he made online before becoming an MP were revealed, and that he had felt hounded by the media. He told Leeds Crown Court that OMara was an inadequate individual to cope with the stresses and strains of public life and resorted to taking drugs, alcohol and distancing himself in many respects from those that were around him. These circumstances were very difficult circumstances for him to cope with, with his particular disabilities, Mr Kelly added. But Judge Bayliss said the apology was entirely disingenuous, while also finding that OMaras autism did not reduce his culpability. OMara won Sheffield Hallam for Labour from former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Nick Clegg in 2017, but later left the party after a series of controversies. He stayed in office as an independent MP but did not contest the 2019 general election. 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 }} Police have launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made against Russell Brand following an explosive Channel 4 documentary. On Monday, the force said they have since received a number of allegations of sexual offences in London as well as elsewhere in the country. It follows a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4s Dispatches, which highlighted the stories of four women including one who was 16 years old at the time who allege Brand either raped or sexually assaulted them between 2006 and 2013. Police have launched an investigation into comedian Russell Brand following a number of sexual assault allegations made against him (PA) Brand has vehemently denied all allegations, insisting that his prior relationships have always been consensual. The Met previously said it had received an allegation of sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003, which emerged as the remaining live shows for his Bipolarisation tour were postponed. The investigation is being carried out by detectives in the Mets Central Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy. Det Supt Furphy said: We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a sexual offence, no matter how long ago it was, to contact us. We understand it can feel like a difficult step to take and I want to reassure that we have a team of specialist officers available to advise and support. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. The force said it will be offering specialist support to all of the women who have made allegations. Brand has strongly denied all allegations against him (X) On Saturday, Brand thanked his supporters for questioning the allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him. In the three-minute clip, posted on YouTube, Rumble and Twitter/X, he said the week since the claims were published had been extraordinary and distressing. Shortly after the Met issued its short statement on Monday, Brand made his first return to his regular Rumble show since the allegations were made against him. Brand said he would talk about the collusion between big tech and Government and an apparent concerted effort by legacy media to silence independent media voices. Obviously, its difficult for me to be entirely objective given the events of the last week, but thats what we must try to do, he said. Brand said he would return to his regular show on Rumble an online video platform which refused to follow YouTube in blocking the comedian from earning advertising revenue on its site. He described the streaming site as having made a clear commitment to free speech. Anyone who wants to report an offence to the police should contact the Met on 101. 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 }} An IT worker who rammed his car into the gates of Downing Street and caused a massive security alert has avoided a jail sentence. Seth Kneller, from Crewe, was also found with indecent images of children on his phone shortly after armed police arrested him at the scene. The 43-year-old had posted a video to TikTok shortly before the crash on May 25, telling his followers: Somebody has to pay. Kneller was found with indecent images of children on his phone (Ben Hatton/PA Wire) At around 4.20pm, he was behind the wheel of a silver Kia that crashed into the gates near prime ministers official residence. No injuries were reported and despite the immediate security response, the Met Police swiftly announced the incident was not being treated as terror-related. Rishi Sunak was in No10 at the time of the crash, with Kneller causing the front set of gates to swing open before his vehicle was stopped by a second set of barriers. When his phone was examined as part of the police investigation it was found to contain three category A indecent images of children, the most serious type, and five category C images. The victims depicted were aged eight to 12. Kneller was found to have accessed a website known to contain indecent images of children 393 times. The prosecutor said Knellers actions were pre-planned and deliberate, which clearly raised concerns the attack was a terrorist one. He added: He was well aware that armed officers were on duty and that the consequences of his actions could have been catastrophic. During a previous appearance at Southwark Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, and separately admitted two charges of making indecent images of children over eight pictures found on his phone. His actions were described as pre-planned and deliberate (Getty Images) In a video clip posted to social media ahead of the incident, he said: But I feel is the responsibility of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and those who have gone before him and ruining our country and somebody has to pay. We have to make a statement. And thats whats gonna happen. The court previously heard that Kneller has autism, ADHD and diabetes, and has previously sought treatment for having an attraction to children. Kneller had no previous convictions but was cautioned for assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2007. In mitigation, his barrister Charles Hannaford said his client was suffering from a mental health breakdown at the time of the Downing Street crash. He added: This is not an individual who has thought through the consequences of their actions and how they would affect another individual. Kneller succeeded in swinging the first set of gates open (BBC) Judge Christopher Hehir said Kneller launched an attack on democracy but was persuaded to spare him prison. He told him: You quite deliberately performed a highly dangerous manoeuvre. There was a real risk of serious injury or death to police officers or innocent members of the public. There are always members of the public thronging in the vicinity of 10 Downing Street. You chose to launch a violent attack on a place which is a government location and in many ways a symbol of democracy. Your violent attack on it must be regarded by the courts as being of the utmost seriousness. You are not guilty of any contact abuse of children, but if it was not for people like you who consume these images, the abuse in question would most likely not take place. The judge said the defendants lack of previous convictions, early guilty pleas, the fact he has served the equivalent of an eight-month prison sentence, mental health and good prospect of rehabilitation persuaded him to spare the defendant jail. Knellers 15-month prison term was suspended for two years and he must complete 30 rehabilitation days and 27 days of a separate rehabilitation programme. He was also banned from driving for 18 months, can no longer use the phone and car used in the offending and was made the subject of a seven-year sexual harm prevention order. The bespectacled defendant, who wore a blue shirt and purple tie, said thank you, I am very grateful, your honour after being spared jail. 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 }} Sir Ed Davey has called for a new legal right for cancer patients to start treatment within two months of an urgent referral, using a keynote speech to underline the Liberal Democrats focus on health. The party has said enshrining the commitment in law would make ministers more accountable for failing to reach the target, which is currently a pledge of the Tory Government. Lib Dem officials say the policy is expected to cost about 4 billion to deliver over the course of five years. In his rallying cry to delegates gathered in Bournemouth for what could be the partys last annual conference before a general election expected next year, Sir Ed said voting Conservative is bad for your health. A personal section of the speech saw him recall losing both of his parents to cancer as a child, telling members: My familys story isnt unique. There are millions of us whose lives get turned upside down by cancer. I fervently hope we can build a consensus across politics to make cancer a top priority in the next Parliament. Officials say the partys proposed legislation would involve patients reporting complaints to the health ombudsman, starting a process which could ultimately end with the Government facing legal action. Elsewhere, the Lib Dem leader heightened his attack on the Conservatives, which his party is seeking to oust in so-called blue wall seats in places like southern England. We will hold the Government to account for every target it misses and every patient it fails. We will never stop fighting for better care for you and your loved ones Sir Ed Davey, Lib Dems He recalled having branded the Tories clowns following the Somerton and Frome by-election won by Sarah Dyke, adding: Im sorry. I used the wrong c-word. Some 62.6% who had their first treatment in July after an urgent referral had waited under two months, up from 59.2% in June, according to latest health service performance data. Health groups welcomed the commitment but said it would only be successful if backed by adequate funding. The NHS Confederation pointed to 100,000 vacancies within the service, as it questioned how the proposed legislation would guarantee patients are seen within two months. NHS Providers said the ambition to end cancer delays will only bear fruit if properly resourced, but suggested the party was taking a big step in the right direction on health. The party has not yet fully costed its health policy, which is the centrepiece of a pre-manifesto aimed at wooing traditionally Tory voters. It has promised to do so nearer the next election. The Lib Dem election strategy will be to target Tory heartlands where, buoyed by a series of by-election and local election successes, the party hopes to make significant gains. The leader did not mention Brexit directly, but earned perhaps his loudest applause when he told the conference hall the party would seek to fix our broken relationship with Europe. Sir Ed has been reluctant to speak publicly about the ultimate goal of rejoining the EU, which is current party policy, saying it is not currently on the table. He told delegates: So much unnecessary pain inflicted on so many by so few. And only the Liberal Democrats have consistently stood up against it. Only we have set out a detailed plan to tear down those trade barriers, fix our broken relationship with Europe and get a better deal for Britain. He said Labours plan is nowhere near that ambitious, adding: Labour has a long way still to go, which means its up to us to lead the way a better economy, a better future, with Europe. Chairman of the Conservative Party Greg Hands said: Ed Daveys conference speech did little to address the priorities of the British people. The Liberal Democrats chaotic debate over how much of the green belt to concrete over is the latest example of them saying one thing and doing another. They are just same old politicians stuck in the past. 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 }} Sir Ed Davey will say voting Conservative is bad for your health as he closes what could be the last Liberal Democrat conference before a general election with a speech centred on the NHS. The party leader will pledge to fix our economy with care in his rallying cry to delegates as he wraps up the four-day event in Bournemouth on Tuesday. In what could become a catchphrase during the long campaign ahead of a likely general election next year, he will say: Perhaps there should be a warning on the ballot paper, like there are on cigarette packets: Voting Conservative is bad for your health. The Lib Dem strategy will be to target traditionally Tory seats, where the party, buoyed by a series of by-election and local election successes, hopes it stands a chance of making significant gains. Britain isn't working, because the Conservatives aren't working. They're more like a bad TV soap opera than a functioning government Sir Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader Its focus is on local health services and the environment, which the party believes are crucial to woo voters in places such as southern England. But questions persist over the partys stance on national issues such as Brexit, with Sir Ed heckled on Sunday after insisting to activists during a Q&A session that he was campaigning hard on Europe. No, youre not, one audience member replied. Sir Ed has said people on the doorstep just arent talking about Europe, but senior figures including former leader Sir Vince Cable have argued the party should not lose sight of the issue. An ultimate goal to return to membership status within the bloc is currently official policy, but the leader has appeared reluctant to speak publicly about this and says it is currently off the table. Sir Ed will tell delegates the Lib Dems are the strongest campaigning force in British politics as he seeks to boost party morale, describing conference as the moment the starting gun is fired on electioneering. I am so proud that we Liberal Democrats have consistently led the way in highlighting the crises in the NHS and proposing solutions, he will say. Reversing cuts to GP numbers and guaranteeing an appointment when you need one, tackling life-threatening ambulance delays, and improving access to NHS dentists. Health and care both are key parts of our plan for the economy. The Conservatives broke our economy with their carelessness. Liberal Democrats will fix our economy with care. He is expected to add: Britain isnt working, because the Conservatives arent working. Theyre more like a bad TV soap opera than a functioning government. The factions and the feuds. The personal vendettas. The shock exits and unwelcome returns. The total lack of connection to reality. Each episode worse than the last. Well its time to change the channel The British people are desperate to see the back of this appalling, out-of-touch Conservative Government, and we are the ones who can make it happen. 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 }} The British Museum is asking the public to go to its new webpage so they can help recover missing items from the institutions collection. An estimated 2,000 artefacts including gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass were found to have been taken from the London-based institution over a significant period of time. However, when the British Museum disclosed on 16 August that items from its collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged, it did not share images of the items. On Tuesday, it shared pictures of gems and jewellery that could lead to the absent items, some of which are from the Department of Greece and Rome, being found by people who have them in their possession. The British Museum also confirmed in a statement that 60 items have now been returned, with a further 300 identified and due to be returned imminently. The pictures released of classical Greek and Roman items by the museum range from a Roman sard gem engraved with representations of Graeco-Egyptian god Sarapis and Egyptian goddess Isis, a piece of blue glass showing a helmeted figure with a double-axe killing a four-headed serpent and a Hellenistic oval stone engraved with a young warrior on a rock. Among the images of gold rings, earrings and other pieces of jewellery, which date from the Late Bronze Age, Hellenistic and Roman periods, are a Cypriot necklace with horned lions heads and a Cypriot gold earring in a twisted shape. In the wake of the items going missing, museum director Hartwig Fischer resigned and his deputy, Jonathan Williams, stepped back from his position at the same time on August 25. German art historian Mr Fischer was replaced by former Victoria And Albert (V&A) Museum director Sir Mark Jones. Former chancellor George Osborne, who is now chairman of the museums trustees, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme last month that an estimated 2,000 items were missing and some had been recovered. However, he said the museum did not have a complete catalogue of everything in its collection amassed over several hundred years. Someone with knowledge of whats not registered has a big advantage in removing some of those items, he said. It is understood by the PA news agency that the artefacts were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time. An unnamed member of staff has been sacked and the British Museum is taking legal action. A Metropolitan Police investigation is underway and a man was interviewed under caution on August 23. An independent review into why the items went missing and what can be done in the future is being led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman, and Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, Lucy DOrsi. Ms DOrsi said she and Sir Nigel are very grateful for the support we have received from outside experts. She added: We have seen an encouraging start to the recovery programme and have been particularly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the British Museum staff working with us. The museum said it is using an international panel of experts, whose members include: James Ratcliffe from the Art Loss Register; Lynda Albertson from the Association for Research into Crimes Against Art; and other specialists in the field of ancient gems and jewellery, to recover the objects. The missing artefacts are also on the private database of lost, stolen and looted art and antiquities, the Art Loss Register. James Ratcliffe, director of recoveries at the Art Loss Register, said: The British Museums approach has carefully balanced the need to provide information to the public to assist the recovery efforts with the fact that providing too much detail risks playing into the hands of those who might act in bad faith. Thanks to our position as the principal due diligence resource for the art market, and experience in the recovery of stolen art and cultural property, the Art Loss Register has an unrivalled ability to assist with the museums recovery programme. We are delighted to provide our assistance on a pro bono basis to the excellent team at the museum to support their efforts. The images of missing items can be found at https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/recovery-missing-items. 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 teenager piloted a boat full of asylum-seekers across the English Channel after watching TikTok videos on how to enter the UK illegally, a court was told. Abdul Basset Ahmed, 18, took charge of a small inflatable boat crammed with 58 other passengers just days after the British government had announced a crackdown on the brazen social media promotions. Canterbury Crown Court heard that Sudanese fisherman Ahmed had agreed to take control of the rib two days before it set off from France on August 14. He later told police he was given a 600 discount by those in charge of the illicit enterprise for doing so and was in control of the boat from start to finish before it was intercepted by the Border Force, prosecutor Stacey-Lee Holland said. She said: He stated he did not know it was illegal to pilot a boat but he knew he was entering the UK illegally. He stated he watched TikTok videos on how to do so. He said he was also aware the other passengers in the boat were entering illegally. Ahmed pleaded guilty to assisting in the facilitation of unlawful immigration and attempting to arrive in the UK without valid entry clearance. Just eight days earlier, the government had announced that tech giants including TikTok had signed an initiative to work with the National Crime Agency in finding and removing the criminal adverts. The adverts reportedly promote a range of illegal routes by dinghy, lorry and plane, as well as offering discounts, free childrens crossings and fake documents. No details of the video content viewed by Ahmed were revealed in court, however. The court heard Ahmed had learned to pilot boats as a fisherman in Sudan and then in Tunisia as he travelled across several safe countries to reach France. James Burke, defending, said organised criminals had then exploited the teenagers limited finances and naivety. He said: His real intent was simply to make the journey across the Channel, exactly the same as the other 58 people on the boat, and to make a better life for himself in the UK. Sentencing Ahmed for two years, Judge Simon James said he believed the main reason he had been charged with the more serious facilitation offence was due to his full and frank admissions. But he said custody was inevitable in spite of this complete lack of criminal sophistication as well as his age, lack of previous convictions, no involvement in any planning of the trip, or any earlier attempts to enter the country illegally. Of the 59 people in the boat, including Ahmed, 44 were said to have since claimed asylum. His application is yet to be processed however and any decision will be made by the Home Office on his release. 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 }} Fears are growing for a missing mother of two who went missing three days ago. Vanessa left her home at 11am on Saturday without her phone, wallet, bag and keys, say concerned friends and family who are appealing on social media for information on her whereabouts. She was last seen on St Philips Road in Hackney at 11.03am, wearing a dark top and leggings, and likely pink flip flops, while carrying a pink and white water bottle, according to doorbell camera footage posted online. Vanessa left her home at 11am on Saturday without her phone, wallet, bag and keys, say concerned friends and family who are appealing on social media for information on her whereabouts (Twitter/X) She had left her house in the Richmond Road area of Hackney three minutes beforehand, as captured again on doorbell camera footage posted on social media, having reportedly returned home from Manchester at 10am. Best-selling author Sophie Heawood was among those who appealed on social media for help in finding Vanessa, posting two photos of the young mother. She is dressed in a green patterned top in one picture and in a black vest in another. In both, she is wearing the same gold pendant necklace. Ms Heawood captioned the images: !!MISSING PERSON!! Vanessa has been missing since 11am Saturday 23rd September. Last seen in the vicinity of Richmond Road (Hackney) wearring dark top and leggings. Please if anyone has seen her get in touch or contact the police on 101. Thanks. The Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Politico Europe describes Vanessa as a friend of a friend in her appeal. A friend of friend Vanessa has been missing from London Fields in Hackney since Saturday morning, writes Kate Day. Please keep an eye out and contact police with any info. Vanessa is believed to have last been seen wearing a dark top and leggings, according to doorbell camera footage posted online (Twitter/X) Another social media user says they are a parent at Vanessas childrens school, writing: Vanessa, a mother from my kids school has been missing since Saturday morning. Last seen in vicinity of Richmond Road Hackney in dark top and leggings. Please share and contact police with any info at all! One more, a friend of Vanessas, writes: MISSING PERSON: A friend, Vanessa, has gone missing from London Fields, Hackney. Vanessa has been missing since 11am Sat 23rd September. Last seen in vicinity of Richmond Road where she lives, in dark top and leggings. Please contact police with any info at all and share. The Independent has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment. If anyone has any information on Vanessas whereabouts, they are urged to call the force on 101, quoting 8764/24SEP23 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 secret network of tunnels used by Winston Churchill and the inspiration for James Bonds Q branch could be opened as Londons next tourist hotspot. Hidden deep below the surface of central London lies a vast network of secret spy tunnels which will be open for the public in an exciting 220 million plan. The Kingsway Exchange tunnels encompass 8000 square metres of labyrinthine pathways lying 40 metres below High Hoburn, a lot of mystery surrounds the subterranean base as it was used by MI6 officials during World War II and the Official Secrets Acts protected the area. If the planning is approved, investors plan to spend 220 million on the project which includes 80 million on interactive screens (London Tunnels) Construction of the underground labyrinth started in October 1940 and served as shelter at the start of the London blitz, the deep shelters linked to pre-exisitng underground stations. The Kingsway Telephone Exchange is one of the 10 planned shelters commissioned at the time, of which only eight were completed. In 1944, the underground network became known as the London Civil Defence Regional and Ministry of Works but this was a cover-up for the research and development of The Special Operations Executive, an offshoot of MI6. The Special Operations Executive helped the resistance of Nazi-occupied European regions and counted over 1000 workers. One notable member of the force was Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels who used the hidden network as an inspiration for Q Branch, say the London Tunnels LTD. The tunnels also protected over 400 tonnes of secret documents belonging to the Public Record Office, including those of the Domesday Book, which was 900 years old at the time. A map giving a birds-eye view of where the (London Tunnels) The hidden network also held Londons deepest licensed bar, which London Tunnels LTD hope to resurrect to serve shaken, not stirred Vesper Martinis below the bustle of the London Underground. Post-war the tunnels took on a new form as they served as a covert telephone exchange during the Cold War. It was here the first transatlantic cable was constructed which later served as a hotline between Washington and Moscow during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The underground network was home to the first ever transantlantic cable which served as a hotline between the Kremlin and the Whitehouse during the Cold War (Getty Images) The new project, which has not yet been approved, hopes to take visitors on a journey across time to transport visitors back to the Blitz and then onto a secret spy journey through Cold War subterfuge. According to The Mail, the BT group has agreed to sell the Kingsway Exchange to the London Tunnels LTD, who hope to invest 140 million into restoring the site, with a further 80 million for the interactive screens. Angus Murray, an Australian banker is the Chief Executive of the London Tunnels LTD, he alongside his backers requires planning commission from Camden Council. Mr Murray said, as reported in The Mail: The history of the tunnels, their scale and the location between Londons Holborn and the historic Square Mile, could make these tunnels one of Londons most popular tourist destinations. We now wish to work with local stakeholders and residents to make this a reality and look forward to hearing their thoughts as we finalise a planning application. The group is set to submit their planning application next month in November 2023. 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 }} South Koreas president will be making a state visit to the UK in November after accepting an invitation from King Charles III. The invite to the countrys top leader, Yoon Suk-yeol, 62, and his wife Kim Keon Hee, 51, has come after a decade after the last such visit by a South Korean president. Then president Park Geun-hye had gone on a state visit to the UK from 5-7 November 2013. The King and Queen Camilla will host the South Korean president and his wife at Buckingham Palace. The specific dates of the trip have not yet been announced. Media reports said a meeting with prime minister Rishi Sunak could be on the cards as well. Royal correspondents reported there would likely be a gun salute, an inspection of the guard and a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace followed by a state banquet. Mr Yoon won the internet during his state visit to the US in April after singing a verse of Don McLeans American Pie at the White House at the request of Joe Biden. Media reports suggested such a performance at the Buckingham Palace would be unlikely. The Telegraph reported it is possible a string orchestra will be playing in the backdrop. Mr Yoons trip will be the second official state visit to the UK during the Kings reign, following South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosas visit in November last year. King Charles and Queen Camilla have just returned from a state visit to France. Even though the exact details of Mr Yoons upcoming visit are not yet public, there could approximately be 150 guests at the formal event that will be held in the Palace ballroom, said reports. Prior to the commencement of the dinner service, the King delivers a speech and raises a toast in honour of the visiting head of state. In turn, the visiting head of state responds with a speech and proposes a toast to the monarch. Previously, the King and Mr Yoon met on the eve of Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral in September last year. Mr Yoon was criticised by politicians from his country for not visiting the late Queens coffin lying in state. He later blamed it on heavy traffic. The King visited South Korea in November 1992. In 2004, King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales was a key guest at a state banquet hosted by his mother for the then-South Korean leader Roh Moo-hyun in London. Additional reporting by agencies 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 }} Former cabinet member and Cop26 president Sir Alok Sharma has announced that he will stand down at the next general election. Sir Alok, who led the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow two years ago, was critical of Rishi Sunaks net-zero climbdown last week. Commenting on the prime ministers watering down of green policies, Sir Alok said he was concerned about the fracturing of UK political consensus on climate action and that chopping and changing policies creates uncertainty for businesses and the public. He is the latest in a number of Tory heavyweights, including Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid, and Ben Wallace, who have decided to stand down at the next general election. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, posted on Tuesday evening, he said: I have this evening informed my local Conservative Association that I have decided not to stand at the next General Election and therefore do not seek to be adopted as the Conservative candidate for the revised seat of Reading West & Mid Berkshire. This has not been an easy decision for me. Sir Alok Sharma speaks onstage during Global Citizen NOW: Climate Sessions 2023 in New York City (Getty Images for Global Citizen) It has been the honour of my life to serve as the MP for a constituency in the town where I grew up and a privilege to serve in government and represent the UK on the international stage. My grateful thanks to all the constituents, local organisations, charities and businesses I have had the pleasure of working with, since being selected as the parliamentary candidate in 2006, as we have campaigned together on a whole range of issues to make our local area a better place to live and work. I will continue to support my Conservative colleagues and serve my constituents diligently for the remainder of my time as an MP, as well as champion in Parliament the causes I care deeply about, especially climate action. Sir Alok was knighted for his contributions as a world leader in the effort to tackle climate change in the 2023 New Year Honours List. The Conservative MP for Reading West, who was elected in May 2010, was appointed full-time president for Cop26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, in January 2021. More than 70 MPs have announced they will not stand again at the next general election. Those standing down include Tory former cabinet ministers Dominic Raab, Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid, and the current defence secretary Ben Wallace. Labour former ministers Harriet Harman and Margaret Hodge have also said they plan to step down, as has the SNPs former leader at Westminster Ian Blackford and select committee chairs Sir Bill Cash, William Wragg and Robin Walker. 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 }} Rishi Sunaks government has been handed a boost after EU officials agreed to discuss post-Brexit plans to apply a tariff on electric cars, ahead of a looming cliff edge deadline on whether to delay the move. The UK is hoping the European Commission will agree to push back the costly new tariff rules set to come into force in January 2024 as part of Boris Johnsons Brexit trade deal. British and EU officials will meet in London on Wednesday and will discuss the tariffs on electric vehicles, with the auto industry also pushing Brussels to delay the rules. The new rules of origin agreed in the Brexit trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) is on the agenda for a summit of the UK-EU trade specialised committee. Brussels has been warned of an existential threat posed by new rules of origin which will require carmakers both in Britain and on the continent to build more batteries domestically. Among the final parts of the Brexit deal agreed by Mr Johnson, the changes require 45 per cent of an electric cars value to originate in the UK or EU to qualify for trade without tariffs. Britains auto industry has already warned post-Brexit cliff edge looming at the start of next year threatens the electric car industry because of the lack of domestic batteries. And the VDA the lobby group for Germanys car industry added to pressure on the EU Commission earlier by saying we must urgently make adjustments to the Brexit deal. The group warned that tariffs would place a significant competitive disadvantage for the European car industry in relation to its Asian competitors in the so important UK market. The UKs Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) previously called for a delay until 2027. Mr Sunak had pushed for talks with Brussels after Vauxhalls parent company Stellantis warned that it will be unable to keep manufacturing in Britain without changes to the trade deal. It comes as Mr Sunak managed to clear up some of the post-Brexit mess by agreeing a deal with Brussels for the UK to rejoin the EUs 85bn Horizon science research scheme. Recommended Brexit boost for UK as Germany backs delay on EU car tariffs The UK has struggled to boost its battery production, with the manufacturer Britishvolt collapsing earlier this year. Tata Group, the owner of Jaguar Land Rover, announced plans in the summer to build an electric car battery factory in the UK. The car giant said it plans to invest more than 4bn at a new plant in Somerset. Mr Sunak called it an incredibly proud moment. 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 major cabinet split has opened up over Rishi Sunaks plan to ditch the northern leg of HS2, as top Tory grandees join ministers in pushing the prime minister to rethink the cancellation. The Independent understands levelling up secretary Michael Gove and transport secretary Mark Harper are very unhappy about the prime ministers plot to axe the route from Birmingham to Manchester. In one of the biggest political stories of the year, this publication first revealed Mr Sunak was in secret talks dubbed Project Redwood with his chancellor Jeremy Hunt to scrap the second phase of the project. Former chancellor George Osborne and ex-deputy PM Lord Heseltine described the proposal as a gross act of vandalism, which would end up being a case of economic self-harm. After the story broke on September 14, Downing Street repeatedly stone-walled before ministers accepted talks over the most dramatic decision in years to stop a 34bn infrastructure spend were taking place. The story has prompted unprecedented fallout, with two former prime ministers attacking Mr Sunak amid a cascade of criticism and cabinet divides. Boris Johnson and David Cameron were joined by ex-chancellor Philip Hammond in urging the PM not to cut the high-speed rail route. Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt are understood to have been surprised by the major backlash from business chiefs, northern mayors and senior Tories and are thought to have delayed a final decision and announcement until after next weeks party conference. A source close to government discussions on HS2 told The Independent: The PM and chancellor have opened up a big rift in the Tory party. There are significant figures in cabinet who are opposed [to ditching HS2]. Michael Gove and Mark Harper are very unhappy. The source added: Theyve bottled any announcement for the moment. The backlash has been so big they are not ready to cancel. They are having to consider how to rephase it. [Sunak] is going to have a very challenging conference in Manchester. Levelling up secretary Michael Gove is understood to be among those who are pushing to save HS2s northern leg (PA) A source close to Mr Gove said they did not recognise the idea of a cabinet rift. Mr Harper declined to comment. Downing Street denied there was ever a plan to announce cuts to HS2 this week, with a No 10 spokesperson saying normal spending discussions were taking place ahead of the chancellors autumn statement in November. A document detailing the financial details for the crunch meeting between Mr Hunt and Mr Sunak was photographed being carried into No 10. Although 2.3bn has already been spent on preparations for phase 2, the Redwood solution suggested 34bn would be saved by abandoning any future plans. Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt are understood to have been considering whether HS2 north of Birmingham could be delayed for up to seven years in order to move costs into a future parliament kicking phase 2 into the long grass. But northern Tory MPs are still hopeful parts of the project can be rescued. They have raised it with the party whips, and are pushing to speak to the PM and the chancellor in a bid to save key parts of the project and get guarantees on Northern Powerhouse Rail investment. Some of the pro-HS2 Tories would be able to live with phase 2a from Birmingham to Crewe being delayed, as long as crucial parts of phase 2b the Crewe to Manchester section are accelerated. The Tory rebels want to see a high-speed section between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. A senior northern Tory MP close to the HS2 project told The Independent: I dont expect an announcement before the conference. They would be very unwise to cancel everything there would be a major backlash. Tory grandees (clockwise from top left) Philip Hammond, Boris Johnson, George Osborne, David Cameron and Michael Heseltine want HS2 built in full (Getty/PA) Writing in The Times, Mr Osborne and Lord Heseltine said governments are remembered for what they build and create make this mistake and yours may only be known for what it cancelled and curtailed. Lord Heseltine later said that ditching the northern phase of the project would leave it as a toy town rail line. The Tory peer added that it would send a very clear signal that the levelling up agenda has been put on deep freeze. Mr Hammond said work done when he was at the Treasury showed that HS2 had to go to Manchester and Euston, telling the Express: Anything else was a false economy The project was always about capacity. We needed more rail capacity from Manchester to London. Andy Street, the Tory mayor of the West Midlands, said axing the northern leg would make it the most expensive white elephant in UK history. Mr Johnson has warned against a mutilated HS2, while Mr Cameron is believed to have privately raised concerns about the prospect that the high-speed rail line could be ditched. Jason McCartney, the Tory MP for Colne Valley, told The Independent he wanted HS2 delivered in full to Manchester and Leeds with full connectivity to Northern Powerhouse Rail, but added: I acknowledge its well over budget and its right that the PM takes a pragmatic view. Sunak and Hunt are under pressure to rethink cancellation plans (Downing Street) Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said he would write to Mr Sunak to warn him that scrapping HS2 would rip the heart out of Northern Powerhouse Rail and create a north-south chasm. The Labour mayor insisted that if Mr Sunak wanted to ditch HS2 he should call a general election and get a mandate first. It is understood that the government still plans to cut the southern part of HS2, terminating at Old Oak Common and not continuing to Euston, sparking fresh outrage on Monday. Experts said it would cause a commercial and operational mess. Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said the chaos around HS2 makes him want to weep and warned a truncated project would be a total waste of money. Dozens of leading business chiefs including the heads of Manchester Airports Group and Virgin Money signed a letter to the government urging HS2 to be built in full. A group of 10 vice-chancellors of universities in the West Midlands has also called on Mr Sunak to commit to high-speed rail. Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: The government has heard the voice of business and northern mayors its time to listen. No 10 repeatedly declined to comment on speculation about the future of HS2 on Monday but pointed out that there was precedent for delaying parts of the line due to affordability. 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 }} Suella Braverman has sparked a furious backlash over nasty comments in which she claimed that fearing persecution over being gay or a woman is not enough to claim asylum. The home secretary used a speech in the US on Tuesday to say that simply being gay, or a woman should not by itself be enough to gain protection under international refugee laws. LGBT+ and human rights campaigners dubbed Ms Braverman a dangerous fool, while Conservative moderates and opposition parties accused her of pushing dog whistle politics to boost her leadership credentials with the Tory right. Ms Braverman called on world leaders to make major changes to the UN Refugee Convention, arguing it had become far too generous to migrants, during her address to a right-wing think tank in Washington DC. The home secretary said: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. She added: But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. The cabinet minister also said multiculturalism had failed, claimed uncontrolled immingration was an exsitential challenge for the West and argued that fears of being branded racist was preventing leaders from reforming global asylum policy. Andrew Boff a leading Tory London Assembly member who is patron of the LGBT+ Conservatives group told The Independent that Ms Braverman was indulging in dog whistle politics to appeal to the right. Mr Boff said: All this chitter chatter is not government policy its just dog whistling to a section of people who feel that we are being flooded with gays. Its just ridiculous. What Suella should be doing is sorting out the heap of crap at the Home Office. Its not good trying to distract from failure at the Home Office by trying to indicate that this is a problem with the victims of persecution. A senior Tory MP told The Independent: Its a tone deaf cynically manufactured piece of nonsense. Rather than seeking scapegoats left, right and centre, she should get on with her job. Unfortunately, it seems she isnt up to it. The Conservative added that everything she does is aimed at being the flagbearer for the Tory right in a leadership contest if the party loses next years general election. Suella Braverman is under fire again (PA) Labour MP Ben Bradshaw also told The Independent: Everything Braverman says is about a future leadership election. Its a classic dog whistle to the Tory membership who are increasingly right wing. Its shameful that we have a home secretary thats prepared to play politics with peoples lives. SNP MP Stewart McDonald said gay asylum seekers and refugees make up a tiny minority of asylum cases. So to single them out in her campaign to be the next Tory leader, Braverman yet again displays appalling, nasty and cruel instincts that are at odds with common decency, he tweeted. A spokesperson for the Rainbow Migration charity said: We are appalled to hear that the home secretary is questioning the legitimacy of LGBTQI+ people claiming asylum in the UK. They added: The governments own statistics suggest that only 2 per cent of all asylum claims in 2022 included sexual orientation as a reason for needing protection. A spokesperson for the Women 4 Refugee Women said Ms Bravermans comments were absurd since members of the LGBT+ community face specific and particular harms based on their gender or sexuality. Amnesty International UKs Steve Valdez-Symonds called Ms Braverman a dangerous fool who is doing enormous harm at huge cost. He said bad-mouthing international agreements would not change the realities that cause people to flee from persecution. Leanne MacMillan, director of global programmes at Stonewall, said Ms Bravermans remarks were incredibly concerning. She said: The implication that LGBTQ+ and women asylum seekers are using their identities to falsely claim asylum en masse is unhelpful and unsound. Rishi Sunak and Braverman have promised to stop the boats (Getty/PA) Home Office minister Chris Philp backed up Ms Braverman by saying some people are falsely claiming to be persecuted, telling Times Radio that some people claim to be gay when theyre not. Ms Braverman has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) claiming it is thwarting the efforts of Rishi Sunaks government to send asylum seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, another measure designed to reduce the number of small boat crossings. The home secretary used her address at the American Enterprise Institute to suggest reform of the UN Refugee Convention. Ms Braverman said the landmark international protocol of 1951 the basis of the global asylum system which has been signed by 146 countries should be replaced with something fit for our modern age. She also argued that Channel migrants should no longer be treated as refugees. Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril ... None of them have good cause for illegal entry. What we have seen in practice is an interpretative shift away from persecution in favour of something more akin to a definition of discrimination, she said. The practical consequence has been expanding the number of those who qualify for asylum and lower the threshold for doing so. Some asylum seekers 'claim to be gay when theyre not,' says Home Office minister In a wide-ranging speech she claimed multiculturalism had failed and argued that uncontrolled and illegal migration was an existential challenge for the political and cultural institutions of the West. Ms Braverman also said the small boats crisis in the English Channel is threatening national security. She told the US audience there were increasing signs of illegal migration being exploited by hostile states such as Russia and its mercenary Wagner group. Mr Sunaks home secretary said fears of being branded racist or illiberal was hindering states from reforming the global asylum rules, arguing that concerns over immigration do not make one an idiot or a bigot. Ms Braverman also said Britons are angered by people jumping the queue to come to the UK which she contrasted with her parents migrating to the UK lawfully. She added that it was no betrayal of my parents story to say that immigration must be controlled. Questioning her focus, senior Tory MP David Davis told The Independent: If our primary strategy is to try to approach the UN, it will take a long time. Wouldnt it be quicker to focus on our own methods of dealing with the problem? The former cabinet minister added: The Home Office is just not very good. If the Home Office was more capable in managing our immigration policy we might not be facing these difficulties. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: The home secretary has so totally lost grip of the asylum crisis at home, that she is choosing to target and lash out at LGBT+ people to distract from her failures instead. 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 }} Fearing persecution over being gay or a woman is not enough to claim asylum Suella Braverman will argue in a keynote speech on Tuesday using her US visit to call on world leaders to change the UN Refugee Convention. Ms Braverman will controversially argue that channel migrants should no longer be treated as refugees and claim current asylum laws create a huge incentive for illegal immigration. The home secretary will use her address at the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, to set out a new blueprint for international efforts to tackle the crisis. Ms Braverman will say the landmark international protocol of 1951 the basis of the global asylum system which has been signed by 146 countries should be reformed and replaced with something fit for our modern age. It comes as Rishi Sunaks plans to stop the boats - one of his key leadership pledges - is floundering, with almost 24,000 migrants having crossed the English channel in small boats this year. In a bid to grapple control of the crossings, she is expected to say: Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. And, she will add: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. Home secretary Suella Braverman (PA Wire) Home Office minister Chris Philp said some people are falsely claiming to be persecuted, claiming that some people claim to be gay when theyre not. The junior minister told Times Radio on Tuesday: When I was immigration minister I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasnt a same-sex partner at all. Mr Philp also argued that the UNs Refugee Convention needs a rethink. It does need to be looked at on an international basis because weve seen people use asylum claims who are essentially economic migrants, and weve also seen people shopping around between different countries to choose where to claim asylum. But charity the Refugee Council said the conventions principles were just as important today as they have ever been. Chief executive Enver Solomon said: Abandoning them is not an option: We must stand firm in our commitment to all people fleeing persecution and the international frameworks that were created to protect them. Ms Braverman has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) signed in 1950 claiming it is thwarting the efforts of Rishi Sunaks government to send asylum seekers on one-way flights to Rwanda, another measure designed to reduce the number of amall boat crossings. Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age but will suggest it needs to be reformed to stop it offering such wide and generous protections. More than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time, she will say. According to analysis by Nick Timothy and Karl Williams for the Centre for Policy Studies, it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform. Home secretary Suella Braverman to make speech in US (PA Wire) The home secretary is also expected to use her visit this week to seek closer ties with US authorities on tackling illegal migration and people trafficking. She will meet US homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and attorney general Merrick Garland for talks on migration and national security. The Refugee Council warned the UK should be addressing the real issues in the asylum system, such as the record backlog, and providing safe routes for those in need of protection rather than tearing up agreements. But her ideas were welcomed by the chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK. Alp Mehmet said she was right to call out the conventions and suggested the UK should withdraw from both the ECHR and the Refugee Convention if reforms were not made. Nearly 24,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats this year so far, despite Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats, though the number of crossings are down from 2022. The governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled, with the Rwanda plan tied up in the courts. Attempts to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast are on pause after deadly bacteria Legionella was detected onboard. 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 police report into a crash which killed a couple off the M9 described the driver as dangerous and put the blame solely on his actions, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) heard. John Yuill, 28, and Lamara Bell, 25, were discovered on July 8 2015, after their Renault Clio crashed down a steep embankment off the M9 near Stirling. They were reported missing three days earlier, on July 5 2015, when they failed to return from a camping trip with friends. His actions pre-collision can be described as careless or even dangerous Police Scotland report Mr Yuill died at the scena and but Ms Bell suffered injuries and died later in hospital, having lain in the crashed car for three days. Workers in Esso services at Broxden, near Perth, noted Mr Yuill was acting erratically, shortly before the crash, according to a police report which was examined at Falkirk Sheriff Court. The FAI heard Mr Yuill had been caught on a speeding camera on the A9 before entering the services and had hit a parking kerb at 6mph without braking, before leaving at 5.45am. The travel time between the services and crash site would ordinarily take 30 minutes, but investigators believe Mr Yuill was speeding excessively, missed a turning to Falkirk, and steered aggressively, losing control of the car, which spun 180 degrees. The car hit the hard shoulder, and plunged four metres down an embankment, destroying several trees, and was estimated to have happened just before 6am. Mr Yuill obtained a provisional driving licence a few weeks before the crash, and had previously been disqualified from driving, according to the report from Police Scotland. Retired collision investigator Richard McEwan, who worked for Police Scotlands road policing unit, watched CCTV footage from Broxden services at the hearing and identified three occasions when Mr Yuill appeared to staggering as if intoxicated. The police report deemed the cause of the crash was either one or a combination of excess speed, harsh steering, inexperience and intoxication. Mr McEwan said: Ive never come across a situation where a car has knocked a tree down, like this. He said defects, including a tyre which was below the legal tread depth, would not have contributed to the crash, which happened on a dry day with good visibility. A witness who worked in the service station told police his attention was drawn to him (Mr Yuill) as his behaviour was slightly erratic, and the report stated he had been drinking and smoking cannabis during the camping trip. The report said: The collision was instigated by now deceased Yuill a provisional driving licence holder and inexperienced driver. The toxicology report will show whether he has driven this vehicle in an apparently intoxicated condition, having consumed alcohol and smoked cannabis as per witness testimony. His actions pre-collision can be described as careless or even dangerous. He was detected driving at excessive speed travelling north on the A9 and his apparent lack of awareness at Broxden resulted in his vehicle colliding with a kerb. Damage was found on both front wheels consistent with kerb strikes. Investigators are of the opinion that the now deceaseds driving manner was responsible for this collision. The car has been travelling southeast on M9 and from the position of sideways tyre scuffmarks in relation to area of chevrons, it would appear now deceased has been late in reacting to the diverge which would take him towards Falkirk where both deceased resided. Brian McConnachie KC, representing the Yuill family, disputed the description of Mr Yuill as inexperienced, despite acknowledging he never passed a driving test. But Mr McEwan, who worked for Police Scotland for 25 years, said the damage was unlike anything he had seen in his career and insisted Mr Yuill should not have been on the motorway. Mr Williamson said: It could be possible for Mr Yuill to have been driving for a number of years. The idea he is an inexperienced driver comes from the fact he doesnt have a full driving licence. Mr McEwan said: I still stand by my opinion (the car) was travelling at more than 70mph, to see the damage it did. Back in 2015 learner drivers couldnt drive on the motorway, it wasnt allowed. The FAI comes after the family of Ms Bell was awarded more than 1 million in damages from Police Scotland in a civil settlement in December 2021. Three months previously, the force was fined 100,000 at the High Court in Edinburgh after it pleaded guilty to health and safety failings which materially contributed to Ms Bells death. Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone apologised to the families following the court case. The inquiry continues. 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 president of South Korea is to pay a state visit to the UK in November after accepting an invitation from the King. Charles and the Queen will host Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee at Buckingham Palace. It will be the second incoming state visit of the Kings reign, after South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosas stay last autumn. Charles and Camilla have just returned from a busy state visit to France. Mr Yoon, 62, carried out a state visit to the US in April when he belted out a verse of one of his favourite songs, American Pie, at a White House dinner at the request of President Joe Biden. The South Korean leader, who has secured a landmark deal with the US to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, is unlikely to deliver a similar performance at the palace. State banquets in the royal residences grand ballroom are traditionally a sedate affair, with speeches, toasts and a sit down dinner for more than 160 guests, with a string orchestra usually providing the musical backdrop. The King and the South Korean president met previously at the reception for heads of state and official overseas guests at the palace on the eve of the late Queens funeral. Mr Yoons opponents accused him of being disrespectful during his trip to London after he missed the chance to view the late Queens coffin lying in state which he blamed on heavy traffic. He was also caught on microphone swearing after a chat with Mr Biden at the UN general assembly the following week, with the footage going viral in his home country. Mr Yoon has warned fellow world leaders about possible co-operation between North Korea and Russia after North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The King sent his good wishes to the people of North Korea earlier this month to mark the countrys national day, but the Government insisted it was not a message of support for Mr Kim and his regime. The King also expressed his condolences to the people of South Korea in 2022 after more than 150 people were killed in a crowd surge during Halloween festivities in Itaewon, Seoul, with the Prince and Princess of Wales also sending their love and prayers. Charles, as the Prince of Wales, was a key guest at a state banquet hosted by his mother for the then-South Korean leader Roh Moo-hyun in London in 2004. The King visited South Korea in November 1992. He carried out the tour with his then-wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, but the pair were branded The Glums for looking ill at ease together and a month later it was announced Charles and Diana were separating. 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 }} Politicians need to consider whether international refugee rules are fit for our modern age or are in need of reform, Suella Braverman is expected to say during a visit to the US. The Home Secretary will question whether the United Nations Refugee Convention 1951 should be reformed in a speech she is due to make on Tuesday. Ms Braverman will use a keynote speech at the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, to set out a blueprint for international efforts to tackle the refugee crisis. The senior Cabinet minister has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce tough policies such as the Rwanda scheme. The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable Home Secretary Suella Braverman In a keynote speech Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age. But more than 70 years on, we now live in a completely different time, she will add, telling the audience: According to analysis by Nick Timothy and Karl Williams for the Centre for Policy Studies, it now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. It is therefore incumbent upon politicians and thought leaders to ask whether the Refugee Convention, and the way it has come to be interpreted through our courts, is fit for our modern age. Or whether it is in need of reform. She will also argue that tests for how refugees are defined have changed, lowering the threshold for claiming asylum. Ms Braverman will say: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. She is expected to add: The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable. The Home Secretary is expected to use her visit to seek closer ties with US authorities on tackling illegal migration and people trafficking. She will meet US homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and attorney general Merrick Garland for talks on migration and national security. As Ms Braverman mulled over reform of the convention ahead of the visit, her ideas were welcomed by the chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK. Alp Mehmet said she was right to call out the conventions and suggested the UK should withdraw from both the ECHR and the Refugee Convention if reforms were not made. But the Refugee Council warned the UK should be addressing the real issues in the asylum system, such as the record backlog, and providing safe routes for those in need of protection rather than tearing up agreements. Freedom from Torture chief executive Sonya Sceats said: Having already trampled over international law with the Illegal Migration Act, it is shocking to see the Home Secretary imploring the US and other democracies to tear up treaties designed to protect human rights. This will make the world an even more dangerous place, and not just for torture survivors seeking safety, but for all of us. Labour shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Ms Braverman has given up on fixing the Tories asylum chaos and is looking for anyone else to blame. On her watch, dangerous boat crossings are up, the backlog of undecided cases is at a record high, returns are down by 70% and the taxpayer is now spending an astronomical 8 million a day on hotels all because the Conservatives have time and again offered cheap gimmicks instead of getting a proper grip, she said. And instead of enhancing international co-operation to go after the criminal gangs and build long-term solutions, this Government has made it harder to get other countries to work with us by undermining international agreements that they still want other countries to abide by and offering no solutions. Nearly 24,000 people have been detected crossing the English Channel in small boats this year so far, despite Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats, though the number of crossings are down from 2022. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled, with the Rwanda plan currently tied up in the courts, while attempts to accommodate 500 migrants on a barge off the Dorset coast are on pause after deadly bacteria Legionella was detected aboard. 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 Princess of Waless visit to a textile mill had her marvelling at the fabric used for her husbands wedding military uniform and she loved the smell of the wool used in the process. Kate visited Yorkshire manufacturer AW Hainsworth and was given a guided tour of the business, from yarn to fabric, at the firm which has a close association with her family. The company, based in the small town of Pudsey, makes textiles for a range of clients, from fashion houses like Gucci and woven felt for Steinway pianos to the red tunics worn by guardsmen, and bought a woollen manufacturer from the princesss family in the 1950s. Amanda McLaren, AW Hainsworths managing director, said after the visit: Her love for textiles was clearly there. She was commenting that she loved the smell of wool, for example. She was fascinated by some of the traditional processes and also things like the dye house where she could see the fabric that is worn by the Buckingham Palace guardsbeing dyed red, and it really brought home to her the intricacies of the process and the skills of our people. For his 2011 wedding, William wore his Irish Guards military uniform, reflecting his role at the time as Colonel of the Irish Guards. Wearing an emerald green Burberry suit, Kate chatted to Zeb Akhtar, senior weaver trainer, who talked her through the process of weaving the fabric for the military tunics. Later Mr Akhtar said the royal guest had asked if the machines were ever stopped: And as we were talking one of the ends broke and the machine stopped automatically. As the visit came to an end she was shown a dummy wearing the full guardsman outfit of bearskin, scarlet tunic and trousers, and ran her hands over the merino wool fabric of the jacket. Rachel Hainsworth, a seventh generation of the family-run business who sits on AW Hainsworths family council, chatted to Kate about Lupton & Co, the woollen business they bought from Kates paternal family. She said about Kate: She knows about the history, her parents have been talking to her about it, and she was interested to hear how the Lupton company specialised in collar Melton a piece of woollen cloth used to give body and definition to a jacket collar. Ms Hainsworth added: It was a time when it was an amalgamation of all the textile industries, when people were struggling and we were starting to get the imports from overseas. Later, the Princess of Wales continued the textiles theme to her day, crossing the Pennines to visit Standfast & Barracks, a printworks dating back to 1924, in Lancaster. The firm, now part of the Sanderson Design Group, is renowned for its heritage in textile design and creativity and employs around 160 staff to design and print 35,000 metres of printed fabrics each week. Kate spent more than an hour touring the factory, speaking to staff and directors, who gave her a demonstration of their work, from conventional flatbed printing, of the design known as, Strawberry Thief to rotary printing of a design, Mr Fox, to printing the design Hollyhocks using digital printing, a more sustainable technique, with each metre of fabric produced using approximately 80 litres less water than the traditional way. While on the visit, Kate also met the founders of House of Hackney, a British interiors brand, Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle, who champion print and craftsmanship, to preserve specialist age-old trades. They are now collaborating with Standfast & Barracks, to pioneer sustainable, traceable materials in their work. Mr Royle said: The whole re-gen thing is quite important to us, so we have been on this journey looking at all our fabrics. Kate said: There is a growing need, isnt there? And some understanding, from the consumer, about where their products come from. Later, Kate rounded off her tour by meeting Peter Elliston, the factorys longest-serving employee, who will clock up half a century at the firm in November. His granddaughter, Emily May Catto, aged 7, handed over a picture she had drawn and a posy of flowers to Kate, who crouched down to speak to the beaming youngster. Emily shares an interest in dance with Kates own daughter, eight-year-old Princess Charlotte. Mr Elliston said: She asked her about what colours she liked. She said keep up dancing. She told us about her daughter, Charlotte, she likes ballet and tap. 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 }} Nelson Mandelas granddaughter Zokela Mandela has died aged 43, the familys spokesperson said. Ms Mandela died after being admitted to hospital a week earlier with metastised liver cancer. The 43-year-old was admitted to hospital on 18 September where scans revealed her liver cancer had spread to her hip, liver, lung, brain, pelvis, and spinal cord, a statement said. Zoleka passed away on the evening of Monday, September 25, surrounded by friends and family, it continued. Our sincerest gratitude to the medical team that took care of her. Ms Mandela was diagnosed with liver cancer last year and documented her journey with the disease on her Instagram account. The 43-year-old was previously diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 and underwent treatment including a double mastectomy. She regularly posted updates on her social media pages, encouraging women to get checked for cancer. In 2016, she told the BBC: It is important for women to speak out, get tested, perform their own examinations. Silence cancer before it silences you. Ms Mandela was the daughter of Nelson Mandelas daughter Zindzi Mandela. She was a mother-of-six, and had two grandchildren. In 2010, her 13-year-old daughter died in a car crash near South African capital Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela's grandaughter Zoleka (L) and Ndileka Mandela arriving at the MediClinic Heart hospital in Pretoria to visit their grandfather (AFP/Getty) Ms Mandela revealed in her memoir When Hope Whispers she struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and was in hospital recovering from a suicide attempt when she heard the news of her daughters crash. She reportedly checked herself into rehab soon after. The 43-year-old previously spoke of her regret that her activisim did not begin until after her grandfathers death in 2013 at the age of 95. I spent so much time abusing drugs and alcohol and choosing that over my family and loved ones, she said. I just hope where he is with my daughter he is looking down and thinking she has gotten it right finally. The Nelson Mandela Foundation paid tribute to her, writing: We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation. When her inspiring memoir When Hope Whispers was published, she graciously signed copies for all our staff and ran a leadership session for the staff around the book. Zoleka was a tireless activist for healthcare and justice. Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time. Hamba kahle Zoleka, we will remember you. 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 }} Canadas Speaker of the House of Commons has resigned over his chamber invitation to a man who fought for the Nazis in the Second World War. Anthony Rota announced he was stepping down from the position on Tuesday after meeting with leaders of all political parties following days of controversy. The blunder took place during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys address to Canadas Parliament on Friday. After Mr Zelenskys speech to Parliament, Mr Rota introduced 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, a man he described as a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mr Zelensky then led a standing ovation for Hunka, who was sat in the parliamentary gallery, which Mr Trudeau has since called deeply embarrassing. Mr Trudeaus office later said that it was given no notice of the presence of Hunka, a Ukrainian veteran who fought in a volunteer unit under Nazi command. After Mr Zelenskys speech, it emerged that Hunka had been part of the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division. Mr Rota apologised to MPs on Monday and said he had not been aware of his constituents involvement with the Waffen-SS Galicia Division. Yaroslav Hunka, right, waits for the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Onatario on 22 September (AP) This House is above any of us, Therefore, I must step down as your Speaker, Mr Rota said on Tuesday. I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognising an individual in the House. Polish officials have said they want Hunka to be extradited to face trial for his role with the unit, which committed atrocities against Poles during the war. Jewish community groups had called for an apology, with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center demanding Mr Rotas resignation. Speaker Rotas decision has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally, said the organisation in a statement on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognize Yaroslav Hunka, who was in attendance in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, on 22 September (AP) This incident has compromised all 338 members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime. Mr Rota, who represents the Northern Ontario riding of Nipissing-Timiskaming, was first elected as Speaker in 2019. 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 }} Philadelphia police are investigating the mysterious death of a flight attendant, who was found dead inside a Marriott hotel room at the citys airport. Officials told The Independent that police arrived at the Marriott around 10.40pm on Monday after the body of a 66-year-old Hispanic woman was discovered in her hotel room. The womans identity has not been released. She was pronounced dead at the scene and had a cloth in her mouth. Police said no arrests have been made and no weapons were recovered from the scene. Police said the woman was transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine the exact cause of death. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the woman worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines, according to NBC10. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told the outlet that the incident was being investigated as a suspicious death; the homicide division is now looking into the incident. There were no indicators of forced entry into the hotel room, he said. He added that the flight attendant seemed to have suffered a sudden death and that she was on several medications. The flight attendant was supposed to have checked out of her hotel room two days prior, according to ABC6. The Independent has reached out to Marriott and American Airlines. 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 }} Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to outrage over the standing ovation he participated in for a war veteran who served in the Nazi Waffen-SS, calling it a mistake and deeply embarrassing to the countrys Parliament. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit on Friday, Canadas House of Commons gave a rousing standing ovation to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran who fought in the Second World War unaware he had served in a Nazi SS unit. Leaders - including Mr Trudeau and Mr Zelensky - were left red-faced when House Speaker Anthony Rota subsequently apologised after it emerged that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, a voluntary unit made up mostly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command. Mr Trudeau issued a statement on Monday condemning Mr Rota for introducing the controversial guest for applause. Obviously it is extremely upsetting that this happened. The speaker has acknowledged his mistake, Mr Trudeau said to the press after the veterans past was been pointed out by various Jewish and Holocaust education organisations. "But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians." Mr Trudeau said he was think[ing] particularly of Canadian Jewish MPs and citizens who were commemorating Yom Kippur. He ended his statement with reassurance that Canada is still committed to supporting Ukraine against the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. I think its gonna be really important that all of us push back against Russian propaganda, Russian disinformation, and continue our steadfast and unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week with announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russias illegal war against it, he concluded. Hunka was sitting in the gallery when he was described as a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero to applause from Mr Trudeau, Mr Zelensky and others present. The Canadian Jewish group CIJA said it was deeply troubled that a Nazi veteran had been celebrated, and said proper vetting is imperative to ensure such an unacceptable incident does not occur again. In a statement, Mr Rota said that on 22 September in my remarks following the address of the president of Ukraine, I recognised an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so. Mr Rota said that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. This initiative was entirely my own, the individual in question being from my riding [district] and having been brought to my attention. I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my actions, the speaker added. The remarks came shortly after Mr Zelensky delivered a passionate speech to the Canadian parliament to bolster support from his Western allies. President Zelensky and PM Trudeau both joined in a standing ovation for a Nazi veteran (Cable Public Affairs Channel) Mr Rota then hailed Hunka as a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero. Following the address, Mr Zelensky, who is Jewish and lost family members during the Holocaust, raised his fist in acknowledgement as the veteran saluted. Hunkas Nazi unit are accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians, and were visited by SS leader Heinrich Himmler in 1944 who said his men would be eager to liquidate the Poles. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre said Mr Rotas remarks ignore the horrific fact that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit whose crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well-documented. Recommended In a statement, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said, Canadas Jewish community stands firmly with #Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression. But we cant stay silent when crimes committed by Ukrainians during the Holocaust are whitewashed. Since his invasion in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine harbours neo-Nazis. 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 leading British crocodile expert has confessed to bestiality and a plethora of animal sexual abuse charges against him in Australia. Adam Robert Corden Britton, 51, began sexually abusing dogs in 2014 and tortured more than 42 dogs until his arrest in April last year. Out of the 42, 39 dogs died, an Australian court said on Monday. Britton worked as a zoologist and crocodile specialist in NT and once hosted David Attenborough on his property during the filming of the Bafta-winning BBC docuseries Life in Cold Blood. Britton used to film himself torturing the animals and then posted videos of on online platforms using pseudonyms, where he also accessed child abuse material. One of the videos he circulated on online forums was sent to the Northern Territory (NT) Animal Welfare Branch and then passed on to the NT police who arrested Britton in April last year. Britton pleaded guilty to 56 counts in the NT Supreme Court on Monday. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of accessing and transmitting child abuse material. NT chief justice Michael Grant offered members of the public gallery, security staff and media the opportunity to leave the court before prosecutor Marty Aust read out the agreed facts of the charges against Britton. These facts contain material that can only be described as grotesque and perverse acts of cruelty which is confronting and distressing and which in my assessment have the potential to cause nervous shock, prosecutor Marty Aust said. Either way Ill leave that up to you, but the potential has been described. Details of the case have not been made public due to the graphic nature of the crimes by Britton, who was an academic at the Charles Darwin University. Australian zoologist Adam Britton (back left) measures a captive crocodile in 2011 (AFP via Getty Images) The offender has had a sadistic sexual interest in animals and in particular dogs, Mr Aust said. Britton often built a rapport with the dog owners in negotiating taking custody of their animals, many of whom had to reluctantly give their pets away due to travel or work commitments. Britton has been remanded in custody since his arrest in April 2022. He will return to court in December for his sentencing. He moved to northern Australia about 20 years ago from the UK, where he was born and completed his PhD in zoology at the University of Bristol. If you are a child and you need help because something has happened to you, you can call the NSPCC free of charge on 0800 1111. You can also call the NSPCC if you are an adult and you are worried about a child, on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adults on 0808 801 0331. 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 }} Canadas House of Commons gave a rousing standing ovation to a Ukrainian veteran who fought in the Second World War unaware he had served in a Nazi SS unit. Yaroslav Hunka, 98, was sitting in the gallery when he was described as a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero to applause from prime minister Justin Trudeau and president Volodymyr Zelensky. However, leaders were left red-faced when House speaker Anthony Rota subsequently apologised after it emerged that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, a voluntary unit made up mostly of ethnic Ukrainians under Nazi command. Volodymyr Zelensky and Justin Trudeau join a standing ovation for the Nazi veteran (AP) In a statement, Mr Rota said that on 22 September in my remarks following the address of the president of Ukraine, I recognised an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so. Mr Rota said that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. This initiative was entirely my own, the individual in question being from my riding [district] and having been brought to my attention. I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my actions, the speaker added. Yaroslav Hunka was praised as a Ukrainian hero and received a standing ovation (AP) The Canadian Jewish group CIJA said it was deeply troubled that a Nazi veteran had been celebrated, and said proper vetting is imperative to ensure such an unacceptable incident does not occur again. The remarks came shortly after Mr Zelensky delivered a passionate speech to the Canadian parliament to bolster support from his Western allies. Mr Rota then hailed Hunka as a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero. Following the address, Mr Zelensky, who is Jewish and lost family members during the Holocaust, raised his fist in acknowledgement as the veteran saluted. Hunkas Nazi unit are accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians, and were visited by SS leader Heinrich Himmler in 1944 who said his men would be eager to liquidate the Poles. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre said Mr Rota's remarks ignore the horrific fact that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit whose crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well-documented. Since his invasion in February 2022, Russian president Vladimir Putin has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine harbours neo-Nazis. 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 }} Donatella Versace slammed the Italian government for what she described as anti-gay policies in a heartfelt and personal speech that referenced her late brother, Gianni Versace, while receiving a fashion award this weekend. Our government is trying to take away peoples rights to live as they wish," Versace said in a speech Sunday night, citing in particular a government policy that allows only the biological parent in same-sex couples to be officially recognized as the parent. They are restricting our freedoms, she said. We must all fight for freedom, in a time that still sees trans people suffering terrible violence, a time when children of same-sex couples are not considered their children, a time when minority voices are attacked by new laws,'' Versace said. The speech received a standing ovation from a fashion crowd at La Scala, where Versace received a humanitarian award. Gay rights activists praised her for clearly challenging the governments actions, but called on the entire fashion community to do more. Donatella Versace was the first person in Italy to be so clear and explicit in the face of the governments homophobic politics, said Franco Grillini, a longtime gay rights activist. She is one of the most important names in fashion, and I invite others to follow her example. Besides blocking recognition of children of same-sex couples, Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government is pushing through legislation that would ban seeking a surrogate abroad, making it punishable with prison terms and stiff penalties. A 2004 law already banned surrogacy within Italy. The head of Italys Gay Party also praised Versaces support and called on her to back their campaign to get a a referendum on gay marriage on the Italian ballot. They hope to begin gathering signatures in January, aware that this parliamentary majority does not want to give us rights. Italy approved same-sex civil unions in 2016, the last major Western country to do so. Donatella Versaces declaration is important (...) She made clear how this government is diminishing freedoms and rights for the LGBTQ community, said Fabrizio Marrazzo, spokesman for the Gay Party and the referendum for egalitarian marriage. We ask her to support us, in particular the campaign to make marriage for lesbians, gays and trans people the same as for everyone else. Versace, who has been creative director of the fashion house founded by her brother since his 1997 murder, was accompanied to the awards by Alessandro Zan, the Democratic Party lawmaker who drafted legislation expanding anti -discrimination protections to the LGBTQ community. The legislation was stalled even before the Meloni government took office. In a touching moment, Versace also recalled the day her brother Gianni came out to her. I was 11 years old when my brother Gianni told me he was gay. For me it changed nothing. I loved him and I didnt care who he loved, she told the crowd. 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 }} Several parts of Russia, the Black Sea and the Crimean peninsula came under drone attacks from Ukraine in the early hours on Monday, officials said as the strikes disturbed air traffic operations over Moscows two major airports. The Russian air defence systems destroyed four Ukraine-launched drones over the northwestern part of the Black Sea and over the Crimean peninsula, its defence ministry said on Monday. Another four drones were destroyed over Russias bordering cities Kursk and Belgorod, the ministry said in a separate post. The officials did not immediately mention any damage or injuries as a result of the reported attacks. Russias Tula region also came under drone attack in the early hours of Monday as the country engaged its air defence systems to repel strikes, officials said. The air defence was activated over the region bordering Moscow to its north, reported Russian news agency RIA. According to preliminary information, no damage or injuries were reported as a result of the attack, the Russian ministry of regional security said. The latest morning attacks caused limitation of air traffic as two of Moscows major airports the Vnukovo and Domedovo trimmed down operations on Monday. Flights flying into these airports were redirected to other airports, the Tass state news agency reported. A Russian city located right after like Bryansk and Kursk, cities that border Ukraine, Tula has witnessed increasing attacks and power outages recently. In late August, the Russian defence ministry claimed its air defences destroyed two drones over the city, but did not provide further details on the damage and casualties from the interception, if any. It also did not share any precise time and location of the attack. Last week, a loud explosion rocked the Russian city and was followed by a major power outage affecting thousands of people in a district. Local residents reported hearing sounds of an explosion in the vicinity right before the lights went out in Zarechensky district. Around 5,000 residents in the district suffered power outages, RIA reported. However, a Russian official said the two incidents of explosion and power outages were not related. The power blackout was caused by technical failure and not related to any sounds of an explosion, the Russian emergency situations ministry had claimed on Thursday. It also rejected the noise heard by residents to be of explosions and speculated it was caused by an aircrafts transition to supersonic speed. The ministry said work to restore power supply to the Zarechensky will be completed in the near future. 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 }} Hungry and exhausted Armenian families jammed roads to flee Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday, as the United Nations and Washington called on Azerbaijan to protect civilians and let in aid. At least 20,000 of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians who live there have already crossed into Armenia after Azerbaijan launched a swift and successful military operation to defeat separatists who have governed the breakaway region for about 30 years. Hundreds of cars and buses crammed with refugees and their belongings snaked along mountain roads. Some fled packed into the back of open-topped trucks, others on tractors. Grandmother Narine Shakaryan arrived in her son-in-law's old car with six people packed inside. The 48-mile drive had taken 24 hours, she said. They had no food. The whole way the children were crying, they were hungry, Shakaryan told Reuters at the border, carrying her three-year-old granddaughter, who she said had become ill during the journey. We left so we would stay alive. Nearly 50 people, mostly children, scrambled from the back of one large truck. Refugees wait to cross the border, leaving Karabakh for Armenia, at Lachin on Tuesday (AFP/Getty) It rained all night, there was no shelter. The nice driver took some of the children into his cabin to give at least some of them shelter, said Maktar Talakyan, 54, who was travelling with her daughter Anna and her three grandchildren. Annas husband, a demobilised soldier who had fought for the now defeated separatist forces, remains in Karabakh, Talakyan said. As Armenians rushed to leave the Karabakh capital known as Stepanakert by Armenia and Khankendi by Azerbaijan fuel stations were overwhelmed by panic buying; at least 20 people were killed and 290 injured in a massive blaze when a fuel storage facility blew up. USAIDs Samantha Power hugs refugees at the border village of Kornidzor, Armenia (Reuters) I think were going to see the vast majority of people in Karabakh leaving for Armenia, said Thomas de Waal, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Europe think tank. They are being told to integrate into Azerbaijan, a country that theyve never been part of, and most of them dont even speak the language and are being told to dismantle their local institutions. Thats an offer that most people in Karabakh will not accept. In the Armenian capital Yerevan, US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power called on Azerbaijan to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Power, who earlier handed Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan a letter of support from president Joe Biden, said Azerbaijans use of force was unacceptable and that Washington was looking at an appropriate response. She called on Azerbaijans president Ilham Aliyev to live up to his promise to protect ethnic Armenian rights, fully reopen the Lachin corridor that connects the region to Armenia and let in aid deliveries and an international monitoring mission. Aliyev has pledged to guarantee the safety of Karabakhs Armenians but said his iron fist had consigned the idea of the regions independence to history. Asked if she believed Azeri forces had committed atrocities against civilians or combatants in Karabakh, she said: We have heard very troubling reports of violence against civilians. At the same time given the chaos here and the trauma, the gathering of testimonies ... of the people who have come across is something that is just beginning. Ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh walk to Kornidzor to cross the border (AP) United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, said in a statement late on Tuesday: I am following with concern the evolving and fragile humanitarian situation. It is important that the rights of the ethnic Armenian population on the ground are safeguarded and all actions rooted in international law. Protection of all civilians must be an absolute priority. Those affected must have access to humanitarian assistance. The Azerbaijan victory changes the balance of power in the South Caucasus region, a patchwork of ethnicities crisscrossed with oil and gas pipelines where Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, Armenia has relied on a security partnership with Russia, while Azerbaijan grew close to Turkey, with which it shares linguistic and cultural ties. The convoy of cars carrying ethnic Armenians over mountain roads towards Armenia (AP) Armenia has lately sought closer ties with the West and blames Russia, which had peacekeepers in Karabakh but is now preoccupied with the war in Ukraine, for failing to protect Karabakh. Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Felix Light reported for Reuters from the Armenian border village of Kornidzor. 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 20 people have died and almost 300 suffered injuries in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, as ethnic Armenians attempted to flee the contested region. The cause of the blast outside the regional capital of Stepanakert remains unclear, but separatist authorities said 13 bodies have been retrieved from the blast site and seven others succumbed to their injuries. Nearly 290 people have been hospitalised, while scores of them remain in critical condition, the breakaway region's health department said. The blast occurred as residents were lining up to fuel their cars following the Azerbaijan military's attack on separatist forces, which has driven ethnic Armenians out of the region. "A strong explosion occurred in the gasoline warehouse near the Stepanakert-Askera highway, the authorities said in a statement, according to the New York Times. At the moment, rescue and medical operative groups are working on the spot." Yerevan on Tuesday said more than 13,500 people from the conflict zone have fled to Armenia this week so far. The disputed region is home to 120,000 ethnic Armenians. Human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said the condition of the majority of the patients was severe and the medical capacities of Nagorno-Karabakh were insufficient to treat them. "Sanitary aviation must land very urgently to save people's lives," he said on social media X. Videos shared on social media showed local hospitals overwhelmed with patients, some receiving treatment in the hallways of the building. Smoke rising after a fuel depot explosion near Stepanakert (AP) Russian peacekeepers said some of the wounded were treated by their medics and people with serious injuries were rushed to their hospital. One medical helicopter from Armenia has arrived to evacuate the injured, claimed Artak Beglaryan, a former senior official from the disputed region. The Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in a 24-hour gunfight last week that forced separatists to agree to lay down weapons and begin talks on the region's "reintegration" into Azerbaijan after three decades of conflict. Baku has promised to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians and restore supplies after a 10-month-long blockade. Those killed in the blast had queued at the depot after they had been promised fuel, which has been scarce along with food and medical supplies during the blockade. The explosion took place hours after the second round of talks between Azerbaijani officials and separatist representatives was held on Monday in the town of Khojaly. Azerbaijan's presidential office said in a statement that the talks were held "in a constructive atmosphere" and that the discussion focused on humanitarian aid to the region and medical services. The first round was held last week. Azerbaijans move to reclaim control over Nagorno-Karabakh raised concerns that a full-scale war in the region could resume between the two nations, which have been locked in a struggle over Nagorno-Karabakh since a separatist war there ended in 1994. 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 }} Vladimir Putin wants the Ukrainian counteroffensive halted by early October and has instructed Russias defence minister Sergei Shoigu to improve the situation, according to a Kremlin insider cited by a US-based think-tank monitoring the war. Putin reportedly gave Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu a deadline of one month until early October 2023 to improve the situation on the frontlines, stop Ukrainian counteroffensives, and have Russian forces regain the initiative to launch an offensive operation against a larger city, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in an intelligence update on Sunday. It said the Russian military command is likely ordering relentless attacks with the hope of forcing the Ukrainian counteroffensive to culminate, even at a high cost to Russian military capabilities, if the claims are true. The ISW said it has previously seen situations wherein the Russian defence ministry, fearing the imminent loss of Putins favour, has amped up its efforts to purge commanders offering honest but negative views. Russia launched what it called a special military operation in Ukraine in February last year, bringing its neighbour under a full-scale invasion and causing thousands of deaths and displacing millions. Mr Putin had first acknowledged the Ukrainian counteroffensive in June this year and claimed that the war-hit nations troops will not make significant gains against the strong Russian defences. He had also claimed Ukrainian troops would suffer heavy losses of personnel and western military equipment. But the initiative in which Kyiv is looking to push back all Russian forces from Ukraines territory, including the occupied areas, is now well into its fourth month and has registered some important territorial gains this month. President Volodymyr Zelensky has acknowledged the counteroffensive was slow, but added that is was important that we are moving forward every day and liberating territory. A study by the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think-tank, found Ukrainian forces average 700-1,200m of progress every five days. That gives Russian forces time to dig in and especially to mine territory as they pull back. The 3rd Assault Brigade, composed entirely of volunteers and considered one of Ukraines best and most experienced corps, has been fighting almost nonstop in the east since January, while less-experienced units received new training and modern weapons to fight in the south. 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 continues to be silent on the reported death in Crimea of one of Vladimir Putins top navy commanders. Admiral Viktor Sokolov, one of Russias most senior naval officers who commanded the Black Sea Fleet, was reportedly killed along with 33 other officers in a missile attack on the Russian fleets headquarters in the port city of Sevastopol on 22 September. In a rare acknowledgment of a strike on Crimea, Ukraines special forces declared the operation had killed Sokolov along with dozens of other officers and wounded 105 others in an update on Monday. Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraines minister of internal affairs, posted the admirals name and a photo on social media. It is not immediately clear how Ukraines Special Forces counted the dead and wounded in the attack. The Russian defence ministry has not issued any statement to confirm or deny that Sokolov had been killed. In its most recent statement about the attack, the Russian defence ministry said just one serviceman was missing, revising an earlier statement that a man had been killed. The statement claimed Russian air defences had downed five missiles. If confirmed, Sokolovs killing would be one of Kyivs most significant strikes on Crimea, which Russia seized and illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Sokolov would then become the 16th senior commander to have been killed since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine. Among the 15 previously reported killed are Major General Vladimir Frolov, the deputy commander of Russias 8th army, Major General Andrei Sukhovetsky, and Major General Vitaly Gerasimov, the first deputy commander of Russias 41st army. In its update on the Sevastopol strike, Ukraines special forces said the air force fired 12 missiles on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters as it targeted areas where personnel, military equipment and weapons were concentrated. Two anti-aircraft missile systems and four Russian artillery units were hit, the special forces said. Moscow-installed authorities in Sevastopol are reported to be taking extra defensive measures in the face of Ukraines increased attacks on Crimea in recent days. Sevastopol is a critical region providing a platform from which Russia has launched many of its air attacks on Ukraine in the 19-month-long war. Ukraine has steadily ramped up its attacks in the Black Sea and on the Crimean Peninsula and has started using missiles in addition to assault drones. Kyiv has said that destroying the Russian Black Sea fleet would significantly speed up the end of the war. Ukraine resumed its missile strikes on Monday with an attack on a military airfield in Sevastopol. The city remained under an air raid alert for a short while during and after the airstrike. 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 wants to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) more than 15 months after it was expelled for invading Ukraine, according to a renewed pitch it has given to member nations. Russia was kicked out of the UNHRC in April last year during an emergency special session called by the UN months after the invasion began. There were 93 votes cast in favour of the move, 24 against it and 58 abstentions. Officials said the kicking out of Russia signalled the international communitys strong censure of Moscows aggressive actions towards a neighbouring State. The country that has been isolated from the world stage after Vladimir Putins invasion is now circulating a position paper to UN members as an effort to court them for their support, reported the BBC. Moscow has promised to find adequate solutions for human rights issues and claimed it will prevent the council from becoming an instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries, in an indirect reference to the West, the report said. According to the diplomats, Moscow claims it will restore its international credibility at the UN after its forces and regime have been consistently accused of human rights abuses in Ukraine and within its own borders. The UN, in a statement from April last year after the move, issued a grave concern over human rights issues in Ukraine. By the text, the Assembly expressed its grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, noting that the violations were of such a degree that the Russian Federation must forfeit its membership in the intergovernmental body until such time as a review is considered appropriate, the official statement read. The Russian Federation had instrumentalised its place on the UNHRC to spread lies almost daily, the Ukrainian delegate had told the session. Independent UN-backed human rights experts said they have brought up continued evidence of alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, including torture some of it with such brutality that it led to deaths and rape of women aged up to 83 years old. Members of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine also expressed concerns about allegations of genocide by Russian forces and said theyre looking into them. The team said its evidence showed crimes committed on both sides, but vastly more abuses and a wider array of them were committed by Russian forces than by Ukrainian troops. 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 }} Vladimir Putins warplanes have dropped explosive objects into the paths of civilian shipping lanes in the Black Sea, the regions military command said. The occupiers are continuing to terrorise the paths of civilian shipping in the Black Sea with tactical aviation, dropping explosive objects into the likely paths of civilian vessel traffic, it said. There were three such drops registered in the last 24 hours. However, the navigation corridor continues to function under the watch of the defence forces. Ukraine is trying to build up a new shipping lane without Russian approval to revive its vital seaborne exports. But Russia said it would consider any vessel a potential military target after it quit UN-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian goods to pass through. It comes as Ukrainian troops have made confirmed advances against Russia on two fronts, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Geolocated footage posted on 30 October shows that Ukrainian forces have advanced northeast of Kurdyumivka (10km southwest of Bakhmut), it said. Ukrainian forces have also marginally advanced west of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia, according to geolocated footage seen by the think tank. 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 }} Ukraine has launched a fresh missile attack on a military airfield in Crimeas Sevastopol, officials said. Sevastopol, a vulnerable Russian target in Crimea where Moscow parks its Black Sea Fleet, has come under repeated targeting in recent months as Ukraine looks to destroy Vladimir Putins logistics and infrastructure on the peninsula that Russia had illegally annexed in 2014. Russian air defence units downed a missile near the Belbek military airfield in the late hours on Monday, Russian-backed governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said on his official Telegram channel early Tuesday. Sevastopol remained under an air raid alert starting around 11.30pm on Monday, as per Mr Razvozhayevs Telegram message. It continued for an hour, covering midnight, as Russian air defence systems were activated. Traffic on the main bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean peninsula was also impacted during the attack, but was restored shortly after. The raid alert was subsequently lifted around 12.30am, said the Russian-installed governor. This comes just three days after one Ukrainian missile struck the headquarters of Russias Black Sea navy in Sevastopol on 22 September. While Ukraine never directly takes responsibility for attacks on Crimea and other Russian targets, it has expressed satisfaction at the strikes. On Friday, it also indirectly showed the massive attack on Black Sea navy headquarters in its video of Ukrainian attacks on Russian positions. Mr Putins commander of his Black Sea Fleet has been killed in a missile strike in annexed Crimea, according to Ukraine. Admiral Viktor Sokolov was among 34 officers who died when British-made Storm Shadow missiles hit the Russian Navy headquarters in Sevastopol during the devastating attack. The death of Sokolov said to have been handpicked by Mr Putin for the job last year was announced by the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces in a social media update on Monday. Moscow has not yet responded to the claim. The Russian defence ministry initially said the strike had killed one service member, but later issued a statement that he was missing. On Monday, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces said Sokolov was among the 34 killed during the missile strike. They also claimed 105 other occupiers were injured. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Washington would "evaluate any future steps that would prioritize both our democratic and our security goals" in Niger. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Sunday the withdrawal of French troops and diplomats from Niger. 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 }} Ukraine's forces have made a number of breakthroughs against Russian positions in recent weeks as intense fighting rages on in southern and northeastern parts of the country. The counteroffensive launched by Ukraine in June had been making gradual, if slow progress, in pushing back Vladimir Putins troops from land seized since the invasion began. But at the start of the month, there were signs that Kyivs troops were starting to make inroads, as they broke Russias first defensive line near Zaporizhzhia, in the southeast of the country. Brig Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, who is leading Ukraines southern counteroffensive, said that Russian troops had dedicated 60 per cent of their time to its first defence, and only 20 per cent to the second and third lines. He argued this would allow Kyivs forces to attack quicker. Since then Ukrainian forces claim they have taken the village of Robotyne, near Zaporizhzhia, and also broken through at the nearby village of Verbove. In this way Kyivs forces are creeping towards Tokmak, its first major target in the south, as part of its wider strategy to break Russias land bridge that is across occupied southern Ukraine and links Russia with Crimea. Ukraine has had further successes by sending unmanned sea drones and rocket strikes to disrupt the Russian war machine in the Black Sea, specifically targeting the Russian navy base in the city of Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea. View more Two weeks ago they used long-range Storm Shadow missiles from the UK to strike a submarine in the city of Sevastopol in Russian-occupied Crimea. And in a further strike at the headquarters, Ukrainian forces claimed they killed the commander of Russias Black Sea fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, as well as 34 others. Mark Galeotti, professor of Slavonic studies at UCL, described Ukraines progress as akin to how a dam breaks, you get a few cracks and then suddenly a big breach. Russian Black Sea fleet in Sevastapol HQ after shelling attack by Ukraines forces (Sourced) He said: The Ukrainians have been pushing and been trying to find weak spots, theyve been hammering away at Russias supply lines and so forth. In some ways it was inevitable that they would make some progress, particularly once they had adapted their tactics so that they were more geared towards sending small units to try and clear a way through the minefields rather than thinking they could just bull their way. Because after all the Russians have pretty effective defenses in place. I think the trouble is we have a tendency to pendulum swing in our analysis, between gloom and doom and triumphalism. Momentum matters, but only up to a point and I think yes the Ukrainians have made progress. Theyve taken heavy losses in the course of that. The Russians, they are not showing any sign of collapsing, its still hard fought. Stem, a member of the elite Ukrainian drone unit, attaches a bomb to an exploding drone in the outskirts of Kremmina, Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Mr Galeotti said although Ukraine appears to have made some ingresses in recent weeks that there is no sign of panic in Moscow. They still have reserves, they are still in the fight and quite frankly, none of these things are wa- winning moments. There is nothing the Ukrainians could do to bring the war to a conclusion this side of Christmas. So its really a question of how far can the Russians hold. He added that Kyiv will hope to push their counteroffensive further south and sever the land bridge that is across occupied southern Ukraine that links Russia with Crimea. Mr Galeotti added: Failing that at least push south far enough that the road and rail links to Crimea come under fire-control, in other words, artillery can reach it. Then in effect you can start to, for want of a better word, besiege Crimea, you can bring down the Crimean bridge, you can target ships and planes bringing in supplies, you can cut the supply routes. The point about Crimea is it matters to Russians, ordinary Russians, in a way that none of the rest of Ukraine does. So there is a hope that if Crimea becomes under threat that might Putin to the negotiating table. 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 }} ChatGPT has a new upgrade that lets the viral artificial intelligence tool see, hear, and speak, according to OpenAI. The update for OpenAIs artificial intelligence chatbot will allow users to have voice conversations with the AI chatbot and interact with it using images as well, the firm said in a blog post on Monday. ChatGPT can now see, hear, and speak, the firm also said in a post on X/Twitter. The features will be rolled out over the next two weeks and enable users to use voice to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with the AI assistant. With the new features, ChatGPT can be used to request a bedtime story for your family, or settle a dinner table debate, according to the company, bringing it closer to the services offered by Amazons Alexa or Apples Siri AI assistants. Providing an example of how the feature works, OpenAI shared a demo in which a user asks ChatGPT to come up with a story about the super-duper sunflower hedgehog named Larry. The chatbot replies to the query with a human-like voice and also responds to questions such as What was his house like? and Who is his best friend? OpenAI said the voice capability is powered by a new text-to-speech model that generates human-like audio from just text and a few seconds of sample speech, the company said. We collaborated with professional voice actors to create each of the voices. We also use Whisper, our open-source speech recognition system, to transcribe your spoken words into text, the company said. The AI firm believes the new voice technology is capable of crafting realistic-sounding synthetic voices from just a few seconds of real speech, and could opens doors to many creative applications. However, the company also cautioned that the new capabilities may also present new risks such as the potential for malicious actors to impersonate public figures or commit fraud. Another major update to the AI chatbot allows users to upload an image and ask ChatGPT about it. Troubleshoot why your grill wont start, explore the contents of your fridge to plan a meal, or analyze a complex graph for work-related data, OpenAI explained. This new feature, according to the company, also lets users focus on a specific part of the image using a drawing tool in the ChatGPT mobile app. This kind of multimodal recognition by the chatbot has been forecast for a while, and its new understanding of images is powered by multimodal GPT-3.5 and GPT-4. These models can apply their language reasoning skills to a range of images, including photographs, screenshots and documents. OpenAI said the new features will roll out within the next two weeks in the app for paying subscribers of ChatGPTs Plus and Enterprise services. Were excited to roll out these capabilities to other groups of users, including developers, soon after, the AI firm 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 Gatwick Airport is forcing airlines to cancel dozens of flights for the rest of the week because of staff shortages in air-traffic control blamed on Covid. The airport is imposing a daily cap on the number of flights until Sunday a move that will see tens of thousands of passengers delayed, cancelled or diverted to other airports. It is the third air-traffic control slowdown at the airport so far this month, with easyJet being the airline most affected. Almost one-third of staff in the control tower at Gatwick the worlds busiest single-runway airport are unable to work for a variety of medical reasons including Covid leading to a reduced flow rate of flights. More than 40 flights were cancelled over the weekend, and now the airport has limited airlines to a total of 800 takeoffs and landings a day. This is much lower than the planned 840 on Thursday, 865 on Friday, and 830 on Sunday. Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick, said: This has been a difficult decision but the action we have taken today means our airlines can fly reliable flight programmes, which gives passengers more certainty that they will not face last-minute cancellations. We are working closely with Nats to build resilience in the control tower, and this decision means we can prevent as much disruptions as possible. London Gatwick would like to apologise to any passengers who have been impacted by these restrictions. By far the largest number of cancellations will be on easyJet by far the largest airline at Gatwick. Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: While it is regrettable that a temporary limit on capacity at Gatwick airport is required, we believe that it is the right action by the airport so on-the-day cancellations and delays can be avoided. Gatwick airport and Nats now need to work on longer term plan so the resilience of air-traffic control at Gatwick is improved and fit for purpose. Our call for a more wide-ranging review of Nats remains so the broader issues can be examined so it can deliver robust services to passengers now and in the future. In a statement, Nats said: We have worked very closely with Gatwick airport throughout. Given the levels of sickness we have experienced over the last few weeks we believe it is the responsible thing to do to limit the number of flights this week in order to reduce the risk of daily disruption to passengers using the airport. With 30 per cent of tower staff unavailable for a variety of medical reasons including Covid, we cannot manage the number of flights that were originally planned for this week. Our operational resilience in the tower will improve as our staff return to work and we move out of the summer schedule, which is particularly busy at Gatwick. We continue to train additional air traffic controllers and expect another group to qualify to work in the tower over coming months, ready for next summer. Even an experienced air traffic controller takes at least nine months to qualify at Gatwick and very few are able to do so, as Gatwick is such a busy and complex air traffic environment. Daniel Wilkes, a consultant psychiatrist from Angus, was booked on the 7.15pm flight from Gatwick to Edinburgh. It was cancelled at 8.40pm. He told The Independent: I just cant believe the lack of contingency planning from Nats for staff sickness and that this is happening again. Plus, airports and airlines have had quite a while to firm up their processes for cancellations, and yet always the poorly managed scrum ensues. Bizarrely, we were made to exit through border control. I didnt even have my passport as it was a domestic flight. Dr Wilkes switched to a Monday morning easyJet flight from London Stansted to Edinburgh, which he reached by Uber at a price of 100 and booked a hotel at the Essex airport for an additional 159. Fingers crossed [the airline] pays, he said. Another easyJet passenger, nurse Katie Williams, was one of hundreds affected by the cancellation of six flights between Gatwick and Amsterdam. She found an alternative flight home on British Airways, but at a fare of 666. Under air passengers rights rules, easyJet is required to cover the cost of accommodation and additional transport when a flight is cancelled regardless of the reason for the flight being grounded. A respected FBI agent has claimed that the Cambridge graduate who suspiciously died at a house party attended by Pete Doherty in 2006 was murdered. In the new Channel 4 documentary Pete Doherty, Who Killed My Son? FBI instructor Grant Fredericks used groundbreaking 3D technology to recreate Mark Blancos last moments at the drug-fuelled party in an east London flat. Almost 17 years after her sons death, Shelia Blanco remains convinced that her son was pushed off a first-floor balcony, a suggestion backed up by the FBI technology which suggests another body had been on the balcony moments before Mark died. Our sympathies remain with the family of Mark Blanco. Police conducted an investigation of all the evidence available following his death, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Mr Blancos death. Following the initial investigation, the death has been subject to various reviews by the Met; where areas for re-investigation were highlighted, these were progressed by homicide detectives, and we have undertaken expert analysis of the CCTV footage. The investigation into the death remains ongoing and any new evidence or information will be assessed by detectives. The moment two Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Cuban Embassy in Washington DC on Sunday (24 September) has been captured on CCTV. Secret Service officers were called around 8pm to respond to the attack on a busy street in the Adams-Morgan section of the city. There was no significant damage and no one was injured, spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on Monday. Molotov cocktails are a type of crude grenade made from a bottle filled with flammable liquid and a wick thats lit just before its thrown. In 2020, a Cuban man who sought asylum in the US opened fire with an AK-47 at the Cuban Embassy, spraying the front of the building with nearly three dozen rounds. Donald Trump said that windmills are driving whales a little batty and causing marine mammals to die in numbers never seen before as he went on a bizarre tirade in South Carolina. The former president also attacked Joe Bidens regulations on speed boats as he spoke at a rally in the town of Summerville on Monday 25 September. Vowing to overturn the regulations on day one of a return to the White House, he criticised the speed limits put in place to stop whale strikes. Mr Trump then turned the focus on windmills and said they are causing whales to die in numbers never seen before. The son of serial killer Peter Sutcliffes first victim has said he forgives his mothers killer following a meeting with Desmond Tutu. Richard McCann was just five when his mother Wilma was murdered by Sutcliffe. A new ITV drama The Long Shadow follows the five-year hunt for Sutcliffe, which was one of the largest manhunts in British history. Ms McCanns son, Richard, appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. He said: I let go of the anger and the need for revenge in 2010 when I met Desmond Tutu. We spoke about forgiveness and I let go of that and forgave him. The Philippines Coast Guard said Monday (25 September) it has complied with a presidential order to remove a floating barrier placed by Chinas coast guard to prevent Filipino fishing boats from entering a lagoon in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Philippine officials condemned the installation of the 300-meter-long barrier at the entrance to the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal as a violation of international law and their Southeast Asian nations sovereignty. Chinese coast guard vessels laid the rope and net barrier, held up by buoys, last week as a Philippine government fisheries vessel approached and more than 50 fishing boats swarmed outside the shoal. Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, who both face human trafficking charges in Romania, appeared at a Bucharest court on Tuesday (26 September). Footage showed the brothers answering questions from a reporter as they made their way to court. The hearing was to ask that the current judicial measures imposed on them be lifted, alongside measures that saw a number of their assets seized during investigations. The court postponed making a decision on the judicial measures until this Thursday and set a new date to discuss the asset seizures for early November. The Tate brothers are charged in Romania with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women. They deny the charges against them. Taylor Schabusiness has been sentenced to life without parole for the brutal murder of her boyfriend Shad Thyrion. Schabusiness, 25, strangled Thyrion, 24, with a dog collar in February last year during a meth-fuelled sex act. She then decapitated his body and dumped his head in a bucket for his traumatised mother to find inside her home in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Judge Thomas Walsh handed her life without the possibility of extended supervision for murder, plus an additional ten and a half years for mutilation of a corpse and sexual assault. #PROINVERSION inicia Roadshows en Europa para atraer a inversionistas de Reino Unido, Italia y Espana. ????Del 25 al 29 de septiembre, la delegacion de la agencia estatal promovera en las ciudades de Londres, Milan y Madrid 42 proyectos APP y Proyectos en Activos, por mas de US$ pic.twitter.com/1bnRtVUW7U Drone footage shows the extent of destruction in the village of Klishchiivka in eastern Ukraine after months of fierce fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Ukraines military said it seized Klishchiivka from Russian troops on 17 September. The village is about 10km (6 miles) south of the Russian-controlled town of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. Retaking Klishchiivka is considered tactically important, allowing Ukrainian forces to further extend their gains around Bakhmut. The commanding heights of the village offer a view into Bakhmut and could open up new opportunities for Ukrainian forces to encircle the town. Communications regulator ComReg has said it expects to make a final decision on a framework for the switch-off of old copper telecom lines within weeks. The move will outline how customers must be treated when telecoms provider Eir replaces historic lines with new, faster, fibre alternatives. An EU letter last week warned ComReg against further delays in the process and questioned whether the regulator has the authority to insist customers forced to take up an alternative to copper must have access at a comparable price. In the letter to ComReg, Roberto Violo, the European Commissions director general for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology, outlined a number of concerns over ComRegs proposed framework or regulatory approach to switching off copper, which was submitted to Brussels in August. The letter said elements of the proposed framework risked imposing unfair and disproportionate requirements on Eir and questioned the legal basis for an element of the approach. The EU letter was welcomed by Eir CEO Oliver Loomes, who described it as an intervention and said the Irish regulator should implement the Commission recommendations quickly. However, ComReg said that the Commission had not raised serious concerns or serious doubts in relation to the regulators approach and that its commentary was issued as part of a standard notification procedure under EU rules. ComReg said its approach reflects the fact the copper switch-off will have a significant impact on the Irish telecoms market including the service Eir supplies itself, services supplies by other providers over its cables and ultimately residential and commercial customers. As a consequence ComReg has undertaken a commensurate level of engagement, with operators, industry and the public through a call for inputs and subsequent consultation, a spokesperson for ComReg said. Irish legislation facilitating ComReg oversight of copper switch-off (CSO) was only transposed into law during the summer, it said. Eir announced the project to replace copper with faster fibre lines throughout the country over five years at a cost of around 1bn in 2018. In early 2021 it published its preferred approach to switching off the old lines. That has implications for customers who may lose the option of staying with the old, slower, but potentially cheaper service and the proposals are subject to regulatory approval. On August 3 this year, ComReg notified the European Commission of its preferred approach, or framework to the switch-off, as required under EU rules. Notwithstanding the fact legislation was only put in place over the summer, the Commission response was critical of ComRegs timeline and suggests it had caused a significant delay. Brussels said ComReg should refrain from further delay when it comes up with the next phase of its work, including a template for moving customers over to new high-speed fibre. It also questioned ComRegs basis for imposing a control over the price Eir might charge where it is required to ensure an alternative is in place for customers losing copper connection and the fairness of requiring the company to carry the full burden of so-called non-standard connection costs, with no upper price limit in cases where additional work is required to ensure services are maintained. Agri-services firm Origin Enterprises is to shut its loss-making Ukraine business after it reported a fall in group operating profits amid highly volatile trading conditions. Origin recorded an operating profit of 90.8m for the year ended July 31, a 24.2pc decline year-on-year, according to annual results. Group revenue increased 4.9pc to 2.5bn, while Origins operating margin dropped to 3.7pc from 5.1pc. Prices in the groups agronomy and inputs business rose 12.5pc across the year as a result of growing global commodity prices, the company reported. The group, which provides agronomy advice, crop inputs and digital agricultural solutions, said it would close its business in Ukraine at the end of this month. Chief executive Sean Coyle attributed the decision to shut the business there due to reduced activity levels and the market dynamics over recent years. He said the company was loss-making in the region, with little evidence that trading conditions will improve there. The group also completed four complementary acquisitions throughout the year which were focused on Origin Enterprises amenity, environmental and ecology division. These investments totalled 30.1m, according to the company. The companys board has now proposed a final dividend of 13.65 cent per share. Origin Enterprises also completed a 20m share buyback programme in the period. Origin delivered a strong overall performance in declining commodity markets, Mr Coyle said. He pointed to the companys net cash position of 53.2m at the end of the year. "This result was driven by a strong free cash flow of 104.4m which included a working capital inflow of 43.9m, as fertiliser raw materials and feed prices decreased globally, combined with favourable timing impacts of purchases and sales, he said. In a note, Davy analyst Cathal Kenny wrote the operating profit came in ahead of Davys expectations. Mr Kenny added that the company had accelerated its participation in the amenity, environmental and ecology markets through the four acquisitions across the year. "The group recently appointed Mark Webb as MD of its newly established environmental and ecology division, he wrote. The asset-light platform opens up new channels of margin-accretive growth and helps diversify customer mix. Goodbody analyst Jason Molins pointed out that the group also acquired UK landscaping supplier Suregreen from its administrators after the end of its financial year. "This business further augments the Groups Amenity, Environmental and Ecological products and services offering," he wrote. Major spike in number of households getting into arrears on their electricity and gas bill There has been a huge spike in the number of households getting into arrears on their electricity and gas bills. Figures from the regulator show that 256,000 residential electricity customers were in arrears in the three months up to June. This means around one in eight households are behind on their payments. The numbers in arrears on their electricity bills is up almost 55,000 compared with the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Such a jump in the numbers in arrears will intensify pressure on the Government to deliver more energy credits in next months Budget. The hike in the numbers in arrears coincided with the end of the most recent energy credits. Electricity in this country is the most expensive in Europe, having doubled in price in the past two years. Some 168,000 households were behind on their payments for domestic gas in the three months to June. This works out at 24pc of residential gas customers, the CRU said. This is up around 8,000 on the previous quarter. In percentage terms some 12pc of households were in arrears on their electricity bills in the second quarter of this year. Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site Bonkers.ie said the energy credits were instrumental in keeping tens of thousands of households out of arrears over the past two years as energy prices have reached record levels. So its unsurprising, but still worrying, to see the number of arrears shoot back up following the end of their payment. He said the figures will put pressure on the Government to provide further support for energy bills in the upcoming budget given prices will remain at extremely elevated levels this winter. Irish households face some of the highest energy prices in all of Europe. We also have some of the poorest quality housing stock in terms of energy efficiency. Coupled with our cold and damp winters it really means we suffer more than many of our European neighbours when it comes to coping with our energy bills, Mr Cassidy said. He encouraged anyone having difficulty paying their bills to reach out to their supplier. Many suppliers have set up hardship funds to help their most vulnerable customers while you can also avail of a repayment plan tailored to your needs. The rise in arrears comes as more than 400,000 households are due to begin receiving their fuel allowance payments from this week. The payment is paid across 28 weeks to 404,000 households across the country, with the option for a weekly 33 payment or two lump sums worth 462 each. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys said: The fuel allowance plays a vital role in supporting hundreds of thousands of families with their heating costs over the winter months. As a result of changes that I introduced in last years Budget, more households will receive the support this year than ever before. Eoin Clarke, energy expert at Switcher.ie, said this years fuel allowance will be a welcome lifeline for many who are facing a tough choice between heating or eating this winter. It is paid automatically to people on certain benefits, so they do not need to do anything. However, eligible over-70s still have to make a claim and support is not backdated. This means it pays to apply as soon as possible, Mr Clarke said. With further Government electricity credit unconfirmed, many households could fall between the cracks and struggle with their energy bills this winter, he added. Mr Clarke said that although energy prices are still sky-high, suppliers are starting to drop rates, and there have been some notable discounts lately. This means householders could cut their energy bills if they switch suppliers. An average dual-fuel household could save up to 476 when they switch to the cheapest tariff on the market, he said. There were 392 domestic electricity customers cut off between January and June this year, up from 2,068 last year. In the year to June a total of 420 residential gas customers were cut off, compared with 880 last year. Ardonagh Group is selling its Atlanta Group division to UK insurer Markerstudy Ares Management is providing a direct-lending package of about 1bn (1.15bn) to support the merger of two personal insurance businesses in the UK, according to people familiar with the matter. A restrained and heartbreaking seven-part drama that makes the victims stories the narrative The crimes of Jack the Ripper have receded so far into times rear-view mirror that they now feel more like a work of fiction than actual history. Its been 135 years since the serial killer, whose identity has never been proved beyond all doubt despite the many theories, stalked Londons Whitechapel and murdered at least five women, all of them prostitutes. That distance has given novelists and screenwriters ample scope to exercise their imaginations. The Long Shadow - Trailer The fact that theres nobody left to speak on behalf of his victims, nobody left to demand that they be remembered as human beings, means films and TV dramas have been emboldened to show, with various degrees of explicitness, the murders being committed. Its unthinkable that any drama about the crimes of Peter Sutcliffe, who murdered 13 women between 1975 and 1980 and was dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper by the media, would even contemplate doing this. Nonetheless, most of the books written about the murders have tended to make Sutcliffe and not his victims and their families including the 23 children he left without mothers the main focus of the narrative. This wasnt the case with Michael Biltons acclaimed 2003 book Wicked Beyond Belief, which forms the basis of the superb new seven-part drama The Long Shadow (UTV/ITV1, Monday). Like Bilton, the dramas author George Kay, whose scrupulous research included interviewing members of the victims families, has absolutely no interest in Sutcliffe as a person. Sutcliffe appears, played by Mark Stobbart, but not in this first episode. He remains a peripheral figure throughout. The term Yorkshire Ripper crops up just once during the seven hours. Kays interest is in his victims and in the frequently bungled police investigation that allowed Sutcliffe to remain free far longer than he should have. The murdered women were treated with appalling disrespect by certain police officers and sections of the media because they were seen as just prostitutes In the casually sexist atmosphere of the time, some of the murdered women were treated with appalling disrespect by certain police officers and sections of the media because they were seen as just prostitutes the disgusting inference being that they were partly to blame for what happened to them. When Sutcliffe murdered 16-year-old shop assistant Jayne MacDonald, who had no involvement in sex work, the police pointedly described her as a respectable young woman. The Long Shadow doesnt show anything of the murders. The horror and tragedy are conveyed in far more subtle and oblique ways. The first victim, mother of four Wilma McCann (Gemma Laurie), is shown tucking her children into bed before heading out into the streets of Leeds to earn money from prostitution to feed and clothe them. When she fails to return home by the following morning, the eldest child, no more than a little girl, and her younger brother wait in vain at the bus stop for her to return. By then, Wilmas body has been found in a nearby field next to a car park. The task of breaking the news to her children falls to DCS Dennis Hoban, played by Toby Jones, just one member of a large, top-notch cast. Hoban is something of an outlier among his sexist colleagues. When a subordinate says, She died because she was a prostitute, Hoban snaps, Nobody, whoever they are, deserves to die the way Wilma died last night. Hoban is eager to counter the perception that Wilma deserved what she got because of how she earned a living. Thats the message, he tells his team. She were a mother of four kids. Prostitute dont come into it. Sutcliffes second victim, Emily Jackson (Katherine Kelly) is also a mother who makes the agonising decision to turn to prostitution in the face of dire financial need. Her husband Sydney (Daniel Mays) is appalled, but knows its the only solution and goes along with it, provided its a short-term arrangement so they can give the kids a decent Christmas. It proves to be an even shorter term than he could have imagined. We see Emily climb into a customers car. As the rear lights slowly disappear into the darkness, we know without ever seeing him who the driver is. This is powerful drama, restrained and heartbreaking, without a single false note. Dr Micheal O Cinneide says reports predicted 1 million tonnes extra of CO emissions, regional impacts on water quality and impacts on biodiversity The environmental consequences of Irelands dairy expansion plan were known 15 years ago, former EPA director Dr Micheal O Cinneide has said. Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a key driver of the plan during his tenure as Agriculture Minister from 2011-16, last week defended the EUs decision to abolish milk quotas amid farmer anger over cuts to Irelands Nitrates Derogation. The Government-backed Food Harvest 2020 strategy targeted a 50pc increase in milk production, with the agri-food sector seen as one of the cornerstones of national recovery from the financial crash. However, speaking in an Oireachtas committee hearing last week, O Cinneide said the environmental consequences of the expansion were known in 2008 and 2010. I was a director of the EPA and there were reports presented to the Food Harvest planning group about what the impact would be of scaling up the dairy sector in terms of 1 million tonnes extra of CO emissions, regional impacts on water quality and impacts on biodiversity, he said. It was known. It is not a surprise or a shock, or it should not be. O Cinneide said the planning process of the industry-led expansion was flawed and he called for a more transparent, inclusive process where citizens are more involved. What we learn from some of those countries is that their process is different in terms of long-term thinking, providing the data and making the space for consultation, he said. It is not vested interests in a narrow room somewhere that are deciding food policy for the next ten or 15 years, which is what we have had when we look back. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns claimed what Minister Coveney owes farmers is honesty, describing him as the architect of the policy of limitless expansion in the dairy sector. At the time he said, I will not allow a situation where the potential for growth and expansion in agri-food will be compromised by the setting of emissions limits, she said in the Dail last week. His policy was not to consider environmental constraints, a policy of the sky is the limit. The inevitable consequences were not a concern for him, and now we are feeling all the repercussions of that incredible negligence, Deputy Cairns said. Responding, Minister Coveney said the decision to abolish dairy quotas was made as part of a Common Agricultural Policy reform quite a number of years ago, and that he stands over that decision. It was the right decision at the time and it is the right decision now, he said. Many dairy farms in Ireland were operating in a straitjacket, unable to fulfil their potential in terms of their dairy herds, and the vast majority of dairy farmers who have grown productivity and production since then have done so in a sustainable manner. Some have grown too quickly; that is true. Of course, farmers themselves, and dairy farmers in particular, recognise they have a unique responsibility to protect water quality and water-courses. I would suggest that the Deputy (Cairns), if she has not done so, although maybe she has, take a look at the water basin project in the Timoleague catchment area to see how it can be done, where water quality is not disimproving and where dairy farms have grown and expanded to their potential. Suspected Kinahan gang member Jack Kavanagh is trying to stop his extradition to the UK with the expert help of an alleged money launderer jailed for 14 years for assisting an ETA kidnap. Brothers to stay in jail after appeal of 'cynical and calculated' rape of girl (14) they got comatose drunk fails YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan must be held accountable for perpetrating ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenias Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan has said. Rivers of cars are flowing to Armenia with refugees forced out of Nagorno Karabakh, from their ancestral land, their homes, communities, villages and cities, because no one guaranteed their rights and securities in Nagorno Karabakh. This is a classic case of ethnic cleansing implemented by Azerbaijan in the 21st century. There is no doubt Azerbaijan must be held accountable for this act, Marukyan said on X, posting a video showing multiple cars lined up along the Stepanakert-Goris road in Lachin Corridor. Judge voices concerns over defendant being allowed to bring support cat on leash into Dublin courtroom He said it appeared the Courts Service had sanctioned this under conditions, including that the cat should be kept on a leash Stock image: Getty Andrew Phelan Tue 26 Sep 2023 at 17:44 A judge has voiced concerns after a defendant in a criminal case was allowed to bring a cat on a leash into a courtroom. An eighteen year old has been arrested after gardai seized over 100,000 worth of drugs in Dublin last night, Gardai also seized 1,600 in cash during the Operation Tara search which took place in Finglas on Monday. Finglas gardai conducted a search at approximately 11.15pm. Drugs suspected to be cannabis herb, valued at 75,600 and cocaine, valued at 25,200 were seized along with 1,600 in cash. A statement from gardai on Tuesday said: A male (18) was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday 26th September 2023, as part of this investigation, and is currently detained at a Garda Station in north Dublin under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. All of the suspected drugs will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. Investigations by gardai are ongoing as part of Operation Tara. A WITHDRAWAL of frontline services on Budget Day are among the measures which may be considered by gardai over the deepening roster row. The association representing rank-and-file gardai this evening described a meeting with the Garda Commissioner as "a complete waste of time" after he refused to defer the deadline for a new roster. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has also said that Commissioner Drew Harris has "invited conflict" after refusing to move on the November 6 deadline. GRA delegates will convene for a special conference in Kilkenny on Wednesday morning where they will discuss the next course of action. Sources have said that "nothing is off the table" including frontline gardai refusing to work overtime for events including Budget Day on October 10. The policing of this event requires a large amount of gardai operating on overtime with several public order units expected to be deployed, particularly following protests outside Dail Eireann when it returned last week. Sources told the Irish Independent that one course of action being considered is that gardai will refuse to work overtime for the event. "The is a lot of anger and nothing is off the table. The possibility of frontline gardai declining to work overtime for Budget Day is an option which will be considered which would have an impact on the number of gardai available at Leinster House. "This could have a knock-on effect on regular frontline policing as well. However, this will all have to be discussed among delegates on Wednesday when a collective response will be decided on". The GRA have been at loggerheads with the Garda chief over his plans to re-introduce a pre-pandemic roster in November. Mr Harris has offered to enter into negotiations through either the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) or internal mechanisms. The GRA have said they will not enter negotiations while the roster deadline remains in place, with the Commissioner refusing to renege on this at a meeting on Tuesday. After the meeting the GRA's General Secretary Ronan Slevin said that it was a "complete waste of time" and that their relationship with Mr Harris is "in many ways irreparable". Two weeks ago our membership sent a clear message when almost 99pc of those balloted voted No Confidence in his leadership. Sadly, any talks since then to try and repair this damage have failed which completely vindicates the result of this ballot. Yesterday we formally wrote to the Commissioner requesting once again that the date for the changing of our roster of the 6th November is removed or deferred to ensure that our members wont have to change their working patterns twice in a short space of time. We even gave a commitment that the GRA would then immediately enter these proposed talks in good faith as we always have, actively trying to find an acceptable solution. It must be remembered that we were the only Association to remain in talks during the 64 days of negotiations at Westmanstown, which highlights our commitment to the process," Mr Slevin said. Furthermore, we explained that even if we managed to reach an agreement, our Association would require at least six weeks to conduct a ballot of our members, therefore the impending date of November 6 needed to be addressed as it would not allow for meaningful, open negotiations. However, the Commissioner has simply told us today that he is not for moving on the November 6th deadline and that, in his words, the roster will change on that date. It is our view that the Commissioner has now invited conflict and it will be up to our delegates at tomorrows specially convened conference to chart the direction of the actions to follow," Mr Slevin added. A Garda spokesman said: As part of long standing efforts by all parties to get collective agreement on a new roster, the Garda management side and the four Garda Associations met again today. A final decision regarding next steps has not been made. All parties have asked to consider possible next steps. A further meeting has been scheduled for Thursday. Kathryn makes sure she has enough room for her surfing equipment in her van too (Collect/PA Real Life) A Scottish artist who planned to visit Ireland for three weeks fell in love with the country so much she decided to stay and has been living in a van-turned-art studio on wheels touring its west coast for the last two years. Kathryn Johnson, 27, originally from Strathaven, bought her 6,330 Ford Transit van in July 2020 and soon decided to end the tenancy on her Aberdeen flat to become nomadic permanently after realising the four-wheeled home reduced her outgoing expenses which now come to just 575 per month including food and fuel. Despite some nerves to begin with, she said the freedom of the lifestyle was enough to give it (her) all. Kathryn cannot see herself giving up her van life any time soon (Collect/PA Real Life) After a visit to Ireland two years ago in her van, which was meant to last three weeks, Kathryn was smitten with the beauty and peace of the country and now permanently travels up and down its west coast surfing, swimming and honing her artistic craft. Kathryn has spent around 3,450 renovating her van to turn it into an art studio on wheels, including a desk and storage for her materials and new solar panels to ensure she can be self-sufficient, and her lifestyle now art revolves around nature as she often explores the surrounding areas, takes photos, and paints them. Kathryn asserts it is not as glamorous as what you see on Instagram, but she would definitely recommend living in a van to others and cant see (herself) giving up the lifestyle. Two years ago, in the summertime, I came over to Ireland for the first time, and I thought I was going to be here for three weeks, and I fell in love with it, she said. So, I moved to Ireland for good and I base myself on the west coast I go surfing and swimming almost every day, and Ireland definitely has my heart its so beautiful and peaceful here. Id rather have my remote home purely because theres so many surf beaches around to choose from, and Ive also found a van community here and the local community are really friendly and welcoming too, so it makes it so much easier to feel like you fit in. Kathryn often gets inspiration from the areas she is parked in (Collect/PA Real Life) Kathryn bought her van in July 2020 and began going on weekend trips in it while she was still living in a flat in Aberdeen, where she had earlier completed her degree at the Grays School of Art. After two months of travelling, she decided to move in full-time as she wasnt using (her) flat enough. She said: I started in the winter, and by the spring I still loved it it was a bit of a baptism by fire. I have a degree in fine art and I love surfing too, so living in the van was also a way to be out in nature, which is what a lot of my art revolves around, and to surf as much as possible. I often go out into the water and capture videos from surfing and swimming and then draw from them. It gave me so much more freedom and also really reduced my outgoing expenses and increased my sense of adventure, so it just kind of cultivated a good lifestyle for me. When Kathryn told her loved ones that she was going to continue living in her van, they were surprised. She explained: They were definitely shocked and were definitely slightly concerned for safety reasons. I think it was just more logistical concerns that they had. After visiting Ireland, Kathryn fell in love with it and decided to move (Collect/PA Real Life) When I turned up on their doorstep, in my van back from a trip, they could see immediately how happy I was with it. Kathryn added in a wheel lock to make sure the van was extra safe, and began to settle in. She said: At the beginning, I was a bit nervous to park places on my own, but the freedom of the lifestyle was enough to give it my all. After putting in extra safety precautions and locking up at night, I felt comfortable. Ive actually been really lucky to never have any issues in three years. Im not saying that doesnt happen to people, but I think that often you just know in your gut if a place is good or bad. If Ive ever had an inkling in place, Ive just moved on. As an introverted extrovert, Kathryn does not feel too lonely living in her van by herself. She said: Im very sociable so I have no problem chatting to people randomly and having nice conversations with them, but then I definitely do need time to recharge. So, the van is perfect because I can take time for myself if I need it. Over time, Kathryn has turned her van into an art studio on wheels. She said: I bought the van converted, and I changed quite a lot of the inside because I began to realise the space didnt work for me in terms of being a studio, storing surfboards and climbing equipment and stuff like that. Because Im in it full time I really know how to make use of the space especially. So Ive got the perfect studio set-up in there I have room for all my materials, a desk and enough storage for my hobbies. Kathryn loves the freedom of living in a van (Collect/PA Real Life) On whether she would recommend van life to others, she said: I think you have to remember its not as glamorous as what you see on Instagram, but its amazing. It makes everything so much easier, and I would recommend it to anyone I love my life in a van. Kathryn can see herself staying in her van for the time being, and does not have any plans to settle down. She said: I definitely cant see myself giving up the van, but I do think in the future Ill be looking for some kind of community, but I think it would take a lot for me to change my lifestyle from where it is now. I also always see myself having a van, whether its my full-time residence or not, just because of my hobbies. Ireland is one of 32 European countries cited in the landmark legal challenge that accuses the EU and neighbouring states of failing to act sufficiently on the climate crisis. Lawyers for the Irish State are to reject claims by six young climate activists that climate change is putting them at increased physical risk and harming their mental health. An environmental group has criticised the stance, however, saying it was astonishing and dangerous that Ireland would go to court belittling the impact of global warming. Ireland is one of 32 European countries cited in the landmark legal challenge that accuses the EU and neighbouring states of failing to act sufficiently on the climate crisis. The case is to be heard in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg tomorrow when legal teams for the 32 respondents will share time to defend the action. Irish legal teams will be on both sides of the courtroom as the six young activists are being represented by the Galway and London-based Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) founded by Irish human rights lawyers. The six, siblings and friends aged from 24 to 11, are all from Portugal which has suffered from an increase in crippling heatwaves, extensive droughts and deadly wildfires in recent years. They argue that current climate action policies will not deliver sufficient greenhouse gas emissions reductions to keep global temperature rise to a manageable level. That failure and its impacts on their lives amounts to a breach of the protections promised them under the European Convention on Human Rights, they argue. In defending the claims, the 32 countries have submitted separate and joint rebuttals, all arguing that climate policy is beyond the scope of the European Court of Human Rights. Irelands submission also disputes the young peoples claims to be personally under increased risk, or that any risk has been caused as a result of any act or omission of Ireland. It says the young people failed to establish that there was a direct, immediate and serious effect on them as the Convention required. The harm alleged cannot be said to be more significant than the environmental hazards inherent to life in a modern city, it states. Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) which won a Supreme Court case to force the Government to prepare better climate action plans in 2020, criticised the approach as belittling the impacts of climate change. By downplaying the potential impacts of climate change and comparing them to the relatively minor risks of living in a modern city, the Irish Governments argument is misleading, the group said. And it is dangerous because it will discourage people from taking action to address climate change." Irelands submission also rejects the groups claim to have suffered psychological harm because of the impacts they endure, the threats they face and the failure of governments to protect them. It says there is inadequate medical evidence to support the claim. Ireland also rejects the claim that European countries are not doing their fair share of emission reduction that reflects their larger contribution to climate change. A man is due in court after a member of An Garda Siochana was injured in Dublin yesterday. Gardai are investigating the public order incident that occurred at Heuston Station, Dublin 8, at approximately 6pm yesterday. An off-duty male garda, aged in his 20s, on his way to work engaged with a male who was involved in disorderly conduct. The garda was injured in the course of this incident and was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life threatening, gardai said. Garda welfare services have been offered and put in place for the garda. The man (40s) was arrested and has since been charged in relation to the incident. He is due to appear before a sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning. CHILDRENs Minister Roderic OGorman has been warned by Fianna Fail that the lack of childcare places and the high cost for parents will become a major election issue for the Coalition. Mr OGorman told a private meeting of Fianna Fail TDs and Senators that he is examining ways to cut red tape for small childcare providers as he admitted that the current model of core funding for the sector favours larger providers. The meeting was attended by more than 30 Fianna Fail politicians in the wake of a protest by the smaller providers and their supporters outside the Dail on Tuesday. Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers, who organised the meeting, said afterwards: We made the point that this is an election issue, this is a problem we need to address and the numbers outside Leinster House show us this is a considerable problem. It came up repeatedly that it's an election issue. This is in every part of the country." She said the overarching concern was that small child care operators could be forced to close as a result of the current issues, which would problematic in rural areas where there are no larger providers. The Mayo-based senator said the minister was asked to abolish the existing regime where a provider must account for every single hour of care to the Department of Children through an online portal. Other sources at the meeting said this portal and the requirements of it was a major issue for small providers. Mr OGorman told the meeting he was examining ways to reduce the bureaucratic burden on small providers, according to several attendees speaking afterwards, while pointing out that his focus since he took office was on reducing costs for parents. He also faced calls at the meeting to increase the capitation payments under the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme which currently stands at a rate of 69 per child per week. Senators Catherine Ardagh and Lorraine Clifford Lee asked for special funding to be allocated to child care providers to establish more baby rooms citing problems for many new parents in finding creche places. The meeting was, according to one source, better attended than most weekly Fianna Fail parliamentary party meetings, while several attendees said Mr OGorman got a good reception and was praised for his work to date on reducing childcare costs. This comes as Mr OGorman dropped his pledge to cut childcare fees by on average 25pc in this years Budget. Mr OGorman pledged in July of last year to cut childcare fees by on average 50pc for parents over two budgets and went halfway towards fulfilling that promise in Budget 2023. However, speaking on Tuesday, Mr OGorman said he would have a broader focus in budget discussions this year and would look to cut fees as much as I can. The Green Party Minister repeatedly refused to commit to a 25pc average reduction on parents 2022 fees when asked several times at a press conference in Government Buildings. I am looking to cut the cost of childcare, he said. I achieved a very significant cut in childcare last year, 25pc was my focus last year, it was the cut in fees. What Ive indicated this year is Ill have a broader focus. I want to continue to reduce the cost of childcare for parents but I want other parents to benefit from those reductions as well. He said parents who use childminders are excluded from the National Childcare Scheme and he wants to broaden the scheme to include them as well as broaden the access and inclusion model which allows children with a disability to avail of pre-school services. Those are all schemes that require significant investment, he said. Mr OGorman said he did not believe he has now reneged on the pledge for a further 25pc reduction but said he was looking to continue to very significant reductions - but recognise that there are other children with specific needs in the area of childcare and other parents that need to benefit from cost savings as well. I am looking to cut it as much as I can within the allocations that were working to achieve within the department, he added. Mr OGorman was speaking on a day when hundreds of childcare providers and their supporters staged a demonstration outside Leinster House over a shortfall in Government funding. The protest has led to the closure of some creches for the next three days and a large crowd of childcare facility owners, parents and childcare staff outside the Dail called for greater investment in the sector and to highlight difficulties with what they say is excessive regulation and bureaucracy. Mr OGorman said there is a complete review of all the administrative processes that childcare services have to operate in a bid to streamline them. He defended his work in the area of childcare funding, arguing there has been 400 million invested in the sector over the last three years. I believe I've listened to the sector, Ive responded to specific needs, he said. He said he agreed that childcare workers continue to be underpaid and said he would like a new deal put in place to increase rates of pay in the sector. Mr OGorman was speaking at a joint press conference with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe where they confirmed details of an additional 1 billion for the Department of Children and Equality this year to meet the costs from the State response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants since the start of last year. Speaking earlier in the Dail, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insiisted the strike by childcare providers is a minority action, while Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald argued that they still speak for the whole of the sector. The Fine Gael leader said he did not believe Tuesdays closures by the Federation of Early Childcare Providers was warranted. It involved 5pc or fewer of creches and centres, he said, asking if Ms McDonald wanted to see more parents inconvenienced by a wider strike. Ms McDonald said Mr Varadkar had promised to reduce childcare fees to parents by 50pc over two years, starting last year with an announced 25pc reduction. She wanted to know if he would follow through on his pledge with a further 25pc announcement in Budget 2024. The Taoiseach refused to give that specific commitment, but said there would be more money for the sector. The overall Budget could only grow within the confines of 6.2pc, he said. Ms McDonald said there was significant disruption through parents being left in the lurch, seeking alternative childcare arrangements so that they can get out the door to work. Covid-19 vaccines will be available to everyone over 50 next week due to Government fears of a spike in cases in the coming months. Healthcare workers and anyone over the age of five with underlying illnesses associated with a higher risk of disease will also be entitled to a free vaccine. The Department of Health also said pregnant persons will be eligible for Covid vaccines. A free winter flu vaccine programme will also be rolled out and be open to anyone aged over 65 or between the ages of six and 12. Medically vulnerable people who are at risk of serious infection along with carers with health conditions and pregnant persons can also receive the vaccine. People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl are also entitled to the free vaccine. The Cabinet was told by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that this winter will likely see high levels of transmission of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19. The memo provided an update on the planned public health measures and actions to manage the triple threat of the three viruses. A vaccination programme with vaccines for Covid-19 and the flu will begin next week. The Government has bought Pfizer vaccines which will be administered as a booster shot to the eligible population. The childrens flu vaccination programme is also scheduled to start on October 9. The Department of Health requested advice from National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in relation use of vaccines for RSV. A Government statement said: The importance of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying at home when ill (regardless of any test results) with respiratory symptoms will continue to be advised. Wearing a face covering/mask is no longer mandatory, however, anyone who wishes to continue to wear a face covering/mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Maximising ventilation (taking account of thermal comfort) and maintenance of good basic cleaning schedules to reduce the risk of spread of all infections, in all settings is also advised, it added. The Chief Medical Officer is to meet representatives from other Government Departments to reiterate the need for adherence to optimum infection protection and control measures (including ventilation) that reflect the current public health advice. Testing and tracing of COVID-19 is now focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those who may benefit from specific interventions. This is underpinned by enhanced systems of disease surveillance at national level. In the event that testing and tracing operations need to be scaled up, the HSE has developed testing and tracing surge and emergency response plans, it said. Health Minister to tell Cabinet of strategies to avoid last years chaotic scenes in hospitals The country is gearing up to fight the triple threat of Covid, RSV and flu this winter, with significant levels of community transmission expected, Cabinet will be told today. A free nationwide vaccination campaign will roll out next week, with jabs for Covid and flu to be given to eligible people to combat spikes of the three viruses. Local GPs and pharmacies will oversee the roll-out of the vaccines. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will outline his plans to Cabinet colleagues and what he is doing to avoid last years chaotic scenes at hospitals throughout the winter months. An adapted version of the Pfizer Covid vaccine will be rolled out as a Covid booster and the childrens flu vaccination programme is also scheduled to kick off from October 9. Free flu vaccines will be given to people aged over 65, children aged two to 12, healthcare workers, pregnant women, people who are at risk or live with those who are at risk, caregivers for people with underlying conditions and people in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended for Covid vaccines to be focused on people aged over 50, people aged five to 49 who are immuno-compromised due to a suboptimal response to vaccines, those aged five to 49 years with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of Covid-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death, as well as pregnant women and healthcare workers. The Department of Health has now requested advice from NIAC on how to combat RSV. A decision on whether or not to vaccinate pregnant women with the RSV jab will be made following NIAC advice. The HSE has developed testing and tracing surge and emergency response plans if testing and tracing of Covid-19 has to be scaled up. Testing and tracing of the virus is now focused on mitigation of its severe impacts for those most vulnerable to the disease as well as those who may need specific interventions. Chief medical officer (CMO) Breda Smyth is due to meet civil servants from other government departments to emphasise the importance of infection prevention measures, such as ventilation. Minister Donnelly will also speak about the public health advice when dealing with colds and flus the importance of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying at home when ill with respiratory symptoms. Ventilation should be maximised and good basic cleaning schedules should be put in place to reduce the risk of infection spread. Those who want to wear a mask should not be discouraged, although it is no longer mandatory to do so. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan will also bring a memo to Cabinet which outlines how transport projects may be put at risk due to spiralling costs, such as the long-awaited Metro. However, they remain a fundamental government priority and the memo will urge the Government to take appropriate steps so that projects arent delayed further, it is understood. Meanwhile, the relatives of babies buried in the mass grave at the former mother and babies home in Tuam, Co Galway will be able to submit their DNA samples before the site is excavated. Equality Minister Roderic OGorman has previously committed to exhuming the mass grave site, where over 700 babies are estimated to be buried being excavated and exhumed. The Director of Authorised Intervention in Tuam, who is overseeing operations at the site, will engage with families before samples are collected. Media Minister Catherine Martin will also bring TG4s annual report to Cabinet. It is understood the organisation is not in a financial deficit, unlike RTE. Also Defence Minister Micheal Martin will update colleagues on strategic reform of the Defence Forces, after a damning report found the organisation barely tolerates women. Nineteen children with spina bifida experienced complications after spinal surgery at Dublin Hospital Parents groups will be invited to meet with the expert heading an external review of spinal surgeries in Temple Street Hospital to highlight their demands for the inquiry to be extended, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has promised. He said the parents can put their views, concerns and suggestions to UK consultant, Selvadurai Nayagam, who will lead the review arising out of the cases of 19 children with spina bifida who suffered serious complications following spinal surgery at the hospital. The terms of reference of the review allows for it to go as wide and deep as the expert believes it should be. The minister said he will meet with the parents groups himself later this week and with Dr Nayagam, who is based in Liverpool, on Monday. The parents groups also want to meet the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar but a spokesman was unable to confirm last night if this would go ahead. Mr Donnelly who was speaking at a patient safety conference organised by the Irish Patients Association, said Dr Nayagam will be free to look at the surgeries of other children, beyond the 19 cases, if he sees fit. The intention is that they would meet with the Liverpool consultant, he said. He can go as wide and as deep as he wants and I know he will be listening very carefully to families. He said the terms of reference had been deliberately written to be as encompassing as they need to be. Asked if he believed the cases of other children may be looked at, he said that was open to the review to decide. Dr Nayagam would have authority to do so, he said. We would not rule anything out like that. Mr Donnelly said: I understand why the families involved are so frustrated. They have been waiting for years for surgery they should never had to wait for. Stephen McMahon, head of the Irish Patients Association, told the conference that change in the health service should not be driven by a tragedy but that was too often the case. Many patients still feel disempowered in the health system, he added Ombudsman Ger Deering, who produced a report highlighting issues such as delays in reimbursement for patients using the cross-border directive for medical care, told how he was horrified to receive a letter from a senior health official and the attitude to those who made complaints. Sweden took home the 2023 trophy with Loreens song (PA) This year, the UK co-hosted the 67th Eurovision Song Contest alongside Ukraine in Liverpool even as the war against Russia raged on. The trophy was taken home by Swedens contestant, Loreen, who sang Tattoo and won the competition for the second time. And thus began Swedens search for where it would host the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. This will be the seventh time the Scandinavian nation will be home to Eurovision and it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Abbas big win, making it even more special. The BBC has confirmed that the search for the 2024 act and song for the United Kingdom has taken place over the summer, led by Lee Smithurst, executive producer at BBC Studios, alongside Will Wilkin, commissioning executive for BBC Music. The broadcaster hinted that an announcement would be coming "in due course". If youre already counting down to next years event, here is everything that has been revealed about it so far. When is Eurovision 2024? The 68th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in early May, as always. The semi-finals will be held on May 7 and May 9, 2024, while the big finale will take place on May 11. Where will Eurovision 2024 take place? Sweden has announced that after dialogue with several cities, it has decided to host the event in Malmo. The coastal town in the south of Sweden was selected after organisers evaluated the citys venue facilities and accommodation availability given the fact that thousands of visitors flock to the Eurovision host city. Malmo, the countrys third-largest city, will host all stages of the competition at the Malmo Arena. Welcome back to Malmo! Malmo will host #Eurovision for the third time on 7, 9, and 11 May 2024 All the details here https://t.co/9BPywblwx7 pic.twitter.com/VrvZDHgQA7 Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) July 7, 2023 Talking about the decision, executive supervisor of Eurovision Martin Osterdahl said: Malmo holds a special place in the history of the contest, having successfully hosted it firstly in 1992 and then in 2013 following Loreens last win. Story continues Were excited to be returning to this vibrant and dynamic city, which has demonstrated it has the venues and infrastructure that are perfect for staging the worlds largest live music event. When will Eurovision 2024 tickets go on sale? The official Eurovision website says that tickets for Eurovision will be on sale soon. It explains that ticket prices and availability are based on the chosen venue and the amount of space it has, as organisers need to evaluate where the cameras, technical equipment, and stage will go before arranging audience seating. How to watch Eurovision 2024 live All three live programmes both semi-finals and the grand final will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2024, meaning you can watch the contest live for free in the UK. This comes after overall coverage of Eurovision across TV, radio, and online in 2023 increased by 55 per cent since 2022, reaching 29.8 million people. What rules could be changed for Eurovision 2024? The first Eurovision Song Contest Workshop took place at the Meistersaal, in Berlin, Germany, on September 12, 2023. During the workshop, various potential rule changes were discussed. A new draw First and foremost, a draw could be introduced to determine which semi-final each participating country will be assigned to during the Eurovision Song Contest. The allocation process will involve grouping semi-finalists into different sets, taking into account past voting trends. The purpose of this is to minimise the likelihood of bloc voting, where groups of countries tend to vote in the same direction. It is believed that it will also increase suspense during the semi-finals, while also deciding in which semi-final the automatic qualifiers, including the host country Sweden and the Big Five countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), will participate. Plans are already underway for it to take place in January 2024. Voting system changes There may also be changes to the voting system on the way, with Norway's NRK broadcaster pushing for discussions with the EBU about revisions to the jury-voting procedure. Following last years result, where Sweden came out on top despite Finlands high number of televotes and Norway placing sixth and fifth in 2019 and 2023 despite also receiving high numbers of televotes, Norway believes the system needs to be changed. Specifically, Stig Karlsen, the Norwegian head of delegation, suggested reducing the jury's influence on the final score, lowering the jurys share from the current 49.4 per cent to either 40 per cent or even 30 per cent. Official announcements regarding these ideas are expected to be made in January. AI in Eurovision Finally, the idea of prohibiting any AI content was also discussed, with the aim of safeguarding human creativity moving forward. To try to reduce the chaos, Londons Gatwick Airport has imposed a cap of 800 flight movements per day In an unprecedented move, Gatwick Airport has ordered airlines to cancel dozens of flights because of sickness among air-traffic controllers which is currently running at 30 per cent of the available staff. Cancellations, diversions and delays have happened frequently this month due to staff shortage at Nats, which runs the control tower. Aircraft movements will be capped at 800 per day at the Sussex airport, which normally has the busiest runway in the world. Gatwick Airport says: The daily cap will prevent last-minute cancellations and delays for passengers while Nats work through challenges driven by sickness and staffing constraints. As the biggest airline at Gatwick, easyjet will bear the brunt of the cancellations. British Airways, Ryanair, Tui, Vueling and Wizz Air are expected to be among other carriers whose schedules will be affected. Currently, no Gatwick departures are showing disruption from Dublin Airport on Tuesday, but several easyJet flights between Belfast and London Gatwick were cancelled on Monday, with more disruption expected across the week. The airlines will lose revenue and must pay for customer care, even though the cull is beyond their control. These are the key questions and answers. Whats the problem that needs solving at Gatwick? For weeks sickness among air-traffic control staff employed by Nats at the Sussex airport has intermittently triggered a slowdown in the flow rate of arrivals at, and departures from, the busiest runway in the world. The latest problem is an outbreak of Covid. With fewer flights able to land, disruption quickly takes hold with cancellations, diversions and delays increasing as the day goes on. The economic and emotional price of such disruption is high: costing airlines hundreds of thousands of pounds in passenger care, and wrecking holiday, family and business trips. To try to reduce the chaos caused by on-the-day cancellations, Gatwick has imposed a cap of 800 movements (arrivals and departures) per day. That is the maximum number that the airport believes can be comfortably handled given the current staffing challenges. What impact will the cap have? The expected movements on Tuesday and Saturday, 26 and 30 September, are 800 movements so no cancellations are anticipated. On other days the excess is as follows: Wednesday, 27 September: 29 Thursday, 28 September: 40 Friday, 29 September: 65 Sunday, 1 October: 30 The total is 164 movements, which corresponds to 82 round-trips from Gatwick. Assuming an average load of 150 passengers per affected flight, around 25,000 passengers will shortly find out their flights have been cancelled. How will the cancellations be chosen? Airlines will be told how many flights they must take out of their schedules on each day when the cap applies. After that, it is down to the carrier to decide which flights to cancel. They are likely to be chosen on the basis of: Availability of alternative flights: if an airline has multiple daily departures to a particular destination, and space available for rebooked passengers, the effect of the cancellation can be minimised. Revenue protection: flights which are heavily booked at high fares are less likely to be cancelled than those for which relatively few seats have been sold and average fares are low. When will I find out if my flight is grounded? Airlines are likely to calculate which flights to cancel in date order: so Thursdays cancellations are likely to be announced on Wednesday afternoon, with later dates following. What are my options if my flight is cancelled? Under European air passengers rights rules, airlines that cancel flights for any reason must provide alternative transport as soon as possible. If, for example, easyJet cancels a flight from Gatwick to Rome, and has no other availability to the Italian capital on the day of travel, passengers can ask to be rebooked on British Airways from Heathrow or Ryanair from Stansted. Should a hotel stay be necessary, the airline is required to book and pay for rooms, as well as meals, until the passenger reaches their destination. Passengers whose trips are rendered pointless by a cancellation can obtain a full refund for the affected flight. If another leg (outbound or inbound) has been booked on the same ticket, it is refundable too even if that flight goes ahead. Read your full rights in the case of flight cancellations here. Can I claim compensation? No, since these enforced cancellations are clearly beyond the airlines control. Will everything be back to normal by next Monday? That is the hope. But airline sources say they are concerned about by the general lack of resilience in the control tower at Gatwick. It is believed that 40 days have been affected by staff shortage since the beginning of the summer. Adding a smart doorbell to your home could add to your security and save you answering the door every time someone rings, but theres plenty more to know before having one installed. Smart doorbells camera and audio functions allow you to check whos at the door, let the postman know where to drop something when youre not in and alert you if an intruder is snooping around. Adrian is joined by Belfast Telegraph technology columnist Kurtis Reid to discuss what smart doorbells can do, how you can optimise them for your needs and how they might present privacy concerns. Its perfectly legitimate to have concerns around buying, with the amount of CCTV and the amount of footage being captured, ultimately in an area where its supposed to be private, Kurtis explains You dont want to feel like your neighbour is recording a conversation that youre having with your spouse in your driveway. Thats a concern that legitimately people have. Between installation and subscription services, its not quite as simple as just sticking a new bell at the front door. If you purchase a Ring doorbell specifically from Amazon, you will have to pay a subscription. The subscription includes things like cloud space, the ability to record your audio, store your audio, store your video footage, Kurtis says. There are both rechargeable and wired options available, making the installation process If you think its just going to be very easy to put on your door and you purchase a wired option, you are going to have to physically install that doorbell into a doorbell system you hopefully already have. Otherwise, its going to be very, very complicated, Kurtis says. You can listen to the full episode on Independent.ie or wherever you get your podcasts. Construction work is set to commence on the development at Heathfield next month, with a completion time of around 20-months. THERE has been welcome news on the housing front for Ballincollig following the approval by Cork City Council of a proposal to build 70 new affordable homes in the area. The development has been welcomed by Cork North West Fianna Fail TD Aindrias Moynihan, who said the project at Heathfield was very positive news for people who want to live and afford a new home in their local area. The development by Murnane & OShea Ltd at the eastern side of Heathfield will consist of a mix of 42 three-bed semi-detached units, 12 three-bed town-houses and 16-two-bed town-houses parking spaces. Deputy Moynihan said it was his understanding that construction work on the development will commence next month, with the homes ready to occupy in the summer of 2025. These affordable homes are a very positive development for the locals who are struggling to afford a home in the Ballincollig area, said Deputy Moynihan. The planning approval granted by Cork City Council clears the way for quickly advancing construction of the homes, which will take in the region of 20-months to build, he added. Once constructed, 70% (49) of the new houses will be allocated on a first come- first served basis, with the remaining units allocated on a random basis between other eligible applicants. Deputy Moynihan advised anyone interested in securing one of the affordable homes to ensure their documents and paperwork are in order as the portal for applications through the local authority is set to open before the end of this year. As the bulk of the new homes will be allocated to the first cohort of eligible applicants, I would advise people to ensure they are fully prepared in advance of the application portal opening to ensure they do not miss out on this opportunity, said Deputy Moynihan. He said the new Ballincollig homes, along with recent similar developments in Mallow and Carrigaline, demonstrated the Governments ongoing commitment to the delivery of affordable homes in Cork. However, there remains a strong demand for additional affordable housing in Cork and I will continue to pursue both Cork City and County Councils for further homes in the Cork North West region, pledged Deputy Moynihan. In the meantime, this scheme progressing in Ballincollig is a positive move and welcomed for people looking to secure a home locally. Dublin City Council has issued an appeal for business owners and residents to avoid leaving potential bonfire materials out in the run up to Halloween. Dublin City Council (DCC) collected 1,506 tonnes of Halloween waste over the last three years and received 1,618 reports of potential bonfire material left lying around. During the same period, Dublin Fire Brigade were forced to make 625 Halloween related call-outs. Dublin City Council is calling on business owners and residents not to leave waste or material that can be used for building bonfires in sight, or in accessible locations, DCC said in a statement on Tuesday. Authorities have been increasing their work over the past number of weeks in an effort to keep the city streets free from large items of rubbish that could be used in bonfires. Read more Firefighter who died on duty honoured by Tara Street Station plaque The Councils Waste Management Services division has already been removing material since late August, DCC said. In the 10 days leading up to Halloween, out of hours crews will be available northside and southside to assist gardai and remove material. 2022 saw the second year in a row where tonnage collected, bonfires and reports all decreased. Business owners and residents are reminded that you are responsible for your waste and if it is found not to have been disposed of correctly, you could be held liable, the council added. The statement also highlights the fear on behalf of emergency services that people, animals and property will be put at risk on October 31. Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) is not in a position to take reports or collect material. However, by increasing awareness, DFB hopes to reduce the number of injuries and incidents associated with bonfires and the misuse of fireworks, it said. The tragedy is that we are likely to see more injuries associated with the misuse of fireworks and these are so preventable. If you find yourself at or near an unauthorised firework/bonfire event, never consume drugs or alcohol when using fireworks. Make sure children stand at a safe distance and keep everyone well back from the display/fire. Never return to a lit firework. Wait 20 minutes and place it in a bucket of water. Also, never throw fireworks. The public is reminded that if you see waste being left out, being collected, or if you know of a stockpile, please ring Dublin City Council on 222 2222 or contact waste management services online. Larry Mooney (77) has been selling wool in the Liberty Market for nearly 50 years The Liberty Market on Meath Street celebrates 50 years in business next month A street party is being planned to mark the 50th anniversary of The Liberty Market on Meath Street. The hidden Dublin gem is celebrating the milestone next month and traders hope to thank loyal customers who have kept the market going since the mid-seventies. Liberties legend Larry Mooney said its the tight-knit community spirit that keeps him going, and his customers and market staff are like his family. The 77-year-old started trading in the Liberty Market back in the 1970s, selling all different types of wool, baby clothing, shawls and teddies from his stall. Next month is the big anniversary, he said of the celebrations, provisionally planned for the weekend of October 21. Larry Mooney (77) has been selling wool in the Liberty Market for nearly 50 years We will have a good time. Hopefully, close off the street for two hours with music and dancing, give it a good bash, balloons and sweets and cakes for the kids. Mr Mooney spoke about his affection for his customers and the local area. Liberty Market is doing okay. My customers are the same people every week. There is a downturn everywhere, not a lot of surplus money around at all, but were holding our own. There was a woman from Ballyfermot in and she had never heard of the Liberty Market. We had another who lived by the church up the road and never heard of it. The owner is a lovely fellow, he is very fair. If the Liberty Market went the whole place would go downhill. Its the same faces all the time, he added. The wool seller described how the market is a great place for bargain hunters. You can get everything in the place. The prices compared to everywhere else? Were reasonable. Pensioners dont have the money. I had a woman coming in at 100 years of age to get her wool. We hold onto the people. Mr Mooney was delighted with the recent announcement of 9m in funding for the historic Iveagh Markets building nearby. Some of the indoor stalls at the Liberty Market on Meath Street Iveagh Markets I remember well from being a teenager. I used to buy boots in there, a fabulous place, he said. Terrible it was let run down. I dont know if in my time I will get to see it done up. Id say it could take ten years at a minimum. Its a great boost to the area. It will re-generate the whole area. We lost all the country customers coming up. But we get people from Kildare, Galway and Wicklow coming up now thanks to a recent article in the Irish Independent. Its amazing how advertising can help. Meath street is a brilliant place, its very real and cheaper prices, he added. It was an unlikely family get-together; it would surely have never been as big as it was, or happened at all, had it not been for a computer programme. But relatives from Dingle, Listowel, Castleisland, Clonakilty, Rosslare, Dublin, Canada and, very nearly, Australia joined up at a focal point of their relation, James Longs in Dingle, for a quite-extraordinary family reunion in recent days. It celebrated the Long family lineage though some have, of course, shed that name with the passage of time, with Roberts and Ashe prominent among the final gathering of 22 and it brought together some branches for the first time since the early 1900s. David Ashe, a Dingle man and former Deputy Chief of Staff with the Defence Forces, was key to organising the event. His mother was Mary Long, from the Quay, where Longs restaurant is today, but tracing all his relatives was tricky business. One of his mothers siblings went to Australia, but there was great mystery around another brother, Michael Robert, who was finally traced to a ship travelling from Liverpool to Quebec. He went on to change his name to Michael Roberts, and many years passed before David traced his cousin, Marjorie a resident of Alberta, Canada pretty much by chance. She had contacted me, but we couldnt complete a match, David explained to The Kerryman. The third time she approached was in January 2021, and the match was eventually made to my grandfather, John Long from Stand Street, and his wife, Mary OConnor, from Clochan. David had purchased a computer programme that helped him draw up a detailed family tree, but submitting DNA allowed it to become more detailed still. Marjorie, completely independently of David, also submitted DNA to the same programme, and they were matched as second cousins. And, so, the wheels ramped into motion ahead of the family-reunion dinner of recent days. Some travelled from Australia for the occasion but couldnt attend on the day due to the rotten luck of contracting COVID, but they did eventually meet relatives in Dingle later on, taking in some of the many attractions Corca Dhuibhne has to offer. They even visited the grave of their great-great-grandfather, Stephen Long. Quite the yarn, Im sure youll agree. Kieran Hanrahan, (on left) presenter of the popular weekly RTE Radio 1 Programme Ceili House with Sligos Philip Duffy. Tune in on Saturday Night 30th September at 9pm to hear them discuss Philips new book On The Night. A well-known fiddle player from Sligo has published a book featuring hundreds of musicians from around Ireland who won the All-Ireland Ceili bands competition over the past 70 years. Author Philip Duffy, who works as an accountant for McMoreland Duffy Rouse in Sligo, has always been deeply interested in music especially the Irish traditional music. His Book On The Night shines a light on those musicians both men and women who played on All-Ireland winning Ceili bands from 1951 to 2021 Mr Duffy said, The reason behind writing the book is that a lot of people are familiar with the well-known Ceili bands such as, The Kilfenora, The Tulla, The Liverpool, The Siamsa, The Bridge etc, but not many people especially the younger generation would know the individual musicians of these bands. The book is thorough and well researched through the hardwork of Mr Duffy for around seven years which included some trips to far-flung regions of the world such as China, Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, Denmark, along with the UK and all over Ireland. He said, I have been thinking about doing it for years and back in 2016 when I hit 50 years of age, I decided that I was going to do something about it. I tracked down every living member of every All Ireland winning Ceili band since 1951 and had a chat with them. In case of the deceased musicians, I tracked down each of their families, just to get a first hand account of him/her and the band that they played for. A total of 38 Ceili bands are featured with 408 individual musicians brought to the fore within the books 1,000 pages. It includes several Sligo musicians as well, with John Joe Gardiner, from Ballymote holding the earliest date of birth in 1894. John Joe was a flute and fiddle player, who played with the Siamsa Ceili Band that won the All-Ireland competition for three consecutive years in 1967, 1968 and 1969. The publication also has more than 1,200 photographs and 2 CDs, with 39 recordings from the All-Ireland winning bands representing the years between 1953 and 2019. The author has dedicated the book to the memory of his very good friend Ted McGowan (1933-2015), a music enthusiast and proprietor of the public house The Rosin Dubh in Gurteen. He was a manager of The Glenside Ceili Band, which represented London and won the All-Ireland in Boyle in 1966. Mr Duffy said, The book is just a simple way to reintroduce the public to the great musicians of the past. It is to keep the memory alive as they did a lot to keep the Irish music alive. At a time when our own music was potentially under threat, from other genres of music that were coming in, such as jazz music or show bands, the establishment of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE) and of an All-Ireland Senior Ceili Band Competition in 1951, played a crucial part in maintaining and continuing the important role of the ceili bands as part of our tradition. And these people kept the fire lit that has resulted in Irish music being as strong today as it has ever been. Readers also have a bonus chapter called Wedding Bands which contains a wide selection of wedding photographs of various musicians and their respective spouses Mr Duffy is also being featured for a broadcast interview on popular weekly RTE Radio 1 programme Ceili House on Saturday 30th September at 9pm. On The Night and its accompanying CDs are available for purchase on www.onthenight.net as well as locally at the Record Room and Liber Bookshop in Sligo. 1 Millennium Robbie Williams 2 Rollercoaster B*witched 3 I Dont Want To Miss A Thing Aerosmith 4 No Matter What Boyzone 5 One For Sorrow Steps 6 I Want You Back Melanie B featuring Missy Elliott 7 Crush Jennifer Paige 8 Youre My Heart Youre My Soul Modern Talking 9 Music Sounds Better With You Stardust 10 Life Desree Robbie Williams was top of the Irish singles chart twenty-five years ago this week. His Millennium, the first track from second studio album Ive Been Expecting You, was released more than two years before the actual millennium year 2000, but became one of the big anthems celebrating the event, its big stars directing our fate chorus striking a chord. Millennium was Williams first number one single in either the UK or Ireland. Angels, his best-selling and possibly best-loved single - released the previous year - had peaked at No. 2 in Ireland and only reached No. 4 in the UK. Williams had most of the lyrics for Millennium written by the time his producer (and former World Party member) Guy Chambers came up with the song title. Explaining the name to Songwriting Magazine in 2019, Chambers said, There was a lot of talk about the millennium back then, its a bit like the Brexit word now... not that Id write a song called Brexit. I just thought it was an interesting word. 007 fan Williams wanted the song to have a James Bond feel and, from the start, Chambers decided he would sample John Barrys musical arrangement of You Only Live Twice (by Nancy Sinatra), featuring what he considered an iconic intro that grabs you straight away. However, when record label Chrysalis discovered that a new recording would cost only one tenth of the licensing fee that would be required to sample You Only Live Twice, they asked that it be recreated in the studio, so an orchestra comprising of a 26-piece string section, four French horn players, and a harpist was brought in to record it. The tongue-in-cheek video for the song - featuring Robbie Williams parodying James Bond in some very loose recreations of famous scenes from the movies - won the award for British Video Of The Year at the 1999 Brits. Millennium was part of an incredible singles chart run for the former Take That member whose solo career has made him one of the biggest recording artists of all time. Between 1996 and 2013 he had 29 top-ten hits in the UK, including seven number ones. Just before Millennium reached the top of the charts, Robbie Williams supported The Verve in a memorable performance at Slane Castle. The following year he would return to Ireland to play a sold-out headliner before 80,000 fans at the same venue. Michael Tierney, who was the club photographer at Bray Wanderers for over 30 years, sadly passed away on Sunday, September, 24, after a long illness surrounded by his loving wife and children and in the wonderful care of Blackrock Hospice. His close friend, Vincent Kirwan, has paid a special tribute to someone who was a best friend for over 30 years and with whom he travelled the length and breath of the country, every other weekend and further afield, watching Bray Wanderers in good times and bad for all that time. Vincent said: Michael (Mick to me), from Shankill, passed away last Sunday morning having borne his illness over the last six months with great strength, bravery, dignity, and believe it or not, with great humour. Mick was a great husband to Ina, and father to his daughter Catherine, sons John, Paul and Colm and grandfather and great grandfather to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom he adored, and he took a big interest in all their activities. He was especially proud of his grandson, Conor, who took after him with his interest in horses. He is now a jockey and last year went to America to learn his trade and won a number of races, including the prestigious Maryland Hunt Cup, and Mick was so proud of this achievement. He was beaming as he showed everybody the photos and videos of Conors achievements. Mick was the Bray Wanderers volunteer photographer for over 30 years and in that time he built up an amazing library of photos of the successful days and not too successful days of Bray Wanderers in the LOI and, lest we forget, in Europe photos that will form a massive part of the history of our club. His photos are hanging proudly in the homes of players and officials all around the country, photos that were personally printed and distributed by Mick freely and voluntarily. Photos and memories that are not available anywhere else. Bray Wanderers certainly owe him a massive debt of gratitude. Mick has been my best friend for over 30 years and we have travelled together following Bray Wanderers all around Ireland, every other weekend, and as far as Zurich (what happened in Zurich stays in Zurich), leaving in the early afternoon and dropping him off in Shankill early the next morning. We never had an argument, disagreements yes, but after a little discussion I would eventually give in and agree with his point of view and on wed go. Mick was the kindest, friendliest and most obliging individual you could come across, and he leaves behind a wonderful family and thousands of friends who will never forget a legend of Bray Wanderers. Everybody needs a friend like Michael Tierney and I am proud to say I was his friend for all those years. Michaels remains will be reposing in Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray on Wednesday, September 27, from 4pm-6pm. Walking from his home on Friday at 9.30am to St Annes Church, Shankill, arriving for a Funeral Mass at 10am followed by committal in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W. Sept. 26, 1993 A small band of white supremacists barely escaped a seething, out-of-control mob in downtown Auburn yesterday afternoon. Facing thousands of protesters on the edge of violence, the supremacists made several brief appearances and ran off. "Auburn came together as one today," said Adrian Humphrey, an African-American Auburn High School student. "We showed them that we may have racial tension here, but when some outside group tries to do something like this, we kick them out of town. "I cannot say another bad word about Auburn, because if they wanted to, they could have teamed up with the other side. "Today, Auburn proved to me they ain't racist." But with yesterday's visitors, the city wasn't entirely pacifist either. In several instances, counter-demonstrators clashed with neo-Nazis, leaving at least two slightly injured. Fewer than 25 neo-Nazis showed up. Police estimated 2,000 counter-demonstrators, the vast majority from out of town. A full-scale riot was avoided only when police helped the supremacists escape from the back of City Hall in two vans and a sedan. A mob of mostly college-age protesters chased, hurling bricks and bottles. Tension had peaked earlier, when about 10 supremacists, brandishing clubs and shields, poured out of one van as it climbed Lincoln Street. They were hotly pursued by counter-demonstrators, mostly members of the National Women's Rights Organizing Coalition. With the crowd closing in, the supremacists beat a hasty retreat. Close Corey Robinson, right, of Flint, Michigan, throws a punch to the chin of a neo-Nazi supporter during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Sameer Shehadeh vents anger toward neo-Nazis and their supporters during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Corey Robinson, of Flint, Michigan, and Robert Pack, of Detroit, rip down a fence intended to protect Freedom Park on the corner of North and Dill streets after neo-Nazis were escorted from a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Immigrant Mitchell Lewicki, of Auburn, holds a photo of himself taken when he was interned at a concentration camp during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Protesters crowd South Street during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Neo-Nazis shout at supporters during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. National Women's Rights Organizing Coalition spokeswoman Dawn Babbash counter-protests during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. National Women's Rights Organizing Coalition members counter-protest during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Law enforcement surrounds Memorial City Hall in Auburn during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party there in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Media captures the moment during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Gallery: Neo-Nazis rally in Auburn in 1993 Images from a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn on Sept. 25, 1993 and the counter-protest that resulted. Corey Robinson, right, of Flint, Michigan, throws a punch to the chin of a neo-Nazi supporter during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Sameer Shehadeh vents anger toward neo-Nazis and their supporters during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Corey Robinson, of Flint, Michigan, and Robert Pack, of Detroit, rip down a fence intended to protect Freedom Park on the corner of North and Dill streets after neo-Nazis were escorted from a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Immigrant Mitchell Lewicki, of Auburn, holds a photo of himself taken when he was interned at a concentration camp during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Protesters crowd South Street during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Neo-Nazis shout at supporters during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. National Women's Rights Organizing Coalition spokeswoman Dawn Babbash counter-protests during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. National Women's Rights Organizing Coalition members counter-protest during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Law enforcement surrounds Memorial City Hall in Auburn during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party there in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Media captures the moment during a rally by the United States of America Nationalist Party at Memorial City Hall in Auburn Sept. 25, 1993. Wicklow poet Jane Clarke will co-host a a workshop and poetry recital on Friday, October 13, as part of the calendar of events at this year's 'Way with Words' festival in Blessington Library. Wicklow Arts Office and Wicklow Library Services have announced that the Way with Words Literature Festival will return on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, in Blessington Library. Now in its fifth year, the festival is a highly anticipated event curated with writers and readers in mind. This year's programme features a range of events for all ages, including readings, workshops, conversations, and activities for all ages - with a variety of genres and approaches to writing represented. A workshop for TY students with award-winning writer and poet Colm Keegan will take place on Tuesday, October 10. On Friday, October 13, there will be a workshop for primary school students with children's book writer Helena Dugan and a workshop and poetry recital featuring Wicklow Poets Jane Clarke, David Butler and Eithne Hand. Creator of 'My Delicious Hat', Paul Timoney, and illustrator and writer Aoife Dooley will host two children's workshops on Saturday, October 14. On the same day, two writers workshops with William Ryan, fiction writer, and Tanya Farrelly, crime fiction writer, will also take place, along with a reading and in-conversation by Irish journalist and broadcaster Edel Coffey, moderated by Wicklow author Olivia Fitzsimons. Funded by Creative Ireland, all Way with Words events are free, but booking is essential. The full festival programme will be announced soon. British star Dame Joan Collins has suggested the number of predatory wolves on film sets has fallen over the years (PA) British star Dame Joan Collins has suggested the number of predatory wolves on film sets has fallen over the years. The veteran actress, 90, has detailed her experiences in the industry in a new memoir, Behind The Shoulder Pads Tales I Tell My Friends, which will be released on September 28. Appearing on ITVs Good Morning Britain (GMB), Dame Joan recalled meeting US star Marilyn Monroe, who warned her against the wolves in Hollywood. I said, I can handle wolves, we have those in the English film industry, and she said, Not the Hollywood kind. If they dont like you, if you dont come through for them, theyll cancel your contract. Its happened to lots of young girls, Dame Joan said. So I said, Ill just avoid them. I was good at avoiding them because my father, who was an agent, told me one of the best things to do to avoid a predatory man laugh at him. And it worked quite a few times. Dynasty star Dame Joan, who made her name at 17 in the film I Believe In You, said a sisterhood of young actresses had to put up with unwanted advances on film sets but banded together. On Tuesday, GMB co-presenter Richard Madeley suggested exploitative men are still with us with Dame Joan replying: Not to the same extent. American actress Marilyn Monroe warned Dame Joan about predatory wolves (PA) She continued: In the business, it was just taken as an actors divine right to sleep with his leading lady. And I had that from several: George Peppard, Richard Burton, Richard Todd. They just took it, Thats the meat there for me. I can dine on this juicy young piece of whatever. And if it wasnt them, it was the producers, so I dont think its nearly as bad because I talk to some young actresses today. Dame Joan recalled an experience on a British film set with a producer who was chasing her around the corridors asking, Do you really want this part? She added: The wardrobe people were very nice and they used to hide me in the wardrobe as he came prowling at the end of the test. Russian president Vladimir Putin earlier this month let loose a fresh tirade against Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who is Jewish and who had many ancestors that were killed by the Nazis. The Western masters, Putin told Russian television, growing visibly angry, put a person at the head of modern Ukraine an ethnic Jew, with Jewish roots, with Jewish origins to cover up the anti-human essence that is the foundation... of the modern Ukrainian state and the glorification of Nazism. Kosovo yesterday called on Serbia to hand over ethnic Serb gunmen it said had escaped after a shoot-out with Kosovar police that killed four people in the restive north of the country, aggravating tensions between Pristina and Belgrade. Russian occupiers tortured Ukrainians so brutally that some of their victims died, and forced families to listen as they raped women next door, members of a UN-mandated investigative body said yesterday, in its latest findings from the field. Erik Mose, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva his team had collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control has been widespread and systematic. Writers in the US are praising a tentative deal that has been reached with Hollywood studio bosses which could mark the end of a strike that has lasted almost five months. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. The Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency is severing its relationship with the Cayuga Economic Development Agency and has hired CEDA's recently fired executive director to serve as its interim leader. The IDA notified CEDA in August that it intends to terminate its contract with the agency at the end of this year. While the two agencies have separate boards, they shared administrative staff, including an executive director. By ending the arrangement, the IDA will have its own staff. The IDA board also voted at its August meeting to name Michael Miller as the agency's interim executive director. He will be paid $19,000 and his contract runs through the end of the year. Miller served as CEDA's executive director for more than a year before he was fired in August. He told The Citizen that "misalignment with the board" was the reason for his termination. In his new role, one of Miller's tasks will be to help the IDA separate from CEDA. At the IDA's board meeting last week, Miller provided an update on moving the agency's files to a cloud-based server. For now, the IDA's files are stored with CEDA's at its State Street office in Auburn. He also looked into setting up phone service for the IDA and shifting its accounting online. "Going into our budget into next year, there's many more expenses the IDA has to consider for at least the next several years," Miller said. One possibility is seeking funding from the county. The county's 2023 budget included $375,000 for CEDA. The IDA received a portion of those funds through CEDA. Herb Marshall, an IDA board member and former Cayuga County Legislature chairman, floated the idea of requesting money from the county that would allow the agency to fund its operations and retain Miller as executive director. But Ray Lockwood, the board's chair, was not supportive of seeking county funding. "The less I have to do with the county budget, the better off I'd feel," he said. The IDA's decision adds to the tumult facing CEDA, which has fired two executive directors in the last 15 months. Before Miller was hired in July 2022, Bradly Broadwell was terminated after two months on the job. After Miller was hired, CEDA requested $410,000 from the county, a $35,000 increase. The ask was met with resistance from some county legislators. Ultimately, the county Legislature kept the agency's funding flat ($375,000) for 2023. With the firing of another executive director, Cayuga County Legislature Chairman David Gould told The Citizen that there are questions about CEDA's direction. That will likely factor into the decision of whether to provide any funding to the agency in the county's 2024 budget. Meanwhile, CEDA's future is the subject of meetings being held by an ad hoc committee that formed in the aftermath of Miller's firing. The agency's board of directors launched the committee to examine its status. In a statement, the board said it "recognizes the challenges the organization is currently facing and understands how recent decisions have caused deep concern in the community regarding the organization's capacity to be an effective partner in the community's economic development strategies." Photo Courtesy: Pixabay The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Monday said international credit agency Moody's Investors Service has made sweeping assertions against Aadhaar without citing any evidence. "A certain investor service has, without citing any evidence or basis, made sweeping assertions against Aadhaar, the most trusted digital ID in the world," read a statement issued by the Indian government. "Over the last decade, over a billion Indians have expressed their trust in Aadhaar by using it to authenticate themselves over 100 billion times. To ignore such an unprecedented vote of confidence in an identity system is to imply that the users do not understand what is in their own interest," the statement said. The Indian government said the report in question does not cite either primary or secondary data or research in support of the opinions presented in it. "The investor service did not make any attempt to ascertain facts regarding the issues raised by it from the Authority. The sole reference cited in the report is in respect of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), by referring to its website. However, the report incorrectly cites the number of Aadhaars issued as 1.2 billion, although the website prominently gives the updated numbers," the statement said. It said the report avers that use of biometric technologies results in service denials for manual laborers in Indias hot, humid climate, an obvious reference to Indias Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). "However, it is evident that the authors of the report are unaware that the seeding of Aadhaar in the MGNREGS database has been done without requiring the worker to authenticate using their biometrics, and that even payment to workers under the scheme is made by directly crediting money in their account and does not require the worker to authenticate using their biometrics," the statement said. The statement said: "The report ignores that biometric submission is also possible through contactless means like face authentication and iris authentication. In addition, the option of mobile OTP is also available in many use cases." The Indian government further said: "The report also avers that there are security and privacy vulnerabilities in a centralised Aadhaar system. The factual position in this regard has been repeatedly disclosed in response to Parliament questions, where Parliament has been categorically informed that till date no breach has been reported from Aadhaar database." The government said the systems are certified as per international security and privacy standards (ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security Management System and ISO 27701:2019 for Privacy Information Management System). Recently, the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), in a report prepared by the World Bank, has stated that the implementation of DPIs such as Aadhaar (a foundational digital ID system), along with the Jan Dhan bank accounts, and mobile phones, is considered to have played a critical role in moving ownership of transaction accounts from approximately one-fourth of adults in 2008 to over 80 percent nowa journey that it is estimated could have taken up to 47 years without DPIs. The recent G20 New Delhi Declaration has welcomed the G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure, a voluntary and suggested framework for the development, deployment and governance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and welcomed Indias plan to build and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR), a virtual repository of DPI, voluntarily shared by G20 members and beyond. Image Credit: UNI Jaipur/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at top Rajasthan minister Rajendra Yadav's residence in connection with a money laundering case linked to the state's midday meal scheme, media reports said. The raid was conducted at Yadav's Kotputli town in Jaipur. Yadav, an MLA from Kotputli and the second most important member in the Ashok Gehlot cabinet, holds Higher Education, Planning, State Motor Garage, Home, and Justice portfolios in the government run by Congress. Reports say ED might be conducting the search along with the Income Tax Department at Yadav's residence. The movement to and fro the minister's residence and office has been restricted, NDTV reported. The search is conducted just a few months before Rajasthan enters into the assembly elections. The state, which was won by Congress in 2018, is facing a competition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming polls due to be held in December 2023. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry (L) and Justin Trudeau (R) | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab and Wallpaper Cave Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Monday said terrorists have found safe haven in Canada, amid the bilateral tension between New Delhi and Ottawa, media reports said. Speaking to ANI, Sabry said, "Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. "The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country." Slamming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sabri said no one should "poke their nose into other countries". He said, " I don't think anyone should poke their nose into other countries and tell as to how we should govern our country. We love our country more than anyone else. That's why we are in our country. (sic) "We are not very happy about that statement at all. Indian Ocean identity is very important and we need to strengthen the regional architecture. We have to look after our region. We need to work together." #BREAKING: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister @alisabrypc hits out at Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau on attacking India, Terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. Canadian PM has this way of coming out with outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. pic.twitter.com/jJJPhFPvoa Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 25, 2023 "That's how we can create a peaceful environment. We should not be dictated by anyone else as to how we should conduct our affairs," Sabri added. India's relationship with Canada deteriorated after Trudeau on September 18 alleged New Delhi's involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June in British Columbia. Trudeau was quoted as saying by media: "As I said on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil." He said: "There is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters." He asked the Indian government to 'work' with Canada to ensure full transparency and accountability in the matter. India dismissed Ottawa's allegations about Indian agents' involvement in the murder of the Khalistani terrorist as "politically driven". MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said there was a "degree of prejudice" in Canada's allegations. "They have made allegations and taken action on them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven." PM Modi with Justin Trudeau during one of their earlier meetings/ courtesy: PIB While New Delhi outrightly rejected Trudeau's allegation, calling it "absurd" and "motivated", the relations between the two countries have worsened with Canada and India expelling a senior diplomat each. India has also issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals, particularly students, in Canada and also those contemplating travel to the North American country, asking them to exercise utmost caution. Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar? Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canada-based pro-Khalistan leader, was shot dead in Surrey city, British Columbia province in June. He had been a leading figure in the Khalistan separatist movement and was closely associated with Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Nijjar was also serving as the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. Nijjar, a member of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), was a wanted terrorist for his involvement in various acts of violence and subversive activities. Photo courtesy: UNI New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: The Supreme Court Tuesday allowed Ashish Mishra, accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri case, to visit and stay in the NCT of Delhi to look after his ailing mother and get treatment for his daughter. A bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Surya Kant, passed the order on Tuesday. Ashish Mishra is the son of Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP), Ajay Kumar Mishra. The apex court in its order lifted the previous condition that had prohibited him from traveling and entering Delhi-NCR. It made clear that he should not participate in any public function or address the media in relation to the sub judice case. However, the bar against his entering Uttar Pradesh state will still continue, the court said. Eight people, including four farmers, were killed on October 3, 2021, after violence broke out in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh during a protest against the Centres new farm laws that have now been repealed. Farmer bodies have alleged that a vehicle belonging to Mishra ran over a group of demonstrators. The accused, Mishra, was first arrested in the case on October 9, 2021. He walked out of jail on February 15, 2022, after the Allahabad High Court granted him bail. On December 6, a Uttar Pradesh court framed charges against 14 people, including Mishra. Mishra has been charged with a number of offenses, including murder, attempt to murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy. The trial will begin on December 16. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Waheeda Rehman on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Hailing her as a 'beacon of talent, dedication and grace', Modi said Rehman's journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. Sharing a post on X by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur, the Prime Minister said: Delighted that Waheeda Rehman Ji has been honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Her journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. A beacon of talent, dedication and grace, she embodies the best of our cinematic heritage. Congratulations to her. Delighted that Waheeda Rehman Ji has been honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Her journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. A beacon of talent, dedication and grace, she embodies the best of our cinematic heritage. Congratulations to her. https://t.co/uuqfXqIW7l Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2023 From playing a sex worker in Pyaasa to the rebellious Rosie in Guide, Rahman had essayed roles that were unconventional and ahead of her time. Rehman made her acting debut with the Telugu film Rojulu Marayi (1955). She has featured in many films such as Pyaasa (1957), Guide (1965), Khamoshi (1969), Phagun (1973), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991), Rang De Basanti (2006), and Delhi 6 (2009) among many others. S Jaishankar speaking at UN/ courtesy: X Page Amid the Indo-Canadian diplomatic row and continued tension with China, India Tuesday said "political convenience" cannot be the basis for a response to terrorism or extremism, and called on the global community to respect the rules-based order and the UN Charter. Addressing the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on nations to not interfere in the internal affairs of others. Jaishankar's remarks have been interpreted as a jab at both Canada and China. "... nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from the rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out... without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust," he said. "A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge, once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule makers do not subjugate rule takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all," he said taking a jibe at the Western world. India-Canada diplomatic row: India and Canada have been engaged in a diplomatic row since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week claimed "agents of Delhi" were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, wanted by India on terrorism charges, was a Canadian citizen who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Canada's British Columbia in June. India has denied Canada's allegations calling them 'absurd' and pointed out Trudeau's government has yet to share evidence to back its claim. India has pointed out Canada has ignored Khalistani terror threats growing from its territories, and repeatedly failed to act on "specific evidence about criminal activities" by Canada-based individuals. India-China border row: Jaishankar's words have also been seen as a dig at China as India continues to demand Beijing returns to pre-April 2020 positions (before the Galwan Valley clashes) along the Line of Actual Control. Since the clashes Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a stand-off for over three years in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh, even as they complete disengagement from other areas. The full text of S Jaishankar's speech is given below: "Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Members of the General Assembly, Namaste from Bharat! Let me begin by expressing our felicitations to the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Dennis Francis. And our fullest support to the 78th UNGAs theme of "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity. This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and challenges even while sharing our aspirations and goals. And indeed, in regard to both, there is much that India has to share. Mr. President, the world is witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil. As it is, structural inequities and uneven development have imposed burdens on the Global South. But stresses have been aggravated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions and disputes. As a result, socio-economic gains of recent years have been rolled back. Resources for sustainable development are severely challenged. And many countries really struggle to make ends meet. Navigating the future appears even more daunting today. At this juncture, it was with a sense of exceptional responsibility that India took up the Presidency of the G20. Our vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few. In the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was to bridge divides, dismantle barriers and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world, where unity prevails over discord and where shared destiny eclipses isolation. The New Delhi G-20 Leaders Declaration articulates our collective ability to do so. Excellencies, Friends, at a time when East-West polarization is so sharp and North-South divide so deep, the New Delhi Summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over. As the United Nations itself symbolizes, finding common ground is an imperative. To listen to others and to respect their viewpoints, this is not weakness; it is the basics of cooperation. Only then can collective efforts on global issues be successful. Recognizing that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable, we began the G20 Presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South Summit. This enabled us to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 agenda. As a consequence, the issues which deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community. Mr. President, it was also noteworthy that at Indias initiative, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20. By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organization, to also make the Security Council contemporary. Broad representation is after all, a pre-requisite for both effectiveness and credibility. The outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit will surely resonate for years ahead. Among them is the Action Plan for Sustainable Development Goals, a crucial need of the day. Equally important are the High Principles of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Green Development Pact, as they shape our approach to our planets future. The transformative role of Digital Public Infrastructure has also finally been recognized. As has the salience of women-led development in building an inclusive and progressive society. The reform of international financial institutions (IFI) has been given due weight, as has the resolution of debt vulnerabilities. Friends, the New Delhi G20 outcomes are expressed both as larger policies and as specific initiatives. They could be about building cities for tomorrow or fighting corruption. Eliminating hunger or delivering quality education. Ending plastic pollution or preserving the ocean-based economy. Or for that matter, enhancing food security or even mapping global skills. Some address longstanding issues like the gender divide and climate action. Others focus on new concerns such as responsible harnessing of Artificial Intelligence. All in all, we have placed for the worlds consideration a set of actionable propositions, constructive solutions and new directions. Even as we encourage collective endeavours, India also seeks to promote cooperation with diverse partners. From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of Vishwa Mitra (a friend to the world). This is reflected in our ability and willingness to engage with a broad range of nations. And, where necessary, harmonize interests. It is visible in the rapid growth of the Quad, a mechanism today so relevant to the Indo-Pacific. It is equally apparent in the expansion of the BRICS grouping of independent-minded nations. Or in fact, the emergence of the I2U2 combination. Recently, we hosted the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The forging of the Global Biofuels Alliance was another notable development. This willingness to work in an open-minded manner on specific domains is now a defining characteristic of the emerging multipolar order. Mr. President, all nations pursue their national interests. We, in India, have never seen that as being in contradiction with global good. When we aspire to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandizement but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions. The goals we have set for ourselves will make us different from all those whose rise preceded ours. India demonstrated this during the Covid through the Vaccine Maitri initiative. Our endeavors like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure have gathered wide support. Our espousing of the International Year of Millets is enhancing global food security today. We have built development partnerships with 78 nations across geographies. We have also been First Responder in disaster emergency situations. The people of Turkiye saw that in February, as did those in Syria. Our commitment is understandably even greater, closer home. When Sri Lanka experienced a severe economic crisis, it was India that first stepped forward. But even in distant regions, partners such as the Pacific Islands have appreciated our contributions to meet their needs in health, in technology and in climate action. Mr. President, the most populous nation and the fifth largest economy in the world knows that its progress makes a real difference to the world. Especially when so many nations identify with us for reasons of history, geography and culture. They follow our experiences closely and evaluate our solutions for their larger relevance. Last week the United Nations assessed progress towards achieving SDGs. The mood here reflected the struggle to overcome challenges, especially those of resource paucity. It is, therefore, vital at this mid-way, that we expand our capacities and regain our confidence. As the largest contributor to meeting SDG targets, Indias achievements should give heart to others on this journey. After all, the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index records that we have halved the global MPI value in the last 15 years, lifting 415 million people out of poverty. That progress has now moved on to a higher level, with ambitious socio-economic initiatives covering financial inclusion, food and nutrition, health and water supply, as well as energy and housing. We are seeking to demonstrate that social welfare need not be the sole prerogative of the developed world. Excellencies, programs underway in India highlight the transformational role of digital delivery of public goods. It has facilitated scaling up, it has enhanced efficiency and it has combated corruption. The national objective of Leaving No One Behind is forging ahead in so many dimensions. Moreover, the democratization of technology has opened mindsets, instilled confidence and inspired innovations. Excellencies, in our deliberations, we often advocate the promotion of a rules-based order. From time to time, respect for the UN Charter is also invoked. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This cannot go on indefinitely. Nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge, once we all put our minds to it. And for a start, that means ensuring that rule makers do not subjugate rule takers. After all, rules will work only when they apply equally to all. Mr. President, we must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid to recur. Climate action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities. The power of markets should not be utilized to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy. Nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry picking. When reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out. Without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust. This is very much the sentiment of the Global South. Next year, the United Nations will be hosting the Summit of the Future. This should serve as a serious opportunity to drive change, champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including the expansion of the Security Council memberships. We must address global challenges imbued with the conviction that we are one earth and one family, with one future. Excellencies, Friends, India has entered the Amrit Kaal, a quarter century where greater progress and transformation awaits us. We are confident that our talent and creativity, now so visibly unleashed, will power us forward. The world saw a glimpse of what is to come when our Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon. Today, our message to the world is in digitally enabled governance and delivery, in the widening ambit of amenities and services, in rapidly growing infrastructure, and in our energetic Startup culture. It is visible too in vibrant cultural expressions, such as in the arts, yoga, wellness, and lifestyle. Our latest assertion is in a pathbreaking legislation to reserve one-third of the seats for women in our legislatures. Mr. President, I speak for a society where ancient traditions of democracy have struck deep modern roots. As a result, our thinking, approaches and actions are now more grounded and authentic. As a civilizational polity that embraces modernity, we bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that today defines India, that is Bharat." Photo Courtesy: wikipedia.org New Delhi: Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman will be honoured with India's highest award in the field of cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Tuesday. From playing a street sex worker in Pyaasa to the rebellious Rosie in Vijay Anand's Guide, Rahman had essayed roles which were unconventional and ahead of her time. On Tuesday, I&B minister Anurag Thakur took to Twitter to make the announcement. He wrote, I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema. I feel an immense sense of happiness and honour in announcing that Waheeda Rehman ji is being bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award this year for her stellar contribution to Indian Cinema. Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) September 26, 2023 Praising the iconic actress, Thakur added, Waheeda ji has been critically acclaimed for her roles in Hindi films, prominent among them, Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Chaudhavi Ka Chand, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Khamoshi and several others. In her career spanning over 5 decades, she has essayed her roles with extreme finesse, leading to a National Film Award for her role as a clanswoman in the film Reshma and Shera. A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Waheeda ji has exemplified dedication, commitment and the strength of a Bharatiya Nari who can achieve the highest level of professional excellence with her hard work. At a time when the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by Parliament, her being awarded with this lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to one of the leading ladies of Indian Cinema and one who has dedicated her life after films to philanthropy and the greater good of society. I congratulate her and humbly pay my regards to her rich body of work that is an intrinsic part of our film history, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Waheeda Rehman on being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Hailing her as a 'beacon of talent, dedication and grace', Modi said Rehman's journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. Delighted that Waheeda Rehman Ji has been honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. Her journey in Indian cinema has left an indelible mark. A beacon of talent, dedication and grace, she embodies the best of our cinematic heritage. Congratulations to her. https://t.co/uuqfXqIW7l Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2023 Notable Works Wahida Rehman, 85, worked mainly in Hindi films, but began her acting journey way back in 1955 with Telugu film Rojulu Marayi. Acclaimed for her roles in iconic films like Guide and Reshma Aur Shera, Waheeda Rehman is set to receive this prestigious accolade. Waheeda Rehman's portrayal of unconventionally bold and beautiful Rosie (who abandons her uncaring archeologist husband to live together with tour guide Dev Anand) in Guide and her mesmerizing snake charmer dance elevated the film to new heights in Hindi cinema. Her performance in the storyline ahead of its time in Hindi cinema, not only showcased her exceptional talent but also emphasised the profound socio-psychological role that dance played in her character's journey. Guide marked a milestone in Indian mainstream cinema, setting a standard of aesthetic excellence in dance. She is best known for her Hindi films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke Phool, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, all of which were directed by Guru Dutt. Her 1959 film Kaagaz Ke Phool by Guru Dutt was commercially a failure but it is hailed as a masterclass in craft of cinema. Starring opposite Guru Dutt, the married man with whom she was romantically linked in real life, Kaagaz Ke Phool tells the story of a filmmaker and his muse (Waheeda), the heroine he gave break and created but whom he deserts as she becomes a popular star. Photo courtesy: Instagram/Waheeda Rehman Some of her other notable works are Neel Kamal, Ram Aur Shyam and Khamoshi among others. Rehman worked with Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray in his 1962 Bengali film Abhijan. She played Gulabi, a demonstrative and beautiful village widow, who fancies taxi driver Narsingh, portrayed by Soumitra Chatterjee, and wants to be involved with him physically. The film won All India Certificate of Merit for the Second Best Feature Film. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her work in the 1971 film Reshma Aur Shera. She also acted in critically-acclaimed 15 Park Avenue, a 2005 English-language Indian film directed by Aparna Sen. The Madhya Pradesh government also honoured the veteran actress with Kishore Kumar Samman in 2020. Personal Life Waheeda Rehman, Asha Parekh and Helen, known for their strong bonding since the heydays of their career in Bollywood, in an outing in the Andamans in 2021. (Photo Courtesy: (www.instagram.com/tanuj.garg) In 1974, Rehman married her co-actor in the film ShagoonShashi Rekhi also known by his screen name Kamaljeet. Her two children, Sohail Rekhi and Kashvi Rekhi, are writers. After her marriage, she lived in a farmhouse in Bangalore but after the death of her husband on 21 November 2000, she moved back to her sea-view bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai, where she currently resides. Photo Courtesy: X page video grab At least 20 people died after an explosion rocked a fuel depot in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region. The blast reportedly left hundreds of others injured. Nearly 300 people have been admitted to hospitals for treatment with officials saying many of them are in 'critical condition'. The cause of the explosion is still not known. It comes as the Armenian government said 13,350 refugees crossed into the country from the enclave, reports BBC. Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan earlier wrote on X: "As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200." "The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe. The medical capacities of NK are not enough," he said. Since Azerbaijan's seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh last week, thousands of people have left the area after the Armenian government in Yerevan announced plans to move those made homeless by the fighting, BBC reported. India received resounding praise from leaders across the Global South at a special event hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event, titled India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development celebrated Indias remarkable stewardship of the G20 and its unwavering commitment to international solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Championing the Global South Indias leadership as the head of the G20 was hailed as a historic moment for the Global South. The G20 Presidency provided India with a platform to amplify the voices and concerns of developing nations on the global stage. Bhutans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tandi Dorji, described India as a stalwart leader advocating for the interests and concerns of the Global South, emphasizing Indias role in fostering solidarity and cooperation among nations. One significant achievement was the admission of the African Union into the G20, a milestone credited to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move highlighted Indias commitment to broadening the representation of developing nations and fostering inclusivity within global forums. A Hand of Humanity Amidst a Global Pandemic During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, India extended a hand of humanity by supplying COVID-19 vaccines to countries worldwide. This act of generosity stood in stark contrast to the notion of vaccine diplomacy that had emerged in some quarters. Dominicas Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vince Henderson, expressed gratitude for Indias rapid response in providing vaccines to his country and others in the Caribbean and beyond. He reframed Indias actions as extending the hand of humanity rather than diplomacy, emphasizing the genuine intent behind Indias vaccine distribution efforts. Indias commitment to sharing resources and expertise, even while facing its own challenges, resonated with leaders from small island states and developing nations. This act of solidarity underscored Indias dedication to global well-being and was warmly acknowledged by the international community. A Call for Permanent Representation Several nations, including Dominica and Mauritius, voiced their support for Indias bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. They cited Indias population and responsible exercise of power as compelling reasons for its inclusion. Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, Maneesh Gobin, highlighted Indias leadership during its G20 Presidency as a testament to the countrys commitment to sustainable and human-centered development. He emphasized the significance of Indias inclusive and consultative approach, which contributed to the success of the G20 Summit. Indias Continuing Commitment The Maldives Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, commended Indias ability to host the G20 Summit amid a challenging global political landscape and ensure the consensus declaration. He noted that Indias leadership extended beyond the G20, citing the India-UN Development Partnership Fund as a blueprint for South-South cooperation. Indias neighborhood first policy was celebrated for benefiting small island developing countries like the Maldives, which attributed much of its rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to Indias support. Indias leadership on the global stage, particularly during its G20 Presidency and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has earned accolades and admiration from the Global South. Indias commitment to solidarity, inclusivity, and humanity continues to inspire nations worldwide, reinforcing its status as a key player in the international arena. As the world faces complex challenges, Indias leadership stands as a beacon of hope and cooperation for the benefit of all nations. (Image and text credit: Khalsavox.com) In a strongly worded letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Baloch Human Rights Council of Canada (BHRC-Canada) has raised questions about the governments uneven approach to two distinct cases. The organization expressed its concern regarding the apparent double standards in dealing with the deaths of Karima Baloch and Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Zaffar Jawaid, President of BHRC-Canada, underscored this contrast in his letter, stating, Prime Minister Mr. Justin Trudeaus conspicuous silence regarding the high-profile, unexplained death of Ms. Karima Baloch a prominent Balochistan human rights defender stands in stark contrast to his impassioned speeches in the House of Commons and extensive international media coverage concerning the shooting death of Mr. Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. BHRC-Canada has called into question the Canadian governments consistency and fairness, especially in addressing human rights violations perpetrated by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan. Moreover, BHRC-Canada suggested that the Trudeau administration might be motivated by political considerations. The organization stated, BHRC-Canada believes that the Canadian Governments apparent reluctance to address Ms. Balochs death impartially may be linked to electoral considerations. The Baloch community in Canada is relatively small and lacks the electoral influence to significantly impact the selection of representatives in Parliament. BHRC-Canada urged the Canadian government to treat all individuals equally, regardless of their race, creed, or political affiliations, emphasizing that their previous appeals had seemingly gone unnoticed, possibly due to electoral motivations. Karima Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist, was discovered deceased by Toronto Police near Lake Ontario on Toronto Island on December 21, 2020, under mysterious circumstances. BHRC-Canada has expressed deep concerns about the Canadian governments perceived inconsistencies in its response to her death. Remarkably, Canadian authorities labeled Karimas death as non-criminal within 48 hours of its discovery, despite being aware of grave death threats she had received from the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence). BHRC-Canada asserted that this swift conclusion was made without a proper investigation. Karima Baloch had been an outspoken advocate for Balochistans independence from Pakistan. Her family and friends believed her murder was orchestrated by Pakistan, a suspicion shared by many. However, Canada did not pursue this line of inquiry. In a cryptic statement issued by Toronto Police shortly after the discovery of Karimas body, they announced, It is currently being investigated as a non-criminal death, and there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. Baloch had been a vocal critic of the Pakistani Armys actions and had raised the issue of Pakistans atrocities against Baloch citizens at the United Nations. She also accused the Canadian government of providing refuge to Pakistani army officials involved in these crimes. Despite eventually being granted refugee status, the Canadian authorities initially rejected Karima Balochs asylum request, which she had made in 2016 after escaping from Pakistan due to threats from the Pakistan army and intelligence agencies. Three years have passed since Karima Balochs tragic death, yet Canada remains eerily silent on the matter. This silence starkly contrasts with the Canadian governments proactive stance in investigating the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, even accusing India without concrete evidence. These two cases have brought to light Canadas perceived hypocrisy, maintaining silence on the Baloch activists murder while harboring ISI personnel, while in the Nijjar case, it has strained diplomatic relations with India to defend a Khalistani terrorist. (Image and text credit: Khalsavox.com) City Ratasha Jean Carpenter, 29, 61 Perry St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 22 with first-degree criminal contempt. Damario A. Johnson, 31, 2202 Route 31A, Cayuga Correctional Facility, was charged Sept. 22 with aggravated family offense and second-degree criminal contempt. Frederick J. Bell, 43, 11 Hoffman St., Apt. 1, auburn, was charged Sept. 22 with first-degree criminal contempt. Iasiah T. M. Finch, 27, 131 Washington St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 23 with operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of .08 of 1% first offense, driving while intoxicated first offense and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Najaya E. Grimes, 26, 62 Greenview Circle, Auburn, was charged Sept. 23 with second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Joseph M. Cardinale, 36, 15 Cottage St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 23 with first-degree criminal contempt. Alexis P. Burke, 20, 36 Chedell Place, Apt. 4, Auburn, was charged Sept. 23 with fourth-degree criminal mischief and resisting arrest. Timothy J. Turner, 42, 38 Antoinette Dr., Auburn, was charged Sept. 24 with third-degree menacing. Albert R. Laning, 31, 95 Franklin St., Auburn, was charged Sept. 25 with unlawfully possessing or selling noxious material. State Garrett W. Lathey, 39, Weedsport, was charged Sept. 22 with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Hunter J. Talbot, 26, Moravia, was charged Sept. 24 with blood alcohol content level of .08 of 1% first offense and driving while intoxicated first offense. Darci E. Collins, 41, Syracuse, was charged Sept. 24 with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs. The records page: Police blotter, restaurant inspections and more Visit the records page of auburnpub.com to see The Citizen's latest police blotter, restaurant inspections, property transfers and building permits. In a heartfelt and poignant thread on social media, Shayan Ali, a former resident of Pakistan, shared his reasons for leaving his homeland. His story sheds light on a deeply troubling issue within the country: the stifling of criticism and dissent, particularly when it comes from the youth. Shayans account reveals how Pakistans intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), resort to threats, harassment, and even violence to silence voices that challenge the status quo. In this article, we explore how this environment of intolerance is driving away Pakistans youth and perpetuating a culture of fear and suppression. Shayan Alis Struggle Shayan Alis journey as a critic of the Pakistani state began in his teenage years when he experienced the oppressive tactics of terrorist Pakistani agencies. His recent revelations serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences faced by those who dare to question the status quo. Shayans account is a plea to educated youth in Pakistan to stand up against these forces of suppression. The Extent of Suppression Shayan Alis ordeal at the hands of the ISI and Pakistani Army reflects the extent to which the government is willing to go to quell dissent. His story includes torture, threats, and harassment, making it clear that freedom of speech is under severe threat in Pakistan. The fact that Shayan had to leave the country for his own safety speaks volumes about the perils that critics face within Pakistans borders. A Battle for Truth Shayan Alis decision to expose the ISI and its activities publicly came at great personal risk. He refused to participate in a music video that aimed to portray a skewed version of the situation in Kashmir, a decision that led to accusations of being a RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and JEW (Israeli intelligence) agent. This labeling reflects a disturbing trend wherein individuals are vilified for expressing independent opinions that do not align with the official narrative. A Fight Against Propaganda Shayans experience as a fashion model and influencer provides insight into the pressure placed on individuals to participate in propaganda campaigns for the Pakistani Army. Refusing to partake in these campaigns meant facing suspicion and persecution. This highlights a concerning effort by the government to control the narrative surrounding its actions. The Escape from Pakistan Shayan Alis decision to leave Pakistan in September 2019 was driven by concerns for his safety. However, even after his departure, the Pakistani state continued to target him. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tried to arrest him based on social media posts against Pakistan, only to discover he had already left the country. This revelation intensified efforts to silence him, including threats and media bans. The Power of Truth Shayan Alis story serves as a reminder that the truth cannot be suppressed indefinitely. His resilience in the face of adversity demonstrates that the pursuit of truth and the exposure of injustice are acts that should be celebrated, not condemned. Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Shayan remains committed to being the voice of minorities and freethinkers who continue to live under the shadow of suppression in Pakistan. Shayan Alis account provides a chilling glimpse into the state of freedom of expression in Pakistan. It highlights how criticism is met with threats, harassment, and persecution, and how this climate is pushing educated youth to leave the country in search of safer environments for their voices to be heard. Pakistans future depends on its ability to foster an open and tolerant society where constructive criticism is welcomed, rather than silenced through intimidation and violence. Shayan Alis story should serve as a call to action for those who value freedom of speech and the pursuit of truth in Pakistan and beyond. (Image and text credit: Khalsavox.com) Photo Courtesy: Unsplash A youth has been arrested by the Anti Terror Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh police on charges of spying for Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an official spokesman said here on Tuesday. The spokesman said that the ATS had received information that ISI was collecting secret information about the Indian Army and its operations by luring some persons from India for the sake of money. He said, "When the information was confirmed by the ATS through physical and electronic surveillance it was revealed that a person named Shailesh Kumar alias Shailendra Singh Chauhan, a resident of Patiali in Kasganj district shared information related to the Army to Pakistan ISI through Whatsapp and Facebook." The spokesman said that acting on the information, the ATS lodged a case against the accused and arrested him. "The accused is being produced before the court and further action is being taken," he said. He said that when quizzed it was revealed that Shailesh had important information related to the Indian Army as he had worked as a temporary porter for the army in Arunachal Pradesh for around eight to nine months. "Though Shailesh is not serving on any post in the Indian Army, he has claimed to be serving in the army on his social media profile." The spokesman said that Shailesh created a profile in the name of Shailesh Chauhan on social media platforms on which he posted his picture in army uniform. "Through Facebook Shailesh came into contact with an ID in the name of Harleen Kaur and started chatting on messenger. Besides, he was also having audio calls with an ISI handler Priti on Whatsapp," he said. He said that Priti told Shailesh that she worked for ISI and he would be given a handsome amount if he cooperated with her. "For the sake of money Shailesh sent the pictures of locations of important installations related to the army and movements of vehicles to handler Priti. He also sent the same information to Harleen Kaur," he said. The spokesman said that Shailesh passed on information to Priti several times for which he received money. "Harleen Kaur and Priti are ISI handlers, who were using pseudo names across the border, collect information and provide the same to Pakistan's ISI," he said. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Bangladeshi diaspora members recently staged a protest in New York City against the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. They demonstrated outside the UN headquarters in the city when Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar was addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). At the protest held outside the UN headquarters on Friday, the protestors demanded recognition by the United Nations Bangladesh of the 1971 genocide, reports ANI news agency. According to reports, more than 250 diaspora people, including community activists and freedom fighters, participated in the protest. During their demonstration, protesters held banners and placards with the slogan UN-high time to recognize Genocide in Bangladesh 1971; annihilation of 3 million in only 9 months; Pakistani occupied forces Butcher of Bangladeshis; UN recognize Genocide in Bangladesh 1971; We want to recognize the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide; We demand official recognize of 1971 Genocide and Pakistan step down. Photo Courtesy: Pxiabay Pakistani security forces have killed three terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general area of Pakistan's Tirah region. According to a statement from the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations, the security forces conducted the operation on the night of September 25-26 after they received reports of terrorists' presence in the area. "During the conduct of the operation, an intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists which resulted in the killing of three terrorists," said the statement issued by ISPR as quoted by Geo News. One of the terrorists included Commander Kifayat alias Tor Adnan who was actively involved in multiple terrorist activities against the law enforcement agencies as well as the killing of innocent civilians, read the statement. "Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area," it said, adding that the security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism. Photo Courtesy: FAO/Hashim Azizi Afghanistan's consul general in Karachi has alleged that hundreds of Afghan refugees have been detained in Pakistan in the past 15 years. He said the detention of refugees by Pakistani police is continuing. He asked the Pakistani government to stop the detention of registered refugees from Afghanistan. The process of detaining Afghans has been continuing by Pakistan's police. More than 900 Afghan refugees have been so far detained. However, 200 of them were released by the efforts of the consulates, Takhari was quoted as saying by Tolo News. The Afghanistan refugees in the country have asked the Taliban government of Pakistan help them. Ghafar, an Afghan refugee in a Pakistani prison, expressed his frustration and told Tolo News: We have a bad situation in Pakistans prisons. The Pakistan police have been mistreating us and oppressing us. The Caretaker Federal Government of Pakistan in a letter instructed the authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not to disturb Afghan refugees, reports the news agency. The letter said that harassing, arresting and detaining registered Afghan refugees would adversely affect Pakistans goodwill earned over the past forty-three years with Afghanistan. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons A large number of members belonging to the Christian community recently protested against the kidnapping of a man named Irfan Masih in Pakistan's Thatta region. The victim was lured into a honey-trap about a week ago and called to an area in Kandhkot, where he was kidnapped and held hostage in the adjacent riverine area, reports Dawn News. His wife said kidnappers contacted her and demanded Rs1bn ransom for his release. She told Dawn News that during direct contact, her family had offered Rs20,000 to the caller as this was the total amount she could arrange. However, the kidnappers reportedly rejected her offer. The family members have sought the caretaker chief minister and federal authorities to help seek the release of Irfan Masih. TMC MP Mahua Moitra to be questioned by Ethics Committee tomorrow on reports from 3 ministries | PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurate three India-assisted development projects connecting both countries | Sachin Pilot and Sara Abdullah are divorced, his poll nomination affidavit reveals | ED files chargesheet against Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal in money laundering case | Manipur police commandos, sent as reinforcement after cop shot dead, get injured in ambush US-based rights group Dui Hua Foundation said it was previously informed by a Chinese official that Rahile Dawut was tried in December 2018, one year after her detention, for the crime of splittism a crime of endangering state security by an intermediate peoples court in Xinjiang. She was convicted and appealed the sentence. The most recent information confirmed that her appeal was subsequently rejected by the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region High Peoples Court, read a statement issued by Dui Hua Foundation. Although there has been speculation that Professor Rahile Dawut was given a long sentence, this is believed to be the first time that a reliable source in the Chinese government has confirmed the sentence of life imprisonment, the foundation said. Professor Rahile Dawut has published numerous books and papers on Uyghur folklore, and has lectured widely, including at Harvard University, Cornell University, and the University of British Columbia, among others. She was a visiting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, Washington University, Indiana University, and Cambridge University. Many organizations have called for Professor Rahile Dawuts immediate release. Rahile Dawuts daughter, Akeda Pulati, has appealed to the Chinese government, I worry about my mother every single day. The thought of my innocent mother having to spend her life in prison brings unbearable pain. China, show your mercy and release my innocent mother. John Kamm, executive director of the Dui Hua Foundation said: "The sentencing of Professor Rahile Dawut to life in prison is a cruel tragedy, a great loss for the Uyghur people, and for all who treasure academic freedom." Who are Uyghur Muslims? Uyghur Muslims are a Turkic minority ethnic group originating from and culturally affiliated with the general region of Central and East Asia. The Uyghurs are recognized as native to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Canada of late appears to be gaining a dubious reputation as a hospitable country for terrorists, gangsters, and radicals. Several such individuals, mostly with criminal backgrounds, have reportedly used fake identities and documents to gain entry into Canada and the US. This raises concerns not only for India but also for the safety of the North American continent at large. The Rise in Gangster Immigration Several wanted criminals from Punjab have been reported to use false papers to reach North American shores. Notable among them is Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol, accused of being part of the network that executed Sidhu Moosewala, fled India using a forged passport. His blatant disregard for law enforcement was evident when a video of him dancing at a California wedding went viral. Furthermore, there is Goldy Brar, the mastermind behind the Moosewala case, who also obtained a Canadian visitor visa on fake documents, despite having 21 First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged against him in India. Another character in this gallery of gangsters is Rinku Randhawa, who reportedly moved to Canada using forged papers. Arsh Dalla, involved in several violent crimes in India, similarly secured Canadian permanent residency via counterfeit documents. Terrorist Links Its not just the gangsters; Khalistani radicals also seem to find solace in Canada and parts of the US, particularly California. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently released a list of ten Khalistanis who targeted the Indian consulate in San Francisco. The murder of designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada has added another layer of tension to the diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Nijjar, too, had reportedly entered Canada using fake documents. Lax Border Control or Exploitation of Free Speech? The surge of these wanted criminals and radicals raise a vital question is Canadas immigration system flawed, or is there a larger political game in play? Critics argue that the Trudeau government, under the guise of free speech and human rights, is reluctant to clamp down on these individuals, possibly for political gains. Yet, these allegations and concerns pose a threat not only to Indias national security but also to the safety of Canadian citizens. The leniency shown in granting visas and the subsequent conversion of visitor visas to work ones, especially for individuals with criminal records, is alarming. Canadas reputation as a peaceful nation is at stake. The influx of criminals and radicals could lead to a severe law and order issue if not tackled proactively. The safety and security of citizens cannot be compromised. Canada, in collaboration with its global partners, especially India, must reevaluate and strengthen its immigration policies to ensure that its hospitality is not abused by those with malicious intentions. (Image and Text: Khalsavox.com) Hollywood star Keanu Reeves has captured the affection of movie fans all over the globe, and his charisma is truly irresistible. With his genuine kindness, down-to-earth personality, and impressive acting chops, Reeves has become a beloved figure both on and off the screen. Instagram In a heartwarming revelation, Alexandra Grant shares how she and her boyfriend, Keanu Reeves, find mutual inspiration in their relationship. The talented visual artist, aged 50, recently spoke to people at the Beverly Arts Icon Awards in Los Angeles, where she shed light on their relationship. "What I love about Keanu and our exchange is that we're pushing each other to build new roads. Seeing the other person's problem-solving is inspiring." "He's such an inspiration to me. He's so creative, and he's so kind. He works so hard," she gushed. During her conversation, the mixed-media artist discussed the impact of her relationship with 59-year-old Reeves on her career. She recalled a piece of advice from a friend many years ago, stating that her... "work has gotten happier." "That's real. We're all human beings. We're animals. We're expressing from where we are and certainly feeling happier. I think the work is happier," Grant agreed. Grant has been a source of support for Reeves in his creative pursuits, particularly during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Agencies In May, Reeves reunited with his band Dogstar, which includes Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse, for their first performance in over two decades at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival in northern California. Following this reunion, the trio has continued to perform shows and offer sneak peeks of tracks from their upcoming album "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees." During her conversation with People, Grant expressed her pride in Reeves and immense admiration for Dogstar. "I had the great pleasure of going to their first public show, and because I've been listening to the latest album for quite some time, I was one of the only people in the audience who knew all the lyrics. That was really cool," she recalled, sharing that she's really happy "Keanu has the ability to pivot to being a musician" amid the strike. Actors have been on strike since July, pushing for increased base compensation, regulation of artificial intelligence use, improved benefit plans, fair compensation for self-taped auditions, and payment based on the performance of streaming content. (To get the latest updates from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.) AUBURN A former city police officer is set for prison time after admitting to sexually abusing a 14-year-old. William Morrissey III, 33, a former member of the Auburn Police Department who was a school resource officer at Auburn High School, admitted Thursday in Cayuga County Court to grabbing a high school student's hand and placing it on his penis for his own sexual gratification in February 2022. He also admitted to subjecting the student to sexual acts and having sexually explicit video conversations with them. Morrissey pleaded guilty before Judge Thomas Leone to the class D felonies of first-degree sexual abuse and disseminating indecent material to a minor, and the misdemeanors of endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct. The defendant will be sentenced Dec. 21 to two years in state prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision for the sexual abuse count, which is the minimum prison sentence for that offense. He is also set to be sentenced to one to three years in state prison for the disseminating indecent material charge, in addition to 364 days in the Cayuga County Jail for the misconduct and endangering offenses. He will be out on bail until the sentencing. All of the sentences will run concurrently. The Cayuga County District Attorney's Office recommended four years of state prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision for the sexual abuse charge. A misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt was added in March 2023, but will be satisfied by Morrissey's pleas. Morrissey was arrested by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office in March 2022 after an investigation began at the request of the Auburn Police Department. The department fired Morrissey in March 2022 after an internal investigation found "overwhelming evidence" he pursued a relationship with the student. Hired by the department in March 2016, he became a school resource officer in Auburn by 2018. The department immediately suspended and removed Morrissey from school grounds when the allegations were made. He was previously scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 2. World Tourism Day 2023: Tourism is a global industry that involves people traveling to different destinations for leisure, exploration, and relaxation. It plays a most important role in the country's economy around the world, generating revenue, creating jobs, and promoting cultural exchange. Tourists often seek diverse experiences, including visiting natural wonders, historical sites, and vibrant cities. Tourism also contributes to environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage, as it encourages the protection of natural resources and historical landmarks. However, it can also have negative impacts, such as over-tourism and environmental degradation. Sustainable tourism practices are increasingly emphasised to balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility. World Tourism Day 2023 image | Photo: Freepik That is why The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) established the World Tourism Day to create more awareness of tourism. World Tourism Day is one of the most important events that celebrate worldwide to understand the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value. The event also encourages people to travel and learn about different cultures. In this article, we will explore World Tourism Day 2023, focusing on its theme, date, history, significance and World Tourism Day wishes and quotes. Let's embark on a journey through the exciting realm of travel and tourism. World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27th and in 2023 the event will be celebrated tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2023. On this special day, people around the world come together to acknowledge the positive impact of tourism and to raise awareness about the challenges it faces. It's a day to celebrate the beauty of our planet, its diverse cultures, and the remarkable experiences that travel offers. World Tourism Day 2023 Theme The theme for World Tourism Day 2023 is "Tourism and Green Investments". This theme highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments in tourism to create jobs, protect the environment, and promote inclusive and sustainable development. "For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for the planet, and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions, not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity.", Said UNWTO World Tourism Day 2023 host The host country for World Tourism Day 2023 is Saudi Arabia. The official celebrations will be held on September 27 in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. "Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism's ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.", UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said. The theme for World Tourism Day 2023 is "Tourism and Green Investments", which highlights the importance of tourism for sustainable development and the need for more and better-targeted investments in the sector. World Tourism Day overview World Tourism Day date September 27th World Tourism Day establishment year Announced in 1979 and started being officially celebrated from 1980 World Tourism Day was founded by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day 2023 Theme Tourism and Green Investments World Tourism Day 2023 host country Riyadh, Saudi Arabia World Tourism Day first started in Spain World Tourism Organisation Headquarters Madrid, Spain World Tourism Day History Before celebrating and appreciating the significance of World Tourism Day, we all should delve into its history. The idea of dedicating a day to tourism was born during the third session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Torremolinos, Spain, in 1979. It was later adopted as a global observance on 27 September 1980. This date was chosen to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on 27 September 1970. Over the years, World Tourism Day has evolved into a platform for discussing pressing issues facing the tourism industry. Each year, a new theme is chosen to address these challenges and inspire positive change. From promoting rural tourism to focusing on digital transformation, the themes have reflected the ever-changing landscape of travel. Significance of World Tourism Day World Tourism Day holds immense significance, serving as a reminder of the power of tourism to foster economic growth, cultural exchange, and understanding among countries around the world. It promotes responsible travel that benefits local communities and safeguards the environment. By celebrating World Tourism Day, we acknowledge the need for sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel behavior. It encourages us to explore the world while preserving its natural and cultural treasures for future generations. 10 ways to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 1. Take the opportunity to discover hidden gems and attractions in your own city or region. You might be surprised by what you find. 2. Choose a nearby destination you haven't visited before and plan a day trip to explore its culture, history, and natural beauty. 3. Visit local restaurants, shops, and accommodations to support the local economy and experience authentic flavors and products. 4. Share your favorite travel memories and photos on social media to inspire others and promote the importance of tourism. 5. Spend time learning about different cultures, their traditions, and cuisines through books, documentaries, or cooking classes. 6. Enjoy virtual tours of famous landmarks and museums from around the world from the comfort of your home. 7. Use World Tourism Day as an opportunity to plan your next vacation, set goals, and research destinations. 8. Educate yourself and others about responsible and sustainable travel practices to minimize your environmental impact. 9. Organize cultural exchange events or join online forums to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn about their way of life. 10. Encourage educational institutions to offer courses and programs related to tourism and hospitality to nurture future professionals in the industry. World Tourism Day Themes from 2019 to 2023 and host countries Year Theme Host Country 2019 Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all India 2020 Tourism and rural development Mercosur, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile 2021 Tourism for inclusive growth Ivory Coast 2022 Rethinking Tourism Indonesia 2023 Tourism and Green Investments Saudi Arabia World Tourism Day 2023 quiz Q. When is World Tourism Day celebrated? Ans. World Tourism Day is observed annually on September 27th. Q. What was the theme of World Tourism Day 2020? Ans. The theme of World Tourism Day 2023 was "Tourism and Rural Development". Q. Which country hosted the World Tourism Day in 2022? Ans. Indonesia Q. What is the full form of UNWTO? Ans. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Q. How many world heritage sites are in india? Ans. As of 2023, there are 42 World Heritage Sites located in India. Out of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural, and one, the Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type. World Tourism Day quotes 1. "Life is short, and the world is wide." - Simon Raven 2. "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Mille 3. "Tourism is the art of creating moments that turn into cherished memories." - Unknown 4. "Travel is the passport to understanding, compassion, and a brighter future for all." - Unknown 5. "Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell." - Unknown World Tourism Day wishes to send loved ones 1. Happy World Tourism Day 2023! May your journeys be filled with unforgettable adventures, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our world. 2. On this World Tourism Day, let's celebrate the magic of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures. Wishing you safe and enriching travels in 2023! 3. As we mark World Tourism Day 2023, may your travels be a source of inspiration and education. Here's to a year of amazing destinations and cultural discoveries! 4. Happy World Tourism Day! May your wanderlust lead you to breathtaking places, and may you create lasting memories with each journey in 2023. 5. On World Tourism Day 2023, let's embrace the diversity of our world through travel. Here's to experiencing the wonders of this planet and fostering global understanding. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events The ongoing rift between India and Canada following the allegations made by the latter - over the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar - doesn't seem to be ending any time soon. In the latest development, the Canadian authorities have issued an advisory asking its citizens to "remain vigilant" in India. "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution," the Canadian government said. This comes after India issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada last week, while stopping all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian nationals. India's advisory said that in "view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution". It also advised its nationals to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents. US says It's "deeply concerned" Meanwhile, the US has reiterated that it was "deeply concerned" by the allegations levelled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the involvement of officials of Indian agencies in the murder case of Canada-based pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar. "We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners... We believe its critical that Canadas investigation proceed and that the perpetrators be brought to justice," said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department. "And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation." India is likely to cancel the registration of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders for carrying out pro-Khalistan and anti-India activities, media reports said, citing sources. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations that India was behind the killing of Nijjar -- a designated terrorist in India. India rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated". With inputs from IANS A team of students from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) have created a hyperloop prototype. Their project, 'Avishkar Hyperloop,' could change the way movement is perceived. X What is hyperloop? The hyperloop concept gained momentum in popular culture after Elon Musk popularised it. The idea of this high-speed transportation system was picked up by Musk and the SpaceX team who described it as a transportation project with capsules supported by air-bearings in low-pressure environment inside a tube. The tube is a large, sealed low-pressure system usually comprised of a long tunnel. Musk first teased hyperloop in 2012, calling it a "fifth mode of transport." The passenger pod of a hyperloop would travel in a vacuum tube, with speeds so incredible that a 350 km journey could be accomplished in 30 minutes. Also read: IIT Madras, Indian Railways Partner To Develop India's First Indigenous Hyperloop X India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, lauded the team's efforts on X (formerly Twitter). "Congratulations! Interesting. Wishing you all success in your future endeavours too," she wrote. Congratulations! Interesting. Wishing you all success in your future endeavours too. https://t.co/4vuSW8tUWt Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 26, 2023 Also read: Virgin Hyperloop Marks Its Place In History, Transports Passengers Successfully For The First Time X The Avishkar Hyperloop prototype was realised by a team of 50 students - undergraduates and doctoral candidates at IIT-M. Last year, the Ministry of Railways gave a Rs. 8.34 crore grant to the hyperloop project after IIT-M presented a proposal that pitching India's indigenous hyperloop system. What do you think about the scope of hyperloop transportation? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com. After a remarkable 60-year tradition of adorning sarees, Air India is preparing to embrace a fresh and contemporary look. The airline is poised for a sartorial transformation, moving away from its iconic sarees and embarking on a new era of style. A recent report from the Hindustan Times suggests that Air India is considering a change in uniforms for its female cabin crew members. Screenshot/Air India Traditionally, the airline's flight attendants have been attired in sarees for six decades. However, there are indications that this long-standing tradition may be set to change with the introduction of a more modern and contemporary uniform, possibly by November. The updated attire will feature churidars for female cabin crew members and suits for their male counterparts. According to reports from HT, renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra will design these new uniforms. However, he refrained from providing any comments on the matter due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Churidars will be one of the options for women, and the male crew members will wear suits, an unidentified official told HT. The sarees will take a back seat. When I say this, I mean they may be entirely taken away from the set of uniforms. Various options were given to the airline, which included ready-to-wear sarees that look like sarees but are not draped like the traditional ones. However, the management has not finalized them, a second official claimed. The new uniforms are expected to feature deep red, aubergine, and gold colors, reflecting Air India's signature style. Pinterest Additionally, Vistara may consider adopting these uniforms following the merger. Air India's CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, mentioned that the airline's updated appearance will be unveiled once the new Airbus A350 aircraft arrives, which is anticipated in October or November. Air India has not officially confirmed this change yet. The airline's female cabin crew has been known for wearing sarees, a tradition dating back to 1962 when JRD Tata replaced the previous uniform of a skirt, jacket, and hat with the iconic saree. #ThisDayThatYear On 18 April 1971 Air India received delivery of its first #Boeing747. And we had this most elegant line-up at BOM airport to welcome her. Our ladies carried their uniform sarees with so much of poise & grace which is unmatched in the history of civil aviation! pic.twitter.com/6MHPhSDj56 BiTANKO BiSWAS (@Bitanko_Biswas) April 18, 2020 These sarees were initially sourced from Binny Mills, and to this day, Air India's flight attendants have the option to wear either the traditional saree or a tunic with pants in the same color. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Reducing carbon footprint is an issue that is being fought globally in more ways than one. At a time when side effects of climate change are becoming more intense and dangerous all around the world, a textile startup in the US has found a unique way to fight one of the major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions-carbon dioxide. Founded by twin sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf, Rubi Laboratories, is a U.S.-based startup that is creating a technology that creates carbon-negative cellulosic textiles, How The Twin Sisters Came Up With The Idea rubi.earth Neeka and Leila Mashouf were raised in the old-growth redwood forests and coasts of Northern California. Their family before them found refuge here after fleeing Iran in 1979 and told stories of how the walnut groves and sparkling shores reminded them of home. Neeka and Leila fell in love with trees and nature, the science of how they work, and the materials of which they are made -both starting scientific research careers at age 15 and growing up to be scientists. At the same time, the twin sisters grew up immersed in the artistic world of fashion through their familys brand, Bebe Stores. They spent summers learning from merchants, designers, production experts, and manufacturers, magnetized by the beauty of fashion then later devastated by the environmental impact, as per their startup's website. Their unique upbringing inspired them to use science and invention to take action across the manufacturing industry to fight the destruction of our clean air, water, climate, arable land, and biodiverse ecosystems. They started Rubi in 2021 after inventing and prototyping the technology in a public biohacking lab, leveraging their deep scientific expertise in materials engineering and bioengineering. Whats exciting is our technology is actually really flexible on the source of CO2. Weve tested and proven that it can work even on direct air capture, which is very low levels of CO2, explains Leila Mashouf, as per Tech Crunch report. She adds that it makes even more sense to capture CO2 from sources directly related to textile production. We like to use concentrated sources of CO2, like flue gas from a factory, or an industrial source. How The Startup's Technology Works rubi.earth Heres how it works: Rubi Labs has developed a special process that captures CO2 from manufacturing waste streams using their own enzyme system. Then, they convert that gas into a substance called cellulose pulp, which can be used to create yarn or fibers for making textiles. Normally, viscose (also known as Rayon) is made from wood pulp, which involves cutting down trees. But with Rubi Labs innovation, theres no need to harm any trees. They can make fabrics that are 100% sourced from carbon emissions, and the best part is, that they require very little water or land. Not only that, their process produces zero waste, and when these textiles reach the end of their life, they are naturally biodegrade. In short, Rubi's technology involves capturing CO2 from the waste streams of manufacturing facilities using its proprietary enzyme system, which can capture and convert CO2 from a gas input at any concentration. The CO2 is then converted into cellulose, which can then be used to create viscose-based yarn. By utilizing enzymes as the catalyst, Rubi is able to turn 100% of CO2 inputted to the end product with zero waste. This means that Rubi's technology enables its textile to be net carbon-negative per kg, compared to the 10kg of CO2 per kilo that is generated through today's commonplace viscose processing and manufacturing operations. What The Startup's Future Focus Is On techcrunch Rubi said that roughly 35% of major fashion brands' SKUs are made from viscose, a statistic forecasted to grow 8% every year until 2025. Viscose is also the third most used textile in the world, with key uses outside of fashion in the automotive industry for items like tyres. As per the Fashion industry report, Rubi said that it will initially focus on the fashion industry but in the long-term, it aims to apply its technology to other industries such as food, packaging and building materials. Watch video: These Twin Sisters Are Literally Making Clothes From Air For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here. No fewer than 15 persons were reportedly killed in an accident involving a trailer and a commercial bus in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident occurred on Monday evening, September 25, 2023, when the trailer said to be coming from Lokoja-Okene road rammed into the Toyota bus that was full of passengers. An eyewitness told newsmen that the trailer had a brake failure before crashing into the bus. READ ALSO: Road Accident: Lagos Records 75 Deaths In Eight Months FRSC He also said the corpses of the dead were taken to the mortuary, while the injured were taken to the hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, the Etsako East Local Chairman, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, has commiserated with the families of the victims as well as the people of Okpella, on the tragic incident. A statement from her Chief Press Secretary, Ben Atu, said she sincerely sympathises with the family of the dead and prays for a quick recovery for the injured. It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Ewo Market Road in Okpella on Monday, September 25th, 2023, the statement read. Indeed, their deaths have caused great sorrow for their families. I wish to let the families of the victims know that our thoughts and prayers are with them in this moment of grief. It is not the will of God that we die before our time, but when something like this happens, who can question God On behalf of Etsako East Local Government Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of our departed brothers and sisters Their untimely death has undoubtedly caused great pain to their families and I pray that such tragedy will never occur again in Jesus name, Amen May God grant the families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may their souls rest in peace, amen, she said. See photos below: The National Chairman of the Labour Party, (LP) Barrister Julius Abure, has denied claims that he will be contesting for the 2024 governorship election in Edo State. Abure made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday by the partys National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh. He noted that the clarification became necessary following several inquiries from the media and other party members after a group at the national headquarters of the party on Monday urged Abure to join the governorship race. READ MORE: Obi, Abure Know LP Truly Lost The Election Lamidi Apapas Faction Backs Soyinka INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that a group had reportedly argued that the presence of Abure in the race would bring to an end of agitation by some non-party members allegedly bent on hijacking the party primaries ahead of the governorship election. However, Ifoh, in the statement released, clarified that Abures focus at the moment is to help the partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi reclaim his mandate and reposition the party. He called on all aspirants interested in the off-season governorship elections in Edo, Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi States to continue their consultations. Presently, the National Chairman is preoccupied with helping our Presidential Candidate in the February 25 election, Peter Obi to reclaim his mandate freely given to him by Nigerians. He is also about to embark on a membership drive across the states of the Federation in a way to reposition the party ahead of future elections, particularly, the off season elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states. We are therefore calling on all our party members in Edo state particularly, our aspirants for the governorship election to remain focused and to go ahead with their consultations. We assure our aspirants that the party will go into this election in line with our rules and guidelines as stipulated by our constitution, Ifoh said. Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, has asked an Akure high court to stop the State House of Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment move against him. In a suit filed at the court on Monday, Aiyedatiwa asked for an order to stop the assembly from initiating, continuing or proceeding with the process of his removal from office. The suit was filed on his behalf by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Named as defendants in the suit are the Ondo State government, the Governor of the State, Ondo House of Assembly, the Speaker of the House, the Clerk of the House and the Chief Judge of Ondo. Aiyedatiwa sought a declaration that the house of assembly is not competent to proceed with the impeachment move against him because his right to a fair hearing was breached. According to the court document, he averred that his office, tenure, status, rights and privileges are protected, secured, guaranteed, governed and regulated under and by the relevant provisions such as sections, 188, 189, 190 and 191 of the Constitution, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and should not be hindered except and in a manner permitted by law. He also requested the court to declare that no step should be taken against him without a fair hearing. The Deputy is also seeking an order to stop the Chief Judge of Ondo from accepting or acting upon any request from the House to set up any panel to investigate any acts of gross misconduct against him. He prays the court to declare that as the Deputy Governor, he is entitled to the rights and privileges attached to his office, including but not limited to his media details and other aides attached to his office. The dismissal of all the media aides and press crew attached to his office without prior notice, he said, is unreasonable, vindictive, malicious, unconstitutional, illegal and should be declared null and void. READ ALSO: Disclose Only My Certificate To Atiku, Not Transcript, Gender, Admission Records Tinubu Begs US Court He further sought a declaration that as a democratically elected deputy governor of Ondo state in a joint ticket with the 2nd defendant (governor of the state), the claimant (Aiyedatiwa) is entitled to remain in office as such, freely exercise his rights and discharge his constitutional duties as deputy governor of Ondo state within the full time allocated to the office by the constitution, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). A declaration that the 3rd-5th defendants are not entitled to constitute themselves into investigators, prosecutors and judge over trumped-up allegations against the claimant in relation to his office, tenure and status as the deputy governor of Ondo State. An order forthwith reinstating/restoring the full and total rights and privileges attached or accruing to the office of the Claimant as duly elected deputy governor of Ondo state which include, but not limited to the restoration of all media aides and press crew attached to the office of the claimant as deputy governor of Ondo state. Earlier on Monday, the state house of assembly served an impeachment notice to Aiyedatiwa. Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the House, told newsmen in Akure, that Aiyedatiwa was served through substituted service. The assembly had lasr Wednesday during a plenary session, directed the clerk to write the deputy governor on alleged gross misconduct. According to Oladiji, since Wednesday 20th, we have been trying our best to see how we can get him served, but we were not able to achieve that, now we have to go through the court. We got an affidavit from the court through substituted service, so he has been served through his office. It was received by his secretary. Although there are people sending me messages to suppress me, I am not under any pressure, except the threats. This is a legislative assignment. An overhead bridge at the New Artisan Market axis in the Enugu State Capital has collapsed on Monday morning. This was made known in a statement by Dan Nwomeh, the Head of Media to the Office of the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on his X account, formerly Twitter. According to Nwomeh, the government has cautioned motorists to avoid the route which is between New Artisan and Naira Triangle in Enugu. He added that Federal and State officials were already at the scene to curtail the impact. READ MORE: Gunmen Ambush Police Patrol, Kill ASP, Inspector In Enugu A statement signed by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Gerald Otiji, urged the members of the public to make use of alternative routes. The Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure wishes to notify the General public of the bridge collapse which occurred on 25th September 2023 along Kilometer One, Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway, i.e, between Naira Triangle and Goshen Flyover. The general public and road users are hereby advised to detour to Nza through New Haven, or Ogui Road to their various destinations, while the authorities are coming up with measures for immediate repair on the failed section, he wrote. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 25, as part of its internationalization strategy, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile held a signing ceremony with its Thai dealers and an executive study camp at its Global R&D Center. Opening ceremony; photo credit: Changan Automobile In today's fiercely competitive automotive market, product innovation is a cornerstone of success. During the event, Changan detailed its product plans for the Thai market, including a rich product matrix and forward-thinking product design. These endeavors aim to enhance the user experience for Thai customers and unfold Changan's blueprint for market development in Thailand. Changan's Vice President, Wang Hui, expressed a collaborative vision with Thai dealers, emphasizing the need to "co-create, co-innovate, co-effect, and co-business." He outlined four key tasks, which include expediting brand image construction, rapidly building channel capabilities, deeply implementing the Changan service concept, and resolutely achieving sales targets. In the firsts months of this year, Changan's self-owned brands demonstrated significant inroads in international markets, with overseas sales reaching 154,527 units, up 19.48% year on year, according to the automakers sales report. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prayed a United States (US) District Judge to direct Chicago State University (CSU) to give only his school certificate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. According to Peoples Gazette, Tinubu, through his lawyers on Monday, asked Judge Nancy Maldonado to block all other details, especially the gender, admission records, among others, of the certificates owner from being disclosed to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. The identity of who was admitted into Chicago State University in the 1970s has been controversial after CSU transcripts indicated that the school admitted a female Bola Tinubu from Southwest College Chicago in 1977. Recall that Tinubu, through his lawyers, had asked Maldonado of the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, to delay the order of Judge Jeffrey Gilbert, that ordered the university to release his academic records to Atiku. READ ALSO: Irreparable Damagell Be Done If CSU Releases My Records To Atiku Tinubu To U.S. Court Tinubu asked the judge to save him from suffering severe and irreparable damage by placing an emergency hold on a recent order for his university records to be released. According to the President, the damage he would suffer would be impossible to mitigate if the order directing the release of his academic records to Atiku is not delayed for possible vacation. There is harm in allowing discovery on issues and documents outside the diploma, Tinubus lawyers said in their full briefing to the court seeking a review of Judge Gilberts order by Maldonado. Recall that Tinubus lawyers, led by Victor Henderson and Christopher Carmichael, insisted that the documents Atiku sought wouldnt be admissible at the Supreme Court. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Federal Government into what he called secretive negotiations with bandits in the State. According to the Governor, a delegation allegedly sent by some federal agencies has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the State Government. Lawal also called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubus led administration to clarify the action of these agencies, which he said it is clearly at variance with the State Governments adoption of a kinetic strategy in the fight against banditry. READ MORE: Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue Of Abducted Zamfara Varsity Students The statement read in parts: Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some unscrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara. The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Munhaye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagega. Previous administrations in the State failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara. The Zamfara State Government has taken a firm stance from the beginning we will not negotiate with these criminals. Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far. Barely few hours after the release of kidnapped victims of Zamfara students, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, has revealed that if communities wish to engage themselves in dialogue with bandits or terrorists, the Federal Government would not be in a haste to condemn such people-driven initiative. This is coming after the state Governor, Dauda Lawal, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubus government for allegedly negotiating with terrorists over the abduction of students of the Federal University of Gusau last Friday. However, Abubakar, added that the ministry did not mandate anyone or group to negotiate with terrorists on its behalf. The defence minister, in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna, accused the governor of playing politics with the sensitive matter, adding that the allegation is false and misleading as the Ministry has not mandated anybody or group to negotiate on behalf of Federal Government. He said that the defence ministry was doing everything possible to secure the release of the students and others under captive. Abubakar, however, expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, the academic community, and the entire citizenry of Zamfara State for the tragic abduction. READ MORE: Gov. Lawal Accuses FG Of Meeting Secretly With Bandits In Zamfara The government, however, maintains its resolve to explore every available avenue that can lead to de-escalation of tension and bring back peace to communities ravaged by banditry, the statement reads. However, if communities decide to borrow a leaf from what has helped quench unrest in other parts of the country to engage themselves in dialogue, the Federal Government would not be in a haste to condemn such people-driven initiative. The Minister assures Nigerians that the federal government and its institutions are working assiduously to turn around the current situation and bring an end to the ebbing cases of banditry, kidnapping and all forms of criminality. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday, decided to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on October 3rd, as a protest against the state of the nation. Information Nigeria reports that the unions have continued to lament the governments failure to put policies in place to ease Nigerians suffering after the removal of the subsidy on petrol. The labour unions announced the decision in a communique issued at the end of virtual meetings of their respective National Executive Councils. The organisations said they have decided in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration and to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation. To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October 2023. READ ALSO: PDPs Serial Failure Is The Root Cause Of Phrank Shaibus Post-Election Stress Disorder APC To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October. To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilizing accordingly for action to organize street protests and rallies until the Government responds positively to our demands. According to a source who attended the conference, some NLC members at first opposed the organizations decision to collaborate with the TUC. Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we dont have a choice. The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around, Arise News quoted the source as saying. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, announced that it will hold a simulated accreditation exercise in 27 polling units in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states, where governorship elections are scheduled for November 11. Sam Olumekun, INECs National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja. According to him, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) test run ahead of the election will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in the three states. He stated that the exercise would take place in a maximum of three PUs per senatorial district across the three states simultaneously. READ ALSO: Resign Now, You Have Become A National Embarrassment Atikus Aide Tells Tinubu The commission met today; September 25th, 2023, and, among other issues, reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states scheduled for November 11th, 2023. As was the case in recent off-cycle governorship elections, the commission will conduct a mock accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and upload polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The test run will take place simultaneously in the three states on October 14th, 2023, from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm. A maximum of three polling units in each senatorial district have been identified across each of the three states, covering a total of nine senatorial districts and 27 polling units. Lessons learnt from the exercise will be taken into consideration in ensuring a seamless process on election day, Olumekun said. The police in Ogun State have arrested the impeached Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government, Wale Adedayo. Adedayo who disclosed his arrest on Monday afternoon noted that he was arrested as a result of a petition allegedly submitted to the police by the state government. Son of man is being taken to Ogun State Police CID at Eleweran, Abeokuta. They claim the state government wrote a petition against me. If it is death, I follow the path of the patriarchs. Ase di owo Olodumare! Adedayo had been removed from his office following a letter he wrote to Chief Olusegun Osoba and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), wherein he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting council funds. READ ALSO: Nigeria Ranked 7th In Digital Quality Of Life In Africa, 88th Globally The former chairman was earlier detained by the Department of State Services for about three days over a petition from the state government accusing him of inciting comments. Adedayos arrest on Monday comes a few days after Governor Abiodun said he would be held accountable for defaming him. There are two things: he (Adedayo) lied against me as the governor; he lied against me as Dapo Abiodun; he spoiled my name; and he tried to incite the public against the government. Wale Adedayo has to answer all these allegations one after the other, Abiodun had said. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday evening, demanded an investigation into the fire incident at the Supreme Court. Information Nigeria had reported that fire gutted a section of the apex court on Monday. The fire which started in the office of Ibrahim Saulawa, one of the justices, destroyed some files. The Federal Fire Service (FFS) who said no casualty was recorded in the fire incident, noted that firefighters swung into action to contain the outbreak. Debo Ologunagba, PDPs spokesperson, said in a statement said the party was alarmed by the fire incident, describing it as suspicious. The opposition party further demanded an immediate full-scale investigation into the fire outbreak to unravel the circumstances or possible sabotage in the incident. READ ALSO: Fire Guts Offices Of Supreme Court (Video) The PDP is worried over the fire outbreak especially given heightened public apprehension of possible arsonist attack with the intent to cripple and frustrate the Supreme Court from effectively discharging its constitutional duties, especially with regard to high-profile electoral cases including the Presidential Election Appeals pending before it, the statement read. According to the PDP, the outcome of the investigation should be made public unlike those of previous fire incidents in various government ministries, departments and agencies which were characteristically swept under the carpet. The party asked the federal government to beef up security around the supreme court and ensure the safety of sensitive documents and equipment in the complex. Note that the Supreme Court is expected to deliver judgement in the appeal filed by the PDP and Atiku Abubakar, its 2023 presidential candidate against the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Lagos Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olajide Adediran against the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the court upheld the election of Governor Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, the three-person Tribunal presided over by Justice Arum Ashom threw out the petition for lacking in merit. In an unanimous judgment, it held that all the issues raised by the petitioners are pre-election matters of which the Tribunal lacks jurisdiction to entertain. Other members of the panel are Justice Mikail Abdullahi and Justice Igho Braimoh. Recall that Sanwo-Olu of All Progressive Congress polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival, Rhodes-Vivour, who polled 312,329. Meanwhile, the candidate of the PDP, Adediran, came third with 62,449 votes. Respondents in the petition filed by the PDP and Jandor are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Babajide , the Deputy Governor, Hamzat, the APC, Labour Party and its candidate, Gbadebo. READ MORE: Hamzat Tenders Oath Declaration Form Before Lagos Tribunal They asked the Tribunal to disqualify Sanwo-Olu and Rhodes-Vivour for non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Internal Revenue Service has suspended the processing of a very popular pandemic-era tax credit due to a surge of questionable claims. The Employee Retention Credit, created back in 2020 as part of the CARES Act, was meant to be used as an incentive for employers to keep their employees on the payroll during the pandemic. Businesses during most quarters of 2020 and 2021 that were forced to fully or partially shut down due to government orders could take as much as a $7,000 credit per employee against their quarterly payroll taxes. The same credit was made available for businesses that suffered a certain amount of revenue decline compared to similar quarters before the pandemic. The programs popularity is because the credit is refundable which means that if the calculated amount of the credit exceeded the taxes paid, the business owner would receive the difference back in a cash payment. Thanks to the potential windfall involved, many unscrupulous firms have been sending emails and calling unsuspecting small business owners offering for a fee, of course to help them stake their claim, often when a business isnt eligible. Because of the volume of dubious tax returns filed by these companies, the IRS has suspended the processing of the credit through at least the end of the year for enhanced compliance. Advertisement In its announcement, the IRS said it is increasingly alarmed about honest small business owners being scammed by unscrupulous actors perpetuating these scams. This harms all taxpayers Many small businesses have turned to their tax professional or payroll company for help. But because of the complexities of determining whether or not a company is eligible and the paperwork involved in amending prior payroll tax returns, the suspension has come as a relief to many experts. As a tax professional, I am in complete agreement with the IRS announcement of the ERC moratorium, said Mitchell Gerstein, a senior tax adviser at accounting firm Isdaner & Co. in Bala Cynwyd. Most accounting firms, including my firm, are not actively preparing ERC claims as their clients claims were submitted awhile back. Gerstein believes that many of the ERC claims submitted over the past six months if not longer are submitted by what he called ERC mills which have promoted misinformation to entice ERC filings along with a hefty contingency fee. The IRS says that the moratorium will help protect taxpayers by adding a new safety net onto the ERC program to focus on fraudulent claims and scammers taking advantage of honest taxpayers. Mike Jamgochian, a certified public accountant based in West Chester, agreed, but thinks the IRS shares some of the responsibility for the situation. Part of the blame is on the IRS for making late, on-the-fly interpretations of the credit, he said. Even the most effective firms had challenges interpreting the IRS intentions, and many were conservative in their approach. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a statement said, The continued aggressive marketing of these schemes is harming well-meaning businesses and delaying the payment of legitimate claims, which makes it harder to run the rest of the tax system. This harms all taxpayers, not just ERC applicants. The impact on small businesses If youve already filed whether youve received the credit or even a cash refund from the IRS yet and your claim is legitimate, then you have nothing to worry about. However, you should check with your accountant or payroll service to be sure. For those still waiting, processing has been suspended but it will restart in early 2024, and the credit will eventually be applied. It will, however, probably take more time than expected (as much as 180 days from the time of filing, according to the IRS announcement). Dont panic if your return is in process or if youve already received the credit and you think it may be incorrect. The IRS is working now on further guidance, expected this fall, on how to withdraw unprocessed ERC claims, along with a settlement program for small businesses that wrongly received the credit and want to pay it back. If youre not sure whether or not your claim is suspect, you can review a list of red flags recently issued. The IRS plans on rolling out new announcements and a plan in the coming weeks which will include a process to withdraw ERC claims already submitted, Gerstein said. Theyve indicated there will be a way to withdraw the claim and avoid penalties and future actions by the IRS. Gene Marks is the founder and president of the Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd. Officer Mark Dial arrives at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice on Sept. 19 for a bail hearing. Read more A Philadelphia judge on Tuesday dismissed all charges against former city Police Officer Mark Dial, ruling that prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to show that his fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry while on-duty last month was a crime. Following a preliminary hearing, Municipal Court Judge Wendy L. Pew agreed with Dials lawyers that the officer was justified when he shot Irizarry, and that he and his partner were reacting to a situation in which they believed Irizarry presented a potential threat to their safety. The decision led to an outburst of support from Dials relatives and dozens of police officers who had gathered in the courtroom to support him. His defense lawyers, led by Brian McMonagle, said the shooting was a tragedy and not a crime and that the charges which included first-degree murder should have never been brought. Advertisement READ MORE: Family, supporters of Eddie Irizarry march after judge dismisses charges against Philly officer who killed him Irizarrys relatives were outraged; some burst into sobs in the courtroom after Pew issued her ruling. Speaking outside the courthouse afterward, Irizarrys aunt Zoraida Garcia said: The officers can go out here and kill a person thats not doing anything and get away with murder, because this is what it was. The District Attorneys Office quickly appealed the decision in an attempt to refile all charges against Dial. A hearing on that request is scheduled for next month before a Common Pleas Court judge. We do not agree with [Pews] decision, Assistant District Attorney Karima Yelverton said outside the courthouse. Murder or self-defense? Dial, 27, a five-year veteran of the force, shot and killed Irizarry, 27, as Irizarry sat in his car during a traffic stop in Kensington on Aug. 14. Police initially said Irizarry had lunged at Dial with a knife, leading the officer to shoot him. But video showed that wasnt true: Irizarry was in his car, with the windows rolled up and a knife in his hand, when Dial opened fire within just seconds of getting out of his police cruiser. On Aug. 23, then-Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said she was suspending Dial with intent to dismiss him from the force for refusing to cooperate with the departments internal investigation into the shooting. About two weeks after that, District Attorney Larry Krasners office charged Dial with crimes including first- and third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated assault. After Dial surrendered to police, he was released on bail. Last week, however, a judge ordered that the first-degree murder charge he was facing required that he be held without bail, and sent him to jail ahead of his preliminary hearing. Dial was officially fired from the department Sept. 18. Prosecutors had alleged that Dials partner yelled knife before Dial opened fire, and that because he emerged from his police car with his gun drawn, and then fired within five seconds, he should be charged with murder. But Dials lawyers had said the officer thought his partner yelled gun, and that Dial shot Irizarry in self-defense. Dials lawyers reiterated that in court Tuesday and sought to bolster their contention with testimony from Dials partner, Michael Morris. Morris testified that in the moments before the shooting, he told Dial that Irizarry appeared to be holding a knife as he sat inside his car. Under questioning by prosecutors, who called him to the witness stand, Morris said he didnt remember the exact words he used, but said he saw Irizarry grab a knife and appear to move it upward, and that hed tried to tell Dial about it. For the most part, my eyes were zoned in on the threat, Morris said. On cross-examination, McMonagle played surveillance video from a nearby doorbell camera that captured the shooting. He said the audio accompanying that video made it sound as if Morris or Dial had said f gun, and asked Morris whether thats what he heard on the recording, too. Fair to say, Morris said. McMonagle told Pew, the judge, that testimony made it clear that Dials actions were justified under the law, which allows officers to shoot if they believe their life is in danger. At the end of the hearing, Pew said she agreed that prosecutors had not provided evidence that Dials actions amounted to a crime and she dismissed all charges. She did not elaborate. McMonagle said afterward: Once the court heard everything in this case, there was nothing under the law that you could do but dismiss charges. Yelverton, the prosecutor, also played bodycam videos from both Dial and Morris during the hearing, and showed Pew the entire surveillance tape from a nearby doorbell cam. Prosecutors also called to the stand Detective Peter Marrero, the assigned investigator from the departments Officer Involved Shooting unit. While being cross-examined by another of Dials lawyers, Fortunato Perri Jr., Marrero acknowledged that he had recommended that Dial be charged with voluntary manslaughter not murder. Still, Yelverton contended that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to hold Dial for trial on murder charges, and said her office was seeking even-handed justice in charging him. Afterward, she said that she was angry that the case was thrown out, but quickly added: Its not about how I feel. The commonwealth will appeal this decision. How much evidence more do you need? Krasner has been more aggressive than his predecessors in charging police officers for on-duty shootings. Last year, prosecutors convicted former officer Eric Ruch Jr. of voluntary manslaughter in the 2017 shooting of an unarmed man, the first such conviction in the city in decades. But also last fall, a judge dismissed all charges against former officer Ryan Pownall, ruling that prosecutors had failed to provide proper legal instructions to a grand jury as it weighed whether to charge him with murder in a 2017 on-duty shooting. Another prosecution filed by Krasners office the murder case against former officer Edsaul Mendoza for fatally shooting 12-year-old Thomas TJ Siderio in the back remains pending, with a trial scheduled for next year. Irizarrys family had been publicly calling for Dial to face charges for weeks before he was arrested. They rallied and marched through the city with leaders from the Puerto Rican community, and the charges, they said, had brought some relief. Mayor Jim Kenney said Tuesday that his thoughts were with the Irizarry family, and that he trusts the DAs Office will do everything in its power to pursue justice and accountability. His likely successor, Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker, said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, that Irizarrys death shocked my conscience and the consciousness of our city. We need a Police Department that receives the very best training that exists, and we need a focus and commitment to community policing to create much stronger bonds between neighborhoods and police everywhere, Parker wrote. Quetcy Lozada, the City Council member who represents Kensington, called the cases collapse a grave injustice and said: This inaction will only continue to exacerbate the issues that plague our justice system and further strain our communitys relationship with the police. Garcia, Irizarrys aunt, said she and the whole family were reeling with anger from the judges decision. How much evidence more do you need? she asked while standing outside the Kensington home of Irizarrys grandfather, Nelson Garcia. If the evidence was there, all the videos was there. The whole city have all the videos. So for you to sit here and say it was not enough evidence, then that was wrong. As drizzle fell Tuesday evening, supporters gathered outside City Hall to protest the judges decision. Chants of No good cops in a racist system began as the crowd grew. READ MORE: Family, supporters of Eddie Irizarry march after judge dismisses charges against Philly officer who killed him Charito Morales of Philly Boricuas, one of the organizations that led an earlier rally, said Tuesday that she was very angry when she learned of Pews decision. The community has grown tired of watching police evade accountability, she said in Spanish, and Tuesdays ruling was a message that officers police could do anything without fear of consequences: Today they went 1,000 steps backward and they shattered the faith we have in the justice system. Beijing (Gasgoo)- At the 2023 World Manufacturing Convention, which opened in Hefei on September 20, Ralf Brandstatter, Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, delivered a video message stating that Volkswagen's electric car factory in Hefei, Anhui Province is set to commence production with a maximum annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles. Photo credit: Volkswagen China "Anhui Province and Hefei city play a crucial strategic role in Volkswagen's transformation towards intelligent and fully connected vehicles," he said. Hefei will not only serve as a production base for Volkswagen but also as a new research and innovation center, focusing on the development of next-generation electric and intelligent connected vehicles. Volkswagen Group China Technology Co., Ltd., established by Volkswagen in Hefei, will integrate vehicle and component R&D, as well as procurement functions, reducing the time to market for new products by 30%. This company is set to become Volkswagen Group's largest procurement and R&D center outside Germany. On September 15, Han Jun, Secretary of the Anhui Provincial Committee, led a delegation of economic and trade friendly representatives from Anhui Province to visit Volkswagen Group and held talks with Ralf Brandstatter. They jointly witnessed the signing of a comprehensive cooperation memorandum between the People's Government of Anhui Province and Volkswagen (China) Investment Co., Ltd. Both parties aim to deepen cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicle R&D, building a new energy vehicle and intelligent connected vehicle industrial chain, and strengthening talent development. The scene along S. 17th Street, just above South Street, in Graduate Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, after a bus driver found an unconscious shooting victim in the driver's seat idled Prius late Monday night. Read more A SEPTA bus driver found an unconscious man with a gunshot wound to his head while driving his route late Monday night. Police were called to the scene at 17th and South streets in Graduate Hospital after 11:40 p.m. when a SEPTA bus driver could not get around a blue Toyota Prius idling in the middle of the street. He found an injured man sitting in the car, which was still running. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told reporters the victim, who police believe to be in his 30s or 40s, had suffered a gunshot wounds to his head and right shoulder. Officers believe the shot was fired from inside the vehicle based on a shell casing found in the backseat, according to CBS3. Advertisement The driver was slumped in the drivers seat, Small told reporters. He was unresponsive [and] bleeding heavily. Small said the man was taken to Jefferson University Hospital, where he is in very critical condition. Police said surveillance footage showed a man dressed in all black with a hood pulled over his face exiting the passenger seat, and fleeing south on 18th Street on foot. Small said police believe that man could be the shooter. A motive has not yet been determined. The Deptford school district is not alone in finding itself in the tricky spot of supporting students by providing a healthy breakfast or lunch, while balancing budget concerns as some parents rack up hundreds of dollars in school meal debt. Read more The Deptford School District landed in hot water this month after announcing it would crack down on unpaid school lunch accounts. The state ordered the South Jersey district last week to immediately suspend the policy, under which students were served peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwiches, and were restricted from certain school activities, until bills were paid, The school board voted to rescind the policy. Full price for lunch is $3.25 for elementary students, $3.50 for middle school and $3.75 for high school. Deptford enrolls about 4,100 students. What happened in Deptford with the unpaid meals policy? The Deptford School District enacted its policy to crack down on unpaid meal accounts after some parents accrued hundreds of dollars in debt. But the change ignited a social media debate and landed the district in hot water with the state Department of Agriculture, which oversees New Jerseys school lunch programs. Advertisement New Jerseys Hunger-Free Students Bill of Rights signed into law in 2020 prohibits schools from publicly identifying or shaming students with delinquent meal accounts. Schools cant require those students to sit at a special table, wear a wristband or have a handstamp, or eat an alternate or basic meal, Arleen Ramos-Szatmary, coordinator of the states School Nutrition Program, wrote in a letter obtained by The Inquirer under the Open Public Records Act. The school board rescinded the policy last week and said it would revise it to comply with state regulations. Deptford is not alone in finding itself in the tricky spot of providing a healthy breakfast or lunch to students while balancing budget concerns. Deptford said some parents racked up hundreds of dollars in meal debt, and its unpaid bill has reached $77,000. Who qualifies for free or reduced school lunch in the U.S.? The National School Lunch Program is a federally funded meal program operating in public schools, nonprofit private schools, and residential child-care institutions. School districts are reimbursed for each lunch served. Currently, more than 579,000 of New Jerseys 1.2 million students are eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Families apply for the program annually. The following students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch: All children in households receiving benefits from NJ SNAP or NJ TANF/WorkFirst-NJ. Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court. Children participating in their schools Head Start program. Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant. Children who live in a household with an income that falls within federal guidelines. Check with your district.. Can students be barred from activities over unpaid lunch? Under the New Jersey Working Class Families Act of 2022, a school or district cant prohibit a student with an unpaid meal account from attending or participating in extracurricular activities such as field trips, school events such as proms and dances, or from receiving report cards or participating in graduation. Deptfords policy would have allowed those actions. Are schools required to serve lunch to every student? New Jersey laws dont prohibit schools from denying a meal to a student whose account is in arrears. The district first must take appropriate steps to notify the parents. It must also adopt an internal policy for how its food service staff will deny a meal to a student who comes through the line without stigmatizing or shaming the student. Is a universal lunch program on the horizon? A bill introduced in June by a group of state lawmakers would gradually make more students eligible for free lunch by the 2028-29 school year. Under that legislation, all students would get a free lunch, regardless of household income. The bill cleared an Assembly committee in June. It still requires approval by the full Senate and Assembly before going to Gov. Phil Murphy, where it can become law. Can parents be reported to child protective services for not paying a lunch account? According to the state, districts may make the difficult decision of whether to inform the Department of Children and Families about the lack of meals. But Ramos-Szatmary noted in the letter to Deptford that an argument could be made that the threat of such a call found within the Unpaid Meal Charge Policy is a misuse of both power and trust. We recommend reviewing this section of the policy. ... Whats next for Deptford? Deptford Superintendent Kevin Kanauss said the school boards policy committee will draft a new policy that must be submitted to the state for approval before the board may vote on it. Kanauss said the board hopes to introduce the new policy at an October meeting. Until it has a new policy, the district cannot deny meals because a student account has a balance, the state said. Yalonda Fowler is a registered nurse who works primarily with patients who have had cardiac surgery or have heart or renal failure. Read more My Philly Hospital Job is a short series that brings Inquirer readers inside hospitals to learn more about the day-to-day lives of health-care workers. Yalonda Fowler, 40 Job Registered nurse at Temple University Hospital READ MORE: We want to hear your thoughts about this and other health-related articles. Please fill out our Eds and Meds survey. What to know about the job Registered nurses are the lifeblood of hospitals. They assess patients, administer physicians orders, and are the first to arrive when a patient calls for help. There are more than 3 million registered nurses employed nationwide and nearly a third work in hospitals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Philadelphia metro area has 70,000 working registered nurses, the fifth-highest in the nation. The average annual pay for registered nurses in the region is $87,830. On the job Muffled television banter previewing the next Eagles game drifts from a patients room into the hallway of Temple University Hospitals 7 East unit. Thats the only sound in a usually bustling general hospitalization unit, but Yalonda Fowler doesnt dare say its quiet. We dont say the Q word, the registered nurse says with a frown to a colleague who comments about the relative slow pace of the morning. Its bad luck, she explains, heading toward a patients room. Advertisement In a room down the hallway, Roscoe Knight waits for his breakfast. Knight, a cardiac patient in his 60s, came in overnight because his heart was pumping blood too slowly. Fowler performs a routine morning exam: She checks his pulse in all limbs, tests his arm strength, and presses to feel whether his abdomen is stiff. Knight cant move his left arm, as a result of a past stroke. That makes it hard for him to sit up, so when its time for Fowler to listen to his lungs, she calls to a second nurse to help. Fowler and her colleagues must hold him, safely, while examining him. Nursing is a physical job. In a span of a couple hours, Fowler walks up and down the hallway between patient rooms and the nurses station several dozen times. On one of those trips, she brings back Knights medications. You allergic to anything that you know of? Fowler asks. Just needles, Knight jokes, lifting his arm to show his IV line and the Band-Aids covering failed attempts to secure it. Me, too, Fowler responds with a smile and hands him the pills. She usually takes care of four or five patients during her 12-hour shifts. But today Knight is one of only two under her charge. Eliana Steinman, a new nurse in the unit who graduated from the Community College of Philadelphia in the spring, is in charge of two others. Fowler, with her 18 years of experience, is there to mentor her and answer questions. Midmorning, Fowler checks in with Steinman to see how shes faring with her two patients. The trainee says the week before, on another unit, they had her take care of four patients. You came prepared! Fowler exclaims. After checking on another patient, and typing a few notes in a work station, Fowler returns to Knights room, where breakfast has arrived. She makes sure that he knows where to find his call button, which beeps in the nurses station when clicked. If you need something, just call, Fowler tell him. Ill be here all day. Between bites of muffin, Knight smiles. Good. The Barn, a popular West Philadelphia dive bar known for its economical drink specials, wings, and crab fries, caught fire early Monday morning. No injuries were immediately reported. The Philadelphia Fire Department was dispatched to the two-story building at 49th and Catharine Streets shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to a department spokesperson, who said the fire was under control within 30 minutes. The Fire Marshals Office is investigating the blaze. Previously operating as the New 3rd World Lounge, The Barn also known as The Bar(n) opened in 2015. Within a few years, the bar was popular among people looking for a night of pool and a relatively affordable citywide, drawing an eclectic clientele. Philadelphia Magazine sang the bars praises in its 2018 Best of Philly issue. The Inquirer was unable to reach the owner on Monday, and it wasnt immediately clear if anyone was living in the apartment upstairs. Videos posted on the business Instagram account offered a glimpse of the damage, with the bars windows blown out. By Monday afternoon, those windows were boarded up. It wasnt immediately clear if the bar would be able to reopen. According to records from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, the restaurant failed an inspection last week, which included fire code violations. Its unclear what effect, if any, those violations may have played in connection to Mondays fire. The unveiling of the state historic marker for Hakims Bookstore in West Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Read more In 1959, a young, bookish accountant named Dawud Abdel Hakim started doing something highly unpopular: selling books about African American history written by African Americans first from the trunk of his car and later from his namesake store on S. 52nd St. in West Philadelphia. During a time when the Black Power movement was gaining adherents and then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was issuing memos saying that bookstores such as Hakims were outlets for revolutionary and hate publications and culture centers for extremism, Hakim was focused on his mission: to ensure that African Americans knew they had a rich history that predated slavery. Last Saturday, over six decades after the stores launch, a state historic marker was unveiled before a group of about 100 friends, customers, and family members who braved a cold rain to pay tribute to the man who nurtured generations of budding intellectuals, scholars, booksellers, and civil rights activists. In 1959 it was not popular to talk about Black history. Hakim stood tall telling the untold story, State Sen. Vincent Hughes said at Saturdays event. To be in business for 64 years is no small feat. The man behind Hakims Bookstore My father would have been overwhelmed. It would have brought tears to his eyes, said Hakims daughter, Yvonne Blake, who took over when Hakim died in 1997 and now runs it with the familys fourth-generation members. Had it not rained we would have had even more people here. Hakim was a 1949 West Philadelphia High School graduate who, while working at the post office, came across the 1934 book 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro by Joel A. Rogers, a Jamaican American self-taught historian who wanted to combat racist propaganda history. The book ignited in Hakim a lifelong passion for African American history and a desire to teach others. They tell me my father would ask a passing child if they had a dollar and then give them books. And when they came back, he would quiz them on the books, Blake said. But for Hakim, making the bookstore a success was not easy. Customers were few and profits were slow, and he had to keep his day job as an accountant for the city in order to support his wife and three daughters while running the store. Blake said it wasnt always easy to understand her fathers tenacity and vision. Advertisement My father would take me to the bookstore and no one came in. You know when you go to a store, you expect to see people, Blake recalled. Instead she sat outside the store with her father and learned to play chess while selling an occasional greeting card. Saving Hakims Despite the challenges Hakim faced, the store grew. And by 1980, Hakim opened another store in Atlanta, where he taught history at Morehouse College. When Hakim died, Blake closed the Atlanta store because there was no family member nearby to oversee its daily operation. Like her father, Blake also faced serious economic challenges when she took over the store after his death. I promised him when he died that I would keep it going as long as I can, she said. Chain stores, the internet, Amazon, and a recession all while working a full-time job with Peco made keeping that promise difficult. When her mother became ill, she thought that was the end of the bookstore. My father would have been overwhelmed. It would have brought tears to his eyes. Yvonne Blake I was thinking of closing in 2015, Blake said. That same year, Inquirer columnist Helen Ubinas, writing for the Daily News at the time, penned a column about the possible closing that helped galvanize community support. We just might save the citys oldest African-American bookstore, Ubinas later wrote in a follow-up piece. It was that series of articles that brought the days ceremony emcee, Christopher Arnold, to Hakims Bookstore as a volunteer and to help Blake modernize the store. I want to help the family honor the mission of the founder, he said. Keeping history alive The University City Historical Society helped prepare the extensive application procedure for a historic marker, including hiring a historian, said UCHS president Amy Lambert, a preservation historian and registered architect. Lambert said that after the George Floyd protests of 2020, the UCHS, a volunteer group, began to reflect on how the organization could be of service. That lead to a call to The Enterprise Center, a business management education center in West Philadelphia, and the suggestion to help prepare the marker application for the bookstore. Amy worked on this for over a year. We were notified [of acceptance] in December 2022, and I was blown away, Blake said. It has not been a thing to lift up Black history with these markers, said Sen. Hughes. Now it is the standard. Hakim believed that history strengthened the African American community and for that reason should be memorialized, Blake said. My father recognized we had a history that didnt start with slavery, Blake said. We had a place and contributed to the wealth of this country and were not second-class citizens. Donald Trumps two-pronged messaging in his bid to win back the White House hes the best and everyone else is terrible and/or treasonous was aimed this week at Comcast Corp. and Gov. Josh Shapiro. Trump, who often casts himself as a both a protector and victim of free speech, on Sunday took to Truth Social to declare that Philadelphia-based Comcast and its networks NBC and MSNBC should be investigated for country-threatening treason. If he becomes president again, Trump said, he would seek to stop NBC and MSNBC from broadcasting, calling them a true threat democracy and THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Then, Monday, he went after Shapiro for announcing last week that eligible Pennsylvanians will now be automatically registered to vote when they get a state drivers license or ID card. Trump attacked automatic registration something already standard in 23 states as a disaster for the election of Republicans and called it unconstitutional, demanding that GOP legislators and party officials in Harrisburg and Washington oppose it. Advertisement Comcast and Shapiro took very different approaches in response. Comcast stayed silent. Shapiro cashed in on the attention. Comcasts corporate communications team did not respond to Clouts emails about Trumps threats. Shapiro on Monday swiftly sent a fundraising pitch to supporters, defending automatic voter registration while knocking Trump for more of the same baseless nonsense that Trumps been peddling ever since he lost Pennsylvania in 2020. While the Comcast C-Suite was incommunicado, Joe Scarborough, the irascible host of Morning Joe on MSNBC, on Wednesday compared Trumps threats to Nazi conduct in World War II. This is not a reach, Scarborough said. And if people cant start drawing the parallels, well youre just stupid or you have your head in the sand or youre one of them. Trump undoubtedly will now portray any reporting by NBC or MSNBC that he does not care for as retaliation for his pending threats. Clout provides often irreverent news and analysis about people, power, and politics. Sen. John Fetterman became the first senator from either party on Saturday to call on fellow Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to resign in the wake of the federal bribery charges filed last week against Menendez and his wife. But he didnt stop there. On Monday, Fettermans team told The Messenger he plans to return Menendezs $5,000 donation to his Senate campaign in the form of envelopes stuffed with hundred-dollar bills a jab at the indictment alleging Menendez accepted bribes in the form of gold bars, luxury goods, and hundred-dollar bills stuffed into a jacket pocket. In calling for his resignation, Fetterman said Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. READ MORE: N.J. Sen. Bob Menendez indicted over gifts of gold bars and a luxury car Advertisement Menendez, whom prosecutors accuse of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, has denied wrongdoing, and said in a statement Friday, Im not going anywhere. On Monday, Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D., Ohio) and Sen. Peter Welch, (D., Vermont) joined Fetterman in calling for Menendezs resignation. No other U.S. senators from either party have joined them. In interviews during the weekend, several senators condemned Menendez for the allegations in the indictment but urged for the legal process to play out and said it was up to Menendezs constituents to determine whether he should stay in office. Menendezs fellow New Jersey senator, Cory Booker, has stayed silent since the indictment dropped. Booker has said in the past he considers Menendez a mentor and appeared as a character witness in Menendezs 2018 corruption trial, which ended in a mistrial. Its almost an understatement to say he was just a partner, Booker said then, crediting Menendez with showing him the ropes in the chamber. The Democrats hold a razor-thin majority in the Senate as it is, which ups the importance of what happens to Menendezs seat in what has traditionally been a reliably blue state. And Senators have historically been cautious to call out fellow members in similar cases. If Menendez were to resign, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy would choose his successor to serve through the end of his term, Jan. 3, 2025. While other Senators have been quiet, numerous Democrats in Menendezs home state, including Murphy, have said he should step down. READ MORE: N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy, other top Democrats call on Sen. Bob Menendez to resign after second bribery indictment Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., called on him to resign, and said Saturday he plans to challenge Menendez for his seat. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is calling on Sen. Bob Menendez to resign in the wake of a federal bribery indictment against him, marking a dramatic break in what had been a close relationship between the two New Jersey Democrats. Booker shifted from his silence regarding the Jersey Shore senators indictment last week in a new statement released Tuesday. Until now, he was one of two notable New Jersey Democrats who had not called on Menendez to step down, the other being Menendezs son, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D., N.J.) who has voiced his unwavering confidence in his father. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost, Booker said. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. Advertisement READ MORE: John Fetterman calls on Menendez to resign, says he plans to return campaign donation in cash-stuffed envelopes In the aftermath of the bribery indictment against Menendez, most senators initially stayed quiet. But by Tuesday evening, at least 17 senators had called for his resignation. The Democrats hold a razor-thin majority in the Senate as it is, which elevates the importance of what happens to Menendezs seat in what has traditionally been a reliably blue state. And senators have historically been cautious to call out fellow members in similar cases. Booker was the most closely watched as Menendez counterpart. He has had a close relationship with Menendez and said in the past he considers the senior senator a mentor. Ive found the allegations hard to reconcile with the person I know, he said. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman led the growing number of calls for Menendezs resignation and criticized other senators for their silence on the matter. Since then, a host of other Democratic senators joined the chorus, including Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey on Tuesday morning. At a rainy picket line in Langhorne where Casey visited with striking workers Tuesday afternoon, he briefly elaborated on his call for Menendez to step down. When I went through the detail and the specificity of that indictment, it was clear in my judgment ... that he was not upholding that trust, he said. That is apart from the question of guilt or innocence in a court of law; thats for someone else to decide. I had to make a determination about public trust, and thats what I rested my decision on. Others who called for the senators resignation include Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Montana Sen. Jon Tester. Menendez defied a growing number of calls for him to step down at a news conference Monday. Booker the seventh senator to call for Menendezs resignation said the indictment contained shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing. Back in 2018, Booker appeared as a character witness in Menendezs corruption trial, which ended in a mistrial. He said on the stand then: Its almost an understatement to say he was just a partner, crediting Menendez with showing him the ropes in the chamber. Bob Menendez has faced potentially career-ending federal bribery allegations before and emerged unscathed a fact that New Jerseys senior U.S. senator touted Monday in his first public remarks on the indictment filed against him last week. Prosecutors get it wrong sometimes. Sadly, I know that, the three-term Democrat said at a news conference in Union City, referring to a 2017 corruption trial that ended with a hung jury and the Justice Department opting not to retry the case. But despite Menendezs vows to fight the new charges, legal experts say that this case bears marked differences from last time and that building a defense may present a much more daunting task. From the apparent strength of the evidence including photos of alleged bribes of gold bars and cash stuffed in a jacket in the senators closet to extensive communications detailing the alleged bribery schemes, prosecutors appear to have learned from the last trial and returned with a stronger case. Advertisement The complexion of this whole thing is different from top to bottom, said Eric L. Gibson, a former trial attorney in the Justice Departments Public Integrity Section and partner at the Philadelphia law firm Post & Schell, who, like other legal experts quoted in this article, is not involved in the current Menendez case. I would be drooling over this if I were still a federal prosecutor. I just dont see how they push back against this in a credible fashion. READ MORE: Sen. Bob Menendezs indictment is already having a domino effect on New Jersey and national politics The 39-page indictment accuses Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, of accepting bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars including the gold bars, mortgage payments on Arslanians Bergen County apartment, and a 2019 Mercedes Benz from three New Jersey businessmen seeking to buy the senators influence. Prosecutors say they have thousands of text messages and email communications between the couple and their codefendants detailing quid pro quo agreements on everything from U.S. policy toward Egypt to Menendez offering the executives help with pending criminal cases against them. Anytime you need anything, you have my number and we will make everything happen, Arslanian texted one Egyptian official seeking Menendezs influence in a 2020 dispute over the building of a dam in Ethiopia, according to the indictment. Texts and emails could make case against Menendez stronger than the last Those communications records could present one of the strongest differences between this case and the one Menendez faced in 2017, said Henry E. Hockeimer Jr., chief of white-collar defense at the Philadelphia law firm Ballard Spahr. Back then, prosecutors put on a largely circumstantial case involving allegations that the senator accepted luxury vacations, flights on private jets, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor and longtime friend. In exchange, they argued, Menendez lobbied senior officials in the Obama administration to help Melgen in billing disputes with Medicare, to obtain visas for his foreign girlfriends, and to protect a contract Melgen held with the government of the Dominican Republic. But the testimony presented in court much of it delivered by FBI agents seeking to draw connections from flight records, veiled emails, and timelines of Menendezs actions quickly devolved into a slog. Defense lawyers argued that the supposed bribes were nothing more than gifts between friends. They showed jurors photos of the senator and the doctor sitting together in lounge chairs and presented testimony from family members, including Melgens wife, who described the two men as so close that her family had a nickname for the duo Sabob a combination of their first names, Sal and Bob. Prosecutors may have documented the extraordinary lengths to which Menendez went to help Melgen, but failed to persuade a jury that any of the gifts specifically influenced the senators actions. Jurors later told reporters they had voted 10-2 to acquit. And the judge overseeing the case acquitted the senator on several charges, citing a lack of evidence from which a rational juror could find an explicit quid pro quo. READ MORE: U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez indictment: Read the charges This time, Menendez and Arslanian may have aided prosecutors in bolstering that aspect of their case, communicating in what appears to be explicit fashion about the alleged bribery and gifts, Hockeimer said. For instance, when one of the men Wael Hana, operator of a New Jersey-based halal meat certification company sought Menendezs help preserving a monopoly that Egypt had granted him, Arslanian asked Hana to assist her with her $30,000 in overdue mortgage payments, prosecutors said. In texts quoted in the indictment, she groused to Menendez when those alleged payments didnt initially come through. I am soooooo upset, she wrote in September 2019. I thought after everything that happened, especially last Saturday and that week [referring to meetings Menendez had with senior Egyptian officials] that at least he would honor his word one time. Gibson the former DOJ lawyer who prosecuted corruption cases against U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson described those communications as incredibly damning. The problem [before] was that you didnt have someone explaining explicitly in the language thats provided here, he said. This time, he said, the jury doesnt have to make a leap. Shes writing it out for them. Explicit agreements and consciousness of guilt When another of the businessmen Jose Uribe allegedly bought the couple a new Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible in 2019, hoping the senator would lobby prosecutors to drop a pending criminal case against a business associate, Uribe allegedly laid out expectations in a text. The deal is to kill and stop all investigation, he wrote to Hana, according to the indictment. Courts recognize that bribery schemes can play out in what is known as a stream of benefits payments meant to effectively put a public official on retainer, as was alleged in the Melgen case. But the explicit understandings alleged in the new indictment are likely to be more graspable to a jury. Linking a particular thing of value to a specific official act is a stronger, more powerful case, he said. READ MORE: Who is Bob Menendezs wife, Nadine? Who else was charged in the indictment? The indictment is also rife with references to dozens of instances in which Menendez or Arslanian deleted text messages or emails in proximity to alleged bribe payments or requests from their codefendants. When Arslanian texted Menendez in 2019 asking whether she should write directly to Hana about his failure to come through with money as expected, the senator, according to the indictment, responded: No, you should not text or email. Prosecutors are likely to argue that those deleted messages and Menendezs caution about putting requests in writing suggest consciousness of guilt, Hockeimer said. He also noted that Menendezs failure to report the gifts on Senate financial disclosure forms could be used as evidence against him. Menendez argued in 2017 he simply took gifts from a friend. That may be harder this time Unlike in the Melgen case in which defense lawyers argued that Menendezs long-standing relationship with the eye doctor made it impossible to disentangle gifts between friends from alleged bribes Menendez, as prosecutors describe it, had little to no relationship with his codefendants in the new case. The indictment describes Hana as a longtime friend of Arslanians whom she introduced to her husband. Uribe and the third indicted businessman, Fred Daibes, both sought favors from the senator after being introduced to him through his wife and Hana. Its easier for a jury to accept that a buddy might give somebody a ride on the plane, or a spot in a vacation home, than it is to say, Its pretty common for friends to exchange gold bars or hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, said Sidhardha Kamaraju, former assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York who is now a partner at the New York firm Pryor Cashman. READ MORE: N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy, other top Democrats call on Sen. Bob Menendez to resign after second bribery indictment But despite those obstacles, Menendez remained defiant Monday and, in his public statements, has begun to outline a potential defense. Hes described many of his alleged actions as routine constituent services. And any prosecution will have to overcome the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court has reined in anticorruption statutes in recent years. As for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash found during the search of his home, some of which the FBI found stuffed in Menendezs Congressional Hispanic Caucus jacket, the senator offered an explanation for that, too. He said that for decades hes routinely withdrawn thousands of dollars from his personal savings account for emergencies a habit hed formed as the child of Cuban immigrants who grew up in financial uncertainty. Still, he acknowledged, defending himself in this case would be his biggest fight yet. But as I have stated throughout this whole process, he said, I firmly believe that once all the facts have been presented, I will be exonerated but I will also still be New Jerseys senior senator. As Sen. Bob Menendez gears up for the fight of his life, the political fallout from the indictment against him stretches from the New Jersey Statehouse to Capitol Hill. Menendez, 69, who has been a senator since 2006, balked Monday at calls for his resignation and cast those calling for him to step down as political opportunists. To those who have rushed to judgment, he said, in his first public remarks since the bribery charges were unsealed Friday, you have done so based on a limited set of facts framed by the prosecution to be as salacious as possible. Menendez, a Democrat, did not explicitly launch a reelection campaign in his remarks to reporters in Hudson County on Monday morning. But he said he believed when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated but I will still be New Jerseys senior senator. Advertisement Several politicians in the state including fellow Democrats are already lining up to see that he isnt, triggering a domino effect that will likely mean a very busy and interesting few years of congressional and local races in New Jersey. Most immediately, the indictment raises the stakes for the November general election, when Democrats want to avoid being associated with corruption as they fight to retain narrow control of the state General Assembly. The prism this indictment is being viewed through is damage control to get through November, said Bill Caruso, a New Jersey public affairs consultant and former Trenton Statehouse staffer. And then deal with the fallout of what comes next in the national cycle. Menendezs party is not with him this time The charges against Menendez come less than six years after he dodged conviction in a separate federal bribery case one alleging that he accepted lavish gifts, flights on private jets, and campaign support from a Florida eye doctor. A jury deadlocked in 2017 and Menendez was later acquitted of some charges. While New Jersey Democrats were quick to turn on Menendez this time, the party rallied behind him during his first criminal case. Fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker testified as a character witness in his defense, and powerful state party leaders stood by him. But the prior allegations against Menendez were less brazen than those detailed in the new indictment. And New Jerseys political landscape has changed. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy would appoint a successor should Menendez resign, whereas Republican Gov. Chris Christie was in office in 2017. For the first time in more than a decade, Democrats are facing the possibility of losing their narrow majority in the state legislature. And theres some calculus that Menendezs latest legal troubles could be political poison to his party. If Republicans won a handful of close district races in November, they could take the majority in one or both houses. Theres concern among some Democrats this year and a prominent negative story about a statewide Democrat has the potential to impact that, Caruso said. And I think thats why youve seen the Democratic political leaders come out so vociferously to say, Its him, not us. Murphy, state Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, also a Democrat, and the chairman of the state party all quickly called on Menendez to resign. The state Democratic party chairman over the weekend convened a meeting of all county party chairs, many of whom have called for Menendez to step down. That complicates Menendezs chances in the 2024 Democratic primary, where county chair support is key to winning. Candidates who run off the line of the party get tough ballot positions and rarely win. Still, few who know Menendez were surprised by his defiance. Bobs a fighter, hes not a shrinking violet, said one Democratic operative. Hes likely infuriated knowing the governor and the power structure is not behind him, and right now I think its probably premature for him to resign from his perspective, because all he has is leverage in his Senate seat. Fallout over Senate and House races Within 24 hours of the indictment, U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, (D., Burlington) announced his intent to challenge Menendez in the U.S. Senate race. The allegations are serious and alarming, Kim wrote in a statement. It doesnt matter what your job title is or your politics no one is above the law. Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D., Essex), Donald Norcross (D., Camden), and Josh Gottheimer (D., Bergen) may also consider jumping in. Menendez already has one Republican challenger, and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, (R., Atlantic) indicated he may enter the GOP primary. The result would have a cascading effect with the need to fill congressional vacancies across the state. But given that the indictment was just unsealed and the deadline to launch a run for Congress is in April, the field is unlikely to be set for several months. Democrats are optimistic that even with all the political movement, the party will hold onto its congressional seats. In 2018, Menendezs challenger got 42% of the vote not insignificant in a blue state like New Jersey, but well short of a close race. Except for Fetterman and Brown, the Senate has stayed quiet Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the first U.S. senator to call for his colleague to resign , followed Monday by Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. The Senate is traditionally protective and supportive of its members, and Democrats are fighting to protect their slim majority in the chamber next year even if Menendezs seat would almost certainly be filled by a Democrat. Fetterman said Menendez is entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. Several other Democrats have condemned the behavior outlined in the indictment in interviews and on social media. But theyve stopped short of calling for Menendez to resign, saying the legal process should play out and voters should decide. Booker, New Jerseys junior senator, has been notably silent. Senate Republicans have also stayed quiet, though criticism from the GOP could be seen as somewhat contradictory given that former President Donald Trump is running for reelection as he faces multiple indictments. They risk tripping on their own message, Caruso said. Itd be a little hypocritical if they were like, Were fine with this one but not that one. Staff writer Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article. LOS ANGELESLucas Kazan Productions is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a 25 Years/25 Percent Off sale on Lucas Kazan Productions is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a 25 Years/25 Percent Off sale on LucasKazan.com Its a milestone anniversary, said director/producer and company owner Lucas Kazan. When I embarked on this journey a quarter century ago, everything was different: the players, the ways of thinking, producing and distributing porn. Im happy to say we managed to stay true to our pursuit of higher production values, better locations and richer, less formulaic sex ... Italian style!" Founded in 1998 and featuring top gay performers, the studio has produced a number of acclaimed releases like 2019's It Happened in Ibiza, starring Hector De Silva, Dani Robles, Angel Cruz and others. Other notable releases included 2016's The Spanish Connexxxion, with De Silva, Dario Beck, Robbie Rojo and Segyo, as well as Strangers and Lovers in 2016. The studio first gained attention for its acclaimed Hotel Italia, one of LKP's first releases, which won the 1999 Hard Choice Awards for Best Director and Best Movie. The School for Lovers was named Best International Video at the 2007 Grabby Awards . In 2008, Kazan himself was inducted into the GayVN Hall of Fame, LKP exclusive Jean Franko took the Best Foreign Actor GayVN Award, and The School for Lovers was awarded a Maleflixxx Gold VOD plate. Lucas Kazan Productions DVDs are distributed in the U.S. by Pulse Distribution, while Vimpex handles distribution in the European Union. Affiliates are welcome to kick off the anniversary with the 25 Years/25 Percent Off sale, which continues through November. The financial services sectors of both Aotearoa and Australia are excited to be hosting this program. Building on the strong bilateral ties between our two countries is one of the key areas of focus, said FSC New Zealand CEO Richard Klipin. With this inaugural summit, we are looking to build a Trans-Tasman financial services dialogue that shapes our common interests and showcases the best thinking and innovation that helps to build a strong and cohesive community. In the afterglow of the recent Insurance Business Australia Awards, wed like to send out a big thank you to all the judges. The judging panel comprised of 23 prominent leaders and experts in Australias insurance industry. Notably, Trump's counterargument hinged on a disclaimer present in the financial statements he provided banks and insurers. He argued that this disclaimer absolved him from the reliability of the information within. Judge Engoron gave this argument short shrift, noting that such blanket disclaimers shouldn't be allowed to shield inaccurate statements, especially when they have real-world ramifications, such as in the insurance industry. The client could not do anything more to make this risk more desirable than he has done, said Steger, In my opinion, he is a better risk to write now than a number of the ones that the insurers do write at the moment who dont have that same lesson behind them to motivate them to be safer with their checks and their risk mitigation. These might seem like surreal situations, but they happen more often than you might think. While amusing on the surface, they underscore the need for robust travel insurance coverage. A monkey stealing your bag containing your designer sunglasses, a bird swooping down and damaging your rental car's windshield these seemingly minor incidents can quickly add up to significant costs, said SCTI CEO Jo McCauley. The unpredictability of animal interactions emphasises the importance of comprehensive travel insurance coverage. It's about safeguarding your well-earned travel experiences against the unforeseen, whether it's a playful pup or a crafty primate. SACRAMENTOLawmakers in the California state legislature passed an online child safety bill that one critic characterizes as a miniature version of the federal FOSTA-SESTA statutes. Assembly Bill (AB) 1394 was unanimously passed by both chambers of the General Assembly, and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law. According to the bill, social media platforms would be required to create user reporting systems to address child sexual abuse material and other forms of exploitation and conduct risk assessments and reports on how the companies that own these platforms are countering such harms. AB 1394 was introduced by state Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland. It would face several legal challenges if it becomes law, notes Mike Masnick of Techdirt. These challenges would likely include claims that the bill is preempted by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 and the safe harbor provision that grants liability immunity for the harms of user-generated web content. Other claims against AB 1394 could also focus on how the bill essentially contradicts federal requirements mandating that U.S.-based web platforms must transmit reports of CSAM cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which acts as a clearinghouse for cases. Masnick additionally writes that AB 1394 "can be described as a kind of mini-California FOSTA. "Weve already seen how a similar system works in FOSTA around sex trafficking, which resulted in the shutting down of all sorts of vital resources for sex workers. And now, with 1394, you can expect that all sorts of vital assets to help the victims of CSAM are about to shut down as well, he writes, additionally noting the lack of news coverage on the bills progress. That said, Tech Policy Press published a news brief on the bill by John Perrino, a policy analyst at the Stanford Internet Observatory. Critics of the bill include TechNet, a technology industry advocacy organization, who lobbied to formulate the bill in a more equitable and effective fashion. During that process, we have offered amendments that, if accepted, would result in the strongest piece of legislation in the country related to the removal of child pornography from the internet, wrote Linda Moore, president and chief executive officer of TechNet, in a letter to Common Sense Media. Common Sense was a supporter of the bill, but the organization criticized TechNet, which represents many large technology companies like Google, Meta and Amazon. We are calling on you to renounce TechNet's opposition and amendments that aim to gut this incredibly important bill for children and families, wrote Jim Steyer, founder and chief executive officer of Common Sense, in a letter to TechNet members. Gov. Newsom has until October 14 to veto or sign AB 1394 into law. Requirements outlined in the bill would go into effect on January 1, 2025. An auto industry group said on Friday carmakers do not plan to immediately comply with a Massachusetts law requiring them to share vehicle data with independent repair shops citing concerns about potential hacking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) previously reversed course and said automakers could safely share diagnostic data with independent shops, after earlier objecting that it could make vehicles vulnerable to hacking. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said Friday that because a compliance option is not immediately available that they would abide by NHTSAs earlier guidance in June. The group said it would work with NHTSA and the Massachusetts Attorney General to discuss in more detail a potential future compliance methodology that would not be preempted by federal law. NHTSA said recently automakers could safely share diagnostic data with independent shops using short-range wireless technology, but warned that using long-range wireless signals could potentially let hackers send dangerous commands to moving vehicles. The agency said automakers should be allowed a reasonable period of time to put the technology in place. Federal Regulator Throws Wrench Into Massachusetts Right-to-Repair Plans https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2023/06/21/726264.htma Massachusetts voters in 2020 approved a ballot initiative that gives independent repair shops access to diagnostic data that newer cars can send directly to dealers and manufacturers, in order to allow consumers to seek repairs outside dealerships. NHTSA told 22 major automakers in June not to comply with the open-access law because it could potentially allow for manipulation of steering, braking and other critical safety functions and allow hackers to remotely command vehicles to operate dangerously. NHTSA Shifts Gears, No Longer Opposes Massachusetts Vehicle Data Access Law The Massachusetts attorney generals office said earlier appreciated NHTSAs clarification today that our state law is not preempted by federal law. Automakers must comply with the state law, the office said. Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan praised NHTSAs statement clarifying that automakers can safely comply with Massachusetts right to repair law and share vehicle data with independent repair shops. (Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Nick Zieminski) Topics Massachusetts Ares Management Corp. is providing a direct-lending package of about 1 billion ($1.2 billion) to support the merger of two personal insurance businesses in the UK, according to people familiar with the matter. Ardonagh Group a large borrower in the $1.5 trillion private credit market is selling its Atlanta Group division to UK insurer Markerstudy. The deal will create a new business with nearly 8 million customers across its home and motor insurance units and more than 3 billion in annual premiums. The tieup is also being funded by Pollen Street Capital Ltd and Bain Capital, according to a statement from Ardonagh. Pollen Street will remain Markerstudys majority owner, while Ardonagh will keep a minority equity stake in the combined business as well as receiving cash from the sale. Ardonagh Sells 1.2 Billion Insurance Unit to UK Insurer Markerstudy Spokespeople for Ares, Ardonagh, Pollen and Markerstudy declined to comment. Press representatives for Bain didnt immediately respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg News. Ares previously led a 1.875 billion loan for Ardonagh in 2020, which the firm said was the largest ever so-called unitranche financing at the time. Direct-lending firms such as Ares have stolen a march on their traditional rivals over the past few years, as rising rates and fears of an economic slowdown muted appetite among investment banks to underwrite new deals. Speaking at Bloombergs Global Credit Forum last week, Ares Management co-founder Mike Arougheti said he expects the private credit market to double to $3 trillion within five years. The firm is currently fundraising for its latest European direct lending fund, Ares Capital Europe VI. It hit its first close earlier this year at about $8.7 billion. Photograph: Skyscrapers and commercial buildings on the skyline of the City of London, UK, on Monday, March 6, 2023. Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Arch Insurance and Aon. A summary of these new hires follows here. Arch Insurance (Bermuda) Promotes Smith to MD after Hay Retires Arch Insurance (Bermuda) announced the appointment of Matthew Smith as managing director, with effect from Jan. 1, 2024, following the retirement of Tony Hay. In this role, Smith will be responsible for managing all aspects of Arch Insurance (Bermuda)s direct insurance operations. He will report to Mike Lay, chief underwriting officer for Long Tail Lines at Arch Insurance International. Smith is a long-standing member of the Arch team in Bermuda having joined the company in 2002. He is currently senior vice president and underwriting manager for Executive Assurance, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to joining Arch, he was a senior professional liability underwriter at Chubb. I am delighted to announce Matts appointment. The fact that we are able to promote from within for this top position speaks to the calibre and depth of our Bermuda team. Bermuda is a core market for Arch, and we have invested heavily in our talent base in order to become one of the leading insurance companies on the island, commented Hugh Sturgess, chief executive officer, Arch Insurance International. Matt is an exceptional underwriter and someone who truly embodies the values and principles that underpin Archs culture and our commitment to brokers. He has spearheaded the development of our Executive Assurance practice and been central to our overall market success, Hay said. I have no doubt that Matt will be a great success and will continue to develop the trusting and responsive relationships with our brokers that are the mainstay of how we do business. *** Aon Taps Nichols From Aeolus for Global Reinsurance Clients in Bermuda Insurance broker Aon plc announced that Jake Nichols has joined the firm as senior managing director, global clients leader, Bermuda, within Reinsurance Solutions. Based in Bermuda, Nichols reports to Dave Nicholson, head of Aons Global Reinsurance Clients (GRC) segment. He joins from Aeolus Capital Management, where he was a portfolio manager, having served previously as senior vice president at reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter for nearly a decade. As part of Aons Risk Capital capability, Nichols will develop innovative risk transfer solutions that optimize clients capital strategies, matching risk with capital to create growth opportunities for the industry, with a particular focus on global clients. We are excited to have Jake join our growing Global Reinsurance Clients team, which highlights our continued investment in this area and ongoing drive to deliver optimal value for clients, Nicholson commented. In addition to his specific account responsibilities, Jake will act as a GRC conduit into the Bermuda market, identifying capacity for our clients in order to navigate volatility by helping shape better decisions. Topics Reinsurance Leadership Maryland Aon Carolyn Engelhardt, age 30, pleaded guilty in the District Court of Norton County on July 25, 2023 to one felony count of a fraudulent insurance act after she knowingly submitted a fraudulent auto claim to her insurance company for a loss that occurred prior to her purchasing the auto coverage. She was sentenced on September 11 to 18 months probation with 10 months underlying prison time if her probation is violated. Engelhardt also was assessed a $500 fine and associated court costs. Purchasing insurance after an accident and then filing a claim, or past-posting, is fraud which costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year, Schmidt said. The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas. The case was investigated by KID and prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office. Source: Kansas Insurance Department The anti-affirmative action activist behind the successful U.S. Supreme Court challenge to race-conscious college admissions policies is trying to use a Civil War-era law designed to protect formerly enslaved Black people from racial bias to dismantle American corporate diversity programs. In a trio of lawsuits filed since August, Edward Blums American Alliance for Equal Rights organization has challenged grant and fellowship programs designed by a venture capital fund and two law firms to help give Black, Hispanic and other underrepresented minority groups greater career opportunities. Those lawsuits accuse all three of violating Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, a law enacted after the Civil War that guarantees all people the same right to make and enforce contracts as is enjoyed by white citizens. While the law was adopted with formerly enslaved Black people in mind, courts have interpreted it for decades as protecting white people from racial discrimination as well. Blums group relies upon those rulings in seeking a corporate sequel to the June decision, powered by the Supreme Courts 6-3 conservative majority, in favor of another group he founded declaring race-conscious student admissions policies used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina unlawful. His strategy faces its first major test on Tuesday, when U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash in Atlanta hears arguments in Blums lawsuit challenging venture capital firm Fearless Funds grant program designed to promote businesses owned by Black women. With a Saturday deadline approaching for this years grant applications, Blums group is asking Thrash, an appointee of Democratic former President Bill Clinton, to quickly issue a preliminary injunction barring Fearless Fund from using race-based criteria for the grant program. All of our nations civil rights laws including the 1866 Civil Rights Act enshrine the command that someones race and ethnicity must never be used to help or harm them in public and private employment and contracting, Blum, who is white, told Reuters in an email. Sarah Hinger, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Unions Racial Justice Program, said Blums lawsuits pose a threat to efforts to remove barriers to opportunity for people of all races in private sector jobs. This is an effort to scare similar employers and investors away from what is in some ways a nascent effort to address inequities, Hinger added. Atlanta-based Fearless Fund is a small player in the $288 billion venture capital market. It was launched in 2019 by three prominent Black women actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, entrepreneur Arian Simone and corporate executive Ayana Parsons and has invested nearly $27 million in businesses led by minority women. It also provides grants to businesses owned by Black women a category that in 2022 received less than 1% of all venture capital funding, according to the advocacy group digitalundivided. The lawsuit by Blums Texas-based group takes aim at the funds Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which awards Black women who own small businesses $20,000 in grants and other resources to grow their businesses. The lawsuit alleges that the programs criteria illegally excludes applicants who are white, Asian or other races. Free Speech Argument Fearless Fund has brought in prominent lawyers to defend it, including civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Alphonso David, who during a news conference called Blums use of the Civil War-era law cynical. The funds attorneys in court papers have said Blum wants to distort the purpose and text of this seminal civil rights statute to use it against Black people to dismantle this grant program. They argue that the rules for the grants are merely criteria for being eligible for a discretionary gift and do not create a contract subject to the civil rights law. Because charitable giving is a form of free speech under the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment, Fearless Funds lawyers have said it cannot be forced to use race-neutral criteria for a grant program designed to further its belief that Black women-owned businesses are vital to our economy. They have cited another June Supreme Court ruling holding that an evangelical Christian website designer from Colorado had a First Amendment right to refuse to create websites for same-sex marriages to support the funds argument that it can consider race in deciding how to express itself through charity. Blums group countered that Fearless Funds argument would ironically undermine the very causes it favors by essentially invalidating Section 1981 and deeming racial discrimination protected by the First Amendment. His lawsuits appear already to be seeing results. Another Blum target, law firm Morrison & Foerster, has appeared to buckle by removing language specifying that a diversity fellowship for law students was open only to Black, Hispanic, Native American or LGBT applicants. Morrison & Foerster did not immediately respond to a request for comment. James River Group Holdings Ltd. said some of its subsidiaries have entered into an agreement to sell the renewal rights to their Individual Risk Workers Compensation (IRWC) business to Amynta Group. The transaction includes the full operations of the business, including underwriting, loss control and claims, as well as transfer of the employees supporting the business. The IRWC business will operate under Amynta Work Comp Solutions. We are confident that Amyntas scale and expertise in workers compensation will provide the IRWC team with a strong platform for future growth, said James River CEO Frank DOrazio in a statement. This transaction is aligned with our strategy to focus our resources on core businesses where we have meaningful scale. We are excited to establish a relationship with Amynta and look forward to partnering with them on future business opportunities. Bob Schultz, head of Insurance Programs at Amynta Group, commented, This acquisition is well aligned with our workers comp portfolio, expanding our business across targeted industries and establishing a strong presence in the Southeast. James River said it will not sell any insurance company entities as part of the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close at the end of the third quarter of 2023. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Workers' Compensation North Carolinas Republican supermajority in the legislature has thrown a curveball to the states insurance commissioner and fire marshal, a position that until recently has mostly stayed above partisan politics. A late change to the states $30 billion budget, approved last week, makes the state fire marshal separate from the insurance commissioner. As in many states, the insurance commissioner position and the fire marshal in North Carolina have been one and the same for decades, and the commissioner has worked closely with local fire departments on improving their Insurance Service Office ratings. The governor said he will let the bill become law without his signature. The states insurance commissioner said he is quite unhappy with the changes. While I deeply appreciate the 7% raise increase over two years for state employees, I am disappointed at some of the items added to the budget that negatively impact the fire service and our volunteer firefighters in North Carolina, state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said in a statement Monday. I especially detest the way these items were added without input from the department, the state Firefighters Association, county fire marshals or fire chiefs. He called the lack of communication between legislative leaders and his office very disturbing, noting that volunteer fire departments are also upset about it. We had no input on this and I really fail to see any benefits from it, said Tim Bradley, fire chief in Mebane and executive director of the North Carolina State Firefighters Association. The head of the state association of local fire marshals said his group has not taken an official stand on the matter, but he said it does raise a number of questions for fire departments going forward. We were not expecting this, said Brian Kelly, president of the North Carolina Fire Marshals Association. When you think something is not probable and then all of a sudden it passes, it catches you flat-footed. It isnt clear how a separated marshal job will affect local fire departments ability to gain better training and equipment, which could lead to higher Verisk ISO fire suppression ratings, fire officials said. Other observers of recent North Carolina politics said the change was not all that surprising. In recent years, the GOP majority in the General Assembly has moved to strip the Democratic governor of some appointment powers, giving more authority to lawmakers. In this case, lawmakers have rubbed a fellow Republican, Causey, the wrong way. I have yet to meet the first person outside of the General Assembly that favors an independent state fire marshal, Causey said. One state official said that some lawmakers who pushed the change and who are not on good terms with the commissioner may have grown tired of seeing Causey grab headlines when he provides grants to local fire departments or when he has touted an improved ISO rating, which can affect homeowners premiums. Causey clashed with legislators earlier this year when he opposed a move that let Blue Cross Blue Shield reorganize to be more like a for-profit firm, giving it more control over its surplus. All weve been told is, Its politics,' Bradley, of the Firefighters Association, said about last weeks budget bill. No one can seem to explain it other than politics. Causey, soon to seek election to a third term, may continue to have some influence over the fire role. The new office of fire marshal will be within the Department of Insurance. The commissioner shall appoint the marshal, subject to ratification by the legislature, according to the language of the budget bill. The new position will likely mean extra expense for taxpayers: The marshal will have a salary, set by the General Assembly, plus longevity bonuses after five and 10 years of service. The budget bill also contains other language that has some fire and insurance officials worried. Sections of the measure require the DOI to administer a firefighters health benefits pilot program and a workers compensation fund for safety workers, but does not provide details on how the programs will be underwritten and managed, or if insurance agents can be involved. Bradley and the commissioner hope lawmakers will revise the budget bill to clarify some things, through a technical corrections bill, before the Assembly adjourns. House Speaker Tim Moores office could not be reached for comment Monday. Top photo: Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in April, speaking to reporters about a bill to let Blue Cross Blue Shield reorganize. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum) Topics Legislation North Carolina PLANT CITY, Fla. (AP) Three adults, two teens and a child from an extended family died after their SUV was struck by a freight train at an unguarded crossing in central Florida, authorities said. Another adult remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Hillsborough County Sheriff`s Office said that just before 7 p.m. Saturday, a Cadillac Escalade driven by Jose G. Hernandez, 52, crossed the tracks into the path of a train going 55 mph (88 kph). The crossing does not have gates or a warning bell, only a stop sign and a railroad crossing sign. Officials said the train`s engineer and a nearby car both sounded their horns and the engineer tried to stop, but it was too late. The impact flipped the SUV several times, ejecting the five passengers who died at the scene. Hernandez died later. Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters the SUV looked like a soft drink can thats been crushed. He said it was unclear why the SUV moved into the train`s path. The family was headed to a birthday party at a home just on the other side of the tracks. The road is lightly traveled, which is why it doesn`t have crossing gates or lights, the sheriff said. The word devastating doesnt even begin to describe the tragedy that unfolded here, Chronister said. Hillsborough County lost a family today, and our hearts are shattered. Hernandez died Sunday at a hospital. Five others died at the scene: Enedelia Hernandez, 50; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; Jakub A. Lopez and Alyssa Hernandez, both 17; and Julian Hernandez, 9. The sheriff`s office did not immediately say how the victims were related. Plant City is an agricultural town about 25 miles (40 km) east of Tampa. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Numbers Source: Michael Siperco September 26, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The mining company is developing and seeking a partner to advance its large-scale, British Columbia mine offering long-term upside potential, noted an RBC Capital Markets report. Seabridge Gold Inc. (SEA:TSX; SA:NYSE.MKT) caught the interest of RBC Capital Markets, which initiated it with an Outperform - Speculative Risk rating and a US$25 per share target price, reported RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Siperco in a September 18 research note. This target implies a significant 124% return for investors, given the mining company's current share price is about US$11.14 per share. "Seabridge has begun to accelerate development of the world-class, large-scale, 100%-owned KSM gold/copper project in the 'Golden Triangle' region of northern British Columbia. . .with long-term upside potential," Siperco wrote. The analyst presented the Top 4 factors that make Seabridge a compelling investment. A Lot of Gold, Copper 1) KSM's size, as one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold projects globally, is noteworthy, Siperco pointed out. Its current total resource is 150,000,000 ounces (150 Moz) of gold and 55,000,000,000 pounds of copper. At spot prices, this equates to 300 Moz of gold equivalent (Au eq), including silver and molybdenum. "At full production, KSM would be a Top 5 annual gold producer (Top 10 Au eq) with resources that could support a mine life of 100-plus years," wrote Siperco. Simplified Project, Engineering 2) KSM has evolved over time for the better, Siperco noted. The current plan, outlined in the updated 2022 prefeasibility study, calls for open-pit mining of three of KSM's five deposits, thereby producing a minimum of 1 Moz of gold and 175,000,000 pounds of copper per year, over a 33-year mine life. The base case after-tax net present value discounted at 5% is an estimated US$7.9 billion with an internal rate of return of 16.1%. Costlier, complicated underground block cave operations are no longer being considered. There is flexibility in terms of development, simultaneous with the open-pit operation or following the life of mine. Infrastructure in Place 3) Significant regional infrastructure, including highway, power, and port access, now exists to support a mine of KSM's magnitude, wrote Siperco. Further, Seabridge is investing about US$400 million (US$400M) and continues to work toward achieving the "substantially started" designation for KSM, aiming to reach the goal by 2026. This project status would make existing environmental permits valid for the duration of KSM's mine life. "Seabridge has CA$203 million in cash exiting Q2/23, in our view sufficient to take the project through to substantially completed status (potentially by early 2025) and to a construction decision, pending any partnership agreements in the interim," reported Siperco. Partner Equals Game Changer 4) Securing a senior partner to advance KSM to a feasibility study and a construction decision is the key catalyst for the company's stock, purported Siperco. "We think generational gold/copper assets in good mining jurisdictions are hard to find and harder to advance," wrote Siperco, "making KSM a potentially attractive option for producers looking for long-term, consistent production potential." A partner, which management is actively seeking, could further validate KSM, drive a rerating of the company, and provide a way for Seabridge investors to participate in future upside in the event of a positive construction decision. RBC Capital bases its Outperform rating on Seabridge on three assumptions, Siperco explained: that the mine developer lands a partner, that existing permits get extended, and that a feasibility study further confirms KSM's economic potential. Other Projects in Portfolio Siperco relayed that Seabridge also owns these four mining projects in Canada and the U.S.: 1) Courageous Lake, in Canada's Northwest Territories: An updated prefeasibility study (PFS) is expected to be done this year. 2) Iskut, in British Columbia: Exploration is ongoing at this project, about 30 kilometers away from KSM. 3) 3 Aces, in the Yukon: Seabridge launched a new 7,500m drill program within the project's central core area. 4) Snowstorm, in Nevada: Recent exploration focused on the property's western, with a US$3M drilling budget for 2023. Other catalysts on the horizon include further KSM optimization, an updated PFS on Courageous Lake, and exploration results from Iskut and 3 Aces. Experienced Leadership Seabridge has a strong management team comprised of 10 individuals. At the helm is Rudi Fronk as chief executive officer and chairman. Fronk has 35-plus years of experience in the mining industry. Among the other executives are William Threlkeld, senior vice president of exploration, a geologist who has been with Seabridge for 19 years. Ryan Hoel, senior vice president and chief operating officer, has expertise in mining project management. Peter Williams, senior vice president of technical services, has three decades of experience in mine engineering, design, analysis, and startup. Ownership of Shares Seabridge has about 83 million fully diluted shares outstanding. Among those who have an interest in Seabridge, management and directors hold about 3%, founders and other long-term individual associates have about 8%, and companies related to early Seabridge investor Albert Friedberg control about 14%. 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That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More Source: Streetwise Reports September 26, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) It's now up to an Ecuadorian court to decide the fate of environmental consultation processes for halted projects there, including BacTech Environmental Corp.'s bioleaching plant in Tenguel. It's now up to the Constitutional Court of Ecuador to decide the fate of a presidential decree unlocking the environmental consultation process for halted projects there, including BacTech Environmental Corp.'s (BAC:CSE;BCCEF:OTCQB;OBT1:FRA) bioleaching plant in Tenguel. Three new lawsuits have been filed against the decree. Its temporary suspension to halt the process came after an initial complaint filed by the indigenous group CONAIE, or the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador. On Sept. 18, the court heard arguments for and against the decree and must now decide the fate of the process. According to a release from another company with an affected project in the country, Adventus Mining Corp. (ADVZF:OTCMKTS), "the court can be expected to issue a resolution within two to three months following the public hearing commencement." "My understanding is that the government presented a very good case for removing the temporary ban on the consultation process," BacTech President and Chief Executive Officer Ross Orr wrote in his weekly update to shareholders, "Sunday Morning Coffee." "The bigger question is how long will they take to make a ruling." A mining law expert told Bnamericas that the lawsuits show abuse of the legal system to obstruct economic activities and the mining industry. "We must call on the constitutional court so that it is not used," Andre's Ycaza told the publication. "There is an appropriation [of mining activity], using constitutional justice. It is evident that these groups, regardless of the court's ruling, will continue to file legal action to keep the sector paralyzed." Prensa Latina reported that an Ecuadorian business group told the Constitutional Court during last week's hearing that as many as 176 processes are being paralyzed nationwide by the suspension, with a negative impact of US$2 billion on the economy. But as Orr likes to point out, the company does not mine. It cleans up after mines. "Through bioleaching, we will liberate gold and silver for recovery while producing a stable form of arsenic as a by-product," Orr has said. The Catalyst: Protesters Overplayed Their Hand? BacTech received its construction permit and approval from the government for its environmental impact study on the site but has been working through the community consultation phase for the final environmental permit. Chris Temple, editor of The National Investor and a BacTech supporter and shareholder, wrote on September 12 that the Tenguel project "enjoys overwhelming support in the local communities." "Keeping in mind the fact that Ecuador's highest court is even more political than the typical U.S. courts, their game plan encourages us," Temple wrote. "With the Constitutional Court of a mind to give this controversy . . . thorough attention, I tend to think what will be revealed is that CONIAE and the rest dramatically overplayed their hand." Temple said the companies affected by the suspension "remain hopeful that the proper processes will be followed and that - as early as Q4 or now, perhaps, Q1 next year, depending on the Court - the construction process can begin." Orr said BacTech is seen in the country as "a crucial factor in making certain mining developments more acceptable" and plans to actively seek funding for the project once the situation in the country stabilizes. The company recently launched a new sustainable framework for issuing US$20 million in Green Bonds to pay for the Tenguel plant. "We've discovered a gem in Ecuador, and despite the current challenges, we're confident in overcoming them," Orr said. "While governments may change, environmental issues persist until addressed. I firmly believe that Ecuador is just the first in a series of successes that will follow once we demonstrate the capabilities of our technology." BacTech's bioleaching process uses naturally occurring bacteria, harmless to humans and the environment, to extract precious and base metals from ores, concentrates, and tailings. "Our bugs eat rocks," the company says. Technical Analyst Clive Maund of CliveMaund.com also rated BacTech an Immediate Buy in March. Election Complicates Issue Complicating the issue has been the country's presidential election process. Crime has topped the agenda of the race, which saw the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio, an anti-corruption journalist. Luisa Gonzalez, of the Movimiento Revolucion Ciudadana party, led the vote with about 33%, while Daniel Noboa, of National Democratic Action, came in second with nearly 24%. The two will now face off in a runoff on October 15. Gonzalez ran for the party of former leftist President Rafael Correa, who supported her run from exile in Belgium after being convicted of corruption. "It's worth noting that seven out of the eight candidates recognize that the country's progress hinges on the development of natural resource projects, which would lead to job creation and increased tax revenue for the government," Orr wrote in another installment of "Sunday Morning Coffee." Ownership and Share Structure Nearly half of the company, 49%, is held by insiders, management, and strategic shareholders, the biggest of which is Option Three Advisory Services Ltd., which owns 8.48%, or 15.57 million shares, according to Reuters. That also includes CEO Orr, who owns 3.57% or 6.54 million shares, and Board Director Timothy Lewin, who owns 0.54% or 0.98 million shares. The rest is retail. The company has 185.36 million shares outstanding, including 159.12 million free floating. Its market cap is CA$17.61 million, and it trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.10 and CA$0.055. 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 WASHINGTONA coalition of civil society organizations, including the Woodhull Freedom Foundation and the Free Speech Coalition, have jointly signed a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, announcing their opposition to the STOP CSAM Act proposal. Led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the organizations characterize the STOP CSAM Act as a measure that jeopardizes free expression and privacy. Officially called the Strengthening Transparency and Obligation to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment (STOP CSAM) Act, the bill was introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and three high-profile Republican senatorsSens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and Ted Cruz of Texasto serve as a measure to counter child sexual abuse material on the internet. In almost every aspect of the real world, child safety is a top priority. But in the virtual world, criminals and bullies dont need to pick a lock or wait outside the playground to cause harm. They can harass, intimidate, addict, or sexually exploit our kids without anyone leaving home, said Sen. Durbin in a statement his office released when the STOP CSAM Act was introduced. The opposing organizations are concerned about language in the bill that could gut Section 230 and significantly draw back end-to-end encryption. We believe that the STOP CSAM Act will lead to censorship of First Amendment protected speech, including speech about reproductive health, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and personal experiences related to gender, sex, and sexuality, the organizations argue in the letter. Even today, platforms regularly remove content that has vague ties to sex or sexuality for fear of liability, and this would only increase if STOP CSAM incentivized apps and websites to exercise a heavier hand at content moderation. ACLU, Free Speech Coalition, Woodhull, and other organizations compare the STOP CSAM Act to the controversial EARN IT Act. The EARN IT Act, every time the bill was introduced to the Senate floor, was aggressively opposed due to similar concerns over weakening encryption and privacy rights, and causing potential censorship of legally protected forms of speech on web platforms. Ultimately, the STOP CSAM Act, like the EARN IT Act, will severely jeopardize the rights of Americans to communicate online freely and privately, the organizations conclude in the letter. The organizations that signed with the ACLU, Free Speech Coalition and Woodhull include NGOs and advocacy groups that represent several cross-sections of civil society. The American Society of Journalists and Authors, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, and Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression are all signatories to the letter. The Irish arm of engineering consulting and project management firm RPS Group has secured over 30m worth of new design contracts for projects both in Ireland and the UK so far this year, the company has announced. Among the contracts is work on the Metrolink, the new Eastern Garvoge Bridge in Sligo, as well as a scheme on the A66 Trans-Pennine roads project in the North of England. A representative of the company said it could not provide an exhaustive list of all the contracts it had been awarded this year. RPS established its presence in Ireland in 2002 after it took over Cork engineering company MCOS. Alongside its offices in Cork, MCOS had offices in Dublin and Galway before being bought out. RPS Group has 470 staff working in the Republic of Ireland, with an additional 295 in Northern Ireland. RPS Group was itself recently bought by Tetra Tech, an international consulting and engineering services company which employs 27,000. RPSs Irish business provides consulting and engineering services for a wide range of areas including infrastructure design and development, energy, water and environmental services and project and programme management. The company has been involved with a number of State bodies and companies, such as Uisce Eireann, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Iarnrod Eireann. Regional base RPS added it was opening a new regional base in Kilkenny to add to its existing office locations in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Cork, Galway and Sligo. Willie Madden, managing director of RPS, said the company had built a large client base in Ireland and the UK. Our track record in project delivery and the commitment and excellence of our staff, he said. Mr Madden said the Kilkenny office serves as a hub for staff living in the area and otherwise commuting to Dublin and Cork several days a week. We have always encouraged the flexibility to move if your circumstances change, and setting up a nationwide hub network of smaller and more agile offices is our way of being responsive and meeting the real needs of our employees," Mr Madden said, adding it was something that would help the company attract new recruits. Mr Madden is one of three members of the current management board who came through the companys graduate programme. RPS Group employs 5,000 employees across Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia, and North America. Earlier this year it was acquired by Tetra Tech in a deal worth a reported 636m (731m). The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) presidential election debates will begin next Monday, October 2, running until Monday, October 30. There will be 16 debates that cover each of the 29 IFA county executives. The county executives of West Cork and Cork Central will host the first debate between candidates running for president and deputy president in Macroom, Co Cork, and Co Donegal will close the series at the end of October. Francie Gorman from Co Laois and Martin Stapleton from Co Limerick are running to be the 17th president of the IFA. Mr Gorman is a suckler beef and sheep farmer from Ballinakill and is married to Kay, with whom he has a son, Tom. FREE Irish Examiner gilet with an annual digital subscription Subscribe for 1.54/week Billed as 80 for first year. Ts&Cs apply He is the current South Leinster regional chairman. Mr Stapleton is a dairy farmer from Oola, and is married to Siobhan and the couple has three teenage children. He is the current national treasurer of the association. Two candidates will contest the deputy presidency of the IFA - Alice Doyle from Co Wexford and Pat Murphy from Co Galway. IFA national returning officer Brian Rushe encouraged members, farmers, and those in the sector to attend a debate during October to hear from the candidates. "This will provide the members with an opportunity to assess the two candidates before they decide who to vote for," Mr Rushe said. "All our branch officers, county officers and national officers are elected by farmers. The president and deputy president of the IFA are elected directly by members." Debates for the regional chairs will also take place in October, with voting on the night of each debate. For the first time, members will receive their vote in the post and they can either return the vote by post or cast their vote at their branch AGM. The election count will take place on December 12. Sometimes in life, and especially in farming, things dont quite go to plan, my trip to the ploughing didnt quite go to plan. Between all things new build, farm jobs, and to be frank, pure exhaustion, I didnt make it to Ratheniska, but I will be making it a two-day visit next year for certain. To say I had serious fomo (fear of missing out) watching all my friends' Instagram stories would be an understatement, and for anyone that is like me and missed it this year, we will savour it even more next year. I have lots to look forward to in a few weeks with the Vet23 conference coming to Cork and hopefully visiting the National Dairy Show. Instead of braving the muck at the Ploughing match, we were braving the rain at home on the farm, between the showers, we got the calves weighted for the dairy to beef scheme and submitted the results to ICBF before the deadline of November 1. FREE Irish Examiner gilet with an annual digital subscription Subscribe for 1.54/week Billed as 80 for first year. Ts&Cs apply We should be using our weighing scales more often than we do, to be honest. It is a great tool to use when it comes to dosing, breeding weights, and tracking daily weight gains for both cattle and sheep. I met a sheep farmer whilst completing an AHI Parasite TASAH that used his scales to weigh every sheep before dosing, I was super impressed. At this time of year, sheep farmers are gearing up for the breeding season, but unfortunately, late autumn also marks a peak in tick season in certain areas. Lymes disease can also affect dogs. I was speaking to Eimer from Shanrahan Vets near Cahir and she had a very interesting case of tick-borne fever in the past few weeks, something I have only diagnosed in cows before, but the incidence is rising in Ireland. Coincidently, the same week, I had to remove a huge tick from a dogs ear while locuming, never a nice job but very satisfying. Ticks thrive in warm, humid conditions so Irelands climate lends itself nicely to encouraging their population to multiply. The dense mountainous terrain is some of their favourite to lurk for their next host, however, they enjoy the long overgrown grass, for example on verges of lowland areas too, where they climb up the stem of the plant and wait for the next victim that they land on. They are very clever little creatures, they can tell due to changes in Co2 levels when a mammal is passing by and they take a leap of faith off the stem of the plant, where they hope to land on skin to launch their vampire attack. It is in this blood meal that various diseases can be passed from the tick to the innocent host via their saliva. Such diseases that affect our sheep and cattle include; tick-borne fever (Anaplasmosis), Red Water (Babesiosis), and Lupus. A dangerous tick-borne disease for humans is Lymes disease, www.ticktalkireland.org is a great resource for anyone concerned about contracting Lymes disease and always seek medical post a tick bite. Walking the dog or herding animals in shorts in long grass on rough ground is certainly not a good idea if you want to avoid infection. Lymes disease can also affect our dogs, my dogs had ticks a few years ago out of the blue and we put it down to the long grass in their runs and the ideal weather conditions, ever since they are on a strict tick control every three months. Talk to your vet today about tick control in your pets to keep them safe from Lymes disease. Tick-borne fever is caused by a bacteria called Anaplasma, it causes a list of clinical signs none of which are very specific. In sheep it can present as a sudden high temperature, off their feed, losing condition and can lead to respiratory distress and a cough. Similar signs in cattle are seen with the addition of a severe milk drop can occur. It may also cause abortions in late gestation due to the temperature spike caused by the infection, again a reason for submitting aborted material to the regional vet lab for investigation. It can cause infertility in the rams and bulls, let's not forget the boys. Tick-borne fever can lead to secondary diseases due to immunosuppression such as bacterial pneumonia. Interestingly, Eimer mentioned that the flock she was treating had a bad scour perhaps secondary to the original tick-borne fever infection. Diagnosis and Treatment At the time in my case, we diagnosed the herd using blood samples and PCR testing but if aborted material was found it would have been a handy diagnostic tool. It is often a disease that is tested for when other more common diseases are ruled out but it is good to be aware of the clinical signs. The treatment luckily is effective with Oxytetracycline antibiotics. Prevention Grazing sheep or cattle on low tick-risk pastures would be the ideal avoidance strategy, however, in certain areas of the country, this is not easily achievable. An animal's naivety to ticks in an area plays a significant role in their susceptibility to the disease, avoid moving pregnant ewes from a low tick-risk area to a higher-risk area during late pregnancy. Currently, there is no vaccine available for tick tick-borne fever but perhaps we may see one in the future. Synthetic pyrethroid-based pour-ons are licensed for the prevention of ticks, as are dipping protocols, ask your vet today about a tailored ectoparasite plan for your farm. The overall prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Ireland is on the increase and research is ongoing in the field. Awareness of the symptoms in our animals is crucial in implementing preventative measures. Now that I have you all involuntary scratching, I apologise, but its a good time to go check your dog for ticks and pull up those socks when up the hills today. I think theres a great unifier when it comes to the night sky. There are no borders up there. Yes, we look for patterns and constellations, but its a piece of shared cultural heritage which transcends borders. Rob OSullivan is the National Outreach Coordinator for Space Week Ireland. He says that although humans have been looking to the stars in awe generations, few know Irelands contribution to space history, exploration and astronomy. Weve a long history of being really good researchers when it comes to science," he explains. "Astronomy is one field that really seemed to capture our hearts. We have Agnes Mary Clerke, whose work saw a crater on the moon named after her. That's even more impressive given the deck was stacked against her at the time because of her gender. We have Annie Maunder who broke science boundaries, and William Hamilton who composed complex maths called quaternions that allowed us to consider the movement of 3D objects in space which was critical to the Apollo mission. We are also hugely lucky in that we have excellent dark skies sites in Mayo and Kerry where there is much less artificial light, so we can see the stars that many people can't". Illuminations Interest in astronomy in Ireland can be traced back over five thousand years. The pre-Celtic inhabitants built structures such as those in Boyne Valley, long before the pyramids or even Stonehenge. Theres even one in Newgrange thats renowned for marking the winter solstice sunrise. For a few days of the year either side of the shortest day, light from the sunrise shines through the roofbox above its entrance, travels along a 20-metre passage and illuminates the main chamber within the mound. The precision achieved is incredible considering it was built 5200 years ago. In Victorian times, Ireland not only had the largest reflector in the world, but also the largest refractor. Now, complex modern astronomical research takes place in various Irish universities. Ad Astra As we approach Space Week, its a good opportunity to celebrate the stargazers that contributed to everything we know about the Space. The festival hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland and coordinated by MTU Blackrock Castle Observation, it coincides with World Space Week. Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country. Some of those who will be celebrated during Space Week include Annie Scott Maunder who was born in 1868. Maunder was an accomplished astronomer whose contributions to astronomy were made in spite of an environment of overwhelming gender discrimination. Annie Scott Dill Maunder Annie successfully applied to Girton College, Cambridge, but, due to the sexist restrictions of the time, Annie was not allowed to receive the degree that she had earned. In 1891, she began working at the Greenwich Royal Observatory, where she would meet her collaborator and future husband, Walter. Following their marriage, Annie had to leave her job, as married women were not permitted to work in the public service at the time. Many of Annies contributions to popular journals were made in her husbands name, to circumvent the oppressive gender norms of the day. The couple recorded the first evidence of sunspot emergence and migration towards the equator over the course of a solar cycle (about 11 years) and, in 1898, Annie photographed the longest coronal streamer on record up to that point. Agnes Mary Clerke Agnes Mary Clerke was from Skibbereen, Co Cork and was born in 1842. Agnes wrote wrote many books, reviews, and articles, but her most famous and impactful work was undoubtedly her book A Popular History of Astronomy during the Nineteenth Century. Clerke believed that the field of astronomy should be accessible to everyone. She went to far as to say the general public have an indefeasible right of access to the subject. But these barely scratch the surface of Irelands contribution to astronomy and countless other scientific fields. Interest in astronomy in Ireland can be traced back over 5000 years To this day, universities across Ireland continue to study our universe, while Irish scientists and engineers work on ground-breaking space missions with the European Space Agency. Rob O'Sullivan Rob OSullivan says as curious as we are about what's 'out there', theres another reason we look out, and thats to look in. Few images have had such impact than the picture known as the pale blue dot, an image taken by Carl Sagan from Voyager 1 in 1990. As the spacecraft departed our planetary neighbourhood, astronauts turned back for one last look. Earth appeared as a tiny point of light. It is a tiny oasis in such a harsh universe and it really drives home how special it is, how lucky we are to have it, and just how important it is to take care of it. What's on: Over the week, the public can explore a space-themed festival of events and a captivating series of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, throughout the country. Full details can be found here. Discover paw prints Letter prints from nettleandivy.ie are the perfect way to add a personalised touch to a childs bedroom. They are created by sisters Jyll and Kate Power, who are passionate about nature illustrations of animals and plants feature on all their prints. The prints come in Irish and English versions as well as a variety of colours. They can be customised with a childs name and date of birth. Each one costs 25, which includes shipping and gift wrapping on all orders. A wild bus tour Patricia Forde with Brandon Daniel Losty age 12 and Conor Weafer age 12, from Catherine McCauley National School, Dublin. Picture: Julien Behal Patricia Forde is Laureate na nOg, aka Irelands Childrens Laureate. As a childrens writer, she has written more than 20 books in Irish and English as well as various plays, TV series and a film. As a Laureate, she hopes to bring children, writers and illustrators together to inspire one another and encourage creativity. Her latest project involves inviting childrens authors and illustrators to join her on a bus tour. The Whole Wild World Tour will travel from Donegal to Cork, visiting schools, libraries, cultural venues, and bookshops. During the pandemic, the big wide world that is usually open to young people became smaller and much less colourful, says Forde. I want to get young people daydreaming again about amazing new places, characters and adventures. Im a big believer in making things up as we go along and thats what this tour will be all about. I cant think of anywhere better on earth than the west coast of Ireland to get us dreaming about the world, the one thats around us and the many worlds that exist in our heads. She wants your help in deciding where she should visit on her tour. If you would like the Whole Wide World Tour to make a pitstop in your local village or town, apply online at childrenslaureate.ie/opencall The closing date is Friday, September 29. Lice alert Schools across Ireland are warning parents that headlice have been spotted in childrens hair. According to Tomas Conefrey of Conefreys CarePlus Pharmacy in Dublin, parents should be ready to tackle the problem immediately. This means combing through your childs hair to spot and remove any lice you find. Start by washing your childs hair as normal. Then divide it into sections and comb through each section from root to tip, removing lice and nits as you go. Lice are tiny insects that grow up to 3mm long, says Conefrey. They make your scalp itchy, and you can often feel them moving in your hair. The nits are whats left behind when the lice hatch. Your local pharmacy can provide you with the fine-tooth comb you will need for this process. Everyone in the family should undergo combing at least twice to ensure the infestation has been dealt with. If there are still lice in your childs hair on the second comb-through, it may be worth asking your pharmacist about the available medicated options. When the infestation has finally cleared, wash all bed linen, hair accessories, brushes and combs at a high temperature to kill off any remaining lice. Essential cover Breast Vest is the latest product in the range offered by Mamas Boobie Box, a County Clare business providing practical essentials for breastfeeding mums. This top sits directly underneath a nursing bra, covering a mums tummy. This means she can breastfeed without worrying about revealing more of her body than she would like when she lifts her top to feed her baby. It can even be worn in the latter stages of pregnancy to bridge the gap between tops and bottoms. Made from a mix of viscose and elastane, the Breast Vest is soft, stretchy and holds its shape. It comes in black, white, or pink. It costs 17.50 and is available from mamasboobiebox.com Despite record homeless figures, there are stories of hope which inspire those working on the frontline to keep going. Declan Marian, 50, is one of those remarkable success stories. Mr Marian got his first job aged 14, and worked all his life in landscaping or construction, holding down two jobs at once stage as he saved for a wedding. By his early 20s, he had a house, a job, and a young family. He never thought homelessness could happen to him. But a relationship breakdown meant Mr Marian felt he had no option but to leave the family home. His situation was exacerbated by a set of debilitating health conditions, including diagnosis of and surgical treatment for Crohns disease, which was complicated by chronic vertigo and arthritis. Sleeping rough He found himself sleeping rough, moving from the street, to hostels to emergency homeless shelters. I remember that first night homeless, he said. I slept in the first place I could find, under a branch on the grounds of a church in Greenmount. It was lashing out of the heavens. I got absolutely drowned. You call it rough sleeping. I call it rough resting because you can't sleep because its terrifying. "Youre afraid, you hear a noise, and you wonder is he going to rob me, or is he going to attack me? You try to stay awake and then find a place where you can go to sleep in peace where you wont be harmed or threatened. I got jumped, and I got robbed and assaulted. Ive had my bag robbed three or four times, with my medication and phone taken. Its terrifying on the streets. You feel like if you go to sleep, you just dont want to wake up. Its horrifying. You think how the fuck did I end up here? I had the world at my feet? Mental health deteriorated As his homeless situation endured, Mr Marian's health deteriorated, he lost more than two stone in weight, his mental health deteriorated, and he turned to alcohol a problem he has now addressed. But after years of chronic ill-health and constant support from Cork Simon, his life is back on track. He is living in one of the charitys high-support houses one of the 204 formerly homeless people in housing with visiting support across Cork and Kerry, and one of the 46 people in high-support housing with round-the-clock care. Cork Simon encouraged him to complete over a dozen training and upskilling courses and he is healthy enough to be actively looking for work again. They were always there, always encouraging me. When I do go back to work, it will be brilliant for myself, my confidence and the reward of doing something fulfilling," he said. A former schoolboy chess champion at Greenmount NS and later in Deerpark secondary school, Mr Marian said he was thrilled to work, as part of a Cork Simon and Cork City Council project, with artist Tommy Lysaght on the chess pieces for the citys new outdoor chess tables which were installed recently on Popes Quay. Mr Marian credits the entire team at Cork Simon for saving his life. Theyre like an extension of my family now. Get back working is a must all I need in life is my health and a roof over my head. Thats all I ask for. The number of people availing of assisted dying in the Netherlands is rising significantly year after year, an Oireachtas committee on assisted dying will hear on Tuesday. Professor of healthcare ethics Theo Boer will tell the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying that the numbers have quadrupled in the past 20 years, with assisted deaths accounting for up to 20% of all deaths in some neighbourhoods. However, the national average remains at 5.2%. Mr Boer was a member of a Dutch euthanasia review committee from 2005 to 2014 and reviewed 4,000 cases on behalf of the Dutch government. He will tell the committee he has switched from being moderately supportive of the Dutch euthanasia law to being increasingly critical. We see an expansion of the pathologies underlying a request to die from patients who dread to spend their last days or weeks in pain and agony the category of patients that once was the most important reason for assisted dying advocacy, and I think it still is in Ireland we see a shift to patients who fear years or decades of loneliness, limitations, and care dependency, he will say. Mr Boer will tell the committee the legalising of assisted dying in the Netherlands has turned the whole landscape of dying, including our view of illness, suffering, ageing, and care-dependence upside down". Your present considerations and upcoming decisions are among the most consequential a parliament can ever make, he will tell committee members. Dignitas On the other hand, the committee will hear 80 Irish people are now members of Dignitas, a Swiss non-profit organisation that provides physician-assisted suicide to members with terminal illness or severe physical or mental illness. To access the service of an accompanied suicide, someone has to be a member of Dignitas and be of sound judgement. Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli will tell the committee that in 2020, one Irish member travelled to choose legal, professionally conducted physician-supported accompanied suicide, while the first Irish person did so in 2003. These realities are undesirable. They happen shadowed by taboo and fear of conflict with current Irish law and with negative consequences for everyone touched somehow, especially loved ones. This should be changed. Voluntary assisted dying should be legalised as a choice for the Irish alongside other options to soothe suffering and improving quality of life, may it be palliative care, hospice work, suicide attempt prevention, good care in old age, and more, he will tell committee members. Gymnastics Ireland says it wants to engage with the family of the young black gymnast who was the only child not given a medal during a prizegiving ceremony. A video of the medal ceremony has been viewed millions of times online and has sparked an international backlash against the Irish association, including from Olympian gymnast Simone Biles. Gymnastics Ireland said it wants to work with Sport Against Racism Ireland (Sari) to listen to any suggestions they have as to how our procedures can be improved. The girls parents lodged a complaint with Gymnastics Ireland after the GymSTART event held by the organisation in March 2022. The allegation was investigated by Gymnastics Ireland and according to the body, both sides to the dispute engaged in a mediation process facilitated by Sports Disputes Solutions Ireland. This process resulted in a mutually agreed resolution in August 2023, the body said. US Olympian Simone Biles made contact with the girl after a video of the prizegiving ceremony emerged. Ms Biles said that the video broke her heart, and she sent the little girl a video of her own after seeing the incident. When this video was circulating, her parents reached out, Ms Biles wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. It broke my heart to see, so I sent her a little video." Simone Biles on day four of the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships at SAP Center on August 27, 2023 in San Jose, California. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images A statement from Gymnastics Ireland said on Monday: We would like to unreservedly apologise to the gymnast and her family for the upset that has been caused by the incident at the GymSTART event in March 2022. "What happened on the day should not have happened, and for that, we are deeply sorry. The statement added: We are also sorry that what has happened since that date has caused further upset. "Please know that at all times we have been acting in good faith and with the best of intentions in trying to resolve this very difficult and sensitive matter. "We offered an in-person apology after the incident, as we believed this was the best approach. Subsequently, we felt mediation was the best way forward. The organisation said that it recognises that we need to do more. It continued: We are committed to ensuring nothing like this will happen again. We appointed an independent expert to review our policies and procedures earlier this year and a series of recommendations have resulted which we are fully committed to implementing so that this does not ever happen again. An earlier statement from Gymnastics Ireland said the official involved in the medal ceremony "expressed deep regret for what they described as an honest error". A conference examining new laws to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles has been postponed following plans for a public protest at the event. Former Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan, who is the head of a new body tasked with examining hundreds of unresolved Troubles deaths, had been due to be the main speaker at the Law Society event in Belfast this Friday. However, the professional body for lawyers said that with a number of legal challenges to the new laws underway, it would postpone the event until the new arrangements have been tested in the courts. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act received royal assent last week despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government. A number of protests have taken place against the governments legacy bill (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The most controversial aspects of the new act include a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences to those who co-operate with the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). It will also halt future civil cases and inquests. Last week, the High Court in Belfast heard that 16 judicial reviews against the new legislation have been launched by families of Troubles victims. The ICRIR, which will assume responsibility for reviewing hundreds of unresolved Troubles deaths, will be headed by Declan Morgan with former senior police officer Peter Sheridan as its commissioner for investigations. Mr Morgan had been due to deliver the keynote address at Fridays conference. However, a number of victims organisations had said they would picket the event. The legislation is, in the view of the Law Society, incompatible with the UKs international human rights obligations A statement on the Law Society website confirmed its annual conference had been postponed. It said: The Law Society has been a vocal opponent of this legislation, criticising among other things the prohibition on civil cases and closing of legacy inquests brought about by the Act. The legislation is, in the view of the Law Society, incompatible with the UKs international human rights obligations. The Law Society convened this conference to provide members of the legal profession the opportunity to hear from human rights experts, from victims representatives and from those involved in the implementation of the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. This was intended to help inform the legal professions approach to the new structures. Some victims representative groups have contacted the Law Society in recent days requesting the cancellation of the conference. The society has also been made aware of plans to hold a public protest at Fridays event. In these circumstances, the society has taken the decision to postpone this event. It is right to postpone the event until such time as the legality of the new legacy arrangements has been tested in the courts Law Society President, Brian Archer said the event had been organised to inform and educate its members. He added: However, we recognise the strength of feeling in opposition to this Act. With a significant number of legal challenges now before the courts, the implementation of the new legacy structures remains uncertain, and it is right to postpone the event until such time as the legality of the new legacy arrangements has been tested in the courts. Twelve Irish people have travelled to Switzerland to die with Dignitas since 2003, a Dail committee has been told. And nearly 100 Irish people have become members of the Swiss non-profit group which provides physician-supported accompanied suicide almost double the rate it was two years ago. Silvan Luley, a lawyer and a board member of Dignitas, told the Oireachtas joint committee on assisted dying on Tuesday that in 2020, when 465 people died in Ireland by suicide, one Irish resident travelled to Dignitas to choose legal, professionally conducted physician-supported accompanied suicide, or voluntary assisted dying. Assistance in suicide has been legal in Switzerland under certain circumstances since 1942. Mr Luley said: A first Irish person did so back in 2003. These realities are undesirable. They happen, shadowed by taboo, and fear of conflict with current Irish law. And with negative consequences for everyone touched, especially loved ones. This should be changed. Voluntary assisted dying should be legalised as a choice for the Irish alongside other options to soothe suffering and improving quality of life, may it be palliative care, hospice work, suicide attempt prevention, good care in old age, and more. Mr Luley said 57 Irish people were signed-up members of Dignitas in 2020, but that number rose to 80 by the end of last year, and it is now close to 100 Irish members. He described membership as a kind of insurance policy, and he said more Irish people want Ireland to follow the example of Switzerland and other countries which have legalised voluntary assisted dying. Its not about making use of this option right away but having an emergency exit door which provides emotional relief and can prevent people from using rough violent DIY methods, he said. They should have what everyone deserves: a legal way to exercise the human right of freedom of choice on all options of professional care to soothe suffering and end life, at their home as it has been confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights in 2011. Assisted dying in the Netherlands However, Theo Boer, Professor of Healthcare Ethics at the Protestant Theological University in Groningen, the Netherlands, told the committee that the number of people availing of assisted dying in his country has quadrupled in the last 20 years and the numbers are accelerating, with 97 out of 100 assisted deaths in his country the consequence of euthanasia. He was a member of a euthanasia review committee which examined 4,000 cases of assisted dying, either euthanasia or assisted suicide, on behalf of the Dutch Government between 2005 to 2014, and he said he has switched from being moderately supportive of the Dutch euthanasia law to being increasingly critical. First, after years of relative stability and increasing transparency in the early 2000s, the numbers are now rising significantly year after year," he said. In some neighbourhoods assisted deaths account for 15% to 20% of all deaths. The national average is at 5.2% and in some predominantly rural areas the percentage is well under 2%, but he said the figures are rising here too. He also said there has been an expansion of the pathologies, or the reasons, underlying a request to die from patients who dread to spend their last days or weeks in pain and agony the category of patients that once was the most important reason for assisted dying advocacy, to a shift to patients who fear years or decades of loneliness, alienation, and care dependency. He also told the committee that governmental regulations are now in place to allow parents to request euthanasia for their children, aged 0 to 11. He said: I am convinced that it is only a matter of time before we take the next hurdle: allowing children of dementia patients to request euthanasia for their demented parents. "The legalisation of euthanasia has done much more than just providing some people the liberty to take a way out, he said. It turned the whole landscape of dying, including our view of illness, suffering, ageing, and care-dependence upside down. Ageing and dying increasingly become a life project, a task to be managed. In the slipstream of legal euthanasia, the percentage of people dying through terminal sedation has skyrocketed in past 20 years to 25% of all deaths last year where most other developed countries would come no higher than 2%. The committee hearing is continuing. BROOMFIELD, Colo.Adult toy distributor Eldorado Trading Company has announced the promotion of Antonia Pappas. Pappas will serve as a buyer, where she will report to the director of purchasing, Jon Vogt. Pappas will be working with vendors to grow Eldorados lingerie business. A California native, Pappas graduated with a degree in communications from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1994. Prior to Eldorado, Pappas owned and operated a small boutique and has extensive experience as a buyer, purchasing apparel and promotional products. Additionally, she previously worked at PCNA, where she worked in product development for both hard and soft goods. Pappas was first hired by Eldorado in 2022 as a sales and marketing coordinator. Pappas was promoted in 2023 to marketing strategist, where she worked with vendors to create marketing plans and execute marketing objectives. Her transition into the purchasing department is a return to her procurement roots. Vogt shared of Pappas' promotion, Antonias previous buying experience is such an asset to Eldorado. She is a smart, positive, well-rounded individual. I have every confidence she will work to find the very best lingerie products for our customers. Pappas is looking forward to sourcing lingerie and assorted industry novelties. She explained, This opportunity takes me back to my roots. I truly enjoy creating cohesive collections that engage customers with every new season. I look forward to bringing my personal flair to this role. Pappas will be working at the companys headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. The founder of the Peter McVerry Trust has said his charity is being investigated because it is suffering from a "serious cashflow problem". Fr McVerry said the issue happened because his charity had tried to help too many people. "We expanded too fast in our desire to accommodate as many people as possible," he said. "We are working with our funders to ensure continuity of care to very vulnerable people who avail of and are reliant on our services." He also said that the charity is solvent because its assets exceed its liabilities and said, "We hope to resolve our cashflow situation". His comments come as the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority has launched an investigation into the trust. It has been launched following the discovery of concerns related to financial and governance issues at the charity. In a statement on its website, the AHBRA said it has appointed inspectors pursuant to Section 46 of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019, to conduct a statutory investigation of the trust. It stated: The AHBRA has determined a statutory investigation is required having identified concerns in relation to the organisation. The AHBRA had been first notified of a number of financial and governance issues by PMVT through the notifiable events process in July 2023. They said it was important to note that the commencement of a statutory investigation is not in itself a finding of any wrongdoing. The inspectors it has appointed have been asked to prepare and submit to AHBRA a report on their investigation and findings. The AHBRA added: The AHBRA will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing. Mr McVerry is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the trust, but remains the secretary of its board. Francis Doherty, who had been its director of housing and communications, took over as chief executive of the organisation in June of this year. According to the charitys last annual report, for 2021, the trust employed 506 core staff and has more than 600 properties. Added to that, it provides over 2,000 residential placements per night. Income in 2021 was 53.2m, down from 56.4m in the previous year. Despite the drop, operational expenditure was 51.3m, up from 43.9m in 2020. The 2021 annual report noted that Fr McVerry receives no salary, expenses or allowances, and nor ever has. The trust is also subject to periodic and random audits by external organisations such as local authorities and other state agencies from which the charity receives funding. As a result, Peter McVerry Trust is required to make quarterly and annual returns for funding received. According to the AHBRA website, a notifiable event is "a material, significant, or exceptional issue, event, or change within an organisation". The body is interested in such events which may put a number of things "at risk", including the interests or safety of tenants and other service users and the "financial health" of an approved housing body (AHB). The AHBRA said: "When deciding whether a matter is a notifiable event, an AHB should consider the risk to its organisation and the potential impact." The Department of Housing was notified earlier this year of acute cash flow pressures at the charity. In a statement last month, Mr Doherty said the charity has obligations to regulators and statutory funders to disclose challenges as they arise and the organisation has done so proactively and transparently. The Department of Housing, which does not fund any homeless service directly, and Local Government and Heritage and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive are the charitys largest sources of funding. A State-appointed contractor on one of the countrys largest ever flood relief schemes has paid 10,000 to Inland Fisheries Ireland to boost river habitats after a court had earlier found it was responsible for a fish kill. Wills Bros Ltd of Foxford in Co. Mayo had been prosecuted by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) over an incident on May 10, 2017, on the Bandon River in Co. Cork, in which it was alleged that as many as 200 fish were killed when a pool formed by the construction of a haul road in the river rapidly lost water. Wills Bros was contracted for the physical works by the Office of Public Works and the long-running case, which first heard evidence in February 2018, was told it was the largest flood relief project in Europe when it began in early May 2017. Two other companies Byrne Looby Ltd, project design specialists, and Rivus Ltd, ecological specialist engaged by Wills Bros had, like Wills Bros, denied a charge under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 as amended, of injuring or disturbing the spawn or fry of salmon, trout or eels. But in July last year, Judge Mary Dorgan said the case against Wills Bros had been proven beyond reasonable doubt, while she dismissed the charge against Byrne Looby and Rivus. Judge Dorgan also asked the Probation Service to explore a potential restorative justice solution. The fish kill The matter returned before Bandon District Court last week, with the judge told that Wills Bros had provided 10,000 to Inland Fisheries Ireland for what were described as habitat rehabilitation and improvement works. The long-running case had heard that hundreds of fish may have been killed in the incident, though the figure was disputed and the charge only related to salmon, trout and eel. The court had heard evidence that while haul roads had previously been constructed tight to the bank, the presence of a fish stand, which was a protected structure, meant on the day of the incident a separate pooled area was formed, although water levels meant there had been no concern of fish being trapped earlier. However, the porous nature of the material around the pool, and dredging nearby, resulted in a rapid loss of water. A report by Rivus the day after the incident suggested more than 30 salmon fry, 20-plus trout and 20-plus grass eels were trapped, alongside stone loach and lamprey. Mitigation works Following last Fridays court appearance, Inland Fisheries Ireland said it did not wish to make an extensive comment as some matters had yet to be resolved, but it said the 10,000 provided to it by Wills Bros would be used to improve spawning habitats in tributaries of the Bandon River and would help mitigate some of the impact of the flood relief scheme. The fresh works must be concluded by next March and the matter will return to the court on March 29 next, with the issue of costs yet to be finalised. In finding Wills Bros guilty in July last year, Judge Dorgan said Wills Bros was not indemnified against prosecution. The judge had also criticised the Office of Public Works over flood relief works on the Bandon River, claiming the State body "owes a duty of care" to the Irish people and that it could not just be a case of "getting a chunk of money from the Government. "I hope this might be a lesson to the OPW when there are other works that they are very honest and transparent," she said at the time. Smugglers on board a container ship at the centre of a major drug operation off the Cork coast were burning bales of cocaine as elite soldiers were being fast roped onto the vessel from an Air Corps helicopter, the Irish Examiner understands. It is understood that the Defence Forces recorded the storming of the MV Matthew by members of the Army Ranger Wing. The action was taken after shots were fired by the Irish Naval Service ship LE William Butler Yeats across the bow of the bulk-container ship when it refused to answer calls to come to a halt. While the cocaine haul on board the container ship has yet to be assessed and weighed, sources indicate it may be the largest-ever cocaine seizure in the State. The consignment is thought to be at least around 1.5 tonnes and, according to a number of sources, up to 2 tonnes, although the quantity is yet to be officially confirmed. The previous largest seizures were of 1.575 tonnes of cocaine at Dunlough Bay in west Cork in July 2007 followed by 1.5 tonnes of cocaine inside the Dances with Waves yacht, stormed by navy officers off the Mizen coast in November 2008. The Army Ranger Wing moved to stop the burning of the cocaine, secure the remaining consignment and bring the ship under control. The vessel was captained by an Iranian national and had a crew of over 20 people. It is not known how much cocaine was burned, but an expert analysis will be conducted. The MV Matthew in Passage West, Cork as it makes its way to berth at the former IFI plant at Marino Point in the Port of Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan Three men were being questioned in garda stations in Co Wexford last night, as the MV Matthew, which travelled from the Caribbean island of Curacao over the past six weeks was escorted into Cork harbour. In Wexford, law enforcement agents were continuing their efforts to establish whether there are drugs on board the Castlemore, which ran aground off Blackwater, 12km north of Rosslare Harbour, before midnight on Sunday night. It was considered too dangerous in yesterday's weather conditions and with shifting sandbanks to bring another vessel alongside the trawler at Money Weights sandbank, 8km out to sea from Blackwater village. A helicopter arrived at the stranded trawler yesterday afternoon to conduct an oversight of the scene but it was not boarded. The 22-year-old MV Matthew left Willemstad in Curacao on August 9. The vessel had previously docked in Aruba on August 7, spending 30 hours in port there. It is believed to have travelled to the Caribbean from south America and sails under a Panamanian flag. It is thought to have sailed along the south and southeast coast of Ireland in recent days, before being boarded early on Tuesday by Irish law enforcement officers. Two of the men being questioned last night were arrested after they were winched off the fishing trawler on Monday. The third was arrested during the impounding of the MV Matthew. The men in custody are aged 60, 50 and 31 years old. All three are being questioned about organised crime offences. The fishing vessel, the Castlemore, was sold last week by a Castletownbere-based fisherman and left the West Cork fishing port at around lunchtime on Friday. Gardai at the old IFI plant at Marino Point, Cork getting ready for the arrival of the Matthew cargo ship which was boarded by Army Rangers, Gardai and the Naval Service. Picture: Dan Linehan Local sources said it should have reached Wexford in around 20 hours. However, it did not arrive off Wexford until at least 60 hours later. It is believed the delay was due to the trawler travelling out to sea to meet up with the mother ship, the MV Matthew. A Garda "deep rummage" of the vessel searching for additional drugs, weapons, communications devices and further evidence such as documentation will begin today and is expected to take a number of days. Any further finds will help investigators piece together who is behind the trans-national trafficking operation. Irish agencies were tracking the operation before the Castlemore ran aground at around 11.30pm on Sunday night. One source told the Irish Examiner that a naval team left Haulbowline at lunchtime on Friday on its mission to target the operation involving the MV Matthew including its rendezvous with the Castlemore. It is likely that the larger vessel also met other smaller boats on its voyage, to offload further drugs which were then to be distributed throughout Europe. It was thought that the Castlemore may have been destined for Devon in England, possibly carrying a shipment of drugs. The interagency operation involving gardai, the navy, the air corps and Revenue was in a race against time because of poor weather last weekend and the predicted arrival of Storm Agnes on Wednesday. The cargo ship Matthew in Passage West, Cork as it makes its way to berth at the old IFI plant at Marino Point. Picture: Dan Linehan One source told the Irish Examiner that the cargo vessel is believed to have been under the surveillance of Irish enforcement officers as part of an international operation that has been tracking it for several weeks. The source said the original plan by Irish agencies was to target the two vessels when they met at sea off the south or south east coast during the weekend. However, weather conditions are understood to have mitigated against that. Gardai released a statement as the cargo vessel was being brought into Marino Point in Cork harbour. A garda spokeswoman said: After Army Ranger Wing personnel secured the vessel, members of the Irish Navy, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenues Customs Service were transferred to the cargo vessel, which is currently under escort by Naval Ship to an Irish port. The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. She added, in a statement: This intelligence led operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC (N)) based in Lisbon, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED. MAOC-N is a cooperative body made up of France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and the UK with the aim of tackling air and sea smuggling. A South African obstetrician gynaecologist who had been working in Ireland for just three months at the time Tatenda Mukwata died in University Hospital Kerry broke down at her inquest on Tuesday, asking if he could meet her family. Dr Fahad Hendricks was assigned to the high-risk ante-natal clinic and was working his third 24-hour shift in less than a week on April 20. At 17.30 he went to meet Tatenda, with whom he had a good rapport. He was excited to see her as both were from Southern Africa, Dr Hendricks said, breaking down and pausing in reading his deposition. Ms Mukwata's Caesarian had been uncomplicated and there was normal blood loss and no haemorrhage. At 22.55, paged by concerned nurses, he noticed her low pallor and suspected septic shock. He had thought there might be a surgical bleed but found no evidence and nothing to indicate it. The wound dressing was clean, there was no vaginal bleeding and the uterus was contracting. Tatenda was awake and smiling. He suspected clinical shock and sepsis. He had based this on the fact she had two spikes in temperature and she was immuno-compromised. I trained in South Africa. 30% of women in ante-natal clinics are HIV positive, immuno-suppressed, he said. He was not aware of the drop in haemoglobin. "In all honesty, I did not check," Hendricks replied to Dr John OMahony, SC, for the Mukwata family. But had he been aware of the drop, he probably would have repeated the blood sample, and his suspicion of intra-abdominal bleeding strengthened and he would probably have taken steps to have her taken to theatre for operation, he told the inquest. There were emotional scenes as Dr Hendricks asked to meet the family of Tatenda and he was crying and being comforted at the back of the courtroom as the jury left for their lunch break. 'Challenging shift' The third day of Ms Mukwata's inquest heard that staff at UHK had carried out four C-sections on the night she died, in a "challenging shift" for nurses and clinicians. Nurses raised concern about Tatenda Mukwatas dramatic drop in blood pressure and condition and raised the possibility that she was bleeding with clinicians, the inquest was told. However the nurses suspicion "was overruled" by the clinicians the inquest heard. Instead, the obstetricians, gynaecologists and anaesthetists decided it was sepsis. In an apology read out at the start of the resumed inquest on Monday, the hospital apologised to the family of Ms Mukwata for the failings of care afforded to Tatenda at this hospital on April 20 and 21, 2022. Earlier intervention would probably have prevented Tatendas death, the hospital acknowledged. The mother of three lived in a direct provision centre in Kenmare. She died at 2am after giving birth six hours earlier to her fourth daughter Eva who was delivered by Caesarean section. She had bled to death but the fact she was hemorrhaging after the Caesarian went undetected. Catherine Mukwata, the mother of the late Tatenda Mukwata at Tralee Court in August with Baby Eva Mukwata, Tatenda Mukwata's baby daughter. Photo: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD The inquest has heard a key indicator of postpartum maternal hemorrhage dropped levels of haemoglobin which indicate blood volume had not been recognised and the surgical team went on suspicion of sepsis, based on no sign of external bleeding. The severe internal bleeding was not recognised. The obstetrician who carried out the Caesarian had found no external evidence of bleeding and suspected sepsis. The inquest also heard the lab had not paged or alerted clinicians about the haemoglobin drops, as it normally would. ICU nurse Siobhan O Nuallain, in her deposition read to the inquest, told how there was high hospital activity on the night and five wards were working with a deficit of one nurse. Staff were being redeployed. Staff concerns about bleeding She and another nurse queried was there a possibility Ms Mukwata was bleeding after seeing her vital signs were not stable and blood pressure was dropping. Theatre staff also escalated the concerns However the anaesthetic, obstetric and gynaecological team ruled bleeding out in favour of sepsis and decided "collectively" that the patient required ICU care. Dr Mary McCaffrey, the senior consultant, had been informed. Other nurses too gave similar evidence of having escalated their concerns about internal bleeding with the clinicians, to no avail. Charmaine Dennehy, senior staff nurse, said there had been "real concern" about Tatenda, but it was out of their remit to do anything. She reassured the family they had ensured Tatenda was comfortable and cared for and had never been left alone. Asked about the impact on them as nurses, Nurse Dennehy said: "It was a major blow. We were all very, very upset." The inquest continues. We need to enact the hate speech bill now. And we need to regulate the hell out of the internet access enjoyed by the haters. We should tolerate no more listening to twaddle on these subjects. Back in June, Senator Ronan Mullen wrote an article in this newspaper describing the Governments incitement to hatred legislation as a democratic disaster. Mr Mullen calls a spade a spade. Well no, he calls a spade an evil digging implement. Hes one of those guys who objects strenuously to everyones hyperbole. Except his own. His principal argument was that we shouldnt legislate against hatred because we dont know what hatred is, really. All reasonable people are against inciting hatred, of course, he wrote. But the combination of vagueness in the legislation and the new cancel culture out to silence certain points of view unlocks the potential of... censorship. Hes not the only one consistently demanding definitions of hatred in the hatred legislation. Michael McDowell threatens us with the spectre of citizens arrests every time he gets on the radio. David Quinn was on something recently called GB News, a tiny TV station with very pronounced views on things, parroting the same line about what was called the Irish Governments draconian hate crime bill. That was then, of course. Is this now? Is it even barely possible that the likes of McDowell and Mullen were able to look out their office windows last week and watch hatred being defined for them on the street outside? Is it even barely possible that somewhere in their heads or hearts theyre beginning to realise that we have a serious, and growing, problem of hatred? Rise of hatred Were beginning to know who the haters are. They took to the streets last week outside the Dail, but theyre omnipresent on every branch of social media in Ireland. Their names, even, are beginning to appear on a regular basis in news reports. Ive lost count of the number of new political parties theyve created, all with Ireland in the name. (Find the websites of these new parties by the way, and the first thing youll see is a request for money.) We also know who the victims and potential victims of the haters are. Theyre everyone who is different, everyone who is capable of being bullied, and everyone who is already a bit scared because of the circumstances in which they live (or often, just try to survive). I dont think its possible to overstate the danger the haters pose. The economic chaos and poverty of Germany and other parts of Europe in the 1920s and 30s led directly to the rise of fascism. An overwhelming desire to take back our country enabled Mussolini and Hitler to thrive, and their key weapon was hate. Hatred of anyone seen as foreign or different. Weve been through our own version of economic collapse. I can still remember the shame I felt at the moment the troika appeared in Ireland, at more or less precisely the moment our government was denying its existence. But the years of austerity that followed, here and elsewhere, even though they were caused by prior years of bad politics, left thousands of people embittered and alienated. Its in that alienation that the seeds of fascism can be sown. We recovered a lot faster than many other countries did. And then we came through a pandemic that, as hard as it was, showed many of the best sides of us. But in the undergrowth, there have been people all that time trying to feast on disillusionment and bitterness. They have developed elaborate conspiracy theories about vaccination, about immigration, about elites seeking world domination, and about how Ireland is being taken away from the Irish. Its in its infancy here. No respectable politician wants to touch them. The organs of the right the Gript medias of our world dismiss their carryon as a bit of argy bargy. But look at what has happened throughout Europe, and in the United States. Look at the emerging culture wars about all aspects of gender identity. Look at the rise of Trump and Trumpism. Look at that the Tories, beset by economic failure, are trying to do in Britain. Thats why we have to do three things. First, take it seriously. What isnt a real threat now will become one if we allow it to happen. Second, we have to pass the hate speech bill. No more nonsense about listening to the siren voices who bleat on about defining hatred and citizens arrests. Just get it done. And thirdly, we need to regulate the hell out of their internet access and abuse. Theres a commission in place now, under law. Its still trying to get itself set up, and I recognise how cumbersome that can be, despite everyones best intentions. But in the absence of a proper regulator, we have to rely on the very peculiar practice in Ireland of self-regulation. Theres still an entity in Ireland called Hotline.ie, which advertises itself as the go-to place in respect of harmful content. Its run by the internet service providers, essentially. It says on its website that its governed by six directors, but youre a better researcher than me if you can find out who they are. But it has a code of practice. Theres a basic requirement in that code of practice that every member of Hotline will include and promote on their corporate website the Hotline.ie logo (having regard to Hotline.ie brand guidelines) and link to www.hotline.ie website. Over the last weekend, I went to the website of the eleven significant internet service providers you can find on the web, most of whom are members of Hotline. Not one of them not a single one has the Hotline logo or link anywhere. Maybe its because they know there is a regulator on the way. Or maybe they just dont care. Ten years ago I wrote here: How is anyone to believe that these people are prepared to take their responsibilities seriously on a voluntary basis when they wont even honour the simple bits of their own code? They havent changed a bit in that decade. They still dont care. And heres the thing. When we think about dangerous content, we tend to think about the need to regulate Facebook and Twitter (or whatever its called now). But every one of us accesses social media over platforms provided by eir or Vodafone or Three. We couldnt do it otherwise. And theyre the ones we need to go after first. The regulator is in its infancy and is trying to figure out how to proceed. But on its pretty bare website, it says we will enforce rules about how online services or platforms should deal with harmful and illegal content on their services. You can search all the bumph that has been written for years about online safety something weve always entrusted to the providers themselves on a voluntary basis and you wont find that phrase we will enforce rules anywhere. But its there now. It needs to lead the fight back against hatred. If we need to censor hate, as Ronan Mullen would put it, then lets censor hate. Without apology. Its almost 15 years ago since Castletownbere was at the centre of one of the countrys biggest ever cocaine hauls. The Dances with Waves yacht was escorted under armed guard into the fishing port and its 74 canvas-wrapped bales of cocaine, weighing 1.5 tonnes, were put on display. In horrendous weather conditions in November 2008, the yacht had experienced engine problems and was on the verge of capsizing with its cargo when naval officers boarded it some 240km off the Mizen coast. The load was initially thought to be the largest cocaine haul in Ireland, but it was just under the 1.575 tonnes seized in Dunlough Bay in West Cork in July 2007. Castletownbere is again in the media spotlight after a local trawler, recently sold in good faith, was taken to sea on Saturday by two men believed to have been in the town for a number of days. A day and a half later, the vessel ran aground on a sandbank off Blackwater, Co Wexford, with suspected cocaine on board. The vessel had been the target of a Garda-Naval Service-Air Corps surveillance operation. Customs officers, naval service personnel and gardai remove 75 bales of cocaine from Dances With Waves, at Dinish Island pier, Castletownbere, in 2008. Picture Denis Minihane It is thought the vessel had a rendezvous with a bulk cargo ship, the suspected mother ship, which was carrying the drugs and took a consignment. The trawler was then expected to travel on to England, when it experienced problems. While the Joint Drugs Task Force comprising gardai, Defence Forces and Customs were organising bringing the trawler into port, a related operation was under way to storm the cargo ship that originally carried the drugs. The elite Army Ranger Wing boarded the ship off the Cork/Waterford coast on Tuesday afternoon and naval officers took control. Gardai said a Panamania-registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America was detained and "a significant quantity" of drugs were located onboard. They said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (MAOC) based in Lisbon, and partners from the National Crime Agency, the Drugs Enforcement Agency, and French customs service DNRED. As the various arms of the Irish investigation continue to unfold, the operation highlights, once again, the scale of the cocaine trade traversing the Atlantic. It recent years the size of loads coming across from South America has increased sharply. Last Monday, French navy assets seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine off the west African coast, bound for Europe. Last week, MAOC and Brazilian police together seized 3.6 tonnes of cocaine in the Atlantic. At the start of this month, Spanish police seized 2.7 tonnes of cocaine off the Canary Islands. In August, Dutch authorities made their biggest ever seizure of cocaine, when eight tonnes were found in Rotterdam port. In July, 10 tonnes of cocaine were seized in Hamburg, a German record. In the same month, Italian agencies seized over five tonnes of cocaine off the Sicilian coast and 6.8 tonnes was seized in Brussels, Belgium. After the two record cocaine seizures in Ireland in 2007 and 2008, the next major cocaine shipment was in September 2014, when one tonne of cocaine has found inside the Makayabella yacht off the Cork coast. All those three consignments were organised by British traffickers and the bulk of the cocaine destined for Britain. A helicopter from the Irish Coast Guard hovers above a stranded boat off the coast of Blackwater, Wexford. Picture: Niall Carson/PA The cocaine trade has changed beyond comprehension since 2014. As the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported last March, the amount of cocaine manufactured in 2020 was more than twice the amount in 2014 and that, ever since 2017 the record has been broken. The surge in cocaine supply is down to an expansion in coca bush cultivation, improvements in production and a continuing growth in demand, particularly in Europe. The UNODC said seizures by law enforcement have also increased to record levels, at a higher speed than production, suggesting it had contained the problem. The seizures in Ireland back up this trend, with Brexit being an additional factor driving container traffic, including cocaine, into Rosslare and Dublin. On August 5, 60kgs of cocaine was found inside a freight container at Ringaskiddy Port, Cork. The day before, the Irish Examiner reported that Revenue had seized 400kgs of cocaine so far in 2023, compared to 133kgs in 2022. It included a 163kg haul in Rosslare, linked to Balkan cartels, and a 133kg seizure in the port, both in July. The UNODC reports an increased presence in Columbia of Mexican and Balkan cartels, with the aim of making supply lines more efficient. The agency notes a strong increase in 2021 in the quantity of cocaine seized in Europe, including in a range of smaller ports across northern Europe and also in Ireland Dublin, Rosslare, and Cork ports. The European Drugs Agency reported last June that cartels, in a bid to avoid tighter security at major ports, were targeting smaller ports and that this may well include Ireland. A powerful blast at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds more on Monday as ethnic Armenians streamed out of the breakaway territory after the Azerbaijani military reclaimed full control of it. The explosion at the fuel storage facility near the regional capital of Stepanakert killed 20 people and wounded nearly 300, separatist authorities said. It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which happened as residents were lining up to get fuel for their cars in order to leave the region. The majority of the victims were in severe or extremely severe condition, Nagorno-Karabakh human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan tweeted, adding that the victims would need to be airlifted out of the region for medical treatment to save their lives. Ethnic Armenians wait near Kornidzor to leave (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) The Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in a 24-hour blitz last week, forcing the separatist authorities to agree to lay down weapons and start talks on Nagorno-Karabakhs reintegration into Azerbaijan after three decades of separatist rule. While Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region and restore supplies after a 10-month blockade, many local residents feared reprisals and decided to leave for Armenia. The Armenian government said that more than 6,500 Nagorno-Karabakh residents had fled to Armenia as of Monday. Moscow said that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh were assisting the evacuation. Some 700 people remained in the peacekeepers camp there on Monday. Dozens of people were lining up at the fuel facility where the blast occurred because they had been promised fuel, a scarcity during the blockade, for their cars in order to move to Armenia, according to Nagorno-Karabakhs separatist authorities. A convoy of Russian peacekeepers drives through the queue of traffic (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) The explosion took place hours after the second round of talks between Azerbaijani officials and separatist representatives was held Monday in the town of Khojaly, just north of the Nagorno-Karabakh capital. The first round was held last week. Azerbaijans presidential office said in a statement that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere and that discussion focused on humanitarian aid to the region and medical services. Azerbaijans defence ministry said on Monday that two of its soldiers were killed a day earlier when a military truck hit a land mine. In an address to the nation on Sunday, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said his government was working with international partners to protect the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. If these efforts do not produce concrete results, the government will welcome our sisters and brothers from Nagorno-Karabakh in the Republic of Armenia with every care, he said. Demonstrators demanding Mr Pashinyans resignation over what they call his failure to protect Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh continued blocking the Armenian capitals main avenues on Monday, clashing occasionally with police. Thousands of Armenians have streamed out of Nagorno-Karabakh (Stepan Poghosyan, Photolure photo/AP) Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During the war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that Armenian forces had claimed during the earlier conflict. In December, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, alleging that the Armenian government was using the road for mineral extraction and illicit weapons shipments to the regions separatist forces. Armenia said the closure denied basic food and fuel supplies to Nagorno-Karabakhs approximately 120,000 people. Azerbaijan rejected the accusation, arguing the region could receive supplies through the Azerbaijani city of Aghdam, a solution long resisted by Nagorno-Karabakh authorities, who called it a strategy for Azerbaijan to gain control of the region. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support for Armenia and Armenians, saying that France will mobilise food and medical aid for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and keep working toward a sustainable peace in the region. Ethnic Armenians head to to Kornidzor (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP) France, which has a big Armenian diaspora, has for decades played a mediating role in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, visited Azerbaijan on Monday in a show of support to its ally. Russia has been the main ally and sponsor of Armenia and has a military base there, but it also has sought to maintain friendly ties with Azerbaijan. But Moscows clout in the region has waned quickly amid the Russian war in Ukraine while the influence of Azerbaijans top ally Turkey has increased. Mr Erdogan arrived in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave on Monday for talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss Turkey-Azerbaijan ties and regional and global issues. Nakhchivan is cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenian territory but forms a slim border with Turkey. The men signed a deal for a gas pipeline and the Turkish leader said Im very pleased to be with all of you as we connect Nakhchivan with the Turkish world. The captain of a river cruise boat that collided with another vessel in Hungarys capital in 2019, killing at least 27 people, has been found guilty of negligence leading to a fatal mass catastrophe and sentenced to five years in prison. Judge Leona Nemeth with the Pest Central District Court found that the negligence of the Ukrainian captain, Yuriy Chaplinsky, had caused his river cruise boat, the Viking Sigyn, to collide with the tourist boat Hableany (Mermaid) from behind, causing it to sink into the Danube River within seconds. The court acquitted Chaplinsky of 35 counts of failure to render aid. He may appeal. The collision occurred May 29 2019, when the Hableany, carrying mostly South Korean tourists, sank after being struck beneath Budapests Margit Bridge by the much larger Viking Sigyn. This will stay with me for the rest of my life Seven South Koreans were rescued from the water in the heavy rain following the collision, and 27 people died including the two-member Hungarian crew. One South Korean is still unaccounted for. Some of the victims bodies were found weeks after the crash more than 100km (60 miles) downstream. The Hableany spent more than 12 days underwater at the collision site near the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building, before being lifted from the river bed by a floating crane. Judge Leona Nemeth announces the verdict in the deadly collision of the Hableany sightseeing boat in Pest Central District Court in Budapest, Hungary (Noemi Bruzak/MTI via AP/PA) Chaplinsky, the captain of the Viking Sigyn, had been in police custody since the collision, including being remanded to house arrest in Hungary since 2020. Part of the time Chaplinksy has already served will count toward his five-year sentence. In a final statement before the verdict Tuesday, Chaplinksy called the collision a horrible tragedy and said that the deaths of so many innocent victims kept him awake at night. This will stay with me for the rest of my life, he said. Three employees of the South Korean Embassy in Budapest were present for the reading of the verdict, but no South Korean family members of the victims attended the hearing. British home secretary Suella Braverman will use a speech in the US to declare that no migrant crossing the English Channel to Britain is in imminent peril. Mrs Braverman is expected to say that seeking asylum and seeking better economic prospects are not the same thing as she takes aim at the United Nations Refugee Convention. She is tasked with helping to deliver the British prime ministers pledge of stopping the boats from crossing the Channel one of five that Rishi Sunak hopes to deliver ahead of a likely election next year. Mrs Braverman will tell a Washington DC audience on Tuesday that offering asylum to a person because they are gay, a woman or fearing discrimination in their home country is not sustainable. Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril She will highlight that the UK and the US, among others, interpret the 1951 UN conventions stipulation for refugees to present themselves without delay to the authorities as meaning that people should seek refuge and claim asylum in the first safe country that they reach something she will argue is not always happening. In a pre-briefed extract of her speech, Mrs Braverman will say: The status quo, where people are able to travel through multiple safe countries, and even reside in safe countries for years, while they pick their preferred destination to claim asylum, is absurd and unsustainable. Nobody entering the UK by boat from France is fleeing imminent peril. None of them have good cause for illegal entry. The vast majority have passed through multiple safe countries, and in some instances have resided in safe countries for several years. In this sense, there is an argument that they should cease to be treated as refugees when considering the legitimacy of their onward movement. The Home Secretary's speech comes against the backdrop of almost 24,000 migrants arriving into the UK via small boat since January. Almost 24,000 asylum seekers have arrived in the UK since January (Gareth Fuller/PA) That figure, based on official UK Home Office data, is likely to rise after fresh arrivals were spotted on the south coast of England early on Tuesday. The Governments plans to deal with high levels of unauthorised migration are currently stalled. The Illegal Migration Act legislated for those arriving via the Channel to be deported to their country of origin, or to Rwanda after ministers struck a deal with the east African country. But the Kigali plan is tied up in the courts, with a deportation flight yet to take off. Mrs Braverman has previously taken aim at the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), signed in 1950, claiming it restricted the Governments efforts to introduce policies such as the Rwanda scheme. In her speech to the American Enterprise Institute, a centre-right think tank in Washington DC, she will set out a blueprint for international efforts to tackle the refugee crisis. Ms Braverman is set to describe the UN convention as an incredible achievement of its age but will ask if it is in need of reform seven decades after being signed. She will say research indicates that the accord now confers the notional right to move to another country upon at least 780 million people. She will also argue that tests for how refugees are defined have changed, lowering the threshold for claiming asylum. Ms Braverman will say: Let me be clear, there are vast swathes of the world where it is extremely difficult to be gay, or to be a woman. Where individuals are being persecuted, it is right that we offer sanctuary. But we will not be able to sustain an asylum system if in effect simply being gay, or a woman, and fearful of discrimination in your country of origin is sufficient to qualify for protection. The UK Labour Party accused the Torries of looking to blame the convention for its immigration failures. Anneliese Dodds, Labour Party chairwoman, told GB News: International conventions are not the reason why the Conservative Government is failing in particular to take action against the international people-smuggling gangs. Highlighting that the Home Office is spending about 8 million per day on hotels for asylum seekers, Ms Dodds added: Im afraid the responsibility for all of this lies squarely with the Conservative Government. Weve seen convictions for people smugglers go down considerably under the Conservatives, weve seen the rate of returns of people whose applications have failed also going down precipitously by 70%. Ben Bradshaw, a gay Labour MP and former cabinet minister, took aim at Mrs Braverman over her comments, pointing out that being homosexual in some countries can have deadly risks. He tweeted: Any LGBT or other Tories prepared to condemn Braverman for this? She doesnt seem to grasp that simply being gay is enough to result in persecution or death in many countries. But Chris Philp, a minister in the Home Office, appeared to double down on the comments, claiming some people falsely claim to be persecuted and some people claim to be gay when theyre not. He told Times Radio: When I was immigration minister, I came across a number of cases when people had claimed to be gay, produced photographs of them and a sort of same-sex partner and it turned out on further investigation it was a sibling, it wasnt a same-sex partner at all. The speaker of Canadas House of Commons has resigned after inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during the Second World War to Parliament to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Mr Rota introduced Mr Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Yaroslav Hunka, right, who fought for a Nazi military unit (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press via AP) It later was publicised that the First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. No-one in this House is above any of us. Therefore I must step down as your speaker, Mr Rota said in Parliament. I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognising an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in addition to Nazi survivors in Poland among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions, he added. Mr Rota stepped down after meeting with the House of Commons party leaders later on Tuesday. All main opposition parties called for Mr Rota to step down, and government House leader Karina Gould said that lawmakers had lost confidence in him. This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honourable thing in resigning, Ms Gould said. Ms Gould said she is of Jewish origin and a descendent of a Holocaust survivor. This incident hurt me personally as it hurt all members of this House and all Canadians, she said. Ms Gould earlier said Mr Rota invited and recognised Mr Hunka without informing the government or the delegation from Ukraine. Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland had called the incident incredibly embarrassing. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies said in a statement that the incident has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally. This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime. In an earlier apology on Sunday, Mr Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognising Mr Hunka, who is from the district that Mr Rota represents. The speakers office said on Monday it was Mr Rotas son who contacted Mr Hunkas local office to see if it was possible if he could attend Mr Zelenskys speech. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Mr Hunka unaware of the details of who he was. The prime ministers office said it was unaware that Mr Hunka was invited until after the address. The speakers office also confirmed it did not share its invite list with any other party or group. The vetting process for visitors to the gallery is for physical security threats, not reputational threats, the speakers office said. In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said it was outrageous that Mr Hunka received a standing ovation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, although Mr Zelensky is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. Its highly unfortunate and the only winner here is the Putin regime, which is already spinning what happened on Friday to justify its ongoing military actions in Ukraine, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. The opposition Conservatives in Canada have blamed PM Justin Trudeau, but Mr Beland noted that the speakers role in Canada is as an officer of Parliament who does not participate in partisan caucus meetings and is not a member of the Cabinet. MIAMISayUncle has released five new scenes this week starring Dakota Lovell, Devin Franco, Ander Wolfson, and more. Lovell seeks advice from Father Jonah Wheeler in a new YesFather scene, Size and Sin. Lovell is worried about the fact that hes constantly getting erections and about the size of his penis. Father Jonah reassures Lovell that there is nothing to worry about, but he still wants to take a look to see what he is packing in there. Wheeler then offers to help Lovell take care of his erect penis with his lips. Wrestling With a Secret part three is out now on DadCreep. Stepbrothers Jordan Lake and Ryan Russo finally come face to face to talk about the awkward situation between them. They apologize to each other for making things complicated and admit that they have feelings for each other. After making up, the two start kissing passionately on the couch until theyre interrupted by their stepdad (Franco) walking in on them. To their surprise, hes not angry but intrigued. He demands the boys to keep kissing so he can enjoy the show for himself before joining in. StickyRub creates a safe space for massage therapist Jeremiah Cruze and his client (Ander Wolfson) in Tell Me Your Secrets. Cruze wants all his clients to feel comfortable in his space, not just for massages but for anything they want to talk about. Wolfson is one of Cruzes more outgoing clients, and he has no problem filling Cruze in on every aspect of his life, including spilling the beans about hooking up with his married boss. Cruze swears hell keep that a secret between them as long as he gets to have fun with Wolfson, too. Naturists Magic Mike Hung and his stepson (Gabe Bradshaw) get intimate with each other in an all-new Family Dick episode, What We Do Under the Sun. Its tough living a naturist lifestyle for Bradshaw since he has a hot stepdad with a sexy body. One day, while lying by the pool, Bradshaw cant help but admire Hung's physique and starts playing with himself as he watches Hung enjoy some time under the sun. When Hung realizes whats happening, he starts giving Bradshaw a show that leads to them taking things back inside the living room. Step into the FreeUse Twink kitchen in a new scene, The Secret Ingredient. Amone Bane, Dakota Lovell, and Jonah Wheeler are diehard foodies who love to experiment in the kitchen. Theyre always coming up with hot new recipes to try with each other. However, the boys discovered that the food actually tastes better when using one key ingredientfreeuse. The SayUncle Network offers 55 exclusive series, 3,000 scenes, and seven updates weekly. Visit SayUncle.com and follow on X (formerly Twitter) @sayunclenetwork. More than 10,000 civilians have fled Depayin and Ye-U townships in Sagaing Region amid a fresh round of junta ground and air attacks, according to local reports on Tuesday. Over 150 junta soldiers based in Ye-U raided the border with Depayin on Monday, displacing thousands of civilians from more than 10 villages, said the Depayin Refugee Support Group. Among the villages shelled and occupied by troops on Monday was Let Yet Kone, which recently marked one year since regime helicopters and troops attacked its school, killing 13 civilians including seven children, in late September 2022. Let Yet Kone was also torched by regime soldiers in December and January. The arson attacks incinerated around 230 of the 300 houses in the village. A Let Yet Kone resident said troops entered the village on Monday night and then continued to the neighboring villages of Nyaung Hla and Mu Ka Twin on Tuesday. Everyone fled during the night to escape the junta raids. The troops left our village this morning. However, we dont dare go back to the village yet, he told the Irrawaddy on Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, an Mi-35 helicopter gunship from Northwestern Regional Military Command attacked the vicinity of villages in eastern Depayin. The helicopter attacked around Let Yet Kone and Nyaung Hla villages. As the ground troops remain in place, we dont know if there were casualties from the airstrike yet, a representative of Depayin Refugee Support Group told The Irrawaddy. The group said the fleeing villagers are in urgent need of food and called on other aid groups to help the displaced residents. We are also preparing to provide food for the villagers, a representative of the group told The Irrawaddy. Frequent raids by junta troops based in Ye-U town are forcing thousands of residents from Ye-U and Depayin to abandon their homes regularly. Villagers who stay live in constant fear of regular artillery strikes unleashed by junta troops based in Ye-U. The juntas deputy home affairs minister is calling for regional and bilateral cooperation against the rising threat from drone attacks by terrorist groups worldwide while it is facing escalating drone attacks by resistance forces in Myanmar, saying they are the regimes challenge of the future. Lt-General Ni Lin Aung, who is also chief of the countrys police force, made the comments at the 2023 Conference of Global Public Security Forum, which was held last week in Chinas Jiangsu province under the theme One World, Common Security. Ni Lin Aung told the conference that terrorist groups are increasingly using drones worldwide, making their use a future challenge. He referenced a 2022 reportthe Global Terrorism Index by the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP), but neglected to mention that Myanmar was redacted from [the] report on May 10, 2022, in response to community feedback, and that the IEP is assessing the situation in Myanmar for future publications. Myanmars top cop told the forum it is essential to enhance regional and bilateral cooperation to prevent weapons, including drones, from falling into the hands of criminals and malicious groups worldwide. Border controls should be strengthened to prevent so-called terrorist groups from receiving drones, he said. Ni Lin Aung raised the issue of drones at the security forum as the regimes forces, military bases and offices face increasingly effective drone strikes nationwide by resistance groups daily. Regime military targets are being hit by drone strikes because resistance groups have learned how to bypass drone jammers. On September 15, a video released by joint resistance groups showed their makeshift remote-controlled winged drone dropping two improvised bombs on aircraft hangars at Aye Lar military air base next to Naypyitaw International Airport, near the regimes administrative capital. Although no details of damage or casualties caused by the Naypyitaw drone strikes were released, Myanmar netizens praised the groups ability to evade jamming equipment at the airbase to successfully conduct a drone strike. In early September, resistance groups, including the Karen National Liberation Army, conducted successful drone strikes on the junta-run Myawaddy District Administration Department Office in Karen States Myawaddy Town, killing at least five regime officials, including a district administrator and a military battalion commander. Another 11 police officers, including a police superintendent, suffered serious injuries and were treated at a hospital in the border town of Mae Sot in Thailand. Many types of commercial drones have been used widely and effectively by resistance groups and allied ethnic armed organizations nationwide to bomb regime targets and surveillance operations. Resistance groups are increasingly conducting aerial bombardments on regime targets by producing more improvised fixed-wing drones on their own. The Defense Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) recently said it had distributed over 400 drones to battalions of its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force, across the country for aerial attacks. U Maung Swe, deputy secretary of NUGs Defense Ministry, recently told RFA Burmese that their drones can be easily used despite the juntas jammers, because they know the jammer frequency of anti-drone guns used by the regime. Juntas Home Affairs Minister Lt-General Yar Pyae last month agreed with his deputy, telling a meeting in Indonesia that drones have become the regimes future challenge. The cash-strapped regimes announcement to force Myanmar migrant workers to pay a tax of at least 10 percent on incomes earned in other countries is sparking a backlash in Thailand where as many as 5 million Myanmar migrants work. They staged a protest outside the United Nations Office in Bangkok on Sunday against the juntas plan to tax their salaries. Ko Nay Lin Thu from the Aid Alliance Committee, a non-profit helping Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, said: Myanmar workers have to pay utility bills, rent, as well as work-permit costs, and life insurance premiums in Thailand. These are taxes. There are workers who cant remit any money back home at the end of a month. The new income tax means they have to pay double tax, he said. Earlier this month, the regime also introduced a new remittance rule, which took effect on September 1, demanding that Myanmar nationals working in foreign countries remit at least 25 percent of their foreign-currency income through the countrys banking system. The remittances will be converted at the official exchange rate of 2,100 kyats per US dollar. The market rate is about 3,300 kyats. The juntas reference exchange rate for the Thai baht is just 56 kyats, but the market rate is around 110 kyats per baht. Migrant workers who do not comply will be barred from working overseas for three years after their current work permit expires, the announcement warned. Workers will have 25 percent of their hard-earned money converted at [the juntas] rate, and also pay 10 percent of their income. Workers have to eat rice with only salt then. It is exploitation, Ko Nay Lin Thu added. Previous military regimes also levied income tax on Myanmar migrant workers, but it was repealed under Thein Seins quasi-civilian government. At least 10 percent income tax will be levied on foreign-currency income of expatriate workers from October 1 to March 31 next year, according to an announcement signed by junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and published in junta newspapers. U Aung Kyaw, spokesman of the Thai-based Labor Rights Foundation, said Myanmar workers, unlike in the past, have had no overtime because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation in Thailand. Many workers are scraping by on 300 baht (US$ 8.25) per day, he said. Migrant workers from Myanmar only earn 300 baht per day, but they have to pay large sums of money for work permits, U Aung Kyaw said. They have to pay rent, water and electricity bills. Many workers are struggling to make ends meet, and they stay in Thailand only because they cant return to Myanmar right now. The income tax is not fair, he added. Under the new taxation law, five percent of income tax is imposed on those who earn between five million and 10 million kyats per year, 10 percent on those who earn between 10 million and 20 million kyats, 15 percent on those who earn between 20 million and 30 million kyats, and 25 percent on those who earn more than 30 million kyats a year. A migrant worker who earns 10 million kyats a year has to pay 500,000 kyats in income tax, and a migrant worker who earns 20 million kyats a year has to pay one million kyats in income tax. The regime is now in a tight corner, and is therefore trying to milk ordinary and poor families [for cash], said U Aung Kyaw. Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand who work under a memorandum of understanding between the two governments say the regime exploits them and ignores their suffering. U Zaw, who has been working in Thailand for around 20 years, told The Irrawaddy: The income tax is unfair. Many workers are in trouble, [but the regime] does not take care of them. They call themselves a government, but they do not help workers, and only exploit them. I have no intention to pay the income tax. It is estimated that there are as many as five million licensed and unlicensed Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. About 400,000 licensed migrant workers have left Myanmar in the two years following the 2001 coup. Fighting between Myanmars junta and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) continues in Muse and Kutkai townships in northern Shan State, displacing thousands of people near the Chinese border since late August. TNLA, the armed wing of the Palaung State Liberation Front, reported that junta jet fighters bombed two TNLA targets in Muse Township on Monday night. There were no TNLA casualties reported, the group said. Heavy shelling was reported by Sei Lant villagers on Monday night amid high military tension in Muse Township. We heard gunfire and shelling overnight. We have not slept properly in a week, a Sei Lant villager said. Sources said around 30 TNLA troops entered Sei Lant and have been living in civilian houses since late August. We want them to leave our village if possible. We are not safe until they return to their mountain camp, a villager said. Junta infantry troops in Nam Hpat Kar have been shelling TNLA targets in Muse and Kutkai townships. A monk and another civilian were injured by junta shelling in Zheng Hsar village, Muse Township, near the Chinese border on September 20. Heavy fighting was reported on Monday near Hko Mone village in Kutkai Township as junta Infantry Battalions 17, 574 and 577 advanced into TNLA territory on September 25. Hko Mone villagers said they cannot make a living while fighting continues. Junta troops fire shells every day. We dont want them to fight near our village, a Hko Mone resident said. Nam Hpat Kar residents in Kutkai told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that they heard explosions near their village in the morning. We picked up our children from school when we heard explosions, a mother said. A man was injured by a landmine in Nam Hpat Kar and taken to Kutkai hospital by a volunteer group on Sunday. At least five people, including two teenagers, were killed and eight injured by junta bombardments of Nam Hpat Kar since July, volunteers said. The TNLA said more than 50 battles had broken out with junta troops in Kutkai and Muse townships since July 23. Political prisoner Min Hein Khant, who was less than two years into a harsh 27-year imprisonment term, died of a heart attack aged just 21 at Yangons Insein Prison on Sunday. He was reportedly admitted to the prison hospital due to his heart condition a week before his death. But on Sunday afternoon he suddenly collapsed and died while in the company of fellow inmates in the prison dormitory, according to a spokesperson for the Political Prisoners Network. Min Hein Khant was in good health before his arrest but developed heart disease while in detention, according to sources close to him. He didnt receive adequate medical treatment in the prison. He died because treatment was delayed due to the drawn-out reporting process that is required in order to receive emergency treatment in prison, the spokesperson, a former political prisoner, told The Irrawaddy, adding that the lack of adequate medical services, including emergency treatment, in prisons led to lives being lost. Min Hein Khant was arrested with eight others on Nov. 1, 2021 in Yangons Thingangyun Township in connection with the 44th Street incident in Botahtaung Township. In August of that year, junta troops stormed a 44th Street apartment, prompting five young anti-regime activists who were members of the Pazundaung Botahtaung Youth Strike Committee to jump from a four-story building rather than surrender to the raiding soldiers. The incident left two of the five dead. The three survivors were taken into custody along with four others caught during the raid by the junta forces. Min Hein Khant, who was a member of the Pazundaung Botahtaung Youth Strike Committee, was arrested following the incident. He was also accused of being a member of the Urban Guerilla Group and of involvement in guerrilla attacks in Yangon. He was charged with incitement, terrorism and unlawful possession of an explosive. A group that helps to send food parcels to political prisoners said that prior to being sentenced to a lengthy prison term, Min Hein Khant had told his friends repeatedly about how much he wanted to go home. We will stand for your hopeful homecoming wish. We bow to you from the furthest place, the group said. The second debate among the Republican presidential contenders for 2024 takes place Wednesday night in Southern California, with President Donald Trump again absent from the festivities. That said, its another huge moment for Gov. Ron DeSantis and his presidential candidacy to use the prime-time forum to distinguish himself from the competition. While DeSantis was considered the top challenger to Trump when he formally entered the presidential sweepstakes in late May, he has slipped considerably behind the former president in recent national and important early state polls. The Florida governor now tails Trump in the GOP race by 39 and 43 points, respectively, in two national surveys released on Sunday by the Washington Post/ABC News and NBC News. And his trajectory in the all-important state of New Hampshire, the site of the first GOP primary election next year, is going backwards. DeSantis has slumped into fifth place in the Granite State at 10%, according to a CNN-University of New Hampshire survey released last week. Thats a 13-point drop since the last University of New Hampshire survey in June. His supporters are hoping he will use part of the debate to attack the former president. If you were to talk to the folks on the ground, I think most people are looking for him to start going on the offense against Donald Trump, says New Hampshire state House Republican leader Jason Osborne, who endorsed DeSantis for president back in May. Theyve been watching this constant barrage coming from Trump towards Gov. DeSantis over the last several months and theyre ready for him to fight back. On Monday, the Republican National Committee announced the candidates who have qualified on Monday night. They are Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott. Trump has said he will not attend the debate, according to CNN politics. He says instead hell travel to speak to a group of former and current union members as the United Auto Workers strike continues through its second week. Thats according to the Michigan Advance, an affiliate of the States Newsroom. Wednesday nights debate will air from 9 p.m. 11 p.m. Eastern time on the Fox Business Channel. It will be simulcast on the Fox News Channel and will also air on Univision. It will be livestreamed on the internet on Rumble. Osborne says that the format should benefit DeSantis. This debate is supposed to be focused on economic issues, and I think this is the governors opportunity to really stand out in the crowd, Osborne told the Phoenix on Monday. He really is of all the candidates, hes the one who gets sh*t done. Hes been able to get sh*t done as governor, and hell be able to get sh*t done as president, and I think thats what s going to be on display. The third GOP presidential debate will be held in Miami on November 8, the Republican National Committee announced on Friday. No venue has been announced for the event as of yet. This story appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. It has been updated to include the list of candidates who qualified for the debate. 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. Kathy Davis has been working for most of her life as a caretaker, but because of a Nebraska Department of Labor program she is now enjoying work at the Beatrice Public Library at 81 years of age. The average and median age of the U.S. population is rising, and the composition of the workforce with it. By 2020, it is estimated that workers 55 and over will make up 25% of the labor force. National Employ Older Workers is recognized Sept. 24-30. The week is meant to bring awareness to the vital role of older workers in the workforce. Davis said she loved the people she helped take care of over the years, but it became physically challenging for her at her age to continue that type of work. I started as a waitress when I was a young girl, she said. Ive worked at a number of hospitals, care facilities and for individuals providing care. At 81 it was time to do something else. I need to work to be able to pay my bills, so I appreciate this opportunity. Reemployment Specialist Brian Koch said there are a lot of seniors in the community that need to supplement their Social Security income. Theres a real need for seniors to supplement their income, he said. If youre an older person and didnt have the opportunity to save because you were living paycheck to paycheck or maybe a homemaker. Those people arent going to get a lot of Social Security and theyre really on their own. He noted that a lot of people tell him they wish they would have done things differently when they were younger. Koch continued noting it is difficult to find employment opportunities where theres not specific skills needed or the requirement of standing on their feet for long periods of a time. Library Director Joanne Neeman said she had a conversation with Koch. I was approached and asked if we would have anything at the library that an older worker would be able to do, she said. We interviewed Kathy just like we would have for any other job. We had multiple binders of genealogy records that were donated to the library. The records needed to be indexed before they could be of use. Kathy has been entering the information into a database. Davis works five days a week, four hours a day at the library. She is paid through the Senior Community Service Employment Program with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Neeman said if Davis was not doing this job, the records would sit in a box because the library doesnt have staffing to do it. This is going to happen in a more timely manner because of Kathy, she said. There are more than 100 binders. Davis said she has the opportunity to meet people. I walk around the library and talk to people, she said. Im a people person and thats the best part of the job. Reemployment Coordinator Jaci Minge said there were requirements of the SCSEP program. To qualify for the SCSEP the individual needs to be 55 or older, low income and unemployed, she said. We have a few other spots open in the community and we want to continue to build partnerships with government and non-profits. Nebraska Department of Labor has multiple programs available to assist individuals of all ages in finding employment. The office is located at 2317 North Sixth, Suite 3 in Beatrice. They can also be reached at 402-223-6060. GRAND ISLAND On a visit to Grand Island on Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talked about the impact a $15.2 million federal grant will have on two companies that operate in Grand Island, Cathcart Rail and GMCO Corp. Buttigieg appeared at the Cathcart Rail facility west of Grand Island. Before delivering an address, he toured the plant, which is in Cornhusker Industrial Park. The $15.2 million grant was awarded to Cathcart Rail to fund the Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project. GMCO Corp. will not receive any of the grant, but the improvements it makes will benefit its business. The grant was one of 70 rail improvement projects funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law. The funding, which totals more than $1.4 billion, will support projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. Maintenance of America's tracks has been long deferred, Buttigieg said. "America has tolerated more than 1,000 derailments a year, year after year, for decades," he said. Cathcart Rail is a freight rail service and transportation company that operates repair facilities, railroad mechanical field services and short-line railroads. The company, which has been in business for seven years, owns Cornhusker Railroad. Cathcart has close to 100 employees in Grand Island. With the $15.2 million grant, Cathcart will rebuild "the full 5 miles" between the BNSF and Union Pacific tracks, said Casey Cathcart, co-founder, chairman and CEO of the company. The company will also upgrade the yard, add two 2-mile-long sidings to "help facilitate better interchange" between BNSF and Union Pacific and fund the construction of a new rail repair facility. GMCO operates a company called GMCO Growth Technologies, which will manufacture fertilizer near the Cathcart facility. Buttigieg expressed thanks to Sen. Deb Fisher, R-Nebraska, who was not present. Fisher's vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law "is directly responsible for the funding that we are able to celebrate around the country and pieces of good news like the good news we are we're celebrating today," Buttigieg said. "Not a lot of things happen on a bipartisan basis in Washington these days, but this did," Buttigieg said. A number of Republicans crossed the aisle "to work with Democrats and President Biden to get that funding in place. And now we're bringing that funding out to get things done." The Biden administration is making passenger and freight rail safer, Buttigieg said. Recently, in North Platte, he said, "there was a railcar chemical fire that reminded us once again of the stakes of railroad safety. Residents, before the all-clear was sounded, had the frightening experience of having to evacuate their homes. We need to make sure that we speak to every community that wonders whether they might be the next to be affected by something like that." Investment is needed partly because laws and practices have been so weak "that many of the largest and most profitable players weren't being held accountable. We're working with Congress to fix that." Over about half a century, "America did not invest enough in rail," he said. In 2018, federal, state and local governments "collectively spent on rail about 1% of what they spent on roads." The importance of rail is worth a lot more than that, Buttigieg said. Biden worked with Democrats and Republicans to get the bipartisan infrastructure law passed, he said. The funds approved in that bill are now being used "to make freight rail and passenger rail safer more reliable, more efficient and more resilient." Rail safety and rail supply chain upgrades are being done through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program. The latest round of funding for the CRISI program is four times larger than previous rounds, Buttigieg said. Top Journal Star photos for September 2023 ANANTARA HOTELS AND RESORTS ROLLS OUT 'DOLLAR FOR DEEDS' CSR PROGRAMME GLOBALLY Adding another layer to its sustainability pledge, luxury hospitality brand Anantara Hotels and Resorts is rolling out its signature CSR programme Dollar for Deeds at all of its properties worldwide. ANANTARA HOTELS AND RESORTS ROLLS OUT 'DOLLAR FOR DEEDS' CSR PROGRAMME GLOBALLY Adding another layer to its sustainability pledge, luxury hospitality brand Anantara Hotels and Resorts is rolling out its signature CSR programme Dollar for Deeds at all of its properties worldwide. Industry economy - Sustainability This is a press release Category: Worldwide This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2023-09-26 Designed as an opt-in programme for guests, Dollar for Deeds encourages travellers to give back to the community by donating to a range of worthy causes, each hand-picked to impact the environment, sustainability and the community in the most effective way. Under this programme, guests can donate one dollar per night of their stay, with Minor Hotels matching their contribution dollar for dollar and donated to CSR partners internationally. By agreeing at the time of check-in, Anantara guests not only enjoy a luxurious stay that is rich in discovery, but leave with wonderful memories of their experiences, knowing that they have made a positive difference to the local environment and community. In Thailand, funds raised are dispersed equally between three chosen and vetted causes: The Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok to provide comprehensive care for mainly children with craniofacial abnormalities; The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation that looks after all turtles that nest in Phuket including the critically endangered giant leatherback; and The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation where rescued street elephants enjoy a peaceful life in Northern Thailand and wild elephants and their habitat are protected. Other projects around the world include holistic coral reef protection in the Maldives; vulture nest monitoring, raptor protection and humpback whale monitoring in Oman; gibbon, peacock and otter releases in Cambodia; providing care & vocational training for disabled children in Vietnam and Indonesia; supporting local farmers and local fishing communities in Africa and reforestation projects in China and Malaysia. According to John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation for Minor Hotels, Anantaras parent company, Sustainability has long been a key pillar of our operating philosophy and, increasingly, it is not only a global need but also a requirement from both our investors and guests. By making Dollar for Deeds accessible globally, we can support more worthy causes around the world while encouraging individual sustainability journeys and changing the definition of purposeful travel in our neighbouring communities and ecosystems. For the expansion I am particularly proud of the way our properties outside Thailand have embraced the spirit of the programme and chosen amazing local causes to support Participating properties and associated projects are: Thailand, all properties The Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Centre The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation Sri Lanka, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort Turtle beach protection with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Sri Lanka, Anantara Kalutara Resort Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe Cambodia, Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa Gibbon, peacock, otter releases with the Wildlife Alliance Rewild Angkor The Maldives, all properties Holistic coral reef protection projects Oman, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Vulture nest monitoring and raptor protection with the Environmental Society of Oman Capture, treatment and release of stray dogs and cats Oman, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Gulf humpback and Brydes whale monitoring with the Environmental Society of Oman Malaysia, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas Reforestation, wildlife monitoring and protection with the Rewild Desaru Project Vietnam, all properties Kianh Foundation - providing care & vocational training for disabled children Mozambique, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort Supporting fishing communities through infrastructure development and food donations Zambia, Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara Supporting local farmers through developing products and markets while cutting out the middlemen. Indonesia (Bali), All Properties Annika Linden Centre providing care for disabled kids. China, Xishuangbanna Good to Nature scientific reforestation of Yunnans rainforest ecosystem. The rollout of the Dollar for Deeds programme will continue in Anantaras recently launched hotels throughout Europe in Q1, 2024. About Anantara Hotels and Resorts Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the worlds most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences. From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 45 stunning hotels and resorts located in Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Zambia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands and France, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. [ Anantaras sustainability initiatives ] [Website of the company which publishes this press release] A carrier who delivered mail in the Helena area for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced Monday after she admitted to stealing mail from an estimated 90 people on her route, authorities said. Katie Elizabeth Bowlds, 39, of Helena was in search of cash and gift cards and stole mail, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Bowlds to two years of probation and ordered $1,847 in restitution. Bowlds pleaded guilty in April to possession of stolen mail. The government alleged in court documents that in 2022, Bowlds worked as a contract delivery services carrier for the U.S. Postal Service on a rural route in the Helena area. "In the spring of 2022, Bowlds stole hundreds of greeting cards from her postal route in search of cash and gift cards," officials said. "Many of these greeting cards contained small denominations of cash and gift cards and were intended for birthdays, anniversaries and other life events. The cards never reached the intended recipients because of Bowlds thefts." The U.S. Attorney's Office asserts Bowlds actions affected more than 90 victims. I hope the restitution ordered today will help make up for the missed birthday, anniversary, and special occasion gifts that Bowlds robbed from people, including kids, when she stole mail and rifled through greeting cards for cash and gift cards ... Bowlds actions eroded this trust, and I am pleased she is being held accountable for her criminal conduct, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said in the news release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Reddit Email 58 Shares Newark, Del. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Frankly, it was hard to watch last weekends interview of Farid Zakaria of CNN with Irans current president, Raisi. It was embarrassing. As usual it was all denial and delusion on the part of the highest official of the Islamic Republic. When Raisis men showed up at the United Nations for the 78th assembly of nations, even the foreign minister of Iran went through the back door. What was he afraid of? What were they afraid of? Officials usually dont enter through the backdoor unless they are hated and fearful of the reaction of their own people. In September 1960, in the same hall, Fidel Castro gave his fiery 4-hour speech and then showed up in Harlem, staying in a hotel owned by an African American woman. All other hotels had rejected him and his companions. He mingled with people. Raisi and his gang stayed at the Royal Hilton. Raisi got up and showed a copy of the Koran, as if his governments misdeeds dont daily cover it in shame. A reporter confronted one of the men in the entourage of Raisi. He was not just strong-armed by the thug who wanted to grab his cell phone, but if the petty enforcer had not been stopped by the U.S. security people, he would have assaulted the reporter. They didnt seem to realize that this was New York City, not the streets of Tehran. It was demeaning to watch this whole episode on television, to watch your country run by thugs. Who is Ebrahim Raisi? He served as a warden at Evin Prison as a young revolutionary guard (pasdar), in his early 20s. He became part of what was called the Death Commission. With three others, he was involved in the execution by hanging of some 4000 political prisoners who, having served their sentences, were about to be freed. It was all done in secret. Their loved ones received their belongings in a bag. They were all buried in the infamous Khavaran cemetery. It is now a burial place with red poppies covering the unmarked graves of countless men and women. In some parts of the gravesite, there are photos of the martyrs, with flowers left by their families. Some of the mothers have died since-it was some 35 years ago- never being able to say their last goodbyes. Article continues after bonus IC video Guardian News Protests at United Nations headquarters while Ebrahim Raisi addresses delegates When asked by Farid Zakaria about Mahsa Amini and the womens movement against hejab, the president of Iran, who was selected by the clerical supreme leader, not by the Iranian people, said, well this is the law of the land. Who created this law and who enforced it? Was it ratified by most representatives of the Majlis or was it a fatwa by Khomeini? In 1979, thousands of women from all walks of life poured into the streets of Tehran defying the enforced hejab. They were beaten and encountered violence. Raisi and his gang do not represent the Iranian people. They do not belong in the Hall of Nations where the famous verse of the 12th century poet of Iran, Saadi is inscribed. The sons of Adam are limbs of each other, Having been created of one essence. When the calamity of time affects one limb The other limbs cannot remain at rest. If you have no sympathy for the troubles of others, You are unworthy to be called human. The Islamic regime is a government that takes up arms and kills its citizens under the rubric of Islam. Islam is supposed to be a religion of mercy. Oh, and lets not talk about Israel and Zionism. Who is Raisi to worry about Palestinians when his government and his henchmen have murdered many of our young people in front of our eyes in the last year alone. Children, young girls, and boys -some as young as six years old-were shot to death. Others were shot in the eye, losing their eyesight. We do care about our Palestinian brothers and sisters but who is the Islamic Republic to cry foul? And please, I beg the Israeli Ambassador to keep his sign about Mahsa and take care of his own business in his own country. Dont grab any more lands, and give the Palestinians some rights. Raisis demagoguery was blatant. Empty words by a soulless person. He does not represent the people of Iran with its more than 3000 years of culture and history. Irans future should be one of hopes and dreams for all its people, especially the young generation. Iran wants to embrace the world and become part of the nations of the world. Its people do not want to be isolated anymore or shunned. The masquerade by Raisi only delegitimized his government further in the eyes of the world. Reddit Email 46 Shares ( Middle East Monitor ) Jericho does not belong to the Palestinians alone. It belongs to the whole of humanity. For Israel, however, the recognition by UNESCO of Jericho as a World Heritage Site in Palestine complicates its mission of erasing Palestine, physically and figuratively, from existence. The decision was described by Israels Foreign Ministry as a cynical ploy by the Palestinians to politicise UNESCO. This is ironic, as Israel has politicised history by removing anything that could be interpreted as part of Palestinian historical heritage, while elevating a self-centred, and largely fabricated, view of history that supposedly belongs to Israel, and Israel alone. Though Israel has succeeded, thanks to its massive military power, in dominating the Palestinian physical landscape, it has largely failed in dominating Palestines history. Apartheid walls, military checkpoints and illegal Jewish settlements are easy to construct. Constructing a historical narrative that is dotted with lies, half-truths and omissions, however, is almost impossible to sustain for long. All of this is part of a protracted Israeli-US war on UNESCO. In 2019, the US and Israel officially withdrew from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias. This followed repeated threats by various US administrations, and a cut of funding by the Obama Administration in 2011. But why such a fierce and determined war against an organisation that describes itself as a promoter of world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture? In fact, UNESCO is one of very few UN-linked international institutions that is the least politicised, based on the belief that the past, and whatever remains of it, is a common heritage that belongs to all of us. Article continues after bonus IC video France 24: Prehistoric Jericho site voted onto UNESCO World Heritage List FRANCE 24 English As acceptable as such a claim may be for many countries around the world, for Israel UNESCOs innocuous gestures to the Palestinians are simply heretical. Not only Jericho and, specifically, Tell Es-Sultan belongs in the list of World Heritage Sites, the two should top the list. This is not grandstanding or another cynical utilisation of history but simply because Jericho is the oldest inhabited city in the world and Tell Es-Sultan is the oldest town in the world as it dates back to the 10th millennium BCE. For example, the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Era Tower, circa 8300 BCE, is believed, by recent studies, to mark the summer solstice. It was, for nearly 6,000 years, the tallest human-made structure in the world. This is just one of numerous astonishing facts about Tell Es-Sultan. All of Palestine is rich with such history, which traces our common ancestry to ancient civilisations that have merged or fused into other cultures, giving us the fascinating tapestry that is humanity. And, because the history of Palestine is the history of humankind, serious Palestinian historians, archaeologists and intellectuals rarely display any ethnocentric ownership over that history, thus refusing to claim any ascendency over other cultures. All archaeological and historical evidence shows that Palestine was inhabited by many people, wrote respected Palestinian archaeologist, Dr. Hamdan Taha, in the recently-published volume Our Vision for Liberation. Palestinian history spans a period starting from the Homo Sapiens until the 21st century and, over this history, marked by many wars, invasions and conversions, (..) the indigenous population was never completely eliminated, Taha writes. A careful reading of Tahas comments is enough to explain Israels fears, bordering on panic, whenever Palestine and the Palestinians are linked to a credible historical narrative. Two points are worth a pause: one, all the wars, invasions and conversions did not succeed in interrupting the demographic flow and continuity of the indigenous people of Palestine, culminating in todays modern Palestinians; and two, those indigenous people, though some invaders have tried in vain, were never completely eliminated. Israel has done more than attempt to rewrite history and to marginalise the main actors of Palestines historical narrative. It has also actively and continuously tried to eliminate the natives altogether. But it failed. The number of Palestinians living in historic Palestine today at least equals, and in some estimates is even higher than the number of Israeli Jewish immigrants from Europe and elsewhere. Failing at the elimination part of history, Israel is now resorting to the two-pronged strategy of ethnic cleansing and racial separation, or apartheid. The latter practice is now increasingly recognized by international human rights groups, including Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, and many others. The ghosts of the past are another problem facing Israel. A brilliant cadre of Palestinian historians and archaeologists, like Taha, joined by courageous and equally brilliant Israeli historians, like Ilan Pappe, are determined to unearth the truth on Palestines history and on Israels meddling in history. It is because of such respected individuals, a parallel history to the one invented by Israel following the Nakba has emerged. Another Tell the Arabic word for hill aside from Tell Es-Sultan, was recently unearthed. The Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, said earlier this month that the excavations of Tell Qedesh is the first-of-its-kind project uncovering a not so distant past. In this Palestinian village near the Lebanese border, war crimes were committed, and the hapless villagers, after doing their best to resist Zionist militias, were forced to flee. To ensure the villagers never return, Israeli authorities bulldozed the village entirely. The dig is the first in Israel specifically dedicated to archaeologically exploring the legacy of what Palestinians remember as the Nakba, Haaretz wrote. For decades, Palestinians have been doing just that. Several generations of Palestinian archaeologists have helped reanimate much of that history, ancient and modern. The rule of archaeology is to reconstruct the past in order to build the future, according to Taha. Unlike Israel, however, Tahas vision aims to incorporate the voices of all peoples, groups, cultures and religions that have lived on the land of Palestine. This inclusive vision is at direct odds with Israels exclusivist, selective and often fabricated vision, predicated on military domination and cultural erasure. In its Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh on 17 September, UNESCO has just confirmed the validity of the Palestinian vision. Naturally, Israel is angry because invaders hate the truth. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Middle East Monitor Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (the "Company" or "Blackrock") reports assay results for its 100% controlled Silver Cloud project ("Silver Cloud") located in north-central Nevada along the Northern Nevada Rift trend. HIGHLIGHTS: Intercepts up to 2.24 g/t gold were encountered in banded epithermal quartz veins; Multiple banded epithermal veins were encountered with drilling confirming the orientation and dip of the epithermal vein structure with a westerly dip; and The mineral resource update for the Company's Tonopah West project located within the Walker Lane trend in west central Nevada remains on track for completion in October 2023. The Company completed a core program centered on the Northwest Canyon epithermal vein intercept that encountered 1.52 metres grading 70 g/t gold and 600 g/t silver in its 2022 drill program (see January 17, 2023 news release). The 2023 drill program consisted of five core holes totalling 1,827 metres. The drilling showed the epithermal vein system has a strike with azimuth of 340 degrees and a dip of 60 degrees to the west. The vein structure shows a much shallower dip than originally thought and drillholes were not in the optimum location for the shallow westerly dip. Several permitted sites were not drilled as a result. Gold and minor silver mineralization was encountered in drillholes SBC23-025 and -026. These holes were 25-metre and 100-metre step-outs located north from the original high grade bonanza intercept. While the strike and dip of the vein is better understood, the orientation of the high-grade gold and silver is not. Table 1 shows assay results above 0.2 g/t gold. Andrew Pollard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, "As we await completion of our updated mineral resource estimate for our flagship Tonopah West project, which remains on track for October, the results from our targeted follow-up campaign at Silver Cloud continue to refine our understanding of the geologic controls of the mineralized system at the Northwest Canyon target. Though we have a good understanding of the strike and orientation of the structure, we have not yet been able to replicate the grades seen in SBC-22-20. A review of the down-hole geochemical data is underway to better pinpoint where the high-grade system is localized." Table 1: 2023 assay results above a 0.2g/t gold cut off grade Area Drillhole ID Hole Type Year Drilled From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Gold g/t Silver g/t NW Canyon SBC23-022 Core 2023 NSV NW Canyon SBC23-023 Core 2023 NSV NW Canyon SBC23-024 Core 2023 228.45 229.36 0.91 0.090 16.24 NW Canyon SBC23-025 Core 2023 271.27 272.49 1.22 2.150 81.77 NW Canyon SBC23-025 Core 2023 300.23 301.45 1.22 0.225 4.14 NW Canyon SBC23-026 Core 2023 282.25 283.77 1.52 0.274 0.53 NW Canyon SBC23-026 Core 2023 321.57 323.09 1.52 0.789 3.40 NW Canyon SBC23-026 Core 2023 410.57 412.94 2.38 0.747 13.62 Including 412.27 412.94 0.67 2.240 21.71 NW Canyon SBC23-026 Core 2023 416.66 422.45 5.79 0.683 18.73 NW Canyon SBC23-026 Core 2023 425.81 431.38 5.58 0.252 3.17 NSV = No Significant Results. True thickness is estimated at 30% to 50% of drillhole interval Drillhole SBC23-022 was drilled up dip of the bonanza intercept in SBC22-020. The drillhole confirmed that gold and silver mineralization are within the lower portion of the Silver Cloud rhyolite. A review of the down-hole geochemical data is being undertaken to determine what may be localizing the precious metal mineralization within the rhyolite lithology. Drillhole SBC23-023 was a 25 metre off-set to the south of SBC22-020. As the orientation has a shallower dip to the west than previously thought, the drillhole passed over the top of the vein and was not a good test of the Northwest Canyon vein system. Drillhole SBC23-024 was a 25 metre step out to the north of SBC22-020. The drillhole did not encounter the vein within the lower portion of the Silver Cloud rhyolite but did encounter low-grade gold mineralization. Drillholes SBC23-025 and SBC23-026 were re-oriented as the vein strike was better understood from the previous drillholes. Drillhole SBC23-025 was a 100 metre step out and the inclination was steepened to correct for the new postulation of the vein orientation. The drillhole encountered the vein at 271 metres down the hole and returned 1.22 metres grading 2.15 g/t gold. Drillhole SBC23-026 was re-oriented with a shallower angle to pierce the westerly dipping vein. The core hole encountered the banded vein at 41 metres and returned up to 2.24 g/t gold. Table 2: Drillhole collar location data for the 2023 Silver Cloud drill campaign Drillhole ID NAD27_E NAD27_N Elevation (m) Total Depth (m) Azimuth Inclination SBC23-022 530145 4544147 1675 274.321 271 -69 SBC23-023 530145 4544147 1675 369.418 263 -65 SBC23-024 5300149 4544149 1675 369.723 281 -75 SBC23-025 5030129 4544199 1683 367.894 273 -75 SBC23-026 530227 4544244 1462 445.618 270 -55 Quality Assurance/ Quality Control All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company's project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The core samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Battle Mountain, Nevada, where they are loaded onto American Assay Laboratory's (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada, which is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company's instructions. The core and QA/QC samples are crushed and pulverized, then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for Au using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAu30 and GRAVAg30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified standard approximately every 15th to 20th sample. Blackrock's exploration activities at Silver Cloud are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. About Blackrock Silver Corp. Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration company driven to add shareholder value via the drill bit. With 2.97 million tonnes grading 446 g/t silver equivalent1 at its Tonopah West project, and a new bonanza-grade gold discovery at Silver Cloud, the Company has a proven track record of exploration success. In addition to its gold and silver project portfolio, the Company is credited with a lithium discovery, the Tonopah North project, which is under option to a major lithium exploration group. Anchored by a seasoned Board, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada. For further information, please contact: Andrew Pollard, President & CEO Blackrock Silver Corp. Phone: 604 817-6044 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern, without limitation, timing and expectations for completion of the updated mineral resource estimate on the Company's Tonopah West project; timing and expectations for the Company's exploration and drilling programs, estimates of mineralization from drilling, geological information projected from sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors, including the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data, and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. 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. 1 Technical information relating to the Tonopah West project is based on and derived from the NI 43-101 report prepared for Blackrock entitled "Technical Report and Estimate of Mineral Resources for the Tonopah West Silver-Gold Project, Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, USA" effective April 28, 2022 authored by Michael S. Lindholm, C.P.G. and Jeffrey Bickel, C.P.G. (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report outlines 2.97million tonnes at a block diluted grade of 208 grams per tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) and 2.5g/t gold (Au) for a total inferred mineral resource of 19,902,000 ounces Ag and 238,000 ounces Au, or 446 g/t silver equivalent (AgEq) for 42.6million oz AgEq. AgEq equivalent grade is based on silver and gold prices of US$20/ounce and US$1750/ounce, respectively, and recoveries for silver and gold of 87%and 95% VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Sitka Gold Corp. ("Sitka" or the "Company") (CSE: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) is pleased to announce the results of drill hole DDRCCC-23-47 ("Hole 47"), the fifth hole completed during the 2023 diamond drilling program at the Company's 376 square kilometre, road accessible RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") located in Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt ("TGB"), approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City. Hole 47 produced the best gold intercepts drilled to date at RC Gold and significantly extends the known gold mineralization from the southern extent of the current Blackjack deposit, returning 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t gold (see Table 1). Analytical results for an additional 9 diamond drill holes completed at RC Gold are currently pending. DDRCCC-23-047 Highlights: 219.0 m of 1.34 g/t Au from 190.0 m including: 124.8 m of 2.01 g/t Au from 233.0 m including; 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t Au from 276.0 m including: 14.0 m of 5.53 g/t Au from 311.0 m from including: "Hole 47 is our best drill hole to date, returning 219 meters of 1.34 g/t gold including very significant sub-intervals such as 124.8 metres of 2.01 g/t gold and 14.0 meters of 5.53 g/t gold," commented Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka, "What is particularly noteworthy is that, while Hole 47 is the best hole drilled to date when looking at interval length and grade, its location is in a wide open area at the southern extent of the Blackjack zone, whereas the previous reported Hole 46 was drilled 405 m to the northeast and returned the highest grade interval ever drilled in the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (1.2 m of 108.00 g/t gold; see news release dated September 11, 2023 and Figure 2). Both of these drill holes are wide open step outs from the maiden resource at the Blackjack deposit investigating the gold mineralization within the metasediments and the intrusive rocks, and underscore that this deposit and the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex area are just beginning to reveal the true potential they have to develop significant ounces. We are very pleased to see the persistent gold mineralization being exhibited within the quartz arsenopyrite veining in the metasediments, in addition to the intrusive units, and believe that this will ultimately contribute to a very large gold endowment within the cluster of intrusive rocks and surrounding metasediments that make up the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex." DDRCCC-23-047 DDRCCC-23-047 intersected the longest sections of multi-gram gold mineralization seen in drilling to date on the RC property. Gold mineralization occurred in quartz and quartz arsenopyrite veins within both the metasediments and the megacrystic quartz monzonite (MQZM) units. Analytical results demonstrate that localized high grade gold values in quartz arsenopyrite veins often occur in the metasediments, such as 2.0 m of 10.5 g/t Au from 249.0 m, while longer more consistently mineralized intervals generally occur in quartz and quartz-arsenopyrite veinlets in the MQZM, such as 55.0 m of 3.11 g/t Au 276.0 m. In the latter 55.0 m interval, only one 1.9 m sample (from 284.0 to 285.9 m) returned an assay less than 1.00 g/t Au, while the highest assay in the interval was 2.0 m of 7.70 g/t Au (from 321.0 to 323.0 m). DDRCCC-23-047 was located at the south margin of the current Black Jack resource, approximately 60 m southeast of the most southerly holes drilled in the area to date (RCCC23-044 and 045) and drilled to the northeast at an azimuth of 040 degrees and a dip of -55 degrees. The hole intersected metasediments intruded by metre scale granodiorite and MQZM to 75 m; MQMZ and granodiorite until 131 metres; dominantly metasediments to 224 metres; and MQZM to 371 m and then metasediments to the end of the hole at 422.15 metres. Quartz arsenopyrite veins and massive arsenopyrite veinlets occurred throughout the hole, with the most intense development of the veins occurring with the MQZM unit from 224 to 371 metres. Visible gold was noted in a quartz sulphide vein within the MQZM at 280 metres (Figure 4). Significant mineralized intervals are summarized below in Table 1 and examples of drill core intervals are displayed in Figure 5. Table 1 Assay Highlights for DDRCCC-23-047 HoleID Azimuth () Dip () From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) DDRCCC-23-047 040 -55 190.0 409.0 219.0 1.34 including 223.7 409.0 185.3 1.50 including 223.7 359.0 135.3 1.89 including 233.0 357.8 124.8 2.01 including 237.0 259.6 22.6 2.13 including 249.0 259.6 10.6 3.49 including 249.0 251.0 2.0 10.50 and 276.0 331.0 55.0 3.11 including 302.0 329.4 27.4 4.24 including 311.0 325.0 14.0 5.53 *Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths The Company has completed 16 drill holes totaling approximately 6515 metres as part of its 2023 diamond drill program at RC Gold. Analytical results for the remaining 9 drill holes completed to date will be released once they have been received and compiled. About the RC Gold Project The RC Gold Project (RC Gold) consists of a 376 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the newly road accessible Clear Creek, Big Creek, and Sprague Creek districts in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine - Yukon's newest gold mine which reached commercial production in the summer of 2020 - and Victoria Gold's Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The RC Gold Project land package comprises five underlying properties, namely, the RC, Bee Bop, Mahtin, Clear Creek, and Barney Ridge properties*. On January 19, 2023 Sitka Gold announced an Initial Mineral Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") guidelines for the RC Gold Property of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1). The road accessible, pit constrained Mineral Resource is classified as inferred and is contained in two near/on-surface zones: The Blackjack and Eiger deposits. The Mineral Resource estimate is presented in the following table at a base case cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au: RC Gold Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate COG g/t Au Blackjack Zone Eiger Zone Combined Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's Tonnes 000's Au g/t 0z Au 000's 0.20 35,798 0.80 921 32,523 0.45 471 68,321 0.63 1,391 0.25 33,743 0.83 900 27,362 0.50 440 61,105 0.68 1,340 0.30 31,282 0.88 885 22,253 0.55 393 53,535 0.74 1,279 0.35 29,065 0.92 860 17,817 0.60 344 46,882 0.80 1,203 0.40 26,975 0.96 833 14,506 0.66 308 41,481 0.86 1,140 Notes 1. Mineral resource estimate prepared by Ronald G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 19, 2023. Mineral Resources are classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. 2. The cut-off grade of 0.25 g/t Au is believed to provide a reasonable margin over operating and sustaining costs for open-pit mining and processing 3. Mineral resources are constrained by an optimised pit shell using the following assumptions: US$1800/oz Au price; a 45pit slope; assumed metallurgical recovery of 85%; mining costs of US$2.00 per tonne; processing costs of US$8.00 per tonne; G&A of US$1.50/t. 4. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. 5. Totals may not sum due to rounding. The Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold at the RC Gold Project is comprised of two deposits: the Blackjack deposit containing 900,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.83 g/t gold and the Eiger deposit containing 440,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 0.50 g/t gold (see news release dated January 19, 2023). Both of these deposits are at/near surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). The Blackjack and Eiger deposits are in close proximity to highway and power infrastructure, are road accessible year-round, remain open in all directions and are located within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. The deposits are located with a large, 500 metre by 5 kilometre intrusion related gold system that was recently discovered on the Property. To date, 52 diamond drill holes have been drilled into this system for a total of approximately 18,275 metres with results of up to 201.0 m of 1.26 g/t gold from surface, including 82.0 m of 2.04 g/t gold and 19.5 m of 4.87 g/t gold at Blackjack (drill hole DDRCCC-22-040; see news release dated January 11, 2023) and 72 m of 0.72 g/t gold at Eiger (drill hole DDRCCC-21-009; see news release date August 19, 2021). Several high priority intrusion related gold targets exist at RC Gold with nine outcropped intrusions identified to date over the 376 sq km property, however Sitka's main focus at the RC Gold Project has been on the underlying Clear Creek Property where a large 500 metre by 2000 metre corridor hosting an intrusion related gold system covering the area over the Blackjack, Saddle and Eiger zones was identified. Additional surface work has extended the gold corridor an additional 3000 metres east and now encompasses the Josephine intrusion. Prior to the onset of the 2023 winter drilling program, the Company had drilled 38 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 13,000 metres. This drilling culminated in the discovery of the Blackjack and Eiger deposits with an initial inferred mineral resource estimate of 1,340,000 gold ounces(1). Sitka Gold inherited a wealth of historical and current data from these properties from work spanning the last 40 years. Recent exploration work and the compilation of historical data have defined several mineralized zones with both bulk tonnage, intrusion-related gold deposit targets and high-grade, vein- and breccia-hosted gold targets. The RC Gold Project also has a common border with Victoria Gold's Clear Creek property at its western boundary and Florin Resources' Florin Gold property at its northern boundary. (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory. *For more detailed information on the underlying properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com. Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is part of the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the Florin Gold deposit, located adjacent to Sitka's RC Gold project, with a current Inferred Mineral Resource of 170.99 million tonnes grading 0.45 g/t (2.47 million ounces; Simpson 2021)(4) and the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 312.90 million tonnes grading 0.61 gram per tonne gold (6.18 million ounces; Jutras 2023)(5). (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://www.goldenpredator.com/_resources/Brewery-Creek_NI-43-101-05OCT2020-File.pdf (4) Simpson R. Florin Gold Project NI43-101 Technical Report. Geosim Services Inc. April 21, 2021. https://sedar.com/GetFile.do lang=EN&docClass=24&issuerNo=00005795&issuerType=03&projectNo=03236138&docI d=4984158 (5) Banyan Gold News Release Dated May 24,, 2023 (Technical Report to be filed within 45 days of news release) https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2023/banyan-announces-6.2-million-ounce-gold-resource-estimate-for-the-aurmac-property-yukon-canada/ About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka currently has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the RC, Barney Ridge, Clear Creek and OGI properties in the Yukon and the Burro Creek Gold property in Arizona. Sitka owns a 100% interest in its Alpha Gold property in Nevada, its Mahtin Gold property in the Yukon and its Coppermine River project in Nunavut. The Company recently announced an NI 43-101 compliant Initial Mineral Resource Estimate of 1,340,000 ounces of gold(1) beginning at surface and grading 0.68 g/t at its RC Gold Project in Yukon (see news release dated January 19, 2023). The Company is also planning additional drilling at its Alpha Gold Property in Nevada where a new Carlin-type gold system was recently discovered. The Company is focused on vectoring towards the high-grade core of this system, which is located on the Cortez Trend just 40 km southeast of the Cortez Mine Complex of Barrick/Newmont. (1) Simpson, R. January 19, 2023. Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory. Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events: 121 Mining Investment; New York : October 23 - 24, 2023 : Yukon Geoscience Forum, Whitehorse , Yukon : November 19 - 22, 2023 All events are subject to change. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Cor Coe, P.Geo., Director and CEO of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "appear", "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "approximate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the expected timing and terms of the private placement, use of proceeds, anticipated work program, required approvals in connection with the work program and the ability to obtain such approvals. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the CSE. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. HALIFAX, NS, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV: FOR) (FWB: 5QN) (OTCQX: FTBYF) ("Fortune Bay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its 100% owned Murmac Uranium Project ("Murmac" or the "Project") through recent successful staking efforts. The Project area now totals 10,363 hectares, representing a 95% increase in area from 2022. The Project is located on the northern rim of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, approximately 10 kilometres south of Uranium City (Figure 1). Dale Verran, CEO for Fortune Bay, commented "We are very pleased to have almost doubled the size of our Murmac Uranium Project amidst highly competitive staking in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. The recent expansions further consolidate Fortune Bay's dominant land position of high-grade uranium target areas in the Uranium City area." Mr. Verran further added, "The positive results from our 2022 drilling and prospecting programs have validated the endowment of uranium at Murmac and support the potential for a high-grade discovery. The expanded Project provides significant additional discovery potential along corridors which have been identified as being prospective for high-grade uranium." 2022 Exploration Results Support Potential for High-Grade Discovery Maiden exploration drilling completed in 2022 over regional targets intersected uranium mineralization in six (6) of the fifteen (15) drill holes, including assay highlights of 0.18% U 3 O 8 , 0.17% U 3 O 8 and 0.12% U 3 O 8 from individual 0.1 meter length drill core samples. The intersections of uranium are shallow, from between 20 and 150 metres below surface, and indicate the presence of Athabasca Basin mineralizing systems at various locations on all three targeted corridors based on the association with structured graphitic rocks and characteristic pathfinder elements and alteration. Please see News Release dated December 13, 2022 for more details. These results warrant follow-up with additional drilling, along strike and down-dip of mineralized intersections to date. Results from surface prospecting completed in 2022 further support the potential for a high-grade discovery. Prospecting results included 8.82% U 3 O 8 from a boulder sample, and outcrop samples of 6.90% U 3 O 8 and 1.69% U 3 O 8 , with an additional nine outcrop samples assaying between 0.1% and 0.8% U 3 O 8 from the Armbruster, Howland and Pitchvein Corridors. Please see News Release dated January 23, 2023 for more details. Fortune Bay's exploration results to date (Figure 2), in conjunction with historical results, confirm a substantial uranium endowment at Murmac, and numerous priority target areas have been identified for drill testing. Newly Acquired Claims The newly acquired claims cover strike extensions of prospective electromagnetic ("EM") conductors, or corridors, that were defined with VTEMTM surveying completed in spring of 2022. In addition, the newly acquired claims cover prospective, underexplored areas immediately south and west of the historical Lorado mine, where more than 95,000 tons of shallow ore grading 0.19% U 3 O 8 was milled between 1957 and 1960. Technical Disclosure Fortune Bay exploration results referred to in this news release represent rock outcrop and drill core samples submitted to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited) for uranium assay and multi-element characterization. Sample preparation for all samples included drying, jaw crushing to 60% passing -2 mm, and pulverizing to 90% passing -106 microns. Multi-element characterization was carried out by partial digestion (HNO 3 :HCl), using ICP-OES and ICP-MS analytical methods. For selected samples U 3 O 8 weight % was determined separately through partial digest (HCl:HNO 3 ) and ICP-OES (ISO/IEC 17025 accredited method). Additional analysis for boron content was obtained for all samples through Na 2 O 2 /NaCO 3 fusion followed by ICP-OES. QAQC on analytical results has included insertion of sample blanks by Fortune Bay at a rate of 1 blank per 20 samples. Additional QAQC by SRC has included insertion of certified reference standards and repeat analyses. All results have been reviewed and no issues were noted. The historical drill results shown in Figure 2 have not been verified and there is a risk that any future confirmation work and exploration may produce results that substantially differ from the historical results. Historical assay results were captured from assessment reports available in the Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database ("SMAD") references 74N07-0310, 74N07-0311 and 74N07-0064. The Company considers these results relevant to assess the mineralization and economic potential of the property. Information regarding the historical Lorado mine is derived from the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index ("SMDI") under reference numbers 1228 and 1229. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dale Verran, M.Sc., P.Geo., Chief Executive Officer of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Verran is an employee of Fortune Bay and is not independent of the Company under NI 43-101. About Fortune Bay Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV:FOR, FWB:5QN, OTCQX:FTBYF) is an exploration and development company with 100% ownership in two advanced gold exploration projects in Canada, Saskatchewan (Goldfields Project) and Mexico, Chiapas (Ixhuatan Project), both with exploration and development potential. The Company is also advancing the 100% owned Strike and Murmac uranium exploration projects, located near the Goldfields Project, which have high-grade potential typical of the Athabasca Basin. The Company has a goal of building a mid-tier exploration and development Company through the advancement of its existing projects and the strategic acquisition of new projects to create a pipeline of growth opportunities. The Company's corporate strategy is driven by a Board and Management team with a proven track record of discovery, project development and value creation. Further information on Fortune Bay and its assets can be found on the Company's website at www.fortunebaycorp.com or by contacting us as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 902-334-1919. On behalf of Fortune Bay Corp. "Dale Verran" Chief Executive Officer 902-334-1919 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Words such as "expects", "aims", "anticipates", "targets", "goals", "projects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", "continues", "may", variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Fortune Bay Corp. ("Fortune Bay" or 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 Fortune Bay's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to metal prices, changes in planned work resulting from weather, availability of contractors, logistical, technical or other factors, the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of Fortune Bay's mineral properties, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and other tests, the possibility that required permits may not be obtained in a timely manner or at all, risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions, the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in work programs, the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from the exploration operations, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations and the lack of availability of necessary capital, which may not be available to Fortune Bay, acceptable to it or at all. Fortune Bay is subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. 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, Fortune Bay undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Fortune Bay does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation. For more information on Fortune Bay, readers should refer to Fortune Bay's website at www.fortunebaycorp.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Anticipated 6,000 m drill program focused at Campbell-Crawford discovery area near Kerr Lake Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to present an update on drilling at the Silver Kings Project, Canada. Drilling at the Silver Kings Project is following up on the Campbell-Crawford target, where early 2023 grassroots drilling intersected significant silver and cobalt mineralization (15,372 g/t silver, 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m), both with uses in renewable energy. Drill Program Highlights: A diamond drill is now mobilized to site to start work at the Campbell-Crawford area, greater Kerr Lake area (Figure 1) The primary drill target is the Angus Vein (March 2023 grassroots discovery of 15,372 g/t silver, 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m), which will be tested at depth along the lower Nipissing Diabase contact where mining was historically focused in the Cobalt mining camp. Drilling will test the lateral extent of this discovery vein, with a target zone over 175 m in length in this vein alone, based on recent surface mapping. Secondary drill targets include the nearby and untested McNamara and Clark veins, with similar surface characteristics and orientations to the Angus Vein, and with similar mineralized potential at depth. Other blind veins and mineralized structures intersected in previous drilling will also be tested Combined, these three veins are exposed in a comparable location, surface area and buried target zone to several major, historic silver minesites in the Cobalt area, such as 21.6 million ounce Deerhorn Mine (750 m to northeast; Sergiades 1968). Other targets, including Mary Ann, Juno, and newly-uncovered silver-cobalt mineralization at Silver Centre, may also be tested in this drill program. David Lewis, Kuya Silver Vice President Exploration, commented: "Kuya Silver is in the enviable position of controlling two promising, district-scale projects in diverse jurisdictions and at different stages of development, namely the Silver Kings Project in Ontario Canada, and the Bethania Project in Peru. Follow-up drilling at our Canadian Campbell-Crawford target is set to test the vertical and lateral extent of the grassroots Angus Vein discovery at depth in the ideal silver-cobalt mineralized zone. We also exposed two other nearby veins on surface with similar untested silver-cobalt potential at depth and all three of these veins are in close proximity and on a similar scale to major historic mines in Cobalt. Although we have focused a great deal of effort this year at our Silver Kings Project, we intend to discuss work progress at our Bethania Project in the upcoming weeks." Figure 1 - Kuya Silver's Silver Kings Project area (satellite properties not shown in this map area) showing past-producing mines, historic workings and target areas. Figure 2 Major historic silver mined properties in the Cobalt mining camp, Ontario. Kuya Silvers mining property is shown in green (mining claims) and blue (mining patents and leases). Mining production presented in million ounces silver (MM Ag) from Sergiades, 1968. Silver Kings Drill Program Preparations for this current drill program (announced July 25, 2023) are largely complete and a diamond drill has now been mobilized to site. The primary target for this work is the grassroots Angus Vein discovery at the Campbell-Crawford target area, initially drilled by Kuya Silver in March 2023. In the Cobalt mining camp, the ideal silver-cobalt target zone tends to be found at, and up to 75 m above or below, the Nipissing Diabase sill rock contact. The Angus Vein was first pierced 10 m below the diabase sill and returned grades of 15,372 g/t silver and 0.08% cobalt over 3.34 m (hole 23-SK-08 from 234.90 m) and, 18 m deeper, 2,424 g/t silver and 0.03% cobalt over 2.49 m (hole 23-SK-13 from 252.73 m) in this ideal target zone. In subsequent stripping and trenching work, the Angus Vein was exposed on surface for >175 m along trend (Kuya Silver June 29, 2023 news release). Based on surface and drilling work, there is potential for a buried silver-cobalt mineralized panel in this ideal zone >175 m laterally (>575 ft) on the main Angus Vein alone following the vein exposed at surface; this zone is the first priority and is set to be drill tested both vertically and along trend in this work program. The McNamara and Clark veins (Campbell-Crawford and neighboring Airgiod properties), have comparable mineralogy, vein textures, widths and orientations to the Angus Vein on surface, and are set as second priority drill targets. Conceptually, they have similar target dimensions to the Angus Vein and have never been drill tested in the ideal mineralized horizon. The surface area and vein extent of the Campbell-Crawford and Airgiod target areas match well with major historic mines in the Cobalt mining camp (Table 1, Figure 2), many of which were divided by historic property ownership only. Kuya Silver personnel have also identified other target areas, including recently stripped areas at Frontier NW in Silver Centre, Juno and Mary Ann with further potential for economic mineralization following a similar exploration model to the Angus Vein discovery. Three new tightly spaced, mineralized veins were stripped and exposed on surface at the Frontier NW target, Silver Centre, with channel sampling assays pending. The Juno target is a small, near-surface, past-producing minesite, but, similar to the Angus Vein at the Campbell-Crawford target, has never been tested at depth below the Nipissing Diabase sill. The Mary Ann target was drilled in the 1960s with no follow-up work, piercing several veins yielding up to 500 g/t silver over 6 inches (with no cobalt assays recorded), and with comparable rock types and structural configurations to Kerr Lake. These target areas remain highly prospective and match well with Kuya Silver's goal of developing a district-scale project in Ontario. One or more of these targets may be drill tested during this work program. Table 1 - Historic silver production (presented in million ounces) relative to size of major historic mines in the Cobalt mining camp, Ontario Canada (Sergiades 1968). See Figure 2 for the location of these properties. The majority of these historic minesites are currently owned by Agnico Eagle, but a significant proportion, specifically in the Kerr Lake area, are owned by Kuya Silver. Property ownership is based on the current understanding of Kuya Silver, property size is based on Ontario Ministry of Mines information, and deposit size is denoted after Sergiades, 1968. There has been no recorded silver production at Kuya Silver's Campbell-Crawford or Airgiod properties. Property Name Historic Production (million ounce silver) Property Surface Area (hectares) Ounce Silver per Hectare Property Ownership (current understanding) Airgiod No historic production 17.0 - Kuya Silver Campbell-Crawford No historic production 24.8 - Kuya Silver King Edward 1.3 17.3 75,166 Agnico Eagle Colonial 1.2 15.0 79,787 Agnico Eagle Nova Scotia 1.1 13.3 82,931 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 401 10 48.2 207,594 Agnico Eagle Bailey 3.2 13.9 230,398 SMC Drummond 3.9 16.6 235,025 Kuya Silver Lawson 4.2 14.3 294,283 Kuya Silver Penn-Canadian 3.8 11.4 334,007 SMC Tretheway 7.3 16.0 455,737 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 404 32.8 68.7 477,702 Agnico Eagle Silverfields 19 26.5 717,685 Kuya Silver O'Brien 43.8 60.7 721,296 Agnico Eagle Buffalo 14.2 16.5 862,697 Agnico Eagle Nipissing 400 32 31.5 1,016,938 Agnico Eagle Deerhorn 21.6 19.5 1,104,972 Agnico Eagle Beaver-Temiskaming 19.2 17.3 1,109,827 Agnico Eagle / Canada Silver Cobalt Works McKinley Darragh 21.8 14.7 1,487,040 Agnico Eagle Kerr Lake 28.5 17.4 1,635,957 Kuya Silver La Rose 27.3 16.2 1,686,539 Agnico Eagle Coniagas 34 16.1 2,106,176 Agnico Eagle Crown Reserve 20.3 9.3 2,179,983 Kuya Silver References Sergiades, A.O. 1968. Silver Cobalt Calcite Vein Deposits of Ontario; Ontario Department of Mines, Mineral Resources Circular No. 10, 498p. National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. David Lewis, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Kuya Silver and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya Silver is a Canadianbased mineral exploration and development company with a focus on acquiring, exploring, and advancing precious metals assets in Peru and Canada. For more information, please contact: David Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 3984493 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.kuyasilver.com Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statements, any discussion of the potential of exploration targets and assay results, is forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. APC-65 intersected 503.25 metres grading 2.0 g/t gold equivalent from surface crossing outcropping sheeted CBM vein mineralization before transitioning into brecciated porphyry. APC-65 increased the volume in the recently wireframed internal block model of the outcropping sheeted CBM vein system located above the brecciated porphyry and on a gram x metres basis is the sixth hole ever drilled at Apollo measuring greater than 1,000 g/t gold equivalent. APC-68 intersected 45.0 metres grading 1.14 g/t gold equivalent close to surface in mineralized porphyry overprinted by sheeted CBM vein mineralization. As a result of this interval, the Apollo porphyry system has been extended a further 30 metres to the north. Drill hole APC-69, which is the only hole drilled to date testing Target 5 located peripheral to the east the Apollo porphyry system, intersected 78.35 metres grading 1.32 g/t gold equivalent from surface, followed by 78.3 metres grading 0.82 g/t gold equivalent in a zone of sheeted CBM vein mineralization. The mineralization encountered in APC-69 is now being interpreted as a 70 metre extension to the east of the surface footprint of the Apollo porphyry system. Due to drill hole APC-65, the overall area of the outcropping mineralization located within the area covered by the Apollo system has increased to 320 metres strike by 220 metres width (previously 260 metres strike by 220 metres width) and remains open for further expansion. Drilling from Pad 12 is now underway with the aim of continuing to expand the footprint of outcropping mineralization to the north. Nine new holes have now been completed in the Apollo system with assays anticipated in the short term. Of particular interest is APC-72, which cut more than 500 metres of intense visible mineralization. Additionally, two initial reconnaissance holes have been completed at both the Plutus target and the ME target with drilling continuing at both newly discovered porphyry centres. Initial assay results for Plutus and ME are anticipated in October 2023 . Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: "It is an exciting time for the Company with five rigs now actively turning at the Guayabales project. Three of the rigs are focused on lateral and vertical expansion of the Apollo porphyry system while the remaining two rigs are drilling the Plutus and ME porphyry centres for the first time. At Apollo, drilling continues to intersect remarkably continuous mineralization over significant core lengths and we have just completed our first fan of four directional drill holes, all of which intercepted mineralized porphyry. Outside of Apollo, mineralized breccia of over 100 metres in length has been intercepted at both the Plutus and ME targets with assay results for holes drilled at both targets expected in the near term. Guayabales is truly blessed with a remarkable endowment of metal and our corporate strategy of remaining aggressive with drilling will continue unabated." To watch a short video of David Reading, Special Advisor to Collective Mining, reviewing todays assay results, please click here. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results for three holes drilled in the Apollo target area, which is part of the Guayabales project located in Caldas, Colombia. Apollo already hosts an outcropping high-grade, bulk tonnage copper-silver-gold porphyry system and multiple recently generated yet untested targets surrounding it. The porphyry system at Apollo owes its excellent metal endowment to an older copper-silver and gold porphyry system being overprinted by younger precious metal rich, carbonate base metal veins (intermediate sulphidation porphyry veins) within a magmatic, hydrothermal inter-mineral breccia and diorite porphyry bodies currently measuring 520 metres x 395 metres x 915 metres and open for expansion. Details (See Table 1 and Figures 1-4) This press release outlines results from three holes drilled with the aim of expanding various portions of the Apollo porphyry system. Drill hole APC-65 was drilled northeastwards to test and expand the recently discovered upper zone of sheeted CBM vein mineralization as well as the brecciated porphyry body directly below. Exploratory holes APC-68 and APC-69 were drilled westwards from Pad 1 and eastwards from Pad 10, respectively, to test for potential extensions to the Apollo system. APC-65 was drilled steeply northeastwards from Pad 10 to a maximum downhole depth of 530.75 metres (529 meters vertical due to topography). The hole intersected continuous mineralization over 503.25 metres commencing from surface. The first 126.25 metres downhole cut the recently discovered outcropping sheeted CBM vein zone, located above and adjacent to the main brecciated porphyry body. The first 59 metres of this zone was drilled in mineralized saprolite and oxidized vein material. Upon exiting the weathered zone, sheeted CBM vein mineralization was intercepted hosting up to 3% pyrite and sphalerite respectively. Below this, the hole continues for 377 metres downhole in the brecciated porphyry zone with a sulphide cement matrix hosting up to 1.0% chalcopyrite, 2.0% pyrite, 0.2% sphalerite, 0.1% galena and pyrrhotite (up to 1.0%) with assay results as follow: 503.25 metres @ 2.00 g/t gold equivalent from surface (consisting of 1.55 g/t gold, 23 g/t silver and 0.10% copper) including: 126.25 metres @ 1.45 g/t gold equivalent from surface in shallow sheeted CBM vein mineralization ; 56.65 metres @ 4.78 g/t gold equivalent from 126.90 metres downhole in mineralized brecciated porphyry with CBM vein fluid overprint and; 64.20 metres @ 2.42 g/t gold equivalent from 325.60 metres in mineralized brecciated porphyry. APC-65 has added volume to the recently completed internal wireframed block model covering the outcropping sheeted CBM vein zone located above and peripheral to the main brecciated porphyry body. On a gram x metre basis, APC-65 returned 1,007 g/t gold equivalent, which represents the sixth intercept ever drilled at Apollo measuring more than 1,000 g/t gold on a gram x metre basis. APC-68 was drilled west from Pad 1 to a final downhole depth of 353.40 metres (276 metres vertical due to topography) and intersected sheeted CBM mineralization to the north and above the current known dimensions of the Apollo porphyry system. The CBM vein mineralization overprints quartz diorite porphyry rock and is intersected downhole for 45.5 metres from a shallow depth of 76.50 metres. The CBM veins contain sulphides of 0.1% chalcopyrite, pyrite (up to 1.5%), 0.1% galena, and sphalerite (up to 0.1%). Assay results for this interval are as follows: 45.50 metres @ 1.14 g/t gold equivalent from 76.50 metres downhole (consisting of 0.82 g/t gold, 18 g/t silver and 0.03% copper) including: 2.90 metres @ 10.55 g/t gold equivalent from 76.50 metres downhole and; 0.75 metres @ 8.33 g/t gold equivalent from 98.15 metres downhole. APC-69 was drilled to the east from Pad 10 to a final downhole depth of 576.90 metres (568 metres vertical due to topography) with the aim of testing Target 5, which is one of a series of targets surrounding the Apollo porphyry system. The hole intersected brecciated porphyry from surface in the first interval followed by a zone of sheeted CBM veins from further downhole. No prior drilling has been performed in this area of the Apollo target. The first zone of 78.35 metres, which once again commences at surface, consists of oxidized vein and breccia material for 70 metres followed by fresh rock consisting of brecciated porphyry with a sulphide matrix hosting trace of chalcopyrite, pyrite (1.0%), sphalerite (0.1%) and pyrrhotite (0.5%). A second zone of sheeted CBM veins was intersected from 221.40 metres downhole with assay results as follows: 78.35 metres @ 1.32 g/t gold equivalent from surface downhole (consisting of 1.12 g/t gold, 12 g/t silver and 0.02% copper) including: 5.65 metres @ 6.44 g/t gold equivalent from 55.00 metres downhole in brecciated porphyry mineralization. 78.30 metres @ 0.82 g/t gold equivalent from 221.40 metres downhole (consisting of 0.64 g/t gold, 8 g/t silver and 0.05% copper) in porphyry with overprinting CBM veins including: 7.70 metres @ 2.35 g/t gold equivalent from 257.70 metres downhole in porphyry with overprinting CBM veins. The mineralization encountered in APC-69 is now being interpreted as a 70 metre eastward extension from surface to the Apollo porphyry system. Apollo Drill Program and Assay Update The 2023 Phase II drilling program is advancing on schedule with assay results reported for 39 holes and an additional 9 holes awaiting assay results from the lab. Since the announcement of the discovery hole in June 2022, a total of 70 drill holes (approximately 30,570 meters) have been completed and assayed at Apollo. With five diamond drill rigs now operating at site, the Company is focused on: Expanding the Apollo porphyry system including depth extensions and high-grade sub-zones. Further drilling to expand the newly discovered shallow and outcropping sheeted CBM vein zone located above and peripheral to the Apollo brecciated porphyry body. Testing the two remaining recently generated targets surrounding the Apollo porphyry system. Three targets have been drill tested to date with assay results reported. Testing Plutus, a new large-scale porphyry target located approximately 1,000 metres east of Apollo. Testing ME, another new porphyry centre located approximately 800 metres southeast of Apollo. Generating new exploration targets for drill testing in 2024. The Apollo area, as defined to date by surface mapping, rock sampling and copper and molybdenum soil geochemistry covers a 1,000 metres X 1,200 metres area and represents a large and unusually high-grade copper-silver-gold porphyry system. Mineralization styles include early-stage porphyry veins, inter-mineral brecciated porphyry mineralization and multiple zones of late stage, sheeted, carbonate-base metal veins with high gold and silver grades. The Apollo area is still expanding as the Company's geologists have found multiple additional outcrop areas with porphyry veining, breccia, and late stage, sheeted, carbonate base metal veins. (See press release dated April 18, 2023) Results for holes outlined in this press release are summarized below: Table 1: Assay Results for APC-65, APC-68 and APC-69 Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Mo % AuEq g/t* APC-65 - 503.25 503.25 1.55 23 0.10 0.001 2.00 incl 126.90 183.55 56.65 4.75 9 0.02 0.001 4.78 and incl 282.00 307.85 25.85 1.94 63 0.29 0.001 3.26 and incl 325.60 389.80 64.20 1.95 30 0.06 0.001 2.42 and incl 423.10 465.45 42.35 3.12 21 0.04 0.001 3.41 APC-68 76.50 122.00 45.50 0.82 18 0.03 0.005 1.14 incl 76.50 79.40 2.90 10.05 52 0.02 0.002 10.55 and incl 98.15 98.90 0.75 4.47 270 0.06 0.004 8.33 and incl 105.05 106.05 1.00 0.73 132 0.05 0.008 2.75 and incl 112.65 114.80 2.15 0.65 55 0.02 0.005 1.49 APC-69 0.30 78.65 78.35 1.12 13 0.02 0.000 1.32 Incl 55.00 60.65 5.65 5.33 84 0.04 0.001 6.44 and 221.40 299.70 78.30 0.64 8 0.05 0.000 0.82 Incl 257.70 265.40 7.70 1.61 29 0.23 0.000 2.35 *AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.97) + (Ag g/t x 0.016 x 0.88) + (Cu (%) x 1.79 x 0.90)+ (Mo (%)*11.62 x 0.85) utilizing metal prices of Cu US$3.85/lb, Ag $24/oz Mo - US$25/lb and Au US$1,475/oz and recovery rates of 97% for Au, 88% for Ag, 85% for Mo, and 90% for Cu. Recovery rate assumptions are speculative as limited metallurgical work has been completed to date. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut. 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 system, 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 portions of the Apollo system, continue to expand the overall dimensions of the system, which remains open in most directions and test newly generated grassroots targets. Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CNL" and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol "CNLMF." Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG). Technical Information Rock, soils and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at SGS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program. Information Contact: Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information 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 information. In this news release, forward-looking information 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. Such factors include, among others: 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, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated April 7, 2022. Forward-looking information 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. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Golden Shield Resources Inc. (CSE: GSRI) (OTCQB: GSRFF) (FRA: 4LE0) (the "Company" or "Golden Shield") is pleased to report on progress at its 100% owned flagship, 5,457-hectare, Marudi Mountain gold project located in southwestern Guyana (the "Marudi Mountain Property" or "Marudi"). The Company is pleased to announce that Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling has now commenced at Marudi North, and that 37 holes, colared on a pre-planned grid, have been completed to date (Figure 1). In addition, three trenches have been completed since the Company's August 28, 2023 news release and 269 sample results are awaited from these. Mapping and sampling work is continuing on an ongoing basis. Leo Hathaway, Executive Chairman of Golden Shield, commented: "Drilling with the Company's RC rig has transformed exploration at Marudi, and geologists are now able to map gold bearing rocks below the saprolite "cover". This has led to the broadening of the mineralized footprints of Marudi North, Success and Pancake Creek, and the three areas may well grow to amalgamate into one larger area that extends southwards towards Mazoa Hill. Additional results from Marudi North and other areas of active exploration are provided in sections below, and results to date are summarized in Table 1, below. Table 1. Summary of Golden Shield Assay Results, 2022/23 Prospect RC holes drilled / planned / total metres Trenches complete / total metres Selective grabs taken Results highlights Marudi North 37 / 35 / 1895 3 / 362 237 Trench TMN-23-69: 5m grading 1.43 g/t Au Trench TMN-23-70: 7m grading 1.69 g/t Au, incl. 3m grading 3.02g/t Au 128 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 112 grabs grade >1 g/t Au 13 grabs grade >10 g/t Au Pancake Ck. (undrilled) 478 115 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 94 grabs grade >1g/t Au 8 grabs grade >10 g/t Au IP-6 (undrilled) 0 / 30 / 0 6 / 579 12 Trench TMH-23-47: 8m grading 1.10g/t Au 7 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 5 grabs grade >1 g/t Au Success (undrilled) 6 / 502 73 Trench TMH-23-53: 8m grading 1.25g/t Au Trench TMH-23-47: 4m grading 1.11g/t Au 13 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 11 grabs grade >1 g/t Au Kimberly (undrilled) 105 4 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 4 grab grades >1 g/t Au Paunch Ck. (undrilled) 34 4 grabs grade >0.5 g/t 1 grab >1g/t Toucan 9 / 628 511 Trench TMH-23-58: 4m grading 1.09g/t Au Trench TMH-23-63: 7m grading 1.11g/t Au 28 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 14 grabs grade >1 g/t Au 1) MARUDI NORTH At Marudi North, 1,895 metres have been drilled in 37 RC holes of a planned 35 hole program. In addition, three mechanically excavated trenches totaling 362 linear metres have been completed, and results from these are described below: TMN-23-69 (105m) 23m of FQ from which samples were sent for analysis. 27 continuous channel samples with an average length of 1m have been received so far and contain 5m grading 1.43 g/t gold. TMN-23-70 (135m) 92m of FQ with veinlets, disseminated pyrite up to 3% and visible gold at one location. 96 continuous channel samples with an average length of 1m have been received so far and contains 3m grading 4.90 g/t gold and 7m grading 1.69g/t gold, including 3m grading 3.02 g/t gold. TMN-23-71 (124m) 65m of FQ with veinlets, stockworks and disseminated pyrite up to 5%. Assay results from all continuous chip samples are pending. See map in Figure 2 for trench locations. At Marudi North 237 selective grab samples have been taken and, of these, 128 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 112 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 37.6 g/t gold (see Figure 2). 2) PANCAKE CREEK At Pancake Creek 478 selective grab samples have now been collected by Golden Shield geologists on north-south oriented, 100m spared gridlines. Of these, 115 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 94 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 28.4 g/t gold (see Figure 3). 3) SUCCESS CREEK At Success Creek 73 selective grab samples have now been collected by Golden Shield geologists on north-south oriented, 100m spared gridlines. Of these 13 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 11 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 5.6 g/t gold (see Figure 4). 4) Next Steps 1) RC drilling. Once drilling at Marudi North is complete RC drilling will commence on a pre-planned grid at the IP-6 target. 2) Diamond drilling. In late October or early November, when results of the RC drilling have been received, Golden Shield will commence diamond drill testing the best of the RC anomalous areas. Results should be available in October and continue flowing to the end of Q4 2023. The Archaean host rocks are interpreted to have been cut by late feeder structures channelling gold bearing fluids which reacted with the iron bearing host to deposit gold, often in fold hinges or shear zones. Marudi is hosted in the Kwitwaro group metasediments of the southern Guyana greenstone belts. This, combined with the Company's relationships in the area, uniquely positions Golden Shield to explore this virgin greenstone belt for additional gold resources. Quality Assurance All Golden Shield sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control / quality assurance ("QA/QC") protocol which includes the insertion of blind standards, blanks as well as pulp and reject duplicate samples. Logging and sampling are completed at Golden Shield's core handling facility located at the Marudi property. Drill core is diamond sawn on site and half drill-core samples are securely transported to Actlabs Guyana Inc ("Actlabs") sample preparation and analysis facility in Georgetown, Guyana. Samples are crushed and pulverised and a 50-gram charge is analysed by Fire Assay with gravimetric finish. Golden Shield is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. ACTLABS Laboratories is independent of Golden Shield. Qualified Persons Leo Hathaway, P. Geo, Executive Chair of Golden Shield, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified, and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and has verified the data underlying that scientific and technical information. Technical Information Certain data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. The Company has not undertaken any independent investigation of the drilling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. The Company considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling. About Golden Shield Golden Shield Resources was founded by experienced professionals who are convinced that there are many more gold mines yet to be found in Guyana. The company is well-financed and has three wholly controlled gold projects: Marudi Mountain, Arakaka and Fish Creek. Golden Shield continues to evaluate other gold opportunities in Guyana. This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects; and release of exploration results. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Golden Shield, future growth potential for Golden Shield and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on 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. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of gold and other metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Golden Shield's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect Golden Shield's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Golden Shield has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mineral exploration activities in Guyana; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified in the Company's public disclosure documents available on www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Highlights: High-grade Nickel, Copper, Cobalt, Palladium and Platinum (e.g. 10 metres grading 0.48% Ni, 1.48% Cu, 0.06% Co, 1.28g/t Pd and 0.06g/t Pt in hole FL23-481B). Significant (>3 metres) massive sulphides and wide (up to 110 metres) disseminated sulphide mineralized zones intersected. Further expanding 1,200 metres near-surface mineralized zones in East and West Zones and up to 250 metres down-dip deep mineralized zone of West Zone. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian North Resources Inc. (the Company, TSXV: CNRI; OTCQX: CNRSF; FSE: EO0 (E-O-zero)) is pleased to report the return of initial partial assay results from 21 holes drilled during the summer, which is a portion of the 21,126 metre 2023 diamond drilling program completed at its 100% owned Ferguson Lake Project (Ferguson Lake Project) in Nunavut, Canada. Assay results for submitted samples from an additional 25 drill holes still remain pending. These initial results significantly extend the East and West zones within the main mineralized horizon in three separate directions of the Ferguson Lake Project, as summarized below and Figure 1: Sulphide mineralized intersections with significant Ni-Cu-Co-Pd-Pt grades of three metres or greater in 18 out of the 21 holes. Ten drillholes (FL23-533 to FL23-541A) have successfully extended the East Zone along strike at shallow depths 950 metres further to the East with intersections of up to 8.5 metres grading 0.62% Ni, 0.61% Cu, 0.07% Co, 1.09g/t Pd and 0.16g/t Pt. from 149.5 to 158m in hole FL23-538. Four deeper drillholes (FL23-522A, FL23-497A, FL23-498&498E, FL23-481B) have confirmed the up to 250 metres down-dip extension of the main West Zone with intersections of up to 10 metres grading 0.48% Ni, 1.48% Cu, 0.06% Co, 1.28g/t Pd and 0.06g/t Pt from 656 to 666m in hole FL23-481B. Four drillholes (FL23-495, FL23-524 to FL23-526) have successfully extended the West Zone along strike to-date 250 metres further to the west with reported wide shallow intersections of up to 31 metres grading 0.26% Ni, 0.38% Cu, 0.04% Co, 0.51 g/t Pd and 0.07g/t Pt from 189 to 220m in hole FL23-525. Three initial drillholes (FL23-544 to FL23-546) testing satellite mineralized horizons south of the East Zone report encouraging results to-date of up to 3.0 metres grading 0.33% Ni, 0.39% Cu, 0.05% Co, 0.97g/t Pd and 0.16g/t Pt from 88.5 to 91.5m in hole FL23-545. The results confirm the West and East zones continue to remain open for further expansion both along strike and down-dip. Figure 1: Geological map showing the mineralized zones and the mineralized intercepts in selected drill holes completed in the summer drilling program at Ferguson Lake Project. These initial results from the summer portion of the 21,126 metre 2023 program continue to extend the West and East zones. Said Dr. Trevor Boyd, the Vice President for Exploration of the Company, These results are expected to significantly upgrade and add new resources to the current mineral resource estimates (Refer to Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, Ferguson Lake Project, Nunavut, Canada, Prepared by Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience Inc. and Francis Minerals Ltd filed by the Company to Sedar.com on July 13, 2022). The initial results (Table 1) from the summer drill program report significant intersections of both semi-massive to massive sulphides and separate low-sulphide PGM-enriched types of mineralization within the main mineralized horizon. Based upon these drilling results, the East Zone has been extended along strike 950 metres further to the east from its historic resource boundaries, and the West Zone has been extended further along strike 250 metres to the west (Figure 1). Drilling west of the historic resource boundaries of the main West Zone at depths of 150 to 700 metres suggests a widening of the host gabbro rock unit to up to 450 metres in thickness associated with downhole observed intersections of up to 110 metres of disseminated to semi-massive sulphides in the drill core. Assays results still remain pending for ten drillholes which tested along strike west of the West Zone at those depths. The results, combined with the 2022 drilling, also extend the central part of the West Zone up to 250 metres further down-dip. Borehole electromagnetic surveys of selected deep drillholes were completed during the field season and are being processed to aid in the understanding of this interpreted potential expansion of the mineralized body for the purpose of planning additional deep drill holes for 2024. Assay results for 16 completed shallow holes in the area of prospective satellite, similarly mineralized, horizons that make up the M-Zone and Anomaly 51 Zone south of the East Zone and on a small island south of the Central Zone in Ferguson Lake also remain pending. Table 1. Assay results for selected intervals of initial drill holes completed during summer 2023 From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ni % Cu % Co % Pd g/t Pt g/t Rh g/t FL23-481B 656 666 10.0 0.48 1.48 0.06 1.28 0.06 0.02 incl 656 560 4.0 0.60 1.59 0.08 1.54 0.09 0.04 724.2 730.2 6.0 0.21 0.20 0.03 0.48 0.10 797.75 808.25 10.5 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.81 0.06 FL23-495 99 104 5.0 0.24 0.56 0.03 0.36 0.06 0.02 FL23-497A 299.85 333.7 33.85 0.21 0.24 0.03 0.59 0.13 incl 299.85 304.85 5.0 0.50 0.24 0.06 1.42 0.21 0.03 & 314.85 317.85 3.0 0.53 0.46 0.07 1.10 0.20 & 325.35 333.7 8.35 0.21 0.30 0.03 1.00 0.26 FL22-498 & FL23-498E 312.5 320 7.5 0.19 0.22 0.02 0.41 0.04 FL23-522A 198.5 201.5 3.0 0.75 0.58 0.07 1.33 0.11 0.02 259 298 39 0.08 0.07 0.01 0.38 0.40 incl 259 265 6.0 0.31 0.37 0.04 0.56 0.09 0.02 incl 296.5 298 1.5 0.04 0.02 0.01 1.64 8.11 392.5 406 13.5 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.53 0.26 427 434.5 7.5 0.06 0.04 0.01 0.58 0.08 FL23-524 238 247 9.0 0.42 0.74 0.06 0.90 0.13 0.02 256 262 6.0 0.07 0.54 0.01 0.23 0.03 611.5 635.5 24 0.10 0.10 0.01 0.78 0.22 0.03 FL23-525 189 220 31 0.26 0.38 0.04 0.51 0.07 0.03 incl 204 211 7.0 0.46 0.46 0.06 0.88 0.10 0.05 253 257 4.0 0.33 0.26 0.05 0.52 0.09 542.5 567.5 25 0.07 0.07 0.01 0.33 0.11 FL23-526 209.8 222.5 12.7 0.22 0.38 0.03 0.37 0.06 0.03 270.7 294.1 23.4 0.09 0.12 0.01 0.31 0.06 FL23-533 68.5 69.5 1.0 1.66 0.25 0.05 1.06 0.24 0.02 FL23-534 40.5 46.5 6.0 0.22 0.16 0.03 0.59 0.09 0.02 FL23-535 28.5 32 3.5 0.22 0.34 0.03 0.39 0.06 0.02 FL23-536 90 93 3.0 0.50 0.93 0.06 0.97 0.18 0.08 FL23-537 131 134.1 3.1 0.38 0.69 0.05 0.72 0.12 0.04 FL23-538 149.5 158 8.5 0.62 0.61 0.07 1.09 0.16 0.08 FL23-539 144.8 148.8 4.0 0.72 0.53 0.09 1.09 0.09 0.13 FL23-540 100 118 18.0 0.20 0.45 0.03 0.39 0.14 0.03 Incl. 100 106 6.0 0.44 0.98 0.06 0.83 0.28 0.06 FL23-541 93.5 96.5 3.0 0.36 0.39 0.05 0.74 0.11 0.04 FL23-541A 98 101.13 3.13 0.26 0.31 0.03 1.07 0.45 0.04 FL23-544 No significant intercepts FL23-545 88.5 91.5 3.0 0.33 0.39 0.05 0.97 0.16 FL23-546 86.45 87.45 1.0 0.18 0.07 0.02 0.48 0.07 Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Canadian North Resources Inc. has implemented a quality control program for its Ferguson Lake Project to ensure best practice in the sampling and analysis of the drill cores, which includes the insertion of blanks, duplicates, and certified standards into the sample stream. NQ-sized drill core is saw cut with half of the remaining drill core sampled at intervals based on geological criteria including previous historic results, lithology, visual mineralization, and alteration. The remaining part of the core is stored on-site on the property. Drill core samples are shipped by bonded carriers in secured containers and submitted to the ALS Geochemistry Yellowknife, Northwest Territories facility for sample preparation and forwarded to the ALS Geochemistry facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for geochemical analyses. Some samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry Winnipeg, Manitoba for sample preparation due to the temporary disruption of the Yellowknife facility from forest fires. PGE and Gold analyses are obtained via industry standard fire assay with ICP-AES finish for Au, Pt and Pd and ICP-MS finish for Rh using 30g nominal sample weights. For samples returning greater than 10 g/t follow-up fire assay analysis with a gravimetric finish is completed. Samples are also analysed for 33 trace and major elements by ICP-AES following four-acid digestion. ALS Global quality systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101. The sampling and QA/QC program were undertaken by Company personnel under the direction and supervision of Qualified Person Dr. Trevor Boyd, P.Geo. A secure chain of custody is maintained in storing and transporting of all samples to Yellowknife, Winnipeg and North Vancouver. Qualified Person The technical contents of this News Release have been reviewed and approved by Dr. Trevor Boyd, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standards. About Canadian North Resources Inc. Canadian North Resources Inc. is an exploration and development company focusing on the critical metals for the clean-energy, electric vehicles, battery and high-tech industries. The company is advancing its 100% owned Ferguson Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, and platinum project that covers an area of 253.8 km2 of mining leases (96.9 km2) and surrounding exploration claims (156.9 km2) in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. The Ferguson Lake mining property contains substantial N.I.43-101 Compliant Mineral Resources Estimates, which include Indicated Mineral Resources of 24.3 million tonnes containing 455 million pounds (Mlb) copper at 0.85%, 321Mlb nickel at 0.60%, 37.5Mlb cobalt at 0.07%, 1.08 million ounces (Moz) palladium at 1.38gpt and 0.18Moz platinum at 0.23gpt; Inferred Mineral Resources of 47.2 million tonnes containing 947Mlb copper at 0.91%, 551.5Mlb nickel at 0.53%, 62.4Mlb cobalt at 0.06%, 2.12Moz palladium at 1.4gpt and 0.38Moz platinum at 0.25gpt. The resource model indicates significant potential for resource expansion along strike and at depth over the 15 km long mineralized belt. (Refer to Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, Ferguson Lake Project, Nunavut, Canada, Prepared by Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience Inc. and Francis Minerals Ltd filed by the Company to Sedar.com on July 13, 2022). In addition, the Company has identified the pegmatites with lithium potential at the Ferguson Lake project. Further information of the Company can be found at www.cnresources.com. Also, for further information contact: Dr. Kaihui Yang, President and CEO 905-696-8288 (Canada) 1-888-688-8809 (Toll-Free) https://CNResources.com Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, estimates, or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect managements expectations regarding the Companys future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law, anticipated events, except as expressly required by law. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - First Lithium Minerals Corp. (CSE: FLM) (OTC Pink: PGPXF) (FSE: X28) ("First Lithium Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update at its 100% owned OCA project ("OCA Project") in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. The Company completed a selective geochemical surface sampling program at the Salar de Ascotan. A total of 15 brine and brackish water samples were collected directly off the surface in the salar at depths of up to 0.3 meter and in the alluvium surrounding the salar surface. Results from AGS Laboratory, Coquimbo, Chile assays of the complete sample set range from trace to 78 Li (mg/L), with the average of 42.6 Li (mg/L) and median of 57.3 Li (mg/L). Potassium assay values averaged 1,042.8 K (mg/L) with a median at 1,445 K (mg/L), and Boron averaged 705.1 B (mg/L) with a median of 1,003.3 B (mg/L). As total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations increase with depth in common hydrogeological settings of northern Chilean salars, the geochemical results are congruent with the expectation that lithium and alkaline metals should be present in higher concentrations at depth. Figure 1. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Samples, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. Number Coordinates UTM Element Sample East North B Ca Li K Na Mg (m) (m) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) AST-1 575,042 7,629,681 169.3 1,901.9 63.5 1,445.0 15,148.6 999.7 AST-2 575,765 7,629,933 166.9 1,926.5 61.4 1,454.5 14,222.4 1,007.8 AST-3 572,797 7,627,938 162.4 1,908.8 59.2 1,440.2 15,047.0 1,001.3 AST-4 572,609 7,627,646 148.5 1,788.1 54.9 1,355.9 12,865.6 964.3 AST-5 570,767 7,616,586 155.2 1,975.7 57.3 1,482.1 15,818.2 1,022.7 AST-6 570,693 7,615,647 170.3 2,153.1 60.8 1,597.4 18,454.4 1,099.3 AST-7 575,087 7,606,651 158.8 2,014.9 56.1 1,503.3 15,418.0 1,036.0 AST-8 575,278 7,605,089 171.2 2,033.4 59.8 1,532.2 14,884.9 1,043.6 AST-9 573,064 7,620,083 225.8 2,465.9 78.0 1,832.6 17,668.6 1,237.8 AST-10 572,392 7,620,570 187.4 1,989.6 65.6 1,510.4 16,353.8 1,017.7 AST-11 584,941 7,600,005 143.4 86.5 4.8 102.5 2,488.2 31.1 AST-12 581,340 7,626,179 146.9 108.8 4.9 112.2 2,624.5 34.3 AST-13 581,416 7,621,226 125.0 83.8 4.2 93.4 2,197.9 28.0 AST-14 583,239 7,623,593 134.4 89.5 4.5 101.8 2,380.7 29.8 AST-15 582,382 7,630,840 107.4 56.4 3.6 79.1 1,862.7 22.7 Average 158.2 1,372.2 42.6 1,042.8 11,162.4 705.1 Median 158.8 1,908.8 57.3 1,445.0 14,884.9 1,001.3 Source: Company reports Figure 2. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Sample Location, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. (Source: Company reports) The Company is advancing to its inaugural brine resource exploration program in the northeastern property areas at the Salar de Ascotan (approx. 1,775 ha), which also displayed promising geophysical characteristics based on the Transient Electromagnetic ("TEM") and Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysical surveys conducted in Q4/22 and Q1/23. Future drilling and sampling are planned to test the conceptual hydrogeologic model, enhance understanding of the controls as well as obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the lithium and alkaline metals bearing brines and sediments and their economic potential. In August 2023, First Lithium Minerals personnel met with the Quechua Cebollar Ascotan Community on the envisioned exploration activities, visited the proposed sites for a drilling program, and discussed the areas and elements of future cooperation and engagement. In September 2023, the Company applied for a regulatory environmental assessment permit and is currently in the process of applying for a drilling permit, concurrently with the drilling contractor selection. Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director of First Lithium Minerals commented: "Highs of 78 Li mg/L at surface brine and brackish water samples validate Salar de Ascotan as a strong exploration target and potential future resource. It is also important to note that samples were collected just off the surface with no shallow or auger drilling performed. Typically, such surface samples are highly diluted with only traces of lithium and alkaline metals. It is our belief Salar de Ascotan mineralization will exhibit typical hydrogeological conditions of the salars in northern Chile where deeper brine enrichment is encountered at depth. We look forward to starting our drilling program as soon as all regulatory permits are obtained, and weather conditions allow." The Company is expecting to commence a drilling program in Q4/23-Q1/24, conditional upon obtaining required government permits, licences, and agreements. The field sampling of brines and brackish water from the surface was done in accordance with generally accepted industry standards. The sampling program included Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) standard elements such as including duplicate, CRM, and blank samples. Formal chain of custody documents were prepared for every sample obtained and submitted for laboratory analysis to AGS Laboratory, Avenida La Cantera 2270, Coquimbo Chile (ISO/IEC NCh17025:2017 Standard and the ISO 900:2015 Standard). In the opinion of the QP, sample preparation, security, and analytical procedures were acceptable and results from the laboratory analyses are considered adequate. About First Lithium Minerals First Lithium Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. The Company is currently focusing on exploring for alkali metals at its 100% owned OCA project comprised of approximately 9,000 ha of mineral exploration concessions located in the salars of Ollague, Carcote, and Ascotan in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. In Q4/22 and Q1/23 the Company conducted two property-wide geophysical surveys, identified two priority exploration targets for potential brine mineralization, and is currently planning its inaugural drilling program at the Salar de Ascotan pending obtaining required drilling permits and licences. First Lithium Minerals also acquired and is currently focusing on exploring for lithium and rare earth metals at its 100% owned LSL project comprised of 1,900 ha of mining claims located in the Patricia Mining Division of northwestern Ontario. Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's website: www.firstlithium.ca Qualified Person Aldo Moreno Salinas is the VP of Exploration for First Lithium Minerals and the Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Moreno is a seasoned geologist with 40 years of experience in exploration and evaluation of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, has a degree in geology from Universidad de Chile, is a member of the Chilean Professional Association of Geologists No. 437 and registered in the Public Records of Competent Persons No. 328. For further information please contact: First Lithium Minerals Corp. 77 King St. W Suite 3000 Toronto, ON M5K 1G8 Tel: 416-402-2428 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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 but not limited to: exploration activities, geophysical and geochemical surveys, its results and interpretation, studies and interpretations of historical exploration information, drill target definition, permitting, licences, environmental laws and regulations, changes in government regulations and laws, obtaining social licence to explore and operate, community engagements, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, general business, economic, competitive, reliance on third parties, the actual results of operations, and other risks of the resources industry. 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. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Overall enrollment at the University of Montana rose this academic year, powered primarily by a large freshman class but also boosted by record retention of last year's freshmen. University leaders on Monday touted the growth as the most significant in more than a decade, and depicted it as steering the school toward multi-year growth after 10 years of declining from about 201120. UM, including graduate programs, law school and the two-year Missoula College, has an enrollment of 10,327 students, an increase of 3.7% over last year's dip to 9,955. And it's an improvement over fall 2021 enrollment of 10,106 students. The school experienced a growing freshman class for the third consecutive year and boosted retention of last year's freshmen to 76%, a 2% increase from last year and the highest level in school history. The 3.7% increase in overall enrollment was the greatest year-over-year enrollment increase in 14 years, according to Mary Kreta, UM vice president for enrollment management and strategic initiatives. Kreta noted that this fall's incoming freshman class of 1,616 between the college and university is the largest in seven years, "and thats on the backs of two other years that are huge jumps." "Consistent growth of incoming classes coupled with consistent retention has made our enrollment incredibly strong," she said in an interview Monday. "This is turning the page and we are on an upward trajectory." Kreta's assessment of enrollment trends mirrored UM President Seth Bodnar's statement on the figures Monday. He said that large incoming classes and high retention of those students meant the university's "growth trajectory is on a clear and upward path," and that the school is "firmly ingrained in a period of growth." With the enrollment increase, revenue increased to $43.6 million, up 11.7% from last year. The numbers were officially released Monday. Enrollment growth played out across most student groups and demographics. UM's Alexander Blewett III School of Law saw 4.4% growth over last year for a total of 261 students this fall. UM's graduate school saw an overall enrollment drop of 0.6% due to a 5.4% decrease in graduate students continuing after their first year: 1,296 last year to 1,226 this year. But those losses were nearly offset by a 72.5% increase in readmitted and non-degree students (88, up from 51) and a 4.4% increase in first-year grad students (519, up from 497). Missoula College's incoming class stayed nearly the same size: 243 this year, down one student from 2022. The college more than doubled the number of early-admission or dual-enrollment high schoolers, bounding from 192 last year to 393 this year. And the number of continuing students increased 9.7% from 580 last year to 636 this year. Those gains were enough to offset a 39% decrease in transfer freshmen to the college (59 to 36), a 4.2% decrease in other transfers in (72 to 69) and a 13.2% decrease in readmissions and non-degree students (68 to 59). Accelerate Montana, a non-degree program in which students are matched with employers after learning skills ranging from construction to computer programming, saw 9.1% growth 827 students this year, up from 758 last year. Those figures are not included in UM's other enrollment numbers. The university also slightly increased the gross number of Montana residents who attend the school (6,424, up 5.5% from 6,089). And Montanans slightly increased their share of the overall student body (66.5%, up from 65.4%). This fall, 799 freshman are Montana residents, up 12.5% from last year. And, according to UM Director of Strategic Communications Dave Kuntz, that number is up 20% from two years ago. Montana residents make up 58.2% of this freshman class, up from 52.6% last year. Veterans also represent an increasing share of UM's enrollment: 3.8% this year compared with 3.2% last year. The number of veterans enrolled increased 20.1% from 279 last year to 335 this year. Kreta attributed the growth to Pat Beckwith, director of the new Military and Veteran Services Office. The office was formed two years ago with Beckwith a West Point graduate, veteran and National Guard member as its first director. She called the office's creation and Beckwith's efforts "a really big deal" for attracting veterans, adding that UM is trying to be the most military-friendly university in the nation. Students with disabilities are also an increasing percentage of UM enrollment (14% this year, up from 13%) and have increased in number from 1,135 last year to 1,247 this year. Native American enrollment slightly increased from 610 to 613. Those 613 students represent 6.9% of enrollment, down slightly from 7% last year. The school also increased first-generation college students up to 2,066 this year from 1,956 last year a 5.6% gain. First-generation students are now 23.2% of enrollment, up from 22.4%. Kreta attributed the increase to the school's Grizzly Promise program, which offers free tuition to students whose families make less than $50,000 annually. The school found that many potential first-generation college students were "self-selecting" out of attending college because they couldn't afford it, she said. Some areas of enrollment did decline. Out-of-state, or nonresident, incoming freshman dropped 16.1% from 566 last year to 475 this year. Freshman coming to UM from outside the U.S. dropped 25% from 16 last year to 12 this year. "There are hints of a decline of students going out of state nationally," Kreta said, with the caveat that "it's too soon to say" whether there's an actual trend because many schools have yet to release fall 2023 data. Out-of-state applications and acceptance both rose this year, she said, "but they didn't come." "What we need to do is better understand that," she said. "We need to do some analysis and fix it." Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - StrikePoint Gold Inc. (TSXV: SKP) (OTCQB: STKXF) ("StrikePoint" or the "Company") announces the results of its first phase of exploration results for the 44 square kilometer Cuprite Gold Project ("Cuprite Gold") strategically located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada between Centerra's Gemfield Deposit and Anglogold's "Expanded Silicon" project. (Figure 1, Nevada Locator Map) Michael G. Allen said, "We have completed 13.5-line kilometers of Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical surveys and collected over 1,000 soil samples on the project as well as detailed geological mapping. This work resulted in a 2.6 square kilometer multi-element soil anomaly, coincident with resistivity and chargeability highs and projected ground preparation by multiple structures. The Company is evaluating additional geophysical and geological work while targeting a drilling program for late 2023 or early 2024." Exploration Update Webinar The Company will be hosting an interactive webinar on Thursday September 28, 2023 at 10 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern time. Register here. Soil Sampling Results A total of 1,041 soil samples were collected on 17 lines spaced approximately 200 meters apart. On-line sample spacing was approximately 30 meters. Samples were collected using a hand auger at an average depth of approximately 30 cm. Results of the survey were a coherent mercury soil anomaly, coincidental with the projection of and geophysical signature of normal faults of the Stonewall Mountain Caldera, plus minor mercury anomalies possibly associated with secondary structures. Associated arsenic and antimony anomalies appear to be associated slightly outboard of the mercury anomalies suggesting the possibility of a convection cell caused by the oxidation of sulphides at depth. Individual samples ranged from 0.0009 ppm to 7.4 ppm mercury, with 12 samples registering greater than 1 ppm mercury. (Figure 2, Cuprite Mercury in Soils) Geophysical Survey Results Zonge International completed the three lines of IP data using a dipole-dipole array with a 250-meter dipole length. The survey identified a possible 6-kilometer-long structural corridor that aligns with the hypothesised Stonewall Mountain Caldera margin. Zones of high resistivity thought to be potential silicification were offset through normal faulting. (Figure 3, Cuprite Inverted Resistivity) Chargeability highs corresponded to the interpreted faults. (Figure 4, Cuprite Inverted Resistivity) Overall, the data indicates a possible large scale hydrothermal system in a similar structural environment to the nearby 4.22-million-ounce gold Silicon Deposit operated by AngloGold. Geological Mapping In addition, the Company's on-going geological mapping at the Cuprite Gold Project has identified multiple east-west structures that project into the mercury anomaly identified from the soil sampling program. This highlights the potential of significant ground preparation for mineralizing fluids where the east-west structures intersect the hypothesised Stonewall Mountain Caldera Margin. (Figure 5, Mapped Cuprite Geology and Structures) Conclusion The Cuprite Gold Project is a known area of significant hydrothermal and acid-leach alteration. Work by StrikePoint has identified sizable, structural, geochemical and geophysical anomalies similar in scale to the AngloGold's Silicon Deposit. The soil geochemical anomalies, coincident with geophysical and mapped structures indicate a large-scale target exists on the property. (Figure 6, Cuprite Target Areas) The Company is evaluating the additional geophysical and geological work to help refining the target prior to the Company's inaugural drill program at the Cuprite Gold Project, expected in late 2023 or early 2024. Option Grant The Company announces that it has granted 3,750,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, consultants and/or employees. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share until September 26, 2028. Additionally, a total of 300,000 incentive options have been awarded to Knox Communications Inc., a Canadian based firm focusing on marketing, investor communications and raising capital for the Company. The options will vest on a quarterly basis over a twelve-month period in blocks of 25%. For further information on Knox Communications please refer to the Company's April 27, 2023 news release. Incentive stock options granted to directors, officers and consultants of the Company are subject to restrictions on resale until January 26, 2024 in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About StrikePoint StrikePoint Gold is a gold exploration company focused on building precious metals resources in Canada and the Western United States. In addition to Cuprite Gold Project, the Company controls two advanced-stage exploration assets in British Columbia's Golden Triangle: the past-producing high-grade silver Porter-Idaho Project and the high-grade gold Willoughby Project. The Cuprite Gold Project consists of approximately 574 unpatented claims covering approximately 44-square kilometers, located 15-kilometers south of Goldfield Nevada, and 85-kilometers northwest of Beatty. The project is easily accessible by Highway 95 on the western margin of the property. The project is located within the Walker Lane Gold Trend, which hosts Anglogold's exciting Silicon Gold and Merlin discoveries approximately 75-kilometers southeast of Cuprite. In addition, the Walker Lane hosts Tier 1 gold mines including Kinross's Round Mountain Mine located approximately 130-kilometers North of Cuprite Gold Project. Qualified Person Statement All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Michael G. Allen, P. Geo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Allen is a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. The soil samples were delivered to the American Assay Laboratories prep lab in Reno, Nevada. They were prepped using method P-SP81, in which samples are dried at 60 degrees C and sieved to -80m. Prepped samples were analyzed by the method IM-2A16, which uses a 2-acid digestion of a 0.5g sample and gives results for 16 elements. Another analysis for mercury utilized method DM-Hg11, which is a direct mercury analytic technique analyzing mercury vapor from the sample. The samples were also analyzed using the method TS-SP99, which utilizes near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy to analyze clay minerals. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STRIKEPOINT GOLD INC. "Michael G. Allen" Michael G. Allen President, Chief Executive Officer & Director For more information, please contact: StrikePoint Gold Inc. Michael G. Allen, President CEO & Director T: (604) 374-8381 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.strikepointgold.com Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward looking information" and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "speculates", "could" or "would". All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. 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 information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable 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. Behind the aquarium glass, on the defendant's bench are 18 individuals, held in investigative isolators in Rostov-on-Don, Southern Russia. Most of these prisoners of war ended up in Russian custody in March or April 2022, shortly after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began. On July 26, the Southern Military District Court held its first hearing in the case. Since the annexation of the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) a year ago, the military court in Rostov-on-Don has become the main hub for hearing cases from what are officially called in Russia the newly acquired territories. In October 2022, when the prosecutors of the secessionist republic of Eastern Ukraine had completed the investigation into the 18 members of the Aidar battalion, it transferred the case first to a Donetsk court and then to the Rostov-on Don military court. As the 22 alleged members of the Azov battalion, they are accused of forcefully seizing power, changing the constitutional order of the DNR, and participating to a terrorist organization. Created in May 2014, the territorial defence unit was named after the Aidar River in the Luhansk region of Eastern Ukraine, where it first operated as a volunteer formation. The battalion has been accused by Amnesty International of "widespread abuses", before being disbanded in 2015 and reorganized as the 24th Separate Assault Battalion within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In August 2016, both the Aidar and Azov formations were declared as terrorist and extremist organizations by the DNR. But unlike Azov, the Aidar battalion is not currently included in the list of terrorist or extremist organizations in Russia. A drone operator, and assistant grenadier, and more Among the accused are Igor Gayokha, commander of a mortar platoon, Sergey Kalinchenko, commander of the 2nd platoon of an assault company, and Taras Radchenko, the intelligence chief and assistant chief of staff, according to the indictment. Taras, 23, is the son of Igor Radchenko, whos name has been mentioned before the same court, when a deputy commander of Aidar, Denis Muryga, said according to TASS Russian news agency that he ordered him to blow a bridge that resulted in the deaths of members of militia men in the Luhansk People's Republic, in March 2015. Muryga was sentenced, in June, to 16 years in a top-security prison for his involvement in an illegal armed formation. Among the other accused are grenade launchers Vitaliy Gruzinov (also known in Ukraine as a journalist and activist, under the pen name of Kozak Vedmenko) and Sergey Nikityuk, drivers Yevgeniy Pyatigorets, Dmitry Fedchenko, Vitaliy Krokhalev, Vladislav Ermolinsky, drone operator Semen Zabayrachny, assault trooper Nikolay Chuprina, assistant to the grenade launcher Vyacheslav Bayduyk, medic Andrey Sholik, as well as snipers Vladimir Makarenko, Roman Nedostup, and Alexander Taranets. In addition to the 16 men, two female medics, Marina Mishchenko and Lilia Prutyan, are also facing charges. Black masks, flashing lights and handcuffs Justice Infos could attend one of the hearings, on September 21. Half an hour before the start of the hearing, two large trucks and two vans with law enforcement officers wearing black masks on the front seats arrived at the tribunal with flashing lights. According to lawyer Lyubov Kuptsova, who represents the interests of Dmitry Fedchenko, the convoys are adhering to unprecedented security measures. Male defendants are transported in handcuffs joined together and to the others by iron chains. In total, the court only hold four hearings in the case, aimed at reading out the indictment and reclassifying the charges from the Donetsk Criminal Code to the Russian one. According to TASS Russian news agency, the defendants also expressed their stance on the accusations: only two battalion members pleaded guilty. Three others refrained from answering, while 13 considered themselves innocent. Now, the prosecution starts to present evidence. The majority of the accused ended up in the battalion through mobilization, Kuptsova explains. According to the lawyer, most of the defendants do not understand what is happening and do not believe in the administration of justice. She adds that her client was tortured in detention in the DNR and that they will testify about this during further hearings. The defendants on the bench appear calm, smile during conversations with their lawyers. The trial of the Aidar case is taking place in the same courtroom where members of the Azov battalion are being tried - only the composition of the court differs. Two women, the mothers of Taras Radchenko and Yevgeniy Pyatigorets, came to follow the hearing. A bailiff explains to one of them, a blonde woman in a baggy black sweater and glasses, that she cannot submit any documents to the court as she is not a participant in the process. She doesnt understand anything. I'm not an artilleryman The hearing starts and the prosecutor says he received written statements from six witnesses stating that they cannot attend for various valid reasons. He requests that their statements given during the investigation stage, conducted in the DNR, be read out. One of the summoned witnesses, Anastasia Pervenko, is described as "an acquaintance of Chuprina." Nikolay Chuprina objects: "It's impossible. Let her come to court and give her testimony." The court takes his position into account and rejects the prosecutor's testimony. In the end, the court read out the testimonies of three witnesses. One of them, Lyudmila Nikityuk, is the mother of 30-year-old Sergey Nikityuk, a driver. According to her testimony, her son lived with her in Volnovakha, a city in southwestern Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, until 2014. She stated that he joined the Aidar battalion in September 2021 and served as an artilleryman. According to Lyudmila, her son decided to go to the battalion because he had owed a significant amount of money to his acquaintances. She last spoke to him in late February 2022, and she was unaware of his whereabouts. Nikityuk himself, after the testimonies were read out, told the court that he did not discuss his life with his mother: "I had no debts. She doesn't understand anything about it. I'm not an artilleryman, after all." Whats the problem? It's a common Ukrainian word The testimony of Tatiana Kamyshenko, the partner of 49-year-old Vyacheslav Bayduyk, an alleged assistant to the grenade launcher according to the accusation, was also read out on September 21, at the prosecutors request. She said she met the defendant in November 2015 when he assisted her with repairing her vehicle. Then he was called up for military service and sent to Volnovakha, she explained. After his service, Bayduyk decided to stay in Volnovakha, and in 2016, they moved in together. Initially, he worked as a delivery person at a store in town, then he started helping Kamyshenko cultivate mushrooms at home, which she then sold to acquaintances. In the summer of 2018, he was offered a military contract opportunity, she said, and he signed a contract with Aidar. After a year, Bayduyk attempted to engage in business again, but it didn't work out, so he returned to the military. He came back home in December 2020, but the command sent him back to service. He went on vacation in May 2021 and then obtained his military ID in the Lviv Oblast, the presiding officer read out. But according to the witness, he was no longer in a military nor in a territorial defense unit after that. Kamyshenko provided investigators from the DNR with copies of his contract with Aidar. - From what date?, one of the defense lawyers asks. - One is from August 1, 2018, for a one-year term. The second contract, written in Ukrainian, is signed on Lypen 23 or July 23, 2020, answers the prosecutor. - What does Lypen mean?, one of the lawyers from the front row asks. - July, colleagues, the court, and even someone from the audience replies. - Shouldnt we translate?, one of the defense attorneys protests. - Whats the problem? It's a common Ukrainian word, replies a colleague. - You asked for the date, and you were given the date. What else?, the presiding judge concludes, putting an end to the dispute. The last testimony read in court were given by Nikolay Zagrebaev, the son of 54-year-old Lilia Prutyan, presented as a medic in the case file. According to the prosecutor, he couldn't attend the court because he was "in the zone of a special military operation." Zagrebaev stated that his mother signed a military contract at the end of 2015, but he didn't know her exact position. He didn't know much about his mother's life, and he said he learned about her joining the Aidar battalion only through social media: She posted a photo in uniform on Facebook. He couldnt provide any of her documents. In March 2022, people in civilian clothing took away her military ID, medal, medical documentation, and two folders with documents, Zagrebaev told the investigators. Responding to the testimony, Prutyan stated that her son got the dates wrong. She said she signed her first contract in February 2017 and firstly worked as an accountant. She became a combat medic in Aidar only in July 2020: Yes, there was a photo on Facebook. In military uniform. There is no weapon or anything like that, she told the court. The next hearing in the case will take place on October 5, where the prosecution will continue presenting evidence. Azerbaijani border agents were looking for "war crime" suspects among the flood of refugees leaving its separatist enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia, a government source told AFP on Tuesday. "Azerbaijan intends to apply an amnesty to Armenian fighters who laid down their arms in Karabakh. But those who committed war crimes during the Karabakh wars must be handed over to us," the source said, explaining why men of fighting age were told to look into a camera at the last border checkpoint. Mostly Christian Armenian forces fought two Nagorno-Karabakh wars with predominantly Muslim Azerbaijan since the 1990s that have claimed tens of thousands of lives. The first war in particular witnessed alleged massacres of civilians and gross human rights abuses by both sides. Azerbaijani forces on Saturday claimed control over Khojali, a town where hundreds of civilians died after it was seized by Armenian forces in the 1990s. The separatists last week agreed to lay down arms after a lightning Azerbaijani offensive appeared to finally place Nagorno-Karabakh under its control. Azerbaijan on Sunday also opened the so-called Lachin Corridor -- the only road leading from the separatist stronghold Stepanakert to Armenia. Officials said Tuesday that more than 13,000 people have fled the region for Armenia so far, with hundreds passing the border every hour. As they navigate their bloody journey, Lee Shin (Kim Nam Gil) battles with the contract killer Eon Nyeon (Lee Ho Jung) and his longing feelings for Nam Hee Shin in "Song of the Bandits." Episode 5: Lee Yoon & Nam Hee Shin Meet Amid Money War Lee Yoon unexpectedly met Nam Hee Shin at the restaurant after an attack occurred at the police station. Gwang Il (Lee Hyun Wook) saw Lee Yoon and asked if he saw someone suspicious and he denied it. Hee Shin thanked Lee Yoon for saving her. Elsewhere, Lee Yoon learned that Eon Nyeon was the one who had the money. Together with his team, they planned to go to Changchun and attacked the train to retrieve the money. Lee Yoon was shocked when he saw that Hee Shin was the one he needed to kill. Eon Nyeon arrived and an intense fight between the two started again. Gwang Il and his army men stopped the train to also get the money. He then recognized Eon and arrested her. Due to his greed for money, Gwang Il ambushed the train where innocent people were killed. Luckily, Nam Hee Shin was able to escape with the money bag but was badly injured. Lee Yoon arrived when dacoits were about to kill her. RELATED ARTICLE: 'Song of the Bandits' Episodes 1-4: Kim Nam Gil & Yoo Jae Myung Lead Troop to Protect Their Countrymen Lee Yoon learned that Hee Shin was working for the independence of Joseon and promised to help her and ensure that the money would reach the right person. However, when they were about to hand the money bag, Hee Shin realized that they were not the Independence Army fighters. She was shot and critically wounded. Episode 6: Eon Nyeon Determined to Kill Lee Yoon Eon started looking for Lee Yoon as Gwang Il asked her to kill him. She went to Chung Soo and confessed her motive, he tried to change her mind but it didn't work. No one in the group believed her, but Chung Soo tasked the group to look for Lee Yoon. Meanwhile, Lee Yoon was in the village taking care of the wounded Nam Hee Shin. After three days, Hee Shin decided to visit the Independence Army as they needed the money already. Lee Yoon offered to deliver the money, but she rejected his offer. Chung Soo and the group found them, and a small fight arose between them. However, they were alarmed after the Japanese Army signaled that they were coming. Lee Yoon crashed with Gwang Il again and threatened to kill him if they didn't leave, which the latter obeyed. Lee Yoon also asked Chung Soo to leave and said that he would deliver the money to them. Eon followed Chung Soo again. This time she confessed that if she failed to kill Lee Yoon, it would be dangerous for her. Episode 7: Lee Yoon & Eon Nyeon Go Against Gwang Il Lee Yoon escorted Hee Shin reaching Seon Bok, who was going to help her contact an Independence Army member to give the money. Eon was also spying on them as she planned to kill him. Eon changed her mind about killing Lee Yoon after knowing that his parents were also killed like hers'. She tried to shoot him, but Police Inspector Oka arrived and pointed a gun at her. She ended up being arrested and threatened to be hanged in front of everyone. Gwang Il then planned to attack Lee Yoon. Chung Soo knew about this and asked his men to get ready to help Lee Yoon. Gwang Il arrived at the hotel with his men and started firing. Meanwhile, Oka thought that Gwang ll tried to save Eon and marched towards the hotel. Oka had a face off with Gwang Il. Eon on the other hand, escaped and shot Gwang Il, and then a war escalated. Due to what happened, Eon and Lee Yoon teamed up as both of them wanted revenge on Gwang Il. Lee Yoon was cornered by the army men. When he was about to be killed, an arrow came and killed the man, who was about to shoot Lee Yoon. It was Chung Soo, along with his men, all of them began fighting against the Army Police. Chung Soo asked Lee Yoon to deliver the money to Nam Hee Shin. But they were followed by Gwang Il and his men. Fortunately, Hee Shin was able to reach her destination. Before they parted ways, Hee Shin told Lee Yoon to take care and the two kissed. ALSO READ: Kim Nam Gil's 'Song of the Bandits' Predicted to Be Netflix's Next Hit K-Drama For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. On an unassuming hillside in the Lolo National Forest outside Missoula, tall piles of dead branches and hand-thinned small trees dot the forest floor on either side of a winding dirt road. Its late August, and Missoula District Ranger Crystal Stonesifer and members of the districts fire management team stand outside their pickup truck and look over the mounds of woody debris, evidence of treatments being applied to the forest to slow future wildfires. The piles indicate work in progress on whats called a shaded fuel break a forested area where smaller fuels have been cleared to prevent a wildfire from gaining momentum. These piles will eventually be burned, leaving behind an uncrowded stand of larger trees, which is an easier place for firefighters to stop a blaze. Since May 2023, the Missoula Ranger District has been working to establish similar fuel breaks along 37 miles of road in the Fish, Graves and Howard creek drainages just north of Highway 12. The goal is to improve firefighter and public safety and minimize the chance of a landscape-scale wildland fire. The use of fuel breaks as a fire management strategy is not uncommon, but there is something unique about these particular control lines: Their location was determined using a new risk-assessment tool. Potential Operational Delineations, also known as PODs, is the name of a collaborative risk-based framework designed to help fire managers and landowners get on the same page before fires start. Drawing from a combination of spatial analytics and local expertise, PODs aims to identify where to best suppress fire when it threatens people, property or critical infrastructure, and also where opportunities exist to leverage fire to support fire-adapted landscapes and reduce future risk. To create PODs, stakeholders are assembled and first tasked with drawing lines on a map. The lines correspond to places where fires can often effectively be stopped, like a ridge, river, road or burn scar. Connected, POD lines create containers on the landscape within which stakeholders can assess risk and make plans for what to do if and when a fire starts. Depending on the risk to people, property and other values inside the POD, decisions can be made to suppress fire, conduct fuel treatments like prescribed burns or mechanical thinning, or manage a natural or human-caused ignition for ecological benefit. Developed by the U.S. Forest Service, the PODs approach has been growing across the West since 2017. The framework is supported by a $100 million federal investment as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is now being used by an estimated 109 national forests and regional partners. Following a series of workshops, POD lines have been drawn as of late June 2023 for all units in USFS Region 1, which includes all seven national forests in Montana. But full-scale embrace of the PODs framework also faces obstacles. In Montana and other western states, fire management strategies that deviate from fast and full suppression have become politically unpopular, especially as climate change fuels larger, more frequent wildfires and an increasing number of homes are built in the wildland-urban interface. At the same time, most forests across the western U.S. have evolved in conjunction with fire and depend on it for regeneration and ecosystem health. Without fire, forest composition shifts and fuels build up, which in turn increases the risk of severe wildfire, creating a dynamic known as the wildfire paradox: The more wildfire is suppressed today, the more extreme, costly and hard to contain future fires will become. The PODs framework presents a middle path oriented toward learning to live with fire by identifying its hazards and benefits through the lens of risk. But implementing PODs also requires the consideration of a range of strategies that not all land management agencies are willing (or empowered) to pursue. In Montana, the tool is slowly gaining ground, both contributing to and relying on a broader cultural shift in fire management. A test in the Tonto The PODs framework was developed in 2016 by a group of researchers from the Forest Services Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula. The idea of PODs built on previous work in Californias Sierra Nevada mountains that proposed a risk map to inform fire management decisions. The original concept came from a fuels planner named Phil Bowden, who, in partnership with RMRS research forester and WRMS team member Matthew Thompson, published a 2016 paper that introduced strategic response zones, or categories assigned to each POD based on the potential benefits or losses associated with wildfire. The idea was that strategic response zones could offer a risk-based starting point for future fire management strategies. The RMRS research group, officially known as the Wildfire Risk Management Science Team, took the concept one step further and decided to combine the risk assessment process with feedback from on-the-ground fire managers and spatial analysis tools. The research team developed two models Potential Control Locations and a Suppression Difficulty Index that helped predict where fires could be safely and effectively stopped on the landscape. Then, in the spring of 2017, a wildfire in Arizonas Tonto National Forest presented an opportunity to test the PODs framework on an actual fire. Notably, another wildfire in the Tonto called the Juniper Fire had been managed to reduce fuels and future fire risk a year earlier. Months before the Juniper Fire ignited, fire managers had decided to conduct an experiment. Implementing a protocol similar to PODs, they pre-identified areas in one part of the forest that offered the best vegetative and topographic conditions to stop a wildfire. Then, when lightning sparked the Juniper Fire in May 2016, fire managers felt comfortable allowing it to burn to restore ecosystem health, confident that they could corral the fire along the predefined boundaries. At the end of the 2016 fire season, RMRS research ecologist and WRMS team member Kit OConnor was visiting the Tonto when he learned about the outcome of the Juniper Fire. With the PODs framework recently completed, OConnor floated the idea of working with local fire managers to develop PODs for the entire forest. They agreed. We said, What if you could [create PODs for] your entire landscape so you had a plan for every square inch and it was appropriate for the risk that was there? OConnor said, recalling the initial conversation. A quantitative wildfire risk assessment had recently been completed for all USFS lands in Arizona and New Mexico, but that assessment was regional in scope rather than localized to individual forests. Over three days in March, WRMS researchers worked with local fire managers to build a custom risk assessment for the Tonto, essentially creating a forest-level risk profile that could be overlayed with POD lines. The resulting map defined a network of 138 spatial fire containers across the forest, with each container, or POD, assigned a strategic response based on the risk identified within its boundaries. In other words, if fire were to start anywhere in the forest, fire officials had a risk-based, science-informed plan ahead of time for how to manage it. Then, in May 2017, when lightning struck a dry snag and started the Pinal Fire, managers on the Tonto were ready. Using PODs and the forests strategic planning efforts to back up their decision-making, the district fire management officer was able to get buy-in from surrounding partners including the mayor of the nearby community of Globe to manage the fire simultaneously for ecological benefit and risk reduction, a strategy that ultimately created a 7,500-acre burn scar that restored pine forest and chaparral brush ecosystems and limited the risk of future fire, according to a 2019 Wildfire Magazine article. The article, which OConnor co-wrote, attributes the success of the Pinal Fire response to understanding the risks, making a plan beforehand, and communicating that plan to partners on the landscape. The Pinal Fire, along with two other wildfires on the Tonto that season, became a test case for the potential impact of PODs. Researchers, including OConnor, credit that initial effort with helping to refine the PODs framework and spur its adoption across the western U.S., where it is now in use on an estimated 109 national forests. Machine learning meets on-the-ground knowledge The USFS is now leading the effort to get even more fire managers engaged with PODs. While use of the PODs framework is not mandatory anywhere, it has received strong support from the highest levels of the agency and $100 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. If a federal, state or tribal agency wants to develop PODs, the first step is completing a workshop ahead of fire season. Local fire management staff and area partners are invited to participate and POD lines are drawn, creating a vetted network of control locations where managers are confident a fire can be stopped. Spatial analytics, like Potential Control Locations and the Suppression Difficulty Index, can then enhance on-the-ground knowledge by using landscape characteristics, transportation networks and historical fire behavior to model where conditions are safest for firefighters and control lines most likely to hold. The PCL model uses a machine-learning algorithm a type of artificial intelligence to estimate the probability of holding a fire in a given location based on 20 years of data, while SDI summarizes spatial data to anticipate risk to firefighter safety. What the algorithm generates can never replace human knowledge, OConnor said, but its success rate also speaks for itself. Fire managers sometimes trust [the algorithm] better than their own judgment, which is scary because its just a model, OConnor said. But at the same time, thats the track record that it has. Ideally, prior to a PODs workshop, a risk assessment will have been created for that landscape, as was the case on the Pinal Fire. The assessment can then be overlaid with PODs to inform a plan for how fire will be managed if and when it occurs. In addition to blending local expertise with data, fire managers and researchers have identified several other benefits of the PODs process. Carl Seielstad, fire and fuels program manager and associate professor at the University of Montana FireCenter, started working as a firefighter for the USFS in 1990, later becoming a hotshot and then a smokejumper for 11 seasons. Seielstad currently works at UM, but also staffs and oversees the response to large, complex wildfires. For Seielstad, what he calls the power of PODs is twofold. First, the PODs framework can empower fire managers to think differently and potentially implement new strategies. Second, and perhaps more important in the short-term, PODs can be an effective tool for explaining changes in fire management to the public. For example, PODs can help the public understand fire managers rationale for pursuing a less-than-full-suppression approach, or offer a framework for discussing the need for fire in certain areas. (It) takes years to get the public on board, but the publics not resistant, Seielstad said. They just need to think about it, and PODs lets them think about it in a way that is sensible, in my opinion. Another noted benefit of the PODs process is that it enables fire managers to be more proactive, rather than reactive, by offering a way to plan before fire is on the ground. Identifying control locations on a map is common practice when managers are assessing how to approach a wildfire; the difference with PODs is that the maps are available year-round, rather than created in the moment. If were ever going to get over the hump in fire management of being more proactive about allowing certain fires to burn and putting other fires out, you have to think about these things and plan for them before the fire happens, Seielstad said. Knowing where to control fire ahead of time can also reduce some of the uncertainty inherent in fire management, said Brad Pietruszka, an RMRS wildfire management specialist who is also part of the WRMS team. In addition, the PODs planning approach lends itself to greater buy-in from entities that fire managers have to collaborate with in fire-prone landscapes. WRMS researchers found that having conversations with neighboring federal, state, tribal and private landowners is critical, because jurisdictional boundaries are often ineffective locations to stop a wildfire. Its a very low-pressure situation when nothings on fire, OConnor said. If you can get people to agree to a plan before smoke is in the air, before that fire ignites, its much easier to bring them back around and say, Remember, we talked about this. This is what were doing and this is why were doing it. PODs can also inform where fuels are treated, like the shaded fuel break project on the Lolo National Forest, and offer a quick way for firefighters to get acclimated when assigned to an incident in an unfamiliar location. Once PODs are drawn for a landscape, the data is digitized and any firefighter or fire manager can view POD lines and spatial analytic tools on the publicly available Risk Management Assistance dashboard, which is hosted by the USFS Fire and Aviation Management program. Lastly, aligning with one of the frameworks central goals, PODs can identify the right place for the right fire at the right time. Promoting good fire on the landscape is not a new idea. Historically, wildfire played a critical role in forests and grasslands across western North America. Fires resulting from lightning strikes and Indigenous burning practices cleared out accumulated fuels and also stimulated new growth, increased soil fertility and improved wildlife habitat. In addition, natural and human-caused fires left behind a fire footprint that reduced the future risk of severe wildfire. Today, while prescribed fire and mechanical treatments help to address fuel buildup and wildfire risk, OConnor says the pace and scale of these approaches will never catch up to the current fire deficit. What we need to do is also focus on opportunities to leverage natural ignitions and grow fires out to the right places at the right time when conditions are right for that, OConnor said, adding that recently burned areas are generally the most effective control locations for future fires. By doing so, OConnor argued, PODs can set the landscape up for success. The goal isnt necessarily to keep fire small, isnt necessarily to limit fire spread, but very much to change the type of fire itself, OConnor said. It becomes a fire that is critical to the system functioning, protecting our watersheds, and basically limiting the impacts of these extreme fires that could happen. The law of the land When a wildfire occurs, fire managers face the challenge of weighing threats to personnel, public safety and property against what a 2023 study calls the inevitability and necessity of wildland fire. Additionally, managers must grapple with a warming climate that favors more frequent and intense wildfire. Proponents of the PODs framework argue that it offers a pathway to better protecting firefighters, proactively developing risk-based fire management plans, and identifying where fire can be monitored and allowed to burn under low-risk conditions to improve forest health. But there are also obstacles to using PODs to inform fire management strategies especially strategies that diverge from full suppression. In general, federal, state and tribal land management plans are the law of the land that dictate the suite of options available to a fire manager. Even if PODs have been drawn and risk assessments completed, a land management plan will override any strategy suggested via the PODs process that conflicts with the plans prescribed approach. In Montana, fire management strategies vary depending on the location. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes 2021 Flathead Reservation Fire Management Plan allows lightning-caused fires to be managed for ecological benefit in specific areas with high elevation timber. In other areas, where fire spread poses a greater threat to communities and valuable resources, CSKT fire managers use a combination of strategies including initial attack, prescribed burning and mechanical treatments. The Lolo Forest Plan, which was last updated in 1986, requires that all unplanned ignitions on the Lolo National Forest be controlled, confined or contained. In other national forests in the state, plan language may allow for the use of natural, unplanned fires as a management tool, but Seielstad said in an email that those documents tend to lack specificity. High-profile wildfires may involve higher levels of the USFS, but otherwise fire management decisions are typically made by a forest units district ranger and fire management officer based on current conditions and assessed threats to life or property. Considering the growing number of severe wildfires and the legacy of fire suppression in federal wildfire policy, cultural and political pressures can also impact those decisions. Theres intense pressure (against) deviating from the (full suppression] status quo in fire. And Id say thats most of Montana, honestly, Seielstad said. Outside of the USFS, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has a mandate to suppress all wildfires on state and private lands. The DNRCs approach to wildfire is directed by the 2020 Montana Forest Action Plan, as well as a constitutional obligation to protect commercial timber grown on state trust lands timber that generates profits that help fund Montana schools. The Forest Action Plan permits prescribed fire and mechanical fuel treatments, but does not allow for management of wildfire based on ecological benefits. At this years annual preseason fire briefing in May, Gov. Greg Gianforte made the states approach to wildfire management abundantly clear. We must pursue a policy of aggressive attack on all fires until they are extinguished, so long as firefighter safety is not at risk, the governor said, adding that keeping fires small results in less damage, requires fewer resources and is more cost-effective. According to a 2015 paper, such pressure to suppress creates an incentive for fire managers to avoid allowing certain fires to burn for longer-term ecological benefits and risk reduction. But despite cultural and political pressures and the limitations of some land management plans, PODs are starting to gain traction. DNRC Forestry and Trust Lands Division Administrator Shawn Thomas confirmed that the Forest Action Plan determines the states fire management strategy, but also left the door open for supporting federal partners use of the PODs framework. I cant say were going to adopt the PODs as our strategy because we already have the Forest Action Plan, but certainly whatever direction the PODs create for our federal partners will be sort of part and parcel to how were working together, Thomas said. On the Lolo National Forest, Missoula District Fire Management Officer Jesse Kurpius also acknowledged that he has noticed a change in the way fire managers are thinking about risk management. Ive seen a shift probably in the last eight to 10 years of approaching (fire) from a more strategic point of view, Kurpius said. Tools like (PODs) are aiding those decisions and backing the firefighters and the decision makers on managing risk appropriately. The Lolo is currently one year into a four-year revision process for its forest management plan. Once the revision is completed, Missoula District Ranger Stonesifer said, the forest will have a plan rooted in the best available science. So far, it is unclear if the revised plan will incorporate PODs. For Stonesifer, who is a former member of the WRMS team and worked at the RMRS for 11 years before becoming a district ranger, what sets PODs apart from other management approaches is the orientation toward risk, which gives fire managers an opportunity to consider different values on the landscape and how they might be impacted by fire. Its a holistic way of looking at the landscape through a risk lens. And thats the cultural shift, Stonesifer said. I think PODs is a piece of it, but its a bigger cultural shift. And cultural shifts take time. Moon Ga Young heated up Milan Fashion Week as she exhibited elegance with her daring see-through dress! Want to see more of the actress' outfit? Then read on! Moon Ga Young Dazzles in Her Revealing Outfit at Milan Fashion Week Moon Ga Young headed to Milan as she was once again invited to attend the fashion week for the brand Dolce & Gabbana. The actress turned heads at the big event as she showed off her dazzling goddess figure. On September 23, the "True Beauty" star attracted attention by revealing her perfect body in a pure white see-through outfit. She also flaunted overflowing confidence despite the shocking exposure of her skin. The female star also shared some snaps on her Instagram and was flooded with compliments from her fans. As of this writing, the actress' post already garnered more than a million heart reactions on Instagram. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 5 Most Beautiful Hallyu Stars Named By Fans: Kim Da mi, Go Yoon Jung, More! This is not the first time that Moon Ga Young slayed the fashion week. To recall, in March, she also attended the Paris Fashion Week for the brand Yves Saint Laurent. She confidently rocked the black see-through dress and received admiration from the public for pulling a chic style. Moon Ga Young Amazes Many With Her English Accent Aside from her dress, the Korean star also amazed the crowd with her excellent multilingual skills. Elle Singapore uploaded a video of Moon Ga Young, where the actress was giving a brief greeting. The clip already went viral and gained 1M views on TikTok. The reason was many were amazed and impressed by the K-drama star's English accent. People noticed her German accent in the video. In particular, the female star was actually born in Karlsruhe, Germany, and grew up there for ten years before moving to South Korea and pursuing a career in acting. RELATED ARTICLE: 5 K-Drama Stars Who Are Bilingual: Moon Ga Young, Choi Woo Shik, More! The 27-year-old actress is known for her multilingual skills as she can speak Korean, German, and English, although she mentioned before that she's not fluent in the languages, she can still communicate well. What's Next for Moon Ga Young Even though she has no confirmed drama projects yet, Moon Ga Young is expected to grace the Philippine stage as she is one of the stars to attend the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 in the Philippine Arena this December 14. If you want more updates about the K-drama star, you can follow her on Instagram @m_kayoung. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong, More Confirmed to Attend 2023 Asia Artist Awards What can you say about Moon Ga Young's outfit at the Milan Fashion Week? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Lee Min Ho once again showed his star power after gracing one of the biggest fashion shows, Milan Fashion Week 2023. The top star was invited by Boss, which he serves as the brand ambassador, to watch the collection presentation. The South Korean actor also made a surprise appearance for the 2023 Boss Fall/Winter Show. Lee Min Ho Opens BOSS Techtopia Intelligence Lab for Fall/Winter 2023 Combining technology and the concept of the new collection, the renowned German luxury fashion house welcomed the guest by introducing a futuristic wardrobe for civilizations to come. Lee Min Ho opened the show along with Sophia the robot and had a little interaction with her, flaunting his English skills. Apart from that, he captured the attention of over 1,000 guests, including global celebrities and fashion industry figures, during the show by featuring his model-esque physique wearing an all-white ensemble with a white long coat, turtleneck, and beige-toned pants. According to a media outlet, fans waited for 4 to 5 hours in front of the show venue to catch a glimpse of the South Korean top star. As usual, Lee Min Ho greeted everyone with friendly fan service by taking selfies with lucky fans and even signing autographs. The show indeed turned into the actor's impromptu fan meet, as Lee Min Ho took time to meet his loyal fans. READ MORE: K-drama King & Queens Son Ye Jin, Jun Ji Hyun, Lee Min Ho Slay in Magazine Covers After wrapping up his activities in Milan, the South Korean heartthrob returned and was spotted at Incheon International Airport, where his local fans and media waited for him. Over Twitter, netizens shared a glimpse of their interaction with the top star. One video is gaining the attention of users after a fan welcomed Lee Min Ho but teased him by saying "Let's go," which made the actor smile. That is because it was one of his lines during the futuristic presentation of BOSS at Milan Fashion Week 2023. Lee Min Ho arrived safely at ICN Airport from Milan fans teased LMH by saying lets go and he laughed #LeeMinHo #minoz # cr logo pic.twitter.com/W0fROtY3Xk L (@caramelhershey) September 25, 2023 Lee Min Ho New K-dramas Other than his activities as a brand ambassador, Lee Min Ho is also booked and busy with his on-screen projects. After "Pachinko," the actor might reprise his role as Ko Han Su in season 2. He will be joining the majority of the cast, who will return for the upcoming sequel. This includes Youn Yuh Jung, who played the role of Sun Ja. In addition to the highly anticipated Disney+ series, Lee Min Ho stars with fellow top star Gong Hyo Jin for the rom-com "When the Stars Gossip." Slated to premiere in 2024, Lee Min Ho transforms into OB GYN Gong Ryong, who joins the space expedition led by American Korean astronaut Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo Jin. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Min Ho Earns Praises for 'Swollen' Face - Is He Hinting At New Project? For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Han So Hee talks about her shocking new visual, as she surprised netizens with her transformation. In an Instagram post, the "Nevertheless" star showed off her new lip piercings. Following her post, the South Korean star did an Instagram live where she answered questions from fans. One of the questions asked to Han So Hee was about her piercings. Han So Hee Gets Honest About Her New Look During Han So Hee's Instagram broadcast on September 25, the actress updated fans with her activities off and on cam. As obtained by a media outlet, the actress shared that she has just finished filming her drama series, which is most likely "Gyeongseong Creature" season 2 with Park Seo Joon. She also added that she'll be taking a brief break to rest so her "body won't get strained during other schedules," adding that it's not anything related to commercials or photoshoots. As the Instagram live continues, Han So Hee apologizes for talking differently because of her lip piercings. "My lips are a little swollen because of the piercings, so I cannot talk a lot today," she said, adding that people might not recognize her because of her new piercings and hairstyle since she also got bangs, but some did. Moreover, the actress also shared her recent encounter with a fan: "While walking around confidently, two women came from behind and asked for a photo with me. I felt so happy and agreed to their request," she said. Han So He Shares Why She Decided to Get New Piercings Showing off her five new piercings, Han So Hee said that it hurt when she had her lips pierced, but it was less painful on the cheek part. The actress also discussed how she'll have to deal with it during work and explained that she can take it off when working. READ MORE: Han So Hee Reveals Unexpected Way of Dealing With Stress As for the reason why she decided to get it, Han So Hee gave a simple answer and said, "I got piercings because I had never done that before. If the piercings are helpful for my work, I'm thinking about not taking them off," expressing how she prioritizes her career. Regarding the concerns about leaving a scar on her face, she explained that it will only leave a scar when you have it for a long time, and as for her, she is not worried about it because there is a physical method of removing it. Although some had mixed reactions to her visuals, Han So Hee said, "I don't see anything disgusting," showing that she embraces her unique personality despite being an actress. This is not the first time that the actress has made headlines for her bold decision to change her appearance. While having tattoos in Korea is still taboo, Han So Hee proudly shows them off on Instagram and during her campaign for Balenciaga. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Han So Hee's Fancam Gains Million of Views For THIS Reason For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Ji Sung and his wife, Lee Bo Young, celebrated a personal milestone as the celebrity couple graced Allure Korea with uber-sweet chemistry. The fashion magazine released a series of photos featuring the power couple, honoring their 10th anniversary as husband and wife. Fans can't get enough of the couple's newlywed-like vibe, looking happy beside each other. During their interview with Allure Korea, Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young recalled the start of their relationship and now that they have been married for 10 years. Lee Bo Young's Thoughts About Ji Sung Before and After the Marriage As a first impression, Lee Bo Young thinks of Ji Sung as a "senior actor who was boring but serious and hardworking." According to the actress, she wished that her husband would take on different roles, like showing off his affectionate side, since he is a "very delicate and soft person" in real life. The actress added that Ji Sung often plays "manly and serious roles," in which he no doubt slayed every character. READ MORE: Husband Goals! Ji Sung Proves He Is the Best Hype Boy for Wife Lee Bo Young As a husband and father, Lee Bo Young praised Ji Sung for being "mature and reliable" in their relationship. Moreover, he was also thankful for the actor for "not trying to change" her and for being someone who is not embarrassed of her. Ji Sung Reveals Why He Fell In Love With Lee Bo Young Even after more than a decade of their relationship, it seemed like Ji Sung was head over heels with his lovely wife. For the actor, Lee Bo Young is someone who "knows how to love and encourage" people. He also added that her wife is someone who "doesn't try to act cool," and her being "lovable and earnest" is what made Ji Sung fall in love with the actress. Speaking of Lee Bo Young's drama, the 46-year-old actor talks about his wife's performance in the 2023 K-drama "Agency," where she played the role of Go Ah In, the first female executive in their company who managed to take the executive spot. According to Ji Sung, her "honesty" and "confidence" really shined in the drama series. The celebrity couple got married in 2013 after dating for two years. Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young first met after starring in the SBS' drama "The Last Dance With Me." Now, they are proud parents to their two children, a daughter whom they welcomed in 2015 and their youngest son in 2019. Other than their happy marriage and family, both Ji Sung and Lee Bo Young are active in show business. In fact, the actress recently appeared in the rom-com series "See You in My 19th Life," while Ji Sung is set to make his K-drama comeback through the upcoming series "Connection." IN CASE YOU MISSED: Handsome Korean Actors Who Never Seem To Age: Gong Yoo, Hyun Bin, More For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Kennesaw State professor earns USG Hall of Fame teaching award KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 26, 2023 Diana Gregory receives a Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award. Diana Gregory, professor of art education in the Kennesaw State University College of the Arts, was honored this month with a Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award at the 19th Annual University System of Georgia Board of Regents Scholarship Gala. Gregory was one of six outstanding faculty from USG institutions presented with the award for excellence in teaching and scholarship, named for the late Felton Jenkins Jr., a former Board of Regents member. I am honored to receive this prestigious award and want to thank my research partners for working with me to better understand teaching and learning, Gregory said. Gregory, who first joined Kennesaw State as part-time faculty in 2000, has in that time served as a fellow for Creativity and Innovation at the KSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and chair of the Inclusive Education Department in the Bagwell College of Education, as well as received the National Art Education Association Southeastern Higher Education Teacher Award in 2009 and the Georgia Art Education Association Teacher of the Year Award in 2012. Earlier this year, Gregory received the prestigious Regents Award for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning from the USG. Gregory becomes KSUs tenth recipient of the Felton Jenkins, Jr. Hall of Fame Award. Previous winners were: Margaret Baldwin, Theater and Performance Studies, 2016 Pam Marek, Psychology, 2015 Sabine Smith, Modern Languages, 2011 Karen Robinson, Theater and Performance Studies, 2010 Carol Barnum (former Southern Polytechnic State University), 2009 Mary Garner, Mathematics and Statistics, 2007 Gail Schiffer, Biological and Physical Sciences, 2003 Sarah Robbins, English, 2002 Carol Edwards, School of Art and Design, 2000 Jo Allen Bradham, English, 1997 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. The National Park Service on Monday released an environmental assessment of the wild horse herd in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and kicked off a 30-day comment period on whether the animals should remain. The Park Service conducted the assessment as part of possible revisions to its livestock plans. The assessment discusses three avenues the agency could take -- no action, a phased-out removal of the horses and other livestock which would last 10 years or longer, or an expedited removal of the horses and other livestock which would take around two years. The western North Dakota park has an estimated 200 wild horses in its South Unit. There are nine longhorn cattle in the parks North Unit that could be affected by the changes as well, but most public attention has centered around the removal of the horses. Under current management practices, the Park Service has a herd size objective of 35-60 horses and up to 12 cattle. If the horses are removed, they would first be offered to federally recognized tribes with affiliation to the project area and then auctioned off or transferred to other entities. The cattle would be sold through auction or transferred to other entities. The horses have ties to numerous touchstones in North Dakota history, whether its their use by tribal nations, or the hunting and ranching days of former President Theodore Roosevelt. There is broad support in the state for maintaining the wild horse population. The 2023 Legislature passed a resolution supporting the preservation of the horses. Gov. Doug Burgum and state tribal leaders have spoken out in favor of keeping the horses in the park as well. U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., inserted wording into an appropriations bill report urging the Park Service to keep the horses and cattle in the park. The North Dakota Badlands Horse nonprofit and the American Wild Horse Campaign nonprofit have spoken out supporting the retention of the horses. The Park Services assessment says that livestock removal would benefit native wildlife and vegetation, but may lessen the experience of visitors who come to the park to see the horses or cattle. Hoeven released a statement Monday in support of maintaining the parks horse population. We continue pressing NPS to maintain this herd, both in meetings with their leaders and through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and we encourage North Dakotans to provide their input to the agency during this public comment period, he said. The comment period will be open until Oct. 25 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. The park will hold a public meeting on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. Mountain time in Medora. Participation will be available online as well. For more information go to bit.ly/463N7eg. 2 Shares Share When my parents were 22, they were two years out of college. My mother was married and commuting from Dallas to graduate school in Houston, on the verge of another cross-country move and a metaphorical world away from her New York City upbringing. My father was the officer running the kitchen on a United States Navy frigate somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, a literal world away from his Brooklyn childhood. When I was 22, I was finishing my first year of medical school. I toured apartments, signed a lease, set up my utilities, bought furniture, and arranged to move. I spoke to my parents for ten minutes on Sunday afternoons by phone, after the rates went down. I am now the mother of three college-aged children. They show remarkable resilience and can navigate stressful environments like technology and social media, which still elude me. Yet, I cannot imagine my twenty-year-old picking an apartment without sending me a video tour. There is widespread agreement that 22 today is dramatically different from what 22 was thirty or sixty years ago. Plenty of pundits give interviews explaining that permissive and overly involved parenting have ruined the current generation of young adults. Parental micromanaging certainly impacts this generation, but the parental hypothesis ignores critical social changes and biological evidence. If 22 today seems younger than it used to, this is partly due to changing social norms. When my mother was 22, the median age of first marriage for a woman in the United States hovered between 20.3 and 20.6 years old. For my daughter, the same statistic is just above 28 years old, an eight-year gap. Social and educational structural changes have pushed maturity milestones like marriage later and later. Technology has dramatically changed this generations relationship with (some would say reliance on) their parents. Blogs and book tours claim that this instant communication prevents young people from becoming independent. Alternatively, perhaps technology enables age-appropriate communication when parents and children are physically distant. For thousands of years of human history, young adults lived near their parentswith easy access to advice on anything from hunting/gathering to child-rearing. Our emphasis on young adult independence may be an attempt to justify the cultural phenomenon of geographical family separation. After all, I would have loved to show my first lease (and the only legal document I had ever seen) to my father before signing it. My failure to do so was not because I was bravely striking out on my ownit was because showing him the lease would have involved a copy machine, a trip to FedEx, and 48 hours I did not have. Educators, writers, and physicians ruthlessly demean this generation for using texts to depend on their parents. Instead, we could acknowledge that technology allows young adults access to parental advice in a historically normal manner. From a neuroscience perspective, our understanding of brains has undergone a sea change. Extensive evidencelongitudinal MRI, prefrontal cortex function, neural plasticity, and neurotransmissionall indicate that brain maturation is complete around age 25, and certainly not at 18. Cognitively, an 18-year-old is different from a 14-year-old, but neither is truly mature based on our current understanding of brain development. Just because we used to ask 18-year-olds to function as adults does not mean that was correct or appropriate in todays biopsychosocial milieu. Sixty years ago, when we thought a 20-year-old was cognitively mature and half of them were married, transitioning to adult medical care at that age seemed like a no-brainer. That is no longer true. Life circumstances, cognitive stage, and health needs favor treating these patients in a pediatric arena. Most 18 to 25-year-olds are on a merry-go-round of transitions. Many have left home, changed academic environments, and switched social peer groupsoften more than once. Establishing care with a new doctor is logistically and emotionally challenging during times of upheaval. These patients frequently disappear from the medical systemwithout access to vaccines, mental health screening, or sexually transmitted infection treatment. There will come a time when these patients should transition to adult carewhen they will need someone more expert than this pediatrician in lipid management, and when the adult care model will meet their needs. But that time is no longer 18, just as my 22-year-old is not ready to run a navy ships kitchen. As numerous country songs attest, every 18-year-old wants to grow up; leaving pediatric care is often considered a hallmark of that accomplishment. As a medical community, we should rewrite that milestone and agree to extend the border between pediatrics and internal medicine to the mid-twenties. Moving from pediatric to adult care should be based on cognitive age and life stage, not legal or outdated definitions of adulthood. Eleanor Menzin is a pediatrician. Iowa cities and counties have the authority to restrict building permits for the carbon-capture facilities that would feed proposed carbon dioxide pipelines in the state, the Hardin County attorney argues in a recent state regulatory filing. That has the potential to empower local elected officials to restrict or block the controversial pipeline projects by depriving them of their sources of the greenhouse gas. Some counties that are wary of the projects have sought to limit where the pipelines can be built, which a federal judge rebuffed. Summit Carbon Solutions seeks to build a five-state pipeline system that would transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants -- 13 of which are in Iowa -- to North Dakota for underground sequestration. The company would install and operate equipment at each of those facilities to capture, process and compress the gas into a supercritical fluid to inject into the pipeline system. Summits permit was recently denied in South Dakota because it didnt comply with ordinances that several counties adopted in response to pipeline proposals. That state allows the ordinances, but state regulators can overrule them. North Dakota regulators in August denied a siting permit for Summit's pipeline, but the Public Service Commission has since agreed to the company's request for reconsideration. Burleigh and Emmons counties earlier this year placed restrictions on pipelines carrying hazardous materials within their borders, in response to Summit's project. The PSC in deciding to reopen the case indicated that it would make a decision regarding the power of local ordinances in siting decisions in the near future. An Iowa county has tried to restrict pipeline routes but has been unsuccessful in the courts. A federal judge said in July that a new Shelby County ordinance that dictates how close a pipeline can be to cities, homes and other facilities overstepped the countys authority. But counties and cities have jurisdiction over building permits. Hardin County Attorney Darrell Meyer on Thursday asked state regulators to publicly clarify that the capture facilities are not part of the pipeline and are subject to local ordinances and permitting requirements. I know not what impact this motion will have, but raising local awareness and transparency are always positive supports of good government, Meyer told the Iowa Capital Dispatch. The revelation opens a new avenue for pipeline opponents to attempt to block the three projects currently proposed in Iowa, but would likely require a concerted effort by the cities and counties where the ethanol plants are located. If they cant get the capture facilities, Summits project is dead, said Wally Taylor, an attorney for the Sierra Club of Iowa. Its clear that counties or cities have the ability to require the capture facility to comply with the local zoning and land use requirements. Its unclear whether that strategy is palatable, even among elected leaders who have decried Summits proposal. Supervisors in several counties either declined to comment or did not respond to requests to comment for this article. Dean Kluss, a Wright County supervisor who has been a frequent critic of Summits pipeline permit process, said he is unsure whether he would support blocking building permits for the capture facilities. Further, the ethanol plant that is part of Summits system in his county is within the city limits of Goldfield and would be subject to that towns requirements, Kluss said. Goldfield Mayor Gabe Fiscus declined to comment for this article. Objection spurred idea Summit in August applied for a building permit in Hardin County to construct a capture facility at the Pine Lake Corn Processors ethanol plant near Steamboat Rock. The county has participated heavily in an ongoing evidentiary hearing for Summits hazardous liquid pipeline permit request with the Iowa Utilities Board. Hardin County officials have sought to preserve their permitting authority and other local powers, said Meyer, the county attorney. To that end, the county submitted the building permit application as evidence during the hearing to show Summit must still seek some permission from counties for its project despite the federal court ruling about siting ordinances. A Summit attorney objected to the evidence, in part arguing that it is irrelevant to the companys permit request with the Iowa Utilities Board. That objection lingered in my mind, causing me to give closer attention to the permitting of and jurisdiction over this capture facility and such facilities in general, Meyer said. Safe to say, local authority over the actual CO2 capture facilities appears to have been overlooked until now. He said its unclear yet whether his countys supervisors would use that authority to block a capture facility. Hardin is in the path of two carbon dioxide proposals by Summit and by Navigator CO2 and some of its landowners have been among the most vocal opponents of the projects. The county is also the home of Summit Agricultural Group, which spawned Summit Carbon Solutions and its project. A Summit spokesperson did not respond to a request to comment for this article. Hearing status Summits permit hearing before the utilities board recently finished its fifth week, which focused on landowners who are subject to eminent domain requests. The company is seeking forced easements from unwilling landowners for about a quarter of its route in Iowa, which includes more than 900 separate parcels of land. The easements would allow Summit to build and operate its pipeline system on land it doesnt own. The board had said it hoped to conclude hearing testimony by the end of this week, but a significant number of landowners have yet to testify. Last Thursday, there was time for just nine of the 20 scheduled witnesses. This week, more than 50 landowners are scheduled to testify over the course of three days, and the schedule doesnt include all of the remaining landowners. Hundreds of free books were handed out to patients at St Lukes Hospital last Friday as part of The Read Mor project, which is a Culture Night initiative. The Arts Council, in collaboration with HSE Healthy Ireland, celebrated Culture Night 2023 in seven selected hospital sites across Ireland, including at St Lukes General Hospital. The Read Mor project is the gift of a book on Culture Night to those unable to attend the nights events. This initiative, funded by the Arts Council, saw over 600 books from 29 Irish based authors gifted to patients and staff across the hospital. Once finished, patients are encouraged to share the joy of reading by passing on their book to a family member or friend. The Hospital Group Healthy Ireland Project Manager and nominated staff for each hospital worked jointly with the HSE National Healthy Ireland Team in planning this event. This meant that the patients in St Lukes General Hospital in Kilkenny had the opportunity to participate in Culture Night and escape to the furthest reaches of their imagination. This year the Arts Council was proud to partner up with HSE Healthy Ireland. Read Mor ensured that more people in more places could enjoy Culture Night. The Read Mor Book Doctors and their teams prescribed over 600 free books from their Library Trolleys as they visited the wards and public spaces in St Lukes General Hospital Kilkenny. The Book Doctors made their rounds from 3-6pm. Director of the Arts Council, Maureen Kennelly said: In a world filled with technological distractions, the joy of reading a physical book remains an invaluable resource. Read Mor is all about the public engaging with stories, ideas, and emotions that transport us to different realms of our imagination. This year, Read Mor will also help bring the magic of Culture Night to those who cannot join in with the nights events in the usual way. We could not have done this without the enthusiastic support of so many writers and publishers. We are especially grateful to our partners in HSE Healthy Ireland for their support in making Read Mor happen in hospitals across Ireland this Culture Night. A new radio series, telling the story of a remarkable group of Kilkenny people, who have been delivering aid to Chernobyl for over 25 years will air on Community Radio Kilkenny City later this week. The six-part series, beginning this Thursday, September 28, will recount the experiences of Jim Kavanagh and the Kilkenny Outreach group of Chernobyl Children International, shining a light on their efforts to provide supplies and hope to a population who are living with the reprocutions of the 1986 nuclear disaster, the world's greatest nuclear accident. The series will include a mix of on location with interviews, including in and around Jim and Penny Kavanaghs home and yard in Radestown, Kilkenny. The efforts of the local men and women involved has been long-lasting, with vans and trucks departing the Marble City with nappies, clothes, toiletries, toys and more necessities a regular occurrence, with in excess of 60 official journeys having taken place. As part of the radio documentary, members will reflect on the highs and lows of their experiences down through the years under the stewardship of the dedicated Jim Kavanagh. The series will feature interviews recorded throughout a humanitarian trip to Poland and back; on land, on sea, at venues for deliveries and elsewhere. Written and narrated by Declan Gibbons, the programmes will air every Thursday and Friday at 4.30pm, concluding on Friday, October 13. Each broadcast will be live on 88.7fm and www.crkc.ie or can be listened to at any time as a podcast via the radio station's Mixcloud and Soundcloud platforms along with www.crkc.ie Minister of State, Minister Browne TD, has today launched an awareness raising campaign urging against the misuse of fireworks, in collaboration with An Garda Siochana, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dublin Fire Brigade at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre in Marino. The Department of Justice runs an annual campaign to inform the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the significant penalties that people face for selling or using illegal fireworks. This years campaign focusses on the significant distress that fireworks can cause vulnerable people in our communities, particularly elderly people and those with sensory issues. They can also cause great harm and stress to family pets, Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs, and that is why this years campaign is being launched in collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Siochana. Speaking at the launch of the awareness campaign, Minister Browne said: As we head into the run-up to Halloween, I would like to urge everyone to refrain from purchasing or using illegal fireworks. When misused, they are a nuisance to our communities, but they can also have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of some more vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and people with sensory challenges. Fireworks can be very frightening for elderly people living alone and they can also seriously aggravate Guide and Assistance Dogs and other pets. It is also important to acknowledge that fireworks are illegal and there are serious penalties in place for those caught misusing them. For example, a person convicted of having fireworks in their possession with intent to sell or supply can face penalties including a fine of up to 10,000 and up to five years imprisonment. Minister Browne welcomed the continued collaboration with the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, ISPCA, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Siochana. The ongoing awareness campaign and associated advertisement campaign is aimed at the general public but particular attention is being given to targeting the younger generation and their parents as these groups are most likely to engage in the use of illegal fireworks. Minister Browne continued Parents, particularly those with young children, should be aware of the dangers associated with the misuse of fireworks. We have unfortunately seen many instances where people have done serious and permanent damage to themselves or others through the misuse of fireworks and I would ask parents to take this into consideration before they purchase illegal fireworks for their children. I would urge parents to instead take their children along to legal and professional fireworks displays organised in their local area. Echoing the Ministers sentiments, Tim OMahony, Chief Executive from the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said: Every year our team is faced with the heartbreak of seeing Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs traumatised from the impact of fireworks. Whilst our dogs are highly trained to cope with many situations, if a dog has an experience that goes beyond a normal level of stress, such as a firework exploding close to them, this can overly sensitise the dog, similar to PTSD in humans. Our trainers will work very closely with the dog and owner to reverse the effects, and whilst most dogs recover, some overreact to unexpected noise, which manifests as a fear reaction. In that situation, the dog must be retired. That has devastating consequences for their owner whose independence and mobility, which they previously enjoyed, is hugely curtailed or completely taken away. They face a lengthy wait to be matched with another suitable dog. Dr Cyril Sullivan from the ISPCA added: The ISPCA would like to remind anyone considering the purchase or use of illegal fireworks, to consider the fear and distress it can have on all animals. We are asking the public to take extra measures this Halloween to keep their pets indoors, but to also consider the safety of not only domestic pets, but livestock and wildlife too. By working together, we are ensuring that people and animals in our communities are safe and are unharmed this Halloween. Please report any illegal use or sale of fireworks to your local Garda Station to support this years National Fireworks Awareness Campaign. On the dangers facing emergency services, Chief Fire Officer, Dennis Keeley from the Dublin Fire Brigade added: The Chief Fire Officer for the Dublin City & County Councils, Dennis Keeley spoke about the dangers of using fireworks, the injuries that fireworks can cause to people and fire fighters and urged everyone to think before they act and what the unintended consequences of their actions might be. Speaking at the launch of this campaign, Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau said: To complement the launch of the 2023 Department of Justice Awareness campaign against the misuse of fireworks, An Garda Siochana will also launch Operation Tombola, our annual strategy to combat the importation, sale and use of fireworks on 1st October 2023. This operation seeks to create an awareness of the legislation which prevents the possession of unlicensed fireworks, but moreover to increase understanding of the harm that can arise from their use. An Garda Siochana will work with our partners and stakeholders to implement a strategy as we approach Halloween to keep people safe from the dangers of fireworks. In MAGA land, the policy is that anyone who criticizes their cult leader is deemed worthy of death. Take Paul Gosar, the bizarre Arizona Congress who participated in the attempted takeover of the United States government on January 6, 2021. He's mad that former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marrk Milley shared an incident about Trump's disgust toward wounded veterans. So, in the most recent issue of his newsletter, which once again unveiled his peculiar interest in other people's sex lives, Gosar called for Milley's execution by hanging. From his newsletter: After the riot was in full swing, the Chief [of Capitol Police, Steven Sund's] request for National Guard was finally approved. But even after approval was given, General Milley, the homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist Chairman of the military joint chiefs, delayed. Of course, we now know that the deviant Milley was coordinating with Nancy Pelosi to hurt President Trump, and treasonously working behind Trump's back. In a better society, quislings like the strange sodomy-promoting General Milley would be hung. He had one boss: President Trump, and instead he was secretly meeting with Pelosi and coordinating with her to hurt Trump. That is, when he wasn't also secretly coordinating and sharing intelligence with the Chinese military. How this traitor remains in office is a question we need answered. But the strange Gosar fails to note that Trump didn't call Milley that day, forcing others to step in. From Politco: Milley made and received dozens of phone calls on Jan. 6, including with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence, but never got one from his boss. He stopped short of saying he was frustrated with the president's silence, he said "I noted it." "You're the Commander in Chief. You've got an assault going on on the Capitol of the United States of America, and there's nothing? No call? Nothing? Zero?" Milley said. "No attempt to call the Secretary of Defense? No attempt to call the Vice President of the United States of America, who's down on the scene?" The reason the National Guard arrived late to the attempted overthrow was because Trump was sitting in the White House watching coverage of the riots unfolding on TV. As reported in The New York Times. Trump made no effort to coordinate a response or deploy the National Guard, leaving this responsibility to VP Pence, congressional leaders, and Pentagon officials. Because of Trump's lack of leadership, there was confusion over who had authority to deploy the National Guard, which contributed to significant delays in getting Guard reinforcements to the Capitol as violence escalated on January 6th. From the Times: "According to public reports, he watched television happily happily as the chaos unfolded," [Senator Mitch] McConnell said on Saturday. "He kept pressing his scheme to overturn the election. Even after it was clear to any reasonable observer that Vice President Pence was in serious danger, even as the mob carrying Trump banners was beating cops and breaching perimeters, the president sent a further tweet attacking his own vice president." In MAGA land, facts are lies, and lies are facts. Paul Gosar is smart enough to know the difference and smart enough to know his followers don't care. From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi is a new short story collection celebrating the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. The book features an incredible line-up of authors, including Saladin Ahmed, Mike Chen (author of the recent Star Wars: Brotherhood novel), Charlie Jane Anders, Alyssa Wong (who currently writes the Star Wars: Doctor Aphra comic), all contributing new in-continuity stories that retell key moments of Jedi from the perspectives of different characters in the film. One such story, written by Star Wars creative art manager Phil Szostak, focuses on the character of Max Rebo, the blue-skinned band leader from Jabba's Palace. According to the original novelization of Return of the Jedi from 1983, Rebo is what's known as a "jizz-wailer." Yes, really. The 1995 short story collection Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina further established that "jizz" is in fact a popular style of music in the Star Wars universe, practiced not only by the Max Rebo Band, but also by Figrin Da'an and the Modal Nodes the infamous Bith house band from Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina in Mos Eisley. As written explained on the official Star Wars website: Jizz is primarily a Bith institution, and is characterized by swinging, upbeat melodies. Yet the tonal variety of jizz has led to it becoming one of the more versatile and widespread popular musical art forms, embraced and appropriated by numerous cultures, which bring their own unique native stylings into the mix. As a result, there are countless jizz offshoots spread across the Galaxy, such as Wroonian blues, gliz (not to be confused with glitz) Tatooine blues (or the dirty variety, developed by Smooth Banjaxx Wab and the Scundereds) , and the more romantic aubade. [] The only apparently indispensable member of a jizz band is a kloo horn player. The saying goes among aficionados, "A jizz band without a Bith has its work cut out for them. A jizz band without a kloo horn should find a new gig." A jizz band without a Bith has its work cut out for them. A jizz band without a kloo horn should find a new gig. Traditional Bith Saying Now, when Disney purchased the Star Wars IP, the company wiped out a lot of the canon that had established in the officially licensed spin-off books. Thus, in the new continuity, it's entirely possible that a jizz band without a kloo horn is much more commonly accepted, for example. In 2017, the company published a new novelization of Return of the Jedi, written by Ryder Windham, which re-established jizz as a part of the official Star Wars canon. Alden Ehrenreich even referenced the musical genre while promoting his role in the Han Solo spinoff movie. But jizz is conspicuously absent from the Max Rebo-centric story in From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi. Instead, writer Phil Szostak describes the genre of music performed by the Max Rebo Band as jatz. Still, as The AV Club points out, jatz has its own established history in Star Wars continuity separate from jizz, including the currently established canon: [Jatz] dates back to a piece in a Star Wars fiction magazine from 1993. In fact, it actually pre-dates jizz as a genre name; although the Return Of The Jedi novelization describes a musician as a "jizz-wailer," it wasn't until 1995's Tales From The Mos Eisley Cantina that jizz itself was mentioned by name. (The A.V. Club: In-depth research in the Star Wars/jizz sciences.) Jatz and jizz have both appeared periodically since then, although, notably, only jatz has made the jump a few times from the non-canonical "Legends" material into official canon over the last few yearsincluding a reference in 2023 novel Inquisitor: Rise Of The Red Blade, and now From A Certain Point Of View. So either the creative art manager of the entire Star Wars IP made a glaring typo in his short story which was missed by numerous levels of editors or Disney is quietly trying to eradicate all jizz from the Star Wars universe. If true, this could lead to a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of jizz-wailers cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. Of course, this jizz erasure should not be confused with the recent revelation from Marvel's in-continuity Darth Vader comics, which established that Anakin Skywalker's fatherless conception was not, in fact, immaculate, but rather the result of Emperor Palpatine using his Sith abilities to Force-impregnate Shmi Skywalker. That is, unfortunately, still part of the canon. From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi Be the first to know when a new trade signal is out! Click here to sign up for e-mail notifications. In this presentation, CPM Groups Jeffrey Christian discusses why there seems to be a higher demand and premium for gold in China compared to other markets. Jeff looks at the increased demand for gold following the 2022 decline in investment products and jewelry, the difference between demand by the Chinese government and Chinese people, and how markets are incorrectly using the term premium to describe the market in Mumbai, compared to New York, Shanghai, and London. 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) - The time is right to enter the gold market, said Frank Giustra, CEO of the Fiore Group and noted philanthropist. Giustra spoke to Kitco mid-September at the Gold Forum Americas 2023 held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Giustra was joined by Neil Woodyer, CEO of Aris Mining. Giustra is a major player in the mining industry. Woodyer was a founder and CEO of both Leagold Mining and Endeavour Mining, one of the largest gold producers in West Africa. Woodyer is now leading the two-year-old Colombia-focused Aris. The company has charted a path to 400,000 equivalent gold ounces per year in production. Giustra said the timing is right to enter the precious metals space. "For a few years now, I've been looking [for] a bull market in metals," said Giustra. "I think it is going to be a secular bull market for metals, especially gold, and I think we're in the beginnings of it now. You're seeing that gold has found a new level, and it's staying there. "I think there's going to be tremendous opportunities for creating wealth in our industry, although you would not believe it today by looking at the market. This is an excellent time to be building something or buying something." Woodyer distilled his strategy for building a successful mining company. "It's a buy and build strategy," said Woodyer. "I think from the buy side, what we always look for is an asset that has a fair valuation but has some good upside potential." Giustra added patience. "Find a great asset, back a great management team, invest early and then you just wait," said Giustra. "On average [these] take between three and seven years to mature and become something of great value, depending upon the market. That's been our experience." Giustra was asked why he is still building miners. "The thrill of achieving success, which we've done several times, is just too much to walk away from," said Giustra. Coverage of the Gold Forums Americas 2023 was sponsored by Metalla Royalty & Streaming. 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) - Douglas Silver, CEO of Balfour Holdings, says there are too many companies in the gold space, but consolidation is unlikely to happen during the current market bottom. Rather, he sees M&A occurring at the top of the cycle when companies can raise the funds needed to finance the merger or acquisition. Silver spoke to Kitco mid-September at the Precious Metals Summit 2023 held in Beaver Creek, Col orado. "There's going to be a major winnowing because there's no capital coming into the exploration sector, so rather than having mergers you're going to have companies just die on the vine," he said, adding: "We have too many companies, the capital markets can't support the large population." Silver, a mining hall of famer in both Canada and the United States, and the author of 'Rise of the Mining Royalty Companies', is optimistic when it comes to political support for U.S. mining. He noted over $360 million of government money has come into either mining companies or universities to study critical minerals, including grants to Albemarle, the US-based chemicals giant, and to Lithium Americas' Thacker Pass project despite local opposition. "That's quite a sea change for the people in U.S. mining." Silver said automakers including General Motors, Ford, Tesla and Stellantis are investing directly in mining companies because they need the electrification metals. Kitco Mining's coverage of the Precious Metals Summit 2023 was sponsored by Newcore Gold. 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) - Azerbaijan-focused miner Anglo Asian Mining (AIM: AAZ) announced today that in H1 2023, its total gold equivalent (GE) production was 23,391 ounces, down 19% compared to H1 2022 (28,772 ounces) due to lower gold grades at Gedabek. The company said that all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of gold production increased to $1,357 per ounce in H1 2023 (H1 2022: $983 per ounce) due to lower gold production. Anglo Asian added that its performance in the period was in line with expectations given the declining grades of the Gedabek open pit. However, according to Anglo Asian, the curtailment of its agitation leaching and flotation processing from the beginning of August presented the company with significant challenges in the latter half of the year. The company said that only heap leach production expected to be carried out between August and December 2023. It expects the restart of agitation leaching and flotation processing in the first quarter of 2024. Anglo Asian also reported profit before taxation of $1.4 million for H1 2023 (H1 2022: $5.7 million), adding that no interim dividend declared for 2023 due to curtailment of processing subsequent to the period end. The company said it revised its production guidance for 2023 to between 30,000 to 34,000 GE ounces due to the curtailment of processing in the second half of the year. Importantly, Anglo Asian noted that the company is closely monitoring the very recent events in Karabakh. There have been reports in the press that the Azerbaijan Government has taken back control of the Demirli/Kyzlbulag mine, which is located in our contract areas. We will keep shareholders fully updated regarding future events, it said. Anglo Asian Mining is a gold, copper and silver producer with a portfolio of production and exploration assets in Azerbaijan. The company has a plan to transition to a multi-asset, mid-tier copper and gold producer by 2028. By 2028, copper will be the principal product of the company, with forecast production of around 36,000 copper equivalent tonnes. It plans to achieve this growth by bringing into production four new mines during 2023 to 2028 at Zafar, Gilar, Xarxar and Garadag. 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) - Amid the slow integration of blockchain technology with the global financial infrastructure, blockchain-based payments continue to be one of the most useful applications of the technology as governments and corporations around the world look to create more efficient payment systems capable of offering immediate settlement. In Japan, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (MUTB), the countrys largest banking group, announced a new collaboration with Binance Japan to explore the issuance of fiat-pegged stablecoins, including the Japanese Yen and other foreign currencies, utilizing the Progmat Coin platform, a stablecoin issuance and management platform compliant with Japanese law. MUTB announced the creation of Progmat Coin in February as a platform designed to support the issuance of Japanese Yen-pegged stablecoins on public blockchains. Under this partnership between MUTB and Binance, the joint study aims to drive mass adoption of Web3 and foster a thriving Web3 ecosystem in Japan by issuing new stablecoin utilizing [the] Progmat Coin platform compliant with the domestic regulations, the press release said. Various brands of stablecoins based on the Progmat Coin platform will be available for issuance and circulation as soon as the intermediaries handling them have completed their license registration with the relevant authorities. Companies wishing to utilize stablecoins in their business dealings are required to obtain the newly established Electronic Settlement Methods Transaction Business Provider license under the revised Payments Services Act. Binance Japan and MUTB are looking to have their stablecoin operations up and running by the end of 2024, the release said. We believe that the new stablecoin from this collaboration will be a step forward in advancing Web 3.0, said Tatsuya Saito, founder and CEO of Progmat and vice president of product at MUTB. Progmat is a neutral infrastructure that enables the issuance of various brands of stablecoins with the greatest flexibility of use and the least risk of de-pegging, [and] it does not compete with players issuing their own stablecoins. Visa and Mastercard integrations with the e-CNY app As China pushes to increase the adoption of the digital yuan, a recent update to the e-NCY app now allows tourists to pre-charge their digital yuan wallet using Visa and Mastercard payment options. The e-CNY app, which is still in its pilot version, allows users to open digital yuan wallets so that they can conduct transactions using the countrys central bank digital currency (CBDC). The app is available to iOS and China-based Google Play Store users. The latest iOS app update published on Sept. 22 shows that version 1.1.1 supports its top-up service with international card options. Local media reports have suggested the updates to the e-CNY app coincide with the start of the Asian Games. Inbound tourists can use an overseas mobile number to register and open e-CNY wallets and make use of the top-up feature, which now includes the option to pay via Visa or Mastercard. MoneyGram to launch non-custodial crypto wallet MoneyGram International, the U.S.-based international peer-to-peer payments and money transfer company, has announced plans to launch its own non-custodial digital wallet in Q1 2024. The wallet, which was announced at the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) annual Meridian conference on Tuesday, will enable consumers around the world to leverage stablecoin technology to seamlessly move from fiat to digital currency, to fiat again all with the same global brand they trust, the press release said. The wallet was built by Cheesecake Labs in partnership with MoneyGram and will leverage the Stellar network and MoneyGram's fiat on and off-ramp services integrated with the Stellar network. Once the wallet is fully rolled out, MoneyGram users will be able to visit any participating MoneyGram location to cash out their digital assets to increase the utility of their holdings, and will also be able to seamlessly send digital assets to other users in the wallet, MoneyGram said. The company will be responsible for doing a comprehensive global compliance screening for all wallet users. Through the services we provide in partnership with SDF, MoneyGram has made strides to create equitable access to the global financial system, having become the single largest fiat on and off-ramp provider offering blockchain access worldwide," said Alex Holmes, CEO of MoneyGram. The MoneyGram non-custodial digital wallet advances this mission even further. As the wallet rolls out, MoneyGram plans to expand its capabilities and introduce new features that will help further bridge the worlds of international money transfers and blockchain payments, they said. To help entice users to adopt the wallet, MoneyGram is offering zero-fee services until June 2024. MoneyGram launched its global fiat on and off-ramp service for digital wallets in 2022 in an effort to increase the utility of digital assets by creating a bridge between fiat and digital currencies. Since launching, the service has expanded to eight digital wallets on the Stellar blockchain, providing consumers the ability to cash-out in 180+ countries and cash-in in 30+ countries around the world. LONDON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Canada wants to reach deals with countries that are more "dependable" trading partners than China for the supply and processing of the critical materials needed to power the energy transition, a Canadian minister said on Tuesday. "Much of the critical mineral resources around the world is controlled by China ... We are in a geopolitical universe where China is a trading partner that is probably not as dependable as the countries with whom we share values," Canada's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said at a Canada-UK critical minerals investment forum in London. "We have made pretty clear that we have concerns about the state-owned enterprises investing in critical minerals in Canada," he added. Canada in 2022 asked three Chinese companies to sell their stakes in Toronto-listed lithium explorers after a national security review, a move that raised questions about the future of other Chinese investments in the Canadian mining sector. Lithium is used in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), which are expected to eventually displace internal combustion engines. In March, Wilkinson told Reuters that the Canadian government would not force Chinese state investors to divest their stakes in large mining companies, including Teck Resources, Ivanhoe Mines and First Quantum Minerals, to avoid policy uncertainty. "Nobody is saying that there is not going to be trade with China, but what we are trying to do is to create diversity of supply so that there is greater security of supply," he said on the sidelines of the event in London. Canada, home to a large mining sector for minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, wants to woo companies involved in all levels of the EV supply chain through a multi-billion-dollar green technology effort. It has made partnership agreements with a string of countries, including Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and the members of the European Union, to respond to a need to scale up mining and processing of critical minerals, Wilkinson said, adding that achieving that goal would take some time. "That is something we are going to do step by step and it is difficult to say when you are going to reach that stable level you feel there is sufficient security, but I would say that will take a number of years." (Reporting by Clara Denina; Additional reporting by Divya Rajagopal; Editing by Paul Simao) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. TOKYO, Sept 26 (Reuters) - MUFG Bank is among three Japanese firms leading a $290-million fundraising round for U.S. spaceship company Sierra Space, spearheading a commercial "spaceport" project in the southwestern region of Oita, the Nikkei daily said on Tuesday. Despite recent setbacks for national space missions, Japanese companies aiming to foray into space are increasingly deepening ties with private companies, from American giants such as SpaceX to home-grown startups. MUFG Bank, insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire and trading house Kanematsu together invested several tens of billions of yen in Sierra, gaining a stake in the unlisted company that was now probably valued in excess of $5 billion, the paper said. A spokesperson of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire, a unit of Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.T), confirmed that the three companies formed a strategic partnership with Sierra, but declined to elaborate on their investments. Spokespersons for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group's (8306.T) MUFG Bank and Kanematsu Corp (8020.T) declined to comment. Earlier, CNBC said the deal included "significant participation from prior investors and insiders" of Sierra, in addition to the Japanese firms. Sierra Space, spun off in 20221 from billionaire-owned Sierra Nevada Corp, is among a handful of space industry players attempting to build a private space station that NASA hopes will replace the two decade-old International Space Station by 2030. Sierra signed a partnership in December with Kanematsu, Japan Airlines (9201.T) and the Oita prefectural government to turn a regional airport into Asia's first "horizontal spaceport". The Oita project took a hit this year from the bankruptcy of another U.S. space company Virgin Orbit , which had partnered with airline ANA Holdings (9202.T). MUFG Bank, one of Japan's three biggest, has invested in domestic space startups such as orbital debris-removal firm Astroscale. Tokio Marine's rival Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance said it provided the world's first "lunar insurance" to ispace inc's (9348.T) moon landing mission, which failed in April. The vigorous commercial projects stand in contrast with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) unsuccessful space missions since last year. But its SLIM lander launched this month would make Japan the fifth in the world to put a spacecraft on the moon if the early 2024 mission succeeds. ($1=148.8700 yen) TOKYO, Sept 26 (Reuters) - MUFG Bank is among three Japanese firms leading a $290-million fundraising round for U.S. spaceship company Sierra Space, spearheading a commercial "spaceport" project in the southwestern region of Oita, the companies said on Tuesday. Despite recent setbacks for national space missions, Japanese companies aiming to foray into space are increasingly deepening ties with private companies, from American giants such as SpaceX to home-grown startups. MUFG Bank, insurer Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire and trading house Kanematsu together invested several tens of billions of yen in Sierra, gaining a stake in the unlisted company that was now valued at $5.3 billion, Sierra said. The investments from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire, a unit of Tokio Marine Holdings (8766.T), and the two other companies is part of a "long-term strategic relationship with our Japanese partners", Sierra's CEO Tom Vice said in a statement. Prior Sierra investors General Atlantic, Coatue and Moore Strategic Ventures, which in 2021 led a $1.4 billion Series A fundraising for the company, also participated in the latest funding round, Sierra said. Sierra Space, spun off in 2021 from billionaire-owned Sierra Nevada Corp, is among a handful of space industry players attempting to build a private space station that NASA hopes will replace the two decade-old International Space Station by 2030. Rivals in the space station business include Houston, Texas-based Axiom Space, which in August closed a $350 million funding round anchored by Saudi investors Aljazira Capital and South Korea's Boryung Co., Ltd. Sierra next year expects to launch its first Dream Chaser spaceplane, designed to carry cargo and crews to orbit. The company signed a partnership in December with Kanematsu, Japan Airlines (9201.T) and the Oita prefectural government to turn a regional airport into Asia's first "horizontal spaceport". The Oita project took a hit this year from the bankruptcy of another U.S. space company Virgin Orbit , which had partnered with airline ANA Holdings (9202.T). MUFG Bank, one of Japan's three biggest, has invested in domestic space startups such as orbital debris-removal firm Astroscale. Tokio Marine's rival Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance said it provided the world's first "lunar insurance" to ispace inc's (9348.T) moon landing mission, which failed in April. The vigorous commercial projects stand in contrast with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) unsuccessful space missions since last year. But its SLIM lander launched this month would make Japan the fifth in the world to put a spacecraft on the moon if the early 2024 mission succeeds. ($1=148.8700 yen) (This story has been corrected to fix the year in paragraph 7) 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) Political pressure is delaying the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF, according to Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo. Despite this challenge, he remains optimistic that Bitcoin's price will re-test its record high of $69,000 in the next 18 months. Major financial institutions, including BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck, are competing to list the first spot-traded Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. Although the SEC approved a Bitcoin-linked Futures ETF in October 2021, the current push is for spot Bitcoin ETFs, which directly hold Bitcoin as the underlying asset, giving investors exposure to the actual price of Bitcoin. Investors received a boost in confidence that such funds might soon get approval after the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock filed an application on June 15. Blackrock has a near-perfect record of ETF application approvals leading many to believe that its a matter of when not if, the SEC will give it the green light. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the worlds largest asset manager has filed for around 550 ETFs and has been rejected only for one fund. On top of that, Grayscale got a legal win against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) following the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling that some of the regulator's arguments in rejecting bitcoin ETF applications seemed "arbitrary and capricious." Previously, many had faced rejection or had to withdraw their applications due to the SEC's concerns about spot-derived ETFs. The SEC has on multiple occasions, postponed its decision on spot bitcoin ETF applications, including those from BlackRock, WisdomTree, Invesco Galaxy, Wise Origin, VanEck, Bitwise, and Valkyrie Digital Assets, extending the comment periods for these applications to gather more public feedback. The SEC can take up to 240 days to finalize its decision on such applications. Belshe told Michelle Makori, Lead Anchor and Editor-in-Chief at Kitco News, that it is not regulation but political pressure holding back approvals for spot Bitcoin ETFs. "Regulators should be just applying the rulebook 'here's what the legislation says, and here's the answer.' This should not be ambiguous," Belshe said on the sidelines of the Mainnet conference in NYC. "Why do you think the SEC and Gary Gensler seem so reluctant to approve a spot Bitcoin ETF and are making things ambiguous and capricious? It's political. It's not actually a matter of law." For Belshe's thoughts on why there is a push to delay the regulatory clarity over the crypto sector and which industry has "undue influence" on regulation, watch the video above. The political pressure makes it difficult to predict whether an ETF will be approved next quarter, Belshe added. "There's a lot of people that are wondering who's calling the shots, and it's probably a set of people," he said. "Over time, I definitely think we'll get one approved." Many are pointing their finger at forces inside Washington, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Right after Biden was elected, Senator Elizabeth Warren showed up and very publicly said, 'We're going to unwind all that crypto stuff.' And she encouraged Biden to do that," Belshe said. "She's very much in the center of a lot of what's going on with the SEC and also with the Biden administration." The U.S. needs to have rules that are predictable and understandable to everyone to remain a leader in the global economy. "There's a threat to democracy, which is regulatory capture, which is where industry can get undue influence into the regulatory and legislative law-making process. We all know this happens," Belshe noted, pointing to the banking industry. "Why have we not had significant, technical evolution of our banking system for the last 30 years, when we've seen a massive technical explosion in every other industry from the Internet to supply chain management to automobiles?" BTC price forecast Belshe also shared his price outlook for Bitcoin as the world's largest cryptocurrency has been stuck between $25,000 and $30,000 for months. Following the Federal Reserve meeting this week, the central bank adopted a hawkish hold, keeping the Fed funds range at 5.25-5.5%, and Bitcoin held broadly steady. In the next 18 months, Belshe sees Bitcoin re-testing the previous all-time highs of $69,000. However, despite the optimistic forecast, he hopes that it doesn't happen. Watch the video for why. Belshe sees a lot of good coming out of this bear crypto market, watch the video above for details. BANGKOK, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Thailand's cabinet has approved a plan to suspend debt repayments for millions of farmers for three years at a total cost of about 33 billion baht ($908 million) to the government, a deputy finance minister said on Tuesday. The suspension of both the principal and interest payments will begin on Oct. 1, Julapun Amornvivat told reporters, adding that farmers who have kept up with interest payments would also be allowed to borrow up to 100,000 baht from the state-owned Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. The aim of the measure is to help ease the burdens of farmers so that they "come back strong", he said. About 2.7 million farmers are eligible to join the programme. Thailand, the world's second largest rice exporter, has one of Asia's highest levels of household debt. In 2021, 66.7% of all agricultural households were in debt, largely from farming-related activities, according to government data. Many farming families are financially burdened after borrowing to fund their crops, with debt spanning generations. The debt plan is part of a series of measures prepared by the new populist government, which took office last month, to revive a sluggish economy weighed down declining exports and falling investor confidence. The suspension will cost the government about 11 billion baht ($302.8 million) per year, Julapun said, adding that the cabinet approved about 12 billion baht on Tuesday. ($1 = 36.34 baht) Sept 26 (Reuters) - World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Tuesday said that proposed new contributions from wealthy countries under a capital adequacy framework could increase the bank's lending capacity by $100 billion to $125 billion over a decade. Banga told a Council on Foreign Relations event that the contributions would come outside the bank's normal shareholding structure and regular country contributions to the International Development Agency fund for the poorest countries. They would include U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed $2.25 billion supplemental budget request for the World Bank, along with expected contributions from Germany, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Nordic countries, he said. "I believe that if all this goes through, including the U.S., we could raise somewhere between $100 billion and $125 billion of extra lending capacity in the bank, which is pretty good. Not enough, but good," Banga said. Such contributions could more than double the bank's move earlier this year to increase its leverage ratio to squeeze out an additional $50 billion in lending over a decade, as it seeks to aid the climate transition and other global development challenges. Banga said that he has not yet held any discussions with the United States and China regarding a general capital increase and changes to the bank's shareholding structure. China, India and Brazil got larger shareholding in the bank in a 2018 capital increase and would likely want more say in a future capital increase, Banga said. He added that China has been a "constructive" partner for the lender, cooperating in areas including climate, healthcare and rural development MASSIVE DEMANDS The former MasterCard CEO, who took over the World Bank's top job in June, has said he wants to build a "better bank" - increasing its urgency, focusing it on high-impact, replicable projects and expanding beyond its anti-poverty mission - before seeking a general capital increase from shareholders. He said that G20 countries will struggle to agree with an experts' report commissioned by the group that calls for a massive capital infusion into the World Bank and other multilateral development banks to help finance the $3 trillion in annual spending needed by 2030 for climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation. But he said the bank's resources, even with moves to stretch its balance sheet, are woefully inadequate, with paid-in capital of just $22.6 billion for the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development over its 78-year history. "That is a pimple on a dimple on an ant's left cheek compared to what we need in the world," Banga said. Banga said that deeper conversations were needed on the World Bank's future funding, but added that he would "not try and put an idealistic number out there" for the size of a future capital increase. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy. High near 50F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low near 25F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. A gentleman called emergency services in Kanawha County, West Virginia last week reporting that he had been attacked by a bear in the woods. The man, Christian Leonhardt, 47, of Brecksbille, Ohio claimed he was severely injured and that a group of bears were stalking him. "Please help me!" he cried to the dispatchers. Several search and rescue teams descended on the area to find Leonhardt who also told dispatchers he had a head injury and was bleeding out. Two hours later, they found Leonhardt. But they didn't find him injured. And they didn't find any bears. From WOWKTV: Once they were at his location, he allegedly denied medical treatment from fire and EMS crews, claiming he just wanted a ride out of the woods[] Deputies say Leonhardt allegedly told them he was extremely intoxicated and apologized for wasting their time, but that he needed to get out of the woods. He's been charged with falsely reporting an emergency. The parents of Samuel Bankman-Fried will defend their son at the expense of their reputations; saving him from justice is their only mission in life. Bankman-Fried's mother has said that the accused fraudster, held in jail for witness tampering, will "never speak an untruth," immediately calling her judgment regarding her son into question. The Bankman-Fried's received cash, and real estate from their son during his term as CEO of FTX, a crypto exchange wherein he is alleged to have fraudulently misused billions in investor dollars. Apparently, his parents still feel they are entitled to their enrichment. Bankman-Fried is also trying to get out of jail, once again, but his witness tampering seems to have cost him any leeway with the Judge. Throughout the entire process of Bankman-Fried bankrupting FTX and getting caught with his hand in the cookie jar, the former CEO has maintained his innocence in a smarmy way that doesn't suggest he has any regrets. Yahoo: Columbia woman requests change of venue in case involving the death of an infant China Resources Cement Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:CARCY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $8.25 and last traded at $8.25, with a volume of 10 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $8.25. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded China Resources Cement from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Get China Resources Cement alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CARCY China Resources Cement Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The company has a market cap of $1.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.33 and a beta of 0.10. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $10.68 and a 200 day moving average of $12.92. China Resources Cement (OTCMKTS:CARCY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 18th. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter. China Resources Cement had a return on equity of 1.64% and a net margin of 2.85%. The company had revenue of $981.78 million for the quarter. Research analysts anticipate that China Resources Cement Holdings Limited will post 1.57 earnings per share for the current year. China Resources Cement Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 14th will be given a $0.1364 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 13th. This is a boost from China Resources Cements previous dividend of $0.03. China Resources Cements payout ratio is currently 60.00%. About China Resources Cement (Get Free Report) China Resources Cement Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, engages in manufacture and sale of cement, concrete, and related products and services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. It operates through Cement and Concrete segments. The company engages in the excavation of limestone; and production, sale, and distribution of cement, clinker, and concrete. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for China Resources Cement Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Resources Cement and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Group (LON:PHNX Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by investment analysts at Berenberg Bank from GBX 770 ($9.40) to GBX 739 ($9.02) in a report released on Friday, Digital Look reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Berenberg Banks price objective indicates a potential upside of 44.62% from the companys previous close. PHNX has been the topic of several other research reports. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Phoenix Group from GBX 620 ($7.57) to GBX 640 ($7.82) and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, September 18th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Phoenix Group from GBX 715 ($8.73) to GBX 718 ($8.77) and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, September 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 680.33 ($8.31). Get Phoenix Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Phoenix Group Phoenix Group Price Performance Phoenix Group Company Profile PHNX traded down GBX 16.40 ($0.20) on Friday, hitting GBX 511 ($6.24). 3,367,395 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,192,028. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 530.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 549.83. The firm has a market cap of 5.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -276.22, a P/E/G ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 0.78. Phoenix Group has a one year low of GBX 500 ($6.11) and a one year high of GBX 647 ($7.90). The company has a current ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 161.58. (Get Free Report) Phoenix Group Holdings plc operates in the long-term savings and retirement business in Europe. The company operates through four segments: UK Heritage, UK Open, Europe, and Management Services. It provides a range of pensions and savings products to support people across various stages of the savings life cycle. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Phoenix Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phoenix Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An employee of O'Reilly Auto Parts strangled a shoplifter and now faces a murder charge. Carl Kemppainen, 39, threw his life away to take anotherall to stop a man stealing from the auto parts shop where he works. When they arrived, the first responders learned two men had entered the store and began to shoplift. A fight broke out shortly after between the suspects and store employees outside the store, resulting in one of the suspected shoplifters being killed. Authorities identified the man as Steen and determined he died of strangulation. Police said the other shoplifter suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. Kemppainen was booked on a $125,000 bond. According to online jail records, his bond was posted. The range of sentencing for the reckless second-degree murder charge is 109 to 493 months in prison. Need a job? O'Reilly pays $15.50 an hour and there's an opening in Kansas City. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, September 19th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be given a dividend of 0.091 per share by the oil and gas company on Monday, October 16th. This represents a $1.09 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust has increased its dividend payment by an average of 30.7% annually over the last three years. Get Cross Timbers Royalty Trust alerts: Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Stock Down 0.7 % CRT opened at $20.05 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $20.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $20.57. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust has a 52 week low of $13.51 and a 52 week high of $30.40. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cross Timbers Royalty Trust ( NYSE:CRT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 11th. The oil and gas company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.18 million during the quarter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 464.92% and a net margin of 78.12%. A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of CRT. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,569,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the 1st quarter worth approximately $780,000. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 817.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 20,327 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $517,000 after acquiring an additional 18,112 shares during the period. UBS Group AG grew its holdings in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 12,037 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $225,000 after acquiring an additional 505 shares during the period. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $216,000. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating for the company. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CRT About Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Cross Timbers Royalty Trust operates as an express trust in the United States. It holds 90% net profits interests in certain producing and nonproducing royalty and overriding royalty interest properties in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; and 75% net profits working interest in four properties in Texas and three properties in Oklahoma. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greystone Financial Group LLC decreased its stake in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 16.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,932 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 775 shares during the period. Greystone Financial Group LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $685,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Symmetry Partners LLC raised its position in American Express by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 7,193 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $1,253,000 after buying an additional 376 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 7.6% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 10,330 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,704,000 after purchasing an additional 726 shares in the last quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson increased its holdings in shares of American Express by 6.5% in the 1st quarter. First National Bank of Hutchinson now owns 4,100 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $676,000 after buying an additional 249 shares during the last quarter. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of American Express by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. now owns 3,199 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $528,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. Finally, Shelton Capital Management boosted its stake in American Express by 206.7% during the first quarter. Shelton Capital Management now owns 5,520 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $910,000 after buying an additional 3,720 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.08% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: American Express Stock Performance Shares of AXP stock traded down $2.18 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $151.05. The stock had a trading volume of 1,383,285 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,160,842. The firm has a market capitalization of $111.24 billion, a PE ratio of 15.59, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.19. The stocks 50 day moving average is $162.57 and its 200 day moving average is $162.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.59. American Express has a twelve month low of $130.65 and a twelve month high of $182.15. American Express Dividend Announcement American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The payment services company reported $2.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.81 by $0.08. American Express had a return on equity of 29.26% and a net margin of 12.99%. The firm had revenue of $15.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.57 EPS. The firms revenue was up 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that American Express will post 11.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.59%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.42%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently issued reports on AXP. Piper Sandler cut American Express from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $172.00 to $149.00 in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $188.00 price target on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, July 24th. 58.com reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of American Express in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on shares of American Express from $180.00 to $193.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of American Express from $205.00 to $203.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, American Express presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $173.06. View Our Latest Analysis on AXP American Express Company Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides charge and credit payment card products, and travel-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Global Consumer Services Group, Global Commercial Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Its products and services include payment and financing products; network services; accounts payable expense management products and services; and travel and lifestyle services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Resolute Mining Limited (LON:RSG Get Free Report)s share price dropped 5.4% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 17.40 ($0.21) and last traded at GBX 17.50 ($0.21). Approximately 55,073 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 45% from the average daily volume of 99,752 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 18.50 ($0.23). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 30 ($0.37) target price on shares of Resolute Mining in a research note on Monday, September 4th. Get Resolute Mining alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Resolute Mining Resolute Mining Price Performance About Resolute Mining The firm has a market cap of 372.75 million, a PE ratio of 583.33 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.36, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.41. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 18.65 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 21.44. (Get Free Report) Resolute Mining Limited engages in gold mining, and prospecting and exploration for minerals in Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The company's flagship project is the Syama Gold Mine located in Mali, West Africa. It also owns Mako Gold Mine in Senegal, West Africa. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Perth, Australia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Resolute Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Resolute Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK Get Free Report)s share price dropped 1% on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 165.25 ($2.02) and last traded at GBX 167.80 ($2.05). Approximately 1,583,375 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 19% from the average daily volume of 1,949,574 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 169.50 ($2.07). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades VMUK has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Berenberg Bank reiterated a hold rating and issued a GBX 195 ($2.38) price target on shares of Virgin Money UK in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 209 ($2.55). Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Virgin Money UK Virgin Money UK Stock Performance About Virgin Money UK The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 167.85 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 156.92. The stock has a market capitalization of 2.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 493.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 1.97. (Get Free Report) Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Buffalo-based Diadem Capital will receive $115,000 in pre-seed investment to help in the growth of the fintech platform. The investment by Launch NY is part of a larger pre-seed funding round for Diadem Capital and is the first investment being made by the organizations new for-profit Seed Fund II. Diadem Capital, which is run by two veterans of Wall Street, plans to use the money to continue building out its platform, launch a marketing effort and hire a support specialist. Diadem has had more than 1,200 companies seek out its services in the past 21 months. Diadem Capital is the connective tissue between talented founders and investors looking for great deals, creating opportunities for deals that wouldnt otherwise exist, Diadems CEO Stephanie Rieben said in a statement. Were using our experience in fintech and the capital markets to act as a trusted extension of the deal-sourcing teams at venture capital, corporate venture, family office, private equity, venture debt and non-dilutive firms. Rieben and Joe Hammill started the company in 2022 to help bring the trading floor to the startup fundraising marketplace. The company helps startup founders present their deals to investors. If the deal doesnt get funded, Diadem doesnt earn any fees. Rieben spent a decade in investment banking at Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Berenberg Bank, before moving to a venture-backed fintech funding platform, where she learned about the challenge of fundraising for private companies. Hammill, a Buffalo native who serves as Diadems COO, spent a decade on the trading floor at Citigroup before joining Rieben at their fintech startup. Hammill moved back to his hometown during the pandemic. Diadem Capital has supported 17 deals raising $55 million from seed to Series B funding rounds in less than two years. More than 700 venture capital funds and over 100 lenders have used Diadem. Our automated solution streamlines the fundraising process for startup founders, with a proven track record of helping deals go from pitch to close, Hammill said. That means they have more time and energy to actually run their company, focusing on the execution of their growth strategies. Diadem Capital is on its way to closing a larger pre-seed round, with Launch NY which backs startup companies in Western and Upstate New York as the lead investor. Launch NYs Seed Fund I raised $5.4 million from 73 accredited investors and backed 55 companies over the course of four years, before securing its first significant exit earlier this year with the sale of portfolio company Patient Pattern. The Diadem Capital investment included $65,000 through Seed Fund II, and $50,000 from the original fund. Since its inception in 2012, Launch NY has helped more than 1,500 companies and they have gone on to raise more than $1 billion and create more than 5,000 jobs. Its fitting that our first investment from Seed Fund II into a startup that helps young companies raise capital is completely aligned with our mission to bring funding to under resourced founders, said Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY. In the realm of K-pop, controversies often arise, capturing the attention and curiosity of fans worldwide. The latest controversy involves Stray Kids' talented member, Han, who found himself at the center of a heated debate after rumors surfaced that he had betrayed his loyalty to Samsung Galaxy and switched to using an iPhone. The iPhone Controversy: How It All Started The rumors began circulating when eagle-eyed fans noticed Han using an iPhone during a live-streamed performance. This unexpected sight sparked a frenzy of speculation and raised questions about his brand loyalty. As fans expressed their concerns and disappointment, Han took it upon himself to address the issue directly. In a heartfelt message posted on his social media accounts, Han clarified the situation and defended himself against the allegations of cheating on Samsung Galaxy. He emphasized that he remains a dedicated user of Samsung products and explained that he temporarily borrowed an iPhone for work-related purposes. IM CRYINGG HAN CLARIFYING ABT THE PHONE HE HAD IN HIS PHOTO "that phone. is our beloved skzigi's!! dont misunderstand! galaxy is the best!!! Galaxy the love...our beloved Galaxy" pic.twitter.com/C6eWEjFqlk (@smolsungies) September 23, 2023 Han emphasized that as a professional artist, he often collaborates with different brands for various projects. In this particular case, he revealed that he was testing out the iPhone's capabilities for a music video shoot. He assured fans that his commitment to Samsung Galaxy remains unwavering and that his temporary use of an iPhone should not be misconstrued as disloyalty. READ ALSO: Stray Kids Han Net Worth 2022: How Much Does He Earn From Singing, Writing Songs? The response from fans has been mixed, with some accepting Han's explanation while others remaining skeptical. Netizens' comments: "HES SO FUNNY " "Man forgot he is an Samsung ambassador" "The way he immediately try to explain himself abt that phone after he sent this pic. Our boy must be panicking like, "Oh shit, I forgot that we're actually promoting samsung now." "his career flashed before his eyes and he began panicking" "My guy must have been scolded by changbin LMFAO" Despite this challenging environment, Han's ability to promptly address the issue and provide a reasonable explanation showcases his professionalism and commitment to maintaining trust with his fans. As the controversy gradually settles, Stray Kids' loyal fan base eagerly awaits new music releases and performances from the group. Han's dedication to his craft and his fans will undoubtedly continue to shine through, overshadowing any temporary controversies that may arise. Meanwhile,In a recent Stray Kids Han's new song "Wish You Back" has already garnered the attention of the animation director of "Your Name." READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Stray Kids Han Gets Noticed by 'Your Name' Animation Director After Releasing a New Song Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news. KpopStarz own this article. Cassidy Jones wrote this. SEVENTEEN Mingyu has recently taken a stand against a fan at the airport, sparking a debate about the etiquette of fans' behavior in public spaces. Heres what happened. SEVENTEEN's Return Fuels Discussion on Fan Conduct at Airports In recent months, airport etiquette has been a hotly debated topic among netizens, particularly in the context of K-pop idols' airport encounters. READ ALSO: SEVENTEEN Reportedly Filming for 'Youth Over Flowers' - Pledis Releases Statement Videos from airports worldwide have shown idols being mobbed by fans and large crowds gathering despite statements from their agencies about schedules and safety concerns. SEVENTEEN, the beloved K-pop group, recently returned from Europe after filming for their show "Youth Over Flowers" and other schedules. During their time abroad, fans expressed a desire for the members to enjoy their time without having their privacy invaded by overly enthusiastic fans. However, upon their return to Korea, footage of the members leaving Europe began circulating online. SEVENTEEN Mingyu Addresses Fan Behavior Controversy with Airport Incident, Ignite CARATs Call For Respecting Airport Rules What caught fans' attention was an incident involving Mingyu, who "called out" a fan for recording the members, despite airport staff pointing out a notice explicitly stating that filming was prohibited. READ ALSO: SEVENTEEN Mingyu's Snaps With 'Wrong' Sweatshirt Mishap Has CARATs Swooning- Here's What Happened Mingyu went on to point to the sign, reinforcing the message and reminding the fan not to record. The incident, which involved Mingyu "calling out" a fan for filming the members despite clear "no filming" signage, has ignited discussions on fan behavior and etiquette at airports. Here's how netizens reacted through tweets: mingyu pointing to no filming sign at the airport :) hope this serves as a reminder to everyone for a proper etiquette on public space. pic.twitter.com/5BWpqV0dbB shuaprotect (@shuaprotect) September 24, 2023 i can't believe mingyu has to show a "do not film" sign to emphasize that it is illegal to film near security checks in airports. he's the kindest guy who waves & gives fanservice in public areas, but he also has limits. please respect seventeens privacy and follow fan etiquette shanie ggyu! (@minwonshu) September 24, 2023 saw an airport video of the rest of the members and mingyu really pointed out the no filming sign well thats embarrassing (@wonuversee) September 24, 2023 Mingyu pointing to the "no filming" sign at the airport, let's all follow and respect airport's rules #SEVENTEEN pic.twitter.com/mHoP2FtHID svt.update (@uniquennie) September 24, 2023 While SEVENTEEN has always been known for greeting fans at airports, even in crowded and potentially dangerous situations, they are also keenly aware of the importance of respecting rules and maintaining decorum. While it may be more common for fans and media to film idols in South Korea, the practice is not as widely accepted in other countries. Given the presence of clear signage and the guidance of airport staff, many felt it was unfortunate that Mingyu had to remind the fan to follow the rules in such a manner. YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: SEVENTEEN Mingyu's Controversial Instagram Post Sparks Debate: What's the Issue with His Choice of Footwear? Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news. KpopStarz own this article. Madison Cullen wrote this. A Chautauqua County hardware manufacturer with more than 100 employees at facilities in Jamestown and Falconer will remain in local hands after a second management buyout in the last 12 years. Rhonda Johnson and Wayne Rishell, president and CFO, respectively, of Weber-Knapp Co., are buying the Jamestown-based company from Rex McCray and Donald Pangborn, who plan to retire from the business but wanted to maintain the local ownership. The deal comes a dozen years after McCray and Pangborn bought it from foreign owners that had threatened to close or move the local operation. The company has operated in Jamestown for 114 years, after starting in 1909 as a manufacturer of hardware for the furniture industry. 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. The advantage of remaining locally owned is that we will be able to maintain the companys identity, culture, and presence in the community, Johnson said. As the new owners, we have a combined 65-plus years in manufacturing and management, know the business and the employees, and have a strategy for continued success, she said. The $21.4 million purchase will be partially funded for $9.14 million by McCray and Pangborn, with another $10 million in traditional financing from Evans Bank and Cattaraugus County Bank, and $1.29 million in equity from the new owners. McCray will retain 5% ownership. To support the purchase, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency on Tuesday approved a 20-year loan for $1 million to Johnson and Rishell, at 4% interest. The buyers pledged to create 12 new full-time jobs within five years. It is essential that the CCIDA supports local manufacturers, such as Weber-Knapp, especially when that assistance results in local ownership, said Mark Geise, deputy county executive for economic development and CEO of the CCIDA. Rex McCray and Donald Pangborn have been terrific leaders in ensuring Weber-Knapp remains locally-owned and competitive on the global stage, and I have every confidence that Rhonda and Wayne, as well as their tremendous workforce, will do the same. Today, the company describes itself as the premier designer and manufacturer of motion-control and hardware products and accessories for office furniture, as well as luxury appliances, outdoor appliances, industrial and medical equipment. Its made hinges and latches for caskets, cabinets, car hoods, oven and refrigerator doors, centrifuges, blood analysis devices, grills, smokers, keyboard mechanisms and even lasers. It operates facilities at 441 and 415 Chandler St. in Jamestown and 2019 Allen St. in Falconer, with 243,000 square feet of space and 104 full-time employees. But its been under the control of other companies for most of its history. Founded in 1909, Weber-Knapp was acquired in 1919 by Keeler Brass Co. of Grand Rapids, Mich. It was purchased by a British company, FKI, in the early 1980s, but remained a separate subsidiary. But when another British conglomerate, Melrose, acquired FKI in 2008, Weber-Knapps future was in doubt. Thats when McCray and Pangborn, two longtime employees and executives, stepped up to buy out Melrose, also with a loan from the CCIDA of $800,000. This is another great outcome for a manufacturing pillar of the community, said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], September 26: AppyHigh, India's top 10 app publishers with over 570 million downloads, has launched a first-of-a-kind generative AI led productivity, and creativity bundle aimed at solopreneurs and SMBs. Also Read | Work From Home Scam: Ghaziabad Woman Duped of Rs 13 Lakh in Job Fraud Involving YouTube Video Likes; Case Registered. With this launch, AppyHigh will bundle an AI image generator, AI Photo Editor, chat assistant, Avatar maker, VPN & Camera Scanner all in one, driven by the mission of democratising best in class technology products. AppyHigh has priced this toolbox at a tenth of other similar apps. AppyHigh Prime will also give users unlimited access to all premium features of 12+ AppyHighs flagship apps, including Generative AI apps like: * Imagine Go - AI Image, Avatar & Art Generator, with templates Also Read | Fukrey 3 Full Movie Leaked? Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma and Richa Chadha-Starrer Drops on YouTube Before Release But Theres a Twist! (Watch Video). * Pixel Go - AI Photo editor & enhancer * Mage AI - GPT-powered Chat personal assistant Other productivity apps such as Instore, Scanner Go, Pulpy VPN, AppLock Go, Browser Go are also included in the bundle. At the heart of AppyHigh Prime is a simple belief: Everyone deserves the best, and so, whether you are a designer, photographer, retailer, seller, student, gamer, a solopreneur building a brand, or a small business looking to optimise operations, AppyHigh Prime is your Go to toolbox. "Generative AI products have the potential to 10X productivity and outcomes in many fields. But one of the key driver of adoption will be lowering the cost of access, especially in a market like India. Today, we are proud that AppyHigh has built a globally recognised product, and delivered it at a tenth of the price. Just like Jio democratised connectivity, our goal is to empower the next billion users with cutting edge app tools, said Venus Dhuria, Co-Founder, AppyHigh and Partner, VedaVC. Users get 1 year unlimited access to all premium features of the participating apps for Rs. 2999 which can be accessed from AppyHigh website. "At AppyHigh, we use cutting-edge modular technology to craft exceptional apps and deliver unparalleled user experiences along with our 90+ engineers. Our app ratings of 4.3 star outshines similar apps in the industry. With instant customer support, we're truly dedicated to our valued users' satisfaction," said Aneesh Rayancha, Co-Founder, AppyHigh. Moreover, app developers have the opportunity to showcase their app on AppyHigh Prime, simultaneously gaining visibility, generating revenue, and accessing a premium audience. (ADVERTORIAL 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) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): Food safety regulator FSSAI has convened a meeting with Indian sweet manufacturers in the run-up to months-long festivities, and emphasized the compliances that are to be followed to ensure safety and quality. More than 150 food business operators participated in the meeting, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said in a release after the meeting that was held on Monday. Also Read | England Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick Urges Jason Roy To Stay Positive After ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Squad Omission. The meeting was focused on sensitising the ecosystem regarding the perishable high-risk edibles to ensure safe food throughout the touch points including manufacturing, storage, distribution and other point of sales. Emphasis was given on checking adulteration in raw materials, especially milk and milk products -- Khoa, Paneer, and Ghee which are more susceptible to adulteration and contamination during the high consumption season. Also Read | Work From Home Scam: Ghaziabad Woman Duped of Rs 13 Lakh in Job Fraud Involving YouTube Video Likes; Case Registered. Further, businesses were sensitised to focus on testing and to ensure purchase of raw materials especially milk products only from vendors registered or licensed by the regulator. All Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to monitor the quality of oil during frying by complying with the FSS regulations. Further, FBOs were advised to follow safe display practices for the loose sweets and to discourage outdoor cooking practices, as they can expose food and raw materials to environmental contaminants and pose risks to food safety, FSSAI said in the release. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) UB welcomes 154 new faculty in historic hiring effort Last semester, University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi announced an unprecedented plan to hire at least 200 new faculty members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines within two years to further UBs missions to increase research and representation in its ranks. This semester, UB welcomed 154 new faculty from across the nation and around the world, in what it believes is the largest cohort of new faculty at UB since it joined the SUNY system in the 1960s. The influx is part of UBs Advancing Top 25 faculty hiring initiative to attract established and upcoming scholars who will help it attain recognition as one of the nations best public research universities. The Top 25 public research universities are not ranked on one definitive list, but Tripathi aims to have UB and its various colleges and schools rise to the upper echelon in a wide variety of rankings put forth each year by news and research organizations. This year, UB rose to No. 36 on U.S. News & World Reports ranking of 227 public universities for 2024, up two spots from last year, and its School of Nursing moved up 36 spots to No. 31 nationally on the U.S. News list. Since being designated a SUNY flagship by Gov. Kathy Hochul in January 2022, UB has also increased its grant-sponsored research expenditures from $165 million in 2021 to $232 million so far this year. Among the new faculty is Ian Sellers, a professor of electrical engineering who came to Buffalo from the University of Oklahoma to continue his research on next-generation solar cells and new materials for space photovoltaics, or the conversion of thermal energy into electricity. I was excited by UBs interest in developing sustainable programs in renewable energy and their vision to lead in this area, Sellers said. Marina Oktapodas Feiler, assistant professor of epidemiology and environmental health, came to UB from Temple University to further her study of environmental health among maternal and pediatric populations. As new tenure-track faculty, I have been given the opportunity to focus on my research and grant writing, she said. The resources for research to flourish at UB are outstanding. UB geology researchers deep-sea elevator may help coral rebound from spill Speaking of UB research, a UB geology professor emeritus is deeply involved in undersea research to help coral recover from damage inflicted by the Deepwater Horizon oil rig spill that dumped 3.2 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, damaging 770 square miles of ocean floor habitat. Howard Lasker is working alongside colleagues from the University of Rhode Island and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration off the coast of Florida testing a pilot program to harvest and replant coral affected by pollution. The research entails sending a remotely operated submersible 230 feet down to gather coral fragments from the sea floor, use them to propagate new colonies and then replant them to restore habitat. The pilot study will help researchers perfect the project for use in the lower depths impacted by the BP spill. NOAA is funding the project from the $8.8 billion settlement between BP and the U.S. government. This summer, the nations heat wave forced NOAA and other organizations to temporarily move coral from Florida coastlines into temperature-controlled labs to prevent them from dying. Lasker says some scientists believe large numbers of corals should be moved into aquariums until ocean conditions improve, just as accredited zoos protect and breed endangered species of other animals. Bloomberg Business ranks UB management school in top 10% And speaking of UB rankings, Bloomberg Businessweek has again ranked the UB School of Managements MBA program among the nations best. The school rose one place in the 2023-24 ranking to No. 69, placing it solidly in the top 10% of schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Among public universities, the School of Management is ranked No. 32. The school fared especially well in the learning component of the survey, with an overall rank of No. 38. It also got high marks for networking, entrepreneurship and diversity. Of more than 16,000 business schools worldwide, the UB School of Management is one of only about 1,000 schools accredited by AACSB International and the only school in the Buffalo Niagara region to make the Bloomberg Businessweek ranking, UB said. The school of management will celebrate its centennial this year with a special event and alumni awards ceremony on Nov. 3 at UBs Center for the Arts. To coincide with the celebration, the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority will illuminate the Peace Bridge in UB blue that night from dusk until 1 a.m. Want to know more? Three stories to catch you up: Welcome to Buffalo Next. This newsletter from The Buffalo News will bring you the latest coverage on the changing Buffalo Niagara economy from real estate to health care to startups. Read more at BuffaloNext.com. THE LATEST Facing tough competition, officials take a regional approach to landing a federal tech hub. Buffalo-area UAW workers are ready to strike if called. Amazon is opening a center in Buffalo to recruit workers for its local warehouses. A local startup is getting a $500,000 investment. The region's unemployment rate jumped after August's steep job losses. Grand Island is considering an even stiffer limit on the size of new buildings. The 43North finalists have been announced. A new affordable and senior citizen housing project is underway in Buffalo. A zombie hotel in Amherst has come back to life. Catching up with labor activist and author Bill Fletcher Jr. Check out the changes in food and drink service at Highmark Stadium. A Buffalo manufacturer plans to nearly double its workforce. Town of Niagara officials balk at a low-income apartment project. A new retail and residential project is in the works for Niagara Street. A Buffalo affordable housing project is getting a more contemporary look. Moog Inc.'s new CEO isn't a U.S. citizen and that's causing problems. New Era Cap Co. reportedly is considering going public. ICYMI Five reads from Buffalo Next: 1. Students fueled the region's job growth when they returned for the summer. When they went back to class, it blew a big hole in the Buffalo Niagara job market. 2. UB grad students seek solutions that make a social impact. 3. Choosing Buffalo: Odoo decides WNY is right place for substantial North American growth. 5. A new Buffalo venture thinks it can help plants grow better indoors by using artificial intelligence. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to get the latest in your inbox five days a week. NewsVoir New Delhi [India], September 26: In recognition of the pivotal role that educators play in setting early-grade students up for lifelong success, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Room to Read India brought together dedicated teachers from regions across India to share their remarkable stories in a national summit focused on Teachers as Changemakers. The summit brought together dedicated teachers from various regions of India to share their remarkable stories, accomplishments, and the challenges they face in their mission. Also Read | Manipur Students Killing: Priyanka Gandhi Hits Out at Centre, Says It Should Be 'Ashamed' of Its 'Inaction' After Photo of Dead Bodies of Missing Kids Surface. Patricia A. Lacina, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in India, said, When we prepare children to learn, we prepare those children for life. The investments we make in foundational education bring lifelong benefits to individuals, their families, their communities, and their countries. The United States commends the teachers of India who are changemakers for a better future for both our countries. Poornima Garg, Country Director, Room to Read India, said, With teachers as changemakers, we aim to facilitate meaningful discussions between national and state policymakers and educators, bridging the gap between policy objectives and classroom realities." Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Slams Central Government Over Killing of Two Students in Manipur, Says 'Centre Should Be Ashamed of Its Inaction in Violence-Hit State'. The Summit marked the launch of the "Child-Friendly Library for Children", an online professional development course developed by USAID through its Scaling-up Early Reading Intervention (SERI) project being implemented by Room to Read. In addition to this, the summit featured two informative panel discussions: one on the policy Implications for Relevant Teachers Knowledge Management, focusing on teacher practices, and the other on Bringing Schools & Community Together. This gathering brought together senior government officials from various states, dedicated teachers, respected academicians, education-focused organizations and institutions, as well as corporate partners. Together, they engaged in meaningful discussions on achieving effective learning through dialogue and critical thinking, all the while highlighting the evolving and essential role that teachers play in this transformative process. The Summit served as the culmination of the annual flagship campaign, #IndiaGetsReading organized by Room to Read. This campaign shed light on the importance of reading and recognized the crucial role that teachers play in nurturing students' reading and learning abilities. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 26 (ANI): Telangana Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali on Monday inaugurated the huge network of 2,306 CCTVs funded by the Safe City project. These advanced cameras were installed across the tri-commissionerates and connected to the command control center. Also Read | Germany: Con Artist Sentenced over Fine-art Forgeries. State Home Minister in his address, retraced the journey of Telangana State Police and how it emerged as one of the best police forces in the country by leveraging advanced technology and practices. "Of the total cameras in the country, 64 percent of the cameras are here in Telangana, he said, lauding CP Anand and the entire team for their dedication to adding advanced cameras to the network. Also Read | Manmohan Singh Birthday: Interesting Facts About Former Indian Prime Minister and Noted Economist. Telangana Director General of Police, Anjani Kumar underscored the significance of the newly deployed cameras network, particularly its timely availability ahead of key events like Ganesh Chaturthi and Milad. "The gigantic screens reflect the gigantic commitment of the state government to public safety," he said. City Police Commissioner and Director of Telangana State Police Integrated Command & Control Centre (TSPICCC), CV Anand, in his speech, elaborated on the remarkable progress made since its inauguration. "This year all departments will monitor the Ganesh immersions and Milad Julus from TSPICCC," he said. The Home Minister also inaugurated the War Room which facilitates the assembly of top functionaries in the Government and HODs of all departments in the event of a crisis to mitigate at the earliest through heightened and quick decision-making. A viewers gallery now allows the public to get an insider view of the operations of the center. During the event, a comprehensive presentation was delivered by Pushpa, SP-Technical, TSPICCC and explained the advanced features and capabilities of the facility. This huge network augments the existing CCTV infrastructure, further enhancing the state's capacity to ensure public safety. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, Sep 26 (PTI) Speaker Biman Banerjee on Tuesday said he has written to Governor CV Ananda Bose to administer the oath to newly-elected TMC MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy in the state assembly itself. Roy won the Dhupguri seat in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district in a by-election earlier this month. Also Read | Manipur Violence: Internet Services in State Suspended Till October 1 Following Students' Protests in Imphal. "The governor recently wrote a letter to CM Mamata Banerjee, stating that he wants to preside over the oath-taking ceremony at Raj Bhavan. The CM forwarded me the letter. So, I wrote to the governor, requesting him to conduct the oath-taking ceremony in the assembly itself," Banerjee told PTI. The assembly has a rich history and the swearing-in ceremonies of MLAs usually take place in the House, he said. Also Read | Umrao Jewellers Heist: Thieves Drilled Hole Into Strong Room, Steal Jewellery Worth Rs 25 Crore in Delhi. "Now it is up to the governor to decide," he said. In May last year, then governor Jagdeep Dhankhar had nominated deputy speaker Asish Banerjee to administer the oath to TMC MLA Babul Supriyo, instead of the speaker. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Haflong, September 26: An Army major and his wife have been arrested in Assam's Dima Hasao district for allegedly torturing their domestic help, a top police officer said on Tuesday. Dima Hasao SP Mayank Kumar said they received information on Sunday that the minor girl, who had accompanied the couple to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, was tortured brutally. Nagpur Shocker: Couple Tortures 12-Year-Old Domestic Help With Hot Pan and Cigarettes in Atharva Nagari Society; Both Accused Arrested. Kumar said a case has been registered at the Haflong Police Station under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. During investigation, prima facie evidence was found against the Army major and his wife, and they were arrested in connection with the case and forwarded to judicial custody, the SP said. Human-Trafficking Racket: Karnataka Man Arrested From Mumbai for Selling Off Two Pune Women for Rs 4 Lakh Each in Saudi Arabia. He added that necessary assistance is being provided to the girl, including medical treatment. Further probe is underway. Strict action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation, Kumar said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, September 26: All routes of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will be operational as usual on Tuesday in view of the bandh called by farmer bodies to protest against an order by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to release 5000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. The announcement was made by BMTC on X (formerly Twitter). Visuals showed buses with few passengers onboard leaving from the Majestic BMTC Bus stop in the city. Manju, a bus conductor, told ANI, "As bandh has been called, no commuters are seen at Kempegowda bus stop, which is usually one of the busiest bus stops in the state." Police personnel have reportedly been deployed in Bengaluru's Cottonpete to maintain law and order. All the shops are closed except those providing essential services. Bengaluru Bandh Today: Shutdown Being Observed Over Cauvery Water Release; From Namma Metro to BMTC and KSRTC Buses, Here's What's Open and What's Closed Farmer bodies, Kannada organisations, and opposition parties have called for a 'Bandh' today in the city to protest against the order of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing the state to release 5000 cusecs of water to its neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu, for 15 days, effective September 13. Meanwhile, Bengaluru Urban District Collector KA Dayanand has announced a public holiday for all schools and colleges in the city in view of the Bandh on Tuesday. Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda, said that Section 144 will be imposed in the city, under which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted. Meanwhile, protests have been planned at Freedom Park, Raj Bhawan, and Town Hall by pro-Kannada organisations. However, the Police Commissioner warned that protests would only be allowed in Freedom Park. Cabs will be plying as usual in the city. Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association president Tanveer Pasha said that Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Ola, and Uber services will be as usual. Bengaluru Bandh Tomorrow: Curfew Clamped in City, Over 10,000 Policemen To Be Deputed, Says Karnataka Police However, restaurants will remain closed in the city, President Bangalore Hoteliers Association PC Rao said, adding, "It's our duty; we are also supporting the Karnataka bandh called tomorrow (by pro-Kannada organisations), as we have not gotten justice for several years". Meanwhile, it has also come to the fore that auto drivers are supporting the strike and they are charging a lot more than usual. A commuter from Maharashtra was reportedly asked to pay 300500 rupees for 12 kilometres. "We support the bandh called by various organisations. When the Cauvery water issue comes up, we have a very clear stand: Karnataka will not provide water to anyone. Only night drivers are here; autos will not run today; we will support the band," said Naseer Khan, an auto driver at Majestic BMTC Bus Stop, Bengaluru. To avoid inconvenience to the passengers, Airline Vistara on Tuesday issued a travel update asking people to plan their rides to and from the airport with caution since private transport might be disrupted. "Due to the 'Bengaluru Bandh' on September 26, 2023, private transport might be disrupted. Customers travelling from Bangalore are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport," the airline said in a post on 'X'. Speaking on the bandh, BJP leader C T Ravi said, "Our State Party Chief and BS Yediyurappa declared support. We will support it and with it, we will also protest in front of the Gandhi statue." Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) MP HD Deve Gowda on Monday, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requested a team of experts to study the water and standing crop situation in Karnataka. I have made an appeal to the PM about the prevailing situation. In my letter to the PM, I wrote that the Jal Shakti department should file a review petition and a committee of experts should be sent to Karnataka to study the water and standing crop situation. I requested the same to the Vice President of the country, the ex-PM said in a joint press briefing with JD(S) leader and former CM HD Kumaraswamy. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 26 (ANI): Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a party of workers, whatever responsibility is given to workers, it is their religion to fulfil it. Scindia made the remark in view of the BJP releasing its second list of 39 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh which includes four party MPs and three Union Ministers. Also Read | Work From Home Scam: Ghaziabad Woman Duped of Rs 13 Lakh in Job Fraud Involving YouTube Video Likes; Case Registered. BJP is a party of workers, whatever responsibility is given to every worker, it is our religion to fulfil that responsibility, Scindia said. The new list of the BJP, was announced on Monday hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive gathering of BJP workers in Bhopal. Also Read | Car Free Day 2023: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Rides Motorcycle To Reach Karnal Airport, (Watch Video). The BJP's second list features three central ministers -- Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of State (MoS) for Food Processing Industries Prahlad Singh Patel, and Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste. Coming down on the Congress party, Scindia said, Congress creates its narrative within four walls with four people on four pages. Narrative is not created in a closed room. Narrative is not created by limited people by writing on pages. Narrative is created by the people of this country by writing in their hearts. And I have full confidence that nine crore people of Madhya Pradesh have PM Modi in their hearts, just as PM Modi has Madhya Pradesh in his heart. When asked about Congress alleging BJPs nervousness over fielding of central leaders in its second list, the union minister said that the public would decide within 60 days who panicked and who didn't panic. The Congress Party which has become in the habit of dreaming. The Congress Party which was well described by the Prime Minister yesterday that it (Congress) is such an iron which got rusted. Whatever dreams the Congress keeps dreaming, the public will put the reality before the Congress again as it has done many times before, he added. When asked about whether he will be contesting in assembly polls, Scindia only said that he is a party worker. Earlier Congress general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Randeep Singh Surjewala took on the BJP saying that even the presence of 3 central ministers in the candidate list wouldnt save the BJP from losing power. "After the announcement of these tickets, Shivraj and Scindia are saying that our power is slipping away but let's make sure these leaders lose their power as well. Its clear that the BJP is scared of the image of Malikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Just look at the anger of the people of MP. 1 CM, 2 Central Ministers and 7 MPs will be unable to save the Shivraj government" said Surjewala in a post on X. The state is scheduled to go for the Assembly polls later this year. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 26 (ANI): Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday slammed the Congress and said that the party had made Madhya Pradesh a Bimaru Rajya and his government removed that stigma. CM Chouhan made the remark while addressing a Karyakarta Mahakumbh, a mega congregation of BJP workers, at Jamboree Maidan in the state capital Bhopal on Monday. Also Read | Poland to Conduct Migrant Searches at Slovakian Border. We did a lot of work in Madhya Pradesh. Remember that dark phase of Congress when Congress made Madhya Pradesh a Bimaru Rajya (sick state). We have removed that stigma of Bimaru. During Congress rule, there used to be only 60,000 kilometers of broken and damaged roads in the state, today we have built five lakh kilometers of magnificent roads in the state, CM Chouhan said. The 'BIMARU' acronym has been used to refer to Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, to imply they have lagged in terms of economic growth, healthcare and education. Also Read | Guatemala: Heavy Rains, Landslide Sweep Rickety Homes Away. "During Congress rule, electricity used to be available for two to three hours and there used to be only 2900 megawatt power generation. Today, the BJP government has increased the power generation in the state to 29000 megawatts. The irrigation facility was available on only 7500 hectares of land, but today the facility has been arranged for 47 lakh hectares of land," he said. Chouhan further said that the double-engine government of the BJP has taken Madhya Pradesh forward rapidly. During Congress time the poor people were forced to suffer the curse of poverty but, I am proud to say that we have made 1.36 crore people rise above the poverty line. This miracle has happened under the leadership of PM Modi, said MP CM. Coming down on the 15-month rule of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government, the Chief Minister said, Kamal Nath committed sin. PM Modi sent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. But Nath committed the sin of returning 2,00,000 houses. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the PM sent money but Kamal Nath did not start the Jal Jeevan Mission. When we were back in power we worked to provide water to 67 lakh houses under the tap water scheme. "Congress did not send the list of beneficiaries of Prime Minister's Samman Nidhi and farmers were deprived of money. When the BJP government returned, they sent a list of 80 lakh people to get the benefits of Kisan Samman Nidhi. Congress took measures to destroy and ruin the state but today they are satisfied to say that Madhya Pradesh is now moving forward rapidly," he added. Madhya Pradesh, which has 230 assembly seats, is scheduled to go for polls later this year. In the last assembly election in 2018, the Congress came to power and formed the government with senior leader Kamal Nath as the chief minister. However, the BJP formed the government in 2020 after a coup by then Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia who, along with 22 MLAs joined the BJP. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, September 26: In a shocking incident, a dead rat was found in the breakfast served to police assigned on security duty in Bengaluru amid bandh and protests called by farmers over the Cauvery water dispute in the state capital, said officials. "Today a dead rat was found in one of the breakfast packets from the meals supplied to the police assigned for duty in the ongoing Bengaluru Bandh and protests in the Cauvery water dispute," said Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police Anucheth. Dead Rat Found in Malai Mutton at Ludhiana Restaurant? Customer Alleges Roasted Rat Served in Order at Prakash Dhaba, Shares Video; Owner Rejects Claim. The incident happened in the morning when policemen who were on duty in the state capital were served breakfast from a nearby hotel. "After the dead rat was found in one of the packets of rice meal, the police personnel were outraged," said the Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police. The Joint Commissioner of Police asked Yeshwantpur police to inquire about the private hotel that supplied the food to the personnel. The hotel owner was also issued a notice regarding the issue. Dead Rat Found in Food at Mumbai Hotel: Customer Finds Rodent Meat in Chicken Dish at Bandra Restaurant, Manager and Two Chefs Arrested. "A case will be registered against the hotel owner. Luckily, the matter came to light beforehand while no one had eaten the dead rat food," said Anucheth. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 26 (ANI) - As part of the ongoing 'Swachhta Hi Seva' celebrations, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai on September 25. During his visit, he inaugurated a security complex at MDL and engaged in an interactive session with executives, addressing various concerns, read the Ministry of Defence press release. Also Read | Partap Singh Bajwa Claims 32 AAP MLAs in Touch With Congress in Punjab. In his address, the Defence Secretary not only emphasized the significance of cleanliness in nation-building but also extended the concept to encompass freedom from all forms of corruptionmoral, financial, and intellectual. Giridhar Aramane said, Increasing the indigenous content in warship building will ultimately contribute to the progress of the country. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Spurned Woman Chops Off Private Parts of Boyfriend After He Refuses To Get Intimate With Her Friend. The 'Swachhta Hi Seva' campaign, which translates to 'Service Through Cleanliness,' is not limited to physical cleanliness but also underscores the need for ethical and intellectual integrity in all aspects of governance. Furthermore, Giridhar Aramane stressed the critical need for India to become self-reliant in defence production. He called upon all Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to actively contribute to this national goal, read the press release. Specifically, he underscored the importance of increasing indigenous content in warship building as a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance and advancing the country's progress. The Defence Secretary also shed light on the role played by Human Resources (HR) in the success of organizations. He highlighted the importance of contemporary HR policies and the need to motivate employees beyond mere satisfaction. He encouraged employees to believe in their capacity to make substantial contributions to their respective organizations and, in turn, to the nation's growth, read the press release. In a special moment, Giridhar Aramane unveiled Customized Corporate MDL stamps, issued by the Indian Postal Services, to commemorate MDL's 250-year journey since its inception in 1774. This event not only acknowledges MDL's rich history but also its continued commitment to India's defense needs. Moreover, the Defence Secretary released a booklet on various aspects of Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI), prepared by the Vigilance Department of MDL, read the release. This initiative aligns with the upcoming Vigilance Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability. To conclude his visit, Giridhar Aramane explored MDL's Heritage Gallery 'Dharohar,' which showcases the shipyard's illustrious history, read the release. He also toured the yard facilities, including submarine workshops, the new submarine section assembly workshop, and under-construction warship and submarine projects. The Defence Secretary's visit underscored the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to enhance self-reliance in defense production and promote ethical governance practices within DPSUs, exemplifying a holistic approach to national progress. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): Delhi's Patiala House Court on Tuesday took cognizance of the prosecution complaint (chargesheet) filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Supertech's chairman and Promoter R K Arora, in relation to a money laundering case. The Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala on Tuesday took cognizance of the Chargesheet and issued a production warrant for RK Arora's appearance on October 30, 2023. Also Read | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to Hold Global Investors Summit Roadshow in London. Meanwhile, the Court also issued summons to all accused named in the chargesheet and firms through their representatives. ED's Special Public Prosecutors Naveen Kumar Matta, Manish Jain alongwith Mohd Faizan have appeared in the matter before the court. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Slams Central Government Over Killing of Two Students in Manipur, Says 'Centre Should Be Ashamed of Its Inaction in Violence-Hit State'. Meanwhile, the Court also sought a response from ED on the default bail plea moved by Arora Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Supertech's Chairman, RK Arora in relation to a money laundering case in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Arora was arrested on June 27 under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Last week, the Delhi High Court dismissed the plea moved by Arora challenging grounds of arrest. Court said, in the present case, the grounds of arrest were duly given and notified to the petitioner and he endorsed the same in writing under his signature. The core issue is of being informed and as soon as possible. It if has been duly notified and brought to the notice at the time of arrest and further disclosed in detail in the remand application, it amounts be duly informed and served, said the Court. Earlier, ED apprised the court that 26 FIRs were registered by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Delhi Police; Haryana Police and UP Police against Supertech Limited and its group companies under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 406(criminal breach of trust)/420 (cheating)/467/471 IPC having allegations of cheating at least 670 home buyers for an amount of Rs 164 crore. ED also alleged that the amount collected by Supertech Ltd. was diverted to their group companies for the purchase of properties and the company with land having much lesser value. ED alleged that the accused persons have acquired properties, and made illegal/wrongful gain arising out of the said proceeds of crime by involving, indulging and commissioning criminal activities related to scheduled offences. It is stated that the prima facie case for the commission of an offence punishable under Section 3 punishable under Section 4 of the PML Act has been made. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) An Amherst woman is due in court next week on an assault charge alleging she bit off part of another womans ear. Mariama A. Mclaurin has been accused of the Sept. 7 attack outside an apartment on Princeton Avenue, according to police and prosecutors. As a result of the bite, the victim had about half of her left ear amputated, according to the Erie County District Attorneys Office. Mclaurin, 24, pleaded not guilty at her Sept. 8 arraignment. A felony hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 5. She also was charged with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration. Both the victim and Mclaurin have a child by a common father, according to a spokeswoman for the District Attorneys Office. The reason for the fight was not known, the spokeswoman said in an email. The Amherst Police Department denied a Freedom of Information Law request from The Buffalo News for a copy of the police report of the incident, citing the matter is part of ongoing court proceedings. - Aaron Besecker Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 26 (ANI): Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday visited the Attari border. The leaders witnessed the spectacular Retreat Ceremony parade and expressed their deep appreciation for BSF troops. Also Read | US Ambassador in India Eric Garcetti Defends PoK Visit of American Envoy in Islamabad. The leaders are in Amritsar for the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council to be presided over by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 26. In a post on X Punjab CM Bhagwant Man complimented the BSF troops for a well presented parade. Also Read | Climate: 1.5 C Goal Still open, but More Spending Needed. "I was happy to see that our soldiers stood at the border with enthusiasm and passion. People who came from far away places to watch the parade also expressed their gratitude towards the country. It was worth seeing the love and enthusiasm" he posted on X. Meanwhile, Senior BSF officers on Tuesday visited the border areas of Amritsar and discussed steps to counter narcotics smuggling using advanced drones along the border with Pakistan. BSF Punjab Frontier took to X and said Y.B. Khurania, IPS, SDG BSF, Western Command, conducted a visit to@BSF_Punjab and ventured into the border regions of Amritsar. There, he assessed operational readiness and engaged in strategic discussions with officers to effectively counter narcotics smuggling via drones. Recently BSF forces have intercepted several Pakistani drones carrying narcotics as they attempted to drop packed over the border. On Sunday, a Pakistani drone was recovered in a joint operation conducted by Border Security Force and Punjab Police in Amritsar, as per an official statement. BSF said that the drone was carrying one packet of Heroin weighing 500 grams. Taking to X (former Twitter), BSF Punjab said, "Action against drugs. In a Joint Operation of BSF Punjab and Punjab Police on the outskirts of Village - Mahawa, Distt - Amritsar, troops recovered 1 Pakistani drone, a Quadcopter, Model - DJI Mavic 3 classic and 1 packet, suspected to be Heroin (Net wt - appx 500 gms)." Earlier on September 23, A coordination meeting with officers from different departments of Punjab Police and sister agencies from Central departments was held at Frontier HQrs BSF on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Dr Atul Fulzele, IPS, Inspector General, Punjab Frontier, Border Security Force (BSF). BSF, in a press note, said, "The month of September has been very active & challenging for BSF, Police and all sister agencies in terms of operations connected with the seizure of contrabands, apprehension of smugglers, flood rescue and relief operations and security in the state during G-20 summit. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) By Amit Kumar New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, Harivansh Narayan Singh will lead a delegation of the Parliament at the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Johannesburg from September 27-29. Also Read | Bengaluru Bandh Update: Several Protesters Detained, Police High-Handedness Alleged. The main theme of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum is harnessing Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership. The Deputy Chairman will also be participating in the discussion on climate change and legislative mobilisation," sources told ANI. Also Read | Ganesh Visarjan 2023: 17,187 Idols Immersed in Mumbai on Seventh Day of Ganpati Festival. Harivansh is being accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Balmik and Lok Sabha MP Indra Hung Subba. They will leave today for BRICS Parliamentary Forum. Apart from the thematic discussion, other topics to be taken up in the forum are regional integration through African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), transition to clean energy, sources added. BRICS Parliamentary Forum is an important element of BRICS. The 1st BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held during Russias Chairmanship on June 8, 2015 in Moscow. The BRICS Parliamentary Forum, an embodiment of collaboration between the National Congress of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Parliament of the Republic of Bharat, the National Peoples Congress of the Peoples Republic of China, and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, stands as a testament to shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation on multiple fronts. South Africa assumed the BRICS Chairmanship in January 2023 based on the governance principle of chairmanship rotation. About 250 parliamentary delegates from BRICS Member States - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa are expected to attend the event which will be held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. South Africa hosted the BRICS leaders' summit in August this year where the historic decision to admit six new countries into the BRICS bloc was announced. The BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- agreed at their annual summit to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates full members from January 1. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 26 (ANI): It is heartening that the Cauvery Water Control Committee (CWRC) has rejected Tamil Nadu's request to release 12,500 cusecs of water daily and authorities of our state have argued competently, said Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Tuesday. Shivakumar's response came after the Cauvery Water Control Committee's recommendation to release 3,000 cusecs of water daily against the 12,500 cusecs demand made by Tamil Nadu. Also Read | Northern Zonal Council Meet: CM Manohar Lal Khattar Raises Equal Distribution of Water Between Haryana and Punjab. Shivakumar praised state officials who managed to convince the committee about the drought situation in the state and also thanked the committee for understanding the situation of the state. "Someone used to say that the people of Kanakapur use Mekedatu Dam water. We will convince both the Cauvery water committees about the Mekedatu project. There is hope again with the Supreme Court's verdict, so I appeal to our MPs and Union Ministers to put pressure on the Centre," said Sivakumar. Also Read | India on Path To Achieve Emission Targets Well Before 2030, Says IFC Report. Talking about the second Bengaluru Band scheduled for September 29 Sivakumar said, "The people of the state have expressed their anger through a peaceful protest. The court will not allow another bandh, so there is no chance for a bandh on September 29." He said, "Time will give the answer" to the question of whether Mekedaatu project will be done during your administration. To the question that there was an attack under the leadership of the Jayanagar MLA, "We will take ruthless action against those who damage public property. I will not do this, the court will do it. I have also given notice before the bandh. I would like to thank all those who fought non-partisanly on the Cauvery issue. Let all the people of the state pray for rain," he said. Today Cauvery Water Control Committee meeting held in Delhi has recommended that 3 thousand cusecs of water should be released to Tamil Nadu by September 15. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 26 (ANI): Chief Minister Of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu met Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday in Punjab's Amritsar. Both the leaders held talks on key issues concerning the state of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The meeting also targeted the key developmental concerns of both states. Also Read | Work From Home Scam: Ghaziabad Woman Duped of Rs 13 Lakh in Job Fraud Involving YouTube Video Likes; Case Registered. The meeting was attended by other leaders of both parties. Earlier on Monday, Himachal CM attended the famous Attari-Wagah Border beating retreat ceremony with his Punjab counterpart and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Also Read | Car Free Day 2023: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Rides Motorcycle To Reach Karnal Airport, (Watch Video). "The Indian Army and paramilitary forces have kept the integrity and sovereignty of the country intact by sacrificing their lives when the Nation needed them the most to safeguard the country," said Himachal CM. Sukhu also distributed sweets to the Jawans who participated in the ceremony between the thunderous applause by the people gathered on the occasion to witness the same. He also encouraged the Jawans for their commitment and valour and for the impressive show. Dr Atul Fulzale, IG Jalandhar range BSF and a Himachal IPS cadre officer, welcomed the Chief Minister on the occasion and presented him with a sapling. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 26 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday urged for the amendment in the norms for providing relief packages for hilly states. CM Sukhu made this demand in his address at the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council held in Amritsar and Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Also Read | Indian Army Jawan Arrested by Kerala Police for Faking Assault by 'PFI' Activists (Watch Video). The Chief Minister stressed the amendment in the prevailing norms of disaster relief funds at the National and State level. "These norms were currently affecting the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. The formula for providing compensation packages for hilly states like Himachal which have tough topography should be amended. The parameters of providing financial assistance during disasters should be on the higher side and demanded practical amendments in these norms," CM Sukhu said Also Read | Assam: Indian Army Major, Wife Arrested in Dima Hasao for 'Torturing Minor Domestic Help. The Chief Minister also demanded a special relief package from the Centre to his disaster-affected state in the aftermath of the heavy rains during the southwest monsoon. The heavy rains triggered floods and landslides and caused a loss of nearly Rs. 12,000 crore besides the loss of 450 precious human lives, according to the state officials. He said that the government was trying to recover from one of the worst destruction ever witnessed in which as many as 13,000 houses were completely damaged. The State Government with the help of the people of the State, immediately started relief and rescue operations during the disaster and now has taken up the task of rehabilitating the homeless. The state government has created Disaster Relief Fund-2023 for the same, he said. The Chief Minister thanked the Governments of Haryana and Rajasthan for extending financial assistance for carrying out relief and rehabilitation works. The Chief Minister also sought cooperation from the Punjab Government in handing over the 100 MW Shanan Hydroelectric project, as its lease period will expire in March 2024. A request has also been made to the Central Government in this regard. CM Sukhu said that Himachal has always made its full contribution to nation-building and the people of the state had to suffer due to the construction of hydropower projects. He said that in view of Himachal's 7.19 per cent share in the projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), there should be a regular full-time member on the BBMB Board of Directors. The Chief Minister urged for providing 12 per cent free energy royalty to Himachal in BBMB projects. He also advocated for increasing the royalty from the existing 12 per cent to 30 per cent in the hydropower projects of central undertakings viz: National Hydro Power Corporation, (NHPC) National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). He also urged to get released the outstanding amount of Rs 4,000 crore from BBMB as per the decision of the Supreme Court of India. He stressed the need to use an early warning system and get inundation mapping done before releasing water by reservoirs in the state. It was seen that during the recent disaster in the state, the sudden release of huge amounts of water from the Pong Dam, Pandoh Dam and Parvati-3 reservoir caused widespread devastation even in the adjoining states. He said that it was the moral responsibility of the management of Hydel Projects to compensate for this loss and ensure voluntary participation in rehabilitation works. In the meeting, CM Sukhu also demanded to resolve the border disputes with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said that border disputes at Mohal Theka Dhar Padhri in Chamba district and Jammu and Kashmir and the Sarchu border dispute between Himachal and Ladakh were long pending and need to be resolved at the earliest. He said that the Himachal government has done concrete work on the decisions taken in the last meeting of the council. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Council meeting will further strengthen the mutual coordination and cooperation of the member states and promote economic and social empowerment. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 26 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday lauded the Indian armed forces for their unwavering commitment towards the nation. SP Shukla also thanked the forces for making his visit to Kinnaur a "memorable one". Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Slams Central Government Over Killing of Two Students in Manipur, Says 'Centre Should Be Ashamed of Its Inaction in Violence-Hit State'. On his visit to the border areas, the Himachal Pradesh governor met the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Jawans at Lepcha. Appreciating the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces in the adverse topographical conditions he said, "enthusiasm of the jawans is unmatchable, it is impossible for the enemy to escape from their hawk eye." Also Read | PM Narendra Modi-Led Government Gave Over Nine Lakh Jobs So Far as Against Six Lakh During First Nine Years of UPA Rule, Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh. "The enthusiasm, courage and dedication of the Indian soldiers towards Mother India at the Lepcha post on India's border with Tibet is unmatched. It is impossible for the enemy to escape from their watchful eyes. For me, it was a great honour to come to the last military post. I express my gratitude to the military authorities for making my visit memorable... Jai Hind", he posted on X. The Governor also visited the villages of Himachal and interacted with locals, under the Vibrant Village scheme. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) Financial assistance should not be provided if the affected households in the subsidence-hit region of Joshimath in Uttarakhand do not have a valid land-ownership document or the buildings have been illegally encroached, a government report has recommended. The report also recommended designating no-building zones in the land-use maps and denying any grant or relief to buildings constructed in such zones should there be a disaster. Also Read | Bathinda Land Scam Case: Punjab Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Former State Finance Minister and BJP Leader Manpreet Badal. Starting January 2, a number of houses and civil structures in an area located near Joshimath-Auli road began to display major cracks due to land subsidence, prompting the relocation of 355 families. According to local residents, land subsidence had been noticed over several years but became increasingly severe from January 2 to January 8. Also Read | JKSSB Exam 2023 Admit Card Out at jkssb.nic.in: Hall Ticket for Junior Engineer Mechanical Examination Released, Get Direct Link and Know How To Download. A 35-member team consisting of professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other agencies conducted a "Post Disaster Needs Assessment" from April 22 to April 25 to assess the damage caused and to identify the assistance required for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected sectors. To prevent future disasters, the report emphasises the importance of proper documentation and compliance with building regulations. "No financial assistance will be provided to the buildings illegally encroached and/or if the HH (household) does not have a valid land-ownership document," the report said. The agencies also highlighted the necessity of officially informing the people of Joshimath about the unsafe zones of the town, where no new construction should be allowed. In terms of development and housing, the report recommended careful planning at the three relocation sites while viewing this process as an opportunity to expand tourism in the area. It suggested creating a micro zonation map for landslides in Joshimath, which should also incorporate seismic and landslide vulnerabilities. Building structures should align with the multi-hazard maps to ensure safety, it said. "Designate the no-building zones in the land-use maps. Anyone building in the no-building zones will not be entitled to receive any government facilities (grants or reliefs) should there be a disaster," the report read. The report also highlighted the need for a mechanism to conduct structural health audits of existing buildings. This proactive approach can identify vulnerabilities and prioritize retrofitting efforts. The report suggested implementing a town planning act and reducing the burden on Joshimath by regulating construction and creating open spaces. The transit population should also be managed to alleviate the town's resources, it said. With Joshimath serving as an economic hub, the report recommends decentralising economic activities to areas where rehabilitation is taking place. This move can distribute economic resources more equitably across the region and reduce the strain on Joshimath's infrastructure. The report said that local wisdom in resilient house building should be revived and made accessible through awareness campaigns. A techno-legal regime is recommended, based on hazard-zonation maps and building rules at the house level. Guidelines for hillside construction should be developed by an expert committee at the state level, drawing on successful examples from other regions. The agencies also suggested providing access to insurance for residents, with inspectors trained to assess multi-hazard risks and calculate premiums. According to a bulletin released by the district administration in April, 868 houses in Joshimath have been identified as having cracks, and 181 houses have been marked as unsafe for living. Incidents of land subsidence in Joshimath were reported in the 1970s too. A panel set up under the chairmanship of Garhwal Commissioner Mahesh Chandra Mishra submitted a report in 1978, stating that major construction works should not be carried out in the city and the Niti and Mana valleys as these areas are situated on moraines a mass of rocks, sediment, and soil transported and deposited by a glacier. The Himalayan town lies in seismic zone V and is prone to landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes. In 1999, an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude on the Richter scale shook Chamoli district, causing massive destruction in the district. On February 7, 2021, severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall and a glacial burst in the nearby Rishi Ganga river ravaged Joshimath. The floodwaters also damaged two hydroelectric power plants located downstream from the Rishi Ganga river. The Tapovan Vishnugad hydroelectric power plant suffered the most damage, with many of its workers and staff missing or presumed dead. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues started their state-wide regional review meeting here on Tuesday in order to assess the public mood and review the performance of the state government. Vijayan chaired the south regional review meeting that would discuss various programmes of the government and would also seek the opinion of the public regarding the implementation of the same, official sources said here. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Man Abducted and Murdered for Rs 2 Lakhs Ransom. The South regional review meeting includes the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta. All senior officials of government departments, apart from district collectors from the three districts and ministers from these districts were present at the review meeting. Also Read | Bengaluru Bandh Update: Several Protesters Detained, Police High-Handedness Alleged. NGOs and prominent social workers were also invited to the meeting. The media was not allowed to cover the details of the review meeting. After the meeting of government department officials, a review meeting with senior police officials of these districts will be held in the afternoon. The review meeting for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts will be held in Thrissur on September 29. The review meeting for the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha will be held on October 3 at Ernakulam and the final review meeting comprising the districts of Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod will be held on October 5 at Kozhikode. District collectors have been directed to make the necessary arrangements for the meetings. The decision to hold the review meeting was taken by the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijayan last week, days after the ruling Left suffered a severe blow in the bypoll held in Puthuppally Assembly constituency. The opposition Congress-led UDF and BJP have accused the state government of spending public money for the review meeting, alleging the meeting is nothing but a promotion of government programmes with an eye on the coming Parliamentary elections. The Congress alleged that the LDF, which had opposed the mass contact programme of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, has come out with the same programme, realising the anti-incumbency prevailing in the state. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar, Sep 26 (PTI) A man in Odisha's Kendrapara district on Tuesday alleged that his newborn son was swapped with a girl child in a government hospital, prompting the authorities to order an investigation into the complaint. The man and his family refused to accept the girl child and demanded a DNA test to ascertain her biological parents. Also Read | Manipur Violence: Internet Services in State Suspended Till October 1 Following Students' Protests in Imphal. The hospital authorities said that the attendant concerned probably had given the information wrong to the family by mistake. Pranakrushna Parija from Rajkanika area alleged that his family was informed by the hospital staff that his wife gave birth to a male child at about 10.30 pm on Monday night, but a girl child was handed over to her. Also Read | Umrao Jewellers Heist: Thieves Drilled Hole Into Strong Room, Steal Jewellery Worth Rs 25 Crore in Delhi. Parija also claimed that several others including security guards posted at the hospital had also heard it when a labour room staff informed the family about his wife delivering a male child. However, he also said that a doctor later clarified that the attendant had given that information by mistake. Admitting that the allegation was serious, Director of Capital Hospital Dr Laxmidhar Sahoo said preliminary investigation revealed that the complainant's wife had delivered a girl child. It could be a slip of the tongue on the part of the attendant, who said it was a boy while informing the family members waiting outside the labour room, he said. The director, however, said that he has formed a committee, led by the Medical Superintendent, to conduct a probe. Efforts are made to convince the couple. If the complainant is not convinced, the matter will be referred to the police and if necessary, steps will be taken to conduct a DNA test to ascertain the biological parents of the child, the director said. Parija also lodged a complaint to the police in this connection. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 26 (ANI): As preparations are in full swing for Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishta (consecration) ceremony in Ayodhya, Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj on Tuesday asserted that 'Pran Pratishtha' will take place on January 22, 2024, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part. "From January 15 to 24, there will be an 'Anushthan' and the 'Pran Pratishtha' will also take place during it. The time of the arrival of the PM is decided. He will come on January 22. 'Pran Pratishtha' will also take place on January 22. All are invited and welcome to come. The trust will welcome and respect each and everyone," Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj said. Also Read | Manipur Violence: Internet Services in State Suspended Till October 1 Following Students' Protests in Imphal. When asked about reports of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visiting Ayodhya, Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj said that the grand temple of Lord Ram is ready and the Lord Ram will be installed after the 'Pran Pratishtha'. "This information is sent all over the world that more and more people should come and attend it. Whether it is the opposition or the ruling party, whoever comes, each and everyone would be welcomed and respected... Whoever comes with the view of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, would be welcomed and respected," he added. Also Read | Umrao Jewellers Heist: Thieves Drilled Hole Into Strong Room, Steal Jewellery Worth Rs 25 Crore in Delhi. Meanwhile, he further said that Ram Mandir is divine and grand and is being built beautifully. "It (Ram Mandir) is divine and grand and is being built beautifully. Especially, the 'Garbh Grih' on the ground floor is ready, and carving is underway. Installation of windows and gates is pending,' he said. "The floor is ready. They are trying to build it in a way that no other temple is as beautiful as this one... People would be able to see how it was in the 'Treta Yug'... It will be on three floors and there will be a dome on the top... The preparations are being well done," he added. On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Ram Temple and since then the construction work of the temple is going on. Union Minister Home Minister Amit Shah had announced that the Ram Temple will be opened for devotees by January 1, next year. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) A suspect in a shooting Monday evening in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in the Town of Lockport has turned himself in to authorities, state police reported Tuesday night. Jerry Torres Jr. 25, of Lockport, surrendered at the state police barracks in Lockport, was processed and was taken to Niagara County Jail to await arraignment. Troopers said that Torres is suspected of branding a gun about 7:40 p.m. Monday and shooting a 24-year-old during an argument involving a group of people outside Wendy's, 5737 S. Transit Road. State Police said that a Glock 9mm pistol was located and noted that Torres does not have a pistol permit. Amritsar (Punjab) [India], September 26 (ANI): In a joint operation Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on Tuesday afternoon apprehended one suspected person and recovered two packets of narcotics suspected heroin near Daoke village in Punjabs Amritsar. "In the meantime, the depth deployed party of BSF and Punjab Police near Vill-Daoke, suspected movement of two persons was observed. Suspects, after noticing the troops, tried to escape, however, troops chased and managed to apprehend one of them," BSF stated in a release. Also Read | Northern Zonal Council Meet: CM Manohar Lal Khattar Raises Equal Distribution of Water Between Haryana and Punjab. "On the basis of revelations by the apprehended, two packets of narcotics, suspected to be heroin (Gross weight - appx 700 gms), were recovered from the farming fields of village Daoke," they added. Earlier on September 24, in a Joint operation of Gurdaspur Police and Border Security Force, two drug peddlers were arrested with 12 Kg of heroin and Rs 19.3 lakh seized from them, said Punjab police on Sunday. Also Read | India on Path To Achieve Emission Targets Well Before 2030, Says IFC Report. According to the police, the drugs were transported from Pakistan using drones. The Punjab Police Chief Gaurav Yadav termed the crackdown "a big blow to trans-border narcotic network" "Big Blow to Trans-Border narcotic network: Gurdaspur Police and BSF, in a joint operation, have seized 12 Kg Heroin along with Rs 19.3 Lac drug money from 2 smugglers Drones were used to transport drugs from #Pakistan," Gaurav Yadav posted on micro-blogging site X. An FIR has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) and an investigation is ongoing in this case to establish backwards and forward linkages, the police chief said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated its concern over the delay in the appointment of judges in various High Courts. The apex court was hearing the petition against the Centre for keeping pending the Collegium-recommended names of judges for appointment in the various High Courts. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi-Led Government Gave Over Nine Lakh Jobs So Far as Against Six Lakh During First Nine Years of UPA Rule, Says Union Minister Jitendra Singh. A bench led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul remarked that nothing has happened in the last seven months since it heard the plea last. The court asked the Centre about the non-clearance of names of judges of various High Courts recommended by the Collegium. Also Read | Kerala Businessman Dies by Suicide; Family Alleges Harassment by Private Bank Over Loan. The court noted that various names have been pending for the last ten months. The court asked the Attorney General to take instructions from the Central Government on the issue. The Supreme Court had earlier expressed its concern on the issue of keeping the list of the transfers of judges of the high courts pending with the Centre. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, September 26: Ahead of Shardiya Navratri, in a step towards women empowerment, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all police senior officials that a woman police officer should also be given charge of an additional police station. Chief Minister Yogi emphasized the need to assign a dedicated team of skilled and diligent police personnel to support these women SHOs. All police superintendents and commissioners are expected to take prompt action to ensure compliance with this order. The Chief Minister gave these instructions on Monday during one of his unprecedented initiatives, where, for the first time in the state, the Chief Minister simultaneously communicated with all the SHOs, circle officers, police captains, police commissioners, IG Range and ADG Zone. While communicating from the newly inaugurated CM Dashboard office located at Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan building, the Chief Minister directed the police to take strict action against crime and criminals with a policy of zero tolerance. He said that No matter how big the criminal is; strictest action should be taken against him as per the rules. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Announces That Every District to Have One Woman Station House Officer The Chief Minister said Public interest is the topmost priority of the government. Negligence with this cannot be accepted. The increase in criminal incidents and the delay in their charge sheet and disposal show the negligence of the concerned police station, circle, and police superintendent. Every police station, circle, district, range, and zone is being directly monitored at the government level. If any negligence/irregularity is confirmed, then not only will he be removed from the post, but he will also be given compulsory retirement. No incident should be considered insignificant, as there is something to be learned from every situation. The seriousness of each incident should be understood, and senior officers should personally visit the scene, he added. Addressing the SHOs, the Chief Minister said that they should give respect to every complainant. Listen to his/her pain and provide appropriate solutions. Uttar Pradesh Government Successful in Eradicating Encephalitis Completely With Help of Intra-Departmental Convergence, Says CM Yogi Adityanath Appreciating the work of the women beat officers, the Chief Minister encouraged the SHOs to communicate with the women beat officers and gram chowkidars once a week. While giving instructions to take action against bike stunt performers and vehicles bearing religious symbols, the Chief Minister directed continuous patrolling in sensitive areas. He also gave instructions for the deployment of qualified policemen in GRP and border police stations. The next phase of the 'Mission Shakti' campaign, widely applauded across the country for its focus on women's safety, respect, and self-reliance, is set to kick off on the first day of the upcoming Shardiya Navratri. The Chief Minister said This phase will be useful from the point of view of awareness of women's safety and rights. As part of this initiative, every week, two women police personnel, along with Asha sisters, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, BC Sakhis, Rozgar Sevaks, and others, will engage with women in a selected Gram Panchayat to educate them about their rights and inform them about government efforts to ensure their safety, Yogi Adityanath said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 26 (ANI): The Uttar Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is making rapid strides towards its goal to remove potholes and rejuvenate its roads. According to the Public Works Department, it has already achieved 30 percent of its target regarding pothole clearance and street restoration in the state so far in the financial year 2023-24. Besides, in National Highways, 75.30 per cent of the restoration target has been achieved. Also Read | Manmohan Singh Birthday: Interesting Facts About Former Indian Prime Minister and Noted Economist. It is worth mentioning here that the Yogi government has set the target of restoring 62,000 roads and ridding these of potholes in this financial year and has implemented an action plan in this regard. In line with CM Yogis vision of a pothole-free Uttar Pradesh, the Public Works Department has so far this year allocated Rs 275 crore for the renovation of streets across all districts and the government is monitoring the works being carried out by the department regularly, read UP Government press release. Also Read | Poland to Conduct Migrant Searches at Slovakian Border. There are a total of 1.14 lakh km of roads under the Public Works Department in Uttar Pradesh, out of which the government is working on the restoration of more than 62,000 roads this year. Out of 62,000 roads, the government has set the target of removal of potholes from 44869 and renovation of 17588 roads. So far, potholes have been removed from 1711 streets whereas 5277 roads have undergone a complete makeover in the current financial year. Thus, the Public Works Department has completed works on a total of 6988 roads with pothole removal constituting 3.81 per cent of the works and road restoration 30 per cent of the works. It is noteworthy that under the Public Works Department, roads related to Mandi, Panchayati Raj, Irrigation, Rural Development, Urban Development, Sugarcane, Housing and Urban Planning and Infrastructure and Industrial Development departments come. Meanwhile, a total of 364 works related to the removal of potholes and restoration of National Highways have been completed so far in the year 2023-24. In terms of percentage, 28.35 percent success has been achieved in pothole removal works while restoration works have been completed on 75.30 per cent of roads. It is noteworthy that four zones of the National Highways Department are working in the state. Among these, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI-West UP) has performed the best this year, achieving 62.57 per cent success in achieving the set targets of pothole removal and 85.79 per cent success in completing restoration works. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London [UK], September 26 (ANI): In the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of Rs 2,000 crore with the French cable car company POMA ropeways for investment in the state under the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit in London on Tuesday. On this occasion, CM Dhami said that through this investment new employment opportunities will be created in the state. Also Read | Bathinda Land Scam Case: Punjab Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Former State Finance Minister and BJP Leader Manpreet Badal. "Our government is continuously working to strengthen the economy of the state along with achieving the target of investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore through Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit-2023," Dhami said. CM Dhami reached London Airport on Tuesday morning to attract investors for the upcoming state Global Investor Summit slated to be held in Dehradun in December. Also Read | JKSSB Exam 2023 Admit Card Out at jkssb.nic.in: Hall Ticket for Junior Engineer Mechanical Examination Released, Get Direct Link and Know How To Download. The Indian diaspora welcomed Dhami at the airport with the playing of traditional musical instruments of Uttarakhand. "DHC @sujitjoyghosh welcomed CM of Uttarakhand @pushkardhami, leading a delegation from Sept 25 - 28, for promotion of the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit. Uttarakhand offers exciting opportunities for investment in tourism, life sciences, and energy sectors," tweeted the High Commission of India, London. The state government delegation accompanying the Chief Minister will remain on UK tour till September 28.According to a statement by the Chief Ministers Office, CM Dhami will hold roadshows in London on September 26 and in Birmingham the next day. The delegation will hold meetings with the world's big business houses in London and Birmingham and extend invitations for the Global Investors Summit to be held in the month of December.Dhami left for the United Kingdom on Monday to invite Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and industrialists to the Global Investors Conference to be held in Uttarakhand in December. Leaving today for London and Birmingham to meet and invite NRI and international industrialists to the Global Investors Conference being held to achieve the goal of a strong Uttarakhand, Dhami wrote on social networking site X. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) The availability of green hydrogen as a fuel will help reduce India's dependence on coal for steel making, Tata Steel CEO and MD TV Narendran said on Tuesday. Narendran made the remark at the National Management Convention session of All India Management Association (AIMA) here. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Slams Central Government Over Killing of Two Students in Manipur, Says 'Centre Should Be Ashamed of Its Inaction in Violence-Hit State'. "The way steel is made is changing and will continue to change further, as the industry is putting up new plants... Availability of hydrogen as a fuel and reductive is the key to reducing dependence on coal," he said, adding that scrap will replace ore as the main input. In January 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore with an aim to make India a global hub for manufacturing this clean source of energy. Also Read | Odisha Shocker: Couple Hacked to Death on Witchcraft Allegations in Gajapati District. Tata Steel plans to scale up the usage of hydrogen in the steel-making process after the successful completion of the pilot project at its Jamshedpur plant in Jharkhand, Narendran told PTI recently. In April 2023, Tata Steel commenced the first of its kind experiment injecting hydrogen gas using 40 per cent of the injection systems in an E-blast furnace at its steel plant in Jamshedpur. Addressing the session, he said, "India must have supportive policies, and the customers should be willing to pay if the Indian steel industry is to offer green steel. The global steel industry contributes 8 per cent of the total emissions, and governments in Europe are discussing green steel with the industry. There is a cost of not changing also". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) Despite the central government ushering in reforms, the manufacturing sector is yet to see enhanced growth rates as officials in the states continue to function in a way they used to during the "licence and control days", Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said on Tuesday. Speaking at an event here, the veteran industry leader noted that the central government over the last nine years has been bringing in a series of reforms and improvements in the business environment. Also Read | Priyanka Gandhi Slams Central Government Over Killing of Two Students in Manipur, Says 'Centre Should Be Ashamed of Its Inaction in Violence-Hit State'. He noted that the country has seen massive improvement in the rankings when it comes to the ease of doing business. Besides, the government has also abolished over 1,000 old acts while initiating a lot of reforms in taxation as well, Bhargava said. Also Read | Odisha Shocker: Couple Hacked to Death on Witchcraft Allegations in Gajapati District. "All designed to make it easier to do business in India, and to be more competitive in manufacturing. Unfortunately, the results are not yet apparent," Bhargava said. He noted that the bulk of the interaction of manufacturers and entrepreneurs is with the state government officials. "And in the state governments, the bureaucracy and the entire administration has still not changed the way the central government has changed," Bhargava said. He further said: "And there are lots of delays. Time is not a factor which is valued highly by most people in the states. And the attitude of administration is very much similar to what it used to be in the licence and control days, that the job of the bureaucracy the job of the civil servant is to control rather than facilitate. Besides, the entrepreneurs are also largely maintaining the mindset and practices which were developed during the licences and control period because in those days the private sector was not in a position to grow in any way or innovate because the licence laid down every condition of their functioning, Bhargava said. "Now, that resulted in various malpractices developing.. you're all aware of the growth of black money in the country. We are all aware of what black money growth means in terms of ostentatious consumption," he added. He further said: "So as long as the system continues where entrepreneurs, businessmen are more concerned about showing off their personal wealth and generating personal incomes and are not so much focused on growing their companies. I'm afraid the growth rates will not work.. Citing the example of Maruti Suzuki, Bhargava said the company grew at a time when all the conditions were unfavourable. He noted that despite improvement in the ease of doing business in the country, the growth of the manufacturing sector is still about 5 per cent a year. "We need to get up to 12 per cent a year. That's the kind of change which is needed and it cannot happen unless everybody involved in this business, whether it's people who are vendors, people who are dealers, people who are entrepreneurs, people who are large industrialists, they all decide that our first priority is to grow our companies not our personal wealth," Bhargava said. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pointed out in 2014 that if the country wanted to solve major issues like poverty and unemployment in the country the manufacturing sector has to grow at a higher rate. "If we are going to have greater equity in our society, all of this would only be possible if the manufacturing sector grows faster, and we reach at least 25 per cent of the GDP through the manufacturing sector," Bhargava said. On the domestic car industry, he noted that India is now the biggest growing market in the world. There is no other country in the world of any size, which has the potential for growth in the car market, which India has, he noted. Whether it is the US, Europe, Japan or China, all these countries have now become saturated, Bhargava said. "India is the only country which still has a lot of distance to go before the market becomes saturated. And it is for this reason that in the last 15-20 years, almost every car manufacturer in the world has found his way into India, and those who haven't come are still looking to come now," he stated. So the Indian car market is going to be a growing car market and equally it is going to be a highly competitive car market, he noted. Companies have to work to bring the best of technologies, the best products, the greatest reliability in the products, and the best of after-sales service, Bhargava said. "That's what Maruti has been trying to do all these 40 years. That is what we will continue to do. And we will continue to see that we make our best efforts to keep a large part of the market under our control," he added. On the company's plans to introduce electric cars, Bhargava said the company plans to bring in six models over the next few years in order to keep its market share intact. "If we are to keep 45-50 per cent of that market. You can't do it by having one or two models. You need to have a large number of models..six models we feel is the minimum that we require. He further said: "Even with six models, we think that by 2030 only about 15-20 per cent of our sales will be electric vehicles. Maruti Suzuki plans to launch its first battery-electric vehicle by 2025. Bhargava said the company was first trying to convert WagonR into an electric car.. The conversion happened but the company realised that the cost of the car was coming out to be so high that it would not be a viable proposition, he added. "And that is why we gave it up and said that now let's look at developing a bigger model because the lower car segment is not such as could be converted to electric operations and still remain within the affordability region for customers of that car," Bhargava said. By the time the company enters the electric segment there would be the possibility of reasonable volume being sold in the market, he said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Sep 26 (PTI) China has refused to further expand cooperation in the areas of energy, water management, and climate change under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it emerged on Tuesday, signalling a strain in the 'ironclad' friendship between the two all-weather allies. Cash-strapped Pakistan also gave up its opposition to setting up a new imported coal-fired power plant in Gwadar in Balochistan province and agreed to a number of Chinese demands to address Beijing's concerns, The Express Tribune newspaper reported, citing the signed minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the CPEC. Also Read | World War II Bomb Found in Singapore: Police Safely Detonate 100 Kg WWII Aerial Bomb in Upper Bukit Timah. The JCC is a strategic decision-making body of the CPEC and its 11th meeting was held virtually on October 27 last year on the insistence of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government that wanted to showcase some progress. However, the minutes of the meeting were signed almost a year later on July 31 during the visit of Chinese vice premier He Lifeng, highlighting the difference of opinions on both sides that led to such a huge delay in reaching a consensus, the report said. Also Read | Hardeep Singh Nijjar Killing: Video Reveals Six Men, Two Vehicles May Have Been Involved in Murder of Khalistani Terrorist Outside Gurdwara in British Columbia, Says Washington Post Report. When contacted, the Ministry of Planning stated that it was a global practice for the minutes of meetings between two countries to be signed by both sides only after due consultation and evolving consensus. Interestingly, the final draft shared with Beijing by Pakistan and the final minutes signed by both sides were different in many ways, the report said. China's disagreement to further expand cooperation in areas of energy, water management, and climate change under the CPEC underscores "the challenges that both the sides are facing in deepening the economic ties", it said. The USD 60 billion CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of China's ambitious multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI is seen as an attempt by China to further its influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments all over the world. The CPEC is a collection of infrastructure and other projects under construction throughout Pakistan since 2013. India has protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The details of the final minutes of the 11th JCC showed that China did not agree to a host of measures that Pakistan had proposed in the areas of energy, water management, climate change and tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, PoK and the coastal areas. China excluded cooperation in the areas of cross-border tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, PoK and cooperation for the promotion of coastal tourism from the final minutes, the details showed. China also did not agree to Pakistan's proposal for the inclusion of Water Resources Management and Climate Change and Urban Infrastructure Development in the CPEC framework. The proposal for setting up a new joint working group on water resources management and climate change was also rejected by China. China excluded the issue of financial challenges being faced by the power companies from the final minutes. Beijing also did not agree to a proposal to include a 500kv transmission line from Hub to Gwadar to link the seaport city with the national grid in the CPEC framework. China did not agree to carry out joint studies for future development of Thar coal blocks, including development of mega power parks and power evacuation infrastructure, with a view to meet Pakistan's energy needs from indigenous resources, conversion of coal into other products for domestic demand as well as exports", the report said. Similarly, there is no mention of the South-North gas pipeline project in the final minutes. The draft minutes mentioned the examination of a feasibility study and Chinese cooperation for the purpose. Pakistan had proposed Chinese participation in a strategic underground gas storage project but there is no mention of this mega project in the final minutes. Islamabad had also proposed the participation of China in the national seismic study for sedimentary areas and sought Chinese equipment. But this idea is also shelved at the bilateral level. Pakistan proposed joint exploration, development, and marketing of metallic minerals and sought Chinese technology, but the final minutes were silent on this issue too, according to the Express Tribune report. China also did not agree to Pakistan's proposal of developing a policy framework for coal gasification to fertiliser projects based on Thar coal. Meanwhile, Pakistan has given significant concessions to China on the issue of setting up the 300MW Gwadar Power Plant. Islamabad wanted to either shelve the 300MW project or change its location to Thar to use the local coal. However, China did not agree to it, the report said. Pakistan also wanted the conversion of the imported fuel-based Gwadar plant to Thar coal to address energy security and liquidity issues to which China did not agree. Pakistan also committed that it would follow the consensus reached by two sides, and will direct the Pakistani power purchase companies to stop deducting the capacity power rate and return the deducted power rate. To ensure the normal operations of CPEC power projects, the Pakistani side promised to take necessary measures to ensure timely exchange to US dollars for CPEC power projects to buy necessary fuels, the report said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) United Nations, Sep 26 (PTI) India on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, underlining that its Presidency of the G20 sought to focus on key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few. Beginning his address to the General Debate at the high-level 78th session of the UN General Assembly with the salutation Namaste from Bharat, Jaishankar said India had taken on the G20 Presidency in December 2022 with a sense of exceptional responsibility. Also Read | Invasive Red Fire Ants Threat to Europe, Know All About These Species That Were Recently Found in Italys Sicily. Jaishankar's 'Namaste from Bharat' salutation was a first in his address to the UN General Assembly. He said Delhi's vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future' sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few". Also Read | Royal Academy of Arts New Exhibition in London Requires Visitors To Squeeze Through Two Nude Models for Entry (See Viral Pic). India's G20 Presidency came at a time when the world was witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil. "As it is, structural inequities and uneven development have imposed burdens on the Global South. But stresses have been aggravated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions and disputes. As a result, socio-economic gains of recent years have been rolled back, he said. Jaishankar referred to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had said that it was to bridge divides, dismantle barriers and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world, where unity prevails over discord and where shared destiny eclipses isolation. The New Delhi G-20 Leaders' Declaration articulates our collective ability to do so, Jaishankar said, referring to the joint declaration adopted by consensus at the Leaders' Summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. "At a time when East-West polarisation is so sharp and North-South divide so deep, the New Delhi Summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, he said. Noting that resources for sustainable development are been severely challenged, many countries are really struggling to make ends meet and navigating the future appears even more daunting today, Jaishankar said India began its G20 Presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South' Summit that enabled it to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 agenda as Delhi recognised that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable. As a consequence, issues which deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community, he said. Jaishankar also underscored that it is noteworthy that at India's initiative, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20. "By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. He noted that the outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit will surely resonate for years ahead. Among them is the Action Plan for Sustainable Development Goals, a crucial need of the day. Equally important are the High Principles of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Green Development Pact, as they shape our approach to our planet's future. The minister said the transformative role of Digital Public Infrastructure has also been finally recognised. As has the salience of women-led development in building an inclusive and progressive society. The reform of international financial institutions (IFI) has been given due weight, as has the resolution of debt vulnerabilities, he said. Jaishankar further emphasised that the New Delhi G20 outcomes are expressed both as larger policies and as specific initiatives. They could be about building cities for tomorrow or fighting corruption, eliminating hunger or delivering quality education, ending plastic pollution or preserving the ocean-based economy. "And for that matter, enhancing food security or even mapping global skills," he said. Some address longstanding issues like the gender divide and climate action. Others focus on new concerns such as the responsible harnessing of Artificial Intelligence. All in all, we have placed for the world's consideration a set of actionable propositions, constructive solutions and new directions, Jaishankar said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New York [US], September 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday met his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City. The two ministers appreciated the rapid progress in India, UAE bilateral cooperation and valued regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues. Also Read | Hardeep Singh Nijjar Killing: Pro-Khalistani Protests Held Outside Indian Diplomatic Missions in Canada (Watch Video). Always a pleasure to meet FM @ABZayed of UAE, this time in New York. Appreciate the rapid progress in our bilateral cooperation. Value our regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X formerly Twitter on Tuesday. UAE and India along with Saudi Arabia, the US and European Union (EU), had recently announced an ambitious infrastructure plan the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This initiative launched at the G20 summit in New Delhi, seeks to reshape the trade route between the Gulf, Europe and South Asia, connecting them by rail and sea links Also Read | Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Regrets Parliament's Standing Ovation for Man Who Fought for Nazis. Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar will address a High-Level session of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today. The EAM is in New York to lead the Indian delegation at the UNGA session. EAM Jaishankar on Monday met President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dennis Francis in New York. The EAM also held a meeting with Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the 78th UNGA. The two leaders affirmed a "strong bilateral relationship." "On the sidelines of #UNGA78, met with @AraratMirzoyan FM of Armenia. Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship," Jaishankar posted on X. Jaishankar also met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konakovic. The two leaders discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy. Jaishankar also met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Barcena. The two leaders discussed taking forward the partnership between the two nations with a focus on business, science and technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. engaging in meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the event. During his New York visit, Jaishankar interacted with several world leaders. A video shared on the social media platform X captures Jaishankar's interactions with his counterparts, including Sameh Shoukrey of Egypt, Gen Jeje Odongo of Uganda, Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, Carlos Pereira of Guinea Bissau, and Abdul Momen of Bangladesh. Additionally, he also paid a visit to Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia during his stay in New York. In the video, Jaishankar is also seen meeting the Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji, Dominica's Foreign Minister Vince Henderson and Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugg Todd, among many others. Meanwhile, the EAM while speaking on Saturday evening during an event South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities. Further, citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister also stressed that "it is still a world of double standards." "There is a growing sentiment in the world and the Global South in a way embodies it. But theres also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change", said EAM Jaishankar during the event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India and the Reliance Foundation. "They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, its a world very much of double standards," he added. Speaking about the Global South and Indias G20 Presidency, Jaishankar highlighted how India was the voice of the Global South and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the real problem of the G20. After concluding his visit to New York, Jaishankar will travel to Washington, DC. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Buffalo Schools administration and the School Board are moving forward on a project for a new cook-chill commissary that would serve as the food production hub for the districts 30,000 students. It will not be easy, and it will not be cheap, but leaders say the facility 20,000 square feet larger than the current site, with the ability to produce fresh, from-scratch meals is a crucial venture that would benefit the entire student population. Lets be clear: The board has spoken in regards to this commissary, School Board President Sharon Belton-Cottman said last week. It is a priority along with everything else that were doing. We would like to see food service upgraded and our children receiving more quality lunches. This facility is doable. If its going to happen, now is the time, Child Nutrition Services Director Ruth Conner told the board earlier this month, later adding, Lets not lose this opportunity. The School Board last week approved by 8-1 a resolution for Superintendent Tonja M. Williams to pay McGuire Development Co. up to $38.85 million from the districts general fund of which $28 million would be repaid by the Food Services Department plus another $5 million from an anticipated state grant for equipment, to meet the project cost of $44.22 million. Communication with the City of Buffalo over ownership of the building is the next step. The decision rejuvenated a project many thought to be on the brink of dissolving after initial progress. Partnering more than a year ago with McGuire and the city, Buffalo Schools saw the project advance through planning and zoning board approvals, and receive more than $1 million in tax breaks, but progress came to a screeching halt late this summer when financial hurdles arose. The delay alarmed leaders of Buffalos Parent Congress, who emphasized the projects urgency due to the June 2025 expiration of the existing commissarys lease at East Delavan Avenue and William Gaiter Parkway. Under the previous timeline, ground would have been broken at 1016-1044 E. Delavan Ave. this month. Parents groups say Buffalo schools commissary project has stalled Leaders of three Buffalo Schools parent groups published a petition that seeks to raise public awareness that the new commissary is far less certain to move forward. At the heart of the discussion between the Food Services Department and district administration was how the commissary would be funded. In relation to the districts budget, food service has traditionally operated in isolation; it was left alone as long as it did not require help from the general fund. Food service advocates, spearheaded by Conners predecessor, Bridget OBrien Wood, had intentionally dedicated more than $30 million in reserves for a new commissary. Problems cropped up, however, when it became clear the project could not be fully covered by food services surplus and would require as much as $11 million in general funds that were not included in the districts four-year budget plan. New York State requires departments to maintain a fund balance, but one that does not exceed three months of expenditures, so only a large portion of food services surplus was eligible for a capital project not the entire sum. How to acquire the property, now a vacant lot on East Delavan Avenue across from the existing commissary, was another snag. State education facilities regulations forbid a lease-to-purchase approach, and Buffalos Chief Financial Officer Jim Barnes said a straight lease would be the most expensive option. A straight purchase from the developer, he said, with the City of Buffalo holding the title, was the best and only route. A $10 million budget surplus from 2022-23 gave the district enough financial cushion to make the commissary possible, Barnes said. Still, he projected that the overall fund balance after four years commissary included would put the district close to risky levels of reserves. Board member Paulette Woods, a former capital budget analyst for Erie County and the resolutions lone opponent, took umbrage with $11 million from the general fund fueling the project. She urged Barnes to reduce that contribution to $9 million or less. Barnes added some context by noting the projection included $4.5 million in case of overruns in construction, the cost of the building or equipment fees, but that did not sway Woods vote. In good conscience I cant see you putting the total burden of the $11 million on the general fund, Woods said. My priority is teaching, staff and maintaining those positions, which we all know we have to come up with a plan when ESSER funds end. Buffalo will have to find ways to creatively fund, consolidate or eliminate about 300 positions next fall. Barnes said he was not opposed to the commissary project but was concerned about its financial impact on the district. I agree wholeheartedly, he said, that were not supposed to be using our general funds for capital projects that were not in the four-year plan. New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): US Ambassdor to India Eric Garcetti on Tuesday said US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome's visit to Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter which should be "resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party uncluding the US." US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome recently paid a six-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan during which he visited different areas and met local representatives and Gilgit Baltistan government officials, as per Dawn. Also Read | No Court Relief for Imran Khan; Former Pakistan PM Sent to Another 14 Days Judicial Remand in Cipher Case. Dawn is a Pakistani English-language newspaper. As per the Pakistan-based news daily, the Ambassador's tour was kept secret by both the embassy and local government as no details about the visit were provided to the media. The only official information about the envoys visit came in a statement issued by the Gilgit Baltistan deputy speakers office. Also Read | US Shocker: Daughter Hits Mother With Frying Pan, Stabs Her Nearly 30 Times After Being Kicked Out of College; Found Guilty of Murder. Blome also met Food and Tourism Minister Ghulam Muhammad in Gilgit. The US Ambassador Garcetti said: It's not my place to react to the US Ambassador in Pakistan but I know he's been before and we have had obviously parts of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during the G20 as well. We'll stay engaged but it has to be something that is resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party including the US, he said. Speaking on US President Joe Bidens India visit, he said there is an Invitation but schedule is not confirmed. According to the Dawn News, Blome also visited the port city of Gwadar days before his visit to Gilgit Baltistan, where China is executing infrastructure projects as part of CPEC. Opposition leader in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kazim Mesum has, however, questioned Blome's visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The opposition leader of GB, Kazim Mesum in the GB assembly on Friday said, the mysterious activities of the US ambassador in the region has raised questions, adding that the GB government was not aware of the visit, as per Dawn. There is a set procedure for any countrys ambassador to visit the region, he said, and called Blomes arrival in Gilgit after visiting Gwadar suspicious. The opposition leader said visits to the two most vital areas of CPEC were part of the US CPEC containment policy. The ambassador visited areas from which the CPEC route will pass, Mesum was quoted as saying by Dawn news. There are many under construction mega projects in GB including CPEC, Diamer Bhasha Dam, while threats of insurgency from Afghanistan and local security issues also exist" Messum added During this time, the undisclosed visit was alarming, he said. According to Pakistan based news outlet The News International the US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome was on a multi-day private visit to Gilgit-Baltistan. The Ambassador was visiting various recreational places as well as ongoing projects of UNDP with the help of the local government the News reported. According to the News International the American ambassador visited the Attabad Lake after reaching Hunza and also went to the Karakoram International University. The American ambassador also visited the Hunza royal palace, along with the American delegation. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, September 26: All eyes are on two Indian-Americans, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, as Republican presidential candidates head to Simi Valley in California for the second GOP primary 2024 debate. Frontrunner Donald Trump, a former president, is not participating in the debate. Six candidates have qualified for the GOP Primary 2024 debate to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley on Wednesday. The candidates are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former vice-president Mike Pence, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Senator Tim Scott, along with Haley and Ramaswamy. Eight candidates qualified for the first debate last month. Following their impressive performance, the popularity of both Indian-American candidates is on the rise. In most of the recent polls, Haley and Ramaswamy are polling after Trump. US Presidential Election 2024: President Joe Biden Trailing Behind Donald Trump by 10 Points, Shows New Poll by Washington Post and ABC News DeSantis, who was considered a viable alternative to Trump, is under intense pressure to perform during the second debate. Haley and Ramaswamy have been making campaign stops in the early primary and caucus states. The two have also released their economic and energy policies, which would be the theme of the primary debate. "After being largely ignored by his rivals during his last outing, the governor requires a strong performance in this debate, scheduled days before this financial quarter's fundraising deadline, to prevent further slippage in the polls and line his campaign's coffers," the Washington Examiner said. The US Today wrote that Haley already beats Biden in polls. Now, she needs to win the next Republican debate, it said. "Haley's experience and thoughtful answers on abortion, the national debt and foreign policy show she's got the leadership chops and reasoned temperament to do the country's top job," the daily said. A recent poll said that Haley now holds the second place in New Hampshire after Trump. "Nikki Haley, from the very start, has said that she's going to work harder than everyone else. She certainly has done that here," Neil Levesque of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics told the local media. "She's been campaigning the old school way, really connecting with voters," he added. US Presidential Election 2024: Joe Biden Trails Behind Donald Trump and Nikki Haley, Leads Vivek Ramaswamy, Shows Poll According to CNN, after a splashy debut at the first Republican presidential debate, Ramaswamy has gone from an unknown to a contender who is now facing questions about his youth and lack of political experience, especially given his position as the first millennial to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Dave Carney, a longtime Republican strategist with decades of presidential campaign experience, told a Fox News affiliate in Los Angeles that candidates who "have a breakout night" at the second debate "can put some of their rivals to sleep and can start formulating themselves as the alternative to Trump". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, September 26: The Karnataka Police on Tuesday morning took more than 20 people into custody in Bengaluru for violating Section 144 orders and attempting to take a protest march against the release of Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu. Kuruburu Shantakumar, the President of the Sugarcane Growers Association and one of the prominent leaders of Jala Samrakshana Samithi was leading the protest. The police also took more than 50 people into custody as a preventive measure in the night, according to sources. The agitators gathered at the Mysuru Bank Circle Junction in the central business district as announced early in the morning. When they were planning to take part in a protest march, the police took them into custody. Kuruburu Shantakumar expressed his outrage against the police action. In Tamil Nadu when it comes to matters of the interest of the state, they will stand with protesters. In the issue of Jallikattu, Tamil Nadu Police supported the agitation. But, in Karnataka the police are resorting to repressive measures, he stated. The police are troubling protesters, said Kuruburu Shantakumar and asked the police, "what will they do, if they dont have water to drink when they go to their homes?" "The bandh is successful and all have extended their support. Our agitation will continue. The farmers of the state are observing what is happening. The message will go to the whole state on what is happening here. The police must be careful," Kuruburu Shantakumar warned. Bengaluru Bandh Today: BMTC Buses To Remain Operational As Usual, Auto Drivers on Strike Over Cauvery Water-Sharing Dispute The police dispersed the group of agitators who gathered near the Mysuru Bank Circle. The agitators raised slogans against the police and took slogans against them. They argued with the police and asked them to take leave from duty and participate in the protest. The police were repeatedly asked, "dont they want water?" Bengaluru Bandh Today: Shutdown Being Observed Over Cauvery Water Release; From Namma Metro to BMTC and KSRTC Buses, Here's What's Open and What's Closed The buses attached to Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) were operating in the morning. Most arterial roads and major junctions did not see the traffic rush of morning hours. On Monday, Bengaluru Urban District Collector K.A. Dayanand gave orders declaring holiday for private, aided, unaided and private schools and colleges in the city. He also said that Section 144 will be imposed in the city under which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted. The bandh will be observed till 6 p.m. A total of 37 organisations of private transport and 95 other organisations comprising civic agencies, government corporations and commercial establishments have extended their support to the bandh. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2023 10:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, September 26: Delhi Police have arrested a person for abducting and killing a man after extorting Rs 2 lakhs in the national capital, an official said on Tuesday. The accused was identified as Sachin Kumar Sharma (24), a resident of Karawal Nagar in northeast Delhi, while a manhunt is on to nab the absconding co-accused Arun. The police said that on September 20, the complainant Geeta Chaudhary, a resident of Karawal Nagar, reported that a say earlier at around 5.30 p.m., her brother Nitin (22) left home without saying anything. On September 20 at 10.23 a.m., she received a WhatsApp message in which the sender informed her that her brother had been kidnapped and would be released only after she paid Rs 2 lakhs. A case of kidnapping for ransom was registered immediately and investigation was taken up, Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey said. During investigation, Sachin was arrested from Ganganagar in Rajasthan and Nitins body was found in the bushes near the Behta Hazipur railway station in Ghaziabad. Sachin also pointed out the place where he and co-accused Arun had stabbed Nitin to death, said the DCP. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Eight-Year-Old Girl Raped by Unidentified Man in Mathura, Admitted to Hospital in Critical Condition On interrogation, it was revealed that Sachin had known Nitin since 2018. Sachin met Arun (co-accused) about two years ago. He helped in getting Aruns elder brotherget married. He had bought a motorcycle some time ago, but was unable to pay the instalments. He had further mortgaged his motorcycle for Rs 40,000 recently. After his daughters birth, he had been facing a lot of financial difficulty, said the DCP. About 15 days ago, Sachin and Arun hatched a plan to kidnap Nitin and demand the ransom. Maharashtra Shocker: 25-Year Old Man Sets Girlfriends Mom and Brother on Fire, Later Dies by Suicide in Amravati Nitin had a house to his name in Karawal Nagar. They thought his family could easily pay them the ransom amount and they would distribute the money between them, said the DCP. On tSeptember 19, Sachin invited Nitin for drinks in the evening. Arun was already present with Sachin. Both of them were carrying knives. They had been close friends so Nitin did not suspect anything, said the DCP. Nitin reached Johripur main road at about 6.15 pm on September 19, where Sachin and Arun were waiting for him. All three of them reached the Behta Hazipur station. They bought alcohol and sat near the railway tracks to drink, said the DCP. At about 9 p.m., Sachin suggested that they should return home. While they were walking back in the dark, on a lonely stretch near the railway tracks, both Sachin and Arun overpowered Nitin and stabbed him to death. They took his mobile phone. They hid his body in the bushes near the railway track and returned home." On the next day,they reached Loni, Ghaziabad and made the ransom call to Nitins sister using his own phone. However, soon Sachin and Arun realised that the police was investigating the case. They panicked and decided to leave Delhi, said the DCP. "Sachin took his wife and daughter and reached Ganga Nagar, Rajasthan, where his wifes close friend lived. Arun is a resident Labhari village, Uttar Pradesh. Several teams have been constituted to arrest him. Sachin will be produced in court today and taken on police remand. Post mortem of Nitins dead body will be conducted today." Every year, World Tourism Day is celebrated across the globe with great enthusiasm on September 27. The day was first celebrated in 1980 and has been celebrated ever since. World Tourism Day aims to raise awareness about the significant role tourism plays in global social, cultural, economic, and environmental development. Every year, World Tourism Day is celebrated with a unique theme. The theme of World Tourism Day 2023 is Tourism and green investment, which highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for a better world by 2030. As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2023, heres all you need to know about the history and significance of the day. World Tourism Day 2023 Quotes & HD Images: Messages, Cool Travel Instagram Captions and Wallpapers To Celebrate the Day. World Tourism Day 2023 Date World Tourism Day 2023 will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 27. World Tourism Day 2023 Theme The theme of World Tourism Day 2023 is Tourism and green investment. World Tourism Day History Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, a Nigerian national, was the one who proposed the idea of marking September 27 of every year as World Tourism Day. He was finally recognized for his contribution in 2009. The United Nations World Tourism Organization first celebrated the World Tourism Day on September 27, 1980. The UNWTO General Assembly, at its Twelfth Session in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 1997, decided to designate a host country each year to act as the Organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. At its Fifteenth Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the Assembly decided the following geographic order to be followed for World Tourism Day celebrations. World Tourism Day 2023: From Machu Picchu in Peru to Kyoto in Japan, 5 Incredible Places That Must Be on Your Travel Bucket List! World Tourism Day Significance The purpose of World Tourism Day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism and to show how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide. World Tourism Day is a call to action for the international community, governments, and private sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2023 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). At least four vehicles were torched and employees of a private firm assaulted at a railway construction site by members of the banned CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand's Latehar district, police said. TRF or The Resistance Front is the shadow outfit of the LeT. Nagpure said a case was registered and investigation was taken up. On receipt of the information, based on human/technical intelligence, during mobile vehicle check-point (MVCP) checking at Tapper Pattan, the security forces apprehended the terrorist on September 22. They have collected the food samples and a report is awaited, he said, adding the supplier has been told to stop supply till the issue is cleared. Sources said the education department will take action against the Self-Help Group supplying the Mid-Day Meal, if it is found faulty. In a recent legal battle between Humans of Bombay (HoB) and People of India (PoI) over copyright infringement, Humans of New York (HONY) founder Brandon Stanton weighed in on the matter, expressing his concerns on X (formerly Twitter). Stanton stated, "I've stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think@HumansOfBombay shares important stories, even if they've monetized far past anything I'd feel comfortable doing on HONY. But you can't be suing people for what I've forgiven you for." In response, HoB defended its actions, highlighting the need to protect its intellectual property. HOB shared Court documents on X showing that PoI had indeed plagiarised content previously published by HoB. Following this, the HONY Founder took to X about his conversation with The Washington Post and shared his stance on the case, stating, "But when art begins with a profit motive, it ceases to become an art." Humans of Bombay Gets Brutally Trolled for Its Reply to Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York Founder Amid Row With People of India in Copyright Infringement Case! Humans of Bombay vs People of India Delhi High Court issues summons to 'People of India' in copyright infringement suit by 'Humans of Bombay' report by @prashantjha996 https://t.co/BI2rUzlAUX Bar & Bench (@barandbench) September 20, 2023 HONY Founder Criticises HoB I've stayed quiet on the appropriation of my work because I think @HumansOfBombay shares important stories, even if they've monetized far past anything I'd feel comfortable doing on HONY. But you can't be suing people for what I've forgiven you for. https://t.co/0jZM05YyTt Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) September 23, 2023 Humans of Bombay Responds to HONY We are grateful to HONY & Brandon for starting this storytelling movement. The suit is related to the IP in our posts & not about storytelling at all. We tried to address the issue amicably before approaching the Court, as we believe in protecting our teams hard work. PFA Humans Of Bombay (@HumansOfBombay) September 24, 2023 Brandon Stanton's Stance on Copyright Battle Was just asked for comment by The Washington Post regarding a certain court case involving my work, but which thankfully doesn't involve me. I thought it would be worthwhile to share the statement here. For an example of a true artist who has done beautiful things with the pic.twitter.com/y6Xvz8EGSx Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) September 26, 2023 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) On 25 September Mexicos Presidentannounced that his government had increased security presence in the border region of Chiapas state. 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 Every student in Buffalo Schools will have special shades to safely view the total solar eclipse next April 8. SUNY Buffalo State Universitys Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium will donate 50,000 solar eclipse glasses which protect against infrared and ultraviolet light and supporting educational materials so every student, teacher, staff member and administrator can experience the phenomenon. The total of Buffalo States donation is about $24,500. Excitement is building, and word is getting out, said Kevin Williams, director of the Buffalo State planetarium. The glasses will have custom Buffalo Schools and Buffalo State branding, Williams said. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, producing total darkness during the daytime. A chilly breeze, dramatic changes in lighting and animals scurrying to their nests are among the effects. Its overwhelming, said Charles Fulco, NASAs eclipse outreach coordinator, told The Buffalo News in April. Unearthly. The rare astronomic event stymied by clouds during its last Buffalo appearance in 1925 typically occurs in a given location once every 375 years. Sean Kirst: 'This will be incredible': Eyes up in Buffalo, sky disciples prepare for great eclipse On April 8, 2024, Western New York will experience a total solar eclipse. Our goal right now is just to get the word out there, because this will be incredible, said Michael Humphrey, whose astronomical association is focused on helping onlookers understand what they'll see. The Buffalo School Board on Wednesday accepted the donation in its consent agenda. Superintendent Tonja M. Williams praised the generosity of one of its higher-education partners. She said district administrators are still weighing whether to close schools April 8, citing potential transportation concerns in light of the eclipses timing of 3:18 p.m., which falls during the afternoon commute for much of the district. Like all viewers, students should wear the glasses until the sun is fully blotted out, when they may be safely removed. Sunglasses are not a suitable alternative, experts say. Plans to educate Buffalo students on the eclipse are underway, too. Williams, the planetarium director, said all grades will have the eclipse woven into their curricula, while all fourth-graders and some high-schoolers are expected to visit the planetarium for a hands-on experience this fall. Coming to WNY on April 8, 2024: The total eclipse of the sun Western New York is gearing up for a total solar eclipse that's set to occur about 3:18 p.m. April 8, 2024. Such an event happens at a specific location about every 375 years. The educational components fall under Buffalo Schools STEAM program, which touches on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. According to a board document prepared by district STEAM supervisor Katie Agen, Buffalo schools will receive the glasses in March and send them home with students over spring break. Williams said the Buffalo Eclipse Consortium, a collection of organizations promoting the eclipse, will begin its ascent toward April on Oct. 14, using that days partial eclipse in which the moon covers 20% of the sun at some time between noon and 2 p.m. as a kickoff. The Buffalo Museum of Science will have free admission that Saturday and give out free eclipse glasses from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizations and groups are realizing what a big event this is, Williams said, cautioning intrigued groups from waiting much longer to get involved. January, he said, will be too late to prepare. On 25 September US officials condemned an attack the previous day on the Cuban embassy in Washington DC, in which a man reportedly threw two Molotov cocktails at the building. End of preview - This article contains approximately 392 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 25 September, the far-right populist candidate leading the presidential polls in Argentina, accused the two coalitions with which he is competing of being one and the same, representing a political establishment that is on borrowed time. End of preview - This article contains approximately 346 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Laurel, MS (39440) Today Mostly clear. Widespread frost likely. Low 31F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Widespread frost likely. Low 31F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is holding two free classes one online and one in person to provide guidance for family members and caregivers of adults living with mental illness. The online class will meet weekly on Zoom from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays beginning Oct. 2 and continuing to Nov. 20. The in-person class takes place at the same times at NAMIs Buffalo office, 737 Delaware Ave., near Summer Street. NAMI says the courses help caregivers understand and support loved ones living with mental illness while preserving their own well-being. Space is limited. Attendance at all sessions is strongly advised. Pre-registration is required. The deadline to sign up is Friday. Call 716-226-6264, ext. 101, or email online@namibuffalony.org with name, phone number and the words Register Family-to-Family (Online or Buffalo) in the subject line. - Dale Anderson More than a year after an anticipated groundbreaking, work is continuing on the redesign of The Confluence mixed-use redevelopment of the former Days Inn property in Downtown Easton. Peron Development, which is partnering on the project with City Center Investment Corp., anticipates submitting the project for a completely new round of approvals from the Easton Historic District Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Planning Commission, Peron director of development John Callahan told lehighvalleylive.com. Thats after the revised plans get the support of the committee established by the city in July 2019 to review proposals for the old hotel lot at 185 S. Third St., he said. This committee of 16 residents backed Peron as the sites redeveloper in February 2020. City planners in April 2022 signed off on the 474,825-square-foot mixed-use development, named for the nearby confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. A groundbreaking previously was anticipated for September 2022 before being pushed back. Michael Perruccis Peron and J.B. Reillys City Center in July announced their partnership on both The Confluence and The Marquis, which is a mixed-use redevelopment of Eastons former Pine Street Garage property at 27 S. Third St. The Marquis project is progressing with the demolition of the old parking garage ahead of construction of an estimated $70 million, seven-story, 388,000-square-foot building with a 64,179-square-foot footprint, 264 apartments, nearly 4,000 square feet of street-level commercial space and a 308-car parking garage. The Confluence development team made a presentation before the 185 S. Third St. committee in August and has since made additional revisions, Callahan said. At what he called an early stage in the redesign, the number of apartments is down to about 240 from 254 and the retail component has grown, he said. Plans still call for a significant public space, he said. Along with a public plaza proposed at the top of a set of stairs rising from the intersection of South Third Street and Larry Holmes Drive, earlier components of the project also included a parking deck, restaurant, artist studios, and cinema space that could be used for live performances and other events. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said he understands the redesign is eliminating the parking structure in favor of surface spaces on site, and that the footprint is being relocated out of the 100-year floodplain elevation that represents the worst flooding event expected within a century. The city anticipates leasing out 200 parking spaces in the garage behind City Hall, 123 S. Third St., for tenants of The Confluence to use primarily at night, when the garage is largely empty, Panto noted. I think The Confluence is going to be a major addition to the city, he said last week. Basically it will be as big as it was but it may be a different design. Panto said the redesign is linked to supply chain, labor and debt expenses pushing up the project cost. Peron bought the former Days Inn lot from the city for $3.5 million in July 2021. Easton paid $5.9 million for the property and had the hotel demolished in March 2018 to make way for a new Da Vinci Science Center facility that was later relocated to Allentown, before beginning the new redevelopment process that led to The Confluences proposal. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. By Mike Armanini Historically known as a hub of industrial innovation, Pennsylvania is now poised to enter a new era of economic prosperity through the mining and refinement of rare-earth minerals. As global demand for these critical elements skyrockets, the Commonwealth has a unique opportunity to leverage its rich geological endowment to not only boost its economy but also contribute significantly to technological advancements and our nations security. Rare-earth minerals, a group of 17 elements, play a pivotal role in modern technology. They are crucial to manufacturing consumer electronics, renewable energy systems, and advanced defense technologies. Electric vehicles, rechargeable batteries, wind turbines, smartphones, laser and missile guidance, and even medical devices depend on these minerals for their functionality. With the nations increasing focus on electrification and technological innovation, the demand for rare-earth minerals has reached unprecedented levels. As the United States has only 1% of the worlds reserves of primary rare earth mineral sources -- those being reserves readily mined in traditional manners -- our nation is profoundly net import reliant. The current rare-earth supply chain is heavily concentrated in a handful of countries, primarily China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where extraction occurs under lax environmental regulations, often resulting in ecological devastation and human rights violations. Additionally, in the event of geopolitical tensions or disruptions, the United States could find itself compromised and unable to maintain crucial defense capabilities. The inherent risk in depending on foreign sources of rare earth minerals cannot be overstated. To mitigate this risk, our country must develop a robust domestic rare-earth minerals industry. By investing in exploration, mining and refining capabilities within its borders, our country can establish a secure supply chain that reduces reliance on external sources. This effort is not only an economic opportunity, but a matter of national security. While the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not have a history of rare earth mineral mining, we may hold the key to untethering our nation from foreign dependence. Efforts to revitalize old mines and find new uses for mine drainage will simultaneously catalyze economic prosperity, right the environmental wrongs of the past and offer new opportunities for our citizens. Despite the name, rare-earth minerals are not rare in the earths crust, but they are widely dispersed in low concentrations. This being the case, the process of mining primary sources in Pennsylvania is economically impracticable. Pennsylvanias rich history with the coal and steel industries, however, has produced a unique and economically viable opportunity by creating an abundant reserve of secondary sources of rare-earth minerals. According to industry experts at Pennsylvania State University, the decline of the coal mining industry has left behind 184,000 acres of abandoned mine lands, including more than 9,500 acres of coal refuse piles across the western and northwestern portion of the state. The volume of coal waste harbored within Pennsylvania is considerable, estimated to range from 200 million to 8 billion cubic yards in total. Locked within the unwanted leftovers of decades of industrial mining is a vast opportunity for the Commonwealth significant quantities of rare-earth minerals that can be processed in an environmentally friendly and economically feasible way. Existing mine lands and waste are ready to be mined again and refined, cleaning up our environment and providing the resources to power our future. With proper investment, innovation and strategic planning, Pennsylvania can reinvigorate our manufacturing industry, generating much-needed employment opportunities for its citizens, particularly in areas that have suffered economic decline. The emergence of our rare-earth minerals industry will empower struggling families with a renewed sense of purpose and financial security, ultimately forging a stronger sense of community. By seizing this opportunity, the state will become a beacon of innovation, create jobs, and bolster national security. With the right strategy, support, and know-how, Pennsylvania can contribute significantly to securing the future of the United States while uplifting its own citizens on a path toward hope and prosperity. Mike Armanini, is a Pennsylvania state representative serving the 75th Legislative District, which includes parts of north central Pennsylvania. He is a Republican. There is no shortage of lists of the best places to see fall foliage. And, here in Pennsylvania, we know we have some of the best. Now, Country Living magazine has released 55 of the Best Fall Towns in the U.S. for Foliage. Meet the most stunning spots in America for leaf peeping. Coming in at No. 9 is Wellsboro in Tioga County and No. 28 is Milford in Pike County. Mother Nature puts on a breathtaking autumnal show year after year, which is why so many rightfully call fall their favorite season. But if youre itching to take your leaf-peeping hobby beyond your neighborhood this year or just want the perfect seasonal getaway you definitely need to book a trip to one of these beautiful small towns in the United States, known for their autumnal displays and views, Country Living said. Wellsboro, home of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, is an absolute must-see when covered in beautiful foliage, the magazine said. For Milford, the magazine said, To see the Pocono Mountains come alive with fall color, book a trip to this scenic town for a weekend in October or November. The organization Visit Potter-Tioga PA said its region was named the Best Outdoor Destination in Pennsylvania by the New World Report Travel Awards earlier this year. The Potter-Tioga regions spectacular vistas and quaint mountain towns have long been a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy the fall colors in Pennsylvania. Its exciting to see Wellsboro and the PA Grand Canyon recognized on this list, said Colleen Hanson, executive director of Visit Potter-Tioga PA, said. This area has so much to offer, with the leaf-peeping season just one attraction among the many trails, shops, events, and amenities that keep visitors returning here year after year. The Top 10 on Country Livings list are: 1. Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts 2. Montpelier, Vermont 3. Saranac Lake, New York 4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee 5. Stowe, Vermont 6. Breckenridge, Colorado 7. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia 8. Jefferson, New Hampshire 9. Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 10. Munising, Michigan READ MORE: This Pa. park was voted as the top hidden gem in the state to see fall foliage Fine Gael members gathered in Clonaslee this week to mark the splitting of the Laois Offaly and plan for the future. However, the ending of the union was overtaken by the announcement by the party's constituency TD Charlie Flanagan that he would not be standing at the next General Election. It feels like the right time to make a personal announcement. I wish to signal my intent to step back from front line politics and will not be contesting the next general election, he told members on September 25. It is now 36 years since I was first elected to Dail Eireann. Between my father Oliver J and myself thats 80 years of public service and 23 General Elections. In my view now its time to pass the baton to a younger generation, he said. The former minister spoke about his career highlights. Im honoured to have enjoyed a thoroughly fulfilling political career serving both as your TD and at the cabinet table in two of the most influential Departments of State - Foreign Affairs and Justice. Im particularly pleased to have negotiated on behalf of the Irish Government the Stormont House Agreement and Fresh Start Agreement in Northern Ireland and to serve as Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time of the twin challenges of Brexit and Irelands successful pursuit of a set seat on the UN Security Council. During my time in Justice, I ratified the Istanbul Convention, an International Human Rights Treaty on Family Law and Domestic abuse, oversaw the publication of the landmark Report on the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and introduced transformational legislation for oversight and regulation of Judges. Over the years I have also had the honour to serve as Fine Gael party Chair, Party Chief Whip and Director of Elections for the party at numerous by-elections and national referendums, he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. He thanked local people for their support. In particular, I want to acknowledge the thousands of men and women across Laois/Offaly who have sustained me in my career, many of whom have never cast a number one vote for any other candidate apart from my father or myself. This support and encouragement over the years has been a huge source of personal and professional fulfilment for me without which I could not have functioned as a public representative. Its both humbling and deeply moving to have been the recipient of such loyalty. I never took it for granted and I certainly will never forget it, he said. He spoke about change in Laois and Offaly. The counties of Laois and Offaly have undergone huge changes over the past decades and Im particularly pleased to be closely associated with some of those improvements, massive cconomic development, jobs, education, recreational facilities and infrastructure like motorway projects. In more recent times I was delighted to secure funding for the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail, and I look forward to spending more time there in the future, he said. He praised the work done by his party on the ground. I acknowledge the work and dedication of the Fine Gael organisation in Laois/Offaly and our team of local councillors for your dedicated work and service on behalf of Fine Gael over the period of my tenure in Dail Eireann. Politics is about teamwork, and for me it has been a real privilege to be part of this team. I thank my office staff for their unstinting loyalty and commitment in running my busy constituency operation here in Laois/Offaly. Most importantly I thank my family who have stood by me and with me over the years. Family endorsement and support is hugely significant in the roller coaster of political life, he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. He also spoke about the changing political pressures. Politics is an ever-demanding and increasingly high-pressure career. The role requires ever crucial focus and 24/7 application. The volatile nature of social media has added significantly to the helter-skelter and often chaotic workload of a TD. But having spent all my adulthood doing this job theres no doubting that being a political representative connects you daily to the very lifeblood of the country. I genuinely dont think theres any other arena where you can get to meet such an array of characters, and be part of so many great changes, incidents unexpected events and surprises. Thats why I wouldnt hesitate to recommend a career in politics to any young person with the energy and commitment to take it on. Being elected a TD is a great privilege and I am truly honoured to have enjoyed such a lengthy mandate from the people of Laois/Offaly. For that I remain eternally grateful, he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. He also pledged his support to Fine Gael in their search for candidates in the two new constituencies. The two new constituencies of Laois and Offaly are now engaged in the task of selecting new Dail candidates to contest the next General Election and I am signalling my intentions now in order to offer my assistance, encouragement, advice and experience in that task that lies ahead, he concluded. Charlie Flanagan was first elected to Dail Eireann for Laois-Offaly in the general election of November 1987. He served as a member of Laois County Council from 1987 until the end of the dual mandate in 2004. A solicitor by profession he took up the baton passed by his late father, Oliver J. who was a TD for the constituency from 1943 to 1987, and served as Minister for Defence for a brief period from 1976 to 1977. With the exception of a hiatus in the early 2000s when he lost his seat in the Fine Gael meltdown of 2002, the Flanagan name has been at the forefront of Laois politics for the best part of 80 years. Charlie Flanagan's early political career saw him serve as front bench party spokesperson in a multitude of portfolios including health, trade and employment, children and youth affairs and justice, equality and defence. He was also Fine Gael Spokesperson on Northern Ireland from 1997 to 2000 and Vice-Chair of the British-Irish Parliamentary group from 1997 to 2000. He was Fine Gael Chief Whip from 2000-2002 and Chairperson of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party from 2011 to 2014. Ministerial office intially eluded him in the Rainbow government of the mid 1990s and then in the early years of Enda Kenny's administration after 2011, an election in which Flanagan topped the poll in Laois-Offaly. Backing Richard Bruton in a leadership heave against Kenny in 2010 stymied his aspirations for ministerial promotion in the early years of that government. Eventually, however, he was made Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in 2014, and served in this portfolio for a few weeks before a cabinet reshuffle saw him go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. When appointed in 2014 he became the first Laois man to sit at cabinet level since his father Oliver J. did in 1976-77. Up to then Laois had sporadic representation at ministerial level, stretching back to the foundation of the State when Kevin OHiggins was a Minister, prior to his assassination. Other Laois Ministers included Dr Tom OHiggins, TF OHiggins and Paddy Lalor. Flanagan's fellow native Mountmellick man John Moloney also served as a junior minister. When appointed he was the third government Minister to have been educated at Knockbeg College following on from Kevin OHiggins and Paddy Lalor. He also had the distinction of joining a select group of father and sons who served at cabinet level. In his time as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, he represented the government in the talks leading to the Stormont House Agreement of 2014 and the Fresh Start Agreement of 2015. As Minister for Foreign Affairs he launched the results of the first review of Irish foreign policy priorities for 20 years, which saw the selection of five signature policies encompassing the combating of poverty and hunger, advancing human rights, promoting disarmament, commitment to UN peacekeeping, sharing the experience of peace, and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. He was appointed Minister for Justice and Equality in June 2017, a portfolio he held until June 2020. He appointed the current Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris. One of his early acts in Justice was to confirm and present Scott Medals for bravery to four retired Gardai and the family of a dead garda who was murdered by the IRA in a bomb attack in Garryhinch in 1976. The injured survivors and the dead garda were investigating a threat to the life of Oliver J. Flanagan at the time when they walked into an ambush. Charlie Flanagan was considered liberal on most social issues. His views on politics were tempered by its inherent volatile nature. I have often described politics as like a game of snakes and ladders, he told the Leinster Express in 2014. There are good days and there are bad days. In politics, being elected to the Dail on a number of occasions is always a good day, and I have had some bad days. In politics, its probably the only profession that I know where there is a reappraisal or interview every four or five years. Thats democracy and I am fundamentally a great believer in democracy and I regard it as a great honour and privilege to be asked to serve at the highest level in Irish politics. Honoured with a civic reception by Laois County Council in 2017 the then Minister for Foreign Affairs said he couldnt think of better values than those instilled into him by his father Oliver J Flanagan.These were: Respect the dignity of each and every person and try to treat others as you would like others to treat you. Politics were becoming less stable, the Minister noted on that occasion. He noted there was gratuitous abuse and populism where simple answers were given to very difficult and complex problems. We need to stand up for values and freedom of expression - to be tolerant, he stated. It behoves us all to be vigilant. To quote Thomas Jefferson, vigilance is the price of freedom. We should not lose sight of that. We need to reaffirm and remind ourselves that the European Union was set up after the ravages of two world wars in which millions of people died. I am a committed European. I always have been. Speaking of the civic reception, he stated, I regard this as a huge honour and a great privilege for me and my family. I feel very proud of my county, very proud of having had the opportunity to serve on Mountmellick Town Council and the County Council. Charlie Flanagan made an outstanding contribution to Laois and Offaly according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who believes that Fine Gael will retain the Dail seat held by the outgoing TD. The Fine Gael leader issued a statement in the wake Dep Flanagan's decision not to contest the next General Election. Charlie Flanagan has made an outstanding contribution to his constituency of Laois and Offaly, to Ireland and to Fine Gael. He has represented his constituency almost continuously from 1987 onwards and has been a passionate advocate for the Midlands throughout his career. He has one of the most successful electoral records in the Dail having won eight elections," he said. When Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach in 2017, he appointed Dep Flanagan as Minister for Justice and Equality. The Taoiseach paid tribute to his work in this and other ministries. He has held several senior positions in Government. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, he helped to bring about the Stormont House and the Fresh Start Agreements and helped to steer Ireland through Brexit negotiations by convening the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit. Charlie remains deeply interested in global affairs and I was pleased to appoint him to his current role as Chairman of the Oireachtas Justice Committee. He was also a reforming and diligent Minister for Justice, announcing Irelands ratification of the Istanbul Convention combating violence against women and domestic violence, and he formally established the Judicial Council," he said. Dep Flanagan is the sole Fine Gael TD in Laois Offaly which will be split into two three-seat constituencies at the next election. I am confident that Fine Gael will retain its seat in Laois at the next general election. We have an excellent team of councillors and will select one or more candidates in the months ahead, giving them plenty of time to prepare for an electoral contest and to retain the seat as well as challenging for a gain in the new Offaly constituency, he said. It's nearly a year since Dep Flanagan said he was looking forward to what would have been his tenth General Election. Speaking at a Fine Gael pre-budget meeting he said he was actively engaged" in his work as a TD for the Laois-Offaly constituency and was looking forward to seeking a mandate for the people in respect of work done and in respect of future plans for the constituency. He also told reporters at the time that he was available to serve as Minister again if selected. Laois Integration Network (LIN) and the Portlaoise/Stradbally St Vincent de Paul have commended what they say is the exemplary work being done by the Stradbally community in helping Ukrainian refugees. In a statement, the Laois Integration Network said it is working with local branches of St Vincent de Paul in Stradbally and Portlaoise to support any volunteers who wish to donate their time, expertise or items needed by Ukrainian refugees living at the temporary tented accommodation Electric Picnic site in Stradbally. Karen McHugh, Chair of Laois Integration Network, stressed that although the Stradbally community are doing stellar work, the tented accommodation is still most unsuitable for the hundreds of refugees living there. "It is simply heartbreaking to hear the rain pouring down over the past few days and nights and to imagine refugees having to sleep, shower, rear children in such conditions. The government must endeavor to introduce adequate protocols, standards and guidelines for good practice in all accommodation outlets where Ukrainian refugees are housed," she said. Emer Liston, a member of Laois Integration Network and a resident from Stradbally said that it is simply overwhelming to see the streams of support from people in Stradbally. "The outpouring of support and help once we in LIN and SVP put out an appeal for clothes, footwear, help with English classes, kids toys and much, much more, has been stunning. We have been inundated with support. There are many people in the community who are working so hard, including Rev Alec Purser who has literally given over his church to house donations and Fr David Vard who, along with all the community of Stradbally, have opened their hearts and arms to the refugees from Ukraine," said Ms Liston. Billy Fitzpatrick from Laois St Vincent de Paul said that they were delighted to be playing their part in assisting the community of Stradbally and he particularly commended the Stradbally St Vincent de Paul shop and the long-standing volunteers there who are doing stellar work. Mr Fitzpatrick also thanked PATH and Hennessy Auctioneers for sponsoring stationery for children in the tent site, as many are attending online classes and school. Anyone based locally who is interested in volunteering or offering their support in any way: please email laoisintegrationnet@ gmail.com, or leave contact details at the St Vincent de Paul Stradbally shop on Main St. Stradbally or by messaging either LIN or SVP on FB Messenger. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has signed a six-week contact with Thomas Cosby to house up to 750 war refugees in Stradbally for six weeks from September 1. Mulhalls SuperValu in Portlaoise has paid tribute on the passing of their late employee and colleague Maureen Reynolds. Maureen, late of Beladd Upper, Portlaoise and formerly of Barking, Essex, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness borne with great courage and dignity, at Tullamore hospital. She was the dearly loved wife and best friend of Robert (Bob) and the adored mother of Sophia and Shane. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, daughter and son, her sister Ann, brother John, in-laws, family circle, friends, neighbours and work colleagues in Mulhall's SuperValu. The supermarket on Lyster Square paid tribute to the deceased who passed away on September 23. "Our Maureen was an incredible work colleague and will be a massive loss to all at Mulhalls. Maureen was so cheerful and full of smiles, she would always brighten your day. Always making time for a quick chat and laugh. "As you can imagine we are all in deep shock over Maureen's passing so please bear with us as we navigate through this difficult time," said the tribute. Maureen's remains reposed at St Peters (Church of Ireland) Church from 6:30 pm on Tuesday, September 26, with Service of Evening Prayer at 8 pm. All are welcome. Reposing at home from 4 pm with Rosary at 7pm on Wednesday, September 27. Requiem Mass at SS Peter & Pauls Church at 2pm on Thursday followed by burial at The Holy Trinity Church, The Rock of Dunamase. Family flowers only, donations to the Friends of Tullamore Hospital, Tullamore. Met Eireann has warned that Storm Agnes will be a "significant weather" event is due to make land fall over Ireland on Wednesday September 27. Ahead of its arrival Met Eireann have issued yellow level wind warnings across counties in Leinster, and Munster. The UK Met Office have also issued a yellow-level wind warning for Ulster. To see charts of the storm tap next or arrow - to read more details read on below. The forecaster says that by Tuesday the low will have been taken up by the jet stream and will deepen significantly. More below Met Eireann chart. Looking ahead to Wednesday when the storm will make landfall, Met Eireann says the low pressure will have moved to the northern side of the jet stream and undergone further deepening. The forecaster says Storm Agnes is likely to make landfall late Wednesday morning and a number of weather warnings have been issued in response. Met Eireann says these warnings are likely to be updated as further modelling data becomes available. Met Eireann expects that the strongest winds are forecast to impact the south and south-east of the country. However, the latest guidance from its high-resolution ensemble prediction system, IREPS, demonstrates uncertainty in the exact track of Storm Agnes. "We are monitoring the development of this storm closely and further updates to our warnings will be issued in the next 24 to 48-hours," says Met Eireann. The national outlook is that Storm Agnes will clear away towards Scotland on Wednesday night but it will remain rather unsettled for the remainder of the week. More below tweet #StormAgnes will bring spells of heavy & occasionally intense rain, combined with very strong & gusty winds Status Orange - Rain warning for Cork and Kerry 09:00 to 15:00 Wednesday 27/09/2023 Keep informed https://t.co/y935BNlwYb pic.twitter.com/8XdbVXx51J Met Eireann (@MetEireann) September 26, 2023 Forecast from Met Eireann issue on Tuesday, September 26. Wednesday: Storm Agnes will track northwards over Ireland on Wednesday with disruption likely in places. It will be wet and very windy with outbreaks of heavy rain extending nationwide with the likelihood of some spot flooding. Becoming extremely windy or stormy for a time in the east and south with the potential for severe and damaging gusts. Strong onshore winds and high seas will bring the risk of coastal flooding on eastern and southern coasts. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees with strong to gale force southeast winds, veering westerly later in the day. Staying windy on Wednesday night with strong and gusty westerly winds gradually easing as Storm Agnes tracks towards Scotland. Outbreaks of heavy rain in the northeast will give way to a mix of clear spells and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees. Thursday: Bright spells and scattered showers on Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon, a band of heavy rain will extend from the Atlantic, spreading eastwards across the country. A clearance will reach the west coast by evening. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in fresh and gusty southwest winds. Becoming largely dry and clear on Thursday night with just a few isolated showers in Atlantic coastal counties. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in a moderate to fresh southwest breeze. Friday: Friday looks set to be a mostly dry day with plenty of sunshine and just the odd passing shower. Maximum temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees in moderate southwest breezes. Largely dry on Friday night with just a few showers possible in southern and western coastal counties. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in light southerly winds. Saturday: Current indications suggest a spell of rain will push north over the country on Saturday. Highs of 14 to 18 degrees in moderate to fresh southerly winds. Sunday: On Sunday, there'll be a mix of sunshine and showers early on, before a band of rain pushes eastwards over the country. Highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees in moderate to fresh southwest winds. Please keep up to date with the latest warnings on https://www.met.ie/warnings UNION CITY, N.J. Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey pushed back against federal corruption charges on Monday, saying nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities found in his home was from his personal savings, not from bribes, and was on hand for emergencies. Rejecting calls for him to resign, the influential former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he believed he'd be cleared of charges that he took cash and gold in illegal exchange for helping Egypt and New Jersey business associates. "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator," Menendez said at Hudson County Community College's campus in Union City, where he grew up. He did not respond to questions and did not say whether he would seek reelection next year. Addressing allegations in the indictment unsealed Friday that authorities found cash stuffed in envelopes and clothing at his home, Menendez claimed that stemmed from his parents' fear of confiscation of funds from their time in Cuba. Authorities recovered about 10 envelopes with tens of thousands of dollars in cash that had the fingerprints of one of the other defendants in the case on them, according to the indictment. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. He did not directly address those allegations Monday. The state's Democratic leadership, including Gov. Phil Murphy, the state party chairmen and leaders of the Legislature, along with some of Menendez's congressional colleagues, called on him to resign. In Washington, however, where his party holds a bare Senate majority, some of Menendez's Democratic colleagues stopped short of urging him to give up his seat, notably Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois. Even though Schumer has not called for Menendez to step down, other members of his caucus have. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called for his resignation on Monday, following Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman on Saturday. Menendez did, however, step down as required as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Schumer said Friday, when the indictment was unsealed. If he seeks reelection, Menendez will face at least one challenger in a primary next year after Democratic Rep. Andy Kim announced over the weekend that he will run for the Senate because of the charges against the state's senior senator. Menendez's reelection campaign could face significant hurdles besides the criminal indictment, the second one he has faced in eight years, in light of opposition from state party leaders. If the Democratic Party abandons Menendez, he could lose a potent benefit of party support: the so-called party line, or preferred ballot placement in the primary, widely regarded as a significant boost to incumbents and those with establishment backing. Menendez denied any wrongdoing in the federal case against him, his wife and three of their business associates. In an emailed statement last week, he accused prosecutors of misrepresenting "the normal work of a congressional office" and said he will not allow his work in the Senate to be distracted by "baseless allegations." A lawyer for his wife said she "denies any criminal conduct and will vigorously contest these charges in court." He and Nadine Menendez are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold and a luxury car from a trio of New Jersey businessmen for a variety of corrupt acts. The indictment said Menendez used his clout to interfere in three criminal cases, pressured U.S. agriculture regulators to protect an associate's business interests, and used his position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee to influence U.S. policy on Egypt. Federal agents who searched his home in 2022 found more than $480,000 in cash stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets and a safe, and gold bars worth more than $100,000, prosecutors said. Another $70,000 was discovered inside his wife's safety deposit box, they said. Some Menendez supporters attended the news conference. Among them was Manny Contreras, a resident of nearby Passaic County, who said he came to show his support for Menendez and had been voting for him for years. "It's a big problem for the Latino community, we don't want to see him go, we have to give him the benefit of the doubt," Contreras said. He said if Menendez were found guilty, he would have to reconsider his support, but because of the good things in the Menendez's long career, he was willing to let the process play out. The practice of outsourcing pay parking enforcement must end at the next available opportunity, and change to a service directly provided by council staff. These were the sentiments expressed by Sinn Fein councillor Noel Connolly at the latest full Kildare County Council (KCC) meeting, which was held online yesterday afternoon. Cllr Connolly put forward a motion to KCC expressing his beliefs, but its report responding to his motion, KCC said: "The outsourcing of pay parking services has proven to be an efficient mechanism for the regulation of the Road Traffic Regulations, Parking Bye-Laws and Policies as adopted by the elected members in both on-street and off-street parking. "It is important to note that this service is managed and monitored by the Transportation Department to ensure that the service provider is meeting the requirements. KCC continued: "The management of parking services would require a significant capital investment in technological solutions for both the management of the service from a council perspective and the availability of means to pay for parking services. "The employment of additional staff to manage these services as well as the procurement and purchase of all the technical software, hardware and supporting services would be significant and not deemed value for money at the present time. "The Transportation Directorate intend to tender for parking management services in 2024 to ensure that the best value for money is achieved in the administration of this." Sinn Fein Cllr Noel Connolly put forward the motion at KCC's full meeting yesterday. Cllr Connolly admitted that he was disappointed by this response. He explained: "I am disappointed to see the report has no detail in relation to the financial arrangement between the KCC and the outsourced provider Apcoa. "In this years budget we learned that the maintenance and management of car parking costs 2.1 million euro, with an income of 2.5 million. "It is my opinion that the public would be better served by a paid parking enforcement system that is operated directly by council staff." Cllr Connolly added that in the context of Kildare town, 'not a week goes by' without someone contacting him, asking why they have been fined and or clamped by Apcoa on a Saturday or Sunday. He continued: "Residents and frequent visitors to Kildare Town will know that we dont charge for on street parking at the weekend. "However, there are a number of private areas, some indistinguishable from public parking areas, which are confusing people and leading to people being fined that should not be... I know the same happens in Naas and probably happens in other areas of the county. "Anyone who has had to appeal a fine will know that Apcoa are not very sympathetic: we saw the recent success of one of their customers in the small claims court, and I would urge anyone with a grievance to take a similar route." Cllr Connolly further said: "Anyone who attended the AILG conference in Sligo two weeks ago heard that there is a disconnect happening between councils and the public, in many cases due to outsourcing and the failure of the public to see the value of services being delivered by Councils. "Public money paying for public jobs keeps this money in the Community, instead of giving it to a company whose parent company is based in the UK. "The agenda report gives the impression that we dont already significantly invest in parking infrastructure, yet last, September KCC purchased new coin and card parking machines for Droichead Nua and Kildare Town, with a view to rolling them out in Athy, Naas, Celbridge, Leixlip, Maynooth and Kilcock over the following months. We also learned at our July meeting that the Apcoa App is already significantly subsidised by KCC. He concluded: "In an ideal world, council staff would not only enforce pay parking rules; as community wardens, they would act as litter wardens, address dog fouling, report dogs roaming loose, and be the eyes and ears of the council in relation to the upkeep of the public realm." A major multi-agency operation after a boat ran aground off the coast of Wexford continues, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said. Mr Martin said there has been strong co-operation across a number of agencies. The Defence Forces, garda units and the Irish Coast Guard are involved. A garda drug unit is involved and two people are assisting investigators with their inquiries, it is understood. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Co. Wexford at approximately 22:10 on Sunday evening. Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were tasked to the scene where a fishing vessel was aground on a sandbank off the coast of Blackwater, Co Wexford. After attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful, the casualties were successfully winched from the vessel. Both R117 and the Rosslare RNLI were subsequently stood down. On Monday evening, a spokeswoman said gardai were engaged in a live operation. The Defence Forces described its response as ongoing. Speaking about the operation as he arrived for a cabinet meeting at Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Martin said: I have been briefed in terms of a multi-agency operation. It is still ongoing so it is not right or proper of me to comment any further or speculate on it. But what we are witnessing is very strong co-operation across the agencies in respect of this operation. 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) is an opportunity for the Leitrim students to represent their county and to become Ireland's next generation of inventors, researchers and game-changers developing ideas that will contribute positively to society. BTYSTE is designed to raise schools' engagement in the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). The exhibition calls upon students aged 12-19 years from all over the island of Ireland to showcase innovative science and technology projects. This year's deadline is Monday, October 2, at 5pm. Qualified entries will be announced at the end of October and will be showcased at BTYSTE 2024 in January. In Ireland, almost two-thirds of secondary school students (64%) do not believe the public celebrates the nation's achievements in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) enough. That's according to a study of 500 secondary school students in Ireland conducted by BT Ireland to examine their attitudes towards STEM. People from Ireland have changed the world with their inventions, be it the submarine, the binaural stethoscope, or the hypodermic needle. There are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of 50,000 for BTYSTE 2024, which includes the overall award worth 7,500. Taking place from January 10 to 13, 2024, the winners of the BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year Award 2024 will go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). Ireland has a strong record of taking home the prize for first place at the EUCYS, with 17 wins over the past 34 years. The prizes are awarded across the five categories of Technology, Social and Behavioural Science, Biological and Ecological Science, Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Science, and in a brand-new category being introduced for the 60th BTYSTE, Health and Wellbeing. The BTYSTE's Health and Wellbeing category aims to promote research and innovation in human health, medical advancements, nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being. Speaking ahead of the BTYSTE 2024 deadline, Mari Cahalane, head of the BTYSTE at BT Ireland, said, "Secondary school students who have participated in the BTYSTE have generated very innovative ideas, and after their experience at the exhibition, they have gone on to have successful careers in a range of different fields. "The exhibition is a great way for anyone who is interested in learning or gaining more exposure to STEM to do so, and we're encouraging students to not miss out on being a part of history as we celebrate 60 years of the BTYSTE in 2024", she added Nativo Celebrated With Four Comparably Awards for Amazing Culture and Work-Life Balance LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nativo, the storytelling platform where brands ignite the power of connection through content and insights, today announced it won four awards from workplace culture company Comparably. The recognitions awarded by Comparably include Happiest Employees, Best Company Compensation, Best Company Perks & Benefits, and Best Company Work-Life Balance. "We are deeply honored to receive this accolade from Comparably. The heart of these awards lies in our employee experience. Our mission is to help customers create more authentic connections with their audiences. In the same spirit, we're igniting genuine connections within our own team. This recognition mirrors our commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering culture where everyone can thrive in our fully distributed, remote-friendly environment," said Mark Putrus, Chief People Officer at Nativo. Comparably Awards are derived from sentiment ratings anonymously provided by employees about their workplaces in multiple categories on Comparably.com during a 12-month period. Out of tens of thousands considered, Nativo ranked #81 in Happiest Employees, #78 in Best Company Compensation, #63 in Best Company Perks & Benefits, and #68 in Best Company Work-Life Balance. These rankings consider companies nationwide for small to mid-sized companies with fewer than 500 employees. The final data set was compiled from 15 million ratings across 70,000 U.S. companies, large and small. "Being featured on Comparably's elite list underscores Nativo as a beacon in attracting talent who seek a company where their voice is heard and their impact visible. I commend our leadership for their unwavering commitment to our core values, cultivating an environment that marries compassion with excellence. Here, every individual is empowered to realize their full potential. Because it's not organizations that achieve greatness?it's the people within them," emphasized Putrus. About Nativo At Nativo, we enable brands and publishers to harness the power of content. Our patented technology leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate the distribution of content in a non-interruptive, fully integrated experience within trusted environments. Our mission at Nativo is to solve the mid-funnel and build genuine connections between brands and consumers through content?not just ads. Founded by Justin Choi in 2010, Nativo is an Asian American-owned technology company? certified by NMSDC as a Minority Business Enterprise ?holding more than a dozen patents in its proprietary technology and working with more than 3,500 premium publisher websites around the globe. Learn more at www.nativo.com . About Comparably Comparably (now a ZoomInfo company) is a leading workplace culture and corporate brand reputation platform with over 15 million anonymous employee ratings on 70,000 companies. With the most comprehensive data on large and SMB organizations in nearly 20 different workplace categories ? based on gender, ethnicity, age, experience, industry, location, education ? it is one of the most used SaaS platforms for employer branding and a trusted third party site for workplace culture and compensation. For more information on Comparably and its annual Best Places to Work Awards, visit www.comparably.com. The 2023 ANA Masters of Marketing Conference promises to be a reservoir of innovation, inspiration, and invigorating insights, and with sponsors like Nativo, attendees are assured an informative and insightful experience. SOURCE Nativo 26 september 2023 at 12:00 News published onand distributed by: OOLAS Martin Stapleton launched his IFA presidential campaign in style at a packed event in the Great National Ballykisteen Hotel. The Tipperary theme continued with none other than Liam Sheedy sitting at the top table on Saturday night. He was joined by three Limerick men - county chairman Sean Lavery, former IFA vice-president Richard Kennedy and former IFA president John Dillon. They are all backing Mr Stapleton to become the next IFA president. The dairy farmer started off by revealing he hopes to do a lot better than in a previous IFA election! Years ago, when I left Macra to join the IFA, there was a vacancy for the Limerick vice-chairperson. At my first IFA meeting, I went for the position. Not surprisingly, I didnt win! But after the meeting, the then Munster vice-president Donal Kelly came over to me and said: Dont let that set you back, you have shown the ability to be president of the IFA someday', recalled Mr Stapleton. And now that someday has come. With your backing, your campaigning and your votes, I will serve as the next president of the IFA! he told the crowd. Mr Stapleton said he will make no false promises - I offer only honesty and hard work. He listed out the four tenets of his campaign and priorities if elected IFA president. To restore respect for farmers. To foster unity in the IFA. To ensure that we have freedom to farm. To protect our incomes so we can all have a viable livelihood. More than ever, farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland and the reason we have an unrivalled reputation at home and abroad for producing quality food. We produce enough food to feed 40 million people! Thats our unique advantage, our source of pride, and it must never be taken for granted. I will not accept policies that only make sense on desks in Brussels and Dublin that ignore the value of food production. Policy must get the balance between food production and environmental issues right and make sense when it hits the fields and farmyards, said Mr Stapleton, who is married to Siobhan - the couple have three teenage children James, Vicky, Jessica. At the end of a wide-ranging and informative speech, Mr Stapleton said: My pledge, if elected, is that you will all be heard within this organisation. My promise is that the IFA will be heard - loud and clear - at every level in order to secure the future of every Irish farmer. Friends, thank you for listening. Lets go out and campaign to make this happen! It was greeted with loud applause. For more pictures, click 'Next' PLANS to open a new garda station in a Limerick suburb have been approved. Limerick Live understands that Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has green-lit the capital spend for a new facility in Castletroy. And he's now tasked the Office of Public Works (OPW) with finding an appropriate site in the suburb. While the proposal for a station was in the capital plan for 2025 to 2030, the funding of this was awaiting the sign-off from Commissioner Harris. Although the approval of funding is a major hurdle cleared, there is still a long process to go through. The scale of the development is not yet known. What's also unknown is whether an existing building will be repurposed, or it will be a new build. After a site in Castletroy is identified by the OPW, planning permission will need to be sought. A company will then need to be formally contracted to deliver a new building or renovate an existing one. But local Labour councillor Elena Secas has welcomed the news, and urged OPW bosses to start their search for a site as soon as possible. "I am delighted that the Commissioner has approved the capital spend and tasked the OPW to find a site for a garda station in Castletroy. Castletroy is the fastest growing suburb area in Ireland, according to Google, and is in dire need of a garda station," she said. "I have been campaigning on this issue for a long time and once it was confirmed that it was included in the 2025-2030 capital programme, I have been calling for its provision to be expedited given the increase in the population and the increase in antisocial behaviour. Given that this is now the remit of the OPW and is solely a matter for their office at this time, I urge the OPW to identify a site as a priority and to even consider vacant buildings in the area that could potentially accommodate a garda station, with a view to determining an appropriate location and delivering a Garda Station in Castletroy as a priority," added councillor Secas. The news - confirmed by multiple garda sources - will no doubt be welcomed by people in the area, more than 2,000 of whom have signed a petition pushing for the facility. NEWCASTLE West has received a jobs boost this Tuesday as food supplier Sysco unveiled plans to create 50 new positions. It comes as part of the latest phase of a multi-million Limerick distribution centre in Limericks county town. Formerly operated as Pallas Foods in Limerick, Sysco is Irelands largest food supplier, and the latest investment means employment at its site in the county will pass 400. Nationally, Sysco employs more than 1,550 staff across nine facilities nationwide. Limerick TD and Minister of State Patrick ODonovan visited the facility this Tuesday where he welcomed the announcement. He said: Sysco is a global leader in the food service industry and its commitment to investing in an additional 50 new full-time positions at its Newcastle West facility is a real boost to the region. It is a welcome and positive injection, delivering significant economic benefits and playing a pivotal role in sustaining our local prosperity." Recruitment for the positions is under way, said Mark Lee, the chief executive of Sysco. He added: This investment and job creation programme reinforces our long-standing commitment to Newcastle West and will help us realise our growth ambition countrywide. Food distribution is at the heart of what we do but we are fundamentally a people business. We take great care to identify top talent to join us in delivering our growth plans and take pride in ensuring they can reach their full potential, he said. Job opportunities will span across various departments in Sysco. THREE men have been sentenced after they were convicted of illegal fishing offences on the river Shannon in Limerick city. Following successful prosecutions by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), two men were convicted of illegal salmon netting on the river Shannon while another man was been convicted of possessing an unlawfully-captured salmon. Limerick District Court was told Damien Mallard and Calvin Hughes - both of St Mary's Park, Limerick - were observed by IFI officers setting a 100-metre salmon net from a boat, spanning almost the entire width of the river Shannon in Limerick city. Separately, Ger Molloy, also of St Mary's Park, Limerick was convicted of possessing an unlawfully-captured salmon. Commenting on the cases, David McInerney, Shannon River Basin District at IFI said: The lower River Shannon is open to salmon fishing on a catch-and-release basis only. Salmon numbers in the river Shannon catchment are significantly below levels required to sustain a healthy natural population. Any illegal fishing puts further pressure on a very important and iconic wild Irish fish. In 1971, a total of 1.2 million wild salmon returned to Ireland. Last year, that number was just 171,697 representing a fall of 86%. IFI is encouraging members of the public to report illegal fishing incidents, or those relating to water pollution, or fish kills, to its confidential phone number, 0818 34 74 24. The convictions, which were secured earlier this month related to an incident In the early hours of July 22, 2022 when IFI officers apprehended Mr Mallard and Mr Hughes and seized a net which the men had retrieved and brought onboard a boat. With the assistance of An Garda Siochana the boat was also seized. During a hearing on September 8, the court heard how Mr Mallard was previously convicted of an illegal fishing offences and that a four-month sentence was imposed in October 2020 but suspended for two years. As the date of the July 2022 offence was within the two-year period of the suspended sentence the sentence was invoked. Taking on board his early plea, but also noting the seriousness of the offences, a one-month custodial sentence was imposed by the court. Legal counsel for Mr Mallard indicated he would appeal the sentence with general bail conditions attaching to this appeal. This has the effect of staying the operation of the District Court order until such time as the appeal is concluded in the Circuit Court. Mr Mallard was ordered to pay the costs of IFI which totalled 560. His co-accused, Mr Hughes, who pleaded guilty to the same illegal salmon netting offence, was fined 250, and ordered to pay 250 towards the IFI costs. Separately, in another case heard on the same day, Ger Molloy was convicted of possessing an unlawfully-captured salmon. The court heard how, on July 1, 2022, Mr Molloy was observed fishing for, and catching, a salmon by rod and line in the tailrace portion of the River Shannon. A fine of 250 was imposed and IFI was awarded costs of 250. A team of Gardai have been praised as heroes after entering the sea in the middle of the night to save a young man. Officers in Buncrana, Co Donegal received a call shortly after 3am on Sunday, September 17 from a young woman who explained her friend had entered the water at Shore Front, a cove just outside the town. Garda Keith Conlon, Garda Deirdre Connolly and Student Garda Tara McGrory raced to the beach, where they were met by a number of young people who were "extremely frantic" as they could not see their friend in the water. Garda Conlon and Garda Connolly reportedly entered the water "despite the nights darkness, freezing cold water and entirely unknowing the waters depths", while Student Garda McGrory held back on the shoreline to shine her torch in their direction. Together, they managed to locate the young man quite some distance in and got him safely back to land where Garda colleagues and a unit from Donegal Fire Service had arrived on the scene to assist. The young man was medically assessed and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment. Gardai posted about the incident on their official X page (formerly Twitter) and confirmed the young man is recovering well. They stated, "We look forward to him being back in full health very soon. "Gardai nationwide know that it takes bravery and quick-thinking to save a life but more than that, it takes team-work. Garda Keith Conlon, Garda Deirdre Connolly and Student Garda Tara McGrory are the ultimate team." Dozens of respondents praised the "selfless and heroic actions" of the Gardai who came to the young man's rescue, with one person stating, "Ireland is fortunate to have these exceptional public servants". Another said, "What a wonderful story of bravery with a positive outcome. Sending a heartfelt thank you for your service." In an era when the fundamental right to vote seems to be under constant threat across the nation, it is heartening to see New York Gov. Kathy Hochul take a bold step forward in defense of democracy. The recent decision to sign a package of bills aimed at expanding the right to vote, including allowing any registered voter in the state to cast an early ballot by mail, is a welcome move. It is a decision that aligns with the principles of inclusivity, accessibility and fairness in our electoral process. Republicans are obviously afraid of vote by mail. They shouldnt be. Even if it doesnt want to, the GOP needs to appeal to a broader base. This is its chance. Hochuls assertion that this legislation will allow busy, working people to cast ballots that otherwise would lack time to do so is not just rhetoric; it reflects a practical acknowledgment of the challenges faced by many citizens who struggle to find the time to participate in our democracy. This legislation is a direct response to those challenges and a commitment to making the act of voting more accessible for all New Yorkers. However, it is disheartening to note that, even before the ink was dry on the new laws, a legal challenge was filed to strike them down. This lawsuit, filed on the very day of the announcement, raises questions about the intent of those who wish to limit the exercise of this fundamental right. It is crucial to remember that the existing absentee ballot rules in New York are overly restrictive, requiring voters to be absent from their home county, ill or physically disabled to vote with an absentee ballot. This restriction serves as a barrier to democratic participation, and its high time it was rectified. In 2021, New York voters unfortunately rejected a ballot referendum that would have allowed the Legislature to pass a law allowing voters to request and vote with an absentee ballot without requiring a stated reason. The fact that a multimillion-dollar campaign, primarily funded by a conservative billionaire, played a significant role in swaying approximately 55% of the electorate to oppose this measure is deeply concerning. Many New Yorkers were wrongly led to believe that expanding access to voting was a threat to our democracy. Predictably, Republicans, led by Elise Stefanik of New York, the chair of the House Republican Conference, promptly sued to block the new law. In that, they tacitly acknowledge their fear that when more people vote, they are less likely to win. Instead of looking for ways to make a more persuasive case to New Yorkers, they resort to trying to depress turnout. Its pitiful. It is crucial to address the misinformation and baseless claims that have been circulating regarding mail-in voting, especially given the backdrop of the 2020 presidential election. Former President Donald Trump, who lost that election, has no business arguing that mail voting leads to widespread fraud. Numerous studies and investigations have shown that mail-in voting is secure and reliable. Similarly, GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamys call to do away with most early voting and require government-issued identification that matches a voter file to participate is regressive and restrictive. Making Election Day a national holiday is a step in the right direction, but it should not come at the expense of limiting early voting options. We should be striving to make voting more accessible, not less. In a time when our democracy faces numerous challenges, Hochuls commitment to expanding voting rights is commendable. It is our hope that the courts will uphold the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in our electoral system, and that New York can serve as an example for other states looking to strengthen their democracy. After all, democracy thrives when the voices of all citizens are heard, and these new voting rights laws are a step toward achieving that ideal. 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. CISTERCIAN College is offering a five day and seven day boarding and hosts Open Evening and Overnight Experience for prospective students and their families. The open day will take place from 3pm on Friday, September 29. The event has attracted widespread interest from across the country, with students considering enrollment for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years pre-registering online in advance. The new College President Colm Maloney, is looking forward to welcoming families for a unique insight into daily life at one of Irelands leading secondary schools. For our upcoming Open Evening Experience event along with overnight experience showcasing the evolution of boarding, were really looking forward to welcoming all interested students and their parents for a fantastic interactive viewing of the College, at a very exciting juncture in the life of the school. Cistercian College is a unique place to learn, develop and grow. The evening will include a guided tour of our newly redeveloped facilities, led by our very proud current students, parents and staff, to include group activities showcasing the College, as well as providing an evening meal and refreshments for all guests in the College refectory, in keeping with the rich tradition of Cistercian hospitality. Those students interested in boarding can avail of the overnight experience and immerse themselves in the life of a boarder at Cistercian College. For further information and to register your attendance for the event, parents and students are invited to visit HERE. email the College Admissions team at admissions@ccr.ie or call (0505) 23344. After years of sales troubles in China, Ford Motor saw a chance to ride the tide of electrification to arrest its demise. From around 2020, the automaker followed Teslas formula of bypassing dealers to sell its cars directly to consumers. It introduced the Mustang Mach-Ean electric SUV with the iconic galloping horse logo, which Fords executives saw as a strong competitor to Teslas EVs. Three years later, Ford remains an also-ran in the worlds biggest auto market, prompting the company to recalibrate its China strategy yet again. In August, Ford pulled the plug on its direct-sales business. The Mach-E hasnt fared well, with sales at a few hundred a month this year, far behind the tens of thousands of vehicles offloaded each month by Tesla and many Chinese rivals. Fords market share in China was 2% last year, with sales down 61% from 2016 on a wholesale basis. People familiar with Fords China business point to flawed marketing and sales strategies, such as not giving the Mach-E a Chinese name and underestimating how crowded the EV market would become. They also point to execution problems, including Fords slowness in introducing direct-sales stores. The Mach-E also didnt have the best features among rival cars in a similar price range. Their EV strategy for China was the Mach-E. When that didnt work out, they didnt have anything," said Tu Le, founder of consulting firm Sino Auto Insights. A Ford spokesman said the automaker is developing localized EVs and working with its joint venture partners to strengthen its EV business. The company is nimble and decisive enough to pivot to a new plan," he said. CEO Jim Farley has said he plans to narrow Fords focus in China to commercial vehicles, shrink spending, become light in assets and use the country as an export hub. At recent auto shows in China, the company has been emphasizing its outdoor vehicles such as the Explorer. Farleys efforts to reset Fords China strategy come after earlier failed attempts by his predecessors, who set out aggressive targets that werent met. Fords Mach-E struggles serve as a cautionary tale for foreign companies in China. Nimble Chinese brands are offering attractive products quickly, often with cutting-edge technology, while foreign name brandseven iconic ones like Mustangno longer guarantee an automatic status in the market. After losing market share to local competitors, Western carmakers are pivoting. Volkswagen, the biggest foreign carmaker in China, is planning billions of dollars of investments to build a new research and procurement center for EVs and to join with local companies. General Motors, with its joint-venture partner SAIC Motor, has a goal to launch 15 EV models in the country based on a new platform by the end of 2025. Some brands have retreatedStellantis Jeep ended its manufacturing operation in China after sales dwindled and it moved to imports only. In May, Farley said Ford is staying in China, even if it wont serve everyone. Following Tesla The Mach-E was seen within Ford as an SUV that can compete with Tesla. Fords market research showed that in China, the Mach-E would be a direct rival to Teslas Model Y, which is also an SUV, people familiar with the matter said. Ford also looked at Tesla to see how to sell EVs. Tesla established the business model to sell vehicles directly to customersand many Chinese EV brands followed suit. Directly selling cars allows automakers to have a closer relationship with customers, obtain more sales-related data and have greater control over pricing. But it can be costly to run direct sales channels if the car volume is small. GM has also been directly selling some of its Buick and Cadillac EVs in China. In 2020, Ford set up a new EV subsidiary in Nanjing, near Shanghai, which was put in charge of running the automakers new direct-sales network. It also employed a few hundred engineers who focused on EV technology research and development, people familiar with the matter said. In 2021, the Mach-E went on sale with the price tag of 265,000 yuan, which was equivalent to around $41,000, becoming the first car that Ford sold directly. Also for the first time, Ford started producing its Mustang line in China. But by then, the electric car market was already crowded. The same week as the Mach-E launch, Chinese brands including Geelys Zeekr and XPeng launched EVs of comparable value. Tesla started to produce cars locally and began delivering its Shanghai-made Model Y to Chinese buyers earlier that year. Among similarly priced cars, Mach-Es driving range is shorter than the basic versions of Teslas Model Y and XPengs P7, and it has fewer cameras and radars for driving-assistance features than NIOs ES6. Both the launch and the delivery of the Mach-E were delayed by months, partly because of battery procurement issues in China, people familiar with the matter said. In China, Ford used a type of lithium-ion battery that combines nickel, cobalt and manganese that is produced by Chinese battery and EV maker BYD, people familiar with the matter said. Soon after the Mach-E went on sale, BYD shifted to focus on a new type of battery that uses a different technology, which became popular in the market. A Ford spokesman said BYDs battery production was disrupted by Chinas stringent Covid-19 control measures back then, leading to Mach-Es slower ramp-up. Foreign-brand cars in China usually have a Chinese name for local recognition. But after Ford in 2018 lost a trademark lawsuit against a Chinese carmaker that used the name Yemaan unofficial but commonly known nickname for the Mustangit didnt give the Mach-E a Chinese name for more than a year after the release. When the Mach-E was introduced in 2021, Ford had around 20 stores across the country, the carmaker said in a statement. By early 2023, it said it had 103 stores and test-drive centers. But that was still a fraction of the facilities offered by some Chinese rivals. Mach-Es sales didnt take off. In the first nine months of 2022, Ford sold about 5,000 Mach-Es, according to the automakers latest available data. In 2022, more than four million pure electric vehicles were sold in China. Ford has abandoned the Tesla-like approach of selling directly to consumers, recently going back to selling through dealerships. This year, it has laid off employees from the EV subsidiary in Nanjing. In August, Fords joint venture with Chinese state-owned carmaker Chongqing Changan Automobile took over Mach-Es sales, customer services and its app. Ford will expand the Mach-Es sales channels by leveraging Changan Fords existing dealer network, a Ford spokesman said. Ford and Changan plan to launch new electric vehicles in 2024 in China, Changans chairman said in May. Farley, Fords CEO, said in May that to compete with giants like BYD, Ford has to either beat them on cost or bet on distinct brands. Itll be a lower investment, leaner, much more focused business in China," he said. Nora Eckert and Yoko Kubota contributed to this article. Write to Selina Cheng at selina.cheng@wsj.com and Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com Nissan Motor Company has said that it plans on going fully electric, and selling only Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Europe by 20303. The announcement by Nissan came after several other carmakers including its partner Renault have already committed to going all-electric in Europe by 2030. Ford and Stellantis are also planning to be fully electric in Europe by 2030 while Volvo is planning to only sell EVs globally by 2030. Talking about the announcement, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said EV is the ultimate mobility solution. More than a million customers have already joined our journey and experienced the fun of a Nissan electric vehicle, and there is no turning back now," Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels :rocket: Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! "EVs powered by renewables are key to us achieving carbon neutrality, which is central to our Ambition 2030 vision. Nissan will make the switch to full electric by 2030 in Europe - we believe it is the right thing to do for our business, our customers and for the planet." Uchida added. When will the transition to EVs begin?: With many countries debating when to ban sales of internal combustion engines, Nissan is pressing ahead with plans to achieve 100% EV in Europe by 2030, with all new Nissan models from now to be all-electric in Europe," Automaker said in a statement on Monday. The statement by Nissan came shortly after an announcement by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars by five years from 2030 to 2035, enraging green campaigners and the automotive industry, reported AFP. However, Sunak insisted that the delay in banning petrol cars will now affect the country's target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Japanese company have said that they are planning to launch 19 new EV models by 2030. However, while speaking to reporters on Monday CEO Uchida declined to give a timeline of when the first of those EVs will be launched, reported Reuters. Nissan has also previously said that it plans to have 98% of its sales in Europe become electrified by March 31, 2027, meaning that the cars sold by Nissan by that time will either be electric or hybrid. "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 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Mumbai-based The Kapol Co-operative Bank Limited as the lender does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. Upon the cancellation of the licence, the cooperative bank has been prohibited from conducting the business of banking which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits with immediate effect, the RBI said in a statement. The Additional Secretary & Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Ministry of Cooperation, has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank, according to the central bank's statement. On liquidation, the RBI said every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of 5 lakh from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). Around 96.09 per cent of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from DICGC. Giving details, the RBI said the bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects and its continuance is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors. "The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full," the RBI said. As of July 24, 2023, DICGC has already paid 230.16 crore of the total insured deposits based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! When UK-based semiconductor and software design firm Arm Holdings filed for an initial public offer (IPO) last month, it was seen as crucial for SoftBank Group, its owner and the biggest name in tech investing. The IPO was a success, but SoftBanks misadventures with past investments linger. Following the IPO, valuation guru Aswath Damodaran told CNBC that SoftBanks holding in Arm was a red flag that he would want to avoid whatever SoftBank tells him to buy, and that it didnt have a soft touch when it comes to building businesses". Data shows why prudent investors are exercising caution. Several of SoftBanks high-profile IPOs are currently yielding negative returns: Chinese ride-hailing company DiDi Global, valued at $63 billion, is down 77% from its offer price, and artificial intelligence (AI) software provider SenseTime is down 64%. It's not a reflection of performance, though. DiDis revenues jumped by 50% in the recent quarter and its losses narrowed, while SenseTime unveiled its own ChatGPT rival in April. Rather, the concerns are around pricing, partly a result of SoftBank's tendency to invest in late-stage companies and partly its reliance on hype around a sector. One reason Arms IPO sailed through is the buzz around AI. Arm's share price rose 25% on debut but is now trading just 2% above its offer price. Arm's listing was highly anticipated because of what it can do for SoftBank by virtue of being its biggest portfolio holding. Arms was the biggest IPO this year, and could spark a revival in the IPO market. Arm and a leg Arm Holdings going public was especially important for SoftBank, which acquired the company for $32 billion in 2016 and was looking to cash in. While Arm is now the single biggest investment in SoftBanks portfolio, all is not hunky dory with it. Its revenues and profits have been growing on the back of demand for smartphones and computers. In 2022-23, however, revenues shrank marginally due to tepid smartphone sales. SoftBank's plan A was to sell Arm to chipmaker Nvidia in 2020 for $40 billion, which would also have given it a stake in Nvidia. But that deal was blocked by regulators. It was so keen for its plan B a public listing to succeed that it left about a billion dollars on the table by pricing it at $51 instead of $52. The bet paid off. It was oversubscribed 12 times. The price shot up by 25% on debut before levelling off. Profit woes This is reflected in SoftBank's own finances. Its cumulative losses from investments in the top 15 companies of SoftBank's Vision Fund 1 that went public, and in which it still has a stake, amount to more than $1.3 billion. This is in spite of having profitable investments such as Coupang and DoorDash, where its cumulative gains were $8 billion and $6 billion, respectively. The losses from WeWork, for which it has received the most flak, stood at $3.4 billion as of June 2023. WeWork, which went public last month, has already warned that it could file for bankruptcy. The overall impact of these investments on SoftBank's financials has been negative. For its June quarter it posted a net loss of $3.3 billion, even though its first Vision Fund posted an investment gain of $1.1 billion, its first in the past five quarters. As the economy improves, analysts expect it to turn profitable. Investment uptake Even before the launch of Arm's IPO, SoftBank had been stepping up its investments. The investments made by its two Vision Funds and its Latin America Fund didn't cross $500 million in the three quarters from Q3 of 2022 to Q1 of 2023, down from an average of about $14 billion in the Q2 and Q3 of 2021. SoftBank is hoping to continue riding the AI wave. The company is "looking to invest tens of billions in AI after completing Arms IPO", the Financial Times reported. It is also looking to invest in or collaborate with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. SoftBank is flush with money after Arms listing. That will help it to be one of the biggest players in the tech space, and might even turn around its fortunes. But prudent investors may remain cautious. www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data On a Typical evening Zhengzhous manufacturing district should be teeming with workers heading back to their dormitories. For more than a decade the city of 13m in central China has been home to Foxconn employees who assemble iPhones in a local megafactorymeaning activity at hole-in-the-wall eateries and dank internet cafes provides an informal gauge of the health of the local economy. But now one of the main dormitory areas is vacant. Labourers are stripping out what remains of internet cafes and hauling off sofas that once furnished dorms. Many workers fled, never to return, in October last year, escaping a lockdown that had confined them to their dorms, sometimes ten to a room, for weeks on end. Zhengzhou has become one of Chinas most problematic cities. GDP per person in Henan province, of which it is the capital, sits at 27% below the national average. The citys difficultiesincluding a lack of work, falling property prices and banking instabilityare acute examples of those facing China at large. They also emerged earlier than those in much of the rest of the country. As such, Zhengzhou has become a laboratory for potential remedies, some of which have since been rolled out on a national level. Chinas recent economic data, released on September 15th, indicates that the economy is at least starting to stabilise. The annual rate of growth in industrial production rose to 4.5% in August. Retail sales were up by 4.6%. Both beat analysts expectations. But the floor total area of new homes under construction fell by 7.1% in the first eight months of the year, continuing its decline. And even if the situation has begun to stabilise, Zhengzhous experience shows how hard it will be for China to truly escape from its economic malaiseand how long any recovery will take. The regions troubles began to accelerate in 2020, with the default of Yongcheng Coal, a local energy firm. The next year floods swept the city, submerging a metro line and killing almost 400 people. Local officials, including the party secretary, were sacked for hiding the true number of casualties. In 2022 bank depositors around the country discovered they could not withdraw their funds from several banks in the province, leading to weeks of protests outside the Zhengzhou branch of Chinas central bank. The city also experienced tough treatment during covid-19. Locals shudder at the memory of a four-month lockdown endured before the abandonment of zero-covid" policies. As one woe after another has been visited upon the city, its property market has worsened. China has been in the throes of a real-estate crisis since 2021. Developers have come up short on the cash needed to finish flats. And because most buyers pay upfront, they have found themselves taking out mortgages without receiving homes. In July last year dissidents began tracking mortgage boycottsand found Zhengzhou to be at the centre. By some counts, 600,000 local homebuyers have bought flats in troubled developments. CRIC, a research firm, estimates that one in every 13 households has been affected. The situation has forced local policymakers to act. Henans plans to ease joblessness have included a 100-day, military-style campaign, which began in May and recently came to an end. It aimed for zero-dynamic clearing" of youth unemployment, borrowing language from the zero-covid policy. Staff at universities were told to identify youngsters who were struggling to find jobs and to connect them with public institutions, state-owned enterprises and even employers in the countryside. Since the campaign has only just concluded, the results are not yet clearbut it seems unlikely to have discovered thousands of new employment opportunities. With a poor job market and 870,000 new university graduates this year alone, Henans public servants would have had to have been working overtime to have put even the slightest dent in the problem. Other reforms are a little more thought-through. In March Zhengzhou became the first big city to drop restrictions on buying second homes, in an attempt to prop up demand. Last month it led the way again as the first city to launch reforms that instructed banks to lower mortgage rates, exempted new graduates from deed taxes and handed out subsidies of up to 30,000 yuan ($4,100) for home purchases for families with three children. It also lifted a rule that banned people from reselling their homes within three years of purchase. By early September work appeared to have restarted on some of the citys largest stalled property developments. One of these, named Qifucheng, had been paused since 2019. The development, with more than 6,000 residential units, has been called Zhengzhous largest lanweilou, or abandoned building site. Last year the developer behind it was accused of putting a few workers on site in order to appear as if work was taking place, perhaps to avoid being sued. Now trucks are moving in and out of the site, and many workers are on the job. If work on similar projects resumes, people looking for new flats might even shake off their distrust of the sector. This will take time, however. Property prices in the city are still heading in the wrong directionthey fell by 0.5% month-on-month in Augustwhich bodes ill for a rapid recovery in other second-tier cities. Perhaps Zhengzhous most daring reform has been to relax the constraints of the hukou, a household-registration system. A year ago city officials announced that migrants with local jobs and residences would qualify for a registration necessary to buy homes or access education, abandoning a system that has created a two-tier society across China. In theory, ditching the hukou could relieve many of the citys problems. Talented young people looking to live in a big, central city might move to Zhengzhou. Some might even launch startups, attracting workers from around the country. All of this should help boost property prices. Yet since policymakers introduced the reform, other provinces have made similar moves, increasing competition for potential arrivals. In August, for instance, Jiangsu, a prosperous coastal region, said that it would relax hukou requirements for many of its cities. After months of delay, the central government has begun to show that it is taking the countrys economic stagnation seriously. Meanwhile, the central bank has loosened monetary policy. But questions remain over whether Chinas leaders will be able to solve local crises, which is necessary if the country is to raise its long-run growth. So far, the message has been that local leaders will need to solve many of their own problems. It is unfortunate, then, that Zhengzhous experience suggests that doing so will be a struggle. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com In a bid to bolster transparency, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and other banks are adopting a common global approach to disclosing clients' stock positions, according to Reuters news agency. The five banks are working on a tool to minimise the risks of under-reporting, particularly when investors make so-called short bets or build stakes using derivatives, the agency said citing sources. Regulators require investors to report the securities they hold when certain thresholds are breached, leading to time-consuming analysis of the rules. The process can lead to missteps and penalties. Now to prevent the risk of under-reporting, banks have begun to invest in RegTech to cut the costs of complying with such rules through automation. Goldman Sachs Global Head of Position Regulatory Reporting, Pete Chisholm, told Reuters that the initiative, called Endoxa, is the first bank-led consortium to tackle global rules on disclosure reporting. Endoxa members hope other banks will join over time. (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 five banks will be working with RegTech specialist Droit and a law firm to write a common digital machine-readable code that consortium members can implement to ensure consistent compliance. STAKES UP In some of the recent cases, investors have amassed large stakes in publicly traded companies that, while within the rules, have taken other market participants by surprise. Although Endoxa's members remain free to help clients build positions confidentially, the consortium will work with lawyers and regulators to agree on a precise interpretation of the rules around disclosures, a Reuters report added. "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 Central government has extended the term of RBI deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao for a period of one year, the Reserve Bank said in a statement on Tuesday. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the re-appointment of M Rajeshwar Rao as Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank for a period of one year with effect from October 9, 2023, or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the circular read. He was appointed as Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank in October 2020 for a period of three years and was assigned the responsibility of financial regulation. Prior to that, he was the chief general manager of the financial markets operations department. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Rao was appointed as the executive director in November, 2016 and was looking after the department of statistics and information management, financial markets operation department and international department. Prior to this, he was the chief general manager of the financial markets operations department. Also Read | RBI cancels licence of The Kapol Co-operative Bank over earnings prospects As a career central banker, Rao has exposure to various aspects of the RBI's functioning. He has previously held the charge of the Risk Monitoring Department. He has also worked as the Banking Ombudsman in New Delhi and in the Reserve Bank's regional offices in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and the national capital. Rao joined the Reserve Bank in 1984 has a bachelor degree in economics and is an Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Cochin. "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 United Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India surged by 62% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. The UPI transactions reached 9.3 billion in June 2023, up from 151 million in January 2018, primarily driven by the growth in Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions, a report by the global payments service provider Worldline revealed Tuesday. Out of the total 51.91 billion UPI transactions conducted between January and June this year, 29.15 billion were P2M payments, accounting for approximately 56.1% of the total. In January 2022, P2M transactions accounted for 40.3% of all UPI transactions compared to 57.5% in June 2023, the Worldlines report India Digital Payments Report for H1 2023 said. The remaining transactions, grew from 18.62 billion transactions in H122 to 22.75 billion in H123; a 22% increase. During the same period, the value of P2P transactions grew from 45.52 trillion to 63.99, a 41% increase. "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 P2M transactions are experiencing rapid growth, with a 119% increase compared to a 41% rise in P2P transaction volume in H1 2023, the report said. The removal of transaction fees for merchants contributed to the growth in P2M transactions, the report added. Beyond low fees, merchants are also looking for security, timely payments among other things and UPI delivers here. The other fact is that with the dominance of P2M transactions, UPI is going to become even more entrenched with the population and growth will continue at this rapid pace and the P2M percentage, at current trends, will likely reach 75% of all UPI transactions by 2025," the report said. "The key driver for this growth has been the widespread acceptance of UPI for both personal and payment transactions from the user/buyer standpoint, as well as high acceptance by merchants. Additionally, there has been greater penetration of UPI in rural India," the report added. The report noted that three UPI apps -- PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm-- accounted for 95.68% of all transactions in terms of transaction volume, in June 2023, compared to 94.55% a year before. In terms of transaction value, the 3 accounted for 93.65% in June 2023 compared to 93.38% in June 2022. The report further noted that online space, e-commerce, gaming, utilities, government and financial services amounted to more than 80% of the total transaction volume and contributed to more than 75% of the total transaction value. Top 10 states and UT with the highest number of transactions at physical touch points in 2022 for Worldline India were Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, the report added. "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: Actor Mohanlal will be seen in a new film to be directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, titled Malaikottai Vaaliban, that is scheduled to release on 25 January, 2024 for the Republic Day weekend. Pelliserry is best known for Anagamaly Diaries and Jallikattu, the latter being Indias official entry to the Oscars in 2020. Mohanlal made his acting debut at age 18 in the Malayalam film Thiranottam in 1978, but the film was delayed in its release for 25 years due to censorship issues. His screen debut was in the 1980 romance film Manjil Virinja Pookkal, in which he played the antagonist. He continued to do negative roles and rose to secondary lead roles in the following years. By the mid-1980s, he had established himself as a bankable leading actor and attained stardom after featuring in several successful films in 1986; crime drama Rajavinte Makan released that year garnered much acclaim. Mohanlal primarily appears in Malayalam cinema, but has also been seen in some Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. Some of his best known non-Malayalam films include the Tamil political drama Iruvar (1997), the Hindi crime drama Company (2002) and the Telugu film Janatha Garage (2016). Recently seen in crime thriller Drishyam 2 that released on Amazon Prime Video, he has notched up several hits in recent years. These include Telugu action drama Janatha Garage that made worldwide collections of Rs. 135 crore and director Priyadarshans Malayalam crime thriller Oppam that collected 65 crore worldwide. The latter wouldve remained the highest Malayalam grosser of the time when released in 2016 but the actor beat his own record with Pulimurugan, an action adventure that garnered 152 crore worldwide. It is currently one of the highest grossing Malayalam films of all time. The Indian government honoured him with Padma Shri in 2001, and Padma Bhushan in 2019, Indias fourth and third highest civilian honours, for his contribution to Indian cinema. "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 Lata Jha Lata Jha covers media and entertainment for Mint. She focuses on the film, television, video and audio streaming businesses. She is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism. She can be found at the movies, when not writing about them. Read more from this author News / Local by Staff reporter Details of a bitter dispute between local financial services firm Access Finance (Pvt) Ltd and its related entities' shareholders have come to light, revealing that the CEO reneged on a deal to sell 10 percent equity to the managing director, leading to a contentious split.Court documents show that former Access Finance CEO Singathini Raymond Chigogwana and former managing director Senziwani Sikhosana fought over a shareholding deal, which escalated into a bitter dispute. The fallout between the two key shareholders has raised concerns about the company's future. The battle has left the businesses on the brink, with both shareholders exiting the company in separate deals amid irreconcilable disagreements.When Chigogwana and Sikhosana started working together in 2014, they had agreed that Chigogwana, as the majority shareholder and CEO, would sell 10 percent of his shareholding to Sikhosana, who was the managing director. Chigogwana owned 54 percent of the shares, while Sikhosana held 20 percent, and the chairman, Isau Bwerinofa, owned 26 percent.However, when the time came to execute the deal, Chigogwana refused to honor the agreement, leading to a dispute that eventually made an amicable settlement or continued collaboration impossible. Sikhosana left the company in 2022, and Chigogwana announced his exit recently. The ongoing battle has raised questions about the company's stability and future direction.The dispute also extends to several other companies run by the two former business partners, including Access Forex (Pvt) Ltd, Tara Capital (Pvt) Ltd, Thirty-Six Mountbatten (Pvt) Ltd, and Access Forex SA (Pty) Ltd. The conflict centers around the companies' equities and properties, leaving the businesses in a precarious position.Sikhosana eventually sold his shareholding to the company, initially demanding $1 million but eventually settling for $600,000, which included a cash payment of $280,000, offset by a $140,000 debt to the company. The remaining $140,000 was to be paid in two installments of $80,000 and $60,000. Additionally, Sikhosana was to receive three townhouse units valued at $320,000. Although the cash payments were made, the properties and title deeds have not yet been transferred to Sikhosana.As a result, Sikhosana sought legal recourse in the High Court to claim ownership of the properties, particularly in relation to a real estate development called No. 36 Mountbatten Complex in Marlborough, Harare. This complex includes 37 townhouse units valued at $3.9 million, and three of these properties are the subject of the court action.Sikhosana is requesting a court order to compel the transfer of these three properties, which are currently held by Chigogwana, Bwerinofa, and Thirty-Six Mountabatten. The court order seeks to ensure that the transfer of these properties to Sikhosana and his associated entities is executed within 14 days of its granting. If the respondents fail to comply, the order authorizes the sale of their property to cover any outstanding obligations. The dispute underscores the complexities and challenges that can arise in business partnerships and shareholding arrangements. Talk show producers on Monday initiated the process of preparing for upcoming episodes, marking the initial efforts to reinvigorate the Hollywood industry following a nearly five-month strike by writers that seemed to reach its conclusion, Reuters reported. According to the report, the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which speaks for approximately 11,500 writers in the film and television sector, arrived at an initial three-year agreement with prominent studios on the previous Sunday. Nevertheless, the deal still necessitates endorsement from the union's leadership and its members. As long as actors continue their strike, late-night and daytime talk shows could potentially recommence production in the near future once their writers receive the official approval from the Guild to return to their jobs, which could occur within the next few days or weeks. Also Read: Hollywood strike: Writers Guild and studios reach tentative deal, says report "The Drew Barrymore Show" is aiming to go back on the air in October, a source with knowledge of the plans told Reuters. Barrymore faced criticism after initially declaring her intention to revive the show in mid-September but later changed her mind and decided against it. Spokespersons for late-night programs like "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" declined to provide any information regarding the schedule for broadcasting new episodes. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! For scripted series, the resumption of filming depends on the SAG-AFTRA actors union reaching a deal with the studios. These actors went on strike in July, seeking increased wages and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in on-screen roles. Film and television producer Todd Garner said he expects that once actors reach a deal, scores of productions will race to restart at once. "Remember during the pandemic, when Long Beach had all of those ships waiting?" said Garner, referring to the logjam of cargo ships stranded in the southern California port. "That's our business right now. I'm guessing there are 250 ships in the harbor right now." Major television shows and movies are contractually in first position with actors, Garner said. Work on uncompleted projects such his own movie, "Mortal Kombat 2," will need to be finished first, before other projects can get under way. Also Read: Hollywood strike: Why writers, actors protesting in the US. EXPLAINER "Until we get all these big ships out of the harbor, nothing new is going to be started, unless it's with actors who previously weren't committed to something else," Garner said. Major media companies experienced a reversal in their stock performance on Monday after an initial uptick. Warner Bros Discovery saw a nearly 4% decline, Comcast's stock dropped by nearly 1%, and Walt Disney's shares decreased by 0.3%. Investors in these media firms have been worried about the financial consequences of the strikes. Initially, the strikes had led to increased cash flows due to reduced spending, but they are now starting to impact earnings negatively, Reuters noted. The deal with writers "will also mean the studios and streaming services will now focus fully on actors' demands," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Already it's likely that the big studios will face a significant hit in 12-18 months time, with so little in the pipeline and bosses are now desperate for new content to attract eyes to big and small screens." Warner Bros Discovery had previously cautioned that the company's annual adjusted core profit would suffer a setback of up to $500 million due to project delays caused by disruptions. Since the onset of the writers' strike on May 2, the company's shares have fallen by nearly 14%. Similarly, Paramount, Disney, and Netflix have experienced declines in the range of 20% to 45%. In contrast, the S&P 500 benchmark index has seen an increase of almost 5%. In contrast, Netflix saw a 1.3% increase in its stock value. Experts have noted that the streaming giant has a more advantageous position compared to other media companies because it maintains production facilities and personnel in regions outside of the United States, which remain unaffected by the strike. "The total spend on shows will be little changed, as studios will either cut spending from other elements of show production, or reduce the number of new shows they produce (a process already under way) to pay for increased costs from writers," said Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett. (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! Last month, we wrote about the top penny stock picks and the top microcap stock picks of India's biggest insurer Life Insurance Corp (LIC). Today, let's go over LIC's top small-cap holdings, further broadening our search for these smaller market players. Investing in small-cap stocks can be a lot like searching for hidden gems in the market. These companies, often overlooked by mainstream investors, can hold significant growth potential. Here are the top 5 small-cap stocks that make up a significant holding of LICs portfolio. #1 NMDC Steel First on the list is NMDC Steel, the recently demerged entity of NMDC. NMDC Steels product mix consists of low carbon steel, HSLA & dual phase steel, and API quality steel that can be rolled into thickness range from 1 mm to 16 mm. With its capability to roll 1,650 mm wide HR, the thin slab caster at Nagarnar Steel plant is the widest mill in the public sector. The company owns and operates the state-of-the-art 3.0 MTPA steel plant at Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh. The steel plant was built at a cost of 240 billion (bn). As of June 2023, Life Insurance Corp (LIC) held 14.2% stake in the company. Considering the current market price of 51.43, the insurance companys exposure in NMDC Steel comes to 21.3 bn. Since its listing in February this year, NMDC Steel share price has moved up quite significantly and is up around 90% in less than 7 months. The stock is now trading very close to its book value of 58.2. The recent rally in the steel stock could be attributed to the companys steel plant achieving a new milestone of producing hot-rolled coil from hot metal in just nine days. View Full Image NMDC Share Price Since Listing #2 RVNL Second on the list is Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL). The company is engaged in the business of implementing various types of rail infrastructure projects assigned by the Ministry of Railways. The company actively bids for rail and metro rail projects in India. Apart from India, the railway company is currently in the process of expanding presence in global markets. During the financial year 2023, it entered overseas markets and signed an MoU with Kyrgyzstan for an order worth approximately 180 bn. It is planning to expand its overseas presence and take up projects in several other countries. As of June 2023, LIC held 5.65% stake in the company or 117.9 million (m) shares. Considering the current market price of 167, the insurance companys exposure in RVNL comes to 19.7 bn. LIC initially acquired 8.72% stake in the state-owned railway company. RVNL has turned out to be a blockbuster stock for LIC as its shares have zoomed over 125% in 2023 so far. View Full Image (EM) As visible from the chart above, shares of the company saw a steep rally in April 2023. Back then, it received an order of 120 trains for the Vande Bharat project from the government of India. Since then, a lot ofpositive developments in the railways sectorhave kept the company's stock price on a roll. Currently, RVNL has a strong order book of over 650 bn, focusing on railway, metro, and overseas projects. The company is confident in its ability to execute projects and maintain positive growth, targeting an order book of 750 bn to 1 tn. Going forward, the company's margins could improve as the huge order book gets executed. #3 Tata Chemicals Third on this list is Tata Chemicals. The Tata group company operates in both basic and speciality chemistry. It has the largest saltworks in Asia, is the 3rd largest soda ash manufacturer in the world and is the 6th largest sodium bicarbonate manufacturer in the world. The company provides key ingredients to many of the world's leading brands for glass, detergents, pharma, biscuit manufacturing, bakeries, and other industries. Innovations in its specialty chemistry business have led to establishing Tata NQ - India's first and only nutritional science business. As of June 2023, LIC held 7.14% stake in the company or 18.2 m shares. Considering the current market price of 1,036, the insurance companys exposure in Tata Chemicals comes to 18.9 bn. The upcoming September 2023 shareholding pattern for Tata Chemicals will change this holding as the countrys largest insurer recently added more shares in the leading chemicals manufacturer. It raised shareholding in Tata Chemicals by over 2% in July and August 2023. Post the acquisition of additional shares, LIC holds a total of 23.4 m shares of Tata Chemicals. In recent weeks, shares of Tata Chemicals have come under pressure after the company lowered soda ash prices due to improved availability of the product in the global market. Weak Q1 earnings added to the pressure as the Tata group company posted a 12% decline in net profit to 5.2 bn. Over 50% of Tata Chemicals revenue comes from its key product, soda ash. Soda Ash is mostly used as an ingredient in the manufacture of dyes and colouring agents, synthetic detergents, fertilisers, glass, and gum. Demand for soda ash is usually driven by rising construction in emerging economies. It is widely used in the construction, paper, and textile industries, among others. The chemical is also used for air purification and water softening as environmental concerns rise. For now, weak guidance and price cuts for Soda Ash have put shares of Tata Chemicals under pressure. But going forward, we wont be surprised to see the global demand improve. In 2023 so far, shares of the company have gained 10%. View Full Image Tata Chemicals Share Price in 2023 #4 Hindustan Copper Fourth on the list is Hindustan Copper. Its a government-owned corporation in the centralpublic sector enterpriseunder the Ministry of Mines (India). Hindustan Copper is the only vertically integrated copper producer in India engaged in a wide spectrum of activities ranging from mining, beneficiation, smelting, refining, and continuous cast rod manufacturing. The firm holds a lease on more than 80% of the country's copper reserves. It has well developed infrastructure facilities, vertically integrated operations, a wide distribution network and an established customer base. As of June 2023, LIC held 11.2% stake in the company or 108.6 m shares. Considering the current market price of 153, the insurance companys exposure in Hindustan Copper comes to 16.7 bn. LICs investment in Hindustan Copper spans back over 10 years. Over the years, it kept picking additional stake as an when the company came out with an offer for sale (OFS) or when the government divested stake. In recent months, the commodity stockhas shown extreme volatility on the bourses. First, it was in the news following a sharp run-up in copper prices. After the sharp fall witnessed in 2022, MCX copper futures have gradually started to move up. This is more so recently on expectations of a revival in Chinese demand and growing supply risks in Chile. Then, it posted weak earnings which had an immediate impact on its share price last month. For the first quarter of FY24, Hindustan Copper posted a 17.5% decline in its net profit to 472.8 m, primarily on account of higher expenses. Expenses rose to 3.2 bn in the June 2023 quarter against 2.8 bn in the year-ago period. The stock does have multiple tailwinds working in its favour. The company is hopeful of commencing mining operations at its closed Rakha mine in Jharkhand. This mine has been closed since 2001. The state government recently gave in-principal consent to renew the lease. Earlier this month, the Rajya Sabha also passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill. With this, the government seeks to provide a conducive legal environment to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and junior mining companies. In 2023 so far, shares of the company have gained over 40%. View Full Image (EM) #5 Capri Global Capital Last on the list is Capri Global Capital. Capri Global is a diversified non-banking financial company (NBFC) with presence across different segments like MSME, construction finance, affordable housing and indirect retail lending segments. As of June 2023, LIC held 9.7% stake in the company or 19.8 m shares. Considering the current market price of 774, the insurance companys exposure in Capri Global Capital comes to 15.5 bn. LIC has frequently upped its stake in the NBFC over the years, more so in the past one year. Capri Global has made strong inroads in the gold loans segment in the recent past. The company forayed into the gold loan vertical in FY23 to increase focus towards diversification of the loan book. It became a little conscious lending to the construction segment. Within the first year, it added 562 dedicated branches and scaled up a decent gold loan book. For the first quarter of FY24, gold loans already account for 51% of its disbursals. Going forward, the company is optimistic and expects margins to improve for FY24. In 2023 so far, shares of the company have gained around 9%. View Full Image (EM) Other Smallcaps LIC has Invested in Apart from the above, below are other smallcap stocks where LIC holds significant stake. View Full Image (EM) How LICs Portfolio Changed This Summer According to filings, data shows that LICs ownership went up in at least 40 stocks while it trimmed holdings in 75 other counters. In the June 2023 quarter, LIC's stake rose over 4% in Kothari Industrial Corporation, over 2% in SAIL, and 1.7% Bata India. Meanwhile, its top sells included TVS Motor, Britannia Industries, RVNL, Tata Communications, L&T, Titan, Tata Motors, ICICI Bank, and Reliance. According to reports, LIC's total holdings comprise almost 3.6% of India's market capitalisation. It remains to be seen how LIC's holding fare in the remainder of 2023. Stay tuned. Happy Investing! Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com On Monday, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) launched new investor protection measures covering small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It extended the applicability of Additional Surveillance Measure (ASM) and Trade for Trade (T2T) regulations to the SME segment, following consultations with stock exchanges. These measures were previously limited to mainboard stocksthose listed on the primary market. To be sure, ASM involves implementation of enhanced pre-emptive surveillance methods from time to time to control price volatility. T2T is a regulatory framework that is used to monitor and control the trading of stocks considered to be highly speculative or illiquid. The new measures, which are effective Tuesday, shines the spotlight on SME initial public offerings (IPOs). The SME segment has seen an impressive 135 listings so far this year, compared to just 33 in the primary markets. The capital raised through SME IPOs has been the biggest this year since their introduction in 2012. View Full Image Graphic: Mint Industry experts say several SME stocks are seeing remarkable growth, but pinpointing the driving factor can be challengingbe it authentic market optimism or potential market manipulation. SMEs often thrive in specialized markets, showcasing innovative business models or offering distinctive products and services, which can create opportunities for substantial returns on investments. Incorporating SME IPOs into a portfolio can introduce diversification, spreading risk across various sectors and industries. Notably, the standout performers of 2023 have been Krishca Strapping Solutions and Exhicon Events Media Solutions, both enjoying an impressive surge of nearly 350%, more than quadrupling their initial issue prices. Sungarner Energies IPO witnessed a remarkable triple-digit increase on its listing day. Mainboard vs SME IPOs The mainboard typically demands a minimum of 1,000 subscribers or allottees for an IPO, with application amounts ranging from 13,000 to 15,000. These offerings undergo rigorous scrutiny as their Draft Red Herring Prospectuses (DRHP) are thoroughly vetted by Sebi. Moreover, companies aiming for the mainboard listing must have a post-issue paid-up capital exceeding 10 crore. While it offers a prestigious platform, the mainboard pathway is slower and often more expensive, with companies obligated to report their financials on a quarterly basis. On the other hand, the SME segment caters to smaller enterprises, requiring a minimum of 50 subscribers or allottees, with an IPO application amount greater than 1 lakh. Notably, DRHP filings for SMEs are vetted by stock exchanges rather than Sebi. These enterprises are required to have post-issue paid-up capital ranging from over 1 crore to under 25 crore. The SME IPO route is known for its swifter and more cost-effective processes, with companies having to report their financials on a half-yearly basis. This differentiation in requirements and regulations provides a tailored approach to businesses of varying sizes and capital needs in the Indian IPO landscape. Frenzy for SMEs Over the past decade, the BSE SME IPO Index has demonstrated remarkable growth, surging a staggering 100 times. The index has delivered impressive annualized returns, with gains of 132% over the last year, 195% over the past three years, 82% over the past five years, and a solid 60% since its inception. These statistics highlight the robust performance of SME IPOs in India, making them an attractive investment avenue. As per current data available from BSE, 454 companies have been listed on the SME segment, while 179 have migrated from SME to the main board. Presently, 275 companies are actively listed in the SME segment, while 24 have been suspended. In the past few months, several companies have garnered significant attention and investor interest. Basilic Fly Studio Ltd, with a IPO size of 66.35 crore, received subscriptions totalling 359 times its initial offering, garnering an impressive 23,793 crore in subscriptions. Similarly, Madhusudan Masala Ltd, operating in a different niche with a size of 23.8 crore, witnessed substantial enthusiasm from investors, resulting in subscriptions 444 times its offering, translating to 10,574 crore. Oriana Power Ltd, with a size of 59.66 crore, attracted 177 times its offering, amounting to 10,535 crore. These impressive subscription figures underscore the enthusiasm and confidence that investors have shown in these companies, reflecting the vibrancy and buoyancy in the segment. There is always a frenzied reaction for IPOs during bull markets. A lot of investors still go by the concept of bygone era where the investors would invest in the IPO and sell it immediately after listing. On average, the investor used to make a 10-20 % gain in 3 to 4 months. The IPOs of the current era are priced through the book building process and include premium on face value. This premium is also influenced by current market valuations. There is a time lag between subscribing to an IPO and listing of the offering. A lot of times, these valuations correct heavily during this time lag due to market corrections or other reasons. This results in heavy losses to retail customers. Remember Paytm? The current valuations of small caps is a fertile ground for SME IPOs. Retail investors are best advised to stay away from the primary market or take limited exposure to prevent any heartburn later. Retail investors are better off buying from secondary market after price discovery," said Renu Maheshwari, co-founder of Finscholarz Wealth Managers. The warning Industry experts have a word of caution for retail investors. They warn that a combination of financial strategies, market manipulation, and information dissemination can impact stock valuations. In the first scenario, lets imagine a promoter aiming for a valuation of 100 crore but decides to launch the issue at a lower value of 50 crore. The promoter then strikes deals with offline brokers to orchestrate an artificial surge in demand. This manoeuvre inflates the share price in the grey market, and the promoter compensates the brokers for their role in stimulating and controlling the market until the issue is open for subscription. As the grey market premium (GMP) rises, unsuspecting retail investors join the fray. The brokers continue purchasing applications from the grey market, ultimately leading to the stock listing at the valuation desired by the promoter. Once this happens, the promoter and brokers liquidate their positions, capitalizing on the inflated valuation. A second approach involves a cartel of brokers and businessmen who diligently research and identify a promising company. They then recruit social media accounts with substantial followings to generate hype around the impending stock issue. These social media accounts synchronize their posts, creating a buzz that attracts retail interest. When the stock finally goes public, it typically commands a modest premium. At this point, retail investors often begin selling their holdings. Simultaneously, the cartel seizes the opportunity to accumulate shares, leveraging their informational advantage and benefiting from the price differential. Fraud & market manipulation In March 2022, PMC Fincorp Ltd issued 70 million warrants, 50 million of which were allotted to non-promoters at 9.90 each. Non-promoter investors paid 25% upfront (around 2.50 per warrant) but later declined to convert them into equity as the share price dropped to under 2. The company retained the warrant application funds, collecting over 2.5 crore from non-promoter investors. Intriguingly, even the promoter participated in the warrant issue but chose not to convert. The lesson here highlights the potential for fraud by promoters, underscoring the need for enhanced investor protection and regulatory vigilance. The simple method is to show paper profit, create receivables (such receivables & inventory frauds are age-old methods) while taking huge salary hikes, consultancy fees, royalties given to group companies or even commissions. SME promoters will typically be hungry for capital and take utmost care, given how difficult it is for them to raise funds.", said Mohammad Nasirul Amin Choudhury, who runs a famous twitter page on SME IPOs. STL (formerly known as 8k Miles Software Services Ltd) found itself embroiled in a controversy last year. Initially, the companys promoter alleged that certain sharebrokers and financial service provider firms had duped him by selling shares that he had pledged to secure loans. However, as the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that the promoter himself played a significant role in the fraud. He was implicated in a more extensive conspiracy involving the manipulation of STLs financial books and the diversion of funds into unrelated business ventures of the companys senior executives. The promoter had also sold shares worth 110 crore in the open market and obtained a substantial 40 crore loan from share brokers. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks and consequences associated with corporate malfeasance, underscoring the importance of investor protection and transparency in financial markets. 'Bengaluru Bandh' called today to protest release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu; airlines issue travel advisory. As several organisations have called for a Bengaluru bandh today to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, airlines has issued travel advisory for its passengers as transport is also likely to be hit in the Karnataka capital. Vistara airlines came up with a travel update asking its travellers to plan their rides to and from the airport with caution since private transport might be disrupted. Bengaluru Bandh news LIVE Updates "Due to the 'Bengaluru Bandh' on September 26, 2023, private transport might be disrupted. Customers travelling from Bangalore are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport," the airline said in a post on 'X'. IndiGo has recommend passengers to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic and 3.5 hours before international departures as travel time to Bengaluru airport may take longer than normal due to Bandh called today in the city. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! SpiceJet in its advisory wrote, Due to the Bangalore Bandh declared on 26th September'23, local transport facilities may be affected. Passengers are advised to allow sufficient time for their journey and report at least 180 minutes prior to the departure time to avoid any last-minute hassle" Various transportation services are likely to be hit in the Karnataka capital. KSRTC and BMTC services are likely to be affected on September 26 as the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Staff and Workers Federation and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation have extended their support to the Bengaluru Bandh call. Over 195 taluks in the state are facing drought due to lack of rain. The water in all the reservoirs in the state is not sufficient for use. The rain forecast is also not promising. In this situation, it is not possible to allow 5,000 cusecs of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu every day. Several political parties, pro-Kannada organisations and others across the state have already joined the struggle for justice," said a statement by the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation on Saturday. The KSRTC union has urged employees not to run any buses in the city from 6am to 6pm on September 26. Ola, Uber Drivers and Owners Association has also extended its support to the bandh and announced that the services will not be available in the city on Tuesday. Private schools union, and the hotel and restaurant associations have also said they would support the Bandh. The Bengaluru police are on high alert and taking all adequate security steps to avoid any untoward incident. Another state-wide agitation has also been planned on September 29. Days after the Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti, an umbrella outfit of farmers associations and other organisations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar had given the call for Tuesday's Bengaluru bandh, the Karnataka bandh on September 29 was announced on Monday, under the banner Kannada Okkuta led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj. (With inputs from agencies) "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 old excise regime implemented on September 1 last year in Delhi is likely to be extended as the existing policy is set to expire on September 30, sources told news agency PTI . The sources also said that the new policy is yet to be announced by the Delhi government. The government had returned to its old excise policy after scrapping its new policy following Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in July 2022 recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in its implementation. The existing excise policy was implemented on September 1, 2022 as a stopgap arrangement till a new policy was prepared and implemented by the Delhi government. This policy was scheduled to expire on March 31 but the Delhi government extended it for six months until September 30. Meanwhile, the excise licence holders for hotel, club and restaurant (HCR) category are facing issues in police verification required for renewal of their permits, said Manpreet Singh, treasurer of National Restaurant Association (NRAI). He said that renewal of excise licences by September 30 is likely to be affected as police are not accepting applications for verification saying that they cannot entertain individuals. An HCR category licence is renewed annually and it needs to be done by September 30 this year as the existing policy lapses on the date. "Police have said that the verification process needs to be moved through some government agency or department and not by individuals. Also, they have expressed inability to process large number of verifications in such a short period of time," Singh said. However, he claimed that the Excise Department has "assured" that there will be no issue in renewal of HCR category licences due to police verification. "The officials at the department have said that the issue of police verification will be sorted at the department level and further instructions will be issued," he said. No immediate reaction was available from the Delhi Police and the Excise Department of Delhi government over the issue. In August, the Excise Department had made it mandatory for proprietors and firm partners running hotels, clubs and restaurants having bars in the city to submit their police verification certificates. The step was taken by the department to ensure that a person holding the excise licence was of good moral character and did not have any criminal record. There are over 970 HCR category licensees in the city. Around 400 HCR category licensees have approached the police for verification, bar owners said. Though the character verification of the main applicant seeking HCR category licence is done by the Delhi Police, the Excise Department has sought verification of all directors and partners of joint ownership where licences were issued by it. The sources said that despite having a separate branch for the purpose, verification of background of such a large number of people within the deadline could be challenging for the police. (With inputs from PTI) "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 India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for very heavy rains in the Andaman & Nicobar islands from 27-29 September. Apart from this, the weather department has also predicted in heavy rains in several parts of the country till 29 September. In Tamil Nadu, heavy rain lashed parts of the Vellore district. The District Administration has suspended classes for std 1-5 in Vellore and Ranipet district schools due to the rainfall. As per IMD Chennai, parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to witness rainfall over the next seven-odd days as cyclonic circulation is lying over North Coastal Tamil Nadu and neighbourhood. For today, IMD Chennai has predicted light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal areas. The state received 45 percent excess rainfall last year, whereas this year till date it has been only 7 percent surplus rainfall. In Delhi, The weather office has forecast partly cloudy skies for Tuesday with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle at 36 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively. "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 Sikkim, the stretch of National Highway 10, a key road connecting Sikkim and the rest of the country via West Bengals Siliguri, which was closed for over 24 hours due to a cave-in following a landslide, is likely to be opened today as repairing work is on in full swing, an official said as reported by PTI. A large portion of the highway near Sethi Jhora, around 30 km from Siliguri which is a major commercial hub in the northern part of West Bengal, was washed away following heavy rain for the past several days. Check IMD's full weather forecast here East India: -Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 25th-29th September. -Isolated very heavy rainfall very likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 27th-29th September. South India: -Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu on 28th & 29th September; Coastal Karnataka and Kerala on 28th & 29th September; North Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema on 29th September and South Interior Karnataka on 28th September. West India: Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra during 25th-29th September and Marathwada, Gujarat Region on 26th September. Monsoon started withdrawing from India on Monday, eight days behind the normal date of September 17, the India Meteorological Department said. "The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from parts of southwest Rajasthan today, September 25, 2023, against its normal date of withdrawal from southwest Rajasthan of September 17," it said in a statement. This year is the 13th consecutive delayed Monsoon retreat. The withdrawal of monsoon from northwest India marks the beginning of its retreat from the Indian subcontinent. Any delay in the monsoon's retreat means a longer rainy season, which can significantly impact agricultural production, particularly for northwest India where monsoon rainfall plays a crucial role in the Rabi crop production. "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: All eyes are towards External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's address to the UN General Assembly in New York tomorrow where he is expected to respond to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau s credible allegations" over Indian involvement in the killing of Pak trained Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in June. While New Delhi is still waiting for Canada to provide legal evidence linking India to Khalistan Tiger Force chief Nijars killing, it is quite evident that Trudeaus Sikh politics will not allow him to back down on the issue. Whether the quality of evidence or intelligence will stand the legal test or not, expect Trudeau to throw some Indian name in the air and pin the Nijjar murder on him or her. The fact is that the Sikh vote is so important to Canadian politics that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit a Surrey Gurudwara in British Columbia when he visited Canada in 2015. It is another matter that PM Modi found his supporters even within that radicalized community some two hours away from Vancouver. Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here Meanwhile, Canada updated its travel advisory to India after duly informing South Block well in advance about the impending exercise as some videos targeting Canada were floating on the net. It is understood that New Delhi was informed at a senior level that the travel advisory was being updated and nothing much should be read into it. Since Trudeau chose the Canadian Parliament as his platform to hurl unsubstantiated allegations against the Modi government for ordering an extra-judicial killing, it is understood that a proper response in Jaishankars style is expected in his speech to UNGA tomorrow before he boards a train to Washington DC for bilateral meetings with Biden Administration. During his meetings in Washington, EAM Jaishankar will discuss bilateral ties as well as the validity and credibility of the evidence provided by Five Eyes Alliance to Canada on Nijjars killing. However, with time passing by, it is for the Trudeau government to name the contract killer of Nijjar soon unless the Canadian plan is to keep the issue simmering with India and make another unsubstantiated allegation a month or two months later to revive the issue. India on its part is very clear that since the Modi government has no role in the political killing of Nijjar, it supports the legal process in Canada but will confront any unsubstantiated charge against India. It is for Trudeau or his Sancho Panza Jagmeet Singh to provide credible evidence on paper against India and arrest the rapid decline in bilateral ties initiated by the PM and his Foreign Ministers incredible remarks. (Disclaimer: This story has been taken from LiveMint's sister publication, Hindustan Times.) "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 Manipur government Tuesday said all the government, aided and private unaided schools will be closed till Friday in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state. "All State Government/State Government Aided/Private Unaided Schools will be closed on 27.09.2023 (Wednesday) and 29.09.2023 (Friday)," the Directorate of Education - Schools, Manipur posted a tweet on X (formerly know as Twitter) Thursday is a public holiday in the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Meanwhile, the authourties suspend the mobile internet services for five days across the state. The curbs will remain effective in the state till 7.45 pm on 1 October, 2023, PTI reported quoting state government officials. "In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, the State Government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reportes spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on electronic equipments like tablet, computer, mobile phone etcand sending bill SMS likely facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which may cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property or aggravates the law and oredr situation in the State," the Home Department of Manipur government said. Earlier in the day, 45 students were injured in Imphal Valley after the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged a mob protesting against the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July, the PTI report said. The protesting students were demanding arrest of those involved in the killing. Later the protesters clashed with the police near Sanjenthong in Imphal East district when security forces stopped them from advancing towards the chief ministers secretariat. "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 used tear gas shells and batons to disperse the agitators. School and college students took out a rally in Imphal to protest against the killing of the two youths. As the students were heading towards the CMs Secretariat, security personnel took action to disperse them," PTI quoted a police officer as saying. Students also took out rallies at Uripok, Old Lambulane, Singjamei in Imphal West district. Similar clashes between students and security forces have been reported from Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a statement issued late Monday night, said the the government has already been handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "The state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators," the statement read. Security personnel have been put on alert, and additional measures taken to prevent any incident after the photos of the students have gone viral, a senior officer 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! Photos of two students, previously reported missing since July 2023, emerged on social media platforms. Identified as Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20, the pictures display the duo in what appears to be a makeshift jungle camp. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken charge of the case, according to an official statement from the Manipur Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The state government has promised swift and decisive" action against the perpetrators behind the abduction and murder of these two students. The authorities also called for public restraint, urging citizens to let the professionals conduct the investigation. The police are collaborating with central security agencies to uncover the full details of this tragic incident. Since May, the state has been gripped by widespread violence following a high court directive. The court order advised the state government to contemplate including the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST), sparking ethnic clashes. Over 170 people have lost their lives in the unrest, with many more sustaining injuries. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! The surfacing of the photos comes just after the restoration of mobile Internet services in the state, which had been suspended due to ongoing strife. These images have gone viral, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and subsequent death of Linthoingambi and Hemjit. It's unclear if the two cases are connected to the broader chaos that has afflicted the state since May. On September 25, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to the indigenous communities, urging unity among the diverse groups. The chief minister reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order, including its ongoing crackdown on the illegal drug trade. "We are trying hard to improve the situation. The indigenous communities of the state should continue to live as one and that the government will continue to fight poppy plantations and illegal drug business. The government is there to safeguard the lives and properties of people," PTI quoted him as saying. (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! Moody's Investors Service has recently raised questions regarding the reliability of Aadhaar , specifically concerning biometric technology's effectiveness in India's hot and humid climate. The agency also noted that Aadhaar has often led to service denials, further questioning the system's security and privacy safeguards. Here is how India has responded. How did UIDAI respond to these allegations? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) emphatically refuted the assertions made by Moody's, stressing that no concrete evidence was provided to support the claims. The agency pointed out that over a billion Indians had utilised Aadhaar to authenticate themselves, totalling more than 100 billion times in the past decade. Also Read: Birth certificate to be single document for Aadhaar, driving license, jobs from next month. Key points here "The investor service did not make any attempt to ascertain facts regarding the issues raised by it from the Authority. The sole reference cited in the report is in respect of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), by referring to its website. However, the report incorrectly cites the number of Aadhaars issued as 1.2 billion, although the website prominently gives the updated numbers," the UIDAI said. What points did the government and UIDAI highlight in their defence of Aadhaar's biometric technology? The Aadhaar system has multiple authentication methods, including facial and iris recognition, aside from fingerprinting, both UIDAI and the Narendra Modi government have emphasised. They also mentioned that one-time passwords (OTP) via mobile phones are available for many services, providing a fail-safe mechanism. The Ministry of Electronics & IT also took issue with Moody's report. What were the government's main points? The ministry asserted that the report by Moody's was prepared without substantiating its opinions with either primary or secondary data. It highlighted that Aadhaar is trusted by over a billion Indians and pointed to the system's positive evaluations by international agencies like the IMF and World Bank. While the vote of confidence of a billion-plus Indians is sufficient testimony to the value offered by Aadhaar, it is pertinent that a number of international agencies, including the IMF and World Bank, have lauded the role of Aadhaar. Several nations have also been engaged with the Authority to understand how they may deploy similar digital ID systems," it said. Moody's had voiced concerns about the system's centralisation; how did the authorities tackle this point? UIDAI and the Ministry categorically stated that there have been no reported breaches of the Aadhaar database to date. They emphasised that Aadhaar's architecture is bolstered by state-of-the-art security measures, and its systems comply with global security and privacy standards, such as ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27701:2019. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Has the government provided any information about Aadhaar's role in financial inclusion? Indeed, the government cited a recent G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) report. It mentioned that Aadhaar, alongside Jan Dhan bank accounts and mobile phones, has significantly increased the ownership of transaction accounts among Indian adults, speeding up a process that could have otherwise taken nearly half a century. Also Read: UIDAI extends last date for free update of Aadhaar, here's how to upload address proof So, what's the crux of the Indian government's argument? Both UIDAI and the Ministry of Electronics & IT consider the criticisms levelled against Aadhaar by Moody's to be baseless". They maintain that Aadhaar is a highly secure and reliable system, a stance supported by a vast number of Indians and acknowledged by global institutions. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! News / Local by Staff reporter The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued an apology to the family of Tatenda Mukwata, a 35-year-old woman who died after giving birth at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) last year. Tatenda Mukwata, originally from Zimbabwe and residing in a direct provision center in Kenmare, passed away in April 2022, six hours after giving birth to her fourth daughter, Eva, via Caesarean section. The cause of death was determined to be hemorrhage and shock.At the resumed inquest into her death, senior counsel John Lucey read an apology on behalf of Mary Fitzgerald, the general manager of UHK, expressing remorse for the care failings leading to Tatenda's death. The hospital acknowledged that these failures should not have occurred and that earlier intervention might have prevented the tragedy. An external review of the matter is nearing completion, and the hospital pledged to learn from the incident.The family's legal representative, Dr. John O'Mahony SC, acknowledged the apology as appropriate but noted that it had come "very late in the day."Rutenda Mukwata, Tatenda's eldest daughter, testified at the inquest, recounting the events leading up to her mother's death. On the night of April 20th, Tatenda had called the ambulance service around midnight, believing she was experiencing contractions. Rutenda was informed by the hospital at 1 am on April 21st to come to the hospital, but upon arrival, she was informed that her mother had not survived the complications.Tatenda had been HIV positive since 2009 and was uneasy about her condition during her pregnancy, but she was reassured that a team at UHK would handle her case. However, the team was not present during the birth.The inquest, presided over by coroner Helen Lucey, continues. A soldier was taken into custody today by the Kerala Police along with his friend for allegedly giving false statement in which he said that he was assaulted by six persons near his home in this southern Kerala district and 'PFI' was written on his back. A senior police officer of the district said that no arrests have been recorded in the case so far and the statements of the soldier -- Shine Kumar -- and his friend were being recorded. "Further action would be taken after verifying the contents of their statements," the officer said to news agency PTI.The soldier friend has said that Shine Kumar wanted to become famous and that is why this entire act was carried out. R Prathapan Nair, Addl SP, Kollam Rural said, "He filed a complaint before the Kadakkal Police Station and during the course of investigation, it was revealed that his complaint was false. On the basis of that, he was arrested today and one of his friends was also arrested. He is an Army personnel and wanted national attention in this regard and that after that he will get something from this incident. He wanted to get a suitable posting for him..." Police also recovered the green paint, brush and tape allegedly used in the incident from the friend's home. Giving details of what allegedly transpired, the friend claimed that Kumar asked him to write 'PFI' on his back and to beat him up. "I was drunk, so I initially wrote DFI, but he (Kumar) said to write PFI. So I made it PFI. Then he asked me to beat him up, but I said I couldn't because I was drunk. "Then he asked me to drag him on the ground and lay down, but I could not in my intoxicated state. So he asked me to tape his mouth and hands and then to leave. So I did that," the friend claimed. 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 soldier in his complaint had claimed that he was allegedly beaten up near his home on Sunday night by six persons and 'PFI' was written on his back with green paint. The alleged incident occurred near his home at Kadakkal in Kerala. Earlier the soldier, who is posted in the Indian Army's Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps, had claimed that he saw some persons standing near his home while he was returning on his bike. On asking them why they were there, they said somebody was lying drunk in the nearby rubber plantation and asked the soldier whether he knew that person, he had said. He had claimed in his complaint that he accompanied the men to the rubber plantation and on reaching there, someone kicked him from behind and then the assailants tied his hands and beat him up. They then wrote PFI on his back with green pain, he had alleged. The alleged incident occurred on the last day of the vacation of the soldier hailing from Kerala, police had said and had added that he was set to return to his unit at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Monday. Based on his complaint, police on Monday had lodged an FIR under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the IPC was lodged during the day against six identifiable persons. At the same time police had also said that there were no injuries on the soldier. PFI generally refers to the Popular Front of India, an organisation that was banned by the central government last year. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the standing ovation given to a Nazi soldier in the country's parliament as extremely upsetting. He also noted that the speaker of Canada's parliament, Anthony Rota, has apologized for the mistake. Also Read| Canada's parliament honours a man who fought for Nazis, Speaker apologises later Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trudeau said (as quoted by ANI), "It's extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized. But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians," However, Trudeau warned that the embarrassing situation could might help fuel Russia's propaganda since Russian President Vladimir Putin has often said that the Ukraine conflict is about rooting out the Nazis. Trudeau said, "I think it's going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian disinformation and continue our steadfast unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week by announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russia's illegal war against it," Trudeau said. Canada's Speaker apologizes: Canadian speaker of Parliament Anthony Rota while apologizing for the gaffe said (as quoted by Bloomberg), I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to recognize this individualI am deeply sorry that I have offended many with my gesture and remarks." Also Read| Mint Explainer: How did Canadas Parliament come to honour a Nazi SS veteran? "This initiative was entirely my own... I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world," Rota was quoted as saying by Reuters. In a post on X on September 25, Canada's Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre had called the honouring of Nazi soldier an appalling error in judgement by PM Trudeau. He wrote, This is an appalling error in judgement on the part of Justin Trudeau, whose personal protocol office is responsible for arranging and vetting all guests and programming for state visits of this kind." "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, has indicated that India's reaction to allegations from Canada has been resolute and straightforward. Furthermore, Colombo is expressing its support for New Delhi concerning this issue. As reported by ANI, Moragoda spoke about the India-Canada row while addressing a press conference. He said that the people of Sri Lanka have suffered due to terrorism and that his country has zero tolerance for terrorism. Also Read: India-Sri Lanka to explore petroleum line, land bridge to boost economic ties On being asked about Canada's allegations against India, Moragoda said, I think India's response has been inequitable and also firm and direct. And I think as far as we are concerned, we support India on that. Having said that, also, in my lifetime now, I'm 60 years old, 40 years of my life, we have spent facing various forms of terrorism in Sri Lanka." Also Read: India-Canada news Highlights: Canadian Sikh group calls for protests outside Indian diplomatic missions "I have lost many friends, and colleagues to terrorism. "We have all mean many Sri Lankans have died to terrorism. So, therefore, our position on these matters, I think is very clear because we have endured and we have suffered. And as a country that has gone through that tolerance for terrorism is zero tolerance," he added. Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Relations between India and Canada have become tense following Justin Trudeau's statement on September 18, in which he accused India of being involved in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Also Read: EAM Jaishankar may respond to Canada PM Justin Trudeau's allegations at UNGA Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who had been designated as a terrorist in India, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, Canada, on June 18. India, however, dismissed the accusations, describing them as "absurd" and "motivated". We have seen and rejected the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated," the MEA added in its statement. Also Read: India-Canada standoff: How it's shaping bilateral ties "Similar allegations were made by the Canadian Prime Minister to our Prime Minister and were completely rejected. We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to the rule of law," it added. On Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the allegations made by Canada regarding the "potential links" of India behind the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar are politically driven". "Yes, I do think there is a degree of prejudice here. They have made allegations and taken action against them. To us, it seems that these allegations by the government of Canada are primarily politically driven," Bagchi said while addressing a weekly presser. Also Read: India-Canada news: Cancellation of OCI registration to suspension of visa. 10 updates The spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also added that Canada has not provided any information regarding the death of Nijjar. "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday while answering queries. (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! Pro-Khalistani elements in Canada have been reportedly ramping up their brigade by sponsoring visas for gullible Punjab's youth for medium-skilled jobs like religious duties in gurudwaras controlled by them, Times of India mentioned citing Indian Intelligence sources. The English daily said that slain Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other Khalistani elements have built their brigade by offering shelter and low-scale jobs for the sustenance of illegal immigrants and Indian students. Also read: India-Canada row: 'We support India,' says Sri Lankan envoy Milinda Moragoda on Canada's allegations An official told TOI that several 'indebted' youth were hired as truck drivers, plumbers, or as sewadars, pathis, and ragis in over 30 gurudwaras controlled by pro-Khalistan elements across Brampton, Surrey, Edmonton, etc. They were brainwashed by teaching the separatist movement organising anti-India protests and conducting radical-religious congregations in Canada. (Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels: Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here!) Further, the daily stated that Punajb-based political party Shiromani Akali Dal is said to charge 1-2 lakh to issue a "letter" to the state's youths for seeking political asylum in Canada, falsely claiming that they are party cadres being persecuted in India on religious grounds. Also read: India-Canada row: 'We support India,' says Sri Lankan envoy Milinda Moragoda on Canada's allegations The Intel sources accused Canadian agencies of soft-peddling Khalsitani elements, resulting in the rise in their clout in gurudwaras across the country. The clout has become so strong it is now intimidating Hindus of the local Indian diaspora and threatening defacement of their temples. An officer said that pro-Khalsitan elements have used the garb of 'freedom of expression', 'political advocacy', etc to carry out separatist and terrorist activities on Canadian soil for 50 years. In several NIA investigations, it's been revealed that Canada-based gangster's role in bringing drugs to Punjab from Pakistan. Also read: India-Canada row: EAM Jaishankar's point-by-point rebuttal to Trudeau's charges expected at UNGA The National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet filed in March this year reveals that the pro-Khalistani banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) has created a symbiotic terrorist-gangster network, between gangster and Pro-Khalistan elements that fulfill their requirement of the shooters to carry out targeted killings. Also read: Canada updates travel advisory; asks its citizens in India to 'stay vigilant and exercise caution' In return, the gangsters get access to sophisticated weapons from across the border. As per the NIA, the BKI militants have a presence outside of India in Pakistan, North America, Europe, and Scandinavia. Currently, the agency said, Wadhwa Singh Babbar, who is hiding in Pakistan, heads the outfit. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! After a short, sharp military campaign, Azerbaijan has claimed victory over separatists in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The territory, which was recognised as part of Azerbaijan but was controlled by Armenian separatists for decades, has been at the centre of a major geopolitical conflict for decades. Due to Azerbaijan's close ties with Pakistan, India has been strategically backing Aremnia via sales of military equipment. Russia, NATO, Turkey, and Israel also are major players with stakes in this crisis. Mint breaks down whats going on. What is the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh about? Armenia and Azerbaijan have been quarrelling over this territory for over a century. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, which is a Muslimmajority state. However, the territory is dominated by ethnic Armenians, who retain cultural and political ties to Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh, and some swathes of territory around it, had been controlled by Armenian separatists since Armenia won a war with Azerbaijan in the 1990s. However, in 2020, Azerbaijan turned the tables on Armenia by fighting and winning a war that allowed it to reconquer most territories earlier lost to Armenia. It also acquired a chunk of Nagorno-Karabakh. Thousands are estimated to have died in the fighting. What is the current crisis about? After the war in 2020, Russia stepped in to negotiate a peace agreement. Armenian troops withdrew from all territories adjacent to Nagorno Karabakh. Parts of the region remained administered by Armenian separatists but Russian peacekeepers were also deployed there. A ceasefire monitoring centre was also set up. That was where things stood until last week, when Azerbaijan declared the start of an anti-terror" campaign against ethnic Armenian separatist troops. The immediate trigger was the death of Azerbaijans soldiers in landmine explosions, which the countrys government claimed was caused by Armenian separatists. This led to a quick, brutal offensive that killed over 200 people. Ultimately, the Armenian separatist groups agreed to disband their military while Russian peacekeepers have done little to stop Azerbaijans troops. The countrys President, Ilham Aliyev, declared victory. Meanwhile, ethnic Armenians have begun fleeing the territory and are moving towards Armenia. Which are the major players involved? Russia is a key player, given its historical heft in the region. It has helped broker ceasefire agreement and put troops on the ground. It had a close relationship with Armenia, but it has a tense relationship with current Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan. Experts speculate that Moscow has been uncomfortable with Pashinyans growing closeness with the West, which may also explain why Russia has done little to stop Azerbaijans offensives. The United States and the EU have condemned the use of force by Azerbaijan. Iran has also been a backer of Armenia while Turkey, Pakistan and Israel back Azerbaijan. Why is India interested? India has been seen as backing Armenia in this conflict. This is due to the growing closeness between Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey. The three countries have built a closer military and political relationship in recent years. This has also caused a diplomatic headache for India as all three countries have backed Pakistans view on Kashmir. There are also concerns that a strengthened alliance among the three countries could stoke greater support for extremism in Kashmir. For India, the conflict by itself may not be of any immediate consequence but the positive impact it would have in cementing the Turkey-Pakistan alliance, particularly on the military side, would be of concern. It could lay the basis for acting jointly in other theatres including Pakistan Occupied Kashmir given the existing political understanding on the subject," writes Pranab Dhal Samanta for the Economic Times. What support has India given? India has made high-profile sales of military equipment to Armenia over the last few years. In 2020, India sold the Swathi weapons locating radar system to Armenia for USD 40 million. After this, a government to government deal was struck under which New Delhi would supply Yerevan anti-tank munitions, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and ammunition to the tune of USD 250 million. This was followed by Armenia signing a USD 155 million deal with a private Indian firm for the supply of artillery systems. According to media reports, Azerbaijan has expressed its dissatisfaction with these arms sales with India. Canada's inquiry into the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar is gathering momentum, with the United States urging India to cooperate in the investigation. The Canadian government alleges that Indian government agents might have played a role in Nijjar's demise. India has vehemently rejected these accusations, describing them as baseless. Meanwhile, according to the United States, Canada's investigation must proceed and the perpetrators brought to justice. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau. We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners," PTI quoted State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller as telling reporters. "We believe it's critical that Canada's investigation proceeds and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation," Miller added. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Hardeep Singh Nijjar, originally from Punjab in North India, relocated to Canada 25 years ago and gained Canadian citizenship. Labelled a "terrorist" by India in July 2020, Nijjar was an advocate for the creation of an independent Sikh state. Trudeau earlier stated that Canadian authorities were diligently investigating "credible allegations". However, Trudeau did not directly implicate the Indian government in Nijjar's killing. A senior Canadian government source previously informed Reuters that the United States had been closely cooperating with Canada, pointing towards intelligence that suggests potential involvement of Indian agents in the murder of the Canadian citizen, which occurred in June. Canada is home to a significant Sikh population, and numerous Indian authorities contend that minority factions advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh nation, continue to be present within this community. (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! Canadian Sikhs held protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. In Toronto, demonstrators even went to the extent of burning the Indian flag and hitting a cardboard figure of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shoes. About 100 protesters took part in Toronto and nearly 200 in Vancouver. In Ottawa, protesters were seen outside the Indian High Commissioner's office, waving flags that read "Khalistan", which signifies their support for a separate state for Sikhs in India. A protester mentioned their gratitude towards Trudeau and called for exhaustive investigations to prevent future attacks on innocent people. "We are really thankful to Justin Trudeau... We want no stone left unturned to get to the bottom of this cowardly act," Reuters quoted one of the protesters as saying. Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have become increasingly tense over the murder of a Canadian Sikh separatist leader. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that intelligence agencies were investigating credible" allegations linking Indian agents to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! The recent allegations have heightened tensions between the two countries, leading to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats and India's temporary suspension of visas for Canadians. India's response has been dismissive, labelling Trudeau's claims as "absurd" and issuing a travel advisory that warned its citizens about rising "anti-India activities" in Canada. The spotlight is now firmly on Canada's Sikh community, which is the largest Sikh population outside of Punjab. They have in the past been a subject of contention between the two nations. India has previously labelled Hardeep Singh Nijjar a "terrorist". Sanjay Kumar Verma, the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, acknowledged being informed about the protests and stated that security measures were in place. Meanwhile, Sikhs, making up a majority in the Punjab region but only 2% of India's population, continue to rally for their cause, further intensifying this international diplomatic crisis. (With Reuters 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! Two Indian American candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley are serious candidates for the 2024 US Presidential elections. However, the Indian-American voters have now been divided over the two Republican candidates. Also Read| US Polls 2024: Vivek Ramaswamy's Silicon Valley fundraiser dinner to cost 41 lakh per ticket. More details here Indian Americans account for around 2.1 million or around 16 percent of the 13.4 million Asian Americans eligible to vote and are the third largest Asian-origin population behind Chinese and Filipino Americans, reported New York Times. Pew Research data suggests that Indian Americans have tended to be more democratic than any other Asian American subgroup. The report added Indian Americans account for a small percentage of the voters they can still make a big difference in swing states and purple constituencies like Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada. Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! Indian Americans divided over Presidential choices: The New York Times report noted that many of the Indian Americans interviewed had expressed frustration and dismay over the hard-line positions taken by the two candidates. It noted that many of the voters were worried that Ramaswamy's vow to dismantle the Education of Department could destroy the same institutions that had been critical to the success of the Indian Americans. Suresh Reddy, a centrist Democrat and city councilman, told New York Times that he watched the Republican presidential primary with a mix of pride and disappointment. He said, Im really proudI just wish they had a better message." Also Read| US Presidential Elections 2024: China an existential threat to US, says Indian-American Nikki Haley Another Democrat and a retired engineer and program manager in Hollis, Venu Rao said that Haley and Ramaswamy captured the ideological diversity among South Asian Americans even though he does not agree with their positions. A 20-year-old student at Boston's Tufts University, Nikhil Voothkur said, It can be really easy to see this as a win and be like, Oh my god look there, those are two brown faces on national TV. Thats amazing But, the diaspora, it has matured, and when a diaspora matures, you have a lot of ideological cleavages." Nishant Kumar, his wife Smita Nishant and 17 year old daughter Ankita Yadav recently got their citizenship and have a home in Waukee, west of Des Moines. Kumar's who would have voted for Democrats in the last few elections say they find Ramaswamy as smart and refreshing. "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 spate of notices served by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence to online real-money gaming companies over goods and services tax dues of about 55,000 crore are reminiscent of the Vodafone direct-taxes saga. The notices include a GST notice for over 25,000 crore to fantasy sports platform Dream11, according to a report in the Economic Times, which also said the total demand could be 100,000 crore or more. There are two problems with these tax demands. One, retrospective application of law is bad in principle. Two, it would crush the industry to pay dues that are many times its turnover. The law on online gaming, approved by the Goods and Services Tax Council, is yet to be amended by state legislatures. The GST Council took the decision to raise the rates and recommended a 28% tax on the face value for online games, horse racing and actionable claims in casinos at the entry level. So, the GST rate for real money games is 28% on the total bet placed at the entry level of each gaming session on such platforms. The notices sent to online gaming companies are for their past dues from July 2017 onwards, when GST was rolled out. Online gaming companies were initially charged 18% of the service fee on the platform. However, the government wants to charge 28% GST even on these past dues as it reckons that the amendment in law is clarificatory, meaning it was always the intent of the law to levy a 28% tax on the gross turnover of gaming companies. This could spawn litigation, just as it did in the well-known Vodafone case that related to direct taxes. Recall that the then UPA government had amended the tax law in 2012 to overturn a Supreme Court order that had negated a tax demand on Vodafone India amounting to 11,792 crore and a subsequent penalty of 7,900 crore. The 2012 Amendment said capital gains tax would accrue in such indirect transfers, and that it had always been the intention of the law" to include indirect transfers in transfers on which capital gains tax was due. To drop the tax demand on Vodafone, that retrospective amendment would have to be reversed. That did not happen, leading to protracted litigation. Finally, the government had to honour the arbitration award that Vodafone won. Mistakes of this kind are wholly avoidable. An ET report, quoting industry sources, said Dream11 has already moved the Bombay High Court against the pre-show cause notice issued to it. Earlier, Gameskraft, which was served a demand for about 21,000 crore, contested it in the Supreme Court after the Karnataka High Court ruled in its favour. The HC said companies offering online games of skills were not taxable as betting and gambling under the Central Goods and Services (GST) Act. However, the Supreme Court on September 6 stayed a high court order quashing the GST demand. The next hearing is expected by the end of the month. A pragmatic solution would be to levy 18% GST on the service fee charged by gaming companies, constituting their revenue, on past dues as these companies simply do not have the ability to recover money from customers for games played years ago. Applying a law retrospectively is bad in principle. The government, which is keen to garner revenues, should see reason. The total turnover of the gaming industry in India is some $2.2 billion, of which real-money gaming accounts for about three-fourths. That means the entire turnover of the industry is less than 14,000 crore. If an industry is forced to pay tax that is several times its annual turnover, its hardly likely to survive. If there were a cemetery for Indian online gaming companies, their tombstones would read Taxed to Death, RIP. It was bad enough that the GST Council chose to levy GST on the turnover of gaming companies rather than on just the revenue accruing to them. Now the tax authorities have sent notices to gaming companies asking them to pay back taxes at a higher rate. If the tax department does not cease and desist, it will kill even the larger and more resilient players in the industry. In power in Singapore since 1959, the Peoples Action Party (PAP) has always demanded that its legitimacy be judged by its steady hand at the helm as well as by its spotless conduct. Yet uncomfortable disclosures in recent weeks have put it on the defensive. Singaporeans are dismayed at the party that has been in charge for even longer than the city state has been independent. In mid-July the transport minister, S. Iswaran, was arrested along with a tycoon, Ong Beng Seng, who brought Formula One racing to Singapore. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is looking into the relationship between the two men. Lee Hsien Loong, the prime minister, claims the arrests show that the system is working. After all, the government acted promptlyMr Lee himself gave approval for the CPIBs investigation. Questions remain, however, not least why Mr Iswarans arrest was only announced three days after it had taken place. Many Singaporeans think the explanation of operational considerations" given by Lawrence Wong, the deputy prime minister and Mr Lees successor-in-waiting, is limp. Much harder to defend are the circumstances surrounding the departure of Parliaments speaker, Tan Chuan-Jin, once a PAP high-flyer. An innocent outsider might assume that his calling a member of the opposition Workers Party, Jamus Lim, a fucking populist", caught in Parliament on a hot mic, would be the clear reason for his going (Mr Lim was merely arguing that more should be done to help lower-income groups). Mr Tan later apologised for unparliamentary" language. Yet, points out Ian Chong of the National University of Singapore, it apparently occurred to few PAP leaders to reflect on the flagrant partisanship in a supposedly impartial post. In Mr Lees book the slur was the lesser sin. Worse, he said, Mr Tan was having an affair with a fellow MP. Put aside the prime ministers staggering claim that he had found time to give marriage counselling to the peccant couple. More troubling was his admission that he had accepted Mr Tans resignation as far back as February but asked the speaker to stay in place until he had sorted out succession arrangements for his constituency. Prolonging the tenure of a compromised speaker is surely putting party above country. Was the president informed? No one has said. Meanwhile, for the PAP, the mysterious leaking of a video which revealed that two prominent members of the opposition were also having an affair could not have come at a better time. The government cites the Tan saga as further evidence that it keeps an eye out for wrongdoing and then acts on its findings. There is a Singaporean phrase for it: Ownself check ownself", a form of self-monitoring that has been raised almost to dogma by the PAP leadership. The process was also kicked into gear following the revelation that the home and law minister, K. Shanmugam, and the foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, have been renting colonial-era homes on Ridout Road from the land authority that Mr Shanmugam himself oversees. Again, the CPIB was called in. It found no wrongdoing, or favours for either minister. A review by Singapores senior minister, Teo Chee Hean, also cleared them of any taint. So why do Singaporeans resent the Ridout episode? Surely because, to turn the PAPs words against it, public perception matters. Reporting to the prime minister, who appoints its head, the CPIB cannot be fully independent. The senior minister is both a friend of Mr Shanmugams and in the same branch of government. The case for an independent judge to be appointed to head such reviews is a strong one. Even if everything at Ridout Road is squeaky clean, the optics are appalling. Finding affordable housing is a big worry for cramped Singaporeans. Mr Shanmugam has a house and grounds the size of a shopping mall. Another feature of the Singapore model follows from the partys spotlessness and steady hand: with the grown-ups in charge, liberal democratic features such as a combative press and a vigorous civil society can be dispensed with. Nothing wrong with ownself check ownself". But if internal checks cannot ensure spotlessness and a steady hand, there is good reason to add external ones. That is a conclusion that the PAP, which is now playing whack-a-mole in going after what it says are false online comments on its various scandals in the press and online blogs, is a very long way from drawing. Correction (July 29th): A previous version of this article said that Tan Chuan-Jin had an affair with a fellow MP who was married. In fact, she was not married. Sorry. Read more from Banyan, our columnist on Asia: Why are politics in West Bengal so violent? (Jul 20th) Asia is rowing about Fukushima nuclear wastewater (Jul 13th) Sri Lanka is uncovering mass graves but not the grisly truth of its civil war (Jul 6th) Also: How the Banyan column got its name 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's new Cabinet will meet for the first tomorrow.This was announced by the acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet in a press statement."The Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet would like to advise Cabinet members that the first Cabinet Meeting will be held at 0900 hours on Tuesday, 26. September 2023 at the usual venue. Members should be guided accordingly."Mnangagwa swore in a new Cabinet on Tuesday last week after appointing one of his sons and one of his nephews to deputy minister posts.Mnangagwa's Cabinet is largely made up of loyalists from his ruling Zanu-PF party. The move to appoint his 34-year-old son David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa as deputy finance minister and nephew Tongai Mnangagwa as deputy tourism minister was criticized by the opposition.Mnangagwa, 80, did not include any members of the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change party, which has rejected his victory in elections last month.The credibility of the vote was also questioned by both Western observers.Mnangagwa retained many of his old ministers in his new Cabinet while also including several younger members of Zanu-PF.The opposition CCC said Mnangagwa appointing family members was "particularly worrying." Chinas best-known virologists, Shi Zhengli, has warned that it is highly likely" that another coronavirus outbreak will appear in future, a report in South China Morning Post . In a recent paper written with colleagues, Shi who is also popularly known as batwoman," warned that the world must be prepared for another disease like Covid-19 because if a coronavirus caused diseases to emerge before, there is a high chance it will cause future outbreaks," she said as quoted by the SCMP. Shi earned the nickname of batwoman over her studies on viruses that spread from animals, particularly bats to humans. In the study, Shis team from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, assessed the likelihood of 40 coronavirus species spreading to humans, of which they rated half of them as highly risky". As per the report, 6 are already known to have caused diseases that infected humans, moreover, evidence also suggested that three more of them caused disease or infected other animal species. "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 conducted study was based on the examination of viral traits which include size, genetic diversity, host species and prior zoonotic infections which means diseases that spread from animals to people. It is almost certain that there will be future disease emergence and it is highly likely a [coronavirus] disease again," the study warned as reported by SCPM. According to the research, Shi and her colleagues also identified important hosts of the pathogen, including natural hosts like bats and rodents or potential intermediate hosts like camels, civets, pigs or pangolin, the report states. Meanwhile, the paper was published in July issue of the Journal Emerging Microbes & Infections in English, but it wasn't until this month that it received notice on Chinese social media. The late attention by Chinese can be due to partly due to the language, but a scientist from countrys Centres for Disease Control and Prevention claims that the lack of early Chinese attention also reflected a desire to move on from the topic following the abrupt change in China's zero-Covid rules. Sometimes in private conversations, when talking with other public health scholars, we have noticed that intentionally or unintentionally, Chinese authorities are downplaying Covid-19, and some cities have stopped releasing infection data," he said as quoted by SCMP. Speaking about the study by Shi and her colleagues, the CDC scientist said, Such studies are not regarded as groundbreaking or technically challenging and thus less valued in the field, but they are important," as quoted by the report. Meanwhile, in the UK, healthcare professionals are now gearing up for a potential new pandemic known as "Disease X." They caution that this new virus could have a similar impact to the devastating Spanish Flu of 1918-1920. Health experts are sounding the alarm about "Disease X," a term coined by the World Health Organization. They warn that this potential new pandemic has the capacity to result in 20 times more fatalities than the coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and has tragically claimed the lives of over 2.5 million people worldwide. Here are the top 10 points about Disease X. "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! Samsung fans have been eagerly waiting for the upcoming Fan edition" of Galaxy S23 series. Previously, it was speculated that the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event. However, a report from a notable tipster has surfaced which suggests that the device might be launched by the end of this year or early 2024. As per a report by 9To5Google, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE smartphone is likely to be priced as the Google Pixel 7. It is notable that the premium variants of Samsungs Galaxy S23 series cost $799 in the U.S. Moreover, MySmartPrice, a media publication, suggests that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will be launched at a price tag of $599. This will be a price cut by $100, in case the Korean giant offers it at this price. Several media reports have also suggested that the upcoming Fan edition" of Galaxy S23 series might come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in Canada and the US. It is likely to feature a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a 60Hz to 120 Hz refresh rate and might get peak brightness of 1450 nits. Speaking of storage, the smartphone might feature 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB/256GB of ROM. For optics, it can house a trip camera setup headlined by a 50 MP OIS primary camera sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and an 8MP telephoto lens. Reportedly, in terms of battery, the device is expected to pack a 4500mAh battery with 25W of charging support. It is noteworthy that the official launch date of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is yet to be announced by the company. These specifications are based on speculations in the tech world and should be taken with a pinch of salt. Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here "Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here! How can social-media platforms make it easier for users to control the ads they see? A new study offers some answers. The study looks at different ways of helping users locate ad-settings tools, whether busier menus would more easily help them find ad settings and whether that can result in users having more-favorable perceptions about the settingsthat is, they find them more helpful than annoying. Social-media users often find it difficult to locate the tools used to control how their personal data informs the ads they see. In part, thats because for platform developers, theres typically a trade-off between a sparer design and a busier interface with ad settings that are more visible. They typically are willing to sacrifice visibility to keep the design cleaner. But the findings suggest that users are more open to busier-looking interfaces if it means they have more control over how their personal data is used for ads. Whats more, doing so can benefit the platforms as well, because users ad experiences can be made more relevant to their interests, and the platforms can get better data about user preferences. Too many clicks In an experiment in August 2022, a team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Carnegie Mellon University found that Facebook users wishing to make changes in ad settings usually had to navigate three pages and click at least five times to find the majority of the privacy-related ad controls. While the experiment was based on Facebook ad settings, the studys authors say their conclusions apply across various social-media platforms. Jane Im, a Ph.D. student at Michigan and an author of the study, is a former intern at Facebook parent Meta and is currently a Meta Ph.D. research fellow, a program in which Meta pays tuition and university fees for up to two academic years, and pays a stipend. After a preliminary study, Im and her fellow researchers decided to focus the experiment on two pathways to ad settings in the desktop version of Facebook that they added through Google Chrome extensions: a menu that takes users to ad settings more directly within the ads themselves, and a menu at the top of the content feed. (Facebooks current ad-preferences menu on the desktop version is located at the top right-hand corner of ads. After clicking Why am I seeing this ad?" users are directed to ad-settings pages after clicking through a couple of menus. Users can also access ad settings after clicking on their top right-hand corner profile picture and moving through a few dropdown menus and pages.) According to Im, the design changes by the researchers made the settings more visible, but the researchers didnt make any changes in how the ad settings function. The researchers created scenarios with 110 participants who had to complete three key tasks, including finding a list of advertisers that targeted ads using lists of users personal information; finding a list of ad topics Facebook deemed relevant to their interests; and stopping Facebook from showing them ads based on websites or apps that they visited. Design changes that made settings more visible resulted in a significantly higher proportion of participants being able to carry out the assigned tasks. After completing all assigned tasks, members of each group were also asked to rate Facebooks ad settings in terms of usability. In all four groups where the settings were made more visible, compared with a control group where the visibility was left unchanged, the ratings tended to be more favorable than they were in the control group. Open to new designs Based on the findings from the study, Im says despite a push toward minimalist app designs, consumers might be open to designs that give priority to ad-control accessibility. Some users might appreciate the ability to control the topics of the ads they see by giving Facebook some insights about their preferences, she says. The important thing is for companies to understand which options to surface for different kinds of users," says Im. Platforms could potentially design a feature that asks users what kind of ad-related needs they have, and then populate the ad menu and feed dashboard interfaces with the desired options, for each group of users." Of course, some users may never be persuaded to share any information about their ad preferences with platforms. But others might opt in, if their privacy and ability to customize their ad-preference experiences were guaranteed, Im says. Asking users for their ad preferences instead of just passively assuming their interests based on behavioral data is a win-win for both companies and users," she says. Consumers can tell companies what they want to see, and companies can get more-accurate insights." A Meta spokesman says the company consults with a range of experts to acquire feedback on settings. We design our settings to make them easy to find and use, and we regularly seek feedback on our settings from privacy advocates, design experts and independent researchers," he says. Suman Bhattacharyya is a writer in Philadelphia. He can be reached at reports@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! Companies spend a lot of time making sure employees know the rules regarding cybersecurity. They cajole, they beg, they threaten. They make them take classes, sign forms, watch videos. And yet, somehow, it does little good. A study by Gartner last year found that 69% of employees had bypassed their organizations security policies in the past 12 months, and 74% said they would be willing to do so if it helped them or their team accomplish a business objective. All this even though most of them probably know that human error is often a factor in cybersecurity breaches. Such indifference inevitably raises the question: Why? Why do people ignore security guidelines, even in the face of stiff penalties? Why do they flout the rules, even though they know it isnt good for either their employers or themselves? The answer may be what criminologists have long called neutralization techniques"rationalizations that people instinctively use to neutralize" the wrongness or harm of an action. Cybersecurity researchers have shown that such techniques also play a big role in employees willingness to ignore their employers cybersecurity guidelines. The lies we tell The concept of neutralization was developed by American criminologists Gresham Sykes and David Matza in the 1950s to explain the ability of juvenile offenders to neutralize" guilt associated with misbehavior. They identified several neutralization techniques, and set the groundwork for criminologists to add techniques later on. Typical rationalizations employees use to flout an employers security rules include the following. Many will no doubt sound familiar, but they all have the same thing in common: They allow people to shirk the guilt they would normally feel for violating security guidelines. In this way, employees can maintain their rule-abiding self-image while drifting in and out of compliance. Denial of injury is when employees convince themselves that no harm will come from ignoring a security policy, so breaking the rule is acceptable. And because it is acceptable, no punishment is deserved. Appeal to higher loyalties is when employees place the demands of a work project or manager above compliance with a security guideline. They know that ignoring the policy is wrong, but they make loyalty to someone or something an imperative that overrides that. Denial of responsibility is when employees refuse to take personal responsibility for their actions, rationalizing that the situation is beyond their control. They might claim they werent aware of a specific security policy or werent given the proper training to implement it. Metaphor of the ledger is a technique in which employees mentally tally all of the positive things they do, such as working overtime or meeting quotas, and compare those to their occasional negative behaviors. If the positive actions outnumber the negative, they tell themselves they should be able to break a security rule occasionally without feeling guilty. Defense of necessity is when employees convince themselves they were forced to behave a certain way in a given situation, so it isnt their fault. For example, they justify downloading unauthorized software from the internet because they need it to meet a tight deadline. Condemnation of the condemners involves criticizing those who implement and enforce security policies and using that as justification for ignoring the rules. For example, employees might believe that the security team is unreasonable or out of touch with the needs of the business, so they view their policies as invalid and acceptable to ignore. What can management do? One would think the threat of sanctions would cause employees to think twice before violating a companys information-security rules. Unfortunately, sanctions for wrongdoing are precisely what neutralization techniques are so effective at dismissing. If someone convinces themselves that violating a policy isnt wrong in their circumstance, why would they fear being apprehended or punished? But if sanctions dont work, what does? First, security teams can use training courses to address neutralization techniques head-on by explaining their use and why they are invalid. Since so many of these techniques are second nature, bringing them to the surface makes people examine them in a way they didnt have to before. In a study, security training was experimentally given to 87 employees of a large multinational company. Of those employees, 21 received the standard security training and 66 received training that also addressed specific neutralization techniques. For example, the trainer described how people commonly use a defense of necessity" to justify choosing weak passwords, believing that strong passwords are too onerous to use. Then the trainer discussed why this notion isnt necessarily true and demonstrated practical ways to choose passwords that are both strong and usable. In another example, the trainer explained how people use the denial of injury" technique to rationalize no harm is done in using a weak password. The trainer then showed why this view is false by demonstrating how easily hackers can guess weak passwords and the damage that can be done with this access. Employees in this latter group reported substantially higher intention to comply with the security policy in the future and lower agreement with neutralization techniques compared with those in the control group. These differences held three weeks later in a follow-up survey. Get the message Second, if holding a training course isnt practical or feasible, organizations can call out neutralization techniques in messages sent to employees. In one study, 200 working professionals were presented with hypothetical scenarios in which an individual used either a defense of necessity" or denial of injury" rationalization to violate a security policy. They were then asked the likelihood that they would behave the same way in a similar situation. Half of the scenarios included a message that directly undermined the specific neutralization techniques used, such as: Even though people believe that sharing passwords can be justified under certain circumstances without any real consequences, adherence to this policy is important; sharing of passwords should not be justified for any reason." The results showed that those who received messages that directly undermined specific neutralization techniques reported far lower likelihood that they would violate the security policy if in the same situation in the future. This suggests that simply being aware of the fallacies underlying neutralization techniques can help to reduce their use. The key takeaway from these studies is that organizations need to understand that neutralization comes naturally to people, and no amount of threatening and insisting will change that. But management can help employees to recognize and reject rationalizations, and see cybersecurity policies for the essential role they play. Anthony Vance is the Lenz Professor and Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Fellow in the department of Business Information Technology at Virginia Techs Pamplin College of Business. Zeynep Sahin is a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech specializing in cybersecurity workforce issues. They can be reached at reports@wsj.com. MicroStrategy Continues to Buy Bitcoin, Adding 5,445 BTC to Its Holdings MicroStrategy, a major Bitcoin investor and business intelligence firm, has recently purchased an additional 5,445 BTC, further affirming its bullish stance on the cryptocurrency. The announcement was made by Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman at MicroStrategy, on Monday via X. The firm acquired the latest stash of Bitcoin at an average price of $27,053 per coin, amounting to a total investment of approximately $147.3 million. This recent acquisition was funded using proceeds from stock sales, as MicroStrategy Inc., the largest publicly traded holder of Bitcoin, continues to expand its cryptocurrency holdings. As of September 24, MicroStrategy and its subsidiaries held a total of approximately 158,245 bitcoins. These were procured at an average purchase price of roughly $29,582 per BTC, inclusive of fees and expenses. The aggregate purchase price for MicroStrategys total Bitcoin holdings has amounted to $4.68 billion. MicroStrategys commitment to Bitcoin is not new. In June 2023, the firm bought 12,333 BTC for $347 million at an average purchase price of $29,668 per BTC. Furthermore, the company reported its first profitable quarter since 2020 in Q1 2023 due to a one-time income tax benefit and managed to retain profitability in the following quarter with a net income of $22.2 million reported in early August. Despite the recent sideways trading of Bitcoin around $26,000, MicroStrategys latest purchase demonstrates its confidence in the cryptocurrencys long-term potential. The companys continued investment in Bitcoin is a positive signal for the market and could help to attract more institutional investors. Berntein Research Predicts Crypto Asset Management Industry to Grow to $500-$650 Billion Within Five Years The crypto asset management industry is poised for rapid growth in the coming years, according to a new report from Bernstein Research. The analysts, led by Gautam Chhugani, expect the industry to hold from $500 billion to $650 billion within the next five years, up from about $50 billion today. Their optimism is driven by several factors, including the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). Last month, a court said the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) erred when it rejected a bid by Grayscale Investments to convert the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into an ETF. If the SEC stops fighting, the Bitcoin funds could come to market as soon as early next year, and the Bernstein team expects the ETFs to get about a 10% share of the market capitalizations of Bitcoin and Ether, the second-largest token. Lately, there have been signs that some institutions are warming to crypto, even as retail traders have all but disappeared on trading platforms like Coinbase Global. In addition to Grayscale, BlackRock, Fidelity, WisdomTree, Invesco, and others have applied to launch Bitcoin ETFs. Some fund companies are also seeking to launch products that hold spot Ether or Ethereum-linked futures. Companies including PayPal Holdings and Visa have launched tokens as well or announced partnerships that would deepen their ties to the crypto industry. But regulation is still holding back many institutions. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, despite the agencys court losses, still says the crypto industry is rife with fraud and with companies that arent in compliance with securities laws. The industry isnt getting much help from lawmakers. While theres a chance bills that would change rules around the crypto industry could clear the House of Representatives this year, there has been little interest in the Senate to pick up the effort. Despite the lack of legislation, the Bernstein analysts bet the spat of enforcement actions is fading. The meat of regulatory backlash is done for now, and the Coinbase case will provide further clarity, they wrote. Overall, the Bernstein report is bullish on the future of the crypto asset management industry. The analysts believe that the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF, combined with the increasing interest from institutional investors, will drive rapid growth in the industry in the coming years. Shayne Heffernan Ford Motor Co. has halted construction on a planned electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan, a project that Republicans have criticized because the company plans to use licensed Chinese battery technology. The automaker said it is pausing work on the facility until were confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant. The company did not provide a specific timeline for when construction would resume. The halt in construction comes as Ford is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing UAW strike and supply chain disruptions. The company is also under pressure to ramp up its electric vehicle production in order to compete with Tesla and other rivals. Ford had expected the planned battery plant to create 2,500 jobs in Michigan. Ford has said it is committed to keeping the plant in the state, but it is unclear when construction will resume. The Republican opposition to the plant is based on concerns about Chinas growing influence in the US economy. Republicans have accused Ford of selling out American jobs to China. Ford has defended its decision to use Chinese battery technology, saying that it is necessary to stay competitive in the global electric vehicle market. The company has said that it will own and operate the plant and that CATLs involvement will be strictly as a licensor of battery cell technology. The halt in construction on the battery plant is a setback for Fords plans to expand its electric vehicle production. It is also a blow to the state of Michigan, which is hoping to become a hub for the electric vehicle industry. Implications of the halt in construction The halt in construction on the Ford battery plant has a number of implications for the company, the US economy, and the future of electric vehicles. For Ford, the halt in construction is a setback for its plans to expand its electric vehicle production. The company is facing increasing pressure from competitors like Tesla to ramp up production of EVs. The halt in construction could delay Fords ability to bring new EVs to market. For the US economy, the halt in construction is a missed opportunity to create jobs and boost economic growth. The plant was expected to create 2,500 jobs in Michigan. The halt in construction also raises concerns about the USs ability to compete with China in the electric vehicle market. For the future of electric vehicles, the halt in construction is a reminder of the challenges that the industry faces. The EV industry is still in its early stages of development and there are a number of obstacles to overcome, such as supply chain disruptions and the high cost of batteries. Conclusion The halt in construction on the Ford battery plant is a developing story with important implications for the company, the US economy, and the future of electric vehicles. We still need to see when construction will resume and what the long-term impact of the halt will be. In a significant diplomatic overture, South Korea played host to its two East Asian neighbors, Japan and China, in a carefully orchestrated summit aimed at reassuring Beijing about the intentions of its regional allies. Against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical landscape and lingering historical tensions, this trilateral meeting signals a nuanced approach to diplomacy in East Asia. The Unprecedented Summit On a crisp morning in Seoul, the leaders of South Korea, Japan, and China gathered at the Blue House, the official residence of South Korean President Lee Joon-ho. The summit marks the first time these three nations have come together at the highest level in nearly a decade, reflecting the growing complexity of regional dynamics. The agenda for the summit was expansive, including discussions on economic cooperation, regional security, climate change, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Korea. These topics highlight the shared interests and challenges facing these neighboring countries. Reassuring Beijing: A Delicate Balancing Act At the heart of this summit was a concerted effort to reassure China, the regional powerhouse, that the trilateral alliance does not pose a threat to its interests. The United States, a key ally to both South Korea and Japan, has been keen on maintaining stability in the region while ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. This delicate balancing act was front and center during the discussions. In recent years, tensions have flared between China and its neighbors over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and historical grievances. The leaders of South Korea and Japan, in particular, sought to convey their commitment to peaceful coexistence and diplomacy. President Lee Joon-ho emphasized the importance of dialogue, saying, We believe that through open and honest communication, we can address our differences and work towards a more stable and prosperous future for our region. Economic Cooperation and Connectivity One of the key outcomes of the summit was a renewed commitment to economic cooperation and connectivity. South Koreas New Southern Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, found resonance with both Japan and China. The three nations agreed to explore infrastructure development projects, trade partnerships, and technology collaboration. Additionally, discussions on climate change yielded a commitment to combatting environmental challenges collectively. With all three countries being major contributors to global emissions, their cooperation in this area could have far-reaching consequences for the worlds fight against climate change. The North Korea Factor The ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Korea loomed large over the discussions. While South Korea and China have maintained varying degrees of influence over the reclusive state, Japans engagement has been limited. The trilateral meeting provided an opportunity to coordinate efforts on addressing the North Korean crisis, including humanitarian aid and denuclearization talks. A New Chapter in East Asian Diplomacy As the summit concluded, the leaders of South Korea, Japan, and China expressed their optimism about the future of trilateral cooperation. The careful choreography of this meeting underscores the need for nuanced diplomacy in an era of shifting alliances and emerging challenges. The success of this summit in reassuring Beijing and fostering collaboration among East Asian neighbors will largely depend on the follow-through. Building trust and maintaining open lines of communication will be essential in navigating the complex web of regional and global dynamics. In the end, South Koreas role as the host of this historic summit serves as a reminder that diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable tools in the pursuit of peace and prosperity in East Asia. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued directives to government ministers and senior officials within the country's extensive bureaucracy, urging them to reduce their foreign travel activities, citing disruptions to the effective execution of government affairs.Mnangagwa conveyed these instructions during his inaugural cabinet meeting following his controversial re-election last month. Notably, he addressed criticisms of his own lavish foreign trips, stressing that such journeys should only occur if they hold "strategic significance" for the nation.Additionally, Mnangagwa emphasized that simultaneous absences of ministers and their corresponding permanent secretaries from the country would be discouraged, as this practice adversely affected routine government operations.He stated, "Moreover, overseas travel will be strictly confined to programs that align with our national priorities and are of paramount strategic importance."Critics have accused Mnangagwa of extravagant foreign expenditures, particularly his recent trip to the UN General Assembly in New York, which included a large delegation with generous travel allowances covered by taxpayers.Furthermore, Mnangagwa addressed the issue of ministers expressing discontent towards their deputy ministers, asserting his authority by stating that the decision to appoint deputy ministers rests with him alone.He urged government ministers to recognize the complementary roles of their deputy ministers, highlighting the importance of maximizing their skill sets in tandem. Mnangagwa also mentioned that a relevant circular outlining the functions of deputy ministers would be provided for the benefit of all concerned parties. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Police say 29-year-old Kadum Hunter Harwood posted threats through Facebook that were aimed at the center before the fire happened. The trip comes as Biden faces consistently low polling numbers on his handling of economic issues, and, back in Washington, the looming threat of a government shutdown this week. News / National by Staff reporter Taguma Mahonde, the Director General of Zimbabwe's National Statistics Agency (Zimstat), finds himself in legal trouble as he has been apprehended by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on charges of severe corruption and corporate misconduct.Thandiwe Mlobane, the spokesperson for ZACC, has officially confirmed the arrest of this controversial government official, stating, "Taguma Mahonde, the Director General of Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, has been taken into custody by ZACC on allegations of fraud. Our investigations are ongoing."Mahonde has recently attracted significant negative attention due to his involvement in questionable activities. One instance involves his acquisition of a Toyota Land Cruiser worth US$28,000 for a mere US$300 after serving in his position for only three years. Astonishingly, this purchase was authorized by a letter from Davison Mhaka, the Managing Director of the Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED).Adding to his controversial acquisitions, Mahonde was also bestowed with a luxury Land Rover Discovery in 2021, resulting in him owning two vehicles in just five yearsan action contrary to the principles of sound governance. Moreover, he benefited from lavish perks without providing any invoices, a practice that deviates from the standard protocols of good governance.Furthermore, investigations have revealed that Mahonde received school fee allowances in US dollars, even though Zimstat employees are compensated in the local currency. This inconsistency has raised further concerns regarding his actions and adherence to ethical standards within the organization. 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. Check out our latest E-Edition Accessible anytime and anywhere on your desktop, tablet and smart phone devices. The Lodi News e-Edition is enhanced with the latest digital tools, including RSS feeds, social networking and much more. Check out our latest E-edition! A father-to-be who notched up his second drug driving conviction will spend the next two years off the road. Deivydas Liubinskas (27) of 41 Beechgrove Lawns, Monaghan, Co Monaghan pleaded guilty to driving with excess cannabis on Monday, December 27, 2021. Sergeant Mark Mahon outlined details of the incident. The sergeant said officers on patrol at 12:15pm at Gaigue Cross, Ballinamuck, Longford stopped a vehicle that had no NCT. When speaking to the driver, Mr Liubinskas, they noted that his eyes were glassy and his speech slurred. The defendant was taken to Longford Garda Station where a blood test proved positive for cannabis. Sgt Mahon said the defendant had three previous convictions. One prior conviction was for drug driving from Cavan District Court, another was for careless driving. Mr Liubinskas' solicitor said he was a Lithuanian national who has lived in Ireland for six years. The legal representative said that all of the offences Mr Liubinskas came before the court happened at around the same time. She said her client is now in a stable relationship and his partner is expecting their first child. The solicitor said Mr Liubinskas lost his job as a welder when he received his driving ban for his previous drug driving conviction. She said the defendant has abstained from alcohol and cannabis for over 12 months. Taking the facts of the case into consideration Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of 350 with five months to pay and a two year disqualification. Legal aid was granted. Police in Ireland have found a significant quantity of suspected drugs onboard a cargo vessel following a joint task force operation. The co-ordinated operation, involving the Irish navy, Army Ranger Wing, Revenue and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, resulted in the detention of a Panamanian-registered bulk cargo vessel originating in South America. The MV Matthew was intercepted by the Army Ranger Wing and detained in the early hours of Tuesday. Crowds of people lined the walls of Cobh harbour as the vessel was transported to a naval base on Haulbowline in Co Cork. Armed members of the Ranger Wing were seen on board alongside ship crew members and other Defence Forces personnel. Three men, aged 60, 50 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of organised crime offences and are detained at garda stations in Wexford. In a joint statement, Revenue and An Garda Siochana said the operation was conducted using Air Corps and navy assets in challenging conditions off the south-east coast of Ireland. The agencies said a significant quantity of suspected controlled drugs were located onboard. They added: After Army Ranger Wing personnel secured the vessel, members of the Irish navy, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenues Customs Service were transferred to the cargo vessel, which is currently under escort by a naval ship to an Irish port. The cargo vessel will now be the subject of a detailed examination by Revenue Customs and An Garda Siochana. This intelligence-led operation was conducted in collaboration with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre Narcotics (MAOC N) based in Lisbon, Portugal, and partners from the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) and French customs service DNRED. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee congratulated the State and international bodies involved in the operation. She said the drugs on board which would have no doubt been destined for Irish and European markets. Congratulations to @gardainfo @defenceforces @RevenueIE and partners on the brave and significant seizure today. The operation, which Commissioner Harris and A/C Kelly briefed me on yesterday, again shows the importance of international co-operation in tackling drugs gangs. pic.twitter.com/UOjvYU6c1B Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) September 26, 2023 In a statement she said: It will represent a blow to the organised-crime gangs involved in drug distribution internationally. She said it shows the success of An Garda Siochana in building coalitions to tackle transnational crime. Illegal drug distribution and misuse does untold damage to our communities. Criminals may seek to overcome the barrier of borders, but as shown today borders are not barriers to effective criminal co-operation. Tackling organised crime is a key priority for Government and is central to building safer, stronger communities. We will always provide An Garda Siochana with the support and resources they need. The major multi-agency operation followed an alert after a separate boat ran aground off the coast of Wexford. The Irish Coast Guard said it received a distress call from a vessel in difficulty off the coast of Co Wexford at about 10.10 on Sunday evening. Waterford-based coast guard helicopter R117, and Rosslare RNLI were sent to the scene where a fishing vessel was aground on a sandbank off the coast of Blackwater, Co Wexford. After attempts to tow the vessel were unsuccessful, the people aboard were successfully winched from the vessel. Both R117 and the Rosslare RNLI were subsequently stood down. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: September 26 2023 LIBOR proudly supports HFHLI's mission to create sustainable and transformative development throughout Long Island. As part of its ongoing efforts to foster sustainable homeownership opportunities and community involvement throughout Long Island, Long Island Board of REALTORS (LIBOR) recently joined Habitat for Humanity of Long Island (HFHLI) to build a home for a deserving family in Wyandanch, NY. On September 21, 2023, dedicated members of LIBOR volunteered their time and skill to work alongside HFHLI site supervisors on the initial framing of the Wyandanch home and grounds clean-up in preparation for the wall-raising scheduled for the following day. This collaboration aims to continue LIBOR's commitment to helping Long Islanders achieve the American dream of homeownership and making a lasting impact in our communities. LIBOR proudly supports HFHLI's mission to create sustainable and transformative development throughout Long Island. HFHLI plays a vital role in assisting families to establish long-term financial security. By providing affordable and stable homes, Habitat empowers families to allocate more resources towards crucial needs such as food, medicine, child care, education, and other essentials. "LIBOR is proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Long Island, said Gina Marie Bettenhauser, LIBOR President. As an Association, we firmly believe in the importance of providing safe and affordable housing for all. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of Long Islanders. Together, we can build not just houses but stronger, more vibrant communities. In addition to providing volunteer labor, LIBOR contributed $2,500 to help construct the home. Since 2004, LIBOR has sponsored the building of 18 Habitat for Humanity homes across Long Island. About Long Island Board of REALTORS Long Island Board of REALTORS, Inc. (LIBOR) is a 30,000-member, not-for-profit trade association that serves real estate professionals throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties. Founded over 100 years ago, LIBOR is the fourth-largest local REALTOR board in the United States. News / National by Staff reporter The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has criticized certain members who recently declared the dissolution of the committee, characterizing them as power-hungry individuals aligned with Zanu-PF.According to the NEC leadership, the removal of Mqondisi Moyo from his position as the party president had been planned for a considerable period. Previous attempts to unseat him had failed, and two officials who had tried to do so had ultimately returned to Zanu-PF after their efforts were unsuccessful.These comments come in response to a press conference held by MRP members on Monday, during which they announced the removal of their president and the dissolution of the entire NEC, citing ineffective leadership and disregard for the party's structures.The members appointed Mbonisi Gumbo as their interim spokesperson and claimed that their constitution permitted the dissolution of the NEC due to poor performance. They also mentioned plans to elect an interim leadership on October 1, 2023, before their national congress scheduled for April next year.However, the former national spokesperson, Velile Moyo, accused Gumbo of making false and dubious claims. Moyo alleged that Gumbo had been engaging in questionable activities within the party, including falsely claiming to be an elder in MRP despite leaving the party multiple times in the past.According to Moyo, Gumbo had even expressed ambitions to become the MRP president by the time of Zimbabwe's elections in August 2023. Moyo claimed that Gumbo had attempted to persuade the MRP leader to dismiss the entire NEC and replace them with individuals he recommended, including himself in a prominent role.Moyo also mentioned that the party had concerns about three other members: Khethani Nxebalendoda Ndlovu, the Information and Publicity Secretary for Matabeleland South; Thembisani Mfulongashi Mpofu, the Chairperson for Matabeleland North; and Chilumbo Mudenda, the party's youth chairperson. These members were suspected of wanting to dissolve the NEC.Moyo revealed that the NEC had scheduled a meeting for September 10, 2023, involving all their provincial representatives, including those from South Africa Charter and Botswana North and South Charter. However, the meeting could not address all the agenda items and was adjourned to September 17, 2023.Before the September 17 meeting, Gumbo, who was in South Africa, issued a statement on September 9, 2023, threatening to remove the NEC if President Mqondisi Moyo did not comply.Moyo further explained that Mpofu and Mudenda had issued statements that threatened other members, leading to the cancellation of the meeting for security reasons. Despite the cancellation, Mpofu insisted on holding the meeting and a subsequent press conference.Moyo claimed that the meeting held by Mpofu and others had very low attendance, with fewer than 20 members present. He also stated that Gumbo, who had come from South Africa, led the press conference despite not holding an official position within the party.Moyo questioned how Gumbo and the other members, totaling only 13 individuals, could dissolve the entire NEC when they did not constitute a fully representative body. He asserted that some provincial structures had distanced themselves from Gumbo's actions.Moyo also criticized Gumbo's credibility, calling him fake and an embarrassment to the MRP. He cited instances where Gumbo had criticized the NEC's international lobbying efforts, even though MRP had been engaged in such efforts for the past two years.Gumbo had questioned the timing of the petition submitted to SADC, but Moyo countered that SADC had requested evidence for Mthwakazi's quest for self-determination, leading to the collection of over 25,000 signatures for international submission.Additionally, Moyo alleged that Zanu-PF was involved in the recent actions against the MRP, drawing parallels to how the ruling party had orchestrated the 2005 split in the MDC. He claimed that the individuals involved in the MRP controversy had received assurances from Zanu-PF that the courts would rule in their favor if the matter were taken to court.Moyo urged MRP members, supporters, and stakeholders to remain calm, stating that the party was facing a test and was evolving to a higher level in its revolutionary journey. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 26 2023 Site RFP Requires Significant Commitments for Permanently Affordable and Supportive Housing and Prioritizes Services and Amenities for the Local Community. Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a request for proposals to redevelop the former Bayview Correctional Facility, located at 550 West 20th Street in West Chelsea, Manhattan into a primarily residential development providing supportive housing, affordable housing, and onsite community uses that will benefit area residents and reintegrate the structure into the surrounding neighborhood. Applicants can view the Request for Proposals document here and submit a proposal to Empire State Development by December 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. ET. "By reimagining the Bayview facility as affordable housing, we are not only creating more housing options for New Yorkers we are expanding the possibilities of what former prisons and other unused state properties can become, Governor Hochul said. "New Yorks future depends on increasing the states housing supply, and between the recommendations of the Prison Redevelopment Commission and executive actions I announced earlier this year, our state is taking leaps forward to repurpose these vacant facilities and leverage them as critical tools to address the housing crisis. The state-owned 100,000 square-foot site is an opportunity to aggressively advance Governor Hochuls unprecedented efforts to increase the states housing supply, particularly in New York City. Built in 1931, the art deco brick masonry building became a state-run medium-security womens correctional facility in 1974, that was eventually closed due to flooding sustained during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Recognizing that the West Chelsea neighborhood has a critical shortage of affordable housing options, the redevelopment of Bayview will be a key catalyst for inclusive and sustainable urban development, provide much needed housing for New Yorkers who require services within a supportive living environment, and enhance neighborhood vibrancy and quality of life for residents in the surrounding area. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Bayview Correctional Center's redevelopment offers a unique, forward-thinking opportunity to address New Yorks long-term economic and housing priorities. Inspired by Governor Hochuls unwavering commitment to enhance affordability in New York, this RFP aims to maximize the creation of both affordable and supportive housing, and address real needs expressed by the community. New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The 100,000-square-foot Bayview Correctional Facility offers a rare opportunity to bring permanently affordable and supportive housing with community amenities to Manhattans West Chelsea neighborhood. Governor Hochuls plan to make underutilized state-owned property available for residential development is just part of her comprehensive strategy to address New Yorks historic housing shortage while building more diverse and inclusive neighborhoods, and ultimately, a more affordable and equitable state for all. New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan, M.D. said, The redevelopment of the former Bayview Correctional Facility will include a Short-Term Transitional Residence program funded by OMH that will provide formerly homeless individuals with a comfortable, safe, and recovery-oriented environment. Residents will receive the services they need, as well as the skills required to live independently and transition into permanent housing with support services. Once again, I applaud Governor Hochuls commitment to ensuring that people living with mental illness have the opportunity to live productively and independently in their own community. The primary development objectives for the Project are to provide affordable and supportive housing in partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), to provide Short Term Transitional Housing in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), and to improve the wellness and economic opportunities in the neighborhood. The RFP requires respondents to consider the sites historic art-deco design and the neighborhoods character and include an onsite community use facility that supports the needs of the surrounding neighborhood, both of which are consistent with Manhattan Community Board 4s Bayview redevelopment plan. Specifically, proposals should meet the following objectives: Benefit the West Chelsea neighborhood and surrounding communities including benefit to low- and moderate-income individuals and families and chronically homeless populations. Provide permanent low-income affordable housing and at least 60 units of supportive housing targeting families and individuals who are both homeless and who are identified as having unmet housing needs, as specified in the RFP. Provide community facility use. Provide for adaptive reuse of the historic building and features to the extent feasible. Provide in-kind replacement of the historic facade to the extent feasible; if determined not feasible, provide replacement with compatible substitute material, as determined in consultation with New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Comply with all OPRHP requirements. Incorporate sustainable and resilient building practices in accordance with the goals of the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Ensure meaningful participation by Minority Owned Business Enterprises, Women Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned-Business. Ensure at least 51 percent Nonprofit Ownership, as compliant with HCRs SHOP Term Sheet. Ensure greater Nonprofit Ownership by incentivizing greater ownership percentages. The redevelopment of Bayview Correctional Facility complements Governor Hochuls comprehensive agenda to address New Yorks housing crisis. In July 2023, Governor Hochul announced a package of executive actions to promote housing growth across the state, including a directive calling on New York State agencies to review state-owned properties for potential housing opportunities. As part of the FY 2024 Budget, the Governor secured a $391 million investment in rental assistance to expand New Yorks Emergency Rental Assistance Program, a $50 million investment for tenant legal services, and additional funding to expand the Tenant Protection Unit. Governor Hochul also secured a 5-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to build 100,000 affordable homes as part of the FY 2023 Budget. This project also continues Governor Hochul's efforts to reimagine closed prisons for innovative redevelopment opportunities across New York State. In recent months, Governor has announced requests for proposals to redevelop two former correctional facilities: Lincoln Correctional Facility in Harlem and Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill. In December 2022, Governor Hochul released the New York Prison Redevelopment Commission recommendations that details analyses of 12 closed prisons and considers redevelopment opportunities for each site to help them better serve the State's economic needs. Representative Jerry Nadler said, New Yorkers are facing an affordable housing crisis, and the transformation of Bayview Correctional will deliver much needed housing supply and supportive resources to West Chelsea. Im pleased Governor Hochuls request incorporates Community Board 4s plan by including a community center to meet the social and mental health needs of the neighborhood and look forward to our continued partnership as we work to expand affordable housing in NYC. State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, Im thrilled that the former Bayview Correctional Facility in West Chelsea will be redeveloped by the State to provide 100% affordable and supportive housing, which we all know is desperately needed in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in our city. I look forward to working with Community Board 4, Empire State Development, the developer and other stakeholders to help bring the housing to fruition, while ensuring historic preservation and community access remain priorities. Im extremely grateful to Governor Hochul, state officials and CB 4 for closely collaborating on this exciting proposal. Assemblymember Tony Simone said, "Housing must be New York's top priority. I'm thankful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for moving forward on bringing new low income housing and desperately needed services for those experiencing mental illness to the former Bayview Correctional Facility. The State has worked admirably with the local community to ensure this project will meet pressing needs while preserving a historical asset in Chelsea." Councilmember Erik Bottcher said, I want to thank Governor Hochul and ESD for working closely with Community Board 4 to create this desperately needed affordable housing in west Chelsea. It is fitting that this state owned site should be utilized to address New Yorks greatest need. I look forward to working with all stakeholders in the months ahead to make this project the best it can be. Manhattan Community Board 4 Chair Jeffrey LeFrancois said, The repositioning of the Bayview Womens Prison into a supportive housing and mental health services provider is a huge victory for the west side of Manhattan, and the state of New York. Manhattan Community Board 4 is pleased to see this RFP now public after months of productive work with our partners at Empire State Development and all the State agencies that contributed expertise to this unique project. The housing crisis affects every corner of society, and this project will begin to address the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, bringing supportive housing and services to one site and the community is honored to be home to this facility. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 26 2023 Authorities have identified the driver of the bus as Lisa Schaffer, 59, from Centereach, New York. New York State Police have released an update into their ongoing investigation into a tragic accident that took place in Orange County on September 21 after a charter bus from Farmingdale Senior High School on Long Island tumbled from Interstate 84 and down a 50-foot ravine, resulting in two deaths and dozens of injuries. The incident took place just after 1 p.m. near Exit 15 in the town of Wawayanda; the bus that crashed - a front tire failure is believed to be the cause - was one of six bound for a band camp located in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Two adults were killed: Farmingdale High School band director Gina Pellettiere, age 43, of Massapequa, and Beatrice Ferrari, a 77-year-old Farmingdale resident who taught social studies at the school for over 26 years. In addition, 43 people were injured, mostly students, with five rushed to local areas hospitals in critical condition. On Tuesday, State Police revealed that "the five students who were listed in critical condition are all recovering and downgraded to less critical care." In addition, authorities have identified the driver of the bus as Lisa Schaffer, 59, from Centereach, New York. The investigation is ongoing. Around 500 million in EU funding has been made available to winemakers annually in the last decade Around 500 million in EU funding has been made available to winemakers annually in the last decade Photo credit: Shutterstock Around 500 million in EU funding has been made available to winemakers annually in the last decade Photo credit: Shutterstock Extensive EU funding has been handed out to winegrowers across the bloc for restructuring projects without any consideration for their environmental impact or whether the changes make the vineyards more competitive, a report by the bloc's Luxembourg-based budget watchdog has found. Around 500 million in EU funds has been dished out annually for the last decade to assist winegrowers, but there is scant proof that the handouts have actually helped either the climate or the sector as a whole, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) concluded. Under the bloc's common agricultural policy, wine producers can receive financial support to restructure their vineyards, in order to make them more competitive as well as to install systems to reduce their carbon footprint. As demand has slumped, Luxembourg has sharply cut its wine production over the last two decades, avoiding scenes in France where winegrowers have been forced to resort to destroying or converting surplus bottles into ethanol. The five countries visited by auditors Spain, France, Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic accounted for 70% of the EU restructuring payments. Funding had simply been approved for all eligible requests without the use of "criteria to select projects to foster competitiveness," auditors said. "These member states also funded projects for which a structural change could not be observed," the ECA report noted. "Neither the Commission nor the member states we visited assess how the projects contribute to the competitiveness objective, and beneficiaries are not required to report on how their restructuring activity made them more competitive," the auditors added. The five countries did not assess the environmental impact of the support programmes, the report found, and in some cases the replacement systems installed under the scheme could actually harm the climate. "In practice, projects did not aim to reduce the climate-related and/or environmental impact of wine growing. Under certain circumstances, we saw that they could even have the opposite effect, such as switching to varieties that need more water, requiring irrigation systems to be installed," the auditors said. The auditors also issued a warning about the latest round of funding for the new common agricultural policy, which came into effect earlier this year. A requirement for environmental conditions to be met in return for funding for restructuring plans has been removed, while broader climate goals attached to general payments for the wine sector remain weak, the ECA said. "Also, EU countries will have to use only a minimum 5% of the money earmarked for the wine sector on actions linked to climate change, the environment and sustainability. The auditors find this figure of 5% rather low, given that, under a greener CAP, 40% of all agriculture expenditure is expected to target climate-related objectives," the auditors said. Benjamin Benmoyal switched to a distinctly more feminine register for spring, after presenting androgynous silhouettes for the first time for fall. Its a commercial question, I think we lost some of the buyers, the young designer explained at his presentation, his last before switching to a runway format next spring. His formative years in the port city of Jaffa, Israel, informed his color palette and fabric choices, with flowing strappy silk shift dresses printed with blurred sunset motifs in moody shades inspired by evenings on the beach and ecru tweed tailoring evoking the stones of the old towns walls. More from WWD His cinched tone-on-tone silhouettes layered mini wrap skirts over flared pants with cropped shirt jackets or trenchcoats, with fringed edging adding a rawness to the silhouettes. Crop tops, bralettes and corsets done in a blue daisy patterned jacquard, laser-cut denim or in his signature stripes showed more skin than is Benmoyals wont. The textured finishes in the collection were a study in weaving techniques, a metaphorical extension of the designers experimentation with fabrics made from old cassette tape. The basis on which he initially built the brand, these were completely absent this season. New for spring, meanwhile, were jersey pieces to broaden the proposition, simple T-shirts with contrast edging in vintage hues printed with motifs by German zoologist and artist Ernst Haeckel. There was also a line of cushions crafted from fabrics from Benmoyals previous collections as he branches into homeware to repurpose his own waste. For more PFW reviews, click here. Launch Gallery: Benjamin Benmoyal RTW Spring 2024 Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Its been a challenging summer for British travellers due to waves of strike action in the airline industry and the air traffic control sector and this week Gatwick, Britains second biggest airport, has implemented a temporary limit on daily flights because of a shortage of staff in air traffic control caused by illnesses, including coronavirus. The airport has imposed a cap of 800 flights taking off or landing a day until Sunday and said 164 flights will be cancelled because of the disruption. London Gatwick boss Stewart Wingate apologised for the disruption and said it was a difficult decision to take. The action we have taken means our airlines can fly reliable flight programmes, which gives passengers more certainty that they will not face last minute cancellations, Wingate said in a statement. In a separate statement air traffic control provider NATS said around a third of staff in air traffic control were unavailable for a variety of medical reasons including COVID, leaving it unable to manage the number of flights that were originally planned. With the forecast promising great weather for at least the next two weeks, Mallorca and other Balearic islands were all set for a late surge in bookings but the problems at Gatwick could make people think twice or at least look for an alternative airport to depart from. Furthermore, Friday is expected to be the worst day with 865 flights scheduled to be disrupted. The airport has said that a total of 164 cancellations will be shared proportionately between individual airlines until Sunday, but easyJet passengers are expected to be the most affected due the airline operating under half of its flights from Gatwick. Jet2 has already issued a travel warning for Yorkshire passengers travelling to Spain amid strikes. Jet2 issued a statement ahead of ground handling strikes at Alicante airport set to affect a long list of dates. The strikes will take place for two hours a day and are expected to cause delays in getting through the airport. The full statement reads: We wanted to let you know that a Ground Handling strike action is taking place on the following dates listed below. This is supported by the Security service at Alicante airport and this may mean potential congestion in security. The strike will take place for one hour in the morning and evening, on the following dates: September: 26th 29th & 30th October: 1st 3rd 6th - 15th 17th 20th- 22nd 24th 27 - 29th & 31st November: 1st 5th 7th 10th 12th 14th 17th 19th 21st 24th 26th & 28th December: 1st 10th 12th 15th - 17th 19th 22nd- 31st January 2024: 1st 14th Please ensure you allow plenty of time to pass through the airport. All our flights are due to operate at the scheduled time of departure. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%.. Tonight Snow this evening will give way to some clearing late. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, accused India of being involved in the killing of a man wanted by authorities in that country. The allegation is in connection with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist and Canadian citizen, who was gunned down in June outside a Sikh temple in suburban Vancouver. Consequent to the issue, a tension between India and Canada has continued to escalate after Justin Trudeau's serious allegations against India pertaining to the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was known as a Sikh separatist. The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement aiming at creating a homeland for Sikhs by establishing an ethnoreligious sovereign state called Khalistan in the Punjab region. The Khalistani had made an elaborate plan for the establishment of their empire in future, whether it is a utopian idea or not. The proposed boundaries of Khalistan vary between different groups; some suggest the entirety of the Sikh-majority Indian state of Punjab, while larger group claims include Pakistani Punjab and other parts of North India such as Chandigarh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Shimla and Lahore have been proposed as the capital of Khalistan. In a nutshell, the proposed state visualised by the extremist group consists of land that currently forms Punjab, India and Punjab, Pakistan. The call for a separate Sikh state began during the 1930s, when British imperialism was about to be closed in India. In 1940, the first explicit call for Khalistan was made in a pamphlet titled Khalistan. With financial and political support of the Sikh diaspora, the movement flourished in the Indian state of Punjab which has been dominated by a Sikh-majority population. Their movement strongly continued their activities continuing through the 1970s and 1980s, and reaching its zenith in the late 1980s. In between the Sikh separatist leader Jagjit Singh Chohan announced and claimed the support of Pakistani prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who had proposed "all out help" to the Khalistan cause. However, it didnt work out and Bhutto was not bold enough to openly support against the political bureaucracy of India. Consequently the Khalistan movement failed to materialize its objective for multiple reasons, mainly due to factional- internal-infighting and disillusionment from the Sikh population. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia on June 18 has now drawn the attention of the international communities, especially owing to the political stand of America. According to U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, reported by Reuters, America is in touch with Indians at official levels after Ottawa said Indian government agents had links to the murder of the Khalistan extremist leader, and Washington is giving India no special exemption or privilege in the matter. America can never displease Canada on any issue due to their long bilateral relations, for Canada and the United States enjoy a unique relationship. Both the countries share geography, similar values, common interests, strong personal connections and powerful, multi-layered economic ties and the same culture. The U.S. President Joe Biden was mindful of the severe allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Accordingly the White House's strategic communications Chief, John Kirby urged India to cooperate in the investigation. Mr Trudeau is stubborn in his sand in raising his allegation that Indian government agents were involved in the June 18 killing of the Khalistan leader in Canada. India has rejected the allegation and taken decision to deny VISA to Canadians. It should be wisely remembered who is the loser in the decision of India, Canada or India, and how will the decision adversely affect the Canadian citizens? No doubt India will be the loser: the Indian youth will be the losers as thousands and lakhs of our students and the youth everyday fly to Canada for their higher studies with a view to obtain PR and livelihood. If Canada takes a decision to deny VISA to Indians, the long-cherished dreams and expectations of a million youth that they have been bearing in their minds will become an oasis. At this moment of point we should think aloud as to whether our government authorities can assure job opportunities for the future of our youth in India. What shall be the assurance that can be given to our new generation for their future if they stay back without flying to foreign countries? We can claim to be proud of being Indian as and when our government machineries make way for our livelihood in our own country. India had also good relations with Canada for a long time. Canada's aid programme to India began in 1951. They provided food aid, project financing and technical assistance as well. Canada and India enjoy a prosperous trading relationship. Since 2004 trade has increased by over 70% in spite of the late-2000s recession. It is surprising to know that Canada is home to nearly 1400,000 (1.4 million) people of Indian ethnic or cultural origin. In other words, Indian population is 3.7% of the nation's total population out of whom about 800,000 are Sikhs, the largest Sikh population outside India. It should be realized that India is the largest source country for immigration in Canada. In 2022, there were 118,095 Indians who gained permanent residence in Canada, and 59,503 Indians transitioned from permanent residents to Canadian citizens too. As regards the Indian student community in Canada, representatives from Canadian universities are concerned about potential visa delays for Indian students amid ongoing political tensions between the two nations. These delays will adversely affect the upcoming spring academic session, scheduled to commence in January. Almost all Indian students prefer Canada as their destination for education only for PR, not for doing higher studies. This being the real fact and the problems being faced by Indians, the authorities at higher levels should take immediate measures to get rid of the tension between the two countries, failing which it will cause an irreparable injury to the great expectations of our youth. The other area that is affected by India-Canada tension is the pharma industry. The current issue is an unexpected set back to the pharmaceutical industry. Canada is a highly regulated market and Indian presence in Canada can give pharma exporters some additional advantages. About 75 percent of Indian Drug exports to Canada are formulations. However, it is hoped that the tension between the two countries is momentary, hence it may not have a disastrous consequence. - DR.ABRAHAM CHETTISSERY (The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the mangalam.com or its affiliates) Aidan Roche went missing two days before he was due to return (Family Handout) The family of a British hiker who went missing in Switzerland has confirmed his body has been found. Aidan Roche, 29, an offshore chemical engineer from Middlesborough, was found in the Grindelwald area close to where he was walking on the Eiger Trail. His brother, Connor Roche, said in a Facebook post that Aidans body was found by police near the trail. The news has hit us all hard, even with this outcome on our minds over the last few months, he said. On behalf of my entire family I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped us through all of this. The outpouring support from so many people has got us through all of the uncertainty and anguish and shows just how loved Aidan was. Mr Roche was last heard from on June 22 after he went on a two-week solo camping trip. He was due home two days before he went missing. Authorities began searching for him amid online appeals for help to find him from family and friends. His van was found at a campsite in the days after he went missing. The last photo of Aidan placed him near the village of Grindelwald. An online fundraising appeal raised more than 30,000 to help fund the search for him. Mr Roche was described by his friend Beth Taylor as having the biggest heart. In his Facebook statement Mr Roches brother thanked everyone who shared Aidans pictures and donated to help find him. All of this helped to bring him home to us, he said. Globe Telecom Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and four Internet service providers (ISPs) to establish a site-blocking mechanism against pirate sites. A first in Asia, the MOU is a significant step forward against content piracy pending proposed amendments to the 26-year-old Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which will institutionalize stronger measures. What we are doing is such an important step in the absence of a site-blocking law. We are no longer tied up. We can do something about piracy, said Globe chief sustainability and communications officer Yoly Crisanto. Just as we have taken our advocacy to such great lengths, were fully committed to stopping piracy. And hopefully, in the digital economy, the Philippines can start looking forward to a creative industry that is robust and free from all these challenges, she said. The MOU is the first in Asia and second in the world, said Neil Gane of the Motion Pictures Association. Germany pioneered a similar initiative, where the site-blocking process centers around an independent entity known as the Clearinghouse for Copyright on the Internet (CUII) founded by ISPs and rights holders. Germanys model operates without the direct involvement of any governmental agency. As it underscored the benefits the internet has brought to Filipinos, the MOU highlights the detrimental effects of online piracy, which not only harms legitimate stakeholders but also exposes users to potential malware threats and phishing attacks. The MOUs primary objective is to establish a voluntary site-blocking practice against the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated content over the internet and set an example for other stakeholders who are not yet signatories to the MOU. It also outlines the general principles and procedures for site blocking, emphasizing collaboration between ISPs and IPOPHL, and ensuring compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Site-blocking is among proposed amendments to the Intellectual Property Code, with measures pending in Congress. As it welcomes the MOU, Globe is hoping for a more robust, institutionalized mechanism for site-blocking under the law, as this would penalize offenders and make site-blocking a matter of course for ISPs. Globe supports the swift approval of two bills currently under Senate review, introduced by Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla, following the passage of House Bill No. 7600 by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda in the House of Representatives in May. These legislative efforts aim to refine Republic Act No. 8293 and empower IPOPHL to initiate site-blocking measures against copyright-infringing sites. Globes commitment to combating piracy is evident through its #PlayItRight campaign, which champions the protection of content creators in an era rife with pirated materials. As a member of the Video Coalition of the Philippines and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Globe has consistently advocated for robust intellectual property rights in the country to protect consumers and the creative industry, a major contributor to the economy. The urgency of these efforts is underscored by a recent study by Media Partners Asia, which projected a potential revenue loss of $1 billion for the Philippines by 2027 if online video piracy continues unchecked. Surveys by YouGov also indicate that enforcing site-blocking could significantly benefit the Philippines P1.6-trillion creative industry. This years Korean Film Festival (KFF) took audiences on an extraordinary cinematic journey with Koreas filmmaking excellence, rich and captivating narratives, and breathtaking locations and vistas. Ka-ja! (Lets go!) Korea through Films: Korean Film Festival 2023 invited moviegoers to experience the heart and soul of Korea through its carefully curated selection featuring seven award-winning films. The festival ran from September 23 to 26 at five SM Cinema branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Seaside Cebu and SM Lanang Premier. Admission was free and on a first-come, first-served basis. The Korean Film Festival 2023 was presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in partnership with SM Cinema, the Korean Film Council, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), and the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office. Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa led the opening ceremony recently at the SM Cinema Mall of Asia. He was joined by National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairperson Victorino Manalo, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President Perkin So, and Film Development Council of the Philippines Daniel David Morales. Flying in from Korea to join the opening were renowned K-film producers, The Lamp CEO Park Eunkyung, and Film Production Director, Lee Yeonhwa the creative geniuses behind the box-office sensation, Life is Beautiful, which was the festivals opening film. Both Park and Lee also topbilled the festivals Meet the Mentor series held at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. Audiences got a unique opportunity to enjoy an award-winning selection of films that have captured audiences worldwide. These included the joyful and uplifting musical Life is Beautiful; the stunning black and white drama, The Book of Fish; the compelling independent film Bori; and must-see films Directors Intention; Everglow; Gyeongju; and Jukdo Surfing Diary. Audiences were in for a visual treat with scenic locations across Korea Gangneung, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, Yangyang, Paju, and Sinan providing the backdrop for each of the films. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has urged the private sector to implement policies and programs to prevent and control tuberculosis in the workplace following reports of rising cases of tuberculosis. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 21, or the Supplemental Guidelines on the implementation of safety and health measures for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in the Workplace, and an integral part of the companys occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and programs. The policy underscored that employers and their employees shall have a shared responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of policies to control the spread of TB. The DOLE chief reiterated that health services in both private and public facilities are available nationwide. Employers are also enjoined to adopt recommended work arrangements, especially during the infectious phase of the disease. Under the said advisory, employees undergoing occupational safety and health-related examinations, and who have chest x-ray findings suggestive of or indicating TB may directly consult or be referred by their employers to private or public TB Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) facilities. The most common symptoms of TB are chronic cough, fever, especially rising in the evening, night sweats, chest pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, and coughing up blood. Meanwhile, employees requiring further examination relative to their TB-related health needs may access healthcare services and facilities, such as those provided by the PhilHealth Konsulta Package. In the same advisory, the Department encouraged employers to provide advisable work accommodations and arrangements for employees diagnosed with the disease, particularly during the usual 14-day infectious phase of the treatment process. Employers are also enjoined to provide paid leave benefits on top of the existing leave credits under the company policy, collective bargaining agreement, the Labor Code of the Philippines, and special laws. They are also encouraged to adopt flexible work arrangements, re-scheduling of work hours, and other work arrangements, including telecommuting. Performing to soldout shows, packed auditoriums, and the roar of high-octane applause from fans old and new from across the globe, South East Asias most iconic stand-up comedian, Kumar, continues to travel the world on a multi-country, multi-city tour. Having just finished a massive run of shows titled Guilty, selling over 20,000 tickets at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the comedy diva hits the shores of Manila on October 7 to perform at the Music Museum at 8:30 p.m. Hailed as one of the most iconic and respected performing artists and a brilliant stand-up comedian, Kumar has proven to be a multi-talented performer, entertaining millions as a comedian, TV host, actor, dancer, director, and author over the last three decades. Widely known for poking fun at all things controversial, Kumars caustic remarks based on everyday observations, day-to-day life experiences, and idiosyncrasies are bound to have audiences bowling over with laughter. Delicately woven together with the intention to amaze and tickle the funny bone transcending across age, gender, ethnicity, class, and race, Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits will be the culmination of Kumars best material performed in shows through the decades, thus establishing this talent as one of South Asias most successful and famous comedians of this generation. Kumar has been touring successfully the latest show Kumarsutra: Greatest Hits selling out shows in London, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, and more. Kumar has made Manila one of the stops for the tour and is eager to meet fans in the city. Shares Kumar on the upcoming tour to Manila, This is the first time Im performing in Manila and I cant wait to bring my funniest bits. Its going to be fun and exciting as Ive always wanted to perform for my Pinoy fans. Youve been really genuine and supportive on my social media and I look forward to meeting all of you in person. For tickets, visit https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/ St Pancras Way, NW1 (Camden Bus) Camden has become the first council in the UK to call for ecocide to be recognised as a crime under international law. The motion, which reportedly received cross-party support from councilors, calls for ecocide to be recognised as a crime which damages the environment and endangers the future of the planet. Politicians in other countries have already pushed for similar measures to be introduced, including Mexico, Brazil, the Netherlands and Scotland Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon has led the Holyrood push to introduce ecocide legislation. A group of lawyers have been brought together by the Stop Ecocide foundation to push for the motion. The foundation calls for ecocide to be added to crimes recognised by the International Criminal Court. Anna Wright, a councilor with previous experience in human rights and international development who proposed the motion said: The global destruction of ecosystems continues. These global issues require global solutions but current global environmental laws and governance are clearly inadequate. What is ecocide? Ecocide is the widespread destruction of nature by humans. It takes place through different means, but the most high-profile form of this act is via manmade climate change. Stop Ecocide International describes it as mass damage and destruction of ecosystems severe harm to nature which is widespread or long-term. What are some examples of ecocide? Some of the most widespread incidents of ecocide have taken place in the last 30 years, with devastating consequences for both nature and communities living in affected areas. Deforestation in Indonesia In Indonesia, log production, agriculture and the activity of plantations are widely blamed for deforestation. The country has one of the worlds fastest deforestation rates, with the amount of land covered by forests falling from 87% in 1950 to 49% in 2020. Chernobyl disaster After the explosion of a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986, roughly 1.5 square miles of forest land which was downwind of the blast was destroyed. In addition, the indecent resulted in 2 people being killed by debris and 28 killed by acute radiation sickness, with many more affected. Story continues War in Ukraine Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is the biggest attack on a European country since the Second World War, and the conflict has affected many aspects of the planet besides the lives of the people involved. Based on estimates by the Yale School of the Environment, 1,600 tons of pollutants have leaked into bodies of water in and around Ukraine. This and other impacts have resulted in $51 billion of environmental damage . Which countries have criminalised ecocide? Only a handful of countries have created criminal laws to prevent ecocide or other forms of destruction of nature. These include: Ecuador Vietnam Uzbekistan France Russia Kazakhstan Kyrgyz Republic Tajikistan Georgia Belarus Ukraine Moldova Armenia Most of the laws in these countries specify the mass destruction of flora or fauna as criminal offences, as well as acts that can cause an ecological disaster. Many other countries have made significant progress towards criminalising ecocide, though the process is not yet complete. One of the most high-profile examples is the Brazilian government led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. President da Silva promised to fight deforestation of the Amazon shortly after he took power last year. Political party PSOL has since submitted an ecocide bill to Congress, proposing legislation to outlaw performing illegal or wanton acts with the knowledge that they generate substantial probability of serious and widespread or long-term damage to the environment. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been paying millions to send children with autism to live at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC), a controversial facility that is known for using electric shock devices on residents. Although DCF said its contract with the facility expressly prohibits the use of the devices on its children or other aversive treatment, some advocates have said its still a red flag. The man accused of driving his SUV through an Apple Store in Hingham last November, killing a New Jersey man and injuring 22 other people, is back in custody after he did not charge his GPS ankle monitor for his home confinement over the weekend, according to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office. Bradley Rein, 54, of Hingham, had been indicted on a second-degree murder charge and count of motor vehicle homicide after 65-year-old Kevin Bradley of Wayne, N.J., was killed when Rein drove his 2019 Toyota 4Runner through the Derby Shops in his hometown on Nov. 21, 2022. An SUV rests inside an Apple store behind a large hole in the glass front of the store, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Hingham, Mass. One person was killed and 16 others were injured Monday when the SUV crashed into the store, authorities said. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP Rein was also charged with 18 counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and four counts of assault and battery, along with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, after 22 people were hurt when he was believed to have smashed through the store that Monday morning, the office said. After pleading not guilty and posting his $100,000 bail in Brockton Superior Court, Reins home confinement conditions included wearing a GPS monitor bracelet, no operation of a motor vehicle, no leaving the state without prior approval, the surrender of his passport and no possession of weapons, the office said. Police lost contact to the murder suspects GPS bracelet and visited his home in Hingham multiple times over the weekend of Sept. 23-24, the office stated, telling Rein to turn his bracelet back on. He is now back in custody after the Commonwealth obtained a probation warrant, the office stated. Emergency workers aid injured shoppers after an SUV drove into an Apple store, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Hingham, Mass. Several people were injured in the incident, according to authorities. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP) BOSTON OUTAP It was a scene of panic and chaos following the Apple Store crash, according to first responders, who stated they arrived at 10:45 a.m. after several 911 calls to find co-workers and other bystanders already giving first aid to the almost two dozen people with varying levels of injury, the office said. Read more: Responders describe treating Apple Store crash victims through broken glass The vehicle had careened through the glass front of the store, traveling all the way through to the back and pinning several people against the wall, officials said. The injured individuals were brought to South Shore Hospital. Bradley, the 65-year-old New Jersey man who was killed in the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene, the office said. Bradley had just gotten engaged the day before his death, according to NBC Boston. The damaged SUV that crashed into an Apple store is removed from the site of the crash on a flatbed tow truck, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Hingham, Mass. One person was killed and multiple others were injured Monday when the SUV crashed into the store, authorities said. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP In the indictments against Rein, officials state hed been driving about 60 mph with no indication that hed hit the brakes in the five seconds before hed crashed into the Apple Store, the district attorneys office said. Rein told police his foot had become stuck on the gas pedal, the office said. Following his return to police custody, Rein appeared in Plymouth Superior Court on Sept. 26, and a judge revoked his bail for 60 days, the office said. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 20. A former MBTA employee pleaded guilty to 13 charges after the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office said he used fake invoices to steal money and accepted bribes. Timothy Dockery, 57, of Plymouth, pleaded guilty to 13 charges including bribery, procurement fraud, accepting illegal gratuities, larceny and conspiracy. Dockery was sentenced to one year in a House of Correction, with two years of probation after completion of his sentence. Dockery was also ordered to pay restitution of $37,860. Dockery was a buyer for the non-inventory purchasing unit of the MBTA, which meant he was responsible for the procurement process and overseeing contracts for things like office supplies and smaller construction contracts. Read more: Shawn Cronin to resign as Dighton police chief amid insider trading scheme charges As he was working there, officials said he told a vendor to create fake invoices for funds leftover on purchase orders. The vendor and Dockery then shared the money paid out by the MBTA, which was about $38,000, the attorney generals office said. The vendor also gave Dockery cash payments for his help with MBTA procurements and projects. The vendor would pay Dockery about 10% of the vendors profit. The vendor collected more than $1.8 million from the MBTA since 2011, and authorities allege Dockery received at least $60,000 in kickbacks, the attorney generals office said. Dockery had two other vendors involved in the schemes, according to officials. One vendor provided Dockery with high-end tickets to sporting events and concerts, worth about $23,000, the attorney generals office said. And another vendor provided Dockery with about $8,000 in lunches and goods for Dockerys personal business. Officials said Dockery also created fake quotes for a construction supplies contract to help a vendor. Two of the fake quotes were higher than Sheridans to create the illusion of a competitive procurement process. In 2014, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) began investigating Dockery after a hotline tip. The attorney generals office indicted Dockery in 2017 and Dockery was immediately suspended by the MBTA. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are emerging Hispanic leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change. Jessica Garcia is a cybersecurity professional. (Kamila O'Neill photo) Jessica Garcia Age: 27 Community: Western Massachusetts Her story: Jessica Garcia says her life trajectory changed when she participated in an early career internship program at Springfield High School of Science and Technology. The program introduced her to the field of Information Technology and helped her figure out it was the industry for her. Now, Garcias 6-year-old daughter calls her the computer police because she works in the field of cybersecurity, with a focus on protecting peoples personal information. Cyber criminals dont only target big corporations or government agencies, according to Garcia; they target school systems, small businesses, city infrastructure and even wearable technology. Our community deserves to feel safe both physically and virtually, Garcia said. While cyber criminals will never stop finding new ways to target potential victims, I am proud to say I am a part of an effort to reduce their impact. Garcia graduated from Westfield State University in 2017 with bachelors degrees in Business Management and Economics. She also completed a masters degree in Enterprise Risk Management at Boston University in 2022. Read more: Daniel Rojas practices immigration law to give back to the Hispanic community In her words: Be authentically curious and consider your career a learning journey. There are an incredible number of (free!) resources that help navigate and understand what a career in cybersecurity can look like for you-and its important to note that it is a broad field with all kinds of areas. Cybersecurity is truly just the umbrella term. Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and were always open to hear about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form. In the weeks after the Sept. 11 flooding that impacted Leominster, United Way of North Central Massachusetts announced on Sept. 21 that the Leominster Flood Relief Fund went well past its goal. Since it was launched, the fund received donations from 400 individuals and businesses, the Facebook post from United Way read. The fundraising blew past the $100,000, culminating in a total of $325,000. The Leominster Flood Relief Fund is still going strong! the city said in its own Facebook post, sharing United Ways. Flooding damaged roads, drenched basements and collapsed the roofs of some businesses, including Forces Time Capsule. Sinkholes led the city to shut down train operations for a time, as well as leaving some cities closed to commuters. Gov. Maura Healey requested assistance from President Joe Biden, resulting in a FEMA response to help the city. The relief fund was developed between Leominster city officials, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Mayor Dean Mazzarella said in a statement from Sept. 13. Now the relief fund has a new goal and a new challenge for anyone who donates. We have a new $50,000 matching challenge thanks to the Clementi Family Charitable Trust. Your donation to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, by September 30th. Help us reach our new goal of $500,000 and help those affected by this disaster. To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit United Ways flood relief website. Massachusetts, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 16 other states are suing Amazon.com, alleging that the online store is a monopolist, according to Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbells office. Amazons practices have inflated prices for consumers through, among other practices, charging exorbitant rates for sellers to successfully use its platform while punishing sellers for offering lower prices elsewhere, so that consumers across the internet are effectively charged an Amazon tax, a press release from Campbells office read on behalf of the attorneys general and FTC. Amazon was called a monopolist that uses a set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies to illegally maintain its monopoly power, Campbells office said. The group claims Amazons anticompetitive conduct happens in two markets: the online superstore market that serves shoppers and the market for online marketplace services purchased by sellers, said Campbells office. One tactic they claim is Amazon took nearly half of many sellers total revenue through fees, according to the release. While the company also employs anti-discounting measures that punish sellers and deter other online retailers from offering lower prices elsewhere, raising prices for products across the internet. The release also said Amazon conditions sellers ability to obtain Prime eligibility for their products, which is a virtual necessity for doing business on Amazon, on sellers using Amazons costly fulfillment service. With the power amassed online, Amazon degrades the customer experience by replacing relevant, organic search results with paid advertisements worsen search quality for customers, while also biasing search results to show Amazons products over ones that Amazon knows are of better quality, Campbells office read. The last tactic claims that Amazon charges costly fees on the hundreds of thousands of sellers that currently have no choice but to rely on Amazon to stay in business. These fees range from a monthly fee sellers must pay for each item sold, along with all of the 50% fees sellers must pay out of their total revenues to Amazon, Campbells office said. These fees harm not only sellers but also shoppers, who pay increased prices for thousands of products sold on or off Amazon, the statement read. Campbells office and the FTC, as well as state partners, are on the lookout for a permanent injunction in federal court to stop Amazon from engaging in conduct and pry loose Amazons monopolistic control to restore competition. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said its part of the lawsuit because Amazons ongoing pattern of illegal conduct takes advantage of shoppers and undermines small businesses throughout the Granite State, a statement read. Along with Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the other states to join the lawsuit are: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. The Dighton police chief has told the Board of Selection he plans to resigned after he was charged in connection with an insider trading scheme, according to the Dighton Board of Selectmen. Shawn Cronins last day as police chief is Saturday, Sept. 30, according to the selectmen. Cronin, 43, was charged with three counts of securities fraud under Title 15, three counts of tender offer fraud, one count of securities fraud under Title 18, and a conspiracy charge, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of New York. If convicted, Cronin could face a maximum of 150 years in prison. He was one of four police officers suspended by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, or POST Commission, in August. The district attorneys office claims a childhood friend told Cronin about Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.s upcoming acquisition of Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. However, that information was not public. His childhood friend, Joseph Dupont, was Alexions vice president. Cronin then purchased shares of Portola stock and out-of-the-money call options for Portola stock, officials said. He also told this information to another childhood friend, Jarett Mendoza. Alexions acquisition of Portola was publicly announced May 5, 2020, and Portolas stock increased significantly in value, officials said. Cronin sold his shares of Portola and call options for Portola stock, reaping millions of dollars of illegally obtained trading profits. Officials claim the police chief and two others made more than $2.2 million in the illegal scheme. In 2020, Cronin was a sergeant but has since become police chief. The Dighton Board of Selectmen had voted unanimously to place Cronin on administrative leave in June, a statement read. Administrative Sergeant George Nichols was put as acting chief of police. Nichols then suspended Dupont, who was a reserve officer. On Monday, the board thanked the officer for his service. On behalf of the community, the Board would like to thank Chief Cronin for his dedicated service to the Police Department, the Town, and its residents, a statement read. Cronin and Dupont appeared in federal court in Boston in June, the Boston Globe reported. Cronin was released on a $250,000 bond, and Dupont was released on a $200,000 bond, the newspaper reported. Mendoza pled guilty pursuant to a cooperation agreement, according to officials. SPRINGFIELD Three men accused in two separate and unrelated homicides, including one that claimed the life of a 17-year-old over the weekend, were arraigned on murder charges in Springfield District Court Tuesday. Luis Reyes-Santiago, 18, and Xavier Rivera, 20, were arrested in the weekend shooting death of a 17-year-old male in an apartment in the area of 100 Lionel Benoit Road. Both were charged with multiple offenses including murder, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a permit and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman. Law enforcement officers also arrested Edgardo DeJesus-Vazquez, 25, on Tuesday on a warrant accusing him of the Aug. 6 homicide of Emmanuel Hernandez-Garcia, 29. He was arraigned on charges of murder, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and discharging a gun within 500 feet of a building, Walsh said. The arrests were made following investigations by the Springfield Police Homicide Unit under the direction of Capt. Trent Duda, he said. Hernandez-Garcia was wounded by gunfire at about 7:45 p.m. on Aug. 6 near the intersection of Union and Hancock streets and died at Baystate Medical Center. During their investigation, homicide detectives learned Hernandez-Garcia was fighting with another man just before the shooting and identified DeJesus-Vazquez as the suspect in his death, Walsh said. Springfield Police, including officers from the Warrant Apprehension Unit, Massachusetts State Police and deputies from the Hampden County Sheriffs Department, arrested DeJesus-Vazquez at about 7:20 a.m. in a Pine Street apartment. He was arraigned later in the day, Walsh said. The homicide of the teenager, whose name has not been released, took place just before midnight Sunday night. The victim was brought to Baystate Medical Center for treatment but died on Monday night, Walsh said. When police responded to the report of the shooting, they found Rivera, Reyes-Santiago and a 17-year-old female at the scene of the crime in the apartment, Walsh said. (They) are alleged to have been in the same room with the victim at the time of the shooting, Walsh said. After an investigation and the death of the teenager, police arrested the three. The name of the 17-year-old female and the charges she faces have not been released because of her age, Walsh said. The 17-year-olds death is the 27th homicide of the year. Meanwhile, this artist's impression shows a new planet recently discovered by scientists. Planet E could look like this, orbited by a small moon and probably too close to its own star - and therefore too hot - to be able to sustain human life Scientists are developing artificial intelligence software to hunt out that other form of intelligent life - aliens, far, far away. Researchers at Carnegie Institutions Geophysical Laboratory and George Mason University in the US coded AI to tell the difference between living and non-living samples, with the super-software trained on carbon-rich examples from living cells and meteorites. In the future, they hope to equip spaceships with smart sensors enabling machine learning programmes to examine data on everything from rock samples to gas compounds. A small number of residents have returned to the sites of their devastated homes in Lahaina, Hawaii, for the first time since the town was destroyed by wildfires nearly seven weeks ago. The wildfires killed at least 97 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, most of them homes, but now officials urge returning residents not to sift through the ashes for fear of disturbing toxic dust. Tesla has released a video of its humanoid Optimus robot showing off yoga skills to demonstrate balance and coordination, saying it can now self-calibrate. Boss Elon Musk posted the footage to social network X showing the two-legged robot performing several tasks, including sorting blocks by colour and balancing on one leg. And the rest Garlic breath solved with yoghurt, Lego blocks recycled bricks over carbon emissions, date of human extinction revealed, Greenpeaces Minecraft game to save rainforest and rewilding Americas rare tortoises. Listen above, and find us on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts. A family of four from Central Massachusetts has no place to call home after a raging fire completely destroyed their home over the weekend, according to an online fundraiser. Matt St. Thomas, who grew up in his home at 45 Chace Hill Road in Sterling, had been living there with his wife Karen and their children Matt and Emily, a GoFundMe campaign reads. Matt works at Ranor, Inc, in Westminster while Karen works in special education for Worcester Public Schools, according to Heidi Thoday, who started the GoFundMe. Emily is pursuing a masters degree in Speech Pathology from Regis College and Matt works as a mason at Stillman Landscape Design and Installation. Fortunately this family of four and their dog survived the fire, Thoday wrote on the campaign page. However, theyve lost everything: their home, all their possessions, their cars. The fire broke out at the St. Thomas house around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, according to the Sterling Fire Department on Facebook. When crews arrived at the home, they saw the building completely engulfed in flames with a power line down in the front yard. The fire was brought to two alarms as a result, the department said. Everyone inside the home was able to get out safely before firefighters arrived. The fire was placed under control at 4:30 a.m., according to the department. While no injuries were reported, the entire house was condemned and deemed structurally unsafe, Public Information Officer Erin Cullinane told MassLive. Since the St. Thomas family has lost everything they own, the funds raised would immediately go toward providing temporary shelter, transportation, food and/or personal items and clothing as they begin to rebuild their lives, the GoFundMe campaign continued. People can donate by clicking here. Police in Watertown are investigating after what they called a suspicious note was left at an Armenian church in the city. According to a Facebook post from the Watertown Police Department, parishioners at St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church discovered a note attached to their outdoor community message board on Monday morning which read Artsakh is dead. Karabakh is Azerbaijan and reported it to police at about 8 a.m. The church said in a post that the police department was treating the incident as a hate crime, had taken the note as evidence and would view security footage from the churchs cameras. The message refers to the Armenian name for the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, a region in the Caucasus Mountains that has been recognized as part of Azerbaijan but is home to about 120,000 Armenians who have their own unofficial government, according to CNN. Last week, Azerbaijan reclaimed control of the region by force when Armenians laid down arms after hundreds of casualties. Hate towards Armenians is everywhere. Stay vigilant. We cannot let this deter our fight for survival and justice, the church wrote. Our greatest weapon is prayer. We pray for our displaced sisters and brothers of Artsakh. We pray for the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh, and we pray for all Armenians around the world. Police will increase their presence around the church, which is also home to a school, during school hours, and the church will have volunteers stationed around the school during drop off and pick up. Please know that your police department will go to great lengths to ensure all community members feel welcome and safe in the City of Watertown, the police department wrote. Watertown is home to thousands of Armenian residents, and has one of the largest populations of Armenian people in the United States. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the police department at 617-972-6538 or kswift@police.watertown-ma.gov. The numbers speak for themselves. They show the Hispanic populations growing importance and influence in the modern United States. This makes Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, worth much more than a passing mention. The commemoration salutes a large and growing segment of the population, including Springfield, where 45.7% of the population was Hispanic in 2020. Springfield listed 70,226 residents of Hispanic ethnicity. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. The citys Hispanic culture got a boost this year with the return of the Puerto Rican Parade on Main Street. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to be held virtually in 2020 and 2021. The ethnic influence can be felt in Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarnos office, where Genesis Velez Roque, who moved after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, serves as a mayoral aide and is the youngest member of the mayors team. Hispanic Heritage Month always starts on Sept. 15, which is independence day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nations Hispanic population in 2021 was 62.6 million. Nearly one in every five Americans are Hispanic, and 13 states had one million or more. This list does not include Massachusetts, which counted 627,654 Hispanic or Latino residents in 2020. The largest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States, per capita, was in Holyoke, with 44.8% of all residents in the 2010 Census. This 30-day celebration salutes generations of contributions by Hispanics to American culture, business and community life. As Claudia Romo Edelman, founder of We Are All Human Foundation, put it, for all our differences in race, origin, religion, politics, occupation, socioeconomic status, and every other demographic and belief, the truth is that the Hispanic community comes together around one principle - we all believe in the American Dream. Hispanics are more invested in that principle than ever before. This month is to appreciate what they have contributed to the country, and in greater numbers than ever, continue to do so today.The numbers speak for themselves. They show the Hispanic populations growing importance and influence in the modern United States. This makes Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, worth much more than a passing mention. The commemoration brings attention to a large and growing segment of the population, including Springfield, where 45.7% of the population is Hispanic, according to U.S. Census statistics from 2020. Springfield listed 70,226 residents of Hispanic ethnicity. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean. They have made an enormous impact on American culture and society, yet too many Americans are unaware of the observance that began in 1968. Hispanic Heritage Month always starts on Sept. 15, which is independence day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nations Hispanic population in 2021 was 62.6 million. Nearly one in every five Americans are Hispanic, and 13 states had 1 million or more. This list does not include Massachusetts, which counted 627,654 Hispanic or Latino residents in 2020, and was one of six states whose growth was almost entirely found in the Hispanic population. The largest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States, per capita, was in Holyoke, with 44.8% of all residents in the 2010 Census. Massachusetts ranks first for percentage of Hispanics of non-Mexican origin, with 94% of Hispanics being non-Mexican. This 30-day celebration is about more than numbers and trends. It salutes generations of contributions by Hispanics to American culture, business and community life. As Claudia Romo Edelman, founder of We Are All Human Foundation, put it, For all our differences in race, origin, religion, politics, occupation, socioeconomic status, and every other demographic and belief, the truth is that the Hispanic community comes together around one principle - we all believe in the American Dream. Hispanics are more invested in that principle than ever before. This month is to appreciate what they have contributed to the country in the past, and in greater numbers than ever, continue to do so today. An initial court appearance was delayed for a second day for the Greenfield man who police said set off a manhunt after he dragged a state trooper during an attempted traffic stop in Holyoke last Friday. The Hampden District Attorneys Office previously said that Michael J. Williams Jr.s appearance for his arraignment would be determined on a day-to-day basis due to his physical condition. Williams 45, has been charged with eight counts in connection with a multi-agency manhunt that involved several State Police and local police patrols along the Connecticut River after he attempted to evade police during a traffic stop. He was expected to be arraigned on Monday, and then Tuesday, but he remains hospitalized after being injured in a crash while fleeing police. Why is Williams hospitalized? Williams is currently in the hospital after he reported being in pain after his arrest, according to State Police spokesperson David Procopio. After the roughly two-hour manhunt on Friday that ended with his arrest in a brushy area, he was evaluated by emergency medical services who brought him to the hospital. Procopio said the assumption is Williams injured himself after crashing his car while evading arrest. Williams has a prosthetic leg and a history of run-ins with law enforcement, according to court documents obtained by WesternMassNews. He was arrested in 2012 and charged with assault and battery on a police officer in both February 2012 and November 2020. Six months ago, Williams was charged with operating under the influence, the outlet reported. What happened during the manhunt? The manhunt began when a trooper tried to stop Williams, whom police say was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu, due to driving violations at the Holyoke rest stop on the northbound side of Interstate 91 around 3 p.m. The trooper stood outside the Malibu and was trying to secure the suspect when Williams drove off, according to State Police. The trooper was dragged a short distance, and Williams struck the troopers cruiser as he attempted to flee, police say. After getting free from Williamss car, the trooper called in the incident, setting off a large manhunt. Several minutes later, Williams went off the road and crashed his car, running into the woods near Route 5 in Holyoke. Troopers set up a perimeter around the area while police from Northampton and Easthampton searched along the Manhan Rail Trail, a bike trail that passes through Easthampton, Holyoke, and Northampton, and railroad tracks with canine units. Northampton Police launched a drone to help in the search and Easthampton police used a boat in the Connecticut River. At about 5:35 p.m., State police K9 unit Sgt. Jack Doherty and canine partner Roxy found Williams in an area of extremely thick brush off Symanski Avenue a stretch of land in between Interstate 91 and Connecticut River in Holyoke close to Route 5 according to Massachusetts State Police spokesperson David Procopio. Doherty told Williams to surrender or face apprehension by Roxy but Williams did not cooperate, Procopio said. Police then entered the brush and arrested Williams without incident. There was no physical contact between the dog and the suspect, Procopio said. Williams has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; operating after license was suspended for prior OUI offense; leaving the scene of a crash that caused personal injury; failure to stop for the police; speeding; marked lane violation; and resisting arrest. Hes being held without bail for a violation of conditions of his probation from a previous conviction, according to police. The trooper dragged by Williams was brought to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton for a lower-body injury and was treated and released, police said. State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara issued a statement after the arrest. He said Enough is enough after a trooper was dragged in Brockton by a 31-year-old man attempting to flee a traffic stop. This reckless and blatant disregard for the lives of our members needs to stop, McNamara said in an email. In 2015, the Greenfield Police Department publicized Williams as a Level 3 registered sex offender on their Facebook page. Voters in Beverly, Chelsea, Fitchburg, and Holyoke all head to the polls Tuesday to pick candidates for mayor, city council and school committee who will advance to this Novembers general election. Heres what to know about those races. More information is available from the communities local election offices. Beverly: Voters in this Essex County community will choose among three candidates for mayor. Its the only contest on Tuesdays preliminary election ballot. Hopefuls Philip Venezia and James Zarella are looking to unseat incumbent Mayor Michael P. Cahill, whos looking for another term in the top spot. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters in the citys Ward 1 will vote at Ayers Ryal Side School, while residents in Ward 2 will cast ballots at the the Beverly Public Library on Essex Street; Ward 3 voters will vote at the McKeown School on Balch Street; Ward 4 voters will vote at the Cohen School on Eisenhower Street; Ward 5 voters will get their say at the North Beverly School on Putnam Street, and Ward 6 voters will vote at Centerville School on Hull Street, according to the Beverly Patch site. Chelsea: Voters in this Suffolk County municipality will cast their ballots in a pair of preliminary elections this Election Day, with candidates vying for seats representing District 4 for city council and District 7 for school committee, according to the local Chelsea Record. In the race for city council, current Councilmember Tanairi Garcia, current Licensing Commission Chairperson Marnie MacAlpine, and candidate Adriel Adonis Rodriguez are vying for the seat being vacated by incumbent Councilmember Enio Lopez. Garcia was redistricted into the seat, the news site reported. Candidates Lucia Henriquez, Loren Sokol and Celeste Williams all are running for the seat on Chelseas school committee. Voters can cast their ballots at the Williams School Auditorium, on its Arlington Street side, for both races, the news site reported. Fitchburg: In Fitchburg, four candidates incumbent Stephen DiNatale, local School Committee member Dr. Maritza Knight, City Councilmember Samantha Squailia, and former police officer Stanley Young are on the mayoral ballot in this Worcester County community this Election Day. Not to be outdone, 10 candidates will be vying for five at-large seats on Fitchburg City Council, according to the Sentinel & Enterprise newspaper. And four candidates are running for three spots on the local school committee, according to the newspaper. Of the four candidates for mayor, two will advance to the Nov. 7 general election, according to the newspaper. If he wins, DiNatale, a former state House lawmaker, will secure a fourth term as mayor, according to the newspaper. Holyoke: Voters in the citys 7th Ward will choose among three candidates for City Council, the Republican previously reported. Candidates Meagan Magrath-Smith, Steve N. Rosenbush and Eileen Brady Leahy all are vying for the seat being vacated by incumbent Councilmember Todd McGee, an 18-year veteran, who is not seeking re-election. Voters will cast their ballots at the E.N. White School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. After months of waiting, House and Senate Democrats have finally agreed on a $1 billion tax relief bill that would place more money into the pockets of renters, individuals, families and seniors, while making cuts to short-term capital gain taxes and estate taxes, they say. The bill, which will be voted on Wednesday, will provide $561.3 million in relief for the 2024 fiscal year and $1 billion by the 2027 fiscal year, according to a summary report. This is real money that our families need the most, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said inside the State House on Tuesday. This tax relief bill will make Massachusetts more affordable, more equitable and more competitive. The final deal caps off more than a year-and-a-half of debate and takes aim at a pair of issues that have been top-of-mind for policymakers: the increasingly unaffordable cost of living here, and a growing fear that Massachusetts is not competitive enough to attract the businesses and workers its economy needs. The packages largest item, worth about $165 million this year and up to $307 million once fully implemented, is an overhauled child and dependent tax credit. The tax relief bill would increase the tax credit for children, disabled adults or seniors from $180 to $310 in 2023 and then to $440 in 2024. The expanded credit would benefit more than 565,000 families in the commonwealth, according to the summary report. The bill would increase the Earned Income Tax Credit a program designed to help low-income families from 30% to 40% of the federal credit, double the seniors tax credits from $1,200 to $2,400 and increase the cap on rental deduction from $3,000 to $,4000. In terms of estate taxes, the bill slashes the taxes for all estates less than $2 million by providing a uniform credit of $99,600. And short-term capital gains would be cut from 12% to 8.5%, instead of 5% as proposed by the House. We also heard loudly and clearly from my friends in the House that they want to see a reduction in the capital gains tax. So we did that. It landed somewhere in the middle of where we were, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues said, according to the Boston Herald. The important thing is us getting this to the finish line, getting it done, getting a bill that we can all be happy with and support and get it before our colleagues as quickly as possible. The bill also makes changes to Chapter 62F, the 1986 law that requires the state to send back excess tax dollars to residents if collections exceed the allowable amount for the year, the Herald reported. The bill would replace the proportional system with an equal payment for every single taxpayer if Chapter 62F were triggered again, regardless of how much they paid in taxes that year, according to the State House News Service. Both House Speaker Ron Mariano and Spilka said theyd be sending the tax deal to Gov. Maura Healeys office by the end of the week, the Herald reported. As Ive said on the campaign trail and from day one of this administration tax relief is essential for making Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable, Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. I thank Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Chairs Rodrigues and Michlewitz and the Legislature for taking this important step. This is a comprehensive package that delivers relief to families and businesses, including through our proposed Child and Family Tax Credit, and I look forward to reviewing the details and delivering for Massachusetts. For all of MassLives Big E coverage, click here. MassLive named 2022 the year of the pickle at The Big E. But it has only become a bigger dill this year. Vendors at The Big E have created everything from pickle lemonade to pickle doughnuts. And theres, of course, pickles from the Pickle Barrel. Big E President and CEO Eugene Cassidy visited another state fair that had multiple pickle options, Big E staff told MassLive in 2022. After trying the local pickle beer, Cassidy sought a local brewery that could whip up its own creation for the Big Es 2022 run. Two answered the call Connecticut Valley Brewing Company and Amherst Brewing. Its a basic pale ale. Got a little bit of dill. Its got just a touch of that pickle flavor, Caleb Hiliadis, of Amherst Brewing, said. This was an opportunity, he said, to have it be a little more wild and extreme but make it drinkable. Pickle Beer through Connecticut Valley Brewing returned this year. But there are also a lot more options. A sign pointing to pickles at The Pickle Barrel located in Storrowton Village. Luanns Bakery, which created the pickle cupcake, created The Pickle Pathway to help customers find all the pickle options at The Big E. The signs are also posted on vendors at The Big E to help people scan them and pull up the list. See below for the full list. The Dill Pickle Cupcake from LuAnn's Bakery | In The Front Porch at The Big E. (Nick O'Malley, MassLive) Pickle Cupcake Luanns Bakery located in the Front Porch area of The Big E Pickles at The Pickle Barrel located in Storrowton Village. Pickles The Pickle Barrel located in Storrowton Village Pickles Pickle lemonade Poppies located at the Front Porch area and corner of Better Living Center and New England Avenue Pickle Doughnut from Fluffy's. Pickle doughnut Fluffys located near Gate 9 The Bacon-Wrapped Dilly Dilly Dog from The Meatball Factory. A look at the new foods at The Big E 2021 (Nick O'Malley, MassLive) Dilly dog and bacon dilly dog West Road by Lions Club Fried pickles at The Big E. Fried pickles located on Commonwealth Avenue Pickle Pizza topped with pickles, white garlic sauce, ranch dressing and mozzarella cheese can be found ay Angela's Pizza on Commonwealth Ave. at the Big E. (Will Katcher/MassLive). Pickle pizza Angelas located on Commonwealth Avenue Pickle beer, with a real pickle inside, from the Connecticut State House at The Big E. Photo by Irene Rotondo Pickle beer Connecticut Valley Brewing located in the Connecticut building Edith Cowan University (ECU), one of Australias top-ranked universities, is set to host a week-long exhibition in Mauritius to showcase its world-class degrees and commitment to global education. On Sunday 7th October 2023 in Le Caudan, future students will have an exclusive opportunity to explore fields of study, potential careers, and speak one-on-one with ECUs top academics. We are holding these workshops in Mauritius to demonstrate ECUs ongoing commitment to delivering higher education opportunities for students outside of Australia, ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman said. ECU is known globally for industry collaborations, ensuring that students gain practical experience through work-integrated learning placements, fieldwork, practicums, and networking events. This commitment to quality education has earned ECU a five-star rating for undergraduate teaching quality for the past 17 years in the Good Universities Guide. Our dedication to impactful research extends beyond the classroom, as ECU actively engages with communities, businesses, and government organisations to address real-world challenges, and this is exactly what we intend to showcase while in Mauritius, Professor Chapman said. Discover ECU The aim of the exhibition is to allow potential students to explore the opportunities available to them while studying at ECU. As an international student, youll discover a diverse and multicultural community, offering globally recognised programs across various disciplines, Professor Steve Chapman said. Practical learning experiences, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research opportunities are just some of the exceptional opportunities on offer when studying at ECU. We are proud to have a supportive campus life, with comprehensive services available to all of our students to ensure they enjoy their study and achieve academic success. Opportunity to delve deeper into AI On offer will be the chance for students to delve deeper into the world of Artificial Intelligence. This engaging and interactive workshop will empower students with essential insights and skills for the AI-powered future. The workshop will: Introduce critical insights into AIs role through your education and career development Showcase a variety of AI tools to illustrate their potential and limitations Identify the essential human characteristics and key skills that will help you thrive in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. Choose your field of study ECU offers a diverse range of courses across eight schools, covering arts and humanities, business and law, education, engineering, medical and health sciences, nursing and midwifery, science, and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. The ECU exhibition will be providing opportunities for students to speak one-on-one with ECUs leading academics to decide what field is right for them. NORTH Mayos new garda superintendent has been welcomed into his new role by members of Mayos Joint Policing Committee. Superintendent Alan Brady, who has a background in policing drugs and organised crime, was welcomed to his first JPC meeting by chairperson, Cllr Al McDonnell. The Meath native replaces the outgoing Gary Walsh, who has been promoted to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent, which will see him head the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit. Cllr McDonnell thanked Det Supt Walsh for his tremendous contribution to policing in County Mayo before welcoming Supt Brady to the meeting. Supt Brady previously worked as in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Garda National Immigration Bureau. He spent his prior years in the force in Trim, Co Meath, as well as Crumlin and Finglas in Co Dublin. My background is primarily crime. I certainly intend to tackle some of the issues in the Mayo North Community Engagement area, such as drugs, Supt Brady told the Mayo JPC. Supt Brady said he was very impressed with some of the exceptional initiatives he had seen since coming to Mayo. Ray McMahon, Chief Superintendent for the Mayo, Roscommon and Longford garda division, described Supt Brady as a very experienced garda and wished Det Supt Walsh well in his new role. Global Carrier Screening Market Forecast 2023-2030 Global Carrier Screening Market is valued at USD 2.34 Billion in 2022. Global Carrier Screening Market valuation to reach USD 8.27 Billion by 2030. Carrier Screening sales to account for a significant CAGR of 17.10% during 2023 2030. The carrier screening market is a crucial component of the healthcare landscape, focused on identifying carriers of genetic disorders to inform family planning and risk assessment. The carrier screening market is an integral part of genetic testing that assesses the risk of individuals passing on inherited genetic disorders to their offspring. This markets significance is underpinned by the growing awareness of genetic health, advancements in genetic testing technologies, and the increasing trend of informed family planning. With a primary focus on reproductive-age individuals and couples, the carrier screening market plays a pivotal role in mitigating the transmission of genetic disorders. Get Access to A Free Sample Report with List of TOC, Charts, Figures @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/carrier-screening-market-1131/request-sample ***Note The Carrier Screening Industry Sample Report Includes: Scope For 2030 A brief introduction to the Carrier Screening latest research report. Leading players in the Market Research framework (structure of the report) Short term market dynamics Marketing Channel Market Segmentation List of Figures, Charts. List of Tables [TOC] Research methodology adopted by Vantage Market Research Market Dynamics Genetic Advancements: Continuous progress in genetic sequencing and testing methods is expanding the scope and accuracy of carrier screening. Increasing Genetic Awareness: Growing awareness among individuals and healthcare professionals about the importance of carrier screening is driving market growth. Regulatory Environment: Evolving regulations and guidelines impact market practices and the introduction of new tests. Prenatal and Preconception Testing: Rising interest in prenatal and preconception carrier screening is a significant driver of market demand. Top Companies in Global Carrier Screening Market Invitae (US) Eurofins Scientific (US) Fulgent Genetics (US) OPKO Health (US) Quest Diagnostics (US) Myriad Genetics (US) Sema4 (US) Thermo Fisher Scientific (US) Illumina (US) AND MORE. Dont Miss Out on this Exclusive Opportunity, Enjoy a 50% Discount Using Code SEP50 @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/buy-now/carrier-screening-market-1131/0 Top Trends in The Global Carrier Screening Market Expanded Genetic Panels : Carrier screening panels are evolving to include a wider range of genetic disorders, allowing for more comprehensive testing. : Carrier screening panels are evolving to include a wider range of genetic disorders, allowing for more comprehensive testing. Direct-to-Consumer Testing : The availability of direct-to-consumer carrier screening tests is empowering individuals to take charge of their genetic health. : The availability of direct-to-consumer carrier screening tests is empowering individuals to take charge of their genetic health. Genomic Counseling : Genetic counseling services are becoming integral to the carrier screening process, providing individuals with expert guidance on test results and family planning. : Genetic counseling services are becoming integral to the carrier screening process, providing individuals with expert guidance on test results and family planning. Telemedicine in Genetic Counseling: Telemedicine is facilitating remote genetic counseling sessions, improving accessibility to specialized services. Key Highlights: In-depth analysis of the global market for Carrier Screening. Updates on every quarter are free Number of market tables and statistics, charts. Power BI Report (Dashboard) Assurance of lowest price and best quality report. Fastest Delivery Available subscription-based model User-Friendly Format Guaranteed post-purchase research assistance with 50% off if you use SEP50 Immediate Access to Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy Top Report Findings Continued market growth, with a projected CAGR of 17.10% over the next five years. The prevalence of carrier screening in prenatal and preconception care. Rising demand for expanded carrier screening panels. Increasing adoption of carrier screening by healthcare providers. Challenges Ethical and Moral Dilemmas: The discovery of carrier status for certain genetic disorders may pose ethical dilemmas for individuals and couples. Cost Accessibility: The cost of carrier screening tests may limit access for some segments of the population. Data Privacy: Safeguarding genetic data and ensuring privacy is of utmost importance but remains a challenge. Interpretation Complexity: Understanding and interpreting carrier screening results can be complex and require genetic counseling. Market Opportunities Innovation in Testing Technologies: Advancements in genetic testing methods can improve accuracy and reduce costs. Educational Initiatives: Raising awareness and providing education about carrier screening can expand market reach. Integration with Healthcare Systems: Integrating carrier screening into routine healthcare practices can enhance accessibility. Global Expansion: Exploring untapped markets and offering carrier screening services worldwide. Global Carrier Screening Market Segmentation By Type Expanded Carrier Screening Targeted Disease Carrier Screening By Technology Polymerase Chain Reaction DNA Sequencing Microarrays Others By End User Hospitals & Clinics Physician Offices Reference Laboratories Others Read Full Research Report Here @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/carrier-screening-market-1131 Key Questions Answered in Carrier Screening Market Report How does carrier screening contribute to informed family planning? What are the technological advancements driving the carrier screening market? How are evolving regulations impacting carrier screening practices? What role does genetic counseling play in carrier screening? How accessible are carrier screening tests to individuals? What ethical considerations arise from carrier screening results? How can the carrier screening market address data privacy concerns? What strategies can expand the reach of carrier screening services? Regional Analysis North America is a significant player in the carrier screening market, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, genetic research capabilities, and a growing emphasis on genetic health. In the United States and Canada, carrier screening has gained prominence within the healthcare system and is increasingly integrated into prenatal and preconception care. Moreover, North America boasts a thriving market for direct-to-consumer carrier screening tests, empowering individuals to proactively assess their genetic health. The region is also witnessing the expansion of telemedicine services, including genetic counseling, making carrier screening more accessible to a wider audience. Browse More Research Reports: Contact Us Eric Kunz 6218 Georgia Avenue NW Ste 1 564 Washington DC 20011-5125 United States Tel: +1 202 380 9727 Email: sales@vantagemarketresearch.com Websites: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/| https://v-mr.biz/ by Tanya Gazdik , September 26, 2023 Honda, in partnership with its dealer network, is expanding production of Shogo, an electric ride-on vehicle for young hospital patients. Shogo soon will begin heading to childrens hospitals nationwide, helping bring more comfort and joy to these patients and their families. Honda Performance Development is exclusively manufacturing Shogo and utilizing its race-winning technologies to build 60 Shogo vehicles. The first two production Honda Shogo vehicles have arrived at Akron Childrens in Akron, Ohio and Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additional vehicles will be provided to hospitals nationwide starting this fall. Shogo, which takes its name from a Japanese phrase and intended to mean soaring into the future, is hand assembled by Honda racing engineers at HPD. advertisement advertisement The vehicles use the power of play and laughter to help ease the stress and anxiety of hospitalized children and their families, says Hundy Liu, manager of national automobile advertising and Project Courage Lead, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Creating Shogo was a true labor of love for our team of Honda associates and engineers driven by our desire to bring joy and mobility to young patients dealing with a hospital stay, Liu says in a release. The original Honda Shogo vehicle has been transporting young patients to and from procedures and appointments at one of Honda's long-term community partners, Childrens Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in California, since December 2021. Honda initiated Project Courage using a version of Shogo designed and built by a small volunteer team of Honda associates. The team conceived the concept with the ultimate aspiration, now realized, to build Shogos to help more children and their families dealing with hospital stays nationwide. HPD transformed the original Honda Shogo design into a production-ready vehicle over an 18-month process. HPDs engineers added a racing pedigree to the electric ride-on vehicle with multiple parts and pieces borrowed from Hondas race-winning machines, from IndyCar steering shaft washers and front knuckle bearings to steering from a Honda-powered Go Kart. To bring even bigger smiles to the children, the HPD team also reimagined Shogos horn to play a new series of cheerful sounds. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, September 26, 2023 Microsoft is hiring a project manager for nuclear technology as it looks to power its data centers running artificial intelligence (AI) with nuclear energy. Much more energy is needed to run AI-related applications compared with search. AI infrastructures use a lot of energy to run, especially to support the advertising industry as machine learning and chatbots increase in popularity, and connected television (CTV) and video streaming are more in demand among consumers. Training one AI model or chatbot can use more electricity than 100 U.S. homes in one year. One report estimates that training Chat-GPT uses 1.287 gigawatt hours of energy, roughly equivalent to the amount used by 120 American homes in a year. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently invested $4 billion in a project he calls Natrium, a reconditioned coal mine refitted as a nuclear energy plant located in Kemmerer, Wyoming. This is part of his vision for advanced energy. The Wyoming plant is scheduled to begin operation in 2030. advertisement advertisement Reportedly, the plant will generate 345 megawatts of steady electric generation and includes a power storage component that allows it to flex up to 500 megawatts for short periods. The job description explains the implementation of a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy to support a statement from Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft, that vows a commitment to helping brands and companies use its platform and tools to innovate in AI. Concern is mounting over the environmental impact of carbon emissions from technology and generative AI's massive energy use. Academic analysis has estimated that training GPT-3 produced more than 550 tons of carbon dioxide and required 3.5 million liters of water. Last year, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated plans to sign a sweeping climate bill that would mandate companies to disclose their carbon footprint. The bill is expected to bring light to how companies, brands and retailers doing business in California operate. The Senate Bill 253, Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act would begin by requiring the state board, on or before January 1, 2025, to develop and adopt regulations requiring specified partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities with total annual revenues in excess of $1,000,000,000 and that do business in California, defined as reporting entities, to publicly disclose to the emissions reporting organization, as defined, and obtain an assurance engagement on, starting in 2026. Data from Loop, the software platform for retail returns, found that 56% of consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of returns, while 35% say they have not returned an unwanted item because of environmental concerns. Microsoft is shifting plans to use nuclear energy to power its AI data centers as it struggles with the fact that huge amount of energy will be needed to run models like ChatGPT. In 2011, Time magazine reported that Google spent about 0.0003 kWh of energy on an average search query, translating to roughly 0.2g of carbon dioxide. The act of searching the web 100 times as equivalent to drinking 1.5 tablespoons of orange juice, Google told Time. When asked how much energy a large data center uses to run large language models for AI, a University of Washington assistant professor said "each processing unit can consume over 400 watts of power while operating. Typically, you need to consume a similar amount of power for cooling and power management as well. Overall, this can lead to up to 10 gigawatt-hour (GWh) power consumption to train a single large language model like ChatGPT-3. This is on average roughly equivalent to the yearly electricity consumption of over 1,000 U.S. households." by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 26, 2023 Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel said Tuesday she is moving forward with a proposal for sweeping broadband regulations that would restore the Obama-era open internet rules -- including bans on blocking or throttling content, and on charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. "Communications means a lot more than just phone calls. It means access to the internet because broadband is the most important infrastructure of our time," she said in a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Internet access "should be more than just accessible and affordable," she said, adding: "The internet also needs to be open." advertisement advertisement The potential rules will include a key provision reclassifying broadband as a utility service, regulated under Title II of the Communications Act. That reclassification is necessary to restore the FCC's authority to regulate broadband carriers. Common sense tells us that the nation's leading communications watchdog should have the muscle it needs to protect consumers and make sure their internet access is fast, open and fair," she said. She added that reclassification will pave the way for the FCC to extend some telephone privacy regulations to broadband. The law requires telecommunications providers to protect the confidentiality of the proprietary information of their customers. That means these providers cannot sell your location data, among other sensitive information, she said. These privacy protections currently extend to phone service customers, but not to broadband subscribers... Does that really make sense? Do we want our broadband providers selling off what we do and where we go online? Rosenworcel's current push for federal broadband rules comes one day after telecom attorney Anna Gomez was sworn in as the FCC's fifth commissioner, giving the agency a Democratic majority for the first time in more than two years. On Monday, a coalition of senators urged Rosenworcel to expeditiously reclassify broadband as a utility. Only with Title II classification can the FCC prohibit unreasonable and unjust practices of broadband providers, effectively protect network resiliency and national security, ensure service quality, expand internet access, and combat anti-competitive practices, Senators Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and 25 others said in a letter to the FCC head. The industry group USTelecom--The Broadband Association, which opposes net neutrality regulations, criticized the proposed rules. Treating broadband as a Title II utility is a dangerous and costly solution in search of a problem, Jonathan Spalter, president & CEO of the group, stated. But consumer advocates cheered Rosenworcel's move. "We need an FCC that clearly accepts and asserts its authority to protect consumers in the broadband market, Chris Lewis, president and CEO at Public Knowledge, said Tuesday. Without Title II authority, the FCC is left in a position where it must beg for pledges and promises from broadband providers to participate in closing the digital divide. The FCC previously attempted to issue net neutrality protections, but those efforts were either shot down in court, or repealed with a change in administration. For instance, the FCC said in a 2005 policy statement that broadband subscribers should have the ability to access all lawful content, applications and services. But that statement was later held unenforceable in court. More recently, the FCC voted 3-2 in 2015 to categorize broadband as a Title II service and impose some common carrier rules, including bans on blocking or throttling traffic. The following year, the agency came under Republican control and repealed the 2015 order. Former chairman Ajit Pai said at the time that the prior rules were too heavy-handed. Since then, several states enacted their own regulations. In California, for example, a 2018 law prohibits broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, charging higher fees for fast-lane service, and exempting their own video streams from consumers' data caps. That law was upheld last year by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Rosenworcel will publicly release a detailed proposal on Thursday, and the FCC will vote in October on whether to move forward. If so, the agency will then seek comments from the public. HARRISBURG, Neb. Nestled off Nebraska Highway 71 just south of town, Laura Lees Double L Country Store and Cafe has become a welcome reprieve for travelers along the road. The only restaurant in all of Banner County, Double L provides an important service in what would otherwise be a complete food desert. The Panhandle restaurant and store also has been featured this year as one of the Nebraska Passport stops. Laura Whelchel, who operates a ranch along with the store, had seen the property sit vacant for some time before she decided to purchase it and transform it in to something more worthwhile. We decided to give it a try, so we purchased the building actually 10 years ago, she said. We renovated it and then opened it. She considers the restaurant farm-to-table, as many ingredients are produced on site. What she cannot make at the restaurant, she sources from her own ranch and other farms in Banner County. Items like the greens in the cafes salads and the eggs used in breakfast items are all produced in Banner County. She also pointed out that all the meat used in their burgers is raised on the Whelchels farm. We bake all of our own bread, hamburger buns. We bake all of our own cakes, pies, so our desserts are all handmade too. The restaurant also hosts a small gift shop with all kinds of whimsical items. It features items from local artists and business owners, providing them with a marketplace to showcase their products for travelers along the highway. This is the second time that the restaurant and store has been featured on the Nebraska Passport tourism promotion program. They were previously included in 2017. Whelchel said that her inclusion in the program has significantly boosted her business over the summer. I would say our numbers have doubled at least, if not more this summer, so its been a great program, she said. Whelchel is always excited to see new faces enter the store and even keeps a guest book at the counter for new customers to sign so that she can look back and see where everyone is from. Ive had people come in that have came in with other Passport people or people that werent on the passport but they came in and theyre like, Oh my gosh, Ive driven past that place 100 times, and Ive never stopped in, she said. While she often has guests from Nebraska simply traveling up and down Highway 71, or stopping in from nearby towns such s Harrisburg or Scottsbluff, she also sees people coming from as far as other countries. One couple that stopped in had traveled all the way from Germany and were on their way north through Nebraska to South Dakota. The homemade style of cooking paired with the atmosphere in the store make for a perfect stop on the side of the highway for both travelers and locals. We just wanted it to feel homey, comfortable, kind of like you were walking in home somewhere, Whelchel said. During the summer, the restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Soon, they will dial back the hours for the winter season when they see fewer customers, but the doors will still be open. Passport holders will still have a few days to stop in and get their stamps as the program continues until Sept. 30 and Whelchel said she hopes that they do. Thats the fun part about this job is just that everybody that comes into your door is a part of your story, she said. Its just kind of fun to meet all those people. Ahold names Giant president Ahold Delhaize USA on July 20 named John Ruane president of the Giant Company. Ruane had been interim president and previously served as senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Giant, where he led the merchandising and marketing teams. He started his career at 14 in the grocery industry and later joined Pathmark before joining Ahold in 2011 and Giant in 2018. Ruane serves as chair of FMIs Fresh Food Leadership Committee and is on the board of directors of Philabundance, the largest hunger-relief organization serving the Philadelphia area. Studio introduces werk sessions Eva Seraphine Studios, an art and photography studio in Carlisle, in late July announced the launch of its Shadow Werk Sessions. The new photography program aims to provide individuals with an artistic method to explore and express their thoughts and narratives in a healing manner. The artistic style of journaling or illustrating enables participants to visually and vocally depict their emotional journeys, according to founder Cari Mercer. For more information about the program and studio, visit evaseraphinestudios.com. Penn State Health launches scheduling system Penn State Health announced Aug. 9 that it launched an online scheduling system for walk-in and urgent care visits in its health system. Patients can check in online to reserve a spot at select locations through InQuicker for treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, such as cuts, minor burns, sprains, joint pain and upper respiratory infections. The tool can be used for eight locations, including Penn State Health Urgent Care and Travel Medicine near Holy Spirit Medical Center and Penn State Health CarlisleOutpatient Center Urgent Care off Forge Road in South Middleton Township. The check-in tool also is designed to filter certain symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening or debilitating medical condition, and those patients will be prompted to dial 911 or immediately go to the nearest hospital. Business to open 10th store in Pa. Ocean State Job Lot, a discount retail chain with 151 stores in the Northeast, has entered into a lease agreement for the former Marshalls space at Silver Spring Commons off the Carlisle Pike. The new store will be the companys 10th store in the state, and it will open once renovations are complete. The company expects to hire about 50 positions. The business sells discounted items, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products, kitchen pantry staples and an offering of gourmet and international specialty foods. WellSpan to open surgery center WellSpan Health is looking to construct a new ambulatory surgery center and medical office building in South Middleton Township. Township supervisors approved the plan during a meeting Aug. 10. Specialists, such as those in cardiology and orthopedics, are anticipated to perform outpatient procedures at the surgery center, with complementary practices still being finalized. The new center will be located off Interstate 81 at the corner of Walnut Bottom Road and Sprint Drive. Upper Allen receives autism certification Upper Allen Townships Parks and recreation became the first parks department in Pennsylvania to receive the Certified Autism Center designation. The designation is awarded to organizations that have completed autism training and certification, demonstrating their understanding and welcoming autistic visitors and their families. The township pointed to Winding Hill Park North, which caters to the needs of all individuals and features sensory exploration, musical equipment and sensory toys. The park also has an array of swings tailored to different abilities. Vitro to expand solar contract Vitro, a leading glass manufacturer in Cumberland County, announced Oct. 23 the expansion of its contract with the largest vertically integrated solar manufacturer in the Americas, First Solar. The expansion aims to provide the glass front sheets used in advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels manufactured by First Solar. The expansion is estimated to represent $1.3 billion in sales over the next 10 years, in addition to sales covered by the initial contract, which was estimated at a similar amount. Vitro will invest an estimated $180 million to upgrade one of the furnaces at the Meadville plant in Pennsylvania, as well as adapting additional existing facilities to support First Solars growing manufacturing capacity in the United States. Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026. The Sentinel Shippers will be able use Conn3ct to post loads they need moved, and then drivers can sign up to haul it on the app. Military police at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, shot at a vehicle that unlawfully entered the base on Friday night. The driver, who was a civilian, was subsequently arrested and then transported to a naval hospital for evaluation, according to the service. There were no injuries or fatalities reported by the Marine Corps on Sunday, just over a day after the shooting. There was no active-shooter situation during the time of the shooting, and the Marine Corps is not considering the incident to be an act of terrorism, according to Capt. Johnathon Huizar, a spokesperson at Twentynine Palms. Read Next: Russia's Black Sea Fleet Commander Among 34 Killed in a Missile Strike in Crimea, Ukraine Claims "Our security procedures are still intact," Huizar told Military.com on Monday. "Anytime an incident happens, there's always a review after actions -- so that is going on alongside the investigation by [the Naval Criminal Investigative Service]." An after-action report, or AAR, is typically conducted after any one unit conducts a mission or is required to engage in contact as a way to learn, improve and assess the situation that occurred. The civilian who entered the base was not armed, Huizar said, and it was only one Marine military police officer who shot at the vehicle Friday night at approximately 8:19 p.m. Huizar deferred Military.com to NCIS for more information, but the law enforcement service did not reply by publication. Military Times first reported the incident on Saturday. Earlier this year, another vehicle rammed barriers in an attempt to gain access to Camp Pendleton, California, and caught on fire afterward. Just southwest of Twentynine Palms, a naval base was put on lockdown in March after a vehicle entered the main gate without stopping. Meanwhile, artillery fire nearly hit several Marines at Twentynine Palms earlier this month, causing their Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV, to catch fire, according to The Messenger news site. The artillery, which was reportedly a 155mm shell, missed its intended target and landed "less than 30 feet away," from the Marines, the publication said. No other information about the Twentynine Palms vehicle shooting was available from the Marine Corps by publication. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on X @df_lawrence. Related: California Military Base Locked Down After Vehicle Runs Gate J. Robert Oppenheimer and the band of geniuses he recruited won the existential race to create the atomic bombs that ended World War II. They also set the stage for a nuclear arms buildup in which worker safety was an afterthought and the mushroom cloud became a Las Vegas tourist attraction. Based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the blockbuster movie "Oppenheimer" -- about the rise and fall of the man called the "father of the atomic bomb" -- gave a riveting account of the personal and political trials involved in the success of the Manhattan Project. But the film had a glaring omission in the estimation of Christopher Godfrey, director of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs at the Labor Department. In a blog post and a phone interview with Military.com, Godfrey said the movie was "fantastic" and a masterpiece of filmmaking, but "one important part of this history the viewer does not see in the film is the sacrifice made by tens of thousands of workers in the production of our country's nuclear weapons arsenal." Much of the movie centers on the interactions of "Oppie" with Army Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Leslie Groves, director of the Manhattan Project, and the fractious bunch of physicists and engineers Oppenheimer had assembled at the secret site in Los Alamos, New Mexico. A brief reference was made in the movie to the work at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which produced the weapons-grade uranium for the "Little Boy" atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, and at Hanford, Washington, which produced plutonium for the "Fat Man" bomb used against Nagasaki. Thousands of workers at the early sites such as Oak Ridge and Hanford and at later sites, including those in Paducah, Kentucky; Portsmouth, Ohio; and Savannah River, South Carolina, "paid a very high price for their contributions to the atomic weapons industry," Godfrey said. "From the beginning of the Manhattan Project, many workers developed disabling or fatal illnesses from their exposure to beryllium, ionizing radiation, and other hazards unique to nuclear weapons production and testing," Godfrey wrote in his blog post. "Unfortunately, far too often these workers did not receive adequate protection from those occupational hazards, nor were they properly informed about the dangers of the work." After decades of lobbying and lawsuits on behalf of the workers, Congress passed the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA) in 2000 to provide benefits to workers or surviving members of their families who were sickened or died from exposures. To date, the EEOICPA has paid out more than $24 billion in total compensation and medical benefits to about 139,000 claimants, according to Labor and Energy Department data. From the Hanford site alone, more than 34,500 claims have been filed. Trisha Pritikin, a lawyer and advocate for Hanford "Downwinders," grew up near the Hanford site where both her parents were employed. "People downwind, people in Richland, Kennewick and Pasco, which were the three cities next to Hanford, and people through a vast downwind area were exposed to airborne radioactive particles," Pritikin said in an interview with the Atomic Heritage Foundation. "The communities down the Columbia River also got a lot of radiation from the stuff dumped into the Columbia River, which went all the way down to the mouth of the Columbia in the Pacific," she said. Pritikin suffered a number of ailments she attributes to exposures from Hanford that eventually led to removal of her thyroid. "I wish our government would apologize for what happened," she said. In addition to the EEOICPA, there is the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) of 1990, which is unique in the array of federal compensation programs in that it is administered by the Justice Department. Troops of the Battalion Combat Team, U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division, watch a plume of radioactive smoke rise after a blast at Yucca Flats, November 1, 1951. (U.S. Army photo by Corporal Alexander McCaughey) The RECA Act grew out of lawsuits claiming radiation exposure from the more than 200 above-ground nuclear weapons tests conducted by the U.S., mostly at the Nevada test site about 65 miles north of Las Vegas from 1945-1962. It was the Cold War "duck and cover" era of air raid drills and nuclear test explosions that drew tourists to Las Vegas to see the mushroom clouds of the blasts from the hotels and casinos. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce gave the dates and times for the tests, and promoters put out ads urging visitors to come and "witness the power of the atomic bomb" and for $3 take a bus to the outskirts of Las Vegas or "stay and watch from the hotel room or pool." The Justice Department won the lawsuits, which were dismissed on appeal, but Congress later "responded by devising a program allowing partial restitution to individuals who developed serious illnesses after presumed exposure to radiation released during the atmospheric nuclear tests or after employment in the uranium industry," according to a Justice Department press release. Under RECA, uranium miners, millers and ore transporters may be eligible for a one-time, lump-sum compensation of $100,000; "onsite participants" at atmospheric nuclear weapons tests may be eligible for a one-time, lump-sum compensation of up to $75,000; and individuals who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site ("Downwinders") may be eligible for a one-time, lump-sum compensation of $50,000. Since the RECA program was established, more than 40,000 claims have been approved and more than $2.6 billion in compensation has been paid out through the end of 2022, the Justice Department said. The RECA Act is due to sunset in 2024, but Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., introduced a bipartisan Senate bill in July to extend RECA and expand its coverage. It passed on a 61-37 vote. By extending RECA, "we can help more families, whether they were in those mines working for national security purposes, or living in communities where this testing took place in the United States," Lujan said at the time of the vote. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., backed the Lujan bill to include expanded coverage for the St. Louis area following collaborative reports by The Associated Press, The Missouri Independent and the nonprofit newsroom MuckRock on nuclear waste dumping in St. Louis dating to the 1940s. The bill was put forward as an amendment to the must-pass defense bill -- the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA -- but the NDAA is now caught up in the impasse as House Republicans block major appropriations bills and threaten a Sept. 30 government shutdown. "When they set up RECA in the 1990s, it was an admission of damage done by our government, but it didn't go far enough," said Tina Cordova, founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium -- named for the New Mexico area that saw much of the fallout from the world's first atomic bomb when the so-called "Gadget" built by the Oppenheimer group exploded at the Trinity test site on July 16,1945. "They gave no consideration to the people of New Mexico who had been so terribly harmed," by the fallout from the Trinity test and the contamination of crops and groundwater, said Cordova, a survivor of thyroid cancer whose family has a history of cancer going back to 1945. Although New Mexico was the site of the first nuclear explosion, the "Downwinders" in the state were left out of compensation eligibility in the original RECA legislation. In addition, area residents and members of the Navajo nation "were the uranium workers that had our poverty used against us to get us to go into those mines without safety gear," Cordova said. Secrecy was the main concern for the leaders of the Manhattan Project, and so the people of New Mexico were not told of what had just happened at the Trinity site or the dangers they might face from the fallout. Instead, project leaders put out a release saying that the blast visible in Albuquerque 130 miles away was the result of a military accident involving some ammunition and pyrotechnics. The truth about the Trinity test explosion would not be disclosed until the atomic bomb was used as a weapon over Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945. In his interview with Military.com, Godfrey, the head of Workers Compensation at the Labor Department, said he had recently toured the Southwest to meet with members of communities in New Mexico and Arizona that were impacted by the Trinity and Nevada atomic bomb tests and by their potential exposures while working in uranium mines. The point of his trip was to provide information on the benefits that are available and provide help in filing claims. Godfrey said he met with the families of survivors, and "it was a startling view of the impact. It really jumps out at you. The primary impact we saw was on the survivors." The result of the years of deception about the nuclear test? A "long-lasting mistrust of the government," Godfrey said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. SEOUL, South Korea South Korea paraded thousands of troops and an array of weapons capable of striking North Korea through its capital as part of its biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in 10 years on Tuesday, as its president vowed to build a stronger military to thwart any provocation by the North. Concerns are growing that North Korea is seeking Russian help in expanding its nuclear arsenal in return for supplying Moscow with conventional arms exhausted by its war with Ukraine. After looking at your imposing march today, I believe our people would trust you and have faith in our national security, Yoon Suk Yeol told cheering soldiers at the end of the ceremony in a central Seoul plaza. Ill always support you together with our people. Earlier, South Korea rolled tanks, artillery systems, drones and powerful ballistic missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea through the streets of Seoul, amid steady autumn rains. About 4,000 South Korean troops carrying rifles or flags followed them, accompanied by about 300 U.S. soldiers, in the first such military parade since 2013. As the soldiers and their weapons went past, Yoon waved, clapped and flashed a thumbs-up. Since taking office last year, he has been pushing hard to beef up South Koreas defense capability while expanding military drills with the United States in response to North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal. But a complication in Seoul and Washingtons efforts to curb the North's nuclear ambitions is the latest North Korean push to deepen military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russias far eastern region to meet with President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. North Korea reportedly wants to receive Russian technologies to help its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines and powerful long-range missiles. Such weapons would pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S. In a formal Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military airport near Seoul earlier Tuesday, Yoon said hell strive to build a strong military that instills fear in the enemy. Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation, he said. "If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korean-U.S. alliance. That ceremony drew about 6,700 soldiers and 200 weapons assets, the largest of its kind since 2013, according to South Korean officials. Yoon didnt mention North Korean-Russian ties in his speech Tuesday. But in an address to the U.N. General Assembly last week, he said South Korea will not sit idly by if North Korea and Russia agree to such weapons deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban all weapons trading with North Korea. U.S. officials have also said that North Korea and Russia would face consequences if they go ahead with such deals. Also Tuesday, senior diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China met in Seoul to discuss the first summit of their leaders in four years, according to South Korean officials. Yoon said last week that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed their support for a trilateral summit in South Korea. Yoon's moves to strengthen South Korea's military alliance with the U.S. and boost Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation have caused concerns that Seoul's relations with China, its biggest trading partner, will be undermined. But Yoon says Seoul-Washington-Tokyo cooperation won't marginalize any particular nation. As the military prepares to begin draining the Navy's underground Red Hill fuel storage facility next month, the University of Hawaii at Manoa has launched the Red Hill Information Hub, which it describes as a "one stop shop of the latest information, data and tools that can also be used for education, communication and research." In a Sunday news release, the university said the hub is led by the UH Red Hill Task Force, which operates out of the UH Manoa Water Resources Research Center. According to the release, UH's National Disaster Preparedness Training Center supported the research center with the creation of the hub, and UH faculty, staff and students across the Manoa campus and Leeward Community College, independent scientists and community members have also contributed. The Red Hill facility's massive storage tanks, which currently hold 104 million gallons of fuel, sit just 100 feet above a critical aquifer most of Oahu depends on for drinking water. For years the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and others warned that it posed a threat to the island's water supply. In November 2021, fuel from the facility tainted the Navy's Oahu water system that serves 93, 000 people, including military families and local civilians in former military housing areas, making many sick. "This knowledge product directly addresses the expressed data needs of community members, builds on and complements existing data gathering efforts led by state and federal agencies, and is a safe space for robust, accurate, and objective information, " said WRRC Director Thomas Giambelluca in UH's news release. The hub includes the latest state Department of Health water monitoring reports ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health surveys ; a newsfeed ; and information about upcoming public meetings and events. According to the UH release, the hub also includes "educational resources for teachers, students and researchers." In a video released by the university, Red Hill Information Hub lead developer Cuong Tran said, "We wanted to really help the public and provide them with general educational resources. Not only on Red Hill, but centered on water contamination and water security in the face of climate change for Hawaii." Mia Comeros, WRRC Red Hill research project coordinator, said in the video that "UH is in a prime position with expertise and with support and with networks already existing to provide a safe place for good and robust information to the community." The Navy for years insisted that the World War II-era Red Hill facility was critical for supporting the operations of its vast Pacific Fleet and that it was perfectly safe and maintained. But a spill of 27, 000 gallons of jet fuel in January 2014 from a tank that was just put back on line after repairs were completed the previous month raised doubts, even as the Navy insisted the spill had been contained. In 2015, the Navy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DOH signed an administrative order of consent to address the cleanup of the leak and which also required the Navy to have the "best available technology " to prevent leaks by 2045 or remove the fuel and shut down the facility. The Navy turned to UH to assess the tanks and look for ways to potentially upgrade them, funding research undertaken by the university's College of Engineering, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology and the Applied Research Laboratory. In a post on UH's website dated 2020, UH College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka was quoted saying "as scientists, we want the science and facts to speak for themselves. Because there is so much emotion surrounding the future of the Red Hill facility, the role of UH as an independent arbiter will hopefully go a long way in ultimately validating the results to bring greater objectivity among all parties involved." But in March 2022, after months of resisting a state emergency order tied to the 2021 spill calling on the Navy to drain the Red Hill tanks, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the military would drain and permanently close the Red Hill facility. The military has since acknowledged that the facility had fallen into deep disrepair and would require extensive repairs and upgrades to safely remove the fuel inside. The military formed Joint Task Force Red Hill under Vice Adm. John Wade to make those repairs and ultimately defuel the tanks. JTF Red Hill says the repairs are completed and it is on schedule to begin defueling on Oct. 15, with most of the fuel expected to be removed by the end of January, but the Navy's remediation and ultimate shutdown of the facility is expected to take years. The Red Hill Information Hub can be found here. ___ (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Virginia State Police are investigating a fatal car crash that happened early Saturday morning in Greene County. The crash occurred on Route 33, about one mile west of Goose Pond Rd. Around 1 a.m. on Sept. 23, a 2017 Nissan Versa crossed the centerline coming into a curve, hitting a 2022 Toyota Tundra head-on, according to a statement released by Virginia State Police. The Nissan was traveling northbound, and the Toyota south. Alec H. Burnett, 30, died on scene. Burnett, of Richmond, drove the Nissan, and was found wearing her seatbelt. Kevin J. Suarez Escoto, 28, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was driving the Toyota and also was wearing a seatbelt. Escoto sustained minor injuries, which were treated on scene. The crash is an ongoing investigation. The 1989 film "Glory" was both an awesome movie and a (relatively) faithful depiction of the all-Black 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, culminating with the unit's stunning assault on Confederate-held Fort Wagner at the height of the Civil War. But as great as it is, the movie stops short of what might be the 54th's finest hour: The Battle of Olustee, or more specifically, the aftermath of the battle that saw Black soldiers haul a stalled train by hand for 13 miles. To understand the Battle of Olustee, you have to understand Florida's place in the conflict. The state's primary contribution to the Confederacy wasn't necessarily men -- it only contributed some 15,000 troops, compared to more than 100,000 supplied by both Virginia and Tennessee during the course of the conflict -- but something equally important: food. Indeed, the capture of Vicksburg in 1863 cut the western Confederate states off from the rest of the South, which meant Florida's beef and salt supplies not only became twice as important, but they made Florida a target for the Union Army. Early on in the war, Florida's coastal areas were occupied by Union forces. The Confederates there were more interested in protecting its inland farms, which were far more important for the war effort. Aside from some small meetings between northern and southern forces, there weren't many pitched battles on Florida soil. The exception would come in 1864, when the two sides met at Olustee. In February 1864, a 5,500-strong Union force under Gen. Truman Seymour (who commanded the assault on Fort Wagner) landed in Jacksonville with the mission of cutting off Florida as a rebel food supply, setting up a pro-Union government and enlisting Black soldiers. Almost immediately, Seymour advanced against Confederate troops, militias and farms further inland; then, he started going farther than his orders, heading directly for the state capital. Marching along the Florida Central and Western Railroad, Seymour continued his stated mission while pushing toward Tallahassee. The rebels were ready for him, however, and as his force reached Ocean Pond, Florida, on Feb. 20, 1864, he was met by 5,000 Confederate troops. The resulting battle was evenly matched, and both sides suffered heavily under enemy fire. The Battle of Olustee was fought in an open pine forest. At the end of the fighting, the rebels would suffer 19% casualties, compared to the Union's staggering 34%. The Union also lost six guns, and the Confederates captured dozens of its horses. It would be the second-bloodiest battle of the war for the Union. Most importantly, the Union was forced to retreat. The Confederate Army held back from pursuing the Union force, but when it finally attacked the retreating column, the rebels were pushed back to their lines by the Union rearguard, made up of an unforgiving combination of the 35th U.S. Colored Troops and the 54th Massachusetts. Two days later, the defeated Federals were still marching the 46 miles back to Jacksonville when Seymour got word that the train carrying most of the wounded from Olustee had stopped due to a broken locomotive. Fearing the Union wounded would be captured by pursuing rebel forces, the 54th Massachusetts doubled back to the train. They used ropes to pull the train by hand three miles to Camp Finegan, where they got horses to help. From there, the men and horse pulled the wounded 10 more miles to the safety of Jacksonville over the course of 42 hours. Capt. Luis F. Emilio, a commander in the unit, would write a history of the 54th Massachusetts in 1891. When describing its actions after the Battle of Olustee, he wrote: "Through eagerness to escape the supposed pursuing enemy, too great pressure of steam was employed, and the flue collapsed; and here the immortal Fifty-fourth [colored] did what ought to insure it higher praise than to hold the field in the face of a victorious foe, -- with ropes it seized the engine [now useless] and dragged it with its doomed freight for many miles. They knew their fate if captured; their humanity triumphed. Does history record a nobler deed?" The 54th Massachusetts pulling a train of wounded troops. (National Museum of American History) The only major Civil War battle in Florida was a rout for the Union, but it might have been a lot worse if more than a thousand wounded soldiers had fallen into the hands of rebel troops. It wasn't the pitched battle ending the movie "Glory" offered, but the daring rescue meant hundreds of Union troops would fight another day. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, X or on LinkedIn. Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. In May 2015, the Islamic State was at the height of its power, having captured roughly half of Syria and nearly a third of Iraq. While the Iraqi Army crumbled and the Syrians continued to fight a brutal civil war, the most capable opposition came from a combined force of Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish militias, along with a growing group of Arab allies, that came to be known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. Within two years, the SDF-led ground forces, with the help of Western air power, pushed ISIS fighters back into Syria, retook swathes of ISIS-held territory and captured the Islamic State capital of Raqqa. The fall of the ISIS capital didn't end the fighting but it severely weakened the power and appeal of the Islamic State. As the fighting raged, SDF forces captured a number of ISIS prisoners in Syria. Canadian filmmaker Zayne Akyol, who was born to Kurdish parents, was there to interview some of those jihadist prisoners as the battle for Syrian Kurdistan raged on. Asking them about their motivations and how far they went to establish their caliphate, her documentary "Rojek" tells the story of the rise and fall of the Islamic State through their answers. Akyol's first film, 2016's "Gulistan, Land of Roses," followed women who joined Kurdish militias before the ISIS conflict and documented their lives as guerrillas. "Rojek" is a kind of sequel to the first film, a look back at the chronology of ISIS through the eyes of jihadists and their wives. Where her first film tells the story that supports her personal beliefs, the second is an attempt to understand what she calls "the enemy of the world." "I speak with them to understand where they come from, the reasons behind their acts and the mechanisms in place within ISIS," Akyol told Women And Hollywood. "I establish a dialogue with those who had a hand in the creation of the Islamic State. With prison cells and prison camps as a backdrop, it delves into the lives of these people who came from all around the world, driven by their desire to create a society based on an ultra-fundamentalist view of Islam." For four months, Akyol traveled Syrian Kurdistan visiting prisons and interviewing 30 jihadist fighters and 20 wives. All 50 were captured after the fall of the Islamic State and came from backgrounds that transcend languages, borders and culture. Some are repentant, others don't believe they need to apologize; all claim they were fighting for their beliefs, however corrupt they might be. Contrasting the interviews and their personal stories are the real images of what the Islamic State rule has done to the Syrian countryside, pulling no punches in showing the devastation caused to the people and the landscape after years of intense fighting. Bombed-out cities, burning fields and the markers of refugees and civilian casualties populate the scenery as Akyol reminds us that people still struggle to live and work in a region that hasn't really seen the end of conflict. "Rojek" was released in 2022 and was selected as Canada's submission for the 2023 Academy Award best international feature film category. It has not yet been released in theaters. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Facebook, X or on LinkedIn. Keep Up With the Best in Military Entertainment Whether you're looking for news and entertainment, thinking of joining the military or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to the Military.com newsletter to have military news, updates and resources delivered straight to your inbox. Rookie infielder Matt McLain has missed just shy of a month due to a right oblique strain and was expected to return from the 10-day injured list today, ready to join the Reds for the final week of their push for an NL wild card berth. Unfortunately, McLain wont be activated for at least the rest of the regular season, as the Reds told reporters (including Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer) that McLain suffered another oblique injury while rehabbing. The new injury is a Grade 2 strain, a more serious type of oblique problem that would usually mean something in the neighborhood of a two-month layoff (at least). Oblique injuries usually dont have a set timeline, and yet even if the Reds were to make it all the way to the World Series, there doesnt appear to be any chance that McLain will be part of even a deep postseason run. Its a tough outcome for both McLain and the Reds, who sit 2.5 games out of a wild card berth with five games remaining in their schedule. The Phillies have all but clinched the top wild card berth and the Cubs and Diamondbacks are tied for the second and third WC slots, though Cincinnati won their season series against both Chicago and Arizona. That would give the Reds the tiebreaker edge over either club in the event of a matching record, though the Marlins also sit between the Reds and the playoff line. A team needs all the help it can get in such a tight pennant race, which is why the prospect of McLains return looked like such a boost to Cincinnatis fortunes. McLain has hit .290/.357/.507 with 16 homers over 403 plate appearances in his first MLB season, as he has been arguably the best of the several younger players coming up from the minors to immediately help carry the Reds into contention. Between his offense (128 wRC+) and defensive contributions as both a shortstop and second baseman, McLain generated 3.2 fWAR over his 89 games. This excellent rookie year certainly establishes McLain as a big part of the Reds future, though his absence has undoubtedly hampered the clubs present chances of the playoffs. Cincinnati is 12-13 since McLains last game, though a long losing streak at the start of August already dealt a blow to the upstart teams hopes. The Reds at least got Jonathan India back from the IL earlier this month, and India and Elly De La Cruz have been regularly handling the middle infield duties. WARREN, MI Four teenagers believed to have been responsible for the attempted murder of a 26-year-old Roseville man are being charged as adults. Two of the suspects are 14-year-old males and two are 15-year-old males. All four were arraigned on Monday, Sept. 25 in Macomb County in connection with a shooting that took place Thursday, Sept. 14, near Martin and Bunert roads in Warren. My office made the decision to charge these teens as adults, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. This decision was driven by the premeditated nature of their alleged crimes, which involved a shooting. Their alleged actions have left the victim critically injured, as the attack was extremely violent. It is a stark reminder that, in the eyes of the law, these juveniles require the same consequences as if they were adults. Police have said previously that the victim remains in critical condition after undergoing several surgeries. If he survives, the man will likely be paralyzed, police said. Police reported previously that the victim was found at around 3:10 p.m. on Sept 14, in the drivers seat of a blue sedan with several gunshot wounds. Prior to being located, the victims vehicle had crashed into the driveway of a nearby residence. Macomb Community Colleges Warren campus and Warren Woods Tower High School were both placed on lockdown while police searched the area for the suspects. The four suspects were not found that day, but were all eventually arrested at Woods Tower High School, four days later, on Sept. 18. Police do not believe the shooting was random and have said it may have been the result of a prearranged transaction between the suspects and victim. On Sept. 25, Laron Hansend, Noah Brown, Eddie Dudley and Kaden Butler were each charged in Warren District Court with assault with intent to murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Each of the three charges carry a possibility of life in prison if convicted. Hansend Brown and Dudley were also charged with felony firearm. The three of them had their bond set at $750,000 cash or surety and all three were ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. If released, they will be required to wear a tether, the prosecutors office said. Butlers bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety only. He will also be required to wear a tether if released. A preliminary exam for the four teens is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 10 in front of Warren District Court Judge Michael Chupa. Also on MLive: Kalamazoo man, 43, shot and killed, found unresponsive in road Murder trial begins for man accused of killing pregnant mother I hate myself so much: Mom sent to prison in crash that killed 3 sons Two Michigan towns have been named to a new nationwide list of best places in America for fall color. Country Living magazines 2023 list of the best towns in the U.S. for fall foliage includes the Upper Peninsula towns of Munising and Ontonagon. The list names 55 small towns across the U.S. known for their autumnal displays and views. From the California coast to New England and Vermont, these are the absolute best fall towns to travel to this leaf-peeping season, writer Rebecca Shinners said in the story. Munising, home to the wildly scenic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, got a nod for its stunning waterfalls, which take on a new beauty when surrounded by fall color. Meanwhile Ontonagon was named to the list for the way autumn lights up its eye-catching Porcupine Mountains. The story encourages readers to consider booking a seasonal leaf-peeping getaway to one of the listed destinations. Read more and see the full list at Country Living magazine online here. MORE ON MLIVE: 3 great trails for fall color at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Take a scenic fall color chairlift ride in the Porcupine Mountains 3 trails for gorgeous fall color in Michigans Porcupine Mountains Munisings wild shoreline lures you north, where outdoor lovers find adventure 7 Upper Peninsula spots where fall color is king Lock-box your phone and really unplug at these tiny cabins in Michigans beautiful Thumb CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, MI -- A Boyne City man who was previously a teacher and head of the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority has been sentenced to three months in jail. According to UpNorthLive, Antonio Cutler, was sentenced Friday after he pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated assault of a minor, in exchange for two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct being dropped. Cutler was originally charged in May 2022 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a then 16-year-old boy. He entered the no contest plea to the aggravated assault charge in June 2023. Cutler previously worked as a teacher at several schools districts in Michigan and also ran for state representative in 2020. However, Cutler lost the Republican primary for the seat in Michigans 105th District. Public records show Cutler was appointed to his role as DDA director in November 2021 by the DDA Board. Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney Kit Tholen said in a statement that several young men came forward during the course of the investigation to claim Cutler made inappropriate sexual advances or engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior toward them. However, no charges have been brought against Cutler in connection with those claims. Along with the jail time, the judge in the case sentenced Cutler to one year probation and he is not to have any contact with minors. KEWEENAW COUNTY, MI -- A professor who taught at Michigan Technological University for more than 20 years was killed last week in a car crash. According to UP Matters, the Keweenaw County Sheriffs Office has identified the victim as 50-year-old Joel Tuoriniemi, of Fulton. Tuoriniemi died on Sept. 19 due to injuries he suffered in a single car crash that took place along US-41 around 2 a.m. Police believe Tuoriniemi lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and rolled the vehicle before it hit an unoccupied house. First responders were able to pull Tuoriniemi from the vehicle, but he died after arriving at a nearby hospital. According to a statement from MTU, Tuoriniemi earned a bachelors degree in business with a concentration in accounting from the university in 1994. He was hired at MTU in 2001 where he taught foundations of taxation. More recently, Tuoriniemi served as a professor of practice in accounting. Police say an investigation into the crash is ongoing. By Omar Rodriguez Ortiz, Miami Herald (TNS) MIAMI A patient at a psychiatric hospital in South Florida brutally beat a roommate for seven minutes and ripped the mans eyes out of his sockets, police said Monday. The victim is permanently blind due to his injuries, Pembroke Pines police spokeswoman Amanda Conwell told the Miami Herald. At around 4:45 p.m. Friday, Pembroke Pines officers responded to South Florida State Hospital following a 911 call about a fight between two patients, authorities said in a news release. Police noted they werent notified until an hour after the attack. An investigation revealed the suspect and his bunkmate, who are both adults court ordered to be at the 350-bed state hospital, were involved in an argument that turned physical. The Herald is not identifying the suspect because of the sensitive nature of the incident. The suspect punched the victim in the face and then dragged him onto the ground, police said. Once on the ground, the suspect continued to punch the victim, and eventually the suspect pulled both of the victims eyes out of his eye sockets. South Florida State Hospital. (South Florida State Hospital/TNS)TNS Police say that another patient saw the attack and alerted hospital staff. The victim was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where he remained hospitalized as of Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, the suspect was taken to jail Friday on a charge of aggravated battery. Wellpath Recovery Solutions, selected by the Florida Department of Children and Families in 1998 to operate the psychiatric hospital, hadnt responded to the Heralds emailed request for comment as of Monday afternoon. DCF didnt immediately say whether it is investigating the incident. YPSILANTI, MI - Construction is underway on a multimillion-dollar relocation of University of Michigan Healths Ypsilanti Health Center to a downtown building that once housed the Eastern Michigan University College of Business. The health center will expand when it moves into the 300 W. Michigan Ave. building purchased by Michigan Innovation Headquarters, MI-HQ, a high-tech business incubator based in Washtenaw County, officials said. SAINT JOHNS, MI Charges have been dismissed against one of two people charged in the death of 68-year-old Chong Yang, a hunter who was found shot to death in Bath Township in November 2018. Robert Rodway, of Saint Johns, originally charged with felony murder and felony firearm, had his case dismissed without prejudice Tuesday, Sept. 26, meaning the charges can be reissued, according to online court records and his attorney, Matthew Newburg. Newburg declined to comment when reached by MLive/The Flint Journal. The charge was dismissed due to an unresolved issue regarding admissibility of evidence, said Danny Wimmer, a spokesperson for the AGs office. Rodway, along with Thomson Olson of Grand Blanc Township, was arrested and charged in December 2022. Yang was hunting in the Rose Lake State Park in Bath Township on Nov. 16, 2018, when he was shot and killed. His family, concerned after he hadnt returned home, began looking for him. They found his car in a parking lot and followed two sets of footprints, which authorities said led them to the victims body. Police arrived and found Yang lying face down with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. Olson and Rodway became suspects through witness testimony and a plastic bag with hunting spray that was found near the scene, officials previously said. The AGs office claims the men killed Yang while hunting and stole his headlamp, knife, backpack and shotgun. Olsons case remains pending in Clinton County Circuit Court, records show. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference in October. He is still held without bond. 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: 2 men charged with murder in 2018 death of Bath Township hunter Cases against 2 men charged in Bath Township hunters 2018 death proceed to examination 2 men will stand trial in Michigan hunters 2018 cold case homicide OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Ottawa County health department employees are feeling attacked. Theyre anxious and exhausted. Some fear for their jobs. Theyre also worried about the future of the community services they provide. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Grand Rapids Community College student Natalie Frias is looking to tell a story of true love and hope through her ArtPrize entry. Nine years ago, when Natalie Frias was rushed to the hospital, both her kidneys irreparably damaged by childhood strep throat were failing. In fact, theyd shrunk to the size of dried kidney beans. Frias needed a kidney transplant, but none of her family or friends were a match. However, her now-husband whom she was dating at the time was. Id just met my now-husband, Mike, on Match.com a month earlier, she said. Mike stayed by my side and even got tested to see if he was a donor match and we matched again. On March 21, 2016, the pair underwent successful transplant surgery at Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital and got married just three months later. The couple now resides in Hudsonville with their two young children. We got married and had our kids because of that transplant, she said. It has felt like a new beginning for us and for me, like a second chance at life. The husband-and-wife duos tale of matching has been featured on the TODAY show, in People magazine and on the local news. She even wrote a book about her journey called Fighting Failure. But thats not the end of her story. Frias, now enrolled in GRCCs Occupational Therapy Assistant program, said she has made it her lifes mission to spread awareness of the dangers of kidney disease and the importance of becoming an organ donor. She created her very first piece of art, Silent Absence, a sculpted chair with painted kidney beans as its foundation and entered it in this years ArtPrize. It can be viewed through Oct. 1 at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St. NW. RELATED: Its like the Super Bowl for our businesses: ArtPrize means big crowds, big sales Frias said the kidney beans represent kidney disease, and the chair represents a place at the table with your loved ones. The sculpture is painted different shades of green to pay homage to the color representing kidney disease awareness, she said. Its as if the disease is slowly taking the person away from everything they hold dear; the people they love and their normal day-to-day. The chair symbolizes an individual because when I think of somebody, I dont just think of that person, their family and friends, Frias said. Its kind of like their identity. And when youre going through kidney disease, it doesnt just affect the individual, it affects everybody around them. Frias said the biggest misconception people have is when somebody gets a kidney transplant, they think the kidney disease is cured. She told MLive she still has to take immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of her life to make sure her body doesnt attack her new kidney. A white flower made of kidney beans sits atop the sculpture to represent hope for a cure, she said. Even though Frias didnt make the ArtPrize Top 25, she said that for her, its all about spreading awareness about kidney disease. I want to get out more in the community and try to keep raising awareness, she said. I love helping people, and I think I found my calling to try to educate on kidney disease but also to help others. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Read more: East Grand Rapids opens first-ever dog park A constant target: Health employees worry about job security, future of services in Ottawa County Possible book ban draws mixed reactions from Northview parents, community members New Mexican bakery opens in Ottawa County GRAND RAPIDS, MI Significant renovations underway at Amways headquarters in Ada Township are transforming part of the companys administrative space into a sleek, modern collaborative workspace equipped with multiple large screens, video conferencing and digital communication boards. The improvements represent the most extensive renovation weve ever done to our administrative offices, said Brian Kraus, chief supply chain officer at the direct sales company. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Sheriffs deputies are investigating reports of shots fired near West Olive Estates. There were no reported injuries, police said. The gunfire was reported around 11:40 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, near Winters Creek West and Shamrock Trail West off U.S. 31 in Ottawa Countys Olive Township. A deputy was in the area on an unrelated complaint when he heard gunshots. As he responded to the area, he heard additional shots. Residents also reported shots fired. Police detained several persons of interest and secured the area. Police found evidence of gunfire. Detectives responded to the scene and continue to investigate. Police asked anyone with information to contact the Sheriffs Department at 616-738-4000 or Silent Observer 877-887-4536. Read more: Possible book ban draws mixed reactions from Northview parents, community members UAW history informs its future as strike progresses into second week Ionia County man, 41, dies in fiery crash GRAND RAPIDS, MI In the view of Northview Public Schools parent John Taylor, books that cover difficult or uncomfortable topics can provide crucial support to kids who are looking for a sense of belonging. They can also help students who need an outlet for tough emotions they may be dealing with, Taylor said. As Northview is considering the removal of eight controversial books that some community members deemed sexually explicit, Taylor said he believes the district should keep the books on the shelves as a resource for students who need them. I believe these books are there for the students who need them, Taylor told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press Monday, Sept. 25. Support can be on so many different levels, and to take a level of that away is detrimental to those kids. I dont believe taking that level of support away from kids is right, and I dont think this community stands behind that. Other community members, however, said school isnt the appropriate place for students to access books with inappropriate content. Northview School District resident Julie Herrmann argued people can access whatever books theyd like outside of school, but school shelves should be limited to age-appropriate books. These books can be read outside of the school library, Herrmann said Monday during public comment at a Northview school board meeting. Anyone can access these books in other places. Were just asking, not here. Lets respect everybody and say, read them, read them to your kids if you want to, but not here in the school. RELATED: West Michigan school district considering ban of 8 books Taylor and Herrmann were among a handful of parents and community members who spoke out on the potential ban of eight books during a Northview Board of Education work session meeting on Monday. These are the eight books that are currently under review by the district: Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Mass Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel Push by Sapphire All Boys Arent Blue by George M Johnson Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison Tricks by Ellen Hopkins Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison The district is considering pulling the eight books from its library shelves after community member and former Northview School Board candidate Cal Morton complained that the books contained sexually explicit material. The district formed a complaint review committee last week to formally review the books and recommend whether the books should be banned. The committee, which is made up of community members, school staff and two Northview school board members, is expected to reach its decision by early December, Northview Interim Superintendent Christina Hinds said last week. The eight books in question are not required reading at Northview Public Schools, but are available for selection by students in grades 7-12, district officials say. Many of the books have been challenged or banned at other school districts across the country. Many of the books have LGBTQ themes and contain descriptions of violence, sexual activity, and other graphic matter. All Boys Arent Blue, The Bluest Eye, Lawn Boy, and Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl were among the top 13 most challenged books in America in 2022, according to the American Library Association. RELATED: See which books are banned in Michigan schools Morton, a longtime Northview resident and the secretary for the Kent County chapter of Moms for Liberty, submitted his complaint to the districts board of education over the summer. Moms for Liberty is a national conservative parental rights group that was founded in 2021 in Florida. The groups mission is to organize, educate and empower parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government, according to its website. Mortons June 12 complaint to the district asked the Northview Board of Education to initiate a formal review of the eight books to determine whether they should be removed due to sexually explicit matter. He also asked that the books be removed from all school shelves until the review was complete. A spokesperson for Northview Public Schools told MLive the books will remain on the school shelves until a further decision is made by the districts administration. A Northview student who spoke during Mondays school board meeting said the decision of whether a student should be allowed to read a book should be left up to each student and their parents, not the views of the community. The student, Milo, who identified themself by first name only during public comment, recalled once wanting to check out the book Gender Queer: A Memoir, by Maia Kobabe, from the library. But the student talked about it with their mom, and together they decided it wasnt appropriate at that time. She was the only one who decided for me, and me only, the student said. She did not threaten to take it out of an entire school just because she didnt think it was appropriate for me for me at the time. Kristi, a Northview parent who spoke during public comment, acknowledged that some of the books have graphic passages in them, but said cherry-picking those passages as rationale to ban books takes away opportunities for students to better understand the world around them. Yes, some of these books contain certain graphic and tragic real life experiences, said Kristi, who asked that MLive not use her last name. Understanding traumatic life experiences could encourage thought-provoking conversations and teachable moments for the kids, which is what I have done. More on MLive: Holland restaurant owner loses appeal after defying COVID-19 mandates I hate myself so much: Mom sent to prison in crash that killed 3 sons See photos of 500-pound pumpkins being used as boats in U.P. race UPDATE: Party store owner shot teen after boy allegedly tried to steal cigars GRAND RAPIDS, MI The owner of a business is accused of shooting a 16-year-old who was allegedly shoplifting. Kent County prosecutors charged the man with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a 10-year felony, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said. The shooting happened Sept. 12 at E&J Laundromat & Store, 1253 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, south of Hall Street. Grand Rapids police responded to a report of a shooting during a robbery. Related: Teen shot, possibly during a robbery, police say MLive/The Grand Rapids Press is not naming the suspect until after arraignment in Grand Rapids District Court. After the 16-year-old was shot, others in a group fled the store. Investigators determined that the shooting happened when the teen and another teen, who was not hurt, were shoplifting, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom said. The teen was initially in serious but stable condition, police said. Read more: Woman, 21, critically injured in Ottawa County crash Police investigate shots fired at Ottawa Countys West Olive Estates Possible book ban draws mixed reactions from Northview parents, community members JACKSON, MI Gun owners in Jackson can pick up a free gun lock at the Jackson Police Department Thursday during a collaborative safety event. The Jackson Police Department is partnering with WLNS 6 News in its Hope Over Violence Gun Lock Giveaway event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, handing out free gun locks to Jackson residents who visit the police department, 216 E. Washington Ave. The event is intended to aid in fighting gun violence in Mid-Michigan communities, according to a City of Jackson news release. It is one of two events planned in the region with the other slated to take place in Lansing. The event is also geared toward along helping residents comply with Michigans new gun lock law, which will take effect early next year. Related: Gun laws are changing in Michigan. Heres what you need to know New legislation requires gun owners to store their firearms in a locked container, such as a safe or lock box, or unloaded with a locking device when there is a minor living in their home or is expected to be on the premises. During the event, Jackson police officers and WLNS on-air personalities will be handing out the locks outside the police department. Participants in the event are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and go through a one-way circle drive behind the department headquarters building, entering using the east driveway. They will drive through an organized line to receive their lock and then exit using the west driveway by a nearby parking structure. There is a limit of one gun lock per person while supplies last. Live reports of the giveaway can be seen during the WLNS 6 News broadcast at noon. 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: Driver who fled traffic stop with state trooper hanging from car charged with attempted murder Jackson College president to deliver report on racism, harassment complaints Man arrested for drunken driving after crash into Chelsea construction site JACKSON COUNTY, MI - Jackson Colleges president will deliver an internal report on harassment allegations brought forward by staff and students at the school, with an external investigation likely to follow, school board members decided during a special meeting Monday. More than 100 people - including current and former Jackson College students and faculty members - gathered in the community rooms of Bert Walker Hall on Sept. 25 for a contentious special meeting of the Jackson College Board of Trustees. The meeting was called in response to concerns of racism and harassment brought forward by students during multiple on-campus demonstrations over the past month. A motion put forward by trustee Philip Hoffman called for Jackson College President Daniel Phelan to deliver his own internal report regarding the complaints leveled against the college. The board was largely in agreement that both an internal report from Phelan and an external investigation are called for given the complaints made by staff and students, though there was some contention as to which should come first. Board members Sam Barnes and Sheila Patterson -- both of whom advocated for an external investigation during the Sept. 11 meeting -- said an outside investigation should be the boards priority. Im okay with allowing our president to come back with what weve asked for in detail, however, we would be doing this college an injustice if we didnt then perform an external investigation, Patterson said. Hoffmans motion passed by a 5-2 vote, with Barnes and Patterson voting no. The general consensus among board members was that while an external review is still on the table, a report from the president is needed to highlight both sides of the issue. Were still looking at what to do with going forward, said board chairperson John Crist. Its very important that we work through this in a very orderly manner and not just jump into it. Related: Jackson College president promises to address student concerns of racism, harassment During the colleges previous board meeting, nearly a dozen students spoke during the public comment segment to bring forward concerns about racism they say theyve experienced at the school. A protest addressing many of the same issues drew dozens of students to the center of the Jackson College campus Sept. 14. Im deeply concerned about what I was hearing, Phelan told MLive after the meeting. I respect everybodys right to speak, and Im grateful they did so -- its helping to inform me and inform the board. We will take this very seriously. Phelan said he has taken copious notes of each complaint brought forward and will present his own report during the boards next meeting on Oct. 16. The administrative report will reexamine previous harassment complaints made by staff and students and take a deeper look at how the college responded in each case, Crist said. Aggrieved students and staff members of Jackson College got another opportunity to voice their concerns about the schools culture during the public comment section of Mondays meeting. Among the first to speak was Marie Anderson -- a former instructor at JC who left the school over the past summer. Anderson said she left the school due to feeling unwelcome, and said she witnessed several instances of racism and sexual harassment amongst students and staff. I made several complaints -- they went unheard, Anderson said. It wasnt until someone else -- a Caucasian person, my colleague -- made the same complaint that (administration) actually took notice. Jenna Pruette -- an associate professor of biology and chair of the colleges science department -- said she has observed a campus-wide hesitance to speak out against issues at the school out of fear of reprisal. People are afraid to speak up here at JC, Pruette said. This culture of fear at Jackson College is palpable, and has been for years -- not just in the past few weeks. Pruette asked the board to consider whether they are fully aware of what is going on at their college. Also among the public commentors was NaTiyah Montgomery -- a 19-year-old student who spoke at the previous meeting and served as the primary organizer at the protest that followed. Flanked by an entourage of her fellow students who stood next to her while she spoke, Montgomery received an outpouring of applause from supporters in the audience as she approached the podium. Montgomery began her public comment at the Sept. 11 meeting by posing a question to board members: Do you care about your Black students? At Mondays meeting, she said the question has since been answered by the college. Montgomery said despite the pushback shes received and the complacency she sees within the school administration, she is not going to back down. Yall do not care about your Black students, because you release countless emails and interviews attacking my character, insinuating that I lied, Montgomery said on Sept. 25. You all publicly lynched me basically by telling all the students and faculty here that I lied. You attempted to destroy my character in an attempt to get me to back down, but it did not work. More from The Jackson Citizen Patriot: Jackson College to continue Ready, Set, Jet! summer program - with some changes Jackson symphony orchestra kicking off new season with West Coast music Drivers should prepare for more I-94, U.S. 127 closures Jackson man on parole for pair of bank robberies arraigned on new bank robbery charges ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI -- A 16-year-old girl died after being hit by a car, the St. Joseph County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies were called to the crash at 10:26 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 on U.S. 131 near Broadway Road in Fabius Township. The pedestrian, a 16-year-old Three Rivers girl, died from her injuries, police said. Police have not released her name as they work to notify family members, the sheriffs office said. The driver of the vehicle was not injured. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman asks any witnesses to contact Sgt. Brandon Dahl at 269-467-9045 ext. 311. Deputies were assisted by Three Rivers Police Department, Three Rivers Fire Department, Fabius Park Fire Department, Shears Wrecker Service and the St. Joseph County Victim Services Unit. No other details about the crash were released. Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: Michigan sheriff crashed driving drunk at 96 mph. Months later, hes still sheriff. 5 corn mazes to get lost in this fall in Southwest Michigan Man, 66, dies in Southwest Michigan fire Rabid bat found in Southwest Michigan home Stolen property falls off trailer as thieves escape; investigation leads troopers to meth Dont touch Arcadia Creek, Kalamazoo officials warn after 750-gallon sewage spill Fisherman drowns in Southwest Michigan after kayak overturns KALAMAZOO, MI -- About 750 gallons of sewage spilled from a private sewer system and reached Arcadia Creek, causing Kalamazoo officials to issue a no-contact advisory for a section of the waterway. The citys Department of Public Services workers responded to the issue after being notified at 3:35 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, of a sanitary sewer overflow on private property at the 3600 block of Jay Drive. The overflow happened at a private sewer system that is not maintained by the city of Kalamazoo, the city said in a news release. City staff removed a blockage by 8 p.m. Monday. About 750 gallons of sewage had spilled, according to estimates. Wastewater reached the Arcadia Creek, the city said. Arcadia Creek flows through downtown Kalamazoo and connects to the Kalamazoo River, although the advisory doesnt span all the way into downtown. The city has issued a no-contact advisory for Arcadia Creek from Jay Drive to Oliver Street (which is near Waldo Stadium at Western Michigan Universitys campus). The advisory is recommended for people and pets, the city said Tuesday, Sept. 26, morning. This advisory will remain in effect until sampling confirms risk has been minimized, the city said. Sampling of Arcadia Creek has begun and will continue. It takes about 24 hours for analysis. The city, along with the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, advise anyone who may have been exposed to raw sewage to clean and disinfect shoes, clothes and skin thoroughly. The private sewer system has been restored to its normal operation and the area has been remediated, the city said. As required by law, Water Reclamation Plant personnel notified the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes and Energy at the Kalamazoo District Office and the Kalamazoo County Environmental Health Unit of the spill. Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: 5 corn mazes to get lost in this fall in Southwest Michigan Man, 66, dies in Southwest Michigan fire Rabid bat found in Southwest Michigan home Stolen property falls off trailer as thieves escape; investigation leads troopers to meth Motorcyclist pinned under car after crash; 2 in critical condition Fisherman drowns in Southwest Michigan after kayak overturns MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI Youve lived in foster care for half your life, taken from your parents because they were abusive or neglectful. Now youre 18, and youre facing having to move out of foster care and making it on your own. Now what? For many teens exiting foster care, the transition can be scary and uncertain. Making money to support themselves takes precedence over advancing their education. Sometimes a couch at a friends house is their refuge until the friend gets tired of them and they have to find another. Its those young people, the ones who through no fault of their own dont have family to guide them, that Jeff and Katie Steele and their nonprofit Kids Belong are making plans to help. The first of what they hope will be seven duplexes for young people who have aged-out of foster care is under construction on property adjacent to their own large home in the city of Muskegon. Each duplex will have two 550-square-foot units that will provide two young people their own safe place to live while they get their feet under them. I think its a group of people who are largely invisible, Jeff Steele told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. The truth is, if youve been in care through your teen years, you may have missed out on a lot of things that typical kids not in care got to experience. Steele knows the challenges well. He and his wife have been foster parents for about a dozen years. They added onto their home three times to accommodate their growing brood. Finally, in 2020, they decided they needed to build a bigger home. They bought 5 acres zoned multi-family residential in Muskegon that are within walking distance of Muskegon Community College, the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center, the bus line and the busy Apple Avenue retail corridor. The house they built has a whopping 17 bedrooms and seven bathrooms. And yet, its filled to the brim. In addition to their four biological children, the Steeles have adopted seven, are guardians for another and currently have three foster children. Katie Steele works on retention in the foster care system, while Jeff Steele is a pastor for Watermark Church in Grand Haven. The church provides support to the Steeles nonprofit, Kids Belong, which was launched about 10 years ago to offer support, activities and a place to connect for foster care families. The Steeles transferred about 1 acres of their property on Shonat Street to Kids Belong for construction of the duplexes that will house up to 14 young people. As they reach age 18, foster care residents can choose to continue in a young adult voluntary foster care program through the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services that helps them become independent. Through that program, they can continue receiving financial support and caseworker support along with health care coverage as long as they are working or attending school. They can get help with housing, but finding an affordable place to live isnt easy. At any given time, DHS has youth on the independent living caseload who they have no idea what to do with, Steele said. Having seen the need, the Steeles began making plans for the duplex homes they call First Place. The occupants of the First Place duplexes will be able to use independent living stipends to pay rent, helping build a rental history without which they could have trouble signing a lease. The location makes is easy for them to receive training or higher education and to land a part-time job, Steele said. And they have the added bonus of living close to the Steeles, who are ready to help them navigate the tough stuff. Those who live at First Place will be required to sign a program agreement that outlines their responsibilities in pursuing a path to independence, whether it be through education or working, as well as the life skills help such as budgeting that they will be provided. Were hoping its the best of both worlds, Steele said. Its their own space and their own independence. But its family support thats right there right next door. The Steeles will stand at the ready to help with college applications, applying for a job, filling out tax forms and even changing a car tire. Just think if you didnt have anyone to call or someone to ask, how much harder is that process for you? Steele said. They will advise their young tenants of financial assistance for former foster children available through the state, such as free college tuition and matching funds for car purchases. And they will provide that large family support home where their young tenants will be welcomed for regular suppers and holiday gatherings. Rent will start out low and increase over time as the tenant improves their earning power, Steele said. A portion of their rent will be set aside in a special fund for them to use when theyre ready to move out and need a security deposit on a new place, he said. The expectation is that young people will stay one to two years, he said. He estimates that each duplex will cost $155,000 to build. The first one will open in January if all goes according to plan. That plan does rely on community support. Kids Belong is fundraising for the first duplex, and later will be seeking donations of furnishings and appliances. They also may seek volunteer help finishing off the homes with such tasks as installing flooring or painting. As we raise money, we can continue to build, Steele said. To find out how to help, and to learn more about the First Place project, click here. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. Also on MLive: New Lake Michigan bathhouse planned at Muskegon County park Help amid punishment: Michigan to reform treatment of kids in justice system Family of man fatally shot by wife: You are a monster BAY CITY, MI For months, two alleged kingpins imported more than two dozen kilos of cocaine from Mexico every two weeks and dispersed the illicit stimulant around Saginaw. Their enterprise was foiled when authorities overheard them orchestrating a murder on their cellphones, prompting them to intercede before the execution could transpire. What resulted was the two chieftains and 13 of their alleged underlings facing federal charges. Now, one of those alleged bosses has accepted a plea deal, one that will require him to spend years back in a federal penitentiary. Gregory M. Hayes Jr. on his 48th birthday of Aug. 14 appeared before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine. The conviction mandates a minimum 10 years in prison, with a maximum of up to life. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss 16 more charges. In pleading, Hayes admitted that from the fall of 2021 through March 22, 2022, he, Ricardo Delgado II, and others conspired to distribute between 150 and 450 kilos of cocaine throughout Saginaw. Hayes delivered kilos to his cohorts and customers, collected money from them, and made efforts to expand his client base. He also used vehicles containing traps or hidden compartments capable of concealing large amounts of drugs and obtained feedback from his customers on the quality of the product he was pushing. Delgado remains charged with several related counts, as do codefendants Austin A. Saucedo, Aristeo V. Delgado, Aristeo R. Robelin, Cecil Peoples, Adam J. Rosas, Dominic D. Riley, and Anthony D. Watson. Six of other codefendants Jonathan A. Coronado, Michael A. Pratt, Charles E. Parks, Jarquaze E. Townsend, Teyana L. Frills, and Antwon G. Shivers previously pleaded guilty cocaine-distribution-related charges and are awaiting sentencing. The FBI began investigating the drug ring in 2021, their probe including wiretaps on the suspects phones that lasted for several months. The investigation has shown Delgado has a direct line with co-conspirators in Mexico, whom he works with to obtain the controlled substances on a regular basis, approximately every two weeks or so, Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. Turkelson said during a March 2022 court hearing. It appears that Delgado and Hayes are working together to bring in more than 25 kilograms of cocaine every two weeks for distribution. Delgado rarely distributed in amounts less than a kilogram. On a few occasions, hed sell a half-kilo, the prosecutor said. Delgado and Hayes each had their own people they worked with to distribute the drugs, Turkelson said. Delgado relied heavily on Austin Saucedo, Jonathan Coronado, and Aristeo Delgado to assist him as runners. Delgado had been overheard commenting on having shooters working for him and that he wanted to get more shooters as well, Turkelson said. On March 22, 2022, Coronado was to deliver a kilo of cocaine in Saginaw, only for his customers to rob him and steal the vehicle he was in. Federal agents overheard Coronado tell Delgado about this development over the phone. Delgado told Coronado that he needed to shoot them, Turkelson said. During the intercepted phone calls, Delgado was further overheard telling Coronado that he needed to have one in the chamber and he needed to have at least two loaded magazines and hopefully he could, quote, dump both magazines. Agents also overheard Delgado telling Hayes about the robbery and that he had told Coronado he needed to go lay them down, Turkelson said. Obviously, agents believed that was that he needed to shoot and kill the person who had robbed them, Turkelson said. This was not the first time the organization had been ripped off. The month prior, someone stole a vehicle from Hayes that contained 15 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment. Delgado managed to get the vehicle back from Chicago, possibly with the assistance of a Chicago police officer, Turkelson said. An angry Delgado conversed with Hayes about getting retribution on the person he believed had stolen the vehicle and its cargo. He wanted to enact revenge against that person, but that person was related to his source in Mexico and he would never get the green light, Turkelson said. So, it wasnt that he wasnt willing to enact revenge, its just that he couldnt get the green light to do so. Agents informed Saginaw police officers of the location of the prospective shooting on March 22, 2022. Meanwhile, Delgado, Coronado, and Saucedo drove separate vehicles to the planned hit site. Saucedo was to act as a lookout, the prosecutor said. As police responded to the area, agents overheard Delgado giving Coronado directions on where to go. Based on these directions, law enforcement was directed and able to figure out where they were going, the prosecutor said. Agents overheard Delgado expressing surprise at the number of police cars in the area as they arrived. Delgado himself ordered the shooting when he gets ripped off, Turkelson said. Not only orders the shooting, but he goes to the area of the shooting to help ensure its done. Officers pulled over both Delgado and Saucedo, though they did not let on that they knew of the planned shooting, claiming they stopped them for other reasons. Officers released Delgado and Saucedo, though they were unable to find Coronado at that time. As Delgado drove away, he was overheard talking to Hayes and stating, These things are dirty. Dont talk on them. We need to meet up, Turkelson said. Because they could not find Coronado, police were fearful the shooting would still occur. Due to that, they decided to forsake the wiretap and arrest Delgado, Hayes, Saucedo, and Aristeo Delgado as soon as possible. That evening, officers arrested Ricardo Delgado, Aristeo Delgado, and Saucedo at the Flying Js Travel Center at 3475 E. Washington Road in Buena Vista Township. Not long after, they arrested Hayes at a Lowes store and also arrested Coronado at Ricardo Delgados house in possession of a gun. Into the late evening of March 22, 2022, and early the next morning, authorities executed six search warrants. At Ricardo Delgados home, law enforcement found 13.5 kilos of cocaine hidden in a vehicle, more than $200,000 in cash, 13 guns, suppressors, and triggers allowing guns to be fired in an automatic fashion. In a Dodge Ram truck registered to Saucedo, police found a ceiling trap containing a stolen handgun, Turkelson added. At two houses associated with Hayes, law enforcement found 2 kilograms of cocaine, $25,000 in cash, a short-barreled rifle, and a handgun. Hayes also had $9,000 in cash on him when arrested. Over the following months, a federal grand jury would issue 30 criminal counts against the 15 suspects. Turkelson described Ricardo Delgado and Hayes as the tip of the spear when it comes to this drug trafficking organization. The trial for Ricardo Delgado and his remaining seven codefendants is to begin Nov. 28. Delgado had filed a motion to have his phone conversations with codefendant Rosas excluded from trial, but U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington denied it. Ludington is to sentence Hayes at 3 p.m. on Dec. 14. BELLEVILLE, MI -- President Joe Biden joined picketers at General Motors Willow Run Redistribution Center in Belleville with a bullhorn in hand telling workers its their turn to share in the record profits of the Detroit automakers. You guys, the UAW, you saved the auto industry back in 2008 ad before. You made a lot of sacrifices, gave up a lot when the companies were in trouble. Now theyre doing incredibly well and guess what? You should be doing incredibly well, too, Biden said, according to the Associated Press. The visit was exclusively open to the White House Press Pool. Bidens visit marks the first time a sitting president joined a picket line in modern history, according to the White House. Biden was greeted on the tarmac by UAW President Shawn Fain at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on his way to join United Auto Workers on strike. Michigan politicians Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell, Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar were also onsite. Surrounded by a crowd of GM workers Biden wore a UAW hat, shook hands and agreed when a member of the White House press pool asked if workers should get a 40% raise increase. Fain thanked Biden for coming and assuring the union that the president will do right by the working class. Biden took the bullhorn back from Fain and addressed the crowd a second time. Ive said this many times, Wall Street didnt build the country. The middle class built the country. Unions built the middle class, Biden said according to AP. Lets keep going, he said. You deserve what youve earned and youve earned a hell of a lot more than what youre getting paid now. In response to the presidential visit, GM sent the following statement: Our focus is not on politics but continues to be on bargaining in good faith with the UAW leadership to reach an agreement as quickly as possible that rewards our workforce and allows GM to succeed and thrive into the future. Fain announced more strike targets on Friday, Sept. 22. During his Facebook Live address he called upon the president specifically to join the fight. We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line from our friends and families, all the way up to the president of the United States, Fain said. We invite you to join us in our fight. The way you can help is to build our movement and show the companies that the public stands with us and stands with our elected national negotiators. " Later that day Biden announced he would travel to Wayne County to visit striking workers. Bidens announcement came on the heels of former President Donald Trump saying he will be in Michigan this week to meet with UAW workers as well. Trump will travel Wednesday to Macomb County in lieu of participating in the second Republican presidential debate. He is to visit Drake Enterprises in Clinton Township and deliver remarks at 8 p.m., an hour ahead of the Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox Business Network and Univision. Drake Enterprises is a manufacturing and assembly facility that supplies to General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler, part of Stellantis, according to its website. It is not a union shop nor does it have UAW history. For that reason, the UAW does not consider Trumps visit an act of solidarity. International UAW leadership has repeatedly said they did not invite Trump and are not helping coordinate the event or membership attendance. In response to Trumps announcement, Fain harshly criticized the former president. Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers, Fain said. We cant keep electing billionaires and millionaires that dont have any understanding what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to get by and expecting them to solve the problems of the working class. Union support of the former president is overstated, said a source familiar. Adding that an internal UAW poll during the 2020 election found support for Trump was not close to half of the membership polled. As the 2024 presidential looms large over the strike, UAW workers say they want to stay out of the political fray. Honestly, I dont think any politician has really supported the labor movement for quite some time, Luigi Gjokaj, 36, of Washington Township said. I dont really care about the politics of it all until they start changing laws to help working people. My president is Shawn Fain, thats who I follow right now. Related: Ahead of Biden, Trump visits, UAW workers say they support whoever supports them The UAW endorsed Biden in the 2020 election but has yet to publicly support any candidate for the upcoming election. Biden visited UAW picket lines in Kansas City in 2019. Coming as a sitting president adds to the list of historic firsts for the Stand Up Strike, namely the UAW targeting all three Detroit automakers simultaneously. Biden made comments in support of the workers when the contract expired on Sept. 14. He echoed the UAWs sentiment of record profits means record contracts and referenced concessions made during the 2008 bailout. Auto companies have seen record profits including the last few years because of the extraordinary skill and sacrifices of the UAW workers, Biden said. Those record profits have not been shared fairly, in my view, with the workers. The president sent acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and White House Senior Adviser Gene Sperling to Detroit to offer their full support with the negotiation. In total, 41 facilities are now idling work across 21 states. Of the estimated 150,000 UAW workers at Big Three companies approximately 18,600 are on strike, the majority of which are in Michigan. LANSING, MI A year ago, a state task force announced dozens of recommendations to improve how Michigan treats its youngest people who have committed crimes. The solutions suggested have now been handed off as a massive proverbial baton that state lawmakers are trying to move across the finish line. That baton, a package of 20 bills, is among the Democratic majoritys top priorities this fall, and it also has some Republican support. Michigan is behind the eight ball when it comes to our juveniles and making sure that we are doing more to support them in the community, Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, told a legislative committee this month, as the bills begin a push through the Capitol. Nationally, we are not where we need to be, Santana said, as kids return to public life from being in the justice system but are not made whole. House Bills 4624 through 4643, dubbed the Justice for Kids and Communities package, follow through with many recommendations from that juvenile justice task force. They include support for programs that reduce incarceration, data-driven tools for diversion and court decisions and establishing a statewide youth public defense system and best practices. Related: Michigan has fourth highest rate of incarcerated girls in the country, report shows Goals include keeping more kids out of the justice system, focusing on mental health instead of punishment in certain situations, and giving them more rights while in the system. One bill would require risk and mental health screenings before a diversion decision is made for a minor. In some cases, sponsors say, kids would be better served by being sent home with an alternative treatment program instead of being sent to a detention center. Another bill would require public defenders represent youth, who wouldnt be allowed to waive their right to legal counsel unless officially advised on the consequences. Kids in the justice system are often scared, overwhelmed and dont know how to make these choices on their own, Sen. Sue Shink, D-Northfield Township, said last week, and this avoids inadvertent coercion into waiving their rights. Related: Hundreds of juveniles serving life sentences still await resentencing in Michigan Ten bills moved out of committee to the full House on Tuesday, while the other 10 advanced last week. As is common with major legislative packages, there are identical versions in the other chamber. In this case, they are Senate Bills 418 through 437. Other recent reforms to Michigans juvenile justice system include stopping 17-year-olds from automatically being charged as adults. Felony manslaughter charges have been dismissed against six former Michigan Department of Corrections employees in the 2019 death of inmate Jonathan Lancaster. Alger District Court Judge Charles Nebel said at a preliminary exam hearing Monday that there was evidence of a lack of proper care for Lancaster, but not enough for an involuntary manslaughter trial. Lancaster died of dehydration on March 11, 2019 at the Alger Correctional Facility in Munising. He was 38 years old and serving a sentence for armed robbery and felony firearm charges. An investigation by the Michigan State Police found Lancaster allegedly stopped eating and drinking while incarcerated at Alger Correctional Facility in Munising. He was placed in an observation cell in restraints, where he remained until he died three days later. Related: 8 prison staffers charged with manslaughter, misconduct in Michigan inmates death Those charged by the Attorney Generals office in connection with his death include Scott Sprader and Benny Mercier. They were the acting warden and assistant deputy warden, respectively, at the prison when Lancaster died and were accused of involuntary manslaughter, punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison.Also charged with the manslaughter offense were former MDOC registered nurses Paul Zelenak, Nathan Moser, Barbara Bedient and John Crane. All six had the charges against them dismissed. Separately, former corrections Sgt. Jason Denman and Officer Shawn Brinkman had been charged with misconduct in office, which carries a top penalty of five years - they were bound over to circuit court for trial in August. The Attorney Generals office said Lancaster lost an excess of fifty pounds in fifteen days. Despite widespread knowledge of his deteriorating state and corrections policies, he received no medical attention until his death. Lancaster had a history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anti-social personality disorder, according to a November 2019 lawsuit filed by his family against Michigan Department of Corrections employees. Lancasters family settled the lawsuit in 2021 for $2.6 million. Related: Charges against prison staff for Michigan inmates death is just the beginning, sister says Governor Whitmer and Vernon Beasley, the MTA driver who gave her a ride on the Flint MTAs new hydrogen fuel cell powered bus, step off of the bus on there way to a press conference on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at a Mass Transit Authority facility in Grand Blanc Township. Flint will be replacing its last two diesel busses with hydrogen fuel cell powered busses completing its transition to clean energy public transportation. Brice Tucker | btucker@mlive.com Get tickets to see the Michigan Wolverines play the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Saturday, Sept. 30, 3:30pm, Nebraska Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE. The Wolverines are 4-0 coming off a 31-7 victory over Rutgers while Nebraska is 2-2 after a 28-14 win over Louisiana Tech. Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster have tickets to Saturdays game. Ticket prices range from $108 to $467 but prices will fluctuate. Act now, tickets are selling fast. Fans can still get home and away game tickets for all Wolverines games at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster. With Michigan-Ohio State tickets already going for more than $500 and both teams on a collision course for the Big Ten title, fans might want to snatch them up now before they go higher. If youre looking for tickets for the annual rivalry game with Michigan State, those prices are hovering around $158. Heres where to find tickets for Michigan vs Nebraska and every game on the Michigan Wolverines 2023 regular season schedule. Michigan Wolverines vs Nebraska Cornhuskers, Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3:30pm, Nebraska Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE Stubhub Vivid Seats SeatGeek Ticketmaster Heres where to find tickets for every game on the Michigan Wolverines 2023 regular season schedule. Stubhub Vivid Seats SeatGeek Ticketmaster Related topics: Michigan another double-digit favorite vs. Nebraska, oddsmakers say Michigans defense answers the bell vs. Bowling Green Michigan 3-0 after owning Bowling Green in second half: Live updates recap UNLV coach says Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy as good as advertised How to get season tickets for Michigan football starting for less than $800 26.09.2023 LISTEN Ghanaian rapper and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Black Avenue music Desmond Blackmore popularly known as D-Black has lamented the poor state of the creative industry in Ghana. According to the rapper, there are currently no proper structures to cater for creatives. He said in an interview on Joy Prime that the country is in a mess as there are nothing positive about the creative industry. He continued that musicians are suffering financially because there are no systems in place to ensure they earn better from their works. MUSIGA as a body is in court. Theres no leader. Its just a mess. I feel like those systems need to be put in place to overlook the rights of Ghanaian creatives not only in the music scene but also in the movie industry as well. If Im to speak bluntly, I will say that the structures that are in place for our music industry are terrible. GHAMRO is a terrible organization. Theres no accountability. I dont know how much Ive made from GHAMRO in my 13 years in the music industry, D-black stated. The rapper suggested that Ghanaian creatives need better structures and systems to ensure their welfare, not only in music but also in movies. In order for artists to receive their fair share of royalties, D-Black emphasizes that the right-collection agencies must be established. Black Avenue Music's boss urges the government to address the challenges facing the creative industry in Ghana urgently for progress. Social Media Sensation and Mental health activist Abena Korkor Addo on Monday morning dropped another video displaying her nakedness while lying on a bed. She posted the naked video of 26 seconds on her Instagram page which attracted a lot of negative comments from viewers as some roasted her and called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest her. Interestingly within a few minutes, after being roasted by the netziens she deleted the video on the page and reposted a new one with the caption ''Is this love''. In the new video, a faceless man was spotted massaging her breast and post in a dress that she had worn. Abena Korkor has over the years been known to be a lover of nudity for displaying her nakedness as she has always been constantly in the news bad reasons. She recently displayed her banging body on Instagram to prove to the world she can be anything that she sets her mind to. Her bipolar scare at UCC where she went completely naked and on many TV programs indicates that she loves to talk about her sexual life and will not hide people she has slept with. She has been trending for dropping the list of men she has banged in her life, as she rated the performance of each of the men she has had sexual intercourse with including respected media personalities and politicians. -DGN online Mr. Pious Tay, the Tema Metro Health Directorate's Mental Health Coordinator, has stated that engaging in recreational and physical activities can help reduce suicidal thoughts. Mr. Tay outlined many strategies for preventing suicidal thoughts, saying that focusing one's energy on uncharted territory or leisure activities can help to clear the mind of such thoughts. The participation of a person in leisure activities, charitable activities, new professional pursuits, or new knowledge pursuits will assist in soothing one's mind, he emphasized, as depression is frequently linked to suicide. The Tema Metro Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Services has joined forces with the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office to engage in a month of relentless public advocacy to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day always observed on September 10th, every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. Speaking on the topic "Depression," during an engagement at the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office health project "Your Health: Our Collective Responsibility" as a major platform to help educate the public and promote domestic action to prevent suicides, Mr. Tay emphasized that suicides are preventable. The weekly "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility! A Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office initiative aimed at promoting health-related communication and providing a platform for health information dissemination to influence personal health choices through improved health literacy The Ghana News Agency's Tema Regional Office developed the public health advocacy platform "Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility" to investigate the components of four health communication approaches: informing, instructing, convincing, and promoting. Mr. Tay stated that "diversional therapy," in which one's thoughts are redirected into doing new tasks, helps the person. Suicide is typically accompanied by millions of thoughts about a problem that constantly confronts the person. He emphasized once more the importance of finding a trusted confidant to whom one can physically confide and hold discussions, even though social media platforms may occasionally help a person deal with suicidal thoughts or melancholy. With continued physical or recreational action and positive thoughts, he emphasized, suicidal ideas get weaker. He said that over time, this exercise diminishes suicidal thoughts and eliminates all negative thoughts. "Walking, having wholesome conversations, picking up a skill, and participating in community activities can also help in the prevention of suicide or depression," he declared. The community, parents, siblings, and others should keep an eye out for certain signs in their children, siblings, or the community in order to prevent a person from committing suicide, according to Mr. Tay, who noted that the fight against suicide remained a collective task because every individual is responsible for containing and minimizing the situation. He recommended everyone focus their energies on creating new things, finding confidants and individuals they can trust, and, most importantly, being approachable and aware of their surroundings. He said that everyone has access to mental health services and facilities, not just those with mental problems. The International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP) originally created World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), and Tema Metro Health Director Dr. Sally Quartey remarked that this year's awareness-raising is focused on the universal subject "Creating Hope through Action." Dr. Quartey emphasized that suicide is a big problem in public health that can have a long-lasting effect on individuals, families, and communities. She also pointed out that suicide can be prevented because it requires initiatives at all societal levels. She noted that everyone may help prevent suicide by becoming aware of the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committed to societal change. I. Daughter of Zion, and it came to pass that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. Battles are lost or won at midnight. Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain, which is opposite Hebron. So she arose in the middle of the night and took my son from beside me while your maidservant slept, laid him in her bosom, and laid her dead son in my bosom. If you sleep at midnight, your treasure will be taken away from you. Stay awake at midnight and pray. II. My beloved sisters and brothers in the Lord, dont underestimate the midnight power. There is a movement of spiritual elements at midnight, so you must be careful of your undertakings at midnight. You must confront elements of midnight through consistent engagement through the enabling powers of the Holy Spirit. And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them. At midnight, dont lament, but pray and sing praises to God. Midnight is not a season for sleeping but a moment for engagement in spiritual warfare. Let the other prisoners hear your voice. Let your enemies hear your prayers and praises. II. Son of man, the power of midnight prayer will cause a sudden great earthquake in your situation; the foundations of your troubles, financial challenges, delayed marriages, frustrations, and unfulfilled promises will shake. My brother, you are fighting against fortified foundations built on ancient altars, but you still prefer to sleep at midnight. It is time to fight the midnight spell, resist the midnight fear, enter the throne room of prayer, and do battle. And immediately all the doors will open, and everyone's bands will be loose. Your midnight prayers will cause your enemies to sleep and not see the earthquake miracles. After your midnight breakthrough, the keeper of the prison will wake up out of their sleep, and instead of harming you, you will now attempt to take their life. IV. Precious friend in the Lord, therefore, be on the alertfor you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Beloved, watch the midnight elements and engage in your spiritual battle. Build midnight prayer alliances and engage in warfare. This is DIVINE MANNA offered through the Authority and Power of Christ Jesus and served to you through Gods vessel, Francis Ameyibor. Yes! At midnight, pray. V. 2023 MY DIVINE YEAR TO PURSUE, CAPTURE, AND TAKE POSSESSION: At once, all the prison doors flew open, and everyones chains came loose. PRAYER: Lord, may we see your power today as we REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN YOU. May the prison doors to our finances, peace, growth, promotion, breakthrough, healing, marriage, fruitfulness, and fruit of the womb be open, for THIS IS THE DAY. Through the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the prison doors shall open. Ref: Acts 16:25&26 Exodus 12:29 Judges 16:3 I Kings 3:20 Mark 13:35 Luke 10:17-19 WHATSAPP CONTACT: +233277438688 GOD'S VESSEL GLOBAL FOUNDATION The head and president of the Kusaug Traditional Council, Zugraana Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, has condemned the attacks on commuters on the Bawku-Pulmakom highway on the 21st September 2023. The Zugraana in a press statement read by his spokesperson, Naba Thomas Abilla,Chief of Wande described the attack on commuters that claimed the lives of six women and three men with others injured as barbaric. Bawku Naba noted that the Kusaug culture abhors killings of women no matter the circumstances. He condemns the attacks on various highways both in North East and Upper East Regions especially the Bawku- Pulmakom highway. Naba Azoka called on all citizens of Bawku to remain calm and allow the security to get to the bottom of the matter. The head of traditional council, however, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He called on the security agencies to track down the attackers both in Bawku and Walewale highways. Assembly member for Gingande, David Adoliba called on Ghanaians to disregard the reports that the Kusaasi faction committed the killing on Bawku-Pulmakom highway last week. He said similar incident happened in Bazua in the Binduri District where the attackers caught and identified as members of another tribe. Africa World Airlines (A.W.A) celebrated its 11 years on Thursday 21st September, 2023 across its networks. As part of the anniversary celebration, which was the company award passengers for their loyalty, there was a lucky dip organized at the departure halls across its operated networks which are Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos and Abuja. The lucky dip was to reward passengers with 11 free return tickets across its network to appreciate their loyalty since the company started its operations. According to the Head of Commercial, Jonathan Appiah, this years anniversary is to give back to the passengers by honouring their loyalty and commitment to A.W.A as it grows to serve them well. He further said, there are plans to operate to Dakar, Banjul, Cotonou, Conakry and Port Harcourt and also resume the suspended operation to Abidjan, Freetown and Monrovia. Speaking on the regional expansion,he added that there are plans to acquire E-190 aircraft for next year. "This is to help in bringing the companys mission which is to connect Africa to the world through the most efficient, safe and reliable air transport service," he added. Mr. Appiah also used the opportunity to inform the public that A.W.A primary form of communication is Email and must disregard any message which portrays AWA as a visa-issuing outfit. Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has waded into the implications of Haruna Iddrisu's removal as the leader of the Minority in Parliament by the NDC, suggesting that it may favour the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections if they choose Dr. Bawumia as their flagbearer. Earlier this year, Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, was replaced as the Minority Leader by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam. The shake-up in the NDC's parliamentary leadership sparked controversy within the party. Discussing the electoral prospects of the ruling NPP in the upcoming 2024 elections, Allotey Jacobs, now a social commentator, expressed the belief that the NDC's decision to remove Haruna Iddrisu would have a negative impact on the opposition party's chances in the general elections. Allotey Jacobs, during a discussion on Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show stated, "Haruna, as you see him, is an idol when you go to the North." He is highly respected, and what he says within Tamale carries significant weight. His removal has infuriated the Dagombas," referring to the people of the Dagbon Kingdom in northern Ghana. This, according to Allotey Jacobs, could work in favour of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a Northerner, over his competitor, John Dramani Mahama, who is the NDC flagbearer. Allotey Jacobs argues, "If the NPP gives their maximum support for Bawumia, there's trouble for the largest opposition party." Presidential Staffer, Samuel Bryan Buabeng[left] and former President John Mahama 25.09.2023 LISTEN Samuel Bryan Buabeng, an Assistant Technical Officer at the Office of the President has waded into the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest. He said efforts by some opposition NDC members to hide behind the demonstrations to cause disaffection for the NPP will not succeed. On Monday, September 25, Mr. Bryan Buabeng took to Twitter to share his perspective on the protest which has since dominated media headlines, both locally and internationally. Buabeng said "For those who are supporters of John Dramani and joined the protest, it's essential to recognize that his return to the Jubilee House vis-a-vis his shambolic, dumsor legacy track record, through unconventional means will not succeed and key NDC chieftains know this." Mr. Bryan Buabeng affirmed the Akufo-Addo administration's commitment to upholding democracy. "As President Nana Akufo-Addo stated, Ghana remains committed to democracy as the path to achieving a prosperous nation," he tweeted. The protests, which saw scores of citizens march towards Jubilee House on September 21, 22 and 23, were aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and challenges in the economy. However, it faced allegations of being politically motivated to serve the NDC's agenda to recapture power. 26.09.2023 LISTEN Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, a Member of Parliament for Sekondi Constituency, has voiced his disapproval of the demonstrators' style of expressing their displeasure of issues affecting them. According to him, the seat of government is highly regarded and must be treated with the highest respect. In an interview with TV3, he said the media and other important stakeholders shouldn't promote such actions at the seat of government. I believe people have the right to demonstrate, it is a right that is enshrined in our constitution that is guaranteed to the extent that you follow the law. It is okay to express your views. My own concern is the derogatory nature with which the seat of government is described as Julorbi house. I mean it is really sad that the media is glorifying this by amplifying it. I really dont have concerns about people demonstrating. Its a right that every Ghanaian is entitled to but I am saying that if as demonstrators, you will describe the seat of our nations presidency in those terms, I think that all of us should be united in condemning it rather than amplifying it, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer stated. Salam Mustapha, National Youths Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rubbished the recently concluded anti-government protest organized by pressure group Democracy Hub. He agrees with the fact that citizens need to criticize government when they feel it is under-performing. However, in a lengthy statement, Salam Mustapha defended the infrastructure record of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, describing it as unprecedented. "It is okay to criticise this government. We are human and have flaws, but in terms of infrastructural development, youth employment and support, and investment In the digital economy, no government comes near this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government," he stated. He conceded that though Ghanaians are facing economic difficulties he stressed that the infrastructure progress under NPP should not be overlooked. "This Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is fixing the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation of the Accra Kumasi Highway, which the NDC couldn't do in 8 years. The Spintex-East Legon Bypass interchange is a critical project that will shape commuting in that part of the city, same as the interchange connecting Nungua to Tera. This government is building 5 interchanges at a go, including the one at PTC Takoradi," he noted. He touted, "In terms of kilometres of roads done, we have constructed more roads in 7 years than the NDC did in 8 years." The NPP youth organizer's defence of the government's infrastructure record is a direct rebuttal to the concerns of the 'OccupyJulorbiHouse' protesters who say the country has been misgoverned. Charles Owusu, former Head of the Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission has said protests or demonstrations are a source of income for people. According to him, people are being contracted by political parties to stage demonstrations to make the government unpopular. His comment follows the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, organised by Democracy Hub from Thursday, September 21 to Saturday, September 23. The police filed an injunction application at court to stop the protest but the protesters ignored and went ahead as planned. Some 49 protesters were arrested when they converged on Thursday to begin the 3day demonstration starting from the 37 Hospital to picket at the Jubilee House. The police action triggered waves of public condemnation. In response to the arrests of protesters, the Ghana Police Service issued a statement citing violations of the Public Order Act and unlawful assembly as the reasons for apprehending 49 participants. Part of the statement read, We would like to state that the Police do not take delight in preventing any group from demonstrating as the Service has a track record of providing security for demonstrations in the past. The exception, in this case, is the Police disagreement with the organisers on the venue, the Jubilee House, being a security zone. Addressing the issue on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Charles Owusu stated, "Demonstration is a contract; that is the job of someone... It is the work that someone does to earn money." Mr Owusu alleged that #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest was orchestrated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). 26.09.2023 LISTEN Failed flagbearer aspirant of the NPP, Alan Kyerematen has said events in the party compelled him to exit. He noted that what broke the camel's back was the happenings in the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26. According to him, the election was strategically and tactically skewed in favor of one particular aspirant. Speaking at a news conference in Accra, he indicated that his sacrifices for the party are not appreciated hence his resignation from the party. To make matters worse, it was absolutely clear as indicated in my Press Statement of September 6th this year that, the Super Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favor of one particular aspirant. The level of intimidation and monetization that characterized the Conference is unprecedented in the history of internal elections of our Party, Alan Kyerematen stated. He continued that certain decisions made by the National Council breached the party constitution. The subsequent decisions made by the National Council to vary the rules of procedure for the run-off, arising from the Super Delegates Conference, in direct contravention of both the Constitution of the Party and the Guidelines issued by the Presidential Elections Committee, will go down in history as a travesty of justice, and a demonstration of high handedness by the highest decision-making body of the Party, second only to the Annual Delegates Conference, he stated. Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Pram Pram, Samuel Nartey George has waded into the decision by former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen to contest the 2024 general elections as an independent candidate. Speaking at a press briefing at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra on Monday, September 25, Mr. Kyerematen officially announced his resignation from the NPP with immediate effect. Among other reasons, he averred the party seems to be the exact opposite of the one he played a part in its formation in 1992. In a tweet, the lawmaker noted that the alleged cabal formed by President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will make a lot of NPP MPs breakaway and contest their seat as independent candidates. New dynamics. Truly uncharted waters in Ghana's political space. I foresee several NPP MPs victimised by the Bawumia-Nana cabal running as independent candidates with Alan, he wrote. Following his resignation, the political veteran announced the formation of a new political movement known as the Movement for Change. According to him, he intends to allow the youths of the country, whom he described as the "future of the country, to lead and power the movements agenda." ASA Savings and Loans Ltd on Wednesday, September 20, organised a free eye and medical health screening exercise at the Mallam Atta Market in the Ayawaso Central Municipality. The exercise saw a number of market women being screened for various illnesses including malaria and hepatitis B. At the end of the exercise handled by staff of Medical O.P.D Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, over 151 people benefited. Out of 151 people screened, two (2) tested positive for malaria and three (3) tested positive for Hepatitis B infection. There were also 49.6% high blood pressure cases recorded, 26.4% high blood glucose cases recorded, and 39.7% eye condition cases recorded. After the exercise, a Deputy Chief Nursing Officer from Korle Bu, Madam Regina Mireku commended ASA Savings and Loans for organising the free eye and medical screening. She recommended that the Savings and Loans company should in future increase the number of test kits in subsequent exercises for the screening of more people. The free eye and medical health screening exercise at the Mallam Atta Market was supervised by ASA Savings and Loans Area Manager Emmanuel Osae Addo. He was joined by the ASA Savings and Loans Branch Manager of Accra Newtown, Albert Avemegah. According to Albert Avemegah, the exercise forms part of the companys Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The market women who benefited from the exercise praised ASA Savings and Loans and pleaded for similar exercises in future. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has reacted to the arrest of some protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration that commenced on Thursday, September 21, and ended on Saturday 23. The NCCE indicated that it was within the right of the organisers, Democracy Hub, to stage the protest and must be recognised as a fundamental right of the many who poured onto the streets on the days of the protest. NCCE in a statement indicated that nothing could justify the arrests and the alleged heavy-handed and excessive response by the personnel of the Ghana Police Service. The NCCE wishes to remind all stakeholders that freedom of assembly including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations is a fundamental human right. There is absolutely no justification for the alleged heavy-handed and excessive response by the personnel of the Ghana Police Service on the demonstrators. Indeed, it is unfortunate that after thirty years of constitutional democracy, the Police Service often appears to have difficulty responding to basic crowd control challenges, and all too frequently resorts to heavy-handed tactics. The protesters were demanding a range of reforms, including a reduction in the cost of living, an end to corruption, and improved governance. The police had attempted to obtain a court injunction to ban the protest, but the protesters defied the attempts and marched to the Jubilee House which attracted a series of arrests that were made on Thursday, September 21. The NCCE urged Ghanaians to respect the rule of law during protests and called for a unification of the various facets of Ghanaian society to ensure peace during protests. That said, NCCE also reminds citizens that fundamental human rights are not absolute; demonstrations, processions and other expressions of citizens discontent must happen within the confines of the law. The Commission reiterates the need for all Ghanaians, including the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary, state institutions, and political parties, civic society organisations, the clergy to unite and work together to help consolidate and preserve Ghanas democracy in order to bequeath to posterity, a democracy better than what we inherited. -citinewsroom Press Release September 26, 2023 Sponsorship Speech Senate Bill No. 2449/ Committee Report No. 137 An Act Providing Organizational Reforms in The Philippine National Police, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 6975, Otherwise Known As The "Department Of The Interior And Local Government Act Of 1990", As Amended, And For Other Purposes Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, good afternoon to you all. American Speaker Earl Nightingale once wisely said: "Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put [that] passing time to the best possible use." Today, I stand before you to champion Senate Bill No. 2449 under Committee Report No. 137 - a bill that seeks to institute transformative organizational reforms within the Philippine National Police. These reforms will amend Republic Act No. 6975, also known as the "Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990," as well as Republic Act No. 8551, known as the "Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998." The core issue at hand, Mr. President, is not merely a matter of time but a matter of urgency. For time is always, always of the essence. In 1998, the "Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act was enacted as response to the pressing need for change within the PNP. Now, in 2023, we find ourselves standing at a juncture where the echoes of the very need continue to reverberate. Over two and half decades have passed since Congress mandated this reform, and the PNP still languishes without the restructuring it so profoundly requires. Today, we must seize this opportunity to usher in a new era - an era of rejuvenated purpose and excellence for the Philippine National Police. While the proposed measure encompasses a multitude of reforms, allow me to underscore a few pivotal features of this bill. Firstly, we are reorganizing the organizational structure of the Philippine National Police based on the need of the organization and community and anchored with the appropriate National Police Commission Resolutions. We introduced in this proposed bill the institutionalization of the following offices created by the NAPOLCOM: Directorial Staff, Area Police Command, Special Offices, and strengthened National Administrative and Operational Support Units. Secondly, we confront the vexing issue of undue influence in the appointments of Chief of Police positions within provincial governments, cities, and municipalities. Presently, the authority to select Chiefs of [Police] rests with Local Chief Executives - a system that, at times, has opened the door to political patronage and unwarranted influence. Hindi na lingid sa kaalaman ng iba na kahit noong kasisimula pa lamang ng Nineteenth Congress, nakailang hearing na rin ang aking komite tungkol sa pamamaslang, opagtangkang pagpaslang ng mga public official. In each one of these hearings, we were able to identify a common denominator, which may also be interpreted as a weakness in the composition of PNP. Sa ating mga provincial government, mga lungsod, at munisipalidad, ang kapangyarihang pumili kung sino ang mamumuno bilang Chief of Police ay nasa kamay ng Local Chief Executive. What is the problem with this setup? It becomes an opportunity for utang na loob, which, under normal circumstances, can even be considered a Filipino virtue. But within the context of politics, and as we have witnessed time and again, utang na loob is a very dangerous thing, Mr. President. Upang tugunan ang problemang ito, nililipat ng ating panukalang batas ang kapangyarihang pumili ng Chief of Police. Hindi na natin ipauubaya sa ating mga mayor o governor, sa halip ay ililipat na natin iyan sa mga kamay ng PNP Chief. To rectify this systemic flaw, our legislation seeks to transfer the power to designate Chiefs of Police from mayors and governors to the PNP Chief. This change represents a resolute stance in safeguarding the integrity of these appointments. Concurrently, we uphold the sacrosanct principle of local autonomy, ensuring that Local Government Units retain operational supervision and control over PNP units within the purview once the Chief of Police has been nominated by the PNP Chief. Thirdly, we embark on a path to elevate the status and treatment of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and its dedicated cadets. The PNPA serves as the vanguard of police education and the primary wellspring from which police lieutenants emerge. Under this legislation, cadets shall be accorded the prestigious title of Police cadets, endowed with salaries, benefits, and emoluments commensurate with police executive master sergeant. This transformation not only recognizes their unwavering commitment but also propels them toward excellence. Fourthly, under this measure, we align the compulsory age of retirement for the PNP with that of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), setting it at fifty-seven (57) years of age. This synchronicity ensures uniformity in the rules that govern those (who) protect us within our borders and those who safeguard us from external threats. Lastly, through this bill, we shall be addressing the perennial problem encountered by the PNP leadership, particularly on some rogue members of the police force. Under this bill, the Chief of the PNP shall have the authority to immediately order the preventive confinement of erring PNP personnel. While being investigated and/or charged with a crime, they may be put in a place of confinement which shall be limited to barracks, quarters, or in a designated facility, similar to the military. This authority may also be exercised by the Area Police Commanders, Regional Directors, Provincial Directors, District Directors, and concerned Chiefs of Police. I daresay that this is a bold move in the right direction, fostering better discipline and responsibility within the PNP. At this point, Mr. President, please allow me to recognize those who continue to tirelessly push for this legislation: the DILG, headed by the Secretary himself, Secretary Benjur Abalos, the PNP, led by no less than the PNP Chief, PGen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., and of course, the NAPOLCOM, led by Commissioners Ricardo Bernabe III and Edilberto Leonardo. Their presence today, as this bill gets through the period of sponsorship, is proof of how much they support its passage. And of course, their willingness to help me hurdle interpellation and debates. Ngayon pa lang, nagpapasalamat na ako sa kanilang tulong at suporta upang maisabatas na ang panukalang ito. For a quarter of a century, the Philippine National Police has waited patiently for the much needed reforms and reorganization they justly deserve. The time has arrived for decisive action, for bold change, and for unwavering commitment. Rather than dreading the onset of change, let us embrace it as a unique opportunity - an opportunity that will not only elevate our PNP but also fortify the communities they have solemnly sworn to serve and protect. Mr. President, this legislative measure is long overdue. Consistent with the principles of innovation and enhanced accountability of the PNP, this bill is sponsored to ensure that our police force is better equipped to address contemporary challenges, uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of our dear citizens, and maintain public trust. Daghang Salamat, Mr. President, and let us embark together on this transformative journey towards a better, stronger, and more capable Philippine National Police. Maraming salamat, Mr. President. As the leaves began to yellow and October begins, the time for spooks is upon us. Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, has distanced herself from the decision taken by failed New Patriotic Party (NPP), presidential aspirant, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, to run as an independent candidate. Abena Osei-Asare, one of the supporters of Mr Kyerematen acknowledged the personal and professional relationship she has with him but emphasized that her dedication to the New Patriotic Party is deep-seated, and rooted in their shared values. In a press statement, the Deputy Finance Minister said, First and foremost, while I enjoy both a personal and professional relationship with Hon. Alan Kyerematen, characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to our nations progress, I must respectfully distance myself from his recent choice. My dedication to the New Patriotic Party is deep-seated, rooted in our shared values and vision for a prosperous Ghana. The NPPs strength has always been its unity and our ability to work together for the common good of our country. The Member of Parliament for the Mpraeso, Davies Ansah Opoku, has also severed ties with Mr Kyerematen. Read below Abena Osei-Asares post FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2023 I find it necessary to address the recent decision of Hon. Alan Kyerematen to leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and run as an independent candidate in 2024. First and foremost, while I enjoy both a personal and professional relationship with Hon. Alan Kyerematen, characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to our nations progress, I must respectfully distance myself from his recent choice. My dedication to the New Patriotic Party is deep-seated, rooted in our shared values and vision for a prosperous Ghana. The NPPs strength has always been its unity and our ability to work together for the common good of our country. Let us look forward to the future, keeping the best interests of our party and our beloved Ghana at heart. With determination and unity, we can continue to work towards a brighter future for all Ghanaians. Best regards, ABENA OSEI-ASARE (MP) DEPUTY FINANCE MINISTER -citinewsroom 26.09.2023 LISTEN Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision made by former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen, to resign from the party. In an interview on Eyewitness News with Citi FM, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed his belief that Kyerematens chances of winning the 2024 elections as an independent candidate are slim and that his timing for the resignation was inappropriate. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe contended that Kyerematens lengthy tenure in the Akufo-Addo government could hinder his aspirations of becoming a president as an independent candidate. This is because he may be perceived as having been complicit in the perceived misconduct within the governments appointees. Winning an election as an independent candidate will be a huge problem for Alan because all the appeals that he has made particularly to the youth will not wash and the reason is quite simple. He has been with the Akufo-Addos government for almost seven years and the time that Alan should have left that government, he didnt. Alan should have left the government particularly when he realised the rot going on in the party and that would have automatically turned him into a leader in the future but he didnt do that. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe also criticized the current state of affairs within the NPP and its leadership. He expressed his opinion that the party has deviated from its founding principles, allowing various negative elements to flourish. He pointed to issues such as selfishness, incompetence, tribalism, arrogance, and greed that have permeated the party. If we were running our party like it is done in the USA or Britain, these things would not have happened. Our party is full of selfishness, incompetence, tribalism, arrogance, and greed and that is what has brought us here today. Our part was not like this years back or else I would not have been part of it. Alan Kyerematen formally announced his resignation from the NPP during a press conference held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel on Monday, September 25. He revealed his intention to establish the Movement for Change and contest the 2024 elections as an Independent Candidate. -citinewsroom Veteran journalist Paul Adom-Otchere has said Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who has resigned from the New Patriotic Party to run for the presidency as an Independent Candidate, will be forgotten by voters when the 2024 election campaign season intensifies. According to Adom-Otchere, if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becomes the NPPs flagbearer, the election will become a fierce battle primarily between Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama. Alan Kyerematen on Monday, September 25, resigned from the New Patriotic Party to contest as an Independent Candidate. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Adom-Otchere said, I can tell you that by the time the campaign hits a crescendo, if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becomes the NPPs candidate, with the kind of campaigning he does, which hes going to do. When the campaign reaches a crescendo, and its John Dramani Mahama versus Dr. Bawumia, people will even forget that Alan Kyerematen is contesting. Its going to be a stiff election, its going to be brutally fought. And nobody will remember that theres a third candidate. I can assure you of that, but we still need time to see how Alans campaign will pan out. Adom-Otchere also expressed his belief that while some Ghanaians, including NPP and NDC youth, may voice support for Alan Kyerematen on social media, they could ultimately opt not to vote for him in the 2024 elections. An NPP youth person will feel that voting for Alan means throwing his vote away, so they are more likely to vote for their party. NDC people, on the other hand, are a bit frightened by the break of the 8, they dont want the 8 to happen. They certainly want the 8 to be destroyed. They want the NPP out, they want their candidate to win. So NDC youth are not even going to pay attention to potentially vote for Alan. They may support him on social media. They will support him in rhetoric but in terms of casting the ballot, they will vote for John Mahama, he said. Alan cited intimidation of his supporters and divisiveness of the party as some of the reasons he resigned from the party. -citinewsroom Professor at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana (UG), Ransford Gyampo has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to apologise to Ghanaians. He said this in reaction to the arrest of about 56 peaceful protestors by police personnel on Thursday, September 21,2023 during a demonstration to occupy the Jubilee House. Speaking on TV3's show, The Key Points hosted by Alfred Ocansay on Saturday, September 23, 2023, Prof. Gyampo said the intervention of the IGP in releasing the protestors is not enough. I would respectfully urge the IGP that the intervention is not enough. A certain apology to the people of Ghana would help, he stated. The Political Science lecturer also advised the IGP to educate police officers on the need to respect the tenets of democracy and human rights. Beyond the apology, let there be a palpable intervention aimed at socializing the psyche of today's Ghana police officer about democracy, human rights and the need for them to be circumspect he suggested. Prof Gyampo said Ghana is seen globally as a democratic state and so the Police Service should not do anything that would erode the gains made in that regard. There is the need for the police to act in a manner that does not relapse or retrogress our democratic gains, particularly in the sight of many people across the globe. Our democracy has been hailed. We are inching higher in terms of climbing the ladder of democratic progression and we are celebrated. But some of these acts roll us back, he noted. -3news.com Course Director of the Humanitarian Assistance and Women, Peace, Security in West Africa Core Course (HAWA WPS CC) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Lt Col. Ortwin Gammer has advocated for continued capacity building of practitioners. According to him, this is the surest way of ensuring a peaceful and safer Africa. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the 12th Humanitarian Assistance and Women, Peace, Security in West Africa Core Course on Monday, September 25, Lt Col. Ortwin Gammer said Humanitarian Assistance remains crucial amid conflicts, flooding, and other challenges on the continent. Humanitarian Assistance we think has become important because when you see all the challenges in the region including climate change, the impact of climate change, conflicts, malnutrition, and flooding, all of these happenings require Humanitarian Assistance and we try to build the capacity of course participants so that by the end either themselves will be retooled or their organizations are better equipped to do Humanitarian Assistance wherever it is needed and by the end it is important to help people who are suffering and who are in crisis to make their living better, Lt Col. Ortwin Gammer told the media on the sidelines of the opening. Lt Col. Ortwin Gammer Speaking at the ceremony to open the course, Chief Coordinator at KAIPTC, Col. Christian Yao Dagadu commended the Humanitarian Assistance professionals taking part in the course from various parts of the continent. He said it is thanks to their hard work and effort that Africa has made considerable progress in the pursuit of peace, development, and stability in the last decade. Col. Christian Yao Dagadu disclosed that to ensure the course will help to foster human capacities, institutional interaction, and civil-military cooperation, the KAIPTC is introducing a team of regional and international facilitators, comprised of very experienced practitioners who will share the summary of their best practices, lessons learned and experience gained in the field. In his address, the KAIPTC Chief Coordinator expressed appreciation to the Austrian Government, in particular, the Austrian Centre for Peace and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence for the generous support in the joint effort to strengthen peace and security in Africa. The Humanitarian Assistance and Women, Peace, Security in West Africa Core Course has been organised by KAIPTC and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Austrian Ministry of Defence (MOD) 2015. The course contributes to several strategic objectives of the ECOWAS Humanitarian Policy and Action Plan, the ECOWAS Disaster Risk Reduction Gender Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2030, as well as the EU Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security among others; through capacity building and awareness creation. In so doing, we are meeting the training needs in support of effective and well-coordinated humanitarian assistance in the region. The two-week course, which now runs for the twelfth time, but the third after its recent review, covers an array of content-rich and relevant topics for your work; with these ranging from; the root causes of disasters, to the protection of civilians and human rights standards, guidelines for the use of armed escort, negotiation of humanitarian access, as well as cultural awareness and gender and diversity concerns in humanitarian action. Main Activities: The HAWA Core Course. The HAWA Core Course will provide a thorough introduction to Humanitarian Assistance; including Humanitarian Actors and their mandates, roles, and modes of operation; the Disaster Risk Management Cycle, Typology of Disasters, Components of Humanitarian Action, Humanitarian Principles, Standards and Codes of Conduct, the Do no harm approach and International Humanitarian Law. The Women Extension Empowerment Workshop. The workshop aims to equip women in the humanitarian industry with the necessary resources, knowledge, to enhance their career prospects, break through barriers, build resilience, build solidarity networks, and offer a space to project and plan for personal and professional leadership positions within the sector The last absolute monarchy in Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini, holds parliamentary elections on Friday, with political parties banned from contesting. The constitution emphasises "individual merit" as the basis for selecting lawmakers, who cannot be affiliated with any political group. Being in the good graces of King Mswati III, who wields absolute power, also carries much weight. Democracy? 'Not that much' About 585,000 registered voters will be called to choose 59 members of the lower house of parliament, which plays only an advisory role to the monarch. Mswati, who can veto any legislation, directly appoints another 10 lawmakers. With most candidates loyal to the king, the election is unlikely to change the political scenery. Only about a dozen of those nominated during primaries last month are known to have ties to the opposition. Many do not say which side they are on, fearing repression. "Democracy is not that much practiced around here," Thantaza Silolo, spokesperson for the largest opposition group, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (Swalimo), told AFP. 'Terrorist' party Political parties have unclear status and cannot directly take part in the vote. They were effectively banned in 1973, but a new constitution in 2005 provided an opening allowing for freedom of association. Billboards for Eswatini's parliamentary election billboards in September, 2018. By GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (AFP/File) Still, in practice there is no legal avenue for them to register, according to democracy watchdog Freedom House. Swalimo is incorporated as a non-profit. The People's United Democratic Movement, one of the largest opposition movements, has been declared a "terrorist" organisation and banned. Two opposition lawmakers elected in the last vote in 2018 are currently in jail. A third is in exile. Most opposition groupings have called for a boycott. Three have told voters to go to the polls. Few political gatherings have taken place during a two-week campaigning period. Polls open at seven am (0500 GMT) and close at six pm, according to the electoral commission, with results expected over the weekend. Absolute monarchy Formerly known as Swaziland, the mountainous country of 1.2 million people is landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique. About half the size of Belgium, it gained independence from Britain in 1968. Mswati, 55, ascended to the throne at the age of 18 and has ruled with an iron fist for 37 years. The king is constitutionally above the law. He appoints the prime minister and the cabinet, can dissolve both parliament and the government and commands police and the army. Protests and killings Shows of dissent are rare, but in 2021 the kingdom was shaken by pro-democracy protests. ESwatini's parliament building in Lobamba, October 29, 2021. By Michele Spatari (AFP/File) Dozens of people were killed as security forces violently quashed demonstrations calling for reforms. A curfew was imposed, demonstrations banned and internet access curbed. Protests have continued sporadically after the crackdown. Earlier this year, human rights lawyer and government critic Thulani Maseko, was shot dead through the window of his home. Hours before his murder, the King had warned activists who defy him not to "shed tears" about "mercenaries killing them". The United Nations has called for an independent investigation. The lion king Known as Ngwenyama, "the lion" in SiSwati, the king has been widely criticised for his lavish lifestyle, while nearly 60 percent of the population live on less than $1.90 a day. The plump monarch, who usually appears in public wearing traditional clothes, is known to love luxury cars and watches. He spends millions of dollars a year on his 15 wives, some of whom he married when they were minors, and has at least 25 children. To mark the 50th anniversary of independence, in 2018 he changed the country's name to Eswatini -- meaning land of the Swazis. Eswatini has one of the highest prevalences of HIV in the world with around 26 percent of adults aged 15 to 49 living with the AIDS-causing virus in 2022, according to UN figures. A notorious car snatcher has been lynched by a mob at Awutu Bosomabena in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region, while his accomplice remains in the grips of the Awutu Breku District Police Command. According to Citi News sources, the deceased was in the company of one other suspect who snatched a Hyundai i10 taxi cab with registration number GE 5718-22 from Nsawam. The suspects, who are residents of Nsawam, reportedly have a modus operandi of hiring the services of taxi drivers from Nsawam and snatching their vehicles in the Awutu area of the Central Region. Luck eluded the duo who hired the services of a taxi driver from Nsawam and attempted to snatch his vehicle from him at an area on the stretch close to the Awutu Bosomabena village. The taxi driver was under attack when he blew an alarm, and residents as well as farmers in the developing area drew nearer and arrested one of the suspects, who was beaten by the mob. An eyewitness told Citi News They boarded the taxi from Nsawam, but when they got to the Awutu area, one of them told the driver he was picking up some of his belongings. Then, quickly, one of the suspects attacked the driver in the front seat, holding him by the throat. Some Okada boys rushed to the scene after the driver screamed for help. The deceased rushed into the bush but was caught and beaten to death. The police were quickly called in for the body of the deceased. That area where the incident happened is a hotspot for robbery, so the people are alert. -citinewwsroom Brussels will play host to senior envoys from long-term foes Azerbaijan and Armenia on Tuesday, after Baku's victory in breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh, the European Union said. Simon Mordue, chief diplomatic advisor to European Council president Charles Michel, will chair the talks, Michel's spokeswoman said. Azerbaijan and Armenia, along with EU heavyweights France and Germany, will be represented by their national security advisors. The EU special representative for the South Caucasus, Estonian diplomat Toivo Klaar, will also attend. Armenian and Azerbaijan have fought a 30-year conflict over the breakaway region of the Nagarno-Karabakh, mainly populated by ethnic Armenians. But last week a lightning offensive by government forces established Azerbaijani control, and ethnic Albanian fighters have begun to disarm. Russia "complicit" France's President Emmanuel Macron expressed his concern over the situation. "France is right now very vigilant concerning the territorial integrity of Armenia. Because that's what's at stake," he said in a televised interview on Sunday. He added that Russia was now "complicit" with Baku while Azerbaijan's ally Turkey "has always been a supporter of its (Azerbaijan's) actions". Armenia has publicly distanced itself from its traditional ally Russia, which has failed to show any concrete support for Yerevan in the current conflict. Macron said that the Azerbaijan authorities were now "uninhibited" and "threatening the border of Armenia." The ethnically Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but has been run by a separatist administration for three decades. Azerbaijan already regained control of part of Karabakh in a 2020 war and now appears set on taking the rest of the territory. Yerevan said on Sunday that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will hold a pre-arranged meeting in Spain next month but Macron made no mention of this summit. "We will provide political support so that a lasting peace that can be negotiated," said Macron. Refugees Armenia prepared Monday to welcome a new flood of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees. And as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan blamed Russia for last week's events, more protests were planned in Yerevan over his handling of the crisis. According to the Armenian government, by Sunday evening 377 "forcefully displaced persons" had crossed from Azerbaijan. Most of the refugees seen by AFP were women and children, including some from Eghtsahogh, where people took shelter around a Russian peacekeeping base after their village allegedly came under Azerbaijani shelling. "Yesterday, we had to put down our rifles. So we left," a man in his thirties from the village of Mets Shen told AFP as a first group of a few dozen people crossed the border and registered with Armenian officials in Kornidzor. Erdogan visit Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan on Monday for a one-day visit to meet his counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, according to the Hurryiet Daily News, a Turkish newspaper. The meeting in the territory between Armenia and Iran on the border with Turkey was officially designed to launch the construction of a gas pipeline but the two presidents were also due to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh and the opening to Azerbaijanis of Armenia's Zangezur corridor, Turkish media reported. Russia "welcomes" meeting Erdogan's visit to close ally Azerbaijan comes as Armenia claims that its own security partner, Russia, did not offer enough support. Moscow "categorically" denied the claims. Russia welcomed the meeting between Erdogan and Aliyev on Monday. "We always hope that all meetings held by the president of Azerbaijan, including those with the Turkish president, will serve to normalize life in Nagorno-Karabakh after what happened," said Kremlin (With newswires) Dr Bernard Tutu-Boahene, a political marketing consultant, has described Mr Alan Kyerematen's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 precedential election as a calculated risk. He said Mr Kyerematen is a big brand in Ghana's politics and that he could capitalise on his national appeal to give the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) a good run for their money. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr Tutu-Boahene, who is also a lecturer at the University of Education Business School, Winneba, urged Mr Kyerematen to surround himself with persons with strategy and vision to champion his political agenda. He (Alan) should not be surrounded by political sycophant who would sing songs of praises that will not amount to anything. He needs people who are strategists, visionary, and strategic and people who have the zeal to carry his vision and make his vision a reality, he said Dr Tutu-Boahene added: Alan has a strong brand. If he can revitalise his brand, he will give the two major political parties a run for their money. Mr Keyerematen, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, on Monday, announced his resignation from the NPP and declared his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 election. At a press conference in Accra, Mr Keyerematen announced what he termed the Movement for Change, with which he seeks to mobilise young people to break what he described as the NPP and NDC monopoly that had persisted for decades. On September 5, 2023, he withdrew from the NPP's Presidential Primaries, after he accused the Party of intimidating his agents in their August 26 Special Delegates Congress, which he placed third out of 10 aspirants. Reacting to Mr Kyerematen's resignation, the NPP in a statement released shortly after the announcement, urged members of the Party to remain calm, saying it would respond to the issue at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Dr Tutu-Boahene said Mr Kyerematen's breakaway from the NPP had the potential to affect the Party in the 2024 presidential election and faulted the party for ignoring the early signals and not negotiating with him to resolve his grievances. If a big brand like Alan is leaving, even if he is taking two per cent from the party and five per cent from national votes from the share of the NPP, it is huge. Apathy could also set in for Alan sympathisers, he explained. Mr Kyerematen, 67, quit the NPP in 2008 after a failed ambition to lead the party into the presidential race, which elected the then Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the flag bearer. His supporters claimed at the time that they had not been happy with the treatment meted out to them by the campaign team of Nana Akufo-Addo. Reports suggested that some stalwarts of the NPP intervened at the time, leading to Mr Kyerematen's decision to shelve reported plans to contest the 2008 presidential elections as an independent candidate. The NPP will elect its flagbearer for the 2024 poll on November 4, 2023. GNA Alan Kyerematen's decision to resign from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and pursue his presidential ambitions as an independent candidate did not come as a surprise to Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the NPP. According to Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, he had predicted this development some time ago. Speaking on the Citizen Show on Accra100.5FM following Kyerematen's resignation, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe expressed that Alan had given substantial reasons for his action. He revealed that he had advised the former minister to resign from the government earlier when questionable acts were being perpetrated by certain elements within the government. In an earlier interview, I told them point blank that Alan would definitely go independent. People thought I was joking, so what has happened doesn't surprise me at all. Him leaving the party, too, doesn't surprise me, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe told show host Kwabena Bobie Ansah. He highlighted, If you carefully listen to the reasons which led to him quitting the party, these are issues I have talked about before. To accuse those in charge of elections of not being transparent is a serious matter, so I'm not surprised Alan has left the party and decided to go independent. Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe further emphasised, He [Alan] came out with a lot of reasons. I have said Alan should have resigned long ago from the government...when we had factions and all sorts of dubious acts being done by members of the government. Now the question is whether he succeeds or not as an independent candidate is another question. Alan Kyerematen announced his resignation from the NPP at a press conference in Accra on Monday, 25 September 2023, citing a feeling of underappreciation for his sacrifices by the party. -Classfmonline.com The Gulf of Suez Petroleum Company (GUPCO), which carries out oil and gas exploration, development and production operations in Egypt, has deployed a fixed wireless broadband network from networking solutions provider Cambium Networks to connect onshore and offshore operations and thus improve efficiency and safety. By replacing its legacy system with a network designed by wireless telecommunications services provider Systel Telecom, GUPCO says it is able to achieve higher capacity and improved network stability with a unified communication system that is easier to provision, operate and manage. Energy companies depend increasingly upon high-speed connectivity to run efficient operations from remote monitoring and control over assets to the collection and analysis of large amounts of data. GUPCOs solution connects three remote processing areas, nine production platforms and offshore rigs and 80 remote unmanned production platforms. The network supports data services, SCADA connectivity, weather stations, vessel tracking systems, voice and video conferencing and CCTV video surveillance. GUPCOs solution leverages the following Cambium Networks technologies: point-to-point fixed wireless (PTP 670 ATEX/HAZLOC certified high capacity backhaul modules); point-to-multipoint fixed wireless broadband (PMP 450i ATEX/HAZLOC certified fixed wireless access points and subscriber modules); and cnMaestro cloud management for zero-touch provisioning, element management, monitoring and control. Oil producers need reliable connectivity to connect remote and offshore facilities, says Eng. Atef Maghraby, Marketing and Sales Director, Systel Telecom. GUPCO now has video surveillance, videoconferencing and secure communications across a 150-kilometre field area to keep operations safe and efficient. Cambiums ONE Network enables oil and gas to connect office, field and remote locations to operate safely and efficiently, says Yasir Naeem, Region Sales Manager, Cambium Networks. Network operators can use our secure and converged connectivity solutions that include fibre, fixed wireless access, licensed microwave and millimetre wave, IoT narrowband, and Ethernet switching technologies all centrally managed in the cloud. 26.09.2023 LISTEN SUICIDE is illegal in many countries. Yet people commit suicide every day. Thats because suicide is almost impossible to prevent. The prospective suicide is usually very withdrawn and uncommunicative. He/she may also be a master of bluff. So he/she can put on an act that s deliberately calculated to reassure his/her companions and family that everything is hunky-dory. Before they know it, he or she is gone. They will cry; they will even threaten to follow the suicide into the grave. But nothing can be of any use. For death IS final. The question is this: what about nations? What if a nation of many million people, decide to act, or refuse to act, in such a way that the entire populace is placed at risk of committing collective suicide? Can that also be impossible to prevent? Thats a difficult question to answer, for unless one is a trusted member of a cult, one would never realise that collective suicide was contemplated by the group. The leader of the cult (who usually sows the idea) would take some members into his confidence and not others. He convinces those in whom he reposes confidence to recruit others whom THEY can confide in. And before the world knows it, out comes a report that states: QUIOTE: On November 18, 1978, Peoples Temple founder Jim Jones, [led] hundreds of his followers in a mass murder-suicide at their agricultural commune in a remote part of the South American nation of Guyana. Many of Jones followers willingly ingested a poison-laced punch, while others were forced to do so at gunpoint. The final death toll at Jonestown that day was 909; a third of those who perished were children. UNQUOTE The above report shocked the world and was discussed in many articles published around the world. Yet, an almost carbon-copy version of it occurred in an incident that took place in Kenya in April 2023: QUOTE: Body bags are laid out at the scene where dozens of bodies have been found in shallow graves, in the village of Shakahola, near the [Kenyan] coastal city of Malindi, [in the south of the country] on April 24, 2023. The number of people who died in connection with Kenyas doomsday cult [had] crossed the 400 mark, as detectives exhumed 12 more bodies on July 18, 2023, believed to be followers of a pastor who ordered them to fast to death in order to meet Jesus. Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who [was] linked to the cult based in a forested area in Malindi [wss] in police custody, along with 36 other suspects. UNQUOTE We read such reports and we wonder at what we might consider to be the naivety of the hundreds of people who can be taken in by purveyors of snake-oil to end their lives in such a ghastly manner what shall we say of people who do NOT want to die, but who deliberately close their ears to scientific knowledge or/snd common sense and act in such a way as to court death all the same? One would say (wouldnt one!) that at least those who died, after swallowing a pastors word, did something they believed would enhance their spiritual standing in the after-life that they were so eager to enter? Compared to them, wouldnt the self-harmers who perished out of stubbornness or ignorance not be regarded as worse knaves by objective assessors of their collective action? Ah, the word is out! I hereby proclaim that if Ghanaians continue to destroy their water-bodies, thus exposing their offspring and their offsprings offspring to the possibility of a shortage of drinking water in the near future;especially as they have been warned that even if they conserve their water-sources, the dangerous phenomenon of climate change may deprive them of water (anyhow) they will expose themselves to be amongst the worst and most stupid people Nature ever put on this earth. For people would ask: didnt the Ghanaians ever hearse that a few thousand years ago, the Sahara was NOT a desert but a green piece of territory as well-served by water resources as Egypt, the country to which most of the Saharas inhabitants fled, when their own waters dried up as a result of climate change? Who would defend this generation of Ghanaians and their complacent offspring, when it is pointed out to them that they did not need to wait to see the effects of galamsey on the physiology of young humans and that the use of mercury and cyanide in galamsey operations had already been detected to deform humans foetuses in Ghana by 2017 or even earlier? So, Mr Ghanaian high climber, as you caress your fat pay-cheque; as you sip champagne and your imported bottled water; as you bite into your medium-grilled fillet mignon and betake yourself and your family to Dubai for a change of air, please do get know that you will be counted as much of a nation-murderer as the most illiterate aboboyaa joy-rider, who does not know that other road-users also have the right to take their turn to drive on the tarmac! Is that all you got your high education for, really? What influence to you exert on a society that does not regard water as so essential that when it is wantonly destroyed, it amounts to an act of WAR? Kai! If only one could go and be born elsewhere, far away from galamsey! But it cannot be done. So, all men and women of goodwill must shout and shout and shout until our voice is heard and the Nation turns its anger on those who would kill it stone dead. For the selfish love of the cursed metal called gold! Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi 26.09.2023 LISTEN Tinubu vs. Atiku: A Dispute In American Courts - Regardless Of The Final Outcome, The End Is Not The Issue, But Its Impact On Africa's Leadership Aspirations, And Nigeria's Youth Mindset In the intricate realm of global politics, the threads of nations' stories are often woven with secrecy, power struggles, and the enigma of leadership. From the perspective of a psychologist, and a Nigerian living in America, the ongoing legal saga involving President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar transcends the boundaries of a mere legal dispute. Instead, it unravels as a profoundly painful narrative that beckons a closer psychological examinationone that peers beyond the courtroom's facade to reveal the intricate web of human behavior, ethics, and the harrowing impact of leadership dynamics on individuals and society. In the grand scheme of this unfolding narrative, regardless of the final legal decision, one thing remains starkly clear: this dispute is not conducive to the well-being of the African humanity, to the aspirations of Africa, or to the hopes of Nigeria's youths and children. The pain of shattered trust, the disillusionment that seeps into the hearts of the next generation, and the erosion of faith in leadership are wounds that linger long after the legal battles cease. At its core, this case poses an intricate puzzleone filled with behaviors that defy belief. To the discerning eye of psychology, it invites an exploration into the enigmatic motivations that propel individuals in positions of power to undertake actions seemingly beyond the boundaries of rationality. What hidden psychological factors drive these actions, and how do these leaders reconcile them with the moral and ethical expectations placed upon their shoulders? Leaders, regardless of their origins, serve as beacons of inspiration for the societies they represent. However, when these very figures become embroiled in legal disputes and seek to shroud aspects of their personal histories in secrecy, they transform from aspirational role models into elusive shadows. This transformation carries profound psychological implications, compelling individuals, particularly the young and impressionable, to grapple with a dissonance between their idealized perception of leadership and the stark realities they witness. Scrutinizing the layers of this narrative reveals a disconcerting revelationleaders, perched at the pinnacle of power, may conceal dark and concealed pasts. From the perspective of psychology, this disclosure prompts a profound exploration into the psychological underpinnings of maintaining such secrecy and the toll it takes on the human psyche. It challenges our understanding of the human capacity for duplicity and the psychological burden of living with hidden truths. Beyond Nigeria's borders, this case reverberates globally, shaping the nation's image on the international stage. As psychologists, we must consider the profound psychological impact of this tarnished image on the collective identity of Nigerians and the international perceptions of the nation. It underscores the intricate relationship between identity, image, and the psychological well-being of a society. The case further unearths the theme of disillusionment, particularly among the youth. For those in the formative stages of their lives, leaders are often perceived as beacons of inspiration and guidance. The revelation of questionable behaviors challenges their psychological development, forcing them to reevaluate their beliefs and aspirations. This psychological turmoil can have long-lasting effects on their worldviews and attitudes toward authority. At its core, this case thrusts into the spotlight the ethical dilemma of selective information disclosure. The blurred line between personal privacy and the public's right to know poses a profound psychological question: What drives individuals to selectively conceal information, and what psychological consequences arise from attempting to control one's narrative in the public eye? Psychologically, the anticipation of the judge's decision becomes a focal point. The prediction that the judge may release most, if not all, of the requested information underscores the psychological tension between individual rights and the greater public interest. It reflects the human element in legal proceedings, where individual actions and decisions carry profound implications for broader society. Ultimately, this case resounds as a call for change, echoing throughout the African continent. It signifies a collective yearning for transformation, for a departure from entrenched systems that breed secrecy, disputes, and a lack of transparency. Psychologically, it signals a desire for a new era of leadership characterized by accountability, integrity, and a commitment to the psychological well-being of the societies they serve. In the crucible of this case, where legal arguments intersect with the complexities of the human psyche, we find a rich needlepoint of psychological dynamics awaiting examination. It is a poignant reminder that the pursuit of justice is not just a matter of legal procedure; it is an exploration of the depths of human behavior, ethics, and the psychological underpinnings that shape our world. Human beings have an innate fascination with power and leadership. From a psychological perspective, this case serves as a striking example of our perpetual curiosity about those who ascend to positions of authority. We are drawn to the narratives of leaders, perhaps because they embody our aspirations or because their actions have direct or indirect consequences on our lives. Leadership is not just a position; it's an emotional connection between leaders and their followers. From a psychological standpoint, leaders evoke powerful emotions within individualstrust, hope, admiration, or disillusionment. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by the public in light of this case raises intriguing questions about the psychological bond between leaders and their constituents. Leadership, especially in the age of information, comes with the burden of public scrutiny. The psychological toll of being constantly under the watchful eye of the public, media, and political adversaries is immense. It can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even paranoia. Understanding these psychological pressures sheds light on why leaders might resort to legal battles to protect their privacy. The heart of this legal dispute lies in the clash between individual rights and societal interests. This tension is a cornerstone of legal and ethical debates. From a psychological standpoint, it delves into the intricate balance between personal autonomy and the greater good. It invites us to explore how individuals weigh their own privacy against the public's right to transparency. In a democratic society, transparency and accountability are vital. When leaders are called to account for their actions, it has a profound psychological impact on both the leaders themselves and the public. It can trigger feelings of vindication, betrayal, or a renewed sense of trust. Analyzing these psychological reactions provides valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership in a democracy. Psychologically, trust is the glue that holds societies together. When trust in leaders is eroded, as is often the case in situations like this, there arises a compelling question: Can trust be rebuilt? Exploring the psychological processes of trust repair becomes crucial in the aftermath of such revelations. While this case paints a somber picture of leadership, it also underscores the potential for psychological growth and change. Leaders, like all individuals, can evolve and learn from their past actions. Examining the psychological pathways to personal growth and transformation offers a glimmer of hope for the future of leadership. For students and aspiring leaders, this case serves as a psychological case study in leadership development. It prompts reflection on the qualities and ethics that should define a leader. What psychological traits are desirable in those who hold positions of power? How can leadership education be enhanced to instill a strong moral and ethical compass in future leaders? In this psychological exploration of the complex tapestry woven by the Tinubu-Atiku case, we venture beyond the mere legal intricacies and dive into the depths of human behavior, ethics, and leadership dynamics. It is a journey into the hearts and minds of leaders and the societies they serve. As we peel back each layer, we uncover not only the pain of shattered trust but also the potential for healing, growth, and transformationboth for individuals and for the African continent as a whole. It is a story that underscores the profound interplay between psychology and the intricate world of politics and leadership, beckoning us to seek a deeper understanding of the human condition in all its complexity. The title, "Tinubu vs. Atiku: A Dispute In American Courts - Regardless Of The Final Outcome, The End Is Not The Issue, But Its Impact On Africa's Leadership Aspirations, And Nigeria's Youth Mindset " conveys a powerful message that transcends the legal proceedings, underscoring that the true significance of this dispute extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom verdict. It serves as a stark reminder that the ripple effects of such disputes resonate beyond borders, influencing the collective yearning for ethical leadership across the African continent. Furthermore, it leaves an indelible mark on the aspirations and mindset of Nigeria's youth, inspiring a deep and contemplative examination of the values and principles that should guide our nations as we navigate the complex tapestry of leadership, governance, and the future that lies ahead. As we delve into the psychological intricacies of this case, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the collective responsibility to nurture leadership that reflects the values of transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct. It is an invitation to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, to channel our collective energies toward building a future where leaders serve as beacons of hope, where the trust of the people is cherished and upheld, and where the dreams of Nigeria's youths and children can flourish unburdened by the shadows of distrust. In this reflection, we are reminded that the pursuit of justice is not solely the domain of courts and lawyers; it is a shared endeavor that encompasses the very essence of our humanity. It calls for a commitment to fostering leadership that nurtures the aspirations of the next generation and safeguards the well-being of our societies. It beckons us to collectively craft a narrative that uplifts, inspires, and empowers, leaving behind the painful echoes of shattered trust and embracing a future where the dreams of Africa and Nigeria's youths and children can truly thrive. Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. Founder of ChrisCares Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Agona Swedru, Mr. Chris Arthur has encouraged teachers across the country to serve as role models for the children they teach in their various schools. He noted that serving as role models will help reduce indiscipline not only in their schools but the general public. Mr. Chris Arthur has therefore admonished teachers against acts which go contrary to the code of ethics of the Ghana Education Service which expects every teacher to exhibit a good moral attitude wherever they find themselves. He noted that teaching is a noble profession teachers should live lives worthy of emulation to the children they teach and the society in general. Mr. Chris Arthur who doubles as the Director of Technical Services of the Youth Employment Agency said this during the 15th Anniversary and Graduation ceremony of Great Olertey Academy at Agona Swedru recently. He lauded the authorities of the school for the good work done and encouraged them to maintain the success chalked. "This school is closer to the Mandela Market so it is a big relief to traders because they know the capability of teachers in the school and are confident that the children would be in safe hands to enable them transact their businesses with ease. "Am overwhelmed by the way and manner two teachers in this school, Madam Wilhelmina Issah and Madam Mary Danjumah comported themselves even when parents hauled insult at them for failing to include her child during a cultural dance by Kindergarten pupils as part of the graduation ceremony. "In spite of all odds, these teachers were still focused on what they have been assigned to do to make the programme colourful and they succeeded in doing same instead of responding to the parent. "They really showed self-control and maturity during the programme in spite of some extreme provocation by a parent against them. This attitude is worthy of emulation. Parents must know that those who are training our children in school are given the maximum support and respect but not to abuse them," Mr. Chris Arthur noted. The Headteacher of Great Olertey Academy, Rev. Emmanuel Ayeh disclosed that the school with a population of over 400 was established to supplement the government's effort to ensure quality education for children of school-going age. Mr. Chris Arthur on behalf of ChrisCares Foundation presented 200 exercise books to the school authorities and also made cash donated of Ghc500.00 each to Madam Wilhelmina Issah and Madam Mary Danjumah for exhibiting high moral values. 26.09.2023 LISTEN Rabat - An online campaign on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling for imposing visas on French nationals is gaining momentum. The hashtag #___ (imposes visa on France) is going viral with over 1,100 shares since yesterday. Imposing visa is a sovereignty right, one Moroccan netizen wrote. Impose visa restrictions on France and get rid of all what its left of its colonialism, we should also get rid of their language, another wrote. The online campaign was triggered by widespread public anger towards France after two French journalists publicly bashed Morocco. The two journalists were reportedly apprehended by undercover law enforcement officers early on Wednesday at 3 AM. Quentin Muller holds the position of deputy editor-in-chief at the French weekly news magazine Marianne, while Therese Di Campo serves as a photojournalist. Both journalists turned to X, accusing Moroccan authorities of engaging in what they deemed as repressive actions. They claimed that they were forcefully expelled from the country with no given explanation. Muller asserted that these arrests were driven purely by political motives, accompanied by the hashtag #Journalismisnotacrime in her tweet. In response, the government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas pointed out that over 310 foreign journalists, representing approximately 90 international media outlets, had covered the central Morocco earthquake that occurred on September 8. He emphasized that these journalists conducted their work openly and without any hindrances, engaging freely with both citizens and those affected by the earthquake. To counter Mullers claim that the expulsion was politically motivated, Baitas disclosed that out of the 310 foreign journalists who covered the earthquake, 78 were correspondents representing 16 different French media organizations, comprising roughly a quarter of the total. He noted that 13 of them were officially accredited for earthquake coverage, with three holding permanent accreditation. While this seems to be the direct cause behind the online campaign, in recent weeks, public resentment in Morocco for France has been rapidly growing in recent weeks. In the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Morocco on September 8, French media seized the opportunity to bash Morocco and its leadership, with a series of offensive articles and media coverage that politicized the tragic catastrophe. In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a video of himself directly addressing the Moroccan people, a move that caused widespread backlash in the North African country. Originating at www.moroccoworldnews.com 2024 independent candidate hopeful, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has pledged an all inclusive government if elected President of Ghana in 2024. He said he would appoint his ministers and key government officials from all political parties. In a post on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, via his official X page (formerly Twitter), he stated, "When I am elected as President, Ministers and other key Government officials will be appointed from ALL PARTIES, and shall also include individuals who are apolitical but have a demonstrable and proven track record of performance, in their field of specialization." He added, "I will promote the establishment of a Government of National Unity, which will include people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic affiliations: rich or poor, able-bodied or physically challenged, young or old, women and men." Mr Alan has promised to stage a war against corruption when he becomes president of Ghana. This was a key message on Monday, September 25, when he announced his decision to contest the 2024 General Elections as an Independent Candidate. Speaking at his press conference in Accra, Alan Kyerematen also announced his decision to resign from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to establish and lead a new 'Movement for Change' in the country. Under the circumstances and given the context provided, I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 General Elections, as an Independent Presidential Candidate, Alan Kyerematen announced. The former Minister for Trade and Industry continued, To actualise this goal, I will establish and lead a new MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE in Ghana. The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity. It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader. In Akan, it is known as Afrafranto. The brand motto of the MOVEMENT is Ghana Will Rise Again, which symbolizes hope for the future of Ghana. In his address, Alan Kyerematen said it is abundantly clear to him that his services and contributions to the NPP are not appreciated, and that his continuous stay in the Party will create further tension and division, which is an exact replay of circumstances that led to his decision to resign from the Party in 2008. He said he is driven by passion to continue serving his country and that is why he has decided to pursue his Presidential ambition after quitting the NPP. NDC Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has applauded former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen for resigning from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). In a tweet on Monday, September 25, the vocal lawmaker called on all patriotic Ghanaians to choose the country over their parties. "Alan clearly agrees with the vast majority of Ghanaians that the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP has been an unmitigated disaster. "Alan's message is simple: country over party. For his courage, conviction and candour, Alan deserves commendation," Ablakwa tweeted. The MPs tweet continued, Now, all true patriots, no matter their initial personal symbols whether its a butterfly, cockerel, broom, elephant, palm tree, coconut tree or the sun; we must come together under one UMBRELLA to rescue our beloved nation. The national destruction is enough, lets unite and save Ghana. Ghana First. This follows the resignation of the partys founding member and former flagbearer aspirant, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen. Speaking at a press briefing at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra on Monday, September 25, Mr. Kyerematen averred "the party seems to be the exact opposite of the one he played a part in its formation in 1992." He has announced the formation of a new political movement known as the Movement for Change. According to him, he intends to "allow the youths of the country, whom he described as the "future of the country, to lead and power the movements agenda." 26.09.2023 LISTEN Released today: 24th September 2023 || As South Africans celebrate Heritage Day today, the African Renaissance Project would like to call on all Africans to reflect on their collective dispossession and displacement. Heritage is something that is divine and natural. It is normally inherited from our ancestors, it is not something that is manmade though there are manmade things that can be considered heritage especially articles that were used by our ancestors, for example, a necklace that was belonging to your grandmother or father can be a heritage because if it is lost you cannot replace it. What is heritage is normally irreplaceable and priceless thats why we need to preserve it at all cost because once it is lost it is lost. Culture, language, land, history, information, values, holidays and natural resources can be heritage. Things that can be changed and amended like constitutions, laws, flag, national anthems, coat of arms etc cannot be considered as heritage. We are not supposed to celebrate heritage day in South Africa because we have not inherited anything from our forefathers. After all even the name South Africa is not the name from our forefathers but this land was named by our oppressors as their business entity. We cannot even claim the name of the country as an inheritance. The name South Africa speaks volumes about the deception. It says it all that we have not received our inheritance, because if we had received it we were going to name the country. Everything is named by the owner thats why because South Africa is still owned by our oppressors the name cannot be changed. Most of the towns and cities still have names from oppressors and we are told by the politicians to celebrate their mediocrity. Indeed celebrating heritage day is to celebrate the mediocrity of our so called politicians and freedom fighters because they dismally failed to bring freedom to black people, that is why they were not able to even rename the country. One can only name what belongs to him. Heritage is not only about wearing your traditional clothes just for one day in a year yet your everyday life is European, in a European environment not even knowing your past. The South African constitution is also 100% European thats why even the ANC cannot understand that European constitution, they are always losing cases in court against the DA. The DA is a party for Europeans and they understand their constitution very well whereas the poor ANC cannot understand that constitution and they will still continue to lose against the DA in court. True heritage will be realized when we have received our land, there is no heritage without our land. Most of our black people are landless and homeless in this country. They are living in squatter camps and the so called RDP houses and they are told to celebrate such mediocrity. The less said about those having bonded houses the better because most of them claim to have houses yet those houses belong to the bank which belongs to the imperialist. If it happens they lose their job those houses can be repossessed, they are deceiving themselves yet they are also homeless. How do you perform your African rituals in townships and squatter camps? Such places are not suitable for performing our rituals. Most African rituals require that in your home you must have a sacred house called (umsamo) and a kraal, most of our rituals are performed in these two sacred places. Some Africans do take chances in townships and do their rituals without these two important sacred places and one must know that you cannot make your bedroom sacred (umsamo). In the end those who take those chances and perform their rituals in such structures when things do not go well with them they then blame the ancestors thinking their ancestors have abandoned them. An African home requires that you must have big land not what we see in the townships and suburbs. I have never seen a home suitable to perform African rituals in a township. These politicians have conspired with the oppressors to deny us true freedom today. They have big tummies full of whisky and brandy at the expense of true African freedom. They are all sellouts they want us to celebrate this nonsense and be proud of being the inferior citizen in this white owned country. Our people must keep on voting for them just to maintain those big tummies full of whisky and brandy, drive those big cars and stay in big houses whilst our people are living like pigs in shacks. It is not yet uhuru, still a long walk to freedom. Our languages are still marginalized even in parliament they speak English yet some are not even fluent in that English they just count words. What heritage do we have to celebrate when we are landless and homeless in the land of our forefathers? Our culture is still oppressed and the European culture is the one above us. Everything about South Africa is still European there is no change at all. Some politicians are even saying South Africa is the Europe of Africa and they even forget that South Africa is part of Africa thinking they are European. That is also what perpetuates afrophobia attacks. This shows how European we are and how misguided our politicians are to say we must celebrate heritage yet we have nothing that is heritage in our day to day life. We cannot even get married in our own ways as our marriage is considered cultural not marriage. To our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, we have got only this to say. You are all Africans. Not African American or Haitian. No. You are Africa. If you take a DNA test, it will not say you are from New York, Georgia, California, the Caribbean, or Brazil. It will also not say you are black, red, yellow, or orange. It will say you are from xyz ethnic groups in Africa. NATURE via your DNA is thus defining you as African regardless of what people say. You don't need permission from a Europoid or even a Continental African to identify as African. It is essential that you understand exactly what is going on when someone tries to deny you your African identity and why it is important that you hold tight to it. 1. Understand that the very first thing an enslaver did to his captive was deny his captive an African identity. He stripped him of this name, clothing, language, family, spiritual system, and any other things tying him to his African identity. Thus, never be surprised when a European today tries to do the same thing to you; he is only continuing his enslaver agenda to strip you of identifying with your ancestral heritage--your greatest source of power. 2. By forcing you to identify as a color and not the land of your heritage, he literally makes you homeless. It is essential to Eurosupremacism that the concept of "African" is seen as geographical and not racial. Thus, he can remove you from Africa as well as place himself in Africa as a colonizer. Under his warped perspective, a Boer invader in South Africa is "African" while a Diasporic person is not. Brilliant psychological colonization of your heritage. 3. By emphasizing identity with the place of birth (jus soli) and not heritage, the Euro-American can hold his captives in mental slavery for generations. Many slaves have been so conditioned to believe this concept that they have no idea that the 99% of the Eastern Hemisphere does NOT have this concept, even in the slavetrader's homeland of Europe. In most of Europe (as well as Asia and Africa) you cannot claim citizenship just because you are born there, or even there for several generations. They call this "jus sanguinis" (right of blood). In other words, you are a citizen in the place of your ancestors, not in the place of your birth. The concept of "jus soli" (your identity is where you are born) is only popular in the Americas and came into effect purely to justify the children of the invaders' claims to America from the Native American; also it worked to remove Africa's claim to its stolen citizens. This is why some Continental Africans who have been slavetrading you with the European for centuries, will also deny you your ancestral right to be African. ; by recognizing you as African they are forced to remember how their betrayal led to why you are not in Africa any longer. 4. The fact that "jus sanguinis" (right of blood) is the true way of looking at ethnic/national identity even in America is exposed in the double standard they use with Asians and Latin Americans. Even if a Asian person's ancestors have been in the US since the railroad construction in the mid-1800s and he can't speak any Asian language, he is still called Asian. The land of his ancestors, and not simply his skin color, defines him. The same goes for Mexicans, many of which have been in the US before the annexation of the Southwest, yet people still describe them as "Mexican" because of their ancestral homeland regardless if they can speak Spanish. So you MUST ask why is the African Diasporan discouraged from identifying with the land of his ancestors and reduced to just a color? Don't be bamboozled. As a color you are an adjective that can be moved anywhere he sees fit. If he attached a land to you, you become more than a description, you become a noun, a PLACE. A land. A continent. Without a land attached to your identity, you are ancestrally homeless, destitute, and powerless. 5. Some will argue that well, "White" Americans don't identify as Euro-Americans, so it's okay. Don't be so naive and read the fine print. The "White" American does more than identify with Europe, he describes himself as "Caucasian" (a mythical homeland in Eurasia that gives him proximity to the Christian holy land) and claims the range of the Caucasian's lordship from Spain to India. He also describes himself as Western, basically claiming his home as both Europe and the entire Western Hemisphere. 6. Meanwhile, he purposely does not attach any land to the identity of the African race. He calls you Black informally, N!gg3r derogatorily, and Negroid "anthropologically." All of these are references to color, not land or even a direction (such as Western or Eastern). By keeping you a color, he removes you from any land claims in this life or the next! Most cunningly, a color is just an adjective, a description of something else, but it is not something, someplace, or some person. When you attach yourself to the word Africa (a noun), you transcend being just a vague adjective but become someplace, something, somebody! Do you understand now why it is essential that your identity refers to a noun (Africa) and not just a homeless adjective (black) regardless of where you are born? That you retain your claim over Africa, the world's most ancient and richest continent? The very word Black comes from "be lack." It is their intention for us! For the sake of convenience with this foul European language we speak, I have had to resort to using "Black" to refer to us too, so that my audience understands I'm talking about us all and not just Continental Africans. However, I think I have convinced you enough that from now own I no longer have to use that poor adjective for us, but can attach us to the noun, the place...the holy place of our deity and ancestors: Afa-Ra-Ka. The Body of Ra's Spirit. Volcanoes sometimes take hundreds of years to erupt. Nature prepares. But when they do----they do. We must prepare also. It may take decades for Black folk to wake up, clean up, stand up----but when they do----they do. In the mean time, we have the moral and historical obligation to professionally organize our misery, our suffering, our mental and even still physical enslavement, and our exploitation, not merely to end this miserable condition but to give new meaning to this life, to make dreams come true, to give new hope, love without the pain, life beyond the storms, to feed our hungry, clothe those naked, shelter to the homeless, education to the ignorant, wings that fly, make wrongs right, pick up those who fall, lifting those who lost their reach, strength to those weak, voice to those unable to speak, eyes to those who cannot see, legs to those who cannot walk--- no star is out of reach. And we are obligated to carry this out scientifically in accordance with the laws of Maat, to make this all come true, to make it happen. Praying to their rundown gods, begging, pleading talking, marching, bluffing, posturing, and faking never solved anything. Just look how long our enslavement lasted doing that. Hundreds of millions of Black folk killed in the worst ways, millions more just burned like fossil fuel and just tossed in to a filthy hole when dead. Worked to death. Bodies and souls tortured. Tattered rage of a life lived at the service of genocidal enslavers. But, even still, surely there will be those who, trembling with fear but talking a good game, will break and run in the hour of judgment, the hour of deeds. Do not run after them; you must go forward, not backwards. Give thanks to MaTseba. MaTseba MoKga-a-Bjwala Signed on behalf of the African Renaissance Project Edward Mitole, PhD Founder & Chair 26.09.2023 LISTEN Member of Parliament hopeful for Amenfi Central in the Western Region on the ticket of the NDC, Hon Joana Gyan has indicated that the journey to Nkroful, an annual event meant to celebrate the birthday of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana has come to stay. According to her, her outfit will always liaise with organizers of the annual event to ensure that Ghana's first President's birthday is celebrated every year in a grand style. She revealed that, as the first President of Ghana he needs to be celebrated since his contribution to the development of the Country can never be underestimated. She called on Ghanaians to patronage the journey to Nkroful agenda to encourage citizens in the country to also contribute their quota to the development of the nation. She was of the view that if "we begin to celebrate our leaders who fought for the development of the nation it will rather encourage the upcoming ones to also commit themselves for the progress of the nation." "I visited the house of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and saw the bed he slept on before dying and I said to myself that if Kwame Nkrumah slept on this bed and became first President of Ghana then I have hope that one day I will become the first female President of Ghana," she stressed. Hon Joana Gyan after contributing to the organization of the gargantuan week-long event also donated GHC70,000 for the refurbishment of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's mother's residence. Balerinsa Association, a group made up of natives of Gbedema Jagsa Balerinsa living in the Greater Accra Region has donated educational items to the Junior High School to enhance effective teaching and learning in the community. The items which include pass questions, textbooks and erasers among others were donated to the school on the 12th of July, 2023 by Mathew Ayimonsa, Project Co-ordinator on behalf of the Association. Mr. Timothy Akolime, Head Teacher of the School who received the items on behalf of the management of the school, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Association for the kind gesture. According to Mr. Akolime, Management appreciates the contribution of Belerinsa Association to the School, and we encourage you to do more to promote quality education within the community. Education is the foundation of development, therefore, any effort to promote quality education must be encouraged. He has however, pleaded for more support from other natives both home and abroad, non-governmental organizations and government to enhance effective teaching and learning. He indicated that the school currently has no Physical Education equipment. The association was formed in September, 2018 to among others unite and promote the welfare of natives in Accra and champion the development of the community. Belerinsa is a suburb of Gbedema Jagsa, located in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region. Burkina Faso's junta-led government has suspended the print and online operations of French news outlet Jeune Afrique in the country, accusing it of seeking to "discredit" the military. Since taking power in a coup in 2022, the junta has suspended multiple TV and radio stations, expelled foreign correspondents and targeted French media. Founded in 1960 and based in France, Jeune Afrique is a website and monthly magazine with several correspondents and contributors in Africa and elsewhere. The government in Ouagadougou has suspended "all Jeune Afrique distribution media in Burkina Faso until further notice", its spokesman and communications minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo said in a statement on Monday. He blamed "a new and misleading article...titled 'Tensions persist in Burkina Faso army' which was published on Monday". Growing discontent "This publication follows an earlier article by the same newspaper on the same website", published on Thursday, "in which Jeune Afrique alleged that 'Discontent is growing in Burkina Faso barracks'," the statement added. "These deliberate assertions, made without the slightest hint of proof, have no other purpose than to discredit the national armed forces and, by extension, all fighting forces in an unacceptable manner." Some people interviewed by French news agency AFP in Ouagadougou still had access to the website, while others said they had problems connecting. The decision came almost a year after Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power in a coup, the landlocked country's second in eight months. In June, Burkina Faso authorities announced the suspension of the French television channel LCI for three months, after expelling the correspondents of the French dailies Liberation and Le Monde in April. At the end of March, they had ordered the suspension of the television channel France 24. Anti-French sentiment Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced recurring jihadist violence, which has left more than 17,000 people dead and more than two million internally displaced. The two coups of 2022 were each triggered in part by discontent at failures to stem a raging jihadist insurgency. Regional instability has also fuelled recent military takeovers in neighbouring Mali and Niger. The succession of coups in the Sahel region has alarmed Western governments, as well as the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). Anti-Paris sentiment has been inflamed in the three countries all former French colonies with military rulers strengthening ties with Russia. Earlier this month, the juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed a mutual defence pact, to "establish an architecture of collective defence and mutual assistance for the benefit of our populations". France withdrew its troops and ambassador from Burkina Faso earlier this year in the face of post-coup hostility. Junta chief Traore this month gave an interview saying Burkina was not "the enemy of the French people" but of the policies of its government. "We have to accept seeing each other as equals... and accept an overhaul of our entire cooperation," he told state television. (with AFP) The economic and social crisis that Cuba suffers hinders Cuban women's participation in political life. The critical situation as regards food, access to health services, and VAW, place the women of the island before the dilemma of supporting a family, raising children, or making their way in the country's politics In the study Gender Equality and Women's Political Participation in Cuba: Challenges and Hidden Realities, the Cubadata project found that inequalities in access to health care, food shortages, high prices, and Violence Against Women have a negative impact on women's political participation. Women in Cuba have limited access to political information and less confidence in their abilities in this area, aggravated by a lack of social support and the prevalence of political coercion, according to the study, based on the results of the report Politics, rights and quality of life in Cuba. The first multidimensional panel 2022 and the various surveys carried out by Cubadata between 2022 and 2023. The report highlights that women in Cuba doubt their ability to influence the country's reality, which the study's author, academic Aristides A. Vara-Horna, attributes in part to "the underrepresentation of women in political spaces." Although in the National Assembly of Popular Power women represent 55.7% of the deputies, they do not have real power. According to official statistics from the Cuban Observatory on Gender Equality, women make up just 18.5% of ministry heads. There is a clear gender gap among the highest decision-making positions on the Council of Ministers. In this same regard, the study suggests that limited access to political information, due to domestic responsibilities borne disproportionately by women, can restrict their knowledge and understanding of politics and, therefore, their ability to participate fully. Moreover, in times of food shortages, women, especially mothers and caregivers of other family members, can be disproportionately affected. It is a situation that can deplete or drastically reduce the time and energy that women would devote to political participation. According to the study, higher rates of physical and emotional illness among Cuban women suggest that they may be facing greater health challenges. Sickness disabilities and deteriorating health, in general, can restrict women's ability to participate fully in public life, including politics. Cubadata's study reveals that women are more likely to protest on humanitarian than political grounds. According to the author, this may reflect poverty or precariousness, and may also indicate their commitment to social welfare and human rights issues. Regarding the effectiveness of the protests and their ability to generate political change, Cuban women are more pessimistic than men: while 47.7% of men believe that protests can change many things, only 36.3% of women do. Of the more than 1,000 political prisoners from the historic anti-government protests on July 11, 2021, the opposition platform Justicia 11J registered 87 female political prisoners, whose sentences range up to 15 years of imprisonment. In demonstrations before and after 11J, mothers who suffer due to their children's living conditions came out to demand the authorities be held responsible for specific issues, such as blackouts, shortages of water and gas, and homelessness. Common forms of protest were to stand in the street or in front of municipal government buildings, or to occupy state premises. Food shortages and political coercion 42.8% of women surveyed by Cubadata reported that the variety of food at their homes has suffered, in contrast to 32.1% of men. 22.7% of women reported that they run out of food, either because they cannot afford it or they cannot find it, while only 8.8% of men report this situation. Women who suffer from a more severe lack of food tend to be more employed in tourism-related service jobs and other informal ones than other better-off women, and even more so than men. This could indicate that women are pushed into more precarious or unstable jobs due to an absence of food security. In terms of political coercion, women in Cuba report higher levels than men, including pressure to vote a certain way and promises of perks or benefits. Sexual violence, one of the most extreme forms of VAW, seems to be used as a coercive mechanism to obtain food; an alarming 25.3% of the women asked reported being sexually coerced in exchange for food every day. According to Cubadata's study, the current scenario reveals a pattern of political manipulation that could make women's participation more difficult, eroding their autonomy and ability to fully exercise their political rights. More than 60 years after the triumph of a revolution that promised them emancipation and equality, Cuban women are trapped in a sexist society that reduces them to traditional roles, with a government whose propaganda takes credit for what they have achieved, failed economic policies, and a regime that persecutes dissidents and muzzles much of the criticism related to gender issues. Cuban women continue to lack effective representation, unable to organize freely to demand their rights and share their proposals without being persecuted and criminalized, as is currently the case with independent feminist platforms. Ghana is in the process of developing its first climate atlas for citizens, researchers and the business community to learn about climate change in the country. The interactive tool, which is being developed by the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) in collaboration with the Denmark Meteorological Institute (DMI), will help climate projections. The Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ms Ama Pomaa Boateng, announced this at the end of the 15th International Training Workshop on Climate Variability and Predictability in Accra. She added that the climate atlas would, among other functions, serve as a decision-making tool for national and local authorities. The Deputy Minister stated that the increasing variations in climate and weather dynamics called for an enhanced and coordinated response system to mitigate the consequences of climate variability. Ms Boateng said the 2022 state-of-the-climate report of Ghana issued by GMet, revealed that the country was experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures and rainfall. "Indeed, during the peak of the rainy season in the southern part of Ghana, we heard and read about the numerous flooding incidents, which were recorded in the Western and Eastern coastal towns of Ghana as well as inland areas," she said. An official at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dr. Wassila Thiaw, said access to reliable weather information was crucial to adapting to the climate crisis He stated that a country's ability to develop tools for early warning would help meet global goals including food security, healthcare services and sustainable jobs. 26.09.2023 LISTEN The Ashanti Regional Office of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all constituency chairmen to remove posters, banners and other paraphernalia branded with Alan Kyerematen's name and image. In an internal memo issued on Monday, September 25, Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known well as Chairman Wontumi ordered the immediate removal of Alan Kyerematen campaign materials from all party offices. "In view of Hon. Alan Kyerematen's resignation from the party, all his posters, banners, flyers and paraphernalia at our party offices in all the constituencies must be removed with immediate effect," the memo read in part. Chairman Wontumi justified the order, saying "Once he has forfeited his membership, it is just right and fair that these items are removed from our offices." "This is simply about ensuring our offices only display materials related to our party and its current leaders," the Memo stressed. Meanwhile, the ruling party has scheduled a press conference to respond to the former Trade Ministers resignation from the party and plan to contest the 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate today at 2pm. Alan Kyerematen, a former presidential hopeful of the NPP, announced his immediate resignation in a press conference held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra. Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen, has opened up on what he believes were the unfair removals of Kwabena Agyapong and Paul Afoko from leadership positions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Kyerematen, who resigned from the NPP on Monday, September 25, to pursue an independent presidential bid, spoke passionately about the influence of sycophancy in the partys internal politics in an interview with UTV. Kwabena Agyapong and Paul Afoko were victims of sycophantic behaviour within the party, Kyerematen said on Tuesday, September 26. According to him, sycophancy and unquestioning loyalty to leadership led to the unfortunate removal of capable and competent individuals like Agyapong and Afoko. He believes that the two individuals were ousted without fair processes or the chance to defend themselves against allegations. Kyerematens remarks come in the wake of his own departure from the NPP, which he explained was partly due to his desire for a more inclusive and open political landscape. He emphasized that the NPP needed to embrace diverse opinions and ensure that internal processes were fair and transparent. He further said that the NPP must learn from past mistakes and truly serve the people. According to him, Ghana needs a party that welcomes healthy debate and allows dissenting voices to be heard. Former General Secretary of the NPP Kwabena Agyapong was suspended in 2015 with the party's former National Chairman, Paul Afoko, and a former National Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe for misconduct. Kwabena Agyapong was found guilty of violating Article 3(d) of the party's constitution, which requires members to uphold the party's decisions. He was also accused of engaging in unilateral actions and activities without consultation with or seeking authorization from the NEC. -Citi Newsroom A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kennedy, has described the current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government as a disappointment. Of course, disappointment is actually an understatement. He has been a disaster, and everybody who is honest knows it, Dr Kennedy told Bobie Ansah on the Citizen Show on Accra100.5FM, Monday, 25 September 2023. According to the leading NPP member, President Akufo-Addos government has plunged the nation into disaster. He has taken our nation to the brink of disaster and as at now we should really pray that the next year goes well, Dr Kennedy intimated. Asserting that power is moving to the streets currently, hence the recent protests by the citizenry, Dr Kennedy recounted that per the history of Ghana, anytime change is coming it is foretold on the streets first. Referring to countries which have experienced change predicted on the streets, he enunciated the US Boston Tea Party that led to their continental congress and declaration of independence, the French protest in Paris that led to the French Revolution that did not end too well, the protests on the streets of South Africa that brought the ANC to power and coming home to Ghana, the 1948 riot after the shooting of the ex-servicemen which served as the significant catalyst for Independence and Rawlings coming to power which he indicated was preceded by protests on the streets. Dr Kennedy noted that whenever there are significant movements on the streets, it has to be taken seriously. He described as sad the recent arrest of protestors of the Occupy Julorbi House protest, by the security services considering that the president himself led demonstrations while in opposition. "It is very self-evident that a president who rode to national prominence on the back of protests, very young and admirable activist under PMFJ, he led the Kume preko demonstration in 2015 and 2016. He or people close to him organised protests against the government to highlight living conditions that were very bad, so Akufo-Addo has always been a man of the streets so it is very sad that his government will try to prevent demonstrations and that people demonstrating against his government will have people detained by the security services. I thought he was the person who said we should be citizens and not spectators. Those who were marching were demonstrating citizenship, Dr Kennedy explained. Alluding reasons he thinks the country has gotten thus far under the current Akufo-Addo-led administration, Dr Kennedy said: Why, because people saw in him virtues that he did not possess. He just hasnt been a good president. I just cant think of any other president who will rule for seven years and there has been no reshuffle. The biggest cabinet in our history bragging about proud Ghanaians, we wont go to the IMF and we end up going, well make Ghana the cleanest city in Africa and we havent done anything. He added: This country is in trouble and the people on the streets, we need to listen to them, because they have anger and frustration and disappointment and if it explodes what will happen will not be good. That is why we should channel their frustrations constructively to reform our system. -classfmonline.com The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region has issued a directive to all regional chairpersons in the 47 constituencies to immediately remove any poster of the former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen from their party offices. According to the party, the former flagbearer aspirant is no longer a card-bearing member therefore any image of him must be discarded. The NPP stressed that Mr. Kyerematen's campaign materials are no longer relevant in the party offices in a memo dated September 25, 2023, signed by Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, and addressed to all constituency chairpersons in the Ashanti Region. In view of Hon. Alan Kyerematens resignation from the party, all his posters, banners, flyers and paraphernalia at our party offices in all the constituencies must be removed with immediate effect. Once he has forfeited his membership, it is just right and fair that these items are removed from our offices, Bernard Antwi Boasiako stated. Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the timing for Alan Kyerematen's resignation is wrong. According to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, his resignation from the party should have been long overdue. Winning an election as an independent candidate will be a huge problem for Alan because all the appeals that he has made particularly to the youth will not wash and the reason is quite simple. He has been with the Akufo-Addos government for almost seven years and the time that Alan should have left that government, he didnt, he stated. Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Metro TVs Good Evening Ghana program has predicted a fierce contest between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections. According to the Ghanaian broadcast journalist, Alan will be missing when the contest intensifies. In an interview with Citi News, he stated I can tell you that by the time the campaign hits a crescendo, if Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia becomes the NPPs candidate, with the kind of campaigning he does, which hes going to do. When the campaign reaches a crescendo, and its John Dramani Mahama versus Dr. Bawumia, people will even forget that Alan Kyerematen is contesting. "Its going to be a stiff election, its going to be brutally fought and nobody will remember that theres a third candidate. I can assure you of that, but we still need time to see how Alans campaign will pan out, Paul Adom-Otchere stated. Adom-Otchere noted that while some Ghanaians, including NPP and NDC youth, may publicly support Alan Kyerematen on social media, they may not cast their ballots for him in the 2024 elections. An NPP youth person will feel that voting for Alan means throwing his vote away, so they are more likely to vote for their party. NDC people, on the other hand, are a bit frightened by the break of the 8, they dont want the 8 to happen. They certainly want the 8 to be destroyed. They want the NPP out, they want their candidate to win. So NDC youth are not even going to pay attention to potentially vote for Alan. They may support him on social media. They will support him in rhetoric but in terms of casting the ballot, they will vote for John Mahama, he stated. On Monday, September 25, Alan Kyerematen announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in order to run as an Independent Candidate. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome, against a backdrop of tensions between the two countries over migration. The French president Emmanuel Macron was in the Italian capital to attend the state funeral of former president Giorgio Napolitano, who died on Friday aged 98. A sharp rise in migrant landings to the Italian island of Lampedusa earlier this month reignited a bitter debate across the EU over who takes responsibility for asylum seekers. "We cannot leave the Italians alone," Macron said in a television interview on Sunday - an offer of help that Meloni immediately said she "welcomed with great interest". The two leaders last met in Paris in June, and are also both due at a summit of Mediterranean leaders in Malta on Friday. Meloni has also clashed over migration with Germany, whose president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was also among those at Napolitano's funeral. The Italian premier wrote to Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the weekend to complain about Berlin's funding of charity projects to help migrants either at sea or onshore in Italy. Rome blames the NGO boats that conduct rescue missions in the central Mediterranean for encouraging arrivals from North Africa. But data shows they do not work as a so-called pull factor, departures are based on the weather not the presence of NGO boats, and the vast majority of migrants are rescued by the Italian coastguard, according to the interior ministry. (with AFP) 26.09.2023 LISTEN 2024 Independent Candidate hopeful, Alan Kyerematen has said if given the mandate, his government will be an all-inclusive administration. According to Mr. Kyerematen, the urge to serve the good people of Ghana supersedes any personal interest. In a tweet, he said nominations to government jobs will be made on the basis of qualifications and from all political parties. When I am elected as President, Ministers and other key Government officials will be appointed from ALL PARTIES, and shall also include individuals who are APOLITICAL but have a demonstrable and proven track record of performance, in their field of specialization. "I will promote the establishment of a Government of National Unity, which will include people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political, religious, and ethnic affiliations: rich or poor, able-bodied or physically challenged, young or old, women and men, Alan Kyerematen stated. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region has issued a directive to all regional chairpersons in the 47 constituencies to immediately remove any image of the former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen from their party offices. According to the party, the former flagbearer aspirant is no longer a card-bearing member therefore any material associated with him must be discarded. The NPP stressed that Mr. Kyerematen's promotional materials are no longer relevant in the party offices in a memo dated September 25, 2023, signed by Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, and addressed to all constituency chairpersons in the Ashanti Region. In view of Hon. Alan Kyerematens resignation from the party, all his posters, banners, flyers and paraphernalia at our party offices in all the constituencies must be removed with immediate effect. Once he has forfeited his membership, it is just right and fair that these items are removed from our offices," the memo stated. MTN Ghana customers have been facing widespread service disruptions due to what the company described as a "technical challenge." Frustrated customers took to social media to complain of inability to access mobile data, make calls, send SMS messages or use Mobile Money services for several hours on Tuesday, September 26. The network outage affected customers across Ghana, causing major disruptions of personal and business activities that rely on MTN's services. In a statement to customers, MTN acknowledged that many users were "experiencing intermittent challenges accessing data, voice and MoMo services". "MTN apologizes for the intermittent challenges a cross-section of customers are experiencing in accessing data, voice and MoMo services. This is as a result of a technical challenge," the statement read. The company said its engineers are working to resolve the issue. We will keep customers updated when the issue is resolved. National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah has filed a defamation lawsuit against lead convener of #FixTheCountry Movement Oliver Barker-Vormawor over allegations of bribery made against him. In court documents obtained by this portal, Kan Dapaah is demanding 10 million Ghana cedis in damages from Barker-Vormawor for making defamatory statements at the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration on Friday, September 22. In his statement of claim, Kan Dapaah argues that the words of Vormawor "are Defamatory." During the protest, Barker-Vormawor alleged that "They [the government] went as far as offering us US$1 Million, they offered us a Committee Appointment, set up a Committee and appoint us to Government positions in order to stop this activism. He continued, This was made directly to me and other leaders of fix the Country Movement... This conversation we had with the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Finance and a Brigadier General at a safe home." Oliver Barker also threatened to release audio evidence to back his claim. 26.09.2023 LISTEN The Ashanti regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi has lambasted Alan Kyerematen for quitting the party. At a press conference on Monday, September 25, Alan Kyerematen said he has decided to break away from the NPP to run for President in the 2024 General Election as an Independent Candidate. I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 General Elections, as an Independent Presidential Candidate. To actualise this goal, I will establish and lead a new MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE in Ghana. The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity, Alan Kyerematen announced at his press conference. Speaking on Wontumia Radio, Chairman Wontumi said Alan Kyerematen is being ungrateful to the NPP after enjoying with his family as a member of the party. He said as the NPP moves on without the former Minister of Trade and Industry, he will personally deal with Alan. Alan Kyeremanteng is one of the people who have benefited well in NPP. When President Kuffour appointed him as Minister of Trade and Industry he really enjoyed with his wife, Children, and his family. We will not shut up. I will speak even though our general secretary has directed we shouldnt speak about his resignation. I will deal with Alan, Chairman Wontumi said. The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman continued, This party will protect Dr. Mahamadu like we did for Nana Akufo Addo before during, and after election 2024. We will do everything possible to make sure Dr Bawumia is elected as our flagbearer and win the 2024 elections. Jesus Christ started with 72 disciples, but he ended with 12 people. Even with the 12, Judas betrayed him so Alan can go. Former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen has admitted there is high unemployment in the country. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 25, the former Minister for Trade and Industry said the pervasive employment crisis is becoming a national security threat for Ghana. This he insists is clearly proven by the recently held #OccuptJulorbiHouse protest. It is also worth noting that every year over 300,000 (three hundred thousand) graduates from tertiary institutions in Ghana, excluding those from secondary institutions, enter the job market with little or no hope of finding a job. Clearly, public sector employment is not an option, with an already over-bloated public service. This phenomenon of pervasive employment crisis, is gradually becoming a national security threat, as evidenced by the recent Occupy Julorbi House demonstrations, Alan Kyerematen said. Arguing that the actions of the Ghana Police Service to arrest protestors is not the answer to Ghanas challenges, the former NPP member stressed that the country needs a leader of his calibre to bring change. The initial reaction of the Police in manhandling some protestors is not the solution to the problem. What Ghana needs now is CHANGE, which will provide long-lasting solutions to the challenges confronting our country, Alan argued. This is one of the many reasons why Alan Kyerematen has quit the NPP. At his press conference on Monday, he announced that he has decided to contest the 2024 General Election as an Independent Presidential candidate. Host of the Diplomatic Affairs Show and Dean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Corps, Harriet Nartey was part of a list of over thirty outstanding Ghanaians who were presented with the Africa Peace Advocate Awards at the weekend. The award ceremony was held at a distinguished event held in Accra, where over thirty exceptional Ghanaians from various fields like academia, traditional leadership, politics, health, and media, were recognized for their exceptional contribution towards peace. The event which was held under the theme: "Action for African Peace aims to honour Ghanaians who have used their platforms to among others promote peace Harriet Nartey expressed excitement in a post on her social media pages. she said It is the beginning of many to come. This is a win for us all. Thank you for enabling us. Much appreciation to Pan African Television for the opportunity.#diplomaticaffairstv The year 2023 has been a stellar one for the GIMPA Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy graduate. In June, she was part of the few African journalists who attended the New Global Financing Pact Summit in France - an event organized by the French government and led by France President Emmanuel Macron himself. Harriet Nartey took to Twitter to express her excitement saying, "A rare opportunity it was to have been in the same room with Presidents of France and Kenya, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury, IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, and President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, leading conversations about the New Global Financing Pact spearheaded by the French government." The summit witnessed the presence of Ghana's President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, alongside other world leaders, including Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany; Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique; Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva, President of Brazil; and Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. That was on the back of a successful moderator role at the National Blue Summit which had the President and other top officials in attendance. Prior to that, she had hosted the first 2023 FICAC Pan African Regional Conference for Honorary Consuls. Hello Good evening, welcome to the only show that brings you all the insights into the world of diplomacy and international relations. My name is Harriet Nartey". That is what you are likely to hear every Saturday at 4pm when you tune your TV to Pan-African Television for the Diplomatic Affairs Show. The one-hour hour programme has become a key cog in the diplomacy wheel, providing a platform for the international community to exchange ideas, and also project what their countries are doing in the comity of nations. On this show, she has interviewed notable personalities like the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Ghana, H.E Charles Abani, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Benin and Togo, Philipp Stalder, and more. Harriet Nartey crowned 2022 with one of the episodes of her show filmed at the seat of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium. In May 2022, she was at the Young African Women Congress held in Nairobi, Kenya where she had interactions with some of Kenyas political bigwigs. The leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has rejected claims that the party has been hijacked by a select few. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen during a press conference on Monday, September 25, resigned from the party and declared his intention to contest as an independent candidate. Alan claimed that the party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, and government appointees behind the curtain power brokers. But responding to him on Tuesday, September 26, during a press conference, the General Secretary of NPP, Justin Koduah, dismissed the assertion. Ladies and gentlemen, the leadership of the Party equally disagrees with assertions made by Mr. Kyerematen on page eight (8) of his resignation address that the Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, and government appointees behind the curtain power brokers. Guided by facts and data, the leadership of the Party disagrees entirely with this assertion. Historically, the selection of flagbearers for political parties in Ghana had been the preserve of a privileged few until the New Patriotic Party took the bold decision to decentralize the process by expanding its electoral college to enfranchise some One Hundred and Six Thousand, Five-Hundred and Ninety (106,590) delegates in 2010. He added, Currently, about Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates would be voting to select the Party's next flagbearer relative to the estimated One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight delegates (1,998) who did same in 1992. Clearly, the quantum leap to Two Hundred Thousand (200,000) delegates in 2023 underscores the decentralization of power to all Party stakeholders and defeats the assertion that the Party has been hijacked by a privileged few. He further rubbished Mr. Kyerematens claims of intimidation against his supporters emphasising that government appointees including cabinet ministers who openly declared support for him are still at post. In reference to Mr Kyerematens concerns, which include allegations of intimidation against his supporters, it is noteworthy that certain government appointees, including cabinet ministers, who openly declared their support for him are still at post and have never been intimidated, he stated. -citinewsroom Hundreds of the youth hunting for jobs thronged the Prempeh Assembly Hall in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region in search of jobs during a job and career fair. Dubbed the 2023 Green Regional Job Fair, the event was organized by the SNV Netherlands Development Organization (SNV Ghana) and the European Union under its GrEEn Project initiative where employees and employers were brought together for job marching. Held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the event was under the theme "Career Prospects in TVET: The Nexus of Green jobs for Inclusive Transformational Development." Addressing participants at the opening session of the job fair, the project manager of the GrEEn project at SNV Ghana, Laouali Sadda said the event was designed to provide a platform for both job seekers, company owners and entrepreneurs to link up. He added that, "the job fair is to connect job seekers to jobs, provide business development support to entrepreneurs among others. Todays Green Job fair has as main objective: to properly match job seekers, who we call talents to employers. We will also be providing business development support to entrepreneurs and inspiring more youth to kick start their Green Businesses. He disclosed that SNV Ghana under its GrEEn Project has trained over 5000 Ghanaian youth in the green and circular economy, adding that most of the beneficiaries were also taking through Technical and Vocational Training. He pledged SNVs commitment to supporting job creation and skills development and also promoting the growth of local businesses and SMEs that are green in their operations by making use of waste materials or not engaging in activities that adversely affect the environment. Mr Laouali Sadda however commended some major institutions that partnered the SNV Ghana to hold the job fair including the European Union, the Association of Ghana Industries, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs and OTEC FM among others. The Ashanti Regional Director of GTVET Service, Mr Richard Addo Gyamfi who delivered the keynote address at the event said it was incumbent on Ghana as a country to adopt jobs in the Green and Circular Economy to promote economic and social wellbeing. "The concept of green jobs still seems very new to the Ghanaian workforce, but they contribute significantly to preserving or restoring the environment while promoting economic and social wellbeing," he stated. He however called on stakeholders in green and circular economy to link their activities to Technical and Vocational Training. He noted that TVET has always played a crucial role in shaping the future workforce and driving economic development. "Today, we are at the crossroads where integration of green jobs within TVET systems hold the key to the sustainable and inclusive transformation of our society, it is interesting to note that in global community where climate, environmental degradation are challenges that demand immediate attention, it has become an economic and social imperative that, we transition to green economy for a sustainable future," he emphasised. An Adentan Circuit Court has sentenced a 23-year-old welder to four years in prison for unlawfully entering the room of an Immigration Officer and stealing her electrical gadgets worth GHC9,378. Edmond Asare pleaded guilty with an explanation to charges of unlawful damage, unlawful entry, and stealing. After listening Asares explanation, the court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah said his reasoning had confirmed his guilt. The court sentenced Asare to three months in prison for causing damage, 12 months for unlawful entry, and four years for stealing. Sentences will however run concurrently. Asare prayed for the court to have mercy on him. According to Asare, his late father gave him a plot of land in the Eastern Region of Ghana, which he was willing to sell to pay for the items he stole. Asare testified in court that an accomplice, Isaac Kofi Dordoe, a taxi driver facing a charge of dishonestly receiving, had no knowledge of the incident. He stated he simply requested GHc1,000 from Dordoe and asked him to keep the booty as collateral till he repaid the amount. Asare therefore prayed to the court to discharge Dordoe. The court however admitted Dordoe to bail in the sum of GHC 50,000 with two sureties and adjourned the matter to October 30, 2023, for mention. The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Anim Darko said the complainant, Irene Ansom Uroki-Kang, is a Senior Immigration Officer residing at Ghana Immigration Quarters, Mile 13, Frafraha Adenta. Chief Inspector Anim said Asare is a welder residing in Frafraha Alhaji while Dordoe, 42, is a taxi driver living in Nanakrom. According to the prosecution, on July 24, 2023, about 1030 hours, when the complainant was at work, Asare entered her premises, broke into her room, and stole a 43-inch LG TV, an Acer laptop, two Blu Gate mobile phones, and an Itel mobile phone worth GHC9,378.00. On August 30, 2023, about 1200 hours, Asare returned to the complainants house and attempted to steal her Toyota Corolla saloon car but ran out of luck when he was seen by the complainant. The prosecutor said the complainant pursued Asare and was assisted by some neighbours to arrest him and hand him over to the Adenta Police Station. During investigation, Asare admitted the crime and mentioned Dordoe as the person he sold the 43 inches LG TV set and Acer laptop for GHC700 and GHC400, respectively. Dordoe was arrested and he took the police to his house at Nanakrom, where the 43-inch LG TV and Acer laptop were retrieved from his room. GNA Some residents of Elmina, the maternal home of Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade and Industry, have described his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as self-centred and an overkill. The residents largely expressed regret over Mr. Kyerematens resignation, saying he should have considered his many diehard NPP followers who would not necessarily leave years of serving the party to follow him because he was mistreated. For them, Mr. Kyerematen should have fought harder by resiliently subjecting himself to the party structures to seek redress for all upheavals, regardless of the daunting obstacles along the way. Though they essentially sympathized with some unfair treatments meted out to him by some faceless party members, they told the Ghana News Agency his resignation was an excessive action. Mr. Kyerematen on Monday announced that he would contest the upcoming 2024 presidential elections as an independent candidate. He cited levels of intimidation and monetization that characterized the partys Super Delegates Conference as unprecedented in the history of internal elections of our Party. The subsequent decisions made by the National Council to vary the rules of procedure for the run-off, arising from the Super Delegates Conference, he said was in direct contravention of both the Constitution of the Party and the Guidelines issued by the Presidential Elections Committee. He indicated that the decision would go down in history as a travesty of justice, and a demonstration of high-handedness by the highest decision-making body of the Party, second only to the Annual Delegates Conference. Under the circumstances and given the context provided, I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the NPP to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 General Election, as an Independent Presidential Candidate, Mr. Kyerematen declared. However, Mr. Stephen Ofosu, who claimed to be a distant relative of Mr. Kyerematen described his move as bold, and courageous and wished him well. Nevertheless, he could not fathom why his relative would leave the NPP, having sacrificed decades to sustain its ideals. Im a staunch member of NPP and a religious follower of Mr. Kyerematen because he is my relative, but to sacrifice my years of toil and sweat to follow him in his new political endeavour is a difficult one. I dont think he considered us before taking that drastic decision. He is our hope, and so we expected him to fight hard and not to chicken out whilst the soup is hot, Ofosu stated. Madam Agnes Wilson said Mr. Kyerematens action had raised questions about his loyalty to the party though it was his principled stand against unfair treatment within the party. She questioned the timing of his resignation, viewing it as a political move rather than a genuine response to mistreatment. Many others, including Mr. Samuel Dadzie from Tetelmu and Mr. Kojo Emuna from Bantama, all suburbs of Elmina were indifferent about Mr. Kyerematens move. They were unsure of Kyerematengs claims, while others had a nuanced perspective, which led to a heated debate and discussions among supporters and the public. Given the seriousness of Kyerematens claims, they also called for transparency and an investigation into the alleged maltreatment. The NPP must address the issue and provide evidence to either support or refute Kyerematengs claims. We expect accountability and appropriate action if the claims are proven to be true, they added. GNA Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) is calling for a swift investigation into the arrest of some citizens by the police on Thursday, September 21. The Council also demands that anyone found guilty is made to face the full rigors of the law to instill confidence in our democratic system. This was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday, September 26 and signed by the General Secretary of the Council, Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose. It is in connection with the chaotic start to the three-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest. As a result of disagreement between the police and the organisers, Democracy Hub, as regards an application filed at the High Court to stop the action, the former had warned against any assembly for the demonstration. But prosecuting a threat to defy that orders, more than 50 persons showed up with the aim of marching to the seat of government for the planned picketing. They were all picked up but later released. The arrested were reported to have been manhandled at the various police stations they were taken to. The Council condemned the unprofessional conduct of the police. The Council views the behaviour of the police officers as unethical and a bad reflection on the countrys democratic credentials, the statement noted. The reaction of the police to the peaceful protest goes against their mandate to maintain peace, protect life and property and the dignity of citizens. Their actions do not only taint the countrys hard-won international reputation as the bastion of democracy in Africa, but it also infringes on the publics rights to assemble and protest peacefully granted under the 1992 Constitution. It said even the polices reason of not having the numerical capacity to provide protection was not the case because we find it strange that the police found the numbers to arrest and detain some protesters and even journalists during the march. Inasmuch as the leaders of CCG appreciate the efforts of the Police Service to keep the peace in our country, the Service in discharging its duties should not act in any way to be seen as taking away the constitutional rights of citizens. We encourage our service personnel to exercise patience and carry out their duties professionally and in a manner that protects life and property without abusing the rights of citizens to protest. -3news.com The Ghana Armed Forces (GFA) has issued a press release to react to claims of the release of a portion of Burma Camp Land to the La Traditional Council. The release comes after the Ghana Armed Forces High Command cited a media report in which the La Traditional Council claimed that the government had released 114 Acres of Burma Camp Lands to them for development. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, this claim is premature. This claim was made by the La Traditional Council during a ceremony which was performed to signify the reclamation of the said land. Whereas the Ghana Armed Forces looks forward to a peaceful resolution of the matter through the Committee's work by government, it takes exception to the premature announcement made by the La Traditional Council as it has the potency of breaching the existing cordial relations between the Ghana Armed Forces and the La Traditional Council, parts of the release issued by the Ghana Armed Forces said. In the GAF release, the Military High Command acknowledged that there are ongoing discussions by a Committee set up by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to deliberate and recommend possible measures to resolve the land issue. It stressed that it has, however, not received any directives from the Ministry of Defence, which is its supervising Ministry, directing that the land should be released to the La Traditional Council. The Military High Command wishes to assure all personnel of Ghana Armed Forces of its desire and resolve to protect the interest of the Ghana Armed Forces at all times, the release added. Meanwhile, the Military High command has advised the general republic to stay away from all Ghana Armed Forces lands, particularly the Burma Camp lands. The Public in the Volta and Oti Regions have expressed varied views on the resignation of Mr Alan Kyerematen, a former Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). While some members and politicians expressed shock about the announcement, others were not surprised at all. Mr Abednego Harry Adjirakor, Hohoe Constituency NPP First Vice Chairman, said it was not the first time Mr Kyerematen had resigned from the Party and his latest action seemed to be a good news to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, he said his action would not affect the fortunes of the NPP in their stronghold recounting his poor showing in the last special voting, saying the assumption of Mr Kyerematen splitting their votes of the NPP was unfounded. Mr Adjirakor said it would be politically suicidal for Mr John-Peter Amewu, the Member of Parliament of Hohoe Constituency, who had declared open support for Mr Kyerematen to join him. Mr Alex Owusu, Hohoe Constituency NDC Treasurer, said the move could be described as jumping from a crashing vehicle before it plunged to avoid a bigger shame, noting the development in the NPP had made the NDC the preferred choice in the 2024 general election, which it would win massively. Mr Richard Kitsi, an IT Specialist, said, Mr Kyerematen's advisors have failed him at this crucial moment and he has effectively harmed his own reputation, all on the altar of anger. He said the Ghanaian voter prioritised their political parties over individuals and personalities hence it would be difficult for Mr Kyerematen to poll two per cent of votes in 2024. Mr Anthony Dagadu, a Political Analyst, advised the opposition NDC not to rejoice over the resignation of Mr Kyerematen from the New Patriotic Party as it was early days yet. He said the former Trade and Industry Minister could cause a surprise to other political parties in the 2024 general election if he mobilised and put proper strategies right. Mr Dagadu said Alan could make an impact in Ghanas politics if he surrounded himself with people, who share the same ideologies and goals with him to the NPP and the NDC a good run for their money in the upcoming general elections. Mr Patrick Agboyibor, the Deputy Secretary of the NPP in Akatsi South, said the development could disturb the fortunes of the party if urgent steps remained unattended to. Some residents in Ho, the Regional capital described the resignation of Alan as a worrying development. They suggested Mr Kyerematen stay in the party and fight for his grievances to be addressed, looking at his contribution to the political fortunes of the NPP over the years. A polling station executive member of the NPP, who identified herself as Mercy, appealed to Mr Kyerematen to rescind his decision as that would bring division into the party. Mr Bright Doh, Ho Central Constituency Secretary of the NPP, described the resignation as unfortunate, but was quick to add that he was not surprised, considering Alans withdrawal from the November 4, primaries. He said Alans allegation that people were being controlled in the Super Delegate Conference and his comment that certain unscrupulous people want to hijack the party does not hold. The Secretary said the party had a strategy to deal with the resignation so that its fortunes would not be affected, adding that the party was ready to receive supporters of Alan. The party is concerned about the resignation, but we will not allow such move to affect us, he said, calling for unity in the party. While some At KAdjebi said the move was an attempt to push the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition into opposition in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, others said it was a good decision and that it was long overdue. Mr. Wilson Tagbor, a Stalwart of the NDC in Kadjebi, said Mr Kyeremanten's resignation was a good omen for NDC because at least 60,000 NPP supporters will follow him, thus affecting NPP's fortune in the 2024 Presidential polls. Mr. Tagbor, who contested the Akan NDC Constituency primaries in October, 2022 as Communication Officer, but lost asked NPP hierarchy to stop attacking him since some supporters who would join his newly-formed Movement for Change would affect the Party. Mr. Frank Dorleku, a Public Servant, says Kyrerematen has committed political suicide as there is no way an Independent Candidate can win in Ghana. Mr Sataru Abdul Merigah, Akan NPP Constituency Secretary described his resignation as rather unfortunate, but I entreat all our Party members to remain united. They should remain resolute with the NPP party as patriots, he added.Mr. Bernard Osei, an NPP Activist said the way and manner the party hierarchy manhandled Mr. Kyerematen and manoeuvring the system to favour Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice-President did not augur well and not good for Ghana's democracy. Most definitely I am joining his team, Mr. Osei said. NPP has lost a big brand and NDC must not take the resignation of Alan for granted. Mr Kyerematen, a former Trade and Industry Minister, in a press conference announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party after he withdrew from the partys presidential primaries on September 5. He also announced his intentions to contest the 2024 Presidential election as an independent candidate to break the NPP and NDC duopoly that persisted for years. GNA Cranswick (LON:CWK Get Free Report)s stock had its house stock rating reiterated by equities research analysts at Shore Capital in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, Digital Look reports. Several other research analysts have also commented on CWK. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Cranswick to an outperform rating and upped their price objective for the stock from GBX 3,400 ($41.52) to GBX 4,000 ($48.85) in a report on Monday, June 26th. Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 4,620 ($56.42) price target on shares of Cranswick in a research note on Wednesday, September 13th. Get Cranswick alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Cranswick Cranswick Trading Up 0.5 % Insiders Place Their Bets Shares of Cranswick stock traded up GBX 18 ($0.22) during midday trading on Monday, reaching GBX 3,624 ($44.25). 35,180 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 85,544. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 3,365.12 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 3,226.23. Cranswick has a 12 month low of GBX 2,548 ($31.11) and a 12 month high of GBX 3,666 ($44.77). The company has a market cap of 1.95 billion, a PE ratio of 1,742.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.44, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.72. In other news, insider Mark Bottomley sold 580 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 3,451 ($42.14), for a total transaction of 20,015.80 ($24,442.30). In other Cranswick news, insider Mark Bottomley sold 580 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 3,451 ($42.14), for a total value of 20,015.80 ($24,442.30). Also, insider Christopher Aldersley sold 6,625 shares of Cranswick stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 3,230 ($39.44), for a total transaction of 213,987.50 ($261,310.90). 5.01% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Cranswick (Get Free Report) Cranswick plc manufactures and supplies food products to grocery retailers, food service sector, and other food producers in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company offers fresh pork, gourmet bacon and gammon, fresh and coated chicken, ready to eat chicken, charcuterie, houmous and dips, and olives and antipasti, gourmet sausages, cooked meats, and gourmet pastries, as well as provides food services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 44 Wealth Management LLC lessened its stake in Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR Free Report) by 1.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 58,252 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 696 shares during the quarter. Entergy comprises 1.9% of 44 Wealth Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position. 44 Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Entergy were worth $5,672,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Financial Management Professionals Inc. lifted its position in shares of Entergy by 1,019.0% during the 1st quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 235 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new position in shares of Entergy in the first quarter worth about $26,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in shares of Entergy in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP increased its position in Entergy by 1,618.8% during the 4th quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 275 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 259 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Entergy by 1,167.9% during the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 355 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares in the last quarter. 86.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Entergy alerts: Entergy Price Performance NYSE ETR traded down $3.15 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $93.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 940,839 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,447,130. The firms 50-day moving average price is $97.77 and its 200-day moving average price is $101.23. Entergy Co. has a 1 year low of $91.80 and a 1 year high of $120.78. The company has a market capitalization of $19.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.66, a PEG ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84. Entergy Dividend Announcement Entergy ( NYSE:ETR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.84 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.15. Entergy had a net margin of 10.22% and a return on equity of 10.22%. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.26 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.78 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Entergy Co. will post 6.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th were given a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 10th. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.60%. Entergys dividend payout ratio is presently 65.24%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have weighed in on ETR. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Entergy in a research note on Wednesday, August 23rd. They set an equal weight rating and a $98.00 target price on the stock. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Entergy from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. StockNews.com started coverage on Entergy in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Entergy from $121.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Entergy from $126.00 to $117.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $113.75. Get Our Latest Analysis on Entergy Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 13,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $95.40, for a total transaction of $1,287,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,251 shares in the company, valued at approximately $882,545.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.37% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Entergy Profile (Free Report) Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Entergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Airtel Africa Plc (LON:AAF Get Free Report) fell 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 125.90 ($1.54) and last traded at GBX 127.40 ($1.56). 1,635,266 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 43% from the average session volume of 2,859,880 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 127.50 ($1.56). Airtel Africa Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 134.15, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.26. The company has a market capitalization of 4.78 billion, a PE ratio of 1,820.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.09. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 114.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 114.32. Get Airtel Africa alerts: Insider Transactions at Airtel Africa In related news, insider Olusegun Ogunsanya sold 666,175 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 111 ($1.36), for a total value of 739,454.25 ($902,984.80). Corporate insiders own 71.20% of the companys stock. Airtel Africa Company Profile Airtel Africa Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications and mobile money services in Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone Africa. It offers prepaid and postpaid wireless voice, international roaming, and fixed line telephone services; data communication services, including 2G, 3G, and 4G; and mobile money services, such as digital wallet payments systems, microloans, savings, and international money transfers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Airtel Africa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Airtel Africa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atalaya Mining Plc (TSE:AYM Get Free Report) shares shot up 8.9% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$5.78 and last traded at C$5.78. 100 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 97% from the average session volume of 3,115 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$5.31. Atalaya Mining Stock Performance The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$5.74. The company has a current ratio of 2.07, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.48. The firm has a market cap of C$808.51 million, a PE ratio of 10.70 and a beta of 1.73. Atalaya Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Atalaya Mining Plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mineral exploration and development in Spain. The company's flagship property is its 100% owned Proyecto Riotinto mine, an open-pit copper mine located in the Andalusia region of Spain. It produces copper concentrates, including silver by-products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Atalaya Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atalaya Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (OTCMKTS:BPMUF Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $50.00 and last traded at $50.00, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $50.00. Basilea Pharmaceutica Price Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $50.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $50.66. Basilea Pharmaceutica Company Profile (Get Free Report) Basilea Pharmaceutica AG, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of products that address the medical needs in the therapeutic areas of oncology and anti-infectives. It offers Cresemba, an intravenous and oral azole antifungal drug for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in the United States, and the European Union, as well as in Phase III clinical trials for invasive fungal infections in Japan. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Basilea Pharmaceutica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Basilea Pharmaceutica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biotricity (OTCMKTS:BTCY Get Free Report) and EKF Diagnostics (OTCMKTS:EKDHF Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and earnings. Institutional & Insider Ownership 32.5% of Biotricity shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 42.0% of EKF Diagnostics shares are held by institutional investors. 20.5% of Biotricity shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Biotricity alerts: Profitability This table compares Biotricity and EKF Diagnostics net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Biotricity -163.11% N/A -252.90% EKF Diagnostics N/A N/A N/A Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Biotricity $10.60 million 1.72 -$18.66 million ($1.69) -1.26 EKF Diagnostics N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A This table compares Biotricity and EKF Diagnostics gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. EKF Diagnostics has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Biotricity. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings for Biotricity and EKF Diagnostics, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Biotricity 0 0 1 0 3.00 EKF Diagnostics 0 1 0 0 2.00 Biotricity presently has a consensus target price of $12.00, indicating a potential upside of 463.38%. Given Biotricitys stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Biotricity is more favorable than EKF Diagnostics. Summary Biotricity beats EKF Diagnostics on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Biotricity (Get Free Report) Biotricity, Inc., a medical technology company, provides biometric data monitoring solutions in the United States. The company focuses on delivery of remote monitoring solutions to medical, healthcare, and consumer markets, including diagnostic and post-diagnostic solutions for lifestyle and chronic illnesses. It offers Bioflux mobile cardiac telemetry solution, an integrated ECG device; and ECG analysis software that analyzes and synthesizes patient ECG monitoring data, as well as software components. The company is based in Redwood City, California. About EKF Diagnostics (Get Free Report) EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc designs, develops, manufactures, and sells diagnostic instruments, reagents, and other ancillary products in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and internationally. It offers DiaSpect Tm hand-held hemoglobin analyzer; DiaSpect Hemoglobin T analyzer; Hemo Control, a hemoglobin analyzer that provides quantitative and lab quality hemoglobin results; and HemataStat II, a microhematocrit centrifuge that provides a quantitative hematocrit reading for six blood samples. The company also provides glucose and lactate analyzers, such as Biosen C-Line GP+ and C-Line Clinic; Quo-Lab A1c, a desktop point-of-care analyzer for measuring glycated hemoglobin; Quo-Test A1c for the monitoring and management of diabetes; and STAT-Site M Beta-hydroxybutyrate analyzer. In addition, it offers Creamatocrit Plus, an analyzer for detecting the lipid concentration and calorific density in mothers' milk; QuPID and True20 pregnancy tests; and Lactate Scout 4, a lactate analyzer. Further, the company provides clinical chemical analyzers, such as Beta-hydroxybutyrate for monitoring ketosis; Glycated Albumin; Glycated Serum Protein; Nitro-tab Ketone tablets; and Procalcitonin marker for bacterial infection and sepsis, as well as reagents, calibrators, standards, and controls. Additionally, it offers RaPET Serology immunoassay kits; QuStick Strep A for Strep A infection treatment; Altair 240, a chemistry analyzer; Excel, a semi-automated chemistry analyzer; Micro 12, a micro centrifuge for clinical, molecular, and bacteriological applications; Hema-Screen Serology, an analyzer dependent for early detection of colorectal cancer; Uri-Trak 120 urine analyzer; and kits and other services related to COVID-19, as well as contract manufacturing solutions to third-party businesses and laboratory services. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Cardiff, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Biotricity Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biotricity and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suzano (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) is one of 17 public companies in the Paper mills industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Suzano to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, earnings, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Suzano and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Suzano alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Suzano $9.65 billion $4.53 billion 3.25 Suzano Competitors $5.51 billion $686.61 million 29.04 Suzano has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Suzano is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Insider and Institutional Ownership Analyst Recommendations 2.6% of Suzano shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.7% of shares of all Paper mills companies are held by institutional investors. 5.5% of shares of all Paper mills companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Suzano and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Suzano 0 0 1 0 3.00 Suzano Competitors 112 709 472 47 2.34 As a group, Paper mills companies have a potential upside of 25.42%. Given Suzanos rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Suzano has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Profitability This table compares Suzano and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Suzano 47.44% 64.65% 17.21% Suzano Competitors 7.59% 18.89% 6.66% Risk & Volatility Suzano has a beta of 1.16, suggesting that its stock price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Suzanos rivals have a beta of 1.32, suggesting that their average stock price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Suzano pays an annual dividend of $0.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Suzano pays out 9.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Paper mills companies pay a dividend yield of 3.8% and pay out 58.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Suzano has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. Summary Suzano beats its rivals on 8 of the 15 factors compared. Suzano Company Profile (Get Free Report) Suzano S.A. produces and sells eucalyptus pulp and paper products in Brazil and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paper segments. The company offers coated and uncoated printing and writing papers, paperboards, tissue papers, and market and fluff pulps; and lignin. It also engages in the research, development, and production of biofuel; operation of port terminals; power generation and distribution business; commercialization of equipment and parts; industrialization, commercialization, and exporting of pulp and standing wood; road freight transport; biotechnology research and development; and commercialization of paper and computer materials. In addition, the company is involved in the business office, production packaging, and financial fundraising activities; research, development, production, commercialization, and distribution of wood-based textile fibers, yarns, and filaments produced from cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose; and research and development of wood raw materials for the textile industry. Suzano S.A. was formerly known as Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. and changed its name to Suzano S.A. in April 2019. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Salvador, Brazil. Receive News & Ratings for Suzano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suzano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortem Financial Group LLC lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 9.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 15,979 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,392 shares during the period. Fortem Financial Group LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,022,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. Cigna Investments Inc. New grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Cigna Investments Inc. New now owns 26,379 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,898,000 after buying an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Catalyst Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.5% in the first quarter. Catalyst Financial Partners LLC now owns 6,001 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $416,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the period. Keystone Wealth Services LLC lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.0% in the first quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC now owns 7,468 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $518,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the period. Dillon & Associates Inc. lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.9% in the first quarter. Dillon & Associates Inc. now owns 3,955 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Finally, Abbrea Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Abbrea Capital LLC now owns 10,025 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $695,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total value of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total value of $44,754.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $402,545.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.08% of the stock is owned by insiders. Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance NYSE:BMY traded down $0.15 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $59.01. 2,828,272 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,960,994. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $58.33 and a 12 month high of $81.43. The company has a fifty day moving average of $61.22 and a 200 day moving average of $64.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market cap of $123.28 billion, a PE ratio of 15.74, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.42. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). The firm had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a net margin of 17.62% and a return on equity of 50.51%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.93 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th will be given a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.86%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is 60.64%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on BMY shares. SVB Securities started coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, July 10th. They set a market perform rating and a $66.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $59.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, September 15th. Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $84.00 price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $64.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.67. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:GNENF Get Free Report)s share price was down 3.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $4.16 and last traded at $4.27. Approximately 9,812 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 3% from the average daily volume of 9,507 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.41. Ganfeng Lithium Group Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $5.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of $6.18. About Ganfeng Lithium Group (Get Free Report) Ganfeng Lithium Group Co, Ltd. manufactures and sells lithium products in Mainland China, rest of Asia, the European Union, North America, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Lithium Metal and Compound, Lithium Battery, and Lithium Ore Resource and Others. The company has interests in the Mount Marion mine located in Australia; Cauchari-Olaroz project situated in Jujuy Province, Northwest Argentina; Mariana project located in Salta Province, Argentina; Sonora project situated in Mexico; Pilbara Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project located in Western Australia; Ningdu Heyuan mine situated in Ningdu County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province; Avalonia project located in Ireland; Qinghai Yiliping lithium salt lake project situated in the Qinghai Province; Goulamina spodumene ore project located in southern Mali, Africa; PPG lithium salt-lake project located in Salta Province, Argentina; and Songshugang tantalum-niobium mine project located in Jiangxi Province. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ganfeng Lithium Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ganfeng Lithium Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greystone Financial Group LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 50.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 82,442 shares of the companys stock after selling 83,084 shares during the period. Greystone Financial Group LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $3,735,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co bought a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. Ellevest Inc. grew its position in Altria Group by 346.7% during the 1st quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 670 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group by 153.8% during the 1st quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 443 shares in the last quarter. 58.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on MO. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on Altria Group from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.50. Altria Group Price Performance Shares of MO traded down $0.18 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $41.91. 4,168,802 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,800,726. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $44.06 and a 200 day simple moving average of $44.87. The company has a market cap of $74.37 billion, a PE ratio of 11.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $40.35 and a 52 week high of $51.57. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.31. Altria Group had a net margin of 27.40% and a negative return on equity of 225.61%. The firm had revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.43 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.26 EPS. The companys revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.98 per share. This is a positive change from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.35%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 102.89%. About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSE:KDX Get Free Report) were up 1.3% on Monday . The company traded as high as C$3.09 and last traded at C$3.07. Approximately 1,962,298 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 193% from the average daily volume of 669,999 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$3.03. Klondex Mines Stock Up 1.3 % The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$3.07. About Klondex Mines (Get Free Report) Klondex Mines Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, explores, develops, and produces mineral properties in the United States and Canada. It primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. The company holds 100% interests in the Fire Creek mine covering approximately 19,000 acres located in Lander County; the Midas mine and ore milling facility covering approximately 30,000 acres situated in Elko County; and the Hollister mine approximately 18,000 acres located in Elko County. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Klondex Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Klondex Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marietta Wealth Management LLC decreased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 5.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 16,367 shares of the companys stock after selling 988 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 1.4% of Marietta Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Marietta Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $7,676,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth about $25,000. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 193.3% during the first quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 88 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of LLY stock traded down $3.48 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $548.81. The company had a trading volume of 955,443 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,009,339. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.13. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $526.64 and a 200-day moving average of $449.68. The company has a market capitalization of $520.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 76.40, a PEG ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.32. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $308.32 and a 12-month high of $601.84. Insider Buying and Selling Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 65.00% and a net margin of 22.01%. The businesss revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.25 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.84 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total value of $327,906.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,378 shares in the company, valued at $2,939,130.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, EVP Alonzo Weems sold 1,148 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $590.98, for a total transaction of $678,445.04. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 7,760 shares in the company, valued at $4,586,004.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total transaction of $327,906.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares in the company, valued at $2,939,130.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 869,131 shares of company stock worth $21,031,039,049. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on LLY shares. Truist Financial raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $630.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $615.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $408.00 to $615.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Finally, 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and twenty have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $532.78. View Our Latest Analysis on LLY About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:PBT Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Tuesday, September 19th, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be given a dividend of 0.022 per share by the oil and gas producer on Monday, October 16th. This represents a $0.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has increased its dividend by an average of 40.2% annually over the last three years. Get Permian Basin Royalty Trust alerts: Permian Basin Royalty Trust Stock Performance PBT opened at $21.66 on Tuesday. Permian Basin Royalty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $14.98 and a fifty-two week high of $27.77. The company has a fifty day moving average of $22.33 and a two-hundred day moving average of $23.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.33 and a beta of 0.89. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Permian Basin Royalty Trust ( NYSE:PBT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 9th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter. Permian Basin Royalty Trust had a net margin of 97.93% and a return on equity of 20,615.65%. The company had revenue of $6.10 million during the quarter. Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating for the company. Read Our Latest Report on PBT Institutional Trading of Permian Basin Royalty Trust A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 92.5% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 26,348 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $657,000 after purchasing an additional 12,662 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 21.5% during the second quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 237,605 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $5,923,000 after purchasing an additional 42,118 shares in the last quarter. Waverly Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust during the second quarter worth about $246,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Permian Basin Royalty Trust during the second quarter worth about $283,000. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in Permian Basin Royalty Trust by 18.7% during the second quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 12,219 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $304,000 after acquiring an additional 1,926 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 28.12% of the companys stock. Permian Basin Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Permian Basin Royalty Trust, an express trust, holds overriding royalty interests in various oil and gas properties in the United States. The company owns a 75% net overriding royalty interest in the Waddell Ranch properties comprising Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian), and Waddell fields located in Crane County, Texas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Basin Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Watches of Switzerland Group plc (LON:WOSG Get Free Report) fell 4.6% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 540.50 ($6.60) and last traded at GBX 548 ($6.69). 396,462 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 35% from the average session volume of 608,005 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 574.50 ($7.02). Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Watches of Switzerland Group in a research report on Tuesday, August 29th. Get Watches of Switzerland Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on WOSG Watches of Switzerland Group Price Performance Insider Transactions at Watches of Switzerland Group The stock has a market capitalization of 1.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,074.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 2.04. The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 660.06 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 697.02. The company has a current ratio of 1.88, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 113.02. In related news, insider Ian Carter bought 35,000 shares of Watches of Switzerland Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 588 ($7.18) per share, with a total value of 205,800 ($251,312.74). Company insiders own 4.43% of the companys stock. About Watches of Switzerland Group (Get Free Report) Watches of Switzerland Group PLC operates as a retailer of luxury watches and jewelry in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. It offers its products under the Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland, Mayors Jewelers, and Betteridge brands. The company also engages in sale of fashion and classic watches, and jewelry; and gifts, as well as provides servicing, repairs, and product insurance services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watches of Switzerland Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitecap Resources Inc. (OTCMKTS:SPGYF Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Thursday, September 21st, investing.com reports. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be given a dividend of 0.0357 per share on Monday, October 16th. This represents a yield of 4.97%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. Whitecap Resources Stock Up 1.7 % OTCMKTS SPGYF opened at $8.55 on Tuesday. Whitecap Resources has a 52 week low of $5.83 and a 52 week high of $8.98. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $8.18 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $7.68. Get Whitecap Resources alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SPGYF has been the topic of several recent research reports. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$13.00 in a report on Friday, June 30th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$14.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$13.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Whitecap Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources Inc was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Whitecap Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitecap Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. you are here: Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Harsh Kumar is Correspondent at Moneycontrol based in Delhi. Harsh covers BFSI sector. You can reach him at Harsh.kumar@nw18.com Santosh Nair is Executive Editor, Special Projects, Moneycontrol. He has been writing on the financial markets for over two decades, having previously worked with Business Standard, myiris.com, Crisil Market Wire and The Economic Times. He is also the author of the popular book on Indian markets, Bulls, Bears and Other Beasts. 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 Abhishek Sahu covers HR and Education (Careers) at Moneycontrol. He can be reached at Abhishek.Sahu@nw18.com and @Abhishek44sahu. Yash Sadhak Shrivastava is an aspiring voice in the Journalistic forefront with experience in covering financial markets & geopolitics. The market ended another lacklustre session on a flat note with a negative bias on September 26. Overall, the benchmark indices traded within the previous day's range and the trading range narrowed compared to the previous session, indicating the possibility of a sharp move on either side of the trade in the coming sessions. On the higher side, the Nifty may face resistance at 19,800, while in case of correction, it may get support at 19,600-19,500 levels, experts said. The BSE Sensex declined 78 points to 65,945, while the Nifty50 dropped 10 points to 19,665 and formed a small-bodied bearish candlestick pattern with minor upper & lower shadows. "A small body of negative candle was formed on the daily chart with minor upper and lower shadows. Technically, this pattern shows a squeeze type formation, where the underlying prepares to show big moves on either side eventually," Nagaraj Shetti, technical research analyst, HDFC Securities said. After the formation of a Doji-type candle pattern on Monday, the market was expected to show a reasonable upside bounce in the subsequent session. Hence, an inability of bulls to witness any sustainable upside bounce from here could eventually result in a decisive downside breakout of the present range movement, he feels. The high-low areas to be watched for the short term are around 19,750-19,600 levels, he said. The broader markets had a mixed trend, with the Nifty Midcap 100 index falling 0.2 percent and Smallcap 100 index rising 0.6 percent. 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 19,643, followed by 19,629 and 19,605. On the higher side, 19,691 can be an immediate resistance, followed by 19,705 and 19,729. Nifty Bank On September 26, the Bank Nifty also traded within previous day's range and the trading range narrowed to half compared to previous session, indicating the move on either side of trade in coming sessions. The index fell 142 points to 44,624. "The Bank Nifty index has remained in a consolidation phase, marked by the bulls defending the 45,500 levels, while the bears have established a hurdle around 45,000. To establish a trending move, the index must break out of this range on either side, providing a clear direction for the market," Kunal Shah, senior technical & derivative analyst at LKP Securities said. Currently, the index is trading below its 20-day moving average (20DMA). "And a decisive move above this level could trigger positional buying on the long side, potentially changing the landscape of this consolidation phase," he said. As per the pivot point calculator, the banking index is expected to take support at 44,551, followed by 44,494 and 44,402. On the upside, the initial resistance is at 44,736 then 44,793 and 44,885. Call options data As per the options data, the maximum weekly Call open interest (OI) was seen at 19,800 strike with 1.33 crore contracts, which can act as a key resistance for the Nifty. It was followed by 20,000 strike which had 1.17 crore contracts, while 19,700 strike had 1.07 crore contracts. The meaningful Call writing was seen at 19,700 strike, which added 29.39 lakh contracts followed by 19,800 and 20,100 strikes, which added 22.57 lakh and 15.94 lakh contracts. The maximum Call unwinding was at 20,200 strike, which shed 7.68 lakh contracts followed by 20,300 strike and 20,600 strike, which shed 3.21 lakh contracts, and 51,950 contracts. Put option data On the Put side, the maximum open interest remained at 19,600 strike, with 93.56 lakh contracts. This can be an important support for the Nifty in the coming sessions. It was followed by 19,000 strike comprising 92.91 lakh contracts, and 19,500 strike with 87.73 lakh contracts. The meaningful Put writing was at 19,600 strike, which added 25.4 lakh contracts, followed by 19,200 strike and 19,500 strike, which added 17.92 lakh and 11.44 lakh contracts. Put unwinding was at 19,800 strike, which shed 3.42 lakh contracts followed by 20,000 strike and 19,900 strike, which shed 1.63 lakh and 1.14 lakh contracts. Stocks with high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. SBI Card, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Britannia Industries, Hindustan Unilever, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have seen the highest delivery among the F&O stocks. 64 stocks see a long build-up A long build-up was seen in 31 stocks, including Colgate Palmolive, Ipca Laboratories, Dixon Technologies, ONGC, and UltraTech Cement. An increase in open interest (OI) and price indicates a build-up of long positions. 29 stocks see long unwinding Based on the OI percentage, a total of 58 stocks including Balrampur Chini Mills, Canara Bank, SBI Card, Laurus Labs, and MCX India, saw long unwinding. A decline in OI and price indicates long unwinding. 42 stocks see a short build-up A short build-up was seen in 60 stocks, including Delta Corp, Navin Fluorine International, Coforge, Muthoot Finance, and Bata India. An increase in OI along with a fall in price points to a build-up of short positions. 51 stocks see short-covering Based on the OI percentage, 37 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included Mahanagar Gas, Astral, Container Corporation of India, Granules India, and Bharat Electronics. 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 27 Stocks in the news Signature Global India: The Delhi NCR-based affordable housing company will debut on the BSE and NSE, in the T+3 timeline, on September 27. The issue price has been fixed at Rs 385 per share. Infosys: The country's second-largest IT services provider has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to jointly develop industry-leading solutions that leverage Infosys' Topaz, and American tech giant's Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services. Both organisations are bringing together their artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance enterprise functions with AI-enabled solutions across multiple industries. Sai Silks Kalamandir: The Andhra Pradesh-based ethnic apparel and value-fashion products retailer will list shares in T+3 timeline on September 27. The final issue price is Rs 222 per share. 3i Infotech: The IT company has received a contract from Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, for end-user support service (workplace services). The total contract value is Rs 39.55 crore plus one-time transition charges of Rs 35 lakh. The contract is for a period of 5 years starting from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028, with the option to extend the contract with mutual agreement. Shyam Metalics and Energy: The Kolkata-headquartered integrated metal producer has made an entry into the energy storage sector to make battery-grade aluminium foil for Lithium-ion cell manufacturing. The battery-grade aluminium foil is a critical component in Lithium-ion cells. Suzlon Energy: Dilip Shanghvi and Associates has decided to terminate the agreement with Suzlon in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Dilip Shanghvi and Associates is the investor group of the company, that had entered into an amended and restated shareholders agreement on February 28, 2020 with the company and promoters. Hiten Timbadia, the investor groups nominee director on the board of the company, has resigned as director of the company with effect from September 26. Century Textiles and Industries: Subsidiary Birla Estates has sold out phase 1 of Birla Trimaya within 36 hours of its launch. The booking value is Rs 500 crore for 556 units booked. Birla Trimaya, the 52-acre land parcel in North Bangalore is in joint partnership with M S Ramaiah Realty LLP. Fund Flow (Rs Crore) FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FII) sold shares worth Rs 693.47 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DII) bought Rs 714.75 crore worth of stocks on September 26, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) showed. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The NSE has added Delta Corp and India Cements to its F&O ban list for September 27, while retaining Balrampur Chini Mills, Canara Bank, Hindustan Copper, and Indiabulls Housing Finance to the list. Granules India was removed from the said list. Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts cross 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. Mehul R Thakkar is Special Correspondent, Moneycontrol, Indias leading financial news platform, based in Mumbai where he is focussed on covering the real estate sector. Souptik Datta Reports real estate, infra and city in Bengaluru. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. China installs half of the worlds new industrial robots Global installations of new industrial robots rose by 5% in 2022 to reach a total of 553,052 and more than half of them (290,258) were installed in China, according to the latest figures from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). In fact, 73% of all newly deployed robots were installed in Asia, compared to 15% in Europe and 10% in the Americas. China is by far the worlds largest robot market. Its latest installations exceed those in 2021, which itself represented a 57% jump on 2020. On average, Chinas robot installations have grown by 13% a year since 2017. The number of working industrial robots in China rose from a million in 2021 to more than 1.5 million in 2022. Globally, there are now more than 3.9 million robots in use. According to the IFR's latest World Robotics report, the European Union remains the worlds second-largest robot market with 70,781 machines sold in 2022 a 5% increase. Germany accounts for 36% of all EU installations but the number of new robots it installed dropped by 1% to 25,636, compared to 2021. Italy has a 16% EU market share (up 8% to 11,475) while France accounted for 10% of the EU market (with 7,380 new robots representing a 13% rise). Germanys slight decline in robot installations can be blamed on a 27% drop in the number of new robots installed by the automotive sector (to 6,676) compared to 2021. Food applications also plummeted by 27% to 412 new installations, but metal and machinery applications rose by 19% to 4,187. In the UK, industrial robot installations climbed by 3% to 2,534 units in 2022 less than a tenth of Germanys total sales. In the Americas, installations were up 8% to 56,053 units in 2022. The US accounted for 71% of the installations in the region, with a 10% increase to 39,576, just below the peak of 40,373 units achieved in 2018. The main growth driver was the automotive industry where installations surged by 47% (14,472 robots). The automotive industry now accounts for 37% of the robot market in the US, followed by the metal and machinery industry (3,900) and electrical/electronics (3,732). The worlds 15 biggest markets for industrial robots in 2022 (sales in 1,000 units) Source: IFR World Robotics 2023 Around the world, the biggest number of new robot installations during 2022 was in the electrical/electronics sector with 156,936 new machines, compared to 136,130 in the automotive sector. By far the biggest application was handling (accounting for around 266,000 new installations), followed by welding (87,000) and assembling (61,000). Collaborative robots are continuing to penetrate the robots market, albeit from a small base. In 2022, the number of cobots ordered worldwide grew by 31% to reach around 55,000, thus accounting for almost 10% of the industrial robot market for the first time. The IFR is predicting that the global market for industrial robots will buck the global economic slowdown and expand by 7% during 2023 to exceed a total of 590,000 machines, and will continue to grow at a similar rate in the period to 2026. Again, the growth will come mainly in the Asian market, with European sales expected to expand at a more modest 3% a year. In terms of technologies, the IFR expects cloud computing and 5G mobile networks to result in new business models, and digitalised production. It predicts that wider use of machine vision will simplify programming and help to detect shapes and to guide grippers in complex environments. Meanwhile, AI (artificial intelligence) will result in faster programming, enhanced maintenance, and smarter, more efficient automation. IFR: Twitter LinkedIn 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 Press Release September 26, 2023 National Scientist Among 23 UPPEJA Fellows; Top PH Scholars to Help in EDCOM 2 Reforms The University of the Philippines named 23 researchers as President Edgardo J. Angara (UPPEJA) Fellows in a ceremony held today, September 26, 2023, attended by UP President Angelo Jimenez, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Representative Roman Romulo, and EDCOM 2 Commissioners Senator Sonny Angara, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Joel Villanueva, and members of the Angara family, led by Mrs. Gloria Angara "My father really wanted to recruit student leaders from all persuasions, from all sides of the political spectrum. He was really a believer in the power of research", Senator Angara said, recalling his father and the Award's namesake, Senate President Edgardo J. Angara. "The torch has been passed to all of us. It's really up to us to carry that torch, to keep the flame burning, because we live in a time when pragmatism sometimes overcomes idealism. I think there is room for both", Senator Angara continued. In June, the the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) inked an agreement with UP, supporting the Commission's undertaking of a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector. The 23 UPPEJA Fellows will be writing nineteen research studies tackling ten Priority Areas identified by the Commission. National Scientist, Former University Presidents among awardees Among the awardees is National Scientist Dr. Carmencita Padilla, who intends to write on leveraging higher education to resolve healthcare constraints. According to EDCOM 2, "The study will assess human resource deficits in healthcare using data from the Department of Health, and juxtapose it against the current supply of healthcare practitioners produced by higher education institutions". Dr. Padilla is also the Chancellor of the University of the Philippines - Manila. Dr. Michael Alba, immediate past president of Far Eastern University, will focus on "a normative regulation analysis of Philippine higher education", which can be the basis to propose regulatory approaches and performance management mechanisms for the Commission on Higher Education and the higher education sector, as a whole. Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales, Executive Director of the Commission on Population and Development and previously National Statistician, will study the labor market outcomes of graduates in the informal economy. Among the 23 fellows include Dr. Elizabeth King, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and Former Director of Education at the World Bank; Dr. Rosario "Chat" Manasan, Senior Education Policy Economist at the Asian Development Bank; Dr. Dina Ocampo, former undersecretary of the Department of Education; and Dr. Luis Rey Velasco, former chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos and executive member of the National Innovation Council. Other topics for research by the 23 fellows include aiming for seamless and integrated learning delivery, looking into Filipino Gen Z's career values, empowering citizens to participate in improving education governance, and charting the course for higher education curricular reform in light of artificial intelligence. "Through this partnership between UP and EDCOM, we believe that we will succeed in the challenges that have long prevented the Filipino youth from reaching a brighter future", EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee said in Filipino. In the plenary session, EDCOM 2 Commissioner Senator Joel Villanueva sponsored Resolution No. 812, co-sponsored by Commissioner Senator Pia Cayetano, congratulating and commending the UPPEJA Fellowship awardees. The UP Board of Regents established the PEJA Fellowship in 2008, with the intention of promoting high-level policy discussions and research that address national development goals and initiatives. Senator Edgardo Angara previously served as UP President from 1981 to 1987. Past awardees of the fellowship include Raul V. Fabella (2011), Raul P. Pangalangan (2011), Ramon Pedro Paterno (2011), Gerardo P. Sicat (2011), Herman Joseph Kraft (2013), Clarissa C. David (2015), Stella Luz A. Quimbo (2015), Caesar A. Saloma (2015), Lucia P. Tangi (2015), and Aileen San Pablo Baviera (2015). 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 today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Sheikh Hasina faces toughest challenge yet, no festive cheer for manufacturers, a... The post-COVID energy landscape is throwing up fresh challenges for Indias policymakers and forecasters. Electricity demand picked up after COVID. With solar power largely confined to the daytime and energy storage capacities still in nascent stage, thermal power capacities continue to meet most of the Indias electricity needs. This is driving demand for coal. As per the 2023 National Electricity Plan of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the total coal requirement of the electricity sector is estimated to rise at... 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. 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Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication Merryn Somerset Webb is a senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering personal finance and investment. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Max Stier is the president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves grappling with the complexities of wage laws and regulations, a challenge that can seem overwhelming. Ensuring equitable compensation for their workforce while adhering to ever-evolving labour standards is not only pivotal for the success and reputation of SMEs but has become even more critical with recent legislative changes. Furthermore, the government has encountered criticism for additional elements introduced after its jobs and skills summit. These additions include the reintroduction of compulsory arbitration for intractable disputes and the expansion of multi-employer bargaining. This amendment encompasses a spectrum of changes in workplace relations, spanning areas like bargaining, job security, gender equity, compliance and enforcement, workplace conditions, protections, and the structure of workplace relations institutions. In this edition of Lets Talk, our experts delve into the best practices and the practical steps necessary for SMEs to adeptly navigate this intricate web of wage regulations in the wake of these legislative shifts. Lets Talk. Discover more Lets Talk Business episodes Contribute to Dynamic Business Lauren Karan, Founder and Managing Director at Karan & Co Lauren Karan, Founder and Managing Director at Karan & Co Australian businesses today must be proficient in the intricate industrial relations landscape. Ensuring wage compliance requires specific, targeted actions: Understanding Your Industrial Instrument : Every binding agreement or award that outlines employment terms must be interpreted and applied accurately. This requires in-depth knowledge and skill. : Every binding agreement or award that outlines employment terms must be interpreted and applied accurately. This requires in-depth knowledge and skill. Seek The Right Expertise : Whether leveraging in-house resources or tapping into external experts, access to the right skills ensures your Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) or awards are interpreted correctly. Misinterpretation can result in unintentional underpayments. : Whether leveraging in-house resources or tapping into external experts, access to the right skills ensures your Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) or awards are interpreted correctly. Misinterpretation can result in unintentional underpayments. Stay on Top of Hours and Breaks : Carefully monitor the actual hours your employees work, including breaks, to ensure accurate payment for the work. : Carefully monitor the actual hours your employees work, including breaks, to ensure accurate payment for the work. Adapt to the Evolving IR Landscape : The Industrial Relations landscape is dynamic and increasingly complex. Attempting to navigate it without adequate expertise can be risky. If an in-house team isnt available, seeking external consultants or specialists is advised. : The Industrial Relations landscape is dynamic and increasingly complex. Attempting to navigate it without adequate expertise can be risky. If an in-house team isnt available, seeking external consultants or specialists is advised. Systems in Place : Knowledge is foundational, but the right systems to manage employment terms effectively are critical. They help avoid underpayments and breaches. : Knowledge is foundational, but the right systems to manage employment terms effectively are critical. They help avoid underpayments and breaches. Commit to Regular Audits: Continual reviews and audits, offer a proactive approach, highlighting potential issues before they escalate. Holistically, understanding obligations, having robust systems, and consulting experts ensures businesses remain compliant in a multifaceted environment. Ciaran Strachan, Managing Director & CEO at Australian Workforce Compliance Council First, its important to make the distinction between underpayment and wage-theft. Wage theft is criminal in nature and must show intent, or that it was a deliberate act. Overpayments and underpayments are not illegal they are unintentional, and both are result of poor payroll practices. The impact on a business is the same, financial loss. Combined Fair Work Ombudsman and Federal Court data, shows one award is the main issue (retail) which in 2021-22 FY equated to more than 60% of the total (almost $600 million AUD) of underpayments. The main reasons for underpayments in big business are a set and forget mentality for Enterprise Agreements, no Chief Payroll Officer with direct report to the CEO, and HR and Accountants erroneously locking current FY salaries including overtime. Additionally, we see poor or no system configuration to Australian Labour Laws, or mistakenly mapping Payroll Compliance under social instead of Governance for ESG. A common failure by small business, is not investing in a shift/time and attendance plugin for their accounting/payroll product, which cost roughly $5 per employee per month. Janine Thompson, Payroll Advisory and Forensic Partner at McGrathNicol Advisory Janine Thompson, Payroll Advisory and Forensic Partner at McGrathNicol Advisory There are certain themes we see time and again in underpayment matters. Aset and forget mentality from businesseswhere systems and processes are configured on set up and not revisited again for changes in staff, awards or business operationsis all too common. Secondly, payroll tends to be sidelined as an administrative function, which fails to acknowledge its complexity, inherent risks, and the ongoing need to understand the drivers of an employees entitlements under the award system. Lastly, there is too much reliance on third-party payroll providers to ensure compliance and determine payroll rules when, in fact, this responsibility lies with the business. There are three key recommendations for any business to ensure it is taking its payments obligations seriously: Seek independent legal advice on your award coverage and interpretation. Proactively sample test your compliance on an ongoing basis. For example, you can engage external advisors or make use of the tools for self-audit that are available on the Fair Work website. Invest in regular training for your payroll team via organisations such as the Australian Payroll Association. David Price, CEO ANZ at Employsure David Price, CEO ANZ at Employsure Australia has one of the most complex employment laws in the world and it can be daunting for businesses, especially small businesses with limited resources. However, there are a few key steps that employers can take to ensure they avoid costly underpayment claims. The first step is to understand the modern awards that apply to their workforce. These awards set out the minimum pay rates, working conditions, and entitlements for employees across the different industries and occupations. Following that, it is important to correctly classify employees as full-time, part-time, casual, or contract workers. Misclassification can lead to serious underpayment claims. Employers are also legally required to keep accurate records of employees work hours, including breaks and overtime work. Businesses should consider using a reliable time-tracking system, which can help minimize errors. It is important to communicate openly and transparently with employees about their wages and working conditions. Employers should encourage their staff to report any concerns, and they should be addressed in a fair and prompt manner. If businesses followed these simple steps, it would significantly help in reducing the margin of error and potential claims. Charles Power, Partner, Workplace Relations and Safety at Holding Redlich Charles Power, Partner, Workplace Relations and Safety at Holding Redlich Prioritising compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 is the best way to avoid costly underpayments. A reliable payroll system generates accurate time and wage records and reduces the risk of unintentional errors due to a lack of understanding of payroll obligations or outdated administrative procedures. There are severe repercussions for businesses that underpay staff, including financial penalties, cash flow strain, high turnover, damaged reputation and, in Victoria, potential imprisonment for employers. Businesses can avoid underpayments by: Conducting regular audits to catch and resolve payroll issues early Ensuring staff are classified under the right Award, and regularly reviewing this classification when staff take on additional responsibilities Keeping detailed timesheets and pay records to make sure employees are properly paid and have the proof to support it Taking steps to ensure staff take appropriate breaks and using their time off Ensuring current details of wage increases, employee benefits and any other changes that could affect payments Ensuring use of annualised salaries or loaded pay rates complies with applicable award provisions and wage levels are sufficient to discharge liability for non-wage monetary entitlements, e.g. overtime. Seeking legal counsel to understand changes in Awards and to interpret vague terminology is recommended to prevent costly penalties and maintain a compliant payroll system. Bijal Parmar, Financial Controller at Banjo Loans Bijal Parmar, Financial Controller at Banjo Loans Firstly, businesses need to understand the market rates for each role within their business and set clear expectations for the responsibilities that go with each job. Sometimes employers make honest mistakes. However, the penalties for underpayment are harsh, so it is important for businesses to mitigate the risks and protect their reputation. Ensuring employees are adequately remunerated isnt just a legal question, but one of sound business practice. If your business has high staff turnover, meaning looking for staff on a regular basis to replace employees leaving, that is another cost to bear and can impact productivity. Making sure you seek HR advice is also crucial as they can check whether employees are being paid as per the award, as well as knowing how the salary compares to market rates. Clearly, not every business can afford an HR manager, so an alternative is to engage a recruitment agency to do an annual audit to ensure staff are classified under the right award, and how it measures up to the market and the superannuation guarantee is being paid correctly. Finally, a bonus scheme is a good way to make sure staff are engaged and working towards a common company goal. Rolf Howard, Managing Partner at Owen Hodge Lawyers The underpayment of wages is a serious issue. Employers who fail to pay minimum wages, allowances or penalty rates may be sued or even prosecuted to recover the underpaid amounts. In recent weeks, weve seen the likes of Best & Less, Chatime and Woolworths all in the news for the underpayment of wages. The government is cracking down on wage theft via the Closing Loopholes Bill, which will see employers who deliberately underpay workers at risk of being jailed for up to 10 years and fined $7.8 million. Businesses which engage in large-scale underpayment of their staff will face much larger fines. To avoid underpayment of wages, employers should audit and update the following as required: how allowances and penalty rates are paid, how base rates are classified in employment contracts, how hours of work are recorded, how leave is accrued, and finally whether job titles and remuneration accurately constitute fair pay for work undertaken. Working with an employment lawyer to ensure youre compliant is always a good strategy. Theyll advise on awards entitlements including any industry specific redundancy schemes, long-service leave and notice periods. They will also ensure that salary arrangements are legally documented to avoid disputes. Mollie Eckersley, Operations Manager ANZ at BrightHR Mollie Eckersley, Operations Manager ANZ at BrightHR Many underpayment cases are caused by businesses not understanding their obligations or reporting payroll issues themselves. This shows that there is a bigger problem and businesses need a confidential way to get expert advice from people who know the awards system and how to navigate it. Its a turbulent time for employment relations in Australia with several significant changes made to the Fair Work Act this year alone. Businesses need to have modern tools to keep up with the changes. Especially small businesses that dont have the resources of their larger counterparts. However, standalone tools dont cut it. A Payroll Navigator is useful for accurate reporting and secure storage of confidential information. But if these digital tools arent supplemented with instant employment relations advice businesses will continue to make costly mistakes. How can businesses avoid underpaying wages and navigate the awards system? By investing in HR systems that can help them manage payroll and compliance more effectively. Nigel Glasspool, Client Director at Pitcher Partners Nigel Glasspool, Client Director at Pitcher Partners Businesses should implement automated time capture devices and attendance systems to replace manual timesheets, because accurate capturing of start and finish times are needed to correctly apply award pay rules. Scrutiny around wage theft is higher than ever, but the complexity and ambiguity of the awards system results in many employers unknowingly underpaying workers. Its often not that wages are calculated incorrectly. Where people are caught out is when they havent been able to properly determine times people have been working, havent considered multiple roles or locations, or havent correctly classified the job being performed. Employers must take reasonable steps to ensure they meet obligations under the Fair Work Act, and past experience shows that reasonable actions include regular payroll compliance reviews. It is essential that employers pay attention to hours worked, and to run an annual reconciliation that compares salaries to full entitlements under the award specifically considering the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) for salaried employment contracts with an underpinning award. Corporate leaders and directors need to be fully aware of the risks they face and the criminal penalties that can be imposed if they are not across the detail of their employee payments. Dhanush Ganglani, Managing Director at Eden Exchange Dhanush Ganglani, Managing Director at Eden Exchange Navigating the Australian awards system and ensuring fair wages for employees is crucial for businesses. They must balance meeting legal requirements and maintaining a competitive advantage. Here are some steps businesses can take: Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the relevant awards and industrial relations legislation. These can change, so regular monitoring is essential. Classify Positions Correctly: Ensure that each employee is correctly classified under the relevant award. Job roles and responsibilities can evolve, so periodically review and adjust classifications as needed. Use Payroll Software: Invest in reliable payroll software that is regularly updated to comply with current regulations. This can help automate calculations, reducing the risk of errors. Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of employees hours worked, leave taken and wages paid. This is not only a legal requirement but also helps in case of disputes or audits. Employee Feedback: Encourage open communication with employees regarding their pay and conditions. This can help identify issues early and prevent underpayment claims. Remember that the awards system is designed to protect the rights and entitlements of employees. By taking a proactive and compliant approach, businesses can not only avoid underpaying wages but also build a positive and ethical workplace culture. Its essential to strike a balance that benefits both the company and its employees. Discover Lets Talk Business Topics Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Srinath Sridharan is Author, Policy Researcher & Corporate Advisor, Twitter: @ssmumbai. 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 EVN seeks to speed up electricity imports from Laos An EVN staff fixes electric cables in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is seeking approval from the government to speed up the import of electricity from Laos since shortages are forecast in the northern region. It plans to import electricity equivalent to 225 MW from the Nam Mo and Houay Koauan hydropower plants. It is also seeking permission to link up the Savan 1 and 2 wind power plants in Laos with the Vietnamese grid. Until 2025 no new major power plant is set to enter the grid in northern Vietnam, which is expected to face shortages. By 2025 the shortage is estimated to be 3,630 MW. Purchasing from Laos is economical since its hydropower costs only 6.95 cents per kilowatt-hour, lower than local prices, EVN said. In August Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved a proposal to import 2,698 MW worth of power from Laos, with EVN signing purchase contracts for around 83% of it. The north suffered a crippling power shortage in summer this year, with many localities resorting to load shedding. Imports from Laos and China met 10% of demand during the period. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a pivotal role in the Indian economy. They have emerged as key drivers of innovation, growth and employment. With a remarkable contribution of around 33% to India's total GDP, the MSME sector has played a significant role in shaping the nation's economic landscape. Furthermore, the sector's potential for growth is considerable, with predictions suggesting a substantial contribution of US$ 1 trillion to India's total exports by 2028. This statistic alone underscores the immense potential and influence of MSMEs in propelling India's future economic trajectory. This brings us to our topic of discussion for today India's Roadmap to Economic Growth. Welcome to the fourth article based on the "Small Business to Smart Business" podcast series, presented by DBS Bank and Moneycontrol. In this article, we are going to talk about how MSMEs are contributing to Nation building and shaping Indias future. We will also examine the challenges faced by MSMEs and the necessary support mechanisms that can harness their full potential to fuel India's growth story. The article also covers valuable insights drawn from industry experts Mr. Ajay Thakur (Head - BSC SME and startup), Mr. Sudarshan Chari (Executive Director and Head, DBS Bank India) and Mr. Abhishek Singh (COO, Lendingkart). The Emergence of MSMEs as Economic Powerhouses In recent times, the MSME sector has gained a lot of prominence and caught the attention of investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs. Their adaptability, ability and agility to nurture grassroots entrepreneurship position them as vital players in India's economic landscape. Furthermore, they contribute to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the Indian economy. Besides contributing to India's current economic growth, MSMEs are also paving the way for a more prosperous future. They are driving innovation and creating jobs, nurturing an ecosystem that fosters sustained development and positions India competitively on the global stage. The Evolving Landscape of the MSME Sector Lately, India has emerged as an attractive destination for manufacturing companies looking to shift their production capacities from China. This presents a promising opportunity for the MSME sector. With their agility and adaptability, MSMEs can position themselves to cater to the surge in demand for ancillary products and services required by large companies that are setting up their businesses in India. This in turn will propel their own growth. Besides, the entry of large foreign companies into India's manufacturing landscape will stimulate the entire supply chain and create direct employment opportunities. MSMEs can capitalise on these opportunities and leverage the transfer of technology, expertise, and best practices from these giants to enhance their capabilities and become more competitive in the global market. To drive this expansion, MSMEs need to strengthen their ecosystem and build collaborative partnerships to promote knowledge sharing and skill development. Prime Minister's recent visit to the US has also led to significant FDI inflows, providing a huge opportunity for the MSME sector. With FDI support, MSMEs can expand, collaborate with international partners, and embrace advanced technologies. Mr. Abhishek Singh from Lendingkart adds, MSMEs can capitalize on such opportunities by establishing a strong digital presence, focusing on enhancing their capabilities, and showcasing unique offerings while complying with international standards. Government Push to Promote MSME Sector Recognizing the indispensable role of the MSME sector in India's economic growth, the government is taking multiple initiatives and policy measures to create an inclusive ecosystem. The governments support in implementing the 'Make in India' campaign, creating financial support schemes, providing funding and access to capital, promoting partnerships, offering training and education programs and bringing ease of doing business reforms further contribute to empowering MSMEs to reach their full potential. Mr. Ajay Thakur further shows confidence in the growth of the MSME sector by emphasizing the impetus of supportive policies and initiatives from the government. He adds, government is giving the right boost to the MSME sector by rolling out several support policies such as change in the definition of MSMEs to include enterprises with turnover up to Rs. 250 crores in its scope, enhancement of the limit on the ceiling for guarantees to Rs. 5 crores under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME, disallowance of global tenders for government purchases up to Rs. 200 crore are few of the measures that ensure sustainable growth of the MSME sector. Hurdles Encountered by MSMEs Despite this encouragement, the MSME sector still faces obstacles that hinder its growth. According to Mr. Sudarshan Chari from DBS Bank India, MSMEs are facing three major challenges i.e. access to capital, access to technology and access to information. He further adds that DBS Bank offers a range of services and solutions to support MSMEs overcome these barriers. Our digital platforms provide seamless access to credit, paperless transactions, and cross-border payments. Furthermore, we bring a lot of transparency and traceability to transactions through contactless modes and digital solutions. The Bottom Line The evolving MSME landscape in India presents an array of opportunities. With an emphasis on streamlined regulations, improved credit access and fostering innovation, MSMEs can significantly boost the nation's economic growth and prosperity. Moneycontrol Journalists are not involved in creation of this article. Dozens of undeclared iPhones 15 Pro Max carried by air from Thailand are seized at Da Nang Airport, September 25, 2023. Photo courtesy of Da Nang Customs Customs officials at Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang airports have seized 42 iPhones 15 Pro Max that air passengers carried from Thailand and Singapore without declaring them. Officials at Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam on Monday found a Thai man arriving from Bangkok with "suspicious signs." They checked his carry-on luggage and found 20 iPhone 15 Pro Max phones with boxes and accessories hidden inside which were estimated to be worth VND700 million (US$28,676). He had failed to make customs declaration for the phones and could not show necessary papers to prove their origin. Passengers arriving in Vietnam are allowed to freely carry a second mobile phone if it is for personal use. The second phone is still subject to duties if its value exceeds VND10 million ($430). Customs officials have handed the Thai man over to police for further investigation. Also on Monday police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested Vietnamese man Tran Nhat Son for allegedly smuggling 22 iPhones 15 that he had bought for a total of VND900 million in Singapore. Tran Nhat Son is held at a police station in HCMC for smuggling 22 iPhones 15 from Singapore. Photo by VnExpress/Nhat Vy He was stopped by customs officers upon landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport with the phones three days earlier. He admitted to the police he bought the phones in Singapore to resell in Vietnam for profits. Apple officially launched iPhone 15 version on September 22, with sales started first at some markets such as the U.S., Singapore and Thailand. The phones will be officially available in Vietnam on September 29. Throngs of Vietnamese people flocked to Singapore and Thailand last week and queued for hours to buy the new iPhone. The iPhone 15 is made of titanium and not aluminum and steel like previous models. It also has a USB-C connection instead of a traditional Lightning port. AI development requires legal reforms to create foundations for innovation, but this cannot be rushed, according to Dr. Nguyen Bich Thao from Vietnam National University's University of Law in Hanoi. The doctor made the remarks during the "Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence" workshop, which was held by the British Embassy as part of Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Day (AI4VN 2023) on Thursday. Numerous domestic and international experts, scientists, and young people interested in technology attended the event. Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, opened the event by pointing to the current context. Artificial intelligence has received significant attention and investment from countries, organizations, and businesses, he said, adding that many well-developed and practically-applied products have attracted the attention of the community. "Artificial intelligence products demonstrate their potential and ability to make significant contributions to socioeconomic development," said Duc. "But this also poses a number of challenges, one of which is the effective use of artificial intelligence responsibly." Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, speaks at the AI4VN 2023 on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Responsible AI use is not a choice but rather "a duty of the community of developers, technology implementers, and users," he added. The topic is being hotly debated in countries around the world, where the EU and several governments initially developed or issued regulations and tools for properly managing artificial intelligence. "HCMC aims to be one of Vietnam's and the region's major centers for artificial intelligence application research, deployment, and transfer. The city has one of the greatest rates of artificial intelligence development in the ASEAN region," Duc said. As a result, the vice chairman said he appreciated the access to expert experiences, exchanges, and sharing that the city and event supply. Also speaking at the event, Emily Hamblin, British Consul-General in HCMC, discussed advantages and risks related to AI, as well as international cooperation between the U.K. and Vietnam. Emily Hamblin, British Consul-General in HCMC, speaks at the AI4VN 2023 on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran According to Hamblin, today's AI technology has advanced at a rapid pace, creating opportunities for various professions across the world. AI has been utilized in medical research to discover new medications to fight bacteria, to help teachers in teaching, to resolve repetitious exercises, and to solve problems more efficiently, she said. Hamblin said she feels that it is critical to ensure that technology advances. "If we can ensure safety, fair responsibility will help us." The AI4VN 2023 workshop attracted hundreds of AI enthusiasts on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Following the opening remarks, the speakers delivered in-depth discussions. The first speaker was Assoc. Bui Thu Lam, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Club of Faculties, Institutes, and School of Information Technology and Communications (FISU), who delivered an overview presentation on advances in artificial intelligence in Vietnam. He said that current approaches to artificial intelligence include responsible AI, ethical AI, and generative AI. The world is experiencing rapid growth; currently, 70 countries are engaged in AI. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, a national policy on artificial intelligence was released in 2021. Bui Thu Lam, Vice Chairman and Secretary General, FISU, speaks at the AI4VN 2023 on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Of its approximately 100 million people, Vietnam had roughly 78 million Internet users, and 70 million social network users by January 2023, which is a huge figure, he said. In terms of the government's AI readiness index, it ranks 55th in the world, up 7 spots since 2021. The government has invested in key scientific programs such as KC 01, KC 4.0, and the Nafosted Foundation, along with 100 national-level artificial intelligence projects. In addition, Project 844 is a national digital transformation program. Particularly, three significant units, HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang, are at the forefront of implementation. "The numbers show Vietnam's strong development in the region," Lam said. However, he pointed out some challenges, including human resource training, database issues, and the need to share central calculations with each other. He believes that more emphasis should be put on specific applications in each area. For example, he said the accessibility of AI in the agricultural industry remains limited. Dr. Nguyen Bich Thao from the University of Law, Vietnam National University Hanoi, continued the program with a presentation on the approach, development, and challenges of Vietnamese AI law. She said the legal system should promote innovation and new technology while maintaining fairness, security, and safety for society. In today's context, artificial intelligence has brought challenges to the legal system while also supporting the development of legal and technological solutions that help solve traditional law problems more effectively and optimally. This requires legal reform by providing the foundation for innovation and the timely adaptation of changing business models, technologies, and social connections. However, "the legal reform process cannot be rushed," said Thao. Dr. Nguyen Bich Thao from the University of Law, Vietnam National University Hanoi, speaks at the AI4VN 2023 on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Dr. Allaine Cerwonka from the Alan Turing Institute then spoke more on regulations in the AI industry. She said AI regulations present themselves in a wide range of forms. She also mentioned that since AI is developing at such a rapid pace, it is crucial to approach it from a human perspective, connecting the community to solve problems together. It can be launched at the national level to develop multidimensional discussions or to deploy experimental institutional frameworks (sandboxes) and standards to define AI products (such as AI applications in health care, medicine, and testing tools). Dr. Shyam Krishna, the last speaker, highlighted ethical issues and the policy decision-making process. He pointed out that governmental decisions should reflect the importance of responsible AI while aiming for beneficial values for people. Speakers at the panel discussion at the AI4VN 2023 on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Following the speaker's presentation, Dr. Thao hosted a discussion session on the topic "Dilemma in the Use of AI: Innovation and Uncertainty." Guests also shared their thoughts and concerns about the responsible application of artificial intelligence. The discussion session received many questions from the hall, and an answer session ended the conference. The annual two-day Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Day 2023 (AI4VN 2023) opened at Riverside Palace in HCMCs District 4 on Thursday with the theme "Artificial Intelligence Empowering Life." The program has many activities, such as the AI Summit, the AI Workshop, the AI Expo, the CTO Summit 2023, and the AI Show zones. The event, directed by the Ministry of Science and Technology and organized by VnExpress in coordination with FISU, aims to help the community and businesses better understand the application of AI technology in life and is a bridge to help ministries, departments, branches, and businesses discuss policies and support methods in AI development in Vietnam. Today, the humanitarian aid sector is one of the world's biggest growth industries, according to the United Nations. Thats because natural disasters, environmental degradation and over 100 armed conflicts around the world are driving millions of additional people into poverty and hunger each year. We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs. And this is happening just as funding for humanitarian relief operations is drying up, said World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain. Humanitarian needs are growing at a blistering pace, said United States Representative at the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. And the gap between funding provided and UN-assessed needs stands at nearly 40 billion dollars. Aid workers do what they can to save lives, but they need the international community to provide them with more resources, she said: This moment calls for bold action. It calls for breaking out of our business-as-usual model. It calls for thinking holistically about how we address increasingly protracted crises. And it calls for everyone, not just Member States, but everyone with the means to do their part. One way to help end the suffering is to engage the private sector. In recent years, four of the largest logistics corporations UPS, Agility, Maersk, and DP World regularly joined forces in the logistics cluster led by the World Food Program, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. And in places like Haiti, where gang violence is impeding humanitarian access, the private sector is playing a vital role. Commercial airlines have donated capacity on their existing routes to transport aid, while logistics providers ensured the smooth movement of life-saving supplies. The result: a watershed partnership that ensured cholera treatment reached people in need. For too long, we have turned to the private sector exclusively for financing. And to its credit, it has shown enormous generosity, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. But in 2023, we know they have so much more to offer. Their capacities, their know-how, and innovations are tremendously needed. The public sector must do more to proactively work with the private sector, especially as we look to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The public sector must harness the expertise of the private sector and translate it into action. It is past time for us to welcome the private sector through the front door, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The worlds most vulnerable are counting on us. Eguana Technologies Inc. ("Eguana") (TSX.V: EGT) (OTCQB: EGTYF), a developer and manufacturer of high-performance energy storage systems and Virtual Peaker, a cloud-based distributed energy company have partnered with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) to join their NextZero Connected Homes Program. This partnership is the newest addition to its rapidly growing roster of US utility operator partners, as virtual power plants (VPP's) continue to expand across the United States energy storage market. The Connected Homes program offers customers of participating Member utilities technology to better utilize smart appliances and devices, such as Eguana's home energy storage battery systems, to better manage their electric load. This generates cost savings and reduces the carbon footprint of both the utility and its customers. Homeowners will benefit from upfront rebates on Eguana systems and monthly rewards for participating in the program. Eguana's Fleet Control can be tailored for participation in a variety of grid solutions, depending on the utility and grid requirements. Eguana's Energy Management System (EMS) works in conjunction with its Fleet Control, to provide one of the industry's best distributed storage solutions, for residential environments. This announcement follows on the heels of an August 17th announcement of Eguana's entry into Portland General Electric's smart battery program. "Eguana is pleased to join the NextZero Connected Homes program, alongside our distributed energy platform partner Virtual Peaker," commented Eguana CEO Justin Holland. "Energy-friendly, grid-connected home batteries play an essential role in modernizing the grid, providing cost savings, and increasing reliability to homeowners while enhancing efficiency and responsiveness of the intelligent grid for utility operators. Utility sponsored programs, like NextZero, will drive the adoption of energy storage systems and we are excited to continue our work with partner Virtual Peaker, as we expand our coverage to include new regions and new virtual power plant programs." "MMWEC is excited to strengthen our Connected Homes program with an expanded suite of available brands, now including Eguana," said MMWEC Sustainable Energy Policy and Program Senior Manager Zoe Eckert. "Demand response programs are only as operational and impactful to the grid as they are in participation numbers, and MMWEC is committed to growing our program to include the devices that residents use and trust." "Congratulations to MMWEC and Eguana on this exciting new partnership. Utilizing Virtual Peaker and Eguana integrated technologies will provide MMWEC and their customers with dynamic options to leverage batteries for the NextZero Connected Homes Program to benefit the grid and reduce energy costs," said Eric Van Orden, Director of Technology Partnerships at Virtual Peaker. About Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company and NextZero MMWEC is a not-for-profit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts created by an Act of the General Court in 1975 and authorized to issue tax-exempt debt to finance a wide range of energy facilities. MMWEC provides a variety of power supply, financial, risk management and other services to the state's consumer owned municipal utilities. It has 20 municipal utility members and 30 project participants, and is one of 83 public power joint action agencies in the United States. NextZero is a service mark of MMWEC. NextZero is the energy efficiency and decarbonization program for municipal light plants (MLPs) across the state and MMWEC serves 21 towns and their MLPs with the program. NextZero focuses on helping Massachusetts to reach its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. NextZero's mission is to provide the most efficient, innovative and equitable path to energy decarbonization for our communities. About Virtual Peaker Virtual Peaker is a cloud-based distributed energy company that empowers modern utilities to build the grid of the future and meet global decarbonization goals. The SaaS company's platform suites unify all aspects of DER management, from DERMS to customer engagement and load forecasting. Virtual Peaker is a remote-first company that employs more than 45 people in various locations across the United States. For more information, visit www.virtual-peaker.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter (@VirtualPeaker). About Eguana Technologies Inc. Based in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Eguana Technologies (EGT: TSX.V) (OTCQB: EGTYF) designs and manufactures high performance residential and commercial energy storage systems. Eguana has two decades of experience delivering grid-edge power electronics for fuel cell, photovoltaic and battery applications, and delivers proven, durable, high-quality solutions from its high-capacity manufacturing facilities in Europe, Australia and North America. With thousands of its proprietary energy storage inverters deployed in the European and North American markets, Eguana is one of the leading suppliers of power controls for solar self-consumption, grid services and demand charge applications at the grid edge. To learn more, visit www.EguanaTech.com or follow us on Twitter @EguanaTech Company Inquiries Justin Holland CEO, Eguana Technologies Inc. +1.416.728.7635 Justin.Holland@EguanaTech.com Forward Looking Information The reader is advised that some of the information herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning assigned by National Instruments 51-102 and other relevant securities legislation. Other than statements of historical fact, we include information and statements contained herein constitute forward-looking information, including but not limited to the value of our power controls to the energy storage market, achieving strategic growth objectives, management's expectations regarding consumer interest rates and market growth and the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the TSX Venture Exchange. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or future events or developments, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. Readers are also directed to the Risk Factors section of the Company's most recent audited Financial Statements which may be found on its website or at sedar.com. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Cabras 1 and Cabras 2 power plants are seen Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Piti. Repairs to the Cabras 2 baseload unit are ongoing, according to the Guam Power Authority. Anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum, founder of Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), speaks to reporters at the "Rally for the American Dream-Equal Education Rights for All," ahead of the start of the trial in a lawsuit accusing Harvard University of discriminating against Asian-American applicants, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., October 14, 2018. The Milagro Solar+Storage project, located on undeveloped private land in the Santa Teresa area of Dona Ana County, New Mexico, expects to create approximately 200 jobs during the peak construction phase. Over the operating life of the project, approximately $7.9 million in tax revenue will be generated for three school districts and Dona Ana flood control authority supported under the Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB). "We are very pleased to partner with El Paso Electric and contribute to its commitment to provide responsible, sustainable, and reliable energy to its customers," said Matthew Beltz, Director, Origination & Power Marketing at EDF Renewables. "We are excited to build our first solar+storage project in New Mexico and to support EPE as the project delivers long-term price stability, stimulates economic growth, and reduces emissions." "The Milagro Solar+Storage project reflects our commitment to transform the energy landscape and expand our renewable energy portfolio," shared Kelly Tomblin, El Paso Electric President and Chief Executive Officer. "Simultaneously, it furthers our overall plan to increase our generation resources in order to meet our region's growing energy needs. We are determined to continue our legacy of reliability while we maintain affordability and minimize our environmental impact." In addition to its economic benefits, Milagro Solar+Storage expects to generate approximately 469,500 MWh of clean energy annually. This is equivalent to avoiding over 333,000 metric tons of carbon (CO ) emissions annually which represents the greenhouse gas emissions from over 74,000 passenger vehicles driven over the course of one year1. EDF Renewables, one of the largest renewable developers in North America, is committed to providing solutions to meet our customer's carbon-reduction goals. With 35 years of experience and 16 gigawatts of wind, solar, and storage projects developed, EDF Renewables in North America provides integrated energy solutions from grid-scale power to electric vehicle charging. 1 According to U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies calculations and typical transmission assumptions. EDF Renewables North America is a market leading independent power producer and service provider with 35 years of expertise in renewable energy. The Company delivers grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Company's PowerFlex subsidiary, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids. EDF Renewables' North American portfolio consists of 16 GW of developed projects and 13 GW under service contracts. EDF Renewables North America is a subsidiary of EDF Renewables, the dedicated renewable energy affiliate of the EDF Group. For more information visit: www.edf-re.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. El Paso Electric is a regional energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission and distribution service to approximately 460,000 customers in a 10,000-square mile area of the Rio Grande valley in west Texas and southern New Mexico. On 14 September WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson spoke at the RES Serbia conference where he addressed Serbia's trajectory towards building more wind energy. Crucially he addressed the need to use European-made technology. Chinese manufacturers are starting to win more and more orders - mainly in the Balkans right now. Serbia recently organised its first wind energy auction. It was a good auction. And it had a good auction design too, with a two-sided Contract for Difference. It used a healthy price ceiling and it was fully subscribed. A good example for other countries. It is important the Serbian Government now gives clear visibility on future auctions, including timing and volume. However, the biggest projects that won in the auctions will be built using Chinese turbines. This is not the way forward. We understand the temptation to procure non-European wind turbines. They are offered at a lower price than turbines made in Europe. They are offered with deferred payment terms that companies headquartered in OECD countries are not allowed to offer. But what are the costs of procuring non-European turbines? By turning our backs on equipment designed and manufactured in Europe we increase our dependency on equipment from outside of Europe. That undermines our energy security. And goes against the lessons learnt from our previous dependency on Russian gas. Then there are the wider security interests. There are 300 sensors on a modern wind turbine. The data from those sensors should be stored and analysed exclusively in Europe. And there are the economic aspects. The European wind energy industry contributes 42bn a year to EU GDP. Every new European wind turbine we install generates on average 13m of economic activity. It is not in Europe's collective interest to transfer those benefits outside of Europe. It would also weaken the wind industry's license to operate. As wind energy expands to cover what will be 2% of Europe's land and 3% of our sea space, citizens expect that they will be getting something out of it economically. To sum up, to install non-European wind turbines in Serbia or in any other country on our continent is not in Europe's interests. The EU recognises this too. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in her State of the European Union speech that: "The future of our clean tech industry has to be made in Europe." Governor Gavin Newsom and Assembly Bill 1078 auther Assemblyman Corey Jackson View Photo Sacramento, CA Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law in response to some school boards looking at banning certain books or censoring state textbooks. Newsom says Assembly Bill 1078 outlaws book bans. It comes after Governor Newsom and the Temecula Valley Unified School Board in Southern California had a public dispute about implementing social studies textbooks that include new LGTBQ content. Other schools have been considering similar actions. Newsom has also criticized the State of Florida, and the administration of Governor Ron DeSantis, for its willingness to remove certain controversial books from school libraries. After signing the bill, Newsom argued, From Temecula to Tallahassee, fringe ideologues across the country are attempting to whitewash history and ban books from schools. With this new law, were cementing Californias role as the true freedom state: a place where families not political fanatics have the freedom to decide whats right for them. California Superintendent of Public Education, Tony Thurmond, praised the move, adding, This law will serve as a model for the nation that California recognizes and understands the moment we are in. The bill was opposed by most Republicans in the legislature. In the Assembly, Mother Lode Republicans Heath Flora and Jim Patterson were opposed, and in the Senate, Democrat Marie Alvarado Gil joined Republicans in voting no. California is the second state to pass a ban on book bans, following Illinois. ELKOOn Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, visitors to Great Basin College can look back in time at Native American history and find out how it impacts the present. The third annual Ruby Valley Treaty Conference will commemorate the 160th anniversary of the signing of the 1863 Ruby Valley Treaty. Mary Gibson is the executive director of the Noowuh Knowledge Center, an organization which preserves Shoshone cultural heritage. She explained the NKCs role in making the event happen. I thought it was really important, because we are an educational preservation organization, that this history stay in the forefront, Gibson said. I thought it was very important that our youth, and even the adults and elders, keep this history intact. Gibson, a citizen of the Western Shoshone Te-Moak tribe, said that the Ruby Valley Treaty is a living document. The treaty is important enough to prompt a wide range of discussions, she said. Theres going to be a lot on tap, Gibson said of conference events. Our focus is in the realm of the political, the environmental, the cultural, and the social impacts that have been made upon the Western Shoshone since the treaty. Free artist talk and comic workshop with Theo Tso at GBC ELKO The Humanities Center at Great Basin College and the Noowuh Knowledge Center are excited to host Southern Paiute comic artist Theo Tso With a variety of experiences for visitors, the conference will include an artists talk and comic workshops from Southern Paiute comic illustrator Theo Tso, as well as multiple speakers sharing perspectives on issues facing Native Americans in Nevada and drawing from backgrounds ranging from anthropology to linguistics. A special reception will occur at the California Trail Center on Sep. 29. Gibson explained that the conference is important to the Elko community because it exposes them to crucial history. Theres probably many people who just arrived to this state and also to Elko who dont realize that we have a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the United States, a nation-to-nation binding agreement, in which we have agreed as much as our ancestors could agree to share the land, Gibson said. And were finding ourselves outside of that zone of sharing, Gibson said. Every day, were seeing more and more treaty rights being eroded mainly because in the treaty, it was never a treaty of succession. The Treaty and the people involved, they recognized, the United States recognized, the ancestral boundaries of our land, which extends partly into Idaho, Utah, down through northeastern Nevada to central Nevada and to California, she explained. Thats a pretty large treaty territory that we have, and the United States no longer recognize that. They did at the time of the treaty signing, and I think thats whats important for the residents of Elko to know, and also the state of Nevada. Gibson explained that the Ruby Valley treaty, as well as four other treaties made in 1863 with other Shoshone groups, was made in response to westward expansion from non-native settlers. These treaties were made with the Shoshone in the context of leaving settlers and immigrants alone, that they can cross into these two treaty territory boundaries. As Gibson explained, though, the American government has neglected these boundaries and continues to do so. I think its important to know that the Western Shoshone are finding the justice system in the United States not favorable to many Native issues, and mostly based around land, Gibson said. Some of our people have gone to the United Nations to seek some type of relief. And so at the United Nations, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have determined that there are human rights violations with the Western Shoshone. The issue is actively playing out, Gibson said. A few Western Shoshone have traveled to Geneva, Switzerland last year in August, she explained, to find out if the United States had responded to recommendations from international forums. Fermina Stevens, program coordinator at the Western Shoshone Te-Moak tribe, noted that the Western Shoshone tribe has experienced violations of their right to due process, right to equality before the law and right to property, according to the international forums. However, the United States has not replied to these recommendations, Gibson explained. They have not done anything in that context to fix any of the issues that the Western Shoshone are having. I think the way they want to fix things is to throw money at the Western Shoshone and call it good, Gibson continued. And thats what the United States uses as the reason that there are no human rights violations at all with the Western Shoshone. Gibson said that conference attendees can learn more about Western Shoshone title issues from speaker Tom Leubben, an attorney who has represented the Western Shoshone tribe. Attendees to the conference can also expect conversation on the doctrine of discovery. Gibson explained that the United States uses the concept of non-natives discovering American land as a form of control over Native Americans. Gibson discussed the logistics of executing the conferences many events. Unlike in previous years, where she primarily coordinated the conference herself, she was able to assemble this years conference with the help of a planning committee. I think we had a total of six people on the planning committee who could help me see outside the box, and I needed a lot of suggestions and ideas from them, she explained. Gibson said she found Great Basin College Humanities Center coordinator Gail Rappa to be a crucial source of collaboration and help. Without that partnership, we couldnt have this large of a conference, she said. Rappa explained that while the conference was previously contained in a single room, this years conference will spread into several different rooms. The spacious college setting will broaden opportunities for discussion of various topics. As an archivist with a masters degree in Library and Information Science, Gibson shared how the conference connects with her perspective. I think the biggest factor in being an archivist is we can provide our own voices and perspectives to the archives, she said. Originally, its always been outsiders, if you will, who have dictated the interpretation of our history and of our people, Gibson explained. However, thanks to the Noowuh Knowledge center, we will be archiving voices from our own people in their own way of seeing with an indigenous view, she said. The mission of the Noowuh Knowledge Center is to educate and preserve and protect our cultural history, Gibson said. This mission is not exclusive to the Western Shoshone tribe, she added. According to Gibson, the NWC also enlists other Great Basin tribes in providing additional information and resources, as its efforts are collaborative. Many of us in the Great Basin were related some way somehow, Gibson said. Many of us can travel to Idaho, Utah, California, some parts of Oregon and Montana, and we can find that we have some type of connection, either by blood, by cultural lifeways but in a way, were just all related. Rappa noted that this year is the first in which the Great Basin College Humanities Center has been involved with the Ruby Valley Treaty Conference. Were honored that we get to help support this event in any way that we can, Rappa said, noting how the college has provided any resources possible for the conferences lineup of speakers and programming. Its all about educating and trying to expose folks, whether theyre native or non-native, to the history of the area that we all live on, Rappa explained. Many people are not aware of it. Even people who grew up here arent aware of it. So I think its just important to have it more in the mainstream consciousness, she said. Catholic Priest Urges Dialogue Between Zimbabwes Leadership A Catholic priest in Zimbabwe recently called for direct dialogue between the countrys president and main opposition leader. Father Fidelis Mukonori suggested that Nelson Chamisa of the CCC party should meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss the disputed 2018 election results. While Chamisa has disputed the election outcome and refused previous invitations to dialogue platform (Polad), Father Mukonori believes a private meeting could help resolve issues. He said resolving differences through respectful discussion requires courage, wisdom and thinking outside of whats easy. The priest acknowledged such talks are challenging but could help Zimbabwe avoid unstable situations that risk public safety. President Mnangagwa has consistently said his door remains open for all political actors to discuss matters directly through Polad platform. However, some like Chamisa have so far preferred opposing platforms. Father Mukonori encouraged displaying learned humility through requesting a meeting between the acknowledged winner and perceived loser. He believes serious discussions between Zimbabwes leaders could benefit the countrys future. Internationally, some have criticized Zimbabwes electoral processes. But Father Mukonori noted democratic countries also have room for growth. If they truly wish to spread democracy worldwide, Western nations could invite observers from places like Africa to their own elections for mutual learning. The priest affirmed Zimbabwe possesses everything needed for national success when leadership works cooperatively. Breaking News via Email Press Release September 26, 2023 SPONSORSHIP SPEECH SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA Chairperson, Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Resolution No. 805 Commending and Congratulating the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos September 26, 2023 Mr. President, esteemed colleagues, good afternoon. Lately, we wake up disheartened to hear stories of civil servants involved in wrongdoings or misconduct. While there are those labeled as scalawags, the vast majority of civil servants take their responsibilities seriously. These individuals, who begin each day with a sense of duty and a deep understanding of the public trust vested in them, are the unsung heroes of our government. The 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos are no ordinary individuals; they go above and beyond their call of duty, and their accomplishments and community involvement have created a lasting positive impact on our society. Mr. President, this year's awardees, who join the ranks of the 675 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos since 1985, have dedicated their lives to serving our country in various fields. Each one of them has made significant contributions that have touched the lives of countless individuals, families, and communities. In our educator-awardees - Mr. Rex Sario, Mr. June Elias Patalinghug, Mr. Edgar Durana, and Dr. Jovelyn Delosa - we witness the power of knowledge and mentorship as they shape the minds of our future generations, instilling in them the values that will guide them to become responsible and compassionate citizens. One common thread among this year's outstanding law enforcers is their exceptional commitment to duty characterized by a trailblazing spirit and genuine dedication to uplifting their community. Police Colonel Renell Sabaldica, a transformational leader for innovative law enforcement and community development within the Philippine National Police (PNP), empowered his colleagues to achieve radical reforms and facilitated the procurement of new infrastructure and equipment to improve the working conditions of fellow policemen. PNP's vanguard of police integrity, Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan, paved the way for stringent anti-scalawag operations within their ranks, eventually leading to the formation of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG). She also advocates for LGBT rights. Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Bendo, dubbed Manila City's police mentor for out-of-school youth and children in conflict with the law, led the establishment of the "Ang Guro Kong Pulis Mobile Library" to provide education and sustenance to juvenile delinquents. He also collaborated with the Department of Education on the Manila Police District's alternative learning system for indigent individuals, out-of-school youth, and children in conflict with the law. As for our awardees from the military sector, they are prime examples of highly motivated, competent individuals and agents of meaningful reforms and national development. Lanao del Sur's peace and youth empowerment sentinel, Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao, successfully mobilized and empowered the youth as active peace partners and advocates within their localities. He also organized efforts for former violent extremists surrenderees after the Marawi Siege to become third-party advocates for peace and development within Lanao del Sur. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bitancur, Assistant Commandant of the Philippine Air Force Basic Military School (PAFBMS), engages the youth as a resource speaker in the series of Campus Peace and Development Forums of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). He is also a strong advocate of gender equality and safety from maltreatment and harassment. Known as the Philippine Air Force's Model Mentor on Military Training, he ensured the highest standards in training and treatment of trainees. Philippine Army Colonel Joseph Jeremias Dator's knack for intelligence has led to innovative practices in intelligence operations, earning him the distinction of officer of the year in every office he has held. His leadership resulted in the rehabilitation of former members of the CPP-NPA, leading to an insurgency-free Davao region. Mr. President, dear colleagues, these remarkable individuals toil behind the scenes, away from the limelight, and without seeking recognition. They persevere in the face of challenges, bureaucratic red tape, and sometimes limited resources. Their dedication is a testament to their commitment to the betterment of society. In times when trust in government institutions may waver, these dedicated civil servants are the pillars that uphold the foundations of democracy and good governance. They exemplify what public service should be--a selfless commitment to the welfare of the people they serve. We owe it to these individuals to recognize their efforts and support their work. They are the real heroes, and their unwavering commitment deserves our utmost respect and appreciation. Thank you, Mr. President. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Cindy Hyde-Smith R-Miss., introduced bipartisan legislation to help rural water and wastewater systems better prepare for and respond to natural disasters or other extreme weather events. Increasingly frequent natural disasters like wildfires and flooding have created new challenges for rural water utilities, and Im working to get them the training and resources they need to prepare for disasters and keep their communities safe, said Senator Cortez Masto. My bipartisan legislation will help protect the rural drinking water and wastewater systems that thousands of Nevadans rely on. Our rural water associations deserve credit for doing all they can to restore water and wastewater service after disasters, like the tornadoes weve experienced in Mississippi this year. Our bill would expand their capacity to do so by helping all rural systems with disaster preparedness and mitigation assistance, Senator Hyde-Smith said. Im pleased to join Senator Cortez Masto in this bipartisan effort to address this problem effectively. The Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act would create an assistance program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help rural water and wastewater utilities identify vulnerabilities, map water infrastructure, develop disaster protocols, and train employees for emergency and disaster response. This legislation is endorsed by the National Rural Water Association and Rural Community Assistance Partnership. The Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act will vastly expand the critical emergency assistance provided to rural communities to prepare, respond, and address longer term recovery needs from disasters, said National Rural Water Association CEO Matthew Holmes. As we witness more frequent and intense natural disasters, this bill would provide essential preventive measures and response mechanisms to maintain water and wastewater services. On behalf of the National Rural Water Association, we applaud Senator Cortez Mastos efforts for this important legislation to protect and enhance the public health of the residents of impacted rural communities. RCAP proudly supports the Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act, which will aid rural water systems in preparing for and responding to disasters, said Olga Morales Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership. Its not a matter of if disaster will strike, but when, and rural systems must not be an afterthought. Local water and wastewater systems are essential infrastructure, and their proper function is critical for public health. RCAP applauds Sen. Cortez Masto for introducing this bill and looks forward to building on our 50-year history of providing technical assistance to rural communities by increasing climate resiliency and building capacity in emergency preparedness and response across the nation. Senator Cortez Masto past support of Nevadas rural and agricultural communities includes leading the fight to protect family farms and ranches from an unfair tax hike. She has also introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster cyber protections for rural water systems and to put rural Western communities on an equal footing when it comes to applying for critical infrastructure grants. Shes also introduced bipartisan legislation to provide relief for taxpayers in states that have issued state-level disaster declarations. Parents of pupils at Chemhanza High School in Hwedza, Zimbabwe are voicing frustration over a recent mass expulsion of students. Its reported that thirty Form 4 and 6 learners were removed following claims of bullying and fights last week. Sources say the incident occurred on September 17th, involving both senior and junior students. Some parents allege their children were helping protect younger pupils who were being attacked. However, authorities singled out suspects and suspended them without a fair hearing. A particular concern involves the daughter of a top intelligence agency officer (CIO), said to be severely assaulted. This has raised suspicions of favouritism for that student. Parents dispute the schools account. When attempts were made to get statements, students faced leading questions designed to elicit certain answers. The school authorities later instructed parents to retrieve their children without understanding the full situation. With final exams soon, the expelled senior students face an uncertain future. Parents want transparency from school leaders. However, attempts to directly contact the headmaster were unsuccessful. The matter has sparked unrest within the school community and debates around due process. Further engagement between administrators and families may be needed to resolve outstanding issues. Breaking News via Email A tragic string of deaths has gripped one rural Zimbabwean village, prompting intense scrutiny. Over the past three weeks in Nyamakate village, nine members of the extended Mapuranga family fell ill and ultimately died after complaining of sore throats. The deaths are notable not just due to their frequency within the family, but also because the Mapurangas adhere to religious beliefs that prevent seeking medical care or advice. Local Chief Abel Mbasera has condemned such prohibitions on healthcare access, which he argues violate citizens constitutional rights. At the chiefs request, Zimbabwes Ministry of Health has launched an investigation. The most recent victim was three-year-old Ropafadzo Mapuranga, who passed on Sunday. Her relative Blessing Nyanyiwa had also recently perished. No autopsies were performed to determine causes of death. When asked for comment, family spokesman Luke Mapuranga said the clan is too grief-stricken to discuss the matter at this time. Villagers also voiced ongoing shock over the string of losses. Chief Mbasera stressed that the identical symptoms suggest the deaths could have been prevented with treatment, and has taken steps to criminalize denying medical care due to religious belief. Provincial health director Dr. Celestino Dhege is examining the situation but has yet to determine the root cause. Similar prior incidents have been linked to cholera after religious objections halted medical intervention. Going forward, officials and leaders seek to ensure all community members can access healthcare as needed. Breaking News via Email The Meteorological Services Department is urging residents in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country to be cautious as isolated lightning strikes, showers, moderate winds, and cold weather are expected from today and tomorrow. Starting Wednesday until Friday, the weather is predicted to transition from hot to cool. The affected regions include Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo metropolitan, Masvingo, Manicaland, and the southern districts of Midlands. To ensure safety during lightning activity, individuals in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid seeking shelter under trees, poles, or pylons. It is recommended to find an earthed building, as they are less susceptible to lightning strikes due to the presence of an earth wire. Additionally, residents are encouraged to crouch down as low as possible and maintain a safe distance from livestock. The Meteorological Services Department emphasizes that the advection of moist air into southwestern Zimbabwe will result in cloudy conditions and isolated showers in the western parts of the country. These clouds will subsequently move eastward and southward, intensifying with added moisture from the southeast. As a result, heavier rains are anticipated over the Eastern Highlands on Wednesday evening, accompanied by cloudy, windy, and cool conditions in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland. The clouds are expected to clear by Friday, leading to a warmer weekend. It is important to note that these rains do not mark the beginning of the planting season and should not be used as an indication to start planting. Extra care should be taken to keep the elderly, people with disabilities, young children, and the ill warm during the temperature changes from hot to cool on Wednesday. Consultation with healthcare professionals is advised, and the use of a brazier with proper room ventilation is recommended. Breaking News via Email In a tragic development, a massive fire has reportedly engulfed Saviour Kasukuweres citrus plantation at Concorpia Farm in Mazowe, resulting in extensive damage. This incident comes at a time when legal efforts are underway to remove an invader from the property. Despite a High Court order, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has allegedly refused to enforce the eviction. Saviour Kasukuwere, a former local government minister who was barred from contesting the 2023 presidential elections by courts, expressed his shock and uncertainty regarding the motive behind this devastating arson attack. He took to social media platform X to share the distressing news, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. It never rains but pours: A huge fire has destroyed my prime citrus plant at Concorpia Farm, Mazowe. Against all legal efforts to remove the invader, the ZRP has refused to enforce a HC order. For now, we are yet to ascertain the motive behind this arson attack, said Kasukuwere. The conflict over the ownership of Concorpia Farm involves Kasukuwere and war veterans led by Ephanos Mudzimunyi. The war veterans invaded the farm and took control, usurping Kasukuweres citrus produce. Seeking legal recourse, Kasukuwere obtained a High Court order demanding the invaders to vacate the property. However, Mudzimunyi has adamantly refused to comply with the court order, asserting that he was allocated the land by the late Perrance Shiri, who served as the Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement minister. Consequently, the situation has reached an impasse, resulting in a halt in production at the farm. Frustration is mounting among the farm workers who have been unable to carry out their duties effectively, leading to significant financial losses for Concorpia Farm. The recent fire has further exacerbated the predicament by causing severe damage to the citrus plantation. The exact extent of the losses incurred is yet to be determined, and the situation remains precarious. It is worth noting that a few days prior to the fire incident, unknown individuals stole bags and valuables belonging to Kasukuweres daughter, adding to the difficulties faced by the family. The ongoing dispute and the consequential destruction at Concorpia Farm highlight the challenges surrounding land ownership and the enforcement of legal decisions in Zimbabwe. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the need for a resolution to prevent further damage and loss. Breaking News via Email Seahorse Love Works in Mysterious Ways Nautlius (Micael T) How Tsarist Russia sought to make a tropics on the Black Sea aeon (Anthony L) NASA space capsule carrying largest asteroid samples ever collected lands safely in Utah ABC Australia (Kevin W) Country Music Doesnt Deserve Its Conservative Reputation Jacobin (Micael T) Lorna Finlayson, The Sycophant New Left Review (Anthony L) The Lost History of Sextus Aurelius Victor Antigone (Anthony L) China is facing an alarming mpox outbreak. Could this be next global health crisis? ZMEScience (Dr. Kevin) #COVID-19 China lab suspected of Covid leak stripped of US funding for violating biosafety rules Telegraph (ma) Climate/Environment The threat of wildfires is rising. So are new artificial intelligence solutions to fight them Associated Press (Kevin W) Lego abandons efforts to make bricks from recycled plastic bottles after finding it didnt reduce CO2 emissions New York Post (Kevin W) China? Biden Hosts Pacific Islands, With a Rising China in Mind New York Times (Kevin W) Hostility Between the United States and China Looks Increasingly Inescapable National Interest (Chuck L) Seoul stages military parade and warns North of overwhelming response Financial Times Canada-India Spat Africa Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh: Thousands flee as Armenia says ethnic cleansing under way BBC. Lead story European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War Ukraine SitRep: Battlefield Reports Show Lack Of Armor And Certain Munitions Moon of Alabama (Kevin W) Analysis of Ukraines Escalating Crimean Strike Campaign Simplicius the Thinker spokeswoman for the command of the Ukrainian forces "South". She emphasized that these were "two symbols of the city that could be seen by the crews of all ships entering the port." Gumenyuk, of course, did not say that foreign instructors and mercenaries were accommodated pic.twitter.com/HwKwpRuEqq Djole (@onlydjole) September 25, 2023 Ukraine-Russia war: Pope hits out at Poland over weapons withdrawal Telegraph. Kevin W: What. The. Fuck. A Pontiff of the Catholic Church is complaining that not enough weapons are being sent to a war. This War Wasnt Just Provoked It Was Provoked Deliberately Caitlin Johnstone (Kevin W) Trudeau calls praise for Nazi-linked veteran deeply embarrassing BBC WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WESTERN POLITICAL CLASS? Gaius Baltar (Micael T, Chuck L) Ukraine Sucked the Oxygen Out of World Food Program Newsweek (Micael T) DIAMONDS ARENT FOREVER FOR THE BELGIANS WAR AGAINST RUSSIA INSTEAD John Helmer SHOCKING NEW DETAIL: U.S. Army Hospital in Germany Is Treating American Soldiers Hurt Fighting in Ukraine. NY Times writes, "The Armys Landstuhl Regional Medical Center has quietly started admitting Ukrainian Army soldiers who were wounded in combat, most of them American pic.twitter.com/Iie9cP8ZNd Simon Ateba (@simonateba) September 24, 2023 Exclusive Interview With Ukraines Spy Boss From His D.C. Hotel Room The Drive (Kevin W) Aurelien published a very important post last week, So They Want Negotiations, Now.. It included a deep dive on the background and key provisions of NATO and the Minsk Agreements. Its worth highlighting his discussion of these two pacts because both are far flimsier (especially Minsk) than most would imagine. Aurelien exposed a critical conundrum that was somewhat obscured by his focus on the history of some key negotiations, focusing on multi-party agreements where participants have overlapping and presumably sufficiently aligned interests to come up with what looks like an agreement. His observations: For their part, its clear that the Russians dont consider the Ukrainians to be independent actors, and so would demand that the negotiations be between themselves and NATO, with Ukraine being just an item on the agenda. Negotiations are classically between sovereign entities that have the legal ability to enter into treaties. The European Union does (for example in the Withdrawal Treaty with the UK) but NATO does not. So in practice, a future negotiation would be between however many paid-up members NATO then has, negotiating independently but trying to keep to a common position, Russia, Ukraine in one configuration or several, and perhaps others. Would Australia want a seat? What about Switzerland? Who decides? And what status would, say, Australia have, as an equipment supplier? What obligations would Canberra sign up to? An almost superhuman degree of consensus would be needed even to agree on the content of the negotiations and the rules of procedure. Ill serve up some additional extracts from Aureliens post. But at the danger of grossly oversimplifying (particularly since my frame of reference is corporate, not international, governance), European states wanted a security guarantee from the US at a time when strong formal support was politically unpopular and apparently didnt have many stealthy backers in the Beltway either. However, NATO became more solid due to the later setting up of a large-scale military operation, due in large measure to the US being willing to set up bases and put troops all over Europe (one wonders how much the profit potential of this operation was what Eisenhower had in mind when he warned of the growing power of the military industrial complex). It also has rituals and routines, like joint exercises, periodic high level meetings, and terrific media amplification, that give NATO the appearance of being more akin to the EU in terms of its cohesiveness. However, Scott Ritter, who recall was a military brat in Germany and then was a NATO weapons inspector, has pointed out deficiencies in NATOs ability to act in a well-synched manner. And this is not just Article 5, which merely tasks NATO members to consider coming to each others aid in the event one is attacked, as opposed to obligating them to do so. On top of that, Ritter has also described multiple times in his interviews how when Ukraine troops are sent in at most the thousands (over time) to train in various NATO member states, the process impedes them operating as a cohesive force. One obvious lapse (also described by Brian Berletic) is that even after soldiers learn how to operate as a basic capacity in a specific role, say an infantryman or tank gunner, they then have to learn how to work together in increasingly bigger formations. That takes years. The way the various NATO members train impedes creating bigger-unit cohesion. Even putting aside language differences, Ritter has stressed that every NATO members basic training differs somewhat. I have not heard him give an example, but he seems to regard those differences as big enough to matter. Another example of lack of a desirable level of integration from a military perspective is the way many NATO members have their own weapons systems, such as in Ukraine, the US Abrams tank, the UK Challenger, the German Leopards. Any effort to provide a single fighting force with with disparate weapons creates a logistical and training nightmare. If NATO had had more central authority, one would imagine weapons development would have been on Airbus lines: a consortium so as to create a coherent, more streamlined product line with the manufacturing doled out among NATO members. But US arms-makers would likely not have tolerated being components suppliers and designers as part of a big US-EU combine. Before you disagree with Aurelien conclusion that NATO cant enter into treaties and why that is fatal to any effort to settle the conflict with Russia (even before getting to the wee problem that it is inconceivable that the West, or more accurately the US, will retreat from its position that no outside party can block NATOs open door policy, when it is essential to Russia that any surviving independent Ukraine not join NATO), consider the nation-level duct tape and bandaid process for admitting new members. Again from Aurelien: Thus, Finlands accession to NATO was registered in the form of a Protocol to the Washington Treaty, recording that The Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty had agreed that Finland would depose an instrument of accession with the US (as the depositary state) and that each NATO member would then notify its acceptance of the instrument. The reason for this clumsy system is that NATO cannot agree anything, nor would its member states allow it to do so. In any future theoretical treaty, NATO would not be a signatory, nor would it be represented at the negotiating table, not would it have obligations and rights under the treaty. All this is down to individual states. Something like this happened before, with the above-mentioned Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty in 1990. There, some very clever footwork was needed to reconcile the fact that the negotiations were bloc-to-bloc, between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, with the fact that the treaty had to be signed and implemented by individual nations. Likewise, endless, laborious and often acrimonious internal negotiations were needed within NATO itself to try to establish a common position. So this goes a long way towards explaining why the so-called Collective West gets so wrapped around the axle of having to negotiate with itself. If NATO has to act in some manner to settle the conflict in Ukraine, every member of NATO (an as Aurelien argues, potentially even interested parties like Switzerland) would have to come to an agreed position, since each country would have to sign off individually on any pact for it to amount to a NATO-equivalent treaty. And look at what has happened of late with the supposedly agreed ascension of Sweden to NATO. Erdogan was browbeating into saying Turkiye was on board despite not having gotten what it wanted with Swedens handling of Kurdish separatists, which Turkiye deems to be terrorists. But Erdogan likely knew full well what would happen next. Turkiyes parliament has to ratify Swedens membership. Swedens refusal to crack down on Koran burning, which they see as permitted free speech, means Swedens membership is in limbo. Of course, that it not preventing NATO from treating Sweden as a member in most respects, but this is not a very good fudge. Some have suggested a Minsk III as another device for resolving the Ukraine conflict. After reading how tissue-thin Minsk I and Minsk II were, one wonders how lawyer Putin was able to talk himself into them, even before getting to the duplicity of Ukraine, Germany, and France.1 Aurelien has an excellent discussion which I am hoisting perhaps over-liberally: Since the [Minsk] Agreements are often referred to but seldom actually quoted, lets have a look at the texts. They arent easy to find.The first of the Agreements, dated 5 September 2014 (Minsk 1) was eventually transmitted by the Ukrainian delegation to the UN on 24 February 2015First, the document itself consists both of a Protocol, described as an Understanding, and an accompanying Memorandum covering parts of its implementation. That is to say, there are no individual undertakings by any country in the documents, and no individual legal, or even political obligations. The documents simply record what the participants say they have agreed. There is provision for monitoring, but not enforcement. The second is the participants and signatories. The text is signed by representatives of the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the breakaway Oblasts as well as by the OSCE, which was responsible for monitoring.) The leaders of France and Germany facilitated the talks but did not sign any of the documents. On the other hand, the Ukrainians (who did not recognise the breakaway regions) insisted that their then leaders signed only as individuals, not as representing any political entity. The third is the content. Both documents are very short, as might be expected from documents concerned mainly to establish principles. That said, the Memorandum is extremely detailed in one part, and obviously drafted by military specialists, since it also contains very precise lists of equipment (mainly artillery) together with distances that they should be drawn back from the line of contact Finally, the language. This is always difficult where translations are involved, but what we can say is that both documents contain largely statements of good intentions, without targets or associated dates. Someone (presumably the Ukrainian government) will implement decentralisation of power, several somebodies will enact a law to punish atrocities, someone will adopt a programme for the economic revival of the Donbas. The texts carefully avoid saying who is responsible for what, and how the what is to be accomplished and when, yet alone evaluated. The document ostentatiously avoids anything resembling treaty language (eg reached an understanding rather than agreed.). But this is not really a criticism: it was just what could be extracted from the parties at the time. As a result of the lack of trust and commitment, fighting began again and, following more pressure from France and Germany and a very long and difficult meeting, a Package of Measures was finally agreed on 12 February 2015, to implement the original Minsk Agreements (this became known as Minsk 2.) Note again that this is not a treaty, or an enforceable document of any kindIn certain cases (eg Constitutional reform) it is clear that the Ukrainian government has promised to do something, in others, who should do what is unclear.Its also worth pointing out that some of the provisions go outside the normal bounds of a treaty, because they commit non-signatories to do things: for example, the Ukrainian Parliament is supposed to adopt a resolution on the areas to which a special political regime will apply. This kind of thing never appears in treaties, for the simple reason that no government can commit its parliament. In essence, therefore, this is a collection of Clever Ideas, which, if they could be implemented, were intended to help with the implementation of the Minsk Agreement For all that, the Agreements fell apart very quicklyThe reality is that, had there been a willingness on both sides to make the agreements work, then somehow they would have worked. So again, to perhaps oversimplify, Minsk was a set of aspirations, at best a toothless roadmap with only the military pullback well specified. Russian in late 2021 provided the US with draft treaty language as an opener to negotiating the new European security arrangement that Putin has been calling for since at least the 2007 Munich Security Conference. The US did not deign to respond. In other words, this is yet another proof of what many paying close attention have already surmised: not only are the bargaining positions of Russia and Ukraine plus its Western allies too far apart for any deal to be possible, but the huge process issues with Russia needing a commitment from NATO creates yet another very large impediment. Of course, Russia has already told itself there can be no deal. It has correctly called the US not agreement capable. You cant sensibly sign a pact with an untrustworthy counterparty. Russia keeps formulaically saying it is willing to negotiate. But once you consider the history and the parties, these Russian statements are simply playing to the non-hostile parts of its global audience. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just said the quiet part a bit louder: If you insist on the battlefield, OK, lets decide it on the battlefield. _____ 1 Yours truly has seen and even signed agreements that were clearly defective. A reason this sort of thing happens is one side putting too much trust into the other side, per the classic saying that an agreement is only as good as the parties to it. So a party agreeing to suboptimal terms may think the other side has incentives to perform beyond their weak obligations. In my case, my defective deal actually wound up working out to my advantage when breached by the other side.not that I could have expected that. From Peru to Uruguay, to Ecuador and Guyana, the US is seeking to rebuild its strategic influence in Latin America, one gun at a time. Last week, the head of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Army Gen. Laura Richardson, visited Peru, a country that is in the grip of arguably its worst political crisis of this still-fledgling century. The country has witnessed wave after wave of anti-government protests followed by brutal, sometimes deadly, crackdowns by security forces since the US-greenlit removal of the democratically elected President Pedro Castillo in December. It also recently played host to a joint military exercise involving an unprecedented number of US troops. With a record low approval rating of just 10% and a record high disapproval rating of 82%, Castillos replacement as president, his former deputy, Dina Boluarte, is weak. She is still under investigation for the deaths of dozens of pro-Castillo protesters in the early months of her government and refuses to hold elections until 2026 despite previous pledges to bring the vote forward. In the face of rising public discontent, her government recently proposed changes to the penal code that could, in their current form, allow for the prosecution of any citizen who calls for a protest march and any journalist who reports on it. Washington, of course, is looking the other way. During her stay in Lima, Gen Richardson met with Perus Secretary of Defence Jorge Chavez, senior armed forces leaders and the commanders of the Peruvian air force, navy and army, to discuss the longstanding U.S.-Peru defence partnership. Meanwhile, Boluarte was in New York spinning a web of lies and half truths, including a rapidly debunked claim that she had held an official meeting with Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly when in reality all they had shared was a photo op. But relations between the US and Peru are stronger than ever. By the end of last week, the US Embassy in Peru had published a press release announcing a new agreement between US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the government of Peru to collaborate in transnational criminal investigations through the establishment of a Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit (TCIU). According to the press release, HSIs TCIUs help further HSIs global mission by bringing in foreign partners to help investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational criminal activities. A New Escalation in Washingtons War on Drugs? The move comes as Republican lawmakers and right-wing pundits are busily psychologically prepping the US public for a fresh escalation in the war on drugs. Droves of high-profile figures, including arch neocon and regime change-specialist Lindsay Graham, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ron de Santis, and media pundit Tucker Carlson, have been calling for direct, overt US military intervention against Mexicos drug cartels in order to stem the flow of fentanyl. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal in March, former Attorney General (under both George HW Bush and Donald Trump) William Barr likened Mexicos narco-terrorists to Isis and called for a far more aggressive American effort inside Mexico than ever before. Barr also called AMLO the cartels chief enabler for refusing to wage war against the cartels with quite the same zeal as his predecessors. Barr is hardly one to talk given his central role in burying evidence of then-President George HW Bushs involvement in the Iraqgate and Iron-Contra scandals, the latter of which involved the trafficking of huge volumes of cocaine to the US by the Contras, as the hand-written notebooks of Oliver North, the National Security Council aide who helped run the contra war, amply show. Years later, courageous journalists like Gary Webb and Robert Parry would show that the CIA was also heavily involved in bringing crack cocaine into the US. Back to today, it goes without saying that the real driving motivation behind the latest calls to expand the war on drugs is not to stem the flow of drugs into the US, or to tackle the escalating violence of drug cartels across Latin America if Washington was serious about that, all it would have to do is pass legislation to stem the southward flow of US-produced guns and other weapons. But that would hurt the profits of arms manufacturers. And if it was serious about tackling drug addiction, it would never have let Big Pharma unleash the opium epidemic in the first place. And once it had, it would never have let the perps walk free with the daintiest of financial slaps on the wrists. No, this is primarily about what the US war on drugs has always been about: pursuing geopolitical and geostrategic dominance in key regions of the world while controlling and imprisoning for serious sums of money the restive populace at home. This is a point that is explained elegantly by Jorge Retana Yarto, a former director of the Intelligence School for National Security of Mexicos Centre for National Intelligence (CNI), in an article for the news website Contralinea: The ideology of the war on drugs and organized crime in the United States is an immense fabrication. That does not mean that the problems linked to the multinational trafficking of prohibited drugs and the criminal organizations that have specialized in it, and everything that this entails, do not exist. They exist and are very acute, but both phenomena were ideologized for the purposes of geopolitical and geostrategic dominance, and were imposed through exportable reactive and punitive public policies in matters of intelligence and security, causing social, political-institutional, cultural and economic devastation. By assuming a military dimension, (the War on Drugs) laid the foundations for armed intervention in the Latin American region and converted the territories, as well as national sovereignties, into areas of geostrategic action. Right now, Peru is undoubtedly a key area of geostrategic action. Just four months ago, as readers may recall, the Boluarte government authorised the entry of more than 1,000 armed US military personnel, 11 US military aircraft, two boats, two trucks, rockets, grenades, detonators, satellite communication equipment, machine guns, pistols and ammunition onto Peruvian soil, ostensibly to take part in Resolute Sentinel 2023, a military exercise that was held across a number of regions of Peru between June and August. I wouldnt be surprised if the visiting US troops also provided Perus security forces with special sessions on crowd control and crisis management. But there is also a clear geopolitical agenda at work. According to an in-depth article in the Peruvian weekly newspaper Hildebrandt en sus trece (which we covered here), the main purpose of the US troops mobilisation was as a show of force to Washingtons main strategic rivals, Russia and China, which are eroding US influence in the region. There is a global political confrontation between the United States and China and Russia, Wilson Barrantes, former director of Perus National Intelligence Directorate (DINI), told the weekly magazine. Peru is key because we are located at a strategic point in the Pacific basin, serving as a gateway for China as well as an access point to Brazils huge market on the Atlantic seaboard. Expanding US Influence, One Gun at a Time On the same day that Perus government signed an agreement with the US Homeland Security Department to combat transnational crime together, the Argentine media outlet Infobae reported that the United States Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) a specialized US Army unit formed in 2017 to conduct security force assistance (SFA) missions with allied and partner nations is looking to launch operations in Uruguay in the near future. The US Armys Southern Command is working to establish the first exchange opportunity with Uruguay in 2024, in order to continue strengthening the partnership between our armies and advance shared national security objectives, said Kerri Spindler-Ranta, the Press, Education and Culture Counselor of the US Embassy in Uruguay. Founded in 2017, the SFAB initially operated in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the US War on Terror in the Middle East. But predictably enough, their role was rapidly expanded to many other regions, including Africa, Asia and Europe, where SFAB units have been advising and training Ukrainian soldiers in Germany and other NATO member countries. The SFAB landed for the first time in Latin America in 2020 as a deployment to Ivan Duques Colombia. But the soldiers were not exactly welcomed by the local population, many of whom feared that the US was seeking to sabotage Colombias peace process. Senator Ivan Cepeda described the arrival of the SFAB as an invasive and hostile presence on our territory and a violation of Colombias constitution. Colombias Supreme Court initially suspended any authorization for the military contingent to carry out activities in Colombian territory, but Colombias Foreign Ministry successfully challenged the ruling. In short order, SOUTHCOM launched additional SFABs in Honduras and Panama. But the stationed US soldiers did not always mentor the local forces in ways Army brass would have wanted, reports Army Times: The 800-soldier unit racked up at least 60 misconduct offenses, including incidents with alcohol, drugs and adultery; a battalion commander was fired; members of one advising team are facing punishment for their behavior in Colombia; and another teams actions in Honduras are under investigation, according to internal records and interviews conducted by Army Times. Advisors deployed to Central and South America were told in late 2021 to behave amid a rise in sexually transmitted diseases among married and single troops, and a Colombian officer had to ask that advisors not use drugs at their hotel. Which is kind of ironic, all things considered. According to a recently published US Army document cited by Infobae, SOUTHCOM is now looking to open new SFABs in Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador. The document argues that the expanded presence of SFAB units in Latin America will help counteract the influence of other nations in the region. It is not hard to guess which nations it is talking about. Back to Business As Usual For the best part of the first two decades of this century, the US government showed relatively little interest in what it used to call its own backyard (Biden now calls it the USs front yard). Put simply, it had more important priorities, most notably the Global War on Terror. While Washington shifted its focus and resources away from its immediate neighborhood to the Middle East, where it squandered trillions spreading mayhem and death and breeding a whole new generation of terrorists, China began massively expanding its influence and economic footprint in Latin America. Two decades later, the Asian giant is already South Americas largest trading partner. As Reuters reported in June 2022, if you take Mexico out of the equation, China has already overtaken the US as Latin Americas largest trading partner. Excluding Mexico, total trade flows i.e., imports and exports between China and Latin America reached $247 billion last year, far in excess of the US $173 billion. Unlike the US, China generally does not try to dictate how its trading partners should behave and what sorts of rules, norms, principles and ideology they should adhere to. What China does or at least has by and large done over the past few decades until now is to trade with and invest in countries that have goods particularly commodities it covets. Until now, it has worked a treat. The US is now keen to turn back the clock not through mutually beneficial trade but rather one-sided security partnerships. In May 2019, Admiral Craig Faller, then head of SOUTHCOM, presented an internal document called Enduring Promise for the Americas. It outlined a plan for winning back allies in Latin America and the Caribbean up to 2027 with the goal of improving security, protecting the US homeland and our national interests. Just call it business as usual. At the beginning of this year, Admiral Fullers successor at the helm of SOUTHCOM, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, gave a speech at the Atlantic Council in which she unveiled a tweaked version of the Monroe Doctrine. The original doctrine held that any intervention in the political affairs of the Americas by European foreign powers was a potentially hostile act against the United States. Now, the US is applying the same doctrine to China and Russia, whom US SOUTHCOM intends to box out from the regions strategic resources. A Possible Flashpoint One potential flashpoint could be the small former British colony Guyana, formerly known as British Guyana. Sandwiched between Venezuela to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Suriname to the east and Brazil to the south and southwest, Guyana is the third-smallest sovereign state by area in mainland South America after Uruguay. It is also one of the least densely populated countries on the planet. Yet it is now being treated to state visits by top US officials like Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power. Guess why? Thats right: it has huge, unexploited oil deposits just off its coastline. Discovered by a consortium led by Exxon Mobil in 2015, whose partners include Chinas CNOOC, the deposits have transformed Guyana into one of the worlds biggest offshore oil producers. The country has already seen its economy soar thanks to the discovery, which has so far led to the production of nearly 400,000 barrels of oil a day by the Exxon-led consortium. According to U.S. Geological Survey estimates, Guyanas coastal area has roughly 13.6 billion barrels of oil reserves and 32 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves just waiting to be drilled. For a country with a population of just 805,000 and a GDP of slightly less than $10 billion, it is a huge bonanza. But theres just one problem: a vast chunk of its territory, called El Esequibo, has also been claimed by Venezuela for the past 200 years, ever since Venezuela gained independence from Spain. That is where most of the oil lies and the Maduro government says it belongs to Venezuela, which already boasts the worlds largest oil reserves (an estimated 304 billion barrels). And on this matter, it has the overwhelming support of the opposition parties. Tensions between the two countries recently came to a boil after Guyanas government announced it was opening bids for 14 additional offshore blocks, even as the International Court of Justice weighs up each countrys claims to the territory. The bidders included Exxon and its partners, a consortium led by French-owned Total Energies as well companies and groups based in the US, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Guyana and London. Venezuela was livid, arguing that the offshore blocks awarded are in disputed areas. The countrys National Assembly accused Guyana of behaving like a franchise of the North American oil transnational Exxon Mobil, whose interests are, essentially, the appropriation of the existing oil in this territory, which is still pending resolution of the controversy, putting peace in the region at risk. The war of words is escalating. In his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York this past weekend, Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said (emphasis my own): Two days ago, Venezuelas National Assembly unanimously decided to call our people to vote in a consultative referendum to ratify the defense of our sovereign territory against the aggressions of the American empire, which wants to lead us to a war for natural resources. Washington, as one might expect, is stirring the pot. After the Maduro government announced plans to hold the referendum, Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols tweeted: The U.S. supports Guyanas sovereign right to develop its own natural resources. Efforts to infringe upon Guyanas sovereignty are unacceptable. We call on Venezuela to respect international law, including the 1899 arbitral award & the ongoing ICJ process btwn Guyana & Vzla. -BAN Brian A. Nichols (@WHAAsstSecty) September 20, 2023 The US is Guyanas largest trading partner as well as main security partner. As Guyana President Irfaan Ali said at a joint press conference with Anthony Blinken, the United States has played a tremendous role in the training of our security forces We are committed to continuing this partnership, expanding this partnership, building stronger relationship (sic) and trust, creating greater network (sic). But China has also significantly expanded its trade and investment with Guyana, making it Beijings largest trading partner in the Caribbean region a fact that has not gone unnoticed in Washington. A few weeks ago, the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, a 25-year USAID veteran, raised the Biden Administrations concerns about the rising influence of Chinese businesses in Guyana as well as the Caribbean region as a whole. Clearly, Chinas footprint is growing in Guyana, as well as the rest of the Caribbean, Lynch said at a press conference before urging companies in the South American country to take advantage of the superior business opportunities available with American companies. In the meantime, the territorial dispute over Guyana is once again straining relations between the governments of Venezuela and the United States, with Caracas accusing Washington of insolent meddling in the dispute, just at a time when specialists and politicians were beginning to glimpse possibilities of progress in the negotiations facilitated by the Kingdom of Norway. Yves here. This post is useful for not merely describing how at least one US surveillance firm is trying to get its claws into UK local governments but also for providing some detail on how its spying tools work. I would be curious if any informed readers can opine as to how successful and competitive Fusus offerings are in the US. Sometimes an overseas push is the result of poor performance or stalling sales in the home market combined with having or having found contacts overseas that the vendor thinks give them an edge. By Zac Larkham, a freelance journalist and student activist at Sheffield Hallam University. Originally published at openDemocracy A US tech firm has been privately lobbying UK councils and police forces to scale up their surveillance using an AI-powered platform used against Black Lives Matter protesters in the wake of George Floyds murder, openDemocracy can reveal. At least one London council is already trialling the software as a result of approaches by the company, Fusus, which claims to be the most widely used and trusted real-time crime center platform in US public safety. Fusus has been attempting to expand into the UK, opening an office in Londons Canary Wharf in March this year and hiring former officers from the Met to approach councils and police forces. It has approached Tower Hamlets and Hackney borough councils and the Met, City of London and Merseyside police forces to sell products that integrate CCTV and surveillance networks, according to Freedom of Information requests. Kensington and Chelsea Council and Merton Council also confirmed they had also been in contact with Fusus when approached by openDemocracy, with Kensington and Chelsea running a 60-day trial starting earlier this month. The firms flagship product is a surveillance hub known as a real-time crime centre (RTCC) that links up video and other surveillance technologies to a central feed. At the moment public CCTV feeds are monitored by council and police employees, but the Fusus RTCC system helps automate surveillance: police and other authorities can incorporate sophisticated, automated analytical software to analyse multiple real-time sources of footage and use this data to run predictive policing software, streamlining what could otherwise take officers days or weeks. There is also the option of viewing the streams remotely, or even on officers phones, using the FususOPS app. Critics have warned that the use of tech like Fusus is a step towards a surveillance state. Emmanuelle Andrews, policy and campaigns manager at human rights group Liberty, said: The expansion of mass surveillance has no place in any rights-respecting democracy. We should all be able to live our lives without the threat of being watched, tracked and monitored by the police or those in power. The increasing use of this sort of technology in policing embeds oppression, threatens our rights and liberties, and will change society as we know it. The government must ban use of this sort of technology by the police. Big Brother Watchs senior advocacy officer Madeleine Stone told openDemocracy: Local authorities and police forces should reject lobbying efforts from companies that profit from building surveillance states. So far, only Kensington and Chelsea Council has confirmed its interest in working with Fusus. A spokesperson told openDemocracy the councils housing department is trialling Fusus for 60 days and exploring methods that in future could link the cameras on our housing estates back to a central point so its easier for us to review and download images when investigating reports made by our communities on issues that affect them, such as anti-social behaviour. They say the Fusus hardware will only be connected to cameras that cover communal spaces and entrances to housing, and will not watch public space. It is not known whether residents had been informed about the trial. A Hackney Council spokesperson said no decision about whether to work with Fusus had yet been made, but emails seen by openDemocracy show a meeting was in the process of being organised as of 21 April this year, when a council employee asked for a demonstration. openDemocracy also understands Tower Hamlets Council has had multiple meetings with Fusus. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Fusus demonstrated its products at the Police Strategy Forum in 2022. Employees of the MPS were present at this presentation and were in contact with Fusus after this event. The MPS has no current plans to work with Fusus. Merseyside Police said they did not have plans to work with Fusus, while the City of London Police refused to give any details. What Are Real-Time Crime Centres? Real-time crime centres live-stream video footage from CCTVs, number plate recognition devices and other kinds of surveillance data to a central hub where they can be analysed by police employees and artificial intelligence (AI). RTCCs were first established in New York in the wake of the 11 September terror attacks. They have recently experienced a boom in the US, particularly following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. The Atlas of Surveillance project, which monitors police surveillance technology in America, says the country has more than 135 RTCCs. Critics say RTCCs significantly expand surveillance by the state, allowing law enforcement bodies to monitor everyone using public spaces as well as targeting specific individuals. In addition, when US police departments purchase the Fusus RTCC platform, local businesses and public institutions are encouraged to connect their own cameras by purchasing FususCORE bundles hardware that connects CCTV cameras to the RTCC platform which can cost $350 to $7,300, plus an annual $150 subscription. Owners can choose to allow RTCC operators access to their CCTV. Homeowners can also sign up their private CCTV and Amazon Ring doorbells. Once set up, CCTV cameras stream footage directly to the local police departments RTCC for analysts and AI to watch or, if the owner prefers, police can request to view footage from the cameras in a few clicks, creating a network of private cameras across a city the police can easily view. In exchange, CCTV owners get what is effectively live police monitoring of their private property. Facial Recognition Technology Many of the technologies incorporated in RTCCs are already in use by police forces in the UK, including live facial recognition, automatic number plate readers (ANPRs), drones, social media monitoring software and software such as predictive policing (used in the Mets controversial Gangs Matrix). RTCCs stream these sources and applications together in real time so they can be easily viewed together on a single pane of glass. US company Axon, which develops technology and weapons for military, law enforcement and civilian use, including Tasers, partnered with Fusus last year, which saw it invest $21m in Fusus and means Axon products are now compatible with Fusus. The Met purchased 22,000 Axon body-worn cameras in 2020, 19,000 of which were Axon Body 3 devices capable of livestreaming to the Fusus platform. The quantity of data produced by RTCCs is too much for any human to process. Fusus uses AI to search old footage for items such as unattended rucksacks or specific pieces of clothing, or set up alerts for when the AI spots those items in livestreams. It states its AI does not store any facial recognition or innate human characteristics (such as race) in its databases. However, there remains a possibility that video streams collected through Fusus could be exported to separate facial recognition software, significantly speeding up the process. Amnesty, Big Brother Watch and Liberty all spoke out against the use of facial recognition in April when the Met police described it as game-changing and announced it would be pushing ahead with the technologys use. Targeting Activists and Marginalised Communities In the US, RTCCs have been used repeatedly to identify activists and protesters across the country. The Minneapolis police departments Strategic Information Center, the local RTCC that uses Fusus software, played a central role inOperation Safety Net, a surveillance programme set up to target protesters and journalists during Derek Chauvins trial for murdering George Floyd. The technology RTCCs rely on has been used disproportionately on poorer and ethnic minority communities, exacerbating already existing disparities in policing. Theres this idea that using all these data streams well be able to do smarter policing that almost always just means that theyre going to keep heavily policing poor and minority areas, said Beryl Lipton, an investigative researcher from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. In 2010, for instance, West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council came under fire for installing more than 200 ANPR and CCTV cameras in majority-Muslim neighbourhoods as part of an anti-terrorism initiative. History shows us that surveillance tools target marginalised communities especially people of colour and those from a working-class background. The last thing we should be doing is widening use of such technology, said Andrews, from Liberty. At the event (Photo: VNA) Many of the children are children of officials and staff of the Embassy and representative agencies of Vietnam, as well as children of Vietnamese families in Malaysia. They were excited to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. During the festival, the children were extremely excited to participate in many folk games such as sack jumping, tug of war, pot smashing, watching lion dances and especially learning how to make Dong Ho paintings, under the guidance of members of the Vietnamese Club in Malaysia. After exciting games and receiving many meaningful gifts, the children heard about the story of Uncle Cuoi and Ms. Hang, about the Mid-Autumn Festival, as well as the beauty of Vietnamese culture. To prepare for the festival, staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and parents prepared a traditional Mid-Autumn Festival tray including moon cakes, fruits with a variety of funny animal shapes. After eating traditional Mid-Autumn specialities, the children were extremely excited to carry lanterns and star lanterns around the Embassy campus. Ms. Tran Thi Chang, President of the Malaysia - Vietnam Friendship Association, expressed her pleasure that children were able to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia, participating in folk games, thereby helping them better understand the traditional beauty of national culture. Organizing the Mid-Autumn Festival for Vietnamese children in Malaysia is one of many activities aimed at maintaining and promoting Vietnam's national cultural identity, arousing pride and educating young generations to always look towards their homeland./. The Croatian Ministry of Defence hosted the 2nd Annual Conference of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academies and Schools (18-20 September 2023), in cooperation with NATOs international staff and the Partnership for Peace Consortium. The event in Split, Croatia, marked an important step in the process of further professionalisation of Non-Commissioned Officers across NATO Allies and partners and confirmed the indispensable role that NCOs perform in modern military operations. In his opening address, Tom Goffus, NATOs Assistant Secretary General for Operations, said that: "a strong, vibrant, innovative Non-Commissioned Officer Corps is the hallmark and engine of successful, western, modern, democratic militaries. Since 2009, as part of the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), NCO professional development teams have assisted partner nations enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of professional NCO corps through training and education. He added: in response to growing demand, we are introducing the NCO School Instructor Development Reference Curriculum, intending to establish, develop, or supplement professional development courses for instructors at NCO schools". Major General Slaven Zdilar, Commander of the Croatian Defence Academy, reaffirmed Croatias commitment to support NATOs efforts towards NCO development in Allied and partner countries, and highlighted that professional NCOs are the backbone of modern and interoperable Allied militaries. Multinational NCOs and experts on professional military education shared views on different topics, including the implementation of the instructors development guide, roles, responsibilities and career advancement for NCOs, and the appointment and responsibilities of Commandants of NCO Schools. The discussions drew from real-world experiences, including insights from Ukrainian NCOs, who offered invaluable lessons from the frontline. For more information on the Instructor Development Reference Curriculum, see: NATO - Topic: Non-Commissioned Officer School Instructor Development Reference Curriculum 13 Baltimore high schools found to have ZERO students proficient in math According to the latest round of state exams given in Maryland, there were 13 high schools in Baltimore's public school system that had zero students proficient in math The Project Baltimore initiative spearheaded by FOX 45 reported on this alarming development in Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS). The local news channel obtained unredacted state test results for every BCPS public school via a source within the school district, and subsequently analyzed them. According to the outlet, students from 33 BCPS schools took the tests in the spring of 2023. Of the 33 schools in the Charm City that took the state math exam, 13 high schools had zero students who tested proficient. This amounted to roughly 40 percent of the total number of high schools. But this wasn't the only alarming finding Project Baltimore made. In those 13 high schools, 1,736 students took the state math test. Of that number, 1,295 students 74.6 percent scored a one out of four. One is the lowest level, which means that those students were not even close to proficient. (Related: IDIOCRACY BY DESIGN: Not a single student out of 53 Illinois high schools can do math at their own grade level.) A 2017 report by Project Baltimore also found that 13 high schools in the district had zero students proficient in math. Some of the schools named in the earlier report were also included in the 2023 edition. Jason Rodriguez, deputy director of the Baltimore-based nonprofit People Empowered by the Struggle (PEBTS), described the findings as "educational homicide." He continued: "There is no excuse. We have a system that's just running rogue, and it starts at the top." According to FOX 45, BCPS received $1.6 billion from taxpayers the biggest allocation ever. It also received $799 million in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) relief funding from the federal government. "It's not a funding issue; we're getting plenty of funding," Rodriguez pointed out. "I don't think money is the issue. I think accountability is the issue." Underperforming BCPS students a constant issue In 2021, PEBTS held rallies calling on BCPS CEO Sonja Santelises to step down from her post. The district's CEO since 2016 was urged to resign over low test scores, falling graduation rates, and a lack of transparency. But following Project Baltimore's latest discovery, Rodriguez is again renewing those calls. "I'm beyond angry," said the PEBTS deputy director. "This is why we've been calling for the resignation of the school CEO. We're still dealing with these same issues year after year. It's just scary and alarming to me, because we know that what's happening now [is] just opening up the floodgates to the school-to-prison pipeline." FOX 45 pointed out that Project Baltimore is only able to report the test scores to the public because a source provided the data. But when the state officially releases the results, they will likely be heavily redacted. This makes it more difficult for parents to see how many schools are performing well and how many do not. BCPS issued a statement in response to the endeavor's discovery. "Our complete 2023 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) math data paints a genuine picture of our progress," the statement said. "Right now, the facts are clear: [BCPS] students have earned two consecutive years of improved scores on the math MCAP following national decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven of eight grade levels experienced growth in math between school year (SY) 2021-2022 and SY 2022-2023, mirroring growth in Maryland overall." The school district also expressed its appreciation toward "recent one-time and ongoing increases in funding from our community." This funding, it added is utilized "to increase student achievement." "But make no mistake: these recent increases do not diminish or patch over years of chronic under-funding that has directly contributed to our current outcomes. That recovery takes an equal or more significant amount of time to remediate. We acknowledge that some of our high school students continue to experience challenges in math following the pandemic, especially if they were struggling beforehand." Visit PublicEducation.news for more stories like this. Watch this video explaining the difference between common core math and "old school" math. This video is from the high impact Flix and more!!! channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: School district in Maryland reports almost 600% increase in students who identify as NON-BINARY. Maryland elementary school reinstates mask mandate for third graders a test to see how the parents will react. LOCKDOWN EFFECTS: Students struggle to recover academic proficiency post-pandemic, particularly in READING and MATH. Sources include: FoxBaltimore.com Brighteon.com TREASON: Bidens Border Patrol CUTS WIRE installed by Texas government, opening Americas arms to illegal immigrants Further proving how welcoming President Joe Biden's administration is to illegal aliens, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) troops have cut the razor wire that the state of Texas had placed alongside the Rio Grande to stop border crossers from flooding into the country. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently shared a video on Twitter, now known as X, showing U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) men taking down the barbed wire that further protects the perimeters by preventing or dissuading passage by humans. "Texas installed razor wire in Eagle Pass to stop illegal crossings," Abbott said. "Today the Biden Admin CUT that wire, opening the floodgates to illegal immigrants." Upon knowing this, he immediately deployed more Texas National Guard troops to repel illegal crossings and re-install the wire. Texas installed razor wire in Eagle Pass to stop illegal crossings. Today the Biden Admin CUT that wire, opening the floodgates to illegal immigrants. I immediately deployed more Texas National Guard to repel illegal crossings & install more razor wire. pic.twitter.com/eMtLS8Z6WI Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 20, 2023 Former USBP Weslaco Station Patrol Agent in Charge and Texas Border Czar Mike Banks posted a video on Thursday showing Texas National Guard soldiers on the ground in Eagle Pass replacing the razor wire that the Biden Administration cut. "Texas will continue to install more razor wire and fortify the border against illegal crossings," Banks said. "We will not back down." Texas National Guard soldiers are on the ground in Eagle Pass replacing razor wire the Biden Admin cut yesterday. Texas will NEVER give up on our efforts to secure the border.#OperationLoneStar pic.twitter.com/yBywlBa8iv Mike Banks (@TexasBorderCzar) September 21, 2023 Meanwhile, about 14,000 migrants nearly half the total of its 29,000 population have surged into the city of Eagle Pass over the past two weeks. This triggered Mayor Rolando Salinas to declare a state of emergency. (Related: Elon Musk warns: The border is WIDE OPEN for all who want to crash it.) Salinas reported that 4,000 illegals crossed the U.S. border with Mexico on Wednesday, September 20 and a separate 2,500-person mob came into the city illegally on Monday, September 18. This is on top of approximately 7,200 illegal crossers that were apprehended in the previous week. Moreover, Rep. Tony Gonzalez, who represents the city in Congress, said that another 3,000 were on track to enter Thursday, adding that the Border Patrol estimates that by Friday, 10,000 migrants would have illegally entered this Texas border town. The influx has overrun Mission Border Hope, the only migrant shelter in the border city. "One of the situations is that a lot of these migrants, they're single males and they don't want to listen to instructions and they're leaving the facility," the mayor said. "Not all of these people come in peace." He also told CNN on Thursday that the crisis was "unacceptable" and that he has not heard from anyone in the Biden administration. "No one has bothered to call me," the Democrat mayor said. The Daily Wire also reported that the Biden administration has yet to release official immigration totals for the month of August, but indicated that the numbers are climbing back to the peak seen in May. Salinas PLEADS Biden, Harris to visit Eagle Pass and see the CRISIS for themselves Not hearing from the administration that "opened" the floodgates to border crossers and aims to normalize illegal immigration, Salinas is calling on Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris to visit his border city to see what the community is dealing with amid an ongoing influx of illegal immigration. He has pleaded for the top officials or anyone from the administration to come visit to "acknowledge the situation" and "let us know what they're doing to deter and control the situation." And still, no replies yet from the White House. Speaking at Fox News' "Your World," the mayor said that the local economy has taken a hit from the ongoing crisis which he described as "chaotic and disappointing." "To have that amount of people roaming our streets. It's just unacceptable. We have limited resources, a limited police force, and fire teams. So it's disappointing to see all these people come in without a consequence," he lamented. "It's very disheartening to see this happening, especially here in the city of Eagle Pass." He added that the international bridges had to be closed. "You cross that bridge, you're directly impacting the economy of Eagle Pass and also the state economy. You have thousands of commerce trucks that come in through Eagle Pass and Mexico. So, you're not only affecting the safety but also the local and state economy." He also debunked government claims that things are still manageable in the Texas city, saying what's happening is not normal and that this should not happen in any city in the United States "because we're a nation of laws." "People should be able to come here legally. We're all for that. I'm sure everybody agrees, but thousands of people come in without consequence, that should not be allowed into the United States," he pointed out. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was reported to make a sudden trip to the U.S.-Mexico border on Saturday following a historic week of a heavy inflow of undocumented crossings and with no sign of slowing. He will travel to the Rio Grande Valley of southeast Texas to be joined by a foreign dignitary, Honduran President Xiomara Castro. "In addition to discussing our continued cooperation with Honduras on reducing irregular migration in a safe, orderly, and humane way, the Secretary will oversee southwest border enforcement operations and highlight lawful pathways as an alternative to smugglers," the department stated in a media advisory. The Washington Examiner commented that Mayorkas could face pushback from rank-and-file Border Patrol agents who have largely been instructed to "catch and release" illegal immigrants rather than detain people through court proceedings or return them to their country of origin. OpenBorders.news contains more stories related to the illegal immigrants invasion of the United States. Sources for this article include: DailyWire.com NYPost.com FoxNews.com WashingtonExaminer.com Dallas mayor SWITCHES from Democratic Party to Republican Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a longtime Democrat, has jumped ship to the Republican Party. He expounded this partisan shift in an op-ed published Sept. 22 in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). "Next spring, I will be voting in the GOP primary," Johnson announced. "When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican." "I have been mayor of Dallas for more than four years. During that time, my priority has been to make the city safer, stronger and more vibrant. That meant saying no to those who wanted to defund the police; fighting for lower taxes and a friendlier business climate; and investing in family-friendly infrastructure such as better parks and trails," he wrote. "That approach is working. Alone among America's 10 most populous cities, Dallas has brought violent crime down in every major category including murder year-over-year for the past two years. In a recent Gallup poll asking Americans to rate the safety of major cities, Dallas came out on top." (Related: Gallup poll: Los Angeles among five cities deemed unsafe to live in or visit.) Johnson also pointed out in his op-ed that his former Democratic colleagues who are mayors have brought their cities to the ground. "Unfortunately, many of our cities are in disarray. Mayors and other local elected officials have failed to make public safety a priority or to exercise fiscal restraint. Most of these local leaders are proud Democrats who view cities as laboratories for liberalism rather than as havens for opportunity and free enterprise," he lamented. "Too often, local tax dollars are spent on policies that exacerbate homelessness, coddle criminals and make it harder for ordinary people to make a living. And too many local Democrats insist on virtue signaling proposing half-baked government programs that aim to solve every single societal ill and on finding new ways to thumb their noses at Republicans at the state or federal level. Enough." GOP welcomes Johnson, Dems rebuke his "treachery" Prior to his election as mayor of the Big D in 2019, Johnson served in the Texas House of Representatives under the Democratic Party for nine years. "Though the mayor's position is technically nonpartisan, Johnson joins Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker as one of two GOP mayors to lead a major Texas city," the Texas Tribune pointed out. Texas Republicans were quick to embrace Johnson, lauding his switch from blue to red. "Texas is getting more red every day," wrote Gov. Gregg Abbot on X. He praised Johnson's pro-law enforcement stance and his refusal to tolerate leftist agendas. "Mayor [Johnson] is absolutely right. Conservative policies are the key to safe, thriving and successful cities [and] his leadership is a shining example of that," wrote Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan. "To my friend and former colleague, welcome to the [GOP]." It is worth noting, however, that Phelan is one of the masterminds behind the failed impeachment attempt against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Texas Senate voted to acquit the Lone Star State's top attorney on Sept. 16. Meanwhile, Johnson's former party mates did not take too kindly to his change in allegiance. They swiftly rebuked the Dallas mayor for betraying the electorate that put him in the position. Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman lamented: "It's really unfortunate to see Johnson [not only] switch parties, but also to turn his back on the electorate that's gotten him this far in his political career. He's choosing his personal ambitions over the good of the whole of Texas." Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed his disappointment over his fellow mayor's party shift. He compared this to Johnson "leaving a thriving ship to get on a sinking one." Turner also pushed back against Johnson's allegations in the WSJ op-ed that blue cities are failing, noting that "Democratic mayors are doing an exceptional job across this country." Visit Awakening.news for more stories about people waking up to the truth. Watch this video about the city of Dallas welcoming annual meetings of the National Rifle Association. This video is from the NRA channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: 18 of top 20 cities with projected highest murder rates have Democrat mayors. Former NYPD commissioner: Democrats gave their cities to domestic terrorists. Blue city madness: 27 of the 30 most murderous cities are run by Democrats and 14 of those 30 cities have Soros-backed prosecutors big chain stores fleeing these crime-ridden cities. Sources include: TexasTribune.org WSJ.com TexasScorecard.com Brighteon.com SHAMELESS: Bidens DHS appoints ex-intel gaslighters as Homeland Intelligence Experts In a press release dated September 19 , U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Ken Wainstein, and Counterterrorism Coordinator Nicholas Rasmussen announced the establishment of "Homeland Intelligence Experts" group. The team, which consists of 17 members, will "provide advice and perspectives on intelligence and national security efforts to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Office of Counterterrorism Coordinator to support DHS' vital work to protect our country," the statement included. "The security of the American people depends on our capacity to collect, generate, and disseminate actionable intelligence to our federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, campus, and private sector partners," said Mayorkas. "I express my deep gratitude to these distinguished individuals for dedicating their exceptional expertise, experience, and vision to our critical mission," he added. The DHS's group of private-sector "experts" will meet four times per year, and will "leverage the expertise of each member to provide input on I&A's most complex problems and challenges, including terrorism, fentanyl, transborder issues, and emerging technology." BREAKING The Biden administration has appointed James Clapper, John Brennan, and Paul Kolbe, former intelligence officials, to a DHS "Homeland Intelligence Experts Group" handling national security issues. These individuals signed the fraudulent October 2020 letter deceptively pic.twitter.com/6qv5ybw4fR KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) September 19, 2023 Critics could not help but notice "a vested hidden agenda" in the establishment of this new group. The New York Post commented that the federal agency is meant to help better spread disinformation as "it just made wise picks in three expert ex-intel gaslighters: John Brennan, James Clapper and Paul Kolbe." Clapper, who is CNN National Security Analyst and former Director of National Intelligence, Kolbe, the Senior Fellow of the Intelligence Project and former Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA's) Operations Officer, and Brennan, a Fordham University School of Law Distinguished Fellow and former CIA Director were all named to the "Experts Group." They are three former officials who signed onto the October 2020 letter calling Hunter Biden's "laptop from Hell" as having "all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation." Their statement shielded President Joe Biden on the eve of the 2020 election, helping him win. Hunter's laptop contents were authenticated by the Daily Caller News Foundation, the New York Times, Washington Post, CBS News, and other media outlets. There is currently no evidence suggesting the laptop was actually a Russian disinformation operation. The Post added how Brennan is a particularly egregious liar as even the left accused him of lying repeatedly about the CIA's drone program and the Osama bin Laden raid. He also lied to Congress at least twice: Once in denying CIA hacking of Senate computers and later in claiming the bogus Steele dossier wasn't a key part of the Russia Collusion probe. Moreover, Clapper fibbed to Congress in 2013, claiming the government collected no bulk data on Americans. He lied again later in claiming he never leaked info on the Steele dossier (though he eventually 'fessed up). "Their records fit nicely with a president who rarely goes a day without spewing falsehoods and an administration aggressively trying to censor social media posts," the news outlet opined. "Brennan, Clapper, and Kolbe will fit right in at DHS; as for the department's claim they'll help on real issues, like terrorism and fentanyl, don't be surprised if that turns out to be disinfo, too." White House directs MSM to heighten scrutiny of GOP's Biden impeachment plan The said move of including "spies" into a group of experts to recommend intelligence and national security advice suits an administration that directs the mainstream media to attack the GOP movements, including an impeachment inquiry. (Related: Republicans have a brand-new reason to impeach DHS chief Alejandro Mayorkas.) The White House sent a letter to top U.S. news executives last week, urging them to intensify their scrutiny of House Republicans after Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched an impeachment inquiry into Biden. "It's time for the media to ramp up its scrutiny of House Republicans for opening an impeachment inquiry based on lies," Ian Sams, a spokesperson for the White House Counsel's Office, wrote in the letter. The letter, which said an impeachment inquiry with no supporting evidence should "set off alarm bells for news organizations," was sent to executives helming the nation's largest news organizations, including CNN, the New York Times, Fox News, the Associated Press, CBS News, and others, a White House official familiar with the matter said. It was not even a surprise that most of the outlets complied with the directive. BigGovernment.news contains more stories about Biden's collusion with federal agencies to cover up his family's crimes. Sources for this article include: DHS.gov ThePostMillenial.com NYPost.com Editon.CNN.com Fox News leaks Bidens planned ICE ID card to keep track of illegal aliens A top conservative and political commentary news outlet recently obtained new images confirming President Joe Biden's Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) plan of giving photo identification (ID) cards to border crossers and illegal aliens before they are released into the United States. The leaked images of the IDs were first published by Adam Shaw, a politics reporter at Fox News, and showed space for the carrier's photo, a QR code, and information about the carrier, including name and age, which is similar to a driver's license or state-issued ID. Fox News Digital as well as other independent and mainstream news outlets reported last year on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Secure Docket Card program. The agency announced back then that the ID would have a photograph, biographic identifiers, and "cutting-edge" security features. ICE also said then that the program would be considered for further expansion pending the outcome of the pilot. Now, ICE has completed a required pilot notification to Congress. "The ICE secure docket card concept is a pilot program that would modernize documentation provided to some noncitizens," an ICE spokesperson said in a statement Thursday. "While the specifics of the program are under development, it is important to note the secure card will not be an official form of federal identification. The secure card will indicate it is for use by DHS agencies and would be provided only after national security background checks have been performed." (Photo credits: Fox News) At the moment, illegals receive paper documents from the federal government about their immigration status. The agency said that paper docs pose a security risk, are easily lost, and degrade rapidly in real-world use. Meanwhile, the new ID cards could be used by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at airports or to access public benefits and to check in, and schedule reporting meetings with ICE. The agency hopes that it can be used in the field to easily verify an alien's identity and to see if they are deportable. However, conservatives see the measure as support for Biden's agenda for welcoming, rather than removing, immigrants who were able to come into the country illegally. "ICE is a federal law enforcement agency, not the [Department of Motor Vehicles] DMV. When will Congress wake up and put an end to these open-borders, anti-enforcement programs that defy the agency's mission and enable the crisis?" RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) and a visiting adviser at the Heritage Foundation, said to the media outlet this week. "ICE should be arresting, detaining, and removing those who come here illegally, not doling out social services," he said. The sentiment matches with the concern expressed by the House Oversight Committee last year, who said they feared that it is "yet another Biden Administration move encouraging illegal immigration by rewarding illegal immigrants for breaking our laws." They also fear that the card will include QR codes that link to court documents and other information that they say raises security concerns "as well as questions regarding the likelihood that significant taxpayer resources will be diverted from immigration enforcement to uploading documents into and maintaining a secure system." NICE Advisory Board Member John Fabbricatore also said that the ultimate goal of the Biden administration is to limit illegal aliens' face-to-face contact with DHS agents as much as possible. "It's a normalization of illegal immigration," Fabbricatore highlighted. GOPs should not allow the rollout of the IDs Critics think that this move should be stopped. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, urged the House Republicans to act and stop the implementation of the ID cards for illegals. "Congress needs to get a handle on the Biden administration turning ICE into another social services agency for illegal aliens and return it to a law enforcement agency that enforces the laws Congress made, including detaining and deporting Biden's mass illegal alien population," Ries said. According to reports, Biden is releasing more than 60,000 border crossers and illegal aliens, on average, into American communities every month. In total, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) estimated that the president and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have welcomed five million border crossers and illegal aliens to the U.S. since early January 2021. Moreover, this week, Eagle Pass, Texas declared a state of emergency in response to nearly 14,000 asylum seekers flooding the city in less than two weeks. According to Mayor Rolando Salinas, an unprecedented surge of 4,000 illegals crossed the U.S. border on September 20 and a separate 2,500-person mob came into the city illegally on September 18. This is separate from about 7,200 illegal crossers apprehended in the previous week. Furthermore, Rep. Tony Gonzalez, who represents the city in Congress, said that another 3,000 were on track to enter last Thursday, adding that the Border Patrol estimated that by Friday, 10,000 migrants will have illegally entered Eagle Pass. (Related: Migrant TSUNAMI: Eagle Pass declares STATE OF EMERGENCY as nearly 14K border crossers flood the city in less than two weeks many more to come.) Salinas said the illegal aliens, mostly from Venezuela, have overrun the only migrant shelter in the border city, Mission Border Hope. "One of the situations is that a lot of these migrants, they're single males and they dont want to listen to instructions and theyre leaving the facility," the Republican mayor said. "Not all of these people come in peace. We are on pace for this to be the worst of the border crisis yet, and weve seen some doozies." Analysts have blamed the crisis on the Biden administration's policies, including its moves to narrow enforcement priorities for ICE. The administration has said the Congress needs to provide more funding and reform a "broken" immigration system. Follow InvasionUSA.news to read more about the influx of illegal immigrants because of Biden's open border policies. Sources for this article include: FoxNews.com Breitbart.com Kamala Harris as GUN CONTROL CZAR? Prepare for MORE runaway violence from emboldened criminals Conservatives have slammed the appointment of Vice President Kamala Harris as head of the federal office of gun violence prevention Former Republican Florida congressional candidate Lavern Spicer took to social media to express her disappointment. "Biden just started something called the 'Office of Gun Violence Prevention' and he put Kamala Harris in charge! Hate to tell y'all but if Kamala handles GUNS like she handled the border, we ALL gonna be in body bags with toe tags on," Spicer wrote on X. President Joe Biden recently launched the first-ever federal office dedicated to uncovering solutions and supporting communities ravaged by shootings. One of the office's goals is to ensure that the bipartisan gun safety law passed last year is fully implemented nationwide along with Biden's executive actions to stop gun violence. According to Biden, the vice president's experience as a former prosecutor makes her perfect for the job. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there were 479 mass shootings in 2023 thus far, 12,828 gun deaths, 25,467 gun injuries and 1,098 unintentional shootings in the U.S. as of September 1. (Related: Study proves there is NO CORRELATION between gun control laws and mass shootings.) Harris expressed the administration's commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of gun violence. "Our promise to the American people is this: we will not stop working to end the epidemic of gun violence in every community because we do not have a moment, nor a life, to spare," Harris said. This federal office will operate in coordination with the Biden White House, the Community Justice Action Fund, and Everytown for Gun Safety, aiming to facilitate a unified approach to gun control matters within the federal government. VP's leadership, or lack thereof, has been exposed before Harris' leadership on several crucial policy fronts, including gun control, artificial intelligence and the migrant crisis, has been met with challenges and yielded limited tangible results. For instance, during a roundtable discussion in July, her attempt to explain artificial intelligence to a group of labor and civil rights leaders resulted in a convoluted explanation and raised eyebrows. "I think the first part of this issue that should be articulated is AI is kind of a fancy thing. First of all, its two letters. It means artificial intelligence, but ultimately what it is, is it's about machine learning," she said, struggling to piece together a sensible explanation. "And so, the machine is taught and part of the issue here is what information is going into the machine that will then determine and we can predict then, if we think about what information is going in, what then will be produced in terms of decisions and opinions that may be made through that process." On the issue of the migrant crisis, instead of implementing conservative-recommended policies like former President Donald Trump's "Remain-in-Mexico" policy or border wall construction, Harris pursued investment in Central America. This approach has received criticism from groups like the National Border Patrol Council. Even some left-leaning outlets, such as CNN, have noted that border crossings remain historically high despite the $4.2 billion private sector investment in Central America. Furthermore, Biden entrusted Harris with leading the Democrats' ambitious legislative efforts to safeguard voting rights. However, her role in this endeavor faced significant challenges, with some labeling it a "doomed effort" due to the Senate's 60-vote threshold. Ultimately, Democrats were unable to pass their flagship voting rights bill, H.R. 1, also known as the For the People Act. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced the conservatives' frustrations and gave Harris unsolicited advice. "Since you failed miserably as the 'Border Czar' then for your gun safety program set a strong example and stop using Secret Service protection," she said. "If the American people don't need guns, then you don't need good guys protecting you with guns like the 'assault weapons' you hate." Read more stories about the country's vice president at KamalaWatch.com. Watch Kamala Harris announce the creation of the first gun violence prevention office. This video is from the Puretrauma357 on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Kamala Harris is lying. She and others are coming after your guns. VP Kamala Harris says she is ready to be president HELL NO. AP-NORC POLL: Bidens approval rating plummets due to his gun control, illegal immigration and economic policies as reelection bid starts. Sources include: Breitbart.com Newsweek.com Brighteon.com Nike drops plan to reopen Portland community store, confirms its closure is PERMANENT Sportswear company Nike has confirmed that its community store in Portland, which closed temporarily due to retail theft, is now shuttered for good A statement from Nike earlier in September stated that its Nike Unite Factory Store in northeastern Portland will no longer reopen. It was originally slated to reopen on May 1 following an "indefinite hiatus" last year, prompted by a rise in shoplifting. Prior to its permanent closure, the store first opened in 1984 and transferred to its current location in 2000. The sportswear giant closed the factory store, the first one in its history, in October 2022. While the company's website said the Nike Unite outlet would be "closed for the next seven days," this quickly turned to weeks and then months. There were indications that Nike was working behind the scenes to reopen the store but that didn't materialize. "Nike's commitment to supporting and uplifting Portland's north and northeast community is unwavering," the company statement said. "We are reimagining Nikes retail space, permanently closing our current location at 2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and considering future locations as part of this communitys long-term revitalization plan. True to our roots, we will seek the input of local community organizations and leaders to determine the best new location." "It's very disappointing. I wish we could have had a different outcome," said Ron Herndon, a local community leader. He recounted a Nike representative calling him to relay the factory store's permanent closure. The store holds special meaning for Herndon, as he was instrumental in its establishment. He and the Black United Front approached Nike almost 40 years ago. They urged the company to build its first-ever factory store along the stretch of Union Avenue before it was renamed. Even outgoing Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler lamented the Nike factory store's closure, saying he was "very disappointed" with the decision. He said his team and city staff "worked tirelessly and in good faith with Nike for almost a year to offer creative solutions to their safety challenges." "Defund the police movement" plays role in closure of Nike's Portland community store Nike's decision to close the community store is another huge blow to Rose City. Many retailers such as REI, Salt & Straw and Banana Republic have left Portland due to unchecked retail theft and public safety concerns caused by drug addicts. The city also lost its only two Walmart stores this year. (Related: CITY IN COLLAPSE: Every Walmart in Portland is closing as anti-cop city leaders allow rampant crime to annihilate retailers.) In January, the company wrote to Wheeler regarding the factory store's October 2022 closure. It cited "deteriorating public safety conditions and rapid escalation in retail theft." Nike even offered to directly pay for dedicated police support to reopen the store. It planned to either contract off-duty uniformed members of the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) to guard the store or sign an agreement with the city to fund additional full-time officers. Unfortunately, Portland officials were unable to spare enough staff members from the already-strained PPB. Talks between the company, the PPB and the mayor's office fell through and Nike went ahead with the permanent closure. "Ultimately, the city cannot offer Nike, or any other private business, with dedicated off-duty PPB officers due to PPBs staffing shortage, Wheeler admitted. The Daily Mail also pointed out that the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in the city during the summer of 2020 exacerbated Rose City's collapse. The riots, which were triggered by the death of George Floyd, "also sparked a surge in crimes like looting, arson and vandalism." "The persistent theft that followed created serious problems for the Nike community store," the news outlet said. "Nike employees admitted that they were prohibited from physically stopping shoplifters in the act. Confident thieves had no worries as they exited the shop fearlessly with armloads of shoes and clothes." Given that Portland was ground zero of the BLM riots, it was also the first to fall foul of the "defund the police movement." The PPB saw $15 million slashed from its budget, limiting its ability to address crime in the city. Visit Collapse.news for more stories about Nike and other businesses closing down stores in Portland. Watch this video that tackles the permanent closure of Nike's factory store in Portland. This video is from the mcr channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Crime and homelessness in Portland have cost Oregon over a billion dollars as residents flee. Nike CLOSES flagship Portland store due to rampant THEFT. REI to close sole retail store in Portland due to rampant theft. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk KGW.com Brighteon.com Organized retail crime, not just shoplifting, is surging across the U.S. with dangerous and costly consequences Theft is an ever-present issue for retailers. Across the U.S., retail stores are fighting a war against large, highly organized and violent gangs, whose attacks have become more visible, brazen and escalating in severity in recent months. In the process, they're endangering people's lives and sapping corporate profits. Store employees no longer feel safe, and understaffing makes theft easier the stores are losing the war. The scope, complexity and violence associated with organized retail crime (ORC) have increased precipitously and people are noticing. The 2022 National Retail Security Survey (NRSS) reported that the majority of consumers (53 percent) believe retail crimes, including shoplifting, have increased in their communities since the pandemic. The survey also found that retailers lost an estimated $94.5 billion nationwide in 2021 alone and 70 percent of retailers believe organized retail crime has become a more prevalent threat over the last five years. (Related: BAD APPLE: NYC shoplifting reports hit record levels for second straight year.) The retail industry's top priority is the health and safety of all retail employees and customers. Unfortunately, organized retail crime threatens the safety of both. Designer Marc Jacobs was even quoted saying, "Property can be replaced, human lives cannot." Organized retail crime is not just simple shoplifting ORC is the large-scale theft of retail merchandise with the intent to resell the items for financial gain. The gangs employ threats and acts of violence sometimes including the use of weapons to aid these thefts. The stolen products are then sold through different avenues (online, flea markets, etc.) to fund other illegal enterprises, such as the sale of guns and drugs and human trafficking. These crimes have endangered retail employees, security experts said. The New York Post reported on Gary Rasor, an 83-year-old worker at a Home Depot store in North Carolina, who died in early December "due to complications from the injuries he received" after a theft suspect shoved him to the ground in October. A Los Angeles Rite Aid employee in his 20s was killed while attempting to stop a shoplifter and another suspect from leaving the store last year one of them opened fire, the LAPD told Fox News. Retired police officer, Kevin Nishita, an armed security guard for Star Protection Agency, was fatally shot in Oakland, California during an attempted armed robbery on a KRON-TV news crew that was covering smash-and-grab theft, authorities said. At a Nordstrom in Southern California, thieves were caught on video assaulting workers with bear spray a chemical irritant similar to pepper spray but more potent. The incident was part of a spree of smash-and-grab and flash mob thefts that police said resulted in about $300,000 in losses for about 10 retailers. Who else is victimized by organized retail crime? Innocent shoppers can be injured by organized retail crimes, too. A West Virginia woman was awarded $16.9 million in damages after she was injured in 2015 when a man being pursued for shoplifting at the retailer stumbled into her. When the shoplifter took off running, he ran into Diane Ankrom's shopping cart, knocked her over to the floor and knocked the cart on top of her while her granddaughter got thrown out of the cart. The incident caused 52-year-old Ankrom to sustain traumatic injuries to her intestines, which required multiple surgeries during more than 20 hospital admissions, according to her lawyer Jamie Bordas. Ankrom is now living with an ileostomy for waste removal and requires a special feeding procedure daily in order to get enough nutrients. Aside from physical injuries, many consumers also experience a financial sting as retailers offset their losses by increasing the prices of goods. According to a Homeland Security Investigation Report, the estimated added cost to consumers from ORC is $500 per family annually. Many companies have re-evaluated and reinforced their security systems by investing in more sophisticated surveillance equipment, locks and hidden sensors attached to merchandise. In addition, the convenience factor for shoppers declines as well, as inventory and accessibility to products are diminished as stores either lock up their goods or have their inventory wiped clean.? As more stores are hit with increasing losses, retailers are being forced to close stores. The result is less access to goods for communities, which can lead to less competition and even higher prices. Also, with each store that shuts its doors, employment opportunities diminish in the neighborhood.? ORC is a strain on local law enforcement agencies that need to keep up with the sheer number of crime and ORC cases. However, law enforcement at the state and national levels is being challenged, too. According to security experts, the profits received by ORC run much deeper and are potentially funding terrorist organizations or drug cartels across state lines or even internationally. At the end of the day, Brian Hale, a former senior-level official at the Department of Homeland Security, says that organized retail crime is not a victimless crime and can't be seen as just a story of small and large companies that will end up making less money. "It's not just a retailer issue or law enforcement issue or a consumer issue. It's going to take a holistic approach of multiple channels working together and sharing information to combat this. This affects everyone." Other forms of organized retail crime These highly public crimes are not the only form ORC takes. Cargo theft, e-commerce and digital fraud also contribute to ORC. The following scenarios are the various methods, tactics and strategies that threaten the retail ecosystem shared with the National Retail Federation (NRF) by various retailers: One retailer reported 70 subjects tied to 168 boosting incidents across 107 locations that resulted in over $449,583 in losses across the company. Another, speaking about a string of fraudulent returns, lost $13,000 after 230 units were stolen and fraudulently "returned" in less than five weeks. A third shared details pertaining to a group that used compromised accounts to purchase and pick up merchandise across the country. Chargebacks to the retailer amounted to $430,000. As the leading voice for the retail industry, NRF has long advocated for policy solutions to stifle the threat of retail crime in large and small stores across the country. The first legislative success came with the passage of the INFORM Consumers Act, a measure that will make it harder to resell stolen products on online marketplaces. The next step is the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 (CORCA), now pending in the House and Senate, which will help put the ringleaders behind ORC gangs in jail. By creating an interagency Organized Retail Crime Center, this legislation would enable retailers nationwide to share data across federal, state and local agencies, and make it easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these sophisticated crimes. Visit Collapse.news for more news about business closures caused by rising retail crime. Watch the following video about American poverty spreading fast as DOLLAR stores see record shoplifting. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Big-box stores closing down due to rising RETAIL THEFT. Walgreens shutters 5 more San Francisco branches due to "ongoing organized retail crime." San Francisco retail stores cease operations thanks to new law that decriminalizes shoplifting. Sources include: NRF.com 1 NRF.com 2 NYPost.com 1 NYPost.com 2 LATimes.com NBCNews.com WVMetroNews.com FTC.gov ICSC.com Brighteon.com Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (4th L, front) welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) Thailand has recently announced its decision to allow visa-free entry for Chinese tourists from Sept. 25 until the end of February 2024, in alignment with the PM's commitment to enhancing Thailand's economy through tourism. BANGKOK, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. "This marks a promising first day for Thailand as we welcome Chinese tourists under the new visa-free entry policy," Srettha said at the airport's welcoming ceremony. The Southeast Asian country recently announced its decision to allow visa-free entry for Chinese tourists from Sept. 25 until the end of February 2024, in alignment with the PM's commitment to enhancing Thailand's economy through tourism. "We are confident that this scheme will significantly boost the economy," he said. According to the latest data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), from Jan. 1 to Sept. 17 this year, Thailand recorded over 2.34 million Chinese tourists, approximately 37 percent of the same period in 2019. With the help of the scheme, authorities hope to double the current number, anticipating between 4.01 to 4.4 million Chinese visitors for the entire year. Staff members prepare to welcome Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) "Knowing that Thailand has lifted visa requirements for Chinese visitors, my mother and I made a quick decision to visit Thailand for a few days," 25-year-old Tian Yumeng told Xinhua. "Our entry went smoothly, and the warm welcome we received, both on the plane and upon landing, has been delightful. I am eagerly anticipating our time here," said Tian. Srettha noted that ensuring tourist safety is their top priority, right from the moment visitors set foot in the country until they depart with a memorable experience. To achieve this, several staff from the tourism police department are present at the airport, using Mandarin to introduce and assist tourists in downloading an app, all as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance safety and ensure a seamless travel experience in Thailand. The stimulus visa scheme, effective just ahead of China's Golden Week in early October, has prompted airlines to gear up for expanding China-Thailand routes, increasing flight frequencies, and introducing new connections between favored Thai destinations and second-tier Chinese cities, according to TAT. On the same day, flights from China's Kunming, Changsha, and Nanning and landing in the capital and other popular tourist cities, such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, are also greeted with Thai-style welcome ceremonies. Editor: WJH Pizza Hut Australia HACKED! Data security breach exposes customers personal information Pizza Hut's Australian operations have been subjected to a cybersecurity data breach earlier this month, compromising the personal information of nearly 200,000 of its customers. In an email to customers last week, Pizza Hut Australia CEO Phil Reed said the company became aware in early September that there had been "unauthorized third party access" to some of the company's data. "We have confirmed that the data impacted relates to customer record details and online order transactions held on our Pizza Hut Australia customer database. We secured our systems, engaged forensic and cybersecurity specialists and initiated an ongoing investigation to help us understand what occurred and identify the data that was impacted," he said. Information "exposed" in the incident included the establishment's customers' names, contact numbers, email addresses, delivery addresses and instructions with encrypted credit card numbers and encrypted passwords of Pizza Hut Australia registered users. "The credit card details we hold cannot be used to make fraudulent payments and all credit card payments are processed securely by an approved payment platform," the email continued. Pizza Hut said there was "no evidence" that customers' personal information had been misused and noted that data it held "cannot, by itself, be used to commit identity theft or fraud." Reed said the company's daily operations had not been affected by the hack. Customers were provided with the steps they can take to protect their information and avoid potential scams. The data security breach has also been reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which notified the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). "Our investigation will continue, and we will update our customers if any additional relevant information becomes available." Pizza Hut, which has 260 stores around Australia, is the latest company to be targeted by hackers. Bookstore Dymocks has also confirmed that 1.24 million customer records were stolen during a recent data breach. Tips to protect your privacy and personal information The following are tips that can help you protect your privacy and personal information. Use multi-factor authentication. Turn on multi-factor or two-factor authentication for as many of your online accounts as possible. This method uses a secondary piece of information to prove it is really you trying to log in often a code generated by an app or sent via SMS (Short Message/Messaging Service), alongside a password. Get a password manager. LastPass or KeePass are two of the most recommended password managers out there that create strong passwords for you and store them securely. Learn how to spot a phishing attack. There's no foolproof way to identify every type of phishing effort or scam scammers are constantly upping their game but being aware can help reduce its effectiveness. Be cautious and think before you click any links. Download files only from people and sources you know and trust. Update everything. Note that every piece of technology you use is open to cyber attacks. It is crucial that you download the latest versions of the apps and software you are using on your phones, laptops, computers and other devices. You can set your downloads and system updates automatically or you can customize its settings. Encrypt everything. Using encrypted services means that what you're sending is better protected against surveillance and won't be accessible if your device gets lost or stolen. For your emails, encrypted provider ProtonMail can protect your messages. There's also the option to use burner email accounts for mailing lists and purchases when you don't want to hand over your personal data. Signal and WhatsApp are two end-to-end encrypted messaging services where your messages, including photos and videos, plus voice and video calls are encrypted by default within both apps. Wipe for digital footprint. Reducing the amount of information that's available about your online life can help cut your risk of being hacked. A very simple step is to regularly delete your Google search history, but you can also use privacy-first Google alternatives. Beyond this, there's a lot more you can do to reduce your digital footprint. Find the old accounts you no longer use and delete them. It'll reduce the amount of spam you get and reduce the number of ways hackers can target you. Use HaveIBeenPwned.com to find your information in old data breaches. Use a VPN to boost browsing privacy and download Tor if you really want to boost your online anonymity. Visit NationalSecurity.news for more stories like this. Watch the following video to learn about the Top 5 cybersecurity breaches of all time. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Cyber security threats: 10 Tips for safe internet browsing. Online safety: How to avoid common internet scams. Digital prepping: How to protect yourself against cyber attacks. Digital prepping: How to keep your personal data safe. Sources include: TheGuardian.com Wired.com 1 LastPass.com KeePass.com Wired.com 2 Wired.co.uk 1 Wired.co.uk 2 Wired.co.uk 3 Wired.co.uk 4 Wired.co.uk 5 HaveIBeenPwned.com EnCyberNews.com TorProject.org Brighteon.com Sen. Rand Paul to hold up any stopgap government budget bill that includes funding for Ukraine Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has vowed to prevent the Senate from passing any stopgap government spending bill if it includes funding for additional weapons for Ukraine Paul's opposition to additional foreign aid to Ukraine comes as Congressional leaders are working to reach an agreement to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded past the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. (Related: CNN poll: MAJORITY of Americans do not want taxpayer dollars to fund Ukraine's war effort.) "Today I'm putting congressional leadership and [President Joe Biden] on notice that I will oppose any effort to hold the federal government hostage for Ukraine funding," wrote Paul on Twitter. "I will not consent to expedited passage of any spending measure that provides any more U.S. aid to Ukraine." Biden has requested that the spending bill include a provision giving Ukraine an additional $24 billion for security and humanitarian aid. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has even criticized the Republican-controlled House of Representatives for reaching a deal on a continuing resolution that didn't include funding for Ukraine. Paul says additional government spending on Ukraine would only prolong the conflict In an opinion piece written for The American Conservative and in a speech on the Senate floor, the Kentucky junior senator reiterated his desire to not provide additional taxpayer dollars to continue the conflict in Ukraine. In his op-ed, he noted that the United States has already provided over $113 billion in aid to Ukraine, averaging around "$6.8 billion per month or $223 million per day." He noted that providing additional taxpayer-funded aid to Ukraine would be sending hard-earned American dollars to "another endless quagmire." He further called attempts to include Ukraine aid in the continuing resolution a "clear dereliction of duty." The opinion piece also derided both Democrat and Republican Senate leaders for "trying to hold the federal government hostage" by demanding the insertion of Biden's demand for $24 billion in additional taxpayer funding for Ukraine aid. "Either we fund an endless war in Ukraine or the uniparty will shut down the federal government and make the American people suffer," he wrote. "This is a clear dereliction of duty, and I will not stand for it." On the Senate floor, Paul pointed out how the U.S. deficit is expected to exceed $1.5 trillion, and to provide more funding for Ukraine the government would have to borrow even more money, possibly from adversarial nations like China. "It's as if no one has noticed that we have no extra money to send to Ukraine," he said. "There's a lot of things that we need to fix in our country before we borrow money to try to perpetuate a war in another country." "When will the aid requests, and when will the war end? Can someone explain what victory in Ukraine looks like? President Biden certainly can't. His administration has failed to articulate a clear strategy or objective in this war, and Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive has failed to make meaningful gains in the east," Paul added. Learn more about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine at UkraineWitness.com. Watch this clip from Fox Business with Sen. Rand Paul explaining why he will stop any spending bill that also provides additional funding for Ukraine. This video is from the Galactic Storm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Public NUMBS as government DEBT BOMB explodes to $33T, annual budget DEFICIT approaches $2T. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan wants government budget deal to include ban on federal funding of censorship activities. FALSE FLAG ATTEMPT? Missile that struck and killed 15 in busy Ukrainian marketplace was actually launched by Ukrainian troops. U.S. is spending MORE MONEY to bankroll Ukraine than it is to assist disaster-stricken Maui. Western defense industry expected to make over $400 BILLION IN SALES by end of the year amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheHill.com WashingtonExaminer.com Brighteon.com Rite Aid to close up to 500 stores in BANKRUPTCY proposal As much as 25 percent of pharmacy chain Rite Aid's retail footprint could disappear in the coming days as one of the top 10 largest pharmacies in the United States negotiates with creditors over a chapter 11 bankruptcy plan thatsays "would substantially shrink [Rite Aid's] operational footprint." If all goes as requested by the company, Rite Aid will shutter between 400 and 500 of its U.S. locations. The company will also either sell or let creditors take over its remaining operations, though no final decision has yet been made. The Philadelphia-based pharmacy chain currently faces more than $3.3 billion in debt and more than 1,000 federal lawsuits claiming it oversupplied the country with deadly opioid pharmaceuticals. Rite Aid currently operates more than 2,330 stores in 17 states, which though it may sound like a lot, is substantially less than the footprints of rivals CVS Health and Walgreens. (Related: Competitor Walgreens is facing serious challenges in its San Francisco market where rampant theft is souring the company's financials.) Opioid lawsuits could kill America's corporate drug dealing sector, i.e., Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS According to reports, the top seven companies currently operating pharmacies in the U.S. include, going from largest to smallest: CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Cigna, UnitedHealth Group, Walmart, Kroger and Rite Aid. Together, all seven of these corporations captured 70 percent of U.S. prescription drug dispensing revenues in 2022. People familiar with the matter say that a group of bondholders would prefer to liquidate a larger number of stores, including those stuck in "uneconomical long-term leases that the company can't get out of, making bankruptcy an effective tool to shed them." Rite Aid is also considering holding an auction to sell its Elixir pharmacy unit along with other valuable parts of its business. In Rite Aid's case, most of the federal opioid lawsuits against the company have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation in Ohio. There are similar pending cases the company faces in other states, as well as a civil lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ case accuses Rite Aid of dispensing controlled substances in direct violation of the False Claims Act and the Controlled Substances Act. The company has asked a court to dismiss this suit, denying all allegations that it filled unlawful opioid prescriptions. In a potential bankruptcy scenario, the opioid litigation claims are expected to be treated as unsecured, meaning they would only receive a payout in the event that there is any money left over after secured creditors get paid. Because of their own opioid litigation, which was too costly to cover, Purdue Pharma, Endo International and Mallinckrodt have all filed for bankruptcy protection in recent years. If Rite Aid successfully seeks chapter 11, it will be the first pharmacy chain to do so because of opioid-related lawsuits. "Doctors get a free pass because they do the bidding of Big Pharma," one commenter wrote about why only pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy chains are facing opioid-related lawsuits. "There was a physician who recently spoke publicly that doctors who encouraged Covid-19 vaccines to patients received Big Pharma bonuses based upon quota. Some doctors received a $60,000 bonus prescribing this toxic vaccine to patients." Another wrote that the drug industry should collapse because drugs "are not designed to help anybody." "They are designed to make Big Pharma richer and to keep people enslaved and always at the edge of death and misery. I will never use any drugs or take anything the government tells us to ... EVER." It won't be long now until the economic climate changes suddenly, followed by a total collapse of the U.S. economy. Learn more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: 100percentfedup.com NaturalNews.com WSJ.com Is the U.S. military being turned woke, and the borders opened wide, to collapse the nation and let the cartels take over? WATCH as Jeffrey Prather explains Former Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) special agent Jeffrey Prather appeared on an episode of "The Health Ranger Report" recently to discuss a range of pertinent topics, one of them being the wide-open southern border and what this means for the future of America. After revealing the extent to which Russia is currently winning the war in Ukraine, as well as unpacking how the global deep state has pretty much decimated the United States military, which used to be a force to be reckoned with, Prather spoke about the cartel invasion taking place at entry points in Texas, Arizona, and California. Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, asked Prather what he thinks about rumors that the U.S. military might end up waging war on the Mexican drug cartels. Prather's response, in essence, is that the U.S. military is no longer a viable force to stop the drug cartels from taking over (this segment begins around the 16:05 mark in the video below). "Our military has been infiltrated by espionage, and it has been sabotaged and interdicted as well," Prather explained. "We can't even have Border Patrol do their job. Under Trump there were, allegedly, special operations and special forces units operating in Mexico." "But to simply think that you can somehow put tanks and armed troops on the border at this point the cartels are in all the major cities. The cartels are really running the Border Patrol at this point. Waging war in Mexico is way beyond our capabilities at this point." (Related: Americans are becoming so fat and degenerate that the "woke" U.S. military is having trouble recruiting anyone who actually wants to join its ranks anymore.) The low-level drug cartels have become "corporate" cartels, i.e., pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Moderna that peddle the most dangerous drugs on Americans There was a time, Prather revealed, when the U.S. military and law enforcement had some degree of force in Mexico and all throughout Central and South America where the drug rings operate. But after all those people were sent to either Afghanistan or Iraq to fight new wars, that presence disappeared. As a result, the low-level cartels are now freely working with what Prather calls the "corporate" cartels, i.e., pharmaceutical drug companies like Moderna and Pfizer that now control the U.S. government right in plain sight and most Americans seemingly could not care less. "If Mexico is largely a narco state, then the United States is a pharma state," stated the Health Ranger during the interview, illustrating this point in simple terms. These same corporate drug cartels also now have a presence in communist China and are continuing to make their way eastward to end the emerging markets that are slated to overtake the Western markets, which are in decline and soon to reach freefall collapse. Running all these corporate cartels and the deadly bioweapons they are manufacturing in order to also manufacture and sell the "cure" is none other than the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other three-letter intelligence agencies, which are working along with the infiltrated and compromised U.S. military to keep the racket going. "It is the international intelligence community that is the praetorian guard of the world today," Prather explained. The ultimate, long-term strategic goal behind the intelligence community's weakening of the U.S. at the same time that it enters China and other eastern markets seems to be to erase all national borders for the purpose of creating regional markets for their drugs. "Moderna is DoD, which is CIA, which is DARPA, BARDA, and IARPA," Prather further stated. America is on the fast road to destruction. Learn more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: Brighteon.com NaturalNews.com What everybodys missing regarding Maricopa County election fraud: Its all about the TYPE of paper they used Arizona was the focal point of electoral cheating scandals during both the 2020 and 2022 elections, with Maricopa County at the center of the storm. While many theories swirl about what actually transpired in Arizona during the 2020 election, one important thing has been overlooked and it could be the key in unraveling the mystery its all about the choice of paper that was used for printing the ballots. Pollster Rasmussen has just shared some possible game-changing election fraud findings out of Arizona, and the one point, among many, that really caught our eye was something that was singled out in Maricopa County involving the ballots but not in the way you may think. It looks like one of the biggest moves Dem may have made to secure AZ was with paper. It turns out that in AZ, there was only one type of paper that was approved for ballots. However, for some mysterious reason there were 10 different types of paper used. What does that tell you? Well, for most critical thinkers, that would mean there were a whole helluva lot of fake ballots out there, to the tune of about 200K. Thats less than what Biden won the state by. (Article republished from Revolver.news) Things that make you go hmm, right? ICYMI: Only 1 official ballot paper type was approved in Maricopa County AZ for all 2020 election counted ballots, yet 10 types were discovered by voter-volunteers amounting to over 200,000 non-conforming ballots that were all counted in a race Joe Biden won by far far less. https://t.co/EnpgKbSrTB Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) September 22, 2023 But theres more to the story. Rasmussen unveiled additional issues in a series of impactful posts on X: Welcome Back Election Deniers! The only place in America voters ever got to examine all of their own 2020 ballots after certification was Maricopa County AZ. The AZ Senate AUTHORIZED & SUPERVISED this OFFICIAL audit by voter-volunteers. They found a lot of problems 1/6 I would watch the ballots go by, and there were odd patterns. 7 of those ballots were for Biden, 1 for Trump, 7 for Biden, 1 for Trump, 7 for Biden, 1 for Trump. That clearly doesnt .. thats not statistically possible. (Fake ballots were found) https://uncoverdc.com/2022/06/29/predetermined-algorithms-source-of-widespread-election-fraud-in-arizona/ 2/6 There were a lot of things we noticed that were not organic. The bubbles being filled in absolutely perfect. It was obviously not done by a human hand as though they were printed. A human being did not do that. (To do this requires proprietary AZ ballot software access.) The volunteers stop and look at a ballot. The paper was very very thin. The paper was really thin because when they moved it (gestures as if waving a fan) it was really thin. (Only 1 official ballot paper type was approved, 10 types were discovered by voter-volunteers.) All counted ballots in Maricopa County are printed on 80lb VoteSecure ballot paper. Except they werent. 10 different types/weights of paper were found by the volunteers who examined the 2.1M ballots. 5/6 The American Faces Behind The Audit Video And Good News: All 2.1M Maricopa County AZ ballots have been digitized into high rez front & back images the kind that can be sorted quickly by a computer for specific issues like counterfeiting. Only one step remains a NEW Arizona AG who will do it unlike this guy: ICYMI: The AZ voter-volunteers turned out in force to hear the findings of the forensic ballot evidence they recorded. Every American voter owes them a debt of gratitude. Here is a shot of the room and then a shot when asked to stand if they worked the audit or the canvas. Welcome Back Election Deniers! The only place in America voters ever got to examine all of their own 2020 ballots after certification was Maricopa County AZ. The AZ Senate AUTHORIZED & SUPERVISED this OFFICIAL audit by voter-volunteers. They found - a lot of problems ... 1/6 pic.twitter.com/Kkzw7M0qM7 Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) September 4, 2022 According to the regime-run media, these are all baseless claims. Its interesting that reports, witnesses, whistleblowers, and the like only seem to matter only when Dems lob accusations. The genuinely disheartening truth is that mainstream independent investigative journalism is dead. This is a big reason why this level of corruption continues without unchallenged and unchecked. Read more at: Revolver.news Before 2023 is complete, a major world-changing event will occur, remote viewers warn will it be the RAPTURE? A psychic phenomenon known as remote viewing is predicting that a major world-changing event will occur before the end of 2023. Remote viewing groups like the Future Forecasting Group, which uses a double-blind protocol to scientifically validate its predictions about the future, say that very calamitous things are on the way and that a shift into a new age looks to be on the horizon before 2024 arrives. The Future Forecasting Group, by the way, successfully predicted the Panama Canal bottleneck being blamed on regional drought conditions. It also predicted the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine; the Halloween stampede in South Korea; police violence at the Canadian trucker protests; and various other noteworthy events. Concerning the next financial crisis, the Future Forecasting Group has been assigned using its double-blind protocol to come up with a future prediction. All of its members ended up becoming distracted by "overpowering images of a catastrophic event" occurring in the very near future. "They all saw the same thing," writes Greg Reese on his Substack. "Massive explosions with multiple points of impact, small particles, and debris falling from the sky, people sick with Cesium, which is the most dangerous of all radioactive isotopes. Used in Dirty Bomb scenarios. They saw police checkpoints, people seeking shelter underground, and an exodus of sad-looking people." (Related: Be sure to check out the video below from Brighteon.com in which former Homeland Security tactical team leader Doug Thornton tells the Health Ranger about America's approaching civil war.) What do you think the major event of 2023 will be? Remote viewing has been used throughout time to speculate about future events, many of which did come true. The technique has been used to populate predictive linguistics programs that look for repeated words and phrases in all languages to create a macroscopic view of what is on people's minds and in their consciousness. Call it a psychic ability, a premonition, or prophetic awareness, but the fact remains that some people can sense the occurrence of major events before they take place. And some are event able to determine what these major events will look like before they even occur. "The bigger the trauma, the more people would be emoting their anxiety online," Reese explains. "And key words can be found." This tension language, as he calls it, is what constitutes the psychic awareness of an event occurring before it actually occurs. And remote viewers everywhere are seeing a major calamitous change occurring before the end of the year what do you think it will be? "I don't think we need remote viewers to see the immediate future," wrote one commenter on Reese's blog, explaining that she only has trust "in our Creator and Jesus Christ." "It is very obvious what these demons are planning." "This event may be the escape rapture, for I was given a vision about the rapture over 40 years ago," wrote another. "I saw multiple fireballs from a landing area up in space overlooking the earth below. It ended with one large comet hitting the ocean." "Very similar to Tom Horn's book 'Wormwood,' Revelation 12 may happen at any time," this person added. "The marriage supper of the Lamb starts up and satan gets kicked out of the second heaven and comes to earth to take over the body of the antichrist and rule for 3.5 or 7 years." "The Holy Spirit is taken from the earth at the same time that Planet X's debris trail hits the earth. We will all know about it the day after, but that day it will be too late. Most will miss the boat, if you even survive the fireballs and kill shot." The latest news about the end of the world as we know it do you feel fine? can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: GregReese.substack.com Brighteon.com Sen. Bob Menendez vows not to resign after indictment over alleged bribes Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey) and his wife were indicted and charged with corruption for allegedly accepting a range of bribes, from gold and cash to a Mercedes and mortgage payments, in exchange for political influence. His wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, was also charged, along with three New Jersey businessmen; Wael Hana, Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams laid out the case against Menendez, stating: The senator and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Sen. Menendez using his power and influence to protect and to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt. Both Menendez and his wife have been charged with conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, conspiracy to commit bribery, and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. In addition, Sen. Menendez is facing charges of attempting to influence an attorney generals investigation of one of his co-defendants relatives and attempting to influence the federal prosecution of a different co-defendant via the appointment of a U.S. attorney. According to the indictment, investigators found $480,000 worth of cash hidden in clothes and envelopes in a safe deposit box owned by Nadine Menendez. Some of the envelopes containing cash had the fingerprints and DNA of Daibes and his driver on them. In addition, they found $100,000 worth of gold bars, which the couple received from two of the businessmen. Nadine reportedly tried to sell two of the gold bars to a jeweler, claiming they came from her mother. However, their serial numbers show that they were owned previously by Daibes. In addition, prosecutors claim Menendez used his role on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to help benefit Egypt, supplying confidential information to the country and pressuring a senior official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to protect a business monopoly that Hana helped extend to Egypt. He reportedly shared information that was considered highly sensitive about staffers with the American embassy in Cairo and exercised substantial influence over military funding to Egypt. Egypt is currently among the top recipients of American foreign aid, racking up grants exceeding $1 billion a year in military sales and financing between 2018 and 2022. Menendez reportedly met with an official with the Egyptian military to discuss military aid in a meeting arranged by his wife. Shortly thereafter, Hana informed the official via text that the ban on small arms and ammunition to Egypt has been lifted. Menendez refuses to resign and insists he will be exonerated In a press conference earlier today, Menendez insisted he will be exonerated and resisted calls to resign from the Senate, and he stood behind his political record when it comes to Egypt. He has already stepped down from this position as Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair, but he likely only did so because Democratic Conference rules specify that chairs must resign if they are charged with a felony although they can later be reinstated should their charges be cleared or reduced. He also tried to insinuate he was being targeted on account of his ethnicity in his statement vowing not to resign, condemning how quickly some are rushing to judge a Latino and push him out of his seat. Menendez claimed the cash found in the raid was money he withdrew from his own personal savings, saying he withdrew it for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba. He has hired attorney Abbe Lowell, who is also representing Hunter Biden as he faces federal firearm and tax charges. This is not the first time Menendez has been accused of corruption; he also faced a federal corruption indictment in 2015, but the case ended in a mistrial. In another incident, the Senate Ethics Committee found that he broke federal law for accepting unreported gifts from a political ally and friend in 2018. Sources for this article include: MSN.com ZeroHedge.com FoxNews.com Catholic Diocese of Cleveland bans radical LGBT ideologies in 97 elementary schools and 10 high schools across 8 counties The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland formally banned 97 elementary schools and 10 high schools with approximately 42,000 students in eight counties from participating in "radical LGBT ideology." This new policy also covers their employees, personnel, volunteers and youth. The "Parish and School Policy on Issues of Sexuality and Gender Identity" was signed on Aug. 30 and took effect on Sept. 1. The diocese has started notifying parents about "gender confusion," prohibiting the use of "preferred pronouns," using bathrooms and facilities and wearing clothes based on their biological sex, restricting the celebration of sexual orientations contrary to Catholic Church teachings, prohibiting attempted social, chemical and surgical gender transition and banning altering school records based on their preferred sex. According to the diocese, the policy, signed by Chancellor Vincent Gardiner and Bishop Edward Malesic, was intended to clarify its stance on LGBT ideology within the school system. The diocese explained: "The Church, through divine revelation, has been given the gift of knowing that the human person is a unity of both body and soul and that, body and soul, each person is created in God's image." "Our bodies, created male and female, are part of God's intentional design in creation and are, therefore, imbued with meaning and purpose. As stewards of these gifts, we are called to accept, love and care for our bodies as they were created. Catholic institutions, therefore, are called to act and speak in ways that are consistent with and affirming of this divinely revealed truth." However, the diocese still sympathizes with those dealing with gender confusion by allowing some exceptions like using single-stall bathrooms and nicknames for their gender, as long as it doesn't hide their biological sex. Additionally, they can attend parish services and dance classes alone or with same-sex friends. But the diocese also confirmed that people who openly disagree with its teachings about sex, sexuality and gender in an inappropriate or scandalous way may face restrictions or disciplinary action. They still believe that the idea of separating gender from one's natural body goes against God's plan and human nature. More and more bills are passed to protect children from LGBT's sick ideologies Years after LGBT ideology became a trend in the U.S., more and more conservative states and institutions are now starting to pass laws and create bills that would protect children from these sick ideologies. (Related: More conservative states ban gender-affirming procedures for minors.) In June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed four new laws that restrict sexually explicit books in school libraries to improve the school curriculum and ensure transparency and parental involvement in current issues. One of these laws, House Bill 900, restricts sexually explicit materials in school libraries and requires books to be rated based on sexual content. Books labeled as "sexually explicit" will be removed from shelves, and those labeled as "sexually relevant" require parental permission for students to check out. Another law, House Bill 1605, grants parents the right to review instructional materials and guarantees teachers have all the necessary teaching materials. The other two laws address special needs support for parents and grant parents the authority to decide if their children should repeat a grade in certain situations. Meanwhile, in May, the highly anticipated "pride" celebration in Tampa was canceled after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation granting state business regulators the authority to impose fines, suspend, or revoke licenses for public lodging and food service establishments that admit children to adult live performances. DeSantis has introduced several contentious legislative measures, including bans on transgender drugs and surgeries for minors and restrictions on men competing in women's sports. As he signed the latest bill in May, he emphasized the importance of protecting children from exposure to explicit content. In February, the Florida Board of Medicine (FBM) and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine (FBOM) approved the restrictions of puberty-blocking hormones and gender-affirming surgeries for minors by removing exceptions to a clinical trial at the order of DeSantis. "We're protecting kids, and we're going to protect kids when it's popular. We'll protect kids even when you take some incoming as a result of maybe offending some ideologies or some agendas out there, but that's fine," he stated. Visit Resist.news for more stories about cities resisting the LGBT mafia. Watch this video of a man explaining why he won't worship the LGBT Pride flag, and why others should not. This video is from the Recharge Freedom channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Nebraska legislators introduce Let Them Grow bill to ban childhood transgender body mutilations. Idaho passes law criminalizing transgender mutilation of children. European countries REJECT transgender mania endorsed by Woke America. City council in Michigan BANS LGBT flags from public property take note, White House. Thou shalt not desecrate the symbols of LGBT dominion over Earth: New York man charged with hate crime for putting Pride flags on the ground. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com 1 LifeSiteNews.com 2 LifeSiteNews.com 3 DailyMail.co.uk Health Ranger Report: EPA waging WAR against Berkey Water Systems The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already begun its war on the water filter industry , with the agency zooming in on products from Berkey Water Systems (BWS). The Health Ranger Mike Adams expounded on this in an episode of his "Health Ranger Report," where he was joined by BWS founder Jim Shepherd. Adams lauded how Berkey products have saved many lives all over the world. He also noted how they have helped people get prepared for natural disasters and unexpected events. The Natural News and Brighteon.com founder asked his guest why the EPA is trying to stop sales of their water filters. According to Adams, the agency is classifying BWS water filters as pesticides. Shepherd then recounted that in May 2022, the EPA stopped one of their shipping containers a move that puzzled the company's shipper as it had never happened before. Following talks with their consultants, BWS reached out to the EPA. The agency confirmed that the company's products were an exempt device. It even checked the BWS website and product packages, and assured the water filter firm of the exemptions. The EPA also reminded BWS to ensure it wasn't making any false claims. But Shepherd was shocked upon learning that James Enterprises, one of BWS' large dealers, was issued a stop-sale order for selling "pesticide" products. He also recalled the company consultant informing him of rumors that the EPA is reinterpreting its regulations because of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). One of those rules states that products that remove viruses from the water could lose their exemptions. According to Adams, it is "bizarre and insane" that a water filter would be considered a pesticide. Shepherd agreed, pointing out that BWS does not put too many labels on their filters as they risk being locked out of the market for two or three years. "We still do not have clarity as to why they are labeling us a pesticide," the BWS founder agreed, noting that things remain unclear despite the company suing the EPA in a federal court in Texas. Berkey filters remove pathogens MECHANICALLY According to Shepherd, BWS filters remove bacteria and other waterborne pathogens mechanically. "[Our filters] have a torturous maze of micropores, and the water flows through those," he said. "But [those micropores] are smaller than the pathogens, and so we actually trap those pathogens which makes us an exempt device." The Health Ranger also lauded BWS products on the "Health Ranger Report" episode. He cited the Big Berkey gravity filters that clean 2.25 gallons, which have consistently produced very solid test results. They are one of the best filters tested in the Health Ranger Labs using ICP-MS testing for the removal of heavy metals and cesium isotopes, which have huge implications in the event of a nuclear war. (Related: NUCLEAR FALLOUT EXCLUSIVE: We tested 28 water filters in the lab for their ability to remove CESIUM and these six outperformed all the rest.) Adams also noted that the Berkey filtration system does not emit silver into the filtered water, a fact Shepherd affirmed. The BWS founder said the filters were actually submitted to the EPA for testing, which found that no silver made it to the final water. Despite the benefits of Berkey water filters, Shepherd said the EPA had issued more stop-sale orders to their other dealers. Even a third-party manufacturer connected to BWS and the company's manufacturing facility received stop-sale orders from the agency. Adams ultimately remarked that if the EPA can order BWS to stop manufacturing Berkey water filters, other companies that make water filters would be subjected to the same orders as well. Shepherd agreed, noting that they have not known of other companies that received similar sanctions from the EPA. Nevertheless, he remarked that Berkey is being held to a standard that no one else in the water filter industry is being held to. Follow EPA.news for more stories about the agency. Watch the full conversation between the Health Ranger Mike Adams and BWS founder James Shepherd about the EPA targeting Berkey water filters below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EPA to crack down on FOREVER CHEMICALS in drinking water via proposed national standards. Water safety: Preserve water using silver coins Will new EPA regulations starve millions of people? Sources include: Brighteon.com Support.BerkeyWater.com Texas AG Ken Paxton being prevented from prosecuting voter fraud by secretive Texas court Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has revealed that a "secretive" court in Texas is preventing him from prosecuting instances of voter fraud Paxton, coming off an impeachment vote that found him innocent of corruption charges, told Glenn Beck during a recent episode of "The Glenn Beck Program" that the state's elections are being threatened by district attorneys who will refuse to bring charges against people who commit voter fraud starting next year. (Related: President Trump releases statement following acquittal of AG Ken Paxton.) According to Paxton, it is nearly impossible to prosecute voter fraud in the Texas Court of Appeals. He said the Texas Appeals Court struck down a law from 1951 that could have helped him as attorney general prosecute tampering with the elections in the state. "Voter fraud and cases that go to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals were the only things I have original jurisdiction on relating to criminal matters," he said. In another interview, this time with Tucker Carlson, Paxton warned that the state's Court of Criminal Appeals threw out over 900 cases of voter fraud, denying Paxton and his office the right to prosecute. "We were fully busy prosecuting voter fraud, and suddenly the Court of Criminal Appeals all Republicans said 'Nope, it's unconstitutional for the attorney general to be in court because these are the executive branch.' That was their reasoning," said Paxton. "They said that was a 'judicial' function, so I could no longer be in court." George Soros investing in Texas judiciary to prevent prosecution of voter fraud Paxton noted in both interviews that Texas' judicial system is being influenced to set up Republicans like himself for defeat in 2024 and beyond. Paxton and his office are especially being targeted because of their work investigating people and organizations who committed voter fraud as well as those who helped run elections. In his interview with Beck, Paxton warned about how in March 2024 three members of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will be up for reelection, and voters need to be wary of candidates who may be backed by left-wing billionaire George Soros. "I think George Soros is, in my opinion, trying to do three things," said Paxton. "One, get the DAs [district attorneys] elected in these liberal counties. So, he beat all Democratic DAs that were prosecuting crimes. He did in Travis County, an unseated Democrat there that was actually prosecuting crimes. He did the same thing in San Antonio. So he got control of that, knowing full well that this would affect voting." "Second, he helped put [eight] members on the Supreme Court and because Republicans don't know who these people are, he was able to get these members of the court to strike down laws," continued Paxton. "And then the third strategy was to get rid of me. And then there's no hope. There's nowhere to go." The three judges on the Criminal Court of Appeals that are standing for reelection are Barbara Hervey, Michelle Slaughter and Presiding Judge Sharon Keller, all of whom voted to prevent Paxton from prosecuting voter fraud in Texas, a ruling that Paxton warned could be "devastating for future elections in Texas." Learn more about the ongoing battle for election integrity at VoteFraud.news. Watch this clip from "The Glenn Beck Program" on TheBlaze as host Glenn Beck interviews Paxton about the George Soros-influenced Republicans who prevented him from persecuting voter fraud in Texas. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Jovan Hutton Pulitzer discusses history of ELECTION FRAUD in America with Ann Vandersteel Brighteon.TV. Never forget: These two RINOs Sen. Kelly Hancock and Sen. Robert Nichols voted with Democrats to impeach Ken Paxton w/out evidence Make sure these backstabbers are primaried out of office. Wayne Root: Now it's official. I know it, you know it. Everyone knows it. Trump's Georgia indictment is the final proof the 2020 election was stolen. Sources include: ThePoliticsBrief.com Townhall.com Brighteon.com Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the development of pomegranate industry at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: WJH Apocalyptic catastrophe awaits: Leaked Pfizer data & death rates solidify Deagels terrifying 2025 depopulation prediction A controversial forecast by Deagel, a global intelligence and consulting firm, recently gained attention for its startling prediction of a significant depopulation event by 2025. While initially dismissed as a speculative estimation, current events and emerging trends have led many to question whether there may be more to Deagels forecast than meets the eye. (Article republished from Expose-News.com) Recent reports from the Governments of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and various European countries have brought forth troubling revelations, among which is confirmation of a staggering number of excess deaths, reaching over two million since the mass roll-out of Covid-19 injections. A troubling 120,000 excess deaths have also been recorded among the USAs infants, children and young adults as of week 40 of 2022, and a curious rise in excess deaths among children across Europe has been recorded ever since the European Medicines Agency (EMA) extended the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer Covid-19 injection to children in the middle of 2021. With further Government figures confirming mortality rates are highest among the vaccinated in every single age group per 100,000 population, serious questions are now being raised about the accuracy and potential truth behind Deagels apocalyptic depopulation predictions. What is Deagel? The Deagel corporation is a minor branch of US military intelligence, one of the many secretive organizations which collect data for high-level decision-making purposes and prepares confidential briefing documents for agencies like the National Security Agency, the United Nations, and the World Bank. It is known to have contributed to a Stratfor report on North Korea. With this kind of pedigree, Deagel should be seen as a legitimate player in the intelligence community and not merely a disinformation asset. This means its population predictions for 2025, as well as its industrial output predictions on a nation-by-nation basis, are not mere fantasy but instead based on strategic assumptions which are shared and well understood by other players in the intelligence community. What has Deagel Predicted? Deagel.coms [infamous] 2025 forecast was removed from their website sometime in 2020. However, thanks to the Wayback Machine / Internet Archive, we are able to view the original predictions before discovered by critical thinkers. Deagel predicted in 2020 that the United Kingdom would see its population decline by 77.1% by the year 2025. Source Deagel predicted in 2020 that the United States would see its population decline by 68.5 % by the year 2025. Source Deagel predicted in 2020 that Germany would see its population decline by 65.1% by the year 2025. Source Deagel predicted in 2020 that Australia would see its population decline by 34.6% by the year 2025. Source While also predicting a huge decline among many other Western countries. Source A full list of Deagels original apocalyptic depopulation predictions can be viewed here. Sadly, current events suggest the depopulation figures were not just estimations. Government Reports: Unveiling Excess Deaths Official reports from multiple Governments across the globe have sounded the alarm bells by documenting an unprecedented number of excess deaths since the widespread administration of Covid-19 injections. Official figures provided to EuroMOMO by the UK Government and 26 other Governments of counties across Europe reveal that most of the continent suffered 375,253 excess deaths in 2021 and 404,6000 excess deaths in 2022. This equates to 779,853 excess deaths over the two years. The figures do not include Ukraine so cannot be blamed on the ongoing war. Source Data Australia suffered 11,068 excess deaths in 2021 and then a shocking 22,730 excess deaths by week 38 of 2022. This is in stark contrast to 2020, when only 1,306 excess deaths were recorded at the height of the Covid pandemic and prior to the rollout of the Covid injections. This means Australia suffered a shocking 1,640% increase in excess deaths in just 39 weeks throughout 2022 compared to 53 weeks throughout 2020. Source Data New Zealand suffered 2,169 excess deaths in 2021 and then a shocking 5,286 excess deaths by week 49 of 2022. These are shocking figures for the small island with an estimated population of 5 million people. Especially when compared to 2020, when no excess deaths were suffered and 160 fewer deaths were actually recorded than expected at the height of the Covid pandemic and prior to the rollout of the Covid injections. This means New Zealand suffered a shocking 3,404% increase in excess deaths in 49 weeks throughout 2022 compared to 53 weeks throughout 2020. Source Data In Canada, the situation is similarly concerning. The country suffered 35,318 excess deaths in 2021 and then 25,333 excess deaths by week 34 of 2022. This compares to 31,042 excess deaths in 2020 by week 53. However, when looking at the figures up to week 34 in both 2020 and 2021, it becomes clear that 2022 has in fact been the worst year for excess deaths by far. By week 34 of 2020, Canada had recorded 17,888 excess deaths. By week 34 of 2021, Canada had recorded 18,498 excess deaths. But by week 34 of 2022, Canada had recorded 25,333 excess deaths, representing a 42% increase on the excess deaths recorded in 2020, prior to the roll-out of the Covid-19 injections. This dramatic increase in excess deaths raises serious questions about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines and whether they may have been a contributing factor to the increase in excess deaths. Source Data (OECD) + Source Data (EuroMOMO) The USA suffered 674,954 excess deaths in 2021, and then 434,520 excess deaths by week 49 of 2022. This equates to over 1.1 million excess deaths in nearly two years. The USA suffered a staggering 674,954 excess deaths in 2021, a year that saw the country coerced into coming forward to get injected multiple times throughout the mass roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines. These numbers represent a significant increase in deaths compared to previous years and have raised alarm bells among the public and healthcare professionals alike. The situation did not improve in 2022, with 434,520 excess deaths recorded by week 49, bringing the total number of excess deaths to over 1.1 million in nearly two years. This is a staggering number and has led to questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine and the governments response to the alleged pandemic. Source Data The official narrative put forth by governments and health organizations has been that deaths in 2020 increased due to the outbreak of the alleged Covid-19 pandemic, with the response to it adversely affecting millions of people worldwide. However, as the pandemic progressed and a vaccine was developed and distributed, the narrative shifted to focus on the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 injection as a means to curb the spread of the virus and reduce the number of deaths. This narrative was reinforced through various propaganda campaigns, public statements, and official statements, with the message that the vaccine was safe and effective and would be the key to ending the pandemic. However, the figures and official reports released by governments in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and most of Europe have shown that the opposite has happened, with millions of excess deaths being recorded since the mass roll-out of the Covid-19 injections. This has led to many questions about the safety of the vaccine, the facts of the official narrative, and the integrity of Governments and Public Health bodies around the world. The figures have been provided to both the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and EuroMOMO by each countrys Government organisations. The U.S. data has been provided by the Centers for Disease Control. The UK data has been provided by the Office for National Statistics. And Australias data has been provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. So these arent independent estimates. They are official Government-authorized figures. Source Data And they show that the Five Eyes countries and 26 other countries across Europe suffered 1.99 million excess deaths up to week 34/49 of 2022 following the Emergency Use Authorization of the Covid-19 injections. These figures cast a haunting shadow over the narrative surrounding the pandemic and raise concerns about the true impact of vaccination efforts. Especially when coupled with mortality rates per 100,000. Mortality Rates are Lowest among the Unvaccinated Official figures published by the UK Government suggest that Covid-19 vaccines may have been the biggest contributing factor to the millions of excess deaths seen across the Five Eyes and most of Europe. The figures can be found in a report titled Deaths by Vaccination Status, England, 1 January 2021 to 31 May 2022, and it can be accessed on the ONS site here, and downloaded here. Table 2 of the report contains the monthly age-standardised mortality rates by vaccination status by age group for deaths per 100,000 person-years in England up to May 2022. We took the figures provided by the ONS for January to May 2022 and produced the following charts which reveal the horrific consequences of the mass Covid-19 vaccination campaign. 18 to 39-year-olds The following chart shows the monthly age-standardised mortality rates by vaccination status among 18 to 39-year-olds for Non-Covid-19 deaths in England between January and May 2022 In every single month since the beginning of 2022, partly vaccinated and double vaccinated 18-39-year-olds have been more likely to die than unvaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds. Triple vaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds however have had a mortality rate that has worsened by the month following the mass Booster campaign that occurred in the UK in December 2021. In January, triple vaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds were ever so slightly less likely to die than unvaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds, with a mortality rate of 29.8 per 100,000 among the unvaccinated and 28.1 per 100,000 among the triple vaccinated. But this all changed from February onwards. In February, triple vaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds were 27% more likely to die than unvaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds, with a mortality rate of 26.7 per 100k among the triple vaccinated and 21 per 100k among the unvaccinated. Things unfortunately got even worse for the triple vaccinated by May 2022 though. The data shows that triple vaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds were 52% more likely to die than unvaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds in May, with a mortality rate of 21.4 per 100k among the triple vaccinated and 14.1 among the unvaccinated. The worst figures in 2022 were however among the partly vaccinated, with May seeing partly vaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds 202% more likely to die than unvaccinated 18 to 39-year-olds. 40 to 49-year-olds The following chart shows the monthly age-standardised mortality rates by vaccination status among 40 to 49-year-olds for Non-Covid-19 deaths in England between January and May 2022 We see pretty much the same when it comes to 40 to 49-year-olds. In every single month since the beginning of 2022, partly vaccinated and double vaccinated 40 to 49-year-olds have been more likely to die than unvaccinated 40 to 49year-olds. The worst month for mortality rates among the partly and double vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated was February. This month saw partly vaccinated 40-49-year-olds 264% more likely to die than unvaccinated 40-49-year-olds. Whilst double vaccinated 40-49-year-olds were 61% more likely to die than unvaccinated 40-49-year-olds. By May 2022, five months after the mass Booster campaign, triple vaccinated 40-49-year-olds were 40% more likely to die than unvaccinated 40-49-year-olds, with a mortality rate of 81.8 per 100k among the triple vaccinated and a mortality rate of 58.4 among the unvaccinated. Its the same old story in every single age group as you can see from the following two charts Click to enlarge Click to enlarge A full breakdown of the figures by each age group can be viewed here. In light of these surprising findings, transparency and informed decision-making must take center stage. We need open dialogue, honest discussions, and ongoing research to address the questions raised by this report Deagels Forecast and Current Events The correlation between the alarming excess death figures reported by governments and Deagels apocalyptic depopulation forecast for 2025 is a topic that demands a closer examination. Initially regarded as speculative, Deagels forecast gains credence as real-world events unfold, revealing a troubling alignment with the projections put forth by the organization. The stark increase in excess deaths, particularly in light of the forecasted depopulation scenario, prompts a critical evaluation of the forecasts validity and the underlying factors contributing to these unsettling trends. Government reports from multiple countries have highlighted a significant rise in excess deaths, surpassing what would be expected under normal circumstances. Excess deaths should have fallen following the roll-out of the Covid-19 injections if we we were really in the midst of a pandemic that was killing hundreds of thousands of people. But these figures provide concrete evidence the opposite happened, and it cannot be easily dismissed. When juxtaposed with Deagels forecast, which predicts substantial population declines, the overlap raises legitimate questions about the potential accuracy of the forecast and the forces driving these distressing outcomes. The correlation between the Government reports and Deagels apocalyptic depopulation forecast for 2025 simply cannot be ignored. Especially when we look at what has happened in terms of excess deaths among children. Why are so many Children dying? A troubling 120,000 excess deaths were recorded among the USAs infants, children and young adults as of week 40 of 2022, and a curious rise in excess deaths among children across Europe was recorded as soon as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) extended the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer Covid-19 injection to children in the middle of 2021. The following chart shows the official CDC figures for all deaths and excess deaths among children and young adults across the USA prior to the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine, and after the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines on the 14th Dec. 2020. The figures have been provided to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Source Data The above figures reveal that the year 2022 so far has only seen 1,352 fewer excess deaths among 0-44-year-olds by week 40 than what occurred by week 51 in 2022, despite the year 2020 being the alleged height of the COVID pandemic and also including an extra 11 weeks worth of deaths. But the most concerning figures revealed in the above chart are the overall number of deaths and excess deaths among children and young adults since the roll-out of the Covid-19 injections. Nearly half a million people aged 0 to 44 have sadly died since week 51 of 2020, and this has resulted in an astounding 117,719 excess deaths against the 2015-2019 five-year average. The following chart has been created using the figures found in the OECD database. Figures that have been provided to the OEC by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). And it shows excess deaths among children and young adults aged 0-44 across the USA by week in 2020 and 2021. Source Data The official figures reveal that there was a slight increase in excess deaths among children and young adults when the alleged Covid-19 pandemic hit the US in early 2020. However, with the introduction of a Covid-19 injection, one would have expected deaths to have fallen significantly among the age group in 2021. But instead, the opposite happened. And official figures provided by the CDC, unfortunately, show that trend has continued in 2022. Source Data The average life expectancy in the USA as of 2020 was 77.28 years. If we are to believe the official narrative that Covid-19 is a deadly disease then we could perhaps agree that 231,987 children and young adults up to the age of 44 dying in 2020 resulting in 40,365 excess deaths was an unfortunate consequence of this disease. But if we are to believe the official narrative that Covid-19 injections are safe and effective, then how can one explain the further increase in death among children and young adults in both 2021 and 2022? Because we know millions of Americans were coerced into getting the injections, and we know millions of parents were coerced into forcing their children to also get the same injections. The answer lies in the fact that the official narrative is an outright lie. The Covid-19 vaccines are neither. And this is supported by official Government data coming out of Europe. Several analysis of data from across Europe has sadly found a concerning link between the approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children and an increase in excess deaths among children. With the latest finding a 760% increase in excess deaths. The data has been provided to an organization called EuroMOMO by the relevant official statistical departments of each country in Europe. The data we analyzed covered up to week 12 2023 and was gathered from 27 participating European countries. For context, there are actually 44 countries in Europe and the latest data does not include deaths in Ukraine. Therefore, the ongoing war cannot be blamed for what we found. In week 21 of 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) extended emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 12 to 15, and a few months later extended it to 5 to 11-year-olds. Source Source But in the weeks following the approval, a shocking rise in excess deaths among children was reported. And the rise in excess deaths has continued ever since. Between week 22 of 2021 and week 52 of 2021, there were 754 excess deaths among 0 to 14-year-old children. Source In contrast, between week 1 and week 21 of 2021, there were 309 fewer deaths than expected. The increase in excess deaths correlates perfectly with the EMAs approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 15. Source Sadly the increase in deaths among children continued between week 1 and week 52 of 2022. The data shows that there were 1,358 excess deaths among children aged 0 to 14 across 27 countries in Europe. Source And as of week 12 of 2023, there have been 336 excess deaths, bringing the total number of excess deaths to 2,448 during the 95 weeks following the EMAs Emergency Use Approval of the Covid-19 vaccine for children. Source This is a huge cause for concern because the previous 95 weeks from week 30 of 2019, to week 21 of 2021, saw 371 fewer deaths among children aged 0 to 14 than expected. With 360 excess deaths between weeks 30 and 52 of 2019. Source Minus-422 excess deaths throughout the entirety of 2020. Source And then minus-309 excess deaths between weeks 1 and week 21 of 2021. Source This means excess deaths among children aged 0 to 14 across 27 countries across Europe, including the UK, Frane, Spain, Italy and most of Germany, increased by 760% as of week 12, 2023, ever since the European Medicines Agency extended the emergency use authorisation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 12 to 15. A vaccine that was still in the early stages of development. A type of vaccine never before used in Humans due to the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and Vaccine-Associated Enhanced Disease (VAED). And a vaccine that never needed to be administered to children because they were not at risk of suffering serious illness due to the alleged Covid-19 virus. As is evident from the 521 fewer deaths recorded among children aged 0 to 14 across Europe in 2020 from when the alleged Pandemic hit the continent to the end of the year. Source Analyzing the Implications Analyzing the implications of the government reports and their alignment with Deagels forecast provides valuable insights into the potential ramifications of these unsettling trends. The startling rise in excess deaths, particularly among the fully vaccinated population, raises significant concerns and demands a thorough examination of the underlying factors driving these outcomes. The fact that a large proportion of the reported excess deaths occurred among the fully vaccinated population raises questions about the efficacy of the vaccines in providing adequate protection. Further investigation was needed at least two years ago to understand the potential reasons behind this unexpected trend. Moreover, the implications extend beyond the realm of public health. The alignment between the excess death figures and Deagels forecast suggests the potential for a significant demographic shift with far-reaching social, economic, and political consequences. A drastic reduction in population size can affect labour markets, social welfare systems, and geopolitical dynamics, among other areas. Understanding and preparing for these implications becomes crucial for policymakers, stakeholders, and individuals alike. However, the drastic reduction in population maybe works in the elites favour with the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The implications also raise broader questions about the overall strategy and approach taken in response to the global health crisis. If the excess deaths among the vaccinated population persist, which they have done now for at least two years, it becomes imperative to reevaluate the current vaccination strategies, monitoring systems, and public health policies. Lessons must be learned from these real-world events to inform future decision-making and mitigate further potential risks to public health. The problem the ordinary, hard-working man and woman has is that vaccination as a whole has never been about health, its always been about creating significant wealth. Furthermore, the alignment between the excess death figures and Deagels forecast underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and further independent research. Thorough investigations, comprehensive data analysis, and peer-reviewed studies can shed light on the factors driving these unsettling trends and help inform evidence-based policies and interventions. Open dialogue and collaboration among scientists, health professionals, and policymakers are vital to ensure the accuracy of information and the effectiveness of public health measures But it can no longer be denied that the implications of the various Government reports and their convergence with Deagels forecast are profound and demand a thorough investigation. The problem we have is that we cannot rely on those in power to work in our best interests. The Importance of Transparency and Accountability In the face of such significant excess deaths and the potential realization of Deagels forecast, the need for transparency and accountability becomes paramount. Governments, health organizations, and regulatory bodies must provide honest and comprehensive data, facilitating a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. Full transparency will enable a thorough examination of the factors contributing to the excess deaths. But this will not happen unless the public makes a song and dance about it. Conclusion The emergence of these quietly published government reports confirming over two million excess deaths since the mass roll-out of Covid-19 injections has cast a dark shadow over the prevailing narrative. These figures bear a striking resemblance to Deagels apocalyptic depopulation forecast for 2025. Of course, an increase in excess deaths alone does not necessarily mean that countries will suffer depopulation. This also depends on birth rates. But sadly, the confidential Pfizer documents, which the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) tried to keep under lock and key for 75 years until a federal judge denied them the right to do this, confirm that mRNA Covid-19 vaccination has a significant effect on infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths and even birth defects. Which you can read all about here Source Independent investigations and a commitment to accountability will help shed light on this crime against humanity. But we cannot rely on our current leaders to change the course of our future. We must confront these challenges ourselves and realise that there are billions of us and literally only a handful of them. They only have power because we have been conditioned to give them it. But with the emergence of AI, confirmation of millions of excess deaths strongly linked to Covid-19 vaccination, and significant effects on fertility confirmed by the once confidential Pfizer documents, the time to act is now, or Deagels apocalyptic depopulation forecast will become reality sooner than you think. Read more at: Expose-News.com OUTRAGE: Maine high school slips antidepressant ZOLOFT into students secret take-home baggie, then calls CPS on dad for finding out and complaining about it A taxpayer-funded health clinic operating within Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Me., is reportedly secretly drugging its students with antidepressants without telling their parents about it and if you say anything about it, the school might call Child Protective Services (CPS) on you. This is what allegedly happened to Eric Sack, the father of a girl who attends Lawrence High School. The child was reportedly sent home with a secret baggy filled with prescription antidepressant drugs like Zoloft that came from the school's Bulldog Health Center, which is a federally funded School Based Health Center (SBHC). When Sack discovered the pills, he immediately addressed this affront to his parental rights by contacting Lawrence High School Principal Dan Bowers to complain about the undisclosed drug treatment protocol the school prescribed to his daughter without his consent. Bowers told Sack that he is not responsible for what happened because the SBHC is a separate entity from the school that is not under his control, even though it operates on school property and provides health care services for the school's students. (Related: Did you know that CPS has kidnapped children whose parents refused to vaccinate them in accordance with the government's official childhood vaccine schedule?) Refusing to allow strangers to drug your children is now considered "child abuse" Representatives from the Bulldog Health Center, which is operated by the Waterville-based HealthReach Community Health Centers, told Sack that they are legally allowed to prescribe whatever they want to Lawrence High School students, and that they do not have to tell parents about it. Sack was further told by the rep that the Bulldog Health Center is also not responsible for not putting a proper safety label on the drug baggie, which was taken home to a household with two other young children who could have found it and taken the drugs, potentially poisoning or killing them. In response to all this, Sack decided to pull his daughter out of the public school and get her in to see a doctor and a therapist. "I'm looking out for the best interests of my daughter," Sack said. "That's why I pulled her out of school. Because I don't think she really ought to be there if they're going to start giving her pills, you know? Until I sit down with a doctor that I pick for my daughter, not through the school." As punishment for Sack doing this, someone from either the school or the health clinic contacted the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Child and Family Services (CFS), which is part of the division of Maine's state government tasked with investigating allegations of child abuse. An agent from Child Protective Services (CPS) also ended up calling Sack as well to inform him that an agent would soon be arriving for a "surprise" visit to conduct a child welfare investigation. "They called and said it was an emergency situation at my house, that I was pretty near holding my daughter hostage, is what the gentleman that came yesterday told me," Sack said. "He had information that only the school and Bulldog Health Center had." As promised, CPS Agent Dylan Wood showed up at Sack's home and grilled him and his family for three hours, including asking them if there were any firearms inside the home. In the end, Wood realized that Sack had done nothing wrong, and that someone had simply called CPS and CFS as retribution from him exercising his parental rights. Parents: If you love your children, then get them out of government-run schools immediately. Learn more at Homeschooling.news. Sources for this article include: TheMaineWire.com NaturalNews.com Power-hungry Newsom VETOES California transgender custody bill in desperate attempt to appear more moderate ahead of 2024 presidential election In what came as a shock to California's most rabidly pro-LGBT extremists, Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have allowed judges to remove children from the custody of parents who oppose "gender transitions" for their own offspring. In an apparent attempt to appear more "moderate" ahead of the 2024 presidential election Newsom actually thinks he has a chance at winning the White House Newsom refused to affix his signature to Assembly Bill 957, coauthored by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). As some predicted, Newsom and his allies put forth this extreme legislation, which directly interferes with parental rights by separating children from their parents, only to intentionally backtrack more towards the political center to attract the most potential votes. In a statement to Californians, Newsom said that the state's court system can already consider a parent's support or rejection for their own children's "gender transitions" as a factor in whether or not to allow them custody in divorce battles. "I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply," Newsom wrote in a statement. "Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities." "Moreover, a court, under existing law, is required to consider a child's health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parents affirmation of the childs gender identity." (Related: Back in May, Newsom had a meltdown after Target removed all satanic LGBT pride children's clothing, including a "tuck-friendly" swimsuit for transgenders, accusing the retailer of "selling out the LGBTQ+ community.") Newsom still emphasizing other LGBTQ+ legislation he recently signed to show he fully supports mutilating children's genitals To be sure that he does not lose the support of his LGBT gender-bender base, Newsom made sure to emphasize all the other homosexual and transgender legislation he has recently signed to show his support for child genital mutilation. One such bill targets public school districts in California that refuse to keep students' gender transitions a secret from their own parents. Newsom claims that parents who are worried about their own children being secretly groomed at public schools into adopting a transgender lifestyle, complete with permanent body alterations, should not because they are just being "ginned up" by misinformation. "This is a phony veto to try to get the vote," one commenter wrote simply about Newsom's obvious political play to try to pivot more towards the center of the aisle, which will not work. "Anyone who trusts that backstabbing pile of lying progressive dung is a damned fool," wrote another. "Warning: Newsom is no moderate," wrote another. "He is the typical globalist handler, a liar, and a psychotic. He will do much more damage than Brandon (Joe Biden) ever will. He plays the same as Justin Trudeau, Jacinda Ardern and Spain's Pedro Sanchez by turning their countries into woke dictatorships. Remember what Yuri Bezmenov once said about "benevolent dictators" don't be fooled by this and don't let the U.S. turn into Canada or Spain." Others speculated that Newsom purposely had California's far-left legislature pass these outrageous laws just so he could publicly veto them "to appear reasonable." "This is because Newsom has his eye on the White House," this same person added. "If elected, he will revert back to a hard-left liberal." Newsom has about a zero chance of winning the presidency in 2024 apart from fraud. Learn more at Rigged.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com New York ends COVID jab mandate for health care workers, but legal fight isnt over yet Beginning on October 4, health care workers in New York will no longer be required to get "vaccinated" for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to continue working. A highly controversial jab mandate in the Empire State that resulted in thousands of health care workers being fired or quitting will be lifted, we are happy to report, thanks to a lawsuit sponsored by Children's Health Defense (CHD), a project of 2024 presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Because New York state may still seek sanctions against said workers for alleged past violations, CHD is warning that the fight is still long from over, despite this small victory. The attorney general's office in New York confirmed, as well as informed the New York Supreme Court about, the change in an announcement undoing the longstanding mandate, which was created following the launch of Operation Warp Speed back in late 2020. (Related: The latest COVID "booster" shot is not a booster at all, but rather an entirely new vaccine injection, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.) COVID jab and mask mandates being overturned in case after case In case you missed it, CHD originally sponsored the suit against the state of New York on Oct. 20, 2022, after it was filed by a group of medical practitioners who were directly impacted in a negative way by the mandate. Along with several other plaintiffs, including two doctors, a nurse, a radiologic technologist, and a medical laboratory specialist, the group is seeking a remedy from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), New York Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul, and Mary T. Bassett, the state's health commissioner. "This is a tremendous victory for the healthcare workers and for medical freedom in general, but also for the people of New York who have been deeply impacted by the massive shortage that occurred because of this mandate," commented Sujata Gibson, the plaintiffs' attorney. "Thirty-four thousand healthcare professionals had to leave the field, and we have all been impacted by their absence. While this victory is significant, the fight is not over. People suffered enormously because of this mandate and justice needs to be done so that they can be made whole." On January 13, the court sided with the plaintiffs and struck down the mandate, declaring it "null, void, and of no effect," further alleging that the NYSDOH "blatantly violated the boundaries of its authority as set forth by the legislature." The state quickly appealed this decision and won a stay against it, which effectively reinstated the mandate, affecting an estimated 34,000 health care workers across the Empire State. That stay, according to Gibson, devastated the lives of thousands of health care workers across New York who were barred from working because they had either been suspended or terminated for refusing to get jabbed for the Fauci Flu. Just minutes before the plaintiffs were set to begin oral arguments at a hearing back in May, Jonathan Hitsous, an attorney representing the state, announced New York's intention to repeal the mandate voluntarily. "Repealing a mandate is a lengthy process requiring a public comment period and hearings," CHD reports. "Hitsous told the court the state's health department would no longer enforce the mandate during that process." "The documents submitted to the court Tuesday showed that during the public comment period, the NYSDOH received only one comment about the proposed repeal, which was from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene." It turns out that one single comment urged the NYSDOH not to repeal the mandate and to instead amend it to require personnel to be either "up to date" with the government-demanded COVID jab schedule or else wear a "well-fitting mask" at all times while on the job. The latest news about COVID jabs can be found at Vaccines.news. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com The ANTIBACTERIAL potency of honey: A natural alternative to prescription antibiotics Honey is a naturally available product and the only concentrated sweetener that has been used as a treatment for disease for centuries even before people became knowledgeable about the causes of infection. The medicinal importance of honey is documented in the worlds oldest medical literature. It is known for its potent antimicrobial properties. Inherent characteristics of antibacterial honey According to studies published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences and the journal Antibiotics, various honey components contribute to the antibacterial efficacy of honey. The following elements are present at different concentrations, depending on the bee type, source of nectar and storage. (Related: Honey and its many benefits to overall health and wellness.) Sugar content and low water activity Honey contains a mixture of natural sugars, including fructose, glucose, maltose, sucrose and other minor sugars, such as erlose, rhamnose and trehalose, which make up 80 percent of its composition. Water is the second largest constituent of honey and could vary from 15 to 20 percent depending on the honey's botanical origin and level of maturity, as well as its processing and storage conditions. The high concentration of natural sugars in honey plus its low moisture content cause osmotic stress in microorganisms. Osmotic pressure induces loss of water, which dehydrates cells. This prevents microbes from growing and proliferating. More recently, it has been demonstrated that osmotic pressure affects the ability of bacteria to form biofilms, which are not just bacterial slime layers but biological systems. Bacteria tend to organize themselves into a coordinated functional community, which enhances their survival. Hydrogen peroxide activity Produced enzymatically by honey bees, hydrogen peroxide is considered a true disinfectant and a strong oxidizing agent, providing honey with antibacterial properties. Although hydrogen peroxide is widely considered to be honeys primary source of antibacterial activity, there are honey varieties whose main antibacterial mechanisms are non-hydrogen peroxide-dependent. Non-peroxide antibacterial activity Recent studies revealed that polyphenols or phenolic compounds mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids are responsible for the antimicrobial effects of honey. Methylglyoxal The main antibacterial compound in manuka honey has been reported to induce alterations in the structure of bacterial fimbriae (a major factor in bacterial virulence) and flagella (hair-like appendages), limiting the ability of bacteria to adhere to surfaces or move independently. Bee defensin-1 peptide An antimicrobial peptide found in bee hemolymph, bee defensin-1 displays activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Studies suggest that bee defensin-1 acts by creating pores within the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in cell death. It has recently been demonstrated that defensin-1 also plays an important role in the anti-biofilm activity of honey. Scientifically proven health benefits of honey When you start using honey, you can enjoy these health benefits of honey. Effective against superbugs A study published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery documented cases that show honey, particularly manuka honey, to be potent against a variety of microorganisms, including multi-drug resistant bacteria. Helps regulate blood sugar levels Raw honey contains many bioactive compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, that help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your body, which can build up and damage cells. This event contributes to serious conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. (Related: Honey provides antibiotic benefits and a low glycemic sweetener.) A study published in the journal Nutrients also found that honey may increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. However, while honey may be one of the best natural alternatives to refined sugar, people, especially those diagnosed with diabetes, should consume it in moderation. Supports heart health Raw honey contains bee propolis, a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees that is rich in flavonoids. A study published in the journal Biology reported on propolis therapeutic properties, describing its anti-hypertensive effects, as well as its anti-atherosclerotic, anti-hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Promotes wound healing Research published in the journal Open Life Sciences reported that honeys physicochemical properties favor its use as a therapeutic agent to combat microbial infections. In fact, it can be used for disinfection and to promote wound repair and healing. The health benefits of honey are also associated with its wound-healing effect, anti-inflammatory potency, antioxidant properties and free radical scavenging ability. It is an immunomodulator with the power to enhance the immune system. Honey is an effective remedy for different types of wounds, including boils, burns, burst abdominal wounds, cervical varicose ulcers, cracked nipples, diabetic ulcers, gastric ulcers, leprosy, malignancy, septic, recurrent canine dermatitis, surgical wounds, trauma and wounds in the abdominal wall. Relieves respiratory symptoms Upper respiratory tract infections, which affect the nose, throat, voice box and the large air passages (bronchi) that lead from the windpipe to the lungs, are the most frequent reasons for antibiotic prescriptions. Honey is better than conventional medicines for easing upper respiratory tract symptoms, especially cough, according to a study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine. Researchers noted that honey has long been used as a natural treatment for respiratory tract infections. It is also cheap, easy to access and don't cause any side effects. They highly recommended honey as an alternative to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Watch the following video about Honey is medicine: 4 Scientifically proven perks of using Natures sweetener. This video is from the Natural News channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Honey: The ultimate survival food that doesnt expire. Honey is a natural alternative to harmful cough medicines. Natural sweeteners: Healthy alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sources include: ScienceDirect.com 1 MDPI.com 1 ScienceDirect.com 2 MDPI.com 2 ScienceDirect.com 3 MDPI.com 3 Degruyter.com BMJ.com Brighteon.com Thrive Time Show: Jeffrey Epstein connected to POWERFUL people, says Liz Crokin Brighteon.TV The late convicted sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is connected to very powerful people , according to investigative journalist Liz Crokin. She disclosed this to ReAwaken America Tour founder Clay Clark during the Sept. 19 episode of his Brighteon.TV program "Thrive Time Show." It's not really a secret that Epstein was tied to many powerful individuals, such as celebrities, politicians and members of the royal family. "[It's] not just people with high-profile names that you recognize. [It's] also people that are very powerful and wealthy individuals behind the scenes that have a lot of control," Crokin said. "And so, these people are essentially some of the most powerful people in the world that are not just linked to Epstein." (Related: Jeffrey Epsteins private calendars and emails reveal his connections to top officials, celebrities and even royalty.) Crokin, an award-winning author, also cited evidence proving that several people in Epstein's circle are not just acquaintances. These people are involved in human trafficking as a client or co-conspirator. In response to Clark's question about the names connected to Epstein, she cited Bill and Hillary Clinton as the closest. The former president has been on Epstein's pedophilia island more than two dozen times, as proven by records made open for public information. Moreover, Epstein was also a visitor to the Clinton White House proving that their links go back decades. The former secretary of state and failed 2016 presidential candidate had also been to Epstein's island. The financier's British accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, was also at the wedding of Bill and Hillary's daughter Chelsea. Aside from the Clintons, other high-profile names and celebrities are linked to Epstein. These include model Naomi Campbell, actor Kevin Spacey and Prince Andrew of the British royal family. Noting that Epstein is the world's most prolific pedophile, Clark then asked his guest why it is important for Americans to learn more about Epstein. Crokin said anybody who cares about children should be concerned with anyone involved with their rape, torture and trafficking such as Epstein, who died in August 2019 while in custody. Podesta emails littered with pedophile codewords Crokin also mentioned that in 2016, WikiLeaks released emails from former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta. The former Clinton administration official mentioned the phrase "pizza and hotdogs" alongside other codewards in the correspondences, which weren't used in the context of food. Other codewords were also found in the Podesta emails, Crokin added. The investigative journalist immediately did some research about the code words as soon as the Podesta emails were leaked. She discovered that "pizza" was a pedophile codeword used online by pedophiles and sex traffickers and the emails were littered with the the term. Further digging uncovered that people in the emails were clearly involved in pedophilia. According to Crokin, former President Barack Obama's $65,000 order of "pizza and hot dogs" for a private party at the White House does not make sense. Putting all the pieces together, Crokin noted that this paints a dark, morbid picture of the people involved in child sex trafficking. Moreover, she said the Podesta emails exposed several people within Podesta and Hillary's circle who are involved in child sex trafficking, including Epstein. When people started reading the emails and understanding what they were, the Deep State created a psyop to distract people from what Pizzagate really is by switching the narrative and redefining what it was. Crokin also stated the mainstream media never talked about the Podesta emails and Pizzagate because they know that those emails are both suspicious and damning. "The Podesta emails expose that these elites, Podesta, Clinton and their associates are using pedophile codewords and they are involved in child sex trafficking," Crokin concluded. "That's it. That's what it always was." Follow Epstein.news for more news about Jeffrey Epstein and his connections. Watch the Sept. 19 episode of the "Thrive Time Show" below. Tune in to "Thrive Time Show" every Monday to Friday at 1-1:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Liz Crokin: Jeffrey Epstein used JPMorgan as main bank for his sex trafficking operation Brighteon.TV. Burning bridges: Jeffrey Epstein allegedly BLACKMAILED Bill Gates over his affair with Russian bridge player. UNTOUCHABLE PEDO EMPIRE: JPMorgan Chase flagged over $1 billion in suspicious Jeffrey Epstein transfers; U.S. government did NOTHING. Epstein cover-up is final nail in the coffin for any last shred of credibility in mainstream media. Sources include: Brighteon.com LizCrokin.net Trump faces backlash after criticizing DeSantis 6-week abortion ban Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump is facing backlash after criticizing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban. "I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake," Trump said, referencing DeSantis' move. "I think people should have exceptions. I think if its rape or incest or the life of the mother, I think you have to have exceptions. It's very important." The former chief executive outlined his strategy for a potential federal abortion ban during an interview with Kristen Welker of NBC News. Trump intends to assemble a bipartisan group of stakeholders to hear their perspectives and create a consensus on abortion policy. "We will agree to a number of weeks, which will be where both sides will be happy," he told Welker. "We have to bring the country together on this issue." But Trump's denouncement of the six-week abortion ban quickly gained backlash. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, also defended her fellow GOP governor. The head of the Hawkeye State signed a similar six-week abortion ban in July. "It's never a 'terrible thing' to protect innocent life. Im proud of the fetal heartbeat bill the Iowa legislature passed and I signed in 2018 and again earlier this year," Reynolds firmly stated. (Related: Texas judge imposes nationwide block on abortion drug mifepristone; liberals melt down.) DeSantis acknowledged Reynolds' sentiments in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I applaud Governor Reynolds and the Iowa legislature for promoting a culture of life," he wrote. "Donald Trump is wrong to attack the heartbeat bill as 'terrible.' Standing for life is a noble cause." The head of the Sunshine State even used the opportunity to attack his rival: "Trump says he will compromise with Democrats on abortion so that theyre nice to him. [But I] will never sell out conservatives to win praise from corporate media or the Left." DeSantis gains presidential momentum with his abortion stance While Trump's stance on abortion immediately backfired, DeSantis' defense of life helped him gain more support for his presidential campaign. Following the abortion fiasco, the Never Back Down political action committee backing DeSantis ran a new television ad about the Florida governor. The 30-second ad that centered on DeSantis' biography and political career has aired in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as on national news outlets like Fox News and Newsmax, since September 23. "One man worked his way through Yale University and Harvard Law School; one did not. One volunteered to serve his nation in wartime; one did not. One man stood up to [Dr. Anthony] Fauci and fought for freedom; one did not. One man won a historic reelection, and one did not," the ad said. It concluded by emphasizing that DeSantis is "the right man" to defeat incumbent President Joe Biden. The ad also defended the six-week abortion ban, which is often the period when a baby's heartbeat is detected in the womb, as "the right thing to do." Moreover, it praised the Florida governor for "promoting a culture of life" We have delivered in Florida on promoting a culture of life and that means signing the heartbeat bill into law. It was the right thing to do. Dont let anyone tell you it wasnt," the ad stated. Read more news about abortion at Abortions.news. Watch InfoWars' Harrison Smith discussing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) deeming abortion as an economic issue below. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Indiana doctor slammed for tweet celebrating abortion. 19-year-old Canadian girl dies after taking common abortion pill. YouTube BANS Ruth Institute for warning public about abortion-breast cancer link. Idaho bans trafficking minors across state lines for abortion without parental consent. Satanic Temple files lawsuit against Idaho over abortion ban, claiming it prevents members from practicing abortion ritual. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 TheEpochTimes.com 2 MSN.com Brighteon.com Trump vows to implement the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if re-elected as president in 2024 Former President Donald Trump has vowed to implement "the largest domestic deportation operation in American history" if he is re-elected as president in 2024. Upon my inauguration, I will immediately terminate every Open Borders policy of the Biden administration. Following the Eisenhower Model, we will carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American History," Trump vowed during a speech in Iowa. "I'll also invoke immediately the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members." (Related: Trump lays out 2024 presidential run agenda, promises to complete mission and build America up again.) In a report published by the Christian Science Monitor in 2006, former President and World War II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower established "Operation Wetback" on June 17, 1954, to stop around three million illegal immigrants from entering the United States and taking jobs from Americans in California, Arizona, Texas and other in the American Southwest. Eisenhower stopped illegal immigration with just 1,075 Border Patrol agents within a short period. Eisenhower's Border Patrol agents used buses and trains to take them far into Mexico before letting them go. He also put many on ships that took them from Texas to Mexico. Many more were detained in Texas and deported by some other means, while some, afraid of getting caught, left the country on their own. To date, many Border Patrol veterans still admire this operation. Trump talked about Eisenhower in a Fox Business Channel event back in 2015, when he first became the frontrunner in that year's Republican primaries. He praised Eisenhower as a good and great president even after a discussion with former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who was then advocating for amnesty to all illegal immigrants in the United States. "People liked him. I liked Ike. [Thats the] expression. I Like Ike. Moved a million and a half illegal immigrants out of this country, moved them just beyond the border: They came back. Moved them again, beyond the border: They came back. Then moved them way south. They never came back," Trump said at the time. Biden's border policies pale compared to Trump's when he was still president The U.S. immigration system has been at its worst under the administration of President Joe Biden, definitely worse off than compared to Trump. So, in one of his campaign speeches in the U.S., Trump addressed the border security issue as one of the most important to the American people. "Under my leadership, we had the most secure border in U.S. history. Now, we have the worst border in the history of the world, Trump declared, and he is backed by official data. In 2022, the U.S. southern border encountered a 200 percent increase in the number of illegal immigrants from 2020. The previous year, the Trump administration had the lowest rate of illegal immigrants in over four decades. However, the current administration has been alarming, posting the highest record in over six decades. In 2020, foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. through the southern border, whether illegally or without proper documentation, were returned to Mexico to await the adjudication of their legal cases. This border security program, known as the "remain in Mexico" policy, kept migrants in Mexico until their hearings. But when Biden took over the presidency, he accused Trump as a "racist" and "xenophobic" for implementing the "remain in Mexico" policy. Biden then decided to discontinue the program, which signaled that foreigners could attempt to enter the U.S. even without proper documentation. Furthermore, asylum seekers were required to wait in Mexico until their court hearings when Trump was still president, but the current administration implemented otherwise. With that, Trump declared himself as the only candidate in this race who will stop it cold on DAY ONE. Learn the latest news regarding President Donald Trump at Trump.news. Watch this episode of "NTD Good Morning" from NTD Television as hosts Evelyn Li and Kevin Hogan discuss former President Donald Trump outlining his agenda for his 2024 presidential run. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump 100% confident HE WILL WIN against Biden in the 2024 presidential elections. Trump planning to run again in 2024; releases campaign ad promoting his America First domestic energy platform. The photo that will win Trump the 2024 presidency. President Trump vows to ban Big Tech-federal government censorship collusion if re-elected in 2024. The Zelenko Report: Roger Stone blasts Ron DeSantis over his plan to challenge Trump in GOP primaries for 2024 Brighteon.TV. Sources include: Breitbart.com 1 CSMonitor.com Breitbart.com 2 MSN.com Brighteon.com Internet apocalypse is a hypothetical notion that may occur should an extreme solar flare or other types of solar storms such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar winds hit Earth in the future. The event pertains to the total collapse of the world's internet infrastructure and network if solar storm-triggered radio blackouts impact our planet. While the looming apocalyptic phenomenon may seem far from reality, geomagnetic storms and radio blackouts in previous decades have resulted in the disruption of Blue Planet's radio and satellite technology. The said subject lies in the field of solar storm myths, yet scientists have not ruled out the possibility that our access to the World Wide Web may come to an end one day. Internet Apocalypse In recent months, there has been a growing concern regarding the potential occurrence of an internet apocalypse caused by an impending radio blackout solar storm in the coming years. Whether the said hypothetical event is driven by fact or fiction, one might not avoid imagining that a cataclysmic space weather phenomenon may end our decades-long technology: the internet. Widespread online reports and posts on different social media platforms about the said cosmic danger emerged in June, in addition to the ones that came in previous years. However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has not issued an official warning or advisory regarding the occurrence of a potential internet apocalypse. Also Read: A Massive Solar Flare Can Affect Everyone's Electricity, Phones Even the Internet Old Hoax Last year, the apparent internet apocalypse NASA warning, which has been confirmed as an "old hoax," recirculated in Sri Lanka, with information showing that the world will plunged into darkness for at least six days in December 2022. The said claim has reportedly circulated the internet since 2012. Now, the latest spate of 'internet apocalypse fear-mongering' indicates that the event may finally manifest during a major solar storm in 2025, the year when solar activities are expected to increase due to the solar maximum of the current Solar Cycle 25. One of the instances of the potential threat reportedly concerns the United Kingdom, after an expert allegedly warned that Brits must prepare for the looming internet apocalypse. 2025 Solar Maximum In 2020, an expert panel led by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the Solar Cycle 25 will reach its solar maximum in 2025, there was no mention of a planetary-scale solar flare or solar storm. While NASA warnings about a looming internet apocalypse have been proven nothing but a solar storm myth, this technological disaster is still possible due to the multiple records of the disruptive capabilities of geomagnetic storms from solar storms, which can cause radio blackouts. What are Radio Blackouts? Over the past several years, radio blackouts have occurred in different parts of the world, particularly during the aftermath of a geomagnetic storm coming from solar flares. The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) explains that a solar flare is a massive eruption of highly energized electromagnetic particles or radiation from the Sun that can last for several minutes to hours. This solar outburst emits such geomagnetic storm particles that can impact Earth's magnetosphere, disrupting navigation systems and damaging power grids, according to NASA. The SWPC states this disruption may lead to a radio blackout, which is the absence of high-frequency communication. Related Article: Can a Solar Flare Be Powerful Enough to Wipe Out All Life on Earth? Dingoes are known as a type of wild dog in Australia and the country's largest terrestrial carnivore. These animals can be found across the western and central parts of the nation, particularly in forests, plains, and mountainous rural areas. While a dingo resembles the appearance of a domesticated dog, the Australian government prohibits their removal in the wild and even makes the wild animals as pets. While there has been a clear boundary between dingoes and pet dogs, there are still instances where the wild members of the family Canidae dingo (Canis lupus dingo) end up encountering humans, even in populated areas. One such recent case is an incident involving a Port Douglas dingo, which was euthanized by local authorities due to increasing threat to the public, according to a report on Monday, September 25. Port Douglas Dingo Port Douglas sits in the northern part of Queensland, Australia, a town known for its beach resorts, the Great Barrier Reef, and rainforests that is home to a rich biodiversity. On Monday, local sources reported that the Port Douglas dingo, mentioned earlier, received various complaints from residents. Based on the report, the Douglas Shire Council over recent months received complaints such as the dingo stalking some residents, attacking some pet dogs, and scavenging food scraps at the town's resorts. The council described that the wild dog has become an "unacceptable public safety risk." As a result, an unnamed officer under the country's Biosecurity Act trapped and humanely euthanized the dingo, according to the council. Prior to the so-called animal euthanasia, alternative solutions to the problem were sought such as relocating the local dingo family, which includes the euthanized wild dog. However, the move has been by locals as challenging since dingoes by nature are territorial. Also Read: Dingo vs Wolf: Which Canid Would Win in a Fight? Australia Dingo Origin The Australian dingo is an ancient breed of domestic dog that was introduced into the country, possibly by Asian seafarers around 4,000 years ago, according to the Australian Museum. Based on previous research, the origins of dingoes can be traced back to the early breeds of domestic dogs in Southeast Asia. Given the timeline, dingoes may have once co-existed with the now-extinct Tasmanian tigers in mainland Australia, officially called thylacine, which once roamed the country and the island state of Tasmania. Meanwhile, there are other reports that suggest dingoes arrived in Australia in two separate events. According to the National Museum Australia, dingoes may have arrived the country around 12,000 years ago after rising waters separated mainland Australia and the island state. This is in the context that no dingo fossils were ever found in Tasmania. Are Dingo Dogs Friendly? While dingoes are generally considered by scientists as a non-aggressive species, there have been records in the past that Australian wild dogs can attack humans, pets, and livestock. Back in June 2023, a video went viral showing a dingo biting a sunbathing tourist at a beach in K'gari, Australia. The said animal was also later euthanized by authorities. Related Article: Dingoes 'Rewilding' Australia Could Save Biodiversity, Say Experts Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked the neighboring countries of the European Union, which are ready for compromise and dialogue on the grain issue. "We are sincerely grateful to our partners from the European Commission for coordinating the issue of the export of Ukrainian agricultural products. In the context of the Russian Black Sea blockade, with almost daily attacks on our granaries and ports. In conditions where the provision of our security and defense forces directly depends on our income, we need agricultural exports," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. The prime minister stressed that talk that Ukrainian food harms Polish, Slovak or Hungarian farmers is speculation. "Our grain does not significantly affect prices in neighboring countries, while our farmers are in a much worse and more difficult situation than their Western colleagues. We do not and have never had a goal to harm farmers in neighboring countries," he added. Shmyhal recalled that to resolve the "grain crisis," Ukraine presented its plan and the European Commission supported it. In particular, we are talking about the mechanism for verification and authorization of four types of agricultural products. According to the prime minister, on September 28 there will be the next meeting of the coordination platform on export and transit issues, where these proposals will be finalized so that the plan begins to take effect as quickly as possible. "Four countries have worked through the Ukrainian plan, expressed their constructive comments and suggestions and are ready for discussion. And only one state is against it. Unfortunately... We have neither a logical nor an economic explanation for this," Shmyhal complained. He also said that he signed a resolution on the introduction of a mechanism for verification and coordination of four groups of Ukrainian agricultural exports for five neighboring countries. "We are already preparing documents with Romania and Bulgaria for signing. These countries did not violate EU trade rules and the Association Agreement and did not impose unilateral restrictions. Thank you for this, Ukraine really values responsible partnership. We are grateful to all neighbors who are open to compromise. In turn, we are always ready to engage in constructive dialogue. It is for dialogue, and not for political games, where the stakes are too high our unity and our solidarity," the prime minister emphasized. "Therefore, I once again urge you to be the only ones in defending our common values, in defending our common future, in defending our common European home," Shmyhal concluded. When flamingos were first spotted in the state after Hurricane Idalia, about 75 birdwatchers flocked to Lake Michigan. First Sighting: Flamingos on Lake Michigan A large crowd of people gathered to watch five flamingos wade along a Lake Michigan beach in Wisconsin. They were curious to see the strange visitors going far from their regular tropical setting. The American flamingos that were observed Friday at Port Washington, about 25 miles north of Milwaukee, were the first sighting of the species in Wisconsin state history, according to Mark Korducki, a Wisconsin Society for Ornithology member. The birds watched the water lap against their slender legs as they stood motionless 25 feet off the western shore of Lake Michigan. Two were young birds wearing gray clothing, while three were adults distinguished by their pink plumage. Following word of the flamingos' appearance on the city's South Beach spreading on social media, Jim Edelhuber of Waukesha joined a group of about 75 bird lovers there. Avid bird watcher and photographer Edelhuber continued by describing the situation as huge and unbelievable. No, this isn't a beach in Florida - this is WISCONSIN! For the first time in nearly a century, a flamboyance of flamingos was spotted yesterday on the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan following Hurricane Idalia. pic.twitter.com/iRcdNzH4FU AccuWeather (@accuweather) September 23, 2023 Hurricane Idalia Winds Because of recent sightings of flamingos in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the encounter was unexpected but not entirely shocking, according to Ryan Brady, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation biologist. Wildlife experts theorized that Hurricane Idalia's powerful winds in late August caused the flamingos to be driven north. As September got underway, reports and images of flamingo flocks appeared across the US. There is no possible chance that the flamingos aren't storm birds, according to Keith Laakkonen, director of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida. Laakonen says the issue is whether the birds originated in Mexico or Cuba. The Yucatan Peninsula has healthy populations of these birds, many of which were young birds. Therefore, these birds come from a population that breeds. Also Read: Two Nests Found as Flamingos Return to Galapagos Islands, Experts Confirm Flamingos Flamingos often inhabit brackish or shallow saltwater environments where saltwater and freshwater mix. However, some flamingo species, reproduce and raise their offspring in highly salty bodies of water, also known as alkaline or "soda" lakes. The water in these lakes is inhospitable for most creatures due to the high concentration of corrosive carbonate salts that can burn the skin. The peculiar features of a flamingo's physiology that enable it to endure such corrosive waters, such as its strong leg skin, are still being discovered by scientists. For some flamingo chicks, the high salt concentration can still be fatal if salt rings accumulate on their legs and render them unable to move. Hurricane Idalia The ninth tropical storm of the 2023 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Idalia, was first tracked by the National Weather Services on August 27, 2023. Idalia was already a potential hurricane on August 28 with a projected path that would severely damage northern Florida and Georgia. Communities along its path took notice and started making extensive local preparations. In addition to the extensive property destruction brought on by a hurricane or tropical storm, Idalia is said to have killed two individuals in Florida. Related Article: Idalia Aftermath: American Flamingos Seen in South Carolina Feeding on Crustaceans Parrots are amazing birds that have bright colors and charming personalities, but they are also the most at risk of extinction. A new study showed that many parrot species that used to live in the Caribbean have disappeared, and some of the ones that are left are not as special as we thought. What Ancient DNA Tells Us About Parrot Evolution and Distribution The study, which was published in PNAS, used ancient DNA from parrot fossils and remains found in archaeological sites to reveal the past diversity and distribution of Caribbean parrots. The researchers discovered that two species of Amazona parrots, which now live only on Cuba and Hispaniola, were once more varied and widespread across the Caribbean islands. The results help us understand how parrots became the most endangered group of birds in the world, with more than a quarter of all species facing extinction. This is especially true for island parrots. When Christopher Columbus first arrived in the Caribbean in 1492, he saw that there were so many parrots that they "blocked out the sun." Today, more than half of the parrot species in the Caribbean are extinct, from big multicolored macaws to a tiny parrotlet. It is hard to conserve the remaining parrot species because we don't know much about where they used to live. This is partly because their history with humans is very complex. "Parrots have always fascinated people," said Jessica Oswald, the main author of the study and a senior biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab. "Indigenous peoples have moved parrots around continents and islands for thousands of years. Later, European colonists did the same thing, and we still do it today." Because of this long history of exchange and trade, it is not easy to know how parrots ended up where they are now. Half of the 24 parrot species that currently live in the Caribbean were brought from other places, and we don't know if native parrots evolved on the islands they live on or were also moved there by humans. Luckily, their popularity with humans means that we can sometimes find parrots in archaeological sites as well. Their bones have been found in piles of trash - called middens - along with shells, fish bones and other leftovers from ancient meals. Parrots also have a good fossil record in the Caribbean, compared to other tropical regions. However, their fossils are usually not complete. Often, their bones are broken or separated, and it's hard to tell which species they came from. DNA can give us clear answers when physical comparisons are not enough, and co-author David Steadman wanted to see if they could get any genetic material from the bone tissue. Using genetic sequencing methods, the researchers found links between extinct flightless Caribbean birds and those in Africa and New Zealand. They also compared ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots with genetic sequences from modern birds. They found that two species of Amazona parrots, which are currently restricted to Cuba and Hispaniola, were once more diverse and widespread across the Caribbean islands. Also Read: Critically Endangered Birds Swift Parrots Lose Habitat as Tasmania Logs Native Gum Trees How Humans Caused Parrot Extinction and How They Can Prevent It The researchers think that human activities, such as hunting, destroying habitats, and bringing invasive species, have caused many Caribbean parrot species to decline and go extinct over time. They also think that human movements of parrots between islands may have changed their genetic diversity and evolutionary history. "Parrots are very adaptable birds," Oswald said. "They can live in different habitats and use different resources. But they are also sensitive to human impacts. We need to know their past to protect their future." The study shows the importance of using different types of evidence, such as fossils, archaeology, and genetics, to reconstruct the history of biodiversity and biogeography in the Caribbean. It also gives useful information for conservation efforts of the remaining parrot species in the region. Related article: Rats Kill Rare Orange-Bellied Parrots In Tasmanian Breeding Facility The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most diverse and productive marine ecosystems in the world, hosting more than 17,000 species of fish and invertebrates However, this rich biodiversity is under threat from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, climate change and invasive species Among the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt has a long history and tradition of fishing, dating back to ancient times Egypt's Mediterranean fisheries contribute to the food security, livelihoods and economy of millions of people, especially in the coastal areas However, a new study by researchers from the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport has revealed that Egyptian Mediterranean fisheries are in urgent need of better management to ensure their sustainability and resilience A century of overexploitation and external shocks The study, published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, reconstructed Egypt's marine fisheries catches from the Mediterranean from 1920 to 2019, using a variety of sources and methods The results showed that 3.8 million tonnes of fish and invertebrates were removed from Egypt's Mediterranean waters during this period, with major peaks and declines caused by various factors The study identified four main phases of Egypt's Mediterranean fisheries development: The early development phase (1920-1949) Characterized by low catches and fishing effort, mainly by trawlers targeting demersal species (fish that live near the bottom of the sea) such as hake, mullet and sole. The expansion phase (1950-1969) Marked by a rapid increase in catches and fishing effort, driven by the development of new fishing gears (such as purse seines and longlines) and markets, as well as the introduction of motorized boats. This phase also saw a shift in the target species from demersal to pelagic (fish that live near the surface of the sea) such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel. The decline phase (1970-1989), Characterized by a sharp decrease in catches and fishing effort, mainly due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1964, which blocked the flow of nutrients from the Nile into the sea, affecting the productivity and distribution of fish populations. This phase also witnessed a decline in the quality and quantity of fish landing sites, as well as political and economic instability5 The fluctuation phase (1990-2019), Marked by a recovery and stabilization of catches and fishing effort in the 1990s, followed by another decline in the 2000s and 2010s, due to overexploitation, environmental degradation, climate change and invasive species. This phase also saw a diversification of the fishery sector, with the emergence of aquaculture, recreational fishing and ecotourism The study also found evidence of fishing down the food web, a phenomenon that occurs when fishers target larger and more valuable species at higher trophic levels (positions in the food chain), depleting their stocks and then shifting to smaller and less valuable species at lower trophic levels The researchers calculated an indicator called the Marine Trophic Index (MTI), which measures the average trophic level of the catch. They found that the MTI declined from 3.6 in 1920 to 2.8 in 2019, indicating a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem health Also Read: Researchers Develop Tool That Could Make Fisheries More Sustainable A call for better management The researchers concluded that Egyptian Mediterranean fisheries are facing multiple challenges that require urgent action from both fishers and managers. They recommended a number of measures to improve the management of these fisheries, such as: Adopting an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM), which considers not only the target species but also their interactions with other species and habitats, as well as the social and economic aspects of fishing communities Implementing science-based catch limits and quotas for each fishery, based on regular stock assessments and monitoring. Enforcing existing regulations on fishing gear, mesh size, minimum landing size, closed areas and seasons, as well as combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Promoting co-management arrangements between fishers and managers, involving participatory decision-making processes and shared responsibilities. Enhancing data collection and reporting systems for both commercial and recreational fisheries, using modern technologies such as electronic logbooks, vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and remote sensing. Developing alternative livelihoods and income sources for fishers, such as aquaculture, ecotourism and value-added processing. Raising awareness and education among fishers and consumers about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and responsible seafood consumption. The researchers also highlighted the need for regional and international cooperation among the Mediterranean countries, as well as with relevant organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM). They stressed that Egypt has a key role to play in the conservation and management of the Mediterranean Sea's marine resources, as it has the longest coastline and the largest population among the Mediterranean countries The study is part of a global initiative by the Sea Around Us to reconstruct the fisheries catches of all maritime countries and territories from 1950 to 2010, and to update them until 2019. The aim is to provide more accurate and comprehensive data on global fisheries, which can inform better policies and practices for sustainable fisheries management Related article: Plankton 'Dead Zone' May Threaten Arabian Fisheries A bull attack led to the death of a Spanish man during a bull festival in eastern Spain, according to reports. The raging bull charged and gored the victim, who died eventually after succumbing to his wounds. Another participant of the event sustained injuries during the incident. While the said festival has been a tradition in the European country, it has only resumed in July 2022 following the nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns between 2020 and 2021. In previous years, bull attacks during bull festivals, including bullfighting, have been recorded not only in Spain but also in Portugal, France, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Although the activity has been conducted legally, various animal rights activists and groups in the past have condemned this tradition. Bull Attack Kills Spanish Man A bull called Cocinero gored the local man, who was not named, during a bull running festival in the town of Pobla de Farnals in Spain's Valencia region on Saturday, September 23. Authorities confirmed the man was taken to a hospital but died later. Meanwhile, the second victim, who was also a Spanish man, was gored in both legs by Cocinero the bull and was in a stable condition in the hospital, the authorities added. Local officials reportedly specified the 61-year-old man who died from the raging bull underwent emergency surgery but died on Sunday, September 24. His 61-year-old friend was with him as other people from multiple cities and towns across the country took part in the bull festival. Also Read: Animal Abuse in the Concrete Jungle: Dog, Bull Rescued on the Streets of New York City Spanish Bull Festival Deaths and injuries from Spanish bull festivals, including bull-running activities, are not rare. In fact, the centuries-old tradition is held every year, wherein bulls are released on the streets with people running ahead of them. However, there are reported casualties in some of these events, mainly due to being gored by sharp bull horns and getting stomped by wild animals. This summer, at least 10 people were killed during bull-running festivals in Spain, including seven deaths in the Valencia region. Other fatalities were recorded in the regions of Castilla y Leon, Madrid, and Navarra. In Valencia alone, the death toll from bull-running events has increased to more than 30 since 2015. Animal Rights Movement As mentioned earlier, the bull-running festival, also called the San Fermin festival, has been condemned by activists and groups. Calls have been made to stop the activities. One of the advocacies of this movement against the Spanish bull festival is that it denounces the killings of bulls within hours after the start of the event, according to PETA. The organization also emphasizes that the charging animals often fall or crash their head into walls while at full speed. In July 2023, pro-animal rights activists from PETA and AnimaNaturalis organizations demonstrated against bull-running and bullfighting events in Pamplona, Spain, ahead of the event of the San Fermin festivities. Related Article: Raging Bull Gores 55-Year-Old Man to Death During Festival in Spain A Kentucky man died due to respiratory failure after a swarm of bees attacked him on his porch. Authorities stated in a statement that the 59-year-old man, Michael Alford, was moving a bag of potting soil in Harlan County on Monday when he was stung 15 to 20 times by a swarm of bees from within the box. The man's relatives began CPR, which the first responders continued, but "those attempts failed." Harlan's deputy coroner, John Jones, later ruled Alford dead at a local hospital. The police added that the man might have had preexisting health difficulties that were likely exacerbated by the beestings, but he declined to elaborate on the particular nature of these conditions due to patient privacy concerns. Alford was a former gas station manager who lived his entire life in Harlan County and enjoyed four-wheeling, playing the piano, collecting knives, and whittling, according to his obituary. His wife Chi-Chi Margalene "Margo" Hughes Alford, three daughters, and 11 grandchildren survive him. Read Also: Unusual Bee Attack Injures, Hospitalizes Mallgoers in Mexico Deaths from bees' attacks The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 788 deaths from hornet, wasp, and bee stings from 2011 to 2021, with an average of 72 deaths per year. Overall, men accounted for 84% of all fatalities. A 20-year-old Ohio man was bitten at least 20,000 times by bees while chopping branches last September. After being placed in a medically-induced coma, the man finally recovered. Meanwhile, an Arizona man died and two others were hospitalized in 2021 after being stung hundreds of times by bees. What should you do when bees sting you? Bees play an important role in the food chain. They are in charge of pollinating popular fruits and vegetables like apples and squash. Their sting, on the other hand, can inflict pain and suffering. When a bee stings someone, the sharp stinger penetrates the skin. It then detaches from the bee and attaches to the skin with its barb, a sharp hook that holds the stinger in place. The venom sac is usually attached to the top of the stinger. The venom affects the body and immune system, and everyone reacts differently to it. According to research, people may become increasingly vulnerable to the venom over time. This increased sensitivity can lead to an allergic reaction, even if the individual has never experienced one before. If this occurs, more serious symptoms will emerge, and the individual should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. In the event of a bee, wasp, or hornet sting, the CDC recommends cleaning the affected area with soap and water and removing the stinger with gauze wipes or by scraping the area with a fingernail. It is advised not to squeeze the stinger or use tweezers and to administer ice to the affected area to decrease swelling. If a person has severe symptoms, such as nausea or difficulty breathing, they should seek medical treatment right away. They are most likely experiencing an allergic reaction, which can be fatal. Related Article: Sting Operation: Ohio Man Wakes Up from Coma after Receiving 20,000 Bee Stings and Ingesting 30 Bees Related Video: Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal signed a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the introduction of a mechanism for verification and coordination of four groups of Ukrainian agricultural exports, in particular wheat, rapeseed, sunflower and corn, to Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. "Ukraine presented this mechanism as part of a plan to resolve the grain crisis, which was supported by the European Commission. Four countries have worked through the Ukrainian plan, expressed their constructive comments and suggestions and are ready for discussion. And only one state is against. Unfortunately, we have neither a logical, no economic explanation," he wrote on Telegram. The Prime Minister did not specify which country did not support the mechanism proposed by Ukraine to control the export of Ukrainian grain. According to his information, Ukraine is preparing the relevant documents (on verification of the export of Ukrainian grain) with Romania and Bulgaria. Shmyhal thanked Romania and Bulgaria for not violating EU trade rules and the Association Agreement and not introducing unilateral restrictions against the import of Ukrainian agricultural products. Russian occupation forces shelled Kyselivka in Kherson region on Monday evening, wounding five people, Head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin said. "Yesterday, around 21:00, Kyselivka was hit. Four people were injured. Two men, 28 and 64 years old, and a 67-year-old woman received minor injuries. They were provided with assistance on the spot," he said in the Telegram channel. According to him, another victim, aged 68, was taken to the hospital in moderate condition. "At dawn, the occupiers fired at Kyselivka again. Initially, a person was injured. The information is being clarified," Prokudin said. The enemy also hit Olhivka using aviation. The scale of destruction is being established. When gaming chip maker Nvidia announced a decade ago that it planned a strategic shift to data center AI, there were many questions: Could they build a full-stack, enterprise-grade offering? Was there even a market for AI? After the companys latest earnings report, the question is whether anybody can challenge Nvidia as the preeminent AI platform provider for both enterprise and hyperscale data centers. Through clever acquisitions, internal hardware/software development, and strategic alliances, Nvidia positioned itself perfectly to take advantage of the generative AI frenzy created by the release of ChatGPT late last year. Neither industry-wide chip shortages, nor the collapse of its proposed $40 billion purchase of chip rival Arm Ltd. had any noticeable effect on Nvidias phenomenal growth. A new computing era has begun. Companies worldwide are transitioning from general-purpose to accelerated computing and generative AI, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang said in the companys earnings statement. Nvidia GPUs connected by our Mellanox networking and switch technologies and running our CUDA AI software stack make up the computing infrastructure of generative AI. The numbers back him up. Nvidias second quarter revenues increased from $6.7 billion to $13.5 billion thats right, year-over-year revenue doubled. Net income increased from $656 million to $6.1 billion, which is an 854% increase from a year ago and a 202% gain from the previous quarter. Margins hit 70%, as Nvidia was able to charge enterprises and hyperscalers a premium for in-demand GPUs. Data center revenue came in at $10.3 billion (up 141% in a single quarter) and now constitutes 76% of total revenue. Nvidia is on pace to surpass Cisco in total revenue by the end of the next quarter. Its stock is trading in the range of $490 a share. And, according to IDC, it has an estimated 90% market share in enterprise GPUs, the building blocks of AI systems. Industry analysts are bullish. Deutsche Banks Ross Seymore says, We continue to believe Nvidia is uniquely suited to benefit from the growth of AI in hardware and potentially software. Atif Malik at Citi predicts that the market for AI accelerators will grow at a blistering pace, with Nvidia boasting a substantial advantage in AI performance versus AMD. Cowen & Cos Matthew Ramsay predicts that Nvidia revenue could hit $46 billion in 2024 and $65 billion in 2025. These upward revisions are entirely concentrated in the data center segment, says Ramsay. He adds, While we recognize these numbers are extraordinary, we believe there is more than sufficient demand and supply to support revenue growth of this magnitude. Alexander Harrowell, principal analyst at Omdia, says, There are plenty of companies that have a powerful neural-network accelerator chip, but there is only one that has Nvidias software ecosystem. He adds that Nvidias ability to create a robust developer community around its core technology gives it a distinct advantage, not unlike what Apple has done with iPhones. Developers, developers, developers has always been a winning strategy in all things digital. Its extremely difficult to reverse this once its happened, says Harrowell. The Nvidia ecosystem Huang has stated that Nvidia isnt seeking to take market share away from industry incumbents; it wants to lead the way as enterprises add AI capabilities to their existing CPU-based data centers. That strategy appears to be working because rather than alienating industry heavyweights, Nvidia has successfully threaded the needle, creating a web of partnerships and alliances. Want to keep your data inhouse and build out your own AI capabilities? Nividia has teamed up with Dell to offer enterprises a complete, on-prem generative AI package that integrates Nvidias GPUs, networking, software, and NeMo large language model (LLM) framework with Dell servers, storage and preconfigured designs for specific use cases. If youd rather take advantage of the scalability of the cloud and the speed with which you can get up and running, Nvidia has got that covered with its DGX cloud service, running now on the Oracle cloud and expected to be available soon on Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. DGX cloud is a complete hardware and software package that enables enterprises to create generative AI models using Nvidia technology inside the hyperscalers environment. For organizations concerned about the security risks associated with sending sensitive data into the public cloud, Nvidia has teamed up with VMware on an offering called VMware Private AI Foundation, a fully integrated, ready-to-go generative AI platform that companies can run on premises, in colocation facilities, or in private clouds. Moving up the stack to AI-driven business applications, Nvidia is working with ServiceNow and Accenture to develop AI Lighthouse, which combines the ServiceNow enterprise automation platform and engine, NVIDIA AI supercomputing and software, and Accenture consulting and deployment services to help enterprises build custom generative AI large language models and applications. On the developer front, in addition to its own powerful developer community, Nvidia has partnered with Hugging Face, an open-source AI developer community, to give Hugging Face developers building large language models access to the DGX cloud. This will enable developers to train and tune advanced AI models on Nvidias supercomputing infrastructure. How about industrial applications like digital twin and robotics? Nvidia has developed its Omniverse real-time 3D graphics collaboration platform. Patrick Moorhead, CEO of Moor Insights, says, The availability of Nvidia's Omniverse in the Microsoft Azure cloud is a big step forward for Nvidia and for enterprise businesses wanting to reap the benefits of digital twin technologies. He adds, Very few companies can do what Nvidia is doing with Omniverse. At the heart of it, Nvidia is building from its powerful advantages in hardware to enable this incredible AI-driven software platform. That makes Omniverse a valuable tool for enterprises looking to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Smart cars? The increasingly software-driven automotive industry is also on Nvidias radar screen. The company is partnering with MediaTek to develop automotive systems on chips (or chiplets) for OEMs. The GPU battlefield Nvidia has a dominant market share in GPUs, far ahead of rivals AMD and Intel, and continues to update its product portfolio with regular releases of even more powerful chips. In the latest quarter, it announced the GH2000 Grace Hopper Superchip for complex AI and high-performance computing workloads, and the L40S GPU, a universal data center processor designed to accelerate the most compute-intensive applications. But AMD isnt standing pat. It is challenging Nvidia with its new Instinct MI300X chips and is building a powerful AI accelerator by combining multiple MI300X chiplets with Zen4 CPU chiplets. "The generative AI, large language models have changed the landscape," said AMD CEO Lisa Su at an event in San Francisco in June. "The need for more compute is growing exponentially, whether you're talking about training or about inference." "When you compare MI300X to the competition, MI300X offers 2.4 times more memory, and 1.6 times more memory bandwidth, and with all of that additional memory capacity, we actually have an advantage for large language models because we can run larger models directly in memory, Su said. However, the new AMD chips wont be shipping in volume until 2024. And Intel continues to lag. In March, Intel announced that it had cancelled the Rialto Bridge generation of GPUs and is postponing the Falcon Shores GPU architecture to 2025. There is no meaningful competition for Nvidias high-performance GPUs until AMD starts shipping its new AI accelerators in high volumes in early 2024, says Raj Joshi, senior vice president at Moodys Investors Services. Jim Breyer, CEO at Breyer Capital, adds, From a three-year timeframe, Nvidia is unstoppable; it has a year-and-a-half lead in GPUs. Breyer adds that from his perspective Nvidias biggest challenge isnt coming from AMD or Intel; its Google. He says Google got off to a slow start, but founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have reportedly come out of retirement and are back at Google headquarters, working on the company's AI project called Gemini. Google is coming at AI more from the search engine perspective, seeking to maintain its Chrome dominance in the face of a challenge from Microsoft, which has integrated Chat-GPT into its Edge browser. (The Microsoft/OpenAI ChatGPT technology runs on Nvidia chips.) Google also uses Nvidia GPUs but has developed its own TPUs (tensor processing units), application specific ASICs designed for machine learning and AI. And its entirely possible that Google could ramp up production of its TPUs and build a full-stack generative AI offering based on its own PaLM 2 large language model. Similarly, Amazon is developing its own GPUs. In 2015, Amazon bought Israeli chip design start-up Annapurna Labs for $350 million and has developed two types of GPUs Trainium (designed to handle the compute-intensive training of large language models) and Inferentia (designed for the inference part of the AI equation, which is when an end user queries the LLM.) Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says that AWS is using Trainium and Inferentia for itself but has also made its more cost-effective accelerators available to customers. He adds that AI models trained with Trainium "are up to 140% faster" than similar GPU systems "at up to 70% lower cost." Amazon still buys the vast majority of its AI chips from Nvidia, so its not clear how much of a bite Amazon might be able to take out of Nvidias chip market share. However, never underestimate Google or AWS. They have technical chops, deep pockets, they each have their own large language models, their own marketplaces and developer communities, and of course, datacenters that can handle the demands of AI applications. They do face a major challenge, should they decide to directly challenge Nvidia. Stacy Rasgon, senior analyst at Bernstein Research, points out, Nvidia chips have a massive software ecosystem thats been built up around them over the last 15 years that nobody else has. Potential pitfalls No technology or seemingly dominant technology provider is invincible, as anyone who owned a Blackberry can attest. There are several factors that could lead to competitors grabbing market share from Nvidia. Today, Nvidia is pretty much the only game in town, so it can charge significant markups on its chips; a single GPU could run as much as $40,000. Once AMD and Intel get their acts together, they will undoubtedly offer lower-cost alternatives. In addition, enterprises are always concerned about vendor lock-in, so, over time, they are likely to add a second GPU vendor to the mix. These factors could take market share away from Nvidia, but at the very least they will drive Nvidia to lower its prices, putting pressure on revenue and earnings. Other potential pitfalls for Nvidia would be becoming a victim of its own success; spreading itself too thin, failing to execute, becoming too arrogant, losing touch with customers. Not to say any of this is happening, but it wouldnt be the first time that a company suffered self-inflicted wounds. One key strength for Nvidia is Huangs steady leadership. A frequent speaker at industry events, Huang is a charismatic presence. At 60, hes not near retirement age, but should he decide to step away for any reason, the company could face a leadership vacuum. Another aspect of generative AI thats gaining attention is power consumption. Nvidia has the distinction of producing the worlds first chip to draw over a kilowatt of power. The AI era is proving extremely profligate in energy at exactly a time when we can least afford it, Harrowell says. Forrester analyst Glenn ODonnell points out that the technology leaders at a large enterprise might be excited by generative AI, but the CFO might have a different perspective on the notion of spending tons of money and burning lots of energy on something that might be exciting but doesnt necessarily demonstrate a clear ROI. Finally, we know that every technology advance eventually gets leapfrogged by the next big thing. Harrowell says disruptors to Nvidias leadership position could come from fundamental AI research that develops more efficient ways to do AI than massive large language models. And alternative processor architectures could emerge from companies like Tesla, Apple, Google, IBM, Meta or others. But for the near term, Nvidia rules. ODonnell says Nvidia has methodically executed its game plan; they built the chips, created the ecosystem and won the mindshare battle. Theres really no stopping this juggernaut, he says. They will continue to dominate. Attacks related to Domain Name System infrastructure such as DNS hijacking, DNS tunneling and DNS amplification attacks are on the rise, and many IT organizations are questioning the security of their DNS infrastructure. Most IT organizations maintain a variety of DNS infrastructure for public services (websites and internet-accessible services) and private services (Active Directory, file sharing, email). Securing both internal and external DNS infrastructure is critical due to a growing number of threats and vulnerabilities that malicious actors use to target them. Unfortunately, very few organizations are confident in their DNS security. Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) recently examined the issue of DNS security in its newly published research report, DDI Directions: DNS, DHCP and IP Address Management Strategies for the Multi-Cloud Era. Based on a survey of 333 IT professionals responsible for DNS, DHCP and IP address management (DDI), the research found that only 31% of DDI managers are fully confident in the security of their DNS infrastructure. Top DNS security concerns EMA asked research participants to identify the DNS security challenges that cause them the most pain. The top response (28% of all respondents) is DNS hijacking. Also known as DNS redirection, this process involves intercepting DNS queries from client devices so that connection attempts go to the wrong IP address. Hackers often achieve this buy infecting clients with malware so that queries go to a rogue DNS server, or they hack a legitimate DNS server and hijacks queries as more massive scale. The latter method can have a large blast radius, making it critical for enterprises to protect DNS infrastructure from hackers. The second most concerning DNS security issue is DNS tunneling and exfiltration (20%). Hackers typically exploit this issue once they have already penetrated a network. DNS tunneling is used to evade detection while extracting data from a compromised. Hackers hide extracted data in outgoing DNS queries. Thus, its important for security monitoring tools to closely watch DNS traffic for anomalies, like abnormally large packet sizes. The third most pressing security concern is a DNS amplification attack (20%). This is a kind of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, whereby a hacker tricks third-party, publicly addressable DNS servers into flooding a target DNS server with unwanted, spoofed query responses, overwhelming that servers ability to respond to legitimate queries. This attack can make websites unreachable because end users DNS queries to the site cannot be resolved. How to improve DNS security DNS firewalls IT organizations can reduce DNS security risk by installing a DNS firewall. Nearly 47% of DDI experts told EMA that they have deployed a DNS firewall to protect their infrastructure, and these organizations revealed to us that they were much more confident in their overall DNS security. DNS firewalls are specialized network security devices that focus entirely on inspecting DNS queries and blocking connections based on threat intelligence and security policies. They have much more granular visibility into and intelligence about DNS traffic than a standard firewall. DNSSEC Another important measure is the use of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a suite of specifications created by the Internet Engineering Task Force (ETF). DNSSEC involves configuring DNS servers to digitally sign DNS records using public-key cryptography. This allows other DNS servers to verify the authenticity of a DNS record and it protects against forged and manipulated data. More than 47% of the organizations in EMAs research use DNSSEC extensively. Those who do so told us that they are much more confident in their overall DNS security posture. However, DNSSEC does pose some challenges. DDI managers told EMA that it can lead to increased infrastructure overhead and increased management complexity. Some also perceived flaws in the overall security model of DNSSEC. Priority security policies for DNS Nearly 38% of organizations are setting automatic security policies that prioritize DNS security threats. For instance, they configure an intrusion prevention system to block DNS queries associated with known malicious IP addresses. Organizations that use this technique told EM that they were more confident in DNS security. Cloud collaboration Any DNS security strategy must also include the public cloud. Many DDI managers have traditionally owned DDI services for on-premises networks. Cloud teams often adopt their own solutions for DNS, DHCP and IP address management in public cloud infrastructure. In recent years, DDI teams have asserted themselves in the cloud to ensure cloud networks are secure and stable. We try to work together with the cloud team, said a DDI engineer with a Fortune 500 consulting company. Five years ago, that wasnt happening. There was a lot of risk. Its easy to do things int the cloud without collaborating with network engineering and security. It can create problems. EMAs research found that nearly 59% of DDI teams now have sufficient influence over their companys cloud strategies. DDI professionals who had such cloud influence were much more confident in their overfall DNS security posture. DNS visibility Finally, DDI teams need to see whats happening with DNS infrastructure. Many enterprises typically export DNS logs to security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, where cybersecurity teams can look for anomalous activity. Moreover, centralized monitoring of all DNS infrastructure is very important. Nearly 47% of DDI managers can monitor all DNS servers from a central console. These individuals were much more confident in their DNS security. To learn more about EMAs DDI market research, check out the firm's free research highlights webinar. On the night of Tuesday, Ukrainian air defense eliminated 26 of 38 Shahed drones that attacked Ukraine, the Air Force said. "The air defense forces and means of the Air Force, in cooperation with units of other components of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, destroyed 26 Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs," the force said in the statement. In total, the Air Force reports, launches of 38 attack UAVs were recorded from the south-eastern direction (Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia, Cape Chauda, Crimea). It is reported that fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, and mobile fire groups operated along the route of the attack drones. In addition, over the past and current days, tactical aviation of the Air Force carried out more than 40 air sorties, 20 of them to engage the enemy by fire. Ujwal Jalali By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In perhaps the biggest robbery ever reported in the capital, a jewellery showroom in southeast Delhi's Bhogal area was burgled by at least three unidentified men who took away all the valuables, worth around Rs 25 crore. In a heist reminiscent of a Bollywood flick, the robbers entered the showroom from the terrace of the 4-story building. To make sure that they did not leave behind any clue, the burglars broke the CCTV cameras and sneaked in from the fourth floor of the building by drilling a hole, possibly with the help of a gas cutter, and reached the ground floor from the stairs where the strongroom was located. According to police officials present at the spot, the robbers were probably well aware of the fact that they had to only target the basement of the building where a safe was kept and not enter any other floor. Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Rajesh Deo said that the owner opened the shop around 10 am on Tuesday, found that it was ransacked and made a call to the police. As the shop remains closed on Mondays, the robbery could have been committed any time from Sunday night. "Their main operation was on the ground floor, while the rest of the three floors were being used for other operations like cutting and manufacturing," the DCP said. He said that there is a safe (vault) in the jewellery shop, which has a metallic gate from the front while it is surrounded by walls from the three sides. The three suspected robbers went down all the way from the stairs, and drilled another hole on the wall, having a diameter of around 1-1.5 feet, through which one among them entered inside and decamped with the jewellery. "We have called in advanced forensic teams and they will examine the safe. Only after that can we tell how much jewellery has been stolen exactly," the senior officer said. Even though the robbers broke a few CCTV cameras, official sources told The New Indian Express that they have recovered footage from one of the cameras in which some of them can be seen. The owner of the ill-fated Umrao Singh Jewelers, Sanjeev Jain, told mediapersons that they had closed the shop around 8 pm on Sunday and opened it after two days on Tuesday. The police have constituted multiple teams to crack the case at the earliest. "We are questioning everybody connected to the shop," the official said. Nearby shop owners told The New Indian Express that the burglars seemed to know about the showroom very well. "The way the burglary has taken place, the alleged persons must have done some recce before or knew about the shop," said one of them. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: In perhaps the biggest robbery ever reported in the capital, a jewellery showroom in southeast Delhi's Bhogal area was burgled by at least three unidentified men who took away all the valuables, worth around Rs 25 crore. In a heist reminiscent of a Bollywood flick, the robbers entered the showroom from the terrace of the 4-story building. To make sure that they did not leave behind any clue, the burglars broke the CCTV cameras and sneaked in from the fourth floor of the building by drilling a hole, possibly with the help of a gas cutter, and reached the ground floor from the stairs where the strongroom was located. According to police officials present at the spot, the robbers were probably well aware of the fact that they had to only target the basement of the building where a safe was kept and not enter any other floor.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Rajesh Deo said that the owner opened the shop around 10 am on Tuesday, found that it was ransacked and made a call to the police. As the shop remains closed on Mondays, the robbery could have been committed any time from Sunday night. "Their main operation was on the ground floor, while the rest of the three floors were being used for other operations like cutting and manufacturing," the DCP said. He said that there is a safe (vault) in the jewellery shop, which has a metallic gate from the front while it is surrounded by walls from the three sides. The three suspected robbers went down all the way from the stairs, and drilled another hole on the wall, having a diameter of around 1-1.5 feet, through which one among them entered inside and decamped with the jewellery. "We have called in advanced forensic teams and they will examine the safe. Only after that can we tell how much jewellery has been stolen exactly," the senior officer said. Even though the robbers broke a few CCTV cameras, official sources told The New Indian Express that they have recovered footage from one of the cameras in which some of them can be seen. The owner of the ill-fated Umrao Singh Jewelers, Sanjeev Jain, told mediapersons that they had closed the shop around 8 pm on Sunday and opened it after two days on Tuesday. The police have constituted multiple teams to crack the case at the earliest. "We are questioning everybody connected to the shop," the official said. Nearby shop owners told The New Indian Express that the burglars seemed to know about the showroom very well. "The way the burglary has taken place, the alleged persons must have done some recce before or knew about the shop," said one of them. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service KOCHI: A group of students from a private institute in the city took to the streets on Monday to protest against alleged fraudulent practices at the centre. The students claimed they had been promised job placements with major airline companies, but the institute failed to fulfil its commitments. However, the owner and managing director of the institute strongly denied all the allegations and accused the students of launching a smear campaign. According to the students, the institute had assured them that job placements would commence as early as the third month of their one-year diploma course. The course fee is Rs 1.5 lakh for one year, which is significantly higher than what other centres charge. We were willing to pay this amount because the institute dangled the enticing prospect of immediate job placements, especially with prestigious airlines like Qatar Airways, alleged the students. However, to our dismay, even after a year, none of us secured positions with Qatar Airways or even with domestic airlines. Many of our seniors only managed to find jobs at local airports, working in cafeterias as waiters! the students claimed. When they raised their concerns, the owner filed a police complaint against them. Only a few students from the first two batches secured placements in Qatar. However, we have learned that they are not receiving the promised salaries, alleged the students, who are now demanding a refund of the fees they paid to the institute. Meanwhile, the institutes owner dismissed the allegations as baseless. These students are making baseless accusations. How can we issue certificates or provide placements to students who havent taken their exams? he countered. He asserted that they have successfully placed students who completed their examinations. According to him, in the current batch to which the protesting students belong, everyone except them participated in the end-of-course examination. I filed a complaint with the police after these students stormed into my office and verbally abused me and my family. I have learned that these students have caused similar issues at other institutes they attended, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp KOCHI: A group of students from a private institute in the city took to the streets on Monday to protest against alleged fraudulent practices at the centre. The students claimed they had been promised job placements with major airline companies, but the institute failed to fulfil its commitments. However, the owner and managing director of the institute strongly denied all the allegations and accused the students of launching a smear campaign. According to the students, the institute had assured them that job placements would commence as early as the third month of their one-year diploma course. The course fee is Rs 1.5 lakh for one year, which is significantly higher than what other centres charge. We were willing to pay this amount because the institute dangled the enticing prospect of immediate job placements, especially with prestigious airlines like Qatar Airways, alleged the students. However, to our dismay, even after a year, none of us secured positions with Qatar Airways or even with domestic airlines. Many of our seniors only managed to find jobs at local airports, working in cafeterias as waiters! the students claimed. When they raised their concerns, the owner filed a police complaint against them. Only a few students from the first two batches secured placements in Qatar. However, we have learned that they are not receiving the promised salaries, alleged the students, who are now demanding a refund of the fees they paid to the institute. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the institutes owner dismissed the allegations as baseless. These students are making baseless accusations. How can we issue certificates or provide placements to students who havent taken their exams? he countered. He asserted that they have successfully placed students who completed their examinations. According to him, in the current batch to which the protesting students belong, everyone except them participated in the end-of-course examination. I filed a complaint with the police after these students stormed into my office and verbally abused me and my family. I have learned that these students have caused similar issues at other institutes they attended, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service GUWAHATI: After a huge protest on Tuesday over the killings of two missing students, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet/data services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect. Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 in the wake of ethnic violence, were restored only three days ago. In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platformsThe state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for 5 (five) days till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023, an order issued by the home department said. ALSO READ | Killings of two students trigger massive protest in Manipur, over 50 injured The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation...This is issued after obtaining approval of the Competent Authority with immediate effect. All concerned are directed to comply with the orders, the order further said. Over 50 students were injured in state capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students. Photos of the bodies of the two students -- Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) -- who have been missing since July, went viral on social media on Monday. In one photo, the two students are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GUWAHATI: After a huge protest on Tuesday over the killings of two missing students, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet/data services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect. Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 in the wake of ethnic violence, were restored only three days ago. In view of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, false rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platformsThe state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for 5 (five) days till 7:45 PM of 01-10-2023, an order issued by the home department said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | Killings of two students trigger massive protest in Manipur, over 50 injured The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation...This is issued after obtaining approval of the Competent Authority with immediate effect. All concerned are directed to comply with the orders, the order further said. Over 50 students were injured in state capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students. Photos of the bodies of the two students -- Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) -- who have been missing since July, went viral on social media on Monday. In one photo, the two students are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Parvez Sultan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Centre is mulling over a proposal to appoint tourism officers in all embassies and high commissions to promote Indian tourism destinations. Around two years ago, the Government made a decision to shut overseas tourism offices in Missions abroad. Instead, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) appointed tourism officers in 20 countries, which are top source markets, to carry out activities with stakeholders to attract foreign tourists. In its latest report tabled in both Houses of Parliament during the recently concluded special session, the parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture has noted that the closure of the overseas tourist offices has adversely impacted Indian tourism. The Committee has been informed by the stakeholders that after the closure of the Overseas Tourist Officers, India did not figure in the brochures of the overseas tourism agents, adversely impacting the prospects of Indian tourism, the report read. The parliamentary panel headed by V Vijayasai Reddy of YSR Congress was also informed that in the last two years, the tourism officers had only one meeting with the Indian stakeholders following it had desired to know how many meetings have been held with them as also the foreign tourism agents and business-to-business (B2B) players since their appointment. Subsequently, the Committee comprising 31 MPs expressed a desire to explore the possibilities of posting well-trained and experienced officers from the Ministry of Tourism for awareness and publicity activities in Missions. The panel also inquired about the background of tourism officers appointed in 20 countries and the training given to them in tourism promotion. However, the ministry, in its response, stated that the officers were already dealing with the subject of promotion of Indian culture and commerce and hence having some domain understanding and the MEA is considering a proposal to designate tourism officers in all Missions. The closure of the overseas tourism offices began in 2018 and the last seven functional overseas tourism offices were shut in March this year. However, some Indian Missions had sought the reopening of overseas tourism offices. Following the decision taken to close all overseas tourism offices, the responsibility of promoting Indian tourism destinations was entrusted to the tourism officers, a first or second-secretary-rank official already serving in the Indian diplomatic office in foreign countries. In the report, the Committee further observed that discussions on separate budgets for tourism at the disposal of MEA for promotional campaigns are still ongoing even after two years and suggested resolving the issue soon. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Tourism may settle the matters expeditiously so that the MEA would have both the funds and the programme to go ahead with the work relating to tourism promotion. Exclusion of India from the tourism brochure is a major issue in the absence of which the visibility of Indian tourism places would be difficult to maintain, the panel report stated. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Centre is mulling over a proposal to appoint tourism officers in all embassies and high commissions to promote Indian tourism destinations. Around two years ago, the Government made a decision to shut overseas tourism offices in Missions abroad. Instead, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) appointed tourism officers in 20 countries, which are top source markets, to carry out activities with stakeholders to attract foreign tourists. In its latest report tabled in both Houses of Parliament during the recently concluded special session, the parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture has noted that the closure of the overseas tourist offices has adversely impacted Indian tourism. The Committee has been informed by the stakeholders that after the closure of the Overseas Tourist Officers, India did not figure in the brochures of the overseas tourism agents, adversely impacting the prospects of Indian tourism, the report read.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The parliamentary panel headed by V Vijayasai Reddy of YSR Congress was also informed that in the last two years, the tourism officers had only one meeting with the Indian stakeholders following it had desired to know how many meetings have been held with them as also the foreign tourism agents and business-to-business (B2B) players since their appointment. Subsequently, the Committee comprising 31 MPs expressed a desire to explore the possibilities of posting well-trained and experienced officers from the Ministry of Tourism for awareness and publicity activities in Missions. The panel also inquired about the background of tourism officers appointed in 20 countries and the training given to them in tourism promotion. However, the ministry, in its response, stated that the officers were already dealing with the subject of promotion of Indian culture and commerce and hence having some domain understanding and the MEA is considering a proposal to designate tourism officers in all Missions. The closure of the overseas tourism offices began in 2018 and the last seven functional overseas tourism offices were shut in March this year. However, some Indian Missions had sought the reopening of overseas tourism offices. Following the decision taken to close all overseas tourism offices, the responsibility of promoting Indian tourism destinations was entrusted to the tourism officers, a first or second-secretary-rank official already serving in the Indian diplomatic office in foreign countries. In the report, the Committee further observed that discussions on separate budgets for tourism at the disposal of MEA for promotional campaigns are still ongoing even after two years and suggested resolving the issue soon. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Tourism may settle the matters expeditiously so that the MEA would have both the funds and the programme to go ahead with the work relating to tourism promotion. Exclusion of India from the tourism brochure is a major issue in the absence of which the visibility of Indian tourism places would be difficult to maintain, the panel report stated. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: In the midst of the election year in Rajasthan, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a surprise raid on Tuesday at the residence of State Minister of Home Affairs, Rajendra Yadav. This operation by the ED is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation into the alleged mid-day meal scam case. Reports indicate that ED teams simultaneously visited establishments affiliated with Minister Rajendra Yadav in Jaipur, Kotputli, Viratnagar, and other locations during the early hours of the morning. These teams are presently scrutinising company documents associated with Minister Yadav's business. According to inside sources, the ED teams from Delhi also extended their investigation to the minister's relatives. It is reported that a group of officers and ED personnel conducted a thorough search at the minister's residence from 7 am to 5 pm. In the presence of the minister, the locks on two cupboards and a box were opened. Subsequently, several documents were discovered within. It is worth recalling that approximately a year ago, in September, the Income Tax Department had conducted raids in connection with the Mid-Day Meal Scam case. During that time, enforcement actions took place at a total of 53 locations connected to Minister Yadav across the state. As per available information, the minister and his relatives have numerous contracts related to the supply of food for the mid-day meal program. Minister Yadav holds the position of director at the Rajasthan Flexible Packing Factory Company, situated in Kotputli. Additionally, his elder son, Madhur Yadav, serves as the company's manager. It is worth noting that Yadav is also a Congress party MLA representing Kotputli. The Congress party has vehemently criticized these actions, particularly in the context of an election year. Speaking to the media, Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari alleged, "Now, the ED in the country appears to be functioning as a frontal organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)." Tiwari described these raids as election stunts and asserted, "We have some of the finest police officers in the country. Yet, Sanjay Mishra's tenure was abruptly terminated following Supreme Court orders. This suggests that there may be undisclosed motives at play. Consequently, it can be inferred that the ED is working to diminish the BJP's credibility as a political organization. It is highly likely that similar tactics will be employed in future elections." Meanwhile, Minister Yadav has consistently refuted the allegations made against him. He maintains that his family has been engaged in the business sector since 1950 and has no involvement in the mid-day meal program itself. Their primary responsibility is packaging, and they bear no responsibility for the contents of the sacks they supply. Minister Yadav notably operates a factory in Kotputli dedicated to the production of nutritious food products. The ED's actions were prompted by allegations of financial impropriety related to this enterprise. Within the purview of these developments, it's essential to highlight the existence of a company known as the Rajasthan Flexible Packaging Factory, situated in Kotputli. This company specializes in the manufacturing of packaging materials, specifically bags. During the earlier Income Tax raid, this factory had come under scrutiny in connection with irregularities concerning the supply of mid-day meals. Minister Rajendra Yadav serves as the director of this company, while the position of manager is held by his elder son, Madhur Yadav. Rajendra Yadav, currently in his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Kotputli, assumed the role of a minister for the first time. He has previously held the position of Congress District President in Jaipur Rural. Beyond his political career, Minister Yadav has a significant presence in the packaging industry. He operates state-of-the-art packaging facilities in Gurgaon, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, continuing a family legacy that traces its roots back to his father's era. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp JAIPUR: In the midst of the election year in Rajasthan, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a surprise raid on Tuesday at the residence of State Minister of Home Affairs, Rajendra Yadav. This operation by the ED is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation into the alleged mid-day meal scam case. Reports indicate that ED teams simultaneously visited establishments affiliated with Minister Rajendra Yadav in Jaipur, Kotputli, Viratnagar, and other locations during the early hours of the morning. These teams are presently scrutinising company documents associated with Minister Yadav's business. According to inside sources, the ED teams from Delhi also extended their investigation to the minister's relatives. It is reported that a group of officers and ED personnel conducted a thorough search at the minister's residence from 7 am to 5 pm. In the presence of the minister, the locks on two cupboards and a box were opened. Subsequently, several documents were discovered within.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); It is worth recalling that approximately a year ago, in September, the Income Tax Department had conducted raids in connection with the Mid-Day Meal Scam case. During that time, enforcement actions took place at a total of 53 locations connected to Minister Yadav across the state. As per available information, the minister and his relatives have numerous contracts related to the supply of food for the mid-day meal program. Minister Yadav holds the position of director at the Rajasthan Flexible Packing Factory Company, situated in Kotputli. Additionally, his elder son, Madhur Yadav, serves as the company's manager. It is worth noting that Yadav is also a Congress party MLA representing Kotputli. The Congress party has vehemently criticized these actions, particularly in the context of an election year. Speaking to the media, Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari alleged, "Now, the ED in the country appears to be functioning as a frontal organisation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)." Tiwari described these raids as election stunts and asserted, "We have some of the finest police officers in the country. Yet, Sanjay Mishra's tenure was abruptly terminated following Supreme Court orders. This suggests that there may be undisclosed motives at play. Consequently, it can be inferred that the ED is working to diminish the BJP's credibility as a political organization. It is highly likely that similar tactics will be employed in future elections." Meanwhile, Minister Yadav has consistently refuted the allegations made against him. He maintains that his family has been engaged in the business sector since 1950 and has no involvement in the mid-day meal program itself. Their primary responsibility is packaging, and they bear no responsibility for the contents of the sacks they supply. Minister Yadav notably operates a factory in Kotputli dedicated to the production of nutritious food products. The ED's actions were prompted by allegations of financial impropriety related to this enterprise. Within the purview of these developments, it's essential to highlight the existence of a company known as the Rajasthan Flexible Packaging Factory, situated in Kotputli. This company specializes in the manufacturing of packaging materials, specifically bags. During the earlier Income Tax raid, this factory had come under scrutiny in connection with irregularities concerning the supply of mid-day meals. Minister Rajendra Yadav serves as the director of this company, while the position of manager is held by his elder son, Madhur Yadav. Rajendra Yadav, currently in his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Kotputli, assumed the role of a minister for the first time. He has previously held the position of Congress District President in Jaipur Rural. Beyond his political career, Minister Yadav has a significant presence in the packaging industry. He operates state-of-the-art packaging facilities in Gurgaon, Delhi, and Uttarakhand, continuing a family legacy that traces its roots back to his father's era. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP TORONTO: Hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday, trampling pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burning flags a week after Ottawa said New Delhi had played a role in the killing of a prominent Sikh activist. "We are not safe back home in Punjab, we are not safe in Canada," said Joe Hotha, a member of the Sikh community in Toronto, referring to the murder in June of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver. Last Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told parliament that New Delhi was possibly involved in the assassination of the Sikh leader, triggering a major diplomatic crisis between the two nations. "Now our prime minister tells everything in the parliament, so there is no excuse," said another Sikh protester, Harpar Gosal of Toronto. "The Indians, they are terrorists, they killed our brother in Vancouver, so that's why we are protesting here," said the Canadian outside of the Indian consulate. Like other protesters, he carried the yellow flag of Khalistan -- an independent state that some Sikhs hope to create in the Indian region of Punjab. Several hundred people gathered in Toronto but also in Ottawa and Vancouver to denounce Modi's government. Canada is home to the largest Sikh community in the world outside of India, with 770,000 Canadians professing Sikhism in 2021, or two percent of the country's population. The Indian government called the Canadian accusations "absurd" and vehemently denied them. It also advised its nationals not to travel to certain Canadian regions "given the increase in anti-Indian activities" and temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. ALSO READ: Canada links India to slaying of Khalistani separatist leader, expels top Indian diplomat Since then, diplomatic relations between the two countries have been at their lowest point, marked by reciprocal expulsions of diplomats while Trudeau has repeatedly called on the Indian authorities to cooperate in the investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp TORONTO: Hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday, trampling pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burning flags a week after Ottawa said New Delhi had played a role in the killing of a prominent Sikh activist. "We are not safe back home in Punjab, we are not safe in Canada," said Joe Hotha, a member of the Sikh community in Toronto, referring to the murder in June of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver. Last Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told parliament that New Delhi was possibly involved in the assassination of the Sikh leader, triggering a major diplomatic crisis between the two nations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Now our prime minister tells everything in the parliament, so there is no excuse," said another Sikh protester, Harpar Gosal of Toronto. "The Indians, they are terrorists, they killed our brother in Vancouver, so that's why we are protesting here," said the Canadian outside of the Indian consulate. Like other protesters, he carried the yellow flag of Khalistan -- an independent state that some Sikhs hope to create in the Indian region of Punjab. Several hundred people gathered in Toronto but also in Ottawa and Vancouver to denounce Modi's government. Canada is home to the largest Sikh community in the world outside of India, with 770,000 Canadians professing Sikhism in 2021, or two percent of the country's population. The Indian government called the Canadian accusations "absurd" and vehemently denied them. It also advised its nationals not to travel to certain Canadian regions "given the increase in anti-Indian activities" and temporarily stopped processing visa applications in Canada. ALSO READ: Canada links India to slaying of Khalistani separatist leader, expels top Indian diplomat Since then, diplomatic relations between the two countries have been at their lowest point, marked by reciprocal expulsions of diplomats while Trudeau has repeatedly called on the Indian authorities to cooperate in the investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome tickled a raw nerve in India after he visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoKs) Gilgit Baltistan area a few days back. India considers all of Kashmir including PoK as a part of India. However, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti compared Ambassador Blomes visit to Gilgit Baltistan to US officials visiting Srinagar for a G20 meeting. "Part of our delegation went to Jammu and Kashmir for G20. It is an issue for India and Pakistan to decide," said Ambassador Garcetti. Ambassador Garcetti, who is Jewish, also said that it was a mistake for the Canadian government to give a standing ovation to a Nazi veteran. He declined to comment on intelligence sharing between the US and Canada over the slain Khalistani extremist HS Nijjar in British Colombia on June 5th. "Not my place to speak on another country," said Ambassador Garcetti. ALSO READ | Canada issues second advisory for its citizens travelling to India, asks them to be vigilant Meanwhile, speaking at the 20th Indo US Economic Summit, organised by the Indo American Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Garcetti lauded Indias G20 Summit. "India has demonstrated its global leadership through the 'most successful' G-20 in the history of the organisation," he said. Talking about the India-US partnership, Ambassador Garcetti said that there may be some challenges between India and the US, which is common not just amongst nations, but everywhere including families, but the ties between the two have not been stronger. "The goal that we should be setting for each other is how can we be more ambitious. Not just settle for another deal, not just settle for as we have done in the last few months bringing down the retaliatory tariffs and trade disputes between our countries. That's not good enough. I think we need to close our eyes and dream of what this relationship can be like even more than we would imagine today. How can we create a frictionless relationship?" Ambassador Garcetti said. Noting that there is a need to do away with even the smallest of friction between the two countries in terms of trade, he called for a reduction of tariffs and the creation of a more predictable regulatory environment. He also pitched for a robust agriculture trade between India and the U.S. "We want India to be one of our top three markets in the world. Here, the productivity in dairy and other areas has levelled off. In addition, there is need to share technology and co-develop in sectors like defence, in which India and the U.S. already have strong ties," he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome tickled a raw nerve in India after he visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoKs) Gilgit Baltistan area a few days back. India considers all of Kashmir including PoK as a part of India. However, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti compared Ambassador Blomes visit to Gilgit Baltistan to US officials visiting Srinagar for a G20 meeting. "Part of our delegation went to Jammu and Kashmir for G20. It is an issue for India and Pakistan to decide," said Ambassador Garcetti.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Ambassador Garcetti, who is Jewish, also said that it was a mistake for the Canadian government to give a standing ovation to a Nazi veteran. He declined to comment on intelligence sharing between the US and Canada over the slain Khalistani extremist HS Nijjar in British Colombia on June 5th. "Not my place to speak on another country," said Ambassador Garcetti. ALSO READ | Canada issues second advisory for its citizens travelling to India, asks them to be vigilant Meanwhile, speaking at the 20th Indo US Economic Summit, organised by the Indo American Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Garcetti lauded Indias G20 Summit. "India has demonstrated its global leadership through the 'most successful' G-20 in the history of the organisation," he said. Talking about the India-US partnership, Ambassador Garcetti said that there may be some challenges between India and the US, which is common not just amongst nations, but everywhere including families, but the ties between the two have not been stronger. "The goal that we should be setting for each other is how can we be more ambitious. Not just settle for another deal, not just settle for as we have done in the last few months bringing down the retaliatory tariffs and trade disputes between our countries. That's not good enough. I think we need to close our eyes and dream of what this relationship can be like even more than we would imagine today. How can we create a frictionless relationship?" Ambassador Garcetti said. Noting that there is a need to do away with even the smallest of friction between the two countries in terms of trade, he called for a reduction of tariffs and the creation of a more predictable regulatory environment. He also pitched for a robust agriculture trade between India and the U.S. "We want India to be one of our top three markets in the world. Here, the productivity in dairy and other areas has levelled off. In addition, there is need to share technology and co-develop in sectors like defence, in which India and the U.S. already have strong ties," he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach. Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles -- 'Circle of Concern' and 'Circle of Influence'. "There may be instances when the 'Circle of Concern' of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples," he said. "This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation," he added. To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation. He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping 'Circles of Concern' of different nations. Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their 'Circle of Influence' to promote national interests on the global stage. ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow "This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our 'Circle of Influence' while harmonising the overlaps of our 'Circle of Concern'," he added. The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region. Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific. The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific. The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world's population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world's maritime trade. Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority.... That's why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific... What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here, the US Army chief added further. The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September. In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak... It's not... this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries. Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing...the theme of this year's event together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations. "The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today's world, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach. Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles -- 'Circle of Concern' and 'Circle of Influence'. "There may be instances when the 'Circle of Concern' of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples," he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation," he added. To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation. He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping 'Circles of Concern' of different nations. Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their 'Circle of Influence' to promote national interests on the global stage. ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow "This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our 'Circle of Influence' while harmonising the overlaps of our 'Circle of Concern'," he added. The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region. Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific. The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific. The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world's population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world's maritime trade. Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority.... That's why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific... What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here, the US Army chief added further. The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September. In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak... It's not... this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries. Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing...the theme of this year's event together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations. "The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today's world, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Jitendra Choubey By Express News Service India completed one year of its Cheetah reintroduction project on September 17. The decision to reintroduce the locally extinct cheetah had created excitement. Six of the 20 cheetahs, translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno died due to various reasons, and the project drew a lot of criticism from wildlife experts. S P Yadav, Member Secretary of The National Tiger Conservation Authority and Head of the Cheetah Project, spoke about the journey of completing one year and the challenges ahead. Excerpts below: The India Cheetah project marked its one-year anniversary on September 17, 2023. What is its current status? One must realise that this marks the first intercontinental wild-to-wild translocation of any big carnivores. Encouragingly, the cheetahs are adapting rapidly, establishing their own home ranges, and no unnatural deaths have been reported thus far. All cheetahs, including captive-reared cheetahs from Namibia, are adapting well. They have begun hunting in the wild, targeting not only their favourite prey, the Cheetal, but also other species such as the four-horned antelope (Chausingha), Neelgai, wild hair, and more. Even more impressively, the cheetahs have established their ranges. Two of them ventured out of the forest to explore areas up to Sheopur National Park and the Uttar Pradesh borders, covering a range of approximately 200 km. We had to tranquillize one to bring it back to the forest after realizing that managing and protecting them at such large distances wasn't feasible. Like other carnivores, cheetahs also establish territories, but no territorial fights have been reported. These are often overlooked realities. According to the Cheetah Action Plan, if more than 50% of the cheetahs survived after the first year, the project would be considered on the right track. Out of the 20 cheetahs introduced, 14 have survived, with no unnatural deaths due to hunting, poaching, electrocution, or poisoning. We find this project to be quite successful, with no doubt about its success from a scientific perspective. It has achieved remarkable milestones. Are there any examples of successful cheetah reintroduction in the wild? South Africa provides a successful example. Cheetahs were on the brink of extinction in South Africa in the 1940s. They initiated a cheetah reintroduction program in the 1960s, importing cheetahs from neighbouring Namibia. It took 20 years to master the art of reintroducing cheetahs, and although they introduced 279 cheetahs, only 79 survived in the first 20 years. It remains one of the successful international programs for conserving big carnivores. India has a strong track record in conserving big cats, boasting the largest populations of tigers, and leopards and being home to Asiatic lions and snow leopards. We were also the first to successfully reintroduce tigers to Sariska and Panna tiger reserves. The South African President has even recognized our success and is willing to provide more cheetahs in the coming years. Cheetahs are known to inhabit grasslands, but Kuno is said to have poor-quality grassland. How is it now? The last cheetah in India was not found in grassland but in the Sal tree forest of Sarguja-Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh. Cheetahs are adaptable and can be found in various environments, including coastal areas, mountainous regions, scrub forests, snow areas, and more. The selection of the Kuno site was based on scientific studies conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and even African experts found Kuno to be the best habitat for reintroducing cheetahs, superior to South Africa's habitat. Research reports suggesting a lower availability of prey species and a reduced holding capacity for cheetahs in Kuno are outdated. Since we received permission from the Supreme Court in 2019, followed by the preparation of an action plan in 2020 and the introduction of cheetahs in 2022, the situation has changed significantly. Habitat viability studies conducted by WII scientists and African experts indicated that Kuno can sustain up to 20 cheetahs based on prey availability and the overall area. South Africa's Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, has written to our Prime Minister, expressing satisfaction and offering support for offsite and onsite veterinary care, as well as capacity-building for our biologists and field staff in Kuno. In the past, some experts had proposed that an abundant leopard population in Kuno could potentially result in conflicts with cheetahs. What is the current status of this situation? These claims from poorly informed experts have been proven unfounded. After a year, there have been no conflicts or negative interactions between leopards and cheetahs. In fact, one video recording shows positive interactions, with leopards fleeing upon encountering cheetahs. Cheetahs in African landscapes often act as escapists and struggle to protect their kills from hyenas, leopards, or lions. However, in Kuno, the opposite has occurred. One video footage even captures a hyena attempting to steal a cheetah's kill, but the cheetah dominates, causing the hyena to retreat. This suggests that they are adapting well to their new environment. What are the key lessons for cheetah conservationists from this project? The recent deaths of three cheetahs have provided crucial lessons. Neither we nor our Namibian experts anticipated the impact of different climate conditions on two continents on cheetahs. Cheetahs transferred from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, or vice versa, experienced disruptions in their biological clocks, which are tuned to their respective climates. Cheetahs typically develop a winter hair coat on their shoulders and necks during winter. However, in Kuno, the winter season coincided with heat, humidity, and rainfall, leading to problems. Tick infections over minor injuries created serious health issues. Ticks and flies laid eggs over injuries, leading to maggot infestations, further injuring the cheetahs and exposing their blood vessels to bacterial infections, resulting in septicemia and death. We are now more attuned to their climate-specific parasitic load and other potential issues and will select cheetahs that have not developed winter coats. What is the next site for cheetah reintroduction? Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh will be the next site for cheetah reintroduction. The state government has already fenced off 80 sq km and created several enclosures. They plan to complete their preparations by December, with the next batch of cheetahs expected to arrive in 2024. Efforts to improve the habitat, including enhancing grasslands and increasing prey populations, are underway. Kuno was initially meant for the relocation of Asiatic lions, which were previously found only in Gir. What is the status of the lion relocation program? Initially, we aimed to shift the lion population to eliminate geographical isolation and protect them from potential contagious disease outbreaks. However, lions have naturally expanded outside the Gir forest. They have colonized many new areas beyond Gir, including Girnar Hills and Barda Sanctuary, located 200 km away. As a result, their geographical isolation has already ended, and there is no need for further intervention in their relocation. Why has the cheetah project faced criticism from wildlife conservationists? Criticism from wildlife conservationists largely stems from misinformation and unscientific claims made by so-called experts. Many of these experts lack experience with cheetahs and have spread baseless theories about conflicts between leopards and cheetahs, the quality of grasslands, and holding capacity. We have addressed these concerns by providing regular project updates and extensive information on our websites. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp India completed one year of its Cheetah reintroduction project on September 17. The decision to reintroduce the locally extinct cheetah had created excitement. Six of the 20 cheetahs, translocated from Namibia and South Africa to Kuno died due to various reasons, and the project drew a lot of criticism from wildlife experts. S P Yadav, Member Secretary of The National Tiger Conservation Authority and Head of the Cheetah Project, spoke about the journey of completing one year and the challenges ahead. Excerpts below:googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The India Cheetah project marked its one-year anniversary on September 17, 2023. What is its current status? One must realise that this marks the first intercontinental wild-to-wild translocation of any big carnivores. Encouragingly, the cheetahs are adapting rapidly, establishing their own home ranges, and no unnatural deaths have been reported thus far. All cheetahs, including captive-reared cheetahs from Namibia, are adapting well. They have begun hunting in the wild, targeting not only their favourite prey, the Cheetal, but also other species such as the four-horned antelope (Chausingha), Neelgai, wild hair, and more. Even more impressively, the cheetahs have established their ranges. Two of them ventured out of the forest to explore areas up to Sheopur National Park and the Uttar Pradesh borders, covering a range of approximately 200 km. We had to tranquillize one to bring it back to the forest after realizing that managing and protecting them at such large distances wasn't feasible. Like other carnivores, cheetahs also establish territories, but no territorial fights have been reported. These are often overlooked realities. According to the Cheetah Action Plan, if more than 50% of the cheetahs survived after the first year, the project would be considered on the right track. Out of the 20 cheetahs introduced, 14 have survived, with no unnatural deaths due to hunting, poaching, electrocution, or poisoning. We find this project to be quite successful, with no doubt about its success from a scientific perspective. It has achieved remarkable milestones. Are there any examples of successful cheetah reintroduction in the wild? South Africa provides a successful example. Cheetahs were on the brink of extinction in South Africa in the 1940s. They initiated a cheetah reintroduction program in the 1960s, importing cheetahs from neighbouring Namibia. It took 20 years to master the art of reintroducing cheetahs, and although they introduced 279 cheetahs, only 79 survived in the first 20 years. It remains one of the successful international programs for conserving big carnivores. India has a strong track record in conserving big cats, boasting the largest populations of tigers, and leopards and being home to Asiatic lions and snow leopards. We were also the first to successfully reintroduce tigers to Sariska and Panna tiger reserves. The South African President has even recognized our success and is willing to provide more cheetahs in the coming years. Cheetahs are known to inhabit grasslands, but Kuno is said to have poor-quality grassland. How is it now? The last cheetah in India was not found in grassland but in the Sal tree forest of Sarguja-Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh. Cheetahs are adaptable and can be found in various environments, including coastal areas, mountainous regions, scrub forests, snow areas, and more. The selection of the Kuno site was based on scientific studies conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and even African experts found Kuno to be the best habitat for reintroducing cheetahs, superior to South Africa's habitat. Research reports suggesting a lower availability of prey species and a reduced holding capacity for cheetahs in Kuno are outdated. Since we received permission from the Supreme Court in 2019, followed by the preparation of an action plan in 2020 and the introduction of cheetahs in 2022, the situation has changed significantly. Habitat viability studies conducted by WII scientists and African experts indicated that Kuno can sustain up to 20 cheetahs based on prey availability and the overall area. South Africa's Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, has written to our Prime Minister, expressing satisfaction and offering support for offsite and onsite veterinary care, as well as capacity-building for our biologists and field staff in Kuno. In the past, some experts had proposed that an abundant leopard population in Kuno could potentially result in conflicts with cheetahs. What is the current status of this situation? These claims from poorly informed experts have been proven unfounded. After a year, there have been no conflicts or negative interactions between leopards and cheetahs. In fact, one video recording shows positive interactions, with leopards fleeing upon encountering cheetahs. Cheetahs in African landscapes often act as escapists and struggle to protect their kills from hyenas, leopards, or lions. However, in Kuno, the opposite has occurred. One video footage even captures a hyena attempting to steal a cheetah's kill, but the cheetah dominates, causing the hyena to retreat. This suggests that they are adapting well to their new environment. What are the key lessons for cheetah conservationists from this project? The recent deaths of three cheetahs have provided crucial lessons. Neither we nor our Namibian experts anticipated the impact of different climate conditions on two continents on cheetahs. Cheetahs transferred from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, or vice versa, experienced disruptions in their biological clocks, which are tuned to their respective climates. Cheetahs typically develop a winter hair coat on their shoulders and necks during winter. However, in Kuno, the winter season coincided with heat, humidity, and rainfall, leading to problems. Tick infections over minor injuries created serious health issues. Ticks and flies laid eggs over injuries, leading to maggot infestations, further injuring the cheetahs and exposing their blood vessels to bacterial infections, resulting in septicemia and death. We are now more attuned to their climate-specific parasitic load and other potential issues and will select cheetahs that have not developed winter coats. What is the next site for cheetah reintroduction? Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh will be the next site for cheetah reintroduction. The state government has already fenced off 80 sq km and created several enclosures. They plan to complete their preparations by December, with the next batch of cheetahs expected to arrive in 2024. Efforts to improve the habitat, including enhancing grasslands and increasing prey populations, are underway. Kuno was initially meant for the relocation of Asiatic lions, which were previously found only in Gir. What is the status of the lion relocation program? Initially, we aimed to shift the lion population to eliminate geographical isolation and protect them from potential contagious disease outbreaks. However, lions have naturally expanded outside the Gir forest. They have colonized many new areas beyond Gir, including Girnar Hills and Barda Sanctuary, located 200 km away. As a result, their geographical isolation has already ended, and there is no need for further intervention in their relocation. Why has the cheetah project faced criticism from wildlife conservationists? Criticism from wildlife conservationists largely stems from misinformation and unscientific claims made by so-called experts. Many of these experts lack experience with cheetahs and have spread baseless theories about conflicts between leopards and cheetahs, the quality of grasslands, and holding capacity. We have addressed these concerns by providing regular project updates and extensive information on our websites. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In a major disappointment for Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday issued fresh summons against him asking him to appear before its zonal office in Ranchi on October 4 for questioning in the multi-crore land scam. Notably, he has been summoned this time for the fifth time after he skipped the four summons issued earlier by ED in the same case, citing various reasons. In spite of appearing before the ED on September 23, Soren had sent a letter to the ED pleading that the summons be put on hold till the Jharkhand High Court takes a call on his petition challenging the summons. But ED issued a fresh summons against him on Tuesday. Soren has moved Jharkhand High Court after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his petition directing him to approach the Jharkhand High Court instead of coming directly to the apex court. Soren has approached Supreme Court challenging the summons issued by ED saying that it is wrong for the ED to summon him in the land scam. In his petition, Soren stated that the summons is a clear misuse of Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act ((PMLA), 2002, which directly infringes upon his right to personal liberty enshrined in the Constitution. Section 50 empowers the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to summon an accused and record a statement. The statement is admissible as evidence in court. Notably, Soren skipped the first summons on August 14 and sent a letter to ED asking it to withdraw the summons or he will be forced to take legal action against the agency. But, the ED again issued a summon against Soren asking him to appear before it on August 24. Soren skipped it again and sent a letter to ED saying that he had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the summons issued to him, but he was summoned again by ED for the third time. Soren is waiting for the hearing of his petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, but before that, he was issued a fresh summons by ED asking to appear before it on September 23. ED is probing two major cases of money laundering in Jharkhand. The first case is related to illegal mining in Sahibganj in which the CM was questioned on November 17 last year. While, the second case is related to an alleged land scam in the state capital for which Soren has been issued summons twice by the ED. 13 people, including IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan and two businessmen, Amit Agarwal of Kolkata and Bishnu Agarwal, who own shopping malls in Ranchi, have already been arrested in connection with the alleged land scam. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp RANCHI: In a major disappointment for Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday issued fresh summons against him asking him to appear before its zonal office in Ranchi on October 4 for questioning in the multi-crore land scam. Notably, he has been summoned this time for the fifth time after he skipped the four summons issued earlier by ED in the same case, citing various reasons. In spite of appearing before the ED on September 23, Soren had sent a letter to the ED pleading that the summons be put on hold till the Jharkhand High Court takes a call on his petition challenging the summons. But ED issued a fresh summons against him on Tuesday. Soren has moved Jharkhand High Court after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his petition directing him to approach the Jharkhand High Court instead of coming directly to the apex court. Soren has approached Supreme Court challenging the summons issued by ED saying that it is wrong for the ED to summon him in the land scam.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In his petition, Soren stated that the summons is a clear misuse of Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act ((PMLA), 2002, which directly infringes upon his right to personal liberty enshrined in the Constitution. Section 50 empowers the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to summon an accused and record a statement. The statement is admissible as evidence in court. Notably, Soren skipped the first summons on August 14 and sent a letter to ED asking it to withdraw the summons or he will be forced to take legal action against the agency. But, the ED again issued a summon against Soren asking him to appear before it on August 24. Soren skipped it again and sent a letter to ED saying that he had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the summons issued to him, but he was summoned again by ED for the third time. Soren is waiting for the hearing of his petition in the Supreme Court on Monday, but before that, he was issued a fresh summons by ED asking to appear before it on September 23. ED is probing two major cases of money laundering in Jharkhand. The first case is related to illegal mining in Sahibganj in which the CM was questioned on November 17 last year. While, the second case is related to an alleged land scam in the state capital for which Soren has been issued summons twice by the ED. 13 people, including IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan and two businessmen, Amit Agarwal of Kolkata and Bishnu Agarwal, who own shopping malls in Ranchi, have already been arrested in connection with the alleged land scam. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the arrival of the first U.S. Abrams tanks in Ukraine and noted ongoing work to obtain other defense capabilities. "Today Defense Minister Umerov delivered an important report: the first American-made Abrams tanks are already in Ukraine. We are preparing them to reinforce our actions against the occupiers. And it will be a significant reinforcement. We are also working to get all the other weapons capabilities we need. This includes F16s we are preparing pilots and infrastructure. This also includes long-range weapons," he said in a video address on Monday. "We are doing our utmost to enable Ukraine to do more to liberate its territory. The same goes for air defense. To cover the entire territory of our country, we need more systems than we currently have. The best thing for us is to be able to produce air defense and other advanced weapons. This is the only way. To guarantee Ukraine's security. And we will produce, we will build all the necessary production facilities step by step," he said. Narendra Sethi By Express News Service DEHRADUN: The much-awaited report of the expert committee set up to ascertain the causes of the land submergence disaster at Joshimath earlier this year has been made public. The committee has raised questions about the 'load carrying capacity' but on the other hand, the expert committee has given a clean chit to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), which has been targeted by various organizations and people of Joshimath for this land submergence. With the government making public the report of scientific institutions, the reality of the Joshimath land submergence has started coming to the fore. "The rocks have slipped due to water leakage inside the ground of Joshimath located in the Moraine area (soil brought by the glacier), causing the ground to collapse," the report said. Glacial moraines are formed by the deposition of material from a glacier and are exposed after the glacier has retreated. The most shocking revelation in the report has been found in a study conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Hyderabad. ALSO READ | Sinking again? Uttarakhands Joshimath stares at uncertainty According to this report, "evidence of land submergence has been found in Joshimath up to a depth of 20 to 50 meters". According to the report, "The surface conditions observed there have been found to be up to a depth of 50 meters in many places. The main reasons for land submergence include the construction of buildings beyond the 'load-bearing capacity' of the city, lack of drainage, deforestation, obstruction of paths of natural water sources, and expansion of buildings." The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) in their report after a study at Joshimath has given a "clean chit" to NTPC's 520 MW Vishnugad hydroelectric project on the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district. Following protests by local residents, the state government had on January 5 stopped all work at the NTPC project site. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology report highlights, "The soil structure of Joshimath is a complex mixture of boulders, gravel, and clay, the boulders here are also made of gravel and clay brought from glaciers, which is a major reason for their slipping". According to the report, internal erosion in such soils causes instability in the entire structure. This is followed by readjustment, resulting in the boulders collapsing. "The main reason for the submergence appears to be internal erosion and with the expansion of Joshimath, the flow of the natural drain flowing from above has been disrupted," the report said. "Drain water is continuously seeping into the ground which has increased the level of damage due to excessive rainfall over the past 10 years", the report highlighted. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp DEHRADUN: The much-awaited report of the expert committee set up to ascertain the causes of the land submergence disaster at Joshimath earlier this year has been made public. The committee has raised questions about the 'load carrying capacity' but on the other hand, the expert committee has given a clean chit to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), which has been targeted by various organizations and people of Joshimath for this land submergence. With the government making public the report of scientific institutions, the reality of the Joshimath land submergence has started coming to the fore. "The rocks have slipped due to water leakage inside the ground of Joshimath located in the Moraine area (soil brought by the glacier), causing the ground to collapse," the report said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Glacial moraines are formed by the deposition of material from a glacier and are exposed after the glacier has retreated. The most shocking revelation in the report has been found in a study conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Hyderabad. ALSO READ | Sinking again? Uttarakhands Joshimath stares at uncertainty According to this report, "evidence of land submergence has been found in Joshimath up to a depth of 20 to 50 meters". According to the report, "The surface conditions observed there have been found to be up to a depth of 50 meters in many places. The main reasons for land submergence include the construction of buildings beyond the 'load-bearing capacity' of the city, lack of drainage, deforestation, obstruction of paths of natural water sources, and expansion of buildings." The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) in their report after a study at Joshimath has given a "clean chit" to NTPC's 520 MW Vishnugad hydroelectric project on the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district. Following protests by local residents, the state government had on January 5 stopped all work at the NTPC project site. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology report highlights, "The soil structure of Joshimath is a complex mixture of boulders, gravel, and clay, the boulders here are also made of gravel and clay brought from glaciers, which is a major reason for their slipping". According to the report, internal erosion in such soils causes instability in the entire structure. This is followed by readjustment, resulting in the boulders collapsing. "The main reason for the submergence appears to be internal erosion and with the expansion of Joshimath, the flow of the natural drain flowing from above has been disrupted," the report said. "Drain water is continuously seeping into the ground which has increased the level of damage due to excessive rainfall over the past 10 years", the report highlighted. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has asked the functionaries of his organisation to work towards curbing the cases of Love Jihad (the term given by right-wing groups for interfaith relationships or marriages and religious conversions) which according to him are on a rise in Uttar Pradesh. Bhagwat, who was on a four-day state visit that ended on Monday, held a meeting with RSS office-bearers of Awadh Prant (region bordering Nepal) on the last day and asked them to reach out to the people to prevent such cases. According to sources in the RSS, Bhagwat was of the opinion that religious conversions were more profound in rural areas of the state. We need to focus especially in areas where anti-nationalist and anti-social elements are active, Bhagwat reportedly told the RSS workers at a meeting in Lucknow. Bhagwat also discussed Land Jihad (a phrase given by the right wing for illegally grabbing land for constructing religious institutes or structures) during the meeting with the RSS workers. Land Jihad is taking place in the rural areas of the state, bordering Nepal. People are grabbing lands belonging to the Hindu community to build mosques, Mazars and dargahs, a RSS functionary alleged. The RSS is already running public awareness programmes against such activities. It has been decided to intensify the awareness activities, he added. As Lok Sabha elections are approaching, the RSS chief also took stock of poll preparedness. According to sources, Bhagwat stressed expanding the organisational activities, increasing the number of shakhas and reaching people belonging to various sections of society. Recently, Bhagwat had adviced RSS functionaries to rope in more Dalits to organisations posts and activities. During the meeting, sources said concerns were also raised over the recent remarks on Sanatan Dharam made by DMK leader and Tamil Nadu chief ministers son Udhayanidhi Stalin. Earlier, Bhagwat, during his visit, had met state chief minister Yogi Adityanath and discussed the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated for January 2024 and 14 Lok Sabha seats which the BJP lost in the 2019 general assembly polls. According to sources, the RSS is planning a grand opening of the temple by holding religious ceremonies in temples across the country. Bhagwat has also advised Adiyanath to chart out a plan to wrest the 14 parliamentary constituencies. The state sends 80 members to Lok Sabha. Plans for Ram Mandir RSS is planning to hold religious ceremonies in temples across the country for the grand opening of Ram Mandir. The VHP and Bajrang Dal have planned to conduct numerous yatras. Bhagwat has also advised CM Yogi Adityanath to chart out a plan to wrest 14 parliamentary constituencies. Earlier, Bhagwat had met the CM and discussed the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya that is slated for January 2024. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp LUCKNOW: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has asked the functionaries of his organisation to work towards curbing the cases of Love Jihad (the term given by right-wing groups for interfaith relationships or marriages and religious conversions) which according to him are on a rise in Uttar Pradesh. Bhagwat, who was on a four-day state visit that ended on Monday, held a meeting with RSS office-bearers of Awadh Prant (region bordering Nepal) on the last day and asked them to reach out to the people to prevent such cases. According to sources in the RSS, Bhagwat was of the opinion that religious conversions were more profound in rural areas of the state. We need to focus especially in areas where anti-nationalist and anti-social elements are active, Bhagwat reportedly told the RSS workers at a meeting in Lucknow.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Bhagwat also discussed Land Jihad (a phrase given by the right wing for illegally grabbing land for constructing religious institutes or structures) during the meeting with the RSS workers. Land Jihad is taking place in the rural areas of the state, bordering Nepal. People are grabbing lands belonging to the Hindu community to build mosques, Mazars and dargahs, a RSS functionary alleged. The RSS is already running public awareness programmes against such activities. It has been decided to intensify the awareness activities, he added. As Lok Sabha elections are approaching, the RSS chief also took stock of poll preparedness. According to sources, Bhagwat stressed expanding the organisational activities, increasing the number of shakhas and reaching people belonging to various sections of society. Recently, Bhagwat had adviced RSS functionaries to rope in more Dalits to organisations posts and activities. During the meeting, sources said concerns were also raised over the recent remarks on Sanatan Dharam made by DMK leader and Tamil Nadu chief ministers son Udhayanidhi Stalin. Earlier, Bhagwat, during his visit, had met state chief minister Yogi Adityanath and discussed the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated for January 2024 and 14 Lok Sabha seats which the BJP lost in the 2019 general assembly polls. According to sources, the RSS is planning a grand opening of the temple by holding religious ceremonies in temples across the country. Bhagwat has also advised Adiyanath to chart out a plan to wrest the 14 parliamentary constituencies. The state sends 80 members to Lok Sabha. Plans for Ram Mandir RSS is planning to hold religious ceremonies in temples across the country for the grand opening of Ram Mandir. The VHP and Bajrang Dal have planned to conduct numerous yatras. Bhagwat has also advised CM Yogi Adityanath to chart out a plan to wrest 14 parliamentary constituencies. Earlier, Bhagwat had met the CM and discussed the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya that is slated for January 2024. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Photos of two Meitei students, reported missing since July 6 amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, surfaced on social media, triggering fresh tension in the state. In one photo, the two 17-year-old girl Hijam Linthoingambi and a 20-year-old man Phijam Hemjit are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed what looked like their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing. After the photos had gone viral, the Chief Ministers Secretariat issued a statement on Monday night stating that CBI was probing the case. It has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit (20 years) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17 years), who have been missing since July 2023 have surfaced on social media. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state, the statement said. It also said that the police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators. In response to this distressing situation, the government assures the public that swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The government is committed to ensuing justice prevails and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrators found responsible for this heinous crime, the statement said. The government appealed to the public to exercise restraint and to let the authorities handle the investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GUWAHATI: Photos of two Meitei students, reported missing since July 6 amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, surfaced on social media, triggering fresh tension in the state. In one photo, the two 17-year-old girl Hijam Linthoingambi and a 20-year-old man Phijam Hemjit are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed what looked like their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing. After the photos had gone viral, the Chief Ministers Secretariat issued a statement on Monday night stating that CBI was probing the case.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); It has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit (20 years) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17 years), who have been missing since July 2023 have surfaced on social media. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state, the statement said. It also said that the police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators. In response to this distressing situation, the government assures the public that swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The government is committed to ensuing justice prevails and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrators found responsible for this heinous crime, the statement said. The government appealed to the public to exercise restraint and to let the authorities handle the investigation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Shruti Kakkar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Manipur High Court Bar Association to confirm that counsels were not being prevented from appearing before the HC amid allegations of lawyers being targeted for representing a particular community. A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra while sending a note of caution to all lawyers to ensure access to justice said that any violation would amount to contempt of court. There are nine judicial districts which covers all sixteen districts in Manipur. The State of Manipur along with the Chief Justice of the HC shall ensure that video conference facility are set up and operationalised to ensure that any member of bar or litigant can address the court. The video conferencing shall be operationalised no later than one week of this order. The members of the bar shall ensure that no lawyer is prevented from appearing before the court. Any violation of this direction shall be treated as contempt, the bench said. The order was passed by the bench after considering submissions put forth by one of the counsels for the petitioners regarding lawyers prevented for representing members of a particular community. Senior Advocate Anand Grover told the bench that advocates were being threatened, attacked, and prevented from appearing. We do not intend to run the Manipur administration. You allow the process to work out, CJI said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Manipur High Court Bar Association to confirm that counsels were not being prevented from appearing before the HC amid allegations of lawyers being targeted for representing a particular community. A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra while sending a note of caution to all lawyers to ensure access to justice said that any violation would amount to contempt of court. There are nine judicial districts which covers all sixteen districts in Manipur. The State of Manipur along with the Chief Justice of the HC shall ensure that video conference facility are set up and operationalised to ensure that any member of bar or litigant can address the court. The video conferencing shall be operationalised no later than one week of this order. The members of the bar shall ensure that no lawyer is prevented from appearing before the court. Any violation of this direction shall be treated as contempt, the bench said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The order was passed by the bench after considering submissions put forth by one of the counsels for the petitioners regarding lawyers prevented for representing members of a particular community. Senior Advocate Anand Grover told the bench that advocates were being threatened, attacked, and prevented from appearing. We do not intend to run the Manipur administration. You allow the process to work out, CJI said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Anuraag Singh and Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service BHOPAL/JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tore into INDIA alliance partners and lashed out at its spearhead the Congress comparing it with rusted iron that gradually corrodes in rain, charging the grand old party with outsourcing everything from slogans to policies to urban naxals. The PMs swipe at Congress came a day after Rahul Gandhi predicted a certain win for the party in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh in the coming assembly polls. Congress first got ruined, then became bankrupt and now has contracted itself to others. The party has turned into a company, which has outsourced everything, from slogans to policies, to the urban naxals. Its the urban naxals who are now running the Congress, while the partys real grassroots leaders are silently and helplessly watching it. His remarks came at a mega BJP Karyakarta Mahakumbh in Bhopal. The PM referred to the womens reservation bill in Parliament to assert that the Opposition was forced to vote in support of the bill. The oppositions alliance includes those parties which didnt allow the crucial legislation to be passed for three decades. Even now they are raising ifs and buts. The Congress and its partners will now conspire to divide the womens power through all kinds of rumours, he said. The PM asked the young, first-time voters to ponder over the Congress rule. You have seen only BJPs good governance. After independence, Congress ruled MP for decades and misrule, lack of development and rampant corruption were the hallmark of that long rule which pushed MP among the BIMARU states, said the PM. The PM also obliquely attacked Rahul Gandhi who has met porters, farmers and several common people in recent days. For Congress leaders, the basti (slums) of the poor are picnic spots and the agricultural fields of poor farmers are ideal locations for photo and video shoots. BJP governments, on the other hand, work for making India a grand country across the globe, he said. In Jaipur, the PM also launched a sharp attack on the Congress-ruled Rajasthan government. The Gehlot government has wasted five important years of the youth. Whenever exam papers are leaked in Rajasthan, people get worried. If the BJP government is formed in Rajasthan, strict action will be taken against the mafias responsible for such misdeeds. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp BHOPAL/JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tore into INDIA alliance partners and lashed out at its spearhead the Congress comparing it with rusted iron that gradually corrodes in rain, charging the grand old party with outsourcing everything from slogans to policies to urban naxals. The PMs swipe at Congress came a day after Rahul Gandhi predicted a certain win for the party in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh in the coming assembly polls. Congress first got ruined, then became bankrupt and now has contracted itself to others. The party has turned into a company, which has outsourced everything, from slogans to policies, to the urban naxals. Its the urban naxals who are now running the Congress, while the partys real grassroots leaders are silently and helplessly watching it. His remarks came at a mega BJP Karyakarta Mahakumbh in Bhopal. The PM referred to the womens reservation bill in Parliament to assert that the Opposition was forced to vote in support of the bill. The oppositions alliance includes those parties which didnt allow the crucial legislation to be passed for three decades. Even now they are raising ifs and buts. The Congress and its partners will now conspire to divide the womens power through all kinds of rumours, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The PM asked the young, first-time voters to ponder over the Congress rule. You have seen only BJPs good governance. After independence, Congress ruled MP for decades and misrule, lack of development and rampant corruption were the hallmark of that long rule which pushed MP among the BIMARU states, said the PM. The PM also obliquely attacked Rahul Gandhi who has met porters, farmers and several common people in recent days. For Congress leaders, the basti (slums) of the poor are picnic spots and the agricultural fields of poor farmers are ideal locations for photo and video shoots. BJP governments, on the other hand, work for making India a grand country across the globe, he said. In Jaipur, the PM also launched a sharp attack on the Congress-ruled Rajasthan government. The Gehlot government has wasted five important years of the youth. Whenever exam papers are leaked in Rajasthan, people get worried. If the BJP government is formed in Rajasthan, strict action will be taken against the mafias responsible for such misdeeds. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Shruti Kakkar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: For the first time, a hearing-impaired lawyer argued her case before the Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, paving the way for more physically-challenged lawyers to defend their cases. Sarah Sunny on Friday argued her case with the help of an Indian sign language interpreter. Senior advocate Sanchita Ain made a plea to Chief Justice Chandrachud to let Sarah argue her case with an interpreter. He immediately gave his assent. This historic moment would not have taken place as the control room responsible for managing virtual hearings hesitated to accommodate Sarah and her interpreter. With the CJIs approval, the control room accommodated Sarah, who is based in Bangalore, and her interpreter, Saurav Roychowdhury, too appearing virtually. As Sarahs turn came, her interpreter stepped forward and acted as a bridge between her and the world. In the process, he received praise from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who said the speed at which the interpreter is interpreting in sign language is amazing. Sarahs determination has broken down more barriers. The CJI, when he took his oath of office in November last year, had said, My work, not words, will speak. In line with his commitment, he established the SC Committee on Accessibility, chaired by Justice S R Bhat. This committees mission is to conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of Supreme Court premises and its operations. It involves reaching out to persons with disabilities who visit the Supreme Court, soliciting their feedback, and assessing the nature and extent of the challenges they face. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to ensure that justice is accessible to all and to gain a deep understanding of the hardships faced by differently-abled individuals in their interactions with the Supreme Court of India. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: For the first time, a hearing-impaired lawyer argued her case before the Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, paving the way for more physically-challenged lawyers to defend their cases. Sarah Sunny on Friday argued her case with the help of an Indian sign language interpreter. Senior advocate Sanchita Ain made a plea to Chief Justice Chandrachud to let Sarah argue her case with an interpreter. He immediately gave his assent. This historic moment would not have taken place as the control room responsible for managing virtual hearings hesitated to accommodate Sarah and her interpreter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With the CJIs approval, the control room accommodated Sarah, who is based in Bangalore, and her interpreter, Saurav Roychowdhury, too appearing virtually. As Sarahs turn came, her interpreter stepped forward and acted as a bridge between her and the world. In the process, he received praise from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who said the speed at which the interpreter is interpreting in sign language is amazing. Sarahs determination has broken down more barriers. The CJI, when he took his oath of office in November last year, had said, My work, not words, will speak. In line with his commitment, he established the SC Committee on Accessibility, chaired by Justice S R Bhat. This committees mission is to conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of Supreme Court premises and its operations. It involves reaching out to persons with disabilities who visit the Supreme Court, soliciting their feedback, and assessing the nature and extent of the challenges they face. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to ensure that justice is accessible to all and to gain a deep understanding of the hardships faced by differently-abled individuals in their interactions with the Supreme Court of India. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: An influential Sikh group All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has decided against supporting any political party in the polls and field candidates from the community in all the elections in the Union Territory. APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina told this newspaper that the Sikh community in the UT have decided not to back or support any political party in the electoral politics henceforth. In the past polls whether it be Assembly or parliamentary polls, we have supported different political parties with the hope that these parties would address the issues confronting the Sikh community in J&K. However, unfortunately, none of the political parties kept its promise and failed to give deserving attention to the community, he said. In the 2014 Assembly polls, APSCC had supported PDP and the party had mentioned some of the key demands in its poll manifesto also but those issues were ignored and pushed to the backburner once the party came to power, Singh said. We have been pleading for an extension of the National Commission for Minorities to J&K. Following the abrogation of Article 370 many central laws have been introduced in J&K but the National Minority Act has not been implemented for the reasons best known to the people at the helm, he said. Feeling let down by the political parties, Singh said they have decided now to field their candidates in the UT. We will be fielding our own candidates in the polls whether it be ULBs, panchayat, Assembly or Parliamentary polls. We also urge the majority community to support our candidate the way we have supported the candidates of the majority community in the past elections, he said. In order to make ground for community candidates in the electoral battle, the group would be launching a mass contact programme in the Valley. We will be launching the mass contact programme from north Kashmirs Baramulla district within the next few days. The community members will visit every village in Kashmir to connect with the Sikh community, APSCC chairman said. We will also be launching this mass contact programme in the Jammu region. He said the group is identifying potential candidates for local body elections, which are scheduled to be held by the end of this year or early next year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp SRINAGAR: An influential Sikh group All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has decided against supporting any political party in the polls and field candidates from the community in all the elections in the Union Territory. APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina told this newspaper that the Sikh community in the UT have decided not to back or support any political party in the electoral politics henceforth. In the past polls whether it be Assembly or parliamentary polls, we have supported different political parties with the hope that these parties would address the issues confronting the Sikh community in J&K. However, unfortunately, none of the political parties kept its promise and failed to give deserving attention to the community, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the 2014 Assembly polls, APSCC had supported PDP and the party had mentioned some of the key demands in its poll manifesto also but those issues were ignored and pushed to the backburner once the party came to power, Singh said. We have been pleading for an extension of the National Commission for Minorities to J&K. Following the abrogation of Article 370 many central laws have been introduced in J&K but the National Minority Act has not been implemented for the reasons best known to the people at the helm, he said. Feeling let down by the political parties, Singh said they have decided now to field their candidates in the UT. We will be fielding our own candidates in the polls whether it be ULBs, panchayat, Assembly or Parliamentary polls. We also urge the majority community to support our candidate the way we have supported the candidates of the majority community in the past elections, he said. In order to make ground for community candidates in the electoral battle, the group would be launching a mass contact programme in the Valley. We will be launching the mass contact programme from north Kashmirs Baramulla district within the next few days. The community members will visit every village in Kashmir to connect with the Sikh community, APSCC chairman said. We will also be launching this mass contact programme in the Jammu region. He said the group is identifying potential candidates for local body elections, which are scheduled to be held by the end of this year or early next year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Ramashankar By Express News Service PATNA: Rashtriya Lok Janata Party (RLJP) chief and Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Tuesday said that he would welcome chief minister Nitish Kumar if he returned to the NDA. A person is not strong but his time is. He will be welcomed if he returns to the NDA, Paras remarked when media persons asked over the possibility of Nitish returning to the NDA. Although Paras's remark has given some credence to the speculation over Nitish joining hands with the BJP once again ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Nitish on Monday made it clear that he would not be going back to NDA and said he was only concentrating on bringing all opposition parties on a single platform. Earlier, leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha had replied to a media query on the speculation over Nitish returning to NDA saying the BJP would welcome anybody who was a nationalist, honest and believed in inclusive growth. ALSO READ | None can say which way Nitish Kumar will go after 2024 polls: Prashant Kishor Meanwhile, the JD (U) attacked the BJP after the AIADMK walked out of the NDA on Monday. Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had alleged that the BJP was becoming weak and the NDA had virtually lost its relevance. Senior JD (U) leader and state parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also targeted the NDA after the AIADMK snapped ties with the BJP. He said that all right-thinking parties would gradually leave the BJP and walk out of the NDA. He contended that any sensitive party and leader who was watching the situation of the country could well understand that the BJP was only a party of sloganeering and gimmickry. JD (U) leader Chaudhary said that the state government was doing as much work as possible as benefits of various schemes were reaching people of the state. He alleged that the central government was not doing that work. On increasing the number of constituents of the Opposition bloc, INDIA, the minister said that the present constituents of the opposition alliance were capable of ousting the BJP from power and if more parties joined the alliance, they were welcome. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp PATNA: Rashtriya Lok Janata Party (RLJP) chief and Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras on Tuesday said that he would welcome chief minister Nitish Kumar if he returned to the NDA. A person is not strong but his time is. He will be welcomed if he returns to the NDA, Paras remarked when media persons asked over the possibility of Nitish returning to the NDA. Although Paras's remark has given some credence to the speculation over Nitish joining hands with the BJP once again ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Nitish on Monday made it clear that he would not be going back to NDA and said he was only concentrating on bringing all opposition parties on a single platform.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Earlier, leader of Opposition in Bihar assembly and senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha had replied to a media query on the speculation over Nitish returning to NDA saying the BJP would welcome anybody who was a nationalist, honest and believed in inclusive growth. ALSO READ | None can say which way Nitish Kumar will go after 2024 polls: Prashant Kishor Meanwhile, the JD (U) attacked the BJP after the AIADMK walked out of the NDA on Monday. Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had alleged that the BJP was becoming weak and the NDA had virtually lost its relevance. Senior JD (U) leader and state parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also targeted the NDA after the AIADMK snapped ties with the BJP. He said that all right-thinking parties would gradually leave the BJP and walk out of the NDA. He contended that any sensitive party and leader who was watching the situation of the country could well understand that the BJP was only a party of sloganeering and gimmickry. JD (U) leader Chaudhary said that the state government was doing as much work as possible as benefits of various schemes were reaching people of the state. He alleged that the central government was not doing that work. On increasing the number of constituents of the Opposition bloc, INDIA, the minister said that the present constituents of the opposition alliance were capable of ousting the BJP from power and if more parties joined the alliance, they were welcome. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Dilip Singh Kshatriya By Express News Service AHMEDABAD: The opposition tried to classify women into different classes but eventually surrendered to the power of women, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition over the Women's Reservation Bill, on his two-day visit to home state of Gujarat. Modi was greeted warmly by the BJP's women cadre and "Women of Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening. He spoke to a group of women about the Women's Reservation Bill, which was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week. He said, Even those who held this bill up for years had to support it because of your (women's) fear. It was the women's strength that compelled them. They utilize ifs and buts in their assertions, and they make many excuses. These people have attempted to separate women into different classes and to diminish women's strength. But when they realized that this government was not going to back down, when they realized that the women of the country were watching what was going on inside the parliament, they were compelled to vote in favor of this Law against their choice", he said. Attacking the opposition, he stated that "even after all these years of independence, justice has not been done to women's power, and this country cannot develop rapidly without the full participation of half the country's population." Before discussing women's rights, political excuses were made, such as women being unable to do all of the jobs. Concerning the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, he stated that women must get representation from Legislative Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha, increasing women's representation is Modi's guarantee. Speaking about Gujarat's long history of women's empowerment, he stated, "Since beginning the fight against anti-women ideology in Gujarat, we have run many successful campaigns in the direction of women's empowerment in Gujarat at all three levels - family, society, and state." Talking about enhancing women's presence in politics, he stated, "I started the Samaras Mahila Panchayat experiment to increase the representation of women at all levels," Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp AHMEDABAD: The opposition tried to classify women into different classes but eventually surrendered to the power of women, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition over the Women's Reservation Bill, on his two-day visit to home state of Gujarat. Modi was greeted warmly by the BJP's women cadre and "Women of Gujarat in Ahmedabad on Tuesday evening. He spoke to a group of women about the Women's Reservation Bill, which was approved by both Houses of Parliament last week. He said, Even those who held this bill up for years had to support it because of your (women's) fear. It was the women's strength that compelled them. They utilize ifs and buts in their assertions, and they make many excuses.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); These people have attempted to separate women into different classes and to diminish women's strength. But when they realized that this government was not going to back down, when they realized that the women of the country were watching what was going on inside the parliament, they were compelled to vote in favor of this Law against their choice", he said. Attacking the opposition, he stated that "even after all these years of independence, justice has not been done to women's power, and this country cannot develop rapidly without the full participation of half the country's population." Before discussing women's rights, political excuses were made, such as women being unable to do all of the jobs. Concerning the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, he stated that women must get representation from Legislative Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha, increasing women's representation is Modi's guarantee. Speaking about Gujarat's long history of women's empowerment, he stated, "Since beginning the fight against anti-women ideology in Gujarat, we have run many successful campaigns in the direction of women's empowerment in Gujarat at all three levels - family, society, and state." Talking about enhancing women's presence in politics, he stated, "I started the Samaras Mahila Panchayat experiment to increase the representation of women at all levels," Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Over 50 students were injured in Manipur's capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students. The trouble broke out after the photos of 17-year-old girl Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old man Phijam Hemjit surfaced on social media. They were reported missing since the early part of July when the ethnic violence was at its peak. In one photo, the two students are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing. Thousands of students on Tuesday hit the streets to condemn the killings and demand justice for the slain duo. When they attempted to march towards the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, police and paramilitary personnel fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse them. The injured students were admitted to some hospitals. The situation was tense when reports last came in. ALSO READ | Mobile internet services restored in Manipur after over four months Sensing trouble after the photos surfaced, the Chief Ministers Secretariat had issued a statement on Monday night, appealing to the public to exercise restraint and allow the authorities handle the investigation. The CBI director will arrive in Imphal along with a special team on Wednesday morning, CM N Biren Singh said. Their presence underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter. I have been constantly in touch with Home Minister Amit Shah to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice, he posted on X. Security forces have started a search operation to nab the perpetrators of the crime. State govt suspends internet services After fresh violence on Tuesday, the government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect. Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 over of ethnic violence, were restored three days ago. Meanwhile, the state government ordered the closure of all schools on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a government holiday. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GUWAHATI: Over 50 students were injured in Manipur's capital Imphal on Tuesday during a massive protest against the killings of two missing students. The trouble broke out after the photos of 17-year-old girl Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old man Phijam Hemjit surfaced on social media. They were reported missing since the early part of July when the ethnic violence was at its peak. In one photo, the two students are seen sitting on a grassy compound with two armed men in the background. Another photo showed their bodies with the head of Hemjit appearing to be missing.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Thousands of students on Tuesday hit the streets to condemn the killings and demand justice for the slain duo. When they attempted to march towards the residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, police and paramilitary personnel fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse them. The injured students were admitted to some hospitals. The situation was tense when reports last came in. ALSO READ | Mobile internet services restored in Manipur after over four months Sensing trouble after the photos surfaced, the Chief Ministers Secretariat had issued a statement on Monday night, appealing to the public to exercise restraint and allow the authorities handle the investigation. The CBI director will arrive in Imphal along with a special team on Wednesday morning, CM N Biren Singh said. Their presence underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter. I have been constantly in touch with Home Minister Amit Shah to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice, he posted on X. Security forces have started a search operation to nab the perpetrators of the crime. State govt suspends internet services After fresh violence on Tuesday, the government reimposed the ban on mobile internet and internet services through VPN in the state for five days with immediate effect. Mobile internet services, suspended on May 3 over of ethnic violence, were restored three days ago. Meanwhile, the state government ordered the closure of all schools on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a government holiday. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Norway will allocate funds to support the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) to help citizens affected by Russian aggression. This was announced by Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre after a meeting with Director General of the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society Maksym Dotsenko, URCS said on Facebook. Stre promised that Norway would allocate NOK 350 million to help Ukrainians and support the activities of the society. "The money will be used to provide medical services, psychosocial support, humanitarian assistance and the arrangement of shelters," the society said. During the meeting, the parties discussed the humanitarian needs of Ukraine and the contribution of the URCS to overcoming the humanitarian crisis caused by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: TDP national general secretary and son of Chandrababu Naidu Nara Lokesh has been made accused no 14 in the Amaravati Inner Ring Road (IRR) case being probed by the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (AP-CID). The CID on Tuesday filed a memo with the court stating that Lokesh has been added as an accused in the case. The court is scheduled to hear the petition filed by the CID for a Prisoner Transit (PT) warrant against TDP national president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the Amaravati IRR case. Chandrababu Naidu, the then Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister Ponguru Narayana, and others are accused in the case. The CID alleged that former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, former minister P Narayan, and others had changed the original design of the Amaravati IRR to benefit some TDP leaders. The CID registered cases under various Sections of IPC as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act in April last year. Chandrababu Naidu is presently lodged in the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison in connection with the an alleged scam related to the AP State Skill Development scheme. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp VIJAYAWADA: TDP national general secretary and son of Chandrababu Naidu Nara Lokesh has been made accused no 14 in the Amaravati Inner Ring Road (IRR) case being probed by the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (AP-CID). The CID on Tuesday filed a memo with the court stating that Lokesh has been added as an accused in the case. The court is scheduled to hear the petition filed by the CID for a Prisoner Transit (PT) warrant against TDP national president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the Amaravati IRR case.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Chandrababu Naidu, the then Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister Ponguru Narayana, and others are accused in the case. The CID alleged that former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, former minister P Narayan, and others had changed the original design of the Amaravati IRR to benefit some TDP leaders. The CID registered cases under various Sections of IPC as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act in April last year. Chandrababu Naidu is presently lodged in the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison in connection with the an alleged scam related to the AP State Skill Development scheme. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI HYDERABAD: Dubbing the BJP as an "anti-backward classes party," BRS leader K Kavitha on Tuesday slammed Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for rejecting the state cabinet's recommendation to nominate two of the ruling party leaders as MLCs, saying the act is against the 'federal spirit.' Soundararajan rejected the state cabinet's recommendation to nominate ruling BRS leader Sravan Dasoju and former MLA Kurra Satyanarayana as MLCs under the Governor's quota, drawing criticism from the ruling party and the Telangana government. "Those two persons who were nominated by the state cabinet belong to the backward classes. In a bid to provide opportunities to those who could not come to the legislature through direct elections, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao proposed these names. The Governor's rejections (of those two men) proves that the BJP is an anti-BC party," she said, hitting out at Soundararajan. "Everyone feels that the Governor's rejection is against the federal spirit of the country. She rejected it, citing several reasons," Kavitha, a BRS MLC, added. Raising doubts as to whether the "Constitution of Bharat" is in force in the country or the "Constitution of Bharatiya Janata Party" and that governors of several states behave in such a manner, Kavitha told reporters, "People are watching such behaviour." The Governor is understood to have cited the unsuitability, as per relevant rules, of the two persons for nomination. Kavitha further said every constitutional body has rights and limits, and governors behave in this manner, keeping aside these limits and rights. Alleging that the BJP which has done "injustice" to BC women in the recently passed Women's Reservation Bill, is unable to tolerate the growth of BCs. She opined there will be stability if conventions and procedures are followed, and nothing can be achieved with these kinds of acts except negative debate among the public. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp HYDERABAD: Dubbing the BJP as an "anti-backward classes party," BRS leader K Kavitha on Tuesday slammed Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for rejecting the state cabinet's recommendation to nominate two of the ruling party leaders as MLCs, saying the act is against the 'federal spirit.' Soundararajan rejected the state cabinet's recommendation to nominate ruling BRS leader Sravan Dasoju and former MLA Kurra Satyanarayana as MLCs under the Governor's quota, drawing criticism from the ruling party and the Telangana government. "Those two persons who were nominated by the state cabinet belong to the backward classes. In a bid to provide opportunities to those who could not come to the legislature through direct elections, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao proposed these names. The Governor's rejections (of those two men) proves that the BJP is an anti-BC party," she said, hitting out at Soundararajan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Everyone feels that the Governor's rejection is against the federal spirit of the country. She rejected it, citing several reasons," Kavitha, a BRS MLC, added. Raising doubts as to whether the "Constitution of Bharat" is in force in the country or the "Constitution of Bharatiya Janata Party" and that governors of several states behave in such a manner, Kavitha told reporters, "People are watching such behaviour." The Governor is understood to have cited the unsuitability, as per relevant rules, of the two persons for nomination. Kavitha further said every constitutional body has rights and limits, and governors behave in this manner, keeping aside these limits and rights. Alleging that the BJP which has done "injustice" to BC women in the recently passed Women's Reservation Bill, is unable to tolerate the growth of BCs. She opined there will be stability if conventions and procedures are followed, and nothing can be achieved with these kinds of acts except negative debate among the public. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By PTI NEW DELHI: Pro-Khalistan elements have been "operating freely" from Canadian soil for nearly 50 years now in the garb of notions like 'freedom of expression' and 'political advocacy' but the country maintains "complete silence" on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking by these extremists, sources said on Tuesday. The bombing of Air India plane Kanishka was perpetuated by Khalistani extremists way back in 1985 and it was one of the biggest terror attacks in the world in the pre-9/11 era. However, due to the apparent "lackadaisical" approach of Canadian agencies, key accused Talwinder Singh Parmar and his bunch of Khalistani extremists got away scot-free, the sources said. Ironically, Parmar is now a hero of pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada with banned group Sikhs For Justice naming its campaign centre after him. Over the years, Khalistani extremists were further "emboldened" and started "operating with impunity" from Canada. In the last decade, links of Canada-based Khalistani extremists have emerged in more than half of the terror cases reported from Punjab, according to the sources. The multiple targeted killings of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Punjab after 2016 were the handiwork of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whose killing has led to a row between India and Canada. But Canadian agencies allegedly never launched any inquiry or investigation against Nijjar and his friends Bhagat Singh Brar, Parry Dulai, Arsh Dalla, Lakbir Landa and many others, the sources said, adding that for Canada, they remain "political activists" despite the increasing body count in Punjab. Punjab today suffers heavily because of extortion rackets run from Canada and gangsters based in the North American country bring drugs from Pakistan through drones and sell them across Punjab, they said. A part of this money goes back to Khalistani extremists in Canada. Even in Canada, many pro-Khalistan extremists are part of the drug trade. Inter-gang rivalries among gangsters from Punjab are common in Canada now. The sources said a pro-India Sikh leader, Ripudaman Singh Malik, was killed in 2022 in Surrey in Canada, a murder that many say was orchestrated by Nijjar. But Canadian agencies allegedly did not show any urgency in finding the culprits and unravelling the real conspiracy, they said. Two local criminals who were not of Indian origin were only charged in the case. "Soft pedalling" of Khalistanis ensured that moderate and pro-India Sikhs were thrown out of many big gurdwaras in Canada using the muscle and money power of the pro-Khalistan extremists, they added. Emboldened by their "rising clout" in Canada, pro-Khalistan extremists have started openly intimidating the minority Hindus in Indian diaspora in Canada and defacing their temples. The recent open threats by Khalistanis to the physical security of Indian missions and diplomats in Canada are a very serious development and challenge obligation of Canada under the Vienna Convention. It appears that in Canada, there are different scales for measuring human rights, the sources said. Voices from Canada are very strong on even trivial issues in Punjab while there has been a "complete silence" on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking and extortion by pro-Khalistan extremists sitting there and affecting both countries, they said. The row between New Delhi and Ottawa erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing in June. India strongly rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. In a reflection of the hardening of its position, India on September 20 advised all its nationals living in Canada and those contemplating travelling there to exercise "utmost caution" in view of growing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes as well as "criminal violence" in that country. The next day, India announced that it was temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of "security threats" faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp NEW DELHI: Pro-Khalistan elements have been "operating freely" from Canadian soil for nearly 50 years now in the garb of notions like 'freedom of expression' and 'political advocacy' but the country maintains "complete silence" on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking by these extremists, sources said on Tuesday. The bombing of Air India plane Kanishka was perpetuated by Khalistani extremists way back in 1985 and it was one of the biggest terror attacks in the world in the pre-9/11 era. However, due to the apparent "lackadaisical" approach of Canadian agencies, key accused Talwinder Singh Parmar and his bunch of Khalistani extremists got away scot-free, the sources said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Ironically, Parmar is now a hero of pro-Khalistan extremists in Canada with banned group Sikhs For Justice naming its campaign centre after him. Over the years, Khalistani extremists were further "emboldened" and started "operating with impunity" from Canada. In the last decade, links of Canada-based Khalistani extremists have emerged in more than half of the terror cases reported from Punjab, according to the sources. The multiple targeted killings of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Punjab after 2016 were the handiwork of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, whose killing has led to a row between India and Canada. But Canadian agencies allegedly never launched any inquiry or investigation against Nijjar and his friends Bhagat Singh Brar, Parry Dulai, Arsh Dalla, Lakbir Landa and many others, the sources said, adding that for Canada, they remain "political activists" despite the increasing body count in Punjab. Punjab today suffers heavily because of extortion rackets run from Canada and gangsters based in the North American country bring drugs from Pakistan through drones and sell them across Punjab, they said. A part of this money goes back to Khalistani extremists in Canada. Even in Canada, many pro-Khalistan extremists are part of the drug trade. Inter-gang rivalries among gangsters from Punjab are common in Canada now. The sources said a pro-India Sikh leader, Ripudaman Singh Malik, was killed in 2022 in Surrey in Canada, a murder that many say was orchestrated by Nijjar. But Canadian agencies allegedly did not show any urgency in finding the culprits and unravelling the real conspiracy, they said. Two local criminals who were not of Indian origin were only charged in the case. "Soft pedalling" of Khalistanis ensured that moderate and pro-India Sikhs were thrown out of many big gurdwaras in Canada using the muscle and money power of the pro-Khalistan extremists, they added. Emboldened by their "rising clout" in Canada, pro-Khalistan extremists have started openly intimidating the minority Hindus in Indian diaspora in Canada and defacing their temples. The recent open threats by Khalistanis to the physical security of Indian missions and diplomats in Canada are a very serious development and challenge obligation of Canada under the Vienna Convention. It appears that in Canada, there are different scales for measuring human rights, the sources said. Voices from Canada are very strong on even trivial issues in Punjab while there has been a "complete silence" on intimidation, violence, drug trafficking and extortion by pro-Khalistan extremists sitting there and affecting both countries, they said. The row between New Delhi and Ottawa erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar's killing in June. India strongly rejected the allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. In a reflection of the hardening of its position, India on September 20 advised all its nationals living in Canada and those contemplating travelling there to exercise "utmost caution" in view of growing anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes as well as "criminal violence" in that country. The next day, India announced that it was temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of "security threats" faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp By AFP GORIS: Thousands more refugees fled Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday as officials in the self-proclaimed republic said a fuel depot explosion the previous day had killed 20 people. The Armenian government has warned of possible "ethnic cleansing" by Azerbaijan following its lightning offensive against the breakaway region last week. Armenia said on Tuesday that more than 13,000 refugees had fled since a first group arrived in the country on Sunday. The influx overwhelmed the border town of Goris, where many refugees are staying. Many slept in their cars laden with luggage, emerging on Tuesday with red-rimmed eyes and forming long queues outside phone shops to buy sim cards. Azerbaijan has pledged equal treatment for residents of the majority ethnic Armenian enclave and has sent aid. Adding to humanitarian concerns, the separatist government on Tuesday said 13 bodies were found at the scene of a fuel depot blast on Monday and seven more people had died of their injuries. It said in a statement that 290 people had been hospitalised and "dozens of patients remain in critical condition". Armenia's health ministry said it had sent a team of doctors to the rebel stronghold of Stepanakert by helicopter. The Azerbaijani presidency said Baku had also sent medicine to help the wounded. Meanwhile in Brussels, envoys from Baku and Yerevan prepared to meet in the first such encounter since Azerbaijan's swift defeat of separatist forces last week. Simon Mordue, chief diplomatic adviser to European Council president Charles Michel, will chair the talks, Michel's spokeswoman said. Azerbaijan and Armenia, along with EU heavyweights France and Germany, will be represented by their national security advisers. The leaders of both countries are scheduled to meet next month. AFP reporters on Monday saw the refugees crowding into a humanitarian hub set up in a local theatre in the city of Goris to register for transport and housing. "We lived through terrible days," said Anabel Ghulasyan, 41, from the village of Rev, known as Shalva in Azeri. She arrived in Goris with her family by minibus, carrying her belongings in bags. Years of conflict Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars in the last three decades over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's operation on September 19 to seize control of the territory forced the separatists to lay down their arms under the terms of a ceasefire agreed the following day. It followed a nine-month blockade of the region by Baku that caused shortages of key supplies. The separatists have said 200 people were killed in last week's fighting. Azerbaijan's state media on Monday said officials held a second round of peace talks with Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian community aimed at "reintegrating" them. But on the road heading to Armenia, more and more residents from the region appeared to be trying to get out as witnesses said cars were snarling up in traffic. At the refugee centre in Goris, Valentina Asryan, a 54-year-old from the village of Vank who fled with her grandchildren, said her brother-in-law was killed and several other people were injured by Azerbaijani fire. "Who would have thought that the 'Turks' would come to this historic Armenian village? It's incredible," she said, referring to the Azerbaijani forces. She was being housed temporarily in a hotel in Goris and said she had "nowhere to go". Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp GORIS: Thousands more refugees fled Nagorno-Karabakh on Tuesday as officials in the self-proclaimed republic said a fuel depot explosion the previous day had killed 20 people. The Armenian government has warned of possible "ethnic cleansing" by Azerbaijan following its lightning offensive against the breakaway region last week. Armenia said on Tuesday that more than 13,000 refugees had fled since a first group arrived in the country on Sunday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The influx overwhelmed the border town of Goris, where many refugees are staying. Many slept in their cars laden with luggage, emerging on Tuesday with red-rimmed eyes and forming long queues outside phone shops to buy sim cards. Azerbaijan has pledged equal treatment for residents of the majority ethnic Armenian enclave and has sent aid. Adding to humanitarian concerns, the separatist government on Tuesday said 13 bodies were found at the scene of a fuel depot blast on Monday and seven more people had died of their injuries. It said in a statement that 290 people had been hospitalised and "dozens of patients remain in critical condition". Armenia's health ministry said it had sent a team of doctors to the rebel stronghold of Stepanakert by helicopter. The Azerbaijani presidency said Baku had also sent medicine to help the wounded. Meanwhile in Brussels, envoys from Baku and Yerevan prepared to meet in the first such encounter since Azerbaijan's swift defeat of separatist forces last week. Simon Mordue, chief diplomatic adviser to European Council president Charles Michel, will chair the talks, Michel's spokeswoman said. Azerbaijan and Armenia, along with EU heavyweights France and Germany, will be represented by their national security advisers. The leaders of both countries are scheduled to meet next month. AFP reporters on Monday saw the refugees crowding into a humanitarian hub set up in a local theatre in the city of Goris to register for transport and housing. "We lived through terrible days," said Anabel Ghulasyan, 41, from the village of Rev, known as Shalva in Azeri. She arrived in Goris with her family by minibus, carrying her belongings in bags. Years of conflict Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars in the last three decades over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's operation on September 19 to seize control of the territory forced the separatists to lay down their arms under the terms of a ceasefire agreed the following day. It followed a nine-month blockade of the region by Baku that caused shortages of key supplies. The separatists have said 200 people were killed in last week's fighting. Azerbaijan's state media on Monday said officials held a second round of peace talks with Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian community aimed at "reintegrating" them. But on the road heading to Armenia, more and more residents from the region appeared to be trying to get out as witnesses said cars were snarling up in traffic. At the refugee centre in Goris, Valentina Asryan, a 54-year-old from the village of Vank who fled with her grandchildren, said her brother-in-law was killed and several other people were injured by Azerbaijani fire. "Who would have thought that the 'Turks' would come to this historic Armenian village? It's incredible," she said, referring to the Azerbaijani forces. She was being housed temporarily in a hotel in Goris and said she had "nowhere to go". Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp Hong Kong: Choi Yuk-lin joins Beijing events Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin led a delegation to call on a state leader and officials of the Ministry of Education today. After being received and welcomed by Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng at the Great Hall of the People, Ms Choi and the delegation met ministry officials. She said that the delegation, now in its 15th cohort, was the first large-scale education exchange activity after the resumption of normal travel. Ms Choi thanked the ministry for its conscientious arrangement and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for its strong support, enabling the delegation to celebrate National Day in Beijing, the capital city. She pointed out that the delegation was also given the opportunity to exchange views with teachers from Changsha and Beijing and share their experience in areas including the mode of school operation, curriculum and educational settings, which broadens their professional horizons and lays the foundation for promoting more in-depth exchanges in the future. The education chief said that President Xi Jinping's recent reply letter to Hong Kong secondary school students especially encouraged students to strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, and sharpen their skills and abilities. Whether students can make contributions to building a better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation hinges on the guidance and support of teachers. Ms Choi noted that with its mission to cultivate values and nurture talent, the Education Bureau will be dedicated to promoting national education. She said through exchange activities such as the Students Mainland Exchange Programme, the Sister School Scheme and Mainland study tours of the Citizenship & Social Development subject, students experience the national situation, learn about the latest developments and achievements of the country as well as enhance their sense of national identity. This morning, Ms Choi visited Tsinghua University to meet its leaders including CPC Tsinghua University Committee Secretary Prof Qiu Yong and Dean of Qiuzhen College Prof Yau Shing-tung, and chat with Hong Kong students at the university. Yesterday, Ms Choi and the delegation visited Cuiwei Primary School to observe classes and talk to teachers. She also met Beijing Municipal Education Commission officials and leaders of Beijing Language & Culture University to discuss educational issues of mutual interest for Beijing and Hong Kong. This story has been published on: 2023-09-26. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Koko praises DFA for not dipping its hands into CIFs Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III praised the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for not dipping its hands into the controversial confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). In the agency's budget hearing on Tuesday, Pimentel asked Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo if his department had requested confidential funds, to which the country's top diplomat answered "no." In a separate statement, Pimentel, who advocates the removal of CIFs in the national budget, commended the DFA, saying that "all agencies should emulate DFA." This praise comes amidst a growing public outcry concerning the proposed allocation of P10.14 billion to CIFs in the national budget. A substantial portion of this allocation--P4.5 billion--is earmarked for the Office of the President, with P500 million for the Office of the Vice President, and P1.7 billion for the Department of National Defense, among others. According to Pimentel, other agencies should follow DFA's stance as he lamented how several civilian agencies are dipping their hands into the confidential funds. "The DFA, under Secretary Manalo, is a model of fiscal integrity. I hope I could say the same for the other agencies with the executive branch," Pimentel said. "Ang CIFs ngayon parang kabute, kung saan-saan tumutubo. Kailangan nating alisin sa budget ang mga CIF na hindi kailangan at hindi nararapat. We need to purge the budget of unwarranted CIF allocations." Pimentel said. As result of HIMARS strike on occupiers' HQ near Kherson, eight Russian officers killed, seven more wounded SBU Following a tipoff from the Ukrainian State Security Service (SBU), a HIMARS missile hit the occupiers' headquarters near Kherson, killing eight Russian officers and wounding seven more, a source in the SBU told Interfax-Ukraine. "An exclusive video of a recent 'bavovna' [attack] has appeared at a temporary Russian control center near Kherson. Due to a tipoff from the SBU, the HIMARS missile 'took part' in a daily meeting of Russian officers of the 24th motorized rifle regiment of the 70th motorized rifle division. The meeting ended early: eight officers have the status of '200,' seven of '300'," the agency's interlocutor said on Tuesday. Kolkata, September 25 A mid China's refusal to grant visas to three Wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh for the 19th Asian Games, Consul General of China in Kolkata, Zha Liyou said that Beijing is willing to work with India to implement the consensus reached by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen dialogue and promote the development of bilateral ties on a "healthy and stable track." While addressing a programme to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of China, Zha stressed that a "stable and healthy" relationship between India and China is in the fundamental interest of both nations. Zha Liyou said, "A stable and healthy China-India relationship is in the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples. The common development and revitalization of the two countries is related to the future of us, of Asia and of the world." Speaking at the programme, he said, "Our relationship is generally stable. Our leaders maintain dialogue and communication. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had two face-to-face interactions in the past year and reached an important consensus on stabilizing our relations, providing guidance for the development of our bilateral relations. "China is willing to work with India to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries, strengthen dialogue and communication, overcome interference difficulties and promote the development of bilateral relations on a healthy and stable track," he added. He said that China is willing to work with all parties, including India, to serve as the builder of world peace. Speaking about the commonalities between the two nations, he said that India and China have a very long history and the two have been adjacent to each other since the time began. "China is willing to work with all parties, including India, to serve as the builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and defender of the international order with a broader vision, a more open mind and a more positive attitude and write a new chapter in the programs of human political friends," he said. "China and India we share this commonality of very, very long history...civilization that has been you know we have been adjacent to each other for the time since the time began. We are the only two major countries with a population of more than 1 billion. There are no other twins and pairs and partners like this. We are important. We are important emerging economies with a broader development prospect. The friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and India have a long history and will have long centuries to go," he added. On the success of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, he said, "So sitting in my office and seeing the wonderful landing, it's really exciting. I tweeted that is an achievement for all human beings. I'm very happy. I'm proud of India for that achievement." Asked about China's denial of visas to three athletes for the Asian Games, he said, "The Asian game is the game for all of us. We are family. And for the specific issues, I'm sure the Chinese MFA and your MEA have already said that. And I have friends. This is a bilateral issue. I would invite you to reach out to the Chinese Embassy." On Sunday, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur criticised China's refusal to grant visas to three Wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh for the 19th Asian Games. Thakur labelled this action as "discriminatory" and emphasized that it goes against the Olympic Charter, a stance deemed "unacceptable" by India. The three players from Arunachal Pradesh - Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu were supposed to participate in individual matches which will run from September 24 to 28 at the Guali Cultural and Sports Centre in Xiaoshan district. In response, the Union Sports Minister cancelled his visit to China as a mark of protest. "They did not allow our Athletes from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in Asian Games. As you can see I am not in China, I am in Coimbatore, standing with my players. And this discriminatory approach of a country that is against the Olympic Charter and is not acceptable at all," Anurag Thakur said while speaking to reporters. Union Minister asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. "It is not acceptable to India and I have cancelled my trip to China on these grounds as they have denied the opportunity to the players from Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of the Asian Games. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India," Thakur added. Chinese envoy calls for strengthening bilateral ties amid row over visa denial to Indian players Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Ottawa, September 25 C anadian Defence Minister Bill Blair has urged India, Canada to start talking to find a common ground in view of the recent strain in relations, CBC News reported. "I really want to start talking. I know once they start talking, once they really want to help their citizens, I'm pretty sure they'll find common ground to make friends," Blair said in an interview on Rosemary Barton Liveon CBC News which aired on Sunday. CBC News is a division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation responsible for the news gathering and production of news programs. Blair said he is aware of the impact the diplomatic dispute was having on Indian-Canadians. This comes as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week alleged India's involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Najjar, who was a designated Terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Gurdwara, in a parking area in Canada's Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. Canada has called on India to co-operate with the investigation into Nijjar's death. Trudeau on Friday said that Ottawa wants to "work constructively with India" regarding the alleged involvement of New Delhi in the killing of Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India. The Canadian Defence Minister said "It's another reason why I place such emphasis on the investigation that's taking place, that we'd be able to move beyond credible intelligence to evidence, strong evidence of exactly what happened, so that we and the Indian government can know the truth, have the facts and then work together to resolve it in an appropriate way." "I'm not going to say anything that would in any way compromise the integrity of that investigation, it's just too important," he said, as per CBC News. Allies also urge cooperation with investigation, he said. India has meanwhile denied "any attempts to connect the government of India" with Nijjar's murder. The MEA also referred to Canada as having a "growing reputation" as a "safe haven for terrorists, for extremists and organized crime." "The only request we've made of our allies and India is that they co-operate fully in that investigation because its outcome is very important," Blair told CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton. As per CBC News, Blair skirted a question about what intelligence Canada had received from allies to help reach the point where they made the decision to speak publicly on the issue. Canadian Defence Minister urges India, Canada to start taking, find a common ground Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, September 25 I ndian army contingents participating in joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2023' with the US army on Monday departed New Delhi for Alaska. "#IndianArmy contingents participating in the Joint Military Exercise #YudhAbhyas with #USArmy and 'ADMM plus EWG' with #ASEAN Nations departed from #NewDelhi," Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army wrote on 'X' formerly Twitter on Monday. "Before departure, Director General #Infantry interacted with the contingents and encouraged the contingents to display the highest standards of training & imbibe the best practices of the participating nations," the tweet read. The exercise will entail exchanging the best practices, enhancing interoperability and strengthening the bond between the two Armies. "Indian Army contingent will be participating in 19th Edition of joint military Exercise Yudh Abhyas at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA. The Exercise will entail exchanging best practices and enhancing interoperability to mutually learn from each other & strengthen the bond between the two Armies," the official handle of the Indian Army posted on X . The joint exercise will take place from September 25 to October 8 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, US. Indian Army contingent comprising of 350 personnel will participate in this edition of the Exercise. The lead battalion from Indian side is affiliated to MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment. 1-24 Infantry Battalion of 1st Brigade Combat Team will participate from the US side. Both sides will practice a series of tactical drills to enhance interoperability in conducting UN peacekeeping operations. Personnel from both sides will also hold detailed discussions to share their experiences and best practices. The theme of the Exercise is 'Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/ Extreme Climatic Conditions' under Chapter VII of United Nations mandate. According to a release by the Defence Ministry, the Field Training Exercise includes validation of Integrated Battle Groups against hostile forces at the Brigade level, Integrated Surveillance Grid at the Brigade/ Battalion level, employment of Heliborne/ Airborne elements and Force Multipliers, validation of logistics and casualty management during operations, evacuation and combat medical aid and other aspects as applicable to High Altitude Areas and Extreme Climatic Conditions. "EX YUDH ABHYAS-23" will facilitate both Armies to mutually learn from each other and further strengthen the bonds between the two armies said the release. Indian army contingents participating in joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2023' leave for Alaska Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Aus flight forced to turn around due to passenger's unruly behaviour Canberra, Sep 25 A n Australian man was arrested and charged on Monday after his unruly behaviour forced a domestic flight to return to the Perth Airport. Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed in a statement that the 33-year-old man would appear before the court on Monday, accused of disorderly behavior and failing to comply with airline staff, reports Xinhua news agency. After the Sydney-bound JQ989 flight, operated by Jetstar, departed from Perth on Sunday night, AFP officers received a call from the airline staff about an alleged intoxicated passenger who verbally abused a cabin crew member and failed to comply with directions. As a consequence of the incident, the flight had to turn around and come back to the airport, and the ruckus also compelled the aircraft to drop fuel in order to land safely. AFP estimated that the man could face up to a penalty of A$27,500 ($17,653) for his offences. The remaining passengers were provided with overnight accommodation by Jetstar and boarded other replacement flights on Monday morning. Aus flight forced to turn around due to passenger's unruly behaviour Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New Delhi, Sep 25 W ithdrawal of Southwest monsoon from parts of southwest Rajasthan started on Monday against its normal date of September 17, according to the India Meteorological Department. In its bulletin, the IMD said that in East India, the weather forecast for the coming days indicates the likelihood of light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. "These weather conditions are expected to be fairly widespread to widespread, particularly over Bihar on Monday. Additionally, during the period till Friday, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are expected to experience similar weather, with isolated instances of heavy rainfall," said the weather forecast agency. "Furthermore, from Friday to Sunday, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands may also encounter isolated episodes of very heavy rainfall," the IMD predicted. In South India, similar conditions are anticipated, with light to moderate rainfall being fairly widespread. "Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu are expected to witness this weather phenomenon on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Additionally, Coastal Karnataka and Kerala are likely to experience these conditions on Thursday and Friday," said the IMD. Other regions in South India, including North Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, and South Interior Karnataka, will also experience such weather on specific dates mentioned. Notably, Tamil Nadu is expected to receive isolated very heavy rainfall on Monday. In West India, the forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, which are expected to be fairly widespread. Konkan & Goa and Madhya Maharashtra can expect this weather pattern till Friday. "Marathwada and the Gujarat Region will likely experience this weather on Monday and Tuesday, while Saurashtra is expected to be affected on Monday," said the IMD. Northeast India is likely to see light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy rainfall activities, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya on Monday. "In Central India, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are anticipated to have light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning with isolated heavy rainfall on Monday," said the weather agency. For the rest of the country, no significant weather events are expected at this time, it added. Southwest monsoon starts to withdraw from southwest Rajasthan: IMD Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Washington, DC, September 25 A mid the surge in number of migrants at the Mexican border, Mexico has made an agreement with the United States to deport migrants from its border cities to their home countries and take several actions, CNN reported on Sunday. According to CNN, as part of the agreement, Mexico agreed to "depressurize" its northern cities, which border El Paso, San Diego and Eagle Pass, Texas, where the mayor has declared a state of emergency. They will also implement more than a dozen actions to prevent migrants from risking their lives by using the railway system to reach the US-Mexico border, according to Mexico's National Migration Institute. Mexican officials met with US Customs and Border Protection officials on Friday in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico - across the border from El Paso, Texas - following the recent spike in illegal crossings into the US that temporarily closed an international bridge and paused Mexico's main cargo train system. Mexican officials vowed to carry out a series of 15 actions as part of the agreement, some in coordination with Customs and Border Protection and Ferromex, which includes deporting migrants to their home countries by land and air. The country said it will carry out negotiations with the governments of Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia and Cuba to confirm receipt of their citizens deported from the US-Mexico border. It will also allow US border patrol agents to expel migrants through the Ciudad Juarez International Bridge, which connects to El Paso . Other terms of the agreement include submitting a daily report of the number of migrants on the train system to Customs and Border Protection's El Paso sector, establishing checkpoints along the Ferromex rail route and conducting interventions on railways and highways, according to Mexico's National Migration Institute. The institute said Mexico had deported more than 788,000 migrants to their home countries from January 1 to September. American-based media outlet CNN reported citing the Department of Homeland Security Official, that the migrants count surpassed 8,600 over a 24-hour period this week and the number of people arrested on the borders has also increased from 3,500 to 8,000. Non-profits and officials in border communities on both sides of the US-Mexico line, from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, say the current spike in migration could be driven by misinformation and an increase in kidnappings in Mexico, among other things. The busiest sectors are Del Rio, El Paso, Lower Rio Grande Valley and Tucson; each facing more than 1,000 encounters over the last 24 hours, according to the official. Eagle Pass is in the Del Rio sector. About 6,500 migrants are in custody in El Paso alone, which "only has so many resources," Mayor Oscar Leeser said at the news conference Saturday. El Paso is receiving more than 2,000 additional migrants every day, D'Agostino said, and the city is expecting a "large influx" over the next few days. "We have come to what we look at a breaking point right now," the mayor said. The US Department of Defence has been ramping up resources at the border, including increasing the number of security personnel by 800, as already 2500 are giving their duties at border. CNN reported about 11,000 migrants reached the Mexican border with the US in one day, last week, Barcena said, announcing that Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wants to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington in November to discuss migration, along with drugs and firearms trafficking. Mexico signs agreement with US to deport migrants from borders Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Chennai, September 25 T he All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam passed a unanimous resolution breaking all ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance from Monday. "The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks about our former leaders, our general secretary EPS and our cadres for the past year. In today's meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously that AIADMK will break all ties with BJP and NDA alliance," AIADMK leader KP Munuswamy said. Munuswamy alleged that the state BJP has been intentionally attacking former Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Annadurai. "The state leadership of BJP in the NDA alliance has been purposely attacking the AIADMK Party, former CM and leaders Annadurai and Jayalalitha. BJP State leadership also criticised AIADMK conference which was held at Madurai on August 20. This hurts cadres of AIADMK," Munuswamy said. AIADMK Party Secretaries, District Secretaries, Parliament Members and Assembly Members held a meeting at the party headquarters in Chennai on Monday. The relationship between the AIADMK and the BJP had hit a low since the last few months. On September 18, AIADMK announced that the BJP is no longer their ally alleging that BJP State President Annamalai was crossing the "alliance dharma" lines. AIADMK leaders also heavily criticised Annamalai for his remarks on Annadurai and Periyar. Both the AIADMK and the BJP frequently engaged in war of words with one another on social media. Leaders from both parties refused to comment on the alliance in public. On September 22, AIADMK top leaders C V Shanmugam, Thambidurai, SP Velumani, Thangamani, KP Munusamy, Natham Viswanathan met BJP leaders at Delhi. Both parties refused to comment on the developments of the meeting. However, sources suggested that the AIADMK meeting in Delhi was not fruitful. AIADMK ends ties with BJP after tumultuous relations Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Guwahati, Sep 25 T he Assam government has approved an intensive medical check-up of obese policemen at government medical colleges in the state. In the first Body Mass Index (BMI) test conducted by the Assam Police in August, 97.53 per cent of participants passed, but the rest of the security personnel were found to be obese. The state Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, told IANS on Monday, "The state government has approved an intensive medical check of all obese personnel at government medical colleges. This would be done within this month." He added, "After that, we would work out medical and nutritional intervention, including bringing such people to police locations with adequate medical and nutritional supervision." Earlier, Singh announced that police personnel who were found in the obese category in the BMI test conducted in August would be given another three-months to shed the extra weight. The top cop also said that those who were found to be obese at the end of the November deadline would be offered the mandatory Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). Singh added, "My aim is to improve, not to harass. Only those who show no inclination to change would be offered VRS." The professional recording of BMI was done for all officers, battalions, and other staff of the police department in the previous month. The DGP was the first state policeman to record his BMI. Notably, the Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, also said that people with obesity cannot continue working in the state police department. Such police personnel will be offered VRS following the government procedure. Intensive medical check-up of obese policemen for another month: Assam DGP Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Not just Khalistanis, Canada refuses to deport assassin of Sheikh Mujib of Bangladesh New Delhi, Sep 25 A recent diplomatic rift between Canada and India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian-Indian and leader of an outlawed Khalistan killed by unknown assailants at a Sikh temple in Surrey in the province of British Columbia in mid-June has dominated news headlines. After four months, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suddenly stood up the House of Commons at Parliament Hill and told lawmakers in Ottawa that his government possessed "credible" allegations which pointed fingers toward Indian intelligence potential link to the assassination. As political historian Mohiuddin Ahmad says, Canada came out in the public domain regarding the allegations against India. But on the other hand, Canada has never made public the Chinese interference and their covert activities. Canada allows hate speech by radical Sikhs in the name of freedom of speech and expression, which is not only a double standard but a hypocritical government, remarked Ahmed. Canada's allies are still quiet! Trudeau expects condemnation from the West while asking India to cooperate on the murder of confessed extremists for an independent Khalistan. The anti-Indian terror campaign for a separate territory for the Sikhs has been aided and abetted by the dreaded Pakistan spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI). Well, his government has yet to share evidence blaming India behind Nijjar's death, who was chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and is unlikely to get 'cooperation' from New Delhi. Ottawa has refused to extradite a couple of "most-wanted" Sikhs for crimes committed in India and elsewhere. In a tit-for-tat expelling spy agency officials under diplomatic cover from each other country. An Indian born Ashok Swain @ashoswai, Professor at Uppsala University, Sweden tweets "Modi has made Canada, India's new Pakistan!" Pierre Trudeau (father of Justin Trudeau) turned down India's request to hand over a Sikh militant named Talwinder Singh Parmar, the head of the terrorist organisation. The 'person of interest' has been blamed for placing a bomb on an Air India flight in 1985. The bomb exploded midair, killing 329 people, 268 of them Canadian citizens. Millions of immigrants who adopted Canada as their new home, do not know that Canada is a haven for Nazi war criminals and other wanted criminals living with impunity. The politicians and former officials of their home countries [list of countries withheld for obvious reason] have been laundering money accumulated from loot, corruption and illegal cartels with a "no question asked policy" of Canada for new arrivals. Nearly a thousand suspects indicted for war crimes, according to the Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals by Justice Jules Deschenes (1985-1986) are believed to be living in Canada. The Royal Commission was able to establish that identified Nazi war criminals, for crimes committed in Germany and marauding Nazi occupation forces during World War II were given permanent residency. The Nazi war criminals brought huge wealth looted from Europe and especially from Jews. The book 'Unauthorized Entry The Truth about Nazi War Criminals in Canada, 1946-1956' by Howard Margolian published in 2000 brings fresh waves among Canadians what the war crimes advocacy groups, the media, and even a royal commission have suggested that Canada has given refuge to such criminals. On the recommendation of the Commission, Canada enacted the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, 2000. Under the new legislation, one Rwandan immigrant was found guilty of committing genocide and sentenced to life in prison in May 2009. The Canadian Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Programme investigated 200 perpetrators currently residing in Canada. Notwithstanding India's repeated requests over the years to extradite the "most wanted" extremists, who have harmed India, Canada decided not to comply and gave any explanation. On the other hand, Bangladesh had also made requests over 20 years to deport the 'most wanted' army officer S.H.M.B. Nur Chowdhury, held responsible for the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence hero of Bangladesh in a military putsch on August 15, 1975. The 73-year-old fugitive has been living in Canada since 1996. "That's why he is safe in Canada," writes Charlie Gillis, a Canadian journalist, "The assassin among us." Nur told a state broadcaster Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) denying the allegation of taking part in the murder of Bangabandhu and said as a junior military officer he obeyed orders of his superiors. Sheikh Mujib's daughter, present Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina pleaded with her counterpart Justin Trudeau at several meetings on the sideline at global events to deport her father's assassin. Her appeal fell on deaf ears though. A new Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Heather Cruden in September 2011 in an explosive statement said that "Canada will not expel any suspected criminal to face a possible execution abroad." "Our government has a clear policy that we cannot extradite people to a country where there is [a] death sentence," she told reporters in Dhaka. The diplomat has rekindled a long-running dispute between Canada and Bangladesh, during which Bangladeshi officials have at times accused Canada of giving refuge to the most wanted fugitive for 27 years. Canadian Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and Ministry of Foreign Affairs sings the same tune. A policy statement says something like this "Bangladesh judiciary is not independent and deportation or extradition of a certain person will jeopardise his safety and his security would be compromised by a politically motivated justice system." "There are possibilities of being harmed when the person is forced to return to his country of origin." Canada provided a typical argumentative argument on the request for the deportation of Chowdhury, who was indicted in absentia for the murder of Sheikh Mujib and has been sentenced to the death penalty by a special tribunal in Dhaka in 1998 and declared him a fugitive. His name appears in the red list of Interpol. Canadian media have intermittently kept the issue alive. This possibly has impacted the rejection of Chowdhury's asylum case and demand for extradition by the Bangladesh government. All his hope to live in Canada has been dashed after all the gates of the refugee court, appeal court and higher court shut down on his face. Chowdhury's asylum case has been denied again and again. Shahidul Islam Mintu, founder and CEO of the first 24/7 NRB Television for the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada has been following the case of Chowdhury. He said the fugitive rarely ventures outside his apartment except to buy groceries. He once faced angry Bangladesh nationals who condemned him for killing Mujib and demanding punishment. He lives in seclusion in Etobicoke, Toronto. In a brazen move, Ottawa wanted to negotiate with Washington DC to send rogue military officer AKM Mohiuddin Ahmed, to a third country (preferably Canada), who swears that he didn't play a role in the assassination of Sheikh Mujib. Ahmed's asylum case in Los Angeles, US has been rejected multiple times in appeal courts. The US authorities decided to deport him, which was indeed a surprise for Bangladesh. The fugitive was deported to Bangladesh and the verdict was executed by hanging for the crime. On May 29, 2007, Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice addressing the Speaker of Parliament urged Ms Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration that a "former Bangladesh diplomat with a Canadian connection is facing imminent deportation from the US to Bangladesh where he will be executed after a political trial was held in absentia," as documented in the Parliament Hill online archive. "Given this humanitarian issue and that Mr Mohiuddin Ahmed has immediate family in Canada, would the minister be prepared to review this case, to provide Mr Ahmed with the protection this case would warrant and help secure the suspension of his deportation until this case can be reviewed?" However, Finley assured the members at Parliament Hill that Canada has "one of the most welcoming and fair immigration systems in the world." Commonly most people know that hundreds of international victims of torture have found safety in Canada including dissidents, opposition, journalists, writers and academicians. Nevertheless, this statement has been contradicted by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International. A damning joint report blames Canada to have incarcerated thousands of people (between the ages of 15 and 83), including those with disabilities, on immigration-related grounds every year in often abusive conditions. "Canada's abusive immigration detention system is in stark contrast to the rich diversity and the values of equality and justice that Canada is known for globally," said Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada. Of course, Canada had forced several immigrants to their country of origin, who fled the country after they were brutalised and tortured. In the case of Maher Arar, a Syrian-born Canadian citizen was a victim of rendition and tortured in Syria after the United States turned him over as an Al-Qaeda suspect in 2002. Arar, a telecommunication engineer was boarding a flight back home to Canada from Tunisia at JFK Airport in New York. He was detained for 12 days in New York and was secretly transferred to Syria. US authorities alleged he was a member of the international terror network Al Qaeda and said they acted on data supplied by Canadian police. Amnesty says in Syria, he was held in degrading and inhumane conditions, interrogated, and tortured for a year. After media and rights groups outcry, Canada was forced to bring him back and had to pay a compensation of $10.5 million. Similar incidents occurred with dissident Noura Al-Jizawi, a Syrian born immigrant in Canada who was flagged as a security risk when she applied for a Permanent Resident (PR) card. Also, an Egyptian-born Joseph Attar, a Canadian citizen returned home serving 15 years imprisonment in Egypt on spying charges. In February 2007, Ottawa formally apologised for the role officials may have played in the torture and abuse of three Canadians Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad Abou-Elmaati and Muayyed Nureddin in Syria in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. A commission of inquiry found that Canadian officials were indirectly responsible for what happened to the three men. Possibly for now, Nur Chowdhury's prayer to Allah has kept him away from being guillotined for his crime. The diplomatic engagement to bring the rogue military officer back to Dhaka to face the music of justice remains frustrating for the coming years will be in deep freeze. (Saleem Samad is an award-winning independent journalist based in Bangladesh. Views expressed are personal. Twitter @saleemsamad; Email saleemsamad@hotmail.com) (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Not just Khalistanis, Canada refuses to deport assassin of Sheikh Mujib of Bangladesh Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Coimbatore, September 25 T amil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday refused to comment on the AIADMK resolution that declared the breaking of its alliance with BJP just a few months before the Lok Sabha election. "I will speak to you later. I don't speak during Yatra. I will speak later," Annamalai told ANI when asked about the development during his 'En Mann En Makkal' Yatra which is currently in Coimbatore. AIADMK passed the resolution in its meeting of headquarters functionaries, district secretaries, MPs and MLAs at its headquarters in Chennai. "The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks about our former leaders, our general secretary EPS and our cadres for the past year. In today's meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously that AIADMK will break all ties with BJP and NDA alliance," AIADMK leader KP Munuswamy said while announcing the decision to reporters. Annamalai was blamed by the AIADMK leadership in the past for the rift in the alliance. His statement against top leaders of Dravidian movement like CN Annadurai irked them so much that they reportedly asked the BJP's central leadership to remove him from the post of state BJP president. Munuswamy alleged that the state BJP has been intentionally attacking former Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Annadurai."The state leadership of BJP in the NDA alliance has been purposely attacking the AIADMK Party, former CM and leaders Annadurai and Jayalalitha. BJP State leadership also criticised AIADMK conference which was held at Madurai on August 20. This hurt cadres of AIADMK," Munuswamy said. The relationship between the AIADMK and the BJP had hit a low during the last few months.On September 18, AIADMK announced that the BJP is no longer their ally alleging that BJP State President Annamalai was crossing the "alliance dharma" lines. AIADMK leaders also heavily criticised Annamalai for his remarks on Annadurai and Periyar.Both the AIADMK and the BJP frequently engaged in war of words with one another on social media. Leaders from both parties refused to comment on the alliance in public. On September 22, AIADMK top leaders C V Shanmugam, Thambidurai, SP Velumani, Thangamani, KP Munusamy, Natham Viswanathan met BJP leaders at Delhi.Both parties refused to comment on the developments of the meeting. However, sources suggested that the AIADMK meeting in Delhi was not fruitful. Annamalai refuses to comment on AIADMK breaking its alliance with BJP Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! List of priority reforms proposed as basis for consultations with Kyiv, stakeholders as part of continued support for Ukraine US Embassy As part of its dialogue with Kyiv and stakeholders in Ukraine's future success, the United States has provided a proposed list of priority reforms for discussion and feedback at the Multi-Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine in Brussels. "This list was provided as a basis for consultation with the Government of Ukraine and key partners as part of our enduring support to Ukraine and its efforts to integrate into Europe, a goal the United States strongly supports," the U.S. Embassy said in a statement on its website. The embassy said the aim of the effort is to prioritize and consolidate reform steps together with Ukraine and among key stakeholders. "As President Biden said in his White House meeting with President Zelenskyy, just as we are committed to helping the Ukrainian people defend themselves now, were also committed to helping them recover and rebuild for the future, including supporting reforms that are going to combat corruption, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and where American and European businesses want to invest," according to the statement. Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda published the text of a letter from the United States to the Ukrainian authorities, a letter with a list of reforms that Kyiv must carry out in order to continue receiving military support. The letter was allegedly sent to the Prime Minister, the President's Office and the Donor Coordination Platform. The letter demands in the next three months to introduce additional members to the supervisory boards of Ukrenergo and Naftogaz, as well as to establish a supervisory board for the new Ukroboronprom, to strengthen the independence of NABU and SAPO (in the case of SAPO, including independence from the Prosecutor General). The scope of activity of the SBU is ordered to be limited to counterintelligence, anti-espionage activities, the fight against terrorism and cybercrime. It is also required to conduct a check of judges of the Supreme Court for integrity and to select new judges with the participation of international experts. This is also about reforms in the Defense Ministry, including regarding the organization of procurement. A number of reforms need to be carried out within a year, among them the introduction of market prices for gas and electricity. New York, September 25 A strong belief in the Indian approach and leadership to achieve Sustainable Development was the underlying tone of two high-level discussions organised in New York by Reliance Foundation, Observer Research Foundation, the United Nations India office and the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, a release said. As the world came together during the United Nations General Assembly week to deliberate on accelerating pace on the 2030 agenda, a publication 'Ideas, Innovation, Implementation India's Journey Towards the SDGs' that brought this message to life was released. The book, a joint initiative by Reliance Foundation, Observer Research Foundation and the UN India office, highlights 17 lighthouse initiatives across 17 SDGs, undertaken by not-for-profit organisations and communities, transforming the ecosystem towards the SDGs and beyond, a release said. Releasing the publication at the first forum on 'Delivering Development Journeys, Directions and Lighthouses', Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, said, "We refuse to make a choice between fighting poverty and protecting our planet; instead, we will pursue sustainable, inclusive, and equitable transitions that leave no one behind. In this spirit of fostering transparency and sharing best practices, I am delighted to announce that we have just released a comprehensive report "Ideas, Innovation, Implementation India's Journey towards the SDGs." Speaking at the second panel on South Rising Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas', India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that SDGs, green development, women-led development, and digital public infrastructure would determine global progress for the next decade and transition would be driven by the Global South, the release said. "We need political rebalancing and economic rebalancing as part of the G20. None of this can go beyond a point unless there is cultural rebalancing which is respecting the diversity of the world, giving other cultures and traditions their due respect. From millets to traditional medicine, respecting others' heritage, tradition, music, ways of life - these are parts of the change the global south would like to see," Jaishankar said. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica, built a strong articulation of India's support especially to smaller countries. "In a situation where you had to call on friends for support, the question was, who could you call, and more importantly, who would answer. India answered. India answered the world and the small countries in the Caribbean," adding, "We believe in the Indian approach. We cannot see ourselves as victims, but we need to innovate and find new ways. We need to prove ourselves. India has done it. India walks the talk as we have seen. We take inspiration in Vasudaiva Kutumbakam," she said. Echoing similar sentiments, Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Republic of Guyana, said, "Multilateralism needs leadership. That's what India is providing. India, as a country, is extremely humble and responsible. Quietly, India has been taking care of its people and the rest of the world. It's only natural that India has earned its rightful place in helping not only by providing leadership in the global south but helping to advance integration. India has proven itself to be a responsible partner and leader." Joao Gomes Cravinho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Portugal, said, "Behind political will are many interests, intentions of various sorts. To talk about political courage, we need outstanding leadership.To talk about political courage, at the same time, we need a transformation of the way people view their own interests. We must seek to transform the way that people look at the realities they face." Reliance Foundation along with ORF and United Nations India hosted two key dialogues amid the UNGA week focussing on the overarching theme of India's journey towards SDGs. The dialogue - 'Delivering Development Journeys, Directions and Lighthouses' focused on India's agenda aiming to address priorities and challenges of developing nations, including economic empowerment and growth, financial stability, improved health and educational outcomes, food and energy security, and climate resilience, and towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The second dialogue - 'South Rising Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas' discussed the role of India and the Global South in advancing UN's Sustainable Development Goals agenda focusing on the significant role these regions play towards global development. High-level delegates at the two events were from multilateral, global and Indian non-profit, academia and corporate philanthropies, the release said. Jagannatha Kumar CEO of Reliance Foundation spoke of the need to think beyond 2030. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator, India spoke of the importance of public private and multi-stakeholder conversations towards the SDGs. Samir Saran, President, ORF, spoke of the importance of bringing attention to the voices of those invisibilised in the world. Each case study in the publication released at these events highlights one specific SDG which could bring a potential transformation if scaled and replicated in other geographies and highlights how the implementation of the ideas could hasten the journey to the SDGs while providing a foundation for a post-2030 agenda, the release said. With context, problem, approach and details of implementation innovations and impact, the cases provide exemplars for the development sector in India and across the world. Reliance Foundation aims to play a catalytic role in addressing India's development challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. ORF is a leading multidisciplinary think tank with centres in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkataand an overseas affiliate in Washington DC. The United Nations provides strategic support to India to help the country achieve its aspirations to end poverty and inequality and to promote sustainable development in line with the globally agreed SDGs. 17 initiatives from India contributing to SDGs showcased in publication released during UNGA week Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! New York, September 25 E xternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met President of the United Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis in New York. Jaishankar is in New York where he is leading the Indian delegation for the 78th UNGA session. He will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26. After concluding his visit to New York, the minister will travel to Washington DC. Jaishankar held a meeting with Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday. The two leaders affirmed a "strong bilateral relationship." "On the sidelines of #UNGA78, met with @AraratMirzoyan FM of Armenia. Appreciate his sharing assessment of the current situation in the Caucasus. Affirmed our strong bilateral relationship," Jaishankar posted on X. Jaishankar also met Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konakovic. The two leaders discussed growing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and economy. The External Affairs Minister also met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Barcena. The two leaders discussed taking forward the partnership between the two nations with a focus on business, science and technology, education, economy and traditional medicine. Jaishankar meets UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Beijing, September 25 V irologist Shi Zhengli who is also dubbed as China's "batwoman" along with her team has cautioned that a new Covid-like pandemic is 'highly likely' and can be brought on by bats, according to Global Times. The research revealed that coronaviruses and their hosts are engaged in an evolutionary arms race that promotes genetic variety in the virus. The virologist along with her Wuhan Institute of Virology team classified half of the 40 coronavirus species under the category of "highly risky" after evaluating the possibility of human spillover. There is evidence that three more of these caused disease or infected other animal species, and six of them are previously known to have caused diseases that affected people. "It is almost certain that three will be further disease emergence and it is highly likely that a disease will emerge again,' the study warned, according to Global Times. This article was released in July's issue of the English-language journal Emerging Microbes & Infections. Recently, it has drawn interest on Chinese social media. However, despite the claims made by China's "batwoman"and her warning regarding the outbreak of another coronavirus outbreak, other Chinese virologists dismissed the claims that the three-year-old global pandemic would recur, arguing that the increased protection that the majority of people acquired during that time may help prevent future outbreaks. These virologists did, however, also issue occasional coronavirus outbreak warnings in the future. The new coronavirus, often known as SARS-CoV-2, has been spreading quickly since late 2019. According to a September 5 paper from the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections, the Omicron strain has been the main variety of concern in most nations since November 2021, Global Times reported. Chinese physicians and medical professionals have urged the public to have booster vaccinations by the end of October in view of the twin threat of Covid-19 and influenza this autumn and winter. China's 'batwoman' claims outbreak of new SARS-like pandemic 'highly likely' Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! OxygenOS 14 arrives to provide fast and smooth experience to users New Delhi, Sep 25 G lobal technology brand OnePlus on Monday officially unveiled its operating system OxygenOS 14 to global users. OxygenOS 14 includes a range of new features that provide a more intelligent and convenient digital life to users. "With OxygenOS 14, we refined user experience by providing a faster and smoother experience, more stable performance, more polished design, and increased productivity based on community feedback", said Zach Lin, Lead of OxygenOS Product. OxygenOS 14 marks the debut of Trinity Engine, an advanced proprietary platform that incorporates six innovative technologies that intelligently unlock the full potential of smartphone hardware. Trinity Engine is designed to better deal with demanding scenarios including multi-tasking, heavy tasking, and long-term usage. The core of Trinity Engine is CPU Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, and ROM Vitalization, which intelligently allocates smartphone internal resources to achieve enhanced performance, extended battery life, and long-term smooth experience. As a result, it extends the battery life for 20 minutes without compromising performance on the OnePlus 11 powered by OxygenOS 14, compared with OxygenOS 13. RAM Vitalization is a memory performance optimization technology that is upgraded on OxygenOS 14 to deliver a 10 per cent improvement in smoothness during everyday use and to allow frequently used applications run in the background for up to 72 hours, said the company. In addition, ROM Vitalization contributes to providing a fast and smooth experience to OnePlus devices even after 48-months of typical use. The mobile gaming experience becomes more immersive and smoother on OxygenOS 14 due to HyperRendering, HyperTouch, and HyperBoost technologies. OxygenOS 14 also integrates privacy and security underlying algorithms and features to provide a comprehensive protection from device, application, and data level. The colour system on OxygenOS 14 will change dynamically based on factors including time of the day, smartphone status, and content. The sound is also redesigned on OxygenOS 14. There are nine sets of Aquamorphic-themed ringtones -- including calls, alarms, and notifications -- and eleven global UI sound designs have been added. The company plans to rollout the official build of OxygenOS 14 first on the OnePlus 11 5G in mid-November, and then brings OxygenOS 14 to more eligible devices later. OxygenOS 14 arrives to provide fast and smooth experience to users Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mumbai, Sep 25 T he Reserve Bank of India on Monday slapped fines on State Bank of India, Indian Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and Fedbank Financial Services for violating norms. A penalty of Rs 1.3 crore was imposed on State Bank of India (SBI), Rs 1.62 crore on Indian Bank, Rs 1 crore on Punjab & Sind Bank, and Rs 8.80 lakh on Fedbank Financial Services, the RBI said in separate press statements. The fine was imposed on SBI and Indian Bank as they sanctioned a term loan to a corporation in lieu of or to substitute budgetary resources envisaged for certain projects, without undertaking due diligence on the viability and bankability of the projects to ensure that revenue streams from the projects were sufficient to take care of the debt servicing obligations, and the repayment/ servicing of which was made out of budgetary resources, the RBI said. In addition, the SBI failed to adhere to the intra-group exposure limit, as it did not consider the intra-day limit sanctioned to its group entity for the purpose of computing intra-group exposure limit. Indian Bank was fined as it allowed operations and did not close several accounts opened using OTP-based e-KYC in non-face-to-face mode, even after the expiry of one year without conducting customer due diligence procedure, and opened several savings accounts in the names of customers not eligible to maintain savings deposit account, the RBI statement said. Similarly, Punjab & Sind Bank failed to credit the eligible amount to a Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the period prescribed under Section 26A of the BR Act, due to which the monetary penalty was imposed. Fedbank Financial Services has been fined as it delayed the reporting of a fraud to the RBI. RBI fines SBI, Indian Bank for breach of norms Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Rahul travels by train in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, says Bharat Jodo Yatra continues Raipur, Sep 25 F ormer Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday took a train ride from Bilaspur to Raipur in Chhattisgarh and interacted with the passengers and said that his Bharat Jodo Yatra continues. Rahul Gandhi in a post on Facebook said, "Bharat Jodo journey continues... A short train journey from Bilaspur to Raipur - During the journey, I got a chance to meet many fellow travelers and had a lot of conversations." Earlier in the day, the Congress leader addressed a public meeting in poll bound Chhattisgarh. Rahul Gandhi was accompanied with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state incharge Kumari Selja and others. He also interacted with the train passengers during his journey. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in Bilaspur, he asked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he was afraid of the caste census in the country. He also said that caste census is like an x-ray of the country's social fabric which is important to ensure everybody's due participation in the decision making process. aks/dan Rahul travels by train in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, says Bharat Jodo Yatra continues Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi to unveil over Rs 4,505 crore development projects in Gujarat on Sept 27 Gandhinagar, Sep 25 P rime Minister Modi will visit Gujarat on September 27 and will inaugurate multiple development projects amounting to Rs 5,206 crore in the Chhota Udepur district. Modi will also unveil development initiatives worth at Rs 4,505 crore under the Mission Schools of Excellence, encompassing various sectors including roads and buildings, urban development, science and technology, and water supply. This comprehensive initiative includes the launch of projects worth Rs 1,426 crore and the completion of projects worth Rs 3,079 crore. The key highlights encompass the establishment of 9,088 new classrooms, deployment of 50,300 smart classrooms, creation of 19,600 computer labs, modernisation of 12,622 classrooms, and enhancement of associated facilities. He will also initiate Village Wi-Fi facilities, extending its reach to 7,500 villages across 22 districts, benefiting approximately 20 lakh beneficiaries. This endeavor has been allocated Rs 60 crore for its implementation. In addition to the educational thrust, the Prime Minister will inaugurate projects worth Rs 277 crore under the Roads and Buildings Department, Rs 251 crore under the Urban Development Department, and Rs 80 crore under the Water Supply Department. janvi/dan PM Modi to unveil over Rs 4,505 crore development projects in Gujarat on Sept 27 Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law defining probation supervision as a new and main type of criminal punishment, replacing arrest in most sanctions. As noted in the card of bill No. 9185, posted on the Verkhovna Rada website, the document was returned to parliament with the signature of the head of state on September 26. As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 9185 as a whole on August 23, 2023. Probation supervision provides for a comprehensive influence on the offender without isolation from society for a period of one to five years (one to two years for minors). The co-authors of the legislative initiative propose to supplement the sanctions of articles of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine with punishment in the form of probation supervision as an alternative to restriction of freedom. At the same time, MPs consider it necessary to replace arrest with probationary supervision in all sanctions, except for criminal offenses committed by military personnel. The bill stipulates punishment in the form of probation supervision will consist of restricting the rights and freedoms of the convicted person, defined by law and established by a court verdict, with the use of supervisory and social and educational measures. In addition, the document proposes to determine the procedure for serving a sentence in the form of probation supervision. Control over its compliance is entrusted to the authorized probation authorities at the place of residence of the convicted person. According to the bill, the term of punishment in the form of probation supervision will be calculated from the date the convicted person is registered. In this case, according to the rules provided for in Article 72 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the period of punishment includes the time of pretrial detention or 24-hour house arrest. The need to introduce probation supervision as a new and main type of criminal punishment is justified by the fact that under martial law, pretrial detention facilities should be optimized, in particular, by increasing the number of places by eliminating arrest houses, including those for holding prisoners of war. In such cases, restriction of freedom and arrest as types of punishment lose their criminal legal and social purposes and require significant financial costs. 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. Our community is fortunate to have people like Kathy Rhoads, who opened Circle of Friends Adult Day Center in 1997. Her caring heart and dedication to helping the elderly has resulted in a much-needed service providing respite for caregivers and a safe place for their loved ones to spend their days purposefully and with dignity. US Ambassador: Russia continues to attack Ukrainian civilians, in callous attempt to stop Ukraine from supplying food to world U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink condemned the Russian night attacks on civilian targets in Odesa, Cherkasy and Dnipropetrovsk regions of Ukraine. "Overnight, Russia continued its attacks on civilian sites targeting transportation networks, grain storage, and ports in the Odesa region, Cherkasy region and Kryvyi Rih. Over 36 trucks were damaged or destroyed and truckers and port workers were injured. Yet again, in violation of all international norms and laws, Russia continues to attack civilians, in a callous attempt to stop Ukraine from supplying food to the world," she said on X. As reported, on the night of Tuesday, Russian occupation forces attacked Odesa region with attack UAVs, hit the port infrastructure, and injured two men, Head of the regional military administration Oleh Kiper said. According to the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ukrainian air defense on Tuesday night destroyed 26 of the 38 Shahed drones that attacked Ukraine. "Were only human, sometimes we want to be snarky, even about politics. I always ask myself: Do I need to post this publicly, or can I just send it to a friend who I know will laugh along with me? If we all stopped posting our rants, and stopped amplifying the rants of others, our politics would get 20 percent healthier." In a recent study published in the journal Science Advances, a group of researchers investigated the immunogenicity and protective effectiveness of intranasally administered messenger Ribonucleic Acid-Lipid Nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Syrian golden hamsters. They assessed the induction of specific antibodies, reduction in viral loads, lung pathology, and prevention of weight loss post-infection. Study: Intranasal mRNA-LNP vaccination protects hamsters from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Image Credit: TopMicrobialStock / Shutterstock Background Respiratory pathogens, prominently highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to pose a profound global health threat, necessitating innovative vaccination strategies. The intranasal mRNA-LNP vaccines, which are emerging as pivotal players in this domain, exemplify promising approaches due to their ability to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses and their minimal invasiveness, potentially elevating vaccination rates and adherence. This urgency is intensified by the relentless emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further research is imperative to refine these vaccination methodologies, ensuring robust mucosal immunity to effectively counteract respiratory infections and facilitate widespread acceptance and deployment. About the study In the present study, female Syrian golden hamsters were intranasally vaccinated with a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, with doses administered three weeks apart. Control groups received intramuscular vaccines or mock vaccinations. After the vaccine administration, the hamsters were infected with SARS-CoV-2 to monitor the efficacy of the vaccines, and their health was continually assessed. A sequence-optimized mRNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was in vitro synthesized and purified, then LNP-encapsulated for the vaccination. Immunogenicity assessments were also conducted at specified times using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition to ELISA, SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assays, analysis of viral load by plaque assay, and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) were utilized to determine vaccine efficacy and the presence of the virus post-infection. Following standard protocols, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on lung samples to evaluate the microscopic damage and presence of specific proteins. Lastly, statistical modeling and hypothesis testing, including Bayesian linear mixed models and the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, were employed to analyze the obtained data, identify significant findings, and validate the results. Study results The present study evaluated the immunogenic potential of N1-methyl-pseudouridinemodified mRNA-LNPs administered intranasally, leading to the development of two SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: mRNA-LNP1 and mRNA-LNP2. These encoded a prefusion-stabilized spike protein, tested on Syrian golden hamsters. mRNA-LNP1 had a composition similar to mRNA-1273, with distinct ionizable lipids, while mRNA-LNP2, optimized for respiratory delivery, incorporated a cationic lipid. Hamsters received two vaccine doses or a mock, intranasally, with immunogenicity assessments conducted post-vaccination using tests like ELISA. The observed results displayed that three weeks after the first dose, both intranasal vaccines elicited high Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding titers comparable to intramuscular controls. mRNA-LNP2 showed generally higher titers than mRNA-LNP1 across corresponding dose levels after the second dose. The 25-g dose of mRNA-LNP2 also induced S-specific serum Immunoglobulin A ( IgA)-binding antibody titers, significantly higher than or comparable to the intramuscular controls. Notably, the neutralizing antibody titers against the emergent omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly greater in hamsters vaccinated with mRNA-LNP2, highlighting its potential efficacy against variant strains. Moreover, three weeks post-second dose, the efficacy of the vaccines was tested against a SARS-CoV-2 challenge, demonstrating lower viral loads in both the lung and nasal turbinates of vaccinated hamsters compared to the mock-vaccinated counterparts. mRNA-LNP2, in particular, illustrated significantly reduced viral loads compared to mRNA-LNP1, particularly at the 25-g dose level, with no detectable virus in four of five hamsters. By 14 days post-challenge, viral clearance was observed across all groups, indicating effective control of viral replication. Further investigations into the tissues of the hamsters revealed that, while interstitial inflammation was present in all hamsters 14 days post-infection, all vaccinated groups showed lower severity of pulmonary inflammation irrespective of vaccine group or dose level compared with mock vaccination. Immunohistochemistry studies displayed a lower percentage of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein-positive cells in vaccinated groups, suggesting reduced viral presence and replication. Specifically, mRNA-LNP2 at 25 g showed the least presence of the nucleocapsid protein, indicating superior efficacy in reducing viral presence in lung tissues. Moreover, an analysis of lung tissue samples revealed decreased macrophage infiltration and activation in mRNA-LNP1 and intramuscular vaccinated hamsters, indicating reduced inflammatory responses compared to mock vaccination. Notably, increased percentages of Cluster of Differentiation 20 (CD20)+ B cells were detected in the lung tissue of mRNA-LNP2 and intramuscular vaccinated hamsters, potentially indicating a robust localized immune response. Conclusions To summarize, intranasal vaccine research aims to stimulate local immunity in respiratory sites, offering an initial protective barrier against viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. This methodology has the potential to reduce both infection and transmission of the virus; however, the development of intranasal vaccines is challenging due to the defensive mechanisms of the respiratory tract against pathogens. This research used mRNA-LNP vaccines, administered intranasally to hamsters, to explore their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, showing promising results in reducing infection levels and disease severity. However, the translation to human applications requires overcoming physiological and technical challenges, warranting further studies and optimizations for intranasal vaccine formulations. A team led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the National Cancer Institute has developed a new algorithm for genetic risk-scoring for major diseases across diverse ancestry populations that holds promise for reducing health care disparities. Genetic risk-scoring algorithms are considered a promising method to identify high-risk groups of individuals who could benefit from preventive interventions for various diseases and conditions, such as cancers and heart diseases. These risk-scoring algorithms are based on large-scale genetic studies that link certain DNA variants to higher or lower disease risks. The vast majority of subjects in these genetic studies have been people of European ancestry. The resulting risk-scoring algorithms have not always performed well in other populations, due to genetic differences across populations. The new method, described in a paper that appears online today in Nature Genetics, has been applied to data from genetic studies from 23andMe Inc. and other sources involving more than 5 million individuals across diverse populations to generate genetic scores for 13 traits, including health conditions like coronary artery diseases and depression, in five different ancestry categories: European, African, Latino, East Asian, and South Asian. The researchers also tested the new method in large-scale simulation studies. We showed that our method can help close the risk-scoring performance gap for non-European-ancestry populations. At the same time, we also concluded that we can't fully close the gap with new methods alone-;we also need larger datasets on these populations." Nilanjan Chatterjee, PhD, study senior author, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Biostatistics Many risk-scoring models derived from genetic studies in non-European-ancestry populations often fall short because those studies typically are relatively small in scale. This results in a performance gap in risk-scoring between European-ancestry and other-ancestry populations, which may contribute to health care disparities. The new method-;which the researchers call CT-SLEB-;used a combination of AI techniques including machine learning and Bayesian statistical modeling. In addition to the 23andMe database, the researchers "trained" CT-SLEB on data from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, the National Institutes of Health's All of Us research program, and UK Biobank. The research team's benchmarking analyses showed that these new ancestry-specific risk-scoring models for the non-European populations generally outperformed standard polygenic risk score models that are based on mostly European-ancestry datasets, or are based on smaller non-European-ancestry datasets. The researchers also compared CT-SLEB to a number of alternative methods. They found the proposed method is particularly helpful to improve genetic risk scores in African ancestry populations where scoring accuracy is generally the lowest. The team also found that CT-SLEB is computationally much faster compared to its closest competitors, and thus could be amenable to analyzing much larger numbers of DNA variants and more populations. The team is now working with more advanced methods that are even better performing but are still computationally fast, Chatterjee says. He also emphasizes that, as the team's calculations in the study showed, having polygenic risk score models that work equally well in non-European-ancestry and European-ancestry populations will require more genome-wide association studies in non-European-ancestry populations. "A lot of people think machine-learning and AI can do magic but without large, well-designed studies, algorithms will not be as useful," Chatterjee says. The paper's lead author is Haoyu Zhang, PhD, who was a doctoral student at the Bloomberg School at the time the study began and is currently an investigator at the National Cancer Institute. Researchers from 23andMe contributed to development of the new method and the analysis of the data. The CT-SLEB code is publicly available via GitHub. The code availability section in the paper includes a link to GitHub which includes the CT-SLEB code. "A new method for multiancestry polygenic prediction improves performance across diverse populations" was co-authored by Haoyu Zhang, Jianan Zhan, Jin Jin, Jingning Zhang, Wenxuan Lu, Ruzhang Zhao, Thomas Ahearn, Zhi Yu, Jared O'Connell, Yunxuan Jiang, Tony Chen, Dayne Okuhara, 23andMe Research Team, Montserrat Garcia-Closas, Xihong Lin, Bertram Koelsch, and Nilanjan Chatterjee. Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health (K99 CA256513-01, R00 HG012223, 5T32HL007604-37, R35-CA197449, U19-CA203654, R01-HL163560, U01-HG009088, U01-HG012064, R01 HG010480-01 and U01HG011724). Cicely Wilson's work doesn't end when she leaves her day job as a lactation consultant, doula, and child care expert. Wilson founded a nonprofit called Sunnyside Up Youth Pregnancy Services, which connects girls ages 13 to 19 with resources they need to care for their babies. After-hours, she looks for affordable Nashville apartments, books medical appointments, tries to find strollers and other baby supplies, and hosts conversations with pregnant teens about breastfeeding and preparing mentally for childbirth. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade just over a year ago, Wilson said, she is confident that more Tennessee teens will carry their pregnancies to term. "Because the access isnt there," she said. "I do anticipate that were going to get a lot more teens that are wanting to parent their babies rather than going to Illinois or Georgia or Florida." Demand for services like Wilson's could rise in the coming years even though the national teen birth rate has declined dramatically over the past three decades. It's still dropping, but preliminary data released in June by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the descent may be slowing. Doctors, service providers, and advocates say they're worried full CDC data released later this year which will include state-by-state numbers could show a rise in teen births in many Southern states, where rates remain among the highest in the country. They say several factors including the Supreme Court's decision to strike down federal protections for abortion rights, intensifying political pushback against sex education, and the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on youth mental health could start to unravel decades of progress. "It's absolutely concerning," said Laura Andreson, an OB-GYN in Franklin, Tennessee. The women's health practice where she works is treating more pregnant teenagers than in recent years, which she thinks could reflect an emerging trend. "Its probably going to take a little bit of time," she said. "But I would venture to say were going to see it every year: Its going to go up." Nationally, the rate of teen births has dropped by 78% since a modern-day peak in 1991 of 61.8 births per 100,000 people, according to the CDC. Starting in 2007, the rate had consistently dropped by about 8% until 2021, when the rate of decline slowed to about 2%. "It certainly does stand in contrast to what weve seen in prior years," said CDC researcher Brady Hamilton. He is working on the updated version of the national data released in June that will break it down by state. Hamilton said that he can't comment on the recent social and political factors at play, but that the "phenomenal decline" in the teen birth rates over more than 15 years could be reaching a natural plateau as states achieved their goals. "There are a lot of states that have very low birth rates," he said. "So you kind of potentially run into a situation where theyre already low and you really cant go lower." But advocates say this leveling off could be the writing on the wall, signaling the start of a rise in teen births. "We know that young people came back from the pandemic with record levels of mental health struggles, which can be very tied to things like teen pregnancy," said Jen Biundo, senior director of research and policy at Healthy Futures of Texas, a nonprofit that advocates for science-based education to curb teen pregnancy. A person with mental health issues may be more likely to form unhealthy relationships and engage in riskier sexual behaviors, she said. And the decision to strike down abortion rights unleashed a sea change of legislation across the nation affecting reproductive health and options for women. States like Tennessee enacted so-called trigger laws, overturning the right to most abortions. In August, an all-male South Carolina Supreme Court upheld what abortion opponents sometimes call a "fetal heartbeat law," which bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. The term is a misnomer because a fetus' heart is not fully developed in the early stages of pregnancy. The sudden shift in the reproductive health landscape concerns Hannah Lantos, a researcher who specializes in maternal and adolescent health for Child Trends, a nonprofit research center. She said changes in abortion policy likely won't have major effects on teen birth statistics because most abortion patients aren't teenagers. Teenagers account for only 9% of abortions and 6% of all pregnancies reported in the U.S. each year, according to a report by Child Trends. Yet about 1 in 4 teens who do get pregnant in the U.S. will opt for an abortion, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Previous declines in the teen birth rate weren't driven by access to abortions alone, Lantos said. Other factors like increased access to and more effective contraceptive methods and sex education contributed. Now, those tools also are under siege in many states. In Texas, some school boards have banned sex education curricula amid backlash from parents. In New Hampshire, Republican state officials blocked more than $600,000 in federal sex ed funding, and officials in Miami-Dade County, Florida, banned new sex ed books. In Idaho, lawmakers told the state's health departments the state would no longer fund adolescent pregnancy prevention programs. Parents who oppose abortion could prevent their children from getting one. Even if the parents acquiesce, incentive for a teen is low, said Wilson of Sunnyside Up. People might need to travel hundreds of miles for abortion care now. That's particularly tricky for teenagers, who may be too young to make decisions independently. "That car ride can be very excruciating," Wilson said, noting that the drive from Nashville to the nearest abortion clinic in Carbondale, Illinois can take seven hours. "Thats seven hours of potential silence. Thats seven hours of tension. Thats seven hours of thinking about whats next. And that is a long time to process something so difficult." The fear of a disapproving parent might also prevent a teenager who decides to keep the baby from revealing the pregnancy early on, Andreson said. That could lead to a lack of prenatal care, which is concerning for teens, given they are more likely to have complications than other expectant mothers. "Their bodies arent designed to have babies yet," she said. "And this doesnt even go into all the issues that go on once the babys born." Wilson, from Sunnyside Up, noted that teenage parents face unique challenges taking care of newborns. "Its a lot for them," Wilson said of the teens who seek her help. "They need that hands-on, in-person support." And one of the greatest challenges is housing. Teenagers need a co-signer on a lease. Even when they find a place, the median rent in Nashville is over $2,000 a month, and Tennessee observes the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. Sunnyside Up has persuaded clients to become roommates. "Its like were literally having to stack families together in the same household for them to be able to pay basic living expenses," Wilson said. In a recent qualitative study published in BMJ Open, researchers drew evidence from narrative interviews of children and young people (CYP) with Long Covid (LC) to improve their understanding of their school experiences in the United Kingdom (UK). Study: Impact of Long Covid on the school experiences of children and young people: a qualitative study. Image Credit: Vitalii Stock/Shutterstock.com Background Even though they are at a lower risk of hospitalization and mortality than adults, CYP can experience LC, clinically defined as the presence of persistent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms for at least two months after initial infection, but which cannot be explained by another diagnosis. Like adults, CYP might experience fatigue, headache, cognitive deficits, and shortness of breath, but their symptoms fluctuate in severity. Research focus on LC has increased, but quality evidence on the incidence, risk factors, underlying mechanisms, and effective management of LC in CYP, plus evidence of its social and academic impact, is lacking. Like for adults, accurately measuring LC symptoms in CYP over time remains challenging. Furthermore, systematic reviews have highlighted heterogeneous findings related to CYP's with LC. However, qualitative studies examining its impacts on CYP's school experiences are lacking. Franco et al. reviewed 25 studies investigating recovery outcomes in CYP with LC. They found that LC did not substantially impair the school functioning of most children with persistent symptoms at three to six months of follow-up. On the contrary, CYP with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) experienced a significant shift from a so-called 'normal' trajectory of academic achievement. Given CFS/ME is a condition similar to LC, researchers recommend awareness-raising and educational support for CYPs with CFS/ME. About the study In the present study, researchers interviewed CYPs aged 1018 years and parents/caregivers of children aged 5 years, some of whom also had LC, between October 2021 and July 2022 via online video call/telephone. Interviews lasted between 25 and 90 minutes. First, all participants recounted when they/their child first experienced COVID-19 symptoms. Next, they answered questions about how LC had affected their school-related experiences. This data could help devise recommendations for schools to support CYP with LC. An advisory panel comprising patient and public representatives remained involved in all aspects of the study, including interview content, topics, and recruitment methods, as they had real-life experience with LC or caring for a CYP with LC. The study participants were recruited through several modes, such as LC support and community groups, social media, snowballing, and clinicians, to capture maximum diversity in the study sample by age, gender, race/ethnicity, geographical site, and social class. Results The study dataset had 22 CYP with LC (15 female) and 15 parents/caregivers (13 female), of which five themselves had LC. The analysis identified three key themes for CYPs with LC, as follows: i) These children wanted to go back to school; ii) Experiences of CYPs in school while still living with LC; and iii) Response of CYPs schools to their illness. CYP explicitly mentioned that inability to attend school was stressful and placed high importance on returning to school full-time. However, they were aware that it required learning to prioritize school and deal with the demands of school without pushing themselves to relapses, as that would have led to further absence. Some parents were worried whether school was a safe place for CYP with LC, especially because COVID-19 cases in schools were high, which might have resulted in reinfections or exacerbations of their LC symptoms. However, this finding requires further exploration to inform responses to future pandemics. Further, the study findings suggested measures that schools could adopt to support CYP with LC and the urgent need to raise awareness about LC in healthcare and education professionals. First and foremost, these professionals need to validate CYP's experience of LC. Thus, they deemed it crucial to minimize adverse educational, social, and mental health sequelae of LC in CYP. One of the striking recommendations for schools was tailoring adaptations to the individual needs of CYP with LC and evolving them over time. For instance, schools should consider reducing timetables, prioritizing fewer subjects, giving rest time, allowing elevator use for CYPs with LC as some might be experiencing physical limitations, and using technology (e.g., artificial intelligence tools) to facilitate engagement. Most importantly, raising awareness among school staff is advised. Conclusions Researchers and clinicians now recognize LC as a post-COVID-19 condition with serious repercussions. However, given its novelty, recent emergence, and problematic diagnosis, especially in CYP, have raised unprecedented pressures on healthcare facilities worldwide. Nonetheless, there is a need for more research on CYP with LC, especially around the educational adaptations they might need to minimize its adverse effects on all areas of their lives, including health and social well-being and education. Most importantly, these adaptations should be customized to individual needs as LC symptoms impact each one's abilities differently. In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers evaluated the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of secondary school children in the United Kingdom (UK). They also investigated the relationships between individual, home, friendship, and school (e.g., school community, operational elements of the school, the larger school context) variables and secondary school students' mental health challenges and psychiatric well-being before and during the pandemic. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has substantially influenced young people's mental health, leading to a rise in the incidence of mental health issues. Disruptions to school and social contacts, pandemic-related fears, family sickness, economic repercussions, mourning, and limited access to mental health care have all worsened this. Understanding these determinants is critical for shaping policy choices and treating the mental health issues that young people encounter, especially in difficult situations. About the study The present study investigated whether secondary school students' mental health challenges and mental well-being altered during COVID-19 and the risk and resilience variables. Students aged 11 to 13 in the United Kingdom were recruited in two batches (enrolled in 2016 and 2017, respectively). The participants were tracked for three years, including the COVID-19 pandemic for the second cohort alone. The My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to collect follow-up data from two sample cohorts. The researchers included mainstream secondary schools in the UK, with head teachers and social-emotional-type learning (SEL) strategies, and the schools were not deemed insufficient in their most recent official inspection. In all, the researchers approached 5,663 schools, of which 532 were interested; however, only 84 agreed to participate. The first cohort comprised 864 pupils from 12 schools, whereas the second comprised 6,386 children from 72 schools. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was designated a pandemic following the completion of all evaluations by the first cohort (between September 2018 and January 2020) but not the second (between September 2019 and June 2021). The second cohort experienced COVID-19 waves, which included three countrywide lockdowns. The researchers investigated the relationships between school, friendship, family, and individual traits and kids' mental health. Changes in students' depression risk [as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale]; behavioral, social, and emotional difficulties [as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)]; and psychiatric health [as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS)] were among the outcome measures. Adjustments to lockdown and return to school were only examined in the second cohort using two newly designed items inquiring about how children experienced the lockdowns and their return to school following the lockdowns. Household assets, studying conditions, home connectivity, and home disputes were among the student-level characteristics associated with the home environment. Friendships were among the student-level characteristics associated with the social milieu during the lockdown. The school community, obtaining help for specific educational needs or impairments, white pupils, and operational school characteristics were all school-level influences. Results An increased risk of depression, behavioral, social, and emotional difficulties, and deterioration in mental health were linked to COVID-19 in the study of 7,250 school students who were not exposed and exposed to COVID-19 during evaluation. Individual, friendship, school, and household traits were connected to risk and resilience. The average age of the research participants was 14 years; 3,947 (55%) were female, and 5,378 (73%) self-identified as white. Data for analysis were submitted by 89% of the first cohort and 46% of the second cohort. The depression risk [adjusted mean difference (AMD) of 1.9]; behavioral, social, and emotional issues (AMD, 0.8); and psychiatric health (AMD, 2.1) rose in both groups but to a higher amount in pandemic-exposed adolescents. Having someone to talk to during lockdown, being connected at home, and a strong school atmosphere were protective during COVID-19. Female sex and a low risk of mental health concerns at baseline were connected to worsening mental health. Compared to no attendance while resuming school, partial attendance at school during the COVID-19-related lockdown was related to improved adjustment. Household assets, studying conditions, home disputes, and the amount of time kids spent in school during lockdown were not connected with improvements in mental health. Conclusions Overall, the study findings showed that COVID-19 has had a considerable influence on school-age adolescents' mental health outcomes, demonstrating the importance of a thorough knowledge of individual and societal determinants. Gender, home connectivity, friendships, and school atmosphere were found to be important contributors to changes in pediatric mental health. Supportive interactions and interventions are critical for supporting student mental health. Those exposed to the pandemic, especially girls, those who did not have perceived friendships, and those with a low beginning risk were more likely to have their mental health deteriorate. Higher levels of student-rated school atmosphere were linked to resistance to such degradation. However, due to academic expectations and uncertainty about future intentions, the protective impact of a healthy school atmosphere may diminish over time. Policies and treatments should target good home and school settings, stimulate peer friendship, develop school climate and home connectivity, minimize full school closures, and consider individual differences to guard against poor mental health throughout the pandemic. Schools should be kept open wherever feasible, and future studies should examine why girls struggled more when schools reopened. A study published in the journal Nature Communications finds that monkeypox (MPOX) infection induces a similar anti-viral antibody response as smallpox vaccination. Study: Monkeypox virus-infected individuals mount comparable humoral immune responses as Smallpox-vaccinated individuals. Image Credit: FOTOGRIN / Shutterstock Background MPOX is a zoonotic virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Other members of this genus include vaccinia virus, variola virus, and cowpox virus. Variola virus is the causative pathogen of smallpox infection, and vaccinia virus is the backbone of most smallpox vaccines. After the global eradication of the smallpox virus in 1980, routine smallpox vaccination with the vaccina virus was halted worldwide. Due to diminishing vaccine immunity over time, the world population remains at risk for poxvirus infections. The risk is even higher for those born after 1980, and thus, could not receive smallpox vaccination. MPOX virus was initially endemic to only central and western African countries. In early 2022, a number of MPOX cases without previous travel history to MPOX endemic regions have been detected in the UK. Afterward, similar cases have also been identified in other non-endemic countries, including the USA. To date, more than 80,000 cases of MPOX infection have been detected worldwide, with the majority being identified among men who have sex with men. To control the recent outbreaks of MPOX infection, public health agencies worldwide have offered smallpox vaccines, such as IMVANEX and ACAM2000, to high-risk populations. According to the available literature, antibodies induced by these vaccines remain detectable up to 35 years post-vaccination. In this study, scientists have determined and compared the antibody response and antigen recognition induced by MPOX infection and smallpox vaccination. Specifically, they have developed a comprehensive array of Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) to study poxvirus-induced antibodies using 24 MPOX virus and 3 Vaccinia virus recombinant antigens. Antigen recognition Serum samples collected from smallpox-vaccinated or MPOX-infected individuals were tested using a set of 27 poxvirus antigens. The findings revealed that a single dose of the IMVANEX vaccine induced low antibody titers against a limited number of MPOX antigens. However, the antibody titer against a number of MPOX and vaccina antigens increased with further vaccine doses. Overall, both IMVANEX and ACAM2000 smallpox vaccines induced similar antibody responses against tested antigens. Individuals with prior MPOX infections showed similar antibody responses to diverse poxvirus antigens as smallpox-vaccinated individuals. No difference in antigen recognition was observed between individuals with MPOX infections before and during the 2022 outbreaks. To identify serological markers specific to MPOX infection and smallpox vaccination, principal component analysis was conducted using antibody binding data to the tested antigens. MPOX antigen A27 was identified as the most specific marker to MPOX infection and ACAM2000 vaccination. In contrast, MPOX antigen M1 was identified as the most specific marker for IMVANEX vaccination. Specific serological reactivity The scientists explored the ability of individual antigens to distinguish between individuals with MPOX infection or smallpox vaccination. A significantly higher antibody response to MPOX antigen A27 was observed for MPOX-infected and ACAM2000-vaccinated individuals compared to negative controls. In contrast, a significantly higher antibody response to the M1 antigen was observed only among IMVANEX-vaccinated individuals. Further analysis revealed that the antibody binding to MPOX or vaccinia antigens primarily depends on the initial antigen exposure. Antibody response to IMVANEX vaccination and MPOX infection Serum samples collected from IMVANEX-vaccinated individuals at baseline (before vaccination) and at several time points after vaccination were analyzed to assess long-term antibody response to tested antigens. The findings revealed that although antibody response was minimal after the first dose, antibodies generated 14 days after the second dose were able to bind nine antigens. Among tested antigens, MPOX antigen B2 showed 91% sensitivity and 87% specificity in identifying post-vaccination samples. MPOX antigen A27 showed 91% sensitivity and 98% specificity in detecting MPOX-infected samples. MPOX antigen M1 showed 63% sensitivity and 98% specificity in identifying IMVANEX-vaccinated samples. The testing of individual antigens revealed that the dominant antigens recognized by MPOX-infected and smallpox-vaccinated sera were highly similar. Further experiments conducted using a pool of these antigens revealed that the pooled antigen ELISA had 96% sensitivity and 98% specificity in detecting pan-poxvirus antibodies. Study significance The study demonstrates analogous humoral antigen binding between individuals with prior MPOX infection and those with smallpox vaccination. A highly sensitive and specific pooled antigen ELISA developed in the study is able to accurately measure immune responses to MPOX infection or smallpox vaccination without the need for whole-virus ELISAs or live-virus neutralization. In a recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, researchers investigated how job strain and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) interact to increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). They found that men who experienced either job strain or ERI had significantly higher chances of having CHD, with the risk more than doubled for men who experienced both. Background Non-communicable diseases account for nearly three-quarters of global deaths. Cardiovascular diseases comprise the largest part of these cases, and CHD has now emerged as the most common cardiovascular disease, causing 9 million deaths yearly. Researchers have identified various biological, social, and lifestyle risk factors, which, if targeted, could reduce the global burden of CHD. Work-related stresses are known to increase the risk of CHD. Under the job strain model developed by Robert Karasek, those working in psychologically demanding jobs with lower control or autonomy are more stressed than those working in equally demanding jobs with higher control or autonomy. In this context, a worker who has a less demanding job and more autonomy experiences the least stress. At the same time, ERI arises when the effort made by the worker is not adequately compensated and is also known to affect health. Rewards need not be purely monetary they could also relate to job stability or opportunities for promotion. Scientists have established how job strain and ERI individually increase CHD risks. Workers who experience both these negative working conditions could be especially affected, but this has not been sufficiently explored. In the present study, a team of researchers from Canada and the UK aimed to understand how combined exposure to ERI and job strain can affect CHD risk. "The combined effect of job-strain and effort-reward imbalance may be especially harmful; however, evidence of their combined effect on coronary heart disease incidence is limited and inconsistent." About the study In this study, researchers included 6,465 workers, of whom 3,118 were male and 3,347 were female. The workers were in their mid-forties, all had white-collar jobs, and were healthy (i.e., did not have any heart disease); they were part of the PROspective Quebec (PROQ) cohort data collected between 1999 and 2001. Since this was a prospective cohort study, the participants were followed up for nearly 19 years, with data on their cardiovascular health and work stress collected until 2018. Workers were asked to fill up a Job Content Questionnaire and were sorted into four categories based on the psychological demands of and control over their work: (1) job strain with high demands and low control, (2) passive jobs with low demands and low control, (3) active jobs with high demands and high control, and (4) low job strain with low demands and high control. The workers were also asked detailed questions regarding the effort they put into their jobs and the rewards they received, and this information was used to calculate the ERI ratio. The researchers then assessed each participant's exposure to job strain and ERI, with the least exposed (or 'unexposed') being those with low job strain but not low rewards, while the most exposed experienced both job strain and an imbalance between effort and reward. Finally, the researchers collected information about the participants' CHD events, their health-related behavior (such as smoking and drinking), lifestyle, and medical histories from various medical and administrative databases. Using this dataset, the team constructed hazard ratios (HR), which can be interpreted as an estimate of the risk of CHD relative to the exposure to job strain and ERI. Researchers calculated the increase in CHD risk for each exposure category compared to those who were 'unexposed.' Results Overall, researchers found that about half of the men and women had low exposure to work stresses, while 22% were exposed to either ERI or job strain, but not both. Slightly over 10% of women and 8% of men were exposed to both categories, with the remaining individuals being classified as 'unexposed.' Researchers also noted that men were more affected by diseases such as diabetes and hypertension than women. A total of 571 men and 265 women had a CHD event during the study. Men exposed to ERI or job strain, but not both, experienced a 49% increase in CHD, showing an HR of 1.49. However, among men exposed to both, the risk of CHD more than doubled, with an HR of 2.03. In stark contrast to the findings on men, the results for women were inconclusive, with higher exposure not being significantly associated with a higher CHD risk. Conclusions The researchers found compelling evidence that male workers exposed to job strain and ERI were at significantly higher risk of having a CHD event. This increase is comparable to that associated with another major risk factor obesity. The authors stressed that their findings do not mean that job strain and ERI do not increase the chances of CHD in women, although the results were inconclusive. Some of the reasons why there was no increase in the HR for female workers could be because they, as a population, experienced fewer CHD cases. Women may also develop CHD later in life the study may have missed these 'delayed-onset' cases because they happened after the follow-up period. Finally, some scientists think that estrogens could provide women with some degree of protection against CHD. The authors noted, "In this prospective cohort study, men exposed to job strain or ERI, separately and in combination, were at increased risk of CHD. Early interventions on these psychosocial stressors at work in men may be effective prevention strategies to reduce CHD burden." Further investigation into the relationship between work stress and CHD in women could yield interesting insights. In the meantime, reducing work-related stresses will benefit not just men but all workers. The Pune-based homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has been dominating the market for decades, a big credit goes to one of its feature-loaded portfolios Pulsar series. Again! the company created the buzz in the 150cc segment by launching the much-awaited Pulsar N150 in India. The company has introduced the motorcycle across the nation at the starting price of Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom). Interested customers can pre-book the vehicle from the companys authorized showroom. The booking also can be made online by visiting Bajajs official website. Bajaj Pulsar N150 Mileage As per the details shared by the leading brand, the newly launched Pulsar N150 offers the same fuel efficiency as the previous Pulsar 150, which means customers are likely to get somewhere around 45-50 kmpl. Bajaj Pulsar N150 Design Talking about the looks and road appearance first, the bike comes with with sporty look and carries a similar charm as Pulsar N160. It gets LED projector headlamp, a bulky fuel tank with eye catching graphics on it, single unit seating arrangment, floating body panels, sleek exhaust, which produces a sporty sound, similar to the N160. Bajaj Pulsar N150 Features Apart from this, the bike also comes with a USB port, placed on the fuel tank, a speedometer, and an inspired digital instrument cluster, which provides all the bike-related important information such as gear positioning, RPM, speed, fuel capacity, time and whatnot. As far as the front suspension is concerned, it gets a telescopic unit. While at the back has been supported by the monoshock unit. Bajaj Pulsar N150 Engine When it comes to the displacement, the all new Pulsar 150 is powered by 149.68cc, four stroke, single-cylinder engine, which generates a max output of 14 bhp and 13.5 Nm of peak torque. The unit is mated with a five-speed transmission. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law on resuming reports of political forces on property, income, expenses and financial obligations. As noted in the card of bill No. 9419-1, posted on the Verkhovna Rada website, the document was returned to parliament with the signature of the head of state on September 26. The bill proposes to establish that the reports of political parties on the property, income, expenses, and financial obligations not submitted by political parties for previous reporting periods during the implementation of measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, provided for by quarantine, and in the period of the legal regime of martial law, are submitted to the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) no later than 120 days from the date of entry into force of this law. The law stipulates that during the periods of action of measures to prevent the emergence and spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, provided for by quarantine, the legal regime of martial law, as well as within 119 days from the date of entry into force of this law, the statutory liability for failure to provide or untimely providing reports of political parties. The bill proposes to establish that the NACP resumes the work of the unified public register of reports of political parties immediately, but no later than the day this law comes into force. The document also provides that a political party is released from the statutory responsibility for providing incomplete information in the report if it is impossible to fulfill such an obligation properly. In particular, the grounds for the impossibility of properly fulfilling the obligation of a political party to display complete information in the report on the property, income, expenses, and financial obligations is the documented loss (destruction or damage) of primary documents, computer and other equipment as a result of hostilities, terrorist acts, sabotage caused by the military aggression of the Russian Federation or their presence in the territories where hostilities are (were) conducted. Bengaluru Bandh: In protest of the state governments decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, a multitude of pro-farmer and pro-Kannada organisations have come together, calling for a comprehensive Bengaluru shutdown (Bengaluru Bandh) today, on September 26th. Their collective discontent has prompted this significant action in the city. Bengaluru Bandh Impact Local transport organisations have joined in solidarity with the ongoing agitation, further intensifying the expected impact on normal life in the nations prominent IT hub. Also Read: Decoding Bengaluru Real Estates Future: Know Expert Views & Forecasts Educational institutions in the countrys tech capital will remain closed. Transport services, including the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), app-based auto-rickshaws, and cabs, will be disrupted as most drivers unions have decided to join the bandh. Airport cabs are also expected to be affected. Tanveer Pasha, president of Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association, confirmed their participation as well. Are banks open today in Bengaluru? Check whats open Essential services, including hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, banks and government offices, will stay open. Namma Metro services are being operated as usual by BMRCL. Milk booths and Petrol pumps will remain open. Whats shut in Indias silicon valley? Many industries, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, theatres, multiplexes and other small local business establishments are expected to remain closed in a show of solidarity with the bandh call. Public transport affected Public transport services are likely to be affected by the bandh. However, BMTC has said that it will operate a limited number of buses on essential routes. Flights operating normally All flights at the Kempegowda International Airport are operating normally. However, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates before travelling. Police on high alert The Bengaluru Police is on high alert in view of the bandh. Around 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, the government has filed an affidavit in the Karnataka High Court stating that protests will be allowed only in Freedom Park. Protestors have been warned that they will be held responsible for any violation of law and order or damage to public property. The state government is taking precautionary and necessary measures to deploy an adequate number of police personnel to maintain law and order, it said. JSW Infrastructure IPO Day 2: The JSW Infrastructure public issue received a good investor response on the first day of subscription. The book build issue will remain open for subscribers till Wednesday, September 27, 2023. JSW Infrastructure Limited aims to raise Rs 2,800 crore from its initial offer, which will be 100 per cent fresh in nature. The public offer is proposed for listing on BSE and NSE. Key Points Investors Should Know: JSW Infrastructure IPO Subscription The book build issue has been subscribed 0.43 times after one day of bidding. The retail portion of the public offer got subscribed 1.38 times whereas its NII and QIB portion got subscribed 0.60 times and 0.03 times respectively. By 10:12 AM on day three of bidding, the public issue has been subscribed 0.55 times whereas its retail portion has been subscribed 1080 times. The public issue has been subscribed 0.76 times in NII category while its QIB portion has been subscribed 0.03 times. JSW Infrastructure IPO Price Band The price band for the offer has been set at Rs 113-119 per share. JSW Infrastructure IPO Size The company plans to mop up Rs 2,800 crore from the public issue at the upper price band. The IPO comprises only a fresh issue component by the company and it does not have an offer-for-sale portion. Out of the total offer size, Rs 1,260-crore was raised by the company from several anchor investors on September 22, including Monetary Authority of Singapore, Morgan Stanley, the Government of Singapore, HSBC, The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Goldman Sachs, Theleme India Master Fund, Principal Global, Sunil Singhania-owned Abakkus, LIC Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, HDFC Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Trustee, and Max Life Insurance Company. JSW Infrastructure IPO Objectives of Fresh Issue The net issue proceeds will be used to repay debts amounting to Rs 880 crore, and Rs 1,029.04 crore will be spent on expansion or upgrade works at Jaigarh Port, owned by subsidiary JSW Jaigarh Port. The company had a total consolidated debt at Rs 4,228.39 crore as of June 2023. Further, the fresh issue proceeds will also be used for the expansion at Mangalore Container Terminal (Mangalore container project) owned by subsidiary, JSW Mangalore Container Terminal at a cost of Rs 151.05 crore. And the remaining amount will be used for general corporate purposes. JSW Infrastructure IPO Lot Size Investors can bid for a minimum 126 equity shares, i.e. one lot and in multiples of 126 shares thereafter. The minimum application amount for retail investors works out to be Rs 14,994 (for 126 shares) and their maximum investment is Rs 1,94,922 (1,638 shares) as they can not exceed the investment limit of Rs 2 lakh. JSW Infrastructure: About the Company JSW Infrastructure provides maritime-related services, including, cargo handling, storage solutions, logistics services and other value-added services to customers. Its ports and port terminals typically have long concession periods ranging between 30 to 50 years, providing it with long-term visibility of revenue streams. JSW Infrastructure Financial Performance JSW Infrastructures revenue from operations recorded a CAGR of 41.15 per cent during FY21-FY23, and profit after tax averaged a growth rate of 62.28 per cent in this period. On a year-on-year basis, the net profit at Rs 749.5 crore for the year ended March FY23 increased by 126.8 per cent and revenue from operations jumped 40.5 per cent to Rs 3,194.7 crore during the same period. In the quarter ended June FY24, the companys net profit grew 67.3 per cent on-year to Rs 322.2 crore and revenue increased by 7.1 per cent to Rs 878 crore compared to June FY23 quarter. JSW Infrastructure IPO: GMP As per the market observers, JSW Infrastructure IPO grey market premium (GMP) today is Rs 21, which is Rs 4 higher from yesterdays GMP of Rs 17. They said that Indian stock market snapping its four days beating on Monday could be the possible reason for rise in grey market sentiments in regard to the public issue. They said that in case of trend reversal on Dalal Street, this sentiment may further improve as the market has remained dull for near one week. JSW Infrastructure IPO Share Allotment & Listing The basis of the allotment of IPO shares will be finalised by the company in consultation with the BSE by October 3, and the shares will be credited to the demat accounts of eligible investors by October 5. The Initiation of refunds (if any, for anchor investors) or unblocking of funds from the ASBA account will take place by October 4. The trading in the equity shares of JSW Infrastructure on the BSE and NSE will be commenced with effect from October 6, as per the IPO schedule. JM Financial, Axis Capital, Credit Suisse Securities (India), DAM Capital Advisors, HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India), ICICI Securities, Kotak Mahindra Capital Company and SBI Capital Markets are the book-running lead managers to the issue. Kfin Technologies is the registrar of the offer. Should You Invest? Most analysts recommended a subscribe rating to the IPO on the companys decent financial track record and fair valuations. They believe the company will benefit from the governments focus on port development, limited competition and strong parentage. This issue is available at P/EPS of 28.88x, which appears reasonably priced as the companys revenue visibility is strong for the future with steady margins. Hence, we recommend subscribing to the issue for listing gains and long-term, said Canara Bank Securities. We like JSW Infra given its dominant position among the port operators in India, along with its broad cargo profile and diversified geographical presence. The IPO looks attractive said brokerage Motilal Oswal while assigning a subscribe rating. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made an announcement on May 19, 2023, regarding the discontinuation of Rs 2,000 notes in circulation. September 30th marks the final day for note exchanges, and with the deadline fast approaching, individuals must complete the exchange process within the remaining few days. The central bank had urged individuals to either deposit their Rs 2,000 notes in banks by September 30 or exchange them for notes of different denominations. Today, well explore the process of exchanging Rs 2,000 notes. Exchange Process at Banks and RBI Offices: The facility for exchanging Rs 2000 notes remains accessible at the 19 regional offices of the RBI until September 30. Individuals can also undertake this transaction at their nearest bank branches. Until September 30, individuals have the option to deposit or exchange Rs 2,000 notes into their respective bank accounts. To minimise disruption to the normal operations of bank branches, the exchange of Rs 2,000 notes, up to a total value of Rs 20,000, is permissible. However, complying with KYC norms and adhering to other legal procedures is mandatory when depositing Rs 2,000 notes into a bank account. Depositing Rs 2000 Notes: For individuals looking to deposit their Rs 2,000 notes, there are some variations in the guidelines. The RBI has explicitly stated that there is no specified deposit limit for Rs 2,000 notes. However, standard KYC regulations and other statutory requirements for cash deposits will still apply. When depositing Rs 2,000 notes into a Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) or Jan Dhan account, the usual limits will be in effect. Its important to note that individuals depositing Rs 50,000 or more must comply with Rule 114B of the Income Tax Rules, which requires the provision of a PAN number. Nevertheless, for amounts below Rs 50,000 in a single day, quoting PAN is not mandatory. Rs 2,000 notes circulation As of the beginning of September, information provided by the RBI indicates that approximately 93 percent of the Rs 2,000 notes that were withdrawn from circulation have been returned to the banks. According to a RBI statement, data from banks reveals that the total value of Rs 2,000 notes deposited in banks as of August 31, 2023, amounted to Rs 3.32 lakh crore. Consequently, on August 31, only Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 0.24 lakh crore remained in circulation. On August 1, the RBI reported that as of July 31, Rs 3.14 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 banknotes, equivalent to 88 percent of the total, had re-entered the banking system. Amid the ongoing protest against the Karnataka governments decision to release 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from dams in the state, the Farmer Group and opposition parties have called for a statewide bandh in Bengaluru city today, September 26. Till now, the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has lent moral support to the bandh. They said that they would take a call on declaring a holiday for schools. The president of the Sugarcane Growers Federation, Kuruburu Shanthkumar, also called for a bandh and sought support and cooperation from schools, colleges, and other private entities to support the bandh and statewide shutdown. Besides, Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner Dayananda K A has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city. Several private schools and colleges have also declared a holiday for students. This protest aims to draw the attention of the government to the grievances of Karnataka and its farmers, expressing dissatisfaction with the governments decision. It is expected that over 50,000 individuals from different walks of life, including traders, workers, students, and activists, will take part in the protest. Adding to the protest against the governments decision to transfer Cauvery River water to Tamil Nadu, pro-Kannada organisations have also announced another bandh in Karnataka on Friday, September 29, after the Bengaluru Bandh set on September 26. As per reports, efforts are being made to ensure that hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, and emergency services continue to operate to ensure public safety. Moreover, government offices and Namma Metro Services will also remain functional on Tuesday, September 26, during the state-wide bandh. However, shops, markets, educational institutions, and public transportation services, including buses and taxis, are also likely to cause inconvenience to commuters as they might remain shut. In addition to that, it is to be informed that there is no official announcement regarding the state-wide bandh as of now. It is advised that students and parents remain in touch with their respective school administrators and teachers for any updates regarding the closure of schools. The University of Delhi (DU) has released the number of vacant seats across its colleges in the final special spot round list. The last date to apply for the final special spot round admissions via CSAS is today, September 26 by 11:59 PM. Interested and eligible candidates can apply at the official website admission.uod.ac.in. Candidates who applied for DU Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) 2023 but have not been admitted to any of the colleges may apply for this round. Students must note that they are allowed to choose as many programmes and colleges as they desire, as per the official notice. The final special spot allocation results will be declared tomorrow, September 27 at 5 pm. Candidates can accept allotted seats soon after the results are released up till 5 pm on September 28. Colleges will be allowed to verify the documents and approve the admissions between September 27 and 29, up to 5 pm. Candidates must note that the deadline to pay the admission fees is September 30, up to 5 pm. In the final special round, allocation of seats will be done through the availability of seats, programme-specific merit, order of preference of colleges (colleges and programmes), and category of the candidates. Following the release of the merit list, candidates must accept their seats otherwise DU will forfeit the students eligibility for further admission to the varsity. DU Admissions special spot round 2023 via CSAS: How to apply Step 1 Go to admission.uod.ac.in Step 2 Click on the DU CSAS 2023 admission link Step 3 Log in using the required credentials. Fill in the choice of colleges, seats Step 4 Save Step 5 Pay fees Step 6 Submit. Save and download the form for further use. Meanwhile, DU has launched three postgraduate programmes. This includes MA in Hindu Studies, MA in Chinese Studies, and the PG Diploma in Cyber Security and Law. Candidates can apply for these programmes until September 30. There cannot be any quality education if a student is sought to be penalised on the ground that he belongs to a particular community, the Supreme Court Monday said, as it pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for shoddy probe in a case where a Muslim schoolboy was allegedly slapped by his classmates on the instruction of his teacher in Muzaffarnagar. Voicing displeasure over the incident, the top court directed the UP government to appoint a senior IPS officer within a week to probe the case. The teacher asked the students to beat the victim because of his religion. What kind of education is being imparted? it said. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal, while directing that the IPS officer shall file a report in the apex court, asked the state government to conduct counselling of the victim and other students involved in the incident by professional counsellors. There cannot be any quality education if a student is sought to be penalised on the ground that he belongs to a particular community. There is a prima facie failure on the part of the State to comply with mandatory obligations of RTE Act and relevant rules, the bench said in its order. It was hearing a plea filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, seeking speedy investigation in the case. The top court, which perused the status report filed by the Muzaffarnagar Superintendent of Police, said it has serious objections to the manner in which the FIR was registered after a long delay. It said the father of the victim has made specific allegation that his son was beaten in school due to his religious faith. The complaint filed by the students father related to cognizable offences but no FIR was immediately registered. Only a non-cognizable report was filed initially and the FIR was registered after a long delay on September 6, almost two weeks after the incident. The fathers allegations were not mentioned in the FIRThis is about quality education. Quality education includes sensitive education, the bench said. It recorded in its order that if the allegation is correct, this may be the worst kind of physical punishment imparted by a teacher inasmuch as the teacher directed other students to assault the victim. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the UP government, said the communal angle in the case was blown out of proportion. The bench refused to agree with his submission and said there is a video of the incident. .it is a very serious issue and we will go deep into it. The manner in which this incident has happened should have shocked the conscience of the State, it said. The court also took exception to the fact that counselling of the victim was done by the district welfare officer, and said this should have been done by a professional counsellor and that too of all the students involved in the incident. Counselling of the students including the victim has to be done by experts. This case should be investigated by a senior IPS officer and we would not let it to be watered down. We also want to know when the charge sheet will be filed and what protection is given to the witnesses and the victim, the bench told Nataraj, and asked him to file a report. It said the state must take responsibility for the education of the child as it is a case of violation of the fundamental right of the child and the rules framed by UP for the right to free and compulsory education. The bench said the IPS officer, to be appointed by the state government, should also go into the question of whether section 153A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language) should be invoked. Referring to the provisions of Right to Education Act and the corresponding rules, which prohibit mental and physical harassment of students and their discrimination, the bench said under the Act, the local authority is required to ensure that no child is subjected to caste, class, religious, or gender abuse or discrimination in school. So, there cannot be any religious abuse in a school, the Court observed and added, The State will have to answer the important question as to what facilities it will extend to the victim of the offence under the RTE Act for his quality education as per the Act. The State cannot expect the child to continue in the same school. It also rejected Natrajs submission that the petitioner has invoked his status of great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi in the petition and said it can even treat the petition as a suo motu proceeding, considering the fact that it raises allegations of state inaction and violation of fundamental rights. In a case like this, the state should not be concerned with the locus of the petitioner, inasmuch as this is a case where not only was the criminal law process not set in motion, but there was a violation of fundamental rights and RTE Act, it said. The top court also impleaded the secretary of UP Education Department as a party to the case and sought a report from him on counselling of the students and better educational facilities for the victim. The bench said after looking at all the reports on October 30, it will consider whether any further directions are required to be issued. It also directed the state government to place on record the detailed guidelines laid down by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) about imposing physical punishment on students. The Muzaffarnagar Police had booked the teacher accused of making communal comments and allegedly ordering her students to slap a Muslim classmate for not doing his homework. The school was also served a notice by the state education department in connection with the matter. The teacher was booked after a video showed her allegedly asking students to slap the Class 2 boy in Khubbapur village and also making a communal remark. The Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) will seek at least six of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, as part of the recently forged alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), News18 has learned. In the 2019 elections, the BJP had won 25 seats, while the Congress and JDS won one each. One seat was won by Sumalatha Ambareesh, who contested as an independent candidate and won from the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency. ALSO READ | Janata Dal (Secular) Joins BJP-led NDA Alliance, Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Meets Amit Shah In this election, Sumalatha has already announced her decision to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). We are asking for around six seats as part of this alliance," confirmed JDS spokesperson TA Sharavana, adding that the decision on seat-sharing, names of candidates to be fielded by the JDS and other details will be decided in the second round of meetings between the JDS high command and the BJP top leadership. JDSs SURVIVAL STRATEGY This alliance seems to be a survival strategy for the JDS, especially given its recent electoral setback in the state assembly polls, where it secured only 19 seats and a 13% vote share. Senior leaders of the regional party acknowledge that the decision to go with the BJP is primarily to redeem" itself, but the not-so-new partnership is also strategically aimed at bolstering the BJPs prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The decision for HD Deve Gowdas family-led JDS to formally join the BJP-led NDA followed careful deliberations between these ideologically diverse parties. The BJP envisions this alliance as a means to mitigate losses in regions traditionally dominated by the JDS, eventually expanding its own voter base. Key BJP leaders namely former Chief Ministers BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai described the alliance as a political game-changer" in Karnataka and emphasised that the inclusion of parties like the JDS will further help strengthen the NDA to fight their common target the Congress. The JDS and BJP have collaborated in the past and formed a coalition government in Karnataka back in 2006, when the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP state unit decided on a 20-20 month formula to govern the state. HD Kumaraswamy was made the Chief Minister for the first 20 months, but on completion of the tenure, the coalition collapsed as the BJP claimed the JDS refused to hand over power. Having faced this once, the BJP had campaigned against the JDS, calling them traitors" in the subsequent assembly election. Met Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and JD(S) leader Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of our senior leader and Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji.I am happy that JD(S) has decided to be the part of National Democratic Alliance. We wholeheartedly welcome them in the NDA. pic.twitter.com/eRDUdCwLJc Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 22, 2023 INDIAS DEVELOPMENT & VOKKALIGA FACTORS The current alignment signifies a distinct phase in the regional partys political trajectory, but more so the BJPs efforts to consolidate its Vokkaliga vote bank, which did not vote in their favour in the May assembly polls. ALSO READ | Gowdas on Board, BJP Gets a Dose of Secularism in Karnataka; Cautious Cong Hopes for Realignment of Castes BJP insiders say the party plans to contest at least 25 seats, but with the new arrangement with the JDS and their demand for at least six seats, it may turn out to be a speed bump in the BJP-JDS alliance. When asked how comfortable JDS leaders will be with this alliance, as two of their state leaders resigned soon after the JDS-BJP announced their tie-up, Sharavana said that the decision was taken in the interest of Indias development". Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are convinced that India will develop in leaps and bounds. All countries are looking at India today and how we have developed as a nation. There is no unity under the coalition I.N.D.I.A, and we know they will not be able to get the peoples mandate. In 2024, if Modi ji is elected as the PM again, then nobody can stop him. We are now part of the NDA, and the Congress is our opposition here," the spokesperson said. On a question about the JDS being one of the allies of the Third Front in 2019, which was opposed to the NDA, but today has decided to forge an alliance with them, the JDS says that the political scenario and circumstances are different" this time. The Third Front, comprising like-minded regional parties who were not part of the UPA or NDA such as the JDS, CPM, BSP, AIADMK, BJD, TDP, etc., formed an alliance before the 2009 elections. We are opposed to the Congress. There is no development in Karnataka since the Congress came to power. The schemes they have announced at the cost of taxpayers money, the random transfer of government officials, and high level of corruption in the Congress government firmed our decision to join the NDA. It is also the best decision for the survival of our party," Sharavana added. #WATCH | Former Karnataka CM and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. JDS to formally join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). BJP President JP Nadda and Goa CM Pramod Sawant are also present during the meeting. pic.twitter.com/7SpdnoWFSJ ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2023 CONGRESS: THE COMMON ENEMY Senior political analyst Sandeep Shastri talks about how the BJP has previously benefited from the Janata Dals voter base, as seen in the shift of the Lingayat vote bank to the BJP in 1998-99, when the Lok Shakti Party, led by ex-Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, aligned with the BJP. Undoubtedly, the JDS-BJP alliance is a marriage of convenience. The fact that they both have a common enemy in the Congress has brought them together. Both want to avenge the loss they suffered at the hands of the Congress and they think the best way was by joining hands," Shastri said. In the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP seeks to maintain its strong position, even at the cost of giving away a few seats as the sacrifice, could help the BJP leverage the JDSs influence over the Vokkaliga voter base in its favour and establish a foothold in the Old Mysuru Region, a territory that has been elusive to the BJP until now. Shastri says the BJP has a long-term plan. The other advantage to the BJP is that the party has been more successful in getting votes transfers from an alliance partner, without its vote being transferred to its alliance partner," he pointed out. The BJP wants Karnataka to be a state with a bipolar contest. By aligning with the JDS, the BJP is looking at the Vokkaliga vote bank shifting in its favour, while keeping its traditional voters intact. This is because traditional BJP supporters are ideologically embedded, so they would not vote in favour of another party, but would rather abstain than vote for an ally, the analyst explained. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Union finance minister and comprising state ministers, will meet on October 7. The 52nd meeting of the GST Council will be held on 7th October, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan , New Delhi, the GST Council said in a post on X. In the previous meeting on August 2, the council had approved amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws to provide clarity on the taxation of casinos, horse racing and online gaming. A 28 per Cent GST is levied on full face value of bets in the three supplies. GST Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Constitution of India. It is responsible for making recommendations to the Union and the States on issues related to the implementation of the GST in India. The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and consists of representatives from all States and Union Territories. The GST Council has played a crucial role in shaping the GST framework in India. It has also played an important role in resolving disputes between the Central and State Governments on GST-related issues. Singapore Airlines on Tuesday said it aims to complete the merger of Vistara with Air India as soon as possible subject to remaining approvals from relevant authorities. Once the proposed merger, which was approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on September 1, is complete, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India. Vistara is a joint venture in which Singapore Airlines has a 49 per cent stake, while the rest is with the Tatas. Singapore Airlines and Air India have given certain commitments to the CCI to address the competition concerns arising out of the merger. In a statement on Tuesday, Singapore Airlines welcomed the CCIs approval of the merger and said the airline as well as Scoot will follow the commitments. Scoot is a part of the Singapore Airlines group. Singapore Airlines continues to work with our partner Tata Sons and aims to complete the merger as soon as possible, subject to the remaining approvals from the relevant authorities, an airline spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. Air India and Singapore Airlines have committed to maintain minimum capacity/ supply level in relation to certain overlapping O&D (Origin & Destination) pairs between India and Singapore Delhi-Singapore, Mumbai-Singapore, Tiruchirappalli-Singapore and Chennai-Singapore, as per the CCI order. According to the statement, Singapore Airlines files 14 times weekly/twice daily on the Delhi-Singapore route and flies 16 times weekly on the Mumbai-Singapore route. On the Chennai-Singapore route, Singapore Airlines flies 17 times weekly and Scoot operates flights 14 times weekly/twice daily on the Tiruchirappalli-Singapore route. Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla has links with international terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Delhi Police has found. Dallas plan to target leaders of Hindu outfits, sadhus, religious leaders, and people associated with BJPs ideological arm Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was unearthed during a crackdown by the Delhi Police against two terror suspects earlier this year. Dalla, who has connections with Canadian gangster Goldy Brar and slain gangster Sukhdool Singh, has been involved in several criminal activities. He has also been associated with extremist groups, including the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Dallas Pakistan Link The Special Cell of Delhi police arrested two terror suspects Jagjit Singh alias Jagga and Naushad from Jahangirpuri earlier in January this year. As per the findings, Jagga came in contact with Dalla who was in touch with terror organisations. Dalla along with a Pakistan-based handler Suhail tasked Jagga and Naushad with killing sadhus, religious leaders, and targeted killings in Punjab. For this, Jagga and Naushad received money and weapons from Suhail. The Special Cell was the first to establish this connection, which was later shared with the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Special Cells charge sheet highlights Dallas links with the LeT. The documents state that Dalla intended to carry out killings of RSS and religious leaders in Punjab at the behest of the ISI and the LeT. Naushad and Jagga carried out multiple murders in the Shahabad dairy area on the instructions of Dalla and Suhail, according to their confessions. Naushad called his aide to Delhi and rented the second floor of house number 1662, B Block Jahangirpuri. They both decided to continue their terror activities together, the charge sheet said. Jagga came in contact with designated Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep alias Dalla, who instructed him to murder some RSS leaders and prominent individuals opposing the Khalistani movement in PunjabA nexus had developed between Pakistan-based Suhail, Naushad, Jagga, and Dalla to commit terror activities on the instructions of the LeT. On the other hand, Dalla instructed them to act in Punjab and other parts of the country, the charge sheet added. It further said that to prove their credibility to Arshdeep and Suhail and create communal disharmony, the Jagga and Naushad lured a boy named Rajkumar in December 2022 and murdered him at their rented house in Bhalswa Dairy, Jahangirpuri, Delhi. They slit his throat, recorded the killing in a video, and sent the video to Suhail through the Signal app. Jagga was in touch with Suhail. They also disclosed information about the recovery of Rajkumars body, the weapon used, and the location of the incident, as well as the recovery of the video from their mobile phones. They also revealed the mode of payment they received, the charge sheet added. Who Is Arshdeep Dalla Twenty-seven-year-old Arshdeep Singh hails from the Dalla village in Punjabs Moga district. He lives in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada with his wife and a minor daughter, according to a report by DNA. Dallas criminal record is reportedly more violent than that of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. As per the report, Dalla first became active in 2020, with mostly funding, raising terror modules, coordinating the supply of weapons from the other side of the border, and planning specific murders in Punjab. He and along with Nijjar reportedly formed a three-member KTF module that was in charge of killing Tejinder aka Pinka, the proprietor of the Sunshine Clothes Store in Moga in 2021. They both again collaborated in 2022 to establish a four person KTF module, to carry out grenade attacks. Dallas name also surfaced in the killing of Manohar Lal, a disciple of Dera Sacha Sauda. He also partnered with gangsters Bikram Brar and Goldy Brar for the illegal smuggling of pistols and magazines. He left India in July 2020 and has a passport issued by the Jalandhar Regional Passport Office that is valid until August 31, 2027. (With Inputs from IANS) Budanov: Our goal is to slow down production of Russian weapons Drone attacks on the territory of Russia are aimed mainly at enterprises in the missile industry of the Russian military-industrial complex, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said. As he explained in a comment to NV, a third of the relevant enterprises are located in the European part of Russia and "are accessible to unknown drones." The head of the Main Intelligence Agency recalled the recent attacks on the Kremni-El plant in Bryansk, where electronics for Russian missiles are produced, as well as on the Redikinsky experimental plant in Tver region, where rocket fuel components are produced. "When we work out certain actions on the objects of the military-industrial complex of Russia, we set only one goal: to slow down the production of Russian weapons," Budanov said. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday claimed the Karnataka government released Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu after succumbing to the pressure from the ruling DMK and the INDIA bloc. He alleged the Siddaramaiah government released the water as the Congress was aware that it could not survive without the MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. As Bengaluru observes a day-long bandh over the release of Cauvery water to neighbouring state Tamil Nadu, the police personnel deployed in the city were allegedly served breakfast with a dead rat in it. The hotel owner, who supplied the food for the cops, has been booked. According to Hindustan Times, a dead rat was found in the breakfast served to police assigned on security duty in Bengaluru amid a bandh and protests called by farmers over the Cauvery water dispute following which a notice was issued against the private hotel that supplied the food. Today a dead rat was found in one of the breakfast packets from the meals supplied to the police assigned for duty in the ongoing Bengaluru Bandh and protests in the Cauvery water dispute, HT quoted Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police Anucheth. After the incident came to light and sparked outrage, the private hotel that supplied the food for the security personnel was sent a notice and was later booked on criminal charges. Notably, nobody consumed the meal and the incident came to light before anyone could eat that. Bengaluru Bandh over Cauvery Water Dispute Meanwhile, the Bengaluru bandh called by various organisations over the Cauvery River water dispute evoked partial response on Tuesday, as most of the public services functioned normally but fewer people than usual ventured out. Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti, an umbrella outfit of farmers associations and other organisations led by Kuruburu Shanthakumar, had given the call for todays dawn to dusk (6 am to 6 pm) shutdown. Several activists of pro-Kannada organisations were also whisked away by the police at Town Hall, as they gathered there to stage a protest. Farmers leaders and pro-Kannada activists hit out at the government for allegedly using police force to curtail the protests and the bandh. As far as the services are concerned, all schools and colleges in the city remained shut while the cab services, autos, and hotels/restaurants were seen operating, drivers and hotel operators said that not many people patronised the services. Bengaluru observed a 12-hour-long Bandh on Tuesday amid ongoing protests across Karnataka against releasing Cauvery River water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The protests were called under the banner Kannada Okkuta led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, days after the Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti. The bandh was called to protest against the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) recommendation to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Several airlines issued a travel advisory for passengers in the wake of the call for Bengaluru Bandh on September 26 given by pro-Kannada outfits, political groups and farmers associations protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Follow LIVE Multiple airlines including IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet have issued a travel advisory for passengers travelling to the Kempegowda International Airport as transport is likely to be hit across the city. IndiGo, in a statement, asked passengers to reach the airport at least 2.5 hours prior to the departure. Travel time to #Bengaluru airport may take longer than normal due to Bandh declared in #Bengaluru. We recommend arriving at least 2.5 hrs before domestic and 3.5 hrs before international departures, the airline posted on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter). #6ETravelAdvisory: Travel time to #Bengaluru airport may take longer than normal due to Bandh declared in #Bengaluru. We recommend arriving at least 2.5 hrs before domestic and 3.5 hrs before international departures. For flight status, visit https://t.co/TQCzzykjgA IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) September 25, 2023 Akasa, on the other hand, noted that public transport facilities for travel to and from the airport might be affected due to the Bandh and advised passengers to reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure. Due to the Bandh declared in Bengaluru on 26 Sep 2023, there may be an impact on public transport facilities for travel to and from the airport. To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend that you plan for extra travel time and reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure of your Akasa Air flight. In case you choose not to travel to or from Bengaluru on 26 Sep 2023, you may request to be rebooked on an alternate, available flight at no additional cost, by calling our Akasa Care Centre on +91 9606 112131 a statement by Akasa read. #TravelUpdate Due to the Bandh declared in Bengaluru on 26 Sep 2023, there may be an impact on public transport facilities for travel to and from the airport.To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend that you plan for extra travel time and reach the airport at least 3 hours Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) September 25, 2023 SpiceJet and Vistara Airlines also urged passengers to plan travel their travel keeping in mind the curbs on public transport due to the Bandh to avoid any hassle. #TravelUpdate: Due to the Bangalore Bandh declared on 26th September23, local transport facilities may be affected. Passengers are advised to allow sufficient time for their journey and report at least 180 minutes prior to the departure time to avoid any last-minute hassle. SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) September 25, 2023 #TravelUpdate Due to the Bengaluru Bandh on September 26, 2023, private transport might be disrupted. Customers travelling from Bangalore are advised to allow more time for their journey to the airport. Thank you. Vistara (@airvistara) September 25, 2023 Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services are likely to be affected across the city on Tuesday after the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation extended support to the Bengaluru Bandh. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda on Monday said that prohibitory orders under section 144 will be in effect across the city from September 25 midnight to September 26 midnight in the wake of the Bandh. An Army major and his wife in Assams Dima Hasao district were arrested for allegedly torturing their minor domestic help. Police said on Tuesday that the victim was sexually assaulted and was found with a broken nose, teeth and a cut on tongue. The Army personnel has been identified as Major Shailendra Yadav and is currently posted in Himachal Pradeshs Palampur. He married Kimmy Ralson of Haflong two years ago when he was posted in Dima Hasao. The Superintendent of Police (SP) at Dima Hasao, Mayank Kumar said that they received information on Sunday about the minor girl, who had accompanied the couple to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh and was tortured brutally. A case has been registered at the Haflong Police Station under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Kumar said. He added, During investigation, prima facie evidence was found against the Army major and his wife, and they were arrested in connection with the case and taken to judicial custody. The SP also clarified that necessary assistance including medical treatment is being provided to the girl. He further said that probe is underway and that strict action will be taken based on the basis of the investigation. (with PTI inputs) India has been providing inputs and evidence of Khalistani terrorist activity on Canadian soil for years now, but Ottawa didnt act on these even after Referendum 2020 called by the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group, top sources told News18. Officials said the Government of India, through diplomatic channels, has provided dossiers, updated locations and details of arms training of pro-Khalistan entities (PKEs) to various countries, including Canada. The first detailed information was provided to Canada in 2020 after the referendum for a separate Khalistan was organised by PKEs in Brampton. Everything started after the groups announced the referendum for separate Khalistan in 2018. In 2020, the Indian government provided audio, video and photo evidence along with addresses, which were sufficient to understand that terror activities were being planned in Canada by these groups. But Canada didnt pay any attention and cited the excuse of respecting the right to protest, a senior official told News18. Sources said Indian agencies also provided details like hideout locations of gangs formed by Punjab-based gangsters, including the Davinder Bambhia gang, Arsh Dalla gang and Lakhbir Landa gang. In 2021, India shared details on gang members who moved to Canada on the false pretext of being cadres of a Punjab-based political party. Officials added that PKEs were running human trafficking channels right under the nose of Canadian agencies, which didnt act despite getting relevant information from Indian agencies. Multiple targeted killings of Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Punjab after 2016 were the handiwork of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and his allies, sources said. But Canadian agencies never started any inquiry or investigation against Nijjar and his friends Bhagat Singh Brar, Parry Dulai, Arsh Dalla, Lakbir Landa and others. For Canada, they remain political activists despite the increasing body count in Punjab, an official said. Even in Canada, many Khalistanis are part of the drug trade. Rivalries among gangsters from Punjab is common in Canada now. It may be recalled that pro-India Sikh leader Ripudaman Singh Malik was killed in 2022 in Surrey, a murder which many say was orchestrated by Hardip Singh Nijjar. But Canadian agencies did not show any urgency in finding the real people behind it and unravelling the real conspiracy, the source added. Tensions have flared between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus explosive allegations of a potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of 45-year-old Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India has rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawas expulsion of an Indian official over the case. A specialised team of Central Bureau of Investigation officials, led by Special Director Ajay Bhatnagar, will visit Imphal in violence-hit Manipur on Wednesday in a special flight to expedite the probe into the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July. The case was referred to the CBI on August 25. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh over the phone to discuss the situation. The CBI team comprising 10 officials along with Bhatnagar will reach along with Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay. In view of the prevailing situation, the government reimposed suspension of internet services for five days and announced that all schools in the state will be closed till Friday. Taking to X (formally Twitter), Biren Singh said, In light of the distressing news that emerged yesterday regarding the tragic demise of the missing students, I want to assure the people of the State that both the state and central government are closely working together to nab the perpetrators. He continued, To further expedite this crucial investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, along with a specialized team, will be arriving in Imphal tomorrow morning in a special flight. Their presence underscores the commitment of our authorities to swiftly resolve this matter. I have been constantly in touch with Honble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. In light of the distressing news that emerged yesterday regarding the tragic demise of the missing students, I want to assure the people of the State that both the state and central government are closely working together to nab the perpetrators.To further expedite this crucial N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 26, 2023 Earlier in the day, several students were injured in Imphal Valley as the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged protesters demonstrating against the killing of two youths. Twenty-four MLAs of Manipur including 21 of the BJP have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah for urgent necessary action by the CBI against the guilty persons involved in the killing of two youths. The students of Imphal-based schools and colleges brought out the protest rallies hours after photos of the bodies of the two youths went viral on social media, demanding arrest of those involved in the killing. The protesters clashed with the police near Sanjenthong in Imphal East district when security forces stopped them from advancing towards the chief ministers secretariat in Imphal. The police used tear gas shells and batons to disperse the agitators. School and college students took out a rally in Imphal to protest against the killing of the two youths. As the students were heading towards the CMs Secretariat, security personnel took action to disperse them, a police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Over 45 students were injured in police action and admitted to various private and government hospitals in Imphal East and West districts, officials of the medical facilities were quoted as saying. Of them, 31 are being treated in a private hospital, 12 others are in two government facilities. Two others were admitted to another private hospital. Soon after the incident, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days. Mobile internet services, which were suspended as ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in early May, were restored after over four months from September 23. The state government in a notification also declared that all government and private schools will be closed on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a public holiday in the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Photos of the bodies of the two missing students surfaced on social media on Monday, following which the Manipur government has asked people to exercise restraint and allow authorities to investigate the kidnapping and killing of them. The two youths were identified as Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17). Similar clashes between students and security forces have been reported from Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. In a letter submitted to Shah, the MLAs said the surfacing of the photos of the bodies on social media led to widespread unrest and violence in the state today. Security personnel have been put on alert, and additional measures taken to prevent any incident after the photos of the students have gone viral, a senior officer was quoted as saying by the news agency. The government is committed to ensuring justice and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for the heinous crime, it said. The police had previously said that the whereabouts of the two were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since early May. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. (with inputs from PTI) India-Canada News Updates: Amid a diplomatic row with Canada over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday took a veiled jibe at Ottawa, saying political convenience should not determine response to terrorism. Nor must be countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence, the EAM said during the General Debate of the 78th session of UNGA in New York. Ottawa has updated travel advisory for Canadian citizens in India asking them to stay vigilant and exercise caution in the context of calls for protests Amid a diplomatic row with Canada over the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday took a veiled jibe at Ottawa, saying political convenience should not determine response to terrorism. Nor must be countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence, the EAM said during the General Debate of the 78th session of UNGA in New York. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations of a potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. India has rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawas expulsion of an Indian official over the case. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that Canada shared with India many weeks ago evidence that it may have been behind the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil and wants New Delhi to commit constructively with Ottawa to establish the facts in the very serious matter. Trudeau, however, did not elaborate on the evidence that he says has been shared with India. Canada has shared the credible allegations that I talked about on Monday with India. We did that many weeks agoWe hope that they engage with us so that we can get to the bottom of this very serious matter. Thats important, he said on Friday in a press conference with the visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. And what we are asking is for India, to commit constructively with Canada to establish the facts on this situation. Were there to work with them. And we have been for weeks now, Trudeau said in response to a question. When asked about Canada sharing any information in the case with India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi said: No specific information has been shared by Canada on this case, either then or before or after. We have, you know, as we have said, or I think we have made very clear, we are willing to look at any specific information. We have conveyed this to the Canadian side and made it clear to them that we are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us. But so far we have not received any such specific information, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in New Delhi. The Mumbai Polices crime branch has filed a 405-page supplementary chargesheet against Tahawwur Rana in the 26/11 Mumbai bomb blast case. This marks the fifth chargesheet in this case, providing details about his connections with the mastermind of the blast, David Coleman Headley. Rana is listed as the fifth accused in the chargesheet. According to the chargesheet, Rana was in India between November 11 to 21, 2008, and in Mumbai on November 20-21. During his time in India, he met with David Coleman Headley and conspired with him in relation to the attacks. Sources suggest Headley was the mastermind while Rana acted as the financier for 26/11. Rana assisted Headley in establishing an office in Tardeo ahead of the attacks. The two maintained communication via email, with Headley providing information about the locations in Mumbai where he had conducted reconnaissance to Rana. Headley sent approximately 15 to 20 emails to Rana. The chargesheet also notes that David Headley and Rana were childhood friends. The police have inferred that Rana had knowledge of the plans due to their communication. It is further mentioned in the chargesheet that Rana traveled from Mumbai to Dubai just four days prior to the Mumbai attacks. According to the chargesheet, Rana stayed in a hotel in Powai on November 20 and 21. The police have included all evidence of Ranas stay in the hotel in the chargesheet. The chargesheet contains statements from more than 15 individuals and documents related to Ranas visit to Mumbai. Rana stayed in Mumbai for two days and also visited Delhi, Rajasthan, and Ahmedabad. Additionally, the chargesheet highlights that Rana resided in Canada, Pakistan, Germany, and England and frequently travelled between these countries. Charges have been filed against Rana under the UAPA Act, IPC, Explosives, and Destruction of Public Property Act. Previously, chargesheets have been filed against Ajmal Aamir Kasab, Abu Jindal, Sabahuddin Shaikh, and Faheem Ansari. Earlier, chargesheets identified Hadley as the mastermind behind the blasts. Rana is a Canadian citizen, currently incarcerated in the US for his involvement in the murder of a journalist. He subsequently obtained Canadian citizenship. Rana is known to be an operative for ISIS and Lashkar-e-Taiba, having worked as a doctor in the Pakistani Army. He received his education from Pakistan Army Medical College and continued to serve as a doctor in the Pakistani Army for over 10 years. Sources suggest that efforts are underway to repatriate him soon. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Headquarters with the heads of defense and intelligence departments on Tuesday. "First Headquarters meeting after returning from a long business trip. Detailed reports. Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhny, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Defense Ministry Budanov [delivered reports] about the operational situation at the front, the enemy's plans. Commanders of operational-strategic groups Syrsky and Tarnavsky [delivered reports] about the progress of specific offensive and defensive operations in their sectors. Minister Umerov [delivered report] on providing the front with all necessary items," the president said on the Telegram channel. In addition, during the meeting, a major report was heard from Head of the Ministry of Strategic Industry Oleksandr Kamyshin on the measures being taken to increase domestic production of weapons, especially UAVs. The meeting participants also heard a report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, on the current state of affairs in the Russian army and the prospects for the development of the Russian military-industrial complex. A man in Odishas Kendrapara district on Tuesday alleged that his newborn son was swapped with a girl child in a government hospital, prompting the authorities to order an investigation into the complaint. The man and his family refused to accept the girl child and demanded a DNA test to ascertain her biological parents. The hospital authorities said that the attendant concerned probably had given the information wrong to the family by mistake. Pranakrushna Parija from Rajkanika area alleged that his family was informed by the hospital staff that his wife gave birth to a male child at about 10.30 pm on Monday night, but a girl child was handed over to her. Parija also claimed that several others including security guards posted at the hospital had also heard it when a labour room staff informed the family about his wife delivering a male child. However, he also said that a doctor later clarified that the attendant had given that information by mistake. Admitting that the allegation was serious, Director of Capital Hospital Dr Laxmidhar Sahoo said preliminary investigation revealed that the complainants wife had delivered a girl child. It could be a slip of the tongue on the part of the attendant, who said it was a boy while informing the family members waiting outside the labour room, he said. The director, however, said that he has formed a committee, led by the Medical Superintendent, to conduct a probe. Efforts are made to convince the couple. If the complainant is not convinced, the matter will be referred to the police and if necessary, steps will be taken to conduct a DNA test to ascertain the biological parents of the child, the director said. Parija also lodged a complaint to the police in this connection. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday termed as painful the remark made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on women's reservation bill targeting the opposition, and said several women-centric decisions were taken during the previous Congress rule. Addressing a press conference here, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder listed a number of women-centric decisions taken by him when he was the chief minister of Maharashtra and as the defence minister. Talking about the soured relationship between India and Canada, Pawar said as an Indian citizen, he would completely back the Indian government's policy. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on his countrys soil on June 18. India designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. The women's reservation bill Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women received the parliamentary nod last week. On Monday, PM Modi said in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh that the Congress and its allies in the new "ghamandia" (arrogant) alliance supported the women's reservation bill in Parliament "reluctantly".Pawar said, "The prime minister's remarks are painful. We (the opposition) whole-heartedly supported the bill." He said that barring two members in the Lok Sabha, nobody else opposed the women's reservation bill, and some parties had suggested that when a wide-ranging decision is taken, then Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should also be included in it. Pawar added that on June 24, 1994, the Congress government headed by him in Maharashtra had unveiled a women's policy which was the first in the country. The state was the first to have a women's commission and a separate Women and Child Welfare Department was formed when he helmed the government in Maharashtra," he noted. "Similarly, the Congress government at the Centre had brought the 73rd constitutional amendment, which paved the way for 33 per cent quota for women in local bodies," he said. Elaborating on the work done by him in the area of women empowerment as defence minister, Pawar said it was during his tenure the decision to give 11 per cent reservation to women in three services of the armed forces was taken. He said the decision was taken after much reluctance by the three service chiefs and he firmly put his foot down for 11 per cent reservation to women in armed forces."Be it participation of women in the Navy, Army and Air Force or their reservationall were done when Congress was in power. Unfortunately, it appears that no one briefed the prime minister about it which is why he made such remarks," Pawar said. Calling the imposition of 40 per cent export duty on onions as "injustice" to farmers, the former Union agriculture minister demanded its roll-back. Such decisions have an impact on other countries, Pawar said as he gave an example of Bangladesh.To a question whether India's credibility as an onion exporter has taken a hit, Pawar replied, "Hundred per cent. India was a major supplier of onion to Bangladesh. We imposed a 40 per cent (export) duty and our export (to Bangladesh) has totally stopped." "There is a reaction in Bangladesh about India's position. This type of decision definitely affects a country's image and nobody thinks India is a reliable supplier and this is not at all good for the country, producer and trader." Replying to a question on his recent meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani in Ahmedabad, Pawar said he had gone there to inaugurate an industrial unit belonging to a businessman from Baramati. Adani was the chief guest of the function held at Sanand industrial estate, he added. A rally called by pro-Khalistani protesters outside the Indian Consulate in Vancouver failed on Monday with barely 25 people showing up for the demonstration, sources in Canada told News18. The rally had been called for 12 noon on Monday outside the consulate to protest against India over the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus has alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of 45-year-old Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. New Delhi angrily rejected the allegations as absurd and motivated and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawas expulsion of an Indian official over the case. Around 20-25 people had gathered outside the Indian consulate, sources said, adding that they waved Canadian flags alongside Khalistan ones. Many attendees held placards thanking Justin Trudeau for standing with Sikhs, sources added. Pro-Khalistani groups in Canada have demanded that Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma be expelled over Nijjars killing. Sources said mediapersons and police personnel outnumbered protesters at the rally. While the official press release said around 100 protesters attended the demonstration, eyewitnesses put the attendance at less than 25. Canada on Monday updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India asking them to stay vigilant and exercise caution in the context of recent developments as there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. This comes after New Delhi issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada and halted visa services late last week, Global News reported. India last week also announced temporarily suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of security threats faced by its high commission and consulates. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said the decision includes Canadian visa applicants in third countries even as he asserted Canada must act against the pro-Khalistani elements operating from its territory. The India-Canada ties were reeling under some strain for the last few months in view of increasing activities of the pro-Khalistani elements in the North American country. India believes the Trudeau government is not addressing its genuine concerns. The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought assistance of Maharashtras Advocate General on the legal issues involved in a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging the defamation proceedings initiated against him by a magistrates court over his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mahesh Shrishrimal, who claims to be a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker, has filed a defamation complaint over Rahul Gandhis commander-in-thief remark about prime minister Modi in 2018. After Gandhi challenged the lower courts summons, the high court, in November 2021, directed the magistrate to defer the hearing. Since then, the hearing on Gandhis petition before the high court has been adjourned from time to time and the interim relief granted to him (deferment of proceedings before the magistrate) was also extended. Hearing Gandhis petition on Tuesday, Justice S V Kotwal of the high court noted that it raises some important questions of law. Therefore, I deem it necessary to request the advocate general of Maharashtra to address the court on all the legal issues involved in this case, he said. The HC posted the matter for further hearing on October 17 and extended the interim relief granted to Gandhi till then. Gandhis lawyer advocate Sudeep Pasbola referred to section 199 (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, under which a sessions court can take cognizance of a case where the offence is alleged against a public servant in respect of discharge of public functions. Hence, a magistrate can not hear such a case, the lawyer said. Further, as per `explanation 2 under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, a political party can not be termed to be a `group of persons which can file a defamation complaint, hence, Shrishrimal could not file a complaint in a representative capacity, Gandhis lawyer said. Shrishrimals lawyer advocate Niteen Pradhan argued that he could file a complaint as a member of the `BJP Maharashtra Pradesh Committee. The complaint alleged that in September 2018, Gandhi spoke at a rally in Rajasthan where he made defamatory statements against Modi regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal. Four days later, Gandhi purportedly commented on a video and posted on his personal Twitter (now X) account: The sad truth about Indias commander in thief. commander in thief, he made a direct allegation of theft against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to Modi, the complaint claimed. Gandhis petition, filed through advocate Kushal Mor, said this was a frivolous and vexatious litigation, motivated by political agenda, and a defamation complaint can be filed only by the person who has been allegedly defamed. Gandhi, the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, is facing several defamation cases across the country. He was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case earlier this year but the conviction was later stayed by the Supreme Court. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar targeted China and its all-weather ally Pakistan during the speech at the UNGA. Speaking at the General Debate of the 78th session of UNGA in New York, the EAM said respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. Nor must be countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking when reality departs from rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out, he said. Interim Pakistan Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar earlier raked Jammu and Kashmir in his speech at the UN General Assembly. India told Pakistan to shut down terror infrastructure in the country and reminded Pakistans government of its own abysmal record of minority rights violations Indian and Chinese troops remained in a standoff at specific friction points in eastern Ladakh since May 2020 when 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash. As many as 19 Corps Commander-level talks have been held between the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) but they have remained inconclusive. Slamming the West, the EAM said the days of a few nations setting the agenda and expecting others to fall in line are over. At a time when East-West polarisation is so sharp and the North-South divide is so deep, the New Delhi summit also affirmed that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions, he said. Jaishankar said India has evolved from era of non-alignment to a Vishwa Mitra (a friend). This is an occasion to take stock of our achievements and our challenges even while sharing our aspirations and goals. Indeed, in regards to both, there is much that India has to share, he said. Our vision One Earth, One Family, One Future sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interest of a few. In the words of PM Modi, it was to bridge divide, dismantle barriers, and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish the world, the unity prevails over discord and where shared destiny eclipses isolation. New Delhi G20 declaration articulates our ability to do so, he added. A 14-year-old boy died and his cousin was injured in West Bengals Purba Bardhaman district on Tuesday after they were hit by an SUV while they were going to school, police said. The incident happened on the Burdwan-Bankura highway in Metedanga village in Khandaghosh police station area, they said. The two cousins were walking to school when the SUV which was heading towards Bankura hit them. Sheikh Samim Aktar (14) and Nazima Parveen (13) were immediately taken to the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Doctors there declared Aktar dead, while Parveen was undergoing treatment, police said. Protesting the death, locals blocked the highway with tree trunks. After assurances from the police that speeding vehicles would be reigned in, the blockade was withdrawn. As the world observes World Tourism Day in 2023, the travel industry stands at a crossroads, driven by an evolving trend eco-friendliness. Travelers today are not only seeking adventure and cultural experiences but also prioritize responsible and sustainable travel choices. This transformation reflects not only a response to environmental concerns but also a shift in consumer preferences. Leading players in the travel industry are taking significant steps to make eco-friendliness a cornerstone of their strategies, ushering in a promising era for sustainable travel. The Consumer Demand for Sustainable Travel Advait Kumar, co-founder, Boon, a water-tech startup, highlights the growing demand for sustainable travel, says, With 68% of consumers considering climate change an emergency, according to Deloittes Global State of the Consumer Survey, there is a surging demand for sustainable travel choices. A recent Booking.com survey reveals that over half of global travelers (53%) are now more determined to travel sustainably than they were a year ago. This shift in consumer mindset is pushing the industry to respond with eco-friendly options. The Hospitality Sectors Commitment Leading players in the hospitality sector are making significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint. Advait Kumar points out that hotels and accommodations are phasing out single-use plastics like plastic bottles, favouring eco-friendly alternatives such as glass bottles and water refill stations. Hotels are also adopting energy-efficient practices, harnessing renewable energy sources, and implementing water-saving measures to minimize their impact on the environment. Travel Aggregators Role in Education In addition to individual businesses, many suppliers within the travel industry have initiated emissions reduction programs. Travel aggregators are also playing a role in educating consumers about the climate impacts associated with their travel choices during the booking process. This collective commitment to eco-friendliness aligns with consumer values and contributes to broader goals, such as preserving local cultures and bolstering local economies, reshaping the future of the travel industry. Sustainable Transportations Rise Aloke Bajpai, Co-founder & Group CEO, ixigo, emphasizes the significance of sustainable transportation, opines, One key trend shaping this future is the growing adoption of sustainable transportation like electric vehicles in India. Electric buses, for instance, not only reduce carbon emissions but also offer tourists a greener way to experience Indias beauty. Investments in such eco-conscious alternatives are poised to shape the future of travel positively. Saving the Environment with Electric Buses Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, sheds light on the environmental impact of electric buses, shares, As India gears up to invest approximately INR 57,613 crore in 10,000 electric buses, we foresee a positive impact on the environment. Electric buses can save significant amounts of diesel daily, leading to substantial savings and reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability. Digital Transformation of Train Travel Sripad Vaidya, Co-founder & COO, ConfirmTkt, highlights the role of digital transformation in train travel, says, From a substantial reduction in paper consumption, thanks to the rise of digital platforms, to the seamless convenience and accessibility of digital ticketing, weve ushered in an era where travel is not only user-friendly but environmentally responsible. Digital ticketing apps offer convenience, reduce carbon footprints associated with additional vehicular travel, and complement the inherent energy efficiency of trains. In conclusion, the future of the travel industry is unmistakably green. The commitment to eco-friendliness is not just a response to environmental concerns but also a reflection of travellers evolving preferences for ethical and responsible travel experiences. With sustainable practices and responsible choices, the travel industry is poised to offer experiences that preserve the environment, promote local cultures, and support local economies. This collective effort is set to reshape the future of travel into one that is eco-conscious and sustainable. Muslims around the world will commemorate Prophet Muhammads birthday as Eid-e-Milad. In Arabic, this day is also known as Nabid, Mawlid, or Mawlid an-Nabi. The event takes place during Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Many countries observe the day as a public holiday. In India, the day will be observed on September 28. The festivities involve lively processions assembling at mosques and the public recitation of Muhammads teachings. ALSO READ: Eid Milad-Un-Nabi 2023 Mubarak: Happy Milad Un Nabi Wishes, Images, Quotes, Status, Messages, Wallpapers, Photos and Greetings For a Special Mawlid Eid Milad-Un-Nabi In India: Date The date for Eid-e-Milad is dependent on the positioning of the moon. As per this years sighting, the occasion will begin on the evening of September 27 and continue on the evening of September 28 this year. In India, Eid Milad-un-Nabi has been declared a public holiday on September 28. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi: History and Significance Prophet Hazrat Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is said to have attained enlightenment in 540 CE in a cave near Mecca called Hira. During his lifetime, Muhammad established Islam and established what is now Saudi Arabia as a single kingdom dedicated to worshipping God. Following Muhammads death in 632 CE, many Muslims began to observe numerous informal festivals to commemorate his life and teachings. Shias and Sunnis observe the day in different ways. On this day, Prophet Muhammad, according to Shia tradition, chose Hazrat Ali as his successor. On the other hand, the Sunni community gathers for prayer on this day. The celebration of Eid Milad un-Nabi began in Egypt and eventually expanded around the world. Eid Milad-Un-Nabi: How to celebrate Milad-un-Nabi meetings are held to recall, discuss, and honour the Prophet Muhammads birth and teachings. Many devotees send well wishes to their friends and relatives. Some of the activities performed on this day include prayer meetings that last all night, marches and parades that draw enormous crowds, festive banners adorning homes, mosques, and other religious structures, meals being served in mosques, and other community facilities. Furthermore, this is also an opportunity for a significant gathering of religious intellectuals and historians. These individuals attend lectures and have thoughtful conversations about the prophet and Islam. There are also frequent debates about contentious religious issues. In India, Muslims honour the prophets life and actions by composing poetry and writings about him. Milad, un-Nabi-themed paintings and sculptures are created by many artists to commemorate the occasion. WORLD TOURISM DAY 2023: Ready to embark on your next adventure? While the pandemic may have temporarily grounded us, the worlds stage is now set for our triumphant return! As your wanderlust awakens, its time to get ready for your upcoming international journey. Duolingo, the language learning app, is here to provide you with all the inside information, tips on what to avoid, and important considerations. ALSO READ: Happy World Tourism Day 2023: Wishes, Greetings, and Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure! Picture this: Youre wandering through bustling markets, trying to decipher the whimsical dance of street food vendors, and youve just stumbled upon an ancient temple that seems to whisper secrets of centuries past. Its a vivid, flavour-packed world out there, and guess what? World Tourism Day is just around the corner, so lets dive right into this adventure with a sprinkle of cultural finesse that knows no borders. Learn the Local LanguageMastering a few essential phrases in the local language isnt just a sign of respect; its your golden ticket to deeper connections wherever your wanderlust takes you. No matter if youre heading to the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China, hello, thank you, and please are your trusty travel companions. And guess what? Duolingo, your friendly language-learning companion, makes this linguistic adventure as fun as exploring the bustling streets of your travel destination.. With Duolingo in your pocket, youll not only navigate the streets but also the hearts of the locals. Dining EtiquetteAs you embark on a global culinary tour, remember that dining customs are like secret recipesdiverse and intriguing. In some places, like Japan, its a compliment to slurp noodles; in others, its a bit like chewing with your mouth open. Table manners, seating arrangements, and even the order of dishes can differ widely. So, as you savour exotic flavours, keep in mind: respect the local recipe, and youll leave with more than just a full stomach. Silence vs. SymphonyPicture this: youre at a bustling market in Tokyo, and its quieter than a library. Thats because, in some corners of the globe, silence is the golden rule during meals and chats. But hey, cross over to a Mediterranean paradise, and its a symphony of chatter and laughter. Embrace the diversity of silence and sound; its all part of the global chorus. Personal Space and QueuingWhen it comes to personal space and queuing, the worlds a patchwork quilt. In Stockholm, theyve perfected the art of personal space; in the bustling markets of Mumbai, personal space is a rare gem. And queues? Well, they can be as organized as a formal tea party or as lively as a carnival procession. Flexibility is your key to blending in and making friends in line. Greetings from AfarEvery hello is a cultural adventure waiting to happen. From the warmth of Salam in the Middle East to the friendly Aloha in Hawaii, and the familiar Bonjour in France, each greeting reflects a places unique spirit. So, before you embark on your global bonanza, practice your hellos. Duolingos got your back, making sure youre always ready to make a new friend, one greeting at a time, making your interactions richer and your travels even more rewarding. Gestures and Body LanguageGestures and body language are the silent heroes of cross-cultural communication. For instance, while the OK signmade by forming a circle with your thumb is a positive sign in many Western countries, it can be seen as offensive in certain parts of Asia like Thailand. Whats a friendly thumbs-up in one country could be an epic faux pas elsewhere. So, make sure that your travels are full of smiles and nods, not unintentional insults. Understanding these subtleties when navigating diverse cultures can ensure respectful communication on your travels. As you savor delicious cuisine, exchange stories with new friends, and rely on Duolingo to help bridge language barriers, dont forget the true essence of your travelsWorld Tourism Day! Its not just a date on the calendar; its an open invitation to explore a world brimming with incredible experiences. Lets raise a toast to the rich tapestry of global diversity and the art of adapting to different cultures. Your next adventure is on the horizon, and armed with these cultural finesse tips, its destined to be a masterpiece! Aamir Khans elder son Junaid will soon be making his Bollywood debut with Yash Raj Films Maharaj. Ahead of the release of his debut film, the starkid has also signed his second movie wherein hell be seen opposite Sai Pallavi. While it was earlier reported that the film will be shot in Japan, a source close to the team recently informed Pinkvilla that the movie will also feature the popular Snow Festival Of Sapporo. The team saw the famous Snow Festival during their recce, which will also feature in the film as it will see the city of Sapporo set in the winters, and the team absolutely loved it. They were so thrilled by the picturesque landscapes and the unique cultural experience. The source also revealed that, apart from Sapporo Junaid also visited the City Hall and also met with Mayor Akimoto. This interaction not only highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the city but also signifies the growing global reach of Bollywood. Never before has a Hindi film been shot in Sapporo, which makes it an exciting proposition to watch on the big screen. Following his passion for acting, Junaid Khan made his debut with theatre in August 2017 with director Quasar Thakore Padamsees adaptation of Bertolt Brechts Mother Courage and Her Children, a biting satire on the absurdity of war. Since then the actor has been has been following his passion and honing his craft with years of dedicated and impressive work in theatre and is now finally set for his screen debut with YRFs Maharaj, followed by this untitled love story with Sai Pallavi as per reports. Junaid Khans debut film is a one-of-a-kind David vs Goliath Story Maharaj. The production house YRF recently confirmed the same, while announcing their collaboration with Netflix for the same. Apart from Junaid Khans debut with Maharaj, the film will also star Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari & Shalini Pandey. The film has been directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, whose last film Hichki was a global hit. Inspired by true events, Maharaj, is an incredible David vs Goliath story set in the 1800s, about how a regular man, journalist by profession, takes on a powerful role-model of society, hailed by many as a messiah for the masses. The fearless reporter uncovers a series of incidents that shake the very foundation of society. The Ministry of National Defense of Romania strongly condemns the unjustified and illegal attacks of the Russian Federation at night on the objects of the Ukrainian civil infrastructure. "The Ministry of Defense monitored in real time the air situation near the national borders during the Russian attacks last night on some objects and elements of the Ukrainian civil infrastructure. We strongly condemn these unjustified and illegal attacks," the ministry said on Twitter. As reported, the Russian occupation troops attacked Odesa region with UAVs on Tuesday night, hit the port infrastructure. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reported that after the enemy attack, the operation of the ferry checkpoint Orlovka was temporarily suspended. According to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian air defense on Tuesday night eliminated 26 of the 38 shock shaheds that attacked Ukraine. British actor David McCallum, who played the iconic spy Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s hit series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., passed away on Monday, September 25 in New York City. The actor was 90 years old and died of natural causes. More recently, he was known for playing the role of Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard on the long-running series NCIS. Davids son Peter made a statement saying, He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations. He was a true renaissance man he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS, Peter said. Peter continued, After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together. She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old. Davids portrayal of Illya Kuryakin was highly appreciated by the audience and critics alike. The spy drama became a massive hit, leading to several spin-offs and adaptations, thanks to the actors conviction for the narrative. Talking about Davids stellar performance, Mark Feeney wrote in the Boston Globe in 2008, Where (Robert) Vaughns (Napoleon) Solo was chilly, McCallums Kuryakin was cool very cool indeed. If Julie Christie had the 60s sexiest lower lip, as she most certainly did, then McCallum was a distant second. Add in his blonde bangs, high cerebral forehead, and penchant for dark turtlenecks, and a teen idol was born. Later in his career, David was known for his performance on the CBS show NCIS which spanned over a decade. Davids Dr. Mallard was a forensic scientist and criminal profiler who greatly contributed to the shows dramatic and comedic aspects. NCIS was the most-watched series in the US between 2012 and 2013. CBS released a statement saying, We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humour that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David. Talking about the show in a 2012 interview with Variety, David said, Im doing it because I absolutely love what Im doing. Im doing what I was born to do. And Ive done it when I joined Equity in 1946. And its wonderful to have this show and this character at this point in my career My life is dedicated to the new script coming through the door. David was born in Glasgow, Scotland to musician parents. His father was the first violinist for the London Philharmonic and his mother was a cellist. Thus, he initially pursued a career in music as an oboist but later decided to pursue acting. He also authored the book titled Once a Crooked Man in 2016. Davids filmography includes some iconic movies like The Long and the Short and the Tall, Freud and The Great Escape. He also guest-starred in several hit shows like Sex and the City, Law and Order, Babylon 5 and Murder, She Wrote among others. The actor is survived by his second wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, his sons Paul McCallum, Valentine McCallum and Peter McCallum, his daughter Sophie McCallum and his eight grandchildren. Four years after its last physical edition, Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is back to bringing together filmmakers and cinephiles from across the board. The film festival will run from October 27 to November 5 at Mumbais NMACC. This year, MAMI has focused its spotlight on south-Asian cinema and talents which will facilitate a healthy and informative exchange between filmmakers from different regions and has created a space for international press. In an exclusive chat with News18, Deepti DCunha, Artistic Director, Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, says that the idea this year is to expand the scope of the festival. DCunhas association with MAMI goes back to 2015 when she worked as part of the Indian selection team till 2019 where she sourced films and programmed them for sections like India Gold, India Story and Spotlight. In our interaction, she speaks about her vision for this years MAMI, Bhumi Pednekars recent association with the festival, how Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sonam Kapoor Ahujas presence will help grab more eyeballs and more. Excerpts: What was the thought behind the focus on south-Asian cinema? One of the main aspects of our new expanded vision is that weve extended our competition section beyond the Indian competition section, which already had become the place for Indian independent filmmakers to come and compete, to south-Asian competition. Were now including countries in south-Asia and we want MAMI to become the hub of south-Asia because we do believe that theres talent not only within India but also countries around India who dont have a film festival of their own. Mumbai city can accommodate that because we are not only the financial capital of the country but also very passionate about films. One of the biggest film industries in India is in Mumbai. We definitely want talents to come here from south-Asian regions because weve some really incredible directors there. Were culturally very similar and our stories are similar. So, there will be a possibility to have MAMI as the festival from where they break out to the rest of the world. To enable this, weve come up with the south-Asia competition section and south-Asia non-competition section. Were open to shorts, features and films of all lengths by filmmakers at any stage of their careers. Please continue This year, we also have a filmmakers program in which were inviting international debuts and second films along with their directors. There will also be a curated list of screenings of these films for our south-Asian directors and then have case studies presented to them so that filmmakers can learn from each other how films are produced around the world by watching and exchanging stories. Well also have other kinds of panels and workshops, which are aimed at upscaling the filmmakers, providing newer trends in the market and sensitising them about how to approach content. So, will we see any international talents coming in this year? Most definitely. Weve extended our invite to a lot of senior filmmakers whore excited but we cant reveal their names yet. But as always, MAMI can guarantee that Indian and south-Asian cinephiles will get a lifelong memory of seeing someone who they wouldve never seen in India if it hadnt been for MAMI. Bhumi Pednekar has come onboard as the Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai recently. What do you think that as an actor like her brings to the table? An actor of her calibre always brings incredibility. If you look at her choice of films, she does mainstream films but all of them are very different from the regular mainstream films. Shes very careful about the role she chooses. Shes an extremely talented actress but what really works for us is her enthusiasm, energy and passion for the city of Mumbai. So, we wanted her to be the face of Dimensions Mumbai. Shes a Mumbai girl and she gets the heart of it. She has grown so much in the industry. Its not like she directly became an actor, she worked her way to the top. Thanks to her, people started talking about Dimensions Mumbai. We got so many requests saying, Why are you capping it at 25? Cant we all submit five minute films? We think Bhumi is the perfect fit for the category where were looking at filmmakers below the age of 25. Were so happy that she has given us her time and energy and she has a wonderful team. We truly had an amazing time working with her. Vishal Bhardwaj and Farhan Akhtar are board members. Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is the brand ambassador for Options Market Word To Screen. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is also attending the festival. How do you think their presence will help MAMI have a wider reach? Weve to remember that MAMI is a privately funded film festival and its happening in the city of Mumbai. All these names are people from Mumbai and work in this industry. But their stardom is global because of the work theyve done and the brands they support. Priyanka, Sonam, Farhan and Vishals films have travelled all over the world. The other board members like Rana Daggubati, Kabir Khan, Vikramaditya Motwane and Zoya Akhtar all of who care about cinema. And theyre supporting us throughout. Through the board meetings and when we interact with them, they give us a lot of insights in terms of the decisions that we want to take. They give us the encouragement and help us out by reaching out to people theyve contacts with. We all come together to make something special for the city we live in and love. Its almost as if were giving back to Mumbai city. Theyre recognised names. They pick up the phone and can help us push. As a film festival, we dont charge per screening. The cost of making films is really high. Its only because they make time for us that were able to get sponsors and brands that give us the money to run this festival. Its not easy to get international films. Theyre very expensive. They come to MAMI but they dont release in India. Weve to pay a premium which isnt passed on to the consumer and for that, we have to take money from the sponsors. Sponsors will have some confidence in the festival only if it has some big names attached to it. And thats where our board members have shown incredible support. Legendary late actor Dilip Kumars younger sister Saeeda Khan passed away on Sunday, September 24. According to reports, she died after battling a prolonged illness. She was married to the late Iqbal Khan, the son of ace producer Mehboob Khan of Mother India and Andaz fame. Iqbal was the trustee of the famous Mehboob Studios in Bandra. A prayer meeting will be held for Saeeda at the studio on Tuesday, September 26. As per a report by ETimes, a source close to the family said that Saeeda succumbed to a prolonged illness. The source added that Saeeda was a very compassionate individual. She is survived by her daughter Ilham and her son Saqib, who looked after her after Iqbals passing in 2018. While Ilham is a writer, Saqib is a producer. Saeeda was one of the few links to Dilip Kumars life after his passing nearly two years ago. The veteran actor passed away at the age of 98 in Mumbais Hinduja Hospital on July 7, 2021. Like his sister, he was also battling a prolonged illness. According to The Indian Express, Dilip Kumar or Dilip Sahab as he was fondly called, was suffering from advanced prostate cancer that had spread to his other organs as well. He is survived by his wife and veteran actress Saira Banu. On the second anniversary of Dilip Kumars death, Saira Banu made her Instagram debut with a post dedicated to the legendary actor. She wrote, Till this day, I feel he is with me, and no matter what, we will still walk the path of life together- hand in hand- one in our thoughts and being until the end of time. Dilip Sahib has been that iconic guiding light for my life and all those generations who have stepped forward in their lives, exemplified by his gracious presence and personality. He has been the greatest actor ever and a great human being, a true picture of humility with dignity. Saira is yet to comment on Saeeda Khans tragic news. Ever since Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha tied the knot, their wedding pictures are all over social media. On Tuesday, politician Aditya Thackeray, who also attended the much-awaited wedding, took to his Instagram handle and dropped a photo with the newlyweds from their D-day. In the picture, Aditya can be seen posing with Parineeti and Raghav who are seen posing in their wedding attires. Parineeti opted for a pastel colour lehenga designed by Manish Malhotra. Raghav complemented his bride in a traditional sherwani. In the caption of his post, Aditya penned down a note for the couple and wrote, Heartiest congratulations to you both. Wishing you a lifetime of joy, good health and love! Check it out here: Aditya Thackeray was not the only politician who attended Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadhas wedding. Besides him, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann turned baraatis for Raghavs wedding with Parineeti. Parineeti and Raghavs pre-wedding ceremonies kicked off in Delhi with a Sufi night which was followed by an Ardaas ceremony. The couple then arrived in Udaipur where Parineetis Choora and Mehndi ceremony were held on September 23. The two also hosted a mega Sangeet ceremony on the same day which saw Navraj Hans perform on popular Punjabi songs like Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha and Dil Chori Sada Ho Gaya. They tied the knot on September 24. Sharing her dreamy wedding photos on social media, Parineeti had written, From the very first chat at the breakfast table, our hearts knew. Been waiting for this day for a long time .. So blessed to finally be Mr and Mrs! Couldnt have lived without each other .. Our forever begins now .. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha never publicly discussed their relationship until they got engaged in May this year. Reportedly, the duo has known each other for several years. Parineeti and Raghav reportedly studied together at the London School of Economics. The highly anticipated Tamil film Chandramukhi 2 is all set to hit the big screens this weekend. The sequel features Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut in lead roles, as Chandramukhi and Vettaiyan Raja, portraying the iconic characters originally played by Rajinikanth and Jyothika in the 2005 film. Ahead of the films release, Raghava had the privilege of meeting with Superstar Rajinikanth, seeking his blessings for the project. During their time together, the actor also took the opportunity to congratulate the Kaala star on the success of his recent film, Jailer, which has been receiving an overwhelming response from the audience. In the post, Raghava is seen respectfully touching the feet of the superstar and in another image, he shares a warm hug with the veteran star at his residence. Accompanying the posts, the actor expressed his joy and wrote, Today I met my Thalaivar and Guru Rajinikanth to wish him for Jailers blockbuster success and got blessings for Chandramukhi 2 release on September 28th. Im so happy. Thalaivar is always great. Guruve Saranam. Hi friends and fans,Today I met my Thalaivar and Guru @rajinikanth to wish him for jailers blockbuster success and got blessings for #Chandramukhi2 release on September 28th. Im so happy. Thalaivar is always great. Guruve Saranam pic.twitter.com/kXB00aiImw Raghava Lawrence (@offl_Lawrence) September 26, 2023 Hi friends and fans,Today I met my Thalaivar and Guru @rajinikanth to wish him for jailers blockbuster success and got blessings for #Chandramukhi2 release on September 28th. Im so happy. Thalaivar is always great. Guruve Saranam pic.twitter.com/hBosLhf3il Raghava Lawrence (@offl_Lawrence) September 26, 2023 In a recent press meet for Chandramukhi 2, Raghava Lawrence expressed his deep gratitude towards three prominent superstars in his life, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna. He acknowledged the immense support he has received from these icons throughout his career. Further, Raghava mentioned feeling blessed to collaborate with Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani, who has poured his heart into the eagerly awaited film. To avoid imitating these iconic actors, the actor has put in great effort to develop his unique style. Before starting the shooting for P Vasus film, Raghava mentioned that Rajinikanth offered him numerous valuable suggestions. During the press conference, Raghava Lawrence humorously mentioned feeling a bit overwhelmed by seeing the heavy security around Kangana Ranaut on set. However, he appreciated Kanganas professionalism and down-to-earth nature, which made him feel comfortable throughout the shooting process. Interestingly, Chandramukhi 2 will mark Kanganas second pan-India project, following her portrayal of J Jayalalithaa in the 2021 biopic Thalaivii. Directed by P Vasu, the movie will be released in multiple languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Alongside Raghava Lawrence and Kangana Ranaut in lead roles, the film also features talented cast members, Vadivelu, Raadhika and Mahima Nambiar. For those not aware, the original 2005 film starring Rajinikanth and Jyothika, was a remake of the Kannada movie Apthamitra, which itself drew inspiration from the Malayalam classic Manichithrathazhu. In 2007, Bollywood brought its own version to the screen with Bhool Bhulaiyaa, featuring Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan. Rakshit Shetty made a rare statement about his ex-fiancee Rashmika Mandanna. The Kannada actor was engaged to the Animal actress in 2017 but it was reported that Rashmika called off the wedding. While Rashmika hasnt delved into the broken relationship in the past, Rakshit made a jaw-dropping reveal about their equation after the split. In a new interview, Rakshit revealed that he and Rashmika are still in touch. He also praised her for her hardwork and showed a sign of support to her as she grows in the film industry. Speaking with a YouTuber during the promotions of his recent release Sapta Sagardaache Ello: Side A, Rakshit was asked if he was still in touch with Rashmika. The actor said (as quoted by India Today), Yes, Rashmika and I are still in touch. She had a big dream in the world of cinema. Accordingly, she is moving towards that dream. She has the will to achieve the task she set out to do. We should pat her on the back for her achievement. Rashmika began her acting journey with Kirik Party. The film was directed by Kantara star Rishab Shetty. Rashmika starred alongside Rakshit. It was reported that the actors fell in love during the making of the film. Following the release, Rashmika and Rakshit got engaged. However, after a few months, the engagement fell apart. The cause of the split was not revealed. Last year, she sparked controversy when she did not credit Rakshit and Rishab for giving her the opportunity to kickstart her career. Following the controversy, in March, she gave Rakshit and his production house proper credit in an interview. Speaking with Harpers Bazaar, Rashmika said, I never saw myself as an actor, I never believed I could be one. However, I was always fascinated with cinema. I also auditioned for a few roles but nothing came through, and because of that, I began making peace with the fact that acting was not my destiny. However, after winning the title of Times Fresh Face in 2014, I got a call from Paramvah Studios (a production house). They asked me to audition for a character called Sanvi Joseph for a film called Kirik Party, which was my debut film. On the work front, Rashmika will be seen in Animal. The first look of her role was released recently. This will mark her first film with Ranbir Kapoor. On the other hand, Rakshit is celebrating the success of Sapta Sagardaache Ello: Side A. Bollywood celebrities are currently in a festive mood and are seen celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with full fervour. They hosted Ganpati darshan at their residence too and well many were also seen visiting Mumbais famous Lalbagucha Raja. Veteran actors and couple Randhir Kapoor and Babita today made a rare appearance as they were seen visiting the temple for darshan. Fans were excited to see them after a long time. In the video, shared by Viral Bhayani, we can see Babita wearing a yellow colour top with white pants and walking towards the temple with help. While Randhir was seen wearing a polo tee and pants. He was sitting in the wheel chair. Both even wave at the fans. Many fans dropped heart emojis in the comment section. It is very rare to see them together. Kareena or Karisma was not seen with them. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) ETimes in its report mentioned that veteran actress Babita Kapoor has shifted to Randhir Kapoors new home in Bandra and their daughters Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor are extremely happy with this development. The report also claimed that Babita was supposed to move back with the veteran actor in 2007 but that didnt formalize. Randhir and Babita dont have any bad blood between them and they often come together for family get-togethers, the most prominent of them being the big Christmas bash every year. In an old interview with Hindustan Times, Randhir Kapoor revealed that Babita didnt like the way he led his life and despised him for his drinking habits and for coming late to the house. He had shared, She found that I was a terrible man who drank a lot and came home late, which was something she didnt like. And I didnt want to live the way she wanted, and she couldnt accept me as I am, though it was a love marriage. So its okay. We had two lovely children to look after. She brought them up in the best way, and they excelled in their career. What else could I have asked for as a father? Randhir Kapoor and Babita got married in November 1971 at the age of 24. The two were co-actors in the film Kal Aaj Aur Kal and they fell in love with each other on the sets. Eventually, the couple parted ways in 1988 owing to a slew of differences between them. Shilpa Shetty is leaving no stone unturned to promote her comeback film Sukhee. She recently made an appearance on Shehnaaz Gills talk show and mentioned that although earlier she wanted fans to maintain some distance from her, an encounter with ace Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger made her change her perspective. Shilpa revealed that she was once pushed by the actors bodyguard and this made her husband Raj Kundra angry. Shilpa told Shehnaaz, I had gone somewhere and there was Arnold Schwarzenegger in the hotel, who had come for some event there. I was wearing heels, and the moment I saw him, I removed them and told Raj, I want a picture with him. I ran to him, but there were his well-built bodyguards. They didnt let me see him and pushed me away. Shilpa said, Raj, who was behind me, got very upset about how can they push a lady like that. He got a little possessive. He told them, Do you know she is an Indian actor?. But they still didnt let me see him. I was very disheartened. The next day, we were at the same event, and they seated us in the front row. When Schwarzenegger was told that I am an Indian actor, he clicked a photo with me I was an Indian actor, so he gave me a photo, but.As a fan, I felt bad when he didnt. But I also realised how people must feel when I say No. They get only one chance. Meanwhile, Shilpas film Sukhee was released in cinemas on Friday, September 22. Directed by Sonal Joshi, the film is about a 38-year-old Punjabi homemaker Sukhpreet Kalra aka Sukhee, who after being fed up with her routine and monotonous life decides to take a break from her homely duties and enjoy life on her own terms. The film also features Kusha Kapila, Dilnaz Irani, Amith Sadh and Chaitanya Choudhry in important roles. Dev Anand was one of the biggest superstars in the Hindi film industry. He was considered one of the greatest and most successful actors in Bollywood. Dev Anand had an illustrious career that spanned almost six decades. He featured in more than 100 films in Bollywood. Despite having the world going crazy after him, Dev Anand once got his heart broken by an actress. He reportedly fell in love with his co-star Zeenat Aman. According to reports, Dev Anand got his heart broken when he found out about her closeness with actor Raj Kapoor. On the iconic stars 100th birth anniversary, lets take an in-depth look at this incident. According to reports, Dev Anand was vacationing in Kathmandu, Nepal, and was looking for inspiration for his next film. It was then that he found a group of people partying, smoking marijuana, and carefreely dancing with each other. Among all the foreigners, he saw a brown woman. He was so impressed by her that he decided to meet her. After meeting her and hearing her story, he got inspired to make a film titled Hare Rama Hare Krishna. After returning to Mumbai, he started working on the film and cast himself as the lead. But nobody wanted to play the role of a hippie. Dev Anand was looking for an actress who was smart, unapologetic and was inspired by the western culture. It was then that he found out about Zeenat Aman, and she agreed to do the film. Even though they played siblings on screen, their offscreen chemistry grew. Dev Anand was mesmerised by her beauty and fell in love with her. Once the duo was supposed to attend a Bollywood party together. Thats when Dev Anand decided he would confess his love to Zeenat Aman. He urged her to go to the party together and told her that theyd have dinner after the party. At the party, he saw Raj Kapoor getting close to Zeenat Aman. He also found out that she had signed a film titled Satyam Shivam Sundaram, which will be directed by Raj Kapoor. He also saw Raj Kapoor kissing her and announcing the signing of the actress. It was then that Dev Anand left the party alone. Karnatakas ongoing legal and political battle with Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery river water has put the former in a Catch-22 situation, which has been further exacerbated by severe rainfall deficit leading to more than 80% of the state reeling under drought. The issue of sharing water from the Cauvery river between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has political and emotional ramifications. If Karnataka does not release water to Tamil Nadu, it will be seen as violating the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order and the state will not be able to defend itself strongly in the courts. If it does release water, the state government, especially the ruling Congress, will find itself facing repercussions come 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of a well-defined distress formula for water sharing, especially during severe drought conditions like the one Karnataka is experiencing. Despite grappling with a severe drought, Karnataka is obligated to release water to Tamil Nadu based on the recommendation of the CWMA, which has called for the release of 5,000 cusecs of water for a period of 15 days, even as natural flow averages 3,000 to 3,500 cusecs to Tamil Nadu, explained government officials overseeing the situation. The Karnataka government finds itself in a precarious situation, with farmers and pro-Kannada organisations calling a Bengaluru bandh on September 26, demanding that the state cease water release to Tamil Nadu. The bandh, from 6am to 6pm, coincides with protests by farmer groups and the opposition BJP in Karnataka. The state had previously filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recent order of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Regulation Committee, but the court refused to intervene. They (TN) initially sought 24,000 cusecs, then 7,200 cusecs. We said we cant even give 5,000 cusecs as there is no water. The apex court did not accept it, and the matter is coming up before the Court on September 26. We will place our argument more forcefully, news agency PTI quoted CM Siddaramaiah as saying. The demand for a scientifically determined distress formula, as per officials from Karnatakas Water Resources Department, arises from the fact that the current allocation for states during distress years is considered ad hoc. Neither the Cauvery tribunal nor the Supreme Court has clearly outlined a formula for such situations during droughts or years with deficient rainfall. It is learnt that the Cauvery Water Management Authority is currently in the process of devising an allocation formula. They factor in the average rainfall over the past 30 years and the storage levels in reservoirs before determining water allocation during distress years, an irrigation official explained. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunals formula, modified by the Supreme Court in 2018, prescribes 45.95 TMC of water in August and 36.76 TMC in September during a normal monsoon season. Krishna Byregowda, Karnatakas Revenue Minister, spoke to News18 on the severity of the drought situation and the extent of crop damage due to the severe rain deficit. We have declared 195 talukas (of the total 227 talukas in Karnataka) as drought-hit areas in the state and estimate close to 30,000 crore as crop losses in this season due to this, the minister said. While Siddaramaiah said his government will not stop the ongoing protests by farmers, he added that parties like the BJP and JD(S) are using the issue for their political gains. Another pro-Kannada activist, Vatal Nagaraj, under the banner Kannada Okkuta, has called for a statewide bandh on September 29. Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda on Monday called it a curse that Karnataka happens to be the upper riparian state in the Cauvery basin and is always obliged to fulfil the demands of the downstream state. Expressing his support to the bandh, he underscored how the state is facing its lowest rainfall in 123 years during August and September. Appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the water sharing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, he said the combined storage available as of September 23 in all four reservoirs of the Cauvery basin in Karnataka is only 51.10 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), whereas the requirement for standing crops and for drinking water is 112 TMC. I have made an appeal to the Prime Minister about the prevailing situation. In my letter to the Prime Minister, I wrote that the Jal Shakti ministry should file a review petition and a committee of experts should be sent to Karnataka to study the water and standing crop situation. I sincerely hope the Prime Minister will raise the issue and certainly take action so that further damages wont take place as far as Karnataka is concerned, he said. The Cauvery Water Management Authority endorsed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committees recommendation on September 19, compelling Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water for 15 days. The Supreme Court later upheld this directive, despite Karnatakas initial refusal, citing drought conditions. Several water experts and the Congress-led Karnataka government suggest that the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir, which has been another bone of contention, has a storage capacity of 67 tmcft. Mekedatu could offer a solution to this recurring water crisis especially when reservoir levels dip alarmingly due to insufficient rainfall. Political parties like the BJP and JD(S) should see it as a move to help our farmers and not create a political contest or standoff , said a Congress leader who did not want to be named. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the National Council of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka, who is paying a visit to Ukraine, and discussed with him the issues of Ukraine's European integration and cooperation with Austria in this context. As reported on the website of the President of Ukraine on Tuesday, the Head of State informed on the implementation of the European Commission's recommendations on the EU candidate status and emphasized the importance of adopting a positive decision on the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership. "Support for Ukraine's European aspirations is very important. It is one of the factors that motivate Ukrainians who defend the state and civilized future," the President said. The Head of State emphasized Ukraine's interest in expanding the presence of Austrian business and implementing joint projects that will create new jobs in our country. The parties also exchanged views on Ukraine's European integration and cooperation with Austria in this context. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said the Congress and its allies wholeheartedly supported the Womens Reservation Bill in Parliament, and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not briefed correctly about it. He also said that it was the previous Congress governments in Maharashtra and at the Centre that had initiated steps for womens empowerment. His statement comes a day after PM Modi said in Madhya Pradesh that the Congress and its allies in the new ghamandia (arrogant) alliance supported the Womens Reservation Bill in Parliament reluctantly. Addressing a press conference here, Pawar said, PM Narendra Modi spoke of Congress and ghamandia allies supporting the Womens Reservation Bill reluctantly. But this is not true. All of us have wholeheartedly supported the bill. The PM was not appropriately briefed. He said that on June 24, 1994, the Congress government headed by him in Maharashtra had unveiled a womens policy which was the first in the country. Similarly, the Congress government at the Centre had brought the 73rd constitutional amendment, which paved the way for 33 per cent quota for women in local bodies, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder said.When I was Defence Minister, 11 per cent reservation was given to women in Army, Navy and Air Force, he said. To a question on his meeting with industrialist Gautam Adani in Ahmedabad, Pawar said he had gone to inaugurate an industrial unit belonging to a businessman from Baramati. Adani was the chief guest of the function held at Sanand industrial estate, he said.On the issue of tension between India-Canada tensions, Pawar said his total support as an Indian citizen will be with the policy of the Indian government. A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after the states BJP unit Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule was caught telling party workers to take journalists to tea shops and treat them well to avoid negative publicity ahead of the polls. The BJP leaders audio clip went viral on social media and sparked a political slugfest in no time. According to PTI, Bawankule reportedly gave the alleged instructions to his party workers in Ahmednagar while addressing a gathering on the management of poll booths. In the audio clip, Bawankule was heard Small-time video journalists running news portals and residing in your booth areas sometimes present a minor incident as if some blast has taken place. He further asked his workers to prepare a list of journalists whom he termed nuisance-creating journalists and invited for refreshments to persuade them not to write anything against BJP leaders. Prepare a list of such nuisance-creating journalists, including those from the electronic media or print, and invite them for a cup of tea to dhabas so that they would not write anything against us ahead of Maha Vijay 2024. You know what I mean by inviting them for a cup of tea, PTI quoted Bawankule as saying. Take them to dhabas. Treat them well and ensure no negative news comes out against us. There should be positive news about us. Protect your booths first, Bawankule added. Bawankules Clarification While Bawankule issued a clarification regarding his controversial remarks, the opposition parties have launched an all-out attack on BJP alleging that the saffron party was trying to manage the media through its tactics. In his defence, Bawankule said that he meant that journalists are so important that they can even change the opinion of the people. Journalists are also voters and why should there be a bias against them? It is not good if you do not meet them, talk to them or seek their opinion. I gave this kind of advice to them (BJP workers), Bawankule told reporters. Oppositions Reaction Slamming the state BJP unit, Maharashtra opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar warned Bawankule that not all journalists are sold out so their ploy wouldnt work. Not all journalists are sold out. Do you think journalists accept crumbs? I can understand the restlessness of your leaders, both of the top level and local ones, as they could not suppress the voice of dissent. But you directly started making offers to journalists? said Wadettiwar. On the other hand, state Congress president Nana Patole said Bawankules statements are insulting to the media. The NCP was also quick to react and said that the BJP was trying to buy journalists who were trying to speak the truth. Is BJP Maharashtra state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule asking BJP workers to treat the journalists who speak the truth or is his statement a veiled threat to true journalists? NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) national spokesperson Clyde Crasto posted on X. (With PTI inputs) BJPs decision to name union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar as a candidate in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh elections has set political circles in the state abuzz even as the fate of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans seat remains to be decided. Tomar has been out of the states politics for the past 15 years and last served as an MLA from Gwalior till 2008. He is currently the MP from Morena. Acceptable face A couple of months ago, Tomars name was also announced by the Bharatiya Janata Party as the campaign committee chief for the upcoming state elections since he was the most acceptable face amongst the old guard of the BJP at a time when the state unit seems a divided lot. Tomar comes from the Gwalior-Chambal region where the BJP could win just eight out of the 34 seats in the 2018 polls and hopes for a turnaround. The ruling party is yet to announce Chouhans candidature. Invariably, the CMs name features in the first list of the party but Chouhans name has not appeared in the first two lists of a total of 78 candidates. He has been the MLA from Budhni since 2006. The Budhni seat is still to be announced. The CM will fight from there. Dont read too much into (the delay), a state BJP leader told News18. A BJP source also said that the first two lists of the party were focused on seats that the BJP had lost in the last elections and hence candidates here had been put up early to give them more time to campaign. In all, three Union Ministers and seven MPs feature in the second list many of whom see themselves as CM contenders too. PM did not name Chouhan: Congress The Congress is, however, not leaving any opportunity to take some potshots. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said Prime Minister Narendra Modi didnt name Chouhan in his entire speech in Bhopal on Monday. The PM did not name even one scheme of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the last 18 yearsHe did not even name the CM, Surjewala pointed out. Chouhan has been speaking from literally every stage about his signature CM Ladli Behna Yojana, in which the state government is giving Rs 1,250 per month each to over 1.3 crore women. The state BJP has termed this scheme a game-changer in the elections. But the PM has so far not referred to this scheme in his addresses in the state. The Congress has been asking if the scheme is not against the BJPs policy of no freebies being followed in other states. Earlier, union home minister Amit Shah had not explicitly named Chouhan as the next CM in case of the BJP winning the upcoming elections. Asked in August who will be the next CM, Shah said, Why are you getting into what the job of the party is? Thats the job of our party, we will decide. Chouhan has been the CM for the past 17 years since 2006, except for a 15-month gap when Kamal Nath became the chief minister in 2018. Gopichand Padalkar doggedly going after Ajit Pawar is making for interesting optics in Maharashtra politics. BJPs Padalkar had contested the last Assembly elections against Ajit Pawar and lost by a huge margin. Since then he has sharpened his attacks on NCPs first family Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar. Padalkar has not spared Ajit Pawar despite the latter breaking ranks with uncle Sharad Pawar and joining the Eknath Shinde-BJP government earlier this year. This is not surprising given the acrid history shared by the two leaders. Padalkar, who is the Dhangar face of the BJP, was inducted into the party to mainly target the Pawars. He is vocal about reservation for OBCs and the Dhangar community and is of the opinion that the Pawar family has been playing the politics of caste for its own benefit. He has said as much openly, naming Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule. In the 2019 Maharashtra elections, to break the monopoly of the Pawar family in Baramati politics, Padalkar contested on the seat against Ajit Pawar, but had to suffer a defeat. Fuelled by the loss, he intensified his criticism of the Pawars and the BJP rewarded him with a nomination for the Legislative Council seat. It was hoped that Padalkar would not target Ajit Pawar, who was made the deputy chief minister immediately after joining the government, since that would suggest cracks in the Shinde-BJP alliance. But the BJP leader has done just the opposite. A few days ago, Padalkar wrote a letter on the issue of Dhangar reservation to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and had also addressed it to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but didnt address the same to Ajit Pawar. Asked by reporters about the omission, Padalkar called Ajit Pawar a wolf and implied he and his loyalists dont recognise the latters position in the alliance and government. The episode blew up when Ajit Pawar supporters from Pune district blackened Padalkars posters and threatened to beat him up if he enters the district. Ajit Pawar played down the controversy and told his supporters not to pay heed to the BJP leaders words. Fadnavis then reprimanded Padalkar for criticising the alliance partner. But Padalkar has refused to pedal back. His (Ajit Pawars) feelings towards the Dhangar community are not clean. We dont expect that he will be able to give justice to us, hence we dont consider him and will never write a letter to him. We had written a letter seeking justice for Dhangar community to Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis as we have hopes from them. Quick to latch onto the issue, Supriya Sule asked if the BJP had inducted Ajit dada to insult him. Padalkar received support from BJP leader Nitesh Rane, who shared a post on X (formerly Twitter). If allies criticising Ajit Pawar is seen as his insult, then how did you tolerate editorials against him by Sanjay Raut during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government? Who had given him blessings? the MLA asked. Will Padalkars continued attacks alter Ajit Pawars prospects in Baramati? Over to 2024 The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has started to gear up for a dharna in New Delhi, demanding the due Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds from the Centre. Around 50 lakh letters stating the demand have been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On July 21, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee had declared that they will go to New Delhi to demand the money. Although TMC chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has injured her leg in Spain and has been advised rest, news reports have claimed that she will join in. All senior TMC leaders have been asked to go to New Delhi on October 2-3. On October 2, Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek, along with all MPs, MLAs and Panchayat representatives, will go to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Although it is not in the official schedule, they can sit on the dharna for some time, say sources. On October 3, the TMC plans to sit on a dharna at Jantar Mantar and visit rural development minister Giriraj Singhs residence or office. The TMC has already written three letters to the police mentioning their plan and has sought permission. There is no clarity on the permission yet. We are resolute in our commitment to combat any injustice inflicted upon the people of Bengal. No matter the challenges we face, we will confront oppressive forces and uphold the rights of our people! pic.twitter.com/jyNM2iaI35 All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) September 26, 2023 MGNREGA A NATIONAL ISSUE? According to the TMC, for the past two years, the Central Government has not given out tthe MGNREGA funds. TMC sources say they have raised the issue several times and reached out to the Centre. Abhishek had even taken MPs to the Central Ministry office, but nothing came of it. Now they plan to take it to Delhi. Sources say they want to showcase that just because Bengal is a non-Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state, they are getting stepmotherly treatment. Secondly, through this movement, they will reach out to rural voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections to convince them that they are not getting their money because of the Central Government. MLAs and other senior leaders of the party have been directed to reach Delhi on September 27 to look into the arrangements. VIDEO ON PROTEST TO PLAY IN EVERY WB VILLAGE Meanwhile, Abhishek will soon release a video, on why the movement in Delhi is needed, which will be played in every village of Bengal, say sources. TMC leader and minister Partha Bhowmick told News18: We will go to Delhi and ask for our money. The entire state will witness this. They have to give back our money. Singh has already stated that he will meet the TMC members if he is in Delhi. The BJP, on the other hand, has blamed corruption. Party leader Suvendhu Adhikary said: Those are all fake letters made in Camac Street. People wants justice from thieves. We have stopped the thieves, not money. I will write to Giriraj ji to start a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into MGNREGA. The Pixel 8 series is the next main focus of the tech industry in October as Google looks to compete with the new iPhone 15 series in its own way. Reports have suggested that Google could finally match the iPhones with respect to the number of OS updates the Pixel phones will be getting. In fact, early this week, it was tipped that the Pixel 8 series could get as many as 7 OS updates, which will take it from Android 14 to Android 21 and easily beat the number of iOS versions one iPhone gets. But now things have been clarified by the tipster in this report, which says that the Pixel 8 series will get 7 years of updates, which could mean that the new Pixel 8 phones will be given 4 OS updates and three years of security updates, or the other way around. Google has followed Apples strategy by powering its Pixel phones with the custom Tensor chip which has its own issues. But going to 7 years for OS updates would have beaten both Apple and even Samsung in this regard. Some reports have even suggested that Google could change the update policy for all the Tensor-powered Pixel phones that were introduced with the Pixel 6 series. People have been asking Google to make drastic changes to its software policy so that the Pixel phones can age better, retaining their value in the market. Apple has offered 5 iOS updates for iPhones since the beginning and Samsung has changed its strategy in the past few years which has paid rich dividends. It is time Google follows these two brands and caters to the premium segment with better support for the devices. The new Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Watch 2 are launching on October 4 in New York City and the India launch has been seemingly confirmed for October 5 as per the online teasers spotted recently. With the fall season approaching and as the world slows down for the upcoming festive season, many will find themselves traveling back to their homes and to picturesque destinations. However, a constant factor when it comes to traveling long distances is the cost of flight tickets. We all know how expensive they can become if you dont book them in advance and plan accordingly. So, in this article, let us share some tips that can help you book flight tickets at more affordable prices compared to the standard booking process. Most of these tips involve using Google Flights, where you can easily track flight prices for your preferred routes, choose flexible travel dates, and more. Tips for Booking Cheap Flights: Use Google Flights Price Graph Feature By using the price graph feature, users can quickly compare ticket prices and set the duration of their travel. Based on the selected travel duration and dates, Google will provide a detailed comparison of available flight options. Turn on Price Tracking If youve been monitoring a specific flight for some time, another valuable feature is receiving email updates when prices change for your selected dates. Simply activate the Price Tracking feature in Google Flights, and Google will notify you when there are price fluctuations via email. Use Filters Searching for a particular flight and want to avoid sifting through numerous listings? Google allows you to filter search results, enabling you to refine your options based on factors such as the number of stops, preferred airlines based on your destination and origin, carry-on baggage allowances, and even maximum layover durations. SkyScanner If you dont want to use Google Flights, another flight tracking platform is SkyScanner, which enables you to explore multiple flight options with a single search. The best part is that it aggregates prices from various websites and airlines, presenting you with the most affordable options for the same flight. After comparing prices across different booking partners, you can select your preferred aggregator partner and proceed to their website. SkyScanner also offers a Price Tracking feature, notifying you each time the flight price youre interested in undergoes a change. The lawsuit filed by Humans of Bombay has become a trending topic across social media platforms, garnering widespread attention and discussions. Adding to the unfolding drama, Humans of New York has decided to issue an official statement addressing the ongoing controversy. This statement comes after the founder, Brandon Stanton, personally called out Karishma Mehtas HoB on X, formerly known as Twitter. In their latest statement (which came from the perspective of their creator Stanton), Humans of New York revealed, For the last thirteen years I havent received a penny for a single story told on Humans of New York, despite many millions offered. All my income has come from books of my work, speeches I have given, and Patreon. Stanton, in this statement shared on his Instagram, further expressed that while he may not be an expert in copyright law, he does have a strong opinion when it comes to art. Beautiful art can make money, there is nothing wrong with that. But when art begins with a profit motive, it ceases to become art. And it becomes a product. This statement aligns with the severe criticism HoB faced from its Indian audience, who accused Mehta of prioritising financial gain over genuine storytelling. However, Stanton made it clear that he doesnt take issue with others using the Humans of concept. What bothers him is when its exploited for personal gain at the expense of others. He also commended the Humans of Amsterdam page for exemplifying the true essence of an artist. Heres the Statement: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Humans of New York (@humansofny) The statement ignited a flurry of comments, especially from the Indian audience, who praised Stantons work in stark contrast to Mehtas approach. One user from India openly criticised Humans of Bombay, saying, I am an Indian and ashamed at that Humans of Bombay has become a cheap rip off that takes money to project people in a certain light. Another commenter expressed solidarity, stating, Like a lot of Indians in your comment section, I agree with you 100%. Thanks for doing what you do, and for taking a stand. To provide some context, Humans of Bombay had accused People of India of copying its content, including its logo, tagline, and story format, drawing them into a legal battle filed in the Delhi High Court. The lawsuit sought damages and an injunction against People of India for using its content. Stanton, however, publicly criticised HoB for resorting to legal action and accused them of copying his own format. Also Read: Humans of Bombay Creator Trolled After Copyright Infringement Case Backfires on Social Media Since then, HoB has been caught in a storm of online trolls, with opinions and criticisms pouring in faster than a monsoon rain in Mumbai! The official population of London is a little over 7 million but truth be told, the city has spread beyond its political borders to become a megacity with a population of over 13 million. In addition to dominating the rest of the UK, London is one of the most important and influential cities in the entire world. With sprawling skyscrapers and on its way to becoming one of the financial hubs of the world, London certainly has its own appeal but there is always a flipside to the coin. In this case, the flipside manifests in the form of terrible living conditions in an apartment building in East London. Merlin Apartments in Stratford, East London is used as a temporary accommodation unit by Newham Council, meant to house homeless families until a permanent residence is found for them. But the residents that are housed there have to face conditions as bad as being homeless, according to a Daily Star report. Pests, cockroaches running all over the house and bedbugs, you name it and Merlin Apartments has it. To lessen the danger of bed bugs spreading, Sonia Augustine, a resident who lives in a two-bed flat with her two sons and husband, said that she washes the bedding every two to three days. She claimed that despite her attempts, nothing is helping and that this is making her two children, ages 14 and 6, suffer since they cant get any sleep at all. Another resident, Nakisha Baah, said, There are a lot of rats, roaches and bedbugs. We have an open-concept kitchen, and the sofa can be made into a bed, but the kids are afraid of the mice wandering around, so its difficult for them to sleep. On the other hand, mother of three Giorgia Lannone has amassed a sizable collection of photographs of mice and cockroaches caught in the traps she has placed, and she struggles to fall asleep because of the mice scampering around. Syed Abbas, who is living with his pregnant wife and three children, remarked that he has been pleading to the authorities to relocate his family to a place that just has bare minimum living conditions. Residents have also been complaining that the accommodation here is anything but temporary as many of them have been left to fend for themselves in this place for as long as four years. Newham Council has acknowledged the long delay in relocating them to permanent housing. The COVID-19 pandemic and pressure from rising living costs have made Newham Councils crisis in temporary housing worse, the council said. Regarding the pest control issue, the Council said that an in-house contractor named London Network for Pest Solutions has been providing a weekly inspection and treatment service at the property since July 2021. Bangkok is a tourist paradise that regularly draws visitors from all over the world due to the unrivalled charm of its cuisine, history, and culture. What most people might not be aware of is that Bangkok also offers another kind of attraction that draws daredevils from all over the world. They are the deserted buildings and other structures that are scattered across Bangkok. Every monument that has been abandoned has a history- sometimes a tragedy- that explains how it came to be what it is. One of these abandoned structures is a 49-storey skyscraper which has been lying vacant for 26 years. Although many people refer to it as the Ghost Tower, its real name is the Sathorn Unique Tower. What was supposed to represent class and culture in Bangkok, Thailands downtown is now a dilapidated structure covered in graffiti, trash and several ghostly rumours. People are prohibited from entering this building, although illegal visitors still manage to get inside and make videos, posting them on YouTube and other social media sites. A renowned Thai architect and developer named Rangsan Torsuwan came up with the idea for the opulent apartment building in 1990, and work on it began. He imagined a posh condominium over Bangkok for the elite. However, his dream was fleeting. Torsuwan was detained in 1993 on suspicion of planning to assassinate the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Torsuwan was declared guilty in 2008 despite the fact that the murder never took place, only to be exonerated in 2010. The Asian financial crisis hit Thailand in 1997, damaging the countrys economy. This opulent building was severely impacted by Torsuwans political drama and the nations struggling economy. The Sathorn Unique Tower, which was almost 80% finished when construction stopped, was abandoned to degradation, its 49 floors reaching nowhere. The Sathorn Unique Tower, once a place of luxury and prestige, became scorned by a scandal in 1993 that sent shockwaves across the political landscape of Thailand. #MysteriesOfTheAbandoned 9p ET on Science Channel pic.twitter.com/MUx5tzOZs5 Science Channel (@ScienceChannel) April 19, 2022 Some people believe that this building is haunted because it was built in an ancient burial place. Stories of the hauntings were fuelled after the discovery of the body of a Swedish man hanging on the 43rd floor was found in December 2014. It came as a rude shock for the photographer who had sneaked into the building to capture the sunrise with his lens. Over time, there were more accounts of ghostly encounters and the buildings ominous state and unsettling emptiness has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of such tales. The Promise, a 2017 horror movie, was shot in this structure. Corporate advertising banners and wall paintings can be seen on this building. Security is deployed around the building to stop people from entering but even the security personnel seldom dare to enter the derelict structure. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of the state institution All-Ukrainian Center of Motherhood and Childhood of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. As representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada Taras Melnychuk said on Telegram, the corresponding decision was made at a government meeting on Tuesday. In particular, the proposal of the National Academy of Medical Sciences regarding the establishment of the state institution All-Ukrainian Center of Motherhood and Childhood of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine was approved, reorganizing by merging the state institution Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology named after Academician Lukyanova of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine and the state institution Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Diagnostics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. Welfare checks and salaries of millions of Americans could stop within days if the US Congress fails to pass a budget which will lead to a damaging government shutdown in the US. It was only four months ago that the US avoided the prospect of a credit default but now the worlds largest economy is staring at a shutdown because of disarray within Republicans in the House of Representatives who are blocking attempts to pass a budget. The next financial year in the US begins on Sunday and the Republicans, who have a slim margin in the US House, are yet to pass the usual series of bills setting out departmental budgets for the next financial year as members of the far-right within the party demand deep spending cuts. It is also concerning that the GOP leadership does not have the required votes to advance the short-term spending levels, known as a continuing resolution, to keep the government open. If the government shuts down then finances of workers at national parks, museums and other sites operating on federal funding will be at risk. Funding the government is one of the most basic, fundamental responsibilities of the Congress. And if Republicans in the House dont start doing their job we should stop electing them, Democrats said, according to news agency AFP. A wary Biden administration, with eyes on reelection campaign, said that seven million people will be at risk as women and children who rely on the food aid program could see their allowances stop. Why Are Some Republicans Unhappy? Firstly, the rebel Republicans do not agree with the government spending levels agreed between Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy and secondly, requests for additional aid for Kyiv when the US economy is struggling. Parties have supported the $24 billion aid bill but some Republicans threaten to block funding measures that include the aid. Did It Happen Before? Yes, in 2018, when Donald Trump, former US president, was in power. The shutdown lasted for 35 days over border controls. The same events are happening once again with one party threatening to shut down the government to seek concessions from the other, usually without success. Trump, a frontrunner in the upcoming elections, failed as US president to secure a single concession from Democrats and ended up reopening the country. What Can the US Senate Do? Democratic majority leader Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, his Republican counterpart, two main political leaders, are discussing the prospect of a continuing resolution, including Ukraine aid. The measure has support on both sides of the Senate but will not be ready for a vote before the shutdown and also not have the support of the Republican right. Impacts Moodys warned that the latest drama could threaten the top tier status the US enjoys as the worlds largest economy. The US government employs more than two million civilian workers, as well as uniformed military personnel and federal contractors. Civil servants deemed non-essential would be asked to stay home during a shutdown, getting paid only on their return. The speaker of Canadas parliament resigned on Tuesday, days after he singled out a Ukrainian veteran who apparently fought for the Nazis during World War II for a standing ovation during a visit by Ukraines leader. It is with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as Speaker of the House of Commons, Anthony Rota told lawmakers from the parliamentary floor. The applause came as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Canadian parliament on Friday, with speaker Anthony Rota paying homage to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant. Rota hailed Hunka as a Ukrainian-Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians and a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero. But Hunka actually served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit whose crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well-documented, according to the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center. On Tuesday, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly joined a chorus of people calling on the speaker to resign. What happened on Friday is completely unacceptable, she told reporters at parliament. It as an embarrassment to the House and to Canadians, and I think the speaker should listen to members of the House and step down. Several political parties in Canada have urged Rota to step down. Rota, a Liberal MP, apologized on Sunday, saying that he had subsequently become aware of more information which caused him to regret his remarks about Hunka. This initiative was entirely my own I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, he said. Rota said he had spoken out about Hunka because he is from the lawmakers electoral district. On Monday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Rotas remarks shameful. A small faction allied with Trudeaus Liberals has called for Rota to resign while the main opposition Conservatives slammed the Trudeau administration for failing to properly vet Hunka, despite claims it had no advance notice hed been invited to the event. A top Australian envoy on Tuesday claimed China is putting together the largest conventional military buildup since the Second World War, without clarifying the strategic purpose behind the exercise. Australia has sought to stabilise its relationship with China after a difficult period, he said. China is engaging in the largest conventional military buildup that the world has seen since the Second World War. And, this buildup is happening without an explanation of its strategic purpose or any reassuring statecraft. To be clear, Australia values the productive engagement we have with China and we have sought to stabilise our relationship after a difficult period. Dialogue has recommenced, including in the important area of defence, Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, said, without elaborating on the exact area of the military buildup. China has disputes with almost all its neighbours over maritime and land borders including in the South China Sea, an area of special interest to Australia. Green was speaking here at the Kolkata Dialogue Australia and India: Working Together to Build Island State Resilience, organised by the Australia India Institute in partnership with Indias Observer Research Foundation. The Kolkata Dialogue is happening as the two-day 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference started in New Delhi on Tuesday. Australian and Indian experts deliberated at the Kolkata Dialogue on subjects such as building climate resilience in the Indo-Pacific island states, countering economic coercion and disinformation in the region. Australia and China resumed a high-level dialogue earlier this month after a hiatus of three years. But we need to acknowledge what we see in the world. And, one of those realities is military buildup and its potential to destabilise, Green said. The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of Chinas rising military manoeuvring in the region. The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has reportedly built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) seems to have hit a roadblock with Beijing refusing to expand cooperation over energy, water and climate change. According to a report in Pakistans The Express Tribune, Islamabad gave up its opposition to setting up a new imported coal-fired power plant in Gwadar and also agreed to a number of Chinese demands to address Beijings concerns. Quoting the signed minutes of the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the CPEC, the report said: The details showed that China did not agree to a host of measures that Pakistan had proposed in the areas of energy, water management, climate change and tourism in Giglit-Baltistan (G-B), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) (a reference to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) and the coastal areas. The report cited the 9-month gap between the JCC meeting and the signing of minutes as an indicator of the difference of opinion between Beijing and Islamabad. According to the report, China also did not agree to Pakistans proposal for inclusion of Water Resources Management and Climate Change and Urban Infrastructure Development in the CPEC framework. The proposal for setting up a new joint working group on water resources management and climate change was also rejected by China. Pakistan had proposed joint exploration, development, and marketing of metallic minerals and had sought Chinese technology, but the final minutes were silent on this issue as well. According to sources, after its proximity to Afghanistan, China is keen to explore newer avenues. The Chinese are also said to be upset over the security lapses in CPEC and Karachi area. The CPEC is a $62-billion corridor being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with Chinas assistance. India is opposed to the CPEC as it passes through the PoK, giving China access to the Arabian Sea through the Gwadar port in Pakistans Balochistan province. China has so far played a significant role in helping cash-strapped Pakistan by rolling over more than $5 billion in loans. The CPEC, which was initially a USD 46 billion project, later on, expanded to USD 62 billion. The key agreement for the CPEC projects was agreed in 2013 but it was formally launched when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan in 2015. The Belt and Road Initiative was launched by the Chinese President Xi in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. The BRI is seen as an attempt by China to further its influence abroad with infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments all over the world. The initiative also led to allegations of smaller countries reeling under mounting Chinese debt after Sri Lanka gave its Hambantota port in a debt swap to China in 2017 on a 99-year lease. Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry on Tuesday said that Sri Lanka did not permit Chinese ships to dock in Sri Lanka. Sabry did not refer to the ship in question directly but India in the past raised concerns about Shi Yan 6 a so-called Chinese research vessel which is slated to conduct research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). India has expressed its concern regarding this. We have now come out with an SOP, while we were making that we consulted our friends, including India, Sabry said. It remains unclear if Sabry is referring to US under secretary Victoria Nulands recent Sri Lanka visit when he made the reference to friends because Nuland raised concerns regarding Shi Yan 6 docking at the China-owned Sri Lankan port of Hambantota. Sri Lankan news outlets reported that during Nulands meeting with Sabry both discussed a standard operating procedure (SOP) to be followed by foreign ships and aircraft in carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory. As long as that complies with the SOP (there is no problem). But, if it does not comply, we have a problem. We have not given permission to come to Sri Lanka in October. Indias security concerns, which are legitimate, are very important for us because we want to keep our region as a zone of peace, Sabry further added. India has maintained that any developments in Indias neighbourhood that have a bearing on Indias security is Indias concern. What happens in our neighbourhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security obviously are of an interest to us, Union minister of external affairs S Jaishankar said while commenting on Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 which docked in Sri Lanka last year. China continues to claim that the Shi Yan 6 is a scientific research vessel crewed by 60 that carries out oceanography, marine geology and marine ecology tests. Yuan Wang 5 was also touted as a scientific research vessel but it specialises in spacecraft tracking and is capable of mapping the ocean bed, a surveillance tool critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. China requested Sri Lanka to allow Shi Yan 6 to dock in August but Sri Lanka says that there is no set date and the request was being processed. India is suspicious of Chinas increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, seeing both as firmly within its sphere of influence. China cried foul and said that it was unjustified for certain countries to cite security concerns to pressure Sri Lanka. China also runs Sri Lankas Hambantota port. They took it on a 99-year lease for $1.12 billion in 2017, less than the $1.4 billion Sri Lanka paid a Chinese firm to build it. China also owns 52% of cash-strapped Sri Lankas bilateral debt. Colombo defaulted on its $46 billion external debt in April 2022 and is facing an economic crisis. Between January and July last year, India provided Sri Lanka with $4 billion in rapid assistance via credit lines, a currency swap arrangement and deferred import payments. It owes Chinese lenders $7.4 billion. Sri Lankas parliament approved a domestic debt restructuring plan in July which remains crucial to continue the $2.9 billion bailout sanctioned by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). (with inputs from AFP, Reuters, CNN-News18, Daily MirrorSL) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make a state visit to Britain in November after accepting an invitation from King Charles III, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday. Yoon will be only the second foreign leader to make a state visit to the UK since Charles became monarch in September last year, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the first, last November. Charles, 74, and 76-year-old Queen Camilla will host Yoon, 62, and his wife Kim Keon Hee, 51, at Buckingham Palace. No date was given yet for the visit. The South Korean leader garnered global attention in April during a week-long state visit to the United States, when he surprised guests with a rendition of his favourite song, American Pie. The impromptu singing performance occurred at a White House dinner, after a request by US President Joe Biden. However, a repeat in London is seen as unlikely. State banquets in Buckingham Palaces grand ballroom are typically more sedate affairs, with speeches and toasts alongside a formal dinner. A string orchestra usually provides the musical backdrop to such events, which are normally attended by more than 160 guests. Charles and Yoon met previously at the reception for heads of state and official overseas guests at the palace on the eve of his late mothers funeral. The South Korean president, a conservative, was accused by opponents of being disrespectful during the visit, after missing the opportunity to view her coffin lying in state. He blamed that on heavy traffic. He also courted controversy last year after being caught on a microphone swearing and making disparaging comments about US lawmakers after a chat with Biden at the UN General Assembly. The footage went viral in South Korea. Yoon, who narrowly won power in a presidential election in March last year, is constitutionally prohibited from serving more than a single term, which ends in 2027. Local Armenian authorities on Tuesday said that an explosion at a fuel depot in Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds more, according to reports by the BBC and AFP. They also said that over 300 are admitted to hospitals and dozens remain in critical condition. Following the Azeri claims of takeover of the restive mountainous region, over 13,350 refugees crossed into Armenia. The explosion occurred in the city of Stepanakert, which was once a rebel stronghold. As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200. The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is home to a majority of some 120,000 ethnic Armenians. The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe. The medical capacities of Nagorno-Karabakh are not enough, Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said. There is no clarity on what caused the explosion. Here Is All You Need to Know About the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Nigers coup leaders are demanding a negotiated framework for former colonial ruler France to withdraw its troops, which Paris says will be completed by the end of the year. The new military regime said in a statement read out on national TV late on Monday that the timeframe for the pullout must be set out in a negotiated framework and by mutual agreement. It came almost two months to the day after the overthrow of Nigers democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Paris would withdraw its ambassador from Niger, followed by the French military contingent in the coming months both demands of the post-coup regime in Niamey. Regarding the ambassador, we have no comment to make about the modalities of his return, French foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre said Tuesday. The release of President Bazoum is a priority, she added. Macron, who had sought to make a special ally of Niger, said military cooperation was over and French troops would withdraw in the months and weeks to come with a full pullout by the end of the year. France keeps about 1,500 soldiers in its former West African colony as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel. The coup against Bazoum was the third such putsch in the region in as many years, following similar actions in Mali and Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022. They too forced the pullouts of French troops. Macron said on Sunday that Nigers post-coup authorities no longer wanted to fight against terrorism. Nigers rulers, who have welcomed the announcement by France, said they were waiting for it to be followed up by official actions from the French authorities. There has been no apparent signs of movement around Frances embassy in Niamey since late Sunday indicating the departure of its ambassador Sylvain Itte. Will of Nigerien people France has not recognised the authority of the military leaders and is still demanding Bazoums restoration. On August 3, the coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, before qualifying as illegal the presence of French troops on its soil. Later that month, they ordered Frances ambassador to leave the country. Paris responded that only Bazoums deposed government could order him out. Niger has welcomed Macrons announcement on Sunday as a new step towards sovereignty. This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people, the countrys military rulers said in a statement, read out on national television. Tens of thousands of people have joined demonstrations and gatherings in the Niger capital Niamey in recent weeks calling for the withdrawal of French troops from the country. The United States, which has some 1,100 military personnel in Niger, has said it will evaluate its future steps on the crisis following Frances announcement. Niger is battling two jihadist insurgencies a spillover in its southeast from a long-running conflict in neighbouring Nigeria, and an offensive in the west by militants crossing from Mali and Burkina Faso. On Tuesday, Nigers armed forces said two civilians were killed after a homemade bomb exploded in Ouro Djaladio, in the Tillaberi tri-border area where Niger meets Mali and Burkina Faso. They also said they had detained about 20 suspects in the area during several operations carried out between September 11 and 16. Sri Lankan foreign minister Aly Sabry harshly criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said his allegations against India are outrageous and unsubstantiated, referring to the North American leaders claims that India played a role in the death of Khalistani separatist-terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Canadian PM has this way of coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. I saw yesterday he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who had associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War, Sabry said. Sabry was referring to Justin Trudeau and Canadian House of Commons speaker Anthony Rota giving a standing ovation to a Ukrainian man who served in a Nazi unit during World War Two. Yaroslav Hunka, 98, was sitting in the gallery and got a standing ovation in the Canadian parliament during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to Ottawa. Trudeau said the incident was extremely embarrassing. Its extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologised. But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians, Trudeau said. Ukrainians fought on both sides for former German chancellor and dictator Adolf Hitlers Nazi Army and Russian strongman leader Stalins Red Army during World War Two. Ali Sabry also took the opportunity to claim that there was no genocide of Tamilians living in Sri Lanka during the two and half decade long period of civil war between the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam and successive Sri Lankan government. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country. So this is questionable and we have dealt with it in the past, Sabry said. I am not surprised that sometimes PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations, Sabry said. Sri Lanka engaged in a diplomatic tussle with Canada earlier this May when Trudeau said the experiences of the Tamil-Canadians affected by Sri Lankan Civil War serve as an enduring reminder that human rights, peace, and democracy cannot be taken for granted. Thats why Parliament last year unanimously adopted the motion to make May 18 Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. Sabry summoned Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh and stated that Mr. Trudeaus politically motivated statement was divisive and issued for domestic political consumption. Sri Lanka vehemently rejects this unsubstantiated allegation of genocide relating to the countrys almost 3 decades of terrorist conflict perpetuated by the LTTE, the Sri Lankan government said in May. Sri Lanka denies allegations of mass killing despite the presence of international evidence of mass civilian deaths in the final battle in Mullivaikkal in the northern Mullaitivu district in 2009. The Sri Lankan military is said to have assured that an area in Mullivaikkal was a No Fire Zone but despite that some 40,000 civilians died during the final battle. (with inputs from CNN-News18) Pakistans federal government has approved its interior ministrys plan to deport Afghan refugees, CNN-News18 has learnt. Officials alleged that Afghan refugees were involved in terrorist activities, smuggling, dollar hawala and hundi operations. Almost 1 million of these refugees will be deported in the first phase, sources told CNN-News18. Pakistan has banned the visa renewals of Afghan refugees who are residing illegally, they added. This will create more tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan following skirmishes at the border, the sources said. Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention and its 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. It governs the entry and presence of refugees under the countrys Foreigners Act, which allows authorities to apprehend, detain, and expel foreigners, including refugees and asylum seekers lacking proper documentation. The Afghanistan government recently raised serious questions about the security of its people in Pakistan after a video on social media showed an Afghan national being beaten badly by Punjab province police. Press Release September 26, 2023 Senate OKs Proposed Internet Transactions Act on Third Reading Filipinos are now a step closer to harnessing the benefits of the digital world without compromising their privacy and security after the Senate on Monday, September 25, 2023, approved on third and final reading the proposed Internet Transactions Act (ITA). Voting 20-1-0, the Senate passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1846, which seeks to ensure that all goods and services transacted digitally will be as advertised. The bill also ensures that e-commerce transactions will be reliable, secure, and accessible to all consumers. Sen. Mark Villar, sponsor of the proposed measure, thanked his colleagues for passing the measure, which is one of the 20 priority bills that the Marcos administration hoped to be passed before December 2023. "Today, we achieved the approval of the ITA on its third reading, a great feat for ITA which has been pending in this chamber since the 18th Congress," the Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship said. In a nutshell, SBN 1846 shall hold digital platforms or e-marketplaces liable, along with the online merchant or retailer, if they fail to perform their responsibilities as laid down in the bill and cause damage to the consumer. The proposed measure sets penalties for e-marketplace, e-retailer, online merchant, or digital platforms that sell illegal digital products, ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense to P500,000 to P1.5 million for the third and subsequent offenses. SBN 1846 also establishes a code of conduct for all companies involved in e-commerce in order to safeguard and advance consumer interests. The bill will also pave the way for the creation of an e-commerce bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which will oversee internet-based activities that presently lack regulation. To help the public verify information on internet transactions, the e-commerce bureau is tasked to establish and manage an online business registry of all internet merchants. Furthermore, the proposed Internet Transactions Act will empower the DTI secretary by giving it authority to issue take-down orders that will render digital platforms inaccessible in the country if the goods, services, or digital products advertised are found to be "imminently injurious, unsafe or dangerous to the public." BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Around 60 percent of Azerbaijan's agricultural product exports are directed towards the markets of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), however, the primary objective is to diversify the export of agricultural and processed products, Advisor to the Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Tural Hajili said at the II Turkic Agribusiness Forum in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, in this regard, there are a number of new projects. "The agency is targeting the European market, the Gulf, and East Asian countries to expand exports. A number of new mechanisms for possible diversification are in preparation," he said. Hajili emphasized that 326 types of agricultural products are exported from Azerbaijan, and the number of export markets is 88. Over the past three years, there has been a regular increase in the export of Azerbaijani agricultural products, he said. The value of exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products by Azerbaijan increased by 10.4 percent and amounted to $593.9 million from January through August 2023. In general, Azerbaijan's total exports in the mentioned period amounted to $24.4 billion. Azerbaijans lightning victory in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Moscow has stationed peacekeepers, shows that Russias influence is quickly dwindling in a region it has long considered its backyard, analysts say. Russia, which has been mired in Ukraine since the start of the assault last year, refused to intervene when Azerbaijan seized control of the Armenian-populated region of Karabakh last week. What happened in Karabakh would have been impossible without a systemic weakening of the Russian state, independent Caucasus expert Gela Vasadze said. Russia has no resources to shape the Caucasus affairs any longer. Over the past three decades Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. Following a six-week war in 2020 Armenian separatists ceded territory they had controlled for decades in a deal brokered by Russia. Moscow deployed some 2,000 peacekeepers mandated to ensure the safety of territories remaining under separatist control and prevent any new conflict. Armenia bitterly accused Russia of failing its mission when Azerbaijan last week launched a new offensive and took over the rest of the territory. Suitcase without a handle The hostilities that according to the separatists killed some 200 people followed a months-long blockade in Karabakh that Armenia said Russian peacekeepers had also failed to prevent. Azerbaijans one-day military operation ended on Wednesday with a separatist pledge to disarm and thousands of refugees streaming into Armenia. Russian peacekeepers turned out to be powerless in front of one of the parties Azerbaijan, said independent Russian analyst Arkady Dubnov. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not mince his words on Sunday, saying a security agreements with Russia had proved insufficient and suggesting he would seek new alliances. Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Moscow-led security alliance comprised of six post-Soviet states. The group pledges to protect other members in case of an attack. In recent days no one has mentioned the CSTO as if it does not exist, said Dubnov. And thats the truth it does not, he added, calling the alliance a suitcase without a handle hard to carry around and a shame to abandon. No vision for the future Moscow insisted that its peacekeepers were not to blame, vowed to ensure the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and said it was maintaining dialogue with Yerevan. But in a sign of rising tensions, Moscow on Monday accused the Armenian leadership of running to the West. The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenias multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, Russias foreign ministry said. This month Armenia and the United States held military drills, in the latest sign of Yerevan drifting from Moscows orbit. Russias assault on Ukraine has spurred other ex-Soviet countries to deepen alliances elsewhere. The leaders of five Central Asian former Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan met for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Last week US President Joe Biden met the leaders of the so-called C5 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Russia is losing its influence because it cant offer a vision for the future, being busy with territorial expansion, mythologising history, and looking for the future in its past, Dubnov told AFP. Azerbaijan has taken advantage of the fact that Russia is focused on the conflict with Ukraine, he added. Dubnov argued that Baku and Moscow were following the same logic as they sought to reshape their borders by force. The law of the strongest wins, and Moscow is leading by example. Vasadze suggested that Russia would seek to regain ground in Armenia by helping install a new government there. Of course, Russia wants to maintain its influence on Armenia, where it lost its main lever Karabakh, he said. It is now focusing on its goal to have a loyal government in Yerevan and Pashinyan is not fit for the role. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made unwarranted claims last week accusing India of playing a role in the death of Khalistani separatist-terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar but the Liberal Party chief has been silent on Pakistans state-sponsored terror and repression of minorities. Justin Trudeau has not only remained silent on terrorism emanating from Pakistans soil but has also remained quiet when Pakistan clamps down on the same liberties he claims to protect. Aside from issuing travel advisories, the Canadian government under Trudeaus leadership has not acted tough on Pakistan. A recent report by Foreign Policy also said that Trudeau failed to act on Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reports which claimed that Communist Party of China (CPC) is responsible for espionage and counterespionage efforts in Canada. This is in stark contrast to former US president Donald Trump who Trudeau secretly despised because they did not adhere to the same belief system who, within one year of taking office, accused Pakistan of deceiving the US and providing terrorists with safe havens with the funding it receives from the US to combat terror. Despite Canadian journalists and observers pointing out that the Khalistani separatist movement is being fuelled by Pakistan, the Canadian Prime Minister, in the name of protecting freedom of speech and freedom of conscience remains a mute spectator, as law and order situation in Canada takes a hit and divisions appear within the diaspora communities. Canadas Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) in 2022 warned that instances of funding of terrorist activity from Canadian soil has grown between 2019 to 2022 but the Trudeau government has chosen to look the other way. Funds were transferred by (so-called) Canadian citizens from Canada to shady entities in Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. A large portion of the funds suspected of supporting Daesh were sent to Turkey, often to regions or towns close to the Turkey-Syria border, a particular high-risk region for terrorist activity financing, the alert from FINTRAC said, pointing out that substantial sums of money were also sent to the Islamic State group but Trudeau has failed to publicly condemn these acts. In his almost decade-long tenure as Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau overlooked how tentacles of terrorism gripped Canada. (So-Called) Protector of Liberties The Canadian Prime Minister. who has been described as the wokest of wokes won hearts of liberals when he facilitated the granting of refuge to Pakistans Asia Bibi a woman who was on death row for alleged acts of blasphemy. Trudeau, however, steered clear of condemning lynchings and state-sponsored repression of those accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. Trudeau won praise when he condemned growing incidents of Islamophobia across the world and promised to appoint an official to curb such sentiments but has steered clear of commenting on how Pakistan is on a mission to obliterate the rights of its minorities, including Sikhs. Trudeau not condemning the death of Karima Baloch in Toronto at the hands of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) also speaks volumes about the liberal leaders attempts to keep his vote-bank intact. Baloch was a voice of the oppressed people of Balochistan. She was the harshest critic of the Pakistan military and sought political asylum and was living there since 2015 until, according to Waheed Baloch, the former speaker of Balochistan provincial Assembly, she was assassinated in Toronto by Pakistani military and ISI operatives. The Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence agency constantly intimidated her in Canada by sending threatening messages to harm her and the family. Her family was targeted in Pakistan and her uncle was arrested, tortured and executed extrajudicially while in custody, Baloch activist Nabi Bakhsh Baloch said. Even though the Baloch community highlighted that the ISI is active in Canada, the Trudeau government failed to take any action against Pakistan which was weeding out dissent on foreign soil. (with inputs from Reuters, CBC and PTI) A jury last week found a 23-year-old woman guilty of killing her mother by stabbing her nearly 30 times in the neck and beating her with an iron skillet in Ohios Akron. Sydney Powell killed her mother Brenda Powell in March 2020 by beating her in the head with an iron skillet and then proceeded to stab her because she learned that her mother came to know that she was kicked out of college. Sydney wanted to hide the news of her expulsion from her mother. The Summit County Prosecutors Office said that Akron was found guilty of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence. Brenda Powell was 50 years old at the time of her death. In March of 2020, Sydney Powell struck Brenda Powell in the head with an iron skillet, then stabbed her nearly 30 times in the neck, Summit County Prosecutors Office said in a release. A separate report by the Akron Beacon Journal said that Powell was in tears when the jury found her guilty and was crying in the Summit County Common Pleas courtroom. She is a former student of Mount Union University. Police found Brenda dead inside her Scudder Drive home with severe injuries on March 3, 2020. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but she succumbed to her injuries. Brenda was on the phone with officials from her daughters school when Sydney rushed outside and attacked her mother. Brenda was a child life specialist at Akron Childrens Hospital. Sydneys lawyers argued that Powell suffered from schizophrenia and therefore could not be held accountable for the murder, according to the New York Post. James Reardon, one of three defence experts who made the diagnosis, said the woman considered her mother her best friend and suffered a psychotic break when she killed her mom. However, Sylvia OBradovich, a psychologist hired by prosecutors, pointed out that Powell did not meet the legal definition of insanity at the time of the crime. The psychologist on the prosecutor side, however, said that Sydney suffered from mental health issues, including borderline personality traits, malingering and an anxiety disorder. The assistant prosecutor Brian Stano told the jurors that Sydney attacked her mother with the pan first and then presumably went to the kitchen with a knife. Sydney stopped attacking with the pan, presumably went to the kitchen with a knife. She had to switch weapons and keep attacking her, Stano was quoted as saying by the New York Post. Just the knife just in the neck multiple times? That is purposeful. That is trying to end someone, Stano further added. Sydney will be sentenced on September 28. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with the Ministers of Agriculture who took part in the 2nd Meeting of the Ministers in charge of Agriculture of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the 2nd Turkic Agro Business Forum on September 26, , Trend reports. The PM noted the importance of the 2nd Meeting of the Ministers in charge of Agriculture of the OTS and the 2nd Turkic Agro Business Forum, expressing confidence that these events will contribute to the development of cooperation between the Turkic states in the field of agriculture. Strengthening ties with the countries of the Turkic world is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Information was provided on the consistent measures taken in Azerbaijan towards the development of the non-oil sector. As a result of successful economic policy pursued in the country, economic diversification has been achieved, favorable conditions have been created for the development of the agricultural sector, as well as all other industries. In addition, the meeting discussed ongoing projects in the field of agriculture between Azerbaijan and the member states and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States, as well as prospects for the development of cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. To provide assistance to the people injured in an explosion at a filling station near the city of Khankendi, another ambulance with burn-treating medical supplies, dressing supplies, gloves, pharmaceutical products for 200 people have been dispatched via the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khankendi Road on September 26, the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. In accordance with the request made by the representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan at the meeting held in Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, 4 trucks with a total of 40 tons of flour, sanitary products and bedding for 500 people have been sent as well. An explosion occurred on September 25, 2023 at the filling station near the city of Khankendi. The incident has reportedly left many killed and wounded. PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has restricted unnecessary foreign travel by both Cabinet ministers and their permanent secretaries saying only trips which contribute to Zimbabwes national priorities and ultimate vision of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 will be sanctioned. In addition, the President declared that going forward, no minister and permanent secretary will be permitted to be out of the country at the same time as this would curtail their ministrys service delivery and general Government business. This comes as the Second Republic, with a brand new mandate following Zanu PF and President Mnangagwas victory in the August 23/24 elections, continues to accelerate production and productivity on all fronts. Addressing the first Cabinet meeting following his election victory, President Mnangagwa tasked ministers to expedite the implementation of ongoing as well as new policies, projects and programmes for the benefit of the people. He said the Second Republic would continue initiating people-oriented policies, programmes, and projects for the sole purpose of improving Zimbabweans livelihoods. All members remain guided by the relevant circular on foreign travel. In this regard, no minister and permanent secretary can both be out of the country at the same time, as this has negative implications on service delivery and general Government business. Further, travel outside the country will be strictly limited to those programmes which are of strategic importance and contribute to our countrys national priorities. As the Executive arm of Government, our policies, programmes and projects should remain people-centred for an improved quality of life for all our people. Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi follow proceedings during the first Cabinet meeting at State House in Harare yesterday Production and productivity across all sectors must be accelerated. All projects and programmes embarked on during the First Term of the Second Republic should be completed speedily. This calls for hard work and focus from all of you, he said. The President implored Cabinet members to ensure their ministries facilitate the ease of doing business, pursuant to promoting Zimbabwe as an investment and tourism destination of choice. To this end, President Mnangagwa directed Cabinet to expedite the attainment of set targets across all sectors, while reiterating that ministers were free to come and consult him for guidance. Henceforth, it is critical for Cabinet members to be responsive and robustly track and facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes that quicken the attainment of set goals. My office remains open for any guidance and support. Further, as ministers, you are required to ensure that your ministries facilitate the ease of doing business in line with our private sector-led development strategy and quest to make Zimbabwe an investment and tourism destination of choice, he said. President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic would remain seized with consolidating food security, especially considering prospects of a drought this season. In this regard, he reiterated the need for the adoption of climate smart agriculture by farmers and pursuance of export markets more aggressively. Cabinet remains seized with consolidating food security at both household and national levels. Although weather forecasts point to El-Nino, we remain hopeful that our country will receive good rainfall to give further impetus to the growth of agriculture and the agro-industrial sector. In view of climate change, our people should be encouraged to practise climate-proofed and smart agriculture according to ecological regions. Agriculture export markets must be pursued more vigorously, President Mnangagwa said. The Second Republic, he said, would tirelessly pursue improved access and affordability of basic services, while emphasising that the regularisation of informal settlements remained a top Government priority. He said infrastructure development would also be expedited especially now that the country was approaching the rainy season. Ministers at the first Cabinet meeting at State House yesterday. Picture Innocent Makawa Further, we must scale up the provision of accessible and affordable social services for our people, in particular those in rural areas who bore the brunt of the arduous 16-year war of liberation. Successes have been scored to reduce the infrastructure deficit throughout the country. The regularisation of informal settlements should be given urgent priority. Our ongoing Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme will be scaled up ahead of the rainfall season, said the President. Turning to the mining sector, President Mnangagwa said following the surpassing of the US$12 billion mining industry target, the sector would continue performing beyond expectations. He said Zimbabwe would continue making concerted strides in accelerating its modernisation and industrialisation agenda. As much as possible, the use of local, human, financial and material resources in project implementation must be the norm. Leveraging on our abundant natural resource and human capital base as well as the science, technology and innovation revolution, we must leap frog the modernisation and industrialisation of our country. Riding on the success of the US$12 billion mining industry target, which we have already achieved, our mining sector must continue to be a source of employment, foreign currency earnings technology and skills transfer as well as the overall development of our respective communities, he said. President Mnangagwa said transparency and accountability would remain the Second Republics hallmark. It is imperative that we continue to refine and perfect our procurement system in order to promote value for money in all Government programmes and projects. Transparency and accountability must remain the hallmark of this Administration. The recently gazetted Statutory Instrument No. 156/2023 on the Mutapa Investment Fund has far reaching implications to our State Owned Enterprises as well as the state of our economy as a whole. I expect Cabinet to play its part in line with the overall vision of this new development. Herald THERE was outrage in the medical fraternity following the death of a Manicaland-based medical doctor in a road accident last Friday night. Mthabisi Nembaware was a passenger in a vehicle whose tyre burst along the Hauna-Mutare Highway. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and was initially stabilised at Mutare Provincial Hospital. However, due to the lack of a functional intensive care unit at Manicalands largest referral hospital, which is currently operating with an inefficient ambulance system, he could not be airlifted to Harare for specialised medical care because the Mutare airport had malfunctioning landing lights. Nembaware succumbed to the injuries at around 11pm on Friday night. The medical doctor, who reportedly was returning from duty at Hauna Hospital when the accident occurred, was betrayed by a system which he diligently served, stakeholders in the medical fraternity charged. In response to the tragic turn of events, doctors and experts from across the board expressed grief over Nembawares fate. Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary Norman Matara said: The circumstances surrounding the death of Dr Mthabisi Nembaware are just the ripple effects of a failed health delivery system and a failed State. It is unfortunate that Zimbabwean citizens continue to lose their lives through avoidable deaths. While we acknowledge that people even in developed countries die from accidents, citizens should be given a chance to live through timely and appropriate emergency healthcare services. Dr Nembaware wasnt able to get that. His death serves as another reminder to the government of Zimbabwe to introspect and seriously invest in healthcare so that we address these challenges that have been there for decades and continue to claim lives of innocent citizens. Health expert Hamadziripi Dube said the operating system had let them down and that a relook was inevitable. There is no proper system in place to provide private transportation for doctors and we call upon the government to re-introduce the systems that were in place soon after independence, Dube said. Serious intervention is needed. Some time back, there were vehicle loans for medical personnel, where they could purchase personal vehicles, but right now, that privilege is not there. It is a call for the government to revisit all the statutory instruments that were (in place) in the (late former President Robert) Mugabe era. Added Dube: The second republic has removed a number of things that were being done to assist medical personnel. Doctors working in the rural areas need to be incentivised. There are a number of things which are non-monetary. If it was private transport, it was going to be something else, but look, a medical doctor died in a public transport, a mushikashika vehicle. It is a call for the government to intervene, he added. The 30 helicopters bought by government from Russia last year as air ambulances were in no show at the critical moment for Nembaware, who will be buried today in Chiware village, Makoni district, Manicaland province. Another health expert, Josephat Chiripanyanga, said Nembawares ordeal was a reflection of how medical personnel suffer to save lives. He expressed worry over the manner in which Nembaware died. As medical practitioners, it is sad that we failed to save one of our own, which also goes a long way to express the challenges we face in the medical fraternity. If it is difficult to save one of our own, how difficult is it going to be to save even the generality of our patients? Chiripanyanga said. As such, we encourage the government and implore it to improve the health delivery systems, especially when it comes to referrals, availability of ambulances, air ambulances, helicopters and all those things to the general public and to be easily accessible and affordable. The systems should also be upgraded to work properly to provide better services to the general public. We plead with the newlyappointed Minister of Health, Dr Douglas Mombeshora to improve issues to do with air ambulances, helicopters and things like that so that we can be able to transfer patients on time. He added: We are asking the government to ensure that specialist services are available in all provinces and even in rural setups. We are pleading with the government to be able to provide all the specialists to man the health institutions so that they are able to provide emergency services without having to worry over transporting patients for such services. On Saturday, nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital expressed shock that the system Nembaware had served failed to save him. If that can happen to a government doctor, what more about us mere nurses. We can imagine how even the poor man on the street can be saved, the nurses said. Contacted for comment, Mombeshora said he was not aware of the death of Nembaware. I have been out the whole day attending Chitungwiza (Central) Hospital CEO [chief executive officer] Michael Chiwangas funeral. I am yet to be apprised on that, he said. Newsday London police declined the British army's offer of soldiers to help after more than 100 officers refused to take part in armed patrols over the weekend. The police action was a response to a colleague being charged last week with murder in the shooting death of Chris Kaba, an unarmed 24-year-old man, last September, CBS News reports. "There is a concern on the part of firearms officers that even if they stick to the tactics and training they have been given, they will face years of protracted legal proceedings which impact on their personal wellbeing and that of their family," London Police Commissioner Mark Rowley wrote in an open letter released Sunday. Authorities have not identified the firearms officer who shot Kaba. It's rare for a murder charge to be filed against a UK police officer, per the Voice of America. It's also rare for police to discharge a weapon: 10 firearms operations conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in England and Wales involved officers firing. Fewer than 10% of London officers carry a firearm, which is allowed only after intensive training. The BBC reported that more than 100 firearms officers put down their weapons over the weekend. Police officials told the Defense Ministry they now have enough officers willing to carry a weapon; the soldiers would have performed support roles. Police said they stopped Kaba, a Black man, because there was an alert out on the car he was in. An officer standing in front of the car fired one shot through the windshield, hitting Kaba in the head. The unidentified officer was suspended and is out on bail ahead of a trial scheduled for next year, per the Washington Post. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Monday that police officers need clarity about the legal powers they have when on the job. (Read more London stories.) The island of K'Gari off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has around as many dingoes as peopleand even boats aren't safe from the wild dogs when they're looking for food. Tourists on the island, formerly known as Fraser Island, recorded video of a dingo that swam out to their unoccupied boat and back while it was anchored offshore and ran off with something in its mouth, UPI reports. "This clever dingo managed to make 3 trips to the boat and back while we were running back from the Sunset Bar to stop him," Sarah Isobel wrote in a Facebook post. A white Texas gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack on Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart in 2019 agreed Monday to pay more than $5 million to families of the victims. Patrick Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in July after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges following one of the nation's worst mass killings. US District Judge David Guaderrama signed off on the amount that Crusius must pay in restitution, the AP reports: $5,557,005.55. In January, the Justice Department proposed changes to how it runs federal prisoners' deposit accounts in an effort to make sure victims are paid restitution, including from some high-profile inmates with large balances. The move came as the Justice Department has faced increased scrutiny after revelations that several high-profile inmates had kept large sums of money in their prison accounts but had only made minimal payments to their victims. The El Paso Times points out it's unlikely Crusius, who was appointed publicly funded attorneys for both his federal and state cases, has assets or money approaching the amount owed. Police say Crusius drove more than 700 miles from his home near Dallas to target Hispanics with an AK-style rifle inside and outside the El Paso store. Moments before the attack began, Crusius posted a racist screed online that warned of a Hispanic "invasion" of Texas. Crusius pleaded guilty in February after federal prosecutors took the death penalty off the table. But Texas prosecutors have said they will try to put Crusius on death row when he stands trial in state court. That trial date has not yet been set. (Read more El Paso shooting stories.) If anyone else had come upon the wooden arrow with feather fletching and a quartzite tip, they might have thought it was new. But as the New York Times reports, glacial archaeologist Espen Finstad immediately suspected the arrow he found this month in the Jotunheimen mountains of eastern Norway was very oldsome 3,000 years old, in fact. The remarkable find, which has not yet been carbon-dated, is one of numerous artifacts to emerge from melting ice in Norway in recent years. Archaeologists have discovered roughly 250 artifacts this year alone. But "I've never seen something like this before," Finstad tells the Times, "because it was so complete." Though the arrow itself is broken into three pieces, the arrowhead and fletching remain attached, per the Times. Typically, archaeologists are "sort of guessing at the big picture from whatever was robust enough to weather through the centuries," but this "leaves nothing to the imagination," says William Taylor, an archaeologist at the University of Colorado, Boulder, who searches for similar discoveries amid melting ice in Mongolia. Finstad counts the arrow, believed to have belonged to a reindeer hunter of the late Stone Age or early Bronze Age, among this "top 10" favorite discoveries, which is saying something. He and his colleagues at Secrets of the Ice, a cooperative project between the Innlandet County Municipality and University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History, claim to have discovered more than 3,700 artifacts across 65 sites, per Discover Magazine. They've found thousands of sticks used to scare reindeer into the path of hunters, various arrows, bows, a spear, a 1,000-year-old pine whisk, a wood-handled iron knife, a mitten dating to AD 1000, and a complete tunic dating to AD 300, among other finds. In addition to the arrow with feathers, archaeologists this month discovered an intact wooden arrow with a freshwater pearl mussel as an arrowhead, per Discover. story continues below "It looks like it was lost last year, but the arrow is around 3,300 years old," Secrets of the Ice wrote in a Sept. 13 post on X, accompanied by a photo. "It doesn't get much better than this." "Such shell arrowheads are only known in Norway and in northwest America," Lars Holger Pilo, another Secrets of the Ice archaeologist, tells Discover. Taylor notes archaeologists around the world are racing to find such artifacts revealed by melting ice before they're destroyed by the elements. "This is a discipline that exists almost exclusively because we are in the sort of throes of catastrophic global climate change," he tells the Times. (Read more discoveries stories.) Two people showed up at an abandoned South Carolina house where four teenagers were hanging out and opened fire, killing three of them and wounding the fourth in an escalation of an old quibble over a burglary, authorities said Monday in Columbia. A 17-year-old Eau Claire High School student was arrested on three counts of murder, one of attempted murder, and one of possessing a weapon during a violent crime, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said Monday. Officials are still looking for other people, he said. The teenagers who were killed also attended Eau Claire High School, according to a statement from Craig Witherspoon, the district superintendent. The lone survivor went to a nearby middle school, the AP reports. The district provided additional counseling and security at the high school Monday in response to the "unimaginable tragedy," which Witherspoon decried as "senseless gun violence." Sheriff's deputies responded to the shooting in Columbia, the state capital, just after 2pm Sunday, the sheriff's department said. After the two shooters opened fire, they followed the victims as they fled to the backyard and continued firing, according to a redacted incident report. It was part of a "beef" that Lott said began two years ago with a burglary. Three victims who were 16 and 17 years old died at the hospital, and the fourth victim, who is 14, was released, the sheriff's department said. The sheriff would not say how the weapons were obtained. He did say that too many Columbia gunowners leave their firearms in cars, where they are easily stolen. The city had 100 vehicle break-ins this past weekend, Lott said, adding that he was holding a news conference to address "something that seems to be recurring" in Columbia and nationwide. Nine people ages 16 to 20 were injured in a park shooting this spring at an event involving students from Columbia-area high schools, officials noted. story continues below Witherspoon and other elected officials called for more out-of-school programming by churches, schools and governments. Richland County Councilmember Gretchen Barron said lawmakers cannot legislate "good behavior" and "healthy choices," per the AP. "We need everybody in the village that's standing behind me and the village that's out there listening to this," Lott said. "We need to do more. This proves that we haven't done enough." (Read more South Carolina stories.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. We are in regular contact with the ICRC and also directly with representatives of Armenian residences in Karabakh to be responsive to humanitarian needs on the ground, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev wrote on his page on X (Twitter), Trend reports. Earlier last night, there was an explosion at a gas station in Khankendi. It should be noted that an ambulance with medicines against burns, dressing materials, gloves, and medicines was sent along the Aghdam-Askeran-Khankendi road on September 26 to treat 200 people injured in an explosion at a gas station near the town of Khankendi. Donald Trump apparently was just browsing at a South Carolina gun store on Monday, which works because it's not clear that he's allowed to buy a firearm anyway. A campaign spokesman had tweeted that the former president purchased a Glock firearm while in Summerville for a campaign appearance, the Hill reports. The aide, Steven Cheung, posted a video showing Trump pointing to a Glock, saying he wanted it, and posing with it. A video posted by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene also showed Trump posing with the semi-automatic firearm. While Donald Trump is shunning Republican debates, one of his rivals for the GOP nomination has agreed to debate somebody he isn't even running against. Fox News says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has agreed to debate California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Nov. 30, NBC News reports. Fox says the debate will be moderated by Sean Hannity and will air from Georgia at 9pm Eastern. On the campaign trail, DeSantis has been slamming the Democratic governor on issues including homelessness and the response to the pandemic. "I look forward to the opportunity to debate Gavin Newsom over our very different visions for the future of our country," DeSantis said Monday in a post on X. DeSantis accepted Newsom's challenge to a debate in August, but it took weeks to hammer out the details, the New York Times reports. "We've agreed to the debateprovided there is no cheering section, no hype videos or any of the other crutches DeSantis requested. We want a real debate not a circus," Newsom spokesman Nathan Click said Monday. Newsom has said he has no intention of challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination, though DeSantis spokesman Andrew Romeo suggested he could still become the nominee. Both Democrats "offer the same failed and dangerous ideology for America that helped get us in this mess," Romeo said. "We look forward to putting Ron DeSantis' record of success up against it." Hannity said he is "looking forward to providing viewers with an informative debate about the everyday issues and governing philosophies that impact the lives of every American." The Times notes that DeSantis' decision to debate someone who isn't running for the same office is "nearly without precedent" for a presidential candidateand will likely be seen as a sign of how far he has fallen behind Trump. (Read more Ron DeSantis stories.) David McCallum, the Scottish-born actor who became a teen heartthrob in the hit series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in the 1960s and was the eccentric medical examiner in the popular NCIS 40 years later, has died. He was 90. McCallum died Monday of natural causes surrounded by family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, CBS said in a statement, per the AP . "He was a true Renaissance manhe was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge," his son Peter said in a statement. "For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS." McCallum, the son of musicians, trained at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He appeared in such films as A Night to Remember, The Great Escape, and The Greatest Story Ever Told. But it was The Man From U.N.C.L.E. that made the blond actor with the Beatlesque haircut a household name and teen heartthrob in the mid-'60s. The success of the James Bond books and films had set off a chain reaction, with secret agents proliferating on large and small screens. Indeed, Bond creator Ian Fleming contributed ideas as The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was being developed, according to Jon Heitland's The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Book. The show, which debuted in 1964, starred Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, an agent in a secretive, high-tech squad of crimefighters for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Despite the Cold War, the agency had an international staff, with McCallum as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick. The role was relatively small at first, McCallum recalled, saying in 1998 that "I'd never heard of the word 'sidekick' before." The show drew mixed reviews but eventually caught on. By 1965, Illya was a full partner to Vaughn's character, and both stars were mobbed during personal appearances. The series lasted till 1968. McCallum returned to television in 2003 in another series with an agency known by its initialsCBS' NCIS. He played Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, a bookish pathologist for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, an agency handling crimes involving the Navy or the Marines. story continues below McCallum said he thought Ducky, who sported glasses and a bow tie and had an eye for attractive women, "looked a little silly, but it was great fun to do." He called Mallard his favorite role after Julius Caesar, per the New York Times. McCallum was absorbed by the part, studying with pathologists and watching autopsies, reaching the point that the show's writers asked him for technical advice. Before landing the part, he hadn't been sure he'd ever leave the U.N.C.L.E. role behind. "It's been 30 years, but I can't escape him," McCallum told the Times in 1998. "Illya Kuryakin is there 24 hours a day." (Read more obituary stories.) A flight from Ecuador to Florida experienced turbulence so bad it landed eight people in the hospital on Monday. As JetBlue Flight 1256 approached Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it encountered "sudden severe turbulence" around Jamaica, according to the airline. It landed safely and was met by medical personnel, ABC News reports. Seven passengers and one crew member were taken to the hospital. Fox Weather has a map showing the plane's path as it veered to the right off its intended flight path and then made a quick jog back to the left, and the outlet notes that per FlightAware, there were thunderstorms in the area. In just about one minute, the plane ascended 600 feet and then descended 400 feet. When Republicans take the stage Wednesday night for the second debate of the 2024 primary season, there will be one fewer candidate. Asa Hutchinson, the former Arkansas governor who participated in the first debate, did not make the cut for Wednesday's, so he'll be holding a press conference in Michigan instead. The Republican National Committee announced Monday night that the other seven candidates who participated the first time around did make the cut, which included donor requirements (at least 50,000 unique donors, at least 200 of which had to come from at least 20 states or territories), polling requirements (3% or more support in two national polls or 3% in one national poll plus two polls from Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina), and the signing of a pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee. A Chinese dissident known for his commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre is currently holed up in a Taiwan airport, pleading for asylum from the United States, or Canada if the US won't take him. Chen Siming has been hunkered down since Friday at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, after fleeing Thailand out of fear that country would deport him back to China. He tells the AP that, since 2017, police in China had detained him for his activism over the Tiananmen Square killings, sometimes for weeks at a time. In July, feeling "increasing pressure and scrutiny from authorities," Chen finally fled China, heading first to Laos, then crossing over into Thailand in August, per CNN . But Chen didn't feel safe there, eitherCNN notes Thailand's "often friendly links with Beijing" and the fact that dissidents there have ended up detained beforeand so he made his way to Taiwan last week. "The Chinese police's ... methods directed towards me were becoming more and more cruel and crazy," he said in a video posted on the X social media platform, per the AP. "They detained me at will without following legal procedures ... I can no longer continue to accept the ravaging of my personal dignity, the trampling of my honor, and the threat to my body." The Taipei Times notes that post has since been deleted. As for returning to China, "given the current political climate ... there is no space for me to operate there," Chen tells CNN. The AP notes that what happens next to Chen may be "complicated." Taiwan doesn't have an official program for handling refugees, though it has decriminalized migrants arriving in search of political asylum, notes the Guardian. Chen says he's "willing to wait for months" in the airport. "Taiwan has democracy and liberty as its shelter, so Taiwan is safe for me personally," he says from his temporary home in the airport's transit lounge. "But security is not my first option in where I settle; I have a lot of work to do in the US." story continues below Human rights advocates are asking Taiwan to help grant Chen's wish. "If Chen Siming is returned to China, he faces an almost certain risk of detention, torture, and other ill treatment, and an unfair trial," a spokesperson for the Chinese Human Rights Defenders group tells the AP. Thailand's Mainland Affairs Council tells CNN, "With regard to the matter of Chinese dissident Chen Siming being stranded at the Taoyuan International Airport, the government is currently working on it, and is not able to share relevant details." (Read more Chinese dissidents stories.) A pair of front-row balcony tickets to Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865the night President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Boothhave sold at auction for $262,500, according to a Boston-based auction house. The tickets are stamped with the words "Ford's Theatre, APR 14, 1865, This Night Only." They bear the left-side imprint "Ford's Theatre, Friday, Dress Circle!" and are filled out in pencil with section ("D") and seat numbers "41" and "42," according to RR Auction. The handwritten seating assignments and the circular April 14th-dated stamp match those found on other known authentic tickets, including a used ticket stub in the collection of Harvard University's Houghton Library, auction officials said, per the AP. The Harvard stub, which consists of just the left half of the ticket, is the only other used April 14th Ford's Theatre ticket known to still exist, with similar seat assignments filled out in pencil and a stamp placed identically to the ones on the tickets auctioned off Saturday. Just after 10pm the night Lincoln was shot, during the third act of the play Our American Cousin, Booth entered the presidential box at the theater in Washington, DC, and shot Lincoln. As Lincoln slumped forward in his seat, Booth jumped onto the stage and fled out a back door. The stricken president was examined by a doctor in the audience and carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died early the next morning. Booth evaded capture for 12 days but was eventually tracked down at a Virginia farm and fatally shot. Also sold at Saturday's auction was a Lincoln-signed first edition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which fetched nearly $594,000. (Read more Abraham Lincoln stories.) President Biden flew to Michigan Tuesday and did something no sitting president has ever done : He joined a picket line. "You deserve the significant raise you need," Biden told striking United Auto Workers in Van Buren Township, via a bullhorn. The AP reports that he walked along the line outside the GM parts distribution warehouse and exchanged fist bumps and words of support with the striking workers. He also encouraged them to "stick with it" and answered yes to a question of whether they deserved a 40% raise. "I've marched a lot of UAW picket lines when I was a senator, since 1973, but I'll tell you what, this is the first time I've ever done it as the president," Biden said, per CNN. The president spoke briefly, for less than two minutes. "Folks, you've heard me say many times, Wall Street didn't build this country, the middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class!" Biden said. "That's a fact, so let's keep going. You deserve what you've earned, and you've earned a hell of a lot more than you're getting paid." Former President Trump arrives in Detroit on Wednesday in his own bid to woo striking auto workers. (Read more UAW strike stories.) Shakira is due to stand trial in November on tax fraud charges in Spainbut even if the Colombian pop star is acquitted, her legal troubles will be far from over. The 46-year-old "Queen of Latin Pop" has been charged with tax evasion a second time, the BBC reports. She is accused of failing to pay $7.1 million in income tax to Spain in 2018. Prosecutors say she dodged the tax by using "companies domiciled in countries with low taxation and high opacity," reports Reuters. In the trial due to start Nov. 20, Shakira is charged with evading around $15 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014 and could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. No trial date has been set for the new charge. September has brought a loss of 5.2% so far for the S&P 500, putting it on track to be the worst month of the year by far, as the realization sets in that the Federal Reserve will indeed keep interest rates high for a long time. That growing understanding has sent yields in the bond market to their highest levels in more than a decade, which in turn has undercut prices for stocks and other investments. On Wall Street, the vast majority of stocks fell Tuesday, including 90% of those within the S&P 500. Big Tech stocks tend to be among the hardest hit by high rates, and they were the heaviest weights on the index, the AP reports. Apple fell 2.3% and Microsoft lost 1.7%. Amazon tumbled 4% after the Federal Trade Commission and 17 state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit against it. They accuse the e-commerce behemoth of using its dominant position to inflate prices on other platforms, overcharge sellers and stifle competition. Cintas dropped 5.3% for the largest loss in the S&P 500, even though the provider of employee uniforms, mops, fire extinguishers, and other services reported stronger profit for its latest quarter than analysts expected. It also raised its forecast for profit for the full fiscal year, but still within a range that many analysts earlier expected. story continues below Treasury yields rose again Thursday following a mixed batch of reports on the economy. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged up to 4.55% from 4.54% late Monday and is near its highest level since 2007. One economic report on Tuesday showed confidence among consumers was weaker than economists expected. That's concerning because strong spending by US households has been a bulwark keeping the economy out of a long-predicted recession. A separate report said sales of new homes across the country slowed by more last month than economists expected, while a third report suggested manufacturing in Maryland, the Virginias, and the Carolinas may be steadying itself following a more than yearlong slump. (Read more stock market stories.) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Establishment of direct land, including railroad connection, with Nakhchivan and other regions of Azerbaijan will further strengthen ties between Turkiye and Azerbaijan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters, Trend reports. "In this regard, we will do our best to ensure that the Zangezur corridor opens soon. The realization of this very important project for Turkiye and Azerbaijan is a strategic issue. With the opening of this corridor, a car or train from Baku will be able to arrive directly to Kars. Turkish-Azerbaijani brotherhood will be further strengthened. It is gratifying that positive signals are coming from Iran on this issue," Erdogan added. Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Azerbaijan. During the meeting held in Nakhchivan, a number of documents were signed between the two countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan also participated in the ceremony of laying the foundation of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline and opening of the Nakhchivan Military Restoration and Production Complex. Sorry! This content is not available in your region The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi had a thorough exchange of views on the situation in Karabakh and the problems of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Trend reports via the Kremlin website. It is noted that during the telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin informed about the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh. The sides expressed mutual interest in the activation of the work of the consultative regional platform "3+3" (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, plus Russia, Iran, and Turkiye). While considering the bilateral agenda, both sides expressed satisfaction with the constructive and mutually beneficial nature of the Russian-Iranian cooperation. The sides reaffirmed their intention to further strengthen trade-economic ties, promote large joint projects in the energy and transportation sectors, and expand contacts in business circles and tourism exchanges. Ebrahim Raisi thanked him for supporting Iran's application to join BRICS. The sides discussed steps to ensure Iran's smooth accession to the full-fledged activities of the BRICS, taking into account Russia's chairmanship in 2024. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Reported by Ashen Tharaka Over 500,000 Indian tourists visited Bahrain in the first half of 2023, up 87% from over 270,000 in the same period in the previous year. The data was revealed by Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Vinod K. Jacob during a reception organised by the Bahrain-India Society at the Crowne Plaza Hotel yesterday. The event was attended by top businessmen from both India and Bahrain. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jacob highlighted the importance of strengthening the economic and commercial ties between the two countries. As of mid-September 2023, the embassy has issued a total of 3,904 visas, of which 64% were tourist visas. On the other hand, I would like to welcome more Bahraini friends to visit India for leisure, business, education, and cultural purposes, he said. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Abdulrahman Mohammed Juma, Chairperson of the Bahrain-India Society, said that the Ambassador would support the Bahrain-India Society in its efforts to promote business between the two communities. We are interested in setting up businesses in Bahrain and attracting Bahraini companies or investors to set up businesses in suitable Indian areas. The main aim of todays event is to welcome His Excellency the Ambassador and to slowly promote business for both communities, he said. The event was a success, and it is hoped that it will lead to increased cooperation and collaboration between the business communities of India and Bahrain. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Bahrain, a global network of more than 18,000 influential business owners, welcomed entrepreneurs from Bahrain to achieve their full potential through life-enhancing connections that lead to infinite possibilities. EO Bahrain has 44 members, with a median sales of $2.11 million and 3,672 employees. At a press conference held at the Gulf Hotel yesterday with the participation of board members of EO Bahrain, Bob Thakar, President of EO Bahrain, said that EO is well-connected to other organisations and societies and that its members are actively involved in the business community. We have four or five members who are involved in the Chamber of Commerce committees. We have members who are in other societies as well. So, yes, we are well-connected, and we can really be sharing knowledge and information, he said. Ahmed Shah, Learning Chair of EO Bahrain, highlighted the importance of learning within the organisation. He said, Every year we combine our calendar after June to see how many learning units we can have. This year, we have almost 18 learning units. EO Bahrain offers a variety of events and programmes to help entrepreneurs learn and grow, including keynote speakers, momentum speakers, wow events, workshops, ITP events, and EO Talks. Osama Al Said, Acceleration Chair of EO Bahrain, highlighted the success of the organisations acceleration programs. Last time, 11 members of the exclusive programmes graduated, which is 46%thats higher than the global percentage, which is 16%, he said. EO Bahrain is committed to helping entrepreneurs achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth of the Bahraini economy. The organisation provides its members with the resources, support, and connections they need to succeed. AFP | Cairo The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Egypt will hold a presidential vote on December 10-12, election officials said yesterday. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former army chief in power for nearly a decade, has yet to formally announce his candidacy, but state-aligned media has already published messages of support from pro-government entities. Sisi, 68, was first elected in 2014, the year after he led the ouster of late Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, and then won a 2018 vote in a landslide against one of his own supporters. Only two other candidates have so far declared their intention to run this time, including opposition politician Ahmed al-Tantawi, who has for months denounced harassment by security forces. The election had initially been expected in the spring of 2024. Some experts have said it was moved forward to schedule it ahead of a possible switch to a flexible exchange rate that could exacerbate social tensions in the country of 105 million. The vote will be held on December 10, 11 and 12, said National Election Authority chairman Judge Walid Hassan Hamza. Hopefuls can apply from October, with the candidate list to be finalised by November 9. The campaign period runs until November 29 and the winner will be announced on December 18. The upcoming election is already fraught with accusations of repression and harassment of other potential candidates. At least 35 of Tantawis supporters have been detained, rights groups say. The former parliamentarian says his phone has been tapped since September 2021. The University of Torontos Citizen Lab has attributed the attack to the Egyptian government with high confidence. Farid Zahran, president of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, has also announced his intention to run. He has called for guarantees to ensure democratic elections that could help choose the right candidate to lead Egypt out of the economic crisis. Opposition politician Hisham Kassem had also been a potential presidential candidate, his Free Current political coalition said last week. But he is barred from running by a six-month prison sentence for defamation and contempt of officials. The elections were likely brought forward for reasons related to the economic situation, according to Mustapha Kamel al-Sayyid, professor of political science at Cairo University. Egypt has battled its worst-ever economic crisis since early last year. The currency has lost half its value since March 2022 in a series of devaluations that have sent consumer prices spiralling in the import-dependent economy. Last year, the International Monetary Fund approved a $3 billion loan for Egypt conditioned on a permanent shift to a flexible exchange rate regime. The IMF agreement had certain conditions that Egypt has not fulfilled, chief among which was the full flotation of the pound, Sayyid told AFP, adding that this led to two IMF visits being postponed this year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijani police officers handed out cookies to Armenian residents of Karabakh who found themselves in a traffic jam while traveling in their own cars, Trend reports. The footage was circulated on social networks. These images once again testify to the humanity of the Azerbaijani side. Despite the fact that Karabakh residents of Armenian origin used to refuse to accept aid from Azerbaijan, now, as seen in the footage, they welcome it positively. Even people of Armenian origin who voluntarily leave Karabakh express satisfaction with the treatment and behavior of the Azerbaijani police towards them. Moreover, according to the agreements reached at the meetings held between the central government of Azerbaijan and representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh, the Azerbaijani side provides various assistance to the Armenian residents of Karabakh. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Switch Health invites women across Canada to take control of their health with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind at-home HPV testing kit. The Switch Health HPV Collection Kit allows for prompt, routine HPV (human papillomavirus) testing from the privacy of their own home. Switch Health Launches At-Home HPV Test, a First of Its Kind in Canada (CNW Group/Switch Health) Routine HPV testing is crucial, especially for sexually active individuals, particularly those over the age of 25. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 168 women is expected to develop cervical cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 478 will succumb to it. In 2020, it was estimated that 1,300 Canadians would be diagnosed with cervical cancer, with 400 losing their lives to the disease. The current recommendation advises a Pap test every three years for sexually active individuals. A Pap test collects cervical cells to detect anomalies, while an HPV test specifically identifies the virus, which can lead to the development of precancerous cells. "HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, and most carriers exhibit no symptoms. By focusing on HPV testing, we can reduce HPV diagnoses across the province, subsequently lowering the risk of future cervical cancer cases. With at-home testing, Canadians can take their health into their own hands and proactively conduct testing when necessary," states Dr. Nancy Durand, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. "Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable and highly treatable when detected and treated early, which underscores the critical importance of HPV testing, even for those who have received the HPV vaccine." Cervical cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers among Canadian women. A survey conducted in collaboration with Switch Health and Angus Reid Group revealed that 84 percent of adult Canadian women identify the risk of cervical cancer as their primary motivation for undergoing routine Pap tests, with 92 percent expressing interest in an at-home testing option. While well-informed about HPV and the significance of Pap tests, four out of five women surveyed find Pap tests uncomfortable. More than half (54 percent) of women find Pap tests inconvenient. Two-thirds (65 percent) of women are inclined to use an HPV test, with one-third (31 percent) strongly indicating their willingness to do so. The COVID-19 pandemic has made many Canadians more amenable to the concept of at-home testing. In fact, the majority of women surveyed expressed comfort with conducting an at-home HPV test, with 70 percent comfortable with self-administration and 78 percent comfortable picking up the test kit at a pharmacy. "Women are missing their Pap smear to detect cervical cancer for reasons that include lack of access to a doctor, general discomfort with the status-quo or living far away from care," notes The Honourable Rona Ambrose, former Federal Minister of Health. "Nobody should die of cervical cancer, especially when a simpler test can provide early detection. This at-home HPV test kit comes at a crucial time so women can feel reassured they are taking care of their own health." At Switch Health, we are committed to supporting our customers in their healthcare journey. If an individual receives a positive result but lacks a family doctor, Switch Health will try to facilitate access to a follow-up consult through our network of healthcare partners. For more information about the Switch Health HPV at-home test kit, please visit www.switchhealth.ca/hpv to learn more or to purchase a test kit. Dr. Nancy Durand and Switch Health Co-Founder Mary Langley are available for interviews upon request. About the Survey: Survey Methodology: These findings are based on a study conducted by Switch Health from October 4th to October 6th, 2022, among a representative sample of n=1000 online Canadian women aged 18-54 years (excluding Quebec) who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. About Switch Health: Switch Health is a health technology company on a mission to make health diagnostics accessible to all Canadians. This mission drives the company's decentralized testing model and discreet home self-collection kits, covering various aspects of general health, wellness, and specific disease areas. Switch Health specializes in the intersection of diagnostics and logistics, utilizing state-of-the-art lab diagnostics through their laboratory partnership network, including Canada's leading laboratories and their own ISO-certified laboratory, Bio-Test Laboratory. SOURCE Switch Health For further information: For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Sarah Kabani, Hill + Knowlton Strategies, E: [email protected], M: 416 413 4579 The Tim Hortons Orange Sprinkle Donut fundraising campaign was developed in 2021 by a group of Indigenous Tim Hortons restaurant owners and to date has raised over $2.6 million for Indigenous organizations. for Indigenous organizations. Orange Sprinkle Donut sales are being donated to the Orange Shirt Society, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, and New Pathways Foundation in Quebec . TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Tim Hortons and its restaurant owners across Canada are proud to share that for a third year in a row the Orange Sprinkle Donut fundraising campaign is returning in support of Indigenous organizations. On Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sales of Orange Sprinkle Donuts will be donated to the Orange Shirt Society, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and New Pathways Foundation in Quebec. Tim Hortons Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign returns for two days on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 with 100% of proceeds donated to Indigenous organizations (CNW Group/Tim Hortons) Tim Hortons Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign returns for two days on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 with 100% of proceeds donated to Indigenous organizations (CNW Group/Tim Hortons) "It's a privilege to be working with all three organizations again to help educate and raise awareness of the importance of Indigenous history in Canada," says Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer at Tim Hortons. "The goal of Tim Hortons third annual Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign is to help raise funds that directly support our partners and the development of crucial programming and educational opportunities in their communities." The Tim Hortons Orange Sprinkle Donut fundraising campaign was first developed in 2021 by a group of Indigenous Tim Hortons restaurant owners and to date has raised over $2.6 million for Indigenous organizations. "As we prepare to launch this year's Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign, we are truly grateful for our ongoing partnership with Tim Hortons. Their support has been instrumental in helping us provide crucial services to communities in need," says Angela White, Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. "Last year, the generosity of Canadians exceeded our expectations, making it possible for us to make a real difference. We look forward to continuing a long and meaningful collaboration, as Tim Hortons continues to stand with us in our mission of truth and reconciliation. Together, we not only raise funds, but also increase awareness and visibility for the important work of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society." Orange Shirt Day has been observed on Sept. 30 since 2013, when Phyllis Webstad told her story of her first day of residential school. Her organization, the Orange Shirt Society, and the Every Child Matters movement she created, continue to raise awareness about Canada's history of residential schools, along with honouring the survivors and their families and the children who never returned home. In 2021, the federal government also designated Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. "We at the Orange Shirt Society give thanks to Tim Hortons for their ongoing support for our non-profit through the Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign. Last year on Sept. 30, I spent a few hours with our Prime Minister in Niagara Falls, Ont., during which time we each enjoyed an Orange Sprinkle Donut," says Webstad, Founder of the Orange Shirt Society. "I explained to him that we are supported by Tim Hortons, how much we appreciate this and how this yearly campaign helps us to ensure that conversation is being had about all aspects of the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada." ABOUT TIM HORTONS In 1964, the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double coffees, Donuts and Timbits in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,400 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca SOURCE Tim Hortons For further information: [email protected] The Awards Recognize Xello's EdTech Innovations to Support Teachers and Students TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Xello , the award-winning K-12 college and career readiness program, was recognized as the recipient of two 2023 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence in the Best for Back to School Primary and Best for Back to School Secondary categories. The Awards of Excellence are based on evaluations by educators using education technology every day to support effective teaching and learning practices. It is Xello's second straight year to be honored in the Primary category and its first in the Secondary category. "We're thrilled to receive these Awards of Excellence," said Matt McQuillen, CEO and co-founder of Xello. "We strive to create an exceptional student experience at all ages through easy-to-use, dynamic softwareand our turnkey educator tools are designed with teachers, counselors, and administrators in mind as well." Xello for Elementary and Xello for Middle and High School are used in thousands of schools across North America to help students spark career curiosity and develop connections between academic success and future aspirations. "We talk about training for college and career, but not many resources on the market support it," wrote the Awards of Excellence judges. "This tool is a great solution to support students in understanding their needs and charting a path to success after graduation." Through story-driven lessons and activities, Xello for Elementary enhances critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation and communication skills. With age-appropriate content and information, students develop greater self-awareness, the ability to self-reflect and a better understanding of pathways associated with each career. Students are encouraged to produce, upload and store work that can further enrich their experience and that showcases who they are, their future goals and their career ambitions. Xello for Middle and High School puts students at the heart of their journey of self-discovery through assessments that build self-knowledge and personalized, shareable portfolios to showcase their interests, skills and abilities. Students can also explore college and career options, track higher education applications and use the interactive planning tools to create an actionable roadmap for reaching their goals. Tech & Learning's Awards of Excellence program, "The Best Tools for Back to School," is designed to help educators find the most impressive products and solutions that will support their work in any learning environment. Eligible products include hardware, software, curriculum, and more. "With ESSER funding coming to an end, and emerging tech like AI exploding into the market with little guidance as to how best to integrate new technology into the classroom, it's more important than ever to curate the many education products on the market to ensure your investments support innovative teaching and learning," said Christine Weiser, Tech & Learning Content Director. "Our judges chose the products based on their versatility, compatibility, value and ability to help schools solve challenges and support continuous instruction." A complete list of award recipients can be found here . About Xello Xello's mission is to help anyone, anywhere in the world create a successful future through self-knowledge, exploration and planning. With more than 20 years in the education software industry, the team at Xello has helped millions of educators and millions of students become future ready with its suite of online platforms. Based in Toronto, Canada, Xello's award-winning future readiness programs are used globally by nearly eight million students and educators. Learn more about Xello at www.xello.world . SOURCE Xello Inc. For further information: Media Contact: Megan Santos, Sr. Manager, Content Marketing, Xello, [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Holding a meeting [with Armenian residents of Khankendi] in Yevlakh after anti-terrorist activities in Karabakh, was based on Azerbaijan's political will, analyst Ilyas Huseynov told Trend. "A meeting with the same composition has already been held in Khojaly. The main achieved result of the meeting is aimed at solving humanitarian issues. After the end of anti-terrorist activities, Azerbaijan sent food, flour and fuel to the Armenian residents of Karabakh via the Aghdam-Khankendi route. Along with this, a medical service will be organized by medical personnel (with both Azerbaijanis and Armenians). This can become an integral part of the reintegration process," Huseynov emphasized. The political expert added that Azerbaijan demonstrates by its actions that it stands for humanistic values. "A new history is being written and a new system of relations is being formed. Azerbaijan achieved victory. However, it insists on the process of demilitarization and reintegration of the region. We are confident that we will achieve these goals," he said. Earlier on September 25, 2023, Ramin Mammadov, who is responsible for contacts with the Armenian residents of Karabakh, held another meeting with representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh in Khojaly. At the meeting, which was held in a constructive atmosphere, satisfaction was expressed with the actions taken to solve the issues discussed on September 21 in Yevlakh, in particular, the short-term delivery of humanitarian aid, fuel and restoration of electricity supply. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State on Tuesday said that he has in his disposal enough facts to expose the agents of the Federal Government behind the secret negotiation with bandits. Lawal was reacting to a recent statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, where he accused the Zamfara State Government of politicising security. In a statement signed by Sulaiman Bala Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on media, the Zamfara Governor revealed that the State Government possesses hard evidence exposing some Federal Government agents involved in the negotiations with bandits in Zamfara. He added that the Minister of Information should have conducted a thorough investigation before discrediting the State Government. The statement added: We sought clarification from the Federal Government regarding the sneaky negotiations with bandits carried out by some of its agents without recourse to the State Government and heads of Security agencies in the State. We have facts and evidence on what had transpired between these agents of the Federal Government and the bandits during the negotiations in several places across Zamfara. It is disappointing that the information minister discredited our claim without verifying it first. What is expected of him as a professional is to collaborate with relevant authorities to substantiate the claims authenticity. Zamfara State Government respects protocol and established authority. We would not come out in the media to start exposing the names of the Federal Government agents involved in the covert dialogue with bandits. We want to clarify that those individuals leading secret negotiations with bandits in Zamfara are politicising insecurity, not the State Government. The Information Ministers statement claiming that there were no negotiations between government officials and bandits in Zamfara requires further clarification. We have already exposed a few locations where such talks were held with bandits, such as Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun Haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege. Negotiating with bandits in Zamfara is a grave mistake we cannot afford to make. It is not the solution to the problem and only encourages and emboldens the criminals. We urge the Federal Government to take a firm stance against such activities and investigate the motives of those who engage in them. The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi has asked supporters of the Presidential Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, popularly called Atikulated and Obidients respectively, to leave President Bola Tinubu alone. Umahi was speaking while unveiling his policy direction for the Ministry, in Abuja, on Tuesday. He described as sad the unwholesome attention being paid to demands for the release of the academic records of President Tinubu by the Chicago State University when the Presidents performance throughout his public life shows the character of an A student. The Minister said, This (President Bola Tinubu) is a man who is the answer to the prayers of Nigerians to God. This is a man who has passed through all the stages look at his appointments in the FCT, Works, Finance and all others. This President is the last hope for this country, his renewed hope agenda needs the support of all of us. All those Atikulated and Obidients, let them bring their (principals) who filed WAEC certificates; what did they score? They are challenging someone who is an A student. The minister came down hard on some State Controllers of Works whom he accused of failing to live up to their obligations of ensuring road projects are properly done. He said save for the Director in the South West and his team whom he gave a pass mark, the rest need to sit up or risk losing their positions. Today, on September 27, exactly three years ago, the 44-day second Armenia-Azerbaijan Karabakh war started. The counter-offensive operation in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region became a turning point in the history of not only Azerbaijan but also the entire region. Azerbaijan's Armed Forces defeated the Armenian army, restored the country's territorial integrity, thus creating a fundamentally new reality in the region under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The National Day of Remembrance in Azerbaijan is held on September 27. The whole country and millions of Azerbaijanis in various countries remember the martyrs who gave their lives for the liberation of the Karabakh region from the Armenian occupation. We revere the memory of hundreds of civilians of Tartar, Barda, and Ganja cities, who were subjected to treacherous bombardments. We remember the journalists and civilians who died as a result of mine explosions in the liberated Azerbaijani territories after the hostilities ended. And of course, on this day, all of Azerbaijan remembers tens of thousands of victims of the Armenian occupation, who died during the first Karabakh war and during 30 years of attempts to resolve the Karabakh conflict peacefully. The Armenian aggression inflicted indelible damage on three generations of Azerbaijanis and this will never be forgotten the people of Azerbaijan. However, at the same time, September 27 not only is a day of the bitterness of loss and pain but also a day of national pride. The Armenian aggression, has been a wound for three generations of Azerbaijanis, but today, September 27, is the day when we not only share the bitterness of sorrow, pain and loss experienced by the nation over the past decades, but also the day of national pride. The 44-day second Karabakh war truly united the Azerbaijani people. Millions of Azerbaijanis, regardless of nationality, faith and other characteristics, united around President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijani army, having passed the most serious test in the recent history of Azerbaijan. Using an 'iron fist', Azerbaijan liberated its lands from the invaders, thus fulfilling its historic mission. It was thanks to the efforts, strategy and long-term effective policy of the head of state that the basis was prepared, which made it possible to liberate the occupied territories. A stable and developing economy was built, stability was ensured, a modern and well-equipped army was formed - all these components of a successful state determined the success. On September 19-20 of this year, on the eve of the anniversary of the start of the 44-day war, the Azerbaijani army achieved yet another victory. As a result of anti-terrorist measures conducted in less than a day in Karabakh, the separatist regime surrendered and accepted all of Azerbaijan's conditions. Today hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani flags will be waving from windows, on balconies and streets on September 27, which are not only a tribute to the memory of martyrs, but is also a symbol of the unshakable will of the Azerbaijani people. A federal high court in Abuja has restrained the Ondo state house of assembly from impeaching Lucky Aiyedatiwa, deputy governor of the state. Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, gave the ruling on Tuesday after Kayode Adewusi, counsel to Aiyedatiwa, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect. The judge also restrained Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, from nominating a new deputy. Nwite held that after listening to Adewusi, he is of the view that the interest of justice would be met by granting the application. Therefore, the application of the applicant succeeds, NAN quoted Nwite as saying. The judge further made an order of interim injunction restraining Akeredolu, his servants or privies from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing and preventing Aiyedatiwa from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy governor of Ondo State. Nwite adjourned the case to October 9 for further hearing. ALLEGED RIFT WITH AKEREDOLU On Monday, Aiyedatiwa also approached a high court in Akure in a suit marked: AK/348/2023 and prayed the court to stop the Ondo house of assembly from impeaching him. The state house of assembly on Monday served an impeachment notice on Aiyedatiwa. Olamide Oladiji, speaker of the house, told journalists in Akure that Aiyedatiwa was served through substituted service. The assembly had on Wednesday, during a plenary session, directed the clerk to write the deputy governor over alleged gross misconduct. The deputy governor was also accused of abuse of office. Aiyedatiwa was in charge of the states affairs when Akeredolu travelled to Germany on a three-month medical leave. Four days after his return to Nigeria, Akeredolu sacked the media aides attached to the office of the deputy governor. The development came amid rumours of a growing rift between Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu. However, the deputy governor debunked the rumours, saying he remains loyal to his principal. The Federal Government will commence a new cash transfer programme to fifteen million households by October. This was made known by Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, during an appearance on Arise TV on Monday. She was fielding questions on the Federal Governments presence at the 78th United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, and what it means for Nigerians. We had meetings with the World Bank and very soon we will announce the upscale of the National Safety Net Program which will be putting funds in the pocket of over 15 million households in Nigeria. These are tangible funds that people can use to start businesses and improve their lives. This will be happening next month October. She further noted that the Federal Government will partner with the state government and local communities in the verification of the National Social Register. The minister added, Im sure you know very well that we have sent out a team and are in engagement with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) just to verify the National Social Register working with the states and local communities and we are going to expand it. Right now, we have 15.7 million households which amounts to about 62 million persons under the National Social Register. We want to verify if they are still in that social bracket to know if they still deserve such interventions. The President has approved the verification and expansion of the National Social Register to cover everybody in that bracket. The Federal Government, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has declared Wednesday, September 27, 2023 as public holiday in commemoration of Eil-ul- Maulid celebration by Muslim faithful. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims all over the world for witnessing this years occasion. The minister also admonished them to imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance, perseverance and patience which are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified. Following the series of unheeded warnings to markets in Lagos to shun filth and embrace proper environmental hygiene, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has sealed the Oyingbo and Alayabiagba Markets in Lagos Mainland, Other markets that risk imminent shut-down for improper waste disposal and sundry environmental infractions include Tejuosho Model Market Phase 1, Ladipo Market in Mushin, Anjorin Market, Irewolede Plank Market, Idi-Araba Obele Market, Oni Baba Market, Oba Morufu International Market, formerly known as Ejigbo Market, Ijora 7UP Market, Okeafa Plank Market, Ifelodun Fruit Market, Amukoko, among others. Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the noncompliance with the states Environmental Protection Laws, which emphasized zero tolerance for environmental offences, such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse, wilful defacing of the environment and refusal to pay for waste services after several warning led to the decision to shut the market. In a statement signed by LAWMAs Director of Public Affairs, Kadiri Folashade, Gbadegesin said: LAWMA has continued to work relentlessly to improve the environment across the state, particularly commercial facilities, by putting in place several measures aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the city. However, some individuals and markets are busy undermining our efforts by refusing to abide by the laws and regulations. As the need arises, such individuals, dealers, and markets will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Gbadegesin cautioned other markets engaging in irresponsible waste disposal and other environmental violations that they would face similar harsh consequences if they refuse to turn a new leaf, adding that the executive members of such markets would also be held accountable. It is imperative that we hold businesses accountable for their environmental responsibilities. This enforcement action by LAWMA aims to promote a culture of compliance and create a more livable city for all residents. I also want to emphasize that once a market is closed, it would meet all requirements before being reopened for business, he said. Also, Gbadegesin disclosed plans to dislodge illegal market structures sprouting across the metropolis. He noted that the markets pose safety hazards and impede the free flow of traffic. The markets include Fiki Marina fruit market; Victoria Island market by Abraham Adesanya roundabout Ajah; Jakande market by Jakande bus stop; Traders Opposite Oniru Market, Oniru and New Road Market by New Road Bus-stop, which according to him were posing safety hazards and impeding the free flow of traffic, as well as urban planning efforts. Gbadegesin added: Removing illegal market structures is pivotal for urban planning and development. It allows for proper zoning and allocation of spaces, ensuring a more organised and aesthetically pleasing cityscape. Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has dared the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to publish the landing cost of petrol as well as the pricing template being used by the government to keep the cost of petrol at less than N640 per litre. Shaibu stated this in a statement in reaction to a press release by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka. He noted the governments claim that the petroleum sector had been deregulated was a fat lie and that subsidy was still being paid. He added, The Petroleum Industry Act mandates the total deregulation of the petroleum sector. A deregulated regime has no room for price control. If the APC is saying subsidy is not back, they should explain how petrol is still being sold at less than N650 per litre when the international price of crude oil is about $94 per barrel and the exchange rate on the I&E Window is N780/$1 and N1,000/$1 on the parallel market. How is it that diesel which has been deregulated currently costs about N1,000 per litre while petrol is over 25% less? Let the APC explain and stop peddling lies. Shaibu said the APC-led government had continually admitted failure by going ahead to sack and detain some of former President Muhammadu Buharis appointees. He said, The same APC that praised Godwin Emefiele for eight years and deceived Nigerians with propaganda and their so-called agricultural revolution have gone ahead to sack the same Emefiele and detain him for four months. The same APC that claimed to have fought corruption have now gone ahead to detain the man in charge of the anti-corruption war, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for four months. You can see that these people are nothing but barefaced liars and deceivers. Tinubu claimed he wanted to cut the cost of governance and yet appointed 48 ministers out of which 10 are from his region. Yet the APC claims he is running a fair administration. This is laughable. Adams Oshiomhole even said last month that Tinubu inherited a bad situation. How can a maggot criticise the fly that gave birth to it? Atikus aide asked the APC to do more on governance rather than propaganda, adding that the patience of Nigerians was already running out. Wale Edun said recently that the last time Nigerias economy did well was 10 years ago. That is an admission of the failure that the APC represents. Under the watch of that blood-sucking party, poverty has reached unimaginable heights. Nigeria has even lost its crown as the largest producer of oil in Africa. What a shame, Shaibu said. He said Tinubu ought to apologise to Nigerians for lying about a proposed meeting with United States President Joe Biden instead of trying to offer lame excuses. So, a three-minute meet and greet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India is what the APC is now describing as a meeting of Biden and Tinubu? This is indeed shameful. The statement from the Presidency said the meeting would take place on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. It is obvious the so-called meeting only existed in the minds of Tinubu and his paid writers. He left UNGA empty-handed and travelled to Paris without even informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. What a joke. The ruling All Progressives Congress APC has dismissed concerns that the President Bola Tinubu administration may have reintroduced fuel subsidy through the back door, saying the government only intervened to ensure some measure of price stability and predictability. There had been reports that the Administration spent N169.4 in August to keep the fuel pump price at N620. While the opposition latched onto the discovery to castigate the Tinubu administration, the APC on Monday night said such humongous payments do not amount to a reintroduction of subsidy. The ruling party equally chastized Phrank Shaibu, Media Aide to the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for purveying fake news and engaging in other inanities just to discredit President Bola Tinubus administration. Shaibus claim that fuel subsidy is back is not correct. Governments intervention to ensure some measure of price stability and predictability does not amount to return of the ruinous fuel subsidy of recent past, APC stated. APC spokesman, Felix Morka in a statement on Monday night said Shaibu in an unfledged statementouted himself in his warped and misleading suggestion that the APC-led Administration was hoodwinking Nigerians by propaganda. Morka said on Shaibus pathological and cynical flippancy, he delved into matters he clearly does not understand or lacks the constitutive capacity to understand as a result of post-electoral traumatic stress disorder (PeTSD) arising from his boss serial electoral failure. Unsurprisingly, Shaibus only evidence for such an arrant conclusion is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed more media aides than economic and security advisers, conveniently glossing over the fact that Mr. President was swift in rejigging the security architecture and repositioning the Armed Forces for optimal performance in defence of lives and property. Certainly, he does not understand the issues and the interplay of statecraft and economic management initiatives by President Tinubu to remove age-old distortions and contradictions, accelerate and solidify all round recovery and prosperity for our country. That Shaibu described as lies, the administrations courageous decisions to remove fuel subsidy, harmonize the foreign exchange regimes and sign into law the Students Loan Act, only buttresses his poor understanding of economic development and governance. That the fine details of these visionary and people-centred policies are still being worked out and have yet to run their due course cannot and do not negate their valid objectives and potential transformative impact. The President has dutifully appointed experienced and highly skilled professionals to key institutions of the economy, including the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, and Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS and created the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in a patriotic zeal to reposition and grow the economy. Lifting the Visa ban on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates UAE authorities should ordinarily make any well-meaning Nigerian happy. Diplomatic rapprochement between Nigeria and UAE authorities is ongoing and details of outcomes will soon be made public. The matter of the proposed meeting with United States of America President Joe Biden does not even require elaboration. Having met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Nations summit in India, another meeting with President Biden during the United Nations General Assembly UNGA had become unnecessary and was not even on President Tinubus schedule, contrary to preliminary indications on the matter, said the APC spokesman. The Director of Research and Documentation of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, has said his principal, Atiku Abubakar, is insisting on the release of President Ahmed Tinubus academic records by the Chicago state university (CSU), principally in order to expose alleged identity fraud. Obaseki said this during a zoom conference hosted by Prof. Gold Emmanuel, a psychologist based in London, on Monday. He explained that President Tinubu was fighting to prevent disclosure of details of the documents which he admitted would cause irreparable damage to his person, because of this; and other facts contained therein. According to him, a shocker awaits Nigerians when details of Mr. Presidents academic records are made public by the university because the real owner of the certificate he has been laying claim to will be exposed. Obaseki said, Nigerians will be more demoralised that the owner of the certificate that President Tinubu is parading is a woman. We already know it as a fact, but we are seeking the release of the documents officially by CSU. He also expressed confidence that the documents when released, may compel the Supreme Court to consider fresh evidence in support of petitions currently before it. Obaseki further said , Even when the court of first instance and the appellate court have convicted someone to death and minutes before the Supreme Court gives its final judgement and there arose a fresh and compelling facts and evidence, the apex court is bound to listen to the fresh facts before making its final judgement. It is an unwritten proviso that where there is a compelling factual facts other than what is already obtained in the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC), that the Supreme Court will be bound to accept the new facts of law and rule on them. The campaign director also took a swipe at the judgement delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, which he described as short of bringing justice to a majority of right thinking Nigerians. He noted that the PEPCs interpretation of the law with regards to the position of the 1999 Constitution ( As Amended), on the Federal Capital Territory, was with all due respect, an attempt to manufacture evidence. Obaseki said, Abuja cannot be called a state. A state as stipulated in the 1999 constitution must have a state assembly of its own. A state must have a governor. Abuja as presently constituted is not a state. FCT or Abuja as the case may be is patterned after Washington in the United States of America. It is such made so that no one part of the country can claim it. It is home to all Nigerians. The FCT was carved out of Niger state, Kogi state, Benue state and Nasarawa state. It cannot be declared a state by the PEPC. The PEPC cannot amend the 1999 constitution through the back door. There are processes to do that. This is one important issue that the supreme court must address, he added. He equally accused President Tinubu of arresting Nigerias development through his knee jerk approach to economic issues. Obaseki declared, In one full swoop of three words, he removed the fuel subsidy without caring of the consequences to the already multi dimensional poverty in Nigeria. He devalued the naira among other policies that has negatively affected the economy. He explained that the Supreme Court has a moral obligation to ensure that Nigerians irrespective of social status get justice. Obaseki rechoed the position of his principal rejecting any form of military intervention because democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the best form of government. He also demanded for the prosecution of the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, whom he accused of complicity in the current travails of Nigerians when he allegedly manipulated the electoral process to give the All Progressives Congress unmerited victory. INEC abandoned all the policies it advocated that would ensure a free and fair election in the country. Is it not curious that two elections took place same day, same time, one result was transmitted electronically and the other was not? He added. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly called Jandor, has expressed his displeasure over the ruling of the Justice Arum Ashom-led three-man Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered on Monday. Adediran said: It is quite unfortunate that the tribunal, in its wisdom, refused to accept the credible and convincing evidence presented by my legal team on the non-qualifications of the APC and the Labour Party, LP, candidates in the election. He maintained that the decision of the tribunal does not reflect the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral act 2022 on issues bothering on qualification of a candidate in an election. Jandor, however, assured residents that Lagos PDP would study the judgment and decide on the next step to be taken. According to him, This is not the end of the electoral process. It is just another stage. We will study the judgment and take decisions in the best interest of Lagosians. Bayo Onanuga, a former media aide to President Bola Tinubu, has criticized supporters of the 2023 presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, over their stance on the presidents certificate. Onanuga said Atiku and Obis supporters are wasting their time and chasing shadows by controverting Tinubus attendance at the Chicago State University. He maintained that the truth remains that Tinubu attended the Chicago State University and graduated in 1979. Onanuga was reacting to some documents posted by a Twitter user claiming that the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, had asserted that Tinubu did not attend the Chicago State University. Tweeting, he wrote: Supporters of Atiku and Peter Obi continue to chase shadows and waste time controverting President Tinubus attendance of Chicago State University. The unassailable truth is that he attended the university and graduated in 1979. As far back as 1999, I knew this to be the truth. I visited the university as the editor-in-chief of my paper and collected from the schools registrar, the first attestation letter about Tinubus graduation. The document you gleefully posted on the right shows your confusion and malice. It speaks about University of Chicago and not CSU. Can you and your band please allow President Tinubu to breathe, to enable him face the serious business of governance? A Willingboro man was sentenced last week to 25 years in state prison after he previously admitted to fatally shooting a woman during an apartment robbery in Burlington County in 2020, authorities said. Semaj T. Pittman, 24, of Willingboro, pleaded guilty earlier this year to aggravated manslaughter, according to a release from the Burlington County Prosecutors Office. The investigation began on the afternoon of Feb. 23, 2020, after officers from the Maple Shade Police Department were called to The Arbors apartment complex on Lenola Road for a report of a shooting, the office said. When they arrived, they found a man and a woman with gunshot wounds coming out of the elevator on the ground floor. Both victims were rushed to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where the woman, 22-year-old Kayla Winkler, of Maple Shade, was pronounced dead, investigators said. Her boyfriend, who was 24 at the time, was treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The investigation revealed that Pittman and a juvenile teenager went to the apartment to rob Winkler and her boyfriend, with whom they were acquainted, officials said. After they were allowed inside, Pittman pulled a gun and shot the victims as they tried to leave the apartment. The teenager, an Evesham Township resident, pleaded guilty last year to murder, the office said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Treatment of Azerbaijani MP Ganira Pashayeva, who was hospitalized on September 23 due to health problems, continues in the intensive care unit of the Central Clinic Hospital, Trend reports. Issues related to the MP's health have been under the control of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva since the first day. The employees of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation are in constant contact with the medical personnel of the Central Clinic Hospital and medical specialists who came from Turkiye for consultations on behalf of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva. Along with the Turkish doctor invited to Baku, video consultations with other doctors in Turkiye are held regularly. During the last consultation, the health situation of Ganira Pashayeva was assessed. New medications needed in the intensive care unit of the Central Clinic Hospital were also prescribed in the treatment. Anthony Villanueva, the former Trenton police officer found not guilty earlier this year in a federal excessive force trial, has a looming date in court and has again turned down a plea bargain. Villanueva and another Trenton officer, Drew Inman, were arrested in 2019 and charged with violating the civil rights of a man they arrested in April 2017. Federal prosecutors charged in the same case that Villanueva also violated the rights of a man in the Trenton police lockup in November 2017, by unlawfully using pepper spray on the inmate. That allegation was severed and Villanueva and Inman went to trial earlier this year on the arrest allegations. In May, a U.S. District Court jury in Trenton found Villanueva not guilty of violating the mans civil rights, as well as two counts of filing false reports. The jury was split on Inman, finding him not guilty on filing a false report, but was hung on the civil rights charge. This month, the judge in the case acquitted Inman after finding one of the prosecutors committed prosecutorial misconduct in her closing statements. (Inman returned to the Trenton force Monday, and was placed on restricted duty, pending further training, a spokesman said.) Now, Villanueva is scheduled to be back in federal court in January, for the police lockup case. And this time, Villanuevas lawyer, Jerome Ballarotto, is doing the talking for the former officer. Villanueva gave a lengthy interview with NJ Advance Media in the spring of 2022, in which he discussed the allegations, how the case played out during the pandemic, and alleged disparate treatment in the Trenton police. He also said he was absolutely going to trial and prepared for the risk. Normally outgoing and talkative, Villanueva said hes heeding Ballarottos advice to not speak about the case thats scheduled for a January trial. Trenton police terminated Villanueva in 2018 for the lockup incident, in which he pepper-sprayed an inmate who federal authorities said was confined in a cell and no longer posed a threat. Villanueva said in 2022 the inmate who wasnt handcuffed took too long on a phone call, would not listen to him, pushed him, then fled to an open holding cell that was not assigned to him. Villanueva said he had little backup and thought the spray would deescalate the growing confrontation. Trenton police never commented on the case publicly. NJ Advance Media reported on it through an Open Public Records Act request. Ballarotto said Villanueva was not properly trained for lockup procedures, and dubiously sent to the assignment after the May 2017 arrest incident - which involved an allegation of excessive force. Again, Ballarotto confirmed, Villanueva declined a plea bargain in the case that called for no time behind bars, and his client looks forward to clearing his name a final time. Hopefully, this trial will turn out the same as the last trial, he said. The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment on the Villanueva case. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com An airline pilot with decades of experience says she was fired from a New Jersey aviation company after she reported safety concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a lawsuit. Pamela Mincey, of Gainesville, Florida, worked for Short Hills Aviation LLC, based in Morristown, for about a year before she was unlawfully terminated on Sept. 1, 2022, according to allegations contained in court documents. The termination of her employment was in retaliation for her multiple reports to company management and federal authorities of unsafe practices while carrying members of the public in its jet charter service, states the suit, filed Aug. 31 in Superior Court of Morris County. Representatives with Short Hills Aviation, a luxury airline company, did not respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Mincey, 67, has more than 25 years of flying experience, and worked for two decades as a commercial pilot who flew Boeing 747 aircraft on international routes with no accidents or regulatory violations, according to the lawsuit She was trained to, and practiced, the highest standards of aviation safety and understood the requirements of federal aviation regulations as they pertained to flight safety, the lawsuit says. Throughout her employment with Short Hills Aviation, Mincey was the only woman pilot, the lawsuit notes. Minceys troubles with the company began on Nov. 5, 2021, when she was assigned to fly second-in-command with a captain who told her not to touch the aircraft controls. I dont allow co-pilots to fly my airplanes, the captain allegedly told Mincey. You will never fly my plane. The refusal to allow Mincey to participate in flying the aircraft was a violation of federal regulations, as pilots in a two-member crew must be independently qualified to fly the aircraft, the suit states. Mincey later complained to a chief pilot about the incident, pointing out that it was unsafe to prohibit qualified pilots from manipulating the controls and making landings, the suit says. However, no changes were made and Mincey was never allowed to fly while acting as second-in-command while flying with that pilot, the suit states. On Jan. 7, 2022, Mincey wrote an email to the chief pilot and a supervising captain in which she discussed specific concerns with (Short Hills Aviations) safety culture and made suggestions for improvement, the suit states. Her complaints included a captain she flew with to Mexico who missed an approach to the airport, flying off a prescribed route and allegedly jeopardized the safety of the flight, the paying passengers, and the crew, although it did conclude in a safe landing, the suit says. From Jan. 8 through March 8, 2022, Mincey was paired with a captain who refused to use a company-issued iPad Mini designated as the primary onboard navigation system, the suit says. Failure to use the device was a violation of FAA operations specifications and again jeopardized the safety of the flight, the suit alleges. The lawsuit claims that on one occasion, the captains failure to use the device caused the crew to lose situational awareness, and that the captain falsely blamed Mincey in reports he made to company managers, the FAA, and in a report to NASA, the suit alleges. Mincey says she then tried to set the record straight by reporting the captains dishonest and erroneous statements to both the chief pilot and in an interview with the FAA. Short Hills Aviations president Dudzinski made the decision to terminate Mincey shortly after her FAA interview, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit alleges violations of New Jerseys Conscientious Employee Protection Act. Minceys lawers are demanding she be reinstated to her job, and compensated for lost pay, health benefits and insurance. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A married couple from New York is passing through New Jersey on a epic, 300-mile walk to Arlington National Cemetery raising awareness and money for U.S. military families. Tom and Ally Gallin of New Rochelle, New York, have endured steady rain since departing from West Point, New York on Saturday morning. By Monday afternoon, they had crossed from West Milford into Jefferson, in Morris County, and walked until 4:30 p.m. on Berkshire Valley Road before departing by car for a Mount Olive hotel. Neither is complaining about the challenging weather that has them traveling slightly behind schedule. The military people and their families go through far worse, said Tom Gallin, 56. Their journey is expected to conclude Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Virginia by the graveside of Michael A. Arciola, of Elmsford, New York, a U.S. Amy soldier who was 20 when he was killed in Iraq in 2005. Tom Gallin, 56, left, and Ally Gallin, 55, right, walk along Cozy Lake Road in Jefferson, New Jersey, to help raise awareness for the United Service Organizations on Monday, September 25, 2023.John J. LaRosa | For NJ Advance Neither Tom nor Ally served in their military. Their involvement with the USO the United Service Organizations stems from a 2011 broadcast by the Oprah Winfrey Show in which Arciolas mother appeared. Their son Jake, now 21, was watching that day, and it led to his family setting up Stars for Cars, which arranges for the sale of star-shaped magnetic car decals that say, We Support Blue Star & Gold Star Military Families. A Blue Star signifies that there is a family member who is serving in the U.S. military, the USO explained on its website. A Gold Star signifies that there is a family member who has died while serving. Their fundraising walk, as of Monday evening, had raised $36,241 for the USO, which since 1941 has been providing support for U.S. military families. Tom and Ally had planned to reach Phillipsburg by Tuesday afternoon, but that was when they thought they would be in Roxbury Monday morning. The wind and the rain just got the better of us. Were definitely behind schedule, but we will definitely make it up, Tom Gallin said. Tom Gallin, 56, left, and Ally Gallin, 55, right, walk along Cozy Lake Road in Jefferson, New Jersey, to help raise awareness for the United Service Organizations on Monday, September 25, 2023.John J. LaRosa | For NJ Advance Tom has been driving their Volkswagon. He parks the car, walks with Ally, doubles back, gets the car, then meets up with her again a pattern repeated throughout the day. He acknowledged here have been short stretches, such as along Union Hill Road in West Milford on Monday, where it became too dangerous to walk. If the shoulders are not wide enough, well err on the side of caution and just drive through that. Its not worth getting hit by a car, he said. They stopped for lunch at a bagel place on Route 23. I love it, Ally Gallin said of their time in New Jersey. People have been so friendly. More than one person has stopped to make sure we were OK, Ally said. Tom and Ally plan to get up at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Theyll drive to where they stopped in Jefferson and resume their journey. Tom Gallin, right, wears a shirt honoring Michael Arciola, the son of a Gold Star mother that Tom's son Jake knew, in Jefferson, New Jersey on Monday, September 25, 2023.John J. LaRosa | For NJ Advance Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Newark Liberty International Airport, which completed opening of a new $2.7 billion Terminal A in August, still got poor ratings from travelers in the latest J.D Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The airport placed dead last in the mega-airport category, the same as it did in 2022s rankings. But theres hope Newark airport could see a boost those ratings from the new terminal in next years ranking, according to one of the reports authors. If Congress doesnt make a spending deal by Sept. 30, the government will shut down for the 22nd time in the last 50 years. Heres what you need to know about what a government shutdown entails and what services will be affected if the government shuts down. What is a government shutdown? A government shutdown is when nonessential governmental functions grind to a halt and result in millions of federal employees going without pay, according to The Hill. Essential government workers would report to work, but would be forced to work without pay. Nonessential government workers would not be able to work at all, and their pay would be furloughed, because their job sites would be closed. What government services will be open in the event of a shutdown? The U.S. Postal Service will be open because it does not cease operations during any Federal lapse in appropriations as it is funded through a permanent no-year appropriation, according to its 2024 fiscal year shutdown plan. Another service that will be open is airports run by the federal aviation authority. However, air traffic controllers and TSA agents will most likely work without pay, causing delays in travel across the country. About 8,500 Social Security Administration employees will be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown, according to the agencys 2024 fiscal year contingency plan. But that doesnt mean that people will go without their benefits. According to the nonprofit Bipartisan Policy Center, major programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, are not affected by government shutdowns because they are classified under a category called mandatory spending that Congress has already authorized and often have no expiration date. Services that Social Security employees would have to carry out, such as processing of benefit applications, address changes, issuing of new and replacement Social Security cards and appeal requests and hearings, would all go as planned. Some services, such as corrections to earnings records or verification of benefits, would be put on hold until the shutdown is lifted. What government services would be closed in the event of a shutdown? According to The White House, federal government programs, such as Head Start for early child education, Environmental Protection Agency inspections, Food Safety Inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Small Business Administration, would cease to function if there is a shutdown. Federal student aid would remain in place, but staffing issues due to furloughed employees could cause delays. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has enough funding to keep it running through October. However, if a government shutdown were to go longer than that, the nations food stamp program would be at risk of grinding to a halt, according to USA Today. The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) would deplete in days, unless state funding kicks in to alleviate the burden caused by the federal government shutdown. In prior shutdowns, National Parks were closed. Although a contingency plan has not been released to keep National Parks open, the parks would likely close on Oct. 1, if the government shuts down on Sept. 30. 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. The list of those calling on U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez has been growing since the New Jersey Democrat was indicted on sweeping federal corruption charges on Friday. The names include politicians from both parties, both in state and in Washington. And it notably now includes U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, Menendezs close New Jersey colleague and fellow Democrat, who joined the chorus Tuesday. In fact more than half of Menendezs fellow Democratic members in the Senate have said he should step down. 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. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few snow showers developing late. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening. A few snow showers developing late. Low 28F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 30%. Senate honors Metrobank Foundation's 10 Outstanding Filipino awardees The Senate commended Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Metrobank Foundation's 10 Outstanding Filipinos for 2023 for being models of excellence in their respective professions. In recognition of the achievements of the 10 awardees who rose above and beyond the call of their duties, the Senate adopted Resolution No (SRN) 724, taking into consideration Resolution Nos. 741, 779, 782, 792, 805, and 808 sponsored by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada. "In times when trust in government institutions may waver, these dedicated civil servants are the pillars that uphold the foundations of democracy and good governance. They exemplify what public service should be--a selfless commitment to the welfare of the people they serve," Estrada said in his sponsorship speech. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva moved that all members of the Senate be made co-sponsors of the measure. The Metrobank Foundation annually recognizes exemplars in the academe, military and police who have devoted themselves to their communities even beyond the call of duty. This year, the foundation recognized four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers as models of excellence in their profession and lives in accordance with values of patriotism, integrity, and resourcefulness. The four teachers are Rex Sario, teacher-in-charge of Balogo Elementary School in Pangantucan, Bukidnon; June Elias Patalinghug, master teacher II of Catalunan Grande Elementary School in Davao City; Edgar Durana, master teacher I of Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School in Binangonan, Rizal; and Dr. Jovelyn Delosa, associate professor of Northern Bukidnon State College in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. The three soldiers are Army Staff Sgt. Danilo Banquiao, PAF Lt. Col. Joseph Bitancur, and Army Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo Dator. The awardees for the Philippine National Police are Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Bendo of the Manila Police District; Maj. Mae Ann Cunanan of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group; and Col. Renell Sabaldica of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management. "These remarkable individuals toil behind the scenes, away from the limelight, and without seeking recognition. They persevere in the face of challenges, bureaucratic red tape, and sometimes limited resources. Their dedication is a testament to their commitment to the betterment of society," Estrada said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 26, at the initiative of the US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs Sasha Baker, a telephone conversation took place with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Trend reports citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The parties had a detailed exchange of views on relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and security issues. During the telephone conversation, prospects for the development of bilateral military cooperation between the two countries were also discussed. They're not harming anyone. Leave them be. Food vendors are fine as long as it's fair and they're inspected It's getting too crowded on the neutral ground. The city should crack down I spend all my time in Metairie Vote View Results BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Today, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy at the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev held a meeting with Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan under the auspices of the high-ranking EU officials, Trend reports. President of the European Council Charles Michel has also joined the meeting for a brief views exchange. The sides reviewed the latest developments in the South Caucasus, and, in particular, Hikmet Hajiyev and Armen Grigoryan discussed possible concrete steps to advance the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, such as border demarcation, security, communication, humanitarian issues, and a peace treaty. Therefore, this statement from the EU confirms that the new reality created as a result of Azerbaijan's local counter-terrorism measures in Karabakh has been accepted by the international community. It once again verifies that the measures taken by Azerbaijan were aimed at neutralizing illegal Armenian armed formations and their military infrastructure on the country's sovereign territory. Another significant detail is that this statement essentially confirms that Azerbaijan not only did not target the civilian population but, on the contrary, fulfilled its obligations to ensure the safety of the residents of the region. Primarily, Azerbaijan wishes for the civilian population to remain in their places of residence, while providing humanitarian assistance for them, and creating conditions for international humanitarian missions to work there. The evacuation of civilians from the territory is not mandatory - it is their own choice. The new reality created as a result of counter-terrorism operations shows that there is no alternative to peace, and moving forward, the parties must mobilize all their efforts to make it last. The administration sometimes tries to squeeze it to make it look a little more painful for the average American, but that should not be the case, said Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge. New Orleans U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, the only Democrat in Louisianas delegation, argues it will be plenty painful. Its clear that a government shutdown would result in dire consequences for our economy, our national security, and the most vulnerable Louisianians," Carter said. "Peoples lives are at risk not make-believe, but real consequences with crippling results." Louisiana only has 18,649 federal employees, a little more than 2% of the total number of workers in the state, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Most of those civilian federal employees work for the military in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Leesville as part of the national defense, and many wont be furloughed. But as President Joe Biden pointed out in a speech over the weekend none will be paid until the impasse is resolved. Faimon Roberts III covers rural communities in Louisiana. His work is supported by a reporting grant from the Microsoft Journalism Initiative and is administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation. He can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com. I haven't talked to all the Black people in New Orleans, but I'm here to tell you that people are disappointed, shocked and stunned that New O BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Azerbaijani side is ready to arrange the trip of the UN Resident Coordinator Office accredited in the country shortly to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a phone conversation on September 26 with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trend reports. The head of state said that military facilities only had been targeted during the anti-terror measures, which lasted less than 24 hours, and civilians had not been harmed. The American side was informed that there is an ongoing process of disarming illegal Armenian armed forces and their withdrawing from the territory of Azerbaijan. It was underlined that hundreds pieces of military equipment, weapons, military supplies as well as ammunition had been confiscated for the last five days. The head of state noted that military representatives of foreign countries accredited in Azerbaijan and representative of the UN Resident Coordinator Office examined the seized weapons and military equipment. President Ilham Aliyev underlined that respective activities are underway to ensure the rights of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region as well as other ethnic minorities residing in Azerbaijan within the framework of the legislation of the country and international obligations. The head of state pointed out that the dialogue on reintegration issues is going on between representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenian residents with Azerbaijan sending humanitarian assistance to the Armenian residents and infrastructure being restored in the territory. The Azerbaijani leader underlined that there is ongoing cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide aid to the Armenian residents, and outlined Azerbaijans readiness to arrange the trip of the UN Resident Coordinator Office accredited in the country shortly to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Treatment of Azerbaijani MP Ganira Pashayeva continues, the MP's relatives told Trend. The relatives said that Pashayevas health condition remains stable heavy. "Reports of her death are not true," the relatives added. On September 24, Pashayeva fell into a coma as a result of exposure to medicines and was taken to the Central Clinical Hospital in Baku. Her treatment is currently ongoing. Moreover, the MP's brother Huseyn Pashayev noted that, according to the instructions of the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation took control of issues related to the treatment of the MP. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Turkic states have great economic power on a global scale, Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Majnun Mammadov said at the II Forum of Agribusiness of Turkic States in Baku, Trend reports. He noted that agriculture is one of the main sources of economic power and one of the spheres of activity with the most ancient history. "Our agrarian potential is further enhanced by the natural resources, biodiversity, location, and climate that we have at our disposal. Businesspeople and government representatives from the Turkic world have gathered today for the Turkic States Agribusiness Forum, which aims to further develop the commercial and agricultural links between our nations. Trade encompasses more than just the trade of goods for money. Trade also refers to the sharing of best practices, technology, national traditions, and cultural norms. We anticipate that you, businesspeople, will enhance the economic strength of the Turkic community and contribute to food security by forging a partnership based on these values," he said. In addition, the Minister said that the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, founded in Nakhchivan in 2009, in accordance with its goals and objectives, has become the Organization of Turkic States, which is one of the most prestigious international organizations in the world. The minister also gave brief information about the recent reforms in the agrarian sphere of Azerbaijan and further goals. "Our major guiding principles for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector include producing more with fewer resources, developing climate-adapted green and digital agriculture, and diversifying our export goods and geography. Except for land taxes, agriculture is exempt from all taxes in our nation. Subsidies, loans, and incentives are only a few of the effective government support systems for agricultural development. All overseas businesses are eligible to take advantage of these opportunities," Mammadov added. The minister also noted that in 2020, thanks to the will of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, and the steadfastness of the brave Azerbaijani Army, Azerbaijan liberated its lands that had been under occupation for 30 years. "The entire Turkic world has triumphed in this. The geographic ethnicity of Turkic unity has been reestablished. These lands fell into disrepair under the occupation. Mosques, madrasas, and other historical and cultural structures, as well as homes, were demolished, and the area was mined. Currently, these areas are undergoing extensive repair and construction work, including minefield clearance, the construction of new highways, and the development of "smart cities and villages." The territories liberated from occupation, declared by President Ilham Aliyev as a "green energy zone", have great agrarian potential (128,000 hectares of agricultural land)," the Minister concluded. Additionally, Mammadov advised businesspeople from the Turkic Union to become familiar with the potential possibilities in Eastern Zangezur and Karabakh. The late United Steelworkers union president Tom Conway, who died at the age of 71, is being remembered for his longtime advocacy for Region steelworkers. For the last four years, he's served as president of the USW, which has 1.2 million members nationwide and long has had a major presence in Northwest Indiana, where it represents local workers at steel mills and the oil refinery. He got his start in the union at USW Local 6787 in Porter County. Throughout his illustrious career of being a stalwart champion for working men and women, I am grateful for the consistent presence and advocacy of USW International President Conway on behalf of Northwest Indiana," U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, said. "His leadership and steady voice for the value of organized labor and good-paying union jobs was always front and center at Congressional Steel Caucus hearings and in union halls throughout our region. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Statements recalling Conway and his contributions poured in from leaders of organized labor and industry and from politicians after Conway's death Monday. I came to regard Tom Conway as a personal friend and trusted business partner, with whom I shared a steadfast belief in the bright future of the American industry," Cleveland-Cliffs Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said. "Tom recognized that good-paying, union jobs are at the core of Americas strength, and was a tireless advocate for the men and women of the United Steelworkers. He fought for policies that preserve and grow the middle class. While Cleveland-Cliffs close partnership with the USW will continue, I will miss Tom Conway greatly. Conway hailed from New Jersey, but joined the United Steelworkers union at the former Bethlehem Steel plant in Burns Harbor that's now run by Cleveland-Cliffs. President Joe Biden described Conway as an "extraordinary champion and a great friend." He recalled taking a train ride with Conway from Ohio to Pittsburgh, talking about issues facing steelworkers. "As president of the United Steelworkers, Tom got up every day and fought to protect workers wages, pensions and safety, and to make sure working people got a fair shot at a middle-class life. Because he grew up in a union household, he knew exactly what unions mean to workers and everyone who depends on them," Biden said. "And he put every ounce of his energy and intellect toward making sure American workers got the best possible deal, every time." Biden said he confided in Conway and could trust him to provide honest feedback and policy advice. "No one out-worked him. No one out-bargained him. And while he was deeply kind and generous, he also never backed down from a fight," Biden said. "Tom heard me say a thousand times the middle class built America, and unions built the middle class. Well, Tom Conway helped build unions all across the country. He made our nation fairer. He made our nation stronger. And I will miss him dearly." Conway was a founding director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, a joint initiative between the USW and industry to fight for policies favoring American manufacturing and factory jobs. It for instance helped press for a more vigorous enforcement of trade policy to protect steel mills and steelworkers from foreign steel dumping below cost to gain long-term market share. "Tom was an extraordinary leader, possessing the ideal combination of vision, commonsense, good nature, and resolve. He always had the backs of his brothers and sisters at the USW and understood firsthand the struggles of America's working people," AAM President Scott Paul said. "His values and ideas putting workers first, scrapping flawed free trade deals, boosting manufacturing, investing in our nation are now front and center in American politics. And it isn't an accident. His hard work leaves a durable legacy and a foundation upon which we must all build." He rose from a Northwest Indiana union hall to stand up for workers across the country, fighting for better wages and working conditions, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl said. I am immensely saddened by the passing of United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway. Tom was a champion for union labor, good jobs, strong benefits, and fair wages throughout his life, and he got his start in union organizing at USW Local 6787 in Northwest Indiana," Schmuhl said. "He was an unwavering fighter for workplace safety. We will always remember his commitment and accomplishments to improve the quality of life for Hoosier workers and strengthen the labor movement across the country." HOBART A distracted driver triggered a five-vehicle collision Monday afternoon along the local stretch of Interstate 65 that sent several people to the hospital, including one who was airlifted with serious injuries, Indiana State Police reported. Police responding around 3:45 p.m. to the southbound lanes of the busy highway just south of 61st Avenue said they found four vehicles scattered across the highway and a fifth on the right shoulder. Woman, girl trapped in van following crash likely caused by speed, cops say "At this time, it's believed the two juveniles were riding in the rear of the van with no seats or seatbelts," police said. Troopers determined four of the vehicles had been in the right lane on the hillcrest in slowed and heavy traffic when a Dodge Grand Caravan, driven by a 39-year-old Merrillville man came up from behind and slammed into the vehicles. "The driver was distracted and did not observe that traffic had significantly slowed ahead of him," police said. A 40-year-old Michigan City woman reportedly had to be extricated from her vehicle due to injuries and was flown by helicopter from the crash scene to the University of Chicago hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Another driver was taken by ambulance to an area hospital with a complaint of pain, as were three juveniles, police said. "Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be factors in this crash," according to police. The crash closed both directions of the highway for the landing of the helicopter and the southbound lanes for several more hours into rush hour for cleanup. An Indianapolis man is facing four drug-related charges in suburban Avon after the Indiana Court of Appeals decided Monday to overlook a police officer explicitly dragging out a traffic stop until another officer with a drug-sniffing dog could arrive at the scene. Police officers generally are prohibited from prolonging a traffic stop to bring in a K-9 unit and conduct a dog sniff for drugs or other contraband under the protections against unlawful seizure guaranteed by the 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, if the dog sniff is conducted during the limited amount of time an officer reasonably needs to address the traffic violation, and attend to related safety concerns, the K-9 search typically will pass constitutional muster. In this case, court records show Officer Kevin Roach of the Avon Police Department pulled over Theodore Canonge Jr. and his two passengers on April 22, 2021, after allegedly observing Canonge commit multiple traffic violations, including changing lanes without signaling. According to Roach, Canonge and the other occupants were moving around in the vehicle after pulling over, reaching for backpacks in the floorboard area, and acting strangely when he approached the vehicle, such as Canonge handing his driver's license and other documents to Roach before he even spoke to him, a passenger smoking a cigarette nervously and not making eye contact, and another passenger sitting completely still in the back seat. Records show Roach requested a K-9 unit after returning to his police car to verify Canonge's documents. But Roach was told the K-9 unit on duty was addressing a roadside hazard and was not immediately available. As a result, records show Roach began composing a written warning for Canonge's traffic violations, even though his usual practice was to issue a verbal warning. Roach said: "I was waiting for an officer...the K-9 officer to arrive to conduct the sniff. So, in the meantime I was occupying my time by writing the warning," according to court records. Records show the K-9 unit arrived 13 minutes later, which was about 21 minutes into the traffic stop. The dog sniff alerted to the presence of drugs, and Roach's subsequent search of Canonge's vehicle allegedly located cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. In his appeal, Canonge argued the results of the dog sniff and police search of his vehicle should have been suppressed because the lengthy stop he was subjected to for mere traffic infractions violated his constitutional rights. Appeals Judge Peter Foley, joined by Judge Robert Altice Jr., rejected that claim. Foley said even if the stop was unnecessarily prolonged, the unusual behavior of Canonge and his passengers at the start of the traffic stop gave Roach a sufficient basis to suspect criminal activity was afoot. "Viewing those collective observations in light of Officer Roach's professional experience as we must it was reasonable for Officer Roach to seize the occupants of the vehicle for a short time longer to conduct the minimally intrusive investigatory dog sniff," Foley said. "Thus, we conclude that the totality of the circumstances the whole picture provided reasonable suspicion to prolong the traffic stop to conduct the dog sniff." Judge Melissa May dissented from the appellate court ruling. She said Roach unreasonably prolonged the traffic stop so the dog sniff could occur. "Officer Roach held Canonge for approximately 20 minutes before a K-9 officer arrived, a longer period than the approximately 10 to 15 minutes Officer Roach testified a traffic stop typically takes. In addition, while Officer Roach ultimately did not issue any ticket to Canonge, Officer Roach testified that he only began writing a warning ticket 'to fill time until (the K-9 unit) got there,'" May said. "Where an officer explicitly admits the writing of a ticket was pretextual, I would explicitly hold that officer unreasonably prolonged the traffic stop beyond the time necessary to address the reason for the stop." May also disagreed with the court's majority that Roach nevertheless had sufficient suspicion to prolong the traffic stop to conduct the dog sniff. She said nervous behavior isn't enough. She also noted Roach said he observed no one using drugs in the vehicle, didn't smell any illegal substances or see any threatening movements, and May said there's nothing suspicious about a motorist having ready the documents every motorist knows an officer is about to request. "As our Indiana Supreme Court observed in State v. Quirk (2006), 'A combination of irrelevant conduct and innocent conduct, without more, cannot be transformed into a suspicious conglomeration.' That, I fear, is what the majority does here, and therefore, I would hold that Officer Roach did not have the requisite reasonable suspicion to prolong the traffic stop of Canonge, and I would reverse the trial court," May said. Canonge now can ask the Supreme Court to also consider reviewing his case in the hope of getting the dog sniff and its findings thrown out. Otherwise, Canonge is expected to face trial in coming months at the Hendricks Superior Court in Danville. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail Tara Smith Javier Verdin-Gonzalez Jerrell Peterson Iris Rivera De Luna Paul King Kenneth McCeader Fred Myers Paige Perry Jordan Ivy Paola Gonzalez Kimberly Harris Roy Hunt Jr. Zion Ellis Josiah Flowers Malik Cook-Bey Marlon Davis Gabriel Bastida Aguilera Alexander Alvarez Aalayah Wright Christine Waddell Daniel Toms Kevin Williams Jr. Dayshann Smith Daniel Swets John Tacuri-Cuji Erin Sexton Saleh Mugalli Derrick Musgrave Joel Montejano Keadrick Morris Jose Mendoza Fred Montejano Desmond Davis Derrick Glade Mariah Gonzalez Djuan Chism Sean Bush John White Jr. Allen Willis Joseph Szilagyi Michelle Velez Jhoan Villomizar Jeffery Stodola Erica Stone Janet Hertzfeldt Stephan Hintz Devonte Lewis Deja Miller Steven Einikis Gabriel Garcia Fraire Marco Aguirre Jeremy Brown Donta Davis Joseph Rodriguez William Rogers Marylou Rohrbacher Jahmal Perkins Helen Reynolds Jamilla Moore Aaron Novak Nicholas Drugan Matthew Juknius Tyron Kennedy Mirlan Kojobaev John Mayes Noel Castro Michael Bryant Jr. Anthony Bennett How should the man who has guided Indiana government and politics through the challenges and opportunities of the past seven years be represented for all time? The Indiana State Museum is seeking a Hoosier artist to paint the official portrait of Gov. Eric Holcomb that will join the portraits of other Indiana governors on display throughout the Statehouse. Applicants must be current Indiana residents or have Indiana ties, along with experience in portrait painting. They must also submit a statement detailing how they approach their art, a suggested commission fee and images of prior work. The 42-inch-by-32-inch oil or acrylic painting of Indiana's 51st governor is slated to be unveiled in Fall 2024, shortly before the Republican completes his second term. Indiana governors are constitutionally barred from serving three consecutive terms. Applications are available online at in.gov/arts/apply and are due Oct. 23. Candidates will be evaluated based on artistic excellence, previous experience with portrait commissions and a demonstrated ability to successfully complete the portrait by next summer. The chosen artist is expected to be announced Jan. 31. Private donations will cover the cost of producing the painting and its framing. Creating Holcomb's portrait may be trickier than other Indiana governors because Holcomb lost his glasses and grew a beard during his time in office. He may also want a representation of Henry Holcomb, the state's first dog, incorporated in the painting. The most recent past governor, former Vice President Mike Pence, is depicted in his portrait sitting casually on his governor's office desk, next to an open Bible and a picture of his family, with U.S. and Indiana flags in the background. The portrait of Pence hangs in the reception room outside Holcomb's office alongside portraits of four other recent governors: Mitch Daniels, Frank O'Bannon, Robert Orr and Otis Bowen. Former Gov. Joe Kernan's portrait is located inside Holcomb's office. Gallery: Get to know the state symbols of Indiana State Aircraft: Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt State Bird: Cardinal State Flag State Flower: Peony State Fossil: Mastodon State Gun: Grouseland Rifle State Insect: Say's Firefly State Language: English State Motto: "Crossroads of America" State Nickname: The Hoosier State State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie (unofficial) State Poem: "Indiana" State River: Wabash State Seal State Snack: Indiana-Grown Popcorn State Song: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" State Stone: Limestone State Tree: Tulip tree Pumpkin spice-scented trash bags? Seriously? By popular demand, Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice is back, a press release for Hefty states. Now, fall lovers can keep their pumpkin spice obsession going strong by giving their garbage the cozy fall upgrade they never knew they needed. Ridiculous. Whats next, pumpkin spice poo-pouri for bathrooms? Actually, this product exists as well ($9.99 on Amazon). No thank you. I want no part of our countrys seasonal obsession with pumpkin-spiced everything beverages, snacks, candies, desserts, soaps, caviar, baby wipes and anything else you can think of. There are even pumpkin spice Oreo cookies. This is double-stuff sacrilege, plain and simple. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. "The pumpkin spice zeitgeist in America the Bougie is distasteful to me. Not the taste itself, but the gimmicky marketing behind it," Jerry Da The pumpkin spice zeitgeist in America the Bougie is distasteful to me. Not the taste itself, but the gimmicky marketing behind it. Retail pumpkin-flavored products brought in more than $800 million this year so far, according to NielsenIQ, and the official fall season has just begun. Remember the good old days when there were only two kinds of pumpkin flavored anything: pumpkin pie filling in a can and actual pumpkins? I didnt care for either one, but at least it was a simpler time before pumpkin spice got prostituted by corporate pimps. Today everyone lusts for this flavor in every imaginable consumer good Pringles, Twinkies, hummus, SPAM, collagen peptides, almonds, you name it. Its nuts I tell you. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. Were a nation of trend-seekers, not trend-setters. All you need is a pumpkin spice stick to add a little flavor to our otherwise bland lives. Pumpkin spice porn has become so seductive that consumers dont realize just how addicted theyve become over the past several years. Go back 20 years ago, nothing pumpkin existed in the marketplace. The only thing you could find in the grocery aisle was a pumpkin puree, Peter Dukes, one of the original creators of Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, said at a recent press event celebrating two decades of the drink. Ive never had a pumpkin spice latte. Ive never had any kind of latte. I hate even saying the word latte. And dont get me started on the cost for a double-shot espresso latte. If youre a pumpkin-lovin' Generation Zer who blows too much of your paycheck on trendy beverages every day, and then complain about not having enough money for gas, you deserve to be overcharged. And you deserve to run on empty, both in your car and in your life. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. Go back 20 years ago, nothing pumpkin existed in the marketplace. The only thing you could find in the grocery aisle was a pumpkin puree, Pe If a movie was made to mock our collective obsession with pumpkin spice, it would be wrongly hailed as a celebratory homage, similar to how the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever examined the empty and shallow disco music lifestyle. American pop culture mimicked and re-energized that vapid lifestyle despite the public mocking. Were a nation of trend-seekers, not trend-setters. All you need is a pumpkin spice stick to add a little flavor to our otherwise bland lives. Dont think for a second that Starbucks, Trader Joes, Krispy Kreme, IHOP, Dunkin Donuts and countless other companies don't know this. And capitalize on it. Their new fall menus were released before autumn arrived, hawking anything in sight with the familiar nutmeg-tinged hue of crass commercialism. Consumers see orange. Companies see green. And lots of it. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. Remember the good old days when there were only two kinds of pumpkin flavored anything: pumpkin pie filling in a can and actual pumpkins? The number of limited-time pumpkin launches more than doubled last year as U.S. corporations branded everything possible with pumpkin spice advertising. And why not. Most people love the fall season so much that any aspect of it can be used to sell them products of any kind. It makes them feel warm and cozy, like wrapping their cold hands around a hot beverage. Our seasonal pumpkin-palooza is again getting harvested by brilliant businesses that see the value in limited time campaigns. Similar strategies also work for holiday cookies, fast food items, clothing lines and sale-priced junk. Shopping is our true national pastime. We feel FOMO (fear of missing out) if we miss jumping on the latest sale, even if its a mirage in the desert of consumerism. Limited-time marketing campaigns trigger our sense of urgency and a sense of regret if we miss the buy-it-now bandwagon. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. Their new fall menus were released before autumn arrived, hawking anything in sight with the familiar nutmeg-tinged hue of crass commercialism The pumpkin spice craze is the perfect example of this. Although its none of my business what pumpkin-laced products you purchase, it is my business to point out to you possibly why youre obsessed with it, beyond the flavor, which I enjoy too. Maybe because it tastes like a bottomless cup of comfort for the soul. And when youre done with that thousandth paper cup youve used in your disposable lifestyle and need to throw it in the garbage, Hefty has just the trash bag for you to buy. Pumpkin spice porn in America the Bougie. I'll pass, thanks. By popular demand, Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice is back, a press release for Hefty states. Now, fall lovers can keep their pumpkin spice obsessio Fall enthusiasts can find Hefty Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Ultra Strong trash bags for a limited time in select distribution at retailers like Walmart, Target, Jewel and more, the press release states. In one sentence, Hefty used all the key phrases to plant the seed of a sale into the minds of pumpkin lovers: fall enthusiasts, cinnamon pumpkin, limited time and select distribution. Like I said, the aroma of pumpkin spice porn is so alluring this time of year. GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week A woman and a 14-year-old girl were found dead inside a Brooklyn apartment on Monday, the authorities said, prompting an investigation into the killings that are the latest to unsettle New York City. The woman, 37, was found dead in the living room with multiple stab wounds, including on her face, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case. The teenager was found beside the woman, and a dead dog was found beside them with a bag over its head, the official said. The killings occurred at 1296 New York Avenue in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, according to a spokesman for the New York Police Department. While former President Donald J. Trump, the runaway front-runner in polls, easily exceeded the donor and polling requirements for participation, he is planning to skip the debate. He also skipped the first debate, which still managed to draw nearly 13 million viewers and was also the most-watched cable telecast of the year outside of sports. For his rivals, time is running short to gain ground on the leader. Mr. Trumps closest rival, Mr. DeSantis, has fallen in recent polling, and the other candidates have been unable to make substantial breakthroughs. They will need to seize on moments like debates, with national audiences, to make noise in early contests in Iowa and New Hampshire. This article is from a special report on the Athens Democracy Forum in association with The New York Times. Amos Gitai was a young architecture student in Israel when the country came under surprise attack from Syria and Egypt on Yom Kippur in 1973. An army reservist, he reported for duty and was assigned to a helicopter mission rescuing the wounded. It was a deed that completely changed his life. Seven days later, on his 23rd birthday, a helicopter carrying Mr. Gitai was hit by a missile; the pilot was decapitated before his eyes. Mr. Gitai was injured and suffered psychological trauma that has been with him ever since. Fifty years on, the filmmaker and artist said he has a new fear: the fate of Israel and its democracy because of a law passed in July by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The law, which limits the Israeli Supreme Courts ability to exercise judicial oversight over the government, has drawn hundreds of thousands of Israelis to the streets in huge protests week after week. Mr. Gitai, already a fierce critic of Mr. Netanyahu, was one of the Israelis enraged by the new law, which he and many others saw as a giant step toward autocracy. I am now so very excited I cannot sleep, the artist Ray Johnson wrote to a friend after a visit to Chicago in 1949. I have suddenly got the idea in my head that I want to dance. Johnson, 22 and fresh out of art school, had immersed himself in books on modern dance subjects Vaslav Nijinsky, Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham. In Chicago we saw the wonderful dancer Sybil Shearer, he wrote. I was taken with her respected her so much because she seemed such a complete artist in every way. Johnson, the collage and mail artist whom The New York Times once called New Yorks most famous unknown artist, did not go on to have a career in dance. But his animated letter raises an interesting question: What does dance have to do with his art? In September 1773, Phillis Wheatley, a young enslaved woman from Boston, boarded a ship home from London, where she had gone to promote her forthcoming book of poems the first ever published by an American of African descent. It was not the first time Wheatley had sailed to Boston. Twelve years earlier, she had arrived from Africa as a child captive and was sold to a prominent family, the Wheatleys, who named her after the slave ship. But on this second voyage, Phillis now a literary celebrity picked up a pen and wrote Ocean, a 70-line ode full of dreaming, wonder and longing for freedom. Ocean went unpublished and was seemingly lost until 1998, when the manuscript surfaced at an auction. Now it has been acquired by the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture, as part of what the museum says will be the largest collection of Wheatley material in public hands. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. A number of steps are being taken to develop cooperation between Turkiye and the OTS (Organization of Turkic States) member countries, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli said at the II Agribusiness Forum of Turkic States (Turkagro) in Baku, Trend reports. "Agriculture is one of the sectors that will contribute to the development of this cooperation. New member states are strengthening the OTS. Our countries have potential that should be untapped. I believe that trade in this sector will expand," Yumakli noted. "We can remove obstacles in the seed trade by creating common seed catalogs. Farm insurance systems will be established both in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Work in this direction has already begun," added the minister. The second meeting of agriculture ministers of the OTS member states and the second Turkagro business forum are taking place in Baku. The first time Adegoke, now 32, saw one of these lists was in 2018, when she was working for the now-defunct online womens magazine The Pool. At first, she said, she was glad the list was circulating among friends and colleagues. Im a feminist, and were now holding people accountable, she recalled thinking. Men have been able to get away with systemic abuses for years. But the more she read and saw, the more her skepticism grew. She wondered whether anonymous lists shared online were the best route, she said, given how easy it is to weaponize anonymity on the internet. This skepticism is baked into The List, which became a best seller in Britain when it was released there in July, and is being developed for TV by HBO Max, the BBC and A24. Image Credit... HarperCollins The novel follows Ola, a feminist journalist, and Michael, a podcaster, in the lead-up to their wedding. Michaels name appears on an online spreadsheet of abusers, and although he insists he is innocent, Ola is left to make sense of the accusation. But the book isnt just about the culpability of one man. It asks questions about how other people especially Black women can be mistreated if nobody protects victims of sexual abuse. Tensions in the South China Sea cross a line A divers underwater cutting of a section of rope in the South China Sea, as shown in a short video clip this week, may seem too simple an act to qualify as a serious international incident. But that diver was with the Philippine Coast Guard, and the rope was part of a barrier placed by Chinese forces to keep Philippine boats away from an area where they had a legal right to fish. In that moment, the Philippines took one of the most forceful steps yet in contesting Chinas expanding territorial claims, which have moved ever closer to the Philippine Islands. The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law, the Philippines said in a statement, adding that the action had come on direct orders from Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr., the countrys president. Marcos has signaled that he wants a more muscular foreign policy toward China, which has been mostly rhetoric until now. Apprehension is rising about the risk of a direct clash between China and the Philippines and its allies, including the U.S. Navy fleet patrolling the region. But many analysts say China is likely to stop short of taking military action to avoid provoking the U.S. The U.S. Virgin Islands sued JPMorgan in December, and about a month later, lawyers for Mr. Epsteins victims sued the bank. The U.S. territory said it was seeking up to $190 million in compensation from the bank, which it claimed had ignored warning signs about Mr. Epsteins activities and chose to look the other way because he generated business for it. The money the bank is paying to the Virgin Islands, where Mr. Epstein had a private island residence for roughly two decades, will mostly go toward funding charitable causes in the U.S. territory in the Caribbean and paying lawyer fees. The settlement, the bank said, specifically calls for $30 million to go to local charities that support local victims of sex crimes and $25 million to help law enforcement fight sex trafficking and other crimes. The Virgin Islands said that $10 million of the total was being aimed at providing mental health support for Epstein victims. Mr. Epstein killed himself in a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019, a month after he was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. Mr. Epstein had been a client of JPMorgan both before and after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to a charge of soliciting prostitution from a teenage girl and had to register as a sex offender in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands. The bank agreed to settle with the Virgin Islands after months of embarrassing disclosures about how top executives continued to keep Mr. Epstein on as a client despite numerous warning signs that he was paying large sums of money to teenage girls and young women without any good explanation. Green sea turtles had an exceptional nesting season on Floridas beaches in 2023, with volunteers counting more than 74,300 nests, according to preliminary data. That beats the previous record, from 2017, by a staggering 40 percent. The increase is an explosion and a welcome surprise, said Simona Ceriani, a research scientist who coordinated the annual survey for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the state agency that regulates and manages wildlife. The count will continue through Oct. 31. Sea turtles dont reach sexual maturity until their twenties or thirties, so what Florida is seeing now is very likely the result of conservation measures put in place after green sea turtles were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1978, Dr. Ceriani said. But researchers arent ready to claim a conservation victory just yet. Those impressive nesting numbers are just half the story, according to Jeanette Wyneken, a professor at Florida Atlantic University who has studied nesting sea turtles for more than three decades. All this is funneled through Douges narration, leaving questions galore. How did the man target the right size? Did he really think he could get away with it? Had he learned nothing from West Elm Caleb? The Tabi swiper gets no nuanced biography here; depending on your degree of sympathy for property crime, he is merely a clownish dolt, an enterprising popinjay or a graceful, sartorially minded sociopath. Neither villain nor victim is the main character of this saga. The leading role belongs to another: the worlds most reviled shoes. Heres where I disclose: I am a member of the cloven-hoofed. I own, and adore, Tabis. Tabis provoke near-universal squirms from onlookers, which is precisely the source of their appeal. Margiela, inspired by 15th-century Japanese design, first sent them down the runway in 1988. A long, leather-seamed cleft segregates the big toe from the rest of the foot, an arrangement that is apparently capable of triggering monstrous discomfort in the human brain. Walking around in Tabis is an act of aggression, akin to whispering moist and cusp into peoples ears over and over. This animalistic silhouette is a semi-sexual, quasi-vaginal trompe loeil that embarrasses the onlooker twice: once for looking so closely at the wearers feet, and again for being so conventional as to find the view shocking. Part of the reason for their MacBook Air price tag which, in my defense, can come down significantly if you charge into sale season with fast fingers is their role as both a cipher and a Sorting Hat of taste. Like Patagonia vests or Telfar bags, Tabis come freighted with tribal meaning. To embrace the split toe is to consciously buck the mainstream. This has made Tabis a kind of secret handshake for an in-crowd of fashion buffs and cultural connoisseurs: Look at me, the shoes proclaim, a creative person with highbrow sensibilities, rebelling against the normies. As the fashion writer Rachel Tashjian put it, Tabis are to the art world what Allbirds are to tech. They belong to the broad category of IYKYK (if you know, you know) fashion. But while most such garments are militantly subtle, broadcasting only to fellow insiders the Rows unbranded tailoring, black T-shirts from Rick Owens, anything Comme des Garcons (not from Play) or Celine (before Hedi Slimane nixed the accent) Tabis are an even ruder in-joke: They openly dare you to consider them ugly or revolting, exposing yourself as a commoner. After the Tabi-swiper story went viral just before New York Fashion Week, no less the search term Tabis crested to a five-year peak on Google, suggesting many of the sagas followers may have been freshly discovering the shoe. And yet the frenzied discourse around the theft has been flooded with chest-beating, virtue-signaling IYKYKism. For days, cool-crowd magazines and influencers pumped out softly patronizing explainers aimed at people insufficiently hip to understand dropping 165 pumpkin spice lattes worth of cash on an unsightly shoe. Even spectators fought to prove themselves as knowing aesthetes. (How he got the shoes outside your apartment reads one of the top comments on Douges video, to which another confidently responds, fashion guys always have their lil purse.) Onlookers seemed to care less about retrieving stolen property or exposing misbehavior than about closing ranks, patrolling and reinforcing the boundaries of the in-group. Perhaps the thief had displayed good taste in desiring the Tabis but offended the cognoscenti by approaching them in such a deceitful way: Not only did he steal Douges totem of belonging, but he tried to give it to someone else. What the man purloined wasnt just a pair of shoes but something like an emblem of identity. The tribe automatically rejected this, balking not just at a thief but at that all-too-embarrassing figure: the try-hard. Theres a built-in paradox to IYKYK clothes, though: The more you wear things, the more people come to know about them. Tabis, despite their prideful nonconformity, have been worn by Nick Jonas and Dua Lipa and the marquess of the mainstream, Kylie Jenner; even the maladroit fashionista of Netflixs Emily in Paris has a pair. Virgil Abloh once got around this type of problem by differentiating between the tourists who pile on to an item of cult intrigue and the purists who live and breathe it. But who ever begins as a purist? When a discerning art friend first introduced me to Tabis, I feigned indifference, sensing this was a litmus test of some sort. It was only after studying up on the hooves vestiary lore that I began to genuinely appreciate their mischief. Perhaps the Tabi-swiper saga resonated so widely because it was a reminder of how we all start off stealing and faking our way into sophistication working long and hard to mimic the more polished palates of others, all the while pretending our good taste came naturally. Six weeks after my first trip to Italy, the fresh mozzarella I brought home is long gone, and so is the hard salami and pistachio-flavored chocolate. To squeeze a bit more from my Mediterranean experience, I can rely a little while longer on the tube of Elmex-brand toothpaste I used to brush away all that food. For as long as it lasts, each day starts and ends with an ingredient called Fluoruro Amminico, which I assume has to do with fluoride but havent bothered to translate. The lingering sense of wonder it evokes is something I would rather not name. Elmex is, strictly speaking, a Swiss brand, but its flavor, color and packaging will always for me be tied to the week I spent in Naples: the smell of the dewy summer air, the taste of plump local anchovies, the sight of Mount Vesuvius from the Riviera di Chiaia. I bought the toothpaste on the morning of my arrival, and spent scarcely a minute choosing Elmex over another brand. My habit of treating toothpaste as a souvenir is about celebrating rather than elevating the trivial Im not chasing quality, authenticity or meaning, those most overrepresented pursuits among world travelers. So I pick whatever seems fun, interesting or tame, depending on my mood. Its a low-stakes exercise with just one rule: My selection must comply with the 100-milliliter limit for packing in my carry-on. The effect of this habit is Proustian but its origin is not. About a decade ago, I chose to ignore some advice I was given before moving to Japan for a study-abroad program. Japanese toothpaste, I was told, might not be to my liking, so I should pack a few tubes of my favorite brand to take with me to Tokyo. Shunning even the most inconsequential new experience seemed to me a bad way of approaching a new life in a new country. I was 32 and had learned to wring all that I could from my days as a working stiff. Why shouldnt I do the same as a slightly-too-old university student in Japan? I stretched my student loans and scholarship money so I could quench my thirst for novelty by drinking from the well of everyday experience which, in Tokyo, runs deep with small consumer delights. Among these delights, buying toothpaste I would never find in an American drugstore proved to be a reliable way of enlivening an otherwise unremarkable daily activity one that we often treat as routine but that I try to embrace as a ritual for chasing the fog of sleep from my waking hours. Each new and unfamiliar flavor recalls a time and a place, but also serves as a gentle tap on the shoulder a reminder to look at myself, not through myself, in the bathroom mirror and to appreciate even those moments spent brushing away the seeds of inevitable decay. Meryl Streep, who was chosen to be honored at the gala next month for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, was initially under the impression that the Hollywood actors strike would prevent her from attending. The strike, after all, had already forced the Academy to delay one gala in November, where Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks were to receive honorary Oscars. In the case of the fund-raising event planned for Oct. 14, it was unclear at first if SAG-AFTRA, the union representing TV and movie actors, would allow striking members to attend, and, if it did, whether any would want to go. Would it be OK to appear at such a celebratory event while the industry is on the ropes? Should actors sit at tables (costing $250,000 to $500,000) that in some cases are paid for by the studios they are striking against? And what about the potential for vitriol and tension, or at least deep social awkwardness? But after negotiations and quiet diplomacy that determined who could attend and what kinds of work could be honored, the gala which typically attracts Hollywoods A-listers and moguls and raises more than $10 million for the popular museum will proceed. The biggest change: Executives from the studios being struck, some of which are among the museums biggest sponsors, will not be there. Among the places her search took her, she said in newspaper interviews, were the national archives of Spain and Belgium, where she found silent classics by Micheaux with the title cards written in the languages of those countries, which she then had to have translated back into English. In 2000, she and Louise Spence published Writing Himself Into History: Oscar Micheaux, His Silent Films and His Audiences. Pearl Bowser and Louise Spences scholarly examination of Micheaux serves a dual purpose, Renee Graham wrote in a review in The Boston Globe. Through six essays, they analyze Micheauxs work, how it was received by both Blacks and whites, and how his films encouraged fresh discussions about race. But Bowser and Spences book also rescues the filmmakers accomplishments from decades of obscurity. Ms. Bowsers expertise, though, encompassed much more than Micheaux-era films. Her lectures and film series covered a wide range for instance, she presented Films of Africa and the Caribbean at the Brooklyn Museum in 1986. And the collection of hundreds of films, videotapes and audiotapes she donated in 2012 to the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution is rich in material related to Black filmmakers in the 1960s and 70s. Pearl didnt just revive Micheauxs legacy; she helped preserve and shape the narrative of independent Black film, Ina Archer, media conservation and digitization specialist at the museum, said by email. Across her five-decade career she wove a continuous thread through a century of Black film that is only just now beginning to come into focus. Pearl Johnson was born on June 25, 1931, in Harlem, where she grew up. According to a Smithsonian Institution biography, her mother, also named Pearl, was a domestic worker, and young Pearl would often accompany her to work at apartments in Lower Manhattan, helping to fold handkerchiefs in exchange for an allowance. A man wanted in connection with the fatal fentanyl poisoning of a 1-year-old boy at a Bronx day care this month was arrested in Mexico on Tuesday by federal agents, local and federal law enforcement officials said. The man was identified by both a member of federal law enforcement and a New York Police Department official as Felix Herrera, 34, whose wife was charged with the boys murder. The officials asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Police would only say that a person of interest in the case had been taken into custody. Earlier on Tuesday, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that Mr. Herrera had been on the run for nearly two weeks after fleeing the home-based day care on Sept. 15. Mr. Herrera, who has not yet been charged, is the fourth person to be arrested in connection with the death of the boy, Nicholas Feliz Dominici. Three other children at the center were taken to the hospital for fentanyl poisoning. The police worked with federal and Mexican officials to capture Mr. Herrera, officials said. He had been traveling by car through Texas to Mexico, according to Chief Kenny. Officials had expected Mr. Herrera to attempt to return to the Dominican Republic, where he is from. Since Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey was indicted on federal bribery charges last week, the states governor, at least a half-dozen members of New Jerseys congressional delegation and a range of U.S. senators all Democrats have urged him to resign. On Monday, as Mr. Menendez insisted to reporters that he would not quit, the reaction to the charges against him was muted in his backyard. Calls to several leading Democrats in Hudson County, the political cauldron where his career was forged, went unreturned. Among those who did not respond to requests for comment on the senators present circumstances were the mayor of Union City (a title Mr. Menendez once held); a former congressman who succeeded Mr. Menendez in that position; and the countys Democratic leader. One elected official from outside Hudson County who did answer was State Senator Richard J. Codey, a longtime Democratic New Jersey lawmaker and former governor. In an interview, he said that the charges against Mr. Menendez made him very sad, but he stopped short of saying he should resign. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan's police officers have distributed water to Armenian residents of the country's Karabakh region who found themselves stuck in a traffic jam while driving their own cars, Trend reports. The relevant footage was shared on social media. Following the agreements reached at the meetings held between the central authorities of Azerbaijan and representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh in Yevlakh and Khojaly cities on September 21 and 25, the Azerbaijani side provided various assistance to the residents. Senator Cory Booker called on Senator Robert Menendez, his fellow New Jersey Democrat, to resign Tuesday morning, ending days of silence after Mr. Menendez was indicted on bribery charges. As New Jerseys junior senator, Mr. Booker often has described Mr. Menendez as a friend, ally and mentor. His decision to join the growing chorus of state and federal officials calling on Mr. Menendez to step down demonstrates the deepening crisis facing a senator who until last week occupied one of the most powerful and secure positions in American politics. The details of the allegations against Senator Menendez are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaken to the core, Mr. Booker said, adding: I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving. Mr. Menendez was charged on Friday with using his power as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee to assist the government of Egypt and businessmen in New Jersey in exchange for bribes that included bars of gold bullion, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, exercise machines and more than $500,000 in cash. Over the weekend, the first of those 60-day notices came due. Dozens of migrants who were immediately affected packed their belongings, left their shelters and returned to the welcome center at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Many were sent to respite centers open-plan dormitories with dozens of beds or cots that are not meant to be any kind of home. Adams also tightened the rule for adults who arrived on Friday or later, reducing the maximum shelter stay from 60 to only 30 days before they must reapply. We have now reached a point where we are full and must take action to move people seeking asylum more quickly through our shelter system, Anne Williams-Isom, the deputy mayor for health and human services, said. The mayor is considering similar rules for families with children, the news outlet The City reported. In a court hearing this afternoon, the city will also try to unwind the right to shelter. Last week, for the first time, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she agreed with Adams that the right to shelter should be suspended or altered. The original premise behind the right to shelter, she said on CNN, was for homeless men on the streets. People were experiencing AIDS. Then it was expanded to families. That is the right thing to do. But never was it envisioned that this would be an unlimited universal right or obligation on the city to have to house literally the entire world. Joshua Goldfein, a staff lawyer at the Legal Aid Society, said that the city had not done well at explaining the new timeline, causing a lot of confusion. He said that without clearer instructions, some migrants took the new limits to mean that they could not reapply for shelter once their 30 days had expired. A judge on Staten Island temporarily blocked New York City on Tuesday from using a former school as an emergency shelter for migrants, in a decision that could have broader implications for the citys long-established obligation to offer shelter to anyone who asks for it. The city has struggled to provide housing to the more than 110,000 migrants who have entered its shelter system since early last year, in part because of a decades-old legal obligation, known as right to shelter, that requires it to provide a bed for anyone who is homeless and asks for one. Citing right to shelter," Mayor Eric Adams issued an emergency order that let the city bypass the normal review process for opening homeless shelters. But on Tuesday, Justice Wayne Ozzi of State Supreme Court wrote that the right to shelter does not exist, and ordered the Staten Island school emptied. The ruling came in a suit against the city and state brought by a man who lives near the school and eight Republican city, state and federal elected officials who represent the island, New York Citys most conservative borough. The senator, Ms. Menendez, Mr. Hana and two other businessmen were each charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Mr. Menendez and his wife were also charged with conspiracy to commit extortion under the color of official right, meaning that they used the senators official position to force someone to give them something of value. Mr. Menendez has maintained his innocence, saying Friday that prosecutors wrote these charges as they wanted; the facts are not as presented. At a news conference on Monday, he said he had no intention of bowing to calls for his resignation. Mr. Menendez, his wife and the two other businessmen Fred Daibes, a New Jersey real estate developer and fund-raiser for Mr. Menendez; and Jose Uribe, who works in trucking and insurance are expected to be arraigned in Federal District Court on Wednesday morning. Mr. Hana, a longtime friend of Ms. Menendez, had founded a business, IS EG Halal, that was the sole certifier of halal meat imported to Egypt, and prosecutors said it became the conduit for a stream of money to the senator. Mr. Hana was led into the courtroom wearing a light blue button-down shirt, navy blue slacks and black slip-on shoes with a design on top. He sat down next to his lawyer, Lawrence J. Lustberg, and the rest of his legal team. Three prosecutors sat at a table across the aisle. When filed, this case was likely the first to ask a Latin American court to decriminalize abortion. Since then, other courts in the region have acted. What began as tentative support for legislative reforms and congressional power to decriminalize abortion has swelled into the so-called green wave, a political movement for abortion rights. Courts started to issue judgments on access to abortion as a matter of fundamental rights and as part of nations constitutional framework, challenging rather than accepting the use of criminal law in abortion regulation. In a few countries, decriminalization as a constitutional imperative soon followed. In 2021, Mexicos Supreme Court declared the abortion provisions of a state penal code unconstitutional and two years later declared the same of the federal code. In 2022, Colombias Constitutional Court issued a sweeping judgment that decriminalized abortion until 24 weeks of pregnancy. These are principle-based judgments that allow abortion at the simple request of a person in need. They remove authorizations for care that were associated with little health or social benefit and were too often abused to delay and deny care. They are judgments in step with the everyday facts of fundamental rights and rooted in the strongest public health evidence. The World Health Organization recommends the decriminalization of abortion to save lives and to protect health and well-being. The evidence is unassailable. Women suffer and die under these laws. Abortion will always carry this threat until it can be practiced without legal sanction. This is because criminalization denies more than access to a single health care service; it carries broader social harms. It breeds fear among those who need care and those who could care for them, a cruel fate for the most vulnerable women, denounced by those who profess to care and harmed in a system that purports to help. In Brazil, abortion criminalization betrays the constitutional promise of universal care. People who flee from or are abandoned by the nations public health system must desperately seek care outside it. They face extraordinary burdens burdens that some do not survive. By the punishment that it inflicts and the secrecy and shame that it commands, criminalization separates people from their support networks, severs their social bonds and invites all manner of indignity and loss into their lives. It deepens the racial, class and gender inequalities of social life. In Brazil, Black and brown women, poor and young women and women from the most vulnerable regions of the country are more likely to have abortions, to be arrested for having them and to die from them. These are the women buried in the statistics on unsafe abortion in the country. The question, as always with these revelations, is: So what? The justices of the Supreme Court are not bound by an ethics code other than the one they say they have voluntarily adopted, and there is no legal sanction for misconduct. Shame and political pressure worked in the past to push at least one ethically compromised justice off the court, but Thomas appears as immune to shame as the most recent Republican president. And he has also made it clear, over the course of his career on the court, that there is essentially nothing his opponents could do that would pressure him off the bench. The only official recourse is impeachment, which would be a nonstarter even if there werent a Republican-led House of Representatives. There has not been an impeachment of a Supreme Court justice since a failed attempt by the Jeffersonian Republican-controlled Congress to remove Samuel Chase in 1804 (incidentally, on a charge of excessive partisanship). And as Thomas Jefferson who was involved in the case against Chase observed in multiple letters reflecting on the problem of the courts power, impeachment was an impracticable thing, a mere scarecrow and a bugbear that the justices fear not at all. They consider themselves secure for life, Jefferson wrote, and they skulk from responsibility to public opinion. Jefferson was right about the nullity of impeachment as it relates to the Supreme Court. At the same time, the process can yet serve an important political role. There might still be something to gain, in other words, from calling for and pursuing impeachment, even if it fails. The Chase example is instructive here. While Jeffersons Republican Party failed to remove Chase, a Federalist, from the bench, it limited judicial participation in partisan politics. In the absence of a Democratic majority in the House, theres little chance that congressional critics of Thomas could initiate the impeachment process. Nevertheless, a steady demand that he either resign or be impeached might pressure him to respond forcing him to do the minimum and explain his actions to the public. And if stories of misconduct continue to mount, then a call for impeachment could even begin to shift his conduct. If nothing else, a regular focus on his corrupt behavior through the lens of congressional action would remind the public that Congress does, in fact, have the power to sanction individual justices. Hopefully, Democratic leaders in the Senate will do the right thing, and this column will be obsolete by the time you read it. I would have written it earlier, but I thought that at any moment, the dam would break and Robert Menendez, the recently indicted senator from New Jersey accused of spectacular acts of treachery and corruption, would be pushed out. Yet here we are, four days after the Department of Justice gave us all a look at Menendezs cash-stuffed jacket and one-kilo gold bars, and a united front of condemnation has yet to materialize. As I write this, more than a dozen Democratic senators have called on him to step down. Every other Democratic senator especially the Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer should join them. Its true, of course, that an indictment is not a conviction. (Menendez knows this as well as anyone, having been charged with corruption once before but spared by a hung jury.) While he is entitled to another fair trial, he is not entitled to a seat in the United States Senate. As chairman, until recently, of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he is accused not just of accepting lavish bribes but also, more seriously, of passing sensitive information to an Egyptian businessman with ties to Egypts government. This is wrongdoing on a whole other level from what he was previously accused of. At a defiant news conference on Monday, Menendez insisted hes staying in the Senate and offered a preposterous excuse for the hundreds of thousands of dollars that F.B.I. agents found at his house. He said he kept it for emergencies, because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba. Apparently, Menendez, who was born in New York, wants us to believe that, because of intergenerational trauma, he feels the need to hedge against Communist revolution in America. (Ironically, his family now, indeed, faces government confiscation.) He also claimed to be the victim of racist persecution by those who simply cannot accept that a first-generation Latino American from humble beginnings could rise to be a U.S. senator a deployment of identity politics so audaciously cynical, it belongs in a caustic TV farce, some deranged mash-up of Veep and The Sopranos. His refusal to resign is a problem for Democrats both substantively and politically. At the most basic level, its hard to see how, given what Menendez has been accused of, he can be trusted to do his job. His continued tenure in the Senate is an embarrassment to the institution and to the Democratic Party, an embarrassment that will only grow more acute as his prosecution proceeds. Republicans, of course, understand that his presence in the Senate works to their advantage, which is why the right-wing senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas declared that Menendez should stay put. [MUSIC PLAYING] ezra klein From New York Times Opinion, this is The Ezra Klein Show. [MUSIC PLAYING] Hey, it is Ezra. I am on book leave, but our guest this week is my colleague, the Times Opinion columnist David French, whose work I have learned a ton from and whos just way of comporting himself in public life Ive often quite admired. He began his career as a lawyer. He has deployed with the US military. Hes the author of many books, including Divided We Fall: Americas Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation. And Im excited to see what he does here behind the mic. I hope you enjoy it, too. [MUSIC PLAYING] david french I met Ken White the first day of law school. We bonded immediately. We were both Star Trek nerds. We were both already losing our hair. And we were both fascinated by criminal and constitutional law. Neither of us ever lost that fascination, and Ken went on to become one of the nations most respected legal voices on both the criminal justice system and the First Amendment, which is why I wanted to have him on the show today. As much as I love to talk about free speech, this conversation is going to focus on criminal justice, specifically the four cases against Donald Trump. Most recently, weve had the sweeping Georgia indictment regarding Trumps efforts to overturn the election. Before that, we had the more narrow federal Jan. 6 case, which also focused not just on Jan. 6 but Trumps efforts to overturn the election. And before then, we had the Florida case involving the handling of classified documents relating to the national defense. And last, and least, we have the Stormy Daniels hush money case. Ken has unique insight into all these cases. As a defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, he can dive into both the prosecution and defense strategies in all four cases against Trump. Where are they strong? Where are they weak? Has the prosecution or defense made any mistakes? If you find Ken insightful, and I know you will, you can hear more from him on his own podcast co-hosted by Josh Barro called Serious Trouble, and you can read him at his Substack called The Popehat Report. As always, you can email the show at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. [MUSIC PLAYING] Ken White, welcome to The Ezra Klein Show. ken white Thank you so much for having me, David. Its great to talk to you. david french Well, Im really looking forward to this episode. And one of the goals is to help listeners be conversant in the big issues in each one of the criminal cases against Donald Trump. This is not about diving in deep, deep, deep into the details, because each of these cases is going to ultimately end up with a records running in the thousands of pages. Theres going to be twists and turns. This is much more of a broader view. And were going to be ambitious. Were going to walk through each one of the four major criminal cases against Trump in the reverse order of their filings. So were going to start with Georgia, then were going to go with Jack Smith Jan. 6 case, then well go with Jack Smith documents case out of Mar-a-Lago, and then well end up with the Bragg indictment out of Manhattan. And the goal is to hit what are the big issues. Whats the prosecutions best case? What is the defenses best case? Which case is most dangerous to Donald Trump and why? So Ken, lets start with Georgia. You have a career as a prosecutor a federal prosecutor. You have a career in defense. Youve been on both sides here. So Im going to ask you to put on your both sides hat. And lets start with Georgia. Talk a bit about how ambitious this case is and why. How is it that prosecutors may arguably have more flexibility here in the Georgia case than maybe in the federal cases? ken white Well, David, the Georgia RICO case is a lot more ambitious and a lot broader because they are very deliberately cobbling together a bunch of different conspiracies into one big charge. So thats, I guess, what RICO is designed to do, to allow prosecutors to take on organizations and groups of people that are doing diverse things wrong and tie it all into one charge or one set of charges. So whats really notable about the Georgia RICO indictment is how it takes a bunch of different what you would normally call different conspiracies to do different things allegedly wrong in connection with the election people who are not interacting with each other. When you and I were taking criminal law back in the last millennium, this would be described as different spokes on the wheel. david french Right. ken white People who are completely disconnected from each other all doing illegal things towards a general goal. And that winds up putting together a lot of people who dont seem like they really go together in terms of what theyre doing and putting together some pretty wildly different conduct, which is why youre seeing some very strong motions to sever out defendants in Georgia. Thats one way the indictment there is different. The other way its different is that it reflects a very different sensibility about the politics of it. So well talk more about the D.C. indictment by Jack Smith. But that one reflected a sensibility that were going to very explicitly say some things Donald Trump was allowed to do and were legitimate, and thats fine, but these things were illegitimate. The Georgia RICO indictment just leans into everything, throws it all in the same pile, does not make much of an effort to explain or advocate about the distinction between legal politics and illegal fraud. david french One question about the Georgia so in RICO youre somewhat famous online for many reasons. One of them is for loathing RICO. And maybe not necessarily loathing RICO, but loathing overuse of RICO. But theres some interesting distinctions here between Georgia RICO and federal RICO. Could you walk through some of these differences between the Georgia RICO statutes and the federal RICO statutes, and why the prosecutor here might have thought that RICO was, in fact, an appropriate method for charging this case. ken white So the federal RICO, originally designed to go after organized crime, is very rule-bound, very picky, very complicated. So every crime or cause of action in a civil case has its elements, its building blocks, like the recipe for all the things you have to do to prove this particular crime. The RICO elements are extremely convoluted and lengthy and few cases actually make it. And its so common for civil litigants to bring civil RICO charges as an exclamation point or basically an emoji. This is really serious. Its RICO, in fact. That many federal judges have special RICO orders. Its like, so you think its RICO. Well, heres a sheet with 20 questions I have for you that by the time youre done answering them well show its not RICO. So the federal RICO charges are characterized by how hard it is to prove and how complicated it is. And thats why you dont see it in a lot of federal cases because there are so many more flexible and straightforward federal criminal tools. The Georgia statute is a different story. The Georgia courts have not imposed a lot of this rule-bound elements type of approach. Theyve taken it more like a general conspiracy without a lot of complicated requirements. And a lot of the Georgia Court of Appeals opinions considering RICO convictions are frighteningly ehh, kind of sort of sounds like what the statute is about. Not imposing a lot of technical requirements on it. So that makes it very appealing as a super conspiracy statute. As a result, it is used astoundingly broadly in Georgia. RICO is used in Georgia the way conspiracy is used in many other locations. And its used in a way that I think, in my view, is intentional to make cases that are functionally impossible to defend. So you have cases that go on for months and months and months. You know how expensive litigation is, David, as well as anybody. And very few people can afford lawyers for months and months and months, let alone also not working because youre in trial. So you have things like this trial of the rapper Young Thug and some people accused of being in a gang with him. Its been going on for eight months. It doesnt even have a jury picked yet. The case where Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis went after an education cheating scandal. That was treated as a RICO. And those trials the one that went to trial went on for six or seven months. So it allows the prosecutors to put together big functionally impossible to defend cases. david french So first, I want to ask you what you think about the wisdom of this charging approach in this case. Because one thing I think listeners need to know is that often prosecutors overcharge as a deliberate strategy. That theyre going to as Ive used this illustration before they throw charges in an indictment like you might throw croutons on a salad which then creates this incredible list of charges with lengthy prison sentences attached to convictions. And essentially, you take a defendant who may not have an enormous number of resources, as you noted, and you put them in this incredibly difficult box, which is if you go to trial on this monster of an indictment, you cannot even begin to imagine the amount of jail time you could face. Or I have this little plea deal for you here thats a lot better. That youre not going to face nearly the kind of prison terms that you could potentially face with a jury. And we can just get all this settled and deal with this and move on to the next case. And that kind of approach isnt applicable here for Trump maybe for the others, but for Trump thats not applicable. So what do you think of the wisdom of this charging approach? ken white I think there is definitely an element of politics here. So the D.A. of Fulton County is an elected position. There are political overtones to the whole thing. Its an ambitious D.A. Those are the circumstances in which big, ambitious cases get brought. I think that this is designed to be a case that is functionally impossible to be defended the way its charged. You simply cant take 19 aggressive people with aggressive lawyers to trial in a giant case at once. It would go for years. Particularly when youve got personalities like Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump in the same indictment, thats just going to make it go even more circus-like. And the judge presiding over this has already basically pointed this out. So I think its a great way great is the wrong word effective way for a prosecutor to coerce a lot of the smaller players in the case to plead guilty or even to cooperate, to flip. I think its a great way to get on the scoreboard and to bring attention to the charges and eventually wind up with something less. I dont know if its like if your purpose is to identify what Donald Trump did wrong and come up with just result, if its necessarily the right way. But this is a very typical state prosecutor tactic. david french Do you think theres an overreach here? ken white Well, this is maybe partially a matter of style or taste. But I prefer the approach that Jack Smith took in D.C., to be very explicit about the things that Donald Trump did that were permissible and legal and part of legitimate politics and litigation, and then leaning into explaining very much what wasnt and identifying, calling those things out, as opposed to the approach Fani Willis took, which is much more throw it all in there and call out everything and really not make an effort to avoid the appearance of attacking protected speech or protected politics. So I think because all of this its not a normal criminal case. This has historic implications. Its going to have a greatly exaggerated impact on the way Americans understand the legal system and criminal justice system and that type of thing. And so to go this kitchen sink approach, to me, I think, risks diminishing the credibility, the whole enterprise of holding Donald Trump accountable for things that he did that were illegal. david french Now, theres another aspect of this case that I think is interesting, and that is weve talked about the RICO aspect, but theres a lot of charges that are related to specific Georgia statutes that prohibit lying to public officials. And these Georgia statutes are different from the federal statutes that Jack Smith charged on Jan. 6. And it strikes me, Ken and Id love your thoughts on this that these statutes are easier to prosecute, because what theyre, essentially, doing if you look at some of these statutes, they, essentially, say this if I lie to you lets say youre a public official, and I lie to you about a material fact, and its within your jurisdiction on a matter within your jurisdiction. So if youre the Secretary of State and Im lying to you about voter fraud, and Im talking to you in your capacity of Secretary of State on a matter within your jurisdiction. Ive committed a crime. Ive committed a crime. I dont have to show that I had an intent, for example, to deprive someone of their civil rights or an intent to defraud the federal government. Its just the lying about the material fact to a public official within the jurisdiction crime. That seems to be, in my view, the absolute strongest element of this indictment. ken white Well, sure. Its probably also the element that carries the lowest possible sentence david french Right. ken white of all the different charges, and rightly so, because we shouldnt heavily punish things that dont actually have a bad impact. I think youre right, and I think that the Georgia statute seems to have a very loose concept of materiality, that is, how much does your lie matter. And in both cases, it seems to be is the lie the sort of thing that could hypothetically matter in a scenario we can imagine, which is pretty easy to prove. So yeah, a lot of the smaller things, the lesser charges are there that I think are going to be easier to prove, even given how loosey-goosey Georgia RICO is. Thats one of the reasons that prosecutors throw those in a lot of the time is youre looking for the jury to be saying, OK, well, this big ones complicated, lets just compromise by convicting on these easy ones and throwing out the big one or something like that. And thats strategically why they do it a lot of the time. david french So lets talk about this word that has been mentioned an enormous amount as soon as the Jan. 6 prosecution started intent. Intent. ken white Yes. david french I think Ive seen more internet arguments about intent in the last two months than Id seen in the preceding 20 years. But lets talk about the intent element in Georgia. And then by golly, were going to talk about the intent element in the federal case. So if youre trying to describe what is the intent that prosecutors are going to have to show in Georgia, how would you describe it, both for the more simple statute that we just outlined and for the RICO and bigger RICO and conspiracy charges. And then well table for a minute exactly the intent in the Jack Smith Jan. 6 cases. But whats a brief summary of the intent element here in Georgia? ken white So it really varies charge to charge. On the false statement type of charges, youve got just a requirement that you knowingly lie. So you have to say something and know its a lie. You dont necessarily have to have an intent thats fraudulent, an intent to deceive. You just have to know that the thing youre saying is untrue. The RICO and conspiracy and some of the other things that sound more like obstruction are going to require some sort of specific wrongful intent, an agreement to violate the law, an agreement to do something wrong. So generally, the more sophisticated the crime, usually the more sophisticated the mental state. So some of the crimes theyre just going to have to show people knew they were lying. Others are going to have to show that they had fraudulent intent the intent to deceive or defraud. And some theyre going to have to show that they intentionally joined an agreement to do something against the law, that they agreed to commit a crime. So it depends on the particular charge there. david french So if we go, lets say, the simple lying charge, you dont have to prove that Trump knew he lost. Even if he genuinely thought hed won, if he genuinely thought that Georgia was his, but if he told a lie in making that case, he can be convicted. Whereas, the more broader the conspiracy in the RICO charges, youre going to have to show some intent beyond the simple lie. ken white Right. And this is something where I think that all of us who are in the business of being pundits and talking about all this have probably overcomplicated a little bit. Weve been talking about for years how hard it is to prove intent or knowledge in Donald Trumps case because of how he processes facts, and how he views things and how he doesnt really see lie from truth or distinguish it the way that we mortals do. But its easy to overcomplicate this. You dont have to show that he knew he lost anything. You only have to show, even if he believed he won, that he pursued that goal through lies or through fraudulent means. That he tried to get people to violate their oaths of office, that he tried to get people to do things that were illegal, or that he lied to them in the pursuit of that. Thats much easier. Its easy because theres a big difference between the public narrative of what happened after the election and what these charges actually say. So even the Georgia indictment, which is much more ambitious and sweeping and considerably less subtle, concedes that the point is the illegal way he went about it. The crime is not believing against all evidence that he won. The crime is pursuing that belief through fraud and lies. david french Right. There are two things that have kind of driven me crazy in the public conversation. One is the argument we dont have to prove intent, because Im thinking, Ken, just read the statutes. Now, what intent you have to prove varies from statute to statute, what do you have to show. Thats one that drives me crazy. But another one is, well, oh, gosh, if we have to prove intent, then how can you possibly convict him? But intent elements are extremely common in criminal charges and prosecutors prove intent all the time. This is not a magic get out of jail card to say, no, I didnt mean it, or I didnt mean to tell a lie, you have to acquit me. Am I right in framing it like that or am I missing something? ken white You are. A lot of what this reflects is this public sensibility that Trump is so norm-shattering and outside of normal political practices that the normal doesnt apply and that hes just theres also this perception that hes always skated and hes going to skate again no matter what. But I think were starting to see that just plodding methodical, putting on your case against him can work. We saw that in E. Jean Carrolls defamation case. Were seeing it in other instances. And yes, all the time prosecutors prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, intent when its disputed. The most common bread and butter federal charges of wire fraud, mail fraud require you to prove theres a fraudulent scheme, that you intended to do a fraudulent scheme. And where Trump is his own worst enemy is his tendency to talk a lot and say things a lot, which are now being brought to bear very effectively to help prove intent. So when youre talking about how do you prove that someone intended to do something, that they had fraudulent intent, you do it the same way you decide whether your teenager is lying to you, right? You analyze what they say to you. And in the case of Trump, if youve got him saying something to Mike Pence, like the problem is youre too honest, then thats exactly the sort of thing you lead with to say, see, he knows that what hes doing is dishonest. So theres some things in the past that weve talked about that people wanted him to be prosecuted for, particularly during the Robert Mueller era, where the intent was going to be hard to do. But these things, hes talked his way into a lot of the evidence against him. [MUSIC PLAYING] david french Lets move on to Jack Smith. Its a good logical next move. How would you, in a nutshell, describe the distinction? Whats different about the Jack Smith case versus the Fani Willis case? ken white The Jack Smith case in D.C. is brought by an experienced federal prosecutor for federal court, and it shows. Federal court is very different than state court. Much more formal, generally. Prosecutors can still get away with a remarkable amount, but not as much as they can in state court. Federal judges are tougher taskmasters. To slightly overgeneralize, the court is more concerned with being rulebound and with protecting constitutional rights. And its probably the forum youd often rather be in as a defendant. Id certainly rather be defending the D.C. case than the Georgia case. So Smith seems to be both more concerned with the fact that hes in federal court, and he cant get away with as much, and he has to be more careful with these distinctions. He also seems to be more explicitly concerned with the eyes of history being upon him and that type of thing, with making something that is more overtly avoiding the appearance of being deliberately political. Even though, frankly, I think everyone who thinks its political is going to no matter how you frame it. And everyone who thinks its not is going to think that no matter how you frame it. So its narrower. Its more specific. And there youve got this general conspiracy to defraud the United States. This is the plain vanilla conspiracy statute used all the time. But theres a clause in there instead of just conspiring to violate a federal law, theres a clause for conspiring to defraud the United States and to cheat the US. And thats what hes going with here. Hes going with a conspiracy to obstruct and actual obstruction and a conspiracy against civil rights. Some of these people expressed surprise when Smith came out with them, thinking this is very aggressive and forward in legal theory. And really, historically, its not. There are arguments on all of these for why the law is wrong. But the law for the last century has fairly clearly shown that these are all theories that work. That you can defraud the United States by interfering with one of its proceedings by deceit. That you can obstruct an official proceeding by submitting fake things to it and things like that. And that you can have a conspiracy against rights through election fraud by trying to fraudulently interfere with the counting or processing of votes. You can argue that all those cases are wrong, that they interpret the statutes the wrong way. But I dont think you can seriously argue there isnt legal precedent for all these theories. david french Yeah, I think thats a very key distinction. Because the arguments that Ive seen from those who are defending Trump, if theyre honest arguments, what theyre saying is, I acknowledge the precedent is against us, but the precedent is bad precedent, and this current court would not, in fact, apply the law in the same way. That seems to be the core of the argument. But the fact remains that, as of this moment, the precedent does indicate that each one of these charges is solidly within historical practice. ken white You mentioned this whole thing about how we think the Supreme Court would go being very central to the theories of the law of the critics of the D.C. indictment. david french Right. ken white And certainly this is a conservative court. It has overturned a lot of precedents. I do not see this court as being super eager to help Donald Trump in these sorts of situations. This court did not do the things that Trump partisans hoped it would in connection with the 2020 election or any of the subsequent litigation. And the kinds of theories people are, I would call it, wish-casting, that the court will step in and narrow some of this federal criminal law, is not actually the way this court is generally working. Theyve stuck their neck out for some things that are Trump policy goals, but not so much for Trump as a litigant. I think that the faith that theyre going to do that is misplaced. david french Before we leave the Jan. 6 cases, lets talk a little bit about this attempt to remove some of these cases from state court to federal court. You very helpfully outlined some of the differences in practice in federal court and why defendants often like to be in federal court versus state court. But lets walk through this removal argument in Georgia. ken white Sure. Well, removal is bringing a case that was filed in state court into federal court. And criminal removal, theres a statute. And its origins are uncertain. Even the cases that talk about it say were not entirely sure what the point of this is, but it seems to be there wants to be some sort of bulwark to keep the state from interfering with federal business through criminal prosecutions. So theres a statute that says a federal official charged with a crime in state court can remove it to federal court, and theyll have a burden to keep it there of showing that they were a federal official, that the things they are charged with are of or relating to the color of their office to their official business, and that they have a colorable, that is, plausible, federal defense a defense under federal law. And so Mark Meadows is the first one really to have his effort in this case assessed by the federal judge whos looking at it. And Judge Jones has got something of a wide open field here. A lot of these issues have not been thoroughly litigated. And he has almost like a philosophical question. Its like, well, what is the heart of the Georgia case? What is it that has to be related to your office? And where he comes out is the heart of the Georgia case is the allegation of a RICO conspiracy, an agreement to violate the law. Particular pieces of evidence that arent themselves crimes are not the heart of the case. And so therefore, even if one or two of those are things that arguably are related to Mark Meadows color of office, that doesnt make the whole thing related to his color of office. Hes not supposed to be doing political things. Thats not his function, and so on. This could go either way in front of the 11th Circuit. It could even go either way in front of the United States Supreme Court. Youve got all these competing interests. Youve got these ideas of federalism, or generally, federal courts dont interfere with state courts, particularly in criminal cases. On the other hand, youve got the Supremacy Clause and the idea that the federal law reigns supreme. And then you throw all the politics on top of that. And I have no idea where this is going to come out. david french And one thing that I think is important to emphasize is even though if this case is successful removed, its still going to be prosecuted under the Georgia state statutes and under Georgia state precedent. So all of the Georgia state laws that are at issue in the case are still going to be the laws at issue in the case. Now, there are going to be differences in the rules of the federal court, and theres going to be differences in the jury pool that you draw in the federal court. But theyre still prosecuting these state criminal offenses in that federal court, even if its removed. ken white They are unless the judge determines that theres a federal defense that precludes it. So the precedent seems to suggest that if the judge determines that theres a federal immunity issue and holds a hearing and resolves disputed facts and that type of thing, then that could be, in effect, dismissing the case. But again, thats a heavy lift for Mark Meadows and the others here, because its hard to explain why this stuff is actually related to their job and why its necessary and proper. [MUSIC PLAYING] david french Lets move on from Jan. 6 to documents. And Ill set it up like this. Its really interesting to me, if youve seen all of the back and forth of all of the various legal experts weighing in on all of the aspects of this case, even though theres a lot of disagreement, Ive seen some general agreement that goes like this. The Manhattan case involving the Stormy Daniels hush money payments is the weakest case. A lot of fights over whether the Georgia case or the Jack Smith Jan. 6 case is more dangerous to Trump, where I kind of literally go back and forth on that in my own mind as to which one is the more dangerous case for Trump. And then theres this consensus where you bring up the documents case and they go, oh, yeah, that ones the strongest case. And its really hard to find somebody who would say anything other than that. Where do you stand on this consensus that the documents case is in a class by itself? ken white It is in a class by itself because its a very different set of facts and because Donald Trump, in an absolutely classic client form, has absolutely sunk himself with his mouth by repeatedly saying things that undermine any potential defense he has there saying and doing things. So he is the classic client who cannot keep his mouth shut, who keeps saying things that lock him into stories, that preclude defenses, that admit things, stuff like that. On the other hand, the countervailing factor is that it is in Florida with a different jury pool, where the hope of at least getting one juror to hang the jury seems to be much more plausible. And in Judge Aileen Cannon, he has a judge who has previously been willing to really go out on a limb for him to a notable extent. Someone he appointed. Someone whose decisions in the case where she basically shut down the investigation after the search warrant of Mar-a-Lago were very widely seen as being without sound basis in law. And draw from that what you will. So those things protect him there. But in terms of which case I think is the simplest and strongest, the combo, that probably is the documents case. There is widespread consensus that his defenses, that he can declassify things with his mind, or that theyre automatically declassified when he takes them, that those are nonsense. They are not taken very seriously except by the most partisan commentators. And the record of the things he said in front of other people, his braggadocio, his throwing around of papers, that type of thing is just great intent evidence. So I think that case is extremely dangerous to him. And really whats standing between him and probable conviction in that one is a Florida jury and Judge Aileen Cannon. david french Lets talk about the judge for a minute. You were very polite in your description of I believe you said no sound basis. At the risk of using another legal term of art, I would say that her original decision that essentially halted the parts of the Mar-a-Lago investigation was either bonkers town or in the suburbs of bonkers town. It was so bad. And in fact, it was sternly rebuked by the Court of Appeals. ken white Yeah. It was functionally lawless. And the advocacy that led to it by Trumps attorneys was so terrible that it was that much more notable. The arguments were terrible. And then the way she accepted them, and even did some other things they hadnt even asked for, were terrible. And federal courts of appeal are not very emotive usually. Its bad news when they are. But you can read between the lines, the tone of an opinion. And the opinion overturning her was fairly brutal in its explicitness. So this is a judge who has basically gone way out on her own doing crazy things for Trump. david french Youve practiced in front of a lot of different district judges. Ive practiced in front of a lot of different district judges. And theyll have varying temperaments. But one thing that I have seen is that if youre a district judge whos operating within the broad norms of the profession, once a Court of Appeals has absolutely smacked one of your rulings down, and done so, reading between the lines, in a way that is almost screaming in all caps, in my experiences, so long as the district judge is still within those broad norms of the legal profession, in some ways theyre going to be more careful, because at this point, theyre in almost a legacy moment here. And so you saw recently Judge Cannon just basically granted the prosecutions protective order motion in the case, appears to be adopting a more careful approach to this. How much do you think that that really brutal Court of Appeals smackdown in the document subpoena and the search litigation realistically, can we expect a more careful Judge Cannon as a result of that judicial rebuke? ken white I think theres a number of factors that lead to a more careful Judge Cannon. First of all, theres just experience. She has and we can probably share this feeling preposterously young to be a federal judge. I think shes only 42. And thats very young to wield that sort of power. And a lot of the time when you see a person like that becoming a federal judge, you see some sort of stumbling around at first. When you see corporate lawyers or other lawyers whose practice is not so much trial practice becoming a federal judge, you see an acclimation period. But often, they become very good judges, because they learn this stuff and they learn it as a judge, and they become very careful about it. Also, theres a community of judges and lawyers that is different than the political community. And so the experience of being a federal judge appears to be, broadly speaking, moderating. It tends to move people towards that more professional consensus middle in terms of things. And part of that is your reputation and how the Court of Appeal treats you and that type of thing. But part of it is the community that youre part of the judges you interact with, you go to for advice, that type of thing. Also, judges are human. And a lot of the time if a party leads a judge into error and they get smacked down, judges will tend to resent that party a little bit. They will often start saying, well, the last time I listened to you, the 11th Circuit basically said, in judicial terms, I was being an idiot. So why should I listen to you? So I think all those factors will tend to move her towards the center. That said, a lot of my commentary about cases and stuff is saying this thing you think is extraordinary is not extraordinary. This judge yelling at the prosecution is not in the tank for the defense. Thats just the way judges are. This judge doing this is actually doing what judges all the time. Its not such a big deal, calm down. I cant really say that about Judge Cannon based on that earlier case. That was remarkable, totally outside of norms to extent that makes me very concerned about the way shes going to approach the rest of the case. And it would be difficult to overstate how easy it is for a federal judge to tank a case if they want to. david french Yeah, thats one thing Ive tried to communicate to people about that initial Judge Cannon ruling. I was gobsmacked when I read it. ken white Right. david french I mean, literally just absolutely gobsmacked. And Im also, much like you Ken, I spend a lot of time saying, whoa, hold on, calm down, everything is not running out of control. What youre watching is the system in process, and this is what the system looks like. Were within norms. But that ruling was well outside of legal norms. ken white Yes. david french Now, she has not issued rulings since then that have been outside norms. The trial date that she set seems pretty reasonable to me. The protective order that she just outlined seems pretty reasonable to me. So since then, she seems to have pulled in a bit. But youre absolutely correct. We share the same view. But let me do a little detour here, because when youre talking about judicial norms, the Trump team has filed a motion for the judge in the Jan. 6 documents case to recuse herself based on statements that she made in other Jan. 6 cases. And I know youve looked at this. This is the federal Jan. 6 case. What are your thoughts on the Trump teams recusal motion and what the judge had said in that case? ken white I dont think it will succeed or that it should. And I think it illustrates the difference between what people think the rules for recusal are and what they actually are. Federal recusal is extremely narrow. And in general, there are only two ways you get there. One way is where the judges comments are simply so historically extreme and out of bounds, that no one can possibly take them seriously as a neutral judge. The other is if its from an extrajudicial source, like the defendant is her next door neighbor and they hate them, that type of thing from extrajudicial reasons. Here, Judge Chutkan, in some of the Jan. 6 cases where defendants were saying, basically, well, I was there because of Trump, made comments to the effect of, well, the person who inspired you to do this stuff isnt in jail. Maybe he should be. So you can certainly see why that seems to show some prejudging of Donald Trump. And you could imagine a system where you argue that makes her ineligible because shes expressed that. But its not extrajudicial. So shes come to that conclusion based on the evidence before her in court in related cases. And that generally is not a basis for recusal. And thats why a judge can hear a bunch of related cases without having to recuse themselves. The thing is, recusal is a doctrine largely developed by judges and administered by judges. And they understand each other. And judges how can I put this? They run their mouth a lot. And you cant always consume what they say on a explicit or literal any more than you can with Trump. Federal judges emote as much as ones the proverbial uncle at Thanksgiving. And judges understand that. And so they dont take each any more seriously with that type of rhetoric. They dont see it as extreme. They see it as just you got a black robe. Youre sitting up there. Everyones listening to you. Youre going to say whats on your mind. And thats the way it comes out. david french Yeah. [laughs] It is a unique experience. And lawyers who are listening to this will relate to the experience of being on the receiving end of a judge who is venting. And its really unlike almost any other venting experience that youll ever endure, because you really are limited in your ability, as a practical matter, to vent back. ken white But you know what, once you understand thats just kind of the way they are, you get used to it. Its not such a big deal anymore. david french Yeah, exactly. All right, well, lets end this with a discussion of the first indictment brought against Trump, and thats the Bragg state indictment state court indictment related to the Stormy Daniels hush money payments. And again, it is really remarkable, with all of the various competing legal arguments in a polarized nation, there is an absolute consensus that this is the weakest of the cases. ken white And rightly so. david french Right. And why is that? ken white So, I mean, there are a lot of rarely enforced, scarily flexible laws out there that are rarely charged but could be if a prosecutor just has it in for you and wants to find some way to do it. And this falsifying business records charge in New York seems to be such a thing. And the case is characterized by the way they went about it. They did these tons and tons of counts, just gratuitously. What is it? 34 counts of falsifying business records for the concept that false notations were made in various types of check ledgers and things like that, indicating that money going to Michael Cohen was for legal services as opposed to a way to reimburse hush money to an adult actress. And in addition to being an and you can bleep this if its inappropriate widely considered to be chickenshit which it kind of is. Its a petty thing that theyve made into a huge thing and put 34 counts of. I think its extraordinarily hard to prove Trumps individual understanding or knowledge of it. Trump does not strike me as a generally accepted accounting principles guy. The thought that he personally directed or was involved in personally directing the way payments would be classified, and did so with fraudulent intent, seems like a much bigger lift than saying that he lied to the Georgia Attorney General or something like that Secretary of State or something like that. Its complicated. Its nitpicky. Its not the sort of thing you would really see him getting his hands dirty with. Its not the sort of thing you would even necessarily see him as understanding very well. So I think that its a flailing around, trying to find a theory on which they could go after him, because theyre so mad at him. They put so many resources in trying to get him. So they find this, OK, well, he treated this hush money as something that it actually wasnt and lets say that. So it kind of comes off as desperate to me. Certainly when it seemed, at the time, as if it might be the only criminal consequences of his long pattern of illegal behavior, it was very disappointing. Now I think its more embarrassing when you compare it to the other cases. david french Yeah, and just to nail down the specifics, it really depends on a two-step process. Because theres the step one, which is did he falsify business records, which theres a pretty strong case that business records and Im going to use passive voice here were falsified. But thats a misdemeanor. ken white Right. david french And not only is it just a misdemeanor, its also a misdemeanor thats probably time-barred. Its probably were probably past the statute of limitations. So to make this the more serious case, you have to show that these business records were falsified in furtherance of the commission of another crime. ken white Right. david french And so you have to show that theres another crime in play here, and that isnt really specified with that much clarity, at least in the initial charging documents. And thats where theyre just going to have a problem a proof problem in that case regarding this other extra step that is the one that, A, turns it from a misdemeanor into a felony, and B, at least stabs at dealing with some of the statutes of limitations issues. ken white Well, the statute of limitations, as I understand it, David, that their theory is that, basically, theres a New York statute where if youre out of state consistently for a period of time, the statutes tolled. And so he was in Washington and Mar-a-Lago. And I think thats their theory. So from what Ive heard, generally, thats not considered to be as better defense. But yeah, I agree with you that the extra step of making it into a felony by having to connect it to some other crime is a problem. Apparently, theyre thinking maybe its campaign finance fraud, which has even more exacting intent standards. Often, you have to know youre violating the law there. Good luck proving that. Or it might be under this weird New York statute about corrupting an election or whatever it is. Those are big lifts. But I just, to the very basic idea, I think its very hard to show that he is personally directing how this is going to be treated or that he cares. david french Right. ken white Maybe they have Michael Cohen testifying. Hes going to be a terrible witness, his rehabilitation tour notwithstanding. Maybe theyve got some of the accountants putting Trump in there. But ehh, I mean, again, youve got a New York jury. So maybe theyre more adverse to Trump. Youve got state court. More loosey-goosey with the rules. But still, its no question its the weakest. david french Weve talked about all of these cases. We have at least three trial dates right now dating before the election. And so lets just wind up with a brief discussion of the trial dates. ken white Sure. david french How many of these trial dates do you think will stick? In your experience, when you see an initial trial date set, like we have seen in some of these cases, how often do these initial trial dates stick? Is it actually the case that well have multiple criminal cases of Donald Trump in the height of the campaign? Just transparently, and where Im coming from this, I have been dubious that we will have all of these things unfold in 2024. ken white I am also dubious they will all unfold. david french Right. ken white I think, given the way the judges attitude, theres an excellent chance that at least one will. So Judge Chutkan in D.C. and Judge Cannon in Florida have announced trial dates that are, in my view, pretty aggressive much more aggressive than I would expect for white collar cases of this complexity. So it is very routine for white collar criminal cases to take a very long time to go to trial. And the excuse is usually, but Your Honor, theres millions of documents, and so forth. But these are complex cases with tons of witnesses and players. So the relatively early in 2024 dates weve gotten in those two federal cases are aggressive and I think suggest that those judges are not going to let them delay forever. Some federal judges are big believers in whats called the rocket docket. I got to keep my docket moving, so I dont care what you need or what you want, youre going to trial. And thats often used basically to coerce people and to settle civil cases or plead guilty in criminal cases. But that suggests to me that the federal cases are more likely to move forward. Id say particularly the D.C. one, given Judge Chutkans attitude there. But in Georgia, it may be that these get split up into a bunch of different little cases. I think some of the ones related to Trump are going to go to trial before the election. Im not sure if Trumps himself will. And thats what were going to see once the judge starts ruling on his own motions, as opposed to his co-defendants motions, where thats likely to go. But I think it is strongly likely that at least one of these criminal cases is going to go to trial before the election, maybe two or three. david french Its also possible that all four are booted until after the election, which would present, in a very stark way, this idea that part of whats at issue in the election is ultimately whether he, as a practical matter, gets tried at all, at least in the next term. As the head of the executive branch, which includes the D.O.J., if he wins, he could direct the DOJ to drop all the cases against him. Just wipe these away. ken white Or he could pardon himself. david french Right. ken white Which I suspect would be his move. Theres controversy over whether thats legal, but its almost certainly a political dispute thats not justiciable by the courts. So yeah, thats very stark. He cant, of course, pardon himself on the state claims. But he could get rid of the federal ones. And I think the federal ones are probably the two most dangerous cases for him. david french All right, Ken, at the ending of every Ezra Klein Show, there are three book recommendations that we ask our guests to make. So what three books are you recommending to listeners today? ken white So Im recommending three very different books. One is Pax, P-A-X, by Tom Holland. Not Spiderman. The British popular historian writing about the peak of the Roman Empire. And hes got a fantastic narrative voice. And hes one of those historians who really has a way to make his enthusiasm for the subject matter and the period jump off the page. The next one is The Shadow Docket by Professor Steve Vladeck. Im sure youve read this one, David. And this is the one about how the Supreme Courts motion docket, how ruling on special emergency motions, the difference it can make in the law in ways that are not immediately apparent to us. And these big changes that are made kind of behind the scenes in a way that are not consumed the same way as opinions in cases. And then finally, the third, one of my favorite authors, James Ellroy, one of the most pessimistic and darkest authors about America and what its like. His new book is The Enchanters. Hes got this infectiously pessimistic, down on everything voice. Hes kind of like hes to Dragnet and the notion of cops, the way Game of Thrones is to J.R.R. Tolkien. Hes like the seedy side of it all exposed. He uses language in a really interesting way. And I cant resist him. david french Thank you so much for joining The Ezra Klein Show. Thanks for sharing your expertise. And especially, from my standpoint, its great to see you, and its great to chat with you. So thanks for joining me. ken white Its good to see you again, too, David. Its like the fall of 1991 all over again and first learning some of this stuff. david french All over again. Oh, those glorious days when we had hair on our heads. ken white Exactly. [LAUGHS] david french Thank you, Ken. ken white Thank you. [MUSIC PLAYING] david french People arent stupid. They see whats out there, he said. Most Republican grass roots voters are not sympathetic to the dumbest version of the election conspiracy. They are sympathetic to the version that is actually largely true. Except that, as evidence of what is actually largely true, Mr. Vance pointed to a 2021 Time article detailing a bipartisan effort not to advance a particular candidate but to safeguard the electoral system. More important, the dumbest version of the stolen election conspiracy is precisely what Mr. Trump and his enablers have been aggressively spreading for years. It is what drove the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, landed many rioters in prison, led to Fox News paying a $787.5 million defamation settlement and prompted grand juries to indict Mr. Trump in federal and state courts. Mr. Vance may want to believe that most Republicans are too smart to buy such lunacy, but he is too smart not to recognize the damage to American democracy being wrought by that lunacy. As for those who criticize his approach, Mr. Vance saw them as out of sync with voters. The conservative grass roots are extremely frustrated with Washington not doing anything, he said. I think if you are a critic of them if you are a critic of the way they see the world you see people who want to blow up the system. Who are just pissed off. And they want fighters. And not necessarily fighters who are directed or strategic in their efforts, he said, so much as just anyone who channels that rage. By contrast, if youre sympathetic to them and you like them, he continued, you understand that the problem is not that people dont bitch enough or complain enough on television. Rather, its that voters are fed up that nothing changes even when they elect successive waves of different people. So I actually think being a bridge builder and getting things done is totally consistent with this idea that people are pissed off at the government as do-nothing. When I asked how Mr. Vance defined his political positioning, he abruptly popped out of his chair and hurried over to his desk. He returned with a yellow sticky note on which he drew a large grid. Along the bottom of the paper he scrawled culture and on the left side, commerce. He started drawing dots as he explained: I think the Republican Party has tended to be here top right quadrant, indicating a mix of strong cultural and pro-business conservatism. He added, I think the Democratic Party has tended to be here, pointing to the bottom left quadrant, which in his telling represents a strong liberal take on both. And I think the majority, certainly the plurality of American voters and maybe Im biased because this is my actual view is somewhere around here, he said, placing them on the grid to suggest that people are more conservative on cultural issues but they are not instinctively pro-business. To the Editor: Re People Dont Want to Be Teachers Anymore. Can You Blame Them?, by Jessica Grose (newsletter, nytimes.com, Sept. 13): As a retired teacher, I read this with heartfelt interest. Ms. Grose noted the cost of getting a degree, low pay and lack of respect as leading causes for our current shortage of teachers. Then again, when I entered the College of Education at the University of Minnesota in 1980, my friends thought I was crazy. There was little respect even then. Pay was even worse. I began as a pre-law student my freshman year in college. And then it happened. I saw the light. I remembered those teachers who had saved me. Teachers who had seen potential in me that I could not see for myself. My life was transformed by teachers. The courtroom seemed like a selfish ambition. The classroom felt like a journey of love, an opportunity to be inspired and to inspire each and every day. I walked into my college guidance counselors office and asked to transfer into the College of Education. AccessBank signed a cooperation agreement with Bank of New York Mellon. The agreement envisages the establishment of correspondent relations between banks, thereby further expanding international payments. It should be noted, that the correspondent account opened in the United States of America will make it possible for AccessBank customers to make international USD payments more flexible and effective. AccessBank, a leader in microfinancing market, has been providing services for the small and medium-sized enterprises since 2002. The Banks shareholders include Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, International Finance Corporation and other international organizations and investment funds. Bank has 32 branch offices, 14 of which are located in Baku, and 18 in regions. To get more detailed information about the services provided by the Bank, call 151 or get in the web-site (www.accessbank.az) or follow the Banks social network accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). *AccessBank CJSC provides its services based on the license No. 245 issued by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Republic on October 25, 2002 and is located at the following address: 3, Tbilisi ave., Yasamal district, Baku city. FRONT PAGE An article on Sunday about mercury poisoning caused by gold mining misidentified the source of a study on the percentage of workers involved in gold mining in Suriname. The research was conducted by the Free University of Amsterdam, not the University of Amsterdam. An article on Monday about the use of masks in hospitals, relying on information provided by staff at Brigham and Womens Hospital, misstated the circumstances under which workers are required to wear masks. The hospital has dropped the mask requirements imposed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL An article on Wednesday about fire conditions in Australia misstated the level of heat in some towns. They reported temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius above normal, which is 29 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, not 60 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. BUSINESS A DealBook article on Monday about a California lawsuit against oil companies referred incorrectly to Weinzelt. It is the name of the tent at Oktoberfest where weissbier is served, not a type of weissbier. An apple-and-honey snacking cake, not long out of the oven, sat on the stovetop in Jake Cohens Long Island City apartment. A few feet down the counter was a freshly baked challah blanketed with sesame seeds and flaky salt. A visitor was hungry but tentative. Mr. Cohen was apologetic but firm. The pastry and the bread were accompanying him to Good Morning America, where he would be discussing his new cookbook, I Could Nosh: Classic Jew-ish Recipes Revamped for Every Day, the follow-up to his 2021 New York Times best seller, Jew-ish: Reinvented Recipes From a Modern Mensch. But I always have baked goods around, said Mr. Cohen, 29, opening the freezer to reveal the cookies and banana bread stowed for the benefit of guests, both expected and not. People come by all the time. This explains why he and his husband, Alex Shapiro, a financial consultant, keep the dining table set for six. Its like Lucky Girl Syndrome, Mr. Cohen said. Youre opening up to the universe that something can happen. For Idea, a rare-book dealer and publisher in London, the dwindling of print has never been much of an issue. If anything, it has been a boon for the understated business that David Owen and Angela Hill have built, largely on the back of Instagrams early infrastructure. But now, Idea is navigating yet another swerve the death of the Instagram timeline. In 2021 the social media platform moved from a chronological feed to a more opaque algorithm, which boosted videos. That meant less exposure for posts of, for example, vintage fashion books, which in turn made book selling on Instagram something of a slog. And even though Idea has some 500,000 followers W magazine called it an Instagram phenomenon in 2015 the company is ready to experiment with a fairly antiquated idea that some may consider riskier than print itself: a physical bookstore. In late September, Idea will open a store spread over three floors of a brick building on Wardour Street, in the London neighborhood of Soho. (The location is also Mr. Owen and Ms. Hills current home they rent in the building in a district crowded with David Bowie walking tours and lines for a Supreme store nearby.) This vision was brought to life on Sept. 14 in London Fashion Week by the actress and model Jodie Turner-Smith, who wore a large, black bow with elbow-length gloves for Vogue World, a live editorial fashion show and street fair. The bow itself isnt new, existing for hundreds of years across trends and genres in the fashion world for its functionality and whimsy. But Mandy Lee, a trend analyst, said it was hard to recall another time in fashion history when bows were center stage. I think a huge factor in bows trending this time around is the sheer quantity, she said. The fashion worlds current bow obsession, Ms. Lee said, has to do with the accessibility of ribbons, the emphasis on hyperfeminity and the rise of aesthetics like ballet-core and girlhood. Despite the nod to childhood and nostalgia, bows have been tools for rebellion, specifically against the rise of minimalism in the era of quiet luxury, Ms. Lee said. Were seeing the opposite reaction to uniformity with hyper-personalization and customization, she said, while bows are quickly becoming a uniform of their own. You see another girl wearing a bow, and youre wearing a bow, and its like I get you. Sporting bows is a wink at fellow ribbon-wearers even in otherwise nondescript outfits hinting at and revealing a shared mutual understanding or vision. (A basic outfit with bows is an example of Lana Del Ray aesthetic, for instance, rather than boring.) Lina Sun Park, an installation and sculpture artist whose bow croissant took the internet by storm, accidentally fell into a niche TikTok corner of girls that love coquette style, she said, after experimenting with using ribbons with food. Some people are disgusted or enraged by the sight of ribbon woven through bread or cheese, Ms. Park said, adding that there can never be too much of a bow moment. This is not to say that Chuke doesnt understand the importance of money. In fact, he gets it better than most in the art world, having grown up poor. He sold 10 of Lowes paintings from that first exhibition in two months, and he is proud that his gallery has been profitable recently. (Next up will be a show of paintings by the Japanese-born painter Michiko Itatani.) Chuke, who graduated from Cooper Union, does not have the money of many of his gallery-owning peers, but know-how and desire are resources, too, he says. In 2022, he moved Storage into a light-filled loft in TriBeCa. When I arrive, the air-conditioner is out, so we go to the back corner where large industrial fans cool us off. Behind him is a small kitchen. I wanted it to feel like a 1960s art studio, he tells me. Chuke has had a hand in every part of making this space, but not necessarily by choice. He could not get a bank loan, a familiar scenario for Black entrepreneurs. He did the entire renovation himself, and many of his neighbors thought he was the janitor because he was always covered in dust. I think janitors are interesting, he says, because they know where everything is. Chuke often sees the advantages that can come with disadvantages, including his own. Many of the people who operate commercial galleries, he says, could take more risks, but they werent raised to. In the two years since Andy Jassy replaced Jeff Bezos as Amazons chief executive, he has been cleaning up after his companys aggressive pandemic expansion and after Mr. Bezos. Mr. Jassy has reined in Amazons voracious warehouse growth, culled from the companys sprawl of products and laid off thousands of employees on several of Mr. Bezos pet projects. On Tuesday, he was handed another challenge: a long-anticipated lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission. The government claimed Amazon used unfair tactics to monopolize online shopping in a way that raises prices and hurts quality for consumers. The suit focused on parts of the business that took off before Mr. Jassy gained control over the retail division. The redacted complaint mentions Mr. Bezos 16 times, and Mr. Jassy only twice. Mr. Jassy joins other big tech chief executives who have taken control of enormous businesses from idiosyncratic founders at difficult moments. As with those other second-generation bosses, Mr. Jassys success will not only depend on whether he is a visionary like the man who started the company. It could also be shaped by how well he navigates the fears of Wall Street investors and the distrust of regulators in Washington. He is cleaning up a mess that somebody else created, said Sucharita Kodali, an analyst at Forrester Research. And he is doing it while trying to keep the ship afloat. Apples top deal maker on Tuesday defended his companys favoritism of Google on iPhones, a pivotal collaboration that has shaped the modern tech industry and is at the center of a federal antitrust trial against the search giant. Eddy Cue, Apples senior vice president of services, testified in Washington that Googles placement as the default search option on the Safari browser across Apple devices was motivated by quality. I didnt think at the time, or today, that there was anybody out there who is anywhere near as good as Google at searching, said Mr. Cue, who was called to testify by the Justice Department. Certainly there wasnt a valid alternative. The Justice Department has accused Google of illegally locking in its monopoly through deals to make its search option the default on Apple, Samsung, Firefox and other platforms. Those partnerships squashed competitors that struggled to get their products in front of consumers, the Justice Department argues. In a court filing last month, Google argued that it needed its privacy in an antitrust trial that would spotlight its dominance in online search. Once commercially sensitive information is disclosed in open court, the resulting harm to the partys competitive standing cannot be undone, the internet giant wrote to the judge presiding over the case. It was part of a pattern of Googles pushing to limit transparency in the federal governments first monopoly trial of the modern internet era. Before opening statements began on Sept. 12, Google filed 35 motions and responses in the case nearly two-thirds of them sealed, according to a tally by The New York Times. Now as the case, U.S. et al. v. Google, enters its third week in court, it is shaping up to be perhaps the most secretive antitrust trial of the last few decades. Not only has Google argued for the landmark trial to be largely closed off to the public, but so have other companies that are involved, such as Apple and Microsoft. Apple even fought to quash subpoenas, describing them as unduly burdensome, to get its executives out of giving testimony. A tip about troubling social media posts led to the arrest of a Virginia man who was found with a loaded handgun and other weapons at a church over the weekend during a service, the authorities said. Rui Jiang, 35, of Fairfax County, was arrested on Sunday at the Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia, the Prince William County Police Department said in a statement after an investigation in conjunction with the police departments in Fairfax and Anne Arundel Counties. Mr. Jiang was charged with threats of bodily harm and carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of worship, the statement said. There were no indications that he threatened anyone on site, the police said. Mr. Jiang was determined to have a concealed weapon permit, and the firearm was not reported stolen, the Prince William County Police said. The identity of Mr. Jiangs lawyer was not immediately clear. The episode highlighted how places of worship have become targets of deadly mass shootings nationwide in recent years, including at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 and at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, the year before. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. A monument to Armenian terrorist Monte Melkonian, who fought during the first Karabakh war, has been dismantled in Azerbaijan's Khojavend, Trend reports. The relevant footage was distributed on social networks. Melkonian was killed by the soldiers of Azerbaijani army in 1993. In order to ensure the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, suppression of large-scale provocations in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region, disarmament, and withdrawal of Armenian armed forces formations from the territories of Azerbaijan, localized anti-terrorist activities were carried out in the region. Taking into account the appeal of the representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh through the Russian peacekeeping contingent, an agreement was reached on September 20, 2023, at 13:00 (GMT+4) to cease anti-terrorist activities of a local nature under the following conditions: the formations of the armed forces of Armenia, Armenian illegal armed formations located in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, lay down their weapons, leave their combat positions and military posts, and completely disarm; the formations of the armed forces of Armenia leave the territory of Azerbaijan; Armenian illegal armed groups are dissolved. The ruling is the latest twist in the fatal shooting that sparked community anger in protests. The officer fatally shot Mr. Irizarry around noon on Aug. 14 after what the police initially said was a car chase that ended in Mr. Irizarry lunging at Mr. Dial with a knife. But two days later, police officials changed that account, and said that body camera footage showed that the man, later identified as Mr. Irizarry, was still in his car when the officer shot him. Mr. Dial and his partner were sitting in a marked police car when they saw a Toyota Corolla that they said was driving erratically in the Kensington neighborhood northeast of Center City Philadelphia. The officers followed the car the wrong way down a one-way street, where it pulled over into a parking spot. The footage showed Mr. Dial racing out of the passenger seat of the police car and, within seconds, forcefully telling Mr. Irizarry that he will shoot him and quickly firing his gun multiple times through the drivers seat window. Mr. Dial instructed Mr. Irizarry to keep those hands up right where I can see them as Mr. Irizarry slumped over in his seat. Mr. Irizarry was declared dead at a hospital later that day. Mr. Dials partner, Michael Morris, testified on Tuesday that Mr. Irizarry appeared to be holding a knife in his car in the moments before the shooting and that he tried to warn Mr. Dial, The Inquirer reported. Investigators found two knives in Mr. Irizarrys car, a kitchen knife and a serrated folding knife, the police have said. His family said Mr. Irizarry carried a pocketknife with him regularly. They described him as a quiet man who was being treated for serious mental illness, including schizophrenia. He moved to Philadelphia about seven years ago from Puerto Rico, they said, and had difficulty understanding English. A Pennsylvania Democrat announced a bid for state treasurer on Tuesday by seeking to tie his Republican opponent to two of the countrys most incendiary issues: abortion rights and the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. In his announcement video, Ryan Bizzarro, a member of the state House of Representatives, accuses the Republican incumbent, Stacy Garrity, of being Pennsylvanias highest-ranking extremist office holder. He highlights her past support for abortion restrictions and her appearance at a rally in Harrisburg the day before the Capitol riot in which she appeared to endorse former President Donald J. Trumps false claims that the election was rigged. Campaigns for a lower-profile office like state treasurer where the duties include managing the governments cash flow, not setting policy have tended to fly under voters radars. But in a battleground state like Pennsylvania, where the presidency and a U.S. Senate seat will be fiercely contested in 2024, down-ballot races, too, can take on intense partisanship over issues with little connection to an officials duties. Shes one of those extreme folks weve got to get rid of, Mr. Bizzarro said in an interview. His opening salvo takes a page from the playbook of Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who ran in 2022 against a hard-right opponent by promising to protect abortion and voting rights. Abortion rights in particular proved a galvanizing issue for Democrats in the midterm elections after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But while Pennsylvanias governor has immense sway over those issues, its treasurer does not. President Bidens dog Commander bit a member of the Secret Service at the White House on Monday evening, the latest in a series of episodes in which one of the Biden familys pets has bitten people since the president took office in January 2021. Yesterday around 8 p.m., a Secret Service Uniformed Division police officer came in contact with a first family pet and was bitten, Steven Kopek, a spokesman for the agency, said on Tuesday. The officer was treated by medical personnel on complex. The officer is doing well, according to Mr. Kopek. Commander, a 2-year-old German shepherd, has bitten several members of the Secret Service since arriving at the White House in 2021, including biting one officer on the arm and thigh badly enough that the officer was sent to the hospital. One of Mr. Bidens other dogs, Major, was sent to live away from the White House soon after the president took office because of what was described at the time as a biting incident with a White House staff member. The presidents 15-minute visit, held under gray skies as classic-rock songs by John Mellencamp and Aerosmith played in the background, came at the invitation of Shawn Fain, U.A.W.s president, as Mr. Biden tries to solidify support in a key swing state. Mr. Bidens visit looked like a capstone for a politician who for decades has positioned himself as a champion of the middle class, but other political forces were at play as well. He joined the workers one day before his predecessor and likely 2024 rival, former President Donald J. Trump, is scheduled to visit a nearby county and deliver remarks to current and former union members. Mr. Biden spoke for only a couple of minutes before turning the bullhorn back to Mr. Fain, who has criticized Mr. Trumps planned visit. While the president watched, Mr. Fain railed against executives and the billionaire class. They think they own the world, Mr. Fain said. But we make it run. The White House has been hesitant to say whether Mr. Biden supported what U.A.W. workers were asking for, but when asked whether the workers deserved a 40 percent pay raise, he responded: Yes. I think they should be able to bargain for that. Automakers, who have argued that wage increases beyond what they have already offered could damage their competitiveness as the industry shifts to embrace electric cars, did not exactly hail the presidents visit. Our focus is not on politics but continues to be on bargaining in good faith with the U.A.W. leadership to reach an agreement as quickly as possible that rewards our work force and allows G.M. to succeed and thrive into the future, General Motors said in a statement, adding that nobody wins from a strike. A stampede of Senate Democrats led by some of the partys most endangered incumbents rushed forward on Tuesday calling for Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey to resign, a day after he defiantly vowed to fight federal corruption charges and predicted he would be exonerated. Even as Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, defended Mr. Menendez as a dedicated public servant and refused to publicly move to push him out, the drumbeat for Mr. Menendez to step down grew from within his ranks. That left Mr. Schumer in a difficult position, caught between his role as the leader and defender of all Senate Democrats and the political imperative of cutting loose a member of his caucus who had become a political liability in an already difficult slog to keep the partys Senate majority. The most notable call for Mr. Menendez to go came from Senator Cory Booker, the junior senator from New Jersey who has long been a close friend and fierce defender of Mr. Menendez. Mr. Booker, who testified as a character witness for Mr. Menendez during his first corruption trial, said the shocking allegations of corruption were hard to reconcile with the person I know. Taken together, these results suggest that the favorable political environment for Democrats since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade has endured through much of 2023. Democratic officials have said since the summer of 2022, when the ruling came down, that abortion is both a powerful motivator for the partys voters and the topic most likely to persuade moderate Republicans to vote for Democratic candidates. Dobbs absolutely changed the way that people thought about and processed things that they had perceived as a given, said Heather Williams, the interim president of the D.L.C.C. We continue to see voters recognizing whats at stake in these elections. Democrats are now using abortion rights to power races far down the ballot an extension of how candidates in special elections at the congressional level have long used prominent national issues to fuel their campaigns. In January 2010, Scott Brown won a shocking upset in a Senate special election in deep-blue Massachusetts by running against President Barack Obamas health care push. In March 2018, Conor Lamb won a special election to fill a House seat in a deep-red Pennsylvania district by campaigning as a centrist voice against Mr. Trump. Both the Brown and Lamb special elections served as indicators of the wave elections their parties won in subsequent midterm elections. Hunter Biden sued Rudolph W. Giuliani and Mr. Giulianis former lawyer on Tuesday for their roles in disseminating personal information about Mr. Biden said to have been taken from a laptop he left at a Delaware repair shop before the 2020 election. The suit is the latest move by Mr. Biden, the presidents son, to take a more adversarial approach with opponents who have used his troubles as the basis for political attacks on his father. Mr. Biden, who long struggled with addiction to crack cocaine and alcohol, was indicted by federal prosecutors this month on charges of lying about his drug use when he purchased a handgun in 2018, and he faces a potential indictment on tax charges. Earlier this year, Mr. Biden sued the owner of the store where he left the laptop, and last week he sued the Internal Revenue Service for the way it divulged his tax returns to Congress and a former Trump administration aide who has publicized information about him. In the suit filed on Tuesday in federal court in Los Angeles, Mr. Biden claimed that Mr. Giuliani and his former lawyer, Robert J. Costello, have been primarily responsible for what has been described as the total annihilation of Mr. Bidens privacy. The second debate of the Republican presidential primary takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 9 to 11 p.m. Eastern time. The debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee and hosted by Fox Business Network, will take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Where can I watch it? There are several ways to watch. Fox Business Network will broadcast the debate. Coverage beforehand will start at 6 p.m. Eastern time, and post-debate coverage will run through 1 a.m., at which point a rerun of the debate will be shown. The debate will be broadcast simultaneously on Fox News, with programming starting at 8:30 p.m. Fox Nation, the channels streaming service, will carry it as well. Univision will show the debate in Spanish and livestream it at UnivisionNoticias.com. Its streaming platform, ViX, will also have live coverage. The streaming platform Rumble will also show the debate. Which candidates will be onstage? Seven candidates have qualified for the debate: Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota Former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and former ambassador to the United Nations Former Vice President Mike Pence The entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina For these candidates, time is running short to gain on the front-runner in the race, former President Donald J. Trump. They will need to seize on moments like debates, with national audiences, if they hope to be competitive in the early contests in Iowa and New Hampshire. Mr. Trumps closest rival, Mr. DeSantis, has slipped in polling lately, and the other candidates have largely been stuck in single digits in national surveys. This debate will have one fewer participant than the first debate, which drew nearly 13 million viewers and was also the most-watched cable telecast of the year outside of sports. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas failed to meet the increased requirements for the second debate, which demanded 50,000 individual donors (up from 40,000) and 3 percent in a minimum of two national polls accepted by the R.N.C. (up from 1 percent), or in one national poll plus two polls from early-voting states. The second Republican presidential debate is coming up. And its an unusual one because the front-runner in the race, Donald Trump, wont be attending. Before the first debate, it might have been reasonable to imagine that maybe Donald Trump would be hurt by failing to show up. But in the end, its hard to find any evidence at all that Donald Trump was hurt by choosing to skip the first debate. In fact, hes actually polling better today than he was before the first debate. That doesnt mean that the debate wont have any effect on the race. Republican donors will be watching this debate, too. Theyll be making tough decisions about whether they think Ron DeSantis is still viable against Donald Trump or whether theyre better off supporting someone like Nikki Haley or Tim Scott. So the debate can really matter to these candidates even if it doesnt move the polls at all. The race is starting to have some of the characteristics of a noncompetitive contest. His lead is just as large as the one that Joe Biden has over Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Like Biden, Donald Trump doesnt believe that he has to participate in the debates and he hasnt suffered a political cost for that. Many mainstream Republicans are not willing to criticize Trump or back one of his rivals because Trump increasingly looks like an inevitable nominee. When you put all of that together and its reasonable to start asking, you know, is the race over? You know, historically, its hard to say that, theres a lot of time left. There are the early states in Iowa and New Hampshire. Candidates will drop out. And then theres the specter of a full criminal trial right in the middle of the Republican primary season. So theres a long way to go. Senate Republicans and Democrats reached agreement on Tuesday on a stopgap spending plan that would head off a government shutdown on Sunday while providing billions in disaster relief and aid to Ukraine, but the measure faced resistance in the Republican-led House. The legislation cleared its first procedural obstacle Tuesday night on a bipartisan vote of 77 to 19. It would keep government funding flowing through Nov. 17 to allow more time for negotiations over yearlong spending bills and provide about $6 billion for the Ukraine war effort as well as approximately $6 billion for disaster relief in the wake of a series of wildfires and floods. Senate leaders hoped to pass it by the end of the week and send it to the House in time to avert a shutdown now set to begin at midnight Saturday. But there was no guarantee that Speaker Kevin McCarthy would bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote, since some far-right Republicans have said they would try to remove him from his post if he did. Still, in putting the legislation forward, Senate leaders in both parties were ratcheting up the pressure on Mr. McCarthy, who countered by declaring on Tuesday night that he would put a stopgap spending plan of his own to a vote later in the week that would secure our border and keep government open. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan has sent two more fuel trucks to Khankendi as aid [for Armenian residents of the country's Karabakh region], Trend reports. Earlier today, two trucks with 34 tons of diesel and 30 tons of gasoline were sent to Khankendi. A working group headed by Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev has been set up to solve social, humanitarian, economic, and infrastructural issues in the Karabakh region on the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The working group operates within the framework of the Coordination Headquarters for centralized resolution of issues in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In accordance with the request made by the representatives of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan at the meeting held in Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, to provide fuel and lubricants, first of all to kindergartens, emergency medical aid, and firefighting services, 24 tons of gasoline and 40 tons of diesel were sent via the Barda-Aghdam-Asgeran-Khankendi road on September 23. Two men linked to an attack with a paintball gun on a transgender woman in Puerto Rico pleaded guilty on Monday to conspiracy to commit a hate crime. The case prompted an outcry on the island after the victim was found dead just hours after video of the assault was recorded. The killing of the woman, Alexa Negron Luciano, in February 2020 remains unsolved and no one has been charged in her death, though it brought renewed attention to violence against gay and transgender people in Puerto Rico. The F.B.I. is seeking information from the public to help with the investigation. On Monday, Jordany Rafael Laboy-Garcia and Christian Yamaurie Rivera-Otero pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in San Juan, P.R., to conspiracy to commit a hate crime and obstruction of justice in connection with the assault, Justice Department officials said. On Feb. 23, 2020, someone posted photographs on social media that showed Ms. Negron, who was 29 and homeless, being questioned by the police after she had used the womens bathroom at a McDonalds in Toa Baja, P.R., according to the indictment. Daniel Lurie, an heir to the Levi Strauss clothing fortune, announced on Tuesday that he would run against Mayor London Breed of San Francisco next year, at a time when the city is struggling to overcome a number of crises in its downtown core. Mr. Lurie, 46, planned to launch his campaign Tuesday at a community center in the citys Potrero Hill neighborhood, a longtime working-class area now dotted with multimillion-dollar homes and upscale shops. His entrance in the race signals that Ms. Breed may be vulnerable in her bid for re-election and may have lost the support of some moderate allies. Mr. Lurie said in an interview that he intended to campaign on solving the citys quality-of-life problems, and that he blames Ms. Breed for doing too little to tackle them. Mr. Lurie is the founder of Tipping Point Community, an anti-poverty nonprofit. He said that he decided to run for mayor when he was walking his 9-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter to school, and they saw a man stumbling down the street, naked and screaming. When VJ Arizpe installed solar panels connected to batteries at his home in Houston last year, he did so to avoid the kind of power outages that had plunged much of Texas into darkness in the middle of a winter storm in February 2021. The new equipment allowed him to sell back extra power to the grid, but he had no idea just how profitable it would become in the summer heat as the price of power in the states electricity market spiked over and over again. This summer, it was constant, Mr. Arizpe, an architectural photographer, said. I think my best month, I netted about $250, and thats after paying for running three A/C units. Last summer, I paid $600 a month. Now Im making $250. The crushing heat created demand in Texas beyond all previous records. Wholesale electricity prices were high on many days because it was just so hot. But many other times this summer, the cost of electricity soared during periods when supply was ample and prices should have been low, according to energy traders, consultants and analysts. Im a big boy, he said, and it takes all my weight to move them. As his endurance grew, so did his pay; earlier this month, his hourly wage rose to $24. He had saved enough by last November to move out of his fathers house and into an apartment with two roommates. When the call came to strike, father and son both said they felt ready. Steve took the bigger financial hit, because all union members are getting the same strike pay from the union $500 a week. But Keegan faces more uncertainty; he had planned to sign a lease on a new apartment this November, but now, with no idea how long the strike will last, he wonders if he should move back in with his dad. If that is what it takes to win a better contract, so be it, he said, noting that for younger, lower-paid workers like him, the strike feels like less of a risk than it might for older workers. The difference with my generation is, we dont have a lot to lose, he said. We dont have a pension. We dont have kids. Each generation says it is fighting for the other: Keegan wants to see his fathers losses restored, while Steve wants to know that his son will be able to make a decent living at Ford, as he himself once did, before cuts to his hours and overtime reduced his income. I couldnt tell you the last time I had 40 hours, he said. Q: I routinely drink three or four cups of coffee per day, but often wonder if this is too much. Should I consider cutting back? Coffee can be many things: a morning ritual, a cultural tradition, a productivity hack and even a health drink. Studies suggest, for instance, that coffee drinkers live longer and have lower risks of Type 2 diabetes, Parkinsons disease, cardiovascular conditions and some cancers. Overall, coffee does more good than bad, said Rob van Dam, a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. But between your breakfast brew, lunchtime latte and afternoon espresso, is it possible to have too much? And if so, how can you tell? Now, the government has started making it official in stark fashion by fanning out and seizing its opponents properties, including the homes of two former foreign ministers. The campaign is a throwback to the leftist partys first time in office in the 1980s, when the Sandinistas expropriated homes, setting off yearslong legal disputes. The countrys current leader, Daniel Ortega, led the Sandinista revolution that thrust them into power and lives in a house he confiscated decades ago. Mr. Ortega was beaten at the ballot box in 1990 but after changes to the constitution that made it possible for him to win, Mr. Ortega reclaimed the presidency in 2007. He spent the next decade chipping away at the countrys democracy by interfering with the National Assembly, elections and the Supreme Court. Tens of thousands of people rose up against Mr. Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, in 2018, accusing them of becoming exactly what they had once fought against: leaders of a dictatorial family dynasty. Government opposition landed hundreds of people in prison, and at least 300 were shot in protests. Earlier this year 222 political prisoners were released into exile. The move to start seizing properties in recent days follows the confiscation of a prominent Jesuit university and the arrests of several priests. On Monday, the Sandinistas seized a private business school Harvard University founded nearly 60 years ago. The governments campaign signals that even five years after a failed uprising, dissent has serious consequences. This article is from a special report on the Athens Democracy Forum in association with The New York Times. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was celebrated in the West as a victory of liberal democracy over authoritarian communism, prompting discussion back then that the world had reached the so-called end of history, the view that for better or worse, liberal democracy was the default setting for a better life for most. The values of liberal democracy which emphasize individual rights and freedoms for all people are enshrined by the United Nations and were celebrated as truths we hold to be self-evident, in the words of the American Declaration of Independence. In other words, so widely accepted as to require no proof. But are they really? The question is taking on more importance now, as liberal democracy, especially in the United States, which is seen globally as a model, seems to be degrading into fierce polarization over cultural, religious and racial questions. That is the view of Laura Thornton, director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy of the German Marshall Fund. The video may seem too simple, too understated to mark a serious international incident in the South China Sea: a quick clip of a diver using a knife to cut a section of rope underwater. But that diver was with the Philippine Coast Guard, and the rope was part of a sea barrier placed by Chinese forces to keep Philippine boats away from an area they had a legal right to fish in. In that moment, the Philippines took one of the most forceful steps yet in contesting Chinas unrelenting territorial claims ever closer to the Philippine Islands. The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law, the Philippines said in a statement, adding that the action had come on direct orders from President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. Since he took office in June 2022, Mr. Marcos has signaled wanting a more muscular foreign policy approach toward China. But until now, those actions were confined mostly to rhetoric, deepening alliances with the United States and other countries, and releasing videos of aggressive activities undertaken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels. Why are U.S.-China relations so fraught at the moment? Rising competition and, at the same time, a clash of civilizations: two countries with different value systems and potentially different world views. The tension has been greatly exacerbated by a lack of effective dialogue and communication. The two countries tend to talk past each other, or talk at each other, not with each other. Better communication and more narrowly defined competitive policies would lead to a much better outcome. Competitive collaboration would be best. How has President Joseph R. Biden contributed to the tension? Biden came out with export controls on semiconductors, so U.S. companies cant export certain kinds of chips to China. Theres plenty of evidence suggesting that this could possibly backfire. First of all, this is pushing China to mobilize national resources for the benefit of the big Chinese tech companies. Alibaba, Tencent and Huawei are all coming together to overcome the technological challenges that the U.S. has placed on China. They were unlikely partners before China is hugely competitive. So you get a whole nation coming together to back a strategic objective. Im not sure that was the U.S.s intended goal. What about the geopolitical tensions around Taiwan and Chinas bellicose stance? The provocations go both ways. Its incorrect to say that China is being bellicose on its own. Theres plenty of evidence that much of it is also a response to U.S. provocations in the area. I think they need to take the temperature down and to continue the dialogue. The News Prosecutors in Canada began laying out their case on Tuesday in a Toronto courtroom against Peter Nygard, the founder of a fashion empire, two years after he was charged with sex crimes by Canadian police. Mr. Nygard, 82, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement involving five women in accusations that date back as far as the 1980s. Prosecutors described a bedroom suite in Mr. Nygards Toronto headquarters that they said was used to abuse victims. It has a giant bed and a stone Jacuzzi, with a bar and doors, doors with no handles and a keypad-operated lock, controlled by Peter Nygard, one prosecutor, Ana Serban, told the jury. Press Release September 26, 2023 Senate honors UP PEJA Fellowship Awardees The Senate on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 adopted a resolution commending the recipients of the recently relaunched University of the Philippines President Edgardo J. Angara (UP PEJA) Fellowship awards. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva sponsored Senate Resolution No. 812 giving recognition and commending the awardees of UP PEJA Fellowship Awards. All senators were made co-authors of the resolution. Villanueva said the UP PEJA Fellowship Award is given to members of the academe, researchers and scholars in the Philippines or abroad "who have distinguished themselves in policy research and has shown leadership potential, experience, and most importantly, commitment to service and the improvement of the education sector." It was established on September 29, 2008 by the UP Board of Regents to promote high-level policy discussions and research on topics that address national development goals and initiatives, including ?scal budget and ?nancial studies, politics, public administration, good governance, employment policy and job creation. It was relaunched this year to support the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM II to study and review the education sector and provide recommendations on reforms that need to be implemented to further improve the quality of education in the country. The awarding ceremony held at the plenary hall was a commemoration of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara's 89th birthday. He was born on September 24, 1934. EDCOM I is the brainchild of Angara "and this partnership between UP and EDCOM II to award the PEJA Fellowship to distinguished policy researchers will ensure that his legacy lives on in the improvement of the Philippine education sector," Villanueva said. Villanueva also thanked the family of the late senator led by his wife Gloria M. Angara, who was present during the ceremony, for their unwavering support to the fellowship. "For the relaunch of the award, a total of 19 research proposals by 23 distinguished individuals in their fields have been selected. The fellowship will last for one year, in which time the fellows will conduct research on the priority areas identified by EDCOM II," Villanueva said. The awardees were: 1. Kenneth Isaiah Abante and Riz Supreme Comia of WeSolve Foundation; 2. Dr. Michael Alba, Immediate Past President of Far Eastern University; 3. Dr. Cleve Arguelles, Assistant Professional Lecturer at the De La Salle University and Joel Paulin Mendoza, Education Specialist Consultant at World Bank; 4. Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales, Professor at the UP School of Statistics; 5. Dr. Krista Danielle Yu, Associate Professor at the DLSU and Dr. Michael R. Cabal?n of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies; 6. Dr. Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng; 7. Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes; 8. Dr. Ma. Regina M. Hechanova- Alampay; 9. Dr. Enrique Nino P. Leviste and Dr. Ma. Glenda Lopez Wui; All are professors at the Ateneo de Manila University 10. Dr. Elizabeth M. King, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University; 11. Dr. Rosario G. Manasan, Senior Education Policy Economist and TA Team Leader, Secondary Education Support Program of the Asian Development Bank; 12. Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo, former Education Unit Head of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa; 13. Dr. Dina S. Ocampo, Professor at the UP College of Education; 14. Dr. Carmencita Padilla, National Scientist and Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Manila; 15. Dr. Maria Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Professor at the Ateneo Department of Information Systems and Computer Science; 16. Dr. Luis Sison, Professor at the University of the Philippines; 17. Dr. Luis Rey Velasco, Executive Member of the National Innovation Council and former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos; 18. Dr. John Paul C. Vergara, Professor at the Ateneo de Manila University; and 19. Dr. Felicia Yeban, Full Professor at the Philippine Normal University "I am already hopeful and looking forward to what our esteemed fellows will find out in their respective research studies, as well as their recommendations to bring the Philippine education sector to new height," Villanueva said.. Members of the UP PEJA Fellowship Committee who thoroughly scrutinized the several applications submitted are: UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, Sen. Sonny Angara, Dr. Emerlinda Roman., Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rose Banzon-Bautista, and Science and Technology Sec. Arsenio Balisacan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The final declaration of the second meeting of the Ministers in charge of Agriculture of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was adopted, Trend reports. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Majnun Mammadov and the Secretary General of OTS Kubanychbek Omuraliyev. Mammadov said that since the Nakhchivan Summit of 2009, the Organization of Turkic States has come a long way in development. Speaking about the fact that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev declared the strengthening of ties with the OTS countries in all spheres one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, the minister noted that today OTS has turned into a powerful organization recognized on a global scale, covering a large geography with a population of about 160 million people. In addition, OTS member countries account for 6.1 percent of the world's total agricultural land resources, including 3.9 percent of arable land, 2.2 percent of global agricultural production and two percent of exports of agricultural and processed products. At the ministerial meeting, the possibilities of expanding cooperation between the participating countries in the field of agriculture, increasing trade turnover, and implementing projects of mutual interest were discussed. The speakers of the meeting noted that the Turkic states have a wide potential for cooperation in all areas of agriculture. The proposals of the Azerbaijani side on the creation of a unified digital agro-information platform of the Turkic states, joint production of agricultural and food products under the OTS brand were presented to the member countries of the organization. An agreement was reached to carry out work in this direction. The proposal of the Azerbaijani side to choose the agricultural capital of the OTS countries was also positively received. Until the next meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the OTS, Guba was declared the capital of agriculture of the OTS countries. An agreement was also reached to hold a regular meeting of the Ministers in charge of Agriculture of the OTS in Kazakhstan. At the end of the event, the final declaration of the 2nd meeting of the Ministers in charge of Agriculture of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States was adopted. In the document, the main directions of further cooperation of the member states of the OTS are defined as increasing trade turnover in agriculture and food, stimulating mutual investments, transfer of modern technologies in the agricultural sector, mutual exchange of best practices, effective management of land and water resources, promotion of the agricultural insurance system and other areas. The Armenian government said that 28,000 displaced people had entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of Tuesday night. The breakaway regions government urged people fleeing the enclave not to rush because all roads in Nagorno-Karabakh had been blocked with traffic. Recent refugees in Goris said that it had taken them up to a full day to get out, and a long line of cars on a serpentine road was visible from the Armenian side of the border. Some refugees traveled in heavy-duty vehicles more commonly used to carry sand and gravel, but now had children, the old and the sick sitting together amid their modest possessions. Some who had crossed into Armenia said they had trouble reaching relatives and friends still on the other side of the border. A few feared people they knew could have been affected by the deadly fuel explosion on Monday. Military doctors who are part of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh reported on their Telegram messaging account that they were providing emergency assistance to those injured in the explosion. They said that 23 people with burns of varying severity had been delivered to the Russian contingents medical unit. In a separate post, Russian peacekeepers said they were using their military helicopters to transfer more severely wounded people to Armenia. This article is from a special report on the Athens Democracy Forum in association with The New York Times. For several years now, Western liberals have been lamenting the global retreat of democracy in the face of rising authoritarian populism a trend that has been confirmed by various institutions that track democratic rule and its components. The V-Dem Democracy Report for 2022 reported that more than 35 years of global advances have been wiped out in the last decade. The Economist Intelligence Unit, which had anticipated a rebound once Covid-related restrictions were lifted, instead found no change in the bleak democracy landscape. Transparency International also registered no progress in the global fight against corruption, while Reporters Without Borders tracked increased aggressiveness on the part of authoritarians and growing animosity towards journalists on social media and in the physical world. The killing of an enemy admiral in a missile strike would be a coup for any military, but the celebration in Ukraine over the death of Russias Black Sea fleet commander may turn out to be short-lived. A day after announcing that the admiral was among 34 officers killed in a strike deep behind enemy lines, Ukrainian officials acknowledged on Tuesday that there might be some uncertainty. The Ukrainian militarys statement that it was now clarifying whether the admiral, Viktor Sokolov, had in fact been killed in an audacious strike last week in Russian-held Crimea came after Moscow released a video on Tuesday purporting to show the admiral attending a meeting earlier in the day. Given Moscows long history of refusing to acknowledge military setbacks, and the challenges of authenticating its video, it remained uncertain on Tuesday whether Admiral Sokolov was among those killed in the Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of Moscows fleet in Sevastopol. Six weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine sank the flagship of Russias Black Sea Fleet, dealing a serious blow to the enemy navy, and, a Ukrainian official said, killing the ships captain. We do not mourn, an adviser to the interior minister at the time, Anton Gerashchenko, said. The only problem was that the captain or somebody who resembled him later appeared in a video of survivors released by the Russian Navy. He had escaped his sinking ship, the Moskva, the video seemed to indicate. It has never been clear what happened to the captain, Anton Kuprin, or whether the reports of his death were deliberately put out by Ukraine to sow confusion or were simply a result of mistaken intelligence. What is clear is that misdirection, disinformation and propaganda are weapons regularly deployed in Russias war in Ukraine to buoy spirits at home, demoralize the enemy or lead opponents into a trap. And it is often hard to know when reports are false or why they may have been disseminated. From the first hours of Russias invasion of Ukraine, the famous port city of Odesa has largely been without a working port. Once bustling with cargo vessels, cruise ships, sailboats, yachts and fishing trawlers, the harbor is now a vast expanse of open water. Sophia Dobrovolska, a 16-year-old aspiring merchant mariner at the Odesa Sea Academy, lives on that empty sea. And her dreams of sailing out into the wider world from Odesa remain thwarted as long as Russian warships command the coast, mines line the waterways and nearly all movement of civilian ships remains forbidden. I was born and lived all of my life in Odesa, she said. When the full-scale war started, my mom thought of leaving, but I told her: No, my college is here. I will not go. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has long made clear that he wants to capture Odesa, a goal that looks increasingly less likely. This summer, his forces began bombarding the ports that helped shape the citys rich multinational, multilingual and multiethnic history, which is reflected in the tapestry of architectural styles found across the city. Some of those gems are now in ruins. The Supreme Court in Brazil is deciding a historic case to decriminalize abortion. This is an unprecedented moment for my country. So I made this story for our Supreme Court. Right now, you have a chance to protect millions of Brazilian women. Let me show you. This is me, Eliza. Im a Brazilian filmmaker. Its the first month of the pandemic. All my film work is canceled. So Im documenting an exciting new chapter of my life. But as is common for many pregnant women, Im experiencing serious mood swings. Is it just my hormones? Or is it intuition? At 14 weeks, I get my answer. My doctor tells me my baby will not survive. He says my son has a malformation that is incompatible with life. My baby will never experience a single moment of joy. How can I continue to feel my belly grow for the next five months? This is a kind of torture for both me and my son. To me, its clear I should terminate my pregnancy. But I dont have the legal right to have an abortion in my country. Abortion is a serious crime in Brazil. There are only three exceptions: when the womans life is at risk, rape or when the fetuss brain doesnt completely form. In all other situations, including mine, Brazilian women face up to three years in prison. My way of dealing with injustice is to make films about it. A year and a half later, I began traveling across Brazil, filming other women facing the same dilemma for a feature documentary. I met women who had legal and illegal abortions. Others delivered babies who died the day they were born. Priscillas story always stayed with me. Shes a devout evangelical. Her grandfather is a minister. But when she found out her third baby had a condition that was incompatible with life, reality changed her beliefs about abortion. Each woman told me about their difficult decisions. Many spoke about it for the first time. These stories were all different, but they all suffered silently. When you are too afraid to tell your own story, it doesnt exist. There are believed to be about a half million abortions every year in Brazil, and less than 1 percent of them are legal. Inequality makes this even worse. Black women are 46 percent more likely to undergo abortions than white women. And like in the U.S., where many women are now forced to cross the state lines for legal abortions, we can also travel outside of Brazil. But almost nobody can afford it. I terminated my pregnancy in Portugal, where abortion has been legal since 2007. It was the worst moment of my life. But I also felt so privileged. I was angry for all the Brazilian women who are forced to have dangerous underground abortions. Now imagine going to jail after all of this. One out of every seven Brazilian women my age has had an abortion. Your mothers, your sisters, your daughters, your friends, but you probably dont even know about it. In Lisbon, I had complications related to my uterine fibroids and was hospitalized for almost a week. Had I been at home and afraid to tell the truth, I might not have received life-saving care. In Brazil, its estimated that a woman dies every two days from an abortion. Before Portugal legalized abortion, it was a leading cause of maternal mortality. But since it was legalized, there have been almost no maternal deaths from abortion. What I have learned is that every abortion is in some way caused by an incompatibility with life. Sometimes in stories like mine, its an incompatibility with life outside of the womb. But its often an incompatibility with a womans economic or emotional life. When this incompatibility exists, women will always continue to seek abortions, no matter the danger or challenges. In other words, criminalization doesnt reduce the number of abortions. Do we want to live in a country whose laws torture its citizens? Or do we want to join our neighbors like Argentina, Colombia and Mexico that faced the reality by decriminalizing abortion? To Luis Roberto Barroso, the incoming chief justice of the Brazilian Supreme Court, and to all the respected judges: Unlike in the United States, Brazils Supreme Court can fix this now. You have the opportunity to prioritize public health. Break our silence and save our lives. Please decriminalize abortion in Brazil. NYU President Linda G. Mills and Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) President Kwang Hyung Lee were joined by Sung Bae Jun, president of the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, and Joon Hee Joh, president of the Korea Software Industry Association in signing an agreement to collaborate on a major Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies research effort. Senior public officialsincluding the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol; Koreas Minister of Science and Information and Communications Technology Jong-Ho Lee; the Director of the US National Science Foundation Sethuraman Panchanathan; NYC Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springerand Turing Prize-winning AI scientist and NYU faculty member Yann LeCun convened at NYUs Greenwich Village campus to mark the new partnership and launch a Digital Vision Forum with leading thinkers on AI and digital governance from around the world. Senator Charles Schumer participated in the proceedings via video. The event also importantly marked the anniversary of the first Digital Vision Forum, which was held precisely a year ago at NYU to initiate the partnership between NYU, the Republic of Korea, and KAIST, an event that also featured remarks by President Yoon. Todays historic event positions NYU, New York City, and Korea at the forefront of the global science and tech ecosystem of the future. NYU President Mills said, We are honored to bring together leaders in government, academia, and industry to commemorate a vital and historic partnership that will propel scholarship and advancements in technology. We are thrilled by this partnership, which exemplifies both NYUs commitment to global learning and research as well as our role in fueling the growth of New York Citys tech, science, and innovation sector. Senator Schumer said, I want to commend President Yoon and my friend, NYU President Linda Mills, on todays announcement of a historic joint research program between NYU and the South Korean government. The partnership is a partnership made in heaven: NYU, one of the nations leading research institutions, and South Korea, one of Americas strongest allies and partners, and also a leader in research and science, collaborating on one of the most important issues of our time, artificial intelligence. NSF Director Panchanathan said, As our two presidents affirmed at the State Visit in April, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea have a truly global alliance that champions democratic principles, enriches economic cooperation, and empowers technological advances. NSF shares in President Yoon's conviction that human values are important in the development of new technology. Values including openness and transparency, and the creation of AI tools that are responsible and ethical, without bias, and protect the security and privacy of our people. The research effortthe ROK Institutions-NYU AI and Digital Partnershipaims to conduct world-class research in AI and digital technologies. The partnership is expected to be headquartered at NYU. Todays event marks the expansion of NYUs previously announced partnership and strengthens the Universitys links to Korea and its institutions. The event included a wide-ranging panel discussion about AI and digital governance by prominent scholars in the field. The panel was moderated by Professor Matthew Liao, director of the Center for Bioethics at NYUs School of Global Public Health, the panelists included: Professor Kyung-hyun Cho, Deputy Director for NYU Center for Data Science & Courant Institute Professor Luciano Floridi, Founding Director of the Digital Ethics Center, Yale University Professor Urs Gasser, Rector of the Hochschule fur Politik, Technical University of Munich Professor Shannon Vallor, Baillie Gifford Professor in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh Professor Stefaan Verhulst, Co-Founder & Director of GovLab's Data Program, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and Professor Jong Chul Ye, Director of Promotion Council for Digital Health, KAIST For NYUs new president, Linda G. Mills, this is the third major global agreement she has signed this month. She earlier signed a research partnership agreement with IIT Kanpur in India (an agreement cited by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their joint statement) and renewed a partnership agreement between NYUs Shanghai campus and East China Normal University. Building on NYUs unrivaled global presence, strength, and character is expected to be a major priority of her administration. About NYU Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the worlds foremost research universities (with more than $1 billion per year in research expenditures) and is a member of the selective Association of American Universities. NYU has degree-granting university campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai; has 12 other global academic sites, including London, Paris, Florence, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, and Accra; and both sends more students to study abroad and educates more international students than any other U.S. college or university. Through its numerous schools and colleges, NYU is a leader in conducting research and providing education in the arts and sciences, law, medicine, engineering, business, dentistry, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public administration, social work, and professional studies, among other areas. About KAIST Since KAIST was established in 1971, KAIST and its alumni have been the gateway to advanced science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship and have made a significant contribution to creating the dynamic economy of todays Korea. KAIST has now emerged as one of the most innovative universities; it ranked 1st among the Most Innovative Universities in Asia from 2016 to 2018 and 11th in the Worlds Most Innovative Universities in 2018 by Thomson Reuters. KAIST was named as one of the Global 100 Innovators in 2021 by Clarivate, the only university listed. QS ranked KAIST the 20th-best university in engineering and technology in 2022, and the Nature Indexs Young University Ranking placed KAIST 4th in the world. KAIST continues to spearhead innovation and lead the advance of science and technology in Korea and beyond, and aims to contribute to the development of new dynamic engines of growth and innovation through collaboration with NYU to foster more future-oriented, creative global talents, young researchers, and entrepreneurs in the creative environment of New York City. CA Wants to Hike Awareness of OCal Cannabis Seal Wed., Nov. 1, 2023 The California Department of Food and Agriculture plans to hire a firm for an education and outreach campaign to create awareness of the OCal seal on commercial cannabis products. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada has shared a post in connection with the steps taken by Azerbaijan in terms of seizing illegal arms and ammunition, and also providing humanitarian assistance, following the anti-terror measures taken against illegal armed Armenian formations in Karabakh, Trend reports. There are thousands of confiscated weapons, as well as tons of humanitarian aid to local Armenian residents, the publication says. In order to ensure the provisions of the Trilateral Statement [signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 second Karabakh war], suppression of large-scale provocations in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region, disarmament, and withdrawal of Armenian armed forces formations from the territories of Azerbaijan, localized anti-terrorist activities were carried out in the region. Taking into account the appeal of the representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh through the Russian peacekeeping contingent [temporarily stationed in Azerbaijan under the trilateral statement], an agreement was reached on September 20, 2023, at 13:00 (GMT+4) to cease anti-terrorist activities of a local nature under the following conditions: the formations of the armed forces of Armenia, Armenian illegal armed formations located in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, lay down their weapons, leave their combat positions and military posts, and completely disarm; the formations of the armed forces of Armenia leave the territory of Azerbaijan; Armenian illegal armed groups are dissolved. At the invitation of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ramin Mammadov, responsible for contacts with the Armenian residents of Karabakh, met with Sergey Martirosyan and David Melkumyan as representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh on September 21, 2023, in Yevlakh. Kelechi Okafor has undeniable hopes and dreams for black women. The actress, orator, host of Say Your Mind podcast and owner of Londons Kelechnekoff pole dancing studio, wants the iterations and manifestations of black womanhood to be experienced as limitless. She adds: Right now it feels so confining, people telling you what a black woman is and isnt, and what black women can and cannot do. People have so many limiting descriptions on black womanhood. But the black women who have come before me said no, and outlined what they are going to do instead thats what I really want; seeing black women doing different things. [Black women] are souls, expansive souls. They do what they want. Born in Nigeria and raised in south-east Londons Peckham after moving to the UK at age of five, Okafor who recently won the Cultural Hero Of The Year award at this years GUAP Gala is now also a debut author. Shortly before her short story collection Edge Of Here: Stories From Near To Now was published however, the writer was addressing crowds at a peaceful protest at Peckham Hair and Cosmetics in September. The protests took place after video footage of a shop staff member physically restraining a black women, with an eye witness claiming she was strangled and dragged, reportedly following a row over a refund. When we look at the system and what black women have been through in order to navigate a white supremacist society, we have died at the hands of beauty, Okafor told an attentively listening crowd. When we saw that black woman with the store owners hands across her throat, that is a reminder to us of the ways they symbolically hold their hands to our throats. They do not want us to breathe We have to restructure the [hair and beauty] industry as a whole. An industry that is taking billions from us. In Edge Of Here, her stunning debut book, Okafors hopes for black women are magnified through eight short stories that allow readers to enter a world very close to our own. Merging Yoruba cosmology, science-fiction and technology to explore tales of contemporary black womanhood, the baby girl as she likes to call herself poses a series of questions to readers about the way we choose to live our lives. For Okafor, our imagination lets us be as free as we want to be. I didnt want to tie up the ending of each story with a nice bow. The path to our liberation is our imagination, she explains. Were conditioned and socialised to look for rules and regulations in everything, so a lot of people arent used to having autonomy or agency. I think that scares a lot of people, because they dont know what theyll find there [in their imagination]. Its no surprise that when I go on to ask Okafor about what feeds hers, as we talk via video link, she cites two things: social justice and black feminism. Black feminism has been very integral and instrumental to my imagination, because through it, I got to see black women through another lens I got to see a world thats not just this structure weve been told we have. And I started exploring that, and thought about what other worlds do we have? What other ways should we be? Thats why I think activism to a certain degree and all these other things, are as important in terms of us [black women] being bigger and larger than life. In one of the short stories, titled The School Run, we see a character named Alicia shaken by an encounter with a new parent at the school gate a man who is somehow both a stranger and a past lover. Using her husbands Story Story 2.0, a headset that recalls memories, Alicia is shocked and delighted to watch her and the strangers life together. Okafor explores the nuances of black motherhood through the relationship Alicia also has with her kind and witty seven-year-old son, Jet. There are elements of Jet that just remind me of my son, says Okafor, who welcomed her baby boy in 2019. Children are extremely intelligent, pick up on things, and are pathways to our own healing, so I wanted to bring that through [the story] as well. Even when I think about my own mum, the things Ive gone on to explore and discover about myself have helped and liberated her, she continues. I also feel like there are some elements of myself in Jet, because there were so many things I was just underwhelmed by as a child, that I was told I should be excited about. He has a little bit of that, but I didnt want to take away his innocence, says Okafor. Hes a light, a joy in [Alicias] life, who challenged her to know more. I want other [black mothers] to experience that. Edge Of Here: Stories From Near To Now by Kelechi Okafor is published by Trapeze, priced 18.99 in hardback. Available now. Met Eireann has extended a Status Orange Weather Warning to more counties tonight as Storm Agnes bears down on Ireland. A Status Orange Wind Warning is now in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford. Met Eireann is warning that there will be very strong and gusty southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts with potential impacts including coastal flooding, difficult travel conditions, power outages and fallen trees. The warning is valid from 9am on Wednesday until 5pm on Wednesday. There is also a Status Orange Rain warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford. Met Eireann is warning that there will be spells of heavy and occasionally intense rain, combined with very strong and gusty winds. That warning is in place from 9am on Wednesday until 3pm on Wednesday. UPDATE: Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow & Tipperary have been added to the orange wind warning #StormAgnes Coastal flooding Difficult travel conditions Power outages Fallen trees Valid: 09:00-17:00 Wednesday 27/09 More here https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS pic.twitter.com/547X8bxgAe Met Eireann (@MetEireann) September 26, 2023 Separately, there is a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Waterford with Met Eireann warning of heavy rain for these areas. That warning is in place from 7am on Wednesday until midnight. A fourth warning issued is a Status Yellow Wind Warning for Leinster, Munster, Galway with Met Eireann warning that it will become very windy on Wednesday with very strong and gusty southerly winds, veering westerly later on. This warning is also in place from 7am on Wednesday until midnight. Tullamore man Barry Madden (44) and his wife Emma O'Sullivan (35) live on a barge on the Grand Canal in Sallins, Kildare with their two dogs Sasha and Ru. The couple love the lifestyle but with Waterways Ireland seeking to introduce new bye-laws including massive increases in rates, their way of life is under threat. ''We moved here two years ago because we wanted to get our own place and it was a way to get on the property ladder... a form of housing. It also meant we weren't tied to a long term mortgage,'' said Barry. The couple who both work in the theatre had stayed on a barge for two weeks the previous summer. They ''really liked it'' and decided to make it permanent. ''We knew everybody in the first three weeks of moving here. It's a fantastic community. It's not like living in a housing estate. We lived in Drumcondra for six years and we only got to know people through Covid. On the canal everybody has something in common, we always look after the boats of people who are not living on them. We keep an eye on those using the towpath, we make sure there is no fly-tipping or anti-social behaviour, if the water level is dropping we report it,'' said Barry. Now Waterways Ireland want to impose steep rate increases on those living in houseboats of between 400% and 2000% depending on where you live. In the case of Barry and Emma their rates will rise from 126 per year to 1,500. Barry, who is the son of Dominic and Marguerite Madden from the New Road, says, ''Waterways Ireland are saying they just want to bring the charges in line with best practise in other countries. They employed KPMG to do a report. KPMG looked at different canals in Europe, mainly the Clyde Canal in Scotland which is a couple of kilometres shorter than the Grand Canal, but they have 26 facilities for pumping out waste water and getting water, while the Grand Canal has only 3, one in Shannon Harbour, one in Sallins, one in Lowtown. There is one in Grand Canal Dock, but that's closed off unless you get prior written permission. The pump in Tullamore has been out of service for years,'' Barry added. Barry and Emma's barge has a toilet with a holding tank, water tank, kitchen, bedroom, living area and bathroom. ''If we want to get water for washing or showering we travel to the tap and fill up the water in the tank, this takes 20 minutes and an hour to fill up the water. We do that once every 10 days. We have to conserve the water, it's a finite resource. It's the same with electricity, there is no plugging into any sort of mains. We are living off grid, we have solar panels. We don't get a grant for those. The solar panels charge up battery banks to use over the night. During the winter months there is less solar and we run a generator to charge up batteries. For cooking we have gas bottles, we get 2 or 3 months out of them,'' said Barry. In its opening statement to the Dail Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage which took place on September 21 last, Jer Gleeson and Liam Finnegan on behalf of IRBOA [Irish Residential Boat Owners Association] said its aim is that, ''houseboat dwellings be considered part of the housing mix in Ireland. Not only at a time of housing and cost of living crises but beyond those to a vision of a vibrant canal system where tourist boats,weekend boats, and boat dwellers bring life and colour through Dublin on the Grand and Royal Canals and out through Kildare, Offaly, Laois, Meath and Westmeath.'' Mr Gleeson said the Waterways Ireland's proposed Canal Bye-Law Amendments would create ''Dead Zones with new mooring and passage restrictions.'' He said, ''these are communities of resilient, self-sufficient people that generate a significantly smaller carbon footprint than would a similarly sized community of traditional bricks and mortar dwellings. Waterways Ireland are proposing to introduce increases in permit fees from between 400% and 2,000% depending on the area, aside from the very real threat of driving members of our community into homelessness, this will have the effect of pushing boat dwellers out of areas serviced by public transport into more rural areas where cars are the only option. This we believe runs counter to the stated objective of the Climate Action Plan to reduce car journeys by 20% by 2030. '' Barry Madden fears that the next time he applies for a permit he may not get it. ''We are not sure how they are given out. If we had to move to Naas, there are no services, we would have to travel through 5 locks, to get them. Waterways Ireland have a mammoth task looking after the waterways, but we would like to see a guarantee that there will be an increase in services at the hubs and work with them on that. They have the right to refuse permits and if you disagree there is no internal review only the district court,'' stressed Barry. ''They are also bringing in inspectors that can fine people on the towpath, and they will have no right to appeal. If you live in an area with a canal you should make yourself aware of the bye laws,'' advised Barry. The IRBOA says '' the new proposed Draft Revisions to the Shannon Navigation Bye-laws and Grand & Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation Bye-laws will decimate the Houseboat communities on Ireland's Inland Waterways. In IRBOA's own words ''Don't Empty the Canals.'' They have set up an online petition to stop the bye-laws from coming into force in addition they are asking people to email their local TD's and Senators. The period of public consultation finishes on October 2, 2023. At a recent sitting of Offaly County Council Chief Executive Officer Anna Marie Delaney suggested that the local authority make a submission on the bye-laws however, this was rejected by Councillor Sean O'Brien who felt it would be better to write to the Minister. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Azerbaijani delegation will take part in the International Investment Forum, which will be held from September 29 through September 30, 2023, in Dushanbe, Trend reports. According to the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Head of AZPROMO Yusif Abdullayev said this during a meeting with the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan, Ilhom Abdurahmon. At the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of developing trade and economic relations between the two countries and made proposals for joint events. In addition, the ambassador noted the broad prospects for joint cooperation in the fields of agriculture, transport, and telecommunications and also shared his opinion on the effective realization of the potential of these industries. The sides also exchanged views on the possibilities of organizing a joint business forum in Baku next year. Caught On Camera: Man Crushed To Death In Bengaluru After Intense Car Chase On Busy Road Bengaluru Bandh: Dead Rat Found In Breakfast Served To Cops Amid Cauvery Strike Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru Bandh: During the ongoing protest and strike in Bengaluru against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, a bizarre incident unfolded when a deceased rat was found in the breakfast served to police personnel. According to the news agency ANI, while officers assigned to security duties were on alert during the Cauvery water dispute-related bandh and protests in Bengaluru, they found a dead rat in their breakfast. The Joint Commissioner of Police instructed the Yeshwantpur police to investigate the private hotel responsible for supplying the food to the officers. The hotel proprietor was also served a notice addressing this concerning matter. Anucheth stated, "A case will be registered against the hotel owner. Fortunately, the issue was discovered before anyone consumed the contaminated food." Further inquiries into the incident are currently underway. Bengaluru Bandh Against Cauvery Water Release To TN Evokes Partial Response Meanwhile, the 12-hour strike in Karnataka's capital witnessed action as members of the Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kulu staged a 'rail roko' protest in Thanjavur by blocking the Cholan Express train. They strongly criticized the Karnataka government for releasing Tamil Nadu's allotted water from the Cauvery River. The protestors were subsequently apprehended by the police. On Tuesday, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee in New Delhi recommended that Karnataka release 3000 cusecs of water daily at Biligundlu, commencing from 8 a.m. on September 28 and continuing until October 15. Former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized the ruling Congress, expressing his disapproval of the reported detention of farmers and Kannada activists participating in the 'bandh' to protest the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 17:17 [IST] Is There A Bandh In Bengaluru Today? Confusion Prevails As Kannada-Farmer Organisations Divided Bengaluru oi-Prakash KL Two bandhs have been announced this week - one in Bengaluru on Tuesday and another statewide on Friday - to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties in Karnataka backing the call made by a farmers' organisation for the shutdown today. In addition to it, the Bengaluru police have said that they haven't granted permission for any bandh, protest, or demonstration, and the entire Bengaluru is under Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people. This has led to a lot of confusion among the people of Bengalurians about who is supporting the bandh on which day, and whether services will be available today. Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj on Monday announced that the 'Kannada Okkuta' group is not supporting the bandh on Tuesday called by 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti', a collective of farmers' associations and other organizations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar This has also exposed the divide among the farmers and pro-Kannada organisations. Bengaluru Bandh Today: Section 144 Imposed, No Nod for Protest | 10 Points Although Shanthakumar affirmed their plans for the Bengaluru shutdown on Tuesday, Vatal Nagaraj, who advocated for a statewide shutdown on Friday, explicitly stated that Kannada Okkuta does not endorse the bandh scheduled for today. Recommended Video Bengaluru Bandh: Farmers call for bandh to protest against CWMA order around Cauvery | Oneindia News Shanthakumar said they have received support from a number of organisations for their bandh call tomorrow and would go ahead with it. "We will come in a protest to Bengaluru's Freedom Park and stage a demonstration there with our demands. The state government, the chief minister, will have to receive our memorandum. If there is no proper response to our protest from the government, we will decide on our further course of action," PTI quoted him as saying. On the other hand, Vatal Nagaraj said they had asked 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti' to postpone their bandh call and to observe it together with them on September 29. "What we have called is Akhanda Karnataka bandh (entire Karnataka bandh) on September 29. It will be observed across the state without leaving any district. Our fight is for entire Karnataka. Kannada Okkuta has organised more than 50 bandhs in the whole state so far," he said, as he questioned why the bandh was called by others only for Bengaluru. Several organisations which had backed the bandh on Tuesday has withdrawn their support for Tuesday bandh. Notably, Ola-Uber Drivers' Association today said they would extend full support for the September 29 Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations but will not support Tuesday's bandh. Bengaluru Bandh On September 26: Are Liquor or Alcohol Shops Closed? "Tomorrow our services will be normal. This decision was taken in a meeting held today in the presence of pro-Kannada and various organisations," the association in a statement said, adding that drivers are in the midst of financial difficulties and they are of the opinion that they cannot afford to lose two days of work. The Hotel Owners' Association too has withdrawn their support for the bandh today, citing confusion, and said all hotels and restaurants will be open. However, associations and unions operating autos and taxis have extended their complete support for Tuesday's bandh call, and KSRTC Staff and Workers' Federation too had asked Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) staff not to bring out any buses from depots from dawn to dusk (6 am to 6 pm). However, BMTC officials maintaining that services will not be affected fully said, the situation will be reviewed Tuesday morning. Metro services are likely to be unaffected by the bandh call and would continue to function as usual. Nonetheless, most private schools and colleges across the city declared holiday for students. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that prohibitory orders under section 144 will be in place across the city from midnight tonight to midnight tomorrow in the wake of bandh. Also, according to existing restrictions and court orders, there is no permission for any bandh or procession in the city tomorrow, he said, "No one can forcefully implement the bandh by using force, other than in case where someone wants to observe it voluntarily." The early visuals from the Majestic bus stand indicated that there are less number of passengers today. Manju, a bus conductor at Majestic BMTC Bus stop in Bengaluru says "As bandh has been called, no commuters are seen in Kempegowda bus stop which is usually one of the busiest bus stops in the state." Bengaluru Bandh On September 26: Will KSRTC And BMTC Be Available? The BMTC has announced that all routes are operational today. However, not many autos are available. An auto driver at Majestic BMTC Bus stop, Naseer Khan said, "We support the bandh called by various organisations. When the Cauvery water issue comes, we have a very clear stand that Karnataka will not provide water to anyone. Only night drivers are here, autos will not run today, we will support the bandh." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 9:08 [IST] Caught On Camera: Man Crushed To Death In Bengaluru After Intense Car Chase On Busy Road Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Welcomes CWRC Decision To Reduce Cauvery Water Release To Tamil Nadu Bengaluru oi-Madhuri Adnal Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) decision to reject Tamil Nadu's request for 12,500 cusecs of water daily. The CWRC instead recommended the release of 3,000 cusecs of water daily. ''It is heartening that the Cauvery Water Control Committee (CWRC) has rejected Tamil Nadu's request to release 12,500 cusecs of water daily,'' Shivakumar said. The CWRC has recommended Karnataka to ensure the release of 3,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Biligundlu, commencing from September 28 to October 15, 2023. This amount of water was previously set at 5,000 cusecs. In the 87th meeting of the CWRC held in New Delhi today, both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu presented their cases before the committee. Karnataka's submission stated that the shortfall in cumulative inflows to the state's four reservoirs up to September 25 was 53.04%. The state government has also declared 161 talukas as severely drought-affected and 34 talukas as moderately drought-affected. Of these, 32 severely drought-affected talukas and 15 moderately drought-affected talukas fall in the Cauvery basin. Tamil Nadu Farmers Hold Dead Rats In Their Mouths To Protest Cauvery Water Dispute | Video Karnataka argued that it is not in a position to release any water from its reservoirs or contribute any flows to the flows to be maintained at the interstate border of Biligundlu. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, urged the CWRA to direct Karnataka to release the shortfall quantity immediately and further flows as per the distress proportion. Tamil Nadu also urged the CWRA to direct Karnataka to reduce its irrigation supply based on the distress proportion. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 18:57 [IST] High Court Calls State Government to Action Over Lack of Transgender Rules, Sex Reassignment Surgery Case The Allahabad High Court has voiced its displeasure regarding the Uttar Pradesh state government's lack of action concerning the establishment of rules for transgender individuals. This comes following a case involving an unmarried female constable seeking permission for sex reassignment surgery, with the court directing that an appropriate decision be made by October 18th. India -Krishna Kripa Recently, the Allahabad High Court has expressed its discontent over the lack of action by the state government in establishing rules for transgender individuals. The court has directed the government to make an appropriate decision by October 18 on a plea submitted by a female constable seeking permission for sex reassignment surgery (SRS). This case underscores an urgent need for clear policies and guidelines regarding transgender rights and healthcare in India. Judicial Intervention The order was passed during a hearing of a writ petition filed by an unmarried female constable serving in Uttar Pradesh Police. Justice Ajit Singh, who presided over this single-judge bench, highlighted that the petitioner claimed to be suffering from Gender Dysphoria - a psychological condition where one's emotional and psychological identity is not aligned with their biological sex. The constable expressed her desire to undergo SRS to reconcile her physical appearance with her true male identity. Government's Response and Court's Decision The state government counsel requested three months' time to decide on the application of the constable seeking SRS. However, this request was declined by the court which ordered that "by the next date October 18, 2023, appropriate decision shall be taken upon the pending application of the petitioner by competent authority". This indicates that there is an expectation from judiciary for expedited attention towards such sensitive matters. Lack of Guidelines as per Supreme Court Verdict The high court also noted that despite a landmark judgement delivered by Supreme Court in 2014 focusing on ensuring medical care for transgender individuals within hospitals, along with provisions for separate public facilities and social welfare initiatives aimed at them; no specific guidelines have been framed yet by State Government. This points towards inertia or lackadaisical approach at policy level which often results into denying basic rights and opportunities to marginalized sections of society. Conclusion In conclusion, this case not only brings to the fore the struggles faced by transgender individuals in India but also highlights the pressing need for comprehensive and inclusive policies. The Allahabad High Court's intervention is a step towards ensuring that these issues are addressed promptly and effectively. It is now up to the state government to respond appropriately and take decisive action by October 18, as directed by the court. This decision will not only impact one individual's life but could potentially set a precedent for future cases involving transgender rights and healthcare in India. Army Jawan Arrested By Kerala Police For False Claim Of PFI 'Attack' On Him India oi-Madhuri Adnal An Indian Army soldier, Shine Kumar, and his friend were taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly providing a false account of an assault by six miscreants who purportedly painted the letters 'PFI' on his back on Sunday night, according to the police. The incident was initially reported in Kadakkal town, located in Kollam district, prompting a police investigation based on the soldier's complaint. Shine Kumar had claimed that he was attacked by a gang of six people in a rubber forest near his residence. He stated that they restrained him by taping his hands and used green paint to write 'PFI' on his back. The statements of Shine Kumar and his friend were being documented, and further actions would be determined after their statements were verified. Talking to PTI, a senior police officer disclosed that the soldier's friend had asserted that Kumar orchestrated the entire incident in an attempt to gain notoriety. He explained that the soldier had provided various reasons for making the false statement, which would need to be corroborated. Additionally, the police recovered the green paint, brush, and tape supposedly used in the incident from the friend's residence. Two PFI offices used to set up Islamic rule in India attached by NIA The soldier's friend informed the media that Kumar had devised the entire scheme to gain fame. In providing details of what transpired, the friend claimed that Kumar had instructed him to inscribe 'PFI' on his back and to assault him. "I was under the influence of alcohol, so I initially wrote 'DFI,' but he (Kumar) insisted on 'PFI.' So, I rewrote it as 'PFI.' Then he asked me to physically assault him, but I declined due to my intoxicated state," the friend narrated. "Subsequently, he instructed me to drag him on the ground and lie down, but in my inebriated state, I couldn't do so. Therefore, he requested that I tape his mouth and hands before leaving, which I complied with." It's worth noting that 'PFI' is a common abbreviation for the banned Islamic organization Popular Front of India. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 16:38 [IST] Burglars Flee With Ornaments Worth Rs 25 Crore From Delhi's Jewellery Shop India oi-Sushmita Halder A major case of theft at a jewellery shop in Delhi's Jangpura area came to light on Tuesday after the shop owner witnessed ornaments worth Rs 20-25 crore missing from the strong room (locker) of the shop early today. The incident took place at Umrao Jewellers in Bhogal sometime between Sunday evening and this morning. According to the police officials, the burglars entered from the terrace of the four-floor building and reached the ground floor where the strongroom was located. #WATCH | Delhi: "We closed the shop on Sunday and when we opened it on Tuesday after an off on Monday, we saw that there was dust in the whole shop and there was a hole in the wall of the strong room... We think they (thieves) have looted everything... There was jewellery worth pic.twitter.com/75H9or8Wxe ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 They burrowed into the wall to access the vault that stored the ornaments. In addition to those, they additionally got away with the jewellery that was showcased in the showroom. The proprietor of the showroom, after locking it on Sunday night, found out about the robbery when he opened it today morning. The shop is closed on Mondays. Viral Video: Scuffle Breaks Out In Delhi Over Delay In Supplying iPhone 15 As part of the carefully executed plan resulting in this enormous burglary, surveillance cameras were unplugged, and an opening was created in the vault. The officers have been reviewing the CCTV recordings to gather some data before the burglars disconnected it. Until now, there have been no arrests made. A similar case was reported in Haryana's Ambala yesterday where robbers forcefully entered a cooperative bank and made away with jewellery and other valuable items. The police reported that the thieves penetrated the bank wall with a gas cutter, cracking open 32 safes. The robbery was discovered only on Monday morning as the bank had been shut for the weekend. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Various aspects of economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary were discussed during a videoconference with Hungarian Economic Development Minister Marton Nadem and Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Trend reports. Jabbarov announced the news on X (Twitter), noting that the sides discussed issues of development of trade relations between the countries, promotion of mutual investments and study of prospects for realization of joint projects. Hungary is among the top 10 countries in terms of direct investment in Azerbaijan. Thus, the volume of direct investments from Hungary amounted to $95.3 million. The volume of Azerbaijan's exports to Hungary amounted to $2.7 million from January through August 2023, while imports amounted to $30.9 million. Manipur: 30 Injured As Police Baton-Charge Students Protesting Death Of 2 Youths India oi-Madhuri Adnal More than 30 students, mostly girls, were injured in Manipur's Imphal Valley on Tuesday as the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged a mob protesting against the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July, officials said. The students brought out protest rallies hours after photos of the bodies of the two youths went viral on social media. The protesters clashed with the police when security forces tried to stop them from advancing towards the chief minister's secretariat here, police said. The injured protesters were treated at various hospitals. Manipur Violence: Photos Of Bodies Of 2 Students Goes Viral, Govt. Assures For Strict Action On July 6, two young individuals disappeared. Law enforcement authorities had initially reported a lack of information regarding their location, as their mobile phones were turned off. The final known location of their devices was determined to be in Lamdan, within the Churachandpur district. #RightnowInImphal Students from various schools and colleges started protest against the brutal and barbaric killing of two innocent Meitei students Ms. Hijam Linthoingambi and Mr. Phijam Hemjit by suspected armed Kuki millitants. Righ now thousands of students are trying to pic.twitter.com/NupiHD1sgf Narendra Khuman (@NorendroKh15071) September 26, 2023 Manipur has been experiencing a wave of ethnic violence since the beginning of May. More than 175 individuals have tragically lost their lives, and hundreds more have been injured in the wake of ethnic confrontations. These conflicts were ignited by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' conducted in the hill districts, organized in protest of the majority Meitei community's plea for Scheduled Tribe status. The Meiteis constitute approximately 53 percent of Manipur's population and are predominantly concentrated in the Imphal valley, whereas the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent of the population and primarily inhabit the hill districts. Manipur Violence: Photos Of Bodies Of 2 Students Goes Viral, Govt. Assures For Strict Action India oi-Sushmita Halder The Manipur Government has assured to take stringent action against the accused who are responsible for the deaths of two students after the photos of their bodies have gone viral on social media. A statement issued by the Manipur Chief Minister's office read that the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation to find the culprits. The deceased students have been identified as Phijam Hemjit who was 20 years old, and Hijam Linthoingambi who was 17-year-old. respectively. Manipur CM N Biren Singh: Internet Ban To Be Lifted From Today "It has come to the notice of the State Government that the photos of two students, Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi, who have been missing since July 2023 have surfaced on social media. It may be noted that this case has already been handed over to the CBI as per the wishes of the people of the state," the statement said. The photos that have gone viral on social media show the two students sitting at the grassy compound of a jungle camp of an armed group. A statement issued by the CMO office further said an investigation related to the deaths of two students is taking place. "The Manipur Police in joint collaboration with the Central security agencies are working to identify the perpetrators "who murdered the two students." Violence in Manipur started in May after the High Court ordered the state government to consider including the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Death Toll Rises to 175 Amidst Ethnic Strife in Manipur; Over a Thousand Injured The order led to rampant ethnic clashes. Several people were killed and many people injured since ethnic violence first broke out in the state on May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for ST status. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:43 [IST] ED Arrests Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick In Ration Scam: What We Know So Far State Minister Urges Residents to Conserve Water as Groundwater Levels Fall in West Bengal Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development, Becharam Manna, has warned that the groundwater level in West Bengal is rapidly depleting. He urged residents to become aware of this issue and adopt environmentally friendly habits such as reducing plastic use. His colleague Seuli Saha emphasized the importance of sanitation and hygiene, mentioning 'Water For People', an organization working towards providing high-quality drinking water and sanitation services. India -Krishna Kripa The groundwater level in West Bengal is witnessing a significant depletion, warns Becharam Manna, the Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development. The minister issued this warning during a recent programme titled 'Water for People'. He highlighted the urgent need to change our practices concerning groundwater extraction and plastic usage. Groundwater Depletion: A Rising Concern Manna emphasized that everyone should become aware of the current status of groundwater and how its levels are reducing due to continuous extraction. "We have to change our practice. We have to reduce the use of plastics and make good habits by refusing plastic products in every possible way in our daily life," he said. This statement reflects an increasing concern about environmental sustainability, particularly regarding water resources. Groundwater serves as a crucial source for drinking water, irrigation, and other domestic uses. Therefore, its depletion could lead to severe socio-economic consequences if not addressed promptly. Collaborative Efforts Towards Better Sanitation And Hygiene Seuli Saha, another Minister of State colleague who was present at the event echoed similar sentiments about public awareness on sanitation challenges. She stressed on collaborative efforts involving various departments like panchayat & rural development and public health engineering towards ensuring better sanitation facilities and hygiene practices. "Water For People, an organisation working with the objective to promote high-quality drinking water access and sanitation services accessible to all is currently collaborating closely with these departments," she shared. Promoting National Flagship Programmes Saha further mentioned that Water For People is extending support towards accelerating two national flagship programmes - Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) & Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). Both these initiatives aim at providing universal access to clean drinking water & improving cleanliness and sanitation facilities across the country. The JJM focuses on providing every rural household with a functional tap connection by 2024. On the other hand, SBM aims at making India open defecation free and improving waste management practices. In conclusion, the warning about groundwater depletion in West Bengal underscores an urgent need for concerted efforts towards sustainable water management. Moreover, it highlights the importance of public participation and collaboration among various departments in ensuring better sanitation and hygiene. The active involvement of organizations like 'Water For People' further reinforces this collaborative approach towards achieving national development goals related to water and sanitation. Mobile Internet Services In Manipur Suspended For 5 Days Following Protests In Imphal India oi-PTI The Manipur government on Tuesday reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days, soon after police baton-charged students in Imphal during a demonstration against the alleged kidnapping and death of two youths. The police action left 45 students, many of them girls, injured, officials said. ''The state government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with immediate effect till 7:45 pm of October 1, 2023,'' a notification said. Over 45 students were injured in police action and admitted to various private and government hospitals in Imphal East and West districts, officials of the medical facilities said. Of them, 31 are being treated in a private hospital, 12 others are in two government facilities. Two others were admitted to another private hospital. Manipur: 30 Injured As Police Baton-Charge Students Protesting Death Of 2 Youths All schools in the state will be closed till Friday in view of the prevailing situation. Because of the prevailing law and order situation, the state government in a notification declared that all government and private schools will be closed on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a public holiday in the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since early May. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. Jitendra Awhad Responds to Ajit Pawar Faction's Claims: 'Organizational Support is with Sharad Pawar' Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad dismisses the claims by the Ajits faction about their hold on the legislative wing. According to him, they lack organizational support which stands firmly behind party president Sharada Pawara. India -Krishna Kripa The ongoing power struggle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in India has taken a new turn as senior party leader Jitendra Awhad publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Ajit Pawar faction's claims to control the legislative wing. This development came to light during a recent press conference where Awhad, in presence of party president Sharad Pawar, asserted that this faction lacks organizational support. Questioning Factional Claims Awhad raised doubts over the assertion made by Praful Patel - an important figure from Ajit Pawar's group - who had claimed their faction enjoyed backing from 43 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and six out of nine Members of Legislative Council in Maharashtra. Contrary to Patels claim, Awhad insisted, "They keep emphasizing their legislative strength because they have no support in the organization." He further argued that a political party cannot be equated with its legislative wing alone. The NCP leader cited a Supreme Court order on Shiv Senas split to back his argument. Alleged Alliance with BJP-led NDA Apart from questioning the credibility of Ajit Pawar faction's claim over legislative dominance, Awhad also rejected allegations about NCP aligning itself with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). According to him, extending support to Nagaland government back in March did not mean that NCP had joined hands with BJP-led alliance. NCPs Stand Amidst Internal Strife In spite of internal conflicts threatening its unity, NCP seems determined not to let these differences hamper its functioning or public image. With Sharad Pawar at helm as President, leaders like Jitendra Awhad are striving hard to maintain solidarity within party ranks. Awhad, during the press conference, made it clear that the party organization firmly stands behind Pawar Senior. In conclusion, while factional claims and counterclaims continue to add fuel to the ongoing power tussle within NCP, leaders like Jitendra Awhad are making concerted efforts to keep organizational unity intact. The future of this political drama would depend on how effectively Sharad Pawar's leadership manages these internal differences and maintains a united front in face of external challenges. As for now, it is evident that despite legislative strength being an important aspect of any political partys might, organizational support remains a crucial factor in determining its stability and control. National Human Rights Commission Advocates for Enhanced Support for Transgender Persons India -Krishna Kripa On September 26 in New Delhi, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) proposed a series of recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life for transgender persons in India. These suggestions were made to central and state authorities with an emphasis on medical support, public facilities, financial assistance, education programs, and representation. Medical Boards and Facilities The NHRC has advocated for the establishment of medical boards at district levels to assist transgender individuals. These boards would provide consultation, treatment options, and counselling services during their sex reassignment surgery process. The commission suggested that every district civil hospital should be equipped with these facilities to ensure accessibility for all individuals regardless of their location. Public Amenities In addition to healthcare provisions, the NHRC also recommended modifications in public places. It called for separate washrooms designated specifically for transgender persons. This is seen as a necessary step towards acknowledging and respecting their identity while ensuring they feel safe and comfortable using public amenities. Social Support The rights panel further proposed creating old age homes exclusively designed for transgender people along with platforms where they can express themselves through cultural events. Such initiatives aim not only at providing physical spaces but also fostering social inclusion by giving them opportunities to participate actively in society. Economic Assistance To alleviate economic barriers faced by those wishing to undergo sex change procedures, the NHRC suggested implementing monetary grants or even offering free sex reassignment surgeries at government hospitals. Financial aid like this could potentially empower more individuals to make decisions about their bodies without being hindered by economic constraints. Educational Programs & Representation Awareness-raising was another key aspect highlighted by the NHRC which recommended regular sensitisation programmes on sexual orientation and gender identity targeting those working closely with transgender individuals. The commission also advised the implementation of a Grievance Redressal Cell in organizations, including at least one transgender person to ensure their voices are heard and represented. The NHRC's advisory was prepared following discussions with various stakeholders and its core group. These recommendations reflect a comprehensive approach towards addressing the needs and rights of transgender persons in India. Not only do they focus on healthcare provisions but also encompass social, economic, educational aspects along with ensuring representation. As these measures get implemented over time, it is expected that they will significantly contribute to improving the quality of life for transgender persons across India by providing them with more opportunities and reducing barriers faced due to their gender identity. However, it is crucial that these initiatives are carried out effectively through continuous monitoring and evaluation while seeking feedback from those directly affected by these policies. Parineeti-Raghav's Reception Party Invitation Leaked| See Details India oi-Stuti Tripathi Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha are now officially husband and wife. On September 24, the couple got married in the presence of their family and close friends. The wedding photos and videos of both are viral on social media. After the marriage, a reception party was hosted for close friends and family at Leela Palace on 24 September. After this, the couple left for Delhi where they were welcomed with great pomp. New information has now surfaced that the couple is soon going to host a reception party for their close friends. Meanwhile, the invitation for the reception party is going viral on social media. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha will first throw a reception party in Mumbai in which many Bollywood stars will be included. Apart from this, there will be a party in Delhi in which big leaders of political parties will come to congratulate the couple. Meanwhile, the invitation card for the reception organized at the Taj Hotel in Chandigarh was leaked. According to this, Parineeti and Raghav will now host the reception party on September 30, News18 report said. Going by the viral invitation, the couple is now going to organize a reception party in three different places. Well, till now there has been no official announcement regarding this. But this invitation is becoming increasingly viral on social media. First Pic Of Parineeti Chopra, Raghav Chadha As Newlywed Couple Is Out It may be recalled that Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha's marriage was held in a grand manner at Leela Palace in Udaipur. Many big personalities from film, sports, and the political world attend the wedding. After the marriage, the couple shared wedding pictures on social media on Monday. Punjab Police Officers Charged with Torture and Forced Sodomy on Lawyer A Superintendent of Police along with five other policemen were booked for allegedly subjecting a lawyer to torture, including forced sodomy, while he was under their custody. This incident has sparked outrage among legal professionals who are now abstaining from work indefinitely. India -Krishna Kripa The legal fraternity in Punjab is up in arms following allegations of police brutality against a lawyer, which has led to the registration of an FIR against six policemen including a superintendent of police. The incident occurred in the Muktsar district and as per the FIR, the accused officers are alleged to have subjected their captive to torture and forced sodomy with another detainee. Allegations Against Police The case was registered based on complaints made by lawyers affiliated with the Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana High Court. They have resolved to abstain from work indefinitely from Tuesday as a mark of solidarity with their colleague. Their demands include dismissal and arrest of the erring policemen involved in this shocking incident. The advocate along with another man were arrested on September 14 after being accused by Crime Investigation Agency In-charge Raman Kumar Kamboj for assaulting a police team and tearing their uniforms. Disturbing Details Of Custodial Abuse As per allegations, while under custody, these men were coerced into performing sexual acts. This disturbing detail has added fuel to fire, causing outrage among legal professionals and raising questions about law enforcement ethics within the region. Policemen Booked The FIR was lodged against Superintendent Muktsar SP Investigation Ramandeep Singh Bhullar, Inspector Raman Kumar Kamboj, constables Harbans Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh; along with home guard Dara Singh on Monday. This development came after orders from Muktsar Chief Judicial Magistrate who had directed police to register a case against these officers based on the statement given by the victimized advocate alleging horrific treatment meted out during his time in custody. Legal Fraternity's Response In response to this shocking incident, the Bar Association of Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed their solidarity with the victimized advocate by deciding to abstain from work indefinitely. They demand justice for their colleague and punitive action against the erring police officers, including dismissal and arrest. In conclusion, this shocking incident of alleged police brutality in Muktsar district highlights a severe breach of law enforcement ethics. The subsequent response from the legal fraternity underscores not just their solidarity but also raises serious questions about human rights violations within police custody. It remains to be seen how authorities will respond to these allegations and what steps will be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur in future. Tomar Challenges Congress's Objections to BJP Fielding Central Ministers in Upcoming Madhya Pradesh Elections Narendra Singh Tomar, Union minister and convenor of MP BJP election campaign committee, has questioned the opposition from Congress regarding their decision to field seven of its MPs for the upcoming assembly elections. He expressed confidence about a victory for the BJP due to PM Narendra Modi's popularity. India -Krishna Kripa In the run-up to the year-end assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Union Minister and BJP election campaign committee convenor Narendra Singh Tomar has raised questions over Congress's objection to his party fielding central ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs). The opposition party has expressed concerns over BJP's decision to field seven MPs, including three Union Ministers, for the upcoming state-level polls. According to Congress, this move suggests a sense of fear prevailing within the ruling party and indicates its apprehension about losing the elections. BJP Stands Firm on Candidate Selection Narendra Singh Tomar, who is also among the candidates chosen by BJP for these elections, defended his party's decision stating that all are party workers regardless of their positions as Union ministers or MPs. He further added that it was a collective decision made by the partys central committee to have these individuals contest in the forthcoming elections. When asked about Congress's objections towards this strategy he questioned back "When a decision has been taken, what objection does Congress have?" Candidature Confirmation and Future Plans On being asked if he had prior knowledge about his candidature for these polls, Tomar confirmed that he was indeed informed beforehand. However, when queried whether more BJP MPs would be contesting in future assembly polls, he refrained from giving a direct answer instead suggesting everyone should "look forward". Confidence in Victory Towards end of his statement Mr.Tomar expressed confidence regarding BJPs victory in these upcoming polls. He attributed this assurance not only due to internal belief but also because of what seems like apparent fear within ranks of opposition parties especially Congress. According to him they are afraid due to soaring popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which could potentially sway voters towards choosing BJP. In conclusion it is clear that the political arena in Madhya Pradesh is heating up with both major parties, BJP and Congress, making strategic moves to secure a win. The decision of BJP to field Union ministers and MPs has stirred up controversy but also shown their resolve to bring out their heavy hitters for these crucial elections. The outcome of this electoral battle will not only decide the fate of Madhya Pradesh but also set the tone for future state-level polls. WATCH: Jaishankar Opens And Closes UN Speech With 'Bharat', Calls India 'Vishwa Mitra' India oi-Madhuri Adnal Union external affairs minister S. Jaishankar's address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this evening began and concluded with references to "Bharat." He initiated his speech by greeting the assembly with "Namaste from Bharat," and as he concluded, he affirmed, "It is this blend of tradition and technology that currently defines India, which is Bharat." His speech may rekindle the discussion about the Central government's contemplation of replacing "India" with "Bharat" in the Constitution, a move that had previously stirred significant controversy earlier this month. Addressing the UN General Assembly from the renowned green podium, S. Jaishankar initiated his speech by offering a "Namaste from Bharat," with folded hands. "We bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that today defines India, that is Bharat.," Jaishankar stated in his conclusion. Grand Dinner for G20 Delegates by President Droupadi Murmu at Bharat Mandapam The debate surrounding "India" versus "Bharat" was sparked when the invitation for the G20 dinner was issued in the name of the President of 'Bharat' rather than India. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shared a picture of the dinner invitation from the President on social media platform 'X,' formerly known as Twitter, along with lines from the national anthem. Even the nameplate in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the opening of the G20 Summit displayed "Bharat." Opposition parties contended that the government was resorting to "theatrics" merely because they had collectively named their bloc as "INDIA." Earlier, Jaishankar had indirectly criticised the Opposition regarding the matter, noting, "India, that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it." 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. 'This Is The Country Of Hindus, You Go To Pakistan': Karnataka School Teacher Scolds Muslim Students What Is Eid Milad-un Nabi 2023? Check Out Date And Significance India oi-Sushmita Halder Sufi or Barelvi Muslims commemorate the birth of the final Islamic Prophet Muhammad in a celebration known as Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Eid-e-Milad, Nabid, and Mawlid casual Arabic. This festival is observed during Rabi' al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic year. The Islamic or lunar calendar varies from the Gregorian calendar and determines religious celebrations like Eid-e-Milad based on the sighting of the crescent moon. Sunni Muslims observe this occasion on the 12th day of Rabi' al-awwal, while the Shia community observes it on the 17th of the same month. This year, the festival will be observed on September 27 in Saudi Arabia, and a day later, on September 28, in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other regions of the subcontinent. The start of the month Rabi al-awwal was marked with the sighting of the moon on October 18, in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with other regions of the subcontinent. In accordance with the Gregorian calendar, the month commenced on October 19. The initial observances in Egypt involved Muslims participating in prayers, followed by the governing tribe delivering speeches and reciting from the Holy Quran, then a communal meal. The individuals from the ruling tribe received respect, seen as Caliphs or representatives of Muhammad. Subsequently, influenced by strong Sufi traditions, the festivities later included animal sacrifices, public speeches, torchlit parades at night, and a communal feast. Nowadays, Muslims commemorate Eid-e-Milad by dressing in new attire, engaging in prayer, and exchanging well wishes. Eid Milad 2023: Are Banks Closed For Muslim's Festival? Check State Wise Bank Holiday List They assemble in either a mosque or a dargah, initiating their day with an early prayer and a procession that circulates from the mosques to the city and returns. Stories from Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings from the Holy Quran are shared by children. Collective meals are arranged, contributions given to the underprivileged and destitute, and loved ones are called to participate in the naat celebrations and social events, where they participate in prayers that extend throughout the night. During that period, only the dominant Shia Muslim tribe in the area was permitted to commemorate the festival instead of the broader population. Eid-e-Milad was first observed by Syria, Morocco, Turkey and Spain in the 12th century, and shortly after, some Sunni Muslim sects began joining the celebration. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 14:18 [IST] What Is Karnataka's Mekedatu Project & Why Tamil Nadu Is Opposing It? India oi-Prakash KL Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday called the Cauvery protests and Bengaluru bandh as 'politically-driven' and expressed concerns about the politicization of the issue, stating that it is detrimental to the state's well-being. The Chief Minister, presently in Mysuru, additionally suggested that the Mekedatu Project could potentially serve as a solution to the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. So, what is the project all about? A pet project of the Karnataka government, the Mekedatu drinking water project is a major drip irrigation project for sugarcane cultivators, bringing more water-parched lands under it. Mekedatu dam row: TN Assembly passes unanimous resolution against K'taka Incidentally, Karnataka has the second largest tract of dry land after Rajasthan. The project will provide drinking water to Bengaluru and the towns in the Cauvery basin, but at the cost of 2500 acres of forest land that would be submerged. Presently, the Cauvery water is pumped from Torekadanahalli, which is 100 km from the city. It is being touted as a potential solution to the longstanding water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Understanding the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu Water Dispute The water-sharing conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is over a century old, with both states claiming rights over the river Kaveri, which is a primary water source for multiple districts in both states. The proposed Mekedatu project, which intends to enhance the water storage capacity, provide adequate water for both states, is seen as a measure to defuse this dispute. Potential Impact of the Mekedatu Project The Mekedatu Project proposes to construct a reservoir, which would have a capacity of 67.16 TMC feet. The reservoir is to be built at a proposed cost of Rs 9000 crore. This could potentially provide drinking water to Bangalore and Ramanagar district along with generating around 400 MW of power. It is expected to regulate the water flow to Tamil Nadu in the lean season and improve water use efficiency. Cauvery Issue: Agitation Continues In K'taka Against The Release Of Water To TN Current Status of the Mekedatu Project Currently, the Mekedatu Project is in the initial phases and awaiting various approvals for implementation. Having received a green signal from the Karnataka government, the project now needs approval from the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the project is facing strong opposition from Tamil Nadu, with claims that it violates their water rights and potentially deprives them of their due share. The Mekedatu Water Project is an attempt to resolve a longstanding interstate water dispute through the means of infrastructure and water resource management. While the project's fate hinges on multiple factors, it underlines the need for effective sharing of limited resources in a manner that respects the needs and rights of all stakeholders. The way this situation unfolds will likely have significant implications for similar disputes elsewhere. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 17:28 [IST] Canada Parliament Speaker Resigns Over Inviting Man Who Fought For Nazi Unit International oi-PTI Canada's House of Commons speaker resigned on Tuesday over inviting a man who fought for a Nazi unit to a parliamentary session, reports AP. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's government had earlier urged the speaker of the House of Commons to resign Tuesday for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Rota is meeting with the House of Commons' party leaders later Tuesday. Two opposition parties called for Rota to step down on Monday, and government House leader Karina Gould said Tuesday that she believes lawmakers have lost confidence in Rota. Gould said Rota invited and recognized Hunka without informing the government or the delegation from Ukraine. "It is time for him to do the honorable thing," Gould said. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also urged him to resign. "It is completely unacceptable. It was an embarrassment to the House and Canadians, and I think the speaker should listen to members and step down," Joly said. Joly said she spoke to the government in Ukraine about it. Asked if he'll continue in the job, Rota said Tuesday: "We'll have to see about that and I'm sure you'll hear more about that later today." The 1st Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. "It's a good thing that Speaker Rota apologized personally and I am sure that he is reflecting now on the dignity of the House going forward,'' Trudeau said to reporters before he entered a Cabinet meeting. Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland called it "incredibly embarrassing.'' The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies also called for Rota to step down. Poland Mulls Extradition Of Ukrainian Nazi WW2 Veteran From Canada "While we acknowledge his apology, Speaker Rota's decision to invite a former member of the Waffen-SS, notorious for its involvement in Holocaust atrocities, to Canada's Parliament has left a stain on our country's venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally," the center said in a statement. "This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canada's Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime." In his apology on Sunday, Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognizing Hunka, who is from the district that Rota represents. The speaker's office said Monday it was Rota's son who contacted Hunka's local office to see if it was possible if he could attend Zelenskyy's speech. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Hunka unaware of the details of who he was. In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said it was "outrageous" that Hunka received a standing ovation during a visit to Ottawa. Russian President Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as "neo-Nazis," even though Zelenskyy is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. "It's highly unfortunate and the only winner here is the Putin regime, which is already spinning what happened on Friday to justify its ongoing military actions in Ukraine," said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, The opposition Conservatives in Canada have blamed Trudeau for the invite and ovations. "The Conservatives want to pin this on the Trudeau government, but Mr. Rota is an officer of parliament who doesn't participate in Liberal caucus meetings and is not a member of Cabinet. He has his own staff and he should have known better," Beland said. "The speaker is the person who should be blamed for this." Disease X: The Unknown Pathogen That Could Kill 50 Million People International oi-Madhuri Adnal A UK health expert has issued a warning regarding Disease X, a designation by the World Health Organization (WHO), stating that it has the potential to trigger a more devastating pandemic than Covid-19. During an interview with the Daily Mail, Kate Bingham, who served as the chair of the UK's Vaccine Taskforce from May to December 2020, expressed concerns that this new pathogen could yield consequences reminiscent of the catastrophic Spanish Flu of 1919-1920. WHO has described Disease X as a novel agent, whether it be a virus, bacteria, or fungus, for which there are no known treatments. Expressing her concern, Bingham said, "To put it plainly, the 1918-19 flu pandemic claimed the lives of at least 50 million people worldwide, twice the number of casualties from World War I. Today, a similar death toll could be anticipated from any of the numerous existing viruses." Scrub Typhus: The Deadly Disease Striking Lives In India Addressing the imperative of combatting Disease X, she advised, "The world must brace itself for extensive mass vaccination campaigns and swift administration of doses." Furthermore, the expert pointed out that scientists have identified 25 virus families, but there could be over a million undiscovered variants capable of crossing species boundaries. Recommended Video 'Disease X' likely to be 20x deadlier than Covid-19, says expert | Know all about it | Oneindia News "We were somewhat fortunate with Covid-19, despite its global death toll exceeding 20 million. The key difference is that the majority of those infected managed to recover... Imagine Disease X being as contagious as measles while having the lethality of Ebola. Somewhere in the world, it's replicating, and inevitably, someone will start showing symptoms," Bingham cautioned as quoted by Daily Mail. She noted that Ebola, with its roughly 67% fatality rate, as well as other diseases like bird flu and MERS, claimed numerous lives. She stressed, "We can't assume that the next pandemic will be easily contained." Bingham also shed light on the reasons behind the increasing frequency of pandemics. She explained, "The rise in outbreaks is a consequence of the modern world we inhabit. Firstly, it's characterized by heightened global interconnectivity. Secondly, urbanisation has led to a concentration of people in cities, where close human contact is more prevalent." Viruses are now crossing from one species to another due to deforestation, contemporary agricultural practices, and the destruction of wetlands. Lumpy skin disease: Delhi govt to procure 60,000 doses of goat pox vaccine The term Disease X was initially mentioned by WHO on its website in May, signifying "the potential for an international epidemic caused by a pathogen not yet identified as causing human disease." WHO introduced this term in 2018, and just a year later, Covid-19 began its rapid spread across the world. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 16:54 [IST] Red Corner Notice Issued Against Wanted Khalistani Leader Karanvir Singh International oi-Stuti Tripathi The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on Monday issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of Babbar Khalsa International, a banned terrorist group. As per media reports quoting intelligence sources, Karanvir Singh was a member of the pro-Khalistani terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International and is reportedly hiding in Pakistan According to the Interpol website, Singh is wanted for multiple charges including "Criminal conspiracy, murder, offenses related to Arms Act, offenses related to Explosive substances Act, raising funds for a terrorist act, conspiracy, being a member of terrorist gang or organization, Offences related to Arms Act, & offenses related to Explosive substances Act." Pro-Khalistan Outfit SFJ's Gurpatwant Singh Pannun 'Wants To Divide India, Create Many Countries': Report 38-year-old Karanvir Singh hails from Punjab's Kapurthala district. He is 1.77 meters tall, weighs around 80 kg, and has black colored eyes and hair as per the description given by Interpol. Recommended Video Canada-India: Khalistani member Karanvir Singh issued Red Corner Notice by Interpol | Oneindia News According to the Directorate of Enforcement, "A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action." Furthermore, there is a National Bureau designated by Interpol in all its 195 member countries as "a single point of contact between law enforcement agencies of that member and INTERPOL. In this regard, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is officially designated as the National Central Bureau of India entrusted with the responsibility to publish, maintain and update the Red Corner Notices against fugitives/offenders as requested by Law enforcement agencies of India from time to time." Interpol had earlier issued a Red Corner Notice against gangster Himanshu alias Bhau to all member countries. He is believed to be living abroad. News reports quoting Haryana Police spokesman say that Rohtak police succeeded in getting a Red Corner Notice issued against a most wanted person who is believed to have fled abroad. Khalistan Movement Will Stay In Canada: Ex-Canadian Minister This Red Corner Notice against a wanted member of a pro-Khalistani banned organization comes at a time when India and Canada are undergoing a diplomatic spat because of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim of an Indian hand behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 10:35 [IST] Biden On Hamas Attack: They Knew I Was About To Sit Down With The Saudis US President Biden Joins UAW Picket Line In Michigan International oi-Madhuri Adnal US President Joe Biden extended his support for striking United Auto Workers (UAW) union members in Michigan on Tuesday by joining them on a picket line, a rare presidential act of solidarity. This visit is a key element of his strategy to win the favor of union members in Michigan, a pivotal state for the upcoming presidential election, and to counter his likely Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who is also scheduled to visit Detroit on Wednesday to engage with workers. Although Trump garnered the support of many union members in his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton in Michigan, ultimately losing the state to Biden in 2020, he is not expected to participate in the picket line. Biden's trip aims to underscore his claim of being the most pro-union president in U.S. history and potentially to secure the endorsement of the UAW, which has not yet backed his re-election campaign. In a post on 'X,' the social media platform replacing Twitter, the president announced his intention to "join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create." He further emphasized the need for a mutually beneficial agreement that sustains American auto manufacturing with well-compensated UAW positions. The President expressed his support for the ongoing 12-day strike by Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis workers and had previously stated that he would send his labor secretary, Julie Su, and Gene Sperling, a senior White House adviser, to assist the union in reaching an agreement with the companies. However, this plan was abandoned after criticism from the UAW's president, Shawn Fain, who has also rejected Trump's attempts to court union members. Trump, in his bid to regain union support for the upcoming election, has accused the union leadership of betraying workers and criticized Biden's environmental policy of encouraging American automakers to transition to electric vehicles. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 0:14 [IST] Upworthy 26 Oct 2023 Siemens Energy AG is in talks with the German government about securing as much as 16 billion ($16.9 billion) in state.. David Keith McCallum Jr. was a Scottish actor and musician. He gained wide recognition in the 1960s for playing secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. His other notable television roles include Carter in Colditz (19721974) and Steel in Sapphire & Steel (19791982). Beginning in 2003, McCallum gained renewed international popularity for his role as NCIS medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in the American television series NCIS. On film, McCallum notably appeared in The Great Escape (1963). More than 13,000 people have left Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia in fear of Azerbaijani reprisals. Meanwhile, local officials said 20 people were killed in a fuel depot explosion in the breakaway region. DW has the latest. The fugitive former manager of German financial services firm Wirecard has been accused by British prosecutors of involvement in conducting espionage on Russia's behalf. He's already being tried in absentia in Germany. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Kyrgyzstan actively seeks partnership with the OTS countries, including Azerbaijan, in the implementation of large-scale and mutually beneficial initiatives in the field of intelligent agriculture, with goals of optimizing the agricultural sector based on the application of modern technologies and innovations, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan Murat Ramatov said, Trend reports. He spoke during the meeting of the agriculture ministers of the OTS countries. "In this regard, I express the willingness of the Kyrgyz side to implement mutually beneficial projects in the field of joint application of "smart agriculture". It is important to take into account that such factors as climate change, soil degradation, and other environmental challenges are already creating significant difficulties today, calling into question what kind of legacy we will leave to the next generation. Therefore, we have responsibilities, common goals, and challenges facing our people. By pooling resources and expertise, we must develop strategies that are most effective and comprehensive," he said. The First Deputy Minister noted that the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, signed a decree "On declaring the period 20232027 as a five-year action plan for the development of mountain regions" on September 21, 2023, the purpose of which is to ensure the environmental, economic, and food security of the country and increase climate resilience. Police in Germany found more than 100 Syrians in homes in locations that were searched as part of an investigation into the suspected smuggling of migrants. Eurasia Review 28 Sep 2023 The 17-hour war that took place in Banjska village of Zvecan, in the north of Kosovo, proves that Serbia is completely immersed in.. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a petition from Alabama to undo a lower court order that blocked a Republican-drawn congressional map, which lacked a second majority-Black district. Many in the Filipino community have called out rapper Doja Cat for misrepresenting their culture after she inaccurately described.. Upworthy 25 Sep 2023 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome, against a backdrop of tensions between the two countries over migration. Permission not given to Chinese ship to dock, Indias concerns important: Sabry Posted by Editor on September 26, 2023 - 2:02 pm Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Monday said that Colombo has not given permission to a Chinese vessel to dock, adding that Indian security concerns are important for Sri Lanka. Asked about reports regarding a Chinese research vessel named Shi Yan 6 scheduled to be docked in Sri Lanka in October and Indias concerns regarding it, he said that they have a standard operating procedure (SOP) and they have consulted many friends, including India. Thats a conversation going on for some period of time. India has expressed its concerns over a long time, but we have come out with the SOP (standard operating procedure). When we were making that, we consulted many of our friends, including India. So, as long as it complies with the SOP, we have no problem. But if it doesnt comply with the SOP, we have a problem, Ali Sabry told ANI. He said that Sri Lanka has not given permission for the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock in October, adding that negotiations are going on. So, therefore, as far as I know, we have not given permission to come to Sri Lanka during October. Negotiations are going on. Indian security concerns, which are legitimate, are very, very important for us. We have always told that because we want to keep our region a zone of peace, said Ali Sabry. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe too had said that an SPO had been worked out for foreign vessels. The Chinese research vessel was expected in Sri Lanka in October to conduct research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), media reports had said earlier. US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, during her meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, had raised concerns regarding Shi Yan 6s visit. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Victoria Nuland stated, The US supports a strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. Our work together continues at #UNGA. I met with @MFA_SriLanka Minister Ali Sabry to discuss U.S. economic assistance, human rights, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Sabry had told Nuland that Sri Lanka had worked out the SOP to be followed by foreign ships and aircraft in carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory, according to media reports. Reportedly, he told her that Sri Lanka had been even-handed in this approach for all nations and could not exclude China from the process. The two leaders held a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while commenting on Chinese spy vessel Yuan Wang-5 which had docked in Sri Lanka, said that any developments that have a bearing on Indias security are obviously of an interest to us. What happens in our neighbourhood, any developments which have a bearing on our security obviously are of an interest to us, Mr Jaishankar said at a joint press conference after the 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting. India had expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at the Sri Lankan port as it was shown as a research vessel with the capability of mapping the ocean bed, which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. The Chinese research ship had docked at Sri Lankas Hambantota Port. (Source: ANI) The Indian and US armies kick-started the 19th edition of exercise Yudh Abhyas in Alaska on September 25. It is an annual exercise conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the US Army. The military exercise was first conducted in 2004. Yudh Abhyas is aimed at improving the interoperability of the Indian Army and US Army to increase partner capacity for conventional, complex and future contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Auli, Uttarakhand in November 2022. Yudh Abhyas-23 will involve an exchange of views and best practices in drills on a wide spectrum of military skills, including combat engineering, obstruction clearance, and improvised explosive device warfare. The two-week war game in Fort Wainwright will feature a number of complex drills. The theme of the exercise is Employment of an Integrated Battle Group in Mountain/Extreme Climatic Conditions under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. The lead battalion from the Indian side in the exercise is affiliated with the Maratha Light Infantry regiment. The 1-24 infantry battalion of the first brigade combat team is participating from the US side. Other bilateral exercises include: i) Cope India (Air Force) ii) Vajra Prahar (Special Forces) iii) Tiger Triumph (a tri-services exercise inaugurated in 2019). Major Defence Partner The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. In June 2016, the US designated India a Major Defence Partner paving way for sharing of critical military equipment and technology. The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each others bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The I2U2 group of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States have announced a new joint space venture which aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs. All four countries are signatories of the Artemis Accords. Under the I2U2 groups focus area of space, the four countries announced the new joint space venture on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries, this project aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity. The four-nation grouping also launched its website to enhance cooperation between the member countries and partnerships across the globe. What is the purpose of I2U2? The I2U2 grouping was conceptualised during the meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries held on October 18, 2021. In the groupings name, I stands for India and Israel and U for the US and UAE. The formation of the grouping is largely seen as a strategic attempt by the United States to check Chinas increasing influence in Asia and the Middle East. I2U2 is aimed to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health and food security. It intends to mobilise private sector capital and expertise to help modernise the infrastructure, low carbon development pathways for our industries, improve public health, and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies. This will not only revitalise and re-energise the system of alliances and partnerships around the world but also stitch together partnerships that did not exist previously or were not utilised to their full extent. This will help the countries in exploring security cooperation among the four nations within the framework of these new groupings. Each country also has Sherpa-level interactions regularly to discuss the possible areas of cooperation. Indias bilateral strategic ties with each of the three countries are on an upswing in the last few years. Artemis Accords Grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (OST), the Artemis Accords are a non-binding set of principles designed to guide civil space exploration and use in the 21st century. These principles, which include transparency, peaceful purposes, registering of space objects and release of scientific data, help make the space environment safer and more predictable, and allow all nations even those without space programmes to benefit from the data obtained in space. Co-led for the United States by the Department of State and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Artemis Accords were launched on October 13, 2020 with Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Currently, there are 29 signatories. From the original eight nations in 2020, Artemis Accords signatories now hail from every part of the globe and possess a variety of space capabilities and interests. Amidst the escalation of diplomatic tension between India and Canada, Sri Lanka expressed support to its neighbour. Sri Lanka's foreign minister, Ali Sabry, told ANI on Monday that terrorists have found a safe haven in Canada. "Canadian PM Justin Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations without supporting proof," he added. The minister also said that India is one of the fastest-growing economies, and Sri Lanka is looking to forge a closer relationship with India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of "potential" involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June unleashed a diplomatic row, with India rejecting the charges as "absurd" and "motivated" and kicking out a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official. Earlier, Canada revealed that the allegation against India's involvement in the killing of a Sikh Canadian is based on surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, including intelligence provided by a major ally. Canada-based pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead at the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city of British Columbia province. He was declared a 'wanted terrorist' by the Indian government. He was the president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara. Nijjar, a resident of a village in Jalandhar, was associated with the separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which is banned in India. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has initiated the civil construction works associated with the preparation of tie-ins, the TAP AG consortium told Trend. "This ongoing work is scheduled to be complete during Q4 2023, Following this, the main construction works will commence with further civil work for foundations," said the consortium. TAP transports natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to Europe. The 878 km long pipeline connects with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border in Kipoi, crosses Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP facilitates gas supplies to South Eastern European countries through existing and prospective interconnectors. TAP is connected to Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB) which started its commercial operations in October 2022, providing Caspian gas to Bulgaria, enhancing security of energy supplies in one more European country. TAPs exits in Greece and Albania, together with the landfall in Italy provide multiple opportunities for further transport of gas from Azerbaijan to the wider European markets. TAPs shareholding is comprised of bp (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagas (16%) and Axpo (5%). Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. What a criminal enterprise our country truly is. And I do mean enterprise. After all, according to the latest figures, there are" honestly, you're not going to believe this" but, according to PrisonPolicy.org, there are roughly 1.9 million people incarcerated in this country, 803,000 Americans on parole, and a staggering 2.9 million on probation. Imagine that! When it comes to incarceration rates, no other nation compares. In fact, of our 50 states, 24 have rates higher if you check this link than any other democracy (whole countries!) on the planet. And then consider this: "At least 113 million adults in the U.S. (roughly 45%) have a family member who has been incarcerated, and 79 million people have a criminal record, revealing the ripple effects of locking up millions of people every day." And I doubt you'll be surprised to learn that, in such a country and with our past, Blacks remain distinctly over-represented behind bars. In fact, they make up just 12% of the population, but 38% of the prison and jail populations. In that context, consider Tamar Sarai's first TomDispatch piece, an all-too-symbolic tale of how one institution in Topeka, Kansas, once a vocational college for Black students, became over the decades and all too symbolically a women's prison. Then consider the remarkable story of one man who tried not just to stem but turn the tide there. Tom One School's Missing History A Family Heirloom, Lost in Plain Sight By Tamar Sarai Not long after moving to Topeka, Kansas, in the early 1980s, community organizer Curtis Pitts learned about a hidden slice of that city's history that would come to shape his life's work over the next four decades. He was introduced to the Kansas Technical Institute, or KTI, a Black vocational college that had prospered throughout the early twentieth century, only to close in the mid-1950s. Founded in 1895, KTI enjoyed the distinction of being the second Black college established west of the Mississippi. Built in part by its own students, the school became a self-sustaining campus, training them in agriculture, nursing, printing, tailoring, and theology, among other subjects. The story of KTI almost immediately captured Pitts's attention, both because of its grandeur at the time and the ways its absence had impacted the city. "Thinking that this was the Brown v. the Board of Education city, this should be just like Atlanta with the Black community prospering," Pitts told me, recalling his early observations of Topeka. "Once I found out that the school closed, you can see a direct correlation to the demise of Black businesses and families and communities because it was a hub and many of the business owners had learned their trade from the school." The benefits both tangible and intangible of any school, particularly one designed with Black students in mind, compelled Pitts not just to educate himself in the history of KTI but also, in the end, to try to reopen it, ushering in a new twenty-first-century version of the school. If its closure was sobering, its later transformation should have been confounding. The shock of that change was captured in the moment, more than 40 years ago, when a friend first told Pitts about the school. "At that time, we were standing in his front yard and he kept looking across the street and he started talking about the college and why he came [to Topeka]," said Pitts. "I'm trying to figure out which college he was talking about because all I could see was a prison." Retaliation for Brown v. Board of Education? KTI's role in contributing to the rise of local business owners speaks to the importance of vocational training for young Black students nationwide at the time. Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such training was the underpinning of many Black secondary schools and colleges. Most of them focused on specific trades with the goal not just of preparing their students for decent, steady work but also indoctrinating them with values like industriousness, efficiency, and self-reliance. Perhaps the best-known and most influential leader of that pedagogical approach was Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He crafted its curriculum in a way that married vocational trades to academic study and famously instructed Blacks to "cast down their bucket where they are" and acquire the skills needed to take care of themselves. Though a controversial stance at the time, Washington's invitation encapsulated the mission of Tuskegee and came to serve as a model for other Black vocational schools, including KTI. In fact, the school's founders, Lizzie Riddick and Edward Stephens, would successfully enlist the support of Washington when establishing KTI and former Tuskegee professors and directors would go on to hold prominent positions there. As only the second historically Black college established west of the Mississippi River, the Topeka-based school would come to be known locally as "the Tuskegee of the West." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The tensions between the United States and its geopolitical adversaries grow with each passing day, month, and year. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine continues to play out, and many are worried that a large war will break out if China invades Taiwan. However, there's a way we can turn down the tensions a bit - arms control. Writer Shannon Bugos addressed the subject of in her story "Three Months Later, still no US Arms Control Proposal to Russia". The United States has yet to send a written arms control proposal to Russia, three months after U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan first outlined the Biden administration's strategy and suggested arms control talks in a June address. A National Security Council spokesperson said last summer that the US is open to discussing arms control with Russia, but also that Russia doesn't seem to be willing to do the same. In addition, the spokesperson noted the administration conveyed the proposal to Moscow but declined to elaborate at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia's nuclear weapons arsenal remains necessary to ensure its national security, and he referenced Ukraine. He also said: "A great danger in the context of the Ukrainian conflict is linked with the fact that the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Alliance countries, while gearing up for confrontation, run the risk of becoming involved in a direct armed clash between nuclear powers. To prevent such an outcome, we must remind everyone about the existence of enormous military and political risks and send sobering signals to our opponents." If Washington and Moscow do resume an arms control dialogue, the talks would likely focus on potential arrangements to follow the expiration of the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in early 2026, as stated by Bugos. Like arms control in general, the treaty represents security through fewer arms. Last summer, the US State Department released an annual assessment that said New START enhances US national security despite the ongoing dispute with Russia that has halted treaty activities, such as on-site inspections of nuclear weapons-related facilities and daily notifications on the status and the location of treaty-accountable items. The renewing of New START uses the concept of international law to keep the conflict between the US and its allies and the China/Russia block and its allies within boundaries. It could be considered a start in what could be a happy ending to our current Cold War, hopefully. In time, if history plays its bright side, the expansionary tendencies of the China/Russia block will fade, and a more lawful world will emerge. Hopefully, the trend of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes will fade, and various forms of democracy will prevail, as this will rob the China/Russia block of an ideological weapon. History doesn't always move in a peaceful direction, but all we can do is hope this time it does. Jason Sibert is the Lead Writer of the Peace Economy Project The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons on Monday (9/18) that, in recent weeks, national security authorities had been probing allegations that New Delhi was behind a state-sponsored assassination. "Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty," he said. "Canada is a rule-of-law country, the protection of our citizens and defence of our sovereignty are fundamental. "Our top priorities have therefore been one, that our law enforcement and security agencies ensure the continued safety of all Canadians. And two, that all steps be taken to hold perpetrators of this murder to account." Trudeau said he raised the issue "in no uncertain terms" with the Indian Prime Minister, Sikhism Narendra Modi, when the two met briefly in New Delhi last week for the G20 summit. The foreign affairs minister, Me'lanie Joly, said Canada had expelled a "key Indian diplomat" and "expects India to fully collaborate with us and ultimately to get to the bottom of this". The diplomat expelled by Canada is the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (Raw), India's foreign intelligence agency in Canada. "We'll hold the perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice," said the public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, adding the police were leading the murder investigation. India's ministry of external affairs said in a statement it "rejected" statements by Trudeau and his foreign minister, adding that allegations of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are "absurd and motivated". On June 18 Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. Nijjar had campaigned for an independent Sikh nation - known as Khalistan - to be carved out of India's Punjab state. He was wanted by Indian authorities and had been designated as a "terrorist" in July 2020. He had been warned by Canada's spy agency about threats against him, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, which alleged he was "assassinated in a targeted shooting". India's Punjab state - which is about 58% Sikh and 39% Hindu - was rocked by a violent Khalistan separatist movement in the 1980s and early 1990s, in which thousands of people died. Today, that movement's most vocal advocates are primarily among the Punjabi overseas diaspora. Canada is home to one of the largest overseas communities of Indian origin, which number approximately 1.4 million out of an overall Canadian population of 40 million. About 770,000 people reported Sikhism as their religion in the 2021 census. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The US military occupation of the oil fields in north east Syria came under attack recently, and there were some who said it could foreshadow a US military withdrawal. However, the violence ceased, and the US-supported Kurdish separatists are continuing to hide under the Pentagon's wings. The Obama-created US-NATO attack on Syria for regime change began in 2011, but has failed. However, it was successful in destroying the country and preventing its recovery from an armed conflict utilizing terrorists supported by the US and its allies. Neighboring Lebanon has been decimated, not by war, but by their political elite, which have always been supported by the US, and the US has allowed a political stalemate to drag on without a President at the helm in Beirut. Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Scott Bennett, former US Army Psychological Operations Officer and State Department Counterterrorism Analyst. His insight provides a rare glimpse into what is happening behind the scenes, and where the region is headed. #1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Violence began in Deir ez-Zor, in eastern Syria on August 27 when the US-sponsored SDF arrested Ahmed al-Khubail, the commander of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council in Hasakah, along with his brother and four other commanders. Since then 50 SDF soldiers have been killed and civilians killed when the SDF shelled residential areas. Is this the beginning of a US occupation withdrawal from Syria? Scott Bennett (SB): In order to predict what future U.S. military-intelligence agency (CIA) operations are going to be conducted, it is essential to first review and analyze what is occurring in the U.S. orbit and international community. Simply stated, the world is in a state of slow divorce from the U.S. and its petrodollar, and is pulling out of the orbit of influence the U.S. has created since 1946, and accelerated into hyper drive after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990. What the U.S. most likely will do is begin igniting small fires around the world to create tension, chaos, and smoke in order to try and destabilize an increasingly multi-polar world. As psychotic as this may sound, it is the new ideology of the Zionist-fascist-neocolonial American Empire that is now collapsing like Rome. So I would predict one of these "fires", which is a figurative way of describing guerilla wars, color revolutions, coups, internal strife, "false flag" bombings (like was done in Lebanon), and destruction of international infrastructure (such as was done against the Nordstream pipelines and the Crimean bridge), is going to be in Syria. So I do not see the U.S. pulling out of Syria until the Democrats are overthrown, perhaps violently, by the American people in the coming year. Democrats and certain Republicans have become slaves to the bribes given them by the military industrial complex, and have no respect for other countries, international law, orthe Constitution. They are instead consumed by lust and a desire for endless power in which they will try to continue to coerce, extort, and control other nations, peoples, and the natural resources in their land. #2. (SS): President Trump ordered a Syrian withdrawal, but the Pentagon didn't agree. Instead, the US military occupation force has controlled and confiscated the major energy resources in Syria, that of the Omar oil field, and the Conoco gas field. Electricity in Syria is produced from domestic oil and gas resources, but now Syrian civilians get just a few hours of electricity per day because the oil wells are confiscated. In your opinion, is the US justified in stealing Syrian resources from the benefit of its citizens? SB: One of the greatest errors and tragic demonstrations of either ignorance or weakness by President Trump was his allowing the U.S. to attack Syria for fake chemical weapons attacks that never occurred, which were orchestrated by the British and their slaves the "White Helmets", and their Israeli Mossad and CIA handlers. Trump was sorely ignorant of the international situation and the cultures of the world, and consequently allowed war hawk fanatics like John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley, and General James Mattis to do whatever they wanted in the arena of Syria. Voices such as former Senator Dick Black (R-Virginia) and Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) attempted to share the truth about the situation in Syria, and how President Assad was not the monster the Zionists were attempting to re-define him as, but sadly it fell on deaf ears. Additionally, the U.S. invasion of Syria and establishing military personnel and posts to steal the oil from Syria, is a crime against humanity that demands prosecution by the international community and a resolution demanding the expulsion of the U.S. from Syria immediately. If this is not done by the United Nations, then this organization is truly another slave to the bribes and coercion of the United States and Britain and Israel. #3. SS: The US military partner in Syria is the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) since 2015. Since then, the SDF have ethnically cleansed the northeast of non-Kurds. Syrian Arabs and Christians had been the majority prior to 2015. In your view, should the US government be promoting ethnic-cleansing in northeast Syria? SB: Nothing the U.S. has ever done in Syria is anything other than a war crime. The bombing of Syria for fake chemical attacks that were theatrical "false flag" events orchestrated to lie and attempt to manipulate the world and specifically the U.S. and President Trump, is one of the greatest deceptions President Trump allowed to take place and as a result, the U.S. actions can only be described as "crimes against humanity" and acts of genocide against the Syrian people. #4. SS: Lebanon has been without a President for almost one year. The US Embassy in Lebanon exerts a great deal of influence on Lebanon politically and financially. In your opinion, will the US agree upon and promote any presidential candidate, and who might that be? SB: The U.S. and Israel no doubt conducted a miniature nuclear bombing against Lebanon a few years ago, and this act was designed to cast Lebanon into chaos. Additionally, the U.S. Zionists in Washington are always overthrowing political leaders in other nations in order to dominate the nation and steal its resources for worthless American dollars, and continue the "great SHELL GAME" that America has sadly become pathologically proficient at. (See www.shellgamewhistleblower.com.) As we have also seen, the U.S. and its Zionist handlers have "selected" the American Presidents using voting machine technology that is easily manipulated into providing false numbers of votes in order to change the reality of elections. Most recently this was done when the American voting machines Dominion, Premier, and E.S. and S. were manipulated by a financial deal that involved Union Bank of Switzerland, where Robert Wolf, former Chairman of the Americas for UBS, entered into an agreement with the Chinese Communist Party and Staple Street Capitol to manipulate these machines. This plot began in 2009, and resulted in the false election of Joe Biden and removal of Donald Trump. Of course we also now see the American government quickly degrading into a police state and fascist ideologues that are delusional with a "woke" agenda of rampant homosexuality, transgender LGBT, climate change religion, and other quasi-religious obsessions. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The Photon Brothers Website Project Selected #1 Out of 1,500 Entries Phoenix, AZ - September 25th, 2023 - Rocket Media is proud to be named the 2023 Web Excellence Award Winner for its website project: "Photon Brothers Website: A Game-Changer by Rocket Media." The website earned accolades in three categories: Sustainability, Green & Eco-friendly, and Services & Utilities. This recognition comes after the Photon Brothers Website project showcased a custom-built solar 09/25/2023, Wilmington, Delaware - For many, publishing a book is a one-time transaction. But for Alfred West, supporting authors is about nurturing a lifelong relationship. The commitment to authors goes beyond the confines of a single book project. It's a steadfast dedication to every phase of an author's publishing journey. The unique approach adopted by Alfred West is a meticulously crafted five-step process designed to elevate manuscripts to their utmost potential: Manuscript COVINGTON, KY, September 26, 2023 - Gary Geiman, the entre-preneur behind Christmas Lights Cincinnati, Pressure Wash Cincinnati, The ProServe Group, and DMN8 Partners, has unveiled his latest venture: Lights Up Cincy. The company is located at 50 E Rivercenter Blvd Suite 210 A, Covington, KY 41011, this brand-new company promises to redefine exterior lighting in the Greater Cincinnati area. Building upon his extensive experience in the exterior lighting industry and having Munich, London, 19. September 2023, Skailark a Data as a Service company which provides its customers with unparalleled insights into the world of aviation data is delighted to announce the appointment of David Hoar as VP Sales & Customer Success to support its rapid worldwide expansion among airlines, airports, and the financial services industry. David has more than 15 years of experience in onboarding and supporting clients globally in the world Annie Lane is off this week. The following column was originally published in 2019 Dear Annie: My husband of 42 years discovered a new way of breathing, and it has made me scared to death. I am afraid that he might die in his sleep. Charles had asthma and allergies in his childhood, and he was prescribed all kinds of medication. He mostly outgrew his asthma as an adult, though he would frequently get terrible allergies and take various forms of antihistamines, usually prescribed by his doctor. But a year ago, someone at his office was talking about the Buteyko Breathing Technique, which basically means taking shallow breaths through the nose. It seems that this technique was discovered in the Ukraine years ago and was used to treat people in Russia with asthma and allergies -- mainly children -- and to help them get off medications. My husband checked on the internet and on YouTube and found all kinds of advice about breathing through your nose, not your mouth. In fact, he even bought a book about it called something like, Shut Your Mouth. My concern is at night because he puts a piece of tape over his mouth before he falls asleep, and he sleeps the entire night with that tape on. I am afraid that if his nasal passages were to clog up, and he didnt know it, he could actually suffocate in his sleep. I have told Charles this, but he only laughs, saying there is no way. He says that if he couldnt breath at all he would rip the tape off. He reminded me of the two times that he had to cough in his sleep, and he woke up and ripped the tape off. After coughing, he put a new piece of tape over his mouth. The product that he uses is called cloth tape, which he buys at the local pharmacy. He says that he almost never needs an antihistamine because his allergies rarely act up. When they do, he takes medication, but that is only once or twice a year, while before all this he was taking one or two pills a day. I asked our doctor about it, and she said breathing through the nose is a good idea because the nasal passages filter out germs, but she added that she had never heard of anyone taping their mouth shut to sleep. She did not seem concerned, but shes not married to the guy. -- Holding My Breath Dear Holding My Breath: Relax. Your husband wont suffocate in his sleep. Given a choice between mouth breathing and nasal breathing, many experts recommend nasal breathing for the reason your doctor stated. The fact that your husband has been able to cut way back on his medications is a good sign, as is your doctor not having concerns. We breathe through our nose or mouth; those are our only two options. Normally, when people think of calming down, they say, Take a deep breath, and most people would do so by breathing through the nose and out the mouth. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM United Airlines on Monday filed to move an unused air route between Portland and Tokyos Haneda Airport to Houston. Delta Air Lines formally abandoned the route last week having never actually launched the daily flights. Scheduled to begin in 2020, they were repeatedly delayed during the pandemic. The move left unused a slot at Haneda Airport, Tokyos close-in airport thats only recently opened to more international flights. International slots are assigned to airlines by the federal government. Deltas decision to give up the Portland route left the Haneda slot up for grabs. Other airlines could also petition the U.S. Transportation Department to use it, in Portland or elsewhere. A decision could come after a comment period ends Oct. 10. It also left Portland with no nonstop flights to Asia. Delta also indefinitely delayed plans for flights from Portland to Incheon, South Korea, serving the capital of Seoul. -- Elliot Njus; enjus@oregonian.com A gun trafficker was found guilty Tuesday of fatally shooting Clark County Sheriffs Sgt. Jeremy Brown during a stake-out of a Vancouver apartment in 2021. After a three-week trial, the Clark County Superior Court jury deliberated for roughly four hours before finding Guillermo Raya Leon guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder, trafficking stolen property, burglary and possessing a stolen firearm. The Woodsman Tavern, the clubby Southeast Portland restaurant and bar originally opened by Stumptown Coffee founder Duane Sorenson, will relaunch with a new pair of Mexican concepts by years end, incoming chef Adan Fausto tells The Oregonian. First to debut will be Los Burros Supremos, a burrito shop taking over the long-vacant former Woodsman Market space. Here, Fausto and his team will explore regional burrito variations including a Mission-style burrito, a weekend-only chilaquiles burrito as well as the mini burritos that Fausto served at the initial run of his mesquite-fueled Northern Mexican pop-up Tacos Con Onda, which often took place in The Woodsmans back patio. Los Burros Supremos is aiming to debut with daily service in November. Next up is La Lenadora, a full-service restaurant with lamb shank birria, sizzling Oregon albacore fajitas and lots of Mexican seafood along the lines of Faustos menu at Paradise Mariscos, the 2022 pop-up behind torta shop Guero. After a paint job with yellows, teals and whites designed to give the dark tavern space a brighter feel, Fausto hopes to launch La Lenadora by early next year, perhaps with a preview event happening as soon as New Years Eve. For Fausto, the move means pressing pause on Tacos Con Onda, the pop-up inspired by the mesquite-grilled carne asada and great flour tortillas he grew up eating in his fathers hometown of Mexicali, Mexico. When it returns down the line, look for Tacos Con Onda to add corn tortillas to the lineup, a frequent request from customers who mistook Faustos food for Tex-Mex. Fausto should have plenty of time to practice. In addition to flour tortillas bought from Fausto for the burrito shop, La Lenadora plans to nixtamalize its own corn for pressing masa fresh for house-made corn tortillas. Those tortillas will star on a menu heavy with vegetables sourced from Mexican-owned farms, seafood dishes inspired by the bustling Mexico City restaurant Mi Compa Chava and Onda-style carne asada cooked over mesquite in the rare Josper oven left over from The Woodsman days. According to Brookes Decker, operations director for Submarine Hospitality, La Lenadoras bar previously stacked with rare bourbons will have a really aggressive agave program, including tequila, mezcal, sotol and raicilla, with around 150 bottles in all. Monica Amestoy, Submarines director of bar concepts, is brainstorming more than a dozen cocktails, with ideas being floated including a Oaxacan old fashioned, a martini made with Mexican gin, a paloma variant with Old Bay Seasoning and both a classic margarita and two distinct frozen variations. Thats in addition to 13 beer taps focused on Mexican and Mexican American brewers and cider makers. La Lenadora might not open until early next year, but Fausto hopes to hold a handful of pop-ups, collaborations and preview events before that date, including a possible brunch pop-up at Tusk exploring the Middle Eastern roots of several Mexican dishes. Timing for those events are still being determined. Meanwhile, work is going full-steam ahead on Los Burros Supremos. According to Fausto, the opening menu could include classic bean-and-cheese burritos, breakfast burritos, the Norteno-style mini burrito from Tacos Con Onda, a fried chicken milanesa burrito, a sweet potato burrito, a smoked fish burrito and a burro bowl. A small market section will highlight a few grab-and-go options, Faustos tortillas and other Mexican American-made products. And drinks could include house aguas frescas, including horchatas made with different rice varietals and an Arnold Palmer blending lemonade and corn husk tea. The clubby Woodsman Tavern vibe will be brightened up with "yellows, teels and whites," according to chef Adan Fausto.Beth Nakamura | The Oregonian Sorenson originally opened The Woodsman Tavern in 2011, shortly after selling off a majority stake in Stumptown, bringing in an impressive lineup of kitchen and front-of-house house talent. Several of those employees came along when Sorenson opened Italian restaurant Ava Genes about 10 blocks west on Division Street in 2012. After its initial closure in 2018, The Woodsman space was briefly home to Tasty N Daughters, the relocated home of popular North Portland brunch spot Tasty N Sons. But that was not the end. Submarine Hospitality, which formed in 2016 to purchase Ava Genes and open Tusk, eventually bought The Woodsman Tavern as well, attempting a surprise revival of the restaurant in 2021. The Submarine group, which was purchased along with a host of other well-known Portland brands by Sortis Holdings last year, closed The Woodsman again earlier this year, promising that a new concept was already in the works for the space. Yet even now, The Woodsman Tavern isnt completely dead: Lenadora is the Spanish word for lumberjack. Look for Los Burros Supremos to open by November and La Lenadora by early next year at 4537 S.E. Division St., Instagram: @losburrossupremos Read more: Portland restaurant that reopened 2 years ago will close again. This time for good Paradise Mariscos brings Mexican seafood, escapism to Northeast Portland parking lot Norteno-style Tacos Con Onda wants you to rethink the flour tortilla Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Labor woes at Portland Public Schools compounded Monday when the 1,350 members of the Portland Federation of School Professionals voted to reject a proposed contract, sending the two sides back to the bargaining table. District leaders had trumpeted the tentative agreement as proof that it was possible to come to a consensus on a labor contract as negotiations with the districts largest union, the Portland Association of Teachers, have sputtered and the potential for a teacher strike has intensified. The Portland Federal of School Professionals represents administrative assistants, occupational and physical therapists, paraeducators, library assistants and campus safety associates, among others. Its president, John MacDuffee, said via a press release that members are frustrated and exhausted. The results of this vote indicate there is a lot of work still to do to improve the working conditions of our members. The agreement rejected by the unions members would have increased pay to a minimum of $20 an hour, though the district had said that 98% of members could expect to make more than that. It also boosted pay for hard-to-fill jobs, including paraeducators and sign language interpreters. Meanwhile, both the district and the teachers union Friday turned in their last, best offers to a state mediator who has been working with the two sides. Theres now a mandatory 30-day cooling off period, after which the district could choose to impose its final offer and the teachers could choose to strike. Three additional mediation sessions are scheduled for October. Julia Silverman, @jrlsilverman, jsilverman@oregonian.com Every fall from 2013 to 2019, incoming Oregon kindergartners met one-on-one with their teachers, for gentle state-mandated checks on their literacy and math skills. The meetings, which took place before the kindergarten school year officially began, were intended to give teachers a baseline about their new students. For example, they could learn who still needed to learn the sounds most letters make and who was ready to start learning letter blends. Now, after pandemic pauses on in-person meetings and increasing concern that the traditional kindergarten readiness conversations carried implicit bias, leaving some families feeling judged and found wanting, the state is piloting a new approach. The idea is a shift away from early literacy and numeracy skill checks to an open-ended conversation about the childs strengths and interests and parents hopes for their child. Were trying to get rid of this notion that children need to be ready for school, said Dan Farley, the Oregon Department of Educations administrator for research and accountability. Children are coming because of their age. Schools and systems need to be ready. Families that dont speak English as their first language and Indigenous families were among those who raised concerns about the states approach, said Sody Fearn, a state specialist in kindergarten through grade two assessments. There was confusion about its purpose, she said. Some families thought it was a gatekeeper for kindergarten. Oregon does want students to arrive at kindergarten primed to learn to read, do math, write and reason. It has demonstrated that by allocating millions more in its last two state budgets to expand Preschool Promise, which provides free early learning to more than 5,000 young children, as well as other early learning programs. But that doesnt mean assessing each 5-year-olds letter and number knowledge during the initial visit with their teacher is the best approach, state officials say. Thirty-two schools statewide are piloting the new approach, Fearn said. They include schools in Portland, Beaverton, Eugene, Grants Pass, Hood River, Colton, Klamath County, Lincoln County, Ione, Ontario, Yoncalla and a charter school in the Reynolds district. The goal is to roll the approach out statewide within a few years, she said. We open the conversation by asking families about their hopes and dreams for their child, Fearn said. And then we go into asking about what brings their child joy. Answers from pilot participants have mentioned everything from hoping their child makes friends and learns to read to a goal that they will someday attend college, she said. The meetings are also an opportunity for the state to collect information about preschool attendance patterns for the new Department of Early Learning and Care, which can be used to inform decisions about public funding for prekindergarten programming, Fearn said. Portland parent LaTasha Guy was familiar with the old version of kindergarten readiness assessments, thanks to her two older children, now a high schooler at Roosevelt and a fourth grader at Rosa Parks Elementary in North Portland. So she braced herself when she took her youngest son, Kentrell, to meet his kindergarten teacher at Rosa Parks this year. She said she was pleasantly surprised to encounter the new approach. I was glad that we did not have the assessment because I believe we probably wouldnt have gotten anywhere with him trying to do that, she said. Some things I believe he would have known, but hes really silly at times. I believe he may have gotten maybe silly and antsy about taking a test. When you test at the beginning like that, it feels really clinical. Kentrell was already feeling nervous about meeting his teacher, Guy said, and talked low and looked down as he walked in. But he warmed up, his mother said, as teacher Angela Hamrick showed him the class birthday calendar, his table space and his special spot to line up for recess or lunch. I was able to watch how he was interacting and how welcome he felt, Guy said. Thats whats important. If he isnt comfortable, initially, that makes me apprehensive. Every family got at least half an hour with Hamrick. Some wound up staying longer to talk through all their questions, she said. Hamrick is new to kindergarten this year but not to teaching. She said she consulted Rosa Parks long-time kindergarten educational assistant about the kindergarten conversations and heard that, like Kentrell, many 5-year-olds are uncertain during those first few weeks in the school system. Many need time to warm up and show their true academic skill level. They are still building their trusting relationships, Hamrick said. It wasnt always accurate data to be collecting in the first place. Theyre only 5 years old. Theyre going to respond more to how they are feeling than they are going to tell us their ABCs when they are first meeting a stranger. Hamrick said she spent the first few weeks of school observing her students and, now that everyone has settled in, she is having them each take short, computerized tests to help her pinpoint their needs in math and literacy. Rolling out the new approach to every Oregon elementary school involves some logistical hurdles, Fearn said, and in the meantime, school districts not in the pilot have been directed not to administer any components of the previous kindergarten assessment. Thats why launching statewide is expected to take at least a few more years as more districts gear back up, she said. Many school districts set their calendars very early, Fearn said. And so having materials ready for kindergarten teachers and letting them know why there is this change in the calendar and making sure they are paid for their time will take time. Julia Silverman, @jrlsilverman, jsilverman@oregonian.com Music fans may know Ted Smith as The Baby Boomer, host of the Friday afternoon Soulful Strut show on the KMHD-FM (89.1) radio station, where Smith plays what he describes as Black music, a blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, and vintage tunes. For many Portlanders, Smiths show is also a much-needed welcome to the weekend. Heres how it goes: On a recent, typical Friday, Smith plays Sly and the Family Stones Sex Machine, which then eases into The Stylistics People Make the World Go Round. Love that cut, Smith says, in the exuberant tone listeners have come to know in the two decades hes hosted his show. Youre listening to Soulful Strut, Im The Baby Boomer, says Smith, who has been on KMHD for two decades. KMHD is celebrating jazz without boundaries. Thats what we do up in here at KMHD ... and you know were nothing without you! Then, as 5 p.m. approaches, Smith, 69, launches into one of his signature bits: Were in the 5 oclock hour in the Rose City, Smith says, happily. You know what were going to do! Loyal listeners know whats coming: The Baby Boomers voice is followed by the sound of an end-of-the-workday factory whistle, then an audio montage from Gone With the Wind, with one man calling, Quittin time! and another disagreeing, insisting hes the foreman, so hes going to decide when its quitting time. He immediately declares, Quittin time! Then comes a snippet of Fred Flintstone hollering, Yabba-dabba-doo!, which segues into The OJays song, Livin For the Weekend (Its Friday, and I just got paid). Its time for us to shake the shackles of the man off our back, Smith announces. The weekend is upon us! HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok Matt Fleeger, program director for KMHD, recalls when he first listened to Smith on the air. It was back in 2009, when Fleeger was consulting with OPB as they prepared to bring a jazz station into their network. Fleeger quickly realized that Smith had, as he says, star potential. Since he began working at OPB in 2009, Fleeger says, Ive had time to spend with Ted in person, and has come to appreciate How funny he is. Hes just the kind of person you want to be around. People love Ted, Fleeger says. They love what he does on the radio. Hes an amazing talent, and its been an absolute pleasure for me to get work with him. When hes doing his show, Smith is at the KMHD studio, which is located inside the Oregon Public Broadcasting headquarters. His show airs from 4-6 p.m. on Fridays. When hes not behind the microphone, Smith works as a Visitor Services Lead at the Portland Art Museum. What with his two jobs, and other commitments -- including an appearance at the 2023 edition of Paseo, the summertime downtown Portland event presented by the Portland Parks Foundation -- Smith has been able to see enough of Portland to form some opinions about life in the Rose City. Im optimistic, says Smith, taking a seat in the KMHD studio. One of the things I like about Portland is that people here are good. Every day, people do good things. That doesnt mean that Smith isnt conscious of how a history stained by segregation, discrimination and racism continues to be felt. I grew up in the civil rights era, Smith, who is Black, says. He has memories of his youth in Yonkers, New York, and how his mother wanted him to attend a public school where all the white kids went, because she believed he would receive a better education there. We wanted to have a Black students union, but we didnt have enough people, Smith says. Being one of only a few Black students wasnt easy, and he recalls experiencing bigotry. The country was transitioning, he says. And when you do that, you start examining things, and you want to make changes, and changes are not easy. My parents knew that. In his work at the Portland Art Museum, Smith has taken the opportunity to share some thoughts about the countrys complicated history when it comes to race. For example, Smith has marked the Juneteenth holiday -- which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States -- by focusing on some art pieces, and discussing how they may be connected to the countrys history of slavery. In a 2021 video, for example, Smith discusses two pieces, a pair of George II Figural Candlesticks made by Francis Nelme that a family in the U.S. obtained in 1730. A casual glance makes the silver candlesticks look like examples of fine craftsmanship. But, as Smith notes, look closer and you see that the figure is a Black, enslaved child, and that a chain extends from the childs neck to the ankles. The family for whom the candlesticks were made had been in the U.S. since 1680, Smith says. They were comfortable with slavery. In the video, Smith also refers to postcards depicting the murder and lynching of Black people in the post-Civil War, Jim Crow period of legally enforced segregation. Smith mentions a postcard from 1908 that depicts the brutal burning of a Black man who was also named Ted Smith. The postcard was being sold online, Smith says, by someone who found it among a relatives possessions. This is why were still having a conversation about race, Smith says. Though Portland, like cities across the country, continues to struggle with issues surrounding race, Smith has maintained the generally positive attitude he formed about the Rose City when he first moved here about 30 years ago. The road that led Smith to Portland was a winding one, which included studying theology at Livingstone College, a historically Black Christian college in Salisbury, North Carolina; serving in the Army; living in Alaska; getting married; having two kids; getting divorced; and, eventually, moving to Portland. Smith came to Portland in 1990 for a visit. He liked the weather, he recalls, and soon settled here, getting involved in theater, improv, and comedy, while also working for Multnomah County. I had been listening to KMHD, and they were looking for volunteers, Smith says. So, I volunteered. I was on the radio right away. Ive been The Baby Boomer since then. I called myself The Baby Boomer, because Ted is not cool, Smith says with a laugh. It is just not cool, and Ive always wanted to be cool, and Im not cool. I can do that, and no one sees me. Im different on the radio. When they see me at the museum, its like, Thats the Baby Boomer? Smith has been working as Visitor Services Lead at the Portland Art Museum for 16 years. I went to the Portland Art Museum to get culture, he says. I really didnt have visual arts in my life. Even though he grew up near some great museums, Smith says his parents didnt attend, because they thought, Thats where the hoity-toity people went. I love the art world, he says. It has a lot of things that need to change, but I love creative thought. His job entails helping visitors, handling groups, and making sure that the visitor experience is enhanced. Portland has an amazing collection that I wish more people would come to see. There are a lot of people in this city who have no idea that theres a Portland Art Museum, and that, to me, is a shame. While many longtime Portlanders are up to their eyebrows with opinions, and despair of Portlands struggles with issues of poverty, crime and social injustice, Smith takes a more upbeat view. Every voice has to be heard, Smith says. And that slows the process down. I may not always agree with these other people, but they have the right for their voice to be heard. Im positive. I know were going to do good, and thats what I try to do on the station. Portland may be getting a fair amount of negative national attention right now, but Smith isnt ringing any alarm bells. Yeah, we have our problems, but find a community that doesnt, he says. The people of Portland are amazing, and they still do whats right. They still volunteer, and were still doing what we can for each other. I like Portland for that. Were hearing voices we never heard before. I love it. Im learning every single day. Ted Smith, aka The Baby Boomer, hosts Soulful Strut, which airs from 4 to 6 p.m. Fridays on KMHD-FM (89.1 ), and streams at KMHD.org, a partnership between Mt. Hood Community College and OPB. Kristi Turnquist 503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Sixty-five Asian American and Pacific Islander vendors will be part of the market at Portlands second annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Sept. 30, put on by the White Lotus Foundation. The Mid-Autumn Festival, sometimes called the Moon Festival, is celebrated across East and Southeast Asian countries. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Its a time for families to eat together and share mooncakes, a dessert pastry often filled with a sweet red bean or lotus seed paste. I would describe the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival as basically a Southeast Asian Thanksgiving, said Nhan Danh, the organizer of the Portland event. Its the end of the harvest season, and so its a time where families come together and celebrate a good harvest. Because the moon is full, it represents togetherness. Portland-based White Lotus Foundation is primarily known for its lion dancing team and performances, but the nonprofit also hosts college-prep workshops for high schoolers and has organized both Spring and Mid-Autumn festivals. Our mission is to empower AAPI individuals in the community, Danh said. We just thought, whats a holiday that is not often celebrated or recognized in our community? We know that Lunar New Year is celebrated widely and very strongly, but the Mid-Autumn never had a spotlight on it, and thats kind of what drove us to put on the event last year. During their inaugural festival, held at CORE PDX (Collective Oregon Eateries on Southeast 82nd Avenue), some 3,500 people and 30 vendors packed into the food cart hall. Organizers sold out of their supply of 100 mooncakes within 20 minutes. I went last year, and I saw how amazing it was to bring this community together, said Uyen Duong, the creator behind Buon Ceramics. I remember leaving and the line was wrapped all the way around the block. This years free festival will still be on Southeast 82nd Avenue but in a larger venue, with optional fast-pass tickets available for purchase to avoid the entry line. The White Lotus Lion Dance team will perform, along with martial arts exhibitions from Wushu Live School in Beaverton, traditional Chinese dancers, Japanese drummers and a Vietnamese-style lantern parade. Organizers have upped their mooncake supply to 500, and more than twice as many vendors will sell everything from hot food and desserts to flowers and artwork. (Left) Uyen Duong works on a pottery piece. (Right) One of Duong's incense pots for Buon Ceramics. (Photo by Noel Dong) That includes, Duong who will have a booth this year in the vendors market. Her creations with Buon Ceramics include mugs, dishes and jars featuring pop culture imagery mixed with traditional Vietnamese shapes and glazes. Some of her most popular products are incense pots small, round bowls raised on three legs that hold incense sticks for home altars. Typically, in Vietnamese culture, also in other Asian cultures as well, we set up altars for either our ancestors or for people who have passed, Duong said. I think a lot of people in my generation, theyve grown up with that, but maybe didnt have their own incense pot in their own home, and now theyre wanting to bring back their culture and have that connection again. The name Buon means sad in Vietnamese, and many of Duongs pottery features cute cartoon frowning faces. I started drawing some happy faces, and to be honest, I was like, why not sad? she said. Ive gone through a few deaths in my family, and thats kind of what kickstarted being OK with the aesthetic of being sad, instead of always having to be happy. Thats another reason I started making incense pots, because I wanted to honor my family in that way. Vyvyan Doan behind the table while vending as Ooh! What's This. Another vendor, Vyvyan Doan said she started her business, Ooh! Whats This?, in 2021 with the goal of being an Asian Etsy. Her website features hand-crafted items made by Asian creators, such as the lychee-scented mooncake candles by Baisun candle company shell be selling at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Doan was working as a freelancer website designer when the pandemic began. As companies focused on their online presence, her business was booming. Overwhelmingly booming, in fact. I definitely took on way too much, and so by the end of it, I was pretty burnt out, she said. I pretty much was like, I dont think I can keep doing this. Doan was part of two Facebook groups, one called Subtle Asian Aesthetic and another called Asian Hustle Network. Its just a bunch of businesses and everyday people sharing really beautiful things that they made during the shutdown, she said. I thought, wow, all this stuff is really amazing. Looking to start her own business venture, she reached out to some of the creators, who lived as far away as the United Kingdom and Canada, about creating a website where she could offer to sell their wares. Most of the artists featured on her site have other full-time jobs and began making art or jewelry as a pandemic hobby. It was nice to actually hear a lot of their stories, Doan said, which was, My mom wanted me to be an accountant, my dad wanted me to be a lawyer, but during the shutdown, it was an opportunity for us to just create and make things weve always wanted to make. " She launched Ooh! Whats This? in February 2021, handling the sales and shipment of all her clients products out of her Portland-area home. That April, she hosted her first pop-up event at Yoonique Tea in Southeast Portland. The business name came from a phone conversation with a friend: What do people say when they receive an unexpected little gift? What name would capture that small moment of joy? Its funny, because as a pop up, every once in a while, somebody will come up and be like, Whats this? Theyll see the name, and they just start laughing, she said. Doan, who recently had a baby and started beauty school, is winding down the vendor side of her business, though she plans to continue to maintain the website at oohwhatsthis.com. That means the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival may be one of the last chances to shop Ooh! Whats This? in person. If you go: The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is 3-10 p.m. Sept. 30 in the parking lot outside Shun Fat (SF) Supermarket, 5253 S.E. 82nd Ave. Admission is free but tickets can be reserved online via Eventbrite. Fast-pass entry tickets are $10. The performance schedule includes lion dances at 4 p.m., dancing by members of the Portland Arts & Cultural Center at 5 p.m., martial arts demonstrations from Wushu Live School at 6 p.m., drumming from Taiko Portland at 6:30 p.m. and a lantern parade at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit thewhitelotusfoundation.org/mid-autumn-festival. -- Samantha Swindler, sswindler@oregonian.com, @editorswindler BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Latvia sees the Trans-Caspian international transport route (middle corridor) as an important alternative in the current geopolitical situation, a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia told Trend. "In the current situation, we cannot rely on traditional routes only due to geopolitical, security, and sanction evasion risks," the ministry said. As the source noted, Latvia is now actively creating new logistics routes linking country with Ukraine through Poland in the north-south direction. "The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes for the export of agricultural products have been created. Latvia strongly supports Ukraine and the Solidarity Lanes process by offering broad capacities of Latvian ports for grain export from Ukraine and import of various goods to Ukraine. In the coming years, it is expected that the TEN-T network will be expanded. A new TEN-T Baltic-Black-Aegean Seas corridor with additional connections to Ukraine and Moldova will provide new logistics opportunities for the Baltic States towards South-East EuropeUkraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkiye," the ministry said. According to the ministry, this corridor will be a natural integrated connection with the Trans-Caspian corridor and TRACECA transport routes, and in the future, it can create new logistics opportunities between Latvia and other Baltic States, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, other Central Asian countries, and even China. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian President Adama Barrow has described humanitarian charity, SOS, as a "genuinely philanthropic" group that has supported his Government in the desire to meet its national and global targets in various ways BTG Group Appoints Xin Shun Cui as Its New President and CEO Xin Shun Cui Xin Shun Cui Sept. 25, 2023 - BTG Group, a Voith company, announced the appointment of Xin Shun Cui as its new President and CEO. This strategic move comes as Robert Crossman, the former President and CEO, took on a new role as President Products and Service North America within the Voith Paper organization. A trained financial professional, Cui started his career in 1993 with Motorola in China and moved to Hong Kong with ExxonMobil in 1997. In 1999, he went to Canada to pursue further education and career. In 2004, Cui moved back to Asia to further his career with Danaher and other US-based MNCs before joining Voith. Since 2018, Cui served as CFO for Voith Paper P+S based in Heidenheim Germany. "I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of President and CEO of BTG," said Cui. "BTG has an excellent reputation for delivering exceptional products and services to its clients, and I look forward to building on this legacy by further strengthening our market leading position and driving continuous innovation." Crossman, who transitions to the new role of President P&S North America at Voith Paper, will leverage his expertise to contribute to Voith's mission of delivering solutions to the paper industry. "I am immensely grateful for the support and opportunities I had during my time at BTG," R. Crossman commented. "I am confident that Xin Shun Cuis leadership will bring BTG to new heights, and I wish the entire BTG team continued success in their endeavors." BTG Group is a multinational provider of integrated, highly specialized process solutions for the global pulp and paper industry. SOURCE: BTG Group In June this year, Klabin started-up Paper Machine 28 (MP28), the second paper machine of the Puma II Project. MP28 (pictured above) produces paperboard. The other machine, MP27, produces kraftliner made 100% with eucalyptus fiber. In June this year, Klabin started-up Paper Machine 28 (MP28), the second paper machine of the Puma II Project. MP28 (pictured above) produces paperboard. The other machine, MP27, produces kraftliner made 100% with eucalyptus fiber. Klabin Holds Inauguration Ceremony for Puma II in Parana, Brazil Sept. 26, 2023 - Klabin on Sept. 21 held an inauguration ceremony for its Puma II a project that marked the expansion of the Puma Unit in Ortigueira, Parana, Brazil. According to Klabin, the Puma II project is the largest investment in the company's history and the largest private investment ever made in the State of Parana. With an investment of R$12.9 billion, Klabin installed two new paper machines MP27 and MP28 which are both in operation and have a combined production capacity of 910 thousand tons per year of packaging paper grades. The inauguration was attended by members of the board of directors, management and employees of Klabin, customers, suppliers, business partners, communities, press and authorities. The Governor of the State of Parana, Ratinho Junior, and the Mayor of Ortigueira, Ary Mattos, as well as local authorities, attended the ceremony, which began with a guided tour of the new machines. Puma II Project Announced in 2019, the Puma II Project is part of Klabin's biggest growth cycle in its 124-year history. The first phase, completed in August 2021, included the construction and start-up of Paper Machine 27 (MP27), which manufactures the innovative Eukaliner, the world's first kraftliner paper made 100% with eucalyptus fiber. Two years later, in June this year, there was the startup of the Paper Machine 28 (MP28), the second of the Project, which focuses on the production of paperboard. The equipment also symbolizes Klabin's debut in the white paperboard market, reinforcing the expansion of its product portfolio. Together, the two machines increase Klabin's annual production capacity to 4.7 million tons of paper and cellulose. "Conceived more than ten years ago, with the construction of the Puma Unit, between 2013 and 2016, the completion of the Puma II Project marks a new decade of growth for Klabin," said Francisco Razzolini, director of Industrial Technology, Innovation, Sustainability and Projects at Klabin. "We significantly increased our production capacity, entered new markets and employed cutting-edge technology to raise the quality of our products and boost the company's sustainable development." Regionally, the two phases of the Puma II Project generated more than 33 thousand direct and indirect jobs. In addition to encouraging partner companies to hire local workers, Klabin also valued labor by investing in technical training in the communities of Ortigueira and Telemaco Borba, in Parana. Between 2013 and 2023, the Puma Unit received the largest investments in Klabin's history, adding 2.5 million tons per year to the company's total production volume. Sustainable Production For Puma II, the company invested in a series of initiatives that use innovation as a sustainability lever, such as the biomass gasification plant project, which allows one of the factory's lime kilns to operate 100% fossil fuel-free, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this sense, currently, 98% of the waste generated in the operation of Puma II is reused. In another example, the innovative potassium sulfate plant treats ash generated in the recovery boiler that results in a substance used in the formulation of fertilizers. Currently, the Puma II unit has 96% renewable fuels in its energy matrix. There is also a sludge drying plant, responsible for processing biological and tertiary sludge generated at the plant's effluent treatment stations. Klabin noted that with a capacity of up to 17 thousand tons/month, this will be the first system in the world to dry sludge generated in tertiary effluent treatment. The dry sludge can be mixed with biomass to become fuel for the power boilers. Logistics in Parana In parallel to the development of the Puma II Project, Klabin set up a robust logistics operation in order to facilitate the flow of production for export. Next to the Ortigueira factory, a container terminal was built for road and rail transport with the capacity to transport 125 thousand tons of cellulose and paper in containers per month to the Port of Paranagua in Parana. In addition, the company also began operations at the Klabin Port Terminal (PAR-01), located on the commercial pier of the Port of Paranagua. With the capacity to receive one million tons of cellulose and paper per year, PAR-01 is part of the logistics investment package made by Klabin in the State in recent years. The operation consolidates Klabin's logistics strategy in Parana, bringing even more competitiveness, flexibility and sustainability and guarantees excellent logistics between forest, factory and port. With the completion of the second phase of Puma II, Klabin estimates it will move 2.2 million tons of paper and cellulose per year via Paranagua. Klabin is on of Brazil's leading producers of pulp, papers and paperboard for packaging, industrial bags and corrugated board packaging. SOURCE: Klabin Photo: (Photo : Markus Winkler on Unsplash) In an atmosphere already heavy with remembrance and loss, the city of Wilmington, Delaware, was, unfortunately, a witness to an additional tragedy this past weekend. A 3-year-old son of a firefighter met a tragic end, being fatally struck by a vehicle just as a memorial walk was about to commence, a walk organized to honor three brave Wilmington firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice seven years ago. Gathering to Remember the Brave Early on Sunday morning, off-duty firefighters from Wilmington, along with their families and friends, assembled in unity. The gathering was intended to remember and honor their colleagues-Lt.. Christopher Leach, Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, and Senior Firefighter Ardythe lost their lives in a catastrophic structure fire on the same date in 2016. The memorial was a moment for reflection on bravery and sacrifice, a time to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. However, this poignant gathering took a heart-wrenching turn. A vehicle unintentionally struck a young 3-year-old boy, the son of an off-duty firefighter, just as the memorial was about to begin. Another off-duty firefighter was driving the vehicle as he made an attempt to park in order to attend the memorial service. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to Wilmington Hospital, the young child's life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead. In respect to the grieving family, the names of the child and the driver have been withheld. The Wilmington Police Department has since initiated a comprehensive investigation into this tragic incident and is actively seeking information from anyone who might provide insights into the unfolding of events. The community and local authorities are rallying together to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and to offer unwavering support to the devastated family and the mourning community. Read Also: Hero Father Wrestled with a Stranger Who Attempted to Kidnap His Son Community and Authorities Respond Mayor Michael Purzycki of Wilmington visibly moved, issued a heartfelt statement on Monday, expressing his profound sadness at this additional tragedy befalling the firefighting community of Wilmington. He acknowledged the profound grief experienced by all, stating, "On an already somber day," the community has "once again found itself heartbroken, mourning a life taken much too soon." This memorial walk was dedicated to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty during a horrific row house fire in the Canby Park neighborhood in September 2016. The fire led to the collapse of the first floor of the house, resulting in immediate fatalities and critical injuries. Beatriz Fana-Ruiz, the individual accused of igniting the fire, entered a guilty plea in 2019 to the charges of second-degree murder, arson, and assault. She received a sentence of 30 years in prison, with federal immigration authorities planning her deportation to the Dominican Republic upon completion of her sentence. The additional tragedy of losing a young child under such circumstances adds an indescribable layer of sorrow to a community already bearing the heavy weight of loss and sacrifice. This incident underscores the fragility of life and highlights the coming together of a community united in grief. The memories of the young boy, alongside those of the fallen firefighters, will be forever etched in the hearts of the Wilmington community as they navigate through this period of immeasurable sadness and reflection. Related Article: Robb Elementary Mass Shooting: 10-Year-Old Girl Who Tried to Call 911 During Attack Died a Hero Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. I found this article by Sheluyang Peng very interesting, and I think that you might, as well: Immigration is religions only hope: White progressives face a surprising alliance From a Jewish academic: Attacks on Catholic Institutions Should Concern All of Us From the Deseret News: 12 times Joseph Smith defended religious freedom: Joseph Smith left behind a legacy of defending religious freedom. Smiths quotes on religious freedom can be found in the Joseph Smith Papers, which released its final volume on June 27 From the Wall Street Journal: NASAs Osiris-REx Mission Brings Home Largest Asteroid Sample Ever Collected: Robotic spacecraft jettisons capsule containing rocks and dust collected from Bennus surface. It landed, by the way, in the western desert of Utah. From the Deseret News: The impossible became possible: 4 billion miles later, NASA successfully lands asteroid sample capsule in Utah: A bare cupful of material captured from the ancient asteroid Bennu could shed new light on the creation of the solar system and even the origin of life on Earth From CNN: Astrophysicist explains why NASA milestone is incredible: NASA returned its first ever asteroid sample to Earth seven years after launching into space. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft flew by Earth to deliver the pristine sample from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. Also from CNN: Queens Brian May helped NASA return its first asteroid sample. Brian May has once again proven why he is rock royalty. Not only is he the Queen guitarist, but he is also an astrophysicist who recently helped NASA return its first ever asteroid sample to Earth. A servile slave of the Deep State and Anthony Faucis personal cupbearer, I went this morning with my wife to receive both the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster. So far, so good: No pain in either arm, no feeling of illness or nausea, and, thus far, neither any apparent heart problems nor even the slightest trace of an urge to cry out Hail, Hydra! Maxine Hanks was (and, I suppose, still is) one of the September Six, a group of half a dozen dissidents (the word is, I think, not strictly applicable to all of them) who, notoriously, were excommunicated or disfellowshipped in September of 1993 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many claimed to see in those disciplinary procedures an anti-intellectual crackdown on intellectuals in the Church and an attack on intellectual freedom, and the matter is still used by some critics of the Church as a focus of criticism against it. With her kind permission, I share here the comment that Maxine Hanks posted on Facebook on, I believe, 20 September of this year, along with an addendum that she added somewhat later: I celebrated Sept. 19th (the 30th anniversary of excommunication) with a friend who had helped me reverse it and return to Church. Cathy brought healing for 1993, in 2011. Her role in my return is cited in Saras book, The September Six: the Struggle for the Soul of Mormonism. Cathys light and caring reversed a negative history. Its interesting how much focus remains on my 2-yr stint as a heretic in 1993-95, rather than on my 28 years of healing work since then. Excommunication dwarfs reconciliation, yet my life has been focused on recovery and ministry from 1996 to the present. Healing is inner work, regardless of outer situations. Is rejection more important than affection? Do we mistrust more than we trust? Departure & return, separation & reunion are two ends of one path, ever connected, as paradox bridging polarity. Can we, as people, or church, or culture, give more focus to finding solutions than to alienation? I hope so. Edited to add Its 2023can we finally heal what happened in 1993? In 2013, I spoke at FAIR and quoted Joseph Smiths letter to W.W. Phelps. I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal . . . Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last JS 1840 On Saturday, 23 September, I posted a brief and intentionally vague comment here about something that had actually occurred the previous Sunday evening, 17 September. In part, it read as follows: Something terrible and frightening occurred to a member of our family this past Sunday, in a far distant place. The news came out of the blue. It was fragmentary. For a while, too, my wife and I were out of cell phone range, and we were left to imagine what might be happening and how bad things were. In such times, when we feel powerless and can only pray, it is very good that we can, in fact, pray. I wont give details here, out of respect for the privacy of certain family members and because, quite frankly, there are malicious readers of this blog whom I dont trust not to seek to exploit such events in order to mock and wound me and in order to torment people for whom I care deeply. As some of you are aware, one of the many privileges that I enjoy in my high-paying work as an apologist, is the receipt of anonymous notes from one particular person who appears to be deranged. I very rarely read his notes any more they go immediately into a file labeled Anonymous Hate Mail but I was curious just now to see how, or whether, he had reacted to my comment above. And I found that, indeed, he had. Commencing within minutes of my posting the above, his messages #2394, #2395, #2397, #2398, and #2400 made fun of what I had written about the terrible injury very nearly a fatal tragedy that occurred in my family slightly more than a week ago. Amazing. Jason Engwer is a prolific Protestant anti-Catholic apologist and webmaster of the site, Triablogue. He used to interact with me from 2000 to 2010 or so and then promptly stopped. I continue to critique his material, if I think there is educational value in doing so. Maybe one day hell decide to start dialoguing again. In any event, Ill continue to do what Ive done these past [nearly] 33 years as a Catholic apologist, and if I see that he makes some dubious claim against a Catholic position, Ill respond, provided it is substantive enough to be worth addressing. ***** This is a response to portions of Jasons article, A Challenge to Those Who Deny Eternal Security, which was posted sometime before August 2004. His words will be in blue. I will be using RSV for Bible citations. Why were the apostles sure that they would go to Heaven, even though they still had time to sin (2 Timothy 4:18, 1 Peter 5:1, 2 John 2-3)? 2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. . . . This is in the sense that God is perfectly capable and willing to do so, but it presupposes that we, too, are willing and dont fall from grace. The Bible doesnt teach irresistible grace. Many other passages (including four from the same book) also need to be considered in the overall mix. They show that there are conditions (i.e., its not a sure thing, set for all time), and that one can lose salvation and being in a state of grace with God if they dont persevere to the end. The passages that Jason brings up all have to be interpreted in light of this other motif that is also plainly taught in the Bible, in the following seventeen passages, among others: Romans 8:15-17 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, Abba! Father! [16] it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Matthew 10:22 . . . he who endures to the end will be saved. (cf. 24:13; Mk 13:13) John 16:1 I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. Philippians 3:11-12 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, . . . 1 Corinthians 9:27 but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. Galatians 5:4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Colossians 1:22-23 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, [23] provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, . . . 1 Timothy 1:19-20 . . . By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith, [20] among them Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 5:15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 2 Timothy 2:17-18 . . . Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, [18] who have swerved from the truth . . . Hebrews 3:12-14 Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day . . . that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we share in Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God, and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy . . . Hebrews 10:26-29, 36, 39 For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries. [28] A man who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses. [29] How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by the man who has spurned the Son of God, and profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? . . . [36] For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised. . . . [39] But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls. 2 Peter 2:15, 20-21 Forsaking the right way they have gone astray; they have followed the way of Balaam, . . . For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. Revelation 2:4-5 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Paul in his 2nd epistle to Timothy strongly implies that his salvation was conditional upon his perseverance and observance of Gods laws and a steadfast faith. This in turn is a different thing from the notion of achieving salvation and eternal security in one instant: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, . . . Paul didnt say, I knew I was saved on such-and-such a date, because it is by faith alone and has nothing to do with works or sanctification. No! He didnt explain this as a typical evangelical Protestant like Jason would. He worked! He fought and finished the race and kept [not just believed] the faith. These all involve time and perseverance. And as a result, he states, Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. For Paul, salvation is a both/and synergistic proposition, not either/or (God does all, man can and does do nothing to attain it). So he writes that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me (2 Tim 1:12), but also writes guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (2 Tim 1:14). God works, and so do we, enabled by His grace. If indeed we have free will, we can choose to stop cooperating with Gods grace, too. Thus, in his first epistle to Timothy, Paul referred to some who will depart from the faith (1 Tim 4:1) and some who have already strayed after Satan (1 Tim 5:15), and he names two of these: Hymenaeus and Alexander (the coppersmith: 2 Tim 4:14) who have made shipwreck of their faith (1 Tim 1:19-20). And Hymenaeus. . . swerved from the truth (2 Tim 2:17-18). Two other statements of Paul in 2 Timothy imply good works as part of the conditional salvific process: 2 Timothy 2:5-6 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. [6] It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 2 Timothy 2:11-12 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; [12] if we endure, we shall also reign with him; There is no such thing as eternal security in either of Pauls letters to Timothy. Quite the opposite . . . 1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. He writes similarly in 1:3-5 and 5:4, 10. At the moment he was that, if he was free of mortal sin. This is the Catholic understanding of moral assurance of salvation. It doesnt follow that this grace and salvation cant be lost. St. Peter clearly taught the possibility of apostasy and forsaking the faith in 2 Peter 2:15, 20-21, already cited above. Just seven verses earlier in the same book, Peter wrote: 1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice in so far as you share Christs sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (cf. 5:9-10) This echoes very similar Pauline teaching (cited above) from Romans 8:15-17 and Philippians 1:29 (you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake) and 3:10 (that I may know him . . . and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death). Some amount of suffering appears to be required for ultimate salvation, and this simply isnt faith alone. 1 Peter 4:13-14 and Romans 8:15-17 mention Gods glory or our receiving His spirit of glory or being glorified with him. Heres another similar passage (note the conditional if): Romans 6:3-5 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. This passage specifically has to do with baptism, but it has motifs similar to Romans 8:15-17 and 1 Peter 4:13. * Peter refers to newborn babes in Christ, who may grow up to salvation (1 Pet 2:2). That hardly sounds like an instant salvation that can never be lost. He also teaches that humility has something to do with salvation: 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. It would seem to follow that if we dont humble ourselves, then we wont be exalted at the last judgment. 2 John 1:2-3 . . . the truth which abides in us and will be with us for ever: [3] Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, . . . Ive already addressed St. Johns theology regarding eternal security or the lack thereof (and Jason brings up the old chestnut 1 John 5:13 in his next comment): Certainty of Eternal Life? (1 Jn 5:13 & Jn 5:24) [5-8-02] Why did the apostles want the believers to whom they wrote to be sure of their future in Heaven (Romans 5:9, 1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Peter 1:3-5, 5:4, 1 John 5:13, 2 John 2-3)? Romans 5:9 Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. In Romans 8:15-17 (cited above), Paul makes salvation and glorification conditional upon our suffering with Christ (cf. Rom 5:3-5). This is reflected in the seeming conditional of Romans 5:2, in context, where Paul states that we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. If it were already certain and irrevocable, why wouldnt Paul have, rather, written something like, we rejoice in the fact that we have already received a certain assurance of sharing the glory of God? In any event, a hope of something is not, strictly or logically speaking, a certainty of receiving it. Paul makes this clear elsewhere in the epistle, in conjunction with salvation: Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Thayers Greek Lexicon defines hope (Gk., elpis, Strongs Greek word #1680) as expectation of good, hope; and in the Christian sense, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. Granted, this is not far from certain or absolute (and Catholics believe in this, in the sense of a reflective, self-examining moral assurance) but its not quite there, so that there is still a chance of losing such salvation or the divine grace that brings it about. That salvation is a process for Paul, also, is indicated when he writes that salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed (Rom 13:11). If we already possess it in absolute certainty, then it would be absurd and nonsensical to refer to it being nearer: and nearer at a subsequent point of time after we first believed. Moreover, in Romans 2:6-7, Paul teaches that God will give eternal life based on (according to) the works of every man and to those who earn it through patience in well-doing. Whats with all these works?! Is Paul a lousy Pelagian or something? No! He teaches grace alone for salvation, through faith, which includes within it (inseparably) good works. 1 Corinthians 1:8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes He will. This is the only way we can be saved. But we must also cooperate. Hence, Paul writes in the same letter that even he could possibly be disqualified (1 Cor 9:27) and urges that any one who thinks that he stands should take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12). 1 Corinthians 1:8 must be interpreted in light of that data (and much more from Paul, generally). We can decide that Paul is hopelessly self-contradictory (which runs counter to biblical inspiration and infallibility), or we can try to harmonize the two motifs in a way that is logically consistent. * Catholics offer a plausible Bible-soaked way to do that. Protestants offer, well (usually) a highly selective presentation of Bible passages without taking into considerations those of the other motif, like I am presently doing. But they are responsible, too, for taking all of the relevant biblical data into account, just as Catholics are. We dont ignore their verses (I am going through them systematically in this article); they mostly ignore ours that indicate a conditional and not eternally secure salvation that is gained through a grace-enabled, but difficult and lengthy cooperative process on our end. Philippians 3:20-21 But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, . . . 8-9 verses earlier (making it in context), Paul proved that he regards this salvation as conditional: if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this . . . I press on to make it my own (3:11-12). Here, as always, the two strains of thought, which I would say are paradoxical very typical of Hebraic thought but not contradictory, must be harmonized somehow. I think we do this by asserting that a very strong, confident moral assurance is possible if we are not in mortal sin, but that absolute assurance is not (since we dont infallibly know he future), and that both are repeatedly taught in Holy Scripture. * Paul also writes: Only let us hold true to what we have attained (Phil 3:16). To me at least prima facie this implies either that we have to continue to perseveringly hold what we have attained, lest we possibly lose it (cf. 3:11-12) or maybe that there is more to attain than we have already attained (or both). Of course, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (2:12) goes against the notion of instant salvation without process. Christians are those who are hopefully holding fast the word of life (2:16) and who must stand firm . . . in the Lord (4:1). * 1 Peter 1:3-5 refers to hope: which I have written about above. It and 1 Peter 5:4 must be understood in synthesis with the data from both epistles of Peter, as analyzed above. * Critics of eternal security argue that salvation depends on our present faith and our present behavior. Why, then, do the scriptures refer to people having salvation, or something associated with salvation, in the present because of a past faith or a past justification (Luke 7:50, Acts 19:2, Romans 5:1)? How is this possible if there isnt a moment of faith in the past that results in our future salvation? Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace. Again, this has to be interpreted in light of other related passages. So, for example, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, go, and do not sin again (Jn 8:11), and said, he who endures to the end will be saved (Mt 10:22), and If you would enter life, keep the commandments (Mt 19:17; cf. Jn 14:15, 21; 15:14). I have compiled fifty Bible passages showing that works were crucially involved in the question of whether one is saved or not. Faith isnt even mentioned in any of them, save one. Acts 19:2 And he said to them, Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? . . . These people embraced Christ and Christianity. It simply doesnt say that they were saved at one moment once and for all, and for all time. Protestant soteriology is smuggled into it, but of course that is eisegesis. Hebrews 6:4, 6 states that those who had become partakers of the Holy Spirit can nevertheless possibly still commit apostasy. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what we consider to be initial justification. The text doesnt say that this means attainment of a salvation in one instant, that can never be lost. It can be lost (see all the seventeen Scriptures listed near the top). * Why do the scriptures say that salvation is a free gift of Gods grace (Romans 3:24, 5:17, 6:23, Revelation 22:17)? If attaining salvation through works would contradict grace (Romans 4:4, 11:6), then how can maintaining salvation through works be consistent with grace? * In these passages the Bible is opposing the notion that we can save ourselves by our self-generated works, apart from Gods grace (which is the heresy of works-salvation or Pelagianism). Its not saying that works are not part and parcel of faith and hence also salvation, after the initial justification. They certainly are; so says the Bible at least fifty times. Romans 6:22, right before on of Jasons prooftexts, refers to sanctification and its end, eternal life. That is the distinction: 1) initial justification = monergistic with no works on our part; 2) maintenance of justification = synergistic and cooperative, and involves good works. But in Protestant theology (very unlike Rom 6:22), sanctification has nothing directly to do with salvation. Its the category they reserve for doing good things in gratefulness to God for a supposed salvation already achieved in an instant. When mens theological systems and Holy Scripture clash, we must always choose Gods revelation over man-made tradition, that is shown to be false by contradicting the Bible. Revelation 22:17 has to be harmonized with Revelation 2:4-5, which says that its possible to fall away from the faith. * If some really bad sins cause the loss of salvation, while other sins dont, as critics of eternal security tend to believe, then why do Paul and James say that a person would have to maintain a law of works perfectly in order to be saved by it, and that any violation of any aspect of that law makes a person guilty of violating the entire law (Galatians 3:10, James 2:8-10)? * not teach that The Bible doesteach that all sins are absolutely equal. James 2:10 deals with mans inability to keep the entire Law of God: a common theme in Scripture. James accepts differences in degrees of sin and righteousness elsewhere in the same letter: we who teach shall be judged with a greater strictness (3:1). In 1:12, the man who endures trial will receive a crown of life. In James 1:15 he states that sin when it is full-grown brings forth death. * Therefore, there must be sins that are not full-grown and do not bring about spiritual death. James also teaches that the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects (5:16), which implies that there are relatively more righteous people, whom God honors more, by making their prayers more effective (he used the prophet Elijah as an example). If there is a lesser and greater righteousness, then there are lesser and greater sins also, because to be less righteous is to be more sinful, and vice versa. * Righteousness doesnt derive from the law. It comes from God and His enabling grace, not written words on a page, however good and true they are. Galatians 3:21 states if a law had been given which could make alive, then righteousness would indeed be by the law (cf. 2:16-17,21; 5:4-6,14,18; Rom 3:21-22; 4:13; 9:30-32). Paul writes in Romans 10:3: For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to Gods righteousness. * John Calvin teaches something quite different from the Bible, when he addresses James 2:10: Even were it possible for us to perform works absolutely pure, yet one sin is sufficient to efface and extinguish all remembrance of former righteousness, as the prophet says (Ezek. 18:24). With this James agrees, . . . [cites Jas 2:10] (Institutes III, 14:10) [cites Jas 2:10-11] Therefore, it should not seem absurd when we say that death is the just recompense of every sin, because each sin merits the just indignation and vengeance of God. (Institutes III, 18:10) Its quite easy in context to see the error Calvin commits with regard to Ezekiel 18. The prophet is speaking generally and broadly of the sinners life vs. the life of the redeemed, righteous man. The verse (first part) states: But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and does the same abominable things that the wicked man does, shall he live? * Notice that the sins are plural: not one little sin that supposedly undoes everything, as in Calvins schema. Ezekiel is teaching, in effect: if you live in sin as the wicked and evil people do, you will [spiritually] die. This is referring to people who give themselves totally over to sin (including mortal sins). These are what separate a person from God, not one white lie or lustful thought or stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. Context makes this interpretation rather clear and obvious: Ezekiel 18:5-13 If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right [6] if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbors wife or approach a woman in her time of impurity, [7] does not oppress any one, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, [8] does not lend at interest or take any increase, withholds his hand from iniquity, executes true justice between man and man, [9] walks in my statutes, and is careful to observe my ordinances he is righteous, he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD. [10] If he begets a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood, [11] who does none of these duties, but eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbors wife, [12] oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, [13] lends at interest, and takes increase; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominable things; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself. The prophet continues in the same vein in 18:14-23. This is not Calvins one sin; its a host of sins, a lifestyle: a life given over to wanton wickedness and unrighteousness. Then in 18:26 he reiterates: When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die for it; for the iniquity which he has committed he shall die. If that werent clear enough, he refers again to all the transgressions (18:28, 31) and all your transgressions (18:30). * If passages like 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-21 are lists of sins that cause the loss of salvation, as many critics of eternal security claim, then why do we see examples in scripture of people committing those sins, yet remaining saved (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 11:17-32)? * Its a matter of degree. Once again, Paul writes in the same letter that even he could possibly be disqualified (1 Cor 9:27) and urges that any one who thinks that he stands should take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12). So Paul is not teaching in the letter that no one can ever lose salvation. These passages (and I would add three others of like nature: Eph 5:5; Rev 21:8; 22:14-15) certainly refer to a loss of salvation due to committing serious sins. By immediate and undeniable implication, there are other lesser sins that do not bring about a loss of salvation and/or grace and a right relationship with God. * Paul may not refer to a person who was saved and lost his salvation in this letter, but he certainly does in his epistle to the Galatians (You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace: 5:4), and three times in 1 Timothy and once in 2 Timothy (see citations above). Hes not required to repeat every teaching of his in every letter. They are to be interpreted as a whole. * If salvation could be lost, it couldnt be regained (Hebrews 6:4-6). * Thats specifically referring to the sin of apostasy. * How, then, were people like David and Peter saved after committing sins such as adultery and denying Christ? If such sins arent bad enough to cause the loss of salvation, what would be? * 1) They didnt commit apostasy, and 2) they both profoundly repented; 3) both were also chosen by God for very special tasks, and so presumably had an extra protection. But the main difference is an absence of apostasy and deliberate rejection of God. As I have written about, Peter simply had a very short lapse of fear, during the terrible time of Jesus passion and trial. His whole sin may have lasted all of ten minutes. Then as soon as he heard the cock crow, he wept bitterly and repented. If God cant forgive that, He wouldnt be God. * Why does the book of the Bible that most often refers to salvation as a gift (Romans 3:24, 5:15, 5:16, 6:23, etc.) also tell us that the gifts of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29)? * They are irrevocable on Gods end, but man has a free will that makes it possible for him to reject them: 1 Corinthians 2:14 The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. * Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! * Photo Credit: St. Paul (1482), by Bartolomeo Montegna (1450-1523) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] Summary: I tackle several rapid-fire supposed prooftexts for eternal security, presented by anti-Catholic evangelical apologist Jason Engwer, & show that apostasy is possible. Sony AFFIRM has released a new trailer for its upcoming Nativity-themed musical Journey to Bethlehem, starring Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim and Antonio Banderas. The trailer features a greater look at the scope of the film directed by Adam Anders (Glee, The Descendants) opening November 10. I have had a dream to create a Christmas musical for years and to see it come to life with a stunning cast has exceeded every expectation, said Anders. We could not be more excited for this film to be a classic for years to come. Rich Peluso, EVP and Head of AFFIRM Films, is enthusiastic about the film, especially the amazing soundtrack. The music is shockingly good, he said. Look, I was raised in the music industry, 15 years at EMI Christian Music. So I could spot good music. And I was expecting, you know, the first draft of the script has lyrics, of course, integrated into the dialogue, because its a musical. And I read the lyrics, Im like, Well, you know, thats those are really interesting lyrics. I cant wait to hear the music. And I figured the music would be good, because its Adam Anders. And I was shocked at the level of the musicality and the lyrics, and how it propelled the story. It really has a lot going for it. Even Banderas gets in on the musical action, delivering a show-stopping song as Herodes called Its Good to Be King. Peluso revealed the song features a high note the actor wasnt sure he was going to be able to hit, until he was assisted by the director and his brother Alex, the music producer. When Antonio heard it, he said, Man, Im never, Im never going to hit that high note at the end. It just wont happen, Peluso said. So they said, Trust us, well work with you. They ran the song and they rehearsed with him. He could barely hit that note. I wouldnt say really effectively, but he hit it. And then they told Antonio that they had increased the pitch during rehearsals. When brought it down to the actual register of the song, he nailed it. The offical synopsis for Journey to Bethlehem follows: Journey to Bethlehem is a story about a young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honor. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told, the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it. Journey to Bethlehem, directed by Adam Anders and starring Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim, Antonio Banderas, MORIAH, Stephanie Gill, Joel Smallbone, Lecrae, Rizwan Manji, Geno Segers, and Omid Djalili, opens November 10 in theaters from Sony AFFIRM Films. Watch the new trailer below: Its hard to miss how much attention AI image generators alone have attracted in recent months. With good reason, because they demonstrate the progress of deep learning models in a vivid and playful way. From chaotic random images generated with neural networks, which Google made accessible to the general public with Deep Dream in 2015, the journey went to almost photo-realistic images of the generators Dall-E 2 by Open AI, Midjourney by Midjian, or DreamStudio by Stable Diffusion. Generators are now available not only in the cloud, but also for your own PC. Provided it has enough power. This article presents image generators that use the free software Stable Diffusion, which is being developed at LMU Munich by the CompVis research group with some external partners and the company Stability AI. Both the AI and the training data is under a comparatively permissive license: The non-profit foundation LAION (Large-Scale Artificial Intelligence Open Network) published a free database with 5.85 million images and their descriptions in 2022, on which Stable Diffusion is trained. This database is licensed under a Creative Commons license and does not contain any images itself, but it does contain the descriptions and the links to the publicly accessible image materials on the web. Stable Diffusion on the PC Like Dall-E and Midjourney, Stable Diffusion has a text-to-image parser. This parser processes the input using artificial intelligence, creates new motifs from image descriptions that more or less correspond to the wishes typed in. Stable Diffusion draws the material for these newly generated images from its trained models. Complete package: NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI offers Windows users a comparatively simple start, because it provides an installer for all components of Stable Diffusion as an image generator. IDG This article shows the two programs NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI and Automatic 1111 for Stable Diffusion for Windows. Both tools have different strengths and require powerful hardware in any case: a current graphics card (Nvidia or AMD) with 8GB VRAM should already be on the PC for generative AI, as well as 16GB RAM. This equipment therefore corresponds to a well-equipped gaming PC. You can also use the tools with a weaker PC, but then you will have to wait much longer. NMKD: A Successful Start The team behind Stable Diffusion published the source code of its AI software for image generation as early as 2022, initially as a beta version to a smaller circle of researchers, in order to formulate a free license in the meantime. Under the terms of the Open-RAIL license, Stable Diffusion has been open to all interested parties since August 2022. The available Python source code quickly inspired independent developers to release a locally installable version for their own computers without a cloud. The motivation behind this is greater freedom in the generation of images as well as in the motifs themselves. This is because a locally installed version of Stable Diffusion provides far more parameters for experimentation, especially for patient users. Update: Do not despair if NMKD does not produce any results at first. The built-in updater fetches new, mostly bug-fixed versions onto the computer. IDG Images generated with Stable Diffusion are free to use for most private and even commercial purposes. There are some detailed restrictions on use, which are addressed in the box at the end of this article. Stable Diffusion requires Python and several Python modules. This is easier for Linux users, but on Windows systems with 64-bit, the installation of Python modules, Stable Diffusion, and the AI models is no pleasure. The free tool NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI has considerably eased this task. The developer asks for a (voluntary) donation for the download. There are two installation packages, one with 3GB of model data and one without (1GB). In both cases a highly compressed 7z archive file is provided, which requires the compression program 7-Zip for unpacking. NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI with the finished model unpacks, by the way into any folder, to the proud size of 7.6GB on the data medium. Models: Nvidia cards at an advantage If you have an Nvidia graphics card with at least 4GB of video RAM in your computer and have installed the latest Nvidia drivers for the card via the Nvidia driver package Geforce Experience, you can get started right away. This is because Stable Diffusion, like many other AI applications, is optimised for Nvidias CUDA interface, which performs floating point calculations on the graphics cards shaders. After calling the program file StableDiffusionGui.EXE in the unpacked directory, the English-language graphical user interface for Stable Diffusion starts. After the welcome screen, the user is taken to the main page of the program with the settings. At the very bottom, the program shows in the display of its log whether the Nvidia card has been recognized to use the CUDA interface. By the way, it is likely that the developer has released a new version of NMKD with quite a few improvements in the meantime. You can install the updates via the menu bar at the top right by clicking on the monitor symbol with the arrow and the sub-item Install Updates. For AMD cards: Adapt model The start with NMKD is a little bumpier for users with AMD graphics cards (from 6GB video RAM). This is because there are additional steps to be taken beforehand: The supplied model is not suitable for AMD due to the lack of a CUDA interface with this graphics card manufacturer. It is possible to convert the supplied model for AMD, but this way has proven to be error-prone in our tests. It is better to download a finished model directly from the developer of NMKD (3.5GB). Again, this is an archive file in 7z format, and the folder it contains, called stable_diffusion_onnx, must this time be unpacked as a whole into the subdirectory Models\Checkpoints in the program folder of NMKD so that the tool can find the model. At the top right, click on the cogwheel symbol and on the settings page on the first field called Image Generation Implementation. Here, Stable Diffusion (ONNX DirectML For AMDGPUs) must be selected. Below this, next to the field Stable Diffusion Model, there is the button Refresh List, and a click on it now makes the entry stable_diffusion_onnx available in the selection field in front of it. Once all this is selected, you return to the main window for image generation. Generating images by prompt NMKD remains comparatively clear with the functions and parameters displayed. For AI image generation, the larger input field in the Prompt Settings section is used, in which you describe the image that the AI is to generate as a motif in the result. Below this, there is a smaller field that contains terms on which styles, motif details, or colors should not appear in the finished image. Below this, Textual Inversion Embedding can also be used to underlay a description with example images in order to steer the AI in the desired direction. Important, but with a strong impact on the computing time, is the Generation Steps slider, which increases the fineness of the details in the image. The Prompt Guidance CFG Scale specifies how closely the AI should stick to the image description. The more precise and detailed this has become, the higher this value can be. The resolution under Resolution has the greatest influence on the creation time. While a graphics card like the Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 calculates an image of 512512 pixels in a few seconds, high resolutions can require minutes to hours of patience. Better pictures: Tips on syntax If you subject NMKD Stable Diffusion GUI or Automatic 1111 to just a few experiments, you will soon realize: careful, not too terse image description is crucial. To ensure that the results meet expectations, the images must be described quite precisely and accurately in the so-called prompt ideally in English, which can access a larger set of model data with Stable Diffusion. The specification of a certain image style as an additional description can help to achieve a quick sense of achievement. For example, photorealistic for photography-like images. Artists can also be named. For our lead picture, for example, we added painting, in the style of Botticelli to imitate a Renaissance painting. Automatic 1111: AI via browser Transparent installation: Automatic 1111 is also available as a Windows installer in the form of a few Python and Powershell scripts that show what they do in a command prompt window. IDG In addition to NMKD, Windows users can also use Automatic 1111 as a user interface for Stable Diffusion. This program is also available with a comfortable installer, which installs Python and all modules in one action. After calling the EXE file, it first unpacks the actual installation files into the specified folder. Only then does a double click on A1111 (WebUI) start the actual installation, which takes place via script in an open prompt. Here the installation script also asks whether it should download a model. In this case, the installation process is longer, because this download again covers a whopping 3.5GB. The similarities with NMKD end here, because Automatic 1111 is an AI image generator for advanced users. The interface is a web interface for the browser, even when used on the local computer. However, this approach has the advantage that this front-end for Stable Diffusion can also be operated from other computers in the LAN, for example from the couch with a laptop or tablet. Another approach: Automatic 1111 wants to be operated via browser. To do this, this starter starts a web server that is included in the delivery and opens its address on the local host. IDG Calling up the link A1111 (WebUI) first displays a starter for further options. If the graphics card has less than 8GB of video RAM, the Low VRAM option here reduces the memory requirement. On the same PC that executes Automatic 1111, the URL http://0.0.0.0:7860 then opens in the browser. From outside, the address http://[IP address]:7860 is used instead for the call, where the placeholder [IP address] corresponds to the IPv4 number of the computer in the network, as displayed by the command ipconfig in the command prompt. You open this by entering cmd in the Windows search. In addition, port 7860 must be allowed as an incoming port in the Windows firewall, which you set via Windows Security under Firewall & Network Protection > Advanced Settings > Incoming Rule > New Rule. Automatic 1111 also initially only wants to work with Nvidia graphics cards. Those who use AMD must again take an intermediate step: After closing all instances of Automatic 1111, open a new window of the command prompt and enter this command: git clone https://github.com/lshqqytiger/stable-diffusion-webui-directml && cd stablediffusion-webui-directml && git submodule init && git submodule update Afterwards, the batch file webuiuser.bat in the subdirectory stable-diffusion- webui-directml must be modified with a text editor. Add the following to the line set COMMANDLINE_ARGS=: --opt-sub-quad-attention --lowvram --disable-nan-check --skip-torch-cuda-test After that, the call of webui-user.bat starts the web interface and installs the additionally required modules beforehand. Many options for advanced users: If you want more options for fine-tuning, you will find them in Automatic 1111, for example to influence the image style with the Sampling method. IDG Stable Diffusion: The license conditions The graphics generated by Stable Diffusion can be used in many ways with regard to the license. This is because the training data behind Stable Diffusion and the AI software itself allow the results to be used not only for private purposes. Commercial exploitation is also perfectly fine under the Creative ML Open RAIL-M license used. However, it is not a traditional free license in the sense of open source software, because there are definitely restrictions. According to the license text, it is not permitted to use it to violate local law. Nor is the creation of false information with the aim of harming others allowed. Neither is the creation of discriminatory or offensive content. Medical advice, law enforcement through profiling and legal advice are also among the prohibited uses for the graphics produced by the programs presented here with Stable Diffusion. This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de. Press Release September 26, 2023 Senate congratulates JIL on its 45th founding anniversary The Senate on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 adopted a resolution congratulating and commending the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JIL Worldwide), which will be celebrating its 45th founding anniversary on October 29. Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 803 (Adopted Resolution No. 90) authored and sponsored by Sen. Sonny Angara, was unanimously approved by the members of the chamber who also expressed their desire to be co-authors of the measure. The resolution recognizes and congratulates JIL Worldwide for its holistic ministry of salvation, healing, deliverance, and values formation and national transformation through the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. JIL Wolrdwide was founded in 1978 as a small Bible study group consisting of 15 students under the leadership of then-university instructor Eduardo "Bro. Eddie" C. Villanueva and his late wife Dr. Adoracion "Sis. Dory" J. Villanueva. It has since expanded its presence in all 82 provinces in the Philippines and 70 countries worldwide. In addition to their spiritual mission, JIL Worldwide's pastors, leaders and volunteers have actively responded to various crises, participating in relief efforts and disaster response activities through the iCare Compassion Ministries. Angara also acknowledged JIL's efforts to help Filipinos living in extreme poverty through a program where the poor can participate in livelihood training and where they are provided with appropriate skills training and exercises. "Through the years, Mr. President, JIL Worldwide has been an important partner of Philippine embassies and consulates in various parts of the world, helping our OFWs and other Filipino migrants who are in need of counseling services, labor-related assistance, and migration-related resources," Angara added. Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri expressed his gratitude to the JIL for continuing to be champions of morality and faith even up to this day. "May God continue to bless your organization and all the members of this wonderful ministry," Zubiri said before the chamber adopted the resolution. Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa expressed his support for the adoption of SRN 803, saying he prays the church will continue to be a blessing to the nation and the world for many years to come. Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. lauded JIL Worldwide for its unwavering commitment to shepherd its "flock towards the living God." "There is no doubt that JIL's mission has helped and inspired many. They helped unite the herd back to the Lord's embrace," Revilla said. Senators Pia Cayetano, Robin Padilla, Francis "Tol" Tolentino and Alan Peter Cayetano also delivered their co-sponsorship speeches commending JIL for its contributions to society. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 26. The ban on import of wheat by road into Kazakhstan has been extended from October 11 of this year for a period of 6 months, Trend reports. As noted by the Ministry of Agriculture, this step was taken to eliminate illegal imports of wheat. In addition, from September 26, 2023, a ban was introduced for a period of 6 months on the import of wheat by rail, except the import of grain intended for licensed elevators, as well as grain processing and poultry enterprises. The restrictions imposed on imports by rail do not apply to transit transportation through the territory of Kazakhstan. The order of the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Yerbol Karashukeyev to introduce a ban on the import of wheat by road for a period of six months came into force on April 10, 2023. The adopted document notes that the imposed restrictions comply with the norms of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union and are related to the need to regulate trade activities and ensure the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The total damage to Kazakhstan from the illegal import of wheat from border countries, which has been observed for several years, is estimated annually at $500 million. AI will change the way that we work. Or so says the most fervent purveyors of the tech, which now includes Microsoft. But after seeing ChatGPT, Dall-E, and other AI systems integrated into the latest versions of Windows 11, Office, and the companys Microsoft 365 platform, I cant say that I agree. Make no mistake, Microsoft is pushing new tools like its Copilot system hard, integrating it into systems that are staples for the company and hundreds of millions of users. But speaking as a power user and accepting the limited perspective that gives me for many who are not I cant see these new tools being anything more than an occasional curiosity. They wont change the way that I work, and I think even those who stand to benefit the most from them will be hesitant to try. It works, until it doesnt To be sure, there are elements of the system that can be beneficial. ChatGPT-based AI text generation is dramatic, filling in pages of information in just a minute or two, far faster than the most frantic keyboard jockey could manage. Image generation is just as impressive, spitting out incredibly detailed and photorealistic images with just a few lines of text prompt. If youre not a natural writer, and you cant navigate your way around Paint, this stuff seems like Arthur C. Clarkes classic technology indistinguishable from magic. Until it doesnt. The term Artificial Intelligence brings science fiction staples like Star Treks Commander Data to mind. But this is a misnomer, and frankly, I think its a deliberately misleading one. Even the most impressive things that AI spits out in its current form is based on pre-existing algorithms. Incredibly and near-incomprehensively complex algorithms, but algorithms nonetheless. And they follow a law of computing that hasnt changed in the better part of a century: they cant do anything they havent been designed, or told, to do. Ill use the new AI-infused Paint as an example. At Microsofts fall Surface event in New York, I was shown Paint automatically distinguishing between the foreground and background, effortlessly blurring the beach in a photo of a dog running across it. Impressive, and useful for those who arent acclimated to Photoshops tools (or dont want to pay for them). But these are tricks mobile apps have been doing for years, which dont require the massive resources of a remote data center and an always-on connection. Something that does require that big iron power is image generation. A photo of a large ornate building was separated from the sky in just a few clicks, with the new layering tools allowing the demonstrator to put in anything I asked for behind it. I asked for a tornado, and it delivered a Dall-E-generated image of a twister right out of a Texas tall tale. Microsoft But this was a separate image from the building, on a separate layer, not using the building as a reference at all. I could place it behind the building, squishing together two completely different images with lighting and perspective that didnt match up. What the new AI-infused Paint cant do, and what I suspect Microsoft would like you to imagine that it can, is place that tornado in the existing image of the building as if it was an effect from a movie or a professional marketing studio. The limits the AI image generation tools are hitting are the kind of thing even an intermediate user could learn to do with half an hour of tutelage on YouTube and an image search. What does that do for you? It saves you about half an hour, at best. For a result that looks like, well, half an hours work in Paint. As someone who uses graphic design tools daily, it didnt inspire any immediate fears of human obsolescence. Sifting through the Word salad Speaking of which: text generation. ChatGPTs ability to gobble up and spit out huge amounts of textual info is, indeed, impressive. But when you want to do more nuanced things with that text things that humans need a lot of time and attention to do it falters. A demonstrator took a 5000-word written document and told Copilot to summarize it in Word. This brought the count down to a little over 2000 wordswhich is still more than youd want to read in front of a full table of your coworkers or across a Zoom screen. When I asked him to chop it down to under 1000 words, the system choked. There was simply too much information for it to compress without losing the essentials. A human could do it, even if you needed someone whos skilled enough to sift the croutons of actionable and immediate information from the word salad. Copilot couldnt, giving near-identical, non-requested results several times. And after several minutes of a Microsoft Azure server thinking to itself, the demonstrator noted that youd still need to read through the resulting wall of text to check that its accurate. Or perhaps more distressingly, that the system didnt wholly invent information that wasnt there. An Outlook demonstration did just that with an auto-generated reply of a few hundred words, inserting ideas that the human operator never had. Ideas which might have gotten him in trouble if he claimed they were his own, and which he didnt remember later. Weve seen this kind of thing happen already for people eager to replace their online selves with AI-powered facsimiles. So how much work is this actually saving, if the systems limits are well below that of a human operator and its output still needs to be checked by hand and eye? Not enough for a manager to confidently chop headcount, which I suspect is the outcome many executives were hoping for. And thats in the best-case scenario, when the system worked without returning an error from the remote server. That happened more than once, and at least once at every demo I was shown. Copilots ability to save time is remarkable in highly specific situations. For example, working with that same 5000-word document, the demonstrator was able to generate a 20-slide PowerPoint deck with relevant bullet points. It even had fairly attractive formatting, complete with non-copyrighted image backdrops that were unspecific, but broke up the black-and-white slides nicely. The system could insert auto-generated images, license-free images from a Bing search, or images saved in a local folder. Thats a time saver. In the span of a few minutes the system generated a PowerPoint presentation that would have taken an expert around an hour to put together. But again, the result would require almost as much time to check manuallyand its results werent entirely reliable or repeatable. And a system that cant be consistently relied upon isnt one that can replace a human worker, even a low-level one, though it might augment your work on occasion. Remembering the lessons of Windows 8or not Which brings up another point: Why is Microsoft demonstrating all this new technology, and pushing it so quickly into its corporate tools, when its clearly missing so much functionality? The closest comparison that comes to mind is the quick shift to touch-based interfaces in Windows 8, anticipating a world full of people working on touch-primary tablets in the wake of the iPads launch. A world that, a decade later, doesnt seem to have arrived. Were back to the old Start button and menu, as gently evolved as it might be, and work in Windows is still primarily driven by mouse and keyboard. Even its impressive support for touch is, largely, replicating existing tools like cursors and scroll wheels. That mobile-inspired revolution never came. So after Microsoft learned from that experience and walked much of its concepts back in Windows 10, why is it so eager to leap off yet another uncertain technological precipice? I cant say with certainty. But if I were to put on my tech analyst hat a big, floppy, somewhat ridiculous hat, worn in the hopes that no one confuses what Im about to say for investment advice Id put the blame on the a lot of hot air blowing around in the tech market. Microsoft I suspect that investors, eager to get on the AI trend and hoping that its most fantastical promises come to fruition, have caught the ear of Microsofts executive team. Those promises include replacing a huge portion of jobs filled by squishy, entitled humans, demanding such unreasonable expenses as office space and health insurance benefits. Even a small amount of low-level workers replaced by an Azure cloud would represent a huge savings, and a huge potential profit for Microsoft if it can get the monetization right. Microsoft, its investors, or some combination of both may be experiencing a Fear Of Missing Out, motivated by AI tools of questionable utility cropping up at more or less every competitor. Perhaps it has more applications at the enterprise level, where huge, number-crunching systems that have been in place for decades might benefit from a new generation of algorithmic processing. But here at user level, the big change and the big dread is AI replacing low- and mid-level human workers. Were already seeing attempts at this. And so far theyve resulted in problems so predictable, ChatGPT itself could have told you they were coming. As impressive as these tools are becoming, and as much as theyll be refined in the future, I cant see them effectively replacing tons of human writers, analysts, artists, et cetera. Not that people wont try especially people who hold the purse strings. Its going to come down to how much of a reduction in quality those making the final call are willing to tolerate in order to save money on employees. And how expensive those results will be to produce, even if theyre inevitably cheaper than using squishy humans. Azure data centers dont grow on trees, and neither do terawatts of power needed to run them. Full speed ahead, wherever were going Microsoft executives are well aware of all these issues, to a far more nuanced degree than you and I. But I think someones told them to go full speed ahead on AI, and damn the torpedoes of actual functionality and results. The push is coming from the top, and a certain amount of pain at the bottom (for both Microsofts product team and its corporate customers) will be tolerated. At least for now. Microsoft We wont see the aftermath for a couple of years at least. Will this be a Windows 8 moment, remembered mostly as a painful lesson in what not to do? Or will I be proven wrong, and will AI become an essential part of every workers digital workers toolkitwhat workers remain after so many of them are replaced? Time will tell. I hope Ill be around to help time tell it. In the vast universe of cryptocurrencies, Pirate Chain emerges as a beacon of digital privacy. Delve into its unique features and real-world applications, setting it apart from other privacy coins. If you are a beginner looking to invest in bitcoin, altrix-prime.com is a good place to start. Understanding the Technical Foundation Pirate Chain's success and distinctiveness in the crypto realm don't just stem from its vision but from its powerful technical underpinnings. At the heart of Pirate Chain's unmatched privacy features is zk-SNARKs, or Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge. This cryptographic method ensures that transactions on the Pirate Chain network are completely private. But what exactly are zk-SNARKs? They are a form of zero-knowledge proofs which allow one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any specific information about the statement itself. In the case of Pirate Chain, it means transactions are verified without revealing the sender, recipient, or transaction amount. But privacy isn't the only technical marvel of Pirate Chain. The currency's security foundation is solidified by the Delayed Proof of Work (dPoW) mechanism. This system is a novel fusion of both security and efficiency. dPoW provides an additional layer of security, safeguarding Pirate Chain against potential attacks. It operates by leveraging the security of established blockchains, like Bitcoin, ensuring that Pirate Chain inherits and maintains a robust defense against potential threats. Pirate Chain vs. Other Privacy Coins In the bustling market of cryptocurrencies, privacy coins have carved a niche of their own. They're not just digital assets; they're tokens of anonymous transactions and data protection. Pirate Chain is one such contender, but it isn't alone in this race. Other notable privacy coins include Monero, ZCash, and Dash, each with its unique blend of features. Monero, for instance, has been a stalwart in the privacy coin sector, known for its Ring Signatures and stealth addresses. ZCash introduced the concept of shielded and transparent transactions, with the former allowing for privacy and the latter being public. Dash, on the other hand, offers PrivateSend as an option for transaction mixing, ensuring user discretion. But what makes Pirate Chain stand out amidst these titans? It's the depth of privacy. While other coins offer levels of obscurity, Pirate Chain promises complete anonymity, with its transactions being 100% private by default. No public or transparent transactions exist on its blockchain, ensuring that every transaction detail remains undisclosed. Furthermore, Pirate Chain boasts a vibrant and passionate community. The collective belief in the cause of true digital privacy and the active contributions of its members have further solidified ARRR's position in the market. While each privacy coin has its merits and a dedicated community, Pirate Chain's unwavering focus on ensuring complete anonymity sets it a class apart. In the end, while choices abound in the world of privacy coins, Pirate Chain's commitment to ensuring an unparalleled cloak of privacy for its users makes it a shining star in the digital realm. Real-World Applications of Pirate Chain In an age where every digital footprint is scrutinized, the need for privacy is paramount. Pirate Chain, with its uncompromising approach to transactional anonymity, is more than just a digital asset; it's a tool for privacy empowerment in various real-world scenarios. Imagine the world of eCommerce, where each transaction is a testament to user preferences, buying behavior, and financial strength. Integrating Pirate Chain in such platforms guarantees customers a transaction experience devoid of prying eyes. Every purchase, big or small, is concealed from marketers, third-party vendors, and even potential hackers. Its not just about financial discretion; its about giving users the autonomy of choice without repercussions. Then, there are decentralized platforms the champions of web 3.0. As these platforms challenge the centralized web status quo, they need a currency that echoes their ethos. Pirate Chain, with its decentralized and private nature, fits this role perfectly. Whether its decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms or non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, ARRR can be the coin of choice for transactions that users wish to keep undisclosed. Lastly, consider philanthropy. Many a time, benefactors prefer anonymity, either due to personal reasons or to keep the focus on the cause rather than the donation. Pirate Chain enables such selfless acts, allowing donors to support their chosen causes discreetly. Conclusion Pirate Chain isn't just a cryptocurrency; it's the future of anonymous transactions. As the digital landscape evolves, ARRR stands as a testament to true digital privacy and empowerment. 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 form three student at Bande Girls Secondary School in Migori County, Kenya, committed suicide by hanging on Sunday, September 24, 2023. East Kadem Chief, Winnie Malemba, said the incident was reported by the school's deputy principal on Monday. A police incident report indicates that the 15-year-old girl went to a church service within the school compound together with other students. She sneaked out of the church while the service was still on, only to be found dead inside a classroom. The teenage girl was said to have committed suicide using a sisal rope. Police accompanied by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers arrived at the scene to investigate the motives of the incident. The report also reveals that the student left a note indicating that she opted to kill herself because of the harassment she had been getting from one of the school prefects. The deceased mother identified the body as her daughter, the police report say. Police say the body of the learner has been moved to Migori level four hospital mortuary pending autopsy and further investigation. 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 Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana has called on the government to address the infrastructural deficit in the colleges of education. According to them, there is a lack of infrastructural development in the Colleges of Education and there is a need to address these issues. In an interview with the President of the Teacher Trainee Association of Ghana, Jephthah Nana Kwame, there is a need to address the infrastructural deficit that the Colleges of Education are facing which is hindering the effectiveness of teaching and learning. He added that some of the colleges of education lack hostel facilities. He called on all stakeholders and government as a matter of urgency to involve private entities in building hostels for Colleges of Education where the fees will be subsidized for students. Adding to this, he said there is the need to adopt an in-in-out-out, in-out-out-in system and the implementation of the Day or Boarding status in Colleges of Education to minimize the effect of infrastructural deficit. He also said the double-track system in the colleges of education is not helping with teaching and learning. Source: Clinton Akwasi Amoako/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Peace Council has expressed worry over Ghanas continuous drop on the global peace index. According to the Council, Ghana has dropped from its enviable positions globally and in the sub-region. Ghana was ranked first most peaceful country in West Africa, second in Africa and 40th in the world in the 2022 global peace index. However, according to the National Peace Council, the 2023 index saw a deep fall of Ghana from 40th position in the world in 2022 to 51st, and from 2nd position in Africa to the 4th position, and second in West Africa. According to the National Peace Council, this is a cause for worry therefore called on all Ghanaians to join efforts to improve and sustain the peace of the country. According to the 2023 global peace index, Ghana has lost its enviable position as most peaceful country in West Africa to Senegal. In 2022 Ghana was second most peaceful country in Africa and first in West Africa and 40th in the world. However, the 2023 report ranking saw a deep fall from 40th position in 2022 to 51st position in 2023 as the most peaceful country in the world as well as from 2nd position in Africa to the 4th position in 2023. This is a cause for worry and we must all work hard to bring back the glory Eastern Regional Chairman of National Peace Council, Dr. Mark Boadu said this during celebration of International Peace Day observed globally on September 21st. He stressed that achieving targets of the sustainable development goals particularly eliminating hunger and poverty is critical to securing peace in the country. Speaking about the Eastern region, Dr. Mark Boadu stated that although the region is peaceful, chieftaincy disputes and related conflicts continue to threaten the peace of the region. On his part, the Eastern Regional Minister Seth Kwame Acheampong encouraged all in the region to commit and demonstrate peace building in all endeavors. He said lets reject intolerance and discrimination, ethnicity and tribalism, and recognized that diversity enriches society and promotes mutual coexistent. Nkosuohene of Kwahu Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie I, and some individuals and organizations were honoured by the National Peace Council for their contribution to promoting peace and culture of love. Nana Owiredu Wadie I, who doubles as chairman of Kabaka Foundation, a non for profit charity organization received the overall prestigious award, Eastern Regional Peace Ambassador Award having used his foundation to accelerate development in line with the sustainable development goals. The citation by the National Peace Council acknowledged Nana Owiredu Wadie I for his outstanding support in mobilizing people and resources for peace building, gender equality, equal participation, empowerment of women among others, the council could not, but select him as the winner of the award. He satisfied five of the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of no poverty, Zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and peace, justice and strong institutions. Source: starrfm Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Emmanuel Macron has said France will withdraw its ambassador and end all military co-operation with Niger following a coup. "France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France," Mr Macron said. He added that military co-operation was "over" and French troops would leave in "the months to come". The military junta which seized power in Niger in July welcomed the move. "This Sunday we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger," the junta said, in a statement quoted by AFP news agency. There are about 1,500 French soldiers in the landlocked West African country. The decision by Paris follows months of animosity and protests against the French presence in the country, with regular demonstrations in the capital Niamey. The move deals a hammer blow to France's operations against Islamist militants in the wider Sahel region and Paris' influence there. But Mr Macron said France would "not be held hostage by the putschists," speaking to France's TF1 and France 2 television stations. Mr Macron said he still regarded ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, currently held prisoner by the coup leaders, as the country's "sole legitimate authority" and had informed him of his decision. He described the deposed president as a "hostage". "He was targeted by this coup d'etat because he was carrying out courageous reforms and because there was a largely ethnic settling of scores and a lot of political cowardice," he said. Niger is one of several former French colonies in West Africa where the military has recently seized control - it follows Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Chad. The latest coup was in Gabon in August. Anti-French vitriol has flourished in the region in recent years, with many local politicians accusing Paris of carrying out neocolonialist policies - a charge denied by France. There have also been concerns in the West over the growing role in the Sahel of Russia's Wagner mercenary group. It is accused of human rights abuses and has been helping some new military regimes. The regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), supported by France, has threatened military intervention in Niger to reinstate Mr Bazoum. But so far it has not acted. Niger's military leaders told French ambassador Sylvain Itte he had to leave the country after they overthrew Mr Bazoum on 26 July. However, a 48-hour ultimatum for him to leave, issued in August, passed with him still in place as the French government refused to comply, or to recognise the military regime as legitimate. Mr Macron's statement also comes hours after Niger's coup leaders banned "French aircraft" from flying over the country. The regional air safety organisation, ASECNA, said that Niger's airspace was "open to all national and international commercial flights except for French aircraft or aircraft chartered by France including those of the airline Air France". The airspace would remain closed for "all military, operational and other special flights", unless receiving prior authorisation, the message said. Air France told AFP simply that it was "not flying over Niger airspace". Source: bbc Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor Joseph Osafo has urged Ghanaians to be responsible citizens and ensure they do the right thing. The Senior Psychologist at the University of Ghana expressed worry over the indiscipline of some Ghanaians towards national development. He bemoaned the culture where some Ghanaians erect buildings and other structures at unauthorized places as well as engaging in activities that threaten lives and properties. Speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Professor Joseph Osafo admonished the citizenry to "stop our irresponsible behaviors". He stated that "sometimes, the demons we think are around us are actually in us. Our attitudes, there is the need for us to be disciplined" and stressed that "what we are doing to ourselves in this country has nothing to do with prayer". He further advised every individual to exhibit the spirit of nationalism, hence reminding the population that nation building is a deliberate act, "not magic". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Nkosuohene of Kwahu-Nkwatia, Nana Owiredu Wadie I has been honoured by the National Peace Council for his contribution to promoting peace and culture of love in the Eastern Region. The Chief, who doubles as the Chairman of the Kabaka Foundation - a benevolent organization, received the overall prestigious award the "Eastern Regional Peace Ambassador Award". Presenting a citation to acknowledge him for his outstanding support to mobilizing people and resources for peace building, gender equality, equal participation, empowerment of women among others, the Council, could not, but select him as the winner of the award. To come out victorious, he satisfied five of the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of "no poverty, Zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education and peace, justice and strong institutions". Perhaps motivated by ex-American president, John F. Kennedy's maxim that says "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country", Nana Wadie's love for peace and security spurs him on to do more for society. To mention but a few, Nana Owiredu Wadie through his Kabaka Foundation has built and handed over an ultra-modern Circuit Court to the Ghana Judiciary, constructed a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the Eastern Regional Hospital, donated a brand new 44 pick-up to the newly established Nkwatia Divisional Police Command He has also constructed a smart lab for the St. Peter's SHS, provided free school uniforms, school bags to basic school children, fed and donated cash to over five hundred street hawkers in Okponglo, Shiashi and under-bridge to lesson their burden. The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong who presented the award, commended the Chief for his continuous support to peace building in the Region. Nana Owiredu Wadie, on his part, appreciated the National Peace Council for the honour done him and urged all and sundry to embrace peace and justice. Source: Michael Akrofi/Peace FM News Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has clarified that a list of individuals circulating on social media and thought to be recent beneficiaries of scholarships awarded by the Fund, is old. According to information shared on the GETFund website, the said list which was contained in the 2019 Audit Report, followed an exercise to uncover the trends of scholarship awards from 2012 to 2018 and ensure efficiency and increase transparency in the administration of scholarships. Management is therefore utterly surprised that these very listed scholars captured in the Audit Report have resurfaced on social media generating a discourse and making it look like a new matter that requires immediate attention, the Fund indicated in the publication. Excerpts from a 2018 Forensic Audit Report on awards of scholarships by Ghana Education which audit was initiated and paid-for by the Fund, and carried out by the Auditor-Generals Department, have been re-circulated on social media over the weekend. The Audit Report made recommendations towards streamlining the awards of scholarships by the Fund. When the said Audit Report emerged in the public space in August 2019, the Administrator of the Fund, Dr. Richard Ampofo Boadu, engaged the media and explained the origination and the purpose of that Special Audit. He mentioned during the interaction that the GETFund Board, through management, had also implemented the said recommendations, it noted. Among the reforms, is the implementation of an end-to-end online process in the awards and the management of scholarships. This has led to an enhanced, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of scholarships. It announced: As part of the policies by the Fund to deepen stakeholder engagement, the month of November, in each year, has been earmarked for an open forum with all stakeholders. The forum offers opportunity for the pubic to ask questions and for the Management to explain procedures and systems introduced to ensure prudent utilization of the taxpayers funds. 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 National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Salam Mustapha has sent a message to the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrators and every Ghanaian who is unhappy with President Akufo-Addo's administration to note that the current economic problems are not deliberate but rather occasioned by global crises. According to him, what Ghanaians are going through is not peculiar to this country but also happening in other parts of the world. "It is not deliberate that we are facing serious economic challenges," he said on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" while tackling the 3-day #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration. "It is not the supposed incompetence in managing the situation that has occasioned the difficulties," he added. Salam Mustapha however called on Ghanaians to be firm in their confidence in President Nana Addo and his government, stressing their economic woes shall not last. "I have absolute confidence and trust in how our leaders are working for us to recover," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. 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 Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has taken a swipe at Oliver Barker-Vormawor, convenor of the #FixTheCountry Movement, on his allegation that the Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah and some government officials offered him $1 million to stop his activism. Mr. Barker-Vormawor claimed in an interview that the Minister for National Security, Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and a top Military General had offered him the money but he rejected it in defense of Ghana's democracy. In a quick riposte to this allegation, Salam Mustapha described Barker-Vormawor as a "terrible liar, pathological one" and asked Ghanaians to ignore him. "We know that guy. He doesn't have any credibility," he exclaimed. He made these comments on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show Monday morning. Some aggrieved Ghanaians days ago staged a protest around the vicinity of the Jubilee House registering their displeasure with the administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo.Among the demonstrators were celebrities like dancehall artiste Stonebwoy who voiced his frustrations with the government.The organizers of the demo, Democracy Hub which included Oliver Barker-Vormawor, held the demonstration for 3 days and hope their grievances will be heard by the President as they anticipate remarkable economic turnaround in the nation. 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 Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who has announced his decision to contest the 2024 general elections as independent candidate, has implored Ghanaians to consider a new face in government. During a press conference at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra on Monday, September 25, Alan explained the need for an independent candidate to steer the affairs of the country. He noted that "the concept of an Independent Candidate becoming the President of the Republic of Ghana though novel, will be the most innovative and revolutionary development in Ghanas political history". He emphasized; "It will indeed be a watershed development in Ghana, although similar examples of this model have been practiced successfully in Benin, in Africa, and other political jurisdictions." To him, "in a country like Ghana, that is currently embroiled in divisive political turmoil, an Independent Candidate who becomes President, will be a bipartisan and honest broker amongst different political parties, and will bring healing and reconciliation to our body politic". Alan strongly believes "what Ghana needs now is a new leader and not a new political party", so promised his presidency will break the duopoly of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress. "I wish to use this opportunity to assure the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party that I still cherish my relationship with you, and I am committed to the ideals of the founding fathers of the Party. My decision to contest as an Independent Candidate will not destroy the Party, but rather provide the Party an opportunity to participate in a Government of National Unity in the future, and avoid the risk of going into opposition with no dividends, in what arguably will be a difficult general election in 2024. "To the rank and file and sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and to my friends in leadership positions in the Party, please note that if elected as President, I will also be President for NDC. You will be better off avoiding the risk of remaining in opposition if you do not win the 2024 General Election, and rather participate in the Government of National Unity by voting for Alan Kyerematen as President in December 2024," he appealed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso, Davis Opoku Ansah, has indicated that the over 20 New Patriotic Party MPs who supported Alan Kyerematen in the Special Delegates Conference will not support his movement. Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News, he said, "I would not say that political parties do not or will not have differences. There may be differences, I mean factions here and there, people taking sides, forming into a faction and all of that, but the ability to come together in an internal political context shows how strong your party is. And for me, that commitment is there. And I know that over 20 MPs who supported Alan Kyerematen have all resolved that we solemnly believe in the NPP, and we are going to follow the NPP and we are going to represent power again. And we are going to work tirelessly to ensure that the NPP wins power again in 2024. None of the MPs that support Alan Kyerematen will follow him in his movement but we wish him well. Meanwhile, Mr. Opoku, who was a supporter of Mr. Kyerematen, has also abandoned the latter, who resigned from the NPP to contest the 2024 general elections as an independent candidate. Affectionately called OPK, Mr. Opoku, in a statement, expressed his disappointment over the departure of Mr. Kyerematen from the party, assuring of his unwavering commitment to the NPP and its vision for Ghana. Mr. Kyerematen, addressing a gathering at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel on Monday, September 25, announced his resignation from the NPP and also declared his intention to try for the presidency as an independent candidate. I have noted with grave dismay the decision of Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a man whom I have known for the last 17 years of my political life and had the privilege of working closely with, to resign from our party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and contest as an Independent Candidate in the 2024 general elections. The decision is profoundly disappointing. It is a disheartening departure from the principles of party loyalty and unity, which are fundamental to our democratic process. The NPP has always thrived on the strength of its agreement and the collective support of its members. I express my unwavering commitment to the New Patriotic Party and its vision for Ghana. With its proven track record of good governance and development, despite the challenges, I firmly believe that our party, the NPP, remains the best choice to lead our nation forward in the 2024 elections and beyond, OPK said in a statement, he stated. Source: Citinewsroom 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 Presidential hopeful Alan Kyerematen, who recently declared his intention to run as an Independent Presidential Candidate in the 2024 elections, has unveiled plans to establish a government of national unity should he secure victory. Mr. Kyerematen stressed that Ghana requires a capable leader, emphasizing the need for leadership that transcends partisan politics. He said this belief prompted him to initiate the Movement For Change, a platform dedicated to realizing his vision for a transformed nation. In an interview on UTV, Kyerematen argued for an Executive President to be elected based on individual merit rather than affiliation with a particular political party. He affirmed that as an independent candidate, he would have the flexibility to form a government of national unity, drawing from the best talents across parties, including the New Patriotic Party, the National Democratic Congress, the Convention Peoples Party, as well as non-partisan individuals. He clarified that political parties would still retain their role in parliamentary activities. On Monday, September 25, 2023, Kyerematen announced his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and revealed his intention to contest the 2024 polls as an Independent Presidential Candidate in Accra. In response to Kyerematen's move, the leadership of the NPP in the Ashanti Region has instructed regional chairpersons in the 47 constituencies to promptly remove all campaign materials associated with the former Trade and Industry Minister from their party offices. 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 Chief Executive Officer of the InterCity State Transport Corporation, Nana Akomea says Alan Kyerematens resignation from the New Patriotic Party comes as a shock to the party. The NPP Presidential hopeful, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, affectionately called Alan Cash, on Monday, September 25 announced his decision to contest the 2024 election as an independent candidate. "...under the circumstances, and given the context provided I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning with immediate effect from the NPP to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana as an independent presidential candidate," Alan said during a press conference. His declaration has stirred public reactions with some people applauding him and others criticizing him for abandoning the NPP the second time since he did a similar thing in 2008 after accusing the party of mistreating him during its internal elections. Reacting to this sudden news of Alans exit from the NPP, Nana Akomea stated that the NPP didnt expect the former Minister of Trade to defect from the party despite his differences with them. "What our big brother Alan Kyerematen disclosed yesterday shocked all of us. It really shocked us. Of course, no NPP member will not be happy that a bigwig in NPP like Alan Kyerematen will resign from the party and say he is going to compete with the party for power. This is something every member of the NPP who loves the party won't be happy about", he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FMs Kokrokoo discussion show Tuesday 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 Adams County Winery, in Orrtanna, will be releasing its two fall seasonal wines, Dancing Pumpkin and Apple Pie, at its annual Harvest Fest event on Saturday, Sept. 30. Highlighting the activities will be free grape stomping, a special pizza from the winerys Terrace Bistro and live music from Schizophonic. Apple Pie, a sweet, apple-wine blend, is made from a blend of four apple varietals picked locally in Adams County and infused with natural flavors of cinnamon and vanilla to create sweet apple pie flavors for $19.99 plus tax. Dancing Pumpkin is a spiced white wine featuring a medley of traditional fall spices, rich pumpkin flavors, and Vidal grapes for $18.99 plus tax. These wines will be available for purchase at the Farm Winery in Orrtanna, 251 Peach Tree Road, and the Gettysburg Wine Shop, 25 Chambersburg St., while Apple Pie will also be available online on the winerys website and on shelves at select Giant grocery store locations. Guests attending the celebration will have the chance to experience the winerys free grape stomp and while supplies last, for $20, guests can stomp an exclusive Adams County Winery Harvest Fest T-shirt with their grape juice footprint for a one-of-a-kind-souvenir. The tasting room will also be offering Mulled Dancing Pumpkin and a Harvest Apple Ginger Smash, the winery says. Mulled Dancing Pumpkin is the Dancing Pumpkin wine infused with mulling spices and warmed up, for $8 per glass, and the Harvest Apple Ginger Smash is the Apple Pie wine mixed with ginger soda, garnished with a sliced apple, and served in an Adams County Winery mason jar for $13. Guests will be able to take the mason jar home with them. Schizophonic will be playing at the farm winery during the event from 1 to 4 p.m. and the Terrace Bistro, open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be offering a special pig roast pizza for $20 (plus tax) to celebrate the harvest. The pig roast is a specialty pizza featuring a house-made BBQ sauce topped with pulled pork, apples, red onions, and cheddar cheese. Dancing Pumpkin is a medley of traditional fall spices, rich pumpkin flavors, and Vidal grapes. It is one of two wines being released Saturday. There will also be local vendors set up on the winery grounds and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the winery will be holding a silent auction of an Adams County Winery wine barrel with the proceeds benefiting the Adams County SPCA. Adams County Winery opened its doors in 1975, in Orrtanna, and is currently the states fifth oldest continually operating winery as well as the Gettysburg areas original winery. The farm winery location sits on more than 75 acres of rolling hills and farmland while operating out of a registered 1860s historic Pennsylvania bank barn. Its open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The Gettysburg Wine Shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. More: Former cellar rats turn their winemaking expertise into a Pa. passion project Off-the-radar East Coast wine region offers multitude of options to sample Winery owner, 37, battles cancer while cultivating family business Visiting the Pa. winery with a treehouse tasting room, and other notes Jersey Mikes Subs is bringing another stop to central Pennsylvania. One of the restaurants is opening Sept. 27 at 2203 W. Cumberland St. in Lebanon. Its the 12th location for franchise owner Matt Patterson The Lebanon community has had a very positive reaction to this location, and we look forward to serving even more of the area, he said. Jersey Mikes is known for slicing meats and cheeses as customers place their orders. Sandwiches are served on bread baked on-site. Order Mikes Way for onions, lettuce, tomato, spices and the juice, a blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Jersey Mikes dates back to 1956 when Peter Cancro opened a sub shop at Point Pleasant, New Jersey, on the Jersey Shore. A fundraiser for Aarons Acres will be held at the restaurant from Sept. 27-Oct. 1. Aarons Acres provides individuals with disabilities ages 5-21 year-round therapeutically based age-appropriate recreational programs. Guests have several options to place orders, whether in-store or for pickup through the website or Jersey Mikes app. Delivery is also available. Hours will be 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., daily. Phone is 717-769-6970. READ MORE: The emails to the CEO must have worked. Or maybe it was the Change.org petition. Either way, Kraft Mac & Cheese said it is listening to its fans and bringing back the beloved SpongeBob SquarePants version. Kraft said it received unprecedented demand - thousands of fans took to social media, emailed our CEO and even started a Change.org petition. The Mac & Cheese will roll out nationwide starting in October in both the classic blue box and Easy Mac cups, which come in a pack of four. Celebrate Americas most-watched animated series for 21 consecutive years and visit Bikini Bottom with a creamy, cheesy, and comforting bowl of Kraft Mac & Cheese, featuring shapes of fan-favorite characters SpongeBob SquarePants, Squidward, Patrick and Gary, the brand said. READ MORE Dunkin rewards members can get a free coffee one day this week Six PAW Patrol pooches land in kids meals at Burger King Editors note: Welcome to the world of Paranormal PA, a PennLive series that delves into Pennsylvania-grown stories of spirits (like the ghost of a murdered girl whose cries can be heard in one of Penn States libraries); cryptids (the squonk); oddities and legends (Pennsylvanias very own witch trials); and the unexplained (was this thing that flew over Kecksburg a meteor or a UFO?). Sign up here to get our Paranormal PA newsletter delivered to your inbox. Did you know Pennsylvania has a close relationship with zombies? Did you also happen to know that the Keystone State has a trail that allows for you to walk amongst the living dead? According to visitPa.com, the Horror Film Trail in the western part of the state takes travelers through various locations where zombies once walked. Or, so to speak, anyway those brave folks who dare take it will set out on a three-day romp during which they will stop at locations where famous horror movies were filmed throughout the state. The first stop on day number one is Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, which eagle-eyed George Romero fans will recognize as the site of the iconic opening scene of Night of the Living Dead (Theyre coming for you, Barbara). After the cemetery, trail-goers will hang out in Evans City proper, the location of another film by Romero called The Crazies. In this 1973 film, the military tries to combat a virus that causes insanity and consumes the town, explains visitPa.com. Filmed at various locations throughout Evans City, the Evans City Post Office Is a key location in the plot. Youll use your imagination to picture a soldier from the movie fighting infected townspeople in front of the post offices facade. Folks embarking on this zombie journey will then proceed to other locations over the next few days such as the Omni William Penn hotel in downtown Pittsburgh a locations whose long, glamorous history has afforded it some spirits rumored to roam the halls and the Monroeville Mall, setting of another Romero classic, Dawn of the Dead. To those who do take the walk good luck. An 18-month-old boy in a stroller was attacked and scarred when a pit bull pounced on him during a townwide garage sale in Kinnelon, New Jersey, last year, according to a lawsuit filed by the childs parents. Samuel Miller Sr. and Roxanne Miller state in court papers they were on a Kinnelon property on Sept. 24, 2022, when their child was attacked by the homeowners dog. The mother fought with the pit bull and pulled the dog off the baby, states the suit filed Sept. 11 in Superior Court in Morris County. Roxanne Miller was injured and left covered in her sons blood, the lawsuit alleges. The dog bit her sons cheek, according to the suit. The 18-month-old was rushed to Morristown Memorial Hospital, where he underwent treatment for his injuries, according to the suit. The child was left with scars that will be noticeable throughout his life, the lawsuit alleges. The suit accuses the homeowners of failing to control and properly handle their dog. They are accused in the suit of carelessness, negligence and failure to supervise the animal. Court documents do not list an attorney for the homeowners. The lawsuit also names as defendants the borough, which sponsored the townwide garage sale as a fundraiser for the Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Company and the fire auxiliary. Kinnelon officials did not respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. More: Flamingo injured by snapping turtle at Pennsylvania pond has died Pa. SPCA treating more than 20 dogs following Delaware car crash: report DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 26. A meeting of the Tajik-Belarusian Business Council is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe on September 28, Trend reports. The meeting will involve discussions on current issues related to bilateral trade and economic cooperation, presentations by Belarusian companies, and the opportunity for participants to engage in B2B (business-to-business) negotiations. The Business Council serves as a coordinating and advisory body with the aim of enhancing business relations between organizations and associations in Belarus and Tajikistan. Its objective is to identify and overcome barriers to the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Following the meeting, the signing of several documents between the Belarusian and Tajik sides is expected. In early September, the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Belarus, Bakhtovar Safarzoda, mentioned that there are opportunities to increase trade turnover, particularly in sectors such as food, light industry, innovation, and high technology. Trade turnover between Tajikistan and Belarus reached $47.1 million from January through June 2023, which is 1.8 times higher than in the first half of 2022. By Omar Rodriguez Ortiz, Miami Herald (TNS) MIAMI A patient at a psychiatric hospital in South Florida brutally beat a roommate for seven minutes and ripped the mans eyes out of his sockets, police said Monday. The victim is permanently blind due to his injuries, Pembroke Pines police spokeswoman Amanda Conwell told the Miami Herald. At around 4:45 p.m. Friday, Pembroke Pines officers responded to South Florida State Hospital following a 911 call about a fight between two patients, authorities said in a news release. Police noted they werent notified until an hour after the attack. An investigation revealed the suspect and his bunkmate, who are both adults court ordered to be at the 350-bed state hospital, were involved in an argument that turned physical. The Herald is not identifying the suspect because of the sensitive nature of the incident. The suspect punched the victim in the face and then dragged him onto the ground, police said. Once on the ground, the suspect continued to punch the victim, and eventually the suspect pulled both of the victims eyes out of his eye sockets. South Florida State Hospital. (South Florida State Hospital/TNS)TNS Police say that another patient saw the attack and alerted hospital staff. The victim was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where he remained hospitalized as of Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, the suspect was taken to jail Friday on a charge of aggravated battery. Wellpath Recovery Solutions, selected by the Florida Department of Children and Families in 1998 to operate the psychiatric hospital, hadnt responded to the Heralds emailed request for comment as of Monday afternoon. DCF didnt immediately say whether it is investigating the incident. More: Central Pa. man pleads guilty to 650 counts of sexually abusing residents at care home Pa. ambulance workers arm broken in struggle with patient: police A 10-year-old boy stole a construction loader and took it on a joyride in a Pittsburgh neighborhood Monday night, leaving a trail of destruction behind him, police said. According to KDKA-TV, the boy stole the Bobcat skid-steer loader from a construction site in Mount Lebanon and drove it into the adjacent Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brookline at about 7:30 p.m. KDKA reported that multiple vehicles were damaged, and a fence and a stop sign were knocked down. The station said police caught the boy, who was not publicly identified, and released him to his parents. The carnage through the neighborhood was captured on residential cameras shared with KDKA reporter Jessica Guay. Video captured the boy steering the Bobcat onto a sidewalk and hitting a homes fence as well as apparently digging up part of a street. Shocking Ring video shows the moments a 10-year-old boy took a piece of construction equipment down streets in Pittsburghs Brookline neighborhood. Mt Lebanon police confirmed his age. The Bobcat skid-steer hit several cars, a fence & stop sign. Hear from neighbors at noon @KDKA. pic.twitter.com/xqxoafITdA Jessica Guay (@JessicaGuayTV) September 26, 2023 One resident described the damage to her vehicle. My car is really scraped up on the side, took my mirror off of my car, but its definitely not as bad as the other cars over there, she said. Residents said one SUV was likely totaled, though. It was all wrecked in on the side and we heard that it was lifted up whenever it was hit, and they did tow that car, a resident said. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey has joined the chorus of congressional voices calling on New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez to resign in the wake of a federal indictment on corruption charges. Public service is a sacred trust, Casey said in a statement. The specific allegations set forth in the federal indictment indicate to me that Senator Menendez violated that trust repeatedly. Casey said that although Menendez, a fellow Democrat, has a presumption of innocence, serving in public office is a privilege that demands a higher standard of conduct. Senator Menendez should resign. On Monday, a defiant Menendez said he would not resign, claiming that the nearly $500,000 in cash authorities found hidden in his house was for unexpected emergencies, the Associated Press reported. Menendez, who has stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is accused of taking cash and gold in exchange for helping Egypt and New Jersey business associates. Sen. John Fetterman was the first of Menendezs Democratic Senate colleagues to say he should resign in a statement released over the weekend. Hes entitled to the presumption of innocence under our system, but he is not entitled to continue to wield influence over national policy, especially given the serious and specific nature of the allegations, Fetterman said. I hope he chooses an honorable exit and focuses on his trial. A New Cumberland man previously charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol has been arrested on rape charges. Joseph Martin Pastucci, 49, of New Cumberland, raped a woman at his home June 30, according to Fairview Township Police. Pastucci had called and texted the woman dozens of times throughout that day while she was out, on one occasion calling her 20 times in a row, and on another, calling her 43 times in a row, logs from the womans phone showed. Pastucci also texted the woman telling her details about a private conversation she had with her friend in her car. She told police she believed Pastucci installed a device that allowed him to listen to her conversations in her car as well as track her movements. Pastucci told police he and the woman had sex after she arrived at the home, before he took her car keys and tried to prevent her from leaving because she had been drinking. However, the woman said Pastucci raped her and prevented her from leaving the home. The woman punched a window while they were arguing, before Pastucci shoved her against a door in the home, she said. When he realized she was bleeding, Pastucci called 911 for help, he said. It was at least the second time police had been called to the home for a domestic incident. In July, a neighbor reported they saw Pastucci pushing the woman. District Judge Robert A. Eckenrode arraigned Pastucci on charges of rape, aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault, indecent assault, stalking and false imprisonment. He set bail to $25,000, which Pastucci posted July 3. District Judge Scott Gross held all charges for the York County Court of Common Pleas July 26. Pastucci previously entered the United States Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, and walked around the Senate Chamber before Capitol Police told him to leave. Police pushed Pastucci out of the Capitol building and through the Senate Carriage Door as he resisted, clawing at a wooden table next to a table and pulling against it as he was ousted from the building, court records show. Investigators charged Pastucci with assaulting a capitol police officer, entering or remaining inside a restricted building or grounds and disrupting a congressional proceeding. READ MORE: Vacant home collapses in Pa., damages multiple cars: reports Central Pa. man pleads guilty to 650 counts of sexually abusing residents at care home Firefighters 3-year-old son struck, killed as memorial walk was set to begin A Mountville man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing 14 personal care home residents in Lancaster County over 15 yearsoffenses that carry prison sentences of up to 3,000 years. James Zook, 69, admitted to more than 650 counts of institutional sexual assault and indecent assault for the abuse at Faith Friendship Villa in West Hempfield Township, where he had worked for 20 years, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office. Police first arrested Zook last year for sexually assaulting a resident nearly every week from late 2020 to August of 2022. After that, 13 more victims stepped forward to share their stories of abuse dating back to 2007, according to prosecutors. One victim told police Zook would lay in his bed with him and forcefully touch his genitalia one or two times a week from 2019 to 2022. An administrator reported the abuse to police in November, 2022. Faith Friendship Villa is a non-profit personal care home for people with mental illness and other disabilities. Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker accepted the plea on Monday. A total of 14 cases have been filed against Zook in Lancaster County Court, which are all listed as adjudicated. Zook could face up to 3,094 years in prison for the offenses, prosecutors said. Zook has been released on $50,000 bail since February of this year. His public docket does not list a sentencing date. Andreozzi + Foote Law Firm has filed a civil lawsuit against Faith Friendship Ministries, Inc. on behalf of a male resident Zook met in 2020. The lawsuit said Zook groomed the resident, built his trust then sexually assaulted him in 2021. Faith Friendship Ministries, Incthe company that owns the Faith Friendship Villaknew or should have known Zook was abusing residents and failed to take meaningful action to prevent it or stop it sooner, the lawsuit said. When you are responsible for the safety and supervision of vulnerable persons, it is imperative that you keep a close watch over your flock, Ben Andreozzi, a partner at the firm, said. Some elderly people or those with mental deficiencies can lack the verbal or cognitive ability to articulate the sexual abuse they are suffering, according to the firms website, making them uniquely vulnerable to that abuse. READ MORE: Central Pa. sex offender on the loose, armed and dangerous: sheriff Woman charged with shooting man in Harrisburgs Hall Manor neighborhood The Cumberland County Planning Commission is looking for two residents to fill openings on the commission. Residents interested in serving must live in Cumberland County and be willing to serve a four-year term, beginning in January 2024. Applicants must be able to attend the commissions monthly meetings at 7:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month, a press release said. To be considered, residents need to complete an application and submit a one-page resume. Application materials are due to the Cumberland County Planning Commission Office by Oct. 27. For membership applications and information visit the Planning Commission. Residents who need hardcopy materials or information regarding the appointment process can call 717.240.5362. Applications can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Cumberland County Planning Commission, 310 Allen Road, Suite 101, Carlisle PA 17013. A commission subcommittee will review applications, conduct interviews, and recommend a slate of potential members to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, who will make the final decisions. Experience in planning is helpful, but not required. The Cumberland County Planning Commission partners with its urban, suburban, and rural communities to create and implement plans that promote economic development, provide more housing and transportation choices, and protect clean air, land, and water. For more information visit: www.cumberlandcountypa.gov/planning. Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard during Listening to Listeners, an original Today in Pa. segment that occurs every other Friday. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | September 26, 2023 Editors note: Welcome to the world of Paranormal PA, a PennLive series that delves into Pennsylvania-grown stories of spirits (like the ghost of a murdered girl whose cries can be heard in one of Penn States libraries); cryptids (the squonk); oddities and legends (Pennsylvanias very own witch trials); and the unexplained (was this thing that flew over Kecksburg a meteor or a UFO?). Sign up here to get our Paranormal PA newsletter delivered to your inbox. Despite recent events, a new analysis has found that Pennsylvania doesnt see jailbreaks all too frequently. Luzerne County officials are posed to discuss the areas over $191 million in outstanding debt. Someone stole a bunch of hornets. And an icon turns five. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA. By MARYCLAIRE DALE, The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (AP) A judge has dismissed all charges, including a murder count, against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver. The municipal judge ruled Tuesday after watching video of the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry by Officer Mark Dial. The defense had asserted that Dial was acting in self-defense when he fired his weapon at close range through the rolled-up drivers side window of Irizarrys sedan during a vehicle stop on Aug. 14. Defense lawyer Brian McMonagle had urged Judge Wendy Pew to drop all charges, which included manslaughter, official oppression and four other counts. He is firing while trying to take cover, McMonagle said in court Tuesday, arguing that Dial feared for his life: Every tragedy is not a crime. McMonagle said the charges never should have been filed, given the evidence, and the judge replied, I agree with you 100%. Irizarrys relatives appeared stunned and distraught by the ruling and said they would urge District Attorney Larry Krasner to appeal. Police bodycam footage shows Dial shot Irizarry about seven seconds after getting out of a police SUV and walking over to his car. He fired a total of six rounds. Defense lawyers called the shooting justified. They said the officer, also 27, thought Irizarry had a gun. The bodycam footage shows the driver holding a knife by his right leg. Dials partner, Officer Michael Morris, testified at a preliminary hearing Tuesday that the pair had been following Irizarry, who was driving erratically, turned the wrong way down a one-way street, and stopped. Morris said Irizarry had a knife in his hand and started to raise it as the officers approached. I screamed that he had a knife, said Morris, adding the knife had a black metal handle that could have been mistaken for a gun. Sitting at the defense table, Dial dabbed his eyes with a tissue as prosecutors played video of the fatal shooting from Morris body-worn camera. Krasner had called bodycam videos from Morris and Dial crucial evidence in the case, saying they speak for themselves. Irizarrys family has said that Dial deserves a long prison sentence. The police department had to backtrack from initial statements that said Dial shot the driver outside the vehicle after he lunged at police with a knife. Dial, a five-year member of the force, was suspended with the intent to dismiss after officials said he refused to cooperate with investigators. Dials bail had been revoked this month after prosecutors argued the charges made him ineligible for release. By Thalia Vega Over the past few weeks, nearly 55.4 million K-12th grade students in the United States returned to school. Missing from their classrooms? At least 55,000 teachers, according to new data published by Dr. Tuan Nguyen, a Kansas State University education professor. In Pennsylvania, were not immune to this crisis. Penn States Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis confirms that Pennsylvania teachers are rapidly leaving the profession. In 2022-23 alone, nearly 9,600 teachers left their jobs. Thats almost double the number of people who became certified teachers in Pennsylvania in 2022! The numbers can be overwhelming, but its the implications for children that are heartbreaking. Without question, teachers are the most critical factor of student learning. They spark the natural curiosity of young minds. They are role models and cheerleaders, motivating students to see their potential and find self-confidence when their effort meets achievement. I know I wouldnt be where I am today without the support of my teachers. Beginning in 10th grade, I attended Milton Hershey School, a private school where students from lower-income families live on campus. My childhood involved things I wish no other child had to experience homelessness, hunger, and a front seat to abuse. Before Hershey, I attended 13 different schools. MHS gave me the comforts of a stable home and a first-rate education for free. I was surrounded by adults who encouraged me to chart a course for the future and helped me figure out how to get there. Some of the most influential players? My teachers. They knew my situation and made sure I never gave up, especially when I was struggling. With a scholarship from MHS, I attended Arcadia University. It was there I began seriously considering the education field. I wanted to pay it forward and become the difference maker others were for me. During the pandemic, I helped my younger siblings take virtual classes while doing the same. I saw firsthand the critical need for and benefit of skilled teachers in the classroom. I changed my major and in May, I earned my bachelors degree in early education, becoming the first college grad in my family. Its bittersweet that Im embarking on a teaching career as so many others leave. Whitney Houston famously sang, I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. But I ask, how do we expect them to one day lead if there is no one to teach them? We have a problem, and it cant be fixed with well wishes. We need concrete plans to remedy the teacher shortage and create a pipeline. For all students, but especially those in circumstances like mine, teacher turnover is a huge obstacle to learning. In contrast, an invested, qualified, and engaging teacher can be a life-changer for a kid. So, what can be done? One strategy is preparation. Not just prepping teachers for what they will experience in the classroom, but a long-term solution that starts far earlier by exposing students of all ages to education careers. It is called career-focused education and it allows students, through classwork, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and more, to become familiar with the expectations of different careers so they can decide if a profession matches their interests and skills. Todays career and technical education (CTE) programs use this approach to combine academic and technical skills with the knowledge and training young people need to succeed in todays job market. While career paths like carpentry (also highly in demand right now) still exist, more need to be added to broaden the benefits to students and employers alike. Education is one of these must-add paths. Im proud to say my high school alma mater is doing its part. Milton Hershey Schools more than 100-year-old CTE program is constantly evolving to embrace industry needs, tech, and new learning experiences. In 2019, MHS added Education and Human Services as its 12th career path to help fill the growing need for qualified educators while connecting students to in-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. MHS students in this program explore education, social work, and counseling careers. They hear from experts, shadow in the elementary school, and participate in internships. As the first Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning locations open, MHS students will have even more opportunities to learn from the professionals there while working with children. In the future, these students will have the potential to earn early childhood education credentials before graduating high school, preparing them to thrive when continuing their education or entering the workforce. In early 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that incorporating education careers into CTE programs, like MHS has already done, will be a priority for all Pa. schools. Its a positive step in creating a long-term pipeline of qualified teachers in our state. For schools wondering how to launch or evolve a career pathway, I recommend looking no further than Milton Hershey School for the method and inspiration...and get ready to change lives. Thalia Vega is a teacher at a Philadelphia charter school. She is a graduate of Arcadia University 23 and Milton Hershey School 19. Read more about Thalia. By Reps. Joshua D. Kail, Martina White and Clint Owlett At the heart of education is a promise: the promise of opportunity, growth, and a brighter future. Yet, for countless students in Pennsylvanias consistently lowest-performing schools, this promise remains elusive, trapped behind the barriers of geographic limitations, economic restrictions, or limited access to quality instruction. The reality in many parts of the state, like Philadelphia, is that students and parents desperately want better educational opportunities for their kids. Parents with students in the bottom 15% performing public schools in Pennsylvania often grapple with challenges that hinder the delivery of quality education. These challenges can include overcrowded classrooms, an increased presence of violence, and a need for more educators. The House Republican Policy Committee recently convened to hear about school choice from eager parents and educators speaking on behalf of students looking for real change to a broken and outdated education system. The change they advocated for was the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) scholarship program, a bipartisan policy initiative that would serve as a transformative solution granting families the opportunity to select the educational curriculum most suitable for their childs needs. Access to these scholarship dollars and more educational choices further empowers parents as they take an active role in their childs education, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership between families and schools. Introducing competition and encouraging innovation, PASS scholarships will be a catalyst for positive change. Students will have the freedom to leave underperforming schools instead of being trapped in a one-size-fits-all, government-run system. Schools, both private and public, will be competing to attract students by improving curriculum, engaging parents, creating a 21st century learning environment and prioritizing the well-being of their students. Special interests who oppose the program have argued falsely that PASS scholarships divert resources away from struggling schools, exacerbating their challenges. The truth is that funding for a PASS scholarship program would come from a separate state account while also preserving full funding for traditional K-12 public education. At one of the Republican Policy Committee hearings, a mother from Philadelphia made a point to mention she is a Democrat and this issue goes beyond party lines. She testified that, if implemented, this program would force schools to up their gameand hold their schools accountable. By embracing competition in education, we create a system where schools are driven to excel, breaking the cycle of underperforming institutions, and where the students are the ultimate winners, gaining access to more diverse and innovative learning opportunities. Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity to lead the way in innovation in education by embracing PASS scholarships as a powerful and life-changing solution for those who need it most. As the Pennsylvania House of Representatives returns to session and legislators fill the capitol, they have an opportunity to pass a bipartisan school choice initiative that will have a positive generational impact. Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro promised to support the program during his campaign and now is the time to deliver on that promise for the next generation of Pennsylvania. Joshua D. Kail (R) represents Beaver/Washington. Martina White (R) represents Philadelphia. Clint Owlett (R) represents Tioga/Bradford. Members of the Land Defence Alliance, left to right, Chief Rudy Turtle of Grassy Narrows First Nation, Sol Mamakwa MPP, Elder Alex Moonias from Neskantaga First Nation and Cecilia Begg from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation hold a press conference at Queen's Park in Toronto on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 26. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of relations with the EU, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said during a meeting with the European Council's President Charles Michel, Trend reports. According to an official source, Berdimuhamedov, during a meeting held as part of his participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, noted that cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU is expanding and covering new directions. In this context, he stressed the successful cooperation of Turkmenistan with this international structure, both in a bilateral format and within the framework of the EU-Central Asia Dialogue. "The EU is a long-standing partner of Turkmenistan in the implementation of a number of specialized projects and programs aimed at solving priority tasks of economic and social development in our country, including in the fields of legislation, education, information and communication technologies, agriculture and water management, environmental protection, and climate change," the head of Turkmenistan stressed. It was noted that currently leading European companies are represented in many sectors of the Turkmen economy in the oil and gas complex, transport, electric power, construction, communications, and communications. During the conversation, an exchange of views took place on the prospects of cooperation in the context of its key aspects and the existing diverse potential. Meanwhile, cooperation between the EU and Turkmenistan is an important foreign policy interaction that covers various fields, including politics, economy, trade, energy, and cooperation in the field of human rights. Ace-High Hero Call Propels Justin Bonomo to First Poker Masters Title September 26, 2023 Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. As the 2023 Poker Masters inside PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas nears its end, one of poker's most accomplished players, Justin Bonomo, earned $333,000 and his first Poker Masters title by taking down Event #9 $25,000 No Limit Hold'em. Bonomo, who sits second on the all-time money list with $62.4 million in live tournament earnings, entered the final table of the penultimate Poker Masters event with nearly half of the chips in play against opponents including Chino Rheem (6th - $46,250) and a trio of recent Poker Masters champions in Orpen Kisacikoglu (5th - $74,000), Andrew Lichtenberger (4th - $101,750) and Stephen Chidwick (3rd - $148,000). Bonomo held onto the chip lead into heads-up play with Daniel Rezeai and ultimately defeated the Austrian, who earned $222,000. Justin Bonomo Meet The Poker Masters Leaderboard Frontrunner! Poker Masters Event #9 $25,000 NLH Final Table Results PLACE PLAYER COUNTRY PRIZE (IN USD) 1 Justin Bonomo United States $333,000 2 Daniel Rezeai United States $222,000 3 Stephen Chidwick United Kingdom $148,000 4 Andrew Lichtenberger United States $101,750 5 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey $74,000 6 Chino Rheem United States $46,250 Bonomo Gets It Done With Ace-High Bonomo's final table performance demonstrated why he is one of the most winning poker players of all time, especially an epic hero call he made for his tournament life with just ace-high during heads-up play. With blinds of 30,000/60,000/60,000, action kicked off with Rezaei completing with jack-eight and calling a raise from Bonomo with ace-eight. Rezaei floated as Bonomo led out with a bet on the nine-seven-four flop and took a stab when Bonomo checked on the seven turn. Bonomo called with his ace-high and checked again as the five river improved neither player before Rezaei moved all in with Bonomo covered. "I really think you're bluffing me here," Bonomo told his opponent. "I call." Bonomo saw his ace-high was good and re-took the chip lead before eventually eliminating Rezaei to earn his first Poker Masters title. Tamasauskas Still Atop Leaderboard With one Poker Masters final table left to play, Lithuania's Vladas Tamasauskas still sits atop the leaderboard after winning two events at the start of the series. Behind him are Rheem and Chidwick tied in second with 386 points and Lichtenberger close behind with 327 points. Vladas Tamasauskas Other players on the leaderboard include Ren Lin (5th - 325 points), Darren Elias (6th - 319 points) and Bonomo (7th - 314 points). Listen to Vladas Tamasauskas On The PokerNews Podcast! 2023 Poker Masters Leaderboard Top 10 (Through 9 Events) PLACE PLAYER WINS CASHES WINNINGS POINTS 1st Vladas Tamasauskas 2 3 $506,400 506 T-2nd Chino Rheem 1 4 $434,650 386 T-2nd Stephen Chidwick 1 3 $605,000 386 4th Andrew Lichtenberger 1 4 $367,450 327 5th Ren Lin 0 4 $342,800 325 6th Darren Elias 1 3 $359,500 319 7th Justin Bonomo 1 2 $447,000 314 8th Chris Brewer 0 4 $365,500 268 9th Daniel Rezaei 0 3 $355,500 266 10th Orpen Kisacikoglu 1 2 $292,500 263 *Images courtesy of PokerGO / Antonio Abrego Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Democrats need to use their energy very purposefully and very carefully in the lead up to the 2022 midterms, because it is hard to overstate the peril we are currently facing. Criticism of our leaders is an important mechanism that both pushes them in the direction The People want and provides cover for change. But when it goes too far, it can also dampen morale and result in dumpster poll numbers, which reflect down ballot even in off year midterms. Do we really need to have less voters for 2022? Do we need depressed voters who think, because people they respect and admire are criticizing the President and Congressional leadership, that there is no point in voting? As the January 6th hearings are showing us, Democracy is currently peering over a very steep cliff so close to the edge that it might have already started its descent down into the authoritarian future the Republican party is so set upon. For those who are unaware of just how bad it is, and I doubt that is many of you, but to reinforce the point, CPAC held its May convention in Hungary this year. Why? Because they so admire Viktor Orban, who was able to achieve soft fascism in that country by using the same mechanisms Republicans are using here. He even gave them a 12 point plan to attack liberal democracy and consolidate power. Trump was on video at the Hungary conference, praising Orban as a great leader. Ron DeSantis uses Hungary as a model and copied their anti-gay legislation. The New Yorker reported, DeSantiss press secretary, talking about the inspiration for the law, reportedly said, We were watching the Hungarians. Orban told them the path to power is to have your own media. Its already happening here if you look at certain metrics, Andrew Marantz posits in the New Yorker: Republicans may not be able to rewrite the Constitution, but they can exploit existing loopholes, replace state election officials with Party loyalists, submit alternative slates of electors, and pack federal courts with sympathetic judges. Representation in Hungary has grown less proportional in recent years, thanks to gerrymandering and other tweaks to the electoral rules. The trends in the U.S. are going very quickly in the same direction. Its completely possible that the Republican Party could control the House, the Senate, and the White House in 2025, despite losing the popular vote in every case. Is that a democracy? Lee Drutman, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins, told Marantz. In light of recent reports that Trump might have weaponized the IRS against Comey and McCabe (and we here at PoliticusUSA were also the recipients of not one but TWO similar fishing expedition audits), the warning from our State Department on Hungary reads like a partial history of the U.S. under Republican rule: Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: actions that aimed to interfere with or diminish the independence of the judiciary; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy including targeting investigative journalists, opposition politicians, businesspersons, and other private citizens with high-tech surveillance spyware; restrictions on free expression and mediacorrupt use of state power to grant privileges to certain economic actors; political intimidation of and legal restrictions on civil society organizations, including criminal and financial penalties for migration-related work of nongovernmental organizations; and threats of violence by extremists targeting Roma and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. Orban is appearing in August at CPAC in Texas, where he will continue his school on how to take over a democracy and damage western liberalism. Vice noted of this upcoming appearance, Central to everything Orban does is the promotion of traditional family and Christian values, talking points that have now become a mainstay of the Republican Partys message. Are we there yet? Rachel Kleinfeld, an expert in political violence, warned in Greg Sargents The Plum Line column: Were actually pretty far advanced on it. Kleinfeld: One of the things we know about other countries that descend into greater political violence is that violence is preceded by a dehumanization phase. America is well along in that phase: things like misogyny, racial epithets, calling Democrats groomers and comparing them to pedophiles. The next stage is making violence against those dehumanized opponents seem more normal. Youre starting to see GOP candidates posing with rifles everything from Rep. Thomas Massies family Christmas photo to Eric Greitenss new ads about hunting RINOs. We know from other countries that have descended into really serious political violence that this is a trajectory, and were on it. Were actually pretty far advanced on it. Its called soft fascism or soft authoritarianism because it doesnt use force. It changes the law before it uses the law to steal power (see the power-grabbing, illegitimate conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court taking up the state electors can pick the President scheme). The premise is simply that the other side cant be allowed to have power given by the voters, and the only power that will be used will be by the conservative authoritarian side. Widely respected expert on the United States Congress Norm Ornstein (and Emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and contributing editor for the Atlantic) warned after the Supreme Court struck down a New York gun law restricting concealed carry that he sees a most ominous harbinger in this courts decision making that its reasonable to expect If Republicans move to manipulate electoral votes in 2024, it is very likely the Alito Court will let them get away with it. Ornstein has also observed that the U.S. is moving closer to Hungary. Viktor Orbans Hungary is an authoritarian state with a Potemkin Village of faux elections, a rigged judicial system, and a press that is free in name only. That CPAC is there to bow at his feet tells you everything about where the conservative movement is. Not conservative! Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) May 19, 2022 While most are watching out for a Hitler-style attack, what is actually happening is a sneak attack. Its an erosion of democracy that results in naked power grabs combined with legally restricted rights. Mitch McConnells theft of President Obamas SCOTUS seat was not the first warning, but it was a singular event that signaled what was to come and due to the lack of resistance in the press and from Democrats, whose efforts to restore democracy were and are weaponized against them, it paved the way for the next Republican president to finish the steal via the Supreme Court. Republicans are also doing this at the state level. Wisconsin Republicans are yet again leading in dark ways: The Wisconsin Supreme Court: Today: prohibiting ballot drop boxes due to questions about legitimacy of safest election in modern history Days ago: ruled to let Republicans squat in office after term by refusing to confirm replacements nominated by Dem Gov Its soft fascism. https://t.co/t6MJWOGnrF Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) July 8, 2022 This is what we are all up against. It is imperative that we tread carefully. That is not to suggest I dont get the anger I not only get it, I feel it. I have been working to protect abortion rights since I was in university. The violence Dobbs invites, encourages, and incites against women is absolutely devastating. I also feel the rage of so many disenfranchised voters having wrestled through almost insurmountable voting restrictions during a pandemic to get to the polls and succeeding! They got both chambers and the presidency and STILL do not have power to protect basic human rights. It is only natural to look to those in power and blame them. But as we can see, Republicans have been the party taking these rights away and they continue doing it via the activist Supreme Court taking powers meant for the legislative branch. Of course this court is not legitimate and this needs to be fixed. How do we fix it? It requires congressional action to fix it by adding more seats (Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to do this and it has been done seven times before). What Biden needs from the people is a mandate to expand the court and a House and Senate majority to carry it out. We all know, thanks to two Democrats in the Senate, that is not even a possibility right now. Could Democrats messaging be stronger on this? Absolutely. This is the inevitable Achilles Heel of those who are responsible with power. Republicans stacked the high court with dangerous, undemocratic and illegitimate liars who are remaking the United States into a Christian theocracy with an armed and angry populace who are exceptionally divided. This landscape isnt accidental it is necessary for an authoritarian takeover. The militarization of private life pushes the message that those who dont comply will be targeted by the conservative militia, if not the actual police and military (see Oath Keepers and Proud Boys for more on this). On Monday, President Bidens administration took action to save womens lives in a post-Roe country by using the power of a Friday issued Presidential executive order to give guidance to Health and Human Services ordering that womens lives and health are to be protected in emergency situations, including being treated with an abortion. This guidance specifically states it overrules state law and there will be consequences for hospitals and providers who do not take every step to provide women with this necessary care. It might be easy to say Biden did this because he was pushed and pushing leaders to give them political cover is always wise. But this President was the first co-author of the first Violence Against Women Act, long before the days of Me Too, and long before anyone was even pretending to care about the epidemic of death for women at the hands of intimate partners. The Left has long prided itself on not being cheerleaders for their elected officials, and this shouldnt change, lest the Left become the Right. But its imperative to ease up on that gas pedal of criticism now until the midterms are over. Democrats need to be strategic and take one tip from Republicans on how to win: Stand together, do not allow the rather early and absurd horse race media narrative about Biden to be amplified by the Left. The only line of defense left to our democracy is in the Democratic Party winning elections, and they are facing horrific poll numbers for President Biden, bad maps and poor prospects for the House and Senate. Though post-Roe being overturned, the midterm polls have improved by an estimated 3 points. It is still not enough. The House will be lost in 2022, and if the Senate is also lost, so will our democracy be lost. Go to battle for your democracy. Hold your friendly fire until December. Do not give in to defeatism, whataboutism and both-sidesism. If you care about western democracy, get in the front line and hold steady. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbek delegation represented by members of Uzbekistans Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has recently paid a working visit to Germanys federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg and the Heilbronn-Hohenlohe region, Trend reports. During the visit, the cooperation in the field of labor migration and the employment of Uzbek specialists in such areas as nursing, tourism, hotel business, viticulture in regions of Germany with a shortage of qualified personnel was discussed. Active assistance of the state in the field of employment of Uzbek specialists is a great advantage and a change compared to previous exchange programs with Germany, Managing Director of the Munich CBZ Munchen GmbH educational company Frank Kohler said. CBZ Munchen GmbH guarantees compliance with the requirements of the required level of language proficiency and relevant diplomas, as well as professional skills of candidates. Meanwhile, Germany and Uzbekistan are looking to strengthen bilateral cooperation and prospects for the implementation of mutually beneficial investment projects in the spheres of trade, economics, investment and industry. Currently, more than 100 joint projects worth more than $10 billion are being implemented with German partners. The total volume of German investments in Uzbekistan over the past two years amounted to almost 2 billion euros. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Judge Scott McAfee took a number of steps to protect the identities of jurors in Trumps RICO trial from intimidation and harassment. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported: Once the cases reach trial, defendants, reporters and observers will be prohibited from recording, photographing or identifying jurors in any way that might reveal who they are, where they live or other personal details about them, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled. McAfee ordered that lawyers only refer to jurors by their number in court filings or in their remarks in open court. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis asked for the extra level of protection after members of the grand jury that indicted Trump and his allies saw their personal identifying information spread across the internet by people angry with the criminal charges they handed up. The importance of transparency and public knowledge is paramount in Trumps trials, but given how the former president and his supporters try to contaminate jury pools and also intimidate and harass jurors, it was smart of the judge to give the identities of jurors additional protection. This is a vital step to protect the physical safety of jurors as the probability of violence grows as the country gets closer to the date when Donald Trump will go on trial. Trump is being treated like what he is accused of being. A leader of a criminal organization that will jeopardize the safety of a jury of his peers to avoid a felony conviction. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Theres been very little coverage of this very unsettling continuation of a shared purpose between Hungary and leading Right wing figures in the U.S., including CPAC. Hungary has been demoted from a democracy and is now to be considered a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy, which is a scheme conservatives hope to achieve in the U.S. EuroNews summarized, Hungary is no longer a fully functioning democracy, members of the European Parliament declared on Thursday in a non-binding but highly symbolic report. Instead, the country should be considered a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy in which elections are regularly held but without respecting basic democratic norms. This brings us to Elon Musks meeting with the President of Hungary Katalin Novak on Monday, after he missed the Demographic Summit in Budapest. Elon Musk couldnt come to the Demographic Summit in Budapest. Now we will replace the meeting, Katalin Novak wrote on her official Facebook page. The biannual Demographic Summit was the previous week, during which discussions on population decline were taking place. Thats DEMOGRAPHIC, not democratic, of course. Demographics are statistics that describe populations and their characteristics. Demographic analysis is the study of a population-based on factors such as age, race, and sex. This is made even more clear by the caption on Twitter: Whats that about population collapse? Yeah. Good question. Lets start off by saying it aligns with the great replacement theory hawked by fired Fox News hysteric and not very subtly white-hooded Tucker Carlson, even though the population is set to triple in Africa. That, apparently, isnt the right demographics. While racist to its core, its obviously not sold that way or it wouldnt be so successful. They sell it as pro family values. And while its not actually admitted very often in the media here, I offer to you the take of a paper in Hungary with the note that mentioned here, it will all too often be sold as these conservatives wish it to be sold i.e., as a business meeting about economic ties (my bold): The President of the Republic, Katalin Novak, discussed the demographic crisis affecting the Western world and possible solutions with the founder and CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, at the car manufacturers recently handed-over headquarters in Austin. Farkas Vajk, the communication director of the Sandor Palace, told the public media that one of the main goals of the Hungarian presidents visit to the United States is to meet people who are allies of steps aimed at solving population problems. The meeting with Elon Musk, as well as the previously held meeting with the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott and Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana, is in line with this, emphasized the communications director. The official visit of the President of the Republic will end on Tuesday in the capital of the state of Utah, where Novak will also discuss demographic issues with Governor Katalin Spencer Cox. For good measure, the Hungarian Conservative pointed out, The social media giants owner commented on Tucker Carlons interview with PM Viktor Orban on X (Twitter), praising Hungary for its family protection measures. In response, President Novak invited him to the Budapest Demographic Summit this fall. Jordan Peterson also joined the discussion. Jordan Peterson, for those who are blissfully unaware, is probably responsible for a fair amount of young male misogyny. He is currently in the news for boycotting Burger King after it pulled its ads from Rumble after prominent user Russell Brand was accused of rape and YouTube demonitized his content. Its not even clear that Burger King pulled their ads over Brand, and its fair to say Rumble is not a great place to hang out for healthy minds. But when its gotten to the point that even Burger King has fled, that is the white flag of surrender to the ever growing pro-rape crowd. Yes, that is the same Russell Brand that Elon Musk believed after he was credibly accused of rape. Elon is only just now disappointed in Brand because Brand put videos on Rumble instead of using Elons platform exclusively. One might couch this as a business concern if one were more interested in cultivating relationships with such types than this writer. Maybe youre wondering, aside from the pro-rape, anti-semitism, anti-LGBTQ bigotry and racism, what kind of legit threat can a little meeting among comrades about breeding pose? The threat is not just the current culture war, but the underlying policies and attack on laws that uphold democracy that the culture wars give cover to. This is how the goal posts are moved in broad daylight. Family protection. Pro-Family. Parental Choice. Pro-Life. Aka, Anti-others. These benign phrases represent anti-democratic values couched as happy white blonde families frolicking in the sun. It wont surprise you that conservative rule in Hungary has not led to well fed and well paid families. Thats one part they always leave off the agenda, although they managed more than the conservatives here as they do offer a tax exemption for women with four or more children. Politico Pro summed it up in a piece on this summit titled, Hungarys baby-making summit dominated by paranoia, not policy Culture wars and ethnic grievances took the place of a debate on what really moves birth rates. What do people really get when sold ethnic grievances as a shiny object to watch while the elites steal more power? In Budapest City Park, peoples concerns were more prosaic, miles away from fears of moral drift and civilizational decline. Istvan was a tired-looking 45-year-old with two blonde three-year-old boys on tricycles. Hed gone to the family day festival with his wife. Asked how he found raising his kids in Hungary, he said so-so and then paused. It is difficult. What would make his life easier? Better job. More money, he said with a laugh. This is the problem in Hungary I think. If you are willing to breed for the state four times, you can get a tax exemption. One need only look to rural areas in the U.S. to see the reality of selling poor white people the notion that getting pregnant is serving the nation and God and is what good girls do. What one does after giving birth is often their own problem. For all of conservative obsession with imagined attacks on masculinity posed by womens bodily autonomy, they never address the issue that men are way too often taught that its their job to provide for their families and then all too often unable to keep decent paying jobs due to a manufacturing shift to cheaper labor in other countries that is supported by the very people selling the lie about ethnic grievances. Hows that for a real kick in the gut. Anti-unions and anti-labor Elon Musk is reportedly obsessed with breeding children. He often does this using surrogates with various women who meet his criteria for his beliefs about the declining population. His ex-wife says he pushed her to dye her hair blonde. This meeting comes at the same time as Musks Twitter rebrand into Twitter/X was called out for being the biggest outlet for peddlers of disinformation as the European Union urged Silicon Valley platforms to step up their vigilance to combat Russias war of ideas.' Twitter/X is basically allowing Russia Today propaganda to flourish as Ukraine tries to fight off expansionist aggressor Russia, in what is widely seen as a fight to protect western democracy. So we can see where Musk stands on this issue, as we note that while he claims he is a centrist and legacy media pretends to be confused about his politics, he regularly amplifies neo-Nazis on his platform, has reinstated their accounts, and has some kind of bizarre empathy reserved solely for those accused of rape and human trafficking (Andrew Tate and Russell Brand, recently), while he spreads dangerous anti-semitism and a hatred for womens rights and the LGBTQ community that brings to mind grumpy Fox News watching Archie Bunker on Facebook types, with the stale, unfunny memes to match that only angry control freaks think are edgy. So yes, your basic aging right winger who thinks hes the hero of the comic but is actually not even the evil doer, but just a follower of the losers before who would rather not have to confront a world where women are free. Heres more from Euro News on the degradation of democracy in Hungary, and you can see how it correlates with current conservative attacks here in the U.S., a fact which is not an accident as Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban has given basic lectures to CPAC on how to achieve this result: In their resolution, MEPs point the finger directly at Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010, and condemn his governments deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine the EUs core values. Lawmakers raise concerns about a long list of fundamental rights they believe to be under threat, including the electoral system, the independence of judiciary, privacy, freedom of expression, media pluralism, academic freedom, LGBTIQ rights and the protection of minorities and asylum seekers. Governor Abbott proudly sold his meeting with a leading destroyer of the values of western democracy under the guise of the economic partnership: Governor Greg Abbott today held a meeting with the President of the Republic of Hungary Katalin Novak and other Hungarian leaders to discuss strengthening and expanding the international economic partnership between Texas and Hungary. Held at the Governors Mansion in Austin, this was President Novaks first official visit to Texas and her first meeting with Governor Abbott. We have been warned about the hybrid regime of electoral autocracy that Hungary represents. Certainly, Republicans ongoing defense of Donald Trumps continuing three-year attack against the most secure election in modern history that he lost by millions of votes is symbolic of the kind of government Republicans seek to establish here: One in which the law only binds those with whom they disagree, and one in which elections are a show guaranteed to keep them in power. Seizing the Supreme Court as they have is but one step in this mission. Its not an accident that this kind of mission attracts criminals, accused rapists and human traffickers, while presenting itself as the opposite. Its all a shiny, white, glossy advertisement for Happy Families that is as genuine as any reasonable person would expect such empty promises to be. Its not simply that the world they present is so noxious on its homogeneous surface, although it is, but most importantly that it is fundamentally a trap set for the gullible and the desperate. Elon Musk owns what used to be the global town square, and he has amassed so much power through his contracts with the Defense Department and NASA that he is apparently running a type of shadow government here in the U.S. via his private companies. In this sense, his radical beliefs can be seen as presenting a threat to the national security of the United States, something Rachel Maddow has explored, noting: It is important that this one middle-aged red-pilled right-wing billionaire has taken one of the worlds major social networks and turned it into a fire hose of totally toxic anti-semitic and pro-nazi content. Republican Senator and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney has even warned, A very large portion of my party, really doesnt believe in the Constitution. Conservative, old-school Republican and legacy Republican public servant at that, Mitt Romney is hardly a left-wing partisan. Believe him when he warns of creeping authoritarianism. Republicans and far right pretend centrists running a shadow government meeting with the President of Hungary is yet another red flag. And for anyone who wants to play devils advocate man-in-the-middle on this topic (most likely to afflict Elon Musk bootlickers who still believe that being wealthy indicates great knowledge and personal characteristics worthy of respect), its way past time to pick a side: Democracy or Autocracy. Those are the choices. And to those bootlickers, I would suggest finding some self-respect and looking at what you have and who is helping you build a better life for yourself right now rather than salivating after every gold-toileted, branded steak-selling, pro-rape con man that comes your way telling you that your worst instincts should be indulged and nothing is your fault or your responsibility. Its just really not a good look and it only works for billionaires and cult leaders. But I repeat myself. Image: From Twitter/X Aiken Standard Reporter Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County. Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Picking a topic for this monthly column is never a quandary for me. I know what I want to say. During the months the legislature is in session, I summarize key legislation being considered. The remaining months offer a forum for one issue I delve more deeply into. Read moreRep. Bill Taylor: South Carolina legislative update The location of the Blessing is the East Branch of the Cooper River, in the Huger area of St. Thomas and St. Denis Parish of Berkeley County. Todays location is off South Carolina Highway 41 on Cainhoy Road. We are told in A Day on Cooper River that Dr. Irving didnt know how the name Bl Read moreA history of the Blessing Plantation NORTH CHARLESTON A new nonprofit group plans to build a $6 million affordable housing development in an economically challenged area of South Carolina's third-largest city. Bridge North Charleston, founded by Patty Scarafile of Carolina One Real Estate Services, will ceremoniously break ground on a 20-unit project called North Bridge Townhomes on Oct. 11 at 2312 Meridian Road. The 1.62-acre site sits off of Azalea Drive near Cosgrove Avenue and Interstate 26 in the Hub Village area. Foundations for some of the future residences have already been constructed. The two-story development is a first for the nonprofit and will include eight three-bedroom units and 12 with two bedrooms. All will have 2 baths and come with kitchen appliances, washers, dryers and blinds. The owner-occupied units will be priced from the mid-$100,000s to the high $200,000s, depending on income levels and household size. Construction is expected to be completed by next summer. "We are matching the pricing as closely as we can to the need," said Will Jenkinson, a nonprofit board member and an agent with Carolina One. Five of the townhomes will be for residents earning 80 percent and less of the area median income for the three-county Charleston metro region. Ten will be for those making between 81 percent and 100 percent of the income qualifications, and five will be for those at 100 percent or more of the income level. COLUMBIA A detainee at the Richland County jail was attacked Sept. 23 by nine other detainees, then had to wait hours for a corrections officer's help, the detainee told sheriff's deputies. County officials are in the midst of remedying issues brought up at the jail during state inspections, particularly an October 2022 inspection that noted malfunctioning locks, a lack of toilets and a lack of officers, among other problems. The unidentified detainee injured Sept. 23 told deputies he was attacked between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. by other detainees housed in his unit. He told a corrections officer around 9 a.m., telling deputies no corrections officers were in the unit for hours before then. After being treated at Prisma Health, the injured detainee was released from the jail around 4 p.m., three days after he was booked, then returned to a different hospital later that evening, at which point deputies were called. When a deputy called a jail staff member, she confirmed that the detainee had been transported to the hospital but said she didn't know whether anyone had contacted law enforcement. The Richland County Sheriff's Department had yet to receive a call about the incident from the jail Sept. 26, a spokesperson confirmed. Deputies did not record what injuries the detainee had in the department's report of the incident. The Sept. 23 attack follows a bevy of others this year. Most recently, two detainees were stabbed Sept. 17 and 15. As of July 17, the most recent data available, at least 30 detainees had been hurt in assaults with weapons or incidents resulting in serious injuries. The total number of injuries and assaults at the jail is unclear because jail staff may not call the sheriff's department after every incident. Charleston County school board voted to put Superintendent Eric Gallien on paid administrative leave less than three months into his new job. The board on Sept. 25 voted 5-4 on the matter as audience members shouted out "racism" and "where's the justification?" during a meeting that nearly brought one member to tears. The decision came after a complaint was made against Gallien that the board discussed in executive session, which aren't open to the public. After the meeting, the board unanimously voted in favor of investigating the complaint details of which were not disclosed. Despite all agreeing to the investigation, a five-member faction of the board decided to place Gallien on leave amid public outcry. Darlene Dunmeyer-Roberson, one of the four board members who voted against the leave, personally apologized to Gallien as a professional and retired educator. "This is unacceptable," she said. "I've never seen anything like this before." Carol Tempel, another member of the minority faction, called the decision "unacceptable" and said there was "no good reason for it." She said that she shadowed Gallien during school visits and said he interacted well with children and principals. She recalled a meeting in her community that he hosted where he was only supposed to stay 30 minutes, but remained longer to talk to people. Board member Daron Lee Calhoun II, who also voted against the move, said he wholeheartedly supported the investigation because he was sure it would "prove what everyone knows." "This is probably one of the most dysfunctional boards in the state of South Carolina right now," he said. In a break in the meeting, the four members who voted against suspending Gaillen left the meeting. In their absence, the other five members voted unanimously to have a deputy superintendent fill in during the investigation. Someone in the audience then yelled out, "You want the White woman to fill in for the Black man?" TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 27. Russian Railways Logistics plans to launch Pharmexpress, created for the delivery of pharmaceuticals and their components, as well as materials for cosmetics, to Uzbekistan, Trend reports. The company highlights the significant potential of the Uzbek market in terms of the growth of pharmaceutical production. The company sees great prospects for high-quality logistics support, noting the prospects for providing services to local drug manufacturers. Russian Railways Logistics and Uzbekistans UTI Transit logistic company created the RZDL Transservice Group joint venture in January 2022, engaged in transportation by rail to Uzbekistan and transit through the country. Meanwhile, the number of applications for cargo transportation to Uzbekistan from January through June 2023 increased by 77 percent compared to the same period last year, while demand for transportation from Russia increased by 75 percent. As per data from the international ATI.SU Freight Exchange service, tariffs for cargo transportation in Uzbekistan increased by 8 percent over the same period. ANDREWS A day after a shooting in Andrews claimed two lives, including a teenager, town leaders rushed to create a curfew for minors. The ordinance, which will be in effect for 60 days, prohibits those under 18 from being in a public place between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Friday through Saturday unless accompanied by a parent or authorized custodian. Mayor Frank McClary said the curfew is in response to the recent violence. Its almost like terror," he said. "Youre afraid to go anywhere and theres no simple answer for this thing, but we have to take some measures now." McClary said the town has seen recent problems with violence among those 14-17. "Its a pandemic, in my opinion," he said. "Its that younger group for the most part. Sitting on the western edge of Georgetown County, Andrews is home to just over 2,500 people. From 2010 to 2020, as South Carolinas population rose by 10.7 percent and Georgetown County saw 5.4 percent growth, the number of people living in Andrews dropped by 10 percent, according to U.S. Census data. Town leaders passed the curfew ordinance on Sept. 25, a day after 17-year-old Sean Holmes and Daimone Brockington, 28, both of Andrews, were shot and killed at the intersection of West Main Street and North Beech Avenue. The shooting happened around 9 p.m. At least one other person was injured, McClary said, but that individual is receiving treatment. Few details have been released about what led to the shooting. Andrews police have not named any suspects in the case, and the State Law Enforcement Division is assisting with the investigation. Town leaders said they will discuss the curfew in the coming months to see if it should be extended. The curfew does have exceptions for minors with verified employment during the late hours and school-sanctioned activities. Along with the curfew, town leaders agreed to strictly enforce the town's anti-loitering ordinance. That policy prohibits any person, regardless of age, from loitering in any street, park or in any public building. Exceptions include town-organized events with specified perimeters, Georgetown County School District events, town-approved events, and food trucks with a valid Andrews business license. GREENVILLE Amend Market will move locations from Sans Souci to West Greenville at the beginning of October. The refill stores arrival comes after the departure of metaphysical shop Arcane Remedies and basta., a vegan bakery. Amend Market will be located in Arcane Remedies former space at 1296B Pendleton St. The self-described one-woman show owned by Kendall Daly will offer sustainably made and locally sourced cleaners, soaps and personal care products that can be pumped, scooped or poured into a reusable container. The store also carries dry foods like beans and rice. Daly said she created Amend Market to offer consumers well-made essential products without single-use plastic packaging. "I don't mind doing the research into what makes a good product, what makes it effective but also have good ingredients," Daly said. "But not everyone has the time to be doing all that, especially when they're at the store just trying to grab dish soap and go home." Amend Markets new storefront will also carry a line of ethically sourced clothing. Daly cited fast fashion or the mass production of low-quality garments as one of the reasons she began shopping sustainably. That was my wake-up, Daly said. To do a fashion-ish aspect of Amend 2.0, that feels very full-circle for me. Amend Markets re-opening celebration will be Oct. 6 from 6-9 p.m. The storefronts previous occupants, Arcane Remedies, departed West Greenville at the end of August. The business cited finances as a reason for closure in an announcement posted to Instagram. According to the post, Arcane Remedies will return online and at pop-ups in October. basta. became the second small business in West Greenville to shut its doors in the span of one month, closing for good on Sept. 23. Owner Alexis Krcelic said in an Instagram post about the closure that she gave everything she had to basta. "Providing food for people is so hard. It's physically and mentally taxing in a way that's difficult to describe unless you've done it before," Krcelic wrote. EASLEY In what their GoFundMe page called a David and Goliath battle, David almost won. A group campaigning to save the Greenville-Pickens Speedway raised nearly $100,000 from crowdfunding and sponsorships enough to lease the historic racetrack from a local dealership mogul who planned to sell it but when they were offered the contract, their lawyer advised them not to sign. Now, campaign founders Jackie Manley and Mark Blackwell await the outcome of the track's pending sale to decide their next steps. Their fight to save the speedway isn't over. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! When the lease agreement fell through, the campaign returned most of its major donations and gave more than $10,000 of the remaining donations to Shriners Hospital for Children. Blackwell, whose family owned the track for 48 years, said the loss of the lease was a devastating blow to supporters of the speedway. Were still doing all we can, Blackwell said. We had a little breather point after it all fell apart with the contract, but were back on it now. The campaign is currently working with Save The Speedway, an organization that sprung up in 2005 to resurrect the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina. This year the North Wilkesboro Speedway hosted its first NASCAR race in nearly 27 years. Save The Speedway co-founder Steven Wilson said next steps for saving the Greenville-Pickens Speedway will depend on who owns the land. If the land gets sold, Wilson said, theres a possibility to lease the speedway from the new owner. But for now, the campaign to save the racetrack must wait in limbo. Selling the speedway More than 300 acres on Calhoun Memorial Highway in Easley, including the track, were listed for sale earlier this year by Greenville-based real estate development company RealtyLink. The tracks current owner car dealership mogul Kevin Whitaker, who declined a Post and Courier request to be interviewed for this story bought it from Tom Blackwell, Mark Blackwells father, in 2003. Tom Blackwell continued to operate the speedway until his death in 2010. GREENVILLE The city's primary vehicle for tackling runaway housing costs has plotted a course to use more than a third of the citys pledge to support a $30 million loan to address the affordability crisis. The Greenville Housing Funds plan calls for four projects totaling 549 new multi-family homes and $11.9 million in city investment, CEO Bryan Brown said. They could all break ground by the end of 2024. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! City Council approved a loan agreement Sept. 25 between the housing fund and Truist Bank that will provide $13.4 million in up-front funds, $1.4 million of which will be set aside in an account to pay off the debt, Brown said. The housing fund, a nonprofit, was created in 2018 to create affordable and workforce opportunities in a nimble manner. Its mission is to invest, preserve and advocate for more affordable home rental and ownership in the city and Greenville County. In March, City Council committed to a $2.5 million annual allocation to the housing fund to pay off part of a $33 million loan to confront the citys critical housing shortage. The yearly contribution will be used for the loan repayments starting September 2025. Brown said the citys investment leads all of South Carolina and most peer cities. And with these numbers, I am very confident that we are on track to meet our goal and our plan, if we're not, in fact, slightly ahead, Brown said, although he said the economy could change and present new challenges. Two of the projects will break ground by the end of the year, Brown said. GREENVILLE The second murder trial for a man accused of shooting and killing an Army veteran on his birthday in 2014 began this week after a state appeals court said the first jury was coerced. Billy Lemurces Taylor is facing one count each of murder, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime, and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The trial, which began Sept. 25, is expected to take the week at Greenville County Courthouse. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! On the fourth day of Taylor's first trial in 2016, two years after the killing of Jermaine Nesbitt, a 29-year-old Iraq War veteran, the jury was at an impasse. After five hours of deliberations, 10 jurors were in favor of conviction on the murder charge while two were not. The judge sent the jury home for the night and the next morning gave them what courts refer to as an Allen charge. During any jury trial, judges are expected to mince their words in order to avoid any misconceptions by a jury that they favor one side or another. An Allen charge is an allowable form of instruction by a judge to a deadlocked jury, encouraging jurors in the minority to reconsider. Two-and-a-half hours after the Allen charge, the jury had their verdict: guilty. Taylor's attorneys appealed the verdict, saying the charge was unduly coercive, according to court records. In 2019, a state appeals court agreed, sending the case back to be tried again. The state appeals court said that the judge's wording in his Allen charge pressured the jury to come up with a decision, court records show. While a unanimous verdict is preferred, jurors are not required to reach one after expressing that they are deadlocked. Nesbitt's 2014 killing was as he was celebrating his birthday with his girlfriend and another friend, The Greenville News reported at the time of the first trial. Nesbitt was in the passenger seat of a Chevrolet Tahoe when he was shot. The single gunshot hit Nesbitt in the head and ricocheted into one of the other passenger's left eye. BEAUFORT U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham was in Beaufort to mark expansion of the Surgical Pavilion at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, a project made possible in large part because of a $17.9 million earmark he secured. While most of Graham's time was spent discussing the hospital expansion, speaking with reporters after the event he touched on a broader range of topics including the possible government shutdown and the importance of continued support for Ukraine. Graham, R-S.C., said there is no upside to a government shutdown and hoped it could be avoided, noting the particular impact a shutdown would have on military servicemembers. "If the government shuts down, the Marines and the military members in this community will not get paid," Graham said. "That's just not a good idea." Beaufort County is the home to three military installations including the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Naval Hospital Beaufort. A White House press release issued Sept. 26 made a similar argument. It said that, in the event of a shutdown, there are 38,300 active-duty servicemembers in South Carolina who would continue to work but would not be paid until funding becomes available. In Washington, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is battling a hard-right contingent within the Republican Party calling for dramatic spending cuts and blocking the passage of a spending bill. This is a whole new concept of individuals who just want to burn the whole place down, McCarthy told the Associated Press last week, adding he was frustrated. It doesnt work. Adding to McCarthy's troubles former President Donald Trump, who is the current frontrunner for the Republican nomination to face President Joe Biden in next November's presidential election, appears to be encouraging the Republican hardliners. In a recent social media post, Trump wrote in all capital letters, Unless you get everything, shut it down! Its time Republicans learned how to fight! A developer plans to convert the nearly 60-acre site of Inlet Square Mall into a new commercial center that includes hotels and retail space. Read moreA Myrtle Beach area mall is ready for redevelopment. What will be built there? Ervin Smalls II pleaded guilty to domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and was sentenced to 12 years in prison for slitting his then-girlfriends throat. Smalls pleaded guilty Sept. 25 in Charleston County Circuit Court to charges of domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Judge Jennifer McCoy sentenced Smalls to a combined 12 years in jail. Smalls has already been incarcerated for nearly two years waiting for the conclusion of his case. He will get credit for that time. The charges stem from a 2021 altercation with his then-girlfriend, who was present at the plea hearing but did not wish to address the court. During an argument, Smalls grabbed a razor blade and cut the victims throat from ear to ear, leaving her bleeding and in need of 14 stitches. Smalls' attorney, Megan Ehrlich, said during the hearing that he was suffering from an overdose and having a mental health episode during the incident. Smalls has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2006, about 70 charges including armed robbery, kidnapping, assault and battery, and attempted murder, according to results from a South Carolina background check. NORTH CHARLESTON A high school student was arrested and charged with bringing a weapon on school grounds after allegedly stabbing another student in the cafeteria. R.B. Stall High School took an online learning day Sept. 26 a day after the juvenile victim was rushed to a hospital. The altercation was targeted and connected to an earlier interaction between the two students not a random or school-wide safety threat according to a statement principal Steve Larson sent to members of the high school community. There is absolutely no room for this kind of action at Stall, and we will follow the district's disciplinary protocol to address this matter thoroughly, Larson said in the statement. Camera footage is still being reviewed and an investigation is ongoing, North Charleston Police Department spokesman Harve Jacobs said. The victim's condition has not been released but Jacobs said the victim is alive. R.B. Stall High Schools stabbing is just one of many incidents that have popped up across the state in the first few weeks of the school year as in-school violence returns to pre-pandemic levels, according to previous reporting by The Post and Courier. Half of Aiken High Schools students stampeded out of the cafeteria on Aug. 3 because they were afraid a student had a weapon during a fight that broke out in the cafeteria. An assistant principal was injured on Aug. 10 trying to break up a fight between two high school students in Marlboro County. Days later, a high school student in Union was charged with assault for punching a classmate twice in the face. A Charleston County staff member had to go to the hospital on Aug. 24 after an elementary school student stabbed the staffer in the arm with a pencil. South Carolina public schools reported more than 2,000 physical attacks without weapons in the 2021-22 academic calendar year, according to data from the state Department of Education. This is in line with the number of fights reported pre-pandemic, and shows in-school violence is growing. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Iran supports Japan's constructive role in restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said, Trend reports. The minister stressed that Tehran will welcome any Japanese initiative that may be in the same direction as Iran's interests. Abollahian did not provide additional information about Japan's role in Iran's nuclear program. However, he said that he got acquainted with this country's initiative during his visit to Japan on August 7, 2023 and meeting with the country's high-level officials. Foreign minister called the intervention of other countries in Iran's internal affairs last year (2022) as one of the reasons for the postponement of discussions on Iran's nuclear program. On January 16, 2016, Iran's nuclear program triggered the creation of the JCPOA between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany). However, 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 and more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. Iran is currently looking for various ways to resume discussions with the other parties regarding its nuclear program and eventually restore the JCPOA. In discussions on the nuclear program, 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. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to implement a strategic plan to tackle the sanctions, citing the non-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran suspended the implementation of additional steps and an additional protocol provided for in the nuclear deal. As a result, the control mechanism of the IAEA decreased by 2030 percent. As reported, Iran discloses various programs related to its nuclear industry to reflect that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, according to the information obtained by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has increased the amount of highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months, and currently, the country's enriched uranium reserves are 4,745 kilograms. This is 15 times more than the amount of uranium allowed for Iran in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur As a frequent visitor to Charleston, I have marveled at the beauty of the state. During a recent visit, I also took a side trip to Boston, traveling by air. I am a physician as well as a patient and worker-safety advocate. So when my driver in Boston asked me how he would identify me, I resp Read moreCommentary: Charleston airport needs to improve its air quality Donald Trump didn't buy a handgun during his visit to a Summerville gun store. But if he had, it could have created fresh legal trouble for the indicted former president and for the gun shop that told him, "Sir, if you want one, this one's yours." Despite Trump repeating his desire to buy the weapon during a visit to Palmetto State Armory on Sept. 25, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination is also facing a combined 91 federal and state charges. That status can be argued, some say, as blocking him from buying or receiving a gun, even one that has his own face on it. The legal questions raised by Trump's desire can be viewed from both sides of a hypothetical transaction: Whether the store could legally sell him a firearm, and whether someone under federal indictment could legally buy one. But one dimension is also being debated in the courts. After the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, a number of gun laws are being challenged in court. The 6-3 ruling has made it much easier to challenge gun regulations by requiring that such laws must be "consistent with the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation." So far, federal courts have been split on the law barring people under felony indictment, not yet convicted, from acquiring firearms in light of Bruen. But the provision still hasnt been formally struck down, which means Trump might still be legally barred from buying a gun he liked. Trump has been federally indicted twice on a combined 44 felony counts that stem from two separate investigations: His handling of classified White House documents, and his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. All of those counts carry potential prison sentences of more than a year if hes convicted. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him and has denied any wrongdoing. This Real Clear Opinion Research survey has disquieting news about Americans tolerance of censorship. Carl Cannon comments on the results, including the partisan breakdown. Suffice it to say that not many Democrats are going to the wall for free speech these days. But I want to comment on just one aspect of that survey: It is remarkable that the number of people who think the government should censor hateful posts and disinformation on social media is not greatly different from those who think social media platforms should police hate (whatever that means) and disinformation (whatever that means). As we all know, various federal government agencies, including the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and the FBI, leaned on Twitter, Facebook et al. to censor information on the 2020 election, covid, Joe Bidens corruption, and more. This collusive censorship came to light because Elon Musk bought Twitter. Wanting to know the real story on how Twitter collaborated with the federal government to censor conservative voices, Musk opened Twitters files to several journalists. Foremost among these was Matt Taibbi. More than anyone else, Taibbi has lifted the lid on the worst threat to free speech in American history. Taibbi is, by his own description, a liberal Democrat. But he is also an old-fashioned reporter, committed to free speech, and even more fundamentally to truth. As such, he has become one of the most important opponents of the Biden administrations censorship regime. I recently interviewed Matt Taibbi. In this clip from our conversation, he talks about the Lefts abandonment of its support for free speech: Here, he points out that the Twitter Files have revealed the censorship of facts that are true, but inconvenient: I interviewed Matt because he will be the speaker at Center of the American Experiments Fall Briefing on October 14. Our interview will be edited into a Q and A in the October issue of Thinking Minnesota, and will be released as a podcast after the event. Based on our conversation, I would say that Matt is very smart and also a good guy. If you want to hear Taibbi live, and have an opportunity to ask him questions about the Twitter Files, and if you live within reasonable distance of the Twin Cities, I encourage you to attend our Fall Briefing on October 14. You can buy tickets here. The event is a fundraiser, so tickets arent cheap. On the other hand, given restaurant prices these days, they arent all that expensive, either. And the Fall Briefing will be hosted by the Sovereign Estate Winery, a beautiful spot on the shore of Lake Waconia. These events generally sell out, so if you are interested, you should buy tickets soon. It will be a fun evening. PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 01:30:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1031 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2023 / Aclara Resources Inc. ("Aclara" or the "Company") (TSX:ARA) provides an update on its Chilean Penco Module (the "Project") permitting and development strategy following the previously announced receipt of notice from the Environmental Service Assessment ("SEA") of its decision to terminate the review of the Companys application for an environmental impact assessment ("EIA") of the Project based on the identification of six previously undisclosed "naranjillo" trees, considered "vulnerable species", within the Project area. Five of these naranjillo trees were found near an existing access road that would require modification and one naranjillo tree was found in a local "native forest" within the deposition zone known as Jupiter.EIA ApplicationAclara has revised its permitting strategy with the primary aim of addressing concerns associated with native forests whilst expecting to minimize any substantial impact on the Project's development timeline. The revised strategy will also afford the Company with the opportunity to integrate technical enhancements into the Project. To effectively implement the revised strategy, the Company is proposing to undertake the preparation and submission of two EIAs, which will collectively cover the full life of mine of the Project. Chilean regulations allow for the submission of a project to SEA in two or more stages provided that they are at the same regulatory review level, as would be the case in respect of the two EIAs.The Company is currently preparing an initial EIA ("EIA 1"), which will cover approximately the first five years of life of mine of the Project and will encompass three extraction zones (Victoria Norte, Luna and Maite), one deposition zone (Neptuno) and the production facilities of the Project. The production of these three zones will be operationally balanced with the deposition zone and EIA 1 is expected to cover the payback period of the initial capex of the Project. EIA 1 aims to largely reduce the Projects exposure to native forests as well as address the observations received from the evaluation services. The Company expects to file EIA 1 during Q1 2024.The second EIA ("EIA 2") will be prepared when the Company is ready to expand its production at the Project to zones not covered by EIA 1 (namely, Victoria Sur, Alexandra Oriente, and Alexandra Poniente) based on the availability of new deposition zones. The Company will present a permit application to reactivate the Jupiter deposition zone as well as evaluate new deposition zones. Furthermore, EIA 2 will consider an increase to the production plant's throughput capacity. Such an increase will be studied at a conceptual level during 2024.Technical DevelopmentIn light of the revised permitting strategy, the Company has decided to delay the completion of its Feasibility Study and use the additional time to further refine the engineering aspects of the Project by incorporating enhancements that are expected to result in reduced capital and operating costs and improved operational efficiency. These enhancements are the direct result of insights gained from recent piloting work and ongoing research and development initiatives.Aclara's CEO, Ramon Barua, commented: "Our revised strategy for the Project reflects our commitment to address the concerns raised by the Chilean environmental evaluation services, even if it would result in a staged approach to the development of the Project. Given the limitations imposed by the naranjillo tree found in the Jupiter deposition zone, the Company will explore alternatives in order to find the best solution for deposition zones. We are optimistic about the potential of achieving success in terms of one or more of such alternatives in order to minimize the environmental impact while maximizing the value of the Project." Updated Project ScheduleAs a result of its updated permitting and development strategy, the Company has also updated the proposed milestones and/or targets relating to the Project, which are as presented below:EIA 1 Filing: Q1 2024Anticipated EIA 1 Approval: Q4 2025Feasibility Study Filing: Q3 2025Construction: Q1 2026Production: Q2 2027About AclaraAclara Resources Inc. (TSX: ARA) is a development-stage company that focuses on heavy rare earth mineral resources. Its primary project is located in the Biobio Region of southern Chile. The company is dedicated to developing its mineral resources through a project known as the Penco Module. This module encompasses an area of approximately 600 hectares and contains ionic clays that are rich in heavy rare earth elements.Currently, Aclara Resources is primarily focused on the development, construction, and future operation of the Penco Module. The goal is to establish a processing plant that will produce a heavy rare earth concentrate. This concentrate will be generated by processing clays obtained from nearby deposits.Aclara's extraction process offers several environmentally attractive features. It does not involve blasting, crushing, or milling. Additionally, it does not generate tailings, eliminating the need for a tailings storage facility. The company utilizes 100% recycled water and minimizes water consumption through high levels of water recirculation. The ionic clay feedstock is amenable to leaching with a fertilizer, and harmful radionuclides are not produced.Simultaneously, alongside the development of the Penco Module, the company intends to identify further opportunities for increasing rare earth element production. This will involve intensive greenfield exploration programs and the development of additional project "modules" within the company's concessions.Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events, including statements with regard to the permitting process, the revised EIA application, including the timing and preparation of EIA1 and EIA2, on-going and future discussions and consultations with relevant authorities and advisors, the completion of, and impact of the delay of, a Feasibility Study on the Penco Module, plans and strategies, and key milestones and targets relating to the development and construction of, or production at, the Penco Module. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to risks related to operating in a foreign jurisdiction, including political and economic problems in Chile; risks related to changes to PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 13:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 720 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP:Do you, or did you, own shares of Archer Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: ACHR)?Did you purchase your shares between September 17, 2021 and August 15, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Archer Aviation, Inc.?Do you want to discuss your rights?Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Archer Aviation, Inc. ("Archer" or the "Company") (NYSE:ACHR) between September 17, 2021 and August 15, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Archer Aviation securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Archer Aviation, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com According to the Complaint, Archer purports to design and develop electric vertical takeoff and landing ("eVTOL") aircraft for use in urban air mobility ("UAM") networks. Since its inception, Archer has consistently touted the efficacy of its eVTOL aircraft design and flight testing procedures, the profitability of its business partnerships, and its ability to secure from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") the necessary regulatory certification for the mass production of aircraft for commercial use.Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period, including failing to disclose to investors that Archer: (i) relied on heavily edited videos of earlier flights to exaggerate the amount of flight testing it had performed and the sophistication of its eVTOL aircraft; (ii) had misrepresented the nature and profitability of its business partnerships, (iii) was unlikely to secure FAA certification in the timeframe it had represented to investors.On August 16, 2023, before the market opened, Grizzly Research released a report on Archer (the "Report"). The Report alleged, among other things, that Archer relies on heavily edited videos of earlier flights to misrepresent the amount of flight testing the Company has actually performed and the sophistication of Archer's eVTOL aircraft. The Report also alleged that investigators who had spoken to former Archer employees and businesses in close proximity to its flight-testing facilities who witness its flights, confirmed that Archer conducts far fewer flights than the Company has claimed. Finally, the Report alleged that Archer misrepresented the timelines for its lab and manufacturing facility in San Jose, California, becoming operational, and securing FAA certification of its prototype aircraft.On this news, Archer's stock price fell $0.41 per share, or 6.46%, to close at $5.94 per share on August 16, 2023.If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 20, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.If you purchased or acquired Archer securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Archer Aviation, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan may visit Israel, he told journalists upon his return from Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The postponed visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Turkiye is expected to take place approximately in October or November, Erdogan said. "After this, a reciprocal visit will take place. Turkiye and Israel collaborate in many areas, and it's a fact that new areas of cooperation are emerging. It's well known that Israel is working on transporting its resources to Europe, and the most rational route for this is through Turkiye. We discussed this during our last meeting and have begun working on it," he added. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's visit to Turkiye was scheduled for July this year. PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 22:31:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 994 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United StatesVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for proceeds of up to $3 million (the "Private Placement"). The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund continued exploration and development activities at Aton's Rodruin and Hamama concessions, located in Egypt, and for general working capital. Aton also announces that OU Moonrider ("Moonrider"), a significant shareholder of the Corporation, proposes to settle $6,314,013.87 in outstanding debt through the issuance of common shares (the "Shares for Debt Transaction"), and has exercised certain outstanding share purchase warrants of the company which it held. The Private Placement and Shares for Debt Transaction are currently expected to close on or about October 10, 2023, and are subject to receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. All currency amounts in this news release are in Canadian dollars.Private Placement Highlights:Non-brokered Private Placement financing of up to 13,636,363 common shares of the Corporation (the "Shares") at a price of $0.22 per common share for total proceeds of up to $3,000,000.The Private Placement is open to existing shareholders of the Corporation, who are invited to contact the Corporation if they are interested in participating.Depending on other subscriber interest, Moonrider may subscribe for up to $2,000,000 of the Private Placement.The Private Placement may close in one or more tranches.Shares for Debt:Aton proposes to settle a total of $6,314,013.87 in debt to Moonrider in exchange for 28,700,063 Shares at a price of $0.22 per Share.The Shares for Debt Transaction is a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, as Moonrider is a control person of the Corporation. The Shares for Debt Transaction was considered by the board of the Corporation excluding Moonrider nominee Tonno Vahk. The Shares for Debt Transaction is exempt from the valuation and majority of the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as (a) the Corporation is in serious financial difficulty, (b) the Shares for Debt Transaction is designed to improve the financial position of the issuer, (c) the Corporation has one or more independent directors in respect of the transaction, and (d) the Corporation's board of directors, acting in good faith, has determined, and at least two-thirds of the Corporation's independent directors, acting in good faith, have determined that (a) and (b) above apply and that the terms of the Shares for Debt Transaction are reasonable in the circumstances of the Corporation.All Shares issued in the Private Placement and the Shares for Debt Transaction will be subject to a four-month hold period from their date of issuance. No new control person will be created as a result of the Shares for Debt Transaction. The Corporation will issue a further news release upon the completion of the Private Placement and the Shares for Debt Transaction.Warrant Exercise:On September 21, 2023, Moonrider exercised share purchase warrants to acquire 9,090,909 Shares. The 9,090,909 warrants were exercised at a price of $0.22 per Share for total consideration of C$1,999,999.98.Prior to the warrant exercise, Moonrider beneficially owned, controlled, or directed an aggregate of 18,974,053 Shares and 29,090,909 share purchase warrants, representing approximately 33.87% of the outstanding Shares of Aton on a non-diluted basis and approximately 56.47% on a partially diluted basis, assuming Moonrider's exercise of its warrants.Following the warrant exercise, Moonrider beneficially owns, controls, or directs an aggregate of 28,064,962 Shares and 20,000,000 share purchase warrants, representing approximately 43.10% of the outstanding Shares of Aton on a non-diluted basis and approximately 56.47% on a partially diluted basis, assuming Moonrider's exercise of its warrants.Moonrider may, depending on market or other conditions, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership, control or direction over, or exercise its current rights to acquire, Shares through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise.Moonrider's head office is located at Toompuiestee 37, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia. Aton's head office is located at 1700 - 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2 X8.This press release is being disseminated as required by National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issuers in connection with the filing of an early warning report.An early warning report will be electronically filed by Moonrider with the applicable securities commission in each jurisdiction where Aton is reporting and will be available on Sedar Plus at www.sedarplus.ca.About Aton Resources Inc.Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the advanced Rodruin exploration prospect in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Sir Bakis and Semna. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. Abu Marawat is 447.7 km 2 in size and is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor.For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact:Tonno VahkInterim CEO Tel: +1 604 318 0390Email: info@ atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsSome of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.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: Aton Resources, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 22:00:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 808 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / SCS Global ServicesA Case Study of Cooxupe by SCS Global ServicesExecutive SummaryCooxupe, the world's largest coffee cooperative, with over 18,000 members - more than 97% of whom are small producers who make their living from family farming - is Brazil's largest exporter of coffee in the global market, with 6.8 million bags of coffee beans produced in 2022 alone. As global markets continue to push for more sustainable farming practices including worker safety, equity, and diversity, Cooxupe has risen to the challenge of becoming a leader in incorporating sustainable principles and responsible practices within its business, operations and facilities, and even in the decisions that relate to its stakeholders (cooperative members, employees, suppliers, customers and community). Cooxupe's goal is to balance the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects that are essential to ongoing success and growth within the coffee industry.The ProblemOver the last several years, the Cooxupe team noticed some challenges to overcome regarding the engagement of its producers in sustainability codes of conduct. The majority of cooperative members that are part of certification systems are large farmers that have more infrastructure to apply the required certification standard's actions in the field. While small producers and family farms are responsible for the greatest part of Cooxupe's production, they often have not had the infrastructure or support needed to pursue sustainability certifications.As the number of cooperative members increases every year and the demand for sustainable coffee grows, Cooxupe saw a need to not only support producers who are already achieving sustainability certifications and higher yields, but also those who needed more support to increase yields to meet market demands and achieve additional certifications.Solutions ProvidedWhile some of Cooxupe's growers have been participating in other sustainability programs, such as the Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices program and Rainforest Alliance certification, Cooxupe knew that internally the company needed to develop a new program that could not only be benchmarked against these established standards so more farms could participate in them, but Cooxupe could also go above and beyond these programs to help educate, establish farm-based protocols, provide technical assistance, and offer financial support to implement sustainable change in a way that had never been done before. Cooxupe saw the solution for this problem as the creation of a program capable of increasing the producer's engagement regarding sustainability with a proactive and positive approach, coupled with the necessary technical and financial support that develops a healthy and prosperous environment for the next generations."The cooperativism that we believe in is a sustainable model because we are not B2B, business-to-business, we are not B2C, business-to-consumers, we are P2P, people-to-people. We are a people organization that joined together to solve common problems for the families that farm coffee, and our Geracoes program was set up to improve the lives of the coffee growers and the communities where they live." " - Alexandre Monteiro, ESG Manager, CooxupeResultsThe culmination of a more than two-year program development process was the launch of Cooxupe's Geracoes Protocol (Generations in English), a well-defined set of guidelines and levels of achievement focused on the resilience, longevity, and quality of production, all deeply linked to economically sustainable production, in harmony with the environment and with the producers, their families and their employees. The program, already being adopted by more than 400 producers, starts from the ground up, not from the top down, with more than 100 Cooxupe technical professionals meeting with the farmers in the field, explaining the program, its benefits, and the how sustainable practices will benefit the farms, the workers and the environment. SCS auditors serve as verifiers, who validate each farm's adherence to Generations' protocols and acceptance into the family of compliant farms.Key Outcomes & Plans Going ForwardCooxupe created a robust, internal sustainability program to support their 18,000 farmers in their quest to becoming more sustainable and equitable.Developed a team of internal sustainability analysts who work directly with farmers on an ongoing basis to implement and maintain sustainability practices on their farms.Implemented a 3-step communications initiative to educate internal employees, producers and field workers, and cooperative partners about the Geracoes program.Provides technical and financial assistance to producers to become a part of the Geracoes program for the benefit of their farms, their workers, the surrounding community, and the environment.Anticipates steady adoption of Geracoes in line with their 2028 corporate sustainability goals.Download English Version Download Spanish Version Download Portuguese VersionFor more information about Carbon Neutral Certification please contact: Jorge Ramirez Laugerud Vice President, Responsible Sourcing Strategies jramirez@ scsglobalservices.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: SCS Global ServicesWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-servicesEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: SCS Global Services PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 20:30:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 804 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LAGOS, NIGERIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Continental Lithium Limited ("Continental Lithium," "Continental," or the "Company"), the first emerging lithium mining and trading company out of Nigeria focused on the exploration, mining, trading and exporting of solid mineral ores, including lithium (spodumene), tin, columbite-tantalite, zircon sand (brown) and monazite to the U.S., Europe and Asia, today announced it has secured a contract with Chung Nam Minerals Hong Kong Company Limited ("Chung Nam") valued at $9.2 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Continental will deliver a total of 15,000 metric tons of zircon sand to Chung Nam between September 2023 and December 2024, with a minimum of 300 metric tons per month through November 2023 and a minimum of 600 metric tons per month thereafter.As part of the agreement, Continental will receive a $1.3 million prepayment from Chung Nam."This contract, valued at nearly twice our total revenues from fiscal year 2022, represents a significant expansion of our solid mineral ores business," said Pierce Carson, CEO of Continental Lithium. "As we step into this exciting new chapter of accelerated growth, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders and strengthening our position in the industry." "We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide Chung Nam with a reliable supply of high-quality zircon sand," said Ronald Onosode, co-founder and COO of Continental Lithium. "This agreement is a testament to the strong foundation we have established in Nigeria and our team's ability to deliver high-quality mineral ores to customers globally." Zircon (ZrSiO4) is a naturally occurring refractory mineral found in sand deposits. It is known for its chemical inertness and stability at high temperatures and is used for a wide range of applications, including foundry, ceramic, refractory, and precision casting. Global zircon production currently exceeds 1.2 million tonnes annually. China consumes nearly half of this output, while other major consuming regions include Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and India. The global market for zircon was valued at $1.8 billion in 2022 and is forecast to reach $2.9 billion in 2028, according to a 2023 report from IMARC Group."We are solidifying our position as a market leader in the aggregation, processing, and exporting of critical mineral ores from Nigeria," added Lanre Afebuameh, co-founder, President, and Vice Chairman of Continental Lithium. "We look forward to expanding our relationships with customers in key markets globally and continuing to develop our capabilities to support their evolving needs." About Continental LithiumFounded in 2017, the Company commenced small-scale mining in collaboration with artisanal miners in 2018. Over the last five years, the underlying assets acquired by Continental Lithium have produced approximately 15,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate. The Company has plans to develop its lithium and rare earth mineral assets and substantially increase its production for export to the U.S., Europe and Asia. Continental Lithium currently owns 100% interest in 26 minerals licenses covering 159,000 acres which were acquired from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office. 15 of the 26 licenses cover 113,000 acres and are held for lithium and other pegmatite-hosted mineralization of tin, columbite-tantalite, zircon sand, and monazite containing rare earth elements. Learn more at https://continental-lithium.com/ Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such risks relate to, among other things, the Company's planned extraction activities, the expected reserves on the Company's properties, risks and hazards inherent in the mining business and industry, changes in the market price of lithium and rare earth minerals, the Company's ability to deliver product under supply agreements on favorable terms, the receipt by the Company of payment from counterparties under supply and other commercial agreements, changes in global market forecasts and other uncertainties and risks. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.Investor Contact:RedChip Companies Inc.Dave Gentry1-800-RED-CHIP (733-2447)or 407-491-4498dave@ redchip.com SOURCE: Continental Lithium Limited PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 01:20:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1034 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2023 / Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("CODE" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding definitive agreement ("Definitive Agreement") dated August 29, 2023, in respect to a business combination (the "Transaction") with Agapi Luxury Brands Inc. ("Agapi"). It is expected that upon completion of the Transaction, the combined entity (the "Resulting Issuer") will meet the listing requirements for an industrial issuer under the policies of the CSE Venture Exchange (the "CSE"). The CSE has conditionally accepted the Transaction, and the Company will hold a shareholder meeting on December 1, 2023 to give its shareholders the opportunity to consider the Transaction and approve the same.Terms of the TransactionThe Transaction is expected to be completed by way of a share exchange, which will result in Agapi becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of CODE.Upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in the Definitive Agreement, the following, among other things, will be completed in connection with the Transaction:the holders of Agapi Common Shares will receive 0.7601 common shares of the Resulting Issuer in exchange for each of their Agapi Common Shares, (the "Exchange Ratio");all outstanding Agapi warrants will be replaced with equivalent convertible or exchangeable securities of the Resulting Issuer entitling the holders thereof to acquire common shares of the Resulting Issuer;the management and board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will be determined by Agapi and announced in further press releases; andCODE will change its name to such name as determined by Agapi in its sole discretion, in compliance with applicable law and as may be acceptable to the CSE.The Transaction is a non-arm's length transaction or a related party transaction pursuant to the policies of the CSE and NI 61-103 as the CEO of CODE is a significant shareholder of Agapi. As a result, CODE is being represented in these negotiations by a special committee made of up of independent directors. In addition the Company has commissioned an independent valuation of Agapi and will seek the approval of disinterested shareholders.Private Placement FinancingIn connection with and as a condition to the Transaction, Agapi intends to complete an equity financing of Agapi Common Shares for minimum gross proceeds of $750,000 (the "Private Placement"). It is expected that the issue price per Agapi Common Share will be $0.12. The Agapi Common Shares are expected to be sold to "accredited investors" and other parties pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under Canadian securities laws.The Private Placement is intended to be completed prior to or concurrently with closing of the Transaction. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.Conditions of the TransactionCompletion of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including: (i) receipt of all required approvals and consents relating to the Transaction, including without limitation any approvals of the shareholders of CODE and Agapi as required by the CSE and under applicable corporate or securities laws; (ii) completion of the Private Placement; and (iii) the CSE's final approval for listing the shares of the Resulting Issuer.Trading HaltTrading in CODE Common Shares on the CSE will remain halted in compliance with the policies of the CSE. It is not expected that trading in the CODE Common Shares will resume prior to the Closing.Filing StatementIn connection with the Transaction and in compliance with the policies of the CSE, CODE will file on SEDAR by September 29, 2023 the information circular which will contain details regarding the Transaction, CODE, Agapi and the Resulting Issuer, including proposed management of the Resulting Issuer. .About Cypher Metaverse Inc.Cypher Metaverse Inc. seeks early-stage investments in emerging technology sectors, including the blockchain ecosystem, fintech and the metaverse. The Company identifies such opportunities and applies its relationships and capital to advance its interests.The Company's head office is located at 1780-355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2C8. The common shares of CODE ("CODE Common Shares") are currently listed on the CSE and CODE is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.CODE currently has 15,571,906 CODE Common Shares issued and outstanding and securities exercisable or exchangeable into 3,288,070 CODE Common Shares.About Agapi Luxury Brands Inc.Agapi's premium luxury branded cigars sold under the brand "Freud Cigar Co." , are exclusively handcrafted using the finest tobacco leaves that are carefully selected and aged to perfection, and artistically blended to produce an unforgettable smoking experience for the luxury consumer. The company has partnered with renowned industry veterans Eladio Diaz and Wiber Ventura with the aim to disrupt the luxury cigar segment. The company has successfully commercialized products in the US and international markets selling over 40,000 and 10,000 cigars in each respective market.Agapi is a private company and was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on June 11, 2021. Agapi's head office is located at 1780-355 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2C8.Agapi currently has approximately 65,571,906 common shares ("Agapi Common Shares") issued and outstanding and securities exercisable or exchangeable into approximately 84,542,058 Agapi Common Shares .For further information please contact:Cypher Metaverse Inc. Corporate CommunicationsBrian Keane - DirectorPhone: Toll-Free (877) 806-CODE (2633) or 1 (778) 806-5150Agapi Luxury Brands Inc.David Stadnyk, CEOAll information in this press release relating to Agapi has been provided by Agapi and is the sole responsibility of Agapi.Cautionary NoteCompletion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, CSE acceptance and if applicable pursuant to CSE requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any inf PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 19:20:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 631 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VENTURA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing the field of mental health care, the Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship for Mental Health Professionals is pleased to announce the opening of its 2024 application cycle. This prestigious scholarship, established by Dr. Michael Vivian, M.D., offers a one-time award of $1,000 to a deserving student pursuing a career in mental health. The scholarship is a testament to Dr. Vivian's distinguished legacy and his vision to inspire the next generation of mental health professionals.To be considered for this coveted scholarship, eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:Educational Pursuit: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to mental health care or have plans to pursue such studies.Academic Excellence: The scholarship highly values outstanding academic achievements. Applicants should have a proven track record of scholastic excellence.Passion for Mental Health: Candidates should display a genuine passion for the field of mental health care, showcasing a strong commitment to making a positive impact on individuals' well-being.Personal and Professional Growth: Demonstrated dedication to continuous growth, both personally and professionally, within the realm of mental health care.Essay Submission: As part of the application process, applicants must provide a well-thought-out essay of up to 1000 words addressing the following prompt: "Describe an innovative approach to destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting mental well-being in your community or society at large."Problem-Solving Aptitude: Showcase creative and resourceful problem-solving skills, highlighting the ability to identify and address complex challenges within the mental health care sector.The deadline to apply for the Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship for Mental Health Professionals is March 15, 2024. Submissions will be carefully reviewed, with the winner set to be announced on April 15, 2024.Dr. Michael Vivian, M.D., is a distinguished figure in the field of mental health care, renowned for his unwavering dedication and transformative contributions. His remarkable journey, from his birth in Hanau, Germany on February 21, 1965, to becoming a leading authority in psychiatry, is characterized by academic excellence and a deep commitment to improving mental health care.Dr. Vivian earned his M.D. with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed postgraduate training at the University of California, San Francisco's Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. His expertise spans various facets of mental health, with a particular focus on addiction psychiatry and eating disorders.As the founder of Reward Path Recovery Center, Dr. Vivian has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to comprehensive mental health treatment. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held diverse leadership roles, advocating for innovation and excellence in the field. Dr. Vivian's legacy extends to numerous research contributions, impactful presentations, and a continuous dedication to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges.The Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship, bearing his name, is a testament to Dr. Vivian's commitment to fostering the next generation of mental health professionals. It stands as both a tribute to his legacy and an opportunity to empower those who share his passion for elevating mental health care to new heights.To learn more about the Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship for Mental Health Professionals and to submit your application, please visit the official website at https://drmichaelvivianscholarship.com/ About Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship for Mental Health Professionals:The Dr. Michael Vivian Scholarship for Mental Health Professionals is a prestigious scholarship program established by Dr. Michael Vivian, M.D., to support and empower students pursuing careers in the field of mental health care. The scholarship reflects Dr. Vivian's lifelong dedication to advancing mental health treatment and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals. For more information, please visit https://drmichaelvivianscholarship.com/dr-michael-vivian-scholarship/ Contact Info:Spokesperson: Dr. Michael VivianOrganization: Dr. Michael Vivian ScholarshipWebsite: https://drmichaelvivianscholarship.comEmail: apply@ drmichaelvivianscholarship.com SOURCE: Dr Michael Vivian Scholarship PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 04:30:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 406 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2023 / 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 Company's 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 DoIf 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 LawsuitHawaiian 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 Company's 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 Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (iii) as a result, the Company's 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, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 23:03:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 367 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ("Hawaiian Electric" or the "Company") (NYSE:HE) 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 Hawaiian Electric securities between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/he Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Hawaiian Electric's wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (2) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (3) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.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/he 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 Hawaiian Electric you have until October 23, 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: 2023-09-26 10:35:56 Press Information Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited +91 7580990088 email www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com Published by Parmeet Singh 7580990088 e-mail https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/ # 1015 Words +91 7580990088Parmeet Singh7580990088 The world of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market is a complex and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by consumer demands and technological advancements. In this report, we delve into the depths of this market to provide a profound and comprehensive analysis, catering to a diverse audience that includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our primary goal is to empower industry stakeholders with invaluable insights to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. We aim to illuminate the current status of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market while projecting its future trends.Scope and PurposeOur report is a comprehensive guide designed to equip industry stakeholders with actionable information. It covers various aspects of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market, including market dynamics, competition, growth avenues, challenges, and regional variations. This information goes beyond mere descriptions; it is intended to help stakeholders make critical decisions that can shape their strategies and endeavors in the market.Request for Sample Report:Promising Comprehensive AnalysisTo fulfill our promises, we commit to providing a comprehensive analysis that leaves no stone unturned. We pledge to unravel the factors propelling the market's growth, dissecting shifts in consumer preferences and technological breakthroughs that are driving the demand for industrial heat treatment furnaces products. Simultaneously, we acknowledge that challenges and obstacles are part of any industry landscape, and we vow to illuminate these hurdles, be it economic uncertainties or the intense competition that often characterizes such markets.Some of the major companies in the Industrial Heat Treatment Furnaces market are as follows: ALD Vacuum Technologies, AVS, Aichelin Group, Andritz, CEC, Cieffe(Accui, Despatch, Gasbarre Furnace, HeatTek, Inductotherm Corporation, Ipsen, Keith Company, Mersen, Nachi-Fujikoshi, Nutec Bickley, PVA TePla, Phoenix Furnace, Primetals Technologies, SECO/WARWICK, Shenwu, Sistem Teknik, Surface Combustion, TAV, TPS, TenovaGuiding the Path ForwardOur report extends an invitation to its readers to explore its contents and sets the stage for uncovering the competitive landscape. It introduces the major players in the industrial heat treatment furnaces market and their strategies, offering insights into what makes them thrive. This insight-rich analysis is meant to guide others on their path forward whether it's to navigate the competition more effectively or to find inspiration in successful strategies.Anticipation of InsightsRecognizing that the market is not monolithic but rather a composition of various segments, the report pledges to provide a nuanced understanding of these segments. It promises to detail their sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends. This targeted knowledge assists stakeholders in carving out specialized strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.Balancing Forces and Strategic ImplicationsBy elucidating both the driving forces and potential obstacles, the report paints a holistic picture of the market dynamics. It enables industry stakeholders to navigate the competitive landscape with a deeper understanding of the forces at play. Manufacturers can align their innovation efforts with consumer preferences and regulatory trends, thereby enhancing their market position. Investors and decision-makers can be better prepared to address economic uncertainties and supply chain vulnerabilities. Overall, this section equips readers with insights to make strategic decisions that account for both growth opportunities and challenges in the industrial heat treatment furnaces market.Exploring the Competitive LandscapeThe section dedicated to the competitive landscape of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market offers an intricate exploration of the market's key players, their strategies, and their impact on the industry. This segment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market's dynamics, the role of major companies, and the strategies they employ to thrive.Segment CharacteristicsThe report initiates the analysis by outlining the unique characteristics that define each segment. Whether these segments are categorized based on product types, customer demographics, use cases, or other distinguishing factors, the report provides a clear picture of how these segments are defined and differentiated.Market SizeUnderstanding the size of each market segment is crucial for gauging its significance within the overall market landscape. The report likely provides quantitative data to illustrate the market share and contribution of "Type" and "Application" segments to the entire industrial heat treatment furnaces market. This information helps stakeholders appreciate the relative importance of each segment.Growth PotentialBeyond current market size, the report delves into the growth potential of these segments. It explores factors such as emerging trends, consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and regulatory influences that could drive the future expansion of these segments. This forward-looking perspective aids stakeholders in identifying where the market's growth opportunities lie.Key TrendsThe analysis likely captures the key trends specific to each segment. Whether it's changing consumer preferences, evolving technology adoption, or shifting regulatory landscapes, the report provides insights into the forces shaping the behavior of "Type" and " Application." These trends inform stakeholders about the directions these segments might take in the coming years.Strategic InsightsThe segment analysis extends beyond descriptive data to offer strategic insights. By understanding the characteristics, potential, and trends of "Type" and "Application," industry participants can make informed decisions. Manufacturers can tailor their product development strategies to meet the demands of these segments, and marketers can create targeted campaigns to reach specific customer groups.Market Segmentation:Type: Single Chamber, Double Chamber, Multi ChamberApplication: Metallurgy, Petrochemical Industry, OthersExploring Regional DynamicsThe section dedicated to the regional analysis of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market provides a comprehensive exploration of how the market fares across different geographical areas. This analysis recognizes that markets are not homogenous and that regional variations can significantly impact market dynamics. The report delves into the intricacies of each region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa to provide stakeholders with valuable insights.Closing ThoughtsIn essence, the conclusion encapsulates the report's journey. It emphasizes the report's role as a strategic tool, a navigator, and a decision-making companion in the complex world of the industrial heat treatment furnaces market. This report is more than just a document; it is a valuable resource that empowers industry stakeholders to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving market environment. PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 04:30:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 421 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2023 / 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 Company's 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 DoIf 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 LawsuitRTX 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 Company's 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, RTX's 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, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ CONTACT:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 04:30:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 424 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2023 / 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 Company's 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 DoIf 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 LawsuitShift4 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, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit http://ksfcounsel.com/ Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC This sleeping beauty has been awakened, thanks to De Bethune. Renowned for its musical automata, Reuge can once again spread its wings and bring welcome poetry to a saturated horological landscape Some things have to be earned. Such as catching a few moments with Denis Flageollet at the recent Geneva Watch Days. The master watchmaker and head of developments at De Bethune is a rare visitor. He also likes to take time to explain an idea and to explain it in full. Two tendencies, neither compatible with a schedule of back-to-back appointments. It was worth taking that time out. Following Denis Flageollet downstairs from De Bethunes lakeside showroom, the more curious were rewarded with a hidden treasure: Reuge. Here, in just a few square metres, there was magic in the air. Because Reuge is enjoying a breath of fresh air. This creator of art mechanics and specialist in musical automata is at the head of a truly remarkable legacy. One that dates back hundreds of years, considering that automata accompanied the earliest striking clocks. The first astronomical clock at Strasbourg Cathedral (built between 1352 and 1354, later dismantled), marked religious festivals with the crowing of a mechanical cockerel. Known as the Merveille de Strasbourg, its fame spread throughout Europe. Automata were objects of wonder. Safeguarding expertise Not only has Reuge made this heritage even more marvellous, it has done so in miniature form. What is already an achievement on the scale of a cathedral becomes all the more complex when reduced to the size of a table clock or a tiny automaton. Its takes dexterity, ingenuity and creative thinking to find the perfect compromise between movement and sound, crafted with a skill that only a rare few artisans still possess. A rare few: an understatement. At Reuge, four people are the last in the world to master a particular expertise. From finetuning the comb for the musical mechanism to feathering a singing bird, a heritage is threatened with extinction. Even for a company such as Reuge, which looks to the long term, there is an urgent need to preserve these skills. This hasnt escaped Denis Flageollet. After 30 years devoted to the measurement of time, this horological alchemist - as he describes himself in a wonderful book he has written - has too great a respect for, too intimate a relationship with craftsmanship to allow these skills to fade away. Which is why, as well as De Bethunes takeover of Reuge, he has set up Mec-Art, a non-profit organisation teaching art mechanics. Freedom Reuge Nurturing talent A four-week course provides theoretical and practical training in the different aspects of art mechanics, at the end of which students leave with an object of their creation. Who are these students? Watchmakers, mechanical wizards, individuals who have discovered a new vocation. There are none of the usual entrance requirements. Denis Flageollet doesnt believe in ticking boxes too restrictive - any more than he intends to let talent go to waste on the pretext that a person hasnt already completed this or that diploma. With such an all-round view, Reuge is again taking flight. One of its recent creations is a singing bird without a cage. The message could not be clearer. Reuge has set itself free and is returning to the origins of its mechanical art to create beauty and, most of all, wonder. PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-27 00:07:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 985 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE,)(NYSE:SKE) ("Skeena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a detailed Technical Report (the "Report") for the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at its 100% owned Snip Gold Project ("Snip" or the "Project"). The Report is titled "Independent Technical Report for the Snip Project, Canada" and is compliant with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The key results from the Report were summarized in the Company's news release dated September 5, 2023. A copy of the full report is available on Skeena's website and has been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov About SkeenaSkeena 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 Coles Randy ReichertExecutive Chairman President & CEOContact InformationInvestor Inquiries: info@ skeenaresources.comOffice Phone: +1 604 684 8725Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com Qualified PersonsIn 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 reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.Sheila Ulansky, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist for SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Ms. Ulansky is responsible for the 2023 Mineral Resources Estimate for the Snip Project.Jeff Austin, P.Eng., President of International Metallurgical and Environmental Inc., is an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Mr. Austin is responsible for mineral processing and metallurgical testing for the Snip Project.The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting the exploration activities on its projects.Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statementsCertain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "contemplates", "generates", "progressing towards", "in search of", "targets", "is projected", "plans to", "is planned", "considers", "estimates", "expects", "is expected", "often", "likely", "potential" and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "could", or "would" 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 Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, and the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF") dated March 22, 2023. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company'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 Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Company's s PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 20:30:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 445 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Industry-leading trucking companies will recruit new drivers this Saturday at TransTech in Gastonia, NC.GASTONIA, NC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / TransTech, North Carolina's leading truck driver training and transportation solutions company, will be hosting the area's largest truck driver Open House this Saturday, September 30, at their newly expanded Gastonia, NC campus.Open House, Saturday, Sept. 30, in Gastonia, NC The area's largest truck driver training Open House will be held at TransTech in Gastonia, NC "Truck driving is one of the largest occupations in North Carolina and currently employs more than 200,000 drivers," said Tyrel Sulzer, Co-CEO and COO of TransTech. "The industry is continuing to grow and to help meet the need for both Class A and Class B drivers, we have greatly expanded our training center in Gastonia," he added.The TransTech Open House will be this Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Gastonia campus at 3051 Aberdeen Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054. Trucking recruiters from Schneider, TMC Transportation, Stevens Transport, Covenant Transport, Werner Enterprises, and Swift Transportation will be meeting with potential new drivers at the Gastonia CDL training center. The event is open to the public and no prior driving experience is needed."As a TransTech graduate, I know first-hand how effective the training was," said Kei Siler, Field Recruiter for Stevens Transport. "Trucking is a tremendous industry, and our first-year drivers can earn up to $70,000 after they complete their CDL training. We are excited to be a part of this weekend's Open House, and hope to pre-hire several new driver trainees," he added.Donna Yonish, a Recruiter from Schneider, shared, "What we like about TransTech graduates is that they're well-trained. They go beyond just teaching you how to get a CDL; they are teaching them to be successful." She added that "we have great opportunities here in North Carolina, including regional, dedicated, over-the-road positions across our divisions." More than 100 potential students, graduates, their families, and industry leaders are expected to attend the event.About TransTechTransTech, Inc. provides truck driver training for individuals who wish to obtain their Class A or Class B commercial driver's licenses. The standard course of study is offered, which adheres to the requirements and specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. TransTech, Inc. is highly respected among our Nation's carriers - both locally and nationally. As a result, we allow our graduating students to gain employment in our Nation's top trucking companies. Learn more at https://trans-tech.net/ Contact Information:Tyrel Sulzer Co-CEO and COO tyrelsulzer@ trans-tech.net 857-895-0402SOURCE: TransTech PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 22:00:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Since September 2022, Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province has launched a Twitter account, "Nanchang China," to establish an international cultural brand, "@VisitNanchang," on a major overseas social media platform.NANCHANG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Since September 2022, Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province has launched a Twitter account, "Nanchang China," to establish an international cultural brand, "@VisitNanchang," on a major overseas social media platform. This initiative focuses on promoting Nanchang's natural beauty, cityscape, history, culture, and current events to a global audience. Through this platform, it has presented Nanchang as a welcoming city with deep-rooted cultural significance. As of now, VisitNanchang has shared over 660 posts and videos on Twitter, with a cumulative impression of nearly 20 million times and a total interaction with its subscribers of more than 284,000 times.Visit Nanchang "Nanchang China" in Twitter Helps Overseas Netizens Appreciate the Charm of Nanchang Online In its efforts to keep overseas audiences informed and engaged, VisitNanchang regularly updates its feed with the latest news and events from the city. The account also strategically tailors its content to align with holidays and trending topics worldwide. Starting in March 2023, VisitNanchang has launched special thematic columns, including "Nanchang Namecard," "Nanchang Beat," "Nanchang Spring Travel Handbook," "Summer Escape Guide in Nanchang," and "Nanchang Autumn Delights." Among those, the Nanchang Namecard" column stands out by curating the top ten cultural symbols that define Nanchang: Nanchang August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall, Bada Shanren , Wanshou Palace, Xiaoping Path, Fang Zhimin, Meiling National Scenic Area, the Tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, Shengjin Tower (Rope and Gold Pagoda), the Headquarters of the New Fourth Army, and Tengwang Pavilion. Each poster serves as an informative snapshot of Nanchang's history and culture, enriched by captivating short stories associated with these iconic sites. Furthermore, the "Nanchang Namecard" column adds a touch of emotion, humor, and wonder by weaving captivating short stories associated with these landmarks into the posters. This approach aims to deeply resonate with overseas audiences, allowing them to appreciate the profound significance of these cultural symbols within their historical context.The "Nanchang Sync Videos" column utilize the popular video format prevalent on social media to deliver more information in a short video. This column closely follows global trends, offering enticing content such as "Nanchang Delights Collection," "Dopamine Nanchang," "Nanchang Night Scenery," and "Ancient and Modern Nanchang." In addition, the "Nanchang Seasonal" column showcases Nanchang's cultural and tourism offerings tailored to each season. Utilizing various approaches, including electronic handbooks, travel tips, and food recommendations, it entices overseas netizens to embark on a journey to Nanchang, where they can immerse themselves in the city's natural beauty and cultural traditions.Contact InformationGrace Shi PR graceshi@ xinhuanetus.com 6465712146Chenchen Shen Manager chenchenshen@ xinhuanetus.com 6465712146SOURCE: Nanchang City PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-26 23:32:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 559 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/VZContact An Attorney Now: VZ@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Verizon 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, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Verizon securities fraud class action and our investigation, read more 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 The Saudi Arabian embassy in Nigeria, on Monday, celebrated the kingdoms 93rd National Day. The event held in Abuja was attended by government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Abuja as well as businessmen among others, according to a statement by the Press Attache of the embassy, Mohammed Alsahabi. Read the full statement below. Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Abuja PRESS RELEASE The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja celebrated the 93rd National Day of Saudi Arabia at its Ambassadors Residence which was attended by government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations in Abuja as well as businessmen among others. In his speech on this occasion, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal bin Ebraheem Alghamdi, highlighted that the Kingdom is celebrating 93 years of unifying parts of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud May Allah rest his soul- under one strong entity built on tolerant Islamic creed in which equality, justice and confidence prevail, and as the first fixed-line model in the modern era of Middle East. The Kingdoms ambassador also described the historic relations between the Kingdom and Nigeria as firm and growing since the inception of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1961. Wishing the best of luck and success to President Bola Tinubu, the Ambassador also disclosed that more than 200,000 Nigerian pilgrims, mutamir and visitors visited the Kingdom last year, and the Kingdom has given more than 200 scholarships to Nigerian students to study in different Kingdoms universities. He added that the trade volume between the two countries is more than $600 million. On humanitarian aid to the Nigerian people. The Kingdoms Ambassador disclosed that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud May Allah protect him has given directives to execute the Nur-Saudi Voluntary Campaign in Nigeria, which will be implemented in stages; the first stage had been executed which targeted combatting blindness and its causes, while a number of open-heart and urology surgeries had been performed as well. The Ambassador congratulated the parent of the Nigerian conjoined twins who were successfully separated in the Kingdom last May, in surgery no 56 performed by the Kingdom in separating conjoined twins from across the world. In conclusion, the Ambassador extended thanks and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly countries among which is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for its support of the Kingdoms bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, which coincided with the targeted date of the Saudi Vision 2030. Mohammed Alsahabi Press Attache Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abuja More Pictures: Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On 19 September, the US Department of States Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, tweeted Pleased to discuss shared objectives with President Touadera at #UNGA78. We remain committed to helping the Central African people achieve the peace and prosperity they deserve. On the eve of the General Debate on Monday, 18 September President Touadera and the US Department of States Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland had a bilateral meeting on the margins, a State Department spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES. Under Secretary Nuland and President Touadera discussed ways that we can strengthen our bilateral relations, and help the Central African people achieve peace and prosperity and We sought to gain an understanding from President Touadera on ways that we can strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two countries, the official said. CAR has been a regular feature of the UN Security Councils briefings and consultations on the security situation, including on 27 July for a Vote on the Extension of the Sanctions Regime in which the Security Council adopted resolution 2693 extending the sanctions measures on the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2024 and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee until 31 August 2024 with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (China and Russia), according to UN Security Council reports. The country has been widely reported in relation to the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, including by the Congressional Research Service in its 3 August report for the US Congress. The report affirmed the widely held belief that Wagners future in Africa is uncertain in the wake of its June 2023 mutiny in Russia, although Wagner is primarily active in the Central African Republic (CAR). From his perspective, CARs President Touadera voiced his sentiments and decried the disinformation and smear campaigns waged by certain Western media against the CAR, in his 78th UN General Assembly Debate speech, as translated by UN Affairs. READ ALSO: The United States continues to support the professionalization of CARs armed forces through International Military Education and Training, and the Department of State supports CARs law enforcement and judicial sectors in the amount of approximately $3.5 million dollars per year, which contributes to our shared objectives of promoting access to justice, a State Department spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES. Previously on 22 August, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller issued a statement about CARs Constitutional Referendum which validated the results of the July 30 constitutional referendum, which, among other changes, removes presidential term limits, and undercuts the countrys democratic governance. We believe that regular peaceful transitions of power yield strong institutions and more stable and prosperous countries. He added, The United States notes with deep reservations reports of low voter participation and concerns over secrecy of the ballot. Free and fair elections, with inclusive electoral processes are essential for any democracy and called for the CAR to make announce a date for local elections in which all Central Africans can express their views at the ballot box. In his UNGA speech last Thursday, President Touadera accused Western countries of being one of the reasons for African migration to Europe. This escalation of the migrant crisis is one of the appalling consequences of the plundering of natural resources of countries made poor by slavery, colonization and Western imperialism, terrorism and internal armed conflicts, said President Touadera in his 21 September UN General Assembly Debate. His rebuke did not end there. On the African migrants on the island of Lampedusa, Italy, he said, These young people who represent the present and the future of our continent, Africa, are desperately seeking to join the countries of the European continent, in search of an El Dorado. He highlighted the impact of migration on the CAR; having registered 51,000 new migrants from Chad and Sudan, since the internal war started there. He said, our certainly resilient populations to risks of worsening of the still deleterious humanitarian situation and insecurity. President Touadera asked member countries for consideration of the impact of this crisis on regional geopolitics as well as international solidarity in favour of refugees. In his UNGA address, President Touadera posed the question: certain States, from the height of their political, economic and military power, permanently agitate for coercive diplomacy or use international financial institutions for the purpose of imposing economic, financial and commercial blockades against countries made poor by slavery, colonization and imperialism? His accusation of these certain States was interpreted from his speech delivered in French, in which President Touadera called for the UN Security Council to put an end to these artifices which aim to mask the desire to perpetuate insecurity and the control over the countrys natural resources for the benefit of foreign powers, consecrate the legitimization of armed groups and grant them the status of subject of international law, according to the translation confirmed by UN Affairs. In July, the people of the Central African Republic learned to their great distress of the renewal of an arms embargo which was brought about by trumped-up reports, he said. This cynical decision betrays the unspoken intention of the members of the security council, the CAR president said. Arms embargoes and diamond embargoes happen in parallel with the suspension of budgetary and economic support. Both of these factors are real obstacles for my countrys achievement of the realization of the 2030 Agenda, he said, also adding: Here we repudiate this denial of our right to self-determination and permanent sovereignty over our wealth and natural resources. These trumped-up mechanisms are a thinly veiled desire to allow insecurity to reign and to continue a stranglehold over that countrys natural resources for the benefit of foreign powers. On Tuesday, 13 September, the week prior to arriving in New York for the 78th UNGA, Frances President Emmanuel Macron met and hosted President Touadera at his official residence, the Elysee Palace a positive diplomatic effort for two countries with an uneasy and complicated relationship an attempt to renew their bilateral relationship. According to an official communique, by the French Presidencys Elysee Palace, The President of the Republic met with the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera, this Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Elysee Palace. They discussed the internal situation in the Central African Republic, the state of our bilateral relationship but also the ongoing transition in Gabon. 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 US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in partnership with the Cote dIvoire Armed Forces organized the West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, which took place from 19 to 20 September. Both organizers have characterized it as a significant gathering that brought together 50 prominent military logistics leaders from West African nations and the United States. The conference was held over two days under the theme Addressing Regional Logistic Challenges: Collaboration and Solutions. It provided a platform for West African participants to exchange their unique experiences and perspectives. The primary objective of the collaborative forum was to kickstart the development of tailored solutions for common logistics and coordination challenges. Regional military forces have an important role in working together to create logistics solutions that are durable, impactful, and lasting. The West Africa Logistics Conference offers an opportunity for logisticians from 13 West African nations, as well as the African Union and ECOWAS, to discuss shared challenges, collaborate, and work toward solutions together, and I look forward to continuing our partnerships, said AFRICOMs Director for Logistics, George Bresnihan. The rear admiral added, I want to thank our partners in the Ivoirian military who have worked with US Command over the past year to help make this important conference happen. The start of the event featured introductory speeches from notable figures including Mr Bresnihan, who serves as the US Ambassador to Cote dIvoire; Jessica Ba; Jean Malan, who holds the position of director of Cabinet for Cote dIvoires Ministry of Defense; and Kirouin Bernabet, the logistics director for Cote dIvoires Armed Forces. Over the two-day conference, the meetings programme had a lineup of panel discussions and dialogues led by collaborating organizations. These discussions covered a range of topics, including the enhancement of institutional capabilities, the proactive utilization of logistical data to anticipate potential challenges and enhance operational readiness, the optimization of resource allocation, and the effective communication of logistical shortcomings and their potential implications to senior decision-makers. Furthermore, the conference placed a special emphasis on the intricacies of being prepared for and responding to crises, encompassing situations involving internally displaced populations, food shortages, natural disasters, and pandemics. READ ALSO: The event drew several African countries and organizations, with participants representing a diverse array of States including Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Cameroon, Chad, alongside the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. A few months prior, US Marine Corps General, Michael Langley, at the helm of the US Africa Command, and a US Marine Corps Sergeant Major, Michael Woods, holding the position of senior enlisted leader at AFRICOM, embarked on a visit to Cote dIvoire from 24 July to 27 July. Their principal aim during this visit was to fortify collaboration between the two nations. Mr Langley had placed paramount importance on traversing the African continent and engaging in dialogues with leaders of partner countries, as detailed by the AFRICOM Public Affairs department. 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 President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, intensified his legal efforts to block the Chicago State University from releasing his academic records to his rival presidential candidate during the last election, Atiku Abubakar. After obtaining a reprieve from the District Court of Northern Illinois, Eastern Division, with the court temporarily suspending its 20 September order compelling the university to release the documents to Atiku, Mr Tinubu has now filed a more detailed objection seeking to convince the court to reverse the order outright. Mr Tinubus application, filed by his New York-based lawyer, Oluwole Afolabi, is anchored on two broad reasons. First is that his academic records in issue are not useful in Nigerian courts as claimed by Atiku because the Nigerian election proceedings and the Nigerian courts have explicitly been unreceptive to the discovery. Mr Tinubus second reason is that Atikus request is unduly intrusive because it allows Applicant (Atiku) to conduct a fishing expedition into Intervenors private, confidential, and protected educational records. He urged the court to set aside the previous order, saying his political opponents had previously used his illegally obtained academic records to attack him. The unlawful release of documents previously allowed Intervenors opponents to sow confusion and spread conspiracy theories, Tinubus objection read in part. It added that Atikus application was not anything more than opposition research on a political opponent. Atiku had set off the legal battle with an application filed on 2 August requesting the court to order the Chicago State University to release Mr Tinubus academic records to him. The former Nigerian vice president requested the documents in the hope of using them at the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja to challenge the authenticity of the certificate presented by Mr Tinubu to Nigerias electoral body, INEC, for the 2023 election. He argued that among other things, a second Chicago State University diploma has since emerged (dated June 27, 1979) that bears the name Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also presents with a different font, punctuation, seal, and signatures, than the June 22, 1979 diploma, among other alleged discrepancies. Atiku told the US court that he wanted to authenticate these documents whether a Chicago State University diploma in the name of Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated June 22, 1979, that was submitted to the INEC before the Nigerian presidential election in February 2023 is genuine or was forged. On 19 September, a magistrate judge of the court, Jeffrey Gilbert, ordered the university to release the requested documents to Atiku within two days. Mr Tinubus legal team swiftly approached a district judge of the court to suspend the order to enable them to file a more elaborate challenge against it. At an emergency hearing on 21 September, the district judge, Nancy Maldonado, agreed to delay the order compelling the Chicago State University to release the academic documents of President Tinubu. Following the approval, Mr Tinubu, through his legal team, filed his objection on Monday. Atiku barred from using my CSU records In the objection filed on Monday, Mr Tinubus legal team argued that the magistrate judge granted Atikus application even though the applicant was barred from attempting to use the discovery in the foreign proceeding. That conclusion should be rejected because the discovery cannot be for use in the foreign proceeding due to the decision of the Nigerian Election Court, and that decision shows the Nigerian courts would not be receptive to the discovery sought by the application. READ ALSO: The Magistrate gave no weight to the decision of the Nigerian Election Court, which is authoritative proof of the unreceptivity of the foreign court to the discovery sought, the objection read in part. It added that the possibility that the Nigerian Supreme Court, where Atiku proceeded to challenge the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court, may accept the documents was a mere speculation and not not an indication that foreign courts might consider the discovery. Atikus application is fishing expedition In the other plank of objection, Mr Tinubus team argued that while Atikus case at the Nigerian court only touched on a CSU diploma, the magistrate judge erroneously concluded to issue an order for the release of other educational documents. They said the court erroneously held that a foray into other documents was permissible because Intervenor also submitted other educational documents in a related proceeding in Nigeria. The objection added: The Magistrate erred in requiring compliance with two subpoenas that go far beyond the narrow issue of the diploma submitted to the INEC, and finding that the education records protections were overcome by Applicants investigatory interests. The Magistrate determined that the Applicants interest outweighed the privacy interest because the Intervenor put the diploma at issue by submitting it to the INEC. The Magistrate also concluded the Applicants interests were stronger as to other educational documents submitted in related proceedings. This second conclusion is clearly erroneous because the other documents are not at issue in the electoral challenge, and discovery for related proceedings is merely another way of describing a fishing expedition. I will suffer harm if CSU releases my documents to Atiku Mr Tinubu argued that he stood to suffer harm in allowing discovery on issues and documents outside the diploma because his records were illegally obtained previously and have been utilised to attack him. He added: Obtaining more documents via a subpoena particularly ones that are not part of the INEC submission by Intervenor is both improper and nonsensical. The unlawful release of documents previously allowed Intervenors opponents to sow confusion and spread conspiracy theories. Applicant should not be permitted to conduct discovery on the discovery illegally obtained by Applicants allies and Intervenors political opponents. Discovery on discovery is rarely appropriate and is certainly not appropriate when the sole issue Applicant identified is the Intervenors submission of his diploma to INEC. Nor does the fact that Intervenors educational records have been spread into court records justify discovery. Section 1782 does not authorise fishing expeditions to satisfy curiosity or resolve public controversy. Im vindicated In conclusion, Mr Tinubu said the Chicago State University had already been established as the most critical by stating that he was awarded the degree as he stated. This point is irrelevant to Applicant because he is not seeking anything more than opposition research on a political opponent. The Magistrate Judge clearly erred in granting the application for discovery and concluding that Chicago State University must respond to the document and deposition subpoenas He urged the court to set aside the conclusion of the magistrate judge and reverse his order because the information sought cannot be used and therefore is not for use in the foreign proceedings. Atiku had, in his application, argued that among other things, a second Chicago State University diploma has since emerged (dated June 27, 1979) that bears the name Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also presents with a different font, punctuation, seal, and signatures, than the June 22, 1979 diploma, among other alleged discrepancies. Atiku told the US that he wanted to authenticate these documents whether a Chicago State University diploma in the name of Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated June 22, 1979, that was submitted to the INEC before the Nigerian presidential election in February 2023 is genuine or was forged. Atiku added that under Nigerian law, the submission of a fraudulent document to the INEC would have disqualified President Tinubu from participating in the election. When Atiku filed his application in the US district court on 2 August, his petition challenging the presidential election was pending before the Nigerian Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. Therefore, Atiku said his application in the US court was to obtain discoveries that would support his petitions in the Nigerian court of appeal. Court documents show that a day after Atikus application was filed, President Tinubu filed a motion to join in the suit. The judge granted the motion to intervene on 7 August. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, on Wednesday, swore in nine new Justices of the Court of Appeal, swelling the rank of the judges of the court grappling with huge backlog of cases to 81. The Court of Appeal occupies a prime place in the hierarchy of courts in the Nigerian judicial system. It is the penultimate court before Nigerias highest and final court, the Supreme Court. The court and its president also have the statutory responsibility to set up and coordinate election petition tribunals that adjudicate on disputes arising from election disputes in the country. It also serves as the final court for legislative election disputes. Although it receives and adjudicates on appeals concerning judgements of the governorship election petitions tribunals across the country, its own decisions on the appeals can still be further challenged at the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal is also the court of first instance for adjudication on disputes from Nigerias presidential elections. Due to its crucial roles in the socio-economic and political developments as well as its contributions to jurisprudence in the country, PREMIUM TIMES, in this report, shines some light on the new additions to the courts bench. The nine judges newly added to the bench of the court with the states they represent include: Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun, Kaduna State; Binta Fatima Zubairu, Kaduna State; and Peter Chudi Obiora, Anambra State. They rest are: Okon Efreti Abang, Akwa Ibom State; and Asmau Musa Mainoma, Federal Capital Territory, Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu, Oyo State, Jane Esienanwan Iyang, Cross River State; Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, Sokoto State; and Paul Ahmed Bassi, Borno State. Okon Efreti Abang Mr Abang, 61, who hails from Oron in Akwa-Ibom State, South-south Nigeria, needs no introduction given some high-profile and sometimes controversial cases he has handled in his 14 years judicial career as a judge of the Federal High Court. He is reputed for the relative dispatch with which he handles criminal cases, in a country where such cases particularly those involving politically-exposed persons proceed perpetually. In February 2020, the Court of Appeal division in Abuja, praised Mr Abang for making appreciable progress in the hearing of a N3.1 billion fraud case involving a former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, after the case suffered delays before another Federal High Court judge, Ahmed Mohammed. Justice Abang has shown commendable diligence in the trial, Emmanuel Agim who delivered the lead judgement in an appeal lodged by Mr Suswam to have his case retrieved from Mr Abang and returned to Mr Mohammed, had said. In a landmark decision, Mr Abang in November 2021, jailed a former chairperson of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, for money laundering offences involving N2 billion in pension funds. Given the trajectory of Mr Mainas trial after he jumped bail and was rearrested in Niger and returned to Nigeria amid other high-powered scheming during the President Muhammadu Buharis regime that saw Mr Maina reinstated to the civil service, many Nigerians lauded Mr Abang for his courage in finding the pension thief guilty. Delivering another consequential decision last December, the jurist sentenced nine drug traffickers, including four internationally-wanted Mexicans, to 10 years imprisonment each. This newspaper reported that Mr Abang jailed the convicts for producing cocaine-like drug methamphetamine and extracting ephedrine, another illicit substance, at the laboratory located in a warehouse in Delta State. The judge also chastised the prosecuting agency, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for entering into a plea agreement with the drug barons despite sufficient evidence to earn a conviction and secure a stiffer penalty for the culprits. The defendants made confessional statements that would even secure conviction on their own, Mr Abang said, insisting that the plea bargain agreement was indefensible. However, Mr Abangs handling of the trial of Olisa Metuh, a stalwart of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) put his court in the spotlight. He had in February 2020, sentenced Mr Metuh to seven years imprisonment after finding him and his firm, Destra Investment Limited, guilty of charges of money laundering involving the sum of N400 million they received from ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, in 2014 preparatory to the 2015 general elections. The Court of Appeal would eventually overturn Mr Abangs decision and order a fresh trial by another judge of the court, on the grounds that Mr Abang was biased against the defendants. Some lawyers however noted that the Court of Appeal did not show the alleged bias impacted Mr Abangs review of the evidence adduced in the case. The prosecuting agency, the EFCC, has since appealed against the Court of Appeals decision at the Supreme Court. With a legal career spanning three decades, Mr Abang practised as a lawyer for about two decades before he became a Federal High Court Judge. He attended the Central School Ebughu Mbo Local Government of Akwa-Ibom Akwa from January 1968 to June 1973. Thereafter, Mr Abang proceeded to St.Vincents Secondary School OtiOron, Oron area of the state between September 1973 and June 1978, and School of Basic Studies Akampa, Cross River State from September 1980 to June 1982. In his quest for legal education, Mr Abang secured admission to the University of Calabar, and studied law between October 1993 and June 1987, before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School Victoria Island, Lagos between 1987 and 1988. He was called to the Bar on 3 November 1988. After about 21 years of legal practice, Mr Abang was inaugurated a judge of the Federal High Court on 25 June 2009. He sat as a judge of the court until his appointment and subsequently swearing-in as a Justice of the Court of Appeal on 20 September 2023. Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu Lateef Ganiyu was, until his elevation to the Court of Appeal bench, a judge of the Oyo State High Court. He was born on 7 July 1966 in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state. The jurist was enrolled at Muslim Grammar School, Iseyin between 1980-1985 and obtained WASC O-LEVEL in 1986. He proceeded to Ansar-ud-deen High School at Saki, Oyo State between 1986 and 1987 where obtained WASC A-Level in 1987. He earned a certificate from The Ibadan Polytechnic Continuing Education Centre, Ibadan, in 1988. Mr Ganiyu bagged his law degree from the University of Lagos in 1992 and thereafter proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 1993. He was called to the Bar the following year. In his quest for further legal education, Mr Ganiyu proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University of Ife, Osun State for his Masters degree in law between 1996 and 1997. He was appointed judge of the Oyo State High Court on 26 June 2014. In his contributions to the states legal development, Mr Ganiyu served on the Committee on Drafting of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Oyo State, 2016. Also, he was a member, Committee on Selection of eligible officers of the Oyo State judiciary. In one of Mr Ganiyus verdicts, the judge in April 2018, dismissed the case of Adebayo Shittu, ex-Nigerian communications minister, against the Oyo State over a disputed parcel of land. He served as a judge of the Oyo State High Court for nine years before his elevation to the Court of Appeal bench last week. Paul Ahmed Bassi Mr Bassi, who hails from Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, was born in July 1975. He had a 12-year career at Nigerias anti-corruption agency, ICPC, where he rose through the ranks to become a chief legal officer. He switched from his prosecutorial job to become a judge of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria on 14 July 2017. Training to become a lawyer, Mr Bassi obtained his law degree from the University of Maiduguri, and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in October 2000. After his successful completion of the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he ventured into private legal practice at the law office of Oluwole Akanle & Co where he worked for five years before joining the services of ICPC. He worked with several organisations like the DFIDs Justice For All programme and the United States of Americas Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He has also attended at different times, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. While working as a private legal practitioner, he was a member of the team that served as legal consultants to the House of Representatives on the drafting of the watershed Pension Reform Act of 2004. He was also a leading member of the legal consultants to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on the first Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) Agreement with BiCourtney Services Ltd for the construction of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos. Three years ago, Mr Bassi in a judgement, ordered the Nigerian Army to reinstate Thomas Arigbe, a lieutenant colonel who was compulsorily retired in 2016. He declared the militarys conduct as illegal and unconstitutional. Mr Bassi, in May 2022, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to pay N5.7 billion terminal benefits to over 1000 bank workers affected by the recapitalisation programme of 2006. Binta Fatima Zubair Ms Zubairu hails from Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria. She was appointed a Federal High Court judge on 31 October 2001. The jurists educational background is hardly known in the public. Also, little is publicly known of her time as a judge apart from her participation in a governorship election petition case in 2019. Ms Zubairu, leading a three-member panel of the Zamfara State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, affirmed the election of Bello Matawale as the duly elected governor of the state in November 2019. The Zubairu-led tribunal dismissed the case of the petitioner, Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), on the basis of a Supreme Court decision of May 2019 that cancelled all the votes polled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party that was declared as the winner of the governorship election in the state. Asmau Musa Mainoma Ms Mainoma hails from the FCT, Abuja but was born and raised in Sokoto State. The 53-year-old jurist had served as the director of public prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Nasarawa State before being appointed a High Court on 1 February 2013. Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun Ms Lala-Balogun hails from Kaduna State and was appointed a High Court judge in May 1999. In July 2022, Ms Lala-Balogun while sentencing an internet fraudster, Julius Emmanuel, to one year in prison, ordered the Nigerian anti-graft agency, EFCC, to sell the convicts N8 million worth Mercedes Benz C300 and an iPhone 12 as well as a HP laptop. Peter Chudi Obiora Mr Obiora who hails from Anambra State was a judge of the states High Court until his elevation to the Court of Appeal last week. He was the administrative judge of the Idemili judicial division of the state High Court. Although Mr Obioras educational background is not readily available in the public domain, some of his intellectual interventions in Nigerias electoral jurisprudence are documented. Presenting a paper on Nigerias Electoral Act in 2021 in Abuja, the jurist called for an amendment to the legislation to compel the electoral commission, INEC, to deploy technology in its conduct of elections. He also advocated the termination of pre-election disputes at the Court of Appeal instead of journeying to the Supreme Court, to relieve the countrys highest court of unnecessary burden of caseload. READ ALSO: In another key recommendation, Mr Obiora suggested the conclusion of pre-election suits before the general election to forestall imposition of candidates who either did not vie for election or contested but lost from being imposed on the electorate. He further argued that the burden of proof in election cases should shift to the electoral umpire, a position being canvassed by Atiku Abubakars lawyers at the Supreme Court in the disputed 2023 presidential election. Mr Obiora has also contributed to the development of a robust criminal system in Anambra State. In 2021, he chaired a committee that reviewed the states criminal code. In the committees major work, the offence of incest was defined to include adopted child, while defilement was made non-gender based crime. On the bench, Mr Obiora served as a member of the Osun State governorship election petition in 2019. Delivering the lead majority judgement on the election dispute between then Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC and Ademola Adeleke of PDP, Mr Obiora nullified the supplementary election held on 27 September 2018 after declaring it illegal, and then declared Mr Adeleke the winner of the poll based on the outcome of the substantive election earlier held on 22 September 2018. However, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court overturned the decision, affirming Mr Oyetolas victory. In one of his landmark decisions, Mr Obiora jailed a local council chairperson for contempt of court. Chigozie Awugosi, who was the chairperson of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, was ordered to refund funds he illegally received from the state government after his election as chairman was nullified, but failed to comply with the order, incurring the wrath of the court. Hadiza Rabiu Shagari Fifty-five-year-old Hadiza Shagari hails from Shagari town of Sokoto State. She had her secondary education in Minna, Niger State, and Kaduna State. In preparation for a career in the legal profession, Ms Shagari enrolled for a law degree programme in 1985 at the Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto and graduated in 1991. Thereafter, she proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 1991 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in Lagos in 1992. The jurist also bagged a postgraduate diploma from the University of Abuja in 2006. Ms Shagari worked with the Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos, from 1994 to 2005 before being appointed a judge of the Federal High Court in 2006. As a Federal High Court judge, Ms Shagari was posted to various divisions of the court including Abuja, Lagos and Katsina. Ms Shagaris judicial career was thrusted into the limelight when she presided over a criminal case involving Mahadi Shehu, a popular whistleblower, and the Inspector General of Police. At a hearing in March 2021, Mr Shehus choreographed ill-health as he trudged with crutches into the courtroom with neck brace in Katsina, drawing media attention on Ms Shagari. She also handled a case involving former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema. The EFCC had charged Mr Shema with alleged money laundering involving over N5 billion belonging to the state SURE-P, a social welfare programme during the President Goodluck Jonathan regime. Jane Esienanwan Inyang Ms Inyang comes from Cross River State, South-south Nigeria. She was sworn in as a Federal High Court judge on 12 February, 2015. Publicly-available details about Ms Inyangs educational and professional backgrounds are sketchy. However, some public interest cases propelled her name to the national stage. In May 2020, Ms Inyang while sitting at the Yenagoa division of the Federal High Court, jailed a Kano State indigene, Yunusa Dahiru, who abducted 13-year-old girl, Ese Oruru, from Bayelsa State. The judge who sentenced Mr Dahiru, widely known as Yellow, to prion, found the convict guilty of sexual exploitation and forced marriage. The incident drew outrage across Nigeria, putting Ms Inyang in the spotlight. On the political turf, the jurist disqualified the APC from the Bayelsa State governorship election in 2019. In her judgement, Ms Inyang held that the APC governorship primary election in the state did not comply with the statutory provisions of APC constitution. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Interior, Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, and the Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, have officially resigned from the House of Representatives. Their letters of resignation were read on the floor of the House on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Messrs Olubunmi-Ojo and Sununu were appointed by President Bola Tinubu and cleared by the Senate in August, however, the House had been on recess since July. While Mr Olubunmi-Ojo represented the Akoko North-east/Akoko North-west federal constituency of Ondo State, Mr Sununu was the representative of the Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski federal constituency of Kebbi State in the lower chamber. READ ALSO: Survivor recounts how Boko Haram kidnapped 110 female pupils from Dapchi school Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution provides that a member shall cease to be a member if appointed as minister. (1) A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if -he becomes President, Vice-President, Governor, Deputy Governor or a Minister of the Government of the Federation or a Commissioner of the Government of a State or a Special Adviser, the section reads. New member sworn-in Meanwhile, Salisu Majigiri (PDP, Katsina) was sworn in as a member of the House at the resumption of plenary. Mr Majigiri was declared the winner of the 25 February election for Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency of Katsina State after polling 27,387 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mansir Ali of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 20,596 votes. However, his candidacy was challenged by Nazifi Yusuf at the Supreme Court, which In April, affirmed the candidacy of Mr Majigiri. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Senator Mark Villar Condemns Cyber Attack on PhilHealth: "Attack on Public Health" Senator Mark Villar condemns the recent Medusa ransomware cyber attack against the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as he asserts that the attack compromises private information and the health of the public. "Ang atake na ito ay hindi lamang isang malaking kaso ng information theft. Ito ay bahagi ng malawakang atake laban sa public health and welfare because these attacks compromise the medical information of the members of PhilHealth," the Senator said. The senator also asserts that the more than 24-hour downtime of the PhilHealth system during the attack has endangered the capacity of its members and beneficiaries to seek immediate medical assistance. "Ang cyber attack laban sa PhilHealth ay hindi lamang atake laban sa isang institusyon ng gobyerno. Ito ay atake laban sa bawat indibidwal na miyembro ng PhilHealth at sa kanilang karapatan sa secured at accessible na tulong medikal," the Senator said. The Senator expresses his growing concern about the series of cyber attacks against different government institutions, PhilHealth being the latest victim. Senator Mark Villar filed Resolution No. 811 before the Senate directing the appropriate Senate Committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation over this cyber attack incident and all the other attacks against government websites. "It is high time that we strengthen our cyberspace security as we are dealing with private and delicate information that could endanger, not just of one institution, but of the general Filipino public," Senator Mark Villar emphasized. Senator Mark Villar, a staunch advocate for heightened security in digital cyberspace, stands in his firm belief that the regulation of cyberspace is timely and relevant, considering the increasing cases of cyber attacks on government agencies and the cases of online fraud against consumers. The style of the 80s is characterized by lush hairstyles, clothes with shoulder pads, sequins, colorful prints and bright colors. It would seem that all these things have no place in a royal wardrobe. However, many members of the royal family were inspired by these trends and partially incorporated them into their own looks. ADVERTISIMENT What stylish techniques of princesses, queens and duchesses from the distant 80s can be safely repeated today to diversify modern outfits? Read the article in OBOZREVATEL. 1. Oversized coat In 1988, Princess Diana attended the Glasgow Festival in a blue oversized coat with contrasting buttons. Thanks to its relaxed cut, this item was comfortable and had enough room to wear layered clothing underneath. By the way, in 2020, designers Balmain and Proenza Schouler released similar coats (slightly modified) in their collections to make them relevant today. 2. Polka dot print According to Cosmopolitan, the polka dot print became popular in the 80s, but it has been around since the invention of the sewing machine in the 1700s. It fades in and out of trends, but still remains a constant favorite of many famous royals. For example, Sarah Margaret (Duchess of York) and Princess Diana used to love wearing Polka dot, and today it is one of the components of Duchess Kate Middleton's style. ADVERTISIMENT Wes Gordon, creative director of Carolina Herrera, explained to The New York Times the phenomenon of this pattern: "Polka dots are basically a neutral element. I like to think of them as comedians in prints because they are so versatile and quirky." And in Prada's press release for the 2021 collection, another reason for its popularity was mentioned: "Polka dots seem to appear whenever there is a dark or tumultuous period in history. This explains the surge of the trend after COVID." 3. Blouse with a bow Blouses with a small bow around the neck appeared in the 80s as a more feminine alternative to ties. Then they were introduced into high fashion by Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, which Lady Dee could not ignore. The princess often softened her strict suits with such blouses, and now you can use this stylish technique. ADVERTISIMENT 4. Interesting color blocks Clothing with contrasting color blocks is a long-standing tradition in the Windsor royal family, which was at its peak in the 80s. This is a combination of bright red, blue, pink or black with white, which were presented in bold geometric patterns. For example, Princess Anne hinted at this trend at the 1985 Epsom Derby. She wore a cream coat with navy blue inserts and diamond-shaped buttons of the same color. If you don't have any outfits with a similar design, try simply combining a bright red coat over a pink jumpsuit or, say, a green shirt with yellow pants. ADVERTISIMENT 5. Exquisite abstractions Animal prints, polka dots, geometric shapes, large flowers, and splashes of paint were part of the patterns that defined the fashion of the 80s. And since Queen Elizabeth II liked to stand out from the crowd with her brightly colored dresses and suits, she did not ignore this trend. For example, in 1983, during an official visit to San Diego, Her Majesty wore a dress, blouse and hat in contrasting navy and white with the same abstract patterns. She completed her look with elegant gloves and low platform shoes. So, why don't you try to complement your outfits with interesting prints? Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about 5 popular sunglasses worn by kings and princesses for years. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Olayemi Cardoso as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Senate also confirmed the appointments of Emem Usoro, Muhammed Abdullahi-Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor and Bala Bello as deputy governors of the CBN. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced confirmation of Mr Cardoso and the deputy governors of the CBN after they were cleared by a voice vote by senators at the plenary. President Bola Tinubu had nominated them for the positions on 15 September pending confirmation of the Senate. The request of Mr Tinubu seeking for the confirmation of the nominees was read by the senate president at the plenary earlier on Tuesday and it was passed to the senate committee of the whole for immediate consideration. The nominees were therefore screened and cleared by the senators at the committee of a whole. During the screening, the senators asked questions bordering on economic activities and foreign exchange from the nominees. In response, the nominees pledged to reform the financial system of the CBN upon confirmation of their appointments. Before the screening started, Mr Akpabio explained that the Senate decided to hold the screening and confirm the nominees immediately because of the role CBN plays in Nigeria s financial system. The senate president also said the gesture was in the interest of Nigeria. The screening lasted for almost three hours. It started around 2:58 p.m. and ended at 5:45 p.m. Refocus CBN Mr Cardoso, while responding to questions, said his major goal is to refocus the CBN through his short, medium and long term measures. He assured that the bank under his watch will operate transparent monetary policies with respect to data. The CBN governor also stressed that his administration will not tolerate the errors made by past administrations of the bank. Mr Cardoso promised that the CBN under his watch will comply with all constitutional duties and ensure that financial policies of the country are of international standard. He assured that the CBN will not be hijacked or used by politicians as a tool of propaganda. Mr Cardoso assumed duty last Friday ahead of his confirmation by the Senate. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said they will embark on an indefinite strike from 3 October over the prevailing hardship due to the removal of oil subsidy. TUC President, Festus Osifo, said this in a communique he jointly signed with the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday in Abuja. The communique was issued at the end of a joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the two unions. According to Mr Osifo, the strike is to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria; to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation. He said the NLC/TUC NEC-in-session, resolved as follows: To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours, Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023. To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October. To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilising accordingly for action to organise street protests and rallies until government responds positively to our demands. Mr Osifo also enjoined all patriotic Nigerians to join hands across the nation to assist this government put the people back at the centre of its policies and programmes. Mr Ajaero, however, said that labour and government agreed that there was massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol. He added that this demands an urgent need for remedial action. He also alleged that the government had totally abdicated its responsibility and had shown gross unwillingness to act, abandoning Nigerian people and workers to excruciating poverty and affliction. According to him, the federal government has continued to grandstand and forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organised labour. The government has continued to demonstrate not just an unwillingness to mitigate the massive hardship in the country but also a complete lack of intention to take positive steps and empathy for the multi-dimensionally impoverished citizens of Nigeria, among others, he said. President Bola Tinubu had on 29 May announced the removal of fuel subsidy. The development led to hardship for many Nigerians with its attendant increase in the prices of goods and services. On 2 August, the NLC and TUC led Nigerian workers in protests across the country over the increasing cost of living due to government policies, especially the removal of subsidies on petrol. Also on 5 and 6 September, the NLC embarked a warning strike. It gave the government a two-week ultimatum. The congress said the warning strike was meant to demonstrate its readiness for the indefinite strike which will now commence on 3 October. FG, Reps appeal to labour to shelve strike Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has appealed to labour to shelve the strike. In a statement by the spokesperson of the ministry, Olajide Oshundu, on Tuesday, the minister said the government was determined to address the issues. He also said the government has met one of the demands of labour, which is the release of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW). Mr Lalong asked the workers union to give the government more time to address the remaining issues. Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday pleaded with the unions to halt the proposed strike. Mr Abbas said the strike will aggravate the current economic challenges facing the country. He said the House would mediate between them and the federal government to fast-track an agreement. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State House of Assembly has vowed to continue its impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, despite a court order. The lawmakers asked their lawyers to examine the order secured by Mr Aiyedatiwa, from the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the house from proceeding with the process until the determination of the case filed by the deputy governor. The House said its decision is guided by the provisions of Section 188(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The speaker, Olamide Oladiji, in a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Tuesday, said the House served Mr Aiyedatiwa the notice of allegation of gross misconduct on Monday, within seven days after the notice was presented to him (Mr Oladiji). He said the notice was signed by 11 members of the House, which is more than one-third of the members required under Section 188(2) of the constitution. The impeachment notice contains Fourteen (14) specific allegations of gross misconduct with detailed particulars to which the Deputy Governor is expected to react to not later than Seven (7) days from the day he was served, Mr Oladiji said in the statement. Hitherto, the House has refrained from publishing the allegations because of the need to accord the Deputy Governor the courtesy of being served with the notice, first. Mr Oladiji said the lawmakrs were shocked when they learnt that the deputy governor had gone to court to secure an injunction from a certain Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to halt the process. The House is shocked that rather than wait to be served with notice of the allegation of gross misconduct, and react to same as required by the constitution, the deputy governor has been running from pillar to post and filing multiple suits in both at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court and the Ondo State High Courts in a bid to stop the legislative process, the speaker said. For the avoidance of doubt, the House is fully conscious of Section 188 (10) of the Constitution which clearly states that No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court. In the case of Abaribe V. Abia State House of Assembly (2022) 14 NWLR (Pt. 788) 466, the Court of Appeal emphatically stated that it was wrong for the Appellant to jump the gun by rushing to the Court to stop his impeachment process on the ground of alleged breach of fair hearing when the panel to investigate and hear him had not even been constituted. The Court of Appeal then restated that by the provision of Section 188 (10) of the Constitution, no court has the jurisdiction at that stage to interfere in the legislative proceedings for impeachment. ALSO READ: Court stops impeachment move against Ondo deputy governor The Supreme Court has repeatedly restated that the Court can only intervene when the procedures for impeachment have been breached. In this case, however, the deputy governor rushed to court even before the notice of impeachment was served on him. For the records, no procedures have been breached in any way. In view of these, the House has directed its team of lawyers to investigate the purported injunction secured by the deputy governor and report any judicial officer who might have abused his office in granting the unconstitutional ex-parte injunction to the appropriate institution for necessary disciplinary action. In conclusion, the House wishes to assure the general public that it would proceed with the legislative process to a logical conclusion, but in doing so, will strictly follow the Constitutional procedures. The House will not abdicate or compromise its sacred constitutional duty to hold elected public officers accountable, particularly where there are prima facie serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power levelled against the Deputy Governor in this case. The house had earlier directed the chief judge of the state to constitute a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations against the deputy governor. However, the federal high court order restrained the House from proceeding further in the impeachment of the deputy governor pending the determination of a substantive suit before it. It also restrained Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from nominating a replacement and forwarding same to the assembly for ratification. Those joined in the suit were the Inspector General of Police, State Security Security Services, Governor of Ondo State, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of Ondo State. The judge also gave an order restraining the respondents from harassing, intimidating or preventing the deputy governor from performing his official duties. The case was adjourned to 9 October for consideration. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has said that parents would no longer be allowed to choose courses for their children living with disabilities seeking admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Mr Oloyede, a professor, was reacting to the comment by the National President, National Association of Visually Impaired, Stanley Onyebuchi, at the First National Conference On Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria. The onference, which began in Abuja on Monday, was organised by JAMBs Equal Opportunity Group, led by Peter Okebukola, a professor. The event also featured the unveiling of the Strategic Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria 2024-2028. READ ALSO: The case of the student that wanted to study law, it was her stepfather that said he cannot allow her to go as far as Calabar to study law but asked that she be enrolled in Kaduna State University, JAMB Registrar Oloyede said. This is because the course she showed interest in was not available at the university but the father asked that she study special education. We have now taken a decision that henceforth, just like with regular admissions, no parent will be allowed to have a say in the admission choice of candidates with disabilities. In his opening address, Mr Oloyede said JAMB was ready not only to facilitate access but also ensuring equity as special arrangement had been made for inclusivity of PWDs to acquire tertiary education. The National President, National Association of Visually Impaired, Mr Onyebuchi, had complained that some members of his association were rejected by some tertiary institutions in their choice courses. Mr Onyebuchi said when PWDs sought admissions in tertiary institutions, some of the institutions castigated them by saying they were not meant to be in their institutions. He added that the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy had taken a toll on his members as many had difficulty continuing their education. I want the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to take note of our complaints. If it means a sensitisation visit, we dont mind going round because for us, the visually impaired persons, education is key to our success, anything that will hinder us from achieving this we will not take it. Also with the increment in tuition fees, that has discouraged our members from going back to school. I want to suggest since the government want our children to be out of the streets , there should be free education for all persons with disabilities in all the tertiary institutions, he said. He, therefore, advocated a good working environment, saying PWDs most times lacked some assisting devices that would make them work effectively. Declaring the JAMB conference open, the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, said the federal government was paying attention to ensure that every member of the society have equal access to education. Mr Mamman, a professor, said equal opportunity to higher education must begin with inclusivity while calling on tertiary institutions to up their commitments to inclusive access for PWDs. We must work by focusing on accessible learning environment where physical appropriate environment is needed and inclusive curriculum for all students, the minister said. Support services should be readily available in the institutions, faculty and staff training who will be sensitive to the need of the diversity must be put into consideration. All information from application processes in the format that will suite the PWDs must also be ensured, he said. The ministry however promised to continue in the delivery of President Bola Tinubus mandates by focusing on policies that promote inclusivity and unity. In the same vein, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Disability, Bashiru Daudu, said the house would soon commence raising awareness on the disability Act 2018. Mr Daudu said the committee would start implementation of the act in January 2024 saying this would address the needs of PWDs in the country. Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Ahmad Kaita, pledged to explore innovative funding to ensure all Nigerians have equal opportunity to higher education. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A community, Kwale in Ndokwa/ Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State, has petitioned the House of Representatives over alleged police brutality, dehumanisation and constant harassment of residents by a police officer. House of Representatives member, Nnamdi Ezechi (PDP-Delta) laid the petition on behalf of the community before the House at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday in Abuja. The community in the petition, accused an assistant superintendent of police with the Rapid Response Squad of being behind the harassment. Mr Ezechi, while reading out the petition, said the complaint was long overdue owing to the nefarious activities of harassing young boys within Kwale and the surrounding communities by the police. The petitioners accused the officer of frequently extorting the residents. The community said the petition became necessary in order to call for urgent intervention as most young men within the Kwale and environs now lived in fear of death and daily attacks. Mr Ezechi told the house that most of the complaints are hinged on extortion. This, the petitioners said, had instilled fear in the young men and women, who no longer felt free to move about, especially with money. The petitioners alleged that the officer often boasted that he represented SARS in the community and that he had the protection of his superiors whom he was working for. It suffices to point out the fact that he operates without restraint from anybody, not even his immediate senior officers as he claims to have senior godfathers backing him. It took the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to secure our clients release after he was brutalised and taken into custody. In view of this, we write with serious concern with demand that you give urgent attention to this petition, ensuring justice is done. The community demanded that the officer and his team be investigated and sanctioned appropriately. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State, has announced a reduction in the recently increased school fees for students. A statement by the universitys spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the fee reduction was an outcome of hours of meetings between the university management and the students union. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how OAU joined other public universities to hike school fees in a trend that has attracted protests across some campuses. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) also slashed its fees after students protested and the university met with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Following the success of a dialogue at UNILAG, NANS vowed to engage other universities that recently increased school fees. Although the OAU management started meeting the student union last week, this newspaper gathered it also met with the leadership of NANS last Thursday. Reduced charges At Mondays meeting, Mr Olarewaju noted that the students union was adamant about a 50 per cent reduction but that the university management maintained that the new charges were the minimum the university required to run efficiently. In a rare show of administrative magnanimity, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have readjusted downward the sundry charges payable by the students of the University, he said. This followed the meeting the University management had with the leadership of the Students Union on Monday, 25th September 2023. The university stated that the charges for students in humanities have been slashed from N89,200 to N76,000 for returning students and N131,000 for new students. For students in the sciences, the fees were reduced from N101,000 to N86,000 for returning students and N141,000 for new students. The university has also agreed that students can make payments in two equal instalments. For the students in Humanities, the initial sundry charges of N89,200 for returning students have been reduced to N76,000 while for the new students in the Humanities, the initial fees of N151,200 have been reduced to N131,000, the statement said. For those in the Sciences and Technology, the initial charges of N101,200, for returning students is now N86,000 while the new students in the same Faculties will now pay N141,000 instead of the initial N163,200. In the same vein, the returning students in the Pharmacy and College of Health Sciences will now pay N109,000, instead of N128,200. The new students in the same Faculties will now pay N164,000 instead of the initial charges of N190,000. The statement added that the university management has agreed that the payment can be in two equal instalments and that the university portal is now open to students for payment. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), says President Bola Tinubu and the US President, Joe Biden, did not meet on the sideline of the UN General Assembly because they had earlier met at the G-20 Nations summit in India. Felix Morka, the spokesperson of the party, in a statement on Monday, said the two leaders did not see any reason to meet again in New York. Mr Morkas statement was in response to a press release issued by the media team of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, on the performance of the Tinubu administration. Phrank Shaibu, an aide to Atiku, had in a statement accused the ruling party of lying to Nigerians, including about a meeting between Mr Tinubu and the US President. Briefing journalists on 15 September ahead of the UNGA, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said Mr Tinubu would be meeting with Mr Biden on the sidelines of the event in New York. Mr Ngelale also said the Nigerian leader would hold talks with his Brazilian counterpart, Lula Silva. Mr Morka, in his statement, said the meeting between Messrs Tinubu and Biden was not necessary and not even on the schedule of the president. READ ALSO: The matter of the proposed meeting with United States of America President Joe Biden does not even require elaboration. Having met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Nations summit in India, another meeting with President Biden during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had become unnecessary and was not even on President Tinubus schedule, contrary to preliminary indications on the matter, he said. The APC spokesperson said Mr Shuaibu clearly does not understand or lacks the constitutive capacity to understand. He also dismissed the accusation that the ruling party is engaging in propaganda instead of addressing the issues facing the country. He said Mr Tinubu has been making bold decisions to reform the economy. The President has dutifully appointed experienced and highly skilled professionals to key institutions of the economy, including the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and created the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in a patriotic zeal to reposition and grow the economy, Mr Morka said. Three days ago, a group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CRPA), had said it reliably gathered that the State Department told the US President that the case against the authenticity of Tinubus university degree from the Chicago State University was still ongoing in a US court in Chicago and it is highly likely that the litigation may run against the Presidents interest. Read the APC statement in full.. ATIKU ABUBAKARS MEDIA AIDE IS MISLED, TRAUMATIZED BY BOSS SERIAL ELECTORAL FAILURE* In an unfledged statement, Phrank Shaibu, Media Aide to the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, outed himself in his warped and misleading suggestion that the APC-led Administration was hoodwinking Nigerians with propaganda. He further alleged that the administration was only interested in telling lies rather than rescuing citizens from the bottomless pit of bad governance. In his pathological and cynical flippancy, Atikus Aide delved into matters he clearly does not understand or lacks the constitutive capacity to understand as a result of post-electoral traumatic stress disorder (PeTSD) arising from his boss serial electoral failure. Unsurprisingly, Shaibus only evidence for such an arrant conclusion is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed more media aides than economic and security advisers, conveniently glossing over the fact that Mr President was swift in rejigging the security architecture and repositioning the Armed Forces for optimal performance in defence of lives and property. Certainly, he does not understand the issues and the interplay of statecraft and economic management initiatives by President Tinubu to remove age-old distortions and contradictions and accelerate and solidify all-round recovery and prosperity for our country. That Shaibu described as lies, the administrations courageous decisions to remove fuel subsidy, harmonize the foreign exchange regimes and sign into law the Students Loan Act, only buttresses his poor understanding of economic development and governance. That the fine details of these visionary and people-centred policies are still being worked out and have yet to run their due course cannot and do not negate their valid objectives and potential transformative impact. The President has dutifully appointed experienced and highly skilled professionals to key institutions of the economy, including the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and created the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in a patriotic zeal to reposition and grow the economy. Shaibus claim that the fuel subsidy is back is not correct. The governments intervention to ensure some measure of price stability and predictability does not amount to the return of the ruinous fuel subsidy of the recent past. Lifting the Visa ban on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities should ordinarily make any well-meaning Nigerian happy. Diplomatic rapprochement between Nigeria and UAE authorities is ongoing and details of outcomes will soon be made public. The matter of the proposed meeting with United States of America President Joe Biden does not even require elaboration. Having met with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Nations summit in India, another meeting with President Biden during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had become unnecessary and was not even on President Tinubus schedule, contrary to preliminary indications on the matter. Nigeria is facing pressing challenges that require focused efforts and undivided attention. Issues such as economic recovery, security of lives and property, infrastructure development, and social welfare demand continuous, sustained and innovative efforts. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring an inclusive, honest, transparent and accountable governance system. We encourage citizens to actively participate in democratic processes, ventilate their views, and contribute constructively to national conversations. As the discerning people that we are, we remain confident that Nigerians will continue to differentiate between genuine, constructive and development-oriented criticisms and those driven by self-interest, mercenary considerations and disruptive political agenda. While we urge Nigerians to ignore purveyors of fake news and other inanities, it is obvious that Shaibu and his likes will stop at nothing in their desperation to distort facts and give oxygen to their politically knocked-out principal. But that can only worsen his infamy in the light of the Presidents determined commitment and strides to improving the social and economic conditions for all Nigerians. The PDP and all its agents of misinformation should know by now that no amount of sleazy propaganda, muckraking, lies, half-truths, misrepresentations, misinformation or disinformation will confer the presidency of Nigeria on their candidate. Nigerians have freely chosen our party, the APC, and President Bola Tinubu, to continue to steer the ship of state. And the President is making good his campaign promises to deliver purposeful leadership to remake Nigeria, open the economy to rewarding investments, promote inclusive growth, create jobs, secure lives and property and renew hope for a vibrant future. Signed: Felix Morka, Esq. National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded the immediate release of a woman arrested for claiming that a tomato paste she bought in a market tasted sugary. The paste, Nagiko tomato mix, is manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited, Lagos. The woman, Chioma Okoli, made the comment in a post on her Facebook page on 17 September. She goes by the name, Chioma Egodi Jnr, on Facebook. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Ms Okoli was arrested on Sunday by police operatives in Lagos State, South-west Nigeria and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Ms Okolis arrest was instigated by the manufacturer of the tomato paste, Erisco Foods Limited, who accused her of intentionally making the post to mislead our esteemed customers and discredit the companys image. Immediate and unconditional release In a series of posts on its X handle on Tuesday, Amnesty International Nigeria asked Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ms Okoli. No one should be arrested simply for exercising their freedom of expression, the group said. The arrest of Chioma Egodi shows that, despite the authorities paying lip-service to police reforms, impunity for unlawful arrests remains rampant, it added. Outrage Since the arrest of Ms Okoli went public on Monday, some Nigerians have criticised the company and the police for their action. A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, in a post via his X handle on Monday, said the companys management acted viciously and irresponsibly. Mr Effiong stressed that the company ought to have issued a public statement or even reached out to the woman to understand her view and explain their position if they disagreed with her review. That would have earned the company and the brand more patronage, he said. The lawyer criticised the police over the arrest, and said it was unfortunate that the police had refused to reform itself. He said it is upsetting that any charlatan in the country can easily weaponise the police, whom he said have continued to criminalise civil disputes in the country. We cannot continue like this, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A man said to be a lecturer at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, South-south Nigeria, has been filmed flogging a group of students. A video clip of the incident is being shared on X (formerly Twitter). The clip showed the unidentified man using what looked like a belt to randomly flog a handful of students who had gathered along a passage in a storey-building on the campus. There were shouts and booing from the students, following the mans action. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately find out when the incident happened and what led to it. A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, said the students were of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, and that they were waiting for their practical classes to begin before the incident. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Florence Obi, has condemned the assault on the students, NAN reported. Although I am currently on an official function outside the state, my attention has been drawn to the said clip, the NAN report quoted Mrs Obi, a professor, as saying. The said incident is unprofessional and against the universitys rules of engagement. The vice-chancellor said top officials of the university, including its chief security officer, were already looking into the incident. She appealed to the students and general public to be calm as justice would be served, adding that investigation had commenced already. The University of Calabar has been in the spotlight lately over sexual harassment allegations against Cyril Ndifon, a law professor and suspended dean of the Faculty of Law. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has asked senators to set aside their personal differences and work together to achieve good governance in the interest of the country. Mr Akpabio stated this on Tuesday while welcoming the lawmakers from their six weeks vacation. There are speculations that some senators are plotting to impeach Mr Akpabio on the ground that he will be a rubber stamp for the presidency. Spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, has since debunked the speculations. The senate president, while addressing the senators, maintained that the challenges facing the country could only be resolved when there is unity, cooperation and commitment among lawmakers. In the face of rising poverty, insecurity, and public agitation for good governance, it is imperative that we set aside personal differences and work together with renewed patriotism and dedication to nationhood. The challenges before us require unity, cooperation, and steadfast commitment to addressing the issues that affect the lives of all Nigerian citizens, mindful of the fact that the responsibilities we bear are weighty, and that our decisions impact the lives and livelihoods of countless Nigerian citizens. On this backdrop, I call on all of us to commit our efforts and actions solely to the advancement of our dear country Nigeria, by demonstrating against all odds and sentiments, that we are resolute in our determination to surmounting the challenges that has limited our progress and prosperity in the past years . Be mindful that Our constituents look to us for leadership and hope, and we must not falter in fulfilling our responsibilities to them, he said. Mr Akpabio urged his colleagues to put the interest of the country first in whatever decision they make. Lastly, I encourage us all to put the interests of our great nation first, by upholding the principles of democracy in all engagements, processes and procedures and working diligently towards a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria. Together, we can overcome all challenges and build the Nigeria of our dreams. It is on this patriotic stand of a united body that I welcome you back to this 2nd quarter of our 2023 legislative session as we work cohesively and tirelessly towards the collective goal of raising the bar of legislature to a new height of rounded excellence. Finally, It is my fervent prayer that together, by the special grace and mercy of God Almighty, we shall deliver on our journey of public service, with unwavering commitment and diligence to the joy and prosperity of all Nigerians, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print During her official visit to the United States and Canada, Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska wore an embroidered shirt from Etnodim and the Ivan Honchar Museum, a national center of folk culture. In this outfit, she addressed students at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. ADVERTISIMENT According to ELLE, the embroidered shirt was created on the basis of fragments of embroidered shirts that cannot be restored. They date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and are kept in the Honchar Museum. The Poltavska shirt has ribbons down the back that can be tied into an elegant bow. Embroidered in white on white, it combines transparent and opaque stitches, which is typical of the Poltava region. The embroidered shirt has a wide sleeve, entirely sewn with diamond grid ornaments, and framed with openwork elements. ADVERTISIMENT The floral motif that crowns the tree echoes the star motif embroidered on the busts, creating a perfect and coherent composition. You can buy this embroidered shirt on the Etnodim website. The shirt costs 10,280 UAH (276,96 $). After visiting the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in America, the First Lady and the President of Ukraine arrived in neighboring Canada. There, they were met by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about Olena Zelenska's image at the meeting with US President Biden and her iconic cockerel brooch. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The police have arraigned recently sacked Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Wale Adedayo, before a magistrates court in Abeokuta for allegedly making false allegations against Governor Dapo Abiodun Mr Adedayo was arraigned on Tuesday, following a petition sent to the police by the state government. PREMIUM TIMES reports how Mr Adedayo last month accused the governor of diverting federal allocations for the 20 local government areas of the state. He first made the allegation in a letter to a former governor of the state and a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), Olusegun Osoba, before submitting a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mr Adedayo was soon suspended by his legislative council for alleged financial maladministration and then impeached. He was also detained for three days by the State Security Service (SSS) in Abeokuta, the state capital. On Monday, the police arrested the embattled politician and took him into custody in Abeokuta before arraigning him on Tuesday on a two-count charge. The police said they acted on a petition from the state government. The petition against Wale Adedayos deliberate circulation of falsehood, false report to government, threat to life and interference with the exercise of executive function, was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi. The two-count charge read That you Hon. Wale Adedayo m on the 27th August 2023 at Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magisterial District did unlawfully publish circular to the public, a letter addressed to the former Governor of Ogun State and Elder Statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba m in which you accused the present Governor of Ogun State: Prince Dapo Abiodun m of hijacking Local Government funds which you knew was false allegation and likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace, knowing or having reason to believe that such statement is a rumour and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006. That you Hon. Wale Adedayo m on the same date and place in the aforesaid Magisterial District did unlawfully publish circular to the public, a letter addressed to the former Governor of Ogun State and Elder Statesman, Aremo Olusegun Osoba m in which you accused the present Governor of Ogun State; Prince Dapo Abiodun m of hijacking Local Government funds (ten percent (10%) of the State Internally Generated Revenue which the Constitution stipulate should go to the Local Government(s) since May, 2019 which you knew was a false allegation and likely to injure the reputation of the Governor by exposing him to hatred, contempt or ridicule or to damage him in discharge of his office and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 375 of Criminal Code laws of Ogun State, 2006. The defendants counsel, Kayode Akinsola, applied for his bail, saying the offences allegedly committed are bailable. The police prosecutor, Olaide Rawlings, did not object to the bail application. In his ruling, Magistrate A.K Araba admitted him to bail with the sum of N2 million and two responsible and reliable sureties in like sum. The magistrate adjourned the matter till 20th October for trial. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has created three additional standing committees, bringing the number of committees in the House to 137. The new committees are State and Local Government, Traditional Institutions and Petroleum Resources (Training fund). Mr Abbas announced their creation while delivering his welcome address to members of the House which resumed plenary on Tuesday. While announcing the new committees, Mr Abbas expressed displeasure with some state caucuses that have failed to nominate members for some committees. He stated that the failure of the caucuses to nominate members is hindering the composition of the standing committees. My dear colleagues, permit me to express my displeasure at the failure of some state caucuses to send their nominations for membership of the standing committees. This is in spite of all the pleas made to us before our recess and assurances received from the state caucuses. As a result, therefore, we are yet to fully populate the standing committees of the House. Consequently, the House leadership has resolved to make such nominations for states who fail to do so, by Thursday, 28th September, 2023. As you make these nominations, kindly be informed of the creation of three additional committees (State and Local Government, Traditional Institutions and Petroleum Resources (Training fund). This brings the total number of House Committees to 137, he said. Mr Abbas created the committees barely three days after a former Senate President, David Mark, warned that the number of committees in the two chambers was unwieldy. Mr Mark on Saturday at the two-day retreat of the leadership of the National Assembly in Akwa Ibom State advised both chambers to reduce the number of special and standing committees to encourage efficiency. Friendship Groups Mr Abbas also announced the creation of 13 fellowship groups for the training of lawmakers. We equally created 13 more Parliamentary Friendship Groups to facilitate and deepen our capacity development and peer learning, he said. The Speaker had in July constituted 134 Committees, an increase from the 110 committees under former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. The House embarked on recess on 27 July after the composition of the committees. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has asked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to halt its plan for a nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal. The speaker made the call on Tuesday in his speech at the resumption of plenary after the eight-week holiday. Mr Abbas said the planned strike by the NLC will further aggravate the economic challenges facing the country, and pleaded with the leadership of the NLC to be patient with the government. He assured the NLC that the House would mediate between them and the federal government to fast-track an agreement. It is in our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation. I therefore urge the leadership of Labour Unions to give us the benefit of the doubt and suspend any planned strike action while we engage the executive, he said. Background On 29 May, during his inauguration, President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of subsidy on petrol. The development caused hardship for many Nigerians with its attendant increase in the prices of goods and services. On 2 August, the NLC and TUC led Nigerian workers in protests across the country over the increasing cost of living due to government policies, especially the removal of subsidies on petrol. Earlier this month, there was another two-day warning strike by the union. It gave the government two-week ultimatum. The warning strike, according to the congress, was to demonstrate its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month. Well support living wage Abbas Mr Abbas also declared that the House will support the executive in passing survival wage as minimum wage. As promised earlier, this House remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers. The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organised labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage, he said. The current national minimum wage is N30,000 and it is only the National Assembly that has the power to amend the minimum wage because it is under the exclusive legislative list. Also, not all the state governments are paying their workers the minimum wage since April 2019 when it took effect. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored heads of national drug law enforcement agencies in Africa to renew the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in their respective countries. Specifically, the Nigerian leader warned vehemently that the African continent would remain in chains till it breaks free from the shackles of the criminal enterprises of drug barons and syndicates of illicit drugs. President Tinubu sounded the warning in Abuja on Tuesday when he declared open the 31st meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) at the Abuja Continental Hotel. If we dont dismantle the criminal enterprises that threaten our future and build a brighter tomorrow for all Africans, we will remain in chains in a diseased and amoral world, as will our children and their children, he told the anti-narcotics agencies chiefs. In his keynote address titled, Rising Above the Drug Threat, the president who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, observed that Africa was at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. To this effect, he enjoined the heads of drug law enforcement agencies to consider the conference in Abuja as a ray of hope and a catalyst for positive change across the continent. President Tinubu thanked them for their sacrifices in ensuring a world that is free of illicit drugs. He said, This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bids to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe. This conference emphasizes your investment across borders to protect us from the devastations of drugs, a threat that only submits to the enforcement of the law. Therefore, we are grateful to HONLAF and its partners, notably the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for creating this avenue, for offering intelligence and drug law enforcement officials a grand opportunity to compare notes, collaborate, and build networks that would be several steps ahead of the criminal network of drug transnational organisations. Mr Tinubu noted that in the last couple of decades, criminal organisations had made frantic efforts to breach the security measures in African countries, all in a bid to pollute the minds of their citizens, adding however that the anti-narcotics agencies have proven to be a thorn in their flesh. The president who doubles as the chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated: But while its a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted. Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed. For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat. President Tinubu further stressed the need for the the anti-narcotics agencies to consolidate established contacts, strengthen operational existing partnerships and cooperation among them at the sub-regional and regional levels. This, he said, would make trafficking of illicit drugs and movement of drug syndicates difficult in the African continent. He continued: So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities. Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions. This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate. We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socioeconomic and security agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, I know you dont need to be reminded of the sacred task before us. I know you are fully aware of the number of people and dreams that depend on your decisions and actions to reach their destination. But, more importantly, I know that you are up to the task. On the choice of Nigeria for the conference, President Tinubu said it is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs in the country by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs, he added. Declaring the meeting open, President Tinubu said, while I encourage you to take some time out from the busy schedule of your programs to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Abuja, I thank you for your dedication and resolve in this noble cause and look forward to the fruitful discussions and partnerships that will emerge from this gathering. Welcoming guests earlier, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, a retired brigadier general, restated the stakeholders commitment to addressing the worlds drug problem, noting that Nigeria will continue to uphold the objectives of multilateral organisations dedicated to combating drug trafficking and related crimes. He emphasized the need for global partnerships in addressing drug trafficking and other vices, noting that worlds drug problem cannot be effectively tackled by individual entities. Speakers at the opening session of the meeting included the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Fathi Waly; the UNODC Country Representative, Oliver Stolpe; the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, Ayodele Adeleke, and Representative of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, among others. *Stanley Nkwocha* *Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications* *(Office of the Vice President)* *26th September, 2023* Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The House of Representatives has resolved to probe cases of unethical practices and abuses in fertility clinics across the country. This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) on Tuesday during plenary. The Committee on Healthcare was mandated to conduct a thorough investigation into cases of unethical and exploitative practices in egg procurement and surrogacy by fertility hospitals and clinics. Moving the motion, Mr Benson said the Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) industry in Nigeria is worth over $1 billion because of the surge in the popularity of the procedure. Mr Benson said some clinics pay a meagre N100,000 to harvest eggs from women, stating that many are forced to sell eggs due to economic hardship. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures entail the surgical extraction of eggs from a womans ovaries, their fusion with sperm in laboratory settings, and subsequent reintegration into the donors body or transfer to another woman or storage in an egg bank. These women undergo the surgical egg retrieval, relinquishing control over the eggs obtained. They are typically remunerated between N100,000 to N150,000 per retrieval, with as many as five to six eggs potentially extracted per month, he said. He stated that fertility centres have capitalised on the absence of a suitable regulatory framework to exploit providers/donors and potentially engage in the trade of donated eggs. Mr Benson stated further that if this trend is not checked immediately, there is possibility of a sharp rise in cases of infertility and cancer infections on the part of the young donors and surrogates as well as promoting the exploitative practices involved. The motion was adopted unanimously by the House after it was put to vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The committee was mandated to submit its report within four weeks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian police have released a woman arrested for claiming that a tomato paste she bought in a market tasted sugary. The paste, Nagiko tomato mix, is manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited, Lagos. The woman, Chioma Okoli, made the comment in a post on her Facebook page on 17 September. She goes by the name, Chioma Egodi Jnr, on Facebook. The social media comment In the post seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Ms Okoli said she had gone to the market on 16 September with the intention of buying Gino or Sonia brand of tomato paste but could not find them. She said she later bought the Nagiko tomato mix which she had planned to use in making stew. When I opened it, I decided to taste it, Omo! Sugar is just too much! she wrote. In the post, she urged other Facebook users to confirm if they had used the product before, apparently to ascertain if they had similar experiences. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Ms Okoli was arrested on Sunday by operatives of police operatives in Lagos State, South-west Nigeria and transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja. Ms Okolis arrest was instigated by the manufacturer of the tomato paste, Erisco Foods Limited, who accused her of intentionally making the post to mislead our esteemed customers and discredit the companys image. Release from police detention The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, on Tuesday, announced that Ms Okoli had been released on bail by the police. Further Update: Ms Chioma has been released on bail. Mutual commitments by both parties before the police, Mr Irukera wrote on his X handle. He said although the FCCPC was not a party to the commitments, the commission would continue investigation into the incident. Grateful for restoration of Ms Egodis liberty, but determined to ensure we never walk this path again, the FCCPC chief wrote in another post on the microblogging site, minutes later. Criminality in commerce is an exception. Our society cannot endure under the threat or fear that fair expressions, when properly so, can become the subject of law enforcement, he added. Outrage After the arrest of Ms Okoli became public on Monday, Nigerians criticised the company and the police for their action. A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, in a post via his X handle on Monday, said the companys management acted viciously and irresponsibly. Mr Effiong stressed that the company ought to have issued a public statement or even reached out to the woman to understand her view and explain their position if they disagreed with her review. That would have earned the company and the brand more patronage, he said. The lawyer criticised the police over the arrest, and said it was unfortunate that the police had refused to reform itself. He said it is upsetting that any charlatan in the country can easily weaponise the police, whom he said have continued to criminalise civil disputes in the country. We cannot continue like this, he said. Also, Amnesty International Nigeria, earlier on Tuesday, demanded the immediate release of Ms Okoli, maintaining that no one should be arrested simply for exercising their freedom of expression. In a series of posts on its X handle, the group asked Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her. The arrest of Chioma Egodi shows that, despite the authorities paying lip service to police reforms, impunity for unlawful arrests remains rampant, it said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday in Abuja presented cheques totalling N1.3 billion to 420 families of police officers who died in active service. Mr Egbetokun said the cheques were for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 policy years under the Group Life Assurance policy of the police. He said the presentation also encompassed the IGP s Family Welfare Insurance Scheme. According to him, the Group Life Assurance scheme is a welfare package established as a result of the amendment of the 2004 Pension Reform Act (2014). Mr Egbetokun said the welfare package was funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The IGP Family Welfare Insurance Scheme, being funded by the Nigeria Police Force, was established in 2017. The idea is to relieve the hardship faced by the deceaseds immediate family before their death benefits are ready for payment, he said. He added that the Nigeria Police Force was firmly grounded in the belief that every human life is inherently valuable. ALSO READ: Lagos govt awards N30 million to families of deceased police officers Our commitment to prompt fulfilment of our obligations, including the provision of insurance and other benefits to our officers and their families who have made significant sacrifices is an expression of appreciation. This tangible support serves to boost the morale of officers and men and underscores our steadfast dedication to their welfare and that of their families. It is a testament to our recognition of their sacrifices and an assurance that their service is held in the highest regard, the IGP added. He pledged the resolve of the Nigeria Police leadership to further enhance welfare packages for all members of the Police family, irrespective of their status. The IGP said the enhanced welfare package would be extended to serving, retired, or those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He said the objective was to establish welfare support that would cement the bonds within the police community. Mr Egbetokun said the idea was to create an environment where every officer felt valued, protected and motivated to deliver his or her utmost in the service of the nation, In extending my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased officers, I am aware that nothing can fill the void left behind by your loved ones. I implore you, however, to make good use of these funds to address your needs and other challenges, particularly in the context of your financial stability, Mr Egbetokun stressed. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print This dispute and others between the market women and the colonial officials continued well into the 1940s. By the 1950s, when the LTC was managed by Nigerians, the women continued their resistance. Indeed they went all the way to the Supreme Court and won over some of the councils so-called public notices. Historically, Lagos Municipal Area was served by eleven markets, which included Ereko, Faji, Alakoro, Obada, Ebute-Ero, Araromi, Oko-Awo, Obun-Eko and Ebute-Metta. These markets were dominated by women who formed associations and guilds according to their wares: poultry, wood, fish, vegetables, herbs and roots, native cloth, oysters, beads, etc. In 1931, market women in the Colony of Lagos faced various battles with the Lagos Town Council (LTC), with the commonest causes for their grievances being forced relocations, demolitions, market tolls, stall fees, and, of course, sanitation. Other complaints from members of the guilds depended on the policies being implemented by the Council. The oyster vendors, for example, petitioned for compensation when their reserves of oyster shells were used by the Council for road repairs without their permission. In retaliation, they were slapped with an abatement notice and court summons. As the disputes raged, several spokeswomen emerged. We may have heard about Alimotu Aminatu Pelewura, a fish monger at Ereko Market, who became the president of the Lagos Market Womens Association. Other lesser known spokeswomen for the guilds were Madam Ojigobi, the Iya Egbe (Lady President) of Ereko Market; Rabiatu Alaso, Jariogbe Oniwaka, Ashiya Kosoko, Sabitiyu Opomoja, Simbi Ojigobi, Omorinlewa Eleto, Osenatu Dosunmu (head, oyster sellers), Wusamotu Shelleh (head, bead sellers), and Binta Balogun. Although the women openly stated that they received support from our Big Man i. e. Herbert Macaulay, the nationalist politician, but still, several deputations of women went to Messrs AWS Rumens, Walde and Hunt to discuss their grievances. One of the memorable encounters was between the women of Ereko Market and Mr Rumens, the Secretary to Council. The context for this particular dispute was summarised by the Lagos Daily News in August 1931: It is reported that the Ereko Market Women have been once again disturbed where they are selling their wares for their living and gathering enough pennies to pay their taxes under the Income Tax (Colony) Ordinance 1927 and their Water Rate to the Lagos Town Council whose men have turned them adrift. These old women are being very seriously harassed by the Lagos Town Council without providing any suitable place for them perhaps there are too many on the staff all round who have nothing more reasonable and less heartless to attend to. On 23 November 1931, about two thousand women marched to the Lagos Town Council. Six representatives were chosen from their ranks to have a discussion with Rumens. They were Alimotu Aminatu Pelewura Alaga (president); Ajibabi, Iyalode Alata of Ereko; Moriamo, Iyalode Onila of Ereko; Balogun of Ereko; Erelu Oja Ereko and Iyalode of Ita Faji. eight policemen in the Kings Uniform chased them away from the old site at Ereko Market. So where do you wish us to sell out foodstuffs? she asked Rumens. He replied: Go to Ijaye Street. Pelewura countered: We do not want that place, it is swampy. The Secretary then told them to return to Kosoko Street. But she disagreed Pelewura narrated how eight policemen in the Kings Uniform chased them away from the old site at Ereko Market. She also said since the completion of the public footpath, they had moved back to the site and stood in the drain to sell their goods. But they were repeatedly violently evicted: So where do you wish us to sell out foodstuffs? she asked Rumens. He replied: Go to Ijaye Street. Pelewura countered: We do not want that place, it is swampy. The Secretary then told them to return to Kosoko Street. But she disagreed: The place is a long drain throughout its entire length, how can we sell there? It is not a suitable place. Rumens had more suggestions: Go to the back of Dohertys stores at Alakoro. Pelewura was opposed to this decision: We do not want to go to that swampy site. When you were constructing Ereko Road, you did not tell us you were going to drive us away from there or to deprive us away from there or to deprive us of the old site where we have been for years Our ancestors have established this Market and have been selling there without any interruption many years before the Whiteman came to Lagos; and we in their place have, since their time, been selling there as well. So, you must try and arrange for us a site at Ereko, where we have been all these years. That is the place we wish to continue to have our market. Rumens explained the basis for his pronouncement: Due to the continuous increase in population, all the vehicular traffic to the New Bridge shall pass through Ereko Road and it is not advisable that there should be a market where such a heavy vehicular traffic shall pass on account of accidents to human beings. He proposed Oke-Arin as a temporary alternative before the new Idumagbo Market was ready. But Pelewura explained that: We have been at Ereko Market for over 160 years now, since it was established. We do not wish to leave Ereko and go elsewhere. The women dug in their position and refused to accept the three hazardous sites offered. To show their disapproval, they closed Ereko, Faji, and Araromi markets. Naturally, this caused a lot of inconvenience. The following day, based on the closure of the markets, five representatives from Ereko Market Womens guild, namely Alimotu Alaga, Ashiya Kosoko, Omorinilewa Elefo, Sabitiyu Opomoja and Sinbi Ojigobi, were summoned to a meeting with Chief Obanikoro (Adamo Akeju). He was acting at the behest of Mr Rumens to appeal to the women to accept one of the swampy sites on offer. He cautioned them: Do you think you can successfully oppose the white men and get the better of them? How can you? I would advise you not to pull and haul with the white men. He suggested that they could be given the recently reclaimed area facing the Lagos Lagoon opposite the House of Agoro; that site being near the Lagoon and added You can get as much water as you may require. He discountenanced the hazards. We do not want any of the four sites of swamps and reclaimed foreshore. Our position is this: We do not wish to be shifted from Ereko Market where we have been before the Cession as you know; and even the new market at Idumagbo we do not wish to be shifted to and be deprived of Ereko Market. The minutes recorded Pelewuras response: We do not want any of the four sites of swamps and reclaimed foreshore. Our position is this: We do not wish to be shifted from Ereko Market where we have been before the Cession as you know; and even the new market at Idumagbo we do not wish to be shifted to and be deprived of Ereko Market. Obanikoro did not give up either: The new market at Idumagbo has not been built for you I told the white man that I should prefer you be given the Agoro foreshore area where you should be allowed to build your own market sheds and that you shall not pay anything for your stalls or the land upon which you erect your own stalls or market sheds. The women were greatly displeased with his stance. They already considered him an interloper in market affairs. In September, they wrote a letter to complain about his interference in the commissioning of market stalls. Now, notwithstanding his traditional status in the community, they declared: We will now ask you please not to send and call us again as we have nothing whatever to do with you if the white man wishes to see us and say anything more to us, the white man should send direct to us to call us to his office and not through you at any future time. This dispute and others between the market women and the colonial officials continued well into the 1940s. By the 1950s, when the LTC was managed by Nigerians, the women continued their resistance. Indeed they went all the way to the Supreme Court and won over some of the councils so-called public notices. Tayo Agunbiade is the author of Emerging From the Margins: Womens Experiences in Colonial and Contemporary Nigerian History. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In any other profession, where negligence leads easily to death, there would be an inquiry. The inquiry would lead to stiffer protective regulations. But a doctor has died, his grieving colleagues are lamenting, and his bosses are running around like excited apprentice masquerades seeking to disconnect any link between that tragedy and the mind-bending schedules resident doctors endure in teaching hospitals. They are gagged donkeys. A few days ago, a house officer slumped in church and died. The immediate cause of death hasnt been established but a well-dispersed anonymous letter sent alarm bells ringing. The letter said Dr Michael Umoh was worked to death. Embarrassed by the letter, the hospital jumped into crisis management mode to deny culpability and whitewash a sepulchre. It said the man didnt do a 72-hour call and didnt slump in the hospital. Thats true. Deftly, the senior doctors painted a rosy picture of that hospital. The management didnt bother to tell the public that junior doctors in that hospital were being overworked. But somewhere in that denial, someone said that Umoh had a 48-hour straight call two days before he died. The truly pathetic bit was the local Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) struggling slavishly to defend the integrity of the hospital and portray it as resident doctor-friendly. The truth is that chickens will always come home to roost. Teaching hospitals cant find residents. Young doctors have lost faith in the system. The brunt of the crumbling artifice must now be borne by the unfortunate few who decide to train in the country. The senior doctors are tragically aloof. They sit astride and overload the residents with unbearable schedules. A resident finishes a 24-hour call and resumes work at 8 a.m. the next day. She might not have slept at all. She begins to see patients immediately and sees them till night. Then she rushes home through the maze of traffic. Many teaching hospitals have no staff quarters. She gets home at 11 p.m. and can hardly see her children. Then she is up at 5 a.m., jaded and hurrying like a zombie. Work starts at 7.30 am. Because resident doctors are few, she sees three times the volume of patients she is supposed to see. She is used the same way the smugglers at Seme use those fire wall vehicles. Expanded to carry thrice their capacities. Driven at mad speeds. Used without sympathy. When work ends, she starts another call because she is on an alternate-day call. That is the roster. Her appetite is low, her taste buds are flat. Her head aches. Yet, the call duty rooms are shabby, and the toilet facilities are messy. So her anxiety has no remissions. On that call, she might not sleep a wink. Yet in the morning, she resumes another days job at 8 a.m. Three days have passed, and she hasnt taken a breath. A beast of burden. And this unforgiving cycle of torture continues. If she dies in church one weekend, the senior doctors in the hospital will gather journalists to tell them how the hospital is run professionally. And the local ARD Chairman, perhaps a puppyish lackey of the management, will corroborate the story that the hospital takes very good care of its resident doctors. The resident doctors are gagged mules. They are made to sign illegal confidentiality agreements not to disclose the atrocities happening in these teaching hospitals. Because they are apprentices who must remain in the good books of their masters to earn their freedoms and progress in their careers, they submit to suffering and smiling. The hospitals are poorly staffed and wretchedly equipped The resident doctors are gagged mules. They are made to sign illegal confidentiality agreements not to disclose the atrocities happening in these teaching hospitals. Because they are apprentices who must remain in the good books of their masters to earn their freedoms and progress in their careers, they submit to suffering and smiling. The hospitals are poorly staffed and wretchedly equipped and the senior doctors who are the regulators of the medical profession sabotage the system by refusing to take definitive corrective measures. The senior doctors arent just aloof. When the hospitals are visited for accreditation, senior doctors hide the true picture. They borrow instruments and cook data. The auditors are fooled. Senior professionals shouldnt cut corners like common exam cheats. When senior doctors conspire to pull wool over the eyes of accreditors, they deny the sick system a cure. A hospital that should be concerned with maintaining its oversized status then reaches out brazenly for a higher recognition in grandiose sub-speciality ambitions. The junior doctors cant speak out. Anyone who tells the truth is victimised by the senior doctors, who constitute the hospital management, and who think their priority is to defend a rotten system. Resident doctors teach nursing mothers to be baby-friendly. They teach good sleep and relaxed work schedules. They teach conscious attention to the health of the mind and body. They help patients to understand the association between prolonged psychological stress and chronic diseases. However, female resident doctors are made to forgo their families in the name of residency training. The tragedy goes beyond damage to health and family bonds. Most resident doctors, who are reared like Zungeru cattle, have no time to read. So, rather than become medical scientists, they become medical mechanics. Burnt out by chores and reduced to servitude by hellish schedules, they lose their imagination. Some senior doctors like to tell fables about how they were trained by being overloaded with schedules and cases. They dont remember to say that, those days, residents went home, and took a day off, after a call. They dont mention that some of them got brand new cars on graduation and the call rooms werent shared shabby hostels with bunk beds as you see in some big teaching hospitals masquerading as centres of excellence. Those days, call rooms dignified doctors and doctors on call got good food. They dont tell that teaching hospitals had good labs and blood banks, and everything was done within, and residents didnt have to chase patients around to buy syringes and gloves because the hospitals had them. Senior doctors must stand hippocratically rather than hypocritically. Senior doctors run public hospitals. Senior doctors also accredit public hospitals and regulate medical training. They should define and enforce minimum standards. If there are no resident doctors, then some wards must be shut. That is better than working the existing residents to bruised heart valves and calloused arteries and normalising shambolic medical care. In any other profession, where negligence leads easily to death, there would be an inquiry. The inquiry would lead to stiffer protective regulations. But a doctor has died, his grieving colleagues are lamenting, and his bosses are running around like excited apprentice masquerades seeking to disconnect any link between that tragedy and the mind-bending schedules resident doctors endure in teaching hospitals. The Igbo will advise that the hand of the monkey be removed from the soup if the suspicion of cannibalism is to be avoided. So whats the remedy? Its simple. Senior doctors must stand hippocratically rather than hypocritically. Senior doctors run public hospitals. Senior doctors also accredit public hospitals and regulate medical training. They should define and enforce minimum standards. If there are no resident doctors, then some wards must be shut. That is better than working the existing residents to bruised heart valves and calloused arteries and normalising shambolic medical care. Hospitals must be reassessed periodically. Because some senior doctors cheat and undermine these exercises, some of these assessments must happen discreetly. Hospitals that cant meet accreditation requirements must be pruned or downgraded. The senior doctors who run public hospitals take oaths to protect young doctors and defend the integrity of medical care. They are derelict in their duties when they close their eyes and allow the hospitals to become shabby workhouses. Its difficult to ascertain whether its selfishness or cowardice. But they cant continue propping up the farce. When large hospitals begin to lose accreditation, the politicians will sit up and fund the institutions and slow the brain drain. Propaganda can only buy time. Our chickens will surely come home to roost. Ugoji Egbujo writes from Lagos. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Since Tinubu is neither the chairman of the African Union nor has anyone appointed Nigeria the leader of the continent (despite our tendency to proclaim the country the giant of Africa), using most part of his speech to soldier for Africa, is, in my opinion, inappropriate. In fact, it could sit on the wrong side of other African leaders, who often resent the tendency for Nigerians to see the leadership of the continent as their entitlement. On 18 September, President Bola Tinubu gave a speech from what could be called the grandest stage of them all the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was his maiden speech on such a stage. For a first speech at the UN, I feel Tinubu performed above expectation. Overall, I would score him a B. There is however still a big room for improvement. The speech highlighted five themes: (a) the need for global institutions and other nations to see Africa as a priority; (b) an affirmation of democratic governance as the best guarantor of sovereign will; (c) the challenges posed by violent extremism; (d) the problems of illicit mining and pilfering by extra-African powers and companies; and (e) the threats posed by climate change. On a grand platform like the UNGA, speeches by presidents tend to simultaneously target at least two publics the world leaders gathered for the UNGA and the audience back at home. Tinubus speech seemed to give about 55 per cent weight to its African audience, 35 per cent to its Nigerian audience and 10 per cent to the world leaders (in terms of proposals for meaningful engagement, other than grandstanding). Since Tinubu is neither the chairman of the African Union nor has anyone appointed Nigeria the leader of the continent (despite our tendency to proclaim the country the giant of Africa), using most part of his speech to soldier for Africa, is, in my opinion, inappropriate. In fact, it could sit on the wrong side of other African leaders, who often resent the tendency for Nigerians to see the leadership of the continent as their entitlement. The speech should also have been more sensitive to two charges often levelled against African leaders, whenever they appear with their non-African counterparts in multilateral organisations, especially with those from the global North the begging bowl syndrome (in which they invariably come to ask for financial assistance) and the victim complex (whereby they lament about how they are disadvantaged by the global system, and mention the sins of slavery). Given these expectations of non-African leaders, smart speech writers find ways of not making their speeches self-fulfilling prophecies to their non-African critics, while still subtly infusing a little measure of the feel-good theories and phrases that excite the audience at home. One way some try to do this is for the speech to be politely assertive, while emphasising that what they want is partnership, not financial handouts. Excessive grandstanding and playing to the emotions of the audience at home cannot cut deals with the world leaders, who today hold both the knife and the yam. President Bola Tinubus speech tried to ingratiate the African and Nigerian publics occasionally to the point of unnecessary arrogance. Instances include: We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community. The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner. African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. Africa is nothing less than the key to the worlds future. While I regard the fourth limb of the speech on the pilfering of the continents resources with the active connivance of some countries and entities from the global North as very bold and spot on, there are some sentences in that section that are either ambiguous or seem disconnected from the discourse. For instance: Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. What exactly does this statement mean? The above bold (or arrogant) assertions were, however, contradicted in the same breath by a plea for a version of the Marshall Plan for Africa among other begging bowl appeals. The Marshall Plan, named after the US Secretary of State, George Marshall (who in 1947 proposed that the United States should provide massive economic assistance to aid the reconstruction of post-war Europe), resulted in the US Congress appropriating $13.3 billion in 1948 (a staggering sum in those days) for European recovery over the next four years. Essentially, you cannot be arrogantly declaring that you are the key to the worlds future and at the same time pleading for massive financial assistance along the lines of the Marshall Plan. Feel good grandstanding can hardly get African leaders the sort of partnership they should be looking for on a grand stage like the UNGA. At best, it will result in pledges of more financial assistance and grants which will paradoxically only reinforce the perceptions of the begging bowl syndrome and victim complex Part of the preamble to President Tinubus speech read: Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress. I believe this preamble speaks well to the different publics admitting issues with domestic governance will be sweet music to the ears of the world leaders, expecting the usual victim complex and begging bowl syndrome. The bit about broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad will also play well with African and Nigerian publics. If only the soldiering for Africa had stopped there! But it went on and on throughout the five themes to the point of grandstanding and then undermined it all by resorting to the begging bowl syndrome of asking for a Marshall Plan. Apart from a casual mention of his removal of fuel subsidy and flotation of the naira, world leaders are not made aware of any new opportunities in Nigeria or other African countries that may excite their interests. While I regard the fourth limb of the speech on the pilfering of the continents resources with the active connivance of some countries and entities from the global North as very bold and spot on, there are some sentences in that section that are either ambiguous or seem disconnected from the discourse. For instance: Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. What exactly does this statement mean? And how exactly does illegal mining draft thousands of people into servitude? People will actually argue that people go to work in illegal mines to escape from poverty, not the other way round. On presentation, the President did fairly well. His diction was distinct and clear and he paced his reading well. But the entire presentation would have been better if the president had used a teleprompter or a tablet and avoided this habit of licking a finger to help him to turn a page of the prepared speech. There is also the small matter of dress code. On climate change, Tinubu declared: African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts. You cannot be calling for global partnership and at the same time be saying it must be done on your own terms. The speech writers also seemed to be unaware of the fact that 54 African countries have ratified the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference also known as the Paris Agreement (or COP21). African leaders also undertook to implement the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) that they submitted as part of their commitments to reducing emissions and adapt to climate change. The speech writers equally seemed unaware of the fact that ministers from governments across the continent signed the continentally expanded Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration Environment and Climate Change (KDMECC-AFRICA), which has been adopted by 48 African states. In essence, there is already a consensus among African countries on how they will fight climate change. On presentation, the President did fairly well. His diction was distinct and clear and he paced his reading well. But the entire presentation would have been better if the president had used a teleprompter or a tablet and avoided this habit of licking a finger to help him to turn a page of the prepared speech. There is also the small matter of dress code. Just like English language has become the language of international commerce and technology, the English suit has also become the international dress code for multilateral organisations. True, we should be proud of our culture. But in the absence of a national dress culture for the country, Nigerian presidents adorning their ethnic cultural dress to such meetings only end up emphasising their provincial identity, when they should be a symbol for all Nigerians. Besides, if our presidents do not plead culture while reading their speeches in English language or communicating with mobile phones and other modern gadgets, why must they plead culture when it comes to dress code? Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Extraordinary Professor of Government Studies at North Western University, Mafikeng South Africa. He is also the founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers and can be reached at 0705 807 8841 (Text or WhatsApp only). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Russian actor, star of the 9th Company and Samara film projects, Arthur Smolyaninov, who publicly expressed his anti-war position, made a loud statement about returning to Russia. The artist called Russians crazy and the laws of the Russian Federation a laughingstock. ADVERTISIMENT This caused another bout of hysteria among citizens who enjoy living under dictatorial rule. The comments appeared under a post in one of the propaganda publics (scroll to the bottom of the page to see photos and videos). Smolyaninov said that he is very angry with the Russians who took away his job and family, so he does not want to return home. "Russia should try hard to make me want to return to it. Its current incarnation has betrayed us all. She did everything to make us stand aside and say: "Wake up, woman. You've gone crazy. You are not worthy of your children." Because the country is the people, and not vice versa. When a country has raped itself, turned its laws into a laughingstock, turned its citizens into a resource, deprived me of my job and family, it will take a lot of effort to make me want to talk to it," the actor said. ADVERTISIMENT The propagandists immediately began to spread the "betrayal" and call the star an "extremist" and a "foreign agent." The "patriots" of the terrorist country gladly joined the hysteria, kindly suggesting that the fellow citizen "die." "Who needs you to exert yourself?" "Stay where you are, you scarecrow," "Poor man. Die there", "Clown", "Only in a coffin. You will die in a foreign land," the Russians dispersed. By the way, earlier Artur Smolyanikov said that if he were to go to war in Ukraine now, it would be exclusively against Russia. According to the celebrity, he has no feelings for the occupiers other than hatred. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote that the actor appeared in front of the public in the image of Lesya Ukrainka. In it, he recited an obscene and even humiliating poem about the dictatorial president Vladimir Putin, as well as about his ex-wife and mistress. Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! I am aware that a popular prayer point is, May God not forsake Nigeria, but when we look around us, what do we see? We do not see a nation but a collection of tribes and multi-ethnic groups It is imperative that we change the way we think and behave. We must think of Nigeria first in all that we do. If we can think it, we can do it! What is currently being practiced is that we prioritise where we come from over our national identity. Last Sunday, the main activity of the day at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was the National Harvest. It is an event parishioners look forward to every year because of its capacity to create joy, happiness, merriment, and excitement for young and old people. It is always a special moment when parishioners pray for Nigeria and ask for grace for themselves. The mini-Nigeria atmosphere in the church auditorium is usually festive and vibrant; the colourful display of costumes projects our rich cultural heritage and diversity. The overarching theme of unity is evident: although we come from different regions and tribes, we belong to one nation. During the procession by each state, the dance steps are beautifully choreographed responses to the popular traditional music from that part of the country. This is followed by a Love Feast and fellowship on the open ground nearby, after the church service. The different food types exhibited is a recognition of our diversity and the excellent culinary skills of our people. You could walk into any tent and sample the food of your choice in a show of love and demonstration of goodwill from your hosts. The simple act of sharing and caring are a manifestation of Gods unfailing love and faithfulness (John 1:17). When we talk of mercy, kindness and compassion, they are scriptural verses but they are also values that build great nations. Unfortunately, we have allowed tribe and region, in the absence of love, to define who we are, and these sentiments keep pulling us back. It explains why Nigeria finds it difficult to reach its full potential. At the church service, one of the hymns was, There shall be a new Nigeria. I was fascinated by the hymn and there was an unscripted earnestness on the faces of parishioners as we sang the hymn with this chorus: New Nigeria, New Nigeria I see/Our story is changing for good/A great nation shall be born. Indeed, a great nation comprising different tribes and tongues shall be born. The hymn has five stanzas, with each stanza deliberately crafted to inspire the congregation. I am aware that a popular prayer point is, May God not forsake Nigeria, but when we look around us, what do we see? We do not see a nation but a collection of tribes and multi-ethnic groups. It is imperative that we change the way we think and behave. We must think of Nigeria first in all that we do. If we can think it, we can do it! What is currently being practiced is that we prioritise where we come from over our national identity. In a country with three major tribes, more than 250 ethnic groups and 220 million people, why is it difficult to forge a national identity and speak with one voice? My view is that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to create a national identity project that would promote citizenship and serve as the glue to hold everyone together, so that Nigeria is a no longer a mere geographical expression, as the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noted in the past. The task of nation-building will begin when we forge and defend a national identity with a new zeal, consciousness and earnestness, and run away from protecting territories. To be clear, where we come from are important but we must always see ourselves as Nigerians first. The hymn we sang in church last Sunday should be translated into all the indigenous languages for national mobilisation. I say this because we do not have any other country to call our own, and it is only Nigerians who can build Nigeria, under the right transformational leadership that would inspire greatness in every Nigerian. The task of nation-building will begin when we forge and defend a national identity with a new zeal, consciousness and earnestness, and run away from protecting territories. To be clear, where we come from are important but we must always see ourselves as Nigerians first. A new Nigeria is on the lips of most people. Chief Afe Babalola is a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University. At 93 years old, Chief Babalola does not need to grandstand or impress anyone with his comments. He has been an advocate for a new Nigeria based on a new constitution, where politics will no longer be a transactional business. If most Nigerians are depressed and refusing to commit to the concept of a new Nigeria, it is because they are treated like refugees in their own country. They also believe strongly that nothing is being done to tackle elite conspiracy which, to a large extent, is the bane of Nigerias underdevelopment. How many Nigerians are proud of Nigeria or ready to die for the country? I am interested in the outcome of this survey because the number of people leaving Nigeria in droves has become worrisome. Most of my friends and associates who live abroad used to tell me, about five years ago, that they would love to return to Nigeria but they dont say that anymore. They ask me: Return to what? They even tease me to ja pa and join them to become a diaspora Nigerian. I am worried about the elite conspiracy against Nigeria, which has devalued the lives of Nigerians for so many decades. This club of vested interests that capture and divert state resources is usually protected from the long arm of the law. The poor continues to pay the price of a dysfunctional society that does not inspire any hope. The basic things of life are always absent because we are wicked and unkind to each other. Most patriotic Nigerians know that a Think Nigeria First campaign in any form will only make sense when the rich stops stealing from the poor. When this happens, the stolen funds can be used to develop infrastructure, provide constant electricity supply, build schools and hospitals, and so on. Who is ready to join me to launch Think Nigeria First campaign? This members of the club of vested interests know how they made their money and they are eating alone, while the Nigerian economy is bleeding. This is not fair at all; they should think of Nigeria first before they think of how they spend our money. Thinking aloud, it occurred to me that it is possible to rename stolen funds as money held in trust for Nigerians. Let the owners lend us part of the money to address our current economic challenges. In truth, some of them can write off Nigerias debt because what we owe is chicken change to them. With a debt overhang of N87 trillion, are the members of the vested interests club happy? I dont think so because I know they are patriotic citizens who love Nigeria more than the rest of us. It does not really matter, especially now that we are at their mercy. This members of the club of vested interests know how they made their money and they are eating alone, while the Nigerian economy is bleeding. This is not fair at all; they should think of Nigeria first before they think of how they spend our money. Even if one dollar sells for N5,000, they can afford to buy millions if not billions of dollars. Most Nigerians are selling off their properties and travelling abroad because of the foreign exchange rate variance. I dont blame them; they are only obeying the first law of nature, which is their survival. The elites are also amassing wealth because they are keeping the money for us, not because they are thieves. The increasing number of multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians over 133 million people, according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are daily thinking of their survival before anything else. Why cant these elites who conspire against Nigeria and hold our money in trust for all Nigerians not have pity on poor and hapless Nigerians? As our 63rd independence anniversary draws near, what will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubus message to Nigerians? Mr President knows that a majority of Nigerians are not happy; they are worried and struggling to survive in a dire economic environment where hope must be renewed as quickly as possible. Congratulations to all Nigerians. We cannot give up on Nigeria, even if the country keeps behaving, disappointingly, like a sleeping giant. Our economy is resilient and it will bounce back with the ongoing reforms. Ehi Braimah is a global public relations and marketing strategist. He is also the publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times and Lagos Post, and can be reached via hello@neomedia.com.ng. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Flutterwave, Africas leading payments technology company, announced today the return of its Trade Fair for the third year in a row. This years edition marks a new era as it redefines the shopping and selling experience for shoppers and businesses. In partnership with Pages by Dami, the trade fair will feature a fashion show tagged #BattleoftheBands and a golden booth offering as much as 90% discount on all available items. It is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 1st, 2023, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Flutterwave Trade Fair will be a game-changer for young and vibrant Lagos shoppers ready to kickstart and enjoy end-of-the-year shopping in a relaxed environment filled with fun activities. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for all by providing food, drinks, fashion, commerce, community, competition, and unbeatable discounts, all under one roof. This is an event no one wants to miss. Shoppers can show interest in attending by using this link. Shoppers and Flutterwave customers are not left out of this incredible experience. At the heart of this experience is the #BattleoftheBrands, a one-of-a-kind runway experience. It is a fashion show where ten leading fashion brands compete to showcase their uniqueness and creativity for the grand prize of one million naira (NGN 1,000,000). The trade fair will also mark the Flutterwave Customer Experience Week launch, with a Golden Booth offering jaw-dropping discounts on all available goods. This booth will be available for a limited time during the trade fair. All shoppers should get ready to buy quality products at unbeatable discounts from the Flutterwave CX Team. Expressing excitement and anticipation for the upcoming trade fair, Damilola Bello (Dammy B), Flutterwaves Small Business Growth Partner, said, Im really excited that the Flutterwave trade fair is here again. As always, we are fully geared up to extend our unwavering support to small businesses, assisting them in achieving their aspirations. Whats more, we are spicing it up with the #BattleoftheBrands runway competition. Your favorite fashion brands are all set to dazzle, and I invite everyone to support them and enjoy massive discounts across all available products. Highlighting the role of SMEs as the bedrock of Nigerias economy and essential customers for Flutterwave, Mathieu Limousi, VP of Marketing, Flutterwave, commented, As a company with the mission to simplify payments for endless possibilities, we understand the importance of small businesses as the key drivers of national growth and economic development. This is why weve always been championing their cause and building innovative solutions like the Flutterwave Store and Flutterwave POS that help their businesses thrive online and offline. With the Flutterwave Trade Fair, we have taken that support to a whole new level. Octobers edition promises to do that again and with more fun. Weve got the golden booth by CX offering up to a 90% discount and the #BattleoftheBrands with one million naira and other exciting prizes up for grabs. I invite everyone to attend the trade fair as this years experience will definitely be like no other. Limousi added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, on Monday, ordered the immediate payment of three months outstanding salaries of the staff of the Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo. The governor gave the directive after meeting with the management of the university and union leaders at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Jalingo. Mr Kefas, while condemning the workers threat to embark on a strike, said the issue of outstanding salaries in the institution was inherited from the past administration of Darius Ishaku. Mr Kefas said tackling the issue is not only a matter of financial responsibility but a moral obligation to the staff. He said he understood the gravity of the situation and challenges confronting the institution and acknowledged the contributions of the academic staff in shaping the future of the state through education. Mr Kefas said dialogue and understanding should be one of the ways to resolve problems confronting the institution. READ ALSO: He described the academic staff as builders of dreams and guardians of the future of the younger generation. Also, he reiterated his commitment to prompt payment of salaries, pension, and gratuity and said he is committed to the implementation of the minimum wage by October 2023. Mr Kefas described the students of the university as the heart and soul of the educational system and urged them to focus on their studies. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Sunday Bako, commended the governor for convening the meeting, and also agreeing to offset the outstanding bills. Also reacting, the Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union (ASUU), TSU chapter, Mbave Garba, applauded the governor for initiating the dialogue and his commitment to resolving issues that affect the welfare of staff of the institution. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, abducted by suspected terrorists were moved to the Kwiambana Game Reserve a dreaded forest that transverses Nigerias North-west and North-central region. The terrorists attacked three female off campus hostels at Sabon Gida, one of the universitys hosting communities on the outskirts of Gusau, Zamfara State capital, and abducted 24 students and some residents of the community, last Friday. Thirteen of the victims have been rescued as of Tuesday, in two separate rescue operations by a combined team of soldiers of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau and other security agencies. Residents of the area including a traditional leader who witnessed the incident told PREMIUM TIMES that after the raid, the terrorists, moved their victims on several motorcycles to the Dansadau District of Maru Local Government between Friday and Monday while manoeuvring through various ungoverned farming communities around Kwiambana Game Reserve. After Fridays raid, PREMIUM TIMES learned that the captives and their abductors slept in mosques in at least two farming communities near Dansadau on Saturday and Sunday. According to residents of the area, on Monday they reached Madada forest the larger part of the Kwiambana Game Reserve. The reserve is believed to be controlled by terrorists loyal to Ali Kachallah and Dogo Gide who are believed to be the masterminds of the abduction. After the attack, they proceeded to Gajeren Kauye community just three kilometres from Dansadau town they slept over there with the victims in a mosque, the next day Sunday they moved to Kukan Magu village about eight kilometres from Dansadau town. They reached their final destination which is the Madada forest on Monday morning and displayed the victims to the Ali Kachallah who is in charge of the turf, and one who masterminded the abduction, one of the residents who asked not to be named for safety reason told PREMIUM TIMES. The spokesperson of the police in Zamfara, Yazeed Abubakar, said such vital information from locals should have been communicated to security agents for a timely response. He, however, said rescue operation by security agents is ongoing. We are pleading with the people to always communicate information to the security agents for a timely response, the police spokesperson said. The suspected masterminds The suspected masterminds of Fridays attack on the universitys community, Messrs Kachallah and Gide, perhaps, run the biggest kidnap-for-ransom franchise in Nigerias North-west and North-central regions. Their operations, unlike other armed groups in the regions, forbids their gang members from attacking villages around the Kwiambana Game Reserve. They primarily target government institutions, officials, schools and travellers. This has endeared them to locals in their areas of operation who are grateful to them for being spared. Local sources credit the relative reduction in gunmen attacks on rural communities around the Dansadau axis to their order they often send their emissaries to Dansadau town to resolve conflicts among residents. Other gangs of bandits who attack communities in the area are severely punished by them. Fridays attack was not the first collaboration between Messrs Kachallahs and Gides gangs. This newspaper reported how they collaborated in the abduction of 136 students from Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government of Niger State, on 30 May 2021, and staff and pupils of the Government College (FGC), Yauri in Kebbi State, in June 2021. In May, Mr Gide released the last two of the 11 students of the FGC Yauri. The girls, Farida Kaoje and Safiya Idris, spent years in captivity. Before the attacks on schools in Tegina Yauri and Gusau, gunmen loyal to Mr Gide had attacked public schools in Kaduna and Katsina states abducting students and forcing the authorities to close down schools in areas deemed vulnerable to attacks. Sources said the bandits normally share the captives among themselves and later demand huge ransoms from the government and families of the captives for their release. Game reserve turned criminal hideout The Dansadau Emirate which hosts the Kwiambana Game Reserve, covers 492 square kilometres out of the 1180 square kilometres of Zamfara State. The area has land suitable for farming and rearing livestock. READ ALSO: Tinubu directs security agencies to rescue remaining female students abducted at Nigerian university In September 2021, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the terrorists attacked the Forward Operating Base in the Mutunji community in the Dansadau district, killing nine air force, two police and one army personnel. In the Dansadau district, the bandits immediately took control of any community without the presence of security personnel, sacked their traditional rulers and imposed a protection levy on the residents who were willing to stay. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security operatives in Plateau State said they are investigating the killing of a community leader, Adamu Gabdo. Mr Gabdo was killed on Saturday in Panyam in the troubled Mangu Local Government of Plateau. The police spokesperson in Plateau State, Alfred Alabo, confirmed that the police was investigating the killing. Also, the spokesperson of the Operation Safe Haven, Ishiaku Takwa, a major, told PREMIUM TIMES that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Third Armoured Division, Rukuba Barracks, in Jos, Abubakar Abdulsam, a major general, has ordered an investigation into the killing. I cannot tell you anything about the incident because the GOC ordered a full-scale investigation into the case. We want to know how he was killed, why he was killed and who killed him because our men had worked to achieve the hard-earned peace presently being enjoyed in the area. We will arrest the perpetrators and retrieve the corpse so we cannot allow some miscreants to set the hand of a clock back, Mr Takwa said. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the victim, Mr Gabdo had relocated to Toro Local Government in Bauchi following the recent spate of bloody inter-ethnic clashes in the Mangu area. He was on a condolence visit to the area on Saturday when he was killed. Scores of people were killed in the tit-for-tat killings that lasted several weeks. He was reportedly attacked by unknown persons on a motorbike on his way to a motor park after his visit to the residence of the district head of Panyam. Mr Gabdo was the leader (Ardo of Fulani communities) in Panyam district before the crisis that broke out in May this year between the Mwaghavul and the Fulanis. Some Fulani communities were displaced from the area following the clashes. Condemnation The Chairman of Mangu Local Government, Markus Artu, in a statement on Monday condemned the killing of Mr Gabdo. Mr Artu described the killing as barbaric and an act of criminality by enemies of Plateau State who are against the peace being enjoyed in the state. The security operatives are on the trail of the perpetrators of the evil act and will soon be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law. The people of Mangu had since resolved to live in peace with each other, irrespective of tribe or religion and would not allow anyone to come between them. The killing was a deliberate act by hoodlums who are bent on throwing the council area into another round of chaos at a time when relative peace has been achieved and the people are returning to their ancestral homes due to so many efforts made by the State Government under the leadership of State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. I call on citizens to go about their lawful activity and caution against taking the laws into their hands as the government is doing everything possible to sustain the peace already being enjoyed in the state, the local government chairman said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of the state, Olusegun Odusola, to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The House had on Monday served the deputy governor with the notice of the allegations, the first formal step in impeachment proceedings. Mr Aiyedatiwa had, in response, approached the state high court in Akure, seeking to halt the process. He also prayed the court to restrain the chief judge from constituting any panel for his impeachment. He denied any wrongdoing, saying he had been loyal to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu while the governor was abroad on medical leave. But at an extraordinary session on Monday evening, the lawmakers directed the chief judge to constitute a panel to investigate Mr Aiyedatiwa. Presenting a motion, the Majority Leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said the move is in line with the Nigerian constitution. The motion was seconded by Tope Komolafe who represents Ifedore State Constituency. READ ALSO: In line with the Nigerian Constitution, Section 188 Sub Section 4-5, the Chief Judge of the State shall as requested by the House of Assembly, appoint a panel of seven persons who are of unquestionable character, integrity to investigate the allegation as regarded by the section, the motion stated. The speaker, Olamide Oladiji, in his comments, said the lawmakers have a duty to investigate any allegation against an official in line with the constitution. He said the House would follow due process in its actions on the issue. Mr Oladiji then directed the chief judge to set up a seven-member panel of inquiry to investigate the allegation against the deputy governor. The Chief Judge is hereby implored to appoint a panel of seven persons who are of unquestionable integrity to investigate the allegation against the Deputy Governor and report to the house, he said. The Deputy Governor is hereby given seven days to respond to the letter written to him by this honourable House. In the letter to the deputy governor, the House made generic accusations of gross misconduct against Mr Aiyedatiwa. At its plenary sitting on Wednesday 20th September 2023, a notice of allegations of gross misconduct against your excellency duly signed by Eleven (11) Honourable members of the Ondo State House of Assembly was considered on the floor of the house, the letter read. Allegations against your excellency are: (I) Gross misconduct (II) abuse of office with actions likely to bring down Ondo State Government. (III) Financial recklessness (IV) Publications in print media by your media aides maligning the credibility of the Governor, etc. Pursuant to the provision of Section 188(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) that Your Excellency should be availed with a copy of the notice for you to respond to the allegations contained therein. Although he has been accused of gross misconduct, Mr Aiyedatiwas travails arose from alleged disloyalty to Mr Akeredolu when the latter was incapacitated. Mr Akeredolu returned from medical treatment in Germany two weeks ago but has since been running the state government from his private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. Agboola Ajayi, who was Mr Akeredolus deputy in his first term 2016-2020), survived an impeachment process after he was similarly accused of disloyalty to the governor. Mr Akeredolu has just over a year left in office. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ( Read 2026 Times) Agra: Under the supervision of the UP Air Squadron, a Parachute Jumping Training Camp was organized in PTI Air Force Agra from September 1, 2023, to September 25, 2023. Out of the 15 lakh NCC cadets from across India, only 43 NCC cadets were selected for this camp. Wing Commander Sumit Shekhar, in charge of UP Air Squadron Agra, explained that the selection of these 43 NCC cadets was extremely challenging. Each cadet who aspired to participate in this course had to undergo a rigorous selection process. Ultimately, 23 boys and 20 girls from all over the country were chosen for this camp. In this course, cadets had to parachute jump from a height of approximately 1200 feet and safely land on the ground. This entire process is inherently dangerous, but participants were meticulously trained to ensure that they could achieve their goals without any harm or difficulty in adverse and varying conditions. Dr. Lokesh Gupta, the college's patron, mentioned that Kushwant Singh Rathore, a second-year student of Dairy Technology, has brought great honor to the college by being selected for this camp. Dr. Gupta stated that the NCC camp is the most significant of its kind and Kushwant Singh Rathore competed with 15 lakh NCC cadets from across India to achieve this challenging goal. He expressed confidence that Kushwant Singh Rathore's determination and dedication would bring pride to the Mewar region, and he was pleased that Kushwant did not disappoint. In the training camp, each cadet is required to perform a parachute jump at least once, but Kushwant Singh Rathore, with unwavering determination, completed three parachute jumps, earning recognition from the NCC. MPUAT's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnatak, said it was a matter of great joy that Kushwant Singh Rathore, a student of the Dairy and Food Technology College, has achieved a remarkable feat. He congratulated the student and his parents, emphasizing the importance of combining education with national service. Source : ( Read 1849 Times) New Delhi: In San Francisco, California, the global organization 'Gopiyon,' consisting of people of Indian origin, hosted the Alliance India-US Corporate-Government Summit. The summit recognized the remarkable contributions of India's Minister of Ayush, Dr. Mahendra Munjpara, and Dr. Smita Joshi, who works on diabetes in children. Ashok Bhatt, the former Water Commissioner of California State and a prominent member of Gopiyon, mentioned that the inaugural ceremony of the summit was conducted virtually by Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel. Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra also sent his best wishes for the success of the summit. At this gathering, several distinguished individuals from both the United States and India came together on one platform to strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to economic development. Dr. Mahendra Munjpara, the Minister of Ayush, was honored with an award by Hemex Health's CEO, Pati White, for his pioneering efforts in the field of sickle cell diagnosis and for improving healthcare for women and children in India. The Global Fund also expressed its commitment to investing in the healthcare sector in India and promoting initiatives aimed at diagnosing serious diseases like sickle cell anemia, especially in women and children. Members of the United States Congress, California State Cabinet, representatives from political missions, and other notable figures acknowledged the relentless efforts of the Alliance India-US Forum in enhancing international partnerships and making economic development more accessible. The Alliance India-US Corporate-Government Summit serves as a symbol of cooperation, innovation, and progress, further strengthening the deep-rooted ties between these two dynamic nations. The summit is instrumental in fostering economic and strategic cooperation between the United States and India, aiming to bring about mutual growth and development through business, innovation, and collaboration. Source : The destructive and well-coordinated strikes of the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol caused serious damage to its combat capability and more, according to the UK Ministry of Defense intelligence, "The facts" reports. ADVERTISIMENT This does not mean that Russian ships have lost their ability to launch cruise missiles. But, most likely, according to the intelligence, they will not be able to continue wider regional patrols, and the actual blockade of Ukrainian ports will be reduced. Also, the ability to protect their assets in ports and conduct scheduled maintenance is likely to deteriorate. A dynamic, deep-water battle is underway in the Black Sea. This will force Russia to take a reactive stance, while demonstrating that the Ukrainian military can undermine the Kremlin's symbolic and strategic projection of power from its warm port in occupied Sevastopol," the British intelligence concluded. ADVERTISIMENT As you know, Ukraine has made significant progress on the maritime front in recent weeks. The GUR forces returned the Boyko towers to Ukraine's control, after which they successfully attacked the port of Sevastopol, hitting two vessels at once - a missile cruiser and a submarine. The other day, a missile strike destroyed the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, along with dozens of Russian servicemen. Our naval attacks have already become a problem for the Russians: insurance for their merchant ships has risen significantly, and they no longer have enough warships. This gives Ukraine the opportunity to unblock its ports for exporting all kinds of products and not to depend on the Grain Agreement imposed on us by the Russians. BAGHDAD, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk Iraq, an affiliate of the global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care, has been officially recognized as one of the best places to work in Iraq for 2023. The company received outstanding scores across several aspects of their workplace such as leadership, organizational culture and corporate responsibility resulting in its recognition among the employers of choice in Iraq. Moreover, 97% of employees are recommending the organization as one of the best employers in the market. Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered as the 'Platinum Standard' in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world, providing employers the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions. In a statement from Ali Bengi, Vice President & General Manager for Novo Nordisk Iraq "We are honoured to be named as one of the Best Places to Work in Iraq. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases and by living this purpose we aim to make a positive difference in patients' lives every day. Our employees are playing a key role in living Novo Nordisk's purpose and in serving patients. And creating a healthy and engaging work environment is always one of our top priorities" Meanwhile, Aydogan Cantimur, Head of People & Organization said "In Novo Nordisk, we are committed to offer life-changing careers for all our of colleagues, which is possible if we're continuously able to evolve our workplace and create the best employee experience by implementing to the point and innovative HR practices. We are very proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work in Iraq for the second time, passing through the years in which our colleagues have to manage more uncertainties/challenges than ever. It gives us the impression that we're on the right track to be a sustainable employer in being the best in market" Every year, the program partners with many organizations in Iraq, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations. The certification provides a valuable benchmark for employees and reinforces the company's commitment to retaining and attracting the best talent to serve its clients locally and internationally. For more information about the program, visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org SOURCE Best Places to Work SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 1606 Corp. (OTC Pink: CBDW) ("1606" or the "Company") is excited to announce an upcoming launch of ChatCBD, the Company's revolutionary AI chatbot designed to transform customer experiences. This conversational e-commerce tool will initially be installed in partnership with Cool Blue Distribution. Under this agreement, 1606 will install its proprietary AI merchandizing ChatBot on Coll Blue's website. ChatCBD has been specifically designed to answer customer questions about CBD and make product recommendations from retail brands currently being offered by Cool Blue Distribution which is a top CBD distributor in the U.S. (For a full list of retailers see www.CoolBlueDist.com ). Chat CBD Logo This merchandizing AI provides 1606 with new channels of revenue from licensing, product sales, payment processing and more. Conversational e-commerce technology personified by 1606's new merchandising Chatbot opens the door for the Company to enter bigger markets such as nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and supplements to name a few. One of the largest problems in online sales of CBD products, as expressed by real CBD users, is that as consumers they are inundated with hundreds of product choices at a time resulting in a lack of understanding due to the unregulated status of the CBD industry. More often than not, this results in cart abandonment, lost sales, and a lack of trust in the industry. CBD customers are comfortable discussing their CBD uses, dosages, and product type with a knowledgeable CBD expert more typically found in a dedicated CBD retail location (CBD Shops). ChatCBD doubles as an in-store resource for CBD retailers allowing employees to advise and educate at a scale previously unavailable to the industry. When it comes to CBD, online sales remain the dominant distribution channel, accounting for 66% of overall sales according to American Marijuana.Org, and 1606, in partnership with Cool Blue, will aim to blend the best brick-and-mortar CBD customer service and online product selection with the use of the new AI ChatBot, ChatCBD. Key Features of ChatCBD: Natural Language Processing (NLP): ChatCBD leverages state-of-the-art NLP technology, enabling her to understand and respond to customer queries with human-like precision and comprehension. 24/7 Availability: ChatCBD is always available to assist customers, ensuring round-the-clock support and resolving issues promptly, even outside of regular business hours. Seamless Integration: ChatCBD seamlessly integrates with existing customer support systems, allowing businesses to enhance their services without disrupting their current workflows. Personalized Engagement: ChatCBD can personalize interactions by analyzing customer data, preferences, and behavior patterns, delivering tailored solutions and recommendations. Multi-Platform Compatibility: ChatCBD can be deployed across various digital platforms, including websites, social media, and messaging apps, providing a consistent and accessible customer experience. Scalability: ChatCBD capabilities can scale with your business, adapting to increased customer demands without compromising on performance. Data Analytics: ChatCBD collects and analyzes customer interaction data to provide valuable insights, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and optimize their services. The CEO of 1606 Corp., Greg Lambrecht, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, "ChatCBD marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering businesses with AI technology. We believe that ChatCBD advanced AI capabilities will revolutionize how companies engage with their customers, fostering loyalty and trust in an increasingly competitive marketplace." Early adopters of ChatCBD will experience substantial improvements in customer satisfaction, reduced response times, and increased efficiency in their customer service operations. As CBD businesses continue to adapt to evolving consumer expectations, ChatCBD stands as a powerful tool for delivering exceptional customer experiences. To learn more about ChatCBD and how 1606 Corp. can help your business leverage this groundbreaking AI chatbot, please visit www.CBDW.ai or contact our head of business development, Austen Lambrecht at [email protected] . Why ChatCBD and why now? A Forbes Health Survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll found 60% of respondents have tried a CBD product and believe it offers some medicinal benefits. According to a 2018 cross-sectional survey of over 2,400 people published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, almost 62% of CBD users report using the cannabinoid to treat a medical condition specifically. The top three medical conditions treated with CBD include pain, anxiety and depression according to Forbes. About 1606 Corp. At 1606 Corp. We are not just a CBD company anymore; we are a dynamic think tank with innovative technology solutions that are aimed at solving the top online customer service problems in the CBD industry and all industries with online customers. Established as an acquisition-based company, CBDW has developed a vision to redefine the CBD industry through both acquisitions and technology development. 1606 Corp. stands at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and visionary collaborations to help you, the CBD consumer. Our mission is clear - to revolutionize the CBD industry by seamlessly integrating technology into the core operations of all CBD companies in the United States. We strive to empower businesses, both large and small, with enterprise solutions that drive efficiency, foster online sales growth, and open doors to unprecedented education and usage by CBD customers. Industry Information Rates of cannabidiol (CBD) usage in the United States are projected to surge in 2023, according to Stirling CBD. With recent studies suggesting as high as a 10% year-over-year (YoY) increase in usage, Stirling CBD predicts that 2023 will be a pivotal year for the industry as the widespread adoption of CBD-infused products is set to take place across the health and wellness, beauty, and food and beverage industries. The Global CBD industry is projected to hit $20 billion in sales by 2024 according to Business News Daily. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements appear in a number of places in this release and include all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations of 1606 Corp., its directors, or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. SOURCE 1606 Corp ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions, today announced the opening of its newest company-operated Aaron's GenNext store in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The new Aaron's store is located on the east side of Fort Smith near Mercy Hospital at 7607 Rogers Avenue. The new Aaron's store in Fort Smith reflects the latest expansion of the Company's GenNext store initiative, which is transforming the in-store customer experience. The new store is conveniently located on the east side of Fort Smith near Mercy Hospital at 7607 Rogers Avenue. The store will be open Monday Saturday from 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. "GenNext stores are an integral part of the Company's strategy to transform Aaron's in communities across the country," said Douglas Lindsay, CEO of The Aaron's Company. "With the opening of every new GenNext store, we continue to receive positive feedback from our customers. We are excited to open our new store in the Fort Smith market and look forward to delivering exceptional value and service to our customers along with a best-in-class shopping experience." Aaron's GenNext stores include larger showrooms and/or re-engineered store layouts, updated signage, expanded product assortment, enhanced technology-enabled shopping and checkout, and an innovative operating model, providing a best-in-class experience for shoppers. The GenNext program includes remodeling existing stores into the updated format as well as opening stores in new locations. So far this year, Aaron's has converted or opened 32 GenNext stores, bringing the total to 243 company-operated GenNext stores since launching the initiative in 2018. About The Aaron's Company, Inc. Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods across its brands: Aaron's, BrandsMart U.S.A., BrandsMart Leasing, and Woodhaven. Aaron's offers a direct-to-consumer lease-to-own solution through its approximately 1,260 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform. BrandsMart U.S.A. is one of the leading appliance retailers in the country with ten retail stores in Florida and Georgia, as well as its e-commerce platform. BrandsMart Leasing offers lease-to-own solutions to customers of BrandsMart U.S.A. Woodhaven is the Company's furniture manufacturing division. For more information, visit investor.aarons.com, aarons.com, and brandsmartusa.com. SOURCE The Aarons Company, Inc. Highlights Changes to the XanaMIA protocol reduce cost by AUD 30 million over the next two years and speed time to initial results while preserving the 36-week design and trial endpoints. UK sites added to the XanaCIDD trial of cognitive impairment associated with depression, due to report results mid-2024. SYDNEY, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XanaMIA Phase 2b trial optimization Actinogen Medical Limited (ASX: ACW) is pleased to announce optimization of the XanaMIA Phase 2b trial in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease to reduce the cost and time to initial results. The current, FDA-approved three-arm trial was designed to confirm the safety, pro-cognitive and clinical benefits of Xanamem and explore two dose levels. The new design keeps the same endpoints, 36-week treatment length and other features except for the 5 mg dose group. Actinogen Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dana Hilt, commented: "Removal of the 5 mg dose group, while deferring the dose-ranging aspect of the Xanamem program to the next, likely Phase 3 trial, does not detract from the strong confirmatory value of the trial design. The trial retains its ability to robustly demonstrate the clinical benefit of Xanamem in patients with Alzheimer's disease." Operationally, the trial has been streamlined with the following modifications: New: 10 mg or placebo daily vs. 10 mg, 5 mg or placebo previously New: 220 patients vs. 330 patients previously but still studying patients with the elevated blood pTau biomarker (the same group shown to have a large Xanamem clinical effect in the previous Phase 2a biomarker trial) New: Australian sites to enroll the first 100 patients vs. simultaneous global site activation previously New: Initial efficacy and safety results from an administrative interim analysis when approximately 100 patients reach 24 weeks of treatment vs. unspecified previously. Collectively these changes reduce trial costs significantly and increase forecast receipts from Australian R&D tax incentive cash refunds by focusing on Australian R&D activities in the near term. Net forecast savings between now and June 2025 will be in the order of $30 million compared to the original plan. The new implementation plan assumes that expansion of the XanaMIA trial will occur when potentially new, positive clinical data is received from the XanaCIDD trial by mid-2024 and/or the redesigned XanaMIA interim analysis, planned for H1 2025. Xanamem's promising safety profile has been demonstrated in more than 300 people to date. The XanaMIA Phase 2b trial will finalize Australian clinical site start up activities as soon as possible with patient recruitment expected before the end of the year. General Business Update 1. XanaCIDD Phase 2a trial The Company is also pleased to advise that it has expanded the XanaCIDD Phase 2a randomized clinical trial in patients with cognitive impairment associated with depressive disorder (CIDD) from Australia to include UK sites, which have commenced screening. The XanaCIDD Phase 2a depression trial is a double-blind, six-week proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled, parallel group design trial in 160 patients with both depression and cognitive impairment. Patients are evenly randomized to receive Xanamem 10 mg once daily or placebo, in some cases in addition to their existing antidepressant therapy, and effects on cognition and depression are assessed. Results of the XanaCIDD trial are anticipated by mid-2024. Leading neuroscience authority and cognition expert, Professor Paul Maruff,[1] said: "Xanamem is one of the few drugs being developed for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or neuropsychiatric diseases such as major depressive disorder, that throughout development has shown consistent and substantial benefits to cognition. These have been observed in healthy healthy older adults, and in adults with mild dementia. This evidence provides an excellent foundation for the full development of Xanamem." 2. Neuroscience webinar The Company conducted a highly informative 'Fireside Chat' webinar on 31 August 2023 with Professor Paul Maruff and CMO, Dr Dana Hilt, who discussed and reviewed progress in the evaluation of cognition, Alzheimer's disease and Xanamem's clinical data. Click on the following link to access the neuroscience webinar recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBvReLbauhg 3. Rights issue capital raising ACW successfully closed an AUD 10 million rights issue capital raising from existing shareholders and selected new shareholders on September 4, 2023. For further information contact: Investors and Media Dr. Steven Gourlay Michael Roberts CEO & Managing Director Investor Relations P: +61 2 8964 7401 M: +61 423 866 231 E. [email protected] E. michael.roberts@actinogen.com.au About Actinogen Medical Actinogen Medical (ACW) is an ASX-listed, biotechnology company developing a novel therapy for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases associated with dysregulated brain cortisol. There is a strong association between cortisol and detrimental changes in the brain, affecting cognitive function, harm to brain cells and long-term cognitive health. Cognitive function means how a person understands, remembers and thinks clearly. Cognitive functions include memory, attention, reasoning, awareness and decision-making. Actinogen is currently developing its lead compound, Xanamem, as a promising new therapy for Alzheimer's Disease and Depression and hopes to study Fragile X Syndrome and other neurological and psychiatric diseases in the future. Reducing cortisol inside brain cells could have a positive impact in these and many other diseases. The cognitive dysfunction, behavioural abnormalities, and neuropsychological burden associated with these conditions is debilitating for patients, and there is a substantial unmet medical need for new and improved treatments. Current and Upcoming Clinical Trials The XanaCIDD Phase 2a depression trial is a double-blind, six-week proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled, parallel group design trial in 160 patients. Patients are evenly randomized to receive Xanamem 10 mg once daily or placebo, in some cases in addition to their existing antidepressant therapy, and effects on cognition and depression are assessed. The XanaMIA Phase 2b Alzheimer's disease trial is a double-blind, 36-week treatment, placebo-controlled, parallel group design trial in 220 patients with mild to moderate AD and progressive disease, determined by clinical criteria and confirmed by an elevated level of the pTau181 protein biomarker in blood. Patients receive Xanamem 10 mg or placebo, once daily, and effects on cognition, function and progression of Alzheimer's disease are assessed. Thus, Xanamem is being assessed in this trial for its potential effects as a both a cognitive enhancer and a disease course modifier. About Xanamem Xanamem's novel mechanism of action is to block the production of cortisol inside cells through the inhibition of the 11-HSD1 enzyme in the brain. Xanamem is designed to get into the brain after it is absorbed in the intestines upon swallowing. Chronically elevated cortisol is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease and excess cortisol is known to be toxic to brain cells. Cognitive impairment is also a feature in Depression and many other diseases. Cortisol itself is also associated with depressive symptoms and when targeted via other mechanisms has shown some promise in prior clinical trials. The Company has studied 11-HSD1 inhibition by Xanamem in more than 300 volunteers and patients, so far finding a statistically significant improvement in working memory and attention, compared with placebo, in healthy, older volunteers in two consecutive trials and clinically significant improvements in functional and cognitive ability in patients with biomarker-positive mild AD. Previously, high levels of target engagement in the brain with doses as low as 5 mg daily have been demonstrated in a human PET imaging study. A series of Phase 2 studies in multiple diseases is being conducted to further confirm and characterize Xanamem's therapeutic potential. Xanamem is an investigational product and is not approved for use outside of a clinical trial by the FDA or by any global regulatory authority. Xanamem is a trademark of Actinogen Medical. Disclaimer This announcement and attachments may contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are not historical facts; are based on subjective estimates, assumptions and qualifications; and relate to circumstances and events that have not taken place and may not take place. Such forward looking statements should be considered "at-risk statements" - not to be relied upon as they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors (such as significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties / contingencies and regulatory and clinical development risks, future outcomes and uncertainties) that may lead to actual results being materially different from any forward looking statement or the performance expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Actinogen Medical does not undertake any obligation to revise such statements to reflect events or any change in circumstances arising after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of or non-occurrence of any future events. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Actinogen Medical does not make any guarantee, representation or warranty as to the likelihood of achievement or reasonableness of any forward-looking statements and there can be no assurance or guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be realised. ACTINOGEN MEDICAL ENCOURAGES ALL CURRENT INVESTORS TO GO PAPERLESS BY REGISTERING THEIR DETAILS WITH THE DESIGNATED REGISTRY SERVICE PROVIDER, AUTOMIC GROUP. [1] Professor Paul Maruff is a Professor in Neuroscience at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and in Psychology at Monash University, Melbourne Australia. He is also co-founder of Australian public company Cogstate Limited, which plays a major role in the assessment of Alzheimer's disease globally. Professor Maruff has more than 30 years of experience in the assessment of cognition (how you think, remember and solve problems) and other tests used to assess AD and other diseases associated with cognitive impairment. Xanamem is a registered trademark of Actinogen Medical Limited SOURCE Actinogen Medical Limited On Tuesday, September 26, the court rejected another appeal by the defense of Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, the former president of Motor Sich, who is suspected of collaboration. The decision of the first instance was upheld, and Boguslaev was remanded in custody. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Suspilne from the courtroom. It is noted that Bohuslayev will remain in custody until October 22. During the hearing, Bohuslayev's lawyers argued that most of the risks that the prosecution had indicated in the previous motion had disappeared, as the pre-trial investigation was completed on September 22. As a reminder, the prosecution requested an extension of the arrest based on the following circumstances: Bohuslayev may try to escape or leave the country; he has Russian citizenship; there is a risk of influencing witnesses and a number of enterprises, including those related to the production of helicopters; there is also a risk of destruction or distortion of certain material evidence. ADVERTISIMENT On May 19, 2023, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv extended the preventive measure against former Motor Sich CEO Vyacheslav Bohuslayev. On June 19, the Kyiv Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of Bohuslayev's defense and left him in custody. On July 16, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv extended his detention without bail until September 9. As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - Bohuslayev and the head of the Foreign Economic Activity Department of Motor Sich JSC were detained on October 22, 2022. Bohuslayev is currently in a pre-trial detention center and denies all charges. - In March, the former director of Motor Sich JSC wrote a letter to the Office of the President of Ukraine asking to be added to the list for exchange with Russia. - The head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, said that Bohuslayev could be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war, but only after he testifies. Bohuslayev is 84 years old, so he could spend the rest of his life in prison. ADVERTISIMENT - Bohuslayev has hidden real estate in Moscow. We are talking about at least two properties. The former Motor Sich president also had a Russian passport issued in 2000. - In addition, they found a company in Russia that has sold almost 2 million worth of spare parts since the invasion. According to the investigation, on the eve of the full-scale Russian invasion, Bohuslayev ordered the dismantling of helicopter blades so that the Ukrainian military could not fly them. He also initiated the concealment of documents for aircraft equipment. - Bohuslayev's family was found to have real estate on the French Riviera. LONDON , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive research report by Brandessence Market Research (BMRC), "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Industry Analysis, Trends, And Forecast 2020-2027". The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market was valued at USD 184.2 billion in 2020 and expected to reach USD 284.4 billion By 2027, amplifying with a CAGR of 6.4% over 2020-2027. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Overview: The global pharmaceutical industry plays a vital role in healthcare, and at the core of this industry are Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). These essential components form the foundation of various pharmaceutical products, from common pain relievers to cutting-edge biotechnological drugs. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market, examining its segmentation, major trends, drivers, opportunities, threats, target demographics, and consumer preferences. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Report Scope: Report Metric Details API Market Revenue forecast in 2027 USD 284.4 Billion Market Size in 2020 USD 184.2 Billion Market Growth Rate CAGR of 6.4% from 2020 to 2027 Base Year 2019 Study Period 2020-2027 Key Players/Companies AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Cipla Limited, Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Lupin Limited, Merck & Co., Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Roche Holding AG, Sanofi S.A., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Other. Segmentation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market: Type of API: The API market can be categorized into synthetic APIs and biological APIs. Synthetic APIs are chemically synthesized, while biological APIs are derived from living organisms, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins. Therapeutic Area: APIs are used in a wide range of therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, anti-infective, oncology, central nervous system, and more. The segmentation here is essential to identify the specific demand and growth areas within the market. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/51 Competitive Hierarchy: Some of the key players in global Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market AbbVie Inc. AstraZeneca plc Bayer AG Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Bristol Myers Squibb Company Cipla Limited Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Eli Lilly and Company GlaxoSmithKline plc Johnson & Johnson Lupin Limited Merck & Co., Inc. Mylan N.V. Novartis AG Pfizer Inc. Roche Holding AG Sanofi S.A. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Other Major Trends and Drivers: Biotechnology Advancements: The growing field of biotechnology has spurred the development of biologically derived APIs. This trend is driven by the increased demand for biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies. Regulatory Changes: Stringent regulations and quality standards have become more pronounced, emphasizing the need for high-quality APIs. Regulatory changes are a significant driver for API manufacturers to maintain compliance. Increasing Generic Drug Demand: The rising demand for generic drugs, especially in emerging markets, drives the growth of the API market as generic drug manufacturers seek cost-effective sources for APIs. R&D Investments: Continuous research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical industry are propelling the discovery of novel APIs, often with enhanced therapeutic properties. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (300 Pages) on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market: https://brandessenceresearch.com/pharmaceutical/global-active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market-2018-2024 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Market Opportunities and Threats: Opportunities: Global Expansion: Expanding into emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for API manufacturers. Expanding into emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for API manufacturers. Custom Synthesis: Offering custom synthesis services to pharmaceutical companies seeking unique APIs can be a profitable niche. Offering custom synthesis services to pharmaceutical companies seeking unique APIs can be a profitable niche. APIs for Rare Diseases: Developing APIs for rare diseases can be lucrative due to limited competition and potentially high prices. Threats: Counterfeit APIs: The API market faces the risk of counterfeit products, posing potential harm to patients and damaging the reputation of legitimate manufacturers. The API market faces the risk of counterfeit products, posing potential harm to patients and damaging the reputation of legitimate manufacturers. Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting API production and distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, affecting API production and distribution. Price Erosion: Intense competition can lead to price erosion, impacting profit margins for API manufacturers. Target Demographics and Preferences: Pharmaceutical Companies: These companies are the primary customers for API manufacturers, ranging from multinational pharmaceutical giants to small-scale drug developers. Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs): CMOs often outsource API production to specialized manufacturers, offering opportunities for collaboration. Biotech Startups: The growth of the biotechnology sector has led to increased demand for specialized APIs, making biotech startups a valuable target demographic. Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and healthcare institutions that compound medications on-site may require APIs directly. Purchase Copy of This Research Report @: Checkout_Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Market Here are some of the latest news and developments in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market: API Market Growth Continues: The API market continues to grow steadily, driven by the increasing demand for generic drugs and biologics. Market analysts predict that the global API market will maintain a healthy growth rate in the coming years, thanks to factors such as the aging population, rising chronic diseases, and advancements in pharmaceutical research. Biological APIs on the Rise: The demand for biological APIs, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, is witnessing significant growth. Biotechnology companies are investing heavily in the development of biologically derived APIs, leading to a shift in market dynamics. Regulatory Compliance Challenges: API manufacturers are grappling with evolving regulatory requirements and quality standards. Stringent regulations, especially in regions like the United States and Europe , are driving the need for advanced manufacturing processes and quality control systems. API Supply Chain Resilience: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Many API manufacturers are now focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience by diversifying sourcing options and adopting digital technologies for real-time monitoring. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability is becoming a key focus in the API industry. Several companies are adopting eco-friendly manufacturing practices, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact. This shift aligns with both consumer preferences and regulatory pressures. Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and CMOs is on the rise. Such partnerships facilitate efficient API production and distribution, ensuring a steady supply of medications to the market. Conclusion: The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) market is dynamic and evolving, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preferences. While it offers numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges that API manufacturers must navigate to thrive in this competitive landscape. Understanding market segmentation, staying abreast of major trends and drivers, and identifying target demographics and preferences are critical factors for success in the API market. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to grow, API manufacturers play an integral role in ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications worldwide. Related Reports: Unlocking the Latest Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's Disease Research: Hope on the Horizon Rising Against the Odds: Global Insights into Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Disease Managing the Alzheimer's Landscape: How We Point Market Participants in the Direction of Special Solutions Personalized Medicine Driven By AI is revolutionizing healthcare The Future of Skin-Credible Care Is Unlocked by New Topical Drug Delivery Therapies, Creating a Psoriasis Care Crisis! 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Follow Us: LinkedIn Contact: Mr. Vishal Sawant Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Corporate Sales: +44-2038074155 Asia Office: +917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/4254672/BEMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Brandessence Market Research and Consulting Private Limited The Indonesia Carbon Exchange (IDXCarbon) hosted and operated by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is powered by ACX's technology JAKARTA, Indonesia, ABU DHABI, UAE and SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ACX (AirCarbon Exchange), operating its proprietary regulated environmental asset trading platform, is the technology provider for Indonesia's carbon exchange hosted and operated by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) after a competitive Request for Proposal process. Launched on 26th September 2023, with its first carbon trades, Indonesia's official carbon exchange, IDXCarbon, will play a vital role in reducing Indonesia's carbon emissions and driving Indonesia's transition to reach net zero emissions by 2060. "With ACX support, IDXCarbon has reached a key milestone towards achieving net zero emission in 2060 or sooner. We anticipate a thriving and enduring collaboration with ACX that will continue to drive innovation and success, as the Indonesian carbon market develops." said Iman Rachman, President Director of IDX. IDXCarbon has been customised by ACX to meet the country's unique requirements, as well as aligned with Indonesian institutions, including the National Registry System for Climate Change Control (SRN-PPI). This will ensure the exchange is compliant with Indonesia's standards and procedures, as well as the requirements recently established by the OJK, the country's financial services authority. ACX provides a complete end-to-end solution that utilises blockchain technology to ensure the transparency and auditability of all trades transacted on the exchange. With that, the exchange will play a central role and promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the Indonesian carbon market. "We are honoured to be the technology provider for Indonesia's carbon exchange and to contribute towards the country's vision of a fair and inclusive carbon ecosystem," said Thomas McMahon, co-CEO and co-Founder of ACX. "Our end-to-end solution will enable the exchange to provide comprehensive services. This will make it easier for companies to access and participate in the carbon market, ultimately driving down Indonesia's carbon emissions and contributing to global sustainability efforts." Hum Wei Mei, Head of APAC and Global Head of Environmental Products, said: "Indonesia has a critical role to play in international climate action while IDXCarbon is at the heart of ensuring that Indonesia's carbon market progresses as envisioned. As the technology provider to IDXCarbon, ACX is committed to working closely with IDX to implement a highly customised, iconic and state-of-the-art carbon exchange which will act as critical supporting infrastructure for Indonesia's long-term plans & interests in emissions trading, carbon markets & climate action." With a global footprint covering Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North and South America, ACX has demonstrated itself to be a leading technology provider with a proven track record of designing and implementing carbon trading system worldwide, leveraging the company's expertise and experience to ensure a robust and reliable platform for trading environmental assets. About Indonesia Stock Exchange: IDX is the only stock exchange in Indonesia with more than 850 listed companies and a total market capitalization of more than US$ 650 billion. IDX continuously providing trusted infrastructures to establish a fair, orderly, and efficient capital market in Indonesia. IDX promotes a sustainable capital market through various initiatives and works closely with all stakeholders to establish innovative products, improve transparency, and guarantee investor protection. For more information, please visit www.idx.co.id. About the ACX Group: ACX (AirCarbon Exchange) group, including ACX Ltd and AirCarbon Pte. Ltd., which operate environmental exchanges in Abu Dhabi and Singapore respectively, caters to corporates, financial traders, carbon project developers and other industry stakeholders. ACX provides participants with an efficient and transparent trading platform that is user-friendly, seamless and offers the lowest transaction fees in the market. Leveraging distributed ledger technology, ACX facilitates and scales growth of the environmental product markets to align with global ambitions of achieving Net Zero. ACX is proud to be a member of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), further enhancing its commitment to sustainability and responsible trading practices for carbon and other environmental products. ACX has garnered international recognition as the Best Carbon Exchange globally in Environmental Finance's esteemed Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.acx.net. SOURCE ACX (AirCarbon Exchange) Deciding whether Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the right option requires careful consideration of specific financial situations and goals says Bunch and Brock LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a type of bankruptcy that allows individuals with regular income to develop a plan to repay all or a portion of their debts over a three- to five-year period. This is different from Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is designed for individuals with little or no income and few assets and does not involve a repayment plan. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Bunch & Brock Advantages: 1. Debt repayment plan: One of the significant advantages of Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it allows the debtor to develop a debt repayment plan that fits their income and expenses. This plan can help debtors to pay off their debts over a reasonable period and avoid losing their assets, such as their home or car. 2. Protection from creditors: Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides an automatic stay, which stops creditors from taking any collection action against the debtor. This includes foreclosure, wage garnishment, and debt collection calls. 3. Debt discharge: At the end of the repayment period, some debts may be discharged, which means the debtor is no longer liable to pay them. 4. Lower payments: Chapter 13 bankruptcy may lower the monthly payments on some debts, making them more manageable. 5. Retain property: Debtors can keep their property, such as their home and car, as long as they keep up with the payments. Disadvantages: 1. Time-consuming process: The Chapter 13 bankruptcy process can take several years, and the debtor must make regular payments throughout this period. 2. Limited eligibility: Not everyone can file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Debtors must have a regular income and unsecured debts below a certain limit. 3. Potential loss of property: If the debtor fails to make the payments, they may lose their assets, including their home or car. 4. Credit impact: Filing for bankruptcy can negatively affect a person's credit score and may make it challenging to obtain credit in the future. "Many people mistakenly believe that filing for bankruptcy means they will lose all of their assets. In fact, the opposite is true. Bankruptcy is a way to protect your money and property from aggressive creditors who can use the courts to seize your possessions," says Bunch. About Bunch and Brock, Attorneys at Law In 2016, Bunch & Brock, Attorneys at Law celebrated our fortieth anniversary as a law firm providing professional, quality legal advice and representation to families, individuals, and businesses in central Kentucky. We help clients navigate bankruptcy, estate planning, wills, and trusts, and we provide advice on how to avoid foreclosure. Contact us at 859-254-5522. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Bunch & Brock Fusebox focuses on live experienceswork that's experienced livein a shared space with other people. It works with artists who create these unforgettable experiences across a wide range of artistic disciplines. The kind of work it presents, produces, and commissions is rare and lives in the now. Fusebox prides itself on curating work that would otherwise never be experienced in Austin, while also championing some of the most interesting artists living and creating in Central Texas each year. "Fusebox Festival is still very much alive, well, and growing. We have big plans and dreams for the festival, but we felt like we were hitting the edges of what we could do in our old model," says Ron Berry, Fusebox Executive + Co-Artistic Director. "It became clear to us that there was a real need and opportunity to share these extraordinary artists with our communities throughout the year. For thousands of people, Fusebox represents their only chance to experience so many of these artists, and we needed a model that allowed for more connection points beyond the five days of our festival. This next chapter of Fusebox reflects our expanded vision, and is accompanied by a completely refreshed brand that speaks to the totality of our work, inclusive of our year-round programming and larger community partnerships." The rebrand and irreverent relaunch campaign was led by Austin-based brand consultancy In-House Int'l . "This newly aligned strategy and branding is designed to make what's so unique and irresistible about Fusebox apparent to everyone in our experience-loving city. The new identity and positioning is a broad invitation to experience moving, indescribable, world-class work that's proudly presented in Austin," said In-House CEO Michu Benaim Steiner. Here's what audiences can expect under Fusebox's new brand: Year Round Programming & Revamped Membership On top of the bi-annual Fusebox Festival, expect a new series of commissioned shows and performances throughout the year, including a new partnership with Texas Performing Arts. Annual Fusebox memberships will also allow members to access quarterly programming, join us on field trips, and purchase Fusebox Festival tickets in advance and at a discount. Fusebash 2024 Annual "un-gala" fundraiser with immersive visual experiences and performances at every turn to raise money used to pay artists and creators throughout the year. The next Fusebash is on February 24, 2024. Fusebox Festival As part of the move to year-round programming, Fusebox's annual festival will become biennial following its 20th anniversary edition in spring 2024. This shift will allow for deeper development of new works, longer-term relationships with artists, and planning of larger scale works. The new biennial festival will continue to take place at sites and venues across the city in 2026 and beyond. The 20th Anniversary Fusebox Festival is scheduled for April 8-14, 2024 at sites all over Austin, with a particular set of art and experiences surrounding the April 8th Eclipse. Live in America Led by Fusebox Co-Artistic Director Dr. Carra Martinez, Live in America imagines a justice-oriented space for enriching communities, uplifting histories, and building a shared sense of stewardship. Currently headquartered out of Springdale, Arkansas its residency program channels a year-round, arts-family practice that contributes to the Springdale community via artistic growth, communal sharing, and warm hospitality. About Fusebox Fusebox curates daring, unforgettable live experiences. Since its inception in 2005, Fusebox has grown from an Austin, Texas-based festival to a global organization producing quarterly and annual events, commissioned shows, and collaborative projects with artists, organizations, and businesses all over the world. Together with its global community, Fusebox invites audience members to share in the live experience while sparking larger civic conversations that examine our individual and shared experiences. Explore it all at fuseboxlive.com SOURCE Fusebox SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) now has 109 Members after its Board of Governors today approved the applications of three economies. The milestone was reached with the addition of El Salvador, Solomon Islands and Tanzania during the Bank's eighth Annual Meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. AIIB Members collectively account for 81 percent of the world's population and 65 percent of global gross domestic product. "AIIB has a track record of successful collaborations with our Members. The addition of El Salvador, Solomon Islands and Tanzania strengthens the AIIB community and supports our collective mission to finance Infrastructure for Tomorrow," said AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun. "Together, we will work on priority projects within our clearly defined thematic priorities to drive long-term sustainable growth." The three prospective members will officially join AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first capital installment with the Bank. "Our journey began with 57 founding members," said AIIB Vice President and Corporate Secretary Ludger Schuknecht. "That we have been able to grow our membership to 109 in the past eight years shows that many believe in our mission to achieve sustainable infrastructure development and economic growth as well as our commitment to actively support infrastructure projects that contribute to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience." AIIB's Board of Governors approved the resolution welcoming the three prospective Members during the Bank's eighth Annual Meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. About AIIB The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrowinfrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 109 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. SOURCE AIIB ZURICH, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor (NYSE: AMCR) (ASX:AMC), a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, today announced that Lucrece Foufopoulos-De Ridder has been nominated as a non-executive director for election at the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday November 8, 2023. Ms. Foufopoulos has a distinguished and varied career of more than 20 years in the chemical and petrochemical industry, most recently as Executive Vice President, Polyolefins & Circular Economy Solutions and Innovation & Technology for Borealis, where she also serves on the Executive Board(1). Prior to joining Borealis, Ms. Foufopoulos held various strategy, commercial and general management positions in Europe, North America and Asia at Eastman Chemical Company, Dow Chemical and Tyco Electronics. Ms. Foufopoulos is also a member of the Board of Directors of Sika Group, Royal Vopak and Borouge. Ms. Foufopoulos holds a master's degree in Polymer and Composites Engineering from the University of Leuven, a master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Ghent, and executive business education from INSEAD in Paris and The International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Amcor Board believes Ms. Foufopoulos' deep global experience and her understanding of technologies and innovations related to sustainability and the circular economy will add highly complementary perspectives and insights to the Board's existing skill set. Amcor also announced that non-executive director Dr. Armin Meyer will retire from the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Dr. Meyer has been a committed and active member of the Amcor plc board over many years, serving as Deputy Chair as well as Chair of the Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee. Dr. Meyer's extensive knowledge and experience in executive leadership, finance and global manufacturing has been immensely valuable to the Board and his fellow Directors thank him for his significant contribution and service during his tenure. (1) Ms. Foufopoulos will step down from her executive position at Borealis, and the Board of Borouge Pte, effective December 31, 2023. ENDS About Amcor Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions across a variety of materials for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly light-weighted, recyclable and reusable, and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2023, 41,000 Amcor people generated US$14.7 billion in annual sales from operations that span 218 locations in 41 countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC www.amcor.com I LinkedIn I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube SOURCE Amcor World's Largest Plastic Surgeon Organization Finds Increase in Procedures Amid Growing Social Acceptance and Continued Innovation ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the world's largest plastic surgery organization, representing 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, today released the 2022 results of the organization's procedural research, along with partners CosmetAssure and PatientNow. According to this data, there were 26.2 million surgical and minimally invasive procedures performed in the United States in 2022. More specifically, there has been a 19% increase in cosmetic surgery procedures since 2019. "This year's study supports the larger trend of the public's growing desire to look and feel better in their own skin," said ASPS President Gregory Greco, DO, FACS. "As interest in and acceptance of plastic surgery grows, ASPS member surgeons remain committed to upholding rigorous standards of safety and the continued prioritization of patient and provider education." Top Overall Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures Of the nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2022, the top 5 were: Additionally, breast reduction procedures saw a 54% surge since 2019 with 71,364 procedures. Of the nearly 23.7 million cosmetic minimally invasive procedures performed in 2022, the top 5 were: *Procedure was not tracked in previous years Of the nearly 1.02 million reconstructive procedures performed in 2022, the top 5 were: Tumor Removal (344,697 procedures, down 2 percent from 2019) (344,697 procedures, down 2 percent from 2019) Hand Surgery (204,412 procedures, approximately the same as 2019) (204,412 procedures, approximately the same as 2019) Breast Reconstruction (151,641 procedures, up 12 percent from 2019) (151,641 procedures, up 12 percent from 2019) Maxillofacial (52,488 procedures, down 29 percent from 2019) (52,488 procedures, down 29 percent from 2019) Scar Revision (50,930 procedures, down 9 percent from 2019) Post-Pandemic Motivations Looking at a post-pandemic world compared to data from 2019, ASPS has seen significant growth in the number of procedures performed overall. Patients are no longer putting off the procedures they have been considering, which may be attributed to more time spent working from home and the flexibility hybrid work schedules offer patients for recovery. Face and Neck Take Focus Patients often enhance their appearance beginning with the features they first see in the mirror: the face and the neck. Certain trends and behavior during COVID contributed to the latest plastic surgery trends; masks made eyes the main focal point of the face for almost a year, which likely contributed to a surge in the number of eyelid surgeries, making it the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2022. The past year also saw an 8% rise in facelift procedures and a 150% increase in cheek implants. Body-Centric Procedures Remained Prominent Post-COVID weight fluctuations resulted in an increase in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, with a 23% rise in liposuction and a 77% rise in noninvasive fat reduction procedures compared to 2019. "Board-certified plastic surgeons are able to provide a number of options, both surgical and minimally invasive, for patients to feel their best after lifestyle changes that have impacted their weight," said Dr. Greco. "ASPS member surgeons can work with patients to create a personalized solution that prioritizes safety and promotes efficacy." Breast augmentation remained a popular cosmetic surgical procedure as the close second to liposuction, while breast lifts earned the fourth spot with a 30% rise since the onset of the pandemic. There was a surge in patient demand for cosmetic breast reductions - up 54% compared to 2019, pointing toward a broader trend of individuals valuing both comfort and aesthetics. Social Media Influences Trends and Perception Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a steady rise in transparency as patients have been more open to sharing their plastic surgery journeys on social media, which contributed to an increase in certain procedures. Lip augmentation with fillers secured a spot in the top five most sought-after minimally invasive treatments for the first time, and buccal fat removal procedures also rose. While this particular surgery was not tracked in 2019, there were over 4,500 procedures in 2022. "With the rise of social media, we've noticed plastic surgery has become less stigmatized as people share their experiences or interest in certain procedures," said Dr. Greco. "Board-certified plastic surgeons are able to help patients determine whether a procedure is right for them and can offer guidance along the way, keeping the patient's safety and well-being at the forefront." About the ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics Since 1992, ASPS has been the source of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery statistical trends in the United States, and this series represents more than three decades of procedural data. ASPS is dedicated to bringing the most accurate and reliable data in the specialty. For 2022, the Society collected data from member surgeons and from two affiliated companies, CosmetAssure and PatientNow. Combined, these sources give the data added breadth and depth to provide a more comprehensive report, strengthening credibility as a resource for doctors, patients, researchers and the media. "CosmetAssure is pleased to partner with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to provide timely and accurate data on aesthetic plastic surgical procedures, numbers that will keep in the highest regard with industry, media and other stakeholders," said James Grotting, MD, founder of CosmetAssure. "Plastic surgery is real surgery with real risks. CosmetAssure provides peace of mind for patients and surgeons alike." "We are excited to continue our mission of helping aesthetic practices succeed," said Audrey Neff, Director of Marketing at PatientNow. "It is critical to pay attention to the data that PatientNow and ASPS bring together to put the best outcomes at the center of our specialty so together we can elevate the patient experience." To learn more, visit PlasticSurgery.org/Stats2022 . Please credit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) when citing statistical data. About American Society of Plastic Surgeons The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. About CosmetAssure As the gold standard in complications insurance, CosmetAssure has been providing an extra measure of financial safety and peace of mind to board certified plastic surgeons and their patients now for the past 20 years. We work to preserve the surgeon-patient relationship in difficult times when unexpected post-surgery complications delay recovery. About PatientNow PatientNow is the industry leader in providing integrated EMR, practice management, digital marketing and before & after photo management to power over 4,500 aesthetic practices worldwide to improve efficiency, drive revenue, and streamline operations. SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons STATELINE, Nev., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- State park directors, staff and vendors from across the nation gathered on the shore of Lake Tahoe in west central Nevada Sept. 12-15 to celebrate America's state parks during the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) annual conference. The National Association of State Park Directors held its annual conference on Sept. 12-15 at Lake Tahoe. Nevada State Parks was the host of the 2023 conference, which took place at Tahoe Blue Center in Stateline, Nev., about an hour's drive from Reno, Nev. As part of the conference, participants had the opportunity to visit multiple Nevada state parks, recreation areas and historic sites across the region. More than 430 state park directors, deputy directors, operations managers, support staff and sponsors and exhibitors attended the conference. Keynote speakers included: Shannon Estenoz , Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Department of the Interior , Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Department of the Interior Kristine Stratton, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Recreation & Park Association Myron F. Floyd , Dean, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University , of Natural Resources, Patrick Renvoise, Co-Founder and President, SalesBrain Matthew Saponaro , Founder, A.I. Whoo , Founder, A.I. Whoo Courtney Schultz , Executive Director, Health and Technology Partners , Executive Director, Health and Technology Partners Darin Uselman , Chief Operations Officer, KOA , Chief Operations Officer, KOA Yu-Fai Leung , Professor and Director of North Carolina State University Graduate Program, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management; Director, Annual Information Exchange, NASPD Session topics ranged from the growing role of data in park management, innovative opportunities for outdoor recreation development, bridging accessibility gaps in outdoor recreation opportunities and strategies for recruiting and managing park staff. "Each year this conference is an opportunity for the leaders of America's state parks to come together to compare notes and learn from leading voices from across the outdoor recreation industry," said Lewis Ledford, NASPD Executive Director. "This year participants had the opportunity to gain encouragement and inspiration while taking in beautiful Lake Tahoe. State parks across the country will benefit from the time their leaders spent together during this event." NASPD honored nine organizations and individuals at its annual award ceremony, including: Director of the Year Distinguished Service Award Linda Lanterman , Director, Kansas State Parks, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Rockefeller-Udall Award Amy Berry , Chief Executive Officer, The Tahoe Fund Innovation Award Colorado Parks and Wildlife, "Keep Colorado Wild Pass" President's Award Friends of Ludington State Park, a Michigan 501(c)(3) volunteer organization Joanne Kittel, Co-Chairperson, View The Future Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University Ney C. Landrum Park History Award Alan Levere, Volunteer, Connecticut State Parks Alaska State Parks and Office of History Archaeology, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Malia French Floyd, Director of Client Marketing for Aspira, was recognized for her numerous efforts supporting America's state parks, including coordinating the annual America's State Parks Photo Contest for the past seven years. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly congratulated Lanterman on being awarded NASPD's highest annual honor. "Congratulations to Kansas State Parks Director Linda Lanterman for earning the prestigious Distinguished Director Award from the National Association of State Park Directors," said Gov. Kelly. "As a previous Executive Director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, I know firsthand how important this role is to our communities and to our overall economy. I appreciate Linda's tremendous dedication to Kansas state parks." Presentations by both STIHL Inc. and Bronco Wild Fund during the conference included the announcement of separate grant opportunities to a total of 24 state parks across the country in support of increased accessibility and conservation work. For more information about the NASPD, please visit stateparks.org. To view photos from the 2023 NASPD awards ceremony, click here. About the NASPD The mission of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy. Media Contact: Lewis Ledford, Executive Director [email protected] 919-218-9222 stateparks.org SOURCE National Association of State Park Directors Factorial HR reports and analytics tool allows access to track DEI metrics, KPIs, and generates automated reports MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As businesses nationwide are cutting back on DEI initiatives, laying off individuals in DEI roles, and folding DEI departments, Factorial , a leading provider of human resources software solutions, is stepping in with a DEI reporting and analytics solution to ensure businesses stay on track. In a recent webinar hosted by Factorial and Ama Agyapong Hooks , a DEI and senior HR Business Consultant at HR Knowledge Source , the pair discussed the importance of equity in the workplace, commonly faced challenges and misconceptions, as well as tips and best practices for fostering effective communication and sustaining an equitable culture. Additionally, Factorial highlighted the role of their HR reports and analytics tool in supporting DEI initiatives. According to Factorial Co-Founder and CEO Jordi Romero, "We recognize DEI initiatives and a focus on employee wellbeing is declining, particularly in the technology industry. We feel it's our job to reinforce how important DEI is within company culture and offer a solution that helps these businesses track their own DEI efforts." DEI initiatives and roles are declining across industries. According to a survey conducted by Glassdoor, access to DEI programs increased to 39 percent in 2020, peaked at 43 percent in 2021, and then fell to 41 percent in 2022. Additionally, LinkedIn reports that the hiring of chief diversity officers (CDOs) declined in 2022 after experiencing significant growth in 2020 and 2021. CDOs were the only C-suite positions to experience hiring declines in 2022. Factorial and HR Knowledge Source shared 5 best practices for fostering and sustaining an equitable culture in its recent webinar: Ensure Leadership Commitment: Leadership commitment to DEI is foundational for its success within an organization. This commitment must be aligned with the larger organizational strategy. Leaders should clearly articulate how DEI initiatives contribute to the company's mission, values, and long-term goals. This ensures DEI is not viewed as a separate initiative but as an integral part of the overall strategy. Assess the Culture: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the organizational culture is essential for understanding its current state. This involves inspecting existing policies, practices, and behaviors to identify areas where inclusivity can be enhanced. Through surveys, interviews, and audits, organizations can gather valuable insights from employees at all levels. Accountability and Reporting: Establishing accountability is crucial for driving progress in DEI efforts. This includes defining measurable, specific, goals and tracking key performance indicators related to DEI. Regular reporting of metrics demonstrates transparency and holds the organization accountable. Additionally, clear communication about the progress and challenges demonstrates a commitment to change. Upskill Leaders and Employees: Providing training and development opportunities on DEI principles is essential for building a more inclusive workplace. This includes comprehensive programs that address topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Additionally, leadership readiness training equips leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead diverse teams and create an inclusive environment. Develop a Communications Strategy: A well-defined communication strategy is crucial for ensuring DEI efforts are effectively conveyed to all employees. This should include clear messaging about the purpose and goals of DEI initiatives. For example, it should also outline how and when information will be communicated to the team. It should establish feedback mechanisms that allow employees to share their perspectives and concerns. Additionally, it should provide guidance on how to have courageous conversations and interrupt bias to actively contribute to a more inclusive workplace. Factorial's HR reports and analytics tool allow companies to streamline DEI strategies and track their progress. It facilitates the creation of a visual and user-friendly interface where companies can create custom dashboards to support DEI initiatives. Additionally, the tool allows companies to integrate their employee metrics with their DEI dashboard to automatically align data, keep track of demographics, and identify promotions, pay, and raise gaps. About Factorial Founded in 2016, Factorial offers people-centric solutions for HR teams, automating processes so they have more time to dedicate to the people within their organization. With over 75,000 users across 65+ countries, Factorial serves clients such as KFC, Booking.com, and Whisbi. Factorial became Europe's newest Unicorn in 2022 following a Series C investment round. For more information, please visit https://factorialhr.com/ . Media Contact: Velocitas Interactive Marketing + PR [email protected] 305.735.9845 SOURCE Factorial NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The angiography devices market size is expected to grow by USD 4072.09 mn from 2022 to 2027. In addition momentum of the market will progressing at a CAGR of 6.04% during the forecast period, according to Technavio Research. The market has segmented by Application (Diagnostic and Therapeutic), End-user (Hospitals and clinics, Diagnostic and ambulatory surgery centers, and Research laboratories and institutes), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)). Geo EXPLAINATION. This report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Read PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Angiography Devices Market 2023-2027 Company Profile: Abbott Laboratories | AbbVie Inc. | AngioDynamics Inc. | B.Braun SE | Boston Scientific Corp. | Canon Inc. | Cardinal Health Inc. | Cook Group Inc. | Cordis Corp. | General Electric Co. | Inorbvict Healthcare India Pvt Ltd. | InterMed Medical Ltd. | Johnson and Johnson | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Medtronic Plc | Shimadzu Corp. | Siemens AG | Terumo Corp. | Toshiba Corp. 1st vendor offer description is required againt 1st vendor list only To gain access to more vendor profiles available with Technavio, buy the report! Angiography Devices Market: Segmentation Analysis By Segment - 1 segment explain (2 to 3 lines). Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View a PDF Sample Report "Besides analyzing the current market scenario, our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021"- Technavio Angiography Devices Market: Driver & Trend: Write all drivers in bullets and explain 1st driver Trend Explain - 1 line Strategic alliances among market vendors are a key trend in the tyrosine kinase inhibitors market. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market. Download to gain access to this information. Related Reports: (WRITERS) - 1 line What are the key data covered in this angiography devices market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the angiography devices market between 2022 and 2027. Precise estimation of the angiography devices market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the mental health industry across North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of angiography devices market vendors. ToC: Excustive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by WRITERS 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 Another group of Russian recruits has arrived in Ukraine to join the ranks of the Russian Volunteer Corps. The organization has established a legal entry process, so they can now join by the dozens. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported in the RVC Telegram. Members of the Corps showed the passports of the new volunteers, and there are at least 20 of them in the photo. As a reminder, in August, the RDC called on the Wagnerites to side with Ukraine and take revenge for the "execution" of their PMC founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. They clarified that they were inviting those Wagnerites who had not committed war crimes on the territory of Ukraine to join their ranks. They promised them security and decent conditions. In early September, the RDC fighters conducted a new raid on the territory of the aggressor country, Russia. They inflicted losses on the occupiers. According to the fighters, the losses of the Russian army included one killed and a dozen wounded FSB officers. ADVERTISIMENT Prior to that, the corps' fighters took part in a raid in the Bryansk region, which resulted in the "minus" of two enemy security forces. Representatives of the RDC took responsibility for the elimination of two FSB officers. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on August 22, the Russian Volunteer Corps celebrated the first anniversary of its creation. During this time, the legion has grown from one car to assault groups. The RVC fighters have received equipment, recruits, bases and artillery Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Antarctica Advisors LLC, the leading Seafood Industry-focused M&A advisory firm, acted as the exclusive investment banking advisor to Sea Fresh USA ("Sea Fresh"), one of the largest processors of fresh, premium-quality, wild-caught Loligo Squid in the U.S., in its sale to Oceano Seafood ("Oceano"), an international fishing and processing conglomerate from Lima, Peru. Founded in 1981, Sea Fresh USA is a fully integrated seafood business with fishing, unloading, processing & packing operations. Sea Fresh has docking operations in Galilee, RI (Handrigan Seafoods) and a BRC-certified processing facility in North Kingstown, RI. The company is well known for its fresh and frozen Squid products distributed through retail and foodservice. James Fox, Owner of Sea Fresh, commented: "Oceano has been a customer of ours for several years and we are excited to be their first acquisition in the U.S. market. We are thankful to have worked with the Antarctica Advisors team who played a key role in helping us navigate this complex transaction process. Their senior banker M&A advice was critical to the structuring and negotiating the best possible transaction for me and my employees." Ignacio Tirado, President of Oceano Seafoods, shared: "It is an honor to continue Jim Fox's legacy and to join the company's experienced management. We aim to continue investing and growing the business in the U.S. and integrate it our global sourcing capabilities into it." Ignacio Kleiman, Managing Partner of Antarctica Advisors, pointed out: "Sea Fresh provides Oceano direct access to the U.S. market with a brand recognized for its high-quality fresh Squid products. We very much appreciated the opportunity to have worked with Sea Fresh's team and look forward to watching the company's continued growth." For Oceano, the acquisition of Sea Fresh expands its international footprint while deepening its supplier network and presents numerous synergies facilitating growth including diversifying its product offerings with access to the U.S. market. Antarctica Advisors is the leading US-based, independent investment banking firm providing corporate clients in the global Seafood Industry with specialized M&A advisory, private equity and debt capital raising services. The firm's highly specialized Seafood Team is comprised of professionals with significant knowledge of the Seafood Industry, as well as a proven track record of successful transaction execution. Antarctica Advisors LLC is a licensed broker-dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC. SOURCE Antarctica Advisors KUNSHAN, China, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22nd, Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega from the Technical University of Madrid visited Arctech and both parties have successfully joined in an agreement on deepening cooperation on the Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega visited Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory Wu Liang, Manager of Arctech Wind Tunnel Lab is demonstrating products to the two professors Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez is an internationally renowned wind tunnel expert who has participated in over 70 wind tunnel studies in fields such as building aerodynamics, bridge aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, wind energy, solar energy, and has also led multiple wind tunnel experiments on photovoltaic tracker in Spain. Professor Omar Gomez Ortega is a member and treasurer of the Nation Association for Wind Engineering (ANIV) belonging to the International Association for Wind Engineering (IAWE). As an influential wind tunnel expert in Spain, he has participated in the research and development of wind tunnel engineering in over 30 civil engineering, wind engineering, aerospace, and other projects worldwide. As a leading manufacturer and solution provider of photovoltaic trackers in the world, Arctech adheres to the mission of " Empowered by Technology, Shine Forward", and always regards innovation as the fundamental driving force for enterprise development, empowering customer value, and leading industry progress. To this end, Arctech has conducted in-depth cooperation with well-known universities both domestically and internationally such as Technical University of Madrid, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University, jointly promoting the implementation and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and accelerating the modernization process of the photovoltaic industry chain. In 2021, Arctech became the only photovoltaic enterprise in the world to have its own wind tunnel laboratory. The Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory can simulate the site environment and conduct tests from five stages: static, dynamic, CFD stability, aeroelasticity, and Aero Plus. Based on the test data, structural calculations are conducted to obtain accurate aerodynamic information on the solar tracking system, ensuring its stability. In 2022, Arctech established a Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Calculation Center. By selecting appropriate air turbulence mathematical models and using electronic computers as tools, various discrete mathematical methods are applied to conduct numerical experiments, computer simulations, and analysis research on various problems in fluid mechanics. An intelligent design platform for photovoltaic structural systems in complex terrains is established, providing support for Arctech to improve product solutions. Relying on its strong research and development capabilities of "integrating industry, academia, and research", Arctech has pioneered the world's leading multi-point parallel drive tracking technology, leading the technological leap of solar trackers and solutions from single-point drive to multi-point drive. The exclusive development of the "3D Geographic Information System (GIS) + Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Simulation" application technology provides a theoretical basis and technical support for improving the reliability and structural optimization design of trackers in complex terrain. So far, Arctech Global R&D Center Laboratory has obtained the qualification of the Photovoltaic Tracker TMP Laboratory issued by TUV SUD and the laboratory accreditation certificate issued by CNAS. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega highly praised the construction of Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory and Arctech's leading product technology. They expressed their willingness to further deepen cooperation with Arctech and jointly contribute to the world's photovoltaic development. SOURCE Arctech LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. will host its Third Quarter 2023 earnings call on Thursday, October 26, 2023. A results release will be posted to our website at midday BST (07:00 EDT) on October 26, 2023, at https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/investors An investor webcast and conference call will be held at 14:00 BST (9:00 EDT) on October 26, 2023. A full replay of the presentation will also be available at the same link shortly after the conclusion of the live presentation. Webcast https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1635927&tp_key=c096fb05b7 Dial in*: International: +44 (0)330 165 4027 US/Canada: +1 800-239-9838 Conference code: 7000018 *It is not necessary to dial into the audio conference unless you are unable to join the webcast. Additional dial-in numbers are at this link, or simply click Participant Access Information (globalmeet.com) and enter your details to be connected. The link is active 15 minutes prior to the start time. About Ardagh Metal Packaging Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leading global supplier of infinitely recyclable, sustainable, metal beverage cans and ends to brand owners. A subsidiary of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group, AMP is a leading industry player across Europe and the Americas with innovative production capabilities. AMP operates 24 production facilities in nine countries, employing 6,300 employees and had sales of $4.7 billion in 2022. SOURCE Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Armada Power announced Ray Pustinger has been selected to take the helm as the company's president and CEO, effective September 25, 2023. Pustinger brings over three decades of energy domain expertise and over 20 years as a CEO and CFO to his new role at Armada Power. "Ray is a proven leader in growing startups and has an impressive track record of taking early-stage companies and effectively transitioning them into growth businesses," said Armada Power owner and Lifestyle Communities CEO Michael DeAscentis. Armada Power is a U.S.-invented and grown technology company that has expanded beyond its original Ohio market and into numerous states. Now serving some of the largest utility and multifamily property owners in the United States and Canada, Armada Power is ready to launch into its next commercial phase. Pustinger's experience includes serving commercial, industrial, and public sector facilities and utilities. His energy background includes energy efficiency, demand response, renewable energy, transportation electrification, building automation, software, and data solutions. He most recently served as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships of a San Francisco-based energy-as-a-service provider and offers a unique customer service perspective to Armada Power's existing and future customers. "Ray brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to the role. His ability to navigate the intricacies of scaling a startup, turning innovative concepts into market-ready services, and establishing a strong market presence will undoubtedly propel Armada Power to new heights," DeAscentis said. "We are very much looking forward to the experience and leadership that Ray brings." About Armada Power Armada Power is a technology company that incorporates patented, behind-the-meter thermal storage into a secure platform providing millisecond grid response benefitting grid operators, utilities, and consumers. Follow Armada Power on LinkedIn or Twitter (@PowerArmada), or for more information, visit our website at armadapower.com . CONTACT: Armada Power, Columbus, Ohio David Myers, 614-918-7493, [email protected] (Media) SOURCE Armada Power --Based on prespecified interim analysis condition, 120 patients are likely to lead sufficient events for interim analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) HANGZHOU and SHAOXING, China, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, "Ascletis") today announces the completion of enrollment of 120 patients in the Phase III registration clinical trial of ASC40 combined with bevacizumab for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). ASC40 is an oral, selective small molecule inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme which regulates de novo lipogenesis (DNL). ASC40 inhibits energy supply and disturbs membrane phospholipid composition of tumor cells by blocking de novo lipogenesis [1]. The Phase III registration clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05118776) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial in China to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety of patients with rGBM. Approximately 180 patients will be randomized at the ratio of 1:1 to Cohort 1 (oral ASC40 tablet, once daily + Bevacizumab) and Cohort 2 (matching placebo tablet, once daily + Bevacizumab). Based on prespecified interim analysis condition, 120 patients are likely to lead sufficient events for interim analysis of PFS. The interim analysis will be conducted after 93 PFS events are observed. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive diffuse glioma of astrocytic lineage and is considered a grade IV glioma based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification [2]. Research shows that glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for 57% of gliomas and has an incidence rate of approximately 2.85 to 4.56 per 100,000 population in China per year, suggesting approximately 40,000 to 64,000 new cases of GBM per year [3]. In the U.S., GBM represents 56.6% of gliomas and has an incidence rate of approximately 3.21 per 100,000 population per year [4]. Over 90% GBM patients will relapse after surgery, radiation and chemotherapies. Effective treatments are extremely limited for patients with rGBM. "Lipid metabolism is now recognized as an important pathway in cancer [1]. The pivotal role of FASN in lipid metabolism makes it an attractive target in the clinic research." said Dr. Jinzi J. Wu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. "With 120 patients enrolled in the Phase III clinical trial of FASN inhibitor ASC40, we are likely to have sufficient events for the interim analysis of PFS. It's a milestone of the Phase III study and we are looking forward to the results." [1] Fhu CW, Ali A. Fatty Acid Synthase: An Emerging Target in Cancer. Molecules. 2020;25(17):3935. doi:10.3390/molecules25173935 [2] Louis N, Perry A, Reifenberge RG, von Deimling A, Figarella-Branger D, Cavenee WK, et al. The 2016 World Health Organization classification of tumors of the central nervous system: A summary. Acta Neuropathol. 2016;131:80320. [3] 2017 China Cancer Registry Annual Report. [4] Ostrom Q T, Gittleman H, Truitt G, et al. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2011-2015 [J]. Neuro Oncol 2018, 20(suppl_4): iv1-iv86. DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy131. About Ascletis Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has multiple drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (CHB functional cure), ASC40 (acne), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC40 (NASH), ASC41 (NASH) and ASC61 (advanced solid tumors). For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com. SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc. ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Atlanta Housing (AH) and its development partner Integral celebrated the groundbreaking of Ashley II at Scholars Landing. Spanning 5.9 acres on the grounds of the former University Homes public housing community, Ashley II is the largest and final rental phase of the transformative Scholars Landing masterplan to close under the $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant (CNIG) awarded to AH and the City of Atlanta by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Rendering of Ashley II at Scholars Landing This momentous occasion was commemorated in tandem with the grand openings of Ashley IA/B, and The Vine at Scholars Landing, two mixed-income developments comprised of 135 and 72 units respectively. The celebration, which took place onsite, opened with remarks from Mistress of Ceremonies and President of Integral Vicki Lundy Wilbon, Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Christopher Nunn. The event ended with reflections and words of appreciation for a shared vision expressed by both Atlanta Housing President and CEO Eugene E. Jones, Jr. and Chairman and CEO of Integral Egbert L.J. Perry. The groundbreaking of Ashley II and the celebratory grand openings mark a significant achievement in affordable housing development in Atlanta. Ashley II will include 212 multifamily rental units comprised of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with sweeping views. Aligning with Atlanta Housing's commitment to creating inclusive, vibrant neighborhoods that promote diversity and opportunity, over half of these units will be affordable. An announcement was also made kicking off the partnership's impending project, The Towns at Scholars Landing, which will feature 40 luxurious townhomes and 36 flats ideal for those seeking to invest in a permanent residence and build generational wealth. Twenty percent of these will be affordable to those at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). "Atlanta Housing is proud to collaborate with the City of Atlanta, HUD, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Integral to bring Ashley Scholars Landing Phase II to fruition," said AH President and CEO Eugene E. Jones, Jr. "This milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to creating thriving, inclusive communities that offer residents access to safe, quality housing and a brighter future." Under the Choice Neighborhoods Grant, aimed at transforming communities and enhancing the lives of residents, 267 rental units have already been successfully delivered, of which 82 percent are affordable. Key Highlights of Ashley Scholars Landing Phase II: 1. Affordable Housing Units: Ashley Scholars Landing Phase II will introduce 212 multifamily, mixed-income rental units across five distinct buildings, diversifying the housing options available in the community. This development will serve as a model for bridging the gap between affordability and quality housing. 2. Redevelopment Continuum: Ashley Scholars Landing Phase II is part of an ongoing redevelopment continuum that encompasses previous phases such as Veranda at Scholars Landing, Oasis at Scholars Landing, Ashley Scholars Landing Phase IA/B, Ashley Scholars Landing Phase IC, and Atlanta Housing's $12 million renovation of the historic Roosevelt Hall as a re-imagined community-serving facility. This comprehensive approach ensures the holistic transformation of the former University Homes public housing site. 3. Community Impact: Beyond providing much-needed affordable housing, this project also includes remedial site work and public improvements that will uplift the entire community. It is a testament to Atlanta Housing's dedication to fostering positive change in the neighborhood. ABOUT ATLANTA HOUSING Led by President and CEO Eugene Jones, Jr., the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), is the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. AH provides and facilitates affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 45,000 people, including AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, and homeownership opportunities. Programs are funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Visit AH at atlantahousing.org or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn at @housingatlanta. SOURCE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF CITY OF ATLANTA Set Sail on a Journey of Discovery with Azamara's Latest World Cruise: A 155-Night Expedition Across Over 35 Enchanting Countries MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara, the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion experiences, proudly unveils its 2026 World Cruise, a majestic journey setting sail from Miami, Florida on January 6, 2026. This grand expedition, concluding in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, is a golden ticket to explore over 35 countries and experience the enchanting allure of the Seven Wonders of the World. Azamara Onward's world cruise is designed to grant guests an extended exploration with 55 late nights and overnights, 60 Extended Destination Days, 3 exclusive World Cruise events and 10 AzAmazing events, allowing for a deeper connection with each mesmerizing wonder and the diverse tapestry of cultures that surround them. Azamara 2026 World Cruise "We are thrilled to welcome our world cruisers on this journey of a lifetime," said Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara. "Our 2026 World Cruise offers our guests the unique opportunity to uncover a new perspective on a wide variety of cultures and visit all seven wonders of the world, while enjoying some of the most exclusive and specially curated events throughout this exciting itinerary." Highlighted shore excursions and overnight experiences introducing guests to the Seven Wonders include: Chichen Itza : Wander through ancient realms, where the whispers of the great pyramid of Kulkulcan and the preserved Mayan ballpark intertwine with the enchanting tales of the Temple of Venus and the Temple of Warriors, all brought to life with the magic of virtual- and augmented-reality technology. Wander through ancient realms, where the whispers of the great pyramid of Kulkulcan and the preserved Mayan ballpark intertwine with the enchanting tales of the Temple of and the Temple of Warriors, all brought to life with the magic of virtual- and augmented-reality technology. Christ the Redeemer: Experience the iconic Christ the Redeemer within a grand multi-day exploration, unveiling Rio's architectural gems, the panoramic splendors of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the captivating beauty of Iguazu Falls, and the ancient mysteries of Easter Island's statues. Each moment is immersed in luxury and flavored with the diverse and spirited essence of these legendary locales, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable, enriching experiences. Experience the iconic Christ the Redeemer within a grand multi-day exploration, unveiling Rio's architectural gems, the panoramic splendors of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the captivating beauty of Iguazu Falls, and the ancient mysteries of statues. Each moment is immersed in luxury and flavored with the diverse and spirited essence of these legendary locales, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable, enriching experiences. Taj Mahal : Discover the timeless Taj Mahal , a symbol of love, bathed in the changing hues of dawn. This multi-day journey unveils the majestic Agra Fort and enchanting " Baby Taj ," immersing you in vibrant cultures, diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, and the luxury of The Oberoi hotels. Discover the timeless , a symbol of love, bathed in the changing hues of dawn. This multi-day journey unveils the majestic Agra Fort and enchanting " ," immersing you in vibrant cultures, diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, and the luxury of The Oberoi hotels. Machu Picchu: Explore the enigmatic beauty of Machu Picchu and the ancient wonders of Cusco, including the colossal Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a symbol of Inca ingenuity. Enjoy the luxury of Palacio del Inca and exquisite Peruvian cuisine as you traverse breathtaking landscapes and discover revered sites like Qoricancha and the majestic Cathedral, rich with history and culture. Explore the enigmatic beauty of Machu Picchu and the ancient wonders of Cusco, including the colossal Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a symbol of Inca ingenuity. Enjoy the luxury of Palacio del Inca and exquisite Peruvian cuisine as you traverse breathtaking landscapes and discover revered sites like Qoricancha and the majestic Cathedral, rich with history and culture. Colosseum: Experience the iconic Colosseum through the eyes of a gladiator with exclusive access, surrounded by ancient bleachers, where echoes of the past resonate. Explore this architectural marvel and the remnants of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in history, before indulging in a delightful Italian lunch, completing this immersive journey into Rome's illustrious past. Experience the iconic Colosseum through the eyes of a gladiator with exclusive access, surrounded by ancient bleachers, where echoes of the past resonate. Explore this architectural marvel and the remnants of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in history, before indulging in a delightful Italian lunch, completing this immersive journey into illustrious past. The Great Wall of China : Travelers will have the chance to fly to Beijing for three nights to explore the Forbidden City with an expert guide and visit the Great Wall to take in one of the world's greatest wonders of architectural history. Guests can also ride the cable car to explore the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace before heading to Hong Kong for three nights. Travelers will have the chance to fly to for three nights to explore the Forbidden City with an expert guide and visit the Great Wall to take in one of the world's greatest wonders of architectural history. Guests can also ride the cable car to explore the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace before heading to for three nights. Petra: Guests can journey to the desert city of Petra in Jordan , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a mysterious city isolated in a forbidden valley, to hike through the 'Siq' and discover the Rose Red City. Travelers will have the unique opportunity to view and learn more about the Treasury, the Greek Theatre, ancient Royal Tombs , Colonnaded Street, and the Temple of Qasr Al-Bint. World Cruisers will have access to a destination-concierge, and pre-cruise dedicated call center specialists as they plan their journey on Azamara. In addition to checking off countless bucket list travel destinations and experiences, Azamara's 2026 World Cruise offers over $22,000* in exclusive amenities, including 13 exclusive world voyage special events, $3,000 in onboard credit, an additional $4,000 onboard credit for shore excursions, airfare credit*, pre- and post-cruise transfers, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay, a premium beverage package upgrade, weekly laundry service, WiFi service and more. World cruisers will also enjoy the amenities that are always included with Always Azamara: five dining options, beverages including alcohol 24/7, tips and gratuities, cultural events, and unlimited self-service laundry. To learn more, please visit azamara.com/worldcruise2026. About Azamara: Azamara is a small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion experiences. With a fleet of four intimate-style ships, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward, the cruise line allows travelers to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, hidden gem destinations. Azamara aims to Change the Way You Sea, through its commitment to creating immersive experiences for guests through Extended Destination Days (10 or more hours in port) for a more meaningful travel experience. Through their deep understanding of hospitality and commitment to delivering exceptional service, guests can experience an intimate hotel at sea. By leveraging technology, data, communications, and trained staff they strive to create personalized and memorable journeys for guests. Through Always Azamara guests can know what's always included; five dining options, beverages including alcohol 24/7, tips & gratuities, exclusive cultural events, and unlimited self-service laundry; and what is always expected when sailing with Azamara; no lines, no crowds, unique & iconic destinations, overnights and Extended Destination Days. Additionally, guests can also take advantage of exclusive loyalty membership benefits through the Azamara Circle Program. For more information visit www.azamara.com. SOURCE Azamara PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The national plaintiffs' law firm Berger Montague is pleased to announce that firm attorneys Shanon J. Carson and Jennifer P. Elwell have been appointed by the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona to leadership positions in In re: Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3081. The court appointed Mr. Carson to the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee and Ms. Elwell to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee. In August 2023, all lawsuits filed in federal courts nationwide alleging injuries caused by Bard implanted port catheters were consolidated before one federal court located in Phoenix, Arizona for discovery and pretrial proceedings. The defendants in these cases include C.R. Bard, Inc., Bard Access Systems, Inc., and Becton, Dickinson & Co. On September 19, 2023, the court began the case by issuing an order appointing the plaintiffs' leadership team. Berger Montague has been contacted by hundreds of individuals alleging injuries by Bard port catheters. Post this The consolidated lawsuits involve personal injuries arising from Bard's alleged defective design, manufacture, and sale of implantable port catheter devices, including the Bard PowerPort and other similar devices. The port catheter devices are an implantable vascular access device intended to provide repeated access to the vascular system for the delivery of medication including but not limited to chemotherapy, intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition solutions, blood products, and for the withdrawal of blood samples. Bard port catheters are surgically placed under the skin, typically in the chest, and consist of an injection port and a catheter. The injection port has a raised center where the needle is inserted. The plaintiffs allege that the devices are defective and prone to fracture and migration, and that they cause the collection of: (a) fibrinous blood products, thereby increasing the risk of thromboembolism; and (b) microbes and/or fungi, thereby increasing the risk of infection and sepsis. The plaintiffs allege that the device presents an unreasonable risk of life-threatening injuries such as hemorrhage, thromboembolism, serious infection and other injuries from infection such as sepsis, limb loss, organ failure or death, cardiac arrhythmia, severe and persistent pain, and perforations of tissue, vessels, and organs, as well as the need for surgeries to remove the defective device or fragments that fractured, resulting in pieces of the catheter becoming embedded in an artery, vein, or organ, and causing additional complications. It is also alleged that if a catheter dislodges from a chemo port, the medicine may pool beneath the skin, allowing tissue necrosis to occur. The cases were consolidated because, as the court explained, all the cases "can be expected to share factual questions arising from allegations that defendants manufacture the catheter component of their port devices with a concentration of barium sulfate that is too high, which reduces the material integrity of the catheter" and causes serious injuries including catheter infection, fracture, and thrombosis. Over 50 lawsuits have already been filed and it is expected that thousands of additional lawsuits will be filed. Berger Montague has been contacted by hundreds of individuals alleging injuries by Bard port catheters as well as from similar devices manufactured by other companies. "We are honored to represent our clients and we look forward to obtaining justice for them," said Shanon Carson, Executive Shareholder of Berger Montague. "If any person has been injured by a Bard port catheter device, they should contact us for further information, and we also encourage any person who has relevant information concerning the lawsuit to call us as well. We expect this litigation to move swiftly." Please direct all inquiries to Berger Montague's Bard Port Catheter Litigation Team by email to [email protected] or by telephone at (215) 875-3072. Additional information is available at: https://bergermontague.com/cases/bard-port-catheter-litigation/ Berger Montague PC is a national law firm headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, San Diego, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington. Berger Montague litigates complex civil cases on behalf of plaintiffs in federal and state courts throughout the country. Berger Montague has played lead roles in major cases for over 53 years and has recovered more than $50 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Please Contact: Shanon J. Carson, Executive Shareholder Jennifer P. Elwell, Senior Counsel Berger Montague PC Telephone: (215) 875-3072 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague Local Boston and Providence-area Wendy's locations are celebrating National Coffee Day with FREE coffee with any purchase September 25 to October 1 BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wendy's loves coffee (and their fans) a latte so to celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, participating Boston and Providence-area Wendy's are giving fans a FREE small coffee with any purchase*. Simply ask for the offer at the counter or in the drive-thru and give your next Wendy's order a little boost! From the coffee enthusiasts to the coffee curious, everyone deserves to enjoy a cup of Joe, the Wendy's way. Boston and Providence-area Wendys offer FREE small coffee with every purchase all week long to celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29! Beginning September 25 and running through October 1, fans can enjoy any type of small coffee-based beverage from a traditional hot coffee to the new Frosty Cream Cold Brew for FREE with any purchase. National Coffee Day is your chance to try the new Frosty Cream Cold Brew which merges cold-brewed coffee with legendary Frosty creamer and is available with the choice of vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and, for a limited time, Pumpkin Spice. Talk about a pick-me-up! Wendy's believes fans deserve a little pep in their step and is dedicating a whole week to making that happen for free. Not only can fans fuel up with THAT breakfast but get some much-needed caffeine to compliment those delicious, seasoned potatoes or a buttery English Muffin Sandwich. And who says iced coffee is only for the summertime? Fans can add ANY type of small coffee to any purchase all day, all week long. Give that breakfast order an extra kick or make your afternoon a little sweeter with Frosty Cream Cold Brew. 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 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. *One (1) free small coffee valid upon request with any purchase on September 29, 2023 only at participating Boston, MA and Providence, RI Wendy's. One offer per person per order. Cannot be combined with any other coupon, offer or discount. Not valid in a combo or for digital or delivery orders. **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 The aggressor country Russia continues to try to build up its army in accordance with the needs of its armed forces fighting in Ukraine. It is actively forming and manning the occupiers' brigades, which are planned to be sent to reconnaissance and assault at the front. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts believe that the implementation of the aggressor's plans is unlikely, given its previous unsuccessful attempts. Russian efforts to form new forces were recently reported by Izvestia, which allegedly cited sources in the Russian army. The propagandists claimed that the Russian Armed Forces were forming "reconnaissance and assault brigades of combined arms troops and newly created army corps" and were allegedly "actively recruiting" them. It was noted that these formations will include paratroopers-assault aircraft, whose task is to "break through echeloned defense", as well as reconnaissance men who will conduct reconnaissance at "tactical depth". Each of these brigades will receive its own tanks, light armored vehicles, artillery, and various types of drones. ADVERTISIMENT The publication pointed out that the new brigades are intended to "overcome pre-prepared Ukrainian defensive positions," in particular in Donbas, where the Armed Forces have been expanding and equipping fortifications since the first Russian invasion in 2014. Colonel Valery Yuryev, head of the Russian Union of Paratroopers, shared his efforts with the propaganda media. He said that the war had emphasized "the need for specialized units to storm fortified areas" and that Russia "needs separate assault units and formations." ISW analysts emphasized that the Russian military command had previously tried to adapt to the lessons learned in the war against Ukraine. Thus, the occupation forces formed similar company-sized units that focused exclusively on assaults, such as Storm-Z. Their mission was to attack urban and fortified areas, which were mostly active and mostly unsuccessful on the Donetsk-Avdiivka and Luhansk-Kharkiv front lines. ADVERTISIMENT "We have reported on ongoing Russian military reforms and the creation of new combined arms formations at the army and army corps level. However, it remains unclear how the Russian army apparatus will be able to recruit, train and staff a brigade or corps-level formation, given the many endemic mobilization issues the Russian army is currently facing," ISW did not appreciate Russia's efforts. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the press officer of the 26th Artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleh Kalashnikov, said that Russia was forced to send paratroopers to the front. This is because the aggressor country's armed forces have problems with qualified infantry. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Bright Pattern to exhibit and speak at CCW Europe October 9-11, 2023 in Amsterdam SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Pattern , a leading provider of the world's first Omni-Enterprise CX cloud contact center software, will be exhibiting (Booth #48) and hosting a panelist keynote session at CCW Europe 2023 in Amsterdam from October 9-11, 2023. CCW is the world's largest customer contact event series focused on the CX and customer service industry. Luc Cavelier, Head of Business Development (EMEA) of Bright Pattern, is set to lead a dynamic keynote discussion session with a group of esteemed panelists. The panelists are: Bright Pattern to exhibit and speak at CCW Europe October 9-11, 2023 in Amsterdam Post this Katalin Fritz , Chief Customer and People Officer , Marley Spoon Chief Customer and People Officer Sandro Percuoco , Head of Customer Service Digital and Service Design, Ryanair , Head of Customer Service Digital and Service Design, Jann Hoffmann , Head of Contact Centre, Danica Pension Head of Contact Centre, Caitlin Neary , Director of Global Contact Centres, Dorchester Collection Director of Global Contact Centres, Dorchester Collection Emma Wardle , Senior Director of Customer Operations Delivery, Capital One Senior Director of Customer Operations Delivery, Alice Hunt , Head of Performance Management, Hastings Direct , Head of Performance Management, Carl McCartney , Customer Experience Director, Les Mills , , Customer Experience Director, , Aymen Ismail , Head of Customer Engagement Solutions, Smart Europe GmbH The keynote discussion session, titled "Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Exploring the Future of Contact Centres in 2024", will explore how businesses and organizations should be readying to disrupt, innovate, and optimize the CX experience in 2024 and beyond at a pace that matches the rapid rise of emerging technologies and evolving business models. Bright Pattern will also be exhibiting on the trade show floor at Booth #48. The Bright Pattern team is extremely excited to meet you at CCW Europe and talk to you about how you can deliver an omnichannel experience to customers and connect your entire organization to the customer experience. About Bright Pattern Bright Pattern provides a simple yet powerful omnichannel contact center software that is the fastest to deploy with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry. Bright Pattern offers the most advanced omnichannel cloud platform across channels like voice, text, chat, email, video, messengers, AI and bots. Bright Pattern provides native omnichannel quality management allowing companies to measure every interaction on every channel. Bright Pattern also offers a mobile app allowing any employee in your company to communicate with your customers. With over 500 customers in 26 countries, Bright Pattern is the highest-rated omnichannel contact center solution based on analysts and customer reviews . SOURCE Bright Pattern BRUSSELS, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BSV Blockchain is thrilled to announce its participation at the upcoming Blockchain for Europe Summit 2023. The Summit is scheduled to take place from September 26th - 27th at the Claridge Events Venue and will also include an online component for attendees. Now entering its fifth year, the Blockchain for Europe Summit brings together experts and representatives from EU institutions, academia, as well as industry players who are shaping the future of blockchain. The two-day event will consist of insightful discussions and networking opportunities, diving into hot topics like the future of MiCA and the AML Package, as well as exploring the world of DeFi and smart contracts. This year's summit will strongly emphasise global regulatory coordination, sustainability, and the social impact of blockchain, with distinguished guests and invitees coming from all over the world. BSV Blockchain will have a key presence at the Summit, including panels focusing on Digital Asset Recovery and the role of sustainability in assessing the utility of blockchains. Some of the key themes that will be addressed during the event include: Markets in Crypto -Assets (MiCA) and its impact. -Assets (MiCA) and its impact. The importance of creating regulatory certainty. The AML aftermath - Did Europe get everything right? Global regulatory collaboration in the age of digital assets. CBDCs & Stablecoins. Nicolas Wellinger, Global Public Sector Lead at BSV Blockchain said, "We are honoured to be a part of the Blockchain for Europe Summit 2023, an event that highlights the pivotal role blockchain technology plays in shaping our future. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing our insights on topics that are paramount to the blockchain ecosystem." For the full agenda and details about registering for the event, please visit Blockchain for Europe Summit 2023. About BSV Blockchain: One Blockchain for Everyone. The BSV Association leads the BSV blockchain for Enterprise and Blockchain for Government initiatives. This Switzerland-based global non-profit industry organisation supports the use of the BSV blockchain. The BSV Blockchain oversees the creation of technical standards and educates enterprises, government agencies, start-up ventures, developers, and users on creating a global blockchain ecosystem. The original Bitcoin protocol and its scripting language provide powerful technical capabilities that BSV has restored. SOURCE BSV Blockchain CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bucksbaum Properties, LLC, a real estate owner and developer based in Chicago, announces its recent acquisition of Plaza La Mer, a prominent neighborhood shopping center located in Juno Beach, Florida. This strategic investment continues Bucksbaum's neighborhood retail investment initiative with plans for continued growth in new markets including Florida. Bucksbaum Properties Plaza La Mer Plaza La Mer, built in 1988, encompasses 10-acres of prime real estate at the northwest corner of U.S. Route 1 and Donald Ross Road, one block west of the Atlantic Ocean. The property features five retail buildings totaling over 111,000 square feet, housing a diverse array of tenants including Dunkin', Trustco Bank, Loggerhead Fitness, and a host of restaurants, retailers and service providers. Bucksbaum Properties, under the leadership of founder John Bucksbaum, was established in 2011 with a mission to capitalize on urban retail opportunities. Over the years, the company has adapted its business strategy to develop retail, hospitality, office, and apartment properties within the evolving mixed-use environment. Retail fundamentals remain a central focus of Bucksbaum's investment strategy, consistently evaluating how retail interacts with all asset classes. The acquisition of Plaza La Mer aligns with Bucksbaum's strategic vision, leveraging the in-place pricing of retail assets to acquire exceptionally well-located land. The company is particularly interested in assets that offer a long-term potential for higher and better use, presenting multiple paths to success with in-place cash flow. "We are excited about the acquisition of Plaza La Mer and the opportunities it presents in enhancing our retail portfolio," stated John Bucksbaum, Founder of Bucksbaum Properties. "Our flexible capital, extensive industry experience, and unparalleled track record in development, property management, and leasing uniquely position us to capitalize on assets like Plaza La Mer and execute our strategy effectively in various markets across the United States." For more information, please visit www.bucksbaumrp.com About Bucksbaum Properties, LLC: Bucksbaum Properties, LLC is a fully integrated real estate owner and developer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2011 by John Bucksbaum, the company has a distinguished track record in developing retail, hospitality, office, and apartment properties within evolving mixed-use environments. Retail fundamentals remain at the core of Bucksbaum's investment strategy, and the company continues to adapt its business plan to changing market dynamics. With a focus on urban retail opportunities, Bucksbaum Properties is committed to creating value and contributing to communities across the United States. Media contact: Daphne Ortiz Statement PR [email protected] 312.488.3472 SOURCE Bucksbaum Properties Significant Milestone in Advancing Electric Aviation Certification DENVER, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bye Aerospace, the global innovator in cutting edge sustainable electric aviation, celebrates a significant milestone as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepts its "Functional Hazard Analysis." This groundbreaking purposefully-designed electric eFlyer 2 aircraft has achieved another general aviation industry "first" under Amendment 64 of FAA Part 23, reinforcing Bye Aerospace's global industry design lead, significantly ahead of any competition. Rod Zastrow, President of Bye Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This FAA milestone substantiates our eFlyer design, providing unwavering support for our market and business case. The result is a clean, capable, electric aircraft with a remarkable 80% reduction in operating costs as compared to conventional aircraft. Bye Aerospace and the eFlyer 2 are poised to revolutionize aviation pilot training economics." The FAA certification basis for the eFlyer 2 (Project No. TC09549CH-A) was established earlier, confirming its eligibility for a type certificate. The FAA has affirmed that the type design complies with the U.S. type certification basis and that the aircraft is safe for the requested certification category. Mr. Zastrow emphasized, "Our sustainable aircraft technology represents a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. Our groundbreaking eFlyer design offers an unprecedented opportunity for aerospace, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) institutional investors to invest in a cleaner and more sustainable future for aerospace and aviation." As the global aviation industry faces increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, Bye Aerospace is leading the charge toward a greener future. The Bye Aerospace team of dedicated engineers and researchers are developing innovative solutions that address the most pressing environmental challenges facing the broad aerospace industry. About Bye Aerospace Bye Aerospace, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, stands at the forefront of electric Aviation innovation. The eFlyer series of fixed-wing aircraft has been meticulously designed to disrupt general aviation, beginning with the important Aviation Training sector, with an FAA-certified, zero-emission, highly cost-effective, low-drag, low-noise, intelligent, and safety-enhanced aircraft. Learn more about Bye Aerospace at its website; https://byeaerospace.com/ SOURCE BYE Aerospace Inc Calcium+Company LATAM strengthens regional and creative capabilities as part of agency expansion PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Calcium+Company, a leading mid-sized diversified health communications group, today announced the first major step in the company's global expansion with the launch of Calcium+Company LATAM as a creative and regional strategic hub. The new office is part of the CSG Health Group acquisition earlier this year, and supports the agency's strategy to continue investing in diversified services that foster rapid growth. Calcium+Company LATAM, located in Mexico City, will provide a wide range of services, bringing together the strength of our U.S. creative team with regional communications experts and content designers. In addition to region-specific work, Calcium+Company LATAM will integrate as needed to provide support for existing global/U.S. clients. These resources will be led by Luigi Cardone, Managing Partner. "Bolstering our creative engagement offering is a natural agency expansion, as our work has rapidly grown in this area during the past several years," says Greg Lewis, Group President, Calcium+Company. "Calcium+Company LATAM provides access to a wider pool of talent to support client needs, keeping us at the forefront of what our clients' businesses require. We're confident this expansion will allow us to continue elevating the creativity and innovation we provide." "The region represents an important growth driver in the health sector, making our presence and investment in the region critical to our growth as an agency," says Judy Capano, CEO, Calcium+Company. "We are excited to unlock the potential of the exceptional talent to benefit our clients." About Calcium+Company Calcium+Company is an award-winning, health communications group dedicated to comprehensive brand nourishment, led by CEO Judy Capano and Group President Greg Lewis. With more than 140 employees and offices in New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Mexico City, Calcium+Company offers a range of leading-edge strategic, creative, and engagement services designed to nourish brands and drive business success. It also focuses on being a nourishing force for its people and the wider community. Calcium was ranked one of MM+M's 2022 Best Places to Work. Please visit us at www.calciumco.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. SOURCE Calcium+Company SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer for College has announced an innovative partnership with Goodroot that will expand its mission by helping families fighting pediatric cancer with their medical bills with a focus on alleviating or cancelling their medical debt. Cancer for College logo Cancer for College (CFC) has provided need-based college scholarships and educational experiences to cancer survivors since 1993, awarding over $7 million in scholarships to more than 1,700 individuals. Goodroot is a community of healthcare-solution companies with industry-leading capabilities including healthcare claim payment integrity, medical bill negotiation, hospital financial assistance optimization and more that will now be at CFC's disposal. In addition to providing college funding for pediatric cancer survivors, partnering with Goodroot enables CFC to address the high medical costs and debt that often come with cancer treatment. Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy and currently impacts more than 1 in 5 Americans. "We're proud to partner with Goodroot and leverage the expertise on healthcare affordability their team brings to the table," said Cancer for College Founder, Craig Pollard. "The families we serve have been impacted physically, emotionally and financially by their cancer diagnosis. The support we provide gives hope to survivors and is vital toward helping them overcome the devastating aspects of fighting the disease." The Goodroot Foundation and community have donated over $1 million to CFC over the past five years. In addition to access to Goodroot's medical cost reduction expertise and services, Goodroot CEO Michael Waterbury, also a member of the CFC board of directors, is personally providing funding to launch a debt-relief aspect of the partnership. "Why should families who have survived a child getting cancer go bankrupt and not be able to afford college?" says Waterbury. "CFC is giving them scholarships, which is amazing, but what if we could prevent them from going into bankruptcy in the first place? By combining resources and knowledge we are doing just that." As part of the partnership, CFC families will have access to health-cost-navigator Emry, also a Goodroot community company. Emry provides live expert guidance on cost-effective healthcare decisions, evaluates bills, obtains rate reductions and more. In many cases, the remaining outstanding balances will be partially or fully covered through CFC donors and Waterbury's donation. "Medical debt often starts because of the extreme complexity of navigating our healthcare system," says Waterbury. "No one needs a tool like Emry more than families who have had to deal with pediatric cancer. We're honored to support CFC in their mission to ensure that cancer treatment does not cause long-term financial harm for a child and their family." To donate, visit cancerforcollege.org/donations About Goodroot Goodroot is a community of companies reinventing healthcare one system at a time. With a shared mission of increasing affordability and access in healthcare, Goodroot provides business infrastructure to help visionary healthcare professionals launch their own companies to fix chronic problems in the system. Goodroot's community companies AlignRx, Breez, CoeoRx, Empara, Emry Health, Nuwae, Penstock, RemedyOne and Sola offer innovative services and strategic guidance for healthcare stakeholders such as employers, brokers, PBMs, health plans, third-party administrators, pharmaceutical manufacturers and hospitals. Goodroot was named a 2023 Top Impact Company by Real Leaders. goodrootinc.com About Cancer For College Cancer for College is a 501(c)3 charitable foundation that provides need-based college scholarships, educational experiences and medical debt relief to cancer survivors. Since 1993, CFC has awarded over $7M in scholarships to more than 1700 cancer survivors located around the country. To learn more about the cause, please visit cancerforcollege.org Media Contact: Liz Chasse [email protected] 860-254-6668 SOURCE Goodroot MENTOR, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cardinal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the community through high-performance banking products and services, announced today it has been recognized by The Ohio Credit Union League with top honors. Cardinal was awarded first place for the 2023 Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award in the category of $250M to $1B in assets in Ohio. The Ohio Credit Union League is a state trade organization representing the collective interest of 218 credit unions through advocacy, compliance and information services, educational opportunities, communications, media, and outreach support. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and democratically controlled by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans, and other consumer-friendly financial services to more than three million members. The Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award program recognizes leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of financial education for members and non-members of all ages. The award, named after credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins, emphasizes the movement's longtime commitment to financial education. Cardinal Credit Union provides financial education to adults in the community through its ongoing seminars and education tools. Cardinal offers free monthly educational workshops for home buying and quarterly financial wellness sessions. In addition, credit union members and non-members can meet at no charge with certified financial counselors who can discuss household budgeting, debt management, credit repair, and financial problem solving. By understanding financial wellness, individuals can implement plans to buy a new car, a new home and to properly save for retirement as well as meet their other financial goals. Cardinal also offers integrated financial education programs to five area high schools and Lakeland Community College, where Cardinal operates several in-school branches. It is here that students have a chance to learn more about positive money management through a hands-on approach to finances. "Cardinal takes great pride in the work we do for the community and our members," said Christine Blake, CEO, Cardinal Credit Union. "We are honored to rank first in Ohio for our adult financial education programs; all of which we provide to the community at no charge. In addition to our statewide showing for adult education, we have been ranked nationally for our financial programs aimed at youth. And, now with our Cleveland Browns partnership, we are providing financial education to the youngest members of our community through the Lil Brownies Savings Program. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in every way we can." ABOUT CARDINAL CREDIT UNION Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Cardinal Credit Union is a 70-year-old fiercely independent, member-owned not-for-profit financial cooperative that offers a broad range of banking products and services that people need and use every day including checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, auto loans, debt-consolidation loans, mortgages and more. As a not-for-profit financial institution, any profits earned by the credit union are returned to its members in the form of fewer fees, lower loan rates and higher savings interest. Everyone is welcome, and membership is instant. Banking can be done online, via Cardinal's app or by stopping in at one of its eight branches. For more information, visit https://www.cardinalcu.com/. COMPANY CONTACT Janet Brumfield IdealPR+ for Cardinal Credit Union [email protected] 614.582.9636 SOURCE Cardinal Credit Union Company also makes key additions to leadership team including Judy Lenane as Independent Director CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiosense, a digital health company developing a non-invasive monitoring platform for the early detection of heart disease, recently started enrolling patients in SEISMIC-HF I, its nationwide clinical study to refine and validate algorithms to assess intracardiac filling pressure, an early physiological marker for acute heart failure decompensation. The algorithms leverage data captured by CardioTag, Cardiosense's non-invasive patch that measures key parameters of cardiac function. Cardiosense was awarded FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2022. Heart failure affects more than 6 million people in the US and is expected to cost the healthcare system more than $70 billion annually by 2030. "Elevated intracardiac filling pressures are a clinically proven indicator for decompensated heart failure and hospitalization, but so far has largely been possible only through invasive methods, limiting its utility to a broader population," said Anjan Tibrewala, M.D. of Northwestern Medicine's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. "Cardiosense's technology has the potential to be a game-changing solution in remotely monitoring patients with heart failure. I'm excited to participate in the SEISMIC-HF I study and that Northwestern Medicine was the first site to enroll patients." The Company is also delighted to announce that Judy Lenane is joining its Board as an Independent Director. The appointment follows last year's $15.1 million Series A raise and the additions of Daniel Gottlieb of Broadview Ventures and Jeff Terrell of Hatteras Venture Partners to the Board. "On behalf of the entire Cardiosense team, we are thrilled to welcome Judy Lenane to our Board of Directors," said Amit Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of Cardiosense. "Judy brings a wealth of operating and company-building experience that will play a pivotal role in scaling and shaping the future of our company and product offerings. Her extensive background in healthcare management, cardiac wearables, remote patient monitoring, and clinical AI combined with her passion for advancing patient-centric solutions make her a welcome addition to the team." Judy Lenane has been instrumental in bringing a variety of novel medical concepts to life, and in executing successful cardiovascular service businesses. As an early member of the iRhythm team, she held executive roles including Executive Vice President of Products, Chief Clinical Officer, and Executive Vice President of Operations. As a registered nurse, her work at iRhythm was dedicated to advancing cardiac technologies in remote patient monitoring settings to improve clinical outcomes, all with the patient in mind. Prior to joining iRhythm, Judy was the Vice President of Cardiovascular Business Development for Centura Health, a major integrated healthcare delivery system in the state of Colorado. "I am honored to join the Board of Directors at Cardiosense," said Judy Lenane. "The company and investors' dedication to creating novel solutions for patients and healthcare providers resonates with my own values. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Cardiosense as we work towards building a successful company revolutionizing cardiac care and improving patient outcomes." The Company is pleased to announce two further additions to its leadership team. Arezou Azar has joined as the Vice President of Compliance and Program Management. Arezou previously served as the Chief Compliance Officer at Cardiologs, a cardiology AI company, and prior to that held leadership roles at Eko Devices, Apple, Verily, and AliveCor. Sri Mruthik has joined as Senior Vice President of Engineering. Sri most recently served as the Chief Technology Officer at nQ Medical, a neurology AI company, and prior to that held leadership roles at Bayer Pharmaceuticals and GE HealthCare. About Cardiosense Cardiosense is building a physiological waveform AI platform to develop predictive biomarkers to detect and manage cardiac disease. The Company has developed a suite of novel digital tools, multi-sensor devices, and analysis algorithms to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease, inform personalized therapy, and improve patient outcomes. For more information, visit: www.cardiosense.com . SOURCE Cardiosense BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From Fiji to Lesotho and to Rwanda, Chinese technology of Juncao, which uses grass instead of wood to cultivate edible fungi, has been helping solve a significant challenge the production of edible fungi had to rely on felling trees. Just as Juncao is nicknamed "the grass of prosperity" by farmers in Lesotho, China has held 270 training sessions on the technology that trained over 10,000 people from 106 countries over the past 20 years. In addition to Juncao, hybrid rice, roads, bridges, wells and other projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have seen solid progress in participating countries, helping locals live a happier and better life. The BRI is a "vivid example" of building a global community of shared future, and a "global public good" and cooperation platform provided by China to the world, according to a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions" released on Tuesday. This year marks the vision's 10th anniversary as it was first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the vision has been supported by the wider international community. It reflects the pursuit of peace, justice and progress by more and more countries and peoples, and their common aspirations for building a better world, said Wang. China in action Since the BRI was introduced 10 years ago, China has pursued "open, green, clean, and high-standard" cooperation to promote sustainable development and improve people's lives. According to Belt and Road Economics, a World Bank report, the BRI, when fully implemented, will increase intra-BRI trade by 4.1 percent. By 2030, the BRI will generate $1.6 trillion in annual global revenues. "The BRI is an initiative for economic cooperation, not for geopolitical or military alliances," reads the white paper. "It is an open and inclusive process that neither targets nor excludes any party." The initiative, which by July 2023 had seen more than three-quarters of countries in the world and over 30 international organizations joining, is not a "China club," nor a "private route for any one party," according to the newly-released document. As the world's largest developing country and a member of the Global South, China has made every effort to aid other developing countries and help recipient countries expand their capacity for development, endeavors supported through the Global Development Initiative. In cooperation with international organizations, China has executed over 130 projects over poverty reduction, food security and climate change in nearly 60 countries including Ethiopia, Pakistan and Nigeria. That has benefited more than 30 million individuals, according to the white paper. Speaking on Tuesday, Wang stressed the need to push development issues back to the core of the international agenda to benefit people of all countries in a more equitable manner. In response to glaring security deficit, China, through the Global Security Initiative, seeks to create a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win results over zero-sum game. China also calls for jointly advocating respect for the diversity of civilizations through the Global Civilization Initiative. For example, it has carried out the Cultural Silk Road program, and established the Silk Road international theater, museum, art festival, library and art museum alliances. 'One big family in global village' Ten years on, the building of a global community of shared future has gained fruitful achievements. The vision has been written into United Nations Assembly Resolutions for six consecutive years and incorporated in several multilateral mechanism resolutions and declarations. China has built communities of shared future with dozens of countries and regions, the Chinese foreign minister said on Tuesday. Wang added, the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative have gained support from over 100 countries, and the Global Civilization Initiative has received positive feedback from a number of countries. However, he warned as humanity is at another crossroads in history, camp confrontation or zero-sum game has no prospects. In the face of global crisis, as the white paper has made it clear, the 190-plus countries in the world are "all in the same big boat," and all human beings are "one big family in this global village." "No country, however strong it may be, can do everything on its own. We must engage in global cooperation," it read. The vision of a global community of shared future, according to the white paper, rises above the exclusive rules of bloc politics, the notion of might makes right, and the "universal values" defined by a handful of Western countries. "It conforms to the trend of the times, echoes the call for global cooperation, and contributes to a more just and equitable international order." https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-26/How-does-China-act-to-build-a-global-community-of-shared-future--1npuSfz9hlu/index.html SOURCE CGTN New Inductees Expanded the Internet's Reach, Strengthened its Functionality and Security, and Increased its Accessibility Across Communities and Continents RESTON, Va., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Hall of Fame announced today its seventh inductee class since the award was founded eleven years ago. The inductees, comprising scientists, academicians, and activists, were honored in a virtual ceremony held at 14:00 time UTC. Hailing from India, Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia, and the United States, this year's inductees helped expand the Internet's reach, strengthen its security, and increase its accessibility to the public and under-resourced communities in particular. The Internet Hall of Fame recognizes individuals worldwide who have played an extraordinary role in the conceptualization, building, and development of the global Internet, including those who have made crucial, behind-the-scenes contributions. The contributions of the latest inductee class include: the creation of protocols that enabled effective and secure transfer of data over the Internet; the development of commercial Internet infrastructure that could provide Internet service to the general public; the networking of Central American, Latin American, and Caribbean countries; and the advancement of digital inclusion among underserved communities. The 2023 Inductees: Abhay Bhushan : Author of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and pioneer of early TCP/IP architecture models and e-mail standards. Author of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and pioneer of early TCP/IP architecture models and e-mail standards. Laura Breeden : A tireless champion of Internet equity, helped to bring online millions of people and organizations. A tireless champion of Internet equity, helped to bring online millions of people and organizations. Ivan Moura Campos : Influenced the development of Brazil's Internet and enabled many other countries to adopt his approaches. Influenced the development of Internet and enabled many other countries to adopt his approaches. Steve Cisler : Connected libraries to the Internet throughout North America , with a focus on under-resourced communities. Connected libraries to the Internet throughout , with a focus on under-resourced communities. Peter Eckersley : Helped revolutionize the widespread adoption of HTTPS that made the Internet safer and more secure. Helped revolutionize the widespread adoption of HTTPS that made the Internet safer and more secure. Hartmut Richard Glaser : Helped to forge Internet development in Brazil and Latin America through a multistakeholder model. Helped to forge Internet development in and through a multistakeholder model. Simon S. Lam: Invented secure sockets in 1991 and implemented the first secure sockets layer, named SNP, in 1993, which created a paradigm shift in security research for distributed applications. Invented secure sockets in 1991 and implemented the first secure sockets layer, named SNP, in 1993, which created a paradigm shift in security research for distributed applications. William L. Schrader : Paved the way for widespread Internet use by co-founding the first statewide Internet-based network in America. Paved the way for widespread Internet use by co-founding the first statewide Internet-based network in America. Guy de Teramond: Helped connect many Central American and Caribbean countries to the Internet. More details, including biographies and photos, can be found at https://www.internethalloffame.org/inductees/. "Every one of these inductees played an important role in developing the Internet. Some worked on fundamentals that made the Internet work more securely and effectively. Others brought the Internet to new places and new people. The effects of their contributions are visible today," said Andrew Sullivan, President & CEO of the Internet Society. About the Internet Hall of Fame Founded in 2012, the Internet Hall of Fame is an ongoing awards program established by the Internet Society to recognize a distinguished and select group of leaders and luminaries who have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of the global open Internet. More information on the program can be found at http://www.internethalloffame.org/. About the Internet Society Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet remains a force for good for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 120+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit: internetsociety.org. SOURCE THE INTERNET SOCIETY The deputy head of the Russian Security Council and former president of the aggressor country, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued new threats against NATO countries. He claimed that Russia was left with no choice but to engage in direct conflict with the Alliance, "which has turned into an openly fascist bloc like the Hitler Axis." ADVERTISIMENT A supporter of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wrote about this on Telegram. He noted that the result would be much greater losses for humanity than in 1945. Medvedev identified three events as the reasons for a possible direct confrontation between Russia and NATO: - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "fraternization" with "Nazis" in his parliament, by which the former Russian president probably meant the Ukrainian delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. - Supplying Ukraine with Abrams tanks from NATO arsenals. - Promises of longer-range missiles such as the Army Tactical Missile System to the Kyiv authorities. ADVERTISIMENT While scattering threats and intimidation, Medvedev "forgot" about the losses suffered by the Russian army at the front, as well as the strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol. British intelligence assessed that the damage to the fleet as a result of numerous attacks by Ukrainian forces was serious, albeit localized. It is likely that the occupiers' Black Sea Fleet may be less capable of expanded regional patrols and blockades of Ukrainian ports. The Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 34 officers of the Russian Armed Forces were killed in a strike on their headquarters in Sevastopol. Among them, in particular, is the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. As OBOZREVATEL reported, this is not the first time Medvedev has made such threats. Earlier, he scared the United States with "a new terrorist attack in the style of 9/11/2001, but with an atomic or biological component" and even a nuclear strike, and complained about the alleged "rudeness and disgusting self-righteousness of Western countries." ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! -Fast casual concept celebrates grand opening Oct. 4th with free chicken salad for a year- ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick , the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today its third location in the Greater Columbus, Ohio, area with an opening in Grandview Heights. Situated at 1056 Dublin Road in the Grandview Crossing shopping center, Chicken Salad Chick will welcome guests with a convenient drive-thru. The Grandview Heights community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The restaurant opens at 10 a.m., and the first 100 guests that morning will win free chicken salad for a year. During grand opening week, Grandview Crossing guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include: Wednesday, Oct. 4 Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the first 100 Guests The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. Thursday, Oct. 5 The first 50 guests to purchase a Quick Chick at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Small Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.** The first 50 guests to purchase a Quick Chick at or receive a free Small Chicken Salad Chick Cooler.** Friday, Oct. 6 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio (or something of equal or greater value) at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler.** The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio (or something of equal or greater value) at or receive a free Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler.** Saturday, Oct. 7 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio (or something of equal or greater value) at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Chicken Salad Chick Wooden Cutting Board.** Chicken Salad Chick made its Ohio and Columbus-area debut in 2019 when local franchise owner Jen Crichfield blazed the trail in the Westerville-Polaris area. A company-owned location opened the following year in Hamilton Quarter, and now the brand is expanding once again in the market. This is the seventh Chick overall for Ohio, with additional restaurants in Anderson Township, Mason, Western Hills-Cincinnati and Oakley-Cincinnati. "It's been just four short years since our made-from-scratch chicken salad favorites were introduced to Ohio, and we are thrilled to be growing once again in Columbus," said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. "Grandview Crossing is a conveniently located development that fits perfectly with our desire to provide fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality to guests dining in our restaurant or on the go. We can't wait to open our doors and welcome in our new neighbors like old friends." Chicken Salad Chick enjoys giving back to important causes throughout the year, raising funds to help cure cancer and supporting local food charities in its restaurant communities. With the Grandview Crossing opening, the Chick will be supporting Neighborhood Services, Inc. (NSI) Food Pantry as part of its pre-opening Friends & Family events. The NSI Food Pantry responds to the ill effects of poverty in Central Ohio by providing food and material assistance to persons in need. Chicken Salad Chick in Grandview Crossing will be open Monday Saturday from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com . Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickColumbusOHGrandviewCrossing/. *Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Craving Credits app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of greater value and enter a code in the Craving Credits app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. **Must download the CSC App and be 16 years or older to purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present." About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama, by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 240 restaurants in 17 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2023, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Nicole Hunnicutt Fish Consulting 404-558-4108 [email protected] SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FIDES Rio 2023, the largest insurance conference in Latin America, was attended by former British prime minister Tony Blair on its opening morning, on September 25. The event, organized by Brazil's National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg), will run until tomorrow, September 26, bringing together insurance industry leaders from more than 40 countries, including representatives of Latin America and countries such as the United States, Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria and Afghanistan. The theme of FIDES Rio 2023 is "Insurance for a more sustainable world." The conference is exploring a variety of subjects, including environmental issues and cybersecurity. In addition to Tony Blair, prominent international speakers such as Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman are also taking part in the event. During the conference's opening session, FIDES president Rodrigo Bedoya addressed challenges such as the low adoption of insurance in Latin America and the importance of financial education. He also highlighted the importance of sustainability and the need to adjust insurance coverage in light of climate change. The president of CNseg, Dyogo Oliveira, emphasized the importance of insurance as an instrument for social development and highlighted challenges such as the low use of insurance in Latin America and the need for financial education on insurance in the region. The opening session of the FIDES conference on Monday morning also featured the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, who stressed the importance of the insurance sector in terms of strengthening the country's institutions. The state governor of Rio, Claudio Castro, described the insurance sector as a crucial economic indicator and emphasized its role in economic stability and job creation. The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, underlined the industry's strategic importance for Brazil's development. Federal Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso highlighted the insurance sector's vital role in tackling national priorities, such as the fight against poverty, sustainable development, investments in education and environmental issues. FIDES Rio continued in the afternoon, with simultaneous panel discussions on a variety of topics, including climate change, digital transformation, and inclusion and diversity. Information for the press Hill+Knowlton Strategies Flavia Freitas | + 55 21 97502-7998 Paula Siqueira | + 55 11 96570-4346 Gisele Gomes | + 55 11 99103-0946 [email protected] SOURCE National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg) Colorado Medicaid plan selects market-leading measurement-based care platform to support providers in measuring treatment effectiveness, leading to improved member outcomes and reduced costs. AURORA, Colo., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Owl , a behavioral health technology company, today announced that Colorado Access , the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in Colorado, has selected Owl to help providers deliver more effective and efficient treatment. As behavioral health needs continue to rise, access to effective and affordable care is a top priority. The partnership between Owl and Colorado Access is poised to address this challenge by integrating measurement-based care into the health plan's offerings. Through Owl's platform, select providers in the Colorado Access network can easily deploy clinical measures to patients, allowing them to report their symptoms prior to appointments. Providers can use the results to review treatment effectiveness and use the information to adjust treatment, thereby providing more effective and efficient care. The patient-reported data also enables providers to determine the optimal level and duration of treatment, which opens more appointments to increase patient access. "With Owl, our members are more engaged in their behavioral health outcomesproven to lead to dramatic savings across the healthcare spectrum," said Dana Pepper, vice president of performance and network services at Colorado Access. "We'll also create a strong alignment and collaboration with our behavioral healthcare providers, giving them the confidence that their treatment plans are effective and supported by tangible results." A recent measurement-based care impact study analyzed client spend, utilization, and outcomes from a provider group in the Colorado Access network that uses Owl for measurement-based care. The results demonstrated that consistent use of Owl has a clinical impact on adverse events while reducing cost, including: 75% reduction in psychiatric inpatient admits 63% reduction in emergency room visits 28% per member per month savings An estimated annual savings of $25M for Colorado Access "Owl is excited to join forces with Colorado Access to elevate behavioral health services across the state," said Eric Meier, chief executive officer of Owl. "We applaud Colorado Access' commitment to bringing measurement-based care to their providers. Our partnership will help the growing number of people who need behavioral health services get better, faster." The partnership between Owl and Colorado Access marks a significant step forward in using measurement-based care to align providers and payers on behavioral health outcomes data. Together, they are paving the way in demonstrating the value of behavioral health treatments, thus becoming the basis for value-based care. About Owl Owl's measurement-based care platform goes beyond measuring outcomes. Rich, actionable data helps behavioral health organizations increase access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and lower costall while using existing clinical resources. Leading organizations, including Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, Recovery Centers of America, and Ascension Health rely on Owl to expand access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and prepare for value-based care. Get better data, better insights, and better outcomes with Owl. Learn more at owl.health . About Colorado Access As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members' unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members' care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at coaccess.com. SOURCE Owl THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today announced construction has commenced on the 30-ton MIRALON carbon nanotube materials plant, originally announced at Huntsman's 2021 Investor Day event. The new plant, which converts methane gas to carbon nanotubes and clean-burning hydrogen, will be one of the largest of its kind in the Americas. It represents a major step forward in the commercialization of the innovative MIRALON technology and another step closer to an industrial-scale production facility. A video on the MIRALON process is available on our YouTube channel. The MIRALON manufacturing process produces clean hydrogen and structured nanotube materials with little to no CO2 emissions. Huntsmans MIRALON carbon nanotube materials plant, which converts methane gas to carbon nanotubes and clean-burning hydrogen, will be one of the largest of its kind in the Americas. "Our business prides itself on bringing advanced materials to market to help our customers solve difficult engineering challenges through innovation," said Scott Wright, President of Huntsman's Advanced Materials division. "Today marks a significant step forward in the development of a new class of valuable, sustainable material." MIRALON structural carbon products are carbon nanotube-based advanced materials, which can be produced as sheets, tape, yarn, or additives and dispersions. Thinner than a human hair and up to 25 times stronger than steel, MIRALON carbon nanotube materials are lightweight and electrically and thermally conductive attributes that can benefit a wide variety of applications in aerospace, automotive, construction and other industries. MIRALON carbon nanotube materials can be used in electric vehicle batteries, high-performance composites, engineered thermoplastics, conductive adhesives, specialized concrete, and longer-wear tires. "One of the interesting aspects of this project is that there are actually two valuable products created through the technology," said David Hatrick, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Marketing for Huntsman's Advanced Materials division. "The first product is the MIRALON carbon nanotube materials which have tremendous opportunity to create better products and new applications that don't even exist today. The second product resulting from the process is clean hydrogen a fuel in high demand as society collectively seeks to lower CO 2 emissions and accelerate the energy transition." The manufacturing process produces clean hydrogen as a by-product, with little to no CO 2 emissions. This can play an exciting role in energy transition by minimizing the carbon footprint of many industries, explained John Fraser, Commercial Director for MIRALON technology and materials. "The carbon footprint related to our manufacturing process can be up to 95% less, when compared to the traditional process of steam methane reforming (SMR), avoiding the majority CO 2 emissions normally associated with hydrogen production," Fraser said. "Co-locating a small MIRALON manufacturing unit on a customer's site, creates the opportunity to produce hydrogen right where our customers need it. This will allow companies to reduce their carbon footprint and benefit from the potential of CO 2 sequestration/capture credits." The new plant is expected to be completed by year-end 2023, in line with commitments made at our 2021 Investor Day. In the meantime, our technical and commercial teams are engaging with customers looking to develop innovative solutions with MIRALON materials. To learn more, or to get in touch with a MIRALON representative, please visit www.miralon.com. About Huntsman: Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2022 revenues of approximately $8 billion from our continuing operations. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 7,000 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com. Social Media: Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information in this release constitutes 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. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws. While all the information and recommendations in this publication are to the best of our knowledge, information and belief accurate at the date of publication, NOTHING HEREIN IS TO BE CONSTRUED AS A WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR OTHERWISE. IN ALL CASES, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE APPLICABILITY OF SUCH INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE SUITABILITY OF ANY PRODUCT FOR ITS OWN PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The sale of products referred to in this publication is subject to the general terms and conditions of sale of Huntsman International LLC or of its affiliated companies. MIRALON is a trademark of Huntsman Corporation, or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all countries. 2023 Huntsman International LLC SOURCE Huntsman Corporation BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinical trials utilizing RNAi drug delivery have surged, and BCC Research's new report "RNAi Drug Delivery: Technologies and Global Markets" predicts just how much the market will grow. Did you know that this year, 2023, marks the 25th anniversary of RNAi's discovery? Clinical RNAi diagnostic tools and therapies are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. With a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.5% between 2023 and 2028, the global nucleic acid treatment delivery market is set to experience an unprecedented surge in value. By 2028, the market, currently valued at $900 million, will reach a staggering $2.6 billion, analysts estimate. Obstacles to RNAi drug delivery market growth include non-uniform regulatory guidelines and competing technologies like gene editing. Report readers will gain insight about: How the pace for clinical trials and drug approvals is quickening. There have been 45,000 total studies on RNA therapeutics and diagnostics to date. In 2017 there were 381 therapies available, and 852 therapies (more than double) in 2022. In 2020 there were 104 clinical trials utilizing RNA drug delivery. Just one year later, there were 197. Which diseases therapeutics are targeting, covering disease categories such as cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative. Industry structure. Find the latest information regarding mergers and acquisition deals, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and other strategic alliances within the marketplace. Efficacy and public perception. Utilization of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines generated increased interest and confidence in nucleic acid therapies, paving the way for future developments in this field. The report includes details regarding R&D investment activities, market growth strategies, and company revenue share analyses. Emerging technologies include those related to siRNA intranasal drug delivery, addressing challenges like physiochemical stability and drug uptake. BCC Research's Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery Market report informs analysis and strategy for: pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, RNA research laboratories, liposome and delivery material manufacturers, and pharmaceutical distributors and investors. Download Report Overview About BCC Research BCC Research provides objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities with detailed market research reports. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions, free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: BCC Research LLC 49 Walnut Park, Building 2 Wellesley, MA 02481, USA [email protected], +1 781-489-7301 Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK) will release its earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, October 23, 2023. The Company will hold a conference call to discuss these results at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The dial-in numbers for the conference call are (630) 395-0194 or toll-free (888) 324-8108 and the access password is "packaging". A replay of the conference call will be available for a one-week period ending at midnight on November 1, 2023. The telephone numbers for the replay are (203) 369-0180 or toll free (866) 360-8712. A live webcast of the call will be made available to the public on the internet at the Company's website, www.crowncork.com. Crown Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of packaging products for consumer goods and industrial products. World headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida. For more information, contact Corporate Communications at (215) 602-2653. SOURCE Crown Holdings, Inc. Cydcor consistently ranks as top employer according to survey. AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cydcor, the global leader in outsourced sales customer acquisition services, announced its 11-time recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This prestigious accolade underscores Cydcor's unwavering commitment to its team members and continuous efforts to enhance its workplace environment. Prestigious accolade underscores Cydcor's commitment to its team members and ongoing enhancement of its work environment Post this Cydcor does it again becoming an 11-time winner of the Best Places to Work award by the Los Angeles Business Journal. The Los Angeles Business Journal's rigorous evaluation process involved hundreds of companies from across Los Angeles County. It is comprised of two parts: a review of workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics, weighted at 25% of the assessment, and an employee experience survey, carrying 75% of the total evaluation weight. The combined scores determined the top companies and their final rankings. "We hold this recognition in high esteem because it comes directly as a result of evaluations and feedback from our team members," said Cydcor CEO Vera Quinn. "I'm equally thrilled that we have been acknowledged in the thriving and competitive area of Los Angeles," Quinn added. Proving its commitment to ensuring it is the best company it can be, Cydcor leveraged feedback from the previous year to take deliberate actions to further solidify areas where it is strong as well as make changes in areas that hold significance to its team members. Cydcor earned high marks from its team members in several crucial areas, including: Belief in company leadership Commitment to employee well-being Company Culture Diversity and inclusion Team Member relationships with their managers Technology, and professional development Reflecting on Cydcor's remarkable achievement, CEO and President Vera Quinn remarked, "Our business thrives because of our exceptional people and the culture we've fostered at Cydcor is the cornerstone of why we are recognized as a great place to work. I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished." Cydcor's culture and its journey to becoming one of the Best Places to Work was also recently featured in an insightful article from USA Today found here. For individuals seeking to join Cydcor, opportunities can be found here. Learn more about Cydcor on LinkedIn and Instagram. About Cydcor Cydcor provides customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies across a wide range of industries. Through a unique blend of in-person sales, call center support, and digital marketing services, Cydcor excels in building lasting relationships with consumers while harnessing technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Established in 1994, this privately held company is headquartered in Agoura Hills, California. For more information about Cydcor, please visit www.cydcor.com. Media Contact: Gail Michalak Phone: 805-277-5525 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Cydcor Launching today: a very special Ambassador Collection: Desenio X Lone Fox Lone Fox collaborated with the Desenio Design Studio in the designing of these art prints. Desenio is a wall art and interior design e-commerce company with a focus on art designed in-house at our Design Studio in Stockholm, Sweden . NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Drew Michael Scott created the Lone Fox channel on Youtube back in 2018 as an outlet to share his love for crafting and DIY projects. Since then, his following has skyrocketed, and he has inspired interior design lovers around the world. "My collection with Desenio ties back my own design style in that they are a mix of old and new, so I really wanted to have some of the prints feel modern, but still have some old and aged elements to them," says Drew Michael Scott. The Ambassador Collection; Desenio x Lone Fox "The great thing about this collection is that I think there's really something for every single room. There's a versatility to these prints which I really love and I can see myself using these prints in so many different spaces," says Drew Michael Scott. Download high-res images from the collection HERE About Us At Desenio, we are passionate about interiors and specifically Scandinavian design. Our business idea is simple: stylish wall art should be affordable to everyone. Since the business was founded in 2010, we have grown exponentially. We boast an online presence in 33 countries and are steadily breaking into new markets. At Desenio, you will find Scandinavia's widest range of posters along with frames, hangers, picture ledges and clips. We frequently add new items to our range, in order to keep abreast of the latest interior and Scandinavian designs. We have something to suit every room and style of interior. For more information: www.desenio.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220188/Lone_Fox.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220187/Desenio_Logo.jpg SOURCE Desenio PITTSBURGH, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Government's point man on combating hate-fueled extremism, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, will address the world's most comprehensive, multi-disciplinary conference to counter violent hate the Eradicate Hate Global Summit. Secretary Mayorkas will speak to the Summit in Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC). Hate-fueled extremism is escalating to epidemic proportions. The numbers likely understate the problem. The FBI reports that hate crimes in the U.S. rose to nearly 11,000 in 2021 (the most recent year crime stats were published). And experts say the escalation is continuing. The 2023 Eradicate Hate Global Summit will bring together, for three days, experts from around the globe, representing a wide and diverse array of expertise, including representatives from the United Nations and other international agencies, the U.S. and foreign governments, academia, NGOs, law enforcement, journalists, medicine, social work, tech platforms, video games, and researchers, as well as survivors and families of victims of hate-motivated violence. The Summit's agenda shows the broad range of subjects that the Summit will explore. However, the conference will not merely discuss the issues; its mission is to drive global action toward practical solutions having a real-world impact. The news media extensively covers the tragic acts of hate-fueled extremism, as they should. But the search for solutions not as much. The Eradicate Hate Global Summit encourages the media to put the same journalistic spotlight on the worldwide, multi-disciplinary drive to develop and deploy effective solutions to reduce the prevalence of hate-fueled violence. Media Registration: Registration for media representatives is free. Register HERE. Journalists also may attend virtually via a live stream. For online registration, go HERE. Additional details: WHEN: September 27-29, 2023 WHERE: The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA. The David L. Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., LIVE STREAM REGISTRATION: There is no fee for live streaming. Register Here. There is no fee for live streaming. MEDIA BACKGROUNDER: View HERE. View HERE. MEDIA CONTACTS: Deborah Maxson , +1.412.716.5064, [email protected] , +1.412.716.5064, Brad White , +1.301.365.3571, [email protected] SOURCE Eradicate Hate Global Summit CLEVELAND, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalC, Cleveland's choice for internet connectivity and digital training, is proud to announce that Cleveland City Council has approved $20 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the deployment of a citywide internet network and the facilitation of digital skills training, marking a historic investment in digital equity. "We appreciate the collaborative effort to move this legislation forward; the support of this substantial funding by both Cleveland City Council and the Bibb Administration demonstrates a profound commitment from our civic leaders to ensuring that no resident is left behind in the digital age," shared DigitalC Chief Executive Officer Joshua Edmonds. Edmonds further added that recent initiatives have seen DigitalC enhance its organizational capacity, improve operational efficiencies, and refresh its brand, giving the organization a bold identity that aligns with its mission: to bridge the digital divide - for good. "Thanks to our civic leaders and funding partners, DigitalC is well-positioned to achieve the goals outlined in the legislation," said DigitalC Board Chair Lance Frew. "To accomplish this ambitious undertaking, the organization has made strategic hires, adopted efficient customer relationship management software to streamline operations, and harnessed the latest technology to offer a superior product and customer experience." In May, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's Administration selected DigitalC as the vendor to deploy this transformative network in response to a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP requirements include connecting 23,500 households and reaching 50,000 individuals through digital skills training within four years. "Ultimately, our community will benefit from expanded choices and an option that not only prioritizes people but also seamlessly balances affordability without compromising quality," said Edmonds. DigitalC anticipates launching the buildout of the citywide internet network in the coming months, with a detailed rollout plan and community engagement initiatives to be announced soon. Once started, the buildout is expected to take 18 months, covering the city in three major phases. About DigitalC DigitalC is a leading nonprofit technology social enterprise headquartered at the MidTown Tech Hive in Cleveland, Ohio's Hough neighborhood. Since its founding in 2015, DigitalC has evolved into a dynamic force, creating a bold vision to create an equitable digital future and mission to bridge the digital divide - for good. Learn more at digitalc.org. SOURCE DigitalC Today, September 26, a ban on the export and re-export of cars from the European Union (EU) to the terrorist countries of Russia and Belarus came into force in Georgia. This means that Russians will no longer be able to buy Western-made cars that have been delivered to the Georgian market. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Echo of the Caucasus. This restriction was envisaged by the 11th EU sanctions package, which was approved back in June to strengthen the previously imposed restrictions and combat sanctions circumvention. If Georgia had not imposed the ban, the EU could have imposed sanctions on Georgia already. According to Georgia's statistics agency, re-exports of cars to Russia have fallen sharply since August. While in July 1,054 cars worth more than $13 million were re-exported from Georgia to Russia, in August only 85 cars were exported. In the first half of the year, 4,840 cars worth $65.8 million were re-exported from Georgia to Russia. Over the past 2 years, car re-exports have become one of Georgia's largest exports. In 2023, it reached 1.17 billion, almost 33% of total exports. ADVERTISIMENT It should be noted that on August 1, a ban on the export of American-made cars to Russia and Belarus came into force. At the same time, the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia reminded that from September 26, this would apply to cars from the EU. As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the Kremlin managed to circumvent G7 sanctions that limited the maximum cost of oil from Russia. About two-thirds of all oil is sold without Western insurance, while the cost of black gold is rising to $100 per barrel. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! GRANTS PASS, Ore., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch Bros Coffee is celebrating National Coffee Day in style! On September 29, Dutch Bros will offer an exclusive "Drink More Coffee" hat at all 750+ shops. Customers who buy a hat, get any drink of their choice FREE! "We're stoked to celebrate National Coffee Day with all our coffee loving customers," said Charles Swindler, senior vice president of field engagement at Dutch Bros. "We can't wait to see everyone rockin' their new hats while enjoying their favorite drink on September 29!" On September 29, Dutch Bros will offer an exclusive Drink More Coffee hat at all 750+ shops. Customers who buy a hat, get any drink of their choice FREE! This "Drink More Coffee" hat will only be available on Friday, September 29, while supplies last! Looking for a new coffee order to celebrate with on National Coffee Day? Take a quiz here to find your next go to order! Available at participating locations, while supplies last. Plus sales tax, if applicable. About Dutch Bros Dutch Bros Coffee is a drive-thru coffee company dedicated to making a massive difference one cup at a time. Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma, it's now sharing the "Dutch Luv" with more than 750 locations in 16 states. Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, an exclusive Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Its rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish. In addition to its mission of speed, quality and service, Dutch Bros is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local operators and franchisees, the company donates several million dollars to causes across the country each year. To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com , follow Dutch Bros Coffee on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , & TikTok , and download the Dutch Bros app to earn points and score rewards! SOURCE Dutch Bros Coffee Applications are now open to join the Change Collective's second cohort of changemakers in Chicago, Detroit and Jackson to bring people together, bridge divides and solve problems at the community level WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Change Collective announced that applications to join its second cohort are open. Emerging leaders in Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, and Jackson, MS, can apply to join fellow changemakers looking to solve problems and build bridges in their local communities. As members of the cohort, changemakers will receive leadership development, training and mentorship as they create civic action plans to address issues impacting their communities, including education, food and health access, economic development and civic engagement. Change Collective members are actively using the tools they are learning in the program, and the networks and support systems they are building, to drive change in their communities. In Jackson, Lee Scott is working in his hometown to expand workforce development training and tech development skills. In Detroit, Bandhanpreet Kaur is using her experiences teaching coding to break barriers for women in tech and provide computer science knowledge to eighth graders in Detroit Public Schools. And in Chicago, Stephen Ramsey is engaging community members in tough conversations that transform how people relate to one another by promoting a level of respect and understanding for all. "Our inaugural cohort of changemakers have constantly inspired us with their energy, creativity, commitment and community," said Dexter Mason, Managing Director of the Change Collective. "These changemakers have proven what we already knew lasting change starts locally, and the next generation of local leaders are up to the task of making progress on the issues that impact our communities the most. We are so proud to continue to grow alongside our current changemakers and excited to welcome our second cohort." Launched earlier this year with a video from former President Barack Obama, the Change Collective is a leadership initiative empowering and connecting local changemakers across the country. The inaugural cohort featured 73 changemakers who have worked together to learn, problem-solve and build their networks. In addition to monthly Local Change Labs, in June, the entire cohort met in person in Detroit for the National Change Lab, which featured fireside chats with local and national leaders, including Civic Nation Board Chair Valerie Jarrett and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. Applications will be open from September 26 to October 27, and the cohort will officially be announced in early 2024. ABOUT the Change Collective: The Change Collective is a dynamic leadership community created to train, connect and elevate local changemakers in communities across the country. The Change Collective develops local leaders - helping them bring people together, bridge divides, and solve problems at the community level. Local cohorts are composed of leaders representing a range of identities, backgrounds, vocations, and ideologies. Members of the Change Collective have access to training opportunities, leadership development, and a wide network of mentors both locally and nationally. The Change Collective is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more here . ABOUT Civic Nation: Civic Nation is a nonprofit ecosystem for high-impact organizing and education initiatives working to build a more inclusive and equitable America. Civic Nation shifts culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders and influencers to tackle some of our nation's most pressing social challenges. Civic Nation is home to seven national initiatives and campaigns: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It's On Us, Online for All, SAVE On Student Debt, We The Action, and When We All Vote. Learn more here . SOURCE Change Collective Speakers at national conference address use of AI, ML and more CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The rise of technological advancements in the home warranty industry will be a topic of discussion for leaders at the upcoming Extended Warranty and Service Contracts Innovation Conference. Increasingly, business leaders are finding that artificial intelligence, machine learning and other cutting-edge technologies are increasing efficiency and enhancing the level of value-add solutions they can provide customers. Marcone is at the forefront of adopting these new tools in the home warranty industry. "Marcone set itself apart with distribution times that previously would have been unheard of without a drumbeat of innovation or continual introduction of new technologies," said Kippy MacNulty, Vice President of Business Development for Marcone, North America's largest parts distributor for the appliance, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool and spa industries. "Recent upgrades mean we use predictive analysis to further keep inventory stocked and artificial intelligence within our warehouse to get orders processed and out the door same day." In addition, Marcone AI uses Open AI and ChatGPT to guide technicians through a range of solutions related to their specific appliance and issue. It connects them to the most likely repair needed, along with the parts required to complete it. With Marcone's 93% next-day and 100% two-day shipping, technicians facing even the most complex problems can have their customers up and running in as little as 24 hours. MacNulty will lead the conference discussion about utilizing technology alongside expert Dr. Mark R. Hatch. A sought-after author and consultant, Dr. Hatch is the CEO of two startups a nanotech and an AI startup. He also teaches digital transformation and innovation strategy at Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School. He has spoken at both the White House and United Nations and is a frequent expert quoted in U.S. news stories. Held October 17-18 at Chicago's Palmer House Hilton, the conference attracts the industry's top minds as they seek both education and inspiration. For more information, visit warrantyinnovations.com. "The stars are unlimited for warranty providers who adopt these technologies and sustain a commitment to technological Innovation," MacNulty said. "We want to empower them to move their businesses into a new era of success." About Marcone Marcone is the leading provider of premium solutions, parts and equipment for professionals serving customers on their appliance parts, HVAC, plumbing and commercial kitchen needs. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Marcone is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise operating out of 200 locations throughout North America. Offering unparalleled product breadth, know-how across our national footprint and ease of doing business via leading-edge technology, servicers prefer Marcone because we amplify what they do best: take great care of their clients with speed, reliability and accuracy. Learn more about Marcone at www.marcone.com. Media Contact: Elizabeth Davies Marcone HVAC Cell: 815.440.8768 [email protected] SOURCE Marcone PHOENIX, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equality Health, a leader in value-based care, announced today that Sherri Onyiego, MD, PhD, Texas Medical Director for the company, is speaking on a panel at The Healthcare Innovation Company's (thINc) Digital Health Engagement and Experience Summit for Health Plans and Hospital Systems, a two-day event held Sept. 27-28 at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria Hotel. The panel, "Making an Impact: How Digital Transformation Can Advance Health Equity Efforts" will be moderated by Heather Nelson, Health Equity Leader, Digital Transformation Cross-Industry with Deloitte Consulting. Onyiego will join other health equity experts from DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority, Boston Medical Center and Houston Methodist Hospital. The panel will address the role of technology to advance health equity, and Onyiego will also stress the role advanced technology plays in driving human action and proactive value-based care clinical workflows resulting in holistic, culturally competent care delivery for enhanced patient experiences, better health outcomes and reduced cost. She will also share value-based care success examples with independent primary care providers across Texas. "Making an Impact: How Digital Transformation Can Advance Health Equity Efforts" will be held on day one of the summit, Wed., Sept. 27, 9:20-10:35 a.m. CT, at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, 2222 W Loop S, Houston. About Equality Health Equality Health is a technology-enabled primary care platform that leverages the proven capabilities of value-based payment models to transform healthcare for diverse and often marginalized populations. From predictive modeling to advanced care-tracking tools, utilizing Equality Health's proprietary software, participating primary care practices (PCPs) can streamline value-based administration and stay one step ahead of a patient's journey. Equality Health's care model is Medicaid-first in design, partnering with over 3,500 PCPs and 700,000 lives across AZ, TX, TN and LA. Equality Health partners with practices to close care gaps, optimize performance, increase compliance, and improve profitability. Members engage with holistic and personalized programs delivered through the lens of social and cultural needs. Equality Health is revolutionizing how care is delivered by establishing critical linkages with payers, providers, members, and community resources. For more information about Equality Health, visit www.equalityhealth.com or follow @EqualityHealth on Facebook, @EqualityHealth on Twitter, and @EqualityHealth on LinkedIn. About The Healthcare Innovation Company The Healthcare Innovation Company (thINc) creates and produces the world-renowned Healthcare Innovation Congress, thINc360, which is scheduled to take place May 29-31, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Healthcare Innovation Company also develops content that keeps healthcare and pharma and life sciences executives engaged and informed. By delivering timely content through its live events, webinars, and additional digital offerings, thINc is a catalyst for change for today's leading organizations, providing them with insights and recommendations to make better business decisions, contain costs, and deliver better results for the populations and markets they serve. Learn more at: https://www.thINc360.com. Media: Mardi Larson, Amendola for Equality Health, [email protected] SOURCE Equality Health SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Erudit , a global AI company that helps leaders improve culture and productivity, announces its $10M Series A round led by Conexo Ventures, Athos Capital, Ignia Partners, True Blue Partners and Fondo Bolsa Social. The funds will fuel Erudit's workforce intelligence technology development and revenue growth. Erudit's software-as-a-service uses AI to produce actionable insights on over 100 workforce indicators, such as burnout risk, engagement, and turnover risk. Erudit CEO Alejandro Martinez Agenjo. "This fundraise validates what we already knew about the HR industryreal time, actionable workforce intelligence insights impact business beyond instinct and unreliable survey data," says Alejandro Martinez Agenjo, Erudit's CEO. "Culture is not just about employee resource groups and pizza parties, which became clear as Chief People Officers gained a seat at the executive table during the pandemic. Erudit is giving people leaders the tech needed to maintain the best workforce at top performance." Erudit connects with companies' internal data through Google Workspace, Slack, Teams or Zoom to give them real-time work environment reports that are anonymous and segmented by team. This helps companies understand which groups of employees are at risk to churn, having a negative experience, experiencing harassment, and much more. Users can view trends and heatmaps, sort by demographics, and create action plans to address problem areas. This platform helps businesses overcome the limitations of employee surveys and offers a comprehensive understanding of workplace culture dynamics. Erudits ability to raise this round during a time of economic uncertainty demonstrates the confidence of investors in the company's mission and its growing recognition in the market. "Our reasons for partnering include good strategic fit and team progress over the observation period," shares Sunil Grover, Managing Partner at True Blue Partners. Originating in Spain, Erudit has expanded its global presence with a diverse team across three continents and a growing footprint in Europe, the U.S. and Latin America. For more information about Erudit and to get a free trial, visit their website at www.erudit.ai . About Erudit Erudit is an AI-SaaS platform empowering leaders with real-time workforce insights that drive better decision making. Erudit was founded by Alejandro Martinez Agenjo, an entrepreneur and psychologist, alongside Ricardo Michel Reyes, known as an AI and mathematics prodigy. Download Erudit's Press Kit and Photos here. Press contact: Alejandra Lorente Email: [email protected] Phone: +420703124835 SOURCE Erudit Ferrovial and Georgia Tech entered a master agreement to focus on innovation in transport infrastructure to develop a more sustainable future for mobility entered a master agreement to focus on innovation in transport infrastructure to develop a more sustainable future for mobility The agreement was formally signed at the university's campus ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrovial, a global infrastructure operator, and the Georgia Institute of Technology today announced a long-term partnership focused on advancing innovation in transport infrastructure. The partnership will allow for joint research activities, providing new educational and development opportunities for students and enabling Ferrovial to create a more sustainable future for mobility. The agreement was formally signed at the university's campus in Atlanta. Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech (left) and Andres Sacristan, CEO of Cintra Global (right) "Georgia Tech is globally recognized for its expertise in infrastructure and mobility, research, and development," said Andres Sacristan, CEO of Cintra Global. "Ferrovial understands our industry must remain agile as transportation continues to evolve. By partnering with universities like Georgia Tech, we can continue to improve the traveler experience and better serve our clients by providing new mobility solutions." Ferrovial has collaborated with Georgia Tech in research, leveraging its talent for several years. In addition to its expertise in traffic engineering, the Institute has extensive research capabilities in construction, airports, and energy, allowing for a comprehensive and diversified partnership as Ferrovial operates in all these areas. "Ferrovial is reimagining transportation, and this collaboration will enable Georgia Tech researchers and students to gain a firsthand understanding of the needs of our nation's infrastructure," said Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. "We are proud to partner with Ferrovial to drive the future of transportation and mobility, which will bring valuable technological innovation and knowledge transfer to our state." Ferrovial, through its highways business Cintra, operates five major managed lane projects across the U.S., providing traffic congestion relief to some of the nation's fastest growing regions. Ferrovial's construction division currently manages several large highway construction projects, including the Transform 285/400 highway improvement project in Atlanta. Subsidiaries Ferrovial Construction and Webber have carried out infrastructure improvements in the state of Georgia that amount to nearly $800 million. Ferrovial Airports is a leading airport investor and operator with key investments in the U.S. Through its vertiports business, the company aims to design, build, and operate the infrastructure required by eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. "Aligning with Georgia Tech reinforces Ferrovial's commitment to sustainably advancing mobility, enhancing safety, and connecting communities in Georgia, the United States and beyond," said Sacristan. About Ferrovial Ferrovial is a global infrastructure operator committed to developing innovative solutions for a world on the move. With more than 70 years of experience, its family of companies holds leadership positions in transportation infrastructure, construction, waterworks, and energy. The company operates in 15 countries, with U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas. Ferrovial employs more than 4,000 people across the U.S. and over 20,000 around the world. For more information, visit ferrovial.us About the Georgia Institute of Technology The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a public research university developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees. Its nearly 45,000 students, representing 50 states and 149 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning. As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society. SOURCE Ferrovial NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fine wine importer and marketer Demeine Estates proudly announces their exclusive import partnership with Villa Sandi, Italy's leading Prosecco producer. Beginning in January 2024, Demeine Estates will manage the US distribution and execute the marketing activities of Villa Sandi's renowned portfolio of Proseccos from DOC and DOCG designations of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Asolo, as well as their wines from Collio winery, Borgo Conventi. Villa Sandi's historic Palladian villa dates back to 1622. Villa Sandi's renowned Conegliano-Valdobbiadene vineyard Headquartered in a historic Palladian villa that dates back to 1622, Villa Sandi is a winery anchored in family and tradition. The Moretti Polegato family has grown grapes since the 1920s and has been the steward of the Villa Sandi estate since the late 1970s, preserving an icon of Italian wine culture. Featuring a lineup of fresh and lively Proseccos from DOC Treviso, fruit-driven Prosecco Superiore from the Valdobbiadene and Asolo DOCGs, and an elegant and refined offering from the highest designation of the region, Cartizze DOCG, Villa Sandi's portfolio reflects an extreme dedication to elevating the production of Prosecco by managing its estate vineyards with the utmost care. "We are always looking toward the future, toward the next generation," said Villa Sandi President Giancarlo Moretti Polegato. "Demeine Estates is dedicated to innovation and is the right partner for the growth of our business in the United States." Exceptional wine quality and a true commitment to sustainability and biodiversity are hallmarks of Villa Sandi under the direction of Moretti Polegato. Among its many sustainable practices, Villa Sandi primarily relies on its own hydroelectric power plant to supply clean energy and irrigate its vineyards. The winery's dedication to preserving its legacy through protecting the environment is rooted in Villa Sandi's family-run organization. "Villa Sandi Prosecco and Borgo Conventi wines are two tremendous additions to our fine wine portfolio," said Philana Bouvier, President of Demeine Estates. "The legacy of the Moretti Polegato family heritage aligns exactly with our core values of representing best-in-class, family-owned wineries. We feel privileged to showcase these wines and elevate them to the iconic status they deserve in the United States. Demeine Estates is excited to take Villa Sandi to the next level." Villa Sandi's Proseccos routinely receive the highest praise from wine publications, and their Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG La Rivetta, from a small 3.7-acre estate vineyard, has obtained the highest Tre Bicchieri award for 13 consecutive years from Gambero Rosso, Italy's leading wine guide. Borgo Conventi's top wine selection, Luna di Ponca, also achieved this distinction and was awarded the Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso in 2023. About Demeine Estates Demeine Estates is a family-owned importer and marketer of the world's finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates' curated portfolio consists of both premium family-owned domestic and international producers of exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. www.demeineestates.com About Villa Sandi Villa Sandi is located in the heart of the Prosecco region with headquarters in a historic villa built in 1622. Owned for four generations by the Moretti Polegato family, the winery owns vineyards in all the Prosecco appellations, from the wider DOC area to Asolo DOCG and Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG to the unique cru of Cartizze DOCG. A leader in sustainable farming practices, Villa Sandi is also a leader in elevating the wine quality and awareness of Prosecco by opening a wine bar at Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy's third busiest airport. https://villasandi.it/en/ About Borgo Conventi Located in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, the vineyards of the Tenuta Borgo Conventi estate are nurtured by the mineral rich soil of the right bank of the Isonzo River. Thanks to the varied microclimate of the area, Borgo Conventi features vineyards of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Friulano, Sauvignon, Refosco, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The white wines hail from Collio, a DOC region known for producing exceptional white wines due to its signature ponca soil series composed of marl and sandstone and containing marine fossils. Tenuta Borgo Conventi has been owned and managed by the Moretti Polegato family since 2019. https://www.borgoconventi.it/en/ SOURCE Demeine Estates NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report on company engagement1 commissioned by the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute (the Institute), relevance to the company, face-to-face meetings, and a strong shareholder consensus are among the most important elements. Based on a survey conducted by PwC with 100 senior corporate directors and CEOs across six countries and nine sectors2, the report, Constructive corporate engagements: From a corporate perspective uncovers what is needed to drive meaningful change in a company's behavior, strategy and policy. It aims to address the growing need for investors to demonstrate how they exercise their stewardship rights and obligations, and the outcomes such activities deliver. Sudip Hazra, the newly appointed Director of the Institute, said: "Understanding the company and tailoring the engagement to their business is the most important factor for driving positive results. Boards and management need to see that the engagement is thoughtful and compelling." Not all proposals needed to be driven by commercial benefits, the research found: in half (50%) of cases, a company took action because it believed doing so would give rise to a significant stakeholder benefit at limited cost to the company. However, outlining the high costs of inaction is also a key contributor to successful engagements. The quality of the process is the second most important factor, the report found. In over half (51%) of engagements that led to action, shareholders were available for face-to-face meetings, and engaged directly, rather than through proxy advisors. "Writing an investor letter and hoping for the best does not lead to change. Companies want to build meaningful relationships, and they want to know that the people driving the engagement deeply understand the issues. Companies also prefer engagements to be private rather than public, and to be verbal rather than written," Hazra said. The report also underlines the power of collaboration when it comes to effecting change. "Companies tend to look more favourably on proposals that demonstrate collaboration and are backed by a significant number of shareholders. Two thirds (64%) of companies in the survey preferred engagements where shareholders collaborated over those involving a single investor. While investors still need to tick the boxes of good process and high relevance, strong shareholder consensus provides even more weight to the engagement," Hazra said. The report also sheds light on the factors likely to undermine engagement initiatives. "An inability to demonstrate value or show an understanding of the business, a lack of resources within the company, and a confrontational process are the most common reasons for engagements to fail," Hazra said. In addition, the report delves into the challenges both companies and their shareholders face when engaging on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics, asserting the need for shareholders to improve their understanding of these complex issues and to find the right balance between engagement format, reporting and priorities. Kate Turner, Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors, said: "The world is facing many urgent, systemic challenges, where both investors and companies need to be part of the solution. We believe we cannot simply divest our way out of issues such as climate change, so engagement is an essential part of driving positive change. However, engagement comes in many forms, and this research provides a valuable blueprint for investors and asset owners who want to make a difference and engage successfully. "We are all putting a lot of time, energy and resources into engagement, so let's ensure we are meeting companies where they're at, and providing considered, relevant and meaningful suggestions." Dr Tom Gosling, Executive Fellow at London Business School and contributor to the research, said: "The research has robustly founded conclusions that can be applied in a practical way by investors to improve outcomes of their engagements with companies. It is therefore recommended reading for investors seeking to use corporate engagements to deliver positive results for all parties." The report concludes with a set of recommendations for shareholders to enhance the effectiveness of their engagements, including: Building trust and mutual understanding with companies; Discussing engagement objectives and success metrics upfront; Collaborating with other shareholders; and Holding direct, private and face-to-face engagements where possible. Download the full report. Media enquiries Gayle Rodrigues Global Head of Communications (London) E: [email protected] M: +44 20 7332 6509 Margaret Kirch Cohen/Richard Chimberg Newton Park PR (United States) E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: +1 847-507-2229 T: +1 617-312-4281 About First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute The First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute is jointly supported by First Sentier Investors and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a consolidated subsidiary of MUFG. The institute aims to help increase awareness and encourage action on important but under researched and emerging ESG-related issues. It will publish research on topics that can advance sustainable investing. An external academic advisory board informs the institute's research agenda and ensures its publications meet high standards of rigour. For more information, visit https://www.firstsentier-mufg-sustainability.com/ About First Sentier Investors First Sentier Investors manages US$148.3 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2023) on behalf of institutional investors, pension funds, wholesale distributors, investment platforms, financial advisers and their clients worldwide. The firm was acquired by Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc in August 2019, and operates as a standalone global investment management business with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. First Sentier Investors is a globally Certified B Corporation and signatory to the UK Stewardship Code. The firm's investment expertise spans across a range of asset classes and specialist sectors focused on delivering sustainable investment success based on responsible investment principles. For more information, visit www.firstsentierinvestors.com About MUFG Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,400 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english/index.html About the Trust Bank Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, as a core member of MUFG, provides its customers with a wide range of comprehensive financial solutions leveraging unique and highly professional functions as a leading trust bank. Such financial solutions include real estate, stock transfer agency, asset management and investor services, and inheritance related services, in addition to banking operations. We aim to realize our vision to be the trust bank that creates "a safe and affluent society" by always supporting our customers' and society's challenges based on Trust, and thus created a new key concept: "Create a Better Tomorrow". For more information, visit https://www.tr.mufg.jp/english/index.html Important information This press release is intended for information only, aimed solely at the media and should not be further distributed to individual and/or corporate investors, and financial advisers and/or distributors. The information included within this press release and any supplemental documentation provided should not be copied, reproduced or redistributed without the prior written consent of First Sentier Investors. 1 The Institute defines a company or shareholder engagement as the process of a shareholder or group of shareholders communicating with, providing input to, and holding accountable, a company in which they own equity. 2 The countries included were UK, US, China, India, Japan and Australia. Nine sectors were included, the most common being financial services and informational technology (20 responses each), consumer staples (15), consumer discretionary, industrials and healthcare (10 each). SOURCE First Sentier Investors Innovative home service franchise platform appears on the authoritative annual review of area businesses for the second straight year SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Star Franchising , an innovative, growing platform of home service brands, is among the most dynamic companies in Utah for the second consecutive year, according to the 2023 Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 . Five Star Franchising ranks 11th on the prestigious annual list of the fastest-growing companies in the area. Five Star Franchising, an innovative, growing platform of home service brands, is among the most dynamic companies in Utah for the second consecutive year, ranking 11th on the 2023 Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50. "We're proud to be recognized for the impact we're having on our local community and our franchise owners," said Scott Abbott, CEO and co-founder of Five Star Franchising. "Our world-class home service franchise platform has experienced outstanding success, with fifteen-fold growth over the last three years and a record of providing unique opportunities for financial freedom to our franchise owners." Five Star Franchising offers industry-leading tools and support to empower and inspire franchise owners throughout North America. With more than 800 franchise locations, Five Star Franchising's brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield, are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success and people. Utah Valley BusinessQ showcases the educated workforce, tremendous quality of life and vast business resources of the Utah Valley, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to do business in the United States. Every year, the magazine's UV50 list ranks the area's 30 fastest-growing companies as well as the 10 leading large businesses and 10 startups to watch. For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit http://fivestarfranchising.com/ . About Five Star Franchising Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of seven home service brands with more than 800 franchises collectively, across North America. The company empowers franchise partners' success with industry-leading tools and support while maximizing profitable growth for their franchise owners. Five Star Franchising's brands include Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield as well as ProNexis, a leader in growth and customer experience solutions for home services franchises. Five Star's commitment to its core values Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) ensures its brands are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success, and people. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR (865) 977-1973 [email protected] SOURCE Five Star Franchising HONG KONG, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ESG Achievement Awards 2022/2023 (the "Awards") Ceremony was held in Hong Kong on 22 September. Fosun International was awarded the "ESG Benchmark Awards" Silver Award in recognition of its efforts and outstanding performances in the environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance aspects. With strong support of HSIL as ESG data partner, the Awards are in recognition of the enterprises with outstanding ESG performance The ESG Achievement Awards is founded by the Institute of ESG & Benchmark (IESGB), a non-profit organisation, and co-organised by the Institute of Financial Technologists of Asia (IFTA), with the strong support of Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) as the ESG data partner. The Awards aims at recognising excellent enterprises and organisations which dedicated in promoting sustainable development, fulfilling social responsibilities and delivering excellent corporate governance. Mr. Joseph Chan JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, joined the award presentation ceremony as a guest of honor. Mr. Joseph Chan JP states, "Hong Kong, with its open and internationalised market, robust infrastructure, a regulatory regime aligned with major overseas markets, the rule of law, and a rich pool of professional talents, not only has the potential, but also the responsibility to lead the region in green finance. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is already leading on various leagues' tables in the region, including arranging Asian international bonds, leading insurance density and scale of asset and wealth management business, as well as offshore RMB liquidity pools and payments. Therefore, Hong Kong is well positioned to be the premier green finance centre of Asia." Mr. Paul Pong, Co-founder of IESGB said, "COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted the significance of ESG. Increasingly more businesses and investors have recognised and embraced ESG. This has gradually turned into a major business norm. Yet many institutions are still at an exploration stage. Winners of the ESG Achievement Awards possess practical experience and successful cases in sustainable development, and have set exemplars for other companies to set their foot in it." Fosun's ESG has been recognised by global professional institutions Fosun International's outstanding ESG ratings remark its wide recognition by the market. Recently, with its outstanding sustainability performance, Fosun International's HSI ESG rating has been upgraded to AA- and has been selected as a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index for the first time. Presently, Fosun International is the only conglomerate in Greater China rated AA by MSCI ESG Ratings. Fosun International outperformed 91% of its global peers in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and was included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2023 (China Edition), and was recognised as an "Industry Mover" by S&P Global. While developing its businesses, Fosun emphasises the use of ESG criteria to assess its own sustainable development capability and level. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Fosun has been actively engaging its member companies in the implementation of ESG strategies. On the environmental front, Fosun has made a commitment to the society - "strive to peak carbon emissions by 2028 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050", and is making steady progress towards these targets. Fosun also continued to make unremitting efforts on social welfare. Fosun established Fosun Foundation in 2012, which continues to advance in the fields of global emergency relief, rural revitalization, health promotion, community building, children and youth welfare, education and culture & art, demonstrating its commitment to public welfare. The ESG Achievement Awards 2022/2023 celebrates the outstanding contribution of 59 winning organisations in promoting sustainable development, fulfilling social responsibilities and delivering excellent corporate governance under 9 awards categories. Other awardees include well-known enterprises such as Henderson Land Development, Sino Land, Wheelock Properties, Chinachem Group, Kerry Logistics, AXA, Cafe de Coral Holdings, Ocean Park Hong Kong, etc. SOURCE Fosun For several days in a row, the sounds of explosions have been heard in the Ukrainian Crimea annexed by Russia as the Ukrainian Armed Forces try to drive the occupiers out of the peninsula. In particular, the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in occupied Sevastopol was hit. In addition to eliminating the invaders, they also managed to scare away Russian tourists. ADVERTISIMENT According to Russian specialized publications, "the alarming situation in Sevastopol does not contribute to the already scarce tourist flow to the city." Thus, according to representatives of the Crimean tourist industry, no more than 10% of tourists stayed in local hotels. Since September 22, hotel occupancy in Sevastopol has dropped by half. In occupied Yalta, Alushta, Sudak and Feodosia, the situation is slightly better, but has also deteriorated significantly. But Russians don't want to go to Yevpatoria, Saki and Mykolaivka on the West Bank because they are afraid of "cotton". The 10% of residents in Sevastopol hotels are mostly locals. According to the source, Crimeans now make up the bulk of hotel guests. However, they obviously do not stay there for long, so representatives of the Crimean tourist industry are puzzling over how to attract visitors and not lose money. Crimeans are offered various lucrative packages to keep them in hotels. ADVERTISIMENT And while 90% of hotel rooms are empty, the local "authorities," following the standard Kremlin propaganda guidelines, assure them: "there is no panic" and "everything is under control." "There are organized tourists in the city, but not many of them. They are mostly located near the sea, not in the center of Sevastopol. Tour operators have not been contacted by tourists staying at the resort. Hotels are operating as usual, and Sevastopol's tourist infrastructure is working normally. Tour operators recommend tourists not to go to the city center for a while and to take precautionary measures," the Association of Tour Operators of Russia said. As a reminder, in the evening of September 25, the temporarily occupied Crimea was restless. After the nighttime explosions, air raid alarms sounded on the streets of occupied Sevastopol and other cities. People came out of their homes in search of shelters, but they were closed. ADVERTISIMENT Explosions were heard in the city in the morning of September 23. According to Krym.Realii, some residents' windowpanes shook due to the blast wave. Prior to that, on the evening of September 21, powerful explosions also occurred in the annexed Crimea, causing a fire in Sevastopol. The explosions happened again the next day. It turned out that the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet had been hit by a missile. As OBOZREVATEL reported, earlier in the occupied Sudak, a shop assistant called tourists from the Russian Federation "occupiers", which they are. Of course, the Russians did not like such "harassment" and ended up with the police. Read more in our article. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - In the relentless battle against the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Gene Bio Medical (GBM), a leading player in the field of medical innovations, is taking center stage with its remarkable contribution. GBM's SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit has emerged as a powerful tool in containing the transmission of the new COVID-19 variants, especially during these crucial times. The SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit is not only instrumental in detecting COVID-19 variants but also in addressing the long-term impacts of Long COVID, which continue to affect individuals even after recovery from the acute phase of the illness. By providing early and accurate detection, SwiftSwab contributes to better understanding and management of Long COVID. SwiftSwab proudly represents Canadian innovation and contributes to the resilience of the country's medical supply chain. Developed in Canada, it embodies the nation's commitment to self-reliance in the face of healthcare challenges. Health Canada's recognition of SwiftSwab underscores its safety and effectiveness. The product's availability in independent pharmacies across Canada ensures that it reaches a wide audience, bolstering the country's response to the ongoing pandemic. SwiftSwab isn't just about early detection; it is also affordable and efficient. This makes it an accessible solution for individuals and families across Canada, ensuring that everyone has access to reliable COVID-19 testing. The SwiftSwab Antigen Test Kit, a pioneering creation by GBM, has showcased its exceptional ability to detect more than 40 distinct COVID-19 variants, including seven highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 strains. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the importance of continuous testing and early detection cannot be overstated. The ongoing challenge posed by the Omicron variant, along with its sub-variants such as EG.5 and BA.2.86, demands unwavering attention on a global scale. The EG.5 variant, akin to XBB variants, carries a mutation that can resist some acquired immunity and exhibits a rapid growth advantage, establishing its dominance in many regions. The prevalence of EG.5 in the United States is predicted to rise significantly. In a world where over 30,000 COVID-19 Antigen mutant strains have been reported, Gene Bio Medical underscores the importance of constant monitoring and research into these strains. Specific mutations in the Spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD) could potentially enhance the virus's transmissibility and virulence. A recent study conducted by the Belgium Department of Laboratory Medicine and Department of Pharmacy has highlighted GBM's SwiftSwab Antigen Self Test as a standout product in detecting both Omicron and Delta variants. The test has demonstrated superior performance compared to other widely used COVID-19 Antigen detection reagents. GBM's SwiftSwab Antigen Self Test is readily available for purchase, offering a rapid and accurate defense against COVID-19 and its variants. As the world collectively navigates this pandemic, GBM urges all stakeholders to adhere to long-term recommendations and foster global collaboration, emphasizing the critical steps required to overcome this global health crisis. About Gene Bio Medical (GBM): Gene Bio Medical (GBM) is a leading innovator in the field of medical technology and diagnostics. With a commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives, GBM develops cutting-edge solutions for the most pressing global health challenges. Website: www.genebiomedical.com SOURCE Gene Bio Medical DUBLIN, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cancer Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Consumables, Instruments), By Type (IVD, LDT, Imaging), By Application (Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer), By End-use, By Test Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global cancer diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 162.57 billion by 2030, as per the new report by the publisher. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.07% from 2023 to 2030. The global cancer diagnostics market is poised for substantial growth, fueled by an array of factors ranging from government initiatives to technological advancements. An increasing awareness about cancer, propelled by worldwide organizations, has led to a higher demand for diagnostic products. Government measures to promote early-stage cancer screening are further augmenting this growth, especially initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund in India. Innovations in the field, such as liquid biopsy solutions, are revolutionizing cancer care. These solutions have garnered regulatory approval for their comprehensive and multi-cancer diagnostic approaches. Emerging technologies like circulating tumor DNA, extracellular vesicles, and circulating tumor cells are setting new benchmarks in cancer diagnostics. Companion diagnostics are another key growth driver, offering significant time and cost reductions for pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. Since the release of the FDA's guidance draft for the development of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) companion diagnostic devices in 2016, the field of oncology has seen a spur in the development of such diagnostics. Within the market, the consumables segment commands a substantial share, buoyed by high purchase and repeat purchase rates. The rising prevalence of breast cancer and increased R&D activities are specifically contributing to growth in the breast cancer application segment. In summary, the global cancer diagnostics market is ripe with opportunities, backed by heightened cancer awareness, government initiatives, technological innovations, and the advent of companion diagnostics. Cancer Diagnostics Market Report Highlights Based on product, the consumables segment dominated the market in 2022 due to high purchase rates and repeat purchases Based on type, the IVD segment dominated the cancer diagnostics market in 2022 owing to increasing adoption and availability of numerous IVD-based solutions The breast cancer application segment is expected to grow lucratively over the forecast period due to growth in initiatives to spread awareness across the population and increase in R&D activities. Based on end-use, the laboratories segment dominated the market due to efficient outpatient services. The hospitals segment is forecasted grow at a significant rate over the coming years attributed to an increase in the admittance of patients in hospitals The biopsy segment is anticipated to grow at a significant growth rate due to various benefits associated with the test, including early detection of the disease North America dominated the global cancer diagnostics market in 2022, owing to rise in the number of approvals of new diagnostic tests dominated the global cancer diagnostics market in 2022, owing to rise in the number of approvals of new diagnostic tests The Asia Pacific is expected to grow considerably in the future owing to due to the rising prevalence and the presence of key players Company Profiles Abbott GE Healthcare F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Qiagen BD Siemens Healthcare GmbH Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc Hologic, Inc Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Philips) Illumina, Inc. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope 1.1 Market Segmentation 1.2 Market Definitions 1.3 Research Methodology 1.4 Information Procurement Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 Market Snapshot 2.2 Product and Type Segment Snapshot 2.3 Application Segment Snapshot 2.4 End-Use and Test Type Segment Snapshot 2.5 Competitive Landscape Snapshot Chapter 3 Cancer Diagnostics Market Variables, Trends, and Scope 3.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market Lineage Outlook 3.1.1 Parent Market Outlook 3.1.2 Ancillary Market 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Market Driver Analysis 3.2.1.1 Rising Prevalence Of Cancer 3.2.1.2 Technological Advancements 3.2.1.3 Rising Initiatives Undertaken By Public And Private Organizations 3.2.1.4 Extensive R&D For The Development Of Novel Testing Solutions 3.2.2 Market Restraint Analysis 3.2.2.1 High Cost Of Diagnostic Imaging 3.2.2.2 Radiation Exposure Likely To Limit Usage Of Ct Scans 3.2.2.3 Rising Adoption Of Refurbished Diagnostic Imaging Systems 3.3 Cancer Diagnostics Market Analysis Tools 3.3.1 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.3.2 Macroeconomic Analysis 3.4 Market Opportunity Analysis 3.4.1 Advent Of Personalized Medicine And Companion Diagnostics Chapter 4 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Segment Analysis, by Product, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 4.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Product Movement Analysis 4.2 Cancer Diagnostics Market Estimates & Forecast, by Product (USD Million) 4.2.1 Instruments 4.2.1.1 Pathology-based Instruments 4.2.1.1.1 Slide Staining Systems 4.2.1.1.2 Tissue Processing Systems 4.2.1.1.3 Cell Processors 4.2.1.1.4 PCR Instruments 4.2.1.1.5 NGS Instruments 4.2.1.1.6 Microarrays 4.2.1.1.7 Other Pathology-based Instruments 4.2.1.2 Imaging Instruments 4.2.1.3 Others 4.2.2 Consumables 4.2.2.1 Antibodies 4.2.2.2 Kits & reagents 4.2.2.3 Probes 4.2.2.4 Others 4.2.3 Services Chapter 5 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Segment Analysis, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 5.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Type Movement Analysis 5.2 Cancer Diagnostics Market Estimates & Forecast, by Type (USD Million) 5.2.1 IVD 5.2.1.1 By Type 5.2.1.1.1 Diagnosis 5.2.1.1.2 Early Detection 5.2.1.1.3 Therapy Selection 5.2.1.1.4 Monitoring 5.2.1.2 By Technology 5.2.1.2.1 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 5.2.1.2.2 In Situ Hybridization (ISH) 5.2.1.2.3 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) 5.2.1.2.4 Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) 5.2.1.2.5 Microarrays 5.2.1.2.6 Flow Cytometry 5.2.1.2.7 Immunoassays 5.2.1.2.8 Other IVD Testing Technologies 5.2.2 LDT 5.2.3 IMAGING 5.2.3.1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 5.2.3.2 Computed Tomography (CT) 5.2.3.3 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) 5.2.3.4 Mammography 5.2.3.5 Ultrasound 5.2.3.6 Others Chapter 6 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Segment Analysis, by Application, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 6.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Application Movement Analysis 6.2 Cancer Diagnostics Market Estimates & Forecast, by Application (USD Million) 6.2.1 Breast Cancer 6.2.2 Colorectal Cancer 6.2.3 Cervical Cancer 6.2.4 Lung Cancer 6.2.5 Prostate Cancer 6.2.6 Skin Cancer 6.2.7 Blood Cancer 6.2.8 Kidney Cancer 6.2.9 Liver Cancer 6.2.10 Pancreatic Cancer 6.2.11 Ovarian Cancer 6.2.12 Others Chapter 7 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Segment Analysis, by End Use, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 7.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market: End-User Movement Analysis 7.2 Cancer Diagnostics Market Estimates & Forecast, by End Use (USD Million) 7.2.1 Hospitals 7.2.2 Laboratories 7.2.3 Others Chapter 8 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Segment Analysis, by Test Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million) 8.1 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Test Type Movement Analysis 8.2 Cancer Diagnostics Market Estimates & Forecast, by Test Type (USD Million) 8.2.1 Biopsy 8.2.1.1 Fine-Needle Aspiration 8.2.1.2 Core Biopsy 8.2.1.3 Surgical Biopsy 8.2.1.4 Skin Biopsy/Punch Biopsy 8.2.1.5 Others 8.2.2 Others Chapter 9 Cancer Diagnostics Market: Regional Estimates and Trend Analysis, by Product, By Type, By Test Type, By Application, By End-Use Competitive Landscape 10.1 Company Categorization 10.2 Strategy Mapping 10.2.1 New product launch 10.2.2 Partnerships 10.2.3 Acquisition 10.2.4 Collaboration 10.2.5 Funding 10.3 Company Market Share Analysis, 2022 10.4 Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qqmruk 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. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Molecular Diagnostics Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global molecular diagnostics market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching a valuation of US$ 18.5 billion in 2022. Over the forecast period from 2023 to 2028, the market is expected to expand even further, with a projected value of US$ 27.4 billion, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. Molecular Diagnostics: Precision Medicine at Its Best Molecular diagnostics encompasses a set of laboratory tests that analyze an individual's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), or cell proteins to detect potential disease biomarkers. This technology plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring infections and diseases, identifying health risks, and assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. In recent years, molecular diagnostics has experienced rapid growth in various fields, including oncology, pharmacogenomics, microbiology, infectious diseases, genetic disease screening, and blood screening. As a result, it has become an integral part of personalized patient care, driving its global demand. Market Trends The molecular diagnostics market is witnessing extensive adoption by hospitals, laboratories, and research institutes for the early detection of diseases, coagulation studies, and human leukocyte antigen typing. Key factors fueling market growth include the rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. The aging global population, which is more susceptible to various medical conditions, coupled with the widespread adoption of point-of-care (POC) testing devices, is contributing to increased market demand. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of molecular diagnostic methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for COVID-19 testing. Supportive initiatives by government agencies and regulatory bodies worldwide, such as fast-track approvals of diagnostic products to combat the pandemic, are also boosting market growth. Additionally, major market players are making substantial investments in launching innovative diagnostic devices that offer improved accuracy, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and faster results. This strategy allows them to expand their product portfolios and gain a competitive edge. Other factors contributing to a positive market outlook include the rising demand for personalized treatment, the emergence of preventive medicine, improved healthcare infrastructure, and ongoing technological advancements. Market Segmentation and Regional Insights The report provides a comprehensive analysis of market trends, classifying the global molecular diagnostics market based on product, technology, application, end-users, and region: By Product: Reagents and Kits Instruments Software and Services By Technology: Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) Hybridization DNA Sequencing Microarray Isothermal Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology (INAAT) Others By Application: Infectious Diseases Diagnostics Oncology Genetic Testing Blood Screening Others By End Users: Hospitals Laboratories Others By Region: North America Asia Pacific Europe Latin America Middle East and Africa Key Players in the Market Prominent companies contributing to the competitive landscape of the molecular diagnostics market include Abbott Laboratories, Agilent Technologies Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Biomerieux SA, Danaher Corporation, Diasorin Molecular LLC (DiaSorin), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Holding AG), Hologic Inc., Illumina Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc., Qiagen, Quidel Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Key Questions Addressed The report addresses key questions about the global molecular diagnostics market, including: Historical and future market performance. Impact of COVID-19 on the market. Key regional markets. Market breakdown by product, technology, application, and end-users. Various stages in the industry's value chain. Drivers and challenges in the market. Structure of the global molecular diagnostics market and key players. Level of competition in the industry. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p5adyd 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. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Next Generation Sequencing Informatics Market by Offering Application End User - Global Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global NGS informatics market is poised to achieve substantial growth, with a projected value of $4.3 billion anticipated by 2030, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 15.4% during the period from 2023 to 2030. This impressive market expansion is underpinned by several key factors, including the escalating R&D investments from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the increasing prevalence of cancer and genetic disorders, the rising adoption of NGS in disease diagnostics and precision medicine, continuous technological advancements in NGS informatics solutions, and supportive government initiatives endorsing large-scale genomic sequencing projects. Nonetheless, concerns regarding data confidentiality pose a challenge to the market's growth trajectory. Furthermore, the growing adoption of NGS informatics tools within hospitals and clinical laboratories, coupled with the expanding utilization of bioinformatics and genomic data management solutions for extensive data analysis and interpretation, is expected to generate promising opportunities for market players. However, the shortage of skilled professionals proficient in operating NGS Informatics tools remains a significant obstacle to market expansion. Based on offering, in 2023, the software segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. NGS informatics software enables researchers to efficiently analyze, store, and securely share vast amounts of genomic data. With their cost and time-saving capabilities, robust data security measures, and seamless collaboration features, these software solutions enable effective genomic data management, contributing to the large market share of this segment. Based on application, in 2023, the drug discovery segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. The growth of this segment is driven by the benefits offered by NGS technology in drug discovery. NGS enables the identification of novel drug targets and the development of therapeutic techniques that target specific genes and proteins, including targeted therapies, gene therapy, and oligonucleotide therapy. Based on end user, in 2023, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment is expected to account for the largest share of the next generation sequencing (NGS) informatics market. Pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies extensively utilize NGS for high-throughput analysis and genetic-based drug development. The adoption of NGS informatics has enabled efficient management, analysis, and reporting of large volumes of genomic data, thereby supporting remote work and enhancing research capabilities. These factors contribute to the significant market share of this segment. In 2023, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the NGS informatics market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The factors supporting the largest share of this market are technological advancements in the region, the increasing prevalence of cancer, and increased healthcare care spending. Additionally, the presence of key players, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and government initiatives for NGS-based diagnostic testing also contribute to the large market share of North America. The key players operating in the global NGS market are Illumina Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Qiagen N.V. Agilent Technologies Inc. Sapio Sciences LLC DNASTAR Inc. Fabric Genomics Inc. Partek Incorporated DNAnexus Inc. . Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 2.1. Research Approach 2.2. Process of Data Collection and Validation 2.3. Market Sizing and forecast 2.4. Assumptions for the Study 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Insights 4.1. Overview 4.2. Factors Affecting Market Growth 4.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Dynamics 4.2.2. Factor Analysis 4.3. Use Cases 4.4. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.5. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Informatics Market: Regulatory Analysis 5. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Informatics Market Assessment-by Offering 5.1. Overview 5.2. Software 5.2.1. By Type 5.2.1.1. Data Analysis Software 5.2.1.2. Data Interpretation and Reporting Tools 5.2.1.3. Data Storage and Computing Tools 5.2.1.4. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) 5.2.2. By Deployment Mode 5.2.2.1. Web and Cloud-Based 5.2.2.2. On-Premise 5.3. NGS Informatics Services 6. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Informatics Market Assessment-by Application 6.1. Overview 6.2. Drug Discovery 6.3. Disease Diagnoses 6.4. Biomarker Discovery 6.5. Precision Medicine 6.6. Agriculture and Animal Research 7. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Informatics Market Assessment-by End User 7.1. Overview 7.2. Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies 7.3. Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories 7.4. Academic & Research Institutes 7.5. Other End Users 8. Next-Generation Sequencing Informatics (NGS) Market Assessment - by Geography 8.1. Overview 8.2. North America 8.2.1. U.S. 8.2.2. Canada 8.3. Europe 8.3.1. Germany 8.3.2. France 8.3.3. U.K. 8.3.4. Italy 8.3.5. Spain 8.3.6. Rest of Europe (RoE) 8.4. Asia-Pacific 8.4.1. China 8.4.2. Japan 8.4.3. India 8.4.4. Rest of Asia-Pacific (RoAPAC) 8.5. Latin America 8.5.1. Brazil 8.5.2. Mexico 8.5.3. Rest of Latin America 8.6. Middle East & Africa 9. Competition Analysis 9.1. Overview 9.2. Key Growth Strategies 9.3. Competitive Benchmarking 9.4. Market Share Analysis (2022) 9.4.1. Illumina, Inc. (U.S.) 9.4.2. Qiagen N.V. (Netherlands) 9.4.3. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.) 9.4.4. Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.) 9.4.5. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland) 9.5. Vendor Dashboard 9.5.1. Industry Leaders 9.5.2. Market Differentiators 9.5.3. Vanguards 9.5.4. Emerging Companies 10. Company Profiles (Business Overview, Financial Overview, Product Portfolio, SWOT Analysis of Top 5 Companies, and Strategic Developments) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kd989s 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 DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest report by Kings Research, the global Online Retail Market was valued at USD 4.56 trillion in 2022 and is estimated to reach USD 9.93 trillion by 2030, growing at a 10.21% CAGR from 2023 to 2030. The market is anticipated to expand with rapid digitalization, rising smartphone proliferation, and the flexibility of purchasing items from home. Furthermore, the proliferating number of online retailers offering diverse products at competitive prices is a driving force behind the global surge in retail e-commerce demand. In addition, technology-driven enhancements like virtual fitting rooms and augmented reality shopping experiences for fashion items are elevating the overall shopping experience, further fueling consumer demand. Moreover, the internet's transformative impact on retail transcends geographical boundaries, providing businesses with a cost-effective means to access international markets. Online retail transcends traditional brick-and-mortar constraints, enabling companies to efficiently grow their customer base, manage global logistics, and expand their product offerings. Download a Sample PDF of the Report @ https://www.kingsresearch.com/request-sample/online-retail-market-256 Competitive Landscape The global online retail industry is fragmented in nature. Prominent organizations within the industry are employing diverse business approaches, including affiliations, consolidations, product advancements, and collaborations, in order to broaden their range of offerings and augment their business presence in various geographical locations. Prominent industry participants in the online retail market include: Albertsons Companies, Inc. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd Amazon.com, Inc. Coupang Corp. Ebates Inc. dba Rakuten eBay Inc. Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Otto (GmbH & Co KG) Taobao The Kroger Co. Walmart Inc. Trending Now: ONDC and Google Cloud join forces to drive e-commerce innovation in India In 2023, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and Google Cloud announced a strategic partnership to catalyze innovation and bring transformative changes to the e-commerce landscape in India. The collaboration entails the initiation of a nationwide hackathon in India, specifically designed to tackle significant hurdles encountered by Indian digital users. These challenges encompass the improvement of supply chain transparency and the attainment of accurate consumer customization. Moreover, the hackathon was purposed to boost the availability of the ONDC network to accommodate buyers and sellers of diverse scales, with a particular emphasis on smaller cities. Have an Inquiry? Get in Touch with us @ https://www.kingsresearch.com/enquiry/online-retail-market-256 The global Online Retail Market is segmented as: By Products Groceries Apparels & Accessories Personal & Beauty Care Footwear Others Ease of Accessibility of Apparel and Accessories via Social Media Platforms to Support Market Revenue Based on products, the apparel and accessories segment constituted a significant portion of the online retail market revenue in 2022 on account of the accessibility of competitively priced and fashionable clothing and accessories through various e-commerce platforms, which has emerged as a primary driver for segmental growth. Additionally, e-commerce retailers have further advanced their market reach by facilitating customer-friendly policies, including hassle-free return mechanisms and convenient cash-on-delivery alternatives. Furthermore, the rise of consumer-to-consumer (C2C) commerce facilitated by social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, which have incorporated "Buy" buttons, has notably contributed to the sector's growth and widespread adoption. Ask for Customization: https://www.kingsresearch.com/customization/online-retail-market-256 By Portal Third-Party E-commerce Own Website Advantages Offered by Third-party E-commerce Marketplace to Boost Online Retail Industry Growth Based on portal, the third-party e-commerce segment dominates the global online retail market. These platforms serve as intermediaries, offering a space for numerous retailers and sellers to showcase and sell their products in the digital realm. The trend of businesses creating their own online platforms is on the rise. This strategic move allows companies to directly interact with customers, eliminating the need for third-party platforms and giving them more control over their online sales channels. Growing Number of Internet Users to Spur Online Retail Market Development The rising number of internet users and increasing disposable incomes have fostered a thriving online shopping ecosystem. Consumers are drawn to the convenience of browsing and purchasing a vast array of products available at competitive prices. The widespread adoption of mobile devices and high-speed internet connectivity has further propelled this growth as it offers consumers unparalleled ease and flexibility in their shopping experiences. Moreover, the integration of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality presents a promising opportunity for market players. With approximately 61% of consumers expressing interest in virtual reality shopping, retailers can harness this technology to create immersive shopping environments. This not only enhances customer engagement but also fosters brand loyalty and increases conversion rates. Additionally, virtual reality can serve as a valuable tool for retailers to gain insights into customer preferences and behavior patterns, aiding in strategic decision-making. Purchase this Premium Research Report: https://www.kingsresearch.com/buy-now/256 Increasing Popularity of Online Shopping in the APAC Region to Augment Market Expansion Asia Pacific dominated the global online retail market in 2022 and is anticipated to retain its leading position. This is due to the rising use of mobile devices and the popularity of online shopping, the area is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the projection period. The rising urbanization in the area, which results in a hectic lifestyle for consumers who choose to switch to e-commerce platforms for their everyday necessities, is a crucial element pushing this trend. Additionally, Asian producers like Samsung, LG, and Huawei have been boosting sales on the web channel. Shifting Consumer Purchasing Patterns in North America to Bolster Industry Development The online retail market is expected to witness substantial growth in North America and Europe. In North America, this growth can be attributed to the shifting consumer purchasing patterns, the assurance of secure online transactions, and the increasing awareness of the benefits of online shopping. Europe is likely to experience a tremendous increase in e-commerce sales from 2023 to 2030, largely due to the widespread availability of high-speed internet and a well-established supply chain. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in e-commerce sales for essential goods like groceries, household items, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in both North America and Europe, further contributing to the growth of the online retail market in these regions. For more information on the report, visit: https://www.kingsresearch.com/online-retail-market-256 Key Points from TOC: Introduction of the Global Online Retail Market Executive Summary Research Methodology Global Online Retail Market Outlook Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Global Online Retail Market, By Products Global Online Retail Market, By Portal Global Online Retail Market, By Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America Global Online Retail Market Competitive Landscape Company Profiles Browse Complete TOC: https://www.kingsresearch.com/toc/online-retail-market-256 About Us: Kings Research stands as a renowned global market research firm. With a collaborative approach, we work closely with industry leaders, conducting thorough assessments of trends and developments. Our primary objective is to provide decision-makers with tailored research reports that align with their unique business objectives. Through our comprehensive research studies, we strive to empower leaders to make informed decisions. Our team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge in various industries. At Kings Research, we offer a comprehensive range of services aimed at assisting you in formulating efficient strategies to achieve your desired outcomes. Our objective is to significantly enhance your long-term progress through these tailored solutions. Contact Us Kings Research Phone: (+1) 888 328 2189 E-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.kingsresearch.com Blog: https://www.kingsresearch.com/blog Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter SOURCE Kings Research BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 20 foreign journalists from 14 countries have finished their interviews across a number of cities in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Wednesday. They appreciated China's tremendous efforts in caring for different ethnic groups and those with religious belief. During the eight-day media event, they were impressed by Xinjiang's rapid economic development, diverse culture and how people from different ethnic groups have been living a prosperous and harmonious life in the region, the Global Times learned. As seeing is believing, the foreign journalists also develop a clear and comprehensive picture of the region after the trip. They also pointed out that Chinese law guarantees the freedom of religious belief for all ethnic groups. "The local lives of the Muslims have been improving, which shows that the Chinese government has been pouring a lot of efforts to guarantee locals' livelihood," Alghamdi, a cultural consultant of a Saudi Arabia newspaper, said after visiting several mosques in Xinjiang, including Shanxi Mosque and Idkah Mosque in Kashi. The booming economy and vibrant culture in Xinjiang are very inspiring in the eyes of those foreign journalists. "I see a region which is very dynamic and developing at a very fast pace. There are many ethnic groups, and they all peacefully live with each other. The Chinese government does really a lot to invest in this region to create new jobs, to help the region to realize its full potential, and to support local culture," an editor from a Russian news agency named Maxim told the Global Times. Maxim said the local diverse culture was the most interesting part of the trip, as the cultural aspect in the region is not always in the media limelight. "Through the artistic activity, we gain more knowledge on the local culture and lives," Alghamdi noted after watching local dance performance and folk songs played with local musical instruments. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), some foreign journalists from the countries participating in the joint building of the BRI told the Global Times that they look forward that their home countries could forge closer economic ties with China. "Trade cooperation between Xinjiang and Central Asian countries has been in the fast lane, and I hope there are more in-depth cooperation between Xinjiang and Tajikistan. In economic sphere, I hope the governments could sign more bilateral deals to promote trade growth," Usmon from a Tajikistan-based news agency noted. He added that the BRI has played a pivotal role in driving the economy of Tajikistan and bridging people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in the past years. A number of reporters also showed great interest in the exhibition concerning Xinjiang's fight against terrorism and extremism during the media activity. "There had been no terrorist attack for six consecutive years, which shows the stability and security of the region," Supachai, a Thai journalist, told the Global Times. A Philippine reporter named Judahnissi said the exhibition helped him to develop an understanding on how Xinjiang has fully recovered from terrorist attacks in the past and become a secure and peaceful place. The eight-day media event is themed "Approaching the Core Area on 'the Silk Road Economic Belt." The groups of reporters are from 17 overseas media organizations, including those based in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabic, and Thailand. SOURCE Global Times Campaign marks the first time Americans can provide design input for Memorial on the National Mall WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) announced a first-of-its-kind public input campaign, " Help Design History. " The campaign invites the public to share design insight for the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial, which will be built on a designated site on the National Mall. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation invites you to take a brief survey September 26-October 17, 2023 and share your thoughts on a Memorial set to be constructed on the National Mall to honor the brave men and women involved in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism and their families. Visit GWOTMF.org/helpdesignhistory for more information. The campaign will run from September 26 to October 17 for 22 days, representing 22 years of America's ongoing fight against terrorism. As part of this campaign, Americans have an opportunity to design history by providing their thoughts, inspiration, and dreams for the Memorial that will honor all those impacted by the Global War on Terrorism, including uniformed and non-uniformed military personnel, civilians, their families, as well as everyday men and women who have sacrificed to protect our freedom. "The 'Help Design History' campaign reflects the Foundation's, and my personal, commitment to building the most comprehensive and inclusive war memorial in history. It will give a voice to every individual impacted by this incredibly complex conflict while showcasing the comprehensive story of our Nation's multi-generational war," said Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation President and CEO Michael "Rod" Rodriguez. "No other national war memorial in history has been built on insight from American citizens. We firmly believe that this approach will reflect a diversity of experiences, services, and sacrifices, thereby telling the story of the countless Americans who stepped forward to serve us all." The Global War on Terrorism began as a response to the cowardly acts of 9/11. Spanning five continents, America's longest modern-day war engages an unprecedented combination of uniformed and non-uniformed men and women serving their country. The announcement of the campaign coincides with the 22nd anniversary of CIA Operation Jawbreaker, the entry of "first-in" forces into Afghanistan on September 26, 2001. The Foundation honors and brings awareness to this influential day in American history, on which the CIA's presence in Afghanistan just 15 days after the 9/11 attacks epitomized the country's responsiveness and resilience. The public input campaign continues the Foundation's resolve to give those with personal experiences around the Global War on Terrorism a voice in the Memorial's design. The Foundation has also established a Design Advisory Council (DAC), a body consisting of Gold Star family members, veterans, active-duty service members, and additional stakeholders, to educate and advise lead architect Marlon Blackwell on the Memorial. "The process by which the final design is chosen is as important as the design itself," said DAC co-chair Elliot Ackerman. "An essential part of that process is this public input campaign, reinforcing that this Memorial isn't only for veterans, but for all Americans." "Our mission is to remind the American people of the price still being paid for freedom and to encourage them to express their thoughts on how the Memorial can best honor our Global War on Terrorism heroes," said DAC co-chair and Gold Star Fellow Jennifer Ballou. "The Design Advisory Council is honored to also share our personal experiences with the Foundation design team." Interested members of the public can submit their ideas here: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/helpdesignhistory/. About the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation Formed in 2015 by veterans, military spouses, and supportive Americans, the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated by Congress to lead the effort to plan, fund, and build the GWOT Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Our sole mission is to construct an inclusive place of honor for both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who served and sacrificed as part of global counterterrorism operations since September 11th, 2001. The Memorial will be a place for Americans to honor, heal, be empowered, and unite. The Memorial is being funded entirely by donations; by law no federal government funding will be used. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Learn more by visiting our website . And be sure to follow our progress on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . SOURCE Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation New Hires Support Rollout of Prism for PTSD in Clinics Throughout the US HAIFA, Israel, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrayMatters Health (GMH), developer of digital self-neuromodulation therapies for mental health care, today announced the expansion of its executive team in the United States (US) with the appointment of psychiatrist Dr. Aron Tendler to Chief Medical Officer. In addition, Pam Schwartz joins as VP Marketing and Scott Blackman joins as Director of Market Access and Provider Success, to rollout the company's flagship device, Prism for PTSD, in clinics throughout the country. Dr. Aron Tendler, Chief Medical Officer at GrayMatters Health. (PRNewsfoto/GrayMatters Health Ltd.) With more than 13 million Americans living with PTSD, there is a pressing need to augment existing therapies and empower patients with more control over their mental health. Prism for PTSD, the first neuromodulation therapy to receive U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance as a prescribed adjunct therapy for PTSD, is currently available in select clinics in the US. It is based on GMH's proprietary amygdala-derived EEG-fMRI-Pattern (EFP) biomarker technology, which applies advanced statistical models that register fMRI data with EEG data. During the Prism procedure in the clinic, the patient practices lowering their amygdala-based biomarker to help control their PTSD symptoms using standard EEG. "We are thrilled to have these experienced professionals join our mission to drive improved mental health care forward with our innovative technology," said Oded Kraft, Co-Founder and CEO of GrayMatters Health. "This strong team combines Dr. Tendler's extensive clinical expertise, Pam Schwartz's sales and marketing leadership and Scott Blackman's payor and provider experience to drive widespread adoption of Prism for PTSD to augment standard-of-care for patients in need." Dr. Tendler is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Palm Beach, Florida, bringing over 20 years of experience as an industry leader researching novel treatments for mental health disorders. "For the past 20 years I have seen the devastating impact of PTSD on patients who are in need of treatments that enhance standard of care outcomes," said Dr. Tendler. "Prism for PTSD ushers in a paradigm shift in the field of mental health, offering a non-trauma-based therapy that helps patients gain control over their PTSD symptoms, with a high safety profile and high patient compliance." Ms. Schwartz brings over 20 years of experience in medical device sales, marketing, and strategy. Her previous roles include leading corporate marketing at AIVF, a fertility technology startup and a direct-to-patient program at Insightec, driving incisionless surgery for people living with movement disorders in the US. Mr. Blackman brings over 30 years of experience in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, with a dedicated focus on psychiatric and neurological disorders. With extensive experience in payer coverage, marketing, and sales, he will lead GMH's US market access and reimbursement efforts in support of commercial objectives. Mr. Blackman joins GMH from his previous roles as Director of Market Access at BrainsWay and National Director, Payer Policy and Reimbursement at Medical Technology Partners. Prior to those roles, he served as Senior CNS Specialty Consultant at Pfizer following nine years of service in the US Marine Corps. About GrayMatters Health GrayMatters Health (GMH) develops self-neuromodulation therapies to improve mental health care. GMH is the first to develop digital biomarkers of brain-mechanism-specific activity associated with mental disorders, named EEG-fMRI-Pattern (EFP), based on advanced statistical models that register fMRI data with EEG data. The company's products use these biomarkers with an interactive audio/visual interface to help patients regain control (agency) over the relevant brain activity. GMH's flagship product, Prism for PTSD, using the amygdala-derived-EFP, received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance as an adjunct therapy for PTSD. The company is leading clinical studies to evaluate Prism for additional mental disorders. GMH's core patented technology was developed by Professor Talma Hendler, MD, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at Tel Aviv University and Director of the Sagol Brain Institute at the Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center. Learn more by visiting our website https://graymatters-health.com and following us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact Nechama Rosengarten FINN Partners for GrayMatters Health [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221835/Dr_Aron_Tendler_GrayMatters.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1723956/GrayMatters_Health_Logo.jpg SOURCE GrayMatters Health Ltd. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GrubMarket today announced that it has appointed former California State Controller and Treasurer, John Chiang, as an advisor. Chiang, a highly respected figure in California's political and financial ecosystem, brings his wealth of experience in finance and governance to GrubMarket as the company continues to cement its position as one of the world's most impactful food tech companies. With a distinguished career in public service spanning over two decades, John Chiang is known as a remarkable leader who has left an indelible mark on California's economic development. From 2007 to 2014, he served as California's State Controller, where he gained widespread recognition for his exceptional management of the state's finances during the Great Recession, preventing California's credit rating from plunging into junk status and saving taxpayers millions of dollars. During this time, Chiang also ran audit programs that exposed over $9.5 billion of fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs, the most by any Controller in California's history. Following his service as State Controller, Chiang was elected as California's 33rd State Treasurer, a position he held from 2015 to 2019, where he oversaw the processing of trillions of dollars in annual transactions, managed a $75 billion investment portfolio, and led fundraising for the state, as the nation's largest issuer of municipal bonds. As the state's banker, Chiang continued to champion responsible fiscal policies that fostered sustainable economic growth, supported small businesses, and promoted environmental stewardship. Chiang began his career as a tax law specialist with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and served as an attorney in the State Controller's Office. Previously, he was also elected to the California Board of Equalization, where he served two terms, including three years as chair. Chiang graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in finance and received his law degree (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center. Chiang commented, "As the former California State Controller and Treasurer, I've always believed in the power of digital transformation and the potential for technology enablement in the food industry to drive positive change for our society. GrubMarket has an incredible story and an exciting journey ahead as Mike and his team continue growing the company into one of the world's most influential food tech businesses. I am thrilled to join GrubMarket as an advisor, because their business model connects my passion for improving access to fresh, healthy food with my commitment to fostering long-term sustainable economic growth. Together, we can redefine the future of food and shape a better future for our planet." Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket adds, "We are honored to have John Chiang join us as an advisor. He is a proven leader, and his extensive experience in finance and governance and his dedication to public service will be invaluable as we continue to execute our plans to become one of the world's most impactful food tech companies. Chiang built a sterling reputation during his time in office, where he was known for his responsible handling of the state's finances and his steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in government spending, all of which earned him the trust and respect of both his colleagues and constituents. This is fully aligned with GrubMarket's philosophy for long-term profitable growth and scale, and we sincerely look forward to learning from Chiang's guidance and insights." About GrubMarket Founded in 2014, GrubMarket is a San Francisco-based food technology company operating in the space of food supply chain eCommerce for both business customers and end consumers, as well as providing related software-as-a-service solutions to digitally transform the American and global food supply chain. Currently, GrubMarket operates in all 50 U.S. States; Ontario and British Columbia (Canada); Argentina, Chile, and Colombia (South America); Egypt, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain, with plans to expand further across the U.S., Canada, South America, and other parts of the world. For Media Inquiries: GrubMarket Media Team [email protected] (415) 986-0523 GrubMarket 1925 Jerrold Ave. San Francisco, CA. 94124 SOURCE GrubMarket The government contractor is renewing its commitment to Deltek to facilitate its digital transformation, continuing its decades-long relationship with Costpoint HERNDON, Va., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, announced today that Hexagon US Federal, an independent subsidiary of Hexagon Corporation exclusively focused on bringing the broad range of Hexagon technologies to the US Federal government and its partners, has selected Deltek Costpoint GovCon Cloud Moderate (GCCM) as its cloud-based accounting solution, after an extensive review of other options on the market. With multiple offices and hundreds of employees across the US, it was critical that Hexagon US Federal had a best-in-class ERP to support its next phase of growth and digital transformation. Hexagon US Federal had already been trusting Deltek Costpoint for decades to provide a secure, compliant, all-in-one accounting solution. When it was time for Hexagon US Federal to move to the cloud to automate business processes, integrate business application systems and alleviate on-premise costs, the company reviewed multiple solutions on the market. Costpoint GovCon Cloud Moderate was the company's clear choice for a robust, cloud-based solution to facilitate an overall digital transformation. Costpoint offered a lower total cost of ownership, with the ability to improve scalability and security, while streamlining back-office processes with built-in functionality without requiring multiple third-party integrations for reporting. Deltek Costpoint is the government contracting industry's leading solution that delivers more innovation and greater intelligence at every stage of the project lifecycle. It centralizes the management of projects, people and finances, and scales seamlessly as needs grow, enabling small to enterprise size businesses to win new contracts, manage project profitability and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, the integrated cloud offering enables the secure storage of contract data and is consistently enhanced through cybersecurity compliance controls equivalent to NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-53. Costpoint GovCon Cloud Moderate provides additional protections by supporting compliance with federal contract regulations including DFARS 252.204-7012 (protection of CUI and CDI data), ITAR data protection, and the anticipated CMMC requirements. "When I look at the possibilities with Costpoint, there is nothing else on the market that compares to it for government contractors. There just isn't," said Becky Harris, Chief Financial Officer at Hexagon US Federal. "Compliance was a significant factor in our decision. As a federal contractor, Hexagon is required to protect sensitive data and be prepared for audits of our data security practices. Deltek's GCCM cloud has implemented very stringent cybersecurity controls that will help us achieve our compliance requirements, including CMMC, while facilitating a cloud-based, cradle-to-grave lifecycle of core back-office business processes with all the data integrations." "We're proud to have built a product that, time and time again, is proven to be the gold standard for government contractors," said Todd Walker, Vice President of Product Management at Deltek. "We're thrilled that Hexagon US Federal has decided to continue leveraging Deltek Costpoint after reviewing it against our competitors to provide the company with the best of both innovation and compliance as they make the shift to the cloud." Learn more about Hexagon US Federal's Deltek Costpoint implementation. About Deltek Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. Learn more at www.deltek.com. About Hexagon US Federal Hexagon US Federal is an independent subsidiary of Hexagon Corporation, home of over 24,000 employees in 50 countries, focused on bringing Hexagon technologies to the US Federal government and its partners. They provide innovative technologies and professional services to a broad range of US Government customers across the Federal Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Communities. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia with offices in Huntsville, Alabama, St. Louis, Missouri, and Lexington Park, Maryland, Hexagon US Federal has over 480 employees dedicated to the success of national security priorities and ensuring the effectiveness for Civilian agencies. SOURCE Deltek Press Release September 26, 2023 SP Zubiri : Senate approval of key measures to boost economy and protect vulnerable sectors Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Tuesday commended his colleagues as the chamber approved on their third and final reading five proposed bills, four of which were among the priority measures of the Marcos administration. "These pieces of legislation were carefully studied and deliberated on by the senators to help improve the lives of every Filipino in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s governance agenda," Zubiri said. "As a collegial body, the Senate is committed to work together in crafting legislations that will spur economic growth, boost investors' confidence and provide additional benefits for the vulnerable sectors of our society," he added. The passage of the measures came less than a week after Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other leaders of both chambers of Congress met with the President in Malacanang during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting. The measures were approved two days before the legislative body goes on a monthlong break starting Sept. 30. Zubiri said he is confident that the 19th Congress will be able to approve all the 20 priority bills that the President wanted to enact before the year ends. "While we recognize the importance of the Marcos administration's legislative agenda, we still have to carry out our responsibilities as lawmakers to ensure the quality of the products of the Senate's legislative mill," the Senate President said. Zubiri helped shepherd the passage of all the five proposed measures, which the Senate approved during its regular plenary session on Monday. Among these was Senate Bill No. 1846, or proposed Internet Transactions Act, which the Senate leader himself authored. Sen. Mark Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, sponsored the measure, which was intended to promote digital transactions in the country. Zubiri was also among the co-authors of Senate Bill No. 2224, or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, which Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who heads the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, defended on the Senate floor. Furthermore, he authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2233, to be known as the Public Private Partnership Act, which Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito sponsored. The Senate chief likewise co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2001 (New Philippine Passport Act) and Senate Bill No. 2028 (An Act Recognizing the Octogenarians, Nonagenarians and Centenarians). Sen. Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, stood on the Senate floor as sponsor of both measures. Apart from these national bills, 12 local bills involving SUCs were also approved on final reading. Russian producers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have resumed regular exports of propane and butane through the port of Kerch in occupied Crimea. The supply resumed after an 8-year break. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Reuters, citing sources in the Russian energy industry. Regular exports of liquefied natural gas from Kerch were suspended in 2015 following broader international sanctions against Russian companies and producers over the occupation of Crimea in 2014. According to the sources, regular shipments of liquefied natural gas, or propane and butane, from Russian plants to Kerch for further export began in the second half of June. "Deliveries are made by rail to the port of Kavkaz (Azov Sea) and then by ferry to Kerch, as transportation of LPG across the Crimean bridge is prohibited," said a source familiar with the trade flows. LPG is mainly used as a fuel for cars, heating and for the production of other petrochemical products. After the imposition of sanctions, Russian companies under sanctions redirected significant volumes of liquefied natural gas from Europe to the east, mainly to China, as well as to Russian Black Sea terminals for further export to Turkey, North Africa and the Balkan countries. ADVERTISIMENT As previously reported by OBOZREVATEL, the average price of A-95 gasoline in Ukraine is UAH 54.22/l, and diesel fuel is UAH 53.91/l. This is a record for the last 8-9 months, i.e. since the beginning of 2023, and it is related to world oil prices. We should not count on cheaper fuel in Ukraine - even if oil stops rising in price, the price at gas stations will rise slightly. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Combining digital and industrial data, Hitachi Vantara helps customers intelligently assess IT systems and OT processes for a more energy-efficient future. SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Vantara, the modern infrastructure, data management and digital solutions subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501), announced new Sustainability Solutions and Services to aid organizations in achieving critical environmental and decarbonization goals. Leveraging expertise in industrial domains, green transformation, energy, and mobility, Hitachi Vantara's new offerings enable organizations to adopt sustainable business practices that pave the way to a greener future. See How Hitachi Sustainability Services Can Help Your Organization: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/solutions/sustainability/solutions-for-sustainability.html Hitachi Sustainability Solutions and Services are uniquely designed to better understand and reduce the carbon footprint from physical and digital operations. The comprehensive collection of services and solutions focuses on four key areas crucial for decarbonization: Green IT : Gain a holistic understanding of your IT footprint through insights to decarbonize IT assets and operations, including application and asset energy efficiency, power supply and equipment, scope 3 cloud emissions, energy efficient IT architecture including Hitachi Vantara's eco-friendly storage portfolio* and data stewardship. : Gain a holistic understanding of your IT footprint through insights to decarbonize IT assets and operations, including application and asset energy efficiency, power supply and equipment, scope 3 cloud emissions, energy efficient IT architecture including Hitachi Vantara's eco-friendly storage portfolio* and data stewardship. Manufacturing: Understand energy consumption and carbon emissions across manufacturing processes and value chains to realize business growth through lower carbon intensity and resource efficiency. Understand energy consumption and carbon emissions across manufacturing processes and value chains to realize business growth through lower carbon intensity and resource efficiency. Facilities: Create an optimized system built for your needs by incorporating sensors, advanced analytics, and control systems to achieve greater energy efficiencies and cost savings. Create an optimized system built for your needs by incorporating sensors, advanced analytics, and control systems to achieve greater energy efficiencies and cost savings. Data and Analytics: Co-create solutions for greater impact on social and environmental issues that matter the most to you and your stakeholders through Hitachi's extensive expertise in IoT, advanced analytics, digital twin, and AI technologies. "Decarbonation is no longer reserved for the most environmentally conscious as industries face increasing regulation and requirements to limit carbon contributions," said Bjoern Stengel, IDC's global sustainability research lead. "This new approach by Hitachi Vantara gives customers the tools to make informed decisions about its process and create solutions that will truly impact the bottom line both in sustainability and monetarily." Measurable is Actionable: Innovation and Environmental Stewardship Through Data Leveraging the collective experience and cutting-edge technologies of the wider Hitachi group, the new Sustainability Solutions and Services portfolio empowers customers to define and implement a realistic, measurable roadmap towards achieving carbon neutrality targets. Insights from precision dashboards can now easily identify carbon 'hot spots' and prioritize areas to realize environmental goals and business ambitions. To better understand specific needs before embarking on a carbon reduction plan, Hitachi Sustainability Solutions and Services help customers define a quantifiable path forward, augmented with tailored digital solutions to streamline and transform your organization, empowering you to contribute to a more sustainable future. "The agriculture industry is facing increasingly strict requirements to reduce the overheads of water usage, improve environmental outcomes, and ensure we maintain compliance with regulatory requirements," said Wayne Parr, director at Golden Grove Nursery, the dominant supplier of citrus nursery trees to the Queensland, Australia citrus industry. "Golden Grove produces between 200,000 250,000 citrus nursery trees per year, supplying up to 70% of Queensland's citrus growers and commercial orchards. Using the power of data and Hitachi Sustainability Solutions and Services to improve our irrigation management processes, we're now able to intelligently monitor the irrigation systems daily and understand exactly when to water so we can identify and adjust for the months ahead." With Hitachi Sustainability Solutions and Services, you can confidently traverse your sustainability journey. Creating strategic plans and defining measured steps to drive real change, we enable you to transform your organization, reduce your environmental impact, and contribute to a better, more sustainable future. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Connect With Hitachi Vantara About Hitachi Vantara Hitachi Vantara, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., delivers the intelligent data platforms, infrastructure systems, and digital expertise that supports more than 80% of the Fortune 100. To learn how Hitachi Vantara turns businesses from data-rich to data-driven through agile digital processes, products, and experiences, visit hitachivantara.com. About 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 https://www.hitachi.com. HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners. SOURCE Hitachi Vantara Corporation NEW YORK and TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus" or the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCPK: ITHUF), a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and owner of MPX-NJ dispensaries, is pleased to announce the opening of medical sales at MPX-NJ in Pennsauken, NJ and the grand opening celebration at MPX-NJ's Gloucester Township, NJ for adult use sales. The opening of its Pennsauken, NJ dispensary gives iAnthus three (3) locations in New Jersey and 36 across the United States. This expansion not only amplifies iAnthus' commitment to providing premium cannabis products to the New Jersey market but also strengthens its foothold in the state's thriving cannabis industry. "We are thrilled to open the dispensaries of MPX-NJ Pennsauken and MPX-NJ Gloucester Township, as we continue our commitment to bringing high quality products and exceptional patient-focused experiences to the communities across New Jersey," said Richard Proud, CEO of iAnthus. "The cannabis landscape in New Jersey is rapidly evolving, and we are excited to be at the forefront." The MPX-NJ dispensary in Pennsauken, located near Cooper River at 5035 Central Highway, Pennsauken, New Jersey opened its door for medical sales on September 25, 2023 and is the closest NJ dispensary to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - located directly across the Ben Franklin bridge and providing a local dispensary to the communities of Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Collingswood, and surrounding municipalities across Camden County. The MPX-NJ dispensary in Gloucester Township, located at 581 Berlin-Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville, New Jersey is currently operational for both medical patients and adults over the age of 21 and will host its grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 2 p.m.to 6 p.m. This event will feature a range of activities, promotions, and opportunities for community members to experience the wide selection of products available. About iAnthus iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company's reports that it files from time to time with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. When used in this news release, words such as "will," could," plan," estimate," expect," intend," may," potential," believe, "should" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business development and results of operations. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. PUNE, India and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the TM Forum DTW23-Ignite event, iMocha, along with other collaborators, was honoured with the prestigious 'Best Catalyst - Culture and Talent' Award in recognition of its pivotal role in advancing the Digital Talent Maturity Model (DTMM). The DTMM addresses challenges spanning people, and culture with the goal of facilitating the transition from a Telco to a TechCo. iMocha, alongwith their partners, win the Best Catalyst - Culture and Talent Award at TM Forums Digital Transformation World (DTW) 2023 The transition from Telco to TechCo, empowers them to expand beyond the traditional connectivity services, to offer new services with diversified digital business models. These models seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, Internet of Things, and 5G thereby creating new revenue streams and creates new competitive moat. Amit D Mishra, Founder and CEO, iMocha, remarked, "All of us at iMocha are delighted about the catalyst award win. This award inspires us to continue empowering Telecom firms with a skills-first approach that iMocha champions in building a future-ready workforce." Vishal Madan, Head of Engineering, iMocha and an active member of the TM Forum, stated, "iMocha, along with other collaborators such as Huawei, China Mobile, AIS, MTN South Africa, Saudi Telecom Company, and Hangzhou Eastcom Software Technology, played a critical role in the TechCo Organization Design Project (TCOD), which is aimed at assisting Communication Service Providers (CSPs) in revolutionizing their operations by fostering a progressive culture, and aligning their workforce with the goals of a successful digital transformation." TM Forum's Digital Talent Maturity Model focuses on evaluating an organization's maturity across People and Culture, using three essential pillars: Organization, People, and Culture. iMocha contributed to the TCOD project with a Telecom Talent Branding Guide which helps telcos with the best practices, branding framework, and an annual talent branding roadmap to attract talent and position telecom industry as an attractive one to build their career. In addition, iMocha will play a key role further in the 'Talent Readiness & Mobility' aspect of the people pillar, which is dedicated to facilitating seamless talent recruitment and promoting internal mobility within the organization. iMocha's Skills Intelligence supports the project by providing solutions across talent acquisition, workforce planning, and talent management. About iMocha ( www.imocha.io ) iMocha is an AI-powered Skills Intelligence Cloud that helps enterprises to build a Skills-First and data-driven ecosystem of hiring, upskilling, and managing talent - at scale, for any job role, and any industry. More than 500 organizations in 70+ countries are using iMocha's solution for taking a Skills-First approach to accelerated hiring, objective learning and development programs, and managing talent from candidate to alumni. Enterprises across IT/ITeS, Telecom, Banking, Financial and Insurance, and Engineering are using iMocha's Skills platform to make data-driven talent decisions. The platform leverages patented technologies and includes innovative features to build employee skills profile, organizational skills inventory, skills taxonomy and skills ontology, skill benchmarking, and skills analytics that helps to hire, develop, and manage talent by taking a Skills-First approach. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221139/iMocha_DTW_2023.jpg SOURCE iMocha NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The implantable medical devices market size is expected to grow by USD 51.1 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 8.25% during the forecast period, according to Technavio's Research. The market is segmented by Type (Orthopedic implants, Cardiovascular implants, Ophthalmic implants, Dental implants, and Other implants), End-user (Hospitals, Clinics, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW)). North America will contribute 45% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The growth of the implantable medical devices market in the region can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of orthopedic and cardiovascular diseases and conditions, new product launches, favorable reimbursements for implant surgeries, and several initiatives by governments and non-profit organizations toward creating awareness about various healthcare conditions. Furthermore, there is an increase in demand for orthopedic implants due to the rising prevalence of orthopedic conditions. The conditions include osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal disorders, and knee injuries. Hence, such factors drive the growth of the regional market during the forecast period. This report offers an up-to-date analysis of the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. Read Free PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Implantable Medical Devices Market 2023-2027 Company Profile: Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie Inc., B.Braun SE, BIOTRONIK SE and Co. KG, Boston Scientific Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Conmed Corp., Global Consolidated Aesthetics Ltd., Globus Medical Inc., Ideal Implant Inc., Institut Straumann AG, Johnson and Johnson, LivaNova Plc, Medtronic Plc, Nuvasive Inc., Orthofix Medical Inc., Osstem and Hiossen Implant UK, Smith and Nephew plc, Stryker Corp., Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Abbott Laboratories: The company offers implantable medical devices such as AVEIR DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system, AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker, and Assurity MRI pacemaker. To gain access to more vendor profiles available with Technavio, buy the report! Implantable Medical Devices Market: Segmentation Analysis By Segment - The orthopedic implants segment is significant during the forecast period. This segment includes reconstructive joint replacements, ortho biologics, trauma and craniomaxillofacial, and knee, hip, and spine replacement implants. Conditions like knee injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, joint disorders, and craniomaxillofacial defects drive segment growth. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View Free PDF Sample Report "Besides analyzing the current market scenario, our report examines historic data from 2017 to 2021"- Technavio Implantable Medical Devices Market: Driver & Trend: Driver Rise in the number of people with chronic illnesses Implantable medical product launches by vendors Increasing number of cosmetic implants The rise in number of people with chronic illnesses drives the implantable medical devices market. Factors like the rise in the prevalence of orthopedic conditions, including osteoporosis, arthritis, hip and knee injuries, and bone deformities drive the demand for joint reconstruction implants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the US, an estimated 54.4 million adults (22.7% of the total population) are diagnosed with some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia every year. Hence, such factors drive the growth of the implantable medical devices market during the forecast period. Strategic alliances among market vendors are a key trend in the implantable medical devices market. Identify key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market. Download a sample report to gain access to this information. Related Reports: The medical devices market size is estimated to grow by USD 177.95 billion at a CAGR of 5.87% between 2022 and 2027. Technavio has segmented the market into product, end-user, and geography. The increasing initiatives and awareness by public and private organizations driving market growth. The global 3D printing medical devices market size is estimated to grow by USD 3,964.87 million at a CAGR of 18.81% between 2022 and 2027. Technavio has segmented the market into Application, End-user, and Geography. North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. What are the key data covered in this implantable medical devices market report? CAGR of the market during the forecast period Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the implantable medical devices market between 2022 and 2027. Precise estimation of the implantable medical devices market size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior Growth of the implantable medical devices market across North America, Europe, Asia, and ROW A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of implantable medical devices market vendors. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Type 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 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 OXFORD, England, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infleqtion, the world's quantum information company, is delighted to announce their successful bid for Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial Intelligence for Long-range Correlations). Q-CALC represents a bold initiative at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, with the goal of advancing the capabilities of AI and machine learning systems in handling datasets with complex correlations. This project, supported by Innovate UK, promises to revolutionise data analysis within the defence industry. Infleqtion will partner with QinetiQ, a leading defence company, on the project. Q-CALC will provide the UK with a powerful sovereign capability in quantum machine learning that has a clear line-of-sight to improved prediction and decision-making for defence applications. During US trade delegation meetings in July, Infleqtion announced the expansion of its quantum software presence to the UK, alongside the launch of QECCO , an award for quantum optimization. The AI/ML market has grown rapidly in the past few years, significantly accelerating in the past few months. However, there are significant scaling challenges on the horizon. While the GPT-3 model took at least $4.6M to train, the GPT-4 model required over $100M. The scaling in training and runtime costs will become even more untenable for future models because the transformer technology underpinning GPT has costs that scale quadratically. This is both a barrier to progress in classical AI/ML as well as an exciting commercial opportunity for Q-CALC, which will enable longer context windows. The project draws on experts in quantum software, algorithmic implementation, and benchmarking, harnessing the capabilities of Infleqtion's Superstaq platform for enhanced solution quality on both real quantum hardware and advanced simulators. "The Q-CALC project is not just an exploration into the possibilities of quantum-enhanced AI, but a tangible step towards realising its potential in real-world applications," said Dr Timothy Ballance, GM of Infleqtion UK. "By harnessing quantum contextuality, we're paving the way for more advanced and accurate data analysis solutions that can address the unique challenges faced by the defence industry." "QinetiQ has been interested for several years in the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning. We see this as a possible route to a breakthrough in challenging defence problems such as identifying targets of interest in complex data sets. We are looking forward to teaming with Infleqtion to investigate this promising area further," said Dr Gillian Marshall, QinetiQ's Senior Fellow for Quantum Technologies. Roger McKinlay, challenge director of Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, said: "This is a great example of how our funding attracts talent, private investment, new collaborations, and creative ideas with real commercial potential. This is an exciting addition to the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme." As the UK takes strides to expand its quantum leadership, the Q-CALC project is set to position the nation as a pioneer in quantum-enhanced AI and machine learning. The project's success will not only advance the capabilities of defence data analysis but also contribute to the growth of the quantum technology sector, creating new revenue streams and high-skilled jobs. About Infleqtion Infleqtion delivers high-value quantum information precisely where it is needed. By operating at the Edge, our software-configured, quantum-enabled products deliver unmatched levels of precision and power, generating streams of high-value information for commercial organisations, the United States, and allied governments. With 16 years of ColdQuanta's pioneering quantum research as our foundation, our hardware products and AI-powered solutions address critical market needs in PNT, global communication security and efficiency, resilient energy distribution, and accelerated quantum computing. Headquartered in Austin, TX, with offices in Boulder, CO; Chicago, IL; Madison, WI; Melbourne, AU; and Oxford, UK. Learn how Infleqtion is revolutionising how we communicate, navigate, and discover at www.Infleqtion.com . Infleqtion UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the flagship commercial brand Infleqtion. Infleqtion UK has a fully equipped quantum research laboratory and established production facilities in Oxford for its UK-developed Photonically Integrated Cold Atom Source (PICAS) product. The company conducts advanced research and development in inertial sensing and advanced timing for navigation within GNSS-denied environments, radiofrequency sensors for communications and defense applications, memory modules for secure quantum networks, and quantum information platforms for computation and simulation. About QinetiQ QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. Our purpose is protecting lives by serving the national security interests of our customers. We employ more than 8,000 highly skilled people, committed to creating new ways of testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. SOURCE Infleqtion OXFORD, England, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infleqtion, the world's quantum information company, is delighted to announce their successful bid for Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial Intelligence for Long-range Correlations). Q-CALC represents a bold initiative at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, with the goal of advancing the capabilities of AI and machine learning systems in handling datasets with complex correlations. This project, supported by Innovate UK, promises to revolutionise data analysis within the defence industry. Infleqtion will partner with QinetiQ, a leading defence company, on the project. Q-CALC will provide the UK with a powerful sovereign capability in quantum machine learning that has a clear line-of-sight to improved prediction and decision-making for defence applications. During US trade delegation meetings in July, Infleqtion announced the expansion of its quantum software presence to the UK, alongside the launch of QECCO , an award for quantum optimization. The AI/ML market has grown rapidly in the past few years, significantly accelerating in the past few months. However, there are significant scaling challenges on the horizon. While the GPT-3 model took at least $4.6M to train, the GPT-4 model required over $100M. The scaling in training and runtime costs will become even more untenable for future models because the transformer technology underpinning GPT has costs that scale quadratically. This is both a barrier to progress in classical AI/ML as well as an exciting commercial opportunity for Q-CALC, which will enable longer context windows. The project draws on experts in quantum software, algorithmic implementation, and benchmarking, harnessing the capabilities of Infleqtion's Superstaq platform for enhanced solution quality on both real quantum hardware and advanced simulators. "The Q-CALC project is not just an exploration into the possibilities of quantum-enhanced AI, but a tangible step towards realising its potential in real-world applications," said Dr Timothy Ballance, GM of Infleqtion UK. "By harnessing quantum contextuality, we're paving the way for more advanced and accurate data analysis solutions that can address the unique challenges faced by the defence industry." "QinetiQ has been interested for several years in the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning. We see this as a possible route to a breakthrough in challenging defence problems such as identifying targets of interest in complex data sets. We are looking forward to teaming with Infleqtion to investigate this promising area further," said Dr Gillian Marshall, QinetiQ's Senior Fellow for Quantum Technologies. Roger McKinlay, challenge director of Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, said: "This is a great example of how our funding attracts talent, private investment, new collaborations, and creative ideas with real commercial potential. This is an exciting addition to the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme." As the UK takes strides to expand its quantum leadership, the Q-CALC project is set to position the nation as a pioneer in quantum-enhanced AI and machine learning. The project's success will not only advance the capabilities of defence data analysis but also contribute to the growth of the quantum technology sector, creating new revenue streams and high-skilled jobs. About Infleqtion Infleqtion delivers high-value quantum information precisely where it is needed. By operating at the Edge, our software-configured, quantum-enabled products deliver unmatched levels of precision and power, generating streams of high-value information for commercial organisations, the United States, and allied governments. With 16 years of ColdQuanta's pioneering quantum research as our foundation, our hardware products and AI-powered solutions address critical market needs in PNT, global communication security and efficiency, resilient energy distribution, and accelerated quantum computing. Headquartered in Austin, TX, with offices in Boulder, CO; Chicago, IL; Madison, WI; Melbourne, AU; and Oxford, UK. Learn how Infleqtion is revolutionising how we communicate, navigate, and discover at www.Infleqtion.com . Infleqtion UK is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the flagship commercial brand Infleqtion. Infleqtion UK has a fully equipped quantum research laboratory and established production facilities in Oxford for its UK-developed Photonically Integrated Cold Atom Source (PICAS) product. The company conducts advanced research and development in inertial sensing and advanced timing for navigation within GNSS-denied environments, radiofrequency sensors for communications and defense applications, memory modules for secure quantum networks, and quantum information platforms for computation and simulation. About QinetiQ QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. Our purpose is protecting lives by serving the national security interests of our customers. We employ more than 8,000 highly skilled people, committed to creating new ways of testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1961782/Infleqtion_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infleqtion Both companies will help enterprises take an AI-first approach to scale next-generation AI solutions to improve operational efficiencies, drive revenue growth, and enable business transformation BENGALURU, India, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced that it is collaborating with Microsoft to jointly develop industry leading solutions that leverage Infosys Topaz, Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services. Both organizations are bringing together their respective artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance enterprise functions with AI-enabled solutions across multiple industries. The integrated solutions will accelerate rapid democratization of data and intelligence that will help businesses increase productivity and drive new revenue growth. Generative AI has opened new avenues of AI applications and key enterprise functions across industries, and Infosys is providing services, frameworks, solutions, and platforms in multiple application areas, such as semantic search, document summarization, contact center transformation, AI-augmented software development lifecycle (SDLC) and marketing content creation. For example, Infosys helped a leading financial services company implement an AI-based solution to generate document summaries and provide a semantic search capability using generative AI. This resulted in automated organization of documents, which significantly reduced efforts and improved productivity of their financial advisors. Through the collaboration with Microsoft, Infosys Topaz is using Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services to augment its capabilities, in order to help enterprise customers transition from digital to AI solutions. The integrated solutions will boost customers' operational efficiency, decrease turn-around-time, future-proof investments, and open new business models. Balakrishna D. R. (Bali), Executive Vice President and Global Head AI and Automation, Application Development & Maintenance, Infosys, said, "Infosys Topaz is empowering businesses with improved operational efficiencies and reduced time-to-market for launching new products and services. It converges the power of Infosys Cobalt and data analytics to AI-power business and deliver cognitive solutions and intuitive experiences that revitalize growth. Through our strategic collaboration with Microsoft, we will continue to lead the generative AI revolution, helping businesses amplify human potential and navigate their next towards becoming AI-first enterprises." Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer, Microsoft Corp, said, "We're pleased to expand our collaboration with Infosys to deliver innovative solutions, utilizing Azure OpenAI Service and Azure Cognitive Services, that will help customers develop new business models, and realize new revenue streams. By harnessing the power of generative AI, Infosys will help customers accelerate growth and innovation." About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, and our corporate actions including acquisitions. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunrider International, a global health and wellness direct sales company headquartered in Torrance, California, is proud to announce that its Kandesn Lip Colors line has won Allure magazine's prestigious 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the Best Cream Lipstick category. Allure is a prominent women's beauty magazine published monthly by Conde Nast in New York City. The company revealed the Best of Beauty awardees on September 21, 2023, on their website by showcasing the brands that earned this highly prized accolade. In the award page's "Why it won" explanation, Sunrider's Lip Colors are described as follows: "Creamy in texture, velvety in finish, and saturated in moisture, this lipstick unicorn feels like it belongs in a category of its own." Allure's Best of Beauty award contest is an annual recognition and celebration of excellence in the world of beauty products. To determine the winners from thousands of entrants, Allure's editorial staff and a panel of expertsincluding leading makeup artists, cosmetic chemists, and dermatologistsconduct rigorous testing and evaluations on the submitted products. Their assessments consider various criteria such as innovation, effectiveness, texture, packaging, and overall performance. Winners are chosen across multiple categories, encompassing beauty products for the eyes, skin, lips, body, and hair, and are granted the privilege of using the coveted Best of Beauty red seal in their marketing and advertising. Allure introduced the Best of Beauty Awards program in the mid-1990s, with the aim of assisting consumers in discovering "the best of the best" in beauty products. Sunrider's Kandesn Lip Colors line features a versatile selection of nine shades in a satin finish that complement a diverse range of skin tones. Kandesn Lip Colors glide on in high-impact hues that keep lips soft, supple, and nourished. Key ingredients in this ultra-moisturizing formula include hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, and tocopheryl acetate, a natural and stable form of vitamin E. Currently available in the USA, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, with plans for expansion into Europe and additional countries in the months ahead, this nature-inspired lipstick line caters to the surging demand for clean and natural cosmetics and skincare. The formulas are meticulously crafted to be free of GMOs, parabens, petroleum by-products, gluten, heavy metals, fragrance, and silicone. Furthermore, Kandesn Lip Colors reflect Sunrider's animal- and environmentally friendly practices by using ethically sourced, non-animal-origin ingredients and maintaining a cruelty-free approach. Created with owner expertise, these specially formulated lip colors make responsibly created, premium-quality cosmetics accessible to all. Sunrider CEO Sunny Beutler said this about winning this prestigious accolade: "We are extremely proud to receive Allure magazine's 2023 Best of Beauty Award for our Kandesn Lip Colors line. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to creating clean cosmetics of exceptional quality that enhance beauty while nurturing overall wellness. Moreover, this award gives us further momentum to expand our brand awareness and reach in the global health and beauty market." To find out more about Kandesn Lip Colors, click here. About Sunrider International Sunrider International, a direct selling and retail sales company, was founded in 1982 by Drs. Tei-Fu and Oi-Lin Chen. All five of Drs. Chen's adult children hold senior executive positions within the multi-generational family-owned company, either directly at the corporate headquarters or on the Board of Directors. Their passion for people led them to create proven herbal products that help others achieve optimal health and wellness, and a business opportunity that offers them the freedom to live happier, more balanced lives. Guided by owner expertise, Sunrider is a growing global enterprise that currently spans nearly 50 countries and regions. Pierce Mattie Communications Shelly Brown [email protected] SOURCE Sunrider International Maiden Sale and Purchase Contract signed with global commodity trader, Gerald Metals, part of the Gerald Group Gerald Group was founded in 1962 in Stamford, CT USA and is today the World's oldest and largest independent and employee-owned metals trading house Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from its bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain As well as the Sale and Purchase Contract, Gerald may elect to provide a US$10 million Run-of-Mine finance facility to be made available to Lindian Sales contract is for 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from Kangankunde Stage 1 development over a 60-month period Contract period can be reduced at Lindian's election through increased production and delivery of rare earths concentrate; Lindian has the right to enter into additional Sales contracts Monthly and annual quantities representing a minimum of 40% of the rare earths concentrate produced by the Project, with delivered quantities of: not less than 750 tonnes of concentrate per month, and not less than 9,000 tonnes of concentrate per year Sale and Purchase Contract revenues will effectively underwrite the Stage 1 Project development cashflows as Lindian moves to construction and producer status Follows maiden mineral resource estimate of 261 million tonnes at the high grade of 2.19% TREO reported last month. Refer ASX announcement dated 3 August 2023 Lindian is in early-stage discussions with the US Government regarding support for the large-scale Stage 2 development of Kangankunde, and welcomes Gerald's expertise in financing critical minerals and leveraging its relationships with multilateral agencies to support Kangankunde's development SYDNEY, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindian Resources Limited (ASX:LIN) ("Lindian" or the "Company") is extremely pleased to advise it has signed a Sale and Purchase Contract ("Contract") with global metals trading company, Gerald Metals SARL ("Gerald"). The Contract provides for the supply and sale of 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from the Stage 1 development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Malawi. Gerald Metals SARL is part of the Gerald Group, the world's largest independent, employee-owned metal trading house, and one of the world's leading global commodity trading companies. Founded in the United States in 1962 and now headquartered in London UK with trading operation hubs in Stamford USA, Morges Switzerland and Shanghai China. Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from Gerald's bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain, including: sourcing, marketing, logistics and storage, hedging and risk management, and structured finance solutions. In addition, Gerald may elect to make available to Lindian a finance facility of up to US$10 million. The terms of such facility are being separately negotiated and subject to a financing agreement and proposed security package over Kangankunde's mined ore stockpiles. Together with Lindian's strong cash balance and in-the-money options, this financing facility, once finalized, considerably strengthens Lindian's financial flexibility. Lindian representatives have commenced early-stage discussions with US Government officials regarding the potential for the provision of funding and concentrate sales support for the future large scale development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project. Given Gerald's long history and US shareholder base, it is the ideal partner to enable Lindian to meet the US critical metals strategic objectives. More details will be made available as these discussions advance. Gerald Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Dean, stated "Kangankunde is truly one of the most exciting REE projects to be explored in recent memory, and represents a key mineral asset for development in Malawi. We have been following Lindian's ongoing drilling campaign closely. I am very pleased to now be part of the development of Kangankunde and look forward to working closely with Lindian's team to bring multilateral investment to the table." Lindian Executive Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga commented: "I am delighted that the globally recognized metals trading group, Gerald Metals, is partnering with Lindian to facilitate the accelerated development of the world class Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. We have been working with Gerald for an extended period on the terms of this Sale and Purchase Contract and the financing facility. They have made multiple visits to site to undertake due diligence on the project and our staged development strategy. As such, we have established a great working relationship over this time and built confidence in them as a trusted partner." "This maiden Sale and Purchase Contract for rare earths concentrate provides one of the key enablers to advance Lindian to producer status by end-2024. This is a major achievement for a project that was effectively acquired in August 2022, just 13 months ago." Lindian Executive Officer, Alastair Stephens added: "The Kangankunde Rare Earth Project continues to deliver excellent results including the globally strategic maiden mineral resource estimate reported last month." "With a mining licence, and environment and social impact assessment licences granted, the Company is able to quickly move to project development following the execution of this Sale and Purchase Contract." "These are exciting times for Lindian and we look forward to making further announcements as project development works ramp up." Key terms of the Sale and Purchase Contract are summarised below. Sale and Purchase Contract Key Terms Term 60 months from the commencement of Commercial Production defined as the first day of the month following four (4) consecutive months of 700 metric tonnes (MT) of Material being delivered by the Seller (Lindian) and received by the Buyer (Gerald). Subject to agreement between the parties, the Offtake Agreement can be extended a further 2 years in 12 month increments. Purchase/Sale Quantity Monazite Concentrate produced by/from the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer 45,000 MT of Material from the date of First Production. Monthly and annual quantities from the date of Commercial Production representing a minimum of 40% of the Monazite Concentrate produced by the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer: not less than 750 MT of Material per Month, calculated on an ongoing basis from the Commercial Production Date during such period; and not less than 9,000 MT of Material per Year during such period. Delivery The Material shall be delivered by the Seller to the Buyer on a Free on Board (FOB) basis at a port to be mutually agreed and in accordance with an agreed delivery schedule. Pricing Market based pricing for each shipment less selling costs and fees typical for an agreement of this type. Provisional payment upon delivery of product to the Buyer. Conditions Material to be delivered from the First Production date of 31 December 2024 and other conditions typical for an agreement of this type. Specifications Monazite Concentrate with a TREO content of above 55% and an NdPr minimum content of 18% and average content of 20%. The Thorium and Uranium content shall not exceed the International Atomic Energy Agency's Class 7 limits. This Media Release was authorised for release by the Board of Lindian Resources Limited. Forward Looking Statements This announcement may include forward-looking statements, based on Lindian's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Lindian, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Lindian makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of the announcement. MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT RARE EARTHS A summary of the mineral resource estimate for the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project is shown in the table below. Kangankunde Rare Earths Project Mineral Resource Above 0.5% TREO Cut-off Grade Resource Classification Tonnes (millions) TREO (%) NdPr% of TREO** (%) Tonnes Contained NdPr* (millions) Inferred Resource 261 2.19 20.2 1.2 Rounding has been applied to 1.0Mt for tonnes and 0.1% NdPr% of TREO which may influence total calculation. * NdPr = Nd 2 O 3 + Pr 6 O 11 , ** NdPrO% / TREO% x 100 The Competent Persons' consents remain in place for subsequent releases by the Company of the same information in the same form and context, until the consents are withdrawn or replaced by a subsequent report and accompanying consent. The Company is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in the ASX announcement of 3 August 2023 originally referencing its resources estimate, and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. SOURCE Lindian Resources COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Porter Wright is proud to announce that partner Katja Garvey has been appointed Honorary Consul to the Federal Republic of Germany in Columbus, Ohio. She was sworn in at the firm this evening by the German Consul General in Chicago, Michael Ahrens. "When we decided to open a new honorary consul position in Columbus, we were so lucky to have found Katja who is the perfect candidate for this meaningful position and is working in an environment that is 100% supportive of her new role," shared Mr. Ahrens. Katja Garvey, Honorary Consul to the Federal Republic of Germany in Columbus, Ohio "We are excited for Katja to take on this official representative role for her native country," shared Deb Boiarsky, chief operating partner at Porter Wright. "This is an invaluable opportunity for her to serve other Germans living in or visiting the state, and represent the Federal Republic of Germany throughout Central Ohio." As honorary consul, Katja will help promote German-U.S. relations throughout the Central Ohio region, and assist U.S. and German citizens in various legal and consular issues related to Germany. She will be a volunteer, serving as a well-connected contact point with an intimate knowledge of conditions in the state to thus provide valuable assistance, particularly with German passports and notarizations or in emergency situations. Katja will join two other honorary consuls in Ohio, one in Cleveland and one in Cincinnati. About Katja Garvey Katja chairs Porter Wright's International Business & Trade Practice Group where she serves clients in a range of privacy and international business matters, from complex international transactions to global privacy compliance and technology agreements. She often works with German companies as they are establishing their business in the U.S. or advises on existing U.S. operations from a commercial, corporate or privacy perspective. In addition to her new honorary consul role, Katja is a National Representative for the United States for the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) and a board member for the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. She completed her law degree at the Universitat Passau in Germany and her LL.M. at The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law. About Porter Wright Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP is a large, full-service law firm that traces its roots to 1846 in Ohio. With 160+ attorneys across nine offices, Porter Wright provides strategic legal counsel to a worldwide base of clients. Chicago | Cincinnati | Cleveland | Columbus | Dayton | Naples | Pittsburgh | Tampa | Washington, D.C. SOURCE Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP The White House in Washington sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Office of the President of Ukraine outlining reforms that the Ukrainian authorities should implement in order to continue receiving military and other assistance from the United States. In particular, they relate to the functioning of the Supervisory Boards of state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption bodies (SAPO, NABU, NAPC), the High Council of Justice, and the judiciary in general. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Ukrainian media, citing their sources. Thus, all the reforms mentioned in the letter are divided by the priority of their implementation: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, one year, 18 months. The Donor Coordination Platform also received a letter from the American partners. In his turn, MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak (Golos faction) expressed the opinion that these letters are a signal not only to the Ukrainian authorities but also to all donors to Ukraine. "This is not just the US position conveyed to Ukraine. This is a letter sent to the Donor Coordination Platform. That is, the EU, G7 countries and major international financial organizations (IMF, World Bank, EIB, EBRD, IFC). And now the next logical step will be to synchronize all the requirements in the memorandums and financing conditions," the politician wrote on his Telegram channel, concluding that Kyiv's allies are focused on the "money for reforms" formula. ADVERTISIMENT The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine reported that the United States had provided a proposed list of priority reforms for discussion and feedback at the Multilateral Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine in Brussels. The diplomatic agency also clarified that the list was provided as a basis for consultations with the government of Ukraine and key partners in support of Ukraine and its efforts to integrate into Europe. The aim of these efforts is to prioritize and consolidate reform steps with Ukraine and key stakeholders. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL reported, the United States has welcomed Ukraine's commitment to anti-corruption efforts even amid a serious and full-scale invasion by Russia. The Biden administration also said that it sees "overwhelming support" for Ukraine from Congress, especially at the leadership level. They are confident that they will be able to continue to support Kyiv in its fight against a full-scale Russian invasion. Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance Commissioner Lara's behind-closed-doors deal will allow the insurance industry to raise home insurance premiums for the 8.7 million Californians who insure their homes. But it does not guarantee that people who need coverage will be able to get it, nor does it do anything to reduce the risk of homes burning in California, Consumer Watchdog said today. Lara announced last Thursday that he would allow insurance companies to skirt protections against price-gouging under California law, and in exchange insurance companies would start selling property insurance policies to more customers in high-risk areas. Insurance companies have publicly embraced the deal, but none have committed publicly to meet ironclad new sales benchmarks, much less the general threshold specified by Commissioner Lara, and no written agreement has been released. Even if insurers do expand offers of coverage, the new increases in premiums will make coverage unaffordable for those people. While insurance companies have blamed climate change for their demand for higher insurance premiums, raising rates won't do anything to address the fact that builders have carte blanche to continue building in high-risk wildfire areas. Consumer Watchdog has recommended establishment of a state land use commission to address this, and that insurance companies be required to insure all homeowners who harden their homes. In addition, insurers should be required to stop their contributions to climate change through underwriting and investing in fossil fuel projects. Rules finalized last year require insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners who protect their homes from fire. However, the discounts that insurers began proposing in April have yet to be approved for implementation by the Department of Insurance. "Commissioner Lara sold out Californians in exchange for a 'promise,' negotiated behind closed doors, that the insurance industry will start behaving itself once it gets the go-ahead to charge homeowners and renters hundreds or even thousands of dollars more every year," said Harvey Rosenfield, the author of Proposition 103. "The insurance industry has shifted all of the costs of climate change onto homeowners, by non-renewing policies, increasing premiums, and delaying and denying claims. Now Commissioner Lara wants to give them private risk models to unjustifiably manipulate rates even higher. But nothing in his deal with the industry would make Californians' homes less likely to burn. Insurers have to be held to task for contributing to climate change by insuring and investing in the fossil fuel industry," said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog. Lara Targets Transparency, Accountability and Fairness Required by Voters Invoking the threat of climate change, Lara presented his plan as a series of vague bullet points loaded with references to "sustainability," "modernization," "balance" and "transparency." Here's how to read between the lines of the announcement: Lara said he will "expedite" changes in existing rules to allow insurance companies to use algorithms and Artificial Intelligence models to determine how much homeowners and renters will pay. These tools are untested, inaccurate, often deeply biased, and are marketed by Wall Street firms. Proposition 103 requires all such rate setting methods to be open to public scrutiny as part of the public rate setting process. But the insurance industry and Wall Street firms insist they will not make their models public. This secrecy is guaranteed to lead to higher premiums. Consumer Watchdog and other consumer organizations support the creation of a public model that will comply with Prop. 103's transparency requirements. In another concession to one of the insurance industry's key demands, Lara said he will "explore" allowing insurance companies to force their policyholders to pay for reinsurance coverage bought on the global marketplace, which is unregulated and subject to massive swings in response to events anywhere in the world. Experts say that would increase premiums by 30-50% overnight. Lara seemed to acknowledge that danger, saying that he would decide what portion of a reinsurance policy premium could be attributable to California risks. Even if any such allocation were possible, it would inevitably boost prices in California . risks. Even if any such allocation were possible, it would inevitably boost prices in . California law requires insurance companies to apply for rate increases before they take effect. They must open their books to public scrutiny and prove they need a rate increase; they are permitted to charge enough to cover projected claims, reasonable expenses and earn a fair profit. Insurance companies have bitterly resisted these requirements since they took effect. In his statement, Lara said he would "improve" and "reform" his agency's review of rate applications, euphemisms for the industry's goal of eliminating thorough examination of proposed rate changes. Especially given Lara's statement that he will allow the use of algorithms and reinsurance pass-throughs, reduced scrutiny of rates will result in unjustified rates and higher prices for consumers. law requires insurance companies to apply for rate increases before they take effect. They must open their books to public scrutiny and prove they need a rate increase; they are permitted to charge enough to cover projected claims, reasonable expenses and earn a fair profit. Insurance companies have bitterly resisted these requirements since they took effect. In his statement, Lara said he would "improve" and "reform" his agency's review of rate applications, euphemisms for the industry's goal of eliminating thorough examination of proposed rate changes. Especially given Lara's statement that he will allow the use of algorithms and reinsurance pass-throughs, reduced scrutiny of rates will result in unjustified rates and higher prices for consumers. Knowing that even an elected insurance commissioner might favor the industry over consumers, the voters authorized consumers to independently review and challenge proposed rate increases by hiring their own actuaries, lawyers and experts to go head to head with the industry's lobbyists and experts. Insurance companies despise this crucial safeguard, which is unique to California . Lara took up insurers' rallying cry when he announced that as part of the deal he would undertake "intervenor reform." Consumer Watchdog's challenges to excessive rates on behalf of consumers have saved an estimated $4.6 billion for California homeowners, renters, motorists and small businesses over the last 21 years. Restrictions on the public's ability to challenge unjustified rate increases will lead to major premium hikes. No Quid for the Quo: Secret Agreement with Industry to Sell New Policies In exchange for making changes that allow insurance companies to raise rates, Lara said he had "commitments from insurance companies to cover all parts of California by writing no less than 85% of their statewide market share in high wildfire risk communities." But he did not provide the agreement or any further specifics. And none of the insurance companies and lobbying organizations that have been pressing for the rollback in consumer rights have made any mention of the promised quid pro quo, much less confirmed the details of their alleged "commitment." Lara's press release featured quotes from various business groups but, conspicuously, no insurance companies. Even if insurers made such a commitment, and assuming that it's not riddled with loopholes, Consumer Watchdog noted that raising rates will make it harder, not easier, for Californians who live in high-risk communities to afford coverage. If insurance is unaffordable, companies will not be able to meet their 85% target, leaving consumers with higher rates and decreased, not expanded, coverage. What's Not in the Plan Last fall Commissioner Lara finalized long-awaited rules requiring insurers to offer discounts to consumers who harden their homes against fires. Insurers began filing for approval of those discounts in April. However, review of these mitigation discounts has been sidelined at the Department of Insurance for months as the agency focuses on speeding through approvals of rate increases instead. Commissioner Lara's announcement said nothing about expediting review and approval of the one thing that could, if done right, reduce homeowners' premiums today. Conspicuously absent is any requirement that insurance companies reduce their own contributions to climate change. Insurance companies in California insure the fossil fuel companies whose activities are to blame for the worsening climate. California insurers also held $536 billion in investments in fossil fuel companies in 2019. Nothing in Commissioner Lara's deal with the industry requires them to commit to rolling back their investments or underwriting in the fossil fuel industry. What's Next California law provides strong public protections against rogue government agencies captured by the industry they are supposed to regulate. Every agency is required to follow specific procedures when changing or adopting new regulations. State agencies must notify the public of proposed regulations; hold public hearings and allow the public extensive opportunity to comment on them. Lara estimated he would complete this process by December 2024. Additionally, any regulations adopted by the Commissioner must be consistent with Proposition 103. Proposition 103 authorizes consumers to go to court to make sure its protections are properly enforced and obeyed by insurance companies and the Commissioner. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog HONG KONG, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Even with the ever-changing situation, technological innovation is still the most critical component for biopharmaceutical companies' long-term development. This continuous innovation keeps companies up to date and promotes the evolution of R&D and the success of commercialization. Recently, Viva's portfolio companies have new updates. Keep reading for more details. AcuraStem Enters into a License Agreement with Takeda to Advance PIKFYVE Therapeutics MONROVIA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2023 - AcuraStem, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a patient-based biotechnology company pioneering how treatments are developed for neurodegenerative diseases. Recently they announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Takeda to develop and commercialize AcuraStem's PIKFYVE targeted therapeutics including AS-202, an innovative antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda will receive an exclusive, worldwide license to AcuraStem's PIKFYVE program. AcuraStem will receive an upfront and milestone payments totaling up to approximately $580 million if all future clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones are achieved during the term of the agreement plus tiered royalties on potential net sales of any commercial products resulting from this license. ABM-1310 Receives FDA Fast Track Designation Following Orphan Drug Status, First Patient Dosed in China Phase I Trial for Primary Malignant Brain Tumors, and Its MEK inhibitor-ABM-168 IND Approved by NMPA San Diego, USA/Shanghai, China - September 26, 2023 - ABM Therapeutics, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to ABM-1310 for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) harboring a BRAF V600E mutation. This follows the previously announced Orphan Drug designation for ABM-1310 for the treatment of malignant glioma, including GBM, granted in July 2022. In addition, the first patient has been successfully dosed in its multicenter Phase I study of ABM-1310 in patients with relapsed and drug resistant primary malignant brain tumors in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Furthermore, on August 25th, ABM Therapeutics announced that an investigational new drug (IND) application for ABM-168, an orally bioavailable, brain-penetrant MEK 1/2 inhibitor, was approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This allows ABM Therapeutics to initiate a Phase 1 trial recruiting patients with advanced solid tumors, particularly those with brain metastases or primary brain tumors, to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of ABM-168. QureBio's Bispecific Antibody Q-1802 Project Selected for Shanghai 2023 Sci-Tech SME Innovation Fund On September 5, 2023, the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality officially announced the list of proposed projects for the Shanghai 2023 Sci-Tech SME Innovation Fund. QureBio, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), had its bispecific antibody Q-1802 project selected for the proposed project list of this fund. QureBio independently developed the selected bispecific antibody Q-1802 project and is the first product in the CLDN18.2 bispecific and PD-L1 bispecific series to enter clinical stage as a First-in-Class CLDN18.2 bispecific antibody. At present, Q-1802 has gradually verified excellent safety and efficacy in clinical trials and has already obtained positive Phase I clinical data with an outstanding risk-benefit ratio among products targeting similar biomarkers. Arthrosi Therapeutics AR882 Prepares to Enter into Global Phase 3 Study San Diego, USA, Aug. 18th, 2023 - Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. Recently they have announced they have received written response from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) related to their End-of-Phase 2 briefing package for AR882, its lead drug candidate for gout treatment. AR882 is a highly potent, selective, and once daily dosing next-gen URAT1 inhibitor. The feedback from the FDA supports Arthrosi progressing with its planned Phase 3 clinical program. AceLink Opens First Clinical Site in China for Phase 2 Study in Fabry Disease NEWARK, Calif., Aug. 10th, 2023 - AceLink Therapeutics, Inc., invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company. Recently they announced the opening of the first clinical trial site in China for its Phase 2, openlabel study of the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and preliminary measures of physiological efficacy of AL01211 in males with classic Fabry disease who have not been previously treated with other Fabry disease therapies. AceLink is developing the next generation oral substrate reduction therapies (SRTs) to address significant unmet medical needs and improve the quality of life of patients with inherited disorders of glycosphingolipid metabolism. About AcuraStem AcuraStem is a patient-based biotechnology company pioneering treatments for neurodegenerative diseases including sporadic ALS and FTD. AcuraStem's best-in-class disease modeling platform, iNeuroRx, enables the discovery of innovative, effective, and broadly acting treatments. The team's strong expertise in ASO technology provides for the rapid advancement of treatments to the clinic. AcuraStem's research is funded in part by support from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, Harrington Discovery Institute, Alzheimer's Association, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Department of Defense and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. About ABM Therapeutics A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a mission to focus on small molecule research and development of novel drugs for the treatment of cancer, with an emphasis on bloodbrain barrier (BBB) penetration and brain metastases. ABM's pipeline includes several programs in various stages of discovery and development, most of which have improved brain permeability to address the unmet needs of treating cancers and metastases in the brain. About QureBio Ltd. QureBio Ltd. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on innovative biopharmaceuticals for urgent and unmet clinical needs, such as the treatment of refractory cancers, inflammation and other serious disorders. Founded by experienced scientists from the relevant fields, QureBio Ltd. has built up a series of proprietary technologies for engineered bio-macromolecules, including innovative platforms for bi-specific and tri-specific antibodies. About Arthrosi Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, was established in 2018. The company's goal is to develop potential treatments aimed at uric acid levels and minimizing joint damage for gout patients. Arthrosi's research and development have produced end of phase 2b data. For more information about Arthrosi, please visit www.arthrosi.com. About AceLink Therapeutics, Inc. Founded in 2018, AceLink Therapeutics is an innovative biopharma startup focusing on developing safe and effective medicines to address genetic diseases with high unmet needs. The company's initial focus is to develop novel therapeutics for Fabry disease. For more information, please visit www.acelinktherapeutics.com. SOURCE Viva Biotech Holdings WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) is pleased to announce 2023 awardees for the Corporate Visionary Award . Honorees share the distinction of having two or more US Latinos serving on their board of directors. This year, we celebrate five forward-thinking corporations and their leaders for their commitment to advancing Latino representation on corporate boards. Exemplary companies to be recognized are: Bank of America; Biogen; Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco; General Mills; and Ulta Beauty. Honorees share the distinction of having two or more US Latinos serving on their board of directors. Post this "We are honored to receive this award for our ongoing work to ensure all levels of our company, including our Board, mirror the clients and communities we serve. It is essential to how we drive Responsible Growth," stated Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO, Bank of America. "It is an honor to have our board of directors, one of the most diverse boards in the country, recognized by the Latino Corporate Directors Association for its 33% Latino representation," said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, President and CEO, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. LCDA firmly believes that a diverse board of directors is essential for businesses to thrive in an increasingly global and multicultural marketplace. By honoring and celebrating those companies that have not only recognized this fact but have also acted upon it, the Corporate Visionary Awards aims to inspire and drive positive change across the business landscape. "Representation matters, and it's time we recognize and celebrate those companies that are leading the way in promoting diversity and inclusion in corporate boardrooms," said Elizabeth Oliver-Farrow, LCDA Board Chair. "We believe these awards will serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging other companies to follow suit and embrace diversity at all levels of their organizations. The Corporate Visionary Awards are a testament to the companies that have made substantial strides in fostering greater Latino representation at the highest levels of corporate leadership." "We're proud of this recognition by the Latino Corporate Directors Association and grateful for the contributions of our employees, and our Board of Directors, who are committed to supporting a culture of belonging at General Mills," says General Mills Chairman and CEO, Jeff Harmening. "We are deeply humbled to be recognized as a 2023 Corporate Visionary Award honoree, and value LCDA's continued commitment to holding companies accountable to inclusive representation within Hispanic and Latino communities," said Dave Kimbell, CEO, Ulta Beauty. The awards will be presented on November 2 during the Corporate Visionary Awards Reception and Dinner , in Plano, TX, a highlight of LCDA's 8th Annual Board Leaders Convening . For more information about the Corporate Visionary Awards please visit latinocorporatedirectors.org . About the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA): The Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) brings together accomplished and respected Hispanics/Latinos in corporate leadership and corporate governance committed to paying it forward. Our mission is to develop, support, and increase the number of Hispanics/Latinos on corporate boards. LCDA's strategy to accelerate Hispanic/Latino placements on corporate boards is focused on three areas: grow demand, grow supply, and raise awareness. LCDA serves as an advocate and resource to corporate boards, search firms, private equity, and institutional investors interested in gaining access to exceptional Hispanic/Latino board talent. Together with our foundation (LCDEF), our program areas also focus on growing the supply of high-caliber boardroom candidates and providing quality corporate governance programming for experienced and aspiring directors. Contact: Monique Navarro, LCDA AVP, Marketing and Communications, (915)790-7788) SOURCE LATINO CORPORATE DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Light-emitting Diode (LED) Grow Lights Market report has been added to Technavio's offering. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio has proudly partnered with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. The potential growth difference for the light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 4.87 billion. The need for energy-efficient and long-lasting grow light technology drives the LED grow lights market. Compared to fluorescent grow lights and HPS grow lights, LED grow lights are more energy efficient. LED grow lights play an important role in commercial greenhouse management. This is because it helps improve crop quality and optimize production to meet market demand. They are also efficient and energy savers. Hence, such factors drive the growth of the LED grow lights market during the forecast period. 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 Light-emitting Diode (LED) Grow Lights Market 2023-2027 Market Challenge - The harmful effects of LED grow lights challenge the growth of the LED grow lights market. LED grow lights are very sensitive to the human eye and people handling indoor farms should use eye protection. Some LED grow lights emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to the UV spectrum can damage vision or lead to color perception problems, cataracts, and decreased night vision. Hence, such adverse effects are likely to affect demand for LED grow lights, which will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read Free Sample PDF Report Now The light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights market is segmented by application (commercial greenhouses, vertical farming, indoor farming, and others), power rating (low power (<100 w), medium power (100-300 w), and high power (>300 w)), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The commercial greenhouses segment will be significant during the forecast period. LED grow lights help increase the production capacity and thus, are increasingly chosen by commercial greenhouse operators. Initially, about 25% of the total greenhouse area was fitted with LED lights on top of the Hyperion 1750, which provided over 200 micromol/s/m2 of artificial light. However, vendors like Sterling Suffolk plan to expand the LED grow lights area in the following years. This is estimated to help to produce high-yielding tomatoes year-round. Hence, such factors drive the commercial greenhouses segment of the LED grow lights market during the forecast period. will be significant during the forecast period. LED grow lights help increase the production capacity and thus, are increasingly chosen by commercial greenhouse operators. Initially, about 25% of the total greenhouse area was fitted with LED lights on top of the Hyperion 1750, which provided over 200 micromol/s/m2 of artificial light. However, vendors like Sterling Suffolk plan to expand the LED grow lights area in the following years. This is estimated to help to produce high-yielding tomatoes year-round. Hence, such factors drive the commercial greenhouses segment of the LED grow lights market during the forecast period. Europe will contribute 35% to 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 light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights market: Advanced Grow Lights American Co., Biological Innovation and Optimization Systems LLC, Black Dog Grow Technologies Inc., Bridgelux Inc., Controlled Environments Ltd., Dool Industries, General Electric Co., GrowRay Lighting Technologies, Heliospectra AB, Kessil, Kind LED Grow Lights, LED Hydroponic Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SANlight GmbH, Senmatic AS, Shenzhen Grow LED Technology Co. Ltd., Valoya Oy, Signify NV, OSRAM Licht AG, SMART Global Holdings Inc. Related Reports: The micro LED display market size is expected to increase by USD 11.50 billion from 2021 to 2026, at a CAGR of 78.61%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers micro LED display market segmentation by end-user (consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace and defense, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The rise in demand for bright and power-efficient display panels is one of the key drivers fueling the micro LED display market growth. The LED lighting market in North America is projected to grow by USD 5.81 billion with a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the LED lighting market in North America segmentation by application (residential, commercial, industrial, outdoor, and others) and product (LED lamps and LED luminaires). The declining manufacturing cost of LEDs is notably driving the LED lighting market in North America's growth. Light-emitting Diode (LED) Grow Lights Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 26.8% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 4.87 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 26.15 Regional analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution Europe at 35% Key countries US, Canada, China, The Netherlands, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Advanced Grow Lights American Co., Biological Innovation and Optimization Systems LLC, Black Dog Grow Technologies Inc., Bridgelux Inc., Controlled Environments Ltd., Dool Industries, General Electric Co., GrowRay Lighting Technologies, Heliospectra AB, Kessil, Kind LED Grow Lights, LED Hydroponic Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SANlight GmbH, Senmatic AS, Shenzhen Grow LED Technology Co. Ltd., Valoya Oy, Signify NV, OSRAM Licht AG, and SMART Global Holdings 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: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Application Market Segmentation by Power Rating 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 Location will provide enhanced, localized support for Miami customers NEW YORK and MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightpath, an all-fiber, infrastructure-based connectivity provider that is revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the opening of a new office in Miami located at 150 West Flagler Street. The office will house operations, customer service, and sales staff to directly support customers and continued growth in the Miami area, including ongoing network expansions. Lightpath's new Miami office houses operations, customer service, and sales to support continued growth in the area. Post this Lightpath continues to aggressively invest in the Miami region, with a dense network of brand-new, subterranean fiber throughout the Central Business District as well as connectivity to four critical data centers in the area. Lightpath continues to aggressively invest in the Miami region since announcing its entrance into the market in late 2022. In May of 2023, Lightpath announced that it was expecting to have 65 route miles of network in the market fully operational by the end of 2023. This target includes a dense network of brand-new, subterranean fiber throughout the Central Business District as well as connectivity to four critical data centers in the area. "The Miami business community is growing rapidly and Lightpath is seeing the resulting demand for enterprise-grade fiber connectivity. Today, organizations run at the speed of their networks, and Lightpath keeps networks running at incredible speeds," commented Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath. "Lightpath may be new to Miami, but we are veterans of fiber connectivity, and we will continue to invest and expand in the area to support the needs of our customers." "Lightpath has been trusted for over 30 years in the New York Metro region by organizations of all kinds, including businesses, governments, and educators. From Fortune 100 enterprises to universities and school districts, to local and state governments - Lightpath customizes all-fiber solutions for any organization that needs high-performance, reliable connectivity," explained Ryan Neece, Miami Sales Director for Lightpath. With over 20,000 route miles of network connecting to more than 13,500 service locations, Lightpath can connect customers to any of their digital destinations across its entire fiber footprint. Lightpath offers a complete suite of all-fiber, customized connectivity solutions, including Internet, Ethernet, wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, dark fiber, private networks, voice, managed security solutions, and more. Follow Lightpath on LinkedIn and subscribe to YouTube . For more information, visit lightpathfiber.com . About Lightpath Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath's advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization's innovation. Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) owns a 50.01% controlling interest in Lightpath and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP) owns 49.99% of the Company. Learn how Lightpath can connect you to your digital destinations: www.lightpathfiber.com. For media inquiries: JSA for Lightpath 1-866-695-3629 ext. 13 [email protected] SOURCE Lightpath NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LILYSILK, the world's leading silk brand dedicated to inspiring sustainable lifestyles, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to environmental stewardship. In collaboration with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation, LILYSILK successfully planted 15,000 trees in Brazil this April, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat deforestation and promote a greener future. LILYSILK's Environmental Milestone 15,000 Trees Planted in Collaboration with One Tree Planted in Brazil Reforestation Project LILYSILK's partnership with One Tree Planted marks the brand's first initiative to contribute to reforestation and environmental conservation. During the month of April, LILYSILK pledged to plant one tree for every online purchase, resulting in the successful planting of 15,000 trees. This endeavor has played a crucial role in restoring 15 hectares of land in Pontal do Paranapanema, Sao Paulo State. Half a year on, it is evident that the impact of this initiative has extended far beyond reforestation. The 15,000 trees planted by LILYSILK have benefited 200 families, supported 280 jobs, and provided a habitat for 569 wildlife species. Moreover, this reforestation project has contributed to the reforestation of 500 hectares and involved the active participation of 45 women, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the local community in Brazil. According to an analysis run by One Tree Planted, each tree has the potential to absorb an average of 10 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually during its first 20 years of healthy growth. With the 15,000 trees planted by LILYSILK, a conservative estimate suggests that a total of 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide will be absorbed over the next two decades, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change. This initiative is part of the 'Corridors of the Life' project, which aims to address climate change, support local communities, and conserve biodiversity in this area of Sao Paulo State, located in the Atlantic Forest region in southeastern Brazil. The project fosters sustainable livelihood alternatives for land reform communities in Brazil, promoting the replication of successful practices in income generation and biodiversity conservation. Laura Lucas Trujillo, Project Manager at One Tree Planted Brazil, explained how this reforestation will have a positive impact on the local environment, saying, "Planting trees will protect, restore, and conserve Brazil's forest and related resources. As the trees grow, they will improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the land's capacity to adapt to climate change." Since its inception in 2010, LILYSILK has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With a vision centered on zero waste, the brand has integrated sustainable practices into its core values. This latest milestone on this sustainability journey, in collaboration with One Tree Planted, is a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact on the planet. David Wang, CEO of LILYSILK, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this milestone achievement, stating, "We are thrilled to have achieved this milestone. Together with One Tree Planted, we aim to leave a lasting legacy of a greener and more sustainable world for our customers and future generations." Matt Hill, Founder and Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted, said, "By planting trees in areas that have suffered from deforestation, we are not only accelerating the restoration of healthy forests but also ensuring the revival of entire ecosystems. Through reforestation, we bring back the lush canopy, make communities whole again, and create a thriving environment for biodiversity to flourish. We are immensely grateful for the invaluable support from LILYSILK and everyone involved." SOURCE LILYSILK GENEVA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lebanon faces an acute shortage of electricity, and consequently private generators have become a ubiquitous presence on the streets of the country since the 1990s. AL Zaharaa Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Lebanon, is a comprehensive hospital integrating medical treatment, medical education and medical research. Normally, the medical equipment as well as heating and air conditioning systems of AL Zaharaa Hospital consume substantial amounts of electricity, but the lack of power resources often affects the normal operation of the hospital. LONGi donated its Hi-MO 6 modules to Beirut hospital In March this year, the hospital in "electricity shortage" received a special gift. To alleviate the power pressure faced by AL Zaharaa Hospital and safeguard the health and safety of residents, LONGi donated about 20 kW high-efficiency PV modules to the hospital. This PV power generation system has provided a reliable support for the smooth and efficient operation of the hospital. The successful completion of this project stands as a showcase and brings about opportunities. The clean, low-carbon, and sustainable energy supply sets a benchmark for addressing local electricity challenges. The significance of clean power solutions for sustainable development and improving daily life will attract more and more attention. In fact, such donation is not the only one made by LONGi, a leading global PV enterprise. "LONGi continues to pay close attention to the population development in areas without electricity or lack of electricity around the world, hoping to improve the living standards of residents in areas lacking electricity resources, promote local infrastructure construction and boost regional economic prosperity through concrete actions." Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi, shared his thoughts at the WTO Public Forum 2023. During the event, experts from various industries had a passionate discussion on the topic of "how trade and the WTO can help create a greener and more sustainable future". LONGi's call for "promoting global 'energy equity' empowered by PV new energy" resonated with people from all walks of life. It is reported that about 11% of the world's population has no access to electricity, and about 1/3 of the population has no access to clean energy for cooking. Energy poverty directly hinders the local economic development and the improvement of people's quality of life. In June this year, a report jointly released by the International Energy Agency, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the United Nations Statistics Division, the World Bank and the World Health Organization estimated that 1.9 billion people will be without clean cooking facilities, and 660 million without electricity access in 2030 if we do not take further actions and continue current efforts. These disparities will adversely affect the health of vulnerable populations in underdeveloped areas and accelerate climate change. Dennis believes that a clean energy supply with PV as the main force will become the best choice for promoting global coordinated development. Energy equity lies in the provision of clean, affordable and non-discriminatory energy services for all. Solar energy is more widely and abundantly distributed in the world than traditional fossil fuels, and it is more conducive to underdeveloped countries. With the continuous development of PV technology, the LCOE of PV power drops rapidly. The large-scale development of renewable energy, particularly PV power, can improve energy autonomy on the one hand, enhance global synergy on the other hand, and thus reduce many impacts brought about by the energy crisis. As a world-leading solar technology company, LONGi makes consistent and ceaseless efforts to provide green and sustainable PV new energy solutions to populations without access to electricity. In last September, LONGi donated 301 kW high-efficiency PV modules to areas without electricity in Africa. Facilitated by the active efforts of the Sopowerful Foundation, these PV products have been sent to 12 destinations in Africa, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools and villages, enabling farmland irrigation and electricity stimulation, and delivering light energy to various sectors and industries. Most of these application scenarios adopt an off-grid mode, which can effectively improve the medical treatment, education and living standards of residents. From Burkina Faso in Africa to Pakistan in South Asia to Lebanon in the Middle East... LONGi has been committed to gathering all forces to reduce the number of people without access to electricity with PV technology and bring love and light to more poor and power-shortage areas. Light brings progress and civilization to mankind. Riding the wave of the fourth energy revolution, LONGi is committed to driving the realization of global energy equity through the deployment of efficient and reliable PV technology. Sunshine all over the world will bring happiness and warmth to more people without access to electricity. A more equitable clean energy system, Solar for All, has emerged, offering mankind infinite possibilities for sustainable development in a green, low-carbon, and abundant energy environment. About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. SOURCE LONGi OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - In a major stride towards advancing patient centric care and enhancing operational efficiency, The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), and Lumenix proudly announce the signing of an innovative partnership, to deploy cutting-edge artificial intelligence in the healthcare setting. Lumenix, a leader in building technologies and artificial intelligence, is set to install its world-leading and clinically-validated Artificially Intelligent Monitoring System (AIMS) platform technology at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus in the fall of 2023. AIMS combines a state-of-the-art 3D scanning IR laser and specialized neural networks to anonymously understand and predict human behaviour, redefining the landscape of healthcare to effectively support healthcare professionals to predict and prevent adverse events before they occur. This alliance will see the second installation phase and scaled implementation of AIMS into the hospital's operations, underscoring a shared commitment to pioneering advancements in patient safety, hospital capabilities, and supporting clinicians in their invaluable contributions to patient care. Built from the ground up with anonymity in mind, AIMS is a ceiling-mounted device that offers an easy-to-install platform solution that leverages deep learning models to analyze complex clinical environments and subtle human behaviours resulting in unbiased and reliable data that empowers management decisions and contributes to the learning health system. Spanning over 20,000 sq ft. of in-patient clinical space, the AIMS units will stand as unobtrusive sentinels assisting clinicians, nurses and other staff in their unwavering commitment to delivering optimal patient care. By embedding the AIMS perceptual enterprise solution within the hospital's ecosystem, clinicians and administrators will be empowered by unique data not previously available. Poised to support healthcare professionals through precision-focused real-time data, the contextual data created by AIMS will foster collaboration in care delivery whilst upholding the highest standards of data security. "This collaboration with The Ottawa Hospital and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the result of a shared commitment to healthcare innovation, marking a leap towards patient centricity through the synergy of ambient perceptual awareness, artificial intelligence and medical expertise", said Scott Delaney, CEO and Chairman of Lumenix. "We are excited to harness our technology's preventative capabilities and potential across a wide range of clinical scenarios including heightened operational insight, automated bedside monitoring, proactive fall prevention, and hand hygiene compliance to contribute to the quality of patient care and to support the tireless frontline care workers." At a time when the healthcare industry is experiencing resource constraints, this partnership helps place TOH at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation and adoption in Canada. A testament to the convergence of multi-disciplinary medical excellence and technological innovation, AIMS will facilitate immediate operational support and meaningful research and development. "This partnership marks a seminal moment in Ontario's healthcare history," said Cameron Love, President and CEO of TOH. "The partnership between Lumenix, The Ottawa Hospital and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute exemplifies the potential of collaboration in driving meaningful advancements in patient care while identifying operating efficiencies to empower our clinical care workers." Lumenix's AIMS platform technology has demonstrated its ability to reshape the boundaries of patient care, and this partnership is set to amplify its transformative impact. As AIMS evolves and perpetually increases in its applications, TOH and OHRI will be partners in the ongoing development of novel applications that advance the boundaries of healthcare innovation. This collaboration solidifies the commitment of Lumenix, TOH and OHRI to ethically usher in the future of artificial intelligence in healthcare. By harnessing the power of robotics engineering, perceptual systems, and the latest technology, this collaboration is contributing to an era of precision, efficacy, and compassion that will assist in setting new standards for healthcare systems worldwide. The AIMS platform technology is currently being deployed in Canada and the U.S. and is commercially available to hospitals, long term care facilities, and other healthcare institutions. For more information about Lumenix, please visit: www.lumenix.com or contact Lumenix at [email protected] For more information about AIMS, please visit: www.aimsplatform.io or contact Lumenix at [email protected]. About Lumenix: Lumenix is a leading provider of hardware, software, sensors, artificial intelligence currently serving and trusted by thousands of clients across healthcare, commercial, residential, industrial and retail sectors in North America. Lumenix is committed to its vision of providing continuous value creation and enhanced safety for its partners and clients through the application of proprietary artificial intelligence, robotics engineering, inter-connectivity and clean technologies. About The Ottawa Hospital: The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) is one of Canada's top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care we would all want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally. Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused on reshaping the future of health care to improve the health of our diverse population of patients from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and Nunavut. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit www.OttawaHospital.on.ca. About The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute: The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital. OHRI research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health. The nationally acclaimed OHRI houses approximately 2,200 scientists, clinician investigators, students, research fellows, and support staff and is proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, visit www.ohri.ca. SOURCE Lumenix Donation of Eco-Friendly Disposable Food Packaging and Cutlery Aims to Support Needs of Residents and Aidgivers Amidst Recovery NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the aftermath of the natural disaster that upended communities on the Hawaiian island of Maui last month, Restaurantware stepped in to aid relief efforts with a donation of nearly $20,000 worth of sustainably-crafted foodservice resources for residents and responders. As a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly foodservice supplies, Restaurantware's donation to University of Hawaii Maui College Culinary Arts included 21,600 takeout containers from its Asporto line, which is made of BPA-free plastic that is produced without phthalates and is 100% recyclable. Additionally, the company provided 13,000 disposable cutlery sets made from CPLA, a bioplastic derived from cornstarch that is easily compostable. "Restaurantware's contribution of these containers is intangible and the brand provides a level of consistency to this project that is otherwise unheard of in disaster situations," said Jackie Naeole, Chef Instructor and Lecturer at UHMC Culinary Arts. "When faced with the challenge of feeding thousands of our lahui (people/community) so suddenly, sustainability often is not a top priority. With Restaurantware's products, we are able to do both - feed our community and protect our 'aina (land) by using reusable and biodegradable products." This donation of sustainable products ensures that those impacted by these fires, or working to help in relief efforts, are guaranteed quality tools for food consumption, without adding to the waste and environmental damage created by the disaster. "When we learned about the devastation that resulted from the wildfires in Hawaii, we were compelled to get involved and offer any resources in our power to support those in crisis," said Jamil Bouchareb, CEO and Founder of Restaurantware. "Food is fundamental to basic human needs and no one in this situation should have to worry about access to quality tools that help keep them nourished. We hope that Maui residents and those on the ground assisting relief efforts feel the impact of our contribution as the community focuses on rehabilitation." Restaurantware's deep sense of responsibility for people and the planet runs through its core. With a history of charitable engagement that has been consistent since its founding in 2010, the company also proudly spearheads the "Plant One on Us" initiative. This effort plants a tree for every purchase made and provides farmers in developing countries with the opportunity to unlock access to a better future, as well as works to combat the negative effects of climate change, restore biodiversity, and create a greener planet. For more information, visit www.restaurantware.com. About Restaurantware: Restaurantware is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality, innovative, and environmentally-friendly restaurant supplies and catering equipment. With a focus on utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable materials, Restaurantware is continually redefining industry standards, aiming to improve environmental sustainability and minimize the ecological impact of foodservice. Media Contact: 5W PR [email protected] SOURCE Restaurantware ZutaCore's trailblazing HyperCool technology transforms the data center landscape by allowing operators to significantly upgrade their existing infrastructure with little to no modifications to current real estate, power, or cooling systems, while leveraging unprecedented heat reuse capabilities. Merging this breakthrough with MHI Group's fully integrated management system, low-carbon power generation facilities, and server immersion cooling systems, will dramatically address the pressing challenges faced by data centers today, including the enhancement of heat exhaust efficiency, promotion of energy conservation, and decarbonization. Erez Freibach, co-founder and CEO of ZutaCore, commented on the new partnership: "Our alliance with MHI marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of sustainable data centers. Leveraging MHI's extensive technological expertise and global reach alongside our groundbreaking HyperCool technology, we are poised to redefine data center efficiency. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering a zero-emission data industry, and we are excited to pave the way for unprecedented energy conservation and decarbonization levels in this space." The worldwide surge in digital transformation (DX) has sparked an exponential rise in information processing, amplifying both the role and demand for data centers. Alongside this, the emergence of generative AI*1 necessitates using high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs)*2, leading to an uptick in power consumption by data centers that manage these high-performance servers. This is where ZutaCore's innovative cooling solutions become an essential player. By implementing ZutaCore's state-of-the-art technology, data centers can effectively manage the increased heat output and power consumption, promoting efficient operations and sustainability in the era of digital expansion. "MHI is keen to support the ongoing transition of Data Centers towards smarter and more efficient through one stop solutions integrating power generation and cooling solution. Our new partner ZutaCore has already supplied its innovative HyperCool solution to the world's IT infrastructure and server companies, contributing to the realization of sustainable data centers through effective heat exhaust for servers. The partnership with ZutaCore will accelerate contributing to further progress in Data Center infrastructure," said Shin Gomi, General Manager in Business Development, Growth Strategy Office of MHI. Drawing on its extensive expertise in various heat-related fields, MHI is committed to delivering comprehensive "One Stop Solutions" that encompass reliable and efficient low-carbon power generation facilities, integrated management systems, and high-efficiency cooling systems. These solutions are specifically tailored for data centers that utilize high-performance servers, a rapidly expanding market. By enabling decarbonized and efficient data centers, MHI and ZutaCore are at the forefront of driving the IT industry's green transformation (GX). Notes *1: Generative AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) that can autonomously create new content, such as images and text, by learning a large amount of data. *2: GPU: A semiconductor chip (processor) that performs computation processing related to image depiction. Up to now, GPU models specialized in graphics have been common, but as the AI field has progressed, more of the latest models incorporate functions for AI. About ZutaCore Founded in 2016 ZutaCore is revolutionizing the data industry with HyperCool - a waterless, direct-on-chip liquid cooling solution. This technology increases compute density, reduces energy consumption, optimizes space utilization, and delivers 100% heat reuse in the data center. With its field operations centered in San Jose, California, an R&D center in Israel, and offices in Europe and Taiwan, ZutaCore is part of the Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Alliance. Learn more at www.zutacore.com and follow us. About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. SOURCE ZutaCore Modal title PRN Top Stories Newsletters Sign up to get PRNs top stories and curated news delivered to your inbox weekly! Enter Your Email Select Country Select Country Submit Thank you for subscribing! Our newsletters contain tracking pixels to help us deliver unique content based on each subscriber's engagement and interests. For more information on how we will use your data to ensure we send you relevant content please visit our By signing up you agree to receive content from us.Our newsletters contain tracking pixels to help us deliver unique content based on each subscriber's engagement and interests. For more information on how we will use your data to ensure we send you relevant content please visit our PRN Consumer Newsletter Privacy Notice . You can withdraw your consent at any time in the footer of every email you'll receive. Unsere Newsletter enthalten Zahlpixel, die die Lieferung einzigartiger Inhalte in Bezug auf das Abonnement und die Interessen der einzelnen Abonnenten ermoglichen. Weitere Informationen uber die Verwendung Ihrer Daten im Hinblick auf die Zusendung von relevanten Inhalten, finden Sie in unserer Mit Ihrer Anmeldung erklaren Sie sich damit einverstanden, Inhalte von uns zu erhalten.Unsere Newsletter enthalten Zahlpixel, die die Lieferung einzigartiger Inhalte in Bezug auf das Abonnement und die Interessen der einzelnen Abonnenten ermoglichen. Weitere Informationen uber die Verwendung Ihrer Daten im Hinblick auf die Zusendung von relevanten Inhalten, finden Sie in unserer PRN Consumer Newsletter Privacy Notice . Ihre Zustimmung konnen Sie jederzeit in der Fuzeile jeder erhaltenen E-Mail widerrufen. Notre newsletter contient des pixels espions nous permettant la fourniture a chaque abonne, dun contenu unique en lien avec ses souscriptions et interets. Pour de plus amples informations sur lutilisation faite de vos donnees en vue de lenvoi des contenus concernes, nous vous invitons a consulter la politique de confidentialite disponible a partir du lien suivant En vous inscrivant a la newsletter, vous consentez a la reception de contenus de notre part.Notre newsletter contient des pixels espions nous permettant la fourniture a chaque abonne, dun contenu unique en lien avec ses souscriptions et interets. Pour de plus amples informations sur lutilisation faite de vos donnees en vue de lenvoi des contenus concernes, nous vous invitons a consulter la politique de confidentialite disponible a partir du lien suivant PRN Consumer Newsletter Privacy Notice . Vous pouvez a tout moment revenir sur votre consentement par le biais des informations situees au bas de chaque e-mail recu. Russian occupation forces are suffering heavy losses in the Bakhmut sector. In particular, the 200th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 14th Army Corps of the Coastal Troops of the Russian Northern Fleet lost a lot of manpower, both in "two hundred" and wounded, with almost two hundred soldiers of this unit being treated in the city hospital of Pervomaisk, Luhansk region. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the operational report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, released on the morning of September 26. Representatives of this unit are fighting against Ukraine on the frontline between Bakhmut and Soledar. "It has been established that the 200th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 14th army corps of the coastal troops of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Federation, which is taking part in the fighting between Bakhmut and Soledar, has high combat losses of personnel, both sanitary and irreversible," the report says. The General Staff said that the invaders set up a military hospital in the central city hospital of Pervomaisk, where more than 200 invaders, mostly from the 200th Brigade, are being treated. The personnel of this unit have a low level of moral and psychological condition and no motivation to continue fighting, the report says. New sites at Darmstadt and Hamburg complement company's global integrated mRNA service network with pre-clinical to commercial capabilities Company's Millipore CTDMO Services now encompass all key stages of mRNA technologies, lipids, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and fill/finish, including key products and biosafety testing Expansion part of company's ongoing 1 billion investment plan to advance mRNA technologies BURLINGTON, Mass., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the first CTDMO (contract testing, development and manufacturing organization) to offer integrated services for all critical stages of mRNA development, manufacturing, and commercialization, including products and testing. The company today opened two new GMP-grade mRNA drug substance manufacturing sites in Darmstadt and Hamburg, Germany. MilliporeSigmas new large scale mRNA drug substance manufacturing facility at the companys headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. This new GMP facility is equipped with a scalable and flexible manufacturing process platform, enabling highest quality mRNA for clinical and commercial applications. "mRNA has emerged as the breakthrough technology of this century, providing great promise to not only treat, but potentially cure, a wide array of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and muscular dystrophy," said Dirk Lange, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "We are now the first CTDMO to streamline the entire mRNA process for our clients." The new sites are part of the company's ongoing 1 billion investment to advance mRNA technologies and build its global mRNA network and capabilities, as well as through acquisitions such as AmpTec and Exelead. The 28 million investment into the new GMP mRNA drug substance manufacturing sites at Darmstadt and Hamburg adds a total of 75 new jobs, providing clients mRNA services at all scales and applications from pre-clinical to commercial. This includes analytical development and biosafety testing specifically designed for mRNA technologies. MilliporeSigma also offers differentiated PCR-based technology for clinical and commercial mRNA manufacturing, providing clients with high-quality mRNA. With this integrated offering, the company can significantly decrease complexities through streamlined and harmonized processes and enhance clients' speed-to-market. Since the 1990s, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has collaborated with researchers to ensure they have the critical components and raw materials needed to explore mRNA's potential. Its unique combination of mRNA expertise, technologies, regulatory knowledge, and product portfolios streamlines mRNA manufacturing and testing. The company's mRNA, custom and portfolio lipids, LNP and fill/finish CTDMO services are offered throughout its global network of sites in Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and Darmstadt and Hamburg, Germany. "As a researcher working on finding cures with mRNA technology and as a believer in its curative promise, collaborating with the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has helped to advance my research in finding a cure by leveraging mRNA's promise for muscular dystrophy," said Dr. Simone Spuler, head of the Myology Lab at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint institution of the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin. The company's Millipore CTDMO Services also provide pre-clinical through commercial capabilities for monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins (mAb and r-proteins), viral vectors (VV), small molecules and high-potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPI), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as well as integrated analytical development, biosafety testing, and product characterization. Millipore CTDMO Services are part of the Life Science Services business unit, which together with the Process Solutions business is one of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's "Big 3" growth drivers. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany aims to increase its Group sales to approximately 25 billion by 2025. Around 80% of the planned sales growth is to come from the "Big 3" growth drivers. About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 28,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of 22.2 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com. Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. SOURCE MilliporeSigma Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Merrimack Valley nurses are advocating for a fair contract to help retain a strong workforce and high-quality cancer care to local patients METHUEN, Mass., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A one-day strike by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Merrimack Valley registered nurses and nurse practitioners appears likely to begin at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 because DFCI executives have refused to make reasonable compromises with nurses to reach a fair contract. Instead, DFCI executives have threatened to lock out nurses after the strike and spend precious patient care resources on travelers. DFCI MV nurses are seeking to secure existing benefits and receive competitive pay, which would enable them to provide the high-quality cancer care Merrimack Valley patients deserve. DFCI has made minimal movement since nurses announced their strike, including no agreement on benefits and daily overtime standards. Strike and Lockout Details Where: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Merrimack Valley at 5 Branch St., Methuen, MA. Nurse Strike: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27 DFCI Lockout: Thursday, September 28 and Friday, September 29 "It is outrageous that Dana-Farber executives would rather spend untold money on travelers and lock us out rather than simply meet the needs of nurses and support the cancer care we provide in Merrimack Valley," said Kate Mitchell, FNP-BC, AOCNP at DFCI MV. "What does it say about Dana-Farber executives that they cannot compromise with nurses on wages and benefits, but they can bring in outside nurses to extend a one-day strike into three days? Dana-Farber's decision confounds us and will undermine cancer care access in our community." Dana-Farber executives have forced DFCI MV nurses into a position to strike even as Dana-Farber has announced plans to shift its affiliation from Brigham and Women's Hospital to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and construct a freestanding inpatient cancer hospital. This plan will cost many millions of dollars, while DFCI refuses to make reasonable investments in its existing nurse and nurse practitioner workforce in Merrimack Valley. "We are prepared to strike if necessary to protect cancer care quality and access for Merrimack Valley patients," said Kerrin Albert, Infusion RN at DFCI MV. "We would prefer that Dana-Farber executives simply meet the needs of our nurses so we can maintain a stable workforce, but instead they have put us in this position to fully exercise our rights as union members." "On September 27, we would prefer to be with our patients, guiding them through treatment and knowing Dana-Farber truly values the care we provide," said Errin D'Arcangelo, Oncology Nurse Navigator at DFCI MV. "If Dana-Farber Merrimack Valley nurses are on the strike line September 27, it will be because Dana-Farber executives have refused to commit to competitive pay and secure benefits as part of a fair contract." DFCI MV nurses voted 97% to authorize a strike on August 2. DFCI MV nurses held an informational picket on June 2 attended by nurses, community members, union supporters, and elected officials. Among those in attendance supporting the nurses were State Senator Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, and State Representative Ryan Hamilton, D-Methuen. "As you know, these healthcare professionals are on the front lines of caring for patients and liaising with families," Rep. Hamilton wrote in an August 2 letter to Dr. Laurie Glimcher, president, and CEO of Dana-Farber. "They play a vital role here in Merrimack Valley by supporting patients through the hardship of a cancer diagnosis and bolstering our fight against this disease." DFCI Merrimack Valley opened in 2020 with 24 exam rooms and 32 infusion bays. The location offers expanded cancer and blood disorder care and outpatient services for adult patients in the region. DFCI MV nurses voted in June and July 2022 to form a union and join the MNA. The MNA also represents approximately 600 nurses at the DFCI campus in Boston under a separate contract. Dana-Farber Financial Highlights MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association This borderless digital experience is designed to serve the unique financial needs, money habits and issues faced by the Hispanic community. MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- h.way is a new digital account that caters to the specific banking needs, habits, and preferences of Hispanic consumers. The service intends to directly address financial issues experienced by Hispanics at disproportionate levels in the U.S. It offers a comprehensive range of banking services, from debit card accounts with fee-less, in-network ATM access, early payday options, and round-up savings to international money transfers with cashbackall in one app. According to the 2021 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households, almost 10% of Hispanic Households are unbanked. Moreover, the survey revealed that 21.7% of unbanked households cited "not having enough money to meet minimum balance requirements" as the primary reason for not having an account. h.way alleviates these concerns by not requiring a minimum balance to open an account, nor does it charge monthly or maintenance fees. This digital bank account service empowers customers to securely withdraw or deposit cash at over 60,000 ATM locations at no charge. Additionally, h.way offers the best total cost of remittance when transferring money across borders. All h.way accounts are held at an FDIC-insured institution and debit cards are protected by Mastercard's ID Theft Protection service. "Our goal is to help Hispanics realize their economic potential, thus improving their lives and positively impacting the U.S. GDP," said Co-Founder and CEO, Lionel Carrasco. "We're addressing the unmet core banking needs of our Hispanic consumers, with solutions such as no maintenance fees, no minimum balance, and a fully bilingual end-to-end experience. We are also tailoring our services to the diverse subsegments within the Hispanic market, providing features not available in many traditional banking apps, such as coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, integrated international money transfers, investments and AI-enabled conversational financial services. From hard-working immigrants who need to send money back home, to the high-income corporate professionals born abroad investing in stocks and ETFs, we're here to serve, connect and uplift our growing and increasingly influential Hispanic community." As the U.S. Hispanic population grows, so does its wealth and influence a McKinsey & Company Study indicates that Hispanics, a rapidly expanding group, will represent more than 25% of the population by 2050. Additionally, according to Ipsos, the wealth of Hispanics in America has also been steadily increasing in recent decades. Hispanics currently represent the largest affluent subgroup in the United States, with significant growth among younger generations. Today, one in five affluent Gen Zs is Hispanic, compared to one in fifteen affluent Boomers/Seniors. h.way officially launched with a multi-city, omnichannel marketing campaign, carrying the tagline "Dinero a nuestra manera" (Money done our way), highlighting the company's commitment to tailoring financial technology to meet Hispanic's financial habits and needs. About h.way h.way is an all-in-one digital account with a mission to promote Hispanic prosperity through equitable, culturally-aware, and AI-powered digital financial services. h.way leverages a bank sponsorship with Metropolitan Commercial Bank, and Mastercard which provides safety and security features to cardholders. h.way delivers unique digital banking services tailored to the money habits of Hispanics, unachievable for most fintech and retail banks. More information can be found at h-way.com. h.way was launched in partnership with Leap Financial, a financial technology service company with proven experience in building digital experiences for banks and Fintech partners. By using this card, you agree with the terms and conditions of the cardholder agreement and fee schedule, if any. The h.way prepaid Mastercard is issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank (Member FDIC) pursuant to a license from Mastercard. "Metropolitan Commercial Bank" and "Metropolitan" are registered trademarks of Metropolitan Commercial Bank 2014-2023. H.way is not a bank. From time to time, you may provide us with your information or the information of third parties. Additionally, we collect information that you generate when using our services. This information may be shared with third parties from time to time. For more information, please read our full privacy policy here. Leap Financial Inc. is a technology services provider and administrator of the card program. For customer service call 1-844-684-6844. Your funds will be held at or transferred to Metropolitan Commercial Bank, an FDIC-insured institution. While there, your funds are insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC in the event Metropolitan Commercial Bank fails if specific deposit insurance requirements are met and your card is registered. See fdic.gov for details. FDIC insurance does not protect your funds in the event of h.way's failure or from the risk of theft or fraud. SOURCE h.way Spotlights Shine on Monster and Call of Duty Endowment Partnership in Live Gaming Event CORONA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Monster Energy, a leader in the energy beverage industry, is proud to announce its continued support for veterans through its sponsorship of the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV presented by USAA. Monster Energy has committed $500,000 to the Call of Duty Endowment, a charity dedicated to helping veterans secure high-quality employment after their service. Monster Energy Continues Commitment to Veterans through Partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment Monster Energy, a leader in the energy beverage industry, is proud to announce its continued support for veterans through its sponsorship of the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV presented by USAA. Monster Energy has committed $500,000 to the Call of Duty Endowment, a charity dedicated to helping veterans secure high-quality employment after their service. "We are honored to take our commitment to supporting veterans to the next level through our partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment," said Dan McHugh, CMO of Monster Energy. "C.O.D.E. Bowl IV is not only an exciting display of gaming talent, but also a meaningful way to give back to those who have served our countries. We are grateful to be a part of this event where gamers from both sides of the Atlantic can come together for a common cause." Since its creation in 2009, the Call of Duty Endowment has made a significant impact, securing employment for more than 118,000 veterans across all major industries. The median salary of these veterans is $71,000 twice the national average. 100% of the net funds raised by the Call of Duty Endowment goes directly to helping employ veterans, who to-date have collectively earned $6.9 billion in first-year salaries after finding employment through the program. Monster Energy's contribution will further empower the Call of Duty Endowment's mission and enhance the lives of thousands more veterans. The announcement comes ahead of this year's annual C.O.D.E. Bowl competition, a highly anticipated event where United States, United Kingdom, and Canadian military branches go head-to-head for the coveted C.O.D.E. Bowl trophy. This year, a brand-new Most Valuable Player (MVP) award called "Monster Energy MVP" will be introduced, recognizing the standout performance of an individual participant who exhibited a relentless pursuit of victory and Unleashed the Beast on the competition. This year's event is scheduled to take place October 5th and promises to deliver the best of the gaming world while raising awareness for an important cause. Monster Energy's participation in C.O.D.E. Bowl IV presented by USAA and its partnership with the Call of Duty Endowment showcase the company's dedication to fostering positive change and giving back to the community. By aligning with the Call of Duty franchise and its passionate fan base, Monster Energy continues to champion core values of competition, camaraderie, and support for veterans to help them transition into the workforce. Watch the tournament on the Call of Duty YouTube, Twitch, Steam, and Facebook channels on October 5, 2023, immediately following Call of Duty: Next, the premier showcase event for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Multiplayer, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone! For more information about Monster Energy, visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy on Twitch, YouTube , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE and the CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE team names, logos and other team trademarks are the properties of their respective team owners. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. ABOUT MONSTER ENERGY Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the tradition, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy, including all of its drinks, at www.monsterenergy.com . ABOUT THE CALL OF DUTY ENDOWMENT The Call of Duty Endowment is a non-profit organization co-founded by Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard. The Endowment seeks to help veterans find high-quality careers by supporting groups that prepare them for the job market and by raising awareness of the extraordinary value veterans bring to the workplace. For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, please visit www.callofdutyendowment.org. For more information contact: [email protected] SOURCE Monster Energy WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by Eileen O'Reilly, president of the National Press Club and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on the murder of Mexican journalist Jesus Gutierrez Vergara near the border with Arizona on Saturday. "We were devastated to hear the news that Jesus Gutierrez Vergara has become the sixth Mexican journalist killed in 2023. Police have no suspects in custody for this crime. We urge law enforcement to find out who carried out this killing and to prioritize bringing them to justice. Gutierrez Vergara left his house in San Luis Rio Colorado in Sonora state and crossed the street to speak with four police officers according to news reports. Shortly after he arrived, a truck carrying men with automatic weapons arrived and opened fire. They killed one of the officers and Gutierrez Vergara. The other officers were wounded. Gutierrez Vergara was struck multiple times. Gutierrez Vergara , 47, was director of Notiface Prensa Digital de San Luis, a community Facebook news page that broadcast live police activities. In 2022, 13 journalists were killed in Mexico making it the most dangerous place to work as a journalist outside of a war zone. Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide. The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry. The NPCJI is the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club SOURCE National Press Club LISLE, Ill., Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) announced it has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative, solidifying its commitment to sustainability. Navistar joins other companies who are taking shared responsible business action to create a world in which we can all live and thrive. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 15,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries and more than 69 local networks. The UN Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. The initiative is also a call to action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include climate action, good health and wellbeing, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, responsible consumption and production, and industry innovation and infrastructure. "Navistar and its employees are proud of the strides we have made towards building sustainability into our products and business practices," noted Mathias Carlbaum, president and CEO, Navistar. "The launch of the International eMV Series and the next generation IC Bus electric CE Series school bus, as well as our work in energy intensity reduction are just a couple of the many steps we've taken to ensure we're responsible stewards of the environment. Joining the UN Global Compact is something I take great pride in both professionally and personally." Participating in the UN Global Compact provides Navistar with a framework to contribute actions towards broader goals as the company continues to pursue a vision to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility. Navistar is committed to taking a holistic approach to sustainability, including environmental and social goals. Navistar is working towards decarbonization and circular business in its products, operations, and supply chain. Recently, the company introduced a new Code of Conduct that relates to supplier and business partner due diligence and human rights, reducing emissions from Navistar's supply chain, and commitments to sustainable sourcing of raw materials. The company developed a focused strategy to support meaningful change on environmental equity and equity in access to education in the communities where we live and work and strives to create an inclusive work culture for its team by recruiting, hiring, training, developing, and retaining members from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Navistar's commitments to sustainability, visit www.navistar.com/sustainability/our-commitments. Website: Navistar.com/News About Navistar Navistar, Inc. ("Navistar") is a purpose-driven company, reimagining how to deliver what matters to create more cohesive relationships, build higher-performing teams and find solutions where others don't. Based in Lisle, Illinois, Navistar or its subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial trucks and engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, all-makes OnCommand Connection advanced connectivity services, and Fleetrite, ReNEWeD and Diamond Advantage brand aftermarket parts. With a history of innovation dating back to 1831, Navistar has more than 14,500 employees worldwide and is part of TRATON SE, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com. SOURCE NAVISTAR INTERNATIONAL CORP WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- VITAL , a new Hispanic-owned health benefits company that designs affordable health plans for the diverse U.S. Hispanic community, today announced its launch. Poised to operate across the country, VITAL (pronounced Vee-TAHL) was created to support the health and well-being of Hispanic families by removing barriers to care and empowering companies to create and maintain their own low-cost health care plans. The company launch event took place in Washington, D.C. near Capitol Hill. VITAL President Al Cardenas was joined by Emcee Ana Navarro, Host of ABC's The View, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-9) and Georgia Commissioner of Insurance, John F. King. VITAL's unique value proposition is centered on a significant and persistent disparity in uninsured rates, copays and deductibles between Hispanics and non-Hispanics. To address persistent health care disparities in the Hispanic community, VITAL's federally-compliant health plan designs provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional health care plans that meet the health benefit needs of U.S. employers across a diverse labor force and work environment. The company's health plan design eliminates the high-deductible aspect of typical health insurance plans and removes co-insurance, making a plan that's more attractive to patients' needs. The plans are self-funded ERISA plans that are backed by a stop-loss insurance policy with a low-attachment point. The make-up of the plans also reduces the likelihood of health insurance avoidance and mitigates personal health care debt. Ninety percent of VITAL's plans have no deductibles, and low or no co-pays for most generic medicines. VITAL is led by experts with decades of experience in the health benefits industry. VITAL's affordable, alternative health care plans are designed for small employers and aim to meet the needs of millions of uninsured Hispanic workers across the United States. At 64 million or 19 percent of the overall U.S. population, the Hispanic population is the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority. Unfortunately, the health disparities for the population have persisted despite an increase in Hispanics gaining coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Hispanic or Latino people have among the highest uninsured rate in the nation at 17.7 percent ; more than twice the national average . "We are proud to launch the first dedicated effort in the United States that focuses on the well-being of millions of uninsured Hispanic individuals and families," said Al Cardenas, President of VITAL. "VITAL-designed health care solutions are among the most thoughtful and innovative programs available anywhere in the U.S. We look forward to working with businesses to provide this essential health plan solution for their workers." Lack of access to quality, affordable health coverage among the Hispanic population often stems from language barriers, type of employment and/or immigration status. Individuals can feel comfortable communicating with VITAL in Spanish and English. Two other major, contributing factors discouraging members of the Hispanic community from participating in the United States health care system are fear and a lack of trust. VITAL's health plans are uniquely built by and for the Hispanic community. "Many years ago, I worked my way through community college as part of a nighttime office cleaning crew," said President Cardenas. "None of us had health insurance. Many wanted it, but also had to worry about saving for their daughter's 15th birthday party, or replacing an old clunker. Unfortunately, for millions of the people who make our country work, not much has changed. It's our mission with VITAL to finally do something about Hispanic health care, through private sector solutions." VITAL is a newly launched, Hispanic-owned health benefits company that designs affordable health plans to meet the needs of uninsured U.S. Hispanic workers and their employers. VITAL's benefits extend affordability and choice through plans built on reduced or eliminated copays not high deductibles that can improve health disparities among the uninsured in Hispanic communities across the U.S. Visit VITALsalud.com to learn more. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Vital NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York City Regional Center ("NYCRC") is pleased to announce the first I-829 petition approvals issued to EB-5 investors participating in its Steiner Brooklyn Navy Yard Redevelopment Project III offering ("Project"). I-829 petition approvals have now been issued in 16 NYCRC offerings. To date, 1,875 I-829 approvals have been issued to investors in NYCRC offerings resulting in 5,402 individuals (EB-5 investors and family members) achieving permanent residency in the United States. The issuance of the I-829 petition approval removes the conditional status and deems the EB-5 investor to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Permanent residence permits individuals to live and work anywhere in the United States and be protected by the laws of the United States. An EB-5 investor's spouse and children under the age of 21 are also authorized to live, work, and attend school anywhere in the United States. The Project included the next phase of redevelopment at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City's largest industrial park. The Project involved the redevelopment of the Admirals Row section of the Navy Yard, a six-acre site situated at the southwest corner of the industrial park. The redevelopment helped transform this section of the Navy Yard into a new commercial and industrial center that is critical to both the Navy Yard and those communities adjacent to the industrial park. The Project included construction of the first Wegmans supermarket in New York City as well as light industrial space leased to the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Construction of the Project is complete and all $50 million of EB-5 capital was spent on qualified construction expenditures. The I-829 petition submission reflects that 1,515 jobs were created from construction-related activity. About NYCRC NYCRC was approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2008 to secure foreign investment for real estate and infrastructure projects under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The company was the first regional center approved in New York City. To date, NYCRC has put over $1.5 billion of capital to work across a broad spectrum of infrastructure and real estate projects in New York City. Much of this capital has been invested in underserved areas in need of long-term economic growth. Examples include: $811 million to finance ground-up, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects in Brooklyn , including eight projects totaling $383 million in the Brooklyn Navy Yard; to finance ground-up, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects in , including eight projects totaling in the Brooklyn Navy Yard; $108.5 million to finance ground-up and redevelopment projects in Washington Heights (an Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone); to finance ground-up and redevelopment projects in (an Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone); $232.5 million to finance the construction of a public high-speed wireless infrastructure network in New York City subway stations and along city streets; and, to finance the construction of a public high-speed wireless infrastructure network in subway stations and along city streets; and, $220 million to finance ground-up construction in the Bronx . In addition, since 2016, a NYCRC-managed entity has received five separate new market tax credit awards from the U.S. Department of Treasury totaling $210 million. These allocations have provided a unique opportunity for the NYCRC to broaden its mission of providing financing that creates jobs and stimulates community revitalization in underserved areas of New York City. Previous new market tax credit capital has gone towards development projects that typically face financing challenges, such as health care centers, charter schools, and community facilities. These tax credit allocations are among the first managed by an EB-5 regional center. SOURCE NYCRC DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE: NREF) (the "Company") announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT), to discuss third quarter 2023 financial results. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-660-4430 or, for international callers, +1 646-960-0537 and using passcode Conference ID: 6891136. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, nref.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days. A replay of the conference call will also be available through Thursday, November 16, 2023, by dialing 800- 770- 2030 or, for international callers, +1 647- 362- 9199 and entering passcode 6891136. The Company plans to issue a press release with third quarter 2023 financial results before market open on Thursday, November 2, 2023. About NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc., is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NREF" primarily focused on originating, structuring and investing in first-lien mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, convertible notes, multifamily properties and common equity investments, as well as multifamily commercial mortgage-backed securities securitizations, multifamily structured credit risk notes and mortgage-backed securities. More information about the Company is available at nref.nexpoint.com. CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Thomas [email protected] Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Real Estate Finance, Inc. DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. ("NXRT" or the "Company") (NYSE: NXRT) announced today that the Company is scheduled to host a conference call on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 am CT), to discuss third quarter 2023 financial results. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 888-660-4430 or, for international callers, +1 646-960-0537 and using passcode Conference ID: 5001576. A live audio webcast of the call will be available online at the Company's website, https://nxrt.nexpoint.com (under "Resources"). An online replay will be available shortly after the call on the Company's website and continue to be available for 60 days. A replay of the conference call will also be available through Tuesday, November 14, 2023, by dialing 800- 770- 2030 or, for international callers, +1 647- 362- 9199 and entering passcode 5001576. The Company plans to issue a press release with third quarter 2023 financial results before market open on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. About NXRT NexPoint Residential Trust is a publicly traded REIT, with its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NXRT," primarily focused on acquiring, owning and operating well-located middle-income multifamily properties with "value-add" potential in large cities and suburban submarkets of large cities, primarily in the Southeastern and Southwestern United States. NXRT is externally advised by NexPoint Real Estate Advisors, L.P., an affiliate of NexPoint Advisors, L.P., an SEC-registered investment advisor, which has extensive real estate experience. More information about the Company is available at https://nxrt.nexpoint.com. CONTACTS Investor Relations Kristen Thomas [email protected] Media Relations Prosek Partners for NexPoint [email protected] SOURCE NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc. The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine responded to a video by the Russian Defense Ministry showing the allegedly living commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Viktor Sokolov. They said they were clarifying information about the elimination of the Russian general. ADVERTISIMENT According to the press service of the Special Operations Forces, available sources of the Special Operations Forces claim that the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is among the 34 dead, but many have not yet been identified due to the fragmentation of body fragments. "Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish a response with Sokolov allegedly alive, our units are clarifying the information. This is part of the procedure for collecting data on the results of the operation," the SSO said. It should be noted that on September 26, the Russian Defense Ministry published a video of a meeting of the department's board, which was allegedly attended by the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet Sokolov. He does not say anything in the published recording. It is currently impossible to confirm the authenticity of the video. ADVERTISIMENT The network notes that the video fragment with Sokolov is of low quality and does not have a date, which may indicate that it was taken from the archive. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - The day before, the Special Operations Forces said that a strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in occupied Sevastopol had killed 34 Russian army officers, including the fleet commander. Another 105 invaders were wounded, and the building itself is beyond repair. - Earlier, the head of the GUR Kyrylo Budanov said that two Russian generals were among the wounded. Colonel-General Oleksandr Romanchuk, the commander of the occupants' group in the Zaporizhzhia sector, is in a very serious condition, and Lieutenant-General Oleh Tsekov, the chief of staff, is unconscious. - The attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters was carried out on September 22. The Russian Defense Ministry reported one dead soldier, while Russian media reported at least ten. Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! JUNO BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced its Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) subsidiary has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Florida City Gas (FCG) to Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) (Chesapeake Utilities) for $923 million in cash. "We are pleased that FPL has reached this agreement to sell FCG to Chesapeake Utilities," said John Ketchum, chairman, president and chief executive officer, NextEra Energy. "This transaction allows us to continue our strategy of redeploying capital into our core businesses. I want to thank the FCG team for their hard work and accomplishments and am confident they will continue to be successful in the years to come." The transaction value of $923 million, including $145 million of intercompany debt, is expected to be accretive to NextEra Energy earnings immediately upon closing. The impact of the gain on sale at the time of closing will be excluded from adjusted earnings. Expected to be completed over the next several months, the sale is conditioned upon satisfaction of the Hart-Scott-Rodino review and customary closing conditions. FCG serves about 120,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers across eight counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Palm Beach, Hendry, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River. Its natural gas system includes approximately 3,800 miles of distribution main and 80 miles of transmission pipe. Since joining NextEra Energy, FCG has been honored three times as a Most Trusted Utility Brand and twice as a Customer Champion, both recognitions from Escalent. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to NextEra Energy, and Norton Rose Fulbright is serving as the company's legal advisor. Outlook NextEra Energy today is reaffirming that its long-term financial expectations remain unchanged. For 2023 and 2024, NextEra Energy continues to expect adjusted earnings per share to be in the ranges of $2.98 to $3.13 and $3.23 to $3.43, respectively. For 2025 and 2026, NextEra Energy expects to grow 6% to 8%, off the 2024 adjusted earnings per share range. This translates to a range of $3.45 to $3.70 for 2025 and $3.63 to $4.00 for 2026. As previously communicated, NextEra Energy will be disappointed if it is not able to deliver financial results at or near the top end of its adjusted earnings per share ranges through 2026. NextEra Energy also continues to expect to grow its dividends per share at a roughly 10% rate per year through at least 2024, off a 2022 base. Presentation at 2023 Wolfe Research Utilities, Midstream & Clean Energy Conference John Ketchum is scheduled to present at the 2023 Wolfe Research Utilities, Midstream & Clean Energy Conference in New York City on Sept. 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. ET. He plans to discuss, among other things, NextEra Energy's long-term growth expectations. A live audio webcast and a copy of the presentation materials will be available at www.NextEraEnergy.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay will be available for 90 days by accessing the link listed above. NextEra Energy, Inc. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is America's largest electric utility that sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.8 million customer accounts, or more than 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune's 2023 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," recognized on Fortune's 2021 list of companies that "Change the World" and received the S&P Global Platts 2020 Energy Transition Award for leadership in environmental, social and governance. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. NextEra Energy's management uses adjusted earnings, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, internally for financial planning, analysis of performance, reporting of results to the board of directors and as an input in determining performance-based compensation under the company's employee incentive compensation plans. NextEra Energy also uses earnings expressed in this fashion when communicating its financial results and earnings outlook to analysts and investors. NextEra Energy's management believes that adjusted earnings provide a more meaningful representation of NextEra Energy's fundamental earnings power. NextEra Energy's adjusted earnings expectations exclude the cumulative effect of adopting new accounting standards; the effects of non-qualifying hedges and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities held in NextEra Energy Resources, LLC's nuclear decommissioning funds and other than temporary impairments, none of which can be determined at this time. Adjusted earnings expectations also exclude the effects of NextEra Energy Partners, LP net investment gains, differential membership interests-related and impairment charges related to NextEra Energy's investment in Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC. In addition, adjusted earnings expectations assume, among other things, normal weather and operating conditions; positive macroeconomic conditions in the U.S. and Florida; supportive commodity markets; current forward curves; public policy support for wind and solar development and construction; market demand and transmission expansion to support wind and solar development; market demand for pipeline capacity; access to capital at reasonable cost and terms; divestitures to NextEra Energy Partners, LP; no adverse litigation decisions; and no changes to governmental policies or incentives. Please see the accompanying cautionary statements for a list of the risk factors that may affect future results. Cautionary Statements and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but instead represent the current expectations of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NextEra Energy) and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) regarding future operating results and other future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of NextEra Energy's and FPL's control. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements concerning adjusted earnings per share expectations and future operating performance, statements concerning future dividends, and statements concerning the sale of FCG. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "will," "may result," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "seek," "potential," "projection," "forecast," "predict," "goals," "target," "outlook," "should," "would" or similar words or expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. The future results of NextEra Energy and FPL and their business and financial condition are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause their actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, or may require them to limit or eliminate certain operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in this news release and the following: effects of extensive regulation of NextEra Energy's and FPL's business operations; inability of NextEra Energy and FPL to recover in a timely manner any significant amount of costs, a return on certain assets or a reasonable return on invested capital through base rates, cost recovery clauses, other regulatory mechanisms or otherwise; impact of political, regulatory, operational and economic factors on regulatory decisions important to NextEra Energy and FPL; disallowance of cost recovery by FPL based on a finding of imprudent use of derivative instruments; effect of any reductions or modifications to, or elimination of, governmental incentives or policies that support utility scale renewable energy projects of NextEra Energy and FPL and its affiliated entities or the imposition of additional tax laws, tariffs, duties, policies or assessments on renewable energy or equipment necessary to generate it or deliver it; impact of new or revised laws, regulations, interpretations or constitutional ballot and regulatory initiatives on NextEra Energy and FPL; capital expenditures, increased operating costs and various liabilities attributable to environmental laws, regulations and other standards applicable to NextEra Energy and FPL; effects on NextEra Energy and FPL of federal or state laws or regulations mandating new or additional limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to significant and increasing compliance costs and substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions as a result of extensive federal regulation of their operations and businesses; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of changes in tax laws, guidance or policies as well as in judgments and estimates used to determine tax-related asset and liability amounts; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of adverse results of litigation; impacts on NextEra Energy or FPL of allegations of violations of law; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of failure to proceed with projects under development or inability to complete the construction of (or capital improvements to) electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities or other facilities on schedule or within budget; impact on development and operating activities of NextEra Energy and FPL resulting from risks related to project siting, planning, financing, construction, permitting, governmental approvals and the negotiation of project development agreements, as 3 well as supply chain disruptions; risks involved in the operation and maintenance of electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, gas infrastructure facilities, retail gas distribution system in Florida and other facilities; effect on NextEra Energy and FPL of a lack of growth or slower growth in the number of customers or in customer usage; impact on NextEra Energy and FPL of severe weather and other weather conditions; threats of geopolitical factors, terrorism and catastrophic events that could result from terrorism, cyberattacks or other attempts to disrupt NextEra Energy's and FPL's business or the businesses of third parties; inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage for protection of NextEra Energy and FPL against significant losses and risk that insurance coverage does not provide protection against all significant losses; a prolonged period of low gas and oil prices could impact NextEra Energy Resources, LLC's (NextEra Energy Resources) gas infrastructure business and cause NextEra Energy Resources to delay or cancel certain gas infrastructure projects and could result in certain projects becoming impaired; risk to NextEra Energy Resources of increased operating costs resulting from unfavorable supply costs necessary to provide NextEra Energy Resources' full energy and capacity requirement services; inability or failure by NextEra Energy Resources to manage properly or hedge effectively the commodity risk within its portfolio; effect of reductions in the liquidity of energy markets on NextEra Energy's ability to manage operational risks; effectiveness of NextEra Energy's and FPL's risk management tools associated with their hedging and trading procedures to protect against significant losses, including the effect of unforeseen price variances from historical behavior; impact of unavailability or disruption of power transmission or commodity transportation facilities on sale and delivery of power or natural gas by NextEra Energy, including FPL; exposure of NextEra Energy and FPL to credit and performance risk from customers, hedging counterparties and vendors; failure of NextEra Energy or FPL counterparties to perform under derivative contracts or of requirement for NextEra Energy or FPL to post margin cash collateral under derivative contracts; failure or breach of NextEra Energy's or FPL's information technology systems; risks to NextEra Energy and FPL's retail businesses from compromise of sensitive customer data; losses from volatility in the market values of derivative instruments and limited liquidity in over-the-counter markets; impact of negative publicity; inability of FPL to maintain, negotiate or renegotiate acceptable franchise agreements with municipalities and counties in Florida; occurrence of work strikes or stoppages and increasing personnel costs; NextEra Energy's ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate acquisitions, including the effect of increased competition for acquisitions; environmental, health and financial risks associated with NextEra Energy Resources' and FPL's ownership and operation of nuclear generation facilities; liability of NextEra Energy and FPL for significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums in the event of an incident at certain nuclear generation facilities; increased operating and capital expenditures and/or reduced revenues at nuclear generation facilities of NextEra Energy or FPL resulting from orders or new regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; inability to operate any of NextEra Energy Resources' or FPL's owned nuclear generation units through the end of their respective operating licenses; effect of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets or actions by third parties in connection with project-specific or other financing arrangements on NextEra Energy's and FPL's ability to fund their liquidity and capital needs and meet their growth objectives; inability of NextEra Energy, FPL and NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. to maintain their current credit ratings; impairment of NextEra Energy's and FPL's liquidity from inability of credit providers to fund their credit commitments or to maintain their current credit ratings; poor market performance and other economic factors that could affect NextEra Energy's defined benefit pension plan's funded status; poor market performance and other risks to the asset values of NextEra Energy's and FPL's nuclear decommissioning funds; changes in market value and other risks to certain of NextEra Energy's investments; effect of inability of NextEra Energy subsidiaries to pay upstream dividends or repay funds to NextEra Energy or of NextEra Energy's performance under guarantees of subsidiary obligations on NextEra Energy's ability to meet its financial obligations and to pay dividends on its common stock; the fact that the amount and timing of dividends payable on NextEra Energy's common stock, as well as the dividend policy approved by NextEra Energy's board of directors from time to time, and changes to that policy, are within the sole discretion of NextEra Energy's board of directors and, if declared and paid, dividends may be in amounts that are less than might be expected by shareholders; NextEra Energy Partners, LP's inability to access sources of capital on commercially reasonable terms could have an effect on its ability to consummate future acquisitions and on the value of NextEra Energy's limited partner interest in NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP; effects of disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the credit and capital markets on the market price of NextEra Energy's common stock; and the ultimate severity and duration of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, and its effects on NextEra Energy's or FPL's businesses. NextEra Energy and FPL discuss these and other risks and uncertainties in their annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and other Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, and this news release should be read in conjunction with such SEC filings. The forward-looking statements made in this news release are made only as of the date of this news release and NextEra Energy and FPL undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. SOURCE NextEra Energy, Inc.; Chesapeake Utilities Corporation STOCKHOLM, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The following representatives of Loomis AB's shareholders will serve as members of the Nomination Committee ahead of the company's Annual General Meeting 2024: Elisabet Jamal Bergstrom, appointed by SEB Fonder, Chairman of the Nomination Committee Bernard Horn , appointed by Polaris Capital Management , appointed by Polaris Capital Management Malin Bjorkmo, appointed by Handelsbanken Fonder Robin Nestor , appointed by Lannebo Fonder The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alf Goransson, has convened the Nomination Committee to its first meeting and has also been co-opted to the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee will ahead of the Annual General Meeting 2024 prepare proposals regarding: Chairman of the Annual General Meeting, Board members, Chairman of the Board, auditor, remuneration for Board members and the auditor and any changes of the instructions for the Nomination Committee. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 6 May 2024 in Stockholm. Proposals to the Nomination Committee can be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. In order for the Nomination Committee to be able to address submitted proposals in a constructive manner, proposals should be received before 31 January 2024. This press release is also available on the company's website, www.loomis.com. 26 September 2023 CONTACT: Alf Goransson Chairman of the Board Contact: Jenny Bostrom Head of Sustainability and IR Phone: +46 79 006 45 92 E-mail: [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/51/3842767/2321080.pdf Nomination Committee appointed ahead of Loomisa Annual General Meeting 2024 SOURCE Loomis AB LAB eN will involve institutions including Harvard University , Mass General Brigham, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Focus of the collaboration is to accelerate the translation of academic ideas to therapeutic product candidates in the cardiometabolic space CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and HAMBURG, Germany, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk and Evotec SE, today announced LAB eN (pronounced Lab ee en squared), a translational drug discovery accelerator that aims to nurture early research from academic institutions into novel therapeutics. The focus is on addressing unmet need in cardiometabolic diseases as well as rare blood and rare endocrine disorders. LAB eN is a unique engagement model that combines Evotec's multimodality drug discovery and preclinical development capabilities with Novo Nordisk's therapeutic, clinical, and commercial expertise. LAB eN has already signed on four academic institutions to participate: Harvard University, Mass General Brigham, Yale University, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. LAB eN2 "At Novo Nordisk, we are always looking for what is next in disruptive science. Many great ideas are started in academia, but translational research and moving the idea to the next stage remains a challenge," said Uli Stilz, Head of Novo Nordisk's Bio Innovation Hub in Boston. "With the launch of LAB eN and our collaboration with these institutions, there is a tremendous opportunity to address this longstanding gap and help move innovative science forward and seek to make a significant impact on people living with chronic conditions." The prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases is drastically increasing, with about 537 million adults worldwide living with diabetes1 and cardiovascular diseases being a leading cause of death globally2. While the need for new therapeutics is significant, the journey from academic idea to treatments for people living with chronic conditions is a long process that requires drug discovery and development capabilities and expertise as well as large investments of time, resources, and funding that can be difficult to acquire. LAB eN was created to provide a solution-focused pathway for academic researchers, with a mission to accelerate the translation of their academic discoveries into investigational new drug (IND) candidates for cardiometabolic diseases as well as rare blood and rare endocrine disorders. LAB eN will provide funding, scientific expertise, and technology to help advance product concepts through preclinical proof of concept, at which point successful therapeutic product candidates may be selected by Novo Nordisk for further investment and development. "We are enthusiastic about the launch of LAB eN with our partner Novo Nordisk," said Thomas Hanke, EVP & Head of Academic Partnerships at Evotec. "Based on leading-edge research and with access to Evotec's end-to-end integrated platform, we are confident that LAB eN will accelerate promising and innovative therapeutic concepts from bench to bedside in disease areas with significant unmet need." Participating academic institutions will work under a common governance framework which was established in discussions with the institutions Harvard University, Mass General Brigham, and Yale University with the goal of accelerating ideas easily. Research concepts will be selected for LAB eN support based on proposals from investigators at the participating academic institutions and will be jointly developed and executed by the academic investigators, Evotec, and Novo Nordisk's Bio Innovation Hub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, an R&D unit designed to work with academia, emerging biotechs, and established companies to uncover medical answers. For more details on LAB eN, please visit: https://laben2.com About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 59,000 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. About Evotec SE Evotec is a life science company with a unique business model that delivers on its mission to discover and develop highly effective therapeutics and make them available to the patients. The Company's multimodality platform comprises a unique combination of innovative technologies, data and science for the discovery, development, and production of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products. Evotec leverages this "Data-driven R&D Autobahn to Cures" for proprietary projects and within a network of partners including all Top 20 Pharma and over 800 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, as well as other healthcare stakeholders. Evotec has strategic activities in a broad range of currently underserved therapeutic areas, including e.g. neurology, oncology, as well as metabolic and infectious diseases. Within these areas of expertise, Evotec aims to create the world-leading co-owned pipeline for innovative therapeutics and has to-date established a portfolio of more than 200 proprietary and co-owned R&D projects from early discovery to clinical development. Evotec operates globally with more than 5,000 highly qualified people. The Company's 17 sites offer highly synergistic technologies and services and operate as complementary clusters of excellence. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com and follow us on X/Twitter @Evotec and LinkedIn. 1 IDF Diabetes Atlas | Tenth Edition 2 Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (who.int) SOURCE Novo Nordisk SHANGHAI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, in a highly anticipated development, Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research, a prominent figure in vitiligo treatment field for an impressive journey of 29 consecutive years, has unveiled a remarkable announcement: the inauguration of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai. This significant step marks the formal expansion of the distinguished Chinese vitiligo treatment institution into key metropolitan centers. This strategic decision by Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research not only brings the realm of TCM-based vitiligo treatment to Shanghai but also extends its influence globally. What is the rationale behind this strategic move? Benefits for Patients: Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's choice to establish a clinic in Shanghai eliminates the need for patients in the East China region to travel to Huahai's headquarters in Shandong for treatment. It also enables patients in and around Shanghai to access diagnostic and treatment services more conveniently, sparing them the need to journey to other cities or countries. eliminates the need for patients in the East China region to travel to Huahai's headquarters in for treatment. It also enables patients in and around to access diagnostic and treatment services more conveniently, sparing them the need to journey to other cities or countries. Shanghai as a top-tier city in China , boasts a wealth of medical resources and talents. It also serves as a focal point for international residents and a pivotal transit hub. Huahai's bilingual clinic caters to international patients and those with specialized treatment needs, offering them more accessible access to traditional Chinese medicine and a high caliber of medical care. Furthermore, Huahai has meticulously designed the patient experience at their Shanghai clinic, encompassing pre-diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases, thus enhancing patient willingness to cooperate and improving the overall treatment experience and recovery. Expanding International Perspective: This decision underscores Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's global vision and international treatment philosophy. Shanghai , as an international metropolis, attracts patients and medical professionals from all over the world, fostering collaboration and research in the field of vitiligo treatment. This will further elevate Huahai's reputation and influence on the global medical stage, providing more advanced treatment options for vitiligo patients in China and worldwide. Below are the key highlights of this Shanghai expansion. How does Shanghai's population density contribute to enhancing patient services and meeting medical demands? How have industry reputation and treatment efficacy become pivotal factors in attracting patients? How does the escalating demand for vitiligo treatment in the international market influence Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decisions? And how has the " Co-treatment of melanin and vitiligo " philosophy garnered industry acclaim and support, offering patients more confidence in their treatment choices? 1. Population Density and the Trend Toward a Younger Patient Base: Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decision to establish a presence in Shanghai is intricately tied to population density. Shanghai, as a first-tier city in China, boasts a massive population. According to data from a third-party research organization, Shanghai's permanent population has exceeded 25 million. The prevalence rate of vitiligo ranges between 0.1% to 2%, providing Huahai with a broad demographic base of patients. Furthermore, vitiligo is more common among young adults and adolescents, often correlated with the stress and irregular lifestyles of this age group. Shanghai's extensive patient base includes a significant proportion of young individuals, making the city an ideal location for Huahai's services. It is evident that Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's entry into Shanghai is likely just the initial step in their expansion plan, with potential future markets in cities within and outside China that share similar characteristics, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Tokyo, and Singapore. 2. Venturing into Top-tier Markets: What Sets Huahai Apart? Our research reveals that Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research, a long-established heavyweight in the field of vitiligo treatment since its founding in 1994, has amassed an impressive 29-year history of development. In this field, it is challenging to find an institution with a longer history, whether in public tertiary hospitals or regional private institutions. Titles such as "China's Only Secondary Class-A Vitiligo Specialized Institution," "16 Vitiligo Medical Publications " and the inclusion of the " Co-treatment of melanin and vitiligo " technique in national promotion in 2009, all testify to Huahai's outstanding achievements in this field. 3. Can Vitiligo Be Cured? Through our investigations, we have uncovered numerous recovery cases of vitiligo patients, numbering in the hundreds of thousands and hailing from over 120 countries. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research has categorized vitiligo into various subtypes based on the location of depigmentation, including segmental subtype and non-segmental subtype. Regardless of the subtype, Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research has numerous recovery cases to match. By examining the treatment progress of these cases, patients can gain insights into their own recovery timelines and prospects. 4. The Rise in International Market Demand: Vitiligo is an ideal condition for traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Thanks to Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's longstanding reputation among international patients, an increasing number of global patients are coming to China in search of Huahai's treatment solutions. In response to this trend, the establishment of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai, along with upgraded facilities for international patients at the institution's headquarters, demonstrates Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's commitment to provide convenient specialized treatment services for international patients. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research believes that choosing Shanghai, an international city, will help meet the growing international market demand. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decision to establish a presence in Shanghai is driven by its confidence in population density, industry reputation, international market demand, and its advanced medical solutions. This move underscores Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's forward-thinking approach and professionalism. We believe that the inauguration of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai will offer high-quality treatment experiences and recovery solutions to more vitiligo patients in East China and around the world. For more details, you can visit the official website of Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research at www.huahai-vitiligo.com SOURCE Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research ADIPEC 2023 will provide a platform for industry to demonstrate it can help fast-track the energy transition - building the energy system of the future , while rapidly decarbonising the energy system of today . Policymakers, energy industry leaders, consumers, and technology pioneers will address the strategies and innovative ideas needed to accelerate the energy transition. Ten strategic and technical conferences to platform diverse perspectives of more than 1,600 experts from energy, finance and technology. ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 40 ministers and 120 leading energy industry executives from across the world, will come together in Abu Dhabi for ADIPEC 2023, where they will demonstrate progress, share strategies and spark innovative solutions needed to accelerate decarbonisation and the energy transition. Over 40 global ministers and 120 CEOs to address fast-tracking the global energy transition at ADIPEC 2023 (PRNewsfoto/ADIPEC) Hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2023 is the world's largest energy industry gathering, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 2-5 October under the theme of 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together.'. It is expected to bring together more than 160,000 attendees from 160 countries, across the global energy industry, to collaborate to decarbonise today's energy system and partner to build the energy system of tomorrow. Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of ADIPEC 2023 and CEO of ADNOC Offshore, said: "By 2030, the world will be home to an additional half a billion people, demanding more energy every year. At the same time, the global challenge of climate change calls for urgent, game-changing solutions to eliminate emissions. Every government, industry, business and individual has a role to play in decarbonising quicker, and creating the future of energy, faster, while safeguarding energy security and ensuring nobody is left behind. "Decarbonising, faster, together, is not just the theme of ADIPEC 2023, it is a rallying call to industry to work together to transform, decarbonise and future-proof our industry. We want to accelerate the innovation and tangible actions needed to enable a lower-carbon and higher-growth future for the world." ADIPEC 2023 will host a series of ministerial panel discussions that will encompass the geopolitical, sustainability and economic issues around decarbonisation and the future of energy, including sessions on 'Navigating energy and geopolitics in the new world order'; 'Global partnerships: a critical agenda to solve the energy crisis' and 'The road to COP28: climate, sustainability and an equitable transition'. Through its 10 strategic and technical conferences, ADIPEC will address how the energy industry can respond to critical industry challenges including eliminating methane emissions by 2030; phasing out carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2050; assuring energy security and clean energy investment flows in the global south; and scaling decarbonisation technology and clean energies to achieve carbon neutrality. Government leaders confirmed to speak at ADIPEC 2023 include: H.E. Haitham Al-Ghais, Secretary General, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries; H.E. Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE; H.E. Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt; H.E. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan; and H.E. Matt Jones, Minster of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Alberta Canada. ADIPEC's ministerial dialogue will be complemented by diverse perspectives from more than 120 C-suite executives from across the energy value chain. The lead CEO panel on day one of ADIPEC, titled 'Actions for a net-zero world: solving the current energy trilemma' will address the strategies and credible solutions needed to deliver net-zero pledges, including managing investor and consumer expectations, creating resilient workforces and ensuring financial investment to build new operating models. The session will feature Dai Houliang, Chairman, CNPC; Wael Sawan, CEO, Shell; Patrick Pouyanne; Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies; Vicki Hollub, President and CEO, Occidental; and Claudio Descalzi, CEO, Eni. Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, organisers of ADIPEC 2023, said: "For nearly 40 years, ADIPEC has been a key international gathering driving the global energy debate. In 2023, when the relationship between energy and climate is dominating government agendas, ADIPEC will again gather the world's leaders from government and industry to address the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition. "With the participation of over 40 government ministers and 120 leading industry executives, ADIPEC 2023 will be where policymakers and the energy industry exchange the insights and find the solutions that will enable the world to decarbonise faster and create a new, sustainable energy system sooner." This year, ADIPEC will include two new strategic conferences. In response to the growing role of hydrogen in global net zero plans, the ADIPEC Hydrogen Strategic Conference has been designed to discuss the role of hydrogen in global economies, the latest technological breakthroughs, near-term and long-term strategies, and the actions required to scale the hydrogen economies of the future. Meanwhile, the Decarbonisation Strategic Conference will feature strategic sessions with a focus on addressing the need for innovative policies, new investment, technological advancement, new energy sources, and decarbonisation of heavy industries. Also new this year is the ADIPEC Energy Talks that will include a series of 18 high-profile, in-depth interviews with global industry CEOs, government leaders and industry experts including Ashraf Al Ghazzawi; EVP, Strategy and Corporate Development, Saudi Aramco; Dr Ernest J. Moniz, Chief Executive Officer and President, EFI Foundation; Dr. Roland Busch, CEO, Siemens AG; Mark Brownstein, SVP, Energy Transition, Environmental Defence Fund; and Lord John Browne, Chairman, BeyondNetZero. ADIPEC will also feature over 350 curated sessions to address some of the world's most pressing climate and energy challenges. They will feature the unique perspectives and experiences of experts from around the world, helping to forge international collaborations while exploring the strategies and innovations critical to accelerating a cleaner, more secure global energy future. More than 160,000 attendees from 160 countries are expected to attend ADIPEC 2023, and over 2,200 exhibiting companies including 54 NOCS, IOCS, NECS, and IECS at 30 dedicated country pavilions will convene in Abu Dhabi towards a common goal to decarbonise quicker, future-proof sooner, and create the energy system of the future, faster. NOTES TO EDITOR: Other government leaders who will speak at ADIPEC's strategic conferences include: H.E. Belinda Balluku , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Albania , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Hakob Simidyan , Minister of Environment, Armenia , Minister of Environment, H.E. Parvaiz Shabazov, Minister of Energy, Azerbaijan Senator The Honourable Lisa Cummins , Minister of Energy and Business Development, Barbados Government , Minister of Energy and Business Development, Barbados Government Honourable Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy, and Mines, Burundi H.E. George Papanastasiou , Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Cyprus , Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Gambia H.E. Dr Matthew Opuku Prempeh , Minister of Energy, Ghana , Minister of Energy, Honourable Vickram Bharrat, M.P. Minister of Natural Resources, Guyana H.E. Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia H.E. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan H.E. Dr Saleh Al Kharabsheh , Minister of Energy and Minister of Resources, Jordan , Minister of Energy and Minister of Resources, H.E. Davis Chirchir , Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Kenya , Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, H.E. Sheikh Dr Nimr Fahad Al-Malik Al-Sabah , Undersecretary of the Minister of Oil, Kuwait , Undersecretary of the Minister of Oil, H.E. Nani Chrougha, Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy, Mauritania H.E. Leila Benali , Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Morocco , Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honourable Minister of State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Nigeria Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria H.E. Eng. Zafer Melhem , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Palestinian Energy Authority Chief, Palestine , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Palestinian Energy Authority Chief, Palestine H.E. Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy, Romania H.E. Aissatou Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Senegal H.E. Devika Vidot , Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, Seychelles , Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, H.E. Dr Abdirizak Omar Mohamed , Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Somalia , Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Francisco da Costa Monteiro , Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Timor-Leste , Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Timor-Leste H.E. Dr Alparslan Bayaktar , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Turkey , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Honourable Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda Top global industry executives who will speak at ADIPEC's strategic conferences include: Thomas Gangl, CEO, Borealis Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed , CEO, Mubadala Energy , CEO, Mubadala Energy His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa , Chairman, Bapco Energies , Chairman, Bapco Energies Anders Opedal , President and CEO, Equinor , President and CEO, Equinor Dai Houliang, Chairman, CNPC Dr Roland Busch , CEO, Siemens AG , CEO, Siemens AG Jeff Miller , CEO, Halliburton , CEO, Halliburton Alfred Stern , CEO, OMV , CEO, OMV Martin Helweg, CEO, P&O Maritime Logistics Takayuki Ueda , President and CEO, INPEX , President and CEO, INPEX Lorenzo Simonelli , President, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes , President, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes Majid Jafar, CEO, Crescent Petroleum Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO, Uganda National Oil Company Caspar Herzberg , CEO, AVEVA , CEO, AVEVA Akshay Kumar Singh , CEO and Managing Director, Petronet The full conference programme and list of speakers can be viewed here: https://www.adipec.com/conferences/ Media registration for access to ADIPEC 2023 can be completed here: https://www.adipec.com/press-media/registration/ About ADIPEC Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC will take place in Abu Dhabi on October 2-5, 2023, under the theme of 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together.' Built on a nearly 40-year legacy of innovation and evolution, ADIPEC brings together the ideas, ambition, technology and capital needed to decarbonise and create the energy system of the future, faster. It unites key stakeholders from across the energy value chain to accelerate urgent, collective and responsible action, produce credible, game-changing solutions, and foster the transformational progress needed to create an inclusive, future-proof energy system. Across 350 unique sessions comprising strategic and technical conferences, ADIPEC 2023 will welcome more than 1,600 speakers including government ministers, CEOs, policymakers, energy experts and innovators to rally industries, sectors and individuals around a common cause, encouraging collaboration and the action required to advance the world's decarbonisation goals. As the UAE prepares to welcome global leaders to COP28 in November 2023, ADIPEC will help frame diverse conversations that complement the nation's goal of delivering a COP of collaborative action, while driving investment into the clean energies of the future. For more information visit: www.adipec.com About ADNOC ADNOC is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADNOC's objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate's vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates' economic growth and diversification. To find out more, visit: www.adnoc.ae For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] Or [email protected] ; Maryam Danagege/ M: +971565885578 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221314/ADIPEC.jpg SOURCE ADIPEC CEO Leslie Voth passes the baton to Andrew L. Busser to continue growth and innovation JENKINTOWN, Pa., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pitcairn, a true family office celebrating a century of serving ultra-high-net-worth families, is pleased to announce a long-planned transition. Effective November 16, 2023, Andrew L. Busser, President, Family Office at Pitcairn will assume the role of CEO from Leslie Voth who continues as Chairman of Pitcairn Trust Company. In December 2021, Voth first informed the board of her decision to retire from the CEO position at the end of 2023, and planning for a seamless transition was immediately initiated. Motivated by the desire to ensure continuity of strategy and consistent client experience, the board decided to look for a successor internally and Busser quickly became the leading candidate. "Leslie is an incredible visionary and her contributions to this firm over the last 30 years are invaluable," said Clark Pitcairn, Chairman of Pitcairn Company, the holding company. "I had the privilege of hiring her, helping her grow, and watching her journey to become the leader she is today." "She was the first female CEO and Chairman of the Board and the first non-Pitcairn family member to serve as chairman. Her passion for our clients and our employees is infectious and under her leadership, Pitcairn is in its best position in 100 years," he continued. "We're excited to have Andy take the CEO role and provide the continuity that is so important to our clients as he leads the next phase of growth." Under Voth's leadership, Pitcairn grew as a multi-family office by creating an open architecture investment platform and offering a complete suite of family office services, serving the needs of more than 120 multi-generational families, including 22 single-family offices. She also led the development of Wealth Momentum, an experience-based family office service model that delivers at the intersection of family and wealth to create better outcomes for clients across generations. Additionally, Voth embraced diversity and inclusion, recognizing the need for Pitcairn's employees to mirror client families, especially as women decision-makers have become increasingly common. "I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished as Pitcairn has evolved from a single-family office to a modern multi-family office. I feel honored to have led that transition, but of course, it never would have happened without the support of the Pitcairn family, our board, and the wonderful team of professionals who work here," explained Voth. "When I took this job, the Pitcairn family told me, 'Make the client experience your north star, and if that goes well everything else will fall into place.' And it has. Pitcairn has evolved considerably during my tenure and the firm's needs going forward are different than they were when I assumed leadership. Andy is ideally suited to drive the next phase of growth and I know I leave Pitcairn in good hands." "Leslie's contributions to the growth and maturation of Pitcairn are immeasurable," said H.F. "Rick" Pitcairn, the firm's Chief Global Strategist. "It's a tribute to her acumen that she hired Andy, who is now her successor and will lead Pitcairn on the next stage of our journey. Andy understands our business, our clients, and how to continue the growth trajectory that Leslie set for the company. We could not have chosen an individual better positioned to take Pitcairn into our next hundred years." In his current role as President of Family Office, Busser leads Pitcairn's exceptional team of relationship managers, analysts, and client communications professionals, ensuring that the Pitcairn client experience sets the standard for families of wealth. Throughout his Pitcairn career, Busser has spearheaded the development of the Pitcairn Experience and he continues to position Pitcairn as a leading innovator among family offices. Before joining Pitcairn in 2015, Busser was a partner at Symphony Capital, a healthcare-focused investment manager of private equity and hedge funds. "I am incredibly grateful to Leslie for bringing me into the Pitcairn organization and for being such an outstanding mentor and friend. She has set a great example for all of our employees and provided wonderful support and guidance for countless clients," said Busser. "It is an extraordinary privilege to be a part of this firm, and I am honored to be named as Leslie's successor." Pitcairn was established in 1923, but the story really began forty years earlier in 1883, when John Pitcairn founded the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, today known as the Fortune 500 Company PPG Industries, which built the family fortune. It was his three sons who established the single-family office. Today's multi-family office, incorporated as a trust company, has 73 employees (49% female), a 100% open architecture platform of family-focused investments with more than $7 billion in advised assets, and offices in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, DC, and a presence in Florida. Media Contact: Courtney Viera JConnelly [email protected] 646.799.7172 SOURCE Pitcairn CARPINTERIA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PlanMember Financial Corporation is pleased to announce the opening of a new financial center, Sound Asset Advisors. Located in Ponte Vedra, FL, Sound Asset Advisors is owned and managed by Michael Fornasier, who has been a securities-licensed financial services professional for over 25 years. "We want to make a positive difference in the overall financial lives of our clients," says Michael. "To achieve that, we develop personalized strategies tailored to their unique circumstances, needs and objectives." While the new financial center serves individuals and families, educators, and public employees, they are especially dedicated to serving veterans and their unique financial needs. "At Sound Asset Advisors, we honor your service and understand the unique challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life," says Michael. "As a veteran-owned business, our mission is to provide you with the comprehensive financial guidance you and your family need to navigate this new chapter successfully." To learn more about Sound Asset Advisors, please visit planmember.com/saa/. Sound Asset Advisors are especially dedicated to serving veterans and their unique financial needs. Post this PlanMember, with more than $15 billion in assets, specializes in the 403(b), 457(b) and 401(k) marketplace. To date, PlanMember has established over 40 Financial Centers in 24 states, with a goal of expanding to 80 Financial Centers nationwide. "We're very excited to partner with Michael," says Al Close, PlanMember's Executive Vice President for Sales and Distribution. "As a veteran-owned business, Michael and his team embody PlanMember's philosophy of doing well by doing good." About PlanMember: For more than three decades PlanMember Financial Corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, has provided personalized retirement planning and administrative services to public and private sector employers and employees utilizing a broad selection of investment programs. The company is headquartered in Carpinteria, CA. Securities and advisory services are offered through PlanMember Securities Corporation (PSEC), a registered broker/dealer, investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. Sound Asset Advisors and PlanMember Securities Corporation are independently owned and operated companies. planmember.com/financial | LinkedIn SOURCE PlanMember Securities CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Polyurethane Foam Market by Type (Rigid foam, Flexible Foam, Spray Foam), End-use Industry (Building & Construction, Bedding & Furniture, Automotive, Electronics, Footwear, Packaging), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to grow from USD 49.5 billion in 2023 to USD 67.8 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2028. The market is witnessing average growth worldwide due to growing end-use industries in emerging economies and the increased use of polyurethane foams in building insulations for energy conservation versatility and unique physical properties of polyurethane foams. Browse in-depth TOC on "Polyurethane Foam Market" 398 Tables 45 Figures 312 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=1251 By type, rigid foam is estimated to hold the most significant share of the global polyurethane foam market. By type, rigid foam is estimated to dominate the polyurethane foam market globally in terms of value. The automotive industry contributed significantly to the growth of rigid polyurethane foam. It is used extensively in vehicle interiors for insulation and soundproofing, as well as in structural components for its lightweight yet strong characteristics. As automotive manufacturers focus on reducing weight for better fuel efficiency and electrification, rigid polyurethane foam has become a critical material. Building & construction is estimated to hold the most significant share of the global polyurethane foam market by end-use industry. By end-use industry, the automotive segment is projected to dominate the global polyurethane foams market during the forecast period. Polyurethane foam is a popular choice for various construction applications due to its ability to provide superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency. It effectively seals gaps and prevents air leakage, making buildings more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=1251 Asia Pacific regional segment accounted for the largest share of the Polyurethane Foam market. The Polyurethane Foam market in the Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share in 2022. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the major market for Polyurethane foam. This growth is driven by the automotive sector in Asia-Pacific has witnessed remarkable growth, with the region becoming a global hub for automobile manufacturing. Polyurethane foam finds extensive use in automotive interiors and insulation due to its lightweight, durable, and sound-absorbing properties. As consumer preferences for comfortable and quiet vehicles increase, the demand for polyurethane foam in this sector continues to rise. Covestro AG (Germany), BASF SE (Germany), Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. (China), Dow (US), Huntsman Corporation (US), Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA (France), DuPont (US), Recticel NV/SA (Belgium), Rogers Corporation (US), UFP Technologies, Inc. (US), INOAC Corporation (Japan), Trelleborg AB (Sweden), Woodbridge Foam Corporation (Canada), Future Foam, Inc. (US), and Tosoh Corporation (Japan), Foamcraft, Inc. (US), are the key players in polyurethane foam market. Browse Adjacent Market: Foam and Insulation Market Research & Consulting Related Reports: Polymer Foam Market - Global Forecast to 2025 Polyols Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. 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 Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/polyurethane-foams-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/polyurethane-foams.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Lesbian & Gender Non-conforming Employee alleges a White Plains, New York Starbucks store manager cited her sexual orientation and masculine presentation as reasons for denying her a promotion and terminating her. NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph & Norinsberg LLC announced today a civil action case in the New York Supreme Court, Bronx County, resulting from allegations that their client, Jahmelia "Jay" Peters, was denied a Starbucks promotion despite her previous experience in the role due to her sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression. Starbucks is being sued for unlawful discrimination and retaliation. The suit seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress, including back and front pay, as well as punitive damages for Starbucks' outrageous conduct. According to the formal complaint, Jay was denied a promotion by her manager, who explicitly shared with store colleagues that she would not be promoted because she was "gay" and "looks like a boy." Jay was subsequently fired while on her break for questioning the manager's decision. Jay had previously operated in that role in a different Starbucks location and to date Jay reports not having received her final paycheck in a final act of retaliation from the store managers. Another female employee that the manager had taken an inappropriate flirtatious interest in was promoted to Shift Leader over Jay, despite having less experience and expressly stating that she did not want the promotion. This was not the only woman in the store that the manager had sought to curry favor with in order to have a sexual relationship, and often shared intimate flirtatious text messages with other female employees in the store. "This is a human rights issue," stated Joseph & Norinsberg LLC Partner Bennitta Joseph. "Ms. Peters was denied the civil right to fair treatment in the workplace based on her gender expression, identity and her sexual orientation." The hostile environment created included aggressive verbalizations about "being bigger than you all" from the manager that Jay questioned about her promotion denial. Starbucks purports to be an inclusive workplace for its employees, but this matter went unaddressed forcing the firm to take action on behalf of their client. Earlier this year, Starbucks employees across New York complained that stores were banned from the usual pride celebration with store decor and pride month merchandise. Workplace discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community continues to persist in psychologically unsafe environments with sentiments bolstered by Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and bills circulating all over the country. The firm reports that it is looking forward to affirming it's client's complaints with overwhelming evidence of illegal discrimination as they seek rightful justice in court through the New York Supreme Court. About Joseph & Norinsberg LLC Joseph & Norinsberg LLC is built on a core philosophy that success comes only from meticulous preparation and hard work. We are NYC employment attorneys who believe very strongly that cases are not won by "showmanship" inside of court but by relentless and time-consuming preparation outside of court. The firm is committed to fighting passionately and aggressively for each and every client who walks through our doors, no matter who the client is or what the size of their case may be. You can learn more by visiting https://employeejustice.com/ . SOURCE Joseph & Norinsberg LLC New Orthopedic Company is Their Seventh Start-up STOUGHTON, Mass., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts based Primo Medical Group, a leader in the development, manufacture and assembly of quality medical devices, and precision machined custom components announced today the launch of their seventh start-up company. Trax Surgical LLC is an orthopedic product development and distribution company principally serving the needs of the orthopedic extremities market. Trax Surgical recently received FDA 510(k) clearance to market the TRAX Compression Screw System. The TRAX Compression Screw System offers a wide range of bone screws for osteotomy, fixation, fusion, and fracture procedures. The TRAX Compression Screw System is comprised of headed and non-headed titanium screws. Each cannulated, self-tapping screw is available in 2.0mm 6.5mm diameters, and a choice of lengths that range from 12.0mm 110.0mm. A set of non-cannulated, headed snap-off screws are available in 2.0mm diameter and are offered with four lengths; 11.0mm- 14.0mm. Trax Surgical is developing an orthopedic compression staple to be made from Nitinol. With inherent compressive properties the staple creates a stable fracture environment that promotes primary bone healing. Bone staples have a key intraoperative advantage in that they are technically easier and faster to apply as fewer steps are required. This is an important option for surgeons to have when assessing the needs of their patients. Trax Surgical is expecting to launch its compression staple in the third quarter of 2024. About Primo Medical Group Primo Medical Group offers the most comprehensive outsourcing solutions for the medical device market, including OEM product distribution services, engineering services, precision component production, finished goods assembly, medical device refurbishment, reusable surgical kit management and complete supply chain management. Established in 1953, Primo Medical Group is a privately held company with five facilities in Massachusetts. Primo Medical Group is an FDA Registered Contract Manufacturer and is compliant with FDA Quality Systems Regulations. Primo Medical Group is also ISO 13485:2016 certified, and is a registered manufacturer with the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance. Over the past 24 years Primo Medical Group has incubated and co-funded several new technologies including Angiolink Corporation (acquired by Medtronic), Arthrosurface (acquired by Anika Therapeutics), Spirus Medical, Inc. (acquired by Olympus), Cardiosolutions, Inc., Saphena Medical Inc., and Versago Vascular Access. Contact: Andrea Patisteas Senior Executive Vice President Primo Medical Group 781.828-4400 SOURCE Primo Medical Group On the night of September 26, Russian terrorists attacked Cherkasy region with Shahed kamikaze attack drones. One of the enemy drones hit an infrastructure facility. ADVERTISIMENT Air defense forces destroyed 4 Russian UAVs over the region. The head of the Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, Ihor Taburets, reported this on Telegram . According to the head of the regional military administration, one of the infrastructure facilities was damaged as a result of the enemy attack at night. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties. Taburets noted that the consequences of the drone attack are being eliminated at the scene. "An alarming start to the day in Cherkasy region. At night, the enemy attacked our region with Shaheds. Air defense forces shot down four enemy air targets. However, there was a hit to an infrastructure facility. Preliminary, there were no casualties. The liquidation of the consequences is underway," said the head of the regional military administration. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, on the night of September 26, the aggressor country Russia carried out another massive attack with Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones in Odesa region. Most of the drones were destroyed in the air, but there were also hits: the port infrastructure was damaged and people were injured. Earlier it was reported that on September 26, Ukrainian defenders repelled a night attack by Russia with Shahed-131/136 kamikaze drones. Twenty-six out of 28 such attack drones were destroyed in the sky. As OBOZREVATEL reported, at dawn on September 26, a loud explosion and a column of smoke rose in Kryvyi Rih during an air raid. The occupiers attacked the region, hitting one of the enterprises. Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the exciting, growing field of Spatial Biology, the Orion platform from RareCyte has emerged as the platform of choice across biomarker discovery, translational and clinical research. Recent publications of pioneering findings in Nature journals, by leading translational and clinical institutions using the Orion multiplex imaging platform, demonstrate improved methods to help predict patient outcomes and to track the efficacy of novel therapies designed to shrink tumors ahead of resection. In a study published in Nature Cancer, the teams of Professor Peter K. Sorger and Dr. Sandro Santagata at Harvard Medical School (Boston, Massachusetts) identified spatial signatures predictive of survival / recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients which are significantly more prognostic than the existing CLIA test. By combining Orion's unique combination of speed and plex to generate high-fidelity, quantitative data across whole slides, this study interrogated tumor resections from seventy-four (74) human CRC patients for analysis of over 100 million cells. Automated generation and ranking of spatial biomarkers revealed novel markers that are highly predictive of progression-free survival. A recent study led by Dr. Pashtoon Kasi of Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian Hospital (New York, New York) and published in Nature's Oncogene, demonstrated - for the first time - significant tumor-shrinking activity of neoadjuvant immunotherapy drugs botensilimab plus balstilimab in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC). High-fidelity, quantitative data across whole tissue sections demonstrated a marked increase in immune infiltration and tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy. According to translational and pharmaceutical customers alike, the ability to test the effects of immune oncology drugs in a fast and comprehensive manner makes Orion the platform of choice for therapeutic drug development. The global adoption of Orion for spatial biology research is a continuation of RareCyte's legacy of supporting important studies across all therapeutic areas, with a special focus on oncology. Recent publications including from GZA Sint Augustinus, Mass General Hospital, the University of Southern California and University of Sydney highlight the use of RareCyte's AccuCyte and CyteFinder technologies for key liquid biopsy studies involving circulating rare cells. About RareCyte: RareCyte is an innovative precision biology company that develops technologies and end-to-end integrated platforms enabling advances in oncology, immuno-oncology, maternal-fetal health, and cell and gene therapy. As a leading biotechnology company, our team of scientists and engineers are continuously dedicated to design products and provide services which advance precision medicine and biomedical research, ensure successful clinical development programs, and contribute to companion diagnostic development. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. For more information about RareCyte, visit www.rarecyte.com. Media Contact: [email protected]. SOURCE RareCyte, Inc. CAMBRIDGE, England, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Syskit Point, a leading platform for providing visibility in Microsoft 365 environments, introduced a new homepage and security features. A new starting point brings all the crucial dashboards to IT admins in a centralized place to simplify management and increase security. "Through continuous dialog with our customers, we deduced that the biggest challenge is the obscured visibility in the environment and the inability to take action immediately," said Toni Frankola, CEO of Syskit. "Syskit Point is recognized for its superior reporting and management features, but now we're taking things further. We have the simplest UX and powerful governance automation to include all employees and delegate responsibilities according to security best practices". The latest release includes two security features in the form of Security and Compliance Checks and Policy Automation. Security and Compliance Checks enable organizations to see immediately when a vulnerability occurs. Vulnerabilities are marked by severity, and the navigated dashboard indicates how to resolve the issues directly. The feature supports organizations in keeping up with security policies and compliance standards. Policy Automation provides an easy way to apply policies to all existing and newly created workspaces automatically. Frankola explained why organizations must prioritize visibility in M365: "With the advent of AI and upcoming business technologies, visibility in the environment is crucial now more than ever. IT admins must spend days digging through admin centers to create simple reports such as user permissions reports or try to detect how many external or orphaned users are in the environment. At the same time, the uncontrolled growth of workspaces creates security risks and hinders business continuity. Not to mention potential financial losses." All these novelties come as part of the company's rebrand that started earlier this summer. They've unveiled a new website imagined as a free knowledge hub for all things M365. Website visitors can master effective management of tenants of any size through various resources. These include MVP-led webinars, free PowerShell scripts, blogs, case studies, and eBooks. About Syskit Syskit is the creator of Syskit Point, a leading platform for providing visibility in the Microsoft 365 environment. Driven by a mission to empower users and reduce complexities in their ecosystems, the company developed a centralized hub for streamlining IT management and governance. Syskit Point is available for a 21-day free trial. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2161152/syskit_Logo.jpg SOURCE SysKit CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the near future, the respiratory care devices industry is poised for remarkable growth and innovation. Fueled by advances in technology and an increasing awareness of respiratory health, this sector is set to witness a surge in demand for state-of-the-art devices and therapies. Miniaturization and portability will be key trends, making devices more user-friendly and accessible for patients. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and telemedicine into respiratory care will revolutionize diagnosis and treatment, providing real-time monitoring and personalized interventions. With a growing aging population and the enduring threat of respiratory diseases, the industry's trajectory promises not only enhanced patient outcomes but also significant contributions to public health worldwide. Respiratory Care Devices Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $21.8 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $31.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Growth in this market can primarily be attributed to the Focus on improving patient outcomes and rising R&D investments resulting in technologically advanced devices. Respiratory therapists use several approaches to improve patients' respiratory health and overall outcome. For instance, incentive spirometry is an exercise to assist patients by taking long and deep breaths to gauge how well the lungs expand. Since it needs deep breaths, it will enhance the patient's ability to clear mucus from the lungs. Such activities are taught by therapists to patients, which propels the demand for respiratory care devices. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=368 Browse in-depth TOC on "Respiratory Care Devices Market" 556 - Tables 61 - Figures 468 - Pages Respiratory Care Devices Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $21.8 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $31.8 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% Market Size Available for 20212028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By product, disease indication, and end user Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Point-of-care Diagnostics Key Market Drivers Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases The pulse oximeters segment holds the major share of the respiratory care monitoring devices market. Based on product, the respiratory care monitoring devices market is segmented into pulse oximeters, capnographs and gas analyzers. The pulse oximeters segment accounted for the largest share of the respiratory care monitoring devices market in 2022. A large share of the pulse oximeters segment can be attributed to the development of innovative products, such as fingertip pulse oximeters & Bluetooth-enabled pulse oximeters, and their growing uptake. The hospitals segment holds the major share of the respiratory care devices market. Based on end user, the respiratory care devices market is segmented into hospitals, home care settings, ambulatory care centers (ACCs), other end users. The hospitals segment holds the major share of the respiratory care devices market. Growing public-private partnerships to improve access to healthcare servicesalong with rapid developments in healthcare infrastructure and improving access to healthcare servicesare expected to be the key factors driving the growth of the respiratory care devices market for hospitals in emerging economies in the coming years. North America segment accounted for the largest share of the respiratory care devices market. The global respiratory care devices market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America dominated the respiratory care devices market in 2022. The presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare expenditure in the North America are factors expected to drive the growth of the respiratory care devices market in the country. The high prevalence of asthma is expected to drive the demand for respiratory care devices in the US during the forecast period. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=368 Respiratory Care Devices Market Dynamics: Drivers: Rising prevalence of respiratory diseases a. Rapid growth in global geriatric population b. Urbanization and growing pollution levels c. High prevalence of tobacco smoking d. Changing lifestyles Increasing incidence rate of preterm births Growing outbreaks of infectious diseases affecting respiratory system Growing population with sleep disorders Improved patient outcomes using respiratory care devices Rising r&d investments for technological advancement of medical devices Restraints: Unfavorable reimbursement scenario for respiratory care diagnostics Availability of low-cost products from local manufacturers High cost of cpap machines Opportunities: Growing demand for home care therapeutic devices High respiratory care market growth opportunities in asia pacific and latin america Improving poc diagnostics Growing awareness about ill effects of untreated sleep apnea Challenge: Low awareness and lack of diagnosis of respiratory diseases Harmful effects of certain respiratory care devices on neonates Lack of patient compliance with cpap therapy Industry trends: Rising demand for enhanced compact and portable devices Key focus of market players on geographical expansions Growing demand for multimodal ventilation Rising adoption of non-invasive ventilation Key Market Players: The major players in the respiratory care devices market include Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), General Electric Healthcare (US), ResMed Inc. (US), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited (New Zealand), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Masimo Corporation (US), Dragerwerk AG & Co.(Germany), Getinge AB (Sweden), Nihon Kohden Corporation (US), Vyaire Medical (US), Hill-Rom, Inc. (US), AdaptHealth LLC (US), Rotech Healthcare, Inc. (US), Teleflex Incorporated(Japan), Air Liquide (France), Invacare Corporation (US), ICU Medical Inc. (US), Hamilton Medical AG (Switzerland), Apex Medical Corporation (Taiwan), Apex Medical Corporation (US), HUM GmbH (Germany), Nonin Medical (US), Allied Healthcare Products, Inc. (US), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (US), OMRON Healthcare, Inc. (Japan). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=368 Respiratory Care Devices Market Advantages: Improved Patient Care: These devices play a crucial role in managing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life. Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovation results in more efficient and user-friendly devices, enhancing patient compliance and comfort. Remote Monitoring: With the integration of telemedicine, patients can now receive real-time monitoring and support from healthcare professionals, even from the comfort of their homes. Cost-Efficiency: Advances in manufacturing and competition in the market have led to more affordable devices, making respiratory care accessible to a wider range of patients. Reduced Hospitalization: Effective home-based respiratory care can reduce hospital admissions and healthcare costs, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems. Personalization: These devices can be tailored to individual patient needs, optimizing therapy and minimizing side effects. Global Impact: The respiratory care devices industry contributes significantly to public health by addressing the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases, particularly in aging populations. Job Opportunities: The growth of this industry creates job opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, sales, and healthcare. Environmental Benefits: Many modern devices are designed to be environmentally friendly, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to sustainability efforts. Research and Development: Continuous advancements in this field drive research and development, fostering collaboration between medical professionals, engineers, and scientists to improve respiratory care and treatment modalities. Related Reports: Molecular Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Infectious Disease Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Next Generation Sequencing Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Influenza Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. 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/respiratory-care.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/respiratory-care-devices.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets In the race to find creative solutions to solve society's post-acute care crisis while tapping into the $1.1 trillion global long-term care market, leading North American healthcare institutions, seniors organizations, and technology marketplace funds back Homecare Hub's Airbnb-like scalable solutions to redefine senior care. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Homecare Hub , a company creating innovative home care and housing solutions through an on-demand, tech-enabled, small care home platform, took another key step towards its promise to provide affordable, high-quality alternatives to large institutional nursing homes. Today, they announced the close of their strategic seed round with funding from Froedtert Health's venture arm Inception Health , Ballad Health's venture arm Ballad Ventures , Baycrest's innovation arm the Center for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) , AARP , Blue Lion Global , FHS Capital , and a variety of prominent angel investors. The oversubscribed $2.5 Million USD round exceeded initial targets, and additional milestone-based funding was also secured. "We are thrilled to have support from multiple prominent health systems that serve both rural and urban populations, the world's largest organization for older adults, arguably the globe's top neurocognitive research organization, and a world-class tech marketplace fund," stated Homecare Hub CEO and Co-founder Dr. Vipan Nikore, "With the depth and cross-sectional experience of this impact driven group, this truly is a dream team that understands the complexity of the senior care and housing problem. They share our vision to create the most exceptional, scalable care and housing experience that has ever existed for patients while driving down costs for payers and improving hospital capacity". "Homecare Hub is leading the way in closing the gaps for complex hospital discharges. The design solution leverages and aligns existing community partners to care for residents who may have long-term specialized or complex care needs", added Diane Ehn, Vice President of Post-Acute Care at Froedtert Health. "This collaborative effort offers our patients the option of living in an affordable supportive home environment, while still maintaining their independence and quality of life. It is exciting to be part of this innovative solution that connects the community resources to our residents' needs." "As a strategic investor, Inception Health looks to invest in digital health startups that are driven to solve big problems in healthcare," said Mike Maschek, Director at Inception Health. "Our investment portfolio is built around companies that directly support the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network's staff, clinicians, and patients. Homecare Hub is an excellent fit for our portfolio as it offers an innovative approach to finding placement after a hospital stay for a vulnerable patient population while also providing a cost-effective senior living alternative for a rapidly growing population of middle-income seniors in our home state of Wisconsin." "The 'forgotten middle' is more than a buzzword it's a genuine healthcare crisis," remarked John Perez, Managing Director of Ballad Ventures, the investment arm of Ballad Health which operates 21 hospitals and was ranked by Becker's Hospital Review as the 37th largest US health system. "With Homecare Hub, we're investing in the future of more personalized, high-quality, and affordable care options in both post-acute and long-term care. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to embrace innovative solutions of tomorrow to build a legacy of superior health for those we serveand beyond." Homecare Hub has consistently grown since launching in 2020. The team is led by Dr. Nikore and technology leader Rahim Lalani. Dr. Nikore is an IBM software developer turned internal medicine physician with 13+ years of clinical experience at the Cleveland Clinic and leadership experience as TD Bank's Chief Medical Director, as a Medical Director at Trillium Health Partners, and at the University of Toronto. Mr. Lalani is a University of Waterloo computer science graduate with over 20 years of technology experience. Homecare Hub also recently announced that prominent physician leader Dr. Michael Apkon, former CEO of the renowned Hospital for Sick Children and former CEO of Tufts Medical Center, had joined its Board of Directors. Given the technology stack the team has created and the founding team's deep technology experience, Homecare Hub also drew interest from leading tech funds. The Blue Lion Global Fund participated and placed operating partner Matt Atkin to play a hands-on role on at Homecare Hub. Atkin was employee 100 at Uber, expanded Uber to 25 regions, and served as head of global expansion at Cloud Kitchens. "Homecare Hub's unique, technology driven marketplace and the expertise of Dr. Nikore are exactly what is needed to disrupt a stagnant post-acute care sector. The opportunity to scale their solution and positively impact a trillion-dollar market aligns with our fund's mission to back transformational ideas," notes Manu Gupta, who before founding Blue Lion held a leadership role at Goldman Sachs and was a founding team member of Lakestar and its ~$1.4 billion VC fund. Renowned brands in the older adult and aging space AARP and CABHI also invested. "Homecare Hub's Airbnb-like marketplace for small, shared living and care homes is not just a concept; it's a revolutionary approach that is creating a new way for older adults and people living with dementia to live with dignity and comfort" says James Mayer, Senior Manager, Investments & Venture Services at the CABHI. CABHI was formed from the largest investment in aging & brain health in Canadian history, and is powered by Baycrest Hospital, the top-ranked research-intensive hospital in Canada this year. Homecare Hub invites interested parties to learn more about their senior housing and home care solutions and groundbreaking approach by visiting www.homecarehub.com About Homecare Hub: Homecare Hub is a senior housing & care solution with a mission to help individuals with caregiving needs avoid large institutional facilities. They are revolutionizing post-acute care by creating high-quality, small 2-12 person co-living care homes on-demand. They create homes in rapid fashion, at a significantly lower cost than traditional nursing home options through a turnkey, scalable, tech-enabled platform. About Ballad Ventures Ballad Ventures is a venture capital platform focused on investing in innovative ideas that transform healthcare experience, cost, access, and outcomes for the better. As the venture capital arm of Ballad Health an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky we seek opportunities that drive the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of the organization, such as leading in the adoption of value-based payments, addressing health-related social needs, funding clinical and health systems research and committing to long-term investments in strong children and families. About Inception Health Inception Health's mission is to improve individual health status through the use of digital technology. As the hub for digital health for the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network , Inception Health brings together the best aspects of traditional accelerators, an "outside-in" mindset, and resources to rapidly test and scale digital health solutions. The Inception Health Investment Fund makes strategic investments in early-stage digital health companies that help solve real problems for our staff, clinicians and our community. About Blue Lion Global Blue Lion Global is a tech venture capital fund based in Los Angeles and London, backing founders that positively advance society. We focus on climate, health, and inclusive finance, and invest Seed and Series A across the US & Europe. Our unique structure allows us to continue supporting the best companies Series B+. Our partners have backed 16 unicorns resulting in two IPOs and over a dozen M&A sales. Nearly $425m has been invested into transformational companies such as Aetion Health, Blockchain.com, Builder.ai, Casafari,Even Healthcare, Figure, Forward Health, Glovo, Maker Studios, Omio, Opendoor, Pipe, Revolut, SoFI, and Taulia. We have held ~40 board seats on companies of >$130bn market value collectively, such as Builder.ai, Premier League, Revolut, Rathbones, British Business Bank, and the BBC. About Baycrest and The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain health with a vision of a world where, with your help, we can all Fear No AgeTM. Baycrest provides everyone the tools they need to make their later years the best years of their lives. Through our work in research, innovation, care and education, we are working to defeat dementia and create a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfilment. Baycrest is home to a robust research and innovation network, including one of the world's top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute; the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Canada's largest national dementia research initiative; and the Baycrest-powered Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector. For more information, visit baycrest.org . About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/ , www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP , @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates on social media. SOURCE Homecare Hub Complete data privacy for the first time in the AI and finance industry; new capabilities increase advisor productivity and effectiveness 10X NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RiXtrema, a New York-based pioneer in developing innovative tools for 401(k) plan and financial advisors using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science, has announced the launch of version 2.0 of its game changing AI tools, AdvisorAI and 401kAI. RiXtrema's new AI tools and their extraordinary capabilities give advisors the ability to do three hours of research in just three minutes, allowing advisors to increase productivity and effectiveness 10X. They completely change how advisors will work with client statements and documents by employing advanced computer vision technology and multiple language models to deliver actionable reports to any prospect within minutes of seeing a statement. Importantly, these tools protect data privacy, a capability unique to AdvisorAI and 401kAI and new in the AI and finance industry. "Those who adopt this groundbreaking technology will leave everyone else in the dust." ~ Daniel Satchkov, RiXtrema Post this "With the release of AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0, advisor technology will not be the same," said RiXtrema co-founder and president Daniel Satchkov. "Our new AI model for AdvisorAI and 401kAI is strictly gated, ensuring complete data privacy for advisors. Our model sits on a server that is completely protected. Each client's data is siloed and it goes nowhere else. ChatGPT, by comparison is dangerous for privacy. When you use ChatGPT, your data is incorporated into ChatGPT, or OpenAI, and essentially belongs to the world." "If advisors thought ChatGPT was cool, wait until they try AdvisorAI and 401kAI 2.0," continued Satchkov. "Those who adopt this groundbreaking technology will leave everyone else in the dust." ABOUT THE TOOLS The new functionality revolves around analysis, recognition of PDFs, research, quick analysis of large portfolios or 401(k) plans, advanced computer vision technology and multiple language models, and data privacy. Important breakthroughs include: Ability to load any portfolio or plan menu from the PDF file. Go from a PDF of an individual statement or 408(b)(2) to a full research report in three minutes. Ability to create a detailed analysis of recent trends, fundamentals of every asset in the portfolio, and a near instant research report on a portfolio or any asset. Ability to ask economic or financial questions and receive fast and cogent answers with charts. For example: "What is the US budget deficit for the last 10 years compared to Canada , France and Japan ? Please analyze the data and draw conclusions." , and ? Please analyze the data and draw conclusions." Upload and ask questions about any prospect or client document in complete privacy (unlike ChatGPT which puts your data into their universe for everyone to access). Summarize dozens of plan document pages with one click. Get AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0 to write custom emails for a plan or an individual. Create effective calling pitches for a plan or an individual. Knows about the advisor's services and qualifications and incorporates that information into emails and pitches. The new tools give advisors AI capabilities that they can control, helping them to become a master of AI in the qualified plan space and with individual clients. AdvisorAI and 401kAI 2.0 completely change how advisors will work with client statements and documents. By employing a multi-step process involving computer vision and multiple language models, it enables advisors to deliver actionable reports to any prospect within minutes of seeing a statement. Advanced computer vision technology allows advisor to even photograph a statement or for a lead to photograph and upload. "This is much more powerful than the old school manual entry of statements or even than data aggregation, which involves passwords and access to sensitive accounts," commented Satchkov. "401kAI and AdvisorAI 2.0 do not require anything other than the ability to photograph a document, everything else is done by the model." A key 10X functionality of the tools is the ability to load any portfolio or plan menu from the PDF file. "Working with lead and client statements is notoriously difficult," stated Satchkov. "It takes time to input the data; yet more time to research and deliver a convincing pitch. AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0 deliver the whole workflow in three minutes. The work is done by a private Large Language Model specifically trained to know finance, investments and economics. Advisors simply take a photo of the statement or load a file. The 2.0 versions of our revolutionary AI solutions run a full research report on every investment and/or qualified plan and delivers up-to-the-minute analysis and relevant charts in a stunning report." MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Satchkov emphasizes the need for advisors to try these tools to understand their benefits accurately. That's why RiXtrema offers a 100% money back guarantee for 401kAI 2.0 and AdvisorAI 2.0. If unhappy with the product or unable to use it, RiXtrema will return the purchaser's money within 30 days of purchase. "I think that many people are confused by the hype around AI, by the type of hope and by the fear that clouds things," explained Satchkov. "That's why we give 30-day money back guarantees to advisors when they purchase one of our AI tools. They can just return it and we'll provide a refund. The reason is that we want people to try the products so they will understand exactly how these tools are helpful. If they're not ready to truly embrace the tools, they can come back later. But they really need to try it in order to understand what our AI tools can do for them." "When you hear talk about Large Language Models or ChatGPT replacing financial advisors, do not be worried about that," cautioned Satchkov. "Be worried about other advisors using those tools to take away your share of market." SEE THE NEW TOOLS IN ACTION: WEBINAR SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 RiXtrema is hosting a webinar on September 28 where Satchkov will demonstrate the capabilities of AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0. Below are details to sign up for the event. Title: 10X Advisor Free Webinar: How To Do 3 Hours of Research in 3 Minutes Date: September 28, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm ET Register: https://RiXtrema.net/AdvisorAI_live/ SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AI EXPERT: DANIEL SATCHKOV Journalists interested in discussing AI in the finance world, are invited to schedule an interview with Satchkov. He has been building machine learning algorithms for over eight years, and has been doing data science for more than 20 years. He has a lot to say on the subject of AI. In a recent video interview with industry influential Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, Satchkov explained why these new AI tools are generating so much interest with fiduciary advisors nationwide. To view the video replay, click here. ABOUT DANIEL SATCHKOV An expert specializing in financial modeling and machine learning for financial advisors and wealth managers, Daniel Satchkov is the President of RiXtrema Inc. He is a member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory's (IFCC) working group on Artificial Intelligence and Genomic Diagnostics (WG-AIGD). Prior to RiXtrema, he was Associate Director of Risk Research at FactSet (2000-2010), where he researched and developed new and innovative software products dealing with cutting-edge risk measurement and reporting. Satchkov holds Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees from the University of the Pacific, and has spoken at numerous financial conferences. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, has published widely in leading industry magazines (e.g., Journal of Asset Management, Journal of Risk Model Validation, Investment and Pensions Europe), and received the prestigious 2015 Peter L. Bernstein Award for his joint paper "Robust Risk Estimation and Hedging: A Reverse Stress Testing Approach" published by the Journal of Derivatives. ABOUT RIXTREMA, INC. RiXtrema, Inc. is a pioneer in developing innovative tools for financial advisors using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. Based in New York, NY, RiXtrema currently serves over 7,000 retirement plan advisors and financial advisors. The company's mission is to help advisors grow their businesses and comply with fiduciary regulations. RiXtrema was founded in 2010 as a quant risk management system and started serving advisors in 2015. Since then, the company has combined the best machine learning for data gathering and financial math to create actionable reports for fiduciaries. RiXtrema's products use fiduciary analytics, science-based mathematical risk assessment models, intuitive interfaces, fine-tuned searches for plans and sponsors, case studies for each RiXtrema product, science-based mathematical risk assessment models, web-based software that does not need to be installed on computers, and multi-platform support irrespective of the operating system and computer's performance. All RiXtrema products come with a money back guarantee. For more information visit https://RiXtrema.com/. CONTACT: Grace Vogelzang or Corrine Smith Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE RiXtrema Neuralink director brings expertise in productizing AI and autonomy to leading defense tech firm SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI, the defense technology company building the world's best AI pilot for aircraft, today announced that Shivon Zilis, Director of Special Projects at Neuralink and former Open AI board member, has joined its board of directors. Shivon Zilis has joined Shield AI's Board of Directors "When I first met Shield AI's founders, I immediately knew I wanted to work with them. It was so clear that in order to continue our way of life we'd have to be vigilant about creating AI-based deterrents and I had been looking for a team who cared about this mission to its core and had an incredible moral compass, which I was grateful to find in Shield AI," Zilis said. "It's wonderful for things to come full circle after getting to work with them as an investor seven years ago and now formally getting to work with the team as a member of the board." Zilis brings 15+ years of successful operational and investment experience in the AI and autonomy fields, advising at several of the world's most successful AI companies as both an investor and a member of executive teams. "Shivon has extensive expertise building and leading teams to solve the world's hardest AI problems. She brings a unique blend of deep technical, investment, and operating expertise to our team," said Ryan Tseng, CEO and co-founder of Shield AI. "She was one of the earliest investors in Shield AI and has been passionate about our mission to protect service members and civilians with artificially intelligent systems since we first talked about it in 2016." Zilis worked at Tesla Autopilot and was a board member at OpenAI before settling into her current role at Neuralink. She was also one of the founding investors and partner of Bloomberg Beta. She is a Founding Fellow at the Creative Destruction Lab (a machine learning incubator at the University of Toronto); on the boards of the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute; a charter member of C100 (a nonprofit connecting the leading Canadian minds in technology); and a co-host of an annual machine learning conference at the University of Toronto. About Shield AI Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. In pursuit of this mission, Shield AI is building the world's best AI pilot. Its AI pilot, Hivemind, has flown a fighter jet (F-16), a vertical takeoff and landing drone (V-BAT), and a quadcopter (Nova). The company has offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and abroad. Shield AI's products and people are currently in the field actively supporting operations with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. allies. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Media Contact: Lily Hinz [email protected] SOURCE Shield AI With a growing global emphasis on nutrient preservation and food security, the market is poised to witness substantial growth, and it is anticipated to reach a valuation of US$ 895.0 million by 2033, reflecting the rising demand for advanced solutions in the agriculture sector. NEWARK, Del., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- By 2023, the global silage inoculants and enzymes market is projected to reach US$ 547.6 million . By 2033, its valuation is expected to soar to around US$ 895.0 million . The silage inoculants and enzymes market is anticipated to have a CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2033. It will likely generate a total financial potential worth US$ 347.4 million in the same time frame . Request to Download the Sample PDF Summary for an overview of the Comprehensive Research Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-17977 Future of Silage Inoculants and Enzymes By 2033, it is anticipated that the growing use of precision farming in Asia will increase demand for silage inoculants and enzymes. This farming mainly relies on the analysis and data gathering from sensors, drones, and automated equipment. Farmers can also use the data to make decisions in real-time about their farming practices. The capacity of silage microbial inoculants to boost efficiency and increase silage yield with the aid of data-driven concerns might increase demand for them. Farmers might be better positioned to efficiently use resources such as feed, water, and land as precision farming becomes more widely used. By launching effective feed management, silage inoculants and enzymes are anticipated to improve the quality of preserved forage and reduce waste. They are expected to assist in achieving precision agriculture's resource optimization aims. The silage inoculants and enzymes market is expected to rise as dairy product demand surges in North America. High-quality feed is anticipated to be given to dairy cows to keep them healthy and enable them to produce milk. In North America, silage prepared from alfalfa and corn is considered the ideal type of feed for dairy cows. The market for sophisticated silage inoculants and enzymes that can give cows the nutrients they need and maintain the nutrient quality of feed could expand. For instance, in the United States, more than half of the choices regarding the production of milk are made by individuals or families running dairy farms. Producer-owned cooperatives are typically comprised of these farmers. Milk from cooperative members is collected and transported to producers and processors. These dairy farm cooperatives have great vertical integration and manage their production and processing facilities. The ongoing growth of comparable cooperatives nationwide is anticipated to increase the need for better silage quality. Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Report Coverage: Attribute Details Estimated Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Size (2023) US$ 547.6 million Projected Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Valuation (2033) US$ 895.0 million Value-based Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 5.0 % Historical Data 2018 to 2022 Forecast Period 2023 to 2033 Quantitative Units Value (US$ million) Segments Covered in Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Study Type Species Enzymes Region Regions Covered in Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Report North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa Key Countries Covered in Worldwide Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Russia, GCC Countries, India, China, Japan and Australia Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Top Players Biomin Holding GmbH Kemin Industries, Inc. Schaumann BioEnergy GmbH Volac International Ltd Purchase now to gain access to the full report at discounted price: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/17977 Key Takeaways from the Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Study The United States silage inoculants and enzymes industry is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2033. silage inoculants and enzymes industry is anticipated to witness a CAGR of from 2023 to 2033. The United Kingdom is projected to reach a valuation of around US$ 33.8 million by 2033. is projected to reach a valuation of around by 2033. China is estimated to record a CAGR of 5.5% in the forecast period in the silage inoculants and enzymes industry. is estimated to record a CAGR of in the forecast period in the silage inoculants and enzymes industry. Japan registered a steady CAGR of 7.8% in the historical period from 2018 to 2022. registered a steady CAGR of in the historical period from 2018 to 2022. Based on type, the homofermentative segment is anticipated to record a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2033. from 2023 to 2033. In terms of species, the lactobacillus segment is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.6% in the assessment period. "A growing trend toward improving the nutrition of animal feed could support the global market even more. This can be attributable to farmers' increasing attention to improving the health and performance of their cattle. Demand might be increased by the ability of fish roe extracts and enzymes to enhance the nutritional content and digestibility of the silage." says a lead analyst at Future Market Insights (FMI). Competitive Landscape Reputable firms in the silage inoculants and enzymes sector are concentrating on spending enormous sums on research & development. To deliver improved performance, they want to improve their current product offerings. Additionally, they are developing specific inoculants to cater to different silage and forage production methods. Several other top companies in the silage inoculants and enzymes market are concentrating on growing their product portfolios to provide a broad selection of enzymes to suit multiple needs. In addition, they are developing socialized inoculants and enzymes for the dairy, meat, and poultry sectors of the livestock industry. For instance, Alltech introduced Egalis , a new range of premium silage inoculants, in November 2022 . In order to allow farmers to feed more and better silage while reducing feed waste, it maximizes nutrient quality retention while lowering dry matter loss. Egalis manages & drives forage fermentation using highly efficient homolactic bacteria and compounds that inhibit the growth of fungus. introduced , a new range of premium silage inoculants, . In order to allow farmers to feed more and better silage while reducing feed waste, it maximizes nutrient quality retention while lowering dry matter loss. Egalis manages & drives forage fermentation using highly efficient homolactic bacteria and compounds that inhibit the growth of fungus. Advance Maize Silage Inoculant was introduced in September 2021 by Micron Bio-Systems, a pioneer in animal feeding and agricultural goods based in the United Kingdom . Advance Maize is a crop-specific silage inoculant that offers the most effective fodder conservation method available. In order to improve the feed value, stability, and preservation of maize silage, the inoculant contains four crucial components. Get More Valuable Insights into Silage Inoculants and Enzymes Market Report Future Market Insights (FMI), in its new offering, provides an unbiased analysis of the global silage inoculants and enzymes market presenting historical demand data (2018 to 2022) and forecast statistics for the period from 2023 to 2033. The study incorporates compelling insights on the silage inoculants and enzymes industry based on type (homofermentative and heterofermentative), species (lactobacillus, pediococcus, enterococcus, and other species) and enzymes (fiber-digesting and starch-digesting) across several regions. About the Chemical and Materials Division at Future Market Insights (FMI) Expert analysis, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations the chemical and materials team at Future Market Insights (FMI) helps clients from all over the globe with their unique business intelligence needs. With a repertoire of over 1,000 reports and 1 million+ data points, the team has analyzed the chemical and materials industry lucidly in 50+ countries for over a decade. The team provides end-to-end research and consulting services; reach out to explore how we can help. About the Author: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in Chemicals and Materials Domain: Global Bioinsecticides Market is estimated to surpass a valuation of US$ 287 million by 2033. It is anticipated to cross a value of around US$ 101.3 million in 2023. A CAGR of 11.0% is expected for the market in the assessment period 2023 to 2033. Global Phosphate Fertilizer Market recorded sales of US$ 20,623.0 million in 2018. The market experienced a 30.0% year-on-year growth in 2022 and is anticipated to achieve revenues of US$ 55,599.5 million in 2023. Global Polyamide Resins Market is projected to amass a revenue of around US$ 6.7 billion by 2032, up from US$ 4.6 billion in 2022, moving forward with a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2022-2032). Northern-Europe calcium sulphate market is currently valued at around US$ 4,121.1 Mn and is anticipated to progress CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period (2022-2032). Nickel Carbonate market is currently valued at around US$ 267.5 Mn and is anticipated to progress at a remarkable CAGR of 5.6% to reach US$ 459.6 Mn by the year 2032. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 5000 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights VALLETTA, Malta, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine's largest airline, SkyUp Airlines, and its Maltese subsidiary, SkyUp Malta, have selected IBS Software to empower its commercial operations. IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel and cargo industry, is providing a digitally native passenger services system (PSS) to allow SkyUp to overhaul its previous platform and deliver greater flexibility as it recommences the scheduled flights. IBS Software to Power Commercial Operations at SkyUp Airlines SkyUp, a digital-first airline, has attracted widespread attention for its innovative actions since the start of the war, including the evacuation of its aircraft from closed airspace, its pivot to become an ACMI provider, and most recently achieving an Air Operator Certificate in Malta so the airline can operate anywhere in Europe. As SkyUp Airlines gears up to restart full-scale operations in EU following its temporary stint as an ACMI and charter airline, transforming its inhouse IT system into a world-class PSS is a significant part of its journey. IBS Software's cloud and NDC-native PSS platform will enable SkyUp to react to changing market conditions, giving them the ability to dynamically price fares and ancillary services and handle continuous pricing via a multitude of distribution channels. Importantly, the new platform also allows SkyUp to run both its core airline and Maltese subsidiary from one platform, enabling the airline to feed their inhouse tour operator and rapidly expanding partner network of travel agencies via their direct channel. "We are excited to partner with IBS Software, a like-minded partner with innovation at its core, to power the restart of our commercial operations," said Lyudmyla Slobodianiuk, CCO of SkyUp Airlines. "IBS Software's cloud-native PSS will provide the platform for us to move quickly and adapt to changing market conditions. We are convinced the partnership will be an important foundation for future success." "We are delighted to be selected by SkyUp Airlines to power the restart of commercial operations," said Benjamin Simmons, Vice President and Regional Head of Europe and Africa at IBS Software. "It is an honour to work with such a resilient and innovative airline as it continues to transform its business to overcome the adversity of both COVID and war. By supporting its commitment to replace legacy systems with next generation technology to serve its customers, we look forward to supporting SkyUp as it starts a new and exciting chapter in its history." ABOUT IBS SOFTWARE IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise, hospitality, and energy resources industries. Aviation Industry: IBS Software's solutions for the aviation industry cover fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel and air cargo management. Hospitality Industry: IBS Software runs a real time B2B and B2C distribution platform providing hotel room inventory, rates and availability to a global network of hospitality companies and channels. Tour & Cruise Industry: IBS Software's platform provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. Energy & Resources Industry: IBS Software's solutions cover logistics planning, operations & accommodation management. Digital Transformation: The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives of its customers, leveraging its domain knowledge, digital technologies and engineering excellence. IBS Software operates from 16 offices across the world. Further information can be found at www.ibsplc.com Follow us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram About SkyUp SkyUp Airlines, a Ukrainian airline founded in June 2017 and headquartered in Ukraine but with a European presence, has recently achieved significant milestones. In May 2023, the company, certified as SkyUp MT in Malta, successfully obtained an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization certificate (CAMO), and an Air Operator License (AOL). Operating under the SkyUp brand for over five years, we have consistently risen to meet challenges, constantly enhancing our services. Our current fleet consists of ten medium-haul Boeing 737 aircraft, with an average age of 14 years. At the core of our mission is the desire to inspire people to travel, fostering a shift in their perspective on the world. Notably, SkyUp Airlines was among the largest air carriers in Ukraine, as confirmed by the 2021 annual statistics from Ukraerorukh, where we secured the second position among Ukrainian airlines based on the number of flights conducted in Ukrainian airspace. In response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have adapted our operations and ventured into two key directions: providing ACMI services and conducting charter flights in response to requests from third-party airlines and tour operators, sport clubs, funds, etc. During the years 2022-2023, SkyUp Airlines established partnerships with a total of 15 airlines. Within the timeframe from February 24, 2022, to mid-2023, SkyUp successfully conducted 11,124 ACMI flights and 1,071 charter flights. Our flight operations span across Europe, encompassing destinations in Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, and several other countries. In the coming future, the company is poised to launch regular flights within the European Union. Furthermore, we are committed to being among the first to resume operations in the Ukrainian airspace once it is feasible. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220272/IBS_Software_SkyUp.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1169353/IBS_Software_Logo.jpg SOURCE IBS Software The global smart ports market is driven by rise in technological advancements, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, rising trade volumes, and real time information and visibility. PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Smart Ports Market By Technology (Process Automation, Blockchain, Internet Of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI)), By Throughput Capacity (Extensively Busy, Moderately Busy, Scarcely Busy), By Port Type (Seaport, Inland Port): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the smart ports market valued for $2.0 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $15.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.1% from 2023 to 2032. Smart ports, also referred to as intelligent or digital ports, represent a groundbreaking shift in the maritime sector. These ports utilize advanced technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to elevate efficiency, safety, sustainability, and overall operational excellence. Smart ports establish a coherent and intelligent ecosystem that optimizes cargo management, logistics, and collaboration among stakeholders by integrating diverse interconnected systems and harnessing real-time data. Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/7255 Prime determinants of growth The global smart ports market is driven by rise in technological advancements, operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, rising trade volumes, and real time information and visibility. However, high initial investment and legacy infrastructure restrain the market growth to some extent. Nevertheless, government support and incentives and global competitiveness are estimated to provide prolific growth opportunities in the upcoming years. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $2.0 billion Market Size in 2032 $15.5 billion CAGR 23.1 % No. of Pages in Report 410 Segments covered Technology, Throughput Capacity, Port Type, and Region. Drivers Technological advancements Operational efficiency Environmental sustainability Rising trade volumes Real-time information and visibility Opportunities Government support and incentives Global competitiveness Restraints High initial investment Legacy infrastructure Report coverage & details: There were widespread disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the flow of goods and cargo through smart ports during the early stages of the pandemic. Lockdowns, restrictions, and reduced workforce availability led to delays in cargo handling and transportation. In addition, the pandemic led to changes in consumer behavior and demand patterns. Smart ports had to adapt to handle different types of cargo, such as increased demand for medical supplies and reduced volumes in other sectors such as tourism-related goods. However, as lockdowns and restrictions eased in many regions, economic activities started to rebound. This led to an increase in global trade and cargo volumes, benefiting smart ports. Moreover, during the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for essential goods such as medical supplies and food. Smart ports adapted to manage the increased volumes of these goods. Procure Complete Report (410 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ http://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/smart-ports-market The internet of things (IoT) segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Based on technology, the internet of things (IoT) segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to nearly two-fifths of the global smart ports market revenue and is projected to rule the roost throughout the forecast timeframe. IoT sensors attached to containers, vehicles, and cargo allow real-time tracking and monitoring of their movements within the port premises and throughout the supply chain. This provides better visibility into cargo status, location, and condition, facilitating more efficient logistics operations. IoT sensors are deployed on port equipment, such as cranes, trucks, and handling machinery, to monitor their performance, health, and usage. Real-time data helps in predictive maintenance, reducing downtime, and optimizing equipment utilization. These factors altogether may surge the adoption of IoT technology in the smart ports market. However, the artificial intelligence (AI) segment would cite the fastest CAGR of 23.6% from 2023 to 2032. The extensively busy segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Based on the throughput capacity, the extensively busy segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than half of the global smart ports market revenue and is espected to retain its dominance by 2032. Implementing AI-powered autonomous vehicles and machinery can further optimize cargo handling processes. These autonomous systems can work collaboratively, adapt to changing conditions, and operate around the clock, increasing overall efficiency. Furthermore, in extensively busy smart ports, the successful implementation of AI technologies can be a contributor to smooth and fast port operation, driving higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improved customer experiences while meeting the challenges of managing large-scale operations. However, the moderately busy segment is expected to portray the fastest CAGR of 23.4% throughout the forecast timeframe. The seaport segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. Based on the port type, the seaport segment accounted for the largest share in 2022, contributing to more than three-fifths of the global smart ports market revenue and is projected to dominate the market in terms of revenue from 2023 to 2032. The same segment is estimated to experience the fastest CAGR of 23.2% during the forecast period. Seaport smart ports use AI-driven robotic and autonomous systems for the efficient handling of cargo. Automated cranes, gantries, and robotic vehicles ensure faster loading and unloading of containers, reducing turnaround times for vessels. Furthermore, seaport smart ports are at the forefront of the digital transformation in the maritime industry. For Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-ports-market/purchase-options Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032 Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifth of the global smart ports market and is projected to register the highest CAGR of 24.3% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific has been a leading region in adopting smart port technologies. Countries like China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have been at the forefront of integrating IoT, AI, automation, and big data analytics into their ports to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. The economic growth of the region and increase in trade volumes have necessitated the need for efficient and technologically advanced ports. Leading Market Players: - ROYAL DUTCH SHELL IBM CORPORATION KALERIS CISCO SYSTEM, INC. TRELLEBORG KONGSBERG ABU DHABI PORTS PORTS ABB LTD. INTEL CORPORATION HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global smart ports market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others 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 Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Marine Gensets Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Marine Signaling Devices Market: Global Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032 Smart Oilfield Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2030 About us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact us: 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 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/energy-and-power Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Soil Testing Equipment Market size is projected to grow by USD 1.59 billion, accelerating at a CAGR of 7.71% during the forecast period. The soil testing equipment market is driven by increasing demand for precision agriculture. Farmers and agronomists employ soil testing equipment to make informed decisions regarding crop management, encompassing planting, irrigation, and fertilization. Precision agriculture aims to optimize the utilization of resources like fertilizers, herbicides, and water by tailoring their application based on soil quality variations within a field. This approach minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. This growing demand for precision agriculture is expected to fuel the expansion of the global soil testing equipment market from 2022 - 2027. Technavio's report analyses market size and growth and provides accurate predictions on the growth of the market. Request Free Sample report now Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Soil Testing Equipment Market 2023-2027 Soil Testing Equipment Market 2023 2027: Key Highlights: The report recognizes the following as some of the key players in the soil testing equipment market: Agilent Technologies Inc., ALFA Testing Equipment, EIE instruments, ELE International, Eurofins Scientific SE, Geotechnical Testing Equipment UK Ltd., Gilson Co. Inc., Hanna Instruments Inc., Humboldt Mfg. Co., Hydraulic and Engineering Instruments, LaMotte Co., Matest Spa, Merck KGaA, Naugra Export, Nova Ventures Group Corp., PerkinElmer Inc., Plasti Surge Industries Pvt. Ltd., S.W.COLE Engineering Inc., Sun LabTek Equipments I Pvt. Ltd., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Soil Testing Equipment Market is fragmented in nature. Market to observe 7.31% YOY growth in 2023. Soil Testing Equipment Market 2023 2027: Market Dynamics: Trends - Portable soil testing devices offer several benefits that align with the evolving requirements of farmers, researchers, and land managers. These devices save costs by eliminating the necessity to send soil samples to a lab for analysis. Many portable soil testers are equipped with user-friendly software and interfaces, making them accessible to individuals with diverse technical proficiency. As a result, farmers can now gather precise data without the need for extensive training sessions. Portable soil testing devices offer several benefits that align with the evolving requirements of farmers, researchers, and land managers. These devices save costs by eliminating the necessity to send soil samples to a lab for analysis. Many portable soil testers are equipped with user-friendly software and interfaces, making them accessible to individuals with diverse technical proficiency. As a result, farmers can now gather precise data without the need for extensive training sessions. Challenges - Soil testing equipment might not see widespread adoption, particularly on small-scale farms or those with limited resources, primarily due to the significant initial costs involved. Small-scale farmers, despite the potential for improved crop yields and eventual cost reductions, often face financial constraints that prevent them from investing in costly soil testing equipment. Consequently, they may resort to conventional or less precise soil testing methods or may altogether forgo soil testing. The report also covers information on the upcoming trends and challenges. Download the Free sample report here Soil Testing Equipment Market 2023 2027: Key Segments: The market is segmented by Test (Physical, Chemical, and Residual), End-user (Agriculture and Construction), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The physical segment is expected to dominate the market's growth during the forecast period. The physical characteristics of soils have a significant impact in various fields such as environmental research, geotechnical engineering, and construction projects. These instruments evaluate soil particle distribution and the presence of aggregates, which influence factors like water flow, root penetration, and overall soil stability. Additionally, they measure soil pores or voids, impacting the movement of water, air, and nutrients within the soil. For more information on company analysis, segmentation and market dynamics, buy the report now FAQS How do the major trends impact the market? How big is the North America market? market? How do the key drivers and challenges impact the market? Related Reports: Agricultural Testing Market: The agricultural testing market share is expected to increase to USD 2.10 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 6.25%. Soil Fumigants Market: The soil fumigants market share is expected to increase by USD 149.86 million from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.07%. Table of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Test Market Segmentation by End-Users 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 On the night of September 26, the aggressor country Russia carried out another massive attack with Shahed-136/131 kamikaze d rones in Odesa region. Most of the drones were destroyed in the air, but there were also hits: the port infrastructure was destroyed, trucks burned and drivers were injured. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the head of the Odesa regional military administration, Oleh Kiper. He also showed footage of the aftermath of the attack (to view the photos, scroll down to the bottom of the news). According to the official, the occupiers terrorized the region with Shaheds for two hours. Air defense forces worked extremely hard and shot down most of the attacking UAVs. At the same time, the Izmail district came under attack by enemy drones. Arrivals at the port infrastructure were recorded there. "Two men, truck drivers, were injured. One of them received medical aid on the spot, the other was hospitalized with a severe arm injury," Kiper said. ADVERTISIMENT He added that the checkpoint building, warehouses and about 30 trucks were damaged in the area. Rescuers quickly extinguished the fires. However, six trucks burned to the ground. According to monitoring channels, the Shahed strike occurred at the Orlivka-Isaccea ferry crossing between Ukraine and Romania. Romanian social media posted videos of themoment of arrival filmed from their territory. The Southern Defense Forces emphasized that the night attack by Russian kamikaze drones was aimed at the port and border infrastructure of Odesa region, as well as the Danube region. Within Odesa region, 10 Shaheds were destroyed. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the hit caused a fire in the waiting area, and two people were treated. According to spokeswoman Natalia Gumenyuk, there was a very serious risk to the passengers of the bus, which was preparing to cross the border, and the border infrastructure at the international checkpoint was damaged. "The hit to the port and border infrastructure caused the destruction of grain storage facilities, damage to the administrative building, and trucks of private carriers. Stabilization measures are being taken at the international checkpoint, and passage operations have been suspended. Vehicular traffic is temporarily rerouted through the nearest checkpoints," the Southern Defense Forces added. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL reported, on the night of September 25, Russia attacked Odesa region with 19 Shaheds, 12 Kalibr missiles and two Oniks missiles. The defenders of the sky shot down most of the targets, but there were hits to grain storage facilities, and two people were killed. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! SONGMICS HOME invited 6 global celebrities from diverse backgrounds to showcase their personalized living spaces with SONGMICS HOME's products for everyday life. In the showroom, global audiences can appreciate Miss France 2022 Diane Leyre's artistic and cozy bedroom, interact with Michelin-starred Italian chef Denny Imbroisi about his proud private bar, discover fashion influencer Ghazal Farzaneh's outfit creativity, imagine how French two-tone coated cat Narnia plays and rests in his dream adventure paradise, experience Chinese lifestyle blogger Chantal Li's sunny and peaceful reading corner, observe French independent photographer Jeremy Marquise's working station. Each space is filled with their unique personality and living habits. SONGMICS HOME has contributed to supporting everyone to create their ideal homes for years, and will take further actual actions to provide more home solutions to global families. During the design week, SONGMICS HOME hosted a grand opening ceremony that attracted local French media outlets, industry celebrities, and partners. Franck Millot, the director of Paris Design Week, delivered a special address and highly appreciated the company's product creativity and cultural concept. SONGMICS HOME's CEO Robert Song and Product VP Peter Lee also participated the ceremony and offered some insightful views to audiences. Peter Lee shared the brand's mission, emphasizing its commitment to creating valuable and stylish furnishings products capable of helping global consumers create their ideal lifestyle. He also dived deeper into the design concepts and stories behind the newly launched Clickat and ECHO collections, demonstrating SONGMICS HOME's dedication to respecting and supporting the development of diverse global cultures. Clickat Collection has responded to the needs of cat owners by creating a range of pet home supplies that perfectly match various interior design styles. ECHO Collection embodies the essence of artisans' skills with the integration with modern design trend, in order to present a series of aesthetic-welcomed masterpieces. SONGMICS HOME also proudly announced a fresh partnership with the charitable organization Emmaus Defi during this exhibition. After the event has concluded, all exhibited items will be donated to Emmaus Defi, with the aim of supporting and improving the lives of underprivileged individuals. SONGMICS HOME is always actively promoting global social commitments and has launched a few charitable programs in diverse countries and regions. In the future, the company will continue to focus on enhancing global living environments and promoting ecological sustainability. Lea Genies, Director of Development and Communication at Emmaus Defi, expressed her gratitude for SONGMICS HOME's support of their charitable efforts. She hopes that this collaboration will bring a higher quality of life and dignity to those in need. SONGMICS HOME's commitment to fostering global cultural integration through valuable and stylish products continues to warm and illuminate homes around the world. The presence of SONGMICS HOME in Paris represented a milestone in the brand's journey, as it effectively showcased its design excellence and dedication to creating ideal living environments for customers. For more information about SONGMICS HOME, please visit the official website. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONGMICSHOME Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/songmicshome/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SONGMICS_HOME Contact: [email protected] About SONGMICS HOME SONGMICS HOME was officially established in 2010. We own 3 major product brands including SONGMICS for home furnishings, VASAGLE for stylish furniture, and Feandrea for pet supplies. With the mission of "Complete Your Dream Home", we strive to provide global consumers with furnishing products that are "Varied, Valuable, Stylish", enabling everyone to effortlessly create their dream homes. To date, our products have successively entered more than 60 countries and regions, including Europe, North and Central America, and Asia, serving over 20 million families worldwide. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221056/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221057/p.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221058/Clickat.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221059/echo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221060/BLR08158.jpg Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221061/6.mp4 SOURCE SONGMICS HOME Modal title PRN Top Stories Newsletters Sign up to get PRNs top stories and curated news delivered to your inbox weekly! Enter Your Email Select Country Select Country Submit Thank you for subscribing! Our newsletters contain tracking pixels to help us deliver unique content based on each subscriber's engagement and interests. For more information on how we will use your data to ensure we send you relevant content please visit our By signing up you agree to receive content from us.Our newsletters contain tracking pixels to help us deliver unique content based on each subscriber's engagement and interests. 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Vous pouvez a tout moment revenir sur votre consentement par le biais des informations situees au bas de chaque e-mail recu. America's #1 Imported Wine is Expanding into a Trending Category to Meet Demand for Sweet Heat LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stella Rosa Wines has done it again and #TacoTuesday drinks will never be the same. Stella Rosa Wines is introducing a new collection of sweet and spicy wines to its portfolio of 30+ semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wines. The Spicy Series is meeting two trending categories: sweet heat and low-ABV options. Stella Rosa Wines' Spicy Series: Mango & Chili, Pineapple & Chili, Lime & Chili Initially launching the collection with the Pineapple & Chili flavor, it has become the fastest-selling flavored wine SKU to enter the market in 2023. Now, it's introducing two new SKUs: Lime & Chili and Mango & Chili; fusing sweetness with heat. Each flavor blends Moscato D'Asti grapes and tropical flavors with Italian chili peppers and a 5% ABV, perfectly meeting the palette of loyal and new Stella Rosa fans. The new collection comes on the heels of growing data: 2 in 3 American consumers are interested in sweet and spicy flavors (Mintel) and sweet wine has become a $1B industry (Nielson). Stella Rosa is combining consumer behavior and data to bring a wine that builds heat over time and can be served over ice or in a cocktail, offering a unique wine-drinking experience with each sip. The details are even found in the packaging, each bottle offers a sweet to spicy meter for reference. "Our consumers are looking for a wine that is flavorful but also lower in alcohol content and fun," said Stella Rosa Wines President, Steve Riboli. "Maybe you're looking for a Taco Tuesday drink but don't necessarily want to break out the Tequila that's what the Stella Rosa Spicy Series is bringing to the table; an easy and refreshing glass of wine that offers the spice and fizz consumers crave." The ability to be innovative and playful in a traditionally rigid category has allowed Stella Rosa to be an industry leader, appealing to a multi-generational consumer. However, it doesn't stop the brand from reeling in Gen-Z and Millennials in abundance -- 27% of new Stella Rosa consumers are new to the wine category altogether. The brand has become synonymous with pop culture and innovation, continuously living up to its reputation as America's #1 imported wine. Interested in joining the spicy side? Stella Rosa Pineapple & Chili, Lime & Chili, and Mango & Chili are available for $10.99 MSRP at most major retailers. Find your Stella Rosa here and learn more about the Stella Rosa Spicy Series here. More about Stella Rosa Wines Stella Rosa is a selection of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Italian wines, evolving with the spirit of the times when it comes to wine trends and popular culture. Among its impressive achievements are a 10x Impact Magazine Hot Brand award and its position as the #1 imported wine in America. Most recently, Stella Rosa curated a collection of hand-crafted premium and fruit-flavored Brandy made from high-quality grapes grown in Northern Italy. Stella Rosa is created by Riboli Family Wines, a Los Angeles-based establishment founded in 1917. For more information, visit www.stellarosawines.com . Instagram: @ StellaRosa Twitter: @ StellaRosaWines Contact: Daniela Garrido, dgarrido@riboliwines.com SOURCE Riboli Family Wines Retail technology leader appoints Karen Short as a Board Member and names Claire Ko as Chief People Officer SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiftly , a best-in-class technology company that delivers omnichannel tools for retailers, today announced the expansion of its leadership team through the appointments of Karen Short as Board Member and Claire Ko as Chief People Officer. Their strategic addition to the company underscores Swiftly's commitment to propelling innovation, accommodating growth and cultivating an expansive portfolio. "We're excited to welcome Karen and Claire to the Swiftly leadership team as we work to help retailers develop into tomorrow's advertising giants," said Henry Kim, Chief Executive Officer at Swiftly. "Bringing Karen and Claire onboard accelerates the company as we enter our next phase of growth. We are fortunate to have them on the team." Ms. Short joins Swiftly after following the company's growth for several years. Her appointment to the board is not only strategic, but timely, as retail media continues to permeate the industry at breakneck speed. With the retail media market projected to reach $100B by 2026, its impact is outpacing the change that even social media had on advertising. Her experience in equity research coverage in the food, hardline and broadline retail domain in Equity Researchmost recently at Credit Suisse--gives her a unique and invaluable vantage point that will continue to solidify Swiftly as a leader in the retail media space. Boasting 25 years of equity research experience, Ms. Short is known for her deep understanding of the food retail industry and analytical eye. Her impressive pedigree makes her a sought-after expert in the field and her ability to analyze retail reports and earnings has positioned her as a leading contributor to networks, including CNBC. Ms. Short's professional background spans two decades and includes significant experience in the investment banking sector, where she contributed her expertise at industry-renowned institutions, including Barclays Investment Bank and Deutsche Bank. Additional accolades include top ranking in The Wall Street Journal's Best on the Street Survey as well as being a ranked analyst in the Institutional Investor All-America Research Team poll since 2014. "The transformation happening in retail is perhaps the most profound I've witnessed in my career," says Ms. Short. "The last time the retail industry experienced this kind of inflection point was the advent of supermarkets. After watching Amazon generate 68% of its profit from retail media, I knew that the rest of the market was in desperate need of a solution. I've watched how Swiftly has created effective and innovative technology that addresses this need and is successfully adding to retailers' bottom lines. I'm thrilled to join Swiftly's dynamic leadership team and to play an active part in driving change in the industry rather than observing from the sidelines. The potential here is immense, and I'm eager to contribute my part in shaping Swiftly's future." Swiftly also added Chief People Officer, Claire Ko who will lead key initiatives that optimize employee and business success. Boasting more than a decade of experience in human resources, Ms. Ko has a strong background in cultivating remarkable brands and developing effective leadership teams. As a result, she brings a unique perspective to Swiftly's human resources and talent management efforts. Her expertise lies in organizational development and nurturing positive workplace cultures, which she will use to help guide and strengthen all aspects of Swiftly's culture, values, and talent. This will include learning and development, talent acquisition, training, and employee experience. Ms. Ko's leadership will be instrumental in steering the company's growth trajectory and guiding teams across all phases of transformation. Prior to Swiftly, Ms. Ko served in the C-suite at numerous food and beverage entities including CookUnity, Schuman Cheese and Maison Kayser. "Motivated and supported employees are the heartbeat of any successful company," she shared. "I am honored to join Swiftly, a company known for its dedication to excellence and innovation. I am committed to supporting and developing our incredible team, fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, and driving our mission forward. Together, we will make Swiftly an even better place to work and continue to achieve marketable results." Ms. Ko and Ms. Short are impactful additions to an already dynamic leadership roster, following recently appointed Amazon veteran Andy Friedland, who joined earlier this year as the company's Chief Revenue Officer. With a best-in-class executive leadership team in place, Swiftly is well-positioned to deliver continued growth and innovation across products, partners, and customers. About Swiftly Swiftly is a leading provider of technology and retail media solutions for retailers worldwide. Founded in 2018, Swiftly offers innovative solutions that drive retail engagement and enable retailers to own the digital relationship with their customer. Swiftly's Retail Tools, Mobile Platforms, Analytics Tools, and Retail Media Network enables retailers to accelerate sales and build loyalty while enabling brands to reach more shoppers and amplify campaigns using the power of 1st party data. Trusted by hundreds of iconic brands, Swiftly is democratizing retail technology and giving retailers the tools they need to compete in today's crowded marketplace. For more information, visit www.swiftly.com. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Swiftly BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily: On Sept 22, 27 children with congenital heart disease from Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Qinghai province arrived at Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital in Tianjin's Binhai New Area for free treatment. Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital With ages ranging from 6 months to 16 years, they had been diagnosed with various types of congenital heart diseases when the hospital's staff conducted free congenital heart disease screening on 400 children in Qinghai's remote counties from Sept 11 to 20. These children were given the opportunity to receive free surgery at Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital. Since its establishment, Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and various social charity organizations to carry out a series of charitable projects aimed at support underprivileged children with congenital heart disease. To date, they have provided treatment to over 16,000 affected children, covering 28 provinces and 33 ethnic groups. Congenital heart disease is a congenital anomaly resulting from the abnormal development of the heart and blood vessels during fetal development. It ranks as the leading cause of death among newborns and is one of the primary causes of death in children under the age of five. Early detection and treatment are crucial in helping children with congenital heart disease regain their health. Guo Zhonghong, one of the first children to receive treatment, successfully underwent surgery, excelled academically, and became the first college graduate to emerge from the Heilongjiang Children's Welfare Institute. After graduating, she declined many well-paying job offers and chose to dedicate herself to civil affairs and charity work, contributing to the welfare of children and spreading love. Started in July 2006, the hospital has insisted on providing congenital heart disease screenings in remote counties in various provinces across China. Over the years, the screening vehicles have traveled to 18 provinces and regions, including Ningxia, Gansu, Yunnan, Guizhou, to provide congenital heart disease screenings. Their total distance covered has already exceeded 1.3 million kilometers, equivalent to circling the Earth's equator more than 32 times. Supporting underprivileged children with congenital heart disease has become an integral part of Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital's mission. President Liu Xiaocheng emphasized their comprehensive approach, from initial screening and diagnosis to evaluating surgical criteria, admission, surgery, recovery, discharge, and follow-ups. The hospital has developed a sophisticated and well-organized process. Regardless of the complexity of the cases, they make rigorous and through treatment plans. Every aspect related to the children's well-being, no matter how small, is handled with care and attention. The charitable acts of Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital not only exemplify the hospital's humanitarian spirit but also showcase the noble dedication of healthcare professionals to society, providing a perfect embodiment of medical philanthropy and social responsibility. SOURCE China Daily Ransomware attacks and unforeseen events such as system crashes, hardware failures, power outages, and other uncontrollable factors continue to threaten data security. Protecting your enterprise's data has never been more important. SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TerraMaster, a professional brand dedicated to providing innovative storage products for homes and businesses, recently released the latest version of Centralized Backup, a professional disaster recovery tool developed specifically for business users. By using Centralized Backup, company IT managers can back up data from diverse IT environments such as Windows computers, servers, file servers, and virtual machines to TNAS, which can then be centrally managed by TNAS. TerraMaster Centralized Backup Updated Centralized Backup Centralized Backup Key Features New VMware Virtual Machine Backup and Recovery The new Centralized Backup includes VMware virtual machine backup and recovery functions and supports the backup of virtual machines under VMware vSphere, including ESXi and vCenter components, can help enterprises to meet future recovery or migration needs by supporting storage backup of VMware Vshpere and Windows Hyper-V virtual machines. One Machine for Multiple Purposes By running Centralized Backup on a TNAS device, only one TNAS device can meet the enterprise's backup needs for employee computers, servers, file servers, virtual machines, and workstations, greatly reducing the enterprise's IT investment costs. Scheduled and Migrated Backups Centralized Backup can automatically schedule backups of enterprise data, reducing manual intervention, enhancing work efficiency, and storing data securely for future recovery. It also aids enterprises in migrating data between devices, such as local server-to-server transfers, ensuring data integrity and security. Multiple Backup Strategies Centralized Backup supports multiple backup strategies such as full backup and incremental backup, and can back up multiple data sources. Different enterprises can choose appropriate backup methods according to the needs to save storage space and backup time. Disaster Recovery Enterprises may face catastrophic events such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or human errors that result in data loss. Centralized Backup can swiftly assist enterprises in disaster recovery, minimizing business losses. In Full Control Centralized Backup not only provides users with detailed backup and restore task configuration history, but also offers millions of logs. By enabling the notification function, administrators can monitor the progress status of backup and restoration in a timely manner. Follow TerraMaster on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terramasterofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerraMasters LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3wKrjmr YouTube: https://bit.ly/3dMXGIK Contact: Yuki Shi +86 755 81798272 365934@email4pr.com SOURCE TerraMaster Encourages Californians to Prepare for Fire Season & Natural Disasters with New Public Awareness Campaign Hosts Annual California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CA, on October 14 SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Fire Foundation ( www.cafirefoundation.org ), the California-based non-profit that assists families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect, has proclaimed October as California Firefighter Appreciation Month (FFAM). In concert with state legislature initiatives, the California Fire Foundation will launch statewide programs and events to celebrate local firefighters, honor the fallen, and prepare Californians for fire season. To mark Firefighter Appreciation Month, the California Fire Foundation is raising money for key educational, financial, and emotional support programs. The Foundation's initiatives include its SAVE CARD program (Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency), which provides fire victims $250 cash cards to buy necessities immediately after a fire or natural disaster, its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness PSA program, and the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Wall in Sacramento that honors firefighters who lost their life in the line of duty. From January to April 2023, the Foundation has already helped over 380,000 Californians impacted by winter storms by distributing 2,350 SAVE CARDS worth over $772,000. Most recently, as a national leader in natural disaster response, the Foundation jumped into action to aid Hawaii firefighters by establishing the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. Residents are invited to prepare for wildfires and natural disasters, support with a tax-deductible donation, and honor firefighters in various ways: HOW TO SUPPORT? The Franciscan Wine Estate as part of E. & J. Gallo Winery, a family-owned leader in CA wines, is proudly donating $10,000 to support California Fire Foundation. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) also kicked off California Firefighter Appreciation Month early with its PIZZA WITH A PURPOSE fundraiser on September 25 . to support Fire Foundation. California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) also kicked off California Firefighter Appreciation Month early with its PIZZA WITH A PURPOSE fundraiser on . Local businesses and residents are invited to fundraise and donate at CAFireFoundation.org . . Residents are invited to thank their local firefighters and share their support on social media using hashtags #thankafirefighter #ffappreciationmonth #cafirefoundation in support! HOW TO PREPARE? The Foundation has launched Firefighters on Your Side (https://firefightersonyourside.org/) with multilingual tools and resources to view online and print, including: VIDEO PSA: What is a 5 Minute Plan ? (Link) VIDEO PSA: Pre-Pack Essentials (Link) Print your Preparedness Checklist (Link) How to Prevent & Escape Housefires (Link) (https://firefightersonyourside.org/) with multilingual tools and resources to view online and print, including: HOW TO HONOR? To honor fallen officers during Firefighters Appreciation Month, the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will be held in Sacramento, CA, on Saturday, October 14. The Memorial ceremony will feature a uniformed firefighter procession, tributes, and presentation of the U.S. flag to the families of those whose names are being added to the Memorial Wall. The Memorial Wall currently features over 1,500 names of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty in California since 1850. For additional information, please visit CAFireFoundation.org. Media Contact: DeeDee Garcia [email protected] SOURCE California Fire Foundation Five college students from universities across the country will be awarded scholarships totaling $20,000 for their exceptional essays on topical ethical issues. NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, an organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, announced this year's winners of the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest. The Foundation's yearly scholarship initiative selected five college student winners for their remarkable essays analyzing relevant ethical issues facing our world. The Prize in Ethics Essay Contest, established in 1989 by Professor Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion Wiesel, is an annual competition that challenges college students to contemplate an ethical theme or situation. Many essays often stem from a student's personal experience or introspection. Winners will be granted scholarships in varying amounts, totaling $20,000. "Challenging young people to articulate their thoughts via open-ended questions is the antidote we need to today's ideology-driven soundbites," said Elisha Wiesel, the son of Elie Wiesel and the Foundation's Chairman. "My father's passion for moral education echoes through this Contest and we're proud to amplify these students' voices through their exemplary work." Chosen by a selection committee among hundreds of applicants, this year's winners include: First Place Winner: Danielle Ranucci, Princeton University Her essay, "Suffering in Their Place," studies the intensity between indifference, caring, empathy, and genuine regard for those who are mistreated and persecuted, and the effectiveness of compassion in the battle against oppression. She reflects on her birth family in Kazakhstan, the socio-economic climate of the country, and the circumstances that come from being adopted. She writes, "My conversation with my adoptive-parents added another dimension to my ethical questioning: why should they be obligated to imagine the strangers who suffer around the world as some kind of family they never knew? The obvious answer was that we should always identify with each other's suffering because we were all human. But that seemed too simple to me. There must have been a more nuanced explanation." Second Place Winner: Cutter Canada, Trinity University His essay, "Doing the Most Good: A Story About Hope.", recounts his journey to veganism while considering his grandmother's words of wisdom, ancestral culture, and their relationship with food. Third Place Winner: Drew Cain, Trinity University His submission, "The Secret Lives of Private School Students: The Ethics of Secrecy, Truth-Telling, and Whistleblowing within Social Media," grapples with the themes of honesty, deceit, and silence set against personal events he experienced in his junior year of high school. Honorable Mentions: Nikkisha Joseph, of LaGuardia College Her essay "A Conveniently Used Word," reflects on when "doing the right thing" isn't always the easiest choice to make. Faith Seawell-Campbell, of Coppin State University Her piece "Hidden in Plain Sight Human Trafficking: A Threat to Humanity and Vulnerable Populations Worldwide," focuses on this form of modern-day slavery and exploitation of humankind. The Foundation was very honored to welcome back this year MSNBC host Rachel Maddow as a guest juror to review the final round of essay submissions. Ms. Maddow is a former Prize in Ethics winner herself from her undergraduate days at Stanford University, receiving honors for her essay, "Indentifiable Lives: AIDS and the Response to Dehumanization." In addition to their scholarships, winners are also awarded a trip to New York City for a seminar to discuss their essays among other ethical topics. This year's seminar will be led by Professor Wiesel's former student and Contest Readers Committee member, Rabbi Avraham (Alan) Rosen. The day will end with a celebration of their achievement at the renowned Lotos Club. Jury member, EWF Board Member, and long-time supporter of the Prize, Dov Seidman, founder of The HOW Institute for Society and LRN, will host the students for an annual luncheon. "I'm proud to partner with Marion and Elisha Wiesel and the entire Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity in awarding the Prize in Ethics. This remarkable group of student winners, who are already making a difference in the world by writing essays that prod the conscience and consider issues through an ethical lens, embody the hope that a new generation of moral leaders will rise to meet the challenges before us," said Seidman. Additionally, the Foundation has opened its submissions for the 2024 Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest, accepting applications through December 29, 2023. New for this cycle, the contest will be open to all undergraduate students enrolled full-time for the Fall 2023 semester at accredited four-year colleges and universities. Interested students may apply at the following link: 2024 Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest About The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics Essay Contest encourages students to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out issues, and offer rational arguments for ethical action. The contest is open to all undergraduate full-time students who are registered at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States. All submissions to the essay contest are judged anonymously. Winning essays present intensely personal stories, originality, imagination, and clear articulation and convey genuine grappling with an ethical dilemma. For suggested essay topics and more information, visit: https://eliewieselfoundation.org/prize-in-ethics/ About The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity: Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, established The Elie Wiesel Foundation soon after he was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace. Now spearheaded by Marion and Elie's son Elisha Wiesel, the Foundation seeks to carry on Elie Wiesel's legacy and spark ethical consciousness of human rights by investing in programs that promote moral leadership and real-world outcomes for victims of injustice. To learn more, visit: www.eliewieselfoundation.org Media Contact Olivia Crvaric [email protected] SOURCE The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity Partners with Fort Lauderdale's Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) as its grand opening partner FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Total Wine & More, America's largest independent retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer, is opening its newest Florida store on Thursday, September 28, 2023. The new store is located at 1740 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305. The company will celebrate the new store and its team members at a preview event/ribbon cutting on Wednesday evening, September 27th. The new store is Total Wine & More's 37th in Florida, where Total Wine customers have come to expect outstanding service, great selection and best prices. The North Lauderdale store delivers on providing customers with a comprehensive and pleasant shopping experience, the best value in wines, spirits and beers as well as a level of product expertise and service unique to Total Wine & More and its team members. "Total Wine & More has the most knowledgeable and best trained store team members in the business, which enables us to provide our customers with outstanding service and provide an excellent in-store experience," said Robert Hammack, Sr., Total Wine & More's Chief Stores Officer. Every year Total Wine & More selects team members from its stores around the country to expand their wine and spirits education by visiting some of the most renowned winegrowing regions and distilleries in the United States and Europe. Team members meet with winemakers and distillers to develop a superior knowledge and understanding of the products in the stores. At every grand opening of a Total Wine & More store, the company partners with a local non-profit, the first of many charitable organizations the new store will work with over the coming years. Total Wine & More's North Lauderdale store has chosen Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) to be the new stores' grand opening non-profit. "Total Wine & More understands and appreciates the importance of investing in the communities around us, which is why we are pleased to partner with the Museum of Discovery & Science to support their good works," said Edward Cooper, Total Wine & More's VP, Public Affairs and Community Relations. "To celebrate the North Lauderdale store's grand opening, Total Wine & More will donate 10% of all wine sales from the store's grand opening weekend Wednesday, September 27th through Sunday, October 1st to support MODS' outstanding community work." About Total Wine & More Total Wine & More is the nation's largest independently owned retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer with 257 stores in 28 states. Total Wine & More stores feature an extensive selection of over 8,000 wines, 4,500 spirits and 2,500 beer, all at exceptional prices. Additionally, Total Wine & Moe is committed to giving back to the local community. In 2022, Total Wine & More contributed over $9 million in monetary and in-kind donations to 14,000+ organizations helping those organizations raise in excess of $65 million to support their good causes. SOURCE Total Wine & More SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tower Arch Capital, a Salt Lake City, Utah-based middle-market private equity firm, announced two significant promotions in the month of August. David Calder has been promoted to Partner. David Calder has been promoted to Partner effective August 28, 2023. David originally joined the firm in 2015 as a Vice President and rejoined the firm in 2021 as a Principal. Prior to rejoining Tower Arch Capital, he was a Principal at The Halifax Group. David began his career in the investment banking groups at Deutsche Bank Securities, UBS Investment Bank, Leucadia National Corporation. David currently serves on the Board of Directors of APIC Solutions, Panoramic Doors, and Syracuse Utilities. Additionally, he is involved with Tower Arch's investments in Nexeo HR Solutions and was involved with Enertech Resources and Future Infrastructure. David received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and has an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, summa cum laude, from The University of Utah. James McKean has been promoted to Principal. James McKean has been promoted to Principal effective August 28, 2023. James originally joined the firm in 2014 as an Associate and rejoined the firm in 2020 as a Vice President. Prior to joining Tower Arch Capital, he worked for McKinsey & Company where he advised clients on topics including merger management, marketing and sales, and product development. James currently serves on the Board of Directors of Infolinks. Additionally, he is involved with Tower Arch's investments in HardRock Infrastructure Services and Intelligent Technical Solutions. James received his Master of Business Administration with honors from The Wharton School and has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, magna cum laude, and Master of Accountancy from Brigham Young University. Rhett Neuenschwander, Partner at Tower Arch Capital, said, "We are thrilled to announce the promotions of David and James. Both have made significant contributions to Tower Arch as they have worked on new investments and with existing portfolio companies. We are always looking for ways to grow and develop our team. James was the first Associate we hired when we started the firm and David joined the firm as a Vice President shortly after closing our first fund. We are fortunate to have long tenured and talented people like David and James." About Tower Arch Capital Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tower Arch Capital is a middle market private equity firm. Tower Arch seeks to partner with and grow high-quality family and entrepreneur-owned companies to deliver long-term value for their management teams and investors. Tower Arch brings operational, consulting, and financial expertise to companies to help them improve their operations, scale, and grow. Target investments include control positions in entrepreneur and family-owned businesses with EBITDA between $5 million and $30 million. For more information, please visit www.towerarch.com. SOURCE Tower Arch Capital Results: 33% Improved CPCs for Advertisers and 26% Improved CPMs for Publishers 1st Party Data Outperforms Both Cookie and Non-Cookie Buys NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TripleLift , the ad tech platform elevating digital advertising across every screen, today released the industry's first-ever large-scale test results showing that its recently launched first-party data targeting solution is effective across the web, including in cookie-constrained environments. Results show the offering massively improved outcomes for both advertisers and publishers when a third-party cookie was not available. "First-party publisher data is underutilized in the programmatic ecosystem," -- Airey Baringer, TripleLift. Post this TripleLift Audiences Advertiser Results TripleLift Audiences First-Party Data The solution, called TripleLift Audiences, is particularly effective in addressing nearly half of the internet that already functions without cookies, and creates a way forward as the industry prepares for further addressability outages in 2024. Currently, 47% of global ad requests are occurring in cookie-free environments. Once Google deprecates third-party cookie usage across its Chrome browser ecosystem, which is set to start in January 2024, estimates suggest that about 90% of the open web will be unaddressable in this manner. "We have been discussing the coming cookie-pocalypse as an industry, but often forget that almost half the internet is already unaddressable. This is a boiling the frog moment happening right before our eyes," said Ed Dinichert, Chief Revenue Officer at TripleLift. "While many ideas have been proposed, there has never been concrete results showing that any one of them can address deprecation at scale until now. This solution is effective for advertisers today." ADVERTISER RESULTS The results, delivered in partnership with a major global consumer electronics advertiser, showed improved performance for impressions enriched with publisher first-party data. The advertiser achieved 33% lower cost-per-click when compared to impressions without 1st party data, but with a mix of third-party cookies and no cross domain identifiers. The test was conducted at scale, with 230 million impressions delivered and analyzed. "First-party publisher data is underutilized in the programmatic ecosystem," said Airey Baringer, VP Product Management at TripleLift. "TripleLift Audiences enables easy activation of first-party data to improve targeting on every impression, with or without third-party cookies. The data is superior and outcomes are improved for both publishers and advertisers." HOW PUBLISHER FIRST-PARTY DATA WORKS Since launching in June of this year, several brands and agencies have been running paid campaigns using TripleLift Audiences first-party data segments. Instead of dropping a cookie on users and following them around the web, this solution builds curated segments using the publisher's data as a way of identifying and reaching audiences on their own websites. With more than 10,000 sites already opted-in, this approach to quality targeting addresses 30 billion daily ad impressions across 800 contextual and behavioral audience segments all without the use of third-party cookies. PUBLISHER RESULTS Publishers also saw improvement in the test, with CPMs increasing by 26%. Since TripleLift Audiences allows publishers to monetize content that has become untargetable through third-party cookie deprecation, they are now able to re-offer those impressions through first-party data targeting. "TripleLift Audiences has enabled us to drive greater monetization of our inventory, putting more money into the pockets of the 5,000+ creators and publishers we work with and first-party data is unlocking that opportunity," said Paul Bannister, Chief Strategy Officer at Raptive. "This presents a big advantage for us and other publishers in the ecosystem, and we're excited to be at the forefront of testing these new cookie alternatives." TripleLift has been able to make this offering possible for two reasons. First: it leveraged its 2022 acquisition of Zurich-based DMP 1plusX, to create the framework of sophisticated technology, data protection, and privacy standards necessary to form an actionable approach to first-party data segmentation. Second: it turned to its trusted relationships with publishers, built over a decade, offering integrated native ad products. "This is a win-win for the programmatic ecosystem," Baringer of TripleLift. "Publishers win because they monetize more of their inventory, leading to higher effective CPMs. Advertisers win because they can target more efficiently without third-party cookies, leading to lower CPCs and improved efficiency against all post-click metrics." TripleLift Audiences is now available for both advertisers and publishers in the United States and will be rolling out to European markets in 2024. About TripleLift We're TripleLift, an advertising platform on a mission to elevate digital advertising through beautiful creative, quality publishers, actionable data and smart targeting. Through over 1 trillion monthly ad transactions, we help publishers and platforms monetize their businesses. Our technology is where the world's leading brands find audiences across online video, connected television, display and native ads. Brand and enterprise customers choose us because of our innovative solutions, premium formats, and supportive experts dedicated to maximizing their performance. We are part of the Vista Equity Partners portfolio. As an NMSDC certified minority owned business, we qualify for diverse spending goals and are committed to economic inclusion. Find out how TripleLift raises up the programmatic ecosystem at triplelift.com . SOURCE TripleLift The "blackout" in the Kursk region of Russia was organized by the Security Service of Ukraine. It was a drone of the special service that dropped an explosive device on a power substation in the village of Snagost, Kursk region. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported to OBOZREVATEL by sources in the SBU. As a result, seven settlements in the region were left without electricity. This "cotton" shows that SBU special operations are reaching a new level. "The Russians must understand that if they are going to continue attacking Ukrainian energy facilities, they will receive a tough response. Our resources allow us to do this," the source added. The news is updating... SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TVCMALL recently announced that coinciding with its 15th anniversary, the company has relocated to its new headquarters on the 19th floor of the West Tower of Shenzhen's renowned Galaxy Twin Towers. These towers are certified as the" Tallest Twin Buildings of Equal Height in China." This relocation represents not just a shift in location but also a significant milestone in TVCMALL's ongoing development, underscoring its dedication to innovation and the well-being of its employees. Known as a premier one-stop B2B wholesale platform for mobile phone accessories, TVCMALL has always been driven by a mission: to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams of launching and sustaining a successful retail business. On September 26th, the company celebrated its relocation with a meaningful ceremony at the new headquarters, graced by esteemed guests and attended by enthusiastic employees. The event resembled a vibrant celebration and marked a new chapter filled with anticipation for TVCMALL's journey ahead. The state-of-the-art headquarters, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, is a testament to TVCMALL's commitment to fostering creativity and efficiency. A highlight is the remarkable synergy demonstrated by TVCMALL's diverse departments, including HR, finance, product sourcing, and brand marketing. Their collaborative efforts in planning, decorating, and preparing the new space embody the company's core values: compassion, commitment, trustworthiness, helpfulness, and innovation. Yet, TVCMALL's aspirations stretch beyond its headquarters. This past September, TVCMALL demonstrated its industry leadership at international exhibitions such as IFA 2023 in Berlin and IMEX 2023 in Istanbul. These participations extended TVCMALL's global footprint and brought a spotlight to its diverse product offerings. Whether seeking a cheap phone case, an affordable iPhone case, a protective Huawei phone cover, or venturing into consumer electronics wholesale and more, TVCMALL ensures quality meets affordability. With its doors now open in the heart of Shenzhen, TVCMALL extends a warm invitation to all longstanding and new partners to join the company in this exciting next chapter. For TVCMALL, it's not just about doing business; it's about sharing experiences, understanding mutual visions, and building relationships beyond transactions. TVCMALL's path forward is clear and promising. While steadfastly dedicated to fostering lasting partnerships, the company genuinely cares about uplifting and supporting every retail entrepreneur. So, come and be a part of this thriving, globally connected community that TVCMALL is proud to champion. CONTACT: Yelly Huang [email protected] https://www.tvcmall.com 19F, West Tower of Galaxy Twin Towers No. 8 Yaxing Road, Bantian Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China SOURCE TVCMALL LONDON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a comprehensive research report by Brandessence Market Research (BMRC), "Vaccines Market Size, Share, Companies & Trends Analysis Report By Technology, By Indication, By End User, Based On Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022-2028". The Vaccines Market was valued at USD 56.98 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 153.49 billion By 2028, amplifying with a CAGR of 14.1% over 2022-2028. Market Overview: In a world that has been irrevocably altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccines market has come into sharper focus than ever before. With the race to develop effective vaccines against the virus, the industry has witnessed unprecedented growth and innovation. However, the vaccines industry is not limited to just one virus; it encompasses a wide range of vaccines designed to combat various diseases. In this article, we will delve into the market, exploring its scope, segmentation, market dynamics, and its promising outlook. Scope of the Vaccines Market: Report Metric Details Vaccines Market Revenue forecast in 2028 USD 153.49 billion Market Size in 2021 USD 56.98 billion Market Growth Rate CAGR of 14.1% from 2022 to 2028 Base Year 2021 Study Period 2022-2028 Key Players/Companies Glaxo Smith Kline plc, Pfizer Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., Sanofi, CSL Limited, Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Medimmune LLC, AstellasPharma Inc., Serum Institute of India, Bavarian Nordic, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited, Panacea Biotech, Protein Sciences Corporation, AstraZeneca, Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novavax Inc., Gritstone Oncology, PaxVax Corporation., Bharat Biotech., VBI Vaccines Inc., Dynavax Technologies Corporation, Immunomic Therapeutics Inc., Gamma Vaccines Pty Limited, Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Janssen Pharmaceutical Company, Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd., Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., China National Biotech, Tiantan, Hualan, Kangtai, Prokarium, ImmunoBiology Ltd. The scope of the vaccines market is vast, covering a plethora of infectious diseases and preventive measures. Vaccines are biological products that stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response against specific pathogens. This market extends its reach to vaccines targeting diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and more. Additionally, the recent surge in vaccine development for emerging diseases like COVID-19 has showcased the industry's capacity for rapid response. Moreover, the vaccines market has witnessed an expansion into therapeutic vaccines, which hold the potential to treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. The market's scope, therefore, is not just limited to prevention but also includes treatment, making it a crucial segment of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://brandessenceresearch.com/downloadSample/PostId/276 Segmentation of the Vaccines Market: The market can be segmented in various ways to provide a comprehensive view of its dynamics. Here are some key segments: 1. Type of Vaccine: Inactivated Vaccines: These contain killed pathogens or portions of them, incapable of causing disease. These contain killed pathogens or portions of them, incapable of causing disease. Live Attenuated Vaccines: These contain weakened forms of the pathogen, which can still induce an immune response without causing the disease. These contain weakened forms of the pathogen, which can still induce an immune response without causing the disease. Subunit, Recombinant, or Conjugate Vaccines: These vaccines contain only specific antigens or proteins from the pathogen. These vaccines contain only specific antigens or proteins from the pathogen. mRNA Vaccines: A more recent addition, these vaccines use genetic material to trigger an immune response. 2. Disease Indication: Infectious Diseases: This includes vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. This includes vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. Non-Infectious Diseases: This encompasses therapeutic vaccines against cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. 3. Age Group: Pediatric Vaccines: Designed for infants and children to protect against childhood diseases. Designed for infants and children to protect against childhood diseases. Adult Vaccines: Targeting diseases such as influenza, shingles, and HPV in adults. 4. Region: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and Rest of the World: Each region has its own vaccine market dynamics influenced by factors like disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, and government policies. Browse In-depth Market Research Report (300 Pages) on Vaccines Market: https://brandessenceresearch.com/healthcare/vaccines-market-by-technology Competitive Hierarchy: The prominent players Vaccines Market Outlook are- Glaxo Smith Kline plc Pfizer Inc. Merck & Co. Inc. Sanofi CSL Limited Emergent BioSolutions Inc. Johnson & Johnson Medimmune LLC AstellasPharma Inc. Serum Institute of India Bavarian Nordic Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited Panacea Biotech Protein Sciences Corporation AstraZeneca Abbott Bristol- Myers Squibb Novavax Inc. Gritstone Oncology PaxVax Corporation. Bharat Biotech. Others. Market Dynamics: 1. Growing Awareness and Immunization Campaigns The global awareness of the importance of vaccination has surged, driven by educational campaigns and increasing access to information. Governments and healthcare organizations worldwide are running immunization programs to reach underserved populations, contributing to market growth. 2. Expanding Investment in Research and Development The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid vaccine development. This has led to increased investment in research and development, fostering innovation in vaccine technology. 3. Rising Disease Burden As global populations grow and age, the burden of infectious and non-infectious diseases is on the rise. This necessitates the development of new and improved vaccines. 4. Regulatory Support and Stringent Quality Control Governments and regulatory bodies play a pivotal role in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy. Stringent quality control measures are in place to maintain public trust. Purchase Copy of This Research Report @: https://brandessenceresearch.com/Checkout?report_id=276 Vaccines Market Outlook: The future of the vaccines market is bright. It is expected to continue its growth trajectory due to ongoing research and development efforts, increased disease awareness, and government support. The global vaccine market is also likely to benefit from advancements in vaccine technology, including mRNA vaccines and personalized vaccines tailored to individual genetic profiles. Additionally, the lessons learned from the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines have paved the way for a more agile and responsive industry, better prepared to tackle emerging threats. With a broader range of preventive and therapeutic vaccines on the horizon, the market is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. Conclusion: The vaccines market is not just about preventing diseases; it is about safeguarding public health and driving innovation in healthcare. As we navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the vaccines market will remain at the forefront, offering hope, protection, and a brighter future for humanity. 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A Hopeful Sign for Migraine Sufferers: Zavzpret Rethinking Treatment Options for a Better Future with Hemophilia Gene Therapy About Us: Brandessence Market Research & Consulting Pvt ltd. Brandessence Market Research publishes market research reports & business insights produced by highly qualified and experienced industry analysts. Our research reports are available in a wide range of industry verticals including aviation, food & beverage, healthcare, ICT, Construction, Chemicals and lot more. Brand Essence Market Research report will be best fit for senior executives, business development managers, marketing managers, consultants, CEOs, CIOs, COOs, and Directors, governments, agencies, organizations and Ph.D. Students. We have a delivery center in Pune, India and our sales office is in London. Follow Us: LinkedIn Contact: Mr. Vishal Sawant Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Corporate Sales: +44-2038074155 Asia Office: +917447409162 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1392316/BEMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Brandessence Market Research And Consulting Private Limited NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The vacuum packaging market in Europe is expected to grow by USD 2.16 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 4.19% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. The rising focus on improving the shelf life of products is notably driving the vacuum packaging market in Europe. However, factors such as Contamination of food during packaging may impede market growth. The market is segmented by end-user (food and non-food), and material (polyethylene, polyamide, EVOH, and others). We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the vacuum packaging market in Europe including Amcor Plc, ANL PACKAGING, Bernhardt SAS, Berry Global Inc., Coveris Management GmbH, Filtration Group Corp., G.MONDINI Spa, Green Packaging Material Jiangyin Co. Ltd., GRUPO ULMA S. COOP, Henkelman BV, JAW FENG MACHINERY CO. LTD., Kopack Enterprises, Mondi plc, ORICS Industries Inc., Plastopil Hazorea Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Corp., SIA SCANDIVAC, Swiss Pack, The Middleby Corp., and Wihuri International Oy. 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 Vacuum Packaging Market in Europe 2023-2027 Vacuum Packaging Market in Europe 2023-2027: Company Analysis Amcor Plc - The company offers vacuum packaging for different types of products such as meat and cheese. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information Vacuum Packaging Market in Europe 2023-2027: Segmentation End-user The food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The food industry in Europe is one of the largest industries in Europe , contributing largely to the economic development of the region. The demand for food packaging in this sector is huge because food must pass through many stages in the supply chain, such as manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and final customer. Furthermore, food products must be packaged in durable packaging to reach customers with the expected quality and taste. To face the growing demand for packaging food in Europe , manufacturers must develop product designs and materials that play a major part in influencing consumer preferences as well as their protection from foodstuffs contamination. Factors like the need to ensure that food is not counterfeited, avoiding food waste, and meeting the rising demand for convenience foods also have a positive impact on the packaging market in Europe . available. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period. Geography The various end users, including the food and pharmaceutical sectors, account for a significant share of growth in Germany's vacuum packaging market. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View FREE PDF Sample Report Vacuum Packaging Market in Europe 2023-2027: Key Highlights Historic Market Size 2017-2021 CAGR of the market during 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist the vacuum packaging market in Europe growth during the next five years growth during the next five years Estimation of the vacuum packaging market in Europe and its contribution to the parent market Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the vacuum packaging market in Europe Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of vacuum packaging market companies in Europe FAQS How do the major trends impact the market? How do the key drivers and challenges impact the market? Related Reports: The flexible industrial packaging market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.49% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 21,329.14 million. This flexible industrial packaging market report extensively covers market segmentation by type (pouches, wraps, roll stock, and bags), application (chemical industry, construction industry, food and beverages industry, pharmaceutical industry, and others), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). One of the key factors driving the flexible industrial packaging market growth is global economic growth. The antimicrobial packaging market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,154.02 million. This antimicrobial packaging market report extensively covers market segmentation by material (plastic, biopolymer, and paperboard), type (bags, pouches, trays, carton packages, and others), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Growing consumption of packaged beverages is the key factor driving the growth of the market. ToC: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by End-User 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 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 ESPOO, Finland, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Valmet will supply a high-capacity fine paper making line with automation, spare parts and consumables packages to Yueyang Forest Paper in China. The delivery is scheduled for the third quarter 2024. The order was included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2023. The value of the order will not be disclosed. "Valmet has been in China for 90 years, witnessed the rapid and healthy development of China's pulp and paper industry and participated in it. Therefore, we have a strong connection with Yueyang Forest Paper. From their line 1 project of Juntai pulp mill to the cooperation in the PM 8 project, Valmet and Yueyang Forest Paper have worked closely together, not only building high-quality projects but also deepening the partnership. We feel honored and confident to build the new PM 11 together with them," says Xiangdong Zhu, Area President, China, Valmet. Technical information about the delivery The delivery will include a high-speed fine paper making line from stock preparation to reel and winders with air systems and clothing for the whole production line. The stock preparation delivery will include bale pulping, cleaning and refining, as well as broke, white water and approach flow systems. The delivery will also include an OptiFlo Gap headbox, an OptiFormer Gap forming section and an OptiPress Linear press section. The drying section will be followed by an OptiSizer Film surface sizer with a supply system and an air turn device, an OptiCalender Soft calender, an OptiReel Center center-driven reel, transfer rails, and OptiWin Drum winders. The wide automation package includes the Valmet DNA Automation System for process and sectional drive controls, runnability and condition monitoring as well as the Valmet IQ Quality Control System. The delivery will also include paper machine clothing, spare parts and consumables. The paper machine with a 11,150 mm wide fabric will produce woodfree uncoated, offset, and copy paper grades with the basis weight range of 50120 g/m2. The design speed of the machine will be 1,800 m/min. About the customer Yueyang Forestry & Paper Co., Ltd., formerly known as Yueyang Paper Mill, was founded in 1958 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in May 2004. The company is a subsidiary of China Paper Corporation, part of China Chengtong Holdings Group Co., Ltd. China Paper Corporation is the only state-owned company mainly engaged in the forest-pulp-paper business. VALMET Corporate Communications For further information, please contact: Petri Rasinmaki, President, Paper business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 042 8422 Xiangdong Zhu, Area President, China, Valmet, tel. +86 21 39975000 Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries. Our 17,500 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward every day. The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. Valmet's net sales in 2022 were approximately EUR 5.1 billion. Valmet's shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland. Follow us on valmet.com | Twitter | Twitter (IR) | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Processing of personal data SOURCE Valmet Oyj CPM leader notches impressive year-over-year revenue growth alongside continued recognition of platform capabilities TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vena , the Intelligent Complete Planning platform loved by finance and trusted by business, entered the second half of 2023 with considerable customer momentum and revenue growth following fiscal H1. The company welcomed more than 200 new customer wins and saw continued success across Vena's Services and Solutions Partner Ecosystem. Vena's award-winning cloud corporate performance management (CPM) software empowers leading companies and organizations worldwide, such as Nike, Kansas City Chiefs, Coca-Cola Consolidated, WWF-Canada and over 1,600 more, to plan for anything and succeed through today's uncertainty. For Metro Supply Chain Group, Vena has helped them run multliple scenarios and use multiple forecasts to aid decision making. "Operational metrics are important, but the story is not complete until you can see how they impact your costs, revenue and EBITDA margins. Vena is our way of bringing that all together and measuring the health of our business," explains Paolo Mari, VP of Business Analytics and Commercial Management at Metro Supply Chain Group. According to Vena CEO Hunter Madeley, Vena's growth has been fueled by the ever-increasing need for customers to derive insights from internal and external data and take purposeful action. "Our customers are leveraging Vena to navigate their best path through what continues to be highly variable market conditions for most organizations. The Vena Insights product, which puts the power of AI in the hands of our customers, has seen tremendous uptake this year as finance and operations teams become stronger strategic partners for their organizations. Whether leaning on the experience and knowledge of our service and support teams, or the strength of our expansive Partner ecosystem, our customers are taking full advantage of the investments we continue to make in our platform. We remain grateful to the entire Vena community for their continued support, and we look forward to serving record numbers of customers and partners in 2023," says Madeley. The company, which offers an industry-leading corporate performance management platform that helps organizations plan for anything, also hosted another successful Excelerate Summit in May. The yearly global virtual summit and new this year, a local in-person event in the UK, featured 40+ speakers and drew more than 3,000 finance and business leaders from around the world. Vena previewed expanded solution offerings, including new Partner-built preconfigured solutions (PCS), at Excelerate Summit 2023. The annual conference saw record Partner participation rates with an increase of 80% over 2022 across Partner speakers, attendees and exhibitors. Growth in Vena's revenue and customer base has been accompanied by numerous industry accolades, including: Recognized for the fourth consecutive year with a TrustRadius Tech Cares award for going above and beyond to support employees and communities across five areas of focus ( Volunteerism; Robust diversity, equity and inclusion programs; Charitable donations and fundraising; Workplace culture, including support for remote and in-office employees; Demonstrable support for environmental sustainability). award for going above and beyond to support employees and communities across five areas of focus ( Volunteerism; Robust diversity, equity and inclusion programs; Charitable donations and fundraising; Workplace culture, including support for remote and in-office employees; Demonstrable support for environmental sustainability). Earning multiple 2023 TrustRadius Top Rated Awards in four categories: Corporate Performance Management (CPM); Budgeting and Forecasting; Financial Close; Cash Flow Management. in four categories: Corporate Performance Management (CPM); Budgeting and Forecasting; Financial Close; Cash Flow Management. Recognition as a Leader in the 2023 Nucleus Research CPM Technology Value Matrix , which acknowledged Vena's enablement of "customers to make data-driven decisions, uncover actionable insights and drive growth across their business." About Vena Vena is the only Intelligent Platform for Complete Planning that's natively integrated with Microsoft 365, empowering teams to plan the way they think. Vena streamlines financial and operational planning, reporting and analysis processes, and provides advanced analytics and flexible modeling capabilities to help business, finance and operations leaders make informed business decisions. With Vena, you can leverage the power of Microsoft Excel and AI-powered insights in a unified, cloud-based platform that enhances collaboration, scalability and security. Over 1,600 of the world's leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit venasolutions.com . MEDIA CONTACT Jonathan Paul Senior Director, Content & Communications, Vena [email protected] SOURCE Vena Demonstrated significant increases in survival and reductions in tumor progression in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) induced cancer Significantly augmented T Cell responses, in comparison to controls, against this important tumor target Demonstrated excellent safety with no observed reactogenicity Presentation at Military Health System Research Symposium demonstrates speed and utility of Voltron's VaxCelerate vaccine platform in pandemic preparedness and immuno-oncology NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Voltron Therapeutics, a Lucius Partners portfolio company, presented new evidence that demonstrates its VaxCelerate Vaccine platform's superiority in driving effective T cell responses against lethal viral pathogens at the August 2023 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) in Orlando, Florida. The MHSRS is the Department of Defense (DoD)'s largest scientific meeting and is designed to highlight new scientific approaches to address DoD research priorities. "We were happy to return to MHSRS and present new data in support of our novel VaxCelerate platform that builds upon the results we shared at last year's meeting," said Mark Poznansky, M.D., Ph.D, director of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. "We now have even stronger evidence that this platform provides effective vaccine-induced immune protection against pathogens associated with different disease states and augments our prior studies on cell-mediated immune responses to immunogenic peptides for Influenza and Lassa Fever." Significant increases in survival and reductions in tumor progression in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) induced cancer Post this Development of effective vaccines against known pathogens or emerging infectious diseases (EID) can take years to progress from pathogen isolation/identification to clinical approval. As a result, conventional approaches fail to produce field-ready vaccines in a timely manner. Voltron Therapeutics' CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls) driven, modular approach, is designed to generate new vaccine candidates against a specific target within 120 days. Importantly, the same CMC is employed for ~90% of each vaccine, reducing the costs, time and risks of development. "Voltron Therapeutics is grateful to have had the opportunity to discuss our robust pre-clinical results and advantages of our vaccine technology with a variety of DoD constituents at MHSRS," said Patrick Gallagher, chief executive officer of Voltron Therapeutics. "These critical data confirm that the VaxCelerate platform is a significant driver of higher immune engagement, viral targeting and efficacy than other widely used vaccine approaches." Critically important key attributes include: Maximum flexibility/ability to respond to viral variants of concern Easier deployment - simple cold chain (stable at 4 C) Broader immune targeting across the full structure of the virus Significant immunogenicity engages innate and cellular immune responses Excellent safety- no significant adverse events observed in preclinical models, and Statistically significant efficacy. The poster shared at MHSRS, A Novel Self-Assembling Vaccine, VTX-067, targeting E6/E7 proteins of Human Papilloma Virus Induces T Cell-Mediated Immune Responses and Inhibits Tumor Growth in a C57/B6 Mouse Tumor Model of Cervical and Head and Neck Cancer, was presented by leading team members from the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Voltron Therapeutics Inc. Conclusions detailed in the poster indicated that: VTX-067 is well tolerated and no adverse effects were observed in preclinical models Three dose levels of VTX-067 (130, 215, and 350 g) tested provided significant antigen specific T cell responses, and VTX-067 significantly increases overall survival, markedly slows, and in some cases halts, TC-1 tumor growth in C57BL/6J mice. "The Voltron Therapeutics team continues to produce data that indicate the SAV platform provides potential prophylactic and therapeutic solutions for both warfighters and the general public," said James Ahern, founding partner of Lucius Partners. "MHSRS provided an excellent opportunity to expand awareness of Voltron Therapeutics' meaningful development progress as we produce value for our collaborators and shareholders." About Voltron Therapeutics, Inc. Voltron Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, was founded in 2017 to lead and accelerate the development of the Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center (VIC), and the Massachusetts General Hospital's novel Self Assembling Vaccine technology in a variety of indications, including in Oncology and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Voltron holds an exclusive worldwide license to this technology. With the work of our world class team of researchers and development team, this technology has shown positive results in certain pre-clinical studies and initial proof of concept in two infectious diseases (including Lassa Fever) as well as three oncology indications (HPV Related Cancers). For more information, please visit www.voltrontx.com. About Lucius Partners, LLC Lucius Partners is a consultancy that provides a broad suite of services to help healthcare companies grow, achieve milestones and generate value for their shareholders. Forward Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the advancement and development of the VaxCelerate Platform, the commencement of clinical trials, the availability of data from clinical trials and other information that is not historical information. When used herein, words such as "anticipate", "being", "will", "plan", "may", "continue", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements or information that refer to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, performance or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking. All forward-looking statements are based upon Voltron's current expectations and various assumptions. Voltron believes there is a reasonable basis for its expectations and beliefs, but they are inherently uncertain. Voltron may not realize its expectations, and its beliefs may not prove correct. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and any Voltron filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as Voltron's current plans, estimates and beliefs. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Voltron cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Voltron does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to update, republish, or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by law. Media Contact Chris Bastardi [email protected] SOURCE Voltron Therapeutics Sip, Save and Support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On National Coffee Day, Wendy's is brewing up a special treat for New Yorkers. On September 29th, when fans purchase a Frosty Boo! Book supporting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, they will receive a FREE small Frosty Cream Cold Brew. To purchase your Frosty Boo! Book and receive your free small Frosty Cream Cold Brew, visit your nearest New York City-based Wendy's. Simply ask for the offer at the counter or in the drive-thru. This one-day-only offer is exclusively available in the heart of the Big Apple. On September 29 in celebration of National Coffee Day, consumers can purchase a Frosty Boo! Book benefiting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and receive a FREE small Frosty Cream Cold Brew. For only $1, consumers will receive a Frosty Boo! Book packed with FIVE free Jr. Frosty coupons, redeemable at participating U.S. Wendy's locations until the end of the year. And the fun doesn't stop there Wendy's is adding a SIXTH bonus coupon to redeem a $1.99 Wendy's Kids' Meal with any purchase.* For more than 15 years, Wendy's Frosty Boo! Books have supported the Foundation's work to find safe, loving and permanent homes for the more than 113,000 children in foster care. Wendy's now has more ways than ever to customize coffee and New York City residents' can redeem their free small Frosty Cream Cold Brew for any Wendy's Frosty Cream Cold Brew flavor including vanilla, caramel, chocolate and the newest addition to the lineup Pumpkin Spice. 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. Over the past three decades, Wendy's has raised more than $300 million benefitting the Foundation, helping to find permanent, loving families for nearly 13,000 children across the United States and Canada. To learn more about Frosty Boo! Books and how Wendy's is working to make more family moments possible, visit Wendy's Frosty Boo! Books or www.davethomasfoundation.org. 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. *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 NANCHANG, China, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the event "Jiangxi Day" was held at the China Cultural Center in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria. This event was held by Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism with "a moment to share" and "Jiangxi unique scenery" as the theme. Activities with Jiangxi characteristics such as a photo exhibition, an exhibition of porcelain products made in Jingdezhen City, traditional Gan opera and Chinese tea ceremony offered rich experiences of cultural exchange to representatives and locals. Representatives and locals were visiting a photo exhibition to view scenery and learn about culture in Jiangxi. Director general of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Mei Yi presided over the event. Traditional Gan opera performance and Bulgarian song performance Accompanied by the performance of classical Jiangxi folk songs, traditional Gan opera and Bulgarian songs, the event "Jiangxi Day" kicked off in Bulgaria. A variety of activities including a photo exhibition, live experience and cultural exchange helped Bulgarians learn more about the opening-up and development, beautiful scenery as well as characterized culture in Jiangxi and promoted communication between the two places. Ye Jianchun, governor of Jiangxi Province, said that since Jiangxi and Sofia District officially established a twinning relation in December 2020, the cooperation and exchanges between them continued to expand, and the friendship between the peoples continued to deepen. He hoped that the event would further enhance friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. During the event, a memorandum was signed between Sofia District and Jiangxi Province, affirming to make use of their advantages and deepen economic, trade, agricultural, cultural and tourism cooperation between the two sides. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442449 Caption: Representatives and locals were visiting a photo exhibition to view scenery and learn about culture in Jiangxi. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442459 Caption: Director general of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Mei Yi presided over the event. Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442460 Caption: Traditional Gan opera performance and Bulgarian song performance SOURCE Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Vertex CEO and President Reshma Kewalramani, Bank of America Human Resources Executive Karen Reardon, and McKinsey & Company Associate Partner Jared Goodman to Help Year Up Scale Its Reach and Impact BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The national workforce development organization Year Up announced today that it has appointed three new members to its national board of directors, which meets quarterly in support of Year Up's mission to close the Opportunity Divide. Vertex CEO and President Reshma Kewalramani, Bank of America Human Resources Executive Karen Reardon, and McKinsey & Company Associate Partner Jared Goodman attended their first board meeting on September 18, 2023. "These are seasoned business leaders who have demonstrated strong commitment to advancing equitable access to opportunity," said Year Up Founder and CEO Gerald Chertavian. "Their guidance and expertise will enable Year Up to partner with even more employers in implementing skills-first talent practices and offer more young people pathways to economic sustainability." Dr. Kewalramani joined Vertex in 2017 and became CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, Vertex has continued to foster its strong culture for inclusion, diversity and equity. She currently serves on the Biomedical Science Careers Program's board of directors, the Massachusetts General Hospital board of trustees, the Boston University School of Medicine Dean's Advisory Board and the Ginkgo Bioworks board of directors. She has been named one of Boston Business Journal's "Power 50," one of Boston magazine's most influential Bostonians, and one of Business Insider's "10 People Transforming Healthcare." She received her medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and is a Harvard Business School graduate. Reardon joined Bank of America in 1996 and serves as HR executive for Merrill Wealth Management, The Private Bank and Regional Banking. She oversees leadership development, talent acquisition, learning, employee relations, compensation, diversity and inclusion, change management, manager effectiveness and performance management. Reardon graduated from the University of Illinois and from Harvard Business School's Strategic Human Resources Management Program. Goodman focuses on international development, climate, energy, infrastructure, and public/social sector strategy at McKinsey's Washington, DC office. He has helped emerging economies navigate the climate and energy transitions as well as promote economic and sustainable development. Previously, he worked as an advisor to both the Deputy Secretary and Counselor of the U.S. Department of State during the Obama Administration. Goodman received an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MPA in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a B.S. from Duke University. He is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Nationwide, 80 percent of Year Up graduates are employed or attending college within four months of completing the program, with average starting salaries of $52,000/year. In May 2022, the federally-sponsored Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) follow-up evaluation of Year Up showed that in the six years post-program, young adults randomly assigned to Year Up earned 30 percent more compared with similar young adults in a control group the largest impact on earnings reported to date for a workforce program tested in a randomized controlled trial. About Year Up Inc. Year Up is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adultsno matter their background, income, or zip code. Year Up utilizes a high-expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills to help them effectively navigate a modern work environment. Year Up has served more than 40,000 young adults across 35 campuses since its founding in 2000 and has been voted one of the "Best Non-Profits to Work For" by The NonProfit Times. To learn more, visit http://www.yearup.org , and follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok . CONTACT: Lauren Peachey, [email protected] SOURCE Year Up Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, said that Ukraine cannot predict 100% where the terrorist country Russia will send its drones and missiles. Therefore, we need to be prepared for the next attacks of the occupiers on the critical infrastructure of our country. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the Russians are circumventing Western sanctions, which gives them weapons for new attacks on Ukraine. Danilov spoke about this in an interview with ABC. According to the NSDC Secretary, no one can be 100 percent prepared. He explained that it is difficult to predict the enemy's actions. Therefore, Ukraine does not know which targets will be the enemy's priority. He also emphasized that Ukraine is doing everything possible to protect its infrastructure. But much also depends on Western sanctions against the aggressor country. Russian terrorists are attacking with Shahed kamikaze drones, which are made from components from allied countries. Therefore, the sanctions imposed by the West are not very effective in limiting the use of Western technologies used by Russia. In addition, the NSDC Secretary emphasized that the war is a multidimensional issue, full of variables that Ukraine has no control over. ADVERTISIMENT "There are factors that we cannot influence, that the Russians cannot influence. Being able to talk about the future is a difficult task," Danilov said. As a reminder, Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said that the Russian terrorist army has begun preparations for another attack on critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The enemy is now actively engaged in reconnaissance. Earlier it was reported that on the night of September 26, Russia carried out another massive attack with Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones in Odesa region. Most of the drones were destroyed in the air, but there were also hits: the port infrastructure was destroyed, trucks burned down and drivers were injured. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! HOUSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of Tanya Pal's promotion to Regional Director, a new leader for YPTC's Houston office has been designated. Andrew Miller, who previously held the position of Client Service Manager, now assumes the role of Director of YPTC's Houston office. As a Client Service Manager, Andrew has demonstrated success in key areas- business development, talent acquisition, staff retention, revenue, and more. Now, he will be responsible for building upon the growth and success that YPTC's Houston office has experienced since its opening in 2017. Andrew Miller leads Your Part-Time Controller, LLC's Houston office. "Andrew is an exceptional choice for my successor in Houston. He has shown great leadership, vision, execution of strategy, and has helped us get to where we are today. Between Eric Wilson leading our Dallas office, and Andrew leading our Houston office, our staff and clients here in Texas are in great hands!" said Tanya. Andrew earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Texas State University. Prior to joining YPTC, Andrew served as Managing Controller for a private accounting firm that serviced small businesses. He has also been a Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director for local nonprofit organizations such as Keep Pearland Beautiful. His experience in nonprofits and accounting includes federal grant management, database integrations, and custom financial reporting. Andrew currently resides in a suburb of Houston, has three children, and enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, overlanding, and frequenting state parks. Andrew's commitment to excellence, dedication, leadership, and technical nonprofit accounting expertise has enhanced client service and staff experience. YPTC congratulates Andrew and is excited for his continued success. Read Andrew's testimonial here! SOURCE Your Part-Time Controller, LLC Ukraine has moved part of its missile production abroad after Russian terrorists hit one of the missile assembly sites in our country. However, the main task of our army is to send the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet, responsible for the bombing of our cities, to the bottom, and we will do it. ADVERTISIMENT Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security Council of Ukraine, issued a warning to the Kremlin during an interview with ABC. He pointed out that our military is increasingly reaching enemy military facilities far from the border. Earlier, the National Security Council Secretary showed the launch of an unknown missile on social network X (exTwitter). Speaking to the media, he explained that it was a closed missile program of Ukraine, the details of which, as well as the current status, would not be disclosed. "I can tell you that, unfortunately, Russia hit the place where these missiles were assembled. We have now moved some of the production outside our country," the official said. The news is supplemented by.... On the night of September 26, Ukrainian defenders shot down 26 enemy Shahed kamikaze drones. Most of them were neutralized in the south of the country. ADVERTISIMENT The work of air defense was once again shown to Ukrainians on video. It was posted by the commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, on his Telegram channel (to view it, scroll to the end). The footage shows the combat work of the Ukrainian Air Force units against Russian attack UAVs, of which the occupiers launched 38 of them in Ukraine on Tuesday night. In particular, the "Shahed" flew from the territory of the Russian Federation and the temporarily occupied Crimea. The drone attack lasted for two hours: the enemy terrorized the Danube region of Odesa Oblast (there were hits on port and border infrastructure, and the moment of arrival on the Danube ferry crossing was filmed from Romania). ADVERTISIMENT In addition, the occupiers sent kamikaze drones to Mykolaiv, Kherson, and central Ukraine. Air defense units belonging to the Southern Defense Forces shot down 22 enemy UAVs: ten in Odesa, six in Mykolaiv, and three each in Kherson and Kirovohrad. The remaining four were in Cherkasy region. Fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units and mobile fire groups were operating along the route of the "Shahed". "We see everything and we are not tired of destroying you! Together - to victory," said Oleshchuk. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over the past day, September 25, the defenders neutralized 40 Russian air targets. These were cruise missiles and operational and tactical drones. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Oleshchuk published a video of how air defense forces shot down Russian missiles during an attack on Odesa region on September 17. Ukrainians were also shown the work of air defense against drones and missiles at night and the next morning, when 41 enemy targets were shot down. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 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 Ottawa, Sep 26 : Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lamented the Canadian Parliament's accidental standing ovation to a veteran who fought for Ukrainian independence on behalf of the Nazi unit during the Second World War. Talking to reporters on Monday at the House of Commons of Canada, Trudeau termed the incident as "extremely upsetting". "The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologised," Trudeau told reporters, adding "but this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians". Trudeau's remarks came amid revelation that Canadian lawmakers gave the special honour to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian- Canadian, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the House of Commons on Friday as part of his visit to the country. However, two days later, it came to limelight that the man was in fact part of a Nazi unit fighting for Ukrainian independence. Speaker Anthony Rota, in his parliamentary speech on Friday, had hailed Hunka as "a Ukrainian-Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians" and "a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero". After the revelation, there are growing calls against Rota for stepping down from the post for extending an invitation to the former Ukrainian soldier, Xinhua news agency reported. Amid growing anger against him, the Speaker apologised to the Canadian lawmakers immediately after the opening of Parliament on Monday. Rota said he personally regrets inviting this constituent and giving him attention after Zelensky's remarks. "I am deeply sorry I offended many with my gestures and remarks," he added. "This initiative was entirely my own." "I want to really tell you that the intention was not to embarrass this House," he said. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Budapest, Sep 26 : Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said there is "no urgency" to ratify Sweden's accession to NATO, and called for "respect" from the Nordic country. Speaking in Parliament to open the Autumn session, the Hungarian leader said on Monday: "There is no urgency from the government to push for support regarding Sweden's NATO accession, and Sweden's security is not under threat." The issue of Swedish NATO accession has been under discussion for more than a year. Within the military alliance, only the Turkish and Hungarian Parliaments are yet to approve Sweden's membership, Xinhua news agency reported. Divergences between Hungary and Sweden have escalated in recent weeks as a past film resurfaced, shown in Swedish schools, presenting Hungary as a bad example of democracy in the European Union. On Thursday, Mate Kocsis, group leader of Orban's Fidesz party, said the chances that the Hungarian Parliament would vote on Sweden in the current Autumn session were "low". Seoul :President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee pose for photos before leaving for London, Sept. 18, 2022.(Yonhap/IANS). Image Source: IANS News Seoul, Sep 26 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will pay a state visit to the UK in November to mark the 140th anniversary of relations between the two countries during which he will meet King Charles III, his office said on Tuesday. Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee will be the first state guests for Britain since the monarch's coronation in May, reports Yonhap News Agency. The visit will come at the invitation of King Charles III, the presidential office said in a statement, adding the dates will be announced later. Yoon's first visit to Britain took place in September last year, when he attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. This year's anniversary marks the 1883 signing of a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation between Britain and the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's predecessor. Gurugram, Sep 26 : Due to a lack of security by the Rajasthan Police to guard Monu Manesar from Rajasthan to Gurugram, the Haryana Police is yet to get custody of the prime suspect behind the July 31 violence in Nuh district. Monu is currently lodged at the Ajmer High Security Jail and the Rajasthan Police have raised security and safety concerns. The Haryana Police had sought Monu's remand in an attempted murder case registered against him at the Pataudi police station and he had to be produced in Pataudi court on Tuesday. Personnel of the Rajasthan Police told the Pataudi court on Monday that Monu required a high safety transfer from Ajmer to Gurugram and it did not have enough guards to execute it. A senior police officer of the Gurugram police said they will now move a fresh request and have offered the Rajasthan Police its staff and guards to drive him to the Pataudi court. More than 15k Indian tech workers came to Canada over past 12 months: Report. Image Source: IANS News New York, Sept 26 : The spectacle of Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Parliament Speaker Anthony Rota, hailing a Nazi who served with the evil SS that was involved in genocide and war crimes is the latest example of how politicians in that country are manipulated. Last week, Yaroslav Hunka, who fought for the Nazis as a member of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, was called a hero by Rota, who thanked him "for all his service" and Trudeau joined in the standing ovation for him in Parliament. The tribute to a Nazi by Canadian leaders, who claim to champion human rights, would have passed off as just a service to a particular Canadian group except that they were caught out when Jewish groups exposed the real past of the 98-year-old Nazi soldier. After Hunka's past became public, Trudeau on Monday shamefacedly apologised for honouring a Nazi saying: "This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians." Hunka lives in Rota's constituency and the Speaker was roped in by supporters of the Nazis, showing how easy it is to get Canadian leaders to back questionable causes and dubious personalities in exchange for votes or other forms of support. The incident illustrates the easy manipulation of politicians by vested interests especially those with foreign linkages and how readily they go along for easy political gains, regardless of their public stance. After his praise of the Nazi was exposed, Rota told Parliament: "I am deeply sorry I offended many with my gestures and remarks. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so." After Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had addressed Parliament on September 22, Rota pointed to Hunka, who was in the public gallery and said: "He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero and we thank him for all his service". Zelensky, who was unaware of Hunka's war record, was trapped unawares in the pro-Nazi frenzy at Canada's parliament that is forever passing judgments on other countries and preaching human rights and he joined in the ovation, giving a fist bump. Rota said: "I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them." The speaker had said while introducing Hunka, that he is "a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians". The incident played into Ruassia's accusations that Ukraine is run by neo-Nazis, even though Zelensky is himself Jewish. Kremlin's Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed outrage about the Canadian honour and said: "Many Western countries, including Canada, have raised a young generation that does not know who fought whom or what happened during the Second World War." Canada has given refuge to members of the Nazi forces, which had carried out the horrific genocide of 6 million Jewish people. The Waffen-SS was declared to be a criminal organisation in World War II by the Nuremberg Trials held by the International Military Tribunal for Nazi war crimes. Historians have documented atrocities committed by the division that Hunka served in against the people of Slovakia and Poland, murdering hundreds of people. In Tallinn, the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, met with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis.According to Georgian President Zourabichvili, Estonia's unwavering support is crucial."On this crucial path towards the European candidate status, I held a significant meeting with President Alar Karis of Estonia, a long-standing friend and partner of Georgia.Your unwavering support is vital for Georgia" President Zourabichvili wrote on Twitter.President Karis of Estonia also expressed his country's support for Georgia on its journey toward the European Union."Had a great meeting with President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvli! Estonia is firmly committed to supporting Georgia's territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic integration. We're rooting for Georgia's success on its #EU path!" Karis wrote on Twitter.The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, met with the Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania, Daniel Suciu.According to the reports, the meeting emphasized the strong ties between Georgia and Romania and the fruitful cooperation in various directions. Daniel Suciu mentioned that political cooperation between Georgia and Romania has historically been at its highest level. The attention of the meeting was focused on the activation of parliamentary exchanges, including between sectoral committees."The parties also discussed the war in Ukraine, Georgia's support for Ukraine, the complex situation in the Caucasus region, the importance of improving connectivity in the Black Sea, and Georgia's accession to the European Union and NATO.Shalva Papuashvili spoke about the progress and expectations of Georgia's implementation of the 12 recommendations of the European Union. He expressed hope that negative differentiation of Georgia from the other countries of the associated trio will no longer happen, and by the end of the year, the European Union will grant Georgia the status of a candidate country and, together with Ukraine and Moldova, will start accession negotiations with Georgia.Daniel Suciu expressed Romania's full support for Georgia's European and Euro-Atlantic future," the press service of the Parliament noted. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff with the participation of the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi and military leadership. During the meeting, they discussed, among other things, the production of domestic UAVs. ADVERTISIMENT The head of state also heard a report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Alexander Litvinenko, on the current state of affairs in the Russian army. Zelenskyy wrote about this in his Telegram. The President noted that Chief Zaluzhnyi and Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Budanov provided reports on the operational situation at the front and the enemy's plans. For their part, the commanders of the operational and strategic groups of troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi and Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, reported on the progress of specific offensive and defensive operations in their areas. Zelenskyy noted that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about providing the front with everything it needs. In addition, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin reported on the measures taken by his ministry to increase its own production of weapons, especially drones. ADVERTISIMENT The participants also heard an extensive report by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Litvinenko, on the current state of affairs in the Russian army and the prospects for the development of the Russian military-industrial complex. Earlier, it was reported that with the expansion of drone production in Ukraine, the need for ammunition for drones has increased. Therefore, the government has launched a mass production of ammunition for UAVs. As a reminder, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the prospects for arms production in our country. First of all, to ensure the security of Ukraine, we need air defense systems and other modern weapons. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Mathura, Sep 26 : An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an unidentified man in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district, said officials on Tuesday, adding that she was in a critical condition. The girl was found in a semi-conscious state at a park near her house on Monday evening and was rushed to the district hospital in a critical condition. Later, she was referred to a higher medical centre in Agra due to excessive bleeding from her private parts and severe abdominal pain, the police said. The girl told her father that the accused lured her with a chocolate and took her along with him. On the basis of a complaint filed by her father, a farmer, an FIR has been registered against an unknown person under IPC sections 363 (kidnapping), 376AB (rape with a woman less than 12 years of age) and the POCSO Act. Deputy Superintendent of Police Alok Singh said, "Medical examination of the girl has confirmed rape. Three police teams have been constituted to identify the accused. CCTV cameras in the area are being scanned." Lucknow, Sep 26 : Two security guards have been booked for allegedly assaulting a young man and his girlfriend at Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar. The incident occurred on September 23 but was reported on Monday. Sudhir Awasthi, SHO of Gomti Nagar Extension, said that the FIR in this connection has been filed. According to reports, the young man and his girlfriend had gone to the park to spend quality time together and discuss personal matters. "Around 6.30 p.m., two security guards approached them, and one of the guards struck my friend's leg with a stick. She began crying due to the pain, and I confronted the security personnel. Both of them then proceeded to beat me with the sticks they were carrying," recounted the victim. He disclosed that he sustained bruises from the attack, which was an agonising and shocking experience for him. "We are adults and were merely engaged in a conversation," the victim added. The victim reported the incident to the police, although he could not provide the names of the security guards. However, he said he could identify them if presented with a lineup. The police confirmed the registration of a case and the launch of an investigation into the issue. "We have summoned all the security guards and will conduct a lineup for the victim and his girlfriend to identify the assailants," the police stated. Toronto, Sep 26 : Several Khalistan supporters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation of India's involvement in the murder of radical Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in Surrey on June 18 this year with Khalistanis across Canada holding Indian diplomats responsible for his death. In downtown Vancouver, around 75 people gathered outside the Consul General of India on Monday chanting pro-Khalistani slogans, where demonstration was staged atop a large flag of India placed on the wet ground, the CBC news outlet reported. Vancouver police closed the 300 block of Howe Street in anticipation of the event -- called by Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) -- which came amid a heavy police presence. Meera Bains, a Sikh-Canadian journalist posted a video of the protest on X, which showed a poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi garlanded with slippers. She wrote: "Protest in front of the Indian consulate underway on Howe Street in Vancouver. So far a few dozen people but very organised with flags, signs, loud speakers, and PM Modi image on cardboard." Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of SFJ, which was banned by India in 2019, was also present during the protests in Vancouver, and said that they are here "to shut down every Indian Consulate in the world today because the Indian back face has come to the front face". While announcing the protests a week ago, Pannun had said that they would also be calling for the expulsion of High Commissioner Sanjay Verma. Pannun, whose properties in Punjab were recently confiscated by the Indian government, had recently released a video with a view to divide Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada, asking all Hindus of Indian-origin to go back to their mother country. In Toronto and Ottawa, around 70 people demonstrated in front of the Indian High Commission, calling India to cooperate with the Canadian government in the investigation of Nijjar's murder. Tensions flared between India and Canada following Trudeau's allegations that India was behind the killing of Nijjar -- a designated terrorist in India. India rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated". Beginning this year, Khalistanis across the US, the UK, Australia and Canada have been calling referendums, vandalising Hindu temples and Indian missions and installations with spiteful anti-India graffiti. Following Nijjar's death in June, the Sikh radicals have unleashed a poster war across Canada, blaming Indian diplomats and High Commissioner Verma for the killing. --IANS mi/ksk Sultanpur, Sep 26 : The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested the father of the accused who beat a government doctor to death over a land dispute. The accused Ajay Narain Singh is absconding and the police have arrested his father Jagdish Narain Singh. The police have also announced a reward of Rs 50,000 on any information leading to the arrest of the accused. Sultanpur Senior Superintendent of Police Somen Barma said that the main accused, who has three criminal cases registered against him, is on the run. The other two accused booked at the Kotwali police station for the doctor's murder are unidentified persons. "We have arrested Jagdish Narain Singh, father of the main accused," said the officer. Meanwhile, city kotwali SHO Ramashish Upadhyay has been suspended for negligence. District Magistrate Jasjeet Kaur said the illegal property acquired by the main murder accused and his family members has been vacated. The family of the deceased has been provided security while financial assistance and a job have been offered to them, he added. On Saturday, the doctor, Ghanshyam Tiwari, 53, was allegedly thrashed and sent home in an e-rickshaw after the brutal attack. The doctor fell unconscious a few minutes later and was taken to the Sultanpur district hospital, where he was declared dead. In her complaint, the victim's wife, Nisha Tiwari, said that the doctor had purchased two biswa of land from the main accused's father, Jagdish Narain Singh. "Even after paying the full amount of Rs 50 lakh, we were not given possession of the land," she said. Police from several police stations and PAC personnel, along with the ADM (administration), SDM (Sadar) and the ASP reached Narainpur village with three JCB machines and removed encroachments worth over Rs 4 crore on the side of the Sultanpur-Varanasi highway. The land was illegally occupied by the accused. The administration and revenue officials also removed illegal encroachments on the land owned by the deceased doctor. Yerevan, Sep 26 : Amid fears of ethnic cleansing, thousands of ethnic Armenian refugees have fled Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan's seizure of the disputed region last week. Addressing reporters on Monday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned that ethnic cleansing is "underway" in the region."That's happening just now, and that is very unfortunate fact because we were trying to urge international community on that," the BBC quoted Pashinyan as saying. More than 6,500 people have so far crossed into Armenia from the enclave, which is home to a majority of some 120,000 ethnic Armenians. They left after the government in Armenia announced plans to move those made homeless by the fighting. In a statement on Sunday, the government in Yerevan said that hundreds of the refugees had already been provided with government-funded housing. But it is yet to release a clear plan of how it would cope with an influx of people, reports the BBC. Prime Minister Pashinyan announced last week that plans were in place to look after up to 40,000 refugees. Nagorno-Karabakh - a mountainous region in the South Caucasus - is recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan, but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians for three decades. The enclave has been supported by Armenia - but also by their ally, Russia, which has had hundreds of soldiers there for years. Five Russian peacekeepers were killed - alongside at least 200 ethnic Armenians and dozens of Azerbaijani soldiers - as Azerbaijan's army swept in last week. On Sunday, Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry said it had confiscated more military equipment including a large number of rockets, artillery shells, mines and ammunition. Despite Azerbaijan's public reassurances, there are fears about the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, with only one aid delivery of 70 tonnes of food having been allowed through since separatists accepted a ceasefire and agreed to disarm. Beijing's stockpile of nuclear warheads has nearly doubled since 2020: Pentagon. Image Source: IANS News Washington, Sep 26 : The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces captured an official of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group during a helicopter raid in northern Syria on September 23. In a statement on Monday, the CENTCOM said: "Abu Halil al-Fad'ani, an IS Syria Operational and Facilitation official, was captured during the raid. Al-Fad'ani was assessed to have relationships throughout the IS network in the region." "The capture of IS officials like al-Fad'ani increases our ability to locate, target, and remove terrorist from the battlefield," CENTCOM spokesperson Lt. Col. Troy Garlock was quoted as saying in the statement. "US CENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of IS," he added. No civilians were killed or injured during this operation, the statement noted. Last month, CENTCOM forces and coalition partners conducted eight operations in Syria, in which seven IS operatives were detained and an eighth was killed, CNN reported In Iraq, 18 operatives were detained and six were killed throughout operations in August in Iraq. Another IS "attack facilitator", Hudayfah al Yemeni, and two of his associates were captured in a helicopter raid in Syria in April. Currently, the US has about 900 troops in Syria as part of the ongoing mission to defeat the terrorist group. Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 : Multiple Kerala Police squads are on the lookout for a group of six people believed to be members of the now-banned PFI who forcibly took away an Army jawan from his house about 60 kms from here near Kadakkal an assaulted him. Shine Kumar was taken away on the last day of his annual leave to a nearby forest area, beaten up and left with "PFI" written on his back with green paint. Speaking to IANS, an official attached to the Kadakkal police who have registered a case, said the incident took place late on Sunday night. "After the complaint was registered, multiple police squads were on the lookout for the assailants. High ranking Police officials are keeping track of the probe," said the official who did not wish to be identified. According to the jawan, the gang of assailants tied his hands with tape and beat him up. Meanwhile the Indian Army also is following up on the incident. Kumar is posted in Rajasthan and this incident took place on the penultimate day of his leave. "He is still around and has not gone back according to his earlier planned schedule," added the police official. The incident took place hours before the Enforcement Directorate began raids at several locations linked to former members of the banned PFI across Kerala. New Delhi, Sep 26 : With the arrest of five men, the Delhi Police on Tuesday claimed to have busted a gang of international cyber cheats involved in duping the people on pretext of high returns. According to officials, the crime originated from Dubai and the Philippines. The officials said that they have also seized bank accounts with over Rs 1.25 crore. The accused were identified as Vivek Kumar Singh (33), Manish Kumar (23), Suhel Akaram a.k.a Syed Ahamad (32), Gaurav Sharma (23) and Balram (32). On June 6, Ashish Agarwal filed a complaint on the National Cyber-Crime Portal, stating that in the month of May, he received a message on his WhatsApp. The sender allured him to invest in the Telegram app with the promise of high returns. Initially, they asked him to invest a small amount of Rs 1,000 with a promise to return Rs 1,100. "He invested Rs 1,000 in a Telegram group and subsequently received Rs 1,100. The accused then persuaded him to invest Rs 10,000 with the promise of a return of Rs 12,000," said the additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) Sachin Sharma. Gradually, they convinced him to invest substantial amounts in lakhs. "However, they later reneged on returning the promised amounts and, under the pretext of returning the principal, convinced him to invest even more. As a result, the complainant fell victim to a cyber scam, losing approximately Rs 30 lakhs," said Sharma. During investigation, the police obtained bank account details and call detail records (CDR) of mobile numbers linked to he bank accounts of the accused/suspected individuals. "The inquiry revealed that the defrauded money was transferred to 25 bank accounts in various banks and cities. Funds from these accounts were further transferred to various other bank accounts. A current bank account was opened at Yes Bank in the name of a fake firm, "Aairsky," at the Nangalraya address in Delhi," said the additional DCP. Upon verification, it was discovered that the said premises had been rented by an individual named Suhel Akram, with another individual, Gaurav Sharma, also associated with it. "The investigation further revealed that 11 fake companies were registered at this address, with different individuals falsely listed as directors of these companies," said the official. On September 18, based on specific information, the police arrested Suhel Akram and his associate, Gaurav Sharma, in Malviya Nagar. "Various counterfeit stamps with different names, bank account details, and debit cards were recovered from their possession. They confessed to their involvement in the scam, leading to their arrests in accordance with due legal procedures," said the official. On sustained interrogation, the accused revealed that they would rent premises for the registration of shell companies using forged documents. "They would then open current bank accounts in different banks, primarily Yes Bank and RBL Bank, using the names of these shell companies. Suhel Akram's friend, Balram, was responsible for finding individuals to act as nominal directors of these shell companies. At the direction of Suhel, Balram was also arrested," said the official. Suhel further disclosed that he provided the details of these fraudulent current bank accounts to Vivek Kumar Singh, residing in Sector 28, DLF Phase-1, Gurugram, Haryana. "Following this information, the police arrested Vivek Kumar Singh and his associate, Manish Kumar. Vivek was the individual in contact with counterparts in Dubai and the Philippines, originating the criminal activities," said the official. Vivek revealed that he connected with foreign nationals involved in online betting, gaming, and investment through Telegram and LinkedIn. aThe daily transactions in these bank accounts amounted to more than a crore of rupees," said the official. Suhel had altered his identity as Syed Ahmad, son of Syed Abdul Haque, by creating forged documents, including an Aadhar Card and PAN card. He used these fabricated identities to open various companies, aiming to legitimise ill-gotten money. "Further investigation is under progress and efforts are on to nab the other persons involved in a chain of such cyber cheaters," the official added. Hyderabad: 61-feet high idol of lord Ganesh immersion underway at Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad on Sep 12, 2019. . Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Sep 26 : A section of organisers of Ganesh pandals in Hyderabad staged a protest when the police and municipal authorities stopped the immersion of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) in Hussain Sagar lake here in line with the orders of the Telangana High Court. Late Monday night, the protesters sat on a dharna on Tank Bund road, leading to traffic jam on the busy road which connects twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Backed by some organisers, the protesters raised an objection to the action by the authorities and alleged that hurdles were being created in the immersion. The organisers demanded the intervention of the state government, approach the High Court and ensure that the idols were immersed in Hussain Sagar as usual. The sudden protest by the organisers sparked tension in the area. Police detained the protesters and cleared the road for traffic. The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti had also tried to stage a similar protest last year to oppose what it calls the restrictions being imposed on immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar. The Samiti, which organises the annual festivities, demanded that the government allow immersion like in the past without any restrictions. The nine-day festivities will culminate on September 28 with a massive immersion procession. Thousands of idols from various parts of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and outskirts are brought to Hussain Sagar for immersion. As per the orders of both the High Court and the Supreme Court, the authorities have announced that immersion of idols made of PoP will not be allowed in Hussain Sagar and other lakes. Such idols will have to be immersed in baby/artificial ponds. The authorities have built 50 ponds in addition to the 25 already existing for immersion of idols. The Samiti, however, dismissed the artificial ponds created by authorities as against aHindu Dharmaa, as the idols should be customarily immersed in only natural water sources. The High Court had directed the state government on Monday to ensure that no idols made of PoP are immersed in either Hussain Sagar or any other water bodies in Hyderabad during Ganesh idol immersion. Hearing a writ petition, a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N. V. Shravan Kumar directed the Hyderabad Police Commissioner to ensure that the idols made of PoP were immersed only in the baby ponds created by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The state government has been asked to file the compliance report within three weeks. The High Court in 2021 had passed an order in a contempt of court petition filed in 2014 relating to the matter. The state government, which had approached the Supreme Court, assured that in future no Ganesh idols made of PoP would be immersed in Hussain Sagar. In a move to promote eco-friendly festivities, the GHMC and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) are distributing 5 lakh idols made of clay free of cost. --IANS ms/ksk Chandigarh, Sep 26 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday announced a comprehensive ban on serving 'hookah' to customers in hotels, restaurants, bars, and commercial establishments across the state. However, this prohibition will not apply to traditional hookahs used in rural areas, an official statement said. Guwahati, Sep 26 : An army officer and his wife have been arrested in Assam's Dima Hasao district for allegedly torturing their minor domestic help, police said on Tuesday. The accused identified as Major Shailendra Yadav, and his wife, Kimmy Ralson, were taken into custody on Monday. According to the police, Yadav had married Ralson, a Haflong native, while he was posted in Dima Hasao district. After the officer was transferred from Haflong to Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, Ralson brought a minor girl from the Sankijang area to assist her as domestic help. But, allegations soon surfaced of Ralson severely abusing the minor girl, including physical abuse and pouring hot water on her. The police said the girl underwent extreme torture before being recently handed over to her family in Dima Hasao. Dima Hasao SP Mayank Kumar, told IANS that the victim had been "working with the family for the last two years, and during this period, she was subjected to severe physical abuse". "She became ill, and then Ralson handed her to the family." According to the police, the minor girl and her family were threatened not to register a case with the police. However, someone posted the details of the horrific condition of the minor on social media. "We took cognizance and called the couple here. They were subsequently arrested for torturing the minor girl," Kumar added. A case under relevant sections was registered by the police against the two. Meanwhile, a section of local women protested outside the Haflong police station on Monday, demanding an exemplary punishment for the accused couple. --IANS tdr/ksk Mumbai, Sep 26 : Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan and his actress-wife Nayanthara have shared adorable pictures of their twins Ulag and Uyir. The couple took to their respective Instagram accounts and in collaboration shared a picture of their twins. In the images shared, Vignesh is seen holding the babies. He is seen holding them in each of his hands while standing between their cribs in their nursery. The second image shows them standing with them in their living room with several balloons lying on the floor. For the caption, they chose the song from Rajinikanth's latest release 'Jailer', which has been penned by Vignesh. Sung by Vishal Mishra, the tracktalks about the bond between a father and his beloved son. Vignesh and Nayanthara captioned it: "Rathamarey Yen Rathamarey #Uyir #Ulag." The couple got married in Chennai last year and welcomed their babies via surrogacy earlier this year.The wedding was attended by actors Shah Rukh Khan, Suriya, Rajinikanth. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Fraudsters get creative, come up with newer ways to dupe people. (Photo:Unsplash). Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : Hong Kong-based crypto company Mixin has announced that the hackers stole around $200 million in a data breach that occurred on September 23. After learning about the data breach, the company temporarily suspended the services. "In the early morning of September 23, 2023, Hong Kong time, the database of Mixin Networkas cloud service provider was attacked by hackers, resulting in the loss of some assets," the company wrote on X on Monday. "After initial verification, the funds involved are approximately $200 million. Deposit and withdrawal services on Mixin Network have been temporarily suspended. After discussion and consensus among all nodes, these services will be reopened once the vulnerabilities are confirmed and fixed," it added. In addition, the company said it contacted Google and blockchain security company SlowMist to help with the investigation. Mixin also stated in the announcement that it will announce an unspecified "solution" to deal with the stolen assets at a later date. "We will try our best to minimise the losses and deeply apologise for this," the company said. Last week, global cryptocurrency exchange CoinEx, which recently suffered a data breach, losing nearly $70 million, asked hackers to negotiate with the company while also promising a generous bounty reward if they return the stolen assets. Hackers behind the CoinEx attack were identified as the North Korea-sponsored Lazarus Group. On September 15, CoinEx stated in an open letter, which it posted on X that the hack incident served as a lesson for the company and made it more aware of its responsibility to ensure robust asset security. --IANS shs/ksk Chennai, Sep 26 : With 79 dengue cases reported this month alone, the health administration in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district has heightened preventive measures to stall the spread of the disease. While there were no fatalities, the increase in 30 cases more when compared to August has led to concerns among the health authorities. Last month, the district had registered 49 cases. Administration authorities told IANS that a rapid response team along with local health official have been conducting fever camps in all the 13 blocks of Madurai's rural areas. Meanwhile, one team is taking care of the fever camp in the district's urban area. The district health department has also directed workers to clean unhygienic places and clear water logging. The district administration will also issue notices to shop owners and residents who fail to maintain the hygiene in their surroundings. The public has also been warned not to try self medication for fever related diseases and instead visit primary health centres or hospitals immediately. The health department officials have also called on people to cover water containers to prevent the Aedes mosquitos from breeding. A ward dedicated to dengue patients has been set up in Government Rajaji Medical College Hospital, Madurai and 40 beds have been allocated. --IANS aal/ksk Bengaluru, Sep 26 : Flexible workspace provider WeWork India on Tuesday announced the appointment of two senior leaders to its executive leadership team, as struggles to survive in a post-pandemic world. Debosmita Majumder has joined WeWork India as Chief Marketing Officer, while Rupesh Kumar has taken up the role of Head of Engineering, the company said in a statement. "As we continue on a path of profitability, marketing and engineering will play a key role in elevating member experience and amplifying our market presence," said Karan Virwani, CEO, WeWork India. Majumder will be responsible for planning and elevating WeWork India's brand and marketing infrastructure involving aspects such as brand campaigns, marketing automation, strategy development and more. With over two decades of experience in tech, Kumar specialises in building large-scale web applications and enterprise products. An IIT-IIM graduate, he has previously been associated with MediBuddy, BigBasket, and Adobe Systems. WeWork India said it is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Last month, WeWork, once valued at $47 billion, said that "substantial doubt exists about the company's ability to continue as a going concern". The company, which reported a net loss of $397 million for the second quarter over the consolidated revenue of $844 million (up 4 per cent year-over-year), projected a weak future amid losses, projected cash needs and increased member turnover. "Excess supply in commercial real estate, increasing competition in flexible space and macroeconomic volatility drove higher member churn and softer demand than we anticipated, resulting in a slight decline in memberships," said WeWork interim CEO David Tolley. "In a difficult operating environment, we have delivered solid year-over-year revenue growth and dramatic profitability improvements," Tolley had said in a statement. Meanwhile, since entering the Indian market in 2017, WeWork has over 6.5 million square feet of assets signed across 50 locations. --IANS na/ksk IMD warns of heavy rainfall across multiple regions in country, some areas to experience exceptionally heavy downpours. Image Source: IANS News Guatemala City, Sep 26 : Heavy rain amid the ongoing monsoon season in Guatemala has claimed the lives of 32 people and left 16 others missing, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) said. There was damage to 30 schools, 242 roads and 31 bridges, and some 472 homes were at risk of destruction, Xinhua news agency quoted the Conred as saying. Meanwhile, 5,689 people were left homeless, 10,303 evacuated and 587 sheltered due to heavy rains. "In the last 24 hours, the Conred system has registered six incidents associated with rain around the country," the agency wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). Early Monday, the Naranjo River in Guatemala City flooded, leaving at least three people dead and 15 missing. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Rolls-Royce on Tuesday announced a further key milestone, a world industry first, has been achieved in its hydrogen research project. Both Rolls-Royce and its partner easyJet are committed to being at the forefront of the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology capable of powering a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment, from the mid-2030s onwards. Now, working with Loughborough University in the UK and the German Aerospace Centre Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR), Rolls-Royce has proven a critical engine technology that marks another significant step in the journey to enabling hydrogenas an aviation fuel. Tests on a full annular combustor of a Pearl 700 engine at DLR in Cologne running on 100 per cent hydrogen have proven the fuel can be combusted at conditions that represent maximum take-off thrust. Key to that achievement has been the successful design of advanced fuel spray nozzles to control the combustion process. This involved overcoming significant engineering challenges as hydrogen burns far hotter and more rapidly than kerosene. The new nozzles were able to control the flame position using a new system that progressively mixes air with the hydrogen to manage the fuel's reactivity. Rolls-Royce is pleased to confirm that combustor operability and emissions were both in line with expectations. The individual nozzles were initially tested at intermediate pressure at Loughborough's recently upgraded test facilities and at DLR Cologne before the final full-pressure combustor tests took place at DLR Cologne. Last year, easyJet and Rolls-Royce also set a world first by successfully running a modern aero engine, an AE2100, on green hydrogen at Boscombe Down, UK. These recent tests mean the combustion element of the hydrogen programme is now well understood, while work continues on systems to deliver the fuel to the engine and integrate those systems with an engine. Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Rolls-Royce, said: "This is an incredible achievement in a short space of time. Controlling the combustion process is one of the key technology challenges the industry faces in making hydrogen a real aviation fuel of the future. We have achieved that, and it makes us eager to keep moving forward. I want to thank easyJet, Loughborough University and DLR for their dedication and support to reach this milestone." Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: "We believe hydrogen is the future of short-haul aviation and the success of this test and progress being made demonstrates that this is becoming ever closer. We remain optimistic that it will play a critical role in helping us achieve the ambitious goals we set out in our net zero roadmap." Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Loughborough University, said: "In conjunction with its partners, the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT) at Loughborough is delighted to have supported the landmark testing and development of advanced aerospace fuel spray nozzles utilising hydrogen fuel. This is a major advance towards net zero aviation." Markus Fischer, Divisional Board Member Aeronautics of DLR, said: "This is an outstanding success story and we are more than happy to have contributed our hydrogen testing capabilities. It was very exciting supporting this technology journey and seeing the burner technology mature in various rigs at our Institute of Propulsion Technology. This underlines again DLR's capabilities in complex applied research and theachievement, at such a high pace, was supported by our experience in real-scale testing of ground-based gas turbines." The technologies tested at Loughborough and DLR will now be incorporated into the learning from the Boscombe Down tests as Rolls-Royce and easyJet prepare for the next stage of testing -- a full gas hydrogen ground test on a Pearl engine. That will in turn lead to a full ground test on a Pearl engine using liquid hydrogen -- both easyJet and Rolls-Royce have a shared ambition to then take the technology to flight. Rolls-Royce receives support for hydrogen research through the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute HyEST programme, Germany's LUFO 6 WOTAN programme, and the European Union's Clean Aviation CAVENDISH programme. Loughborough is a partner in HyEST and CAVENDISH. DLR is a partner in WOTAN and CAVENDISH. easyJet has provided investment to support the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology for narrow-body aircraft. New Delhi, September 26 : The government may consider lowering the minimum export price (MEP) of basmati rice amid reports that Pakistan has set a price of $1,050 per tonne for the commodity. As per reports, the Centre may reduce the MEP on basmati rice by around $300 per tonne from the existing $1,200 per tonne to counter Pakistan's move. Union Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal is learnt to have held a virtual meeting with basmati exporters, where the decision was apparently taken. According to reports, the decision has been taken to maintain Indian basmati rice's global competitiveness. the government may announce the cut in basmati 's MEP this week, the reports said. Some varieties of rice are grown for export purposes and they don't have any impact on the domestic market. Last month government had banned basmati rice exports to prevent fraudulent shipments of non-basmati rice disguised as regular basmati rice. --IANS ans/ksk Kolkata, Sep 26 : BJP supporters led by the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday engaged in a minor scuffle with the police, as a group of saffron camp workers and MLAs staged a protest against the alarming dengue situation in the state. The protest was held in front of the Swasthya Bhawan, the headquarters of the state health department in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The police intervened when Adhikari and some of his party MLAs tried to enter through the main gate of the Swasthya Bhawan building, following which they engaged in a heated argument with the senior officers present at the spot. As the cops locked the main entrance gate of the building, Adhikari got further agitated and he was seen shaking the gate in agony. Addressing reporters, he said that they came to the Swasthya Bhawan just to submit a memorandum to the state health secretary on the concerning dengue situation in West Bengal. "We wanted to meet the state health secretary just for a couple of minutes. But we were not allowed to do that. The dengue situation in West Bengal has reached an alarming level already. There have been over 100 deaths in the current season because of dengue, the figures on which have been suppressed by the state government. "While the other state governments are submitting the related data to the Centre, the West Bengal government is refusing to do that," he alleged. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Income Tax Department has issued new regulations concerning the valuation of equity and compulsorily convertible preference shares issued by startups to both resident and non-resident investors. These regulations, effective from Monday (September 25), amend Rule 11UA of the Income Tax Rules. Under these changes, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) now allows the valuation of compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) to be determined using the fair market value of unquoted equity shares. The revised regulations also maintain the inclusion of five valuation methods initially proposed in the draft rules for assessing funds received from non-resident sources. These methods are: (i) Comparable Company Multiple Method, (ii) Probability Weighted Expected Return Method, (iii) Option Pricing Method, (iv) Milestone Analysis Method, and (v) Replacement Cost Method. A few businessmen have remarked that the amendments to Rule 11UA of the Indian Income Tax Act will introduce positive changes. They said that these changes grant taxpayers flexibility by offering multiple valuation methods, simplify the process of considering the valuation date, encourage venture capital investments, facilitate investments from specified entities, provide clarity regarding compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS), and promote foreign investments. 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 26 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to not summon BRS MLC K. Kavitha till November 20 in the Delhi excise policy case. A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia extended the interim relief till the time her plea against the summons issued by the anti-money laundering agency is heard next on November 20. Appearing for ED, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju assured the bench that the daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will not be summoned in the meantime. Kavitha was summoned by ED on September 14 to appear in its national capital office on the next day for the purpose of attending the ongoing probe against the AAP-led Delhi government's now scrapped liquor policy. In the last hearing on September 15, the apex court did not stay the summons by ED but had asked the central agency to not insist on her appearance till September 26, the next date of listing of her plea. In her petition filed before the Supreme Court, Kavitha challenged the summons issued to her by the ED and sought for protection against arrest. The court will take up her plea for further hearing on November 20. New Delhi: Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande and US Army's Chief of Staff General Randy George address a press conference. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, 26 Sep : Partnership between the Indian and US Army is very important for stability in the Indo-Pacific, the US Army's Chief of Staff General Randy George said on Tuesday. He was speaking at the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) organised in New Delhi. General Randy George said the relationship between the armies of India and the US is strong and growing stronger. Including General George, 17 other Army chiefs are in India to attend the IPACC in New Delhi. General Manoj Pande and General George also addressed a join press briefing here. In that briefing General George said, "Our soldiers are sharpening their skills, mastering their craft and learning from each other. They are building trust and deepening the friendship between our armies. "We all know how important trust and friendship are in a challenging global security environment. Having great allies and partners is more important than ever before." "We do face a challenging strategic environment, but this is nothing new. We have overcome challenges in the past, and we will overcome them together in the future," General George added. Addressing the media General Manoj Pande said, "Cooperation among our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of the Armed forces of nations have been ongoing the theme of this year's event together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-pacific region resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations." The Ministry of Defence informed that Indian Army and the US Army are co-hosting 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of Chiefs of Armies. Delegates of 35 countries will be in New Delhi from September 25-27 to attend this international conference. The central theme for this forum is 'Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.' The conference will provide an opportunity for Army Chiefs and senior-level leaders from land forces, primarily of the Indo-Pacific region, to exchange ideas and views on security and contemporary issues. The core effort of the forum will be to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue and friendship amongst the littoral partners, the Defence Ministry official added. Earlier, on Tuesday morning Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chiefs of Armies and delegates of various countries laid wreaths and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. Aspiring Indian students get admission in Canadian institutes as they normally do: Officials. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : For the third year in a row, Indian students have got the maximum US visas -- over 90,000 this summer, the US Embassy in India said on Tuesday. The US Embassy in India in a post on X, formerly Twitter said, "The U.S. Mission in India is pleased to announce that we issued a record number a" over 90,000 a" of student visas this summer/in June, July, and August." "This summer almost one in four student visas worldwide was issued right here in India. Congratulations and best wishes to all the students who have chosen the United States to make their higher education goals a reality. Thatas a wrap. With teamwork and innovation, we ensured that all qualified applicants reached their programs on time," the US Embassy said. According to officials, last year, over 82,000 US visas were issued for the Indian students. Melbourne, Sep 26 : Daniel Andrews, the current premier of the Australian state of Victoria, held a snap media conference on Tuesday, announcing that he is resigning from the role after spending almost nine years in office. The announcement came unexpectedly to local media as the conference was organised with just 40 minutes' notice, reports Xinhua news agency. For the Labor Party's longest-serving premier in the state, Andrews admitted that it was "not an easy decision". According to the Parliament of Victoria, Andrews has been serving as the state's premier since December 2014 and leader of the Victorian branch of the Australian Labor Party since December 2010. Chennai, Sept 26 : The Tamil Nadu health department will hold 1,000 medical camps to screen dengue from October 1, state Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced on Tuesday. In his announcement, the Minister said that the camps are being held so that the disease can be diagnosed at the earliest and treated. He said that a medical team will visit the fever-affected areas every day and conduct medical camps, adding that a total of 476 mobile medical teams will be pressed into service for creating awareness among the public. Subramanian said that about 805 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Mobile School Teams will establish fever screening camps in schools to check the students and treat the ones who are unwell He said that teachers have also been instructed to provide the details of the students with fever to medical officers and health personnel. The Minister added that school authorities have been instructed to spray mosquito repellants to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding in school premises to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Subramanian appealed to the people to visit fever camps and to consult doctors if they have symptoms of fever and not to treat on their own. Several cities in Tamil Nadu have reported an increase in the number of dengue cases in September as compared to August. --IANS aal/ksk Surrey : , Sep 25 (IANS) At least six men and two vehicles were involved in the killing of Canada-based pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in British Columbia in June, according to a video reviewed by The Washington Post and witness accounts, suggesting a larger and more organised operation than has previously been reported. Members of the local Sikh community, meanwhile, say authorities have told them little about their investigation of the June 18 killing outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. They said police were slow to the scene, and disagreement between agencies caused further delay. Several business owners and residents near the gurdwara say investigators have not visited to ask questions or request security video, The Washington Post reported. In a bombshell announcement last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canada's House of Commons that authorities were pursuing "credible allegations" that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing. The allegations were based in part on information gathered by one of Canada's partners in the intelligence-sharing Five Eyes alliance, The Washington Post reported. Nijjar, 45, the president of the gurdwara, had received death threats in the past, his family said. The murder was captured by a gurdwara security camera and the video has been shared with investigators, according to The Washington Post report. A 90-second recording of the video reviewed by The Post begins with Nijjar's gray pickup truck pulling out of a parking space. A white sedan appears in an adjacent lot, pulls up and drives parallel to the truck. The vehicles are initially separated by a walkway. When the truck speeds up, the sedan matches its pace. Then the truck merges into the sedan's lane and for a moment they're side-by-side. As the vehicles approach the parking lot exit, the sedan pulls in front and brakes to block the truck. Two men in hooded sweatshirts emerge from under a covered waiting area and move toward the truck. Each points a firearm at the driver's seat. The sedan exits the parking lot and drives out of view. Then the two men run in the same direction, The Washington Post reported. Authorities have not publicly discussed the white sedan or who might have been driving it. Nor have they mentioned the two additional men in the getaway car. Community members say they're most concerned that authorities did not offer Nijjar more protection before the killing, and that they've been given little information since. "My father asked for increased police surveillance around the gurdwara so that the whole community could be safer," said Balraj Singh Nijjar, Hardeep Singh Nijjar's 21-year-old son. The police said they would look into it, he said, but to his knowledge, nothing was done. The threats to Nijjar's life were well known in the community. Some gurdwara members told The Post they worried when they saw him driving alone. His son said he wished he could have driven a bulletproof car, which is illegal in British Columbia, or worn a vest, for which a permit is required. Moninder Singh, the spokesman of the British Columbia Sikh Gurdwara Council, said Nijjar's mechanic recently found a tracker in the wheel well of his truck, The Washington Post reported. Meanwhile, Trudeau's accusation has led to a diplomatic spat between India and Canada with New Delhi rejecting Ottawa's claims as "absurd and motivated", followed by tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats and travel advisories. Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 : The Kerala Police on Tuesday took into custody an Army jawan who falsely claimed that he was abducted and assaulted by six men, who left him after painting "PFI" on his back on Sunday night. Hours after multiple teams of Kerala Police started their probe, the police smelt a rat when they questioned Shine Kumar, the jawan who registered the assault complaint. On Monday, the police then summoned his friends to appear before them. During interrogation, his friend Joshy spilled the beans and said that he helped Kumar on his insistence. He was also taken into police custody. "He asked me to paint a few letters on his back. First I heard it as DYFI, he then corrected me saying it's PFI. I first tore his shirt from the back and then painted as asked," said Joshy. "He also told me to beat him, but I could not. He felt the act would give him instant fame," added Joshy. After questioning Joshy, the police reached his house and took away the green paint and the brush. As part of evidence, the police located the paint shop from where they had purchased it. Shine Kumar is presently attached to the Army unit of his at Rajasthan and this stage managed act was done a day prior to the last day of his leave. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The 17th edition of Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2024 will take place from February 1 to 5 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. The upcoming edition of the festival celebrates how 'Stories Unite Us,' exploring the transformative power of literature. Teamwork Arts, the producer of the Festival informed that like earlier editions, this edition will celebrate linguistic diversity, featuring a broad spectrum of languages. The programme will host sessions that focus on literary works in languages like Assamese, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, and many more. The first list of 25 speakers released on Tuesday includes author Anand Neelakantan; award-winning British journalist and author ('Superior: The Return of Race Science'), Angela Saini; award-winning Assamese author and journalist Anuradha Sarma Pujari; critically acclaimed Tamil and Malayalam language writer and literary critic B. Jeyamohan; British reviewer, columnist and author Ben Macintyre; leading Indian art historian, academic and author B.N. Goswamy; award-winning author and academic Brian A. Catlos; award-winning playwright, author & Broadway actress Catherine Ann Jones; and award-winning Australian historian, author, broadcaster and public commentator Clare Wright; acclaimed travel writer and novelist Colin Thubron. The list also includes the Elizabeth Moynihan Curator of South Asian and Southeast Asian Art at the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Debra Diamond; debut novelist of Quarterlife, Devika Rege; best-selling American author of The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death, Jeff Goodell; prize-winning and bestselling broadcaster, curator and author Jerry Brotton; Kashmir-born and New York-based writer and translator of For Now, It Is Night, Kalpana Raina; Classicist and writer of the prize-winning books Pompeii, SPQR, and Women & Power, Mary Beard; acclaimed Hindi novelist and writer of the famous books Chittacobra, Kathgulab, and the Sahitya Akademi award-winning Miljul Mann, Mridula Garg; Co-founder and Co-CEO of Archie Comics Publications, Nancy Silberkleit; award-winning author of three novels Nilanjana S. Roy; award-winning journalist and author of the international bestsellers Say Nothing, Empire of Pain, and Rogues, Patrick Radden Keefe; Indian journalist and novelist Raj Kamal Jha; Former DG, CSIR & President, Indian National Science Academy, National Innovation Foundation and recipient of 47 honorary doctorates, R.A. Mashelkar; author of The Case for Nature, Siddarth Shrikanth; former Chief Justice of Orissa High Court and Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court and Delhi High Court S. Muralidhar; and award-winning historian, translator and broadcaster Tom Holland. Namita Gokhale, writer, publisher, and Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said: "The 2024 edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will bring our living library of ideas, books, and writers into the hearts and minds of book lovers from around the world. "Fiction and faction, poetry and music, debates and discussions await us, with a brilliant and diverse list of speakers and performers. A vintage year, with classic themes and stimulating contemporary interpretations." Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts said that the 17th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival will focus on Indian literature and the celebration of diverse voices. Registration and access to the Festival will be available for Rs 200 per day. Kolkata, Sep 26 : In a renewed drive in the multi-crore cash-for-school job case in West Bengal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started a massive raid and search operation on Tuesday at the different offices of the outsourced agency responsible for supply of optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets to WBSSC and WBBPE for conducting recruitment examinations. First a Kolkata- based top official of the said outsourced entity,S. Basu Roy & Company,Kaushik Maji was summoned and questioned at the agency's Nizam Palace office in central Kolkata and subsequently different teams of CBI started raid and search operations at different outfits of the entity. Sources said that among the places where the raid and search operations are continuing include the offices and warehouses of the outsourced entity as well as the residences of some top officials of the entity. The renewed activity of CBI in the matter started just a day after, the sleuths of Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel probe in the school job case, faced the ire of the Calcutta High Court's single- judge bench of Justice Amrita Sinhafor submitting incomplete details on the assets and properties of Trinamool Congress' national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The role of the outsourced entity in the entire scam surfaced quite some time back after Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court in June this year questioned how thisprivate outsourced agency had access to the "confidential section" of West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE). Justice Gangopadhyay then also questioned whether there was any legal provision for WBBPE to give access to this section to a private entity. "Any outside entity cannot be considered as a part of the confidential section. It is not right for the board to allow an outside agency to verify data or information separately," Justice Gangopadhyay observed then. New Delhi, Sep 26 : CMF, a new sub-brand of London-based consumer technology brand 'Nothing' on Tuesday launched Watch Pro and Buds Pro in India. Available in metallic grey and dark grey, the Watch Pro is priced at Rs 4,999 and Rs 4,499, respectively, while Buds Pro is priced at Rs 3,499 and comes available in dark grey, light grey, and orange colour options. The products will be available to buy starting September 30 from online and offline stores. "Through our inaugural products, including Buds Pro, Watch Pro, and Power 65W GaN, weare combining elevated design with advanced technology to deliver an uncompromised user experience at a relatively accessible price point," Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder of Nothing, said in a statement. CMF Watch Pro features a large 1.96-inch amoled display with vibrant colours, seamless navigation and a 58 fps refresh rate. It offers comprehensive health tracking, supports 110 sport modes, includes built-in GPS for accurate location data, and boasts up to 13 days of battery life. Additionally, its AI-powered call capability ensures clear and uninterrupted communication on the go. With an IP68 rating for water resistance, it can withstand rainy and wet conditions easily. Moreover, the company said that the CMF Buds Pro delivers an optimal sound experience with 45 dB hybrid active noise cancellation, clear voice technology for clear calls, and a powerful dynamic bass boost driver. With a large 55 mAh battery in each earbud, users can enjoy up to 11 hours of music playback on a single charge (with ANC off), or extend their listening time to up to 39 hours with the charging case. Along with smartwatch and earbuds, the company launched a 65-watt multiport charger -- CMF Power 65W GaN. Available in Dark Grey and Orange colour options, it is priced at Rs 2,999. Jammu, Sep 26 : There has been no change in the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir after the Kokernag encounter, J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Tuesday. Speaking to media on the sidelines of inaugurating a modular police station in Katra base camp town of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, the DGP said the situation was peaceful and continues to remain peaceful after the Kokernag encounter in which two Army officers and one officer of the local police were killed. Commenting on the Kokernag encounter, the police chief said, "I know it is the handiwork of some vested interests to blow the Kokernag encounter out of proportion. It is always advantageous for those who open first fire during encounters. "When the security forces open fire at the terrorists first, it is to our advantage. "In Kokernag, terrorists were waiting for the forces and took advantage of the first fire that led to the killing of two Army officers and a police officer. "The operation took seven days and was conducted successfully. We killed dreaded LeT terrorist, Uzair Khan with his associate. "I am proud of the security forces teams that took part in the operation as it was difficult to trace and locate the hiding terrorists on a vast mountain. "Police and security forces are committed to root out terror from J&K. We are chasing the remaining terrorists and will eliminate them soon. "We have increased our fight against narco-terror three times. Look at the arrests, FIRs, and cases registered with regard to narco-terror," the police chief said. He said that the new police station at Katra will facilitate Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims in a better way. Patna, Sep 26 : After the brutal assault on a Dalit woman in Patna's Mosimpur village on Saturday, former minister and BJP leader Janak Ram claimed that the uncle-nephew government of Bihar was committing atrocities on Dalits. "Atrocities on Dalits have increased in Bihar under the government of Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav. The system has completely failed here. This is not just in Patna but it is the same situation in the entire state," Janak Ram said. "Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav got votes in the name of Babasaheb Ambedkar but failed to bring justice to Dalits. Bihar is heading towards Jungle Raj again. The way the situation is panning out in Bihar, I also feel frightened," Janak Ram said. A Dalit woman of Mosimpur village under Khusrupur police station was kidnapped by Pramod Singh. As per the victim, Pramod Singh took her to his house and his men stripped her and assaulted her. She also claimed that Pramod Singh's son Anshu Singh urinated on her. She somehow escaped and reached home and her relatives alerted the police. The victim had borrowed Rs 1,500 on interest from Pramod Singh a few months ago and as per her, she had returned the money with interest. The accused was demanding more interest from her, which she refused to give. As Pramod was harassing her and threatening to parade her naked in public, she lodged a complaint at Khusrupur police station. Following her complaint, the cops asked Pramod Singh to join the probe in the police station and he went there for questioning on Saturday. The accused, after returning home, reached the house of the victim late in the night and kidnapped her with the help of his men. Reacting to a question whether Nitish Kumar would join the NDA, Janak Ram said: "All doors of the NDA are closed for him. Whatever he does, he will not get an entry in NDA." Chennai, Sep 26 : Tamil actor-director Raghava Lawrence, who is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming supernatural-horror-comedy film 'Chandramukhi 2', went to meet superstar Rajinikanth and sought his blessings for his new outing. He also congratulated him for the massive success of 'Jailer'. Taking to his X, formerly known as Twitter, the actor-director posted a snippet of his meeting with the Superstar and wrote: "Hi friends and fans, "Today I met my Thalaivar and Guru @rajinikanth to wish him for jailer's blockbuster success and got blessings for #Chandramukhi2 release on September 28th. I'm so happy." Concluding his statement, he wrote: "Thalaivar is always great. Guruve Saranam'" The 'Kanchana' director in the short video could be seen greeting Thalaivar (leader, commander or boss) and seeking his blessings. Wearing a full on white attire wearing a kurta and dhoti, the 'Don' actor was seen touching the superstar's feet, bending down and giving a full namaskaram with Rajinikanth smiling and giving his full blessings. The two later hugged and got a photo clicked with Raghava just looking like he had the time of his life and Rajinikanth also smiling. Thalaivar's 'Jailer' was one of his most successful outings and garnered not only great critical and commercial acclaim, but also did extremely well with audiences managing to surpass blockbuster films like 'Gadar 2' and 'Oh My God 2' by a good long mile. 'Chandramukhi 2' is a sequel to director P Vasu's first film 'Chandramukhi' which starred Rajinikanth in the lead. The second film is coming after nearly two decades though it has almost no connection with the first film. Raghava Lawrence will act as Vettiyan, the present-day version of an old king also called Vettiyan when a family moves into the king's palace which is haunted by the ghost of the old king's court dancer Chandramukhi played by Kangana Ranaut. Chandramukhi is a deceptively beautiful and graceful dancer who harbours a strong thirst for bloody revenge against king Vettiyan, and Raghava who is the king's present version will reawaken that angry spirit leading to an onslaught of terrifying supernatural occurrences with many comedic moments. The movie will also intercut between scenes of both the past and the present as the last trailer had also shown Kangana Ranaut fighting with a sword. 'Chandramukhi 2' will hit theatres on September 28, 2023. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actor Jackie Shroff, who has now become a rage on Instagram owing to his simple food recipe, has reminisced about his bond with the actor Dev Anand on his centenary on Tuesday. Jackie Shroff took a stroll down memory lane as he recalled his first meeting with the late actor. Being amongst the very few actors who got to work with Dev Sahab in person, Jackie shared how not just he, but his mom also was a big fan of Dev Anand. Talking about the same, Jackie said, "I met Dev Sahab 40 years ago, and it was magical like a dream come true. My mom used to make my hairstyle like Dev Sahab. I was always fascinated with his romantic songs. I met him at his office for the first time, and I nearly fainted looking at him". Jackie played the second villain in the film 'Swami Dada' which was directed by Dev Anand and T.K. Desai. He further mentioned, "He would always call my name three times, and he had even given me a role. I still can not get over that dream. Dev Sahab always stood. He was always full of energy. He taught me to think a step ahead. There has been no one like him ever. He was an icon. He was like my God." Jackie's bond with Dev Anand was quite special as Dev Anand referred to Jackie as his spiritual friend in an autograph. Sharing these beautiful memories, Jackie also shared his favourite films of Dev Anand, as he said, "'Guide' always stayed with me, his aura in the film was fantastic. 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Tere Mere Sapne' are also among my top favourites. I can watch his films again and again". -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Mumbai, Sep 26 : In a bolt to the sulking Bharatiya Janata Party leader Pankaja Munde, the GST Department swooped on a sugar factory controlled by her and seized certain assets to recover Rs 19-crore worth of GST dues, official sources said. A GST team earlier sent a notice to the Vaidyanath Cooperative Sugar Factory in Beed -- which has been shut down due to financial problems for past several months -- and after it was ignored, the GST sleuths visited the factory on Monday for an inspection. Interestingly, the developments took place two days after the Mumbai trip of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah (Saturday) and a day before the BJP President toured Maharashtra (Tuesday) shocking the supporters of Munde, who is the party's national secretary. Taking umbrage at the actions, and potential attachment of the factory premises, Munde said that there was no misappropriation and her factory was passing through financial distress for several years. She claimed that several sugar factories had sought aid from the Centre's Cooperative Department, but her factory was kept out of it, and the latest action was allegedly on orders from 'above'. Munde, the daughter of former Union minister late Gopinath Munde, said that the figures in the GST notices pertained to the interest and the recovery process had started some months ago for which they were cooperating with the GST authorities. "The factory has been in losses since 2011, there was a loan of Rs 250 crore of which Rs 52 crore was paid off Our properties are mortgaged and we had sought the government's help, but this is the only sugar factory which did not get aid," Munde said. In a veiled attack, she wondered "for how long to tolerate all this", and said if the Centre had extended the aid, such a situation would not have arisen. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP, Supriya Sule, sympathised with Munde's plight and said that this shows "how the party (BJP) is unfair to old loyalists", and also how the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government had helped the Beed factory when it was in power. Munde has been relegated to the fringes after she lost the 2019 Assembly elections with her colleagues, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Vinod Tawade on the ascent, with questions being asked on her future political moves and strategy. Patna: A Patna-Delhi IndiGo flight which was forced to make an emergency landing at the Patna airport. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : CEO of economy carrier IndiGo, Pieter Elbers, on Tuesday described India as one of the most competitive aviation markets in the world. Addressing the All India Management Association (AIMA) conference here, he further added that the competition in the market is huge. Elbers said that India is an "incredible" aviation market and IndiGo is going through a "maturing phase". He underlined the need for having aviation hubs in India which is an underserved area. The IndiGo CEO said that India has the geographic advantage to become an aviation hub. He pointed out that 65 per cent of the world population is within 5-6 hours of flying range and with India's own growing flying population, India should provide points of connection to international travellers in the region. He said that international connectivity is already increasing at Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad airports. To fulfill India's ambition of becoming an international aviation hub, there needs to be deep collaboration between airports, airlines, and government, Elbers said. He pointed out that the top 20 cities in the world have dual airport systems and India's large cities need more than one airport. The IndiGo CEO said that he monitors the number of new passports issued by the government because each new passport holder means a new international traveller. He pointed out that only 8-9 per cent of Indians have a passport. Earlier this month, the airline announced that it will be launching direct flight connectivity between Delhi and Arunachal Pradesh. The flight connecting Delhi and Itanagar will start operations from October 2, 2023. As of now, IndiGo operates two direct flights from Itanagar's Donyi Polo airport to Mumbai and Kolkata. These flights started operations on November 28, 2022. The airline leads with a domestic market share of over 63 per cent. It has also started expanding its operations internationally. IndiGo connects 32 international and 81 domestic destinations. Hyderabad, Sep 26 : There will be a southern uprise if the representation of South Indians comes down in Parliament due to proposed delimitation on the basis of population, warned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday. Stating that southern states canat be penalised for performing well to control population on the advice of the government of India and in the interest of the nation, he said cutting across political lines people of South India will voice their concern. KTR said the BRS with like-minded parties will lead the discussion on the proposed delimitation and convey their sentiments to the government of India. The BRS leader referred to AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisias comment that South India is sitting on a powder keg as far as delimitation is concerned. "If you think you will suppress our voices and our representation in the Parliament because of this delimitation, because of the population parameters you are taking then I will promise you, you will see a southern uprise because this is unfair. This is extremely unjust because it was the government of India that wanted Indians to control their population," he told a news conference. Referring to the reported projection of seats in Parliament after delimitation, he remarked, "Wwhat will be more atrocious is that two states Uttar Pradesh and Bihar after delimitation together will have more MPs than entire southern India." "States that have done well (in population control) because of the advice of the government of India will now be penalized. Wisdom needs to prevail. We are all proud Indians. The South is the largest contributor to Indiaas economy. Nineteen per cent of the population is contributing nearly 35 per cent of Indiaas GDP," he said. He said the government of India in the 1960s and 1970s campaigned vociferously that India needs to curb its population growth otherwise we will end up in a really bad situation. "Now we call it a demographic dividend but excess population was then considered a disaster. Family planning was introduced and intensive campaigns were launched right from Prime Minister level. Southern states have done well on family planning parameters and controlled population in comparison to the rest of India because of the advice given by the government of India but today they are victims. Today we are told representation will be on the basis of population. How fair is it," he asked. KTR said that cutting across political lines, political parties and people of South India will voice their concern. "I hope Delhi is listening and I hope Delhi will take cognizance," he added. New Delhi, Sep 26 : A Delhi Police's chargesheet, submitted here in Patiala House Court, has revealed a terrorism nexus, orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI (Inter-State Intelligence Agency), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Khalistani separatists, including the Canada-based terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and Punjab's Davinder Bambiha gang to carry out targeted killings across the country. The investigation was prompted by the discovery of a dismembered body, found in three pieces in Delhi's Bhalswa Dairy area. The gruesome discovery led to the arrest of two individuals, Jagjit Singh alias Jagga alias Yaqub and Naushad, with suspected ties to terrorist organisations. Jagjit Singh hails from Udham Singh Nagar in Uttarakhand, while Naushad is a resident of Jahangirpuri in Delhi. The chargesheet, which has been obtained by IANS, discloses the sinister plans of ISI and Khalistan separatists to carry out targeted assassinations of prominent public figures in the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighbouring states. As per charge sheet, these acts were intended to be executed with the involvement of gangsters. Arsh Dalla and the Bambiha gang played a pivotal role in facilitating these operations, providing motorcycles, weapons, and funds for assassinations throughout the country. "While being lodged in Haldwani Jail, Naushad came in contact with one accused Jagjit Singh who was a motivated Khalistani extremist and was associated with Davinder Bambiha gang. Both these persons shared their thoughts and ideology to work together in India to propel their disruptive activities in India," read the chargesheet. "In May 2022, Jagjit was released on parole but he jumped it and absconded. In August 2022, Jagjit called Naushad and told him that he has jumped the parole. Accused Naushad called him to Delhi and arranged second floor in B Block Jahangirpuri on rent and they both decided to continue their terror activities together," it added. "During his period of absconding Jagga came in contact with designated Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep alias Arsh Dalla who had instructed him to murder some leaders of the RSS and the prominent persons who are against the Khalistani Movement in Punjab," the chargesheet claimed. "A nexus had developed between Pakistan-based one Suhail, Naushad, Jagga and Arsh Dalla to commit terror activities on the instruction of LeT and on the other hand, on the instructions of designated terrorist Arsh Dalla in Punjab and other parts of the country. They have been tasked to kill Sadhus/Religious leaders and also commit targeted killings in Punjab for which they have received money, weapons from Suhail and Arsh Dalla," the chargesheet read. Police have also recovered incriminating chats and conversation between Arsh Dalla and Jagjit Singh. "They are talking about the arrangement of bikes and the arrangement of boys," the chargesheet stated. Police also claimed to have recovered incriminating chats and conversation between one Prabhjeet Singh (suspected to be Khalistani supporter) based in Germany and Jagjit Singh using a virtual number. (Shekhar Singh can be reached at shekhar.s@ians.in) India at lifetime high while other emerging markets are 30% away from their peaks. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : Markets are likely to remain under pressure amid a sharp surge seen in U.S. 10-year treasury yields to 16-year highs of 4.5 per cent, says Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Service. Nifty traded sideways amid subdued global cues and closed flat to negative at 19669 levels. Also mounting concerns over Chinaas real estate sector, and FIIs offloading in domestic equities dampened the sentiments, he said. However, momentum is seen in auto and defensive sectors like FMCG. Auto sector is expected to remain in focus going ahead as OEMs are likely to increase output by 25 per cent amid a build-up in orders ahead of the festive season. FMCG sector is looked at as a safe haven given the pressure seen in the broader markets, he said. Investors would watch out for the US Consumer Confidence number for the month of September and New Home Sales data for the month of August that would be released later in the day, he added. Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services said trading remained flat as headwinds from the global market and continued selling by FIIs kept domestic investors under vigil. While bargain hunting was visible in small-cap stocks due to the recent correction and favourable valuation compared to large and mid-caps, IT indices slid due to the fear of one more rate hike by the FED and a consequent reduction in spending. Panaji, Sep 26 : Officials of the Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration on Tuesday collected food samples, after three schools in Priol, South Goa complained of worms in the Mid-Day Meal's 'Soya Chunks Pulao'. Director of Education Shailesh Zingade told IANS that after the complaints were received, Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration officials were summoned to take samples. "They have collected the food samples and a report is awaited," he said, adding the supplier has been told to stop supply till the issue is cleared. Sources said the education department will take action against the Self-Help Group supplying the Mid-Day Meal, if it is found faulty. Another official said that the three schools have complained to them about the incident. "Today 'Soya Chunks Pulao' was supplied to these schools, when students tried to eat it, they found worms in chunks," the officer said. The Mid-Day Meal is given to school students from class I to class VIII. This benefits around 1.60 lakh students of 1,400 aided and government schools of the coastal state. There are 100-odd Self Help Groups engaged in preparing Mid-Day Meals in Goa, and around seven parent teacher associations that cook for their schools with help from the government. --IANS Sbk/rad Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actress Lakshmi Manchu, who is known for films such as 'Monster', 'Lakshmi Bomb', 'Maranthen Mannithen', 'Jhummandi Naadam' and 'Kadal', took a break from her busy schedule to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha at Andheri Cha Raja in Mumbai. For the special occasion, the actress donned a baby pink coloured saree adorned with delicate floral prints, paired elegantly with a mint coloured blouse with intricate silver embroidery, kept her tresses tied up and rounded up her look with sharp earrings. Speaking about her visit to Andheri Cha Raja, Lakshmi Manchu said, "It's truly an incredible experience to be here at Andheri Cha Raja, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha. His presence provides me with the strength and determination to overcome any hurdles in my life and career. I did a small puja at home as well". Of late, the actress has been travelling frequently between Hyderabad and Mumbai for her work commitments. She is currently busy with the post-production work of her upcoming film, 'Agninakshatram', where she takes on the challenging role of a cop. "This year is special because I got to experience Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai which is literally the home to this festival. It is truly larger than life and there is festivity in the air in Mumbai. I'm currently caught up with the post-production of 'Agninakshatram,' a project that is close to my heart, and I'm confident that Bappa's blessings will guide us to create a memorable film", the actress added. Lakshmi was last seen in the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam film, 'Monster' and was lauded for her stellar performance. Imphal, Sep 26 : At least 34 students, including girls, were injured after hundreds of students took to the streets in Imphal on Tuesday to protest against the killing of two young students by unidentified armed assailants. The police said that 34 students were injured after the agitating students clashed with the security forces, who prevented them from marching towards Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's bungalow. The security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the agitating students. The injured students have admitted to various hospitals for treatment. Hundreds of students from various schools gathered on the streets on Tuesday after photographs of the bodies of two missing students went viral on social media. Seven-teen-year-old girl student Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit had gone missing on July 6 during the height of ethnic violence in Manipur. Their families suspected that they had been killed by armed assailants. An official from the Chief Minister's Secretariat said that the Manipur government has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while the security forces have also initiated a search operation to nab the perpetrators. The official said that the state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators. "In response to this distressing situation, the government assures the public that a swift and decisive action will be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of Phijam Hemjit and Hijam Linthoingambi. The government is committed to ensure justice for the victims and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for this heinous crime," an official statement said. It added that the state government encourages the public to exercise restraint and to let the authorities handle the investigation. According to Inspector General of Manipur Police (Operations), I.K. Muivaa, at least 175 people have been killed, 1,108 injured and 32 remain unaccounted for since the ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3. New York, Sep 26 : Members of the Hindu community in Seattle held a prayer ceremony for Jaahnavi Kandula, the 23-year-old Indian student who died after being hit by a police patrol vehicle in January this year. Around 25 people gathered at Denny Park on Sunday to perform a 'shanti puja', or peace prayer, to invoke peace and blessings for Kandula. "You create a message with protest, but you can create an even stronger message with peace," Arun Sharma, founder of community organisation UTSAV, told The Seattle Times. Along with other community members, UTSAV volunteers had recently met Mayor Bruce Harrell to demand accountability for Kandula's killing, and the same day, nearly 100 people marched to the place where Kandula was hit. They held signs saying "Jaahnavi had more value than SPD (Seattle Police Department)" and "Justice for Jaahnavi, jail killer cops." At that gathering, UTSAV members pledged to escalate action if cops like Auderer are not disciplined, The Times reported. Last week, people gathered in the Chinatown-International District to march to the Seattle Police Officers Guild headquarters. Many held up signs reading "Justice for Jaahnavi" and for SPD to "clean house." Studying for a master's degree at Northeastern University's campus in the South Lake Union neighborhood, Kandula was crossing Dexter Avenue North at Thomas Street on the night of January 23 when Seattle police Officer Kevin Dave struck her with a patrol car at 74 mph. Investigating the incident, Seattle Police Officers' Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer, was heard calling Kandula a "regular person" and suggesting that the department "write a check", in a bodycam footage. The video clip sparked massive outrage across India and the US with leaders, lawmakers and advocacy groups calling for Audrer's dismissal from the police service. Last week, the Seattle's Community Police Commission recommended that the officer under investigation for joking about Kandula's death be placed on leave and his pay be withheld. The commission also asked Seattle police Chief Adrian Diaz to "immediately engage in a workgroup" made up of the Community Police Commission, the Office of Police Accountability, and the Office of Inspector General to "address repeated concerns with the culture of policing and police practices at Seattle Police Department". The Seattle Police Officers Guild has said Auderer's statements were taken out of context and that he was mocking lawyers and a legal system that places monetary value on human life. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed climate activist Disha Ravi's plea to modify her bail condition of seeking prior permission of the trial court before travelling abroad as she is facing prosecution in the alleged toolkit case against her over the 2021 farmers' protests. The toolkit was distributed in the form of a Google Doc that went viral on Twitter. According to the police, the "toolkit" on the farmers' protest that Ravi with two others allegedly created was developed with an intention to "tarnish India's image". She has challenged a trial court's order which dismissed her plea to modify the bail condition. A court on February 23, 2021, granted bail to Ravi days after she was arrested from Bengaluru for allegedly editing a social media toolkit about the farmer protest against three farm laws. The court had granted bail saying there was "scanty" and "sketchy" evidence to back charges of sedition against Ravi. Notably, while granting bail, the trial court had imposed various conditions on her including that she shall not leave the country without prior permission of the court. On Tuesday, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to accept Ravias submission that the condition of permission be converted to that of intimation. In August, Justice Sharma had reserved the order on Ravias plea. Ravi's counsel had urged the judge to modify the condition to the extent that she shall intimate the trial court before going abroad. "I have already travelled abroad three times after passing the bail order. The bail condition of taking prior permission of the trial court is causing me inconvenience," Ravi's counsel had argued. In response, the state's counsel had opposed the plea saying that just because the condition is inconvenient according to her, it cannot be grounds for modification. On February 27, a single-judge bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh directed the Centre to file a fresh status report on the ongoing investigation against Ravi. Justice Singh, while dealing with Ravi's plea seeking the court's direction to restrain police from providing any investigation material to the media, had said: "Let the Union of India file an affidavit as to the status of investigation and the current position." Appearing for Ravi, senior advocate Akhil Sibal had said that a question which needs to be considered here is whether the investigating agency has the power and entitlement to identify and collect private data or investigation from a person who is under investigation. "During the course of investigation, when the charge sheet is yet to be filed, you've collected private data and the media starts reporting," Sibal had contended. He had said that no charge sheet has been filed in the case yet and that his client is out on bail. "This cannot go on like this. It is an important matter, you cannot come without instructions," Justice Singh had expressed her displeasure over the Police counsel appearing without proper instructions. Ravi was arrested by the Delhi Police on February 13, 2021. New Delhi, Sep 26 : CEO and Managing Director Tata Steel Ltd, T.V Narendran, has said that India must have supportive policies and the customers should be willing to pay if Indian steel industry is to offer green steel. Narendran pointed out that the global steel industry contributes 8 per cent of the total emissions and the governments in Europe are discussing green steel with the industry. "There is cost of not changing also," he said while speaking on the future of business at the 50th National Management Convention. He said that the way steel is made is changing and will change further, as the industry is putting up new plants where the energy sources are and not where the iron ore mines are. He said that the availability of hydrogen as a fuel and reductive is the key to reducing dependence on coal, adding that scrap will replace ore as the main input. Narendran said that data is helping change the steel industry as it is enabling remote production and new ways of serving customers. Digitalisation is also helping the steel companies attract best technology talent, as the young managers are required to work with data and not walk the shopfloor, he said. Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder and Chairperson, upGrad said that today even 35-year olds worry about becoming irrelevant, as those who are not among the top 50 per cent employees cannot take their job for granted. "Five years ago, employers looked for people who could solve problems whereas today they look for people who can spot problems," he said. Screwvala advised CEOs to create a staff of young people to provide insights about technology, product, and consumers because the normal executives may not volunteer to provide critical insights. He suggested focusing on the changing wallet share of the young consumer and the AI opportunity. Forecasting the biggest business trends for the next 10 years, Screwvala listed AI, skilling and care as the most promising sectors for investment. "India's population will age and there will be a billion consumers for the care sector," he said. The session was also livestreamed on AIMA's social media channels. --IANS dan/ London, Sep 26 : As collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX's founder Sam Bankman-Fried is set to go on trial for multiple fraud charges, British Indian Sunil Kavuri has revealed he lost $2.1 million in the FTX collapse, becoming one of the worst-hit victims. Bankman-Fried's first criminal trial is scheduled for October 3 where he is likely to face seven criminal charges related to misuse of user funds at FTX and Alameda Research. For Kavuri, who lives in the East Midlands in the UK, years of savvy, stressful and successful trading were down the drain when he lost $2.1 million (1.7 million pounds), reports the BBC. "I was on the computer for basically 24 hours refreshing the page and trying to email the FTX support desk to get my money out. I felt sick. I just thought, 'Oh my God, that's it. I've lost everything'," he was quoted as saying in the report. Kavuri was saving the money for a new house and to put his son through university. Nearly a year later, "all he has is the paper trail of what was once his." FTX -- once the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange -- filed for bankruptcy in November last year. Next week, US prosecutors will begin their high-profile trial accusing Bankman-Fried of seven charges of fraud, conspiracy and money-laundering. "Sam Bankman-Fried has literally destroyed so many people's lives," said Kavuri. Kavuri spoke to creditors from all over the world, calling himself "FTX Creditor Champion" on social media. He has also set up Telegram groups, where people share stories about their desperation. Kavuri also blamed influencers and celebrities who promoted FTX and Bankman-Fried as "safe and trustworthy". Kolkata, Sep 26 : The authorities of Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, which was founded by Rabindranath Tagore, has sought back a substantial portion of land within its campus which is currently under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal government. According to a letter sent to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the university's Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty, handover of the land has become necessary to preserve the recent achievement of this iconic institution getting the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Incidentally, the stretch of land that the university authorities have sought back from the state government includes the portion which is adjacent to the ancestral residence of Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen, who is already fighting a legal suit with the university authorities over an ongoing dispute over 13 decimals of land occupied by Sen. The said stretch of land has a history. Originally, the 3 km stretch was with the state government. However, in 2017 the state government granted the university authorities the authority for maintenance of the land following an appeal from then interim VC Swapan Dutta. Soon after that, the university authorities banned the movement of heavy goods vehicles through the said stretch of the land on the ground that the vibration caused by that might impact the other heritage structures adjacent to the land stretch. However, that decision of the university authorities faced objections from the residents there, who urged the Chief Minister to take back the land from the university authorities. Accordingly, in 2020, the Chief Minister again wrested the authority of the land stretch on behalf of the state public works department. Now, armed with the UNESCO World Heritage site tag, the university authorities have again sought back the authority over this stretch of land. In his letter to the Chief Minister, Chakraborty stated that in order to preserve this prestigious accreditation, it is necessary to ban movement of vehicles through this land stretch so that the vibration does not impact the different heritage structures adjacent to it. However, a section of the residents there have sent a counter letter to the Chief Minister, requesting her to reject the plea from the university authorities. According to them, the free ambience of education in the midst of nature was the principal aim of Tagore behind setting up this university. However, they added, the current university authorities are trying to confine the ambience of this iconic institute within the newly-created boundary walls. Washington, Sep 26 : The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned at least three Americans active in the Sikh community that their lives were in danger in the immediate aftermath of the murder of a "Sikh activist" in Canada last June, a media report said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasblamed the apparent assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on the Indian government, as assessment that has reportedly been backed by Canadian and US intelligence sources and has created a rupture in Ottawa's relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, The Guardian reported. The shocking accusation that India carried out an extrajudicial murder on Canadian soil -- an allegation that has been denied by India -- has prompted are-examination of threats against Sikh separatists around the world, as well as Sikh activists' claims of suspicious deaths in the UK and Pakistan in the weeks before the murder, the media outlet reported. Pritpal Singh, a 69-year-old US citizen who serves as a coordinator for the American Sikh Caucus Committee, confirmed to the media outlet that he and two other associates were called by the FBI justsays after the murder of Nijjar, the Canadian citizen who was ambushed on 18 June just outside his place of worship in Surrey, British Columbia. TheFBI, which must warn citizens if they learn that their lives are in danger under a legal protection known as a "duty to warn", initially told Singh that it believed his life was under threat because of unspecified intelligence. A few days later, the FBI offered Singh more specific safety instructions. The Intercept first reported the case. The FBI also warned another American named Amarjit Singh, a 70-year-old New York-based journalist and commentator who said he was first alerted of a possible threat against his life on 22 June. Singh told the Guardian that he was contacted by the FBI as he was returning from a protest against Modi in Washington, during a state visit in which US President Joe Biden hailed the US-India relationship as "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than at any time in history". In an interview in which he publicly revealed details of the threat for the first time, Amarjit Singh said the initial call from the FBI was followed up a few weeks later by a longer in-person meeting, at which point he said it was obvious that authorities were warning against a possible threat on his life by India, the report added. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, was one of five people including Nijjar who was warned by Canadian authorities in 2022 that their lives were at imminent risk, the media outlet further reported. "We were never told what the risk was or where it was coming from. But we assumed it was India, because of our activism and outspokenness," Singh said. "We expect them to attack us in the media, or character assassination, so this was shocking." New Delhi, Sep 26 : Actor Mishkat Varma, who is currently seen in 'Kavya- ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon', has opened up about his bonding with lead actress Sumbul Touqeer Khan, and shared how he was amazed by the script of the show. The show is a narrative of an inspirational character, Kavya (played by Sumbul) - an IAS Officer whose ambition is to serve the nation and do right for the common man. Sumbul embodies the essence of a resolute and passionate woman who fearlessly makes difficult choices to stay true to her purpose of being an IAS Officer. Mishkat plays the role of Adiraj Pradhan, a genuine advocate of feminism who wholeheartedly celebrates their achievements and crosses paths with Kavya at the civil service academy. Speaking to IANS, Mishkat talked about his character saying: "I am playing Adiraj Pradhan who is an IAS aspirant. He is a lazy genius, but he never boasts about his intelligence. He is relaxed, and laid-back towards life. He doesn't have passion like Kavya, but he is more intelligent than Kavya in the show." "His dad is a politician, and his mother was also an IAS aspirant. He doesn't like his dad much, and does everything to irritate him. In the academy, he meets Kavya, and he is quite impressed with her thought process, and is attracted towards her. A friendship is created between them," he said. On his bond with Sumbul, Mishkat shared: "Superb. So far it has been amazing. It has been a very smooth ride with Sumbul. She is very easy to work with, very simple, even our birthdays are two days apart. We have bonded a lot on set. We have become good friends, and I hope it remains the same." Mishkat, who is known for his role in 'Ichhapyaari Naagin', said: "While on the audition, I was amased by the script. Then only I wanted to be a part of the show, and luckily I bagged the role." He also said that the makers were thorough with their jobs, which made their jobs easy. "We had to execute what was written on paper," he shared. The actor further said how he relates to his role Adiraj: "Adiraj has a sense of humour, which I feel I also have in real life. I think I am funny, and hope people also feel the same way. We don't think before speaking. The dissimilarity is that he is very intelligent and I am not." The 'Divya Drishti' fame actor shared pointers he keeps in mind while signing any project. "Of course it should be a prominent leading part in the show, the relatability factor. The channel and the producer I am working for have to be reputed. So, this show ticked all the boxes for me. And of course the money." Mishkat said he likes revenge dramas, and wants to do a role like that of 'Bahubali'. He is also happy that there's been a genuine attempt to get newcomers in the industry. 'Kavya' airs on Sony. Kolkata, Sep 26 : The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday expressed dismay over the existing teacher recruitment procedure followed by the West Bengal College Service Commission (WBCSC) for different state-run and aided colleges in the state. The single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay also sought an affidavit from the WBCSC regarding appointment of teachers in such colleges in 2020. While giving the direction, Justice Gangopadhyay also referred to the multi-crore cash for school jobs case in West Bengal. According to him, for the sake of transparency, the commission should have released the probationary merit panel with actual division of marks. "The recruitment process of the WBCSC should be absolutely transparent," he said. "The chairman of a similar commission, Subiresh Bhattacharya, is behind bars now. Partha Chatterjee is also behind bars because of his involvement in corrupt practices. The corrupt persons are shooting off your shoulders. Do not forget that," Justice Gangopadhyay observed. While Partha Chatterjee is the former Education Minister and Trinamool Congress Secretary General, Subiresh Bhattacharya is the former Chairman of the West Bengal School Service Commission. Both are serving judicial custody now at the Presidency Jail because of their alleged involvement in the school jobs case. As Germany prepares to shut its last nuclear reactors for good, other countries are turning to nuclear as a means of boosting their energy independence and cutting fossil fuel emissions. Here is a global snapshot of the controversial industry, which has seen some improvement in its fortunes but whose long-term future remains uncertain. Post-Fukushima setback Nuclear power is currently used in 31 countries -- Germany excluded -- and accounts for around 10 percent of electricity generated worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The industry suffered a serious setback as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, and many reactors were mothballed due to safety fears. China slowed its huge reactor construction programme, while Germany and Switzerland decided to phase out nuclear altogether. Italy had already decided to abandon atomic power in 1987, in the wake of the explosion at the Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine, the worst nuclear disaster in history. Worldwide, the industry has gone from a high of 441 operating reactors in 2002 to 422 at the end of 2022, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Globally nuclear power has returned to its 2021 production peak but the outlook remains uncertain. Existing plants are ageing and the number of new projects launched per year worldwide is far lower than in the 1970s and 1980s. Ten new nuclear power projects got off the ground in 2022, compared to 44 in 1976. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its seizure of the Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, fears over safety have again been on the rise in some quarters. Traditional heavyweights The United States is still the world's biggest civil nuclear power, with 92 reactors. But they are ageing -- 42 years old on average -- and only two new ones are under construction. President Joe Biden nonetheless champions nuclear as a means of getting the country running 100 percent on what he terms "clean energy" by 2035, and his administration plans to support the industry. France, which has 56 reactors aged 37 years on average, uses the highest proportion of nuclear power per inhabitant. After initially deciding to reduce its dependence on atomic energy, it is now planning to bring six to 14 new reactors on stream, starting from 2035-2037. However, the new-generation Pressurised Water Reactors (EPRs) championed by France's debt-laden state-controlled energy giant EDF have been beset with lengthy construction delays and cost overruns, raising doubts about the viability of the new technology. Britain has nine reactors, most of which are nearing the end of their lives, and the government plans to build eight new ones by 2050. But that endeavour has also been beset by major delays and spiralling costs. The sole UK reactor currently under construction, Hinkley Point C, is way over budget and schedule. Active giants Today, the most active civil nuclear powers are China, for its domestic market, and Russia, for exports. Over the past three years, of the 25 construction projects started worldwide, all are either located in China or are backed by the Russian nuclear industry, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR), a survey conducted by independent experts based on publicly available data. China now has 57 reactors. Beijing is using Russian, US and Canadian technology but has kept its focus on domestically located projects, or partnerships with Pakistan. Russia, on the other hand, dominates the international market. Of the 25 reactors in whose construction it has been involved since the 2000s, only five are in Russia itself. The rest are in Bangladesh, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Slovakia, Turkey and, since 2022, Egypt. "The new thing here is the arrival of countries that didn't use nuclear power before -- like Bangladesh and Egypt," noted Mycle Schneider, the lead author of the WNISR, who sees this as a Russian strategy to create "long-term interdependence". Cautious renewed interest Other countries are showing renewed interest in nuclear in the wake of the energy crisis triggered by Russia's war on Ukraine. Belgium, which in 2003 passed a law phasing out atomic power, is now delaying its exit by a decade, until 2035. Disaster-hit Japan is weighing the construction of new reactors, even though it will already struggle to restart existing plants it mothballed after Fukushima and win over a reluctant public. The Czech Republic, India and Poland view nuclear as a means to reduce their dependence on carbon-emitting coal-fired plants. The Netherlands and Sweden are also showing interest. These circumstances led the IAEA last year to raise its forecasts for the sector for the second year running, predicting that installed nuclear power worldwide could more than double by 2050. However, for this to happen "a number of challenges need to be addressed", the UN agency's director general Rafael Grossi said. These include "regulatory and industrial harmonisation and progress in high-level waste disposal", he added. Other countries, such as New Zealand, continue to remain staunchly opposed to nuclear power due to the costs and the safety risks. And the 27-nation European Union is deeply divided over whether it should support the industry or not. Search Keywords: Short link: Hangzhou, Sep 26 : The Indian men's volleyball team lost to Pakistan (0-3) in three sets in the 5th/6th place match at the Asian Games 2023, here on, Tuesday. The Indian team tried to cap off a fantastic season with a victory after losing to Japan (0-3) in the quarterfinals. Nevertheless, Pakistan won the opening set 25-21 despite the fact that it was closely contested. As a weary Indian team started to make too many mistakes, they prevailed in the second set 25-20. The third set was lost by India 25a"23 despite a late comeback attempt. However, India tried to mount a late comeback, but it wasn't to be. A comfortable victory for Pakistan in the end. The men's squad had a mixed season; previously, they had won their pool games after defeating Cambodia 3-0 and shocking 2018 silver medalist South Korea 3-2. Chinese Taipei, the bronze medalist from 2018, was defeated 3-0 by India in the top 12 match. India was eliminated from medal contention after its top-six match, which it lost to Japan 0-3 in the process. Pakistan finished 5th, that's a great result for them. This is a commendable result for India too, given their 12th-place finish last finish in Jakarta Asian Games, 2018, but this defeat to Pakistan will rankle them. The men's squad had a mixed season; previously, they had won their pool games after defeating Cambodia 3-0 and shocking 2018 silver medalist South Korea 3-2. Chinese Taipei, the bronze medalist from 2018, was defeated 3-0 by India in the top 12 match. India was eliminated from medal contention after its top-six match, which it lost to Japan 0-3 in the process. The Indian womenas team will begin its campaign against North Korea on Saturday. Bengaluru, Sep 26 : The bandh condemning the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu was observed peacefully on Tuesday in Karnataka's capital Bengaluru. The bandh call given by the Jal Samrakshana Samithi garnered good support in the IT city till the evening. The techies switched over to the online mode and companies operated with skeleton staff. As more than 10,000 policemen were deputed all across the city and protesters trying to take out protest marches were detained, barring for few instances, no major untoward incident reported. The commuters travelling towards the railway station and the airport were affected due to the bandh call. The passengers who had arrived in Bengaluru had to wait for hours and got stranded at the Bengaluru International Airport. Those who were scheduled to fly off from Bengaluru reached the airport early in the morning to avoid any hassle. Schools and colleges remained closed in the city. The Law University, Bengaluru University and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) had postponed the exams scheduled to be held on Tuesday. Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy, on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, went to a protest site and met the members of Jal Samrakshana Samithi. Minister Ramalinga Reddy after meeting protesters said that the Samithi had given a memorandum comprising five demands, which include immediately stopping the release of water to Tamil Nadu; creation of a committee to deal with the distress period in Cauvery basin; and withdrawal of cases against Kannada activists and others. "I will bring all the demands to the notice of the Chief Minister. Our government is pro-farmer," he said. The Samithi had given a deadline of three days to the government to fulfil the demands. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the bandh on Cauvery issue has been successful. "It highlighted the outrage of people. But, the government does not seem to have woken up. The state had witnessed protests and struggles. We have not made any attempts to sideline them. Despite CM Siddaramaiah assuring that he won't scuttle the protests, since morning the protestors were arrested. Amid this, our agitators have been successful in staging protests. I congratulate them. This unity was much needed. The people and organisations together have made the bandh successful," he added. "During the rule of BJP, Mekedatu procession was allowed at the height of Covid pandemic... Now, protesters were not allowed to take out a march for a short distance. The government tried to dominate through the police," Bommai said. "Stop looking after the interests of alliance parties. You release water to Tamil Nadu and want the interference of the Prime Minister. DMK is an alliance in INDIA. Let AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi hold talks. The statements by the Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over Cauvery issue is damaging the state's interests. The orders by the tribunals should not be agreed by the state, they should be challenged in the Supreme Court," he asserted. Shivakumar thanked people and organisations for carrying out the protest peacefully without giving room for any untoward incidents. New York, Sep 26 : A 35-year-old Indian national in the US state of Illinois has pleaded guilty to committing marriage fraud in order to obtain a green card or permanent residency in the country. The charge on Vivek Chauhan carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, US Attorney Trini E Ross announced recently. On April 2, 2018, Chauhan entered into a wedlock with a female US citizen in Worcester, Massachusetts, which was not genuine, investigations revealed. They never resided together, and entered the "contract marriage" only for the purpose of obtaining a permanent resident card, also known as a green card, for Chauhan, Assistant US Attorney John D. Fabian, who handled the case, stated. On June 1, 2018, using his Indian passport, Chauhan submitted an application to register permanent residence or adjust status to the Department of Homeland Security citing his fraudulent marriage. He was interviewed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in May 2019, during which his "wife" stated that she lived together with Chauhan in Connecticut. He was interviewed a second time by the USCIS in November 2021, during which he falsely claimed to continue to reside with his "wife" in Connecticut. In addition, he also falsely claimed that his "wife" was pregnant with his child. Further investigations revealed that the US citizen, whom Chauhan married during the course of conspiracy, brokered multiple fraudulent marriages that were conducted in Hamburg, and facilitated multiple USCIS interviews that were conducted in Buffalo. Chauhan's sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2024. Khalistan referendum held in Canada as Modi raises concerns with Trudeau. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday condemned the protests by Khalistani elements in Canada during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poster and cutouts were kicked by shoes and the Indian national flag was burnt. The Congress leader demanded necessary action against the anti-India terrorists. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Chowdhury wrote: "Without mincing any word, I do strongly condemn the heinous act of Khalistani elements in Canada who even dared kicking a cardboard figure of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burnt down Indian flag. Indian government should take all necessary measures against those anti-India terrorists." His remarks came after Khalistani separatists held protests outside Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. In Toronto, demonstrators burnt the Indian flag and hit with shoes a cardboard depicting Indian Prime Minister Modi. Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have nosedived in last few weeks over the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that intelligence agencies were investigating "credible allegations" linking Indian agents to the death of Nijjar. New Delhi, Sep 26 : A Delhi court on Tuesday took cognisance of the charge sheet against Supertech Group Chairman R.K. Arora in connection with a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala of Patiala House Courts also issued a production warrant for Arora's appearance on October 30. Besides taking cognisance of the prosecution complaint, the judge issued summons to all the accused individuals named in the charge sheet and firms. On Aroraas default bail plea, the court sought EDas response. ASJ Jangala, who was scheduled to decide on taking cognisance on Monday as per his September 15 order, had reserved the order after hearing the arguments from both sides, and had listed the matter for Tuesday. Last week, the Delhi High Court dismissed Aroraas petition challenging his arrest by the ED. A single-judge bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma refused to accept Arora's claim of his arrest being arbitrary and illegal. Arrested on June 27 after the ED re-attached properties worth Rs 40 crore belonging to him in this matter, Arora had said that he was arrested without being informed about the grounds of arrest. The court, however, rejected his claim noting that the probe agency complied with the relevant provisions of law. "In the present case, the grounds of arrest were duly given and notified to the petitioner and he endorsed the same in writing under his signature. The core issue is of being 'informed' and 'as soon as'. It if has been duly notified and brought to the notice at the time of arrest and further disclosed in detail in the remand application, it amounts be be duly informed and served," the court said, dismissing his petition. Arora's argument was centered on alleged violations of his fundamental rights under Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India, claiming that he was arrested without being informed of the grounds of his arrest and denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice. However, the court observed that there was no violation of Arora's fundamental rights, citing that there was no evidence to suggest that he was denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner. Also, the court found no basis to conclude that the required "reason to believe" under Section 19(1) of the PMLA was not recorded in writing, thus dismissing the claim of illegal arrest. Arora has argued that his arrest had adverse implications for nearly 17,000 home buyers and a Settlement-cum-Resolution Plan approved by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, which had also received Supreme Court approval. The court, however, decided against granting interim bail in the current proceedings, deeming it "impractical" to send Arora to Mumbai in custody for meetings with financial creditors. The court said that even for granting interim bail, the provisions of the PMLA would need to be satisfied. It did suggest that, if desired, the jail superintendent could arrange a video conferencing meeting for Arora from the jail in accordance with the law. ASJ Jangala, on September 15, said that he needs time to go through the lengthy documents. The probe agency had, on August 24, filed the charge sheet against Arora and eight others in the matter. The accused have been accused of defrauding at least 670 homebuyers of Rs 164 crore. Appearing for the agency, Special Public Prosecutor N.K. Matta had earlier apprised the court that the company and its directors had indulged in a criminal conspiracy to cheat people by collecting funds from prospective home buyers as advance against flats booked in real estate projects. He had said the firm failed to adhere to the agreed obligation of providing possession of the flats on time and ended up defrauding the general public. The money laundering case stems from a bunch of FIRs registered by the police in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged that money collected through real estate business was invested in several firms through money laundering, as the funds from the home buyers were later transferred to several accounts of firms involved in other businesses. Arora couldn't provide satisfactory answers, which led to his arrest. About a month ago, the Dadri administration in Greater Noida had issued a notice against Arora and Supertech, asking them to repay a total of Rs 37 crore. After the notice was served, Arora was detained at the local DM office, but was released later. According to sources, several FIRs have been filed against Arora and Supertech. They also took loans from banks, and their accounts reportedly turned into non-performing assets (NPAs). New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) India is gearing up to organise the SHRM India Annual Conference and Expo 2023 (SHRMIAC23) in the national capital. The two-day much awaited conference from October 12 to October 13, will be held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. It will offer a platform for business leaders, HR professionals, and opinion makers to discuss and act on emerging trends and innovations in the workplace ecosystem. With this year's theme of 'Drive Change', the conference will have six content tracks, including workplace culture, leadership, wellbeing, and strategy. Expected to be one of the largest gatherings in the HR fraternity, the conference will witness the participation of over 4,500 HR professionals and 900+ CXOs, who will be attending more than 70 knowledge sessions and over 15 learning hours. More than 150 global speakers will share their expertise and insights on numerous topics, such as 'Level Up & Elevate: Being Future-ready', 'Leadership Amid Change: Building Organizational Resilience from the Inside Out', 'Break the Queue: First Among Equality Evangelists', 'Creating Pioneering Organizations of Tomorrow: Energized. Engaged. Empowered.' among others. The opening session of the conference will feature Amitabh Kant, renowned bureaucrat and author of "Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise". Kant will delve into India's remarkable transformation into a global economic powerhouse. He will also talkabout his book that sheds light on India's rich business heritage, offering a comprehensive view of the nation's journey towards becoming an economic giant. "In the course of 75 years, SHRM has helped shape the world of work, making a lasting impact on history by driving significant transformations in workplaces and society. The HR community has been playing a pivotal role in shaping workplace policies, fostering diversity, advocating for equity, nurturing healthier workplace cultures, and shedding light on employee mental health challenges to cope with workplace needs and challenges. Our collective efforts have brought us this far, and while we celebrate our achievements, our commitment to progress remains unwavering. Let's continue our mission of prompting positive change in the realm of work", said Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM India, APAC & MENA. Among the distinguished speakers at the conference, some key speakers who will be sharing their insights with the participants are Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India; D. Shivakumar, Conference Chair - Operating Partner, Advent International Private Equity; Kiran Bedi, Social Entrepreneur; Achal Khanna, CEO, SHRM India, APAC & MENA; Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Chairman & Co-Founder, Lakshya Trust; Saurabh Govil, President & CHRO, Wipro; and Dr. C. Jayakumar Executive Vice President & Head - Corporate Human Resources (CHRO), Larsen & Toubro Limited. Imphal, Sep 26 : After the massive students' agitation on Tuesday in protest against the killing of two young students by unidentified assailants, the Manipur government has closed all schools in the state till September 29, officials said. A notification issued by the state Education Department said that in view of the prevailing law and order situation, all government, aided and private schools across the state will remain closed till September 29. At least 34 students, including girls, were injured after hundreds of students took to the streets in Imphal on Tuesday to protest against the killing of two young students by unidentified murderers. The police said the students were injured after they clashed with the security forces, who prevented them from marching towards Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's bungalow. The security forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse the agitating students. The injured students have been admitted to various hospitals for treatment. Earlier, hundreds of students gathered on the streets on Tuesday after photographs of the bodies of two missing students went viral on social media. Seven-teen-year-old girl student Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit had gone missing on July 6 during the height of ethnic violence in Manipur. Their families suspected that they had been killed by armed assailants. Both the deceased students hailed from Bishnupur district. Bhopal, Sep 26 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who on Tuesday chaired a cabinet meeting which approved various proposals, including a fifth pay commission for the state police, set off speculation with his remarks on the occasion, which sounded like a parting speech. In his remarks, he recalled the day he took the oath of the fourth time. Chouhan thanked bureaucrats, especially Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains for their co-operation and efforts in implementing various public schemes. "I remember that I took oath as Chief Minister on March 24, 2020 when the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak. Perhaps that was the first time a single man cabinet meeting was held at that time, but we managed to control the situation with the help of officials." During the meeting, he gave a brief introduction of public schemes introduced and the development works taken place under his leadership. Emphasising on aLadli Behna Yojanaa a" a cash scheme for women, which he launched three months back, Chouhan said: "The idea of the scheme came into my mind on February 28 and the scheme was launched on March 5. On March 20 forms were released and we could release the first installment on June 10. It shows the efforts of the officials." Beside these, he said that his government successfully organised a mega event a" aJanjatiya Gaurav Divasa (Tribal Pride Day a" organised on November 15, 2021). "The concept of CM Rise School itself is an historic step which paves the way for growth of Madhya Pradesh. We successfully brought out the state from the BIMARU tag." Soon after, buzz started in the state political circles that his speech during the cabinet meeting was very much like a "parting speech". This came amid speculations that the BJP's central leadership has taken full control over Madhya Pradesh election and the longest-serving CM has been sidelined. The opposition Congress also took a swipe at the BJP, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Monday visit to Bhopal, where in his speech, he neither mentioned Chouhan's name nor his schemes. A few hours later, the BJP announced its decision to field three Union Ministers - Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Patel, and Faggan Singh Kulaste - as candidates in the coming Assembly elections, as well as national General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya. With this, the BJP kept the door open for various Chief Minister probables if it retains power. The BJP's move to field some of its biggest names in a state poll also seems to underline it is working towards strengthening seats in which it believes it is weak and susceptible to opposition attacks. So far the BJP has named 79 candidates but there are 151 seats still up for grabs. The Congress led by Kamal Nath had won the 2018 elections, however, 22 of its MLAs, loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, had shifted into the BJP and Kamal Nath's government was toppled in March 2020. Subsequently, Chouhan had then taken oath as CM fourth time on March 24. Mumbai, Sep 26 : The Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments targeting the party of being in cahoots with 'urban Naxals' as "childish, ridiculous, unbecoming of his position, and arising out of despair". In a strong rejoinder, state Congress President Nana Patole claimed that earlier also the PM had labelled Dalits as 'Naxals' and farmers protesting outside Delhi as 'terrorists' and 'Khalistani separatists'. "The PM has left no stone unturned to attack the Congress If the 800 million farmers of the country who voted for Modi are Naxals, is he also one of them? The PM should think and exercise restraint before making such comments," Patole said. Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar also slammed Modi's comments and said he should not have uttered them. Patole urged Modi to take care while making 'impulsive' and 'irresponsible' statements since he is "the PM representing the 1.4 billion people of India and not a spokesperson for the BJP or the RSS". The state Congress chief pointed out that it is inherent in a democracy to criticise the Opposition parties, "but there must be some decorum, especially when the person speaking holds the PM's office, and the statements must be thoughtful and factual". "However, Modi perceives all political opponents as enemies But the people of the country are aware that his government works only for 'friends' and he has sold the country to the Adani Group, leaving the masses high and dry," said Patole. He also said that Modi apprehends a major debacle in the Lok Sabha elections next year and even in the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, adding that the PM is making such statements "out of sheer despair over a huge defeat at the Centre and in the states". New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred, till November 3, hearing on a plea filed by the widow of slain IAS officer G. Krishnaiah challenging the premature release of former Bihar MP Anand Mohan Singh. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta could not take up the matter for hearing due to paucity of time as it was not listed high on the board, and will hear it on November 3. |On August 11, the top court had adjourned the hearing and posted it in the last week of September. Gangster-turned-politician Anand Mohan was released from the Saharsa jail following an amendment in Bihar's prison rules. The petition, filed by widow of slain bureaucrat, alleged that the state government amended the 2012 Bihar Prison Manual with retrospective effect in order to ensure that Anand Mohan is granted the benefit of remission. The Bihar government has defended his release by saying that the benefit of amended remission policy was extended in other cases as well, adding that the amendment sought to remove the discrimination on the basis of status of a victim. In 1994, Krishnaiah, then District Magistrate of Gopalganj, was beaten to death by a mob when his vehicle tried to overtake the funeral procession of gangster Chhotan Shukla. The mob was instigated by Anand Mohan Singh. Kochi, Sept 26 : In an embarrassment for Kerala's ruling CPI-M. the Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday took into custody a party councillor in Thrissur in connection with the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank loan scam case. P.R.Aravindakshan was let off after questioning early this month by the ED and six days after this, he approached the Kochi police with a complaint that he was beaten up by ED officials. "I have done no wrong at all and am being harassed because I gave a police complaint against the ED," said Aravindakshan when he was brought to the ED office here. However even though the local police quickly reached the ED office, no further action was taken on the complaint. Ever since the ED unearthed the now over Rs 500 crore alleged bank scam a few weeks ago, the central agency has top CPI-M leaders like senior legislator and former state minister A.C.Moideen under its scanner. The ED conducted a raid at his house and once questioned him at their office and he was asked to come a second time, but he ducked that and is yet to appear. But while Moideen failed to turn up, the ED asked a former party legislator M.K.Kannan to turn up and he did and after a seven hour questioning he was let off but has been asked to appear again on Friday. Reacting to the custody of Aravindakshan, CPI-M state Secretary M.V.Govindan said the Centre is using national agencies to strangulate the strong cooperative sector in Kerala. Kannan said the EDas next target will be Moideen and him. Last week, the ED, apart from pursuing the Karuvannur loan scam, raided two more cooperative banks in Thrissur and this had sent the ruling CPI-M party and its top brass into a fizz. Both the Congress and the BJP have charged the CPI-M and its leadership with being the kingpins in this massive scam. With Aravindakshan, the ED has been in hot pursuit in this case and has arrested two persons -- P. Satheesh Kumar and P. Kiran. Incidentally the arrested have now been identified by the ED to have very close links with Moideen. The investigation has revealed that on the instruction of certain persons, who were district-level leaders and committee members of a "certain" political party, holding top positions, loans were disbursed by the bank manager through the agent in cash to "non-member benamis" by mortgaging properties of not so well-off individuals without their knowledge. It has come to light that many 'benami loans' were disbursed allegedly n the instructions of Moideen. United Nations, Sep 26 : India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday declared India a "Vishwa Mitra", a friend of the world, that will be a bridge-builder, but will also challenge the power structure and give voice to South as it claims its due. "When we aspired to be a leading power, this is not for self-aggrandisement, but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions," he said at the high-level meeting of the General Assembly. "All nations pursue the national interests (but) we, in India, have never seen that as being in contradiction with global good," he said. Outlining Indiaas role, he said: "From the era of non-alignment, we have now evolved to that of Vishwa Mitra, a friend to the world. "This is reflected in our ability to engage with a broad range of nations and when necessary, harmonise interests." The New Delhi G20 Summit presided over by India "affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse. And we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over", he said. "Our vision of aOne World, One Family, One Futurea sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few," he said. The outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit that brought development and restructuring the global financial order to the fore "will surely resonate for years ahead", he asserted. Of his nationas future, Jaishankar said: "As a civilisational polity that embraces modernity, we bring both tradition and technology equally confidently to the table. It is this fusion that today defines India that is Bharat. "India has entered the aAmrit Kaala, a quarter century, where greater progress and transformation awaits us." "The world saw a glimpse of what is to come when our Chandrayaan 3 landed on the moon," he said. Jaishankar challenged the existing global power structure as a multipolar world emerges: "The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over. "It is still a few nations who shape the agenda and seek to define the rules. This cannot go on indefinitely, nor will it go unchallenged. A fair, equitable and democratic order will surely emerge once we all put our minds to it." He said that the way out of this is to find common grounds as was demonstrated at the G20 Summit, where India forged a consensus. "In the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was to bridge divides, dismantle barriers and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world where unity prevails over discord and where shared destiny eclipses isolation," Jaishankar said. "Finding common ground is an imperative to listen to others and to respect the viewpoints," he said. "This is not weakness, it is the basics of cooperation. Only then, can collective efforts on global issues be successful." Indiaas foreign policyas evolution from nonalignment to Vishwa Mitra, he said "is reflected in our ability to engage with a broad range of nations and when necessary, harmonise interests". He cited the examples of the BRICS, where India stands alongside Russia and China, and the multi-national arrangements with the US at the centre. The Vishwa Mitra policy ais visible in the rapid growth of the Quad, a mechanism today so relevant to the Indo-Pacific (of India, the US, Japan and Australia)". "It is equally apparent in the expansion of the BRICS grouping of independent-minded nations, or in fact, the emergence of the I2U2 (of India, Israel, the US and the UAE) combination," he said. "Recently, we hosted the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe, economic corridor" that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden at the G20 Summit. "This willingness to work in an open-minded manner on specific domains is now a defining characteristic of the emerging multipolar order," he said. Jaishankar did not mention any country by name, although there were general criticisms of the West and a hint to China of Indiaas commitment with the Quad to a secure, non-hegemonist Indo-Pacific. Nor did he address Russiaas invasion of Ukraine, where India is caught uncomfortably between its historic ties with Mosco and its growing relations with the West based on geopolitical and economic interests. In a glancing reference, he said that "respect for territorial integrity" a" often used to criticise Russiaas invasion a" should not be determined by "political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect". On terrorism, where Pakistan and some other countries subscribe to double standards, he said that political convenience should not determine "responses to terrorism, extremism and violence". As for anon-interference in internal affairs (it) cannot be exercises in cherry picking," he said. "When reality departs from the rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out," he said. Voicing the grievances of the South, he said, aWe must never again allow an injustice like vaccine apartheid (when developed countries initially hogged the supply) to recur. Climate action too cannot continue to witness an evasion of historical responsibilities (of industrialised countries that caused the buildup of greenhouse gases)". Nor, he said, "the power of markets should not be utilised to steer food and energy from the needy to the wealthy" as has happened in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At the G20 Summit, "we gave voice to an entire continent, which has long been it's due" by admitting the African Union as a permanent member of the G20, he said. "This significant step in reform should inspire the United Nations, a much older organisation to also make the Security Council contemporary," he said. "Broad representation is after all, a prerequisite for both effectiveness and credibility." India can be a model for other developing nations, he said. "Our message to the world is in digitally enabled governance and delivery, in the widening ambit of amenities and services, in rapidly growing infrastructure, and in our energetic startup culture," he said. "It is visible to you In vibrant cultural expressions, such as in the arts, yoga, wellness and lifestyle," he said. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS al/vd New Delhi, Sep 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dialed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wished him on his 91st birthday, sources said. Earlier in the day, Modi took to X to greet the former Prime Minister, saying: "Birthday wishes to former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I pray for his long life and good health." Many leaders cutting across party lines greeted Singh on Tuesday, wishing him good health besides recalling his contributions to the country. Singh, a two-time Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014, had recently attended the Parliament's Special Session while seated on a wheelchair. He also attended the Rajya Sabha on the last day of proceedings in the old Parliament building. Born on September 26, 1932, Singh served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982-1985 and was the Minister of Finance in P.V. Narasimha Rao's government. He was one of those behind the economic liberalisation of India in 1991. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday quashed an FIR in a sexual harassment case after the two parties reached a settlement and asked the accused to perform social service at a Hanuman temple in Connaught Place for 40 days. An First Information Report (FIR) was registered in 2018 under charges of outraging the modesty of a woman and punishment for sexual harassment. The court noted that the matter had been amicably settled between the parties, who were young, and that the complainant and her family had no objection to quashing the FIR. The accused is required to offer services at the temple for two hours each day, with the temple management and investigating officer monitoring his services. "The FIR is quashed subject to the petitioner offering his services at the Hanuman temple at Connaught Place for 40 days commencing from September 27," Justice Jyoti Singh said. Bhopal, Sep 26 : A day after the BJP released its second list of 39 candidates and fielded seven sitting MPs, including three union ministers, for upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Congress took swipe saying the ruling party said that BJP has played it's last bet of false hope. Former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and the state unit chief Kamal Nath launched attacked BJP saying the ruling side is facing internal rift. Digvijaya Singh, who on Tuesday participated in Congress' ongoing Jan Akrosh Yatra in Orcha, told media persons, "BJP's move to field three union ministers and some MPs in the upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh points that the ruling party is worried about its prospects." Singh said that the people of the state have decided to dislodge the BJP government which was formed by purchasing (MLAs). "People are very angry and they will vote for forming a majority Congress government in Madhya Pradesh this time," he said. "The BJP is feeling scared about (its chances) in the upcoming elections," he said when asked about the ruling party giving tickets to three union ministers and four other MPs. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath said that the saffron party has accepted defeat in MP and played its "last bet of false hope". The BJP has fielded three union ministers and four other sitting MPs besides National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya. In the 2018 polls, the Congress won 114 seats while the BJP bagged 109 seats. The Congress then formed a government under Kamal Nath, but it collapsed in March 2020 after a rebellion by MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, paving the way for Shivraj Singh Chouhan to return as CM. Following by-polls due to legislators switching sides after the rebellion, the BJP now has 126 MLAs in the 230-member House, while the Congress has 96 legislators. Amritsar, Sep 26 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Tuesday urged resolution of issues related to the interests of his state with its neighbours. He also demanded a special relief package to the disaster-affected state after the heavy rains that triggered floods and landslides and caused a loss of nearly Rs 12,000 crore and loss of 450 lives. In his address at the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council meeting here chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sukhu said the government was trying to recover from one of the worst destructive episodes ever witnessed in which 13,000 houses were completely damaged. The state government, with the help of the people, started relief and rescue operations and has now taken up a task of rehabilitating the homeless. "We have created Disaster Relief Fund 2023," he said. The Chief Minister stressed the needs for amendment in the prevailing norms of disaster relief fund at the national and the state level as these were currently affecting the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. The formula for providing compensation packages for hilly states like Himachal having tough topography should be amended. The parameters of providing financial assistance during disasters should be on a higher side and demanded practical amendments in these norms, said Sukhu. The Chief Minister thanked the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan for extending financial assistance for carrying out relief and rehabilitation works. He also sought cooperation from the Punjab government in handing over the 100 MW Shanan hydroelectric project as its lease will expire in March 2024. A request has also been made to the Central government in this regard, he said, as per an official statement said. Sukhu said Himachal has always made its full contribution in nation building and the people of the state had to suffer due to the construction of hydro power projects. He said in view of Himachal's 7.19 per cent share in the projects of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), there should be a regular full time member in the BBMB Board of Directors. The Chief Minister urged for providing 12 per cent free energy royalty to Himachal in BBMB projects. He also advocated for increasing the royalty from existing 12 per cent to 30 per cent in the hydropower projects of central undertakings i.e. the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam ltd (SJVNL). He also urged to release the outstanding Rs 4,000 crore from the BBMB as per the decision of the Supreme Court. He stressed upon the need to use early warning system and get inundation mapping done before releasing water by reservoirs in the state. It was seen that during the recent disaster in the state the sudden release of huge amount of water from the Pong and Pandoh dams and Parvati-III reservoir caused widespread devastation even in adjoining states. The Chief Minister said it was the moral responsibility of the management of hydel projects to compensate for this loss and ensure voluntary participation in rehabilitation works. In the meeting, he also demanded resolution of the border disputes with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the border disputes at Mohal Theka Dhar Padhri in Chamba district and Jammu and Kashmir and the Sarchu border dispute between Himachal and Ladakh were long pending and "needs to be resolved at the earliest". He said the state government has done concrete work on the decisions taken in the last meeting of the council. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the council meeting will further strengthen the mutual coordination and cooperation of the member states and promote economic and social empowerment. Patna, Sep 26 : Bihar Congress chief Akhilesh Singh on Tuesday said that his party "forced people to do things which do not look possible". The statement of Singh came a day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hinted that he is not interested in cabinet expansion. "How big will the cabinet be and how many more leaders would get ministerial posts. Whatever you need to know, ask him," Kumar said, pointing at Tejashwi Yadav, in response to a question on cabinet expansion. Following the statement of Nitish Kumar, Congress state president said: "I would not like to comment on anything unless we would not discuss it with him. We will wait till the expansion of the cabinet..." Congress has 19 MLAs in Bihar Assembly and it is demanding two more ministerial posts in the state. Presently, the Congress has two ministers in the Nitish Kumar government. Guwahati, Sep 26 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday inaugurated Assam Bhawan at Vellore in Tamil Nadu, officials said. The Assam Bhawan built on an area of 4340 square metre with an estimate of Rs 23 crore. Sarma termed the day momentous, as he dedicated Assam Bhawan in Vellore to the service of the people of Assam. "The 'Assam Bhawan' will be very helpful to the patients and their attendants who come to Vellore for advanced treatment. It will also be beneficial for the students from Assam who come to Vellore for higher studies. The Assam Bhawan will address the accommodation issue of the patients and students," he said. It has been built in four phases as this six storied building has suites, double bedded accommodation, one 2BHK unit, 40 double bedded guest room, three five sitter male dormitory, one seven seater female dormitory, one reception and lunge, one dining hall, one kitchen, one store, one office, one Assam Emporium and office and one staff dormitory. For the management of the 'Assam Bhawan', 12 sanctioned posts have been created. The Chief Minister also said that the presence of Christian Medical College and Vellore Institute of Technology within 10 KM radius has increased the importance of the Bhawan. He also said that for the convenience of the people of Assam, the State government earlier already set up Assam Bhawans in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi and Shillong. However, the current government has also taken steps for reconstruction of Assam Bhawan situated at SP Marg in New Delhi and Russell Street in Kolkata. The construction of Assam Bhawan is going on in full swing in Bengaluru which will be inaugurated in the current financial year. Sarma said that steps have also been taken to build Assam Bhawan at Ahmedabad and Pune. One more Assam Bhawan is being built in the national capital which will have a convention centre as well as Namghar to reflect Assam's cultural heritage at the national level. The Chief Minister thanked the Tamil Nadu government and the people of Vellore for extending all help in the construction of Assam Bhawan. The state ministers Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Ashok Singhal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the four-year sentence of former Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda, his son Devender Darda, and JLD Yavatmal Energy Pvt Ltd's Director Manoj Kumar Jayaswal, who were handed a four-year jail term on July 26 for their involvement in irregularities in the allocation of a coal block in Chhattisgarh. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma had granted Dardas and Jayaswal interim bail on July 28 till September 26, and had issued notice on the pleas moved by Dardas and Jayaswal against the trial court order convicting and sentencing them in the case. The court had also sought Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s response. On Tuesday, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma allowed the pleas and suspended the sentence till the pendency of their appeals challenging their conviction and jail term in the case. The court also directed them not to leave the country without prior permission of the court. They were also directed not to directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to witnesses in the case. "It is directed that the sentence imposed on the appellant shall remain suspended during the pendency of the present appeal, subject to his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties of the like amounta," the high court said. For the convicts, advocate Vijay Aggarwal submitted that they were never arrested and were on bail during the trial and have never misused the liberty of bail. He further informed the judge that the fine imposed by the trial court had already been deposited by the convicts. Hence, the court was urged to suspend the sentence imposed on them during the pendency of the appeals. On the other hand, advocate Tarannum Cheema, appearing for CBI, opposed the pleas for suspension of sentence. The high court has now listed the appeals for consideration on February 14, 2024. The accused were held guilty under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. On November 20, 2014, the court had rejected the closure report submitted by the CBI in this case and had directed the probe agency to initiate a fresh investigation, citing that the former MP Darda had "misrepresented" facts in letters addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who also held the Coal portfolio. According to the court, Vijay Darda, who is the Chairperson of the Lokmat Group, resorted to such misrepresentations in order to obtain the Fatehpur (East) coal block in Chhattisgarh for JLD Yavatmal Energy. The court had ruled that the act of cheating was carried out by private entities as part of a conspiracy involving both private parties and public servants. JLD Yavatmal Energy was granted the Fatehpur (East) coal block by the 35th Screening Committee. Initially, the CBI alleged in its FIR that JLD Yavatmal had unlawfully concealed the previous allocation of four coal blocks to its group companies between 1999 and 2005. However, the agency later filed a closure report, stating that no undue benefit had been granted to JLD Yavatmal by the Coal Ministry during the coal block allocation. Amritsar, Sep 25 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired the 31st meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Amritsar. The Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Lt. Governors of Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh, Administrator of Chandigarh, senior ministers from member states, Union Home Secretary, Secretary of Inter State Council Secretariat, Chief Secretaries from the member states in the northern zone and other senior officials from the states and UTs participated in the meeting. Shah said in the last past five years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the role of zonal councils has changed from advisory nature to action platforms. He said the Northern Zonal Council has an important place from the point of view of development and security of the country, contributing 21 per cent of the country's land and 13 per cent of its population, besides producing more than 35 per cent of the food grains produced in the country. Shah said the majority of personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Army, guarding the country's borders, come from the states and Union Territories which are part of the Northern Zonal Council. The Home Minister said that under the leadership of Modi, the government has been successful in cracking down on narcotics and terrorism. He said the Modi government is committed towards strengthening the security system on the borders, and soon anti-drone system will be deployed on the countryas borders. The Home Minister also requested all the member states to resolve their disputes related to water sharing with an open mind and mutual discussions. Shah also asked all the member states to pay special attention to issues like cooperation movement in the country, dropout rate of school children and malnutrition, terming them as collective priority. He said that not even a single child should remain malnourished in the country, and "it is the responsibility of all of us to reduce the school dropout rate, and, giving impetus to the cooperative movement will help in taking more than 60 crore people of the country towards prosperity". He urged all the member states to adopt natural and organic farming, as it will be hugely beneficial for the farmers of the nation. Shah also assured all possible help from the Centre to the Himachal Pradesh government to deal with the flood situation in the state, and said that the whole country is standing by the state in this hour of crisis. Shah mentioned that themeetings of the five Zonal Councils are now being convened regularly by the Inter State Council Secretariat of the Ministry of Home Affairs with the cooperation of the state governments concerned. He observed that there has been substantial increase in the number of meetings of the Zonal Councils and its Standing Committees. The nuclear arsenals of several countries, especially China, grew last year and other atomic powers continued to modernise theirs as geopolitical tensions rise, researchers said Monday. "We are approaching, or maybe have already reached, the end of a long period of the number of nuclear weapons worldwide declining," Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), told AFP. The total amount of nuclear warheads among the nine nuclear powers -- Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia and the United States -- was down to 12,512 at the outset of 2023, from 12,710 at the start of 2022, according to SIPRI. Of those, 9,576 were in "military stockpiles for potential use", 86 more than a year earlier. SIPRI distinguishes between countries' stockpiles available for use and their total inventory -- which includes older ones scheduled to be dismantled. "The stockpile is the usable nuclear warheads, and those numbers are beginning to tick up," Smith said, while noting that numbers are still far from the over 70,000 seen during the 1980s. The bulk of the increase was from China, which increased its stockpile from 350 to 410 warheads. India, Pakistan and North Korea also upped their stockpiles and Russia's grew to a smaller extent, from 4,477 to 4,489, while the remaining nuclear powers maintained the size of their arsenal. Russia and the United States together still have almost 90 percent of all nuclear weapons. "The big picture is we've had over 30 years of the number of nuclear warheads coming down, and we see that process coming to an end now," Smith said. China 'stepping up' Researchers at SIPRI also noted that diplomatic efforts on nuclear arms control and disarmament had suffered setbacks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For instance, the United States suspended its "bilateral strategic stability dialogue" with Russia in the wake of the invasion. In February, Moscow announced it was it was suspending participation in the 2010 Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START). SIPRI noted in a statement that it "was the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty limiting Russian and US strategic nuclear forces". At the same time, Smith said the increase in stockpiles could not be explained by the war in Ukraine as it takes a longer time to develop new warheads and that the bulk of the increase was among countries not directly affected. China has also invested heavily in all parts of its military as its economy and influence have grown. "What we're seeing is China stepping up as a world power, that is the reality of our time," Smith said. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi, Sep 26 : India has significantly developed its climate actions, enabling it towards a path, which will help achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) well before 2030, a report by International Finance Corporation (IFC) has said. The report titled "Blended Finance for Climate Investments in India", which was released on Tuesday, noted that India is the only G20 nation which is in line with 2 degrees warming compared to its fair share contribution to climate action. NDCs are at the heart of the Paris Agreement and the achievement of its long-term goals. They embody efforts by each country to reduce their national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The report said that the RBI included the small renewable energy sector under its priority sector lending scheme in 2015 itself. "Since the first issuance of green bonds that year, India has developed the second largest green bonds market among emerging economies with cumulative issuances worth more than $10 billion by private companies and public sector entities," it noted. The IFC report also said that at the end of April 2021, India had taken its commitments to green finance one step further when the RBI became the member of Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). This, it said, will go a long way in strengthening the financial sector's response to climate change and developing a much stronger and more coherent, coordinated and credible policy framework to support green investment. At the Paris "One Planet Summit" in December 2017, eight central banks and supervisors had established the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS). The network's purpose is to help strengthening the global response required to meet the goals of the Paris agreement and to enhance the role of the financial system to manage risks and to mobilise capital for green and low-carbon investments in the broader context of environmentally sustainable development. Meanwhile, talking about the most recent measures, the IFC report stated that the Indian government had proposed to issue sovereign green bonds in 2022-23 for mobilising finance for green infrastructure projects. As on February 2023, 50 per cent of the total target of about $2 billion of green financing has been raised in the first tranche, it stated. The report also highlighted the Panchamrit commitments announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet India's COP26 ambitions. It pointed out that as of February 2023, renewable energy sources contributed to 41 per cent of India's total installed capacity and the country stands fourth globally in terms of total renewable energy installed capacity. India is committed to meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030, the IFC report said. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Adding yoga therapy as a complementary treatment for heart failure and heart diseases is beneficial, according to a study led by a scientist at the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). Heart failure is a form of cardiovascular disease where the heart muscle is either too weak or too stiff to pump properly, often leading to fluid buildup, shortness of breath and other complications. Ajit Singh, a research scientist for the ICMR at Kasturba Medical College & Hospital in Karnataka, conducted the study on 75 patients, aged between 30 to 75 years, at a tertiary care centre in south India. "Yoga therapy may improve physical well-being and left ventricular function among heart failure patients on guideline-directed optimal medical therapy," said Singh, the lead author. The findings will be presented at the American College of Cardiology Asia 2023 conference to be held from September 29-30 in Manila. All the patients underwent coronary intervention, revascularisation, or device therapy within the previous six months to one year along with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of more than 45 per cent. The interventional group included 35 participants (31 men and 4 women) received yoga therapy and guideline-directed medical therapy. While the non-interventional group included 40 participants (30 men and 10 women) only continued with standard guideline-directed medical therapy. Echocardiographic parameters were compared at various follow-ups to see the impact of yoga therapy on heart failure patients. Participants in the yoga group taught selected yoga therapy like pranayama, meditation and relaxation techniques. Each session lasted around 60 minutes and participants were supervised for one week at the training centre before being asked to continue self-administered yoga at home. Then, researchers measured quality of life improvements using the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire and found participants in the yoga group had improvement in endurance, strength, balance, symptom stability and quality of life. Interestingly, they also observed that while patients improved physically and psychologically, there was no improvement in social and environmental health. "This study proves that the addition of yoga therapy to standard medical management of heart failure leads to an improvement in left ventricular systolic function and quality of life in heart failure patients," Singh said. "Our patients observed improvement in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to patients who were on medication without yoga," he added. Colombo, Sep 26 : Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced on Tuesday that the island nation would join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) while upgrading Free Trade Agreement with India and entering into new agreements with other countries in the region. "We will be entering a number of free trade agreements. We have got one with Singapore. We are about to finalize one with Thailand. We are discussing with India of upgrading agreement. Talking with Bangladesh," President Wickremesinghe said while addressing the 2023 Commercial Mediation Symposium in Colombo. While stressing the significance of international trade agreements, President Wickremesinghe also underscored the need for Sri Lanka to become a centre for alternate dispute resolution. He emphasized that success in dispute resolution was crucial for Sri Lanka's aspirations to be an outward-looking economy. With the aim of resolving dispute and offshore activities efficiently and fast, the Sri Lankan President has planned to convert Chinese built Colombo Port City as the Colombo Financial Zone while change the Board of Investment (BOI)to an Economic Commission. "Now we want Sri Lanka to be a centre. One is the new legislation which will replace the port city to make it a Colombo financial zone with jurisdiction for offshore activity. The new law has been drafted. And we will see the light of day before the end of the year," he said. Wickremesinghe urged legal professionals to look beyond Sri Lanka's borders and specialize in emerging fields like AI, Blockchain and green energy to secure the nation's competitive future. He further emphasized that Sri Lanka must position itself as the central player in the region. "When examining Singapore as a benchmark, Sri Lanka should strive to match or surpass Singapore in various aspects, except for cost, where it should maintain a competitive advantage. This approach is crucial because there exists a noticeable void in this region, which Sri Lanka can effectively fill if it acts swiftly," he said. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Delhi Police have arrested a member of infamous Tillu Tajpuriya gang, who was allegedly involved in seven cases including attempt to murder and arms act, an official said on Tuesday. The accused was identified as Ravi alias Shooter and he was also declared a 'bad character' of Ambedkar Nagar police station. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary said that specific input was received that a person who carries illegal firearm would come on motorcycle at Sanjay Camp T-Point, Dakshinpuri, Ambedkar Nagar. "The information was further developed and local enquiry of the area was conducted. As per input the team laid a trap, Ravi was apprehended." "On his cursory search, one country-made pistol along with one bullet was recovered from his possession," said the DCP. During interrogation, accused Ravi disclosed that he has a rivalry with Shahrukh gang and he is a close associate with Tillu Tajpuriya gang. "Due to rivalry with Shahrukh gang he used to carry a country-made pistol for his safety. He also disclosed that he wants to create fear among people of his area," the DCP added. Agartala, Sep 26 : In a significant judgement, a full bench of the Tripura High Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of a retrenched school teacher, who was part of the 10,323 teachers whose services were terminated over faulty recruitment drive, seeking reinstatement. The bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Sinha, Justice T. Amarnath Gour and Justice Arindam Lodh dismissed the plea which challenged the mass termination of these teachers by the state government, citing violations of Article 311 (II) of the Constitution. The court also slapped Rs 25,000 fine on the petitioner, Pranab Debhim, for coming to the court with an issue that has already resolved several times before. Advocate Amrit Lal Saha, representing Deb, argued that the termination of the teachers and the process of their dismissal were unlawful, and hence the 10,323 teachers should be reinstated. In response, Advocate General Siddhartha Sankar De referred to Supreme Court judgments in the Tanmay Nath case. He asserted that the notifications published in newspapers and broadcast on TV news channels constituted valid modes of communication. Moreover, the Supreme Court had deemed the recruitment rules of the state government as "bad in law." De said the government had not terminated the teachers, rather had increased the validity of their jobs by six months on few occasions but they lost their jobs due to the implementation of the judicial order which found that the entire recruitment process during the previous Left Front government was illegal. The Advocate General also pointed to the Supreme Court orders and the alleged failure of the petitioner to separate his case from the Tanmay Nath case, as evident in the high court's order in the Bijay Krishna Saha case. He referred to a 2019 order by the division bench comprising then Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Arindam Lodh. Ultimately, the arguments presented by De prevailed, leading to the full bench's dismissal of the petition and imposition of a fine of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner. The entire court proceeding was made accessible to the public through the high court's YouTube channel, marking a new era of transparency. After the high court and the Supreme Court had terminated the jobs of 10,323 government teachers in 2011, 2014 and 2017, the then Left Front government had created 13,000 posts to accommodate these teachers alternatively. However, the CPI-M led Left Front lost the 2018 Assembly polls to the BJP. The high court had in 2011 and 2014 terminated the services of 10,323 teachers, saying the selection criteria had "discrepancies" and subsequently, the Supreme Court had upheld the HC's decision. After separate appeals by the previous Left government and the incumbent BJP government, the Supreme Court, however, had extended their services up to March 2020. However, the sacked teachers, including hundreds of women, have continued agitation demanding their reinstatement. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Tuesday said that it was sobering for him when for a first time, a specially-abled lawyer attended the proceedings of the Supreme Court with the assistance of a sign-language interpreter. At an event organised by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAoRA), the CJI said that such accessibility should have happened long back and institutions, having more resources as compared to individuals, must shoulder more responsibilities. "I must say that it was sobering for me - to see how long it took us as a system to make it a history in our court and it should have happened long back," he said, adding that it was a heartening feature to know. A deaf lawyer was permitted on Friday to attend the court proceedings in Chief Justiceas court virtually with the assistance of a sign-language interpreter. "We were addressed by a lawyer with a hearing impairment with a sign-language interpreter. She was in Serial No. 37. We opened the link and the interpreter was on screen in front of me," the CJI recalled. He said that the interpreter translated everything from Serial No. 1 to 36 for the lawyer as well and not just 37. "So, she knew the mood of the court - whether judges were irritable or pleasant that day," he added. |In his address, CJI Chandrachud stressed for more transparent and inclusive institutions, saying that as long as "divergent means convert into common goal, disagreements are a sign of healthy institutional arrangement". On the role of the advocate-on-record (AoR), he said that AoR knows the pulse of what is happening in the top court and they "have a special responsibility to bear and understand the traditions of the court" being the officers of the court. New Delhi, Sep 26 : In a swift response, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) prevented a snatching attempt in the vicinity of Delhi's Model Town area, an official said on Tuesday. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Delhi Police shared a video and praised ASI Ajay Jha, posted at the communication department of the force, for his courageous intervention. "ASI Ajay Jha, posted in Delhi Police Communication, displayed wisdom and bravery and stopped the snatchers who were running away on a scooter in Model Town market by kicking them and foiling the snatching. #DelhiPolice is proud of you," the Delhi Police said in a post on the microblogging site. The 39 seconds CCTV footage, which captured the entire episode, also went viral on social media while the Delhi police post had over 37,000 views of the video. "On the evening of September 24, around 5:10 p.m., ASI Jha happened to be in Model Town market for official duties when he suddenly heard distressed voices. He noticed two individuals attempting to escape on a scooter. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he immediately sprinted toward the road and took decisive action by kicking the scooter. During this act of courage, as he kicked the moving vehicle with the alleged individuals on it, he fell to the ground and sustained a hand fracture," the Delhi Police said. "His unexpected intervention caused the snatchers to lose control of their two-wheeler, resulting in their fall on the ground. Nearby bystanders swiftly came to the rescue, overpowering the alleged perpetrators and successfully recovering the snatched purse," it added. Four arrested for beating man to death in Delhi. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Sep 26 : Delhi Police have arrested four men from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh who had thrashed a 24-year-old man leading to his death in the national capital. The accused have been identified as Abhishek, Ramesh Kumar, Gopal and Pushpender. According to the police, on September 20, a person named Hafiz, a resident of New Seemapuri, died at the GTB Hospital following a physical assault. Upon investigating the matter, it was revealed that on the intervening night of September 19 and 20, a 50-year-old woman was walking when Hafiz tried to snatch her belongings. "In response, the woman raised an alarm, drawing the attention of some unidentified persons who then thrashed Hafiz," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara), Rohit Meena. "After the incident, Hafiz returned home with the help of passersby, but he felt unwell the next morning. He was taken to the hospital, where he later passed away," said the DCP. "With the assistance of human intelligence and after scanning CCTV footage, the police successfully identified the culprits," said the DCP. "It was later revealed that the suspects had fled Delhi following the incident. Subsequently, a police team conducted further technical analysis, leading to the arrest of the main suspect. Three more accused involved in the case were apprehended later," the DCP said. Hyderabad, Sep 26 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K. T. Rama Rao said on Tuesday that Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan is unfit to hold her post. His strong reaction came after the Governor rejected two nominations by the state cabinet for the state Legislative Council. KTR, as the leader is popularly known, said the Governor who called the two credible leaders from backward sections of the society as unfit herself was unfit. Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi "undemocratic", he said that the Governors, who are Modi's agents, are also equally undemocratic. The Governor had Monday rejected the state cabinet's proposal to nominate BRS leaders Dasoju Sravan and K Satyanarayana to the Legislative Council under the Governor's quota on the ground that the two were "politically aligned persons". KTR pointed out that Sravan, who hails from a Backward Classes community, participated in the Telangana movement while Satyanarayana, belonging to a Scheduled Tribes community, has been active in trade union movement at the national level. "It is shameful that she wrote that those who are politically aligned should not be nominated. There is nothing more ridiculous than this. Until recently she was a political leader. She was President of BJP in Tamil Nadu," he said. The BRS leader reminded her that Sarkaria Commission had clearly stated in its report those in active politics should not be appointed Governors. "We will take this issue to the people. Who is unfit will be decided in people's court," he said and asked what problem the Governor has if the government wants to bring two sons of backward classes to the Legislative Council. "It's the right of the government. Who we nominate is our right. Yes, they have links with political parties. What is wrong in it. Don't you have political links. Are you still not working as a BJP leader," he asked the Governor, adding that there can't be one law for her and another law for others. KTR alleged that the Governor's institution is being misused to weaken the democratically elected state governments. Terming the post as colonial, he said there should be a discussion whether Indian democracy needs this post. "We will explore all possible options," he said when asked whether the cabinet will once again send the two nominations to the Governor. The BRS leader read out the names of several politicians who were nominated to legislative councils in Uttar Pradesh and other states recently. He pointed out that Jyotiraditya Scindia was nominated to Rajya Sabha soon after he defected to BJP. When asked to respond to Union Minister Kishan Reddy's statements on the same issue, KTR said that Kishan Reddy was the most unfit minister who could not complete a flyover construction in his constituency. "He is someone who ran away without resigning during the Telangana movement. It is wasteful to talk about him," he added. Bhopal, Sep 26 : The BJP on Tuesday named one more candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. The ruling party has fielded Monika Bhatti, the President of Akjhil Bharatiya Gondwana Party, from Amarwada in Chhindwara district. Bhatti, the daughter of former MLA Mohan Shah Bhatti, had joined the BJP last week. Her name was announced on Tuesday, a day after the central leadership of the BJP released its second list of 39 candidates, which comprised seven sitting MPs, including three Union ministers. With this, the ruling party has so far named 79 candidates for the 230 Assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, which is scheduled to go to the polls later this year. Sources in the BJP said that Bhatti's name was finalised after she joined the party last week, though her name was not mentioned in the second list released on Monday. Sources also told IANS that Bhatti was inducted into the party after consultations with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the state election panel headed by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. Bhatti has been leading the Gondwana Party after his father and ex-MLA Mohan Shah Bhatti died a couple of years back. The BJP's move seems to be aimed at challenging state Congress President Kamal Nath in his home district Chhindwara. The Congress had won all the eight Assembly seats in Chhindwara in 2018. Washington, Sep 6 : US Senators fell into deep negotiations on Monday to avoid a potential government shutdown, with the house in utter chaos over the government's spending plans, by working out a stopgap legislation and decide whether to include funding to Ukraine as part of it. Senators of both parties are debating whether to include new military assistance for the fight against Russia in any stopgap spending bill to keep the government funded past the end of the month, The New York Times reported. As the House of Representatives in the Congress has sunk into utter chaos over its spending plans with unrelenting Republicans demanding the government to trim its expenditure, Senators of both parties in a bipartisan approach were trying to hammer out a stopgap legislation to head of the government shutdown in four days and decide whether Ukraine funding should be part of it. The Senators are working towards an emergency spending bill that would keep dollars flowing to federal agencies after the current fiscal year ends at midnight on Saturday. People close to the negotiating Senators said a major sticking point was on whether to include US President Joe Biden's proposal for an additional $25 billion in new assistance to Ukraine atop a continuing resolution, or to keep the legislation free of contentious provisions. A "clean" measure could end up getting broader support among Republicans in the House, which would also have to pass it to keep the government open, media reports said. Though a bipartisan approach is emerging in the Senate over Ukraine funding, officials said, some Republicans argued it could complicate Speaker Kevin McCarthy's position to find a way out of the spending logjam. Majority of the House Republicans oppose any more Ukraine funding, wanting to strip the bill and return it to the Senate, thus slowing down the process to stave off a government shutdown as the race for keeping government treasury open to agencies cries for more traction. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican from Georgia and close adviser to McCarthy on the political appetites, warned her colleagues against taking up a separate Pentagon spending bill. She said that even a procedural vote to advance that legislation is tantamount to "a vote for BILLIONS in new blood money for the proxy war in Ukraine", The New York Times said. Impending Shutdown: The White House is prepping up federal agencies for a possible government shutdown as Republicans have shown no signs of progress in negotiations. Right-wing Republicans in the Congress have virtually brought Washington to its knees, spoiling for a shutdown, an impeachment and a House coup, media reports said. Speaker McCarthy ordered an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, putting into motion the third formal bid by the Congress to remove a President in the past four years, The Daily said. "How many Republicans will vote to give Biden a blank cheque to fund his proxy war with Russia in Ukraine?" Ms Greene wrote on X. The Congress has so far approved over $113 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine in four tranches since the Russian invasion in February last year. President Biden has sought another $24 billion of funding.Some Republicans were arguing that including money for Ukraine would present an added complication in trying to provide Speaker McCarthy with a way out of the spending logjam, reports said. However, a coalition of Senators is pressing for the money for Ukraine to be included in the temporary spending measure. They argued it would be a grave mistake not to support Ukraine, particularly after President Volodymyr Zelensky met personally with members of the Senate during a visit last week and received assurances of continued assistance. Washington, Sep 26 : Just as the 2024 presidential race was warming up, the Democratic Party has been hit by a jolt from the blue as its New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, has been indicted on bribery charges sourced to Egypt and a widespread call for his resignation. Even as he is stepping down from the committee, he has refused to resign as a Senator. Despite the indictment, Menendez has defended himself from the charges arguing he was being targeted for being a first generation Latino. He told reporters that the cash that federal agents found strewn around his home actually came from his own bank account. Menendez faces calls for his resignation from Democrats in his home state, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and most of the state's US House delegation. Republican Andy Kim has even launched a primary challenge against Menendez, the Business Insider reported. But the story unfolding on Capitol Hill, appears different. While several House members, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have called for Menendez to step aside, most of his Senate colleagues have remained silent, or taken a wait-and-see approach, so far. Senator Dick Durbin, the number two Senate Democrat, said on CNN that the charges were "very serious" but declined to call for Menendez's resignation. As of today, 13 of Menendez's colleagues, mainly Democrats facing competitive re-election in 2024, have demanded his resignation, even as they maintained he was innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, the first Senator asking him to quit, has planned to return $5,000 donation from the Senator to his campaign "in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills," according to a Democrat spokesman. Menendez's quitting entirely depends on how it plays out, how his Democratic colleagues react and also on whether he is able to remain in the Senate. Just as it was in the case in 2018 when a slew of female Senators called for former Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota to resign amid groping allegations, media reports said. Democrat Senators -- John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Peter Welch of Vermont, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jon Tester of Montana, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota are the 13 Democrats demanding his head. No Republicans have called for Menendez to resign yet. What is Bob Menendez accused of ? Menendez and his wife Nadine have been accused of improperly trading their powers for bribes as the Senate Foreign Relations Chair to increase US aid to Egypt (military equipment and financing) and to benefit three New Jersey businessman: Wael Hana, who founded a Halal meat certification company, Jose Uribe, a former insurance agent and Fred Daibes, a prominent New Jersey builder. New York Times ran a story saying Menendez was accused of taking bribes in exchange for helping protect Egypt's access to billions in US aid. The bribes beginning as early as 2018 included more than $500,000 in cash, gifts like jewellery, use of a Mercedes-Benz, a luxury apartment, mortgage payments and gold bars worth as much as $400,000. The indictment says Menendez googled "How much is one kg of gold worth" after his trip to Egypt in October 2021. Menendez has been charged on three counts: Conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under colour of official right a" that's leveraging his role as a US Senator to influence someone to give them something of value, MO News said in a podcast. Its an aggregator of news from leading newspapers and websites. Menendez insists he is innocent, calling the allegations 'baseless' and accusing the federal prosecutors in Manhattan, who brought case of misinterpreting routine Congressional work. What's the role of Nadine, wife of Menendez of three years, is alleged to have brokered the deals for her husband with the businessmen from New Jersey. She facilitated meetings for Menendez with Egyptian officials trading their official powers for bribes. She is alleged to have texted an Egyptian official: "anytime you need anything, you have my number, we can make everything happen." Patna, Sep 27 : Patna police on Tuesday managed to arrest the main accused in the shocking incident where a Dalit woman was brutally assaulted and urinated upon. SP, Patna Rural, Syed Imran Masood also said while Pramod Singh has been arrested, 5 other accused, including his son Anshu Singh, are still absconding. "It has been established during the investigation that they have kidnapped and brutally assaulted that Dalit woman but denying the charges of urination," he said. "The accused confessed that he had given Rs 1,500 on interest and was demanding Rs 15,000 from the victim. He was arrested near the block office of Fatuha on Tuesday morning. His son Ansu Singh and four others are on the run," Masood said. As per the victim's claim, the accused attacked her and kidnapped her on September 23 at around 10 p.m. They had taken her to Pramod Singh's house and stripped her, brutally assaulted her, and also urinated into her mouth. "Since the matter was very sensitive, we immediately formed a SIT headed by DSP Fatuha to arrest the accused. We have managed to nab the main accused within 72 hours and raids are underway to nab the remaining accused," Masood said. An FIR under IPC sections of 341, 323, 325, 307, 354, 504, 506, 34 and various sections of SC/ST Act was filed against the accused in Khusrupur police station. The Dalit woman of Mosimpur village had borrowed Rs 1,500 from Pramod Singh a few months ago and returned the money with interest. However, the accused was demanding more interest from her which she refused. As Pramod Singh was harassing and threatening to parade her naked in public, she lodged a complaint with Khusrupur police station. Following her complaint, the cops had asked Pramod Singh to join the probe in the police station. He went to the police station on Saturday for questioning. The accused, after returning home, reached the house of the victim in the night and kidnapped her with the help of his supporters. Patna, Sep 27 : A youth was killed and another critically injured during a violent clash in Bihar's Supaul district on Tuesday, police said. The police said that a group of people shot a youth named Mukesh Kumar Shah, 25, in the mouth and died on the spot. In retaliation, the other group also shot on another youth Sanjay Kumar Shah on his chest. The deadly clash was triggered over a spat over a piece of land in Parsa ward under Sadar police station in the district. aWe had some dispute over property and we had collected bricks in front of our house. As they (the other) were objecting to it, we were shifting them to some other place. During that time, Sitaram Shah, Sanjay Kumar Shah, Raju Shah and Dilip Shah held my son Mukesh and Sanjay Shah shot him in his mouth," said Sukhdev Shah, the father of the victim. Meanwhile Sitaram Shah, the father of injured Sanjay Shah, claimed: "Sukhdev Shah was constructing a wall at the disputed land and we went there to stop him. Mukesh shot my son Sanjay on his chest and then shot himself in his mouth. We have not done any firing. We have not seen guns." Sadar police station SHO Prabhakar Bharti said: "We have learnt about the incident. One person was killed and another injured in the deadly clash. We have taken the statement of both sides and are investigating the matter." Ranchi, Sep 26 : Ranchi-based public sector company Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) Limited, once known as the mother of all industries in the country, is now gradually "dying down". All three huge furnaces of its Foundry Forge Plant (FFP) have cooled down and it will cost Rs 4 to 5 crore to restart them and the company is currently not in a position to spend the amount. This is the situation when the company has work orders worth about Rs 1,500 crore from various companies including ISRO and SAIL, but does not have the working capital to complete it. The officials here have 19 to 20 months' salary outstanding and the Ministry of Heavy Industries has given up on providing any kind of assistance to the company. The foundation stone of the company was laid in 1958 and production started there in 1963. Till the Covid period in the year 2020, there had never been such a situation when all the furnaces in the company had to be closed. This is the second time since the Covid period, when all the furnaces of the FFP have cooled off. Experts say that HEC's FFP is the largest forging and foundry plant of its kind in the world. The plant is spread over 13,16,930 square meters, in which 76,000 tonnes of machinery is installed. The company, which started with about 22,000 employees, now has only 3,400 employees and officers left and they too have "no work except registering their attendance in the plant". Workers usually protest in front of the plant demanding payment of their outstanding salaries, but there is no one here to listen to them. There has not even been a full-time CMD (Chairman and Managing Director) in the company for more than two years. Nalin Singhal, CMD of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is the CMD in-charge here, who visits here "occasionally in two-three months". The HEC is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Heavy Industries located in Ranchias Dhurwa area. It has been learnt that the HEC has been facing a financial crisis for the last two-three years. According to sources, the HEC has requested the Ministry of Heavy Industries several times to provide working capital of Rs 1,000 crore. The Ministry, however, has apparently submitted that the Centre cannot extend any help. The company has produced numbers of heavy machinery and equipment for various industries including Steel, Cement, Aluminium, Mining, Mineral Processing, Defence, ISRO, Railways, Coal Sector in the last sixty years. With time, due to non-renewal of factory machines, inefficiencies of management, conflicts between unions and management, HEC started incurring losses and its financial condition deteriorated year after year. Although there were several discussions at the Central government level regarding its revival, no concrete steps could be taken till now. In the year 2016, the Central Government formed a multi-member committee of experts under the chairmanship of Vijay Kumar Saraswat, member of NITI Aayog and former Secretary of DRDO. It analysed the prospects of HEC on the basis of a "Modernisation and Revival Plan". The Saraswat Committee strongly recommended the revival of HEC. It was also recommended to modernise its plants, introduce a system of bank guarantees to ensure the working capital of the company, and immediately appointing a managing director and directors. Notably, the firm delivered the mobile launching pad, among other crucial and complex equipment, for Chandrayaan-3 in December 2022, ahead of schedule, even as the staff, including the engineers, senior officials and workers, were going unpaid. New Delhi, Sep 27 : A drug smuggler was held along with a drone and 700 gram heroin, valued at Rs 3.5 crore, from Punjab's Amritsar in a joint operation between the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, an officials said. The official said that it was an another attempt of smugglers to smuggle narcotics via drone which was foiled by coordinated and joint efforts of BSF and Punjab Police. A senior BSF official said that the smuggler was held from Daoke village Amritsar. "The BSF and Punjab Police near Daoke noticed suspicious movement of two persons. Both the suspects, after noticing the security forces, tried to escape, but personnel chased and managed to apprehend one of them," the official said, adding that during the course of interrogation the accused broke down and confessed that he was a drug smuggler. "Based on his revelations, two packets of narcotics, suspected to be heroin (approximately 700 grams), were recovered from the farming fields of Daoke," said the official. Bhubaneswar, Sep 26 : A man on Tuesday accused the staffers of the Capital Hospital here of swapping his newborn baby boy with a girl soon after the birth. Pranakrushna Parija from Rajkanika in Kendrapara told the media that he was informed by the attendant that his wife had delivered a baby boy Monday night. However, the hospital staffers later handed over a girl child to his mother-in-law. Parija also claimed that the security guard and other staffers present at the hospital heard the attendant saying that his wife delivered a male child. When accosted, the doctor said that the attendant had accidentally said the child is a male. Parija, however, lodged a complaint with the director of Capital Hospital, refusing to accept the child. He also demanded the hospital authorities to carry out a DNA test of the child. "It's a very serious issue if the allegations are found true. During preliminary inquiry, we came to know that Parija's wife gave birth to a female child. But it was a slip of tongue of the staff concerned who said it was a male child. However, I've constituted a committee, comprising the superintendent, deputy superintendent and gynecology department head of the hospital to probe the matter," said Capital Hospital Director, Laxmidahr Sahoo. Sahoo added that if the hospital authorities fail to convince the complainant, the matter will be handed over to the police for further action. The police will take the decision on the need to perform a DNA test to find out the biological parents of the child. Jaipur, Sep 27 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday raided the house of Rajasthan Minister of State for Home, Rajendra Yadav. Sources said that an ED team from Delhi had also gone to the minister's relatives home. As per the officials Officials associated with the ED, the action was taken mainly in the Kotputli-Behror district. At 7 a.m. on Tuesday, a team of over 20 ED officers along with over 15 security personnel reached the minister's residence, where they conducted raid till 4:15 p.m. The ED officers called a locksmith to the minister's house. In the presence of Yadav, the locks of two cupboards and a box were broken. Meanwhile, Yadav said later in a press conference, "I have nothing to do with it. I am just being harassed unnecessarily." It needs to be mentioned here thatthe Income Tax Department had also raided 53 locations connected to Yadav, who has many education related businesses, on September 7, 2022. aFirst the Income Tax Department conducted raids. Now the ED has come to my house. The mobile phones of both my sons have been confiscated," the minister said at the presser. Yadav also said that such actions are being taken before the implementation of the model code of conduct. "I am not power hungry. I will contest the elections and I will remain with the Congress. The party stands with me and I am also capable of fighting my battle," he said. New Delhi, Sep 27 : AAP MLA from Rajendra Nagar, Durgesh Pathak, who was invited by the Harvard University to participate in a scholar programme, said that he had the opportunity to discuss the 'Kejriwal model of governance' with the university's students and professors. Pathak said that discussions on Kejriwal's model of governance are happening internationally, which is a matter of pride for the entire country. "Today, I feel even more proud that the Aam Aadmi Party's fame has reached a prestigious university like Harvard. Experiencing the deep interest of the American people in the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal has brought me great joy," he said. "The impact of the work of the Kejriwal government, which has been working for the welfare of the people of Delhi for the past eight years, is being acknowledged globally. Today, the popularity of the Kejriwal model of governance has reached the US. "The Aam Aadmi Party has earned this reputation by working for the people. First of all, I would like to thank Harvard University for inviting me to discuss the Kejriwal model of governance in their scholar programme," Pathak said. He added, "I had the opportunity to discuss with the students, alumni, and professors of the prestigious who have keen interest in the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal. We had engaging discussions on healthcare, education, MCD, democracy, and more." Ottawa, Sep 27 : Anthony Rota has resigned as the Speaker of the Canadian Parliament over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War, media reported. Rota announced his unprecedented decision to step aside after meeting with the House leaders from all parties on Parliament Hill on Tuesday afternoon. His move comes amid days of steadily growing pressure from MPs of all parties for him to "do the honourable thing" and vacate the Speaker's Chair, CTV News reported. "The work of this House is above any of us. Therefore, I must step down as your Speaker," Rota said, adding he was making the announcement with a "heavy heart" and that serving as House Speaker has been his "greatest honour". The incident that led to this historic scene unfolding in the House of Commons took place during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's address to Canadian Parliament last Friday, CTV News reported. Rota apologized first on Sunday, and then again to all MPs on Monday, taking full responsibility for the mistake, and for not being aware until after the controversy exploded of his constituent's historic involvement with the Waffen-SS Galicia Division. Rota, has apologised for praising a Ukrainian man Yaroslav Hunka, who served in a Nazi unit during World War II. Hunka, 98, was sitting in the gallery and got a standing ovation in Canadian Parliament after Rota said he was a "hero" during a visit by Ukrainian President Zelensky, BBC reported. Canadian Jewish group CIJA said it was "deeply troubled" that a veteran of a Nazi division that participated in the genocide of Jews had been celebrated. It said this should never happen again, BBC reported. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was with Zelensky in the Parliament at the time. Thousands of Ukrainians fought on the German side during the war, but millions more served in the Soviet Red Army. In a statement, Rota said that on September 22, "in my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognised an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so". The Speaker added that "no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. This initiative was entirely my own, the individual in question being from my riding [district] and having been brought to my attention", BBC reported. Jaipur, Sep 27 : Deputy Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, has launched a scathing attack on the BJP by calling it a "sinking ship". "Bharatiya Janata Party is now a sinking ship. This sinking ship has been identified by its allies which are breaking ties with it one-by-one. AIADMK has broken ties with BJP in Tamil Nadu. Due to this, the party's majority in Rajya Sabha has reduced. BJP's allies are trying to get rid of it. Other small parties, too, are waiting to escape from this 'sinking ship'," said Tiwari, while speaking to media at the Rajasthan Congress headquarters here on Tuesday. Praising the work of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the Congress leader added: "Compare the work of all the BJP governments formed till now in Rajasthan and look at the work of the Gehlot government in the past five years. The work of the Gehlot government will outweigh all of them. The five-year term of the Gehlot government will outnumber everyone. I am saying this with certainty. Gehlot is the best Chief Minister. The people of Rajasthan do not believe in the false promises of Modi government." "Allies are not afraid of PM Modi but they are afraid of the ED, Income Tax and CBI. Look at what is happening in Rajasthan. Modi has come to Rajasthan on Monday and ED raids started on Tuesday," Tiwari said. "BJP is weak in Rajasthan, that is why ED has been deployed. The PM goes where BJP looks weak. There the ED, Income Tax are put to work." "Whatever Rahul Gandhi said, he said the truth. What is the situation in Chhattisgarh, there no one talks about whose government will return after the Assembly polls there but the question is whether the BJP will be able to reach double-digit seats this time or not? The BJP had Raman Singh as its leader there and he was sidelined. Congress is not contesting elections in Madhya Pradesh, the people there are contesting elections against the BJP. There is so much resentment in Madhya Pradesh that people are abusing CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The situation is not like that in Rajasthan, but CM Gehlot knows each person and every Assembly seat. He has said that 156 seats will be secured by Congress, so I fully hope that it will be 156 and not 155," the Congress leader added. Kohima, Sep 27 : The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has said that the Nagas are unable to join the nationwide cleanliness drive on October 1, called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the day coincides on Christians' Sunday Prayer's Day. The Isak-Muivah faction of NSCN-IM said on Tuesday that what can be termed as playing into the nerves of the Nagas' religious ethos as the call of the Prime Minister for a nationwide cleanliness drive falls on October 1 (Sunday). Nagas as Christians cannot simply abide by the call of the Prime Minister no matter how noble the cleanliness drive, the dominant Naga outfit said. The NSCN-IM in a statement added that for any such nationwide drive for cleanliness, the sentiment attached with the spirit of secularism must be rightfully respected. Nagas would stand as one Christian family to resist such a cleanliness initiative that defies the mutual respect for different faiths that reflects the secular character of India. NSCN-IM cannot remain as a mere spectator to any policy or initiative that obstructs and undermines Christian faith, the statement said. It added that the bold step taken by Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) that "we must obey God rather than human beings" is something highly valued and appreciated. "It is to stress the importance of Naga people's attachment to God, because no matter the challenge of life, no matter the weight of the problem we face, it is God who sustains us." "The Christian's Holy Bible teaches that God not only created the universe but he upholds and sustains it day-by-day, hour-by-hour. The Bible further says that Christ, the son of God, upholds the universe by the word of his power." "All said done, the Nagas cannot deny God by obeying the call of Prime Minister Modi," the statement said. Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister of India H D Deve Gowda addresses a press conference in Bengaluru,on Tuesday ,June 06, 2023. (Photo:IANS/Twitter). Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, Sep 27 : The Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) in Uttar Pradesh has arrested a man from Kasganj district for selling sensitive Army information to Pakistan's ISI. The arrested man, Shailesh Kumar, was a former contractual employee with the Army and worked as a porter in Arunachal Pradesh. Prashant Kumar, the Special Director General (SDG), Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh, said that the arrested ISI operative was sending sensitive information regarding Army establishments and movements through WhatsApp and Facebook. He remained in constant contact with Pakistani handlers Harleen Kaur and Preeti. Shailesh, the arrested man, was tasked with sharing photos of the Indian Army's movements and was paid Rs 2,000 for each picture. Kumar said that Shailesh had posted a profile photo on social media in an Army uniform, even though he was no longer associated with it. The Uttar Pradesh ATS has recently apprehended several agents working for the Pakistani intelligence agency in Gonda district and Mumbai. Man held for killing woman, pouring acid on face to hide identity in Delhi. Image Source: IANS News Tunis, Sep 27 : The Tunisian National Guard has said that it has arrested 16 organisers of several migrant smuggling networks over the past 48 hours. The arrest operations were carried out in the southeastern province of Sfax and central Tunisia to crack down on illegal immigration, the Tunisian National Guard said on Tuesday in a statement on its Facebook account. It added that 90 other wanted persons, 19 boats, and a "significant" sum of money of different currencies were also seized in the operations, Xinhua news agency reported. Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe. Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, the number of illegal immigrants heading to Italy has been on the rise. Global Times: Yesterday was the first day of Thailands temporary visa-free entry program for Chinese tourists. Could you share more details with us? Wang Wenbin: The Thai Government announced a five-month visa-free entry program for Chinese tourists starting on September 25. Yesterday, the first group of Chinese tourists under the new visa-free policy arrived in Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Srettha and other government officials greeted them at the airport. China welcomes Thailands short-term visa exemption policy for Chinese tourists and appreciates the welcome extended by Prime Minister Srettha to our fellow Chinese. China and Thailand are close friends and neighbors and a community of shared future. To have more people-to-people exchange is absolutely essential for strengthening the traditional familial bond between our two countries and an important part of building a China-Thailand community with a shared future in the new era. We stand ready to work with Thailand to expand cooperation in tourism, education, culture and other areas to further enhance the close ties between our peoples. Since early this year, there has been a surge in outbound trips by Chinese tourists. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come up with better visa and related policies, launched a series of facilitation measures in collaboration with other government agencies and given guidance to our diplomatic and consular missions overseas to do everything possible to keep channels open and smooth for foreigners travel to China. We welcome more friends from around the world to come and experience China. CCTV: Could you update us on the preparations for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation? How many countries have confirmed their attendance? Wang Wenbin: Preparations for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation are making steady progress. As of today, representatives from more than 130 countries as well as many international organizations have confirmed that they will attend the Forum. China will stay in communication with Belt and Road cooperation partners on the preparations for the Forum. AFP: Some media reported yesterday that North Korea has reopened its borders to foreign visitors. Does the Chinese foreign ministry have any more information on this situation? Wang Wenbin: China has not been notified through diplomatic channels by the DPRK on the reopening of its borders. Prensa Latina: We would like to know your opinion about the terrorist attack against the Cuban embassy in the United States. Wang Wenbin: China condemns all forms of violence targeting diplomatic missions. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the host country has obligations to take necessary measures to protect diplomatic personnel and premises. We call on the US to find out what happened, solve the case speedily and take effective measures to protect the security of diplomatic missions and personnel. Dragon TV: According to reports, on September 26, a plenary meeting of the Central American Parliament approved a special agreement on the accession of the National Peoples Congress of China as a permanent observer. Whats your comment? Wang Wenbin: On September 26, a plenary meeting of the Central American Parliament approved with strong support a special agreement on the accession of the National Peoples Congress of China as a permanent observer. The plenary meeting also approved with strong support the August plenary meeting minutes, which contains the resolution to revoke the permanent observer status of the so-called Legislative Yuan of the Taiwan region and accept the National Peoples Congress of China as a permanent observer. We applaud that decision. It reflects the Central American Parliaments firm resolve to develop relations with China and again shows that the one-China principle represents the prevailing consensus of the international community and the unstoppable trend of the times. China stands ready to further develop and consolidate friendly cooperative relations with the Central American Parliament and Central American countries on the basis of the one-China principle. Reuters: The US Space Force has had internal discussions about setting up a hotline with China to prevent crises in space. Reuters has reported this. The US chief of space operations said a direct line of communication between the US Space Force and its Chinese counterpart would be valuable in de-escalating tensions, but as of today the US has not engaged with China to set this up. Does the ministry have any comment on this? And would China be open to this hotline? Wang Wenbin: On that question, Id like to refer you to the competent authorities. The US is clear about what caused the difficulty in having China-US mil-to-mil dialogue. Bloomberg: My question is about the negotiations with Sri Lanka on the debt issue. Is China close to agree on terms on the bilateral debt restructuring with Sri Lanka? And if so, do you have any details on how this might work or any idea about when this might be announced? Wang Wenbin: Let me say again that we support Chinese financial institutions in actively working out the debt treatment with Sri Lanka. We are ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to jointly play a positive role in helping Sri Lanka navigate the situation, ease its debt burden and achieve sustainable development. CCTV: The State Council Information Office released a white paper titled A Global Community of Shared Future: Chinas Proposals and Actions this morning. Could you share Chinas consideration behind this? Wang Wenbin: This year marks the tenth anniversary of President Xi Jinpings vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This morning, the State Council Information Office released the white paper A Global Community of Shared Future: Chinas Proposals and Actions. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the press conference. He gave opening remarks and took questions from the press. He pointed out in his remarks that the white paper is an important document that systemically outlines the core components of the thinking behind the vision and how it has been practiced. The document is also an important action on implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. We hope that the white paper will help people in all sectors and the world to gain a fuller understanding of the far-reaching significance of the vision and get to know the ideals underpinning Chinas major-country diplomacy. I also wish to stress that first, the vision of building such a global community is consistent with the prevailing trend of history. It responds to the call of the times and reflects the call of people in the world for peace, justice and progress. The vision represents the sum of what matters for building a beautiful world as recognized by all. As such, it has become a great banner that leads the trend of the times and the direction of human progress. It means a great deal to efforts to promote solidarity and cooperation among all countries and create a better future for all. Second, personally advocated by President Xi Jinping, the vision has been translated into action, gained immense support and produced notable results. The vision has brought prosperity and stability and created tangible benefits for peoples wellbeing across the world. Third, China is both an advocate and a doer in delivering that vision. We have worked actively to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, proposed and delivered on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We are working with more and more countries and regions to jointly build such a global community, so that we can contribute ideas and strength to response to global challenges and better global governance, and make greater contribution to world peace and development. A bright future will not come by itself. It calls for the joint efforts of all. The vision will not be accomplished overnight, and the course of doing that will be no plain sailing. It calls for unity among all countries and common action for common good in order to make our planet a beautiful home for all. China stands ready to enhance solidarity and cooperation with countries in the world, work together to play a bigger role in advancing human progress and the modernization process, and jointly build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. AFP: The Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday that it had removed a floating barrier at a disputed reef in the South China Sea. This barrier was apparently placed to prevent Filipino boats from accessing a traditional fishing zone. Does the foreign ministry of China have any comments on this? Wang Wenbin: Thats what the Philippines tells itself. Chinas resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao is unwavering. We call on the Philippines not to make provocation or stir up trouble. Reuters: The heads of Russian energy firms Gazprom and Rosneft will join President Vladimir Putins retinue during his visit to China next month, according to a Reuters report. It was understood that senior energy officials would also be in the delegation. Could we confirm that the Gazprom and Rosneft chiefs will be visiting China together with President Putin? And if so, when will the visit be, and will all of them be attending the BRI Forum? Wang Wenbin: The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in October this year. China and BRI partners are in close communication on this. We welcome countries engaged in Belt and Road cooperation to come to Beijing, explore more possibilities for cooperation and achieve development together. AFP: China, South Korea and Japan are reportedly holding a diplomatic meeting today to discuss a possible three-way summit between the countries leaders. Do you have any information on todays meeting or on the progress of the plans for a three-way leaders summit? Wang Wenbin: Today, a meeting of senior officials from China, Japan and the ROK was held in Seoul. Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong, ROK Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won, Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi and Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Secretary-General Lee Hee-sup attended the meeting. During the meeting, the three parties held in-depth discussions on working for the steady resumption of trilateral cooperation. They agreed that trilateral cooperation serves the common interests of the three parties and its necessary to work together to step up practical cooperation in such fields as culture and people-to-people exchanges, economy and trade, scientific and technological innovation, sustainable development and public health to make new progress in trilateral cooperation and make new contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity. The three parties agreed to hold a foreign ministers meeting in the coming months and maintain communication on holding a leaders meeting at the earliest opportunity convenient to all three countries. Before the meeting, ROK Foreign Minister Park Jin had a group meeting with the representatives of the three countries attending the meeting. Bloomberg: On your last question, you said that the three nations agreed to hold a foreign ministers meeting first and then the leaders summit will hopefully come after that. Is that correct? Wang Wenbin: As I shared with you just now, our three countries agreed at the senior officials meeting to hold a foreign ministers meeting in the coming months and maintain communication on holding a leaders meeting at the earliest opportunity convenient to all three countries. AFP: The International Energy Agency said today that it has revised its assessments for reducing carbon emissions in order to achieve Paris climate goals. They said that wealthy countries must now reach carbon neutrality by 2045, which is five years earlier than they said previously; while China must reach carbon neutrality by 2050, which is 10 years earlier than they said previously. Meanwhile, Chinas own target for achieving carbon neutrality remains 2060. Did the Chinese foreign ministry notice this report? And does it have any comments on when China aims to achieve carbon neutrality? Wang Wenbin: China is a doer in ecological conservation and climate governance. China has always taken the initiative to assume international responsibilities commensurate with our national conditions and steadily scaled up our climate actions. Having over-shot the climate action targets of 2020 ahead of schedule, China has announced the targets for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality since September 2020, raised the goals of Nationally Determined Contributions, and published a series of policies and measures involving domestic coal consumption, coal-fired power plants and not undertaking new overseas coal-fired power projects. To deliver on them, China will go through broad-ranging and deep-going economic and social reforms which require painstaking efforts. Chinas determined and results-oriented climate response is widely recognized by the international community. Reuters: You mentioned that the BRI Forum preparations are underway. Could we know which dates will the BRI Forum be held next month? Wang Wenbin: We will release information in due course. Religion and spirituality books publishing in October include former reality TV star Sadie Robertson Huffs advice for strengthening relationships, 10 prayers for the future from Pope Francis, and famed pastor Joel Osteens insights for living a longer, happier life. Nonfiction Oct. 3 Called to Cultivate: A Gospel Vision for Women and Work by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik (Moody, $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8024-2807-3) explores how women can find their calling and honor God through their work, be it childcare or corporate finance. Holy Runaways: Rediscovering Faith After Being Burned by Religion by Matthias Roberts (Broadleaf, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-5064-8565-2) probes the causes of distrust in religious institutions and investigates how believers can rebuild their faith on sturdier foundations. How to Put Love First by Sadie Robertson Huff and Christian Huff Thomas Nelson (Thomas Nelson, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-4002-2864-5) outlines a 90-day program to help believers strengthen their connections to God and thereby enrich relationships in all areas of their lives. I Am Asking in the Name of God: Ten Prayers for a Future of Hope by Pope Francis (Image, $22, ISBN 978-0-593-72752-2). The pope meditates on 10 pressing issues facing todays world, including war, rampant fake news, and a culture of abuse within the Catholic church. Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies by David P. Gushee (Eerdmans, $21.99, ISBN 978-0-8028-8293-6) denounces the Christian nationalism that fueled the January 6 Capitol insurrection and outlines a model of political engagement based in covenantal theology, congregational democracy, and dissident Black Christian politics. Oct. 10 The God of Monkey Science: People of Faith in a Modern Scientific World by Janet Kellogg Ray (Eerdmans, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8028-8319-3). From the Scopes monkey trial to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ray probes the seemingly antithetical relationship between evangelicalism and science, but argues that believers can embrace both. 15 Ways to Live Longer and Healthier: Life Changing Strategies for More Energy, Vitality, and Happiness by Joel Osteen (Faithwords, $28, ISBN 978-1-5460-0508-7) shares ways for the burnt-out to replenish their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices by Terra McDaniel (IVP FORMATIO, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-0310-7) delineates a process of personal and communal mourning geared toward helping readers heal from suffering while growing closer to God. Oct. 15 Groaning in Labor, Growing in Hope by Jessica Mannen Kimmet (Liturgical Press, $14.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8146-6916-7). The mother of three shares how she found solace in prayer during early parenthood and offers scripture readings as a means to help other struggling moms do the same. Five Biblical Portraits (Expanded) by Elie Wiesel (Univ. of Notre Dame, $35, ISBN 978-0-268-20731-1). The late Nobel Peace Prize winners analysis of five key prophetsElijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Joshua, and Saulis accompanied by a new introduction from Ariel Burger, cofounder of the Witness Institute, a project dedicated to continuing Wiesels work. Oct. 17 Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community Through the Fruit of the Spirit by Matt Mikalatos and Kathy Khang (NAVPRESS, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64158-615-3) posits that such values as love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, and self-control can help believers connect to those with whom they disagree. This Is Christmas, Song by Song: The Stories Behind 100 Holiday Hits by Annie Zaleski (Running Press, $27, ISBN 978-0-7624-8272-6) shares what went into the making of the most celebrated Christmas tunes, from Bing Crosbys White Christmas to Taylor Swifts Christmas Tree Farm. Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence by Faith Eury Cho (Waterbrook, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-44557-0) aims to assure that an authentic relationship with Jesus can carry the faithful through even the most trying times, using the Israelites journey through the desert and Pauls time in prison as proof. Oct. 24 Women Who Do: Female Disciples in the Gospels by Holly J. Carey (Eerdmans, $29.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8028-7915-8) makes the case that Jesuss often-unnamed female followers embody the true principles of discipleship. The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors by Emily Smith (Zondervan, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-310-36669-0). The author, a Duke University epidemiologist, urges the faithful to connect with those whose beliefs differ from theirs. Oct. 25 Church Music: For the Care of Souls by Phillip Magness (Lexham, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-68359-710-0) seeks to show pastors, lay leaders, and musicians how they can use the power of music to invigorate church worship experiences. Oct. 31 Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method by Rebecca Li (Shambhala, $21.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64547-089-2) introduces Lis silent illumination program, in which one uses deep self-inquiry as a means to reconnect with their true nature. Fiction Oct. 10 Children of the Shadows by Erica Vetsch (Kregel, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-8254-4715-0). This Regency historical finds a detective and a debutante teaming up to solve the mystery behind the disappearances of a spate of London street urchin children. Oct. 24 Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet (Bethany, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7642-4095-9) offers a sweet second-chance romance between a disillusioned widow and a former flame whos determined to prove hes changed, according to the publisher. A far-left politician in the Netherlands has once again sparked outrage by tearing up copies of the Quran outside the embassies of several Muslim countries in The Hague. Qatar has strongly condemned this act of desecration. The Qatari government has accused the perpetrator of the Quran desecration in the Netherlands of deliberately attempting to incite unrest and provoke Muslims. This act has drawn condemnation from around the world. The State of Qatar strongly condemns the tearing of copies of the Holy Quran in front of a number of countries embassies in the Dutch city of The Hague, considering this vile incident as a planned act of incitement and a serious provocation intended to stir up public opinion and inflame the feelings of Muslims, the Gulf countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday. Statement | Qatar Strongly Condemns Tearing Copies of Holy Quran in the Hague, Netherlands#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/JkNXASz9o4 Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) September 24, 2023 The Ministry further cautioned that permitting the desecration of the Holy Quran under the guise of freedom of expression not only fosters hatred and violence but also jeopardises the prospects of peaceful coexistence. As worshippers gathered at the Calvary Chapel in 2020, they were being watched from above. Calvary is suing the county for its use of location data, a controversial tool increasingly deployed by governments at all levels notably in relation to the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. While enabling law enforcement to more easily identify potential offenders, the practice, called geofencing, has also emerged as a cutting-edge privacy issue, raising constitutional issues involving warrantless searches and, with Calvary Chapel, religious liberty. Every Sunday, Calvarys assistant pastor, Carson Atherly, would later testify, the officers would serve me a notice of violation during or after church service. Satellites were locking in on cell phones owned by members of the nondenominational Protestant church in San Jose, Calif. Their location eventually worked its way to a private company, which then sold the information to the government of Santa Clara County. This data, along with observations from enforcement officers on the ground, was used to levy heavy fines against the church for violating COVID-19 restrictions regarding public gatherings. Don't "geofence" them in, say worshippers in Silicon Valley. This map is from nearby Mountain View-based Google, recently penalized over its location tech. We are in the space between the emergence of this technological practice and courts having ruled on its constitutionality, said Alex Marthews, national chair for Restore the 4th, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans rights against unreasonable search and seizure. Calvary Chapel of San Jose: Are invasions of privacy its cross to bear? Geofencing often begins with an innocent click. Smartphone apps ask if they can access location to improve service. When users say they yes, they often dont realize that the apps that help them drive, cook, or pray are likely reselling their information to far-flung for-profit entities. This and other information detailing peoples behaviors and preferences is valuable for businesses trying to target customers. The global location intelligence market was estimated at $16 billion last year, according to Grand View Research, which predicts that figure will grow to $51 billion by 2030. While it is legal for private companies to broker this information, constitutional questions arise when government accesses data from a third party that it would be prohibited from collecting on its own. The lawsuit filed by Calvary Chapel in August argues that Santa Clara County carried out a warrantless surveillance of the church when it acquired information in 2020 on the churchs foot traffic patterns collected by a research team from Stanford University. Court documents show the researchers acquired the information, which originated with Google Maps, from the location data company SafeGraph, which is also being sued by Calvary. Nicole Berger, SafeGraphs senior vice president of operations, has said the Stanford team violated the companys terms of service and non-commercial research agreement. For its part, Google has since cracked down on third-party vendors, though it still uses location and other data for its own operations. Google was recently ordered to pay $93 million in a settlement over its collection of location data even after users turned off their location history. The company is also involved in an ongoing dispute in an Oakland, Calif., U.S. District Court over the companys Real Time Bidding process, whereby customers personal information is auctioned off to advertisers, so that they can place targeted ads. According to the Calvary Chapel lawsuit, it was this process, among others, which enabled SafeGraph to collect users location data. Geofencing allows users to build a fence around certain areas or points-of-interest such as Calvary Chapel or the area near the Capitol on Jan. 6 and see when people entered that space. It is becoming routine for law enforcement agencies to use warrants to require companies like Google to hand over location data that may be connected to criminal activity. Rep. Jim Jordan recently wrote a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland saying, "The use of geofence warrants raises serious Constitutional concerns." Privacy advocates and a bipartisan group of legislators say that acquisition of such information without a warrant presents a troubling, and relatively new constitutional dilemma. The Calvary Chapel suit, as well as proposed legislation working its way through Congress, experts say, could prove important landmarks in resolving this tension between technological innovation and constitutional protections. Above, a Calvary Chapel service. Location data is getting a different baptism -- by legal fire. The Calvary Chapel suit stems from an earlier court case, in which the church was ordered to pay over $1 million in fines for violating county public health orders in 2020, by holding services on its premises without social distancing or masking. Daniel Ho: The Stanford prof used "anonymized" private data to provide Santa Clara County health officers with an analysis of visits to Calvary Chapel. During the trial over the fines last year, it came to light that a research team headed by Stanford University professor of administrative law and statistical inference Daniel Ho had used SafeGraph data to provide Santa Clara County health officers with analysis on aggregate visits to Calvary Chapel covering the period of January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021. In his 2022 expert witness report, Ho said the SafeGraph dataset he analyzed was widely used during the pandemic to understand social distancing by public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Governors Office, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Clara County, where information about points-of-interest included 1,576 religious organizations. Ho said he was able to estimate the average daily visits to the church. Data brokers, including SafeGraph, insist that their information is anonymized. But it is precisely the lack of specificity that worries its critics. There's no particular individual who the government is suspicious of, Adam Schwartz of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told RealClearInvestigations. It's a dragnet. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the data collected through geofencing stays anonymous. It is often very easy to take supposedly de-identified data and re-identify a person, said Schwartz, And it's very, very easy to do that with location data. The same phone spotted in two locations, he said, can be easily traced to a specific individual because people have very unique travel and location patterns. Adam Schwartz: It is often very easy to take supposedly de-identified data and re-identify a person. And it's very, very easy to do that with location data. At Calvary Chapel, for example, in-person surveillance conducted by the county, as well as numerous in-person depositions of Chapel members and employees during the previous legal contretemps between the county and the church that began in 2020, would have provided local officials with detailed knowledge of who was on the premises, and when. The right to privacy, said Calvary Chapel attorney Mariah Gondiero, is really going to be the key to this case, with an overarching question of whether congregants have a reasonable expectation of privacy while in church. You absolutely need a warrant, she said, where that expectation exists. In any event, critics say, law enforcements use of geofencing even when it is backed by a warrant violates the Fourth Amendment. There is very significant debate right now whether it is possible for a geofence warrant to meet the Fourth Amendment burden of particularity, said Alex Marthews, referring to the legal principle that warrants must be specific to the individual, property, and place in order to be constitutional. Geofencing proponents argue that it falls under the administrative search exception to the Fourth Amendment, which allows regulatory enforcement personnel to conduct warrantless searches in certain contexts where the greater good is at issue (i.e., police sobriety checkpoints, airport TSA scans). In a written statement, a Santa Clara County public affairs spokesperson accused the Chapel of taking out of context analysis of third-party, commercially available aggregate data that was used to respond to Calvarys own allegations in a lawsuit that Calvary itself filed. In their complaint, Calvary Chapel attorneys assert that the county is arguing in effect that, as long as they call it research, any level of government can target and spy on any individual or group at any time for any duration and, if they so choose, they can wield the collected data against said individuals or groups who oppose their orders. Alex Marthews: In the pandemic, authorities should have recognized the unique constitutional risks that come with searching houses of worship. Marthews, who describes himself as someone who took the threat of the peak of the current pandemic as having been a very serious one, said government authorities at the time should nevertheless have recognized the unique constitutional risks that come with searching houses of worship and curtailing the free exercise of religion, even in the context of a pandemic. Public pushback is mounting against the sharing of location data. In a 2022 letter to Congress, numerous privacy and civil liberties groups petitioned for committee hearings on a bill called the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act. The bill, which has a companion in the Senate that was introduced in 2021, would prohibit warrantless government purchases of cell phone location data from third party brokers. It passed unanimously through the House Judiciary Committee, 30-0, in July of this year, and awaits full review by the House. Last month, California passed a law calling for the creation of a mechanism that will allow consumers to demand that every data broker delete their personal information through a single request. In the meantime, lawmakers, corporations, officials, and individual citizens are each grappling with the ethical problems presented by the coinciding twin novelties of COVID-19 and location data tracking. Pandemic, the public good, the emergent nature of the [...] technological capabilities, said Marthews, is kind of a growing pain as we all kind of find our way through this technology and this pandemic together. I think that may be a fair assessment of this particular case. As for legislation, Schwartz describes himself as optimistic with regard to the eventual passage of the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act. I think theres momentum, he said. Its bipartisan. Correction, Sept. 26, 2023, 2:55 P.M. Eastern This article has been revised to reflect the following correction: Because of an editing error, a letter from Rep. Jim Jordan to Attorney General Merrick Garland was mischaracterized. He said that geofencing warrants raise "serious Constitutional concerns," not that they should be expanded. Property details: We are thrilled to present amazing 10000 square feet (0.23ac) investment land opportunity for sale in beautiful city of PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA! This 80x125 double lot is just feet away from water with Gulf access and minutes from I75! Its future use is low density residential. So far there is no road or utilities leading to it, just a small channel (creek). Don't wait another minute with this great investment, do your DUE DILIGENCE and own slice of creekfront paradise in this rapidly growing city!... Price: $ 9,750 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Property Address: 27515 Largo CT Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 33983 Zoning: Residential City: Punta Gorda State/Province: Florida Location: 600**, Mount Prospect, Illinois You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Florida ABC/Andrew Eccles By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/26/2023 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. will now include Matt Walsh as a celebrity contestant on its premiere, which will air on ABC as scheduled, after a tentative deal was made with the Writers Guild of America.Amid the strikes in Hollywood, Walsh announced his decision to "take a pause" from the season in solidarity with other union members, stating on Thursday, September 21 that he didn't previously know the show is covered by the WGA.But now that writers and producers reached a preliminary agreement on Sunday night, Walsh has rejoined ' 32nd season, which is set to premiere Tuesday, September 26 on ABC with a simulcast on Disney+."With the hopeful resolution and vote with the WGA, would no longer be a struck show therefore all cast would be able to return. This includes WGA member Matt Walsh ," Walsh's representative said in a statement to Deadline on Monday, September 25.The comedian and actor also took to Instagram to share the news of his renewed participation."It's been a brutal summer for all of us union members, so happy the WGA brokered a deal with the studios, it will be nice to put down our signs," Walsh wrote. "Now let's use this momentum to get all SAG/AFTRA actors back to work."Reports swirled on Thursday, September 21 that ' Season 32 premiere may be delayed because celebrities had started feeling pressure to drop out of the competition following WGA union picketing that began at the show's rehearsal studios days earlier.The WGA reportedly began picketing -- which usually employs a single WGA writer to script some of the hosts' comments -- after it had previously succeeded in pressuring several daytime talk shows to backtrack on their own plans to return without their WGA writers as the strike continued.Many of the 14 celebrities in ' Season 32 cast are members of either the WGA union, which went on strike against Hollywood's production studios in May, or the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union which covers American film and television actors and also went on strike in July.Matt is a member of the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and Directors Guild of America (DGA) unions.But all the SAG-AFTRA members are eligible to work on under SAG-AFTRA's "Network Code" agreement, which covers talk and variety shows and daytime soap operas and is not part of the current strike, according to The Hollywood Reporter.SAG-AFTRA's rules do not allow any current or former SAG-AFTRA projects to be promoted or discussed, however, which means the season will not be able to include any footage or discussion of the actors' prior shows or movies, Variety reported.The striking writers reportedly directly targeted several of the celebrities with their picket line signs outside ' rehearsal studios last week -- including Matt, Alyson Hannigan and Mira Sorvino Alyson and Mira are members of the SAG-AFTRA union, along with fellow DWTS 32 contestants Ariana Madix, Barry Williams , Xochitl Gomez, and Jamie Lynn Spears , according to Variety.That same day, Matt announced he was backing out of , at least for the foreseeable future, because he didn't know the show is covered by the WGA."I am taking a pause from until an agreement is made with the WGA," Walsh told Variety in a statement."I was excited to join the show and did so under the impression that it was not a WGA show and fell under a different agreement. This morning when I was informed by my union, the WGA, that it is considered struck work I walked out of my rehearsal.""I have been and will always stand with my union members of the WGA, SAG, and DGA," he added."Beyond our union artists, I am sensitive to the many people impacted by the strike and I hope for a speedy and fair resolution, and to one day work again with all the wonderful people I met at DWTS who tolerated my dancing."In addition to Matt, other celebrities had also reportedly begun to feel uncomfortable participating in the season and were considering withdrawing.-- which employs an overall staff of 500 -- remained in production without its WGA writer during the last WGA strike which occurred during the 2007-2008 television season and re-hired the writer after the strike ended.On September 18, newly-retired pro dancer Cheryl Burke had also told Variety she felt the show should delay its season until the WGA strike was over."At the end of the day, we have to stick together because that's the only way to ever make any significant change," she told the outlet."I don't think it's gonna be good for the show, to be quite honest, in the long run. I understand what they're thinking and I get it. It's a business, but there is no business without the rest of the business... I think they should hold tight. I think we need to stand as one. We need to unite for real and not just say we're united." The Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma celebrated National Daughters Day on Monday by announcing the name of its baby giraffe: Mi-Na. ADVERTISEMENT The zoo said the name was chosen by the Osage Nation and is the Dhegiha Siouan language word for "first daughter." Mi-Na was born at the zoo July 26 to first-time parents Zoe and Hekaya. "Mi-Na now weighs 215 pounds and is a little more than seven feet tall," the zoo said in a Facebook post. "She's been such a special addition to our giraffe herd and is often visible in the main or reserve yards and the Osage Casino and Hotel Giraffe Barn." Similar to the Roman Empires position on the global stage, the United States is a contemporary superpower in the world and faces challenges that arent too far from those that Rome experienced. Unlike Rome, however, America still may have time to address them before its too late. The target was for banks to sell Rs 2 trillion worth of non-performing assets to NARCL, the so-called 'bad bank', by 2021-2022. Only 10 per cent of this has been executed. Karnam Sanker, the chairman of the National Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (NARCL), has quit. Going by reports, his exit has something to do with a proposal to merge NARCL with its 'twin', the India Debt Resolution Company Ltd (IDRCL). NARCL, the so-called 'bad bank', was set up in July 2021 to buy legacy stressed loans from banks. It is an asset reconstruction company (ARC) that would buy the bad loans at a mutually agreed value and work to recover the debts or associated securities. IDRCL is an asset management company meant to work in tandem with NARCL to help clean up bad assets. It would be innovative to merge the two. The combined entity would consolidate and take over stressed debt from banks and manage and sell them to alternate investment funds and other potential investors. The target was for banks to sell Rs 2 trillion worth of non-performing assets (NPAs) to NARCL by 2021-2022. Only 10 per cent of this has been executed. The NARCL-IDRCL model, unlike private ARCs registered with the Reserve Bank of India, was backed by government funding. The Report of the Committee to Review the Working of ARCs (2021) has pointed out that of the 28 ARCs (private) in operation, the top five accounted for 70 per cent of the total assets under management as of 2020-21. Only three ARCs had net-owned funds above Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion). In terms of the capital base of the sector, more than 54 per cent is held by the top three ARCs. ARCs have been in operation since 2003, but their management of stressed assets is still uneven. Data for the financial years between 2002-2003 and 2012-2013 shows banks and other investors could recover only 14.29 per cent of the amount owed by borrowers in respect of stressed assets sold to ARCs. About 80 per cent of the recoveries by ARCs has come through deployment of measures of reconstruction that do not necessarily lead to revival of businesses. This pales in comparison to Securum of Sweden, which, during 1992-1997, recovered close to 86 per cent of the stressed amounts involved. Danaharta of Malaysia squared 58 per cent of the stressed amounts (1998-2005). Globally, there have also been public-private partnerships: Spain created the 55:45 Sareb in 2012, and Ireland the 51:49 National Asset Management Agency in 2009. Given that recapitalisation of State-run banks could not go on forever due to financial constraints, it was felt that the NARCL-IDRCL model was the best bet, especially for large dud-credits. So, what happened along the way? "Though NARCL did start with a focus on Mint Road's List-1 and 2 on bad loans (this was circulated among banks), the situation has changed a lot since. The prospects for bad assets resolution have faded due to their eroded values," says a senior banker, speaking on the condition of anonymity. A senior official with a private sector ARC says there are few corporate bad loans still on the books of banks that have any value left. Thus, the stock of transferable NPAs is small. Second, most of these NPAs are more than three or four years old and carry over 90 per cent provisions, in line with regulatory norms. There is little or no incentive for banks to offload these loans to ARCs. Over a period, lenders would opt to write them off their books while retaining the right for recovering dues from borrowers through legal process. Third, banks have already filed cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy framework for resolution. This may take a long time, but banks are fine by it as it is a court-approved process. Last, there has been a change in priorities over a period in pricing preferences. Now, lenders want cash up front and have very little interest in getting part of the money in the form of security receipts (SRs) of 85 per cent. This has reduced the advantage of government guarantees for SRs that NARCL makes for bad loans. Now the elephant in the room. The entire matter is within the State Bank of India group's domain, as key executives and directors in NARCL and IDRCL are drawn from the country's largest lender. That brings us to what RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeswar Rao said on April 30, 2022: 'What is the average time taken between default by a borrower and the eventual filing of application for insolvency resolution by creditors?' The point is, if you are late in identifying the problem, you will be left with what is worthless. Rao was not speaking on ARCs, but an adjacent issue: Resolution of Stressed Assets and IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code). 'It would also be interesting to see the relationship between such filing delays and the value deterioration that the creditors are required to recognise subsequently,' he had said. There is another side to bad banks. 'Bad banks, essentially formed to ease the burden off banks' balance sheets, may encourage further build-up of risky assets. Knowing that they have the bad bank option to fall back on, banks may become less vigilant in giving out loans, leading to the problem of moral hazard,' said a paper by Snehal S Herwadkar, Arpita Agarwal and Sambhavi Dhingra from the Banking Research Division of the RBI's Department of Economic and Policy Research in its monthly bulletin of February 2022. That brings us running to the same spot. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Tata Steel UK is reformatting its operations in Port Talbot by investing 1.25 billion in an electric arc furnace facility with the UK government contributing 500 million. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters The project will take around three years to complete, if all the regulatory clearances come through. The facility will use scrap and be classified as green since it will utilise renewable power and cut carbon emissions considerably. The company will also have to consult unions and other stakeholders during this process and that could take up to two months. Despite the upfront investment, which will come from internal accruals, the project should eventually add to earnings and be more sustainable than the current facility, which is coming to the end of its operational lifespan. Apart from the furnace, the project includes enhancement of two casters, a hot steel strip mill, and the consolidation of a cold rolling mill. Once at full capacity, costs would reduce by $150-170 per tonne compared to the alternative blast furnace process. The scrap would be sourced from within the UK which should make it cost effective. The UK is developing renewable power capacity, which will be among the cheapest sources in Europe. Emission should reduce from the current 2.16 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) to around 0.4 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of steel. The other key advantage is that this would help sidestep likely taxes that could be imposed on higher emission blast furnace processes. The UK consumes 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of steel. Tata UK holds a 50 per cent market share in the auto industry, 43 per cent in construction, and 62 per cent in packaging. It is expected that the return on investment for the project could be around 15-16 per cent. Tata has an outstanding loan of around $1.3 billion for its European operations, including working capital requirements in the UK and the Netherlands, as well as legacy acquisitions and leases. The project aims to restructure Tata Steels balance sheet, potentially eliminating cash losses in UK operations and recognising non-cash impairments of legacy investments. During the transition period and project phase, Tata Steel UK will ensure uninterrupted supply of products to fulfil commitments and import steel substrate to feed downstream units. The company will also invest about 20 million over the next four years to set up two additional centres of innovation & technology at the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester (for advanced materials research) and at Imperial College London (for research in sustainable design & manufacturing). The project will help preserve employment, but some of Tata Steel UKs 8,000 employees may need to be rationalised. This is why discussions with the unions are necessary. If a substantial number of jobs is lost up to 3,000, according to some estimates, Tata Steel will have to pay to settle one-time restructuring charges. Details will be available when the company does a concall post Q2FY24 results. The initial reaction from analysts is positive but the stock has not moved much. The Chinese inference is that if the Chinese visa is embossed on an Indian passport, held by Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh, it may be tantamount to recognising Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, states Rup Narayan Das. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Reuters The stapled visa issued to Indian nationals from Arunachal Pradesh once again cropped up casting a shadow over strained India-China relations. Three players from Arunachal Pradesh who were part of India's Asian Games contingent were issued stapled visas which is not acceptable to India. In July, these three players could not travel to Cheng in China to participate in the World University Games. India has strongly responded to the discriminatory visa given to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh contending that the Chinese authorities have, in a targeted and premeditated manner, discriminated against Indian sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh by denying them accreditation and entry to the Asian Games currently being held in Hangzhou, China. The practice of issuing stapled visas instead of a proper visa by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh and earlier in respect of Indian citizens from Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue in India-China relations. In 2010, Lieutenant General B S Jaswal, then the Northern Army commander, was issued a stapled visa by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, on the ground that he commanded a disputed territory (Jammu and Kashmir), to visit China to participate in a defence exchange program, it created disquiet in India. Subsequently, the issue was discussed during then Chinese premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in December 2010. New Delhi witnessed a welcome change of attitude when the Chinese embassy issued proper visas to journalists from Jammu and Kashmir, accompanying then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh when he participated in the BRICS summit in Sanya, China, in April 2011. Since then, there is no instance of a stapled visa being issued to residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese embassy in New Delhi, however, continues with the practice of issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters The practice of issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh is based on the Chinese perspective of its claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which they call 'South Tibet'. India's claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, is based on the McMahon Line, drawn at the Simla Conference in 1914. Consequent to Independence in 1947, India inherited the McMahon Line in the eastern sector of the India-China border. China does not recognise the McMahon Line. India not only exercises administrative and political control over the territory, but also exercises effective sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. Presumably, the Chinese inference is that if the Chinese visa is embossed on an Indian passport, held by Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh, it may be tantamount to recognising Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian position is that if the holder of a stapled visa with an Indian passport is allowed to travel to China, it may be construed as conceding the Chinese claim over Arunachal Pradesh. India does not regard Arunachal Pradesh as disputed. The Indian stance on the issue is that by following a two-track visa policy, China has disputed the legality of India's international border, thereby impinging adversely on its national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity. The Government of India time and again has articulated its clear and consistent position about the issue of stapled visas issued to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh maintaining that India's position is that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and that there should be no discrimination against visa applicants of Indian nationality on grounds of domicile and ethnicity. As the stapled visa issue in respect of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh has caused intermittent annoyance in the relationship between the two countries, it is time that the issue is addressed thoughtfully and imaginatively in the spirit of bilateral agreements on confidence building measures signed between the two countries in 1993, 1996 and in 2005. The 'Political Parameters and Guiding Principles' agreed between the two countries in 2005 envisages that 'in reaching a boundary settlement, the two sides shall safeguard due interests of their settled populations in the border areas'. If the spirit of this provision is understood in a broader sense, then it is only reasonable to expect that Beijing should be sensitive to the interests of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh in granting them a visa so that China-bound residents of Arunachal Pradesh are not returned from the airport. It is not out of context to mention in this connection that sometime back when China started issuing new electronic passports containing watermarks of a map of the People's Republic of China, which depicted Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of China, the Indian embassy in China started stamping a round seal of the map of India showing India's correct boundaries on visas stamped on such passports. The stapled visa issue was discussed at the 17th round of Special Representative talks in New Delhi. The Special Representative talks are almost defunct. The two sides should put their heads together to find a mutually agreed formula, perhaps with some kind of a disclaimer without prejudice to the final border settlement. Dr Rup Narayan Das, a China scholar, is currently a Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. The views expressed in this column are personal. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com 'This whole story is going to become extremely murky and that discovering who is an agent of the Indian government is not necessarily a simple matter.' 'And that if Trudeau was to name (the person) who he thinks is the connection with the Indian government, that the Indian government will be sure to have some deniability and will be able to say he had nothing to do with us.' IMAGE: Designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was slain in June 2023. Photograph: Twitter "It'll be very difficult to prove, especially if he's (the alleged mastermind behind the Nijjar murder) back in India and the Canadians have no access to him... They may need the help of the Indians, and they are not going to get it, are they?", Terry Milewski -- author of Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project -- tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com in the final segment of a three-part interview. Many political leaders, many Indian diplomats, on and off the record, believe Mr Trudeau is playing to the Sikh gallery in Canada. Will this tactic help Mr Trudeau win another term in office? And how significant a role does the Sikh vote play in deciding the prime minister in Canada? Well, there is a very high percentage of the Indian diaspora and I'm including Hindus, I'm including Khalistanis, I'm including Sikhs who are not Khalistanis, because we mustn't confuse, we mustn't make the mistake of generalising. Remember, that's two different things, because Khalistanis are Sikhs, but Sikhs are not necessarily Khalistanis by any means, as we have seen. That's true in Canada too. We're talking about a small minority, remember. But to return to your question, the politicians sometimes do not judge well what their chances are. Many of them have been persuaded by Khalistanis to be afraid that Khalistanis can hold the whip hand in elections. And that's because in part, the Sikh diaspora and the Indian diaspora generally, they are concentrated in some districts, political districts, upon which federal elections frequently turn in Canada. Notably, in Ontario and British Columbia, they make a mistake, I say to you because if you look at the facts and you notice that it's actually pretty hard to get elected in Canada if you declare openly that you are a Khalistani. If you hide it, if you conceal it, if you deny it, you might be elected. But look at, for example, Ujjal Dosanjh (former premier of British Columbia and former federal minister of health in Canada) was the most successful politician of Sikh heritage of his generation in Canada. He rose to be a federal cabinet minister. He was the chief minister in British Columbia, premier as we call it, and he was a very successful politician. He was elected and re-elected for 20 years in a heavily Sikh district of South Vancouver. So don't tell me that it's dangerous to be a critic of the Khalistanis because you can't get elected. Well the evidence is that you can. But you need to deny it and hide it in order to get elected. That should, I think, persuade more politicians that they would be doing the right thing and they may be getting more votes from the non-Khalistani Sikhs and from the Hindus and from other immigrant communities, if they showed some spine and stood up and say, 'I'm not going to go to that Vaisaki parade as long as they have at that gurdwara pictures of mass murderers in the langar hall. Is Mr Trudeau trying to dilute the anger he has been facing after the heavy handed ways his government used to deal with the truckers strike? Do you think he's trying to deflect attention from his failures by raking up this issue? By proving that he can act tough against a country like India? I suppose there's some part of that. I don't think that's the whole reason by any means. I do think that he is reacting to the humiliation that he experienced, and very publicly, when Prime Minister Modi basically gave him a punch in the nose at the G20 summit that was extremely embarrassing and the attack by Mr Modi was very sharp. His statement was unprecedented. I've been following this (the Khalistan movement in Canada) since the very early '80s; I covered the Air India bombing (external link). Which statement of Mr Modi are you pointing towards? I'm talking about Modi's statement at the G20 after his meeting with Trudeau in which he talked about extremist elements, threatening Indian diplomats, damaging properties of other members of the Indian diaspora and forming a nexus with criminals and drug dealers and human traffickers. This was a very angry statement. He was accusing Canada of doing all of these things and Trudeau basically had not much of a reply saying, well it's freedom of expression and Indians have heard enough of that I believe. Now, Canadians are looking at that if at all that is what freedom of expression is about? If you teach your children that the Air India bomber is a hero and a martyr and somebody that is a model for Sikh youth, really? Are we teaching youth in Canada that it's okay to target diplomats from other countries, allied countries, democracies? Is that what we want to do? I think it's causing people to question it. But I do not believe that Trudeau is motivated in doing this by more than the idea that he has found something that he can use to re-establish his standing as a liberal leader by standing up for the rule of law against lawlessness, by even a friendly State. His ambition is to show that he is a leader on that score and that India broke international law, breached Canadian sovereignty by carrying out a murder in Canada. But if he cannot prove that, I believe he's finished. I don't see how he can survive that politically. IMAGE: Ripudaman Singh Malik, left, leaves a Vancouver court after being found not guilty, March 16, 2005, in the 1985 bombing of an Air India flight off the Irish coast. Photograph: Lyle Stafford AC/Reuters In July 2022, Ripudaman Singh Malik, wanted by India in the Air India bombing, was killed. This June Hardeep Singh Nijjar was murdered in Surrey. Is there a connection between the two murders? This is a very large question and I'll try not to make this a long answer. I will tell you about a popular theory. I will put it no more strongly than that. I can't prove it myself. I'm just reporting to you what is a theory that is popular among people I know in British Columbia. That theory is that Mr Malik's death in July of last year -- just more than a year ago now -- that his assassination is very similar in style, gangland style where two men masked, shoot you in your car, then they run off. The getaway car is later found burning. Those are the similarities. Mr Malik's death was the result of his newfound admiration for the Indian government. Malik, remember, was the principal financier of the Babar Khalsa, the terrorist group under Talwinder Parmar which blew up Air India (Boeing 747 Kanishka on June 23, 1985, killing 325 passengers and crew, the worst terrorist act in Canadian history). In January 2022, he wrote a gushing letter to Prime Minister Modi praising Modi for all the wonderful things that he had done for the Sikhs and his opening the door to the Sikhs and his ending the blacklist to enable people like Mr Malik to visit their families in India, which they have been denied for many years in most cases. Having published this letter, which became public that he was cozying up to Modi, he was now a pro-India Sikh instead. That must have seemed like treachery to his former friends in the Khalistan movement. In addition to which there was financial disputes between Mr Malik and Mr Nijjar, who was the president of the gurdwara in South Vancouver. So we know two things. We know that Mr Malik had become friendly with the Indian government and that there was bad blood between him and Mr Nijjar. In his last interview before he was killed, Mr Malik was very uncomplimentary and used very bad words about Mr Nijjar and it turns out that Mr Nijjar in some of his public remarks was very uncomplimentary about Mr Malik. It turns out that Mr Nijjar's temple was the temporary location where Mr Malik's printing press had been taken when Mr Malik wanted to make money by printing the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. I will spare you the details of the dispute, only to say that there are some facts here, facts of evidence, not speculation. There was a lawsuit between the two camps; they were hostile to each other. The theory was that Mr Malik was a victim of that vendetta, a local vendetta. He (Malik) was a criminal. That's established; fast forward to the question: What about Nijjar? Well, the theory now is that and again, it's a local theory. It's popular. I'm not saying it's true or not, but I offer it for what it's worth. There is indeed some evidence for it that the Malik camp wanted to get revenge for the death of Malik by eliminating Nijjar. I will just confine myself to saying that there were those in the Malik camp who have some experience in the business of murder. I simply suggest to you that this is not impossible and it's not impossible that motives for the elimination of Mr Nijjar may have been mixed. It may possibly be that a State interest in eliminating Mr Nijjar might have coincided with a local gangland interest in eliminating Mr Nijjar. And the two guys maybe had lunch one day and they decided, maybe, we should see if we can hire somebody to get rid of Nijjar, because he's standing in my way, and well, I can offer to help you with that. Maybe that person has something vaguely to do with the Indian government. I believe that this whole story is going to become extremely murky and that discovering who is an agent of the Indian government is not necessarily a simple matter. And that if Trudeau was to name (the person) who he thinks is the connection with the Indian government, that the Indian government will be sure to have some deniability and will be able to say he had nothing to do with us. It'll be very difficult to prove, especially if he's back in India and the Canadians have no access to him. That may be the hang up in the Canadian trying to make this story stick. They may need the help of the Indians, and they are not going to get it, are they? Altogether 45 students, many of them girls, were injured in Manipur's Imphal Valley on Tuesday as the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged protesters demonstrating against the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July, officials said. IMAGE: Security personnel fire tear gas shells to disperse a crowd in Imphal, June 29, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo In view of the prevailing situation, the government reimposed suspension of internet services for five days and announced that all schools in the state will be closed till Friday. Twenty-four MLAs of Manipur including 21 of the Bharatiya Janata Party have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah for "urgent necessary action by the CBI against the guilty persons" involved in the killing of two youths. The students of Imphal-based schools and colleges brought out the protest rallies hours after photos of the bodies of the two youths went viral on social media, demanding arrest of those involved in the killing. The protesters clashed with the police near Sanjenthong in Imphal East district when security forces stopped them from advancing towards the chief minister's secretariat in Imphal. The police used tear gas shells and batons to disperse the agitators. School and college students took out a rally in Imphal to protest against the killing of the two youths. As the students were heading towards the CM's Secretariat, security personnel took action to disperse them," a police officer said. Over 45 students were injured in the police action and admitted to various private and government hospitals in Imphal East and West districts, officials of the medical facilities said. Of them, 31 are being treated in a private hospital, 12 others are in two government facilities. Two others were admitted to another private hospital. Soon after the incident, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days. Mobile internet services, which were suspended as ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in early May, were restored after over four months from September 23. The state government in a notification also declared that all government and private schools will be closed on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a public holiday in the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Photos of the bodies of the two missing students surfaced on social media on Monday, following which the Manipur government has asked people to exercise restraint and allow authorities to investigate the "kidnapping and killing" of them. The two youths were identified as Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17). Students also took out rallies at Uripok, Old Lambulane, Singjamei in Imphal West district demanding arrest of those involved in the killing of the two youths. Similar clashes between students and security forces have been reported from Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. Abungo Th, a student who participated in the protest, told the media: "The missing students were killed and the govt is yet to arrest the killers. The location of the bodies where they have been buried is still unknown. The government is reluctant to take action. In a statement issued by the secretariat of Chief Minister N Biren Singh late on Monday night, the state government said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. "The state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators," the statement said. In a letter submitted to Shah, the MLAs said the surfacing of the photos of the bodies on social media "led to widespread unrest and violence in the state today". Security personnel have been put on alert, and additional measures taken to prevent any incident after the photos of the students have gone viral, a senior officer said. The government is committed to ensuring justice and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for the heinous crime, it said. The police had previously said that the whereabouts of the two were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since early May. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.. The Bengaluru bandh called by various organisations over the Cauvery river water dispute evoked partial response on Tuesday, as most of the public services functioned normally but fewer people than usual ventured out. IMAGE: Members of various pro-Kannada organisations stage a protest during Bengaluru bandh called by farmers and Kannada organisations against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, in Bengaluru, September 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti', an umbrella outfit of farmers' associations and other organisations led by Kuruburu Shanthakumar, had given the call for today's dawn to dusk (6am to 6pm) shutdown. Earlier in the day, Shanthakumar and other leaders of the Samiti were detained by the police at the Mysuru Bank circle, as they were trying to lead a protest march towards Town Hall. Several activists of pro-Kannada organisations were also whisked away by the police at Town Hall, as they gathered there to stage a protest. Farmers' leaders and pro-Kannada activists hit out at the government for allegedly using police force to curtail the protests and the bandh. Farmers and pro-Kannada organisations with their leaders, including Shanthakumar and others, later staged protests at Freedom Park, which is the only designated place for such demonstrations. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy met protesters at Freedom Park and received a memorandum from them. "I have received the memorandum on behalf of the government. I will bring them to the notice of the chief minister," he said. The five-point memorandum includes demands that water is not released from Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, an election commission-like body be put together to assess things during distress years, Mekedatu project be implemented, and cases against farmers and pro-Kannada activists be withdrawn, he said. The government is on the side of the farmers and is committed to protecting the interests of the state and its people, Reddy added. Shanthakumar claimed that the bandh has been successful. The samiti has set a three-day deadline for the government to announce its decision, failing which the outfit will intensify their protest. City police have taken all adequate security measures to respond to any violent situations that may happen during the protests. About 100 platoons have been deployed. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that prohibitory orders under section 144 will be in place across the city from midnight on Monday to midnight on Tuesday. There were reports of some miscreants allegedly trying to shut hotels that were open in Jayanagara area and trying to damage property. Police have registered a case and efforts are on to nab the culprits. Meanwhile, 'Kannada Okkuta', an umbrella organisation for pro-Kannada organisations -- led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, which has called for a statewide bandh on September 29, is not not supporting today's bandh. Yet, Nagaraj and other Kannada Okkuta leaders today tried to lay siege to Raj Bhavan, but were stopped midway by the police, who detained them and whisked them away. All schools and colleges in the city were shut today. Though cab services, autos, and hotels/restaurants were seen operating, drivers and hotel operators said that not many people patronised the services. Similar is the case with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses and Metro rail services, as no regular rush was seen at bus and metro stations. The Ola-Uber Drivers' Association and Hotel Owners' Association have said that their services will be normal today, but they have extended support for the September 29 Karnataka bandh. Most private companies and firms, including those in the IT sector, asked their employees to work from home. Most malls and cinema theatres remained shut, as were many shops and establishments. Opposition BJP and JD(S), which have been targeting the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of failing the state by releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, have supported today's bandh. The Bengaluru bandh was also in force in Malavalli in Mandya district, Ramanagara and a few other places. While pro-Kannada activists held a motorcycle rally in Malavalli, some protestors sought to target Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin "by paying floral tributes" to his portrait in Ramanagara's Ijoor Circle . Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had said yesterday that the government will not curtail the protests. At least three unidentified people broke into a jewellery showroom in southeast Delhi's Bhogal area, made a hole in strong room and decamped with ornaments worth more than Rs 20 crore, the police said on Tuesday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo This is one of the biggest burglaries reported in the national capital. The shop, Umrao Singh Jewellers, had several CCTV cameras but they were damaged around midnight on Sunday, the police said. "Police teams reached the spot after we got information on Tuesday at 10.55 am from the shop owner. We have started an investigation into the matter," said Rajesh Deo, deputy commissioner of police (Southeast). The incident is expected to have occurred between Sunday night and Monday, police said, adding the store remains closed on Monday. "The owner closed the shop on Sunday around 8 pm and when he opened it on Tuesday around 10.30 am, he got to know about the incident. There is a safe situated on the ground floor in the shop having a heavy metallic gate and walls on three sides. The dealing with customers takes place on the ground floor of the showroom while its upper three floors are used for stock and repair works. "When the owner opened the shop, he found that the concrete wall of the safe room has been damaged. The accused made a whole on one side of the wall having dimension of around one to one-and-half foot. Forensic team was called at the spot. The safe will be opened to ascertain the amount of the jewellery stolen," Deo said. "Our forensic teams are checking footage captured by CCTV cameras before their wires were cut by the burglars. The accused will be nabbed soon," the official said. The shop owner has reported a theft of 30 kg gold jewellery and Rs 5 lakh cash, the DCP said. A case has been registered at Hazrat Nizamuddin police station and several teams have been constituted to work out the case, he added. Mahavir Prasad Jain, the shop owner, said that his showroom was around 75 years old. "Nothing like this happened before. There are six to seven workers in our shop and all are trusted employees. They have been working for the last 20 years. The showroom remains closed on Monday. We locked it on Sunday around 8 pm, opened the shop around 10.30 am on Tuesday and got to know about the burglary. "There was around Rs 20 crore worth gold and diamond jewellery which was found missing. All six CCTV cameras inside the showroom were found to be unplugged," Jain said. The shop has no guard and a common guard of the market gives security during the night hours, he said. Duler Jain, a relative of the victim, said that the accused came from the terrace. "They broke the lock on the terrace and came downstairs. They took the jewellery from the strong room with them. They also cut the wires of WiFi and CCTV cameras," he said. Sources said that the incident took place between 11.30 pm and 12 am on Sunday. The preliminary investigation has suggested that there were at least three people involved in the incident. The routes of the accused are being ascertained, police said. Ravinder Taneja, the owner of a nearby building from where it is being suspected that the thieves reached the shop's terrace, said, "It has a shop on the ground floor while a tuition class is run on the first floor. A person from Kashmir lives on the second floor who comes to the city during winters. The upper floor is vacant." "As it is a residential building, no one locks its main entrance," Tanjea said. Dilip, who sells slippers near the showroom, said that nobody knew about the incident till Tuesday morning when the owner opened it and found the store burgled. Ravi, who runs an electronic shop in the area, said it seems that the accused knew about the showroom very well. "The way the burglary has taken place, the thieves must have done some recce before," he said. Reacting to the India-Canada diplomatic row, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Monday (local time) said that terrorists have found safe haven in the North American country and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has this way of coming out with outrageous allegations. IMAGE: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. Photograph: ANI Photo While speaking exclusively with ANI, the Sri Lankan foreign minister further added that he is "not surprised" by his comments as Trudeau comes out with "outrageous and substantiated allegations." Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country, said Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. Ties between India and Canada have been strained after Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged Indias involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar, who was a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canadas Surrey on June 18. India, however, rejected the allegations, terming them absurd and motivated. Taking a dig at Trudeau for honouring a former Nazi soldier in Canada's parliament, he said, I saw yesterday he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who has associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War. So, this is questionable and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometimes PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations." On September 22, during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy's speech in Canadas Parliament, 98-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the first Ukrainian division, also known as the SS division "Galicia" during World War II was honoured by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada. Sabry while speaking on Canada and Sri Lanka's relationship said that due to Trudeaus Genocide comment, earlier, the relationship between the two nations is affected. That has actually affected our relationship. The foreign ministry has a different take on that. Ministry of global affairs has very clearly said that Sri Lanka did not go through a genocide, whereas PM Trudeau as a politician stands up and says that genocide had taken place. That itself is contradictory to each other. That doesn't help, said Sabry. He also advised the Canadian PM to not interfere in the internal matters of a sovereign country. I don't think anyone should poke their nose into other countries and tell as to how we should govern our country. We love our country more than anyone else. That's why we are in our country. We are not very happy about that statement at all. Indian Ocean identity is very important and we need to strengthen the regional architecture. We have to look after our region. We need to work together. That's how we can create a peaceful environment. We should not be dictated by anyone else as to how we should conduct our affairs, he added. Earlier, Sri Lanka rejected the statement issued by Trudeau containing outrageous claims of genocide relating to the past conflict in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan ministry of foreign affairs said that such irresponsible and polarizing pronouncements by the leader of a nation breeds disharmony and hatred both in Canada and Sri Lanka, instead of promoting peace and reconciliation. Following the act of honouring a former Nazi soldier in Canada's parliament, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said that the decision to invite the Ukrainian veteran was "deeply embarrassing", reported CBC News. IMAGE: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises to make a statement in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. Photograph: Blair Gable/Reuters While speaking at a news briefing, Trudeau stopped short of calling for Parliament speaker Anthony Rota to step aside from the role he's held since 2019. "It's extremely upsetting that this happened. The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologised. But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians," Trudeau said. He further warned that this situation may fuel Russia's propaganda as Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the Ukraine conflict is about rooting out Nazis, according to CBC News. "I think it's going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian disinformation and continue our steadfast unequivocal support for Ukraine as we did last week by announcing further measures to stand with Ukraine in Russia's illegal war against it," Trudeau said. On September 22, during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's speech in Canadas Parliament, 98-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the first Ukrainian division, also known as the SS division "Galicia" during World War II was honoured by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada Anthony Rota. Canada's Leader of Opposition Pierre Poilievre criticised this act and the two opposition parties said that it was not enough for Rota to apologise for inviting Hunka to the day's festivities, reported CBC News. Currently, Rota is facing calls to resign from the New Democratic Party and Bloc Quebecois. Although, Rota did not offer any suggestion about his intention to resign. Moreover, Rota is expected to hold a meeting with the government and opposition House leaders at Tuesday noon, CBC News reported. However, the Bloc Quebecois originally requested the meeting with Rota and the other parties's House leaders, according to a letter, reported CBC News. The letter, from Bloc House leader Alain Therrien, said Hunka's invitation has created "a crisis of confidence without precedent" in the House of Commons. NDP MP Peter Julian, the party's House leader, said "regretfully and sadly" Rota cannot continue in his role after this incident. "The Speaker has to be above reproach," he said. "This is an unforgivable error that puts the entire House in disrepute. Unfortunately, I believe a sacred trust has been broken." Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre blames Trudeau stating that the Prime Minister's Office should have vetted a guest list drawn up by the Speaker. "Canadians are sick and tired of a prime minister who never takes responsibility for the things that happen on his watch," Poilievre said, adding there's "constant international embarrassment" with Trudeau at the helm, reported CBC News. While pointing to Rota, Poilievre said, "He always finds someone else to throw under the bus. Are you that person?" According to recent development, Russia will seek a clarification from Canada over the honour accorded in Canadian Parliament to a Ukrainian Nazi who served in one of the units of Adolf Hitler's Waffen SS during the Second World War, TASS reported. "The Embassy is sending a note to the Canadian Foreign Ministry and the Prime Ministers office demanding clarification. The SS is recognized as a criminal organization by the decisions of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which are an integral part of international law. By honouring a member of this criminal community, the Canadian cabinet and members of parliament violated not only moral but also legal norms," Russian Ambassador to Ottawa, Oleg Stepanov said. The Enforcement Directorate has arrested PR Arivandakshan, a Communist Party of India-Marxist municipal councillor from Kerala's Wadakkanchery, in connection with the Karuvannur co-operative bank fraud case, officials said Tuesday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Courtesy CPI-M on X The agency has also arrested a former employee of the bank, CK Jills, who allegedly siphoned off Rs 5 crore bank funds, they said. Arivandakshan's arrest is the first of a political person in the alleged scam in which several political functionaries of the CPM are under scanner, they said. The probe in the alleged fraud, beginning in 2010, in the Thrissur-based bank stems from 16 FIRs registered by the Kerala Police (crime branch) in Thrissur. The ED has said its probe found that "on the instructions of certain persons, who were district-level leaders and committee members of certain political party and governed the bank, loans were disbursed by the bank manager through the agent in cash to non-member benamis by mortgaging properties of poor members without their knowledge and laundered to the benefit of the accused". "Many such benami loans were disbursed on the instructions of A C Moideen," it had alleged in a statement issued on August 23, a day after the raids were conducted. Moideen, 67, had told the press that the ED action was "pre-planned," adding he would cooperate in the investigation. He is a former minister for cooperation and industries and currently represents the Kunnamkulam constituency in the state Assembly. The ED had first carried out raids in this case in August last year at six locations, including a branch of the bank located in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. It had attached assets worth Rs 30.70 crore of a commission agent of the bank, Bijoy A K. BJP president J P Nadda was safely evacuated from a Lord Ganesh pandal in Pune where a fire broke out when he was offering prayers along with the party's Maharashtra unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday evening, the police said. IMAGE: The fire at Sane Guruji Tarun Mitra Mandal, Pune, September 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI video grab Visuals from the scene showed Nadda being safely escorted out of the venue even as the fire engulfed the top portion of the makeshift pandal in the Lokmanya Nagar area in the heart of the city. No casualty was reported in the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Suhail Sharma said after the fire broke out during Nadda's visit to the Ganesh pandal, "police officers at duty immediately responded with local support and fire brigade units were deployed". A fire brigade official said the blaze may have been caused by fireworks at the pandal set up by the Sane Guruji Ganesh Mitra Mandal. Pune city BJP president Dhiraj Ghate and security personnel were seen taking Nadda out of the pandal, a replica of Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar Temple. As soon as the fire broke out, rains started in the area which helped douse the flames. DCP Sharma said the BJP president left the spot to attend 'aarti' at another Lord Ganesh pandal in the Kothrud area of the city. "The fire was successfully contained and no person sustained injuries," he added. Sharma said firecrackers set off by Ganesh mandal members to welcome the guests caused the blaze. The Bombay high Court on Tuesday said the recently amended Information Technology (IT) Rules against fake news on social media give "unfettered power" to a government authority in the absence of "guidelines and guardrails". IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Kind courtesy WendyAlison/Pixabay.com The Union government, on the other hand, assured the court that the rules were not meant to curb free speech or humour and satire targeting the government, and do not bar anyone from criticising even the prime minister. A division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale was hearing petitions filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the Editors Guild of India, and Association of Indian Magazines against the Rules, terming them arbitrary and unconstitutional and claiming that they would have a chilling effect on the fundamental rights of citizens. The court on Tuesday also sought to know what necessitated the amendment and provision for a separate Fact Checking Unit (FCU) when the Press Information Bureau (PIB) is already doing fact-checking on social media. You (government) have a PIB which has its presence on social media. Why then was this amendment required and for an FCU to be set up? I think this amendment wants to do something more, Justice Patel said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, said the PIB was teethless (sic) and he would argue on this point on Wednesday. The objective was not to curb free speech, opinion, criticism or satire against the government or even the prime minister but to create a balancing mechanism to tackle a medium that was "uncontrollable and uncontrolled", he said. The IT Rules are not related to curbing free speech at all. The government is not trying to proscribe and prohibit any expression of opinion, criticism, or comparative analysis -- in fact we welcome them, encourage them and learn from them, Mehta said. The Rules have nothing to do with humour or satire, whether it is to the liking of the government or a political party, as far as the content does not cross the line of what is considered obscene or vulgar, the solicitor general said. The government is not going after free speech, opinions, humour, or satire. That is not in the realm of the IT Rules. The Rules only put in place a system. A balancing mechanism is provided, he added. The bench, however, remarked that the Rules are over broad and without any guidelines. The government is the sole arbiter without any checks and balances on what is the truth. Basically, who will fact check the fact checker? We will have to trust the Fact Checking Unit (to be set up under the Rules) as the final arbiter, Justice Patel said. When Mehta reiterated that the FCU would be only checking fake and false facts and not opinion or criticism, the court asked how can it be said that the government's truth was the final truth. The bench further noted that the term "government business" in the Rules was largely undefined. Mehta responded that it was a well-demarcated term. What the executive does is the business of government, what the prime minister says or does is not the business of government -- he can be criticised, Mehta said. The court noted that there must be some guidelines in place for the Rules. Without guidelines and guardrails this is an unfettered power. The funnelling of power to determine what is true to a government authority, Justice Patel said. The court further noted that while the government was saying that the Rules apply only to fake news, the Rules, on the face of it, say information and not facts. The Rules says any information that would include data, text, image or sound that is fake, false and misleading. The definition of information is not limited to facts. It is expansive to include opinions and criticism. The Rules do not say facts. Data or information can be everything -- data is opinion -- data is parody also. Therefore, it is not limited to facts, Justice Patel said. The court also said that the IT Act was confusing regarding the meaning of the word `information'. Mehta reiterated that the term data, as used in the Rules, only includes fake and false facts and the high court may record his statement. But the bench said it could not do so. The government is not doubting the intelligence of its citizens. People can post anything they want, criticise the government but fake, false and misleading facts will not be allowed. Fake and false facts with emphasis on facts, not opinion or criticism, Mehta said. India and the whole world was grappling with the problem of a medium that was uncontrolled and uncontrollable where false, fake and misleading facts are peddled around at the click of a button, he said. The hearing will continue on Wednesday. In April this year, after the petitions were filed, the Union government had told the court that it would not notify the Fact Checking Unit till July. Last month, the statement was extended till October 3. On April 6, 2023, the Union government promulgated certain amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, including a provision for a Fact Checking Unit to flag fake, false or misleading online content related to the government. The Bombay high court on Tuesday sought assistance of Maharashtra's Advocate General on the legal issues involved in a petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenging the defamation proceedings initiated against him by a magistrate's court over his alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacts with people while traveling by train from Bilaspur to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, September 25, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Mahesh Shrishrimal, who claims to be a Bharatiya Janata Party worker, has filed a defamation complaint over Rahul Gandhi's "commander-in-thief" remark about prime minister Modi in 2018. After Gandhi challenged the lower court's summons, the high court, in November 2021, directed the magistrate to defer the hearing. Since then, the hearing on Gandhi's petition before the high court has been adjourned from time to time and the interim relief granted to him (deferment of proceedings before the magistrate) was also extended. Hearing Gandhi's petition on Tuesday, Justice S V Kotwal of the high court noted that it raises some "important questions of law." "Therefore, I deem it necessary to request the advocate general of Maharashtra to address the court on all the legal issues involved in this case," he said. The HC posted the matter for further hearing on October 17 and extended the interim relief granted to Gandhi till then. Gandhi's lawyer advocate Sudeep Pasbola referred to section 199 (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, under which a sessions court can take cognizance of a case where the offence is alleged against a public servant in respect of discharge of public functions. Hence, a magistrate can not hear such a case, the lawyer said. Further, as per 'explanation 2' under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, a political party can not be termed to be a 'group of persons' which can file a defamation complaint, hence, Shrishrimal could not file a complaint in a representative capacity, Gandhi's lawyer said. Shrishrimal's lawyer advocate Niteen Pradhan argued that he could file a complaint as a member of the 'BJP Maharashtra Pradesh Committee'. The complaint alleged that in September 2018, Gandhi spoke at a rally in Rajasthan where he made defamatory statements against Modi regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal. Four days later, Gandhi purportedly commented on a video and posted on his personal Twitter (now X) account: "The sad truth about India's commander in thief." By calling Modi "commander in thief", he made a direct allegation of theft against all members of the BJP and Indian citizens connected to Modi, the complaint claimed. Gandhi's petition, filed through advocate Kushal Mor, said this was a "frivolous and vexatious litigation", motivated by political agenda, and a defamation complaint can be filed only by the person who has been allegedly defamed. Gandhi, the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, is facing several defamation cases across the country. He was convicted by a Surat court in a defamation case earlier this year but the conviction was later stayed by the Supreme Court. India on Tuesday called for concerted efforts by like-minded nations to realise the shared vision for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagging concerns over the region facing a "complex web" of security challenges, including boundary disputes. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference co-hosted by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the US Army, in New Delhi, September 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo His comments at the opening session of the India-hosted 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs' Conference came against the backdrop China's growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific as well as the border row in eastern Ladakh. In his remarks, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande said the Indo-Pacific emerged as "pivotal theatre" in contemporary "geo-strategic" canvas and that India's outlook for the region emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states as well as peaceful resolution of disputes. "While efforts by countries are converging towards effecting a free and stable Indo-Pacific, yet we are witnessing manifestations of inter-state contestations and competitions," Gen Pande said. Chief of Staff of the US Army Gen Randy George said the partnership between the US and Indian Army is crucial for stability in the Indo-Pacific, noting the region is facing a challenging strategic environment. The two-day conference, being attended by delegates from over 30 countries which included chiefs of around 15 armies. The US Army is the co-host of the event. "We all know how important trust and friendship are in a challenging global security environment. Having great allies and partners is more important than ever before," Gen George said. India also showcased some of its indigenously-developed military platforms at an exhibition that has been organised as part of the two-day conference. In his address at the opening session of the conclave, Defence Minister Singh emphasised that the Indo-Pacific is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic issue, and that the region is facing "a complex web" of security challenges, including boundary disputes and piracy. "Our efforts to build robust military partnerships with friendly countries underscore our commitment to safeguard national interests & address global challenges," he said, asserting that India stands for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Army Chief Gen Pande said India's commitment towards "positively engaging" all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific has been "unwavering and enduring" over the years. "India's strategic location, astride the vital sea lanes of communication, in the Indo-Pacific, propels us as a key player in the region's discourse," he said. "Our outlook emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region, equality of all, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use of force and adherence to international laws, rules and regulations," he said. Gen Pande said the "challenges we face are significant, but so is our collective wisdom and strength." "The challenges we face transcend across borders, and our response to them must factor this. The Indo-Pacific region is not merely a collection of nations -- it is a web of interdependencies," he said. "We are bound by geography, and our destinies are intertwined. The security and prosperity of one nation is intrinsically linked to the security and prosperity of its neighbours, and much beyond. Therefore, each one of us has an important and a pivotal role to play," he said. Highlighting the geo-political significance and geo-economic weight of the Indo-Pacific nations, Gen Pande said it is evident from the fact that, the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world's population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world's maritime trade. "Hence, the impact of geographic and economic indispensability of the region to the world, naturally accords it the role of the pivotal theatre, in the contemporary geo-strategic canvas," he said. Gen Pande pitched for greater cooperation in the spheres of security, connectivity and economy among the littoral states in the Indo-Pacific region. "From a definitional perspective, the construct of 'Indo-Pacific' largely hints at primacy of navies, in the security stakeholdership of the region," he noted. "While there is no denying this, the role of other components of armed forces, remains profoundly relevant. Apart from challenges exclusively in the maritime domain, a wide range of security and humanitarian concerns exist on land, too," he said. "These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases, transnational threats of terrorism, consequences of climate change impacting the inhabited islands or coastal areas of rim nations and natural calamities," he added. Gen Pande observed that these challenges are manifesting as "threats, singularly or plurally, impacting one or more nations amongst us." In his address, the defence minister explained his vision for the region through a theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles -- 'Circle of Concern' and 'Circle of Influence'. "There may be instances when the 'circles of concern' of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples," he said. "This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation," he added. Singh pointed out that States must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation. He stressed the need to engage with the broader international community and work collaboratively through diplomacy, international organisations and treaties to tackle common concerns within the overlapping 'Circles of Concern'. Singh termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping 'circles of concern' of different nations. Singh was of the view that States, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their 'Circle of Influence' to promote national interests on the global stage. This, he said, may involve building partnerships, participating in regional organisations and employing diplomatic, economic or military tools strategically. "This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our 'Circles of Influence' while harmonising the overlaps of our 'circles of concern'," he added. India on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, underlining that its presidency of the G20 sought to focus on key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few. IMAGE: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addresses the 78th session of the UNGA. Photograph: ANI on x Beginning his address to the General Debate at the high-level 78th session of the UN General Assembly with the salutation Namaste from Bharat, Jaishankar said India had taken on the G20 presidency in December 2022 with a sense of exceptional responsibility. Jaishankar's 'Namaste from Bharat' salutation was a first in his address to the UN General Assembly. He said Delhi's vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future' sought to focus on the key concerns of the many, not just the narrow interests of a few". India's G20 presidency came at a time when the world was witnessing an exceptional period of turmoil. "As it is, structural inequities and uneven development have imposed burdens on the Global South. But stresses have been aggravated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions and disputes. As a result, socio-economic gains of recent years have been rolled back, he said. Jaishankar referred to remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had said that it was to bridge divides, dismantle barriers and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world, where unity prevails over discord and where shared destiny eclipses isolation. The New Delhi G-20 Leaders' Declaration articulates our collective ability to do so, Jaishankar said, referring to the joint declaration adopted by consensus at the Leaders' Summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. "At a time when East-West polarisation is so sharp and North-South divide so deep, the New Delhi Summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, he said. Noting that resources for sustainable development are been severely challenged, many countries are really struggling to make ends meet and navigating the future appears even more daunting today, Jaishankar said India began its G20 presidency by convening the Voice of the Global South' Summit that enabled it to hear directly from 125 nations and place their concerns on the G20 agenda as Delhi recognised that growth and development must focus on the most vulnerable. As a consequence, issues which deserve global attention got a fair hearing. More than that, the deliberations produced outcomes that have great significance for the international community, he said. Jaishankar also underscored that it is noteworthy that at India's initiative, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20. "By doing so, we gave voice to an entire continent which has long been its due. He noted that the outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit will surely resonate for years ahead. Among them is the Action Plan for Sustainable Development Goals, a crucial need of the day. Equally important are the High Principles of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Green Development Pact, as they shape our approach to our planet's future. The minister said the transformative role of Digital Public Infrastructure has also been finally recognised. As has the salience of women-led development in building an inclusive and progressive society. The reform of international financial institutions (IFI) has been given due weight, as has the resolution of debt vulnerabilities, he said. Jaishankar further emphasised that the New Delhi G20 outcomes are expressed both as larger policies and as specific initiatives. They could be about building cities for tomorrow or fighting corruption, eliminating hunger or delivering quality education, ending plastic pollution or preserving the ocean-based economy. "And for that matter, enhancing food security or even mapping global skills," he said. Some address longstanding issues like the gender divide and climate action. Others focus on new concerns such as the responsible harnessing of Artificial Intelligence. All in all, we have placed for the world's consideration a set of actionable propositions, constructive solutions and new directions, Jaishankar said. A soldier, who claimed that he was assaulted by six people near his home in this district and 'PFI' was written on his back, was on Tuesday arrested along with his friend for allegedly giving a false statement about the incident. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo A senior police officer of the district said the arrest of the two was formally recorded based on the statements given by the soldier -- Shine Kumar -- and his friend. The provisions in the FIR lodged earlier on the soldier's complaint have been altered, the officer also said, but did not give details. The soldier's friend has claimed that Kumar wanted to become famous and that is why this entire act was carried out. The police also recovered from the friend's home the green paint, brush and tape allegedly used in the incident. The soldier's friend told the media that Kumar planned the whole thing to become famous. Giving details of what allegedly transpired, the friend claimed that Kumar asked him to write 'PFI' on his back and to beat him up. "I was drunk, so I initially wrote DFI, but he (Kumar) said to write PFI. So, I made it PFI. Then he asked me to beat him up, but I said I couldn't because I was drunk. "Then he asked me to drag him on the ground and lay down, but I could not in my intoxicated state. So, he asked me to tape his mouth and hands and then to leave. So, I did that," the friend claimed. The soldier in his complaint had claimed that he was allegedly beaten up near his home on Sunday night by six persons and 'PFI' was written on his back with green paint. The alleged incident occurred near his home at Kadakkal in Kollam. The soldier, who hails from Kerala and is posted in the Indian Army's Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps, had claimed that he saw some persons standing near his home while he was returning on his bike. On asking them why they were there, they said somebody was lying drunk in the nearby rubber plantation and asked the soldier whether he knew that person, he had said. He had also claimed in his complaint that he accompanied the men to the rubber plantation and on reaching there, someone kicked him from behind and then the assailants tied his hands and beat him up. They then wrote PFI on his back with green pain. The alleged incident occurred on the last day of the soldiers vacation, the police said, and added that he was set to return to his unit at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Monday. There were no injuries on the soldier, they said. PFI generally refers to the Popular Front of India, an organisation that was banned by the central government last year. A 26-year-old US woman has travelled more than 11,000 km to Lucknow to find her original family, pinning her hopes on a blurry photograph from her childhood. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Aditya Romansa/Unsplash.com Mahogany Emberkai from Minnesota has been in Lucknow for three weeks now, 21 years after she was adopted by a US woman and taken to America. "I have been in Lucknow for the past three weeks to trace my family. I was found in Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow and taken to an orphanage and was adopted in 2002 by a US woman (Carol Brand). She took me to America, raised me there even though she was an abuser, and now I am back to Lucknow to figure out my history," Emberkai told PTI. Emberkai, who studied till high school, said she had no family that deserved the name in the US for her foster mother was a single mother who, she claimed, was abusive towards her and kept her history hidden. "I did not have a family in the US. I was adopted by a single woman and she was really abusive. She never taught me about my culture, where I was found, or about my history. Her family also rejected me because I was not her birth daughter. So, I did not have any family," she said. Asked if there was any trigger that made her come all the way from Minnesota, Emberkai said it was always in her mind, a vague hint that she never belonged in the United States. "Ever since I was little, I knew I was not an American just by looking at the mirror. I always wanted to come back to India, and find my family. I have been here since September 8," she said. According to her, Emberkai stayed at Lilavati Orphanage in Lucknow when she was adopted in 2002 by Carol Brand. Brand died in 2016. Adopted at the tender age of 5, Emberkai has no memory of ever being in Lucknow or the orphanage she claims she was housed at. When asked if she is confident of tracing her parents, Emberkai, who worked as a cafe manager in Minnesota, said, "I am hopeful." District probation officer Vikas Singh, who Mahogany met, told PTI that the department is willing to help her, even though her childhood photo, provided by her, is blurry and nothing could be made out of it. "We would try to get a clear photograph of the girl from different sources, so that she could be helped in tracing her parents," he said. Emberkai said her meeting with the administration was good and she was assured her photo will be published in newspapers. Her visa expires on October 9, she said. Virologist Shi Zhengli, who is also dubbed as China's "batwoman" along with her team, has cautioned that a new Covid-like pandemic is 'highly likely' and can be brought on by bats, according to Global Times. The research revealed that coronaviruses and their hosts are engaged in an evolutionary arms race that promotes genetic variety in the virus. The virologist along with her Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) team classified half of the 40 coronavirus species under the category of "highly risky" after evaluating the possibility of human spillover. There is evidence that three more of these caused disease or infected other animal species, and six of them are previously known to have caused diseases that affected people. "It is almost certain that three will be further disease emergence and it is highly likely that a [coronavirus] disease will emerge again,' the study warned, according to Global Times. This article was released in July's issue of the English-language journal Emerging Microbes & Infections. Recently, it has drawn interest on Chinese social media. However, despite the claims made by China's "batwoman"and her warning regarding the outbreak of another coronavirus outbreak, other Chinese virologists dismissed the claims that the three-year-old global pandemic would recur, arguing that the increased protection that the majority of people acquired during that time may help prevent future outbreaks. These virologists did, however, also issue occasional coronavirus outbreak warnings in the future. According to a September 5 paper from the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections, the Omicron strain has been the main variety of concern in most nations since November 2021, Global Times reported. Chinese physicians and medical professionals have urged the public to have booster vaccinations by the end of October in view of the twin threat of Covid-19 and influenza this autumn and winter. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned an attack on its territory that killed two Bahraini military personnel near the border with war-torn Yemen. Bahrain's military said late Monday that one officer and one enlisted soldier had been killed in what it described as a drone attack perpetrated by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Saudi foreign ministry voiced its "condemnation and denunciation" of a "treacherous attack on the defence force of the sister Kingdom of Bahrain stationed on the southern border of the kingdom, which resulted in the martyrdom of a number of its brave soldiers and the injury of others," the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Bahrain has participated in a Saudi-led coalition mobilised in 2015 to topple the Houthis and restore the internationally backed government of Yemen, which the Houthis drove out of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The ensuing war has left hundreds of thousands dead through direct and indirect causes and displaced millions in what the United Nations calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The Saudi statement did not explicitly blame the Iran-backed Houthis for the attack, but it renewed the kingdom's call for a halt to weapons exports to them. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, based in Jeddah, did blame a "Houthi drone attack" in a statement on Tuesday, and said: "Such provocative actions are not consistent with the positive efforts made to end the crisis in Yemen." The Houthis have not commented on the attack. On Monday, the Houthis' Al-Masirah TV channel reported separately that "four citizens" were wounded in Saudi attacks on Yemeni territory near the border on Monday. The attack that killed the Bahraini soldiers came as Saudi Arabia is pushing for a lasting ceasefire nearly a year and a half after agreeing to a truce with the Houthis that has largely held despite officially expiring last October. Hopes for peace were boosted in March when Saudi Arabia struck a surprise rapprochement deal with Iran, which has backed the Houthis. The following month, Mohammed al-Jaber, the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, travelled to Sanaa to meet with Houthi officials in what he described as a bid to "stabilise" last year's truce. Last week, Houthi officials completed five days of talks in Riyadh, the first public visit by a Houthi delegation to Saudi Arabia since hostilities broke out. Search Keywords: Short link: The row over the suspension of licence of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, run by a trust headed by Sonia Gandhi, intensified on Tuesday with Samajwadi Party joining the Congress' protest in Amethi and Union minister and local MP Smriti Irani lashing out at them. IMAGE: A view of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Photograph: Courtesy SGH online Over 400 employees have also started an indefinite dharna at the hospital gate against the state government's decision. The licence was suspended on September 17 following the death of a woman patient who was admitted there for a minor operation on September 14. Her husband has alleged that she was given an overdose of anaesthesia, which worsened her condition and ultimately led to her death Samajwadi Party district chief Ram Udit Yadav joined the dharna by the Congress members at the office of the chief medical officer, around 12 km from the hospital. Congress' former MLC Deepak Singh said he will continue his "satyagraha" till services are resumed in the hospital and facilities at other government hospitals in the district are improved. As the issue took a political turn, Union minister and Amethi MP Smriti Irani attacked the Congress, saying instead of supporting the family of the deceased, the opposition party was "crying over the loss of their profits". "A woman dies because of hospital arrangements. Instead of supporting the family of the deceased woman and taking any action against those who killed a patient, Congress is crying over the loss of their profits. "Is the life of an ordinary citizen of Amethi worth nothing?" Irani, who is MP from Amethi, said in Lucknow while replying to queries from reporters on the issue. Amid protest by hospital workers, president of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital Employees Union Sanjay Singh alleged that the hospital has been closed due to "political jealousy". "More than 400 employees and doctors work in the hospital. Due to the closure of the hospital, all of them became unemployed and everyone was facing a crisis of livelihood," he said Singh said that about 800 patients used to come to this hospital for treatment every day. "Not only from Amethi, patients from Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli and Barabanki used to come here and now everyone is worried," he said, adding that the protest will continue until the hospital services are restored. The hospital is run by the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Trust, Delhi. Its chairperson is former Congress president Sonia Gandhi while her son and party leader Rahul Gandhi is a member. BJP MP Varun Gandhi and Congress state president Ajay Rai had written separate letters to Uttar Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath respectively, requesting them to reconsider the decision. Irani had defeated former Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, considered the pocket borough of his family, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the license of the private Janata hospital in Amethi was also suspended on Monday evening and its OPD services stopped for alleged negligence that led to the death of a pregnant woman. Chief medical officer Anshuman Singh said Ram Kumar Pandey, the father-in-law of the deceased woman, had filed a complaint with the police and the health department demanding action against the doctors and staff of the hospital for alleged negligence. A team of three doctors led by Additional CMO Ram Prasad had conducted a probe in which negligence of the hospital was found and its licence was suspended. Pandey, in his complaint, alleged that his daughter-in-law Suman was due to deliver on September 15 for which she was taken to Janta Hospital. A doctor, who was present during the checkup, advised a cesarean operation and the woman was operated on the same day. However, after about one-and-a-half hours, when her condition deteriorated, she was referred to a private hospital in Lucknow. On reaching there, the doctors told them that Suman had already died, Pandey alleged in his complaint. Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 terror attacks case, stayed at a hotel in Mumbai's Powai area for two days in November 2008 ahead of the attacks, where he discussed about the crowded places in south Mumbai with a witness in the case, the police said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Tahawwur Rana. The places that Rana discussed with the key witness include the sites in south Mumbai that were targeted by Pakistani terrorists during the deadly attacks, a police official said. On Tuesday, the Mumbai police filed an application in a court here, seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Rana so that further legal processes can be initiated, he said. This comes a day after the city police's crime branch submitted the over 400-page supplementary chargesheet, the fourth in the case so far, before a special court hearing cases related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Rana, currently under detention in the United States, faces multiple charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 strikes. "Police found evidence that Rana had landed in Mumbai from Dubai on November 11, 2008, and stayed in India till November 21. The crime branch has evidence in the form of statements and documents that Rana was in Mumbai on November 20 and 21," a senior official of the Mumbai police's crime branch said. "In Mumbai, he stayed at Hotel Renaissance in Powai for two days, where he discussed the crowded places of south Mumbai that were later targeted by the terrorists," the official said, adding that the police are also probing whether he visited places other than Mumbai during his stay in India. "Police are also probing whether Rana had personally visited the places which were targeted by the terrorists," he added. Some of the places in south Mumbai that the terrorists targeted include the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Leopold Cafe. Rana is a co-conspirator of the 26/11 terror attacks. He was very much aware of the conspiracy, that is why he came to India and left the country days before the attacks, the police official said. "We have found documentary evidence against Rana and some statements in which his role in the 26/11 conspiracy was established. The documentary evidence shows that Rana was actively involved in the conspiracy with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 strikes," he said. "After filing the chargesheet before the court, the crime branch on Tuesday moved an application before the court seeking issuance of non-bailable warrant against Rana. The non-bailable warrant is required to start further legal processes against him," he said. The crime branch officials have also got the evidence that Rana had travelled to various countries, except India, with David Coleman Headley, the official said. "The crime branch has found email communications between Headley and Rana," he said, adding that in one of the emails related to 26/11 terror attacks, Headley asked for Major Iqbal's email id, he said. Major Iqbal, an operative of the Pakistani intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was named as an accused in the 26/11 terror plot case, he said. Meanwhile, a hearing on the cognisance of the chargesheet was scheduled to be held on Tuesday. However, it could not take place due to some technical issues. The matter will now come up for hearing on Wednesday. Talking to media persons outside the court, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said that he would present a "catalogue of evidence" against Rana to the judge. "He (Rana) was deeply involved in the conspiracy of the attacks and his name was first revealed by David Headley," he said. Rana was also in touch with Pakistani army officials, Nikam added. Headley, a Pakistan-born American national and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, is serving a 35-year jail term in a US prison for his role in the 26/11 terror attacks. A total of 166 people were killed when 10 terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route on November 26, 2008, and laid a more than 60-hour siege in the financial capital during which they targeted the city's landmarks, a hospital and a Jewish centre, among other places. Among the 10 terrorists was Ajmal Kasab, who was caught alive and later put on trial and sentenced to death by a special court. He was hanged to death at Pune's Yerawada central prison in November 2012, two years after being held guilty in the case by the court. The US has expressed concern to Sri Lanka about the likely visit of a Chinese research ship next month that could also cause worries in India which in the past has raised security concerns over docking by China's spy vessels, according to a media report IMAGE: Chinese research vessel 'Yuan Wang 5' . Photograph: ANI Photo US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, who met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, raised concerns about the upcoming visit of the Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6', Daily Mirror newspaper reported on Monday. Minister Sabry briefed her that Sri Lanka, as a neutral country, had worked out the standard operating procedure to be followed by foreign ships and aircraft in carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory. The minister reportedly told her that Sri Lanka had been even-handed in this approach for all the countries and could not exclude China from the process as a result. Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the SPO had been worked out for foreign vessels. The Chinese research vessel is expected in Sri Lanka in October to carry out research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency. Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres. Sri Lanka's foreign ministry last month said it is currently processing a request by China to allow its research ship to dock in the country. "The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it," Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, had said. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said. China despatches its research/surveillance vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. In August this year, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit. It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India. In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, 'Yuan Wang 5', which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India. There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessel's tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port. However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company. Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka owes $7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including $3 billion to China. The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Cloudy with a mixture of rain and snow this evening. Then becoming clear overnight. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%.. Tonight Cloudy with a mixture of rain and snow this evening. Then becoming clear overnight. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%. The city of Guba was elected as the Agricultural Capital of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports. The Azerbaijan Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov talked about it at the briefing held in connection with the 2nd meeting of the Ministers responsible for Agriculture of the Organization. The city of Guba will remain the capital until the next meeting of the Agriculture Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States. It should be noted that the next meeting will take place in Kazakhstan. The OTS is an intergovernmental organization and comprising Turkic countries Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye and Uzbekistan. It was created on October 3, 2009 in Nakhchivan. Previously it was called Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States. The program has expanded beyond trade and energy to include digital, health and security projects. A decade ago, amid much fanfare, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road program, a grand plan to build a global infrastructure and supply chains that would connect China to the rest of the world in a modern and many-pronged Silk Road and hypothetically benefit everyone involved. Next month, Beijing will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, with confirmed attendance from a number of world leaders and representatives from 90 countries, state news agency Xinhua reported. What started out as a way to boost trade ties, secure energy supplies and invest in global infrastructure has now branched out to include digital, health, cultural, security, and sustainable development projects, some of which have been dogged by labor issues and cost overruns. Playing off the motif of the ancient trade route that linked China to the Mideast and Europe, Its components are many, and include the Digital Silk Road, the Silk Road on Ice, the Healthy Silk Road, the Space Silk Road, and the Green Silk Road. In fact, today almost all of China's overseas cooperation projects could be classified as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi has termed it the "project of the century." Critics of how China uses its rising power are less sanguine. The United States has accused China of debt diplomacy trapping nations with financial liabilities for major infrastructure projects they can ill-afford and which might be leveraged for Beijings political benefit. $1 Trillion in investment The forum comes four years after the last Belt and Road summit in 2019, and is part of China's bid to show off the program's achievements to the international community after a decade in operation. Built on land reclaimed from the Indian Ocean and funded with $1.4 billion in Chinese investment, the Colombo Port City project is seen, Nov. 8, 2018 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Credit: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images The program has sparked some US$1 trillion of investments, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a recent news conference. Around 83% of China's diplomatic allies and nearly 80% of the 193 UN member states have gotten involved. Over the past decade, China has signed more than 200 cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations under the plan. China now spends twice as much on international development finance as the United States, according to the U.S.-based organization AidData, with most of that increase occurring during the past 10 years. There has been a political benefit as well: Some of those deals have led partner countries to publicly support Chinese Communist Party propaganda on Xinjiang, where China has persecuted 11 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities and sought to erase their culture. Whats the goal? Researchers have been collating vast amounts of data and official sources to try to answer questions about the purpose of the Belt and Road -- does it fulfill China's economic, diplomatic or strategic ambitions? The answer is all of the above. Workers prepare to board a train on the Laos-China Railway at Kunming South Railway Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province, July 16, 2023. The rail line connects Kunming with Vientiane in Laos. Credit: Chen Xinbo/Xinhua via Getty Images It facilitates the offshoring of China's production capacity, offers a powerful tool for the country's diplomats and is also a key plank in Beijing's geostrategic framework. It expands China's global influence and promotes Xi Jinping's ultimate vision of creating a China-centered global order. And with the decoupling of China's flagging economy from that of the United States, and China's exclusion from key technology supply chains, China appears to need the Belt and Road Initiative more than ever. Radio Free Asia is marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road with a series of features about how the plan has evolved over the past decade, and its impact on the countries and people it touches. For example, China has been dialing back investment in overseas infrastructure projects, while boosting it in the digital sector. The country's homegrown global navigation satellite system Beidou now spans 165 capital cities around the world, providing broader coverage than GPS created by the United States. Huawei, which has been widely boycotted by governments in Europe and the United States, built 70% of the 4G networks currently in operation in Africa. Exporting surveillance platforms Meanwhile, China has continued to export surveillance platforms for policing and domestic security to at least 80 countries around the world. The technology sector has become a hotly contested battleground in China's global strategic plan, which includes exporting its brand of digital authoritarianism, while competing for a share of future markets. Staffers wait for visitors under a display of CCTV images at the Hikvision booth, a state-owned surveillance equipment manufacturer, during Security China 2023 in Beijing, June 7, 2023. Credit: Ng Han Guan/AP Globally, 2.9 billion people still lack access to the internet, and China has set its sights on the digital divide, hoping to gain the support of more countries by gaining a foothold in emerging markets, where it can position itself as the digital standard-setter. Indonesia the fourth most populous nation on the planet is one of those markets. Nearly half of its 270 million people are under the age of 30, making it uncharted territory for the digital economy. Yet Chinese telecoms giant Huawei is already charting that territory, offering cheaply built infrastructure, personnel training and government publicity services. Radio Free Asia has been examining some of the concerns and potential threats posed by China's monopolistic practices in the region. China's digital presence can also be felt across a number of large-scale regional infrastructure projects. The China-Laos high-speed railway doesn't just run on Chinese-gauge tracks with Chinese-made locomotives and rolling stock: it also uses Chinese technology in its ID-card verification system and security checkpoints. Resistance Some countries and leaders have tried to resist the China model, including former Micronesian President David Panuelo. In an open letter published two months before he left office in May 2023, Panuelo said China had used a combination of threats, bribes and clandestine infiltration to pressure Micronesian officials to force their strategic and security cooperation goals far beyond the scope of the Belt and Road Initiative. A worker patrols the construction site of the Konza transformer substation in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. The substation, located about 70 km (43 miles) southeast of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project, a project under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. Credit: Han Xu/Xinhua via Getty Images Radio Free Asia interviewed Panuelo to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to check out the quality of its projects on the ground. China also bid on the East Micronesia Cable undersea project, later withdrawing its bid amid security concerns. Ten years on, the Belt and Road Initiative is an important component of Chinese diplomacy, and of China's global strategic aims. Indonesia, Laos, and Micronesia have all been the target of a number of economic, diplomatic, and strategic moves from China. At a time of heightened geopolitical turmoil, the Belt and Road has evolved and expanded into the digital realm, and increasingly affects the daily life of people in its partner countries. The Belt and Road story is still being written. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Lee Meng-chu believes he was targeted to support the idea that foreign forces were behind protests. Taiwanese businessman Lee Meng-chu, who disappeared in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in August 2019 at the height of the Hong Kong protest movement, says he was initially detained for carrying a card that read "Go Hong Kong!" a common protest slogan at the time. Lee's possession of the slogan, along with photos he snapped from his hotel of armed police gathering nearby, was taken as evidence that he was "a Taiwan independence activist" trying to foment a "color revolution a populist uprising with foreign support in the former British colony, he told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview. Lee, also known as Morrison Lee, has previously described himself as a political hostage targeted due to anger in Beijing over Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's vocal support for the Hong Kong protest movement, and her government's criticism of the Hong Kong authorities' response. He was released last year at the end of his one-year, 10-month jail term for "espionage" but held under restrictions for several more months before eventually being allowed to leave for Japan in July. He recently arrived back in Taiwan after 1,475 days away, and feels he now has an in-depth understanding of why millions of people took to Hong Kong's streets to protest the erosion of their freedoms in 2019. "On my first day in the detention center I understood why the people of Hong Kong want to have nothing to do with the black hole that is the mainland Chinese judicial system," Lee, who at one point appeared on Chinese state television making a heavily scripted "confession," told Radio Free Asia. Landed during protests When he flew to Hong Kong, he hadn't expected to land in the middle of one of the biggest and most protracted campaigns of mass popular resistance the city had ever seen sparked by attempts by then Chief Executive Carrie Lam to change the law to allow the extradition of alleged "criminal suspects" to face trial in mainland Chinese courts. "The anti-extradition protests were under way, and when I read the headlines after getting off the plane, I saw that 1.75 million people had been to a mass rally in Victoria Park." "So I went along there for half an hour to take a look that evening," Lee said. In 2019, Lee Meng-chu snapped photos from his Shenzhen hotel of Chinese armed police gathering nearby. Credit: Provided by Lee Meng-chu The following day, he made a business trip to Shenzhen, staying overnight and having breakfast in his hotel the next day. "I noticed there was a gathering of armed police in a stadium ... just as they were reporting the [protests] in Hong Kong, and so I took a few pictures with my phone," he said. "That's all I did." Then, as he tried to clear the immigration checkpoint to get back into Hong Kong, his nightmare began. Customs officials searched him and found a card bearing the slogan "Go Hong Kong!" and the photos of the armed police on his phone. "The moment they saw the card, they yelled 'What's this?'" Lee said. "Three customs officers came over immediately, and one of them said 'color revolution'." "It turns out that under the Chinese Communist Party system, this was a breach of state secrets, so I was smeared as a Taiwanese spy, a backbone of the Taiwan independence movement, and as an anti-China force come to disrupt Hong Kong," he said. "I still find it so baffling to this day." Forced confession After his arrest, Lee was forced to "confess to his crimes" on state television. "It was [arranged by] some people sent by the ministry of state security in Beijing," he said. "They started banging on the table from the start and yelled at me that I had to cooperate, that I would get a lenient punishment if I did." "I remember recording it seven or eight times from start to finish," Lee said. "When they weren't happy [with the way I did it] they would tell me and direct me to say what they wanted." At the time the video clip was broadcast, a police officer from the Guangdong provincial state security police was quoted as saying that Lee's behavior was "highly typical of Taiwanese independence forces intervening in Hong Kong's affairs." Lee Meng-chu was released last year at the end of his one-year-10-month jail term for "espionage" but was held under restrictions for several more months before eventually being allowed to leave for Japan in July. He recently arrived back in Taiwan. Credit: RFA Lee said the whole charge against him was "ridiculous." "I think they shot their arrow, then painted the target afterwards," he said. "They grabbed a random passer-by and tried to turn them into a Taiwan independence activist colluding with Hong Kong independence activists." "Former [Hong Kong] Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa said the Hong Kong protests were instigated by external forces from Taiwan and the United States ... so maybe that was the context," Lee said. "I'm guessing that they had orders from the central government [in Beijing] to arrest two or three Taiwanese nationals." He said foreign governments need to stay united to make sure their nationals don't continue to be used as political hostages. "Only when the governments of various democratic countries unite to establish an international hostage rescue platform and pool their leverage will they be able to negotiate with the Chinese Communist Party," Lee said. "Only then will they be able to rescue such hostages, and let them go home and be reunited with their families," he said. He called on Taiwan's 23 million people to protect the "treasure" that is their freedom and democracy. "Only people who have lost their freedom know how precious it is like the air we breathe," Lee said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. However, trillions of dollars in investments are needed to reach the goal. Significant growth in clean energy technologies, like solar panels and electric vehicles, has helped keep viable the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the International Energy Agency said in a new report on Tuesday. However, it warned that China and advanced economies must intensify their climate commitments to reach the goal on time. According to the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world must limit global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial temperatures by the end of this century to tackle the urgent threats posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. Global investment needs to escalate to US$4.5 trillion annually from the next decade, a leap from the anticipated $1.8 trillion in 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its updated report on the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. For the world to adhere to the Paris climate goal, wealthy nations are urged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of previous targets. China, the worlds top carbon emitter, is called on to expedite its timeline by a decade to 2050. The report comes as temperatures reached unprecedented highs this year, with last month declared the warmest August globally and warmer than all other months except July 2023, when the record was broken with the global average temperature at 16.95 C (62.51 F), according to the World Meteorological Organization. Fossil fuel is peaking, but needs to decrease more The Paris-based IEA said the past two years have witnessed a 40% surge in clean energy investments, with solar energy and electric vehicles projected to contribute to a third of emissions cuts by 2030. Our analysis showed that even if no new climate policies are put in place by the governments three fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas, may well peak before 2030 within this decade, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told a virtual press conference on Tuesday. He added that this is a significant development due to a robust and spectacular increase in clean energy technologies and the changes in the economic structure of key consuming countries. Solar [has] become the king of electricity markets. The old king coal is over; now solar is the new king. Not only for climate reasons, but because it is cheap, the cost is coming down. He also said that one in 25 cars sold worldwide two years ago was electric, whereas this year it has increased to one in five and is growing in key markets. So the growth coming from solar, electric cars, other renewable technologies are very, very impressive, and they will play an extremely important role in bringing down the need for fossil fuels in the next years, he said. Birol also said that to reach the 1.5 degrees target, the use of fossil fuels must decline close to 25% between now and 2030. Chinas coal expansion and 1.5 cant go hand in hand The report said Chinas 2030 carbon emissions projection is expected to be more than a third of the 2015 scenario due to the substantial solar and wind power growth. Less than 10% of Chinas electricity production comes from renewable sources, but Beijing has floated a plan to increase it to 25% by 2030. An infographic showing the deployment of clean energy technologies that remains highly concentrated in China and advanced economies. Credit: IEA According to the IEA report, the Chinese government in 2016 had aimed for EVs to be 12% of total vehicle sales in 2020. The target has been revised to 20% for 2025, bolstered by significant subsidies and tax breaks. However, all these new developments and climate change impacts, including heat waves and drought, have put tremendous pressure on Chinas electricity. From 2015 to 2022, power production surged over 6% annually, according to the IEA. Despite the vast growth of renewables, the demand was unmet, leading to a spike in coal-powered electricity generation. Consequently, Chinas global contribution to coal-based electricity grew by 10 percentage points during this timeframe. Answering a question by Radio Free Asia on China, Birol said that according to the IEAs analysis, China is number one in solar, wind, electric cars, additional new nuclear capacity, and hydropower, in all clean energy sources, as well as a leader in clean energy investments. But at the same time, coal the fuel with the most carbon content is still having a dominant position in the Chinese energy mix, Birol said. When we look at the global picture, we see that there is no room for unabated new coal plants if we want to stick to our 1.5 degrees target. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech during a ceremony to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the Korean Liberation Day from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, in Seoul, Aug. 15, 2023. South Korea warned that it would seek to terminate the Kim Jong Un regime should nuclear weapons be used in practice, calling Pyongyangs nuclear intimidation a grave challenge to the international community. Despite repeated warnings from the international community over the past several decades, North Korea has been upgrading its nuclear and missile capabilities. Moreover, it has been blatantly threatening to use nuclear weapons, South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday, in a speech to celebrate the Souths Oct. 1, Armed Forces Day. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the ROK-U.S. alliance, Yoon said, referring to South Koreas formal name. He called the Norths nuclear gamble an existential threat to South Korea, and poses a grave challenge to global peace. Our people will never be deceived by the fake peace tricks of North Koreas communist regime, its followers and anti-state forces, the President stressed, adding that South Korea will further strengthen trilateral security cooperation with Washington and Tokyo. Yoons comments are the latest in a recent spate of warnings amid rising tensions and the Norths accelerated provocations. North Korea announced a new law regarding its use of nuclear weapons in September last year. In the new legislation, Pyongyang delineated the circumstances under which nuclear weapons could be used, giving it the option to deploy nuclear weapons not merely as a retaliatory measure, but also as a pre-emptive strike mechanism to bolster its deterrence capabilities. The legislation grants the nation the authority to use nuclear weapons preemptively in scenarios where: a weapon of mass destruction launch or approach is assessed, a nuclear or non-nuclear assault on the state leadership and the command structure of the states nuclear forces is initiated or deemed imminent, or a lethal military attack on significant strategic assets of the state is initiated or deemed imminent. The North Korean regime must clearly realize that nuclear weapons will never be able to guarantee its security, Yoon said, vowing that he would expand the scope of the U.S.-South Korea alliance into the space and cyber domains to further strengthen the allies capabilities. Yoon also pinpointed the North Korean regimes vulnerable point. The North Korean regimes obsession with the development of nuclear weapons aggravates the North Korean peoples suffering. It continues to exploit and oppress its people and violate their human rights, he said. South Korea has indicated that it would continue to raise the Norths human rights issue. It appointed a North Korean defector as its top policy aide earlier this month, underscoring the Yoon administrations renewed stance towards a more hardline policy on Pyongyang. Yoons warning came a day after North Korea labeled him a political immature, diplomatic idiot and trash-like head. The verbal tit-for-tat between the Koreas this week followed Yoons harsh message to North Korea and Russia at the U.N. General Assembly last week, vowing that Seoul and its allies would not just stand idly by, should the two authoritarian states pursue military cooperation. In a bilateral summit earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered to aid Kim in perfecting his satellite technology. Yoon, who is a conservative, has been seeking to align Seouls foreign policy stance with the U.S. to counter global challenges including North Koreas nuclear ambitions. Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang. The controversial law restricted the nations constitutional value of free speech, the court said. A woman holding yellow balloons reading "End the Korean War" looks through a military fence during a peace festival to mark the 69th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice agreement in Paju on July 23, 2022. South Koreas Constitutional Court has overturned the law barring the dissemination of anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea, a decision that is likely to irk North Korea, which perceives such leaflets as a significant threat to the Kim Jong Un regime. The South Korean court declared the law unconstitutional Tuesday, with seven out of its nine judges finding that the law restricted the nations constitutional value of free speech. This verdict led to the laws immediate annulment. The laws goal of ensuring the safety of peoples lives and bodies constitutes an important public interest, the court said. But the restriction of freedom of expression inflicted on those involved is disproportionally severe. The current law is making individuals dispersing leaflets accountable for any provocations that arise from North Korea, the court added, explaining its verdict to make the law unconstitutional. South Korea criminalized the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border in March 2021, with it penalizing offenders with up to three years imprisonment or a fine of 30 million won (US$22,000). The controversial law passed South Korean parliament during the former progressive Moon Jae-in administration, which argued that sending leaflets towards the North could incite hostility from the North, jeopardizing the safety of border town residents in the South. The Inter-Korean Relations Development Act, orchestrated by Moons progressive bloc, mandated that no person shall inflict harm or pose serious danger to the life or body of individuals by engaging in any of the following actions, and explicitly listed leafleting. During the Panmunjom summit between South Korean President Moon and his North Korean counterpart in April 2018, the two leaders agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain. South Korean progressives saw sending leaflets could be defined as hostile activities against the North. However, the criminalisation sparked backlash from both international and domestic human rights organizations and media outlets. South Korean conservatives and international media opined that sending leaflets was a matter of free speech and a law restricting such an activity was unconstitutional. Dozens of human rights organizations filed a constitutional complaint concerning the prohibition, and sought an injunction against the newly enacted law. With North Korea returning to its brinkmanship diplomacy after the collapse of its high-stake summit with the United States in Hanoi in February 2019, South Korean conservatives have been arguing for the South to scrap its inter-Korean agreement that mandated the cessation of what Pyongyang defined as hostilities. South Koreas Unification Ministry under the conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, had expressed the ministrys opinion to the Constitutional Court last year, stating that the law violates the nations constitutional value of free speech. Edited by Taejun Kang and Elaine Chan. They demonstrated against torture and the death penalty. Myanmars junta authorities extended the prison sentences of 63 political prisoners for taking part in a protest in Ayeyarwadys Pathein Prison, a prisoner rights group said Tuesday. The Political Prisoner Network Myanmar said the prisoners protested against plans to hang a teacher in the prison and the beating of another inmate who was discovered with a mobile phone. In August, 26 of the protesters had their sentences extended by three years for damaging public property while 37 were sentenced to an additional three years for causing pain to a prison employee. The following month some of those inmates received an extra three years for inflicting serious pain on a public servant. Officials of the Political Prisoner Network said they didnt know the names of all the inmates who had been sentenced but were trying to find out the details. A family member of one political prisoner in Pathein Prison, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, told Radio Free Asia that some of the punished inmates already faced sentences of up to 20 years. When RFA contacted an official from Pathein Prison, he refused to answer questions about the additional punishments. Calls to the prison department in Yangon by RFA seeking comment went unanswered. A family member of another inmate said he was worried about the wellbeing of the prisoners who were given longer sentences. I felt bad when the sentences were increased, they said. They will be mentally and physically worse off. Nearly 25,000 people have been arrested nationwide since the Feb. 2021 coup according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. More than 19,000 are still being held in various prisons. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Removal of the two officers is part of a crackdown on trade and finance officials. Lt. Gen. Moe Myint Tun [left] and Lt. Gen. Soe Htut were the seventh- and eighth-highest leaders in Myanmars governing junta before being replaced. Myanmars junta has officially sacked two high-ranking generals for alleged bribery and corruption as part of a reshuffle experts said indicates growing instability and disunity within military ranks. Lt. Gen. Moe Myint Tun and Lt. Gen. Soe Htut, dismissed on Monday, were the seventh- and eighth-highest leaders in the State Administration Council, the governing junta. Earlier this month, authorities arrested Moe Myint Tun, said to have accepted millions of dollars in bribes from businesspeople during the past two years, but it wasnt clear if he would be tried. He is under house arrest and being interrogated in the capital Naypyitaw, according to businesspeople who declined to be named for safety reasons. Soe Htut was removed as interior minister last month and given a less influential post after serving in the position since 2020. The junta has ordered four reshuffles since seizing power in a Feb. 1, 2021, coup detat, but observers say that stripping the two of their positions and expelling them from the military council was the most severe action yet taken against the regimes generals since the takeover. Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, told RFA Burmese that the move suggests the junta is unstable and beginning to disintegrate. Corruption within the military council will not cease, even if these generals are removed and replaced, he said. A serious conflict of interest has emerged among the leading generals of the military council. I think this instability shows that the military council is spiraling out of control. Crackdown on business dealings On Tuesday, the official Global New Light of Myanmar announced that Gen. Maung Maung Aye, chief of general staff for the armed forces, and Lt. Gen. Nyo Saw, an adviser to junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, had been appointed as new members of the military council. Moe Myint Tun and Soe Htut were both absent from the new list of council members and the report mentioned nothing about their removal or where they had been reassigned. The removal of the two officers is part of a crackdown on trade and finance officials, businesspeople and exporters amid economic turmoil and sanctions as the junta struggles to accumulate foreign revenue and rein in soaring commodity prices, sources say. Attempts by RFA to contact Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the juntas deputy information minister, for comment on the shakeup went unanswered Tuesday. Lt. Gen. Nyo Saw [left], an adviser to Myanmar junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and Gen. Maung Maung Aye, chief of general staff for the armed forces, have been appointed as new members of the state military council. Credit: Myanmar military [left], AFP Thein Tun Oo, the executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, which is made up of former military officers, told RFA that the changes were necessary as it was time for a change. We have to view [the dismissals] in the context of what the next step [of the military] will be, he said. Thein Tun Oo said that the real reason for the dismissals will remain a matter of speculation until the junta makes an official statement. For now, I have only one simple comment: I must say that these changes were made because they were necessary," he added. Exploiting exchange rate The junta arrested another high-ranking military official Gen. Yan Naung Soe, joint secretary of the Central Committee on Ensuring the Smooth Flow of Trade and Goods this month amid the crackdown and an investigation of Commerce Ministry officials, the online news outlet Myanmar Now reported. The committee is responsible for procuring U.S. dollars for trade licensing purposes and other commercial transactions. The generals have allegedly made millions of dollars from their dealings with traders and by benefiting from the disparity between Myanmars official exchange rate of 2,100 kyats to the U.S. dollar and the market rate amid a steep decline in the kyats value, Myanmar now reported last week. They know that they wont last Nay Phone Latt, spokesman for the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, Prime Minister's Office told RFA that corruption and military generals in Myanmar are inseparable. He said that this juntas generals may even be more corrupt than those of past juntas because they know that they wont last [in power] long. Those who understand that there is not much time left for them think that they will self-serve as much as they can in the remaining time, he said. This can be seen not just among high-ranking generals, but middle-ranking and low level service members as well. Nay Phone Latt suggested that the dismissals may not only have been punishment for corruption, but also the result of political issues, although he did not elaborate. There were only two or three changes in the positions of top military leaders under the State Law and Order Restoration Council (1988-97) or the State Peace and Development Council (1997-2011), two previous military juntas that ruled Myanmar, according to the Thayninga Institutes Thein Tun Oo. Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. State Department also releases an addendum to its business advisory for Chinas far-west Xinjiang region. The United States on Tuesday blacklisted three more companies located in Chinas Xinjiang region due to their use of forced Uyghur labor, banning American companies from importing their goods. A total of 27 companies are now explicitly blacklisted under the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which also includes a general ban on the import of any goods made even in part by the forced labor of Uyghurs, a Muslim minority subjected to internment in China. Goods made by Xinjiang Zhongtai Group, Xinjiang Tianshan Wool Textile and Xinjiang Tianmian Foundation Textile will be banned from imports due to their participation in business practices that target members of persecuted groups, including Uyghur minorities, said a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security. The statement quoted Alejandro Mayorkas, the secretary of homeland security, as saying the U.S. government was committed to policies to eliminate Uyghur forced labor in the Peoples Republic of China. We do not tolerate companies that use forced labor, that abuse the human rights of individuals in order to make a profit, Mayorkas said. The three companies all produce textiles, according to the statement, including cashmere, velvet and yarn, as well as industrial salt. Business advisory The listing came as the State Department updated its Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory, which has since 2021 advised Americans that if they do not exit supply chains, ventures, and/or investments connected to Xinjiang [they] could run a high risk of violating U.S. law. The update notes that the U.S. government determined that in 2022 genocide and crimes against humanity continued to occur in Chinas Xinjiang region, and provides details for businesses both about how goods made using slave labor can end up in global supply chains and about how import controls are enacted by U.S. customs officials. Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, all goods produced in the Xinjiang region are legally assumed to have involved Uyghur forced labor unless a business can prove otherwise to customs officials. Friends havent heard from Abduqahar Ebeydulla since he was arrested at his home in southern Xinjiang. Abduqahar Ebeydulla went missing during a crackdown on Uyghurs in 2017 in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region. A young Uyghur businessman who was reportedly arrested in 2016 on vague separatist charges has been serving a 15-year prison sentence since 2017 for illegal religious activities, a police officer in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang province confirmed to Radio Free Asia. Abduqahar Ebeydullas case was mentioned in a Agence France-Presse article that reported on police records obtained by researcher and Xinjiang region expert Adrian Zenz. The records indicated that up to half of adult men in four Uyghur-majority villages in Yarkant County in Xinjiang were rounded up in 2017, when the Chinese government began detaining Uyghurs in the province under what it called an anti-terrorism policy. Earlier this month, AFP reporters visited some of the homes identified in Zenzs research as the residences of Uyghurs gathered up by Chinese authorities. At Ebeydullas single-story home in Bostan village, the reporters saw fresh-looking straw, heard the sounds of livestock and found locked, high metal doors. A police officer in nearby Arslanbagh village confirmed to RFA on Monday that Ebeydulla has been in captivity. He was 37 at the time of his arrest, he said. He was summoned from Urumqi for interrogation during the night, the officer said, referring to Xinjiangs provincial capital. He was later arrested at his home on the suspicion of attempting to split the country a month later and given a paper notice. The officer said he didnt have a copy of the document. Another police officer said Abduqahar received the 15-year prison sentence in early 2017 for engaging in illegal religious activities following a monthslong investigation. He didnt hold any official religious position, the officer said. I recall this information vaguely. It was announced when the decision was made. Imam at mosque Ebeydulla was also named in the Xinjiang Victims Database, an NGO that has documented the cases of over 60,000 detainees based on family accounts and official documents. But the records show no specifics, just that he had been detained. He is a husband and father, and is now in his early 40s, the database said. According to the database, Ebeydulla worked in a food factory and a furniture factory in Urumqi and also served as an imam at a mosque. Since the officer said he didnt have any official religious post, his role as imam may not have been approved by the state, and perhaps this is what got him in trouble. Since 2017, he hasnt had any contact with friends and fellow Uyghurs who live abroad. Information gathered by RFA supports recent reports by AFP and other news outlets that Uyghurs continue to face widespread persecution, despite years of international pressure on China to ease the conditions against the group and other Muslim communities in Xinjiang. An estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and Kazakhs have been sent to detention camps in Chinas far western region in recent years. Friends and family members have reported to RFA that their relatives are being held for crimes never fully explained by Chinese authorities. Abduqahars case has previously been publicized by Amnesty International and Uyghurs outside China, AFP reported. According to his friends, Abduqahars wife has been detained in a camp for a year and their four children have been placed in a childrens camp during her absence. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Updated Sept. 25, 2023, 11:52 p.m. ET. In an appeal that only lasted two hours, the High Peoples Court in Vietnams Dak Lak province on Tuesday upheld an eight-year prison sentence for music lecturer Dang Dang Phuoc, his wife Le Thi Ha told Radio Free Asia. The 61-year-old instructor at Dak Lak College of Pedagogy was convicted on June 6 this year of "making, storing, spreading or propagating information, documents and items aimed at opposing the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He was prosecuted under the penal codes controversial Article 117, which rights groups say is frequently used to suppress free speech. Police arrested him on Sept. 8 last year after he posted on Facebook in support of activist Bui Tuan Lam, known as Onion Bae. His wife was also questioned about songs he sang and posted on social media, including one by a former political prisoner and another with lyrics about the problems faced by Vietnam under the Communist Party. Speaking to RFA Vietnamese on Tuesday Le Thi Ha called the appeal a sham. "There is nothing different from the first-instance hearing, she said. The examiners of the provinces Department of Information and Communication continued to be absent while the court panel did not respect the defenses of my husband and his lawyers." Ha said her husband planned to appeal to a higher court. Under Vietnamese law, Phuoc has the right to appeal to the Supreme People's Court. However, in most political cases, the decision of the regional high court is usually the final word. Over the past 10 years Phuoc campaigned against corruption and for better protection for civil and political rights. He signed pro-democracy petitions and called for changes to Vietnams constitution, which grants the Communist Party a monopoly on power. Dang Dang Phuoc shouldnt be in prison for simply calling for better treatment and justice for the poor and vulnerable Vietnamese, and demanding the government provide better social services and a cleaner environment for all, said Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson, ahead of the appeal. If the Vietnamese government cared at all about the welfare of the people, they would be listening to principled activists like Dang Dang Phuoc, not imprisoning him. According to RFA statistics, Phuoc is the 11th activist convicted this year and the sixth person convicted of "propaganda against the state" under Article 117. Many countries have called on Vietnam to amend or remove Article 117 from the penal code to be compatible with international human rights conventions that Vietnam has signed. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Updated to add quote from Phuoc's wife Le Thi Ha. A newborn baby was among more than an estimated 13,000 ethnic Armenian refugees who have now fled from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia. RFE/RL spoke with the mother of 2-week-old Avetis, who spent his first days of life in a basement shelter in the city of Martekert, known as Agdere in Azeri. Azerbaijan reclaimed control over Nagorno-Karabakh after launching an assault on September 19. Pakistan on November 1 began rounding up undocumented foreigners, the vast majority of them Afghans, hours ahead of the deadline for them to evacuate the country. The country's Interior Ministry said in a statement before the midnight deadline that "a process to arrest the foreigners...for deportation" had begun, but that voluntary return would still be encouraged. The undocumented foreigners were reportedly being transferred to transit centers. Officials in the southwestern port city of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and capital of Sindh Province, said that up to 40 people without proper documents had been moved to one of the transit centers. WATCH: Pakistani authorities have cracked down on undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, ahead of a deadline to leave the country or face deportation. In Karachi, Afghan men and boys on November 1 were put on buses and taken to a temporary detention center. Pakistan announced in early October that it would expel an estimated 1.7 million undocumented immigrants who remained in the country after November 1. As the deadline approached, tens of thousands of Afghans -- some who have been in Pakistan for decades -- made their way back to Afghanistan with their families and belongings. In the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which borders Afghanistan, officials said on November 1 that more than 100,000 Afghan nationals had returned to their homeland via the Torkham border crossing in the past two weeks. WATCH: Authorities in Islamabad demolished mud houses belonging to Afghan refugees on October 31, a day ahead of a deadline for them to leave Pakistan. An estimated 1.7 million Afghans living illegally in Pakistan have been told to return to their country or face detention and deportation. An undetermined number of Afghans have returned to Afghanistan by way of the Chaman border crossing in the southwestern Balochistan Province. Overall, more than 140,000 people had voluntarily left Pakistan following the government's October 3 order, according to Pakistan's Interior Ministry. Pakistan's move to remove undocumented foreigners is seen as part of an anti-immigrant crackdown that has been criticized by human rights groups and the United Nations. On October 31, the chair of the nongovernmental Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Hina Jilani, wrote the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warning that Islamabad's move to expel Afghans could "trigger a humanitarian crisis." "The decision amounts to forced repatriation, which is not recognized under international customary law, and will invariably affect vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, which include women, children, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, persons from low-income groups, and Afghans at risk because of their professions -- many of whom fled Afghanistan after the Afghan Taliban took over the government in August 2021," Jilani wrote. Ahmad Afghan, an Afghan national who lives in Islamabad, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi that he and his family left Afghanistan after the Taliban regained power in Kabul. He said his visa has since expired and he has been unable to extend it as he and his family await documents to move to a third country. "We are very worried. We cannot go back to Afghanistan," Afghan said. "If we go back to Afghanistan, [the Taliban] will kill us -- 100 percent." Pakistan has been a popular refuge for Afghans for decades, beginning during the 1979-89 Soviet occupation. Others fled fighting during the ensuing Afghan civil war and the Taliban's first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. Millions of Afghans returned to their homeland following the U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban from power. Some 3.7 million Afghans fleeing war, poverty, and political upheaval in their homeland currently reside in Pakistan, according to the United Nations, with Islamabad putting the number as high as 4.4 million. Officials in Islamabad have said that about 1.4 million Afghans possess documents allowing them to legally stay in Pakistan and that the order for undocumented immigrants to leave affects 1.7 million people. Afghanistan's ruling Taliban has previously criticized the move to remove undocumented Afghans from Pakistan, saying they are being punished for tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. On November 1, the Taliban called on the Pakistani government to give undocumented Afghans more time to leave as large numbers of evacuees created bottlenecks at the Pakistan-Afghan border. While thanking Pakistan and other countries that have harbored Afghans over years of conflict in Afghanistan, the Taliban asked Islamabad "to not forcibly deport Afghans with little notice, but give them time to prepare." Mohammad Zaman, an Afghan national who spoke to Radio Azadi at the Torkham border crossing on November 1, said the large group his family traveled with struggled to prepare for the evacuation. "More than 30 families came with us. They are people who had left their country due to poverty. They are people who could not find a loaf of bread, so they left the country and came [to Pakistan]," Zaman said. "Instead of supporting us, Pakistan gave us a very short deadline. The deadline was so short that we couldn't even wrap up our businesses." An Afghan national who spoke to Radio Azadi on condition of anonymity following his arrival in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar Province expressed hope that he and his children would be treated fairly by the Taliban. "I swear by God, I have neither a place to live in nor a piece of land," the man said, adding that he and his family had moved to Pakistan in search of work. "I ask the Taliban to provide us with shelter, at least a tent to live in.... Here, we may die of hunger." On November 1, Afghanistan's state news agency, Bakhtar, which is under Taliban control, said the Taliban government had dedicated 2 billion Afghanis (about $27 million) to provide returnees "with basic needs." With reporting by Reuters ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- In the aftermath of the worst unrest in Kazakhstan's 30 years of independence, it became clear that bloodshed on the streets was accompanied by a power struggle at the very highest levels of government. And even as officials tried to frame the violence that left at least 238 people dead as an intricate plot involving bandits and thousands of foreign-trained terrorists, another theory was emerging -- one seemingly supported by the hirings and firings that followed. That was the notion that close relatives of the former president -- still viewed as the country's ultimate power-wielder prior to the events -- had attempted to unseat the man whom he chose to succeed him as head of state. Nearly two years after the January 2022 events, prosecutors might be warming to that idea. Then again, with all the most important trials connected to the violence taking place behind closed doors, "there is a risk that this tragedy will remain a black spot in the history of Kazakhstan where we will never know what really happened," said Bakytzhan Toregozhina, a veteran rights activist who told RFE/RL that Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev is failing on a promise to provide the public with "answers to all their questions" about the bloodshed. From 'Person Of Interest' To Suspect? At the beginning of last year, Toqaev was a president in name, but hardly a commander in chief. His octogenarian predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbaev, had retired upward, giving himself the post of chairman of the powerful Security Council -- a body that Toqaev had a seat on. Another Security Council seat-holder was Nazarbaev lieutenant Karim Masimov, the chairman of the Committee for National Security (KNB), an independence-era version of the Soviet Union's KGB. In the days following devastating clashes and looting in Almaty and several other cities on January 5-6, Toqaev's office announced that Masimov had been arrested along with three of his deputies. By that time the president had informed Kazakhs in an emergency address that he had taken control of the Security Council. He did not mention Nazarbaev. But the former president wasn't the only question mark in this dizzying game of musical chairs. Toqaev's office had on January 5 announced a replacement for Samat Abish, the KNB's first deputy chief and Nazarbaev's nephew, without actually mentioning Abish by name. On January 14, the KNB released a statement clarifying that Abish had not been dismissed at all but was merely on vacation. It wasn't until January 17, the day before Nazarbaev appeared in a video to address Kazakhs about the crisis -- expressing his support for Toqaev's rule and denying rumors of a rift -- that Abish's dismissal was announced. After that, Abish was at various times referred to by investigators as being "in the orbit of the investigation" into the 2022 unrest and "a person of interest" in those events. But last week, one of Abish's former subordinates, Ruslan Iskakov, implicated the powerbroker in a preliminary hearing for one of the most important "Bloody January" trials to date. "They are trying to stop me from saying that I carried out Abish's orders," Iskakov told the court on September 18, as he prepared to face charges that include abuse of office, illegal deprivation of liberty, and the formation and leadership of a criminal group. The next day, the Prosecutor-General's Office announced that a criminal case involving "the study of a significant amount of secret documentation" had been opened into Abish's potential abuse of power during the 2022 crisis. Abish was located inside Kazakhstan, a statement said, and had been barred from leaving the country. But on September 21, the trial in which Iskakov is a defendant was suddenly moved behind closed doors, meaning that any further testimony from the proceedings will be unavailable to the public. 'Differing Versions' The court's decision continues the pattern involving all hearings that might shed light on what top decision-makers said or did during the unrest. Masimov, the former KNB boss, was in April of this year sentenced to 18 years in jail for high treason, with three of his deputies -- Abish being the exception -- receiving long sentences as well. But even officials don't appear to agree on what he did on January 4-5, as peaceful protests that began over an increase in the cost of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) segued into more violent and coordinated mobilizations. Prosecutor-General Berik Asylov charged at the beginning of this year that Masimov had ordered officers to leave their posts at KNB buildings during the violence, causing the government to lose control of Almaty and another southern city, Taldyqorgon, to "armed bandits." But in May, the KNB's current deputy chairman, Marat Kolkobaev, said Masimov was not punished because of any order he gave, but because he "didn't make the decisions that he should have made." "This criminal case is classified as 'top secret.' If today I divulge all the nuances of this criminal case I will find myself sitting with those whose cases are being investigated," Kolkobaev told journalists. Masimov's public relations team has contended -- without offering proof -- that Masimov's real offense was refusing to submit to Toqaev's "shoot to kill" order during the disturbances that had moved him to call in Russian-led peacekeepers to help restore calm in Almaty. Nazarbaev has made very few public appearances since the events and is not believed to reside in Kazakhstan. But he used one appearance in the capital, Astana, last year to wash his hands of Masimov -- even comparing him to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Nazarbaev, moreover, said that he would not try to protect his relatives from punishment if they had committed crimes, providing their guilt was proven in a fair trial. Kazakhs who had witnessed both a broken justice system and boundless nepotism under Nazarbaev's three-decade rule found plenty to mock in that assertion. But fairly or not, the former president has already seen one of his blood relatives in the dock. Abish's brother, Qairat Satybaldy, in September became the first member of the once-untouchable former ruling family to be sentenced to jail time, receiving six years in prison. That sentence was for corruption rather than treason, and authorities pressed with questions from journalists eventually denied that Satybaldy -- a career security officer-turned businessman -- was linked to the unrest. Any attempt to try Abish over the January unrest would therefore be uncharted territory and perhaps worrying for Nazarbaev, whose own role in the crisis is one of the biggest questions of all. That has led some observers to argue that Iskakov's comments in court were prompted by an administration eager to ensure that there can be no return to politics for the disgraced Nazarbaev clan. But Toregozhina, the rights activist, who has done as much as anyone to try and document the events known as "Bloody January," is not one of them. Instead, she argues that a closed court benefits both Abish and Toqaev's administration, who, whatever their differences, share an interest in keeping the murky events out of public view. "We see that the prosecutor-general comes out with differing versions [of the events] and that the defendants in court have information that contradicts [those versions]. Mr. Iskakov is one of the main witnesses of the January events and holds a huge amount of information about what actually happened. As such, his testimony is important and his life may be in danger," Toregozhina told RFE/RL. And what of the idea that Abish is in Kazakhstan and therefore available to face trial pending the conclusion of the investigation? Again, the activist is skeptical. "As far as we know he is in the United Arab Emirates, not in Kazakhstan. If that is the case, then [the prosecutor-general] will look ridiculous," Toregozhina said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed new Ukrainian action against Russia following a missile strike last week against Russias Black Sea Fleet headquarters that Kyiv said killed nearly three dozen officers, including its top commander. "We clearly see which directions of pressure on Russia need to be strengthened to prevent [its] terrorist capabilities from growing," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address on September 26. He also said that an analysis of Russia's military industry shows that pressure on Moscow should be increased. "We can clearly see which areas of pressure on Russia should be strengthened so that terrorist possibilities do not increase," he said. "Sanctions are not enough." The Ukrainian military said earlier that 20 combat clashes took place on September 26 along the front line amid air strikes in the Donetsk region and fighting in the area around Bakhmut. An air strike hit near the key village of Klishchiyivka in the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, during the day, the General Staff said in its evening report. Ukrainian forces appeared earlier this month to have recaptured Klishchiyivka as part of their drive to liberate the symbolic eastern town of Bakhmut. The Ukrainian military said on September 26 that its forces were "firmly on the defensive" in the area around the embattled city. 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 addition, Ukrainian troops "successfully repelled" Russian attacks to the southeast of the settlement of Severny and enemy attacks in the Maryinka area, both in the Donetsk region, the General Staff said. The Prosecutor-General's Office reported Russian military shelling in the Kharkiv region, saying that according to preliminary information, a 64-year-old civilian was injured and hospitalized. In addition, residential buildings, commercial buildings, and a car were damaged, the Prosecutor-Generals Office said. Ukraine's military claimed earlier on September 26 that nearly three dozen officers with Russias Black Sea Fleet, including its top commander, were killed in a missile attack on the fleet headquarters last week. Ukraine's claim about its strike against the Russian Black Sea Fleet could not be immediately confirmed, and Russia released markedly lower casualty figures from the September 22 attack on the Crimea port of Sevastopol. But the strike itself on the naval headquarters was the latest in a series of increasingly audacious attacks by Ukrainian forces on Russian ships and Black Sea facilities -- attacks that Western experts say may have drastically curtailed Russias naval operations in the region. In a statement issued on September 25, Ukraines special operations forces cited new information about the losses of the enemy as a result of the special operation, claiming that 34 officers, including the fleet commander, were killed when cruise missiles -- believed to be either British or French -- hit the Sevastopol building. At least 105 others were wounded, it said. IN PHOTOS: Kyiv has said that its use of heavy weapons supplied by the West is inflicting a significant toll on Russian forces near Bakhmut. RFE/RL cannot independently verify battlefield claims made by either side. The Ukrainian statement did not name the naval commander in its statement. The current top officer in the Black Sea Fleet is Admiral Viktor Sokolov. Asked by reporters on September 26 about the Ukrainian claim, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had no comment. And a video released later by state news agency RIA Novosti showed a meeting of top Russian military officials, and RIA said Sokolov was in attendance. The September 22 attack, which was caught on bystanders video and satellite imagery, came on the heels of a missile strike nine days earlier that hit Sevastopols main naval shipyard. Two ships -- a landing vessel and a diesel submarine -- that were undergoing repairs in a dry dock facility were believed to be severely damaged, if not destroyed. The dry dock facility may have also been damaged, which would limit Russias ability to maintain and repair its naval ships. Russia has stepped up its aerial bombardments of Ukrainian sites, targeting in particular Ukraine's grain-exporting infrastructure in the southern Odesa and Mykolayiv regions. Ukraine has resumed exporting grain despite Russias pulling out of a United Nations-brokered deal allowing safe grain shipments in July. An overnight air strike on another port facility in Izmayil injured two people and damaged infrastructure, the regions governor said in a post to Telegram on September 26. Ukraines military reported shooting down 26 of 38 Iranian-made attack drones it said were launched by Russia. Russian air defenses shot down a drone on September 26 as it approached the city of Belgorod, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. There were no casualties or damage, according to preliminary information, he said on Telegram. With reporting by Current Time, AFP, TASS, and Reuters The Chinese company Huawei Technologies announced its $430 million five-year investment plan, named Intelligent Future, for boosting smart transformation in North Africa, according to President of Huawei Northern Africa Terry He. The plan allocates $200 million for building the companys first cloud center in North Africa, which will provide over 200 cloud computing services. Intelligent Future will also invest $200 million to support 200 of Huawei's local technology partners and 1,300 distributors. Huawei will inject $30 million in investments to boost smart transformation in North Africa through training 10,000 local developers and 100 tech specialists. The investments were announced on the sidelines of the Huawei Connect conference held in Shanghai between 20 and 22 September. Business leaders, tech experts, partners, developers, and industry stakeholders from around the world attended the conference to explore new prospects for an intelligent future. At the event, Sabrina Meng, Huawei's deputy chairwoman and CFO, unveiled the company's All Intelligence strategy to build a solid computing backbone for China and another option for the world to support a vast range of AI models and applications for all industries. Search Keywords: Short link: PRISTINA -- Kosovar officials continued on September 26 to pull back the curtain on an alleged plot to destabilize the country, sharing video evidence purporting to show a fugitive Serb politician among dozens of gunmen in a deadly siege at a monastery in northern Kosovo two days earlier. The deadly gun and grenade battle around the 14th-century Orthodox monastery, situated in the village of Banjska in the Zvecan municipality, has shattered months of uneasy calm since violent ethnic Serb protests against the forcible seating of ethnic Albanian mayors in late May highlighted the untenability of the status quo between Serbia and its former province. Outside diplomatic pressure has continued to mount on Pristina and Belgrade to find a way to put their shared history of violence behind them and normalize bilateral relations in a hot spot of ethno-nationalist resentment and intransigence. Serbia refuses to recognize its former province's 2008 declaration of independence and Belgrade has continued to unilaterally support ethnic Serbs through parallel institutions and ethnic-based political parties, which Pristina regards as illegal meddling. But the path to normalization appears even shakier as clues emerge as to the identity of the group that, during the fighting, killed a sergeant from the Kosovo Police. Video And Other Evidence Kosovar Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla on September 26 posted a video on social networks that he said clearly showed Milan Radoicic, a fugitive vice president of the Serbian List party who was thought to be hiding in Serbia, organizing and participating in the monastery attack. Serbian List is the main party representing the Serb minority in Kosovo. RFE/RL can not confirm that the man shown in the video is Radoicic. Radoicic is already wanted by Kosovar authorities for alleged witness intimidation. He was also named in a December 2019 indictment as the alleged leader of a criminal group that planned the 2018 assassination in North Mitrovica of moderate Kosovar Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic, although the warrant for his arrest was withdrawn without explanation in March 2021. The United States imposed sanctions on Radoicic in 2021 for alleged involvement in transnational organized crime. At a press conference a day earlier where weapons, vehicles, and other items confiscated after the siege were exhibited, Svecla said maps and plans had been found and that the September 24 attack was months in the making. He said the plotters hoped to involve "hundreds of people to destabilize our country." Hours after the shooting had ended, Svecla said the attackers included "members of Civil Protection," a nebulous formation with its historical roots in former civil defense structures that were dissolved or reluctantly integrated into Kosovar institutions during EU efforts to bring lasting peace to the region. Later, Kosovar officials said members of a shadowy group called the Northern Brigade were also involved. Less is known about Northern Brigade, which appears to have become publicly active with a guerrilla graffiti campaign only about a year ago. Civil Protection operated as a response unit against natural disasters in northern Kosovo independently from Pristina's authority from 2006 until 2015-16, when its ranks were either disbanded or folded into Kosovar institutions under pressure from the European Union. At the time, it was said to entail about 800 individuals, slightly over half of whom were slated for integration into Kosovar institutions. The Kosovar Center for Security Studies, an independent think tank, noted that Civil Protection is seen as particularly dangerous because so many of its members have undergone military-style training. Many Serbs, however, including the leadership of the Serbian List party, resented Civil Protection's disbandment. Some former Civil Protection members morphed into a loose affiliation of Serbs who opposed Kosovar authority and independence, possibly continuing to enjoy support from Belgrade among the "parallel institutions" that serve Serbs in Kosovo and that Pristina regards as illegal. In mid-June, Svecla announced the arrest of Civil Protection's purported leader, Serb Milun "Lune" Milenkovic, for allegedly organizing the violent unrest in northern Kosovo in late May, when ethnic Serbs protested the forcible seating of ethnic Albanian mayors, clashing with Kosovo police and troops from the NATO-led peacekeeping force KFOR. Weeks later, Pristina designated Civil Defense and Northern Brigade as terrorist organizations. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosovar security intelligence assessed the presence of both groups as "a serious and direct threat to the constitutional order and security of Kosovo." At the time, a Serb member of Kosovo's government, Community and Returns Minister Nenad Rasic, called the decision on the "terrorist" designation "premature" and said it further reduced the number of potential "interlocutors" in majority-Serb areas. The United States was a critic of the designation, too. The State Department took the unusual step of saying the decision "should have been coordinated with Kosovo's closest international partners, including those who have a primary responsibility for ensuring Kosovo's stability," which was seen as another sign of increasing U.S. frustration at the Kurti government's actions with respect to Serbs and normalization with Serbia. Analysts and experts agree that the group responsible was likely organized and trained. Avni Islami, a professor of security science at AAB University in Pristina, said the attackers appeared to be part of a "structured group." He likened the attackers to the Russian mercenaries that have fought alongside Russian troops in Ukraine and waged war in Africa, saying it looked like "an imitation of the Wagner Group." Mentor Vrajolli, from the Kosovar Center for Security Studies, said the group appeared to have been "trained, prepared, and have received quite expensive resources to be able to operate." He said it was virtually "impossible" for the Serbian authorities to have been unaware of their activities. "So now the question arises: Was the Serbian state directly involved in this structure or were radical elements mixed in? This is difficult to confirm," Vrajolli said. "But since there are people arrested, then the information about who encouraged their organization will be found." Serbia Link? From nearly the outset, top Kosovar officials have alleged Serbian state involvement. In his first statement about the shoot-out at the monastery, Kurti described "at least 30 heavily armed people, professionals, military, and police," who were wearing "uniforms." Kurti said the group responsible was linked to "organized crime with political, financial, and logistical support from official Belgrade" and "criminals orchestrated by Serbia." From the United States, where she was attending the UN General Assembly, Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani blamed "Serbia's criminal groups" and "Serbia's destabilizing attempts." Interior Minister Svecla said the attack was supported by the "state of Serbia" and pointed a finger at Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Kosovar officials also suggested, once the shooting was over but with many of the alleged gunmen still on the loose, that some of the assailants had fled across the border into Serbia. Kosovar Police General Director Gazmend Hoxha described fugitive Radoicic -- who according to Kosovar authorities was among the gunmen -- as "close to" Vucic. Hoxha also alleged that "the provision of weapons and logistical means to this terrorist group, including the entry into Kosovo of more than 26 motor vehicles, [are] suspected to have been actively aided and supported by the government of Serbia." Serbia has hit back at the accusations. When he broke his silence late on September 24, Vucic rejected any suggestion that the attackers' "uniforms" resembled those of the Serbian police or military. After stressing his condemnation of the killing of the "Albanian police officer," Vucic sought to draw a link between the incident and the Kurti government's treatment of ethnic Serbs, who are thought to compose 1-2 percent of Kosovo's population of around 2 million people. The Serbian leader said two of the three individuals killed so far by Kosovar police (another body was found the following day) were from North Mitrovica, the ethnically riven city on the Ibar River that essentially divides four majority-Serb municipalities from the rest of Kosovo. "The Serbs who rebelled," Vucic said, "are not people from central Serbia, as the media in Pristina claimed, but from Kosovo, people who are refusing to endure Kurti's terror." He went on to argue that Kurti is the "sole culprit" and "is to blame for all of this." Serbia declared September 27 a day of mourning over the "tragic events" in Kosovo and the Serbian List party has called for three days of mourning for "the death of our fellow citizens in a tragic event in Banjska." At the very least, the incident complicates efforts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Observers warn that a reappearance of organized violence to exploit bitterness between ethnic Serbs and majority ethnic Albanians in Kosovo could deal a severe blow to Western-mediated talks to allow Pristina and Belgrade to more fully participate in international institutions. "[T]his seems to be a reasonably well-organized development, and that does make it more dangerous because it suggests that there are groups on the ground that see it in their interests to provoke violence and that are prepared to organize and to seek weapons that would enable them to produce an escalation in violence," Charles Kupchan, a Georgetown professor and former National Security Council expert in the Clinton and Obama administrations, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by RFE/RL Balkan Service correspondents Bekim Bislimi and Dragan Stavljanin and RFE/RL's Balkan Service Family Photo Swara Bhaskar joyfully announces the arrival of her first child, Raabiyaa, on September 23 MUMBAI: Bollywood Actress Swara Bhaskar and her husband, Fahad Ahmad, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on September 23. The couple joyously shared the heartwarming news with their fans and followers, revealing their daughter's name as 'Raabiyaa'. Expressing their happiness, Swara Bhaskar wrote, "A prayer heard, a blessing granted, a song whispered, a mystic truth.. Our baby girl Raabiyaa was born on 23rd September 2023. With grateful and happy hearts, thank you for your love! Its a whole new world." Advertisement Accompanying the announcement were several photos of the proud parents with their precious newborn. One of the photos captured the family together, beaming with joy, while another showcased Swara tenderly gazing at her daughter. Their followers and friends promptly showered the couple with congratulatory messages and well-wishes. Advertisement In June, Swara Bhaskar took to social media to share the news of her pregnancy, marking the beginning of this beautiful journey. The talented Bollywood actress and Samajwadi Party activist, Fahad Ahmad, exchanged vows in January this year. Their marriage was officially registered under the Special Marriage Act on January 6, and a grand wedding reception was hosted in March in Delhi, the National Capital of India, to celebrate their union. Now, with the arrival of Raabiyaa, the couple embarks on a new chapter filled with love, joy, and parenthood. Photo Karanveer Singh believed to be harbored by Babbar Khalsa in Pakistan, targeted in international pursuit NEW-DELHI: In a significant development, the Government of India has issued a Red Corner Notice against Garmkhiali Karanveer Singh, also known as Bablu, a fugitive sought in connection with a murder case dating back 13 years. The Interpol's involvement has played a crucial role in pushing forward the pursuit of Karanveer Singh, who is suspected to have found refuge with the Babbar Khalsa, a militant organization based in Pakistan. Originally hailing from Kapurthala, Karanveer Singh fled to Pakistan after being implicated in a murder that took place 13 years ago. The incident, which transpired on 16th May 2010, involved the killing of Dera Sant Maia Das chief Pradhan Singh. The subsequent police investigation revealed Karanveer Singh's involvement in the heinous act. In 2010, the Punjab Police had announced a substantial reward of Rs 5 lakh for any information leading to the capture of Karanveer Singh. Advertisement Karanveer Singh, also known as Bablu, was apprehended on 18th October 2010 by the Hoshiarpur police, who arrested him at the residence of Ranjit Kaur in village Kila Baru. The arrest was accompanied by the recovery of incriminating items, including an AK 47 rifle, a hand grenade, magazines, detonators, a wireless set, a timer, and a significant amount of RDX. Despite the arrest, Karanveer Singh managed to escape police custody by absconding through a bathroom window at the CIA police station in Hoshiarpur during questioning, just three hours after being brought in. Notably, India has numerous cases registered against Karanveer Singh, encompassing charges of criminal conspiracy, murder, violations under the Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act, fundraising for terrorist activities, participation in terrorist gangs or organizations, and other related offenses. Home Minister Amit Shah with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann underscores various pressing issues, including flood-affected areas, BBMB appointment processes, RDF, and more AMRITSAR: The 31st Northern Regional Council meeting commenced with the arrival of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in Amritsar, gathering key figures like Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alongside Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on the stage. In the meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised vital concerns, prominently addressing the challenges faced by flood-affected regions in Punjab. He emphasized that during the state's flooding crisis, some states that were earlier requesting water from Punjab turned their backs when Punjab needed assistance. CM Mann emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to prevent a recurrence of such problems. Advertisement Apart from the flooding issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann touched upon several other critical matters. He advocated for returning to the older appointment process for members of power in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Additionally, the matter of Rural Development Fund (RDF) garnered discussion. The problem of fraudulent travel agents was brought to light during the meeting, highlighting the need for immediate attention to tackle this issue effectively. Moreover, concerns were raised regarding the recognition of Haryana colleges in Panjab University. Furthermore, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stressed the necessity for alterations in the rules governing the release of funds for individuals affected by floods, aiming to ensure efficient and timely support to those in need. The meeting served as a platform to openly discuss and address these crucial issues, with a focus on improving the overall well-being and development of the northern region. Imran Khan Former PM Imran Khan was apprehended in March of the previous year on charges related to violating the Official Secrets Act ISLAMABAD: A Special court in Pakistan extended the judicial custody of former Prime Minister Imran Khan for an additional 14 days in the Official Secrets Act case. This decision diminishes the likelihood of his early release. Imran Khan, the Chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was apprehended in March of the previous year on charges related to violating the Official Secrets Act. The Accusations stem from the alleged breach of confidentiality concerning an official document (cipher) transmitted by the Pakistani embassy in the United States. This marks the third time Khan's judicial custody has been prolonged, with the last 14-day detention period ending on the day of this recent extension. Advertisement Conducted by Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain at District Jail Attock, the hearing led to the decision to extend Imran Khan's judicial custody until October 10, allowing ample time to conclude the ongoing investigation. Imran Khan has been detained at this jail since August 5, subsequent to being declared guilty in the Toshakhana case. In a parallel development, the court also prolonged the custody of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the same duration, implicating him under the Official Secrets Act as well. However, despite a recent order by the Islamabad High Court to transfer Imran Khan to Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, no action has been taken yet. The authorities had previously justified hearing the case within the jail premises citing security concerns. Passport Announcement was made by the US Embassy in India through a Twitter post In a remarkable feat, the American Embassy in India has set a record by approving an astonishing 90,000 student visas in the last three months. This remarkable figure signifies India's substantial contribution, constituting a quarter of the global student visa recipients, further emphasizing India's aspiration for international education. The Announcement was made by the US Embassy in India through a Twitter post on a Monday, expressing their delight in sharing this significant achievement. Advertisement Notably, Throughout the months of June, July, and August this year, the American Embassy disclosed that they have successfully processed and granted over 90,000 student visas. The embassy also took a moment to congratulate Indian students on their choice of pursuing higher education in the United States, fostering academic and cultural exchanges. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, recently shared positive developments in the visa process. He mentioned a substantial reduction, a 50 percent decrease, in the waiting time for tourist visa interviews, highlighting improvements in the system's efficiency. Ambassador Garcetti further stated that the objective is to process a minimum of one million visas by the year 2023. During a speech at IIT Delhi, he underscored that the India-US visa process has never been as expedited as it is now. Recent bilateral efforts have prioritized streamlining the visa process, simplifying procedures to enhance collaboration and educational opportunities between the two nations. Sweden's producer prices declined for the fourth straight month in August amid a continued slump in costs for energy-related products, figures from Statistics Sweden showed on Tuesday. The producer price index dropped 5.9 percent year-on-year in August, faster than the 2.1 percent fall in July. The annual rate of the producer price index, excluding energy-related products, was 3.0 percent. Prices in the domestic market alone slid 9.3 percent. Prices for energy-related goods fell sharply by 37.5 percent annually in August. Meanwhile, prices of consumer goods gained 9.2 percent, and those of capital goods climbed 7.2 percent. Monthly, producer prices dropped 0.7 percent in August versus a 0.6 percent fall seen in the preceding month. Data also showed that import prices fell 3.2 percent yearly, and the export price index was 1.9 percent lower. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Joe Biden will join the picket line in Wayne County, Michigan, where members of the United Auto Workers union are on strike against three auto giants for a second week. The President is set to visit the striking workers at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne at 12 PM Tuesday "in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create," the White House said in announcing his public schedule. Biden's visit, described as "historic", is seen as part of an attempt to ensure the support of the labor union in Michigan, seen as a key presidential election battleground state. It comes a day before former President Donald Trump's announced visit to Detroit to address union members, including from the UAW. Trump criticized Biden, saying that he "had no intention" of visiting the striking workers, and claimed that it was his decision to speak in Michigan that prompted Biden to walk the picket line. At a Press Briefing Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied Trump's decision to visit the UAW workers played into Biden's decision to go there in advance, and clarified that it was based on UAW President Shawn Fain's invitation last week. Asked if the President is explicitly taking the side of the union workers as opposed to the companies, the White House spokesperson replied, "He's always going to stand on the side of workers." Despite being known as a pro-working class president, the UAW has not yet endorsed Biden for his reelection bid. Thousands of UAW members at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis walked out on September 15, marking the beginning of a Stand Up Strike. Their main demands include pay increases and cost of living adjustments, end of two-tiered wage structure, defined benefit pension plans for all, and four-day workweek and more time off. The White House didn't say if Biden supports UAW's demands. "We are not involved in negotiations. That is something for them to decide what is going to work for the parties that are involved, but he is standing with the autoworkers. That's what the president is doing," Jean-Pierre told reporters. Meanwhile, UAW President Shawn Fain criticized Ford's announcement that they are pausing construction on the Marshall EV Battery Plant. "This is a shameful, barely veiled threat by Ford to cut jobs. Closing 65 plants over the last 20 years wasn't enough for the Big Three, now they want to threaten us with closing plants that aren't even open yet. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom," he said in a statement. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News At the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden renewed his administration's commitment to enhance partnership with the Pacific Islands. He announced a set of actions to strengthen the United States' diplomatic ties with a number of Pacific Island nations. Biden said he plans to work with Congress to request and provide nearly $200 million in funding to them. The President announced that the United States recognized Cook Islands and Niue as independent, sovereign nations and intends to establish diplomatic relations with both nations. He said Washington intends to open an embassy in Vanuatu in 2024, having completed Congressional notification procedures this year. "We are also discussing our interest in opening an embassy with the Government of Kiribati," he said. "Today, we also announced that USAID plans to double its current staffing footprint and hire more Pacific Islanders to deliver effective and Pacific-informed programs." Washington intend to offer U.S. Citizen passport and emergency services and visa services in the new embassies in Solomon Islands and Tonga and the future embassy in Vanuatu. The United States intends to provide $500,000, subject to Congressional notification, to strengthen the Pacific Islands Forum's institutional capacity and increase U.S.-PIF cooperation. The Biden Administration is requesting and working with Congress to provide an additional $64 million in development assistance across the Pacific Islands to advance priorities laid out in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and to advance additional bilateral support for Papua New Guinea and the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. The United States will host the next U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit in 2025. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Africa-Europe research cluster on creative economies launched The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (The Guild) have launched a new Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) on Creative Economies: Cultures, Innovation and Sustainability, which includes Rhodes University. This is a direct response to the formal launch of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, which acknowledged the importance of research and education including in the social sciences and humanities for achieving the EUs Global Gateway strategy and the AUs Agenda 2063. The new Clusters join the Africa-Europe CoREs launched by both networks last June, bringing the total number of Clusters up to 20, now involving over 250 researchers in 60 Universities as well as research institutes. The new CoRE on Creative Economies: Cultures, Innovation and Sustainability aims to support the development of more equitable, innovative and sustainable creative economies, in a sector that has been recognised for its potential to contribute up to 10% of global GDP by 2030. Co-led by Duro Oni (University of Lagos), Jen Snowball (Rhodes University), and Roberta Comunian and Eka Ikpe (Kings College London), the Cluster brings together cultural policy organisations and university researchers from across Africa and Europe. Commenting on the launch, Jan Palmowski (The Guild) said: At this particular time, when European discourse about Africa is increasingly dominated again by migration and crisis, it is more critical than ever to show how Europeans and Africans can only progress by addressing our common challenges together, in real partnership. As car exports rose 17 percent YoY in August 2023, Maruti Suzuki continued to dominate the list followed by Hyundai and Kia Car exports from India showed significant increase both on a Year-on-Year (YoY) and Month-on-Month (MoM) basis in August 2023. Exports stood at 63,883 units in the past month, a growth of 16.79 percent over 54,698 units exported in August 2022 relating to a 9,185 unit growth. MoM sales also saw an increase over 59,594 units shipped in July 2023. Maruti Suzuki commanded a major portion of this list with 9 of its models in the top 20 list. Baleno was the most exported car in August 2023 with 5,947 units shipped in the past month, up 108.31 percent over 2,855 units exported in August 2022. This was a 3,092 unit volume growth with Maruti Suzuki Baleno commanding a 9.31 share in the export list. Top 20 Car Exports August 2023 Also posting positive growth was Hyundai Verna mid-size sedan with 5,403 units shipped last month. This was an improvement of 31.97 percent over 4,094 units exported in August 2022 relating to a 1,309 volume growth and share percentage of 8.46%. However, in July 2023, Verna had been the most exported model with 5,108 units shipped in the said month. At No. 3 was Hyundai Grand i10. Exports were higher by 52.66 percent on a YoY basis to 4,421 units in August 2023 from 2,896 units shipped in August 2022. Grand i10 currently holds 6.92 shares on this export list. Kia Sonet followed with exports of 3,874 units last month, up from 2,715 units exported in August 2022. This was a 42.69 percent YoY growth with volume increase of 1,159 units. At No. 5 was Maruti Suzuki Dzire with 3,266 units shipped last month, up 35.74 percent YoY when compared to 2,406 units exported in August 2022. Maruti DZire is not only sought after in export markets but is a top selling sedan in India as well and recently recorded sales of 25 lakh units in the 15 years that it has been in production. Next up were two models from Volkswagen, both of which have seen outstanding YoY growth in exports. Virtus saw a 439.53 percent YoY growth to 3,194 units in August 2023, up from 592 units shipped in August 2022 with a 2,602 unit volume growth. It currently commands a 5.00 share on this export list. It was followed by Taigun with 3,027 unit exports in the past month, a YoY growth of 958.39 percent over 286 units exported in August 2022. Hyundai Aura also posted a YoY growth in exports by 115.93 percent to 3,023 units from 1,400 units shipped in August 2022. New Maruti Suzuki Fronx was at No 9 with 2,416 units exported last month to command a 3.78 percent share. A recent addition to the company portfolio, exports of Fronx had commenced from July 2023. There was also Maruti Swift hatchback on the export list with 2,392 units exported last month. This however was a 23.16 percent YoY de-growth from 3,113 units shipped in August 2022. Maruti also had Grand Vitara at No. 11 with exports of 2,165 units. There was also S-Presso at no 13 with 1,939 units shipped last month, up 26.65 percent YoY from 1,531 units exported in August 2022. It was Honda City at no. 12 posting a YoY de-growth of 2.53 percent to 2,116 units down from 2,171 units exported in August 2022. The top 20 export list also included HyRyder (1,938 units), Maruti Celerio (1,927 units), Hyundai Venue (1,921 units), Renault Kwid (1,828 units), Maruti Ertiga (1,612 units) and Maruti Ciaz (1,609 units). Exports of Nissan Sunny dipped by 71.52 percent to 1,323 units in the past month from 4,646 units exported in August 2022. Also to see exports above the 1000 unit mark was Alcazar (1,241 units) and i20 (1,169 units). Car Exports August 2023 in Sub-1000 unit segment Lower down the export list in the sub-1,000 unit segment was Kia Carens. Exports grew by 47.78 percent to 934 units last month, up from 632 units exported in August 2022. It was also a YoY growth of 322.60 percent for Renault Kiger, exports of which surged to 748 units last month from just 177 units exported in August 2022. Outstanding export growth was seen in the case of Maruti Eeco van, which had only 9 units exported in August 2022 but improved 7322.22 percent YoY to 668 units in August 2023. Export de-growth was reported for Nissan Magnite (594 units), XUV700 (507 units), Kia Seltos (500 units), Creta (435 units), Jeep Compass (322 units) and XUV300 (264 units). Jeep Meridian however has posted a 487.80 percent YoY growth in exports to 241 units from 41 units exported in August 2022. Maruti Alto exports also dipped 63.03 percent to 541 units. The export list also included Scorpio (115 units), Citroen C3 (98 units) eC3 (98 units), XL6 (94 units) and Ignis (79 units). Lower down the list was Amaze (69 units), Kushaq (56 units), Maxximo (36 units), Jimny 24 units), Triber (22 units) and WagonR (19 units). With exports in the sub-10 mark was Bolero (8 units), Elevate (4 units), Slavia (3 units), Fortuner (1 units) and Exter (1 unit). Food & Drink Incoming: Gillys House of Cocktails The brains behind some of San Diegos top cocktail bars usher in a new era of a North Park institution Read article The world leaders meeting on climate change and other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ended disappointingly at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) last week. This adds another set of obstacles to be faced by the UN Conference of Parties (COP28) to be held in Dubai in November. SDGs include combatting climate change, wiping out hunger and battling extreme poverty around the globe. Almost everybody at the UNGA meeting warned of the dangers the world faces if those goals are not met by the set deadline of 2030. A summit before the UNGA meeting issued a declaration about climate change and other SDGs agreed on in 2015. It mentioned 17 goals, besides cutting greenhouse gases, which included matters relating to water and reducing inequality. The declaration reads: The achievement of the SDGs is in peril We are alarmed that the progress on most of the SDGs is either moving much too slowly or has regressed below the 2015 baseline. The irony is that those are the same countries either not doing enough to achieve the commitments they signed to and or backtracking on some of their legally binding targets. Most remarkable are the government policies in developed countries which are not focused on cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries are slashing international aid to the developing world, or even scrapping it all together. The commitment to provide assistance to developing countries financing energy transformation is not met and only a small fraction of the agreed sum is promised. The latest sad news was an announcement by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that watered down the UKs commitments to fighting climate change. The move included extending the deadline to ban new gasoline and diesel cars and new natural gas home heating to 2035 instead of 2030. That backtracking might lead to environmental groups taking the government to High Court for violating a legal commitment. When the UK hosted COP26 in 2021, the government boasted of Britain being a leader in cutting carbon emissions. A couple of months ago, government climate advisers warned that the pace of action is actually worryingly slow. A month after that warning from the independent Climate Change Commission (CCC), Sunaks government approved more than a hundred permits for oil and gas drilling off the coast of Scotland. That bluntly contradicts the promised policy of energy transformation away from fossil fuels to renewables and clean sources. The UK government is not alone in reneging on climate change goals fulfilment. The Paris accord of 2015, signed by 193 countries, stipulated limiting the earths temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius by 2030. Rich industrialised countries that emit more than three-quarters of global greenhouse gases are in fact not reducing emissions at a fast enough rate to reach the Paris accord goal. On the contrary, they are increasing fossil fuel production and reliance on it as a source of energy. This spring, the American administration approved drilling in vast areas of Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico concessions in the Gulf cover an area the size of Italy. According to a tally by biologicaldiversity.org earlier this year, Joe Bidens administration approved more oil and gas drilling permits than the previous administration of Donald Trump. This is diluting the slogan championed by the US which is pioneering the fight against climate change. In the first two years of his presidency, Bidens White House approved 6430 permits outpacing Trumps 6172 drilling permits in his first two years as president. Other major economies, from Australia to Germany through to China and India are backtracking on promises to limit greenhouse gas emission. The increased use of coal-powered stations is one huge factor, since coal emits far more carbon into the atmosphere than oil and gas. The developed worlds regressed action on climate change poses a serious challenge to COP28 in Dubai in a few weeks. Though the Western media are focusing on the person that will lead the summit and the fact that he is a CEO of the Emirati oil and gas company, the policies of Western countries are more frustrating to UN environmentalists. The head of COP28, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber CEO of Abu Dhabi energy giant ADNOC picked up on the lack of progress by developed nations in fulfilling climate change goals, in an article in Fortune this week. He chose the issue of climate finance, which dominated COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh last year. Trying to take the heat out of the fossil fuel debate, he stressed: It is time to transform climate finance and bridge its 2.4 trillion dollar gap. The Loss and Damage Fund launched in the last conference in Egypt is meant to aid vulnerable nations in responding to climate-related crises along with financing energy transformation in the developed world. The cost is almost two and half trillion dollars, but commitments by rich nations so far are at a hundred billion dollars a year up to 2030. Even this fraction of the whole sum is not yet guaranteed. Al-Jaber wrote: Is the world capable of mobilising the trillions of dollars necessary to fund the climate transition? I believe the answer is yes but not without concerted effort from governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector to reform the current financial architecture and better align global and domestic financial flows with the worlds climate goals. Will the divided attention in COP28 on climate finance conceal the worlds backtracking on the main issue of emissions? As many analysts point out, even diverting attention will not address the main obstacle of more and more countries reneging on targets set by the Paris agreement to reduce emissions by 2030. * A version of this article appears in print in the 28 September, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The search for definitive biosignatures unambiguous markers of past or present life is a central goal of paleobiology and astrobiology. A team of researchers led by the Carnegie Institution for Science has developed a robust method that combines pyrolysis gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) measurements of a wide variety of terrestrial and extraterrestrial carbonaceous materials with machine-learning-based classification to achieve 90% accuracy in the differentiation between samples of abiotic origins vs. biotic specimens, including highly-degraded, ancient, biologically-derived samples. Since the early 1950s scientists have known that given the right conditions, mixing simple chemicals can form some of the more complex molecules required for life, such as amino acids. Since then, many more of the components necessary for life, such as the nucleotides needed to make DNA, have been detected in space. But how do we know if these are of biological origin, or if they are made by another abiotic process over time. Without knowing that, we dont know if we have detected life. We are asking a fundamental question: Is there something fundamentally different about the chemistry of life compared to the chemistry of the inanimate world? said Carnegie Institution for Sciences Professor Robert Hazen. Are there chemical rules of life that influence the diversity and distribution of biomolecules? Can we deduce those rules and use them to guide our efforts to model lifes origins or to detect subtle signs of life on other worlds? We found that there is. From an evolutionary point of view, life is not an easy thing to sustain, and so there are certain pathways which work and certain which dont. Our analysis does not rely on absolute identification of a compound but determines biological/non-biological origins by looking at the compound in relation to the sample context. Professor Hazen and colleagues employed pyrolysis GC-MS methods to analyze 134 varied carbon-rich samples from living cells, age-degraded samples, geologically processed fossil fuels, carbon-rich meteorites, and laboratory-synthesized organic compounds and mixtures. 59 of these were of biological origin (biotic), such as a grain of rice, a human hair, crude oil, etc, they said. 75 were of non-biological origin (abiotic), such as lab-synthesised compounds like amino acids, or samples from carbon-rich meteorites. The samples were first heated in an oxygen-free environment, which causes the samples to break down (a process known as pyrolysis). The treated samples were then analysed in a GC-MS, an analytical device which separates the mixture into its component parts, and then identifies them. Using a suite of machine-learning methods, three-dimensional (time/intensity/mass) data from each abiotic or biotic sample were employed as training or testing subsets, which resulted in a model that can predict the abiotic or biotic nature of the sample with greater than 90% accuracy. From a chemical standpoint, the differences between biotic and abiotic samples relate to things like water solubility, molecular weights, volatility and so on, said Carnegie Institution for Sciences Dr. Jim Cleaves. The simple way I would think about this is that a cell has a membrane and an interior, called the cytosol; the membrane is pretty water-insoluble, while the cells content is pretty water-soluble. That arrangement keeps the membrane assembled as it tries to minimize its components contacts with water and also keeps the inside components from leaking across the membrane. The inside components can also stay dissolved in water despite being extremely large molecules like chromosomes and proteins. So, if one breaks a living cell or tissue into its components, one gets a mix of very water-soluble molecules and very water-insoluble molecules spread across a spectrum. Things like petroleum and coal have lost most of the water-soluble material over their long histories. Abiological samples can have unique distributions across this spectrum relative to each other, but they are also distinct from the biological distributions. The new technique may soon resolve a number of scientific mysteries on Earth, including the origin of 3.5 billion-year-old black sediments from Western Australia hotly debated rocks that some researchers contend hold Earths oldest fossil microbes, while others claim they are devoid of life signs. Other samples from ancient rocks in Northern Canada, South Africa, and China evoke similar debates. Were applying our methods right now to address these long-standing questions about the biogenicity of the organic material in these rocks, Professor Hazen said. And new ideas have poured forth about the potential contributions of this new approach in other fields such as biology, paleontology and archaeology. If AI can easily distinguish biotic from abiotic, as well as modern from ancient life, then what other insights might we gain? For example, could we tease out whether an ancient fossil cell had a nucleus, or was photosynthetic? Professor Hazen said. Could it analyze charred remains and discriminate different kinds of wood from an archeological site? Its as if we are just dipping our toes in the water of a vast ocean of possibilities. The teams work appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. _____ H. James Cleaves II et al. 2023. A robust, agnostic molecular biosignature based on machine learning. PNAS 120 (41): e2307149120; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2307149120 Within the framework of the 2nd meeting of agriculture ministers of the OTS member states, the current state of cooperation in the agrarian sphere and prospects for the future cooperation were discussed in detail, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov telling at the press conference. "We closely cooperate with Turkic states in the field of agriculture at the bilateral and multilateral levels. Increase in trade turnover of agricultural and food products, promotion of mutual investments, transfer of modern technologies in the field of agriculture, reciprocal exchange of best practices, effective management of land and water resources, promotion of agricultural insurance system, and other topics have been identified as the main directions of further cooperation between the participating countries. All these directions were reflected in the communique that my colleagues and I signed following today's meeting," Mammadov said. He noted that the Azerbaijani side proposed to create a single digital agro-data platform of the Turkic states and joint production of agricultural and food products under the TDT brand (OTS-Made). Majnun Mammadov added that the representatives of Turkic countries participating in the Forum have reached an agreement to carry out work in this direction. Statements made by US President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly show that he is more concerned to integrate Israel into the region than to implement a two-state solution on the ground, writes Hussein Haridy I wrote last week on the inauguration of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York and the high-level meetings, including two summits, and the General Debate that took place from 19 to 23 September. Four leaders from the five Permanent Members of the Security Council were absent, namely the leaders of China, France, Russia, and the UK. US President Joe Biden addressed the General Assembly on 19 September, making extensive remarks on questions that have become major international concerns including on the war in Ukraine and the responsibility of Russia in starting the war, accompanied by the promise that the US would support Ukraine for as long as it takes. These words were welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, attending the UN General Assembly for the first time. Biden also dealt with climate change, more financial support for international economic and financial institutions, and more financing for investment in infrastructure. Another major issue in his remarks, and this time one much closer to home for us in the region, was peace in the Middle East from the US perspective. Biden began by linking the building of the Economic Corridor between India, the Middle East, and Europe that was announced on 9 September on the margins of the G20 Summit meeting in India with the efforts of his administration to integrate Israel into the region. He described the G20 agreement as a groundbreaking effort and said that it would spur opportunities and investments across two continents, adding that the Economic Corridor was part of the policy of his administration to build a more sustainable, integrated Middle East. Biden also said that the US would continue to work tirelessly to support a just and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians in establishing two states for two peoples. On the following day, 20 September, he received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York, the first meeting between the two men since the latter became prime minister again last December. It is an open secret in Washington that Biden has not been satisfied with certain policies carried out by the present Israeli government, particularly its judicial reform programme and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Upon receiving Netanyahu, Biden said that we welcome Bibi, and I hope we can get some things settled today. The readout of the meeting released by the White House said that Biden had emphasised the need to take immediate measures in order to improve the security and economic situation, maintain the viability of a two-state solution, and promote a just and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. The readout said that the two leaders had consulted on the progress achieved on establishing a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Middle East, including through efforts to deepen and expand normalisation with countries in the region. It is true that the Biden administration has adopted a more positive attitude towards the Palestinian question in a welcome departure from the pro-Israeli positions adopted by the previous administration of former president Donald Trump. The US under the present administration has shown clear support for the two-state solution from day one, but after three years in office it seems that Biden favours the option of more integration of Israel into the region more than that of working on a credible and serious process paving the way for the actual implementation of the two-state solution on the ground. In this respect, the present US administration is no different from the previous Republican administration in expanding the so-called Abraham Accords of August 2020. Over the last year, it has been noticeable that the US administration is working on two main objectives in the region, mainly integration and de-escalation. As a result, it came as no surprise when the US TV channel Fox News aired an interview with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohamed bin Salman (MBS) that coincided with the General Debate at the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in which he talked about the normalisation of relations between his country and Israel. In his remarks before the General Assembly on 22 September, Netanyahu said in a triumphant tone that his country is on the cusp of an historic breakthrough leading to a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia and added that the Abraham Accords heralded the dawn of a new age of peace in the region. Surprisingly enough, Fox News then interviewed Netanyahu that same evening, when he said that the window of opportunity for an agreement with the Saudis was the next few months. In case we dont achieve it in this period, Netanyahu said, we might delay it by quite a few years. Judging from Bidens remarks and the two interviews on Fox News referred to above, a new kind of peace in the Middle East is about to materialise, but it will remain a false one if the Israelis keep expanding their settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, their siege of the Gaza Strip remains in place, and their occupation of East Jerusalem continues unchanged. In the UN General Debate this year, many questions of major interest and concern for the international community have been discussed, among them the situation in the Middle East and prospects for peace in the region. However, for the parties directly concerned with resolving the Palestinian question and establishing a genuine and credible settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the approaches to achieving this still remain wide apart. The writer is former assistant foreign minister. * A version of this article appears in print in the 28 September, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Khaled Okasha continues his account of the 1973 October War with the crossing of the Bar Lev Line along the Suez Canal A fter the conclusion of their meeting at noon on 12 October 1973, some of the attendees remained with Israeli prime minister Golda Meir and the Israeli minister of defence to discuss the situation assessments and debate the decisions that had caused disagreement. Suddenly, sirens blared across Tel Aviv, signalling the start of the Egyptian-Syrian offensive at two minutes past two in the afternoon. Hours before this scene unfolded in Tel Aviv, General Samuel Gonen, commander of the Israeli Southern Command, had moved towards the Command Centre after receiving intelligence reports confirming that the Egyptian crossing of the Suez Canal would begin at 6:00 pm. Upon his arrival, he contacted General Abraham Mendler, commander of the Israeli armed forces in Sinai, to receive the latest information. During this call, Gonen told Mendler that its better to move the armoured divisions forward towards the front line, and by evening they should be in place. Mendler replied that its time [to do so] indeed; they are shelling me. Gonen ended the call, and the attack began. In the Israeli account of these events, titled The Shortcoming, what took place in the Israeli operations room that day are documented in the chapter called The Black Day of Atonement. Israeli chief of staff David Eliezer and deputy chief of staff Israel Tal rushed to the room and requested to see maps indicating the enemys movements and points of attack. However, during those dramatic moments, a surprise occurred. No one could even draw the relevant arrows on the maps as the war was escalating so dramatically. Reports came in from Israeli fortified positions that Egyptian forces were crossing the canal and that soldiers and armoured vehicles were moving to Sinai together with hundreds of fibreglass boats. From their crossing points on the western side of the canal, Egyptian battlegroups began sending armoured vehicles on floats eastwards. The Shortcoming describes the attack on the Israeli Bar Lev Line designed to fortify the eastern side of the canal based on the testimonies of Israeli soldiers at the time, all of whom expressed shock and astonishment at what was happening. This part of the book concludes that the first moments of the Day of Atonement War surprised the Bar Lev Line and its fighters completely. Despite the intermittent reports received from their leadership about the imminent danger and their orders to absorb the first strike, the entire line was taken by complete surprise. When it became clear as a result of the intense shelling of the fortified line that the Egyptians had started crossing the canal and moving military units deep into Sinai, Israeli tanks were sent to the front lines to reinforce them and occupy firing positions along the canal. Here, another surprise awaited them, beyond the surprise of the war itself. The Israeli tanks could not get close to the waterline. Many of them were hit when they were still a few hundred metres away from the earthen barrier along the canal, with many of them also not knowing what had hit them. Later, they realised that they had been hit by rockets fired from Egyptian missile bases west of the canal that had launched hundreds of the new Sagger anti-tank missiles at the Israeli tanks. Shortly afterwards, the same missiles were launched from the east side of the canal, where tens of thousands of Egyptian soldiers had now crossed. The Israeli tank crews were not prepared, and they lacked guidance systems. The soldiers inside the tanks were astounded, with one of them remarking, according to The Shortcoming, that this felt like suicide. Baruch Shemir (Barry), a soldier in an Israeli armoured unit in the 1973 War, later recounted vivid details of the fierce combat between the two armies. Leave was cancelled for all the soldiers in Barrys unit two days before the war began, and it was then deployed in the middle sector of the canal seven km from the waterline. Most of the Israeli armoured units in Sinai were positioned in their training areas in the second line, and now they were tasked with reaching the waterline at designated crossing areas to prevent the establishment of bridgeheads or to obstruct the initial Egyptian advance. Barry had served in the armoured unit for a year-and-a-half and worked as an ammunition loader in the commanders tank. His tank stopped 400 metres from a small lake adjacent to the canal parallel to the waterline. Then it began firing. The tank crew relaxed when they saw that their targets were infantrymen and not Egyptian armoured vehicles. This realisation came as a relief, with Barry commenting that for us, the tanks were the main problem the enemys tanks (the first target), followed by anti-tank guns (the second target), and only then would we open fire on infantry. But within a quarter of an hour, the commanders tank had changed positions three times. I didnt realise what was happening. We saw that the targets facing us were infantrymen and not the Egyptian tanks we had never seen before. The other tanks in the platoon had no better luck. When we looked out from behind the sand hills, we saw flames. Those were the tanks of the platoon. The writer is director of the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies (ECSS). * A version of this article appears in print in the 28 September, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Luxury fashion brand Burberry took a hit on Tuesday as both Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank cut their price targets on the stock. DB cut the price target to 2,200p from 2,240p, saying its more cautious on trends in China and in the US and is struggling to see earnings momentum. "With less inbound travel into Europe and weaker domestic consumer the EMEIA region looks to have finally cracked as well," Deutsche said. The bank, which rates the shares at hold, lowered its FY24 adjusted EBIT estimate by 2% to 605m. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley reduced the price target to 2,200p from 2,400p. The bank said it was lowering tis 2Q24 like-for-like sales growth estimate to 4% from 7% as it accounts for "softening global demand and heightened macro pressure". It also cuts its FY24 EBIT estimate by 2% to 608m. MS, which rates Burberry at equalweight, said there is a potentially attractive recovery story. "The successful implementation of Burberry's repositioning strategy could represent an attractive long-term proposition," it said. However, it still sees earnings risks ahead. "With much smaller exposure than peers to evergreen products, resilient categories (such as leather goods) and ultra-premium categories, we think Burberry will most likely continue to lag best-in-class peers," it said. A government shutdown would be "credit negative" for the US economy, warned Moody's Investors Service in a report late Monday. The agency, which still rates the US as 'Aaa stable' the highest rating of creditworthiness it can give said that the longer the shutdown persists, the more negative it would be on the broader economy, and wider financial markets. Government shutdowns tend to happen when Congress cannot agree on funding legislation by the time the new fiscal year begins, which in this case is 1 October. "While government debt service payments would not be impacted and a short-lived shutdown would be unlikely to disrupt the economy, it would underscore the weakness of US institutional and governance strength relative to other Aaa-rated sovereigns that we have highlighted in recent years," Moody's wrote in a statement. "In particular, it would demonstrate the significant constraints that intensifying political polarization put on fiscal policymaking at a time of declining fiscal strength, driven by widening fiscal deficits and deteriorating debt affordability." Moody's pointed out that the last government shutdown, which lasted for a record 35 days and ended in January 2019, the economic impact was concentrated in areas with a large government presence, such as Washington DC. "A lingering shutdown would have a broad-based negative effect on the US economy. Suspended routine government operations would start to weigh more broadly on economic activity if the shutdown persists. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more it will strain liquidity for defense services contractors and certain municipal bond issuers that rely on federal funding," Moody's explained. "In addition, certain government services may be paused or slowed, particularly if they are considered non-essential. A government shutdown could disrupt activities such as permitting and environmental reviews, government data reporting, processing of tax rebates and subsidies, import and export license processing, IPO application reviews, and loans to small businesses and homeowners." Real estate giant British Land said it has seen "continued momentum" in the second quarter, with leasing income growth continuing to outpace estimated rental value (ERV). British Land, whose flagship investments include Broadgate Circle in Central London and the Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield, achieved 1.2m square foot of leasing across its 13bn portfolio in the five months to 31 August, some 13.1% ahead of ERV. Meanwhile, a further 1.1m sq ft was under offer, 17.4% ahead of ERV. In the first quarter, leasing was 11% ahead of ERV while under-offer leases were 15.5% ahead of ERV. In the Retail division, which accounted for the bulk of space leased during the second quarter, the company said it is now targeting retail park ERV growth of 3-5% for the full year, ahead of previous guidance of 2-4%. "I am pleased with the continued momentum in the business. Operationally we are seeing strong leasing activity which reflects the exceptional quality of our portfolio and has resulted in our recent upgrade of the expected ERV growth in retail parks," said chief executive Simon Carter. "We have also strengthened our balance sheet in the period and continue to actively recycle capital with the disposal of non-core assets ahead of book value." Meanwhile, in the Campuses division, negotiations are continuing over 1.7m sq ft of space. Late last year, Meta pulled out of a lease at British Land's 1 Triton Square at its Regent's Place asset. The surrender of the lease resulted in a 149m payment received this week, British Land said. "Although this will result in a EPS dilution, post interest savings, of c.0.6p for the six months to March FY24 we are comfortable with current market expectations for FY24 due to better collection of historic COVID arrears than anticipated," the company said. Carter sad that Meta's exit will enable the group to "accelerate our plans to reposition Regent's Place as London's premier Innovation and Life Sciences campus." Personal care consumer goods maker PZ Cussons on Tuesday held annual guidance despite a fall in full-year profits as cost inflation and issues at its Nigerian operation continued to weigh. The maker of Imperial Leather soap said pre-tax profit fell 4.2% to 61.8m as revenue rose 10% to 656.3m. Earnings were hit by a a 16.5m impairment at the Sanctuary Spa brand, as well as increased investment in its transformation plans. Cussons said performance in the current fiscal year to date had been in line with expectations, with modest year on year growth in like-for-like revenue and a higher operating profit margin. "We have seen continued good revenue growth in Nigeria and Australia/NewZealand, a stable performance in the UK, offset by a further decline in Indonesia. We therefore expect to deliver adjusted operating profit within the range of current market expectations," the company said. Current consensus forecasts are for a adjusted operating profit in range of 61.5m - 68.2m. Cussons earlier this month offered to buy the minority-held shares in its Nigeria business for 22.8m and delist the firm in a deal management said would strengthen its operation in the African nation where currency and political volatility has been an issue. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Stress was one of the biggest contributors to a rise in workplace absences over the past year, according to research that found the number of workers taking sick leave has hit a 10-year high The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) analysed sickness absence and employee health among 918 organisations representing 6.5 million employees, with 76% of respondents reporting they had taken time off due to stress in the past year. Guardian Nissan has vowed to go all-electric in the UK and Europe by 2030 as the car giants chief executive said the world needs to move on from petrol vehicles. Its commitment to the 2030 deadline comes despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week pushing back a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars to 2035. Makoto Uchida reiterated Nissans EV timeframe at an announcement in London on Monday, where he unveiled the Japanese manufacturers latest battery-powered car design. Telegraph The American billionaire Ken Griffin is in talks to help fund a transatlantic takeover bid for The Telegraph led by his fellow hedge fund manager Sir Paul Marshall. Sir Paul, co-founder of the hedge fund Marshall Wace and a joint-owner of GB News, has lined up financial firepower from Mr Griffin ahead of an auction expected to begin within weeks. The discussions are said not to have been finalised and may not lead to a partnership, however. Telegraph Offices in London have lost almost a fifth of their value over the past year, much more than blocks in most other European countries. On average, London office values have dropped 17.1 per cent since summer 2022, having fallen in each of the past five quarters, data from BNP Paribas shows. The Times The health of Germanys economy remains bleak amid an entrenched downturn in the countrys industrial sector, experts warned after a survey of business activity fell for the fifth month in a row. The German Ifo Institutes business climate index fell to 85.7 this month, from a revised 85.8 reading in August, as sentiment in Germanys construction sector slid to its lowest level since 2009. The Times Personal care consumer goods maker PZ Cussons on Tuesday held annual guidance despite a fall in full-year profits as cost inflation and issues at its Nigerian operation continued to weigh. The maker of Imperial Leather soap said pre-tax profit fell 4.2% to 61.8m as revenue rose 10% to 656.3m. Earnings were hit by a a 16.5m impairment at the Sanctuary Spa brand, as well as increased investment in its transformation plans. Cussons said performance in the current fiscal year to date had been in line with expectations, with modest year on year growth in like-for-like revenue and a higher operating profit margin. "We have seen continued good revenue growth in Nigeria and Australia/New Zealand, a stable performance in the UK, offset by a further decline in Indonesia. We therefore expect to deliver adjusted operating profit within the range of current market expectations," the company said. Current consensus forecasts are for a adjusted operating profit in range of 61.5m - 68.2m. Cussons earlier this month offered to buy the minority-held shares in its Nigeria business for 22.8m and delist the firm in a deal management said would strengthen its operation in the African nation where currency and political volatility has been an issue. Real estate giant British Land said it has seen "continued momentum" in the second quarter, with leasing income growth continuing to outpace estimated rental value (ERV). British Land, whose flagship investments include Broadgate Circle in Central London and the Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield, achieved 1.2m square foot of leasing across its 13bn portfolio in the five months to 31 August, some 13.1% ahead of ERV. Meanwhile, a further 1.1m sq ft was under offer, 17.4% ahead of ERV. In the first quarter, leasing was 11% ahead of ERV while under-offer leases were 15.5% ahead of ERV. In the Retail division, which accounted for the bulk of space leased during the second quarter, the company said it is now targeting retail park ERV growth of 3-5% for the full year, ahead of previous guidance of 2-4%. "I am pleased with the continued momentum in the business. Operationally we are seeing strong leasing activity which reflects the exceptional quality of our portfolio and has resulted in our recent upgrade of the expected ERV growth in retail parks," said chief executive Simon Carter. "We have also strengthened our balance sheet in the period and continue to actively recycle capital with the disposal of non-core assets ahead of book value." Meanwhile, in the Campuses division, negotiations are continuing over 1.7m sq ft of space. Late last year, Meta pulled out of a lease at British Land's 1 Triton Square at its Regent's Place asset. The surrender of the lease resulted in a 149m payment received this week, British Land said. "Although this will result in a EPS dilution, post interest savings, of c.0.6p for the six months to March FY24 we are comfortable with current market expectations for FY24 due to better collection of historic COVID arrears than anticipated," the company said. Carter sad that Meta's exit will enable the group to "accelerate our plans to reposition Regent's Place as London's premier Innovation and Life Sciences campus." Van rental firm Redde Northgate said demand continued to outstrip supply in the UK and Ireland as it made a strong start to the current fiscal year. In a brief trading statement ahead of its annual general meeting on Tuesday, Redde said while vehicles were starting to arrive in greater quantities, "these are not yet across the product range or at sufficient volumes to satisfy continued demand". "Spain is enjoying both supply and demand momentum and this is supporting growth and feeding through to a reduction of average fleet age," it added. "We remain focused on supporting rental sectors with the strongest long-term growth prospects. Residual values reflect current new vehicle prices and so, as previously guided, remain significantly above historic levels in both regions, which will be seen in ongoing elevated disposal profits." Software, security and cloud services specialist Bytes Technology Group described a solid first-half performance in a trading update on Tuesday, recording significant year-on-year growth in gross invoiced income. The FTSE 250 company said it had also seen a surge in gross and adjusted operating profits, with both metrics registering double-digit growth. The board noted that the uptrend underscored the company's expanding market share in the corporate and public sectors. At the end of the first half, the company recorded a net cash position of 51.3m after dispensing 30m in final and special dividends. Concerning cash conversion, the board said the first half aligned with its typical skew towards the latter part of the year, forecasting a robust cash conversion for the entire year. We continue to demonstrate the strength of our business model by again delivering double-digit growth amid challenging macroeconomic conditions, said chief executive officer Neil Murphy. The positive start to our financial year, coupled with ongoing investment in our operations, positions us well for the rest of the year. Bytes Technology Group said it would release its detailed half-year results for the six months ended 31 August on 25 October. Market Movers FTSE 250 (MCX) 18,399.45 -0.09% FTSE 250 - Risers Wizz Air Holdings (WIZZ) 1,971.00p 6.22% IG Group Holdings (IGG) 669.00p 4.78% British Land Company (BLND) 326.50p 3.29% Bytes Technology Group (BYIT) 513.50p 3.07% North Atlantic Smaller Companies Inv Trust (NAS) 3,630.00p 2.54% FDM Group (Holdings) (FDM) 514.00p 1.98% Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 182.25p 1.82% OSB Group (OSB) 332.20p 1.78% Spirent Communications (SPT) 137.80p 1.70% Redde Northgate (REDD) 340.00p 1.64% FTSE 250 - Fallers Coats Group (COA) 74.20p -6.19% Vesuvius (VSVS) 420.00p -4.28% Ferrexpo (FXPO) 75.90p -3.37% Kainos Group (KNOS) 1,176.00p -3.29% AJ Bell (AJB) 284.80p -3.20% Bakkavor Group (BAKK) 92.20p -2.95% TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 439.40p -2.87% PZ Cussons (PZC) 156.00p -2.50% IWG (IWG) 146.80p -2.39% Wood Group (John) (WG.) 155.40p -2.33% STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island man who authorities say kept 24 dogs in deplorable conditions on his property in Tompkinsville has pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George to charges stemming from his arrest last summer. Victor Quinteros, 55, copped to charges of felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor cruelty to animals in connection with the July 28, 2022, raid on the 100 block of Van Duzer Street. New York City Sheriffs deputies carried out the raid alongside ASPCA workers, and in conjunction with the Richmond County District Attorneys Office and NYPD. In exchange for his plea, Quinteros was sentenced to one year and 60 days in jail. He already had served the time at Rikers Island and was released from custody. If he is caught possessing a dog in the next year hell be subject to further punishment. Defense attorney Yan Katsnelson said the following on behalf of his client. Mr. Quinteros loved his dogs very much, he thought of them as his family members. He tried to provide great care for the dogs. He now understands that the number of dogs and other circumstances caused him to fall short of that goal. We are thankful that we were able to work out a disposition that is favorable to all involved. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued a statement taking aim at what he called woefully inadequate state legislation that doesnt allow for a life ban on owning an animal in such cases. His punishment nowhere near fits the crime, said McMahon. Under no circumstances should he be allowed to own another animal ever again...this is why I have asked Albany to strengthen these laws to allow us to protect our most vulnerable. If this outcome upsets you because you love animals, I urge you to contact your Albany representatives and tell them how you feel! DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS Authorities at the time of Quinteros arrest told the Advance/SILive.com that two dozen huskies were found in a fenced-in area along the 100 block of Van Duzer Street, shielded by a tarp and barbed wire. There were 16 adult dogs and eight puppies. A majority of the dogs were found inside trailers covered in feces and urine with temperatures exceeding 85 degrees that day. One puppy was found dead and an adult was severely injured. 63 1 / 63 Husky dogs removed by NYC Sheriffs deputies and the ASPCA on Staten Island in animal-cruelty investigation WOMAN ASSAULTED AT PROPERTY Weeks prior to his arrest Quinteros was accused of assaulting a person at his property. A source at the time said he punched a 40-year-old woman who was trying to peek through the fence. The charge was covered by the defendants guilty plea. At the time of the raid, Sheriff Anthony Miranda said he was glad to hold the individual accountable for the abuses that have been going on there for quite some time. RELATED CONTENT: Staten Island courts >>Drive, drive, drive! Alleged wheelman in deli robbery-turned fatal claims ignorance. Second suspect arrested. >>Staten Island man accused of stealing from unlocked cars takes plea. Defense, D.A. spar over sentence >>Pray for me Woman pleads guilty in music studio slaying, burglary plot that rocked Staten Island community >>Staten Island man who busted face of woman, 77, with can pleads guilty. Lawyer says he has dementia >>Some have called for more NYC gun buybacks. Would that have helped Staten Island arsenal defendant? >>Gun makers or avid collectors? Dad, son fight charges after Staten Island raid uncovers 3D printer. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Neighbors of the P.A.I.N. Station in Port Richmond were delighted to learn that the alleged black market smoke shop also said to be operating in illegal narcotics has been closed permanently, according to civic leaders and law enforcement officials. A joint-government effort thats cracked down on shops like the one at 207 Port Richmond Ave. operating in contraband, and in some cases illegal drugs, includes the The New York City Sheriffs Office, Richmond County District Attorney, NYPD, Department of Buildings and community advocates. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon this week issued a statement promising borough residents that this work will continue in the weeks and months to come. We encourage anyone with information regarding stores that are selling illegal cannabis or THC products, untaxed cigarettes, flavored vapes, or any other illegal substances to inform our office immediately,' McMahon said. Amid rumors of the Port Richmond storefront, which, according to court documents, operated under the LLC Mr. P.A.I.N., was possibly dealing in illegal substances, members of a community safety group previously told the Advance/SILive.com they took action. We monitored the situation and forwarded to the appropriate agencies, said leaders of the Port Richmond North Shore Alliance. Law enforcement officials issued an order to vacate the first floor of 207 Port Richmond Ave. in Port Richmond, where months prior a storefront alleged to be selling illegal drugs was raided. The city has since filed a lawsuit against the owners of the mixed commercial and residential property in state Supreme Court, St. George. The deed owners for the building are listed as Tae Suk Park, 71, and Susan Park, 70, of Rossville. Susan Park declined to comment on the case, saying her husband was out of town at the time. The couple lives in a single family home and is tied to multiple real estate dealings over the years, records show. The suit is seeking $1,000 from each defendant for every day they intentionally conducted, maintained or permitted the public nuisance. Responding to the accusations in court filings, Brooklyn-based defense attorney Lance Lazzaro said the city fails to prove the property remained a nuisance at the time the civil complaint was filed. Alleged incidents that occurred four months earlier is clearly not current, ongoing activities, and certainly fails to show that anything illegal is occurring at the defendants location. The complaint fails to establish a public nuisance, Lazzaro continues. It fails to state a cause of action and should be dismissed. Earlier this month, hours after another law enforcement blitz on illegal smoke shops, borough and city officials held a press conference at Borough Hall to assure residents that their complaints have not gone unheard. A recent round of law enforcement raids of illicit smoke shops operating across Staten Island netted an impressive haul, followed by a press conference held by Borough President Vito Fossella at Borough Hall in St. George. (Staten Island Advance/Kyle Lawson) We hear you, we understand this is a quality-of-life issue, and its also a legal issue, said Borough President Vito Fossella. Enough is enough. Officials cited about 100 locations on Staten Island eyed by authorities from Tottenville to Tompkinsville. RELATED: Smoke Shop Raids On Staten Island >>Civic group kept close eye on smoke shop raided on Staten Island; hails law-enforcement actions >>D.A., NYPD raid nets 100 pounds of marijuana from 2 smoke shops on Staten Island >>Landlords of illegal smoke shops in NYC no longer immune to criminal punishment >>Sheriffs Office hits 2 smoke shops on Staten Island with $100K in penalties >>Inside the gold rush of smoke shops illegally selling marijuana on Staten Island STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police are searching for an individual who allegedly assaulted a bank employee in Stapleton Tuesday afternoon. At around 12:45 p.m., a man walked into the Citibank at 577 Bay St. and struck the hand of a bank employee causing a minor injury, according to an NYPD spokesman. The employee refused medical attention at the scene. The man, described to be in his 20s, fled the location in a blue BMW that was later found to have been reported stolen on Sept. 25, police said. The car was last seen traveling to Brooklyn on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing, police said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Three days after a dispute between neighbors exploded into violence, leaving an 81-year-old man dead and two others hospitalized, police and the public have been left with more questions than answers. Law enforcement continues to investigate what sparked the deadly confrontation between the men. Heres the latest rundown on the situation and whats known about Fridays stabbings. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/Kayla Simas) Heres what we know about the incident: Officers responded to a 911 call of an assault at 43 Sunnyside Terr. at around 4:40 p.m., and found three men with injuries and stab wounds, police said. One man, 81, was transported in critical condition with stab wounds about his neck and body to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was pronounced dead, police said. A 78-year-old man also suffered multiple stab wounds, and was transported to the hospital in critical condition, police said, adding that he is now in stable condition. And a 51-year-old man sustained lacerations to the hands and was transported to the hospital in stable condition, police said. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/Kayla Simas) A 57-year-old man was taken into custody, police said, and a knife was recovered at the scene. No charges have been formally filed and an investigation remains ongoing, according to a police source. Detectives still working on all aspects of the case: Active investigation, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the Staten Island Advance/silive.com. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/Kayla Simas) A neighbor told the Advance/SILive.com that emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene. Multiple police cars and an ambulance responded, and a police helicopter could be seen circling above the house and the surrounding area at one point, neighbors added. His face was like a madman, neighbor Kelly Doyle said of the suspect when police took him into custody, according to the New York Post. He looked deranged when he came out. As of Monday morning, a police car was still stationed outside the house, which is located on a quiet residential street off Clove Road, only three blocks from the intersection of Clove Road and Howard Avenue. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/Kayla Simas) Stabbing Victims Identified Police have since identified Francesco (Frank) Pompilii, a resident of Sunnyside Terrace, as the the 81-year-old man who was fatally stabbed in the Sunnyside home. The two other men stabbed were Pompiliis friend, Redzep Cobaj, 78, and Cobajs son, Skender Cobaj, 51, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. The incident unfolded at a neighbors house, police said. Residents of Sunnyside Terrace told CBS News that Pompilii was across the street from his own home when the incident occurred. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/Kayla Simas) Neighbors said the victims and the suspect all knew each other, according to the report. A woman walking her dog in the area Saturday said she witnessed the chaos when it unfolded. Neighbors told her that Pompilii was fatally wounded while trying to break up a dispute. Pompilii was a staple on the street, and its a great loss for everyone,' the woman said. Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of an 81-year-old man that occurred on Friday. (Staten Island Advance/David Luces) A Husband, Father, and Seamster According to Advance/SILive.com archives, Pompilii was born in Abruzze, Italy, and arrived in America at the age of 17. He attended Curtis High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he became certified as a fashion clothing cutter supervisor. He worked as a supervisor for making and cutting band uniforms at the former Uniforms By Ostwald in New Brighton for 22 years. He later worked for 10 years at Albilt Uniforms in the Bronx as a supervisor in the clothing cutting department before retiring. He and his wife, Doreen, had been married for more than 50 years, and had two children and six grandchildren. Neighbors told CBS News that Pompilii was a great neighbor who would give you the shirt off his back. Related Coverage: Sunnyside Triple Stabbing >> 81-year-old killed in triple stabbing on Staten Island identified by police >> Man, 81, dies in Staten Island triple stabbing; NYPD takes suspect into custody >> NYPD responds to report of stabbing in Sunnyside Do drugs the right way, the safe way. Well even help you. Thats been New York Citys message in the face of what has been one of the worst eras of drug addiction and death that weve seen in this country. And its not working. New York City doesnt look to end drug addiction, not really. They want addicts to be able to take their drugs in a clean, well-lighted place - a safe injection site - with a support system around them. The big promise has been that safe injection sites and other harm reduction efforts will keep more addicts alive. It wont necessarily cure them of their addiction, but it will prevent deaths. Its part of an overall permissiveness toward drug abuse thats been relentlessly pushed by New York lawmakers. Its led to such previously unthinkable things as government-run shooting galleries; legal marijuana and an explosion in the weed-selling black market; vending machines that dispense safe-use drug kits, and increasing calls for the legalization of psychedelic drugs. New York City puts more emphasis on preventing traffic deaths, even aiming to have no road fatalities at all through its Vision Zero program, than it does in getting people to stop using drugs. Keeping addicts alive is just the first step. Getting them off drugs should be the goal. If you look at the numbers, New Yorks permissive attitude toward drugs is utterly failing us. There were 3,026 overdose deaths in the city in 2022. Thats 300 more deaths than we saw the year before, an increase of 12%. Deadly and ever more common fentanyl, which pops up unsuspected in cocaine and pills, was a factor in 81% of those deaths. Too often, someones first taste of fentanyl is their last and fatal one. The New York City Health Department put out a commissioners advisory that said that the overdose crisis reaches historic proportions. No kidding. Its clear that having overdose-reversing naloxone handy, as New York City recommends, isnt the solution to preventing deaths. In fact, it may encourage drug use by giving users a false and potentially deadly sense of security, especially when fentanyl is involved. Staten Island, among the communities nationwide hardest hit by the opioid and painkiller crisis, had the second highest rate of overdose deaths in 2022, at 38.0 per 100,000. That was a slight increase from the year before. Our borough saw 152 fatal overdoses in 2022, up from 146 the year before. The area of Stapleton and St. George had an overdose rate higher than the city average, at 46.8 overdoses per 100,000 residents. Its pretty hard to view increasing overdose deaths as merely coincidental to New Yorks laid-back and overtly encouraging attitude toward drug abuse. A change in tactics is clearly called for. Staten Island officials formed their own drug crisis task force after Gov. Kathy Hochul ridiculously vetoed bi-partisan legislation that would have created an anti-fentanyl task force. Hochul then created her own task force, which was slammed for not including community residents, elected officials or family members affected by the crisis. The Island approach is the way to go. Encouraging too are the results of the Hotspotting the Overdose Epidemic Program, which saw an 81% reduction in non-fatal overdoses and also recorded fewer deaths for its engaged participants. Whats not best is encouraging drug users to keep using by making it easy for them. Getting them off drugs for good is the best way to keep them alive. The numbers dont lie. MORE FROM TOM WROBLESKI Thirty years later and my Mr. Coffee is still perking. And Im not getting rid of it! | Opinion Ohio mayor admits what weve known all along: Speed cameras are nothing but a money grab | Opinion Heres whats really causing traffic on Staten Island (opinion) They took the world by surprise when they announced it some days ago, publishing the text of the agreement in full on their respective government websites. France may have been the most surprised. It had been caught off guard by these countries which had seen coups detat that overthrew pro-French regimes bound to Paris by agreements that give France license to monopolise the exploitation of their natural resources which it purchased at rates far below their prices on international markets. The most flagrant example of this is Frances exploitation of Nigers uranium mines. The international demand for uranium has been growing because it powers nuclear power plants which are a less environmentally harmful way to generate electricity than plants powered by coal or other fossil fuels. In the past decade, France imported more than 17,500 tons of uranium per year from Niger for which it paid Niamey about 1.5 million Euro instead of the roughly 353 million Euros that quantity of uranium would have fetched on the open market. It is little wonder that Nigerians now insist that France owes their country the cumulative difference from the past ten years, which would come to more than 3.5 billion Euros. Anger is growing in France at both the governmental and popular levels in reaction to the developments in the three above-mentioned African states that had once been French colonies. Tensions spiked again recently when Mali declared the French ambassador persona non grata and asked him to leave the country. Paris instructed the ambassador to remain at the embassy in Bamako and, in response, Malian forces surrounded the embassy and blocked the entry of all food supplies. This is only a glimpse into the turbulent background that led the three countries to close ranks and sign a mutual defence agreement, one of the 17 articles of which states that an act of aggression against any one of them is an act of aggression against them all. Do they expect an imminent escalation that will force them to put the agreement into effect? * A version of this article appears in print in the 28 September, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. It was standing room only at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton, at the installation Mass of Rev. Rizalino (Father Rhey) Garcia on Saturday, Sept. 23. Father Rhey is the eleventh pastor of Sacred Heart and the first Filipino pastor on Staten Island. His parents flew in from the Philippines for the mass; other family members, who traveled from the United Kingdom and Los Angeles, also arrived on Staten Island for the installation. Over 700 attendees, including family, friends, clergy and parishioners, gathered at 981 Castleton Avenue to bear witness to Father Rheys installation, some arriving as early as two hours prior to the 4 p.m. ceremony to secure a seat. However, because of the immense crowd that filled the church to capacity, dozens were left standing outside in the pouring rain for the service. A reception followed in the schools auditorium, where guests enjoyed refreshments and music by the Moore Catholic High School choir. I am humbled and, at the same time, profoundly honored to be installed as the eleventh pastor of Sacred Heart Church, especially as we anticipate celebrating our 150th anniversary, said Father Rhey. This moment is not merely a formality; it marks the continuation of a sacred journey that began a century and a half ago -- a journey of faith, love and community. Our parish, established in the year of our Lord, 1875, has weathered the tides of times, witnessing countless generations come together in worship and service. The Sacred Heart has been a beacon of hope, a refuge for the weary, and a sanctuary for the seeking. Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edmund Whalen, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Msgr. William Belford led a contingent of concelebrating priests and deacons. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) BELOVED PRIEST Beloved by countless Catholics on Staten Island for his innovative leadership and warmth, Father Rhey was appointed pastor on July 1, 2023. He arrived at Sacred Heart in October 2022 as the parishs administrator. The significance of my installation as a pastor is not about me as an individual, but rather about the sacred responsibility I am privileged to bear, said Father Rhey in reflecting on his appointment. Our 150th anniversary is a poignant reminder that we are part of a greater tapestry woven with threads of devotion and sacrifice. It is a call to renew our commitment to the values we have sustained faith, compassion and unity. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by nurturing the spiritual growth of our parishioners, the families, especially our young people, reaching out to the marginalized, and fostering an atmosphere of care and love. All are welcome here at Sacred Heart, especially those who are broken, wounded and lost. Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on September 23, 2023. The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edmund Whalen, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Msgr. William Belford, right, led a contingent of concelebrating priests and deacons, including Deacon Jim Cowan, left. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) ABOUT FATHER RHEY According to Catholic New York, Father Rhey has spent the past decade serving at three Staten Island parishes. Originally from the Philippines, he was ordained in 1999 and holds a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from St. Johns University. Formerly of St. Joseph-St. Thomas St. John Neumann parish, where he served for eight years, Father Rhey also served at Holy Rosary R.C. Church, South Beach, before moving to Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville, in September 2019. Father Rhey is the chaplain of Moore Catholic High School, Graniteville, in a pilot project that assigns him time in both the parish and school settings. May the Sacred Heart Church, the heart of West Brighton, continue to be a source of inspiration, a haven of peace, and a beacon of faith for generations to come, just as it has been for almost 150 years, said Father Rhey. Together, let us embrace the future with hope and anticipation, standing firm in our resolve to shine the light of Christs love in our parish family and beyond. Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. He is pictured with family members at the reception that followed in the Sacred Heart auditorium: Cousin Trevor Bowcher, left, Rev. Rhey's parents, Remedios and Wilfredo Garcia, and his sister, Jane Garcia. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the Pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on September 23, 2023. The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edmund Whalen, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Msgr. William Belford led a contingent of concelebrating priests and deacons. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edmund Whalen, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Msgr. William Belford led a contingent of concelebrating priests and deacons. They are pictured here with Father Rhey's parents. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on September 23, 2023. The principal celebrant was The Most Rev. Edmund Whalen, DD, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Msgr. William Belford led a contingent of concelebrating priests and deacons. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) Rev. Rhey Garcia was installed as the pastor of Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Sept. 23, 2023. (Courtesy Mary DiBiase Blaich) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Despite a Staten Island Supreme Court judges ruling that migrants currently being housed in a shelter at the former St. John Villa Academy must vacate the premises, the weeks-long fight over the use of the former school building is far from over. A representative from City Hall told the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com that the administration plans to immediately appeal the preliminary injunction granted by Judge Wayne Ozzi on Tuesday that barred the site from being used to house migrants. While not a single family with children has been forced to sleep on the streets in New York City, this ruling jeopardizes our ability to continue providing shelter at that scale. We are taking steps to immediately appeal this ruling, which we believe is incorrect in key respects and which threatens to disrupt efforts to manage this national humanitarian crisis, said City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak. Instances like this underscore the urgent need for a broader state and national solution, as weve emphasized repeatedly, Mamelak added. Said Borough President Vito Fossella upon learning the city plans to appeal the verdict: We are disappointed to hear that the city plans to appeal Judge Ozzis decision in the St. John Villa lawsuit. We hope the city sees this as an opportunity to change their direction in handling the migrants. As the ruling clearly states, there is no solid foundation for the current implementation of the right to shelter consent decree. First off; it is not a law, secondly; it is not in the constitution, and lastly; it is a recipe for financial disaster. PLEA TO CITY OFFICIALS Shortly after the ruling was announced, many of the boroughs elected officials gathered outside the shelter to commend Ozzis decision, imploring the city not to appeal, though the administration has since announced its intention to do so. Instead of appealing the decision, local elected officials said the administration should use it as supporting evidence in another case that will be heard Tuesday regarding the citys attempt to make changes to the longstanding right to shelter mandate. Im here to say to the administration and to the mayor and to the lawyers that are speaking on his behalf, dont appeal todays decision, use it. Use it to help us finally crawl out of this hole and end our open-ended engagement with this migrant crisis, said Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island). This is an opportunity to turn the corner, turn the page, and get the city out of this crisis, and start spending our tax dollars and resources on the people who actually pay those taxes. If [the administration] is indeed genuine that they want to stop this insanity, then they shouldnt be filing an appeal, said Assemblyman Michael Tannousis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn). We will be calling in bipartisan manner for the mayor and City Hall not to file an appeal and that is the only way this will end. Its a victory today, but it doesnt mean the fights over. We want to really put pressure on the city to make sure that they keep todays decision, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), who was not party to the lawsuit, said. If the city would listen to us and heed our calls throughout this process, we wouldnt be standing here before you and thats why the local input is incredibly important. Weve heard your cries. We know that this isnt a good location. Its supposed to be a school and we will do all we can to ensure that happens, Supreme Court Judge Erika Edwards, of Manhattan, is set to hear from city officials Tuesday as they pursue changes to the right to shelter law. In May, Mayor Eric Adams administration filed a legal challenge seeking significant changes to the right to shelter, which stems from a 1979 lawsuit and subsequent legal action. Specifically, the citys right to shelter for adults would be lifted in situations when the citys shelter system has been stretched beyond its capacity, like the current crisis brought on by the influx of migrants, mostly from the southern border. Children and their families would not be impacted by the proposed change. Theyre in court to limit the right to shelter. Use this court decision as a tool in that fight. Use this court decision as an excuse in that fight. Use this as an excuse to start winding down the shelter system, said Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore). I, too, ask the mayor to use this as a tool to move forward to end the crisis that has been created, said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island). There is no legal right that this judge believes that anyone that is not a New York City resident has a right to shelter. ...The courts have heard us. Now Mayor Adams, we need you to hear us. The administration has faced an uphill battle in their challenge. The Coalition for the Homeless, which brought the original 1979 lawsuit that led to the right to shelter, has, along with the Legal Aide Society, opposed the citys push in court. A Coalition co-founder, attorney Robert Hayes, brought the original suit on behalf of Robert Callahan, a homeless man suffering from alcoholism who Hayes discovered sleeping on the street in Manhattan, according to the Coalition. In a settlement, the city and state agreed to provide shelter and board to all homeless men who met the need standard for welfare or who were homeless by reason of physical, mental or social dysfunction. Women and children were added later through further legal action, according to the Coalition. This isnt the first time that the city has appealed a decision made by Ozzi regarding the use of the former St. John Villa Academy as a shelter for migrants. The judge granted a temporary restraining order shortly after the city started moving migrants into the location Aug. 25, but the states appellate division overturned that ruling a few hours later, following a city appeal. Attorneys Mark Fonte and Louis Gelormino are representing the cases plaintiffs Scott Herkert, a neighbor who lives directly next door to the shelter, and Staten Islands Republican elected officials Chad Hughes, the city attorney who appeared in the cases last hearing held Sept. 14, said that as of that date, 72 people were living at the Villa location at the intersection of Landis Avenue and Chicago Avenue. That population is part of the more-than 60,000 migrants currently in the citys care as Adams administration has worked to respond to an influx of more than 110,000 new arrivals to the five boroughs since April of last year. THE LAWSUIT Herkert and the local Republicans argued that courts should block the shelter for a variety of reasons the zoning in the area, the impact the site would have on Herkerts property, a state law requiring community notice for homeless shelters, and the burden the site would have on Staten Island. Ozzi sided with them in his Tuesday decision, but separated Herkerts nuisance claims from the rest of the case. Those claims will be subject to an evidentiary hearing to be scheduled in the near future. It is refreshing to know that there are jurists in our system, like Judge Ozzi, who understands our concerns with having migrant shelters placed within residential areas. We urge the city to relinquish using St. John Villa as a migrant shelter and make good on its earlier, more appropriate promise to develop a school at the site, so that the homeowners in Arrochar and the schoolchildren of St. Joseph Hill and P.S.39 can get back to normal, said Fossella. During the Sept. 14 hearing, much of the citys argument focused on their position that the migrant issue is an ongoing emergency, and Adams executive orders in response to that emergency permit the city to lift some of the requirements typically associated with siting homeless shelters. Ozzi rejected that argument saying the current situation didnt meet the states legal standard for an emergency, in part because the city has done little to limit new arrivals into the five boroughs or to try to set up other shelters before opening the Villa site despite the citys opening of more than 200 emergency shelters since the crisis started. [The city] did nothing to stem the tide, such as diverting these persons elsewhere, rejecting or returning them outright, or constructing or retrofitting facilities in places permitted under zoning or other regulation, Ozzi wrote in his decision. The emergency relied on is, for a large part, one of [the citys] own making, unlike sudden and uncontrollable events like a pandemic, flooding, storm, blizzard, terrorist attacks, etc. I write to express my deep concern over the recent discussions surrounding Staten Islands potential secession from New York City. While the idea might hold emotional appeal for some, the tangible ramifications of such a move would be both immediate and long-lasting. Firstly, one cannot ignore the potential for a significant tax increase for Staten Island residents. By breaking away from NYC, we would no longer benefit from the financial support and shared resources of the larger city. This could lead to a situation akin to what we see in Long Island, where residents grapple with some of the highest property taxes in the country. Maintaining public services solely with Staten Islands tax base would inevitably require higher taxes. Our Island, while rich in spirit and community, does not possess the same vast economic engines that boroughs like Manhattan have. From sanitation to police, from firefighting to education, these public jobs, which are currently subsidized by NYCs broader financial pool, would have to be funded entirely by Staten Island residents. Furthermore, the consequences for public sector employees would be profound. Secession would mean that every public sector worker on Staten Island would cease to be a New York City employee. This would undeniably impact their salaries, benefits, and pensions considerations that many of these dedicated workers have planned their futures around. While its natural for communities to seek greater autonomy and representation, we must be prudent and recognize the financial realities of such decisions. Severing ties with NYC would place a heavy burden on every resident and public sector worker of Staten Island. We must weigh the allure of independence against the very real economic implications and potential hardships it could bring about. Thank you for considering my viewpoint. I urge fellow Staten Islanders to think deeply about the consequences of secession and the future we want for our beloved Island. (Dr. Joseph Frusci is a Great Kills resident.) Weve officially launched Plugged in Parent, an exciting initiative set on bringing readers the stories that Staten Island families need to know. You will find it all at silive.com/parents and direct to your in-box via our new, free Plugged-In Parent newsletter. (Subscribe to the newsletter here!) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Eighth-grade students who want to apply to a Catholic high school for the 2024-2025 school year will need to test their way in. 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! Former Qantas boss Alan Joyce will not front the Senate select committee into the federal governments decision to reject extra flights from Qatar Airways due to personal commitments as newly minted chief executive Vanessa Hudson prepares for her first public hearing at the helm of the embattled airline. Senator Bridget McKenzie confirmed on Tuesday the former Qantas boss, Joyce, who has been overseas since he unexpectedly quit the business two months early, cannot accommodate the request to explain his role in the rejection of Qatar Airways application in person or by video link. Qantas chairman Richard Goyder and Vanessa Hudson will appear at the inquiry on Wednesday. But Alan Joyce will not. Credit: Rhett Wyman Hudson and Qantas chair Richard Goyder will appear before the senate to answer questions on behalf of Australias biggest airline on Wednesday. The federal government has faced fierce criticism from the opposition, airports, airlines and industry experts for allegedly preferencing the interests of Qantas over the rest of the industry when it rejected Qatar Airways application to double its flights to Australia. Former federal speaker Bronwyn Bishops political career never recovered from the revelations she billed taxpayers for a $5227 helicopter ride to a Liberal Party fundraiser. But from the ashes of Choppergate, the party veteran has reinvented herself as a firebrand conservative pundit, recently going viral with her attacks on the Voice to parliament. Her latest role has taken Bronnie to some rather strange places. Next week, shes set to front an online event hosted by Pat Mesiti, a former Hillsong minister (booted from the church after getting caught using prostitutes) and self-confessed sex addict turned prosperity gospel life coach. Bronhawk down. Credit: Cathy Wilcox Now Mesiti may no longer be a Hillsonger, but his penchant for fire and brimstone remains, with an event description billing Bronnies words of wisdom as a lifeline for Australians living through seemingly apocalyptic times. The free event is titled: The Economic House of Cards. 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 Its been 12 years since Silverchair announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus, and more than 16 years since their fifth and (so far) final album Young Modern was released. But suddenly, one of the most successful bands this country has ever produced is back in the headlines. And its all because the feud between frontman Daniel Johns and bandmates Ben Gillies (drums) and Chris Joannou (bass) has flared up again. Whats happened? The ABCs Australian Story made a two-part documentary about the band, called A Silver Lining, the second episode of which went to air on Monday night. In it, Gillies and Joannou tell the story of their friendship, which has had many ups and downs over the years, their time in the band they formed in Newcastle with their mate Johns when the three of them were about 12 years old, and what has happened in the years since Silverchair effectively broke up. The hook for all this is the book the pair have co-authored with journalist Alley Pascoe, Love & Pain. Given how popular the band was almost from the moment their first single Tomorrow was released when they were just 15, the documentary and the book were always likely to gain attention. But what really made people sit up and take notice was when the ABC pulled the first episode off iview last week over what it labelled a music rights issue. In happier times: Daniel Johns (centre) with Silverchair bandmates Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou in 2002. We negotiated with Sony Music to licence the use of Silverchairs music video clips in the program for broadcast and for ABC iview, the broadcaster explained in a statement. Each band members approval was required. While Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou approved the use, Daniel Johns said he would only approve if he had access to an advance copy of their book, which was not a decision for the ABC or Australian Story. Advertisement The rights governing terrestrial (broadcast) television and streaming often vary, and the producers got around the impasse by making two versions of the program. The TV version included music and video clips, the streaming version contained music only, with no clips. But when Sony queried the version on iview, the ABC removed it. The broadcaster is now reviewing its position. As of the time of writing, episode one is not available on iview but episode two is. What does Daniel Johns have to say about this? In a long post on Instagram, Johns said he would have preferred to say nothing before outlining what he said were the facts. He said Australian Storys producers had reached out to his team on August 11 to let him know about the program, and a little later asked him if he would be interviewed for it, a request he respectfully declined because, he said, I havent been involved in the book nor am I aware of the contents. Ive asked on many occasions to read the book but havent been sent a copy, consequently I was uncomfortable being interviewed to help promote it. He had been asked to clear seven songs for use on iview, he said, and responded that I would be open to approving all songs provided I received a copy of the book to ensure I wasnt having my songs used to promote something I had no visibility on. I was told again that Ben and Chris would not give me a copy to read. Thats why the iview use was denied. Publisher Hachette was contacted for comment, and asked if Johns account was accurate, but did not offer a response. Of particular concern to Johns was the proposed use of Anas Song, a track he wrote about his own struggles with anorexia. In the first part of A Silver Lining, Gillies briefly addresses the subject, saying he didnt even know what anorexia was at the time the song was written, and that he thought it was really brave of him to write and sing about it. Advertisement That doesnt sound so bad. So, whats really going on here? In the series, Gillies and Joannou address their lingering sense of dissatisfaction with the way Silverchair ended, with a whimper rather than the bang they felt they deserved, in 2011. We owed it to ourselves to have that conversation, Gillies said in the second episode. But that isnt what we did. We just put out a press release, and then we didnt speak. I remember hearing that press release being read on radio, added Joannou. And just feeling a big emptiness, and I guess sadness that it had gotten to that point. For Johns, who has publicly discussed his diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, calling time on the band was driven by a profound existential crisis. I dont want to be Silverchair, I just dont want to be, he told Carrie Bickmore on The Project last year, in an interview to mark the launch of his multimedia work and exhibition FutureNever. That was a hard thing to walk away from because that was my entire identity, but if I didnt do it I was going to end up like some of these other people you can read between the lines. His relationship with his former bandmates was, he said, now defined by bitterness, jealousy, anger one of the guys in particular has taken a real shining to kicking me while I was down, when I was in rehab and stuff, saying I was exploiting mental health to sell records theyve not shown me any respect. Advertisement His relationship with Joannou, he clarified, was relatively passive. But Gillies for some reason has a real issue with me being successful without him. Thats sad because I wish him all the best, honestly, but unfortunately he doesnt want me to branch out. Johns also said last year that he had been forced to re-record his own compositions because the recordings were denied by another band member. That suggests there may have been more than a touch of tit-for-tat in the latest exchange. So, a Silverchair reunion isnt on the cards? Although producer Adam Zammit claimed in the series he would give the band $10 million to reform (a steep increase on the $1 million Johns turned down some years ago), his money seems safe. Joannou, whose post-band life has included a stint as a restaurateur, a battle with cancer, and a heart attack, is now selling motorbikes for a living. Johns told The Project he had reached out to his former bandmates to play with him on FutureNever, but it went nowhere. And Gillies told Australian Story, in my mind, Silverchair is done. That moment, that part of my life is finished. Fans might prefer to wait til tomorrow in hope, but a change of heart seems highly unlikely. Contact the author at kquinn@theage.com.au, follow him on Facebook at karlquinnjournalist and on Twitter @karlkwin, and read more of his work here. Advertisement McCallums motorcades are now, by order of the police chiefs of the cities he visits, forbidden to stop anywhere along the line of drive, The New York Times reported in a 1965 profile. If the entourage slowed, there would be carnage in the streets. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. ended in 1968, and McCallum retreated happily to lower-profile roles. He continued to work steadily, mostly in B movies and in supporting parts on television. He also played the title role in the short-lived series The Invisible Man (1975-76) and Emperor Joseph II in a revival of Amadeus on Broadway in 1999. Loading But everywhere he went, he said, the Russian secret agent stalked him. Its been 30 years, but I cant escape him, he told The Times in 1998. Illya Kuryakin is there 24 hours a day. In 2003, the Russian shadow finally met his match in the bow-tied, bespectacled and eccentric medical examiner Donald Mallard, better known as Ducky, on the hit CBS crime series NCIS. He remained with the show, which consistently ranked in the Nielsen Top 10, for two decades, and was still a member of the cast at his death. In interviews, McCallum said that besides Julius Caesar, Dr Mallard was his favourite role, in part because it taught him so much about forensics. He studied with pathologists in Los Angeles and even sat in on autopsies, learning enough that the shows writers would ask him for technical advice. David Keith McCallum jr was born on September 19, 1933, into a musical family in Glasgow. His father was the first violinist for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London; his mother, Dorothy Dorman, was a cellist. He would later tell interviewers that his Scotch Presbyterian upbringing had left him emotionally circumscribed. We Scots, we tend to be awfully tight inside, he told TV Guide in 1965. It has hurt me as an actor to be so so naturally restricted. Loading Expected to follow in the family footsteps and pursue a career in music, he enrolled in the Royal Academy of Music to study oboe. But he found himself drawn to acting and switched to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. (He never completely lost interest in music, however; at the height of his U.N.C.L.E. fame, Capitol Records released several albums under his name, on which he conducted instrumental renditions of pop hits.) McCallum was drafted into the British military in 1951 and served two years, including 10 months in what is now Ghana as a small-arms expert. Not long after his discharge, he signed with the Rank Organisation, a British production company, and began acting both in movies and on television. He met Jill Ireland, already a rising actress in Britain, when they were both cast in the Rank production Robbery Under Arms in 1957. He proposed seven days after they met, and they married that spring. In 1961, when he was cast as Judas Iscariot in The Greatest Story Ever Told (the movie would not be completed and released until 1965), the couple moved to Los Angeles. David McCallum his wife, actor Jill Ireland, meeting at London Airport following his trip to Australia in 1957. Credit: Getty They appeared to flourish. They had three children. Ireland became a busy TV actress and made several guest appearances on The Man From U.N.C.L.E., playing three different characters. But the strain of McCallums stardom took a toll on their marriage, and Ireland left him for the actor Charles Bronson, whom she had met when McCallum and Bronson were both filming The Great Escape (1963). Less than a year after their divorce in 1967, McCallum married Katherine Carpenter, a model. David McCallum and his second wife, Kathy Carpenter, in 1966. Credit: Fairfax She survives him. Further information about his survivors was not immediately available. McCallum and his wife lived in Manhattan. The Associated Press reported that CBS said he died at a Manhattan hospital, but did not explain why he had been hospitalised. David McCallum, 1961. Credit: Look Magazine When NCIS made McCallum a television star for the second time, he found fame much less oppressive than he had the first time. In New York now I leave 15 minutes because I walk everywhere in New York between appointments because I am going to be stopped on the street to talk about NCIS for at least 15 minutes, he told BBC Radio in a 2009 interview. I love it, he said, when asked if he ever grew tired of that kind of attention. Ive never got fed up with anything in my whole life. The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes reveal how Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo used WhatsApp messages to try to reshape governments. It is perhaps not so curious that a man like Mike Pezzullo, a powerful public servant who tried secretly to insert himself into the intrigues of high politics, felt attracted to the so-called D Notice system to crack down on press freedom. The D Notice (the D is for Defence) was the invention of the UK defence, intelligence and political worlds early last century to prevent Germany learning through the press confidential details of the British military in the lead-up to World War I. Former prime ministers Robert Menzies and Paul Keating, and Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo, who has stood aside from his position. The idea was that British political and intelligence leaders would meet the nations powerful press barons and reach quiet agreement on what should be kept secret from the public, and thus from the nations enemies. It is not too fanciful to imagine them meeting in the exclusive gentlemens clubs to which they all belonged a version of the behind-the-scenes networking that goes on these days in the Qantas Chairmans Lounge. A few weeks ago, the Committee for Sydney think tank released a report finding that there are only five other world cities with more unaffordable housing than Sydney. Confronted with a rising population, it called for immediate and robust action to ramp up our housing supply. However, in addition to the research, it also asked Sydneysiders to become YIMBYs. That is, to back new developments in their area by saying yes, in my backyard: a disappointing adjunct to an otherwise impressive report. Sydney is the sixth least affordable city in the world for housing. Credit: Sam Mooy Its disappointing because this is precisely the same terminology adopted by the developer lobby an acronym enabling either a pro-development or an anti-development narrative. Be a YIMBY! Dont be a NIMBY someone who blocks housing affordability via a not in my backyard conservatism or so the mantra goes. Not only does the reinforcement and embedding of such jargon dumb down a debate crying out for more sophistication, it is also divisive. Moreover, it conveniently scoots over how multifaceted this issue is for Sydneysiders, while camouflaging the fact that so many details are still sorely missing. New analysis of HSC data shows public schools that are achieving consistently strong results across their whole student cohort. Fairvale High principal Kathleen Seto says myriad factors have contributed to her students success in HSC mathematics during her 16 years at the south-western Sydney school. One thing our teachers always do, though, is forensically look at data and results after assessment tasks. We pick up the gaps and if students havent got a concept we remedy that by explicitly teaching it, and develop worksheets to help them grasp it, Seto says. Fairvale High School principal Kathleen Seto. From 2020 to 2022, the school has achieved an average HSC score of 81 or above in advanced maths and maths extension 1. The 1400-pupil school in Fairfield West was announced as one of the public systems first ambassador schools in 2021 and has scored above average in multiple subjects. More than 90 per cent of students come from a language background other than English, she says, and 10 per cent are refugees. Our schools breakfast club feeds more than 100 students every day, Seto says. Airbnbs and other short-term accommodations in Byron Bay, on the NSW North Coast, will be limited to operating for just 60 days a year in a major policy shift aimed at increasing the supply of homes in the holiday hotspot. A rising number of short-term holiday rentals has added strain in a region that has the highest rate of rental stress in the country when people spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent. New limits will be imposed on some short-term rentals in Byron Bay. Credit: Danielle Smith The rules introduced by the state government on Monday will apply to homes that are not located in areas with high tourism appeal or close to beaches. The policy also does not affect hosted short-term rentals (where the host lives on the property during the stay), which can still be taken 365 days a year. When Daniel Andrews did his first radio interview for eons with the ABCs new morning presenter Raf Epstein last week, the conversation inevitably turned to matters of integrity. Epstein put to the premier criticisms from former anti-corruption commissioner Robert Redlich and current Ombudsman Deborah Glass about Labors integrity record, including its tardiness in responding to recommendations for reform. Daniel Andrews brushed past integrity concerns in his government. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Theyre not in the cabinet room, Andrews said. If you want to get into the cabinet room, well youll need to go and get yourself elected. The then premier was expressing a growing frustration about the encroachment of high-minded legal figures-turned-integrity chiefs and experts into the business of democratically elected MPs. 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 This story was first published on July 30 last year, when Jacinta Allan was named Victorias deputy premier. Jacinta Allan is widely tipped to become Victorias next Labor premier, but you wont hear her admit it. I am not going to deny its not flattering to be thought of in those terms, of course, she says. But the thing that gets me out of bed is the work I get to do in Bendigo and my portfolio and, I know it might sound corny, but making my family proud. Not tempted to fall into the trap of exposing any leadership ambitions, Allan's answer reveals much about her approach to politics. Allan is a self-confessed goody two shoes, and caucus colleagues describe her as diligent, dutiful and even boring. She has studiously avoided controversy and, according to staff, prides herself on being on top of her portfolios of transport infrastructure, Suburban Rail Loop and delivering the Commonwealth Games. Victorian Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan joined state parliament at the age of 26. Credit: Eddie Jim In many ways, Allans approach to her political career was shaped by her arrival at Spring Street at the age of 26. I was conscious that I was a very young woman, she says. The way I approached it was to always do my homework. Advertisement Allan was a young political staffer with ambitions of one day becoming a ministerial adviser when she agreed to run for Bendigo East at the 1999 state election. Her public profile had risen when she led the campaign against a proposed table-top dancing club in her home town of Bendigo. She didnt do it strategically, Allans close friend Marika McMahon says. She was disgusted and thought it was a backwards step. The seat was then held by Michael John, a one-time Liberal cabinet minister who had represented the area for 15 years. Allan didnt expect to win. States youngest minister Yet a wave of anger at the Kennett government at that election resulted in a swing of about 5 per cent in regional centres and 7.5 per cent in rural Victoria. In Bendigo, there was a 9 per cent swing to Labor, catapulting Allan to Spring Street. Advertisement She turned 26 the day after the election. She was the youngest woman to be elected to Victorias parliament. Allan admits she was shocked by the result, describing it as quite an adjustment and transition. In her first term, she was elevated to the front bench as minister for employment, education services and youth, becoming the states youngest minister, aged just 29. Allan describes herself as a real Hermione Granger in reference to the bookish Harry Potter character who, like Allan, was dedicated to her school work and at times, a bit of a know-it-all. Jacinta Allan pictured after becoming an MP, aged 26. Credit: Craig Sillitoe After leaving school, she studied arts at La Trobe University in Bendigo after missing out on a journalism cadetship at the Bendigo Advertiser. It was there she joined the Labor Party, travelling to Melbourne on weekends for party events with her Labor Party contemporaries, including Daniel Andrews, former attorney-general Jill Hennessy and federal Labor politicians Andrew Giles and Julian Hill. For her honours year, she interned for federal Labor MP Lindsay Tanners office in Canberra before slotting into a spot in the electorate office of Neil OKeefe, and later Stephen Gibbons in Bendigo. Other than a brief stint on a Coles checkout, Allans entire career has been in politics. Advertisement In early interviews, Allan spoke openly about her life away from politics. These days, she is more likely to sidestep personal questions. Colleagues and friends believe her reticence may stem from spending more than half of her life as a high-profile MP, while juggling a career, a marriage breakdown and motherhood. A private person As a young minister, Allan was married to Australian Workers Union Victorian branch secretary Ben Davis. Four years later, she married Yorick Piper, who had worked as a ministerial adviser to Allan and other ministers in the Brumby government. The couple have two children and live on a farm near Bendigo. She is guarded about her two children, who are 10 and eight years old, but says becoming a mother changed her approach to politics. Friends say Allan and husband Piper have raised beautifully balanced kids despite the unrelenting demands of her job. The biggest impact on my outlook and the way I work has been having kids, Allan says. Having kids is motivating. Politicians and public servants who have worked alongside her praise Allans work ethic and enthusiasm, but describe her as more of a manager than a visionary. Melbourne Metro Rail Authority chief executive Evan Tattersall, who has worked closely with Allan for the past seven years, describes her as tough in meetings but willing to take advice. Advertisement She is pragmatic, and she listens, he says. Shes one of the most open and honest people that I have dealt with in politics. Its a view shared by former COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar, who worked alongside Allan in her various transport portfolios and more recently when, as acting premier, she decided to shut the NSW border during the busy summer holiday period, due to rising COVID cases. The decision meant 60,000 people were forced to frantically abandon long-awaited holidays and return to Victoria before midnight on New Years Eve to avoid 14 days of home quarantine. Some were trapped, locked out of their home state. Allan is announced as a minister in 2002 by then-premier Steve Bracks. Credit: Jason South Recalling daily sometimes hourly conversations with Allan between Christmas and New Years Eve, Weimar praises her for engaging with the problem, not avoiding it. It was a really difficult time, none of us wanted to be there, he says. Initially, she pushed back on the advice, understanding the gravity and consequences of not only ruining holidays for COVID-weary Victorians, but the potential border crush the decision would create. I dont think it was very enjoyable for her, but she backed us. I think thats what she does. Allan expects the highest standards from her department and will forensically grill bureaucrats. Its a skill she has honed over her two decades in parliament and more than 15 years as a minister. Advertisement Two prominent Melbourne neo-Nazis have complained in court about being targeted by state and federal police over their white supremacist political beliefs, during a hearing to determine their sentence for an assault while bushwalking with far-right adherents. Thomas Sewell, 30, the self-proclaimed leader of the National Socialist Network (NSN), and co-offender Jacob Hersant, 25, appeared in the County Court over an assault on three bushwalkers who filmed Sewell and Hersants group as they gathered at the Cathedral Range State Park at Taggerty on May 8, 2021. Jacob Hersant outside the County Court on Tuesday. Credit: Luis Ascui Alexander Patton, a barrister representing Hersant, told Judge Kellie Blair on Tuesday that his client felt he was being unnecessarily targeted and surveilled by authorities. Mr Hersant refers to being unnecessarily targeted, under constant watch due to his political opinions, Patton said, [which is] objectively true. Human remains have been discovered inside a burnt-out car north of Perth as police investigate whether the blaze is linked to another incident where an erratic man was found floating naked in the ocean off Cervantes. The vehicle fire was reported on Indian Ocean Drive about 12.30am on Tuesday, leading to the closure of the road for several hours between Pinnacles Road and Cervantes Road. Police later discovered what was believed to be human remains inside the car. Later in the morning, police were called out to reports a vehicle was submerged in the water south of Cervantes Jetty. Noel Pearson will invoke former prime minister John Howard and urge Australians to seize our last best hope for reconciling the nation in the upcoming referendum, just a day after the No camps Nyunggai Warren Mundine declared the Uluru Statement from the Heart was a declaration of war against modern Australia. Uluru Dialogue co-chair Megan Davis lashed Mundines characterisation of the 2017 statement, which proposed a Voice, and labelled Mundine Trumpian, insisting that the landmark document was an expression of peace and love to the Australian people. Noel Pearson says the referendum will seize our first best chance and last best hope for a lasting settlement. Credit: Rhett Wyman In a National Press Club Speech on Wednesday, Voice architect Pearson will strike an optimistic tone by saying the referendum wording completed what Howard the most influential Coalition prime minister in recent history called the profound, unfolding and compelling story of Australia. This referendum is testing the idea that a nation conceived in the fiction of Terra Nullius a continent empty of owners can come to a new understanding of who we are, Pearson will say, according to draft speech notes. NSW Police drug-detection dogs incorrectly detect illicit substances on patrons 75 per cent of the time, raising questions about the efficacy of enforcement as the states festival season starts. The startling figures come as a report from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) reveals the police are falling short on self-imposed initiatives designed to ensure the law was followed when undertaking strip-searches. Under NSW law, police can undertake either general or strip-searches if they suspect someone has illicit drugs in their possession. Sniffer dogs are used by police to sense drugs and screen for suspicious behaviour. Data obtained through the parliament by NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann shows of the 94,535 general and strip-searches undertaken from 2013 to June 30 this year, 70,913 yielded no illicit drugs, a success rate of just 25 per cent. Good evening, and thanks for following our live coverage of Daniel Andrews resignation and the negotiations to install Jacinta Allan as Victorias new leader. Here is a wrap of todays developments: Jacinta Allan was sworn in as Victorian premier at 5pm after a messy morning of party-room negotiations finally resulted in a deal that will install Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll as deputy. Premier Daniel Andrews officially resigned this evening after announcing his departure yesterday at a snap press conference after nine years as Victorias leader. At her first press conference after the Labor party-room elected her, Allan became emotional as she talked about becoming just the second woman to lead the state, after former premier Joan Kirner. Thanks for following along with our live coverage. You can read more news, analysis and opinion in the paper tomorrow or online now. Goodnight. But it was in the seaside suburb of Williamstown where the future premier was born in 1972, to parents Jan and Bob. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Glenroy, where Andrews spent his formative years with a tight-knit family as his parents ran a shop. As he neared the end of primary school, Bob and Jan moved the family to Wangaratta in north-east Victoria, where his father built up a small-goods franchise and farmed cattle. Andrews with his mother Jan and wife Catherine at Jans farm in Wangaratta. Credit: Mark Jesser Those colleagues who have known Andrews for the longest believe his humble start left him with a slight chip or a scratch on his shoulder that became his driving force to succeed. He seemed like he got energy from those that didnt rate him, like he needed to prove them wrong, one former Labor MP told The Age, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who once shared a flat with Andrews, said he had a fierce determination to make a difference. Loading Daniel Andrews has never been anyone who has shirked his responsibilities, he said. Andrews attended Galen Catholic College and briefly toyed with the idea of attending agriculture college, but instead returned to Melbourne in 1990 to study arts. At Monash University, he lived at Mannix College, a Catholic residential hall, and met wife Catherine. As with many political wives, Catherine has been one of his closest and most influential advisers, wooing the press gallery with fruit cakes when he was opposition leader and becoming his fiercest defender during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many of his colleagues believe his wife and his decision to settle down early grounded him in a suburban, everyday life that helped him hone his political radar. That suburban stability was key to his success, one federal Labor MP observed on Tuesday. Andrews speaks in Victorian parliament in 2008. Credit: Angela Wylie As a student at Monash University, he largely bypassed the student political scene, instead focusing on Canberra with a job working for federal MP Alan Griffin. This was before joining the partys head office, initially as an organiser and then as assistant state secretary. His Labor contemporaries described him as an incredible upwards manager, whip-smart and a workaholic. He had remarkable raw talent, one former Labor MP observed. From his early days in politics, Andrews worked hard, wooed the right people and did the messy, factional work required of any serious politician, says another Labor MP who knew him at the time. He was heavier then and looked quite dorky and many people didnt see him as a future politician let alone a premier, but he had all the right stuff, one member of the Labor Caucus said. After his election to state parliament in 2002, Andrews rose quickly through the ranks, first serving under former premier Steve Bracks and then John Brumby. Several of his colleagues believe he absorbed the strengths of both leaders during those years, which helped him to leapfrog their time at Treasury Place. As with all politicians, its often those colleagues the unelected ones who see the real person behind the persona. One former member of his staff, speaking on the condition of anonymity, observed that Bracks was often viewed as warm and friendly by the public, but in the office he was more reserved. Brumby, on the other hand, was often seen as aloof in public, but staff spoke of a warm and generous boss. He was the perfect combination of both those leaders, the former staffer said. Loading But Andrews reputation as a ruthless political operator is well known. Almost all of his colleagues have spent time in Andrews freezer where he sidelined MPs, refusing to return their calls and ignoring their ideas and input to decision-making. He has no hesitation in throwing people under the bus when he is done with them, said one former Labor MP. Some of those who stood up to him, such as former MPs Jane Garrett, Fiona Richardson and Gavin Jennings, felt the full blast of that freezer. Former Victoria police minister Lisa Neville observed: Some may not have always liked him, but he was definitely respected. Andrews may seem uncompromising, but colleagues and staff who earned his loyalty and respect speak of his incredible generosity and kindness. Andrews with then federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese in early May 2022. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen They talk of Andrews making personal phone calls and visits following personal tragedies, including marriage breakdowns or family deaths. Of remembering the names of staffers children and parents and inquiring about them regularly. He had the same driver for 17 years. Contrary to the image, he can be incredibly loyal and will give staff numerous chances, one former Labor staffer said. He is actually lovely and incredibly loyal, another current member of the Premiers Private Office observed. Loading Instead, Andrews reserves his brutality for his enemies, both internally and across the political aisle. He is known to have a deeply funny, but often nasty sense of humour, with his jokes almost exclusively at the expense of others. I dont think the public ever saw just how funny he was, one federal Labor MP said following the resignation. "He has an incredible nasty sense of humour, and he enjoys the brutality of politics." 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 morning after Daniel Andrews was first elected Victorian premier, he swiped through the door at No.1 Treasury Place and got down to work. Although journalists were invited there to record the moment, it wasnt just for show. Since that day and nearly every day in office, Andrews governed at a breathless, unrelenting pace. The evidence of his nine years in power is there for everyone to see: the enormous tunnels and sky rails and freeway expansions; the immense changes to social policy; the electoral marginalisation of the opposition parties; debt on a scale beyond anything previously racked up by a state government in Australia. Yet, when Andrews finishes as premier at 5pm on Wednesday, one of his most profound legacies will be largely hidden from public view. To govern as he did, Andrews forced a radical alteration to the way the Victorian government operates. He did not merely lead his government he bent it to his will. Andrews operated like the executive chairman of the state, with a huge capacity to consume and command the detail of diverse issues, said Chris Eccles, the man chosen by Andrews to run, reshape and oversee the Victorian Public Service to deliver his governments agenda. There was an enormous breadth in the reform landscape, with very few areas of economic and social policy untouched. There was a lot of stuff going out the door and when you run that hot with that bias towards action, there are real consequences for how you govern. Eccles is in a unique position to reflect on the Andrews government. He joined the state government after running the public service in both NSW and South Australia. Before he resigned as Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary in late 2020, he had become one of the premiers closest political confidants. Advertisement Since he retired, he has considered at length what the Andrews government did well and where it was challenged, particularly in the heady days of its reform-heavy first term in office. On the day Andrews announced his retirement from politics, Eccles agreed to share his reflections with this masthead. Loading He described an exponential increase in the volume of activity and pace and cadence of government, which began as soon as Andrews began work on that Sunday after the 2014 election. That pace never slowed to ordinary levels. Andrews, in announcing his retirement, admitted he was worse than a workaholic and consumed by the job. There are two types of people, he explained. There are people who fixate on these things. They dont tend to build a legacy, they are all about themselves. Ive always been about the work. Work hard, then work harder again, and the results will speak for themselves. Numbers provided by Eccles show how the premiers mantra was reflected in the legislation passed and money spent by the government under his watch. The government worked hard, then worked harder again. It spent big, then spent bigger again. Throughout the comparatively plodding four years of the Baillieu and Napthine governments, the average annual funding for new initiatives was $5.2 billion, an average of $5.5 billion was invested in infrastructure, and total government expenses were running at $42.8 billion. In the first term of the Andrews government, average annual funding on new initiatives reached $8.8 billion, infrastructure spending topped $10 billion, and total government expenses totalled $78.6 billion. At the same time, the volume of legislation increased from 2500 pages in 2014-15 to 6000 pages by 2017-18. Advertisement To push through this extraordinary volume of work, Andrews changed how government decisions were made, how the public service was structured and how the state budget was accounted for. Instead of cabinet being a place where prospective policy was subjected to robust debate, Andrews preferred for policies to be developed elsewhere and presented to cabinet for approval. The engine room of the Andrews government was not the cabinet room. Instead, Andrews established a series of subcommittees, which he chaired, to do the governments heavy lifting on policy development. The other members of cabinet quickly came to understand that every major policy presented to them already had the support of the premier. What the premier wanted, Victoria invariably got. Daniel Andrews at the press conference announcing he is stepping down as premier. Credit: Jason South The furious pace that Andrews demanded of government stretched the capacity of usual budget processes to keep up. In 2015-16, only 1.5 per cent of new funding initiatives were not included in that years state budget. By 2017-18, 18 per cent of new funding was booked outside the annual budget. At the same time, the Victorian Public Service started to resemble a surge workforce, with a dramatic increase in the number of new bureaucrats brought in on one-year and two-year contracts and a doubling of the money spent on consultants. Throughout the first term, nearly $1 billion was spent on consultants commissioned for infrastructure projects. Before the first COVID-19 case emerged in Wuhan, the Victorian government was already operating at something akin to an emergency setting. Andrews knew five years ago that this wasnt sustainable. Eccles said a sliding-doors moment came after the government was returned with a thumping majority at the 2018 election. Recognising frustrations around his own cabinet table and the need to rein in government spending, Andrews loosened cabinet discussions and authorised a series of internal government reviews, overseen by senior Department of Premier and Cabinet and Treasury officials, designed to reduce expenditure. Advertisement Loading Before the product of those reviews could be implemented, Victoria was engulfed in flames and then plagued by COVID-19. There was a comprehensive whole-of-government review of expenditure in 2019, to be followed by planned rationalisation and adjustment for the 2020-21 budget, Eccles said. Then came the bushfires and the pandemic. It would have been fascinating to see the outcome if the approach had been implemented without the intervention of the pandemic. A government already red-lining was plunged headlong into the worst public health crisis in a century. Eccles said the effect was to supercharge the defining characteristics of the Andrews government. The COVID crisis was a sliding-doors moment for the government. Credit: Wayne Taylor Everything was heightened and taken to an extreme, he said. It exaggerated all the features of what, I think, was a highly successful government, including effective cabinet governance, the dominance of the principal and the speed to policy and program outcome. Advertisement Its Paris, 2017. Im with 60 or so journalists and social media influencers from around the world celebrating the launch of the cultural season for three head-spinning days. I add a few nights in the Marais on to the end, but still, Im only just starting to recover from the flight over when I begin the 24-hour journey home. Can I tell you details about what I did or saw on that trip? Barely. There was a 30-minute swirl around the Louvre and lunch at the Alain Ducasse restaurant at Versailles somewhere in there; a Cy Twombly exhibition (I think) at the Centre Pompidou and a cocktail party at the Paris Opera. All very fancy, but it was so fast and furious that none of it really impacted me in any meaningful way. I returned home feeling kind of empty, wondering if it had been worth the days of jet-lagged hell on the other side. Tourists queue to enter the Louvre Museum in Paris. Credit: Getty Images This, however, was in the before. Before I visited the polar bear capital of the world in 2019, a place called Churchill in the Canadian Arctic. There, I watched polar bears paddling through turquoise waters just metres from our boat, and learnt about the detrimental impact our consumptive behaviours, including flying, were having on the bears and our planet. The bears had no way of protecting themselves from the melting of the Arctic ice due to global warming, I understood on that trip. Only our human actions would have an effect. I returned home filled with questions about how I could do better. I decided to stop travelling with the speed and frequency I had been, and set to work discovering how I, and indeed all of us, could start travelling in a way that was more connected to ourselves, to the communities we were visiting and to the natural world. Moscow: The death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh has risen to 68, with a further 105 people missing and nearly 300 injured, the office of Karabakhs ombudsman said on Tuesday. The blast occurred as thousands of ethnic Armenians fled the breakaway enclave after their fighters were defeated by Azerbaijan in a lightning military operation. The authorities have not given any explanation of the cause of the blast. Smoke rising after a fuel depot explosion near Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh. Credit: Siranush Sargsyan Earlier, several media outlets cited the Armenian health minister as saying the death toll from Mondays incident had risen to 125. Some outlets later edited their posts, saying that was the number of people killed in Karabakh during last weeks Azerbaijani military operation and then transported to Armenia. PHLIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs, is pleased to announce an upcoming Electoral Reform Townhall on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This significant event will be a platform for engaging discussions and insights into the voting and electoral reform processes, inviting the public to actively participate in shaping the future of democracy in Sint Maarten. The town hall will be held at the Government Administration Building and is open to all residents who are passionate about enhancing our electoral system for a stronger, more representative democracy. Moderated by Maki Brooks of SMDF, the event will feature guest speakers like Mr. Richard Gibson Sr. LL.M, Ms. Nathalie Tackling LL.M, and Drs. Linda Richardson and Mr. Julio Romney. There will be a 45-minute Question and Answer session allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers. Following the town hall, there will be a networking and informal discussion session, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. Prime Minister Jacobs emphasizes the importance of active citizen participation in the electoral reform process. She stated, Our democracy thrives when we engage in open and inclusive conversations about how it functions. This town hall is an excellent opportunity for us to collectively shape the future of our voting laws and electoral system. The Electoral Reform Townhall aims to facilitate informed and constructive dialogue, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the future of our democracy. Prime Minister Jacobs encourages all residents to attend this event, share their insights, and contribute to the ongoing democratic evolution of Sint Maarten. For further information and to RSVP, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . PHILIPSBURG:--- The Chief of Police C. John representing the Sint Maarten Police Force, together with the other Chiefs of Police of the Dutch Caribbean and other countries recently participated in the Annual International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC), held in Kingston, Jamaica, during the week of September 18, 2023. The conference convened high-ranking law enforcement officials and experts from around the world, with the theme centered around "Disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations and their Supply Chains." IDEC 2023 brought together over 900 delegates from at least 139 countries, providing a unique platform for sharing insights, strategies, and best practices in tackling the global challenge of transnational criminal organizations. During the breakout sessions, law enforcement leaders expressed their deep concerns about the gradual infiltration of Fentanyl into the Caribbean region, including Sint Maarten. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous and highly addictive synthetic opioid that has far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The Dangers of Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a potent and highly addictive drug that poses significant risks to individuals, communities, and law enforcement officers: 1. Lethal Potency: Fentanyl is exponentially more potent than other opioids like heroin and morphine. Just a tiny amount, equivalent to a few grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. 2. Highly Addictive: Fentanyl's addictive nature makes it particularly dangerous. Individuals who experiment with the drug are at high risk of developing a dependency that can be extremely challenging to overcome. 3. Overdose Risk: Accidental overdose is a constant concern with Fentanyl. Even individuals who are not seeking to misuse the drug can unknowingly ingest a lethal dose, especially when it is mixed with other substances. 4. First Responder Risks: Police officers and other first responders face significant dangers when encountering Fentanyl in the field. Inhalation of airborne particles or contact with the skin can lead to life-threatening exposure. Therefore, handling and disposing of suspected Fentanyl materials require specialized training and protective equipment. Informing the Public: To ensure that our community is well-informed about the dangers of Fentanyl, we recommend referring to the following resources: 1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Fentanyl Information 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Fentanyl FAQ 3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Fentanyl Safety Guide The Sint Maarten Police Force wishes to emphasize the importance of raising awareness within our community about the dangers associated with Fentanyl. The drug's potency and potential for abuse pose a grave risk not only to those who use it but also to public safety as a whole. Law enforcement agencies in the Dutch Caribbean are committed to combatting the illicit drug trade, protecting our citizens, and ensuring the security and well-being of the region. The Sint Maarten Police Force, in collaboration with our Dutch Caribbean counterparts, will continue to intensify efforts to detect, intercept, and deter the trafficking and distribution of Fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics within our borders. We urge our community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to the authorities. Together, we can disrupt the supply chains of transnational criminal organizations and safeguard the future of Sint Maarten and the Dutch Caribbean. KPSM Press Release. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten, Gwendolien Mossel, recently attended an International Ombudsman Conference, which was held from 21-22 September 2023 in Rome, Italy. The theme of the conference was: The Role of the Ombudsman in the World: between reality and Possibility. The conference was organized jointly by the Lazio Region, the Lazio Regional Council, and the Conference of Legislative Assemblies of the Italian Regions and Autonomous Provinces. Over 250 ombudspersons, and accompanying staff, from all over the globe were in attendance. The main objective of the conference was to promote international collaboration and the exchange of good practices among Ombudspersons from all over the world, in order to protect citizens' rights and ensure transparent and fair governance. The presentations and ensuing discussions during the conference centered around four main topics, namely: The Ombudsman; the bridge between citizens and local authorities, digital transformation, human rights in global crises, and the right to health. Ms. Mossels contribution during the conference was on the topic of human rights in global crises. Specifically, she presented on the subject of climate change. She explained that over the last decade, atmospheric conditions proved favorable for hurricanes to develop or intensify, resulting in the complete collapse of economies. For Sint Maarten, Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were highlighted in this regard. These monster storms, it is claimed, are a direct result of climate change and are forecasted to become more prevalent in the future. One of the most vulnerable regions is the Caribbean, however, the region is least responsible for the climate change crisis, the industrialized countries are. Nevertheless, the Caribbean can do very little to change the consequences of the same. She explained further that when she took office in 2019, two years after the mentioned hurricanes, her office had the task of facing issues of uncertainty within the community about the recovery process, a major challenge being home/roof repair. A report entitled, Home Repair. A Revelation of a Social Crisis was drafted as a result of an outreach project. Ms. Mossel concluded her presentation by echoing the call of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), by imploring the international community to work hard to help small island nations build resilience as the threat of destruction expands and the cost of seasonal storms becomes increasingly devastating for Small Island Developing States. Future disasters could worsen humanitarian crises and impair economic recovery. PHILIPSBURG:--- -At the October 27th - 28th 2023 St. Maarten Innovations, Initiatives and Industries Link-Up Event (SMILE), Grant Thornton will host a panel moderated by Grant Thornton: The Future of Finance in Sint Maarten, unlocking the Countrys potential Sint Maarten is set to embark on an exciting journey toward shaping the future of finance, as it seeks to leverage innovation to drive economic growth and prosperity for its citizens. The upcoming panel dialogue at SMILE, moderated by Roy Jansen and Ryan Croes from Grant Thornton, brings together an array of relevant stakeholders to discuss and chart the course for the financial landscape of the future. As global financial dynamics continue to evolve, Sint Maarten recognizes the need to adapt and innovate in order to remain competitive. The government of Sint Maarten, in partnership with leading financial institutions and local industry players, is committed to exploring innovative solutions that can enhance financial services, promote sustainable development, and ensure the resilience of the economy. The panel dialogue will cover a wide range of topics, including: Innovation in Financial Services: Exploring the role of fintech, blockchain, digital currencies, and other emerging technologies in transforming financial services for the benefit of businesses and citizens in Sint Maarten. Sustainable Development: Discuss how financial innovation can be harnessed to drive sustainable development, support green initiatives, and promote economic diversification. Regulatory Framework: Addressing the need for a balanced and forward-looking regulatory framework that encourages innovation while safeguarding against potential risks. Financial Inclusion: Delving into strategies for ensuring that all segments of the population have access to modern financial services and opportunities. International Collaboration: Examining the potential for collaboration with other small island developing states and global financial centers to share insights and best practices. The panel dialogue represents an important topic for Sint Maarten, where it can lay the groundwork for a future-oriented financial ecosystem that aligns with the unique needs and global trends. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Sint Maarten is set to lead the way in innovating the financial sector for its people and the prosperity of the island. SMILE 2023 will be the fourth iteration. Taking place on October 27th and 28th, 2023, SMILE will provide a platform for industry leaders to explore innovative and sustainable solutions at the University of Saint Martin, while networking in the process.". SMILE 2023s main theme will be Making Your Business Future Proof. Speakers will be, amongst others, Tyrell Pantophlet (St. Maarten / Netherlands), James Ellsmoor of Islands Innovation (Portugal) former Chief Technology Officer of President Obama, Meghan Smith and Susan Alzner of the United Nations (Both US). Apart from Grant Thornton, SHTA thanks; The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS), Dynaf and Recruit a Student; the Bureau of Intellectual Property; Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten and the University of St. Martin, for supporting SMILEs fourth edition. For more information and registration for the event visit SMILEsintmaarten.com or call +1 721 542 0108. American Future Fuel Bolsters Leadership with Appointment of Former Technical Lead&Global Structural Geologist of Newmont Corp, Michael Henrichsen, to Board of Directors American Future Fuel Corporation (CSE: AMPS; OTCQB: AFFCF; FWB: K14, WKN: A3DQFB) (the aCompanya or aAmerican Future Fuela), is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Henrichsen as a new member of the Board of Directors, effective September 25, 2023. Mr. Henrichsena?s extensive expertise as a structural geologist and his remarkable track record in enhancing reserves and resources make him a valuable addition to the Companya?s leadership team. Mr. Henrichsen brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in the mining industry, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape at companies such as Newmont Corporation (with a market capitalization of approximately $43 billion (CAD)) and others: Newmont Corp 2008 2011: Mr. Henrichsen led the technical program in Ghana, West Africa, where he oversaw a team of geoscientists and technical initiatives that led to multiple discoveries within the Ahafo district.A His leadership was instrumental in unearthing a significant amount of gold, representing a blend of newfound discoveries and substantial resource extensions. Newmont Corp 2011 2013: As the Global Structural Geologist, Mr. Henrichsen embarked on a mission to find high-grade ore in the proximity of mining operations, notably at Yanacocha, Peru (South Americaa?s largest gold mine[1]), and Long Canyon, Nevada. His collaborative efforts with local teams yielded remarkable results, uncovering new ore bodies in both districts. Auryn Resources: 2015 a 2020: Mr. Henrichsen served as the Technical Lead, spearheading the assembly of a project portfolio spanning Canada and Peru. His technical efforts culminated in a significant $35 million investment from Goldcorp to advance the portfolio\-s development. Notably, in July 2016, Mr. Henrichsen played a key role in recommending the purchase of the Homestake Ridge Project in the Golden Triangle for $12 million in cash and shares. Subsequently, in December 2021, the project was sold to Dolly Varden Silver for approximately $55 million at the time of sale. Torq Resources: 2020 a present: Mr. Henrichsen, in his role as Chief Geological Officer at Torq Resources, was instrumental in partnering with a prominent Chilean geological team and building a high-quality exploration portfolio in northern Chile. Based on the strength of the team and portfolio assembled Goldfields invested $15M into the Torq with a focus on the flagship Santa Cecilia project that is surrounded by the Norte Abierto JV held jointly be Barrick Gold and Newmont Corp and at the Margarita iron oxide a copper a gold project a significant new Greenfields discovery has been made.A aWe are delighted to welcome Mr. Henrichsen to our Board of Directors. His exceptional expertise as a structural geologist and his history of success in enhancing reserves and resources will be instrumental in guiding our strategic decisions and driving the Companya?s growth,a stated David Suda, CEO of American Future Fuel. With Mr. Henrichsena?s appointment, American Future Fuel is confident in its ability to maximize its potential and achieve success in the industry. The Company looks forward to leveraging Mr. Henrichsena?s insights and guidance as it moves forward with its strategic objectives. In a related development, the Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Patrick Morris from his position as a director of the American Future Fuel. The Company extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Morris for his valuable contributions and dedicated service during his tenure. ABOUT AMERICAN FUTURE FUEL American Future Fuel Corporation is a Canadian-based resource company focused on the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of alternative energy projects. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Cebolleta Uranium Project, located in Cibola County, New Mexico, USA, and situated within the Grants Mineral Belt, a prolific mineral belt responsible for approximately 37% of all Uranium produced in the United States of America. [1] https://www.newmont.com/operations-and-projects/global-presence/south-america/yanacocha-peru/default.aspx This news release includes certain aforward-looking statementsa under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals. 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. 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 by law. GMO GlobalSign Survey of Enterprises and SMBs Finds Many Unprepared for PKI Automation Posted by Publisher Internet GMO GlobalSign K.K. (https://www.globalsign.com/en), a global Certificate Authority (CA) and leading provider of identity security, digital signing and IoT solutions today announced the results of a recent survey of enterprises and small to medium businesses that rely on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) products and solutions. The findings from more than 100 respondents indicate that many organizations are unprepared for sweeping industry changes that call for mandated certificate automation. As discussed in our June 20A announcement, later this year, and into 2024, there could be significant changes within the PKI marketplace, the most pressing matter beingA Google\-s move to reduce the lifespan of SSL/TLS certificates. The solution to meet this call by Google, and other browsers, is to automate certificate management. However, this is causing concern for the millions of businesses worldwide who rely on PKI for security compliance since many of them are not ready to make this leap. To get a sense of what companies\- state of mind are around the issue, GMO GlobalSign asked 1,000 organizations about this industry shift. Approximately 110 companies responded. Key Findings GMO GlobalSign inquired about the challenges companies will face when Google reduces the maximum certificate to 90 days. -A A A A A A A A A A Nearly a third of respondents said the increased administrative work and complexity were the biggest concerns (30 percent). Also worrisome for respondents is the possibility of more frequent root certificate updates, such as expected Mozilla updates set for 2024; -A A A A A A A A A A Twenty percent of survey participants believe that a seven-year rotation for root certificates is manageable and would not cause a significant impact; -A A A A A A A A A A Fifteen percent of those who responded worried about costs and overhead. This was of particular concern to small businesses and websites, where added costs might not be justified by the owners; -A A A A A A A A A A Another thirty percent voiced concerns with older or legacy systems, frequent expirations as well as security and compliance challenges Automation Stumbling Blocks GMO GlobalSign also asked respondents about general barriers to automation. Responses were separated into five buckets: technical limitations compatibility issues, security, cost and resource constraints, lack of knowledge or expertise and infrastructure -A A A A A A A A A A Thirty eight percent believe that technical limitations and compatibility are the biggest blockers to automation. This includes not having out-of-the-box solutions for automating certificate management, the lack of support for automated renewal in certain systems or environments (such as Windows, IIS, Plesk), and the incompatibility of some systems with standard automated solutions. -A A A A A A A A A A A quarter of respondents point out cost and resource constraints as potential obstacles. This includes the costs associated with developing a custom automation system, and the resources needed to manage and maintain solutions for automated certificate management. -A A A A A A A A A A Twenty percent of participants say a lack of knowledge or expertise is another potential challenge to automating certificates. This includes not knowing whether systems support the injection of new certificates and the restart of services, or being unfamiliar with, automation in general. -A A A A A A A A A A Ten percent also cite security concerns, especially the governance and control of a fully automated system, as well as the need for audit trails, security approval and oversight in free public CAs. -A A A A A A A A A A Seven percent also express concerns about the limits of infrastructure. This includes servers that are behind firewalls with strict policies, equipment that does not provide an API or other facility to manage the certificate, and networks that do not have access to the internet. \It\-s clear that many challenges to certificate automation exist, whether you are an enterprise level organization or an SMB. There are a lot of steps to overcome before the vast majority of customers can support full automation,\ said Doug Beattie, Vice President, Product Management, GMO GlobalSign. \On the plus side, tools are available today to remove the pressure of certificate automation. Our products such asA Automated Certificate Management EnvironmentA (ACME) greatly aid a company in this process. Our industry does not have clarity when a mandated 90-day automation may become real, but judging from our survey, organizations with concerns should begin taking steps now. In the long run, it will serve them well.\ About GMO GlobalSign As one of the world\-s most deeply-rooted certificate authorities, GMO GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud-based service providers, and IoT innovators worldwide to conduct secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people, and things comprising the IoT. GMO GlobalSign is a subsidiary ofA GMO GlobalSign HoldingsA K.K., a member of the Japan-basedA GMO Internet Group, and has offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visitA https://www.globalsign.com. SOURCE:A GMO GlobalSign Transmitted by the IRW-Press a News Service of IR-WORLD.com Finanzkommunikation GmbH Abermittelt durch das IRW-Press News-Service der IR-WORLD.com Finanzkommunikation GmbH FAr den Inhalt der Mitteilung bzw. des Research ist alleine der Herausgeber bzw. Ersteller der Nachricht verantwortlich. Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss bestimmter BArsengeschAfte. China said on Tuesday it had agreed with Japan and South Korea to hold a summit between the three countries' leaders "as early as possible," after a rare meeting between senior diplomats in Seoul. The three-way talks -- attended by deputy and assistant ministers from the three countries -- were seen as an attempt to ease Beijing's concerns over Washington's deepening security ties with Tokyo and Seoul. Beijing described them as a "in-depth discussion on promoting the stable restarting of cooperation." "It was agreed that carrying out cooperation between China, Japan and South Korea is in the common interests of the three parties," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. The three countries agreed to hold a meeting of their foreign ministers "in the next few months," Wang said, and to promote "the holding of a leaders' meeting as early as possible at a time convenient to all three countries." South Korea's foreign ministry also said the diplomats had "agreed to hold the trilateral summit meeting at the earliest time possible and host a trilateral ministerial meeting in preparation." The last such summit took place in 2019. No other leaders' summit has since been held because of diplomatic and historical disputes between Seoul and Tokyo, in part linked to Japan's colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Smoke rises from chimneys at a factory in the port of Dunkirk, France on January 19, 2023. President Emmanuel Macron on Monday unveiled plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the countrys climate-related commitments within the next seven years, including via reducing dependency on fossil fuels and boosting electric car use. Macron said Frances goal to reduce its emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, in line with a European Union target, is attainable, after holding a special government meeting. To get there the country must go more than twice as fast as before. We need to succeed in reducing emissions by 5% per year over the period 2022-2030 to compare with a 2% reduction per year over the past five years, Macron said. This whole strategy will enable us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, essentially coal, oil and gas... from 60% to 40% by 2030, he added. Macron confirmed that the countrys two remaining coal-burning plants would cease operating and be converted to biomass energy, which is produced by burning wood, plants and other organic material, by 2027. The coal plants currently represent less than 1% of Frances electricity production. The two plants were initially set to close by last year, but the energy crisis prompted by the war in Ukraine and the shutdown of French nuclear reactors for various problems led the government to delay the decision. France relies on nuclear energy for over 60% of its electricity more than any other country. Another challenge, Macron said, is to boost electric vehicle use by producing cars and batteries at home. The French love their car, and I do, the president said Sunday evening on national television, acknowledging the public reluctance to switch to electric vehicles with higher purchase prices than combustion-engine cars. Macron said Monday that the government would unveil a state-sponsored system in November to allow households with modest incomes to lease European-made electric cars for about 100 euros ($106) per month. That will start with a few dozens of thousands of cars next year, he added. By 2027, he said, France will have produced at least 1 million electric vehicles and opened four battery plants in the north of the country, he said. In addition, 13 projects of commuter trains around several big cities will receive a 700 million euro package from the state to enable people now taking their car to use public transports instead. Macron announced earlier this year a series of incentives to support innovative industries and transition towards greener technology. They include tax credits in production areas such as batteries, electric cars, and hydrogen and wind power, as well as accelerating authorization for industrial projects. France is to invest 7 billion euros more next year in the countrys energy and climate transition compared to 2023. Macron said the countrys 50 most climate-damaging industrial sites will formally sign by November a roadmap to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. The 50 sites account for about 10% of Frances total greenhouse gas emissions. Macron also announced that France will regain control over electricity prices by the end of the year, with details to be announced next month. The move comes as the European Union is currently working on a thorough reform of its electricity market to shield citizens from sudden price spikes, speed up the use of renewable energy sources and make the bloc more independent. A French presidency official said France would not wait for EU changes to implement a new mechanism that will align electricity prices in France on their actual production cost in the country, which is relatively low compared to some other EU countries as it relies mostly on nuclear energy and not on gas and coal. The official spoke anonymously in line with the Elysees customary practices. Nuclear energy produces much lower emissions than coal, oil or gas, but plants are very expensive to build and produce radioactive waste that remains deadly for tens of thousands of years. Environmental activists have criticized Frances policies as not being ambitious enough. The French president still hasnt realized the scale of the climate emergency, Greenpeace France said in a statement following Macrons televised interview on Sunday evening. If he were truly ambitious and a forerunner, Emmanuel Macron would also have announced dates for phasing out fossil oil and gas, Nicolas Nace, the organizations energy transition campaigner, said. Great, he made the exact same promise five years ago, Yannick Jadot, a French member of the European Parliaments Greens alliance, told news broadcaster FranceInfo news. Lets go for it, sparing no efforts. Lets invest, lets take social measures so that the most vulnerable, the most fragile, get out as the big winners of the climate transition, he added. Elsewhere in Europe, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last week that hes delaying by five years a ban on new gas and diesel cars that was due to take effect in 2030, watering down climate goals that he said imposed unacceptable costs on ordinary people. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A spokesman for Nats said: We have worked very closely with Gatwick airport throughout. Given the levels of sickness we have experienced over the last few weeks we believe it is the responsible thing to do to limit the number of flights this week in order to reduce the risk of daily disruption to passengers using the airport. Yorkshire Waters 5.7 million customers across the northern county and those in parts of Derbyshire and Lincolnshire are expected to receive a rebate of 19.8 million with the company meeting its targets on pollution incidents and leakage but failing on almost everything else. Elnur Enveroglu Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations have turned into a particular interstate example both politically and globally. This is also the selfless support of two states with the same language, religion, and roots. As a nation, they commonly fought shoulder to shoulder in Canakkale in the fight for the homeland 108 years ago. In 2020, it was brotherly Turkiye that gave the biggest support to Azerbaijan in its more than three-decade -struggle to end the Armenian occupation. By the way, Turkiye's support does not end only with the military alliance, the unshakable unity of the two brotherly states is showing its influence in the fight against the biased policy of the West in the ongoing processes related to Garabagh. 7 days ago, at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's decisive speech supporting Azerbaijan's sovereign right over Garabagh and the opening of the Zangazur Corridor was one of the most historically important moments for Azerbaijan. At the same time, President Ilham Aliyev highly appreciated the support given to Azerbaijan by Turkish President R.T. Erdogan during his speech at the UN General Assembly. In general, whether Turkiye stood by Azerbaijan during the Patriotic War, or the Shusha Declaration, which was signed jointly after that and raised the relations between the two countries to a new level, were steps taken for greater prospects in the future. Today, the fruit of those useful steps is yielding its results. It should be noted that the trade turnover between the two countries exceeds 6 billion dollars. This turnover increased by 40 percent in seven months of this year. Now the goal is to increase the trade turnover to 15 billion dollars. Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline and new railway line The Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, of which the first memorandum of understanding on its construction was signed on December 15, 2020, was finally inaugurated by the heads of the two brotherly countries after three years. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Nakhchivan and comprehensive talks with President Ilham Aliyev actually prepared new contours for the region in the near future. In this regard, the strategic importance of the gas project is extremely important. The construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline is also an important event in the history of our brotherly relations, and it must give a new impetus to the development of Azerbaijan's strategic relations. This project is also expected to ensure the energy security of Nakhchivan to a greater extent. At the Nakhchivan meeting, an exchange of views was held regarding the expansion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Also, it is planned to increase the capacity of this road from 1 million to 5 million tons in the coming months. In addition, the construction of the railway connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and Turkiye is also progressing successfully. Works in the territory of Azerbaijan should be completed by the end of next year. Construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway, which once again makes Armenia offside "The signing of the protocol of intent on the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway is also a historic event. I am sure that this project will be successfully implemented and serve the interests of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and other countries as a part of the Middle Corridor. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed it during the signing of the memorandum of intent on the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway together with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the President, a similar meeting was held on the opening of the TANAP pipeline. However, today documents are being signed on the opening of the gas pipeline connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and at the same time with Turkiye. This is indeed a historic event and at the same time an extremely important opportunity for neighboring countries that can think rationally. However, ongoing processes show that Armenia remains on the sidelines. And if Armenia chose the right path, it could participate in this project through the Zangazur Corridor and benefit from it. Now, Azerbaijan is already working on Iran, that is, a new railway is being built across Iran. The new road that will go from Zangilan to Iran, from there to Nakhchivan, and connect to the Turkish railway line, forms a new transport landscape in the region. It is for this reason that the railway from Kars to Nakhchivan is being built. Nakhchivan under Armenian blockade for 103 years The blockade of Nakhchivan by Armenia for more than a century can be considered the cruelest aggression of the past hundred years. Besides, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia's non-constructive policy in the last thirty years inflicted further damage to the regions economic welfare. After the separation of Western Zangazur from Azerbaijan by the Soviet authorities in 1920, the geographical connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan was cut off. During the military aggression of Armenia in the 1990s, Armenia cut off all electricity and gas lines of Nakhchivan, and Nakhchivan was practically under blockade. Azerbaijanis living in Nakhchivan lived without gas for 15 years. According to the agreement signed with Iran in 2005, the supply of gas from Iran to Nakhchivan was ensured through exchange. Currently, the construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline will create conditions for supplying natural gas to Nakhchivan through the second line. End of separatism and hubbub of "blockade" allegation Exactly six days ago, Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty by disarming the separatist forces in Garabagh in just 23 hours and 43 minutes. Although the occupation ended in 2020 as a result of the Second Garabagh War, Armenia did not fully comply with the act of capitulation signed on November 10. Neither separatists nor illegal weapons were withdrawn from Garabagh. Following this, on April 23 of this year, Azerbaijan fully restored its territorial integrity by setting up a State Border Checkpoint in the direction of Azerbaijans Lachin district bordering Armenia. By doing so, Azerbaijan also cut off the food pipe of separatism through which the only illegal ammunition was sent to terrorist groups concentrated in certain places of Azerbaijans Garabagh. Trying to turn this into an excuse, Armenia started a slander campaign under the name of a new "blockade" right before international organizations. This campaign was further forged by the special initiative of Yerevan and was transformed into the "hunger" campaign. It was time to put an end to all of it, and the latest deadly landmine terror by separatist remnants triggered anti-terrorist measures; less than a day later, the Armenian army, illegally settled in the territory of Azerbaijan, surrendered and accepted the terms set by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is experiencing historic moments - our historic victory in the Second Garabagh War, and the restoration of our sovereignty as a result of a successful operation six days ago are historic events, and we are rightfully proud of them. Fuel, food products, medicines, etc. sent from Azerbaijan to the Armenian population living in the Garabagh region is a humane act of Azerbaijan in exchange for all aggressions of Armenia and their separatist vassals. This once again shows that people living in the Garabagh region are citizens of Azerbaijan, regardless of their nationality. Their safety and security rights will be ensured by the state of Azerbaijan. The Yevlakh meeting held a few days ago and the second meeting held yesterday increased confidence that the process of integration of the Armenian population living in Garabagh into Azerbaijani society continues rapidly and successfully. Pancho Villa, Mexican bandit and revolutionary leader, lined up with some of his followers. Bettmann (Bettmann Archive) A man from Okinawa in the ranks of Pancho Villas army. It might sound made up, but it is the story he passed on to his son. At the time, many Okinawans were making the trip across the Pacific to escape Japanese imperialism which ruled severely over their home islands and held a racist view of the locals in the hopes of arriving in the promised land of California. However, xenophobia in the U.S. was never far away either, and at the turn of the century Asian migrants were barred from entering through American ports. However, bureaucratic obstacles rarely stop a determined migrant; many got off in Mexico, the ships next stop after California, to enter through the back door. On their way North from there, they encountered a country in the midst of Revolution, and saw how, in so many ways, the struggles of the Mexican peasantry were the same as theirs. Cover of Arise! Global Radicalism in the Era of the Mexican Revolution. Courtesy Historian Christina Heatherton stumbled upon this blurry and distant story of one of her ancestors, and she couldnt shake off her curiosity to delve deeper. Through extensive research, which resulted in her book Arise! Global Radicalism in the Era of the Mexican Revolution, she learned that it wasnt just Japanese migrants who developed a radical social consciousness in the whirlwind of the Mexican Revolution, but also people like M. N. Roy, an Indian revolutionary who arrived in the country in 1917 and swiftly founded the Mexican Communist Party, convinced that internationalism the united global struggle against an oppressive, interconnected international system was the way to bring about the socialist revolution to the whole world. Recovering and breathing new life into more or less forgotten stories like these, Heatherton places the Mexican Revolution within a global context. She traces its causes to the expanding American imperialist model and its consequences to a certain awakening of the lowest cogs in that developing global system. Heathertons reframing is a departure from how this story is usually told as an eminently local set of events in the shadow of the Bolshevik revolution on the world stage despite being the first great social movement of the twentieth century. Yet, for Heatherton, the story begins many decades earlier. In 1848 to be exact. She is hardly the first person to identify this year as central in the history of social movements. After all, it was the year the Communist Manifesto was first published and when Western Europe was overcome by historic revolts. But Heathertons eyes are focused on the other side of the Atlantic. She posits that 1848 was also the moment when American capital imperialism that is, the control of foreign lands through financial investment was engendered, after the signing of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which put an end to the Mexican-American war. [With the treaty] you have the U.S. seizing almost half of Mexicos territory, which is a traditional form of imperialism consisting of the seizure of land as a primary objective. But after 1848 Mexico becomes this key site for U.S. investment. By the outbreak of revolution in 1910, over a quarter of all U.S. investment lays in Mexico, U.S. financiers own 80% of all Mexican mineral rights, U.S. entities own more of Mexicos surface than Mexican entities It is in relation to Mexico that the U.S. develops the capacities with which it would come to superintend the global capitalist economy over the twentieth century, Heatherton explains in an interview. Anyone who has gone through the Mexican education system wont recognize this story. Instead, what is traditionally taught is that the Revolution came as a result of three decades of Porfirio Diazs dictatorship known as the Porfiriato during which Mexico was modernized to an extent but at the high cost of extreme inequality, land accumulation and worker exploitation. This is not untrue. However, with Heathertons help the sequence of events gets completed, and we come to understand the defining influence that U.S. capital and the ever-present threat of military intervention had on the configuration of the Mexican state and institutions prior to 1910. Federal troops at Torreon, during the Mexican Revolution, on April 1914. HUM Images (HUM Images/Universal Images Grou) A similar blind spot exists when considering the impacts of the Mexican Revolution on the world stage. Very rarely is this event referenced as an influence on other social movements in different parts of the world. Even though it was the Soviet Union which centralized the idea of what a proletarian revolution was, Heatherton found evidence that, at the time, many foreigners who encountered and lived through the Mexican Revolution took with them invaluable lessons about solidarity, oppression, and the interconnectedness of the exploitation that defined the capitalist system. In other words, they discovered internationalism in the flesh. This dynamic was very clear to see for one of those Okinawans who passed through Mexico on his way to the United States. His name was Paul Kochi, and in his memoirs, which Heatherton refers to in a section of her book, she identifies this nascent and unprecedented grassroots internationalism. However, in Arise! perhaps the best exponent of this new internationalism unwittingly forged in revolutionary Mexico is M. N. Roy. The Indian independence advocate left his home country in 1915 in search of arms for the national revolution and arrived in Mexico a couple of years later, after spending time in the United States. Shortly after this, he founded the Mexican Communist Party the first outside Russia. In 1920, hereturned home with the conviction that the liberation of India was no longer an end in itself, but a necessary step toward global revolution. He considered the world capitalist system was built just as much on the subjugated peasants under financial or traditional colonial rule as on the backs of exploited industrial workers. Thanks to his ideas and influence, he was quickly named as a part of the Executive Committee of the Comintern by Lenin, in charge especially of preparing the East for revolution. Part of what Im arguing is that by thinking about the convergence of all these different rebels migrant workers, soldiers, artists [and] by thinking about how they appraise the world, how they understood their situation, how they came to understand global struggles in dialogue with each other, you get this different trajectory of how you can think of internationalism [] Because the conditions that led to the Mexican Revolution were not unique to Mexico in the period, they just uniquely exploded to make way for the first major social revolution of the XX century, says Heatherton, reinforcing her argument that internationalism in practice wasnt a divine theory that is given to people, but rather an acquired consciousness. Headshot of Mexican Revolutionary Ricardo Flores Magon from the archives of Leavenworth Penitentiary, Kansas. Courtesy As Heatherton traces the reverberations of the Mexican Revolution, she shifts her focus north of the border through the stories of various characters and places. One such storyline is Ricardo Flores Magons stay and eventual death in Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas, a prison used primarily to incarcerate political radicals of all types and which became, as she says, a university of radicalism largely influenced by the lessons of Mexican revolutionary veterans and peasants. Another is the organization of farmworkers in California in the late twenties and during the Great Depression, which carried the spirit of the Mexican Revolution since many of those farm hands had fought or at least lived through the revolution in the decade prior, whether they were Mexicans, Americans, or Japanese. In a meticulously researched and vivid account of these and other stories, Heatherton weaves together the threads of a historical web that emanated from revolutionary Mexico, filling in crucial gaps and connecting diverse narratives. In doing so, the author shows how intellectual and racial prejudices, unwittingly reproduced by the hegemonic left, buried this international interpretation of the Mexican Revolution and reduced it, in the mainstream, to a romanticized image of Pancho Villas, Emiliano Zapata and masses of sombrero-wearing peasants an endearingly wild episode that had little to teach the rest of the world. In this exhaustive historiographical and narrative exercise, Heatherton recovers it and places it, in terms of social and historical impact, in the pantheon of historys great revolutions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In an apparent policy U-turn, the Nikkei-owned business said it cut ties with Accenture, its technology provider, in a bid to slash costs and avoid being dependent on a single provider. The newspaper previously described its relationship with Xoomworks, an Accenture subsidiary which set up its 75-strong tech operations in Bulgaria, as an amazing partner with which it had built an enormously trusting partnership and had contributed significant savings from its capital expenses. Marsalek, who is currently on the run from German police after Interpol issued a warrant for his arrest, was chief operating officer of the firm and is believed to have fled to a location near Moscow amid its collapse. He has not been charged in connection with the Russian spy case. It is believed to be one of the biggest deals of its kinds in the London commercial property market history. Meta has another 18 years on the lease and paid British Land the equivalent of around seven years of rent, analysts at BNP Paribas Exane. If youd still like to invest in crypto assets, you can try using a different bank or provider instead but please be cautious, as you may not be able to get the money back if the payment ends up being related to fraud or a scam, the bank told its customers. It seems bizarrely anachronistic that back in just 2008, when it all happened, the whole story was told from the perspective of the stained honour of that dim-witted Spanish waiter from Fawlty Towers, rather than the woman who it actually happened to. Shame on all of us. Marina Hyde wrote a mea culpa in The Guardian a few days ago regretting the dismissive tone in which she and most media pundits treated the roundly slut-shamed Baillie back in the day. An anecdote about a Disney World trip as an adult is filled with fine comic detail as Bauer plans her break with military precision. She is certainly not the first person to question Prince Charming kissing Sleeping Beauty how old is she anyway? but she garnishes her analysis with the right amount of shouty outrage, while conceding that modern Disney may still not be perfect, but the women do have more agency. For years I thought my antipathy towards the floppy bow-tied film-maker had less to do with the limitations of his movies, than with his fusspot personal style: the whippet-on-hunger-strike physique; the Pardoners hair; the bicycle-clipped Seventies librarian vibe that only Andersons fellow corduroy salesmodel, Jarvis Cocker, can comfortably pull off, because only Jarvis Cocker implicitly acknowledges the creepiness of a rich and famous middle-aged man cultivating the appearance of a jumble sale Brummel (Cocker is from Yorkshire, so he has history on his side; Anderson is from Texas where, unless Im much mistaken, coming on like a seedy Alan Bennett impersonator has less clearly delineated provenance). To this day, I cannot listen to Living For Love the sprawling opener to Rebel Hearts without picturing poor Madonna and her malfunctioning Armarni cape tumbling down a set of stairs at the BRITS. Though the gasp that echoed through The O2 that night still lives on in my mind rent free, what sticks even more is how seamlessly she dusted herself off and immediately recovered the performance. As much as she is sometimes mocked, misunderstood and maligned more recently with certain criticisms also coming served up with a dollop of ageism few other artists have the staying power of Madonna. You may not love everything shes put out over the course of more than thirty years, but you cannot deny: none of it is boring. Even when she shoots and misses, every last second is underpinned by curiosity, and a desire to do something new. It is generally known that Covid altered our sense of time. Studies have shown that stressful events, particularly being confined to ones house for extended periods, can cause one to feel as though time is moving more slowly. It is now very difficult to recall whether it was quick or slow. But who did it? Statistically, most people are killed by someone they know, so grieving Farthing, Bob Wheaton, her ex-partner and news editor, and agent Jon Roseman were interviewed by police before being ruled out. Roseman had asked Dando to pick up a fax from her home at No. 29 Gowan Avenue on the fateful morning. He also drafted a crime novel about one of his clients being shot dead, but tells the film: Anyone who suspected I would cut off a financial revenue like Jill Dando will have to be insane. Designers Glen and Bruce Proctor laugh as they pose for portraits in front of their creations at the fashion hub, during the women's Spring Summer 2024 fashion week, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. More curvy models than ever showed up on Milan runways this season, due mostly to a single show by Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto, while designers of color showcased their work at collateral events meant to promote their visibility along with diversity in the backrooms of Italian fashion. Wherever diversity and inclusion were being celebrated during Milan Fashion Week, which ended Sunday, there was one underlying refrain: Make more space. Curvy models get outing at Karoline Vitto We made history! It was incredible, world-renown curvy model Ashley Graham gushed as she embraced London-based Vitto after Sundays show. Graham is often the only curvy model on major fashion runways, but for this show she led a cast of models ranging in size from UK 10 to UK 24 (US 6 to US 20). By comparison, some Milan brands typically size up to 48 Italian (US size 12), while some, notably Dolce & Gabbana which sponsored Vitto, has extended some looks up to an Italian size 52 (US 16). Graham wore an edgy black ripped corset and long sheer skirt, while other models wore form-hugging jersey dresses fitted with S-shaped metallic fixtures that sculpted their curves. She used the same technique for bathing suits. It feels normal, Graham said, calling on more designers to get more curves on the runway. If I feel normal on the runway with this many girls, that means that there is something that doesnt feel normal when I am on the runway with everybody else. Diversifying small brand profiles After working in fashion for decades, Deborah Latouche launched her own brand after converting to Islam and realizing how hard it was to find clothes that were luxury, high-end and modest. Latouche brand, Sabirah, was highlighted along with US brand BruceGlen at the Milan Fashion Hub for new and emerging designers, sponsored by Blanc Magazines Teneshia Carr and the Italian National Fashion Chamber. The Hub offered space to meet buyers and other people interested in new brands. Something like this is really important because small brands such as myself can get really overlooked, said Latouche, who has shown her brand in London, where she is based. We put a lot of work in but we dont necessarily get a lot of recognition. Being invited to Milan is an amazing platform that gives us the potential to elevate and that is really important, she said. Twins Bruce and Glen Proctor have been working on their brand for 17 years, and relished the time in Milan showing their creations to a new audience while they also connect with their true creative intentions. For a longtime we did black and white, based on what we thought the industry wanted, Bruce Glen said. Now they are doing what comes naturally, Colors, prints and fur. Carr said presentations where people can touch the wares are a great way to connect people with a new product, without the huge expense of a runway show. The fashion system isnt working for anyone but the 1 percent. I am all for trying to make new systems where everyone gets paid and people get clothes that make them feel better, she said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Even now, the haircut has remained loyal to its radical roots. During an interview with Radio Times, Pugh explained the reason behind her cut: I wanted vanity out of the picture. Hollywood is very glamorousespecially for womenand its hard for an audience to see past that. Whenever Ive not needed to be glam or have a full face of makeup, I fight to keep it that way. It helps the audience. All five are suspected of being part of an organised network of UK-based Bulgarian nationals conducting surveillance and other information gathering activities against several addresses and individuals on behalf of the Russian state, she said. An officer, who can only be named as NX121, appeared in court last week accused of the murder of Mr Kaba, 24, who was shot once in the head in Streatham after his car was boxed in by officers tailing him. Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, chairman of Dignity in Dying, said: This research shows that, all over the country and in every walk of life, people are crying out for change on assisted dying. That includes an overwhelming majority of people of faith, myself included, who support this change because of our beliefs, not in spite of them. Razzell said there is absolutely no risk of him being violent in any way in the present or future, and when asked if he feels guilt about the psychological harm caused to his children, he said: I dont feel guilt for it because it is not caused by me but I do feel their pain and their suffering and I carry that too. Our new five-year strategy sets out our commitment to London: we will be there for you should you ever need us. Its also a rallying call to our partners, especially those in the NHS, that we must find new ways of working together both to deliver care and to stand any chance of tackling the health inequalities that still exist in 21st century London. Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: I want to thank all parties for coming to this agreement and, in particular, I want to thank our residents for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. Officers are extremely anxious. A lot of this is driven by families, many of them are under pressure from their wives, husbands, parents, children who are saying Im worried about what you might go through based on your job, Im not sure were up to this as a family. The core of this is a real personal anxiety and thats whats given us the challenges. The pedestrian was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service and has now been taken to hospital by Londons Air Ambulance. BMW Motorrad has halted sales of all its new and used motorcycles, except for its one electric model. BMW Motorrad, the motorcycle division of the German automotive giant, is facing an unprecedented crisis in its U.S. and Canadian markets. The brand has voluntarily decided to halt sales of its new and used products through its dealership network, with the exception of the all-electric CE 04 model. In a press release, the company said that BMW of North America is dedicated to providing vehicles to our customers that meet their expectations. To ensure that our vehicles are of the highest industry standards, BMW performs ongoing testing and evaluation. Following a recent quality analysis, BMW is pursuing measures to further evaluate the material used in a component of its motorcycle evaporative system, which may not have been produced to material specifications. As a result, BMW of North America is issuing a temporary, voluntary stop sale for all new and pre-owned BMW motorcycle models in dealer inventory, except for the CE 04. The statement also sought to allay fears that safety could be affected, and says that owners of bikes that have already been delivered should not feel concerned: This temporary stop sale is not safety-related and BMW owners may continue to ride their motorcycles as normal. BMW North Americas statement suggests that the problem concerns emissions, which are under stringent regulations in the affected markets. The brands drastic decision to stop sales at all its dealerships is therefore unrelated to user safety; however, BMW could face severe penalties if the alleged anomaly were to be detected and reported by regulatory authorities. For the time being, no regulatory agency has urged BMW Motorrad to suspend its commercial activity. Instead, the company has decided to take the step out of a sense of responsibility over such a sensitive issue as emissions, but also because of the legal and economic consequences that such a case could potentially entail: the shadow of Volkswagens Dieselgate remains long, nearly a decade after the scandal broke. In simplified terms, the evaporative emissions system (EVAP) works to reduce or eliminate fuel vapor leaks, which occur mainly in the gasoline tank and the conduits that direct it to the engine intake for combustion. Leaks mean that fuel quickly evaporates into the atmosphere, and the lighter fuel components (such as aldehydes, olefins and kerosenes) are converted into pollutant gases. Elements of the EVAP system that could be affected include the fuel tank, the cap, the fuel level sensor and the canister, a filter that absorbs and stores vapors. When an EVAP failure occurs and fuel gases are released into the atmosphere, the engines on-board diagnostic system can display up to 17 error codes, making them easily identifiable in a technical inspection. Locating the exact point of the leak will be quite complex, however, as the perfect sealing of all these components is more complicated than it might seem due to the high volatility of gasoline. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition But following a lively debate members backed a motion from younger activists to keep it after the they warned dropping the target would hand Labour a stick to beat us with in marginal seats. We depend on our brave firearms officers to protect us from the most dangerous and violent in society. In the interest of public safety they have to make split-second decisions under extraordinary pressures, she said in a reply to a Telegraph story which had an image of a Justice for Chris Kaba banner. Explaining how it manifested, he said: So that deliberate obfuscation, the burying of decisions in a paper, the decision to do something and cloaking that decision in central government, to abandon a policy, cloaking it in language that nobody understands, bearing it in the back of a document, making it not a ministerial written statement, but just a response to a letter or something is hugely confusing. While the Conservatives and inaction man Rishi Sunak seem content for these women to be left to fend for themselves, or to fall out of the workplace altogether, with the right support we can unleash the talent and creativity of women throughout our economy. Its good for those women, good for employers and good for our economy as a whole. The King also expressed his condolences to the people of South Korea in 2022 after more than 150 people were killed in a crowd surge during Halloween festivities in Itaewon, Seoul, with the Prince and Princess of Wales also sending their love and prayers. The Home Secretary has given up on fixing the Tories asylum chaos at home so now shes resorting to grandstanding abroad, she said. Instead of enhancing international cooperation to go after the criminal gangs and build long-term solutions, this government has made it harder to get other countries to work with us by undermining international agreements that they still want other countries to abide by and offering no solutions. She said: "Under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, it has been well settled for decades that women and LGBTQ+ people who are persecuted and need to flee their home countries are to be protected by the international community." His family said they take no delight in the news that the man who had facing the prosect of going on trial accused of murder, Soldier B, had died. Confirming the news at the Conservative Party Conference, held in one of the cities impacted by his decision, Rishi Sunak said: I say, to those who backed the project in the first place, the facts have changed. And the right thing to do when the facts change is to have the courage to change direction. It said: We have worked very closely with Gatwick airport throughout. Given the levels of sickness we have experienced over the last few weeks we believe it is the responsible thing to do to limit the number of flights this week in order to reduce the risk of daily disruption to passengers using the airport. Michigan is expecting a visit on Tuesday from U.S. President Joe Biden, who announced on Friday that he would join the picket line in the historic autoworker strike against Detroits Big Three. Biden is making the visit after being publicly invited to the picket line by the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Shawn Fain, an electrician who has been in the union for 29 years and is revolutionizing how the UAW makes its demands heard. Fain, 55, is the first leader in the unions 88-year history to be elected democratically by its 140,000 members. Until last Marchs elections which Fain won in a runoff by a margin of fewer than 500 votes union officials were elected by delegates in a procedure of endogamous cronyism that led to widespread corruption. It was precisely an agreement with the Department of Justice, which was made after union leaders were charged, that established that the UAW would hold direct ballots. This gave Fain, who had clashed with union leadership, a shot at becoming president. Three of Fains four grandparents were affiliated with the UAW. One of them started working at Chrysler in 1937, the year the union emerged from the Flint Sit-Down Strike. Indeed, Fain has nodded to this historic movement by calling the current strike Stand Up. The union leader also says that he always carries one of his grandfathers pay stubs with him to remember where he comes from. Fain joined the UAW when he began working in 1994 as an electrician at the Chrysler casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana, his hometown. More information US car giants gripped by history-making strike He immediately stood out as a union leader in his plant of origin, where he became plant shop chairman. In 2007, when the car companies were going into crisis mode and the unions agreed to make concessions, Shawn opposed the ratification of the collective agreement that established a two-tier wage system that halved the pay of new workers. Two-tier wages have no place in this union. [...] If you vote for this agreement, you might as well get a gun and shoot yourself in the head, he said bluntly. One of the key demands of the Stand Up Strike is to put an end to the two-tier wage system (or at least, to bring the conditions of new hires closer to those of senior workers). He also opposed plant idling and closures, and other agreements that, in his opinion, did not serve the interests of UAW members. He participated in the negotiations to save Chrysler from bankruptcy, in which the union obtained a share package. The company was later acquired by Fiat (Stellantis is the result of the merger of Fiat Chrysler with the PSA-Peugeot Citroen group). After holding various positions in the unions structure, he challenged the incumbent president, Ray Curry, in the March elections. His campaign was more combative, although he maintained a calm tone: his speeches were direct, but composed. His two big promises were to be tougher on companies and to clean up the union, which had seen two of its presidents imprisoned. After being elected, Fain called for unity. For too long, this union has been divided. Weve been divided by corruption and self-serving leadership at the top. The UAW once set the standard for what a clean, progressive, member-led union looks like. But the last few decades have seen us veer far off course. UAW officers, the people elected to lead and serve this great union, have taken bribes, stolen dues, and betrayed the trust of the membership. That ends here, he said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. To mobilize members to support the Stand Up Strike, Fain pointed to the record profits of the Big Three and the multimillion-dollar salaries of their CEOs. Were not the problem. Corporate greed is the problem, he said. He has also broken with the tradition of singling out one of the Big Three as a strike target, and then demanding that the other two match the conditions the company agrees to. Instead, Fain has decided to attack all three at once, but selectively and gradually. He called a strike at only three plants, one at General Motors, another at Ford, and another at Stellantis. Protected by regulations that do not require advance notice, his goal was to keep companies guessing. This approach allows him to use both the carrot and the stick. After a week of negotiations, the UAW punished GM and Stellantis with strikes in 38 more facilities, while Ford was spared for having shown a greater willingness to negotiate Workers who spoke to EL PAIS last week support his strategy. He knows what hes doing, its my first strike, said a GM employee in Ypsilanti (Michigan). Its a strategy and it seems to be working, said another in Toledo (Ohio). Fain is not particularly charismatic, but he conveys security and self-confidence. He uses social media to communicate with the union members. Last Friday, he wore a camouflage shirt when he invited Biden to join workers on the picket lines. The president accepted, and today, he will be traveling to Michigan. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition She was fascinated by some of the traditional processes and also things like the dye house where she could see the fabric that is worn by the Buckingham Palace guardsbeing dyed red, and it really brought home to her the intricacies of the process and the skills of our people. These facts contain material that can only be described as grotesque and perverse acts of cruelty which is confronting and distressing and which in my assessment have the potential to cause nervous shock, he said. In the same month, he said that Russia is clearly losing the war in Iraq and announced plans to build a railroad from the Pacific all the way across the Indian Ocean. From 1988 to 1994 about 30,000 people were killed and more than a million, mostly ethnic Azeris, displaced as the Armenians threw off nominal Azerbaijani control in what is now known as the First Karabakh War. Ms Mandela is understood to have been in hospital herself recovering from an earlier suicide attempt when she got news of the crash, and reportedly checked herself into rehab soon after. In one message sent to Brito, El Gallo allegedly warned that if Mendezs husband was going to take the garbage out, the police are out there on the side. In another, El Gallo says hes left Brito una torta, a Spanish word that investigators said is used to refer to a kilogram of narcotics. It is, however, likely that its ability to continue wider regional security patrols and enforce its de facto blockade of Ukrainian ports will be diminished. It also likely has a degraded ability to defend its assets in port and to conduct routine maintenance. I cannot escape the memories of this terrible tragedy for a minute, I cannot sleep, and I think this is what I have to live with for the rest of my life, he told the court. Leonie Vestering, a Dutch MP from the Party for the Animals, said: Are we going to allow [her] to abuse her power for a personal payback because one of her ponies fell victim to the wolf? A request for assistance has been sent to the British authorities, to find witnesses on board the boat she was on. It is believed to have reached the United Kingdom. Ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh arrive at a registration center of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, near the border town of Kornidzor, Armenia, 25 September 2023. A powerful blast rocked the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region Monday evening as ethnic Armenians streamed out of the breakaway territory after the Azerbaijani military reclaimed full control of it in a lighting offensive last week. The explosion at a fuel storage facility near the regional capital of Stepanakert wounded more than 200 people, Nagorno-Karabakh human rights ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said on X, formerly known as Twitter. It was not immediately clear what caused the blast, which happened as residents were lining up to get fuel for their cars in order to leave the region. The majority of the victims were in severe or extremely severe condition, Stepanyan said, adding that the victims would need to be airlifted out of the region for medical treatment to save their lives. It was not immediately clear if there were any deaths. The Azerbaijani military routed Armenian forces in a 24-hour blitz last week, forcing the separatist authorities to agree to lay down weapons and start talks on Nagorno-Karabakhs reintegration into Azerbaijan after three decades of separatist rule. While Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region and restore supplies after a 10-month blockade, many local residents feared reprisals and decided to leave for Armenia. The Armenian government said that more 6,500 Nagorno-Karabakh residents had fled to Armenia as of Monday evening. Moscow said that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh were assisting the evacuation. Some 700 people remained in the peacekeepers camp there by Monday night. Dozens of people were lining up at the fuel facility where the blast occurred because they had been promised fuel a scarcity during the blockade for their cars in order to move to Armenia, according to Nagorno-Karabakhs separatist authorities. The explosion took place hours after the second round of talks between Azerbaijani officials and separatist representatives was held Monday in the town of Khojaly, just north of the Nagorno-Karabakh capital. The first round was held last week. Azerbaijans presidential office said in a statement that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere and that discussion focused on humanitarian aid to the region and medical services. Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said Monday that two of its soldiers were killed a day earlier when a military truck hit a land mine. It didnt name the area where the explosion occurred. In an address to the nation Sunday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his government was working with international partners to protect the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. If these efforts do not produce concrete results, the government will welcome our sisters and brothers from Nagorno-Karabakh in the Republic of Armenia with every care, he said. Demonstrators demanding Pashinyans resignation over what they call his failure to protect Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh continued blocking the Armenian capitals main avenues Monday, clashing occasionally with police. Russian peacekeepers have been in the region since 2020, when a Russian-brokered armistice ended a six-week war between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan and many others in Armenia accused the peacekeepers of failing to prevent the hostilities and protect the Armenian population. Moscow rejected the accusations, arguing that its forces had no legal grounds to intervene, particularly after Pashinyans recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. We are categorically against attempts to put the blame on the Russian side, especially the Russian peacekeepers, who have shown a true heroism, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. He demurred when asked whether the Russian peacekeepers would remain in the region, saying that no one can really say anything for now. Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During the war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that Armenian forces had claimed during the earlier conflict. In December, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, alleging that the Armenian government was using the road for mineral extraction and illicit weapons shipments to the regions separatist forces. Armenia charged that the closure denied basic food and fuel supplies to Nagorno-Karabakhs approximately 120,000 people. Azerbaijan rejected the accusation, arguing the region could receive supplies through the Azerbaijani city of Aghdam a solution long resisted by Nagorno-Karabakh authorities, who called it a strategy for Azerbaijan to gain control of the region. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support for Armenia and Armenians, saying that France will mobilize food and medical aid for the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and keep working toward a sustainable peace' in the region. France, which has a big Armenian diaspora, has for decades played a mediating role in Nagorno-Karabakh. A few hundred people rallied outside the French Foreign Ministry over the weekend, demanding sanctions against Azerbaijan and accusing Paris of not doing enough to protect Armenian interests in the region. France is very vigilant about Armenias territorial integrity because that is what is at stake, Macron said in an interview with France-2 and TF1 television, accusing Russia of complicity with Azerbaijan and charging that Turkey threatens Armenias borders. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the meantime, visited Azerbaijan on Monday in a show of support to its ally. Russia has been the main ally and sponsor of Armenia and has a military base there, but it also has sought to maintain friendly ties with Azerbaijan. But Moscows clout in the region has waned quickly amid the Russian war in Ukraine while the influence of Azerbaijans top ally Turkey has increased. Erdogan arrived in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave on Monday for talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss Turkey-Azerbaijan ties and regional and global issues. Nakhchivan is cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenian territory but forms a slim border with Turkey. Erdogan and Aliyev signed a deal for a gas pipeline and the Turkish leader said Im very pleased to be with all of you as we connect Nakhchivan with the Turkish world. Asked about Erdogans visit, Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, voiced hope that it will contribute to the regional security and help normalize life in Karabakh. Aliyev, at a news conference with Erdogan, said It is crystal clear that, independent of their ethnicity, the people living in the Karabakh region are Azerbaijani people so their safety and security is ensured by the Azerbaijani state. Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Samantha Power, visited Armenia Monday to affirm U.S. support for Armenias sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and democracy and to help address humanitarian needs stemming from the recent violence in Nagorno-Karabakh, her office said in a statement. She was joined by U.S. Department of State Acting Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim. The United States is deeply concerned about reports on the humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls for unimpeded access for international humanitarian organizations and commercial traffic, USAID said. At the United Nations, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the world organization is concerned about the influx of people into Armenia. If we are, as the U.N., given access, we stand ready to conduct humanitarian needs assessment and provide assistance to affected people, he said. Asked whether the U.N. was willing to take any further action, he said its focus right now is on possible humanitarian assistance. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The restaurant is famous in Japan for serving the meat of the Tajima heifer, a breed of ultra-premium Kobe beef. We are bringing the best quality when it comes to the meat, something you rarely see even in Japan, Aragawas founder Kotaro Ogawa told the Standard. This means the cost of the meat is very high. We are not just overpricing it because it is London. Next, on November 9, is Erika Haigh, the founder of the UKs first independent sake bar Moto, and Kamosu, an online community concerned with all things sake. Haigh was born in Japan and worked as a sommelier before specialising in the Japanese national drink (and actually neither wine nor spirit). Her session will aim to demystify what for many consumers is a confusing drinks category, though one that rewards investigation and exploration. Dani Maci, Senior Master Stylist and Salon Manager at House of Charles Worthington says there are a number of reasons why your hair could be shedding more than usual: Came off The Pill? Got new meds? Your body will respond by adjusting and this can cause hair to fall out. It usually normalises on its own, but you can help things with Alchemy Oils Amla Hair Remedy and Kerastase Genesis Serum Anti Chute Fortifiant for weakened hair, which is prone to falling due to breakage. When we hugged goodnight we said how much we loved each other and he said he would see me in the morning. I dont know if or what he may have put in his body after that. I only know that he put his head on the desk where he was working on art projects, fell asleep and didnt wake up. British Land said it will receive the one-off payment to end the lease but the agreement would also reduce its earnings per share by 0.6% over the six months to next March. Mexico is preparing for the ninth anniversary of the Ayotzinapa case. Still unsolved, the brutal attack against a group of rural students in Iguala in the State of Guerrero, on September 26 and 27, 2014, and the disappearance of 43 of them, has become an ever-present problem for the Mexican government. The investigation has stalled, despite important efforts from the government to speed-up the resolution of the case. The families are now determined to gain access to dozens of military intelligence documents which, they claim, would contain information about the attack and the boys fate. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, on the other hand, claims that those papers do not exist. Last Wednesday, the families of the 43 students met with the president at the National Palace. They brought a document that they all signed, based on the demands made over the years by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), which the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights dispatched to Mexico. The GIEI has investigated the case, along with a special unit of the Attorney Generals Office, and the presidential commission, headed by the Undersecretary of the Interior, Alejandro Encinas. The GIEI has indicated that the Army spied on the communications of Guerreros Unidos, the criminal group that attacked the students almost a decade ago. It also asserts that crucial information about the fate of the 43 students appears in those exchanges uncovered by the military. In the document the families delivered to Lopez Obrador on Wednesday, to which EL PAIS had access, they ask for dozens of military documents created between April and October 2014. The documents are from the central regions Regional Intelligence Fusion Center (CRFI), which operated at the time in Iguala. The GIEI and the presidential commission have proven that such documents exist. Between October 2021 and last July, both teams, particularly the former, have reported on the content of some of the documents, which were found by chance in military archives. The messages included in the documents found in communications intercepted by the central regions CRFI discuss military intelligence of the criminal group that attacked the students, Guerreros Unidos, and its network of allies. In the uncovered exchanges from September 26, the day of the attack, and October 4, the fate of the missing students is addressed. For the families of the 43 students, the main question is why the Army pretends no such documents exist. And, above all, why Lopez Obrador blindly believes the militarys claims. In their missive to the president, the families state: Of these documents, one stands out that says that 17 of our children were being taken to a place to kill them, but it is a letter-sized sheet, which shows an incomplete intercepted communication It is necessary for the [armed forces] to hand over the complete communication, so that we can know what happened to the 17 youths. The document to which theyre referring is the one from September 26, which is already publicly known to exist. Over the years, the GIEI has proven that this document is part of a larger interception, but the armed forces have denied that such a thing exists. This Monday, Encinas and other officials will again meet with the families of the 43, after reviewing the archive of the documents that investigators have accumulated over the years, as Lopez Obrador said. We are once again collecting not information, but [] of what they ask us, what has been handed over, what is missing, and if it exists, [well] give it to them, anything to avoid deepening the differences [between us]. Because the last thing we want is for there to be disinformation, the president noted. The whereabouts of the 43 students The National Palaces priorities and interests are actually different. For Lopez Obrador, the important thing is the boys whereabouts, finding them. He said so himself on Thursday in a press conference. There are three points to be resolved: the boys whereabouts, the previous governments cover up, and the details of the attack and the routes of disappearance. The first is the governments priority. The presidents control over the investigation teams that continue to work, the Attorney Generals Office and the commission the GIEI stopped working on the case in July is so great that Lopez Obradors priority has become everyones priority. Sources close to the case point out that, currently, the work of the Attorney Generals Special Investigation and Litigation Unit for the Ayotzinapa Case (UEILCA), and Encinas commission, is reduced to searching for people who may have information about the disappearance of the 43 students, interviewing them, and pursuing the information they provide, leaving no stone unturned in central Guerrero, to try to find the remains of the students. Of late, that has led to searches, for example, in several communities of Cuetzala del Progreso, the closest to Cocula and Iguala, which had been unexplored until this year. In July, investigation teams conducted at least three searches in that area, with positive results in two of them. By positive, the investigators mean that bone fragments, in this case minor ones, were found. In recent years, locating this type of fragment, normally eroded by rain and sun, has been common. In one of the annexes to the report it submitted last year, the presidential commission noted that since 2019, investigators have conducted 102 search activities, 17 of which yielded positive results. Three of those 17 searches resulted in finding the skeletal remains of two of the 43 students: Jhosivani Guerrero and Christian Rodriguez. The question is how informants are recruited and their motives for giving information. Over the years, only one of UEILCAs witnesses has given information that has led to finding the students remains. That source is a protected witness named Juan, a former member of Guerreros Unidos who, through old subordinates, indicated the slopes of a ravine in Cocula as the place where some of the 43 students remains were scattered. The clues Juan provided were given in the context of his cooperation with the authorities. The alleged criminal has testified extensively before UEILCA about what happened on the night of the attack and in the days that followed. His testimony has served to strengthen the charges against some of those who have been arrested in recent years, including members of the military. At the same time, his account omits any mention of his own participation and includes situations that have not been proven, such as the transfer of some of the 43 students to an army barracks in Iguala, and the disappearance of some of the students bodies in a crematorium at a funeral home in the municipality. Whatever he said whether it was true, partially true or untrue the investigators have never doubted Juans knowledge of central Guerreros underworld and the night of the events. Now, the question is whether the witnesses who are providing information to the commission and UEILCA have similar levels of knowledge, so that the searches are not conducted in vain. This week, Lopez Obrador repeated his call for anyone who knows anything about the case to come forward. The president observed that his morning press conferences are seen even in prisons. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition DefMin Tilvar: The strong strategic partnership with Italy offers opportunities to strengthen defence co-operation Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar on Monday met his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto as part of an ongoing visit to Italy. According to a press statement released by the Romanian Defence Ministry (MApN) discussed at the meeting were defence co-operation, both bilaterally and inside NATO and the EU, told Agerpres. MApN informs that at the meeting the excellent defence and security collaboration under the strategic partnership between Romania and Italy was highlighted and prospects suggested for the intensification and development of co-operation of the armed forces of the two countries, especially amid the security developments in the Black Sea region generated by Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, an independent and sovereign country. As far as NATO is concerned, Tilvar pointed out the need to continue efforts to strengthen security in the Black Sea region as a result of the Russian attacks on the ports of Reni, Ismail and Chilia, emphasising the importance of the Italian military presence at NATO exercises carried out on Romania's soil, as well as the contribution of general staff to the NATO command and control organisations established in Romania. Tilvar mentioned Romania's appreciation for Italy's commitment to strengthening the NATO defence and deterrence posture on the eastern flank and in the Black Sea region, especially through the constant participation in the enhanced air policing mission in Romania in 2019, 2022 and 2023, as these are effective solutions for sharing responsibility at NATO level. Another proof of Italian solidarity was the decision to provide forces to the Multinational Brigade in Craiova, for training and exercises. "Between Romania and the Italian Republic there is a strong strategic partnership. The relationship between our countries is not only proof of co-operation in the political and military field, but also a clear expression of solidarity within NATO and the EU at these complicated times for security in the Black Sea region Black Seas," said Tilvar. The importance of consolidating high-level dialogue was highlighted, both on security issues and on concrete subjects of co-operation at different levels, at the level of experts, on issues of common interest. "I believe that there are potential and opportunities to strengthen co-operation between our countries, including in the defence industry. Moreover, there is a need to continue the political and military dialogue at a high level, but also at a technical level, so that we can advance projects that are important to increasing the interoperability between our armed forces and to promoting our common interests." The two officials highlighted the importance of continuing the support that both Romania and Italy give to Ukraine, with Tilvar also mentioning Romania's special attention and support in relation to Moldova, considering the risks and threats to regional security and stability. Security of the Western Balkans region was also an important item on the discussion agenda, and the need to continue the joint efforts, both within NATO and the EU was mentioned. The two officials reiterated the need for co-operation in order to counter the risks and threats to security, including from the perspective of the 360-degree approach, taking into account the challenges that come from both the east and the south, such as migration. The meeting of the two officials took place at the headquarters of the Italian Ministry of Defence. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said Tuesday that the Government will massively increase fines, confiscate on a large scale the proceeds of tax evasion and will tax by 70 percent all illicit wealth. "We all want a strong health system that is accessible to all. We all want an education system that really educates our children. We all want social services where our parents and grandparents are properly cared for. But all this costs money. And they can't be built when Romania has a tax evasion of 10 percent of GDP. 160 billion RON. 32 billion euros. That's why we will massively increase fines and confiscate the proceeds of tax evasion. We'll tax everything that means illicit wealth at 70 percent. But the 70 percent tax on unjustified amounts is not the same as taxing wedding or christening money. No! The 70 percent tax will be levied on those who have not paid their taxes correctly, on those who have evaded taxes, on those who have stolen money away from health, pensions and education," Ciolacu said in the joint plenary session of Parliament, agerpres reports. He added that the economic model "based on privileges and tax facilities" that has been followed so far cannot continue. "Romania can no longer afford facilities and privileges of 75 billion RON and tax evasion of 150 billion RON per year. Together, they represent 15 percent of GDP, exactly what we would need to reach the European average in terms of income. Today we have among the lowest taxes and levies in Europe, but we collect the least VAT. Practically, we don't collect more than a third! In terms of profit tax we collect only a quarter of what we should, and on income tax - only 80 percent. We don't collect taxes, instead we borrow endlessly, risking the blocking of money from the European Union. That's not going to get us anywhere. In recent years huge tax breaks have been given to companies and various categories of employees. Logically, as a result of economic growth, state revenues should have increased. However, revenue has stagnated. Moreover, Romania's budget today is based on taxes paid by employees, on their consumption and on public investments," he said. PM Ciolacu: I haven't decided if I'm going to run for president, I will support a left-wing president Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), said on Monday evening that he has not decided at this moment whether he will run for the Romanian presidency, adding that he will support a left-wing president and does not rule out an alliance with the National Liberal Party (PNL) in the elections. "There are enough challenges, as you well know in this short term of almost three months as Prime Minister. I want Romania to have a sustainable and predictable budget and all the reforms that are currently included in the National Resilience and Recovery Plan (PNRR), but which are also the basis for Romania's accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), to be implemented in Romania. I think this is the biggest challenge," said Ciolacu, on Antena 3 private television broadcast, when asked if he will run for president. He mentioned that Romania must have a left-wing president. "It is obvious that the big challenges are social crises, social equity. There must be - after 20 years of right-wing presidents - a left-wing president must come. There are many of my colleagues, people who are not in the party now, who can take this position. I will support a left-wing president," said Marcel Ciolacu. Asked if there is any possibility that the PSD could form an alliance with the PNL for the elections, Ciolacu answered: "I do not rule out anything in politics." "It's not easy to achieve, they are left and right, but we must admit that this coalition has brought stability to Romania and a long-awaited stability in the whole area. Look at Bulgaria - it is still not very stable, Austria doesn't matter very much geostrategically at the moment, but Romania and Poland matter immensely geostrategically at the moment," Ciolacu added. PM Ciolacu: I will not accept Chancellour Nehammer being a hypocrite and humiliating Romanians Romania's Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Monday evening that as long as he is Romania's prime minister he will not accept Romanians continuing to be "humiliated" by Chancellour of Austria Karl Nehammer's opposing Romania's joining the Schengen area, adding that the latter's position is unacceptable. Ciolacu said that if in December Austria again uses its right of veto Romania, he will appeal to the European Court of Justice and will ask the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament to join in this process. "First of all, what Austria does not understand, or I think it understands very well - and you saw that the Austrian people understand better than the politicians at the moment. What Chancellour Nehammer is doing is unacceptable. First of all, me too, as prime minister, and he are transient. You have the right to veto. The European Commission, the European Council, the European Parliament have made a recommendation that Romania has deserved this for 10 years, it is meeting absolutely all the technical requirements. You have the right to veto, but you have to you justify it. That's why I said: as long as I'm Romania's prime minister, I won't accept the chancellour being a hypocrite and continuing to humiliate Romanians and Romania," Ciolacu told CNN Antena 3 private broadcaster when asked to confirm that Romania would block Austria's participation in NATO meetings, as two Austrian officers have been waiting for months to be accredited to NATO but their access is delayed by Romania, which asked for time to think. "While Romania respects all the sanctions against Russia, all of them without exception, while Romania helps the Republic of Moldova stop being dependent on Russia - and at this moment I can tell you for several weeks that the Republic of Moldova has been independent from Russian gas - you, Austria, are a neutral country, don't spend a single euro on defence acquisitions. Romania increases its GDP allocation from 2% to 2.5% to deter Russia from what it wants to do. And you come up as a hypocrite and say that Romania has no right in Schengen, without justifying your veto at all," added Ciolacu. The prime minister also said that Austria has continued to buy oil and gas from Russia for almost 7 billion euros since the war started. "From my point of view, it is money that Putin uses in the Russian economy to further support the war in Ukraine, dirty cash. But you come up - although everyone proves that there is no migration through the territory, 2% - 3% pass through Romania - but you come up and say: 'Sir, I am against' (...) Romania loses at least 2% of its GDP by not joining the Schengen area," said the prime minister. He added that Romania will not impose economic sanctions on Austria, but respects the sanctions imposed on Russia. Artificial intelligence, and how and whether to regulate it, has gotten a lot of discussion in and around this years U.N. General Assembly meeting of world leaders. With a U.N. advisory group on AI set to convene this fall, the world organizations top tech-policy official, Amandeep Gill, sat down with The Associated Press to talk about the hopes, concerns and questions surrounding AI. Question: A number of national governments and multinational groups are talking about or beginning to take action on setting guardrails for artificial intelligence. What can the U.N. bring to the table that others cant? Answer: Id say three words. Inclusiveness so bringing many more countries together, compared with some of the very important existing initiatives. The second one is legitimacy, because there is a record of the U.N. helping countries and other actors manage the impact of different types of technologies, whether its bio, chem, nuclear, space science not only preventing the misuse, but also promoting inclusive use, peaceful uses of these technologies for everyones benefit. The third one is authority. When something comes out of the U.N., it can have an authoritative impact. There are certain instruments at the U.N. for example, the human rights treaties with which some of these commitments can be linked. (For example, if an AI feature) leads to the exclusion of a certain community or the violation of the rights of certain people, then governments have an obligation, under the treaties that they have signed at the U.N., to prevent that. So its not just a moral authority. It creates a kind of compliance pressure for living up to whatever commitments you may sign up for. Q: At the same time, are there challenges that the U.N. faces that some of the other entities that are active on this dont or dont to the same extent? A: When you have such a big tent, you have to have a good process thats not just about ticking the box on everyone being there, but having a meaningful, substantive discussion and getting to some good outcomes. The related challenge is getting the private sector, civil society and the technology community involved meaningfully. So this is why, very consciously, the Secretary Generals advisory body on AI governance is being put together as a multi-stakeholder body. A third limitation is that U.N. processes can be lengthy because consensus-building across a large number of players can take time, and technology moves fast. Therefore, we need to be more agile. Q: Can governments, at any level, really get their arms around AI? A: Definitely. I think governments should, and there are many ways in which they can influence the direction that AI takes. Its not only about regulating against misuse and harm, making sure that democracy is not undermined, rule of law is not undermined, but its also about promoting a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem so that there is less concentration of economic power and the opportunities are more widely available. Q: Speaking of equal opportunities, some people in the Global South hope AI can close digital divides, but theres also concern that certain countries may reap the technologys benefits while others get left behind and left out. Do you think its possible for everyone to get on the same page? A: Thats a very, very important concern, something that I share. For me, its a reason for everyone to come together in a more nuanced way: going beyond this dichotomy of promise and peril which often comes up in the minds of those who have agency, who have the capability to do this to a more nuanced understanding where access to opportunity, the empowerment dimension of it, beyond the promise and the peril, is also front and center. So, yes, there is the opportunity, there is the excitement. But how to seize the opportunity is a very, very important question. Q: Theres a lot of talk about bringing together the conversations going on around the world about regulating AI. What do you think that means, and how can it be realized? A: Having a convergence, a common understanding, of the risks, that would be a very important outcome. Having a common understanding on what governance tools work, or might work, and what might need to be researched and developed, that would be very valuable. A common understanding on what kind of agile, distributed model is needed for governance of AI to minimize the risks, maximize the opportunities would be very, very valuable. And finally, having a common understanding of the political decision we need to take next year at the Summit of the Future (a U.N. meeting planned for September 2024), so that our effort across those functionalities is sustainable and has the publics understanding and the publics trust. Q: When it comes to AI, what keeps you up at night? And what makes you hopeful when you wake up in the morning? A: Let me start with the hopeful side. What really excites me is the potential to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging AI, particularly in the priority areas of health, agriculture, food security, education and the green transition. What worries me is that we let it go forward in in a way that, one, deludes us about what AI is capable of; and two, leads to more concentration of tech and economic power in a few hands. These may be very well-intentioned individuals and companies, but democracy thrives in diversity, in competition, in openness. So I hope that we take the right direction and that AI does not become a means to kind of subvert democracy, to delude society at large and reduce our humaneness. Those are the kind of questions that I worry about, but Im overall very optimistic about AI. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PM Ciolacu welcomes Georgia's Papuashvili to discuss energy, connectivity Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Tuesday welcomed a delegation of the Georgian Parliament led by Chairman Shalva Papuashvili, pointing to the excellent dynamic of parliamentary dialogue between Romania and Georgia and their bilateral relationships, and highlighting a shared interest in expanding economic co-operation between Romania and Georgia, which would reflect the level of the strategic partnership between the two countries launched last year, with emphasis on energy and connectivity, told Agerpres. Ciolacu spoke about a growing importance of maritime connections in the region and the common interest of Romania and Georgia in strengthening their viability in order to increase the interest of business operators and exporters amidst the war in Ukraine and the European Union sanctions against Russia. "Interconnection projects with Georgia across the Black Sea were mentioned, such as the construction of an optical fibre submarine cable, estimated to be completed in the fall of this year; developing a green electricity corridor, based on the quadrilateral agreement signed at the end of 2022 by the national governments of Romania, Georgia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, as well as the establishment of an international transport route between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, a project under negotiation," reads a press statement released by the Romanian government. At the same time, Ciolacu welcomed the recent commissioning of a ferryboat line between Constanta and Poti port, saying that the co-operation relationship between Romania and Georgia can be extended to include other sectors such as internal affairs, education, trade and investment, agriculture and the environment. During the meeting , the prospects of Georgia's European agenda and winning the status of a candidate country for joining NATO were also discussed. "Romania remains one of the staunchest supporters of Georgia's European agenda and Euro-Atlantic aspirations," said Ciolacu. He also encouraged the reform efforts and the progress made by Georgia, highlighting Romania's readiness to offer its support by sharing its transition experience. During the discussions that also covered security in the Caucasian area, Ciolacu voiced his firm support for the principle of a peaceful settlement of the protracted conflicts in the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia based on international law and respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, within its internationally recognised borders. Also attending the meeting was Deputy Prime Minister Marian Neacsu, Senator Lucian Romascanu, MP Diana Tusa, senior official Nicolae Comanescu and Romania's ambassador to Georgiaa Razvan Rotundu. The Georgian ambassador to Bucharest, Tamar Beruchashvilli, was part of the Georgian retinue, along lawmakers. Police searches 13 homes of suspected drug dealers in Arad County Police officers from the Arad Organized Crime Department and DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) prosecutors conducted searches in 13 home, on Tuesday, of members of a group of high-risk and high-risk drug traffickers, with the suspects to be brought up for questioning, told Agerpres. "From the investigations it emerged that, between June and September 2023, in the Arad County, a criminal group was created specialized in procuring, possessing and selling to consumers in this county, dangerous drugs (cannabis) and of high risk, 3-CMC (crystal), as well as substances likely to produce psychoactive effects. The members of the group would have obtained substantial material benefits from the criminal activity," the Arad County Police Inspectorate reports. At the headquarters of DIICOT Arad, 13 people "about whom there are data and solid indications that they are involved in the commission of crimes," will be heard. DIICOT prosecutors and the Romanian Police, with the support of the Gendarmerie, carried out on Tuesday morning more than 50 operations as part of a large-scale operation to dismantle some criminal groups of drug trafficking, human and minor trafficking, exploitation of vulnerable people, child pornography and computer crime. According to DIICOT, during this operation, more than 260 home search warrants and 250 arrest warrants will be carried out. USR says Justice Minister issued favourable opinion on tax measures bill in spite of experts' arguments The Save Romania Union (USR) maintains that Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu has given a favourable opinion on the draft law on some fiscal budget measures despite the "solid arguments of unconstitutionality" prepared by the ministry's experts. USR mentions that it has received the opinion drafted by experts from the Ministry of Justice for the "Tax Increase Law," for which Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu wants to take responsibility. "There are dozens of pages of arguments on the unconstitutionality and illegality of the provisions of this law. However, Minister Alina Gorghiu issued a favourable opinion for this law," USR says in a press release. USR Chairman Catalin Drula reiterates that the party's representatives, together with the Right Force party, will challenge this law at the Constitutional Court. "Marcel Ciolacu is trampling on the Constitution, the Fiscal Code, the Law of Fiscal-Budgetary Responsibility, we all already knew. But how could Alina Gorghiu, a PNL [National Liberal Party] minister, give a favourable opinion with these solid arguments of unconstitutionality prepared by the ministry's experts? (...) We, the USR together with the Right Force, will attack this abusive, uneconomic and unconstitutional law at the CCR. If Alina Gorghiu chose to ignore the arguments of the experts from the Ministry of Justice, we will bring them before the judges of the Constitutional Court, along with other sound reasons," said Catalin Drula. The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate will meet on Tuesday, at 6 p.m., in a joint session, for the assumption of the Government's responsibility on the draft law on fiscal-budgetary measures. The decision was taken by the joint standing bureaus. The leaders of the two chambers of Parliament have decided that senators and deputies may submit amendments to the draft adopted by the Executive by 1 p.m. The Government adopted in Monday's meeting the draft on fiscal-budgetary measures. Romania is on the threshold of an energy revolution for which it needs a vision, defined in the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate Change (PNIESC), and in parallel work is being done on an energy strategy for Romania, the minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, said on Tuesday at the "Energia in priza" conference organized by Bursa newspaper. "We are at a critical point with Romania's energy transition. I said that Romania is on the threshold of an energy revolution - and I believe this. For this, we need, on the one hand, a vision - and we have it. It is defined in the Integrated National Plan for Energy and Climate Change (PNIESC), and in parallel we are working on an energy strategy for Romania, because the two are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, European regulations tell us that in order to update the PNIESC or to have a PNIESC should start from a strategy. This is the natural order of things," said Sebastian Burduja, agerpres reports. He emphasized that the Ministry of Energy has approximately 18 billion euros at its disposal to market and boost projects in renewable energy, storage, networks, etc. "Last but not least, we have a context that I consider very good, the context in which Romania is a pillar of security in the region. That is why we are on everyone's map, in Washington, Ottawa, Brussels and other areas of the world - because we can be and, in fact, we must be, if you look at the map, we are condemned to be because no one else can play this role, this pillar and vector of stability through Romanian energy, through our projects, through the specialists we have at our disposal," said the dignitary. WENTZVILLE U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley on Monday visited striking autoworkers here, where he called himself "pro-worker" and encouraged higher pay for autoworkers. "I want to stand with them and their bold struggle to actually get what they deserve," Hawley told reporters after visiting with about 30 autoworkers who were standing outside entrances to the GM plant in Wentzville. "We need to make things in this country. We need to keep the jobs that we have, increase their wages, and we need to get more jobs back here." But Hawley, a Missouri Republican, has a 0% agreement rating in the most recent United Auto Workers Labor Union scorecard and an 11% approval rating in the government employees' labor union, the AFL-CIO slightly lower than the average Senate Republican. Hawley took stances in recent years that were frequently counter to the positions held by organized labor. Before joining the Senate in 2019, he indicated support for a "right to work" law that would have allowed Missouri workers to reap the benefits of a union-negotiated contract without having to pay union fees, and he opposed a statewide minimum wage hike. Missouri voters rejected the former and approved the latter in 2018. When asked about the scorecards, Hawley said he is "pro-worker" and added, "What organizations rate me doesn't matter to me." "These guys deserve a raise," said Hawley, who arrived to the picket line in a white GMC truck. "They've worked hard. They all just deserve better, and the company can absolutely afford to pay it." Workers at the Wentzville plant first went on strike Sept. 15. The plant was one of several across the U.S. where the UAW, the union that represents auto workers, took the unprecedented move to strike in an effort to force the nation's three largest car companies to boost pay and benefits. With hands tucked in his jean pockets, Hawley told the striking workers on Monday he "hopes they pay you what you deserve." Hawley also passed out water bottles to the workers, who were walking on black pavement as temperatures hovered in the upper 80s. The senator's visit came one day after Democratic U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., rallied workers at the local union hall on Sunday. Wentzville Mayor Nick Guccione said Monday it was "heartwarming" to see bipartisan concern and support for the striking autoworkers. He extended an invite to Missouri's other elected officials, both statewide and federal, to visit the autoworkers. "I'm glad that they are coming out to support the workers. It is good to see everybody coming forward supporting them. I think they need to come out and see what their fight is for," said Guccione, who added that the labor strike and the work of the UAW have not yet impacted Wentzville's economy. Workers on the picket line largely said they were glad to meet Hawley, though one said she was uncomfortable with his past support for "right to work" legislation in Missouri. "We are not going to ever be a 'right to work' state. It is not good for the union. It is not good for workers," said Jeanette Davis, who has worked for GM for nine years as a trim installer. She said she hoped Monday's visit represented a change in Hawley's policies. Hawley said Monday he respected the decision Missouri voters made in reject "right to work" laws by a margin of nearly 2 to 1. "That's the decision the people of Missouri made, and I wouldn't countermand that at all," Hawley said. "I think now we've got to do everything we can to try to strengthen the hand, the bargaining position of these workers, get their wages up and get jobs back from overseas." Hawley also defended his vote against the CHIPS and Science Act, saying that the CHIPS Act "was stuffed with giveaways to the very corporations that are screwing these people over." The CHIPS Act, signed into law last year by President Joe Biden, is aimed at bolstering American semiconductor research, development and production by offering millions of dollars in manufacturing incentives and billions of dollars for semiconductor research. In St. Charles County, the CHIPS Act has been a boon for the economy. In July, GlobalWafers Co. cited the CHIPS Act as the catalyst for the company's $300 million expansion of a facility in O'Fallon that produces wafers that are used in the making of semiconductors, chips and microchips for electronic devices. The company says the wafers can power everything from household appliances to cellphones and automobiles to aerospace technologies. Ethan Colbert ecolbert@post-dispatch.com On December 7, 2021, Victoria Villarruel entered Argentinas Chamber of Deputies to take her seat. When asked to recite the oath of office during her swearing-in ceremony customary for all newly-elected legislators she did so for the victims of terrorism. The 48-year-old lawyer born into a military family in 1975, a year before the countrys last coup detat received catcalls from some of the benches in the chamber. She was well-prepared for this reaction. Now the vice presidential candidate for the far-right coalition La Libertad Avanza (Liberty Advances), she has been holding rallies for months, urging Argentines not to feel ashamed for defending life, liberty and property. She tells her supporters that they shouldnt be silent; that they shouldnt have to ask for permission to express their ideas or values. A crusader in the cultural battle to transform Argentina, Villarruel is a close ally of Javier Milei, the economist and TV commentator who heads the political coalition. While now a candidate for VP, when she was sworn in two years ago, she was almost unknown to the general Argentine public although she was a familiar face among human rights organizations and military families. The granddaughter, daughter and niece of members of the Armed Forces, her springboard into politics was a vindication for the victims of the attacks carried out by the guerrillas in the 1970s. Her organization the Center for Legal Studies on Terrorism and its Victims (CELTYV) champions the notion of complete memory. The inclusion of Villarruel on Mileis ticket broadened his base beyond the young people who follow him on social media: it now includes members of the most reactionary sector of the right. The first-born of the marriage of Eduardo Villarruel and Diana Destefani, Victoria Villarruel was born on April 13, 1975, in the Argentine capital. She was a baby when her father a member of the Army was sent to the north of the country as part of Operation Independence. This operation which began in times of democracy and continued into the dictatorship was carried out against the guerrillas of the Peoples Revolutionary Army (ERP). Unlike other soldiers convicted of human rights violations committed during that operation considered to be the initiation of state terrorism Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Villarreul was never on the judiciarys radar. However, intelligence officer Ernesto Villarruel the uncle of the federal legislator was prosecuted in 2015 for the alleged crime of having illegally detained individuals at the clandestine El Vesubio detention center. In the end, the judge decided not to proceed with the trial, taking into account that he wasnt in good health. A conservative revolution The ticket led by Milei and Villarruel won the most votes in Argentinas primary elections, which were held on August 13. They garnered almost 30% of the vote. While the polls didnt anticipate this victory, the duo are now the favorites to win the October 22 general elections. While Milei promises a radical change in the countrys economic policies with dollarization at the top of the agenda Villarruel champions a conservative revolution against abortion, sexual diversity and gender equality policies. Over the last few years, Argentina has been at the forefront of Latin America in terms of guaranteeing these rights. Javier Milei speaks to his supporters, accompanied by Victoria Villarruel. Esteban Osorio (Getty Images) I defend the right to life, because life begins at conception and just as I had the right to be born I want any other human being to be able to have it, regardless of whether they are desired or not. Its not a question of religion: its pure biology. Those who deny it live in an obscurantism thats costing us innocent lives, Villarruel responded in writing to EL PAIS, regarding her anti-choice stance. During the campaign, the candidate has stated that shes in favor of repealing the law which allows for the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, which was approved in 2020. Yet, she avoids answering if she indeed manages to repeal the law if she will seek to criminally prosecute women who still carry out their decision to abort. In the last two years, Argentinas health system recorded more than 130,000 abortions. The conservative agenda links Villarruel with Bolsonaros movement in Brazil, Trumpism in the United States and with Vox in Spain. As my dear friends from Vox in Spain say: if you love your country and you dare to say it, youre called [a fascist]. If you complain about how they suffocate you with taxes, youre a fascist. If you dont agree with feminism and with the gender ideology that discriminates between men and women, privileging some over others, you are sexist and of course youre a facist. If you defend your house or your land and demand that the government not let it be squatted on by criminals or Mapuches (Indigenous inhabitants of southwestern Argentina), youre racist and of course youre a fascist. The progressives imposed the dictatorship of political correctness on us and they look at us from their shaky pedestal of moral superiority, while they silence us, the candidate declared, at the closing rally of her 2021 campaign. Villarruels ties in Spain were the bridge to connect Milei with Vox. The far-right party welcomed the economist with open arms last October. He reciprocated. I will always feel comfortable among those who defend freedom against all the threats that loom over it, such as the communism that plagues it, Milei said, at a festival organized by the ultra-right party on the outskirts of Madrid. Villarruels long, straight hair lacks the prominence of her running mates wild hairdo. She applies sober makeup and her gestures are less erratic than Mileis. But her moderation disappears when she speaks, which has made her the target of numerous criticisms. Every insult that is said to me genocidal, fascist, racist, homophobic, [climate] denialist I receive it all with a smile, she laughed at a rally. Security and national defense If she becomes Argentina vice president, Milei has said that he will put her in charge of the portfolios of Security and National Defense. Unlike the cuts anticipated by Milei, in areas such as science, health and education, the candidate promises to expand the militarys budget. The Armed Forces staged six coups detat between 1930 and 1976. Defunded since the end of the last dictatorship, they have ceased to be a relevant actor in Argentine politics, which, this year, celebrates 40 uninterrupted years of democracy. Villarruel is seeking the support of the conservative base for her favorite culture war: dynamiting the consensus on crimes against humanity perpetrated by the most-recent dictatorship (1976-1983) and changing the story about the political violence that took place in the 1970s. This fight is centered on language. In her speeches, she rejects the dictatorship of a single way of thinking and the dictatorship of minorities and she avoids applying the term to the regime that governed Argentina from March of 1976 until December of 1983. Instead, she refers to it as a de-facto government. What happened in Argentina was an internal armed conflict, a low-intensity war, the candidate said at the beginning of 2021, in a discussion about the 1970s that she uploaded to social media. For the legislator, the story told in schools and universities is partial and distorted, because it silences the violence carried out by guerrilla organizations, such as the ERP and Montoneros, which were aligned with former president and military strongman Juan Domingo Peron. She also considers the figure of 30,000 missing adults and children calculated by human rights organizations such as the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo to be a myth. Victoria Villarruel walks with her security detail in Buenos Aires, after attending a memorial for the victims of terrorism. JUAN IGNACIO RONCORONI (EFE) Villarruel often attacks these organizations and their leaders, who are symbols of the fight for human rights in Argentina. Last week, she verbally attacked the president of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, Estela de Carlotto: The truth is that Carlotto has been a quite sinister character for our country, because with her kind, granny-like appearance the reality is that she has justified terrorism. Estela Carlottos daughter, Laura, was a member of the Peronist University Youth when she was kidnapped in November of 1977. She was three months pregnant at the time. The military detained her in a clandestine detention center, until she went into labor on June 28, 1978. She gave birth while handcuffed on a stretcher at the Military Hospital. The newborn was taken from her and given up for adoption. Laura was murdered two months later and her son grew up in a family that raised him as their own. He did not learn about his true identity until 2014. Of course you may feel pain for the death of her daughter but [Carlotto] doesnt mention that her daughter was a Montoneros combatant. You could say that everything about Carlotto is an example of the great hypocrisy of the left, Villarruel sniffed. Carlotto now 92-years-old responded: I have been fighting and risking my life for 45 years. [The military] wanted to kill me. Thats my life. About Villarruel, she shrugged. What this beast is saying makes no sense, because the truth is the truth. Shes not a human being, shes a beast. Meetings with Videla The candidate for vice president visited former dictator Jorge Rafael Videla who died in 2013 when he was imprisoned for crimes against humanity. A member of Argentinas most-recent military junta, he ruled from 1976 until 1981, the majority of the eight-year-long dictatorship. Villarriel claims that she visited him while conducting research for her books, which gather the names of more than a thousand victims of the guerrillas. As part of the fine line that she walks, she admits that human rights violations were committed during the dictatorship and says that she thinks its good that the crimes were prosecuted. However, she demands that former soldiers be treated the same way as members of the ERP and the Montoneros, the two largest armed subversive groups in Argentina during the 1970s and 1980s. My family suffered from terrorism, although fortunately without suffering the death of a loved one. But I would like to highlight the story of Arturo Mor Roig a Spaniard who lived in Argentina. He raised his family here, dedicated himself to politics and was assassinated by the Montoneros in the midst of democracy. Spain never advocated for him [his case] was never raised, [representing] the discrimination between victims that the Argentine state has carried out, she affirmed. I have legally demanded that victims of terrorism [and their relatives] be granted the right to bring terrorists to trial, a proposal that the state has rejected in order to protect their impunity. Argentinas judicial system considers the cases that Villarruel has raised to have already been resolved. Her influence on Milei has become more evident as the months have passed. The presidential candidate for La Libertad Avanza had stayed away from the debate on the number of missing people, but when asked about the subject at a press conference in Tucuman, he coyly replied to the journalist: Can you show me the complete list of the 30,000 disappeared? Last week, Milei attacked center-right presidential candidate Patricia Bullrich who leads the Together for Change coalition by using her left-wing past as a member of the Montoneros. Theyre running a candidate for president who dropped bombs in the 1970s, he claimed. I overcame violence, Bullrich responded. Clearly, Villarruel has managed to place her agenda at the center of the debate. Presidential candidate Javier Milei flanked by legislator Ramiro Marra and his vice presidential candidate Victoria Villarruel, at a rally in Buenos Aires, Argentina. STRINGER (REUTERS) Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Oct. 3, 1820 In the Oct. 3, 1820, edition of the Missouri Gazette and Public Advertiser appeared, on page 3, this obituary for Daniel Boone: Obituary: Died at Charrette village, in this state, on the 26th September last, Col. Daniel Boone, the first settler of Kentucky in the 90th year of his age. He was a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; he left that state at 18 years old and settled in North Carolina. He was one of the few men of our county whose enterprize lead him to search into the wilderness for the best tracts of land for man to inhabit. As early as the year 1775, he removed with his family and settled on the Kentucky River, ... at a place now called Boonsborough ... where he remained until the year 1799, during this period of time, although most of his life, had been spent in agricultural pursuits, and he had been frequently honored by his countrymen, as a member of the Virginia Legislature, and lived at the close of the revolutionary war, in peace and plenty, yet such was his delight in hunting, such his devotedness to it, that in the year of 1799, with a numerous train of followers, he removed from Kentucky and settled on the Femme Osage River, which empties itself into the Missouri river, about 50 miles above its mouth, then a wilderness. The year after he discovered the Boon's Lick country, which now forms one of the best settlements of the state. In that year he also visited the headwaters of the Grand Osage river and spent the winter upon the headwaters of the river Arkansas. At the age of 80, in company with one white man and a Black man, whom he laid under strict injunction to return him to his family dead or alive, he made a hunting trip to the headwaters of the Great Osage, where h was successful in trapping of beaver, and in taking other game. Col. Boone was a man of common stature, of great enterprise, strong intellect, mobile disposition and [illegible, possible "inviolable integrity]. He died universally regretted by all who knew him; and such is the veneration for his name and character that the [illegible] of the General Assembly of this state, upon information of his death being [illegible] and resolved to wear crepe on their [illegible] as a token of [illegible] for his memory. His wife [illegible] and both have been interred in the same grave, at Charette Village, in the county of Montgomery and state of Missouri. Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger 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 HIGH RIDGE Maria Smith is an old-school bill payer. She writes checks twice a month. Smith, 78, and her husband, James, 70, are retired. They live on retirement income and Social Security. James worked at the old Chrysler plant in Fenton for 34 years. He was a union official. After he retired, he drove a bus for a while. Then in 2014, he had some medical issues. Thats what this column is about: hospital bills. Well, not just hospital bills, but all bills these days. Whether its the hospital, phone company or bank, theres always some fee tacked on that doesnt make sense, Maria says. It often involves encouraging people to pay their bills the way the company wants: online, with a credit card. Thats not how the Smiths do things. As a retired school secretary, Maria is incredibly organized. She knows how the hospital bill game works. First, you get the doctors bill, then one from the anesthesiologist, and then one from the hospital. They try to get you to pay upfront, on a credit card. She refuses and waits for the bills to make their way through the insurance company. Eventually, she gets the bills that show what she actually owes. And twice a month, after the various retirement deposits have cleared, she writes her checks to pay the bills. We always pay our bills, she says proudly. And so it was this time, after James latest medical procedure. It was May 5 and she wrote three checks to the various providers. She showed me the register in her balanced and meticulously kept checkbook. Not long after she paid, she received a note from the SSM Health system. The note said she owed an additional $12.07. Thats because she didnt pay the bill early and the price included a prompt pay discount. She didnt qualify for the discount, the letter said, so she owed more money. She and James told their kids about the bill. They suggested the couple pay it. Maria said no. Shes drawing a line in the sand. On the day I visited, she had a notice from her cellphone company, AT&T. Its one of the few bills that she pays by credit card because she gets a $10 discount for automatic payment. Now, the company wants to switch it to her checking account. The Smiths are worried about identity theft, so they dont use their checking account online. Because she wont make the change, the discount is dropping from $10 to $5. Theres so many things wrong with how the billing system works these days, Maria says. They dont care. Its not just us. Its not just the older generation. Indeed, the problem is getting attention from the White House and Congress. President Joe Biden earlier this year instructed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to write a rule that would save up to $1 billion in late fees from banks and other companies that prey on consumers. Hes also urged Congress to pass the Junk Fee Prevention Act to make it harder for companies to add unnecessary fees. Congress, meanwhile, is considering a series of bipartisan bills to bring more transparency to hospital billing. For the Smiths, the situation is simple. You shouldnt be penalized if you cant pay online or instantly, Maria says. We dont have money instantly. Were not part of the 10% on the top. When she received the bill for $12.07, she tried unsuccessfully to get a live person on the phone to discuss it. Eventually, the bill was sent to a Massachusetts company to collect. She talked to them. She let them know she wasnt paying it. The hospital and its collection company have probably spent more than $12.07 trying to collect a bill that never should have been issued, the Smiths believe. Maria could just write a check and be done with it. Instead, shes taking a stand. I refuse, she says. Im not going to pay it. UPDATED at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday with victim's name ST. LOUIS A 23-year-old man was shot dead inside a vehicle Monday afternoon before crashing in the city's Vandeventer neighborhood. Police were called just after 2:30 p.m. to the 3900 block of Page Boulevard, near the intersection of Sarah Street, for a report of a shooting. There they found a two-vehicle crash. In the driver's seat of a Jeep Compass was Darrell Walker, who had been fatally shot. Walker lived in the 8800 block of Cherrywood Lane in Jennings. The other vehicle involved in the crash was a Chrysler 200. Police Sgt. Charles Wall said no one in the Chrysler was hurt. A female passenger in the Jeep was injured in the crash, not from gunfire, Wall said. Wall said investigators believe Walker was shot before the crash. Check back for updates. ST. LOUIS A 26-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison for a 2022 killing in the city's Carondelet neighborhood. Quinton T. Roberts, of St. Louis, was set to face trial this week on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the death of 25-year-old Isaiah Danfort. Instead, Roberts pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to a news release from the St. Louis circuit court. Charging documents say Roberts shot Danfort multiple times with an AR-15 on Jan. 11, 2022 in the 5300 block of Compton Avenue. Roberts was charged last year with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, but prosecutors later dismissed the case and obtained a grand jury indictment charging him with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful gun possession. ST. LOUIS Prosecutors on Tuesday charged a 43-year-old man with fatally beating his boyfriend in the city's Dutchtown neighborhood. Robert E. Bunger is facing charges of second-degree murder and third-degree assault in the death of 44-year-old Jordan Harris on June 28. Police said Bunger was caught on video kicking and hitting Harris in the 3400 block of Montana Avenue. Harris was taken to a hospital where he later died. The St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office found Harris died from stress and physical injuries from the beating, according to a probable cause statement. Authorities said Bunger should have known that Harris had medical problems that may have made him especially vulnerable. WENTZVILLE Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing the Wentzville school board over claims the district excluded parents from discussions about bathroom and locker room access for transgender students. In a suit filed Tuesday, Bailey claims the school board violated the states open meetings law when members met in closed session over the summer to discuss a policy for transgender students to request arrangements such as using a single-stall bathroom or locker room. Parents have the right to know who is in the bathroom with their children, Bailey said in a statement. Members of the Wentzville School board knowingly and purposefully denied parents that right when they shrouded the transgender student bathroom usage policy in secrecy, directly violating the Open Meetings Law. Its unclear if the district adopted the policy, and its unclear how many students identify as transgender in the Wentzville School District, one of the largest in the state with more than 17,000 students. Baileys lawsuit marks the latest instance of St. Charles County as the epicenter for culture wars in the region. The county in recent months has seen fights over claims that sexually explicit books are available in public libraries, calls for gender-neutral outfits for library workers, and the rollback of diversity and equity efforts in some schools. Bailey said his office was first notified of possible open meeting violations by school board members Jennifer Olson and Renee Henke, both of whom were elected in April as avowed conservatives. Their concerns were echoed by more than 40 community members, Bailey said. During the closed meeting over the summer, Superintendent Danielle Tormala said there would be a transgender student in one of the districts high schools using the girls bathroom, and the girl is already seen by fellow students as just one of the girls, according to the suit. Lawyers for the district also shared a proposed draft for the new bathroom and locker room policy during the meeting, according to affidavits in Baileys suit. The policy outlined the process by which a transgender student could notify the district about their orientation and request special accommodations. Board members then questioned the circumstances in which the students parents would be notified about such a request. According to court documents, the policy directs school officials to notify the parents except in rare cases determined by school faculty and staff. Both Olson and Henke said they tried to push the districts administration to discuss the policy in open session, but administrators were hesitant to do so because of fears the policy would become a lightning rod for lawsuits, according to court documents. In his suit, Bailey alleges that the board had these discussions under the guise of legal actions or attorney-client communication. The boards discussions of its policy went beyond the scope of permissible exceptions. The board should have opened discussions about the policy to the public in open-session public meeting, Bailey said in the court filing. The issue of bathroom and locker room usage was also one of the main topics of discussion at a contentious, five-hour school board meeting last week. School board president Jason Goodson was frequently shouted down by attendees who said the district was not heeding a call to action by Missouri Sen. Nick Schroer, who, in a letter co-signed by other St. Charles County lawmakers, urged local school districts to implement policies that would require transgender students to use restrooms and locker room showers that match the gender they were assigned at birth. In his letter, Schroer said that students have the expectation of privacy that must absolutely be protected. He also suggested that school districts should have these policy discussions in public session and that they should implement policies that would allow transgender students to, alternatively, use single-stall bathrooms. Goodson and fellow school board members David Lewis, Katie Lyczak and Shannon Stolle, criticized state lawmakers for the letter. They threw us under the proverbial school bus, Lyczak said. Goodson questioned why the lawmakers didnt pass legislation in Jefferson City to make these changes, rather than force the issue onto school boards. Goodson also said the district is trying to walk a fine line in an effort to avoid litigation after a school district outside Kansas City was sued last month by the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued the district had implemented policies that discriminated against a transgender student. At best, the legal landscape on this is gray, Goodson said. This is a delicate issue for a variety of reasons. Olson one of the lawmakers who filed the initial complaint with Missouris attorney general introduced a proposed policy at the meeting last week that would allow students to use existing, single-person facilities if the student chooses, regardless of why they prefer them. The policy is expected to have a first reading at the school boards October meeting. JEFFERSON CITY Attorneys for a St. Louis clinic that treats transgender patients pledged on Monday to fight a lawsuit by the Missouri attorney general, casting the suit as desperate overreach. The ACLU of Missouri and Lambda Legal, which represent Southampton Community Healthcare, said in a joint statement that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was trying to distort consumer protection laws to interfere with health care access. Baileys actions are about nothing more than erasing transness from Missouri while he allows the top causes of child mortality to run rampant throughout the state, the statement said. We will fight this desperate overreach. Bailey, in a lawsuit filed Friday, alleged Southampton, a clinic on Hampton Avenue in south St. Louis, provided transgender care to minor patients with no documented, adequate, comprehensive mental health assessment, in violation of state law. Bailey argued the clinic violated the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which gives the attorney general jurisdiction to police unfair and deceptive business practices. His move on Friday creates a new front in the ongoing fight in Missouri, where a new law took effect last month restricting puberty blockers and hormone treatment for minors. Southampton is among plaintiffs challenging the new state law, which Baileys office is defending in state court. The attorney generals office filed its lawsuit Friday as a counterclaim to the lawsuit challenging the new state law. Baileys counterclaim states that since 2018, Southampton failed to adopt and consistently apply a policy of ensuring that each minor patient in Missouri receives a comprehensive mental health assessment before receiving gender transition interventions. It continued that, instead, Southampton provided care to transgender youths without such an assessment. The lawsuit said moving forward with such interventions without verifying each Missouri minor received a comprehensive mental health assessment exposed the minor patients to high levels of risk, including the risk of unnecessary, life-altering medicalization. Providing gender transition interventions without first ensuring that each minor patient in Missouri receives a comprehensive mental health assessment is both unfair and deceptive under Missouri law, the counterclaim said. Southamptons witnesses said in testimony that the medical standard of care included a full psychological assessment, a spokeswoman for the attorney general said. Parents, however, testified that their children did not receive full mental health assessments before starting treatment at Southampton, she said. But the ACLU on Monday said that wasnt true. No patients of Southampton testified at the hearing, nor did any parents of patients from Southampton, it said in a statement. In its counterclaim, the state is seeking a declaration that the clinic violated the merchandising practices act, as well as restitution for victims and a $1,000 fine per violation of the act. Its not the first time Bailey has attempted to use the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act to assert jurisdiction over transgender care providers. Bailey proposed regulations earlier this year based on the Merchandising Practices Act that wouldve imposed strict regulations on caregivers. Southampton also sued to stop those rules from taking effect. The attorney general scrapped the regulations in May after a state judge put a temporary hold on them. But at the end of August, the new law took affect, and Baileys office sent a letter warning six providers, including Southampton, to comply with the new state law. Also on the list was Washington University, which announced this month it would stop providing gender-affirming medications to all minors, even those technically still eligible because they were being treated before the law took effect. Washington University and University of Missouri Health Care, which also stopped prescribing transgender medications to minors, said legal liability imposed by the new law was too great. In addition to gender-affirming care, Southampton Community Healthcare also provides primary care services, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, vaccines and more, according to its website. Jack Suntrup 573-556-6186 jsuntrup@post-dispatch.com Why Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet plummeted into a field northwest of Moscow is still a mystery. The Russian military leaders he tried to oust with his armed rebellion remain in power. His mercenary army is under new management. And President Vladimir Putin, whose authority was badly dented by the short-lived mutiny, seems as strong as ever, with Prigozhins fiery death sending a chilling message to anyone challenging him. A month after Prigozhin was killed in a suspicious plane crash, the Kremlin seems to be succeeding in keeping the demise of the profane and outspoken Wagner chief as low-key as possible a strategy underlined by Putins absence at his funeral and troops keeping the media from entering Porokhovskoye Cemetery in St. Petersburg for his Aug. 29 burial. Prigozhins funeral was the culmination of a covert operation aimed at his elimination, said Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. It was conducted under the strict oversight of security agencies, shrouded in secrecy and involved deceptive tactics, she noted. Makeshift street memorials sprouted in several cities honoring the 62-year-old Prigozhin, but they have been quietly removed by authorities. Recruitment billboards for the Wagner Group had vanished shortly after the rebellion fizzled. In a further indignity, someone stole a violin that was left on his grave, a nod to the mercenary groups namesake, German composer Richard Wagner. Another man tried but failed to steal a sledgehammer placed there another Wagner symbol after the group boasted of using such a tool to beat traitors to death. Now, a surveillance camera is mounted on a nearby tree and a 24-hour guard monitors Prigozhins well-tended grave, which on Friday was covered in flowers and written tributes. Prigozhins greatest wartime accomplishment the Wagner-spearheaded capture of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in May after months of bloody combat is under threat. Kyivs troops are seeking to reclaim it in their counteroffensive in order to deal a psychological blow to Russia. Still, the private army that once counted tens of thousands of troops is a precious asset the Kremlin wants to exploit, and Russian officials are pondering the possibility of sending some Wagner fighters back to Ukraine. Prigozhin launched the June 23-24 rebellion, bent on ousting the Russian Defense Ministrys leadership that he blamed for mistakes in pressing the war in Ukraine. His mercenaries took over Russias southern military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and then rolled toward Moscow before abruptly halting the mutiny. Putin denounced them as traitors, but the Kremlin quickly negotiated a deal ending the uprising in exchange for amnesty from prosecution. The mercenaries were offered a choice to retire from the service, move to Belarus or sign new contracts with the Defense Ministry. Exactly two months after the rebellions start, a plane carrying Prigozhin and his top lieutenants crashed on Aug. 23 while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg, killing all 10 people aboard. An investigation was launched but no findings have been released. Moscow rejected an offer from Brazil, where the Embraer business jet was built, to join the inquiry. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded an intentional explosion caused the crash, and Western officials have pointed to a long list of Putin foes who have been assassinated. The Kremlin called allegations he was behind the crash as an absolute lie. The day after the crash, Putin gave a dry eulogy for Prigozhin in brief televised remarks, saying he had known him since the early 1990s. Prigozhin was a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, he said, without displaying any emotion. Asked last week why the official investigation hasnt yielded any results, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded tersely that its a difficult probe. Despite any damage done to Putin by the rebellion, Prigozhins death was a powerful signal to Russian elites about challenging his authority. Russian officials, meanwhile, moved quickly to take control of the companys personnel and assets. Deputy Defense Minister Col. Gen. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov led a delegation to Syria, Libya, Central African Republic and other countries where Wagner operated to tell their leaders that the Defense Ministry will take over the job. The death of Wagners leaders allows the Kremlin to establish control over the mercenaries in Africa, said Africa expert Alexandra Fokina in a recent analysis. Africas strategic importance for Russia is rising, and Moscow will likely try to nationalize those assets without the loss of efficiency. That doesnt necessarily mean Wagner mercenaries in Africa will be placed under the control of the Defense Ministry. Instead, Fokina said the Kremlin could allow some of them to operate autonomously as a private entity under new, government-appointed leadership. By maintaining such hybrid model, Moscow would be able to continue using the mercenaries in the gray zone, officially keeping a distance from Wagners activities in the region, Fokina said. Wagners African operations hinged heavily on personal contacts developed by Prigozhin and his lieutenants, links that could be broken if the Defense Ministry tries to take full control, she noted. Choosing an appointee from the ranks of Russia instructors working in Africa would allow the Kremlin to rely on the existing channels of communication with the local leadership, she said. Photos: Scenes of Russia's economy since war in Ukraine In five days, millions of federal employees, including active-duty military, could see their paychecks cut off. If the government shuts down at midnight Saturday, many federal services could be reduced or completely halted, affecting everything from national parks to food safety inspection to passport processing to airport security. Depending on how long the shutdown lasts, it could ultimately deprive poor children of federal nutrition and health care aid. Yet it will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars in lost economic activity to say nothing of the real threat of downgrading Americas creditworthiness, which would add to the national debt going forward. But, hey, Eric Burlison isnt worried. Im not afraid of a shutdown, the Republican Missouri congressman was quoted as saying recently. Easy for him to say. His paycheck isnt at risk. Meanwhile, many of the U.S. military personnel who would suddenly stop getting paid will nonetheless be required to show up for work. Burlison is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, the misnamed klatch of hard-right extremists who are once again threatening to shackle Americas economy. Readers arent helpless to confront them. Even these bull-headed ideologues cannot entirely ignore the wishes of their constituents and fellow Republicans who, unlike themselves, actually care about the stability of government services. Pressure from the public could help. Contact numbers for Republican House members from the Post-Dispatchs readership area are listed at the bottom of this editorial. The nation has, of course, been here before earlier this year, in fact, when this same gang of political nihilists threatened to shut down the government over their demands for spending cuts. President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., averted a shutdown then with a deal in June that included about $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. But the Freedom Caucus wants more and is once again holding the government at fiscal gunpoint to get it. There are three things to keep in mind about those demands: One, they come from some of the same Republicans who enthusiastically rammed through the GOPs 2017 tax cuts. Those cuts primarily helped wealthy individuals and corporations, issued crumbs to everyone else and are expected to ultimately add close to $2 trillion to the federal debt. Republican debt obsession is, as always, situational the situation being which party holds the White House. Two, the only ways to achieve significant levels of spending reductions is to deeply cut the defense budget, which the Freedom Caucus wont do; deeply cut Social Security and Medicare, which theyd like to do but wont admit to; or cut everything else education, health care, basic government services, everything to the bone. And even that wont come near the reductions the caucus claims to want. And three, this ultimately isnt just about money but about the Freedom Caucus insistence that McCarthy, their House hostage er, speaker shut Democrats out of the process entirely. Caucus members have made clear they have zero interest in any kind of compromise with the opposing party. Which means no plan they would approve will stand a chance in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. These extremists dont even represent the majority of their own party, let alone the nation. Yet because of McCarthys tenuous hold on his speakership, they are once again threatening to burn the whole place down, as McCarthy himself recently put it. Perhaps he shouldnt have given them the matches in the first place. If theres still some semblance of sanity among the vast majority of House Republicans who arent members of the Freedom Caucus, they will join with Democrats to take them away. Toward that end, readers who are represented by Republicans in the House can and should pressure those elected officials, including Burlison, to quit playing Russian roulette with Americas economy. Below are the Washington, D.C., office numbers for each Republican House member from Missouri and Metro East Illinois: Rep. Ann Wagner, Missouri Second District (western St. Louis suburbs): 202-225-1621. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Missouri Third District (east-central Missouri): 202-225-2956. Rep. Mark Alford, Missouri Fourth District (west-central Missouri): 202-225-2876. Rep. Sam Graves, Missouri Sixth District (northern Missouri): 202-225-7041. Rep. Eric Burlison, Missouri Seventh District (southwestern Missouri): 202-225-6536 Rep. Jason Smith, Missouri Eighth District (southeastern Missouri): 202-225-4404. Rep. Mike Bost, Illinois 12th District (southern Illinois): 202-225-5661. Rep. Mary Miller, Illinois 15th District (central and western Illinois): 202-225-5271. Top Certificate Authority finds that automation presents significant technical, compatibility, security and expertise challenges for a large swath of organizations BOSTON, MA and LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / GMO GlobalSign K.K. (https://www.globalsign.com/en), a global Certificate Authority (CA) and leading provider of identity security, digital signing and IoT solutions today announced the results of a recent survey of enterprises and small to medium businesses that rely on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) products and solutions. The findings from more than 100 respondents indicate that many organizations are unprepared for sweeping industry changes that call for mandated certificate automation. As discussed in our June 20 announcement, later this year, and into 2024, there could be significant changes within the PKI marketplace, the most pressing matter being Google's move to reduce the lifespan of SSL/TLS certificates. The solution to meet this call by Google, and other browsers, is to automate certificate management. However, this is causing concern for the millions of businesses worldwide who rely on PKI for security compliance since many of them are not ready to make this leap. To get a sense of what companies' state of mind are around the issue, GMO GlobalSign asked 1,000 organizations about this industry shift. Approximately 110 companies responded. Key Findings GMO GlobalSign inquired about the challenges companies will face when Google reduces the maximum certificate to 90 days. Nearly a third of respondents said the increased administrative work and complexity were the biggest concerns (30 percent). Also worrisome for respondents is the possibility of more frequent root certificate updates, such as expected Mozilla updates set for 2024; Twenty percent of survey participants believe that a seven-year rotation for root certificates is manageable and would not cause a significant impact; Fifteen percent of those who responded worried about costs and overhead. This was of particular concern to small businesses and websites, where added costs might not be justified by the owners; Another thirty percent voiced concerns with older or legacy systems, frequent expirations as well as security and compliance challenges Automation Stumbling Blocks GMO GlobalSign also asked respondents about general barriers to automation. Responses were separated into five buckets: technical limitations compatibility issues, security, cost and resource constraints, lack of knowledge or expertise and infrastructure Thirty eight percent believe that technical limitations and compatibility are the biggest blockers to automation. This includes not having out-of-the-box solutions for automating certificate management, the lack of support for automated renewal in certain systems or environments (such as Windows, IIS, Plesk), and the incompatibility of some systems with standard automated solutions. A quarter of respondents point out cost and resource constraints as potential obstacles. This includes the costs associated with developing a custom automation system, and the resources needed to manage and maintain solutions for automated certificate management. Twenty percent of participants say a lack of knowledge or expertise is another potential challenge to automating certificates. This includes not knowing whether systems support the injection of new certificates and the restart of services, or being unfamiliar with, automation in general. Ten percent also cite security concerns, especially the governance and control of a fully automated system, as well as the need for audit trails, security approval and oversight in free public CAs. Seven percent also express concerns about the limits of infrastructure. This includes servers that are behind firewalls with strict policies, equipment that does not provide an API or other facility to manage the certificate, and networks that do not have access to the internet. "It's clear that many challenges to certificate automation exist, whether you are an enterprise level organization or an SMB. There are a lot of steps to overcome before the vast majority of customers can support full automation," said Doug Beattie, Vice President, Product Management, GMO GlobalSign. "On the plus side, tools are available today to remove the pressure of certificate automation. Our products such as Automated Certificate Management Environment (ACME) greatly aid a company in this process. Our industry does not have clarity when a mandated 90-day automation may become real, but judging from our survey, organizations with concerns should begin taking steps now. In the long run, it will serve them well." About GMO GlobalSign As one of the world's most deeply-rooted certificate authorities, GMO GlobalSign is the leading provider of trusted identity and security solutions enabling businesses, large enterprises, cloud-based service providers, and IoT innovators worldwide to conduct secure online communications, manage millions of verified digital identities and automate authentication and encryption. Its high-scale Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and identity solutions support the billions of services, devices, people, and things comprising the IoT. GMO GlobalSign is a subsidiary of GMO GlobalSign Holdings K.K. , a member of the Japan-based GMO Internet Group, and has offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit https://www.globalsign.com. Media Relations Contacts Amy Krigman Director of Public Relations, West Region [email protected] 978-835-5393 Melanie Faller Public Relations Manager, France and DACH [email protected] SOURCE: GMO GlobalSign View source version on accesswire.com: Shabana Basij Rasikh chokes up and stops talking for a moment. While in Madrid to receive a UNICEF Spain 2023 award, her emotions briefly interrupted a heartfelt description of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA). Tears well up in her eyes as she reflected on the resilience and bravery of the young Afghan girls who study at the school she founded in Kabul, and later relocated to Rwanda in August 2021 when the Taliban returned to power. She continues to bring Afghan girls to SOLA in Rwanda and is developing an online program for those who cannot attend in person. Question. Would you tell an Afghan girl to follow your parents example and attend a secret school? Answer. You know, as someone who did it, I can say yes. But I must say its an incredibly personal decision because taking that kind of risk is not easy. Its scary, and the consequences are severe no one wants to face the Taliban and their brutality. Q. You did it. A. Yes. I remember when my family took that risk and sent me to a secret school dressed as a boy. I remember being scared and thinking how unfair it was that my parents had to make that decision. But I only understood the value of that decision years later, when the Taliban regime fell and I was able to return to public school. Q. Why? A. I found myself in a classroom where most of my classmates were six years older than me. And it was the first time I was aware of the gift my parents had given me by risking their lives and our lives [referring to her sister]. Because when I went to school, my thinking and my aspirations changed. Q. In what sense? A. I started envisioning a bright future as an independent woman, taking charge of my own life and making my own decisions. I owe it all to the courage of Afghan women who, in the 1990s, secretly welcomed girls into their homes for education. They were aware that of the severe consequences if they were discovered. Q. History is repeating itself A. Yes, the Taliban have regained power and imposed restrictions on girls attending secondary school and women pursuing higher education and employment. However, amidst these challenging conditions, women have taken it upon themselves to teach girls and pass on their knowledge to the younger generation. Women and girls are at the forefront of the fight against the Taliban regime, while millions in the country are suffering from hunger. Despite these dire circumstances, girls and their families are actively seeking opportunities to pursue education. Q. What impact will the Taliban ban have? A. The consequences of neglecting girls education will have far-reaching effects, affecting not only the girls but everyone. Investing in girls education benefits not just girls, but also boys, men, and society as a whole. Educated girls tend to marry later and have fewer children, leading to improved health outcomes. Research shows that educated women typically allocate over 90% of their income to their families, fostering healthier and more prosperous lives for both their families and communities. Shabana Basij-Rasikh, in Madrid to receive a UNICEF Spain award; September 7, 2023. Moeh Atitar Q. After the Taliban took over the country in August 2021, you managed to move the school to Rwanda. How did you do it? A. It wasnt easy, but I am very grateful for the absolute generosity of the Rwandan government. We were able to safely bring over every member of our community. As we got off the plane, we were greeted by health officials and trauma counselors none of us saw immigration officers at the airport. We just went straight from the airport to the facility we had rented to be our future campus. Q. No immigration officials? A. They came a few days later to process the paperwork and give us residence cards. The incredible support we received in the most difficult of times reminded me that it takes bold leadership from a lot of countries around the world to look at refugees differently, as people who have been forced to leave home. Q. What did you do with your school in Afghanistan? A. As we were getting ready to leave the country, the parent of one of our students asked me to burn all the school records for his daughters before the Taliban took power. He feared repercussions if the information was discovered. I agreed and destroyed every bit of evidence to protect our students families. Q. What is life like in Rwanda for Afghan students? A. This is the second year we have brought girls here from Afghan communities around the world. They are young and resilient individuals, facing the daily challenges of being away from their families. Yet, their courage is truly admirable and their thirst for knowledge is undeniable. They understand their important role in Afghanistans future, and when the time comes, they will return to seize the opportunity. Q. You are also developing an online SOLA program. How many girls do you think it will attract? A. This year, we received nearly 2,000 applications from Afghan girls in 20 countries for our school in Rwanda, but we could only admit between 20 and 30. So we looked at how to bring our school to them. Thats why we are launching this online initiative to provide education to thousands and thousands of Afghan girls this year, and for many years to come. It is in no way a substitute for attending in person, but it is a way to give them an education and instill hope in the future, that the darkness of the Taliban will not last forever. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition According to the Identity in Practice Report, 56 percent of participants were victimized by strangers and 40 percent by someone they know SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Today, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, in partnership with the Chicago-based Black Researchers Collective (BRC), released its Identity in Practice Report, which seeks to understand and examine identity crime victimization across Black communities in the United States. The project is supported by LifeLock (a part of Gen"), Synchrony and the Wells Fargo Foundation. This comes ahead of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023, of which the ITRC is a supporter of the annual initiative. As part of a two-year research project, the BRC collected responses from participants who identified as Black or African American. (See the "About the Research" section below for more information.) The BRC conducted quantitative and qualitative research, including focus groups in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicago, in cooperation with local community groups. Among the findings: Most participants were victimized by strangers ( 56 percent ), but a large minority ( 40 percent ) said they were victimized by someone they knew, with at least 13 percent being family members. ), but a large minority ( ) said they were victimized by someone they knew, with at least being family members. Revictimization was also prevalent in the three cities ( 83 percent in Atlanta and Chicago each; 86 percent in Philadelphia) where qualitative focus groups were conducted. For those who experienced financial loss, most lost at least $500 . in Atlanta and Chicago each; in Philadelphia) where qualitative focus groups were conducted. For those who experienced financial loss, most lost at least . Fifty-three (53) percent of participants across the focus groups expressed emotional and psychological impacts after becoming a victim, as well as challenges accessing financial accounts, securing tax returns, obtaining identity PINs and dealing with penalties for reporting identity fraud. DOWNLOAD THE IDENTITY IN PRACTICE REPORT "This research is an important step in gathering more data around identity theft victimization in Black communities," said Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "In 2018, when the ITRC identified a dramatic increase in the number of victims from Black communities contacting the Center for assistance and searched for existing research that might indicate why, there was none. That led to this multi-year, multi-phase study. The findings in this report show that identity theft is a growing concern and that Black communities face distinct challenges. Action must be taken to reduce victimization, particularly repeat victimization, but it is also clear that Black communities need more support to adequately address the issues surfaced here. We are eager for the next phase of this initiative so we can begin developing and testing specific identity crime materials and advice that will lead to meaningful change." Other findings in the report include the following: Twenty-five (25) percent of identity theft cases remained unresolved, revealing the prevalence of identity theft incidents lacking closure. Only 11 percent of participants reported successfully resolving their issue with minimum barriers. of identity theft cases remained unresolved, revealing the prevalence of identity theft incidents lacking closure. Only of participants reported successfully resolving their issue with minimum barriers. Of those who were a victim of an identity crime in the last five years, 25 percent were victimized during COVID-19. Recommendations for the next steps highlighted in the research include: The need for comprehensive financial support and recovery mechanisms Educational awareness, like government workshops focused on credit and the integration of identity theft awareness into the K-12 curriculum Legal and regulatory measures such as higher penalties for identity crimes and identity verification for tax filing Support and empowerment, emphasizing spaces to share experiences and empathy from customer service representatives This three-year initiative looks to develop culturally aware identity services in Black communities, including specific identity education and protection programs. The initiative is similar to a program previously funded by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Victims of Crime that focused on developing identity protection programs for the blind/low vision and deaf/hard of hearing communities. The ITRC is proud to release this report before Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023. Founded in 2004 and held each October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the world's foremost initiative aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. "The ITRC has been a supporter of Cybersecurity Awareness Month from the beginning," Velasquez said. "We hope that releasing this report prior to Cybersecurity Awareness Month will help bring recognition to the lack of assistance programs around identity theft victimization that take into consideration the unique issues required to be effective in assisting Black communities." For Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023, the ITRC will also release its Q3 2023 Data Breach Analysis, which looks at the data breach findings from the third quarter of the year, and 2023 Business Impact Report, which analyzes the impacts of identity crimes and cyberattacks on small businesses. Anyone who believes they are the victim of an identity crime can contact the ITRC toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website www.idtheftcenter.org. About the Research In the spring of 2023, the Black Researchers Collective (BRC) conducted six focus groups - two in each city - with people who both self-identified as Black and reported being a victim of an identity crime across three major cities in the Midwest, East Coast and the South. Across the focus groups, BRC met with a total of 55 participants, the average age of whom was 44 years old. Although the age profiles were fairly balanced across all three cities, most focus group participants (82 percent) were under the age of 55. The majority of participants who participated in the focus groups were cisgender women (71 percent), while 29 percent of participants were cisgender men. Most of the focus group participants (80 percent) had household incomes under $75,000, and over half (56 percent) made under $50,000 a year despite over half of the sample also being college-educated with degrees (53 percent). The majority of participants (71 percent) also experienced what BRC defined as compounding factors, meaning that in addition to being a victim of an identity crime, they were also experiencing one or more of the following factors while also experiencing victimization: recently justice-involved, recently homeless, recently housing insecure (moving more than two or more times in a calendar year; spend more than 35 percent of income on housing), or had at least one minor (dependent) in their household they care for. About the Identity Theft Resource Center Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)ais aanationalanonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime.aThrough public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education throughaits websitealive chataidtheftcenter.orgaandatoll-free phone number 888.400.5530.aThe ITRC alsoaequipsaconsumers and businessesawithainformation about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool,anotified.aThe ITRC offers help to specificapopulations, includingatheadeaf/hard ofahearing andablind/lowavisionacommunities.a Media Contact Identity Theft Resource Centeraaaa Alex Achtenaaaa Director of Communications & Media Relations aaaa 888.400.5530 Ext. 3611aaaa [email protected]aaa View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gen on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Gen Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gen Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Gen View source version on accesswire.com: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Jackpot Digital Inc. (the "Company" or "Jackpot") (TSXV:JJ)(TSXV:JJ.WT.B)(TSXV:JJ.WT.C)(OTCQB: JPOTF)(Frankfurt Exchange:LVH3) is pleased to announce that on July 31, 2023, the Company has signed a licensing agreement to install three (3) of the Company's Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort ("Jackson Rancheria"), located in Jackson, California, USA, further expanding the Company's growing Jackpot Blitz footprint. The installation is subject to Jackpot obtaining the customary regulatory and licensing approvals. "Jackson Rancheria is thrilled to partner with Jackpot Digital as we introduce Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker electronic table games to our casino floor," said Ms. Crystal Jack, CEO of Jackson Rancheria. "At Jackson Rancheria, we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of state-of-the-art gaming experiences for our valued patrons. This exciting opportunity further expands our award-winning resort amenities, and we look forward to establishing a successful partnership with Jackpot Digital for years to come." Year-to-date, the Company has announced new agreements or letters of intent ("LOIs") for 20 Jackpot Blitz table installations and has received LOIs for an additional 16 tables from yet-to-be-announced partners, for a total of 36 new Jackpot Blitz orders so far this year. These new orders, once installed, represent approximately 55% increase in Jackpot Blitz installations. The Company is in the process of obtaining licensing for the relevant jurisdictions and is expected to begin installing the next generation Jackpot Blitz in the second half of 2023. The Company's pipeline of new business is expected to grow throughout 2023 as the Company obtains licensing for new jurisdictions. Each new table installed shall represent additional monthly recurring revenue to the Company. In addition to Jackpot's cruise ship customers, which include Carnival Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, Holland America, AIDA, and Costa Cruises, Jackpot has announced land-based installations or orders in 12 states and territories in the U.S. and growing, including Michigan, Mississippi, Washington, Nevada, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as several international jurisdictions. To view a short video of the new Jackpot Blitz, click the thumbnail below. Jackpot President & CEO, Mr. Jake Kalpakian states "We are excited to be working with Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, a well-known casino resort in central California. Players and casinos alike are excited by our product as it offers more game options and faster, error-free gameplay, all while improving casino operational efficiencies." Mr. Kalpakian continues "We continue to experience strong demand for Jackpot Blitz. Our customers tell us Jackpot Blitz is more attractive than ever before because of the many problems it solves, including cost control and the ability to fully automate the tournament functionality of a large scale poker room with minimal staff requirements. We are not aware of any other poker-first machines like Jackpot Blitz in the marketplaces, and so we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the macro trend toward automation in the casino industry. Through the innovative dealerless Jackpot Blitz technology, casinos are quickly recognizing the benefits of more revenues by dealing more hands per hour while at the same time drastically reducing costs and eliminating operational/employee requirements all at once. Demand for Jackpot Blitz has strengthened since introduction of our next generation Jackpot Blitz, which allows for cash in / out and easier integration with each casino's back-end system." About Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort is located at 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA 95642, in beautiful Amador County. Resort amenities include the Casino with table games, slots, and a High-limit Room, hotel, RV park, resort shuttle, and a variety of award-winning dining options. The surrounding region is home to the famous Mother Lode Gold Country, and features adventures for all, including world-class hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wineries, and rich history. For more information, call 1-800-822-9466 or visit www.JacksonCasino.com. About Jackpot Digital Inc. Jackpot Digital Inc. is a leading electronic table games manufacturer for the cruise ship industry and regulated casino industry. The Company specializes in multiplayer gaming products, including poker and casino games, which are complemented by a robust suite of backend tools for operators to efficiently control and optimize their gaming business. For more information on the Company, please contact Jake H. Kalpakian, President and CEO, at (604) 681- 0204 ext. 6105, or visit the Company's website at www.jackpotdigital.com. On behalf of the Board of Jackpot Digital Inc. "Jake H. Kalpakian" Jake H. Kalpakian President & CEO Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. 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. Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking". Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Jackpot's future plans, the obtaining of customary regulatory approvals, projected or proposed financings, costs, objectives, economic or technical performance, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this News Release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "enable", "feel", "seek", "project", "predict", "potential", "should", "might", "objective", "believe", "expects", "propose", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "plans" "estimate", "in due course" and similar words are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, projections and estimations, there can be no assurance that these assumptions, projections or estimations are accurate. Readers, shareholders and investors are therefore cautioned not to place reliance on any forward-looking statements as the plans, assumptions, intentions or expectations upon which they are based might not occur. SOURCE: Jackpot Digital Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, has been honored in the 10th National CSR Times Award 2023 for its impactful initiatives in India. The company has secured the prestigious Gold Award for its Sustainable Environment Solutions program, addressing the pressing concern of crop stubble burning across 16 locations in India. The event, held at New Delhi, marked the annual CSR Times Awards, a platform designed to honor noteworthy accomplishments and encourage various stakeholders including Corporates, Corporate Foundations, NGOs, Government and Public Sectors, and Individuals to actively engage in projects that generate a positive and lasting impact on the community. Delighted at the win, Mr. Narinder Mittal, Country Manager and Managing Director of CNH Industrial - Agriculture Business (India and SAARC), stated, "We are greatly honoured to receive this recognition for our Sustainable Environment Solutions program. This acknowledgment assures us that we are on the right path to making a difference in society through our focused initiatives. At New Holland Agriculture, we are dedicated to fostering positive transformation through innovation and sustainable practices that benefit not only the farming sector but also the broader community. This award encourages us to continue our efforts to create impactful initiatives for a better future." Sustainable Environment Solutions focuses on curbing crop stubble burning through sustainable straw management and encourages the use of rakes and balers for eco-friendly straw management, while also raising awareness about crop residue burning's detrimental effects. From 2017 to 2022, this effort facilitated baling nearly two million tons of paddy straw, substantially cutting carbon emissions that would have otherwise occurred through stubble burning. By winning this award, CNH Industrial affirms its strong commitment to sustainability and to the future of farming. The Sustainable Environment Solution leverages crop stubble management techniques to find sustainable alternatives View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CNH Industrial Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial Email: [email protected] SOURCE: CNH Industrial View source version on accesswire.com: PALM DESERT, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Southern ITS International (OTC PINK:SITS) is thrilled to announce its recent partnership through an operating agreement with Ingenious Roasters, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in both companies' pursuit of innovation and growth in the beverage industry. Under the terms of the agreement, the members have elected key leadership roles within the organization: Gil Irey has been appointed as President, Chad Shipman will serve as Treasurer, and Scott Millar will take on the role of Secretary. Ingenious Roasters, LLC, in which Southern ITS International holds a substantial 45% stake, is set to embark on a journey to create and develop exceptional brands within the beverage industry. Their initial focus will be on launching a revolutionary nutrition drink infused with coffee. This venture represents a new and exciting division for Southern ITS International, with ambitious plans to introduce its inaugural brand and product in the first quarter of 2024. To ensure the success of this venture, Southern ITS International will collaborate closely with GetchaBrand, which is based in the United Kingdom. GetchaBrand is a renowned product launch and digital marketing consultancy. As a hands-on services provider, it specializes in the development of direct-to-consumer brands. Scott Millar and Erick Redling of GetchaBrand will lead the project as directors, supported by a dedicated team from Southern ITS International. Together, they aim to bring cutting-edge products and experiences to consumers, solidifying the Company's presence in this dynamic industry. This partnership between Southern ITS International and Ingenious Roasters, LLC signifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering unparalleled value to consumers. Both organizations are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to reshaping the future of the beverage industry together. About Southern ITS International, Inc. Southern ITS International, Inc. remains focused on owning and/or controlling a comprehensive portfolio of highly successful businesses. As a holding company, Southern ITS International is actively engaged in the pursuit of equity stakes in various public and private entities. Our mission includes establishing a robust Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Business-To-Business (B2B) network, harnessing the potential of e-commerce across an array of diverse sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, and product sales. We have assembled, and continue to add to, a seasoned management team to direct us in achieving our goals, which include evolving into a multinational conglomerate. Our team is working to build a well-rounded portfolio, to include both complete acquisitions of and strategic interests in companies, within sectors spanning technology, oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate, and beyond. These partnerships and acquisitions will become operational subsidiaries under the Southern ITS International umbrella. Precautionary and Forward-Looking Statement This 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, 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 or 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 several factors, and other risks identified in the Company's disclosures or filings with the SEC or OTC Markets, Inc. You are further cautioned that penny stocks and stocks of smaller companies like Southern ITS International, Inc. are inherently volatile and risky, and that no investor should buy this stock unless they can afford the loss of their entire investment. Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of 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 or 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 several factors, and other risks identified in the Company's disclosures or filings with the SEC or OTC Markets, Inc. You are further cautioned that penny stocks and stocks of smaller companies like Southern ITS International, Inc. are inherently volatile and risky, and that no investor should buy this stock unless they can afford the loss of their entire investment. Contact: Southern ITS International, Inc. Investor Relations 442-300-6522 [email protected] SOURCE: Source: Southern ITS International, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / The Watchlist by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Trillion Energy, American Future Fuel, Copper Lake Resources, and Homerun Resources discussing their latest news. The Watchlist by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. Trillion Energy Announces 2014 Guidance Trillion Energy (CSE:TCF)(OTCQB: TRLED)(Frankfurt:Z62) has provided an update on the SASB gas project, announced its 2024 capital budget and provided production guidance. For the full interview with VP of Corporate Development Colin Robson and to learn more about Trillion Energy's news, click here. American Future Fuel Drills Higher than Historical Uranium Grades in First Twin Hole at Cebolleta American Future Fuel Corporation (CSE:AMPS)(OTCQB:AFFCF)(FWB:K14)(WKN:A3DQFB) has announced radiometric assay results from the first completed confirmation drill hole at the Cebolleta Uranium Project located in the Grants Uranium Mineral Belt. For the full interview with CEO David Suda and to learn more about American Future Fuel's news, click here. Copper Lake Announces Plans to Drill Strong Conductors From Magneto-Telluric Survey Copper Lake Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:CPL)(OTC:WTCZF) has announced the results of a 3D modeling interpretation of a magneto-telluric survey completed on its Marshall Lake Cu-Zn-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide property, located 250 km NE of Thunder Bay in northwestern Ontario. For the full interview with CEO Terry MacDonald and to learn more about Copper Lake's news, click here. Homerun Resources Appoints Chief Technology Officer Homerun Resources Inc. (TSXV:HMR)(OTCQB: HMRFF) has announced the key appointment of Dr. Mauro Cesar Terence to the newly created role of Chief Technology Officer. For the full interview with CEO Brian Leeners and to learn more about Homerun Resources' news, click here. Interviews for The Watchlist by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Watchlist or to explore our other interviews visit The Watchlist by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). Report Card is not an advisory service, and does not offer, buy, sell, or provide any other rating, analysis or opinion on the securities we discuss. We are retained and compensated by the companies that we provide information on to assist them with making information available to the public. 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In such instances, Market Herald and/or its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees will use all reasonable efforts to avoid engaging in activities that would lead to conflicts of interest and Market Herald and/or its affiliates will use all reasonable efforts to comply with conflicts of interest disclosures and regulations to minimize any conflict. All the information on this document and/or the website - themarketherald.ca - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Report Card does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this document and/or website (themarketherald.ca) is strictly at your own risk. Report Card will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald [email protected] themarketherald.ca SOURCE: The Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com: Industry-leading trucking companies will recruit new drivers this Saturday at TransTech in Gastonia, NC. GASTONIA, NC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / TransTech, North Carolina's leading truck driver training and transportation solutions company, will be hosting the area's largest truck driver Open House this Saturday, September 30, at their newly expanded Gastonia, NC campus. Open House, Saturday, Sept. 30, in Gastonia, NC The area's largest truck driver training Open House will be held at TransTech in Gastonia, NC "Truck driving is one of the largest occupations in North Carolina and currently employs more than 200,000 drivers," said Tyrel Sulzer, Co-CEO and COO of TransTech. "The industry is continuing to grow and to help meet the need for both Class A and Class B drivers, we have greatly expanded our training center in Gastonia," he added. The TransTech Open House will be this Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Gastonia campus at 3051 Aberdeen Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054. Trucking recruiters from Schneider, TMC Transportation, Stevens Transport, Covenant Transport, Werner Enterprises, and Swift Transportation will be meeting with potential new drivers at the Gastonia CDL training center. The event is open to the public and no prior driving experience is needed. "As a TransTech graduate, I know first-hand how effective the training was," said Kei Siler, Field Recruiter for Stevens Transport. "Trucking is a tremendous industry, and our first-year drivers can earn up to $70,000 after they complete their CDL training. We are excited to be a part of this weekend's Open House, and hope to pre-hire several new driver trainees," he added. Donna Yonish, a Recruiter from Schneider, shared, "What we like about TransTech graduates is that they're well-trained. They go beyond just teaching you how to get a CDL; they are teaching them to be successful." She added that "we have great opportunities here in North Carolina, including regional, dedicated, over-the-road positions across our divisions." More than 100 potential students, graduates, their families, and industry leaders are expected to attend the event. About TransTech TransTech, Inc. provides truck driver training for individuals who wish to obtain their Class A or Class B commercial driver's licenses. The standard course of study is offered, which adheres to the requirements and specifications set forth by the Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. TransTech, Inc. is highly respected among our Nation's carriers - both locally and nationally. As a result, we allow our graduating students to gain employment in our Nation's top trucking companies. Learn more at https://trans-tech.net/. Contact Information: Tyrel Sulzer Co-CEO and COO [email protected] 857-895-0402 SOURCE: TransTech View source version on accesswire.com: Announcing The RedwoodJS Conference for Builders: A Convergence of World-renowned Product Developers, Founders, and Tech Leaders Exploring Open Source Innovation in the Modern JavaScript Ecosystem. GRANTS PASS, OR / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Preston Werner Ventures, in partnership with ZEAL, a developer agency out of Grants Pass, Oregon, has launched "The RedwoodJS Conference for Builders" taking place September 26-29. The RedwoodJS Conference Launches! The RedwoodJS Conference for Builders will bring together some of the world's best tech companies, speakers, leaders, and technologists. The conference will feature keynote speakers, lightning talks, a cash prize Build Competition, livestream content sessions, workshop immersives, afterparties, connecting events, and more. Several Advanced Workshops are scheduled, covering topics on AI as well as advanced Apollo and Prisma integrations. The sold-out Founders Workshop will offer startup founders a direct opportunity to "workshop" their products with industry experts like Tom Preston-Werner and David S. Price, both co-founders of RedwoodJS and investors. Tom Preston-Werner shared, "RedwoodJS will soon be one of the only frameworks to support React Server Components, and we intend to be on the cutting edge of what is possible with React in this new era. We have intentionally kept this conference small, to create a real community event where we can get to know each other and share ideas more deeply than you can ever achieve with a mega-conference." Featured Speakers include: Matt Carroll of the React team at Meta; Diana Mounter, Head of Design at GitHub; Nikita Shamgunov, Founder and CEO at Neon, Tom Preston-Werner, Co-Founder of GitHub; Bryce Roberts of Indie VC; Elston Baretto from Tiiny.host; Orta Therox of Microsoft; Evan You, Creator of Vue.js and Vite and so many more. Trever Yarrish, CEO of Zeal, stated, "Innovation is not just about new ideas but how these ideas are shared and learned. We built this conference with this in mind. I genuinely believe that anyone passionate about the future of technology would regret missing this conference and I'm honored to help bring this opportunity to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and, specifically, my hometown, Grants Pass." The RedwoodJS framework is critical infrastructure for startups that have raised nearly $70MM in funding. This boutique conference is designed with connection in mind for a wide range of tech professionals from product developers to founders and tech leaders. Featured Sponsors: Preston-Werner Ventures, Novu, Neon, Stackblitz, GitPod, Fractal, Stripe, Fixie, The Guild, Prisma, Leftlane, Apollo, Courier, Escape, and Tailwind CSS. Learn more about the conference and schedule at: https://www.redwoodjsconf.com/ and the app built with RedwoodJS for the conference. About RedwoodJS: RedwoodJS is the full-stack web framework designed to help developers grow their side projects to startups. Founders using RedwoodJS for their startups have raised nearly $70MM in funding. Learn more more about RedwoodJS at https://redwoodjs.com/. About ZEAL: ZEAL is an award-winning software agency that specializes in Ruby-on-Rails web and mobile application design and development. Learn more at codingzeal.com. Preston-Werner Ventures: Preston-Werner Ventures, LLC supports several philanthropic efforts, including the RedwoodJS open-source project and 128 Collective, which endeavors to build a safe climate for everyone. Learn more at: https://128collective.org/. Contact Information Jennifer Tacheff Founder & CEO [email protected] 510-809-6906 SOURCE: ZEAL View source version on accesswire.com: Bank of America (BoA) reinstated coverage of Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) with a Buy rating and set a 12-month price ... I'm a New Customer I'm a Returning Customer E-mail Address (or username, if registered via mobile device) Password NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In the inspiring stories of exceptional young Africans, we find narratives that defy expectations and illuminate the boundless potential of the continent. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926001167/en/ From left, Areej Noor, Founder and CEO, Statement, Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth to African Union Chairperson and Cabinet, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Special Advisor of U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation, U.S. Department of State, and CNN Correspondent Stephanie Busari participate in the Mastercard Foundation Incredible Africans session at the Unstoppable Africa Summit during the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in New York. The session celebrated young African women trailblazers shattering conventions and challenging preconceived notions of Africa and its impact on the global stage. (Jason DeCrow for Mastercard Foundation) At the Unstoppable Africa Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly last week, a powerful cohort of young African women trailblazers shattered conventions and revealed a captivating narrative that challenges preconceived notions of the continent and its impact on a global stage. Meet three dynamic, young African women crafting the continents anti-narrative globally and setting the stage for a future that celebrates innovation, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of a continent poised for transformation. Growing up with connections to both the United States and Ghana, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Special Advisor on the U.S. Africas Leaders Summit Implementation at the US State Department and former Director of Africa at the White House, recognized early the importance of unity between Africans and African Americans. Her unique perspective and relentless dedication to fostering collaboration are driving forces in building bridges between continents and helping put Africa at the center of global policy. Her insights into preserving Africa's cultural richness resonate especially with Africa's youth, who are eager to embrace their heritage while forging new global connections. During the session, she remarked, "The currency of our generation is Africas innovation. People are now beginning to embrace Africas culture, its diversity, and its heritage. But the key thing is that we have to protect that ownership. We have to do what we can to tell our story. Chido Mpemba, the African Union's Special Envoy on Youth, embodies the boundless potential of Africa's youth and innovation. Appointed as the youngest senior official in the history of the African Union and the youngest diplomat in the cabinet, Mpembas advocacy for youth development issues in Africa has earned her global recognition as a driving force behind African youth empowerment. "Africa's youth are driving social and economic change across the continent and around the world, she emphasized. "As much as we still have our challenges in Africa that were trying to meet, it doesnt mean that young Africans do not deserve to be on the global stage. We are change-makers, and partnerships enabling us to catalyze meaningful social and policy change are essential." One such global changemaker is Areej Noor. Born to a prominent global women's rights activist turned political strategist, Noors childhood was rich with stories of powerful women from around the world. This upbringing inspired her to build an inclusive global community of influential African women creatives through Statement. "Our mission is to bridge the gap between African and diaspora women filmmakers and the international market, Noor passionately declared. It's about amplifying African voices on a global scale, unlocking untapped opportunities for creativity and commerce."I think the people who are going to make a difference today are the people who are going to partner to build the infrastructure and pipelines that we need for us to see the outcomes we want to see for the next 10, 15, or 100 years. In a continent with unmatched potential, the power of partnership, especially with African institutions, is truly a vital catalyst for progress. These collaborations pave the way for sustainability and local ownership of Africa's narratives, unlocking new dimensions of growth and development that echo both locally and globally. The potential of young people to drive transformation is at the heart of this evolving narrative. Organizations like the Mastercard Foundation, which co-created the session and is committed to securing employment for 30 million young Africans by 2030, underscore the importance of investing in Africa's youth, whose contributions will be pivotal to the global landscape in the years to come. By 2050, one out of every four people on Earth will be African. This will shape geopolitics, world economics, global trade, migration, and almost every aspect of life. With some of the world's fastest-growing economies and a young, digitally connected population reshaping the global landscape, we recognize that exceptional young Africans like these are not merely rewriting the narrative; they are shaping our shared future. As we celebrate these incredible Africans, their journeys serve as powerful reminders of the endless promise of Africa, and their stories underscore the limitless possibilities that await the continent. Together, their aspirations and accomplishments paint a vibrant portrait of a thriving and dynamic Africa demanding the worlds attention. Watch the Incredible Africans session here. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926001167/en/ Tina Musoke [email protected] +1 (929) 352-1103 Source: Unstoppable Africa Summit The organization recognized shows commitment to innovative, resilient, and flexible ecosystem business models NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- International Data Corporation (IDC) today announced that Schneider Electric is the Overall Winner of the IDC Future Enterprise Best in Future of Industry Ecosystems North America Awards for its "EcoStruxure Openness & Schneider Electric Exchange" strategic initiative. The annual award calls for the nomination of organizations that have demonstrated the ability to generate value by their participation in a new digital economy. Schneider Electric will be presented with the award at a virtual event this fall. To register for the event, and learn more about the 2023 IDC Best in Future of Industry Ecosystems winning initiatives, visit HERE. Check out IDC's Future of Industry Ecosystems eBook. IDC's Future of Industry Ecosystems framework emphasizes the importance of having executives that support and promote working with ecosystem partners to augment data, knowledge, capability, and talent. By focusing on being industry ecosystem first, organizations allow for the establishment of a shared network of expertise to support and enhance their innovation and operation initiatives. "With EcoStruxure, Schneider Electric has a common digital ecosystem that brings together thousands of partners for common projects and initiatives," said Jeffrey Hojlo, research vice president, Future of Industry Ecosystems, Innovation Strategies, & Energy Insights, IDC. "By sharing data and insights, sharing and co-developing applications, as well as sharing operations and expertise, partners can come together to develop a set of common blocks that deliver better outcomes for consumer, customers, citizens, or patients." More about the Best in Future of Industry Ecosystems Award-Winning Project: Overall Winner: Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Openness & Schneider Electric Exchange Project Details: As we look at the world around us today, we see change happening at scale; with two distinct mega-trends that have a profound global impact; digital disruption and climate change. Tackling climate change is a top priority for Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric's mission is to be the digital partner for efficiency and sustainability. Schneider Electric believes digitization is an integral part of the solution to the climate change challenge, as it addresses both efficiency and sustainability. Working with Torry Harris Integration Solutions (THIS), Schneider is bringing the various parts of its ecosystem together through an open business platform to connect partners across the globe and encourage collaborative innovation. Schneider Electric Exchange allows technology partners and end-users to accelerate digital transformation through access to data and co-innovation. EcoStruxure, Schneider Electrics IoT-enabled, plug-and-play, open, interoperable platform, powers the Exchange developer portal and marketplace by populating it with software and content for industry/infrastructure/power/buildings as well as lifecycle stages of assets. Having helped thousands of customers do more with less, EcoStruxure is proving the power of digitization in energy management and industrial automation. Schneider Electric has more than 600,000 partners, and thousands of developers working on its platforms, collaboratively, to exchange best practices, solutions, etc., and efficiently resolving customers problems. About the Future Enterprise Awards The world is moving from digital transformation (DX) (as we know it) to Digital First. DX started with transformation from analog to digital. With contextualization, Digital First becomes the next evolution in DX. Digital is a permanent, yet dynamic fixture in this world. Digital First applies to any entity searching for a digital-based capability or enhancement that could improve our lives and desired outcomes. As we anchor ourselves in a digital-first world, one thing is clear. Organizations, private or public, large or small, will need to leverage technologies in an accelerated fashion to thrive. And the ones that can close the new digital gap through the greatest business value impact will become the market leaders of tomorrow. These leaders are the Future Enterprises. To learn more about the Future Enterprise Awards, please visit idcdxawards.com. To learn more about the Future Enterprise North America Awards please contact Heather Ball at [email protected] About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926051197/en/ Heather Ball 508-872-8200 [email protected] Michael Shirer 508-935-4200 [email protected] Source: International Data Corporation Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed On September 26, thousands of people will protest in cities across Mexico to demand justice for one of the countrys most infamous unresolved atrocities the 2014 kidnapping and enforced disappearance of 43 student teachers in Iguala, Guerrero. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised when he was elected in 2018 to determine the truth about what happened to the students. Instead, he has allowed the investigation to stall, apparently to protect his allies in the military. His actions are not just a betrayal of his promise. They are a symbol of the presidents inability or, more likely, unwillingness to unravel the complex web of cartel violence, government and military corruption, and impunity that has plagued Mexico for decades. Mexicans have grown sadly accustomed to violent atrocities. Tens of thousands of people are murdered every year. Over 100,000 are missing. Mass graves and clandestine cartel crematoria are regularly uncovered. When investigators attempt to unravel these crimes, it often becomes difficult to determine where drug cartels end and the government begins. The students disappearance was emblematic of this problem. Evidence now suggests that nearly every part of the government and military in the town of Iguala was working with or for the powerful drug cartel that apparently ordered the kidnapping. The governments initial response, under then-president Enrique Pena Nieto, was sadly typical. Rather than expose a messy web of corruption that might have led to the highest levels of government, the authorities attempted an elaborate cover up. They altered evidence and tortured witnesses to pin the disappearances on a few bad apples. When Lopez Obrador took office, he promised an end to this corruption and impunity. Arriving at the truth and doing justice wont weaken our institutions, it will strengthen them, he said. He announced a fresh investigation into the whereabouts of the 43 students. He created an official truth commission, asked the attorney general to appoint a respected human rights defender as the special prosecutor for the case, invited a group of independent experts from the Organization of American States (OAS) to support his work, and issued an executive order instructing the entire government to cooperate. But when investigators started scrutinizing the militarys role in the disappearance, they faced backlash and President Lopez Obradors promised support vanished. The special prosecutor resigned in 2022 and left the country after authorities intervened to prevent him from prosecuting senior military officials. And in July, the group of independent experts stepped down saying it was impossible to continue investigating while the military hid key evidence, including more than 80 pages of intercepted phone conversations between cartel members and authorities that, according to the international experts, could contain clues about what happened to the students. President Lopez Obrador has not used his authority to force the military to hand over the missing documents. When asked why, he told journalists that the military is a fundamental institution for the Mexican state and, absurdly, accused the international investigators of being part of a campaign to undermine the armed forces. Unfortunately, his unwillingness to challenge the military is part of a pattern. He also refused to step in when another group of investigators, from the official truth commission documenting abuses against leftist activists during the Cold War, said in August that the military and intelligence services had refused them access to key files. And he did nothing when, earlier this year, it was revealed that the Defense Ministry had most likely been illegally hacking the phones of people investigating military abuses, including a senior member of his own government and the lawyers representing the 43 students families. President Lopez Obrador, once critical of Mexicos famously abusive and opaque military, has now placed that same military at the center of his government. The Army and Navy carry out hundreds of once-civilian government tasks. They build megaprojects, run tourist sites, implement welfare programs, collect billions in customs revenue, and even run the pharmaceutical regulatory agency. Generals accompany the president almost everywhere. And Lopez Obrador has encouraged state governors to consult the military before naming key positions in their cabinets. The advances made in untangling the Iguala case over the past nine years are the result of sustained international scrutiny that allowed independent investigators to uncover the truth, even when it was uncomfortable for those in power. Mexicos friends and neighbors should not remain silent as the government allows the investigation into one of the most infamous atrocities in the regions recent history to stall. Nor should they be indifferent to the continuing crisis of disappearances and growing military empowerment. The Secretary General and member states of the OAS, which sent the international investigators to support Lopez Obradors initial commitment to justice, should urge the president to keep his word and press the military to cooperate. In July, the families of the 43 missing students held a news conference, where they called on Lopez Obrador to make clear which side [the government] is on: the side of the Armys lies or the side of the families and the truth. The international community should also make clear where it stands. Juanita Goebertus is Americas director at Human Rights Watch. GUIZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The embroidered clothing of Chinas Miao ethnic group was showcased in an art exhibition at Milan, Italy on September 24. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925250684/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Hosted by the Guizhou provincial government and organized by Eachway Fashion, the exhibition featured over 100 of Guizhous Miao costumes with intricate embroidery patterns at Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024. The exquisite craftsmanship of the clothing and Miaos rich cultural heritage captivated the attention of the global fashion industry. The Guizhou provincial government and Chinese Consulate General in Milan also co-hosted a reception to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and promote Guizhous cultural tourism on the same day. More than 200 people attended the reception, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, Chinese and Italian enterprises and chambers of commerce, Milan government officials, as well as guests from the cultural tourism and fashion industries in China and Italy. Zhang Kaibin, acting consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Italy, said there are broad prospects for China-Italy cooperation, with people-to-people and cultural exchanges continuing to increase in enhancing mutual trust and understanding. He added that bilateral ties between the countries continue to be strengthened, and hoped that the citizens of the two countries will promote friendly relations and cooperation. Meanwhile, Barbara Mazzali, councillor for tourism in the Lombardy region, praised the beauty of Guizhou. Guizhou has rich natural landscapes, waterfalls, mountains and ethnic architecture, which show the charm and aesthetics of China. I was fortunate to see the exquisite Miao embroidered clothing and accessories at the Palazzo Clerici in Milan, and learned about the rich cultural heritage and sophisticated craftsmanship of China. Maria Azzolina, president of Italy-China Association, said she was pleased that the Miao embroidery art exhibition was held at Milan Fashion Week. She looked forward to the development of cultural tourism in Guizhou and further boost China-Italy ties. During the event, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism promoted the provinces tourism. The guests also visited the Chinese Miao Art Exhibition, and expressed their hope that such exhibitions would shape narratives in telling Chinese stories and promote Guizhou perspectives through the global stage in Milan. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925250684/en/ Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism May Mou [email protected] Source: Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Brand new townhome rentals available in Kane County, IL convenient to I-90, Randall Road and Route 47 HAMPSHIRE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Those in search of a scenic, but convenient location at an attractive rental price will find what they are looking for at Terrabrook at Prairie Ridge by D.R. Horton, Americas Builder. This exciting new community is the first townhome rental community by D.R. Horton Chicago and is being professionally managed by Greystar. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926036835/en/ Brand new townhome rentals available in Kane County, IL (Photo: Business Wire) Whether you choose to rent or own, D.R. Horton can help you find a new construction home that fits your needs. D.R. Horton Chicago is excited to now offer luxury townhome living through rental opportunities. These thoughtfully designed homes feature 1,828 square feet of open concept living with base rents currently starting as low as $2,500 per month. These appealing plans include three to four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a private two-car garage. Homes include walnut plank flooring, laundry rooms, marble vanity tops and other modern finishes. Terrabrook at Prairie Ridge provides residents with onsite maintenance, ADT Home Monitoring and snow removal. When you come home to Terrabrook at Prairie Ridge, you will have the convenient small-town lifestyle youve been longing for. Ideally nestled between the larger cities of Chicago and Rockford, these brand-new townhomes for rent are located near everything you need, including the Randall Road shopping corridor. To claim your spot in this emerging new community, call 224-243-2899 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the community, please visit our leasing office at 179 Terrabrook Way, Hampshire, IL 60140. D.R. Horton, Americas Builder, has been building beautiful homes in desirable locations for 45 years. Trusted by more families than any other homebuilder, D.R. Horton builds homes for both homebuyers and renters with quality, functionality, value and style in mind. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate. D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926036835/en/ Jessica Hansen, 817-390-8200 Vice President of Investor Relations & Communications [email protected] Source: D.R. Horton Leading Japanese researchers in innovative, disruptive, and translational oncology were rewarded during the 2023 JCA-Mauvernay Award Ceremony. Debiopharm deepens its ties with cancer research in Japan. LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Debiopharm (www.debiopharm.com), a Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company, today announced the acknowledgement of the two recipients of the 2023 JCA-Mauvernay Award. This prestigious award honored remarkable and breakthrough Japanese oncology research in two categories: Innovative and/or Disruptive Research Dr. Daichi Inoue and Translational Research Dr. Hiromichi Suzuki. At the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) on September 23rd in Pacifico Yokohama, Prof. Hideyuki Saya President of the JCA, Thierry Mauvernay, President of Debiopharm, Bertrand Ducrey, CEO of Debiopharm, and Frederic Levy, Senior Executive Director, Head of Search & Evaluation and Scientific Innovation of Debiopharm, jointly awarded this years winners with trophies and a monetary prize, symbolizing their acknowledgement. We have a strong ambition to support Japanese oncology research in becoming new therapies for cancer patients that need them. This award was inspired by our previous success with the development of oxaliplatin, a standard-of-care now commercialized worldwide to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer. This example of success is proof that Debiopharm can play a role in evolving early Japanese innovation into development stage compounds that can eventually become new safe and efficacious standard-of-care therapies for patients battling cancer, commented Thierry Mauvernay, President of Debiopharm. Dr. Daichi Inoue, awarded in the disruptive research category for his work at the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe (FBRI), where he focuses on pre-mRNA splicing, a natural and regulated cellular event that removes non-coding regions of genes to produce mRNA that will in turn be translated into proteins. Splicing is controlled by the activity of protein complexes called Splicing Factors. It is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells and produces nonsense mRNAs and non-functional proteins. Dr Inoue made the remarkable discovery that alterations of specific protein components of Splicing Factors, lead to mis-splicing of a key tumor suppressor resulting in cancer development. More recently, Dr Inoue extended his research to other Splicing Factor alterations across various oncogenic pathways and tumor types. His research is innovative and indicates that non-mutated genes can become oncogenic through alterations of the cellular mRNA processing machinery. Prof. Hiromichi Suzuki, awarded in the translational research category for his work at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, more specifically on mutations of human brain tumors through multi-omics sequencing data. Characterization of the mutational landscape across over 700 cases of low-grade glioblastoma led to the identification of distinct, mutationally defined subtypes of glioblastoma with different clinical behaviors. In medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain cancer, Dr Suzuki identified a recurrent hotspot mutation in a small nuclear RNA that causes cryptic splicing of many genes, including oncogenes. This mutation is also present in other cancers. This novel discovery demonstrates that access to large cohorts of patient material and large-scale molecular analysis of tumors enables the uncovering of new mutations involved in the pathogenesis of cancers. The JCA-Mauvernay Award Since 2005, the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) and Debiopharm have co-organized the 'JCA-Mauvernay Award'. This prize illustrates the curiosity that drives researchers as well as the scientific cooperation between Japan and Switzerland. It aims to recognize the outstanding achievements in the field of oncology amongst Japanese researchers, in both the fundamental and the clinical aspects. The award has a total value of CHF 25'000. Debiopharms commitment to patients Debiopharm develops innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy and then select large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally. For more information, please visit www.debiopharm.com We are on Twitter. Follow us @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925620227/en/ Debiopharm Contact Dawn Bonine Head of Communications [email protected] Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11 Source: Debiopharm Believes Leadership Should Announce Additional Value-Enhancing Initiatives and Further Highlight the Value of the Business at Parklands Upcoming Analyst Day Recommends Refining Parklands Capital Allocation Framework, Aligning Management Compensation to Shareholders Interests and Optimizing Company Operations to Increase Long-Term Value NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Engine Capital LP, which owns approximately 2.5% of Parkland Corporations (TSX: PKI) outstanding shares, today announced that it has sent the below letter to members of Parkland Corporations Board of Directors. *** September 26, 2023 Parkland Corporation 240 4th Avenue SW Suite 1800 Calgary, AB T2P 4H4 Attention: Board of Directors (the Board) Dear Members of the Board: As you know, Engine Capital LP (together with its affiliates, Engine or we) is a meaningful and long-term shareholder of Parkland Corporation (TSX: PKI) (Parkland or the Company), with an ownership position of around 2.5% of the Companys outstanding shares. We want to commend the Board for taking steps over the last few months that have begun to unlock shareholder value. These steps include: Refreshing the Board by adding two shareholder representatives and facilitating the departure of the three longest-tenured directors (including the prior Chairman). by adding two shareholder representatives and facilitating the departure of the three longest-tenured directors (including the prior Chairman). Simplifying the business with the announcement to monetize $500 million of Parklands non-core assets by 2025. with the announcement to monetize $500 million of Parklands non-core assets by 2025. Enhancing the profitability of the core business with the announcement of $100 million of cost savings and efforts to unlock synergies from past acquisitions. with the announcement of $100 million of cost savings and efforts to unlock synergies from past acquisitions. Maximizing free cash flow and deleveraging the balance sheet. Despite these initiatives, Parkland remains deeply undervalued, trading at an EV-to-EBITDA multiple of 6.5x1 and a 2024 maintenance free cash flow yield north of 13%.2 We believe Parklands upcoming November Analyst Day provides an opportunity for leadership to announce additional value-enhancing initiatives and further highlight the value of the business. The recommendations we detail in todays letter are centered around refining the Companys capital allocation framework, better aligning management compensation with shareholders interests and further simplifying and optimizing Parklands operations. We believe the following actions have the potential to unlock significant shareholder value and help the market value Parkland more appropriately, and therefore believe they should be addressed by the Company at its upcoming Analyst Day. 1. Communicate Parklands long-term cash flow opportunity. Many companies share longer-term free cash flow forecasts, typically over a five-year horizon, during analyst days. Given the stability of Parklands business, we believe this is something the Company should do. Based on our assumptions, we believe that Parkland will conservatively generate approximately $10.5 billion of Adjusted EBITDA and approximately $5.1 billion of maintenance free cash flow over the next five years (2024 to 2028). Parkland is also projected to receive proceeds of $500 million from non-core asset sales, for a total of $5.6 billion of deployable capital. These are incredibly high numbers for a Company with a market capitalization of $7 billion. We believe it is important for the Board to communicate this longer-term forecast to help the financial community assess the long-term potential of Parkland, and more specifically, its robust and reliable free cash flow available to equity holders. 2. Develop and communicate a precise, long-term capital allocation framework. Given the exceptional free cash flow generation of Parklands business, we believe the Board needs to be explicit and precise with its capital allocation framework. This clarity will give the market a better understanding of the Boards approach to capital management and should result in enhanced credibility and valuation of the business. We understand the Boards near-term priority is to optimize the current portfolio (synergies and cost savings) while also demonstrating its organic growth potential, which we assume will take two years. During this time, we believe the Board should abstain from M&A. We have developed the following capital allocation framework for Parkland and provide our reasoning and financial assumptions that support this model: In 2024 and 2025, allocate a cumulative amount of around $800 million for share repurchases. This amount would represent the repurchase of around 12% of the Company's shares outstanding at today's prices, which would be an excellent use of capital given the stock's undervaluation. These share repurchases should be frontloaded in 2024 to take advantage of the stock undervaluation. This amount would represent the repurchase of around 12% of the Company's shares outstanding at today's prices, which would be an excellent use of capital given the stock's undervaluation. These share repurchases should be frontloaded in 2024 to take advantage of the stock undervaluation. In 2024 and 2025, pay down debt by a cumulative amount of around $600 million primarily using proceeds from asset sales to reach the mid-point of the Companys target range. primarily using proceeds from asset sales to reach the mid-point of the Companys target range. Over the subsequent three years (2026 to 2028), allocate free cash flow to M&A and share repurchases based on external opportunities and relative valuation. This framework is based on the following assumptions: Parklands undervaluation provides an opportunity for share repurchases beginning in 2024: While the Company should continue to deleverage and reach at least the mid-point of its leverage target range, we do not believe it has to be done with the same sense of urgency once the Companys leverage dips below 3x (which will happen shortly). At that point, the Board can be more flexible and prioritize other capital allocation options such as share repurchases, especially considering the stocks undervaluation. The opportunity to repurchase a meaningful amount of outstanding shares at a very attractive price exists now. Conversely, if the Board prioritizes deleveraging first, we suspect it will end up having to repurchase shares at a significantly higher price (as management continues to improve operations and simplify the business). Repurchasing shares only creates value if they are repurchased below their intrinsic value. Therefore, share repurchases should be frontloaded in 2024 while deleveraging can happen in 2025 primarily through the proceeds of the asset sales as they occur. If we assume 2025 EBITDA of $2.1 billion (normalized for turnarounds), the Company needs to allocate less than $600 million for debt repayment to reach the midpoint of its leverage target .3 While the Company should continue to deleverage and reach at least the mid-point of its leverage target range, we do not believe it has to be done with the same sense of urgency once the Companys leverage dips below 3x (which will happen shortly). At that point, the Board can be more flexible and prioritize other capital allocation options such as share repurchases, especially considering the stocks undervaluation. The opportunity to repurchase a meaningful amount of outstanding shares at a very attractive price exists now. Conversely, if the Board prioritizes deleveraging first, we suspect it will end up having to repurchase shares at a significantly higher price (as management continues to improve operations and simplify the business). Repurchasing shares only creates value if they are repurchased below their intrinsic value. Therefore, share repurchases should be frontloaded in 2024 while deleveraging can happen in 2025 primarily through the proceeds of the asset sales as they occur. .3 $1.4 billion in excess cash should be deployed opportunistically: Over the next two years (2024 and 2025), Parkland will generate approximately $1.8 billion of maintenance free cash flow, as well as $500 million from asset sales for a total of $2.3 billion of deployable cash. Around $500 million of this amount will go to paying dividends and $400 million will go to growth capex, leaving around $1.4 billion of excess cash available to deploy. As mentioned, the Company needs to use less than $600 million to get to a leverage of 2.5x and can therefore use the remaining $800 million for share repurchases. Over the next two years (2024 and 2025), Parkland will generate approximately $1.8 billion of maintenance free cash flow, as well as $500 million from asset sales for a total of $2.3 billion of deployable cash. Around $500 million of this amount will go to paying dividends and $400 million will go to growth capex, leaving around $1.4 billion of excess cash available to deploy. As mentioned, the Company needs to use less than $600 million to get to a leverage of 2.5x and can therefore use the remaining $800 million for share repurchases. Consider M&A only after Parkland's operations have been optimized: From 2026 to 2028, Parkland will generate around $3.3 billion in maintenance free cash flow. It will pay around $800 million in dividends and $600 million in growth capex, leaving $1.9 billion available for capital deployment. At that point, the Company could consider M&A again. By then, the operations will be more optimized, the Companys profitability will be meaningfully higher, the leverage will be in check, and we suspect the stock may trade at a more reasonable valuation, making share repurchases potentially less attractive. At that point, Parkland will be in an ideal position to consider M&A and take advantage of its supply advantage to maximize potential synergies. From 2026 to 2028, Parkland will generate around $3.3 billion in maintenance free cash flow. It will pay around $800 million in dividends and $600 million in growth capex, leaving $1.9 billion available for capital deployment. At that point, the Company could consider M&A again. By then, the operations will be more optimized, the Companys profitability will be meaningfully higher, the leverage will be in check, and we suspect the stock may trade at a more reasonable valuation, making share repurchases potentially less attractive. At that point, Parkland will be in an ideal position to consider M&A and take advantage of its supply advantage to maximize potential synergies. Raise return threshold for growth capex: We have assumed around $200 million in growth capex annually. We believe Parkland needs to raise its return threshold for growth capex to continue raising its ROIC. Whether for growth capex or M&A, Parkland needs to evaluate these investments by comparing their attractiveness to repurchasing shares as an alternative. For illustration, at the current share price, repurchasing Parkland shares is likely to result in an IRR north of 15% (and meaningfully above the Companys cost of capital). Therefore, the Board needs to make sure that any growth capex or M&A results in an IRR superior to that 15% alternative. Formalizing and quantifying a long-term capital allocation framework will be an important step to providing more transparency to Parklands investors and can help the market more accurately value the business. 3. Further refine Parklands compensation framework to better align management incentives with shareholders interests. Parklands compensation structure is fundamentally flawed and has the potential to incentivize bad behavior. One major flaw of the current framework is that management gets credit for the EBITDA and distributable cash flow (DCF) from acquired businesses as part of its annual incentive plan. Management can simply make an acquisition, acquire EBITDA and max out its short-term bonus. This does not create the right incentive structure and can lead to significant value destruction, as management should not be incentivized to simply make acquisitions and increase EBITDA. One can argue that the mess Parkland got itself into last year is a result of its own compensation framework: make acquisitions, stress the balance sheet, increase EBITDA and max out on bonuses. This dynamic may have also played a role in 2022 when management earned 148% of its target payout for the EBITDA component of its bonus, despite poor operating performance (particularly in Q3). We believe that the acquisition of the 25% of Sol Investments Limited that Parkland did not own and its associated EBITDA played a large role in management getting to this 148% payout. This structure is flawed and needs to be immediately corrected. Acquisitions must be excluded when considering annual incentive compensation. Additionally, instead of using EBITDA or DCF as a metric, we believe the Compensation Committee needs to start using per share metrics (instead of absolute numbers). Managements job is to increase EBITDA per share or DCF per share, not necessarily EBITDA or DCF in an absolute sense. Finally, we believe DCF should have a higher weight than its current 10% for the bonus calculation. We would therefore suggest the following weight be assigned for the annual incentive compensation, using Bob Espeys compensation framework as a reference, with the caveat that acquisitions are no longer included in the numbers. Annual Incentive Framework Illustrative Example for Mr. Espey, Chief Executive Officer Metric Weighting Adjusted EBITDA per share 45% Distributable Cash Flow per share 20% Safety 10% Diversity and Inclusion 5% Balance Sheet 10% Decarbonization 10% 4. Announce an additional $100 million of cost savings by 2025 and commit to higher ROIC target. While we commend the Company on its recent announcement and implementation of a $100 million cost restructuring, we believe there are opportunities to further streamline the cost structure, especially as the Company continues to integrate prior acquisitions and dispose of non-core assets. Based on our own benchmarking and discussions with management, we believe an additional $100 million of cost savings is available to Parkland. We believe it would be helpful for management to give the financial community visibility into these opportunities at its upcoming Analyst Day. This will help investors better understand the normalized level of profitability of the business. Increasing Parklands profitability as well as raising the return threshold for growth capex will be key levers to further increase Parklands ROIC which remains too low even at the recently announced target of 11%. 5. Continue to focus on simplifying the business and divesting non-core assets. While we are pleased the Company has initiated the process to monetize $500 million of non-core assets, we believe Parkland needs to go further. After years of prodigious M&A activity, there are additional non-core assets that can be monetized. As an example, the heating oil business does not seem core to Parkland because it does not reinforce the core business. From our perspective, it should therefore be sold. In conclusion, we continue to believe that the value creation opportunity at Parkland is significant. While we are encouraged by recent value-enhancing actions leadership has taken, we firmly believe additional steps need to be taken. We look forward to expanding our ongoing dialogue with the Board and management to help increase long-term value for the benefit of all Parkland stakeholders. Sincerely, Arnaud Ajdler Brad Favreau Managing Partner Partner *** About Engine Capital Engine Capital LP is a value-oriented special situations fund that invests both actively and passively in companies undergoing change. ____________________________ 1 Based on managements $2,000 million EBITDA guidance for 2024. As of September 22, 2023. 2 Maintenance free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operations less maintenance capex, interest on leases and debt and principal payments on leases. 3 We assumed that all excess cash flow in Q3 and Q4 2023 is used to pay down debt. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926394559/en/ Engine Capital LP Arnaud Ajdler, 212-321-0048 [email protected] www.enginecap.com Longacre Square Partners Charlotte Kiaie / Aaron Rabinovich, 646-386-0091 [email protected] / [email protected] Source: Engine Capital LP Coveted awards help cement the companys position as an employer of choice WOODBRIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ExtensisHR, a nationally recognized Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR Outsourcing (HRO) services provider, is proud to announce it has been recognized with four prestigious Comparably Awards. These accolades reflect ExtensisHRs unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional workplace for its employees. ExtensisHR swept the board in all four categories of the Q3 Company Culture Awards: Best Company Happiness: Reflects a combination of factors that contribute to happiness at work, including fostering a positive and fulfilling work environment, fair pay, great employee benefits, excitement about work and co-workers, clear company goals and investment in them, and overall pride in the company. Best Company Compensation: Demonstrates employee satisfaction with their total compensation package and showcases that employees are rewarded fairly and competitively. Best Company Perks and Benefits: The organization stands out for offering its employees an impressive array of perks and benefits, enhancing their overall work experience. Best Company Work-Life Balance: ExtensisHR has prioritized work-life balance, creating an atmosphere where employees can excel in their careers while maintaining a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. David Pearson, ExtensisHRs SVP of People and Culture, expressed gratitude, stating, We are incredibly honored to receive these four Comparably Awards. They validate our mission to provide a welcoming environment for our employees, and ExtensisHR is dedicated to maintaining and surpassing these standards. Our team is the backbone of our organization, and their happiness and success are our top priorities. We also believe that a highly engaged workforce leads to greater customer satisfaction and these awards affirm our commitment to this principle. Comparably Awards are derived from sentiment ratings provided anonymously by those who know bestemployees. This seasons awards are based on feedback submitted over a 12-month period across 50+ questions and nearly 20 core categories. The final winners are divided into large and small/medium-sized companies and determined from 15 million ratings among 70,000 U.S. employers. ExtensisHR's efforts to create an outstanding workplace have been consistently acknowledged, with these awards adding to the firm's growing list of recognitions. Previously, ExtensisHR has been honored with the following Comparably Awards: Best Company Culture, Best Company for Women, Best Company for Diversity, Best Company Outlook, Best Company in New York, and Best Company for Career Growth. This brings their total number of Comparably Awards to an impressive 10, backed by an A+ culture score. With a 4.5 Glassdoor rating and an employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) ranking among the highest in the industry, workers receive a wide range of benefits and perks that support their well-being and professional development. Visit ExtensisHRs careers page to learn more about the companys award-winning workplace. About ExtensisHR Founded in 1997, ExtensisHR is a leading national Certified Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR Outsourcing (HRO) solution provider, focused on delivering exceptional customer service. We specialize in tailored HR solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses, with a comprehensive portfolio including human resources, benefits, payroll, Work Anywhere technology, risk and compliance, employee management, recruiting, and more. For additional information or to become a broker partner, visit: www.extensishr.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube. About Comparably Comparably (now a ZoomInfo company) is a leading workplace culture and corporate brand reputation platform with over 15 million anonymous employee ratings on 70,000 companies. With the most comprehensive data on large and SMB organizations in nearly 20 different workplace categories based on gender, ethnicity, age, experience, industry, location, education it is one of the most used SaaS platforms for employer branding and a trusted third-party site for workplace culture and compensation. For more information on Comparably and its annual Best Places to Work Awards, visit www.comparably.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926322239/en/ Media: ExtensisHR Stephanie Clark [email protected] Source: ExtensisHR PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Pernod Ricard (Paris: RI) filed its 2022/23 Universal registration document with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on 20 September 2023 under number D.23-0717. This document is available on the Companys website www.pernod-ricard.com and on the AMF website www.amf-france.org. It is also available at the Companys registered office 5, cours Paul Ricard CS 50180 75380 Paris cedex 08. The Universal Registration Document includes, in particular: The 2022/23 consolidated financial statements of the Group; The 2022/23 statutory financial statements of Pernod Ricard S.A.; The related Auditors reports on the consolidated and the statutory financial statements of Pernod Ricard S.A.; The 2022/23 management report including notably the declaration of extra-financial performance; The Board of Directors report on corporate governance; Information regarding internal control and risk management; The presentation of the resolutions as well as the draft resolutions submitted to the Annual Shareholders Meeting of 10 November 2023; and Information concerning fees paid to the Statutory Auditors. Shareholders agenda: Q1 2023/24 Sales Thursday 19 October 2023. About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantines, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricards consolidated sales amounted to 12,137 million in fiscal year FY23. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code:FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926189780/en/ Florence Tresarrieu / Global SVP Investor Relations and Treasury +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 03 Edward Mayle / Investor Relation Director +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13 Charly Montet / Investor Relations Manager +33 (0) 1 70 93 17 13 Emmanuel Vouin / Head of External Engagement +33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34 Source: Pernod Ricard DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client Davco Power Systems, Ltd. to Private Investors. The transaction closed September 6, 2023. Davco Power Systems (Davco), located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a licensed commercial electrical contractor on a range of projects from multi-family, office, and retail to fire alarm systems and restaurants. Davco has become the contractor of choice for clients that insist on expertise, innovation, and responsiveness. Davco has emerged as a specialist in uniquely demanding projects, with a distinctive set of capabilities and a business model that emphasizes exceptional client service and a focus on flexibility, communication, and safety on the jobsite. Regardless of a projects scope, Davco brings over 17 years of experience and integrity to its work, helping deliver on-time, on-budget, and as promised. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A Western Region, Stephen Crisham and his team, led by Senior M&A Advisor, Ted Rattenberry, with support from Senior Vice President, M&A Amy Wall closed the deal. Executive Managing Director and Group Leader, Randy Kamin established the initial relationship with Davco. About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With more than 350 professionals located throughout 16 offices in North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. The Generational suite of advisory services includes strategic and tactical growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A services, wealth management and digital services. The M&A Advisor named Generational Equity Investment Banking Firm of the Year three years in a row, Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020, and North American Investment Bank of the Year in 2022 as well as Consulting Firm of the Year. The Global M&A Network named Generational USA Investment Bank of the Year in 2023. For more information visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926054088/en/ Carl Doerksen 972-342-0968 [email protected] Source: Generational Equity ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Throughout October, Mellow Mushroom restaurants across the country will support breast cancer awareness by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the new seasonal Go Pink cocktail and special ribbon-shaped pretzels to Susan G. Komen, the worlds largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926900632/en/ Throughout October, Mellow Mushroom restaurants across the country will support breast cancer awareness by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the new seasonal Go Pink cocktail and special ribbon-shaped pretzels to Susan G. Komen, the worlds largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer. (Photo: Business Wire) Starting September 26th and throughout the month of October, Mellow Mushroom will be going pink in a big way: Pretzels will be reshaped to represent the pink ribbons associated with Breast Cancer Awareness. Mellow Mushroom will donate $1 from the sale of every Go Pink Cocktail and ribbon-shaped pretzel order (online and in-store) to Susan G. Komen. Mellow Mushroom will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for every $25 gift card purchase online and guests will also receive a $5 bonus.** If you would like to continue your support, Susan G. Komen also has a donate now button which allows for immediate donations to the fight against breast cancer. We want to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer in a very Mellow way, says Anne Mejia, Vice President of Brand Development at Mellow Mushroom. Mellow Mushrooms beverage team crafted a uniquely pink cocktail -- using Casamigos Reposado as its key ingredient -- and our culinary team transformed our popular pretzel munchie into a breast cancer ribbon to make a very Mellow impact on this important cause. This year, close to 300,000 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 44,000 people will die from the disease. The work to find the cures is showing progress as the breast cancer mortality rate decreased by 43% from 1989 to 2020 mainly because of improved breast cancer treatment and early detection. Go Pink Cocktail Sales in October Support Komen Efforts The Go Pink cocktail was created by the Mellow Mushroom beverage team to support the Go Pink fundraising campaign. The cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart featuring Casamigos Reposado Tequila with lime and cranberry juices. It is garnished with a lemon twist and a pink ribbon shaped stir stick. Mellow Mushroom has also created breast cancer ribbon-shaped pretzels to accompany the cocktail. The Go Pink cocktail and ribbon-shaped pretzels will be available September 26, 2023 through October 31, 2023. Mellow Mushroom's long history of creativity and innovation doesn't stop at their delicious food; it extends to their culture of giving back to their communities in a generous way, said Ciarra McEachin, Vice President of Komen's Southeast region. We're so grateful for their support of Komen and breast cancer patients across the country. When you enjoy Mellow Mushroom this fall, you'll also be helping to create a world without breast cancer - it's a win-win! Since 1982, Susan G. Komen has donated $1.1B to breast cancer research and supports the more than four million breast cancer survivors and those living with breast cancer in the U.S. Photo Link to Go Pink Cocktail and Ribbon-shaped Pretzels - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e7v1vpvabxd4dpvv6j4wo/h?rlkey=9ai2t5lazkwsdb0zdqji7u1mr&dl=0 About Mellow Mushroom Mellow Mushroom was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1974 and today operates in 19 states. Each Mellow Mushroom is locally owned and operated. For over 40 years, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh, stone-baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art-filled, and family-friendly environment. For more information about Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers and to view the full menu of munchies, salads, pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more, go to MellowMushroom.com, follow on Instagram @MellowMushroom, like on Facebook at Facebook.com/MellowMushroom, or follow on Twitter @MellowMushroom. About Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is the worlds 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 Suzys life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrows cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/. **Purchase a $25 gift card online from October 3 16, 2023, receive a $5 bonus, and Mellow Mushroom will donate $5 to Susan G. Komen. $5 Bonus valid for purchases of $25 or more online or in-store between October 4 November 30, 2023. Bonus has no cash value. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926900632/en/ Media Contact: Kim Speece, [email protected], 404-849-6579 Source: Mellow Mushroom NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICR, a leading strategic communications and advisory firm, will host its third Restaurant Industry Outlook webinar on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET. The event will bring together top research analysts to recap broad themes from the second quarter 2023 restaurant earnings season and discuss what is ahead for the remainder of the year and beyond. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion with executives from two eater-tainment brands. The Restaurant Industry Outlook panel discussions include: Restaurants Analysts Recap Q2 Earnings Season and Reflect on Whats Next Hosted by Raphael Gross, Partner and Jeff Priester, Managing Director, ICR Panelists: Brian Bittner, Oppenheimer; Andrew Strelzik, BMO Capital Markets; and Sharon Zackfia, William Blair Spotlight on Eater-Tainment Brands Roundtable Discussion with CEOs of Puttshack and Pinstripes Hosted by Alice Elliot, Founder & CEO of The Elliot Group Panelists: Dale Schwartz, Founder & CEO of Pinstripes and Joe Vrankin, CEO of Puttshack We look forward to having an informative discussion with seasoned analysts about the current state of the restaurant industry as well as learning about two highly differentiated brands in the exciting eater-tainment space, said Raphael Gross, Partner in ICRs Restaurant Group. To register for the Restaurant Industry Outlook webinar, please visit: https://icr.swoogo.com/restaurants_iii/3988265 About ICR Established in 1998, ICR partners with its clients to execute strategic communications and advisory programs that achieve business goals, build awareness and credibility, and enhance long-term enterprise value. The firms highly-differentiated service model, which pairs capital markets veterans with senior communications professionals, brings deep sector knowledge and relationships to approximately 1,000 clients across more than 20 industry groups. ICRs healthcare practice operates under the Westwicke brand (www.westwicke.com). Today, ICR is one of the largest and most experienced independent communications and advisory firms in North America, maintaining offices in New York, Norwalk, Boston, Baltimore and Beijing. Learn more at www.icrinc.com. Follow us on Twitter at @ICRPR. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926054218/en/ [email protected] Source: ICR FRESNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) has announced that it will celebrate three new inductees as part of its 2023 Induction Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, October 25th at 9:00am Pacific Time. The event will be presented in person at the St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, California and will also be streamed live. Admission is free. The goal of IGIHOF is to promote excellence in ecological sustainability worldwide. IGIHOFs mission is to recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements in the green industry. The in-person and live streaming event will include messages from representatives for each of the inductees as well as a keynote presentation by Richard Hatfield, CEO of Lightning Motorcycles. Elisa Marquez, District 2 Supervisor and Chair of East Bay Community Energy, will provide opening remarks. There will also be a panel discussion featuring Jeff Krump (City of Hayward), Rachel Balslay (StopWaste/Alameda County), and Evan Edgar (California Compost Coalition). The event will be emceed by IGIHOF founder Sam Geil at St. Rose Hospital, 27200 Calaroga Avenue, Hayward, CA. This years inductees include: We have three remarkably innovative and impactful inductees this year, said Incoming IGIHOF Chair Adam Fromson. Each of these organizations is setting a high standard for being successful at their respective missions while going above and beyond to protect our planet for future generations. They have much to be proud of and it is an honor to shine the spotlight on their accomplishments. Congratulations to each of our honored class of 2023! Register for a free in-person or virtual ticket for the IGIHOF 2023 Induction Ceremony at gogreenhall.org. ABOUT IGIHOF The mission of the International Green Industry Hall of Fame (IGIHOF) is to recognize those pioneers, leaders, innovators, creators and visionaries who have made significant contributions to the green industry. Additionally, the organization is committed to preserving the rich history of these great people and organizations by constructing a virtual hall of fame free to the general public. Learn more at GoGreenHall.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926660480/en/ MediaLine Communications Paul Williams, 310/569-0023 [email protected] Source: International Green Industry Hall of Fame Azerbaijani President's Administration issued a statement on providing humanitarian aid to the people of Khankendi, Azernews reports. The statement reads: In accordance with the request made by the representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan at the meeting held in Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, 4 trucks with a total of 40 tons of flour, sanitary products and bedding for 500 people, as well as to provide assistance to the people injured in an explosion at a filling station near the city of Khankendi, another ambulance with burn-treating medical supplies, dressing supplies, gloves, pharmaceutical products for 200 people have been dispatched via the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khankendi Road on September 26. Migrants arrive at the port of Kalamata, following a rescue operation, after their boat capsized at open sea, in Greece, on June 14, 2023. Greeces minister for migration says the government is planning a major regularization program for migrants to meet pressing demands in the labor market, despite a recent increase in illegal arrivals. Dimitris Kairidis told state-run radio Tuesday that the program would target an estimated 300,000 migrants who are undocumented or whose residence permits have expired to help address acute shortages in agriculture, construction and tourism. The plan similar to a 2020 reform in Italy was due to be discussed later Tuesday at a national security meeting to be attended by Cabinet members and military leaders and chaired by center-right Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Kairidis said. We do not want to create new incentives for further illegal (migrant) flows because that is the danger, the minister said. On the other hand, we want to go from black to white from undeclared to declared labor to boost public revenue with employment taxes and contributions and help address dramatic (labor) shortages in certain sectors. Kairidis said the shortages were slowing landmark public works projects, including construction of a subway system in Greeces second-largest city, Thessaloniki, and a new airport on the island of Crete. The plans were announced amid a recent surge in migrant arrivals from Turkey at Greeces eastern islands. Authorities Tuesday said 45 migrants 14 men, nine women, 14 boys and eight girls were rescued by the coast guard from a dinghy stranded near the eastern island of Samos, with no others believed to be missing. Greece is seeking emergency financial assistance from the European Union to cope with the recent rise in arrivals. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Firms to modernize and bolster critical, human-centric solutions that enhance citizen experience. ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- iTech AG, a leading technology consulting firm helping federal, state, local and private organizations streamline and modernize operations, today announced its partnership with enterprise AI and automation provider Hyperscience. This partnership will provide government customers with process automation capabilities to drive greater efficiencies, more accurate decision making and improved citizen interactions. Government agencies process a multitude of citizen forms submitted in a variety of formats, making it difficult to process and extract data. This leads to a data backlog, straining employees and creating long wait times for citizens. Together, iTech AG and Hyperscience will tackle this challenge through intelligent document processing and automated systems. Customers can automate their most complex, mission-critical processes, driving better outcomes. Our partnership with Hyperscience will utilize automation for efficiency in our team and for our federal customers, streamlining processes from form submission to data extraction, said Frank Antezana, CEO and co-founder of iTech AG. With these new capabilities, well continue our mission of providing cutting edge, human-centric solutions through the ServiceNow platform and other avenues that help government teams better serve citizens and enhance employee productivity. Hypersciences machine learning and human-centered approach to automation increases document and data processing speeds at scale across seven cabinet-level agencies, saving users hours and significantly improving citizen response times. Hyperscience is on track to surpass one billion processed documents for the U.S. government in 2023, unlocking valuable data for the Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Air Force and more. As an elite ServiceNow partner, iTech AG will serve as the only Hyperscience partner that supports all ServiceNow partner tracks, including sales, pre-sales, implementation and developer enablement. iTech AG will integrate Hypersciences offerings for current customers, ensuring interoperability with existing technology stacks, including but not limited to ServiceNow, Salesforce and Pega. Hyperscience is committed to harnessing AI so people can work more effectively. The partnership with iTech AG will allow us to expand our work within the federal government, where greater efficiencies can better protect warfighters, serve citizens and accomplish critical missions, said Brian Bridger, Director-Federal Partner Sales at Hyperscience. Our technology, coupled with iTech AG and both our teams agile, human-centric approach to IT modernization, will serve a crucial need for the public sector. About iTech AG Founded in 2008, iTech AG is a technology consulting firm that helps federal, state, local and private organizations streamline their operations to achieve better, faster and more predictable results. Using a wide range of customized and innovative solutions, we modernize our customers systems and processes to help them unlock their true potential. In 2015, iTech AG was certified an 8(a) disadvantaged small business by the U.S. Small Business Administration. In 2022, iTech AG was awarded 8(a) STARS III. For more information, visit www.itechag.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926772577/en/ Nick Wodzinski Sage Communications (for iTech AG) [email protected] Source: iTech AG TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Japan Analytical Instruments Manufacturers Association (JAIMA, address: 2-5-16 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054, President: Masayuki Adachi/President of Horiba, Ltd.) will be holding a symposium on the theme of Carbon Neutral Society and Biomass Energy'' in Bangkok, Thailand. Rising energy prices and shortages of energy sources are major challenges facing modern society, which has been actively working towards realizing a carbon-neutral society while maintaining economic growth. Therefore, JAIMA has decided to hold a symposium on this theme with the cooperation of Japanese and Thailand research institutes, governments, and related companies. Theme: Carbon Neutral Society and Biomass Energy Date and time: October 20, 2023 (Friday) 9:00-17:00 in Thailand time, 11:00-19:00 in Japanese time. Place: Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand venue) (https://bwnadadonmueang.com) Holding method: Conference room at Best Western Nada Don Mueang Airport Hotel and connection by ZOOM. Language: English Participation fee: Free (lunch and coffee/drink will be provided) Application for participation: Please apply for participation from the URL below. https://www.jaima.or.jp/en/event/apply_cnbs/ Cooperation: JASTIP Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform / NEDO New Energy and Industrial Technology Surgery Research Organization / NSTDA Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency, ENTEC National Energy Technology Center / TISTR Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research / JST Science and Technology Development / METI-KANSAI Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry / JEMIMA Japan Electric Measuring Instruments Manufacturers Association / Embassy of Japan in Thailand / TPA Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) / JTECS Japan-Thailand Economic Cooperation Society / Thammasat University / VISTEC Program: Greetings: JAIMA, Embassy of Japan in Thailand and TPA Keynote speech: Carbon Neutrality and Biomass Energy policy in Thailand and in Japan by NSTDA/ ENTEC and NEDO Case study: Efforts towards biomass energy utilization by ENTEC/NSTDA Process Improvement of Gasification and Biogas by the Three-Stage Gasification and Two-Stage Biogas by TISTR "Pyrolysis an alternative technology in biorefinery and activity in BCRU Thammasat University" by Thammasat University Transforming Southeast Asian Lignocellulosic Waste into Bioenergy: Harnessing Anaerobic Digestion with Tropical Microbes" by VISTEC Japanese experience on biomass energy by Maniwa Biomass Power Plant and J&T Environment Company Technical presentation by JAIMA and JEMIMA and related companies View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230919198382/en/ Contact information JAIMA Dr. Naoki Hamada E-mail: [email protected] TEL: +81-3-3292-0642 Source: Japan Analytical Instrument Manufacturers Association NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, JPMorgan Chase announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) government to resolve pending litigation related to Jeffrey Epstein. The settlement terms provide for a payment by JPMorgan Chase of $55 million the majority of which will go to local charities and assisting victims plus an additional $20 million in attorneys fees. The settlement agreement includes the following: $30MM will be contributed by JPMorgan Chase to support USVI charitable organizations whose work is aimed at addressing social ills, including fighting human trafficking and other sex crimes, and to support survivors on their paths to healing. $25MM will be paid to the USVI to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of law enforcement to prevent and combat human trafficking and other crimes in their territories. JPMorgan Chase believes this settlement is in the best interest of all parties, particularly for those who can benefit from efforts to combat human trafficking, and for survivors who suffer unimaginable abuse at the hands of these criminals. While the settlement does not involve admissions of liability, the firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes. The firm will continue to work with law enforcement to combat human trafficking and help to identify improper money movement into the global payments systems. An agreement has also been reached with former executive James Edward Staley to resolve JPMorgan Chases claims against him. The terms of the agreement with Staley are confidential. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926791418/en/ Media Contact: Trish Wexler [email protected] Source: JPMorgan Chase & Co. LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Laserfiche the leading SaaS provider of intelligent content management and business process automation announced today that it has achieved the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for an information security management system (ISMS). Laserfiche is committed to providing innovative solutions that provide customers with robust, configurable security controls, said Thomas Phelps, senior vice president of corporate strategy and CIO of Laserfiche. Along with our SOC 2 report that includes HIPAA requirements, this certification demonstrates our security programs alignment with industry-leading standards and practices. ISO 27001 is a comprehensive framework for an information security management system. Recognized as an international standard for an ISMS, ISO 27001 was recently updated in 2022 with notable changes including a new structure for Annex A that includes 93 controls over four categories organizational, people, physical and technological. The certification process involves BDO USA, P.C., an external auditor from a certifying body, conducting an audit of Laserfiches ISMS in accordance with the accreditation bodys rules, procedures and management system requirements. Receiving the certificate represents the successful completion of the initial certification assessment, which will be followed by annual surveillance audits for two years. Trust and security is at the forefront of what we do at the City of Los Angeles, which has been recognized as a top digital city in the U.S. by the Center for Digital Government, said Ted Ross, CIO for the City of Los Angeles and general manager for the citys IT agency. Critical to our success are technology partners, like Laserfiche, who are committed to information security and provide scalable enterprise platforms for our employees, businesses and all Angelenos. Laserfiche is a trusted platform that helps organizations secure data and improve regulatory compliance. In addition to achieving ISO 27001 and the SOC 2 Type 2 Plus (HIPAA) attestation, Laserfiche is Department of Defense 5015.2 certified. To learn more about Laserfiches certifications and standards, visit the Laserfiche website. About Laserfiche Laserfiche is the leading SaaS provider of intelligent content management and business process automation. Through powerful workflows, electronic forms, document management and analytics, the Laserfiche platform accelerates how business gets done, enabling leaders to focus on growth across the enterprise. Laserfiche pioneered the paperless office with enterprise content management. Today, Laserfiches cloud-first development approach incorporates innovations in machine learning and AI to enable organizations in more than 80 countries to transform into digital businesses. Customers in every industry including government, education, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing use Laserfiche to boost productivity, scale their business and deliver digital-first customer experiences. Laserfiche employees in offices around the world are committed to the companys vision of empowering customers and inspiring people to reimagine how technology can transform lives. Connect with Laserfiche: Laserfiche Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926291562/en/ Linda Domingo Director, Public Relations, Laserfiche [email protected] | 562-988-1688 x 234 Source: Laserfiche BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week, Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, recognized 19 of its freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities and 16 of its contracted acute rehabilitation units awarded by Newsweek in this years list of Americas Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on August 23, 2023, and can currently be viewed on Newsweeks website. The Americas Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers 2023 list highlights top physical rehabilitation centers from all US states. The nations top in-patient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) were identified based on the following data sources: National Online Survey: Thousands of medical experts (physicians, therapists, medical doctors, administration & staff working in physical rehabilitation facilities) were invited to an online peer-to-peer survey. Quality Score: Participants were also asked to rank the quality of care, quality of service, quality of follow-up care, and accommodations & amenities. Data published by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was taken into consideration. Accreditation: Data on physical rehabilitation centers provided by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) were taken into consideration. The 19 freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities are joint venture partnerships with regional health systems across the country. In each, Lifepoint Rehabilitation supports the day-to-day operations and delivery of rehabilitation care. The company also provides contract management support to acute rehabilitation units, operating more than 250 such units within hospitals and other therapy settings nationwide. Lifepoint Rehabilitation is proud to see so many of our freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities and acute rehabilitation units recognized on Newsweeks list of Americas Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers 2023, said Russ Bailey, president of Lifepoint Rehabilitation. This is a tremendous accomplishment that evidences the industry-leading work of our rehabilitation providers across the country, and we know that this recognition evidences the patient-centered culture we have built in every facility and in every community we serve. It is always our goal to help each patient recover as fully as possible so that they may return to their lives and families, and we know that every patient encounter is critical to advancing our mission of making communities healthier. Lifepoint Rehabilitation also highlighted several of its freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities for ranking first in their states. These facilities include Baptist Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital in Tennessee, CHI Franciscan Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, Community Health Rehabilitation Hospital North in Indiana, Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital in Pennsylvania and Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital St. Louis in Missouri. Additionally, several of its inpatient rehabilitation facilities were ranked among the top 15 in the nation, including Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital in Pennsylvania ranking seventh, Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital in Texas ranking ninth and Community Health Rehabilitation Hospital North in Indiana ranking twelfth. About Lifepoint Health Lifepoint Health is a leading healthcare provider that serves patients, clinicians, communities and partner organizations across the healthcare continuum. Driven by a mission of making communities healthier, the company has a growing diversified healthcare delivery network comprised of more than 50,000 dedicated employees, 62 community hospital campuses, more than 60 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals and 250 additional sites of care, including managed acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. Through its innovation strategy, Lifepoint Forward, the company is developing meaningful solutions to enhance quality, increase access to care, and improve value across the Lifepoint footprint and communities across the country. For more information about the company, visit www.LifepointHealth.net. About Lifepoint Rehabilitation With more than 40 freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), Lifepoint Rehabilitation is a partner of choice for many major hospital systems in the creation of joint venture operations that are industry-leading in clinical and financial outcomes. Through its IRFs and more than 250 hospital-based rehabilitation units, medical/surgical and outpatient therapy settings, Lifepoint Rehabilitation brings proven rehabilitation management and services expertise to help our patients recover and return home quickly from a number of conditions, including strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, amputations and trauma. Lifepoint Rehabilitation is a business unit of Brentwood, Tennessee-based Lifepoint Health. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926840982/en/ Aileen Bennett Lifepoint Rehabilitation (615) 920-7668 [email protected] Source: Lifepoint Health Maker of continuous real-time metabolic analysis systems experiences growing demand. Will build capacity for new product offerings, manufacturing, and global sales and marketing. ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lucid Scientific, a life science instruments company that manufactures Resipher, announced the completion of a $7 million Series A financing led by IAG Capital Partners. Additional participants include Lucids original investor base, the Georgia Research Alliances Venture Fund, and Dynamk Capital, bringing Lucids total funding to date to approximately $13 million. Proceeds from this round will help the company aggressively expand production, sales and marketing, as well as broaden new product advancements. IAG Venture Partner Dr. Ehsan Jabbarzadeh will join Lucids Board of Directors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926790900/en/ Resipher performing continuous metabolic analysis on cells cultured in 96-well plates (Photo: Business Wire) We are thrilled to partner with Lucid Scientific to market a ground-breaking technology for real-time analysis of cell metabolomics, said Dennis Sacha of IAG Capital Partners. The platform will provide scientists with a powerful tool to understand dynamic biological responses and the discovery of cures for most difficult diseases. The financing accelerates exceptional momentum for Lucid, and for their upcoming launch of new Resipher hardware and consumable products this fall. Resipher provides researchers with valuable insights into cellular metabolism that are of central importance for a wide range of therapeutic applications and drug safety considerations. Resipher converts standard cell culture plates into smart readers that detect and report metabolic changes in real-time. This data significantly accelerates the cell culture research cycle by bridging the gap between performing experiments and gaining actionable insight. This financing enables Lucid to continue improving the Resipher line of products for researchers and drug discovery teams whose work directly impacts human health, said Dr. Walker Inman, CEO of Lucid Scientific. We are excited to have Ehsan and IAG join our team, as they provide a wealth of experience and help position Lucid to achieve our goals. Lucid Scientific is a life science instruments company working to accelerate drug discovery and fundamental biological research by providing systems for real-time cellular analysis. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA at the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), Lucid is supported by public and private sources including IAG Capital Partners, Dynamk Capital and the GRA Venture Fund. lucidsci.com IAG Capital Partners is based in Charleston, South Carolina and partners with innovative leaders to build companies that will change the world. iagcapitalpartners.com Dynamk Capital is a growth equity and venture capital firm focused on life sciences industrials. Dynamk's investment strategy is centered on identifying companies developing disruptive technologies, tools, and services that enable the full biopharma continuum across discovery, development, and manufacturing of biotherapeutics, including cell & gene therapies and vaccines. dynamk.vc GRA Venture Fund is a public-private venture capital fund investing in research-driven, Georgia-based startup companies. The Fund makes seed, early-stage and mid-stage investments in companies. Fund investors are the State of Georgia, private individuals, corporations and foundations. graventurefund.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926790900/en/ [email protected] +1-617-237-0665 Source: Lucid Scientific NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF RULE 2.12 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER PANEL ACT 1997, TAKEOVER RULES, 2022 (THE IRISH TAKEOVER RULES) REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MariaDB plc (NYSE: MRDB) (the Company), in accordance with Rule 2.12 of the Irish Takeover Rules, confirms that as of September 22, 2023 its issued ordinary share capital was comprised of 67,713,368 ordinary shares, nominal value $0.01 per share (the "Ordinary Shares"). The Ordinary Shares are admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MRDB. The International Securities Identification Number for these securities is IE0008908NI4. The Company confirms that as of September 22, 2023, there were outstanding options to purchase up to 7,939,552 Ordinary Shares and outstanding restricted stock units and performance stock units conferring on their holders vested or unvested rights to convert into, or to receive, up to an aggregate of 4,612,830 Ordinary Shares. The Company confirms that as of September 22, 2023, there were outstanding warrants to subscribe for an aggregate of 16,351,314 Ordinary Shares. The Company has 25,000 Deferred Ordinary Shares which are held as treasury shares. ABOUT MARIADB MariaDB is a new generation cloud database company whose products are used by companies big and small, reaching more than a billion users through Linux distributions and have been downloaded over one billion times. Deployed in minutes and maintained with ease, leveraging cloud automation, MariaDB database products are engineered to support any workload, any cloud and any scale all while saving up to 90% of proprietary database costs. Trusted by organizations such as Bandwidth, DigiCert, InfoArmor, Oppenheimer and Samsung, MariaDBs software is the backbone of critical services that people rely on every day. For more information, please visit mariadb.com. RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT The directors of the Company accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER RULES Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person who is 'interested' in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of the Company or a securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror which has announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an 'opening position disclosure' following the commencement of the 'offer period' and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An 'opening position disclosure' must contain, among other things, details of the person's 'interests' and 'short positions' in any 'relevant securities' of each of (i) the Company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An 'opening position disclosure' by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3:30 pm (New York time) on the day that is ten 'business days' following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3:30 pm (New York time) on the day that is ten 'business days' following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, if any person is, or becomes, interested (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of relevant securities of the Company, all dealings in any relevant securities of the Company or any securities exchange offeror (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such relevant securities) must be publicly disclosed by not later than 3:30 pm (New York time) on the business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the offer period ends. If two or more persons cooperate on the basis of any agreement either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire an interest in relevant securities of the Company, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Irish Takeover Rules. A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose relevant securities dealings should be disclosed can be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie. In general, interests in securities arise when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of the securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an interest by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities. Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, which can be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a dealing under Rule 8, please consult the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or contact the Irish Takeover Panel at telephone number +353 1 678 9020. Source: MariaDB View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925778746/en/ Investors: [email protected] Media: [email protected] Source: MariaDB TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization (CPPO), the collective voice of the $10 billion open-loop prepaid payments industry in Canada, is proud to announce leaders from Mastercard and EQ Bank have been appointed to the organizations board of directors as the Board Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Maria Riesenberg, Vice President of Market Development for Mastercardwho previously served as Vice Chairwas appointed as the CPPO's Board Chair. Kartik Kamat, Vice President of Payments and Digital Banking Analytics for EQ Bank, was appointed as Vice Chair. Two CPPO General Members have also been selected to the board for one year: Arvind Agarwal, Head of Payments and Platform at Mydoh, and Ed Woodson, Chief Legal Officer at Onbe. The CPPO board also includes Visa, Peoples Group, KOHO, Blackhawk Network, InComm Payments, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. The CPPO is proud to have longstanding support from top Canadian payments and Fintech players, said Jennifer Tramontana, Co-Founder and Executive Director at CPPO. As members of the CPPO Board of Directors, the companies uphold the CPPO and boards mission to drive a positive environment in which prepaid payments can responsibly grow and flourish in Canada. Prepaid is the technology platform for many of the significant improvements in payments convenience and inclusivity. Canadians are using prepaid to shop online, manage their money in our digital economy and even get paid faster. These user-friendly innovations are driving its continued growth. The Canadian open loop prepaid market is expected to grow to CA$17.2 billion by 2025, with the number of accounts expected to grow to 81 million, according to estimates from Aite-Novarica Group. The CPPO supports the prepaid industry by providing the tools and resources needed to assist all Canadian firms who are operating in or exploring the prepaid ecosystem. The CPPO gives its members the intelligence, education, access and network to tap into this innovative payments community. This vision and mission will be on display at the CPPOs signature annual event, the 2024 CPPO Prepaid Symposium, on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, with presenting sponsor Mastercard. The event will focus on The Promise of Payments Innovation and will examine if we have lived up to this vision through the lens of retailers and merchants, neo and traditional banks, tech partners and fintechs and consumers. To learn more about the 2024 CPPO Prepaid Symposium or inquire about speaking or sponsorship opportunities, visit here. About the Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization (CPPO) The Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization (CPPO) is a not-for-profit organization and the collective voice of the $9B prepaid payments industry in Canada. The CPPO gives members the intelligence, education, access, and network to tap into this innovative payments community. Members include issuing banks, networks, Fintechs, program managers, processors, and service providers. Connect with CPPO on Twitter and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926946710/en/ Anna Kragie 815-751-9192 [email protected] Source: Canadian Prepaid Providers Organization 0% APR Loans Available for Eligible Members VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Navy Federal Credit Union announced today it is offering a paycheck assistance program, providing an advance on direct deposit for eligible members impacted in the event of a government shutdown. This program is available for all Active Duty servicemembers, Federal government employees and contractors who are paid directly by the Federal government whose pay will be affected by the shutdown, and have direct deposit set up with Navy Federal for their paycheck. Navy Federal will continue to accept registration for the program until 3 business days after the scheduled pay day. In the event of a government shutdown, we want to provide our members with peace of mind," said Pete Amstutz, senior vice president of savings and membership at Navy Federal. Serving our members is foundational to our mission. We want to do the right thing and be there when they need us the most. For members impacted by the shutdown who do not meet the eligibility requirements, our member service representatives may be able to offer alternative services for financial relief. Navy Federal offered assistance and activated support in similar situations in 2011, 2013 and most recently in 2018-2019, when the credit union provided loans to nearly 20,000 members. About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving 13 million members globally and is the worlds largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Dedicated to its mission of service, Navy Federal employs a workforce of 24,000 and has a global network of more than 350 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926338205/en/ Amber Southard Corporate Communications E-mail: [email protected] Source: Navy Federal Credit Union PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) is pleased to welcome Tom Malecki as its new Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration. Malecki brings a wealth of experience and has a proven track record in financial leadership across several industries. He will be responsible for overseeing the organizations financial operations and playing a crucial role in advancing NDRIs mission. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926260799/en/ NDRI welcomes to the team our new CFO Tom Malecki. (Photo: Business Wire) Im excited to join the talented professionals advancing research at NDRI, says Malecki. Its exciting to help our partners fulfill their research needs in all sectors of research - government, corporate, academic, both domestically and internationally. Malecki joins NDRI with over 30 years of experience in finance and operations. His leadership positions span the retail, government, pharmaceutical, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining NDRI, Malecki served as the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF), a Philadelphia based nonprofit dedicated to assisting families facing difficulties finding stable housing. Malecki started his career with the Arthur Andersen organization, an accounting firm based out of Chicago. Malecki holds an MBA in Accounting from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Albright College. He has served on various nonprofit boards, including the Board of Trustees for The Woodlynde School and the Country Club Swim Association. He has also served on the MBA Advisory Committee and taught as an Adjunct Professor at LaSalle University School of Business. We are thrilled to have Tom as a member of our management team at NDRI, says Bill Leinweber, President and CEO of NDRI. His experience will add great value to financial and critical administrative functions of information technology and human resources. About NDRI The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) is the nations leading source of human tissues, cells and organs for scientific research. A not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 1980, NDRI is funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, public and private foundations and organizations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporations. NDRI is a 24/7 operation that partners with a nationwide network of over 130 tissue source sites (TSS), including organ procurement organizations (OPOs), tissue banks, eye banks, and hospitals. The TSS, are distributed throughout the USA, in 45 states, with concentrations in major metropolitan areas on both the east and west coasts. Their wide geographic distribution allows NDRI to provide biospecimens from donor populations with diverse demographics and facilitates the timely and efficient provision of fresh tissues directly to researchers across the U.S. and around the world. By serving as the liaison between procurement sources and the research community, NDRI is uniquely positioned to support breakthrough advances and discoveries that can affect advances in the treatment and cure of human diseases. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926260799/en/ Media Inquiries: Matthew Reece Director, Marketing and Communications 215-557-7361, ext. 239 [email protected] www.ndriresource.org Source: National Disease Research Interchange Rathia, the only woman authorized to access the worst-hit area of the floods in Derna. She works with the men as they move bodies to the mass grave. She is photographed here with another volunteer, on Sept. 19, 2023. Volunteers open the ambulance door. They are dressed in PPE and masks, but when several of them prepare to carry the black bag that lies on the stretcher, they realize that just one person is enough. The bag is small: it contains a baby. Suddenly, everyone present falls silent. The scene, which is repeated four times in an hour, slows down. The transfer of bodies to the truck, where a dozen corpses have been placed, is done carefully, from eight in the morning until nine at night. They are then taken to a mass grave. Among the 20 volunteers who have been recovering and carrying bodies of the Derna flood victims for the past two weeks, there is only one woman: Rathia Mohamed Azqiba. When dawn broke in Derna earlier in September, after two dams burst due to Storm Daniel, Azqiba saw how her entire neighborhood 38 buildings, she details simply disappeared. She lost her uncles and most of her neighbors. Then, the 65-year-old woman knew where she would go. In the first few days, I was at the hospital, washing the bodies of victims and preparing them for burial. But, after they stopped preserving them, because they were so decomposed, I came to this location. There used to be a vegetable market here, she notes, from the tent where other volunteers are lying down, trying to sleep for a few minutes. They collapse briefly when they cannot take it anymore. Five days after the passage of Storm Daniel which has caused around 4,000 confirmed deaths the government of Marshal Khalifa Hafter, which controls the east of the country, decided to quickly bury the bodies that were found, after taking DNA tests. This decision was made to avoid outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. It was then that Rathia Azqiba moved from the morgue to this post, located next to the beach, at the epicenter of the tragedy. Shes the only woman authorized to access this area, which is closed to civilians not registered as volunteers, and to work with the men. Many of the male volunteers have rigid ideas regarding the transfer of bodies to the mass grave, as, according to Islamic beliefs, only men are permitted to carry out burials. Certain members of the local mosques are charged with monitoring compliance with modesty, such as ensuring that the remains of women and girls are not seen or photographed by the foreign press. Several interviewees have discussed the terrible psychological impact felt by the survivors who, when the flood ended, saw the streets crowded with the naked bodies of dead women and girls. The volunteers carefully transfer the bodies to the truck, before taking them to the mass grave. ESAM OMRAN AL-FETORI (REUTERS) Therefore, the presence of a woman among the volunteers is unusual. It has been made possible due to her involvement in charitable organizations at her mosque during the two civil wars (2011 and 2014-2020) and the fight against the Islamic State. Libya and, with particular ferocity, Derna have suffered from this on-and-off violence for over a decade now. Rathia has a kind look. She used to distribute food and clothing among those affected by the bombings from above and the battles that were fought within the city. But nothing can compare with whats happening to us now, she points out, in a conversation with EL PAIS on September 19. When she hears an ambulance approaching, she quickly grabs a bottle with disinfectant and another with air freshener. She and the other volunteers carry the bodies. Rathia then sprays them, both to prevent illness and disguise the smell of death. Then, with her gloved hands, she pours out a mixture of bleach and water. Men who wear masks and, in some cases, protective glasses look for ways to show gratitude with their eyes. This woman has washed more than 1,000 bodies, Salah proudly exclaims. At age 25, he has lost count of the number of victims he has carried. He tenderly hugs Rathia. Many others express similar reverent gratitude to her, given the care that her work entails. Rathia Azqiba avoids delving into the reasons why shes the only female volunteer at ground zero. Many women died others are taking care of children and the elderly. Thats why theyre not here. And its also true that, in the first days, it was very hard to be washing bodies and to suddenly find your relatives among them. Theres something that she repeats, like a mantra, throughout the interview: Despite my pain and the people I have lost, I felt it was my obligation to come here. Rathia's presence has been made possible by her involvement in her mosque's charitable organizations during the two civil wars and the war against the Islamic State. Patricia Simon Right behind her, some workers are hurriedly erecting a double metal wall. The objective, they explain, is so that, when civilians are authorized to return to what remains of their homes, they dont relive the catastrophe. The coast is still littered with twisted cars, rags, remains of toys and shoes its traumatic to look at. The temporary wall is also meant to help people avoid the sight of the water, which is still a greenish-brown due to the tons of waste carried by the flood. Hundreds of people are working throughout the city to try to restore a semblance of normality a thankless undertaking, given the magnitude of the destruction. Walking through the streets of Derna plunges one into a state of perplexity. Theres an inability to explain the magnitude of seeing dozens of destroyed neighborhoods, or hundreds of cars piled up, blocking dozens of streets. Entire buildings are half-buried. Even in war zones, its difficult to find such a level of devastation. One of the first symptoms of the return to life are the lines of children and adults some wearing ragged clothes who are collecting donated food. Today, theyre receiving boxes of eggs that the owner of a supermarket is giving out, for free, on the first day of reopening. The store shelves look well-stocked, with a wide variety of products. We do it for our customers, who have been asking us to reopen for days. This isnt for money, its for our neighbors, explains Mansour, one of the employees. He lost all his cousins and many friends in the floods. A few streets away, a group of firefighters from Turkey one of the great allies of the government in Tripoli is working hard. In theory, theyre in conflict with the administration of the east of the country, under which Derna is located. Helped by an excavator, they sift through the earth until the stench becomes unbearable. For it to smell like that, it has to be less than [seven feet] away, says one of the red-uniformed men, who is now digging carefully, looking for the bulge that will give him an idea about where to go. Then, a foot emerges, which quickly becomes a male body. The precise and respectful work of these men who, before the floods, were considered enemies in this part of the country is allowed to proceed. They quickly place the mans body into two bags and use the crane to carefully transport it to the other side of the street. In this part of the city, many of the buildings have graffiti on their facades: a date, the name of the rescue team and a number. This represents the number of corpses found in each structure. The lowest figure is three. The coast is still littered with twisted cars, rags of clothing, remains of toys and shoes. In this image, rescuers pull a vehicle from the sea, on September 19, 2023. AMR ALFIKY (REUTERS) The United Nations has recently revised the number of victims, now placing it at 3,958 dead, with more than 9,000 missing. Its the deadliest flood recorded in Africa since 1900, according to data from the World Health Organization. Most of the deceased are being buried in a mass grave on one of the mountains surrounding Derna. There, in the middle of a plain, several machines widen the pit, while around 30 men tirelessly dedicate themselves to holding successive funerals before burying the bodies. In a different part of the mountain, around the reddish earth now broken with the white of quicklime are dozens of plastic tents. This is where those who are dedicated to the burials have been living since the flood. Traditionally, within Islam, only adult men are permitted to be present in a cemetery (though in some communities, all mourners, including women and girls, are allowed at a gravesite). See the unity? They killed some of ours, and we killed some of theirs during the war. Now, theyre here helping us. Never have I had more hope that Libya can be under the same government again, a soldier jokes. His identity cannot be made public, as hes not authorized to make statements. Rathia Atqiba shares this sentiment. As soon as this misfortune happened to us, Libyans from the east and the west came to help us. Its a demonstration of the unity that our country is experiencing. Suddenly, theres commotion around her: one of the other volunteers has seen a dark spot in the rough sea. Little by little, a crowd spreads out on the rocks. They spend half-an-hour trying to see if its a body, until they confirm that its some type of plastic or piece of clothing. When the work here is over, I will continue looking for people to help, [like] all those refugees who have been left homeless, Rathia sighs. According to the UN, more than 40,000 Libyans now live in schools and other public buildings in Derna and the surrounding towns. They have been left with nothing. Rathia makes it very clear that, when Derna stops being in the news, these people will need more help than ever. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows a 2.86% reduction in phone motion distraction in Missouri weeks after new law CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world's largest telematics service provider, today announced the initial impact of Missouris new Siddens Benning Hands-Free Law, which began on August 28, 2023. One month before the law, drivers in Missouri spent an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds of every hour behind the week handling their phones. Since the law began, distracted driving in Missouri has dropped to 1 minute and 42 seconds, a reduction of 2.86%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925808468/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) CMTs research shows that every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate by 1.4%. CMT estimates that the 2.86% reduction in distraction in Missouri has helped prevent 80 crashes and $1.8 million in economic damages to date.* "The enactment of Missouri's Siddens Benning Hands-Free Law marks a crucial step toward enhancing traffic safety, with the potential to save numerous lives," said Angela Nelson, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations at AAA Missouri. "While we are encouraged to see that drivers are choosing to eliminate phone distraction behind the wheel, its imperative we all make that personal commitment to reach our goal of 100% reduction in distracted driving." Missouri is the 28th state to introduce hands-free legislation and the fourth in 2023 after Ohio, Alabama, and Michigan. The law requires hands-free phone use for drivers of all ages. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, there were nearly 200,000 crashes related to distracted driving from 2012 to 2021, killing over 800 people. "In 2023, four hands-free laws passed across the US, Missouri joins Ohio, Alabama and Michigan with the first critical steps to improve safety for millions of drivers. said Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development for Cambridge Mobile Telematics. We know the greatest challenge comes moving forward to sustain changes in driver behavior in the Show Me State. CMTs research shows that public awareness of hands-free laws surges when they go into effect, followed by a decline in distracted driving. A CMT analysis of Google searches for "phone law" in Missouri revealed a spike on the week of August 28, when the law began. CMT has uncovered the same search and awareness trends for hands-free laws in Ohio, Alabama, and Michigan. CMT defines phone motion distraction as when the phone rotates with the screen on while the vehicle moves. The analysis includes driving data from 1.2 million trips across Missouri from August 29 through September 24, 2023. For more insights about distracted driving across the United States since 2020, see CMTs 2023 distracted driving report: The State of Distracted Driving in 2023 & the Future of Road Safety. *Estimates based on the change in crash rate from distracted driving and data from NHTSAs report The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2019: $340 billion in crash damages from 14.2 million crashes in 2019, averaging $23,954 per crash About Cambridge Mobile Telematics Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) is the worlds largest telematics service provider. Its mission is to make the worlds roads and drivers safer. The companys AI-driven platform, DriveWell, gathers sensor data from millions of IoT devices including smartphones, proprietary Tags, connected vehicles, dashcams, and third-party devices and fuses them with contextual data to create a unified view of vehicle and driver behavior. Companies from personal and commercial auto insurance, automotive, rideshare, smart cities, wireless, financial services, and family safety industries use insights from CMTs platform to power their risk assessment, safety, claims, and driver improvement programs. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with offices in Budapest, Chennai, Seattle, Tokyo, and Zagreb, CMT serves millions of people through over 95 programs in 25 countries, including 21 of the top 25 US auto insurers. Learn more at CMT.ai. About AAA Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North Americas largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 62 million members across North America, including 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com or download the AAA Mobile app. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925808468/en/ Media: Lisa-Marie Pascuccio: [email protected] Source: Cambridge Mobile Telematics SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a groundbreaking study released today, Trove, the leader in branded resale, and Worldly, the most comprehensive impact intelligence platform for the apparel industry, reveal where and how circular models play an important role for brands working to reduce their emissions when combined with upstream supply chain interventions. This comprehensive study, titled Where Are Circular Models Effective Sustainability Strategies for Fashion Brands?, models the impact of resale in addition to supply chain interventions. By understanding the carbon implications of circular models across different types of products, brands can focus their efforts on generating the best possible outcomes. Key Insights from the Study Include: Resale is a Significant Decarbonization Strategy : Particularly for Premium Apparel and Outdoor Brands, resale can result in a 15-16% reduction in annual carbon emissions in 2040. These brands can achieve annual revenue growth and simultaneously reduce the need for new production by 23-35% annually. : Particularly for Premium Apparel and Outdoor Brands, resale can result in a 15-16% reduction in annual carbon emissions in 2040. These brands can achieve annual revenue growth and simultaneously reduce the need for new production by 23-35% annually. Maximize Resale Efficiency for Emissions Benefit : Brands achieve the most substantial emissions reductions by amplifying the value of their products in the resale market. Product durability, design, and craftsmanship play pivotal roles. : Brands achieve the most substantial emissions reductions by amplifying the value of their products in the resale market. Product durability, design, and craftsmanship play pivotal roles. Operational Control is Key for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounting in Resale : Brands that control their resale operations and maximize revenue from used products are able to capture the greatest share of Scope 3 emissions benefit. As the fashion industry adopts resale for carbon reduction, our study offers a vital guide to measure the impact of circular programs, says Gayle Tait, CEO of Trove. In partnership with Worldly, we're committed to catalyzing industry change and assisting brands on their sustainable journey. With emerging regulations, reporting ESG data is essential for competitiveness and brand integrity. Our paper helps businesses to evaluate their initiatives, Tait emphasizes. Were thrilled to be Troves partner in this white paper, providing the technical expertise essential to understanding how circular strategies can impact carbon reduction efforts, said Worldly EVP, Market Impact, Del Hudson. As climate change becomes more severe worldwide, consumers are demanding action and governments are implementing regulation. Both business model and policy decisions must be informed by credible data. Were proud to partner with organizations like Trove to provide insights that help measure and validate the effectiveness of their innovative programs. To see the full study, please visit: https://trove.com/decarbonizing-fashion About Trove Trove is the market leader in branded resale and trade-in for world-class brands and retailers such as Canada Goose, lululemon, Patagonia, REI, Levis, Arcteryx, Allbirds, and more. Through its proprietary Recommerce Operating System, Trove is accelerating the shift toward more sustainable business models, foundational for circularity. Over the last decade, Trove has equipped leading brands with technology and operations to create and scale branded resale programs by enabling customer trade-in of items, single-SKU identification and condition grading, site build and maintenance, and customer data collection, analytics and reporting. About Worldly Worldly is the planets most comprehensive impact intelligence platform, trusted by 40,000+ major brands, retailers, and manufacturers in fashion, outdoor, home goods, toys, and more. Worldly uniquely collects high-resolution primary data specific to companies value chains, operations, and products, providing insight into true impacts across carbon, water, chemistry, and labor. Featuring the most comprehensive source of ESG data for global manufacturers and the largest library of materials and product impacts, Worldly empowers businesses to scale responsibility into their global operations, faster and more accurately. Hosting, connecting with, and supporting the leading industry solutions and methodologies including ZDHC, Bluesign, and the Higg Index the most widely-adopted measure of sustainability in the apparel industry Worldly delivers the insights businesses need to reduce their impact, comply with emerging regulatory and financial disclosure requirements, and meet the expectations of a new generation of customers. www.worldly.io View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926291807/en/ Moxie Communications Group [email protected] Source: Trove TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation (NSHD) issued our Integrated Report 2023 on our website on September 26. Our Integrated Report is published every year to provide an annual report on the Group's Financial information including management strategies and business overview as well as non-financial information including sustainability activities to all the stakeholders including our group members as well as investors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925112298/en/ Integrated Report 2023 cover page (Graphic: Business Wire) In Integrated Report 2023, we have focused on our medium-term management plan "NS Vision 2026| Enabling the Future" ("NS Vision 2026") announced in May 2022 with the aim of explaining the value creation story in an easy-to-understand manner, using specific examples. The "Integrated Report 2023" is published in PDF format, and we added jump link to certain pages on our website containing related information to improve accessibility. Please visit the "Integrated Report" page on our website. Main Features of Integrated Report 2023 1) Value Creation Through messages from CEO, presents the strategy for NSHD Group based on the progress of the NS Vision 2026 and understanding of our business environment. As a special feature, introduces our specific efforts related to "Operational Excellence," "Total Electronics," and "Carbon Neutrality" presented from our focused fields defined in NS Vision 2026. Our value creation story indicates the basic concept, the value we provide, and voices of our employees, the source of value creation, along with a message from the Head of Human Resources in the Group. 2) Value Creation in Each Segment For each segment, clarifies the position in the final year of NS Vision 2026, analyzes the market position and strengths, perceptions about the business environment, and important sustainability items, and explains the direction of the strategy for value creation. 3) Corporate Governance Shares a discussion among Katsumi Nagasawa, the Outside director and the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Appointments and Remuneration, and Yutaka Okuda, the Executive officer, the Group legal, as well as challenges they should be aware of based on the environment surrounding the NSHD. In addition, presents a skill matrix that lists the experience and area of expertise of each member of both the Board of Directors and the Audit & Supervisory Board. Contents Introduction Special Feature Value Creation Story Performance Highlights Sustainability Value Creation in Each Business Governance Group Information Appendix The Nippon Sanso Holdings Group is the world's fourth-largest supplier of industrial, electronic, and medical gases, operating in four geographic regions - Japan, U.S., Europe and Asia & Oceania - covering over 30 countries and regions. In addition, the Thermos business supplies THERMOS branded products to more than 120 countries worldwide. Since its foundation as Nippon Sanso Ltd. in 1910, the group stands for creating social value through innovative gas solutions that increase industrial productivity, enhance human well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future. With more than 19,000 employees, together, we are The Gas Professionals and we all have the same goal: Making life better through gas technology View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925112298/en/ Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation Public Relations [email protected] Source: Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation The free event provides natural refrigerant training for refrigeration technicians MILL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to advance climate-friendly natural refrigerants in supermarkets, has opened registration for their next Natural Refrigerant Training Summit in St. Louis, Missouri, November 14 16, 2023. Co-hosted with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, the free event will offer comprehensive training for refrigeration technicians on the latest natural refrigerant technologies. Leading industry manufacturers will provide training on CO2 fundamentals, installation and maintenance, as well as propane self-contained cases and micro-distributed systems. The three-day event is open to all refrigeration technicians. Local HVACR students and faculty are invited to participate in a free networking session with event participants on November 15 to increase exposure to natural refrigerant technologies and build industry connections. Our first-ever training summit in April was an overwhelming success, said Danielle Wright, executive director of NASRC. Over 200 technicians participated in 17 free training sessions, more than 100 HVACR students and faculty networked with industry leaders, and we received countless requests to bring this event to other parts of the country. These events were inspired by NASRCs Workforce Development Assessment, which investigated data-driven solutions to improve technician recruitment, training and retention to address the critical technician shortage. Our assessment identified access to training on the latest technologies as a key solution to support our technician workforce, and were excited to help scale that solution nationwide, said Wright. NASRC will host additional training summits on March 19 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and April 30 May 2, 2024, in Irwindale, California. For more information, visit nasrc.org/training. The St. Louis Training Summit is offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of premium event sponsors BITZER US, Climate Pros, Copeland and Hillphoenix. To register for the St. Louis Training Summit, visit nasrc.org/stlouis-training. About the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit working to advance climate-friendly natural refrigerants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by traditional HFC refrigerants. We collaborate with stakeholders from across the industry, including over 55,000 food retail locations, to eliminate the barriers to natural refrigerants in supermarkets. For more information, visit nasrc.org, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926008127/en/ Morgan Smith [email protected] 585-217-2254 Source: North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProPetro Holding Corp. ("ProPetro" or the Company") (NYSE: PUMP) today announced that it will issue its third quarter of 2023 earnings release on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, before the opening of trading. ProPetro will also host a conference call on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 8:00 AM Central Time to discuss its third quarter results. To access the conference call, U.S. callers may dial toll free 1-844-340-9046 and international callers may dial 1-412-858-5205. Please call ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time to ensure a proper connection. The call will also be webcast on ProPetros website, www.propetroservices.com. A replay of the conference call will be available for one week following the call and may be accessed toll free by dialing 1-877-344-7529 for U.S. callers, 1-855-669-9658 for Canadian callers, as well as 1-412-317-0088 for international callers. The access code for the replay is 9513361. About ProPetro ProPetro Holding Corp. is a Midland, Texas-based provider of premium completion services to leading upstream oil and gas companies engaged in the exploration and production of North American unconventional oil and natural gas resources. We help bring reliable energy to the world. For more information visit www.propetroservices.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926911358/en/ David Schorlemer Chief Financial Officer [email protected] 432-277-0864 Matt Augustine Director - Corporate Development & Investor Relations [email protected] 432-848-0871 Source: ProPetro Holding Corp. By leveraging the Calix broadband platform, Brandenburg Telecom quickly deploys and grows their Bark social media monitoring offering so more families can access the critical tool in the new school year, expanding on their 73-year history of serving their Kentucky community SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) announced today that Brandenburg Telecom (Brandenburg) is growing their Bark social media monitoring offering to help protect more families in their Kentucky community. After launching Bark weeks earlier, the broadband service provider (BSP) expects to deliver the AI-enabled social media monitoring tool to three times more families in the next few months. Because Bark is offered as a managed service on the Calix broadband platform, it is incredibly easy for BSPs like Brandenburg to deploy to their subscribers in just weeks. Bark monitors childrens texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and social media platforms for issues like cyberbullying, adult content, sexual predators, suicidal ideation, and more. Parents and guardians receive alerts when their children interact with concerning content. This negates the need to comb through online interactions, keeping their childrens privacy intact. Brandenburg ensures all families who need Bark can access it. The Brandenburg team attended local back-to-school events to answer questions and educate parents about available tools. They work closely with schools IT personnel to help facilitate secure internet experiences for children. The BSP also met with their local chambers of commerce and leveraged local media to further inform the community about Barks benefits. We decided to deploy Bark because we recognize not only the conveniences of being on the internet but also the dangers, said Allison Willoughby, general manager at Brandenburg. Weve been serving our residents, friends, and neighbors with critical services for over 73 years, and we take that responsibility and earned trust very seriously. While the internet has transformed the world, its also a place that can present unique worries to parents. Bark on the Calix platform allows us to help our community by offering a tool to protect our children from harmful encounters. Adding Bark to our offering wasnt a question of if but when. And because of its integration with the Calix platform that we have leveraged for years, Bark has been one of the most uncomplicated service offerings we have deployed. To help Brandenburg deploy Bark quickly, leadership leveraged Calix Smart Start for Managed Services. The program, created by the award-winning Calix Customer Success Services team, helps BSPs rapidly plan, launch, support, and grow managed services like Bark to benefit their subscribers. Brandenburg is living their values by providing world-class subscriber experiences that keep local children safe in their Kentucky community, said Michael Weening, president and chief executive officer at Calix. Bark is a lifesaving social media tool that empowers parents and guardians. As Bark is integrated with the Calix broadband platform, the Brandenburg team was able to deploy it in a few weeks to ensure families can access social media monitoring in the new school year. Due to our platform simplicity, Brandenburg quickly allocated resources to align with the start of the school year, working closely with schools, community centers, and local government to deliver support to families who want to learn how Bark can improve their lives. We are proud to continue supporting Brandenburg as they find new ways to deliver more value to their community. To learn more about Bark on the Calix platform, watch the webinar replay, Will Your Broadband Business Protect Your Most Vulnerable Subscribers? and schedule a Bark consultation. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX)Broadband service providers of all sizes leverage the Calix platform and teams to simplify their business and excite their subscribers to grow the value of their business and for their communities for generations. The democratizing power of the platform and portfolio of managed services enables them to operate efficiently, acquire subscribers, and deliver exceptional experiences. Calix is dedicated to driving continuous improvement in partnership with our growing ecosystem to support the transformation of our customers and their communities. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon managements current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calixs business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calixs results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at . Calix and the Calix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Calix and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Calixs trademarks can be found at https://www.calix.com/pages/trademarks.html. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926071773/en/ Press Inquiries: Alison Crisci 919-353-4323 [email protected] Investor Inquiries: Jim Fanucchi [email protected] Source: Calix, Inc. ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Terrence M. Connors has been selected to receive the 2023 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Second Circuit. Connors is a partner at Connors LLP in Buffalo, New York. Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will present the award to Connors at a later date. For more than 40 years, Terry hasby word and exampletaught and shown young lawyers what it takes to be a great lawyer, writes U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, a former partner of Connors who nominated him for the award. He has built one of the finest boutique litigation practices in the state if not the country, and, in the process, he has molded a generation or more of lawyers who know what it takes to win and who work very hard every day to do just that for their clients. Connors began his legal career as a litigation associate at Damon & Morey, eventually becoming chair of the 55-lawyer firm. In 1986, he and Vilardo founded the litigation boutique Connors & Vilardo LLP. When Vilardo became a judge, the firm became Connors LLP and now employs 17 attorneys and 10 paralegals. Connors specializes in trial and appellate practice in civil and criminal litigation. A frequent author and lecturer on trial practice, he has taught trial technique for the University of Buffalo School of Law and for the New York State Bar Association Trial Academy at Cornell Law School. Connors is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Foundation, and the New York Bar Foundation. Super Lawyers Upstate New York ranked him number one for eight years running. In 2022 and 2023, he was named as one of the most influential lawyers in New York by City & State Law Power 50. In 2020, he received the Hon. Thurgood S. Marshall Award as the Outstanding Practitioner in the state from the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Connors earned his undergraduate degree at Canisius College and his law degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law. He received the Universitys Edwin F. Jaeckle Award, which is the highest honor the School of Law can bestow. The jury selection room in the law school courtroom has been named after him. The American Inns of Court, in Alexandria, Virginia, inspires the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. The organizations membership includes nearly 30,000 federal, state, and local judges; lawyers; law professors; and law students in more than 360 chapters nationwide. More information is available at www.innsofcourt.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926398256/en/ Cindy Dennis Awards & Scholarships Coordinator (571) 319-4703 [email protected] Source: American Inns of Court KIYOSU, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 7282) has invested1 in Pyrenee Inc, which is developing safe driving assistance devices to achieve safer mobility in society. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925930208/en/ Safety technology in each stage leading up to a traffic accident (Graphic: Business Wire) Pyrenee Drive, developed by Pyrenee Inc., is a retrofit device that assists the cognitive aspect of safe driving; it captures things around the vehicle that drivers fail to notice, which is the cause of traffic accidents in about 70% of cases.2 The device is mounted on the automobile dashboard or elsewhere in the vehicle, and detects pedestrians and other automobiles and predicts their movement with AI. When it determines that there is a risk of collision, it notifies the driver by voice, thereby contributing to a decrease in accidents.3 Toyoda Gosei aims to grow its business through the provision of the social values of safety centered on airbags. It invested in Pyrenee to reduce traffic accidents through a comprehensive approach of combining passive safety and preventive safety not only reducing injuries/deaths in case of traffic accidents, but also preventing traffic accidents caused by driver neglect and other human errors. Further, the collaboration of the two companies has a future vision toward integration of Pyrenees driving assist technology into Toyoda Goseis safety systems and interior products. 1 Investment made in September 2023, through Toyoda Goseis Corporate Venture Capital Dept., an internal organization dedicated to these investments. 2 Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Dept. 3 Plans for release as a product that improves the safety of trucks and other large commercial vehicles that tend to be involved in serious accidents. Outline of Pyrenee Inc. Name Pyrenee Inc. Location CROSS DOCK HARUMI 601 4-7-4 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo CEO Ryuta Mino Established January 2016 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925930208/en/ Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Contact: Public Relations [email protected] Source: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Award recognizes individuals who display a lifetime of exemplary service to the field PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that Linda Kalaf, a distinguished alumna, has been awarded the prestigious AI O'Connor Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arizona Society for Human Resource Management (AZSHRM). This recognition is a testament to Kalafs remarkable contributions to the field of human resources and her unwavering commitment to excellence. In receiving this award, I want to emphasize four key principles that have helped me along the way, shared Kalaf. First, invest in your educationit is the best investment in yourself. Second, cherish relationships, as they play a pivotal role in your success. Third, recognize that you are the CEO of your life; build your Personal Board of Directors wisely. Finally, celebrate and embrace diversity, for it is our differences that make us unique. As my mom wisely said, 'Cada cabeza es un mundo'every head is a world. By engaging with those who are different from us, we often discover unexpected commonalities. Let's value and embrace our differences. The AI O'Connor Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an HR professional or business leader who has exemplified a lifetime of exceptional dedication to the HR field. This recognition is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the HR industry through publications, instruction, career achievement, and education/certifications, as well as through volunteer leadership, support for HR-related initiatives, and significant contributions to promote and support HR professionals. Kalaf's educational journey began at the University of Phoenix, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management and her Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Kalaf says her education at the University of Phoenix helped equip her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in her career. I really believe that earning my Master of Arts in Organizational Management helped to open doors for me in my career, she shares. It allowed me to grow professionally and to take on leadership roles within the field for which Im extremely grateful. Throughout her career, Kalaf has contributed her time, talents, and energy to human resources. She has authored insightful publications, served as an instructor for HR courses, achieved remarkable success in the corporate world, earned multiple HR and diversity-related awards, and demonstrated her commitment to the profession through volunteer leadership on various boards, organizations and initiatives. Her dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace has been noteworthy, positively impacting organizations and communities. Nurturing talent is at the heart of what we do at the University of Phoenix, shares Associate Dean for the College of Business and Information Technology, Natalie Pratt. Lindas journey from our institution to receiving the AI O'Connor Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to her immense dedication and the transformative power of education. We congratulate Linda on this well-deserved recognition and commend her for the remarkable impact she continues to make in the field of HR. Her achievements are an inspiration to our entire University community, and we take immense pride in her accomplishments. Kalafs professional experience includes America West Airlines/US Airways, where she held pivotal roles, contributing significantly to corporate policies and initiatives such as the Non-Discrimination in Employment policy, and Mentoring Program for high potential females and diverse employees. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Kalaf has been a fervent advocate for diversity, serving as President of the Arizona Affirmative Action Association and participating in influential boards. Kalaf is both a leader in her field and a dedicated educator. She pioneered a graduate-level course on Managing a Culturally Diverse Workforce and created impactful diversity training programs at Veolia Transportation. Holding esteemed HR industry certifications from SHRM and HRCI, Kalaf has shared her expertise through numerous speaking engagements. Her strong commitment to mentorship is reflected in her creating a Mentoring Program for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Council in 2011 and is still offered today. Lindas legacy extends to personal growth, with certifications in yoga and meditation. Her dads influence, and favorite quote, Si Se Puede is reflected in her Yes You Can attitude. Learn more here about Kalafs work and the 2023 Al OConner Lifetime Achievement Award. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelors and masters degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926263494/en/ Michele Mitchum University of Phoenix [email protected] Source: University of Phoenix WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vali Cyber, Inc., a next-generation provider of Linux cybersecurity solutions, announces the successful completion of its seed funding round, raising USD 15 million. The funding round was co-led by Grotech Ventures and the 412 Venture Fund (412VF) and aided with strong support from Riverfront Ventures, Florida Funders, and additional strategic investors. The substantial investment highlights the critical need to effectively address the specific security requirements of devices using the Linux operating system. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925960598/en/ With capacity to scale to 20,000 endpoints or more, Vali Cyber's ZeroLock platform has garnered attention from enterprises and investors, pulling in $15M in seed-round funding and causing disruption to the Linux security market. (Photo: Business Wire) Our team is excited to announce the closing of our seed round. This represents a significant milestone for Vali Cyber, stated Anthony Gadient, CEO of Vali Cyber. The investment validates the ability of our team and our technology to disrupt the Linux security markets. It is the first step in our journey to make ZeroLock the trusted platform of choice for Linux systems, from the cloud to the edge. With the support of our investors and early adopter partners, we are well-positioned to drive this vision forward. Representing 90% of server use for public clouds1 and more than 80% of devices used in the United States national security infrastructure2, Linux has become a critical operating system over the last few years. However, due in part to this rapid rise, there has been a lack of effective security solutions for Linux. Recognizing this need, Vali Cyber developed the ZeroLock security platform to specifically address the challenges of Linux-based environments with the goal of disrupting the Linux security market. Weve been buzzing about Vali Cybers ZeroLock platform since we first heard about it. Its introducing truly disruptive technology and redefining what the market should expect from security for Linux. In fact, when you look at the analytical information on cybersecurity leaders, most of the testing has been on Windows platforms, says Edward Amoroso, CEO and Founder of key analyst group TAG Cyber, LLC. But that isnt an accurate reflection of the ocean were swimming in. The internet as we know itfrom search engines to WordPress servers to public cloudsdoesnt exist without Linux. And with the internet being as centric to our way of living as electricity, we must reconsider how we protect Linux endpoints and understand the profound importance as to why. I think the market is beginning to see that, as you can see by the investor response to Vali Cyber$15M invested with co-leads as reputable as Grotech and the 412VF is something that will make analysts and enterprise users both sit up and take notice. Co-leading the round is Grotech Ventures, located just outside of Washington, DC. With nearly 40 years of experience investing in early-stage companies with high-growth potential, Grotech has worked with several technology companies and sees the promise. With a 75% increase in ransomware attacks alone on Linux systems in the first half of 20223, the general mindset around having effective security for Linux is quickly transitioning from nice-to-have' or good-enough to must-have. Companies are realizing that the vulnerability is real, and it isnt even just the cost of an attack, or the amount of time to remediate itboth of which can be game-enders for SMBs. Its about brand integrity. People are trusting companies with personal information more than ever, and companies need to be able to prove that information is adequately protected on the cloud. Platforms like ZeroLock will allow them to do that, declares Steve Fredrick, Grotech General Partner. The Pittsburgh-based 412 Venture Fund, and Grotechs co-lead, is equally enthusiastic. Andrew Rabin, General Partner and Co-Founder of 412 states, One of our goals at 412VF is to grow effective entrepreneurship. We see that potential in the team at Vali Cyber. Their leadership has a proven track record with multiple successful start-ups and acquisitions under their belts, and you can see similar levels of dedication, experience, and vision throughout the rest of the team. When you add a platform as groundbreaking as ZeroLock, the pathway to success is unquestionable. We are excited to support such a dynamic father-son team that brings successful entrepreneurial experience with exceptional technical know-how of Linux vulnerabilities in a rapidly growing threat environment for Linux based servers and IOT devices. We believe the comprehensive, low power / high efficacy product suite will quickly become the go-to solution to protect the broad commercial and defense needs in this space and this products continuous evolution from their elite advisors will continue to solidify and separate Vali Cyber as the leader in the space. We have strong respect for the Grotech and 412 Venture Fund teams and are very excited to add in the strategic power of our extensive network to help scale Vali Cyber! said Florida Funders Partner Ryan Whittemore. As Vali Cyber continues to expand its operations, the company remains committed to advancing Linux cybersecurity and empowering businesses of all sizes with comprehensive and advanced cybersecurity technology. With the backing of its investors, Vali Cyber will continue to stay at the forefront of Linux technological advancements, protecting against sophisticated cyber threats, and ensuring the security and integrity of their clients digital assets. About Vali Cyber: Vali Cyber, Inc. was founded in 2020 with the mission of addressing the specific security needs of Linux. Based on DARPA-funded research from MIT and CMU, we created ZeroLock, a security platform that provides comprehensive lockdown capability and unparalleled threat detection efficacy while consuming a mere fraction of the resources required by legacy Linux security tools. Our approach is built to put our clients in controlby automating the time-consuming (and error-prone) tasks of securing systems against attack, using state-of-the-art behavioral and AI/ML techniques to detect and stop threats, and automating recoveryincluding automatic file rollbackfrom attacks. Imagine detecting and fully rolling back a ransomware attack in millisecondsthat dream has become reality. Learn more about Vali Cyber and ZeroLock at valicyber.com. _____________________________________ Vali Cyber, ZeroLock, and SecurityPerf are trademarks of Vali Cyber, Inc. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. 1 https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-has-over-3-of-the-desktop-market-its-more-complicated-than-that/ 2 https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/07/14/1055894/us-military-sofware-linux-kernel-open-source/ 3 https://invenioit.com/security/linux-ransomware-attacks-rise/#:~:text=There%20was%20a%20shocking%2075,%2C%20iOS%2C%20and%20Android%20systems View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925960598/en/ MEDIA: Megan G. Howard [email protected] 1.412.551.0938 Source: Vali Cyber, Inc. Ukraine has opened up a new war front in Crimea. In this particular offensive there are no infantry or armored vehicle assaults. The Ukrainian offensive against the Black Sea peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, is taking place by sea and air. The results that Kyiv is achieving are made possible by the fact that its allies in NATO have allowed it to use the weapons they have supplied. This Western approval is a significant script change because, until a few months ago, Washington, Berlin and Paris considered Crimea a red line that could further escalate the conflict. For the Kremlin, and for most Russians, Crimea is an inalienable part of their national identity. Now, Russian military infrastructure in Crimea is under attack almost daily. The last two weeks have been especially successful for the Ukrainian Air Force. On September 13, the Sevastopol headquarter dry docks were bombed, damaging a submarine and a landing ship at the repair facility. On the 20th, the second command headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was partially destroyed. On September 21, Saki Air Base, Russias main air base on Ukrainian territory, was attacked again. Three missiles hit the Russian fleet headquarters in Sevastopol on September 22, during a meeting of senior officers of the Russian Navy and the Southern Military District, which directs the invading troops in the province of Kherson and on the Zaporizhzhia front. A day later, on Saturday, a Ukrainian rocket destroyed a fuel depot used by the Russian fleet in Crimea. The star of this new military scenario is the Storm ShadowSCALP-EG, a British-French cruise missile that the United Kingdom has been supplying to Ukraine. It is the first long-range weapon (340 miles) that the Allies have sent to Ukraine. In the spring it began to be used mostly to override Russian command bases on the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia fronts. In 2022, the United States provided Himars missiles with a range of 50 miles. These weapons were decisive in destroying the invaders command headquarters and arsenals in the counteroffensives that liberated the province of Kharkiv and half of the province of Kherson. The Russian reaction was to move barracks and arms distribution centers beyond the 50-mile range. With the Storm Shadow, there is no longer a safe distance possible. In a new turn of events, the Storm Shadow has now become the spearhead of the offensive in Crimea. The strikes of the last two weeks in Sevastopol have all used these missiles. But they will not be the only long-range NATO weapons at the service of Ukraine, because after more than a year of arduous negotiations, and American hesitation about the advisability of striking Crimea, President Joe Biden has agreed to supply the high-precision, long-range ATACMS, as reported by several U.S. media outlets. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the intelligence services of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, stated this past Saturday in an interview in the American digital media outlet The War Zone that the ATACMS will not be used against Russian territory, but he also stressed that Crimea is part of Ukraine. Another medium-range missile that is being used by Ukraine in Crimea is the Neptun, a weapon originally designed for marine targets that has been adapted to hit ground targets. The problem, according to Budanov, is that Ukraine does not have enough industrial capacity to produce a large number of these weapons. One offensive, three objectives The offensive in Crimea that began this summer has three purposes, according to the Ukrainian high command. The most basic one, as noted by Budanov in The War Zone but also by his spokesman, Andriy Yusov, on September 20 in state news, is to destroy the Russian Armys logistics chain in Crimea. Resources for the troops on the southern front enter and leave through the peninsula. Infantry units of the Russian fleet take part in the defense of the occupied territories in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. That is why the emphasis is on the destruction of fuel depots and bases, but also on the attacks on the Chonhar bridge, which connects the peninsula with the province of Kherson, and especially the Kerch bridge, the only road link between Crimea and Russian territory. A Storm Shadow missile at an industry fair in Le Bourget, north of Paris, last June. Lewis Joly (AP/Lapresse) Another goal of the offensive is to wear down Russian anti-aircraft defenses. The Ukrainian tactic in Crimea follows the same logic as the Russian one in its strikes against cities in the rearguard: first waves of drones are sent to consume the ammunition from the anti-aircraft batteries, and then the cruise missiles enter the scene. Air defense equipment is very expensive and takes a long time to produce, and the Russians have all their units active, even in Moscow, noted Budanov. This is one of the reasons, as the Ukrainian Air Force admits, for periodically firing drone bombs into Russian territory, to keep Russian anti-aircraft batteries active away from the front. We also attack Crimea because if they have to bring in new equipment, they have to take it from somewhere else. Crimea is protected by one of the best networks of anti-aircraft batteries in the world. Its backbone is the S-400 missile system. Ukraine has already destroyed two such anti-aircraft batteries, out of six on the peninsula one of them with a Neptun according to satellite images from Western intelligence services. Another Ukrainian technique consists of special forces assaults in Crimea. Teams of around a dozen soldiers have managed to access the Crimean coast by speedboat. The infiltration operations last a short time, but have served to gather information and, in the case of the August 24 assault on Cape Tarkhankut, to destroy a radar system, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The third purpose of the offensive in Crimea is, as defined by the secretary of the Ukrainian National Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, to cut the Russian Black Sea fleet into slices. Russian military ships are transporting material for their troops on the Zaporizhzhia front through the Sea of Azov; for them, the Black Sea is blocked to shipping between Ukraine and the outside world. Ukraine is forcing Moscow to maneuver more cautiously in the Black Sea due to the vulnerability of its ships to the Neptun missiles and marine strike drones. These drones have attacked warships hundreds of kilometers off the Ukrainian coast in Crimea, in Russian ports in the province of Krasnodar and even on the high seas, as was the case last July, when they disabled the Russian patrol boat Sergei Kotov. The drone action is supplemented by amphibious operations by special forces, which have reconquered islets and hydrocarbon extraction platforms in the Black Sea in the hands of Russia since its occupation of Crimea in 2014. The intensification of operations to secure the Black Sea have coincided with the launch of a new route to export Ukrainian grain, developed after the Kremlin ended the agreement with Turkey and the United Nations to allow the movement of merchant ships loaded with grain from Ukraine. Vadym Skibitsky, representative of the intelligence services of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, made it clear on September 9 in state news that his Armed Forces are acting to neutralize Russian control in the Black Sea: Crimea is key for Russia, for its control of the Black Sea and for its access to the Mediterranean. Its position is also a threat to civil maritime trade. This must end. Changing childrens lives is goal of transformational gift for dyslexia education and research NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University. The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center was announced today at an event on Vanderbilts campus that brought together government representatives, area leaders in the field and faculty to celebrate the anticipated impact on children in Middle Tennessee and around the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926550660/en/ An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University. (Photo: Business Wire) In addition to the resources currently available in Middle Tennessee, the facilities will bring a new, dynamic and comprehensive education-research opportunity that also will expand access for students who benefit from a tailored learning environment. The Roberts Academy will provide focused educational services for children in kindergarten through grade 1 identified as at-risk for dyslexia and for students in grades 25 who have been identified as having dyslexia. The academy will accept its first class of students in fall 2024. The Roberts Dyslexia Center will provide outreach for families and build on notable scholarship already happening within Vanderbilts Peabody College of education and human development. Marjorie and Hal Roberts, residents of Lakeland, Florida, became interested in supporting students with dyslexia after three of their grandchildren were diagnosed with dyslexia as children. Having no previous relationship with Vanderbilt, the Roberts chose the university as a recipient of their donation based on Peabody Colleges outstanding reputation and research. The extent of dyslexia research happening at Vanderbilts Peabody College made it clear to us that it was the right place for this center, Hal Roberts said. We believe our investment in Vanderbilt will help transform education and the lives of children with dyslexia in the U.S. and around the world. To us, changing the lives of children is what matters most. Through our grandchildrens experiences, Hal and I learned about the incredible challenges dyslexia poses in school and daily life, Marjorie Roberts said. When children struggle and think less of themselves, its heartbreaking. Weve seen firsthand how working with well-trained educators can help students turn their experiences around, move beyond their challenges and embrace what, for many, becomes their superpower to problem-solve differently. We are grateful to be able to make this gift because of the hard work and sacrifice of my late parents, William and Nina Hollis. The Robertses gift is part of Dare to Grow, Vanderbilt Universitys $3.2 billion comprehensive campaign. The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center is the third academy for students with dyslexia funded by the Roberts and the first-of-its-kind research and outreach center established with their support. Through the Robertses transformational gift, we are daring to grow in ways that will help children with learning differences reach their full potential and will create new knowledge and programs. We will develop new approaches to learning, educate the educators, and improve the lives of countless children, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. This gift leverages the knowledge and experiences of our faculty in a meaningful way and will further strengthen Peabody College as an undisputed leader in the field. We are immensely grateful to Marjorie and Hal Roberts for their generosity and partnership. By some estimates, one in 10 individuals have dyslexia, and studies show that early intervention can have a substantial positive impact. By establishing both an academy and research center, new findings will immediately impact the education provided at the academy, which in turn will shape future research. Teachers in training or continuing their education will be able to learn from and practice alongside educators with research-based experience in supporting children with dyslexia. These teachers will then take best practices from the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center into their classrooms throughout their careers. Vanderbilts Peabody College has always sought to help learners of all ages and abilities to realize their goals and lead flourishing lives, said Camilla P. Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development. The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center inaugurates a new era of service to children and their families here at Vanderbilt and offers a major opportunity to advance our understanding of dyslexia and ways to ameliorate it. We are all deeply grateful. The announcement event included a panel discussion with Laurie Cutting, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education and professor of psychology, radiology and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University; Brett Miller, director of the Reading, Writing and Related Learning Disabilities Program at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and Emily Solari, Edmund H. Henderson Professor of Education at the University of Virginia. The panel was moderated by former NBC Nightly News anchor and correspondent John Seigenthaler, managing partner of FINN Partners in Nashville. Among the attendees was Tim Odegard, director of the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also holds the Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies and is a professor of psychology. This generous gift represents a tremendous investment in the well-being and vitality of those of us with dyslexia, Odegard said. We have learned so much about dyslexiawhat it is, what it is not, and how best to identify and address the needs of those of us who struggle to read and spell due to dyslexia. At this pivotal moment, a pressing need is partnerships that allow us to develop sustainable processes to translate this scientific understanding into practice. The promise of this generous gift is the ability to forge such partnerships and nest such ideals into the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926550660/en/ Julia Jordan 615-945-4747 [email protected] Source: Vanderbilt University EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UFCW Local 152 members working at the Johanna Foods facility in Flemington, N.J. voted unanimously to authorize a strike against their employer on Sunday, Sept. 24. This display of solidarity is in response to the companys persistent unwillingness to bargain in good faith with the union. UFCW Local 152 represents approximately 100 workers at the food processing plant. These workers trudged through the rain on their day off to come together to send a message to management, UFCW Local 152 President Brian String said. These workers deserve active engagement from their employer to negotiate a fair contract for the future. Representatives from UFCW Local 152 and the company have met more than a dozen times since the beginning of the year to attempt to reach an agreement. For the last several months, Johanna Foods refuses to bring a complete economic proposal to the bargaining table, choosing instead to seek reductions to members health and welfare benefits before discussing potential wage increases and other forms of compensation. After months of frustration due to the companys lack of commitment to its workers, the union secured bargaining assistance from a federal mediator in September, but even mediation could not compel the company to negotiate a full economic package. The members at Johanna Foods have spoken loud and clear with this strike authorization, President String said. They are tired of the companys insulting stalling tactics and are united in their desire for a prompt, fair contract acknowledging their dedication and hard work. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926739879/en/ For further information contact: Brian String, President UFCW Local 152 (609) 704-3900 Source: UFCW Local 152 Francois Thrower joins Worldlys Executive Leadership Team as company accelerates growth and impact SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Worldly, recognized as the leading global impact intelligence platform, today announced the appointment of Francois Thrower as its new Chief Financial Officer. As Worldly focuses on providing best-in-class technology to deliver social and environmental sustainability data for consumer goods brands, Thrower's extensive financial expertise and strategic experience are invaluable assets, positioning him to help spearhead Worldly's upward scale. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926535015/en/ Francois Thrower joins Worldly as CFO (Photo: Business Wire) Worldly's CEO Scott Raskin welcomed Thrower stating, It gives us great pleasure to welcome Francois to our dynamic team in the crucial role of CFO. His wealth of experience in honing and transforming financial strategies and his forward-thinking approach perfectly complement our team and rapidly growing business. As we forge ahead, broadening our customer base and refining our product line-up, Francois will provide financial proficiency as we amplify our mission of equipping the industry with the essential intelligence to foster environmental and social sustainability. Throwers career spans over two decades, marked by strategic management consulting roles and pivotal financial leadership positions in numerous SaaS companies. He is recognized for his financial management and strategic planning skills, consistently demonstrating an ability to navigate intricate financial realms while promoting operational efficiency. This expertise has been a cornerstone in his career, catalyzing sustained business growth and evolution. I am immensely excited to join the executive team at Worldly. As CFO, I recognize the critical role of data in guiding investment and shaping strategic business choices, said Thrower. Worldly stands at the forefront of the industry with its sustainability intelligence platform and its focus on providing businesses the insights they need to deepen social and environmental sustainability in the apparel and consumer goods sectors. I am keen to fuel this progress, contributing my expertise to elevate Worldly to unparalleled heights. Thrower brings a deep understanding of the dynamic intricacies of the technology sector, coupled with an aptitude for aligning financial strategies with organizational objectives. This skill set aligns perfectly with his role in steering Worldly through its future growth phases. His appointment comes at a critical time, synchronizing with the company's endeavors to widen its service spectrum, evidenced by recent collaborations like the acquisition of Fair Factory Clearinghouse's insightful social and labor evaluations. As Worldly grows, Thrower's financial stewardship promises to be a linchpin in aiding its customers to reach their sustainability goals and prepare for emerging ESG regulatory requirements. About Worldly Worldly is the planets most comprehensive impact intelligence platform, trusted by 40,000+ major brands, retailers and manufacturers in fashion, outdoor, home goods, toys and more. Worldly uniquely collects high-resolution primary data specific to companies value chains, operations and products, providing insight into true impacts across carbon, water, chemistry and labor. Featuring the most comprehensive source of ESG data for global manufacturers and the largest library of materials and product impacts, Worldly empowers businesses to scale responsibility into their global operations, faster and more accurately. Hosting, connecting with, and supporting the leading industry solutions and methodologies including ZDHC, Bluesign and the Higg Index the most widely-adopted measure of sustainability in the apparel industry Worldly delivers the insights businesses need to reduce their impact, comply with emerging regulatory and financial disclosure requirements and meet the expectations of a new generation of customers. www.worldly.io View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926535015/en/ [email protected] Source: Worldly Above Food Corp. ("Above Food"), an innovative food company leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to deliver differentiated ingredients and consumer products, and NRGene Technologies Ltd. (TASE: NRGN) ("NRGene"), an Ag-Tech company engaged in research, development, commercialization of IP-intensive technologies and novel traits and varieties of crops and animals, announced today that they have entered into an asset-purchase agreement ("APA") pursuant to which Above Food will purchase certain AI-based genomic assets, intellectual property, and trait development technology licensing rights from NRGene (the "NRGene Acquisition"). Closing of the transactions under the APA is contingent on the closing of Above Food's business combination with BITE Acquisition Corp. ("Bite") and the subsequent listing of the combined company's common shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Business Combination"). NRGene will receive a combination of cash and stock-based consideration, as well as royalties from commercialization of specific projects. Above Food expects this transaction will empower it to accelerate the creation of elite varieties with genetic traits that we believe are valuable and beneficial to the food industry, at a faster pace and reduced cost. NRGene's unique AI genomic technology has already demonstrated its effectiveness in over 300 projects spanning various key crops. The transaction is intended to facilitate Above Food's development and delivery to farmers, ingredient processors, and food manufacturers of elite crop varieties that boost crop productivity, improve nutritional values and ingredient and food processing efficiency, enhance functionality, and lower the CO 2 footprint of the food supply chain. Above Food will receive a license to NRGene's proprietary TraitMAGIC technology. This technology is intended to facilitate efficient trait mapping and introgression of desirable traits into elite crops. Above Food expects that upon completion of the transaction a proficient R&D team of up to 10 team members of NRGene Canada Inc., (a wholly owned NRGene subsidiary), will join the Above Food Discovery Trait Genetics team. In addition, NRGene will provide the following to Above Food: Canola trait and germplasm featuring durable clubroot resistance and high protein content; DNA markers for quality traits in additional Western Canadian grown crops; and Genomic lab facilities located in Saskatoon, Canada . NRGene Canada will continue with the development of novel seedlings for livestock feed and novel varieties of insects that consume agriculture waste streams, to be used as alternative protein sources for the companion pet food, and aquaculture markets. Above Food's President and Chief Executive Officer, Lionel Kambeitz , stated "We anticipate that the strengths of Above Food and NRGene coming together will create an industry leading trait genetics company focused on crop trait development. Combining NRGene's AI and genomics technology with the regenerative ag leadership of Above Food is a synergistic partnership that will allow us to continue to harness the power of innovation as we write the next chapter of our success stories in regenerative agriculture together." NRGene's CEO, Gil Ronen , said, "Following the completion of our R&D phase, we searched for the best commercial partner to advance our traits and germplasm. Above Food's 'roots' in Canadian agriculture and global sales reach made it the ideal partner for commercializing existing traits and germplasm as well as developing additional traits in the long run. By joining forces, we believe we can pave the way towards a worldwide impact on global agricultural productivity and food security". About Above Food Corp. The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) announced today that it has agreed to minority sell-downs of its businesses in the Dominican Republic and Panama , as an expansion of its existing strategic partnership with Grupo Linda and a new partnership with Grupo Popular's subsidiary, AFI Popular, through one of its closed end funds. "We gain tremendous value from partnering with strong local players who provide valuable support as we transition our businesses in both markets," said Juan Ignacio Rubiolo , AES Executive Vice President and President, Energy Infrastructure Strategic Business Unit. "We have enjoyed a productive partnership with Grupo Linda since 2014, and we look forward to close collaboration with AFI Popular as we continue to unlock new sources of value." The sell-down agreements will provide collective proceeds of $190 million to AES, putting the Company on track to achieve its asset sale proceeds target for the year. As a result, AES has secured all external funding included in its 2023 capital plan, which is comprised of the proceeds from these sell-down agreements, plus those from other transactions announced earlier this year, such as the Warrior Run Power Purchase Agreement termination, and the issuance of $900 million of senior notes in May, priced at 5.450%. "We take a strategic and systematic approach to asset sales," said Joel Abramson , AES Senior Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategy. "With these transactions, we are not only executing on our asset sales program, but also expanding local partnerships that support the strategic objectives of our businesses to maximize value." The agreements announced today include the sale of 10% of AES' business in the Dominican Republic to Grupo Linda and Grupo Popular's subsidiary, AFI Popular. AES' businesses in the Dominican Republic include an LNG regasification terminal, with a 160,000 m3 LNG capacity storage tank, the AES Andres 319 MW combined cycle gas turbine plant, DPP 328 MW combined cycle gas turbine, as well as an additional 150 MW of solar and wind power plants. Cano Health, Inc. ("Cano Health") (NYSE: CANO) today announced that it sold substantially all of the assets associated with the operation of Cano Health's senior-focused primary care centers in Texas and Nevada to CenterWell Senior Primary Care ("CenterWell"). The total value of the transaction to Cano Health is approximately $66.7 million , consisting of approximately $35.4 million in cash paid at closing (of which approximately $1.9 million was withheld for satisfaction of potential indemnification claims), plus the release of certain liabilities owed by Cano Health. As of August 1, 2023 , the primary care centers in Texas and Nevada cared for approximately 15,200 members. "We are excited to be taking one of our many planned steps in our previously-announced strategy to gain greater efficiency by refining our footprint and focusing on improving our operational and medical cost performance across our Florida market," said Mark Kent , Chief Executive Officer of Cano Health. "The net cash proceeds from this sale strengthen our balance sheet, allowing us to continue executing on our plan and supporting our mission of providing market-leading primary care. We appreciate CenterWell recognizing the value that Cano Health created in Texas and Nevada and look forward to them continuing to deliver high quality care for our patients there." Integra Resources Corp. (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the DeLamar and Florida Mountain Deposits (together DeLamar or the Project) located in southwestern Idaho that incorporates the results from the highly successful stockpile drill program completed in April 2023. The stockpile drill program added a Measured and Indicated (M&I) resource of 504,000 ounces (oz) gold equivalent (AuEq)1 and an Inferred resource of 46,000 oz AuEq. The mineralized stockpile and backfill material that was incorporated into the updated DeLamar MRE demonstrates the potential for this material to significantly increase the heap leach mine life in future phases. The updated DeLamar MRE increased the total heap leachable oxide-and-mixed ounces within the M&I category by ~25% and increased the total Inferred ounces by ~31%. In total, ~90% of the updated MRE falls within the M&I category, highlighting the quality and scarcity of projects such as DeLamar in the prolific Great Basin mining district of the USA. The Company will host a webinar on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 8:00am PST/11:00am EST featuring a presentation from Integras President, CEO and Director, Jason Kosec. Register for the webinar below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_56i1voqFQI2TEjjNQnJ31g Highlights: Including the 2023 DeLamar MRE, Integra now controls a total M&I resource of 6.2 million ounces (Moz) AuEq and a total Inferred resource of 0.9Moz AuEq across its key projects located in Idaho and Nevada , representing one of the largest resource endowments in the Great Basin of the USA not controlled by a major mining company2. , representing one of the largest resource endowments in the Great Basin of the USA not controlled by a major mining company2. Stockpile & Backfill Resource Update: The maiden stockpile resource estimate contains a M&I resource of 504 thousand ounces (koz) AuEq at 0.37 grams per tonne (g/t) AuEq , including 296koz gold (Au) and 16.1Moz silver (Ag) and an Inferred resource of 46koz AuEq at 0.30 g/t AuEq , including 26koz Au and 1.5Moz Ag. The Company allocated a total of ~US$4.6 million toward the stockpile drill program which successfully resulted in the addition of >500kozs AuEq (M&I), representing the lowest discovery cost per ounce in the history of DeLamar. A portion of the mineralized stockpile and backfill material was moved as a pre-stripping cost in the 2022 Pre-feasibility Study (PFS), however this material is expected to be processed in future economic studies. The stockpile and backfill material is also expected to reduce the overall mining cost as the material is located at surface and was previously mined, reducing or eliminating additional blasting costs. Total DeLamar and Florida Mountain Resource Update: The total DeLamar M&I resource contains 4.8Moz AuEq at 0.60 g/t AuEq , including 2.9Moz Au and 142.7Moz Ag. The total DeLamar Inferred resource contains 621koz AuEq at 0.45 g/t AuEq , including 428koz Au and 15.0Moz Ag. Oxide-mixed Heap Leach Resource Update: The oxide and mixed heap leach portion of the M&I resource contains 2.6Moz AuEq at 0.50 g/t AuEq , including 1.6Moz Au and 73.9Moz Ag. The oxide and mixed heap leach portion of the Inferred resource contains 284koz AuEq at 0.36 g/t AuEq , including 199koz Au and 6.6Moz ounces Ag. The significantly increased oxide and mixed resource at DeLamar demonstrates the potential for an extended heap leach mine life in future phases of operations. The Company anticipates filing the Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) for DeLamar in Q4 2023, making DeLamar one of the only precious metal development projects in the Western United States that is actively being advanced towards a production permit. Notes: AuEq = Au + (Ag / 77.7) Please reference the "Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wildcat & Mountain View Projects, Pershing and Washoe Counties, Nevada, USA", dated July 30, 2023, with an effective date of June 28, 2023", available under Integra's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov . Integras President, CEO & Director, Jason Kosec commented: We are extremely proud of our entire team for the combined effort that delivered the DeLamar MRE on time and above expectations. The updated MRE at DeLamar represents a significant milestone for the Company and further solidifies Integras position as an industry leading exploration and development company focused in the Great Basin. The highly successful stockpile drill program and subsequent MRE have increased the oxide-and-mixed M&I resource at DeLamar by ~25%, validating the Companys belief that the mineralized stockpile and backfill material at surface has the potential to significantly expand the heap leach mine life in future phases of operations. This mineralized material, a portion of which was included as a pre-stripping cost in the Companys 2022 PFS, is expected to provide important operational flexibility for the potential heap leach operation. The Company has begun optimization work on the mineralized stockpile material to evaluate its potential inclusion in future phases of heap leaching at DeLamar which will be formally included in a Feasibility Study expected to be released in late 2024 or early 2025. The focus of the team now shifts to finalizing the MPO for DeLamar which will be submitted in Q4 2023, representing another important step toward the Companys vision of becoming a leading USA focused gold and silver producer. Table 1: 2023 DeLamar Project MRE: Measured, Indicated and Inferred Type Category Tonnes Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz AuEq g/t AuEq oz Oxide Measured 6,313,000 0.36 74,000 16.9 3,427,000 0.58 118,000 Indicated 42,346,000 0.35 471,000 13.4 18,291,000 0.52 706,000 M&I 48,659,000 0.35 545,000 13.9 21,718,000 0.53 825,000 Inferred 11,132,000 0.28 99,000 7.8 2,795,000 0.38 135,000 Type Category Tonnes Au g/t Au oz Ag g/t Ag oz AuEq g/t AuEq oz Mixed Measured 10,043,000 0.42 136,000 21.8 7,032,000 0.70 227,000 Indicated 60,136,000 0.35 672,000 15.0 29,010,000 0.54 1,045,000 M&I 70,179,000 0.37 808,000 16.5 36,042,000 0.58 1,272,000 Inferred 8,533,000 0.27 74,000 8.4 2,302,000 0.38 104,000 Non-OxideDeLamar Measured 16,541,000 0.54 288,000 38.1 20,249,000 1.03 549,000 Indicated 48,608,000 0.45 710,000 26.4 41,292,000 0.79 1,241,000 M&I 65,149,000 0.48 998,000 29.38 61,541,000 0.85 1,790,000 Inferred 11,797,000 0.41 157,000 17.0 6,456,000 0.63 240,000 Non-OxideFlorida Mountain Measured 4,515,000 0.39 57,000 13.4 1,949,000 0.56 82,000 Indicated 16,878,000 0.43 233,000 9.9 5,348,000 0.56 302,000 M&I 21,393,000 0.42 290,000 10.61 7,297,000 0.56 384,000 Inferred 6,764,000 0.33 72,000 8.8 1,915,000 0.44 97,000 Stockpiles Measured - - - - - - - Indicated 42,455,000 0.22 296,000 11.8 16,149,000 0.37 504,000 M&I 42,455,000 0.22 296,000 11.8 16,149,000 0.37 504,000 Inferred 4,877,000 0.17 26,000 9.8 1,535,000 0.30 46,000 Total Heap Leach Measured 16,356,000 0.40 210,000 19.9 10,459,000 0.66 345,000 Indicated 144,937,000 0.31 1,439,000 13.6 63,450,000 0.48 2,256,000 M&I 161,293,000 0.32 1,649,000 14.3 73,909,000 0.50 2,600,000 Inferred 24,542,000 0.25 199,000 8.4 6,632,000 0.36 284,000 Total Resources Measured 37,412,000 0.46 554,000 27.2 32,657,000 0.81 974,000 Indicated 210,424,000 0.35 2,381,000 16.3 110,091,000 0.56 3,798,000 M&I 247,836,000 0.37 2,935,000 18.1 142,748,000 0.60 4,772,000 Inferred 43,101,000 0.31 428,000 10.8 15,002,000 0.45 621,000 Notes: Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Michael Gustin, MDA a division of RESPEC of Reno, Nevada, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101, is responsible for reporting Mineral Resources for DeLamar. Mr. Gustin is independent of the Company. In-Situ Oxide and Mixed and Stockpile Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.17 and 0.1 g/t AuEq cut-off, respectively, in consideration of potential open-pit mining and heap-leach processing. Non-Oxide Mineral Resources are reported at a 0.3 g/t AuEq cut-off at DeLamar and 0.2 g/t AuEq at Florida Mountain in consideration of potential open pit mining and grinding, flotation, ultra-fine regrind of concentrates, and either Albion or agitated cyanide-leaching of the reground concentrates. The Mineral Resources are constrained by pit optimizations set out below in this news release. Gold equivalent grades were calculated using the metal prices and recoveries presented elsewhere in this news release. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. The Effective Date of the MRE is August 25, 2023. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent discrepancies between tonnes, grades, and contained metal content. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by geology, environment, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The Mineral Resource estimate has been reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and was prepared by Mine Development Associates, a division of RESPEC of Reno, Nevada, with an effective date of August 25th, 2023. Mineral Resource Estimation Overview: The gold and silver MRE at DeLamar were modeled and estimated by Michael Gustin of RESPEC, an independent Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Gustin evaluated the drill data statistically, separately interpreting gold and silver mineral domains on sets of 30 m spaced cross sections. Analysis was completed on the modeled mineralization spatially and statistically to aid in the establishment of estimation and classification parameters, interpolating grades into a three-dimensional block model using 3D gold and silver mineral domains to constrain the estimation (Inverse Distance Cubed). Mineral resources were constrained to lie within resource pit shells then classified based on geometrical and statistical parameters. The Oxide, Mixed and Non-Oxide material was modeled in 3D using both geological and analytical data (cyanide solubility checks). Different recoveries and economical parameters were applied to each of these oxidation domains. The reported MRE have been constrained within optimized pit shells using a gold price of US$1,800/oz Au and a silver price of US$21/oz Ag. These metal prices, as well as the metal recoveries summarized below, were used to calculate gold equivalent cut-off grade and contained ounces. Geotechnical pit slope angle varies per rock type between 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Additional inputs for Whittle pit-optimization include: mining costs from US$1.70 to US$2.00/tonne mined; heap leach costs from US$3.00 to US$5.00/tonne, milling costs from US$9.75 to US$16.75/tonne, and general and administrative costs of US$0.40/tonne processed. Recoveries for the MRE are as follows: DeLamar In-situ recoveries: heap leach Oxide 90%/40% for Au/Ag; heap leach Mixed 70%/50% for Au/Ag. Florida Mountain In-situ recoveries: heap leach Oxide 90%/55% for Au/Ag; heap leach Mixed 75%/60% for Au/Ag. North DeLamar Stockpile recoveries: heap leach 70%/60% for Au/Ag; Stockpile 1 heap leach recoveries: 80%/50% for Au/Ag; Stockpile 2 heap leach recoveries: 80%/55% for Au/Ag; Jacobs Gulch Stockpile and Florda Mountain backfill recoveries: 90%/45% for Au/Ag. Glen Silver In-situ Non-Oxide recoveries: 78%/78% for Au/Ag; Milestone In-situ Non-Oxide recoveries: 70%/75% for Au/Ag; Other mill areas In-situ Non-Oxide recoveries: 87%/87% for Au/Ag; Florida Mountain In-situ Non-Oxide recoveries: 95%/92% for Au/Ag. The MRE is based on 372,888 m in 3,185 drill holes, either drilled by Integra or previous owners. In 2022, Integra initiated the stockpile drill campaign which concluded in April 2023. In total, the Company drilled 12,588 m in 321 drill holes using both reverse circulation and sonic drills. The drill campaign covered approximately 80% to 90% of the 60 million tonnes of mineralized stockpiles and backfill. The remaining tonnes of mineralized stockpiles and backfill were not drilled primarily due to safety concerns related to winter weather. The Company believes that the remaining tonnes can be drilled in the future and converted into resources. A technical report on the MRE will be prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and will be filed within 45 days of this news release on Integras issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . . The results of the PFS on DeLamar included in the technical report titled Technical Report and Preliminary Feasibility Study for the DeLamar and Florida Mountain Gold-Silver project, Owyhee County, Idaho, USA dated March 22, 2022 with an effective date of January 24, 2022, remain unaffected by this MRE update and will be included in the technical report for the MRE that will be available under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca within 45 days of this news release. Next Steps: The Company is focused on continuing to advance the DeLamar and the Wildcat & Mountain View projects and expects to complete the following key catalysts in the near term: DeLamar and Florida Mountain projects in southwestern Idaho: Submit the MPO to the United States Bureau of Land Management in Q4 2023. The MPO is the first significant step in the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process as it represents the proposed action for the Project. Bottle roll analysis from all areas tested during the stockpile drill program is underway and at least one column leach test from each of the six stockpile/backfill locations is expected to start before year end. Complete a Feasibility Study in late 2024 or early 2025 which will incorporate a portion of the mineralized stockpile/backfill material into a mine plan, demonstrating the potential for this material to increase the heap leach mine life at DeLamar in future phases of operation and further enhance the robust economics presented in the 2022 PFS. Wildcat & Mountain View projects in western Nevada: Initiate an exploration program at Wildcat upon receipt of the Exploration Plan of Operations, which will increase the surface disturbance area from 5 acres to 400 acres. Initiate baseline studies at Wildcat in H1 2024 in anticipation of a Feasibility Study and the filing the of the MPO in 2025. Stockpile Drill Program The stockpile drill program was designed to test a large portion of the approximately 49 million tonnes (Mt) of mineralized material at the DeLamar deposit and 11 Mt of mineralized material at the Florida Mountain deposit. This mineralized material was blasted and mined by previous operators and either stockpiled or used as backfill because the material fell below the mill cut-off grade. The stockpile drill program was executed at nominal 60 m collar spacings with select 30 m infill test holes to further verify grade and variability. All drilling was vertical through the entirety of the stockpiles and backfill material. The drilling was conducted by a combination of sonic and reverse circulation with casing advance drilling methods. Both these drilling methods were chosen to maintain high sample quality and integrity throughout the drilling process. Additionally, the two drilling methods provided a basis for continuity comparison. Sampling was conducted at 1.5 m intervals for the whole of the drilling program, with all samples sent to a certified third-party lab for analysis. Sampling and QA/QC Procedure Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver. Additional supporting details regarding the information in this news release, will be provided in the MRE technical report which will be available on SEDAR+ under the Companys profile within 45 days of this news release, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the MRE. The MRE technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Raphael Dutaut, Ph.D (P.Geo), Integras Vice President, Exploration and Tim Arnold (PE, SME), Integras Chief Operating Officer. Both individuals are Qualified Persons (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43- 101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Michael Gustin, C.P.G., of Mine Development Associates, a division of RESPEC of Reno, Nevada is an independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. DeLamar Project Overview The past producing DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, is located in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. Since acquiring the Project in 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment and PFS. An independent technical report for the MRE on the DeLamar Project prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 will be available under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca 45 days of this news release. About Integra Resources Integra is one of the largest precious metals exploration and development companies in the Great Basin of the Western USA. Integra is currently focused on advancing its three flagship oxide heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Wildcat and Mountain View Projects located in western Nevada. The Company also holds a portfolio of highly prospective early-stage exploration projects in Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Integras long-term vision is to become a leading USA focused mid-tier gold and silver producer. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jason KosecPresident, CEO and Director CONTACT INFORMATIONCorporate Inquiries: [email protected]Company website: www.integraresources.comOffice phone: 1 (604) 416-0576 Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Companys mineral properties and project portfolio; the results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of technical reports on mineral properties referenced herein; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the anticipated advancement of the Company mineral properties and project portfolios including, but not limited to, submission of MPO for DeLamar; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; underground exploration potential; costs and timing of future exploration; the completion and timing of future development studies; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; exploration prospects of mineral properties; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; timing and completion of technical reports; the development, operational and economic results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wildcat & Mountain View Projects and the MRE for the DeLamar Project; the realization of the expected economics of mineral properties; future growth potential of mineral properties; and future development plans. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as may, will, could, would, anticipate, believe, expect, intend, potential, estimate, budget, scheduled, plans, planned, forecasts, goals and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such information is provided. Assumptions and factors include: the Companys ability to complete its planned exploration programs; the absence of adverse conditions at mineral properties; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render mineral properties economic; the Companys ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: integration risks; general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and managements ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and 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 the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integras annual report on Form 20-F dated March 17, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and Millennial Precious Metals Corp.s managements discussion and analysis dated April 28, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. There can be no assurance that forwardlooking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Companys plans, objectives and goals, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. This news release also contains or references certain market, industry and peer group data, which is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports, surveys, continuous disclosure filings and other publicly available sources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. 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: Integra Resources Corp. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced its Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) subsidiary has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Florida City Gas (FCG) to Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) (Chesapeake Utilities) for $923 million in cash. "We are pleased that FPL has reached this agreement to sell FCG to Chesapeake Utilities," said John Ketchum , chairman, president and chief executive officer, NextEra Energy. "This transaction allows us to continue our strategy of redeploying capital into our core businesses. I want to thank the FCG team for their hard work and accomplishments and am confident they will continue to be successful in the years to come." The transaction value of $923 million , including $145 million of intercompany debt, is expected to be accretive to NextEra Energy earnings immediately upon closing. The impact of the gain on sale at the time of closing will be excluded from adjusted earnings. Expected to be completed over the next several months, the sale is conditioned upon satisfaction of the Hart-Scott-Rodino review and customary closing conditions. FCG serves about 120,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers across eight counties in Florida , including Miami-Dade , Broward , Brevard , Palm Beach , Hendry , Martin , St. Lucie and Indian River . Its natural gas system includes approximately 3,800 miles of distribution main and 80 miles of transmission pipe. Since joining NextEra Energy, FCG has been honored three times as a Most Trusted Utility Brand and twice as a Customer Champion, both recognitions from Escalent. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to NextEra Energy, and Norton Rose Fulbright is serving as the company's legal advisor. Outlook NextEra Energy today is reaffirming that its long-term financial expectations remain unchanged. For 2023 and 2024, NextEra Energy continues to expect adjusted earnings per share to be in the ranges of $2.98 to $3.13 and $3.23 to $3.43 , respectively. For 2025 and 2026, NextEra Energy expects to grow 6% to 8%, off the 2024 adjusted earnings per share range. This translates to a range of $3.45 to $3.70 for 2025 and $3.63 to $4.00 for 2026. As previously communicated, NextEra Energy will be disappointed if it is not able to deliver financial results at or near the top end of its adjusted earnings per share ranges through 2026. NextEra Energy also continues to expect to grow its dividends per share at a roughly 10% rate per year through at least 2024, off a 2022 base. Stewart National Commercial Services (NYSE: STC) announced today that Peggy Sue Lane has been promoted to the role of National Sales Director effective October 1. Lane joined the company as the Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Southern California, Arizona and Nevada in March 2021. Hired to take over as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Southern California is Edwin Kezar, Jr. With Peggys promotion and Eds recent transition to Stewart, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate our current growth trajectory, said Erin Sheckler, Head, National Commercial Services. The addition of industry talent of this caliber will help cement Stewarts position as the premier title services company within the national commercial space. In this new role, Lane will be charged with elevating Stewarts existing sales staff and building out a national sales team through cross-market collaboration and expanding the portfolio of training and development tools. Prior to joining Stewart in 2021, she served as a Vice President with First American Title Company and has more than 30 years in the title industry, boasting a wide-ranging scope of experience spanning local and national markets and all asset classes. Stepping into this new role highlights the awareness on the part of Erin and other members of our executive leadership as to the importance of a unified and impactful sales presence nationally, both in the current economy and the forecasted next one, said Lane. Working to optimally align our national network of best-in-class sales professionals and concentrate the scope of their impact from state to state will further our standing goal of becoming the countrys premier provider of CRE closing services. Kezar joins Stewart from Chicago Title where he served eight years as Senior Vice President of Operations for the companys National Commercial Services in California. His extensive background in the title industry, along with his regional expertise, will be instrumental in growing Stewarts Southern California footprint and marketshare though regional market strategy and operational efficiency. Becoming part of a well-established legacy brand like Stewart is an exciting opportunity for me, said Kezar. With the company celebrating its 130-year milestone along with its recent shift in division leadership, Im joining the enterprise at a time where past and present are at a very positive intersection and theres nothing but opportunity looking toward the strength and promise held in Stewarts future. PRESS RELEASE Amphista Therapeutics Achieves First Milestone in Second Discovery Programme with Bristol Myers Squibb Cambridge, UK, September 26th, 2023 Amphista Therapeutics (the Company or Amphista), a leader in next generation targeted protein degradation (TPD) approaches, today announces it has achieved the first milestone in the second active discovery programme under its strategic collaboration and license agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), triggering a payment for achieving the milestone. This follows the announcement of the first milestone achieved in the first discovery programme on May 4, 2023. Both programmes are part of the original agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb, which was announced in May 4, 2022 and included a $30 million upfront payment and the potential for up to $1.25 billion in performance-based milestone payments and payment for a limited expansion of the collaboration, as well as royalties on global net sales of products. Louise Modis, Chief Scientific Officer of Amphista Therapeutics said: The achievement of this first milestone in the second discovery programme under Amphistas strategic collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb is a testament to our innovative science and ability to discover and progress at pace differentiated, novel therapeutic molecules for our pharmaceutical partners. We have now delivered milestones on both active discovery programmes in our ongoing collaboration with the company and we look forward to continuing this strong momentum. Such collaborations further validate our unique approach and ambition to overcome challenges faced by other target protein degradation modalities. With potential for CNS penetration, we continue to expand the range of potential applications for Amphistas therapeutic modality. Under the agreement, Amphista is responsible for the discovery and development of small molecule protein degraders using EclipsysTM, its next-generation TPD platform. Bristol Myers Squibb is granted a global exclusive license to the resulting degraders and will be responsible for further development and commercialization activities. ENDS About Amphista Therapeutics Amphista Therapeutics is focused on transforming the lives of patients with severe diseases including cancer. The company is applying its proprietary Amphista degrader platform to advance new approaches in targeted protein degradation (TPD). They aim to address the challenges faced by earlier stage TPD research and to realise the full therapeutic potential of this transformational approach. Founded by Advent Life Sciences, Amphista is a spin-out of TPD expert Professor Alessio Ciullis laboratories at the University of Dundee. The Company has raised over $60M to date and is funded by leading life science investors including Forbion, Gilde Healthcare, Novartis Venture Fund, Advent Life Sciences, Eli Lilly & Company and The Dementia Discovery Fund. For more information, please visit: www.amphista.com For more information please contact: ICR ConsiliumAmber Fennell, Namrata Taak, Stella Lempidaki Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 3709 5813 Source: Amphista Therapeutics Text in which the author defends ideas and reaches conclusions based on his / her interpretation of facts and data The campaign for the Venezuelan opposition primaries has reactivated interest in the 2024 presidential election and the hope for peaceful change. Of the many challenges to taking advantage of this moment, it is essential to carefully assess whether an orderly transition is possible. Not only does the fate of the countrys most recent political star, Maria Corina Machado, depend on it, so too does the fate of the opposition and a sector of Chavismo, the populist ideology linked to former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. September was a month of intense movement, with different factors seeking some understanding between Venezuelan decision makers and pressure groups. In international circles, there is a lot of talk about the Venezuelan oppositions fatigue, but few take into account that Chavismo is perhaps equally exhausted. The opposition primaries are advancing, but they are as fragile as a person with glass bones. Machados rise has made her a hot potato for the opposition and the ruling party. Some believe that the growing support for Machado who has adopted a leader-of-the people approach may narrow the space for eventual negotiation. There are those who believe that Machados popularity is like an Alka-Seltzer, and that it will fizzle out just as it did with Juan Guaido, who in 2019 proclaimed himself the leader of an interim government, and many others leaders who ended up in exile. I have the impression that Machados rise is the expression of a great need for change and a generalized discontent that is reflected throughout Venezuelan society, including the grassroot supporters of Chavismo. Last August, a survey by the firm Delphos found that Maria Corina Machado was leading the opposition primaries, with 74% voting intention. At all of her events, she is swamped by people. At a recent rally in eastern Venezuela, it was like she was Shakira at the MTV awards. Machado crowd-surfaced, until the attendees, lifted her like a goddess onto a platform where she gave a speech. Opinion polls also show that the government of Nicolas Maduro is not only unpopular, but that 55% would vote for the opposition in the event of a national election even though the candidate has not been decided yet. When it comes to names, Machado is leading all the polls. Being ineffective in governance while resorting to human rights violations to remain in power also has a cost downstream. Unlike Hugo Chavez, who in political terms was an aircraft carrier, Maduro is like a submarine with ballast. Until now, the Chavismo leadership has conveyed the idea that it is willing to stay below its waterline. But that leadership knows that at this moment it is impossible to win an election with Maduro as the candidate. Chavismo supporters have been hit by a humanitarian emergency, an economic crisis, an exodus, and disenchantment with the groups leadership. Furthermore, like the rest of the people in Venezuela, most of them hold the government responsible for the dire state of the country. The Maduro government carried its usual moves to block the opposition from the electoral route: disqualification, intimidation, bullying, co-opting candidates and changing the National Electoral Council (CNE). When this did not achieve the goal, it went a step further. The newly formed CNE agreed to provide a comprehensive, constitutional and legal technical service for the opposition primaries. Last June, the National Primary Commission (CNP), the governing body of the opposition vote, requested this assistance from the former CNE. When the rectors were forced to step down, the CNP decided to continue to hold the primaries without the bodys help. Although the current offer seems more like a threat, within a few hours, the opposition leadership had met with the new electoral directors and agreed to create a mixed commission. All this has happened with less than a month to go until the October 22 primary, and with three of the candidates disqualified, including Machado. With this recent move, the Maduro government appears to want the opposition leadership to be the one to dethrone Machado. In this way, they would be killing two birds with one stone. If the Venezuelan opposition pushes Machado out, they run the great risk of throwing away the opportunity to effect change via the ballot box. In Venezuela, we see the movie Groundhog Day as a metaphor to summarize all the frustrated attempts there have been to achieve change. This time, with all the opposition headed down the electoral route, there may be a new opportunity to change the ending of this film. Meanwhile, on the sidelines, partial agreements are being sought. The United States plays a key role in these deals. The efforts are focused on getting Chavismo to agree to set a date for the 2024 presidential election, while the Maduro government is working, still unsuccessfully, to have sanctions lifted. Recently, Francisco Palmieri, the Chief of Mission of the Venezuelan Affairs Unit (VAU), explained the conditions for relaxing sanctions to an Atlantic Council event in Washington, D.C. The main emphasis is on the release of political prisoners, an end to disqualifying opposition candidates and a fair election process in 2024. For Geoff Ramsey, a specialist from the Adrienne Arsht Center for Latin America, Palmieri has given signs that although the window for negotiation is open, it will not stay open indefinitely. Ramsey believes that the ball is in Maduros court and that, if his government does not act in time, they will miss the opportunity because the United States will become involved with their own 2024 presidential election. I think the approach of Tamara Taraciuk, director of the Peter Bell Rule Program on the Rule of Law at the Inter-American Dialogue, is key. She is thinking about how to provide a golden bridge for people in power to allow an orderly transition. Any real change must go through those in power, but what can be done if logic tells them that its best to try to hold on to it? Perhaps in this space, it is worth continuing to explore ideas that could help lead to a peaceful solution. How much longer will the Chavista elite be willing to remain in their own hamster wheel? Everyone has an opportunity to do things differently and the best example continues to be set by the people of Venezuela, who, in all surveys, have expressed their overwhelming support for the electoral route. This movie has been seen over and over again, but this time, leaders have a chance to change it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anaqua, the leading global innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced changes to its executive leadership team in Japan as the company continues its strong growth trajectory in the country. Futoshi Saito will join Anaqua Japan, effective October 10, 2023, as President & General Manager, responsible for driving Anaquas ongoing business development and delivering enhanced client solutions in Japan. Saito-san has previously held leadership positions at LexisNexis as Managing Director, Japan and South Korea, and Thomson Reuters (now part of Clarivate) as head of the IP & Science business in Japan. Saito-san holds a bachelors degree in international studies from Dokkyo University and studied at the Graduate School of History at the State University of New York at Albany. Anaqua also announced the opening of its new Japan headquarters in the TOKYO TORCH Tokiwabashi Tower, providing an expanded work space to support the companys accelerated growth, which has seen further strengthening of the team and a 50% increase in new sales YTD . The move continues Anaqua Japans mission to invest in people, infrastructure and solutions in order to provide clients with the most comprehensive and effective IP management software and solutions in Japan. Other recent Anaqua investments in Japan include opening a second client datacenter on Microsoft Azure, hiring additional team members for the growing annuities and renewals business, and developing Japan-specific enhancements to the AQX IP management platform, both for the pharmaceutical market and trademark professionals. I am excited to join Anaqua, a company I have admired for many years over the course of my career in IP and legal technology, said Saito. I am honored to lead Anaqua Japan through its next stage of growth and to help our clients better protect and maximize value from their IP portfolios. Anaqua CEO Bob Romeo said: We are delighted to have appointed Saito-san to lead Anaquas business in Japan. His extensive IP and technology experience will enable him to engage quickly with our business and the wider market, forming important relationships with our existing and future clients, and providing strong leadership for our team and our further business development. I am very proud of our operations in Japan and I am excited for what is yet to come. About Anaqua Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX and PATTSY WAVE, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segments need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaquas solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The companys global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on LinkedIn. Company Contact:Kyoko TsurumiAssociate Director, Marketing and Communications Anaqua [email protected] Source: Anaqua NEW YORK and OGDEN, Utah, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biz2X today announced a new partnership with TAB Bank, an Ogden, Utah-based digital bank that has provided financial solutions uniquely designed to serve the needs of underserved middle market commercial customers since 1998. Biz2X is a subsidiary of Biz2Credit Inc., a leading fintech. TAB Bank is a technology-driven, online bank serving small businesses, families, and individuals nationwide. Recently named Best Community Bank in Utah, TAB Bank has served small and medium-sized businesses from a wide range of industries for a quarter of a century. Partnering with Biz2X enables us to streamline our small to medium business lending decision-making, expand lending options, and make it easy for SMBs to get the capital they require for growth, said Rick Bozzelli, President and CEO of TAB Bank. Since 1998, our goal is to provide access to capital and financial success for everyone. TAB Bank provided nearly $25 million in community development loans, investments and approximately $100,000 in grants, donations, and contributions during 2022. The bank has received honors from the American Business Awards, Utah Business, GOBankingRates Top 100 Banks, 20 Best Online Banks of 2022, and Bankrates Best Online Banks of 2022. The Biz2X platform has enabled us to greatly expand our reach to better serve SMBs by providing a centralized location for customers and referral partners alike to apply for financing. It has also streamlined our underwriting processes, enhancing our ability to provide our small business customers the working capital they need to run their businesses, commented Randy Allred, VP of SMB Lending at TAB Bank. Biz2Xs award-winning software was developed by using over a decade of Biz2Credits proven online lending experience. We understand what banks need to best service the small business space, said Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2X and Biz2Credit, and a leading expert in the fintech and small business lending space. We are proud and excited to work with TAB Bank to enhance their risk management and improve their business loan decision-making, while providing a better experience for customers. About TAB Bank TAB Bank provides custom working capital solutions to commercial businesses across a wide range of industries throughout the country. These solutions are customized to meet the needs of companies in all stages of the business life cycle and during all economic cycles. TAB does this through a variety of asset-based structures including Asset-Based Revolving Loans, Working Capital loans, Accounts Receivable Financing, Term Loans, Lines of Credit, and Equipment Finance. TABs lending options can also be combined with a full suite of business banking solutions and Treasury Management Services. Visit www.tabbank.com for more information. About Biz2X Biz2X is the platform chosen for business lending at banks and financial institutions of all types and sizes that want to succeed in business lending. Biz2X makes it possible through best-in-class technology that provides enhanced loan management, servicing, risk analytics, and a configurable customer experience. Biz2X is built on the insights and expertise earned from Biz2Credits decade-plus of small business financing and digital platform experience. Learn more about Biz2Xs Account Opening Product and follow the company on LinkedIn . SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graduation often marks the end of a journey. For the Indigenous youth and community members who recently completed a training program to become certified water treatment plant operators, graduation is just the beginning. Our time and weeks of training together will always have a spot in my heart. On graduation day, we could look outside for inspiration to drive us forwards, but instead I see that inspiration right here among us," shared valedictorian Nigel Debassige, from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Last Friday, September 22, Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council and Water First Education & Training Inc. celebrated Debassige and 11 interns altogether who graduated from the 15-month Drinking Water Internship program for local Indigenous youth and young adults. "Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council looks for partnerships that will enhance the communities to the highest standards possible, said Allan Moffatt, CEO of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council. The Water First Internship program was a win-win-win opportunity. First Nations obtain Water Plant Operators; Tribal Council involvement with a proven training program for youth and water departments; Water First further develops their Programming with our communities. Clean, safe, potable drinking water is a fundamental need in our communities, the success of this program has enhanced our communitys capacity to meet future demand. Congratulations to our Interns who worked hard to achieve their certifications in the water industry, we are proud of your accomplishments. Sustainable access to safe, clean water in Indigenous communities in Canada continues to be a critical issue. The graduates completed the paid training program to obtain entry-level certifications required to begin their careers in water treatment. As qualified, local personnel, they bring technical skills and capacity to communities to ensure access to safe, clean drinking water for the long term. Over the course of the program, each intern accumulated 1,800 hours of on-the-job experience in water treatment plants, which is a part of the water operator in training (OIT) certification process. Interns also pursued additional water operator certification exams including water quality analyst and the entry-level course for drinking water operators, as well as other technical training like GIS and water sampling which can lead to work in water treatment and the environmental water field. Following graduation, interns join the Water First Alumni Network to stay engaged, build local networks and access opportunities for ongoing professional development and peer support. Its been a pleasure seeing their confidence grow throughout the past 15 months, said Kendra Driscoll, Senior Manager of the Drinking Water Internship at Water First. With training and mentorship by our staff, the tribal council, and dedicated community water operators, the interns have had the opportunity to build critical skills needed to be successful water treatment plant operators. I wish them all the best for the future, and look forward to seeing them as part of the alumni network. The North Shore Tribal Council Drinking Water Internship Program began in June 2022, and marks the fourth successful internship program completed to date. The program was funded through the North Shore Tribal Council member First Nations employment and training program, together with the support of Water Firsts donors. A fifth internship program is underway with Ogemawahj Tribal Council and another internship is soon to be launched for the first time in Manitoba. Water First has collaborated with 37 First Nations communities through the Drinking Water Internship where interns have worked approximately 98,000 hours in their local water plants. To date, 46 interns have graduated from the program. Debassige went on to share, In the last 15 months here with Water First, I've seen that we don't have to look too far for inspiration and that we each have the potential to make that inspiring contribution to others. When you leave here today, celebrate what you've accomplished, but look forward with an eye towards how you too can be that inspiration to others. In Canada, 14% of First Nations communities are affected by a drinking water advisory; in Ontario, its 25%. The challenges are complex and layered. Communities may face issues relating to infrastructure, source water quality, or having enough trained people to manage water systems or more than one of these issues at a time. Water First works with Indigenous communities that have identified education and training as part of their solution to the water crisis. Safe water needs skilled people. Learn more at www.waterfirst.ngo. About Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council:NSTCs mandate is to assist and facilitate the activities of the member communities of the North Shore Tribal Council. In a manner that promotes the cultural, spiritual, political, economic, environmental and social well being of the member First Nations, the Tribal Council acts to serve three primary functions: Research, develop and deliver regionally based products and services to member communities when directed by NSTC member communities Provide advisory services to member communities Provide collective political support to advance the betterment of First Nations people https://mamaweswen.com About Water First Education & Training Inc. (Water First):Water First is a registered Canadian charity that works alongside Indigenous communities to address water challenges through education, training and meaningful collaboration. Since 2009, Water First has collaborated with over 80 Indigenous communities located in the lands now known as Canada while supporting Indigenous youth and young adults to pursue careers in water science. Learn more: www.waterfirst.ngo Photo captions: Valedictorian Nigel Debassige, from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, speaking to an audience of fellow graduates, family members, Water First and Tribal Council staff, and other graduation attendees. In late September 2022, the interns, including Nigel Debassige, got out on the land for a fun and experiential week learning about lakes, rivers and streams. Group photo of drinking water graduates, Water First staff, and Tribal Council staff together. Graduation ceremony, September 2023. High-resolution photos and logos available on request. For more information, please contact: Ami GopalDirector of Development and CommunicationsWater First1-800-970-8467 ext. 106 [email protected] Allan Moffatt Chief Executive OfficerMamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council1-877-633-7558 [email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37c63ff4-c070-467e-945b-72a04c42cda1 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/edb6ff57-5fd7-4cee-9ccf-c812289672b4 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d35085e-76a8-4fe7-888b-88ca111e496e Valedictorian Nigel Debassige, from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, speaking at the graduation ceremony Valedictorian Nigel Debassige, from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, speaking to an audience of fellow graduates, family members, Water First and Tribal Council staff, and other graduation attendees. Interns, including Nigel Debassige, out on the land for a fun and experiential week learning about lakes, rivers and streams In late September 2022, the interns, including Nigel Debassige, got out on the land for a fun and experiential week learning about lakes, rivers and streams. Group photo of drinking water graduates, Water First staff, and Tribal Council staff together. Graduation ceremony, September 2023 Group photo of drinking water graduates, Water First staff, and Tribal Council staff together. Graduation ceremony, September 2023 Source: Water First Datacubed Health and AppInChina Forge Strategic Partnership to Launch eClinical Platform in China New York, New York, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Datacubed Health, a leading global provider of innovative solutions for patient engagement and data collection in clinical trials, is excited to announce the official launch of its eClinical platform app in China. This milestone achievement represents a significant step forward for Datacubed Health's commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese market. As part of this strategic move, Datacubed Health has joined forces with AppInChina, a renowned leader in Android App Store publication, ensuring seamless deployment of the eClinical platform app in official Android stores across China and the Apple App Store. This partnership guarantees accessibility to a wide range of devices and ecosystems. Kyle Hogan, President of Datacubed Health, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "Our partnership with AppInChina has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth launch of our eClinical platform app in China. This strategic alliance allows us to reach a broader audience while maintaining compliance with local regulations, which is essential for our growth in this market." In preparation for this momentous launch, Datacubed Health has established a legal entity within China and acquired all necessary commercial and legal licenses and certificates. These crucial steps are a testament to Datacubed Health's commitment to providing secure and regulated services within the Chinese market. Brett Kleger, CEO of Datacubed Health, stated, "Our investment in establishing a legal presence and obtaining the requisite licenses underscores our dedication to operating ethically and responsibly in China. We are focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions while adhering to local regulations and standards." Moreover, Datacubed Health has undertaken comprehensive efforts to ensure full software compliance with Chinese regulations. The eClinical platform app for China has been meticulously customized to align with local requirements and has undergone rigorous testing by local quality assurance teams. This meticulous approach ensures the seamless functioning of the platform while adhering to Chinese network security requirements and restrictions. Datacubed Health has also bolstered its presence in China by establishing a fully compliant and fault-tolerant Software as a Service (SaaS) infrastructure. The Datacubed China solution is now hosted in AWS Beijing, ensuring data security and reliability for users in the region. With these key developments in operational, legal, and software compliance, Datacubed Health is well-prepared to provide unmatched support to clinical research efforts in China. The launch of the eClinical platform app represents a significant stride in bridging the gap between global research initiatives and the Chinese healthcare landscape. In the words of CEO Brett Kleger: "We are thrilled to introduce Datacubed Health's eClinical platform app to the Chinese market. Our partnership with AppInChina, legal entity establishment, and rigorous compliance efforts demonstrate our dedication to providing world-class services to our Chinese users. We look forward to empowering clinical research initiatives in China with our cutting-edge solutions." To learn more, we invite you to join us at Booth #24 at the 11th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Southern California 2023 from September 26-27 in San Diego, California, or visit our website at www.datacubed.com. About Datacubed Health: Datacubed Health is a pioneering eClinical technology company built from the ground up by industry veterans who wanted to create a better clinical trial experience for all stakeholders. Our solutions are all infused with neuroeconomic principles designed to be inclusive, drive compliance, and greatly improve retention. We strive to deliver the best experience for you and your patients through ease of use and flexible technology configurable to your needs. Our offerings include a Decentralized Trials Platform, eCOA/ePRO, Patient Engagement, eConsent, Medication Adherence, Televisits, and Geofencing. Learn more at www.datacubed.com. Media Contact: Heather Shea Catalytic Agency for Datacubed Health [email protected] Dallas, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit is once again joining the fight against breast cancer with their limited-edition Pink Big Yellow Cup. For the entire month of October, the worlds largest barbecue concepts famous Big Yellow Cup is turning Pink! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dickeys will offer this 32-ounce limited-edition collectible Tribute Cup for purchase to barbecue lovers in every location throughout the country. A portion of the proceeds from every Pink Big Yellow Cup sold will be donated directly to The Dickey Foundation, the charitable arm of the barbecue brand. The Dickey Foundation will then use these funds raised from the Pink Big Yellow Cup to provide mammograms and other breast cancer detection, treatment, and services for first responders. Last October, Dickeys sold over 270,000 Pink Tribute cups, with a portion of each sale going towards breast cancer screenings, said Roland Dickey, Jr. CEO, Dickeys Capital Group. We are very honored to once again partner up with The Dickey Foundation to support our local first responders in the battle against breast cancer. 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 CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 21st, ECO Canada hosted its third national virtual career event, bringing together todays leading innovative organizations, thought leaders, and professionals in the environmental sector. In addition to the English event, ECO Canada hosted its first French Virtual Career Fair tailored to the Quebec environmental workforce on September 6th. The interactive career fair platform recreates the look and feel of a face-to-face career fair. Employers had fully customizable branded booths with multiple chat and video options to connect with professionals in the exhibition hall. Attendees were able to browse the booths in the tradeshow and attend 20 different options of live webinars in the auditorium. A few webinar topics delivered by industry thought leaders included writing resumes and cover letters, insights for newcomers, green careers for people with disabilities, job interview tips, and where and how to find work in the environmental sector. Job seekers and employers were able to interact at networking tables about different environmental industries, as well as a resource library for more information on special opportunities. This event provided employers with the opportunity to connect with professionals who will contribute to business growth and environmental initiative advancements. The English Virtual Career Fair on September 21st featured 21 sponsors, over 2,500 attendees, 5,000 unique booth visits and over 780 job applications submitted. The first French event was a resounding success with 16 sponsors, 585 registrants, more than 1,000 unique booth visits and 168 job applications submitted. This years Virtual Career Fairs had the largest participation ECO Canada has ever seen. ECO Canadas French and English sponsors included Matrix Solutions, Bishop Water, Energy Safety Canada, ZENO, AGAT Labs, Primary, Efficiency, Royal Roads University, NorthWind Land Resources Inc., Flint, Acuspire, GEO Morphix, Silvacom, University of Toronto, AET Group Inc., World Education Services, GLC Environmental Ltd., Hatfield, Summit, Envision Consultants, Action Environnement, EEM EHS Management, JMP Consultants, CREDDO, Atour Recrutement, Envirocompetences, Coesio, Sanexen, Groupe DGE International, Coop Ecologie, Logiag, Groupe Pureshera, Enviro-Access, Arrimagecom, and Solmatech. In recent years, virtual career fairs have surfaced as a dynamic solution to help employers break free from all the limitations of traditional hiring events. By providing a 3D online platform, employers and job seekers can now connect in a virtual setting mimicking the feel of a physical event, but without the restricting attributes known to be a source of frustration for recruiters. This event also provided the opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers all across Canada, no matter where they themselves are located. Our virtual career fairs align with our mission to support the growth of a diverse and skilled environmental workforce, says ECO Canada President and CEO Kevin Nilsen. They offer a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to connect, learn, and collaborate in a sustainable and accessible way." With nearly 30 per cent of the current workforce expected to retire in the next decade, there is a growing need to attract new talent, including young professionals. By 2025, there are over 170,0000 environmental job openings expected to be filled, and labour shortages are predicted across a wide range of different occupations. These virtual career fairs were also an opportunity for job seekers and employers to learn more about ECO Canadas wage funding programs. ECO Canadas commitment to the environmental workforce has created more than 17,000 job placements, and the federal subsidies released through their program oversight have amounted to over $176 million to date. Click here to view ECO Canadas employment programs. To learn more about ECO Canada and future events, visit www.eco.ca. About ECO Canada: ECO Canada is the steward of the Canadian environmental industry. From job creation and wage funding to training and labour market research we champion the end-to-end career of an environmental professional. We aim to promote and drive responsible, sustainable economic growth within the industry while ensuring that environmental care and best practice are priorities. Over the past 30 years, we have forged academic partnerships, tools, and research to train and certify environmental job seekers and help fill the labour market. We work alongside government, policymakers, academia, students, employers, professionals, industry, and international audiences to ensure we support Canada as a global leader in innovative workforce solutions and job creation. We remain the go-to source in the environmental labour market; our research provides unmatched statistics and analysis on the industry's economic and labour trends that identify workforce gaps. For more information, contact:Aaron Wilson VP, Marketing & SalesECO Canada[email protected] Source: ECO Canada LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Elev8 New Media (Elev8), an award-winning boutique public and media relations firm specializing in securing earned media and press coverage for its client companies, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 16th installment of the LD Micro Main Event. The conference will take place at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on October 3-5, 2023. In its 16th consecutive year, the Main Event is set to shine a spotlight on a multitude of remarkable companies. The event serves as a nexus for C-level executives, micro-cap investors, financial experts, and industry pioneers, offering three days of insightful presentations, productive one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunities. Elev8's sponsorship of LD Micro enables us to support our clients in showcasing their groundbreaking work, spanning a wide spectrum of industries, from healthcare to technology. Additionally, as a returning proud sponsor, Elev8 will engage with leaders from publicly traded companies, emphasizing the pivotal role that public relations and social media management services play in driving success for their businesses. We're excited to align Elev8 New Media with LD Micros 2023 Main Event, a pinnacle gathering that celebrates innovation and leadership of micro-cap companies, commented Jessica Starman, CEO and Co-Founder of Elev8 New Media. Our sponsorship underscores our collective support and dedication to the vibrant community of micro-cap companies eager to share their innovations with the world, and we are truly honored to be part of next weeks event. To request a personalized media briefing with the Elev8 New Media team, contact [email protected] or stop by Elev8 New Medias booth during the event. About Elev8 New Media: Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets. Elev8 is dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, proficient in transforming their initiatives into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking. For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com. About LD Micro: LD Micro aims to be the most essential resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the Index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events annually, LD's sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies. To learn more about LD Micro, visit www.ldmicro.com Contact Information Jessica Starman, MBA[email protected]www.elev8newmedia.com Source: Elev8 New Media VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE: E4U) (EnWave, or the "Company") announced today that it has engaged SagePoint Capital Partners Inc. (SagePoint) to provide strategic capital markets and corporate development advisory services for the Company. SagePoint will provide EnWave with a comprehensive capital markets plan to expand its profile with high-net worth and institutional investors. EnWave is to remunerate SagePoint at the rate of CAD$13,333 per month and the service agreement is subject to termination upon thirty days-notice by either party after the first three months of service. Additionally, the Company has granted SagePoint an aggregate of 250,000 incentive stock options (the Options). The grant of Options is subject to the terms of the Companys Stock Option Plan (the Plan), exercisable at a price of $0.31. The Options are exercisable for a term of five years and will vest quarterly over the next twelve months in accordance with the provisions set out in the Plan, or as otherwise required by the TSX Venture Index (TSXV). The grant of the Options is subject to approval by the TSXV. About SagePointSagePoint supports the small-to-medium-size enterprise ecosystem with direct investments and a turnkey suite of business growth, capital markets and transaction advisory solutions. SagePoint is a highly differentiated diversified merchant bank dedicated to partnering with the founders and leaders of small and mid-cap companies and empowering them to unlock and accelerate outsized returns. For more information, visit https://sagepointcapital.ca. About EnWave EnWave is a global leader in the innovation and application of vacuum microwave dehydration. From its headquarters in Delta, BC, EnWave has developed a robust intellectual property portfolio, perfected its Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) technology, and transformed an innovative idea into a proven, consistent, and scalable drying solution for the food, pharmaceutical and cannabis industries that vastly outperforms traditional drying methods in efficiency, capacity, product quality, and cost. With more than fifty royalty-generating partners spanning twenty-six countries and five continents, EnWaves licensed partners are creating profitable, never-before-seen snacks and ingredients, improving the quality and consistency of their existing offerings, running leaner and getting to market faster with the companys patented technology, licensed machinery, and expert guidance. EnWaves strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with food producers who want to dry better, faster and more economical than freeze drying, rack drying and air drying, and enjoy the following benefits of producing exciting new products, reaching optimal moisture levels up to seven times faster, and improve product taste, texture, color and nutritional value. Learn more at EnWave.net. EnWave Corporation Mr. Brent Charleton, CFAPresident and CEO For further information: Brent Charleton, CFA, President and CEO at +1 (778) 378-9616E-mail: [email protected] Dylan Murray, CFO at +1 (778) 870-0729E-mail: [email protected] Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management's expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third-party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third-party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, 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. 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: EnWave Corporation CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helium Evolution Incorporated (TSXV: HEVI) (HEVI or the Company), a Canadian-based helium exploration company focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan, is pleased to announce that its farm-in partner, North American Helium Inc. (NAH), has successfully completed drilling and casing of the first joint well at 2-31-2-8W3 (Joint Well #1), on lands within Block 1 at Mankota in Saskatchewan. NAH will complete, test and evaluate the well in the coming weeks to confirm the presence of helium and assess commerciality of the potential helium discovery. Stay Connected to Helium EvolutionShareholders and other parties interested in learning more about the Helium Evolution opportunity are encouraged to visit the Companys website, which includes the Companys current corporate presentation, and are invited to follow the Company on LinkedIn and Twitter for ongoing corporate updates and helium industry information. Helium Evolution also provides an extensive, commissioned deep-dive research report prepared by a third party whose background includes serving as a research analyst for several bank-owned and independent investment dealers. In addition to recent media articles, HEVI maintains a profile on the Investing News Network platform, where further information, editorial pieces and industry reviews are available. About Helium Evolution IncorporatedHelium Evolution is a Canadian-based helium exploration company holding the largest helium land rights position in North America among publicly-traded companies, focused on developing assets in southern Saskatchewan. The Company has over five million acres of land under permit near proven discoveries of economic helium concentrations which will support scaling the exploration and development efforts across its land base. HEVIs management and board are executing a differentiated strategy to become a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium for the growing global helium market. For further information, please contact: Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding the timing of completion, testing and evaluation of Joint Well #1, the Companys expectation regarding the presence of helium and commerciality of Joint Well #1, the Company's expectations regarding the Company becoming a leading supplier of sustainably-produced helium, the Company's beliefs regarding growth of the global helium market and other statements that are not historical facts. 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 and risks include, among others: NAH may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells, NAH may defer the completion of Joint Well #1; the Company may elect not to participate in the completion operation for Joint Well #1; the Company may choose to defer, accelerate or abandon its drilling plans; new laws or regulations and/or unforeseen events could adversely affect the Companys business and results of operations; stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and such volatility may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities regardless of its operating performance; risks generally associated with the exploration for and production of resources; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to expenses; constraint in the availability of services; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; adverse weather or break-up conditions; and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and risks other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and 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, except as required by law. 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: Helium Evolution Incorporated Missouri Cannabis Event to Celebrate State Program Accomplishments; Provide Networking Opportunities for Operators VIENNA, MO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Hippos , Missouris premier, modern cannabis company curating fresh experiences at retail locations throughout the state, announced today that the company will be sponsoring and exhibiting at the MoCann Q3 Member Meetup in St. Louis today from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. As part of the sponsorship, Hippos executives and representatives will be exhibiting the companys full portfolio of brands including Atta, Sundro, Bad Pony and more. Hippos CEO, Nicholas Rinella, will also be on site offering the attendees a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective of Missouris burgeoning adult use cannabis market. Hippos Dispensaries will also be featuring their new limited edition festival fanny packs still available for sale at its dispensary locations in Chesterfield and Springfield. Packed with over $255 worth of goodies, these festival packs are now available for just $195 while supplies last, ensuring an unforgettable and high-spirited celebration. "Participating in MoCann is an incredible opportunity for Hippos to unite with our vibrant local community, Rinella said. Were thrilled to share our passion for cannabis, showcase our premium products and foster meaningful connections with fellow enthusiasts in the state. To learn more about Hippos and Missouri's first-ever 4/20 since the passage of recreational laws, visit https://hipposcannabis.com/. Contact [email protected] for more information. MoCannTrade quarterly meetups are member's only events. About Hippos, LLC Hippos, LLC is committed to promoting the powerful benefits of cannabis and related products while also prioritizing sustainability to support current and future generations. Hippos, LLC operates dispensaries in Chesterfield, Columbia and Springfield under the the the name "Hippos Marijuana Dispensary; a cultivation and manufacturing facility under the name "OG Yields;" and has developed brands such as "Sundro, "Atta" and "Bad Pony" that are available throughout Missouri for purchase. Hippos is home to the award-winning Brett Hull #16 cannabis strain, and continues to be on the forefront of innovations in concentrate formulations and related technologies. Founded in 2019, Hippos is a recognized champion of patient and adult use access and education initiatives in the state. Stay up-to-date with Hippos at hipposcannabis.com as well as on Instagram. Public Relations Contact Cassandra Dowell, CMW Media [email protected] www.cmwmedia.com This photo provided by Getty Images shows an example of the company's artificial intelligence image-generator. Anyone looking for a beautiful photograph of a desert landscape can find many choices from Getty Images, the stock photography collection. But say youre instead looking for a wide angle shot of a hot pink plastic saguaro cactus with large arms that stick out, surrounded by sand, in landscape at dawn. Getty Images says you can now ask its artificial intelligence image-generator to make one on the spot. The Seattle-based company is taking a two-pronged approach to the threat and opportunity that AI poses to its business. First, it sued a leading purveyor of AI-generated images earlier this year for what it alleged was brazen infringement of Gettys image collection on a staggering scale. But on Monday, it also joined the small but growing market of AI image makers with a new service that enables its customers to create novel images trained on Gettys own vast library of human-made photos. The difference, said Getty Images CEO Craig Peters, is this new service is commercially viable for business clients and wasnt trained on the open internet with stolen imagery. He contrasted that with some of the first movers in AI-generated imagery, such as OpenAIs DALL-E, Midjourney and Stability AI, maker of Stable Diffusion. We have issues with those services, how they were built, what they were built upon, how they respect creator rights or not, and how they actually feed into deepfakes and other things like that, Peters said in an interview. In a lawsuit filed early this year in a Delaware federal court, Getty alleged that London-based Stability AI had copied without permission more than 12 million photographs from its collection, along with captions and metadata, as part of its efforts to build a competing business. Getty said in the lawsuit that its entitled to damages of up to $150,000 for each infringed work, an amount that could theoretically add up to $1.8 trillion. Stability is seeking to dismiss or move the case but hasnt formally responded to the underlying allegations. A court battle is still brewing, as is a parallel one in the United Kingdom. Peters said the new service, called Generative AI by Getty Images, emerged from a longstanding collaboration with California tech company and chipmaker Nvidia that preceded the legal challenges against Stability AI. Its built upon Edify, an AI model from Nvidias generative AI division Picasso. It promises full indemnification for commercial use and is meant to avoid the intellectual property risks that have made businesses wary of using generative AI tools. Getty contributors will also be paid for having their images included in the training set, incorporated as part of royalty obligations so that the company is actually sharing the revenue with them over time rather than paying a one-time fee or not paying that at all, Peters said. Expected users are brands looking for marketing materials or other creative imagery, where Getty competes with rivals such as Shutterstock, which has partnered with OpenAIs DALL-E, and software company Adobe, which has built its own AI image-generator Firefly. Its not expected to appeal to those looking for photojournalism or editorial content, where Getty competes with news organizations including The Associated Press. Peters said the new model doesnt have the capacity to produce politically harmful deepfake images because it automatically blocks requests that show recognizable people or brands. As an example, he typed the prompt President Joe Biden on surfboard in a demonstration to an AP reporter and the tool refused the request. The good news about this generative engine is it cannot produce the Pentagon getting bombed. It cannot produce the pope wearing Balenciaga, he said, referencing a widely shared AI-generated fake image of Pope Francis dressed in a stylish puffer jacket. AI-generated content also wont be added to Getty Images content libraries, which will be reserved for real people doing real things in real places, Peters said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the first time, Indigenous candidates are learning the CPA curriculum through a specialized program that incorporates Indigenous culture, context and content. The program for Indigenous learners, a partnership between the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Alberta (AFOA Alberta), the CPA Western School of Business and CPA Canada, aims to help remove systemic barriers for Indigenous learners and increase Indigenous representation in the accounting profession. The first of its kind in the world, the development of the program involved a collaborative approach with First Nations, Metis and Inuit subject matter experts who are CPAs. The impact of Indigenous students seeing themselves in the accounting texts and material is so profound. It validates the self. It validates their culture and traditions, says Dr. Robert Andrews, CPA, CMA, project co-lead and executive director of the AFOA Alberta, and a member of the Blood Tribe. The impact of seeing oneself in that material is like seeing yourself in the mirror for the first time. For Maureen Moneta of the Metis Nation of Alberta, CPA and member of the CPA Alberta Board of Directors, the program is not about trying to help Indigenous people. Its incredibly important to understand that more Indigenous inclusion within the CPA profession is going to make every CPA better, and every member of our extended ecosystem and business community better, she says. Including Indigenous voices isnt only about helping Indigenous communities, its about helping all of us. The programs intent is threefold: to include more Indigenous people in the accounting profession, to improve socioeconomic outcomes for Indigenous communities, and to protect and serve the Canadian public. It is part of the accounting professions efforts to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Call to Action 92, which asks the corporate sector to advance reconciliation efforts including through ensuring Indigenous people have equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities. In the spirit of Indigenous values around shared knowledge, much of the course content, along with learnings from the implementation will be available free of charge to Canadian post-secondary institutions offering accounting courses. Program partners and Indigenous subject matter experts are currently creating the next two courses to be delivered to Indigenous students in January of 2024: Introductory Managerial Accounting and Core 2. For more information contact: Carla PeacockManager, Corporate CommunicationsChartered Professional Accountants of CanadaCell: 647-922-7339Email: [email protected] Source: Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada Birmingham, Alabama, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SIPP is announcing the upcoming launch of their smart home water treatment device that treats tap water through filtration and ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection. The device can be used by attaching it to the water inlet pipe underneath the sink where it will begin disinfecting water when the sink is turned on. The company plans to launch the device in early 2024. The development of the smart home water treatment device began with a mission to fight water contamination and give people better control of water quality at the point of use. One of the primary goals for the company is to give people a convenient way to be proactive in maintaining water quality. When the device is being used water first passes through its filter and from there it passes through the UV light, which kills any viruses or bacteria that is still present in the water. The water treatment device stands out as an innovative product through its smart home component, which uses sensors to collect data on water quality. The smart component uses this data to monitor and alert customers to potential contamination. This active tracking of quality allows users to develop trust in the water they are drinking by seeing real time data as it comes out of the faucet. In addition to trust, data is also used for the convenience of the user to maintain the effectiveness of the device, with items such as filters being replaced accurately. Current solutions are one size fits all, meaning both large families and people living alone are told to replace filters at the same time. Through a data driven approach we can have a custom recommendation based on any given situation, says Bickerstaff, Co-Founder and CEO of SIPP. By utilizing this data we can let our customers know the precise time a filter needs changing or they can opt in for our subscription model where we automatically ship them a new one. SIPP understands how life can get in the way sometimes and because of this we don't always get around to doing the things we know we should. It is for this reason that the subscription model was implemented. Unlike your average subscription model that commonly works on a monthly basis, SIPP will only send out replacements when it is necessary.Upon launch, there will be a smartphone app allowing users to interact with the device. Through the app they can review their water quality data, manage subscriptions, place orders, and set notifications. SIPP was founded by Ben Bickerstaff, Peyton Falkenburg, their two advisors whom they met while in grad school, Mark Elliott Ph.D. and Patrick Kung Ph.D, and Noah Wallace. Media Contact Name: Ben Bickerstaff Email: [email protected] Source: SIPP OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Mr. George Chahal, Liberal Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, will be making a statement to the House of Commons on the benefits of universal access to contraception in Canada. Last week, the issue was brought forth by members of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), Action Canada and Project EmpowHER when they met with staff members of the Prime Ministers Office, the Privy Council Office, the Ministries of Health, Finance, Women and Gender Quality (WAGE), as well as Families, Children and Social Development. We had a wonderful opportunity to meet with members of parliament last week and to make the economic and social argument for universal access to contraception in Canada. We strongly believe that reproductive rights are human rights, and that the federal government should act now. This measure would ensure safe family planning, gender equality, advancing the autonomy of women, and reducing poverty, says Dr. Amanda Black, President of the SOGC. Free contraception is not only beneficial for women, but for everyone and it is a great first step towards healthier reproductive planning and choices, says Dr. Diane Francoeur, Chief Executive Officer of the SOGC. This Summer, a petition was issued to the House of Commons with more than 12,000 signatures, further emphasizing the need for this concept to be implemented across Canada. Many studies have demonstrated that for every $1 invested in universal contraception, up to $9 can be saved in the public sector. Implementing this policy would prove to be revenue-neutral by year two and saving money by year three. The SOGC is one of Canadas oldest national specialty organizations and has been a leader of the advancement of womens health since 1944. CONTACTS: Patrick OReilly, SOGC Communications SpecialistTel: 438-370-5095Email: [email protected] Source: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Geneva, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor group to provide financing of up to CHF 100 million This financing is part of NewGAMes long-term commitment to secure funding to meet GAMs liquidity needs and ensure stability at the firm GAMs Chief Risk Officer Elmar Zumbuehl announced as proposed CEO candidate FINMA has issued its no objection letter in relation to NewGAMe increasing its GAM shareholding to 20-30% 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"), announces Elmar Zumbuehl as its proposed candidate for CEO of GAM. NewGAMes previous proposed candidate, Randel Freeman, has withdrawn due to unforeseen family circumstances. Elmar Zumbuehl, a Swiss citizen, joined GAM in 2010 and is currently Chief Risk Officer and a member of the Group Management Board. Prior to joining GAM, he worked at Julius Baer for 10 years in a range of senior roles, including covering Julius Baers Asset Management business, of which GAM was part at the time. NewGAMe is committed to securing the necessary financial resources to fund GAMs operations and ensure stability for clients, employees and other stakeholders. Rock Investment SAS, a member of the NewGAMe investor group, has already provided short-term financing of up to CHF 20 million to cover GAMs immediate liquidity needs. In line with its pre-announced commitment to secure support, Rock is prepared to provide GAM with a mix of short- and long-term funding up to an increased total of CHF 100 million. The additional support is subject to NewGAMes proposed directors being elected at GAMs EGM on 27 September 2023 but is not contingent on the outcome of any other EGM proposals. After submitting applications to regulatory authorities in Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg, Ireland and Italy to be authorised to hold between 20 and 30% of the issued share capital of GAM, NewGAMe has now received a "no-objection" letter from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. The investor group expects similar feedback from other regulators in the near future. Antoine Spillmann, CEO and Partner at Bruellan and proposed candidate for Chair of GAM, said: We have had intense and productive interactions with GAMs teams in London, Zurich and other locations over recent weeks and understand the importance of demonstrating our long-term commitment to the company. Therefore, we are pleased to see Rock commit further funding of up to a total of CHF 100 million to allow GAM to invest in growth and give clients, fund managers, regulators and employees total confidence in the future of the company. We are also thrilled that Elmar has accepted the opportunity to work with the new board as CEO of GAM. He has the right blend of experience and operational expertise, as well as an in-depth knowledge of GAM, to stabilise the company and take it forward. Elmar is well known and respected at GAM, and he offers continuity as we look to build on GAMs heritage to return the company to profitability and growth. Elmar Zumbuehl, proposed candidate for CEO of GAM, said: I am very excited by the opportunity to lead GAM. The business has a strong international brand, talented teams across the business and exceptional investment performance. I look forward to building on these strengths to put GAM onto a sustained recovery path. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As previously disclosed, NorthWest Copper Corp. (NorthWest or the Company) (TSX-V: NWST) (OTCQX: NWCCF) will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the AGM) on September 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at which time there will be an election of the board of directors (the Board). The Company advises that, based on the deposit of proxies by the cut-off time for the AGM, the activist slate of director nominees, represented on the Yellow Proxy, will receive a greater number of shareholder votes than the management nominees, represented on the Blue Proxy. As a result, the activist slate of nominees will be elected directors of the Board at the AGM. Mr. Terry Lyons, outgoing Chair of the Board, and the departing Board members would like to thank all the shareholders who expressed their vote in favor of managements nominees during the recent proxy contest and for their support in the past. They would also like to acknowledge the contribution of employees who continued their work during uncertain times and who are committed to the success of the Company. Because registered shareholders who have not yet voted have the opportunity to do so while attending the AGM, the final results will be confirmed following the meeting. For further information, please contact: Investor contact:Peter Lekich, Director Investor RelationsTel: 778-389-2446Email: [email protected] 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to: the plans and intentions of the activist group of shareholders; and the plans and intentions of the Company. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWests periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWests expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to a change in the Board or management of the Company; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Companys mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWests filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: NorthWest Copper Corp. SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TYLin, a globally recognized full-service infrastructure consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Peter Aarons has joined the company as Aviation Sector Leader and Senior Vice President for the Americas. Peter is a national leader in aviation development and program management and will oversee TYLins airport engineering, design, and project management services, strengthening the firms leadership position in the market and ensuring continued excellence for airport clients across the global practice in North America. I look forward to new and ongoing partnerships with airport and aviation clients and helping them bring their visions to fruition with the exceptional talent that only TYLin can offer, says Aarons. Peter's extensive 30 years of experience spans the entire spectrum of airport development programs from planning and design, program and project management, construction, installation, and commissioning of infrastructure solutions for the airport and aviation transportation industry. As a trusted advisor and airport program manager, Peter has provided on-site management and oversight for master plan and capital improvement programs at renowned airports such as San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles World Airports, and San Diego International Airport. His expertise encompasses advisory, project management, and design services for transportation infrastructure, including the Landside Access Modernization Program - Automated People Mover for Los Angeles World Airports at LAX, the Terminal Development Program (GreenBuild) at San Diego International Airport, and the Replacement Terminal Design/Build Program at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Peters experience is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the aviation industry, says Tom Price, TYLins Chief Operating Officer. His insights and expertise will continue to drive our success in shaping the future of airport development. Peter is an active member of industry groups and stays current on industry trends and solutions through his leadership positions with Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Consultants Council (ACC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). About TYLin Founded in 1954, TYLin is a globally recognized, full-service infrastructure consulting firm committed to providing innovative, cost-effective, constructible designs for the global infrastructure market. With 3,200 employees working in 65 offices throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe, the firm provides support on projects of varying size and complexity. TYLin is part of Dar Group, one of the worlds leading architecture, engineering, project management and energy consultancy groups. For more information about the company, please visit www.tylin.com. Media contact: Michael Luhning[email protected]618-606-2595 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/32eea20f-2269-45cc-b289-707c5af8ea25 Peter Aarons, TYLin Aviation Sector Leader, Americas Peter Aarons Joins TYLin as Aviation Sector Leader, Americas Source: TYLin NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuisLex, a leading alternative legal services provider long recognized as a pioneer in the industry, announces legal operations expert Suzanne Ganier has joined the company as its new director for legal spend solutions to oversee the companys growing services around legal audits and spend management. Led by Ganier, the companys legal spend solutions team partners with legal operations, general counsel, CFOs and other finance professionals to assist with their legal spend management needs. QuisLex experts take a comprehensive approach to analyzing overall corporate legal department spend that goes beyond simply reviewing legal invoices. This includes examining workflows and processes with attention to improving pricing structure, scope and overall value, as well as implementing programs to monitor compliance with billing guidelines and develop meaningful legal spend analytics. As part of its commitment to its law firm clients, QuisLex offers advisory services that help firms adapt and improve their understanding and responsiveness to changing client needs with respect to billing and matter management. With our holistic approach, we aim to help clients improve overall business operations while also helping law firms and other providers be better partners to their clients, shares QuisLex vice president for legal solutions and chief of staff Jennifer Contegiacomo. Were confident Suzanne is the right person to lead our legal spend solutions team as this part of our advisory services continues to grow. Ganier joins QuisLex with extensive legal industry experience, first as a practicing attorney in the insurance industry and since 2008 working in legal operations and spend management. She was the head of legal operations for an insurance carrier and then a consultant and head of legal bill review for Elevate Services, before serving as associate program director for LegalView BillAnalyzer for Wolters Kluwer ELM. Ganier has also shared her expertise as an expert witness. She earned a B.A. in psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara; a J.D. from Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University; and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. About QuisLexQuisLex is an award-winning legal services provider that specializes in managed document review, contract management, compliance services, legal spend management and legal operations consulting. Our full-time highly trained attorneys, process experts, legal technologists, statisticians and linguists work closely with our clients to reduce cost, mitigate risk and maximize efficiency. QuisLex is regularly acknowledged as a leader in the legal services industry and proud to be recognized by the Association of Corporate Counsel as an ACC Value Champion, Chambers and Partners as a Band 1 Alternative Legal Service Provider, the New York Law Journal as a Top Managed Document Review Services Provider and the IACCM as its Outstanding Service Provider for contract management solutions. QuisLex is nationally certified by the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council as a minority business enterprise (MBE). To learn more, visit www.quislex.com. Media ContactVicki LaBrosse Edge Marketing for QuisLex[email protected]651.552.7753 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5e32bc5-491a-4517-b8dd-6bb81f63732d Suzanne Ganier Director Legal Spend Solutions, QuisLex Source: QuisLex GREENE, New York, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Raymond Corporation will kick off its ninth annual Manufacturing Day event, The Raymond Corporations 2023 Virtual Manufacturing Day, on Oct. 6, 2023. National Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration of the manufacturing industry and organized by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) since 2012. This year is the fourth year Raymonds Manufacturing Day will be an entirely virtual event. This online program, starting Oct. 6 and continuing through Oct. 27, will help teachers and students learn more about future careers in modern manufacturing. Students from schools across the globe will have the opportunity to learn about building skills for the future through a virtual manufacturing facility tour, highlights of industry technology and discussions with Raymonds associates and leadership team. Were excited to shine a light on the incredible advancements happening in the material handling industry and hope to ignite curiosity and passion in the next generation of innovators, said Tony Topencik, vice president of operations, quality, environmental health and safety at The Raymond Corporation. Its crucial to recognize that there will always be a demand for skilled workers who play essential roles in keeping our supply chains running smoothly. Were dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can thrive and make their mark in shaping the future of manufacturing. For over 100 years, Raymond has been a leader in manufacturing, engineering and the material handling industry and is recognized for its leadership and innovation through various awards over the years, including: Forbes Best Midsize Employer, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Manufacturing Leadership Award, 2021, 2022 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award, 2018, 2022 Plant Engineering Product of the Year Award, 2020, 2023 Raymonds commitment to innovation and nurturing the next generation of leaders in manufacturing helps ensure that they have the tools and resources required to make a positive impact on the supply chain, said Randy Wolken, president and CEO at Manufacturers Association of Central New York. We are proud to be part of their journey as they continue to drive progress and shape the future of this dynamic industry right here in the heart of New York state. Individuals interested in joining the virtual celebration can find more information below. What: The Raymond Corporation will host its ninth annual Manufacturing Day event. The month-long event, kicking off Oct. 6, will be a self-guided, interactive exploration of The Raymond Corporation, including: A virtual factory tour, in which students can explore Raymonds manufacturing floor. Associate testimonials from Raymonds headquarters in Greene, New York, covering its apprentice program, co-op program, and various departments on its manufacturing floor. A technician spotlight which will showcase two Raymond Solutions and Support Centers from across the United States. Industry technology showcasing the future of manufacturing. The Raymond Corporation will host its ninth annual Manufacturing Day event. The month-long event, kicking off Oct. 6, will be a self-guided, interactive exploration of The Raymond Corporation, including: When: Starting Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at 8 a.m. This is not a live event, and participants are free to join at their convenience through Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at 5 p.m. The experience is expected to take approximately one hour to complete. Starting Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at 8 a.m. This is not a live event, and participants are free to join at their convenience through Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at 5 p.m. The experience is expected to take approximately one hour to complete. Where: www.raymondcorp.com/ManufacturingDayRegistration www.raymondcorp.com/ManufacturingDayRegistration Who: This virtual event is open to all middle and high school students globally via teacher registration. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions. This virtual event is open to all middle and high school students globally via teacher registration. Please email if you have any questions. Interview Subjects: Steve VanNostrand, executive vice president at The Raymond Corporation, and Tony Topencik, vice president of operations, quality, environmental health and safety at The Raymond Corporation. For more information or to locate an authorized Raymond Solutions and Support Center, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call 800-235-7200. About The Raymond CorporationThe Raymond Corporation, a Toyota Industries Company, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for 100 years, Raymonds integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on. For more information, visit raymondcorp.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. About The National Associated of Manufacturers (NAM)The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.77 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. #### Raymond and Swing-Reach are U.S. trademarks of The Raymond Corporation. 2023 The Raymond Corporation. All rights reserved. Adriene Aubuchon The Raymond Corporation 573-569-2621 [email protected] Source: The Raymond Corporation WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman participated in multiple events and panels at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations 52nd Annual Legislative Conference to discuss how the SBA and Biden-Harris Administration are promoting equity across the small business landscape and supporting Black entrepreneurs. Before the start of the conference, Administrator Guzman joined Axios reporter Eugene Scott for a fireside chat to unpack the unique challenges facing minority-owned small businesses, highlight how the SBA is prioritizing equity across SBA programs, and discuss outreach to Black communities to increase awareness of SBA opportunities. Last Thursday, Administrator Guzman participated in a Procurement Forum where she further discussed how the SBA has significantly increased opportunities for Black-owned small businesses in government contracting and is on track to meet the Biden-Harris Administrations goal of 15% of prime government contracts going to small disadvantaged businesses by 2025. Later in the day, she joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (NV-04) at a press conference to announce that the SBA has achieved record lending rates to Black-owned small businesses under the Biden-Harris Administration. Since 2020, the number of loans, total loan dollars, and overall share of loans going to Black-owned businesses have all more than doubled since 2020. On Friday, Administrator Guzman joined Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) for a panel to discuss the small business impacts of the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action. During the panel, she discussed how the Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dept of Ag. court case has impacted the SBAs 8(a) business development program and what guidance the SBA is offering 8(a) participant firms in light of a recent injunction. For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Rebecca Galanti at [email protected]. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. Christine Saah Nazer U.S. Small Business Administration 202-756-0304 [email protected] Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Massachusetts-based specialist adds to New England region expertise BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Risk Strategies, a leading national specialty insurance brokerage and risk management firm, today announced it has acquired Strategic Benefit Solutions, Inc. (SBENS), a retail employee benefits insurance agency. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Located northwest of Boston in Burlington, Massachusetts, SBENS was founded in 2008 by Cheryl Ray, Carol Renzi and Pam Frechette. The three previously worked together for almost 20 years at premier national brokerage and consulting firms. The agencys sole focus is helping clients with all facets of employee benefits and plan design while proactively helping to manage healthcare risk. The complexity of todays employee benefits environment requires deep expertise to ensure clients can meet their objectives, said John Greenbaum, National Employee Benefits Practice Leader, Risk Strategies. The team at Strategic Benefit Solutions brings exactly the kind of extensive knowledge that our clients expect. Were excited to welcome them to the Risk Strategies family. SBENS works with companies across a wide range of industries from software and pharmaceuticals to medical supplies and higher education tackling today's healthcare challenges by developing cost management strategies that effectively balance costs and benefits. Were excited to have found a way to connect our capabilities with a national-scale partner who truly understands the necessity of specialty knowledge, said Cheryl Ray, President, Strategic Benefit Solutions. As part of Risk Strategies and its national Employee Benefits practice, we can build on our success while adding even more capabilities that benefit our clients. In addition to plan strategy and design, SBENS also helps clients with plan renewal analysis, negotiation, marketing, vendor and plan management and ongoing plan services such as enrollment implementation, employee communications and education, prevention initiatives and federal and state compliance. To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit www.riskstrategies.com. About Risk Strategies Risk Strategies is the 9th largest privately held US brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management advice, insurance and reinsurance placement for property & casualty, employee benefits, private client services, as well as consulting services and financial & wealth solutions. With more than 30 specialty practices, Risk Strategies serves commercial companies, nonprofits, public entities, and individuals, and has access to all major insurance markets. Risk Strategies has over 100 offices including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Grand Cayman, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. RiskStrategies.com. Media Contact Kelly Youngs Assistant Account Executive 817-781-2359 [email protected] Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey defiantly pushed back against federal corruption charges on Monday, saying nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities found in his home was from his personal savings, not from bribes, and was on hand for emergencies. Rejecting rising calls for him to resign, he said he believed that hed be cleared. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be the New Jerseys senior senator, Menendez said at Hudson County Community Colleges campus in Union City, where he grew up. He did not respond to questions and did not address whether he will seek reelection next year. Addressing allegations in the indictment unsealed Friday that authorities found cash stuffed in envelopes and clothing at his home, Menendez said that stemmed from his parents fear of confiscation of funds from their time in Cuba. This may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account based on the income that I have lawfully derived over those 30 years, he said. He also addressed his relationship with Egypt, which plays a central role in the indictment against him, suggesting hes been tough on the country over its detention of Americans and other human rights abuses. If you look at my actions related to Egypt during the period described in this indictment and throughout my whole career, my record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable, he said. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. He did not directly address those allegations Monday. The states Democratic leadership, including Gov. Phil Murphy, the state party chairmen and leaders of the Legislature, along with some of Menendezs congressional colleagues, are calling on him to resign In Washington, however, where his party holds a bare Senate majority, some of Menendezs Democratic colleagues have stopped short of urging him to give up his seat, notably Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, and Majority Whip Dick Durbin, of Illinois. Menendez did, however, step down as required as the influential chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Schumer said on Friday, when the indictment was unsealed. If he seeks reelection, Menendez will face at least one challenger in a primary next year after Democratic Rep. Andy Kim announced over the weekend that he will run for the Senate because of the charges against the states senior senator. Menendezs reelection campaign could face significant hurdles besides the criminal indictment, the second one he has faced in eight years, in light of opposition from state party leaders. If the Democratic Party abandons Menendez, he could lose a potent benefit of party support: the so-called party line, or preferred ballot placement in the primary, widely regarded as a significant booster to incumbents and those with establishment backing. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing in the federal case against him, his wife and three of their business associates. In an emailed statement last week, he accused prosecutors of misrepresenting the normal work of a congressional office and said he will not allow his work in the Senate to be distracted by baseless allegations. A lawyer for his wife said she denies any criminal conduct and will vigorously contest these charges in court. He and his wife, Nadine Menendez, are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold and a luxury car from a trio of New Jersey businessmen for a variety of corrupt acts. The indictment said Menendez used his clout to interfere in three criminal cases, pressured U.S. agriculture regulators to protect an associates business interests, and used his position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee to influence U.S. policy on Egypt. Federal agents who searched his home in 2022 found more than $480,000 in cash stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets and a safe, and gold bars worth more than $100,000, prosecutors said. Another $70,000 was discovered inside his wifes safety deposit box, they said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PHOENIX, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TILT Holdings Inc. (TILT" or the Company) (NEO: TILT ) (OTCQB: TLLTF), a global provider of cannabis business solutions that include inhalation technologies, cultivation, manufacturing, processing, brand development and retail, today announced that Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Conder will transition to permanent CEO, effective as of today. Mr. Conder has been a member of TILTs Board of Directors (Board) since October 2019, served as the Companys President and Chief Operating Officer from July 2019 until November 2020, and has served as Interim CEO since April 2023. The Company also announced Art Smuck has been appointed Chair of the Board, succeeding John Barravecchia, who will continue to serve as Board Member and Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Smuck brings extensive experience with large cannabis brands and complex distribution operations to his new role. Tim has been instrumental in bringing financial discipline to TILT, and since being appointed Interim CEO, we believe he has already made significant headway in strengthening the Companys operations and financial position, said TILT Board Chair, Art Smuck. This includes implementing cost-cutting measures across the organization and making strategic shifts to the Companys business model and approach to brand partnerships. The Board has every confidence in Tims leadership and ability to continue executing the Companys refined business strategy and build a foundation for profitable growth in 2024 and beyond. Mr. Conder brings 15 years of experience operating innovative, high-performing teams in the technology, logistics and supply-chain sectors. Prior to TILT, Mr. Conder co-founded Blackbird Logistics, a technology and logistics provider in the cannabis space, in 2015, and most recently served as the President of the Blackbird business unit and Chief Technology Officer at HERBL, Inc., a distributor and supply chain provider for cannabis. I am excited to continue leading TILT on a permanent basis and have been impressed with the teams commitment to our strategic goals and refined plan, said Tim Conder, CEO of TILT. I look forward to working more closely with the Board and leveraging my experience both within and outside of the cannabis sector to return TILT to growth and profitability as we seek to drive value creation for all of our stakeholders. About TILT TILT helps cannabis businesses build brands. Through a portfolio of companies providing technology, hardware, cultivation and production, TILT services brands and cannabis retailers across 39 states in the U.S., as well as Canada, Israel, South America and the European Union. TILTs core businesses include Jupiter Research LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary and leader in the vaporization segment focused on hardware design, research, development and manufacturing; and cannabis operations, Commonwealth Alternative Care, Inc. in Massachusetts, Standard Farms LLC in Pennsylvania, and Standard Farms Ohio, LLC in Ohio. TILT is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.tiltholdings.com. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information and statements (together, forward-looking information) under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws which are based on current expectations. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about TILT managements current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information may include, without limitation TILTs beliefs about working through this permanent leadership transition, the ability to continue executing TILTs refined business strategy and build a foundation for profitable growth in 2024 and beyond, the opinions or beliefs of management, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies, and outlook of TILT, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments, the future operations, strengths and strategy of TILT. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, "will", budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, seeks, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are based upon certain material factors, assumptions and analyses that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including TILTs experience and perceptions of historical trends, the ability of TILT to maximize shareholder value, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. Although such statements are based on managements reasonable assumptions at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that it will be completed on the terms described above and that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. TILT assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to risks and uncertainties, and there are a variety of risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of TILT, and that may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, those described under the heading Item 1A Risk Factors in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 , Item 1A Risk Factors in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, Item 1A Risk Factors in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and other subsequent reports filed by TILT with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on www.sec.gov and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. SAN DIEGO , Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TrustFour, the first TLS control plane, announced today the results of its first semi-annual reports of Transport Security Layer (TLS) boundary configuration compliance for the Fortune 500. In its report titled, State of TLS Boundary Compliance Report, TrustFour uncovered several trends that make up the seven deadly sins of TLS configuration non-compliance against the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52 R2 standard. NIST 800-52 R2 is the de facto configuration standard that is used by regulators to audit TLS implementation compliance in the finance, utilities, government and healthcare industries, among many others. TLS configuration is a mission-critical aspect of reducing the attack surface for any organization, ensuring data-in-transit data integrity and privacy. Frankly we were surprised by several of our findings, when we scanned Fortune 500s domains and sub-domains North-South boundary against the NIST 800-52R standard, said Robert Levine, CEO of TrustFour, Inc. After scanning more than 115,000 domains and sub-domains, we were surprised at the number and types of vulnerabilities. The good news is that these are issues that can mainly be addressed quickly and will significantly lower the organizations threat profiles. We will scan the Fortune 500 twice a year and provide the public with the results. The Research and FindingsTrustFours State of TLS Boundary Compliance Report, analyzed the security and compliance of nearly 120,000 domains across Fortune 500 companies. Inspecting those domains showed a median of 56 subdomains and an average of 1.6 servers per subdomain. TrustFours research found 12.5% of those servers still accept connections using TLS 1.0 and 1.1. The IETF deprecated these protocol versions in March 2021, in response to significant security vulnerabilities. NIST defines standards to guide proper implementation of TLS, including acceptable versions, ciphersuites, key lengths and handshake details. Less than 1% of all Fortune 500 servers are presently NIST compliant, exposing companies to data privacy risk, data integrity vulnerabilities, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Keep in mind, these are the most protected domains on the planet. The biggest risk factors included the use of old versions of TLS, old cipher suites, and incorrect or under configured TLS extensions designed to address known vulnerabilities. The good news is 80% of the Fortune 500 can achieve NIST compliance with just 7 straight forward configuration changes. TrustFour offers a free service that helps organizations visualize and prioritize configuration changes and boost TLS compliance in just minutes. Simply scan your domains, generate the report, and see your domains compliance score at https://www.tlscompliance.com/. The Seven Deadly Sins of TLS Non-Compliance Old versions of TLS: 12% of the servers scanned are still running TLS V1.0 and V1.1 which should be disabled due to be deprecated by the IETF. Old cipher suites 63% of the servers scanned still supported old cipher suites that should be disabled. Most often, CBC cipher suites were enabled. Certificate Status Request 44% of the servers scanned do not support the ability to send a signed certificate status within the TLS handshake, shunting full OCSP pressure on the Certificate Authority. Encrypt-then-Mac 29% of the servers scanned are configured to perform a MAC then encrypt which has been the subject of security vulnerabilities. Extended Master Secret 8% of the servers scanned are not configured properly to prevent a man-in-the-middle attack. Server Name Indication 6% of the servers scanned dont support this feature which can cause the server to give the wrong certificate for a given connection. Supported Points 4% of the servers scanned wont accept cert/chain or ephemeral keys that use compression causing the server to consume cycles rejecting connections. The Fortune 500 were scanned using TrustFours recently released Amundsen, a part of TrustFours TLS Control Plane that provides detection, control and protection. As the most advanced tool for monitoring external transport security layer TLS connection compliance, TrustFours Amundsen gives businesses unmatched actionable intelligence to fortify their defenses and safeguard their most valuable assets. TrustFour Amundsen leverages its patented technology, for the first time allowing businesses to scan and monitor an organizations North-South boundary against the NIST 800-52R standard, the de facto configuration standard that is used by regulators to audit TLS implementation compliance in the finance, utilities, government and healthcare industries, among many others. As the most widely used security protocol, when configured correctly, TLS provides effective privacy and data integrity for communications. Amundsen examines an organizations domains and sub-domains, providing a detailed weekly report of the enterprise boundary that includes specific recommendations for helping businesses maintain compliance, ensuring that TLS is configured optimally, significantly increasing data integrity and privacy. The State of TLS Boundary Compliance Report is available for free at https://trustfour.com/white-papers. About TrustFour, Inc.Founded in 2022, TrustFour is the first TLS Control Plane, enabling organizations to effectively monitor and manage their transport security layer implementation. By enabling organizations to detect, control and protect their transport security layer implementations, TrustFour helps organizations ensure data integrity and privacy in todays dynamic, interconnected digital landscape. For more information, please visit www.trustfour.com. Media-Only Contact: Ed SchauwekerAVID Public Relations for TrustFour, Inc.[email protected]+1 (703) 963-5238 Source: TrustFour VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERSES AI Inc. (CBOE: VERS) (OTCQX: VRSSF) ("VERSES'' or the "Company), a cognitive computing company specializing in the next generation of artificial intelligence, announces the first of three webinars in the series, The Future of AI Governance, hosted by Dentons US. The first webinar in the series will take place on Thursday, September 28th at 10AM PST / 1PM EST / 7PM CET. To register for the event or to access the "The Future of AI Global Governance and its companion piece Executive Summary visit: www.verses.ai/ai-governance. The Future of AI Governance webinar series marks a step forward in sharing the conclusions of the AI industry report, which offers its perspective on global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and combines the legal expertise of a global law firm, Dentons, the AI acumen of VERSES and guidance on socio-technical standards from the Spatial Web Foundation. The Company believes that socio-technical standards could set the stage for enabling compliant, explainable and auditable behavior of smart devices and systems. We are thrilled to collaborate with VERSES and the Spatial Web Foundation on this webinar series. We hope this platform provides a new way of thinking about AI regulation and policy insights for key stakeholders as they wrestle with the right path forward on AI regulation, said Peter Stockburger, Partner at Dentons US LLP. Part one of the three-part webinar series, Policy, will be moderated by Eric Tanenblatt, Global Chair of Public Policy and Regulation for Dentons. Speakers will include George Percivall, Distinguished Engineering Fellow and Vice-Chair of IEEE Standards Working Group for the Spatial Web; Gabriel Rene, CEO and Founder of VERSES and Philippe Sayegh, Chief Adoption Officer for VERSES. The report proposes an international rating system for autonomous intelligent systems in an attempt to curb a potential blind spot in regulatory efforts which are focused more on the commercial activities of AI developers than the underlying mechanisms of AI systems. The primary goal of the report is to provide governments, regulators and legislators with a pragmatic tool and framework that informs a roadmap for future policymaking and compliance. We must address the challenge of governing potentially self-regulating AI to ensure alignment with human values and prevent likely risks. We believe that implementing global socio-technical standards and establishing an international AI regulatory sandbox will help industry participants in harnessing the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential perils," stated VERSES CEO, Gabriel Rene. Speakers: Gabriel Rene, VERSES CEO & Founder Gabriel Rene has more than 30-year experience specializing in advanced emerging technology. He is the CEO and Founder of VERSES and is the author of an International Bestseller "The Spatial Web - How Web 3.0 Connects Humans, Machines, and AI to Transform the World." Gabriel also serves as the Global Executive Director of the Spatial Web Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical deployment of emerging technologies like AI, IoT and Robotics. Gabriel serves as chair of the IEEE Standards Association Spatial Web Protocol, Architecture and Governance Working Group which hosts more than 100 international members from various governmental, Global 1000 and non profit organizations working towards standards for the interoperability, explainability and governance of AI and autonomous systems. As contributor to several scientific papers on artificial intelligence explainability and multi-agent ecosystems and co-author of The Future of Global AI Governance an AI industry report in partnership with Dentons, a global law firm, Gabriel is an influencer in the emerging technology community. Among his work he has developed enterprise and consumer software and services solutions with multinational organizations and government agencies such as the United Nations, European Commission, Verizon, Sony, Intel, Microsoft, Yahoo, Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, Universal and AT&T. Philippe Sayegh, VERSES, Chief Adoption Officer As Chief Adoption Officer at VERSES, Philippe Sayegh has the responsibility for formulating the Companys overall adoption strategy as well as ensuring that its execution remains consistent with the brand identity and goals of VERSES and each of its subsidiaries. The adoption process covers awareness, acquisition and advocacy by the VERSES ecosystem. Philippe has been part of VERSES's executive team for the last four years. He is a tech entrepreneur, an investor and has two decades of operational executive experience for B2B-focussed tech companies in areas as diverse as CRM, DRM, identity and access management, e-commerce and AI. Peter Stockburger, Managing Partner, Dentons Peter Stockburger is the office managing partner of Dentons San Diego office, a member of the firms Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies group, and co-lead of the firms autonomous vehicle practice. Peter partners with emerging and established clients around the globe to strategize about how they can best leverage data and talent to grow, operate, and protect their business. With a focus on data privacy and security, Peter works with clients of all sizes and maturity to build and shore up their privacy and security programs, deploy technology, enhance compliance and stakeholder confidence, take new products to market, work through data governance and retention challenges, navigate workplace disputes, and harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. George Percivall, Spatial Web Foundation George Percivall is a Distinguished Engineering Fellow with the Spatial Web Foundation. As a CTO and Chief Engineer he led engineering of cyber-physical and information systems for NASA, NSF, Hughes Aircraft, and General Motors. He has led development of open standards in IEEE, ISO, and OGC, and is a member of the Apache Software Foundation. He has a BS in engineering physics and an MSEE in control systems from the University of Illinois. About VERSES VERSES is a cognitive computing company specializing in next-generation Artificial Intelligence. Modeled after natural systems and the design principles of the human brain and the human experience, VERSES flagship offering, GIA, is an Intelligent Assistant for everyone powered by KOSM, a network operating system enabling distributed intelligence. Built on open standards, KOSM transforms disparate data into knowledge models that foster trustworthy collaboration between humans, machines, and AI, across digital and physical domains. Imagine a smarter world that elevates human potential through innovations inspired by nature. Learn more at VERSES, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Dentons Dentons is designed to be different. As the world's largest global law firm with 21,000 professionals in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries, Dentons can help you grow, protect, operate and finance your business. Dentons polycentric and purpose-driven approach, together with its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and ESG, ensures they challenge the status quo to stay focused on what matters most to you. About the Spatial Web Foundation The Spatial Web Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and ethical use of technology, specifically in the creation and implementation of the Spatial Web protocol. The foundation's core initiatives include developing open standards and protocols, promoting interoperability, and educating the public and policymakers. The Spatial Web Foundation supports transparency and accountability in the development and use of technology, promotes responsible innovation, engages in dialogue and collaboration with various stakeholders and adopts a proactive approach to addressing emerging ethical challenges. Ultimately, the Spatial Web Foundation seeks to create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable internet that empowers individuals and communities to connect, create and thrive. On Behalf of the Company Eric Holder, Director of Communications, VERSES AI Inc., [email protected] Investor Relations Inquiries Leo Karabela, President, Focus Communications, [email protected], 416-543-3120 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Although VERSES believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because VERSES can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include: the fact that Dentons US will host a three series webinar on The Future of AI Governance"; the number of webinars in the series, and the content of the webinars; who will moderate and speak at part one of the three-series webinar; the Company's belief that socio-technical standards could set the stage for enabling compliant, explainable and auditable behavior of smart devices and systems; and that implementing global socio-technical standards and establishing an international AI regulatory sandbox will help industry participants in harnessing the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential perils. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the webinars will take place as anticipated, that the number and content of the webinars will align with managements current expectations, that socio-technical standards for AI will assist in enabling compliant, explainable and auditable behavior of smart devices and systems and that implementing global socio-technical standards and establishing an international AI regulatory sandbox will have the expected benefits for industry participants. 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. There are a number of important factors that could cause VERSES' actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, without limitation, that the webinars will fail to take place, that Dentons US or the other participants involved in the webinars will experience technology disruptions, that the number or content of the webinars in the series will differ from managements current expectations, unanticipated costs, that the development and implementation of socio-technical standards and an international AI regulatory sandbox will fail to result in the expected benefits. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of its securities or its financial or operating results (as applicable). The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Source: VERSES AI Inc. New data from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has revealed that a growing number of financial and credit institutions are working with businesses in the cannabis sector. Americas state-legal cannabis industry has had limited access to banking and financial services for most of its existence because marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I product at the federal level. Unable to access bank accounts or use cashless payment services, cannabis businesses across the country had no choice but to operate on a 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 Investing.com -- Alibaba has announced that it plans to list its Cainiao logistics division on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, signaling a major advancement in a massive shakeup of the Chinese e-commerce giant's operations. In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Alibaba said it had submitted an application to spin off its Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, although the terms of the move have yet to be finalized. Following the separation, Alibaba, which currently owns 69.54% of shares in Cainiao, would retain a more than 50% stake in the firm. Founded by Alibaba in 2013, Cainiao has become a key logistics provider in China that caters to both its parent company and other third-party groups. A spin-off of Cainiao aims to raise between $1 billion to $2 billion, according to Reuters. Earlier this year, Alibaba proposed a sweeping overhaul that would break its sprawling empire into six business units, with most of these eventually aiming to go public or explore capital raises to help fund growth. Cainiao is the first of these divisions to formally file for an initial public offering. In May, Alibaba signed off on a process to start external financing for its international digital commerce arm. The conglomerate also said that its Freshippo grocery concern would begin its own IPO process, while its cloud computing division would list in the next year. Following the announcement, U.S.-listed shares in Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) pared back some losses but remained lower in U.S. premarket trading. Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. ("ArcStone") proudly announces its trailblazing support and participation at the upcoming Benzinga event from September 27 to 28 in Chicago. This year's highlight will be the world's inaugural panel focusing on the 3rd wave of drug reform and the surrounding ecosystem, from coca leaf nutraceuticals and CPG products to testing and narcotic laboratory investments. This timely and pivotal discussion, moderated by ArcStone's CEO, Michael Astone, a seasoned investment banker, discusses the evolving global scene, numerous global drug reform initiatives, and the recent IPO of Safe Supply Streaming (CSE:SPLY) debut on the CSE exchange. Benzinga's events consistently assemble a unique mix of investors, dealmakers, companies, and advisors keen on identifying emerging trends. Leaders in the cannabis sphere, including Canopy Growth, Tilray, Sundial, and Aurora Cannabis, will be in attendance, emphasizing the event's significance. Michael Astone, known for his influence in the cannabis, psychedelic, and growth industries, will engage in an illuminating discussion with industry frontrunners: Bill Panagiotakopoulos, David Craig, and Geoff Benic. This conversation will shed light on investment avenues in this sector, highlighting opportunities and pathways reminiscent of the cannabis industry's nascent phase in 2013. At ArcStone, the focus extends beyond financial dealings. Here, entrepreneurial dreams find their tangible forms. Reflecting on past market dynamics, Michael reiterated the capital surge around Canadian cannabis legalization in 2013, followed by the rise of the psychedelic market by 2019. Michael accentuated the ongoing addiction and overdose dilemma is a global crisis, applauding policy reforms in places like British Columbia, Switzerland, and Oregon for recent advancements in policy. He also acknowledged Harbour's ventures with major brands, emphasizing the coca plant's potential health advantages and the new products being formulated as the war on sugar and aspartame are now leading consumers while major brands are looking for alternative ingredient options. Stakeholders, enthusiasts, and industry leaders are warmly invited to be part of this conversation: ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. - www.arcstoneglobalsecurities.com Safe Supply - www.safesupply.com Harbour Solutions - www.harboursolution.com This panel, a first of its kind, is backed by visionary investors, executives, and key figures from Canada and the USA, all rallying for a sector poised to revolutionize global health and wellness. Join us at Benzinga where conversations shape tomorrow's industry. About ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. ArcStone Securities and Investments Corp. is recognized as a hands-on, entrepreneurial North-South financial firm, delving into diversified and specialized sectors. With a team heralding from prominent financial institutions across Canada and the USA, ArcStone offers unmatched strategic guidance in diverse markets and access to capital. With offices in Canada and the US, we are well equipped to advise companies globally. Learn more at www.arcstoneglobalsecurities.com. Press Inquiries: Michael L. Astone, CPA, CA - Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] Jack J. Bensimon, LL.M. - Managing Director Email: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181929 Presentation on Tuesday, October 3rd at 1:30 PM PT Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSXV: DMI) (OTCQB: DMIFF) (FSE: DC3A), ("Diamcor" or, the "Company") a Canadian diamond mining Company with a well-established operational and production history supplying gem quality rough diamonds to the world market, announced today that it will be presenting at the 16th annual Main Event on Tuesday, October 3rd at 1:30 PM PT at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Dean Taylor, CEO, will be giving the presentation. The Company will be available for 1 x 1 meetings during the conference. "We know what this event means to our industry and how much people enjoy attending. Thanks to the leaders at our parent company, Freedom, who fully align with our vision, we continue to provide a conference that is much more than meetings and presentations-we're building the foundation for the coming decades as the one event in small-cap that no one can afford to miss. I am honored to host our close friends and allies for our "Sweet Sixteen" installment of the Main Event," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD Micro. "I am pleased to be attending the LD Micro Main Event and appreciate the opportunity to share Diamcor's value proposition during the presentation with an overview of the milestones achieved to date and near-term objectives at our Krone-Endora at Venetia Project," stated Mr. Dean Taylor, Diamcor's CEO. "I look forward to meeting shareholders, investors and interested parties at both the scheduled 1x1 meetings as well as conversations surrounding the conference events." Event: LD Micro Main Event XVI Date: Tuesday, October 3rd Time: 1:30 PM PT Register to watch the virtual presentation here. Summary of LD Micro Main Event XVI The 2023 LD Micro Main Event XVI will run from October 3rd to the 5th at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles. Presentations will run from 8:00 AM PT - 5:00 PM PT on the 3rd and 4th, with a half day on Thursday the 5th. This three-day event will feature around 200 companies, presenting in half-hour increments, and attending private meetings with investors. About Diamcor Mining Inc Diamcor is a visionary Canadian diamond mining company with a proven track record in the mining, exploration and sale of rough diamonds to the world market. The Company's primary focus is on the mining and development of its Krone-Endora at Venetia Project which is located adjacent to De Beers' Venetia mine, one of the most prolific and largest diamond mines in the world. The Company's one-of-a-kind opportunity is centered on the recovery of displaced high-grade diamond-bearing material (~50M tons) from Venetia and deposited to the lower surrounding areas in the direction of Krone and Endora. The company has generated and re-invested $38M in revenues to date. With the recent power system upgrades to ensure power autonomy the Company is uniquely positioned to capitalize on projected shortages in rough diamond supply. The Company has a strong commitment to social responsibility, including supporting local communities and protecting the environment. About LD Micro LD Micro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Freedom US Markets, was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the micro-cap space. Through the LD Micro Index and annual investor conferences, LD has served as an invaluable asset to all those interested in discovering the next generation of great companies. For more information on LD Micro, visit www.ldmicro.com. To present or register, please contact [email protected]. To learn more about Freedom US Markets, visit www.freedomusmkts.com For further information on Diamcor Mining Inc: Diamcor Mining Inc Rich Matthews +16043557179 [email protected] www.diamcormining.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181878 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") announces assay results extending uranium mineralization for 200 metres to the southwest on the Tatiggaq zone at 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*. Forum has received assay results from a second drill hole on the Tatiggaq zone, located five kilometres west of Orano's 93 million pound Andrew Lake and End uranium deposits (Figure1). HIGHLIGHTS TAT23-003 intersects high-grade uranium mineralization in a 200 m step out from TAT23-001/002 (see news release dated September 12, 2023) TAT23-003 (West Zone) intersects 0.40% U3O8 over 12.8 m (136.0 - 148.8 m) including 1.10% U3O8 over 0.8 m (136.0 - 136.8 m) including 1.08% U3O8 over 1.3 m (143.8 - 145.1 m) Entire mineralized zone is 0.28% U3O8 over 24.6 m (129.5 - 154.1 m) in what is interpreted as multiple uranium lenses within a wide fault zone. Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Forum's VP, Exploration stated, "Forum's latest Tatiggaq drill result 200 metres southwest of our first hole of the program shows the significant strike length and uranium mineralization potential of the Tatiggaq deposit. The main takeaway from this hole is the widths and grades intersected at the West zone demonstrate continuity along strike. The mineralization is open along strike to both the southwest and northeast towards Tatiggaq Main. Our drilling continues to demonstrate that the Tatiggaq area could host a major basement-hosted unconformity deposit." Tatiggaq Figure 1 shows the main east-northeast structures (Thelon and Judge Sissons faults) as well as the numerous, sub-parallel subsidiary east-northeast structures interpreted to control uranium mineralization on Orano's and Forum's property. Figure 2 is a plan map of the Tatiggaq gravity anomaly and drill area. TAT23-003 was designed to target the Tatiggaq West zone to infill and extend the mineralization identified from the widely spaced historical drill holes. This hole confirmed the presence of steep-dipping, high-grade sub-parallel uranium lenses present over 200 m along trend of the Tatiggaq Main mineralization. The full intercept has a significant thickness of 24.6 metres. This single test hole requires additional drilling to the northwest and southeast to fully determine the full extent of the uranium mineralization. TAT23-003 (West Zone) intersected 0.40% U3O8 over 12.8 m (136.0 - 148.8 m) including: 1.10% U3O8 over 0.8 m (136.0 - 136.8 m), and 1.08% U3O8 over 1.3 m (143.8 - 145.1 m) Figure 3 shows drill core from the TAT23-003 mineralized section. The uranium mineralization is present along steep-dipping fracture and breccia zones in distinct high-grade lenses and is hosted within alternating reduced gray sulphide-altered zones and oxidized hematite-altered zones. Tatiggaq Interpretation Mineralization within the Tatiggaq deposit consists of two zones - the Main and West Zones and is located at depths between 80 and 180 m. The mineralization is hosted in a series of high-grade subparallel, steep, south-dipping fault zones that sit within a 50 m wide area. Individual high-grade mineralized structures are up to 10 m in width. The strike extent of the Main Zone is at least 60 m but is open to the northeast and the West Zone is now 150 m in strike length and is open to the southwest. Further delineation is required between the two zones to determine if they are connected. In addition, 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 of the main Tatiggaq trend. Table 1 and Table 2 show the drill and assay data respectively. Table 1 2023 Drill Hole Data. UTM collar coordinates are in datum WGS84 Zn 14N. Hole ID Target Easting Northing Depth Dip/Azimuth TAT23-001 Tattigaq 548919 7135454 234 -75 / 310 TAT23-002 Tattigaq 548919 7135454 176 -72 / 325 TAT23-003 Tattigaq West 548757 7135335 206 -64 / 310 TAT23-004 Tattigaq West 548817 7135349 210 -64 / 310 NED23-001 Ned 555480 7146319 165 -80 / 310 Table 2 - U3O8 assay results for TUR23-003 using a 0.01% cutoff. Hole ID U3O8_% Interval_m From_m To_m Entire Interval TAT23-003 0.28 24.6 129.5 154.1 Subdivided Into Lenses 0.36 2.3 129.5 131.8 waste interval 2.0 131.8 133.8 0.11 1.2 133.8 135.0 waste interval 1.0 135.0 136.0 0.40 12.8 136.0 148.8 including 1.10 0.8 136.0 136.8 including 1.08 1.3 143.8 145.1 waste interval 1.4 148.8 150.2 0.16 3.9 150.2 154.1 including 1.04 0.1 152.9 153.0 *Source: Areva Resources Canada Inc., The Kiggavik Project, Project Proposal, November 2008 and Kiggavik Popular Summary, April, 2012 submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Geochemical analysis was conducted at the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Systematic 10 cm split (basement) and 10 m chip composite samples (sandstone) were analysed using ICP-MS Exploration Package for sandstone and basement rocks (ICP-MS1 and 2). Assay samples were analysed using the ICP-OES package (ICP1) with the addition of the U3O8 wt% assay analysis. Mineralized samples were split into half core samples ranging from 10 to 50 cm in thickness except shoulder regions were locally up to 90 cm and all samples were grouped based on similar radioactivity using a hand-held scintillometer. Duplicates were taken every 20 m and were within acceptable limits for field rock samples. Rebecca Hunter, PhD., P.Geo., Forum's Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. 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/4908/181870_136b331ee4133838_003full.jpg Figure 2 The Tatiggaq gravity anomaly showing the location of the Tatiggaq West and Main zones, historical drilling and the 2023 drill holes. Several of the historical drill holes have anomalous uranium values that require follow-up drilling. Inset Map: close-up of 2023 drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/181870_136b331ee4133838_004full.jpg Figure 3 TAT23-003 drill core from the mineralized section (135.3 to 155.9 m). Scintillometer readings are written on the core boxes in counts per second and were measured using a digital, hand-held CT-007M scintillometer by Environmental Instruments Canada Inc. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/181870_136b331ee4133838_005full.jpg About Forum Energy Metals Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on uranium exploration in Canada. Forum holds interests in 76,421 hectares in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and 95,519 hectares in the Thelon Basin, Nunavut, a geologic analogue to the Athabasca for high grade, unconformity-related uranium deposits. In addition, Forum holds a strategic portfolio of energy metal projects - copper, nickel, PGM, zinc and cobalt in Saskatchewan and Idaho. 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 [email protected] Tel: 604-630-1585 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181870 Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - KoinBX, a trusted and fast-growing crypto exchange, proudly marks its 4th anniversary as a trailblazing platform that continues to reshape the financial landscape through innovation, trust, and empowerment. KoinBX Marks its 4thYear Anniversary To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8717/181831_koin1en.jpg Since its inception four years ago, KoinBX has been on a remarkable journey, evolving from a promising startup to a trusted and globally recognized crypto exchange. Throughout this journey, the company's unwavering commitment to security, transparency, and user-centricity has set it apart in the ever-evolving crypto space. During these four years, KoinBX has achieved significant milestones that reflect its commitment to excellence: Diverse Crypto Portfolio: Diversified crypto portfolio boasting over 120+ carefully selected crypto assets including renowned Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins to promising altcoins. Diversified crypto portfolio boasting over 120+ carefully selected crypto assets including renowned Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins to promising altcoins. Robust Security Measures: KoinBX has continuously invested in state-of-the-art security protocols to safeguard users' assets and information, earning trust through transparency and reliability. KoinBX has continuously invested in state-of-the-art security protocols to safeguard users' assets and information, earning trust through transparency and reliability. 24/7 Customer Support: A dedicated team is available around the clock to assist users with any questions, concerns, or assistance they may need. They ensure that help is just a message or call away, fulfilling users' needs. A dedicated team is available around the clock to assist users with any questions, concerns, or assistance they may need. They ensure that help is just a message or call away, fulfilling users' needs. Active Community: KoinBX's 1.5 million+ user community has grown into a vibrant ecosystem where members collaborate, share insights, and collectively shape the future of finance. Empowering Financial Future KoinBX has always believed in the transformative power of digital assets and blockchain technology. Its mission, from day one, has been to empower individuals from all walks of life to explore and benefit from the world of cryptos. Over the past four years, KoinBX has succeeded in fostering a diverse and vibrant community of users, including seasoned traders, newcomers, and tech enthusiasts. As KoinBX celebrates its 4th anniversary, the company remains firmly committed to its vision of democratizing access to financial opportunities. The road ahead is filled with exciting developments, including advanced features, partnerships, and enhanced security measures designed to elevate the user experience and broaden the horizons of financial possibilities. On the occasion, expressing his gratitude, Saravanan Pandian, Founder and CEO of KoinBX, says, "Four years of KoinBX signifies not just our journey but the collective journey of our users, who have trusted us to be their gateway to the world of digital finance." Utkarsh Tiwari, CSO at KoinBX, radiated excitement for the path ahead, stating, "We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing our mission of empowerment and innovation." Brian Kuttikat, COO of KoinBX, reinforced their unwavering commitment, affirming, "We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and user experience as we embark on this exciting fifth year." About KoinBX KoinBX is a trusted crypto exchange that empowers individuals to explore, invest, and thrive in the world of digital assets. With a relentless commitment to transparency, user-centricity, and a passion for blockchain technology, KoinBX has become a reliable platform for crypto trading and investment. KoinBX invites its users and the crypto community to celebrate this momentous occasion and looks forward to many more years of innovation and success in the dynamic world of cryptos. For more information, please visit: https://koinbx.com/. Social Media: X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/koinbx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koinbx/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/koinbx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoinBX/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KoinBX Telegram: https://t.me/koinbx_discussion Contact Details: Saravanan Pandian Founder & CEO at KoinBX To list a crypto, please send your details to [email protected]. For partnership inquiries, please send your details to [email protected]. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181831 NICE Rapid is a leading provider of precision manufacturing, injection moulding, and rapid tooling solutions. New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - NICE Rapid, a distinguished leader in the realm of precision engineering and rapid tooling solutions, proudly announces the expansion of its service portfolio with the introduction of state-of-the-art silicone moulding services. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, NICE Rapid is poised to revolutionize the industry with its versatile silicone moulding offerings, including Compression Moulding and Liquid Silicone Rubber Moulding. NICE Rapid Expands Service: Cutting-Edge Silicone Moulding Services in Precision Engineering To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/181919_eca5e442c46bdb4f_001full.jpg Silicone moulding has emerged as a pivotal technology in manufacturing, offering unmatched versatility and precision in producing a wide array of products, from medical devices and automotive components to consumer electronics and industrial equipment. NICE Rapid's foray into this domain signifies a significant milestone in the company's mission to provide comprehensive, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for compression moulding, silicone moulding, and rapid tooling. NICE Rapid's silicone moulding services encompass a range of capabilities, each designed to meet the unique needs and specifications of diverse industries. Assembling a fully experienced engineering team with an extensive background in silicone moulding, the business ensures that every project benefits from expert guidance, meticulous planning, and a keen focus on precision. Hence, clients can expect responsive communication, transparent project management, and a commitment to meeting deadlines. Moreover, quality is paramount at NICE Rapid. The company takes immense pride in producing high-quality components and products, all of which are ISO certified. This certification underscores NICE Rapid's dedication to delivering the very best to its customers. NICE Rapid's Liquid Silicone Rubber Moulding services are adaptable to a wide range of applications. Whether it's producing intricate medical components or durable industrial parts, NICE Rapid's capabilities can accommodate the most demanding requirements. NICE Rapid is excited to leverage its expertise to deliver exceptional silicone moulding solutions that will empower clients to achieve their manufacturing goals with precision and reliability. NICE Rapid's dedication to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction has positioned the company as a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable and cost-effective moulding solutions. As industries continue to evolve, NICE Rapid remains committed to staying at the cutting edge of technological advancements. For more information, please visit https://www.nicerapid.com/. About NICE Rapid NICE Rapid is a leading provider of precision engineering and rapid tooling solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries globally. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, NICE Rapid offers a comprehensive suite of services, including injection moulding, silicone moulding, and rapid tooling. The company's experienced engineering team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Contact Info: Name: Steven Zhang Email: [email protected] Organization: Nice Rapid Tooling Manufacturing Limited Address: No. 26, Haotou Ave, Torch Development Zone, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, 528451, China Phone: +86 760 8996 7810 Website: https://www.nicerapid.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181919 Hunter Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and another attorney Tuesday, saying the two wrongly accessed and shared his personal data after obtaining it from the owner of a Delaware computer repair shop. The lawsuit was the latest in a new strategy by Hunter Biden to strike back against Republican allies of Donald Trump, who have traded and passed around his private data including purported emails and embarrassing images in their effort to discredit his father, President Joe Biden. The suit accuses Giuliani and attorney Robert Costello of spending years hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over the data that was taken or stolen from Bidens devices or storage, leading to the total annihilation of Bidens digital privacy. The suit filed in California also claims Bidens data was manipulated, altered and damaged before it was sent to Giuliani and Costello, and has been further altered since then. Accessing, opening and sharing it broke laws against computer hacking, the suit argues. It seeks unspecified damages and a court order to return the data and make no more copies. Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, said it was false to claim Giuliani manipulated the laptop hard drive, but he was not surprised considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing. Costello used to represent Giuliani, but recently filed a lawsuit against the former New York City mayor, saying he did not pay more than $1.3 million in legal bills. Costello declined to comment. In February, he told The Associated Press that a letter from Hunter Bidens lawyers that requested a Justice Department investigation of him and others related to the laptop was a frivolous legal document that reeks of desperation because they know judgment day is coming for the Bidens. Tuesdays lawsuit marks the latest turn in the long-running laptop saga, which began with a New York Post story in October 2020 that detailed some of the emails it says were found on the device related to Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings. It was swiftly seized on by Trump as a campaign issue during the presidential election that year. Biden doesnt explicitly acknowledge that the laptop left at the computer shop was his, but says at least some of the data was on his iPhone or backed up to iCloud. A Justice Department special counsel is separately pursuing an investigation into Hunter Bidens taxes, and filed firearm purchase and possession charges against him after a previous plea deal on tax and gun charges imploded. He plans to plead not guilty to the gun counts, according to court records. House Republicans, meanwhile, have continued to investigate every aspect of Hunter Bidens business dealings and sought to tie them to his father, the president, as part of an impeachment inquiry. A hearing on Thursday is expected to detail some of their claims anew. Hunter Biden, meanwhile, after remaining silent as the images are splayed across the country, has changed his tactic, and his allies have signaled theres more to come. Over the past few months, hes also sued a former aide to Trump over his alleged role in publishing emails and embarrassing images, and filed a lawsuit against the IRS saying his personal data was wrongly shared by two agents who testified as whistleblowers as part of a probe by House Republicans into his business dealings. Biden has also pushed for an investigation into Giuliani and Costello, along with the Wilmington computer repair shop owner, who has said Hunter Biden dropped a laptop off at his store in April 2019 and never returned to pick it up. Giuliani provided the information to a reporter at the New York Post, which first wrote about the laptop, Bidens attorney said in a letter pushing for a federal investigation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - Richmond Minerals Inc. (TSXV: RMD) ("Richmond Minerals" or the "Company") announces that the slate of director nominees described in the management information circular of the Company dated August 11, 2023 (the "Circular"), did not obtain requisite shareholder support at its recent annual and special meeting of shareholders held on September 25, 2023 ("Meeting"), and an alternative slate of directors was elected. The directors elected include current president, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Franz Kozich-Koschitzky, together with the new directors, Messrs. David Ellis, Peter Lukesch, Thomas Unterweissacher, and Philip Chong. Biographies of the new directors are set out below: David Ellis, a shareholder and newly appointed director of the Company stated "we hope this action will help us unlock undiscovered value for Richmond Minerals. The new directors are comprised of several experienced individuals who have successfully led a number of other publicly-traded companies. While no two companies are identical, we are excited for this next chapter of Richmond Minerals. We thank the outgoing directors for their service and wish them luck in their future endeavours." David Ellis, Toronto, Ontario David Ellis has worked in junior mining for over 30 years providing investor relations for Triorigin, Conquest Resources, Canadian Zinc, Southwestern Resources, Kombat Copper, Harte Gold, Cogitore, and Wallbridge Mining. He worked with Harge Gold for eight years and was involved in the financing, development and construction of the Sugar Zone mine in White River Ontario. Most recently he walked as a consultant to Aurora Statagies Group advising on the takeover of Noront by Whloo Metals. Peter Lukesch, Pissouri, Cyprus Peter Lukesch has been an investor and advisor for more than forty years in various industries, predominately the raw materials as well as online education and other sustainable industries serving on the boards of privately and publicly owned companies in Canada, the United States and Europe. Most recently he has managed his family`s holding company Mr. Lukesch holds a doctorate in business and economic sciences from the Economic University in Vienna, Austria. Thomas Unterweissacher, Austria Thomas Unterweissacher is the founder and CEO of GEO Unterweissacher GmbH, a European consultant geology firm. He has provided geological and mineral exploration services to a number of private and listed entities for 10 years+. Thomas is an exploration professional with significant experience in lithium, base and precious metals. During his career he intensively worked on vein type gold, magnesite and copper mineralization systems especially within the Eastern Alps. Thomas Unterweissacher is one the leading experts for historical mining in Austria. He holds a doctorate in Applied Geosciences from Montanuniversitt Leoben and is entitled as European Geologist (EurGeol). Philip Chong, Toronto, Ontario. Philip Chong is a business entrepreneur with more than 33 years of international business experience in various industries, including financial investment, property development, manufacturing, clean energy, internet, life science and food industry. He spent the first 10 years of his career in the banking industry in both Hong Kong and Toronto with responsibilities in project finance, corporate finance, trade finance, M&A and investment banking. He has served on several public and private company boards. The vote tallies for the directors elected are set forth below: Name Votes for % For Franz Kozich-Koschitzky 34,826,530 99.5% David Ellis 23,822,351 67.6% Peter Lukesch 23,822,351 67.6% Thomas Unterweissacher 23,822,351 67.6% Philip Chong 23,822,351 67.6% Other Meeting Business Approved Richmond Minerals also announces that except as described above, all other business described in the Circular, was approved by the shareholders present, including the consolidation of the existing common shares of the Company on a one (1) for five (5) basis, with 95.8% of the votes at the Meeting in favour. Appointment of New Officers The Company also announces that following the initial meeting of the new board of directors, David Ellis has been appointed as President, and Philp Chong has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. About Richmond Minerals Richmond Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company listed on the Toronto Venture Stock Exchange (TSXV: RMD) which has been actively engaged since the early 1980's in exploration projects located in Ontario and Austria. For information, please contact: David Ellis, Director (416) 603-2114 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: This news release may contain forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, Richmond's objectives, goals or future plans. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; the ability of Richmond to raise funds; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments, and those risks set out in Richmond's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although Richmond 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. Richmond 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181941 Flemington, New Jersey--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - VDO.AI, a leader in the AdTech industry, unveils Dexter, a game-changing creative feature poised to redefine brand engagement by harnessing the power of innovative Generative AI algorithms. Recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of consumer expectations, VDO.AI introduces Dexter, a new tool designed to change how brands connect with their audiences. Dexter is a testament to the fusion of creativity and technology. It leverages the capabilities of Generative AI algorithms to empower brands with the ability to craft deeply personalized, contextually relevant, and visually stunning content. By understanding individual user preferences, Dexter ensures that brands can deliver messages that resonate deeply, fostering authentic connections. Moreover, this avant-garde technology streamlines content creation, enabling brands to deliver the right message at precisely the right moment. Key Features of Dexter: Personalization Perfected: Dexter analyzes user data to create bespoke content that speaks directly to individual preferences, thereby boosting user engagement and retention. Contextual Brilliance: Understanding the context of user interactions, Dexter ensures that brands provide timely and relatable content, forging more profound connections. Visual Mastery: Dexter elevates visual elements, creating attention-grabbing and memorable content that lingers in the minds of the audience. User-Friendly Integration: Dexter effortlessly integrates into existing marketing strategies, making it accessible and adaptable for brands of all sizes. The launch of Dexter represents a significant milestone in VDO.AI's relentless pursuit of innovation in the digital advertising arena. Brands that embrace Dexter can anticipate heightened user engagement, increased conversion rates, and strengthened brand loyalty. Amitt Sharma, CEO and Founder of VDO.AI, shared his excitement about Dexter: "We find ourselves on the verge of a groundbreaking era in brand-consumer interaction. Dexter empowers us to establish dynamic connections with our audiences, converting passive observers into engaged participants. This achievement signifies a pivotal milestone in amplifying customer engagement and loyalty, as it allows us to harness the interactive potential that AI offers-a facet that brands have yet to fully explore." Amitt Sharma CEO and Founder of VDO.AI To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8700/181778_amittsharmaphotopr.jpg "We are thrilled to introduce Dexter to the market. In a landscape where user engagement is king, Dexter empowers brands to create authentic, impactful connections. This innovation is set to reshape the very foundations of digital advertising," added Arjit Sachdeva, Co-Founder, VDO.AI. Arjit Sachdeva, Co-Founder, VDO.AI To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8700/181778_arjitsachdevaphotopr.jpg Dexter is now available, offering forward-thinking brands an opportunity to elevate their brand engagement strategies. It unlocks endless avenues for brands to explore novel approaches, fostering innovation that resonates on multiple levels of engagement. About VDO.AI: VDO.AI is a trailblazing digital advertising technology company committed to redefining brand engagement. With a strong focus on cutting-edge AI and data-driven solutions, VDO.AI enables brands to connect with their audience in profoundly meaningful ways, resulting in increased engagement and ROI. Media Contact: Mehak Chawla [email protected] Lead - Strategic Marketing To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181778 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY) ("West High Yield" or the "Company") today announced that it has changed its auditors from KPMG LLP (the "Former Auditor") to MNP LLP (the "Successor Auditor"). The Former Auditor resigned as the Company's auditor. The board of directors of the Company appointed the Successor Auditor as the new auditor effective September 21, 2023, until the close of the Company's next annual general meeting of shareholders. There were no reservations in the Former Auditor's audit reports for any financial period during which the Former Auditor was the Company's auditor. There are no "reportable events" (as the term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102")) between the Company and the Former Auditor. In accordance with NI 51-102, the Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been reviewed by the Company's audit committee and are filed on SEDAR+ accordingly. "We are delighted to welcome MNP as our new auditor. Their substantial expertise in the mining industry, coupled with their global network, make them an ideal fit for both our current operation goals and our future strategic objectives," said the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Frank Marasco Jr. About West High Yield West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to develop its Record Ridge magnesium, silica, and nickel deposit using green processing techniques to minimize waste and CO 2 emissions. The Company's Record Ridge magnesium deposit located 10 kilometers southwest of Rossland, British Columbia has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. in accordance with NI 43-101. Contact Information: WEST HIGH YIELD (W.H.Y.) RESOURCES LTD. Frank Marasco Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (403) 660-3488 Email: [email protected] Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary Telephone: (403) 829-2246 Email: [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. 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 OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181942 Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. With her new song, Elaha Soroor reinterprets the historical battle cry style of music and dance in Afghanistan into a contemporary anthem championing womens rights and human rights. In an act of profound musical and activist expression, celebrated Hazara artist, Elaha Soroor, unveils her latest song and music video, Attan Hazaragi. This release emerges as a voice against the systemic oppression encountered by the people of Afghanistan, particularly women, and exemplifies the strength and unity of collaborative artistry. Two years after the Talibans ban on education for girls beyond sixth grade in Afghanistan, their blatant infringement on female rights continues to reverberate across the globe. Afghanistan remains a stark realm of gender disparities in education, leaving more than a million girls bereft of their rights to knowledge and learning. This prevailing predicament fuels the essence and urgency of Soroors musical creation. Championing womens rights in Afghanistan Inspired by the traditional Attan, Attan Hazaragi reinterprets the historical battle cry style of music and dance in Afghanistan into a contemporary anthem championing womens rights and human rights. As a Hazara woman, Soroors rendition stands as a poignant testament to the indomitable and defiant spirit of women of Aamidst pervasive violence and prejudice. Soroors innovative narrative goes beyond being a musical piece. It is a collaborative declaration echoing the resilience and unyielding spirit of Hazara women and the people of Afghanistan. The collaboration brings together a confluence of talented individuals, fostering a profound sense of unity and camaraderie. The unity we experienced during the creation of this song and video is what we hope to inspire globally, explains Soroor. Collaborative visual arts installation with a political and social narrative The music video, directed by Heja Rahiminia, mirrors the resilience of the Hazara people, capturing evocative glimpses of their everyday life, their unwavering determination, and spirit. Contributing their talents, Najiba Nooris compelling photographs, and Lesly Avendanos enchanting choreography and dance embellish the visual narrative. The collaboration includes acclaimed artists, including renowned poet Aziz Fayaz and distinguished musicians Kaveh Bahrami, Mahan Mirarab, Yahya Alkhansa, Sarathy Korwar, Niloufar Shiri, Al MacSween, and Lee Francis. 2023 U.N General Assembly advocates for womens fundamental rights This initiative is not merely an artistic exploration. It is a resonant message of hope, unity, and resilience amid the prevailing shadows over Afghanistan, reflecting the enduring luminosity of its peoples spirit. The relentless challenges and restrictions faced by girls in Afghanistan since the closure of secondary schools have acted as a catalyst for global dialogues and condemnations. This years U.N. General Assembly in New York placed the rights of women and children of Afghanistan at the forefront of its agenda, echoing Soroors resonate anthem of defiance and hope. In a world marred by division, Attan Hazaragi emerges as a beacon, reflecting what can be achieved when diverse visions unite for a shared cause. The unity and collaboration experienced during the creation of this song and video are the embodiment of global inspiration that Soroor and her collaborators aim to evoke, challenging the systemic impositions faced by the women of Afghanistan. As the global community converges on platforms like the United Nations to deliberate on the state of womens and childrens rights in Afghanistan, Soroors Attan Hazarag" resounds as a musical epitome of resistance, a harmonious plea for unity, and a reminder of the resilient spirit of Afghanistan, especially its women. About Elaha Soroor: Elaha Soroor is an acclaimed Hazara artist celebrated for her emotive voice and compelling compositions. With her latest release, Attan Hazaragi, Soroor continues to be a beacon of hope and resilience for the people of Afghanistan, leveraging her musical prowess to champion human rights and womens rights. Supported by: Good Chance Theatre & Diaspora Arts Connection. VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TkiTtKsKjE Contact Info: Name: Shayan Ravandoust Email: Send Email Organization: Diaspora Arts Connection Website: https://www.diasporaartsconnection.org Release ID: 89108478 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected]. Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us. Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. The description of Meta Force by Lado Okhotnikov which is a revolutionary DeFi platform for business Since its release, the Meta Force project has raised many questions... until you get to know it better. After that, as a rule, only one question remained: "Why didnt you do it before?" The creators of Meta Force used the blockchain to solve practical business issues, primarily related to teamwork. The developer managed to integrate the network marketing format into the blockchain environment. As a result, a unique functionality was formed, which was highly appreciated by users. Since its release at the end of last year, Meta Force has reached over a million users. What is Meta Force? Meta Force is a decentralized platform for business and communication. It is decentralization that has become the basis of the project ideology. The platform focuses on teamwork of multi-level teams, which work collectively on one project, and each receives a reward based on their personal contributions. Who is Lado Okhotnikov? Founder and CEO of Meta Force is Vladimir aka Lado Okhotnikov. He is Crypto-enthusiast, investor, expert in blockchain and network marketing. Why the decentralization process? For Meta Force, decentralization means transparency and fairness. The platform is based on the Polygon blockchain, internal processes are provided by smart contracts. Smart contracts organize interaction within the team, their terms cannot be changed, including by developers or any third parties. Infrastructure of Meta Force Meta Force includes marketplaces, various DeFi project development apps, and gaming apps. Forcecoin is the platforms native token. Gameplay makes interaction with the platform as comfortable as possible. Future of Meta Force The developers see the future of the platform in the transformation to Metaverse. This means a change to a fundamentally new level of performance with the highest possible remuneration and comfortable conditions. Learn about Meta Force! We are confident that it will open up new perspectives for you. About Us: Meta Force is the flagship of decentralized systems, offering a wide range of products and activities that bring the world of finance and virtual reality together. Contact Info: Name: Vladimir Okhotnikov Email: Send Email Organization: Meta Force Website: https://meta-force.space/ Release ID: 89108444 If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you notify us without delay at [email protected]. Our responsive team will be available round-the-clock to address your concerns within 8 hours and take necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or guide you through the removal process. Ensuring accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission. ATLANTA , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions, today announced the opening of its newest company-operated Aaron's GenNext store in Fort Smith, Arkansas . The new Aaron's store in Fort Smith reflects the latest expansion of the Company's GenNext store initiative, which is transforming the in-store customer experience. The new store is conveniently located on the east side of Fort Smith near Mercy Hospital at 7607 Rogers Avenue . The store will be open Monday Saturday from 10:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. "GenNext stores are an integral part of the Company's strategy to transform Aaron's in communities across the country," said Douglas Lindsay , CEO of The Aaron's Company. "With the opening of every new GenNext store, we continue to receive positive feedback from our customers. We are excited to open our new store in the Fort Smith market and look forward to delivering exceptional value and service to our customers along with a best-in-class shopping experience." Aaron's GenNext stores include larger showrooms and/or re-engineered store layouts, updated signage, expanded product assortment, enhanced technology-enabled shopping and checkout, and an innovative operating model, providing a best-in-class experience for shoppers. The GenNext program includes remodeling existing stores into the updated format as well as opening stores in new locations. So far this year, Aaron's has converted or opened 32 GenNext stores, bringing the total to 243 company-operated GenNext stores since launching the initiative in 2018. About The Aaron's Company, Inc. Headquartered in Atlanta , The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods across its brands: Aaron's, BrandsMart U.S.A., BrandsMart Leasing, and Woodhaven. Aaron's offers a direct-to-consumer lease-to-own solution through its approximately 1,260 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada , as well as its e-commerce platform. BrandsMart U.S.A. is one of the leading appliance retailers in the country with ten retail stores in Florida and Georgia , as well as its e-commerce platform. BrandsMart Leasing offers lease-to-own solutions to customers of BrandsMart U.S.A. Woodhaven is the Company's furniture manufacturing division. For more information, visit investor.aarons.com, aarons.com, and brandsmartusa.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarons-announces-the-opening-of-its-newest-gennext-store-in-fort-smith-arkansas-301938146.html SOURCE The Aarons Company, Inc. Financing co-led by new investors Canaan and Alpha Wave , and with participation by the Global BioAccess Fund and existing investor Novo Holdings COPENHAGEN, Denmark , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Acesion Pharma ('Acesion' or 'the Company'), a biotech company pioneering first-in-class novel therapies for atrial fibrillation ('AF'), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, today announces that it has successfully closed an oversubscribed 45M Series B financing round. The equity financing was co-led by new US-based investors Canaan and Alpha Wave and with participation by the Global BioAccess Fund, as well as existing investor Novo Holdings. The financing will be used to advance the clinical development of AP31969, an SK ion channel inhibitor optimised for chronic oral treatment of AF. Earlier this year, Acesion demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept with AP30663, its first-in-class SK ion channel inhibitor for conversion of AF to normal sinus rhythm. AP31969 will be developed for chronic oral maintenance treatment to prevent AF recurrence. Following the successful Series B financing, Acesion is well capitalised to progress AP31969 into a phase 1 and completion of a phase 2 trial. AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. Existing drug therapies for AF are associated with the risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. With AP31969, Acesion is aiming to develop a safer alternative. In connection with the closing of the financing, the composition of the Acesion board of directors will change to include Tim Shannon , General Partner at Canaan, and Nik Economopoulos , Analyst from Alpha Wave . Jrgen Sberg Petersen, Partner at Novo Holdings, will remain Chairman. Anders Gaarsdal Holst, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Acesion, said, "The high levels of investor interest and demand that we saw during this financing speak to the strong data we have generated, both on the novel mechanism of SK channel inhibition in general and the AP31969 compound specifically. This is a powerful endorsement for our team and the quality of our science. With the financing in hand, we are focused on progressing AP31969 into a phase 1 clinical trial later this year." Tim Shannon , MD, General Partner in Canaan, said, "Acesion is redefining treatment for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. The impressive preclinical data from AP31969 shows great promise and we are delighted to support Acesion in taking AP31969 through to Phase 2 completion." Jrgen Sberg Petersen, MD, PhD, MBA, Partner in Novo Holdings, said, " As the founding and largest shareholder, Novo Holdings remains committed in helping Acesion realise the full potential of AP31969. The preclinical data is encouraging and with this series B financing in place Acesion will be able to progress the development to the important milestone of completing a phase 2 trial and thereby being ready for phase 3 programme." About Acesion Pharma Acesion builds on 20 years of know-how with development of small-molecule SK inhibitors and is the world leader in the field of SK channel inhibition, being the only company able to identify and progress SK channel inhibitors into clinical trials. In pre-clinical studies, inhibiting the SK channels has been shown to result in pronounced antiarrhythmic effects in the atria while avoiding effects on the ventricles, the major chambers of the heart and the source of most safety issues with existing drugs. Furthermore, the SK channel has strong genetic validation, with genes encoding the SK channels having one of the strongest associations to AF in human genome-wide association studies. Acesion's AP30663 IV is a short acting conversion therapy for hospitals that has completed a phase 2 trial proving the value of this first-in-class mechanism in AF and thereby de-risking Acesion's broader SK inhibitor pipeline. Acesion's oral program is designed and engineered using in house knowhow to optimise for, and meet, very high hurdles in both efficacy and particularly safety where existing treatments fall short of patient needs. Acesion Pharma is backed by Novo Holdings A/S, Canaan, Alpha Wave Alpha Wave Ventures, Global BioAccess Fund, Wellcome Trust, Broadview Ventures and FC Capital. https://www.acesionpharma.com/ About Canaan Canaan is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in entrepreneurs with visionary ideas. With $6.8 billion under management, a diversified fund, and hundreds of exits to date, Canaan partners with entrepreneurs building the next generation of technology and healthcare companies that will transform how we live, work, and thrive. To learn more about our people and our portfolio, please visit: www.canaan.com About Alpha Wave Alpha Wave is a global investment company that manages a variety of partnerships that separately focus on three main verticals: private equity (venture and growth), credit, and public markets. It is led by Rick Gerson , Navroz Udwadia , and Ryan Khoury . Alpha Wave has offices in New York , Miami , London , Monaco , Madrid , Abu Dhabi , Tel Aviv , Bangalore , Jakarta , and Sydney . Its flagship global venture and growth fund, Alpha Wave Ventures, aims to invest in best-in-class venture and growth-stage companies and endeavors to be helpful long-term partners to the founders and management teams. For more information, please visit www.alphawaveglobal.com. About the Global BioAccess Fund The Global BioAccess Fund invests in companies developing novel therapeutics and devices to address serious unmet medical needs in oncology, cardiovascular, neurological, and rare diseases. Leveraging the deep life sciences expertise and global reach of its management, scientific advisors, and partners, the Global BioAccess Fund actively supports ventures who are in clinical-stage development, including IND enabling studies and clinical trials. See www.globalbioaccess.com. About Novo Holdings Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seeds, Venture, Growth, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2022, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 108 billion . www.novoholdings.dk About atrial fibrillation (AF) AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia mainly affecting the elderly population. Lifetime risk for development of AF is estimated at more than one in three. It is forecast to affect 25 million people in the US and EU by 2030. AF is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, resulting in an irregular and high heart rate. AF is associated with impaired quality of life, increased rate of hospitalization, and a five-fold increased risk of stroke. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with AF also face a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia. AF is often treated by electrical shock to bring the heart back to its normal rhythm (conversion). This requires general anesthesia in a hospital setting. In addition, many patients are likely to benefit from chronic treatment to prevent AF and maintain normal sinus rhythm. Existing drug therapies for cardioversion or prevention of AF are associated with risk of serious cardiac or other adverse effects, resulting in a great need for safer drugs. Yet, there has been a lack of innovation and development with no new chronic AF drug approved for nearly 20 years. A landmark New England Journal of Medicine published clinical trial (https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2019422) has shown that sinus rhythm maintenance treatment improves survival and long-term outcomes for AF patients. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acesion-pharma-closes-oversubscribed-45m-series-b-financing-round-to-advance-development-of-novel-therapy-for-atrial-fibrillation-301938312.html SOURCE Acesion Pharma --Based on prespecified interim analysis condition, 120 patients are likely to lead sufficient events for interim analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) HANGZHOU and SHAOXING, China , Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, "Ascletis") today announces the completion of enrollment of 120 patients in the Phase III registration clinical trial of ASC40 combined with bevacizumab for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). ASC40 is an oral, selective small molecule inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme which regulates de novo lipogenesis (DNL). ASC40 inhibits energy supply and disturbs membrane phospholipid composition of tumor cells by blocking de novo lipogenesis [1]. The Phase III registration clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05118776) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial in China to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety of patients with rGBM. Approximately 180 patients will be randomized at the ratio of 1:1 to Cohort 1 (oral ASC40 tablet, once daily + Bevacizumab) and Cohort 2 (matching placebo tablet, once daily + Bevacizumab). Based on prespecified interim analysis condition, 120 patients are likely to lead sufficient events for interim analysis of PFS. The interim analysis will be conducted after 93 PFS events are observed. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive diffuse glioma of astrocytic lineage and is considered a grade IV glioma based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification [2]. Research shows that glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for 57% of gliomas and has an incidence rate of approximately 2.85 to 4.56 per 100,000 population in China per year, suggesting approximately 40,000 to 64,000 new cases of GBM per year [3]. In the U.S. , GBM represents 56.6% of gliomas and has an incidence rate of approximately 3.21 per 100,000 population per year [4]. Over 90% GBM patients will relapse after surgery, radiation and chemotherapies. Effective treatments are extremely limited for patients with rGBM. "Lipid metabolism is now recognized as an important pathway in cancer [1]. The pivotal role of FASN in lipid metabolism makes it an attractive target in the clinic research." said Dr. Jinzi J. Wu , Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. "With 120 patients enrolled in the Phase III clinical trial of FASN inhibitor ASC40, we are likely to have sufficient events for the interim analysis of PFS. It's a milestone of the Phase III study and we are looking forward to the results." [1] Fhu CW, Ali A. Fatty Acid Synthase: An Emerging Target in Cancer. Molecules. 2020;25(17):3935. doi:10.3390/molecules25173935 [2] Louis N, Perry A, Reifenberge RG, von Deimling A, Figarella-Branger D, Cavenee WK, et al. The 2016 World Health Organization classification of tumors of the central nervous system: A summary. Acta Neuropathol. 2016;131:80320. [3] 2017 China Cancer Registry Annual Report. [4] Ostrom Q T, Gittleman H, Truitt G, et al. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2011-2015 [J]. Neuro Oncol 2018, 20(suppl_4): iv1-iv86. DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy131. About Ascletis Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has multiple drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (CHB functional cure), ASC40 (acne), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC40 (NASH), ASC41 (NASH) and ASC61 (advanced solid tumors). For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascletis-announces-completion-of-enrollment-of-120-patients-in-the-phase-iii-clinical-trial-of-fasn-inhibitor-asc40-combined-with-bevacizumab-for-treatment-of-recurrent-glioblastoma-301937564.html SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc. Integration of OrboGraph's OrboAnywhere Fraud Module with Bit Builders' NextGen Digital Banking offers a stand-alone platform HOUSTON , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bit Builders Inc., creators of the NextGen Digital Banking platform, today announced its business partnership with OrboGraph, a global leader in check and payment processing automation. The collaboration provides an industry-leading platform financial institutions can leverage to deter check fraud at the paying bank as well the depositary financial institution. Traditional fraud detection methods are often mired in manual processes and fall short due to the ever-evolving tactics of fraud actors. The collaboration of OrboGraph's OrboAnywhere Fraud Module and Bit Builders' NextGen Digital Banking platform results in a turnkey solution that delivers sophisticated, AI-based check fraud detection to financial institutions of all sizes. "Fraudsters are evolving at an unprecedented pace and our partnership with OrboGraph enables us to deliver a game-changing fraud detection solution to our clients." says John Madaras , President & CEO of Bit Builders. "The NextGen Digital Banking platform, with its industry-leading digital experience, provides an ideal user experience for fraud review, and its built-in host and imaging platform integrations facilitates the deployment of the OrbNet Forensic AI technology to financial institutions, regardless of size or operational complexity." Barry Cohen , CEO of OrboGraph added, "We are thrilled to partner with Bit Builders in this transformative journey. By uniting OrboGraph's fraud detection expertise with Bit Builders' exceptional user experience, we are creating a synergy that will reshape how many banks combat fraud. Our shared vision is to empower financial institutions to stay ahead of fraudsters and provide the best security measures for their customers." Delivering a Turnkey Fraud Detection Solution Bank fraud personnel use NextGen's industry-leading digital platform to review suspect items identified by OrboGraph's Anywhere Fraud transaction and image forensic detection algorithms. personnel use NextGen's industry-leading digital platform to review suspect items identified by OrboGraph's Anywhere transaction and image forensic detection algorithms. Bit Builders' NextGen Digital Banking platform, with its extensive array of integration connectors, is highly adaptive to the financial institution's processing environment and can retrieve images directly from the bank's check imaging system via APIs. Banks can provide transaction information through either index files or APIs. NextGen Digital Banking platform, with its extensive array of integration connectors, is highly adaptive to the financial institution's processing environment and can retrieve images directly from the bank's check imaging system via APIs. Banks can provide transaction information through either index files or APIs. Banks can run reports for current and historical fraud analytics. analytics. Banks can generate daily return files in virtually any format to support a smooth, automated handoff for returns processing. Banks can choose from a fully managed cloud-hosted solution or a self-managed on-prem option. Harnessing Image Forensics At the heart of the OrboGraph AI solution are its deep learning models central to OrbNet Forensic AI technology. Known for its state-of-the-art fraud detection and prevention capabilities, OrbNet Forensic AI scrutinizes image payment transactions with detection levels of 95%+ on targeted use cases delivering protection to clients of financial institutions. About Bit Builders Inc. Bit Builders Inc. has been an innovator in financial services software for 25 years. Its NextGen Digital Banking platform provides financial institutions with a secure, scalable digital banking solution with an industry-leading user experience. Bit Builders delivers its cutting-edge solutions in the cloud or on-prem, providing ultimate flexibility to financial institutions. To learn more, please visit www.bitbuilders.com. About OrboGraph OrboGraph LLC. and OrboGraph LTD. (www.orbograph.com) are independent companies within the Thompson Street Capital Partners portfolio. OrboGraph is a premier developer and supplier of recognition solutions, payment negotiability, and check fraud detection for the check processing market. Nearly 4,000 financial institutions, service bureaus, and clearinghouses rely on OrboGraph technology to process billions of checks and payments annually. For more information: Bit Builders Media Relations, (713) 715-4476, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bit-builders-delivers-turnkey-check-fraud-detection-solution-with-orbograph-301936682.html SOURCE Bit Builders, Inc. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS), a leading national homebuilder, today announced that the Company will release its third quarter 2023 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 . A conference call will be held that same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time , 3:00 p.m. Mountain time , to review the Company's third quarter results, discuss recent events and conduct a question-and-answer session. Webcast: The conference call will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at www.centurycommunities.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. To Participate in the Telephone Conference Call: Dial in at least 5 minutes prior to start time Domestic: 1-833-816-1103 International: 1-412-317-0685 Conference Call Playback: Domestic: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 3057791 The playback can be accessed through November 1, 2023 . About Century Communities: Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S. , and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com. Contact Information: Tyler Langton Senior Vice President, Investor Relations 303-268-8345 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/century-communities-sets-date-for-third-quarter-2023-earnings-release-and-conference-call-301939149.html SOURCE Century Communities, Inc. By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2023 - 09:35 | World, All The United States on Monday established diplomatic ties with the Cook Islands and Niue, in a move widely seen as part of efforts to roll back China's expanding influence in a strategically important region. The formal relations were forged as U.S. President Joe Biden hosted a meeting with Pacific islands leaders in Washington to boost cooperation in areas that matter most for them, including infrastructure building and steps to combat climate change and illegal fishing. "The United States is committed to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure," Biden said as he met with them for the second summit with the Pacific Islands Forum. "We're committed to working with all the nations around this table to achieve that goal." Biden said the United States will increase assistance for risk reduction for climate and natural hazards as the Pacific islands states are especially vulnerable to rising sea levels, and invest more in projects to contribute to the improvement of infrastructure and the sustainability of fisheries. For such initiatives, Biden said he will request the U.S. Congress endorse about $200 million in additional funding after Washington last year committed to $810 million in support for the countries. U.S. officials said that one of the main projects is to provide secure undersea cable connectivity for the countries, given that internet connections are still not as reliable as they hope. Biden also said the United States will double the number of academic exchanges for Pacific islands students. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the current chair of the forum, hailed the establishment of diplomatic ties between the United States and his country as well as Niue. Brown described the two acts of diplomatic recognition as "milestones" that serve to "celebrate eras of change and demonstrate that with unshakable resolve and leadership, remarkable achievements are possible." Before concluding the two-day summit through Tuesday, the leaders released a joint statement pledging that they will work together "in genuine partnership, rooted in mutual respect, consistent with the principles of the U.N. Charter, and in the spirit of transparency and accountability." The leaders agreed to hold the next summit between the United States and the 18-member forum, including Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, in 2025, according to the statement. Biden hosted the inaugural summit with the forum's leaders almost a year ago in Washington and unveiled the first-ever U.S. strategy dedicated to the Pacific islands, which warned that "pressure and economic coercion" by China risked undermining the peace and prosperity of the region. Although the United States has been stepping up efforts to curtail increasing Chinese inroads into those countries, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare skipped the second summit. The Solomon Islands, which switched its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 2019, has signaled a tilt toward China and Sogavare's no-show came even though he addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York late last week. "We're disappointed that he has chosen not to come to this very special (summit)," a senior Biden administration official said. The second summit was initially slated for May in Papua New Guinea. At the time, Biden scaled back his travel plans due to a potential debt default back in Washington, returning home after a Group of Seven summit in Japan and passing up a chance to become the first sitting U.S. president to visit Papua New Guinea. -Fast casual concept celebrates grand opening Oct. 4th with free chicken salad for a year- ATLANTA , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick , the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today its third location in the Greater Columbus, Ohio , area with an opening in Grandview Heights . Situated at 1056 Dublin Road in the Grandview Crossing shopping center, Chicken Salad Chick will welcome guests with a convenient drive-thru. The Grandview Heights community is invited to celebrate this grand opening on Wednesday, Oct. 4 . The restaurant opens at 10 a.m. , and the first 100 guests that morning will win free chicken salad for a year. During grand opening week, Grandview Crossing guests can expect to experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with specials and giveaways that include: Wednesday, Oct. 4 Free Chicken Salad for a Year to the first 100 Guests The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year. The next 99 guests in line receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year.* Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. Thursday, Oct. 5 The first 50 guests to purchase a Quick Chick at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Small Chicken Salad Chick Cooler .** The first 50 guests to purchase a Quick Chick at or receive a free Small .** Friday, Oct. 6 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio (or something of equal or greater value) at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler.** The first 50 guests to purchase a (or something of equal or greater value) at or receive a free Chicken Salad Chick RTIC Tumbler.** Saturday, Oct. 7 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio (or something of equal or greater value) at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. receive a free Chicken Salad Chick Wooden Cutting Board .** Chicken Salad Chick made its Ohio and Columbus -area debut in 2019 when local franchise owner Jen Crichfield blazed the trail in the Westerville -Polaris area. A company-owned location opened the following year in Hamilton Quarter , and now the brand is expanding once again in the market. This is the seventh Chick overall for Ohio , with additional restaurants in Anderson Township, Mason, Western Hills- Cincinnati and Oakley-Cincinnati. "It's been just four short years since our made-from-scratch chicken salad favorites were introduced to Ohio , and we are thrilled to be growing once again in Columbus ," said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick . " Grandview Crossing is a conveniently located development that fits perfectly with our desire to provide fresh, healthy fare and gracious hospitality to guests dining in our restaurant or on the go. We can't wait to open our doors and welcome in our new neighbors like old friends." Chicken Salad Chick enjoys giving back to important causes throughout the year, raising funds to help cure cancer and supporting local food charities in its restaurant communities. With the Grandview Crossing opening, the Chick will be supporting Neighborhood Services, Inc. (NSI) Food Pantry as part of its pre-opening Friends & Family events. The NSI Food Pantry responds to the ill effects of poverty in Central Ohio by providing food and material assistance to persons in need. Chicken Salad Chick in Grandview Crossing will be open Monday Saturday from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com . Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and trends. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickColumbusOHGrandviewCrossing/. *Guests should arrive early to secure a place in line. The first 100 guests must remain in line and download the Craving Credits app. Wi-Fi will not be available on site. Once the restaurant opens, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of greater value and enter a code in the Craving Credits app to officially secure their spot. If you leave the line for any reason, your spot will be awarded to the next guest in line. Guests will receive their first free Large Quick Chick electronically to their app the Monday following Grand Opening Day. **Must download the CSC App and be 16 years or older to purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Limit 1 reward per guest present." About Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama , by Stacy and Kevin Brown , in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 240 restaurants in 17 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2023 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the third consecutive year, Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2023, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019, 2020 and 2022, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Nicole Hunnicutt Fish Consulting 404-558-4108 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicken-salad-chick-brings-third-restaurant-to-columbus-ohio-with-opening-in-grandview-heights-301938747.html RIO DE JANEIRO , Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FIDES Rio 2023, the largest insurance conference in Latin America , was attended by former British prime minister Tony Blair on its opening morning, on September 25 . The event, organized by Brazil's National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg), will run until tomorrow, September 26 , bringing together insurance industry leaders from more than 40 countries, including representatives of Latin America and countries such as the United States , Spain , Sweden , Bulgaria and Afghanistan . The theme of FIDES Rio 2023 is "Insurance for a more sustainable world." The conference is exploring a variety of subjects, including environmental issues and cybersecurity. In addition to Tony Blair , prominent international speakers such as Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman are also taking part in the event. During the conference's opening session, FIDES president Rodrigo Bedoya addressed challenges such as the low adoption of insurance in Latin America and the importance of financial education. He also highlighted the importance of sustainability and the need to adjust insurance coverage in light of climate change. The president of CNseg, Dyogo Oliveira, emphasized the importance of insurance as an instrument for social development and highlighted challenges such as the low use of insurance in Latin America and the need for financial education on insurance in the region. The opening session of the FIDES conference on Monday morning also featured the mayor of Rio de Janeiro , Eduardo Paes , who stressed the importance of the insurance sector in terms of strengthening the country's institutions. The state governor of Rio, Claudio Castro, described the insurance sector as a crucial economic indicator and emphasized its role in economic stability and job creation. The president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco , underlined the industry's strategic importance for Brazil's development. Federal Supreme Court Justice Luis Roberto Barroso highlighted the insurance sector's vital role in tackling national priorities, such as the fight against poverty, sustainable development, investments in education and environmental issues. FIDES Rio continued in the afternoon, with simultaneous panel discussions on a variety of topics, including climate change, digital transformation, and inclusion and diversity. Information for the press Hill+Knowlton Strategies Flavia Freitas | + 55 21 97502-7998 Paula Siqueira | + 55 11 96570-4346 Gisele Gomes | + 55 11 99103-0946 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnseg-representatives-of-more-than-40-countries-meet-in-rio-de-janeiro-to-discuss-the-future-of-insurance-301938154.html SOURCE National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg) Offers Capabilities for Co-Creating Prestige, Cutting-Edge Formulas to Get Brands to Market Quickly and Efficiently OMAHA, Neb. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Introducing Cohere Beauty a premier full-service partner bringing prestige beauty and personal care brands to life through formula incubation and manufacturing processes. Born from the strategic merger of four leading manufacturers Marianna Beauty, Arizona Natural Resources, HealthSpecialty Inc., and Contract Filling Inc. Cohere Beauty is a newly unified entity with an expanded range of capabilities poised to co-develop, co-create, and produce quality and cutting-edge formulas to get to market quickly and efficiently. "We are the only strategic manufacturing partner and formula incubator that thinks and innovates like a beauty brand." "With the evolution of the beauty industry and disruptive new brands driving change, it's not enough to simply meet our customers' expectations we must consistently exceed them," said Christine Staples, CEO of Cohere Beauty. "Cohere Beauty is the brand behind the brands. We are the only strategic manufacturing partner and formula incubator that thinks and innovates like a beauty brand. The company collaborates with its customers to seamlessly bring their product to life as they envisioned while setting them apart in the industry." The Unique Cohere Beauty Formula Cohere Beauty has perfected a unique formula of competencies and innovation to be a trusted partner for enabling beauty brands to create a beautiful world while reducing time, money, and post-production risk: Cohere Beauty Innovation Collaborative - Cohere Beauty's Research & Development (R&D) team includes degreed chemists and engineers experienced in trend watching, product research, complex product formulation, technology transfer, formula cost reduction, and replicating established formulas. With 180 years of collective R&D experience and a portfolio of 10,000+ formulas, the R&D team participates in every formulation stage, leveraging its regulatory expertise, quality systems, and processes. - Cohere Beauty's Research & Development (R&D) team includes degreed chemists and engineers experienced in trend watching, product research, complex product formulation, technology transfer, formula cost reduction, and replicating established formulas. With 180 years of collective R&D experience and a portfolio of 10,000+ formulas, the R&D team participates in every formulation stage, leveraging its regulatory expertise, quality systems, and processes. Manufacturing Versatility for Brand Needs - With four production facilities and 30 production lines, Cohere Beauty offers customized solutions for brands with the opportunity to scale and grow as your business builds. The company can produce liquid, powder, and hot pour products in a variety of batch sizes and order quantities. More than just a manufacturer, its services include quality control, pack out, and shipping. The team at Cohere Beauty ensures that products are produced safely and ethically to bring the best brands to market efficiently. With four production facilities and 30 production lines, Cohere Beauty offers customized solutions for brands with the opportunity to scale and grow as your business builds. The company can produce liquid, powder, and hot pour products in a variety of batch sizes and order quantities. More than just a manufacturer, its services include quality control, pack out, and shipping. The team at Cohere Beauty ensures that products are produced safely and ethically to bring the best brands to market efficiently. Trusted Partner Building Customer-Centric Solutions - Invested from concept to commercialization, Cohere Beauty is a trusted strategic partner collaborating with its brand partners to create customized solutions and realize their business goals and visions. At the Cohere Beauty Salon , the company's internal testing laboratory, the company works with its clients to build brand profiles, clarify design requirements, and provide expert insight for product refinement. - Invested from concept to commercialization, Cohere Beauty is a trusted strategic partner collaborating with its brand partners to create customized solutions and realize their business goals and visions. At the , the company's internal testing laboratory, the company works with its clients to build brand profiles, clarify design requirements, and provide expert insight for product refinement. Ensures Quality and Engages Expertise - Cohere Beauty's facilities have institutional knowledge and expertise unique to hair care, skincare, personal care, and fragrance products, to help its customers with launches that meet the highest regulatory, quality, and market standards. Cohere Beauty has comprehensive regulatory expertise to support their brands to comply with the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA), uniquely setting the company apart from other manufacturing partners. Staples added: "Cohere Beauty is committed to giving our customers a beautiful experience by filling each bottle with our unique blend of heritage, innovation, unity, and passion, so we can help build impactful brands and make their dreams come true." About Cohere Beauty Cohere Beauty is the brand behind the brand, a premier manufacturing partner and formula incubator for beauty, personal care, hair care, and specialty brands. Helping customers build brands from concept to commercialization, Cohere Beauty provides seamless access to product formulation, manufacturing, regulatory, quality, and packaging expertise to deliver products to market quickly and efficiently. With four manufacturing locations, Cohere Beauty has the unique ability to produce and fill all liquid products and its capability to fill powder and hot pours distinguishes the company from other manufacturers. Cohere Beauty manufactures products for some of the world's most well-known and fastest-growing brands. Customers include Fortune 500 companies, department stores, health specialty stores, hotels, spas, and more. To learn more, please visit https://coherebeauty.com/ . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cohere-beauty-debuts-as-a-manufacturing-partner-and-formula-incubator-for-beauty-and-personal-care-301939179.html SOURCE Cohere Beauty Colorado Medicaid plan selects market-leading measurement-based care platform to support providers in measuring treatment effectiveness, leading to improved member outcomes and reduced costs. AURORA, Colo. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Owl , a behavioral health technology company, today announced that Colorado Access , the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in Colorado , has selected Owl to help providers deliver more effective and efficient treatment. As behavioral health needs continue to rise, access to effective and affordable care is a top priority. The partnership between Owl and Colorado Access is poised to address this challenge by integrating measurement-based care into the health plan's offerings. Through Owl's platform, select providers in the Colorado Access network can easily deploy clinical measures to patients, allowing them to report their symptoms prior to appointments. Providers can use the results to review treatment effectiveness and use the information to adjust treatment, thereby providing more effective and efficient care. The patient-reported data also enables providers to determine the optimal level and duration of treatment, which opens more appointments to increase patient access. "With Owl, our members are more engaged in their behavioral health outcomesproven to lead to dramatic savings across the healthcare spectrum," said Dana Pepper , vice president of performance and network services at Colorado Access. "We'll also create a strong alignment and collaboration with our behavioral healthcare providers, giving them the confidence that their treatment plans are effective and supported by tangible results." A recent measurement-based care impact study analyzed client spend, utilization, and outcomes from a provider group in the Colorado Access network that uses Owl for measurement-based care. The results demonstrated that consistent use of Owl has a clinical impact on adverse events while reducing cost, including: 75% reduction in psychiatric inpatient admits 63% reduction in emergency room visits 28% per member per month savings An estimated annual savings of $25M for Colorado Access "Owl is excited to join forces with Colorado Access to elevate behavioral health services across the state," said Eric Meier , chief executive officer of Owl. "We applaud Colorado Access' commitment to bringing measurement-based care to their providers. Our partnership will help the growing number of people who need behavioral health services get better, faster." The partnership between Owl and Colorado Access marks a significant step forward in using measurement-based care to align providers and payers on behavioral health outcomes data. Together, they are paving the way in demonstrating the value of behavioral health treatments, thus becoming the basis for value-based care. About Owl Owl's measurement-based care platform goes beyond measuring outcomes. Rich, actionable data helps behavioral health organizations increase access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and lower costall while using existing clinical resources. Leading organizations, including Aurora Mental Health & Recovery, Recovery Centers of America, and Ascension Health rely on Owl to expand access to care, improve clinical outcomes, and prepare for value-based care. Get better data, better insights, and better outcomes with Owl. Learn more at owl.health . About Colorado Access As the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, Colorado Access is a nonprofit organization that works beyond just navigating health services. The company focuses on meeting members' unique needs by partnering with providers and community organizations to provide better personalized care through measurable results. Their broad and deep view of regional and local systems allows them to stay focused on members' care while collaborating on measurable and economically sustainable systems that serve them better. Learn more at coaccess.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/colorado-access-selects-owl-to-advance-quality-and-reduce-costs-in-behavioral-healthcare-301939180.html SOURCE Owl WASHINGTON , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced that it will webcast its quarterly earnings conference call for the third quarter 2023 on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET and lasting approximately 1 hour. During the call, the company will discuss its financial performance, as well as future expectations. The call and an accompanying slide presentation will be webcast on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website, www.danaher.com, under the subheading "Events & Presentations." A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation and will remain available until the next quarterly earnings call. You can access the conference call by dialing 800-245-3047, within the U.S. or +1 203-518-9765 outside the U.S. a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. ET and notifying the operator that you are dialing in for Danaher's earnings conference call (Conference ID: DHRQ323). A replay of the conference call will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call until November 8, 2023 . You can access the replay dial-in information on the "Investors" section of Danaher's website under the subheading "Events & Presentations." Danaher's earnings press release, the webcast slides and other related materials will be posted to the "Investors" section of Danaher's website under the subheading "Quarterly Earnings" beginning at 6:00 a.m. ET on the date of the earnings call and will remain available following the call. ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in the demanding and attractive health care, environmental and applied end-markets. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of approximately 81,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System, and its Shared Purpose, Helping Realize Life's Potential. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danaher-schedules-third-quarter-2023-earnings-conference-call-301939437.html SOURCE Danaher Corporation SALT LAKE CITY, Utah , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DiscGenics, Inc., a privately held, late-stage clinical, biopharmaceutical company focused on developing regenerative cell-based therapies that alleviate pain and restore function in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine, today announced that Flagg Flanagan , Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of DiscGenics will present at the following conferences: East-West BioPharma Summit being held October 2-4 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and livestreamed globally. Format Company Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Time: 9:45 AM ET Location: Salon 5-6 at the Boston Marriott Cambridge Organized by BioCentury and BayHelix in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, the East-West BioPharma Summit brings together industry leaders and investors to debate global development strategy, and to network with peers from both the East and West. Virtual attendance is available, which includes access to a recording of DiscGenics' company presentation. For more information, please visit: https://conferences.biocentury.com/east-west-summit. 2023 Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa being held October 10-12 in Carlsbad, California and livestreamed globally. Format Company Presentation Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Time: 9:45 AM PT Location: Ecolab Life Sciences Ballroom at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Organized by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, the Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa is a three-day conference featuring more than 120 dedicated company presentations by leading public and private companies, highlighting technical and clinical achievements over the past 12 months in the areas of cell therapy, gene therapy, gene editing, tissue engineering, and broader regenerative medicine technologies, as well as over 100 panelists and featured speakers. Virtual attendance is available, which includes a livestream of DiscGenics' presentation and the ability to view all conference sessions on-demand. For more information, please visit https://meetingonthemesa.com. About DiscGenics DiscGenics is a privately held, late-stage clinical, biopharmaceutical company developing cell-based regenerative therapies that alleviate pain and restore function in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine. DiscGenics's first product candidate, IDCT (rebonuputemcel), is an allogeneic, injectable discogenic progenitor cell therapy for symptomatic, mild to moderate lumbar disc degeneration. IDCT is a mixture of live Discogenic Cells, which are a manufactured progenitor cell population derived from donated adult human intervertebral disc tissue, and a viscous carrier. IDCT has been granted regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. As the only company in the world to develop an allogeneic cell therapy derived from intervertebral disc cells to treat diseases of the disc, DiscGenics has a unique opportunity to offer a non-surgical, potentially regenerative solution for the treatment of patients suffering from the debilitating effects of back pain. For more information, visit discgenics.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discgenics-ceo-to-present-at-upcoming-industry-conferences-301939157.html SOURCE DiscGenics, Inc. NEW YORK , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report on company engagement1 commissioned by the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute (the Institute), relevance to the company, face-to-face meetings, and a strong shareholder consensus are among the most important elements. Based on a survey conducted by PwC with 100 senior corporate directors and CEOs across six countries and nine sectors2, the report, Constructive corporate engagements: From a corporate perspective uncovers what is needed to drive meaningful change in a company's behavior, strategy and policy. It aims to address the growing need for investors to demonstrate how they exercise their stewardship rights and obligations, and the outcomes such activities deliver. Sudip Hazra , the newly appointed Director of the Institute, said: "Understanding the company and tailoring the engagement to their business is the most important factor for driving positive results. Boards and management need to see that the engagement is thoughtful and compelling." Not all proposals needed to be driven by commercial benefits, the research found: in half (50%) of cases, a company took action because it believed doing so would give rise to a significant stakeholder benefit at limited cost to the company. However, outlining the high costs of inaction is also a key contributor to successful engagements. The quality of the process is the second most important factor, the report found. In over half (51%) of engagements that led to action, shareholders were available for face-to-face meetings, and engaged directly, rather than through proxy advisors. "Writing an investor letter and hoping for the best does not lead to change. Companies want to build meaningful relationships, and they want to know that the people driving the engagement deeply understand the issues. Companies also prefer engagements to be private rather than public, and to be verbal rather than written," Hazra said. The report also underlines the power of collaboration when it comes to effecting change. "Companies tend to look more favourably on proposals that demonstrate collaboration and are backed by a significant number of shareholders. Two thirds (64%) of companies in the survey preferred engagements where shareholders collaborated over those involving a single investor. While investors still need to tick the boxes of good process and high relevance, strong shareholder consensus provides even more weight to the engagement," Hazra said. The report also sheds light on the factors likely to undermine engagement initiatives. "An inability to demonstrate value or show an understanding of the business, a lack of resources within the company, and a confrontational process are the most common reasons for engagements to fail," Hazra said. In addition, the report delves into the challenges both companies and their shareholders face when engaging on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics, asserting the need for shareholders to improve their understanding of these complex issues and to find the right balance between engagement format, reporting and priorities. Kate Turner , Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors, said: "The world is facing many urgent, systemic challenges, where both investors and companies need to be part of the solution. We believe we cannot simply divest our way out of issues such as climate change, so engagement is an essential part of driving positive change. However, engagement comes in many forms, and this research provides a valuable blueprint for investors and asset owners who want to make a difference and engage successfully. "We are all putting a lot of time, energy and resources into engagement, so let's ensure we are meeting companies where they're at, and providing considered, relevant and meaningful suggestions." Dr Tom Gosling , Executive Fellow at London Business School and contributor to the research, said: "The research has robustly founded conclusions that can be applied in a practical way by investors to improve outcomes of their engagements with companies. It is therefore recommended reading for investors seeking to use corporate engagements to deliver positive results for all parties." The report concludes with a set of recommendations for shareholders to enhance the effectiveness of their engagements, including: Building trust and mutual understanding with companies; Discussing engagement objectives and success metrics upfront; Collaborating with other shareholders; and Holding direct, private and face-to-face engagements where possible. Download the full report. Media enquiries Gayle Rodrigues Global Head of Communications ( London ) E: [email protected] M: +44 20 7332 6509 Margaret Kirch Cohen / Richard Chimberg Newton Park PR ( United States ) E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: +1 847-507-2229 T: +1 617-312-4281 About First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute The First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute is jointly supported by First Sentier Investors and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a consolidated subsidiary of MUFG. The institute aims to help increase awareness and encourage action on important but under researched and emerging ESG-related issues. It will publish research on topics that can advance sustainable investing. An external academic advisory board informs the institute's research agenda and ensures its publications meet high standards of rigour. For more information, visit https://www.firstsentier-mufg-sustainability.com/ About First Sentier Investors First Sentier Investors manages US$148.3 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2023 ) on behalf of institutional investors, pension funds, wholesale distributors, investment platforms, financial advisers and their clients worldwide. The firm was acquired by Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc in August 2019 , and operates as a standalone global investment management business with offices across Europe , the Americas , and Asia Pacific . First Sentier Investors is a globally Certified B Corporation and signatory to the UK Stewardship Code. The firm's investment expertise spans across a range of asset classes and specialist sectors focused on delivering sustainable investment success based on responsible investment principles. For more information, visit www.firstsentierinvestors.com About MUFG Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,400 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo , Nagoya , and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english/index.html About the Trust Bank Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, as a core member of MUFG, provides its customers with a wide range of comprehensive financial solutions leveraging unique and highly professional functions as a leading trust bank. Such financial solutions include real estate, stock transfer agency, asset management and investor services, and inheritance related services, in addition to banking operations. We aim to realize our vision to be the trust bank that creates "a safe and affluent society" by always supporting our customers' and society's challenges based on Trust, and thus created a new key concept: "Create a Better Tomorrow". For more information, visit https://www.tr.mufg.jp/english/index.html Important information This press release is intended for information only, aimed solely at the media and should not be further distributed to individual and/or corporate investors, and financial advisers and/or distributors. The information included within this press release and any supplemental documentation provided should not be copied, reproduced or redistributed without the prior written consent of First Sentier Investors. 1 The Institute defines a company or shareholder engagement as the process of a shareholder or group of shareholders communicating with, providing input to, and holding accountable, a company in which they own equity. 2 The countries included were UK , US, China , India , Japan and Australia . Nine sectors were included, the most common being financial services and informational technology (20 responses each), consumer staples (15), consumer discretionary, industrials and healthcare (10 each). View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-sentier-mufg-sustainable-investment-institute-research-uncovers-keys-to-successful-shareholder-engagements-301939252.html SOURCE First Sentier Investors 'We will develop landmark BRI projects with high quality together with locals' BEIJING , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the territory of the Serbian capital of Belgrade, the Danube River represents the heart of summer happenings. Making its mark on cultures and civilizations, the Danube River is fundamental for Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and its importance as an international waterway is obvious. Another important international waterway exists, known as the Maritime Silk Road . It stretches from East and South China toward Southeast Asia , South Asia , and then to East Africa , before finally reaching the East Mediterranean. Since ancient times, blue and white porcelain from China passed through the Maritime Silk Road , then through the Danube River Basin , undergoing untold hardships and stormy seas before reaching the last stop in the living rooms and on the dining tables of Europeans. Nowadays, the Danube River has become the witness of one cooperation project after another under the China -proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road . In the eyes of locals, this cooperation has brought high-quality development and stupendous changes. A steel plant's rebirth Song Sihai has been working in Smederevo, a few hours' drive from Belgrade and an ancient Serbian city along the Danube River , for seven years. As executive director of HBIS GROUP Serbia Iron & Steel d.o.o (HBIS Serbia), owned by HBIS Group, based in Shijiazhuang , Hebei Province , Song has good reasons to be proud. Back in 2016, HBIS acquired Zelezara Smederevo, Serbia's only steel plant. Then Serbian prime minister Aleksandar Vucic, now the president, said that "talks with the HBIS Group are a top strategic priority for Serbia ." When HBIS eventually took the bold move, it was part of the Chinese company's "go global" strategy as well as part of the BRI cooperation between China and Serbia . "There were domestic opposition voices," Song told the Global Times. "They asked how could a Chinese company turn the tide?" A firm and strong will brought Song and several colleagues here. The first thing they did after the takeover was carry out comprehensive research into the basic condition of the plant, including the market, finance, logistics, equipment and environment policies. Chinese companies, which thrive in a competitive business environment in Asia , are better at cost control in both management and technology. "We treat locals as brothers and sisters," said Song, whose 59-year-old secretary, Dusanka Duda Rankovic, described him as the best boss she has ever worked for. Song shared a story of how HBIS saved on technological costs. During the previous owner's management, it spent $20 million to dig a big pit to store zinc-bearing waste and dust. Each year, it had to pay an environment pollution fee to the Serbian government. Upon HBIS's takeover, the Chinese company had to dig another pit to deal with the waste as the first one was almost full. HBIS decided to conduct a thorough technological upgrade - cyclic utilization of zinc-bearing waste and dust after special treatment - and then use the resulting products for iron and steel smelting. "Local staff opposed this plan at first, as they worried about the quality of the steel. We communicated with them patiently, and assigned technicians to test the quality of steel products. When they saw the quality was not affected and waste got recycled, they gradually came around," said Song. The takeover has proven to be a success, as evidenced by the revival of the previously loss-making plant in the following year. It has now emerged as Serbia's second-largest exporter and achieved a record profit of 200 million yuan ( $29 million ). Before the acquisition, the Serbian government had to make up for the losses of the plant, which exceeded $100 million annually. But just last year, HBIS Serbia contributed 1.86 percent to Serbia's GDP. The plant currently employs more than 5,000 Serbian workers, which is crucial for a country with a population of only 7 million. The family members of many employees work directly or indirectly for enterprises that provide supporting services. It means Zelezara Smederevo effectively supports one third of the population in Smederevo. Among HBIS Serbian staff, there used to circulate a saying during hard times, "Every morning, if you see steam rise from the smokestacks, you know you still have a job." Now this is no longer a concern as the stability of having a working position is now assured. "When you have a working position, you cannot say, 'Hey, I'm alone here with 5,000 other people.' No. You are part of one huge collective or one huge corporation. That is stability," said 43-year-old Dejan Doncic, who has been working for the plant for 20 years. Going global The eastern Serbian city of Bor is well-known in Europe for its century-long history of copper mining. Its resource-rich mines, numerous chimneys, and workers pouring in from all directions were once symbols of Yugoslavia's economic prosperity. However, the fate of this mining city also followed the history of the Balkan Peninsula . After the Kosovo War, the Bor copper mine fell into a moribund time. The Serbian government's determination to resolve the fate of the Bor copper mine as part of efforts to reform large public companies that had been piling up losses coincided with the Fujian -based Chinese company Zijin Mining Group's plan to follow the BRI to go global and expand business in BRI participating countries. Serbia was one of the first countries to sign an MOU on BRI cooperation with China . In 2018, Zijin took a 63-percent share of RTB Bor, which later changed its name to Zijin Bor Copper , with an investment of $350 million . Zijin fulfilled its promise of keeping the 4,900 workers at the company. In the past five years, it has recruited 2,700 new local staff members. With a population of only 50,000, Bor hasn't been able to meet the massive demand for workers, so the company has had to look to nearby areas in eastern Serbia . The upper core zone of Timok Mine was put into operation in October 2021 . Within just two months, it entered the top 10 in terms of export volume. The rapid development of mining has supported the Serbian economy. Currently, the mining industry accounts for 2.4 percent of Serbia's GDP. By June, Zijin had paid $528 million in taxes in Serbia . When Global Times reporters visited the Zijin Timok mine, the surrounding area was filled with trees and fields of green. According to Su Yongding, deputy general manager of Serbia Zijin Mining, environment protection is always at the forefront of the company's mind during production. By June, the Zijin Bor Copper Mine had invested a total of $289 million in environment protection, and pollutants such as waste residue, gas, water and dust were effectively treated and discharged in compliance with local standards. "We do have reports about some problems that occur. Sometimes they are real problems, sometimes they are fabricated. I think that the general public has the knowledge and understanding of these problems. When they see the information, they know from which side it is coming, they can judge by themselves," Katarina Zakic , head of the Regional Center "Belt and Road" in Belgrade, told the Global Times. Zijin takes an open approach toward media and NGOs. It wants to tell its story, and tell its story well. "It's been many years since Chinese companies have gone global. After years of struggle and hard work, they have gained a deeper understanding of international rules and standards. Zijin is endeavoring to adapt to the rules and act positively," said Su. Each year, Zijin holds an open day for media and takes journalists to the mines and answer questions from them. At the end of each year, Zijin also invites journalists for a gathering to deepen communication. Wen Hongzhi, office director of Zijin Bor Copper , told the Global Times that they are learning how to communicate with local media and NGOs in a way that they understand. He also admitted that there are NGOs which refuse to talk to them and go to great lengths to avoid engaging with them. This doesn't stop Zijin from shouldering more social responsibilities. It has taken up several schemes. One is a scholarship program which provides an annual fund of $700 per person to 100 middle school students in Bor. Another is giving books to primary school kids. Zijin has also spent more than 1 million euros to renovate water pipelines to solve the problem of substandard quality of local drinking water. "We hope to not only provide job opportunities, but also let communities share the dividends of the company's development and engage with them," said Wen. The way Chinese companies have engaged with local regions is a microcosm of the overall Chinese approach toward CEEC through the implementation of the BRI. During the third China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo , East China's Zhejiang Province , in May, Wang Yong , vice chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that China will continue to promote the high-quality development of the BRI to constantly unleash the potential of China-CEEC cooperation. Sun Keqin , a research fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, suggested several approaches with which China can stabilize and develop cooperation with CEEC. He said that when Chinese companies face groundless slander, they should safeguard their rights through legal means rather than sitting still. They should research local laws and regulations, including those of the EU, and operate within the legal framework. They can also conduct third-party cooperation with EU countries and share the benefits. Meanwhile, as Chinese companies help with local employment and taxes, they should use the bond between the companies, employees and local governments to safeguard their joint interests, Sun told the Global Times. "The China-CEEC cooperation goes beyond being a simple cooperation platform. It represents an opportunity to engage in cooperation with China ," said Levente Horvath, founding director of the Eurasia Center of the John von Neumann University, Hungary , and consul general of Hungary in Shanghai between 2015 and 2017. "As we have come here, we want long-term engagement, instead of simply being passers-by or wining some compliments. We will develop landmark BRI projects well with high quality together with the locals," said Song Sihai , executive director of HBIS Serbia. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202309/1298706.shtml View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-stupendous-changes-301939195.html SOURCE Global Times CHICAGO , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HOPPR, an AI company creating a platform for physicians, technicians, and support staff to interact dynamically with medical imaging studies, today announces the expansion of its executive team with the appointment of leading experts in radiology, business transformation, and health tech commercialization. Dr. Oliver Chen joins HOPPR as Chief Medical Officer, Robert Bakos as Chief Technology Officer, Ted Schwab as Chief Development Officer, and Jory Tremblay as Chief Commercial Officer. Under their leadership, HOPPR will supercharge AI application development in the medical imaging space. HOPPR co-founder Dr. Oliver Chen will serve as Chief Medical Officer . A clinical neuroradiologist and AI expert, Dr. Chen previously worked at Microsoft, where he launched initiatives for machine learning, medical imaging, and human image recognition. The algorithms he helped create became the foundation for Xbox Kinect. After finishing his undergraduate work at MIT , Dr. Chen completed medical school at Harvard, a radiology residency at UCLA , a neuroradiology fellowship at UCSF, and served on the faculty of NYU Medical School . Dr. Chen is a serial entrepreneur who founded and sold ilumihealth. will serve as . A clinical neuroradiologist and AI expert, previously worked at Microsoft, where he launched initiatives for machine learning, medical imaging, and human image recognition. The algorithms he helped create became the foundation for Xbox Kinect. After finishing his undergraduate work at , completed medical school at Harvard, a radiology residency at , a neuroradiology fellowship at UCSF, and served on the faculty of . is a serial entrepreneur who founded and sold ilumihealth. HOPPR co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Robert Bakos is a seasoned leader and software development visionary, specializing in the domains of digital health and medical imaging. Before embarking on his journey with HOPPR, Robert held the role of Chief Technology Officer at Higi, Inc. , a major player in consumer health engagement. During his tenure there, he played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the engineering team, spearheading the formulation of the technology strategy, architecting the robust technology infrastructure, and orchestrating the development of an innovative software suite. His leadership at Higi was instrumental in propelling the company's success in the consumer health sector. Prior to joining Higi, Mr. Bakos managed a development team within Merge Healthcare (IBM Watson Imaging), focusing on RIS/PACS integrations and innovative solutions to optimize patient experience. is a seasoned leader and software development visionary, specializing in the domains of digital health and medical imaging. Before embarking on his journey with HOPPR, Robert held the role of Chief Technology Officer at , a major player in consumer health engagement. During his tenure there, he played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the engineering team, spearheading the formulation of the technology strategy, architecting the robust technology infrastructure, and orchestrating the development of an innovative software suite. His leadership at Higi was instrumental in propelling the company's success in the consumer health sector. Prior to joining Higi, managed a development team within (IBM Watson Imaging), focusing on RIS/PACS integrations and innovative solutions to optimize patient experience. Ted Schwab joins HOPPR as Chief Development Officer , bringing more than 35 years of experience in healthcare innovation and strategy, health system operations, and health tech startups. Mr. Schwab was the second Chief Innovation Officer in the entire healthcare industry, a role in which he launched over 200 initiatives and was a founding member of the Innovation Learning Network. He has spent the last six years investing in, building, and driving the commercialization of health tech start-ups through Schwab Tremblay Solutions, a boutique interim healthcare management company for healthcare startups. In this capacity, he has successfully managed the launch of companies, raised money, and developed boards and clinical partnerships. joins HOPPR as , bringing more than 35 years of experience in healthcare innovation and strategy, health system operations, and health tech startups. was the second Chief Innovation Officer in the entire healthcare industry, a role in which he launched over 200 initiatives and was a founding member of the Innovation Learning Network. He has spent the last six years investing in, building, and driving the commercialization of health tech start-ups through Schwab Tremblay Solutions, a boutique interim healthcare management company for healthcare startups. In this capacity, he has successfully managed the launch of companies, raised money, and developed boards and clinical partnerships. Jory Tremblay joins HOPPR as Chief Commercial Officer. He is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology strategist with 30 years of experience entering and scaling in new markets. Mr. Tremblay's extensive career spans global sales and marketing leadership, M&A, and advisory roles. With 18+ years in AI, he's led product development, technology sales, and operations, including the launch of six AI-based products. A trusted advisor and investor, Mr. Tremblay has led over $125 million in investments. He's a pioneer in building one of the first ACOs in the United States , and his diverse experience includes a senior management role at the AI company Fetch Technologies, Inc. , managing EspressoSat, and co-founding Provence Capital and Schwab Tremblay Solutions, where he has successfully managed the launch of companies, raised money, and developed boards and clinical partnerships. HOPPR appoints leading experts in AI, radiology, and health tech commercialization to leadership team HOPPR CEO Dr. Khan M. Siddiqui expressed his excitement about the expansion of HOPPR's leadership team, commenting, "With these appointments, HOPPR is ideally positioned to unlock the full potential of medical images. Oliver, Robert, Ted, and Jory bring the combination of clinical excellence, technological expertise, and entrepreneurial prowess we need to create a future where neuroradiologists can not just interpret but truly interact with medical imagery." About HOPPR: HOPPR is changing medical imaging forever. We are enabling physicians, technicians, and clinical support staff to have conversations with medical imaging studies, transforming medical imaging interactions from static to dynamic. We have created both medical and administrative use cases that we will unveil with commercial partners at RSNA in November 2023 . For media inquiries, please contact Kalia Ataliotou at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoppr-strengthens-executive-bench-with-addition-of-experts-in-ai-radiology-and-health-tech-commercialization-301938668.html SOURCE HOPPR KANAZAWA, Japan , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters high-speed atomic force microscopy studies that shed light on the possible role of the open reading frame 6 (ORF6) protein COVID19 symptoms. While many countries across the world are experiencing a reprieve from the intense spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections that led to tragic levels of sickness and multiple national lockdowns at the start of the decade, cases of infection persist. A better understanding of the mechanisms that sustain the virus in the body could help find more effective treatments against sickness caused by the disease, as well as arming against future outbreaks of similar infections. With this in mind there has been a lot of interest in the accessory proteins that the virus produces to help it thrive in the body. "Similar to other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 expresses an array of accessory proteins to re-program the host environment to favor its replication and survival," explain Richard Wong at Kanazawa University and Noritaka Nishida at Chiba University and their colleagues in this latest report. Among those accessory proteins is ORF6. Previous studies have suggested that ORF6 potently interferes with the function of interferon 1 (IFN-I), a particular type of small protein used in the immune system, which may explain the instances of asymptomatic infection with SARS-CoV2. There is also evidence that ORF6 causes the retention of certain proteins in the cytoplasm while disrupting mRNA transport from the cell, which may be means for inhibiting IFN-I signalling. However, the mechanism for this protein retention and transport disruption was not clear. To shed light on these mechanisms the researchers first looked into what clues various software programs might give as to the structure of ORF6. These indicated the likely presence of several intrinsically disordered regions. Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements also confirmed the presence of a very flexible disordered segment. Although the machine learning algorithm AlphaFold2 has proved very useful for determining how proteins fold, the presence of these intrinsically disordered regions limits its use for establishing the structure of ORF6 so the researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM), which is able to identify structures by "feeling" the topography of samples like a record player needle feels the grooves in vinyl. Using HS-AFM the researchers established that ORF 6 is primarily in the form of ellipsoidal filaments of oligomers strings of repeating molecular units but shorter than polymers. The length and circumference of these filaments was greatest at 37 C and least at 4 C, so the presence of fever could be beneficial for producing larger filaments. Substrates made of lipids fatty compounds - also encouraged the formation of larger oligomers. Because HS-AFM captures images so quickly it was possible to grasp not just the structures but also some of the dynamics of the ORF6 behavior, including circular motion, protein assembly and flipping. In addition, further computer analysis also revealed that the filaments were prone to aggregate into amyloids as found in some neurodegenerative diseases, and which can lead to complications in COVID19 symptoms. As the researchers point out this aggregation works "to effectively sequester a vast numbers of host proteins, particularly transcription factors involved in IFN-I signaling." Since these filaments break up in the presence of certain alcohols, urea, or sodium dodecyl sulfate Wong, Nishida and their colleagues conclude that the protein is largely held together by hydrophobic interactions. "Potential druggable candidates that dissociate ORF6 aggregates by disrupting hydrophobic interactions should be considered and tested in the near future to evaluate their therapeutic value in COVID19 management and treatment." Related image https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/thumbnail-2.jpg Caption: Observation of aggregation dynamics by COVID-19 severity factor ORF6 protein (licensed as, CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0.) Glossary High-speed atomic force microscopy Atomic force microscopy (AFM) "feels" the topography of surfaces by the increase and decrease of surface forces tugging on a nanoscale tip as changes in surface height change the distance between the tip and the surface. The tip is mounted on a cantilever so that the tiny changes in the force can be read out by the resulting deflection in the cantilever. AFM can resolve structures with subnanometre scale resolution. It has particular advantages for biological studies because it does not require conducting substrates or a current, which are requirements for other primary microscopes with comparable resolutions, such as the scanning tunnelling microscope. For a long time AFM was limited by the time it takes to capture an image of the surface, but this changed when Toshio Ando at Kanazawa University revealed how the tool could be upgraded to high-speed AFM using various modifications to the scanning, deflection detection and other electronic devices, as well as specifications for the cantilever. With high-speed AFM it became possible to capture dynamics at the nanoscale for the first time. Reference Goro Nishide , Keesiang Lim, Maiki Tamura , Akiko Kobayashi , Qingci Zhao, Masaharu Hazawa, Toshio Ando , Noritaka Nishida , Richard W. Wong Nanoscopic Elucidation of Spontaneous Self-Assembly of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Open Reading Frame 6 (ORF6) Protein Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 14, XXX, 83858396, (2023) Online Sept 14, 2023 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01440 URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01440 Contact Hiroe Yoneda Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach NanoLSI Administrative Office WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan Email: [email protected] Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550 About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. About Kanazawa University http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/ As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kanazawa-university-research-researchers-identify-the-dynamic-behavior-of-a-key-sars-cov-2-accessory-protein-301938475.html SOURCE Kanazawa University KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2023 - 19:52 | World, All South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned Tuesday that any use of nuclear weapons by the North Korean regime would spell its end, as the country held a large-scale military parade in Seoul for the first time in a decade in commemoration of Armed Forces Day. Speaking at a ceremony held at Seoul Air Base near the South Korean capital, Yoon said, "The North Korean regime must realize that nuclear weapons will not keep them safe." "If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance," Yoon said. Yoon also referred to a joint declaration adopted with U.S. President Joe Biden during their summit in April to counter the North Korean nuclear threat, as well as a South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation framework established during a trilateral summit at Camp David last month. The government held the ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day on Oct. 1, which this year falls during the three-day Chuseok holiday later this week. Yoon attended the military parade later Tuesday. Such a parade is held every five years but was cancelled under former President Moon Jae In's administration in consideration of improving inter-Korean ties. Related coverage: North Korea allows entry of foreigners: Chinese media Putin confirms China visit in Oct., supports infrastructure project China, Russia top diplomats discuss Ukraine war ahead of Putin visit Maiden Sale and Purchase Contract signed with global commodity trader, Gerald Metals , part of the Gerald Group Gerald Group was founded in 1962 in Stamford, CT USA and is today the World's oldest and largest independent and employee-owned metals trading house Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from its bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain As well as the Sale and Purchase Contract, Gerald may elect to provide a US$10 million Run-of-Mine finance facility to be made available to Lindian Sales contract is for 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from Kangankunde Stage 1 development over a 60-month period Contract period can be reduced at Lindian's election through increased production and delivery of rare earths concentrate; Lindian has the right to enter into additional Sales contracts Monthly and annual quantities representing a minimum of 40% of the rare earths concentrate produced by the Project, with delivered quantities of: not less than 750 tonnes of concentrate per month, and not less than 9,000 tonnes of concentrate per year Sale and Purchase Contract revenues will effectively underwrite the Stage 1 Project development cashflows as Lindian moves to construction and producer status Follows maiden mineral resource estimate of 261 million tonnes at the high grade of 2.19% TREO reported last month. Refer ASX announcement dated 3 August 2023 Lindian is in early-stage discussions with the US Government regarding support for the large-scale Stage 2 development of Kangankunde, and welcomes Gerald's expertise in financing critical minerals and leveraging its relationships with multilateral agencies to support Kangankunde's development SYDNEY , Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindian Resources Limited (ASX:LIN) ("Lindian" or the "Company") is extremely pleased to advise it has signed a Sale and Purchase Contract ("Contract") with global metals trading company, Gerald Metals SARL ("Gerald"). The Contract provides for the supply and sale of 45,000 tonnes of rare earths concentrate from the Stage 1 development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Malawi . Gerald Metals SARL is part of the Gerald Group, the world's largest independent, employee-owned metal trading house, and one of the world's leading global commodity trading companies. Founded in the United States in 1962 and now headquartered in London UK with trading operation hubs in Stamford USA, Morges Switzerland and Shanghai China . Gerald Group's worldwide customer and supplier base benefits from Gerald's bespoke service model across the entire commodity value chain, including: sourcing, marketing, logistics and storage, hedging and risk management, and structured finance solutions. In addition, Gerald may elect to make available to Lindian a finance facility of up to US$10 million . The terms of such facility are being separately negotiated and subject to a financing agreement and proposed security package over Kangankunde's mined ore stockpiles. Together with Lindian's strong cash balance and in-the-money options, this financing facility, once finalized, considerably strengthens Lindian's financial flexibility. Lindian representatives have commenced early-stage discussions with US Government officials regarding the potential for the provision of funding and concentrate sales support for the future large scale development of the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project. Given Gerald's long history and US shareholder base, it is the ideal partner to enable Lindian to meet the US critical metals strategic objectives. More details will be made available as these discussions advance. Gerald Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Dean , stated "Kangankunde is truly one of the most exciting REE projects to be explored in recent memory, and represents a key mineral asset for development in Malawi . We have been following Lindian's ongoing drilling campaign closely. I am very pleased to now be part of the development of Kangankunde and look forward to working closely with Lindian's team to bring multilateral investment to the table." Lindian Executive Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga commented: "I am delighted that the globally recognized metals trading group, Gerald Metals, is partnering with Lindian to facilitate the accelerated development of the world class Kangankunde Rare Earths Project. We have been working with Gerald for an extended period on the terms of this Sale and Purchase Contract and the financing facility. They have made multiple visits to site to undertake due diligence on the project and our staged development strategy. As such, we have established a great working relationship over this time and built confidence in them as a trusted partner." "This maiden Sale and Purchase Contract for rare earths concentrate provides one of the key enablers to advance Lindian to producer status by end-2024. This is a major achievement for a project that was effectively acquired in August 2022 , just 13 months ago." Lindian Executive Officer, Alastair Stephens added: "The Kangankunde Rare Earth Project continues to deliver excellent results including the globally strategic maiden mineral resource estimate reported last month." "With a mining licence, and environment and social impact assessment licences granted, the Company is able to quickly move to project development following the execution of this Sale and Purchase Contract." "These are exciting times for Lindian and we look forward to making further announcements as project development works ramp up." Key terms of the Sale and Purchase Contract are summarised below. Sale and Purchase Contract Key Terms Term 60 months from the commencement of Commercial Production defined as the first day of the month following four (4) consecutive months of 700 metric tonnes (MT) of Material being delivered by the Seller (Lindian) and received by the Buyer (Gerald). Subject to agreement between the parties, the Offtake Agreement can be extended a further 2 years in 12 month increments. Purchase/Sale Quantity Monazite Concentrate produced by/from the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer 45,000 MT of Material from the date of First Production. Monthly and annual quantities from the date of Commercial Production representing a minimum of 40% of the Monazite Concentrate produced by the Project, with the Seller delivering to the Buyer: not less than 750 MT of Material per Month, calculated on an ongoing basis from the Commercial Production Date during such period; and not less than 9,000 MT of Material per Year during such period. Delivery The Material shall be delivered by the Seller to the Buyer on a Free on Board (FOB) basis at a port to be mutually agreed and in accordance with an agreed delivery schedule. Pricing Market based pricing for each shipment less selling costs and fees typical for an agreement of this type. Provisional payment upon delivery of product to the Buyer. Conditions Material to be delivered from the First Production date of 31 December 2024 and other conditions typical for an agreement of this type. Specifications Monazite Concentrate with a TREO content of above 55% and an NdPr minimum content of 18% and average content of 20%. The Thorium and Uranium content shall not exceed the International Atomic Energy Agency's Class 7 limits. This Media Release was authorised for release by the Board of Lindian Resources Limited. Forward Looking Statements This announcement may include forward-looking statements, based on Lindian's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Lindian, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Lindian makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement, to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of the announcement. MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT RARE EARTHS A summary of the mineral resource estimate for the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project is shown in the table below. Kangankunde Rare Earths Project Mineral Resource Above 0.5% TREO Cut-off Grade Resource Classification Tonnes (millions) TREO (%) NdPr% of TREO** (%) Tonnes Contained NdPr* (millions) Inferred Resource 261 2.19 20.2 1.2 Rounding has been applied to 1.0Mt for tonnes and 0.1% NdPr% of TREO which may influence total calculation. * NdPr = Nd 2 O 3 + Pr 6 O 11 , ** NdPrO% / TREO% x 100 The Competent Persons' consents remain in place for subsequent releases by the Company of the same information in the same form and context, until the consents are withdrawn or replaced by a subsequent report and accompanying consent. The Company is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in the ASX announcement of 3 August 2023 originally referencing its resources estimate, and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kangankunde-rare-earths-concentrate-sale-and-purchase-contract-signed-with-american-trading-house-301938196.html SOURCE Lindian Resources Officials gathered for side-by-side look at fire behavior impacts on mitigated and unmitigated structures RICHBURG, S.C. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recently conducted two live wildfire demonstrations in California showing the effectiveness of the research-based wildfire mitigation actions in its Wildfire Prepared Home designation program, including maintaining a noncombustible five-foot buffer around a home Zone 0 to help reduce its risk of ignition. "Where we see a beautiful bush or wood mulch, an ember sees fuel," said IBHS CEO Roy Wright . Held in collaboration with the California Department of Insurance, CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal, Orange County Fire Authority and Sacramento City Fire, this was the first time IBHS held live fire demonstrations in the field similar to testing it conducts in its state-of-the art Research Center in South Carolina . The side-by-side look at fire behavior showed how embers the leading cause of home ignitions during a wildfire attack and eventually burn an unmitigated structure while the mitigated building did not ignite. "Where we see a beautiful bush or wood mulch, an ember sees fuel," said IBHS CEO Roy Wright . "Homeowners spend hours selecting countertops, flooring and paint colors, yet may be unaware that the choices for groundcover and vegetation in the first five feet out from their home can be the difference in having a house to come home to after a wildfire or having to look somewhere else for shelter." Based on the latest wildfire research, IBHS created Wildfire Prepared Home, a system of actions addressing the three most vulnerable areas of a home the roof, specific building features such as gutters and vents and Zone 0 homeowners can mitigate to meaningfully reduce their home's risk of ignition. California homeowners can receive a designation that may help with insurance availability. IBHS urges homeowners to get started now. Most roofs are rated Class A, meeting that component of the designation requirements. Mitigation actions for building features include ensuring a home's vents are ember resistant, gutters are debris free and the last six inches of vertical space on exterior walls are noncombustible material. Creating a non-combustible five-foot buffer around the home involves removing combustible items and vegetation, replacing groundcover like wood or rubber mulch with materials such as river rocks or gravel and replacing the first five feet of combustible fencing attached to the home. Items on top of or underneath attached porches and decks must also be non-combustible and any deck four feet or lower to the ground should be enclosed with 1/8 inch or finer metal mesh. Keeping Zone 0 free of debris build up over time is critical. "Developing a combustible free zone around your home doesn't mean taking away its curb appeal," said IBHS Chief Engineer Anne Cope. "There are great choices for decorative decor and hardscaping that are not only attractive, but also low maintenance." During a wildfire, embers may collect in Zone 0, also known as the home ignition zone, and smolder, ultimately igniting and spreading to the home. Once a home ignites in a wildfire, it is almost always a total loss without firefighter intervention. About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more at ibhs.org. About Wildfire Prepared Home Wildfire Prepared Home is the first-ever wildfire mitigation designation program. Based on the latest wildfire research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), it offers California homeowners a path to take the system of science-based actions shown to meaningfully reduce a home's wildfire risk. Learn more at wildfireprepared.org. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/live-burn-demonstrations-show-effectiveness-of-research-based-mitigation-actions-in-wildfire-prepared-home-301938266.html SOURCE Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) GENEVA , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gloria Maria Calcano, located in the northeastern town of Sanchez, the Dominican Republic , is a local polytechnic school with 326 students and 21 teachers. The remote location and the extremely unstable power supply once put the school in a difficult situation. The whole campus has 8 classrooms, 6 laboratories, 1 office, 1 canteen and 1 multi-function classroom. Frequent power failures affect more than 51% of the students' study time, and a large number of teaching activities and experiments are often interrupted due to the insufficient electricity or unstable power supply. "In order to address the problem of insufficient electricity in the school, promote the technological advancement of education equipment and optimize the quality of teaching, we donated 5.5 kW PV modules to this school in the Dominican Republic . After the PV system is installed, the school's laboratories will be able to generate their own electricity. In addition, the PV system can continuously supply power to the energy storage system when the conventional power supply is insufficient. Such donations have greatly improved the campus infrastructure, leading to a comprehensive improvement and optimization of the teaching quality of schools." This is the address made by Dennis She , Vice President of LONGi at the WTO Public Forum 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland . During the event, experts from various industries had a passionate discussion on the topic of "how trade and the WTO can help create a greener and more sustainable future". As a participant representing the clean energy industry, LONGi's value proposition of "energy equity" attracted wide attention from all sectors. He said that the existing imbalance in global economic development has led to significant disparities in per capita energy consumption across countries, with approximately 80% of the world's energy consumed by the top 20% of economies. Energy poverty directly hinders local economic development and the improvement of people's quality of life, including education. It is reported that some schools in underdeveloped or remote areas are often unable to carry out normal education and teaching activities due to power shortage, which also inhibits progress towards achieving global educational equity to a certain extent. Furthermore, in the context of global carbon reduction and energy transition, vigorously promoting the widespread use of clean energy and improving education for the next generation is not only an emotional action guided by morality, but also an imperative action prompted by a sense of urgency. Dennis She believes that to address the challenges arising from global disparities in energy consumption and the unfair distribution of energy sources, supply of clean energy, with PV as the main force, will become the best choice for promoting global coordinated development. Energy equity lies in the provision of clean, affordable and non-discriminatory energy services for all. Solar energy is more widely and abundantly distributed in the world than traditional fossil fuels, and it is more conducive to underdeveloped countries. With the continuous development of PV technology, the LCOE of PV power drops rapidly. The large-scale development of renewable energy, particularly PV power, can improve energy autonomy on the one hand, enhance global synergy on the other hand, and thus reduce many impacts brought about by the energy crisis. As a world-leading green energy technology company, LONGi has always been committed to harnessing the collective efforts of multiple parties to reduce poverty with PV technology, to promote high-quality education in more energy-starved areas, and to light up the sky of every child with sunshine. In addition to the Dominican Republic , in recent years, LONGi has also donated PV modules to schools in economically underdeveloped areas such as Mardan, Pakistan and Malawi , Africa , where power resources are scarce. These goodwill actions have greatly improved the infrastructure conditions of the campuses, and at the same time, planted a seed of sunshine in children's hearts. At this moment, LONGi's green and public welfare actions continue to take place all over the world, and the seeds of "sunshine" will take root in the hearts of more children in power-shortage areas around the world. It is believed that in the near future, not only power-starved campuses, but also other residential areas, hospitals, farms, and trade organizations around the world that are suffering from energy shortages will become greener and more prosperous due to large-scale application of PV. About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/longi-strives-for-energy-equity-to-illuminate-every-childs-future-with-sunshine-301938489.html SOURCE LONGi OSLO, Norway , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nel has selected Plymouth Charter Township, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan , as the location for its next gigafactory. Fully developed, the factory will be among the world's largest electrode manufacturing facilities, with a total annual capacity of 4 GW Alkaline and PEM technology. "Plymouth Charter Township is an ideal location for Nel. Here, we have access to a highly educated workforce, universities and research institutions, and we are close to our collaborating partner, General Motors. In addition, the Government and the authorities of Michigan have provided a very attractive financial support package for us," says Nel's CEO, Hakon Volldal . The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has today decided to support the project with a USD 10 million Michigan Business Development grant. The MSF board also approved a 15-year, 100% State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) Exemption Request, valued at up to USD 6.25 million to support the project. Nel has so far secured more than USD 50 million in support for its Michigan site. Pending approval of additional state and federal applications, this amount could increase to around USD 150 million . "We are thrilled to welcome Nel Hydrogen and its new gigafactory to Southeast Michigan ," says the Governor of Michigan , Gretchen Whitmer . "This investment will bring good-paying jobs to the region and build on our leadership in cars, chips, and clean energy. We know the best manufacturing in the world happens right here in our state, and we were proud to share our vision for a clean energy future during our economic mission to Europe earlier this year. We will continue to let the world know about our state's attractive business climate, talented workforce, and commitment to clean hydrogen development as we work to bring these transformational investments home to Michigan ," says Whitmer. The manufacturing facility in Plymouth will build on Nel's fully automated electrolyser concept, which the company has developed at its production facility in Herya, Norway . Similarly, the company's expansion of the facility in Wallingford will play a critical role in creating a blueprint for scaling up the production of Nel's PEM electrolysers. The factory will be built in steps to match supply with demand. A final investment decision for constructing this facility has not been made yet. For additional information, please contact: Kjell Christian Bjrnsen, CFO, +47 917 02 097 Wilhelm Flinder , Head of Investor Relations, +47 936 11 350 Lars Nermoen, Head of Communication, +47 902 40 153 About Nel ASA | www.nelhydrogen.com Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen, and hydrogen fueling equipment for road-going vehicles. Nel's product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia. The following files are available for download: View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nel-asa-nel-has-selected-plymouth-in-michigan-for-its-next-gigafactory-301939310.html SOURCE NEL ASA Lightweight Solution Provides Efficient Receipt and Invoice Management for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson America, Inc., the best-selling retail scanner brand in North America ,1 today expanded its award-winning receipt scanner line with the new RapidReceipt RR-400W Wireless Compact Desktop Receipt and Document Scanner to help organize financial documents quickly and efficiently. With the IRS planning a paperless processing initiative for future tax filing seasons to help eliminate up to 200 million pieces of paper annually,2 the ability to quickly scan and organize files will be essential. Featuring an ultra-compact, space-saving design, the RapidReceipt RR-400W delivers fast, simple receipt and invoice management, making it an ideal solution to transform physical paperwork into organized, useful digital assets. Epson announces the RapidReceipt RR-400W compact scanner for help organizing documents quickly and efficiently. "Efficiency in business and personal financial management is paramount. By digitizing receipts and invoices, we are helping users streamline operations, enhance accuracy and gain insight into spending patterns," said Carrie Fox , director, Scanners, Consumables and New Business Initiatives, Epson America. "The RapidReceipt RR-400W offers unique features to simplify a previously daunting task, easily extracting key data into financial software such as QuickBooks, TurboTax and more all without a subscription." The lightweight and ultra-compact RapidReceipt RR-400W scanner saves 60% of desk space3 and can easily be put virtually anywhere at the office or at home to stay productive, even when space is limited. This high-performance, innovative solution offers the features needed to keep business moving, such as 2-sided scanning, wireless connectivity and scan to cloud capability.4 With single-step technology the RapidReceipt RR-400W captures both sides of a sheet of paper as fast as 30 ppm/60ipm5 in one pass and can easily accommodate stacks of receipts and documents of varying sizes with a robust 20-page Auto Document Feeder. Unique to the RapidReceipt line of scanners, the RapidReceipt RR-400W includes receipt management software that automatically extracts and categorizes the data from receipts and invoices, which can then be exported to popular financial software like TurboTax, QuickBooks,6 no subscription needed. In addition, documents can be converted into searchable and editable PDFs with the inclusion of Kofax Power PDF for Windows and PDF Converter for Mac software to easily find information. Beyond financial documents and receipts, the RapidReceipt RR-400W includes NewSoft Presto! BizCard to easily scan business cards and manage contact information. Additional productivity features include: Receipt management software included, no subscription required automatically and accurately extract and categorize key data from receipts and invoices automatically and accurately extract and categorize key data from receipts and invoices Easily integrate with your financial software of choice export receipt data to QuickBooks, Quicken , TurboTax, Excel , CSV and more 6 export receipt data to QuickBooks, Quicken , TurboTax, Excel , CSV and more Create editable and searchable PDFs includes Kofax Power PDF for Windows and PDF Converter for Mac includes Kofax Power PDF for Windows and PDF Converter for Mac Easy dual-band wireless connection scan to smartphones, tablets, computers and online cloud storage accounts 4 scan to smartphones, tablets, computers and online cloud storage accounts Remarkable versatility scan most document types, from standard paper to cards and passports, 7 using the flexible scan path scan most document types, from standard paper to cards and passports, using the flexible scan path Enjoy amazing image quality intelligent image adjustments with automatic cropping, blank page deletion, background removal, dirt detection, paper skew correction and staple protection Pricing and Availability The RapidReceipt RR-400W ( $379.99 MSRP) scanner is now available through major retailers nationwide and on the Epson store (www.epsonstore.com). For more information, visit https://epson.com/receipt-scanners About Epson Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan -based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion . global.epson.com/ Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif. , is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S. , Canada , and Latin America . To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). 1 Source: The NPD Group, Inc., Retail Tracking Service, U.S. & Canada , Scanners, Aug. 2021 Jul. 2022 . 2 Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-launches-paperless-processing-initiative 3 In vertical path scanning position compared to Epson RapidReceipt RR-600W with trays extended. 4 Wirelessly scan to smartphones or tablets (Android/iOS devices) via the Epson Smart Panel app; download required. Data usage fees may apply. Wirelessly scan to the cloud with Epson ScanSmart software, installed on the connected Windows PC or Mac. Internet connection is required. 5 Based on letter-sized scans at 300 dpi in Black-and-White, Grayscale or Color Mode, using the USB interface. 6 Requires Epson ScanSmart software. 7 Optional carrier sheet required. EPSON, Epson ScanSmart, Epson Smart Panel and RapidReceipt are registered trademarks and the EPSON logo is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Excel and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2023 Epson America, Inc. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-ultra-compact-epson-rapidreceipt-rr-400w-wireless-desktop-receipt-scanner-to-boost-productivity-301938162.html SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Investment will be used to grow brand on national scale RADNOR, Pa. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewSpring ("the Firm"), a family of private equity strategies, announced today that NewSpring Franchise, the Firm's strategy dedicated to investing in innovative franchise and multi-unit concepts, has completed a controlling investment in Green Home Solutions, a leading home services franchisor providing mold remediation and indoor air quality services. This investment will be used to support an accelerated growth plan to scale the business nationally in new markets while launching new services to provide customers holistic indoor air quality solutions. Green Home Solutions creates a clean indoor air environment by providing mold remediation, indoor air quality improvement services, odor removal, and allergen control solutions to a wide range of residential and commercial customers across 35 states. The business provides an environmentally friendly approach to remediation services, never using harsh chemicals and practicing strict adherence to IICRC- and EPA-approved guidelines. The franchise currently operates through over 70 franchisees across more than 200 territories in the U.S. With NewSpring's support, Green Home Solutions intends to rapidly expand its footprint over the next several years. "The residential services market is experiencing significant growth due to the consumer demographic and behavior trends of increasing homeownership rates, the outsourcing of home services, and the rising average age of houses. Mold remediation and air quality control services will benefit from these trends and largely remain unaffected by macroeconomic downturns," said NewSpring General Partner, Satya Ponnuru . "Green Home Solutions has established itself as a leader with strong franchisees and a unique service offering. We look forward to working with Jeff Panella and the management team as they continue to rapidly scale the business." "Green Home Solutions has experienced significant growth with a strong franchisee base since its founding in 2014. We are now at an inflection point to make additional investment in our infrastructure to accelerate growth further," said Jeff Panella , President and CEO of Green Home Solutions. "NewSpring Franchise has a proven track record of supporting emerging franchisors, and we look forward to working with them and their value creation network to reach new levels of growth." This transaction is the first investment made by NSF II, NewSpring Franchise's dedicated investment fund, and is consistent with the strategy's approach to investing in established multi-unit services businesses with a strong customer value proposition, proven unit-level economics, and exceptional management teams in the lower-middle market. NewSpring Franchise is led by Satya Ponnuru and Pat Sugrue , who bring over 50 years of combined investing and operating experience in multi-unit brands. Recent investments in consumer service franchise brands include Blo Blow Dry Bar and Central Bark. About NewSpring NewSpring partners with the innovators, makers, and operators of high-performing companies in dynamic industries to catalyze new growth and seize compelling opportunities. The Firm manages over $3.0 billion across five distinct strategies covering the spectrum from growth equity and control buyouts to mezzanine debt. Having invested in over 200 companies, NewSpring brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to take growing companies to the next level and beyond. Partnering with management teams to help develop their businesses into market leaders, NewSpring identifies opportunities and builds relationships using its network of industry leaders and influencers across a wide array of operational areas and industries. To learn more, visit www.newspringcapital.com . About Green Home Solutions With more than 200 locations throughout the United States , Green Home Solutions has established itself as the benchmark for indoor air quality within the franchising sector. Our comprehensive suite of indoor air quality services utilizes environmentally friendly practices to tackle mold, mitigate indoor air pollutants, eliminate odors, and protect properties from moisture-related problems. In addition to being named a "Top Franchise in 2023" by Franchise Business Review, Green Home Solutions also nabbed "Top Recession-Proof Franchises" and "Top Low-Cost Franchise" recognitions as well. Contact Green Home Solutions today at 1-800-SOLUTIONS or visit our website at greenhomesolutions.com to take the first step towards a healthier home or workplace. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newspring-franchise-completes-controlling-investment-in-leading-residential-services-franchise-green-home-solutions-301938535.html SOURCE Green Home Solutions Innovative haircare brand takes center stage at Cosmo Prof stores across the U.S. to position and highlight the first-ever distribution partnership of a bond system curated by a Black woman and tailored, specifically, for textured hair. DALLAS , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NU Standard , a state-of-the-art haircare brand curated for the "Busy Queen" on-the-go, is thrilled to announce its inaugural HYDRASILK 6-City Product Tour! The exciting journey will caravan to Cosmo Prof stores across six U.S. cities including Philadelphia, PA ( October 1 ), Alexandria, VA ( October 2 ), Merrillville, IN ( October 8 ), Broadview, IL ( October 9 ), Charlotte, NC ( October 15 ) and Atlanta, GA ( October 16 ), and promises to revolutionize the way healthy hair is achieved and maintained. The HYDRASILK 6-City Product Tour is a dynamic initiative designed to educate and empower both professional and budding hairstylists on how to achieve and maintain healthy hair of all textures with professional-grade products. Central to this transformative experience is NU Standard's HYDRASILK Hydrating Bond System, a cutting-edge two-step solution with only two products that achieves instant hydration, improves the hair bond structure, and strengthens the overall hair strand thus reducing dryness, frizz, breakage, and hair loss. At each tour stop, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from NU Standard experts, including Autumn Yarbrough , the company's founder; Lenita Griffis-Browning , Chief Education Officer; and Alana Snowden , Education Director. Together, they will host a specialized instructional zone focused on bonding for textured hair where attendees will gain insight about bond builders used as a hair wellness remedy for all textures, despite ethnicity. Additional highlights of the events include live demonstrations such as the HYDRASILK silk press and no-heat styling techniques. There will also be hands-on practice sessions with half-head models, providing a tangible learning experience. Attendees will also enjoy live music by a DJ, delightful bites, a generous 20 percent discount on all purchases and exciting giveaways for attendees. "Our partnership with licensed professionals is instrumental. They are an important pillar to achieving hair wellness for everyone," says Autumn Yarbrough, founder of NU Standard. "With this tour, we look forward to edu-taining professional stylists on HYDRASILK products and teaching them how to maximize healthy hair results for their clients with our products." A third-generation hair care entrepreneur, Yarbrough founded NU Standard in 2020 inspired by her grandfather, Comer Cottrell , Jr., haircare trailblazer, and parent's Renee and Eric Brown . Following in the footsteps of her grandfather as well as her mother and father, who all created successful and popular hair care brands, Yarbrough created NU Standard to develop innovative haircare products that included textured hair at the inception of R&D. To do this, NU Standard has, strategically, partnered with industry innovators, formulators, and professional stylists around the world to develop safe and advanced products for retail and professional use, with HYDRASILK being a shining example of their innovation. In January 2023 , NU Standard made history by launching the HYDRASILK Hydrating Bond System at Cosmo Prof stores nationwide. As the leading distributor of salon products to licensed professionals in the hair industry, Cosmo Prof's partnership marks the first-ever distribution of a bond system curated by a Black woman and tailored, specifically, for textured hair. To learn more about HYDRASILK and discover expert insights on caring for textured hair, visit www.nustandardhair.com , www.hydrasilkpro.com , or attend one of the following tour locations: Sunday, October 1, 2023 Cosmo Prof 9475 Roosevelt Blvd Ste 8 Philadelphia , PA 19114 1:00 4:00 p.m. EDT Monday, October 2, 2023 Cosmo Prof 3133 Duke St. Alexandria , VA 22314 3:00 6:00 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 8, 2023 Cosmo Prof 19 West 80th Place Merrillville , IN 46410 1:00 4:00 p.m. EDT Monday, October 9, 2023 Cosmo Prof 3100 Broadview Village Square Broadview , IL 60155 3:00 6:00 p.m. EDT Sunday, October 15, 2023 Cosmo Prof 8706 Pineville-Matthew Rd. Charlotte , NC 28226 1:00 4:00 p.m. EDT Monday, October 16, 2023 Cosmo Prof 2625 Piedmont Rd #51B Atlanta , GA 30324 3:00 6:00 p.m. EDT About NU Standard NU Standard is a state-of-the-art haircare brand curated for the "busy queen" on-the-go. A third-generation hair care entrepreneur, Autumn Brown Yarbrough founded NU Standard in 2020 to create innovative haircare solutions for people with textured hair of all ethnicities. NU Standard's advanced science-based products focus on hair wellness and treat hair from the inside out to combat the harmful daily stressors that cause dryness, breakage, frizz, and hair loss. www.nustandardhair.com Media Contact: Kayla Tucker Adams, KTA Media Group, [email protected], 214-403-9852 Candace Ledbetter , [email protected], 770-709-1509 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nu-standard-launches-6-city-tour-to-educate-and-demonstrate-the-hydrasilk-bonding-system-to-achieve-healthier-hair-301938839.html SOURCE NU Standard HOUSTON , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One Guard Inspections, a Repair OnDemand company and a leading name in the automotive inspection industry, is proud to introduce its latest offering: the Post-Sale Inspection, tailored specifically for online auctions. This innovative service redefines how online auctions verify vehicle condition after the sale, providing unmatched speed, accuracy, and peace of mind for buyers and sellers. "We are thrilled to introduce our Post-Sale Inspection, a game-changer for the online auction industry," said Greg Lubrani , Chief Sales Officer of Repair OnDemand. "Physical auctions have conducted these for years. However, online auctions selling vehicles directly from a dealer's lot have struggled to replicate this process. With our commitment to delivering value to our clients through our vast network of certified inspectors, we've created a product that accelerates the post-sale process and ensures that every vehicle's condition is scrutinized with precision, giving our clients the confidence they deserve." One Guard Inspections recognizes the urgency in assessing vehicle condition after sales and thus introduces the Post-Sale Inspection with an exceptionally fast turnaround time. Auctions can expect detailed arbitration inspections promptly, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly. Each report is meticulously verified, ensuring the accuracy and reliability that One Guard is renowned for. The Post-Sale Inspection also incorporates cutting-edge technology by utilizing the BlueDriver Max OBD2 scan tool for an in-depth mechanical assessment. This tool conducts an engine diagnostic scan as an integral part of the assessment process, leaving no aspect of the vehicle's mechanical condition unexamined. One Guard Inspections ensures that buyers and sellers receive a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's health, giving them confidence in their transactions. Any online or physical auction aiming to enhance its post-sale procedures and elevate its customer experience, can benefit from One Guard Inspections' Post-Sale Inspection solution. One Guard can also help a physical auction on sale day enhance their current process. For companies looking to learn more about Post-Sale Inspections, One Guard Inspections will be attending the National Auto Auction Association's World Remarketing Conference in Chicago, IL , from September 26 th to 28th, 2023, as well as at Used Car Week in Scottsdale, AZ , from November 6 th to 9th, 2023. Contact information and more details can also be found on the company website. About One Guard Inspections: One Guard Inspections is a trusted name in automotive inspection services. With a dedication to accuracy, reliability, and innovation, One Guard Inspections empowers buyers, sellers, and industry professionals with comprehensive vehicle insights. One Guard Inspections is committed to setting new industry standards, from pre-purchase inspections to specialized assessments. Website: www.oneguardinspections.com About Repair OnDemand Repair OnDemand is a trusted marketplace that connects sublet repair professionals with companies with vehicles needing repair, inspection, or both. We empower on-demand, vehicle-side repair through our software, technology, and people. Repair OnDemand provides quick access to a network of over 16,000 repair professionals and provides leading-edge technology solutions to its customers. Repair OnDemand's portfolio of companies includes AutoMobile Technologies (AMT), BlueDriver, Mobile Tech RX, and One Guard Inspections. Website: www.repairondemand.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-guard-inspections-launches-post-sale-inspection-redefining-speed-and-accuracy-in-auction-vehicle-evaluations-301938835.html SOURCE One Guard Inspections SHANGHAI , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, in a highly anticipated development, Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research, a prominent figure in vitiligo treatment field for an impressive journey of 29 consecutive years, has unveiled a remarkable announcement: the inauguration of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai. This significant step marks the formal expansion of the distinguished Chinese vitiligo treatment institution into key metropolitan centers. This strategic decision by Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research not only brings the realm of TCM-based vitiligo treatment to Shanghai but also extends its influence globally. What is the rationale behind this strategic move? Benefits for Patients: Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's choice to establish a clinic in Shanghai eliminates the need for patients in the East China region to travel to Huahai's headquarters in Shandong for treatment. It also enables patients in and around Shanghai to access diagnostic and treatment services more conveniently, sparing them the need to journey to other cities or countries. choice to establish a clinic in eliminates the need for patients in the East China region to travel to Huahai's headquarters in for treatment. It also enables patients in and around to access diagnostic and treatment services more conveniently, sparing them the need to journey to other cities or countries. Shanghai as a top-tier city in China , boasts a wealth of medical resources and talents. It also serves as a focal point for international residents and a pivotal transit hub. Huahai's bilingual clinic caters to international patients and those with specialized treatment needs, offering them more accessible access to traditional Chinese medicine and a high caliber of medical care. Furthermore, Huahai has meticulously designed the patient experience at their Shanghai clinic, encompassing pre-diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment phases, thus enhancing patient willingness to cooperate and improving the overall treatment experience and recovery. Expanding International Perspective: This decision underscores Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's global vision and international treatment philosophy. Shanghai , as an international metropolis, attracts patients and medical professionals from all over the world, fostering collaboration and research in the field of vitiligo treatment. This will further elevate Huahai's reputation and influence on the global medical stage, providing more advanced treatment options for vitiligo patients in China and worldwide. Below are the key highlights of this Shanghai expansion. How does Shanghai's population density contribute to enhancing patient services and meeting medical demands? How have industry reputation and treatment efficacy become pivotal factors in attracting patients? How does the escalating demand for vitiligo treatment in the international market influence Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decisions? And how has the " Co-treatment of melanin and vitiligo " philosophy garnered industry acclaim and support, offering patients more confidence in their treatment choices? 1. Population Density and the Trend Toward a Younger Patient Base : Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decision to establish a presence in Shanghai is intricately tied to population density. Shanghai , as a first-tier city in China , boasts a massive population. According to data from a third-party research organization, Shanghai's permanent population has exceeded 25 million. The prevalence rate of vitiligo ranges between 0.1% to 2%, providing Huahai with a broad demographic base of patients. Furthermore, vitiligo is more common among young adults and adolescents, often correlated with the stress and irregular lifestyles of this age group. Shanghai's extensive patient base includes a significant proportion of young individuals, making the city an ideal location for Huahai's services. It is evident that Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's entry into Shanghai is likely just the initial step in their expansion plan, with potential future markets in cities within and outside China that share similar characteristics, such as Guangzhou , Shenzhen , Chongqing , Tokyo , and Singapore . 2. Venturing into Top-tier Markets: What Sets Huahai Apart? Our research reveals that Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research, a long-established heavyweight in the field of vitiligo treatment since its founding in 1994, has amassed an impressive 29-year history of development. In this field, it is challenging to find an institution with a longer history, whether in public tertiary hospitals or regional private institutions. Titles such as " China's Only Secondary Class-A Vitiligo Specialized Institution," "16 Vitiligo Medical Publications " and the inclusion of the " Co-treatment of melanin and vitiligo " technique in national promotion in 2009, all testify to Huahai's outstanding achievements in this field. 3. Can Vitiligo Be Cured? Through our investigations, we have uncovered numerous recovery cases of vitiligo patients, numbering in the hundreds of thousands and hailing from over 120 countries. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research has categorized vitiligo into various subtypes based on the location of depigmentation, including segmental subtype and non-segmental subtype. Regardless of the subtype, Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research has numerous recovery cases to match. By examining the treatment progress of these cases, patients can gain insights into their own recovery timelines and prospects. 4. The Rise in International Market Demand: Vitiligo is an ideal condition for traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Thanks to Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's longstanding reputation among international patients, an increasing number of global patients are coming to China in search of Huahai's treatment solutions. In response to this trend, the establishment of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai, along with upgraded facilities for international patients at the institution's headquarters, demonstrates Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's commitment to provide convenient specialized treatment services for international patients. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research believes that choosing Shanghai , an international city, will help meet the growing international market demand. Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's decision to establish a presence in Shanghai is driven by its confidence in population density, industry reputation, international market demand, and its advanced medical solutions. This move underscores Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research's forward-thinking approach and professionalism. We believe that the inauguration of the Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research in Shanghai will offer high-quality treatment experiences and recovery solutions to more vitiligo patients in East China and around the world. For more details, you can visit the official website of Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research at www.huahai-vitiligo.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outstanding-traditional-chinese-medicine-vitiligo-treatment-institution-establishes-itself-in-shanghai-aiming-to-provide-specialized-treatment-solutions-to-more-international-patients-301938233.html SOURCE Huahai Institute of Vitiligo Research JAWS for Kiosk Screen Reader Software to Be Deployed on Penn State Food Service Kiosks CLEARWATER, Fla. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn State has partnered with TPGi, a Vispero company and global leader in accessibility software and services, to assist in providing students and faculty with more accessible food service kiosks. Recognizing that screen readers needed to be implemented into its current kiosk system, Penn State chose the accessibility experts at TPGi and the JAWS for Kiosk screen reader software after finding that other large-scale food service companies relied on the same solution and because of its compatibility with Penn State's kiosk hardware. JAWS is a popular screen reader developed for users with vision loss. Industry-leading and award-winning JAWS for Kiosk is the only screen reader software designed for self-service experiences. In Penn State's Accessibility Statement, the University says it is committed through its Policy AD69 to ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to their nondisabled peers to participate in the University's programs, benefits, and services, including those delivered through electronic and information technology. As a part of its mission, Penn State says its "purpose is to bring positive impact to humanity. By opening doors to everyone, creating transformative experiences that few universities can provide, and by making the mission of every Penn Stater to leave the world in a better place than we found it, Penn State stands for doing good around the world." "Penn State is committed to accessibility and maintaining high standards for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging," said Karen Kreger, Penn State assistant vice president for housing and food services. "Partnering with TPGi and utilizing the JAWS for Kiosk screen reader software is another way we are working toward making Penn State a more inclusive campus." About TPGi TPGi, a Vispero company, provides digital accessibility software and services to help businesses reduce risk, grow revenue, and improve user experience. With over 20 years of experience and 21 employees actively influencing accessibility standards on the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), TPGi offers the most robust knowledge base and accessibility expertise in the industry as well as award-winning self-service kiosk software. Our tailored approach has enabled 1000+ customers to achieve the best outcomes for their business, their employees, and their consumers. Trust the experts to guide your accessibility journey. For more information, visit www.tpgi.com. About Penn State Penn State founded in 1855, is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution and its largest public university. Penn State's land-grant mission embraces teaching, research, and public service to support the Commonwealth's citizens, collaborating with industrial, educational, and agricultural partners to create, disseminate, integrate, and apply knowledge that is valuable to society. Penn State's unique educational model spans 25 campuses, including World Campus, that educate nearly 90,000 students. For example, the Invent Penn State initiative has established innovation hubs in 21 communities across Pennsylvania to fuel entrepreneurship and economic development. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penn-state-partners-with-tpgi-to-make-food-service-kiosks-accessible-for-blind-and-low-vision-users-301936508.html SOURCE TPGi LLC KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2023 - 14:26 | All, Japan Japan's immigration agency said Tuesday that foreigners fleeing conflict zones such as war-hit Ukraine will be eligible for long-term resident status with a working visa under a revision to the immigration law, starting from Dec. 1. The new system is designed to help enable the approval of residence for individuals from conflict zones whose circumstances do not conform to the requirements for refugee approval. The 1951 U.N. convention on refugees defines a refugee as "someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion." Japan is a signatory to the convention, which obliges member states to give them protection, but evacuees from Ukraine and similar displaced persons do not meet the criteria. Some 2,091 Ukrainian evacuees were in Japan as of Sept. 20, of whom 1,931 reside in Japan under a "designated activities" visa for one year, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Permission for their stay in Japan was given under the discretion of the justice minister. Related coverage: Over 140 Japan-born foreign minors to get special permission to stay Japan grants long-term visas to 2 Russians who oppose Ukraine war New Analyst-Informed Scores Provide More Sophisticated Way to Evaluate Fund Managers and Benchmark Across Strategies and Vintage Years SEATTLE , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PitchBook, the premier data provider for the private and public equity markets, today released PitchBook Manager Scores, a new tool to uncover top-performing fund managers across vintages and strategies. The feature leverages PitchBook's comprehensive benchmarking data and proprietary scoring methodology that contextualizes fund family performance. Along with Manager Scores, PitchBook is also releasing PitchBook Capital Call and Distributed Speed Scores to help LPs anticipate cash flow patterns and pursue a more informed portfolio management strategy. Manager Scores joins a suite of other powerful LP tools available on the PitchBook Platform including Cash Flow Modeling, Portfolio Forecasting, Benchmarks, Investment Style Summaries and PitchBook Institutional Research Group reports to create the most robust, central offering available to support core LP workflows. The new tool is accessible within the PitchBook Platform and can be found on investor profiles under the Fund Family Performance tab. PitchBook Manager Scores launches at a time of significant change in the private markets. The overperformance of alternative asset classes in 2020 and 2021 and subsequent market volatility has prompted many LPs to reevaluate their commitment strategies and fund manager relationships. Historically, LPs have dealt with challenges in traditional methods of benchmarking, which lack the sophistication and tools needed to effectively evaluate manager performance and understand the nuance of out- and underperformance. LPs also face uncertainty around the timing and size of the capital calls that they will need to fund and the distributions they will receive, making allocation planning in private funds a difficult exercise. In today's challenging market, this becomes an even greater challenge. Leveraging extensive benchmarking data from the PitchBook Platform and a proprietary scoring methodology developed by PitchBook's Quantitative Research team, Manager Scores contextualize private fund performance by fund family groupings across strategy, vintage, geography and sector. With this tool, LPs gain access to underlying fund family data to enable more robust peer grouping and benchmarking and understand the nuanced factors behind outperformance and underperformance. Coupled with its Capital Called and Distributed Scores, LPs gain more visibility into capital call and distribution patterns, enabling greater control over their portfolio and the ability to source managers that meet their liquidity and allocation needs. "As LPs continue to grapple with how to effectively allocate funds to the alternative asset classes in today's environment, we're thinking about fund performance in a more nuanced way to help LPs derive insights from data more easily," said Kristina Linova, Lead Product Manager at PitchBook. "Manager Scores was developed with client needs in mind by PitchBook research analysts who are deeply familiar with the time and resource constraints many LPs face. PitchBook's LP toolbox aims to streamline the fund manager evaluation workflow by providing transparency into the data and factors driving performance like never before." In addition to PitchBook's innovative LP tools and breadth of data, LPs can also leverage the Quantitative Research team, which provides crucial macroeconomic research in addition to guiding the development of novel product solutions to the most complex challenges in the industry. More information on PitchBook's allocator solutions and can be found in a new series of analyst reports surrounding the Manager Scores release: For more information about this tool and PitchBook's robust offering for supporting LP workflows, click here. About PitchBook PitchBook is a financial data and software company that provides transparency into the capital markets to help professionals discover and execute opportunities with confidence and efficiency. PitchBook collects and analyzes detailed data on the entire venture capital, private equity and M&A landscapeincluding public and private companies, investors, funds, investments, exits and people. The company's data and analysis are available through the PitchBook Platform, industry news and in-depth reports. Founded in 2007, PitchBook has offices in Seattle , San Francisco , Chicago , New York , London , Hong Kong , Singapore , Mumbai , Kolkata and Ukraine and serves more than 100,000 professionals around the world. In 2016, Morningstar acquired PitchBook, which now operates as an independent subsidiary. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pitchbook-adds-manager-scores-to-powerful-suite-of-lp-tools-301939218.html SOURCE PitchBook SEATTLE , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, is pleased to announce two strategic changes within its world-class sales organization that reflect the company's continuing investment in trade sales as a pivotal driver of its global growth. To lead this investment in worldwide relationships, Beth Mercier has been promoted to Senior Director, Global Partnership Sales. With a wealth of experience spanning 15 years in the expedition cruise industry, including five years of recent sales leadership experience focused on North America and LATAM for the company, Mercier brings an unparalleled specialization in the industry's expedition and adventure travel segments. She will drive relationships with global consortiums, host agencies, and strategic accounts. As a new leader within Mercier's team, Becky Francis has joined the company as Regional Sales Director, EMEA. Based in London , Francis brings to the company an exceptional track record for strategic partnership development and the management of five world-class touring brands. Becky is an award-winning innovator in global sales training and program development. "We're thrilled to have two extraordinary trade sales leaders enhance the best business development team in the expedition cruise industry," said Thomas Lennartz, Vice President of Sales for Quark Expeditions. "In their new roles, Beth and Becky will bring not just a proven ability to deliver sales resultsthey are both recognized as inspiring team leaders with a balanced and strategic approach to professional success. Together with Robert Halfpenny , our Regional Sales Director, APAC, they will set the stage as our sales organization continues to grow to support our valued travel advisors globally." Quark Expeditions celebrates the power of partnership with travel experts to deliver life-changing experiences to polar explorer clients around the world. The company has been named Best Expedition Cruise Line for 2023 by global luxury travel network Virtuoso Ltd., and along with its industry-leading portfolio of polar voyages rapidly selling for 2024 it has just launched its "Rethink Your Bucket List" expedition season for the Arctic in 2025. To help every travel advisor become a polar expert, the company recently launched its new Partner Portal offering unmatched, sector-leading innovationincluding Parker the Polar Bear, the industry's first real-time, AI-driven virtual polar resource. Advisors can click here to join the Quark Expeditions Partner Portal and launch their polar expedition sales journey today! For media inquiries: [email protected] About Quark Expeditions: The global leader in polar adventures for more than 30 years. The most passionate and seasoned team in the industry, taking explorers to the ends of the earth. Going where few ever dream, and walking where few ever will. Delivering extraordinary experiences and enriching lives through travel, Quark Expeditions is a Travelopia specialist company. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quark-expeditions-strengthens-trade-sales-organization-to-drive-global-growth-301939073.html SOURCE Quark Expeditions SEATTLE , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In the exciting, growing field of Spatial Biology, the Orion platform from RareCyte has emerged as the platform of choice across biomarker discovery, translational and clinical research. Recent publications of pioneering findings in Nature journals, by leading translational and clinical institutions using the Orion multiplex imaging platform, demonstrate improved methods to help predict patient outcomes and to track the efficacy of novel therapies designed to shrink tumors ahead of resection. In a study published in Nature Cancer, the teams of Professor Peter K. Sorger and Dr. Sandro Santagata at Harvard Medical School ( Boston, Massachusetts ) identified spatial signatures predictive of survival / recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients which are significantly more prognostic than the existing CLIA test. By combining Orion's unique combination of speed and plex to generate high-fidelity, quantitative data across whole slides, this study interrogated tumor resections from seventy-four (74) human CRC patients for analysis of over 100 million cells. Automated generation and ranking of spatial biomarkers revealed novel markers that are highly predictive of progression-free survival. A recent study led by Dr. Pashtoon Kasi of Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian Hospital ( New York, New York ) and published in Nature's Oncogene, demonstrated - for the first time - significant tumor-shrinking activity of neoadjuvant immunotherapy drugs botensilimab plus balstilimab in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC). High-fidelity, quantitative data across whole tissue sections demonstrated a marked increase in immune infiltration and tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy. According to translational and pharmaceutical customers alike, the ability to test the effects of immune oncology drugs in a fast and comprehensive manner makes Orion the platform of choice for therapeutic drug development. The global adoption of Orion for spatial biology research is a continuation of RareCyte's legacy of supporting important studies across all therapeutic areas, with a special focus on oncology. Recent publications including from GZA Sint Augustinus, Mass General Hospital, the University of Southern California and University of Sydney highlight the use of RareCyte's AccuCyte and CyteFinder technologies for key liquid biopsy studies involving circulating rare cells. About RareCyte: RareCyte is an innovative precision biology company that develops technologies and end-to-end integrated platforms enabling advances in oncology, immuno-oncology, maternal-fetal health, and cell and gene therapy. As a leading biotechnology company, our team of scientists and engineers are continuously dedicated to design products and provide services which advance precision medicine and biomedical research, ensure successful clinical development programs, and contribute to companion diagnostic development. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. For more information about RareCyte, visit www.rarecyte.com. Media Contact: [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recent-nature-publications-highlight-the-groundbreaking-performance-of-rarecytes-orion-spatial-biology-platform-301939062.html SOURCE RareCyte, Inc. Summary Nine Moderated Panel Discussions with Industry Experts Hosted in Person at The Downtown Association in Lower Manhattan in Lower Manhattan Offering Seven (7) CE Credits Early Bird Registration Ends October 1, 2023 RICHMOND, Va. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Click Here to register for the event. Financial Press can request complimentary registration. Learn More about the agenda and register to attend the event in-person: https://aicalliance.org/aica-event/aica2023fallroundtable Now in its 5th year, the Active Investment Company Alliance's Roundtable conference addresses the latest trends, developments, and investment strategies from quality fund sponsors. It will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 , in Manhattan at the Downtown Association, a social organization dating back to 1859. The event will feature a full day of informative panels, great speakers, valuable networking and more. The conference brings together institutional investors, RIAs, fund and asset managers, financial advisors, and financial media. The event offers a great opportunity to hear about the latest fund products and trends, to network and establish quality connections. AICA is known for combining high quality, advisor-centric content, distinguished by its invite-to-speak presentations (not the typical pay-to-speak format) that enable meaningful discussions and interaction. In addition, AICA also sponsors the weekly NAVigator Podcast. AICA strives to facilitate and grow relationships for institutional investors, financial advisors, service providers and fund sponsors within the industry. Hosted by second generation and 23-year industry specialist, John Cole Scott , President & CIO at CEF Advisors and Founder of CEFData.com . JCS also serves as AICA's Executive Chairman. CEF Manager Track Managing Credit Risk in the Current Environment Tax Free, & Investment Grade Exposure: Managing for Recessionary Risk Equity Income Exposure for Dividend Confidence Interval Fund Track Attractive Funds for Access to Unique Strategies Explosive Growth in the Interval Fund Market Industry Track Current State of Activism in Closed-End Funds Institutional Investor Perspective for Closed-End Funds The Future of Listed & Non-Listed Closed-End Funds & Business Development Companies Regulators, Lenders & Independent Board Members Roundtable Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities Media Contact: John Cole Scott , CFS [email protected] (804) 362-0717 AICA - Excellence Beyond Indexing The Active Investment Company Alliance. A 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association for closed-end funds (CEFs), business development companies (BDCs), Interval Funds and Tender Offer Funds. AICA membership is open to Fund Sponsors, Institutional Investors & Product Sponsors and Service Providers in the closed-end fund, business development company and interval fund universe. www.AICalliance.org View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/register-now-november-15-2023-in-person-aicas-new-york-city-fall-roundtable-301938906.html SOURCE The Active Investment Company Alliance (AICA) VALLETTA, Malta , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine's largest airline, SkyUp Airlines, and its Maltese subsidiary, SkyUp Malta, have selected IBS Software to empower its commercial operations. IBS Software, a global leader of SaaS solutions to the travel and cargo industry, is providing a digitally native passenger services system (PSS) to allow SkyUp to overhaul its previous platform and deliver greater flexibility as it recommences the scheduled flights. SkyUp, a digital-first airline, has attracted widespread attention for its innovative actions since the start of the war, including the evacuation of its aircraft from closed airspace, its pivot to become an ACMI provider, and most recently achieving an Air Operator Certificate in Malta so the airline can operate anywhere in Europe . As SkyUp Airlines gears up to restart full-scale operations in EU following its temporary stint as an ACMI and charter airline, transforming its inhouse IT system into a world-class PSS is a significant part of its journey. IBS Software's cloud and NDC-native PSS platform will enable SkyUp to react to changing market conditions, giving them the ability to dynamically price fares and ancillary services and handle continuous pricing via a multitude of distribution channels. Importantly, the new platform also allows SkyUp to run both its core airline and Maltese subsidiary from one platform, enabling the airline to feed their inhouse tour operator and rapidly expanding partner network of travel agencies via their direct channel. "We are excited to partner with IBS Software, a like-minded partner with innovation at its core, to power the restart of our commercial operations," said Lyudmyla Slobodianiuk, CCO of SkyUp Airlines. "IBS Software's cloud-native PSS will provide the platform for us to move quickly and adapt to changing market conditions. We are convinced the partnership will be an important foundation for future success." "We are delighted to be selected by SkyUp Airlines to power the restart of commercial operations," said Benjamin Simmons , Vice President and Regional Head of Europe and Africa at IBS Software. "It is an honour to work with such a resilient and innovative airline as it continues to transform its business to overcome the adversity of both COVID and war. By supporting its commitment to replace legacy systems with next generation technology to serve its customers, we look forward to supporting SkyUp as it starts a new and exciting chapter in its history." ABOUT IBS SOFTWARE IBS Software is a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, managing mission-critical operations for customers in the aviation, tour & cruise, hospitality, and energy resources industries. Aviation Industry: IBS Software's solutions for the aviation industry cover fleet & crew operations, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, loyalty programs, staff travel and air cargo management. Hospitality Industry: IBS Software runs a real time B2B and B2C distribution platform providing hotel room inventory, rates and availability to a global network of hospitality companies and channels. Tour & Cruise Industry: IBS Software's platform provides a comprehensive, customer-centric, digital platform that covers onshore, online and on-board solutions. Energy & Resources Industry: IBS Software's solutions cover logistics planning, operations & accommodation management. Digital Transformation: The Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business focuses on driving digital transformation initiatives of its customers, leveraging its domain knowledge, digital technologies and engineering excellence. IBS Software operates from 16 offices across the world. Further information can be found at www.ibsplc.com Follow us: Blog | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram About SkyUp SkyUp Airlines, a Ukrainian airline founded in June 2017 and headquartered in Ukraine but with a European presence, has recently achieved significant milestones. In May 2023 , the company, certified as SkyUp MT in Malta , successfully obtained an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization certificate (CAMO), and an Air Operator License (AOL). Operating under the SkyUp brand for over five years, we have consistently risen to meet challenges, constantly enhancing our services. Our current fleet consists of ten medium-haul Boeing 737 aircraft, with an average age of 14 years. At the core of our mission is the desire to inspire people to travel, fostering a shift in their perspective on the world. Notably, SkyUp Airlines was among the largest air carriers in Ukraine , as confirmed by the 2021 annual statistics from Ukraerorukh, where we secured the second position among Ukrainian airlines based on the number of flights conducted in Ukrainian airspace. In response to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine , we have adapted our operations and ventured into two key directions: providing ACMI services and conducting charter flights in response to requests from third-party airlines and tour operators, sport clubs, funds, etc. During the years 2022-2023, SkyUp Airlines established partnerships with a total of 15 airlines. Within the timeframe from February 24, 2022 , to mid-2023, SkyUp successfully conducted 11,124 ACMI flights and 1,071 charter flights. Our flight operations span across Europe , encompassing destinations in Egypt , Turkey , Tunisia , and several other countries. In the coming future, the company is poised to launch regular flights within the European Union. Furthermore, we are committed to being among the first to resume operations in the Ukrainian airspace once it is feasible. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2220272/IBS_Software_SkyUp.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1169353/IBS_Software_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyup-airlines-selects-ibs-software-to-power-restart-of-commercial-operations-301938503.html SOURCE IBS Software America's #1 Imported Wine is Expanding into a Trending Category to Meet Demand for Sweet Heat LOS ANGELES , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stella Rosa Wines has done it again and #TacoTuesday drinks will never be the same. Stella Rosa Wines is introducing a new collection of sweet and spicy wines to its portfolio of 30+ semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wines. The Spicy Series is meeting two trending categories: sweet heat and low-ABV options. Initially launching the collection with the Pineapple & Chili flavor, it has become the fastest-selling flavored wine SKU to enter the market in 2023. Now, it's introducing two new SKUs: Lime & Chili and Mango & Chili; fusing sweetness with heat. Each flavor blends Moscato D'Asti grapes and tropical flavors with Italian chili peppers and a 5% ABV, perfectly meeting the palette of loyal and new Stella Rosa fans. The new collection comes on the heels of growing data: 2 in 3 American consumers are interested in sweet and spicy flavors (Mintel) and sweet wine has become a $1B industry (Nielson). Stella Rosa is combining consumer behavior and data to bring a wine that builds heat over time and can be served over ice or in a cocktail, offering a unique wine-drinking experience with each sip. The details are even found in the packaging, each bottle offers a sweet to spicy meter for reference. "Our consumers are looking for a wine that is flavorful but also lower in alcohol content and fun," said Stella Rosa Wines President , Steve Riboli . "Maybe you're looking for a Taco Tuesday drink but don't necessarily want to break out the Tequila that's what the Stella Rosa Spicy Series is bringing to the table; an easy and refreshing glass of wine that offers the spice and fizz consumers crave." The ability to be innovative and playful in a traditionally rigid category has allowed Stella Rosa to be an industry leader, appealing to a multi-generational consumer. However, it doesn't stop the brand from reeling in Gen-Z and Millennials in abundance -- 27% of new Stella Rosa consumers are new to the wine category altogether. The brand has become synonymous with pop culture and innovation, continuously living up to its reputation as America's #1 imported wine. Interested in joining the spicy side? Stella Rosa Pineapple & Chili, Lime & Chili, and Mango & Chili are available for $10.99 MSRP at most major retailers. Find your Stella Rosa here and learn more about the Stella Rosa Spicy Series here. More about Stella Rosa Wines Stella Rosa is a selection of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Italian wines, evolving with the spirit of the times when it comes to wine trends and popular culture. Among its impressive achievements are a 10x Impact Magazine Hot Brand award and its position as the #1 imported wine in America. Most recently, Stella Rosa curated a collection of hand-crafted premium and fruit-flavored Brandy made from high-quality grapes grown in Northern Italy. Stella Rosa is created by Riboli Family Wines, a Los Angeles-based establishment founded in 1917. For more information, visit www.stellarosawines.com . Instagram: @ StellaRosa Twitter: @ StellaRosaWines Contact: Daniela Garrido, dgarrido@riboliwines.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stella-rosa-wines-launches-new-spicy-series-bringing-the-heat-to-wine-glasses-301939139.html SOURCE Riboli Family Wines Long-awaited brewery marks Guinness' second location in the United States CHICAGO , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It's happening, Chicago . For real this time. The highly anticipated Guinness Open Gate Brewery will officially open to the public on Thursday, September 28 . The highly anticipated Guinness Open Gate Brewery will officially open to the public on Thursday, September 28 . To commemorate the opening, this afternoon Guinness brewers, adorers, employees, and Chicagoans gathered for a celebratory ribbon-cutting at Guinness' newest home. Located at 901 West Kinzie St. in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, the former rail depot consists of a brewery, taproom, restaurant, and bakery housed in a 15,000-square-foot newly transformed space. Chicago marks Guinness' very first bakery globally, and second brewery location in the U.S. , with the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Baltimore having opened in 2018. This site will combine more than 260 years of brewing experience from Ireland , with cutting edge American brewing innovation, for a uniquely Chicago experience. "This is an exciting step in the continuing evolution of the Guinness brand in America. It's been a long journey, but we are so thrilled to be opening our doors this week and to contribute to Chicago's world class food and beer scene," said Rodney Williams , President of Diageo Beer Company. "As a Chicago native, I can confidently share that we aim to celebrate and showcase this great city and make a positive impact in the community, all while serving great beer." "I extend our warmest Illinois welcome to Guinness as they join the Chicago brewing family, continuing centuries of tradition right here in the heart of the West Loop ," said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker . "Guinness' commitment to community engagement and sustainability is admirable, and I'm pleased that both locals and visitors alike will have access to yet another unique cultural and culinary opportunity while in Chicago a city with a proud history of both." About the Beer Guests can expect 12-16 rotating experimental draughts, most of which will be brewed on site and exclusively available in the taproom, alongside signatures like Guinness Draught Stout, Guinness Extra Stout , and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, which will always come straight from Dublin. Led by Brewer Megan Schwarz, the Chicago brewing team's 10-barrel brewhouse is hard at work with an initial line-up including Corn Maize Cream Ale made from corn grown in Illinois' Iroquois County , Kinzie Street Pale Ale, and a Mango Chile Ale. Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic Draught will also be available. All beer sales are limited to guests 21 years of age and over, but the restaurant is open to guests of all ages. "Open Gate Brewery is the center of innovation and creativity for Guinness, particularly when it comes to beer," said Ryan Wagner , National Guinness Ambassador and Head of Marketing, Guinness OGB Chicago. "Opening in Chicago allows us to be a part of one of the most storied and celebrated beer communities in the United States and we can't wait to bring the unique flavors and heritage of Guinness brewing to an exciting tap list that will appeal to every kind of beer drinker. Our brewers Megan and Nate are among the best in the industry, and we're stoked to share their beers with Chicago and beyond." About the Food The culinary program will be led by Dream Team Hospitality, a joint venture by local industry veterans, with chef Taylor Bischof at the helm. The food menu draws inspiration from the brand's Irish roots and global footprint, alongside reimagined Chicago classics. The site will offer morning bakery and cafe service daily, with an all-day restaurant menu available Wednesday through Sunday, as well as brunch on weekends. The bakery and cafe will feature offerings from Chicago's own Intelligentsia Coffee and Aya Pastry, alongside bread and treats baked fresh daily in the brewery. Guinness OGB Chicago will also be donating 10,000 loaves of Brewers Bread per year to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Other local culinary partners include Milky Milky Ice Cream and Pour Souls. About the Design The design of the building marries new and old, transforming a long vacant building into a state-of-the-art facility, adorned with a patio with stairs reminiscent of Chicago's Riverwalk steps, and a contemporary door with weathered steel finish. The space features a hand painted mural, complemented by a bubbly amber sculptural light fixture a nod to the iconic foam atop a fresh pint of Guinness which flows throughout the brewery. A nearly 10,000-pound harp sculpture with layered ambient lighting sits high above the main taproom bar. About Sustainability In keeping with Guinness parent company Diageo's commitment to the environment, Guinness OGB Chicago will: Source 100% renewable electricity from solar panels and renewable energy credits Operate as a zero waste to landfill facility Utilize a 100% electric boiler, which generates steam used to heat the mash and boil Commit that all spent grain from the brewing process will go to compost About the Community Guinness OGB Chicago is committed to serving the local community by: Donating 10,000 loaves of Brewers Bread to the Greater Chicago Food Depository Partnering with Choose Chicago and the Choose Chicago Foundation 501(c)(3) to support their Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Apprenticeship Program, which offers on-the-job experience to those from historically underrepresented BIPOC communities. 501(c)(3) to support their Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Apprenticeship Program, which offers on-the-job experience to those from historically underrepresented BIPOC communities. Serving as presenting sponsor for the Chicago Brewseum Beer Culture Summit, which takes place October 18-21 with the conference's closing night festivities happening at the brewery. Brewseum Beer Culture Summit, which takes place with the conference's closing night festivities happening at the brewery. Taking part in Learning Skills for Life in partnership with YWCA of Chicago . Learning Skills for Life is a complimentary global program started by Diageo , which teaches business and hospitality skills to those seeking employment in the hospitality industry, but who may have faced barriers to education and employment in their lives. To keep up to date with the latest news from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago, make sure to follow @GuinnessBreweryChi on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.guinnessbrewerychicago.com. Whether enjoying a pint at Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago, at the Guinness Storehouse in Ireland or anywhere in between, please do so responsibly. Photography A full library of images can be accessed here. About Guinness The Guinness brand was established in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin . Brewed using four main ingredients, water, barley (malted & roasted), hops and yeast, Guinness is the world's most popular stout brand. The iconic beer is brewed in 49 countries worldwide and sold in over 150 with almost 9 million glasses of Guinness beers enjoyed every day around the world. The most Guinness is sold in Great Britain , Ireland, USA, Nigeria and Cameroon . More information can be found at www.guinness.com. About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker , Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan , Baileys, Don Julio , Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. MEDIA CONTACTS: Kelly Pepe , DIAGEO [email protected] Jenna Liberman , Jack Morton [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-guinness-open-gate-brewery-hosts-grand-opening-in-chicago-301939434.html SOURCE GUINNESS FREDERICK, Md. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Theradaptive, a leading biopharmaceutical company using protein engineering to create targeted therapeutics, has been awarded a U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Clinical Trial Award of up to $7.4M with options, subject to FDA approval to begin phase I/II clinical studies. Awarded through the DOD's Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), the award recognizes the scientific merit of Theradaptive's work in targeted regenerative therapeutics to create safer and more efficacious treatments for patients with conditions such as spinal degenerative disc disease, orthopedic trauma, and craniomaxillofacial and dental repair. The Clinical Trial Award is aimed at providing assistance to companies implementing clinical trials for biologics or medical devices focused on improving the patient outcomes of military service members and veterans. This award will help Theradaptive scale up the production of its OsteoAdapt regenerative therapeutic product for spine and trauma repair and will become clinically available upon initiation of first in human clinical trials in early 2024. The FDA has already granted Theradaptive an unprecedented three Breakthrough Medical Device designations, accelerating the approval process of their products. Since its establishment, Theradaptive has leveraged its rapid progress, also receiving multiple grants and awards from the DOD. Through his research at MIT, Theradaptive's founder and CEO, Luis Alvarez , set out to develop ultra-persistent local delivery of therapeutics to regenerate bone and other tissues after witnessing first-hand the problem of delayed amputation in veterans following traumatic injury. In 2021, 67% of military veterans with service-related injuries had musculoskeletal injuries. Theradaptive's technology promises to elevate the standard of care for patients suffering from degenerative or traumatic spinal, extremity, and craniomaxillofacial injuries. However, Theradaptive's ability to convert recombinant proteins into material-binding variants gives their technology broad applicability across a host of clinical indications outside of orthopedics, including targeted immuno-oncology therapeutics. Commenting on the award, Theradaptive CEO and founder, Luis Alvarez , Ph.D. said, "The CDMRP Clinical Trial Award comes at a pivotal time for our company as we prepare for first in human clinical trials. Veterans and service members are disproportionally likely to suffer from traumatic extremity injuries or spinal degeneration and disc injury, and currently lack efficacious treatments with very few options. We have already demonstrated superior outcomes in preclinical studies, showing the promise of our technology. With this CTA award we are one step closer to providing new and improved therapies to patients and aligning with CDMRP's strategic goal of trying to increase post-injury quality of life by halting or slowing orthopedic disease progression in servicemembers and veterans." Dr. Brett Freedman , Orthopedic Surgeon and Head of Spine Surgery at Mayo Clinic, said, "Theradaptive is addressing significant unmet needs with their regenerative therapeutics, and this award shows the US Government resolutely recognizes this. The company's game-changing treatments are enhancing therapeutic performance and providing patients with more effective solutions. Their safe and precise therapeutic delivery platform promises to revolutionize the orthopedics industry and make a significant positive impact to millions of lives." About Theradaptive Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Maryland, U.S., Theradaptive is a venture-backed biopharmaceutical company with the goal of leveraging their therapeutic delivery platform that can deliver biologics where they are needed in the body with high precision and persistence to address unmet medical needs. Theradaptive is led by CEO Luis Alvarez, Ph.D., and its innovative platform has started to enable new therapeutics in spine, orthopedic and soft tissue repair as well as targeted immuno-oncology. This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, in the amount of $7.4m, through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program under Award No. (HT9425-23-1-0693). Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs or the Department of Defense. Contact: Marcus McCabe , marcus@flamepr.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/theradaptive-awarded-dod-clinical-trial-award-of-up-to-7-4-million-301936857.html SOURCE Theradaptive PHILADELPHIA , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NBC News meteorologist and co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY, Dylan Dreyer , has teamed up with the non-profit organization Beyond Celiac to raise awareness and support their mission of accelerating research for treatments and a cure for celiac disease. This dynamic partnership aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by celiac disease while driving groundbreaking research efforts to bring relief and hope to millions worldwide. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, affects an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, making it one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. Dylan Dreyer's personal connection to the cause brings an authentic and heartfelt commitment to the campaign. As a mother of a young son diagnosed with celiac disease, Dreyer understands the challenges that families undergo in navigating a gluten-free lifestyle while dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of the condition. Dreyer will be the keynote speaker at the Beyond Celiac Summit for the Celiac Community in Greenwich, Connecticut , on September 30 , and the emcee at the Step Beyond Celiac 5K in Boston suburb Waltham, Massachusetts , on October 14 . People interested in participating in either event can visit BeyondCeliac.org for more information. "I am thrilled to be joining forces with Beyond Celiac to make a difference in the lives of those living with celiac disease," said Dreyer. "When my son Calvin was diagnosed, we got some answers, but I also got firsthand perspective on the struggles families face every day. By raising awareness and supporting research efforts, we can bring much-needed attention to this condition and work towards finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure." Beyond Celiac is a leading advocate for the celiac disease community, dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with the condition. Their initiatives focus on driving research, advocating for policy changes, and promoting public awareness of celiac disease. "We are honored to have Dylan's support as we strive to elevate the conversation around celiac disease and its impact on individuals and families," said Alice Bast , CEO of Beyond Celiac. "Her involvement will undoubtedly bring more attention to the cause, help our community to eat without fear, and live life to the fullest." Through this partnership, Dylan Dreyer and Beyond Celiac aim to break down barriers, promote understanding, and catalyze critical research endeavors that will pave the way for better treatments and improved quality of life for those living with celiac disease. For more information about Beyond Celiac and their mission, visit BeyondCeliac.org. About Beyond Celiac Founded in 2003, Beyond Celiac is the leading catalyst for a celiac disease cure serving as a patient advocacy and research-driven organization working to drive diagnosis and accelerate the discovery of new treatments. By engaging with the top scientists in the field, making the right investments in research and supporting the broad community of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people can live healthy lives and eat without fear a world Beyond Celiac. Media Contact: Angela Miller , 319.331.5090 [email protected] Claire Baker , 267.419.2111 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/todays-dylan-dreyer-joins-forces-with-beyond-celiac-to-drive-celiac-disease-awareness-and-research-301938843.html SOURCE Beyond Celiac CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TUSK Partners ("TUSK") the premiere dental-focused M&A Advisor, advised Lane Perio in its affiliation with SGA Dental Partners, a portfolio company of Thurston Group. The transaction was led by Yazen Abusad , Associate of Mergers & Acquisitions at TUSK Partners. Alex Cherniavsky and Sam Lupton spearheaded the diligence and analytics efforts for TUSK. Under the leadership of Dr. John Lane , Lane Perio is a leading periodontal group in the Alabama . With 2-clinic locations, Lane Perio has provided first-class dentistry care to the tens of thousands of patients in its surrounding community. Dr. John Lane , Owner of Lane Perio, commented, "I am thrilled with the process the TUSK team conducted with the sale of my practice. I can't imagine how stressful it would have been to go through this process without the guidance of the TUSK team. I was able to achieve double what I initially believed my practice to be worth thanks to the team's expertise and skill set. TUSK was the best investment I've made to ensure I exited at the top and found the partner who understood my desire for clinical autonomy. I am looking forward to the beginning of the partnership with SGA Dental Partners." Richard Thompson , Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at SGA Dental Partners shared, " Dr. Lane has built a great set of practices focused on providing top-of-line dental care to the Northern Alabama region. We are excited to welcome Dr. Lane and the Lane Perio team to SGA Dental Partners." About Lane Perio Lane Perio was founded by Dr. John Lane in 1990. Dr. Lane and his staff pride themselves in providing comprehensive dental care to the many smiles of the Northern Alabama community. For more information, visit https://laneperio.com. About SGA Dental Partners SGA Dental Partners is a privately owned dental services organization that provides unparalleled support to its network of dentist partners throughout the southeast. We provide a suite of operational, administrative, and financial services that enable our partners to focus exclusively on delivering high-quality patient care. Our primary focus is to partner with and support dentists that provide patients with the highest level of clinical care and respect. SGA Dental Partners has a proven track record of empowering our partner dentists, and their respective practices, to unlock hidden growth potential and financial success without risk of burnout. To learn more about SGA Dental Partners, visit https://sgadental.com. About TUSK Partners TUSK Partners ("TUSK") provides M&A Advisory services in the dental industry. TUSK has completed over $1B of transactions across all specialties. With an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and access to 100's of buyers nationwide, we help our clients confidently pursue M&A transactions that maximize their long-term value. With our significant collective experience of over 40+ years of dental practice transactions, we offer our clients solutions that help them achieve their strategic and financial objectives. For more information, visit https://tusk-partners.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-partners-advises-lane-perio-in-its-sale-to-sga-dental-partners-a-portfolio-company-of-thurston-group-301937928.html SOURCE TUSK Partners We are in regular contact with ICRC and also directly with representatives of the Armenian residences of Garabagh to be responsive to humanitarian needs on the ground, Azernews reports, citing a post on X by Hikmet Hajiyev, the Assistant of the Azerbaijani President and the Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration. Hikmet Hajiyev noted that since yesterday hospitals in Agdam, Sabirabad, and Saatly regions of Azerbaijan vocated to receive a substantial number of patients from Khankandi and these hospitals were reinforced with additional medical staff. He added that medicines and other medical stuff, especially to treat burns have been sent. Additionally, food aid was also delivered. It will be continued today and following days as well. "Helicopter with medical team was ensured with access from Armenia to Karabakh to take the persons in need of medical support and provide medical care on the ground. - We are currently working on providing ICRC with exceptional access through Gorus-Gafan-Eyvazli-Fuzuli-Shusha-Khankandi road for medical evacuations and aid delivery," Hikmet Hajiyev noted. KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2023 - 19:08 | World, All South Korea proposed hosting a trilateral summit with Japan and China in December, the first in four years, during a meeting of the three countries' senior officials held in Seoul on Tuesday, according to diplomatic sources. Seoul also suggested that a joint declaration be issued following the planned summit, with neither Tokyo nor Beijing opposing the proposals, according to the sources. The annual three-way summit has been suspended since December 2019. The hiatus was partly due to a low ebb in relations between Japan and South Korea over wartime issues, but the two countries have made dramatic progress in mending ties this year. They held a three-way summit with the United States in mid-August. South Korea's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said the senior officials agreed to hold the trilateral summit at the earliest possible time and to continue discussions about the timing. They also agreed that their meeting has offered a chance to resume trilateral cooperation and discuss the revival of the annual summit following the hiatus due also to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the ministry. The foreign ministries of South Korea, Japan and China said the three nations' top diplomats will be meeting in a few months as part of preparations for the planned summit. South Korea, the current chair of the three countries' cooperation mechanism, did not mention which South Korean city will host the summit. Tuesday's meeting was participated in by South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung Won, Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong. Last Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing welcomes the holding of the trilateral summit at an appropriate time, during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo on the sidelines of the Asian Games being held in China's Hangzhou, Yonhap News Agency reported. Wishpond 's Sales Email AI saves time and improves productivity by generating personalized, tailored email responses. The new Sales Email AI will be available to customers using Wishpond 's outbound sales solution, PersistIQ. VANCOUVER, BC , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Wishpond Technologies Ltd. (TSXV: WISH) (OTCQX: WPNDF) (the "Company" or "Wishpond"), a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of Sales Email AI. Engineered to deliver tailored responses to emails from potential clients, Wishpond anticipates that Sales Email AI will provide its users a level of personalization that sets it apart from traditional automated responses. Designed to elevate and streamline sales communications, Sales Email AI will be a new feature of PersistIQ, Wishpond's outbound sales solution. "We are thrilled to introduce the Sales Email AI as a new feature of our PersistIQ solution," said Ali Tajskandar, CEO of Wishpond. "By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we are aiming to enable sales teams to communicate with customers more effectively and efficiently than ever before, resulting in a significant enhancement to our PersistIQ platform. Sales Email AI marks Wishpond's fourth product launch leveraging the capabilities of AI, and we look forward to sharing additional AI integrated marketing solutions in the future." To utilize Sales Email AI, customers of PersistIQ and Propel IQ simply need to connect their business email account to PersistIQ, answer a questionnaire designed to influence the artificial intelligence's (AI) interactions with prospects and customers, and then install PersistIQ's Google Gmail extension. The installation of PersistIQ's extension into Gmail will then embed the AI responder into the business's email account. Furthermore, by continually learning from user interactions, Sales Email AI is expected to refine its capabilities over time, with the intent that each response will be finely tuned to meet the unique needs and preferences of the recipient. Nick Steeves , the General Manager of PersistIQ, commented, "We envision our users seamlessly integrating this powerful tool into their daily operations, as a new method to streamline and improve their approach to sales communications. In addition, our development team has worked diligently to develop this feature so that it is not only cutting-edge, but also user-friendly and highly practical, with aims to solidify its place as an indispensable tool for small and medium-sized businesses." Sales Email AI is available to customers. For more information, please visit: https://www.persistiq.com/ai/. Wishpond Technologies Ltd. "Ali Tajskandar" Chairman and Chief Executive Officer About Wishpond Technologies Ltd. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia , Wishpond is a provider of marketing-focused online business solutions. Wishpond is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions that empower entrepreneurs to achieve success online. The Company's Propel IQ platform offers an "all-in-one" marketing suite that provides companies with marketing, promotion, lead generation, ad management, referral marketing, sales conversion, and outbound sales automation capabilities on one integrated platform. Wishpond replaces disparate marketing solutions with an easy-to-use product, for a fraction of the cost. Wishpond serves over 4,000 customers who are primarily small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in a wide variety of industries. The Company has developed cutting-edge marketing technology solutions, including an AI powered website builder, and continues to add new features and applications. The Company employs a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model where most of the Company's revenue is subscription-based recurring revenue which provides excellent revenue predictability and cash flow visibility. Wishpond is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker "WISH", and on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker "WPNDF". For further information, visit: www.wishpond.com . Cautionary & Forward-Looking Statements 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. This press release may contain certain forward-looking information and statements ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, that are not based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements relating to the potential success and business results from the Sales Email AI feature, statements regarding the ease of integration of the Sales Email AI feature with existing infrastructure used by the Company's customers and the ability of the Sales Email AI to learn from interactions, containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "intends", "will", "should", "expects", "continue", "estimate", "forecasts", "schedule" and other similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of the Company, its securities, or financial or operating results (as applicable). Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information in this press release are reasonable, such forward-looking information has been based on expectations, factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control, including, but not limited to, risks associated with the protection of intellectual property of the Company, risks associated with the market reception towards AI technology, risks associated with the ability of the Sales Email AI feature to integrate with existing technologies used by the Company's clients, and the risk factors discussed in the public disclosure documents of the Company which such risk factors are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention and has no obligation or responsibility, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wishpond-announces-new-sales-email-ai-301938219.html SOURCE Wishpond Technologies Ltd. NEW YORK , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yale School of Nursing held the YSN Centennial Celebration honoring alumni this past weekend to commemorate nurses in advancing the school's mission of better health for all people. Pritma Dhillon-Chattha and Brighid Gannon , shared the stage to accept the 2023 Decade Award for their outstanding efforts and effective, value-driven outcomes achieved post their doctorate of nursing from Yale. The award recognizes a promising future in nursing excellence demonstrated through innovative and unprecedented approaches. "Drs. Dhillon-Chattha and Gannon exemplify Yale nurses who are prepared and ready to act wherever they see a need." Two visionary leaders with a passion for increasing access to mental health care and advancing the roles of nurses, Pritma and Brighid are being commended for their work as co-founders of Lavender. An online psychiatry and therapy office across five states, Lavender was founded in 2020 in response to the rising need of mental healthcare at the dawn of the pandemic. To date, Lavender is the largest nurse-owned and nurse-led mental health organization in the US, operating through a unique model of concierge-level care and board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners delivering both psychotherapy and medication management in a single virtual appointment. As of March 2023 , 160 million Americans live in areas with mental health professional shortages. Lavender makes high-quality mental health care easier to access from major markets to underserved rural communities across New York , New Jersey , Massachusetts , Florida and Washington . Clients can receive medication management and therapy support often within a week instead of waiting for months to get help. With the mindset of creating opportunities for nurses to flourish - would ultimately better serve the community, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners at Lavender are empowered to practice to their full scope with a support network to foster collaboration and opportunities for leadership development. Over the course of three years, Pritma and Brighid have captivated like-minded Psych NPs to join forces and grow Lavender to 90+ team members strong. The Yale School of Nursing congratulates Pritma and Brighid on their well-deserved awards and commends their pioneering work with Lavender. These two exceptional alumni embody the values and mission of the institution. "Drs. Dhillon-Chattha and Gannon exemplify Yale nurses who are prepared and ready to act whenever and wherever they see a need. In this case, it was the need of an entire community for better, more affordable access to mental health services. They combined entrepreneurship and nursing knowledge to make it happen." said Dr. Azita Emami , Dean of Yale School of Nursing, Yale University. About Lavender Psychiatry At Lavender, we believe in creating a space where feelings are felt, respected and cared for. We're an online psychiatry and therapy office, founded and led by nurses passionate about increasing access to mental health care. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners provide both therapy and medication management care in Florida, New York , New Jersey , Massachusetts and Washington . For more information, please visit www.joinlavender.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yale-school-of-nursing-honors-lavender-co-founders-301938464.html SOURCE Lavender Vertex CEO and President Reshma Kewalramani , Bank of America Human Resources Executive Karen Reardon, and McKinsey & Company Associate Partner Jared Goodman to Help Year Up Scale Its Reach and Impact BOSTON , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The national workforce development organization Year Up announced today that it has appointed three new members to its national board of directors, which meets quarterly in support of Year Up's mission to close the Opportunity Divide. Vertex CEO and President Reshma Kewalramani , Bank of America Human Resources Executive Karen Reardon, and McKinsey & Company Associate Partner Jared Goodman attended their first board meeting on September 18, 2023 . "These are seasoned business leaders who have demonstrated strong commitment to advancing equitable access to opportunity," said Year Up Founder and CEO Gerald Chertavian . "Their guidance and expertise will enable Year Up to partner with even more employers in implementing skills-first talent practices and offer more young people pathways to economic sustainability." Dr. Kewalramani joined Vertex in 2017 and became CEO in 2020. Under her leadership, Vertex has continued to foster its strong culture for inclusion, diversity and equity. She currently serves on the Biomedical Science Careers Program's board of directors, the Massachusetts General Hospital board of trustees, the Boston University School of Medicine Dean's Advisory Board and the Ginkgo Bioworks board of directors. She has been named one of Boston Business Journal's "Power 50," one of Boston magazine's most influential Bostonians, and one of Business Insider's "10 People Transforming Healthcare." She received her medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine and is a Harvard Business School graduate. Reardon joined Bank of America in 1996 and serves as HR executive for Merrill Wealth Management, The Private Bank and Regional Banking. She oversees leadership development, talent acquisition, learning, employee relations, compensation, diversity and inclusion, change management, manager effectiveness and performance management. Reardon graduated from the University of Illinois and from Harvard Business School's Strategic Human Resources Management Program. Goodman focuses on international development, climate, energy, infrastructure, and public/social sector strategy at McKinsey's Washington, DC office. He has helped emerging economies navigate the climate and energy transitions as well as promote economic and sustainable development. Previously, he worked as an advisor to both the Deputy Secretary and Counselor of the U.S. Department of State during the Obama Administration. Goodman received an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MPA in International Development from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a B.S. from Duke University. He is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Nationwide, 80 percent of Year Up graduates are employed or attending college within four months of completing the program, with average starting salaries of $52,000 /year. In May 2022 , the federally-sponsored Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education (PACE) follow-up evaluation of Year Up showed that in the six years post-program, young adults randomly assigned to Year Up earned 30 percent more compared with similar young adults in a control group the largest impact on earnings reported to date for a workforce program tested in a randomized controlled trial. About Year Up Inc. Year Up is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adultsno matter their background, income, or zip code. Year Up utilizes a high-expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills to help them effectively navigate a modern work environment. Year Up has served more than 40,000 young adults across 35 campuses since its founding in 2000 and has been voted one of the "Best Non-Profits to Work For" by The NonProfit Times. To learn more, visit http://www.yearup.org , and follow us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok . CONTACT: Lauren Peachey , [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/year-up-appoints-three-new-members-to-its-national-board-of-directors-301939027.html SOURCE Year Up FiILE PHOTO: Viola Davis attends the world premiere of "AIR" at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2023. REUTERS/Lauren Justice/ File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced the first members of the Presidents Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, including actor Viola Davis, who will advise Washington on deepening ties with African communities. Washington has sought to stress the region's importance and counter challenges posed by China and Russia to the United States' interests in the increasingly important region. Washington announced plans to establish the council in December last year during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which aimed to deepen Washington's ties with the region. The council will advise the president on a range of issues, including how to strengthen relations between African communities and the United States, promoting trade and investment and building educational exchanges, among other issues, Judd Devermont, the National Security Council's senior director for African Affairs, told reporters. The chair of the council will be Silvester Beaman, the Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who pronounced the benediction at Biden's inauguration in 2021. In addition to Viola Davis, members include: Patrick Gaspard, the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress think tank; C.D. Glin, president of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of social impact for PepsiCo; and Almaz Negash, founder of the African Diaspora Network, among others. Davis this year won a Grammy for her audio recording of her memoir "Finding Me," granting her entry into the elite ranks of EGOT winners with an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony award. The White House in a press release said Davis was "a revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist", who among other things, "has partnered with multiple programs to eliminate child hunger in the United States". The United States aims to position itself as a better partner to African countries as China has sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects on the continent and elsewhere. Russia held its first Africa summit in 2019 and since sending troops into Ukraine has been pushing harder for influence and business on a continent where its Wagner mercenary group remains active. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis; Editing by Don Durfee and David Gregorio) Migrants gather near the border wall after crossing the Rio Bravo river with the intention of turning themselves in to the U.S. Border Patrol agents to request asylum, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico September 25, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez By Lizbeth Diaz and Jackie Botts TIJUANA/OAXACA CITY, Mexico (Reuters) - African migrants and asylum seekers heading to the United States are flying into Nicaragua to bypass the Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle isthmus connecting Panama and Colombia, according to migrants interviewed by Reuters and exclusive U.N. data. A dozen migrants recently arrived in the Mexican northern border city of Tijuana and the southern city of Oaxaca said they had flown into the Central American country, where many African nationalities can obtain a low-cost visa. The migrants hailed from Mali, Angola, Guinea and Senegal, and almost all said they knew about the dangers of Darien, which can only be traversed on foot. Several said they had gone to Nicaragua after hearing macabre stories of people who had faced Darien's deadly perils. "When I started planning my trip I told myself: I don't want to die there," said a 32-year-old migrant from western Mali, who explained he had fled the country due to war and violence. "I want to live safely," he said from a shelter in Tijuana, claiming to have paid a trafficker more than $10,000. He asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. Sitting outside a bus terminal in Oaxaca city, Souleymane, a 29-year-old Senegalese man who asked to be identified by his first name only, said that relatives in New York had paid for his passage to Nicaragua. Souleymane gestured that it had been exorbitantly expensive, though he declined to give the amount. "The political crisis (in Senegal) scares us," he said. Several migrants said they found out about the alternate route through social networks and from human traffickers. Traditionally many people trying to reach the United States have flown into Brazil or other South American countries, but knowledge of this alternate route has spread through word of mouth. Authorities in Nicaragua did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for information on the issue. DARIEN BYPASS Reuters obtained exclusive access to data from the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM), scheduled to be published Wednesday in a report, which underlines the scale of the phenomenon. In a statement to Reuters, the IOM previewed the findings of the report, including that "African and Cuban migrants are increasingly choosing air routes to reach Central American countries, avoiding the Darien jungle." Between January and July, some 4,100 African migrants crossed Darien, a 65% decrease compared to the same period in 2022, the statement said. Separately, it also said 19,412 African migrants crossed Honduras - Nicaragua's northern neighbor - in the first seven months of 2023, a 553% increase from the same period in 2022. Only 524 Cubans were reported in Darien during that period, in contrast to the 17,157 recorded in Honduras. The data suggest that thousands of African and Cuban migrants have opted for the Nicaragua route in recent months. Various international organizations such as the U.N. have warned of the risks migrants face crossing Darien. These can range from hunger, injury, animal bites to robbery, violent attacks and sexual assault. Despite the shift seen among African and Cuban migrants, a record of about 82,000 people last month entered Panama overland from South America, according to the IOM. Meanwhile, an unprecedented number of migrants have entered Mexico from other continents, as the trek to the U.S. southern border increasingly becomes a global migration route sought by people fleeing violence, economic distress and the growing impacts of climate change in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The number of African migrants registered by Mexican authorities so far this year is already three times as high as during all 2022. (This story has been refiled to fix formatting errors) (Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Tijuana and Jackie Botts in Oaxaca City; Additional reporting by Ismael Lopez; Writing by Isabel Woodford; Editing by Dave Graham and Aurora Ellis) KYIV (Reuters) -A cargo vessel set off from a Ukrainian Black Sea port on Tuesday after loading but remained close to the port, an industry source said, without giving any further details. The vessel was the latest to set off from a Ukrainian Black Sea port since Kyiv established a temporary "humanitarian corridor" hugging the coastline following Russia's decision to quit a deal that had allowed safe Ukrainian exports. Two bulk carriers left the port of Chornomorsk last week via the humanitarian corridor. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said last week that three cargo ships were heading towards Ukrainian Black Sea ports for further food and steel exports. He identified them as the bulk carriers Azara, Ying Hao 01 and Eneida, and said they were due to load 127,000 metric tons of agricultural products and iron ore for China, Egypt and Spain. Two other vessels were still in ports under loading. After it invaded Ukraine last year, Moscow closed off the Black Sea ports from one of the world's biggest suppliers of grain, in what Kyiv and its Western backers called an attempt to use global food supplies as blackmail. Moscow said the ports could bring in weapons. From July 2022, the ports were been reopened under a deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey that allowed Russia to inspect ships for arms. Moscow quit the deal a year later and reimposed the blockade, saying its demands for better terms for its own food and fertiliser exports were being ignored. The blockage of deep sea ports has already affected Ukrainian grain exports, which have decreased by 51% so far in September to 1.57 million tons from 3.21 million tons in the corresponding period last year. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Popular Australian tourist destination Byron Bay will limit the availability of some properties for short-term holiday rentals, as authorities try to free up homes for residents amid a nationwide housing crisis. The New South Wales state government on Monday approved a request from the Byron Shire council to limit the short-term rents for some properties to 60 days per year to help boost the number of houses available for long-term stays. The decision comes days after Melbourne introduced the country's first tax on Airbnb-like stays, which the authorities in Victoria said would go towards funding more social housing. Byron Bay is a beachside destination popular with tourists and celebrities, and was featured in a Netflix reality TV series. Actor Chris Hemsworth owns a home in the area, but long-term residents and tourist industry workers are struggling to find affordable homes for rent. "It's well known there has been an undersupply of housing, particularly affordable and diverse housing across the Byron Shire for many years," NSW planning minister Paul Scully said in a statement announcing the policy. "In the current housing crisis, it's important every available means to boost housing stock for the community is utilised." The new rules will take effect in Sept. 2024 and only apply to certain areas. Parts of Byron Bay and nearby Brunswick Heads with "high tourism appeal" will continue without caps. Australia is in the grips of a housing crisis, as decades of low-density suburban sprawl have left many cities short of housing, especially near city centers. Other global tourist destinations like Berlin and Barcelona have also placed restrictions on short-term accommodation to free up more housing for residents. (Reporting by Lewis Jackson; editing by Miral Fahmy) FILE PHOTO: The tower of the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is seen in Basel, Switzerland March 18, 2021. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo By Huw Jones LONDON (Reuters) - European Union banks already largely meet tougher global capital rules to bolster defences against economic crises and now only need to find another 600 million euros ($635.8 million) ahead of a 2028 deadline, the bloc's banking watchdog said on Tuesday. The global Basel Committee agreed additional capital rules in 2017 that require banks to hold bigger reserves to shield them from potential shocks. These marked the last leg of the Basel Committee's revamp of core mandatory capital buffers after banks were bailed out during the 2008 global financial crisis. The EU, along with Britain and the United States, is now putting the final Basel requirements into its rule books. The European Banking Authority (EBA) on Tuesday published the results of its monitoring exercise of 157 banks across the EU at the end of 2022, which looked at how they were implementing Basel rules. "The main finding is that to comply with the new framework, EU banks would need a total of 0.6 billion euro of additional Tier 1 capital at the full implementation data in 2028," EBA said. "Overall, the results of the mandatory Basel III capital monitoring exercise show that European banks' minimum Tier 1 capital requirement would increase by 9.0% at the full implementation date in 2028." Basel has a 2028 deadline for implementing its remaining rules, which are set to be rolled out in the EU from January 2025. But EU policymakers have proposed longer phase-ins for some of them, and temporary waivers for others, which would cut the core capital shortfall to an estimated 240 million euros, EBA said. The United States has proposed beginning its "Basel Endgame" six months later and completing it in 2028, though regulators are facing a heavy backlash from banks which say capital burdens will rise significantly. Banks in Britain are also lobbying for the Bank of England to align its rollout start date with the United States, and to soften some of the rules in line with steps being taken by the EU. The BoE is due to set out its final Basel Endgame rules sometime in 2024. Separately on Tuesday, the Basel Committee said global shortfalls among banks for meeting full implementation of its core capital rules was around 3 billion euros at the end of December 2022, down from about 7.8 billion euros six months earlier. The aggregate shortfalls globally and in the EU represent a fraction of banks' total capital buffers and earnings. ($1 = 0.9437 euros) (Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Jane Merriman) By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -Five Bulgarian nationals accused of being part of a Russian spying network in Britain, tasked with carrying out surveillance and obtaining information about targets, appeared by videolink in a London court on Tuesday. The three men and two women are accused of conspiring "to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state" between Aug. 30, 2020 and Feb. 8, 2023. Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, all Bulgarian nationals who lived in London and Norfolk, were arrested by counterterrorism police in February this year. They did not enter a plea at this stage and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at London's Old Bailey court on Oct. 13. Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova had already been charged with identity document offences and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday over those allegations. Describing the charges, prosecutor Kathryn Selby told Westminster Magistrates' Court the defendants were accused of being part of an organised network which had carried out surveillance and hostile action on behalf of Russia against specific targets, including for potential abductions. Selby said Roussev's home was the group's alleged operating hub in Britain, and said the network had been given tasking by a person known as Jan Marsalek. Marsalek, the former chief operating officer for collapsed payments company Wirecard, is wanted by German police over alleged fraud and his whereabouts are currently unknown. He has not been charged with any crime in Britain but was named as an alleged co-conspirator in the charges against the five Bulgarians. The office of Marsaleks lawyer declined to comment. Britain has been seeking to take tougher action on external security threats and potential spies, and in July passed a national security law, aiming at overhauling its means of deterring espionage and foreign interference with new tools and criminal provisions. At the time, the government labelled Russia as "the most acute threat" to its security. There has been no response from the Russian embassy in London to the news of the accusations. Last November, Britain's domestic spy chief said more than 400 suspected Russian spies had been expelled from Europe, striking the "most significant strategic blow" against Moscow in recent history. (Additional reporting by Joern Poltz in Munich, editing by Ed Osmond and Alex Richardson) SAN JOSE (Reuters) -Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves said on Tuesday that he has ordered officials to declare a state of emergency as the number of migrants passing through the small Central American nation has risen sharply. "I have instructed the security ministry to take a firm stance with anyone who takes Costa Rica's kindness for weakness," Chaves said at a press conference, referencing recent riots by migrants crossing the country. So far in September, more than 60,000 people have passed through the Costa Rican border town shared with Panama, Paso Canoas, where fewer than 20,000 people live, another official said. Costa Rica's Chaves will visit Panama in early October to hold discussions on the migrant crisis. (Reporting by Alvaro Murillo; Writing by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Anthony Esposito and Brendan O'Boyle) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the development of pomegranate industry at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. pilot pleaded guilty on Tuesday to violating American sanctions by transporting former Venezuelan oil minister Tareck El Aissami, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking. Michols Orsini admitted to one count of conspiracy to violate sanctions at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan. Orsini said agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security visited his home in 2018, after he had flown El Aissami between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. He said that at the agents' request, he called his boss at a Florida-based firm that chartered flights for El Aissami between 2017 and 2019 to discuss flying the oil minister. Orsini said the agents recorded the call and told him he could continue to fly El Aissami as long as he informed them, but that he did not tell them about several subsequent flights. "I was scared," he said. Victor Mones, who founded the Florida private jet firm, pleaded guilty in 2019 to violating sanctions. He was sentenced in 2021 to 4-1/2 years in prison. The United States sanctioned El Aissami in 2017, accusing him of helping arrange drug shipments out of Venezuela, including to the United States and Mexico, through his control of a Venezuelan airbase and shipping ports. The United States charged El Aissami, Orsini, Mones and others with criminal sanctions violations over the flights in 2019, as Washington ramped up pressure on Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro to resign. The United States accuses Maduro of corruption, human rights violations and rigging elections, which he denies. El Aissami has denied wrongdoing. He resigned as oil minister in March as Maduro's government conducted a separate probe into corruption at state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by David Gregorio) U.S. President Joe Biden salutes as he departs Joint Base Andrews for Michigan where he will join striking members of the United Auto Workers on the picket line, in Maryland, U.S., September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and 2024 Republican front-runner and former President Donald Trump both travel to Michigan this week to talk to local auto industry workers, as a United Auto Workers' strike spreads around the country. Biden, a Democrat, and Trump are expected to speak to different crowds and present messages that reflect their vastly divergent views on unions, organized labor and the future of the U.S. auto industry. Winning the UAW's support is part of a broader push by both presidential candidates to capture the small-but-influential union vote in the November 2024 election. JOE BIDEN: SHARE THE PROFITS Michigan trip: Biden is expected on a UAW picket line in Wayne County, where he will meet with UAW President Shawn Fain. Michigan message: Biden is expected to side with striking workers and urge the companies to share their record profits with workers. As President: Biden says support for unions is a cornerstone of his economic policies, and he has pushed investment in U.S. manufacturing tied to union jobs and workers' rights. Biden has backed collective bargaining and union wage increases since taking office, but blocked a railroad workers' strike in 2022, disappointing unions pushing for paid sick leave. Notable quote: Auto companies "should go further to ensure record corporate profits mean record contracts for the UAW." Fain said last week: "We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line from our friends and families all the way up to the president of the United States. DONALD TRUMP: ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NOT THE ANSWER Michigan trip: Trump will speak at Drake Enterprises, a nonunion auto parts supplier in a Detroit suburb, where he will address hundreds of workers. Message in Michigan: Trump will criticize Biden's economic policies and incentives promoting EVs and say he would do a better job of protecting blue-collar workers if elected to a second term. As president: Trump lowered taxes for U.S. companies including the auto giants and appointed people to the National Labor Relations Board who unions say weakened protections for workers. Previously as a real estate developer, Trump faced lawsuits in which contractors accused him of not fully paying for their work. Notable union quote: "If the UAW 'leadership' doesn't ENDORSE me, and if I don't win the Election, the Autoworkers are 'toast,' with our great truckers to follow," Trump said on Truth Social. Fain says: "Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers." (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington and Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut; Editing by Heather Timmons and Matthew Lewis) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Russian technology giant Yandex is on display at the company's headquarters in Moscow, Russia December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/File Photo OSLO (Reuters) - Finland's data protection regulator said on Tuesday it had lifted a temporary ban on Russian tech group Yandex and Dutch-based partner Ridetech from transferring to Russia the personal data of customers of Yandex's Yango ride-hailing app. The emergency ban was announced in August in response to Russian legislation which Finland at the time believed would give Russia's Federal Security Service the right to receive data from Finnish users processed in taxi operations. But the Finnish regulator on Tuesday said new information showed that the Russian legislation did not apply to taxi services and that the ban, which had been due to come into effect on Wednesday, would not be implemented. The Yango ride-hailing service, which operates in 14 countries including Finland and Norway, is one of many services offered by Yandex, often dubbed "Russia's Google". "Yango is allowed to continue operating in Finland for the time being," the Finnish agency said, while adding that the monitoring of data transfers would continue in cooperation with Norwegian and Dutch regulators. Yango has said it processes data in strict compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and EU legislation, and that Russia in any case had no jurisdiction over the company's international business. Norway had also planned a similar ban to the one issued by Finland but had not issued a formal order and will refrain from doing so, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Data Protection Agency said. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Ros Russell) FILE PHOTO: Slovakia's former Prime Minister and leader of SMER-SSD party Robert Fico attends the party's election campaign rally, ahead of Slovakia's early parliamentary election in Banovce nad Bebravou, Slovakia, September 14, 2023. REUTERS/Radovan Stok (Reuters) - The Slovak opposition SMER-SSD party, led by three-time prime minister Robert Fico, held a narrowing lead over its nearest challenger, the liberal Progresivne Slovensko, before a Sept. 30 election, a Focus agency poll showed on Tuesday. The Focus poll, conducted for TV Markiza among 1,017 participants between Sept. 22 and Sept 26, put support for SMER-SSD at 18.0% to 16.6% for the non-parliamentary Progresivne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia). Slovakia is holding an early election after a centre-right government coalition collapsed last year and a caretaker government was installed in May. Fico's party and others have pushed issues such as illegal migration and Slovakia's support for neighbouring Ukraine, polarising Slovak society in the run-up to the vote. Fico quit as prime minister in 2018 in the wake of mass protests that were prompted by the killing of a journalist who had been investigating public graft long perceived as widespread in politics. Looking to return to power, Fico has pledged to end military support for Ukraine and oppose any sanctions on Russia that could hurt Slovakia. That would mark a sharp reversal in Slovak policies, which Progressive Slovakia leader Michal Simecka has warned against and promised to maintain support for Ukraine. The poll, which gave eight parties a chance of winning seats, showed no contender gaining an outright majority. Coalition-building hinges on the performance of a handful of small parties. SMER-S HLAS Progresivne SaS OLANO-led Republika KDH SME RODINA SNS DEMOKRATI SD Slovensko coalition Sept 26, 18.0 13.7 16.6 5.8 8.2 7.7 6.5 4.1 6.4 4.0 2023 Sept 17, 18.9 14.6 16.5 5.1 6.3 8 6.2 4.9 6.4 3.7 2023 Aug 2023 20 14.2 15 6.1 6.4 8.8 6.1 5.1 5.3 3.1 July 18.1 16 14.3 5.2 6.2 8.7 5.6 5.6 5.1 3.8 2023 June 19 16.3 13.5 5 6 9 6 6.1 5.5 3.6 2023 May 2023 18 17.4 12.5 5.3 5.3 9.7 5.5 6.6 4.7 3.2 April 17.7 17 13.1 5.2 5.6 9.8 6 6.1 4 3.6 2023 March 17.6 17.1 12.1 5.1 4.3 9.6 5.8 7.7 3.4 5 2023 Feb 2023 14.6 20.8 11 5.3 6.4 8.5 6.9 7.7 3.6 NOTE: threshold for parties to win seats is 5% and 7% for coalitions Party descriptions: * SMER-SSD- Direction-Slovak Social Democracy (leftist party of three-time prime minister Robert Fico) * HLAS- Voice (leftist party of former prime minister Peter Pellegrini who split from SMER) * Progresivne Slovensko- Progressive Slovakia (liberal party) * SaS-Sloboda a Solidarita- Freedom and Solidary (liberal former ruling party) * OLANO- Ordinary People and Independent Personalities-OLANO (centrist, anti-graft former ruling party) * Republika- Republic (far-right party) * KDH- Christian Democrat Movement (Christian conservative party) * SME RODINA- We Are Family (centrist former ruling party) * SNS- Slovak National Party (nationalist party) * DEMOKRATI- Democrats (centrist, pro-European party led by former prime minister Eduard Heger) (Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Alex Richardson) FILE PHOTO: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo NEW YORK (Reuters) -The board of the International Monetary Fund said on Monday it had completed a third review of Suriname's $630 million program, allowing the government of the South American country to withdraw about $52 million. The IMF also sees Suriname and China, its only official or private creditor without a debt agreement, advancing in debt talks before the next program review. "The authorities have made concerted efforts to advance debt restructuring negotiations, with the agreements in line with program parameters reached with all creditors except China," said in a statement Kenji Okamura, the fund's deputy managing director. "Both sides expressed commitment to work towards an agreement on comparable terms with other creditors by the next review." The government and the fund had struck a staff-level agreement late last month. The board's approval allows the government to draw about $52 million, most of which will be used for budget support. Even as Suriname did not meet all performance criteria, the board also approved the government's request for a waiver "based on the corrective measures already taken." (Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Tom Hogue and Gerry Doyle) FILE PHOTO: Migrants arrive on an Italian Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at sea, on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, Italy, September 18, 2023. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo By Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) - Foreigners who live legally in Italy could in future be kicked out of the country if they pose a threat to public order or national security, according to a draft government decree seen by Reuters. The measure, set for adoption at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, is part of a crackdown pledged by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing administration in response to a surge in boat arrivals from North Africa. The draft decree also states that in times of large influxes of migrants, reception centres would be able to host up to twice the number of people they are normally allowed to. With authorities struggling to accommodate the rise in unaccompanied migrant children, the draft allows for minors over the age of 16 to be held in reception centres for adults for up to three months. It also provides for the expulsion of migrants who falsely claim to be underage, and gives police broader powers to estimate the age of incoming migrants using body measurements and X-rays. Once approved by cabinet the decree would be immediately effective, but would need to be ratified by parliament within two months or else it would lapse. During ratification, it may be amended. Meloni's ruling coalition swept into power last year promising to curb immigration. But in the year to date, more than 133,000 migrants have arrived across the Mediterranean against just under 70,000 in the same period of 2022. The government last week signed off on new measures to lengthen the time migrants can be detained and increase the number of detention centres, in an effort to deter them from embarking on sea crossings. In a move criticised by the opposition and rights groups, Meloni's administration also decreed that migrants would have to pay almost 5,000 euros ($5,288) to avoid detention while their request for protection was being processed. ($1 = 0.9455 euros) (Additional reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Gavin Jones and Alex Richardson) General view of the delivery of the first company of U.S.-made Abrams M1A1 tanks to arrive in the country under a deal finalised in 2022, at the port in Szczecin, Poland, June 28, 2023. Cezary Aszkielowicz/ Agencja Wyborcza.pl via REUTERS/ File Photo MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday that U.S. supplies of long-range ATACMS missiles and Abrams tanks to Ukraine would not change the situation on the battlefield. Asked about the issue at a regular news briefing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian armed forces were constantly adapting to the use of new types of weapons in what Moscow calls its special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine. "All this can in no way affect the essence of the SVO and its outcome. There is no panacea and no one type of weapon that can change the balance of power on the battlefield," he said. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that U.S.-made Abrams tanks had arrived in his country. The jet-powered tanks were a top demand of Kyiv until Washington finally offered more than 30 of them in January. "Abrams tanks are serious weapons, but remember what the president said about other tanks made in another country," Peskov said, referring to other Western tanks supplied to Kyiv, which include German-made Leopards and British Challengers. "Well, these (Abrams) too will burn," he said. Kyiv has also repeatedly asked the Biden administration for Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to help attack and disrupt supply lines, air bases and rail networks in Russian-occupied territory. Last Friday, NBC News, citing U.S. officials, reported that President Joe Biden had informed Zelenskiy that Washington would also provide Kyiv with ATACMS long-range missiles. The White House and Pentagon declined to comment on the NBC report. The Pentagon also declined to say whether any promises of ATACMS were given to Zelenskiy during his meetings last Thursday at the Pentagon. "The Americans continue to increase their... direct involvement in this conflict, but of course, every time our military improves its skills and technical capabilities to counter these missiles," Peskov said. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Gareth Jones) Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov (), Interior Minister Ruslan Alkhanov (R) and Russia's State Duma member Adam Delimkhanov attend a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War LONDON (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin's spokesman refused to comment on Tuesday on the beating of a prisoner by the teenaged son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, an incident that drew condemnation even from some pro-Kremlin hardliners. Kadyrov said on Monday he was proud of his son Adam, 15, for the attack on Nikita Zhuravel, a Russian man accused of burning the Koran, and posted a video of the beating. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at the start of his daily briefing that he would not be commenting on the incident. When asked why, he said: "I don't want to." In the video posted by Kadyrov, a young man was shown punching and kicking another man cowering in a chair, before wrestling him to the ground and slapping him on the head. "Without exaggeration, yes, I am proud of Adam's action," wrote Kadyrov, who styles himself as a ruthless Putin ally. He said he respected the boy for acquiring "adult ideals of honour, dignity and defence of his religion". The Muslim region of Chechnya fought two separatist wars with Russia after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. Kadyrov, son of a former rebel who switched sides to back the Kremlin, has been given generous funding from Putin and free rein to rule the territory as his personal fiefdom in return for ensuring its stability and loyalty to Moscow. But the beating of a defenceless ethnic Russian prisoner in custody by Kadyrov's own son - and the fact that Kadyrov saw it as a source of pride - are potentially embarrassing for the Kremlin. "To call a spade a spade, what happened was illegal," wrote Rybar, a war blog with 1.2 million subscribers that supports and provides running commentary on Putin's war in Ukraine. Another such channel, Grey Zone, said what happened was an outrage. Russia's investigative committee said in May that the prisoner, Zhuravel, had been arrested for setting fire to a Koran in the city of Volgograd and had confessed he did it in return for payment from Ukrainian intelligence. It was not clear under what circumstances the alleged confession was made. Although the alleged crime was not committed in Chechnya, the investigative committee said it transferred Zhuravel to authorities there because numerous Chechens had requested, as Muslims, to be recognised as victims of his action. The beating was first reported in August, when Zhuravel complained about it to Russia's human rights ombudswoman, who said she had referred the issue to her counterpart in Chechnya. Abbas Gallyamov, a former Kremlin speechwriter who is now a harsh critic of Putin and has been designated a "foreign agent", said Kadyrov's behaviour was problematic for the Russian president. "No matter how idiotic the Volgograd resident who burned the Koran may be, he is still an ethnic Russian, and now it turns out that Putin is ready to hand over a Russian to be devoured by the Chechens. Naturally, the majority of Russians really won't like this," he wrote on messaging app Telegram. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan) SYDNEY (Reuters) - Daniel Andrews, the premier of Australia's Victoria state who oversaw one of the longest pandemic lockdowns in the world, said on Tuesday he would resign after about nine years in office. Andrews' surprise resignation comes just shy of a year after he led the centre-left Labor party to a third consecutive win in November elections in Australia's second-most populous state. He said the job had "consumed and defined" him. "It's not an easy job, being premier of our state. That is not a complaint, it's just a fact," Andrews told a televised media conference. "It requires 100% from you and your family. That of course is time-limited and now is the time to step away," he said. "To a certain extent, every waking moment is about the work and that takes a toll." Andrews is the longest-serving Labor premier of Victoria, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was criticised by some residents for the stop-start lockdowns that shut down state capital Melbourne for a total of 262 days. He said lawmakers from the Labor party, which is currently in power in the federal government, would elect his successor on Wednesday. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; editing by Miral Fahmy) FILE PHOTO: Former French foreign and defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is seen leaving after meeting with Head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc Mohammad Raad, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon July 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon risks being "ostracised" by the international community if its nearly year-long presidential vacuum drags on further, France's special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian told a local Lebanese newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday. Lebanon has been without a president since the term of former head of state Michel Aoun ended last October. The current parliament, one of the country's most deeply divided, has failed 12 times to elect a successor, with the last session in June. Le Drian told Lebanese daily L'Orient-Le Jour that he was planning to host a series of "consultations" among political actors and that he hoped Speaker of Parliament Nabih would then begin convening parliament "for consecutive and open sessions". "I hope that the actors are aware that a way out must be found; otherwise, they will be ostracised by the international community. No one will want to see them anymore, and it will be unnecessary to seek support here or there," Le Drian said. The failure to elect a president has deepened sectarian tensions in Lebanon, already mired in one of the world's worst economic crises and facing unprecedented political paralysis, with its cabinet only partially empowered. Lebanon has failed to enact reforms required to gain access to $3 billion in funding from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF has blamed "vested interests" for the lack of progress. Donor countries have stepped in to help fund various public services but have grown increasingly frustrated with Lebanon's requests for more funding. Le Drian on Tuesday said five key countries - the United States, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt - who had been coordinating on policies to help Lebanon out of its political impasse were beginning to reconsider assistance. "The five are wondering how long they will continue to help Lebanon," he said. The five had already discussed possible measures against politicians and groups who were obstructing the election of a president. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Alex Richardson) Actors perform lion dance at a show for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in London, Britain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A show for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival was staged in London Chinatown on Sunday afternoon, impressing many with performances featuring Chinese culture and art. Kicking off with a lion dance, the show captivated a huge crowd in the bustling area with a variety of programs, including Chinese-style dances, instrumental performances, songs, puppet dancing, and acrobatics. The annual Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is usually celebrated with family reunions and mooncake sharing on the 15th day of August on the Chinese lunar calendar when the moon is the fullest and brightest. It falls on Sept. 29 this year. "The full moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival not only means completeness and reunion, but also symbolizes the Chinese people's vision for the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of all communities across the world," Ping Huang, secretary-general of London Chinatown Chinese Association, said in the opening speech. The excitement in the audience reached a crescendo as artists from south China's Guangdong Province performed acrobatics, traditional Cantonese opera, contemporary dance, and a rod-puppet dance with long silk. The crowd burst into a round of applause and cheers when acrobats from Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong, displayed extreme physical flexibility and balance. Many people took out their phones to capture the moment when a female acrobat went on pointe atop her male counterpart's shoulder in a performance combining Chinese acrobatics with Ballet. "I feel like the Chinese culture gives importance to all sorts of small things that we do not consider, so it's very beautiful," Francesca Olivieri from Italy told Xinhua during the show. Olivieri went on stage to learn several Chinese dance moves with one of the performers. She was impressed by the "so elegant" Chinese-style dances she saw during the show. Along with Olivieri on the stage learning dance moves was Giselle Hinz from Germany. She said it was very good that different people could gather together in Chinatown, a popular place for many in a city where diverse cultures can be found. Locals learn Chinese-style dances at an event for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in London, Britain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) Locals watch a lion dance performance at a show for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in London, Britain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) A woman takes photos at a show for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in London, Britain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) An actress performs at a show for the celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in London, Britain, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Ying) (Reuters) - Billionaire John Malone's Liberty Media is looking to combine the business that contains its stake in SiriusXM with the rest of the radio company, in a deal to create a publicly listed firm controlled by the conglomerate. The proposal aims to spin off Liberty SiriusXM Group or LSXM, the group through which it owns a 83% stake in SiriusXM, into a new unit that would merge with the radio company. "SiriusXM minority shareholders will also benefit from enhanced trading dynamics, including increased liquidity and likelihood of future index inclusion," Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei said. SiriusXM said it was evaluating the offer. After the proposed merger, minority investors of SiriusXM would own about 16% of the new company, while Liberty Media would own the rest. Shares of SiriusXM fell 9% in premarket trading, while LSXM, series A shares of Liberty Media's tracking group for the radio-company's stock, rose about 10.4%. A tracking stock depends on the financial performance of the segment of the business it "tracks", which refers to SiriusXM here. They trade separately from the parent company's stock. Liberty Media also has publicly listed tracking groups for its interest in Formula One and event ticketing firm LiveNation. (Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) A border patrol agent document migrants, mostly from Guatemala and Honduras, as they surrender after crossing into United States from Mexico in Roma Creek, Texas, U.S. September 20, 2023. REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo By Jose Torres and Daniel Becerril TAPACHULA/PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico (Reuters) -Mexico sought to deal with an unfolding migrant crisis on Tuesday as it dispersed thousands on its southern border, even as migrants on the other side of the country defied new enforcement measures and continued to arrive at northern cities by cargo train. Large numbers of migrants have been crossing into the United States from Mexico in recent weeks, piling pressure on the Biden administration to stem the flow of people as the U.S. 2024 presidential election race begins to heat up. More migrants have also been seen traversing the Americas, and Costa Rica's president on Tuesday ordered a state of emergency over the sharp rise of people passing through the small Central American nation. The Mexican government's National Migration Institute (INM) said it deployed 189 buses and 73 vans to move over 8,000 migrants from the southern city of Tapachula, near the border with Guatemala, to other parts of the state of Chiapas and the southern states of Veracruz and Tabasco. The INM in a statement cited an "unusual concentration of migrants" at the Mexican Commission for Aid to Refugees (COMAR) offices, and said it relocated migrants for their safety. Nevertheless, on Tuesday morning, thousands of people were still waiting outside COMAR's Tapachula offices, as migrants continued to cross the Suchiate River from Guatemala into Mexico, according to a Reuters witness. The INM said it set up a camp for COMAR in a Tapachula park so that asylum seekers could be processed without being exposed to potential violence resulting from the crowds at the office. Meanwhile, in the northern state of Coahuila, hundreds of migrants fanned out across a highway on Tuesday morning en route to Piedras Negras and hoping to reach the Texas city of Eagle Pass just over the border. Eagle Pass last week signed an emergency declaration over a dramatic jump in the number of migrant arrivals, and U.S. officials halted cargo traffic to Mexico. CARGO TRAIN RIDERS Arturo Alvarez, 31, from Venezuela, said a group of some 2,000 people had managed to ride cargo trains from the city of Monterrey, despite an attempt by Mexican migration officials to remove them from the wagons. "I think Piedras Negras is overwhelmed, and that's why they're trying to stop people further south," he said. Videos posted to social media by Parroquia El Verbo Encarnado, a church in the nearby city of Frontera, showed hundreds of migrants seated on the roofs of train cars, their legs slung over the sides. The INM did not respond to a request for comment. So many people have been boarding freight trains north that one of Mexico's main railroad operators last week suspended some services, citing fears for migrants' safety. Discussing the railway concerns with U.S. officials at the end of the week, Mexico said the two sides had agreed on a series of measures to tackle the challenge. They included steps to relieve pressure on Mexico's northern border with the U.S. and commitments to liaise with the governments of Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua and Colombia to return migrants of those nationalities expelled from the U.S. Alvarez said he planned to cross into the U.S. before dawn and turn himself into U.S. authorities, after hearing that other migrants had done the same. The group from the train - some pushing children in strollers, others holding clothes over their heads to block the sun - frequently stopped to rest. "We're a big group, we're all together walking," Alvarez said. (Reporting by Jose Torres in Tapachula and Daniel Becerril in Piedras Negras; Writing by Dave Graham and Daina Beth Solomon; editing by Grant McCool) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's government sent over 1,500 security officials including National Guard, army and police to the south of the country on Monday in a bid to shore up security in an area under increasing pressure from organized crime. The taskforce was deployed to the Frontera Comalapa region in the border state of Chiapas "to guarantee peace," the federal and state governments said in a joint statement. It comes after a video on social media went viral over the weekend purportedly showing a convoy of armed drug cartel members in Frontera Comalapa being applauded by local residents as they drove to "liberate" the town from a rival cartel. Reuters could not independently verify whether the video showed cartel gunmen. Some local reporters said residents were forced to applaud. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador downplayed the footage in a regular press conference earlier on Monday. "Support bases may exist in some parts of the country... but it's not a general issue," he said. "It's a matter very limited to a region and the National Guard is already being deployed." He said there were gangs around Frontera Comalapa and the nearby town of Motozintla "presumably fighting over territory" to traffic drugs coming in from Central America. "Fortunately, there haven't been many murders in Chiapas," he said. Nevertheless, official data show that in the first eight months of 2023, murders in the state bordering Guatemala rose by 16% to 348 from 300 in the same period a year earlier. Nationwide, murders are down slightly in 2023 compared to last year, but they remain significantly above the average levels during the previous six-year administration. Another unverified video posted on social media on Monday and reportedly taken in Motozintla showed four people apparently lying dead after being shot by gunmen. (Reporting by Isabel Woodford; Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz and Ana Isabel Martinez; Editing by Dave Graham and Michael Perry) The coffin of former Italian President and senator, Giorgio Napolitano is carried during his state funeral in Rome, Italy, September 26, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli By Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) - Italy held its first non-religious funeral for a head of state on Tuesday with a secular service in parliament for Giorgio Napolitano, a two-time president who died last week aged 98. Napolitano was the first former communist to become president and the first person to be elected twice to the post, which he held from 2006 to 2015. "He fought good battles and supported wrong causes, trying, little by little, to correct mistakes and explore new paths," his son Giulio told dignitaries, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and German President Frank Walter Steinmeier. At least eight former Italian prime ministers were also present. "He couldn't stand demagogy, the spirit of faction, the reduction of political debate to shouting and invective," Giulio Napolitano said. Italian presidents are mostly ceremonial figures, but admirers credit Napolitano with having saved the country from financial ruin in 2011 when he persuaded the then-prime minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign during a debt crisis, opening the way for a technocratic government that placated the markets. Critics accused him of orchestrating a coup d'etat. Berlusconi died in June, but one of his closest advisers, Gianni Letta, told mourners he hoped the two men would make up their differences in heaven. "I like to imagine that when they meet up there, they can say to each other what they didn't say down here, and, with every controversy settled, they can clear things up and reunite in the light," Letta said in a brief speech. Napolitano will be buried in Rome's small non-Catholic cemetery, the final resting place of British poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley as well as Antonio Gramsci, a founding father of European Communism. Although he was not religious, Napolitano was widely appreciated within the Roman Catholic Church and Pope Francis surprised his family by paying his respects in person during the lying-in-state in parliament at the weekend. "A thought and a gesture of gratitude to a great man, servant of the nation," the pope wrote in the book of condolences. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Alison Williams) (Reuters) - A Philadelphia judge on Tuesday dismissed all charges against former police officer Mark Dial for fatally shooting a man as he sat in his car in August after being pursued by Dial and another police officer for alleged erratic driving. Philadelphia's district attorney had charged Dial with murder and a host of other offenses for shooting Eddie Irizarry, 27, several times. The shooting took place as Irizarry sat in his car with the doors and windows closed after being slowly followed by Dial and his partner through a neighborhood. In throwing out the charges, Judge Wendy Pew of the Philadelphia Municipal Court said she agreed "100%" with Dial's defense attorney, who argued in court that Dial was trying to "take cover" when he shot Irizarry, according to local news reports. The district attorney's office said in a statement that it planned to file an appeal with the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas by the end of Tuesday. "In keeping with our oath to seek justice, we will move to have all criminal charges, including murder, reinstated against this defendant," the statement said. District Attorney Larry Krasner aired graphic body-camera footage of Dial and his partner dragging Irizarry's limp, blood-covered body out of his car and into a police vehicle at a Sept. 8 press conference where the charges against Dial were announced. Krasner said Irizarry's death from the gunshot wounds was ruled a homicide by the hospital where his body was taken. In addition to murder, Krasner charged Dial with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and official oppression. Soon after the shooting, Dial was suspended with the intention to terminate his employment following official statements that he had refused to cooperate with investigators, according to local news reports. (Reporting by Julia Harte; Editing by Leslie Adler) FILE PHOTO: A sign for the British Museum which houses the Parthenon sculptures is seen in London, Britain, January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File photo LONDON (Reuters) - The British Museum launched a public hotline on Tuesday asking for help to locate some 2,000 missing artefacts, revealing they were mostly ancient Greek and Roman gems and jewellery. The museum said last month it had sacked a staff member over stolen, missing or damaged items in a crisis that highlighted internal failings and led to its director quitting days later. Home to treasures such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon marbles, the British Museum houses one of the world's most visited collections and has since tightened its security. Sixty items had now been returned, with a further 300 identified and due to be handed back imminently, the museum said in a statement. "If you are concerned that you may be, or have been, in possession of items from the British Museum, or if you have any other information that may help us, please contact us," said a page on its website advertising a dedicated email address. The page said it was only disclosing the types of artefacts stolen and heeding expert advice not to share full details. It said the stolen items included gold rings, ear-rings and other pieces of jewellery dating back to ancient Greek and Roman periods as well as small objects such as gems that were often set in rings. The museum, which is facing demands from several governments for the repatriation of historical treasures to their home countries, said it was working with London's police, "actively monitoring" the art market, and had registered the missing items on the Art Loss Register database. The museum is also consulting an international panel of experts. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James) FILE PHOTO: The 80th Venice Film Festival - Awards Ceremony - Venice, Italy, September 9, 2023. Director Agnieszka Holland poses with the special Jury Prize award for the movie "Zielona Granica" (Green Border). REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's justice minister must not compare film director Agnieszka Holland or her work to authoritarian regimes, a Warsaw court said on Tuesday, after the minister likened Holland's film depicting the Belarus border migrant crisis to Nazi propaganda. With migration a key issue ahead of Oct. 15 elections, the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) have pushed Holland's award-winning film 'Green Border' to centre stage in the campaign, condemning its portrayal of the treatment of migrants at the border and accusing Holland of insulting people who were protecting their country. Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro compared the film to Nazi German propaganda, spurring Holland to demand an apology and threatening court action in the absence of one. In his post on social media network X, Ziobro said: "In the Third Reich, the Germans produced propaganda films showing Poles as bandits and murderers. Today they have Agnieszka Holland for that." The black-and-white film shows a family from Syria and a woman from Afghanistan thrown backwards and forwards across the border by brutal guards indifferent to their suffering, as activists struggled to try to bring them to safety. After the court's ruling on Tuesday, Holland's lawyers Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram and Michal Wawrykiewicz wrote on X: "As Agnieszka Holland's representatives, we would like to inform you that the District Court in Warsaw has issued an order prohibiting Zbigniew Ziobro from speaking about Ms. Holland and her works, comparing them to criminal authoritarian regimes." The movie drew a furious response from conservatives in Poland even before its release in Polish cinemas on Friday. Holland hit back at the criticism in an interview with private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday, labelling the government "a disgrace to Poland" and their actions against her work "unprecedented". Deputy Justice Minister Sebastian Kaleta said Holland and her legal team were in effect blocking Ziobro's right to free speech. "Minister Ziobro and every citizen has a right to present their views and opinions," he told Reuters. "Ms Holland wants to refuse him this right." Migrants, largely from North African and the Middle East, started flocking to the border in 2021 after Belarus, a Russian ally, opened travel agencies in the Middle East offering an unofficial route into Europe, a move Brussels said was designed to create a crisis. Poland has refused to let them cross. (Reporting by Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Bernadette Baum) FILE PHOTO: Pope Francis leads the Angelus prayer from his window at the Vatican, September 24, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Tuesday condemned body shaming among young people, acknowledging that he was guilty of doing it himself when he was boy in Argentina more than seven decades ago. Francis made his comments while speaking to university students in Asia via a video link. A woman from India told him about how when she was a teenager she felt embarrassed and inferior to her classmates because of her weight and body shape and had suffered from bullying. "Regardless of you being fat, thin, short tall, the important thing is to live in harmony, harmony in your hearts ... every man, every woman has their own beauty and we really have to learn how to recognise it," he said. In the lead up to his answer to the woman, who also spoke of the pressures of social media, he told her a personal story. "I recall a friend of mine who was a bit fat and we actually mocked him, I dare say bullied him, we once shoved him and he fell down," Francis said. "When I got home, my father was informed about this and he took me to this schoolmate's home to apologise," he said. Francis, 86, said he reconnected with the friend in recent years and discovered that he had become an Evangelical pastor. The man died recently. Francis also spoke of cosmetic surgery during the conversation with the university students. "Plastic surgery serves no purpose because its beauty is going to fade eventually," he said, quoting the well-known story of 20th century Italian actress Anna Magnani saying "Please don't retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them". (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Ros Russell) FILE PHOTO: European Commission vice-president in charge of Values and Transparency Vera Jourova gives a press conference during a General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, June 22, 2021. John Thys/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova on Tuesday urged Alphabet's Google, Microsoft, Meta Platforms and TikTok to do more to tackle what she called Russia's "multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation" ahead of elections in Europe. Jourova also singled out Elon Musk's X social platform, saying it had the largest ratio of fake news posts of the larger platforms. Concerns have mounted in recent months about a spate of disinformation related to parliamentary elections in Slovakia on Sept. 30 and Poland next month as well as European Parliament elections next year. The companies and other online platforms have submitted data on their activity in the last six months to fight fake news as part of the EU code of practice on disinformation. "The Russian state has engaged in the war of ideas to pollute our information space with half-truth and lies to create a false image that democracy is no better than autocracy," she told a press conference. "Today, this is a multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation ... "The 'very large platforms' must address this risk. Especially as we have to expect that the Kremlin and others will be active before elections." After the last European Parliament elections in 2019, Russia's Security Council described accusations that Moscow had spread disinformation to sway voters as absurd. Last February, Yevgeny Prigozhin, late head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, acknowledged having founded the Internet Research Agency, which Washington says is a disinformation "farm" that meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Jourova had a warning for X, which quit the EU's voluntary code in May but under its Digital Services Act (DSA) counts as a "very large online platform", subject to stricter content rules. "Mr (Elon) Musk knows that he is not off the hook by leaving the code of practice because now we have the Digital Services Act fully enforced. So my message for Twitter is you have to comply with the hard law and we will be watching what you are doing," she said. Russia for its part has clamped down on Western social media platforms after tightening censorship since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, and found Facebook-owner Meta guilty of "extremist activity" in March 2022. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Ros Russell) FILE PHOTO: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen via video link from a penal colony in the Vladimir Region during a hearing at the Basmanny district court in Moscow, Russia April 26, 2023. REUTERS/Yulia Morozova/ File Photo By Mark Trevelyan LONDON (Reuters) - Russia's most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, lost his appeal on Tuesday against a new 19-year prison term that extends his total sentence to more than 30 years. After a hearing that was closed to the media, despite protests from Navalny and his lawyers, he stood in his black prison uniform and listened to judge Viktor Rogov rattle through the list of his convictions before telling him that his sentence was unchanged. Navalny, 47, now faces a transfer to a "special regime" prison colony, the harshest grade in Russia's penal system, with the prospect of staying there until he is in his mid-70s. He rejects all the charges against him, which have ranged over the years from fraud and contempt of court to an array of "extremist" activities, as attempts to silence his criticism of President Vladimir Putin. Daniel Kholodny, a TV technician who worked for Navalny, was sentenced to eight years in jail in August as part of the same trial. His appeal too was rejected on Tuesday. "Alexei, see you!" Kholodny shouted after the judge finished speaking. Navalny waved his hand in response. "For all of us - their colleagues and friends - this is constant pain," Navalny aide Leonid Volkov posted on X, formerly Twitter. "And a constant challenge: every day to do everything we can to destroy the maniac in the Kremlin." The Kremlin has tried to portray Navalny as politically irrelevant, and Putin makes a point of never speaking his name. Moscow has cast him as an extremist and, without providing evidence, as a puppet of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Navalny is by far the best known figure in Russia's splintered opposition, with supporters casting him as a Nelson Mandela-style figure who will one day be freed from jail to lead the country. His political movement has been outlawed and its key figures have been jailed or fled abroad as part of a crackdown on dissent that has intensified since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine last year. Vladimir Kara-Murza, another outspoken Kremlin critic who was jailed for 25 years in April on charges of treason and lying about the war, was last week moved to a maximum-security penal colony in Siberia, according to his lawyer. PUTIN NEVER SPEAKS HIS NAME Navalny's latest 19-year sentence was imposed on Aug. 4 after he was convicted on six charges related to alleged extremist activity, all of which he denied. That came on top of 11-1/2 years he was already serving at the IK-6 penal colony at Melekhovo, about 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, on fraud and other charges which he also rejected as politically motivated. Navalny earned admiration around the world for voluntarily returning to Russia in 2021 from Germany, where he underwent treatment for what Western laboratory tests showed was an attempt to poison him with a nerve agent in Siberia. He was immediately arrested on arrival. The Kremlin denied it had tried to have him killed, with Putin commenting: "If someone had wanted to poison him, they would have finished him off." The latest charges and sentence relate to his role in his now-defunct movement inside Russia, which the authorities accused of trying to destabilise society. The U.S. State Department called the August verdict "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial", while the European Union condemned what it called another politically motivated ruling and called for Navalny's immediate release. Navalny said after the verdict last month that the aim was to crush Russians' will to stand up to Putin, and urged people not to give up. "You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to the gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power," he said. "Putin must not achieve his goal. Do not lose the will to resist." (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) by Ayman Omar China's gross domestic product (GDP) increased from 360.86 billion U.S. dollars in 1990 to 1.21 trillion dollars in 2000 until it reached 17.96 trillion dollars in 2022. The size of the Chinese economy has grown by about 49 times since 1990 and about 15 times since 2000, and it is the second-largest global economy after the United States. China's remarkable advancement in the technology sector contributed to its economic growth. A report by Harvard University released in 2022 noted China's technological progress in several vital fields, such as artificial intelligence, electronic chips, quantum computing, biotechnology, wireless information science and green energy. This technological boom had few parallels in countries worldwide in recent decades, akin to the First Industrial Revolution and its significant changes in various aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life. Indeed, the technological revolution that China is currently undertaking is a prelude to the fourth industrial revolution. This tremendous and rapid technological development can provide a role model not only for developing countries but also for developed countries. Many lessons can be learned from this rapid technological boom in China. First, it invested in scientific research. China has allocated substantial financial resources to support innovation, inventions and technology development, especially in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and others. China has significantly increased spending on research and development over the years, with its total expenditure on research and development (R&D) exceeding 3 trillion yuan (about 418.2 billion dollars) in 2022, up 10.1 percent year on year, constituting 2.54 percent of its GDP. Second, it invested in digital infrastructure. Advanced technology needs infrastructure and a digital economy to attract investments and progress in technological development. Third, China changed the structure of its economy. The country entered the world of technology and built an advanced digital economy, which quickly paved the way for it to reach global leadership in advanced technology. From 2016 to 2022, the scale of China's digital economy increased by 4.1 trillion dollars, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.2 percent. China's digital economy amounted to 7.1 trillion dollars in 2021, ranking second after the United States. Fourth, it encouraged startups and pioneered innovation. China created an entrepreneurial environment that encouraged innovation and inventions, leading to the emergence of many startups in advanced technology. China ranked second globally with 301 unicorn companies, or startups valued at more than 1 billion dollars in 2021, with 74 new companies added from the previous year. Fifth, China enhanced economic growth and increased GDP through advanced technology. China has used advanced technology in manufacturing and increased its reliance on e-commerce, which has improved economic growth, increased GDP and created new job opportunities. Sixth, it invested in green energy technology. China invested in green energy to avoid environmental problems such as global warming, acid rain and environmental pollution to achieve sustainable development and address environmental challenges. Seventh, China boosted technological security. It expanded technology security by developing cybersecurity strategies and protecting critical and sensitive information. Eighth, it established many research laboratories. The East Asian country created laboratories in artificial intelligence, information technology, space technology and biotechnology. One of these laboratories is the Baidu Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, considered one of the world's most important and largest artificial intelligence laboratories. China's unique experience has led to its advanced position in several high-tech fields. This will boost economic growth and improve living standards, establishing it as a global center of technological expertise. Editor's note: Ayman Omar is director of the Ishraq Center for Studies in Tripoli, Lebanon, and an economic researcher. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. An empty shopping cart stands outside a target store during a Black Friday sales event in Westbury, New York, U.S., November 23, 2018. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File photo (Reuters) - Target said on Tuesday it would close nine stores across four U.S. states, including California, citing that theft and organized retail crime was threatening the security of the retailer's employees and customers. The move, effective Oct. 21, will see the closing of one store in New York City, two in Seattle, three locations across the San Francisco and Oakland markets and three in Portland. Despite heavy investments in security, the company continued to face "fundamental challenges" to running the stores safely, the retailer said. It operates nearly 2,000 stores across the United States. "We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance," Target said in a statement. Theft and retail crime has become an increasingly pressing issue for U.S. retailers, with organized crime rings targeting retail inventories and causing more financial loss to companies. A report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade association, earlier on Tuesday showed inventory "shrink" as a percentage of total retail sales accounted for $112.1 billion in losses in 2022, up from $93.9 billion in 2021. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Target said it would work with all eligible employees at the affected locations to offer opportunities for transfer to other Target locations. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal) FILE PHOTO: An Uber sign is seen at a shopping mall in San Diego, California, U.S., November 23, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo (Reuters) - Uber Technologies is partnering with Los Angeles Yellow Cab and its affiliates to increase the supply of taxis on the ride-hailing giant's platform, the company said on Tuesday. Uber has been securing similar tie-ups in global markets including Europe and Asia over the last two years, deepening its ties with the private taxi industry that was whiplashed by the rise of ride-hailing startups more than a decade ago. Under the new partnership, taxis associated with LA Yellow Cab and its five partner fleets will get bookings through the Uber app. The six taxi companies - which include San Diego Yellow Cab, California Yellow Cab, Long Beach Yellow Cab, Fiesta Taxi Cooperative and United Checker Cab - will add up to 1,200 cabs to the Uber platform. Uber has staged a strong post-pandemic recovery thanks to a rebound in inter-city travel and higher market penetration than its closest rival Lyft. When customers request a ride with UberX, they might get matched with a taxi, and will have the option to decline or get re-matched with a cab that is not a taxi. UberX fares will apply to these rides. "We anticipate that this partnership will have a positive impact for our driver-owners as the pandemic recovery continues," said William Rouse, CEO of Los Angeles Yellow Cab. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath) JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel's tourism minister on Tuesday made what his office called the first public trip to Saudi Arabia by an Israeli cabinet member, to attend a U.N. tourism conference. Haim Katz's two-day visit to Riyadh comes as Saudi Arabia pursues a possible U.S.-brokered deal that would forge formal relations with Israel, whose sovereignty it has never officially recognised. "I will work to create collaborations to promote tourism and Israel's foreign relations," Katz said in a statement. The Saudi government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saudi Arabia's non-resident ambassador to the Palestinians - a role announced last month - made a first visit to their seat of government in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday, presenting credentials also designating him "consul-general in Jerusalem". Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam's two holiest shrines, has long insisted on the Palestinians' right to statehood as a condition of recognising Israel - something that many members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nationalist religious coalition have long resisted. The ambassador, Nayef Al-Sudairi, told reporters in Ramallah that his visit "reaffirms that the Palestinian cause and Palestine and the people of Palestine are of high and important status, and that in the coming days there will be a chance for a bigger cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the state of Palestine". (Writing by Dan Williams, Aziz El-Yaakoubi; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Kevin Liffey) FILE PHOTO: 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, U.S. July 26, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden has sued Rudy Giuliani and Giuliani's former lawyer Robert Costello, accusing the pair of violating Hunter Biden's privacy over data allegedly taken from his laptop, court documents filed on Tuesday showed. Biden in a lawsuit filed in a federal court in Los Angeles accused Giuliani, who has served as a personal lawyer for former President Donald Trump, and Costello of being responsible for the "total annihilation" of his digital privacy. Biden, 53, previously sued a former White House aide who served under Trump and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Republicans have focused on Hunter Biden as President Joe Biden, a Democrat, seeks re-election next year. The legal action was filed as Hunter Biden prepares to plead not guilty to federal gun charges next week after an earlier plea deal with prosecutors fell apart. His trial in Delaware is the first-ever prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child, and comes as Joe Biden could again face Trump, who faces four upcoming criminal cases of his own, in 2024. Trump and congressional Republicans, without evidence, have separately accused the Democratic president of profiting while he served as vice president from 2009 to 2017 from his son's foreign business ventures. The White House has denied the accusations. Costello declined to immediately comment on the lawsuit. Ted Goodman, a Giuliani adviser, rejected Biden's allegations, saying in a statement: "I'm not surprised he's now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated." The president's son accused the pair of claiming to have obtained data taken or stolen from his devices or storage platforms, including a laptop, but noted that Giuliani and Costello in public statements cited an "external drive." "Although the precise timing and manner by which Defendants obtained Plaintiffs data remains unknown to Plaintiff, there is no dispute that Defendants have, at least to some extent, accessed, tampered with, manipulated, altered, copied and damaged Plaintiffs data, and that their actions are illegal, unauthorized, and without Plaintiffs consent," the lawsuit said. Hunter Biden is seeking punitive damages and disgorgement of all money Giuliani and Costello may have obtained from their activities, as well as the restoration of any data they still possess that belongs to him, the filing said. The filing adds to Giuliani's mounting legal issues. Costello and his law firm earlier this month separately sued Giuliani over more than $1.3 million in unpaid legal fees. Giuliani was found liable last month for defaming two election workers and separately pleaded not guilty in early September to Georgia election subversion charges. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Karen Freifeld; Writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Mark Porter) FILE PHOTO: Jessica Rosenworcel testifies during an oversight hearing held by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to examine the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in Washington, U.S. June 24, 2020. Alex Wong/Pool via R By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel plans to begin an effort to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules rescinded under then-President Donald Trump, sources briefed on the matter said Monday. The move comes after Democrats took majority control of the five-member FCC on Monday for the first time since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021 when new FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez was sworn in. The FCC is set to take an initial vote on the net neutrality proposal in October, the sources added. In July 2021, Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FCC to reinstate net neutrality rules adopted under Democratic then-President Barack Obama in 2015. The FCC voted in 2017 to reverse the rules that barred internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic, or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritization. Days before the 2020 presidential election, the FCC voted to maintain the reversal. Rosenworcel denounced the repeal in 2017 saying it put the FCC "on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of the American public." She plans a speech to outline her plans on Tuesday, the sources added. A spokesperson for Rosenworcel declined to comment. In 2022, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 that the 2017 decision by the FCC to reverse federal net neutrality protections could not bar state action, rejecting a challenge from telecom and broad industry groups to block California's net neutrality law. Industry groups abandoned further legal challenges in May 2022. The appeals court said that since the FCC reclassified internet services in 2017 as more lightly regulated information services, the commission "no longer has the authority to regulate in the same manner that it had when these services were classified as telecommunications services." Days after Biden took office, the U.S. Justice Department withdrew its Trump-era legal challenge to California's state net neutrality law. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Kim Coghill) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 1-SA SEMIANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO REGULATION A For the fiscal semiannual period ended: June 30, 2023 Wireless electrical Grid LAN, d/b/a WiGL Inc (Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter) Virginia 84-4888797 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 1919 Commerce Drive, Suite #120, Hampton, VA 23666 (Full mailing address of principal executive offices) 626-401-1866 (Issuers telephone number, including area code) Common Stock (Title of each class of securities issued pursuant to Regulation A) In this semi-annual report, the term WiGL or the Company refers to Wireless Electrical Grid LAN, WIGL Inc., a Virginia corporation. The following information contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that estimate the happening of future events and are not based on historical fact. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as may, could, expect, estimate, anticipate, plan, predict, probable, possible, should, continue, or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms. The forward-looking statements specified in the following information have been compiled by our management on the basis of assumptions made by management and considered by management to be reasonable. Our future operating results, however, are impossible to predict and no representation, guaranty, or warranty is to be inferred from those forward-looking statements. Item 1. Managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in this semi-annual report and our special annual report filed on Form 1-K on April 27, 2023. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The unaudited financial information set forth below with respect to the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 is preliminary and subject to potential adjustments. Adjustments to these financial statements may be identified when a review of our historic financial statements has been completed in conjunction with our year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information, although in the opinion of management all adjustments necessary to make interim results of operations not misleading have been included here. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest results discussed below are as of June 30, 2023 Overview Wireless Electrical Grid LAN, WiGL Inc. was incorporated on February 26, 2020 under the laws of the state of Virginia, and is headquartered in Hampton, VA. The company is engineering the technology to enable consumers to ditch cords and wires and operating their devices on the move or recharge their battery while they use their device wirelessly. By expanding the engineering behind the companys patent, the company through wireless energy pioneering intends to bring consumers the ability to synchronize, create and sell products that manage and reduce costs associated with wirelessly powering devices. From 2020 until present, we achieved the following milestones: WiGL contracted RFD diagnostics to demonstrate far-field wireless power over 3 feet with a single transmitter and multiple light emitting diode receivers. Awarded a contract to demonstrate WiGL in a fighter helmet for the Department of Defense demonstrations at the WiGLs World Fair 2.0 at Altus Air Force Base. WiGL contracted Florida International University to demonstrate wireless power over 3 feet with a single transmitter and a single receiver to recharge a capacitor connected to a cellphone, thereby, demonstrating capabilities similar to the fighter helmet. We proved that WiGL can recharge a cellphone at a VA Tech Research Centers Tech Talk using commercially available off the shelf products; modified so that they were WiGL enabled. WiGL was awarded an AFWERX Wireless Power Small Business Innovation Proposal (SBIR) in 2021. WiGL contracted Florida International University to demonstrate wireless power over 3 feet with a multiple transmitters and a single receiver to recharge a capacitor connected to a cellphone, while the cellphone was in motion. WiGL is partnering with competitors that have since become partners, with the intent that WiGL enabled offerings can begin entering the Department of Defense market by the end of Q4 2022. 1 During Interim 2022, the Company entered into a contract with the Department of Defense that included eight tasks for a total contract amount of $749,999. As of June 30, 2023, 2023, all eight phases of the contract have been completed. Below is a description of the 8 tasks: TASK # DESCRIPTION 1-3 Create prototypes of the transmitters (Tx) and receivers (Rx) 4 WiGL engineers demonstrate to the Department of Defense a Tx network and a roaming Rx in the laboratory. Complete a mock trial of Task 6. 5 Update and design WiGLs World Fair 2.0 (WWF 2.0) based on Department of Defense feedback from Task 4. Information required by the Department of Defense to describe the WiGLs World Fair 2.0 includes, but is not limited to the following: size of fair, number of devices to be included in the fair, location of the demonstrations, participants, etc. 6 A demonstration of the WWF 2.0 Location: Department of Defense base. Participants: Individuals that are on active duty. WiGL engineers will not be running the demonstration. Device in Use by Participants: mission critical devices sued by the participants. 7 Roadmap for the Department of Defense to purchase additional Tx, Rx and WiGL eNERGY devices. Request for additional funding. 8 Final report. During 2022 WiGL performed a successful lab demonstration of both a PowerCast and Energous WiGL-enabled transmitter network for the Department of Defense. During 2022 WiGL performed a successful lab demonstration of both a PowerCast and Energous WiGL-enabled receiver, plus PowerBank to recharge an Apple and Samsung cellphone on a touchless Wireless Power Transfer (tWPT) network. During 2022 WiGL performed a successful lab demonstration of the Saltwater Generator (SWG): WiGL eNERGY. In January 2023, the company demonstrated the SWG and tWPT, live, to the Air Force Installation Mission Support Center and Air Force Security Forces Center. WiGL is contracted to demonstrate the WiGLs World Fair 2.0 at Altus Air Force Base in the Spring/Summer of 2023 During 2022 WiGL began manufacturing SWG prototypes and minimally viable products. The company intends to commercialize these product in 2024-2026. In 2022, WiGL was awarded a $75,000 contract with AFWERX for its patented peer-to-peer power sharing using tWPT and/or wired resources. In June 2023, WiGL was awarded a $799,000 contract with Altus AFB to continue the tWPT and SWG products developed during the WiGLs World Fair 2.0. 2 The Companys Products WiGLs #1 product is its name. WiFi is a distinct name and recognizable around the world as the vehicle to get touchless wireless internet. Wireless power is in early stages and there is no single name/name dominance that currently links all forms of touchless wireless electrical power. WiGLs primary goal, related to the market for wireless power, is to: create the name, create the logo and create the subscription market. Ideally, by 2030, there will need to be a logo on doors, an icon on phones, and instructions on laptops around wireless power. WiGLs intends to be the preeminent name and iconography of or related to near filed and far field wireless power. WiGL enabled products are still currently in early developmental stages as the Company is in the very early stages of developing the technology, however, near-field and far-field wireless power are known and growing. WiGL is building three new developmental prototypes in support of its upcoming demonstration for the Department of Defense: A small WiGL enabled transmitter that plugs into a home or business electrical 110V outlet. In July 2022, we demonstrated this prototype for the Air Force. WiGL enabled phone case receivers that recharge your battery on the move. In July 2022, we demonstrated this prototype for the Air Force. WiGL enabled receivers for lighting. We contracted with Guinn Partneres and Energous and will be demonstrating for the Air Force by Q4 2023. We intend to bring the related product to market for the 2025 buying season. WiGL has partner with wireless power industry leaders to deliver these products that are WiGL enabled. Results of Operations The Companys net revenues for the period ended June 30, 2023 (Interim 2023) was $245,253 and for the period ended June 30, 2022 (Interim 2022) was $50,000. During Interim 2022, the Company entered into a contract that included eight phases of the contract for a total contract amount of $749,999. For the period ending June 30, 2023, the Company completed all eight phases and earned $$750,000 in revenue. For Interim 2023, operating expenses were $1,533,734, compared to $1,336,264 for Interim 2022, an increase of $197,470. The operating expenses consist of: (i) professional fees, (ii) advertising and marketing, (iii) general and administrative costs, (iv) rent, (v) travel, (vi) consulting and contractor expense, (vii) payroll and related expenses and (viii) depreciation and amortization. For Interim 2023 operating expenses related to research and development increased from $686,344 for Interim 2022 to $815,720 for Interim 2023, an increase of $129,376 or 19%. As described in Note 1 to the financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2023, the research and development costs include salaries, research materials and administrative costs. Salaries of executives included within the research and development costs for Interim 2023 totaled $ 211,324.68. General and administrative increased from $39,712 for Interim 2022 to $141,817 for Interim 2023, an increase of $102,105 or 257%. The increase was due to expenses incurred during the course of the Companys securities offerings. As a result of the foregoing, the Company generated a net loss of $1,081,636 for Interim 2023 compared to a net loss of $1,490,394 for Interim 2022. 3 Liquidity and Capital Resources The Companys current capital resources come from funds raised in a Regulation A offering and a Regulation CF offering, that has made cash available to the Company for general operating purposes. As the Company transitions to delivering products to customers, traditional lines of credit and inventory financing are expected to be secured as needed. For Interim 2023 the Companys cash on hand was $658,467. The Company requires the continued infusion of new capital to continue business operations. The Company has recorded losses since inception. As of Interim 2023 the Company had a net loss of $$1,081,636 and an accumulated deficit of $5,590,852. The Company plans to continue to try to raise additional capital through crowdfunding offerings, equity issuances, or any other method available to the Company. Absent additional capital, the Company may be forced to significantly reduce expenses and could become insolvent. Recent capital raising activity During the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company opened up a Regulation CF raise and sold 9,232,512 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $4,837,428. There were $773,721 in net fees related to the fundraise as well as 169,283 of shares issued to StartEngine for services performed valued at $99,995. Of the gross proceeds, there was $207,079 placed in escrow and was distributed to the Company on February 18, 2022. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company continued with the Regulation CF raise and sold 1,274 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $675. During the six months ending June 30, 2022, the Company opened up a Regulation A raise and sold an additional 545,394 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $800,247. There were $103,944 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $44,496 placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company continued with the Regulation A raise and sold a total of 1,283,378 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $1,894,930. This included 1,199,323 shares that were issued at $1.58/share. There were an additional 84,055 bonus shares that were issued to certain investors as a part of that raise. There were $343,791 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $106,147 placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company subsequent to year end. During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company continued with the Regulation A raise and sold an additional 1,372,232 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $2,022,650. There were $303,402 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $113,500 placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company. The total escrow balance as of June 30, 2023 was $219,647. In December of 2022 Companys CEO returned 387,451 shares valued at $1.58 per share for a total valuation of $612,173. Investments During the year ending December 31, 2021 the Company invested in equity securities comprised of mutual funds and individual company stocks and adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The funds are publicly traded on an active market making them a level 1 on the fair value hierarchy. During the six months ending June 30, 2022, the Company received $752,973 in proceeds from sale of investments, and reinvested $4,448 of dividends into investments. During the period ending June 30, 2022, the Company had unrealized losses of $133,677 and a loss on stock sales of $74,901. 4 During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company reinvested $375 of dividends into investments. During the period ending June 30, 2023, the Company had unrealized gains of $104,415. During the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company invested $4,547 in 14 companies via crowd funding. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company invested an additional $1,710 in three companies via crowd funding. As the companies are not public and without a readily determinable fair value, the Company accounts for these investments at cost, minus impairment in accordance with ASC 321. During the year, the Company recorded a loss on one of the investments in the amount of $406. The balance of the equity investments as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $5,674 and $5,851, respectively. Related Party Transactions During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company advanced $100,000 to the Companys CEO in advance of his annual salary and this remains outstanding at December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the CEO paid back $34,375 in cash and the remaining balance of $65,625 was settled via share return. As of December 31, 2022 the outstanding balance was $0. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company advanced funds for expenses on behalf of the CEO and the CEOs other company. The balance of the related party receivable was $351,978 as of December 31, 2021. There were additional advances of $130,566 were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. In December of 2022, the CEO settled the balance of $482,544 via a share return. As of December 31, 2022 the outstanding balance was $0. As discussed above, the CEO returned 387,451 shares, valued at $1.58 per share for a total value of $612,173. In addition to the share return settling the above related party receivables, it resulted in an amount owing to the CEO of $64,004 and is recorded as a related party payable as of December 31, 2022. The balance increased by $104 in the six months ending June 30, 2023 for a balance of $64,108. Going Concern The Company sustained a net loss of $1,081,636 and had negative operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $5,590,852 and limited liquid assets with $658,467 of cash. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon managements plans to raise additional capital from the issuance of debt or the sale of stock, its ability to commence profitable sales of its flagship product, and its ability to generate positive operational cash flow. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in these efforts. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be required should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Trend Information Historically, the technology has been expensive to integrate. However, due to WiGLs relatively inexpensive component integration we believe that WiGL is poised to enter and disrupt the market. The most prominent factors that drive the wireless charging market growth are the following: Increase in connected mobile devices via the Internet of Things; Increase in sales of electric vehicles; Constantly evolving portable electronics; and Wearables market. 5 The global power electronics market size is projected to grow from USD 35.1 billion in 2020 to USD 44.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.7%. The increasing focus on the use of renewable power sources across the globe, growing adoption of power electronics in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, and increasing use of power electronics in consumer electronics are the major factors driving the growth of the power electronics market. Conversely, similar to most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the power electronics market in 2020 was affected by the impact of COVID-19. OEMs generally, have experienced a decline in demand for end-products, which ultimately will affect the growth of the power electronics market. In current market conditions, we believe that WiGL is poised to be a leader in the wireless charging market. As noted above, as of June 30, 2023, the Company has completed all phases of its contract with the Department of Defense. And as a result, WiGL was awarded an additional 2-year contract to continue to fine-tune WiGl offerings for the DoD. We believe this, as long with our other activities, demonstrates the viability of WiGL as a technology, and as a product. The next phase of our development will include the following: Launch tWPT Christmas Trees into stores by 2025. Launch SWG water bottles into stores by Q1 2025. Item 2. Other Information None. 6 Item 3. Financial Statements Wireless Electrical GRID LAN, WiGL Inc. A Virginia Corporation Financial Statements June 30, 2023 Wireless Electrical GRID LAN, WiGL Inc. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 Table of Contents F-1 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. BALANCE SHEETS June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 658,467 $ 306,950 Funds in escrow 219,647 106,147 Investment in securities 252,676 147,709 Inventory 3,911 3,911 Total current assets 1,134,701 564,717 Property and equipment, net 40,571 47,609 Equity investments 5,674 5,851 Patents, net 187,382 158,730 Trademarks 65,212 46,263 Total assets $ 1,433,540 $ 823,170 Liabilities and stockholders equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 50,675 $ 78,021 Related party payable 64,108 64,004 Total current liabilities 114,783 142,025 Total liabilities 114,783 142,025 Commitments and contingencies - - Stockholders equity: Common stock, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 95,271,428 and 93,899,196 no par value shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 6,909,609 5,190,361 Accumulated deficit (5,590,852 ) (4,509,216 ) Total stockholders equity 1,318,757 681,145 Total liabilities and stockholders equity $ 1,433,540 $ 823,170 In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary in order to make the interim financial statements not misleading have been included. No assurance provided. See accompanying notes to the financial statements. F-2 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited) June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Revenues $ 245,253 $ 50,000 Total revenue 245,253 50,000 Operating expenses: Professional fees 139,407 81,566 Advertising and marketing 53,122 74,335 General and administrative 141,817 39,712 Rent 13,217 13,422 Travel 63,554 20,330 Consulting and contractor expense 19,901 143,256 Payroll and related expenses 276,134 260,779 Research and development 815,720 686,344 Depreciation and amortization 10,862 16,520 Total operating expenses 1,533,734 1,336,264 Loss from operations (1,288,481 ) (1,286,264 ) Other income (expense) Unrealized gain (loss) 104,415 (133,677 ) Interest expense (181 ) - Other income 102,236 - Loss on stock sales - (74,901 ) Dividend income 375 4,448 Total other income (expense) 206,845 (204,130 ) Net loss before income taxes (1,081,636 ) (1,490,394 ) Provision for income taxes - - Net loss $ (1,081,636 ) $ (1,490,394 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (0.01 ) $ (0.02 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic & diluted 94,742,983 93,131,531 In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary in order to make the interim financial statements not misleading have been included. No assurance provided. See accompanying notes to the financial statements. F-3 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY For the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited) Total Common Stock Accumulated Stockholders Shares Amount Deficit Equity Balance on December 31, 2021 93,001,995 $ 4,250,720 $ (1,935,795 ) $ 2,314,925 Issuance of common stock for cash 545,394 800,247 - 800,247 Offering costs - (103,944 ) - (103,944 ) Net loss - - (1,490,394 ) (1,490,394 ) Balance on June 30, 2022 93,547,389 4,947,023 (3,426,189 ) 1,520,834 Balance on December 31, 2022 93,899,196 5,190,361 (4,509,216 ) 681,145 Issuance of common stock for cash Reg A 1,372,232 2,022,650 - 2,022,650 Offering costs - (303,402 ) - (303,402 ) Net loss - - (1,081,636 ) (1,081,636 ) Balance on June 30, 2023 95,271,428 $ 6,909,609 $ (5,590,852 ) $ 1,318,757 In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary in order to make the interim financial statements not misleading have been included. No assurance provided. See accompanying notes to the financial statements. F-4 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022 (Unaudited) June 30, 2023 June 30, 2022 Cash flows from operating activities Net loss $ (1,081,636 ) $ (1,490,394 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 10,862 16,520 Unrealized (gain) loss on investments (104,415 ) 133,677 Realized loss on securities - 74,901 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Related Party Payable 104 - Payroll advance to employee - 11,382 Escrow and other receivables - 162,583 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (27,346 ) (117,754 ) Net cash used by operating activities (1,202,431 ) (1,209,085 ) Cash flows from investing activities Proceeds from sale of investments - 752,973 Reinvestment of dividends and capital gains into investments (375 ) (4,448 ) Purchase of equity investments - (1,710 ) Intangible application expenditure (51,425 ) (82,114 ) Net cash provided (used) by investing activities (51,800 ) 664,701 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,022,650 800,247 Advances on shareholder loan - Offering costs (303,402 ) (103,944 ) Subscription receivable (113,500 ) - Net cash provided by financing activities 1,605,748 696,303 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 351,517 151,919 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning 306,950 300,669 Cash and cash equivalents, ending $ 658,467 $ 452,588 Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ - $ - Income taxes $ - $ - Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock held in escrow $ - $ 44,496 In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary in order to make the interim financial statements not misleading have been included. No assurance provided. See accompanying notes to the financial statements. F-5 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 NOTE 1 NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Business Wireless Electrical Grid LAN, WiGL Inc. (the Company, we, our, or us) was incorporated on February 26, 2020 under the laws of the State of Virginia, and is headquartered in Hampton, VA. The Company is engineering technology to enable consumers to power their devices on the move or recharge their battery while they use their device wirelessly. By expanding the engineering behind the Companys patent, the Company is bringing consumers the ability to synchronize, create, and sell products that manage and reduce costs associated with wirelessly powering devices. Basis of Presentation The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Companys fiscal year-end is December 31. The Companys functional currency is United States Dollars and financial statement presentation is in United States Dollars. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary in order to make the financial statements not misleading have been included. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from the entitys contracts to provide goods or services to customers. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Companys revenue recognition policy standards include the following elements: Identification of the contract with a customer; Identification of the performance obligations in the contract; Determination of the transaction price; Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and Recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies the performance obligations. See accompanying financial statements. F-6 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 During the six months ending June 30, 2022, the Company entered into a contract that included eight phases of the contract for a total contract amount of $749,999. For the period ending June 30, 2022, the Company completed the first phase for revenue earned of $50,000. During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company earned an additional $200,000 on the contract. In November of 2022, the Company entered into a contract that included two phases for a total contract amount of $74,999. For the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company completed the first phase for revenue earned of $29,999. The remaining phase of the contract was completed in January of 2023 for $45,000. Risks and Uncertainties The Companys business and operations are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States. A host of factors beyond the Companys control could cause fluctuations in these conditions. Adverse conditions may include recession, downturn or otherwise, local competition or changes in consumer taste. These adverse conditions could affect the Companys financial condition and the results of its operations. The Company is subject to customary risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the need for protection of proprietary technology, dependence on key personnel, costs of services provided by third parties, the need to obtain additional financing, and limited operating history. Our goal is to obtain, maintain and enforce patent protection for our products, formulation, processes, methods, and other proprietary technologies, preserve our trade secrets, and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of other parties, both in the United States and in other countries. Our policy is to actively seek to obtain, where appropriate, the broadest intellectual property protection possible for our current product candidates and any future product candidates, proprietary information, and proprietary technology through a combination of contractual arrangements and patents, both in the United States and abroad. However, even patent protection may not always afford us with complete protection against competitors who seek to circumvent our patents. Our proprietary rights may not adequately protect our intellectual property and potential products, and if we cannot obtain adequate protection of our intellectual property and potential products, we may not be able to successfully market our potential products. We will depend upon the skills, knowledge, and experience of our scientific and technical personnel, as well as that of our advisors, consultants, and other contractors, none of which is patentable. To help protect our proprietary know-how, which is not patentable, and inventions for which patents may be difficult to obtain or enforce, we will in the future rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect our interests. To this end, we require all of our employees, consultants, advisors, and other contractors to enter into confidentiality agreements that prohibit the disclosure of confidential information and, where applicable, require disclosure and assignment to us of the ideas, developments, discoveries, and inventions important to our business. As of June 30, 2023, the Company has not yet commenced planned principal operations nor generated enough revenue to support operations. The Companys activities since inception have consisted of formation activities, product development, and efforts to raise additional capital. In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China and has spread throughout the United States and the rest of the world. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This contagious disease outbreak, which has not been contained, and is disrupting supply chains and affecting production and sales across a range of industries in United States and other companies as a result of quarantines, facility closures, and travel and logistics restrictions in connection with the outbreak, as well as the worldwide adverse effect to workforces, economies, and financial markets, leading to a global economic downturn. As a result, the Company experienced a negative impact to its operating results. Regarding future operations, the related financial impact and duration cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. See accompanying financial statements. F-7 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing and asset or liability. There are three levels that prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1: Observable market inputs, such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identically assets or liabilities; Level 2: Observable market inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and Level 3: Unobservable inputs where there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. All financial instruments on the balance sheets approximate their fair value other than those noted below. June 30, 2023 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Stocks $ 252,676 $ - $ - $ 252,676 Nonpublic company investments - - 5,674 5,674 $ 252,676 $ - $ 5,674 $ 258,350 December 31, 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Stocks $ 147,709 $ - $ - $ 147,709 Nonpublic company investments - - 5,851 5,851 $ 147,709 $ - $ 5,851 $ 153,560 Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. At June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no items that would be considered cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, that may at times, exceed federal insured limits. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was $408,467 and $56,950 in cash that exceeded federal insured limits, respectively. No losses have been recognized as a result of these excess amounts. Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value and is account for using the first-in-first-out method (FIFO). The Company analyzes inventory for any potential obsolescence and records impairment and obsolescence reserve against inventory as deemed necessary. During the six months and year ended June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company determined no such impairment charge was necessary. The Company had $3,911 of inventory as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and was comprised of raw materials. See accompanying financial statements. F-8 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. All equipment determined to have a useful life of 5 years. Additions and improvements are capitalized while routine repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Upon sale or disposition, the recorded asset cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from accounts and the net amount, less proceeds received from disposal, is charged or credited to other income or expense. The Company reviews the recoverability of all long-lived assets, including the related useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset might not be recoverable. No impairment was considered necessary at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Intangibles Intangible assets purchased or developed by the Company are recorded at cost. Amortization is recognized over the estimated useful life of the asset using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. The useful life of the patents are 20 years from the date of application. Management has determined that the acquired trademarks are indefinite-live intangible assets and therefore records no amortization expense but assesses it for impairment annually. The Company reviews the recoverability of intangible assets, including the related useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. No impairment was considered necessary at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Investments The Company invests in equity securities of public and nonpublic companies for business and strategic purposes. Investments in public companies are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices and totaled $252,676 and $147,709 at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. All subsequent changes in fair values recorded in the statement of operations under other income (expense). Investments in equity securities of nonpublic entities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer and totaled $5,674 and $5,851 at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company reviews its equity securities without readily determinable fair values on a regular basis to determine if the investment is impaired. For purposes of this assessment, the Company considers the investees cash position, earnings and revenue outlook, liquidity and management ownership, among other factors, in its review. If managements assessment indicates that an impairment exists, the Company estimates the fair value of the equity investment and recognizes in current earnings an impairment loss that is equal to the difference between the fair value of the equity investment and its carrying amount. Advertising Costs The Companys advertising costs are expensed as incurred. During the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred $53,122 and $74,335 in advertising costs, respectively, recorded under the heading Advertising and marketing in the statements of operations. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs, including salaries, research material, and administrative costs, are expensed as incurred. See accompanying financial statements. F-9 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 Earnings/(Loss) per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. There were no adjustments included in the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Leases On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASC 842, Leases, as amended, which supersedes the lease accounting guidance under Topic 840, and generally requires lessees to recognize operating and finance lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from lease arrangements. The Company adopted the new guidance using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, the Company elected to apply the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASC 842 had no material impact on accumulated deficit. The Company elected transitional practical expedients for existing leases which eliminated the requirements to reassess existing lease classification, initial direct costs, and whether contracts contain leases. Also, the Company elected to present the payments associated with short-term leases as an expense in statements of operations. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less. The adoption of ASC 842 had no impact on the Companys balance sheet as of January 1, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and six months ending June 30, 2023 since its lease is short-term in nature. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), simplifying Accounting for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 removes the requirement to perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting units carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The amendments in this update are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, the amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management believes that the adoption of ASU 2017-04 will have no impact on the Companys financial statements and disclosures. In August 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entitys Own Equity (ASU 2020-06), as part of its overall simplification initiative to reduce costs and complexity of applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. Among other changes, the new guidance removes from GAAP separation models for convertible debt that require the convertible debt to be separated into a debt and equity component, unless the conversion feature is required to be bifurcated and accounted for as a derivative or the debt is issued at a substantial premium. As a result, after adopting the guidance, entities will no longer separately present such embedded conversion features in equity, and will instead account for the convertible debt wholly as debt. The new guidance also requires use of the if-converted method when calculating the dilutive impact of convertible debt on earnings per share, which is consistent with the Companys current accounting treatment under the current guidance. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted, but only at the beginning of the fiscal year. Management believes that the adoption of ASU 2020-06 will have no impact on the Companys financial statements and disclosures. See accompanying financial statements. F-10 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-06, Debt Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entitys Own Equity (ASU 2020- 06). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments, the accounting for contracts in an entitys own equity, and the related earnings per share calculations. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Management does not expect the adoption of ASU 2020-06 to have a material impact on the Companys financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability under most operating leases in its balance sheet. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted the standard and the adoption of such had no impact on the Companys financial statements. Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the Companys financial statements. As the new accounting pronouncements become effective, the Company will adopt those that are applicable under the circumstances. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 14, 2023, the date these financial statements were available to be issued and noted no material subsequent events for disclosure. NOTE 2 GOING CONCERN The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the recoverability of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company sustained a net loss of $1,081,636 and had negative operating cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023. As of June 30, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $5,590,852 and limited liquid assets with $658,467 of cash. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon managements plans to raise additional capital from the issuance of debt or the sale of stock, its ability to commence profitable sales of its flagship product, and its ability to generate positive operational cash flow. No assurance can be given that the Company will be successful in these efforts. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be required should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. See accompanying financial statements. F-11 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 NOTE 3 INTANGIBLE ASSETS Intangible assets consist of the following at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022: June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Patents issued $ 157,654 $ 85,753 Patents pending 39,723 79,148 Trademarks 65,212 46,263 Total intangible assets 262,589 211,164 Accumulated amortization (9,995 ) (6,171 ) Intangible assets, net $ 252,594 $ 204,993 As of June 30, 2023, the Company has been issued seven patents all of which have been assigned the useful life of the patent and are being amortized. The Patents issued totaled $157,654 and $85,753 as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. There was amortization expense of $3,824 and $1,219 for the six months ending June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company continues to apply and work on other patents. The related attorney fees are recorded as patents pending and amortization will begin once the patents have been issued. The Company has also filed for multiple trademarks. As the Company is able to extend the life of the trademarks indefinitely, they are considered indefinite lived and not amortized. Should the Company allow any of the trademarks to lapse, they will be expensed within that period. NOTE 4 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022: June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Test equipment and PPE $ 9,287 $ 9,287 Electronic Vehicle 62,728 62,728 72,015 72,015 Accumulated depreciation (31,444 ) (24,406 ) Property and equipment, net $ 40,571 $ 47,609 Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, was $7,038 and $15,301, respectively. See accompanying financial statements. F-12 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company advanced $100,000 to the Companys CEO in advance of his annual salary and this remains outstanding at December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the CEO paid back $34,375 in cash and the remaining balance of $65,625 was settled via share return. As of December 31, 2022 the outstanding balance was $0. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company advanced funds for expenses on behalf of the CEO and the CEOs other company. The balance of the related party receivable was $351,978 as of December 31, 2021. There were additional advances of $130,566 were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. In December of 2022, the CEO settled the balance of $482,544 via a share return. As of December 31, 2022 the outstanding balance was $0. As discussed above, the CEO returned 387,451 shares, valued at $1.58 per share for a total value of $612,173. In addition to the share return settling the above related party receivables, it resulted in an amount owing to the CEO of $64,004 and is recorded as a related party payable as of December 31, 2022. The balance increased by $104 in the six months ending June 30, 2023 for a balance of $64,108. NOTE 6 INVESTMENTS During the year ending December 31, 2021 the Company invested in equity securities comprised of mutual funds and individual company stocks and adopted ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The funds are publicly traded on an active market making them a level 1 on the fair value hierarchy. During the six months ending June 30, 2022, the Company received $752,973 in proceeds from sale of investments, and reinvested $4,448 of dividends into investments. During the period ending June 30, 2022, the Company had unrealized losses of $133,677 and a loss on stock sales of $74,901. During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company reinvested $375 of dividends into investments. During the period ending June 30, 2023, the Company had unrealized gains of $104,415. During the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company invested $4,547 in 14 companies via crowd funding. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company invested an additional $1,710 in three companies via crowd funding. As the companies are not public and without a readily determinable fair value, the Company accounts for these investments at cost, minus impairment in accordance with ASC 321. During the year, the Company recorded a loss on one of the investments in the amount of $406. The balance of the equity investments as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $5,674 and $5,851, respectively. See accompanying financial statements. F-13 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 NOTE 7 INCOME TAXES The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon its evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. In accordance with ASC 740-10, for those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Companys policy is to record the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit will be recognized in the financial statements. The Company has determined that there are no material uncertain tax positions. The Company accounts for income taxes based on the provisions promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which has a statute of limitation of three years from the due date of the return. As such, all tax years are open since 2020. The Company currently has a tax net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $6,300,000 for which it may receive future tax benefits. However, as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no such benefit is expected to be recognized in the near term, and therefore, a full valuation allowance has been assessed on any potential income tax benefit. Based on the federal rate of 21% and the State of Virginia rate of 6%, which results in an effective combined tax rate of 26%, the deferred tax asset is $1,629,765 and the valuation allowance is $1,629,765 which nets to a deferred tax asset of $0 as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, resulting in an effective tax rate of 0%. The change in valuation during the six months ending June 30, 2023 was $386,416. The components of the Companys deferred tax assets are as follows: June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Net operating loss carryforward $ 6,268,328 $ 4,782,111 Total net operating loss carryforwards $ 6,268,328 $ 4,782,111 Deferred tax asset on NOL $ 1,629,765 $ 1,243,349 Less: Valuation allowance (1,629,765 ) (1,243,349 ) Deferred tax asset, net $ - $ - See accompanying financial statements. F-14 WIRELESS ELECTRICAL GRID LAN, WiGL, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS June 30, 2023 NOTE 8 COMMON STOCK The Company has authorized 500,000,000 shares of no par value common stock. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was 95,271,428 and 93,899,196 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively. During the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company opened up a Regulation CF raise and sold 9,232,512 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $4,837,428. There were $773,721 in net fees related to the fundraise as well as 169,283 of shares issued to StartEngine for services performed valued at $99,995. Of the gross proceeds, there was $207,079 placed in escrow and was distributed to the Company on February 18, 2022. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company continued with the Regulation CF raise and sold 1,274 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $675. During the six months ending June 30, 2022, the Company opened up a Regulation A raise and sold an additional 545,394 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $800,247. There were $103,944 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $44,496 placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company. During the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company continued with the Regulation A raise and sold a total of 1,283,378 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $1,894,930. This included 1,199,323 shares that were issued at $1.58/share. There were an additional 84,055 bonus shares that were issued to certain investors as a part of that raise. There were $343,791 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $106,147 placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company subsequent to year end. During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company continued with the Regulation A raise and sold an additional 1,372,232 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $2,022,650. There were $303,402 in net fees related to the fundraise. Of the gross proceeds, there was $113,500placed in escrow to be distributed to the Company. The total escrow balance as of June 30, 2023 was $219,647. As discussed in NOTE 5 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, the Companys CEO returned 387,451 shares valued at $1.58 per share for a total valuation of $612,173. NOTE 9 OTHER INCOME During the six months ending June 30, 2023, the Company received $100,000 in from the IRS for an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and was recorded as other income on the Statement of Operations. The refundable tax credit is for businesses and tax-exempt organizations that had employees and were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. See accompanying financial statements. F-15 Item 4. Exhibits The documents listed in the Exhibit Index of this report are incorporated by reference or are filed with this report, in each case as indicated below. * Filed with the Companys Form 1-A (File No. 024-11732) and incorporated by reference. 7 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, the issuer has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Hampton, State of Virginia, on September 26, 2023. Wireless Electrical Grid LAN, WiGL Inc. By /s/ Ahmad Glover Dr. Ahmad Glover, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wireless Electrical Grid LAN, WiGL Inc. This Offering Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/ Ahmad Glover Dr. Ahmad Glover, Executive Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer Chief Accounting Officer and Director Date: September 26, 2023 A Blackhawk helicopter from the Conn. National Guards 169th Aviation Regiment at Bradley Airport flies over the Base Hangar at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass., during a training mission. The base will evaluate operations if there is a government shutdown. (Don Treeger/ The Republican/TNS) CHICOPEE, Mass. (Tribune News Service) If the government shuts down Oct. 1, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start will be OK, for a while. The organization, which serves 550 children from birth to age 5, is on a Nov. 1 fiscal year, chief executive officer Nicole Blais. The two federal shutdowns in 2018 lasted 36 days in total. If the impasse in Washington happens next weekend, and if it lasts until Nov.1, the local Head Start provider could be unable to access its $16.9 million in federal funding. From child care providers to airports to offices that process Social Security and work with veterans, federal agencies in Western Massachusetts and organizations that rely on federal dollars here say a federal shutdown would not immediately affect their operations. Do we have any non-federal funding that we could use to keep the doors open? Blais said Monday. Hopefully people can figure things out. Friday, the White House said 10,000 children across the country would immediately lose access to Head Start if a shutdown occurs. If it persisted, then the impacts would only worsen, it said. Fingers crossed that it really doesnt have a huge impact on any program, Blais said. Its not fair to the folks. And its definitely not fair to the little ones that we care for every day. Katherine Mague, senior vice president at Behavioral Health Network, said her agencys federal money flows through a state grant process. However, BHNs clients typically rely on a host of federal programs from housing subsidies to SNAP food benefits. Our people will be hurting more than usual. But our doors will remain open, Mague said. Some doors will not remain open, however. And some government employees will continue working with their pay delayed or will face furlough. U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, said a shutdown would prevent about 20,000 people in the state from collecting their paychecks, affecting their ability to buy food or pay rent. A shutdown would also affect the Women, Infants, Children program, affecting 125,000 residents within days of the a shutdown. Republicans are literally willing to shut down the government and take food out of the mouths of hungry infants in order to make a political point. It is sick, McGovern said in a statement. Then our cutting-edge biomedical research into diseases like cancer and Alzheimers would be put on hold. Wed see increased delays at airports throughout New England as TSA and air traffic controllers are furloughed without pay. Not to mention the long-term harm a shutdown would do to our fiscal stability. A Republican Shutdown would be an unmitigated disaster for Massachusetts. On Friday, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, blamed the shutdown squarely on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the deals the California Republican made with a group of 20-or-so hardline members of his own party. Neal, who says he keeps good relationships with his Republican colleagues, said 95% of them dont want the shutdown because of the political price theyll have to pay. The Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield, Mass., as seen on Sept. 25, 2023. (Don Treeger/ The Republican/TNS) Springfield Armory National Historic Site and other National Park locations closed during the last shutdown. But at least one U.S. Senator, Republican John Barrasso of Wyoming, is urging the Park Service to keep facilities open. Lt. Col. Rodney B. Furr, chief of public affairs at the 439th Airlift Wing and Westover Air Reserve Base, cautioned against speculating about what will or wont happen during this shutdown based on whats happened in the past. Right now, it is business as usual for the 439th Airlift Wing, Furr wrote in an email Monday. He added that Air Force Reserve Headquarters did not yet provide guidance regarding what to do should a shutdown come to pass. There are many moving parts with various courses of action, so for now we are continuing with our mission readiness training and providing rapid global mobility, Furr wrote. The human resources command of the Massachusetts National Guard an agency that includes the 104th Fighter Wing at the Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield is meeting this week to determine staffing. Spokesman Don Veitch said the Massachusetts National Guard did not expect an impact to airport operations. But the base has a national security mission and wont shut down, said Christopher Willenborg, Airport manager at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. Likewise, the air traffic control tower at Westover will remain open. The tower is staffed by a government contractor. At Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, the Connecticut Airport Authority said it is continuing to closely monitor the situation, but at this time it does not expect an impact to airport operations. In the case of a shutdown, there would be no impact on veteran health care at places like the Edward P. Boland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Leeds section of Northampton or at clinics in Springfield, Greenfield and Pittsfield, said Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis R. McDonough in a news conference Friday. Burials would continue at VA national cemeteries; VA would continue to process and deliver benefits to veterans, including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits; and the Board would continue to process appeals. But VA workers may go unpaid during the shutdown. Social Security checks would be delivered and applications for benefits processed but people would not be able to verify benefits or replace Medicare cards. And workers would be unpaid. Postal Service operations will not be interrupted in the event of a government shutdown and all post offices will remain open for business as usual, according to spokesman Steve Doherty. The federal courts, including the U.S. District Court in Springfield, will remain open, and the judiciary has money from fines and fees to keep going for two weeks. The federal government spent $129 million on research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent fiscal year, according to a university report. While there may be temporary funding gaps in existing federal grants, UMass Amherst has historically covered these and waited to be reimbursed by the federal government, said UMass Amherst spokesman Edward Blaguszewski. The university has given guidance to researchers with federal funding to continue working unless instructed otherwise. While the university will prioritize continuity of existing research, new grant proposals may need to wait until after the shutdown for submission and review. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit masslive.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Achorage is home to Alaskan Command, U.S. Army Alaska, 11th Air Force, the Alaska National Guard and other commands. (Haley Stevens/U.S. Air Force) A soldier at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a drunken-driving crash that killed a member of his unit who had enlisted less than a year earlier, the Army said Monday. Pfc. Andy Ramos, 19, faced a court-martial Sept. 2 at the Alaska base for driving while drunk May 28 with a car filled with soldiers, resulting in a crash that killed Pfc. Arath Esau Martinez-Arguelles, 20, of Sherman Oaks, Calif. Ramos and Martinez-Arguelles served together in the 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) at Elmendorf-Richardson, which is near Anchorage. Martinez-Arguelles, a mechanic, enlisted in June 2022 and had been with the unit in Alaska since March. Ramos was a combat engineer. Ramos pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and driving a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in personal injury. As part of the proceedings, Ramos accepted a plea agreement that includes his demotion to private and a dishonorable discharge upon his release from confinement, Army spokesman John Pennell said. An Army investigation found Ramos and other soldiers had been drinking on base May 28, the Sunday of the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Five soldiers got into a vehicle with Ramos driving. The group traveled south toward Anchorage at what witnesses told investigators was excessive speed. At a bridge over Ship Creek, Ramos lost control of the vehicle, striking a bridge abutment. The car spun into oncoming traffic, where it slammed into a pickup truck driven by a soldier traveling with his wife and child. The force of the collision ejected Martinez-Arguelles from the vehicle, according to reports of the accident. Emergency responders transported him to the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Others injured in the crash were transferred to three area hospitals and treated for injuries. Pennell said he did not know the severity of the injuries of others in the two vehicles. Ramos was tested for drunken driving after the crash and registered a blood-alcohol level above the .08 legal limit. Army prosecutors charged Ramos killed Martinez-Arguelles by driving at an excessive speed while drunk. Ramos was also accused of attempting to coerce other soldiers in his vehicle to lie to authorities and say one of them was driving at the time of the crash. Pennell said officials did not know yet where Ramos will serve his sentence. A memorial ceremony is held for Lt. Col. Andrew Mettler at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., on Sept. 22, 2023. (Orlanys Diaz Figueroa/U.S. Marine Corps) (Tribune News Service) A Marine who piloted combat jets was remembered in Beaufort as a hard worker who cared about people and his fellow Marines and possessed a warriors spirit. Lt. Col. Andrew Mettler was an F/A-18 Hornet pilot based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. He died in an F/A-18D Hornet crash during a training flight near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. Aug. 24. Mettler was a member of the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, which is part of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. His call sign was Simple Jack, the Marines said in a statement, and his squadron was called the Fighting Bengals. He cared about people. He cared about Marines. He was an incredibly hard worker, amazing pilot, and skilled leader, but his legacy is how he treated people with dignity and respect and that if you treat people like that, they will return it, said Lt. Col. Schranz, the squadrons commanding officer. Final respects were paid to Mettler by the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 during a memorial ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Friday. Mettler, of Marietta, Ga., was commissioned in the Marine Corps Nov. 30, 2007. What people will remember most about Mettler, Schranz added, is that he had a servants heart and a warriors spirit, something we all should strive for in the Marine Corps across all ranks. He is absolutely the best of us. After the crash, Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said Mettler was honing his craft as a Hornet pilot and leader in his squadron. I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile, Benedict said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Mettlers decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars in lieu of 5th award. The fatal crash was the third incident in the last six weeks involving Marine aviators that were classified as a Class A mishap, entailing damages totaling at least $2.5 million or complete destruction of a Department of Defense aircraft. On Monday, the Marines found a debris field from a missing $135 million F-35B Lightning II fighter jet in rural Williamsburg County, about two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston. That ended the mysterious search for the missing aircraft that began when an unnamed pilot from Beauforts Marine Corps Air Station was forced to eject from the warplane during an unexplained mishap last Sunday afternoon. Also in August, three Marines were killed and another was critically injured when a V-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crashed with 23 people aboard during a training drill in Australia. In July, the Marines released the cause of F/A-18D Hornet that crashed in March 2022 near Beaufort, saying birds struck planes engines. The fighter jet was based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and the crash occurred on land owned by former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford. Two pilots ejected safely by pulling an ejection handle that launched one cockpit followed by the other. (c)2023 The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.) Visit The Island Packet Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules parked on a ramp at Base 201 in Agadez, Niger, on March 2, 2023. The Defense Department said Sept. 25 that it is assessing the implications of Frances upcoming military withdrawal from Niger for the U.S., which has about 1,100 troops in the country. ( Michael Matkin/U.S. Air Force) The Pentagon said Monday that it is assessing the implications of Frances upcoming military withdrawal from Niger for the U.S. military, which still has about 1,100 troops hunkered down at a drone site in the country. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the focus is on relocating personnel from a military site in the capital of Niamey known as Base 101 to an Air Force drone hub in the city of Agadez. Earlier this month, the U.S. began repositioning equipment and personnel to Agadez as a precautionary move. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country was ending its military presence in Niger in connection with a July coup that toppled the democratically elected president. The situation has upended counterterrorism operations in western Africa, where the U.S. and France have worked in close partnership for several years. Niger has served as the main operational hub for U.S. forces, with the $110 million drone base in Agadez serving as the cornerstone for intelligence gathering on an expanding mix of Islamic militants in the Sahel region. But now, the future of the mission in Niger is uncertain. Singh said that since Nigers military seized power, the U.S. has ceased all counterterrorism operations in the country as well as any joint training with their military. The only surveillance flights taking place now are for our own force protection, but nothing for counterterrorism, Singh said. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Tuesday stressed the importance of resolving disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, urging the creation of a conducive environment for universal security. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, made the remarks at a press conference on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." Countries should value each other's legitimate security concerns, Wang said, expressing opposition to the arbitrary expansion of military alliances and the squeezing of the security space of other countries. A Japanese flag waves in the breeze as Marines attend a ceremony at Camp Courtneys parade grounds on Okinawa, March 7, 2023. (Frank Andrews/Stars and Stripes) Japan is increasing its ammunition storage capacity with plans for 130 new depots as it moves to acquire missiles capable of striking enemy bases. The depots will be built on Self-Defense Force facilities, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said by email Thursday. Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity. The depots will be in addition to about 1,400 facilities already in operation throughout Japan, the spokesperson said, while declining to state the type or amount of ammunition that will be stored in them. Japan has moved to strengthen its military in recent years amid a rapid Chinese military buildup and North Korean missile tests. The country is spending a record amount on defense $51.4 billion this fiscal year, which started in April and plans to acquire 400 Tomahawk missiles to develop counterstrike capabilities. The National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program calls for possession of necessary ammunition as early as possible since there is a need to secure and maintain sufficient war-fighting capabilities, the ministrys spokesperson said. Defense officials have requested about $148 million in the fiscal 2024 budget to pay for the new depots, according to the spokesperson. During that time period design work will start for depots at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu and five depots at the Okinawa Training Area. The ministry also plans to acquire land for three depots at bases in Kagoshima prefecture, also on Kyushu, the spokesperson said. The ministry hopes to survey six facilities where depots could be built on Japans northern island of Hokkaido, the spokesperson said. The ministry is also working to improve ammunition production capability, the spokesperson said. Stars and Stripes reporter Seth Robson contributed to this report. Special forces troops march during the Armed Forces Day parade in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) SEOUL, South Korea Around 4,500 South Korean troops paraded in the rain through the streets of Seoul on Tuesday a scale not seen in a decade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the militarys founding. The marching troops marked Armed Forces Day alongside 170 pieces of heavy military equipment, including amphibious assault vehicles and K1A2 tanks, as thousands of bystanders lined either side of a road about 1 miles long. Earlier in the day, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol used the occasion to say his government would double its support of the countrys defense industry and to warn North Korea it would face an end by an overwhelming response if its ruling regime unleashed nuclear weapons. Yoon reminded listeners of apparent progress this summer toward friendlier ties with neighboring Japan and a strengthened alliance with the United States. Our government will further strengthen security cooperation between [South Korea], the U.S. and Japan, he said at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam city. Furthermore, we will establish a strong security posture by standing in close solidarity with our partner countries. The armed forces parade was the largest military display in Seoul since 2013; anniversaries on every fifth year are particularly emphasized in South Korea with larger displays. South Korean soldiers march the streets of Seoul during the Armed Forces Day parade, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) U.S. soldiers assigned to Eighth Army take part in the Armed Forces Day parade in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) Around 300 U.S. soldiers from Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek city also marched in parade. It is an honor to be part of this years Armed Forces Day parade because this year marks the 70th anniversary of the [South Korea]-U.S. alliance, Eighth Army spokesman Capt. Gary Grantham said in an emailed statement Tuesday. This alliance plays an indispensable role in promoting democracy, peace and economic prosperity while continuing to maintain a robust combined defense posture A flyover by South Korean military aircraft was canceled due to the rain. An aerial demonstration by seven U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 7th Air Force was also called off, Maj. Rachel Buitrago, a command spokeswoman, said by email Tuesday. Aris Bras, a Holland-based physician on vacation with his wife, said he stepped out of their nearby hotel to see what the commotion was about. By accident, we noticed that there was a parade today, he told Stars and Stripes on the sidelines of the parade. Were not used to parades in Holland, not at all. Im not very much an army type, so thats why Im standing over here to see all the people come together. South Korean marines ride through Seoul on amphibious assault vehicles during the Armed Forces Day parade, Tuesday, Sept. 26. 2023. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes) Sung Kwon, a third-grade student living in Seoul, said the parade was his first time seeing thousands of troops in one place. This is the first time Im seeing a military parade, Kwon said. But it was very interesting and shocking. Former CIA analyst Soo Kim, now the policy practice area lead for the Virginia-based LMI consulting firm, described the event as well-timed given North Koreas continued provocations. The parade may also have a function of allaying any South Korean concerns about security theres a lot going on, from North Korea to uncertainties in the relationship with China, tensions between the US-[South Korea]-Japan trilateral and the North Korea-China-Russia trifecta, he said in an email Monday. The parade gave the U.S. and South Korea a means to show off their alliance, Kim said. Its not just the South Korean military might that the Yoon administration wants to showcase, he said. The durability and synchronization of the alliance are also powerful assets that Seoul and Washington would want to display to both their South Korean and international audiences. Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who attempted to rid North Korea of its nuclear weapons through negotiations with leader Kim Jong Un, scaled down the 70th Armed Forces Day festivities in 2018 to ceremonial air demonstrations and live music performances. Since then, North Korea has reinvigorated its missile development program, firing 21 ballistic missiles in 14 separate days of testing so far this year. Russias Defense Ministry on Tuesday released footage that appeared to show Adm. Viktor Sokolov alive, attending by video link a meeting chaired by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. (X, from video released by Russias Defense Ministry) Ukraine said a barrage of missiles it rained down on the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, in occupied Crimea, last week killed numerous high-ranking Russian military officials including the fleets commander, Adm. Viktor Sokolov. In refutation of that claim, Russias Defense Ministry on Tuesday released footage that appeared to show Sokolov alive, attending by video link a meeting chaired by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The Washington Post did not detect any signs of obvious manipulation in the video but could not independently verify its authenticity. In response to the video, Ukraines special operations forces released a statement saying that 34 Russian officers were killed as a result of the strike but that it would seek more information about whether Sokolov was among them. Since the Russians were urgently forced to publish an answer with an apparently alive Sokolov, our units are clarifying the information, the statement, posted on Telegram, continued. The Kremlin had at first declined to comment on whether Sokolov was alive or dead, saying all such information should come from the Defense Ministry. Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence, its top spy agency, declined to comment. In the unverified video released by Russias Defense Ministry, Sokolov is shown in uniform, but he does not speak. A digital clock in the video displays a time just past 11 a.m. on Sept. 26. Beyond the fate of Sokolov, Ukraines Sept. 22 strike on the Black Sea Fleets headquarters in Sevastopol has been the subject of competing claims by Kyiv and Moscow. Russia initially said its air defenses had downed all the missiles fired at the site. Ukrainian officials mocked those claims, while a video posted to social media on the day of the strike, verified by Storyful and confirmed by The Post, showed smoke rising from the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. Commercial satellite imagery also showed large amounts of smoke coming from near the headquarters after the strikes. The success of the strike on Sevastopol is an embarrassing failure for Russian air defenses. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia maintained its Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol under a lease agreement with the newly independent Ukraine. In 2014, Russia invaded and illegally annexed the peninsula. After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Crimea emerged as a key military staging ground. Ukraine has made recapturing it a top aim of the conflict, with some officials arguing that the country could never be safe with in Russian control. Ukraine has made a number of significant attacks on Crimea over recent months, often targeting the Black Sea Fleet. Rumors of Sokolovs death had circulated online among pro-Ukrainian forces shortly after the strike. In an interview with the Ukrainian-language service of Voice of America, a broadcaster owned by the U.S. government, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov declined to confirm the reports about Sokolovs death. However, he did say that several Russian military leaders were injured in the strike. One, Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk, was in a very serious condition, according to Budanov. Romanchuk, former head of a prestigious military academy in Moscow, is a key figure in the Russian defense of Ukraines ongoing counteroffensive in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. On Monday, Ukraines special operations forces wrote on Telegram that the strike on Sevastopol had killed Sokolov and 33 other officers. In a report that evening, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said it could not see any confirmation of the news but added that Russian command would be able to easily disprove Ukrainian reporting if these reports are false. Sokolovs and other Russian officers reported deaths would create significant disruptions in command and control in the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the report continued. Mary Ilyushina, Kostiantyn Khudov, Joyce Sohyun Lee and David L. Stern contributed to this report. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl arrives for a pretrial hearing Jan. 12, 2016, at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, N.C. Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to reinstate the 2017 court-martial conviction of Bergdahl, a former soldier who pleaded guilty to desertion after he left his post and was captured in Afghanistan and tortured by the Taliban. (Ted Richardson/AP) Federal prosecutors asked a judge to reinstate the 2017 court-martial conviction of former Army soldier and Taliban captive Bowe Bergdahl, arguing a civilian federal judge wrongly dismissed the sentence earlier this year. Justice Department prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton to leave intact Bergdahls November 2017 sentence, charging in recent court filings that Waltons July decision to vacate the conviction relied on incorrect analysis of another case regarding a Guantanamo Bay detainee. The judge dismissed Bergdahls convictions on charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy to which the former soldier had pleaded guilty based on the failure of the military judge in Bergdahls case to disclose that he had applied for a job as a federal immigration judge just before the court-martial. Walton, a judge with the U.S. District Court for Washington, issued a 63-page opinion July 25 that vacated decisions made by the military judge, then-Army Col. Jeffrey R. Nance, during the court-martial, including the sentence he imposed after a weeklong sentencing trial at Fort Bragg now Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Nance sentenced Bergdahl to a dishonorable discharge, loss of pay and reduction in rank from E-5 sergeant to E-1 private, sparing him any jail time. Walton ruled a reasonable person would question Nances impartiality, given he was seeking a new civilian judgeship in the executive branch after his retirement from the military. Nance now holds that job in the Charlotte, N.C., Immigration Court. Walton left open the possibility that Bergdahl could be retried on the charges. But if a new trial was held, the former soldier could not face a penalty stiffer than his original sentence. Bergdahl was a 23-year-old Army private when he walked off his post in eastern Afghanistan in 2009 and was captured and held for about five years by Taliban-linked militants in Pakistan. He was later released to the United States in a controversial prisoner exchange for five Taliban commanders who had been held in the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Bergdahl testified he had aimed to walk to a larger military post to report problems that he perceived in his unit. Testimony at his trial showed U.S. soldiers spent weeks searching for him after his disappearance, and several American troops were severely wounded trying to find him. The Army charged Bergdahl with misbehavior before the enemy by endangering the safety of a command, unit or place and desertion with intent to shirk important or hazardous duty in March 2015. Bergdahls case became especially politicized when former President Donald Trump, a candidate at the time, routinely mocked the soldier, labeling him a traitor during campaign speeches. Trump, as president, blasted Nances decision not to imprison Bergdahl as a complete and total disgrace within hours of the decision. The Justice Department in the recent court filings argued Waltons decision to vacate the sentence from Nance was based on wrongly equating the Bergdahl case to a 2019 decision in the case of a Guantanamo Bay detainee accused of masterminding the 2000 USS Cole attack. In that case, four years of orders by a judge were vacated because he failed to disclose he had applied for a job as a civilian immigration judge. The proceedings in that case were different than Bergdahls case, prosecutors argued, pointing out the decision in the Guantanamo case came long before a trial. The prosecutors also argued Nances sentence appeared to consider Trumps repeated attacks on Bergdahl, showing the judge was not attempting to curry favor with the president, whose attorney general would later appoint Nance to the immigration court. Nance could have sentenced Bergdahl to life imprisonment, and military prosecutors had sought a 14-year confinement. Here, the plaintiff received a sentence largely consistent with what he requested following his own guilty plea, the Justice Department prosecutors wrote in August. Indeed, plaintiff requested his sentence of a dishonorable discharge. If Walton declines to reinstate Bergdahls sentence, the judge should allow a new court-martial in the case given the Armys and the publics interest in the administration of justice, especially given the governments strong evidence in support of the plaintiffs charges ; the seriousness of the charges ; and the extensive casualties that resulted from the plaintiffs actions, the prosecutors wrote. In a countermotion, Bergdahls lawyers asked Walton to go further and dismiss the conviction with prejudice, meaning it could not be retried in a new court-martial. Bergdahl has been punished enough through nationwide adverse publicity and the sheer time the entire case has consumed since his five years in brutal Taliban captivity, his attorneys wrote in a Sept. 22 court filing. They argued Walton should grant the dismissal with prejudice to ensure the appearance of fairness because Nance repeatedly declined to throw out the case over Trumps comments, which Bergdahls attorneys argued amounted to unlawful command influence. Nances decision could have been tainted by his plans to apply for the federal judgeship, Bergdahls lawyers argued. All this, along with the unprecedented actions of the nations highest elected official [Trump], and the passage of over two years since the plaintiff became a civilian, six years since his trial, nine years since the wheels of military justice began to turn, and over 14 years since the charged offenses, furnish a compelling basis for dismissing the charges with prejudice, Bergdahls attorneys wrote. It was unclear Tuesday when Walton could rule on Bergdahls case. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians on Monday strongly condemned the killing of two aid truck drivers and injury to a third in South Sudan over the weekend. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the drivers were attacked on Saturday, their trucks torched and destroyed as they were returning to Juba, the capital of South Sudan. The humanitarian office said the drivers had delivered aid to Yei in Central Equatoria State. Following the attack, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) suspended moving supplies to the area. UNICEF said it was appalled by and strongly condemned the attack. "The safety and security of staff and contractors is of the utmost importance," said Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF South Sudan representative. "When attacks occur, it is children and women in desperate need of assistance who suffer the most." The fund expressed condolences and sympathies with the drivers' families. It said aid workers are frequently in the firing line of such needless attacks and incidents like these threaten the safe delivery of aid across the country by all humanitarian actors and must stop. Mary-Ellen McGroarty, the acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, said those who provide vital assistance to the most vulnerable must be protected. The killing of those who deliver support to save lives is unacceptable. Across South Sudan, humanitarian workers, mostly national staff, face violence, threats and looting, among other challenges, while trying to reach people in need, OCHA said. South Sudan tops the list of the most dangerous countries for aid workers in the world. Marine veteran Jon Pierowicz. (LinkedIn) ALBANY (Tribune News Service) Nearly 250 years ago, a movement to secede from the State of New York was successful. During the midst of the Revolutionary War, when 13 colonies were fighting for independence from Britain, Vermont also declared its independence from New York. Since the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788 and contained an amendment making secession by a portion of state extremely difficult a series of secession movements in New York have failed, including those seeking to split upstate and downstate into separate entities. Now, in the year 2023, an Orchard Park native has begun what he describes as a more intellectually serious effort to build support for upstate independence than has recently been pursued. Jon Pierowicz, a Marine turned local attorney, acknowledges many will believe the cause quixotic. My response to that sort of pessimism Oh, things will never change, Albany is the way it is, you just have to accept that, or move to Florida is that that (attitude) is part of a pretty significant problem we have upstate. And I can say that with love, because Im from here, Pierowicz said. We need to get out of the mindset of, Everything is inevitable. History is replete with examples things taking unprecedented and unexpected turns. Though the cause of upstate secession has primarily been championed by Republicans, Pierowicz said he wants his recently formed nonprofit organization, Upstate Independence, to be nonpartisan. Thinking back to my experience in the Marine Corps., when youre pursuing a goal together thats huge, a lot of the other dividing lines that you may have had tend to melt away in the bonds you form, he said. So my hope would be, it sort of transcends that traditional, destructive partisanship that we come together in trying to make upstate a better place. Pierowicz, 39, was born in Orchard Park and attended Wesleyan University. Upon graduation, he served as an Marine officer in Afghanistan. He later attended UCLA law school, then lived in New York City, working at a large, multinational law firm. He bears no ill will to New York City, which he said he liked very much. Upon moving back to Orchard Park seven years ago, Pierowicz dipped a toe into local politics, attending local Republicans meetings. (In 2017 and 2018, he gave several small campaign donations to Republicans, and in 2017 told The News he supported former President Donald Trump because of policies opposing moving jobs overseas.) Pierowicz said he was ultimately turned off by the pettiness of politics, and felt elected officials were thinking too incrementally about how to solve the incompetence and corruption of New York State government. Pierowicz said he is no longer active in party politics, and has registered as an unaffiliated voter. Earlier this year, he co-founded the nonprofit with his wife, Alina, and they recently began fundraising. In most performance metrics, particularly population, economy and quality of life, upstate New York has performed very poorly over the last 50 years, he said. If this was a business case and New York States budget is roughly comparable with something like Apple if you saw two widely divergent divisions, performing differently that would be the exact sort of candidate for a spin-off. Besides the political difficulty of upstate secession it would require sign-off by both the New York Legislature and U.S. Congress detractors cite that affluent New York City residents supply a significant tax base funding upstate spending initiatives. But Pierowicz says a more complicated picture emerges from details within a 2011 study by the Rockefeller Institute of Government, examining regional distribution of revenue and spending in the 2009-2010 state budget. Its the latest study hes been able to locate on the topic. In 2009-2010, upstate received about $14.3 billion more in state expenditures than it paid in taxes and fees, he said. Figures within the study, however, indicated upstate was receiving a disproportionate share primarily because of state funds going toward State Operations the salaries and pensions of state employees and toward Capital Projects, including spending on road and bridge projects, the building and maintenance of SUNY schools and prison infrastructure. Pierowicz defines that spending benefiting upstate as primarily collective goods that could conceivably benefit all New York residents, not just those upstate. Meanwhile, upstate that year received less funding per person than downstate from Local Assistance Grants. Those grants are driven by education and health care spending areas where, Pierowicz argues, the spending downstate does not accrue much benefit for upstate residents. In a paper examining the Rockefeller study, he argued that, If not affiliated with a SUNY campus, state government, or the prison system, the average upstate residents experience with the State Government comes in the form of crushingly high taxes and burdensome regulations. As for an always-contentious question Where does upstate actually begin? Pierowicz puts the border as north of Westchester and Rockland counties. He argues that upstate independence would not only benefit upstate, but also downstate, since upstate members of the State Legislature would no longer have influence over policy matters impacting solely New York City. Among his nonprofit organizations initial goals, Pierowicz said, is to sway public opinion so that at least here in upstate New York a majority of residents support independence. In 2019, a Sienna College poll found that 38% of upstate residents supported dividing New York into two states, while 56% opposed it. That number is incredibly high, Pierowicz said, when in my opinion this case has never really been seriously made to the people. (c)2023 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.) Visit The Buffalo News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Bill LaPlante holds a news briefing in September 2022 at the Pentagon. (Alexander Kubitza/DOD) WASHINGTON A government shutdown would harm U.S. defenses, hurt troops and be welcomed by Russia and China, a top Pentagon official said Tuesday. Its just horrible. Theres really nothing good you can say about it, said William LaPlante, the Pentagons undersecretary of defense for acquisitions and sustainment. LaPlante, who is a leader in matters such as military contracts, materiel readiness, the acquisition workforce and the defense industrial base, made his remarks during a discussion with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank that focuses on national security. The federal government will shut down Sunday unless Congress passes funding for fiscal 2024 or at least agrees to a continuing resolution, which is a stopgap measure that keeps things operating for a short time at existing funding levels. But a small group of hard-line Republicans in the House are stalling the budget process over a variety of issues such as aid to Ukraine and former President Donald Trumps legal troubles. If Congress doesnt agree to a funding plan and there is a shutdown, it would affect all government agencies including the U.S. military. All active-duty troops and essential civilian defense workers would have to keep working, but they wouldnt be paid until the shutdown is resolved. LaPlante, who has been in his Pentagon post for about 18 months, said a shutdown would affect the military in much deeper and perhaps unexpected ways. I have some testing we want to do next week on an item for Ukraine and unless we can get some type of a waiver, its not going to happen. And people are not going to be able to travel, so its extremely disruptive, he said. The message it sends to the government workforce, you know, were sending people home who are engineers, are acquisition professionals, are sustainers, are contracting officers were just sending them home and saying, You are not essential. Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin exempted Ukraine-related operations from being affected by a shutdown, meaning essential activities related to helping Ukrainians defend their country against Russia will be protected. That includes sending weapons shipments to Ukraine. However, Pentagon officials, including LaPlante, have said U.S. assistance to the Eastern European nation will almost certainly be affected in peripheral ways. The Defense Department said Monday, for example, that some civilian workers who are involved with Ukraine but are not considered essential would be furloughed. The Pentagon said that would trickle down eventually to affect Ukrainian operations. In its National Defense Strategy last year, the Defense Department identified Russia as an ongoing concern, but it named China as the No. 1 pacing challenge for the U.S. in the world particularly with Beijing expanding its reach and influence and its constant eye on unifying with Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway territory. To support the strategy, the Pentagon has put a priority on policies and operations intended to keep China in check, but most of those items would likely also become casualties of a government shutdown. Can you imagine if the Chinese did something like this? Where their government would shut down every few years, and they would freeze their budget, not start up things for six months, LaPlante asked. [The United States] would not view that badly. Anything less than full funding for 2024, the Pentagon has said, would have a negative impact on national security and U.S. defenses around the world. Thats because a continuing resolution, or CR, would keep the department from funding anything beyond the short term. LaPlante said the difference between a shutdown and a CR is like choosing between real bad and so bad. Any increases in production arent going to happen [with a CR], he said, citing the effects of past shutdowns. In the past, this affected [guided multiple launch rocket systems], it actually affected Patriot [air-defense systems]. Thats a CR. LaPlante added: Testing will stop. In 2013 [during a shutdown] production lines stopped, F-35s stopped, munitions stopped. The House was expected to vote Tuesday on a package of bills to fund parts of the government, but its unclear if there will be enough votes to pass them, according to The Associated Press. The news outlet also reported the Senate is preemptively working on a bipartisan stopgap funding plan to avoid a shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of active-duty troops in the U.S. and more than 170,000 abroad would not be paid during a shutdown, according to the Pentagon. Extreme House Republicans are playing partisan games with peoples lives and marching our country toward a government shutdown that would have damaging impacts across the country including undermining our national security and forcing service members across the country and around the world to work without pay, the White House said in a statement Tuesday. House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal that two-thirds of them voted for just a few months ago and have instead proposed devastating cuts to programs that millions of hardworking Americans count on. (Gold Star Mission/Facebook) EFFINGHAM, Ill. (Tribune News Service) A five-day bike ride through Central and Southern Illinois honoring fallen men and women of the U.S. military stopped in Effingham as families along for the ride shared memories of the loved ones they lost. Gold Star Missions 510-mile Gold Star 500 riders and volunteers arrived at the National Guard armory in Effingham Friday evening, where they stayed for the night before getting up early the next morning and riding to the next stop in Strasburg. Gold Star Mission is a 5013 nonprofit that works to keep the memories of fallen servicemen and women alive for their families and future generations. One of the three Gold Star Mothers along for the ride to the armory in Effingham, Vonda Rodgers of Bloomington, said her son, Sgt. Josh Rodgers, died in 2017 while serving in the U.S. Army when he was just 22 years old. Vonda Rodgers said her son was eager to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army to become an Army Ranger as soon as he could. Josh enlisted his senior year, so he went into the Army right out of high school, she said. He knew he wanted to go into the military, and he knew he wanted to go into Special Forces. According to his mother, Josh Rodgers was an incredibly hard worker and very quiet. So when he did say something, everybody listened because he didnt waste any words, Vonda Rodgers said. She also said he was a really good leader who would never ask the men and women serving with him to do anything he wasnt willing to do himself. This is the second year Vonda Rodgers has joined riders on the Gold Star 500, but shes been involved with the Gold Star Mission since 2018. In addition to honoring the fallen, she said the ride gives Gold Star mothers like herself and other family members and friends of any fallen servicemen or women an opportunity to share their stories and keep the memories of their loved ones alive. She shared a sentiment that lies at the heart of the Gold Star Mission. A soldier dies twice, once when he takes his last breath and once when his name is no longer spoken, so one of our missions is to always remember, never forget, Vonda Rodgers said. We dont just mourn the death, we honor the life. The Gold Star 500 includes stops in communities throughout the state where Vonda Rodgers has been working to spread the word about Gold Star Missions scholarship program. We have had incredible experiences at every stop, she said. We give out scholarships every year, and we give them out in the name of a fallen serviceman or woman. Vonda Rodgers said the Gold Star Mission, its volunteers and the Gold Star 500 riders are quite supportive to mothers like her who have experienced the tragic loss of a love one serving in the military. Death is dark, and its hard. And its scary. And I dont think its meant to be journeyed alone, Vonda Rodgers said. We walk together. Theyve got my back. Another Gold Star Mother, Judy Hopper of Montrose, joined riders in this years Gold Star 500, helping in the rescue van, where a nurse was available for any riders in need of assistance. Her son, Sgt. Nick Hopper, died in 2007 after being severely injured in Iraq while serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. Joining Judy Hopper in honoring Nick Hopper in this years Gold Star 500 are Nick Hoppers son, 18-year-old Andrew Hopper, and niece, 24-year-old Tajia Gonzalez, both of whom traveled all the way from Washington to take part in the ride. When Nick got hurt, her mom and her sister moved in with him, Judy Hopper said, referring to Tajia Gonzalez. They didnt have a place to live. He was her mentor, her hero. Although she admits its often difficult for her and other Gold Star parents to reflect on memories of losing their children, she thinks its important for Gold Star families to share their stories, and believes that the Gold Star 500 is a great opportunity for that. This is huge, Judy Hopper said. Its a healing process that we go through. Additionally, Judy Hopper said all the other volunteers and riders have always made sure that she and the other Gold Star mothers are taken care of. We feel like queens, Judy Hopper said. And we feel like theyre our sons. We take care of each other. In addition to the volunteers and riders in the Gold Star 500, supporters who could be found along the route, including Ron and Cathy Thompson of Paris, the stepfather and mother of rider and U.S. National Guardsman Keith Butler. Ron and Cathy Thompson traveled to the armory from Paris, Illinois, Saturday to surprise their son who had no idea his parents would be there. We didnt tell him we were gonna come, Cathy Thompson said. He was in 1544th National Guard, there in Paris, and we lost five, Ron Thompson said. Cathy Thompson noted Keith has taken part in the Gold Star 500 for the past few years to honor and remember the fallen servicemen he knew. They were his friends, Cathy Thompson said. Coming from a very patriotic family, Ron and Cathy Thompson are thrilled to see their son do something that sheds a light on the lives of fallen servicemen and women, and considering the back injuries Keith sustained in Iraq, they were glad to see how well he was handling the long and difficult ride. Its a physical challenge for him to do this also, Cathy Thompson said. I get emotional. While some riders and volunteers are somewhat new to the Gold Star 500, others have been taking part in the ride for years. One rider who stopped at the armory in Effingham Friday afternoon, Army veteran Russ Kirkpatrick, has now taken part in the ride six times. Kirkpatrick said a friend who served in the U.S. National Guard first told him about the Gold Star 500 while he still lived in Peoria. This is before he moved to Fort Worth, Texas, a couple years ago, which didnt prevent him from making it to Illinois for the ride this year. Im one of the ride captains, Kirkpatrick said. And Ive done every mile of every day. He said one of the most important things about the ride is the fact that it allows him and other participants to share the stories of members of the military who died while serving in conflicts that many younger Americans simply arent familiar with. We exited Iraq in 2011, Kirkpatrick said. They were in kindergarten. Unless you have a direct family connection to someone thats deployed, its probably not a headline. Its probably not in your wheelhouse. As someone whos talked to Gold Star families himself, Kirkpatrick said its important to remember the good things about loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military, not just their tragic final moments. We want to make sure we want to honor the lives of them, he said. Kirkpatrick also said hes trying to take Gold Star Missions work across state lines and get something like the Gold Star 500 started in Texas. Another Gold Star 500 rider, Keith Buescher of Springfield, is the son of a 97-year-old World War II veteran, one of the few still alive today. Im a civilian, but I come from an Army family, Buescher said. And I feel quite honored to be part of it. It was Bueschers first time taking part in the ride, and he said he was doing it, in part, to honor his brother, Kenneth Schweikert, who died from injuries he sustained while serving in Vietnam after returning home to the U.S. An acquaintance of mine told me about this, and I thought this was one of the best ways you could ride a bicycle, to basically honor the fallen and Gold Star families, Buescher said. Its overwhelming on so many levels. Its very emotional, and its so meaningful. After being welcomed at the armory, riders and volunteers made their way to Effingham Legion Post 120 Friday night for a dinner, during which they heard from Gold Star families. (c)2023 the Effingham Daily News (Effingham, Ill.) Visit the Effingham Daily News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A video screen grab shows a Medal of Fidelity. (Massachusetts National Guard/YouTube) NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (Tribune News Service) Medals of Fidelity were presented by Brigadier General Frank Magurn of the Massachusetts National Guard to seven spouses and one daughter of deceased service members from North Andover and Boxford. The medals are unique to Massachusetts and were created last October as part of the SPEED Act, which provides a range of assistance to military families and was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker. The Medal of Fidelity was created for the surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran who has passed due to their service connected disabilities, said Joseph LeBlanc, veterans service director for North Andover and Boxford. Magurn said the medal was intended to complement the Medal of Liberty, which is given to spouses and dependents of service members who were killed in combat or died at a later date from wounds received in combat, while the Medal of Fidelity recognizes other sources of disability. As the medal citation explains, these can be a combat-related stress disorder, or other disorder approved by the Adjutant General, or a condition resulting from a traumatic brain injury suffered in combat. The Medal of Fidelity also honors families of service members who eventually succumbed to conditions or injuries related to exposure to harmful toxins, herbicides, agents or materials while serving in the armed forces. Its humbling to be here to represent the governor and the commonwealth as well, to recognize the sacrifice and the pain and the grief of families who have lost family members due to their service, Magurn said. He pointed out that while people sometimes lapsed into calling the Medal of Fidelity an award, that was the wrong term to describe it. I dont think anyone would want to be awarded under the conditions that would qualify them for this medal, Magurn said. In addition to receiving Medals of Fidelity, and challenge coins from the Town of North Andover, the family members were also presented with citations from state senators Barry Feingold and Bruce Tarr, and State Rep. Adrianne Ramos. Steve Bohn, veterans director for Congressman Seth Moulton, also presented the medal recipients with congressional citations. The legislative delegation took turns addressing the honorees, who sat at the table where the North Andover Select Board normally presides in Town Hall, and thanked them for all they had done. It is important that we recognize that serving our country doesnt just come at the front lines, Ramos said. Serving our country comes from those who are here at home, so thank you so much for your sacrifice and your time and your commitment to your family, to our country. Bohn described wounds he received in Afghanistan while serving with the 101st Airborne in 2008, which required multiple surgeries at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. So being able to be here, and being with the families, I know the struggles and sacrifices that families make all too well, Bohn said. LeBlanc then invited the honorees to speak, which they gradually accepted, expressing both gratitude for their medals and pride in the service members they had supported. Sometimes our children suffered because we put our husbands first, but Im proud of him, said Karen Feirman of Boxford. She described meeting her husband, Frank, who served with the Marines in Vietnam and died five years ago, when she was 16 and he was 20. He worked for 25 years until he got too sick from his injuries, Feirman said. Doreen Pacheco of North Andover, whose husband Stephen was a sergeant in the Air Force, described him as a proud American, who was also proud to have served in Vietnam. The last year of his life was very tough, Pacheco said. Through all this time, I have to say how helpful the Veterans Administration system was to him. They were to respectful to him. Cathy Breen of North Andover, whose husband Allan served with the Marines in Vietnam and developed three different kinds of cancer, said he faced every challenge with courage. I am very proud of him, Breen said. Thank you for being here and thank you for this recognition. It means a lot. Medal of Fidelity presented to eight families Pamela Clenney of North Andover, wife of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Roger Clenney, U.S. Army, Purple Heart, Vietnam Nancy Barry of North Andover, wife of Sergeant James Barry, United States Marine Corps, Vietnam Carolyn Barnes of North Andover, wife of Specialist 4 Thomas Barnes, U.S. Army, Purple Heart, Vietnam Cathy Breen of North Andover, wife of Corporal Allan Breen, United States Marine Corps, Purple Heart, Vietnam Linda Gueli of North Andover, daughter of Corporal Michael Gueli, U.S. Army, POW, Purple Heart, WWII Elaine Brophy of North Andover, wife of Sergeant First Class Ralph Brophy, U.S. Army, Korea Doreen Pacheco of North Andover, wife of Sergeant Stephen Pacheco, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Karen Feirman of West Boxford, wife of Lance Corporal Frank Feirman, United States Marine Corps, Purple Heart, Vietnam. (c)2023 The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) Visit The Eagle-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Naval Academy graduates from the class of 83 are riding across America heading to their 40th class reunion in Annapolis, Md. (Navy 83 Ride Across America/Facebook/Twitter) (Tribune News Service) Although they describe themselves as old guys in tights, the 70-some cyclists on a cross-country journey from Washington state to Maryland feel they have a duty to help fellow veterans. In the Navy 83 Ride Across America, members of the U.S. Naval Academys class of 1983 are biking to their 40th class reunion in Annapolis, Maryland. They started at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, on Aug. 23 and will finish on Oct. 5 at the academy in Annapolis. The riders are 62 and older and live all over the country. It is pretty cool for a bunch of old guys to ride over 3,400 miles across the entire country and stop in your town! the cyclists said in messages to communities they visit along the way, including Pittsburgh. They will arrive here on Saturday and depart from the Sheraton Station Square on the South Side on Sunday at 9 a.m. The riders are inviting the public to join them in doing push-ups just before they leave. Yep, its a good workout pedaling 70-80 miles or more a day, said Dave Saba, 62, of Houston, Texas, a 1983 Annapolis graduate and public affairs officer for the event. He plans to catch up with his classmates near Pittsburgh to bike to the finish line in Maryland. Fifty-five riders are pedaling portions of the trip and 15 have made the cross-country ride, Saba said. Pittsburgh is their link to access the Great Allegheny Passage recreational trail running from Western Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. Ive done some of the GAP and its going to be spectacular, said Saba, who previously lived in Deep Creek, Maryland. Five years ago at their 35th reunion, Saba and some of his classmates agreed that a cross-country bike ride was a fitting way to celebrate their 40th reunion. They have been planning and training for it ever since. Mark Hopgood, 62, of Seattle, a former Pittsburgh resident and a 1979 Upper St. Clair High School graduate, gets to return to his hometown for the ride. He has already clocked 1,000 miles from Washington to near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He will meet up with his classmates again in Pittsburgh to ride to Annapolis. I love Pittsburgh. The Steelers, the Pirates and the Penguins are still my favorite teams, he said. Last year, he biked from Notre Dame, Indiana, to Pittsburgh and has stopped here many times during layovers as a captain for Delta Airlines. He and his wife, Marie, started training four months before the ride, gradually ramping up their distances from 40 to 50 miles a day and eventually worked up to 100 miles a day. Its great to reconnect to classmates after all these years, Hopwood said. Everybody took different paths. Its interesting to see how different they are. The ride is a good cause, too. Saba bought his bike in the last two years. I wanted to challenge myself and hang out with a bunch of guys, he said. It was too good of an opportunity not to get in shape. Theyve been training and riding the last several years using an app to monitor the progress of their fellow graduates in training. They knew they just didnt want to ride. We thought if we could gather enough momentum, we should do something good for the veteran community, Saba said. Initially, they hoped to raise $250,000 for veterans. They have surpassed that and are now just shy of $500,000. Their new fundraising goal is just north of $700,000. The money will be divided among 26 nonprofits benefiting veterans. Besides money, they wanted to raise awareness of suicide among military veterans, which once averaged 22 a day. So they do 22 push-ups before each days ride. The rate of veteran suicides is currently about 16.8 per day, which is still higher than non-veteran adults, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Its still an issue, Saba said. Why do less push-ups when we can do more? Along the route, members of communities have come out to meet the riders before they depart. Some do push-ups with them, others send the riders off with fire trucks leading the way, Saba said. Highlights included stops at Yellowstone National Park and a Jimmy Buffett memorial night when they were in Livingston, Montana. They sang the Buffett song Livingston Saturday Night, shortly after the entertainer died on Sept. 1. Then, there were surprises in towns like Bassett, Nebraska, where half the town came out with all of the K-12 students and did push-ups with us. It was really cool, Suba said. Unplanned challenges included changing their route to avoid the forest fires in Washington state. Then there were the 32 flat tires. Were getting really good at it, Saba said. Fortunately, one of the riders is skilled at bike repairs, plus there were bike shops along the way. Tough as the long-distance journey was, the sights along the way were memorable, according to the Naval Academy graduates. For example, although the ride was arduous in Montana, the cyclists were rewarded. Small payment for the beauty we have witnessed in Montana, rider William Ryan wrote in the Navy Ride blog. Stunning vistas, crystal-clear rivers and streams, vast fields of grain, more variety of scenery than we could have hoped for. The journey might continue after the reunion. We still will ride, Hopgood said. People still want to ride together. It might be a weeklong ride for recreation to stay connected. (c)2023 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday hit back at incumbent caretaker security czar Sarfraz Bugti for saying that party supremo Nawaz Sharif would be arrested on his return if he was not granted bail. Nawaz, who stepped down as prime minister in 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him for life for not declaring receivable salary, was granted permission to go abroad for medical treatment in November 2019 after a court suspended his sentence in a corruption case. The former premier, who has been living in London since then, has recently announced his return to the country on October 21 this year. Speaking to a local TV channel, the caretaker interior minister said if Nawaz was not granted bail then the authorities would arrest the former PM from the airport. Bugti cited Nawazs 2018 return to the country when he along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz was arrested at Lahore airport as the duo returned from London. I dont think that he does not want to be arrested as in the past, he, along with his daughter, returned to the country despite knowing that they would be arrested.., the interior minister remarked. Reacting to the Bugtis remarks, Sanaullah said the minister crossed his limits by making such a statement. Sarfraz Bugti should see the fate of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid before issuing giving such remarks, the PML-N leader said. Sanaullah said people and the country bore the brunt of the conspiracy allegedly hatched against Nawaz to oust him from power. Dont try to elevate your political stature by making statements about Nawaz Sharif, Sanaullah said asking Bugti to stop worrying about Nawaz and concentrate on his duties. Sanaullah said the people would decide where Nawaz will go from the airport on October 21 and not the interior minister. Meanwhile, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb also warned the interior minister against making such statements. Mr Sarfraz Bugti, speak according to your political stature. Where Nawaz Sharif has to go from the airport is neither your problem nor your decision, she added. Bugti clarifies remarks After drawing the ire of the PML-N leaders, Bugti issued a statement clarifying that his remarks were taken out of the context. My statement was given a political colour out of context. The caretaker government has no political agenda, Bugti was quoted as saying in the statement. He also welcomed the Nawazs return to the country saying that a large number of people of Pakistan are preparing to welcome Nawaz Sharif. He said Nawaz will be treated according to law on his return home. General Mark Milley faced repeated crises at home and abroad during a tumultuous term as Americas top military officer, becoming one of the most well-known and controversial people to hold the position in years. Russias invasion of Ukraine, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donald Trumps refusal to accept his presidential election loss and nationwide protests against police brutality are just some of the events that defined his time as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which ends on Friday. It was one crisis right after another, so we were constantly absorbed with what I would call current operations, Milley said in an interview last month. The challenge for me is I didnt devote enough time because I couldnt to the challenge of... reforming and modernising the military, he said. Milley a gregarious 65-year-old history buff was commissioned as a US Army officer in 1980 and deployed to countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama and Haiti. He served as chief of staff of the US Army before becoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs in October 2019. Milley infamously found himself in the political spotlight less than a year into his term as chairman. He was sharply criticised for participating in what was widely seen as a political show by Trump, who walked with Milley and other officials from the White House to pose with a Bible in front of St. Johns Episcopal Church in June 2020. Just before he did so, police and National Guard troops fired smoke bombs and pepper balls at people in the area who were protesting the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minnesota. I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of military involvement in domestic politics, Milley said days later. He also had to contend with the chaotic end of the Trump administration, with the president refusing to concede he lost the 2020 election. He was also in contact with China before and after the 2020 election calls his spokesman said were in keeping with his duties to convey reassurance in order to maintain strategic stability. But Republicans accused the general of undermining civilian control of the military and unsuccessfully pushed for him to be fired. Milley is popular with many US liberals, who credit him with helping protect the country from Trump. But he is a bete noire for various conservatives, including Trump, who recently said Milleys retirement would be a time for all citizens of the USA to celebrate. Milley told lawmakers in 2021 that he had become a lightning rod for the politicisation of the military, despite advocating for Americas armed forces to be apolitical. There is a deliberate attempt, in my view, to smear the general officer corps and the leaders of the military and to politicise the military, he said. Another defining event of Milleys tenure was the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which saw Taliban fighters sweep aside Western-trained Afghan troops, forcing the last US military personnel to mount a desperate evacuation from Kabuls airport. The accused had very limited means and at the time of the offence, she had taken in some animals that were strays and had huge vet bills. A grandmother caught selling contraband tobacco and cigarettes needed the money to pay the huge vet bills for stray animals she had taken in, a court has heard. Mary Fitzgerald (60) was trying to get money to help her pay the bills when gardai found nearly 600 worth of tobacco products in her bag following a transaction on a Dublin city centre street. Judge Bryan Smyth gave her a six-month suspended sentence. Fitzgerald, of Linenhall Street, Dublin, admitted having illicit tobacco products for sale on June 19 this year. Sergeant Tony Flanagan told Dublin District Court gardai were on patrol on Parnell Street at 2pm when they saw the accused approaching members of the public. She was seen in a transaction with a man and gardai stopped and searched her. In her bag, they found seven packets of hand-rolling loose tobacco and four boxes of cigarettes. The potential loss to the Exchequer was 590. Fitzgerald had three children and four grandchildren, her solicitor Yvonne Bambury said. She had previous convictions but none for anything like this whatsoever. The accused had very limited means and at the time of the offence, she had taken in some animals that were strays and had huge vet bills. Ms Bambury said her client instructed that she did this stupidly because she thought it would help pay the bills. The accused was living on her own and there was nobody to help her pay the bills. Ms Bambury pointed out that the revenue from the tobacco was not lost to the State because it had been confiscated. Edgaras Slusnys (37) was arrested by National Crime Agency officers on Friday. Some of the drugs seized during the operation. Photo: NCA A lorry driver has been charged in the UK after cocaine worth around 6.8 million (7.8m) was found hidden inside his truck. Edgaras Slusnys (37), a Lithuanian national living in Northern Ireland, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers after his lorry was stopped in Liverpool on Friday evening, 23 September. The vehicle, registered with a Northern Ireland-based haulier, was searched with assistance from Merseyside Police and Border Force. Officers recovered 136 kilos of cocaine which was hidden in the rear doors of the lorrys trailer. The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of 6.8 million when cut. Slusnys was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday, 25 September. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 October. NCA Branch Commander David Cunningham said: This seizure has dealt a significant blow to an organised crime gang, and removed a substantial quantity of dangerous drugs from the streets. The investigation continues to identify and bring to justice all those involved. He said it appeared the Courts Service had sanctioned this under conditions, including that the cat should be kept on a leash A JUDGE has voiced concerns after a defendant in a criminal case was allowed to bring a cat on a leash into a courtroom. Judge John Hughes raised the issue after seeing the cat - a "support animal" for an accused man - in the public gallery at Dublin District Court. The Courts Service has said it was a "once-off arrangement" at the Criminal Courts of Justice and apologised for failing to consult the judge. The issue arose following a court sitting today, when Judge Hughes said there had been a defendant present earlier who had a cat on a leash and that is a new departure in court. He said it appeared the Courts Service had sanctioned this under conditions, including that the cat should be kept on a leash and not brought to the building's canteen. There was no consultation with the court in relation to this, the judge said. The court was not blind or deaf as to the reason why the defendant concerned had made the application, Judge Hughes said. There are wider issues at play over and above the requirements of (the defendant) in this matter, he said. I would have presumed the court would have been consulted. I was not consulted, I didnt sanction it, Im concerned at this development, the judge said. He added that to extrapolate, it could turn into a bizarre situation indeed. He asked those present if anyone else had been consulted. A barrister, who was not involved in the case, said she did not believe legal practitioners had been. I intend to make further enquiries as to what safeguards are put in place, not only for (the defendant) but for the cat which appeared to be distressed and keen not to be present, and also other users of the courtroom," Judge Hughes said. The Courts Service this afternoon confirmed that the cat had been allowed into the court. The Courts Service made a once off arrangement to allow a defendant bring a support cat to the CCJ today, if it was on a leash, and that the defendant leave after his case was heard, a spokesperson said. This was only allowed as the CCJ is such a large building, and the time for the support animal's presence was short. Our internal communications around this arrangement did not reach the judge in the court, for which we apologise. Aerial photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sept. 28, 2022 shows a gas leak on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. (The Swedish Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua) The investigation of the bombing Nord Stream pipelines has been dragged for one year without substantive results, as western officials would rather not know who bombed the Nord Stream pipelines, lest they discover that their allies were responsible. STOCKHOLM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A year ago, the Nord Stream pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia to European markets were ruptured in a series of explosions underneath the Baltic Sea near Sweden and Denmark. One year after the attack, investigations by Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, which excluded Russia, are still dragging on, yielding no substantive results. INVESTIGATION DRAGGING ON Running from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin, Germany through the Baltic Sea, the Nord Stream twin pipelines were critical to Europe's energy security. In 2021, the EU imported 83 percent of natural gas consumed, with nearly 50 percent of imports coming from Russia (153 billion cubic meters) and more than one-third of Russian imports through the Nord Stream (59.2 billion cubic meters), according to the European Council. The Russian Foreign Ministry has protested that the three countries deliberately delayed the investigation and tried to conceal who was the black hander. It also voiced Russia's dissatisfaction with the opacity of the investigation and its refusal to engage with Russia. In a joint letter dated February this year, the three countries told the United Nations Security Council that "investigations have not yet been concluded. At this point, it is not possible to say when they will be concluded." There has been no major breakthrough since then. "The longer the delay, the more difficult it will be to collect evidence and find the truth, the more doubts and speculations will occur, and the less credible the results of the investigations will be," Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council briefing on the Nord Stream issue in July. Geng urged all parties not to politicize investigations or use it as an opportunity for political manipulation, calling for an early release of the results of a country-specific investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. Aerial photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sept. 27, 2022 shows the gas leak from Nord Stream in the Baltic Sea. (The Swedish Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua) SUSPECTED U.S. INVOLVEMENT Mats Ljungqvist, the Swedish prosecutor investigating the attack, said in April that a state actor "directly or at least indirectly behind all this" was the "absolute main scenario," without naming any country. Caution from the European states is probably a result of the politically sensitive and inconvenient truth. Western officials would rather not know who bombed the Nord Stream pipelines, lest they discover that their allies were responsible, the Washington Post reported in April. "Leaders see little benefit from digging too deeply and finding an uncomfortable answer," the paper added, stating that officials "would rather not have to deal with the possibility that Ukraine or its allies were involved." A 5,000-word investigative report in February, "How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline," published by the Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hersh, appears all the more credible and logical among the many revelations. Hersh revealed that the sabotage of the pipelines was a secret operation ordered by the White House, implemented by the CIA, and assisted by the Norwegian Navy. Such a scenario appears in accordance with U.S. President Joe Biden's statements in February last year that there would be no Nord Stream 2 if Russia attacked Ukraine -- "I promise you we will be able to do it." Josep Puigsech, a Spanish expert on Russian affairs and contemporary history, has pointed to "a clear profit to be made" by the United States and a strengthening of its geopolitical influence over Germany. "I'm increasingly convinced this was an action by the United States," said Puigsech, adding that the country has the most to gain from the destruction of the pipelines: forcing Russia's energy out of Europe while increasing Germany's dependence on it. Aerial photo provided by the Swedish Coast Guard on Sept. 27, 2022 shows the gas leak from Nord Stream in the Baltic Sea. (The Swedish Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua) U.S. LNG FLOODING EUROPE The implications of the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines are enormous, said Helga Zepp-LaRouche, founder and chairperson of the German think tank Schiller Institute. She noted that the incident massively increased the immediate prospect of Europe's deindustrialization and its dependence on U.S. liquified natural gas. In 2022, the United States boosted liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe by 141 percent compared to 2021, surpassing Russia for the first time. In the first half of this year, the EU remains the primary buyer of U.S. LNG, which devours more than half of the EU LNG import market. The price to move away from Russian energy is not cheap. The cost for the EU to replace Russian gas with green technologies by 2028 would be nearly 811 billion euros, according to a report released in May by Oxford researchers. The skyrocketing costs are already causing a massive exodus of companies from Europe, and especially from Germany to the United States, Zepp-LaRouche said, stressing that all this means an assault on the living standards of the population. He had his penis out and tried to grab my arm. I screamed and we ran The victims testified that the accused man started to follow them on West Street. A 28-year-old forklift driver who exposed himself to three young girls and attempted to grab one of them, has been jailed. At Drogheda Court on Monday Judge Eirinn McKiernan imposed the maximum sentence of six months for summary disposal of the charge in question. Daniel Stana, Kermon House, Drogheda, was convicted of, on 23 January 2022 in West Street, exposing his genitals intending to cause fear, distress, or alarm to another person. The defendant denied the offence, saying there was no one around when he went down an alleyway to urinate. CCTV footage was played during the hearing which showed Mr Stana following the three friends as they walked past the door to toilets in Drogheda Town Centre before the incident occurred. One of the victims, aged 16, gave evidence that she was walking with the others on West Street. She turned around at the bakery and saw the accused not too far behind them. They kept walking and this man then walked on in front of them. We went to turn (a corner) and he was there. He had his penis out and tried to grab my arm. I screamed and we ran. Her friend, aged 15, testified that they had left Drogheda Town Centre and walked up by Moorland Cafe. He smiled at us. We got frightened. He had his private parts out and went to grab her. We ran. We were in shock. Under cross-examination it was put to the witness that in her statement she said the man went down a laneway and was on his phone. Court presenter Sgt John OHehir said that a third witness had been cautioned to attend and had not appeared. Gda Darren McKenna gave evidence that at the time he was member in charge of Drogheda Garda Station when a complaint was made at 6.55pm. The victims had told their parents what happened when they got home. Gardai were given a description of the suspect. On 1 February 2022 a warrant was obtained for a house in Moneymore. Mr Stana was present and was arrested. He made no reply after caution. He disclosed that it was him in the footage. At 7.35pm he was charged. Again, he made no reply after caution. In a memo of interview during his detention, the defendant denied all allegations of exposure. He said he had gone to urinate. The court rejected a defence application for a dismissal on the grounds that there was no allegation of exposure on West Street, rather down a laneway. Daniel Stana gave evidence that he was on West Street. It was dark, he saw no one around. He had to urinate. He was in the middle of an alleyway. He never tried to grab anyone. Inspector Kevin Toner said there was toilet in the footage and asked why he didnt use it. I thought it was closed, maybe, I cant remember, he replied. He said he was on his way home to Moneymore. He had no ambition when he saw three teenagers on West Street. I saw a lane on the right. I felt it safe to go into the lane to urinate. He repeated that he wasnt trying to grab someone. There was no one around him. Inspector Toner put it to the witness that it was 5.30pm on a Friday evening in West Street. He asked the accused why he did not use the toilets in one of the pubs or cafes. Some places dont let you in. Some places say customers only, he responded. The inspector put it to Mr Stana that he selected these three young girls and followed them. Judge McKiernan asked the defendant why he did not use the toilet in the shopping centre. He replied that he thought it was out of service, adding he never saw the girls at any stage. The judge said that taking into account the footage, that the victims saw this man behind them and in front of them, he had to have seen these girls. On that basis, the court was convicting the accused. Details were given of two previous convictions. He was fined 1,200 and 500 for engaging in acts of masturbation on two separate dates. Barrister Eoghan Fagan said his client has been 24 years in Ireland. He has a good work history as a forklift driver. Judge McKiernan noted there were two previous convictions for similar type offences. He had contested this charge, putting children through this ordeal. To expose himself was horrific for the victims. The court imposed the maximum sentence of six months. Bail in the event of an appeal was set at a personal bond of 300 with 1,000 cash lodged. The girl followed and attacked the woman. The court heard she punched her several times in the face A teenage girl (16) has been spared a custodial sentence for a violent robbery of two train passengers who were attacked, chased and mugged on a platform at Connolly Station in Dublin. The man and woman had been attacked by another youth brandishing a screwdriver on a crowded train beforehand, the Dublin Childrens Court heard. The girl pleaded guilty to a robbery on the evening of July 17, 2022 and was bound to the peace for 12 years. A teenage boy, also 16, is a co-defendant and had an additional charge for producing a weapon during the incident, which carried on for 20 minutes and spilt out onto the packed station platform. In an outline of the evidence, Garda Kelly McKiernan said the man and woman, in their late 20s, had been travelling from Malahide to Connolly station when two males and two females tried to take the mans 900 e-scooter. She alleged that the boy approached a second time, produced a screwdriver, and told the man , Sit down or I will stab you. His friend, a woman who tried to intervene, was punched in the face several times. The man pushed the teen away and disarmed him. The screwdriver dropped on the floor, and the man pushed it away with his foot. The court heard the incident went on for about 20 minutes, and when the train got to Connolly station, the man and his friend were chased up the platform. The girl, then 15 and intoxicated, followed and attacked the woman. The court heard she punched her several times in the face. The pair took the e-scooter, but Irish Rail security intervened when they tried to ride away on the platform. The woman had a cut lip and sore hand, while the man had a sore arm and shoulders afterwards. Judge Paul Kelly watched CCTV footage of the incident. Defence solicitor Brian Keenan said that the teenage girl was apologetic and had a difficult number of years due to issues in her family background. The girl also developed a significant alcohol problem, which led to interventions for her welfare, the court heard. The judge was furnished with a pre-sentence probation report on her. The boy, who allegedly brandished the screwdriver, is awaiting trial at a higher level in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers. The judge held his case was too serious to remain in the Childrens Court. Did Thomas Stray ever really know who he was sharing an office with? An infamous financial adviser is found to have shared an office with Daniel Kinahan in Dubai where he claimed to have become a money guru for the young and ambitious. But was Norwegian native Thomas Stray, famous in Denmark for his boom and bust lifestyle, really unaware of who he was hot desking with at the Boulevard Plaza really or would a simple google search have alerted him to the background of Irelands most wanted? Nicola is joined by Niall Donald to chat about the curious connections between Stray and Kinahan and the cryptocurrency they discussed in the run up to the US sanctions. Crime World Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud. MORE EPISODES The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was shot as he sat inside his car in the Ballsmill Road area of Crossmaglen on September 4. Police at the scene of the shooting earlier this month (Liam McBurney/PA) Detectives investigating a shooting which left a man in a critical condition in Co Armagh have made four arrests. The men aged 35, 58 and two aged 31 were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following searches in the Crossmaglen area on Tuesday, September 26. The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was shot just after 6.10am as he sat inside his car, a silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat, in the Ballsmill Road area of Crossmaglen on September 4. Superintendent Norman Haslett said: The victim was sitting in his car, parked on the Ballsmill Road, waiting for a connecting lift to work. Here, he was approached by a masked person, who fired a number of shots. He was shot in the arm and neck, but somehow managed to drive a short distance before calling for help. This was a shocking and callous act, which has left a man in a critical condition in hospital. It was also a pre-planned and targeted attack on a victim who parked his car here on a regular, daily basis. Mr Haslett continued: I am appealing to anyone with information to get in touch. The attack took place early on a Monday morning, 4 September, just after 6.10am. Although this is a rural area, its also a road well-used by motorists for their morning journey to work, linking with onward routes to both Dublin and Belfast. Superintendent Norman Haslett, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, appealed for information (Liam McBurney/PA) Furthermore, there are many commuters who routinely park their cars in this area in order to share onward lifts to work. Im asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. Did you witness the attack, or anything untoward? For example, did you notice any vehicles parked on the Ballsmill Road that might not usually be there at the time of your morning commute? Im particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dashcam footage. Please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 253 of 04/09/23. Healthcare workers and anyone over the age of five with underlying illnesses associated with a higher risk of disease will also be entitled to a free vaccine Covid-19 vaccines will be available to everyone over 50 next week due to Government fears of a spike in cases in the coming months. Healthcare workers and anyone over the age of five with underlying illnesses associated with a higher risk of disease will also be entitled to a free vaccine. The Department of Health also said pregnant persons will be eligible for Covid vaccines. A free winter flu vaccine programme will also be rolled out and be open to anyone aged over 65 or between the ages of six and 12. Medically vulnerable people who are at risk of serious infection along with carers with health conditions and pregnant persons can also receive the vaccine. People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl are also entitled to the free vaccine. The Cabinet was told by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that this winter will likely see high levels of transmission of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19. The memo provided an update on the planned public health measures and actions to manage the triple threat of the three viruses. A vaccination programme with vaccines for Covid-19 and the flu will begin next week. The Government has bought Pfizer vaccines which will be administered as a booster shot to the eligible population. The childrens flu vaccination programme is also scheduled to start on October 9. The Department of Health requested advice from National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in relation use of vaccines for RSV. A Government statement said: The importance of hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying at home when ill (regardless of any test results) with respiratory symptoms will continue to be advised. Wearing a face covering/mask is no longer mandatory, however, anyone who wishes to continue to wear a face covering/mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Maximising ventilation (taking account of thermal comfort) and maintenance of good basic cleaning schedules to reduce the risk of spread of all infections, in all settings is also advised, it added. The Chief Medical Officer is to meet representatives from other Government Departments to reiterate the need for adherence to optimum infection protection and control measures (including ventilation) that reflect the current public health advice. Testing and tracing of COVID-19 is now focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those who may benefit from specific interventions. This is underpinned by enhanced systems of disease surveillance at national level. In the event that testing and tracing operations need to be scaled up, the HSE has developed testing and tracing surge and emergency response plans, it said. Co-driver Damien Fleming (37) lost his life while competing in the Clare Rally on Sunday. A Kerry man who died in a rally crash over the weekend will be laid to rest this Thursday. Co-driver Damien Fleming (37) lost his life while competing in the Clare Rally on Sunday. The serious two-car collision took place during the fourth stage of the rally at about 1.30pm. The driver of the car in which he was competing was uninjured, while the driver of a second car involved in the incident was transferred to Limerick University Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. Damien, from Milleen, Kilcummin, Killarney, is survived by his parents Dermot and Catherine and two brothers Mark and Brendan. A notice on RIP.ie says that he will be sadly missed and dearly loved by his family, Mark's partner Claire, his nephew Jack, niece Ava, uncles Billy, Don and Seamus, aunts Nuala and Margaret, cousins, relatives and many dear friends. His remains will be reposed at O'Shea's Funeral Home, Cathedral Place, Killarney on Wednesday evening from 4pm to 6.30pm with removal at 6.30pm to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kilcummin. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday morning at 11am, which will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person, followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kilcummin. Tributes have been pouring in for the Dublin-based motorist following his death over the weekend. Killarney and District Motor Club chairman Thomas Randles paid tribute to his clubmate, saying: He was a sought-after navigator. He was passionate about the sport and was very well-known all over the country. He had a fierce passion and love for the sport. It is a very sad day for motorsport. His pal Eimear Glennon wrote: Im heartbroken hearing of Damiens passing. I will never forget our time together Damien, although short it was full of happiness. U were an amazing guy and Im so lucky to have had you as part of my life. I will never forget our hours of chats. Rip love always Eim x. Another friend added: Sincere condolences to Damiens family and friends. I only knew Damien briefly through the country dancing but will never forget his kindness and patience in teaching me the fox trot and encouraging me to get out and dance. "We had a great couple of nights taking on the dance floor. A truly kind, friendly and caring man, may he rest in peace. His uncle Don wrote: For my lovely nephew, all the fun (and) laughs following rallies together, he was like a son to us, he done a hell of a lot in years 37. Sadly missed but never forgotten, may we all meet in the next world, rest in peace my friend. Damian Fleming Photo courtesy of Killarney and District Motor Club Damien was one of Kerrys leading co-drivers. He has competed in over 150 events since he started in 2006. Highlights include winning the Banna Beach Resort Kerry Winter Rally alongside Cavans Stephen McCann in a Mitsubishi Lancer E9 in 2015. He was also the inaugural Kingdom of Kerry Rally champion in 2018. Motorsport Ireland, the sports governing body, has launched an investigation into the accident. Motorsport Ireland extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of 37-year-old Damien Fleming, who was fatally injured during a tragic accident while competing on the fourth stage of the 2023 Clare Stages Rally which was organised by Clare Motor Club, said an official Motorsport Ireland statement. The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport Ireland and within the wider motorsport community are with the Fleming family, Clare Motor Club and the members of the motorsport community who were present at the scene who reacted so quickly and professionally to the incident. "Motorsport Ireland will conduct a full investigation with the relevant authorities into Sunday's events to establish how this accident occurred. Met Eireann has warned of the risk of coastal flooding, challenging travel conditions, power outages and falling trees. Status Yellow wind and rain warnings have been issued for most of the country on Wednesday as Storm Agnes barrels towards Ireland. Storm Agnes is a deep Atlantic depression above northern Europe. Met Eireann has warned of the risk of coastal flooding, challenging travel conditions, power outages and falling trees. Cork and Kerry are set to bear the brunt of the storm with a Status Orange rain alert issued for both counties. A forecaster warned the area will be drenched with spells of heavy and occasionally intense rain, combined with very strong and gusty winds. The warning will be in place from 9am on Wednesday until 3pm. Meanwhile, this morning will be blustery and wet, with outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds expected pushing east. The west will see a mix of sunshine and scattered showers that will extend eastwards, covering the whole country by late morning. Met Eireann warned of showers turning heavy and thundery. Temperatures range between 14 and 18 degrees. By early night, the showers will become isolated in most parts of the country, leaving many areas dry and clear. The south can expect heavy rain later at night that will move to much of the country by dawn. Temperatures will drop to seven to 11 degrees however the night will turn milder later on. Tomorrow, Storm Agnes will sweep through Ireland with a Status Yellow wind warning issued for Leinster and Munster. Meanwhile, a Status Yellow rain warning is in place for eight counties: Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Waterford. A deluge of heavy rain is expected tomorrow as Met Eireann warned of the risk of localised flooding with challenging travel conditions and poor visibility. Both warnings are in place from 7am Wednesday until midnight on Thursday. Storm Agnes set to batter Northern Ireland. Stock photo. Similar conditions are expected in Northern Ireland as a Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. And a Status Orange marine alert has also been issued with a storm warning from Belfast Lough to Carnsore Point to Valentia and on the Irish Sea. This will last from 9am on Wednesday until 7pm. Tomorrow morning will be very windy and stormy in the south and east. Strong, gusty, and possibly damaging winds associated with Storm Agnes will persist for the rest of the day veering westerly. Storm Agnes will move northwards over the country and will cause disruptions. Spot flooding is likely due to outbreaks of heavy rain extending nationwide. There is also a risk of coastal flooding on the east and south coasts. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees are expected with severe winds. Wednesday night will remain windy with gusty westerly winds but gradually ease as Storm Agnes will move towards Scotland. More weather warnings and updates due to Storm Agnes might follow. The lowest temperatures will range between 9 to 12 degrees. Storm Agnes will clear away towards Scotland on Wednesday night, but it will remain rather unsettled for the remainder of the week, a Met Eireann forecaster said. After a stormy Wednesday, Thursday will bring a mix of bright spells and scattered showers in the morning. In the afternoon, heavy rain will move eastwards, coming from the Atlantic. However, the evening will clear on the west coast. The highest temperatures will range between 14 to 17 degrees, accompanied by gusty winds. Dry and clear spells will come on Thursday night, with some showers in the western counties. The night will be quite breezy, with the lowest temperatures of seven to 10 degrees. Claire and Stuart Balmer lost their lives after a minibus collided with them as they walked on a footpath in Wollaton, Nottingham on 20 March 2023. The children of an Irish woman and her husband have paid tribute to their wonderful parents who were killed in a road crash in the UK earlier this year. Claire and Stuart Balmer lost their lives after a minibus collided with them as they walked on a footpath in Wollaton, Nottingham on 20 March 2023. After an inquest into their deaths yesterday, 25 September, their sons Chris and Rob Balmer said their beloved parents will be deeply missed. We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of two wonderful people, they said in a statement released to Nottinghamshire Police. Mum and dad were active and sociable people who had the prospect of many adventurous years ahead of them. As a future without them in our lives begins, we have to come to terms with the fact that we are no longer able to make new memories with them. We can only cherish the memories that we made with them, hold them close to our hearts and remember them fondly. While hearing details of this terrible series of events has been extremely painful, the inquest can hopefully help us to start the process of healing and come to terms with the facts of what has happened, the statement added. We would like to thank the first responders who cared for our parents and provided medical assistance in their final moments. Mum and dad, Stuart and Claire, goodbye, we miss you. Forever. Always. Claire (70) grew up in Ireland and had served as a senior probation officer in the UK as well as being a member of both singing and walking groups. Meanwhile, 72-year-old Stuart, who was born in North Yorkshire, was a retired architect. The couple met at the University of Nottingham and welcomed their two children when they still lived in Sheffield, before the family moved and settled in the Nottingham area in 1985. They will be deeply missed by Stuarts two brothers, Simon and Robin, and sister Elizabeth, as well as Claires sister Ursula and brother Kevin. Following an inquest held at Nottingham Coroners Court, assistant coroner Nathanael Hartley recorded a verdict of death as a result of a road traffic collision for both Stuart and Claire. An investigation by Nottinghamshire Police found the driver of the minibus had lost control of the vehicle after suffering a medical episode at the wheel. The minibus struck the kerb of a footpath before mounting the pavement where it collided with Stuart and Claire. Detective Constable Chris Taylor, of Nottinghamshire Polices Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: This tragic incident has taken the lives of a loving couple who were adored by so many people. We sincerely hope as a result of todays inquest everyone who has been impacted by the incident will be able to find some peace that the investigation has concluded and begin to move on with their lives. Our thoughts remain with Chris and Rob, other members of their family and the couples many friends. Our specialist family liaison officers will continue to support them throughout this difficult time. The couple headed to Shonas sisters wedding together and posed for a sweet snap at the reception. The 31-year-old, known for playing Whitney Dean in the BBC One soap for more than 15 years, shared the first photo of her new beau on Instagram on Monday evening and gushed that he was her whole world. The couple headed to Shonas sisters wedding together and posed for a sweet snap at the reception. Soap star Shona looked stunning in a wine-coloured velour dress with a plunging neckline and matching lipstick paired with some statement jewellery as her hair framed her face in loose curls. Captioning the snap, she wrote: Wedding time My whole world, tagging her boyfriend's Instagram account. She later shared a second selfie of the pair together and wrote: "And then my soul saw you, and went... 'Oh there you are!' 'I've been looking for you'... Totally obsessed... in a really healthy way...," alongside a winking emoji. Shona McGarty and David Bracken While its not yet known how long the pair have officially been together, they both shared Instagram photos of their hands clasped together making a "promise" to one another earlier this month. David is a musician and one half of guitar duo Blessed alongside Tony Cunningham. The band describe themselves as an "an electrifying Irish band that will blow you away" and have over 18k followers on Instagram. Playing gigs all over the country, Blessed recently took to the stage at Electric Picnic and also performed at TikTok star Tadhg Flemings wedding earlier this year. Shona's new romance comes after she was linked to her EastEnders co-star Max Bowen, who plays Ben Mitchell, last year. The pair reportedly called it quits last October, with an insider claiming things got "complicated" between them. There has been a lot going on in Maxs life and things were just getting too complicated with Shona being involved," the source said. Max will always have a lot of love and respect for Shona but its just not the right time. Max and Shona have never spoken on it publicly but as their close circle would know, they were never in an official relationship and remain close friends who decided not to pursue anything romantic a number of months ago. The presenter shared a clip of herself leaning out the car window on Instagram. Angela Scanlon has been reported to police in the UK after sharing a video of herself hanging out the window of a car. The Irish presenter, who is currently competing in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, uploaded the clip on Instagram, which showed her leaning her body out the rear window of a car with no seatbelt on. Angela performed some dance moves for the camera before waving and blowing kisses at passersby. The video, which was filmed by a friend sitting in the passenger seat, was accompanied by The Sugarhill Gangs Rappers Delight. The post was quickly deleted, with Angela subsequently apologising for her reckless behaviour. I made absolutely the wrong decision when I filmed this video. I was coming from rehearsals and was giddy with excitement, she explained. That's not an excuse, because what I did was stupid and I'm sorry I let my excitement get the better of my judgement. The mum-of-one, who is partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu on Strictly, was reported to the police on Monday night and is likely to get a stern warning from BBC bosses, MailOnline reports. A source told the publication: Angela thought she was having a laugh, playing up to being on Strictly. But leaning out of a moving car is incredibly dangerous and she should know better. Her place on Strictly won't be at threat but she'll be warned about her behaviour going forward. Nick Simmons, CEO of UK crash victims' charity RoadPeace, added: Every day on the UK's roads, around five people are killed and more than 60 people are seriously injured. Driving is a privilege, not a right. With that privilege, comes a great deal of responsibility for safety, but sadly, many road users overlook this important fact. It is very disappointing when celebrities, who have a significant influence on others, behave in a way that does not acknowledge the importance of using the roads safely and of the huge risks posed by distracted driving. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Beijing is set to experience a tourism boom during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, which will last from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6 this year, with more than 12.8 million people expected to visit the city. It is estimated that the number of visitors to the Chinese capital during the holiday will be up 60.8 percent year on year, or up 21.9 percent from the 2019 pre-COVID figure. About 5.5 million of those visitors will travel from other parts of China, up 192.4 percent year on year, said Zhou Weimin, an official of the Beijing municipal bureau of culture and tourism, during a Tuesday press conference. The city will organize more than 2,000 cultural activities for holiday visitors, including several classic and popular dramas and operas that will be staged. Public venues such as museums will also make adjustments to meet the cultural consumption demand of tourists during the holiday, with many expanding their visitor capacities, extending their opening hours and implementing other experience-optimization measures. NZ Post has produced commemorative stamps and coins to mark the anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last September. NZ Post head of collectables Antony Harris says the release celebrates the life and legacy of the Queen, Britain's longest reigning monarch. NZ Post has been featuring the Queen on stamps for 70 years, from when she first ascended to the throne in 1952, up until her death during her Platinum Jubilee year, in Scotland on September 8, 2022. Our latest release features a range of images of the Queen and her visits to New Zealand including her first tour here in 1953, says Antony. For the first time since Her Majestys passing, NZ Post is releasing silver and gold coins featuring her image on the reverse available on pre-sale and released today. The coins show the Queen on the reverse and King Charles III on the observe which is an important historical point in time from coin collectors perspectives. Designed by Fuller Design, Wellingtons Stephen and Di Fuller, there are two gold coins available; a 1oz gold proof coin with a low worldwide limited mintage of 70 and a .25oz gold proof coin with a worldwide limited mintage of 350. There is also a 1oz silver coin with a worldwide limited mintage of 1000. These are going to sell out fast, like we saw with the King Charles III coin release we put out earlier this year. As well as the coins, NZ Post has also produced a set of stamps commemorating the Queen, and three A3 sized prints featuring historical stamps of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953/54. These prints mark the beginning of Queen Elizabeth IIs reign as New Zealands Sovereign from February 6, 1952, to September 9, 2022, and are available in three designs that will make great statement pieces or gifts. About the coin design The coins commemorate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022). The design is inspired by the scalloped patterns on Her Late Majestys coronation dress along with its intricate circular beading. The seven inner pinnacle shapes are reminiscent of both the scalloped patterns and the English Tudor rose as well as the seven decades of the Queens reign. Each coin in this issue features a portrait of King Charles III on the obverse. Wellington designer and illustrator Stephen Fuller developed the effigy to be used on New Zealand commemorative coins, and it was personally approved by the King. For further information visit collectables.co.nz Fire stations being closed for one or more days around Tauranga due to staff shortage is continuing to be of high concern with locals. Concerns have also been raised about staff fatigue. On Monday, the Tauranga fire station in Cameron Road was closed with the truck and crew being stationed at Mount Maunganui for the day instead. This follows the recent closure for two days of the Mount Maunganui Fire Station. Fire and Emergency NZ District Manager Jeff Maunder says on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, Mount Maunganui Fire Station saw staffing shortages which took the two trucks at the station offline. The Mount Maunganui station is crewed with both 24/7 career firefighters and volunteer firefighters. Career crews work on a shift roster, and volunteers respond when required. Career and volunteer firefighter stations Greerton, Tauranga, Kawerau, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua and Taupo fire stations have both 24/7 career firefighters and volunteer firefighters, while Papamoa, Te Puke, Maketu, Matata, Mayor View, Omokoroa, Katikati, Whakatane and Waihi are all volunteer firefighter stations. Beyond the Bay of Plenty, the closest stations with 24/7 career firefighter staff are Hamilton, Te Rapa, Chartwell and then Papakura and the other Auckland stations. Travel times from Rotorua and Kawerau to Tauranga are about an hour, whilst Hamilton to Tauranga is closer to 1 hour 45 minutes, and Papakura is three hours away. Kawerau station Historically the resourcing of Kawerau station was heavily influenced by the mill. Over recent decades the fire safety systems in the mill have advanced and reduced the risk and more latterly the mill has significantly reduced its operation, says Jeff. There is some very early thinking being done on the resourcing of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Nothing will change unless wide consultation is supportive of any change that may be proposed. Jeff says Whakatane is growing and the volunteers based there currently receive many more emergency callouts than the career crew based at Kawerau. Crews Its important that each truck is sufficiently crewed when called to attend a fire. Each career truck has a team of four, which include two fire fighters, a driver and one safety officer. The four together provide the ability to deal with an incident, but also provide a self-rescue capability, says Jeff. This means that while two are inside the building on fire, or dealing with a roadside incident, there are two outside who can go rescue the two firefighters if needed. The safety officer is a role that a firefighter carries out at complex, hazardous or larger incidents as opposed to a dedicated person. Jeff says that fire trucks have ended up going out from their stations with less than four on board. We have a minimum incident ground staffing and if it drops below that, we attach additional crews. As well as being able to field a full team to go out on the trucks, a station requires full crewing across each 24 hours for Greerton, Tauranga, Kawerau and Mount Maunganui stations. Each station has a single crew of four on each shift, so 18 on each station across four watches to maintain 24/7 crewing. Where we are not able to staff from within the Bay of Plenty District from those stations, we look outside, to Waikato and then Auckland. The 24/7 career fire fighters at Greerton, Tauranga, Kawerua and Mount Maunganui work 42 hours a week on the four-on four-off shift system. Things like sick leave, training courses, annual leave and vacancies are covered on overtime meaning most firefighters work more than 42-hour weeks. Most of my staff will do more than the 42 hours. Whanaungatanga Wellness Survey report The NZ Professional Firefighters Union says the report of the Whanaungatanga Wellbeing Survey is grim reading with nearly one in three career firefighters meeting the criteria for one or more mental ill health indicators and Communication Centre dispatchers reporting the highest rates of mental health issues when compared to other roles in the organisation. Communications Centre personnel and firefighters had the highest rates of probable PTSD and these rates increased with length of service. Many employees reported frequent or high consumption of alcohol which can be a maladaptive coping strategy. In addition to the exposures to trauma through emergency response, the survey found only 6.6 per cent career firefighters felt supported by FENZ as an organisation. The participants were surveyed on the exposures to trauma through emergency response, and the impact of organisational factors on their experiences at work. The census survey was independently conducted online in March 2023 by Auckland University of Technology as part of the Whanaungatanga Programme. The survey was open to FENZ employees 1736 participating including more than 70 per cent of firefighters and a high rate of Comms Centre staff participating. The high response rate means the report is an analysis of one of the highest-quality data sets on the mental health of first responders internationally. Safety, support and well-being Fire and Emergency has a fatigue policy which outlines how they aim to prevent fatigue in the operational setting. We value the commitment and sacrifice of all our firefighters. Their safety and wellbeing is our top priority and we provide comprehensive support for them. Fire and Emergency provides free counselling, professional psychological support, peer support, dedicated wellbeing advisors and safety health and wellbeing advisors, a health monitoring programme, chaplaincy, and tikanga Maori-based services. Counselling is also available to immediate family members for any reason that they see fit. In addition, Fire and Emergency and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union are working together on a 12-month pilot, that started in late August, that will give career firefighters and communication centre personnel access to free and confidential psychological supervision sessions, says Jeff. Jeff says fatigue and psychological impacts, including stress have been identified as critical risks and are part of their critical risk programme. Recruitment of new firefighters Recruitment of new staff for the Greerton, Tauranga, Kawerau, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua and Taupo stations would help see some of the fatigue and other risk factors decrease. Fire and Emergency is reviewing the staffing of all career fire fighter stations in the country looking to increase the number of fire fighters to reduce the reliance on over time, says Jeff. The BOP District is likely to see increase in staffing ratios as a result of this process. It takes 12 months to recruit and train a career firefighter to a level of basic competence, and Fire and Emergency are running four courses a year at the National Training Centre, each with up to 25 trainees. The latest group of recruit firefighters have just graduated this last fortnight, on Thursday, September 14, and are ready to begin work around the country. In addition, planning is underway to recruit around 230 extra firefighters over the next five years, which will be over and above the existing number of trainees. Fish & Game New Zealand is closely monitoring the situation at Lake Okataina near Rotorua amid iwi concerns about the spread of the invasive species gold clam. "Were working with mana whenua, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and the Ministry for Primary Industries to understand the risks of gold clams spreading from the Waikato River to the Rotorua lakes and looking at the science to better understand what this means for the health of freshwater and native and valued introduced species," says Fish & Game chief executive Corina Jordan. "Gold clams have been confirmed in the Waikato River since May 2023 and, fortunately, have not been discovered elsewhere. This invasive species is mainly spread by boats with a ballast system, such as wake boats, and there is little risk of freshwater clams being spread by anglers. "Fish & Game is deeply concerned about discussions to close Lake Okataina, particularly given the Waikato River system and Lake Karapiro are under next to no restrictions by MPI. We believe MPI and Waikato Regional Council should be taking stronger measures to prevent the spread of gold clams to other regions to address not only our concerns but also those of mana whenua. "Were disappointed MPI and the council have not invested more resources into isolating the gold clam at ground-zero in the Waikato River. "We believe other steps, such as a wash station at boat ramps, should have been installed as soon as the gold clams were discovered. We are now in a race against time to stop the spread. "For more than a decade, Fish & Game has led the way in adopting good biosecurity practices at rivers and lakes across the country. This has included banning felt-soled waders and spearheading the implementation of the check, clean, dry steps for angling gear, which is also recommended to prevent the spread of gold clams." The Rotorua lakes attract 120,000-150,000 angler days per season. Lake Okataina is one of the renowned trophy rainbow trout lakes within the Rotorua lakes fishery. It provides a wilderness fishing location with high-quality trout fishing. Fish & Games National Angler Survey highlights 6000- 7000 angler days recorded at the lake each season. "We know anglers and other lake users are worried about the situation, especially on the eve of the opening of the angling season on October 1," says Jordan. "As the countrys leading freshwater advocate, Fish & Game is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all our lakes and streams. Lake Okataina is regarded as the food basket of the Rotorua region and is important to iwi, anglers and a range of other users. "Fish & Game is urging anglers to continue following good biosecurity practices, including checking, cleaning and drying all gear and alert MPI if they see the clams. We will be keeping our licence holders updated about the situation." The freshwater gold clam was discovered along a stretch of the Waikato River in May 2023. The clam is native to eastern Asia and is widely established in North and South America and Europe. The clams reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can clog water-based infrastructure such as electricity generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment plants. They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. Tauranga Art Gallery could look to tourists for future funding. Gallery admission is free with a donation encouraged. The question of charging visitors was raised at a Tauranga City Council meeting on Monday when the gallery was presenting its annual report. Commissioner Bill Wasley asked if there were opportunities for charging overseas and other New Zealand visitors to the gallery given the challenges of income and costs it was facing. When you go overseas or other parts of New Zealand those opportunities seem to always present themselves. Toi Tauranga Art Gallery director Sonya Korohina replied: It is expected when you are travelling, as you say, that you are making a contribution when you're visiting facilities. She said it was a piece of work the gallery would be undertaking and her new business development and experience manager would look into it. The gallery had 30,094 visitors for the year July 1 2022 to June 30 2023, according the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust Annual Report 2022-2023. International visitors made up 8 per cent of these, 18 per cent were national, 26 per cent came from the Western Bay of Plenty and 46 per cent were from Tauranga. Commissioner Bill Wasley asked if there were opportunities for the gallery to charge national and international visitors. John Borren/SunLive. Tauranga Art Gallery finished the year with a $200,000 deficit, based on the unaudited report. Covid had an impact at the start of the financial year and increased service and labour costs also affected the bottom line, said Korohina. We couldn't generate any revenue through hosting events. It also meant for our sponsors and our donors, we were not as attractive a proposition during that time as well. Since her appointment in March, Korohina had employed a full business team and they were very focused on revenue generation. As a council controlled organisation the gallery received a $1.32 million operating grant from Tauranga City Council. Western Bay of Plenty District Council gave $40,000 in funding. Other revenue sources included government and non-government grants, sponsorship and donations, events, venue hire and retail sales. Commissioner Stephen Selwood said it was fundamental to get the balance right between revenues and expenses. Many museums or art galleries you go to there is a fee, even to the locals, for those special events. He said there was opportunity to have discussions about the capturing revenue from tourists and special exhibitions over the next year while the main gallery was closed. An artist's impression of the $306m civic precinct Te Manawataki O Te Papa. Image: Tauranga City Council. It will be shut from October 1 for renovations as part of the $306 million Te Manawataki O Te Papa civic precinct redevelopment. The entrance to the gallery will be changed from Wharf Street to Masonic Park on the opposite side of the building and a new cafe and retail area will be added. The $3.38 million upgrade is jointly funded by the council and Tauranga Art Gallery Foundation. Te Manawataki o Te Papa, meaning the heartbeat of Te Papa, will include a library and community hub, civic whare (public meeting house), and museum. A pop up gallery was set up on nearby Devonport Road in July that will continue to host the gallerys education programmes and exhibitions on a smaller scale. Korohina said this meant her team could review their programmes for the first time in the 16 years the gallery had been open. "This is really exciting for the gallery as we move into this next phase as a Te Manawataki o Te Papa partner. When we reopen in our main building later on next year, we're really looking forward to servicing future generations in Tauranga Moana through exceptional art experiences. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. A Papamoa family on a cruise to Fiji found themselves thrust into a maritime emergency this week, their holiday taking an unexpected and sombre turn. A stricken yacht, one of its masts broken and its crew in peril, had called out for help. Three New Zealanders on board the yacht were seriously injured on Sunday night after being hit by the broken mast off the coast of Fiji. Sadly, one of the three aboard deceased before the cruise ship arrived at the scene. Papamoa resident Dyanne Edwards and her family were booked on the P&O Pacific Explorer cruise to Fiji. Excited to be finally going on a cruise following the restrictive years of Covid, Dyanne posted to her Facebook page, sharing the family adventure with friends who enjoyed the updates. She mentioned two metre waves, and then a couple of days into the cruise, on Sunday night, everything changed. The captain has just received a mayday call and has been asked by the RCC New Zealand to alter course and go assist, wrote Dyanne. She watched along with other passengers as the incident unfolded, with the cruise ship making its way to the yacht with its broken mast just south-west of Nadi. The Pacific Explorer disembarked from Auckland on September 22 for its eight day round trip journey around Fiji before returning to Auckland on September 30. Formerly known as the Dawn Princess the cruise ship can hold a maximum capacity of 2,395 people. Dyanne says the cruise ship had to cancel the Suva stop. We got told at 7pm that RCC NZ had asked us to detour west due to a mayday call. She says by then the waves were four to five metres high and rough but sea sickness tablets are great. The captain managed to locate the troubled vessel and one of the passengers rescued was taken on board. One person was rescued off the yacht in the early hours this morning. The fact that they got the first person off was amazing, says Dyanne. She says one person had to remain onboard the stricken yacht due to their condition. Due to the limited mobility of the second person it was not safe enough for them to remove the second person. A second vessel arriving at the scene of the stricken yacht. Photo: Dyanne Edwards. Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Co-ordination Centre says one person was transferred to the cruise for medical treatment, but more help was needed. "Two further support vessels are expected later today [Monday], one at about midday and another at 4pm," a spokesperson says. "Support from the vessels is needed to assist the other people on-board the yacht as, due to conditions and the comparative size of the Pacific Explorer, assisting the remaining people on-board the yacht isn't possible." RCC NZ requested that the Pacific Explorer cruise ship monitor the yacht from a distance. The two other vessels that had responded to Maritime New Zealands Rescue Coordination Centre also arrived at the scene - the Beast and the Savenca - a Fijian naval vessel. We had to stay near the yacht until the Fiji warship arrived and a 40 metre super yacht, says Dyanne. Two people rescued and another unfortunately was deceased. Due to the rescue, the Pacific Explorer missed their Suva port and passengers had a day on the ship before heading on to Port Denarau. Both the survivors are being taken to Fiji, as is the body of the deceased. Consular services have been notified, says a RCCNZ spokesperson. "Continuing our long-standing practice of assisting mariners at sea, we can confirm Pacific Explorer supported the rescue of a distressed yacht early this morning south-west of Nadi, Fiji, says a P and O Cruises spokesperson. "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our crew, led by Captain Alan Nixon, for their immense efforts in very poor conditions, as well as our guests on board for their understanding. The Beast and the Savenca - a Fijian naval vessel, at the scene of the stricken yacht. Photo: Dyanne Edwards. The fruit that tastes like vanilla flan Many may not have seen them, but these exotic fruits - sapotes - are slowly appearing in local fruit markets Alekk M. Saanders Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram In autumn it is possible to find a curious fruit, the sapote, being cultivated on the Costa del Sol but still little-known. The term sapote (zapote in Spanish) is used in Central America to refer to fruits from different species. That means sapote has many different varieties, flavours and colours. For example, black sapote is closely related to persimmon and ebony, all being in the same genus, Diospyros. It originates from Central American, although cultivation has developed in Australia, the Philippines and Florida. The fruit flesh looks like chocolate, with a very creamy texture. Thanks to its consistency similar to chocolate mousse, the fruit is also known as chocolate pudding fruit. The black sapote contains four times more vitamin A and C than an orange and only a few calories. Numerous medicinal properties are attributed to it and it is traditionally used as a remedy for insomnia, as well as to treat respiratory and skin problems, to strengthen the eyesight and as a natural energiser and laxative. Black sapote is known as chocolate pudding fruit thanks to its consistency similar to chocolate mousse. The taste of white sapote is closer to a vanilla flan Black sapote along with white, yellow and mamey sapotes are cultivated at the Experimental Station of the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture (IHSM) 'La Mayora' in Algarrobo (Axarquia). The fruits require tropical climate conditions, which is why none of them has reached a significant production. However, some enthusiastic farmers with land on the border between the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical are satisfied with experiments in planting sapote, mostly white ones. They have harvested enough to sell them in some fruit shops. It is interesting that some sellers present the fruit as a exclusively 'local product' - as an avocado and cherimoya hybrid. However, it came to Europe as the Mexican apple (because it is native to eastern Mexico) after the discovery of the Americas. Scientists named the white sapote Casimiroa edulis and classified it as a species of tropical fruiting tree in the Rutaceae family to which citrus also belongs. White sapote is an ovoid drupe, 510 cm in diameter, with a smooth, fibrous and soft skin which turns from green to yellow when ripe but is inedible. However, the creamy-white pulp is very palatable. It has a smooth texture similar to ripe avocado and tastes like pear, papaya or the forementioned... cherimoya. Indeed, its taste is closer to a vanilla flan than a fruit. White sapote contains from one to five seeds that are medium-large in size. The seeds are said to have narcotic properties and contain sleep-inducing compounds. In the 16th century, Francisco Hernandez de Toledo, a naturalist and court physician to the King of Spain, claimed that the seeds produce drowsiness, apparently referring to the name of the fruit given by Indians, cochitzapotl (meaning 'sleep-sapote'). White sapotes have many beneficial qualities starting with a high fibre content and vitamins A and C. The fruit is a great source of nutrients such as iron, folate, niacin, copper, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and potassium. The high levels of vitamins A and C help boost immunity and ensure heathy eyes. Besides the fruit, extracts of the plant itself is used for different treatments. Its leaves are used to prepare infusions to help lower blood pressure and to optimise the digestive process. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram An eagle-eyed photographer has captured one of the first high-speed Ouigo trains operating on the tracks of Malaga ahead of the private high-speed train operators launch on the line. It is not the first time that it has been seen in the province of Malaga, but it is the first time it has been snapped in broad daylight. Young Malaga photographer, Jose Manuel Guerrero (@jmphotosss on Instagram) captured an image of the train while it stationary at Antequera-Santa Ana station last weekend. He also snapped it while it was in action. SUR can reveal the train, carrying the colours and branding of the low-cost operator that is a subsidiary of French public company SNCF, was carrying out track tests on the stretch of railway between Malaga and Cordoba. The operator was also testing its communication and safety systems, according to technical sources. The testing phase is expected to last about 10 weeks, a period which will involve checking the trains compatibility with the signalling of the oldest high-speed rail line in Spain - between Malaga, Cordoba, Seville and Madrid. Antequera-Santa Ana station with the Ouigo train in the background. Antonio J. Guerrero Ouigo trains are expected to start operating in the third quarter of 2024, with the possibility of that deadline being brought forward. Low-cost competition Ouigo is the third operator to enter into competition with Renfe. It comes after 1 June marked the start of the Avlo trains between Madrid and Malaga. Renfe's low-cost subsidiary does not result in more daily frequencies, but has significantly reduced fares. Iryo, with its striking Frecciarrosa (red arrow) 1000 trains, debuted in March, as the first private operator to offer train tickets to travel between Malaga and Madrid. Ouigo, is the latest long-awaited rail launch and is known as a 'low cost' operator, offering ticket prices from only nine euros and the largest capacity trains in the Spanish market: Alstom's Euroduplex, with 509 seats. Therefore, it is expected that its entry into the market will result in a sharp drop in fares for travelling between Malaga and Madrid, as has happened where the trains already operate in Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia and Alicante. Juan Cano Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The story of Father Fran, the priest arrested in Velez-Malaga on suspicion of sedating and sexually assaulting women, started in January 2023 in Santa Maria Micaela church in Melilla, when a woman who said she was the priest's ex-partner confessed to having found a series of images of a sexual nature in the home she shared with him. The bishop took the decision to remove the priest from Melilla and sent him back to Malaga, but without assigning him to a parish. However, it wasnt until August that the ex-girlfriend went back to the church in Melilla where she confessed to having found a hard drive containing images of sexual assaults that Father Fran had allegedly committed on what appeared to be unconscious women. The church referred her to the National Police and she went to the Family and Women's Services Unit (UFAM) in Melilla where she explained what she had found and gave the officers a copy of the images. The officers contacted their counterparts at the Central UFAM to work together on the investigation. Organised into folders It was when the officers began analysing "hundreds" of photographs and videos - according to the sources consulted - that they disocvered the suspect had organised them into four folders with the initials of each of his victims. The four women appeared to have been given a sedative before the man practiced sexual acts "of all kinds" on them. Father Fran was identified in the videos, but the officers still had to put names and surnames to the victims. They used open source investigation (OSINT), which uses intelligence gathering techniques including social media, satellites and user-generated content to trace suspects and victims. The officers were led to believe that all of the victims, who are aged between 20 and 35, were considered friends of Father Fran. There was a fifth woman who was allegedly videotaped but not assaulted. As such the priest is charged with four offences of sexual assault and five offences against privacy. Modus operandi While giving statements to the police, the women all said that they were unaware they had been sexually assaulted or recorded. Three of the women chose not to watch the tapes, but the other two did. All five have decided to press charges. The investigators were then able to piece together the modus operandi allegedly used by Father Fran. The assaults were allegedly committed during religious trips. They allegedly took place in homes and even, apparently, in a parish house. The UFAM mounted a plain-clothes surveillance operation around Father Frans home; a flat owned by his mother in Velez-Malaga. At the time of his arrest he was working as a chaplain in Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion church in Yunquera and Santa Maria de la Encarnacion church in El Burgo. The priest was arrested in the early hours of 11 September as he made his way home to Velez-Malaga. That same day he had officiated at morning mass in Yunquera. While searching his flat in Velez-Malaga officers located more material including hard disks, pen drives, several mobile phones and a camera - the contents of which being analysed and officers are looking for further victims. Images of Father Fran SUR Not ruled out finding further victims The first videos date back to 2017 and coincide with the year in which Father Fran was ordained a priest. Prior to his ordination, Father Fran had publicly condemned the paedophile scandals linked to the Church, which he described as shameful, and told the newspaper La Opinion that his mother - who had been a nun in Velez-Malaga - had passed her faith to him since from an early age. There is no evidence to suggest paedophilia. In August 2017 he was appointed parochial vicar of Alora and parish priest of Ardales and Carratraca. In December 2018 he was appointed chaplain of the Diocesan Schools of San Jose Obrero and San Julian in Malaga and San Juan Pablo II in Alhaurin De La Torre. He was appointed parish priest of Santa Maria Micaela in Melilla and chaplain of its prison in July 2021. Investigators have not ruled out finding further victims in Malaga, Melilla, Cordoba and Valdepenas (Ciudad Real). They are appealing to possible victims and have called for anyone who thinks they might have travelled with him or coincided with him on any of his trips to contact 091 or go to their nearest police station. The bishopric has issued a statement condemning the incident. Lorena Cadiz Benalmadena Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram In the year 2000 Benalmadena's famous cable car opened. A tourist attraction that forever changed the landscape of the town and added the cabins to the skyline that go up and down connecting the centre of the town with the Calamorro mountain. Although the operating company does not provide data on the annual number of users, it is known that only in summer the cable car starts operating at 10am and does not finish until eleven o'clock at night, with a constant stream of people. In these 23 years of operation, there has never been a major breakdown. The head of operation and maintenance of the cable car system, Carlos Muniz-Alique, assured that "the failure rate of a cable car is even lower than that of an aeroplane, and it has always been said that travelling by plane is the safest thing there is". He said that in Benalmadena "we have very exhaustive maintenance programme, very rigorous controls, which are carried out every day, and also - once a year - we stop for approximately one month to check everything in depth and carry out all the necessary tests". But what would happen if the cable car broke down, what would happen if the passengers were left hanging in the cabins? The company that operates the cable car has its own means to react to a possible breakdown, but if after a certain period of time it failed to do so, it would be the turn of the Benalmadena fire brigade, and they would not be caught unawares. They have been rehearsing for 23 years the evacuation plan they would have to put in place in case something like this happened. David Banasco, head of the Benalmadena Fire Brigade, explained that they regularly hold specific theoretical training sessions, and "once a year we dedicate a week to evacuation manoeuvres and cabin access", then one day a year they hold a simulation or practical exercise in which they move all their personnel and all their resources to the cable car and with the help of actors, they carry out a real rescue, always considering the "most unfavourable conditions possible". This year's practical exercise took place a few days ago, in which once again this year they were able to familiarise themselves with the towers, the anchor points and measure the reaction times achieved. "They are simple rescues, which require basic rescue manoeuvres very similar to those that can be carried out in other places, such as a crane tower or a high-voltage electricity tower. The important thing is to know the installations, because here the difference is that you have to slide down the cable until you reach the cabin", said Banasco. Fireman on top of one of the cable car cabins. SUR Every year, the Benalmadena Fire Brigade invites firefighters from other nearby towns or even Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) to take part in this practical exercise. "It is important that there are more teams who know the system because if the most unfavourable conditions were to occur, on a day in the middle of summer, at rush hour, we could be talking about the rescue of more than 200 people, and this would require several teams, so that the response would need be as fast as possible". Even so, the fire chief confirmed that "we are dealing with very safe installations" and that although they did have to respond once during the assembly of the cable car, back in the early days, they have never had to carry out a real rescue operation. Irene Quirante Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram A court in Malaga has ordered the Andalusian health service (SAS) to pay 2.6 million euros in compensation to a family for delaying a caesarean section operation which resulted in the baby born in cardiorespiratory arrest and suffered a 95 per cent disability rating. SAS appealed the decision, but the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) and the Supreme Court rejected the appeal, meaning the decision is now final. According to lawyer Damian Vazquez of the Patient Ombudsman organisation, who represented the mother, she went to the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria in Malaga for the first time on 12 October 2014, when she was 38 weeks pregnant and having contractions. She was sent home soon afterwards, but went back again the next day and was admitted. Later, after five days of pleading with surgeons to carry out a caesarean section, this was finally done on 17 October. According to Vazquez, the mother ended up with a detached placenta, and the baby suffered ischemic hypoxia. This resulted in the baby girl being born in cardiorespiratory arrest and needed to be resuscitated, intubated and given adrenalin. She was diagnosed as 95 per cent disabled and is totally dependent. The court found that the medical attention had been inadequate and the delay in carrying out the caesarean had caused disproportionate damage and suffering to the baby. The judge said not enough necessary action or appropriate steps had been taken, resulting in lifelong consequences for the baby. According to the court ruling, SAS will have to pay the family 2,683,022 million euros, to which interest will have to be added - which could result in a total amount of around 3.5 million. This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2023 shows shrimps at a breeding base in Wuqia, a township of Kuqa City in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Liu Xuemei/Xinhua) URUMQI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Far from the crashing waves and salty sea air, Jiang Shengguo is busy carefully examining the Pacific white shrimps he breeds in a pond in Wuqia, a township of Kuqa City, which is nestled just 100 km away from China's largest desert Taklimakan. Situated in the hinterland of the Eurasian continent, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, is the furthest point from any coastline. Despite an arid climate and deserts scattered across its territory, the vast region surprisingly enjoys excellent conditions for aquafarming. With over 3 million hectares of water bodies suitable for fish farming, the region offers a vast expanse that is around five times the size of Shanghai City. Jiang is one among the many local breeders venturing into the realm of providing fresh seafood, even though he is hundreds of miles away from the coastline. His some 40 ponds can yield an annual production of around 25 tonnes of Pacific white shrimps, or whiteleg shrimps, a species of prawn native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. For more than a decade, Jiang has worked as an apparel merchant, traveling extensively throughout the country. During his journeys, he has had the opportunity to taste the delicious seafood dishes in numerous coastal cities. Whenever he looked at the glass tanks filled with live seafood outside restaurants, he couldn't help but wonder, "Can we farm seafood in Xinjiang?" Years ago, Jiang, an astute businessman, recognized a potential opportunity. Fresh aquatic products, shipped from outside Xinjiang, sold extremely well in markets in Kuqa despite their high price tags. With this insight, Jiang decided to switch his business focus. Defying geography is no small feat. Water was the first element that presented challenges to this business opportunity. Jiang invited experts from Tarim University and Ocean University of China to test the water quality in Kuqa. Their conclusion was that it was worth a try, but local water is too hard and too alkaline for marine culture, and has an unbalanced proportion of micronutrients. This meant that creating artificial sea water would be a difficult task. "The salinity of local water is only 5 g/kg," Jiang explains, the figure is way too low as seawater typically has a salinity of around 35 g/kg. "To solve this problem, we must cultivate seeds that can grow in seawater with a minimal salinity," Jiang added. Jiang studied for several months in Jiangsu Province, a fishery powerhouse in east China, and hired two agrotechnicians to make artificial seawater. After a year of unsuccessful trials, the two agrotechnicians decided to quit their job. Only a small number of young shrimps managed to survive in the pond, leaving Jiang feeling dissatisfied with the failure. "Those few surviving seeds proved there was still room for improvement," says Jiang, recalling the most difficult moment in his career. Jiang experimented in different conditions -- laying the pond bottom with sand, mud or plastic sheet, and trying different proportions of salt and micronutrients. After spending around 1 million yuan (136,800 U.S. dollars), he has managed to bring the seed's survival rate above 80 percent. Boasting a firm texture and a delicious flavor, Jiang's fresh shrimps are a hot commodity in Kuqa. Jiang plans to expand his breeding scale to 70 ponds, which are expected to yield 50 tonnes of shrimps, or 3 million yuan a year. "Demand for my fresh shrimps is outrunning supply. Orders from Kashgar, Korla, Aral and other cities in Xinjiang have been coming. I have to hurry to build more ponds," Jiang says. Jiang Shengguo (1st R) communicates with breeders on the breeding techniques of the Pacific white shrimps at a breeding base in Wuqia, a township of Kuqa City in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 5, 2023. (Photo by Liu Xuemei/Xinhua) This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2023 shows a view of a Pacific white shrimps breeding base in Wuqia, a township of Kuqa City in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Liu Xuemei/Xinhua) Jiang Shengguo examines the Pacific white shrimps he breeds under the guidance of an agrotechnician at a breeding base in Wuqia, a township of Kuqa City in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 5, 2023. (Photo by Liu Xuemei/Xinhua) EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyens State of the European Union speech was a mixed bag from a business perspective. Several question marks remain over whether she can deliver policies that make the EU a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship, says Anna Stellinger, Head of International and EU Affairs at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Photo : TT / Soren Andersson Anna Stellinger, Deputy Director General International and EU Affairs at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo credit: TT/Soren Andersson. Photo : TT / Soren Andersson The Commission President traditionally gives the State of the European Union speech in the EU Parliament in Strasbourg in September each year. This year, von der Leyen started by highlighting what the Commission had achieved since taking office in 2019. This included climate policy in the EU, the blocs Covid response, and how EU countries have succeeded in presenting a united front towards Russia. A new Commission will be appointed next year. We saw a strong and confident von der Leyen, who is widely tipped to win a second term as Commission president, says Stellinger, in a statement. In her speech, von der Leyen promised measures against China and continued support for European industry. Global markets are flooded with cheaper Chinese electric cars, whose prices were kept artificially low by huge state subsidies. This distorts our market, she told Parliament, promising a formal review of Chinese state aid to the countrys electric car manufacturing. The green transition formed a large part of the speech, and focused on energy, biodiversity and food security. Von der Leyen also announced that the Commission will make major investments in wind power, (through the European Wind Power package), which will include fast-track permit processes, greater access to financing, and measures to strengthen supply chains. Focusing on strengthening competitiveness Stellinger says von der Leyens speech amounted to a mixed bag for business: We welcome her focus on strengthening competitiveness and supporting business, but several question marks remain as to whether she can deliver policies that make the EU the centre of innovation and entrepreneurship she wants when so much focus is on governance and support for specific technologies and production, rather than free competition and trade in a deepened single market, Stellinger says. 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. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed efforts to build higher-level pilot free trade zones (FTZs), urging FTZs to take the lead in breaking new ground and tackling tough challenges. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on advancing the construction of pilot FTZs. FTZ construction has been a key strategic move of the CPC Central Committee to promote reform and opening-up in the new era, he said. Over the past decade, FTZs have served as comprehensive test platforms for reform and opening-up by ushering in a large number of fundamental and trailblazing related policies and achieving many landmark and leading institutional innovation results, Xi said. He highlighted strategies to upgrade FTZs on the country's new journey, based on a decade of experience, saying they should take the lead in breaking new ground, tackling tough challenges and undertaking broad and deep explorations. He said FTZs can play further exemplary roles by committing to high-level opening-up, centering on institutional innovation, coordinating development and security, aligning with global economic and trade rules, promoting institutional opening-up, and promoting the innovative development of the whole industrial chain, among others. Xi's instruction was conveyed by Vice Premier He Lifeng at a meeting held in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China's first FTZ. Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveys Xi Jinping's instruction on advancing the construction of pilot free trade zones (FTZs) and delivers a speech at a meeting marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China's first FTZ in Beijing, capital of China on Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) The Buffalo Bills have made things look pretty easy the past two weeks. While the offense deserves tmcredit for the teams back-to-back wins, the defense has been the star of the show. Buffalos defensive line has been outstanding without Von Miller. Thats a scary thought to consider for opposing offenses. The linebacker play has also been outstanding. Matt Milano has made his fair share of All-Pro level plays, but Terrel Bernard has made just as many plays in the past two weeks. Throw in a solid secondary and this unit has been the strength of the team through three games. On Sunday, the unit was elite against Sam Howell, an inexperienced quarterback. Knowing that Howell is known for holding the ball, Buffalo was able to get home nine times. They watched the quarterbacks eyes as well. When they felt throws coming, Buffalo pounced. The end result was four interceptions. The unit also added a forced fumble and fumble recovery. This may be the best defense that Sean McDermott has fielded yet. Following their 37-3 win, here are reasons to be encouraged and worried about Buffalo. ENCOURAGED Bills starting DL: Every starting defensive linemen recorded a sack for the Bills on Sunday. Leonard Floyd led the way with two sacks, DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver each added 1.5 sacks and Greg Rousseau added one as well. They added eight quarterback hits as well in the win. Seeing the unit win upfront without having to bring additional pressure is a major win for a line that struggled mightily without Von Miller last season. Terrel Bernard: There is still a lot of football left to be played, but Terrel Bernard has made an impact in back-to-back weeks. Against the Commanders, Bernard got off to a red hot start with two sacks and an interception in the first quarter. He went on to add a fumble recovery as well. Bills fans have wanted to see splash plays from the middle linebacker position and theyre getting it from Bernard. Bills reserve DEs: Buffalos starting defensive line was excellent and the reserves made an impact as well. AJ Epenesa got in on the sack party in Buffalos blowout win and scored a defensive touchdown on a pick-six in the fourth quarter. Shaq Lawson didnt have any sacks or flashy plays, but he had two QB hits. One of the pressures by Lawson led to a rushed throw from Howell that was ultimately intercepted by TreDavious White. Bills OL: Buffalos offensive line absolutely held their own against a Commanders defensive line that features four first round picks. In pass protection, the line allowed one hit and no sacks. Their run blocking is still a work in progress as yards were hard to come by for much of the game. They were able to open some lanes up late for James Cook. Aaron Kromer has done a terrific job of coaching this unit up. James Cook: Speaking of Cook, Buffalos No. 1 back came close to 100 yards on the ground in back-to-back games. He finished with a 15-98 (6.5 YPC) stat line and went over 100 total yards on the day after adding 14 yards on two receptions. Cook continues to shine as Buffalos lead back and entered Monday night as the leagues No. 2 rusher. Stefon Diggs: The Bills are still trying to figure out ways to utilize Gabe Davis, Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and others more consistently in the passing game, but Buffalo continues to do a good job of feeding Stefon Diggs, their No. 1 receiver. Diggs caught 8-of-12 targets for 111 yards in the victory. Tyler Bass: Its easy to forget about Tyler Bass with so many players stepping up on offense and defense. Bass deserves praise and recognition for coming through consistently. Bass was 3-of-3 on field goal attempts including a 54-yard kick and 4-of-4 on extra points. 3rd down offense and 3rd down defense: Buffalos offense did a great job extending drives on third down and their defense did a tremendous job stopping the Commanders in the same situations. The Bills converted 9-of-15 third down attempts while allowing just one third down conversion to the Commanders on nine attempts. Sean McDermott: When Sean McDermott took over as the defensive coordinator, there were questions about whether or not it would be too much on his plate. Through three weeks, McDermott has shown that he can handle the extra responsibilities just fine. The Bills have had plenty of strong seasons in the past with McDermott as head coach, but an argument can be made that the unit is playing their best defense under him to date. WORRIED 4th and 1 playcalling: Ken Dorsey is doing a fine job as the teams offensive coordinator, but he continues to baffle me with his play calls on 4th and 1 or 4th and inches. Last week, Dorsey dialed up a pass play on 4th and 1. To his credit, Stefon Diggs was wide open and Deonte Harty fell on the play. Nonetheless, it seemed like he was being too cute considering who he has at quarterback. Its clear he didnt learn his lesson, however. Against the Commanders, Dorsey lined Allen up in the shotgun on 4th and short. The end result was a batted down pass and turnover on downs. A gentle reminder for Dorsey: You have a 6-foot-5-inch quarterback who can push a pile. Use him. READ MORE Buffalo Bills pass rush like a ticking time bomb, explodes in 9-sack, historic win over Commanders Buffalo Bills Josh Allen reveals why he finally started sliding, avoiding hits vs. Commanders Sean McDermotts defense makes statement in Bills dominant win over Commanders (Instant observations) Terrel Bernard joins elite Bills company with eye-popping stat line in 1st quarter vs. Commanders Talk about the Bills Be sure to check out and subscribe to SHOUT! The Buffalo Football Podcast with beat writers Matt Parrino and Ryan Talbot. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly updates about Bills news in your inbox. Check out the links below. Newsletter | YouTube | APPLE | SPOTIFY | FACEBOOK | TWITTER Two of the nations largest pharmacy chains are expected to close hundreds of stores, according to reports. The Street reports CVS is closing as many as 900 stores as part of a consolidation plan that began last year and is expected to continue through the end of 2024. The company has been evaluating changes in population, consumer buying patterns and future health needs to ensure it has the right kinds of stores in the right locations for consumers and for the business. As part of this initiative, CVS Health will reduce store density in certain locations and close approximately 300 stores a year for the next three years, the company said in late 2021. Rite Aid is negotiating with creditors over plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to the Wall Street Journal. The company has more than 2,100 drugstores, including 14 in Central New York, and has reportedly proposed closing roughly 400 to 500 stores in bankruptcy. Rite Aid said Friday it has not made any decisions, citing ongoing conversations, according to the WSJ. Its unclear which locations will be affected, but CVS has reportedly already closed locations in several states, including a store in Albany, N.Y. CVS Health has nearly 10,000 stores in the U.S., including hundreds in New York state. According to The Street, pharmacy chains have struggled since the Covid pandemic waned and brick-and-mortar retailers have seen a slow recovery. Walgreens recently said it plans to close 150 stores in the U.S. by next spring. The company has nearly 9,000 locations in the U.S., including 250 in New York state and more than a dozen in the Syracuse area. Upstate New Yorkers know, Wegmans is a way of life. And according to recent polls ranking Americas best grocery stores, store bakeries, store delis and more, everyone else knows it too. Wegmans recently ranked on several USA Todays 10Best lists including being named one of the best supermarkets in America. It sits alongside others on the list like Publix, Aldi, and the number one spot: The Fresh Market. The Upstate New York based company also ranked on 10Best lists for: Best grocery store bakery Best grocery store deli Best grocery store prepared food Any Wegmaniac will tell you that Wegmans is more than just a supermarket, so it may be no surprise that the publication wrote, that the stores devotees like the chains prepared foods, one-stop shopping, seasonal fare, and its charitable community outreach programs. This is not the first of its recent accolades. Fortune named it the best place to work in retail, beating out other popular stores like Target, Harbor Freight Tools, and Dicks Sporting Goods. Started in 1916, the company now has over 100 stores in eight states and plans to open its first store without a parking lot next month. Manhattans first Wegmans is set to open mid-October. It will be the only store to have a 94-seat Japanese restaurant with a 10-seat sushi bar that flies in items from Tokyo. READ MORE Wegmans to stop selling its W store brand soda Wegmans testing self-serve coffee bars in Upstate New York Wegmans Road Trip: Two friends visit all 97 stores in 7 days (photos) Wegmans foundation donating $400,000 to Buffalo shooting survivors fund Black. Metal. Wegmans. Tattoos: 2 passions meld into ink on flesh Syracuse, N.Y. -- One of the teens accused of stealing a Lexus and driving it through the glass showroom at Drivers Village went on a crime spree while he was home on a visit from a youth detention center, police said. Its unclear exactly how many crimes the teen was involved in last month when he absconded, but so far hes been charged with the car theft, having a loaded handgun and having 130 bags of fentanyl, said Tom Newton, a spokesman for the Onondaga County Sheriffs office. All are felonies. Van Buren Township, Mich. President Joe Biden grabbed a bullhorn on the picket line Tuesday and urged striking auto workers to stick with it in an unparalleled show of support for organized labor by a modern president. Donning a union ballcap and exchanging fist bumps, Biden told United Auto Workers strikers that you deserve the significant raise you need as he stopped in the Detroit area just a day ahead of a planned visit by former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in next years election. No deal, no wheels! workers chanted as Biden arrived at a General Motors parts distribution warehouse, one of several facilities that has been targeted in a widening strike now in its 12th day. No pay, no parts! Despite concerns that a prolonged strike could undermine the economy, particularly in the crucial battleground state of Michigan, the Democratic president encouraged workers to keep fighting for better wages at a time when car companies have seen rising profits. Asked if UAW members deserved a 40% raise, one of their demands over the course of negotiations, Biden said: Yes. I think they should be able to bargain for that. Hes repeatedly argued that auto companies have not gone far enough to meet union demands, especially after making concessions in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The fact of the matter is that you guys, the UAW, you saved the automobile industry back in 2008 ... you made a lot of sacrifices. You gave up a lot. And the companies were in trouble. Now theyre doing incredibly well and guess what? You should be doing incredibly well. The White House said Biden was the first modern president to visit a picket line, a sign of how far hes willing to go to cultivate union support as he runs for reelection. Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and Biden joined picket lines with casino workers in Las Vegas and auto workers in Kansas City while seeking the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have stayed out of the strike fray until Biden. Unimpressed, Trump called Bidens visit nothing more than a PR stunt from Crooked Joe Biden to distract and gaslight the American people from his disastrous Bidenomics policies that have led to so much economic misery across the country. The president spent less than half an hour at the Willow Run parts distribution warehouse, where he was joined by UAW President Shawn Fain, who rode with Biden in the presidential limousine to the picket line. Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to stand up with us in our generation-defining moment, said Fain, who described the union as engaged in a kind of war against corporate greed. We do the heavy lifting. We do the real work, Fain said. Not the CEOs. Labor historians said they could not recall an instance when a sitting president had joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labor leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute. Bidens visit to the picket line was the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also earned a joint endorsement of major unions earlier this year and has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers amid the writers and actors strikes in Hollywood. The United Farm Workers announced their endorsement of Biden on Tuesday, calling him an authentic champion for workers and their families, regardless of their race or national origin. Bidens campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is the granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, the unions co-founder. The UAW has not endorsed Biden. Asked about that after landing in Michigan, Biden told reporters that Im not worried about that. Fain later said any endorsements would come later. Weve got to get good contracts first and well work out those things down the road, he said. At least one warehouse worker on the picket line was not swayed by the visit. Curtis Cranford, who has 38 years with GM, was happy that Biden visited, but said it wouldnt necessarily deter him from voting Republican in 2024. I think it means a lot. It should hopefully put some pressure on the company. The White House is behind us Cranford said. Still, he said he and many union members disagree with Democrats on securing the borders, abortion and other issues. And he said both Trump and Biden were too old for the job. Biden and other Democrats are aggressively touting the presidents pro-labor credentials as Trump works to make inroads in critical swing states where unions remain influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is leaning on his union support at a time when labor enjoys broad support from the public, with 67% of Americans approving of labor unions in an August Gallup poll. The UAW strike, which expanded into 20 states last week, remains a dilemma for the Biden administration since a part of the workers grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized. Adrian Mitchell, who works at the GM parts warehouse, said Biden would be better for the middle class than Trump. He supports the people in regards to coming out here, showing solidarity with the UAW workers, Mitchell said. Hes always been for the middle class. I cant speak about Trump. On electric vehicles, Mitchell said workers are concerned that the transition from internal combustion vehicles may cost them jobs. We havent really gotten to that point to see the job losses yet, he said. So we cant look into the future to kind of see whats really going to happen. But were all a little worried about that right now. Trump is skipping the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday and will meet with striking autoworkers in Michigan, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administrations push for more electric vehicles a key component of its clean-energy agenda. White House officials dismissed any notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden headed to Michigan at the request of Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers. The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington. Fain said Tuesday that negotiations were moving slowly and theyll escalate the strike to more plants if they need to. Former President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2012-2017) and Board of Trustees Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Rosen Plevneliev has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, Dear Mr. President, It is a great honor for me to congratulate you on your continued work and achieved historic results on guaranteeing the territorial sovereignty and integrity of your great country Azerbaijan. I fully support and value your commitment to the reintegration of the Karabakh Armenians, guaranteeing their rights and always supporting the different cultural and religious believes. We are so proud that Azerbaijan represents and always supported the tolerance and understanding between different ethnical and religious communities. By wishing you success on your endeavors, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances highest respect and consideration. Rosen Plevneliev President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2012-2017) Board of Trustees Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center" SS-Traveller Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 8,087 Thanked: 26,207 Times View My Garage re: One week in Tasmania - More fun than we thought! 29 June 2023, continued... For the last hour or more, the bright weather had turned gloomy, and it has been drizzling steadily. We are comfortable in the car, but as soon as we step out at our destination, the chill wind hits us in the face. Mercifully, we are wearing weatherproof clothing, and after the initial shock, we carry on with our exploration of Port Arthur. Port Arthur Historic Site (PAHS) is, to put it simply, a historic jail! Much like the Andamans, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was once a brutal penal settlement, where convicts endured harsh conditions. The only difference was, the British jailed their own nasty citizens here, while they incarcerated Indians at the Andamans. Numerous historically significant structures can be seen, that provide insights into the history of the penal colony and the lives of convicts and settlers who lived there. Some of the relevant structures at the PAHS, visible behind us in the next picture, are: The Penitentiary is one of the most prominent buildings at the site. The Penitentiary was once a three-storey structure that housed hundreds of convicts in separate cells. It was the heart of the penal settlement, and today, visitors can explore its ruins and learn about the harsh conditions endured by convicts. The Separate Prison was designed to implement a system of punishment and reform. It featured individual cells where convicts were kept in solitary confinement, often in silence and darkness. The idea was to encourage reflection and reform, but it was also extremely psychologically taxing. The Commandant's House was the residence of the commandant, the person in charge of the penal settlement. It is a well-preserved Georgian-style building that offers insights into the lifestyle of the colony's administrators. The Convict Church, also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a beautiful sandstone building that served as the place of worship for both convicts and free settlers. It stands as a testament to the efforts to provide spiritual solace to those living at Port Arthur. The Asylum, also known as the Hospital, was a facility for convicts suffering from mental illness or physical ailments. It provides insights into the medical care provided in the colony. To the left of the picture above are: Penal Settlement Dockyard: This was where ships were built, repaired and maintained. It's a reminder of the colony's maritime activities and the importance of the sea for transportation and trade. Point Puer Boys' Prison, located on an island across the harbour from the main site, housed juvenile male convicts. The prison's ruins and structures offer insights into the lives of young offenders in the colonial era. The Port Arthur Cemetery, on the Isle of the Dead, adjacent to the Point Puer, is where many convicts and free settlers were buried. It contains approximately 1100 graves, and provides a sombre reflection of the lives lost at the settlement. Included in the ticket price is a boat ride to visit the Point Puer and Isle of the Dead, as well as a view of the dockyards from the water. This was what we set off to do first, and the video is self-explanatory, including captions of the guide's words. Long video, but worth watching till the end. https://youtu.be/ov-6-pDi3OU Back from the boat tour, we explore the main site, not necessarily in the sequence of the photos below. A scale model showing the overview of the site as it existed in the 19th century The map helps to orient the buildings better View from the Commandant's House Inside the three-storeyed Penitentiary building - the floors have gone, and only the external walls and windows remain. Giant steel supports hold up the outer walls of the Penitentiary from the inside Inside the Guard Tower History lessons on plaques! The persistent drizzle and cold winds have sapped our enthusiasm to explore in greater detail, and we head to the Visitor Centre to thaw out with a hot cup of coffee beside a crackling fireplace. For the last hour or more, the bright weather had turned gloomy, and it has been drizzling steadily. We are comfortable in the car, but as soon as we step out at our destination, the chill wind hits us in the face. Mercifully, we are wearing weatherproof clothing, and after the initial shock, we carry on with our exploration of Port Arthur.(PAHS) is, to put it simply, a historic jail! Much like the Andamans, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was once a brutal penal settlement, where convicts endured harsh conditions. The only difference was, the British jailed their own nasty citizens here, while they incarcerated Indians at the Andamans.Numerous historically significant structures can be seen, that provide insights into the history of the penal colony and the lives of convicts and settlers who lived there. Some of the relevant structures at the PAHS, visible behind us in the next picture, are:Theis one of the most prominent buildings at the site. The Penitentiary was once a three-storey structure that housed hundreds of convicts in separate cells. It was the heart of the penal settlement, and today, visitors can explore its ruins and learn about the harsh conditions endured by convicts.was designed to implement a system of punishment and reform. It featured individual cells where convicts were kept in solitary confinement, often in silence and darkness. The idea was to encourage reflection and reform, but it was also extremely psychologically taxing. Thewas the residence of the commandant, the person in charge of the penal settlement. It is a well-preserved Georgian-style building that offers insights into the lifestyle of the colony's administrators. The, also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a beautiful sandstone building that served as the place of worship for both convicts and free settlers. It stands as a testament to the efforts to provide spiritual solace to those living at Port Arthur. The, also known as the Hospital, was a facility for convicts suffering from mental illness or physical ailments. It provides insights into the medical care provided in the colony.To the left of the picture above are:This was where ships were built, repaired and maintained. It's a reminder of the colony's maritime activities and the importance of the sea for transportation and trade., located on an island across the harbour from the main site, housed juvenile male convicts. The prison's ruins and structures offer insights into the lives of young offenders in the colonial era.The, adjacent to the Point Puer, is where many convicts and free settlers were buried. It contains approximately 1100 graves, and provides a sombre reflection of the lives lost at the settlement.Included in the ticket price is a boat ride to visit the Point Puer and Isle of the Dead, as well as a view of the dockyards from the water. This was what we set off to do first, and the video is self-explanatory, including captions of the guide's words. Long video, but worth watching till the end.Back from the boat tour, we explore the main site, not necessarily in the sequence of the photos below.The persistent drizzle and cold winds have sapped our enthusiasm to explore in greater detail, and we head to the Visitor Centre to thaw out with a hot cup of coffee beside a crackling fireplace. Last edited by SS-Traveller : 21st September 2023 at 10:32 . JERUSALEM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel's tourism minister traveled to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the first public visit by an Israeli minister to the kingdom, said Israel's Ministry of Tourism in a statement. Haim Katz "is the first Israeli minister to head an official delegation in Saudi Arabia," the statement reads. The visit also came amid talks between the two countries to normalize relations. Katz will attend a conference sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the kingdom during his two-day trip, it added. "Tourism is a bridge between nations," Katz was quoted as saying in the statement. "Cooperation in the field of tourism has the potential to bring hearts together and economic progress," he added. Also on Tuesday, the first Saudi Ambassador to Palestine Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his first visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Katz's visit comes amid efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during his visit to the UN General Assembly last week that a normalization deal is "within reach." In the meantime, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud told Fox News that "every day we get closer (to a deal)," but stressing the welfare of Palestinians remains an issue. In brief: There might be a stereotypical image of internet users aged 70 to 79 happily handing their bank details over to a "Nigerian prince" they just met on Facebook. But the surprising truth is that Generation Z those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s get scammed a lot more than their boomer grandparents. A recent survey by Deloitte shows that while 5% of boomers reported being scammed online, 16% of Gen Z users, more than three times that of the older generation, had fallen victim to the same crimes. Gen Z also saw their social media accounts hacked more than boomers (17% vs. 8%) and had their location information misused more than any other generation. Cybercrimes such as phishing, identity theft, romance scams, and cyberbullying all target younger generations more than older ones. When it comes to fraud, 44% of young adults aged 20 to 29 have fallen victim, compared to just 23% of those aged 70 to 79. The situation appears to be getting worse for young people. Vox points out that online scam victims under 20 years old lost an estimated total of $8.2 million in 2017. In 2022, that figure stood at $210 million. Probably the main reason why younger people are falling victim to these scams is that they're simply online a lot more. But there are other, less obvious explanations. Their reliance on technology, for example, increases the chances that they'll run into a convincing email or ad that's really a scam. Younger generations that grew up with the internet are often a lot more comfortable with it, prioritizing convenience over safety. A 2020 study found that although Gen Z had a high awareness of online security, they fared worse than millennials in actually implementing these practices. Moreover, the fact that Gen Z is more at ease with meeting people online also increases their chances of falling victim to a romance scam. Tanneasha Gordon, a principal at Deloitte who leads the company's data and digital trust business, told Vox, "They [younger people] shop a lot online, and there are so many fraudulent websites and e-commerce platforms that just literally tailor to them, that will take them from the social media platform that they're on via a fraudulent ad." One type of scam that targets a lot of younger people is the so-called influencer scam. This usually involves a stranger asking someone with a social media account to be an ambassador for a brand and offering them a free sample. The victim is asked to pay the postage costs and provide their address, but the item never arrives. A UN report last month revealed that hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have been trafficked and are being forced to participate in online scam operations in south-east Asia. "In continuing to call for justice for those who have been defrauded through online criminality, we must not forget that this complex phenomenon has two sets of victims," said Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Lawrence Faucette, 58, was in danger of dying due to heart failure until medical experts from the University of Maryland Medical Center transplanted a genetically modified pig's heart into him. The first of these experiments took place the previous year, making this the second. Faucette showed signs of remarkable recovery only two days following the operation, including the capacity to sit in a chair and have lighthearted conversations. Faucette's life was in jeopardy since his underlying medical issues prevented him from receiving a conventional human heart transplant. Before the procedure, he said his remaining "real hope" is the pig heart transplant or "xenotransplant," showing his commitment to fighting for every breath. According to ABC News, the surgeon who headed the pig heart transplant, Dr. Bartley Griffith, was astonished by Faucette's development. "How am I talking to someone who has a pig heart?" The medical staff sees Faucette's early reaction as a promising indication, even if they are still apprehensive about the next few weeks. Preparations For The Pig Heart Transplant In Faucette's instance, the pig heart underwent 10 genetic alterations, including eliminating three pig genes that the human immune system uses to quickly reject organs, as reported by US News & World Report. Six human genes were also added to the pig heart to help the immune system accept it. A pig gene that causes excessive heart tissue development was also turned off to avoid overgrowth. The Blacksburg, Virginia-based regenerative medicine business Revivicor, a division of United Therapeutics Corporation, graciously donated the genetically modified pig heart. The pig was thoroughly examined before being transplanted to ensure it was clear of viruses, germs, and parasites. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the transplant urgently under the "compassionate use" method, which permits experimental treatments for lone patients with critical illnesses. Read Also: Invasive New Zealand Mud Snail Sparks Alarm as it Invades US' Lake Tahoe Aside from the xenotransplantation, Eledon Pharmaceuticals' tegoprubart, an experimental antibody treatment, is being given to Faucette, per The New York Times. In addition to other standard medications used to suppress the immune system and prevent organ rejection, this treatment inhibits a protein implicated in immune system activation. A Promising Procedure The same surgical team from Maryland made medical history a year ago when they operated on David Bennett and the first-ever genetically altered pig heart transplant. Bennett only managed to live after surgery for two months, but this accomplishment demonstrated the promise of xenotransplantation. Given the growing number of patients in need, rare human organs for transplantation are a major issue. Last year, the US conducted a record number of heart transplants; however, a shortage significantly affects patients with the highest long-term survival prospects. Recent years have seen advances in xenotransplantation, which transplants animal organs into humans. Gene editing and cloning have been employed to reduce the immune system rejection of these organs. Though still in its early stages, these developments provide hope to the roughly 100,000 Americans with end-stage organ illnesses who require human organ donors. Related Article: Medicaid Expansion Brings Dental Care to Millions of Low-Income US Adults 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Vay, a Germany-based teledriving rideshare firm, has appointed its first teledriver in the United States (US) who completed training at the Vay Teledrive Academy in Berlin. Antonella Siracusa-Rosa became the pioneer of a group of teledrivers as Vay extended its operations in the US. (Photo : Vay Official YouTube Channel) Did you ever wonder what the future of the driving profession looks like? Vays teledriving technology enables a remote driver (the teledriver) to drive a vehicle from afar (teledriving). Vay Introduced its First Teledriver in the US After announcing its intentions to bring its rental EV delivery service to the US four months ago, Vay has taken a significant step forward by appointing its first teledriver. Vay proudly introduced Antonella Siracusa-Rosa as its inaugural teledriver in the US. Antonella successfully completed an extensive training program at the Vay Teledrive Academy. As stated in the company's press release, she is the first of a promising cohort of teledrivers who will be based at Vay's Las Vegas headquarters, which commenced operations last May. Antonella brings a wealth of experience in mobility startups, having previously worked with innovative companies such as Zoox and Elon Musk's Boring Company. "I'm absolutely thrilled to embark on this incredible journey as Vay's first teledriver in the US. Being part of Vay's outstanding team and sharing in their visionary mission feels like stepping into the future. Together, we will change the way people move in cities," she noted. In her new capacity, Antonella will dedicate her efforts to field-testing Vay's teledriving technology as the company gears up for the launch of its inaugural commercial service in the US. Caleb Varner, the General Manager of Vay's US operations, expressed the company's excitement about Antonella joining their team. He highlighted her local presence in Las Vegas as a valuable asset that strengthens their understanding of the region. With Antonella's arrival, Vay sees this as the beginning of a promising chapter. Varner emphasized the critical role played by teledrivers in providing their cost-effective and competitive door-to-door mobility service, underlining the significance of local talent like Antonella in their efforts. Read Also: DoorDash Makes 'Dashing Experience Even Better' With CarPlay Support for Drivers Broader Initiative of Germany-Based Vay This move marks the commencement of a broader initiative where a multitude of teledrivers will remotely operate electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, eliminating the need for a physical human presence. Electrek reported that Vay has chosen a remote-first strategy, allowing operators to pilot EVs within the fleet from dedicated hubs. While Vay is actively exploring the integration of autonomous driving features as regulations allow, its current service hinges on teledrivers responsible for delivering rental EVs to customers autonomously. After customers complete their trips, they leave the EVs at their convenience, and then Vay takes over remotely to drive the vehicle back to its base. In February, Vay achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating a driverless vehicle on Hamburg's roads in Germany, proudly becoming the European pioneer to accomplish this feat. Building on this achievement, Vay announced its expansion plans to enter the US market in May. Now, marking another milestone, Vay has welcomed its inaugural teledriver in the United States. Related Article: Robotic System Allows Drivers To Fuel Up Without Touching the Pump The NFT craze seems to be ending, with many wondering what happened. The numbers speak for themselves. Many people lost their fortunes investing in NFTs. The question remains: who won in this ridiculous trend? The first non-fungible token (NFT), Quantum, was developed in 2014 by Kevin McCoy, marking the beginning of the NFT era. But NFTs just became widely known in 2017. On the Ethereum blockchain at this time, various unique NFT collections emerged. But NFTs only became wildly popular in 2021. At its peak, NFT art sales exceeded $15 million a month, and the most expensive NFT was worth $91.8 million. At that time, the NFT craze was at an all-time high, and people started investing in any NFT they could find. Though 70 percent of Americans still don't know what an NFT is, it did not stop people from investing in it. There are two reasons why people buy NFTs: business and pleasure. Investors can buy an NFT to flip it later with profit, while others buy some so they can tell people that they have the original of something. For those who buy them for pleasure, the dip in value doesn't matter much compared to the people planning to sell their NFTs later to recover their investment. NFTs: The End Is Near To date, 95 percent of NFTs are reportedly pretty much worthless, which spells disaster for investors. How can you sell something that's not worth the paper they're printed on or the disk space they're saved on? NFTs rose to fame just over two years ago, and now, the end is in sight. What investors are doing now is putting a stop to NFT purchases and just moving on to other ventures. Read Also: Unused Renewable Energy Could Power NFT Transactions, New Study Finds The Winners CryptoPunks account for five of the 10 most expensive NFT sales so far. Together, that totals almost $61 million. Scores of celebrities fell in line trying to buy NFTs with the expectation of selling them for profit in the future. Other companies like the Bored Ape Yacht Club successfully sold many of their NFTs at exorbitant prices. Clearly, most of the winners in this craze were the creators and sellers. Though some buyers and dealers benefited from their deals, most big winners sold their items before the bottom fell out in late 2022. The interest in NFTs died down almost at the same time as the COVID lockdowns ended. It is almost as if the insanity that made people buy and sell these items was just a side effect of being cooped up too long at home. Related Article: EA Sports x Nike .SWOOSH: New NFT Collaboration to Bring Digital Sneakers to Games 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study has unveiled that many rats in the Southeastern United States (US) have been infected with a rat lungworm disease. Scientifically known as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the adult form of rat lungworm, a parasitic worm, can only be found in rodents. However, humans can also become infected by eating infected snails and slugs or unwashed lettuce and other raw leafy vegetables. (Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) A zootechnician holds a laboratory rat at the University of Geneva on January 18, 2022. On February 13, 2022 the Swiss citizen will vote for the fourth time on whether to ban animal testing. The people's initiative calls for a halt to all experiments on humans and animals as well as a ban on the import of new products developed using such methods. Rising Rat Lungworm Infections The research has uncovered the presence of this infection among rat populations in the Southeastern US. The rat lungworm has a reputation for being a rare infection. But when rodents become infected, they can excrete worm larvae in their feces, contaminating other creatures such as snails and slugs. It could pose health risks if humans consume these infected intermediate hosts in a raw or undercooked state. While many individuals experience mild or no symptoms, Interesting Engineering reported that this parasite has the potential to invade the human brain, leading to symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, vomiting, and neurological problems. Although rat lungworm has often been considered a rare ailment, it caught Hawaii off guard in 2017 when the state documented 18 confirmed and three probable human cases of the A. cantonensis infection. According to the state's health department, Hawaii recorded three cases in 2022 and two in 2023. A few incidents have also been reported in Europe. Read Also: COVID-19 Mutations Found in NYC Rats; Can These Rodents Infect Humans? Officials Share Concerns Collecting Tissue Samples from Rats The research focused on a sample of 33 wild brown rats. Tissue samples were collected from various organs, including the brain, heart, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, skeletal muscle, skin, gastrointestinal tract, adrenal gland, and gonads. ArsTechnica reported that these rats, which had died between 2019 and 2022, were sourced from a zoological facility in Atlanta, Georgia. Among the examined rats, seven out of 33 exhibited signs of A. cantonensis lungworm infection, as determined by analyzing heart, pulmonary artery, and brain tissues. The study implies that A. cantonensis infections in rats existed in Georgia well before 2019 when the first positive rat case was documented, as the rat lungworm had previously been detected in neighboring states such as Florida and Alabama. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most eosinophilic meningitis cases linked to A. cantonensis have historically been traced back to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The presence of this parasite has also been documented in regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, Hawaii, and, more recently, in the southern US. The primary objective of this research endeavor was to discern the expansion patterns of the A. cantonensis lungworm in North America. The researchers considered this exploration crucial to develop effective measures for reducing infection risk for both humans and other animals. Related Article: Rats Are Starting To Infect Humans With Hepatitis And Nobody Knows How It's Done 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The integration of air taxis into everyday airspace is taking a significant step forward, thanks to a collaboration between Joby Aviation and agencies like NASA and the US Air Force. On September 25, Joby announced the delivery of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the US Air Force under its AFWERX Agility Prime program. This milestone marks an essential phase in evaluating the potential of these vehicles for both civilian and military applications. NASA Pilots, Researchers to Test the Joby Aircraft NASA reportedly has an interagency agreement with AFWERX to use the aircraft to test how such vehicles could fit into the national airspace. NASA and AFWERX have a dynamic partnership focused on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), an initiative poised to shape the future of this industry. Parimal Kopardekar, integration manager for NASA's AAM mission, emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, saying, "This collaboration puts the best talent with the latest resources in the same place to accelerate the future of this industry." Next year, NASA's cadre of pilots and researchers are set to initiate an extensive testing regime for the Joby aircraft. They will focus on pivotal elements like air traffic management, flight procedures, and ground-based infrastructure. NASA will harness state-of-the-art equipment, notably the Mobile Operating Facility, a roving research laboratory. NASA's AAM research is pivotal in laying the groundwork for the future seamless integration of air transportation systems. The versatility of air taxis and drones for emergency response, firefighting, and medical supply deliveries is on the horizon. This technology promises to enhance the connectivity and accessibility of communities. NASA said it is committed to advancing these technologies, and findings will be shared with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to influence future policies. This collaboration with Joby adds to NASA's extensive expertise in aeronautics research, bolstering the industry and informing regulatory practices. Read Also: Ring Nebula Comes Into Focus: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Unveils Remains of a Dying Star in Stunning Detail Inaugural Step The relationship between NASA and Joby Aviation has deep roots, with Joby being a recipient of NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program during the early stages of their technology development. This program is crucial in supporting small businesses to pioneer innovative technologies, bolstering the US economy. The delivery of the Joby aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in California heralds a new phase in the Agility Prime program. The Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force in the 412th Test Wing at Edwards will spearhead the flight test campaign. Additionally, NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, also in Edwards, provides an ideal setting for comprehensive flight research. NASA noted that this was just the inaugural step in the US Air Force's broader testing of Joby aircraft at various military bases. Related Article: Northrop Grumman, US Air Force Reveal New Images of B-21 Raider Nuclear Stealth Bomber as Engine Test Runs Start 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Snapchat has collaborated with Microsoft to incorporate advertisements into its AI offering, My AI. This chatbot was unveiled earlier this year to a broader user base within Snapchat. Last May, the company announced plans to pilot Sponsored Links in My AI. These are links suggested in tandem with the user's interaction with the AI assistant. For instance, if a user inquires about a store recommendation, My AI might respond with a link sponsored by a local store or any related application. Similarly, if a user seeks advice for a vacation, My AI could generate a link from an airline or hotel. It could even suggest a local retailer for a product a user is interested in. Snap and Microsoft will now collaborate on these link suggestions. Microsoft disclosed this partnership during its recent advertiser event. By leveraging Microsoft Advertising's Ads for Chat API, Snap's Sponsored Links will connect users with pertinent partners related to their conversation. This will also allow advertisers to engage with potential customers precisely when they express interest. This feature will be accessible to Microsoft Advertising's clients in the US and several other markets. Snapchat Introduces My AI In April, Snapchat introduced My AI, an AI-powered chatbot, to its vast community of over 750 million monthly Snapchatters. Since then, more than 150 million people have exchanged over 10 billion messages with My AI, establishing it as one of the most extensively used consumer chatbots. The adoption of conversational AI within the community has been noteworthy, with millions relying on My AI for practical recommendations and to explore their interests across various domains like food, beauty, fitness, shopping, and more. Snap recently commenced trials of Sponsored Links within My AI to offer Snapchatters relevant content and experiences from select partners. Snap's partnership with Microsoft Advertising will integrate Sponsored Links seamlessly within My AI. Fueled by Microsoft's Advertising's Ads for Chat API, Sponsored Links will connect users with partners that align with their ongoing conversation. This collaborative effort enables partners to engage Snapchatters at a time when they demonstrate potential interest. Read Also: Snapchat 'My AI' Chatbot Glitch: Mysterious Story and Unusual Responses Raise Users' Concerns Microsoft Advertising's Clients in the US Microsoft Advertising's clients in the US and select markets can now interact with Snapchatters through My AI, effortlessly providing links pertinent to the ongoing conversation. Snap remains in the early stages of experimentation to ensure the creation of considerate and useful experiences for its community. The company is collaborating with various partners to enhance My AI for its community and business in the upcoming months. "Microsoft Advertising's clients in the US and select markets can now engage with Snapchatters through My AI to seamlessly deliver links that are relevant to the conversation. We remain in an early experimental phase to ensure we design thoughtful, useful experiences for our community, and are actively working with a variety of partners to enhance My AI - for both our community and our business - over the coming months," Snap said in a press release. Related Article: Snapchat to Feature Ads on My AI Powered by ChatGPT, But It Is Not What You Think (Thankfully) 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In an unfortunate turn of events, Hong Kong-based crypto company Mixin reported a significant security breach on September 23. The breach led to unauthorized access to their cloud service provider's database, losing approximately $200 million worth of digital assets from the mainnet. As an immediate response, TechCrunch reported that Mixin engaged both Google and blockchain security firm SlowMist to aid in the investigation. The company temporarily suspended deposit and withdrawal services on Mixin Network in light of the breach. These services will be reinstated following a comprehensive review and rectification of the identified vulnerabilities by all nodes involved. Mixin's Security Breach Mixin Network, as described by the company, is a decentralized exchange and cross-chain network facilitated by "35 mainnet nodes." It is designed to provide an open and transparent decentralized ledger for seamless transfer of digital assets. Despite being structured as a decentralized platform, the breach raises questions about how such a significant security breach could occur within Mixin's supposedly robust system. "In the early morning of September 23, 2023 Hong Kong time, the database of Mixin Network's cloud service provider was attacked by hackers, resulting in the loss of some assets on the mainnet. We have contacted Google and blockchain security company @SlowMist_Team to assist with the investigation," the crypto company said in an X post. Read Also: CryptoWatch: Bored Ape NFT Lawsuit, Singapore's Iconic Crypto Regulation, and Latest Prices of Coins Google's Response Google spokesperson Melanie Lombardi confirmed to TechCrunch the involvement of Mandiant, a cyber incident response firm that Google acquired last year, in supporting Mixin's response to the incident. That indicates a collaborative effort between Mixin and Google to address the breach effectively. Mixin's founder, Feng Xiaodong, is scheduled to address the incident in a public livestream conducted in Mandarin on September 25 at 13:00 HKT. This event aims to provide a transparent account of the situation and outline the steps Mixin intends to take regarding the lost assets. A subsequent summary of the livestream will be made available in English for easy reference. Amid this unfortunate event, Mixin emphasized its commitment to minimizing losses and sincerely apologized to its community for any inconvenience caused. They also express gratitude for the continuous support they've received. "Regarding how to deal with the lost assets, the Mixin team will announce the solution afterward. Mixin founder Feng Xiaodong will explain this incident in a public Mandarin livestream at 13:00 HKT on September 25, 2023. Please help spread the word. We will summarize the content in English afterward for easy reference. We will try our best to minimize the losses and deeply apologize for this," Mixin said in a press statement. Related Article: CryptoWatch: Sam Bankman-Fried Is Going to Jail, Bitcoin Price and Effects, Bybit's Elite Wealth Management 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, has stated that the music streaming platform has no intentions of completely banning content created by artificial intelligence (AI). This declaration comes after Spotify removed a track earlier this year that featured AI-cloned voices imitating popular artists like Drake and The Weeknd. Spotify Not Banning AI-Made Music In an interview with BBC, Daniel Ek outlined his perspective on AI's role in music creation. He categorized AI use into three groups: tools like auto-tune that enhance music, which he finds acceptable); tools that mimic artists, which he considers unacceptable; and a more ambiguous middle ground where AI-generated music is influenced by existing artists but does not directly impersonate them. Ek acknowledged that navigating the integration of AI in music creation would be a complex task. While Spotify does not outright ban all forms of AI on its platform, it does prohibit the use of its content to train machine learning or AI models that generate music. Increasingly, artists are voicing concerns about AI's impact on the creative industries. Irish musician Hozier recently expressed his reservations, stating that he's unsure if the technology meets the criteria for art. The controversy surrounding AI in music was exemplified when Drake and The Weeknd were unaware that their voices were cloned for the song "Heart on My Sleeve," resulting in its removal from Spotify and other streaming platforms in April. Read Also: Spotify Daylist: New Service Helps Match Your Mood Depending on the Time of Day-How Does it Work? Spotify's New AI Tool In a related development, Spotify has introduced an AI-driven feature designed to translate podcasts into different languages while retaining the original host's voice. This technology utilizes OpenAI's voice generation, which is capable of producing highly realistic synthetic voices based on minimal speech samples. This feature aims to enhance the podcast listening experience, preserving the unique speech characteristics of the original podcaster. By employing OpenAI's advanced voice generation, Spotify aims to provide an authentic listening experience, far surpassing traditional dubbing methods. In the initial phase, Spotify collaborated with notable podcasters to generate AI-powered voice translations in Spanish, French, and German for select episodes. The plan is to extend this feature to other popular shows in the future, providing a more inclusive listening experience for audiences worldwide. Ziad Sultan, vice president of Personalization at Spotify, emphasized the significance of Voice Translation, saying that it empowers listeners worldwide to connect with new podcasters in an incredibly authentic manner. This initiative aligns with Spotify's mission to unlock the potential of human creativity through a thoughtful approach to AI. 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. The European Union is raising the alarm about disinformation, pointing fingers at Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, as the primary culprit in spreading false narratives, Bloomberg reports. As Europe braces itself for a series of crucial elections, the EU urges Silicon Valley giants to ramp up their efforts to combat Russia's insidious "war of ideas." Is X the Epicenter of Disinformation? European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova minced no words when addressing the media: "This is a multi-million euro weapon of mass manipulation aimed both internally at the Russians as well as Europeans and the rest of the world." Jourova's statement came as the EU unveiled a groundbreaking report, marking the first-ever comprehensive assessment of disinformation across major social media platforms. The report, published under the Digital Services Act (DSA) framework, highlights the alarming rise of disinformation on digital platforms and the urgent need for action. The Guardian reports that of all the platforms under scrutiny, X emerged as the platform with the most significant ratio of mis- or disinformation posts. While many major tech companies, including Meta Platforms Inc.'s Facebook, Alphabet Inc.'s Google, and ByteDance Ltd.'s TikTok, have joined forces with the EU to implement a voluntary code of conduct to combat disinformation, X chose to step away from this initiative. Nonetheless, the new DSA regulations impose strict obligations on X to adhere to these rules or risk facing a continent-wide ban. Read Also: Tesla CEO Hails iPhone 15's Camera: Is Elon Musk Buying the Latest Apple Flagship? Tech Giants Join the Fight The Straits Times tells us that the report also revealed the extent of efforts by other tech giants to combat disinformation. Google, for instance, disclosed that it had terminated more than 400 channels involved in Russian influence operations in the first four months of this year. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, expanded its fact-checking partnerships, covering 22 languages within the EU. YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, reported its efforts in removing over 400 channels associated with coordinated influence operations linked to the Russian-state-sponsored Internet Research Agency. Additionally, Google removed advertising from nearly 300 sites related to state-funded propaganda. While recently facing a 345 million fine for breaching data protection rules concerning children, TikTok is also working diligently to comply with the DSA. The platform expanded its fact-checking network to 26 partners, covering 22 languages in the EU, with a new partnership established with the Reuters news agency. Microsoft, another participant in the code of practice, contributed significantly by promoting accurate information or downgrading questionable content related to the war in Ukraine, affecting a staggering 800,000 search queries. Russia's "War of Ideas" Vera Jourova emphasized that Russia's disinformation campaign amounts to a "war of ideas" aimed at polluting the information space with half-truths and lies to create a false image that democracy is no better than autocracy. The EU's concern over Russian disinformation is particularly acute in Slovakia, which is gearing up for elections. Jourova revealed that Slovakia has been chosen as fertile ground for the success of Russian pro-Kremlin-pro-war narratives. Facebook and Google have intensified their efforts to combat fake information in response to pressure from the EU, recognizing the upcoming elections as a litmus test for their effectiveness. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Elon Musk-Owned X to Discontinue Circles Feature Launched Under Twitter Years 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, slated for November in the United States this year, is supposed to be a stage for promoting cooperation, instead of a wrestling ground for provoking confrontations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a press conference held on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." As the largest developing country and an important member of APEC, China is willing to play a constructive role in the success of this year's APEC meeting, said the foreign minister. He expressed the hope that the United States can be keenly aware of its duty as the host and showcase openness, fairness, inclusiveness and responsibility to create more favorable conditions for the smooth convocation of the meeting. The race for total dominance and control never ends in the fast-paced social media industry. This time, it looks like Meta (formerly Facebook) is on the losing end. In a recent report by Insider Intelligence (via CNBC), Meta's social platform "Threads" finds itself struggling to keep up, ranking near the bottom of the popularity charts, behind only Tumblr in the number of US users. The report paints a grim picture for Threads, suggesting it is losing ground against the rebranded Twitter, X, especially after Elon Musk's ownership. Threads' Meteoric Rise and Subsequent Fall When Threads entered the social media arena in July, it took the digital world by storm. Within just seven hours of its launch, 10 million users flocked to the platform, and it became the most downloaded non-game app on a launch day in the past decade. At that point, it seemed like Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, had successfully launched a genuine contender to Twitter's dominance. However, Threads' glory was short-lived. After reaching a peak of approximately 50 million daily active users on Android devices globally in early July, the user base has been steadily dwindling, currently hovering around a mere 10 million, according to Similarweb. This is a fraction of Twitter's X, which still boasts a formidable user base. Sensor Tower reports that Threads users spend just 2.4 minutes daily on the app, representing a staggering 80% decline from its peak in July. Celebrities and regular users, once enthusiastic about Threads, are now noticeably absent from the platform. Read Also: Facebook Can Be Sued Over Discriminatory Advertising Algorithm, Appeals Court Says The Uphill Battle for Threads While Threads may face an uphill battle, Meta is not giving up yet. The company is working on several enhancements to make the platform more appealing. These include introducing a desktop version and a search tool to attract advertisers and content creators. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges the challenges faced by Threads, but he remains optimistic. In a Threads post on July 17, Zuckerberg mentioned that "10s of millions of people now come back daily," adding that it will take time to stabilize. Zuckerberg's optimism is supported by Meta's turnaround of Reels, a TikTok-like feature on Instagram. Threads' Global Prospects While Threads struggles to grow its audience in the US, it may find more success in different global markets. According to Sensor Tower, the majority of daily active users come from India (25%), followed by the US (15%) and Brazil (11%). This suggests that Threads' appeal varies across different regions, and international growth could be a key strategy moving forward. The challenges are evident, but Meta may find a path to success for its Twitter clone with the right strategy and continued innovation. The question remains: can Threads overcome its identity crisis and reclaim its initial glory, or will it be forever overshadowed by Twitter's X and other social media giants? Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Elon Musk's X Blamed as Top Outlet for Disinformation; EU Warns Against Russia's 'War of Ideas' 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), headed by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, aims to eliminate all illnesses by the end of 2100. The charitable organization thinks artificial intelligence (AI) will be crucial in reaching this enormous goal. Mark Zuckerberg voiced excitement at the announcement about the promise of AI in the areas of disease prevention, management, and cures. He emphasized how AI may help researchers understand how cells interact with one another both individually and collectively inside biological creatures, per NDTV. CZI Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mark Zuckerberg remarked that AI is developing "new opportunities in biomedicine" that will "accelerate progress" in a deeper understanding of the functions of cells. A Massive Undertaking According to Mashable, The CZI project's first AI-powered program is referred to as the "Virtual Cell." The goal of this initiative is to help researchers develop a thorough map of the many stages of both healthy and sick cells during the course of their life cycles. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is building one of the largest AI computing clusters to support this massive project. By referencing the creation of single-cell datasets by researchers at their institution, Priscilla Chan, a former pediatrician, underscored the significance of data in this endeavor. Over a thousand GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) will be present in the AI-driven computing cluster. This infrastructure will make it possible to create computer models that can identify the sorts of cells found in a genome and forecast how immune cells would react to infectious diseases. The Chan Zuckerberg Institute for Advanced Biological Imaging's computer system will be trained to utilize datasets from CZ Cell x Gene software tools, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network resources, and publicly accessible data. When finished, this computer system will rank among the biggest AI clusters for non-profit study. Although CZI began funding local community and educational initiatives in San Francisco in 2015, this new project represents a big step into biotechnology. According to Business Insider, the program complements other initiatives like Meta's development of ESMFold, an AI tool built to effectively forecast protein shapes using AI methods similar to those envisioned for CZI's database. Read Also: Surging Obesity Rates in US Raise Alarm: 22 States Hit 35% or Higher, Says CDC The innovative protein-folding predictions made by ESMFold, which is said to be a quicker version of AlphaFold, have important ramifications for biology and medicine. AI is catalyzing scientific discovery into health and disease. To accelerate progress, were building one of the worlds largest computing systems dedicated to non-profit life science research that well leverage to create predictive models of whole cells pic.twitter.com/629GfCQsUP Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (@ChanZuckerberg) September 19, 2023 Elon Musk's Neuralink Starts PRIME Study This CZI news comes in the wake of Neuralink's recent achievement in getting FDA clearance and starting patient enrollment for its PRIME Study. Tech mogul Elon Musk launched the neurotech business, which focuses on brain implant technology to empower people with severe paralysis by giving them the ability to control external objects via neurological impulses. In order to further its research, Neuralink will perform invasive brain surgery on PRIME Study participants. This groundbreaking experiment may involve cervical spinal cord injury and ALS patients, as previously reported by TechTimes. Though the business does not indicate the number of participants, the experiment will last six years. Robots will help implant brain-computer interface (BCI) devices throughout the duration of the study. Tech mogul Elon Musk has outlined grandiose plans for Neuralink, including quick surgical implantations of chip devices to cure disorders including obesity, autism, melancholy, and schizophrenia. Related Article: Second Patient Receives Genetically Altered Pig Heart for End-Stage Heart Disease 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called for efforts to promote lasting peace and actively practice true multilateralism. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a press conference on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." "We should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, as well as the development paths and social systems independently chosen by all the world's peoples," Wang said, adding that countries should make the process of world multipolarity more equal and orderly. Wang said countries should reject exclusive and bloc-based "small circles" and embark on a new path of state-to-state relations based on communication, not confrontation, and based on partnership, not alliance. Rogelio Enriquez: "It seems that all famous chefs are men, but in the kitchens of Madrid there are a lot of women who do not appear in the photos and we want to bring them to light" Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (L) shakes hands with Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, at the China Tanzania Investment Forum Zhejiang (Jinhua) -Tanzania Trade and Investment Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Sept. 25, 2023. (Photo by Emmanuel Herman/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Monday that the country has opened its doors wide to more Chinese investors to support the East African nation's industrialization drive. "Tanzania is ready to do business with you; our doors are wide open," Majaliwa assured the Chinese investors as he closed a one-day China Tanzania Investment Forum Zhejiang (Jinhua) -Tanzania Trade and Investment Conference held on Monday in the port city of Dar es Salaam. He added that Tanzania has a conducive business environment, politically sound economic policies, macroeconomic stability, abundant natural resources, a relatively educated labor force, and a sizeable market because of the country's unique geographical location. The forum attracted more than 100 economic and trade representatives led by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Zhejiang Provincial Committee and the Jinhua Municipal People's Government in east China's Zhejiang Province. Kitila Mkumbo, minister of state in the President's Office responsible for planning and investment, urged local investors to team up with their Chinese counterparts to create a strong and robust industrial base in Tanzania. Mkumbo said Tanzania's industrialization agenda could be realized by inviting and attracting large-scale investors from across the globe, especially China. Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said Tanzania, as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, has made attracting investment and foreign capital a crucial economic policy goal. Chen said Chinese companies view Tanzania as a place for mutual development and growth, adding that many Chinese companies have established Tanzania as an essential production base, exporting products to various African countries, and creating over 150,000 jobs in Tanzania. The Chinese delegation came with areas of interest in investment, including pharmaceuticals, food production, agricultural machinery, agricultural products, logistics, building machinery and materials, aluminum and copper raw materials, hardware tools, mining machinery, machinery products, and industrial and domestic boilers. HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed the importance of fully and faithfully implementing the new development philosophy on all fronts, on his recent inspection tour in Zhejiang Province. He called on Zhejiang to center around creating a new development paradigm to promote high-quality development. The province should focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. He also urged Zhejiang to be steadfast in pursuing its strategy for development, continuously push forward the "Double-Eight" strategy in a down-to-earth manner, always work hard, take the lead and stand at the forefront, and strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. From Sept. 20 to 21, accompanied by Yi Lianhong, secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, and Wang Hao, the provincial governor, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including a village, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi arrived at Lizu Village, Houzhai Sub-district of Yiwu City in Jinhua. In recent years, Lizu has achieved solid progress in improving its living environment, attracting various entrepreneurial entities to enter. Lizu has become a popular destination for rural tourism and has been rated as a national village of civility. Xi learned about the development and changes of Lizu by visiting the village's Party and villager service center, the "common prosperity market" and tie-dyeing shops. He was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about $7,250). He described the solid progress the village has made in promoting common prosperity as a microcosm of the remarkable achievements Zhejiang has made in its Green Rural Revival Program, which was initiated in June 2003 by Xi, then secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, with a plan to renovate about 10,000 incorporated villages in five years and transform about 1,000 central villages among them into examples of moderate prosperity in all respects. He urged the villagers to make continuous efforts to make greater achievements in promoting rural revitalization. Rural revitalization provides a platform for young people to show their talents, and more young people should play an active role in this regard. Upon his departure, Xi was surrounded by the villagers, who bid him a warm farewell. He told the crowd that rural revitalization has unlimited potential and there is much to be done. He encouraged villagers to work hard together for a future of common prosperity. Xi then visited Yiwu International Trade Market. He learned about the running of the trade market and the operation of the Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe cargo train in real time through an electronic screen, entered the market to communicate with representatives of merchants and self-employed business people, and asked about the market situation in detail. He stressed that Yiwu's small commodities have grown into a big market and created a big industry, and it is so great for Yiwu to have made such achievements. Everyone is a participant, a builder and a contributor. The trade market should make new achievements and greater contributions to expanding domestic and international markets, and smoothening domestic and international economic flows. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Comrade Mao Zedong's instruction to study and popularize the Fengqiao Experience. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi came to Fengqiao Town in Zhuji City, the birthplace of the Fengqiao Experience, and visited Fengqiao Experience Exhibition Hall to learn about the vivid practices of the Fengqiao Experience in the new era. Xi pointed out that the Fengqiao Experience in the new era should be well practiced and developed. The internal disputes among the people should be handled correctly by adhering to the Party's mass line and staying close to the people, so that problems can be solved in their initial stage. Xi then came to the Zhedong Canal Culture Park in Shaoxing. He observed the watercourse of the ancient canal and its surrounding historical and cultural relics on foot. On learning the history of Zhedong Canal and how the locals have preserved and utilized its water resources, he stressed that the Grand Canal is the longest artificial canal in the world and an invaluable cultural heritage. The Grand Canal culture is an integral part of the fine traditional Chinese culture. He stressed that the local government should spare no effort in its preservation, utilization and carrying forward its traditions to let the ancient Grand Canal take on a new look in the new era. On the afternoon of Sept. 21, Xi was briefed on the work of the province by the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Zhejiang provincial government. He affirmed Zhejiang's achievement on all fronts, and put forward new requirements for the province. Xi pointed out that Zhejiang should act as a front runner in cultivating new strengths in development by leveraging its technological innovation. He required the province to give prominence to strengthening its innovation capacity in science and technology. The province should integrate its innovative strengths in this regard and advantaged resources to speed up making breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies, Xi said. The principal role of enterprises as technological innovation entities should be strengthened. The deep integration of innovation chain, industrial chain, capital chain and pool of talent should be promoted, and the transformation of scientific and technological achievement into productivity should be accelerated. Xi said that the real economy should be the foundation for building a modern industrial system. It is important to guide and support traditional industries in making faster application of advanced and applicable technologies, and promote the growth of high-end, smart and green manufacturing industries. Zhejiang should strengthen its national digital economy innovation and development pilot zone and create a number of strategic emerging industry clusters and digital industry clusters that have international competitiveness. More efforts should be made to strengthen basic research capabilities in science and technology, and promote the reform of the scientific and technological system, in order to turn Zhejiang into a pacesetter of technology innovation. A global vision is needed in building the industrial and supply chains, and their resilience and security should be steadily improved. Firm steps should be taken in pursuing green transformation of the development mode for the establishment of a sound, green, low-carbon, and circular economy. Xi emphasized that Zhejiang should take the lead in promoting common prosperity. Its endeavors should be focused on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and among regions, as well as income disparities so that the institutions and mechanisms for integrated urban-rural development will be further optimized. Employment must be prioritized to create more jobs in the process of restructuring and upgrading traditional industries and developing emerging industries, providing jobs to key groups. The province is urged to deepen the reform of its income distribution system and improve its multi-tiered social security. It is imperative for the province to advance rural revitalization. Work should be done to develop rural industries with local characteristics, and push forward the Green Rural Revival Program. The initiative of building a safe Zhejiang and efforts to strengthen the rule of law should be advanced, and more exemplary models should be created when it comes to modernizing the community-level governance and the capability in this regard. Xi noted that Zhejiang should write a new chapter in advancing reform and opening up. The reform in key areas should facilitate the efforts to innovate institutions and mechanisms in all fields in a comprehensive manner. It is imperative to make plans for reform with not only a view to serving the country but also a global vision, and steadily expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. New methods and channels for making use of foreign investment and expanding foreign trade should be explored by allowing full play to the role of platforms for opening up. Xi stressed the need to adapt to the way the international economic and trade rules are being restructured, and play a pioneering role in the opening up of the service sector, digital development and environmental protection. The principle must be upheld to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public economy, and unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. The non-public sector's status and functions in the country's economic and social development have not changed, neither have the principle and policies to unswervingly encourage, support and guide its development, and nor the principle and policies to provide a sound environment and more opportunities to it. Private enterprises should be encouraged and supported to actively take part in the global industrial division of labor and allocation of resources to boost their core competitiveness. Xi stressed that Zhejiang should actively explore ways to develop a modern Chinese civilization. It is imperative to shoulder the new cultural mission in the new era, carry forward the fine historical traditions and intensify efforts to protect cultural heritage to advance the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional culture. We should stay firmly rooted in Chinese culture, actively develop new culture that reflects the needs and characteristics of the times, and develop a modern pattern of Chinese civilization. Xi called on the province to carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, widely cultivate and practice the core socialist values, and develop an advanced socialist culture. The province should develop cultural undertakings and industries, continuously promote the standardization of and equal access to public cultural services in urban and rural areas, boost civic morality and encourage people to read books. Opportunities including the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games as well as the World Internet Conference should be leveraged to facilitate cultural exchanges and transmission so as to continuously upgrade the appeal of Chinese culture and the influence of Chinese civilization. Xi pointed out the imperative to uphold and strengthen the overall leadership of the Party, and enhance and improve Party building. It is essential to have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, ensure sound and fact-based decision-making, make long-term plans, and lay solid foundation. It is important to do work in a down-to-earth manner for effective results so as to prevent pointless formalities and bureaucratism. The training of officials and the tempering of them through practice should be strengthened. The mechanism must be improved to motivate and protect those officials who are active in performing their duties so as to stimulate the enthusiasm of officials to do their work well. It is imperative to establish a cordial but clean relationship between government and business. Party organizations at all levels must strengthen the leadership, organization and guidance of the second round of theoretical study program. By taking hold of the characteristics of those at different levels and in different fields, the Party organizations should differentiate their guidance, and make rectifications through up and down levels to let the people see what has really been achieved. On his way back to Beijing, Xi made an inspection tour of Zaozhuang accompanied by Lin Wu, secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, and Zhou Naixiang, governor of the province, on the afternoon of Sept. 24. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully-developed industrial chain. Xi visited a bank of pomegranate seed resources in Yicheng District, where he observed different pomegranate seedlings, learned about the history of pomegranate planting there, the collection and preservation of pomegranate seed resources, and the development of the related industry. He then came to a pomegranate plantation to ask residents about the harvest of pomegranates and local people's income from the sales of such fruit. Xi was pleased to learn that the local efforts to develop deep processing and pot cultivation of pomegranates had effectively boosted farmers' incomes. He pointed out that with people's living standard improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. It is necessary to create good brands, improve quality, extend the industrial chain, improve the industry's market competitiveness as well as comprehensive benefits, and lead more villagers to get rich together. He wishes the villagers a prosperous life. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong and leading officials of the relevant central Party and government departments were on the inspection tour. Leading officials of the fifth Central Steering Group for theoretical study program attended the briefing. This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows farmers operating harvesters to reap corn crops in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows the Sanshenggong Water Control Project which diverts water from the Yellow River in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows farmers operating harvesters to reap corn crops in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows fields which use a drip irrigation system in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows farmers operating harvesters to reap corn crops in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Shuanghe Town of Linhe District in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows an irrigation project that draws water from the Yellow River in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This photo taken on June 5, 2023 shows a modern agricultural demonstration field in Urad Front Banner in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) People ride bikes on the bank of the Yellow River in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 15, 2023. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows an irrigation project that draws water from the Yellow River in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows farmers operating harvesters to reap corn crops in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Shuanghe Town of Linhe District in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) A staff member works at the water quantity monitoring center of the Hetao Irrigation Area in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 6, 2023. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Shuanghe Town of Linhe District in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Shuanghe Town of Linhe District in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 15, 2023 shows a view of the Yellow River in Shuanghe Town of Linhe District in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) This photo taken on June 5, 2023 shows wheat crops in a modern agricultural demonstration field in Urad Front Banner in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) This aerial photo taken on Sept. 14, 2023 shows farmers operating harvesters to reap corn crops in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The Hetao Irrigation Area, located in Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, has been diverting water from the Yellow River for irrigate since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.). The current irrigation area stands at 11.54 million mu. The 2,200-year-old irrigation project, included in the World Heritage Irrigation Structures in 2019, uses gravity to transport the Yellow River water into fields. As one of China's most important grain and oil production bases, this area has yielded over 3 billion kg of grain on average annually in recent years. In recent years, Bayannur has explored the modernization, water-saving transformation and ecological governance of the Hetao Irrigation Area. It has used information technology to improve the fine management of this area and promote the efficient use of water resources in an environmentally friendly way. With these efforts, the Hetao Irrigation Area has seen a continuous sustainable development in recent years. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) 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 }} President Joe Bidens decision to stand alongside United Auto Workers picketers Tuesday on the 12th day of their strike against major carmakers underscores an allegiance to labor unions that appears to be unparalleled in presidential history. Experts in presidential and U.S. labor history say they cannot recall an instance where a sitting president has joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of the more ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labor leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute. Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and during his 2020 Democratic primary campaign, Biden and other presidential hopefuls joined a picket line of hundreds of casino workers in Las Vegas who were pushing for a contract with The Palms Casino Resort. But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have long wanted to stay out of the strike fray until Biden. This is absolutely unprecedented. No president has ever walked a picket line before, said Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and an expert on U.S. labor history. Presidents historically avoided direct participation in strikes. They saw themselves more as mediators. They did not see it as their place to directly intervene in a strike or in labor action. Biden's trip to join a picket line in the suburbs of Detroit is the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also earned a joint endorsement of the major unions earlier this year and has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers amid the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood. During the ongoing UAW strike, Biden has argued that the auto companies have not yet gone far enough to satisfy the union, although White House officials have repeatedly declined to say whether the president endorses specific UAW demands such as a 40% hike in wages and full-time pay for a 32-hour work week. I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry, Biden said Monday from the White House. He stressed that the workers should benefit from the carmakers' riches now that the industry is roaring back. Biden and other Democrats are more aggressively touting the president's pro-labor credentials at a time when former President Donald Trump is trying to chip away at union support in critical swing states where the constituency remains influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is also leaning in on his union support at a time when labor enjoys broad support from the public, with 67% of Americans approving of labor unions in an August Gallup poll. Instead of participating in the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday, Trump will head to Michigan to meet with striking autoworkers, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administration's push for more electric vehicles a key component of its clean-energy agenda. If it wasnt for President Trump, Joe Biden would be giving autoworkers the East Palestine treatment and saying that his schedule was too busy," said Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, referring to the small Ohio town that is still grappling with the aftermath of a February train derailment. Biden said he would visit the community but so far has not. White House officials dismissed the notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden was headed to Michigan at the request of UAW President Shawn Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers. He is pro-UAW, he is pro-workers, that is this president, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. He stands by union workers, and he is going to stand with the men and women of the UAW. Yet the UAW strike, which expanded into 20 states last week, remains a dilemma for the Biden administration since a part of the workers' grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized. Carolyn Nippa, who was walking the picket line Monday at the GM parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, was ambivalent about the presidents advocacy for electric vehicles, even as she said Biden was a better president than Trump for workers. She said it was great that we have a president who wants to support local unions and the working class. I know its the future. Its the future of the car industry, Nippa said. Im hoping it doesnt affect our jobs. Still, other picketers remained more skeptical about Biden's visit Tuesday. Dave Ellis, who stocks parts at the distribution center, said hes happy Biden wants to show people hes behind the middle class. But he said the visit is just about getting more votes. I dont necessarily believe that its really about us," said Ellis, who argued that Trump would be a better president for the middle class than Biden because Trump is a businessman. The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington. ___ Krisher reported from Van Buren Township, Michigan. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Summerville, South Carolina, contributed to this report. 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 }} Nancy Pelosi hit back at Donald Trump after the former president suggestedMark Milley, the outgoing head of the Joint Chiefs, be executed. Mr Trump raged on his Truth Social platform over the weekend and suggested Mr Milleys conduct was worthy of execution. In an interview with MSNBC, Ms Pelosi said a person who engages in a language like that should not be eligible to run for any public office. To engage a language like that it should be something that would eliminate someone as a prospect for any public office, she said. General Milley is a patriot in our country, was very courageous, in the military, on the battlefield and on the public arena on the White House. I am saddened to hear that a former president would say that, just another argument why he should never have been in the White House and should never be there again. Twice impeached, once defeated, how many times indicted? she continued. Mark Milley, who led perhaps the most embarrassing moment in American history with his grossly incompetent implementation of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, costing many lives, leaving behind hundreds of American citizens, and handing over BILLIONS of dollars of the finest military equipment ever made, will be leaving the military next week, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on 22 September. This will be a time for all citizens of the USA to celebrate! he continued. This guy turned out to be a Woke train wreck who, if the Fake News reporting is correct, was actually dealing with China to give them a heads up on the thinking of the President of the United States. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH! My bet: Donald Trump is threatening General Milley because General Milley is on the governments witness list for the trial in the Mar-a-Lago documents case, wrote Tristan Snell, a former official from the New York attorney generals office, on X/Twitter. Meanwhile, another Republican leader Paul Gosar joined Mr Trump in attacking Mr Milley. The member of Congress sent out his newsletter in which he said Mr Milley, whom he called a homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist, delayed sending the US National Guard to the Capitol during the Jan 6 riot. Of course, we now know that the deviant Milley was coordinating with Nancy Pelosi to hurt President Trump, and treasonously working behind Trumps back, Mr Gosar wrote. In a better society, quislings like the strange sodomy-promoting General Milley would be hung, Mr Gosar said in his newsletter. He had one boss: President Trump, and instead he was secretly meeting with Pelosi and coordinating with her to hurt Trump. That is, when he wasnt also secretly coordinating and sharing intelligence with the Chinese military. How this traitor remains in office is a question we need answered. Mr Trumps online onslaught came in the wake of a deeply reported profile of Mr Milley in The Atlantic in which he says he gained disturbing insight into Mr Trumps attitude toward the military. Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, delivers a speech at the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/He Canling) VIENNA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese nuclear official on Monday lambasted Japan's "irresponsible" release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea at the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). China actively supports the IAEA's efforts to safeguard international peace and security, and to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear technologies for better benefiting developing countries, said Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, during the general debate of the conference held here. Ignoring the doubts of the international community and the strong opposition from the people of relevant countries, Japan has obstinately started the Fukushima wastewater discharge plan, which has raised international concerns, he said. The discharge of the Fukushima wastewater is a major nuclear safety issue, as it is an unprecedented artificial release of contaminated water from nuclear accidents into the sea, and there is a lot of uncertainty about the cumulative effect caused by the release of large quantities of radionuclides into the sea, Liu said, noting that Japan has failed to give a credible and scientific response to the international outcry. He urged the IAEA to establish a long-term and effective international monitoring mechanism to strictly supervise Japan's irresponsible moves and prevent the Fukushima wastewater discharge from causing long-term harm to the marine environment and human health. The Chinse official also met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Monday on the sidelines of the IAEA general conference, and elaborated on China's position on Japan's release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater. Grossi said that he attaches great importance to China's relevant position and concerns, and is willing to maintain close communication and cooperation with China in this regard. The 67th IAEA General Conference opened here Monday and will run until Friday. This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2023 shows the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. (Xinhua) Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, delivers a speech at the 67th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/He Canling) King Solomon's legendary gold mines in the Land of Ophir, located in Zimbabwe's Northern Regions The region where the Karanga tribes were centered, particularly in Zimbabwe's northern regions, is believed to be the biblical Land of Ophir, from which King Solomon obtained gold. This association highlights the region's historical significance due to its gold resources and wealth and prosperity. The Land of Ophir is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is associated with a place renowned for its wealth of gold, precious stones, and other riches. King Solomon was known for his wisdom and wealth and is said to have received the gold from the Land of Ophir to construct the First Temple in Jerusalem. Some believe Ophir is not a place that was discovered in the conventional sense; rather, it is a legendary or mythological location associated with wealth and riches, primarily gold. However, Ophir is also referenced in historical accounts from antiquity. African ancient civilizations and cultures had legends and stories about a distant and prosperous land called Ophir, known for its wealth in gold, precious stones, and other riches. Ophir's Gold: Zimbabwe's Precious Legacy The northern part of present-day Zimbabwe, particularly in the Mashonaland and Mashonaland Central provinces, is known for its significant gold deposits and is believed to be the location of the Gold mines of King Solomon. This region has a long history of gold mining and was a focal point for gold exploration during the colonial era and beyond. Historically, gold mining in northern Zimbabwe dates back centuries, with evidence of ancient gold mining activities by indigenous peoples. However, during the colonial period, British settlers and mining companies intensified gold mining efforts in the region, leading to substantial gold production. One of northern Zimbabwe's most famous gold mining areas is the Shamva Gold Belt, which includes the Shamva Mine and other gold mines. These gold deposits have been actively mined and contributed to the country's gold production. Northern Zimbabwe is part of the larger greenstone belts stretching across parts of southern Africa, known for hosting gold deposits. The geological conditions in this region have been favorable for the formation of gold-bearing quartz veins and other types of gold ore bodies. Gold mining remains an important economic activity in northern Zimbabwe, and the country continues to be one of the significant gold producers in Africa. In recent years, modern exploration techniques and technologies have been employed to further assess and develop the potential of the Shamva Gold Belt and find King Solomon's legendary gold mines in the Land of Ophir. Sydney had quarantine leaks. Adelaide had quarantine leaks (one even caused a lockdown in Melbourne!). Perth and Brisbane had quarantine leaks. Arguably, leaks are baked into the system when youre using non-purpose built facilities to try to contain a respiratory virus. In Victoria, these leaks led to significant outbreaks. In other states, they did not. Quiet streets: Melbourne during a lockdown in October 2021. Credit: Eddie Jim Public health professionals and journalists including me spent months arguing over why this might be. Some suggestions seem plausible, such as an underinvestment in public health in Victoria. Poor contact tracing was an issue with some outbreaks but not others. Other suggestions seem less plausible, such as Victoria having more public transport than NSW. This is natural. Humans are hard-wired to see patterns and causality; we dont want to accept that our lives are subject to random chance. Infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are stochastic random. We saw this in the models built to predict Victorias epidemic trajectories. Loading What our models say is that sometimes the infections burn out naturally, because people who are infected dont come into contact with anyone or just stay in their house. And sometimes it takes off, Dr Jason Thompson, a University of Melbourne modeller who worked on the Victorian governments epidemic modelling, told me in mid-2021. People talk about the stochastic, or random, nature of these things, and thats it. Occasionally it takes off, and occasionally it dies off. I remain somewhat sceptical that quarantine leaks turning into community COVID outbreaks can be entirely slated to the Andrews government, or to human agency in general. But locking down was entirely a decision of Andrews and his colleagues. This decision to put saving lives above any other outcome is the defining feature of Andrews management of the pandemic. Even as Jason Thompson was telling me in 2021 that we couldnt know if the latest run of infections would turn into an outbreak, Andrews was announcing a snap lockdown. Andrews and his chief health officer Brett Sutton. Credit: Eddie Jim During those lockdowns which evidence suggests do work to prevent transmission the virus was brought to heel. But lockdowns come with many harms. Perhaps the most contentious decision was to close schools against public health advice; there is evidence that school closures have done irreparable damage to our kids education. Playgrounds and beaches were also closed, even when it was clear there was limited risk of transmission outdoors. Loading We allowed fear to blind us to the science; we put fear of the virus before our responsibility to care for our children. COVID-19 is lethal for older Australians, but less so for younger ones (depending on your view on reinfection and long-COVID risk). Uncontrolled spread in an unvaccinated population is disastrous. It poses a major risk to everyone when health systems are overwhelmed. At times, Victoria locked down to prevent what appeared to be runaway transmission when hundreds of cases were being recorded every day. But at other times, the population remained locked down when community transmission was minimal. Melbourne spent many days in lockdown when the state was recording less than 10 new cases. On some days in lockdown, there were no cases recorded. The approach to lockdowns seemed to grow more severe even as hospitals improved their ability to treat the ill and as tools such as masks became widely available to slow the spread. In essence, the approach was to try to stop a few cases of the virus spreading by placing millions of people in lockdown. On balance, could we have safely accepted a higher level of transmission for fewer restrictions? Could we have lived with more risk and attempted a more precision-focused public health response perhaps avoiding lockdown but closing sites where there was a known risk of spreading the virus? Could we have been more aggressive in ending lockdowns at the first opportunity? That depends on your risk appetite. But Andrews, and his former chief health officer Brett Sutton, have never made any apologies about putting public health ahead any other consideration. And he was re-elected emphatically in 2022, with an increased majority. The jury in the case of a man who allegedly murdered his estranged wife in 2020 by striking her with a sledgehammer has been discharged in a mistrial. Shaun Robert Sturgess on Monday pleaded not guilty at the beginning of his trial in the Supreme Court to the murder of Jacqueline Sturgess, 45, who was found in a pool of blood at a house north of Brisbane. The prosecution alleged Mr Sturgess had struck Ms Sturgess with a 1.8 kilogram sledgehammer after she went to pick up a desk from the Narangba property, and then left her body before going to drink with a friend. The court had heard almost two days of evidence before the jury was discharged on Tuesday afternoon for legal reasons, with the case declared a mistrial. The case is listed for mention again on October 6. A wedding venue linked to a gastro outbreak that sickened more than 140 people at two separate events will temporarily close its doors after guests of a third gathering reported becoming ill. The Park restaurant will not operate for the next two weeks as it investigates the source of the latest outbreak, linked to an event held at the Albert Park venue this past weekend. The Park restaurant will not operate for the next two weeks. Credit: Simon Schluter The Park had been permitted to continue operating despite more than 70 people falling ill after attending a medical conference dinner at the restaurant on September 13 and a wedding at the venue on September 16. The Victorian health department has said that the most likely cause of the earlier illnesses was norovirus, a common and highly contagious form of gastro. Smoke billowing over the city and a large blaze in Pskov, Russia, on August 29. Credit: Ostorozhno Novosti via AP Ukraines biggest drone attack on Russian soil since the conflict began hit five Russian regions including around Moscow and an airport in Pskov, 700 kilometres from the Ukraine border. The airport drone attack caused a massive fire, damaging four Il-76 transport aircraft, Russias state news agency Tass said at the time. There were no reported casualties, but Pskov Governor Mikhail Vedernikov was forced to order the grounding of all flights. Russias Defence Ministry said at the time that other Ukrainian drones were shot down over Oryol, Bryansk, Ryazan, Kaluga and the region surrounding the Russian capital Moscow. While land advances have been slow, visiting Kings College London professor Tim Willasey-Wilsey said hits like the one in Pskov help to break Russian morale by targeting infrastructure, ammunition and oil storage. Break the morale and then hope that the morale cracks on the front line, and then they can drive straight down to the Sea of Azov. But thats a big ask. Breach of Russian defence line early September Ukrainian servicemen walk through a charred forest at the frontline a few kilometres from Andriivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on September 16. Other photographs of the area show it littered with Russian soldier corpses Credit: AP Ukrainian Commander Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, who commands a grouping in southern Ukraine, told The Guardian that Ukrainian infantry had breached Russian forces first line of defence. The breakthrough followed weeks of meticulous mine clearing in the area. Institute for the Study of War analysts at the time said Ukrainian military officials had observed troops could operate more freely in areas with sparser Russian minefields, with forces advancing near Bakhmut and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on September 3. This week Ukraines capitalised on the gains with armoured vehicles also breaching the critical line of Russian defence to advance near the town of Verbove. Securing its advance around Verbove would allow troops to continue to advance towards Tokmak, essential to taking the city of Melitopol. If Ukraine can deepen its wedge into Russian lines towards Tokmak, then it could start to shift the balance in Ukraines favour, said professor of global politics at the University of Exeter David Lewis. I think it is more likely that Russian defensive lines will start to stabilise, and Ukraine will struggle to make further significant progress towards the Azov coastline in the coming weeks but it is very unpredictable. Missile strike of Sevastopol Shipyard September 13 Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev speaks on the phone as smoke and flames rise from Sevastopol Shipyard in Crimea. Credit: AP A Ukrainian missile attack targeted a shipyard in Crimea, hitting a large assault ship and a kilo-class submarine on September 24. At least 24 people were wounded. The direct hit on the shipyard should be interpreted as a major hit to Russian stability and morale in the region, said Willasey-Wilsey, who last travelled to Ukraine in May. That is huge. You cant hide that youve got two blackened ships, big ships as well ... blackened ruins. That sends a big message in Crimea as to how stable Russians in Crimea feel the future is going to be, he said. Russias headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet September 22 An image taken from UGC video shows smoke rising from the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, Crimea, Friday. Credit: AP Russias headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) in occupied Sevastopol, Crimea, was hit by a major missile strike on September 22. Ukrainian military officials said 12 strikes were launched on the headquarters, hitting two anti-aircraft missile systems and four Russian artillery units. The strikes targeted areas where personnel, military equipment and weapons were concentrated. Professor David Lewis said the war at sea was significant because limiting the Russian fleets ability to attack a naval base and command centre in Sevastopol was an important win for Ukraine. It shows how a country without any significant naval force can threaten a major naval power using maritime and aerial drones. It also shows how potentially vulnerable the Russian position could be in Crimea if Ukraine continues to advance southwards. Ukraine initially claimed the strike had killed 34 Russian officers, including BSF Commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov. However, the Russian Defence Ministry has since released images of Sokolov attending a video conference with top admirals. Sevastopol September 23 A satellite photo shows smoke billowing from the Russian Black Sea fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Friday. Credit: AP Ukrainian forces launched another missile attack on Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula, one day after the attack on the headquarters of Russias Black Sea Fleet. Air raid alerts were activated in Sevastopol after debris from intercepted missiles fell near a pier. One missile fragment fell in a park, according to reports by a Russian official on the app Telegram. Will Reno, a professor of political science at Northwestern University Illinois, said while recent Ukrainian strikes in Crimea may not shift the military balance, they are important for Russian and international public opinion. What it begins to look like is that Russia has a hard time guaranteeing safety of its forces in Crimea. So, if youre Russian, and youre looking critically at Putins decision to intensify this invasion, then you begin to think, were not really losing, but were not really winning either. Drone strikes A Ukrainian drone pilot reaches for a reconnaissance drone in the Luhansk Region, Ukraine. Credit: AP Ukrainian media reported on September 24 that Ukrainian forces had struck a building belonging to the FSB, Russias security service, and an oil refinery near the Khalino Airfield in Kursk Oblast during a series of drone strikes. Local reports have suggested Russias 14th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment was inside a building, and that significant reserves of fuel and lubricants were reportedly destroyed. Loading They really have been taking the war to the Russian air bases, and supply bases, said Willasey-Wilsey, pointing to Ukraines largely crowdfunded, bespoke drone program as one of its big successes. Its the antithesis of Western procurement models, which last years and cost billions of pounds. This is cheap, done overnight, tweaked, sent back to the front line ... they are very nimble, agile systems of procurement and development and that is the factor thats got Russia on the back foot. As the war drags on through winter and into 2024, Reno said the conflict was likely to be increasingly defined by drones, small unit infantry and mortar teams, meaning he did not think winter conditions would greatly impact Battlefield tactics. Villages liberated In mid-September Kyivs forces recaptured the village of Klishchiyivka, which is located on high ground south of Bakhmut, seen as critical to recapturing the city that remains a key goal for Ukraine. by Xinhua writer Meng Fanyu BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has made solid progress in developing the country's sustainable transport and contributing its efforts to the U.N. sustainable development goals, as the world still faces obstacles and needs closer cooperation in sealing a sustainable future. Countries should work together to boost transport connectivity, expedite green transport transformation, and build smart transport infrastructure to create a sustainable transport system that is safe, convenient, efficient, green, economical, inclusive, and resilient, China's Vice Premier He Lifeng said at the Global Sustainable Transport Forum on Monday. Held in Beijing on Sept. 25-26, the forum has attracted about 1,000 participants, including government officials, officials from international organizations, and business representatives. "China is a global leader in many aspects of green and sustainable transport, with high-speed rail and electric vehicles being just two examples of its progress," said Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. resident coordinator in China. Official data show that by the end of 2022, China's comprehensive transportation network has exceeded 6 million kilometers. The country also has the world's largest network of high-speed railways. By the end of 2022, the total mileage of rural roads has exceeded 4.53 million kilometers. Li Xiaopeng, Minister of Transport, said that the economy and people's livelihood in the vast rural areas have benefited from the roads, which is a part of the contributions that transportation has made to the early realization of the poverty reduction goal of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Gao Peng, deputy mayor of Beijing, said in the first eight months this year, the number of shared-bike rides in the city reached 716 million, an increase of 12.11 percent over the same period last year. The country's sustainable transport not only focuses on green and low-carbon development but also on making the sector smarter and more efficient. According to Baidu Vice President Shi Qinghua, the tech company has built a large traffic model that integrates elements, including cars, roads, and cloud computing, to help make transportation smarter. SF Express, a leading Chinese courier enterprise, adopted "digital twin" technology, which helps verify and optimize algorithm strategies at low cost, thus optimizing logistics distribution routes in the real world. The transition to a sustainable transport sector can be a challenging process and requires joint efforts of all. Calling for sustainable transport cooperation, Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's acting minister for transport, cited a Chinese saying "ren xin qi, tai shan yi," which means when people are of one mind and heart, they can move Mount Tai. China is willing to work with all parties to promote the "hard connectivity" of transport infrastructure and enhance "soft connectivity" of system rules, said the vice premier. These actions will contribute to implementing the Global Development Initiative, realizing the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and constructing a community with a shared future for humanity, the vice premier added. The exporting and re-exporting of imported vehicles from the European Union member states to Russia and Belarus are prohibited from Georgia starting Septembe 26, as part of the international sanctions imposed against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the Revenue Service of Georgias Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. The prohibition applies to vehicles with engines larger than 1,900 cubic centimetres, as well as all electric and hybrid vehicles, regardless of their value, the Service noted. The body has banned the export and re-export of US-imported vehicles to Russia and Belarus from Georgia starting from August 1. In its statement in August, the Service said the decision was taken in line with the 11th package of sanctions against Russia adopted by the EU in June. ANKARA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Turkish parliament will ratify Sweden's NATO membership if the United States permits the sale of its F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday. "If they fulfill their promise, our parliament will also fulfill its, and take its steps accordingly," Erdogan was quoted by semi-official Anadolu Agency as saying. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has recently held meetings with his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken regarding the issue, Erdogan told journalists on his flight back from Azerbaijan to Turkiye. After being kicked out of the F-35 stealth fighter jet program by Washington for purchasing Russia's S-400 air defense systems, Ankara has sought to buy more F-16 jets, but its request has been pending for months with the Biden administration and U.S. Congress. The Turkish government agreed to advance Sweden's accession to NATO in July, but the decision needs the approval of its parliament which will end recess in October. The Turkish parliament ratified Finland's NATO bid in March, but is still reluctant about a similar bid from Sweden because of its alleged support for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Finland and Sweden applied to join NATO in May 2022 in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Their accession to NATO needs the approval of all member states of the military alliance. Turkiye, a NATO member, held back its approval and accused the two Nordic countries of supporting anti-Turkish Kurdish organizations and political dissidents. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Humanity is at yet another crossroads in history, and the choices between unity and division, opening up and closing off, and cooperation and confrontation test the wisdom of all countries, said a white paper issued by China's State Council Information Office Tuesday. Living on the same planet, all countries are members of an emerging community of shared interests, responsibility, and destiny, whose well-being and security are interrelated, said the white paper, titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." Only when appropriate attention is paid to the collective future of humanity is it possible that the wishes of every country, people and individual come true, as the only right choice is to work together for the benefit of all, according to the white paper. In the face of global crises, the 190-plus countries in the world are all in the same big boat. Only when all countries work together, align individual interests with the interests of all, and truly build a global community of shared future, can humanity tide through the crises confronting us and sail toward a better future, the document said. It is increasingly obvious that the idea that "all strong countries will seek hegemony," the obsession with superior strength, and the zero-sum mentality are in conflict with the needs of our times, and humanity is in great need of new ideas that generate positive developments and conform to positive historical trends, said the white paper. China has consistently championed equity and justice, remains committed to friendly cooperation with other countries, consistently aligns its development with global development, and aligns the interests of the Chinese people with the common interests of all peoples around the world, according to the document. When the world thrives, China thrives, and vice versa, the white paper noted. The threat of invasive mussels to Wyomings waters continues to escalate with now five of the six bordering states containing populations of zebra or quagga mussels. Earlier this week the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed the presence of quagga mussels veligers (larvae) in the Centennial Waterfront Park area of the Snake River. Currently, the infested area does not include the Snake River above Shoshone Falls. The detection of the veligers is significant as Wyoming remains one of the few states yet to have the destructive species. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is concerned about the potential impacts this detection could have on Wyoming, especially the inadvertent movement of invasive mussels into the state through watercraft movement. Outside of the recent Snake River findings, ISDA has not found live quagga mussel larvae in any other Idaho waterbody and this is the first detection within the uninfested Columbia River Basin. We are confident in Idahos robust AIS program and the actions they are taking to initiate containment, but are still confronting this aggressively, Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS coordinator said. Game and Fish is increasing our diligence to inspect and decontaminate watercraft coming from the infested area. This is the second time in less than one year that quagga and zebra mussels have been found in a body of water close to the Wyoming border. The discovery is concerning as many boaters frequent waters on both sides of the state line. Mussels can spread easily, even in their microscopic state, from just a little water left standing on a boat. If AIS or the possibility is found on watercraft, Game and Fish will decontaminate the boat and educate boaters on how to reduce transmission of these threats themselves to make the next inspection quicker. Its state law that all boaters must stop when coming upon an AIS inspection station even if they stopped at one prior. Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1-Nov. 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching on any Wyoming waterway. A list of inspection locations is available online. If boaters entering Wyoming do not encounter an open AIS check station on their route of travel, it is the boaters responsibility to seek out an inspection. Further, if the watercraft was used on a water suspect or positive for invasive mussels in the last 30 days, it must be inspected prior to launching year-round and may require decontamination. Full rules are available online. Game and Fish is committed to working with ISDA and closely monitoring the situation on the Snake River in Idaho. Game and Fish will make adjustments to inspection protocols and boater requirements if needed to protect our waters. What are quagga mussels? Quagga mussels have emerged alongside zebra mussels as one of the most aggressive invasive species infesting the United States. These mussels spread easily to new areas due to the movement of watercraft. A veliger is the free-swimming larval stage of a quagga mussel. Veligers are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Veligers grow quickly and develop hair-like filaments and shells within a few weeks. Once the veligers find a suitable surface to attach to, they stick themselves to the surface using the hair-like protrusions and develop into adults. The adult mussels are highly competitive and persistent. Zebra and quagga mussels have the potential to cause fishery collapses, damage to boats and motors, hazards to swimmers and waders, poor water quality, and significant damage to water treatment facilities, hydroelectric power generators and irrigation systems. Since Wyoming is a headwater state, these impacts would cascade down the Columbia, Colorado and Missouri river drainages if they become established here. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will not join other countries as part of Earth's "supercontinent" to be formed in 250 million years, according to the latest study. The new research published in this week's Nature Geoscience depicts the formulation of the giant supercontinent and models the climate and what life would be like. The supercontinent, to be centered around the place of modern-day Africa, will see modern-day Australia crash into Asia, and Africa into Europe, North America joining South America, and New Zealand will be excluded by not joining Australia. There were supercontinents assembled before, which contained nearly all land, over the Earth's 4.5-billion-year history. It was once formed between 273 and 299 million years ago. Moreover, the study said climate extremes are likely to drive land mammal extinction during the next supercontinent assembly, after mammals have dominated Earth for approximately 55 million years thanks to their adaptations and resilience to warming and cooling during the Cenozoic. Likewise, future New Zealand, which is expected to reach the equator in 75 million years, roughly at the time when Australia, Africa, Asia and Europe have formulated a supercontinent, would be extremely unhabitable. All life will eventually perish in a runaway greenhouse once absorbed solar radiation exceeds the emission of thermal radiation in several billions of years. However, conditions rendering the Earth naturally inhospitable to mammals may develop sooner because of long-term processes linked to plate tectonics, according to the research article authored by the University of Bristol researcher Alexander Farnsworth and other scientists. The new law will require the initial board of directors to recommend a permanent funding source mechanism to be presented to and approved by voters via ballot measure. You voted: Halewood Artisanal Spirits welcomes Jillian Boyd Halewood Artisanal Spirits has announced the appointed of Jillian Boyd as its new master blender, joining from Compass Box where she worked as a whisky maker and brand ambassador. Boyd is taking over from Dr. Kirstie McCallum. In her new role as master blender at Halewood Artisanal Spirits, Boyd will be overseeing the creation of whiskies from Halewoods own distilleries based across the UK. During her time at Compass Box, Boyd won the prestigious title of Master Blender at the World Whisky Awards in 2020. Commenting on her new appointment, Boyd said: I am so excited to be joining the Halewood business. They have such an incredible line up of emerging whisky brands from all over the UK, and a commitment to producing new and innovative whiskies and blends. "I cant wait to work, and learn, alongside the hugely passionate teams at the likes of Aber Falls and Bonnington, and to closely collaborating to produce truly exceptional products Group marketing manager Poppy Williams added: Were thrilled to welcome Jill to the Halewood team. The expertise and creative flair that she displays will be invaluable as we continue to develop our whisky portfolio and elevate the quality and reputation of our brands. 26 September 2023 - Bradley Weir Well, lets just say theyre worth their weight in chicken gold and will leave a $1299 sized hole in your wallet. If you can't fork out the cash (SAME), dw, you can also win one of these bad bois via KFC NZ's TikTok account. Chhattisgarh Gramin Awas NYAY Yojana inaugurated Our Correspondent BILASPUR, MEMBER of Parliament Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel jointly inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Gramin Awas NYAY Yojana during the Awas Nyay Sammelan held at the village of Parsada (Sakri) in the Takhatpur development block of Bilaspur district. The Gramin Awas NYAY Yojana, which is being rolled out in phases, is set to benefit 47,090 families in the State in its first phase alone. In the coming years, a staggering 10,76,000 individuals are expected to benefit from this programme. The Chhattisgarh Government has taken a commendable step by approving housing for the remaining 6,99,439 eligible families on the permanent waiting list of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). During the inauguration ceremony, MP Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel provided financial support to 500 beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Awas Sahayata Yojana, amounting to a total of Rs 5 crore, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 1 lakh. The event was not limited to announcements; it witnessed the official inauguration and ground-breaking ceremony for 414 development and construction projects valued at Rs 669.69 crore in the Bilaspur district. Furthermore, 2,594 selected teachers received their appointment letters, and 1,117 beneficiaries in urban areas were granted forest rights certificates. Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel also visited various stalls set up at the venue, where they interacted with scheme beneficiaries and distributed house approval orders, assistance cheques, tricycles, and more. They also inaugurated the Ganiyari-Nagoi Garment Factory, run by a self-help group. In his address, Chief Minister Baghel assured that the remaining installments of the financial assistance would be provided on time. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in his address, highlighted the historical context of housing schemes in India. He mentioned that the Indira Awas Yojana, initially launched in 1985 by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, was later renamed as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Baghel echoed Rahul Gandhis commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to healthcare and housing as a fundamental right. He highlighted the significant contributions of leaders like Rahul Gandhi and expressed the governments commitment to supporting the underprivileged. MP Rahul Gandhi, in his speech, expressed delight at being in Bilaspur and emphasised the governments efforts to fulfill its election promises, including reducing electricity bills, ensuring fair paddy prices, and more. He outlined key achievements, such as subsidies for farmers under the Kisan NYAY Yojana, financial assistance for landless farmers, and improved healthcare coverage. Rahul Gandhi commended the States progress towards comprehensive development and womens empowerment under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. He noted that women in the State have experienced a rise in respect and honour while gaining self-confidence. Gandhi underscored the significance of the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park, a programme aimed at providing livelihood opportunities for women residing in rural areas. Through this initiative, numerous women from various self-help groups have found employment, contributing to their economic independence. Gandhi also voiced concerns about what he perceived as efforts to benefit a few corporations, including Adani, across various sectors such as defense, airports, and agriculture. He recalled his own experience of having his Lok Sabha membership revoked for raising questions on such matters. Gandhi mentioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modis frequent discussions about the OBC category, but noted that the Congress Party had conducted a caste census covering all sections of Indian society. While the data remains with the government, Gandhi expressed his disappointment that it has not been made public. He pointed out that only a handful of individuals from the OBC community hold positions in Central Government. Gandhi also stressed the importance of conducting a caste census to promote inclusivity and the participation of all sections of society. The function was also addressed by Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdeo, Women and Child Development Minister Anila Bhediya and Panchayat Minister Ravindra Choubey. Dignitaries including State Incharge Kumari Shelja, MLA Shailesh Pandey, Minister of Home Tamradhwaj Sahu, Speaker of Chhattisgarh Assembly Dr Charandas Mahant, MLA Rashmi Singh, District Presidents Vijay Pandey and Vijay Kesharwani, Mayor Ramsaran Yadav besides large number of party leaders and villagers were present on the occasion. Deeper participation in global value chains to help India add USD 1.2 tn Business Reporter Steps like streamlining port and customs operations, and setting up of national trade network will help Indian firms integrate with global value chains and add USD 1.2 trillion in the countrys foreign trade by 2030, according to a report. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that currently, Indias limited participation in global value chains (GVCs) hampers its export potential, despite possessing substantial manufacturing capabilities across various GVC-relevant product categories. The integration of Indian companies in the GVCs is fundamental as about 70 per cent of global trade operates within these chains, encompassing a wide range of products, from electronics and machinery to pharmaceuticals and apparel. Indias weak GVC integration can be attributed to poor trade infrastructure, causing delays at ports and customs, which are detrimental to the timely flow of goods in these intricate value chains, GTRi Co-Founder Ajay Srivastava said. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia have excelled in GVCs due to investments in quality trade infrastructure. The GTRI report has recommended six action points to the government which can help boost the participation of domestic firms in GVCs. The suggestions include automating port and customs procedures, and implementation of green channel clearances for 99 per cent of shipments; analysing the top 10,000 exporters responsible for 85 per cent of Indias exports; matching global best practices for ship turnaround times, reducing queues, speeding up transactions, and optimizing infrastructure use; and enhance communication between traders and shipping companies, port operators, and Container Freight Stations (CFS). The report asked for creation of an online platform for all export-import compliance processes. National Trade Network (NTN) would enable exporters to submit all required information and documents in one place, eliminating the need to interact separately with customs, DGFT (directorate general of foreign trade), shipping companies, ports, and banks, Srivastava said. The other steps include focus on high-value segments of GVCs, product conceptualization, design, prototype development, and after-sales services. Countries like the US, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea excel in R&D expertise at the high end, while China specializes in final assembly at the lower end. Further, it suggested inviting top global firms to become anchor manufacturers in priority sectors. We know their names. Apple and Micron are a good beginning. With thousands of manufacturing units in most sectors, India needs a few large anchor firms in each sector. Their use of innovation and technology will result in gains for all firms in the entire sector the way Suzuki did to Indias automobile sector in the early 1980s, he said. SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's zombie companies incapable of repaying borrowing costs with its operating profit rose last year, fueling worry about financial instability, the central bank said Tuesday. Out of 25,135 non-financial companies subject to external audit in 2022, 15.5 percent were classified as zombie firms that logged a ratio of operating profit to the total interest cost below 1 for the past three years, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK)'s financial stability report. The 2022 figure was up from 14.9 percent tallied in the previous year. The BOK said that if the marginalized firms fail to be normalized for long, the supply of funds to productive sectors will shrink, leading to the worsened soundness of financial institutions in the event of internal and external shocks. The number of companies classified as zombie firms for at least five successive years stood at 903 in 2022, taking up 23.1 percent of the total zombie companies. The BOK noted that long-term zombie companies with a higher insolvency risk than short-term ones would face a lower possibility of getting normalized. VFJ giving thrust on research, devpt for making futuristic vehicles By Ashish Rajput Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) endeavours to start production of futuristic vehicles to register its strong presence in the global market. Research and development works are in full-swing to develop non-conventional fuel operated vehicles to fulfil the commitments of Government of India under COP26. Besides, VFJ is eyeing to export its state-of-the-art Mine Protected Vehicle (MPV) which is in high demand in the international market. One of the strong arms of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL), VFJ has been given open hands to escalate towards the commercial production with innovative products and services in the corporate sector. VFJ are giving thrust on research and development towards developing futuristic vehicles by evolving new technologies to manufacture all terrain vehicles and high-end Electronic and Hydrogen operated commercial vehicles. The IITs and other Government Organisations have been collaborated for materialising the futuristic plans, said Sanjeev Kumar Bhola (IOFS), Chief General Manager, VFJ. CGM, S K Bhola, while talking to The Hitavada, informed that they are successfully fulfilling the vehicular requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Apart from production of conventional products, they have a big infrastructure, technology and unmatchable technical workforce to escalate towards global market with new technologically upgraded products. Bhola added that the load of conventional products has been reduced and they need to develop latest and advanced products. VFJ has all necessary resources but dearth of workload is underutilising its infrastructure and workforce. A melange of devotion and political promotion! By K Anand Rao BHILAI, Ganesh Chaturthi, is celebrated with zeal in Bhilai, but this year being an election year, it has taken an intriguing turn as political aspirations intertwine with the festivities. While the city basks in the grandeur of its pandals and exquisitely crafted Lord Ganesha idols, the prelude to the State Assembly elections add a unique flavour to this annual celebration. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are yet to officially unveil their candidates for the Bhilai Nagar Assembly seat. However, the incumbent MLA, backed by his supporters, and other aspiring candidates have seized the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi to launch extensive promotional campaigns. With their sights set on the upcoming State Assembly elections, political parties, leaders, and activists are actively participating in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Bhilai to capture attention and establish personal connections with the public. The incumbent MLA of Bhilai, along with his associates and political backers, is making a noticeable impact by adorning the city with banners and posters near Ganesh Pandals. While political banners and hoardings are scattered across various pandals in the city, its worth noting that Congress supporters have taken the lead by displaying a significant number of banners throughout Bhilai. BJP supporters have also placed banners around select Ganesh pandals, although their promotional efforts appear relatively subdued compared to the Congress. Khursipar, a region within the Bhilai constituency, has become the epicenter of this political fervor, with walls and crossroads adorned with political messages. Visitors to the Dussehra Maidan in Khursipar, where the Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with grandeur, are greeted not only by majestic pandals but also by banners showcasing the citys development works over the past five years. These banners proudly display the achievements of the incumbent MLA, accompanied by a prominent image of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Similarly, Sector-1, another hub for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Bhilai, is also witnessing political enthusiasts using the pandal surroundings for political messaging. In addition, political banners conveying messages about the Ganesh festival have covered poles, walls, and squares in Bhilai. Notably, many of the organising committees responsible for Ganesh Utsav in the Township area have chosen to keep political campaigning at bay within their pandals. Politicians are aware that upsetting Ganesh Utsav samitis could lead to the ire of people who are also political activists, especially with the Assembly elections just a few months away. The citys streets are alive with colors, both religious and political, creating a unique spectacle that mirrors the vibrancy of democracy itself A true civil servant is one whose heart beats for poor: Murmu Delhi Bureau NEW DELHI, PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Monday said a compassionate civil servant whose heart beats for the poor and the underprivileged is a true civil servant as distinct from merely a career bureaucrat. Addressing a group of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, she said uplifting the marginalised sections of society should be an article of faith for them. You should make efforts to understand the link between file to field and also between field to file. This people-centric alertness and sensitivity will make you engage with the files in a far more meaningful manner, Murmu said. The President asked the officers to always visualise the people who are going to be impacted by the files you deal with. A group of 182 IAS officers of 2021 batch, currently posted as Assistant Secretaries in various Union Ministries and departments, had called on Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre here. I have seen from close quarters the difficulties and problems faced by the people living in backward areas and belonging to the deprived segments of our society. I have also seen some sensitive civil servants who went the extra mile to help such people, she said. A compassionate civil servant whose heart beats for the poor and the underprivileged is a true civil servant as distinct from merely a career bureaucrat, the President said. She said an inclusive, progressive and sensitive society allows greater space to women. The nation is on the path of women empowerment and women-led development. I am very happy that the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has been passed by both the Houses of Parliament. Women are breaking stereotypes and the glass ceiling. They are playing increasingly larger roles in all aspects of growth and development, Murmu said. She was happy over increase in percentage of women IAS officers in the past four years. I have been told that in the batches from 2019 to 2022, the percentage of women IAS officers had ranged between 28 per cent to 34 per cent. I am very happy to note that the percentage of women IAS officers has gone as high as 42 per cent for the batch 2023. Babbar Khalsa trying to settle key aides across world: NIA By Rajnish Singh NEW DELHI, PRO-KHALISTANI banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is trying to settle its important members and executors abroad in the countries of their wish, with the help of Pro-Khalistan Elements (PKEs) who are well settled in various countries across the world. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheet filed in March this year reveals that the BKIs move has created a symbiotic terrorist-gangster network, between gangster and Pro-Khalistan elements which fulfill their requirement of the shooters to carry out targeted killings. In return gangsters get access to sophisticated weapons from across the border. In the chargesheet, the NIA said it was the BKI that targeted and attacked important security installations which was manifested in the form of RPG terror attacks on Intelligence headquarters of Punjab Police in Mohali, RPG attack on Sarhali Police Station in Tarn Taran and an IED blast on CIA Ropar. All executioners-accused are from outside States including Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Only harbourers and logistic supporters are from State. They are directly supervised by their gang handlers from abroad who further work on directions of BKI, the chargesheet mentions. As per the NIA, BKI at present is active in the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. The terror group continues its operations from Pakistan with the support of Pakistans ISI. It has been officially banned and designated as an international terrorist organisation by several countries India, Canada, European Union, Japan, Malaysia, the UK and the USA. Currently, the agency said, Wadhwa Singh Babbar, who is hiding in Pakistan, heads the outfit. Mehal Singh is the deputy chief of BKI. Both, Mehal Singh and Wadhwa Singh are amongst the 20 terrorists whom India wants Pakistan to extradite the chargesheet says. Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, a gangster turned terrorist has been involved in murders, attempt to murder, contract killing, robberies and extortions, it adds. Wadhwa Singh Babbar has personally supervised assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh on August 31, 1995. City police step up flood response preparedness Staff Reporter In the wake of the devastating floods reported on September 23, the City Police have initiated comprehensive preparations to respond effectively to flood-like situations and identified 41 vulnerable waterlogging points within the city. Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar said that highest number vulnerable water-logging points across the city were identified in the Gittikhadan Police station area. These areas are primarily low-lying regions around Ambazari Lake and the catchment areas of the Nag River which flows through the heart of the city. The Commissioner stressed the importance of quick response during flood-like emergencies situation. In a proactive measure, patrolling vehicles of concerned police stations have been equipped with rescue materials, including ropes, tubes, torches, loudspeakers and other necessary items. Shedding light on the recent evacuation operation on September 23, the shared that the police received a total of 275 emergency calls during the floods. The first emergency call was received at 3.36 am and the peak of calls was occured between 5 am and 6 am as whopping 95 calls were received from the citizens. Sixty emergency calls were received from 4 am to 5 am while 70 calls received from 6 am to 7 am. As the situation improved, the volume of emergency calls gradually decreased, he said. The CP appealed to the citizens to contact the police immediately during any emergency situation. Intl meet Business Beyond Borders opens Staff Reporter Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh along with other dignitaries inaugurated the International Business Meet Business Beyond Borders organised by Madhya Pradesh Association of Woman Entrepreneurs (MAWE) at a city hotel, on Monday. Mag Jones (Former Chief Women Economic Empowerment Officer), Angela Davis (Joint Programme Coordinator UN Women Caribbean), Dr Mariam Shakeela (Chairperson of Womens Chamber of Commerce Maldives), Emma Kavava (Tanzania Women Roundtable) and others were the special guests of the event. Speaking on the occasion Mayor Singh stressed the need to promote women and introduce women entrepreneurs from small cities like Jabalpur to the global market. He praised MAWEs efforts in this regard, acknowledging them as commendable. Expressing views on the occasion, MAWEs Chairperson and Founder President, Dr Archana Bhatnagar provided detailed information about the necessity of International Business Meet. She highlighted MAWEs continuous commitment to womens economic development since 2000, focusing on bringing opportunities to women through various projects. She mentioned that MAWE had successfully hosted the SWEEP (Support for Womens Economic Empowerment Programme) in Jabalpur in 2017 and 2019, with the 2020 edition taking place in Bhopal. During the panel discussions, led by Mag Jones from Australia, featured panelists Gail Golok, Lilian Alok, Emma Kababa and Dr Archana Bhatnagar, talk strategies for expanding businesses beyond borders and sharing their experiences in successfully running their ventures. IAS P Narhari, Chief Secretary of Industries Department and Commissioner for Industrial Promotion, moderated another panel discussion. Panelists Chitra Chidanand (Founder of SALT), Nitin Bhatnagar (Director of Haylide), Professor Satyajeet Majumdar (Professor and Dean at TISS Mumbai), and Dr Mariam Shakeela (Chairwoman of Womens Chamber of Commerce Maldives) deliberated on the employment challenges posed by AI tools like chatbots and GPT, as well as the new business opportunities that have emerged. The meet will continue on Tuesday. Usha Gupta, Chandra Mahidhar, Amarjeet Uppal, Nisha Nair, Jasmeet, Priyanka, Anisha Chadha, Nazish Khan, Harmeet and Seema Swami played a key role in making event Business Beyond Borders a success. Monsoon starts withdrawing from India, 8 days behind normal date NEW DELHI, MONSOON started withdrawing from India on Monday, eight days behind the normal date of September 17, the India Meteorological Department said. The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from parts of southwest Rajasthan today, September 25, 2023, against its normal date of withdrawal from southwest Rajasthan of September 17, it said in a statement. This year is the 13th consecutive delayed Monsoon retreat. The withdrawal of monsoon from northwest India marks the beginning of its retreat from the Indian subcontinent. Any delay in the monsoons retreat means a longer rainy season, which can significantly impact agricultural production, particularly for northwest India where monsoon rainfall plays a crucial role in the Rabi crop production. Typically, the southwest monsoon makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8. It starts retreating from northwest India around September 17, withdrawing entirely by October 15. According to the IMD, the withdrawal of monsoon from extreme north-western parts of the country is announced based on three major synoptic features after September 1: no rainfall activity over the region for five days on the trot, the establishment of anticyclone in the lower troposphere (850 hPa and below) and a considerable reduction in moisture content as inferred from satellite water vapour imageries and tephigrams. India has received 796.4 mm of rain during this monsoon season so far, compared to a normal of 843.2 mm, representing a deficit of six per cent. Rainfall between 94 per cent and 106 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) is considered normal. No new cases of dengue reported in Durg district Staff Reporter DURG, In various areas of Durg district, including Bhilai Municipal Corporation area and Durg Municipal Corporation area, the work of control and prevention related to dengue is being done continuously by the Health Department and Municipal Corporation staff. As such on September 25, after about a month no new case of Dengue ELIZA positive was reported. At present 6 patients are admitted and no patient is in serious condition. Mosquito source reduction work has been done daily by the field staff of the Health Department by going door-to-door in the residential areas of the patients. Municipal Corporation Bhilai, the team of Charoda, Risali Public Health Department, Bhilai Steel Plant and Municipal Corporation Durg is continuously carrying out fogging work with Temiphos to destroy larvae and Malathion to destroy Aedes mosquitoes in dengue affected areas. According to Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr J P Meshram and District Malaria Officer Dr C B S Banjare informed that all the Municipal Corporations and the media are continuously appealing to the people to observe one day a week as a dry day for the prevention and control of dengue. It would be appropriate if on that day, all the containers in the house like coolers, water tanks and others in which rain water is collected should be drained in a flat place. Using mosquito net while sleeping will be effective for prevention and control of dengue and malaria. If the appeal is not accepted, if larvae are found in a house for the first time, then the Municipal Corporation employees will give advice and in case of larvae being found for the second time, a fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 will be levied, for which the responsibility will be on the individual. Chief Medical and Health Officer of the district Dr J P Meshram and District Malaria Officer Dr C B S Banjare appeals to the people to get tested for malaria and dengue in case of fever. Dengue and malaria testing is being done free of cost in the district hospital, civil hospital, all community health centres / primary health centres, urban primary health centres, sub-health centres, health and wellness centres. It would be appropriate to take medicine after consultation with the doctor only. PM urges electorate to choosedevelopment over regression Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves at supporters as he arrives to address BJPs Karyakarta Mahakumbh, in Bhopal on Monday. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and State BJP President V D Sharma are also seen. BHOPAL : PM Modi hits out at Congress and allies over Womens Reservation Bill Urban Naxals are running the Congress: PM Modi THE Congress government will turn the State into Bimaru Rajya if it comes to power, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a BJP workers congregation Karyakarta Mahakumbh in Bhopal on Monday. PM urged the electorate to choose development over regression, likening Congress torusted iron that cannot fathom the future and lacks the capability to understand national ambition. Prime Minister Modi has slammed the Congress party, reminding Bimaru Rajya tag he said, the path of progress laid by the BJP could only be sustained if the party remained in power. Congress ruled Madhya Pradesh for many years, but the people in the State witnessed misrule corruption,andpoorlawand order.ACongress-led Government could potentially revertMadhyaPradesh to the Bimaru state it once was. Drawing attention to instances in states like Maharashtra andRajasthan, where he cited poor governance under Congress, he emphasised the need for a continuation of BJPs developmental initiatives in the state while addressing the megagatheringatJambooree Maidan. Prime Ministers speech in poll-bound State covers the issue of the Womens Reservation Bill, first time voters and Congress misrule and put emphasisondevelopmental work done during the BJP government. Speaking about first time voters, he called them fortunateastheyhaveseenonly the BJP government in MadhyaPradeshwhichiskey for India's development vision. The people of Madhya Pradesh have always showered their blessings on the BJP.Congressisagainstevery projectmadeforadeveloped India and has no thought process for the future. Congress made Madhya Pradesh a Bimaru (lagged behind in development and economicprosperity) state. WhereverCongresshasruled, they have destroyed the states. MP needs tobe saved; we cant see the state getting looted. Congress contract is with a few Urban Naxals. BHARTI DEMANDS SUBQUOTA FOR OBCS: NOTABLY, Prime Minister in his speech slammed the Congress and allies for halfheartedly supporting WomensReservationBill,on other hand former CM and senior party leader Uma Bharti said the recentlyclearedWomensReservation Bill should not be implemented without a sub-quota for the OBC community. Bhartipostedonsocialmedia thatsheexpectsthePMtogive apositivesignalinthisregard. Sontu was operating 55 tenancy bank accounts Staff Reporter On-line gaming fraudster Sontu alias Ananth Navratan Jain was operating over 55 tenancy bank accounts and investigation revealed that crores of rupees were routed through these bogus bank accounts by the fraudster. The shocking information came to fore during ongoing forensic audits of bank accounts operated for the gaming fraud. A top rank police official said that Sontu had even opened a bank account in the name of a sanitation worker employed for his household work. Transaction details from a total of 55 tenancy banks are being scanned by the police officials with finance experts. Of these, 55 tenancy accounts, one bank account was opened in a bank at Rajkot, Gujarat. A transaction of Rs 1.5 crore was detected through this bank account. Similarly, two tenancy bank accounts in the name of a sanitation worker and a cobbler, both residents of Gondia, also came to fore. Both bank accounts have transactions of lakhs of rupees, said the official, adding that an account of a supervisor at a hawala trader was also operated by Sontu. The police have gathered details of all the 55 bank accounts and started recording statements of account holders under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). These persons were getting 1.5 per cent to 5 per cent share from the fraudster for availing the facility, the official said. The official further said that Vikrant Agrawal who lost Rs 58 crore in the on-line gaming fraud, had deposited money in 12 bank accounts and later the money was routed through 55 and then 400 bank accounts. The police also learnt that the cash was withdrawn by unidentified persons from the bank accounts immediately after lakhs of rupees were transferred to the accounts. Meanwhile, a team of Crime Branch returned form Kolkata as they were unable to trace the accused Astha Jain, Ruby Jain and Vinay Jain. The three were charged for pressuring the victim to withdraw the complaint. by Xinhua writers Cheng Lu and Tong Fang CHENGDU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Even 78 years after the end of World War II (WWII), the heroic story of the Flying Tigers lives on well in a private museum in China. It was a special combat team, comprised of a group of American volunteer pilots, who came to China over 80 years ago to help the Chinese drive out invading Japanese troops. To commemorate the Flying Tigers and other American servicemen who assisted China during WWII, Fan Jianchuan, who was once an entrepreneur, set up the Hall of the Heroes of the Flying Tigers in Anren Town in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Shaped like a warship, the exhibition hall covers an area of 1,506 square meters and is part of the Jianchuan Museum, China's largest private museum cluster. Fan is also the curator of this museum. Upon entering, visitors are captivated by a prominent feature: a wall entirely adorned with ceramic plaques displaying photographs of the 248 pilots who served in the Flying Tigers squad, each image capturing their youthful visages. Introducing the displayed items, Fan emphasized the profound meaning behind establishing a commemorative museum. According to Fan, more than 500 fighter planes from the Flying Tigers, along with over 500 transport planes along the famous "Hump" air route, crashed during WWII, and over 4,000 American soldiers sacrificed their lives in China. "The deep friendship forged between the Chinese and American people during their joint struggle against Japanese fascism should not be forgotten," he said. The Hall of the Heroes of the Flying Tigers features over 2,000 exhibits ranging from aircraft wreckage to the massive stone rollers used by the Chinese to build military airfields and photographs capturing the moments when Chinese citizens came to the rescue of downed American pilots. Each item serves as a vessel of unique historical tales. One prominent exhibit is the wreckage of a C-87 transport airplane. This plane was flown during WWII by American pilots tasked with transporting goods along the "Hump" air route over the Himalayas, a crucial channel in China's wartime logistics system. The wreckage was discovered on a glacier in Nyingchi in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. Just outside the hall stands a silver memorial plaque inscribed with the names of the five American soldiers who perished in the plane crash. In October 2015, China handed over the remains of American pilots to the United States. "In order to uncover the history of the 'Hump' route and allow the mortal remains of these heroes to return to their homeland, the search team braved life-threatening conditions as they traversed glaciers in remote areas at altitudes of 5,000 meters," Fan said. Over the years, numerous American veterans, many of them elderly and some even in wheelchairs, have visited the exhibition hall. "The fighter pilot emblems they proudly wear on their chests tell me that they are among the bravest individuals in the world," Fan said. When the Hall of the Heroes of the Flying Tigers opened on Aug. 15, 2005, Robert Gruber, an elderly veteran, visited the hall. Upon hearing that the exhibition showcased items related to WWII American soldiers, he was moved to tears. Shortly after returning to the United States, Gruber passed away. Nevertheless, his personal belongings donated to the museum remain on display. These items include a portrait of him in his youth in military attire and a cherished photograph of his girlfriend, which was kept in a frame made from the wreckage of Japanese planes. Over the past 18 years, the hall has welcomed 7.2 million visitors who have left numerous messages. "May the people of China and the United States always remember history and cherish peace," reads a note from a Chinese visitor. Before the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in 2025, Fan plans to visit more veterans and their descendants in the United States and gather more artifacts. He said he would also continue the search for American aircraft wreckage from WWII in China. "Though the gun smoke of WWII has long dissipated, it remains our duty to comprehend this episode of history, perpetuate the spirit of the Flying Tigers, promote cooperation and friendship, and better safeguard global peace," Fan said. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 8,425 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $309,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer during the first quarter valued at about $29,000. 25 LLC bought a new stake in Pfizer during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC bought a new stake in Pfizer during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Macroview Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 70.0% in the 1st quarter. Macroview Investment Management LLC now owns 962 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. purchased a new position in shares of Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Credit Suisse Group downgraded Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $47.00 to $40.00 in a report on Thursday, June 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Pfizer from $45.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Monday, September 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $46.35. Pfizer Stock Up 0.9 % PFE opened at $32.98 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $186.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.77, a PEG ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.59. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $35.47 and a 200-day moving average price of $37.65. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $32.41 and a twelve month high of $54.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.82, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 28.36% and a net margin of 27.55%. The companys revenue was down 54.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.04 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.33 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG Free Report) by 75.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 55,312 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 23,720 shares during the quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Lloyds Banking Group were worth $122,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Naviter Wealth LLC increased its stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 2.2% during the first quarter. Naviter Wealth LLC now owns 197,868 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $459,000 after buying an additional 4,273 shares during the period. Marino Stram & Associates LLC raised its holdings in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. Marino Stram & Associates LLC now owns 24,503 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 4,678 shares in the last quarter. Ellevest Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 200,108 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $464,000 after purchasing an additional 4,710 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC grew its stake in shares of Lloyds Banking Group by 5.7% during the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 87,891 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $204,000 after purchasing an additional 4,744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, West Family Investments Inc. increased its holdings in Lloyds Banking Group by 6.7% in the first quarter. West Family Investments Inc. now owns 81,755 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $197,000 after buying an additional 5,124 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.15% of the companys stock. Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts: Lloyds Banking Group Stock Performance NYSE LYG opened at $2.16 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $34.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.82, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.29. Lloyds Banking Group plc has a 52-week low of $1.70 and a 52-week high of $2.63. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $2.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.24. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Lloyds Banking Group Increases Dividend Lloyds Banking Group ( NYSE:LYG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The financial services provider reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.01). Lloyds Banking Group had a net margin of 19.13% and a return on equity of 10.64%. The company had revenue of $5.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.83 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Lloyds Banking Group plc will post 0.4 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 7th were issued a $0.0792 dividend. This represents a yield of 5.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 4th. This is a positive change from Lloyds Banking Groups previous semi-annual dividend of $0.08. Lloyds Banking Groups payout ratio is currently 24.32%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have issued reports on LYG shares. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 63 ($0.77) to GBX 60 ($0.73) in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 63 ($0.77) to GBX 62 ($0.76) in a report on Friday. BNP Paribas cut shares of Lloyds Banking Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 70 ($0.85) to GBX 68 ($0.83) in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Lloyds Banking Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.29. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LYG Lloyds Banking Group Profile (Free Report) Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance, Pensions, and Investments. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, and credit cards to personal and small business customers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG Free Report) by 9.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,536 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 1,533 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group were worth $159,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 222.2% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 99,558 shares of the banks stock valued at $625,000 after purchasing an additional 68,654 shares during the period. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 337,712 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,117,000 after buying an additional 75,461 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 5.9% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 260,522 shares of the banks stock worth $1,634,000 after buying an additional 14,437 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 19.2% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 390,129 shares of the banks stock worth $2,446,000 after acquiring an additional 62,938 shares during the period. Finally, Cibc World Market Inc. grew its holdings in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group by 0.4% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 857,674 shares of the banks stock worth $5,378,000 after acquiring an additional 3,782 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.62% of the companys stock. Get Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group alerts: Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Stock Performance NYSE SMFG opened at $10.12 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.08. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $5.39 and a twelve month high of $10.58. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $9.27 and a 200 day moving average of $8.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $67.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.77, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.69. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group ( NYSE:SMFG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The bank reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.03. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group had a return on equity of 6.62% and a net margin of 11.19%. The business had revenue of $16.56 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. will post 0.88 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research firms have recently weighed in on SMFG. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Profile (Free Report) Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking, leasing, securities, credit card, and consumer finance services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. It operates through Wholesale Business Unit, Retail Business Unit, Global Business Unit, and Global Markets Business Unit segments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 896 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $211,000. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Penserra Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Equifax by 8.5% during the 4th quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 637 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $123,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its stake in Equifax by 4.4% during the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 1,188 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $231,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. BSW Wealth Partners lifted its holdings in shares of Equifax by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. BSW Wealth Partners now owns 1,518 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $308,000 after buying an additional 51 shares during the period. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC boosted its stake in shares of Equifax by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. United Capital Financial Advisers LLC now owns 1,411 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $334,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its holdings in shares of Equifax by 0.6% in the first quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 9,447 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,916,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the period. 98.37% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Equifax alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have issued reports on EFX shares. StockNews.com began coverage on Equifax in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Equifax from $204.00 to $221.00 in a research report on Monday, July 10th. Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on shares of Equifax from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Bank of America downgraded shares of Equifax from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $255.00 to $195.00 in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Equifax from $238.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $220.63. Equifax Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of Equifax stock opened at $184.03 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The firm has a market cap of $22.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.30, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 1.44. Equifax Inc. has a twelve month low of $145.98 and a twelve month high of $240.35. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $200.64 and a 200-day moving average price of $207.27. Equifax (NYSE:EFX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The credit services provider reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.67 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion. Equifax had a net margin of 10.36% and a return on equity of 19.67%. Equifaxs revenue was up .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.09 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Equifax Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Equifax Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th were issued a $0.39 dividend. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.85%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 5th. Equifaxs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.71%. Insider Activity at Equifax In other Equifax news, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 7,000 shares of Equifax stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.38, for a total transaction of $1,409,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 69,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,076,864.76. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 7,000 shares of Equifax stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $201.38, for a total transaction of $1,409,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 69,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,076,864.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO John W. Gamble, Jr. sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $201.33, for a total transaction of $503,325.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 44,026 shares in the company, valued at $8,863,754.58. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 19,500 shares of company stock worth $3,912,985. Company insiders own 1.75% of the companys stock. Equifax Company Profile (Free Report) Equifax Inc operates as a data, analytics, and technology company. The company operates through three segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International. The Workforce Solutions segment offers services that enables customers to verify income, employment, educational history, criminal justice data, healthcare professional licensure, and sanctions of people in the United States; and employer customers with services that assist them in complying with and automating payroll-related and human resource management processes throughout the entire cycle of the employment relationship. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Equifax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equifax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. That release could not be found. HARBIN, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Sun Island Annual Conference for Entrepreneurs opened on Tuesday in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, gathering people from all walks of life to discuss new ways to achieve the full revitalization of northeast China. Themed on the power of entrepreneurs in the new growth engine, new opportunities and new development amid northeast China's revitalization, the conference has attracted more than 500 attendees to focus on topics including the digital economy, the biological economy, the ice-and-snow economy, and the creative design industry. Xu Qin, secretary of the Communist Party of China Committee of Heilongjiang Province, said at the event's opening ceremony that the provincial Party committee and the provincial government will strive to create a first-class business environment, helping enterprises to accelerate development, develop healthily, and become bigger and stronger, supporting entrepreneurs to show their achievements and realize their dreams in Heilongjiang, and jointly contribute to the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, said that, as the state news agency, Xinhua has always stuck to focusing on the overall situation of the Party and the country's work, gathering strong forces for the full revitalization of northeast China, while providing a communication platform for entrepreneurs to show their brands to the world. Lyu said that Xinhua will promote entrepreneurship and encourage enterprises to play a bigger role and achieve greater development, make good use of various platforms and channels to continue to help the full revitalization of northeast China and the high-quality development of enterprises, and make further efforts to better tell to the world the Heilongjiang chapter of China's story. The two-day event is co-hosted by the municipal government of Harbin, Heilongjiang provincial department of commerce, Xinhuanet and the Heilongjiang bureau of Xinhua News Agency. Tinubu vs. Atiku: A Dispute In American Courts - Regardless Of The Final Outcome, The End Is Not The Issue, But ItsImpact On Africa's Leadership Aspirations, And Nigeria's Youth Mindset In the intricate realm of global politics, the threads of nations' stories are often woven with secrecy, power struggles, and the enigma of leadership. From the perspective of a psychologist, and a Nigerian living in America, the ongoing legal saga involving President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar transcends the boundaries of a mere legal dispute. Instead, it unravels as a profoundly painful narrative that beckons a closer psychological examinationone that peers beyond the courtroom's facade to reveal the intricate web of human behavior, ethics, and the harrowing impact of leadership dynamics on individuals and society. In the grand scheme of this unfolding narrative, regardless of the final legal decision, one thing remains starkly clear: this dispute is not conducive to the well-being of the African humanity, to the aspirations of Africa, or to the hopes of Nigeria's youths and children. The pain of shattered trust, the disillusionment that seeps into the hearts of the next generation, and the erosion of faith in leadership are wounds that linger long after the legal battles cease. At its core, this case poses an intricate puzzleone filled with behaviors that defy belief. To the discerning eye of psychology, it invites an exploration into the enigmatic motivations that propel individuals in positions of power to undertake actions seemingly beyond the boundaries of rationality. What hidden psychological factors drive these actions, and how do these leaders reconcile them with the moral and ethical expectations placed upon their shoulders? Leaders, regardless of their origins, serve as beacons of inspiration for the societies they represent. However, when these very figures become embroiled in legal disputes and seek to shroud aspects of their personal histories in secrecy, they transform from aspirational role models into elusive shadows. This transformation carries profound psychological implications, compelling individuals, particularly the young and impressionable, to grapple with a dissonance between their idealized perception of leadership and the stark realities they witness. Scrutinizing the layers of this narrative reveals a disconcerting revelationleaders, perched at the pinnacle of power, may conceal dark and concealed pasts. From the perspective of psychology, this disclosure prompts a profound exploration into the psychological underpinnings of maintaining such secrecy and the toll it takes on the human psyche. It challenges our understanding of the human capacity for duplicity and the psychological burden of living with hidden truths. Beyond Nigeria's borders, this case reverberates globally, shaping the nation's image on the international stage. As psychologists, we must consider the profound psychological impact of this tarnished image on the collective identity of Nigerians and the international perceptions of the nation. It underscores the intricate relationship between identity, image, and the psychological well-being of a society. The case further unearths the theme of disillusionment, particularly among the youth. For those in the formative stages of their lives, leaders are often perceived as beacons of inspiration and guidance. The revelation of questionable behaviors challenges their psychological development, forcing them to reevaluate their beliefs and aspirations. This psychological turmoil can have long-lasting effects on their worldviews and attitudes toward authority. At its core, this case thrusts into the spotlight the ethical dilemma of selective information disclosure. The blurred line between personal privacy and the public's right to know poses a profound psychological question: What drives individuals to selectively conceal information, and what psychological consequences arise from attempting to control one's narrative in the public eye? Psychologically, the anticipation of the judge's decision becomes a focal point. The prediction that the judge may release most, if not all, of the requested information underscores the psychological tension between individual rights and the greater public interest. It reflects the human element in legal proceedings, where individual actions and decisions carry profound implications for broader society. Ultimately, this case resounds as a call for change, echoing throughout the African continent. It signifies a collective yearning for transformation, for a departure from entrenched systems that breed secrecy, disputes, and a lack of transparency. Psychologically, it signals a desire for a new era of leadership characterized by accountability, integrity, and a commitment to the psychological well-being of the societies they serve. In the crucible of this case, where legal arguments intersect with the complexities of the human psyche, we find a rich needlepoint of psychological dynamics awaiting examination. It is a poignant reminder that the pursuit of justice is not just a matter of legal procedure; it is an exploration of the depths of human behavior, ethics, and the psychological underpinnings that shape our world. Human beings have an innate fascination with power and leadership. From a psychological perspective, this case serves as a striking example of our perpetual curiosity about those who ascend to positions of authority. We are drawn to the narratives of leaders, perhaps because they embody our aspirations or because their actions have direct or indirect consequences on our lives. Leadership is not just a position; it's an emotional connection between leaders and their followers. From a psychological standpoint, leaders evoke powerful emotions within individualstrust, hope, admiration, or disillusionment. The emotional rollercoaster experienced by the public in light of this case raises intriguing questions about the psychological bond between leaders and their constituents. Leadership, especially in the age of information, comes with the burden of public scrutiny. The psychological toll of being constantly under the watchful eye of the public, media, and political adversaries is immense. It can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even paranoia. Understanding these psychological pressures sheds light on why leaders might resort to legal battles to protect their privacy. The heart of this legal dispute lies in the clash between individual rights and societal interests. This tension is a cornerstone of legal and ethical debates. From a psychological standpoint, it delves into the intricate balance between personal autonomy and the greater good. It invites us to explore how individuals weigh their own privacy against the public's right to transparency. In a democratic society, transparency and accountability are vital. When leaders are called to account for their actions, it has a profound psychological impact on both the leaders themselves and the public. It can trigger feelings of vindication, betrayal, or a renewed sense of trust. Analyzing these psychological reactions provides valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership in a democracy. Psychologically, trust is the glue that holds societies together. When trust in leaders is eroded, as is often the case in situations like this, there arises a compelling question: Can trust be rebuilt? Exploring the psychological processes of trust repair becomes crucial in the aftermath of such revelations. While this case paints a somber picture of leadership, it also underscores the potential for psychological growth and change. Leaders, like all individuals, can evolve and learn from their past actions. Examining the psychological pathways to personal growth and transformation offers a glimmer of hope for the future of leadership. For students and aspiring leaders, this case serves as a psychological case study in leadership development. It prompts reflection on the qualities and ethics that should define a leader. What psychological traits are desirable in those who hold positions of power? How can leadership education be enhanced to instill a strong moral and ethical compass in future leaders? In this psychological exploration of the complex tapestry woven by the Tinubu-Atiku case, we venture beyond the mere legal intricacies and dive into the depths of human behavior, ethics, and leadership dynamics. It is a journey into the hearts and minds of leaders and the societies they serve. As we peel back each layer, we uncover not only the pain of shattered trust but also the potential for healing, growth, and transformationboth for individuals and for the African continent as a whole. It is a story that underscores the profound interplay between psychology and the intricate world of politics and leadership, beckoning us to seek a deeper understanding of the human condition in all its complexity. The title, "Tinubu vs. Atiku: A Dispute In American Courts - Regardless Of The Final Outcome, The End Is Not The Issue, But Its Impact On Africa's Leadership Aspirations, And Nigeria's Youth Mindset " conveys a powerful message that transcends the legal proceedings, underscoring that the true significance of this dispute extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom verdict. It serves as a stark reminder that the ripple effects of such disputes resonate beyond borders, influencing the collective yearning for ethical leadership across the African continent. Furthermore, it leaves an indelible mark on the aspirations and mindset of Nigeria's youth, inspiring a deep and contemplative examination of the values and principles that should guide our nations as we navigate the complex tapestry of leadership, governance, and the future that lies ahead. As we delve into the psychological intricacies of this case, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the collective responsibility to nurture leadership that reflects the values of transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct. It is an invitation to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, to channel our collective energies toward building a future where leaders serve as beacons of hope, where the trust of the people is cherished and upheld, and where the dreams of Nigeria's youths and children can flourish unburdened by the shadows of distrust. In this reflection, we are reminded that the pursuit of justice is not solely the domain of courts and lawyers; it is a shared endeavor that encompasses the very essence of our humanity. It calls for a commitment to fostering leadership that nurtures the aspirations of the next generation and safeguards the well-being of our societies. It beckons us to collectively craft a narrative that uplifts, inspires, and empowers, leaving behind the painful echoes of shattered trust and embracing a future where the dreams of Africa and Nigeria's youths and children can truly thrive. Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. As an Edolite and Journalist, every passing day had seen me nervously looking out for media mention about the state of affairs in Edo state. It is almost becoming a ritual as I committedly do it, by frequently watching television stations that have the predilection of broadcastingactivities that surround politics in the state, explore social media platforms, visit online newspapers as well as go through diverse traditional newspapers which are no doubt constant reminders of issues related to governance, in the state. To put it bluntly, not a few Edolites are unhappy with the state of affairs in the state at the moment, and this is no doubt very fathomable as chariness runs high amid ineptitude in governance that is assuming a deeper penetration, so much so that service delivery in most cases does not reach a large demographic segment of the population in the state. Be that as it may, the barometer of public opinion in the state suggests that the incumbent governor has not done well, or better still has reached his tether end, particularly when viewed from the fact that he was expected to bringhis past experiences as a technocrat and chairman of Edo State Economic and Strategic Team under former governor of the State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to bear on the ongoing leadership process. Simply put, there are still agitations from a wide spectrum of the population in the state that his overall performance so far leaves much to be desired. Without any scintilla of hyperbole, the gap in governance that crept in few months after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole left office in 2016 is by each passing day widening thereby leaving the impression that the legacy he left in the government house has not been maximized and sustained as expected. This ostensive retrogressive trend in governance, no doubt, has raised the concern, and called for the input of other stakeholders as a way of taking the state to the next level. These are leaders that understand the potential impact of governance on the states success or failure. They are citizenly capable as leaders to meet the peoples expectations in the state when given the opportunity. One of such leaders, Barrister Dele Igbinedion, no doubt, has the trump card that is needed to take the state to the next level when given the opportunity to fly the Labour Party Flag, and consequently when voted for by the people of Edo state; irrespective of political, ethnic and religious affiliations. The reason for being a popular choice of the people cannot be pooh-poohed as he has the trump card that is needed to take the state to the next level. Toput it straightforwardly, Igbinedions candidature at both the primary and gubernatorial election stages on his bid to Osadebay Avenue are beyond primordial sentiments. According to lexicographers, a trump card is An advantage that makes a person more likely to succeed than other people, especially in something that other people do not know about. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to ask; What is the trump card that Igbinedion possesses? To answer the foregoing question, it suffices to say that Igbinedion is unquestionably regarded in the state as a man with the needed experience to become the next governor having being part of the administration that brought the dividends of democracy to the state. Added to the foregoing is the fact that his political ambition has the support and blessings of all and sundry within the state, and beyond. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to say that he was a former member of the Edo State House of assembly, where he represented the Orhionmwon East Constituency in the House of Assembly, and while in the House, he was the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Commerce and Industry. He was also the Chairman, Board of Directors of the government owned Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, and has also been the legal adviser and consultant to the Edo State House of Assembly, Secretary, Law Review Committee of Edo State. Currently, Hon. Dele Igbinedion is a lawyer in private practice where he specializes in Human Rights Enforcement and litigation. He has successfully handled several high-profile cases, which has changed the way government relates to Nigerians. He is currently a patron to the law students Association, Ambrose Alli University, and also the National Open University of Nigeria law students, Benin study Centre. He is a publisher and author of several law books and journals. Without sounding hyperbolical, his years of experience in government so far put him in a good stead to do the greatest good to the greatest number of people in the state. Though Igbinedion has always being in the State with the people, particularly at the grassroots level, and have on that virtue been helping the oppressed, and the disadvantaged as he is a lawyer and an activist, unlike other politicians that have taken the cities of Lagos and Abuja to be their permanent places of abode. Despite living and interacting in a wide community where not a few people close their eyes to the plights and challenges which others face, Igbinedion believes that the destiny of each individual, wherever he resides on the earth is tied up with the destiny of all men that inhabit the globe, so with the foregoing belief ingrained in him, he never hesitates to help others. You can imagine such a personality becoming the governor of Edo State, come 2024, when chosen to be voted for. In fact, one of the areas of governance in the State where there is noticeable lapse is in that of human capacity. To this, the former lawmaker has what it takes to take actions towards bridging the lacuna, and make it better than it is. Another area of governance in the state that is highly deplored by the people is that of abject neglect of the political class and failure to carry them along by the powers that be. To this, there is no way Igbinedion will fall into the shenanigan of neglecting the political class as he is known to have always exhibited pleasant attitude towards those that helped him in his political aspiration. To this end, one does not need a soothsayer to say that he has the predilection to accord those that will support him in his race to Osadebey Avenue the due respect they deserve; individually and collectively. He is not the kind of politician that will malign the very people that worked hard, travelled the length and breadth of Edo State for him to win an election, only for him to place his fingers on his eyes and tell them, Oooin. He does not belong to the brand of politicians that take delight in literarily drinking from the fountain of power and uncontrollably get drunk with power. He is not the kind of leader that will immediately develop lethargy towards the political class and close the political space after he has been sworn into office. At this juncture, not a few readers of this piece may be asking whether he will be able to attract infrastructural development to the state when he becomes the governor. To me, he will be more than able to attract infrastructural development to the state as he is at the moment not satisfied with the state of affairs in Edo State. For instance, at a recent parley with him, he was asked, As one of the aspirants vying to become the next Edo State Governor, what you would do better? Hear his response: If you ask me what Im bringing to the table when voted for, I will answer your question by saying that noting is working when viewed from the perspective of governance. Also, I will tell you that everything is not going well. First of all, unfortunately, we do not have a government that understands Governance. Given the foregoing response, there is no denying the fact that Igbinedion knows what leaders operating the ongoing government machineries are not doing, and what the people need when voted into power. At this juncture, it is expedient to conclude that as the next gubernatorial election in Edo State is fast approaching, and with Igbinedion in the race, that voting for him is the surest way to banish bad governance. Reports have indicated that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would hold emergency National Executive Council (NEC) today to take a crucial decision concerning its proposed indefinite strike. It was learnt that the notice of the meeting dated September 22, 2023, was signed by the congress General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, who appealed to the presidents, general secretaries and treasurers of its affiliates to attend the virtual session. The NEC comprises all presidents, general secretaries, treasurers of all NLCs affiliate unions, state chairpersons and secretaries of the NLC state councils, chairperson of the NLC Youth Committee and members of the National Administrative Council. It could be recalled that the NLC had embarked on a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6 in readiness for an indefinite strike to press home its demands. The 21-day ultimatum issued by the congress expired last Friday, and the union consequently scheduled an emergency meeting of its NEC for Tuesday. Part of the unions demands were wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to the public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage, among others. According to reports, a top official of the union revealed that the congress might take drastic action to compel the FG to return to the negotiation table. The top official said the NLC is still maintaining its position on its demands from the federal government, adding that the NEC meeting would determine whether the strike would be immediate or not. The top official said, It is for the government to do the right thing; the government has been given a long time to act, and it is four months since the petrol subsidy was removed. It is only private sector employers who were telling the government to reach an agreement with us, and they were also kicking against the strike because they are apprehensive any labour action will affect them, but it is going to affect everybody, not just the private sector. The private sector employers have refused to give wage awards, saying that they want the Federal Government to lead the way. Therefore, they should have asked the Federal Government to lead the way. However, because the employers have refused to pay, they are waiting for the Federal Government, and they are happy that the Federal Government has not met NLCs demands. Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has said it is waiting for feedback from the Federal Government following last weeks post-subsidy removal negotiations. Recall that the TUC, led by its National President, Festus Osifo, had a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, on 19 September. The minister told the TUC that after their last meeting, he met with President Bola Tinubu to highlight some of the issues raised by organised labour. He appealed to the TUC to exercise more patience, explaining that before the President left for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he was fully briefed, and he gave further directives on the implementation of demands put before him when he met with the labour leaders. LAGOS, NIGERIA September 25, 2023: Lagos NIPR, in collaboration with Upticomm Marketing Company, calls for registration for the 8th Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit, which will take place at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel from October 1819, 2023, with the topic Reinventing Public Relations Proficiencies with AI. To learn more and sign up to attend the Summit, interested marketing communication professionals can visit the website at https://lagosdigitalprsummit.com/. For streamlined registration on mobile devices, a unique QR code has been developed. The investment to enroll is one hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150,000) per person. However, a discount of ten thousand naira (N10,000) would be given for payments made before Friday, October 5, 2023, at the latest. Attendees will earn a Certificate of Participation and the coveted honorary Lagos Digital PR Ambassadorship. This edition is essential training for young and mid-level communication practitioners, especially millennials, Gen Z, and young-minded Gen X, are aspiring to leverage AI applications to improve their efficiency and remain competitive. The Summit will outline several solutions and provide details on how they can move forward in using AI technology to create better content that engages a multi-channel audience while building trust and reputation. This hybrid edition will feature daily keynote sessions, fireside chats, masterclasses, and much more. The two-day Summit brings together senior and intermediate marcomms professionals and is organized in collaboration with technology companies specializing in Internet-related services, social media, and social networking services, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, and leading digital marketing communications firms. The annual Lagos Digital Public Relations Summit is the premier experiential gathering of communicators focused on achieving collective intelligence to equip and capacitate participants with high-level digital public relations strategies, tactics, and how-tos so they can do their jobs better and lift their social media campaign results. #END# Media Contacts: Comfort Nwankwo 08022239908 [email protected] Segun McMedal 08033225251 [email protected] Elderly Belgian couple found dead at Pa Khlok home PHUKET: Police have yet to determine whether foul play was involved in the deaths of an elderly Belgian couple, whose bodies were found at their home in Pa Khlok early today (Sept 26). By Eakkapop Thongtub Tuesday 26 September 2023 06:58 PM Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Thalang Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Kraisorn Boonprasop was informed of the couples deaths by their daughter in law, Jongjit Jitmung, 62, at about 8:20am. Considering the nature of the incident, Thalang Police Chief Col Phisit Chuenphet along with Thalang Police Deputy Chiefs Lt Col Anukun Nuket and Lt Col Kritsana Channit soon arrived at the scene, a house with a swimming pool in Moo 1, Pa Khlok. Also soon to arrive at the scene were rescue workers along with forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and the officers from the Phuket Provincial Forensics Police. Officers found that the bedroom door was locked from the inside, but could access the bedroom through a sliding glass side door. On the bed was the body of 84-year-old Belgian national Maria Alfonsine Cormans, still dressed in a white and orange floral dress. She had been covered with a blanket. In the adjoining bathroom, officers found the body of Florent Leon Emmerchts, 85, also from Belgium, hanged by the thin nylon rope over the bathroom door. Beside him was a small wooden table. It was estimated that the couple had died some 12 hours before their bodies were found. The daughter-in-law, Ms Jongjit, told police that the couple had bought the home for B6.5 million and had been living there for only about five months. Only four people were staying in the house: the elderly couple, herself and her husband, Patrick Emmerechts, 64. Ms Jongjit explained that she and her husband had travelled to Phang Nga yesterday to attend her fathers funeral. They returned home last night and thought the elderly couple had gone to bed early. This morning, Ms Jongjit and her husband went out to do some shopping and only became alarmed when her parents in law had not come for breakfast. Unable to get any response from knocking on the bedroom door, her husband entered the bedroom through the sliding glass side door, and found the couple dead. Police noted that they had recorded the statement as evidence, but added they had yet to conclude their investigation. DNA samples were taken from the scene and the bodies of the elderly couple were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Police noted that they were still investigating three possible scenarios: that the deaths were a case of double suicide, or a murder-suicide or a double murder by an intruder. Officers were continuing their investigation. Prinn gets jail for sex with minor BANGKOK: The Bangkok South Criminal Court sentenced former deputy Democrat Party leader Prinn Panitchpakdi to two years in jail for sexually assaulting an underaged girl while throwing out another similar case yesterday (Sept 25). sexcrime By Bangkok Post Tuesday 26 September 2023 09:07 AM Prinn: Slew of sex charges. Photo: Bangkok Post Prinns latest conviction - of sexually assaulting a girl under 15 - comes without a suspended jail term. It stems from a string of sex-related charges he is facing, reports the Bangkok Post. However, the court dismissed a separate case against him in which he was charged with rape, according to Kosolwat Inthuchanyong, spokesman of the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG). After the ruling, Prinn was granted B300,000 bail by the court, pending his appeal against the conviction. On Aug 10, the Criminal Court sentenced him to two years and eight months in prison without a suspended term for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old student in 2021. She had filed an official complaint with Lumpini police in April 2022. Prosecutors told the court that Prinn lured the student into meeting him at a rooftop restaurant on Soi Sukhumvit 11 and later sexually attacked her. Prinn is the son of Supachai Panitchpakdi, a former deputy prime minister and director-general of the World Trade Organization. Rewat denies spending B50mn on Chalong-Patong road PHUKET: Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), has refuted claims made online that his office has spent B50 million on building the road over the hills from Chalong to Patong. transportconstruction By The Phuket News Tuesday 26 September 2023 01:45 PM PPAO President Rewat Areerob at the old Provincial Hall yesterday (Sept 25). Photo: PPAO Mr Rewats comments came at a press conference held yesterday (Sept 25) at the old Provincial Hall, on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, which is now used by the PPAO. At the press conference it was explained that the PPAO and the Office of Natural Resources and Environment had worked together to create the new road as an alternative route for motorists to drive to and from Patong. The project was launched as an immediate response to the landslide on Patong Hill in October last year. Chalong Municipality and Patong Municipality jointly applied to the Royal Forest Department (RFD) to allow the road to be built where it crosses RFD land. The PPAO used a Cabinet resolution on June 23, 2020 as its basis for being legally allowed to proceed with the project. However, a claim made on social media saying that the PPAO had spent B50mn on building the road was untrue, the PPAO said in a post online yesterday (Sept 25). The total amount was B905,862, of which B808,500 was for fuel and B97,362 for crushed stone, the PPAO said in its statement yesterday. In addition, the Phuket Highways Office supported the project by providing asphalt concrete [road] surfaces. Other government and private agencies also supported [the project] in various parts, the statement added. Of note, yesterday marked the first time the PPAO had publicly revealed any financial figures related to the project. However, the figures fall far short of what the road would have actually cost. Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee earlier this month vowed to raise in Parliament questions about the construction of the road. The key issues are the issue of road damage and the cost-effectiveness of construction, Mr Chalermpong, MP for Phuket District 2, said in a post online. The inspection revealed that the road condition was seriously damaged and hardly usable, Mr Chalermpong noted. The road was built under a budget of tens of millions of baht after Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew last October declared the landslide on Patong Hill a disaster, Mr Chalermpong explained. Though no people were injured or killed in the landslide, declaring the incident a disaster allowed access to the provincial disaster relief fund to pay for road improvements to alleviate the impact on essential traffic travelling to and from Patong, Phukets main tourism town. Phukets standing disaster relief fund has long been reported as B50 million. At last report of anyone at the PPAO being asked how much construction of the road would cost, PPAO Deputy President Tiwat Seedokbuab in March said, We are still finalising it. SYDNEY, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Health authority in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday issued an urgent drug alert, saying a high-dose MDMA (ecstasy) tablet has recently been found in circulation. NSW Health warned in a statement that the pink-orange colored and square-shaped tablet contains 414 mg of MDMA, four times the average amount in MDMA tablets circulating in the state. Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre Darren Roberts said consumption of high doses of MDMA can cause serious illness and death. "It can cause severe agitation, raised body temperature, seizures or fits, irregular heart rhythm, and death," said Roberts. "The health risks from MDMA are greatly increased if high amounts, including multiple doses, are consumed over a short period." "Hot environments can also increase the risk of harm from MDMA. Several music festivals are taking place this week in New South Wales, and hot weather is predicted," he added. Earlier in February, several people were taken to hospital after attending a music festival at Sydney Showground and a panel of experts later determined MDMA as the cause of toxicity. A 26-year-old man died of a suspected drug overdose, with another 12 people hospitalized, seven of them requiring intubation. Srettha denies move to approach Thaksin BANGKOK: Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin says he never spoke of a plan to make former premier Thaksin Shinawatra his adviser once the latter is released from jail, as widely reported. politics By Bangkok Post Tuesday 26 September 2023 11:33 AM Thaksin: Most popular PM. Photo: Bangkok Post Speaking to reporters in New York last week where he was attending the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), the prime minister denied saying he would offer Thaksin a role as his adviser. Mr Srettha said he was asked by a reporter whether he might seek advice from Thaksin regarding national affairs. His reply was he would do so if necessary, reports the Bangkok Post. Critics have asked, given his remarks, who is really in charge of the government: Mr Sretta, or Thaksin, who is widely seen as having a hand in getting him the job. Mr Srettha told Bloomberg Television last Wednesday (Sept 20) that he would seek political advice from Thaksin when he was released from prison. He said he would also seek advice from all former prime ministers. In fact, the first predecessor he approached right after assuming office was Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. He also paid a visit to other former premiers, Anand Panyarachun and Somchai Wongsawat. Mr Srettha praised Thaksin, saying he was the countrys most popular prime minister and that when he is free, it would be unwise of me not to seek his opinion. But Mr Srettha said he did not believe Thaksin would entertain the notion of acting as adviser even if he was offered the post. He [Thaksin] has been prime minister for years. Anyway, he wouldnt want to be my adviser. He has other roles and responsibilities in mind, Mr Srettha said. On Saturday, former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat said he saw nothing wrong with Mr Srettha wanting to solicit advice from Thaksin on matters of prime ministerial duty. The MFP is looking to put together a draft law to grant amnesty to political offenders. He said he understood that the MFP members and various other parties were preparing a bill to be tabled to parliament. Meanwhile, serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya said he would file a petition asking the Department of Corrections to publish a daily record of Thaksins treatment at the Police General Hospital and who visited the former premier there. According to the Justice Ministrys regulations, inpatient prisoners must be accompanied by two corrections officials at all times, and they are required to report what goes on at the hospital. Mr Srisuwan said such records are not confidential medical documents which are normally banned from disclosure. They are general records which the Department of Corrections is obligated to divulge and clarify. If the records are concealed, [I] will take a case to court. The law must apply to everyone regardless of a persons financial or political stature, said Mr Srisuwan. Two injured as delivery truck hits power pole PHUKET: Two people were injured when a delivery truck slammed into a power pole on Thepkrasattri Rd, beside the northbound exit of the Bang Khu Underpass in Koh Kaew, early this morning (Sept 26). transportaccidentspolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Tuesday 26 September 2023 09:29 AM Police were called to the scene, about 100 metres before the Koh Kaew Post Office, at 3:40am. Police and rescue workers from Koh Kaew Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) and the Kusoldharm Foundation, along with an EMS unit from Mission Hospital.Phuket, arrived to find a white, six-wheeled Isuzu delivery truck, registered in Samut Songkhram, still beside the power pole with heavy damage to its front. Two people inside the truck were injured. Phachara Chuaykul had suffered injuries to his face and head, while Pramote Soisan had suffered an injury to his left leg as well as injuries to his face and head. Both received first aid at the scene and were taken to Phuket Mission Hospital for further treatment. The driver of the truck, Sermwitch Chonchobtham, 52, from Surat Thani, was not injured in the impact. Mr Sermwitch told police that the three of them were returning from delivering goods to convenience stores in Phuket Town when the accident happened. He fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into the power pole by the side of the road, he said. Police have yet to determine what charges, if any, Mr Sermwitch might face. He was taken to Phuket City Police Station to be tested for alcohol Search ops at Joujangtek | IMPHAL, Sep 26: After photographs of bodies of two missing students, Hemanjit Phijam and Linthoingambi Hijam, lying on the ground surfaced on social media, security forces carried out a search operation at Joujangtek in Old Cachar Road today. Sources said, the search today at the village in Noney district's Khoupum sub-division was launched by a combined team of Manipur police, BSF and CAPF. While no one was arrested or detained in the search operation, the security forces dismantled several bunkers built by villagers in the area. It may be noted that the two students from Imphal went missing on July 6, and photographs of them in captivity and their bodies lying on the ground surfaced on social media yesterday. Is our Government doing enough to redress woes? | Laishram Devakumar Singh Manipur has been witnessing an unsettled situation since 3rd May 2023. Loktak is on fire! Lotuses are blooming without flowers in Manipur but Poppies are blooming with flowers. The inability and inaction of the government in restoring peace in the state is a sign of gross violation of peoples mandate. The present government will surely be paying a high price for such an unintelligent and imprudent act on their part. Still internally displaced peoples are suffering from many inexplicable situations. They have been forced to endure hardship and uncertainty of their future. So far, no assurance has been given to build the confidence of the displaced people. The elected representatives seem to be less bothered by the suffering of the people caused by their casual approach to the crisis. The government has made the lives of the people miserable beyond its imagination. Now the question is, are they left to their own fate and destiny where hope is seemingly a distant dream. It is now more than four and half months past but nothing concrete for those displaced people comes up. Yes, the government has built some fabricated temporary shelter homes for the displaced people but that is not the measure which they wanted from the government. They wish the government to make such an arrangement so that they could return to their birthplace and start their life from scratch. The government needs to act with greater sensitivity to restore confidence to the people as legislators of the state who had sworn to serve the people. As the government has accepted the lapses on its part for the current crisis, it needs to act responsibly without further delay.Saving its own people should be its priority and have guts to stand and face all odds. Remember! The judicious steps and constructive measures will make all the legislators heroes. Time has come for the government to talk less and act more. Government needs to restore law and order in Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. The government should tame the wild Chin-Kuki Zo who had become so virulent. Those few seditious self-style leaders of the Chin-Kuki Zo people who misled the ignorant people should be booked and arrested and befitting punishment should be awarded as per the law of the land. The government should make people feel that there is still a government which tolerates no nuisance as it has shown in Imphal areas. Has our government succumbed to the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists? The government is answerable to the questions asked by the people? Why is the government still silent about the ten Chin Kuki MLAs who openly challenged the government by demanding separate Kuki Zo land in the state. It is increasingly evident that the state government has lost its credibility and wisdom to restore normalcy. The present situation has apparently been percolated by the indifferent and passive approach of the government which has largely helped the Chin Kuki Zo narco-terrorists in carrying out their nefarious designs of disturbing the very tranquillity of state. The Manipuri society has been put into the orbit of topsy-turvy and throwing everything in a mess. Our government should not have allowed our people to take up arms instead the government should have acted promptly to stamp down the foreign terrorists. The failure of the government has created an ugly face of the state which once flourished as a centre of cultural hub and attracted many foreign as well as domestic tourists. The present avoidable ethnic violence has caused maximum damage to our economy by putting all economic activities at a grinding halt. Suffering of the people is beyond anybodys imagination. Situation is now seems to be crawling back to its previous status quo, but it is far from over because internally displaced people still suffer from desperate situations. Anger and angst are growing day by day. Now people are facing a situation of uncertainty as the prevailing situation continues to deteriorate. Now they face the question of death and survival. Curfews, bandhs, and blockades put everything out of order. How long will such a trend continue? Do the government have any mechanism to bring the situation under control? Lifting the internet ban is no doubt a good step on the part of the government but it is not the end of all. The present generation is very much aware of the prevailing situation. They cannot live as mute spectators to the divisive rule of the Union government. The Union government need to shun the neo-colonialist policy towards Manipur and must act as a guardian who heals the wound of their children.They should not take Manipur for granted. Yeh attitude, Manipur ka mamla apne aap thik ho jayaga should be given up. The Union government need to provide constitutional safeguard to Meiteis who have been suffering since it merged with the Union of India. The Union government must remember that the Kingdom with which they signed the merger agreement. The very existence of the state of Manipur is due to bravery and sacrifices of the indigenous peoples under the leadership of Meiteis in the past. The government must allow free movement of goods and people without any restrictions. Steps need to be initiated to demilitarise Manipur. Militarisation is not the solution to any issue. History is the clear example of this. All vital points of the highways and inter-district check posts should be manned by the Civil Police.The freedom of movement has been jeopardised by militarisation of the state. Government seems to be complacent with returning of normal activities in Valley and Churanchanpur districts. Will returning of normalcy in valley and Churachandpur areas mean all woes of the people are over? It is high time for the government to spell out its short- and long-term plans to rehabilitate and resettle the displaced people. Government must rein in ITLF members who have been proven beyond doubt for fomenting violence in the state. It is good to hear that the government is taking up NRC to bring it to a fruitful conclusion. However, Government needs to go beyond NRC and find ways to regulate new law that can redress the long pending issue of land reforms in the state.It must be government endeavour to disarm kuki militants and Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists if it really intends to bring peace in the state. State government needs to provide all required intel feedback to the Central government for the same. Still bombing and firing in the PhaobakchaoIkhai, Tronglaobiand Kadangbanareas continues under the very nose of the Indian armies. How can the government talk about peace without redressing such issues? To bring peace law and order must prevail first in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal. Law and order are always a serious issue in the hill districts. Government needs to implement uniform law in the entire state to curb such issues which creates imbalance in the developmental works of the state. Until and unless there is uniformity in law of the land, there will always be instability and trust deficit among the people of the state. The religious places protection act 1947 of the country must be enacted and enforced in Manipur by the state legislators. State government should always strive to preserve the cultural heritage of the state. Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976 should be enforced effectively. The state government should discuss with intellectuals and scholars of the state to produce a draft proposal for the prevention of distortion of history of land. After thorough revisions of each draft clause the government must introduce it in the assembly to pass it as a law. The government needs to prioritise and redress some of these burning issues to restore the status quo. State forces should be reshuffled and posted to vulnerable areas. Posting should not be done on ethnic lines. Government is wise enough to do the best thing for the state. Participants walk past flags during the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) now has 109 members after its Board of Governors approved the applications of El Salvador, Solomon Islands and Tanzania on Tuesday. The bank approved the applications of the three economies during its eighth annual meeting held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, the AIIB said in a statement. "AIIB has a track record of successful collaborations with our members," said AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun, adding that the addition of the three economies "will strengthen the AIIB community and support our collective mission to finance infrastructure for tomorrow." The three countries will officially join the AIIB once they complete the required domestic processes and deposit the first capital installment with the bank, the statement said. AIIB members now collectively account for 81 percent of the world's population and 65 percent of global gross domestic product, it reads. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank whose mission is to finance the infrastructure that prioritizes sustainability. It began its operations in Beijing in January 2016. The two-day annual meeting of the AIIB kicked off on Monday under the theme "Sustainable Growth in a Challenging World." Participants walk past display boards about the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) A participant walks past flags during the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Participants pose for photos during the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) A participant walks past a display board about the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Participants walk past flags during the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Need of the hour Bilateral disarmament | Undeniably, disarmament is a fundamental step towards ending the protracted violence besieging the state of Manipur. Disarmament alone may not be able to resolve the crisis but it can definitely open a way forward. Disarmament must have been the first priority of the State (New Delhi and Imphal) for containment of the protracted violence but the State has so far done very little in this direction except for the calls/appeals to surrender weapons looted from the State armouries. From the States perspective as well as from the sociological point of view, looting weapons from the State armouries is a grave crime. Armed civilians, whether organised or unorganised, can be a serious challenge to maintenance of law and order. In any normal situation and when the State is fully functional, there is little or no necessity for the citizens to arm themselves. But the situation in Manipur today is far from normal and the States effectiveness in handling the situation has already come under strong and persistent criticisms from different quarters. No doubt, all the weapons looted from the State armouries must be recovered but recovering the looted weapons must go simultaneously or side by side with a process of disarmament. All disarmament processes must be multilateral or at least bilateral. It can never be unilateral. The States urgency to recover the looted weapons is understandable. At the same time, the State needs to acknowledge the circumstances under which citizens looted weapons from the State armouries. Tens of thousands of people were driven out from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh and the unarmed citizens were totally helpless against the heavily armed aggressors. Hundreds of houses built with decades of sweat and toil were burnt down in minutes. The unarmed citizens could only watch the mayhem from afar with tears rolling down their cheeks. Neither the State nor its armed forces came to their aid. The State failed the helpless, unarmed citizens miserably. It was this extraordinary war-like situation and the States abject failure to protect citizens which led to looting of weapons from State armouries. Having said this, we are in no way in favour of citizens arming themselves. The violence must be brought to an end as soon as possible, and as we said in the opening sentence, disarmament is a fundamental step towards stopping the violence. The State has a detailed account of the number and types of weapons looted from its armouries. In another word, the State knows exactly the number of weapons which are in the hands of citizens. Can the State claim of any such knowledge about the arsenal of the other camp? Yes, there are reports of the State regularly inspecting the camps of militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO), and the weapons were found intact. At the same time, the aggression at Meitei villages was going on unabated. It only implies that the Kuki militant groups have alternative huge arsenals of arms and ammunition, outside the supervision of the State. Any process of disarmament must start with identification of the source of this seemingly endless supply of sophisticated arms and ammunition. The next step should be cutting off this supply line. When one group is armed to the teeth, it is only natural for the other to explore all possible means of arming themselves. The instinct to survive even under the most adverse conditions is universal and it applies to the citizens of Manipur too. Here it must be acknowledged that the unprovoked widespread aggression and the States abject failure to protect its unarmed citizens compelled some groups of people to arm themselves. Had the State and its armed forces defended the unarmed citizens, no one would have thought of looting weapons. Citizens arming themselves is in fact a failure of the State. The State failed its citizens not once, not twice but multiple times. The viral video/pictures of a young boy and a girl murdered in the most ruthless manner which emerged recently is another testimony to this State failure. Citizens must be disarmed and the State must step in to fulfill its responsibility of protecting the citizens. There should be complete disarmament on both the sides. But mind you, unilateral disarmament is no disarmament. Four persons were arrested today on charges of operating a tout racket at SSKM Hospital. These individuals have been identified as Abhishek Mallik(23), Abhoy Balmiki(20), Deb Mallik(19) and Surinder Kumar(30) all residing in the Bhawanipur area. Efforts to curb the influence of touts and middlemen at SSKM Hospital have intensified recently, with multiple steps taken by the authorities. Initiatives include deploying trolley attendants in the emergency ward and issuing warnings outside various hospital departments. However, despite these measures, the grip of brokers in the health- care system seems far from broken. In a recent development, the police headquarters Lalbazars Anti-Rowdy Squad conducted this operation leading to the apprehension of four brokers operating within the vicinity of Bhawanipur Police Station. They were produced before the court today. The police have revealed that these brokers have been involved in various extortion schemes, targeting patients and their families. Their tactics range from demanding money for securing ICU beds to exorbitant charges for blood transfusions. The situation becomes even more complicated when patients, unaware of these illegal practices, become vulnerable to exploitation. This crackdown against brokers in healthcare facilities comes as Sagar Datta Medical College and Hospital recently witnessed a similar situation where Kamarhatis MLA, Madan Mitra, raised allegations of overcharging. Madan Mitra accused the hospital of charging Rs 6,000 for ICU beds and Rs 1,700 for blood transfusions. He claimed that a patient named Raman Halder was being admitted to the hospital under his care. Advertisement The arrest of these brokers has brought to light the ongoing challenges in ensuring that healthcare services remain affordable and accessible to all. While efforts are being made to eradicate these practices, the fight against unscrupulous middlemen in the healthcare system continues. Yesterday two persons were arrested from NRS Medical College and Hospital. A group of 48 Syrian refugees including 18 minors landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on Tuesday morning via a humanitarian corridor from Lebanon on the initiative of the lay Catholic association Community of Sant'Egidio and Protestant churches in Italy, Azernews reports, citing ANSA. A further group of 48 people, including 21 minors, will arrive on a second plane on Thursday. The refugees have been living in camps in Lebanon's Akkar and Beqaa Valley regions and in precarious accommodation on the outskirts of Beirut, many for several years. The refugees have been brought to Italy under the Humanitarian Corridor programme launched by Sant'Egidio, the Italian Federation of Protestant Churches, the Waldensian Table and Caritas in the wake of the October 3 and 11, 2013 shipwrecks off Lampedusa in which respectively 368 and 268 people, mainly from Eritrea in the first shipwreck and from Syria in the second, lost their lives. So far around 6,500 refugees have been brought to Europe under the programme, of whom over 2,650 to Italy from Lebanon. The new arrivals will begin their new life in Italy in 11 regions. Some will stay with family members who arrived in the country via previous corridors and have since integrated, while others will stay in accommodation made available by Italian families and associations, which will also support them in their integration and inclusion in Italy. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, Sept. 24, 2023. Li paid an official friendly visit to Egypt from Saturday to Monday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) CAIRO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China will work together with Egypt to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state and consolidate mutual political trust, said a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during his visit to Egypt. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Li paid an official friendly visit to Egypt from Saturday to Monday. Conveying cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sisi, Li noted that the two heads of state in recent years have conducted in-depth exchanges on bilateral ties, multilateral cooperation, and governance, providing fundamental guidance for the development of bilateral relations against the backdrop of ongoing global changes. China will continue to extend mutual support with Egypt on issues concerning each other's core interests, said Li, adding that China will promote the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Egypt Vision 2030. Li, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, expressed the hope that the two sides enhance interparty exchanges and anti-corruption cooperation. China congratulates Egypt on being invited to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and stands ready to cement coordination and collaboration with Egypt on global and regional affairs, he said. Sisi asked Li to convey his good wishes to Xi, hailing that China has achieved remarkable development achievements under the leadership of Xi, and that China's development is unstoppable. Speaking highly of the fruitful China-Egypt Belt and Road cooperation, Sisi said Egypt is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and finance. He stated that more Chinese companies are welcome to invest in Egypt. With spurt in dengue cases in recent times threatening to spiral out of control, a worried state government held a meeting with district magistrates and other officials of various departments spearheading the drive against the vector-borne disease at Nabanna today. The high-level virtually meeting, held at state secretariat Nabanna was chaired by chief secretary Harikrishna Dwivedi and was attended by district magistrates, Commissioner Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), CMOHs (Chief Medical offi- cers of Health) of all the districts among other officers, to deliberate on steps to check the surge in dengue cases. The CS directed the districts to immediately clean all dengue hotspots, based on entomological alerts, amid the increase in such cases, offi- cials said. There were also discussions on engaging the central government offices to ensure cleanliness along with adequate preventive measures, including those of the Kolkata Metro, sources said. The meeting, sources said, was held following instruction from the chief minister Mamata Banerjee to take corrective measures against the vector- borne disease. Many several dos and donts were listed with particular emphasis on four districts, North and South 24-Parganas, Hooghly and Howrah and several areas of Kolkata, where cases of dengue are on the rise. Advertisement The meeting, claimed sources at Nabanna, besides asking district magistrates to hold immediate meetings with all the councillors of all the affected ULBs and ensure that all the preventive steps are taken, issued instructions to go hard on those persons and property owners flouting rules. An Intensive cleaning drive (in pulse mode) should be undertaken at all the hotspots with immediate effect based on entomological alerts with a special focus should be on removal of scrap materials, management of construc- tion sites, closed factory premises and vacant lands. The meeting also decided to request the railways and Metro officials to undertake proper cleaning activities within the premises and put in place adequate preventive steps at their construction sites. That the outbreak of dengue may just create prob- lems in the rural areas as well, was also deliberated upon as the meeting decid- ed to impart training to the newly-elected panchayat members in its fight against dengue. Jadavpur has been gripped by a sense of unease as another tragic incident unfolded just months after a previous student death. This time, its the demise of a 22-year-old nursing student named Mallika Das, which has left the community perplexed. The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of the East Jadavpur police station. Mallika Das, a fourth-year student at a private nursing college affiliated with Indian Nursing Council (INC), was found lifeless on the rooftop of a PG (paying guest) accommodation at Green Park, East Jadavpur. Preliminary investigations have revealed her life-less body hanging from a structure. According to the police, Mallika hailed from Bankura and had come to Kolkata The incident occurred in the jurisdiction of the East Jadavpur police station. Mallika Das, a fourth-year student at a private nursing college affiliated with Indian Nursing Council (INC), was found lifeless on the rooftop of a PG (paying guest) accommodation at Green Park, East Jadavpur. Advertisement Preliminary investigations have revealed her lifeless body hanging from a structure to pursue her nursing studies. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. The police claim that the Das family resides in Bankura, and no formal complaint has been filed by them as of now. The discovery of Mallikas body on the PGs rooftop was made by some residents early on a Monday morning, between 7-8 am. There are no apparent signs of external injuries on the body. Authorities are currently investigating whether this was a case of suicide or if there were other factors involved in Mallika Dass untimely death. The incident has raised concerns and questions with-in the university community, with many demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, Mallikas body has been sent to Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem. However, its important to note that no formal complaint has been registered by the family yet, leaving the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident shrouded in mystery. The police are committed to getting to the bottom of this perplexing case. The family members of the student were informed regarding the incident. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Tuesday, arrested Vadakanchery municipal councillor and CPI-M leader P R Aravindakshan in connection with the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank fraud case. Aravindakshan was arrested from his house at Wadakkancherry in Trissur and brought to the ED office in Kochi. Arivandakshan is incidentally the first CPI-M leader to be taken into custody in connection with the scam. Earlier, CPI-M leader and former minister AC Moideen MLA and CPI-M state committee member MK Kannan were questioned by the ED for their alleged involvement in the fraud. Advertisement In the report filed before the PMLA Special court in Kochi earlier, the ED had stated that Satheeshkumar, the prime accused in the case, was aided by Aravindakshan and another CPI-M Wadakkancherry counsellor, Madhu in the money lending business worth around Rs 500 crore. It has been alleged that Satheeskumar took loans from Karuvanur Bank using benami borrowers. It is further alleged that it was Aravindakshan who intermediated for Satheeshkumar to acquire documents of borrowers mortgaged at Karuvanur Bank for receiving the loan. The loan defaulters were threatened by Satheeshkumars goons and such acts have been intermediated by Aravindakshan and Madhu, both members of the CPI-M, the ED reportedly said in its report filed in the court It has been reported that Karuvannur Cooperative Bank manager Biju MK also gave a statement to the ED against Aravindakshan. Biju MK deposed that he and his family were threatened by Aravindakshan and Madhu for depositing Rs 50 lakh in their name as a fixed deposit from the loan disbursed in cash to Satheeshkumar. The ED suspect that Aravindakshan is the middle-man between Satheeshkumar and AC Moideen. Aravindakshan had filed a complaint at the Ernakulam Central Police Station alleging he was assaulted by ED sleuths during interrogation on 12 September. According to his allegations, he was subjected to harsh treatment as a result of his refusal to provide false statements against senior CPI-M leaders in the case. Though the police conducted a preliminary enquiry based on the complaint, no case was registered. Meanwhile, CPI-M state secretary MV Govindan termed Aravindakshans arrest an attempt to use the Central agency to destroy the states cooperative sector He said that the CPI-M would not bow down to the Centres alleged efforts to destroy Keralas cooperative sector by utilising the Central Agency. Aravindakshan alleged that he was arrested in a fabricated case. I am framed in a fake case for revealing that the ED officials physically assaulted me. I am not a criminal or a killer, Aravindakshan told media persons when he was brought at the ED office in Kochi In this connection, the ED made a second arrest on Tuesday in the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank fraud case. The ED sleuths arrested former bank accountant CK Jills. Jills was also an accused in a previous case registered by the crime branch wing of Kerala police and he was subsequently arrested by them. Jills has earlier said that he secured the job in the bank as a CPI-M nominee. In a breather to Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, for now, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Enforcement Directorate not to summon her for questioning in the Delhi liquor scam case until November 20. The court was hearing a plea by Kavitha against the ED summoning her in an alleged Delhi liquor scam in which several people, including the former Delhi deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, are in jail. While protecting Kalvakuntla Kavitha from being summoned by the ED to their office, a two-judge bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia said, You cant say that a woman cant be called (to ED office for questioning), (but) there have to be some safeguards. Justice Kaul, who headed the bench, said this when a lawyer appearing for one of the petitioners, in response to a query from the bench, said that the issue is that a woman accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act can be questioned at her residence only. In the meantime, dont call her, we have to hear the matter, Justice Kaul said, asking the additional solicitor general, SV Raju, who was appearing for the ED. Advertisement As Raju tried to shift from the position he had stated during the hearing, Justice Kaul said the bench has heard it. We have heard in the court what has been said, Justice Kaul said. Before posting the matter for hearing on November 20, the court said a special bench comprising Justice Kaul, Justice AS Bopanna, and Justice Bela MN Trivedi would decide two issues arising from the July 27, 2022, judgement, which upheld the amended stringent provisions of the PMLA. The special bench, headed by Justice Kaul, would examine whether an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) by the ED could be denied to an accused while arresting them. Stating that the special bench would assemble on November 18 to consider the two issues, Justice Kaul said the outcome of the issues could have some ramifications for them, referring to other PMLA-accused politicians, like Abhishek Banerjee, Nalini Chidambaram, and K Kavitha. The ED is investigating Kavitha for her alleged involvement in money laundering rooted in the implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy, 2021-22. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSI Airport) Lucknow, in line with the focus of the Passenger first philosophy, will soon be adding direct flights to Muscat from October 1. The flight will be operated by Omans flag carrier Oman Air. Sharing the information on the new international flight, Lucknow Airport Spokesperson said on Tuesday, Oman Air will be operating the Lucknow-Muscat flight with Boeing 737 aircraft with a capacity of around 162 passengers. With this new non-stop flight, the number of international flights from CCSI Airport will go up to 20 per day from 18 earlier. At present, Muscat is connected to Lucknow by Salam Air. Oman Air will be the second airline that will connect Muscat with UP-state capital. Lucknow Airport has added six international arrivals and departures, recently. All of them are operated by Indigo Airlines to Abu Dhabi, Dammam and Dubai. The daily non-stop flight from Lucknow Airport to Muscat will depart at 21:00 hrs and Muscat Abu Dhabi to Lucknow flight will arrive at 19:50 hrs. At present, CCSI Airport manages an average of 17,700 passengers per day and operates around 125 flights per day. In the first quarter of 2023-24, CCSIA has recorded nearly 1.55 million passenger movements. Dubai, Muscat and Riyad held the spot as the top three international destinations from Lucknow. Whereas Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were the top three domestic destinations. CCSIA currently acts as a gateway to 25 domestic and 8 international destinations for passengers from Lucknow and its surrounding areas. In the last one-year, Lucknow Airport has added three airlines Air Asia India, Akasa and Thai Air Asia, while it added new domestic destination Mopa (North Goa) and an international destination Bangkok to the network. Meanwhile, airlines like Indigo, Air Asia India, Akasa, Thai Air Asia have boosted their domestic and international connectivity by increasing flights to various destinations. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a first-of-its-kind drone exhibition cum display was inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Air Force Station, Hindan in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on September 25, 2023. It has been jointly organised by Indian Air Force (IAF) and Drone Federation of India (DFI). The two-day event, which is being held on September 25 & 26, 2023, features over 75 drone start-ups from across the country. The drones featured during the event can be employed for a variety of military and civil applications. By showcasing their capabilities through a series of aerial & statics demonstrations, the IAF and DFI seek to bolster the Governments initiative to make India a major drone hub by 2030. The inauguration of Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 was followed by the formal induction of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft into the IAF. The ceremony consisted of a Sarv Dharm Puja and a brief on the capabilities of the aircraft. This medium lift tactical aircraft, which is capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds, will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft. Advertisement Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the induction of C-295 will bolster medium lift tactical capability of the IAF. He termed the defence and aerospace sectors as the two important pillars for making India self-reliant in the coming years. While the first 16 of the 56 contracted aircraft will be delivered to the IAF in a fly-away condition, the remaining 40 would be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited at their facility in Vadodara. The first IAF squadron to be equipped with the aircraft, 11 Squadron (The Rhinos), is also based at Vadodara During the event, the Raksha Mantri & the dignitaries were also briefed on the latest in-house innovations of the IAF at an exhibition which featured projects such as a Hybrid Drone Detection System, Al Engine for fault diagnosis, a Fly-By-Wire Tester, Stabilized Power Supply Trolleys, QR Code based Tool Crib management system and also modern teaching aids. Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road, Transport & Highways General (Dr) VK Singh (Retd), Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, senior officers of the three services, Defence Attaches & officials from friendly foreign countries as well as representatives of the Indian industry attended the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the countrys youth I guarantee you that I will take India among the top three economies of the world. I need your support and association for the country and its 140 crore people. He was addressing the G20 University Connect Finale attended by about 3,000 students, faculty members, and Vice Chancellors of participating Universities at Bharat Mandapam, while students from across the country joined the event online. Mr. Modi said if the youth decides, desired results can be achieved. A hundred years back, the youth decided to fight for Indias freedom, and they achieved it in 25 years. Advertisement The goal was swarajya (self-rule) then; over the next 25 years, it can be smriddhi (prosperity). I can assure you I will not fail in doing whatever I have to do. India should be a developed country by 2047, he said. He said: We are a generation which did not get the opportunity to die for the country like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar or Azad; but we have an opportunity to live for the country. The Prime Minister said India was able to speed up growth and become the fastest-growing economy due to political stability, policy clarity, and democratic values. He said honest attempts were made in the last nine years to control corruption. Before 2014, the news headlines should be about corruption only and how it had destroyed the country. To check middlemen and leakage, he said, new technology-based systems were established, and reforms done, middlemen were thrown out, a transparent system was brought about, ensuring punishment for dishonest people and respect for honesty. He said he was surprised he was being charged for sending people to jail. People who have looted the nations wealth, where should they stay, the Prime Minister asked the youth. Should they be not searched out and sent to jail? Some people are disturbed at this. I am doing what you want, he told the gathering. To continue development, clean, clear and stable governance is required. If you are determined, then by 2047, none can stop India from becoming a developed, inclusive and self-reliant nation, he said. He said not just India, the whole world is looking at you with expectation. The world knows the potential and performance of India and its youth. People have accepted this. Progress of India and its youth is necessary for the progress of the world. I am able to give impossible-looking guarantees to the country, because of your potential, and fulfil them due to you. I can place Indias stand on world forums because of you. My real power is Indias youth, my capacity lies in them. For your better future, I will work day and night, I assure you, Mr Modi said The Prime Minister said he needed the support of the youth. I am not telling you to ensure my victory in elections. I am not asking you to join my party. There is nothing personal. Whatever is there is for the country. I am asking you something for the country. Swatchchta (cleanliness) is a running campaign. On 1st October, a big programme on swatchchta will be launched and you should join it, he said. Referring to the countrys achievements in economy and diplomacy, Mr Modi said in the last month, India achieved landing on the Moon. Indias Chandrayaan3 mission travelled three lakh kilometres and then Solar Mission was launched for a 15 lakh kms journey. In the last 30 days, he said Indian diplomacy made historic achievements at BRICS summit and the first time in 40 years an Indian Prime Minister travelled to Greece. Many decisions were taken later at G20 platform. It was not a small job organising this assembly of big leaders. Hundred per cent consensus achieved was international headline, he said. Decisions were taken for SC, ST, OBC empowerment; on 17th September PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched to benefit artisans. Six lakh young boys and girls were given jobs under Rozgar Mela. The first session in new Parliament House, passed the law for women-led development. We are the fastest growing economy in the world today. In record time, we have moved from the 10th largest economy to the fifth place. The world has faith in India, foreign investment has reached new heights. Exports are creating records, while 13.50 crore people have come out of poverty in five years. This is the new middle class. Social, physical and digital infrastructure is expanding; Rs 10 lakh crore are being invested in physical infrastructure this year. It has been rising every year. You can imagine the opportunities it will create on the economy, the Prime Minister said. Fresh from India, students are lugging their bags and knocking on doors in residential areas of Ontario, Canada, looking for rooms to rent from complete strangers. The desperate move by the students, without a roof over their heads, isnt welcomed by most residents. About 30 students, mostly from India, who joined the Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario, protested outside its campus in the first week of September as they were left without a place to live. For Indians, primarily students in their 20s, the Canadian ideal is transforming into an unfathomable nightmare. This is a result of the housing crisis and the dearth of part-time jobs that students depend on to make ends meet while living thousands of kilometers from their homes and families. In addition to a record 900,000 foreign students, Canada is on track to accept 500,000 permanent residents in 2023. In order to promote economic growth and resilience, immigration is one of the main reasons the Canadian government does so. Advertisement However, the initiative comes while Canada is going through a housing crisis. Abysmally few homes are being built, and record-high borrowing rates have pushed new housing units out of the price range of most Canadians and recent immigrants. Government statistics show that there is a shortage of at least 3,45,000 housing units across Canada. Students are being forced into crowded basement arrangements where their safety is jeopardized by house rent increases as well. Education is not the reason why so many students travel to Canada every year. Its because the student visa offers what is regarded as a simple method to enter Canada and later a road to citizenship. One of the primary routes for foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada is via a student visa.The majority of international students studying in Canada are Indian. According to figures from the Canadian government, 2.26 lakh of the 5.5 lakh international students in 2022, or 40% of all students, were from India. Additionally, 3.2 lakh Indians had student visas and were residing in Canada. Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly and senior Congress leader VD Satheesan on Tuesday alleged that Kerala was ruled by NDA-LDF coalition government In a statement on Tuesday, Satheesan said even though the JD(S) has officially announced that it has joined the BJP-led NDA, a representative of the party is still a minister in the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet. He asked the chief minister of the state and the CPI-M leadership to clarify under what conditions the JD(S), an ally of the NDA is remaining in the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet and LDF. Advertisement Satheesan said the CPI-M has decided not to have a party representative on the broad platform called INDIA formed by Opposition parties against the BJP, which is also in line with the decision of the Kerala unit. It is to be suspected that Pinarayi Vijayans allegiance to Modi and the settlement of scandals including SNC Lavlin, diplomatic gold smuggling, monthly pay-off and bank robbery have prompted the CPI-Ms Kerala wing to put pressure on the central leadership of the party. Karanvir Singh, a member of the outlawed terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International, is under a Red Corner Notice from the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, on Monday. Interpol updated its website by putting out a Red Corner Notice for the Khalistani terrorist. Singh is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and was a member of the pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International, intelligence sources told news agency ANI. A spokeswoman for the Haryana Police claimed, in more detail, that Rohtak Police was successful in having a Red Corner Notice issued against Karanvir who is thought to have fled abroad. Advertisement After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that India had a hand in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a diplomatic row broke out between New Delhi and Ottawa. This led to the Red Corner Notice against the wanted pro-Khalistani terrorist. New Delhi dismissed Canadas allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. The Canadian PM, however, was unable to provide any supporting documentation for his assertion that India was involved in the murder of Nijjar during a press conference in New York. There are reasonable grounds to suspect that representatives of the Indian government were engaged in the murder of a Canadian on Canadian land. That is, in a world where a rules-based, international order is important, there is something fundamentally important about a nations rule of law, according to Trudeau. The Canadian PM continued, We call upon the Government of India to take this matter seriously and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter. In a months-long inquiry into Nijjars killing, the Canadian government reportedly used both human and signal intelligence, according to CBC News. Communications involving Indian diplomats stationed in Canada are part of such intelligence. However, the Ministry of External Affairs has said taht no information has been shared by Canada with regard to the killing of Nijjar. BEIRUT, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army on Tuesday thwarted an attempt to smuggle 90 Syrians into the country in the northeastern Baalbek-Hermel governorate bordering Syria, the National News Agency reported. A Lebanese citizen responsible for the smuggling was arrested and referred to judicial bodies for investigations and other legal procedures. In recent weeks, Lebanon's security agencies have prevented thousands of Syrians from entering Lebanese territories through illegal crossings. The Lebanese government estimates that there are about 2 million Syrian refugees living in the country, making Lebanon the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita. The large number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon weighed heavily on the country's economy and infrastructure. BRS working president KT Rama Rao slammed Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisa Soundararajan for her decision to reject the nomination of two BRS leaders, Dasoju Sravan Kumar and K Satyanarayana, as MLCs under the governors quota deeming them as unfit. Questioning her appointment as governor, he said, If these two are unfit, how was the BJP president of Tamil Nadu considered fit to be the governor of Telangana? He further said that it was within the rights of the government to nominate such candidates as MLCs, adding, As Modiji himself is autocratic, his agents, governors, are also undemocratic. Advertisement Calling the post of governor a colonial relic, KTR called for its abolition altogether. Prime Minister Modi will visit Gujarat on 26-27th September, 2023 where he will inaugurate several projects and also participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Prime Minister will participate in a programme on Sept 27 marking the celebration of 20 years of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. After that, Prime Minister will reach Bodeli, Chhotaudepur, where he will dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of projects worth more than Rs 5200 crores. Prime Minister will participate in a programme marking the celebration of 20 years of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Science City, Ahmedabad. It will witness participation of industry associations, prominent personalities from the sphere of trade & commerce, young entrepreneurs, students of higher and technical education colleges, among others. Advertisement The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started under PM Narendra Modi 20 years ago, then when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. the journey of the Vibrant Gujarat Global summit started on September 28, 2003 . Over time, it transformed into becoming one of the most premier business summits in India. With about 300 international participants in 2003, the summit witnessed an overwhelming participation from over thousands of delegates from more than 135 nations in 2019. In the last 20 years, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit has evolved from Making Gujarat as preferred Investment Destination to shaping a New India. School infrastructure across Gujarat to get a massive boost as the Prime Minister will dedicate to nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects worth more than Rs 4500 crore under the programme Mission Schools of Excellence. Thousands of new classrooms, smart classrooms, computer labs, STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics) labs and other infrastructure built across schools in Gujarat will be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister. He will also lay the foundation stone for improving and upgrading thousands of classrooms across Gujarat schools under the mission. Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the project Vidya Samiksha Kendra 2.0. This project will be built upon the success of Vidya Samiksha Kendra which has ensured continuous monitoring of schools and improvement in student learning outcomes in Gujarat. Vidya Samiksha Kendra 2.0 will lead to the establishment of Vidya Samiksha Kendras in all districts and blocks of Gujarat. During the programme, Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation multiple development projects including new bridge built at a across Narmada river on odara Dabhoi-Sinor-Malsar-Asa road in Taluka Sinor, Vadodara district; Chab Talav re-development project, water supply project in Dahod, about 400 newly built houses for the economic weaker section at Vadodara, Village Wi-Fi project across 7500 villages across Gujarat; and the newly built Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Dahod. Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the water supply project in Chhotaudepur; a flyover bridge in Godhra, Panchmahal; and the FM Radio studio at Dahod to be built under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme of the Central Government. Amid Chinas aggressive behaviour on maritime and territorial issues, the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, reiterated that India stood for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region for shared security and prosperity. He said this while delivering the inaugural address at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference here, on Tuesday. The defence minister defined Neighbourhood First as the cornerstone of Indias culture from time immemorial. Indias approach to the region is defined by its Act-East Policy, he said, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision: Our engagement in the Indo-Pacific is based on five Ss Sammaan (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace), and Samridhi (prosperity). Advertisement Singh said Indias efforts towards building robust military partnerships with friendly countries underscore its commitment to not only safeguard national interests, but also address global challenges faced by all. On climate change, one of the gravest global challenges, he said the Indian armed forces, with their unwavering dedication and professionalism, are the first responders in disaster situations and contribute to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. The defence minister suggested that the three-day event discuss ways to enhance interoperability during the HADR operations. Extreme weather events and natural disasters have become a new normal rather than being an exception and are major challenges in our region. It is our responsibility that the climate change-related concerns of small island nations of the Indo-Pacific are given the importance that they deserve, as these bear the brunt of climate change as an existential crisis, he said. Singh added that while it is a difficult task to arrive at a consensus plan of action in a big group, it is not impossible with determination and empathy. He referred to the recently concluded G20 summit in New Delhi and stated that the group of countries adopted the New Delhi Leaders Declaration with consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues, making it historic and pathbreaking. The defence minister called for collective wisdom and concerted efforts to deal with the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region, while tapping its full potential, to ensure a future marked by prosperity, security, and inclusivity, in consonance with the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) and the G20 motto One Earth, One Family, One Future. He emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geostrategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges, including boundary disputes & piracy. He explained his vision through a theoretical model by American author and speaker Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles Circle of Concern, which encompasses everything one cares about, including things which can be controlled and things which cannot, and Circle of Influence, which comprises things over which one has direct control or can exert some degree of influence. The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS, and 9th SELF, in New Delhi from September 25 to September 27. The central theme for this forum is Together for Peace: Sustaining Peace and Stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. The chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, the Army chief, General Manoj Pande, and the army chiefs and delegates of 35 countries were present on the occasion. The Canadian government, seeking to convey that it has information on Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leaked inputs to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that it possesses both human and signals intelligence. It further stated that inputs were provided by an ally nation which is part of the five eyes intelligence alliance. This was backed by US officials and its ambassador to Ottawa. This admission implies that Indian diplomatic staff were possibly trailed and their communications snooped on, an act against the Vienna convention. Sharing this proof, if it exists, could worsen diplomatic ties not only with Canada but also the nation which provided it, details of which may only be known to the Indi- an government. Hence all Canada can do is leak information on available intelligence but avoid sharing it, as no third nation would desire to be drawn into an India-Canada controversy, which has seen ties rapidly go south. Demands for proof are also being raised domestically but Justin Trudeau is helpless. The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, mentioned that claimed inputs were open-source information, conveying Trudeaus helplessness in sharing. Trudeau had jumped the gun but can go no further. Neither the Indian PM nor foreign minister have commented on Trudeaus accusations, leaving it to the MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, to counter him, displaying how seriously India takes Canada. Bagchi countered Trudeau by stating that no proof was provided. He mentioned, We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada. Bagchi hit back at Canada, mentioning, From our side, specific evidence about criminal activities by individuals based on Canadian soil has been shared with Ottawa but not acted upon, hinting Canada officially supports Khalistan activists on its soil. India also leaked a report which it had shared with Canada on activities of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian report sent to Canada in 2016 mentioned, Nijjar has been imparting arms training to his group in Canada. He took Mandeep Singh and three more Sikh youth for AK47 training to a range near Mission where they were made to fire for four hours daily. Canada failed to act on Indias request. This leak places Canada on a similar platform as Pakistan, while Ottawa accuses India of killing a terrorist on its soil. Advertisement No country, let alone India, will accept another nation enabling anti-national elements to operate freely from its soil. India responded to Canadian accusations by mentioning, Khalistani terrorists and extremists have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten Indias sov- ereignty and territorial integrity. If India did eliminate a terrorist on for- eign soil, it was not the first nation to do so. If Trudeau expects his allies to discard India because of the death of a known terrorist, then he is lives in a fools paradise. Canada refused to respond to an Interpol Red Corner notice against Nijjar. The US placed Nijjar on a sim- ple no fly list aware that he is a terrorist and his movements were being monitored by India. Balraj Nijjar, son of the slain terrorist, mentioned to Canadian media that his father met Canadian intelligence operatives once or twice a week, implying he was either being protected or exploited by Canadian as also possibly US intelligence agencies. Which democratic nation provides security to terrorists? Why were intelligence operatives interacting with Nijjar? Canada has not responded to these accusations. Indian media reports mention Indian NSA Ajit Doval informed his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, that India has not acted against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, only because it is aware that he is a CIA agent. This implies that the US and Canada are exploiting this movement against India. India is now taking the battle onto Canadian soil by stopping issuance of visas to Canadian citizens. Stopping visa services has benefits. India can now restrict movement of pro Khalistan Canadians to India. India is simultaneously cancelling OCI cards of all suspected Khalistan sup- porters as also taking control of their properties, commencing with Pannun of SFJ. It is also investigating money laundering from India involving Khalistanis. India is aware it holds the cards. The bonus card in Indias hands are its students who proceed to Canada for studies. By slowing the flow of Indian students proceeding to Canada, it could seriously impact the Cana- dian economy. Indian students provide USD 30 billion to the Canadian economy, apart from expenditure for housing and daily needs. All India has to do is advise banks to go slow on issuance of loans for education in Canada on security concerns. India refusing to withdraw its advisory on Canada and suggesting students choose other destinations could make many alter their choices. A few Canadian universities could col- lapse as Indians form 50 per cent of foreign students in Canada. Delhi is increasing pressure on Ottawa, forc- ing Trudeau to act. For Canadian allies, the call is tough. Playing neutral and asking India to cooperate means nothing. Indian cooperation can only be possible once Canada lays all information on the table, which could implicate its allies. Those who continue to adopt a policy of eliminating their threats by covert means, as the US, have anyway no right to preach. Canada is already backing down. Posters threatening Indian diplomats splattered across Canadian Gurdwaras are being removed on specific directions from Ottawa, weeks after being placed. Trudeau is signalling a draw-down by mentioning he does not seek confrontation with India. In their meetings with Jaishankar in Washington, senior US officials will hint (not demand) cooperation, aware Trudeau is on a slippery wicket. Why should India join the probe? Why should Canada and the US, which claim to be rules-based order nations not justify why they refused to act on a Red Corner notice or ignored Indian concerns? Why should the West demand action from India while ignoring its security concerns? India should first get answers before it contemplates cooperation. Unless all intelligence inputs and sources, including undiplomatic, are on the table, India should ignore all calls. Trudeau accusing India has resulted in fear within the global Khalistan community. Many have rushed into hiding or hired protection. Trudeau has finally done India a favour. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) It was the traumatising Covid-19 pandemic onslaught that saw IR initiate some bold moves. The countrys railway men, far from getting into comatose mode during the rampaging catastrophe, delivered the nations goods, braving hazards and lockdowns. The prolonged lockdown lull afforded IR management time and opportunity to reflect on the imperative of adapting itself to a new paradigm of doing things differently. While cancelling operation of almost all of its around 13,000 passenger trains it ran daily, and shedding their entrenched timidity, senior IR managers offered pre-scheduled special parcels services with guaranteed transit, on demand. IR needed to audaciously promote the venture, strategically involving established integrators and logistics providers. For long IR has been losing most of the LDHV (low density high value) cargo. It has remain- ed overwhelmingly patronized by captive customers, for whom railways is the only viable option. Even in case of nine bulk commodities, its share has been dwindling to less than 45 per cent as revealed by RITES Total Transport Study, 2008. If anything, IR has lost out further during the intervening 15 years since RITES collated the data. The study reported that road transport then carried as much as 68 per cent of countrys POL traffic over an average distance of 272 km, 80 per cent of iron and steel (525 km), 48 per cent of cement (358 km), 66 per cent of containerised cargo of which 28 per cent was over an average lead of 884 km. Roads were estimated to have carried in excess of 95 per cent of na- tions fresh agri produce (average lead 522 km), chemicals (611 km), paper (545 km), electrics (614 km), pulses (607 km), timber (450 km). Advertisement With acknowledged strengths of energy-efficiency as well as space-efficiency, congestion and space consumption remains a key advantage for rail, des- pite road vehicles becoming electric and/or autonomous. Additionally, the overall safety culture of railways matches that of avia- tion, preparing it for working in an automated environment. To build upon the known virtues conducive to rail resurgence, it is necessary to recognize and grasp the blizzard of change that confronts railways. It devolves on IR managers, especially those involved in the production, operation and marketing of its core businesses, to seize the imperative of imbibing the salience of rapidly evolving trends and developments in the sector across the globe. Customers increasingly demand a rail experience that is personalised, comfortable and easy to shop for. They demand an intelligent logistics execution, man aging multi-modal, multi-leg and multi-carrier integration. With an emphasis on integrated supply chains, integration has been one of the dominant themes in the development of logistics management. Two recurring themes reverberate across the logistics domain digitalisation and multimodality. Preference is on one-stop, single window, with one contract, one consolidated price, one compensation system, one contact point. Further ICT has helped revolutionize the transport domain. IT is the glue that holds value chains and supply chains together. Now an integral part of the production and distribution process, transport has ceased to be an independent function, of little consequence. It is fast becoming a high-technology industry. The value of trade grows much faster than its weight. The nature of freight being transported is changing fast from heavy bulk to lighter high-value goods, to move in smaller consignment volumes. Falling transport costs have resulted in greater fragmentation of services into components, rendering manufacturing increasingly globalised, with world factories relying on complex global supply chains as their assembly line. As transport costs fall, physical geography matters less; but, with economies of scale in producti- on, economic geography matters more. Today, customers demand more and more for less and less. Time is the cutting edge. Increa- singly, shippers see goods in transit as NPAs. They consider two costs: one, the direct cost of transport; the second, the time cost which includes that of frozen capital. Speed in delivery today is itself an important characteristic of product quality. Again, with the decline in air transport costs, the price of speed has fallen dra- matically. Goods with the highest time sensitivity have seen the fastest increase in trade, e.g., perishable agricultural goods, fashion articles, and electronics. There is a growing realization that railways have significant revenue potential, if they can of- fer a time-competitive service. In most cases, rails primary competition is door-to-door service by road. This makes it almost impossible for rail to compete for short distance flows. What is needed is an efficient network with interchange poin- ts, such as ICDs/logistics parks that receive short-haul, smaller cargo volume from roads from the hinterland for aggregation and then provide longer-haul rail transport of vehicle loads forward to ports and other destinations. The heart of IRs freight strategy is the creation of high volume, high speed freight corridors. A clear need is to re-dimension the rail freight business, for it to acquire the requisite flexibility in servicing the customer. Multi-modality needs to encourage rail operators to open up systems and processes to co- operation. It points to the need to create critical mass of wagons/containers carrying piecemeal general goods in train loads, in partnership with other players, for integrated time-tabled multimodal whole journey service. A major sector for IR to focus on is the generic parcels traffic, which encompasses the express market. In Indias Rs 15,000 crore express market, the air express alone has a share of about 30 per cent, more than half of which includes documents; road express another 45 per cent; the rest 25 per cent is accounted for by e-retail. The sector is in throes of transformation and expansion. One promising avenue for IR to explore is the rapidly expanding e-commerce market for which strategic collaboration with large players would open a window of opportunity. IR may operate dedicated train formations entirely designed and developed by the private entrepreneur/integrator to do value addition activities as well even while the train is on run. There is likely to be popular de- mand for individual vans to be operated for inter-city transport of freight/parcels/courier packages by higher speed passenger trains including Rajdhanis/ Shatabdis/Vande Bharats/ Durontos, etc. Some others may opt for dedicated space to be leased on long term contract in VPs on such trains. Here IR needs to cast aside its ambivalence that has somehow led it to look at parcels as a distinct product from freight. The dichotomy, in fact, diffuses responsibility for planning, operation and marketing. IR may well look at all freight as a single product, consignments priced, as by express industry, based on weight, volume and level of service, and total transit time, door-to-door. Evidently a way forward will be for IR to offer an FAK rate, assuring time-definite money-back guaranteed supply of hardware as well as transit time. It will require selected nodes/ yards/ terminals/sidings for aggregation/ consolidation. In this context, IR has a lot first to unlearn. In spite of its initiatives taken decades ago to offer pioneering services like QTS, collection-and-delivery of smalls consignments, time-definite freight transit, and even intermodal containerized domestic cargo transport end-to-end, it lost the plot. Decades ago, IRs suite of services included quick transit of LWL consignments, even involving repacking/transhipment, as also door-to-door service with their road collection and delivery, remote locations served through out-agencies. It pioneered in the mid-1960s its own-designed and manufactured 5 tonne freight container. It proved an instant hit with leading FMCG firms like Hindustan Lever, Tata and Godrej. Why and how did these farsighted pioneering initiatives end, leaving a trail of missed opportunities? No doubt, the QTS and shunting and van goods operation in effect turned out to be highly cost-intensive and inefficient, in absence of the concomitant support by way of management information and monitoring mechanism as available now. Again, the rapidly growing traffic throughput volumes on the network then in the throes of remodelling and additions to infrastructure left little room for LTL operations. IR overwhelmed itself with huge, unbearable costs and inefficiencies. Instead of concentra- ting on maintaining overall single-window responsibility for end-to-end service to the customers, and on line-haul, it ought to have involved partners on contract for first/last mile road transport of empty/loaded containers to/from consignees/con- signers, and, above all, for provi- sion of handling equipment as well as millwright maintenance. Smug and complacent at the growing volumes of bulk traffic in a pervasive environment of permitlicence raj coupled with supply trailing far behind demand, IR continued to wallow in maintaining the status quo, when the need was to provide integrated logistics solution, in collaboration with other partners for door-to-door service. It would not even shake off the antediluvian and anachronistic Drivers and Guards box or dispense with the Brake-van for freight trains; how would it stick its neck out to experiment with running some selected freight trains to a guaranteed schedule. In a maelstrom of varying views and perceptions, difficult is it not to accept that IR has functioned essentially as a government department, not the least as a customer-centric commercial enterprise. Clearly, it needed to escape from the strait-jacket, to script a new narrative, transcending much beyond its traditional, blinkered vision of a mere railway entity a monopoly of an old era. Instead, it must aspire to be a lead player as an intermodal operator in contemporary milieu of integrated logistics. (The writer is former CMD of CONCOR, and now Distinguished Fellow at Asian Institute of Transport Development) In a heartwarming turn of events, missing Pakistani journalist Imran Riaz Khan has finally returned home after a harrowing four-month ordeal. Imran, a former TV anchor and a prominent YouTuber with over three million followers, was apprehended in May while attempting to leave Pakistan amid concerns for his safety. His unexpected reappearance has drawn attention to his extraordinary journey. Imran Riaz Khan, a well-known Pakistani journalist and YouTuber, captured the hearts of millions with his insightful commentary and fearless reporting. However, on May 11, 2023, distressing news emerged that local authorities arrested him while trying to escape potential political repression in his homeland. Speculation quickly arose, linking Imrans abduction to his vocal critiques of the government and military. Given the alarming pattern of enforced disappearances targeting critics, dissenters, and journalists in Pakistan, concerns swirled regarding Imrans safety and well-being. Reports hinted at the possibility of mistreatment or even worse. Advertisement The saga took a dramatic turn on September 25, 2023. Authorities miraculously recovered and reunited him with his family after more than four months of uncertainty. More about Imran Riaz Khan: Imrans journalistic journey began as a news anchor and reporter on the Express News channel. In 2020, he embarked on a new chapter by launching his YouTube channel, Imran Riaz Khan, which garnered an impressive 3.48 million subscribers by October 2022. Imrans dedication to current affairs also led him to collaborate with other television channels, including GNN and Samaa TV. The chain of events leading to Imrans disappearance began on May 11, 2023. Punjab Police arrested him at Sialkot Airport, ostensibly in connection with the May 9 riots. However, despite the issuance of a 30-day detention notice, Imran got bail on the same night. CCTV footage revealed a darker twist in the puzzling circumstances. It showed that Imran Riaz Khan was forcibly abducted outside the prison by four to five masked individuals. They subsequently placed him inside a Toyota Vigo. In the subsequent court proceedings, Usman Anwar disclosed that the abductors had used Afghan SIM cards, making their traceability a challenge for the police. Anwar also shared that Punjab Police had formed a special working group dedicated to the recovery of the missing journalist. Imran Riaz Khans triumphant return to his family brings both relief and renewed attention to the critical issue of journalist safety in Pakistan, where reporters like Imran continue to face immense challenges while pursuing their commitment to truth and freedom of expression. Sarah Sunny, a pioneering hearing-impaired lawyer, made a historic appearance before the Supreme Court on Friday. With the invaluable assistance of a sign language interpreter, she engaged in real-time proceedings, breaking barriers for physically-challenged lawyers seeking to advocate for their cases. Sarah Sunnys remarkable journey is defined by her groundbreaking role as Indias first Deaf Advocate. Her commitment to justice and the promotion of human rights is evident in her advocacy work. Sarah is an active member of the Human Rights Law Network, where she passionately contributes to the cause of justice and equal rights for all. Beyond her legal career, Sarah is deeply involved in championing the rights and well-being of the hearing-impaired community. Her advocacy efforts extend to the National Association of Deaf individuals. There she plays a vital role in empowering and advocating for this community. Advertisement Sarahs educational and professional trajectory reflects her unwavering passion for law and advocacy. She pursued her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at St. Joseph College of Law, a period that laid the foundation for her legal career. Through diverse internship experiences, including roles at the Centre for Law and Policy Research and Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan in Bangalore, she gained valuable insights into the legal world. Prior to her legal studies, Sarah completed her Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) at Jyoti Nivas College. She focused on business law, accounting, and marketing. Her academic journey began at St. Claret Pre-University in India, where she studied economics, accounting, business, and computer science. Throughout her educational and professional pursuits, Sarah has nurtured interest in constitutional law, disability law, and human rights law. Her goal is to make a difference by helping individuals and aspiring legal professionals to enter the field of law. Sarahs recent appearance before Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud showcases her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of justice for all. This moment underscores her dedication to ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. Her pioneering efforts open doors for a more inclusive legal system, where everyones voice can be heard and represented. Matteo Messina Denaro, the infamous Italian Mafia boss, has passed away at the age of 61 due to colon cancer. This significant event has reverberated across the globe, prompting a reflection on the man he was. Matteo Messina Denaro rose to prominence as one of the emerging leaders of the Sicilian mafia following the arrests of key figures like Bernardo Provenzano. His notoriety expanded nationally in 2001 when he graced the cover of LEspresso magazine with the headline Here is the new Mafia boss, a title that would stick with him. Following the natural demise of his father, Francesco Messina Denaro, in November 1998, Matteo assumed the role of capo mandamento in the region encompassing Castelvetrano and neighboring cities. It was during this period that he went underground, earning a spot on Forbes list of the ten most wanted and powerful criminals in the world. Advertisement As the Mafia landscape saw the deaths of Bernardo Provenzano in 2016 and Salvatore Riina in 2017, Matteo Messina Denaro emerged as the uncontested boss of all bosses within the criminal organization. Investigations revealed that between 1994 and 1996, Messina Denaro concealed himself in a hideout located between Aspra and Bagheria, often in the company of his lover Maria Mesi. They even ventured to Greece for vacations, using the alias Matteo Cracolici to avoid detection. The law caught up with Maria Mesi in 2000, leading to her arrest when police uncovered love letters exchanged between her and Messina Denaro. More about Matteo Messina Denaro: In 2002, Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for his involvement in the bombings of 1993, a crime that left a dark stain on Italys history. However, after nearly three decades on the run, Matteo Messina Denaros time as a fugitive came to an end on January 16, 2023, when Italian police finally apprehended him in Sicily. His arrest, which coincidentally occurred almost exactly 30 years after that of Riina, took place at a private clinic where he was undergoing colon cancer treatment, concealed under a false identity for chemotherapy sessions. Over 100 members of the armed forces played a role in the arrest, taking him into custody just before 10:00 (CET). At the time, Messina Denaros assets were of at least 4 billion. Following his capture, authorities transferred him via a secret military flight to the prison of LAquila. This prison featured an oncology ward and was the closest location to Rome where Italian magistrates could interrogate him. On September 24, 2023, Matteo Messina Denaro slipped into an irreversible coma, and in the early hours of September 25, 2023, he passed away. Reacting to the ongoing conflict between India and Canada diplomatic row, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that terrorists have found safe haven in the North American country and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has this way of coming out with absurd allegations. Some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country, said Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. Ties between India and Canada have been sapped after Justin Trudeau on September 18 alleged Indias involvement in the deadly shooting of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Nijjar was a well-known terrorist in India, he was killed outside a Gurdwara in Canadas Surrey on June 18. India, however, denied the allegations, terming them absurd and motivated. Advertisement Taking a dig at Trudeau for honouring a former Nazi soldier in Canadas parliament, he said, I saw yesterday he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who has associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War. So, this is questionable and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometimes PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations. On September 22, during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyys speech in Canadas Parliament, 98-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslav Hunka, who served in the first Ukrainian division, also known as the SS division Galicia during World War II was honoured by the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada. Sabry while speaking on Canada and Sri Lankas relationship said that due to Trudeaus Genocide comment, earlier, the relationship between the two nations is affected. That has actually affected our relationship. The Foreign Ministry has a different take on that. Ministry of Global Affairs has very clearly said that Sri Lanka did not go through a genocide, whereas PM Trudeau as a politician stands up and says that genocide had taken place. That itself is contradictory to each other. That doesnt help, said Sabry. He also advised the Canadian PM to not interfere in the internal matters of a sovereign country. I dont think anyone should poke their nose into other countries and tell as to how we should govern our country. We love our country more than anyone else. Thats why we are in our country. We are not very happy about that statement at all. Indian Ocean identity is very important and we need to strengthen the regional architecture. We have to look after our region. We need to work together. Thats how we can create a peaceful environment. We should not be dictated by anyone else as to how we should conduct our affairs, he added. Earlier, Sri Lanka rejected the statement issued by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau containing outrageous claims of genocide relating to the past conflict in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that such irresponsible and polarizing pronouncements by the leader of a nation breeds disharmony and hatred both in Canada and Sri Lanka, instead of promoting peace and reconciliation. The US has reiterated that it was deeply concerned by the allegations levelled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the involvement of bureaucrats of Indian agencies in the murder case of Canada-based pro-Khalistan hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Replying to a question during a regular press briefing on Monday, the spokesman for the US State Department Matthew Miller said: We remain in close contact with our Canadian partners, as the Secretary (Antony Blinken) said on Friday (September 22). We believe its critical that Canadas investigation proceed and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. And we have publicly and privately urged the Indian government to cooperate in the Canadian investigation. Advertisement The spokesmans remarks came days after Blinken urged India to cooperate with Canada and ensure accountability over Nijjars killing on June 18 outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, Blinken said the US has been in touch both with India, with which it has warming ties, and Canada, a closeally. The Secretary of State also indicated that the US was playing more an a passive, observers role. We have been consulting throughout very closely with our Canadian colleagues and not just consulting, coordinating with them on this issue. And from our perspective, it is critical that the Canadian investigation proceed, and it would be important that India work with the Canadians on this investigation. We want to see accountability, and its important that the investigation run its course and lead to that result, he added, Trudeaus accusation has led to a diplomatic spat between India and Canada with New Delhi rejecting Ottawas claims as absurd and motivated, followed by tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats and travel advisories. MOGADISHU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The enduring conflict and insecurity have displaced some 569,000 people in Somalia in the first eight months of the year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday. The WHO said the Somali government's ongoing counter-insurgency operations against the al-Shabab terror group and tensions following clan disputes continue to cause insecurity and displacement in the country. "Among the 1.42 million newly displaced people nationwide in 2023, 569,000 were displaced by conflict and insecurities," the WHO said in its latest report released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The government forces have intensified military operations against the al-Shabab terror group which has been involved in a spate of attacks, especially in Mogadishu, central and southern regions. According to the WHO, the fact that the government aims to further its offensive against the terrorist group in Somalia's Galmudug state is likely to worsen displacements. Last year, conflict, drought, and floods displaced more than 3.8 million people within Somalia and into neighboring countries, with the majority of internally displaced persons living in Banadir, Galgaduud, Gedo, and Hiran regions in Somalia, said the UN agency. During the first half of 2023 alone, 531,000 people were displaced due to conflict and insecurity. According to the UN, conflict and climate hazards continue to drive up humanitarian needs in Somalia with more than 8 million people currently requiring humanitarian assistance. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Shi Taifeng, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has called on the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA) to guide and encourage compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese to devote themselves to China's modernization drive. Shi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and head of the COFA, made the remarks at a meeting of COFA executive directors in Beijing on Monday. Acknowledging the progress the fifth COFA board of directors has made in its work, Shi asked the association to encourage compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese to contribute to China's overall development. Shi also urged the association to create a sound external environment and make new contributions to building a strong China and achieving national rejuvenation. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has been actively involved in fostering cultural exchanges, China's Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Li Qun said Tuesday, calling strengthening cultural exchanges a crucial pathway towards building a global community of shared future. Li, also head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, made the remarks at a press conference on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." China has signed cooperation agreements in the fields of culture, cultural heritage, and tourism with 157 countries, with collaboration already established with 25 nations to prevent the illegal import and export of cultural relics, Li noted. Over the past decade, China has collaborated with countries worldwide to organize more than 500 exhibitions showcasing cultural relics, according to the official. Chinese experts have undertaken cultural relics preservation and restoration projects in 11 sites across six countries, including the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Furthermore, joint archaeological endeavors have been conducted with 24 countries, resulting in the repatriation of over 1,800 lost cultural relics to their home country, Li said. Chinese government has made dedicated efforts in international cultural exchanges, actively contributing to the diversity of world cultures and enhancing the inclusiveness and sustainability of global economic and social development, he said. The official said that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China will continue to uphold the Global Civilization Initiative, strengthen cooperation in cultural exchanges, and do what is necessary to promote world peace, cooperation, and the inheritance and development of human wisdom and civilization. Flight attendants of Tata-run Air India may soon bid adieu to the traditional sarees which is their current uniform, possibly by the end of this year. According to a Hindustan Times report, designer Manish Malhotra will come up with the new, more contemporary wear for Air India flight attendants. There will, however, be traditional options for the new uniforms as well. The new wardrobe is likely to be launched by November. While churidars will be one of the options for women, men will have suits as uniforms. However, according to a source, sarees may not be completely discontinued. Various options were given to the airline, which included ready-to-wear sarees that look like saree but are not draped like the traditional ones, a source has been quoted as saying, adding that the management is yet to finalise on anything. The colour of the uniforms will remain the samedeep red, aubergine, and gold. Air India is yet to come out with an official announcement in this regard. The government, on Tuesday, extended export benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for one more year till June 2024, according to an official release. The Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) provides for refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods and are not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the centre, state or local level. The scheme is operational since September 2021. "The RoDTEP support which was notified till 30th September 2023 is now being extended till 30th June 2024 at the same rates to the existing export items," the commerce ministry said in the release. It will help the exporting community to negotiate export contracts in the present international environment on better terms. The RoDTEP Committee has again been constituted in the Department of Revenue to review and recommend the ceiling rates under the RoDTEP Scheme for different export sectors, it said. The Committee held its first interaction today here with the EPCs/Chamber of Commerce and discussed the methodology and other issues relating to the Scheme and its implementation. The EPCs (export promotion councils) in their observations emphasized the need for enhancing the RoDTEP budget allocation and for higher rates to be made available to all export items to help them secure greater market access abroad. This scheme is a replacement for the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) which ended last year. At present, over 10,342 export items get the RoDTEP benefits. The incentive is paid in the form of transferable duty credit scrip which can be used to pay import duties or sold in the market by exporters. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday slammed opposition parties, BJP and JD(S), of politicising the Cauvery row and dismissed claims that the Congress government in the state failed to protect the interests of the state, its people and farmers. Siddaramaiah said it's important to follow the distress water-sharing formula and build the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across Cauvery river in order to resolve the dispute with Tamil Nadu. His remarks come amid a bandh declared in Bengaluru on Tuesday by farmers and Kannada organisations and backed by the BJP and JD(S) to protest the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. The strike evoked partial response, with most public services functioning normally. "It is most unfortunate that BJP and JD(S) are politicising the Cauvery issue. They are doing it for the sake of politics and not in the interest of the state or its people," Siddaramaiah told reporters. Speaking to reporters, he said everyone has the right to protest but the court has ruled against bandhs and hence section 144 was invoked. Pointing out that so far there has been no distress formula on sharing Cauvery during drought years, the CM said, "We have been seeking a distress formula. We have been pressuring the Supreme Court on this and before the tribunal also. When there is a deficit of rain, there will be distress in both states. In such a situation we have to share the distress, for which a distress formula is needed," he said. He said that another solution is to construct the Mekedatu balancing reservoir with a storage capacity of 67 tmc (thousand million cubic feet) water. During excess rain, water can be stored in the reservoir and released to Tamil Nadu during drought, helping both states, the CM said. Siddaramaiah said his government has sought help from PM to send a team of central experts to visit the state and give a ground report. "There has been no response to my letter so far...ask BJP which has 25 MPs to put pressure on the PM on this," he added. -- with PTI inputs The BJP and other opposition parties, including the JD(S), have offered their support for the Bengaluru Bandh called by several pro-Kannada outfits in the state capital on Tuesday. The bandh call was made by Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samithi, an umbrella outfit of farmers and other organisations, against the release of water from river Cauvery to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The city wore a deserted look on Tuesday morning despite the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) announcing that all services will operate as usual. "As bandh has been called, no commuters are seen in Kempegowda bus stop which is usually one of the busiest bus stops in the state," a BMTC employee told ANI. The Ola-Uber Drivers' Association had informed that they will not support Tuesday's bandh, given another bandh being called for Friday across Kannada. "Tomorrow our services will be normal. This decision was taken in a meeting held today in the presence of pro-Kannada and various organisations," the association in a statement said. However, associations and unions operating autos and taxis have extended their complete support for Tuesday's bandh. "We support the bandh called by various organisations. When the Cauvery water issue comes, we have a very clear stand that Karnataka will not provide water to anyone. Only night drivers are here, autos will not run today, an auto driver at Majestic BMTC Bus stop told ANI. Meanwhile, the state BJP unit has offered to support the Bengaluru Bandh. BJP leader C T Ravi said, "Today our State party chief and BS Yediyurappa declared support. We will support it and with it, we will also protest in front of the Gandhi statue." BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Monday said his party would extend cooperation in ensuring that the Bengaluru bandh. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar of behaving like agents of Tamil Nadu for complying with orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Water Regulation Committee, which the Supreme Court refused to interfere with. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy separately said his party too would be supporting tomorrow's bandh. "I have asked my party workers to support the bandh. Our workers will support it. There should be no chance for any untoward incident," he said. Tight security The Bengaluru Police has beefed up security in the city with personnel deployed at Whitefield. A protest rally is being planned by the farmers' outfits from Town Hall to Freedom Park. However, Shanthakumar and other leaders of the 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti were detained by the police at the Mysuru Bank circle, as they were trying to hold a protest march. Several activists of Kannada organisations were also whisked away by the police at Town Hall, as they gathered there to stage a protest. Farmers' leaders and Kannada activists hit out at the government for allegedly using police force to curtail the protests and bandh. Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that Section 144 will be imposed in the city under which gatherings of more than five people will not be permitted. Protests will only be allowed at Freedom Park, police said. Bengaluru Urban District Collector KA Dayanand has announced a public holiday for all schools and colleges in the city given the Bandh. Most private companies and firms, including those in the IT sector, asked their employees to work from home. Some malls in the city have decided to remain shut. Many shops and establishments were also seen not functioning as usual in the morning hours. Meanwhile, a Karnataka bandh, a state-wide shutdown, has been called, on September 29 by 'Kannada Okkuta', an umbrella organisation for Kannada organisations, led by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj. They are not supporting today's bandh. People attend the opening of the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Sept. 25, 2023. (AIIB/Handout via Xinhua) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Monday launched its Climate Action Plan (CAP), which it refers to as "a milestone" in its ongoing commitment to combatting climate change. Designed to guide the AIIB's climate ambition from 2024 to 2030, the CAP brings together the principles governing the bank's climate financing while identifying crucial action areas that will steer its investments in support of its members, the AIIB said in a statement. "The CAP demonstrates AIIB's ambition to mobilize our capital, capacity, and convening power to help our members in their efforts to address climate change," AIIB President and Chair of the Board Jin Liqun was quoted as saying. The action plan outlines four principles: meeting the differentiated needs of its members for a just approach on climate finance, taking a holistic approach, mobilizing capital, and facilitating technological innovation. "The CAP is a compass for crafting climate solutions and directing climate financing. It is a dynamic framework that can evolve to stay pertinent and impactful as the ramifications of climate change intensify," according to the AIIB statement. Early action offers the opportunity to bend the emission curve, support a just transition and pave the path toward low-carbon development while avoiding the legacy issues experienced by developed economies, it noted. AIIB is committed to allocate at least 50 percent of its annual financing approvals as climate finance by 2025, the statement reads, adding the bank has attained a 56-percent rate in 2022 and aligns all new investments with the principles of the Paris Agreement as of July 1, 2023. Asia contributes more than half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, therefore its effectiveness in addressing its unique climate challenges is crucial to the sustainability of societies worldwide, according to the bank. "This document marks one of the many important steps we must collectively take in our pursuit of a sustainable world free from climate havoc and other natural disasters to the greatest extent possible," said Jin. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the infrastructure with sustainability. It began its operations in Beijing in January 2016 and has 106 approved members worldwide as of today. The eighth annual meeting of the AIIB kicked off Monday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh under the theme "Sustainable Growth in a Challenging World." The two-day meeting will demonstrate AIIB's commitment to investment and action that drive growth toward a greener world as demonstrated by AIIB's mission of "Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow." The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President and Chair of the Board Jin Liqun addresses the opening of the eighth annual meeting of the AIIB in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Sept. 25, 2023. (AIIB/Handout via Xinhua) Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan said on Friday that the Supreme Courts decision on the Cauvery dispute was final. The minister added he was hopeful that Karnataka would increase its release to Tamil Nadu in the coming days. Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, over 200 persons have been taken into custody for conducting protests despite prohibitory orders by Bengaluru police. Duraimurugan said, As on date, Tamil Nadu is receiving 7,000 cusecs of water from Karnataka. Initially, only 2,500-3,000 cusecs of water were discharged to the State from Karnataka; it is gradually increasing. As per the Cauvery Management Authority, Supreme Court orders the State still needs to receive 11,000 cusecs of water. Duraimurugan said he was hopeful that the remaining discharge would reach the state by tomorrow. According to the water resources department, at 8am, the water level at Mettur dam the major reservoir across the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu was 37.91ft against a total scale of 120ft. The dam has a stored capacity of 11,037mcft of water and it was receiving an inflow of 6,943 cusecs water. At 8am, 6,500 cusecs water was being discharged to the river from the dam. Duraimurugan said as per the Supreme Courts order, from September 13, for 15 days, 5,000 cusecs of water should be released to Tamil Nadu. Though there are protests, Karnataka has been discharging water to the state, Duraimurugan said. In Bengaluru, the 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti', an umbrella outfit of farmers' associations and other organisations led by farmer leader Kuruburu Shanthakumar has given a bandh call opposing the discharge of water to Tamil Nadu. Many of the opposition parties, including the BJP, have extended their support to the shutdown. The opposition BJP has announced that it would extend cooperation in ensuring that the Bengaluru bandh called by various organisations protesting against the release of Cauvery water is successful. Party leader B.S. Yediyurappa accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar of behaving like agents of Tamil Nadu for complying with orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Water Regulation Committee, which the Supreme Court refused to interfere with. Bengaluru police have imposed a curfew in the city from Monday night to Tuesday night in the wake of the bandh. Over 10,000 policemen have been deputed in the city to prevent any untoward incident. According to reports, a farmer attempted to kill self by hanging from a tree at Bengaluru Freedom Park. However, he was rescued and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Bengaluru police have taken into custody over 200 protesters for violating prohibitory orders. The protesters were trying to march towards Raj Bhavan from Vidhana Soudha. Chairman of the federation of pro-Kannada organisations, Vatal Nagaraj, his deputy Praveen Shetty led the march. The crucial Malwa-Nimad region is clearly in focus as Congress ex-president Rahul Gandhi will hold his first public meeting in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh in Kalapipal of Shajapur district on September 30. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who launched the Congress poll campaign in state at Jabalpur the centre of Mahakoshal region - in June this year and held a public gathering in Gwalior in July, is also scheduled to take the poll campaign to the Malwa-Nimad region with a rally proposed in Mohankheda of Dhar district on October 5. This rally will mark the culmination of the seven simultaneous Jan Aakrosh yatras being taken out in the poll-bound state by the Congress. However, the proposed first visit of Rahul Gandhi to the state before elections is generating a lot of excitement for the Congress. MP Congress vice-president (organsiation), Rajeev Singh told media persons that Gandhi received a lot of affection from the people of the state during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in November last year. Rahul Gandhis first visit to Shajapur will be decisive for the Madhya Pradesh polls, Singh said. The Madhya Pradesh leg of BJY had passed through the Malwa-Nimad region too. The Malwa-Nimad region includes as many as 91 seats of Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal divisions making up for more than one-third of total 230 seats in the state. The BJP has had a traditional upper hand in the region as it had won 58 and 74 seats respectively in 2008 and 2013 polls. However, in the 2018 polls, the Congress shared equal pie in the region as each party bagged 44 seats each (three going to independents). Therefore, both the parties are putting much focus on the crucial region and the BJP decision to field party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya from Indore-1 seat is also seen as a way to charge up the party workers. Vijayvargiya wields a huge influence in the region especially Indore division. Farmers in focus too Kalapipal the venue for Rahul Gandhis first visit - is famous for its agriculture produce market (mandi) and the Congress expects to see huge attendance of farmers in the proposed public meeting. Inclement weather first long dry spell and then heavy rainfall has damaged crops in many parts of Madhya Pradesh especially western MP where the soybean is the major cash crop. The Congress has already taken up the issues of farmers demanding compensation for them - and seems to be in a mood to make this a big poll issue. Farmers issues had given Congress an upper hand in 2018 polls, too, as its major poll promise was farm loan waiver. Modi in Chhattisgarh the same day An interesting coincidence is in the play as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Bilaspur of Chhattisgarh on September 30 for the culmination programme of the Parivartan Yatra being taken out by the local BJP unit. On September 25, PM Modi was in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Rahul Gandhi was at Bilaspur at the same time to participate in a housing scheme launch programme of Chhattisgarh government. Congress sources said that the matching schedule was not part of any strategy but a mere coincidence. The Modi public gathering in Bilaspur is also being looked upon with interest as there is possibility that it might be followed by the release of the second list of BJP candidates in Chhattisgarh on the line of Madhya Pradesh second list. Looking at the MP second list, there are speculations that the party might field its members of parliament in Chhattisgarh too for the Assembly polls. A week-long hectic parley before a breakthrough in mid-May this year saw the Congress party finally pick Siddaramaiah as the Karnataka chief minister and KPCC chief D.K. Shivakumar as the sole deputy, a formula that was agreed to by the two top contenders for the CMs post. Within four months, the party finds itself in the damage-control mode as the two factions are again at loggerheads, in a bid to diminish each others stature. The demand for creation of six deputy chief ministers posts citing social justice and the upcoming Lok Sabha polls has embarrassed the party high command, which has termed any such remarks as unacceptable and unwarranted. According to a letter by K.C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary (organisation), any such remarks with regard to the post of chief minister and number of deputy chief ministers go against the party interest and were merely rumours. He also urged the party leaders to raise issued related to the party and the government only in the party forum and not in public glare. Last week, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna had mooted creation of three deputy chief minister posts to give representation to the Lingayat, SC/ST and minority communities, stating they had backed the Congress in the Assembly polls and it would be beneficial to the party in the upcoming LS polls too. Seconding the demand was Yelburga (Koppal) MLA Basavaraj Rayareddi who claimed there was a proposal to appoint five more deputy chief ministers. There should be at least six deputy CMs for a big state Karnataka similar to Andhra, where Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also appointed five deputies, said Rayareddi. Giving credence to his claim was Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Industries minister M.B. Patil and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi openly supporting the proposal. While Parameshwara defended Rajannas opinion saying it was not wrong, Jarkiholi said he was ready to become the deputy CM if the party gave him a chance. Having multiple deputy CMs ensures adequate representation to various communities and upholds social justice, said Jarkiholi. Parameshwara, who was the longest-serving KPCC chief and a keen contender for the CMs post, served as the deputy chief minister during the JDS-Congress coalition government. On several occasions, he has expressed his disappointment over dalit leaders being deprived of the top post. Shivakumar is a good organisational man. He can be the principal deputy CM and other deputies can be his subordinates. Having five deputy CM posts will certainly benefit the party in the polls, said Rayareddi, who added that Siddaramaiah would complete a full term as the chief minister contrary to the speculations over his stepping down after 2.5 years. Shivakumar, annoyed by the statements, said the chief minister was the right person to respond to such demands. Another Siddaramaiah loyalist and health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao suggested that Siddaramaiah should continue as the CM for the five years owing to his good performance, making it obvious that the two warring factions were trying to prop up their leaders image. The demand for additional deputy CMs is being read as a counter from the Siddaramaiah faction after OBC leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad, who identifies with the Shivakumar faction, questioned the CM's credentials as a socialist leader. Hariprasad, a former Rajya Sabha MP who has been sulking over being denied a cabinet berth by Siddaramaiah, launched a veiled attack against the CM during a rally of OBC communities on September 9. Someone who wears a panche (dhoti), a Hublot watch, and a khaki chaddi inside cannot be a socialist, Hariprasad had said indirectly referring to a controversy over Siddaramaiah accepting an expensive (diamond-studded) watch during his earlier stint as the chief minister in 2016. AICCs disciplinary action committee issued a showcause notice to Hariprasad stating he was accused of criticising Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly and sharing the dais with BJP and YSR Congress party leaders at a Backward Class conference held at Bengaluru. Soon, the party also sent Home Minister Parameshwara and other leader to convince him to attend the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Hyderabad. The Siddaramaiah faction is rankled by Hariprasads frequent outbursts against the chief minister as they suspect that it is a strategy to diminish the stature of Siddaramaiah as the undisputed leader of the OBC community in the state. Siddaramaiah, a Kuruba holds sway over the Ahinda (minorities, dalit and backward classes) votebank, while Hariprasad belongs to the Ediga (Billava) community and is hoping to emerge as a mass leader from the OBC community like former chief minister late S. Bangarappa. The Congress high command sees a ploy of the opposition parties in the demand for additional deputies. The Karnataka Model is being spoken about and emulated across the country. The success of these (guarantee) welfare measures has made the BJP and other regional parties jittery and uncomfortable. In the usual tactic of diversion and manipulation, they are now using a section of the media to fuel wholly unwarranted rumours with regard to the post of chief minister and number of deputy chief ministers, said the letter from Venugopal that said the party had noted with concern that few Congress leaders and ministers had chosen to comment upon these rumours by falling prey to the propaganda of the BJP and other regional outfits. Bengaluru South MP Tejaswi Surya in his X post suggested the infighting in the Congress was affecting governance in the state. Karnataka Congress MLA proposes half a dozen deputy CMs for Karnataka. Why not declare every Minister as a deputy CM? This is the state of affairs of the Congress party and its government in Karnataka. The only casualty in all this politicking is the governance in the state, he said. Both the Congress and the BJP have experimented with having multiple deputies in the past though it is believed to undermine the importance of the chief minister. While it has been a norm to have deputy chief ministers in a coalition government, the single-party governments appointing deputies owing to their seniority in the party is not uncommon. The first deputy CM of Karnataka was S.M. Krishna (1992), when M. Veerappa Moily was the chief minister while Siddaramaiah was J.H. Patels deputy in 1996. In 2012, BJP veterans K.S. Eshwarappa and R. Ashok were sworn in as deputies to Jagadish Shettar. Again in 2019, the BJP appointed three deputies appointed three deputy chief ministers in the B.S. Yediyurappa cabinet. Govind Karajol (Dalit), Laxman Savadi (Lingayat) and Dr C.N. Ashwathnarayan (Vokkaliga) were sworn in as deputies to expand its vote base and to keep its traditional supporters in good humour. The previous Congress government (2013-2018) under Siddaramaiah did not have a deputy CM. The Basavaraj Bommai cabinet did away with the deputies. Prior to the Assembly polls, the Congress party had appointed five working presidents to give adequate representation to all communities by picking and Ramalinga Reddy (Reddy), Eshwar Khandre (Lingayat), Saleem Ahmed (Muslim- minority) and Satish Jarkiholi (ST) and R Dhruvanarayana (SC) as deputies to the KPCC chief. However, the appointment of deputies to the chief minister has now triggered a debate over social justice though it is a reflection of the growing factional feud in the party. After United States envoys visit to Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti defended Donald Blome's visit. While talking to the reporters, Garcetti said that the Kashmir dispute must be solved bilaterally between India and Pakistan without the intervention of any third party. Blome, US ambassador to Pakistan, had concluded his PoK visit on Sunday. During his visit, he met with the those in fields of business, academic, and representatives of the civil societies. He also met with ministers and deputy speaker of the assembly. While responding to the questions regarding Blomes visit, Garcetti said that US delegations had also visited Kashmir in India during the G20 summit. "It's not my place to react to the US Ambassador in Pakistan but he's been there before and we obviously had part of our delegation in Jammu and Kashmir during the G20 as well," the US envoy told reporters during the 20th Indo-US Economic Summit. Blomes visit to PoK last year in October had triggered a controversy as he referred to region as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. India had strongly protested against the reference. Well stay engaged but this is an issue, we very religiously note, that has to be something that is resolved between India and Pakistan, not by any third party, including the US. This is an issue that has to be resolved between India and Pakistan and not by a third party, including the US," said Garcetti. So far, India has not reacted to Blomes visit to PoK. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US embassy in Islamabad said that the purpose of the envoys visit was to explore opportunities for strengthening Gilgit-Baltisans climate resilience. While asked about Canadas allegation against Indias involvement in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Garcetti said that it is not his place to speak on another country. We dont talk about intelligence matters or criminal justice matters, he said. Recently, a US envoy had confirmed that Canada received intelligence reports from Five Eyes on Indias involvement in the Nijjar killing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said those who had kept the women's reservation bill "hanging" for years finally voted for it due to fear of women's power. Some opposition parties tried to oppose it by raising questions, but they were compelled to vote for it in Parliament, he said, speaking before a large gathering of women at the Ahmedabad airport after arriving in Gujarat for a two-day visit. "Those who kept delaying the women's reservation bill for decades have now supported the bill in Parliament out of compulsion, as they were afraid of you. Your strength compelled them to support the bill," he said. India's women were subjected to injustice all these years after independence because their hands and legs were tied in the absence of reservation in legislatures, the prime minister said. "We can not achieve development without participation of half the population. In the past, either political excuses were made (for not bringing in such a bill) or they (past governments) used to say that not everything is achievable," Modi said. Thousands of women gathered at the event at the airport, organised by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, to thank the prime minister for the passage of the bill in both houses of Parliament, said a BJP release. The prime minister further said that the country also saw how those who were opposing the bill -- which reserves 33 per cent seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women -- raised various questions using expressions such as "kintu, parantu" (but, however). Some political leaders even tried to divide women (as an attempt to stall the bill), he said, without naming anybody. Notably, the Congress had demanded a quota for OBC women in the overall quota of 33 per cent, while the AIMIM had demanded a quota for Muslim women. "You must have seen how they were making excuses and putting out conditions to support the bill. But when they realized that women of this country are watching what is going on in Parliament, they reluctantly cast their votes in support of the bill, " Modi said. The bill is "Modi's guarantee", he said. "You sent lots of rakhis on Rakshabandhan. So, as your brother, this bill is a gift from me to you. I had prepared this gift well in advance, but kept it a secret. This bill guarantees that your rights will be protected. This bill is a guarantee for India's success, because if women come forward, no one can stop our country," said the PM. It was the BJP government in Gujarat with him as chief minister that started the "fight" to increase women's participation in legislatures, Modi claimed. His government provided 50 per cent reservation to women in local self-governing bodies in Gujarat, he said. The Gujarat government reserves 33 per cent seats for women in the police force and other government jobs, Modi said. The decisions taken by him as chief minister to increase women's participation in every field played an important role in boosting his confidence to take similar decisions at the central level, the prime minister said. In a strong message to Canada, the country which India has accused of sheltering extremist Khalistani elements, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said political convenience cannot determine a nations response to terrorism, extremism or violence. The ministers remarks, made at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, came amid a massive diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, is wanted in India on charges of terrorism. Jaishankar stressed on the need to respect territorial integrity and called for non-interference in internal affairs. "... nor must we countenance that political convenience determines responses to terrorism, extremism and violence. Similarly, respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs cannot be exercises in cherry-picking. When reality departs from the rhetoric, we must have the courage to call it out... without genuine solidarity, there can never be real trust," he said. The relationship between India and Canada hit a new low last week over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegation of a potential Indian link to the killing of Nijjar. India reacted sharply to Trudeaus claims, calling them absurd and politically driven. New Delhi also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move to Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official over the case. India had designated Nijjar a terrorist in 2020. India as Vishwa Mitra In his address at the UNGA, Jaishankar said India has evolved from the era of non-alignment to the "era of Vishwa Mitra" or a friend to the world. "This is reflected in our ability and willingness to engage with a broad range of nations and where necessary harmonise interests. It is visible in the rapid growth of the QUAD; it is equally apparent in the expansion of the BRICS grouping or emergence of I2U2...," he said. The minister said the days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line wont go unchallenged, underlining that its Presidency of the G20 sought to focus on key concerns of the many. He said India had taken on the G20 Presidency in December 2022 with a sense of exceptional responsibility. "As it is, structural inequities and uneven development have imposed burdens on the Global South. But stresses have been aggravated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, tensions and disputes. As a result, socio-economic gains of recent years have been rolled back, he said. The New Delhi G-20 Leaders' Declaration articulates our collective ability to do so, Jaishankar said, referring to the joint declaration adopted by consensus at the Leaders' Summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. "At a time when East-West polarisation is so sharp and North-South divide so deep, the New Delhi Summit also affirms that diplomacy and dialogue are the only effective solutions. The international order is diverse and we must cater for divergences, if not differences. The days when a few nations set the agenda and expected others to fall in line are over, he said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday reiterated its concerns over the central government making no decision on the collegium recommendations for appointments and transfers of judges in various high courts. The top court noted that 70 recommendations made by the high courts' collegium from November 11, 2022 are pending with the government. It includes the transfer of 26 judges and the appointment of a chief justice in a "sensitive high court". A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia told Attorney General R. Venkataramani to take instructions from the government with respect to the collegium recommendations made at least until end of April this year, reported the Live Law. Venkatramani sought a week's time to respond. The court, however, granted him two weeks and asked him to return with the Centre's submission. "In some ways, we have endeavoured to push these things. Now we want to monitor it closely, Justice Kaul said. The apex court was hearing a petition filed by the Advocates Association of Bengaluru seeking contempt action against the government for its failure in adhering to the Supreme Court order in 2021 setting a timeline for clearing the collegium proposals. The court also took up a petition filed by NGO Common Cause raising concerns over the delay in judges appointment. When Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the Common Cause, said many lawyers have withdrawn their consent for judgeship in view of the delay in appointments, Justice Kaul said: "Some of them lose interest and withdraw. One or two such great candidates. With the assurance from AG, I will take this matter up every 10 days. I thought of saying a lot, but since the attorney is asking for seven days, I'm holding myself". I won't be quiet on the next date, Justice Kaul said. The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 9. Sri Lankas Foreign Minister Ali Sabry backed India in New Delhi's diplomatic tussle with Canada, saying "some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. In an interview with ANI, the minister slammed Canadain Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying, The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country. Pointing out Trudeau's reception of a Nazi war veteran on Monday, Sabry said, I saw yesterday he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who have associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War. So this is questionable and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometime PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations." Sabry also addressed India's concerns about a Chinese research ship docking in its ports. Indian security concerns are "important" for Colombo, he said, adding that the country has not allowed Chinese research vessel named Shi Yan 6 to dock in its territory next month. The Chinese vessel was scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka in October to conduct research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), according to Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror. "India has expressed its concerns over a long time, but we have come out with the SOP (standard operating procedure). When we were making that, we consulted many of our friends, including India. So, as long as it complies with the SOP, we have no problem. But if it doesn't comply with the SOP, we have a problem," ANI quoted Sabry as saying. "So, therefore, as far as I know, we have not given permission to come to Sri Lanka during October. Negotiations are going on. Indian security concerns, which are legitimate, are very, very important for us. We have always told that because we want to keep our region a zone of peace," stated Ali Sabry. Sabry's statement echoes Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe who had earlier said that an SOP had been framed with regard to foreign vessels carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory. US Under-Secretary Victoria Nuland, during her meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the 78th session if the UNGA, had raised concerns regarding Shi Yan 6's visit. He reportedly told her that Sri Lanka had been even-handed in this approach for all nations and could not exclude China from the process Taking to X, Nuland stated, "The US supports a strong and prosperous Sri Lanka. Our work together continues at #UNGA. I met with @MFA_SriLanka Minister Ali Sabry to discuss U.S. economic assistance, human rights, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific." Earlier this month, a top source in Indias military establishment had told THE WEEK that the Shi Yang 6s visit is meant to engineer a crack in the bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. For China, the Shi Yan 6with its planned underwater and hydrographic surveywill be able to collect all sorts of data that is required for any future operation including movement by Chinese submarines by mapping the terrain on the sea bed. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is looking at data on sediment thickness of the continental shelf so that its sea territorial claims can be made before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). At the moment, Sri Lankas territorial claim on the seas is excessive and is therefore on the lookout for sedimentation data which it hopes the Shi Yan 6 will be able to provide, the source had said. According to UN laws, one of the ways in which a coastal state may establish the outer limits of its juridical continental shelf, wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles is by establishing the commonality of sediments. As we reported earlier, Sri Lanka is delicately positioned between India and China and cannot displease both the countries. China is Sri Lankas biggest single creditor while India had bailed out the the country with a $4 billion handover in 2022. with inputs from ANI Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide in Donald Trump's White House says chief of staff Mark Meadows burned papers so often after the 2020 election that it left his office smoky and even prompted his wife to complain that his suits smelled like a bonfire, an AP report reads. In the book titled 'Enough', Hutchinson writes that a former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani groped her during the January 6 riots, an allegation Giuliani called absurd. On Giuliani groping her she wrote, His hand slips under my blazer, then my skirt. I feel his frozen fingertips trail up my thigh. He tilts his chin up. The whites of his eyes looked jaundiced. My eyes dart to John Eastman, who flashes a leering grin. In a testimony to the congressional committee that was investigating the January 6 riots, that she intended to work for the former president after the riot, except, Trump did not want her. Hutchinson was a top aide to Mark Meadows, Trump's chief of staff. In her book, Hutchinson outlines reasons for the actions behind Trump's criminal charges. She also states that Meadows' wife complained that his suits smell of campfire from burning so many documents. Under the Presidential Records Act, White House staffers are required to preserve their documents and send them to the National Archives. She wrote that she didn't know what papers Meadows was burning. She also makes note of an incident on January 6, where an irate Trump asked to be taken to the Capitol. When a Secret Service agent rebuffed him, Trump reached for the steering wheel and then for the agent's neck. She was asked to declassification of documents during the final month of the administration. The current state of India-China relations is highly pessimistic, with deployments on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) reaching almost unsustainable levels. The cold vibes between Xi Jinping and PM Narendra Modi during the 15th BRICS summit at Johannesburg were clearly visible, reflecting a sense of deja vu. The situation has been further precipitated by inconclusive rounds of discussions between top People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army (IA) commanders held in mid-August, the release of a new map by China, and the absence of Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Delhi. The special representative's level mechanism on the boundary question which is crucial for maintaining cordial relations between the two countries has not had a meeting since December 2019 thereby ceasing almost all the channels of communication. Therefore, on the surface, the situation seems ripe for a larger conflict between the two neighbours, with China enjoying a comparative edge in almost all parameters of comprehensive national power, be it size, political influence, economic strength, military capability, or advances in science and technology. Factors discouraging a conflict Nevertheless, despite the deteriorating relations, the two countries may not go to war because many factors discourage a conflict and support the conditions for maintaining the fragile peace. The Chinese economy is going through a downturn, with Bloomberg projecting that its GDP growth rate is likely to come down to 3.5 per cent by 2030. With this kind of slowdown, China cannot sustain its $700 billion annual defence budget, many ambitious projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and expenditure on war. India, on the other hand, is experiencing decent economic growth with the World Bank projecting a GDP growth rate of 7.5 per cent in 2024. This growth which is being driven by a young population, a growing middle class, and increasing investments in infrastructure and manufacturing however cannot absorb a major disruption like an India-China conflict. India and China are major trading partners, with bilateral trade standing at $136 billion in 2022-23. The trade deficit of $100 billion is heavily in China's favour. It is in the interest of both countries to maintain the high tempo of trade. A war between India and China would have a devastating impact on the economies of both countries and the global economy. Diplomatically, China faces significant challenges. Its relations with the United States and Europe are strained, the Taiwanese leadership with an election on the horizon is assertive and uncompromising, the South China Sea is unstable with all countries staking their claims vocally while the Belt Road Initiative is struggling wherein Italy, the only G7 member is threatening to withdraw from the ambitious infrastructure project. Strategically too, China is more focused towards the reunification of Taiwan under the One China Policy and its maritime disputes. An in-depth analysis of its policy documents indicates that it maintains the Eastern Front as the main "strategic direction. Therefore, China is unlikely to risk a war with India, which could derail the pursuit of its primary strategic objectives. Moreover, both India and China are conscious of the fact that they are nuclear-armed powers and a war between the two could escalate into the nuclear domain, which would have devastating consequences for the entire world. Notwithstanding the above, the most significant reason that will stop China from going to war will however be the uncertainty of the outcome. Despite its edge in military capability, the PLA cannot be certain of victory in a war with India. The PLA faces a variety of challenges, including long lines of communication, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions, and much better-prepared Indian defence forces. A major power like China will therefore not go to war where there is a possibility of a stalemate, which is a de facto victory for India. Conclusion This hypothesis does not suggest that an India-China war is an impossibility and that India can lower its guard. On the contrary, India should utilize this time to build credible capability and bridge the gap in comprehensive national power by continuing to modernize its military and strengthen its alliances with other countries. Also, its leaders and diplomats should avoid rhetoric, work towards conflict resolution, and follow a polite but firm approach with China. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. He commanded a mountain division on the India-China border. Views expressed in the column belong to the author and not the organization BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Capital International Airport and the Beijing Daxing International Airport, two major airports in the Chinese capital city, are expected to handle approximately 2.3 million people over the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, sources with the two airports said. Chinese airlines has taken steps to meet the soaring travel demand, including deploying larger airplanes, adding more flights and customizing flight routes for popular destinations, according to airport sources. With overseas travel booming, steps are also being taken to make cross-border journeys easier. Currently, the Beijing Capital International Airport handles more than 130 international flights per day, and is operating over 35 intercontinental routes. Data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) shows that some 21 million passengers will travel by air in the upcoming holidays. The sector will handle 1.96 million air passenger trips on average per day, a 17-percent increase from the level during the same period in 2019, according to the CAAC. United States President Joe Biden's decision to stand alongside United Auto Workers picketers Tuesday on the 12th day of their strike against major carmakers underscores an allegiance to labour unions that appears to be unparalleled in presidential history. Experts in presidential and US labour history say they cannot recall an instance where a sitting president has joined an ongoing strike, even during the tenures of the more ardent pro-union presidents such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Theodore Roosevelt invited labour leaders alongside mine operators to the White House amid a historic coal strike in 1902, a decision that was seen at the time as a rare embrace of unions as Roosevelt tried to resolve the dispute. Lawmakers often appear at strikes to show solidarity with unions, and during his 2020 Democratic primary campaign, Biden and other presidential hopefuls joined a picket line of hundreds of casino workers in Las Vegas who were pushing for a contract with The Palms Casino Resort. But sitting presidents, who have to balance the rights of workers with disruptions to the economy, supply chains and other facets of everyday life, have long wanted to stay out of the strike fray, until Biden. This is absolutely unprecedented. No president has ever walked a picket line before, said Erik Loomis, a professor at the University of Rhode Island and an expert on US labour history. Presidents historically avoided direct participation in strikes. They saw themselves more as mediators. They did not see it as their place to directly intervene in a strike or in labour action. Biden's trip to join a picket line in the suburbs of Detroit is the most significant demonstration of his pro-union bona fides, a record that includes vocal support for unionization efforts at Amazon.com facilities and executive actions that promoted worker organizing. He also earned a joint endorsement of the major unions earlier this year and has avoided southern California for high-dollar fundraisers amid the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood. During the ongoing UAW strike, Biden has argued that the auto companies have not yet gone far enough to satisfy the union, although White House officials have repeatedly declined to say whether the president endorses specific UAW demands such as a 40 per cent hike in wages and full-time pay for a 32-hour work week. I think the UAW gave up an incredible amount back when the automobile industry was going under. They gave everything from their pensions on, and they saved the automobile industry, Biden said Monday from the White House. He stressed that the workers should benefit from the carmakers' riches now that the industry is roaring back. Biden and other Democrats are more aggressively touting the president's pro-labour credentials at a time when former President Donald Trump is trying to chip away at union support in critical swing states where the constituency remains influential, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden is also leaning in on his union support at a time when labour enjoys broad support from the public, with 67 per cent of Americans approving of labour unions in an August Gallup poll. Instead of participating in the second Republican primary debate on Wednesday, Trump will head to Michigan to meet with striking autoworkers, seeking to capitalize on discontent over the state of the economy and anger over the Biden administration's push for more electric vehicles a key component of its clean-energy agenda. If it wasn't for President Trump, Joe Biden would be giving autoworkers the East Palestine treatment and saying that his schedule was too busy, said Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, referring to the small Ohio town that is still grappling with the aftermath of a February train derailment. Biden said he would visit the community but so far has not. White House officials dismissed the notion that Trump forced their hand and noted that Biden was headed to Michigan at the request of UAW President Shawn Fain, who last week invited the sitting president to join the strikers. He is pro-UAW, he is pro-workers, that is this president, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. He stands by union workers, and he is going to stand with the men and women of the UAW. Yet the UAW strike, which expanded into 20 states last week, remains a dilemma for the Biden administration since a part of the workers' grievances include concerns about a broader transition to electric vehicles. The shift away from gas-powered vehicles has worried some autoworkers because electric versions require fewer people to manufacture and there is no guarantee that factories that produce them will be unionized. Carolyn Nippa, who was walking the picket line Monday at the GM parts warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, was ambivalent about the president's advocacy for electric vehicles, even as she said Biden was a better president than Trump for workers. She said it was great that we have a president who wants to support local unions and the working class. I know it's the future. It's the future of the car industry, Nippa said. I'm hoping it doesn't affect our jobs. Still, other picketers remained more sceptical about Biden's visit Tuesday. Dave Ellis, who stocks parts at the distribution centre, said he's happy Biden wants to show people he's behind the middle class. But he said the visit is just about getting more votes. I don't necessarily believe that it's really about us, said Ellis, who argued that Trump would be a better president for the middle class than Biden because Trump is a businessman. The Biden administration has no formal role in the negotiations, and the White House pulled back a decision from the president earlier this month to send two key deputies to Michigan after determining it would be more productive for the advisers, Gene Sperling and acting Labour Secretary Julie Su, to monitor talks from Washington. BENGALURU, India and DUBAI, UAE , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to expand its offerings and provide a comprehensive suite of financial services, Stockify, a leading platform for Unlisted and pre-IPO shares in India, has announced plans to venture into the Mutual Fund space. This development comes as part of Stockify's mission to assist High-Net Individuals (HNIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in accessing various investment opportunities in India via the pre-IPO route and maximizing their wealth. The company is also set to facilitate the Dematerialization of Shares. (Conversion of Physical Share to DEMAT account.) Founded by Piyush Jhunjhunwala (CA, CPA) and Co-Founded by Rahul Khatuwala (CA) both seasoned finance professionals with decades of experience in global conglomerates. Stockify has already carved a niche for itself in the Indian Financial landscape. The platform primarily focuses on providing access to Blue-Chip Stocks before their listing on the Indian Stock Market (via the Pre IPO Route) enabling early investors to potentially achieve significant returns. While expressing the company's intent behind expanding its services, Jhunjhunwala said, "Mutual Funds are the backbone of the Indian Equity market, and we believe it is important that NRI and retail investors in India can greatly benefit from our new offering and this will help them in creating long-term wealth." The recent announcement of Stockify entering the Mutual Funds market follows the company's successful acquisition of a Mutual Fund license in the first quarter of 2023. Alongside Mutual Funds, Stockify intends to offer an array of other financial products, like Start-up Funding, fixed investment products like Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) and Insurance-Linked Investments, in the coming months. Notably, Stockify plans to make all its products and services 100% accessible online, aligning with the Digital India vision of our beloved Prime Minster Mr. Narendra Modi. Currently, Stockify boasts 70 Unlisted/pre-IPO companies on its platform, with in-depth research conducted on all of them as stated by Jhunjhunwala. It offers a simple online process where transactions can be completed online, and shares get transferred to the clients DEMAT account on the same day. Stockify's global presence was recently showcased at the Dubai Fintech Summit (DFS). The two-day event brought together over 5,000 C-suite leaders, 1,000-plus investors, and 150 speakers from around the world. Stockify was selected as one of the proud exhibitors at the summit, solidifying its position as one of the world's largest providers of pre-IPO and Unlisted Stocks in India. With its ambitious expansion plans and commitment to innovation, Stockify is set to continue revolutionizing the way investors access and engage with financial opportunities in India and beyond. About Stockify Stockify is a customer-oriented platform for Unlisted or Pre-IPO shares in India. Its mission is to help HNIs and NRIs access multiple unlisted shares via the pre-IPO route and maximize investors' wealth. Investors can visit https:tockify.net.in/buy-unlisted-shares/ to begin their Unlisted/Pre-IPO shares investment journey. For more information, Call Rahul Khatuwala on +91-9591810391 (Bengaluru, India), E: rahulkhatuwala@stockify.net.in or Piyush Jhunjhunwala on +97-1502344662 (Dubai, UAE). Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221118/Stockify_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 (India), September 26: Narayan Seva Sansthan, based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, which has been providing free services in the field of disability, has transformed the lives of nearly a thousand differently-abled individuals in Kenya. This remarkable initiative has made a significant impact in the direction of bringing joy and ease to the challenging lives of these differently-abled individuals, who have lost their limbs due to birth defects, accidents, or illnesses. Mr. Prashant Agarwal, the president of the Sansthan, mentioned that Narayan Seva Sansthan has been running various humanitarian projects for 39 years. The Sansthan has provided medical treatment to over 4.5 lakh differently-abled individuals and has fitted over 40,000 of them with modular artificial limbs. The Sansthan is extending its support to underprivileged, distressed, remote, and foreign differently-abled individuals in their own cities and countries. The guiding principle of our Sansthan's founding chairman is "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" (May all be happy) and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family), and we are implementing our projects worldwide with this sentiment in mind. He said that in the same sequence, Narayan Seva Sansthan has conducted camps in six locations in Kenya, including Nairobi, Meru, Mombasa, and others, where over 600 differently-abled individuals have been assessed for limb fitting. In the coming days, they will receive artificial limbs. Additionally, the Sansthan has also organized artificial limb fitment camps in Nairobi and Meru. In this, nearly 400 people were provided with modern Narayan limbs, along with training to walk by our skilled doctors and technical team. The chief guest at the Mombasa camp was Rohit Vadhwana, the High Commissioner of India, who appreciated the services provided to differently-abled individuals by the Sansthan and pledged support in every possible way. During this period, distinguished guests, including County Ambassador John Mitisho, Kenya Parliament Member Mohammed Jute, and John Mathews, also visited the Sansthan's services and were deeply impressed. Mr. Rajat Gaur, the Head of the Maha Gangotri Department, welcomed all the guests and briefed them about the Sansthan's upcoming five-year vision document. A 10-member team led by Jasbir Singh, the Sansthan's publicity in-charge, served for the Kenya service. Narayan Seva Sansthan received special support in Kenya from Lord Mahavir Group Followers, Joint Group, and Mombasa Cement. Contributions from social workers like Mukesh Bhai Desai, Kewal Bhai, Neelam Bhai, Hasmukh Bhai Patel, Milan Bhai, Anil Tailor, and many others were instrumental in the success of this humanitarian effort. The coordinators of this camp, Tarun Nagda, and Achal Singh Bhati, made arrangements for the transportation of differently-abled individuals to the camp location. The Health Ministry of Kenya and the Prosthetic and Orthotic Association of Kenya also provided invaluable support. Narayan Seva Sansthan will soon organize distribution camps to improve the lives of 600 differently-abled individuals in Kenya. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi (India), September 26: Guru Swarup Srivastava, the visionary industrialist and producer of the highly anticipated international Hollywood movie "Ramayana," has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree (PhD) by California Public University, USA. This prestigious recognition was bestowed upon him in a grand ceremony at Hotel Taj in Delhi. Guru Swarup Srivastava's journey reflects a deep commitment to societal betterment. He financially supported films like "Krrish" and "Shwaas (Marathi)," contributing to the Indian film industry's growth. He is set to make waves with the international Hollywood movie "Ramayana," a project that explores the dimensions of human consciousness and the mind, transcending ages to modernity. "The film will delve into the philosophy of self-discovery inherent in the epic "Ramayana," bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and quantum physics. The film features the involvement of world-renowned scientist Dr. Stuart Hameroff, co-author of the 'ORK' [Orchestrated Objective Reduction] theory of consciousness," Srivastava explained. Guru Swarup Srivastava has also announced plans to shoot the "Ramayana" film in Agra and Hathras, a decision tied to his connection to Agra, his place of birth and early education. Guru Swarup Srivastava completed his post-graduation from IIT Delhi, and the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by California Public University, USA, is a testament to Guru Swarup Srivastava's visionary contributions to various fields, his dedication to the arts, and his commitment to uplifting society. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/p/Guru-Swarup-Srivastava-100067138033960/ http://linkedin.com/in/guru-swarup-srivastava-545990184 https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/style/colour-of-money/cid/1550793 (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) The government on Tuesday extended export benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for one more year till June 2024, according to an official release. The Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) provides for refund of taxes, duties and levies that are incurred by exporters in the process of manufacturing and distribution of goods and are not being reimbursed under any other mechanism at the centre, state or local level. The scheme is operational since September 2021. "The RoDTEP support which was notified till 30th September 2023 is now being extended till 30th June 2024 at the same rates to the existing export items," the commerce ministry said in the release. It will help the exporting community to negotiate export contracts in the present international environment on better terms. The RoDTEP Committee has again been constituted in the Department of Revenue to review and recommend the ceiling rates under the RoDTEP Scheme for different export sectors, it said. The Committee held its first interaction today here with the EPCs/Chamber of Commerce and discussed the methodology and other issues relating to the Scheme and its implementation. The EPCs (export promotion councils) in their observations emphasized the need for enhancing the RoDTEP budget allocation and for higher rates to be made available to all export items to help them secure greater market access abroad. This scheme is a replacement for the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) which ended last year. At present, over 10,342 export items get the RoDTEP benefits. The incentive is paid in the form of transferable duty credit scrip which can be used to pay import duties or sold in the market by exporters. Mumbai, Sep 26 (PTI) His loopy, loose-limbed walk, his indefatigable energy, his songs, his affectations and, of course, his style. Dev Anand, the star and the filmmaker through seven decades, was remembered and celebrated on Tuesday, his 100th birth anniversary. While fans went on a journey down nostalgia lane, recalling his films, right from CID to Heera Panna, industry insiders paid tribute to the man whose enthusiasm saw him continue to make films later in his life even when they were not very successful. Born an unprepossessing Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand in 1923, it's almost poetic that his stage moniker went on to be Dev Anand, his first name meaning 'god' in Hindi. The suave, debonair actor, who died in 2011 at the age of 88, was often compared to Hollywood star Gregory Peck and is still known as the evergreen hero. His brothers were equally illustrious, but perhaps did not see the same enduring success. Chetan Anand was the man behind the critically acclaimed Neecha Nagar and Vijay Anand directed him in Guide, Johny Mera Naam and Jewel Thief. Also a director and producer under his family banner Navketan Films, Dev Anand is known for his versatile choices through his career, his inimitable style and zest for life. Rehman, his co-star on classics such as "CID" and "Guide", recounted being introduced to Dev Anand on the sets of "CID", the 1956 film which marked her Hindi cinema debut. "I feel very lucky that I did my first film 'CID' with Dev sahab. When we were introduced, I called him 'Dev sahab', he said 'Waheeda, you won't call me Dev sahab'. I said 'I'm not that ill-mannered, you are elder to me and such a big star. This is my first film. How can I not call you Dev sahab?' He said, 'I don't feel comfortable when someone calls me 'sahab', I feel like a school teacher. So, just call me Dev'," she said at the opening of 'Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young' film festival. A champion of new blood, Dev Anand is also credited for discovering talents Zeenat Aman (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) and Tina Munim (Des Pardes). Aman, a former Miss Asia Pacific International, became an overnight star after starring as the hippy, pot-smoking Janice in 1971 directorial "Hare Rama Hare Krishna". Aman paid rich tributes to her co-star and director in an Instagram post. "Celebrating 100 years of Dev saab. Stylish, suave and prolific, he was a dynamo beyond compare. And what generosity of talent! He sparked careers (mine included), brought together creative heads, and made films that resonated across generations. "It gladdens my heart to see his legacy honoured an entire century since his birth. In recent days, I've been overwhelmed with requests for comments about him but there is little to add to what I've already said," she wrote alongside stills from their films "Hare Rama..." and "Heera Panna". Jackie Shroff had an uncredited small appearance in 1982's "Swami Dada" before bagging a film as a leading man in "Hero". Dev Anand both starred in and directed "Swami Dada". "My first meeting with him was magical... I feel blessed... Everyone calls him Dev sahab. For me, he is Dev. He is like my God. He is the man who got me into the industry. He gave me a role in his film... I loved his energy. He was a very energetic person. He would often say, 'Look forward, whatever has happened has happened'. He never looked back in life. His style was iconic, there was no one like him," Shroff told PTI. Rati Agnihotri, who also worked with in "Swami Dada", said she can never forget the "positivity" that the late actor-director would evoke on film sets so much so that she and co-star Mithun Chakraborty would be on their toes. "Whenever he would explain the film or my role in it, there was so much energy in the way he narrated it or explained a particular scene to us. It was a fabulous, one-time experience to work with a legend like Dev sahab. Working with him in 'Swami Dada' was an absolute honour, I think I was blessed," she told PTI. Dev Anand made his debut as an actor in 1946 in "Hum Ek Hain". By the time "Ziddi" was released in 1947, he was a superstar and like one of his life lessons to his colleagues, he also never looked back. Always flamboyant, be it in his black-and-white or his colour films, Dev Anand starred in numerous hits such as "Guide", "Paying Guest", "Baazi", "Jewel Thief ", "CID", "Johny Mera Naam", "Amir Garib", and "Des Pardes". As important as his films perhaps were the many, many songs associated with him. Any list of his best songs will inevitably lead to a debate - everyone has their favourite. And here are some of them: Abhi na jao chhod kar (Hum Dono), Hai apna dal to awara (Solva Saal ), Tere mere sapne (Guide) , Pal bhar ke liye (Johny Mera Naam) and Phoolon ka taro ka... (Hare Rama Hare Krishna). As the years passed, his enthusiasm stayed unchecked but the films were no longer as successful. Awwal Number, Censor, Love at Times Square, Mr Prime Minister and Chargesheet... the list of flops was pretty long but the charisma stayed intact nonetheless. Describing him as the "evergreen ebullient star", film historian Amrit Gangar said the multihyphenate lived his life of 88 years with his boots on. "'Insaaniyat', 'CID', 'Paying Guest', 'Tere Ghar ke Saamne' and then that serenading 'Guide' followed by 'Jewel Thief', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', and the list will go on. They all manifested his versatility and variety. He hated to be repetitive and boring in whatever he did," Gangar told PTI. "Dev Anands nodding head also had plenty of grey matter inside it - his knowledge of literature, cinema and general politics was worth reckoning with," Gangar added. Dev Anand was also the rare star who made his political points. He raised his voice against the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi and actively campaigned to overthrow the political leader during the general elections in 1977. He formed a party called the National Party of India, which he later disbanded. The actor was also part of the Indian delegation, led by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the historic bus journey from Amritsar to Lahore in 1999. Born in Shakargarh, now in Pakistan, Dev Anand had completed his graduation in English literature from Lahore's Government College before Partition. He married his Taxi Driver co-star Kalpana Kartik. They had two children. London, Sep 26 (PTI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received a traditional welcome from members of the diaspora from the state ahead of an investors roadshow in London on Tuesday, to pitch the Global Investors Summit scheduled in Dehradun in December. Dhami, who is leading a four-day delegation to the UK, was received at the airport in London on Monday evening by Indias Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh followed by a cultural gathering organised by community groups with their roots in Uttarakhand. I am heartened by the grand welcome with Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari folk songs extended to me by non-resident Indians from Uttarakhand, tweeted Dhami. I appealed to them to visit their state at least once a year and also got the chance to update them on the opportunities of religious tourism that Uttarakhand offers, besides its immense progress across the fields of health, education and employment, he said. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister is scheduled to interact with UK-based industry chiefs during a visit to the Indian High Commission in London and a parliamentary visit before hosting an Investor Roundtable for the Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit 2023 at the Taj Hotel in London, where the delegation will highlight the favourable investment climate and collaborative opportunities on offer in the state for UK investors. Double digit employment growth in the last two decades, geographical proximity to capital New Delhi, abundant natural resources, high performing industrial parks, 10 per cent of Indias auto component production and a top pharmaceutical manufacturing state are among the factors to be flagged as the attractions of Uttarakhand for foreign investors. After London, the delegation will take its roadshow to Birmingham on Wednesday, where a series of industrial and academic interactions are also scheduled. On Thursday, the final day of the visit, discussions with representatives from European countries such as Spain and Germany are expected. The focus of the UK visit is to invite investors and businesses to participate in the Global Investors Summit in Dehradun on December 8 and 9. Uttarakhand has chosen the path of development and prosperity and through this Investor's Summit, we look forward to your partnership with the state in achieving the common goal," said Dhami, in his statement on the summit. Uttarakhand has been rapidly transforming itself into an economic powerhouse. With an unbeatable combination of single-point clearances, competitive land prices, cheap power, highly skilled manpower, good law and order, and proximity to the National Capital Region, Uttarakhand has emerged as a preferred investment destination, he said. Taipei, Sep 26 (AP) On a visit to Taiwan, a delegation of six Australian lawmakers called on Tuesday for warmer relations with the self-ruled island increasingly threatened by Beijing. The visit comes as Australia has been working at recalibrating its relationship with China, which had been tense in the past few years over disputes on the origin of COVID-19. China in response had imposed tariff barriers on several Australian exports, such as barley. Paul Fletcher, a lawmaker with Australia's Liberal Party, lauded the fact that the lawmaker delegation crossed party lines. The two major parties in Australia are both represented and we are here to further the warm relationship between Australia and Taiwan, Fletcher said. They also discussed strengthening economic cooperation with Taiwan, particularly in clean energy, and expressed an interest in Taiwan's semi-conductor industry. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan, with a population of 23 million compared to China's 1.4 billion, has never been part of the People's Republic of China and while increasingly isolated diplomatically and threatened militarily by Beijing, has maintained an international presence separate from the mainland. At the same time, Australia has been working to expand its security partnerships in the region with an eye on China's presence, which has grown in the past few decades. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen said she was grateful for Australia's role in regional security, citing its new partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom called AUKUS and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. In recent years, Australia has continued to play an important role in upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, she said. It has also used major international gatherings to emphasize the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and support Taiwan's international participation. For this, I want to express sincere gratitude.(AP) RUP RUP Beijing, Sep 26 (AP) China's foreign minister called on the US on Tuesday to do what it can to host a cooperative meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in November, criticising those who seek to play up a confrontation between democracy and authoritarianism. Wang Yi said the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November should promote cooperation rather than provoke confrontation, and said the U.S. should show fairness and inclusiveness to create better conditions for a smooth meeting. We should ... oppose advocating for democracy versus authoritarianism' and imposing our own values and models on others, he said at the launch of a government report on its proposals for what it calls a global community of shared future. US President Joe Biden has sought to create alliances and partnerships with other democratic countries to build a more unified response to China's growing geopolitical influence. China is a one-party state that has been ruled by the Communist Party for more than 70 years. China has been trying to position itself as a leader of less-developed nations, saying it offers an alternative to what it has long called Western hegemony. The APEC meeting is widely seen as an opportunity for Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to meet as the U.S. and China try to manage their rocky relationship if the Chinese leader attends. Xi skipped a recent Group of 20 leaders' meeting in India, and Wang gave a non-committal response when asked if Xi would go to APEC. We are in communication with all parties and will make an official announcement in due course, he said. In Hong Kong, a Chinese territory, leader John Lee said he has not received an invitation to APEC. Hong Kong is a member of the group, but the U.S. has banned him from entering the country since 2020 for his role in enforcing a national security law that has targeted pro-democracy activists. According to APEC guidelines and protocol, the organizer should send an invitation to the leader of the respective economies," Lee said at his weekly media briefing. "I am still waiting for the invitation letter to be sent to me. Wang stepped down as foreign minister at the end of last year and became the Communist Party's foreign policy chief. He returned as foreign minister in July, while retaining the more senior party position, after his successor, Qin Gang, was removed from office. The government still hasn't explained what brought about Qin's downfall. (AP) NSA NSA Budapest (Hungary), Sep 26 (AP) The captain of a river cruise boat that collided with another vessel in Hungary's capital in 2019, killing at least 27 people most of them South Korean tourists, was found guilty on Tuesday of negligence leading to a fatal mass catastrophe and sentenced to five years in prison. Judge Leona Nemeth with the Pest Central District Court found that the negligence of the Ukrainian captain, Yuriy Chaplinsky, had caused his river cruise boat, the Viking Sigyn, to collide with the tourist boat Hableany (Mermaid) from behind, causing it to sink into the Danube River within seconds. The court acquitted Chaplinsky of 35 counts of failure to render aid. He may appeal. The collision occurred May 29, 2019, when the Hableany, carrying mostly the South Korean tourists, sank after being struck beneath Budapest's Margit Bridge by the much larger Viking Sigyn. Seven South Koreans were rescued from the water in the heavy rain following the collision, and 27 people were recovered dead including the two-member Hungarian crew. One South Korean is still unaccounted for. Some of the victims' bodies were found weeks after the crash more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream. The Hableany spent more than 12 days underwater at the collision site near the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament building, before being lifted from the river bed by a floating crane. Chaplinsky, the captain of the Viking Sigyn, had been in police custody since the collision, including being remanded to house arrest in Hungary since 2020. Part of the time Chaplinksy has already served will count toward his five-year sentence. In a final statement before the verdict Tuesday, Chaplinksy called the collision a horrible tragedy", and said that the deaths of so many innocent victims" kept him awake at night. "This will stay with me for the rest of my life, he said. Three staffers from the South Korean Embassy in Budapest were present for the reading of the verdict, but no South Korean family members of the victims attended the hearing. (AP) PY PY BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to boost the green development of the Belt and Road, better protect the environment, and bring benefits to the people of all Belt and Road partner countries, Cong Liang, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference Tuesday. Cong made the remarks when a white paper, titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions," was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday at the press conference. Seoul, Sep 26 (AP) South Korea paraded thousands of troops and an array of weapons capable of striking North Korea through its capital as part of its biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in 10 years on Tuesday, as its president vowed to build a stronger military to thwart any provocation by the North. Concerns are growing that North Korea is seeking Russian help in expanding its nuclear arsenal in return for supplying Moscow with conventional arms exhausted by its war with Ukraine. After looking at your imposing march today, I believe our people would trust you and have faith in our national security, Yoon Suk Yeol told cheering soldiers at the end of the ceremony in a central Seoul plaza. I'll always support you together with our people. Earlier, South Korea rolled tanks, artillery systems, drones and powerful ballistic missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea through the streets of Seoul, amid steady autumn rains. About 4,000 South Korean troops carrying rifles or flags followed them, accompanied by about 300 US soldiers, in the first such military parade since 2013. As the soldiers and their weapons went past, Yoon waved, clapped and flashed a thumbs-up. Since taking office last year, he has been pushing hard to beef up South Korea's defense capability while expanding military drills with the United States in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal. But a complication in Seoul and Washington's efforts to curb the North's nuclear ambitions is the latest North Korean push to deepen military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia's far eastern region to meet with President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. North Korea reportedly wants to receive Russian technologies to help its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines and powerful long-range missiles. Such weapons would pose a major security threat to South Korea and the US. In a formal Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military airport near Seoul earlier Tuesday, Yoon said he'll strive to build a strong military that instills fear in the enemy. Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation, he said. "If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korean-US alliance. That ceremony drew about 6,700 soldiers and 200 weapons assets, the largest of its kind since 2013, according to South Korean officials. Yoon didn't mention North Korean-Russian ties in his speech Tuesday. But in an address to the UN General Assembly last week, he said South Korea will not sit idly by if North Korea and Russia agree to such weapons deals in violation of UN Security Council resolutions that ban all weapons trading with North Korea. US officials have also said that North Korea and Russia would face consequences if they go ahead with such deals. Also Tuesday, senior diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China met in Seoul to discuss the first summit of their leaders in four years, according to South Korean officials. Yoon said last week that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed their support for a trilateral summit in South Korea. Yoon's moves to strengthen South Korea's military alliance with the US and boost Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation have caused concerns that Seoul's relations with China, its biggest trading partner, will be undermined. But Yoon says Seoul-Washington-Tokyo cooperation won't marginalise any particular nation. (AP) SCY SCY New York/Colombo, Sep 26 (PTI) The US has expressed concern to Sri Lanka about the likely visit of a Chinese research ship next month that could also cause worries in India which in the past has raised security concerns over docking by China's spy vessels, according to a media report US Under Secretary Victoria Nuland, who met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, raised concerns about the upcoming visit of the Chinese research vessel 'SHI YAN 6', Daily Mirror newspaper reported on Monday. Minister Sabry briefed her that Sri Lanka, as a neutral country, had worked out the Standard Operating Procedure (SPO) to be followed by foreign ships and aircraft in carrying out any activity in Sri Lankan territory. The minister reportedly told her that Sri Lanka had been even-handed in this approach for all the countries and could not exclude China from the process as a result. Earlier, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the SPO had been worked out for foreign vessels. The Chinese research vessel is expected in Sri Lanka in October to carry out research along with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Described as a Research/Survey Vessel with a carrying capacity of 1115 DWT, the current draught is reported to be 5.3 metres in length overall 90.6 metres and width 17 metres. Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry last month said it is currently processing a request by China to allow its research ship to dock in the country. The Chinese embassy here has made an application and the ministry is currently looking at it," Priyanga Wickramasingha, the foreign ministry spokesperson, had said. No dates have been fixed yet for the visit, she said. China despatches its research/surveillance vessels to Sri Lanka on a regular basis. In August this year, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy warship HAI YANG 24 HAO arrived in the country on a two-day visit. It was reported that the arrival of the 129-metre-long ship was delayed due to concerns raised by India. In August last year, a similar visit by the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5, which arrived in the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota elicited strong reactions from India. There were apprehensions in New Delhi about the possibility of the vessels tracking systems attempting to snoop on Indian defence installations while being on its way to the Sri Lankan port. However, after a considerable delay, Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock at the strategic southern port of Hambantota, being built by a Chinese company. Cash-strapped Sri Lanka considers both India and China equally important partners in its task to restructure its external debt. China is one of the top lenders to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to bilateral creditors, including USD 3 billion to China. The island nation was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves. Beijing/Kathmandu, Sep 26 (PTI) Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, currently on an 8-day visit to China, has apparently declined to endorse President Xi Jinpings security doctrine even as the two countries agreed to undertake a joint inspection of their boundary. A joint statement issued after Prachandas talks with Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang only referred to the Global Development Initiative, (GDI), proposed by Xi, but his other two doctrines the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which advocates a common global security paradigm, and the Global Cultural Initiative (GCI) - promotion of culture were conspicuously missing. The Nepali side supports the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by China, and will consider to join the Group of Friends of the GDI, the Joint Statement issued after Prachandas talks Li said. Prachanda had earlier met Xi on the sidelines of the Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 23. Ahead of his China visit, Prachanda said the GSI, which also advocates joint security, is not in the interest of Nepal to maintain a strategic balance between India, China and the US. Reports from Kathmandu said Prachanda sidestepped Chinas pressure to welcome Xis new doctrines, the GSI, and the GCI but endorsed the GDI. Before leaving for Chinas Hangzhou, in an interview with Kantipur daily in New York, Prachanda had categorically denied the chances of Nepal joining a security-related alliance, The Kathmandu Post reported on Monday. Speaking in the context of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the interview, the prime minister stated that China is initiating the GSI, the GCI and the GDI and among these, there is no hesitation to participate in the GDI. But, we cannot wade into security-related issues. It is our stated policy not to be under the umbrella of any side. Ours is a non-aligned foreign policy. On the other hand, we are saying the American Indo-Pacific Strategy and State Partnership Programme are part of security initiatives. If we are not taking part in one initiative [IPS, SPP], we cannot join others too, Prachanda said. The GSI and GCI were conspicuously missing from the official Chinese media account of Prachandas talks with Xi and Li. But the joint statement spoke of joint inspection of the China-Nepal boundary. The two sides agreed to undertake joint inspection of the China-Nepal boundary. The two sides agreed to bring into force the Agreement between the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Government of Nepal on the Boundary Management System as soon as possible, it said. The two countries have, in the past, spoken of management of the boundary but this is perhaps the first time they have agreed to joint inspection. The BBC had last year quoted a leaked Nepal government report accusing China of encroaching into Nepal along the two countries' shared border. It was the first time there were official claims from Nepal of Chinese interference in its territory, the report had said. The report was commissioned last September following claims that China has been trespassing in the district of Humla, in the far west of Nepal. Chinas embassy in Kathmandu had denied there was any encroachment even as Chinas state-run Global Times had termed the report as a smear campaign. The joint statement said the two sides agreed to continue consultations on the protocol between the Ministry of Public Security of the Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal on the Establishment of a Boundary Contact System at Three Levels, so as to elevate the level of border management and cooperation between the two countries. The two sides also reiterated their commitment to respecting and accommodating each others concerns and core interests, the joint statement said. "The Nepali side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle," it says, adding that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory and that the Nepali side is against Taiwan independence. China views Taiwan as a rebel province that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force. The Nepali side also reiterated that Tibet affairs are Chinas internal affairs and that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepals soil, according to the joint statement. On its part, China said that "it firmly supports Nepal in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects and supports Nepals independent choice of social system and development path that suits its national conditions." The two sides maintained that law enforcement cooperation is of great significance to the security of the two countries and agreed to expedite the ratification of the China-Nepal Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The joint statement also highlighted the number of infrastructure projects connecting Nepal and China through Tibet. This includes the cross-border railway from Lhasa to Kathmandu for which China has undertaken a feasibility study. In his talks with Prachanda, Xi called for China to boost border infrastructure to end Nepals land-locked status, meaning dependence on India. As a land-locked country, much of Nepals imports go through India. China wants to weigh in to reduce Nepals dependence on India as part of efforts to expand its own influence. The two sides agreed to continue to implement the signed cooperation documents concerning transit transport and utilisation of highways in China to help turn Nepal from a land-locked country to a land-linked country, the joint statement said. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress of the feasibility study of the Jilong / Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway, and planned to hold the 8th Working Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation as early as possible, it said. The Chinese side agreed to positively consider the request made by the Nepali side for supplying grid power to electrify northern remote villages of Nepal from Xizang Autonomous Region of China, and take overall consideration of providing equipment or technology on commercial terms, it said. Nepal pledged to provide a pair of Ek Singhe Gaida (unicorn rhino) to China as a gift from the Government and people of Nepal to the Government and people of China, as a symbol for the long-lasting friendship between the two countries, it said. Washington, Sep 26 (PTI) All eyes are on two Indian-Americans, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, as Republican presidential candidates head to Simi Valley in California for the second GOP primary 2024 debate. Frontrunner Donald Trump, a former president, is not participating in the debate. Six candidates have qualified for the GOP Primary 2024 debate to be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley on Wednesday. The candidates are Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former vice-president Mike Pence, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Senator Tim Scott, along with Haley and Ramaswamy. Eight candidates qualified for the first debate last month. Following their impressive performance, the popularity of both Indian-American candidates is on the rise. In most of the recent polls, Haley and Ramaswamy are polling after Trump. DeSantis, who was considered a viable alternative to Trump, is under intense pressure to perform during the second debate. Haley and Ramaswamy have been making campaign stops in the early primary and caucus states. The two have also released their economic and energy policies, which would be the theme of the primary debate. "After being largely ignored by his rivals during his last outing, the governor requires a strong performance in this debate, scheduled days before this financial quarter's fundraising deadline, to prevent further slippage in the polls and line his campaign's coffers," the Washington Examiner said. The US Today wrote that Haley already beats Biden in polls. Now, she needs to win the next Republican debate, it said. "Haley's experience and thoughtful answers on abortion, the national debt and foreign policy show she's got the leadership chops and reasoned temperament to do the country's top job," the daily said. A recent poll said that Haley now holds the second place in New Hampshire after Trump. "Nikki Haley, from the very start, has said that she's going to work harder than everyone else. She certainly has done that here," Neil Levesque of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics told the local media. "She's been campaigning the old school way, really connecting with voters," he added. According to CNN, after a splashy debut at the first Republican presidential debate, Ramaswamy has gone from an unknown to a contender who is now facing questions about his youth and lack of political experience, especially given his position as the first millennial to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Dave Carney, a longtime Republican strategist with decades of presidential campaign experience, told a Fox News affiliate in Los Angeles that candidates who "have a breakout night" at the second debate "can put some of their rivals to sleep and can start formulating themselves as the alternative to Trump". Islamabad, Sep 26 (PTI) The PML-N on Tuesday lashed out at Pakistan's interim interior minister Sarfraz Bugti over his remark that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif would be arrested on his return if he fails to secure bail from a court, prompting the caretaker government to release a clarification. The 73-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo is scheduled to return to Pakistan from London on October 21 to lead the party's election campaign. Nawaz, who is facing multiple corruption cases, has been living in London since November 2019 when he was allowed by the court to go out of the country for eight-week duration to seek medical treatment. However, the former premier never returned to Pakistan where he was convicted of corruption and jailed, and was subsequently declared an absconder. In an interview to ARY News on Monday, Interior Minister Bugti said, As you know, the airport is a sensitive area, a mob would not be allowed there...so if he does not get bail from the courts then we would have to arrest him. He was replying to a question on whether the government would arrest Nawaz if he failed to procure bail from the courts. The PML-N, which has announced a grand reception for Nawaz in Lahore where he would land, lashed at Bugti for his remarks, with the party's Punjab president Rana Sanaullah terming the comments as exceeding his jurisdiction. Where Nawaz Sharif has to go from the airport on October 21 will not be decided by the interior ministry, it will be decided by the people, Sanaullah wrote on X. He also reminded Bugti that before making such statements, he should look at what happened to former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed, who is in police custody for corruption. However, Sanaullah announced that Nawaz would fulfil the requirements of the law in courts. Another PML-N leader and former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Bugti has no business with where Nawaz will choose to go from the airport. This is Nawaz Sharifs and the peoples decision, she said. Smitten by the barbs hurled by the PML-N, Bugti gave a clarification, saying his comments were taken out of context and given a political colour. I was asked that if any criminal comes to the country, what would your preparation be for their arrest? No preparations are needed to arrest someone, it is the function of the state, he clarified. The caretaker government does not have a political agenda, the interior minister said, adding that the former premier would be treated as per the law on his return to the country and the caretaker government would work according to its mandate. Nawaz was convicted in the Al-Azizia Mills and Avenfield corruption cases in 2018. He was serving a seven-year imprisonment at Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Mills case before he was allowed to proceed to London in 2019 on "medical grounds". Nawaz's younger brother and former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, 71, has previously said that the PML-N supremo will be the next prime minister if the party returns to power in the general elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to conduct a fresh delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the new census, delaying the general elections, which were scheduled to be held within the 90-day constitutional period since the August 9 dissolution of Parliament. Beijing, Sep 26 (PTI) China on Tuesday warned the Philippines not to provoke trouble after Manila said it has removed a floating barrier installed by Chinese boats to block Philippine fishing vessels entering a contested area in the South China Sea. The Philippines Coast Guard said on Monday that it has removed the floating barrier installed by Chinese boats. Three Chinese coast guard boats and a Chinese maritime militia service boat installed the barrier when the Philippine vessel arrived, an official of the Philippines coast guard said. Manila says China violated its fishing rights with the 300m barrier in the Scarborough Shoal. China claims more than 90 per cent of the South China Sea and seized the shoal in 2012. Responding to a question on Manila's action, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "Thats what the Philippines tells itself. Chinas resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao is unwavering. We call on the Philippines not to make provocations or stir up trouble." China seized the Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Dao in China) in 2012 and forced fishermen from the Philippines to travel further for smaller catches. On Monday, Wang, in response to another question at a foreign ministry briefing asserted that Huangyan Dao has always been Chinas territory. "China has indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters," he said. On September 22, a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines, without Chinas permission, intruded into the adjacent waters of Huangyan Dao and attempted to enter its lagoon. "China Coast Guard did what was necessary to block and drive away the Philippine vessel. The steps it took were professional and restrained," Wang added. Chinas maritime militia is hundreds of vessels strong and acts as an unofficial force that Beijing uses to push its territorial claims both in the South China Sea and beyond. The South China Sea is a rich fishing ground that is believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves. More than half of the world's fishing vessels operate in this area. China's claims - which include sovereignty over plots of land and their adjacent waters - have angered not just the Philippines but also Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. China has backed its expansive claims in the South China Sea with island-building and naval patrols. Islamabad, Sep 26 (PTI) Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan was on Tuesday shifted to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi from Attock prison, a day after the Islamabad High Court ordered authorities to relocate him to the high-security jail. Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Monday ordered the authorities to shift 70-year-old Khan to Adiala Jail where all accused being tried in the courts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are kept. An 18-vehicle convoy, including 15 vehicles of Islamabad police, two armoured vehicles and an ambulance, escorted Khan from Attock to Adiala jail, Dunya News reported. The Express Tribune newspaper also confirmed that Khan had been shifted to Rawalpindi. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party spokesperson Zufiqar Bukhari shared a clip showing several vehicles moving fast in a convoy on a busy road, and wrote: "Khan going to Adiayla. Apparently. Adiala jail superintendent Asad Warraich confirmed to Dawn.com that the ex-premier had reached the prison. He said security surrounding the Adiala jail was tightened. Waraich added that Khan would be provided facilities according to the jail manual. The shifting followed the confusion on Monday when Naeem Panjhota, who is Khan's spokesperson on legal affairs, claimed that the ousted premier had been shifted to the Adiala Jail but later it proved wrong. Khan was in the Attock jail during the day where hearing of his cipher case was held and he was remanded for another 14-days to jail. The next hearing would be held on October 10. The former prime minister has been detained since August 5 after his arrest following conviction in the Toshakhana case. Khan's sentence was suspended by the Islamabad High Court on August 29 in the Toshakana case, but he continues to remain in prison in the cipher case. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 26 (PTI) Analysing Nizam-era documents related to the Kunbi community living in the Marathwada region is a huge task as these records need to be scrutinised with the help of Urdu language experts for which additional manpower and funds are needed, sources said Tuesday. Faced with renewed demand for a quota for Marathas, the Maharashtra government has decided to give Kunbi caste certificates to the Marathas whose ancestors were described as Kunbis in old documents. It will allow the Marathas from the Marathwada region to avail of quota benefits as the Kunbis fall in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) group. The Marathwada region of Maharashtra, comprising eight districts, was part of the Nizam-ruled Hyderabad state until 1948. "The old records are located in different parts of (erstwhile) Nizam state (State of Hyderabad) and they are in Urdu language. These documents need to be scrutinised by Urdu scholars for further study," sources told PTI. A team of serving and retired officials and language experts visited Hyderabad recently. Recently, Maratha activist Manoj Jarange observed a hunger strike demanding a quota for Marathas under the OBC category. While withdrawing the fast on September 14, he had asked the government to resolve the issue within 40 days. "Several thousand documents of the erstwhile Nizam State need to be examined. They are in the Urdu language. We may need more Urdu scholars to examine these papers closely. Hiring of private scholars will help but it will need funds. The papers are tattered and they need careful handling. The laws of Census post-1901 will also have to be studied," sources pointed out. These old records are kept in Hyderabad, parts of Marathwada region, Telangana and Karnataka. "Collecting these documents and studying them will need time, more manpower and funds," the sources familiar with the matter said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the demand of Jarange won't fit the legal frame and thus (Kunbi) certificates should not be issued. "A separate category should be formed to give reservation to the Maratha community. There is a need to form a law in Parliament for this. We have no objection to giving the reservation to the Maratha community. "The government has to prove the backwardness of Marathas before giving them (OBC) certificates otherwise they will have to face the ire of OBCs," a release quoted Wadettiwar as saying. Raipur, Sep 26 (PTI) Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday accused the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh of looting' the state in the last five years.
Speaking at a public rally in Beltara assembly constituency in Bilaspur as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Parivartan Yatra' campaign, she also hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks alleging that the saffron party favoured the Adani group. During the 'Awas Nyay Sammelan' gathering organised by the state government in Parsada (Sakri) village in Bilaspur on Monday, Gandhi had waved a remote control device and said the poor and needy benefited when the Congress presses it, while "Adani gets ports, airports and railway contracts" when the BJP presses it. The Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture said, The brightness of the BJP's 'parivartan' (change) can be felt here because there is darkness in the entire state. What this state had gained in 15 years under the BJP government was looted by the Congress in five years." Chhattisgarh, known for good governance during the BJP rule, is now known as an "apradh-garh" (den of crime), she said. Lekhi dubbed Chief Minister Baghel and Rahul Gandhi as 'Labra' (liar) and 'Babda' (apparently loud-mouth) and accused them of spreading lies. One is Labra and his friend Babda who had come yesterday (referring to Rahul Gandhi). He said press one button and farmers will receive money in their accounts. The people of Chhattisgarh are innocent, not ignorant. They know very well that the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving Kisan Samman Nidhi to farmers. Before that no government had given Kisan Samman Nidhi, Lekhi said. "They (Congress) emptied Chhattisgarh and filled their accounts. Not only Chhattisgarh but in 70 years, they emptied several states and the country," she said. During Monday's event, Gandhi had said, "There are two remote controls. When we press it, farmers receive money into their accounts through the Nyay scheme and English-medium schools get opened (in Chhattisgarh). But when the BJP presses a remote, the public sector gets privatised and jal-jungle-zameen' (water, forests and land) goes to Adani."

Lekhi also targeted the Baghel government over alleged scams and said it did not even spare 'gobar' (referring to the state government's cow dung procurement scheme) and committed corruption there as well.

The Union minister also accused the Congress government of snatching houses of the poor by not releasing' the state's share of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Assembly elections are due in the state by the year-end. Imphal, Sep 26 (PTI) Altogether 45 students, many of them girls, were injured in Manipurs Imphal Valley on Tuesday as the police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged protesters demonstrating against the killing of two youths who were allegedly kidnapped in July, officials said. In view of the prevailing situation, the government reimposed suspension of internet services for five days and announced that all schools in the state will be closed till Friday. Twenty-four MLAs of Manipur including 21 of the BJP have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah for "urgent necessary action by the CBI against the guilty persons" involved in the killing of two youths. The students of Imphal-based schools and colleges brought out the protest rallies hours after photos of the bodies of the two youths went viral on social media, demanding arrest of those involved in the killing. The protesters clashed with the police near Sanjenthong in Imphal East district when security forces stopped them from advancing towards the chief ministers secretariat here. The police used tear gas shells and batons to disperse the agitators. School and college students took out a rally in Imphal to protest against the killing of the two youths. As the students were heading towards the CMs Secretariat, security personnel took action to disperse them," a police officer said. Over 45 students were injured in police action and admitted to various private and government hospitals in Imphal East and West districts, officials of the medical facilities said. Of them, 31 are being treated in a private hospital, 12 others are in two government facilities. Two others were admitted to another private hospital. Soon after the incident, the Manipur government reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days. Mobile internet services, which were suspended as ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in early May, were restored after over four months from September 23. The state government in a notification also declared that all government and private schools will be closed on Wednesday and Friday. Thursday is a public holiday in the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Photos of the bodies of the two missing students surfaced on social media on Monday, following which the Manipur government has asked people to exercise restraint and allow authorities to investigate the "kidnapping and killing" of them. The two youths were identified as Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17). Students also took out rallies at Uripok, Old Lambulane, Singjamei in Imphal West district demanding arrest of those involved in the killing of the two youths. Similar clashes between students and security forces have been reported from Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts. Abungo Th, a student who participated in the protest, told the media: "The missing students were killed and the govt is yet to arrest the killers. The location of the bodies where they have been buried is still unknown. The government is reluctant to take action. In a statement issued by the secretariat of Chief Minister N Biren Singh late on Monday night, the state government said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "The state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators," the statement said. In a letter submitted to Shah, the MLAs said the surfacing of the photos of the bodies on social media "led to widespread unrest and violence in the state today". Security personnel have been put on alert, and additional measures taken to prevent any incident after the photos of the students have gone viral, a senior officer said. The government is committed to ensuring justice and will impose severe punishment on any perpetrator found responsible for the heinous crime, it said. The police had previously said that the whereabouts of the two were not known and their mobile phones were found switched off. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since early May. More than 175 people have been killed and several hundreds injured since ethnic clashes broke out in the northeastern state on May 3, when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and live mostly in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts. HANOI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Two monkeypox cases were reported in south Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control said on Tuesday. The center reported that a male patient, 25, tested positive for the monkeypox virus after visiting the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital on Sept. 22. He was immediately quarantined for treatment. The center has traced eight people in close contact with the confirmed case. Among them, one person residing in Binh Duong province tested positive for monkeypox. People in close contact with the cases have been instructed to self-monitor their health at home for 21 days. The patients are now all in stable condition, and have been instructed to clean and disinfect their houses and personal items. Kolkata, Sep 26 (PTI) Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with party workers later this week to decide on protests across districts in West Bengal, simultaneous to its proposed programmes in New Delhi next month against the alleged withholding of funds by the Centre for the state under the MGNREGA and other schemes. The date of the virtual meeting is yet to be decided but is likely to be held either on "Thursday or Friday", a party leader said. Banerjee, the party's national general secretary, and TMC MPs, MLAs and leaders from the districts will pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital on October 2 on his birth anniversary. Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, who was supposed to attend the programmes in New Delhi, might not go there as she was advised 10 days of rest by doctors after she suffered an injury on her left knee during a recent trip to Spain and Dubai. A TMC delegation will meet Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh on October 3 and place before him the issue of "non-release of dues" under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya had said on September 23. The TMC had plans to stage protests in New Delhi for MGNREGA dues to Bengal. The ruling party had claimed that despite several requests to the Delhi Police, it was denied permission to hold demonstrations in the national capital. "Our party's national general secretary will hold a virtual meeting with district-level leaders to decide how simultaneous protest programmes can be held in every block of Bengal on October 2 and 3," a senior TMC leader said. During the TMC's Martyrs' Day rally on July 21, Abhishek Banerjee had announced that the party would launch a massive protest in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 against the alleged blocking of funds by the central government for Bengal under the MGNREGA and other schemes. The TMC had on August 30, claimed that it was denied permission to hold demonstrations in New Delhi as the BJP-led Union government wanted to "scuttle the voice of Bengal", a charge dubbed as "baseless" by the saffron camp. Lucknow, Sep 26 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh's Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Tuesday arrested a man for allegedly being involved in spying for Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. Shailesh Kumar Singh alias Shailendra Singh Chauhan, a resident of Patiyali in Kasganj, had worked as a temporary labourer in the Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh for about nine months, according to an official statement issued here. It is alleged that he passed on information about the army related to the location and movement of vehicles and sent photographs to his ISI handlers. Singh was called to the ATS headquarters in Lucknow for interrogation, where he was formally arrested and will be produced before the court, Special DG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said in the statement. It claimed the ATS team, with physical and electronic surveillance, confirmed that Singh shared information related to the Army through WhatsApp and Facebook. "Singh had worked as a temporary labourer in the army in Arunachal Pradesh for about nine months, due to which he has important information related to the army," the statement said. He is not working in any role in the army at present, but his social media profile stated that he was working in the army. He had also posted his picture in the army uniform in his profile under the name Shailendra Singh Chauhan, it said. Singh came in contact with a woman named Harleen Kaur, who was working for the ISI with a fake identity, through Facebook and she started talking to him on messenger, according to the statement. Meanwhile, Singh also started talking to another ISI handler Preeti through audio calls on WhatsApp. He introduced himself to Preeti as an army soldier, the statement added. Singh used to pass on army information related to location and the movement of vehicles and sent photographs to Preeti in exchange for money, it further said. According to the statement, Preeti and Kaur are ISI handlers with fake identities. They used to obtain information related to the army from across the border and provide it to the ISI. The ATS will seek his remand to interrogate him further. New Delhi, Sep 25 (PTI) Three persons were arrested here on Monday for allegedly abducting a 33-year-old businessman and extorting around Rs 3 lakh ransom from him, police said on Monday. According to police, the incident took place on September 20 when the victim, Babloo Yadav, a West Bengal-based businessman, arrived in Delhi from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri. Yadav, who had come here to purchase apples from the wholesale market at Azadpur Mandi, was picked up from the airport in a taxi sent by his friend Ajay and dropped at Sector- 21 in Dwarka, police said. After Yadav reached Dwarka, Ajay took him to an isolated flat where one of his associates was already present. The next day, four more of his accomplices came to his flat and forcibly took Yadav to an isolated dairy firm in Bahadurgarh by car, they added. The accused threatened him with dire consequences and demanded money to set him free. They made Yadav call his relatives and send them a total of Rs 2.7 lakh through different five UPI IDs, the police said. After getting the ransom money, the accused dropped him near Bahadurgarh City Metro Station and also warned him not to complain to police about the incident, they added. On September 22, Yadav registered a complaint against five accused, including Ajay, at the Delhi Airport police station, DCP (IGI Airport) G Ram Gopal Naik said. Based on the victim's complaint, an FIR was registered under sections 364 A (kidnapping for ransom) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, the DCP said. Police launched an investigation and arrested three accused -- Praveen Kumar (27), Vikas (26), and Harphool Singh (33) -- on Monday, he added. Efforts are underway to nab Ajay and the fifth accused in the case, the DCP said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is at the cusp of a historic breakthrough leading to a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. In an address to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Netanyahu said peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia will truly create a new Middle East. The U.S. has been seeking to broker an agreement in which Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a U.S. defense pact, aid in developing a civilian nuclear program and progress toward creating a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview with Fox News this week that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement. But any such deal would face significant obstacles. The Saudis are believed to be pushing for a major step toward peace with the Palestinians, a hard sell for Netanyahus government, which is the most hawkish in Israels history. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brings out the cardboard and red marker this time to represent how peace with Saudi Arabia and Israels neighbors would transform the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at UNGA: Just like we achieved the Abraham Accords under the leadership of Pres. Trump, we can get a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Pres. Biden. (AP) Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey defiantly pushed back against federal corruption charges on Monday, saying nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities found in his home was from his personal savings, not from bribes, and was on hand for emergencies. Rejecting rising calls for him to resign, the influential chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he believed hed be cleared of charges that he took cash and gold in illegal exchange for helping Egypt and New Jersey business associates. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator, Menendez said at Hudson County Community Colleges campus in Union City, where he grew up. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) rejects calls to resign, says cash found in home was not bribe proceeds: For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies. [] These were monies drawn from my personal pic.twitter.com/NB4QAFJgHw Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 25, 2023 He did not respond to questions and did not say whether he would seek reelection next year. Addressing allegations in the indictment unsealed Friday that authorities found cash stuffed in envelopes and clothing at his home, Menendez said that stemmed from his parents fear of confiscation of funds from their time in Cuba. This may seem old fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account based on the income that I have lawfully derived over those 30 years, he said. Authorities recovered about 10 envelopes with tens of thousands of dollars in cash that had the fingerprints of one of the other defendants in the case on them, according to the indictment. Menendez also addressed his relationship with Egypt, which plays a central role in the indictment against him, suggesting hes been tough on the country over its detention of Americans and other human rights abuses. If you look at my actions related to Egypt during the period described in this indictment and throughout my whole career, my record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable, he said. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. He did not directly address those allegations Monday. The states Democratic leadership, including Gov. Phil Murphy, the state party chairmen and leaders of the Legislature, along with some of Menendezs congressional colleagues, are calling on him to resign In Washington, however, where his party holds a bare Senate majority, some of Menendezs Democratic colleagues have stopped short of urging him to give up his seat, notably Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois. Menendez did, however, step down as required as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Schumer said on Friday, when the indictment was unsealed. If he seeks reelection, Menendez will face at least one challenger in a primary next year after Democratic Rep. Andy Kim announced over the weekend that he will run for the Senate because of the charges against the states senior senator. Menendezs reelection campaign could face significant hurdles besides the criminal indictment, the second one he has faced in eight years, in light of opposition from state party leaders. If the Democratic Party abandons Menendez, he could lose a potent benefit of party support: the so-called party line, or preferred ballot placement in the primary, widely regarded as a significant boost to incumbents and those with establishment backing. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing in the federal case against him, his wife and three of their business associates. In an emailed statement last week, he accused prosecutors of misrepresenting the normal work of a congressional office and said he will not allow his work in the Senate to be distracted by baseless allegations. A lawyer for his wife said she denies any criminal conduct and will vigorously contest these charges in court. He and Nadine Menendez are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold and a luxury car from a trio of New Jersey businessmen for a variety of corrupt acts. The indictment said Menendez used his clout to interfere in three criminal cases, pressured U.S. agriculture regulators to protect an associates business interests, and used his position as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee to influence U.S. policy on Egypt. Federal agents who searched his home in 2022 found more than $480,000 in cash stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets and a safe, and gold bars worth more than $100,000, prosecutors said. Another $70,000 was discovered inside his wifes safety deposit box, they said. Some Menendez supporters attended the news conference .Among them was Manny Contreras, a resident of nearby Passaic County, who said he came to show his support for Menendez and had been voting for him for years. Its a big problem for the Latino community, we dont want to see him go, we have to give him the benefit of the doubt, Contreras said. He said if Menendez were found guilty, he would have to reconsider his support, but because of the good things in the Menendezs long career, he was willing to let the process play out. (AP) A white Texas gunman who killed 23 people at a Walmart in 2019 after ranting about Hispanics taking over the government and economy has agreed to pay more than $5 million to victims of the racist attack, according to an order signed by a judge Monday. Patrick Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in July after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges following one of the nations worst mass killings. Court records show his attorneys and the Justice Department reached an agreement over the restitution amount, which was then approved by U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama. There is no indication Crusius, 25, has significant assets. He was 21 years old and had dropped out of community college when police say he drove more than 700 miles from his home near Dallas to target Hispanics with an AK-style rifle inside and outside the store. Moments before the attack began, Crusius posted a racist screed online that warned of a Hispanic invasion of Texas. He once worked at a movie theater, a job that his attorneys have said Crusius was forced to leave because he was having violent thoughts. Crusius pleaded guilty in February after federal prosecutors took the death penalty off the table. But Texas prosecutors have said they will try to put Crusius on death row when he stands trial in state court. That trial date has not yet been set. Under the agreement between the gunman and the government, Crusius will pay $5,557,005.55, according to court filings. Joe Spencer, an attorney for Crusius, and a spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately return messages Monday. In January, the Justice Department proposed changes to how it runs federal prisoners deposit accounts in an effort to ensure victims are paid restitution, including from some high-profile inmates with large balances. The move came as the Justice Department faced increased scrutiny after revelations that several high-profile inmates kept large sums of money in their prison accounts but only made minimal payments to their victims. The 2019 attack was the deadliest of a dozen mass shootings in the U.S. linked to hate crimes since 2006, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University. Before the shooting, Crusius had appeared consumed by the nations immigration debate, tweeting #BuildtheWall and other social media posts that praised then-President Donald Trumps hardline border policies. Crusius went further in his rant posted before the attack, sounding warnings that Hispanics were going to take over the government and economy. (AP) The U.S. military said Monday it had captured an operator for the Islamic State extremist group during a helicopter raid in northern Syria. The operator, Abu Halil al-Fadani, was assessed to have relationships throughout the ISIS network in the region, U.S. Central Command said in a statement. His capture on Saturday increases the chance that U.S. counterterrorism operations there will be able to target additional members of the group, command spokesman Lt. Col. Troy Garlock said. The U.S. has approximately 900 troops in Syria focused on countering the remnants of the Islamic State group, which had held a wide swath of Syria until 2019. News of the capture came as U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces imposed a curfew after continued skirmishes with rival Arab militiamen. According to reports from Syrian media and activists, the Syrian Democratic Forces imposed the curfew Monday in several towns in Deir el-Zour province, including in Ziban, close to the Iraqi border where the Americans are based. Hundreds of U.S. troops have been there since 2015. The oil-rich province has Syrias largest oil fields. Syria remains in a bloody 12-year civil war that has killed a half-million people. The Syrian government of President Bashar Assad in Damascus sees the Kurdish-led forces as secessionist fighters and has denounced their alliance with the United States in the war against the Islamic State militants and their self-ruled enclave in eastern Syria. (AP) A pair of front-row balcony tickets to Fords Theatre on April 14, 1865 the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth sold at auction for $262,500, according to a Boston-based auction house. The tickets are stamped with the date, Fords Theatre, APR 14, 1865, This Night Only. They bear the left-side imprint Fords Theatre, Friday, Dress Circle! and are filled out in pencil with section (D) and seat numbers 41 and 42, according to RR Auction. The handwritten seating assignments and the circular April 14th-dated stamp match those found on other known authentic tickets, including a used ticket stub in the collection of Harvard Universitys Houghton Library, auction officials said. The Harvard stub, which consists of just the left half of the ticket, is the only other used April 14th Fords Theatre ticket known to still exist, with similar seat assignments filled out in pencil and a stamp placed identically to the ones on the tickets auctioned off Saturday. Just after 10:00 p.m., during the third act of the play Our American Cousin, Booth entered the presidential box at the theater in Washington, D.C., and fatally shot Lincoln. As Lincoln slumped forward in his seat, Booth jumped onto the stage and fled out a back door. The stricken president was examined by a doctor in the audience and carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died early the next morning. Booth evaded capture for 12 days but was eventually tracked down at a Virginia farm and shot. Also sold at Saturdays auction was a Lincoln-signed first edition of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, which fetched nearly $594,000. (AP) SHIJIAZHUANG, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Yu Luming, former vice chairman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was on Tuesday sentenced to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes. The verdict was issued by the Intermediate People's Court of Zhangjiakou in north China's Hebei Province. Between 2001 and 2019, Yu took advantage of his various positions in Beijing to seek profits for others in areas such as the handling of land-use rights and project contracting. In return, Yu accepted money and valuables worth a total of 10.5 million yuan (about 1.46 million U.S. dollars), according to the court. Per the verdict, the defendant was also fined 1 million yuan, and his illicit gains have been confiscated and will be turned over to the national treasury. Taking into consideration that Yu confessed his crimes truthfully, showed remorse and was cooperative in returning his illegal gains, he was granted a lenient sentence, according to the court. The speaker of Canadas House of Commons apologized Sunday for recognizing a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. In my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognized an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so, Rota said in a statement. He added that his fellow Parliament members and the Ukraine delegation were not aware of his plan to recognize Hunka. Rota noted Hunka is from his district. I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my action, Rota said. Canadian lawmakers cheered and Zelenskyy raised his fist in acknowledgement as Hunka saluted from the gallery during two separate standing ovations. Rota called him a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service. Zelenskyy was in Ottawa to bolster support from Western allies for Ukraines war against the Russian invasion. Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, even though Zelenskyy is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office said in a statement that Rota had apologized and accepted full responsibility for issuing the invitation to Hunka and for the recognition in Parliament. This was the right thing to do, the statement said. No advance notice was provided to the Prime Ministers Office, nor the Ukrainian delegation, about the invitation or the recognition. The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement Sunday saying the division was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable. An apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of the Second World War who fought the Nazis, and an explanation must be provided as to how this individual entered the hallowed halls of Canadian Parliament and received recognition from the Speaker of the House and a standing ovation, the statement said. Bnai Brith Canadas CEO, Michael Mostyn, said it was outrageous that Parliament honored a former member of a Nazi unit, saying Ukrainian ultra-nationalist ideologues who volunteered for the Galicia Division dreamed of an ethnically homogenous Ukrainian state and endorsed the idea of ethnic cleansing. We understand an apology is forthcoming. We expect a meaningful apology. Parliament owes an apology to all Canadians for this outrage, and a detailed explanation as to how this could possibly have taken place at the center of Canadian democracy, Mostyn said before Rota issued his statement. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Hunka. A spokesperson for the Conservative party said the party was not aware of his history at the time. We find the reports of this individuals history very troubling, said Sebastian Skamski, adding that Trudeaus Liberal party would have to explain why he was invited. (AP) A new poll conducted by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center (SACSC) at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) finds former president Donald Trump leading his closest challengers by a 3-1 margin among New Hampshire Republican Presidential Primary likely voters. 45% of respondents express their preference for Trump on the ballot test, a 30-point lead over his closest challenger, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the wake of the first Republican presidential candidate debate, Haley has moved into second place behind Trump with 15% support. She is now the leading alternative to Trump, besting former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on the ballot test among respondents who have an unfavorable impression of the former president, 32%-29%. She carries a 37-point net positive favorability (65%-28%), second only to South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (+51%), suggesting she has room to grow her support. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen his support decline by 18 points since March and now trails Haley with 11%, slightly ahead of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (10%). Just 11% of respondents with a favorable opinion of Trump select DeSantis on the ballot test, along with 12% that have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, suggesting that he doesnt appeal to either group strongly enough to have maintained his early status as Trumps strongest challenger. Former Governor Chris Christie has succeeded in branding himself as the harshest critic of Trump, but at a cost. Although he has picked up the support of 29% of respondents who have an unfavorable impression of Trump, he has virtually no support from respondents who view Trump favorably. His 46-point net negative favorability (25%-71%) will likely put a hard ceiling on his potential growth. New Hampshire Institute of Politics Executive Director Neil Levesque stated, As in 2016, opposition to Trump is diluted over several candidates, preventing the consolidation that would be necessary to deny him a third straight nomination. Furthermore, a fractured field means the eventual Republican nominee will have to work to consolidate their support against President Joe Biden if he stands for re-election. Only 46% of the Republican primary voters tested say that they would vote for Christie in a general election match-up with Biden. 73% would vote for DeSantis, 74% would vote for Trump or Haley, and 76% would support Scott. This reflects a deep polarization in the primary electorate between supporters and detractors of Trump. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hunter Biden sued Rudy Giuliani and another attorney Tuesday, saying the two wrongly accessed and shared his personal data after obtaining it from the owner of a Delaware computer repair shop. The lawsuit was the latest in a new strategy by Hunter Biden to strike back against Republican allies of Donald Trump, who have traded and passed around his private data including purported emails and embarrassing images in their effort to discredit his father, President Joe Biden. The suit accuses Giuliani and attorney Robert Costello of spending years hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over the data that was taken or stolen from Bidens devices or storage, leading to the total annihilation of Bidens digital privacy. The suit also claims Bidens data was manipulated, altered and damaged before it was sent to Giuliani and Costello, and has been further altered since then. They broke laws against computer hacking when they did, according to the lawsuit. It seeks unspecified damages and a court order to return the data and make no more copies. Costello used to represent Giuliani, but recently filed a lawsuit against the former New York City mayor saying he did not pay more than $1.3 million in legal bills. A spokesman for Giuliani did not immediately return a message seeking comment Tuesday morning. Costello declined to comment. In February, he told The Associated Press that a letter from Hunter Bidens lawyers that requested a Justice Department investigation of him and others related to the laptop was a frivolous legal document that reeks of desperation because they know judgment day is coming for the Bidens. Tuesdays lawsuit marks the latest turn in the long-running laptop saga, which began with a New York Post story in October 2020 that detailed some of the emails it says were found on the device related to Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings. It was swiftly seized on by Trump as a campaign issue during the presidential election that year. Biden doesnt explicitly acknowledge that the laptop left at the computer shop was his, but says at least some of the data was on his iPhone or backed up to iCloud. A Justice Department special counsel is also separately pursuing an investigation into Bidens taxes, and has filed firearm possession charges against him, and he plans to plead not guilty. Hes also charged with tax crimes. House Republicans, meanwhile, have continued to investigate every aspect of Hunter Bidens business dealings and sought to tie them to his father, the president, as part of an impeachment inquiry. A hearing on Thursday is expected to detail some of their claims anew. Hunter Biden, meanwhile, after remaining silent as the images are splayed across the country, has changed his tactic, and his allies have signaled theres more to come. Over the past few months, hes also sued a former aide to Trump over his alleged role in publishing emails and embarrassing images, and filed a lawsuit against the IRS saying his personal data was wrongly shared by two agents who testified as whistleblowers as part of a probe by House Republicans into his business dealings. Biden has also pushed for an investigation into Giuliani and Costello, along with the Wilmington computer repair shop owner who has said Hunter Biden dropped a laptop off at his store in April 2019 and never returned to pick it up. Giuliani provided the information to a reporter at the New York Post, which first wrote about the laptop, Bidens attorney said in a letter pushing for a federal investigation. (AP) Democratic Sen. Cory Booker is calling on Sen. Bob Menendez to resign, saying in a statement that the sweeping federal bribery charges unveiled on Friday against his fellow New Jersey Democrat contain shocking allegations of corruption and specific, disturbing details of wrongdoing. Bookers statement came as a growing number of Democratic senators more than 15 so far are calling for the three-term senator to step aside. He has firmly rejected that idea. Menendez, the longtime chairman and top Democrat on the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his wife Nadine are accused in an indictment released Friday of using his position to aid the authoritarian government of Egypt and to pressure federal prosecutors to drop a case against a friend, among other allegations of corruption. The three-count indictment says they were paid bribes gold bars, a luxury car and cash by three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for the corrupt acts. In his statement, Booker said that while Menendez deserves the presumption of innocence, senators should adhere to a higher standard, and the details of the allegations against Menendez have shaken to the core the faith and trust of his constituents. As senators, we operate in the public trust, Booker said. That trust is essential to our ability to do our work and perform our duties for our constituents. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing, saying he merely performed as any senator would and that the nearly half million dollars in cash found in his home including some stuffed in pockets of clothing was from personal savings and kept at hand for emergencies. Authorities recovered about 10 cash-filled envelopes that had the fingerprints of one of the other defendants in the case on them, according to the indictment. TMenendez, along with his wife and two of the businessmen co-defendants, are to be arraigned Wednesday. Wael Hanna, another defendant, will be in court Tuesday. The indictment says Hana served as a conduit to Menendez for Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passing messages to and from the senator and arranging meetings. Prosecutors say Hana gave the senators wife, Nadine Menendez, a low-show or no-show job, paid $23,000 toward her home mortgage, wrote $30,000 checks to her consulting company, promised her envelopes of cash, sent her exercise equipment and bought some of the gold bars that were found in the couples home. Hana also sought the senators help in fending off criticism from U.S. agricultural officials after Egyptian officials gave his company a lucrative monopoly over certifying that imported meat met religious standards, the indictment said. Menendezs defiance in recent days is similar to his insistence that he was innocent after he first faced federal bribery charges eight years ago a case that ended with a deadlocked jury in 2017. As he did then, he is stepping down from his leadership position on the Foreign Affairs panel, as per Senate Democratic caucus rules. But he has otherwise made clear that hes not going anywhere. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator, Menendez said on Monday at Hudson County Community Colleges campus in Union City, where he grew up. The calls for his resignation are in sharp contrast, though, to his first case. And Bookers call is especially significant in the clubby Senate, where home state colleagues tend to stay away from public criticism of each other. Booker and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, testified as character witness es in Menendezs last trial. The increasing Democratic calls for Menendez to resign put increased pressure on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders who have so far stopped short of recommending that Menendez step down. Schumer has not commented on the indictment since saying in a statement on Friday that Menendez would step down from the Foreign Relations panel. The White House also declined to weigh in. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One that the senator did the right thing by standing down from his chairmanship. She did not say whether President Joe Biden believed he should resign from his seat, nor would she comment on how his presence would affect public faith in the Senate. That is for Senate leadership to speak to, thats for Sen. Menendez to speak to, she said. Democratic senators calling for Menendez to step down on Monday and Tuesday include Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Montana Sen. Jon Tester, Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen, Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan and Massachusetts Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Peter Welch of Vermont and Sherrod Brown of Ohio all called for his resignation over the weekend. The number of calls from the Senate Democratic caucus was expected to grow on Tuesday evening as senators are scheduled to return to the Capitol for votes. Menendez has not yet said whether he will run for re-election next year. If he does, he will face at least one challenger in a primary: Democratic Rep. Andy Kim, who announced over the weekend that he will run for the Senate because of the charges against the states senior senator. (AP) South Korea paraded thousands of troops and an array of weapons capable of striking North Korea through its capital as part of its biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in 10 years on Tuesday, as its president vowed to build a stronger military to thwart any provocation by the North. Concerns are growing that North Korea is seeking Russian help in expanding its nuclear arsenal in return for supplying Moscow with conventional arms exhausted by its war with Ukraine. After looking at your imposing march today, I believe our people would trust you and have faith in our national security, President Yoon Suk Yeol told cheering soldiers at the end of the ceremony in a central Seoul plaza. Ill always support you together with our people. Earlier, South Korea rolled tanks, artillery systems, drones and powerful ballistic missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea through the streets of Seoul, amid steady autumn rains. About 4,000 South Korean troops carrying rifles or flags followed them, accompanied by about 300 U.S. soldiers, in the first such military parade since 2013. As the soldiers and their weapons went past, Yoon waved, clapped and flashed a thumbs-up. Since taking office last year, he has been pushing hard to beef up South Koreas defense capability while expanding military drills with the United States in response to North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal. But a complication in Seoul and Washingtons efforts to curb the Norths nuclear ambitions is the latest North Korean push to deepen military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russias far eastern region to meet with President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites. North Korea reportedly wants to receive Russian technologies to help its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines and powerful long-range missiles. Such weapons would pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S. In a formal Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military airport near Seoul earlier Tuesday, Yoon said hell strive to build a strong military that instills fear in the enemy. Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation, he said. If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response from the South Korean-U.S. alliance. That ceremony drew about 6,700 soldiers and 200 weapons assets, the largest of its kind since 2013, according to South Korean officials. Yoon didnt mention North Korean-Russian ties in either of his two speeches Tuesday. But in an address to the U.N. General Assembly last week, he said South Korea will not sit idly by if North Korea and Russia agree to such weapons deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban all weapons trading with North Korea. U.S. officials have also said that North Korea and Russia would face consequences if they go ahead with such deals. Also Tuesday, senior diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China met in Seoul and agreed to hold the first summit of their leaders in four years at the earliest convenient time, according to a statement from South Koreas Foreign Ministry. No date has been fixed, however, and the South Korean statement said the three countries agreed to hold a related foreign ministers meeting in a couple of months. Yoon said last week that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed their support for a trilateral summit in South Korea. Yoons moves to strengthen South Koreas military alliance with the U.S. and boost Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation have caused concerns that Seouls relations with China, its biggest trading partner, will be undermined. But Yoon says Seoul-Washington-Tokyo cooperation wont marginalize any particular nation. (AP) The speaker of Canadas House of Commons resigned Tuesday for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to Parliament to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. Just after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an address in the House of Commons on Friday, Canadian lawmakers gave 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka a standing ovation when Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who fought for the First Ukrainian Division. Observers over the weekend began to publicize the fact that the First Ukrainian Division also was known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. No one in this House is above any of us. Therefore I must step down as your speaker, Rota said in Parliament. I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelenskyy. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world in addition to Nazi survivors in Poland among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions, he added. Rota stepped down after meeting with the House of Commons party leaders. All main opposition parties had called for Rota to step down, and House government leader Karina Gould said that lawmakers had lost confidence in Rota. This is something that has brought shame and embarrassment to all of Parliament and indeed all Canadians. The speaker did the honorable thing in resigning, Gould said. Gould said that Rota invited and recognized Hunka without informing the government or the delegation from Ukraine, adding that the fact that Rota didnt inform anyone and didnt do diligence broke trust with lawmakers. Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud Hunka on Friday unaware of the details of who he was. Never in my life would I have imagined that the speaker of the House would have asked us to stand and applaud someone who fought with the Nazis, Gould said. This is very emotional for me. My family are Jewish holocaust survivors. I would have never in a million of years stood and applauded someone who aided the Nazis. Gould said Rota found out about it over the weekend. He probably should have resigned as soon as he learned about it, she said. Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland had called the incident incredibly embarrassing. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies said in a statement that the incident has left a stain on our countrys venerable legislature with profound implications both in Canada and globally. This incident has compromised all 338 Members of Parliament and has also handed a propaganda victory to Russia, distracting from what was a momentously significant display of unity between Canada and Ukraine. It has also caused great pain to Canadas Jewish community, Holocaust survivors, veterans and other victims of the Nazi regime. In an earlier apology on Sunday, Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognizing Hunka, who is from the district that Rota represents. The speakers office said it was Rotas son who contacted Hunkas local office to see if it was possible if he could attend Zelenskyys speech. The prime ministers office said it was unaware that Hunka was invited until after the address. The speakers office also confirmed it did not share its invite list with any other party or group. The vetting process for visitors to the gallery is for physical security threats, not reputational threats, the speakers office said. In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said it was outrageous that Hunka received a standing ovation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has painted his enemies in Ukraine as neo-Nazis, although Zelenskyy is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. Its highly unfortunate and the only winner here is the Putin regime, which is already spinning what happened on Friday to justify its ongoing military actions in Ukraine, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, The opposition Conservatives in Canada have blamed Trudeau, but Beland noted that the speakers role in Canada is as an officer of Parliament who does not participate in partisan caucus meetings and is not a member of the Cabinet. Canadas reputation is broken. This is by far the biggest hit Canadas diplomatic reputation has ever taken under in history and it happened under Justin Trudeaus watch, Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said. Poilievre said everyone in the House of Commons on Friday should have been vetted with Zelenskyy in attendance. Robert Bothwell, a historian and professor at the University of Toronto, called Rota clueless for waiting so long to step down. He said an apology from Trudeau is also justified. He should not make it personal; there is nothing he personally did wrong, but the event embarrassed the country and as PM he takes responsibility, Bothwell said. Trudeau doesnt have the strongest image and this will cause other leaders to see him as damaged goods. (AP) Leftist protesters prevented Yom Kippur tefillos from taking place on erev Yom Kippur and Motzei Yom Kippur at Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv. The organizers of the tefillos, the Rosh Yehudi organization, tried to use Israeli flags as an improvised mechitzah after a Tel Aviv court ruled that a mechitzah in a public space is illegal. The leftists confronted the participants, destroyed the mechitzah, and even cleared the chairs that the organizers had placed. Clashes developed between the participants and the leftists, with the leftists standing next to the area and screaming Bushah, bushah. Most of the participants left the area. One of the protesters was detained by the police and a group of leftists protested outside the police station where he was being questioned. Leftists prevented mechitzos from being set up in other areas of Tel Aviv as well as in Yafo and Haifa at the end of the fast on Monday evening. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote On this Yom Kippur we saw haters who are trying to expel Judaism from the public sphere. Israel is a Jewish country! And a democratic one. Next Thursday I will hold an evening tefillah in the square. The public is invited! Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai responded to the clashes, Unfortunately, last night, religious and Messianic extremists decided to trample on the courts decision and established a mechitzah between men and women at the Erev Yom Kippur tefillah. A crowd of protesters, residents of the city, prevented the tefillah in Dizengoff Square from taking place in its illegal form. This is the first Ive been called on Yom Kippur since the Yom Kippur War 50 years ago. I want to make it clear I will not let the character of our city change! In Tel Aviv-Yafo, there is no place for gender segregation and exclusion in the public space. Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid wrote: Its a shame Yom Kippur was spoiled in G-ds name. For years I have provided Yom Kippur as an example that Judaism does not need to be enforced. It becomes ours only when we consider each other. Until this year, when the Chardalim [Chareidi-Dati Leumi] came to the neighborhood and decided to bring the war to us as well. They insist on gender segregation in the public space. They erected a tent where they daven only with Ashkenazi tunes. They make sure to explain to us that there is only one version of Judaism, their version. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Biden administration is poised to admit Israel this week into an exclusive club that will allow its citizens to travel to the United States without a U.S. visa. U.S. officials say an announcement of Israels entry into the Visa Waiver Program is planned for late in the week, just before the end of the federal budget year on Saturday, which is the deadline for Israels admission without having to requalify for eligibility next year. The Department of Homeland Security administers the program, which currently allows citizens of 40 mostly European and Asian countries to travel to the U.S. for three months without visas. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is set to make the announcement Thursday, shortly after receiving a recommendation from Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Israel be admitted, according to five officials familiar with the matter who spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been publicly announced. Blinkens recommendation is expected to be delivered no later than Tuesday, the officials said, and the final announcement will come just eight days after President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. The leaders did not raise the issue in their brief remarks to reporters at that meeting but it has been a subject of intense negotiation and debate for months as has been the Biden administrations effort to secure a deal to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Both State and the Homeland Security departments said they had nothing to announce publicly at this time, adding that the two agencies will make a final determination in the coming days. The U.S. is working with Israel toward fulfilling the full range of law enforcement, national security, and immigration related requirements of the program, according to the State Department. Israels admission has been a priority for successive Israeli leaders and will be a major accomplishment for Netanyahu Israel met two of the three most critical criteria over the past two years a low percentage of visa application rejections and a low visa overstay rate to join the U.S. program. It had struggled to meet the third, which is a requirement for reciprocity that means all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans, must be treated equally when traveling to or through Israel. Claiming national security reasons, Israel has long had separate entry requirements and screening processes for Palestinian Americans. Many complained that the procedures were onerous and discriminatory. Americans with Palestinian residency documents in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were largely barred from using Israels international airport. Instead, like other Palestinians, they were forced to travel through either Jordan or Egypt to reach their destinations. In recent months, Israel has moved to adjust its entry requirements for Palestinian Americans, including allowing them to fly in and out of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv and going directly to the West Bank and Israel proper, according to the officials. Israel also has pledged to ease movement for Palestinian Americans traveling in and out of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. New regulations took effect earlier this month to codify the changes, although concerns remain and the Homeland Security Department intends to stress in its announcement that it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that Israel complies, according to the officials. Failure to comply could result in Israels suspension from the program, the officials said. Palestinian American activists have been critical of the impending decision, which has been expected for some time due to the priority placed on it by both the Israeli and U.S. governments. There are so many problems with this decision, said Yousef Munayyer, the head of the Palestine-Israel Program and senior fellow at Arab Center Washington. The reciprocity requirement is clearly still not being met since Israeli policy continues to treat some Americans, specifically Palestinian Americans, differently. The administration however seems committed at the highest levels to overlooking this continued discrimination against American citizens to rush Israel into the program before the deadline. Munayyer said it was unclear why the Biden administration seems dead set on offering political victories for Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when his far-right government is outraging Palestinians and many Israelis with their extremist agenda. Under the waiver program, Israelis will be able to travel to the U.S. for business or leisure purposes for up to 90 days without a visa simply by registering with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. (AP) Saudi Arabias newly appointed envoy to the Palestinian Authority presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his first visit to the West Bank on Tuesday, a trip linked to American efforts to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The visit by nonresident ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi, who also serves as the Saudi ambassador to Jordan, is widely seen as an attempt by the kingdom to address the key sticking point in the Saudi-Israeli normalization deal Saudi Arabias long-standing support for the Palestinians. The Saudi government has said it will only normalize ties with Israel if there is major progress toward the creation of a Palestinian state. To kick off his two-day trip, the Saudi diplomat met with Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority that exercises limited autonomy in parts of the West Bank, and other senior Palestinian officials. G-d willing, this visit will be just the beginning of things to come, with the coordination of senior Palestinian officials who are architects of our relations, al-Sudairi told journalists after meeting with Abbas. But several obstacles to such an agreement remain. The Saudis are seeking a defense pact with the United States and want help in building their own civilian nuclear program, which has fueled fears of an arms race with Iran. Saudi Arabia also wants Israel to grant at least some kind of concession to the Palestinians in the West Bank, which Israel captured along with east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 Mideast war. On Tuesday in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, al-Sudairi reiterated the kingdoms position in support of the creation of an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital. (AP) Do I need to fit winter tyres to my car now it is getting colder? And what are the differences and benefits to summer tyres and all-season tyres? Qabil Ashirov Armenia continues to fish in troubled waters. Although the Armenian irredentist Miatsum policy has brought agony and tears to the region, they do not want to give it up. The Miatsum policy caused destruction and the death of over 30,000 people; Armenia was isolated and the poorest country in the region. As a logical result of Miatsum, Armenia enjoyed a humiliating defeat in the 44-day War and turned officially into a semi-independent country. Some thought that it was a good lesson for Armenia, but the last occurrences demonstrate that it is not like that. To be more precise, since the end of the 44-day War, Azerbaijan has been continuing restoration and reconstruction works at full speed in the liberated territories, and step-by-step realizing the reintegration of the Hay community in Garabagh. However, Armenia did all provocations to halt the process. They violated the provisions of the November 10 declaration, did not withdraw their armed units from Garabagh, financed the separatist gang in Khankendi, and so on. One by one Azerbaijan overcame and eliminated these provocations and in the end, Armenia was obliged to face the realities. However, they did not give up and started to use their strongest weapon, i.e. to play victim cards. First, they tried to internationally form a public opinion, ostensibly Azerbaijan tried to starve out all Armenians living in Garabagh. Even, they found a corrupt prosecutor who foretold that in two weeks all Armenians in Garabagh would die of hunger. However, nobody died and everything is under control. When Yerevan saw that the hunger game did not work, and reintegration continued at full speed, they started to form a public opinion over ethnic cleansing. Within a few weeks, Armenians and pro-Armenian forces started various smear campaigns, allegedly accusing Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing. However, their real problem was to refuse to live under the rule of Azerbaijan. They try to convince the world that Armenians and Azerbaijanis cannot live together, side by side. They try to substantiate their claims with fabricated so-called facts. First, they claim that Baku will arrest all males in Garabagh because they served in the separatist army. In reality, Azerbaijan has had a lot of chances to arrest Armenian males living in Garabagh when they crossed the Lachin border checkpoint, but Azerbaijan did not arrest them, except for Vagif Khachatryan who had participated in the Meshali massacre. Besides, Azerbaijan repeatedly stated that it is ready to give amnesty to all ordinary citizens who did not commit massacres or other atrocities against humanity. Moreover, actually, if Azerbaijan had aimed for ethnic cleansing, it would have not allowed Armenians to return to Khankendi and other districts in 2020. As is known, all Armenians left Garabagh during the 44-day War. It was Azerbaijan that allowed them to return. In addition, Azerbaijan started anti-terror activities last week and the activity was stopped as soon as the separatists surrendered and agreed to hand over their weapons. It was another chance to enter Khanendi by force, but Azerbaijan did not do it. Because Baku does not intend to resolve the issue by force but by convincing and through peaceful negotiations. To top it all off, over 30,000 Armenians live throughout Azerbaijan. Even the sister of the former Armenian defense minister lives in Azerbaijan. If Azerbaijan had intended for ethnic cleansing, it would have expelled them, first of all. Like all civilized countries with multi-ethnic citizens in the world, Azerbaijan does its best to create facilities for all its citizens regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, including Armenians. For example, in the center of Baku, there is an Armenian church built in the nineteenth century. Azerbaijan is restoring the church in Shusha. Azerbaijan made a concession after the November 10 tripartite agreement and allowed Armenians to visit the Albanian Khudavang monastery that is currently used by Hayk. However, the abovementioned media outlets overlook these facts and what they try to do is just a storm in a teacup. In short, any ethnic cleansing in Azerbaijan is out of the question, because Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. Remaining true to its culture and history, Azerbaijan will never discriminate against any ethnic group. BERLIN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The German Transport Minister on Monday spoke out against protective tariffs that could be imposed by the European Union (EU) on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). "In principle, I don't think much of erecting market barriers," Volker Wissing told Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "Today, cars are being sealed off, tomorrow it's chemical products, and each individual step in itself makes the world poorer," he said. "We have to make sure we produce our electric vehicles competitively - for Germany and for world markets," Wissing said. A trade war, on the other hand, could quickly spread to other sectors and cause massive economic damage, the German politician warned. For the German car industry, for which China is the largest customer, the measures would be a threat, according to experts. "There is a very great risk ... We need cooperation with China, not a trade war," said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the CAR Center Automotive Research Duisburg. More than one in three of the Germany's biggest carmaker Volkswagen's vehicles delivered in August went to customers in China, according to the company. With a value of 6.3 billion euros (6.68 billion U.S. dollars), motor vehicles and parts were Germany's top selling product by value in China in the first quarter, according to official figures. If Europe's largest economy were to decouple from China economically, its gross domestic product (GDP) would drop by 2 percent. This would result in annual losses of 57 billion euros, according to a recent study on behalf of the Foundation for Family Businesses. China and the EU have a broad space for cooperation and common interests in the automotive industry, a spokesperson with China's Ministry of Commerce said earlier this month, adding that after years of development, they have formed a pattern of mutual support. As part of its "In China for China" campaign, Volkswagen recently strengthened its commitment to the country by acquiring a 4.99 percent stake in the Chinese EV startup XPeng. Meanwhile, the group's brand Audi further expanded its cooperation with its Chinese joint venture partner SAIC. Other carmakers, such as Geely and Daimler, are also cooperating closely with each other. With this in mind, Wissing said, "Only international trade in global markets creates wealth gains." (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars) AG Barr's half-year earnings have soared thanks to recent takeovers and a rise in soft drinks sales. The Cumbernauld-based company, best known for manufacturing Irn-Bru, posted pre-tax profit growth of 12.6 per cent to 27.8million for the 26 weeks ending 30 July. Turnover climbed by around a third to 210.4million on price hikes, volume growth, and higher marketing investment in brands like Funkin cocktails. Scotland's favourite: Cumbernauld-based AG Barr is best known for manufacturing Irn-Bru Irn-Bru further extended its share of England and Wales' soft drinks market after purchases of Scotland's most popular fizzy drink expanded by 8 per cent. However, the overwhelming bulk of sales growth was driven by the acquisitions of energy drinks maker Boost and oat milk producer MOMA Foods. In December last year, Barr bought the former company in a 32million deal before acquiring the latter, which also sells granola, porridge, and bircher muesli, a fortnight later. Roger White, AG Barr's outgoing chief executive, said: 'We have made significant financial and strategic progress in the first half and have exciting plans in place for the balance of the year to sustain our growth momentum. Following the result, the FTSE 250 business has upheld its recently revised annual guidance for profit to be 'marginally above' the top end of analyst forecasts despite wet weather hitting trade during July and August. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the outlook was a 'highly creditable outcome and suggests the companys portfolio of products retains strong appeal'. He added: 'The affordable luxury of a soft drink is the kind of purchase people are less likely to put off even if theyre feeling the squeeze and, if they like the brand, theyre unlikely to be discouraged by a few pence being added to the purchase price.' In August, White declared his intention to stand down within the coming 12 months, having spent about two decades at the helm, making him one of the longest-serving CEOs of a publicly-listed UK firm. He was the first chief executive to come from outside the Barr family when he took the top job in 2004. Since that time, AG Barr shares have soared more than fourfold on the back of acquisitions and the sustained popularity of Irn-Bru. His departure comes after former chairman Robin Barr, reportedly one of only three people who know the recipe for Irn-Bru, left the company in May following 58 years on its board. AG Barr shares were 0.1 per cent lower at 484.5p on Tuesday morning and have slid by around 10 per cent over the past 12 months. Restaurant Brands International Inc. operates as a quick-service restaurant company in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Tim Hortons (TH), Burger King (BK), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLK), and Firehouse Subs (FHS). The company owns and franchises TH chain of donut/coffee/tea restaurants that offer blend coffee, tea, and espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks; and fresh baked goods, including donuts, Timbits, bagels, muffins, cookies and pastries, grilled paninis, classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, and other food products. It is also involved in owning and franchising BK, a fast-food hamburger restaurant chain, which offers flame-grilled hamburgers, chicken and other specialty sandwiches, French fries, soft drinks, and other food items; and PLK quick service restaurants that provide Louisiana-style fried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood, red beans and rice, and other regional items. In addition, the company owns and franchises FHS quick service restaurants that offer meats and cheese, chopped salads, chili and soups, signature and other sides, soft drinks, and local specialties. Restaurant Brands International Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Wells Fargo & Company is a multinational financial services company that has established itself as a prominent player in the global financial industry. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Wells Fargo operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide. Its rich history and successful mergers and acquisitions have contributed to its significant global presence. As a comprehensive financial services provider, Wells Fargo offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer financial services. The company's mission is to satisfy its customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo aims to achieve this by providing exceptional service, acting with integrity, fostering diversity and inclusion, and contributing positively to the communities it serves. Wells Fargo's extensive product and service portfolio caters to various market segments. The company serves individual consumers, small businesses, corporations, and institutional investors. Its key customers encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from everyday banking customers to high-net-worth individuals and large corporations. Wells Fargo aims to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers through personalized solutions and innovative offerings. The company has achieved several notable milestones and received recognition for its contributions to the financial industry. Wells Fargo has been ranked as one of the "Big Four Banks" in the United States, alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. It is also recognized as one of the largest banks in the country by total assets, deposits, and market capitalization. Wells Fargo's commitment to delivering quality financial services has earned it a position among the most valuable bank brands. Wells Fargo is led by an experienced and capable management team that guides the company's operations and strategic direction. The leadership team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive finance, banking, technology, risk management, and customer service expertise. The Chief Executive Officer and President of Wells Fargo is Charles W. Scharf, who brings a wealth of experience in the financial industry. The management team also includes key executives such as Michael J. Santomassimo as the Chief Financial Officer and Scott Powell as the Chief Operating Officer. Each management team member contributes their professional background, accomplishments, and expertise to ensure the company's success. Wells Fargo has demonstrated consistent financial performance over the years, driven by its diverse business segments and strategic initiatives. The company has reported steady revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain a large customer base. Wells Fargo's revenue metrics indicate its success in generating income through its various financial services and product offerings. Earnings metrics illustrate the company's profitability and stability. Wells Fargo's focus on prudent risk management practices and diversified revenue streams contributes to its ability to generate sustainable earnings. Profit margin metrics showcase the efficiency of Wells Fargo's operations. The company's ability to manage costs effectively while generating revenue is key to maintaining healthy profit margins. Debt levels play a significant role in evaluating the company's financial position. Wells Fargo's management strives to maintain a conservative approach to managing debt, ensuring a strong balance sheet and financial stability. Wells Fargo's valuation metrics are influenced by a range of factors, including its market position, financial performance, growth prospects, risk profile, and investor sentiment. Factors driving Wells Fargo's valuation include its brand recognition, customer base, diversified business segments, and ability to generate consistent earnings. Changes in investor sentiment, market conditions, and regulatory developments can also impact the company's valuation over time. Investors closely monitor Wells Fargo's stock performance, assessing its ability to deliver value over the long term. The stock has had issues in the past due to news or events that have affected the company's share price, such as regulatory actions, the global pandemic, and strategic initiatives. These factors should be considered in analyzing its market performance. Wells Fargo operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, which is subject to evolving regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. Understanding the broader industry in which the company operates is crucial to assessing its competitive positioning. Wells Fargo competes with other major banks and financial institutions domestically and internationally. The company leverages its brand recognition, extensive product and service offerings, customer relationships, and technological capabilities to gain a competitive advantage. However, it also faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, changing customer preferences, and disruptive market forces. Wells Fargo has identified several growth opportunities within its diverse business segments. The company aims to deepen relationships with existing customers, attract new customers and expand its presence in key markets. In consumer banking, Wells Fargo focuses on enhancing digital capabilities, improving customer experience, and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The company seeks to leverage its strong brand and customer base to drive growth and increase customer loyalty. In wealth and investment management, Wells Fargo aims to capitalize on the growing demand for comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. The company's expertise in wealth management positions it well to capture opportunities in an increasingly complex investment landscape. As with any financial institution, Wells Fargo faces various risks and challenges. It is important to comprehensively analyze potential risks and challenges to understand their potential impact on the company's performance. Factors such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, economic downturns, and reputational risks pose challenges to Wells Fargo's operations. The company has implemented robust risk management strategies, invested in technology and security measures, and enhanced compliance frameworks to mitigate these risks. Ongoing efforts to prioritize ethical conduct, transparency, and stakeholder trust are integral to managing risks effectively. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 60,000 kilometers (km) of operational electricity transmission and distribution lines; 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 7.8 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 540,000 long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating, cooling, and energy solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 4,800 km of rail; 3,800 km of motorways; and 11 port terminals. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 600 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 10,600 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as 525,000 tonnes polypropylene production capacity. Its Data segment operates approximately 207,000 operational telecom towers; approximately 46,600 km of fiber optic cables; approximately 881,000 fiber-to-the-premise connections; two semiconductor manufacturing facilities; and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 50 data centers and 230 megawatts of critical load capacity. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services for the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries in the United States, Israel, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Water Flow Solutions and Water Management Solutions. The Water Flow Solutions segment provides iron gate and specialty valves, and service brass products; and valves for water systems, such as iron gate, butterfly, tapping, check, knife, plug, and ball valves, which are used to control distribution and transmission of potable water and non-potable water, as well as in water transmission or distribution, water treatment facilities, or industrial applications. The Water Management Solutions segment offers dry-barrel and wet-barrel fire hydrants for water infrastructure development, fire protection systems, and water infrastructure repair and replacement projects; pipe repair products, such as couplings, grips, and clamps used to repair leaks; residential, fire line, and commercial water metering products, systems, and services; water leak detection and pipe condition assessment products and services; machines and tools for tapping, drilling, extracting, installing, and stopping-off; gas valve products for use in gas distribution systems; and intelligent water solutions, including pressure control valves, advanced pressure management, network analytics, event management, and date logging. It sells its products under the Canada Valve, Centurion, Ez-Max, Hydro Gate, Hydro-Guard, HYMAX, HYMAX VERSA, Jones, Krausz, Milliken, Mueller, Pratt, Pratt Industrial, Repamax, Repaflex, Singer, Echologics, Echoshore, ePulse, Hersey, i2O Water Ltd, LeakFinderRT, LeakFinderST, LeakListener, LeakTuner, Mi.Echo, Mi.Data, Mi.Hydrant, Mi.Net, Mueller Systems, Sentryx, and U.S. Pipe Valve and Hydrant brands. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Pinnacle West Capital (NYSE:PNW) pays an annual dividend of $3.46 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.65%. PNW has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The company has been increasing its dividend for 12 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 96.65%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, PNW will have a dividend payout ratio of 69.90% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for PNW. Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. The Gas Utilities segment distributes natural gas to approximately 1,107,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming; owns and operates 4,713 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines; 42,222 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines; seven natural gas storage sites; and approximately 50,000 horsepower of compression and 515 miles of gathering lines. The company also constructs and maintains gas infrastructure facilities for gas transportation customers; and provides appliance repair services to residential utility customers, as well as electrical system construction services to large industrial customers. In addition, it produces electric power through wind, natural gas, and coal-fired generating plants; and coal at its coal mine located near Gillette, Wyoming. The company was incorporated in 1941 and is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. CCL Industries Inc. manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets. This segment also provides extruded and laminated plastic tubes, aluminum aerosols and specialty bottles, folded instructional leaflets, precision decorated and die cut components, electronic displays, and other complementary products and services. The Avery segment offers printable media products, including address labels, shipping labels, marketing and product identification labels, business cards, and name badges supported by customized software solutions; and organizational products, such as binders, sheet protectors, indexes and dividers, and writing instruments. This segment also provides direct to consumer digitally imaged media products, such as labels, business cards, name badges, and family oriented identification labels supported by unique Web-enabled e-commerce URLs. The Checkpoint segment provides technology-driven, loss-prevention, inventory management, and labelling solutions, including radio frequency and radio-frequency identification solutions to retail and apparel industries. The Innovia segment offers specialty, high-performance, multi-layer, and surface engineered biaxially oriented polypropylene films for pressure sensitive label materials, flexible packaging, and consumer packaged goods industries. The company operates in Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and New Zealand. CCL Industries Inc. was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Integer Holdings Corporation operates as a medical device outsource manufacturer in the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and internationally. It operates through Medical and Non-Medical segments. The company offers products for interventional cardiology, structural heart, heart failure, peripheral vascular, neurovascular, interventional oncology, electrophysiology, vascular access, infusion therapy, hemodialysis, urology, and gastroenterology procedures. It also provides cardiac rhythm management products, including implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, insertable cardiac monitors, implantable cardiac pacing and defibrillation leads, and heart failure therapies; neuromodulation products, such as implantable spinal cord stimulators; and non-rechargeable batteries, feedthroughs, device enclosures, machined components, and lead components and sub-assemblies. In addition, the company offers rechargeable batteries and chargers; and arthroscopic, laparoscopic, and general surgery devices and components, such as harmonic scalpels, shaver blades, burr shavers, radio frequency probes, biopsy probes, trocars, electrocautery components, wound dressings, GERD treatment components, and phacoemulsification needles. Further, it provides orthopedic products that include instruments used in hip, knee, and spine surgeries, as well as reamers and chisels. Additionally, the company offers customized battery power and power management systems, and battery solutions for the energy, military, and environmental markets. Furthermore, the company provides medical technologies. It serves multi-national original equipment manufacturers and their affiliated subsidiaries in the cardiac, neuromodulation, orthopedics, vascular, and advanced surgical and portable medical markets. Integer Holdings Corporation was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Freeport-McMoRan Inc is a publicly traded mining company that operates primarily in North and South America. The company is in the top ten of the world's largest producers of copper, gold and molybdenum, and its operations include mines, smelters and refineries. Freeport-McMoRan was founded in 1988 when Freeport Minerals Corporation merged with McMoRan Oil & Gas Company. Both companies had a long history in the mining industry, with Freeport Minerals founded in 1912 and McMoRan Oil & Gas in 1969. The merger of the two companies created a vertically integrated mining company that could control every aspect of the mining process. The union of the two companies allowed Freeport-McMoRan to become one of the world's largest producers of copper, gold and molybdenum. Freeport-McMoRan's operations are primarily in North and South America, with mines in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Chile. The company also owns a 48.76% stake in the Grasberg mine in Indonesia, the largest gold mine in the world and the second-largest copper mining operation in the world. The Grasberg mine is a significant source of revenue for Freeport-McMoRan, accounting for approximately 30% of the company's copper production and 40% of its gold production. The mine has operated since the 1970s and has significantly expanded recently. Freeport-McMoRan's other major operation is the Cerro Verde mine in Peru, one of the world's largest copper mines. The mine was established as a joint venture between Freeport-McMoRan, Buenaventura and Sumitomo Corporation, with Freeport-McMoRan owning a 53.56% stake. In addition to its mining operations, Freeport-McMoRan owns and operates smelters and refineries in the United States and South America. This allows the company to process the ore from its mines into finished products, such as copper cathodes and gold bars. Freeport-McMoRan has a track record of financial performance. The company's revenues have steadily grown over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for copper and other essential metals. Freeport-McMoRan's strong financial performance has allowed the company to invest in new projects and expand its operations. The company has recently focused on developing new mining projects in North and South America, including the Lone Star copper project in Arizona and the Quebrada Blanca Phase 2 copper project in Chile. Freeport-McMoRan has a solid commitment to sustainability and responsible mining practices. The company has implemented a comprehensive environmental management system designed to minimize its impact on the environment while supporting the communities in which it operates. One of the critical components of Freeport-McMoRan's sustainability strategy is its focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company has set a target of reducing its carbon footprint by 10% by the end of 2023, compared to its 2018 baseline. Freeport-McMoRan has also implemented a water management program, which aims to minimize the use of fresh water in its operations and promote water conservation. In addition, the company has invested in technologies that allow it to recycle and reuse water, and it has also partnered with local communities to implement water conservation projects. In addition to its environmental initiatives, Freeport-McMoRan is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. The company has implemented a social responsibility program, which includes initiatives to improve education, healthcare and economic development in the communities near its mining operations. Freeport-McMoRan has also committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The company has established a DEI council and has implemented training programs to promote a more inclusive workplace. In addition, Freeport-McMoRan has set a target of achieving gender parity in its workforce by 2030. The company is not without its risks. One of the main risks is the volatility of metal prices. Copper and gold prices can be highly cyclical and are influenced by various factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical events and supply and demand dynamics. As a result, a significant decline in metal prices could harm Freeport-McMoRan's financial performance. Another risk to consider is the regulatory environment. Mining companies are subject to various environmental and safety regulations, which can impact their operations and financial performance. As a result, changes in laws, or increased enforcement of existing regulations, could increase the cost of doing business for Freeport-McMoRan. EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE: EGP), a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and Russell 1000 Indexes, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina. The Company's goal is to maximize shareholder value by being a leading provider in its markets of functional, flexible and quality business distribution space for location sensitive customers (primarily in the 20,000 to 100,000 square foot range). The Company's strategy for growth is based on ownership of premier distribution facilities generally clustered near major transportation features in supply-constrained submarkets. The Company's portfolio, including development projects and value-add acquisitions in lease-up and under construction, currently includes approximately 59 million square feet. BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc. is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc. The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of companies' debt instruments, including corporate loans, which are rated in the lower rating categories of the established rating services (BBB or lower by S&P's or Baa or lower by Moody's) or unrated debt instruments, which are in the judgment of the investment adviser of equivalent quality. It was formerly known as Debt Strategies Fund Inc. BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc. was formed on March 27, 1998 and is domiciled in the United States. Thanks to a new discovery linked to shares of Tesla, regular folks can now target gains of 100% or more in six days or less. New research shows its happened 23 different times this year. The next trade is scheduled for this Thursday. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Custom High Dividend Yield index. The fund tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. The index selects high-dividend-paying US companies, excluding REITS, and weights them by market cap. VYM was launched on Nov 10, 2006 and is managed by Vanguard. IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. CHICAGO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Canadian autoworkers' union Unifor picks U.S. automaker General Motors (GM) as the next target company in its bargaining with the three major U.S. automakers, Unifor chief announced Monday. Talks with GM, which, together with Ford and Stellantis, is often referred to as the "Big Three," will resume Tuesday, Unifor President Lana Payne said in a video message released Monday. Unifor members at Ford ratified narrowly a new three-year contract by 54 percent on Sunday. The agreement with Ford includes the single largest negotiated general wage increase in the history of Unifor by 15 percent, ratification bonus for permanent and temporary employees, increases to retirement programs, and faster wage progression. Ford called the deal "historic" in a statement released on Sunday. "We've got an incredibly strong pattern agreement at Ford that will serve us well over the coming years," Payne said. "Our job now is to negotiate that pattern in the form of a renewal collective agreement with General Motors and Stellantis." Payne said the decision to tap GM next in bargaining is based on negotiation leverage, because of demand and the key position. "Their Oshawa facility is working around the clock producing very lucrative pick-up trucks. The St. Catharines engine and transmission facility, like Ford's powertrain operations, is a lynchpin for GM's North American operations. Our Woodstock distribution center is also a key element of the company's parts network," Payne said. GM welcomes the resumption of negotiations to reach a tentative agreement, said a statement on its website. "We look forward to working with our Unifor partners to build a competitive future that also recognizes our employees' contributions to our shared success." Unifor's negotiations with GM cover approximately 4,300 workers in Canada. Unlike the United Auto Workers (UAW) which is striking against the Big Three U.S. automakers, Unifor opted to negotiate only with one company at a time. The UAW went on strike on Sept. 15 at select facilities of Ford, GM, and Stellantis. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has played an increasingly important role in global governance, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday. Multilateral diplomacy is an important way for China to participate in global governance and promote the building of a global community with a shared future, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. China, as a responsible country, is never absent at multilateral forums in which it takes part, said Wang at a press conference on a newly-released white paper, titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions." Answering a question on China's attendance at the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Wang said China keeps in communication with relevant parties and will release the information in due course. There has been a significant increase in households falling into arrears with the electricity bills in recent months, latest figures show. Figures from the regulator reveal that 256,000 residential electricity customers were in arrears in the three months up to June. This equates to around one in eight households that are now behind on their payments. The number of people in arrears on their electricity bills has risen by almost 55,000 when compared with the first three months of the year, according to figures released by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The surge in the numbers in arrears coincided with the end of the most recent energy credits, which helped to offset the higher bills. However, now that consumers are paying full rates, there has been a dramatic surge in arrears. In June, 11% - or 256,000 electricity customers - were in arrears, a rise of 72,000 since January. Gas customers in arrears rose by 24,000 in that period, up to 168,000. The latest figures will undoubtedly put pressure on the Government in the lead up to Budget 2024. There has been speculation that there will be at least one energy credit of 200 before the end of the year, but there may now be increased pressure for more credits for hard-pressed homeowners. There will only be a "derisory reduction" in household energy bills from November, despite a significant drop in wholesale electricity prices over the past year, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the partys spokesperson on energy, said: Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that wholesale electricity prices were 72.5 per cent lower in August 2023 than for the same month last year. Despite this, customers can only expect to get reductions somewhere between 10 and 20 per cent from November 1. This week, the Central Bank stated that Irish prices are out of line because energy companies are failing to transfer reductions to customers. I welcome that hedging practices are to be notified to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under new windfall tax legislation. However, this should not just be in place as an emergency measure, but as a standard, permanent power given to the CRU. It is also disappointing that the delayed Bill on windfall tax only covers the six-month period between last December and June of this year, which is far too short. This does not reflect the fact that energy companies have been hiking up their prices since September 2021, six months before the conflict in Ukraine began. "I have stressed to the Minister the need for this Bill to include full transparency on the profits being made by energy companies. Customers who have struggled with rising energy costs over the past two years deserve that such information be publicly available. The lag between wholesale electricity prices coming down and paltry reductions being passed on to domestic consumers is inexcusable. Energy companies should no longer be allowed to ride roughshod over their customers while continuing to generate eyewatering levels of profit, Deputy Whitmore said. [September 25, 2023] CARIBBEAN UTILITIES COMPANY, LTD. RELEASES ITS 2023 SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE REPORT Tweet The Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. is listed for trading in United States dollars on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "CUP.U". GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Sept. 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. ("CUC or the "Company") is pleased to release its 2023 Sustainability Update Report. This report provides an update on the Company's progress on environmental, social and governance ("ESG") initiatives since the release of the 2022 Sustainability Report. Report Highlights include: Environmental: Developed a "Road to Renewables" marketing campaign; In 2022, there were no fuel spills or releases with an associated fine and environmental procedures have been followed. Social: 55% female directors on the Board of Directors for the Company; 50% of executive team are female; 45% of management team are female; US$ 465,000 in community donations; Employees volunteered 919 hours for community projects. Governance: Reviewed and updated ESG Materiality Assessment; 100% of employees received training on CUC's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy. "Over the past year, the CUC team has been working on one of our core values Teamwork. Our goal as a company is to collaborativel work with industry stakeholders to ensure that we continue to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable service to our customers. Our team has been working assiduously to assist the regulator with the upcoming competitive bid process for utility-scale renewable energy. Growing the utility-scale renewable energy portfolio will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a low and more stable cost of energy to the electricity grid in line with our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 which is Affordable and Clean Energy," said President and CEO, Mr. Richard Hew. The Company is committed to the reduction of CO 2 e emissions and to deliver more renewable and sustainable energy to our customers in Grand Cayman. The Company has targets of a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 70% of the energy on the grid coming from renewable energy sources by 2037. Focus will be given to the Company's Sustainable Energy Plan and Grid Resiliency and Modernisation Plan to meet these targets. In the future, renewable energy options remain a top priority for CUC and the Company will continue to work closely with the regulator and all stakeholders to ensure that a sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy future is available to all consumers. To access a copy of the report, please visit the Company's website at www.cuc-cayman.com. Forward looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon future events or conditions, or include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plan", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "schedule", or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "may", "will", "should", "would" and "could". Forward looking statements are based on underlying assumptions and management's beliefs, estimates and opinions, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally that may cause actual results to vary from plans, targets, and estimates. Some of the important risks and uncertainties that could affect forward looking statements are described in the MD&A in the section labelled "Business Risks" and include but are not limited to operational, general economic, market and business conditions, regulatory developments, and weather. CUC cautions readers that actual results may vary significantly from those expected should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. 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 by law. SOURCE Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Toyoda Gosei Invests in Pyrenee Inc., a Start-up Developing Safe Driving Assist Devices Tweet Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has invested1 in Pyrenee Inc, which is developing safe driving assistance devices to achieve safer mobility in society. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925930208/en/ Safety technology in each stage leading up to a traffic accident (Graphic: Business Wire) Pyrenee Drive, developed by Pyrenee Inc., is a retrofit device that assists the cognitive aspect of safe driving; it captures things around the vehicle that drivers fail to notice, which is the cause of traffic accidents in about 70% of cases.2 The device is mounted on the automobile dashboard or elsewhere in the vehicle, and detects pedestrians and other automobiles and predicts their movement with AI. When it determines that there is a risk of collision, it notifies the driver by voice, thereby contributing to a decrease in accidents.3 Toyoda Gosei aims to grow its business through the provision of the social values of safety centered on airbags. It invested in Pyrenee to reduce traffic accidents through a comprehensive approach of combining passive safety and preventive safety - not only reducing injuries/deaths in case of traffic accidents, but also preventing traffic accidents caused by driver neglect and other human errors. Further, the collaboration of the two companies has a future vision toward integration of Pyrenee's driving assist technology into Toyoda Gosei's safety systems and interior products. 1 Investment made in September 2023, through Toyoda Gosei's Corporate Venture Capital Dept., an internal organization dedicated to these investments. 2 Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Dept. 3 Plans for release as a product that improves the safety of trucks and other large commercial vehicles that tend to be involved in serious accidents. Outline of Pyrenee Inc. Name Pyrenee Inc. Location CROSS DOCK HARUMI 601 4-7-4 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo CEO Ryuta Mino Established January 2016 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925930208/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Stockify goes fully Digital, offers Mutual Funds and Dematerialization of shares Tweet BENGALURU, India and DUBAI, UAE , Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to expand its offerings and provide a comprehensive suite of financial services, Stockify, a leading platform for Unlisted and pre-IPO shares in India, has announced plans to venture into the Mutual Fund space. This development comes as part of Stockify's mission to assist High-Net Individuals (HNIs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in accessing various investment opportunities in India via the pre-IPO route and maximizing their wealth. The company is also set to facilitate the Dematerialization of Shares. (Conversion of Physical Share to DEMAT account.) Founded by Piyush Jhunjhunwala (CA, CPA) and Co-Founded by Rahul Khatuwala (CA) both seasoned finance professionals with decades of experience in global conglomerates. Stockify has already carved a niche for itself in the Indian Financial landscape. The platform primarily focuses on providing access to Blue-Chip Stocks before their listing on the Indian Stock Market (via the re IPO Route) enabling early investors to potentially achieve significant returns. While expressing the company's intent behind expanding its services, Jhunjhunwala said, "Mutual Funds are the backbone of the Indian Equity market, and we believe it is important that NRI and retail investors in India can greatly benefit from our new offering and this will help them in creating long-term wealth." The recent announcement of Stockify entering the Mutual Funds market follows the company's successful acquisition of a Mutual Fund license in the first quarter of 2023. Alongside Mutual Funds, Stockify intends to offer an array of other financial products, like Start-up Funding, fixed investment products like Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) and Insurance-Linked Investments, in the coming months. Notably, Stockify plans to make all its products and services 100% accessible online, aligning with the Digital India vision of our beloved Prime Minster Mr. Narendra Modi. Currently, Stockify boasts 70 Unlisted/pre-IPO companies on its platform, with in-depth research conducted on all of them as stated by Jhunjhunwala. It offers a simple online process where transactions can be completed online, and shares get transferred to the clients DEMAT account on the same day. Stockify's global presence was recently showcased at the Dubai Fintech Summit (DFS). The two-day event brought together over 5,000 C-suite leaders, 1,000-plus investors, and 150 speakers from around the world. Stockify was selected as one of the proud exhibitors at the summit, solidifying its position as one of the world's largest providers of pre-IPO and Unlisted Stocks in India. With its ambitious expansion plans and commitment to innovation, Stockify is set to continue revolutionizing the way investors access and engage with financial opportunities in India and beyond. About Stockify Stockify is a customer-oriented platform for Unlisted or Pre-IPO shares in India. Its mission is to help HNIs and NRIs access multiple unlisted shares via the pre-IPO route and maximize investors' wealth. Investors can visit https://stockify.net.in/buy-unlisted-shares/ to begin their Unlisted/Pre-IPO shares investment journey. For more information, Call Rahul Khatuwala on +91-9591810391 (Bengaluru, India), E: [email protected] or Piyush Jhunjhunwala on +97-1502344662 (Dubai, UAE). Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221118/Stockify_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/stockify-goes-fully-digital-offers-mutual-funds-and-dematerialization-of-shares-301938375.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation: Publication of "Integrated Report 2023" Tweet Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation (NSHD) issued our "Integrated Report 2023" on our website on September 26. Our Integrated Report is published every year to provide an annual report on the Group's Financial information including management strategies and business overview as well as non-financial information including sustainability activities to all the stakeholders including our group members as well as investors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925112298/en/ Integrated Report 2023 cover page (Graphic: Business Wire) In "Integrated Report 2023," we have focused on our medium-term management plan "NS Vision 2026| Enabling the Future" ("NS Vision 2026") announced in May 2022 with the aim of explaining the value creation story in an easy-to-understand manner, using specific examples. The "Integrated Report 2023" is published in PDF format, and we added jump link to certain pages on our website containing related information to improve accessibility. Please visit the "Integrated Report" page on our website. Main Features of Integrated Report 2023 1) Value Creation Through messages from CEO, presents the strategy for NSHD Group based on the progress of the NS Vision 2026 and understanding of our business environment. As a special feature, introduces our specific efforts related to "Operational Excellence," "Total Electronics," and "Carbon Neutrality" presented from our focused fields defined in NS Vision 2026. Our value creation story indicates the basic concept, the value we provide, and voices of our employees, the source of value creation, along with a message from the Head of Human Resources in the Group. 2) Value Creation in Each Segment For each segment, clarifies the position in the final year of NS Vision 2026, analyzes the market position and strengths, perceptions about the business environment, and important sustainability items, and explains the direction of the strategy for value creation. 3) Corporate Governance Shares a discussion among Katsumi Nagasawa, the Outside director and the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Appointments and Remuneration, and Yutaka Okuda, the Executive officer, the Group legal, as well as challenges they should be aware of based on the environment surrounding the NSHD. In addition, presents a skill matrix that lists the experience and area of expertise of each member of both the Board of Directors and the Audit & Supervisory Board. Contents Introduction Special Feature Value Creation Story Performance Highlights Sustainability Value Creation in Each Business Governance Group Information Appendix The Nippon Sanso Holdings Group is the world's fourth-largest supplier of industrial, electronic, and medical gases, operating in four geographic regions - Japan, U.S., Europe and Asia & Oceania - covering over 30 countries and regions. In addition, the Thermos business supplies THERMOS branded products to more than 120 countries worldwide. Since its foundation as Nippon Sanso Ltd. in 1910, the group stands for creating social value through innovative gas solutions that increase industrial productivity, enhance human well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future. With more than 19,000 employees, together, we are "The Gas Professionals" and we all have the same goal: "Making life better through gas technology" View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925112298/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] RE+ 2023: The Largest Clean Energy Event in North America attracts 40K attendees Tweet ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RE+ 2023, the premier clean energy event, marked a historic milestone as it brought together 40,000 attendees and 1,350+ exhibitors from around the globe to Las Vegas, September 11-14. With an outstanding lineup of speakers, innovative products and services, and immersive experiences, RE+ 2023 showcased its position as the pinnacle event of the industry. RE+ 2023, the premier clean energy event, marked a historic milestone as it brought together 40,000 attendees. This year's Opening General Session featured opening remarks from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), followed by the much-anticipated debut of RE+ Tonight, a new "talk show" hosted by Kal Penn, actor, Former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, and host of Getting Warmer; Van Jones, CNN Host and President of Magic Labs Media; Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDP Renewables North America; and Annette Clayton, CEO, Schneider Electric North America. "This year's RE+ event was nothing short of extraordinary, as we welcomed a record-breaking 40,000 attendees and over 1,350 exhibitors. RE+ 2023 continues to be the focal point for the entire clean energy industry community," said Stephen Miner, President and CEO, RE+ Events. "As the event organizers, we are proud to be a catalyst for change and innovation." RE+ 2023 at-a-glance 40,000 attendees (48% larger than 2022) 7,500+ international attendees 1,350+ exhibitors (69% larger than 2022) 370 education sessions Highlights Expo Hall - RE+ 2023 hosted its largest expo hall ever, featuring Tesla, QCells North America, Sungrow, Panasonic, SPAN, Baja Carports, Anza, Rosendin Electric, Scheider Electric, Nel Hydrogen, Carhartt Company Gear, and over 1,350 more in attendance. Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) Final - Horizon Educational hosted the H2GP series in which students from around the globe constructed, designed, and raced model fuel cell powered cars. The winning team, Oakwood Pink, hailed from Los Angeles. American-Made Program - Powered by the U.S. DOE, with support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the American-made Program saw a live demo day, followed by an announcement of prize winners ReJoule's Second-Life Solar Team and Latimer Controls. Each won $500k. Live microgrid with embedded energy storage EMerge Alliance, in collaboration with several partners, conducted a live demonstration, complete with an "Unplugging Ceremony," of a residential microgrid. RE+ Tech drew large crowds This event-within-an-event showcased scientific and technical content from industry leaders to an engaged audience. Organizations such as Fluence, Idaho National Lab, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, NREL, U.S. DOE, and more drove key discussions. RE+ 2024 will be held September 9-12 in Anaheim, CA. Learn more at re-plus.com. For all RE+ Events visit re-plus.events. About RE+ RE+ 2023 brings the modern energy industry together to foster a cleaner future. As the largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industryboasting 40,000 attendees--RE+ is comprised of Solar Power International (SPI) and Energy Storage International (ESI) and brings together an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders for multiple days of programming and networking opportunities. RE+ also incorporates business opportunities and education content across the clean energy industry, including hydrogen, microgrids, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy. About RE+ Events RE+ Events is a global event management organization with a focus on the clean energy industry. Our flagship event, RE+ 2023 (formerly SPI), is the largest renewable energy event in North America. The RE+ Events portfolio also includes U.S. regional events with a focus on trends and policies in specific states or regions, as well as international events that bring together leaders in developing clean energy markets across the world. RE+ Events is co-owned by the Smart Electric Power Alliance and the Solar Energy Industries Association. For media inquiries, contact Tim Morris at tmorris@re-plus.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/re-2023-the-largest-clean-energy-event-in-north-america-attracts-40k-attendees-301937809.html SOURCE RE+ Events [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This photo taken on Sept. 26, 2023 shows the Chinese and English versions of a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions". The white paper was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. The white paper called for efforts to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, turning people's longing for a better life into reality. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday issued a white paper on building a global community of shared future, a grand vision serving as a blueprint for a better world raised by President Xi Jinping in 2013. By putting forward the creative idea at a pivotal moment in history, President Xi has shown the correct path for the world, building a strong consensus for international cooperation, said Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on the white paper's release. Over the past decade, Xi has systematically expounded on the vision on numerous international occasions, helping the international community deepen the understanding of the vision, Wang added. The white paper, issued by the State Council Information Office, said the vision of building a global community of shared future rises above the exclusive rules of bloc politics, the notion of "might makes right," and the "universal values" defined by a handful of Western countries. It contributes to a more just and equitable international order, the white paper added. The concept has been written into UN General Assembly resolutions for six consecutive years and incorporated in several multilateral mechanism resolutions and declarations, according to Wang. He noted that a growing number of countries and their people have realized the importance of the vision for creating a better future for humanity. So far, China has built communities of shared future with dozens of countries and regions, the Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative it proposed have gained support from over 100 countries, and the Global Civilization Initiative has received positive feedback. China has also proposed solutions to major global challenges in fields such as health, climate change, and cyber security, said Wang. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a vivid example of building a global community of shared future. The China-Laos Railway, for example, added 110,000 jobs in Laos. China will continue to carry out BRI landmark projects and focus on "small but beautiful" programs to bring benefits to the people of all partner countries, said Cong Liang, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission. Zhao Fengtao, deputy head of China International Development Cooperation Agency, said China will invest more resources in global development cooperation, to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and make new contributions to building a global community of shared future. The white paper said that China has taken concrete actions to promote the building of a global community of shared future. Officials said China aims to advance its development as part of the development of the global community while bringing the world new opportunities through its new development. Guo Yezhou, deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that political parties have an indispensable role to play in the progress of human civilization and the building of a global community of shared future. Calling strengthening cultural exchanges a crucial pathway towards building such a community, China's Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Li Qun said that China has signed cooperation agreements in the fields of culture, cultural heritage, and tourism with 157 countries. Over the past decade, China has collaborated with countries worldwide to organize more than 500 exhibitions showcasing cultural relics, said Li. "Building a global community of shared future is the way forward for all the world's peoples," the white paper said, adding that, however, it is not a goal to be accomplished overnight and "there will be no plain sailing." "To realize this goal, a sense of responsibility and a will to act hold the key," the white paper said. "Building a global community of shared future depends on the joint actions of all countries." This photo taken on Sept. 26, 2023 shows the Chinese version of a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions". The white paper was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. The white paper called for efforts to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, turning people's longing for a better life into reality. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A press conference on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions" is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2023. The white paper was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. The white paper called for efforts to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, turning people's longing for a better life into reality. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) A press conference on a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions" is held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2023. The white paper was released by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. The white paper called for efforts to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, turning people's longing for a better life into reality. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) [September 26, 2023] Flink Gets Groceries to Customers in Minutes with Oracle Cloud Tweet German start-up bags Oracle merchandise and financials to disrupt the grocery market with pure online model AUSTIN, Texas and BERLIN, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Online supermarket Flink burst on the scene in 2021 offering consumers in Germany, the Netherlands, and France grocery deliveries in just minutes. To help ensure its customers can tap their way from aisle to aisle to get the goods they need, Flink chose Oracle Retail Merchandising and Oracle Fusion Cloud Financials. With the system's improved automation and visibility, Flink can better track inventory across their hubs and distribution centers to meet customer expectations for fast, accurate deliveries. "We chose to partner with Oracle for this important transition because of their proven track record and expertise in the retail space," said Peter Brocker, VP Supply Chain and Processes at Flink. Better merchandise management in the bag A recent survey showed that 38% of consumers declared lack of or limited inventory is their biggest frustration when grocery shopping. Flink needed to find and implement a merchandising solution that could scale quickly and create more efficiency across its operations, inventory, and financials. Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) member Retail Consult led this project, playing a critical role in project governance and success despite limited staff during the pandemic. "We wanted a true SaaS product that offered us the speed, scale, and best practice required for our operations," added Lucas Rietz, Director of ERP of Flink and responsible for the implementation. With Oracle and Retail Consult, Flink successfully deployed its core Oracle merchandising and financials in only seven months. With improved data transparency and automation, the grocer was able to significantly increase resilience of the supply chain, make faster decisions about their business and inventory as well as simplify purchase order creation in the buying process along with invoice matching. "Time to market is critical for a disruptor like Flink," said Jeff Warren, vice president of Oracle Retail. "Our platform for modern retail provides the connected systems grocers need to better execute and protect their margins, while ensuring stellar, fast service that will keep customers engaged and coming back." To hear about the latest trends in retail and see how customers are achieving success with Oracle Retail solutions, join us at Oracle Retail Industry Forum, October 10-12, in Vienna, Austria. About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com . Trademarks Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flink-gets-groceries-to-customers-in-minutes-with-oracle-cloud-301938075.html SOURCE Oracle [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Call for Substitute Teachers Issued in Dallas/Fort Worth Tweet Schools throughout Dallas/Fort Worth are struggling with teacher shortages. In an effort to help, Swing Education has launched a campaign to recruit substitute teachers so that schools will have enough staff to fill in for teacher vacancies. "This call is for existing and new substitutes. Hundreds of substitutes are needed in Dallas/Fort Worth and this is one way for new and experienced substitutes to help out in areas of great need," said Mike Teng, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Swing. Swing is a staffing marketplace connecting school districts with substitute teachers. It has been helping schools fill classroom vacancies since 2015. In the 2022-23 school year, Swing logged over one million instructional hours. With Swing, schools have full control over their sub-pool, while Swing handles recruiting, onboarding, and payroll on their behalf. Through Swing's platform, subs can find assignments that fit into their schedule, get paid weekly, and receive hands-on support so they are classroom-ready fro day one. "Being a substitute is a wonderful job for anyone, but we especially encourage college students, prospective teachers, and retirees to go to Swing and sign up to be a sub. It's a great job with great pay, and it's a terrific way to give back to the community at a time when our schools desperately need help," added Teng. To learn more or sign up to be a substitute teacher click this link on how to be a substitute teacher. Or, click this link for information specific to substitute teaching in Texas. About Swing Education Swing Education is an online staffing marketplace that connects substitute teachers with schools. Founded in 2015 by former K-12 educators and administrators, Swing makes it easier for schools and districts to find reliable, qualified substitute teachers when they need them most. With over 300,000 absence days filled to date, Swing is dedicated to improving the experience of finding substitute teachers, becoming a sub, and keeping student learning on track. Swing serves more than 2,800 partner schools across California, Arizona, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. To learn more about Swing Education, visit SwingEducation.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926715521/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] TeselaGen Biotechnology Renews Partnership with Joint BioEnergy Institute to Enhance Production of Carbon Neutral Bioproducts Tweet TeselaGen and the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) have signed a new 5-year contract to add expanded workflow capabilities, extending their relationship through 2027 PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TeselaGen Biotechnology announces that it is extending their relationship with Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) through 2027 via a new multi-year contract. JBEI, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), is one of four U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Research Centers (BRC) that conduct innovative research on biofuels and bioproducts. TeselaGen and JBEI have been collaborating since 2017 on informatic tools for synthetic biology workflows. Over that time, JBEI has continued to deliver novel scientific advancements and breakthroughs needed to produce renewable, carbon-neutral biofuels from non-food plant fiber. "Biomanufacturing has become a vital component of the U.S strategy, which has been recently ratified by the U.S. National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative , to provide a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy," says Dr. Eduardo Abeliuk, Chief Executive Oficer and Co-founder of TeselaGen. "We are honored to continue to work with JBEI with their on-going efforts to enable the cost-effective biological production of fuels, products and other components that are traditionally made through chemical processes." TeselaGen's biotech R&D software platform allows biologists, lab technicians and bioinformaticians to run scalable experiments, seamlessly connecting data, tools and protocols for high-throughput workflows, allowing them to collaboratively design, build, test and continually learn. A modern approach coupled with AI modeling, opens the door for radical transformation of biology and biochemistry and enables rapid expansion of potential applications across biological R&D, agritech, protein engineering, antibody optimization, gene & cell therapy, and more. To learn more about TeselaGen's solution and how it's helping supporting, speeding and enabling scalable biotech research and development visit the website at www.teselagen.com About TeselaGen TeselaGen is building a scalable biotech R&D software platform for biotechnology. TeselaGen's cloud-based solution bridges the gaps between biologists who are designing valuable products like biofuels, biologic medicines, and sustainably sourced chemicals lab technicians who are running and optimizing experimental workflows, and bioinformaticians who analyze experimental data and have to recommend new experiments. TeselaGen is privately held and is based in Portola Valley, California. The company has received early recognition in the form of various US National Science Foundation funding awards, a CORFO award, an ANID award, and a Bio-IT World Best Practices award. TeselaGen uses its proprietary technology to help companies efficiently design and optimize biological products. Follow @teselagen on Twitter and learn more at https://www.teselagen.com . For media inquiries, please contact: Lynda Buckley 365928@email4pr.com (323) 366-3862 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teselagen-biotechnology-renews-partnership-with-joint-bioenergy-institute-to-enhance-production-of-carbon-neutral-bioproducts-301938842.html SOURCE Teselagen [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Elevated Access Completes 400 Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Flights Tweet Hires Jevon Martin, Assistant Director for Gender-Affirming Care SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevated Access is pleased to announce that it has completed its 400th flight since its founding in April 2022. Elevated Access, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a volunteer pilot network that has flown passengers over 250,000 miles across the United States to obtain abortion and gender-affirming care. As the draconian bans on bodily autonomy escalate in many US states, Elevated Access has been safely flying patients, healthcare providers and staffers using thousands of airfields located all over the US. Elevated Access accepts referrals from 80+ partner organizations and transports clients for free in small aircraft flown by 1350 volunteer pilots who have expressed an interest in flying for Elevated Access. Visit Impact Report for more information. With requests for both abortion and gender-affirmingcare flights growing, Elevated Access is delighted to announce the hiring of Jevon Martin as Assistant Director for Gender-Affirming Care. Mike, Founder and Executive Director of Elevated Access, said: "Since our launch last year, we have rapidly built a compassionate and scalable foundation to transport our clients at no cost to the healthcare they need. I am excited to welcome Jevon who will help build out our relationships with providers, care funders, and support organizations throughout the country." Jevon Martin (he/him/his) has been a mentor, educator, advocate, and activist for 30+ years. He unapologetically speaks out on issues that affect the TLGBQI+ community with emphasis on the Transgender population. Jevon is the founder of Princess Janae Place in New York and The Monica Roberts Resource Center in Houston and has been widely recognized for his many achievements. Jevon said: "I am delighted to join Elevated Access at a time when there is a direct threat on our bodies. My motto is: if not now then when, If not me then who?" About Elevated Access Elevated Access, founded in 2022, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes in bodily autonomy. With the assistance of volunteer pilots, Elevated Access flies people for free to access abortion and gender-affirming care. Elevated Access is actively recruiting pilots, partners, volunteers, and supporters. Flights are by referral, and interested clients should reach out to their local care organization. More information is available at elevatedaccess.org . Media can email [email protected]. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevated-access-completes-400-abortion-and-gender-affirming-care-flights-301938176.html SOURCE Elevated Access [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Plugfest Advances Adoption of MIPI I3C Designs Tweet The MIPI Alliance, an international organization that develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries, announced the successful completion of a MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C interoperability testing event in San Jose, Calif. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926147612/en/ MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C interoperability testing event in San Jose, Calif. (Photo: Business Wire) The June 26-27 plugfest, which coincided with MIPI's 63rd member meeting, engaged 26 MIPI I3C/I3C Basic and Debug for I3C implementers from 10 companies in a range of interoperability testing (from initial to advanced) for their designs. An increase in participation and a broader array of devices from previous interoperability testing events signifies the growing importance and breadth of applications for the I3C specification. Participants tested for interoperability between multi-vendor controller and target devices in a confidential environment with a mix of electronics manufacturers. Acute Technology Inc., Arasan Chip Systems Inc., Binho LLC, Cadence Design Systems, Inc., Intel Corporation, Introspect Technology, Microchip Technology Inc., Prodigy Technovations Pvt. Ltd., STMicroelectronics, and Tektronix Inc., were among the companies involved in the plugfest. Specifications Tested MIPI I3C is a scalable, two-wire utility and control bus interface for connecting peripherals to an application processor, giving developers unprecedented opportunities to craft innovative designs for an array of products-smartphones, personal computers, wearables, IoT devices, systems in automobiles and other devices. Designed as the successor to I2C, I3C incorporates key attributes of the traditional I2C and SPI interfaces to provide a high-performance, very-low-power solution with backward compatibility and a robust, flexible upgrade path. MIPI I3C is available to MIPI members. is a scalable, two-wire utility and control bus interface for connecting peripherals to an application processor, giving developers unprecedented opportunities to craft innovative designs for an array of products-smartphones, personal computers, wearables, IoT devices, systems in automobiles and other devices. Designed as the successor to I2C, I3C incorporates key attributes of the traditional I2C and SPI interfaces to provide a high-performance, very-low-power solution with backward compatibility and a robust, flexible upgrade path. MIPI I3C is available to MIPI members. The publicly available, royalty-free MIPI I3C Basic is a subset of I3C that bundles the most commonly needed I3C features for developers and other standards organizations. MIPI I3C Basic has been adopted into JEDEC's Sideband Bus and DDR5 standards, and it has been adopted by ETSI Technical Committee Secure Element Technologies (TC SET) as a physical and logical link layer for the ETSI Smart Secure Platform (SSP). is a subset of I3C that bundles the most commonly needed I3C features for developers and other standards organizations. MIPI I3C Basic has been adopted into JEDEC's Sideband Bus and DDR5 standards, and it has been adopted by ETSI Technical Committee Secure Element Technologies (TC SET) as a physical and logical link layer for the ETSI Smart Secure Platform (SSP). MIPI Debug for I3C is a bare-metal interface that allows system designers to debug and test application processors, power management integrated circuits, modems and other power-managed components across a system via the I3C interface. MIPI I3C Basic and MIPI Debug for I3C are available to download and use by developers and the open-source community. "Plugfests are pivotal gatherings for the evolution of innovation and an opportunity to work together to strengthen the ecosystem," said Sanjiv Desai, chair of MIPI Alliance. "The MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C Plugfest exemplified the power of collaboration to foster seamless integration and efficiency across a breadth of applications, reinforcing the immense potential of the I3C specification." The next I3C and Debug for I3C plugfest is planned for 2024 in conjunction with the 67th member meeting in Taipei, Taiwan. To keep up with MIPI Alliance, subscribe to the MIPI blog and stay connected by following MIPI on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. Quotes from MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C Plugfest Participants "Participating in the MIPI I3C Plugfest was an incredible experience. We were thrilled to demonstrate our expertise, engage in fruitful discussions and contribute to the advancement of I3C technology," said Peiyu Lee, data analyst with Acute Technology Inc. "The event reinforced our commitment to innovation and collaboration within the tech community. We look forward to the MIPI I3C Plugfest next year in Taipei, Taiwan." "Arasan's vision is to enable the rapid adoption of emerging technologies through its Total IP. Standards compliance is a key to adoption of an industry standard to ensure interoperability between vendor devices. Arasan has participated in multiple MIPI I3C interoperability sessions to further our goal of driving I3C adoption," said Arul Lingam, design manager FPGA with Arasan Chip Systems Inc. USA. "This year's MIPI I3C Plugfest was the perfect venue to test our new USB to I3C Basic host adapter and collect valuable feedback from industry experts," said Jonathan Georgino, founder of Binho LLC. "It's been quite impressive to see how market adoption of I3C has rapidly grown and matured since we attended last year's event in Munich. I3C is now accessible to a much broader audience of developers, and our experience at the plugfest gives us confidence that we are able to provide trustworthy tools to get them up and running quickly and confidently." "In the whole lifecycle of creating a multi-industry standard, one of the things that needs to happen is multi-vendor interoperability," said Przemyslaw Sroka, principal design engineer in the IP Group at Cadence Design Systems, Inc. "The MIPI Alliance I3C and Debug for I3C Plugfest events provided a forum for learning and allowed adopters to challenge their own assumptions regarding the implementation of devices designed around the MIPI I3C specifications. Cadence has a strong I3C IP offering, and our participation in the plugfest facilitates the broad adoption of the MIPI I3C standard." "Interoperability testing is an important step in validating new product designs," said Matthew Schnoor, debug architect with Intel Corporation. "The MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C workshop offered a collaborative venue for our team to test key features that interoperate with other products." "Introspect Technology has been happy to participate in MIPI Alliance interoperability workshops since 2018," said Mohamed Hafed, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Introspect Technology. "Contributing to the MIPI I3C and Debug for I3C Plugfest allows us to play a pivotal role in propelling the industry forward, and to that end, we share our knowledge, expertise and solutions with global electronics manufacturers." "The I3C Plugfest enabled testing of the PGY-I3C-EX-PD and I3C conformance test suite to the latest implementation of the specification by leading semiconductor companies," said Godfree Coelho, director with Prodigy Technovations Pvt. Ltd. "Overall this event has helped us to authenticate the I3C support in Prodigy Technovations products to provide an industry-best solution." "STMicroelectronics was excited to bring its technology and I3C team of experts to the San Jose I3C Plugfest, where we could work with other players to successfully test our products," said Geraud Cheenne, corporate standard and alliances strategy with STMicroelectronics. "These interoperability workshops are critical to demonstrate the maturity of our implementation in a wide range of products (including MEMS sensors, microcontrollers and smart power monitors) featuring I3C that are part of the vast ST portfolio. While at the plugfest, ST shared its knowledge and understanding of the MIPI I3C specifications that are becoming ubiquitous in multiple markets with the community of MIPI engineers." "The I3C Plugfest allowed us to decode software on Tektronix MSO Series 5 and Series 6 oscilloscopes, and also debug and find complex timing issues between I3C host and device systems," said Gajendra Patro, senior application engineer, MIPI solutions, with Tektronix Inc. About MIPI Alliance MIPI Alliance (MIPI) develops interface specifications for mobile and mobile-influenced industries. There is at least one MIPI specification in every smartphone manufactured today. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, the organization has over 375 member companies worldwide and more than 15 active working groups delivering specifications within the mobile ecosystem. Members of the organization include handset manufacturers, device OEMs, software providers, semiconductor companies, application processor developers, IP tool providers, automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and test and test equipment companies, as well as camera, tablet and laptop manufacturers. For more information, please visit www.mipi.org. MIPI and I3C are registered trademarks owned by MIPI Alliance. I3C Basic? and Debug for I3C? are service marks of MIPI Alliance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926147612/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Immunefi Launches Vaults System To Bring Its Bug Bounty Platform On-Chain Tweet Singapore, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immunefi , the leading bug bounty and security services platform for web3 protecting over $60 billion in user funds, has announced the launch of its on-chain Vaults System, representing its first milestone in creating the ultimate bug bounty platform and streamlining the relationship between projects and whitehats. The Vaults System will increase transparency and trust between projects and security researchers by enabling projects to deposit assets into their own sovereign vault to pay out bug bounty rewards. This will allow projects to demonstrate to whitehats via the Immunefi UI that they have allocated sufficient funds to pay bounties and streamline the payment process. With the Vault System, projects can also reward whitehats on-chain and pay Immunefis fee in a single transaction. The Vaults System will reshape Immunefis bug hunting experience, resulting in increased commitment from the security researcher community and more top-tier bug reports submitted. Immunefis Vaults System is built using the Safe multisig smart contract, one of the most battle-tested contracts in the industry. The contracts have undergone internal and external audits and feature a fully transparent bug bounty program . Only projects can access and interact with their vaults, depositing stablecoins, ETH, or any other asset on the Uniswap Token Lists. Using the new Vaults System, projects and whitehat hackers can connect their wallets and securely conduct the bounty payout entirely on-chain within the Immunefi Dashboard. "We're releasing the first version of our Vaults System, primarily focused on proof-of-assets and providing a frictionless payment experience for bounty programs. This allows us to take a responsible first step, meticulously test everything, and ensue that our Vaults work at the infrastructure level," said Mitchell Amador, Founder, and CEO at Immunefi. "As we move forward, we envision the Vaults System will ultimately redefine the web3 bug bounty experience as we know it." The Vaults System is launching with SSV Network , an easy-to-use and scalable infrastructure solution for decentralizing Ethereum validators, which will use dedicated sovereign vaults to pay their bounty rewards and Ref Finance , the first automated market maker (AMM) and decentralized exchange (DEX) on NEAR. SSV is leading with a $1 million deposit into its sovereign vault, representing a big commitment to taking security seriously. The Vaults System will help us provide added reassurance for any researcher engaging with our bounty program, and in turn help secure the protocol even further. A good win-win. said Eridian, SSV DAO Contributor. Building further trust with the community by showcasing dedicated funding, and streamlining the payment process, will ultimately strengthen our security efforts. Reshaping The Bug-hunting Experience Immunefi has paved the way for a dramatic repricing of bug bounties in web3, where they have quickly become the largest in the entire software industry. Incentives to exploit projects in web3 are significantly greater than in web2 due to the amount of capital locked in smart contracts. Web3 is a far more adversarial environment where vulnerabilities in code can result in a direct loss of this capital. The ecosystem has lost over $3.9 billion in 2022, and $1.2 billion in 2023 YTD. An effective and reliable incentivization system for hackers in web3 is crucial. Immunefi is the largest and most widely adopted bug bounty platform in web3. It is trusted by established, multi-billion dollar projects like Chainlink, Wormhole, MakerDAO, TheGraph, Synthetix, and more. Immunefi has saved over $25 billion in user funds and has paid out over $80 million in total bounties. The platform now supports over 300 projects across multiple crypto sectors and collectively offers over $150 million in bounties to whitehat hackers. Immunefi has also facilitated the largest bug bounty payments in the history of software, including $10 million for a vulnerability discovered in Wormhole, and $6 million for a vulnerability discovered in Aurora. About Immunefi Immunefi is the leading bug bounty and security services platform for web3, which features the worlds largest bounties. Immunefi guards over $60 billion in user funds across projects like Chainlink, Wormhole, MakerDAO, TheGraph, Synthetix, and others. The company has paid out the most significant bug bounties in the software industry, amounting to over $80 million, and has pioneered the scaling web3 bug bounties standard. For more information, please visit https://immunefi.com/ jonah-at-immunefi.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Panorays Appoints Devin Archer as Senior Director of Channels for the Americas, Accelerating Additional Growth in the Cybersecurity Market Tweet NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panorays , a leading provider of third-party security risk management solutions, has appointed Devin Archer as the new Senior Director of Channels for the Americas. This move highlights Panorays commitment to expand its presence and drive business growth by bolstering indirect channel sales efforts to meet the rising demand for cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions in the Americas. Archer brings a wealth of experience in both cybersecurity and channel sales. He started his career in direct sales, focusing on custom applications and network infrastructure. Over time, he transitioned to network security, aligning solutions with evolving market needs through Telcos and other solution providers while harnessing the power of SaaS and MSP models. Aligning my passion for cybersecurity and channel sales with a true market leader like Panorays is an exciting opportunity, said Archer. Panorays innovative approach, bolstered by cutting-edge AI technology in third-party securit risk management, holds immense potential to empower our partners and clients in navigating the dynamic and evolving threat landscape effectively. Panorays evolution into a mature technology solution provider within a rapidly growing market aligns seamlessly with Archers expertise. As the company shifts from a direct sales approach to maximizing the potential of the partner ecosystem, Archer will play a pivotal role in enabling partners to leverage the platform and develop their own robust risk management practices. "At Panorays, our primary objective has always been to deliver exceptional value to end customers while strengthening our global partnerships, said Matan Or-El, CEO and Co-Founder of Panorays. Archer will be instrumental in strengthening our reach while we continue to deliver innovative, game-changing security solutions. 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] 516-320-0164 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] OPTIZMO's COO Tom Wozniak Discusses Email Compliance in 2023 in a Recent Interview with SafetyDetectives Tweet AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPTIZMO is the industry leader in email suppression list management, email compliance, and data security. As the only truly independent suppression list management system, OPTIZMO is dedicated to delivering robust email compliance solutions without any potential conflicts of interest. Recently, COO Tom Wozniak was interviewed by SafetyDetectives, in which he shared insights into the complex subject of email compliance in 2023. In the interview, Wozniak shed light on the evolution of digital marketing laws aimed at ensuring data safety and user experience. Throughout the interview, Wozniak highlights the challenges businesses must grapple with when navigating email compliance in 2023 and beyond. In addition to walking through the foundations of email compliance and various regulations, he discusses the implications of non-compliance. Helping companies comply with these regulations is OPTIZMOs core value proposition for its clients. Underlining the expertise and dedication f OPTIZMO's team, Wozniak said, "Along with industry-leading technology, we also have an experienced and dedicated team whose mission is to ensure that each client's unique compliance needs are met and their expectations are exceeded on a daily basis." One of the key topics discussed in the interview was suppression list management, which Wozniak describes as a significant challenge, particularly for companies leveraging third parties in their email marketing programs. Discussing likely future industry challenges, Wozniak cites the continuing evolution of laws and regulations, the possibility of a federal consumer data privacy law in the U.S., and the rise of AI in marketing as significant considerations. To read the full interview, visit the SafetyDetectives blog here . About OPTIZMO OPTIZMO Technologies is the recognized thought leader in the email and online marketing space for email suppression list management, email campaign management, data management, and risk mitigation services relative to email compliance. With an expert staff in pursuit of unrivaled efficiency, innovative technology, and an insatiable desire to problem-solve, clients find a customer-centric business model that not only enhances the way OPTIZMO clients do business but drives the company forward. The company is headquartered in Austin, TX, and has offices and team members in Charleston, Denver, and Brisbane, Australia. Media Contact: Antonio Jones Marketing Manager [email protected] Tom Wozniak Chief Operating Officer [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Glia and Insurity Partner to Enhance Claims Management Process for Customers and Agents Tweet Glia, the customer interaction leader unifying Digital Customer Service (DCS), phone, and automated self-service on a single platform, has partnered with Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers and MGAs. Through the partnership, Insurity will offer Glia's Customer Interaction Platform as part of its solution, improving the customer experience while enabling brokers and agents to conduct business more seamlessly. "At Insurity, we believe the strategic use of modern technology can strengthen customer and agent relationships while saving effort and resources for all. The digital interaction with Glia supercharges this mission," said Sylvester Mathis, Chief Insurance Officer at Insurity. "By unifying Glia's digital-first technology with our insurance platform and AI capabilities, we enhance business value by reducing customer and agent servicing costs. Through a combined offering, we are helping insurance carriers and MGAs grow and succeed." Glia's technology transforms how insurance providers interact with customers and agents by enabling seamless experiences across all channels-including chat, voice, video, and Co-Browsing. In addition to integration with Insurity's customer and agent-facing portals, Insurity's AI-powered chatbot is incorporatedinto the Glia framework, further expediting and removing friction from the process by offering automated support. "Insurity is a digital-first leader in the P&C insurance space who recognizes the power and value of interactions with policyholders and agents," said Steve Kaish, SVP of Alliances at Glia. "Together, we will not only enhance the customer experience and make self-service more effortless, but we will also help agents perform their jobs more conveniently and quickly. Glia-powered interactions drive conversions and provide a competitive differentiator for those looking to stand out from their competitors." About Glia Glia redefines how businesses interact with customers. The Glia Interaction Platform unifies Digital Customer Service (DCS), traditional call center, and automation with a ChannelLess Architecture, empowering businesses to create the ideal mix of interactions and adapt on demand. The ability to easily shift volume between channels drives revenue, efficiency, and loyalty at the same time. Glia has partnered with over 400 banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other financial institutions worldwide to improve the customer experience and drive business results. Named a Deloitte Technology Fast 500 company and a Great Place to Work for a third year in a row, the company has raised over $150 million in funding from top investors and was recently valued at over $1B by top tier investors. To learn more visit glia.com. 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, unrivaled industry experience, and the industry's 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926654719/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] One Guard Inspections Launches Post-Sale Inspection, Redefining Speed and Accuracy in Auction Vehicle Evaluations Tweet HOUSTON, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One Guard Inspections, a Repair OnDemand company and a leading name in the automotive inspection industry, is proud to introduce its latest offering: the Post-Sale Inspection, tailored specifically for online auctions. This innovative service redefines how online auctions verify vehicle condition after the sale, providing unmatched speed, accuracy, and peace of mind for buyers and sellers. "We are thrilled to introduce our Post-Sale Inspection, a game-changer for the online auction industry," said Greg Lubrani, Chief Sales Officer of Repair OnDemand. "Physical auctions have conducted these for years. However, online auctions selling vehicles directly from a dealer's lot have struggled to replicate this process. With our commitment to delivering value to our clients through our vast network of certified inspectors, we've created a product that accelerates the post-sale process and ensures that every vehicle's condition is scrutinized with precision, giving our clients the confidence they deserve." One Guard Inspections recognizes the urgency in assessing vehicle condition after sales and thus introduces the Post-Sale Inspection with an exceptionally fast turnaround time. Auctions can expect detailed arbitration inspections promptly, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly. Each report is meticulously verified, ensuring the accuracy and reliability that One Guard is renowned for. The Post-Sale Inspection also incorporates cutting-edge technology by utilizng the BlueDriver Max OBD2 scan tool for an in-depth mechanical assessment. This tool conducts an engine diagnostic scan as an integral part of the assessment process, leaving no aspect of the vehicle's mechanical condition unexamined. One Guard Inspections ensures that buyers and sellers receive a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's health, giving them confidence in their transactions. Any online or physical auction aiming to enhance its post-sale procedures and elevate its customer experience, can benefit from One Guard Inspections' Post-Sale Inspection solution. One Guard can also help a physical auction on sale day enhance their current process. For companies looking to learn more about Post-Sale Inspections, One Guard Inspections will be attending the National Auto Auction Association's World Remarketing Conference in Chicago, IL, from September 26th to 28th, 2023, as well as at Used Car Week in Scottsdale, AZ, from November 6th to 9th, 2023. Contact information and more details can also be found on the company website. About One Guard Inspections: One Guard Inspections is a trusted name in automotive inspection services. With a dedication to accuracy, reliability, and innovation, One Guard Inspections empowers buyers, sellers, and industry professionals with comprehensive vehicle insights. One Guard Inspections is committed to setting new industry standards, from pre-purchase inspections to specialized assessments. Website: www.oneguardinspections.com About Repair OnDemand Repair OnDemand is a trusted marketplace that connects sublet repair professionals with companies with vehicles needing repair, inspection, or both. We empower on-demand, vehicle-side repair through our software, technology, and people. Repair OnDemand provides quick access to a network of over 16,000 repair professionals and provides leading-edge technology solutions to its customers. Repair OnDemand's portfolio of companies includes AutoMobile Technologies (AMT), BlueDriver, Mobile Tech RX, and One Guard Inspections. Website: www.repairondemand.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-guard-inspections-launches-post-sale-inspection-redefining-speed-and-accuracy-in-auction-vehicle-evaluations-301938835.html SOURCE One Guard Inspections [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the development of pomegranate industry at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. [September 26, 2023] EatMise Expands Partnerships Across New York City, Brings Ingredients from the City's Top Restaurants to Homes for Last-Mile Cooking Experience Tweet The delivery platform has partnered with the city's foodie favorites including Ivan Ramen, Totto Ramen, Luke's Lobster, and OBAO NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EatMise , the food delivery platform, announced today that it has reached a significant milestone in its expansion strategy, forging partnerships with more than 30 restaurants throughout Manhattan and successfully fulfilling more than 3,000 orders since its inception in 2021. Today, the company works with establishments such as Ivan Ramen, Totto Ramen, OBAO, Pure Thai, Luke's Lobster, and Spicy Moon. EatMise is a first-of-its-kind concept that marries the wants of restaurant-enthusiasts and at-home cooks. With the click of a mouse, subscribers can choose from popular menu items of their favorite restaurants considering factors such as price, cuisine, and cook duration. They can then choose a delivery date and time, giving them flexibility to plan their meals, and receive fully prepped and fresh ingredients that can be quickly made from the comfort of their kitchens. The ingredients are prepped moments before the courier picks up the order, guaranteeing the freshest ingredients are being delivered to the customer. Subscribers also get perks such as free delivery, no service fee, and are able to cancel or pause ingredient delivery at any time with no commitment. Additionally, with the use of EatMise, customers are able to strengthen personal sustainability efforts by avoiding overbuying at grocery stores. "The majority of restaurants are taking advantage of off-premise dining, but the reality remains that certain dishes fail to maintain their quality during delivery," said Robert Chen, Founder and CEO of EatMise. "We launched EatMise for those who value restaurant qualit food but want the convenience of at-home delivery. Our business model and solution meets a market need that touches multiple industries and audiences. It's been a win-win for everyone involved and we look forward to growing our well of restaurant partners and couriers." Distinguishing itself from other delivery platforms, EatMise boasts a logistical framework that positions it as a more attractive option for couriers as well as a more sustainable option. In contrast to other delivery apps that have couriers typically complete 1-2 deliveries per hour, achieving a utilization rate of 60%, EatMise achieves an impressive average of 4+ deliveries per hour, maintaining a utilization rate of 100%. This unique approach enables EatMise to offer competitive wages and a steady stream of assignments for its 20 and growing number of couriers, specifically during their operational hours from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. EatMise operates during restaurant off-peak hours which is also beneficial to both the restaurant and courier. Orders are pre-arranged the night prior and then distributed to couriers in consolidated batches. This process equips couriers with a clear overview of their delivery routes for the day and allows them to best utilize their time. "In Korea, especially during the pandemic, 'ready-made' meal kits have become extremely popular. When I met with the EatMise team, I knew that this would be an opportunity for us to explore this new food delivery option," said Jee Kim, Owner of 8282, a modern Korean food restaurant most recently added to MICHELIN Guide New York. "At 8282 we pride ourselves on being able to connect with customers who don't always want to dine out but love our food enough to want to recreate it at home. We're looking forward to our continued work with EatMise and being able to provide our customers with new recipes right to their doorstep." After 11 years in Manhattan's finance sector, Chen launched EatMise as a way to support his favorite neighborhood restaurants that were struggling to navigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. He has built a team with cultural backgrounds as diverse as NYC's food scene, and together they prioritize community and empower their couriers and restaurant partners. In the coming months, EatMise will be expanding product offerings with a focus on same-day ordering and delivery, new delivery windows, as well as exclusive restaurant perks. To learn more about EatMise, please visit https://eatmise.com/ EatMise Boilerplate: Founded in 2021, EatMise is a delivery platform that brings prepped ingredients straight from some of the most beloved New York City restaurants like Ivan Ramen, OBAO, Pure Thai, Luke's Lobster, and Spicy Moon, to home kitchens for quick and easy last-mile cooking. EatMise prioritizes its customers, hand-selected restaurant partners, and delivery drivers by providing fresh, convenient, and affordable food, new profit channels, and courier benefits. EatMise has partnered with over 30 restaurants in Manhattan, facilitating thousands of orders to thousands of customers with over 20 delivery drivers. EatMise has raised over $3.5M and continues to see more restaurants, customers, and drivers join the platform. To learn more about EatMise visit www.eatmise.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eatmise-expands-partnerships-across-new-york-city-brings-ingredients-from-the-citys-top-restaurants-to-homes-for-last-mile-cooking-experience-301939028.html SOURCE Eatmise [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Shanghai Electric Showcases Multiple World-Class Scientific and Technological Innovations at the China International Industrial Fair 2023 in Shanghai Tweet SHANGHAI, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK:2727, SSE:601727) recently showcased its offerings at the China International Industrial Fair 2023 ("CIIF") held at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai) from September 19-23, 2023, under the theme A Zero-Carbon Future For All, with a focus on the three major pillars of smart energy, intelligent manufacturing, and digital intelligence integration. Shanghai Electric impressed visitors with a demonstration of its equipment manufacturing digital transformation results that integrate digital intelligence, wind power, photovoltaic power, energy storage, and allocated solutions, among other world-class innovative technologies that have the capacity to empower a zero-carbon future for all. "When China proposed its 3060 dual carbon targets, which aim to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, Shanghai Electric began developing a comprehensive new power system and a three-dimensional zero-carbon industrial park solution," Liu Ping, President of Shanghai Electric Group, said in his speech at CIIF. "Our allocated wind, solar, and storage integrated solutions, digital intelligence integration, and smart carbon management system that showcasing at CIIF will empower more customers and partners around the world to achieve their carbon reduction and zero-carbon development goals." On the opening day of CIIF, Shanghai Electric signed strategic cooperation agreements with AVIC Commercial Aviation Engine Co., Ltd. and the Yangtze River Delta National Innovation Center, opening a new comprehensive collaboration chapter. Empowering the energy transformation of the industrial supply chain through the release of three major smart industry solutions With decades of experience in the development of technological innovation in the energy industry, Shanghai Electric has successively releasedthree major smart industry solutions, namely, Energy Carbon Smart Butler, SEunicloud Industrial Internet Platform 4.0, and Zero Carbon Industrial Park. It has also developed an "energy carbon steward" based on its industrial internet platform that realizes the transformation from energy expert to energy carbon steward. This solution is oriented to the entire life cycle of planning, construction and operation, and deeply integrates equipment and information technology to meet the general and specific needs of various customers, ranging from enterprises to industrial parks, factories, warehouses, schools, and cities, among others. Powering up integrated wind, solar, storage, and distribution smart energy solutions Shanghai Electric's integrated wind and solar storage solutions provide one-stop integrated equipment and services for multiplexed, high-quality energy storage and conditioning. Energy, compressed air energy storage, lithium battery energy storage, liquid flow energy storage and other energy storage, technology equipment can realize frequency and peak regulation functions at a granular level. Additionally, Shanghai Electric also demonstrated its three-dimensional zero-carbon industrial park, which provides industrial parks with everything from the design and construction of green industrial plants to distributed new energy supply, from green intelligent manufacturing lines to industrial-driven energy efficiency improvements. It also demonstrated cases of carbon reduction at the source, creating innovative demonstrations of multi-functional complementarity throughout the industry and setting a leading benchmark for green, zero-carbon, smart factories. Driving the optimization of intelligent manufacturing and showcasing next-gen equipment technology across multiple industries At CIIF, Shanghai Electric showcased complete line solutions for lithium battery smart factories, rail transit automation control systems, large-scale precision grinders, and mid-to-high-end CNC machine tools for the new energy lithium battery industry, as well as urban rail transit and industrial machine tools. Additionally, Shanghai Electric displayed equipment such as large F-class heavy-duty gas turbines, high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, ultra-high voltage transformers, and intelligent universal air circuit breakers. In the field of new energy vehicles, Shanghai Electric provides full industry chain services, including low-carbon industrial plant design, intelligent production lines for vehicle and battery pack assembly, new energy vehicle batteries, and other components. For the aviation industry, Shanghai Electric can provide key products and integrated services such as automated drilling and riveting systems and assembly lines, as well as important aircraft subsystems and components such as aircraft instrumentation and control systems, aviation fasteners, and engine blades. For customers in the shipping industry, Shanghai Electric has increased supply performance in the fields of marine ballast water devices, marine power systems, and supporting equipment, all with huge development potential. Moving forward, Shanghai Electric will continue to leverage its advantages in advanced equipment manufacturing and smart energy while working closely with industry chain organizations to promote zero-carbon development. To watch Shanghai Electric's Highlight Video of its CIIF 2023 exhibition, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/ShanghaiElectric/videos/1486796252116909/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shanghai-electric-showcases-multiple-world-class-scientific-and-technological-innovations-at-the-china-international-industrial-fair-2023-in-shanghai-301939039.html SOURCE Shanghai Electric [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] QuisLex Expands Legal Spend Management Solutions with Addition of Legal Operations Veteran Suzanne Ganier Tweet NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QuisLex, a leading alternative legal services provider long recognized as a pioneer in the industry, announces legal operations expert Suzanne Ganier has joined the company as its new director for legal spend solutions to oversee the companys growing services around legal audits and spend management. Led by Ganier, the companys legal spend solutions team partners with legal operations, general counsel, CFOs and other finance professionals to assist with their legal spend management needs. QuisLex experts take a comprehensive approach to analyzing overall corporate legal department spend that goes beyond simply reviewing legal invoices. This includes examining workflows and processes with attention to improving pricing structure, scope and overall value, as well as implementing programs to monitor compliance with billing guidelines and develop meaningful legal spend analytics. As part of its commitment to its law firm clients, QuisLex offers advisory services that help firms adapt and improve their understanding and responsiveness to changing client needs with respect to billing and matter management. With our holistic approach, we aim to help clients improve overall business operations while also helping law firms and other providers be better partners to their clients, shares QuisLex vice president for legal solutions and chief of staff Jennife Contegiacomo. Were confident Suzanne is the right person to lead our legal spend solutions team as this part of our advisory services continues to grow. Ganier joins QuisLex with extensive legal industry experience, first as a practicing attorney in the insurance industry and since 2008 working in legal operations and spend management. She was the head of legal operations for an insurance carrier and then a consultant and head of legal bill review for Elevate Services, before serving as associate program director for LegalView BillAnalyzer for Wolters Kluwer ELM. Ganier has also shared her expertise as an expert witness. She earned a B.A. in psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara; a J.D. from Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University; and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. About QuisLex QuisLex is an award-winning legal services provider that specializes in managed document review, contract management, compliance services, legal spend management and legal operations consulting. Our full-time highly trained attorneys, process experts, legal technologists, statisticians and linguists work closely with our clients to reduce cost, mitigate risk and maximize efficiency. QuisLex is regularly acknowledged as a leader in the legal services industry and proud to be recognized by the Association of Corporate Counsel as an ACC Value Champion, Chambers and Partners as a Band 1 Alternative Legal Service Provider, the New York Law Journal as a Top Managed Document Review Services Provider and the IACCM as its Outstanding Service Provider for contract management solutions. QuisLex is nationally certified by the New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council as a minority business enterprise (MBE). To learn more, visit www.quislex.com. Media Contact Vicki LaBrosse Edge Marketing for QuisLex [email protected] 651.552.7753 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5e32bc5-491a-4517-b8dd-6bb81f63732d [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Pudgy Penguins Debuts Toyline in Major Retail Stores Across U.S. Tweet Available in 2,000 retail locations across America, each toy provides access to Pudgy World, a multiplayer digital social experience. Each toy provides IP royalties to the corresponding Pudgy Penguin NFT holder. MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pudgy Penguins , the IP and brand development company behind the series of globally recognized characters, today announced that its line of Pudgy Toys is available in 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide. Pudgy Toys plushies and collectibles are now sold alongside legacy consumer brands, a testament to both the growing popularity of the character brand and its unique approach of developing community-driven and owned IP that leverages social media and blockchain technology. With this milestone collaboration, Pudgy Penguins, a brand that has already achieved $400M in digital collectible sales, is set to disrupt retail standards. This signals a transformative shift in IP development, as the industry moves to leverage a mix of community engagement, social media influence, and innovative blockchain-backed experiences. Since its launch, Pudgy Penguins has forged a unique path, blending traditional digital platforms with the new age of blockchain to offer consumers tailored interactive experiences. "Pudgy Penguins is at the forefront of transforming the toy industry, merging unique digital experiences with blockchain technology, like Ethereum and zkSync," says Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins. "Walmart's inclusion of Pudgy Toys in their stores is a testament to the evolution of how consumers engage with brands in the digital era. The team spent years developing the Pudgy brand nd fostering our community through social media and the blockchain; we're thrilled to expand our reach with the support of Walmart." The Pudgy Toys sold at Walmart are keys to access Pudgy World, an open-world digital social experience that is powered by zkSync Era , a Layer 2 blockchain. Pudgy World's immersive multiplayer digital environment lets users walk around, play games, and fully customize their Forever Pudgy character. Each toy comes with a unique birth certificate that allows the user to claim unique traits for their digital Forever Pudgy character inside Pudgy World by scanning a QR code. The toy designs feature traits based on IP from some of the world's largest and most popular non-fungible token (NFT) collections including Meebits, DeGods, and more. Since all of the toys are connected to existing pieces of NFT IP, the current NFT holders will receive licensing royalties for each corresponding toy that is sold at Walmart. "We know our customers are looking for the latest trends and innovation to gift themselves or a loved one," said Brittany Smith, vice president of merchandising toys, Walmart U.S. " Pudgy Penguins is bridging the gap between our physical and digital worlds of play for kids in a really engaging way and their price point is right in line with our goal of providing Every Day Low prices. I'm excited to add them to our assortment!" Walmart will carry 26 different Pudgy Toys including Plush Buddies, Clip-on Plushes, Igloo Collectibles and Action Figures. Exclusive to Walmart are Ice Chrome and Gold Chrome collectible figures inside mystery Igloos, as well as a Blind Box with a surprise Clip-On Plush inside. Additionally, Walmart toys will offer consumers the chance to find a golden ticket, which provides access to a rare trait for their Forever Pudgy Penguin in Pudgy World. The Pudgy Toys range between $2.99-$11.97. The open Beta of Pudgy World can be accessed at www.PudgyWorld.com . Pudgy Toys, made by PMI Kids' World, can be found at select Walmart stores nationwide and at Walmart.com . About Pudgy Penguins Pudgy Penguins is dedicated to making Web3 accessible to everyone by creating innovative products that enable seamless onboarding. Their focus on community empowerment and building brand awareness has made them the leading IP in the Web3 space while also disrupting the traditional IP sphere. They're committed to impacting the everyday consumer and shaping the future of IP, Web3, and beyond. Visit pudgypenguins.com to learn more. Instagram: @pudgypenguins Twitter: @pudgypenguins YouTube: @pudgypenguinsofficial Pudgy Penguins Media Contact MGroup [email protected] Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pudgy-penguins-debuts-toyline-in-major-retail-stores-across-us-301939099.html SOURCE Pudgy Penguins [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Bersh HOA Acquires Blue Door Realty Tweet Bersh HOA, LLC is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Blue Door Realty, LLC, a highly respected property management firm specializing in Homeowners Association (HOA) communities. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in Bersh HOA's mission to expand its presence in the property management industry across the United States. With this acquisition, Bersh HOA further solidifies its position as a trusted partner in property management services for HOA communities. Bersh's mission is to acquire and partner with independent community management companies across the country, allowing owners an exit strategy while keeping their businesses locally run and managed for decades to come. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Blue Door Realty has built a stellar reputation for its commitment to transparency, exceptional customer service, and innovative technology solutions in the property management industry. Their experienced team is led by President and Founder Melanie McLaughlin, an industry veteran of over 20 years in the HOA property management space. Melanie McLaughlin will continue to lead day-to-day operations, while Bersh will provide additional resources to add new lines of revenue and assist in both organic and acquisition growth. The combination of resources, expertise, and experience will enhance the overall value provided t Blue Door's clients, and more importantly, community residents. "I am excited to be partnering with Bersh HOA, and we look forward to expanding our operations into other areas of New Mexico with their assistance," said Blue Door's President and Founder, Melanie McLaughlin. Collin Schuhmacher, CEO of Bersh HOA, said, "We are delighted to partner with Melanie and the rest of the Blue Door team. Blue Door's reputation in the community stood out immediately to us and we look forward to working alongside them to grow their business and expand their market share together." About Blue Door Realty, LLC Blue Door Realty, LLC is a leading property management company dedicated to enhancing the communities they serve in the greater Albuquerque, New Mexico region. With a focus on innovation, customer service, and transparency, Blue Door has provided comprehensive property management solutions for a wide range of communities, including HOAs, condominiums, and rental properties since 2010. www.bluedoorhomes.net About Bersh HOA, LLC Bersh HOA, LLC was founded in 2022 as a permanent capital vehicle to buy, build, and manage HOA businesses and provide superior customer service to HOA clients. We believe in a long-term mindset, a flexible approach, and a willingness to put the clients first. Bersh HOA continues to look for select property management companies to acquire and form strategic partnerships. Bersh HOA is excited by the degree of interest from owners of property management businesses with over one million dollars in revenue who wish to continue their legacy, and as Bersh continues to expand. We encourage others to reach out to us to learn more. www.bershhoa.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926869917/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] ENERGY STAR Canada Recognizes Leaders in Energy Efficiency OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency is a critical solution to climate change, reducing emissions and helping Canadians to save money on their energy bills. The Government of Canada is pleased to work with partners to advance this work. The important work of ENERGY STAR Canada award recipients brings us one step closer to achieving Canada's low-carbon future. Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, congratulated the winners of the 2023 ENERGY STAR Canada Awards for their exceptional contributions in promoting the most energy-efficient products, homes and buildings helping Canadians reduce energy waste and take action on climate change. Through the ENERGY STAR Canada Awards, ENERGY STAR Canada recognizes contributions made by outstanding program participants in advancing energy efficiency across the nation. Annually, this event honours energy efficiency leaders who have set the bar high for efficiency efforts. Since 2001, the ENERGY STAR Canada program has played an instrumental role in promoting and inspiring energy-efficient practices across the country. Through the certification and promotion of products, homes and buildings, ENERGY STAR program participants empower Canadians to make informed decisions to help them save money, lower emissions and bring us closer to a net-zero emissions future. In 2022 alone, ENERGY STAR-certified products saved enough energy to power over 323,000 homes for a year. The following businesses and organizations were recognized as ambassadors of energy efficiency and as examples of the value of investing in smart energy choices. They have distinguished themselves as environmental leaders, showcasing innovative solutions and driving transformative change through energy efficient products, homes or buildings: ENERGY STAR for Products ENERGY STAR for New Homes Builder of the YearSmall size: Huron Creek Developments ( Kitchener, Ontario ) ( ) Builder of the YearMid-size: Doug Tarry Homes ( St. Thomas, Ontario ) ENERGY STAR for Buildings Building of the YearHospital: Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital ( Fredericton, New Brunswick ) ) Building of the YearIce and Curling Rink: Erin Mills Twin Arena ( Mississauga, Ontario ) ) Building of the YearK-12 School: Bliss Carman Middle School, Anglophone West School District ( Fredericton, New Brunswick ) ) Building of the YearMedical Office: Etobicoke Wellness Centre ( Etobicoke, Ontario ) ) Building of the Year Multifamily Housing: 600 Proudfoot Lane ( London, Ontario ) ) Building of the YearOffice: Cadillac Fairview, Yonge Corporate Centre - 4110 Yonge Street ( North York, Ontario ) ) Building of the YearOffice: 6985 Financial Drive ( Mississauga, Ontario ) ) Building of the YearOffice: Sun Life Waterloo King ( Waterloo, Ontario ) ) Building of the YearOffice: Brian Canfield Centre ( Burnaby, British Columbia ) ) Building of the YearSenior Living Community and Residential Care Facility: Sunrise of Windsor ( Windsor, Ontario ) ( ) Building of the YearWarehouse: Spartan Controls Grande Prairie Automation Centre ( Grande Prairie, Alberta ) Quotes "I congratulate this year's ENERGY STAR Canada award winners, who are driving innovation in energy efficiency technologies and deploying solutions across the country. Their work is helping Canadians to save money on energy bills while contributing to the fight against climate change. Their work to enhance energy efficiency is supporting Canada's path to net zero by 2050." The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Quick Facts Award winners earn the prized recognition of being the best in their class and use of a special ENERGY STAR winner's symbol. winner's symbol. Since the program's inception in 2001, ENERGY STAR -certified products are estimated to have saved massive amounts of energy and avoided approximately 26 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. -certified products are estimated to have saved massive amounts of energy and avoided approximately 26 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Each year ENERGY STAR Canada recognizes businesses and organizations for their outstanding contributions to saving energy and protecting the environment. recognizes businesses and organizations for their outstanding contributions to saving energy and protecting the environment. Winners are awarded based on their Canadian sales and marketing and may still be eligible if their headquarters are located within the United States . Associated Links Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan ( http://twitter.com/nrcan ) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [September 26, 2023] Crank, Pull, Chomp! New Dinos in Motion Exhibition Stomps into the Ontario Science Centre Tweet Opening today, this one-of-a-kind exhibition blends art and science featuring 14 fully interactive, life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Dig into a world where art, science and innovation meet! Explore a captivating collection of 14 metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by real fossils and built using recycled materials at Dinos in Motion, now open at the Ontario Science Centre. Using levers, pulleys and other controls to make the massive dinosaurs move, visitors will learn about biomechanics, robotics, kinetics and more through these majestic creations. This dino-mite hands-on exhibition is on now until January 7, 2024. "We're thrilled to present this larger-than-life exhibition that expertly weaves art and science while showcasing dinosaurs in an extraordinary and engaging way," said Paul Kortenaar, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "Through the brilliant use of recycled materials, interactive controls and exposed mechanics of the sculptures, Dinos in Motion is sure to inspire and fascinate the whole family." Dinos in Motion is a remarkable experience for dinosaur-enthusiasts of all ages that incorporates sketching, drawing and sculpting, explores kinetics, biomechanics, and robotics, and encourages observing and experimenting. Visitors will journey through a highly immersive apprentice's path that follows the story of Dinos in Motion master artist, John Payne, whose philosophy of "if you can dream it, you can do it" is evident in the creation, movement and hands-on manipulation of each of the sculptures. Plus, visitors will get to know more about the life and times of dinosaurs such as Ankylosaurus, Diplodocus, Struthiomimus and many more. "Dinos in Motion is the most unique dinosaur exhibition touring right now. No other exhibition using the dinosaur brand offers this level of interactivity in the areas of STEAM," said Tom Zaller, CEO and President of Imagine Exhibitions. "We are excited to present these incredible works of art in a tactile way that really speaks to the most important educational topics in our culture." Beginning October 3, the Science Centre offers new daily programs that explore inventions, robotics, fossils and more! The Maker Junction : Play with pulleys, tubes and magnets! Then, use circuits and simple machines to create a moving sculpture. Fossils and Footprints : Become a dino detective and examine real fossils and castings, learn how to handle them and uncover clues about some prehistoric creatures. : Become a dino detective and examine real fossils and castings, learn how to handle them and uncover clues about some prehistoric creatures. Ready, Set, Robotics!: Learn how to code and send a small robot through a maze with the help of our Science Hosts. "For over 50 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired a love of science and technology and has educated visitors of all ages," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "The Dinos in Motion exhibition is an awe-inspiring experience where children and adults can discover and interact with fascinating pre-historic sculptures." Want to learn more about dinosaurs? Join scientists on a quest to unearth a prehistoric world lost to ice in IMAX film Dinosaurs of Antarctica, playing now in the Science Centre's OMNIMAX Theatre. Dinos in Motion is created and produced by Imagine Exhibitions Inc. The sculptures are the creations of John Payne and Studio Properties LLC. About the Ontario Science Centre Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning, a vital link in Ontario's education and innovation ecosystems and a convener of public dialogue about technology, science and society. The Science Centre has welcomed more than 54 million visitors since opening as a Centennial project in 1969, pioneering an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Science Centre relies on funding from the province, as well as donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations that share the Science Centre's vision to contribute to a more curious, creative and resilient world. Learn more at OntarioScienceCentre.ca . About Imagine Exhibitions Imagine Exhibitions is currently producing over 40 unique exhibitions globally in museums, science centres, zoos, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues, with millions of people around the world visiting our exhibitions each year. In addition to developing successful traveling exhibitions, Imagine Exhibitions designs, opens, and operates permanent installations and venues, and consults on building, expanding, and directing museums and attractions. With decades of diverse experience in the museum and entertainment industries, Imagine Exhibitions consistently develops exhibitions that educate and excite while exceeding attendance goals. For more information, visit www.ImagineExhibitions.com or find us on Facebook. SOURCE Ontario Science Centre [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Inszone Insurance Services Grows Footprint with Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC Acquisition Tweet Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of benefits, personal, and commercial lines insurance, announced its acquisition of Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC, out of San Jose, CA. Founded in 1960 by Roy Sanfilippo, Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC has been a trusted name in the insurance industry for over six decades. Roy's journey began as a one-man operation, supported by his family of eight children. His genuine care for people and strong relationship with both customers and insurance carriers, along with his personable nature, laid the foundation for the agency's success. Roy treated every customer, regardless of the premium size, with equal respect and dedication, making exceptional service the guiding principle of the agency. Throughout the years, the agency flourished, and Roy was joined by his sons, Rick, Dave, and Roy Jr. Their collective focus on service excellence became the driving force behind the agency's prosperity. Upholding the mantra of "service, service, and service" instilled by their father, the team at Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC has consistently delivered top-notch service to their customers, leadng to an outstanding policyholder retention rate consistently above 90%, a testament to their exceptional customer satisfaction. "We're excited about the potential that Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services brings to Inszone," remarked Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. "Their presence in San Jose underscores a significant opportunity for growth in the region. Leveraging their expertise, we aim to tap into new markets and expand our reach. This acquisition signifies not just a union of two businesses but a shared vision for future expansion and prosperity." As a result of this merger, clients of Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC can look forward to a seamless transition, with the dedicated team continuing to serve them from their current location in San Jose, CA. Furthermore, customers will benefit from an expanded Inszone Insurance platform, providing them with access to an even wider range of insurance solutions and valuable resources. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance, along with employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically, as well as through acquisitions. With 40 locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, the company is looking to further expand throughout the United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926416778/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Vanderbilt University establishes Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center Tweet An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University. The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center was announced today at an event on Vanderbilt's campus that brought together government representatives, area leaders in the field and faculty to celebrate the anticipated impact on children in Middle Tennessee and around the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926550660/en/ An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University. (Photo: Business Wire) In addition to the resources currently available in Middle Tennessee, the facilities will bring a new, dynamic and comprehensive education-research opportunity that also will expand access for students who benefit from a tailored learning environment. The Roberts Academy will provide focused educational services for children in kindergarten through grade 1 identified as at-risk for dyslexia and for students in grades 2-5 who have been identified as having dyslexia. The academy will accept its first class of students in fall 2024. The Roberts Dyslexia Center will provide outreach for families and build on notable scholarship already happening within Vanderbilt's Peabody College of education and human development. Marjorie and Hal Roberts, residents of Lakeland, Florida, became interested in supporting students with dyslexia after three of their grandchildren were diagnosed with dyslexia as children. Having no previous relationship with Vanderbilt, the Roberts chose the university as a recipient of their dontion based on Peabody College's outstanding reputation and research. "The extent of dyslexia research happening at Vanderbilt's Peabody College made it clear to us that it was the right place for this center," Hal Roberts said. "We believe our investment in Vanderbilt will help transform education and the lives of children with dyslexia in the U.S. and around the world. To us, changing the lives of children is what matters most." "Through our grandchildren's experiences, Hal and I learned about the incredible challenges dyslexia poses in school and daily life," Marjorie Roberts said. "When children struggle and think less of themselves, it's heartbreaking. We've seen firsthand how working with well-trained educators can help students turn their experiences around, move beyond their challenges and embrace what, for many, becomes their superpower to problem-solve differently. We are grateful to be able to make this gift because of the hard work and sacrifice of my late parents, William and Nina Hollis." The Robertses' gift is part of Dare to Grow, Vanderbilt University's $3.2 billion comprehensive campaign. The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center is the third academy for students with dyslexia funded by the Roberts and the first-of-its-kind research and outreach center established with their support. "Through the Robertses' transformational gift, we are daring to grow in ways that will help children with learning differences reach their full potential and will create new knowledge and programs. We will develop new approaches to learning, educate the educators, and improve the lives of countless children," Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. "This gift leverages the knowledge and experiences of our faculty in a meaningful way and will further strengthen Peabody College as an undisputed leader in the field. We are immensely grateful to Marjorie and Hal Roberts for their generosity and partnership." By some estimates, one in 10 individuals have dyslexia, and studies show that early intervention can have a substantial positive impact. By establishing both an academy and research center, new findings will immediately impact the education provided at the academy, which in turn will shape future research. Teachers in training or continuing their education will be able to learn from and practice alongside educators with research-based experience in supporting children with dyslexia. These teachers will then take best practices from the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center into their classrooms throughout their careers. "Vanderbilt's Peabody College has always sought to help learners of all ages and abilities to realize their goals and lead flourishing lives," said Camilla P. Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development. "The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center inaugurates a new era of service to children and their families here at Vanderbilt and offers a major opportunity to advance our understanding of dyslexia and ways to ameliorate it. We are all deeply grateful." The announcement event included a panel discussion with Laurie Cutting, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education and professor of psychology, radiology and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University; Brett Miller, director of the Reading, Writing and Related Learning Disabilities Program at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and Emily Solari, Edmund H. Henderson Professor of Education at the University of Virginia. The panel was moderated by former NBC Nightly News anchor and correspondent John Seigenthaler, managing partner of FINN Partners in Nashville. Among the attendees was Tim Odegard, director of the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also holds the Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies and is a professor of psychology. "This generous gift represents a tremendous investment in the well-being and vitality of those of us with dyslexia," Odegard said. "We have learned so much about dyslexia-what it is, what it is not, and how best to identify and address the needs of those of us who struggle to read and spell due to dyslexia. At this pivotal moment, a pressing need is partnerships that allow us to develop sustainable processes to translate this scientific understanding into practice. The promise of this generous gift is the ability to forge such partnerships and nest such ideals into the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926550660/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Automotive Cybersecurity Solutions Leader, VicOne Opens its Global Headquarters in Japan Tweet VicOne, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trend Micro, providing world leading automotive cybersecurity solutions, announced today it has added Japan to its global operations in Taiwan, Germany and the United States, with the opening of its headquarters in Tokyo. In addition, VicOne named Mahendra Negi as chairman of the company. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926127297/en/ From left, Masanori Namba, VicOne's Vice President of Automotive Business, Global Headquarters; Mahendra Negi, Chairman of VicOne; and Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne, at the opening of VicOne's global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan September 26, 2023. (Photo: Business Wire) "We've leveraged years of expertise in cyberthreat intelligence to deliver automotive protection that can cover a vehicle's entire life cycle. With our central operations in Tokyo, we bring our expertise in local integration to this hub of global automotive manufacturing and innovation," said Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne. In addition, VicOne name Mahendra Negi as chairman of VicOne. As CFO and board member of Trend Micro, Mahendra brings unparalleled leadrship and vision to customers seeking automotive cybersecurity solutions that deliver better outcomes for OEMs and drivers of connected vehicles today and in the future. "Our unique expertise and global presence perfectly positions us to support Japan-based automakers as they expand their businesses worldwide," said Negi. "This is an exciting time for the automotive industry and VicOne can help OEMs capitalize on the opportunities ahead." Mr. Negi has been recognized by leading business publications including Ranked No. 1 Internet Analyst in Japan by Institutional Investor magazine, Ranked No. 2 Software Analyst by both Institutional Investor and the Nikkei Shimbun, Japan's top business newspaper. Prior to joining Trend Micro in 2000, Mr. Negi worked at Merrill Lynch, specializing in Japan's internet and software industries. He holds a master's degree in physics from Nagpur University in India and a master's degree in management from the London Business School. Rapid uptake of connected vehicles across global markets has increased OEMs' risk of significant brand and financial damage with the growth of updatable vehicle functions controlled by software. According to Gartner, an internationally recognized technology research and consulting firm headquartered in the U.S., cybersecurity is an increasing priority for automakers driven by the growing surface area susceptible to attack. In January 2024, during Automotive World Tokyo, VicOne will work with Trend Micro's Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) to host the first standalone Pwn2Own Automotive Security Vulnerability competition to directly address the surge in connected car cyber threats globally. Designed to make the connected vehicle ecosystem more secure, Pwn2Own Automotive challenges researchers to find and exploit vulnerabilities in automotive software and devices before cybercriminals do. For the inaugural Pwn2Own Automotive, Tesla, one of the world's leading carmakers, will be the title sponsor for this unprecedented event to discover new auto vulnerabilities. About VicOne With a vision to secure the vehicles of tomorrow, VicOne delivers a broad portfolio of cybersecurity software and services for the automotive industry. Purpose-built to address the rigorous needs of automotive manufacturers, VicOne solutions are designed to secure and scale with the specialized demands of the modern vehicle. As a Trend Micro subsidiary, VicOne is powered by a solid foundation in cybersecurity drawn from Trend Micro's 30+ years in the industry, delivering unparalleled automotive protection and deep security insights that enable our customers to build secure as well as smart vehicles. For more information, visit https://www.vicone.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926127297/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This photo taken on Sept. 21, 2023 shows the smart meteorology exhibition area at the sixth China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) YINCHUAN, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- As the sixth China-Arab States Expo rang down the curtain on Sunday in Yinchuan, the capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, international cooperation between China and Arab countries in the field of meteorology entered a new chapter. Ten years on, it was the first time for the biennial expo to include a conference on meteorological development and cooperation, addressing natural disasters and climate change, while also providing meteorological services for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In the context of global warming, the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, including high temperatures, typhoons and rainstorms, poses a great threat to human beings. This situation necessitates international cooperation to effectively address this issue. For the meteorological experts from China and nine Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Mauritania, Comoros and Egypt, who attended the conference, it's high time to discuss these shared challenges and search for joint opportunities in terms of global climate changes. "China and Arab states built a good friendship thousands of years ago through the ancient Silk Road. Now the two sides are deepening their ties in meteorological exchanges and cooperation," said Zeng Qin with the China Meteorological Administration (CMA). Meteorological science and technology were highly mentioned throughout the conference, which also included an exhibition for Chinese advanced meteorological equipment and technologies, earning interest and appreciation from the Arab experts. Juma Said Ahmed Al-Maskari, meteorologist of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) told Xinhua that he was fascinated by the science and technology showcased at the exhibition. He believes that these advancements can greatly enhance the field of meteorology by offering more specific, specialized, and timely services. "International meteorological cooperation is really important. In the forum on satellites we learn quite a lot of expertise from both sides," he said, "We also enjoy the exhibition where we see a lot of companies and CMA products. Companies show lots of equipment that can be used in various fields like meteorological station, new mechanics, and weather prediction." The meteorologist added that he looks forward to signing a memorandum of understanding between GCC countries and CMA with China's Fengyun meteorological satellites' services included. According to Wang Jinsong, director of the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC), Fengyun meteorological satellites play an important role in early warnings in terms of disaster prevention and reduction. Among the nine Fengyun meteorological satellites on orbit, there is a satellite, which is known as the "Belt and Road satellite," as it addresses the previously unmet need for meteorological satellite observation on the Indian Ocean and provides 24-hour monitoring services and meteorological data for most Arab countries. So far, Fengyun meteorological satellites have provided services for 129 countries, among which 10 Arab states have become users of the satellites' data. China has offered meteorological training to more than 2,000 people from 22 Arab League member states. China has always highlighted meteorological collaborations with Arab states, said Chen Zhenlin, director of CMA, adding that the CMA and the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) of UAE signed a bilateral intergovernmental memorandum of cooperation on meteorological science and technology early this year, while during the conference the two sides agreed to further cooperate in fields such as AI, satellites' monitoring, information and communication, and education and training. Abdulla Ahmed Yousuf Ahmed Almandous, president of the World Meteorological Organization and also director general of the NCM of UAE, said he hopes that China's high-tech and modernization development will help better carry out the memorandum and deepen international meteorological cooperation. The state-owned company China Huayun Meteorological Technology Group Corporation signed a framework agreement on meteorology with Mauritania and Comoros, agreeing to cooperate in early warning, meteorological science and technology and other fields. The company will conduct online and offline training for staff in both countries. "This agreement is quite important for us, and I believe it will help tie our two countries closer and achieve a win-win result," said Mohamed Mahmoud Ba, general director of the National Office of Meteorology of Mauritania. According to Luo Hui, director of the Ningxia meteorological bureau, with the support of the NSMC and World Meteorological Centre Beijing, Ningxia launched a platform during the expo to help countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt with disaster prevention and reduction. "The platform can now provide 26 kinds of remote-sensing monitoring services including the monitoring of real-time weather, land surface and disastrous weather," Luo said. [September 26, 2023] TripleLift Releases Industry's First Test Results of 3rd Party Cookie Replacement Solution Tweet Results: 33% Improved CPCs for Advertisers and 26% Improved CPMs for Publishers 1st Party Data Outperforms Both Cookie and Non-Cookie Buys NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TripleLift , the ad tech platform elevating digital advertising across every screen, today released the industry's first-ever large-scale test results showing that its recently launched first-party data targeting solution is effective across the web, including in cookie-constrained environments. Results show the offering massively improved outcomes for both advertisers and publishers when a third-party cookie was not available. "First-party publisher data is underutilized in the programmatic ecosystem," -- Airey Baringer , TripleLift. The solution, called TripleLift Audiences, is particularly effective in addressing nearly half of the internet that already functions without cookies, and creates a way forward as the industry prepares for further addressability outages in 2024. Currently, 47% of global ad requests are occurring in cookie-free environments. Once Google deprecates third-party cookie usage across its Chrome browser ecosystem, which is set to start in January 2024, estimates suggest that about 90% of the open web will be unaddressable in this manner. "We have been discussing the coming cookie-pocalypse as an industry, but often forget that almost half the internet is already unaddressable. This is a boiling the frog moment happening right before our eyes," said Ed Dinichert, Chief Revenue Officer at TripleLift. "While many ideas have been proposed, there has never been concrete results showing that any one of them can address deprecation at scale until now. This solution is effective for advertisers today." ADVERTISER RESULTS The results, delivered in partnership with a major global consumer electronics advertiser, showed improved performance for impressions enriched with publisher first-party data. The advertiser achieved 33% lower cost-per-click when compared to impressions without 1st party data, but with a mix of third-party cookies and no cross domain identifiers. The test was conducted at scale, with 230 million impressions delivered and analyzed. "First-party publisher data is underutilized in the programmatic ecosystem," said Airey Baringer, VP Product Management at TripleLift. "TripleLift Audiences enables easy activation of first-party data to improve targeting on every impression, with or without third-party cookies. The data is superior and outcomes are improved for both publishers and advertisers." HOW PUBLISHER FIRST-PARTY DATA WORKS Since launching in June of this year, several brands and agencies have been running paid campaigns using TripleLift Audiences first-party data segments. Instead of dropping a cookie on users and following them around the web, this solution builds curated segments using the publisher's data as a way of identifying and reaching audiences on their own websites. With more than 10,000 sites already opted-in, this approach to quality targeting addresses 30 billion daily ad impressions across 800 contextual and behavioral audience segments all without the use of third-party cookies. PUBLISHER RESULTS Publishers also saw improvement in the test, with CPMs increasing by 26%. Since TripleLift Audiences allows publishers to monetize content that has become untargetable through third-party cookie deprecation, they are now able to re-offer those impressions through first-party data targeting. "TripleLift Audiences has enabled us to drive greater monetization of our inventory, putting more money into the pockets of the 5,000+ creators and publishers we work with and first-party data is unlocking that opportunity," said Paul Bannister, Chief Strategy Officer at Raptive. "This presents a big advantage for us and other publishers in the ecosystem, and we're excited to be at the forefront of testing these new cookie alternatives." TripleLift has been able to make this offering possible for two reasons. First: it leveraged its 2022 acquisition of Zurich-based DMP 1plusX, to create the framework of sophisticated technology, data protection, and privacy standards necessary to form an actionable approach to first-party data segmentation. Second: it turned to its trusted relationships with publishers, built over a decade, offering integrated native ad products. "This is a win-win for the programmatic ecosystem," Baringer of TripleLift. "Publishers win because they monetize more of their inventory, leading to higher effective CPMs. Advertisers win because they can target more efficiently without third-party cookies, leading to lower CPCs and improved efficiency against all post-click metrics." TripleLift Audiences is now available for both advertisers and publishers in the United States and will be rolling out to European markets in 2024. About TripleLift We're TripleLift, an advertising platform on a mission to elevate digital advertising through beautiful creative, quality publishers, actionable data and smart targeting. Through over 1 trillion monthly ad transactions, we help publishers and platforms monetize their businesses. Our technology is where the world's leading brands find audiences across online video, connected television, display and native ads. Brand and enterprise customers choose us because of our innovative solutions, premium formats, and supportive experts dedicated to maximizing their performance. We are part of the Vista Equity Partners portfolio. As an NMSDC certified minority owned business, we qualify for diverse spending goals and are committed to economic inclusion. Find out how TripleLift raises up the programmatic ecosystem at triplelift.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/triplelift-releases-industrys-first-test-results-of-3rd-party-cookie-replacement-solution-301939386.html SOURCE TripleLift [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Computers for Schools Plus program celebrates 30th anniversary Tweet Two million refurbished devices distributed to Canadians in need since the program's inception OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, highlighted that the Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program is celebrating 30 years of investments in digital inclusion. The program provides refurbished computer equipment to recipients in communities across Canada and helps young Canadians gain meaningful work experience to develop the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. Since 1993, the program has helped reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste by extending the useful life of electronic equipment. CFS+ also helps bridge the digital divide, supporting access to technology and connectivity by providing two million computers and other digital devices to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income Canadians. Over the past three decades, through its internship program, CFS+ also provided 8,500 young Canadians with paid, practical, on-the-job experience in refurbishment centres across Canada, giving them valuable work experience that helped them develop advanced digital skills for the job market. The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada by providing the necessary technology to help those Canadians most in need access the digital world and providing much-needed digital skills training for youth to help them enter today's job market, while advancing its environmental priorities. Quotes "Building a more resilient, sustainable and competitive economy means helping all Canadians succeed. This is why our government is building a strong workforce ready for the workplace of tomorrow and helping close the digital divide by providing refurbished electronic devices to Canadians in need, which in turn reduces electronic waste. Investing in yoth and helping Canadians get online is an essential part of our efforts to support an increasingly digital economy. We are proud that CFS+ has been an important contributor to this effort for 30 years now." Philippe Champagne , Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry "It is the network of partners, affiliates and volunteers that has made the CFS+ program a success for 30 years. This has resulted in helping more than a generation of Canadians to become digitally literate and digitally connected. We encourage others to join us to build on this legacy." Michel Langelier, Executive Director, Computers for Success Canada "We're proud to support the CFS+ program through the CEO Pledge and to be partnered with Computers for Success Canada, their affiliates and the Government of Canada. It's absolutely crucial that all Canadians have equal access to technology, something this program has been working to address for 30 years. Young Canadians need technology to participate in the digital economy, and we need to empower them to build a more prosperous tomorrow for future generations." Guy Cormier, President and CEO, Desjardins Group "At Microsoft, our goal is to empower every person on the planet to achieve more. We are proud of our decades-long work alongside Computers for Schools Plus and our efforts to launch the CEO Pledge together. Since June 2021, more than 50 CEOs from the largest Canadian companies have committed to donating their end-of-cycle devices to underserved Canadians. We want to challenge every CEO in Canada to join, and we also encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to donate devices. Every device makes a difference. We have plenty of devices to bridge the digital divide in Canadawe just need to get them donated and into the hands of the people who need them." Jason Hermitage, Vice President, Global Partner Solutions, Microsoft Quick facts Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) is a win-win-win for communities, industry and the environment by helping extend the useful life of electronic equipment and keeping e-waste out of landfills. Under CFS+, two million refurbished devices have been distributed to those most in need across Canada . . Almost 11,900 tons of e-waste has been diverted from landfills. Over the past 30 years, through the CFS+ internship program, over 8,500 youth have been given employment opportunities that have helped them develop valuable digital skills. Associated links Computers for Schools Plus Stay connected Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED. Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. Twitter: @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Immersion Legal Establishes Jury Consulting Practice Headed by Dr. Christina Marinakis Tweet LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Immersion Legal is pleased to announce its expansion with the development of Immersion Legal Jury, led by CEO Christina Marinakis, J.D., Psy. D. Immersion helps trial lawyers and litigants simplify complex concepts and provide clarity for the optimal jury. Under Marinakis' leadership, the jury consulting team provides jury research and theme development, witness preparation and jury selection, and guides clients in mock exercises that aid in preparation for trials, arbitrations and responses to government investigations. "Christina is the best in the business when it comes to helping our clients prepare their cases for trial, and she is the perfect choice to lead the expansion of our organization into jury services," said Immersion Legal CEO James Haase. "Her process is truly unique and her tireless commitment to her work is unparalleled, which is why the top litigators in this country rely on her to help polish their case themes and arguments. Her focus groups and mock trials are meticulously designed to test the key issues of the case as she develops the profile for jury selection. Her extensive experience spans nearly every area of the law from antitrust to product liability to securities to criminal cases. We could not be more thrilled to add her to this exceptional team." Marinakis has over 20 years of experiencein jury research, study and the application of psychology to the legal industry. She previously served as a jury consulting and strategy advisor for a Los Angeles-based consultancy where she assisted counsel with voir dire and jury selection on a weekly basis. Marinakis draws from her backgrounds in law, psychology and jury research to draft juror questionnaires, voir dire questions, jury instructions and verdict forms that increase the likelihood of a successful result. Through her experience conducting focus groups, mock trials and shadow juries, she has analyzed hundreds of mock jurors, in addition to interviewing actual jurors post-verdict. Marinakis' background in both law and psychology and her extensive trial experience established her as a 2022 "Go To Thought Leader" by the National Law Review. Her trial guide, Pattern Voir Dire Questions: Civil and Criminal, is a trusted resource used by lawyers across the country. "I am honored to join this leading organization that is always looking ahead and guiding clients with innovative trial graphics," said Marinakis. "Our team is on the cutting edge of the legal industry and constantly looking to improve our offerings, so we are excited for the expansion of Immersion Legal and all that we can accomplish for our clients." Marinakis earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Penn State University, her Masters and Doctorate of Psychology from Widener University and her law degree from Delaware Law School, graduating first in her class. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. About Immersion Legal Immersion Legal was founded on the desire to provide superior service while working efficiently in order to maximize value for you and your clients. For more information, visit https://immersionlegal.com Contact: Kali Hammond Poston Communications (404) 875-3400 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersion-legal-establishes-jury-consulting-practice-headed-by-dr-christina-marinakis-301939414.html SOURCE Immersion Legal [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan Once Again Rated Among Top Health Plans in Connecticut by NCQA Tweet Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut's HMO/POS plan was rated 4 out of 5 in the National Committee for Quality Assurance's (NCQA) commercial Health Plan Ratings for 2023, once again tying for the top-rated health plan in the state. This rating recognizes Anthem as a leader in supporting its members with access to high-quality healthcare services. "For more than 80 years, our work at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has centered on increasing access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and improving health outcomes for our members and everyone in Connecticut. This rating reflects our work to personalize and simplify the healthcare experience for the people we serve," said Lou Gianquinto, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut. "We're proud of our work and remain committed to developing the products and services that help our members get the best care possible." NCQA, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality, released its 2023 Health Plan Ratings earlier this month. The report rates more than 1,000 commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid health insurance plans on a 5-point scale for patient experience, prevention, and treatment. The insights gained from the NCQA ratings are vital in enhancing interventions, delivering impactful programs, and shaping future strategies, as well as helping consumers, employers, and others make more informed healthcare choices. A rating of four or higher on the NCQA rankings indicates that a health plan is among the top one-third in the U.S. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations and recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA's HEDIS is the most widely used performance meaurement tool in healthcare. NCQA's website contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed healthcare choices. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield. About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. In recognition for its leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion, NCQA has won the Excellence in Diversity Award from the Chesapeake Human Resources Association. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more-informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926642211/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] ACMI Federal Secures $75 Million DoD Contract for Munitions Campus to Strengthen Munitions Supply Chain AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As highlighted by the Department of Defense (DoD) ACMI Federal, an affiliate of the American Center for Manufacturing and Innovation (ACMI), today announces that it has been awarded a $75 million contract through a competitive process. The project, approved by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience (IBR) through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) Directorate, will establish a state-of-the-art munitions campus and harmonize collaboration between DoD and private companies specializing in munitions, hypersonic systems, and critical chemicals. Using a public-private partnership framework, the initiative will bolster the United States' manufacturing capabilities in areas vital for national defense. This pilot constitutes a core component of MCEIP's five-year roadmap designed to secure supply chain resiliency and fortify the defense industrial base. "ACMI Federal is privileged to lead this critical endeavor," said John Burer, Founder of ACMI. "By leveraging market forces, this innovative project will expedite development and production of domestically manufactured munitions, and thereby strengthen America's defense industrial base and our national security." The Munitions Campus will support companies by providing a range of key resources necessary for munitions development and production, such as non-destructive inspection, explosives storage and transportation, prototype testing, and munitions manufacturing tools. "This ground-breaking model accelerates innovation by bringing tgether companies with complementary capabilities and by providing shared resources to drive cost-efficiency," said Pam Clark, ACMI Federal's Ecosystem Manager for the project and the former Division Chief for Army Research Lab overseeing regional ecosystems. "The munitions campus will reduce the capital investment required for individual companies to play in this space and enable smaller companies and innovators to grow and scale up more efficiently." Acting as a catalyst between government and the private sector, ACMI Federal identifies critical supply chain needs for the Department of Defense and additional agencies, including state, county, and municipality support. The organization brings together private capital and government investment to fulfill needs, fostering industrial hubs through targeted financial and logistical support to facilitate rapid growth. Creating specialized shared-infrastructure industrial campuses around market needs, such as munitions and energetics, is a proven strategy for growing domestic capabilities in an industry. Robert Wardle has been appointed Chief Architect for the Munitions Campus. Wardle, a former defense industry executive, has led the design and construction of multiple energetic materials plants during his 30-year career. "This campus will be a nexus and accelerant for innovation, lowering barriers for technology transition, and bringing together traditional prime contractors and emerging companies in the munitions industry to advance our national defense capabilities," said Wardle. The ACMI-led project will be executed by multiple stakeholders, including Energetics Technology Center, Purdue Energetics Research Center, Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC R&D), CREAN Inc., Athena Manufacturing LP, Champion Aeromotive and several other organizations as prototyping contract performers. Development of the campus, managed by ACMI Properties, is slated to commence later this year. For tenancy inquiries, visit ACMI Properties' official website. About ACMI The American Center for Manufacturing Innovation (ACMI) is committed to revitalizing the United States' industrial base through strategic investments in emerging businesses in critical sectors. ACMI's three-division approach, through its affiliates ACMI Federal, ACMI Capital, and ACMI Properties, aims to consolidate funding, resources and expertise to close gaps in the US industrial base, enhance supply chain resiliency, and accelerate innovation. For more information contact: Dan Palumbo [email protected] 301.875.2356 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acmi-federal-secures-75-million-dod-contract-for-munitions-campus-to-strengthen-munitions-supply-chain-301939489.html SOURCE ACMI Federal [September 26, 2023] Geekvape has announced the inauguration of the world's first e-cigarette industry "Geek Fest" fan festival in the Philippines. Tweet SHENZHEN, CHINA, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In September, the leading e-cigarette brand Geekvape heralded the premiere of the Geek Fest fan festival in the Philippines. This groundbreaking event not only electrified the Philippines but also signaled a transformative wave for the industry at large. With over 5,000 attendees, including representatives from Southeast Asia, top-tier influencers, and industry media, the magnitude of the event was palpable. The event was also live-streamed, drawing the attention of millions globally. Moreover, Geekvape unveiled its latest offerings at the festival: the GEEKBAR MCU and GEKKBAR X FLAVA Co-Branding, both equipped with Geekvape's pioneering VPU vaporization solution, the industry's cutting-edge. Through this endeavor, Geekvape showcased its state-of-the-art technology and products, forging profound ties with its aficionados and setting a lofty benchmark for the e-cigarette industry. At this grand event, GeekVape meticulously curated six distinct exhibition zones: the GEEK History District, GEEK Classic Product Zone, GEEK New Release Area, GEEK DIY Coil Section, GEEK Culinary Zone, and the GEEK Culture Street. The displays spanned the company's evolution, product line showcases, new launches, and future blueprints. During the awards segment, accolades were presented totheir devoted partners TYJC, SYJ, Dentka, Nickong, and Flava etc. To date, GeekVape has triumphantly launched the Aegis, Wenax, and Sonder series. Their disposable e-cigarette sub-brand, Geekbar, introduced the much-anticipated new series, which has been fervently embraced and lauded by global e-cigarette aficionados. The event buzzed with vibrant energy, with countless fans converging to relish this unforgettable extravaganza. Geekvape spared no effort, presenting their ardent attendees with lavish gifts. In the new product interaction segment, they introduced the "Geek Forum," where their product line managers engaged directly with the audience, delving into product intricacies and addressing myriad queries. Additionally, Geekvape persistently refines its product line based on user feedback, ever committed to delivering e-cigarette products that truly resonate with user needs. Moreover, their detailed presentation on the latest product's standout performance and cutting-edge technology captivated and earned high praise from those present. The latest collaborative products, GEEKBAR MCU and FLAVA, showcase GeekVape's cutting-edge VPU vaporization technology, setting new benchmarks in flavor quality, safety, and durability. These innovations utilize an efficient heating element in tandem with NON-WOVEN wicking cotton, achieving a 30% improvement in e-liquid utilization and a 23% enhancement in heating speed. Under consistent puff conditions, the aerosol output per draw increased by 23.7%, maintaining a steady release and consistently rich flavor. Geekvape further optimized the wicking capability and e-liquid storage on the atomizer core. Additionally, with automated production lines and rigorous quality control, these products boast an impressive yield rate of 99.95%. The Geek Fest fan festival reaffirmed the deep-rooted connection between Geekvape and its dedicated community, nurturing mutual respect and promoting co-creation with local consumers. Since its debut in the Philippines, Geekvape has partnered with more than 1,200 vape stores, firmly planting its flag as a leading e-cigarette brand in the country. With a 'customer-first' philosophy, GeekVape emphasizes innovative solutions to meet user preferences. This commitment is supported by their robust service infrastructure and data-informed strategies, relentlessly driving an elevated user experience About GeekVape. GeekVape ardently champions six foundational values: Innovation, Passion, Quality, Open-mindedness, Community, and Relevance. Since its foundation in 2015, the brand has embraced diverse perspectives with the goal of driving societal betterment and providing a healthier vaping experience for all. Serving a global customer base exceeding 30 million, GeekVape maintains exceptional standards. On social media, the brand actively interacts with over 2 million individuals, each distinctively creative in their fields and living with confidence. Ruby Liu Geekvape ruby.liu at geekvape.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [September 26, 2023] DigitalC Secures $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funding for Citywide Internet Network Tweet CLEVELAND, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalC, Cleveland's choice for internet connectivity and digital training, is proud to announce that Cleveland City Council has approved $20 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the deployment of a citywide internet network and the facilitation of digital skills training, marking a historic investment in digital equity. "We appreciate the collaborative effort to move this legislation forward; the support of this substantial funding by both Cleveland City Council and the Bibb Administration demonstrates a profound commitment from our civic leaders to ensuring that no resident is left behind in the digital age," shared DigitalC Chief Executive Officer Joshua Edmonds. Edmonds further added that recent initiatives have seen DigitalC enhance its organizational capacity, improve operational efficiencies, and refresh its brand, giving the organization a bold identity that aligns with its mission: to bridge the digital divide - for good. "Thanks to our civic leaders and funding partners, DigitalC iswell-positioned to achieve the goals outlined in the legislation," said DigitalC Board Chair Lance Frew. "To accomplish this ambitious undertaking, the organization has made strategic hires, adopted efficient customer relationship management software to streamline operations, and harnessed the latest technology to offer a superior product and customer experience." In May, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's Administration selected DigitalC as the vendor to deploy this transformative network in response to a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP requirements include connecting 23,500 households and reaching 50,000 individuals through digital skills training within four years. "Ultimately, our community will benefit from expanded choices and an option that not only prioritizes people but also seamlessly balances affordability without compromising quality," said Edmonds. DigitalC anticipates launching the buildout of the citywide internet network in the coming months, with a detailed rollout plan and community engagement initiatives to be announced soon. Once started, the buildout is expected to take 18 months, covering the city in three major phases. About DigitalC DigitalC is a leading nonprofit technology social enterprise headquartered at the MidTown Tech Hive in Cleveland, Ohio's Hough neighborhood. Since its founding in 2015, DigitalC has evolved into a dynamic force, creating a bold vision to create an equitable digital future and mission to bridge the digital divide - for good. Learn more at digitalc.org. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/digitalc-secures-20-million-in-american-rescue-plan-act-funding-for-citywide-internet-network-301939552.html SOURCE DigitalC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] More than 30 MILLION BUCKS is now dedicated to the fight against crime by way of political no-show jobs and assistance to fly-by-night nonprofits. Kansas City has a longstanding reputation for making MILLIONS in funding disappear. Here's hope that the money helps curb this cowtown's historic & deadly crisis . . . Check-it: The Kansas City Council passed an ordinance establishing a Community Policing and Prevention Fund in March 2022. The fund includes money the city has allocated to the police department that is above what is required by Missouri state law. When creating the fund, council members also asked the city auditor for quarterly audits to see how the money is used. The $33.36 million in the fund for this fiscal year is to be used in one of 12 categories. The categories include things like hiring new officers, 911 operations, crime lab funding, salary increases and more. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . The courthouse issued this edict today that speaks to their sentiment on controversial legal proceedings. As time passes we don't notice much public interest in this case but the KC chattering class seemingly regard this issue as a linchpin for the discussion of policing in Kansas City. Here are the basics of today's big political move . . . A resolution was introduced Monday in the legislature, stating that a pardon would set "a dangerous precedent and send a message to local law enforcement that they will not be held accountable for violent criminal acts." The statement from the Executive . . . Jackson County Executive Statement KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding Resolution 21405, introduced today by the Jackson County Legislature, which urges Governor Mike Parson to not pardon Eric DeValkenaere: I commend the Legislature for lending their collective voices to advocate for fairness, justice and equality in Jackson County. This high-profile case has understandably garnered the attention of many across the country and around the world. I am proud to join with the majority of the County Legislature, and many others, who have asked that the Governor treat the defendant in this case the same as others. This means allowing the judicial system an opportunity to complete the appellate process before considering the possibility of a pardon. Our community deserves peace and healing, which starts when theyre assured equal justice under the law applies to everyone, regardless of who you are. ### Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Jackson County Legislature introduces resolution encouraging governor to not pardon Eric DeValkenaere Leaders in Jackson County, Missouri, are urging Missouri Governor Mike Parson not to pardon former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere. Developing . . . In this quick compilation we keep up to date with ALLEGED misdeeds, crime reporting and police community outreach across the metro. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City man pleads guilty in connection to fatal shooting on Amtrak train Marquise L. Webb pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action and vehicle hijacking. 'It makes you feel sick': Neighbor describes aftermath of deadly shooting of Staley High School student In a Northland neighborhood with pockets of people who know one another, they have a view that's hard to wrap their minds around. Suspect accused of killing Kansas City woman arrested nearly 8 hours away in Nebraska A suspect accused of killing Ashli Ehrhardt, 29, of Kansas City was arrested nearly eight hours away in Valentine, Nebraska. Smithville elementary teacher accused of shooting wife, killing stepson who attended Staley High School A Smithville School District elementary school teacher is accused of shooting and killing a Staley High School in the Northland over the weekend. GRAPHIC TEXT MESSAGES: Northland homicide suspect reportedly admits to murdering wife, documents say Officers were dispatched to the 7900 block of N. Forest just after 10:30 a.m. on Friday following concerns about a missing employee. Car stop turned home invasion leads to suspect in custody A car stop turned home invasion led to a suspect in custody in Clay County early Sunday morning. Oak Grove chiropractor charged with multiple counts of sexual assault; victims were primarily Amish David Clark was charged with first-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and second-degree sodomy. Johnson County District Attorney says deputy won't be charged in shooting at Overland Park apartment The incident happened on March 10, 2023 in Overland Park, Kansas. Supervisor's Prints Leave Lasting Mark At Crime Lab "The job's a lot harder than TV," Fields said. "People have the idea fingerprints get sent off to a database, and the database comes back and tells you who the suspect is. That's not how it works. The database sends back a list of 30 people who the database thinks it could be. Developing . . . MACAO, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is set to present a series of cultural, artistic and leisure events for the upcoming eight-day holiday from Sept. 29. This year, the National Day holiday extends from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, including the Mid-Autumn Festival. China's National Day is celebrated on Oct. 1, and the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 29, a traditional Chinese festival of family reunions. The Macao SAR government has displayed national flags and festive lanterns, a traditional decoration for the Mid-Autumn Festival, at around 80 venues across the city, including main streets, squares and parks. Two outdoor concerts themed on the moon and the Mid-Autumn Festival will be staged on Friday evening in front of the landmark Ruins of St. Paul's, inviting local residents and tourists alike to indulge in the joyous moments. The last two shows of the 31st Macao International Fireworks Display Contest are scheduled for Oct. 1 and 7. Audiences can watch the shows while enjoying food and taking part in games. Other activities, such as outdoor musical performances, workshops and guessing lantern riddles, will be organized at the city's several cultural spaces and artistic venues, including the former sites of a firecracker factory and a shipyard. The month-long 35th Macao International Music Festival will kick off on Saturday with the opera in two acts by Gioachino Rossini, The Barber of Seville, an adaptation of the eponymous comedy by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais. The Macao SAR government tourism office expects 80,000 to 90,000 daily visitor arrivals during the holiday. Industry insiders predicted that hotels in Macao would be fully booked during the holiday. Right now we share our admiration of hottie legend Cindy and check pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Sound Of Kansas City Endures Kansas City Jazz Orchestra celebrates newest album with release party at Kauffman Center The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts hosted the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra for a night of jazz, laughs and astonishment. Reminder To Drive Carefully Motorcyclist ejected from bike, sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries Around 3 p.m. on Monday, KCPD was dispatched to the intersection of Chouteau Trafficway and East Gardner Avenue for a two-vehicle collision. Golden Ghetto Repurposed This former peanut packing plant in Johnson County is now available as an Airbnb Formerly operated by the Mission Peanut Factory in the 1950s, this four-bedroom, two-bath loft in a Johnson County city's downtown is available for a Kansas City getaway or staycation. Wildcat Tenure Cont'd K-State's Tang signs new deal through 2029-30 Jerome Tang, who led Kansas State to the Elite Eight after being picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, has signed a new 7-year deal. Show-Me Weed Process Confusion continues over how hemp was processed in recalled Missouri cannabis products * Missouri Independent Florida lab owner explains the process of making the hemp product that's central to Missouri's recall. Divas Tell-All Cindy Crawford share secrets George Michael's Freedom video Christy Turlington , Naomi Campbell , Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista starred in one of the top music videos of the early 1990s. Hear what they thought of making the clip. Prez Walks The Line The UAW Strike Gives President Biden a Huge Opening This isn't just a chance for the Democrats to court organized labor. MAGA Threats Multiply Trump suggests Mark Milley should be executed in possible breach of pre-trial release conditions General Milley recently gave damning interview about Trump's past comments Beltway Gridlock Explained A history of government shutdowns: The 14 times funding has lapsed since 1980 With just days until the deadline to keep the government open, here's a look at the 14 shutdowns that have occurred since 1980. War In Europe Takes Toll Ukraine says Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander killed, no comment by Moscow Ukraine's Special Forces said on Monday that Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, had been killed in a Ukrainian attack last week on the fleet headquarters in the Crimean port of Sevastopol. Drone War Action Endures Hair-raising moment Ukrainian kamikaze drone flies into Russian forest hideout and explodes A first-person video shows a Ukrainian drone hunting for a Russian dugout in a forest in the Luhansk region and flying inside before detonating. Florida Flexes On Far East DeSantis' latest anti-communist campaign targets Florida schools linked to Chinese firms Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that four schools, which state workers linked to the Chinese Communist Party, would not be eligible for scholarships. Columbia Rises In Texas VIDEO: Illegal migrants plant foreign flag on Texas island in Rio Grande as border crisis grows Migrants illegally in Texas trying to claim an island on the U.S. side of the southern border by planting a foreign flag, which was taken down by Texas authorities. Scribe Union Approves SAG-AFTRA Members Vote in Favor of Video Game Strike SAG-AFTRA members have voted in favor of a strike authorization against the video game industry. Back End Concerns For Mum I'm a 40-year-old mom with a square booty - it's a different shape, I like it AN attractive mother has embraced the shape of her bottom for all that it is for the world to see. The 40-year-old admitted that she even checks out her lower body once in a while in the mirror. Ma... Never Too Early To Start Planning Party Times This Weekend IN Kansas City: September 29-October 1 - IN Kansas City Magazine Overland Park Fall Festival September 29 to 30 If you've ever felt left out when you miss the Overland Park Farmers Market-you'll definitely want to make this festival! OP knows how to party, and all the best local vendors are bringing it to the booths this weekend. Forecast For Now . . . Mild and quiet weather blankets the region The mornings start off cool, but with this dry air in place, it will heat up fairly rapidly in the afternoons And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Canada Post has opened a new building in Scarborough, and the site is named after Albert Jackson, in honour of the first Black letter carrier in Canada. According to a press release, Jackson had to fight to overcome significant racial barriers in the workplace, including the right to work in the position he was hired for. More than 100 members of the Jackson family and friends were at the recent opening event. The Scarborough site is Canada Posts largest, fastest and greenest parcel sorting facility, according to the release, with a capacity to process more than 60,000 packages per hour, or more than one million packages a day. The facility doubles the companys processing capacity in the Greater Toronto Area where most of Canada Posts parcels originate and will help improve service for Canadians and businesses across the country, the release added. Located in northeast Scarborough, the facility will serve as a critical e-commerce hub and prepare the company for Canadas e-commerce future. Albert Campbell is believed to be the first Black employee at Canada Post. | Toronto Public Library image Elder Kim Wheatley from the Shawanaga First Nation Reserve, at the opening ceremony of the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, Canada Posts newest, largest, fastest and greenest parcel sorting facility. Members of the Jackson family, friends and dignitaries pose for a photo after the formal proceedings. Inside the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, Canada Post's newest, largest, fastest and greenest parcel sorting facility. The control room of the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, Canada Posts newest, largest, fastest and greenest parcel sorting facility. Inside the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, Canada Post's newest, largest, fastest and greenest parcel sorting facility. A man was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in Toronto's Weston neighbourhood Monday night. Police were called to the area of Weston Road and John Street at 10:55 p.m. for reports of a man stabbed. Toronto police said officers on scene found the victim, in his 30s, with stab wounds. He was taken to hospital by ambulance via an emergency run. Police didn't release a description of the suspect or suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call 12 Division at 416-808-1200. Ontario residents have been treated to a breathtaking array of northern lights during the evenings of Sept. 18, 19 and 24. But if you missed the most recent Aurora Borealis, theres no need to worry. Gary Boyle, known as the Backyard Astronomer, expects solar storm activity to continue, with colourful auras most visible in rural locations about an hour or two outside the Greater Toronto Area. Boyles interest in astronomy started in 1965 at the age of eight, when he checked out a book from his elementary school library, titled Stars. Hes a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educator. In 2017, he had an asteroid named in his honour, in recognition for a lifetime of astronomy outreach activities. He lives in South Mountain, Ont, south of Ottawa and is currently crowdfunding for a new observatory. See http://www.wondersofastronomy.com/ for more. For more on northern lights, we also reached out to Roan Haggar, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Waterloos Centre for Astrophysics. WHY ARE WE SEEING MORE NORTHERN LIGHTS? With the sun ramping up to its solar max by 2025, Boyle anticipates additional geomagnetic storms and coronal mass ejections large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the suns corona over the next two years. The sun is a very active star. We call it our daytime star and it goes through solar cycles, Boyle notes. Haggar explains the northern lights are caused by the solar wind, which is a stream of particles, mostly protons and electrons, coming from the sun. Some of these particles come in the direction of the Earth, and they can get redirected by the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field points towards the north and south poles, and so these solar wind particles are funnelled towards the north and south poles. They then collide with molecules of gas in our atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen, which heats these gases and makes them glow. The aurora is the light produced by these glowing gases. The amount of solar wind goes up and down over a roughly 11-year cycle, Haggar notes. This solar activity reached a low point in 2020 but has since been increasing. The next solar maximum is expected in 2025. More solar wind means more aurora, so we should have fairly good northern lights shows for the next couple of years. Haggar explains the aurora were strong in mid-September due to a coronal mass ejection on Sept. 16, in which a large amount of solar wind was thrown out at once, creating bright northern lights. Erika Boch shared photos on Facebook of a spectacular Northern Lights show she saw on a flight from Vancouver to Ottawa: HOW CAN WE FIND THE NEXT GREAT SHOW? To track the appearance of northern lights, Boyle recommends spaceweather.com. The website offers lead times for geomagnetic storm activity and tracks the suns coronal oval in real time. It also allows users to sign up for spaceweather alerts, turning your phone into a professional spaceweather alert centre. The U.S. National Weather Service's Space Weather Prediction Center also issues geomagnetic storm warnings for events like the coronal mass ejection of Sept. 24. Haggar adds websites like auroraforecast.com can track solar activity and give a forecast of the aurora activity for upcoming days. WHERE TO GO For optimal viewing locations, its best to get as far away from city lights as possible. With Toronto, you really have to travel a good distance. Id say travel west or north, says Boyle. Optimal viewing times are usually between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Haggar adds: "Make sure to head somewhere far from any nearby towns/cities, and particularly make sure there are no cities north of your location, as that's where the lights will be. People across Durham caught a spectacular northern lights show this past spring. PHOTOGRAPHY Boyle recommends taking pictures with a digital SLR camera and tripod. Use a wide-angle lens and attach a cable release. Advance to ISO 1600 (light sensitivity) or higher. Set the lens on manual and focus it on a very bright star or distant light source until it is a pinpoint. Now you can take 8, 12 or 15-second images by triggering the cable release. This prevents touching the camera. Boyle captured some breathtaking images of northern lights back on March 23. HOW DO RECENT NORTHERN LIGHTS COMPARE TO WHAT WEVE SEEN IN THE PAST? Boyle has witnessed some massive light displays in 2001 and even back in the 1980s, when he was living in a Montreal suburb. The overhead corona you could easily read a newspaper from, because it was so bright one night, he recalls. Boyle is starting to see less auroras from cities like Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal. The (suns coronal) oval is moving more toward Siberia because the magnetic north is moving more toward Siberia," he notes. "So we wont see them as often as we did in the 1980s. Transaction is part of CLAS active portfolio reconstitution strategy to deliver sustainable returns to Stapled Securityholders (TRAVPR.COM) SINGAPORE - September 25th, 2023 - CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) has completed the divestment of four mature serviced residences in regional France to an unrelated third party for a total of EUR44.4 million (S$64.7 million). The four properties are Citadines Croisette Cannes, Citadines Prado Chanot Marseille, Citadines Castellane Marseille and Citadines City Centre Lille. The four properties were divested at 63% above book value and net proceeds of the divestment is approximately EUR34.1 million (S$49.7 million). The exit yield is about 4% and CLAS received a net gain of approximately EUR1.2 million (S$1.8 million). Post-divestment, CLAS has 12 properties in France. The properties are predominantly located in Paris, including La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris and Citadines Les Halles Paris that are undergoing asset enhancement initiative (AEI) to uplift their value and profitability. AEI works include refurbishment of guest rooms and general public areas and both properties will remain open, receiving rent throughout the AEI. Ms Serena Teo, Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Limited and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management Pte. Ltd. (the Managers of CLAS), said: We have divested the four mature properties as part of our active portfolio reconstitution strategy to deliver sustainable returns to our Stapled Securityholders. As these properties have reached the optimal stage of their life cycles, the divestment enables CLAS to redeploy the proceeds to higher-yielding assets. Proceeds from the divestment will be used for our AEI in Europe. It will also be used to partially finance CLAS recent proposed acquisition of three prime lodging assets in the capital cities of London, Dublin and Jakarta. Over the past three years, we have successfully divested properties at a premium to book value and invested the proceeds in higher-yielding assets, increasing our total distribution. With the recent proposed acquisition, we expect to further increase our total distribution by S$13.5 million and our Distribution per Stapled Security (DPS) by 1.8% on a FY 2022 pro forma basis upon completion of the acquisition. The EBITDA yield of the proposed acquisition is 6.2% on a FY 2022 pro forma basis, more than 2% higher than the exit yield from the divestment of the four properties in regional France. Post-renovation for The Cavendish London and Temple Bar Hotel as well as Milestone Payments for the acquisition, we expect to achieve an increased yield of 6.8%, added Ms Teo. In August 2023, CLAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its sponsor, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), for a proposed accretive acquisition of three lodging assets a hotel in London, The Cavendish London; a hotel in Dublin, Temple Bar Hotel; and a serviced residence in Jakarta, Ascott Kuningan Jakarta at an agreed property value of S$530.8 million. The proposed acquisition is part of CLAS ongoing efforts to enhance its portfolio through yield-accretive investments and AEIs. In FY 2022, CLAS invested S$420 million in 15 accretive acquisitions , which contributed to the increase in CLAS DPS in 1H 2023. The new properties are largely longer-stay properties with average occupancy rates of over 95%, further enhancing CLAS stable income streams. In 1H 2023, CLAS DPS increased by 19% year-on-year to 2.78 cents. ### The United Arab Emirates is considering a new visa system that would make it easier for residents to travel to neighboring Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia. Read More: Countries To Visit Visa Free If You Are A UAE Resident The United Arab Emirates is considering a new visa system that would allow residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to travel freely within the six GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia. The new system could be introduced "very soon," according to UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. Read More: All Details for UAE Citizens Visa Free Travel to Japan The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) group include: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar. GCC citizens can travel freely between these countries without a visa, but foreign residents, who make up the majority of the population, still need a visa to cross GCC borders. This decision will make it easier for residents of the GCC to travel between countries and will attract more tourists to the region and boost the economy, according to UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. ALGIERS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Algeria hosted a reception in Algeria's capital Algiers on Monday to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1. The event was attended by about 500 participants, including Algerian Minister of Trade and Export Promotion Tayeb Zitouni, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Li Jian, other senior Algerian officials, diplomats, members of the Chinese medical team in Algeria, as well as representatives from international organizations and Chinese companies in Algeria. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria. In his speech, Li Jian highlighted the friendly ties between China and Algeria, saying that political mutual trust between the two countries has reached a new height. The Chinese ambassador also spoke highly of the economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. As of today, there are less than a thousand people from the Wagner Group in Belarus. Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for the State Border Guard Service, said this on the air of the telethon 'United News', Ukrinform reported. "When they began to arrive there, their number fluctuated around six thousand people, then they began to disappear, and at the moment, according to our data, there are no more than a thousand of them. These are mostly instructors who are involved in training the Belarusian army. They do not pose a significant threat," the spokesman said. Demchenko added that the situation on the other side of the border and in Belarus is being closely monitored by intelligence units. As reported, the Russian private military company Wagner has recently been officially recognized as a terrorist organization in the UK. This decision came into force on September 13. Five Bulgarian spies arrested in the United Kingdom worked for Ian Marsalek, who is affiliated with Russian intelligence. Thats according to The Insider, Ukrinform reports. According to the investigation, the leader of the Bulgarian spy ring in Britain, Orlin Rusev, was hired by Jan Marsalek, a fraudster who once worked as operations director at Germanys Wirecard. In 2020, The Insider, Bellingcat, and Der Spiegel learned that Marsalek fled to Russia on June 19, the day after auditors discovered more than $1.5 billion missing from Wirecard's balance sheet. Further inquiries established Marsalek's close ties with Russian intelligence: he had been in contact with the GRU military intelligence since 2015, among other things, helping Russian spies to establish PMCs in Africa, obtaining information through bribed Austrian security officials, and performing other sensitive assignments. Read also: Bulgaria trying to minimize influence of Russian propaganda It is noted that Marsalek started working with Rusev back in 2014. As an expert in the field of digital surveillance, Rusev equipped him with devices with encrypted communication tools, and recruited into his team at least four other Bulgarian nationals, training them in the use of spy equipment and encrypted communications. The investigation has not yet announced what kind of information the Bulgarians had collected for Marsalek. As Ukrinform reported ealier, five Bulgarian nationals have been charged with spying for the Russian Federation in Britain. These are three male and two female suspects. At a meeting with Ukrainian legislators visiting Lithuania, the countrys president, Gitanas Nauseda, promised to promote political support for Ukraine, and also called for efforts to implement reforms in order to launch EU membership talks. This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to LRT. "Ukraine must get what it needs on the battlefield. The victory of Ukraine should be the strategic goal of the West, otherwise Russia's threats to our region and the countries of the "Eastern Neighborhood" will become even more serious," Nauseda said at a meeting with the Verkhovna Rada delegation, according to a report posted in Ukrainian. He emphasized that the politicians task is to rally the international community around the idea of political support for Ukraine, and assured that Lithuania consistently calls on its allies to increase and speed up military assistance to Kyiv. Nauseda also noted that Ukraine's place is in the European Union and NATO, therefore it is important for the country to take advantage of the window of opportunity that has opened so that a positive decision on the start of negotiations on joining the EU is made by year-end. The leader of Lithuania noted that a necessary condition to this end is the implementation of the reforms specified in the European Commissions conclusion on Ukraine's EU membership application. The delegation of Ukrainian lawmakers, which arrived in Lithuania on Monday, also met with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen. More meetings with Lithuanian officials are scheduled, as well as a trip to Druskininkai, home to a rehabilitation center where Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing treatment. The Verkhovna Rada delegation will be in Lithuania until Thursday. As Ukrinform reported last week, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, said Russia is blackmailing the whole world with a blockade of Ukrainian grain exports. In this way, the Russian Federation put 82 countries, or 350 million of the world's population, in a challenging position. Accordingly, Nauseda, believes, it is necessary to open a larger number of Solidarity Lanes to help Ukraine ship its grain to the world markets. Photo: E. Blazevic / LRT nuotr. The attitude of countries around the world towards Russia's war against Ukraine has changed significantly, as they understand that this war concerns not only peace in Europe, but also the very principles of the UN Charter, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. She said this in an interview with CNN, Ukrinform reports. In the first weeks of the Russian invasion, many countries did not understand what was going on, she said. But this has definitely changed. So I feel way more support because many, many countries around the world see that this is not only about Ukraine, this is not only about peace in Europe, it's about our Charter of the United Nations. If we allow one dictator to overrule all of our peaceful rights, that will be the end of peaceful cooperation in the world," Baerbock said. Read also: Germany sends new military assistance package to Ukraine According to her, there is no Ukraine war fatigue in her country. From the beginning, the vast majority of Germans and Europeans totally understood that "this could be us." Ukraine is seen as part of Europe, since it takes three hours to fly from Kyiv to Berlin by plane, she added. "So the vast majority of people know that we have to stand with Ukraine, because Ukraine is also defending our peace, our liberty," Baerbock said, noting that Germany was dependent on Russian energy resources and felt the economic consequences of the war. At the same time, in her opinion, the task of the political leadership is to explain to people why they need to support Ukraine and why it is necessary to introduce social programs to counter the negative consequences. The minister also stressed the need for radical reform of the UN. "The whole General Assembly shows that the world has changed in the last decades, but the institutions of the UN haven't changed. And therefore, we need a total modernization," Baerbock said. According to her, Africa and Latin America are not even represented at the UN Security Council. Norway has allocated an additional NOK 1 billion ($92.5 million) to provide vital aid to Ukrainians. That's according to the Norwegian government, Ukrinform reports. "Norway is providing an additional NOK 1 billion to provide Ukrainians with access to the protection and life-saving assistance they need," the statement reads. "Ukraine's civilian population has suffered greatly as a result of Russia's brutal war. The efforts of the Ukrainian people to deal with daily attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure have been heroic. They need our help to make it through another winter of war," Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt said at the opening of the Third Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on Ukraine in Oslo. Read also: Norway to send about 50 cargo carriers to Ukraine The meeting will focus on the difficult humanitarian situation the war in Ukraine is causing as well as look at ways to provide the right help to the civilian population at the right time. The meeting will also discuss how to implement good solutions for the transition between short-term humanitarian assistance and long-term reconstruction efforts. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has provided more than NOK 3.5 billion in humanitarian support to Ukraine and the refugee response in neighboring countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the National Council of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka at a meeting in Kyiv discussed the issue of Ukraine's European integration and overcoming the consequences of the Russian war. That's according to the press service of the head of state, Ukrinform reports. During the meeting, Zelensky thanked Austria for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its significant assistance in overcoming the consequences of the Russian war against the country. The head of state praised Austria's readiness to join the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Zelensky also briefed Sobotka on further steps in the practical implementation of the Peace Formula, including preparations for the Global Peace Summit. Both parties exchanged views on Ukraine's European integration and cooperation with Austria in this context. Zelensky spoke about the implementation of the European Commission's recommendations on the EU candidate status and emphasized the importance of adopting a positive decision on the opening of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership. "Support for Ukraine's European aspirations is very important. It is one of the factors that motivate Ukrainians who defend the state and civilized future," he said. Zelensky said Ukraine is interested in expanding the presence of Austrian businesses and implementing joint projects that will create new jobs in the country. Zelensky and Sobotka also exchanged views on current issues of cooperation in Eastern Europe. Sobotka is on a visit to Ukraine on September 26. He has already delivered his speech in the Verkhovna Rada. NAIROBI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The number of children in Kenya in residential care institutions, like charitable children foundations, is estimated to be at 45,000, said the UN Children's Fund, or UNICEF, Tuesday. Eri Mathers Suzuki, the chief of Child Protection at the UNICEF Kenya office, told a forum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that these children are separated from their parents due to poverty, parental neglect, violence at home, or abandonment. "The situation is especially dire for children with severe disabilities and those living on the streets or entangled in conflict with the law," Suzuki said during the national stakeholders' forum on sustainable childcare reform in Kenya. The two-day event brought together more than 150 delegates comprising government officials, children's rights activists and international donors to deliberate on how to enhance the well-being and safety of children across Kenya. In 2022, the Kenyan government launched the national care reform strategy that seeks to ensure that children are primarily cared for by their biological parents. Suzuki observed that any care model reliant on children growing up in institutions, no matter how well-intentioned, raises significant concerns. She revealed that studies indicate that up to 90 percent of children in residential institutions are not orphans but have at least one living parent. The UNICEF official noted since the inception of care reform efforts in Kenya, there have been notable success stories where children have been successfully reunited with their families. "Many children are now living with their biological families or kinship caregivers such as grandparents, uncles and aunties," Suzuki said. The UNICEF and Kenya's government goal is that by 2032, the majority of Kenyan children and young people will experience the happiness of growing up in safe and nurturing family-based care. Abdinoor Mohamed, chief executive officer of the state-owned National Council for Children's Services, said that children who are unable to live with their parents should be placed in alternative families or community-based care settings instead of residential care institutions. Sinotrans Limited, a subsidiary and single logistics platform for China Merchants Group, has signed an MoU with Dubai South, to establish its first Middle East logistics and e-commerce hub at the Dubai South Logistics District. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Li Xuhang, Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China in Dubai; Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; Miao Jianmin, Chairman of China Merchants Group; and Song Rong, Executive Director and President of Sinotrans Limited. It was signed by Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Dubai South Logistics District, and Pan Sansheng, General Manager of Sinotrans Overseas Development Ltd., at the China Pavilion at Expo City. Sinotrans was founded in 2002 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company offers a full range of services across three primary business segments: agency and related business, supply chain logistics and e-business, which can provide end-to-end supply chain solutions and one-stop services. Its solutions include integrating sea freight, air freight, road and rail transport, shipping agency, warehousing and distribution, and terminal services to forward clients shipments to destinations more quickly, efficiently and safely. Attracting FDI Al Zaffin said: We are pleased to sign this agreement with one of the key logistics companies in China. At Dubai South, we align with the governments vision of attracting foreign direct investments to benefit from the advanced services, state-of-the-art infrastructure and supportive government policies that Dubai offers to businesses and investors. The ecosystem at Dubai South is built to accommodate global players, and we will spare no effort in meeting the aspirations of Sinotrans to allow it to develop, thrive, and boost its growth plans. Rong said: The strategic location, advanced logistics facilities, optimal business solutions, and the capabilities of Dubai South Logistics District are in place to cater to our requirements and consolidate our objective of connecting with new markets from our first entry into the Middle East. We are confident that through our new expansion, the company provide direct and efficient logistics solutions to companies globally. Dubai South is Dubais largest single urban master development focusing on an aviation and logistics ecosystem that houses the worlds largest airport when fully operational, complemented by a multi-modal transport infrastructure connecting air, land and sea.-- TradeArabia News Service AMMAN, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Jordanian military shot down on Tuesday two drug-laden drones coming from Syrian territories. Eastern Military Region's personnel intercepted two drones carrying crystal methamphetamine in quantity, the state-run Petra news agency reported, citing a source from the Jordanian Armed Forces. The confiscated items were handed over to the relevant authorities, according to the report. The army reiterated its determination to deal with any threats on the border fronts and any attempts meant to undermine national security and intimidate its citizens, it added. Over the past few months, Jordan has downed several drones seeking to smuggle narcotics or arms into Jordanian territories. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Sept. 26, 2023. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. "On this International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, we remind ourselves of a fundamental truth: the real only way to prevent the use of nuclear weapons is to eliminate them," he told a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote this International Day. Any use of a nuclear weapon -- anytime, anywhere and in any context -- would unleash a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions, he warned. A worrisome new arms race is brewing. The number of nuclear weapons could rise for the first time in decades. Hard-won norms to prevent their use, spread and testing are being undermined. The global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture is eroding. Nuclear arsenals are being modernized to make these weapons faster, more accurate, and stealthier, he noted. Guterres called on nuclear-weapon states to meet their disarmament obligations and commit to no use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. He stressed the need to reinforce and re-commit to the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime built over the decades, which he said includes the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Guterres called for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to ease tensions and end the nuclear threat. This dialogue must extend to all categories of nuclear weapons, and must address the increasing interplay between strategic and conventional weapons, and the nexus between nuclear weapons and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Humans must always be in control of, and responsible for, any decision to use nuclear weapons, he said. "The world has spent too long under the shadow of nuclear weapons. Let's step back from the edge of disaster. Let's usher in a new era of peace for all people. Let's make history by consigning nuclear weapons to history," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Sept. 26, 2023. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Photo : David Dvoracek on Unsplash Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you realize that you've forgotten to pay an important bill, only to then be met with late fees? Admittedly, it's a scenario that many of us have faced. But what if there was a way to bid farewell to these moments of oversight and ensure that your bills are paid on time, every time? What are pre-authorized debit payments? Say hello to pre-authorized debit payments, or PAD payments for short. PAD is a payment method that allows organizations and individuals to withdraw funds directly from a payer's bank account on a regular basis, based on pre-authorized agreement. This agreement gives the payer's explicit consent for the payee to automatically deduct the specified amount from their bank account. PAD payments are most commonly used for recurring bills, subscriptions, loan repayments, insurance premiums and other ongoing financial obligations. They're also a popular choice for people who wish to automate their payments instead of paying each bill manually. Essentially, this system offers both individuals and businesses a straightforward and streamlined way to manage recurring payments. Types of PADs Personal PADs A way for individuals or organizations to authorize specific payees to directly withdraw funds from their bank accounts Business PADs With customer authorization, businesses can automatically withdraw funds for subscriptions, goods and/or services provided Cash Management PADs Allows businesses to transfer, consolidate or reposition funds between the account of one entity to another (i.e. from a parent company to its subsidiary) Can be drawn on a business account for that same business or closely-affiliated company, but the accounts are typically held at different banks Funds Transfer PADs For individuals who wish to draw on their own account to transfer funds to another account that they own at a different bank How PAD payments work The process of setting up a PAD payment is quite simple: the payer provides their banking information, including their account and transit numbers, to the payee. The payee then uses this information to initiate the PAD transaction. But before the PAD agreement goes into effect, the payer must give the payee the "go-ahead" to make withdrawals from their account. This is typically done through a signed agreement or some kind of online form. Once the PAD agreement is in place, the payee can initiate transactions on the agreed-upon dates. PAD transactions can be for fixed or variable amounts, depending on the nature of the agreement. For example, utility bills might have variable amounts based on factors like monthly water consumption, electricity usage and waste collection services. On the other hand, subscription services like gym memberships are more likely to charge a fixed monthly fee. What to include in a PAD agreement According to Payments Canada, there are mandatory elements that must be included in any PAD agreement: 1.Date of agreement and signature 2.Payer's authorization 3.PAD category (a) Personal - mortgage, rent, etc. (b) Business - lease, supplies, etc. (c) Funds transfer - retirement savings contributions 4.If amount is fixed or varied (with necessary statements and notifications) 5.Frequency of withdrawals (weekly, monthly, recurring set date, etc.) 6.Instructions on how to cancel agreement 7.Biller's contact information 8.Information on payer's recourse rights TRIPOLI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Deputy President of the Libyan Presidency Council Musa al-Koni on Tuesday met with Italian Ambassador Gianluca Alberini in the Libyan capital of Tripoli to discuss bilateral ties and issues of common interest. The Presidency Council said in a statement that during the meeting, the two officials touched upon bilateral cooperation in oil and gas and the challenges of illegal migration and combating terrorism facing Libya. Al-Koni expressed hope for promoting cooperation with Italy in developing southern Libya to safeguard the region's stability. For his part, Alberini praised the efforts of the Presidency Council towards achieving stability with national reconciliation and the unification of national institutions, saying that Italy is willing to extend help in this regard, according to the statement. He also highlighted Italy's continued technical and logistic support for Libya in the aftermath of the recent deadly floods that hit the country's eastern region. The National Institute for Security Studies and UNODC launch threat assessment of organized crime affecting Nigeria Report finds that organized crime is one of the main drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, posing an acute threat to its people, economy and environment. Abuja, September 26th, 2023 Today, the National Institute of Security Studies and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime launched their Organized Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment on the occasion of the annual conference of the Heads of Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Africa hosted this year by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Abuja. The study aims to improve our collective understanding of illegal markets in Nigeria and the structures and modus operandi of criminal groups operating in and out of the country. The report found organized crime to be one of the main drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, posing an acute threat to its people, economy and environment. Fertile ground Organized crime is a complex and diverse phenomenon. The report contains seven thematic chapters which focus on different aspects of organized crime that are present in Nigeria: cultism, maritime crime, kidnapping, the manufacturing and trafficking of illicit drugs, wildlife and forestry crimes, the trafficking in persons, and the smuggling of migrants. Nigerias strategic location along global shipping routes between the Americas, Europe and Asia, its large-scale transport infrastructure and its porous borders make it an attractive target for criminal organizations that use the country as a base and transit point for their operations. Youth unemployment and widespread multidimensional poverty provide a large pool of potential recruits for criminal organizations. Governance gaps combined with an abundance of natural resources often located in remote areas offer strong incentives for engaging in criminal activities. On the other hand, overburdened law enforcement and security agencies pose limited risks to the operations and profits of criminal organizations. A threat evolving rapidly Over the last two decades, organized crime affecting Nigeria has evolved structurally, becoming both more violent and more sophisticated. Drug markets have undergone multiple changes, with Nigeria no longer being only a transit country for cocaine and heroin but having also become a major market for drugs, in particular pharmaceutical opioids, and a producer of cannabis and methamphetamine. Maritime criminals, often referred to as pirates, are adapting their tactics to evade law enforcement efforts and increase their illicit profits. From robberies of ship stores and crews property to the hijacking of oil tankers, they now attack ships with the purpose of kidnapping crew members for ransom. Kidnapping, including both mass abductions and individual kidnapping, has become a serious driver of insecurity in Nigeria. The number of incidents doubled between 2019 and 2020, and doubled again between 2020 and 2021, with more than 400 documented incidents and 5200 victims. Over the span of just 10 years, Nigeria has become a hub and source for the illicit extraction and trafficking of wildlife and forestry products, in particular ivory, pangolin scales, and rosewood, mainly to Asian countries. Trafficking in persons stands out for the physical and psychological toll it takes on its victims, most often Nigerian women and children. Today most victims are trafficked within Nigeria and the region for sexual exploitation, forced labour or domestic servitude. Victims of trafficking continue to be rescued in Europe and the Americas and, increasingly, the Middle East and Asia. Though the number of Nigerians migrating to Europe fell significantly between 2019 and 2021, those who decide to make the journey often see no alternative to using a smuggler, due to a lack of access to travel documents or legal migration pathways. Nigerian nationals are involved in migrant smuggling at every stage of the journey: as recruiters in Nigeria, as smugglers who accompany the migrants, and as receivers in destination countries. The report also explores in detail the nature of groups dominating these criminal markets. While organized crime groups operating in Nigeria were traditionally loosely constituted networks which formed for short periods of time around powerful individuals to exploit specific criminal opportunities, there is an increasing prevalence of hierarchically structured groups with clearly established membership that outlive individual leaders, most notably cult groups. Most cults were originally established to pursue objectives of social justice, yet some have evolved over time into powerful mafia-type secret societies that control criminal markets and engage in various illegal enterprises, including extortion and all forms of trafficking. Today cults no longer limit their operations to Nigeria but have come under the radar of law enforcement in various other countries, notably in Europe. Tackling organized crime Organized crime has dire consequences for the well-being of Nigerians. It fuels political instability, threatens economic activity, deters foreign and domestic investment, and diverts resources and attention away from key sectors such as education, health and infrastructure. The report provides specific policy recommendations to help policymakers, practitioners and international partners alike in forging a coherent approach to preventing organized crime, protecting the victims, pursuing and prosecuting the actors, and promoting partnerships and collaboration. By dedicating our collective talent, energy and resources to this task, we can defeat the scourge of organized crime and give Nigeria the prosperous future it deserves, noted A.S. Adeleke, head of the National Institute of Security Studies, while presenting the report at the launch event. Contact information: Chioma Ekene-Ugwu, Communications Officer | chioma.ekene-ugwu@un.org | Tel/Whats App +234 812 172 6544 Pierre-Louis Boczmak, Policy Officer | pierre-louis.boczmak@un.org | Tel/Whats App +234 904 089 7739 Notes to editors: Download the report Organised Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment ASEAN, China, and UNODC agree to a plan of action to address criminal scams in Southeast Asia Bangkok (Thailand), 26 September 2023 Senior officials from ASEAN, China and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have agreed to address transnational organized crime and trafficking in persons associated with casinos and scams. Trafficking in persons connected to casinos and scam operations run by organized crime has mushroomed across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Mekong remarked Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative. He continued, there is an urgent need for regional cooperation to address these increasingly integrated and interlinked crimes in the region, as well as the ecosystem they exist in. Senior officials from ASEAN and China gathered together with UNODC in Bangkok to initiate the development of a strategic plan to respond. Co-chaired by the Philippines and UNODC, the plan is now finalized and will be tabled by the Philippines at the next ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC). The plan includes measures to improve preventive responses, the identification and protection of victims, and the capacities of law enforcement and criminal justice officials to investigate and cooperate. Trafficking in persons for forced criminality is just one aspect of transnational organized crime in Southeast Asia, according to a policy report also issued today by UNODC. It is often connected to the operations of border casinos, large scale money laundering, cybercrimes, and a range of other criminal offences. There have also been credible reports of torture and extortion in these operations over the past year. Organized crime groups are converging in the region where they see vulnerabilities, Douglas commented. He added, operations against syndicates in some countries like the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into places where they see opportunity - basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong. Profits of organized crime groups in the region have reached unprecedented levels, and illicit money is increasingly moving through the regional casino industry and other large cash flow businesses, including through a surge in the use of cryptocurrencies. The scam industry in one country in the region alone is estimated to generate between US $7.5 and $12.5 billion, reaching half the value of that countrys gross domestic product (GDP), the report says. The report has found that, rather than operating or hiding in the shadows, transnational organized crime groups in the region can be remarkably open, in some cases presenting themselves as legitimate business entities or even philanthropists. Some organized crime leaders have also developed alliances with influential business leaders and officials. Addressing this issue in one or a few countries domestic contexts, while necessary and welcome, will not have a significant impact, said Rebecca Miller, UNODC Regional Advisor on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling. She added, The plan the region has agreed to includes practical and targeted actions to address transnational crime comprehensively and strategically. Progress is being made, but more needs to be done and UNODC stands ready to support. Click here to read the Policy Report. Click here to view the Roadmap. Click here to learn more about UNODC's Regional Programme for Southeast Asia. Click here to learn more about UNODCs work to address human trafficking in the region. (@Abdulla99267510) Chairperson BoC Justice (retd) Muhammad Bilal Khan briefs the Board of Commissioners regarding the proceedings of the meeting convened by both interim health ministers Prof Javed Akram and Dr Jamal Nasir. LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Sept 26th, 2023) In the context of eye infections reportedly caused by the administration of Avastin injections to the patients, the board of Commissioners of the Punjab Healthcare Commission, in an emergent meeting, has directed the senior management of PHC to be in a state of preparedness for the special inspections of the hospitals where such incidents have taken place. In its 85th meeting, with Chairperson BoC Justice (retd) Muhammad Bilal Khan in the chair, a representative of the PHC, who had attended the meeting of the recently-formed committee by the government, briefed the Board of Commissioners regarding the proceedings of the meeting convened by both interim health ministers Prof Javed Akram and Dr Jamal Nasir. The BoC was informed that as per the discussions in the committee, while the issues related to import, compounding and dispensing of the dosage for eye patients, will be investigated by the committee constituted by the health department, the PHC will be investigating the practices in the hospitals in respect of administering these injections. After deliberations, the BoC directed the PHC senior management to make thorough preparations for any action, especially special inspections of the hospitals where the infections have been reported. The BoC also instructed for inspections of these healthcare establishments to ensure implementation of the minimum service delivery standards (MSDS), especially pertaining to infection protection and control, medication management, qualifications of the medics, and sterilisation of operation theatres. Pursuant to the discussion in the ministers meeting, the BoC also directed to issue an advisory for the affected patients to initiate a complaint on account of these mishaps. For this, they can also WhatsApp their complaints at 0306 0843500, and the PHC will carryout thorough investigations. (@Abdulla99267510) The PML-N's reaction comes a day after Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said stated Nawaz might face arrest at the airport if bail was not granted, referring to a past arrest upon his return in 2018. LAHORE: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Sept 26th, 2023) Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah responded to caretaker security czar Sarfraz Bugti's comments about Nawaz Sharif's potential arrest upon return. Nawaz, the former prime minister disqualified in 2017, obtained permission to travel abroad for medical treatment in November 2019. Now, he planned to return on October 21, 2023. Bugti, the caretaker interior minister, stated that Nawaz might face arrest at the airport if bail is not granted, referring to a past arrest upon his return in 2018. Sanaullah criticized Bugti's remarks, suggesting he focus on his duties rather than commenting on Nawaz. He emphasized that the people would determine Nawaz's actions upon arrival, not the interior minister. PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb also cautioned Bugti against such statements, asserting that Nawaz's post-airport plans were not his concern. In response to the PML-N leaders' criticism, Bugti clarified that his comments were taken out of context and emphasized the caretaker government's lack of a political agenda. He welcomed Nawaz's return and assured he would be treated according to the law. Kinzinger to Speak at USM University Forum Oct. 10 Tue, 09/26/2023 - 03:47pm | By: David Tisdale One of only two Republicans on the U.S. House of Representatives January 6 Committee investigating the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol will be the guest speaker at The University of Southern Mississippis (USM) next University Forum series program. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) will speak Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for An Evening with Adam Kinzinger at Bennett Auditorium on the USM Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free and the public is invited. A U.S. Air Force pilot who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, Kinzinger served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and is still an active member of the Air National Guard. In addition to his service on the January 6 Committee, His work in Congress focused on combating election disinformation, creating employment opportunities for military veterans, cutting taxes, curtailing environmental legislation, and fighting the opioid epidemic. In 2016, the popular moderate announced he would not support former President Trump, saying, I'm an American before I'm a Republican. His soon to be released autobiography is titled Renegade: My Life in Faith, the Military, and Defending America from Trump's Attack on Democracy. For 49 years, University Forum has brought speakers to campus who challenge us to be better and more informed citizens, said Dr. Andrew Haley, director of University Forum and an associate professor of history. Former Rep. Adam Kinzingers life - his military service and his time in Congress - is a powerful reminder of what is required of a citizen in a democracy. Citizens are asked to make sacrifices for the common good and make decisions, grounded in the best information available, that uphold the nations shared values. No matter your political preference, there is much to learn from Adam Kinzinger about citizenship and integrity. University Forum is presented by the USM Honors College. Learn more about University Forum or email. Part of my role is ensuring that the instrumentation, the observatory design, and the general technology is proven to enable observations as diverse as galaxies and supermassive black holes to habitable worlds, so called exoplanets, Packham, an astrophysics professor in the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy, explained. Distinct from the infrared optimized JWST, HWO will operate at similar wavelengths to those which our eyes use. Its incredibly exciting to help ensure international science frontiers will be revolutionized, enabling humanity to have a firmer understanding of our place in the universe. Packham, an expert in the study of black holes, regularly uses some of the largest telescopes on Earth, located in Hawaii, Chile and La Palma, for his research. Additionally, he co-leads GATOS, a team of international scientists that was awarded time on the JWST telescope for research on black holes in both of the first two highly competitive observing opportunities. As part of START, Packham joins a group of diverse experts in astrophysics, engineering and exoplanetary sciences that will help establish fundamental science goals for HWO and how to best accomplish them. The groups input will also serve as a critical foundation for future cosmic exploration projects. Its a thrill, privilege and honor to be part of this group of very impressive persons having these initial discussions, Packham said. What were trying to do is retire all the risks and unknowns way before we initiate the build phase. Were looking forward to aiding in a revolution of the paradigm, potentially transformative to many around the world. This is really, really exciting. The Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics 2020 (Astro 2020), a roadmap of goals for the astronomy community, proposed HWO as a top priority. To inform future flagships such as HWO, NASA established a Great Observatory Mission and Technology Maturation Program (GOMAP). GOMAP will focus on technologies NASA has previously invested, advance new and promising ones, and implement lessons learned from past missions. START and a Technical Assessment Group (TAG) will coordinate with the border science, technology and engineering community to guide the GOMAP activities for HWO. HANOI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's cashew exports are likely to strongly rebound by the end of the year after significant growth in both volume and value in the first eight months of this year, Vietnam News reported on Tuesday, citing industry insiders. According to the Vietnam Cashew Association, Vietnam exported nearly 64,000 tons of cashew nuts in August and earned 343.4 million U.S. dollars, an increase of over 38 percent in volume and nearly 32 percent in value. The cashew nut exports from January to August reached 400,000 tons in total with a value of over 2.25 billion dollars, up 16 percent and 13 percent respectively. Dang Hoang Giang, general secretary of the Vietnam Cashew Association, said foreign consumers would spend more at the end of the year despite economic difficulties, and thus the cashew industry expected exports to further increase in the rest months of the year. Pham Van Cong, chairman of the association, said it was important to strengthen promotions of Vietnamese cashews among consumers to boost exports to key markets. Vietnam has set the cashew nut export target at 3.05 billion dollars by the end of this year, which is a big challenge for the whole industry though the figure is lower than that in 2022, according to the report. 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. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday praised what he called the strong relationship between U.S. and Kenyan forces as he met with troops from the two countries at Camp Simba in Manda Bay, Kenya. You are a model of interoperability, Austin said. Youre working side-by-side every day, taking care of each other, supporting each other and youre working on some very important issues of security. The United States and Kenya signed a five-year defense agreement Monday aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts in East Africa and supporting Kenyas efforts to take the lead in a security mission to Haiti. Austin said the United States is grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world and thanked the country for its willingness to take the lead of a multinational security force to combat gang violence in Haiti. He said the Biden administration would work with Congress to secure the $100 million in funding that it pledged for the Haiti mission last week on the sidelines of the U.N General Assembly. The United States stands ready to support that important mission by providing robust financial and logistical assistance, he said. Austin urged other nations to follow Kenyas example and provide more personnel, equipment, support, training, and funding for the planned multi-national security mission to Haiti. Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to counter gang violence that has surged since the July 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The security mission, which has yet to be approved by the U.N. Security Council, was requested by Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry last October. YANGON, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A digital upskilling and reskilling course for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Lancang-Mekong region was launched under Lancang-Mekong Cooperation in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Monday. The five-day course, running from Sept. 25 to 29, is aimed at empowering MSMEs in the Mekong-Lancang region with essential digital skills. A total of 100 trainees from the ministries in Myanmar attended on the first day of the course conducted at the Ministry of Industry. "It is very important for MSMEs in Myanmar to transform into a digital economy in order to go together in the world's digital economy system. MSMEs are expected to be able to capture new opportunities through the transformation of the digital economy," said U Win Zeyar Tun, vice chair of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation National Coordination Unit Myanmar. Since the beginning of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, over 100 projects have been implemented in various fields, including this project, he said. China initiated the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund in 2016 with the aim of supporting small and medium-sized cooperation projects put forward by six Lancang-Mekong countries, namely China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. As Bangladesh moves toward the next national elections likely to be held in January opposition political parties are accusing the countrys security forces of an escalation in repression. Hundreds of thousands of leaders, activists and supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the countrys largest opposition party, have faced fictitious charges of violence, party leaders allege. Every prospective BNP general election candidate has at least dozens of cases filed against him by the police or members of the ruling party, AKM Wahiduzzaman, the BNPs information and technology affairs secretary, told VOA. The Awami League is the ruling party in Bangladesh. These ghost cases are mostly intended to keep the BNP leaders and workers away from election-related activities, Wahiduzzaman said. The cases are also aimed at getting the prospective BNP election candidates convicted by the court and disqualified for election. The government is resorting to all means to keep BNP away from election. The 2014 elections were boycotted by the BNP, and the 2018 elections were marred by widespread allegations of massive vote stuffing a charge that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly denied. BNP leaders and other critics say they fear the Awami League will rig the next election. For months, the BNP and other opposition parties have organized political rallies and demanded Hasinas resignation to make way for a nonpartisan caretaker government ahead of the next election. Hasinas government has not accepted the demand. BNP leaders allege their political rallies are being attacked by the police and armed Awami League activists, and that their leaders and supporters are being set up on spurious charges of violence and sabotage. According to the office of the BNP, between 2009 and July 2023, more than 138,000 cases were filed against more than 4 million leaders and activists of the BNP and its member organizations. Disqualified from the election BNP joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, accused in more than 450 cases, told VOA on Monday that he was in court daily. For the past three months, I have been in court from morning to evening, attending hearings of four to six cases every day. Many of my senior party colleagues are facing identical situations in court, said Sohel, who was arrested in a violence-related case and barred from contesting the 2018 general elections. Trials of about a dozen cases against him have been fast-tracked, and he said he fears being convicted and disqualified as an election candidate. At least 44 senior BNP leaders have been sent to jail, Wahiduzzaman said. In politically influenced courts, over 200 cases against senior BNP leaders have been fast-tracked. All these trials are aimed to get the accused BNP leaders convicted in coming weeks and disqualify them from the next election, he said. Bangladeshi pro-democracy activist Pinaki Bhattacharya, who is in exile in France, said Hasina has long used judicial cases based on trumped-up charges to keep her opponents away from general elections. The Bangladesh police filed many cases accusing opposition political activists of bombing different places. Later inquiries by media, private fact-finders and pro-democracy activists revealed that no bombing had taken place there at all. They even filed cases against dead people, accusing them of committing violence on the street, Bhattacharya, a popular YouTuber, told VOA. The police filed cases on trumped-up charges targeting senior opposition leaders before the 2018 general elections. They are repeating the same mischievous strategy this time so that the opposition parties cannot take part in the next elections freely. Mohammad Faruk Hossain, spokesperson for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told VOA that the police never lodge what is being called a ghost case. The police file a case against one only when it is found that the person has been involved in criminal activities. They [the opposition activists] are indulging in vandalism and arson in the name of political activities. They are also assaulting the police, Hossain said. The cases are being filed against them according to law because they are resorting to violence. Our force always works within the legal frame, he said. Free and fair elections Since 2022, the United States and other countries have been urging the Hasina government to hold the next general election in a free and fair manner. Last week, Washington announced it was taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals who are found complicit in undermining the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh. These individuals include current and former Bangladeshi officials, members of the opposition and ruling political parties, and members of law enforcement, the judiciary, and security services and members of their immediate family, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in an announcement on September 22. Hasina, in the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, said in a New York press conference in New York that if any foreign country conspired to sabotage the election in Bangladesh, people in her country would impose sanctions on that nation. It was the people of Bangladesh who voted our party to power. We indeed want the elections in Bangladesh to be free and fair, Hasina said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Hasinas government and party have already prepared a blueprint laying out how they will use the ruling party cadres and civil and police administration to conduct the election. Some days ago, the district commissioner of Jamalpur urged people openly to vote for the ruling party. In a leaked telephone conversation, the officer in charge of a police station in Rajshahi was overheard saying he had been recently posted there by a minister to ensure that the ruling party candidate won the next election, Alamgir told VOA. This is clear that the government is preparing to massively rig the next election again. If we take part in such an election, it would be like supporting a big crime, Alamgir said. Climate change is the dominant concern for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders who met with President Joe Biden Monday, while the White House focuses on other regional threats like Chinas increased ambitions on the high seas. On Monday, Biden made millions of dollars worth of commitments that will need to be approved by Congress. VOAs Anita Powell reports from Washington.] In what could be a preview of their strategies for the 2024 presidential election, both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will visit Michigan in the coming days, in connection with the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers union. Biden will travel to Michigan on Tuesday to meet with UAW workers who are picketing facilities owned by the Big Three automakers: Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Trump is expected to be in the state the following day for a rally that his campaign has said will be attended by current and former labor union members, though not necessarily members of the UAW. Both men have complicated relationships with the labor movement. Although Biden has been a longtime supporter of unions in general and has appointed a union-friendly majority to the National Labor Relations Board, some of his actions as president have angered union members. Trumps administration was distinctly less friendly to labor, but the former president still received significant support from union members in both of his previous presidential runs. With the UAW strike now in its second week, the president and the man most likely to be his opponent in next years election are focused on signaling solidarity with working-class Americans, whose political loyalties have been malleable in recent years. Union attitudes shifted Although union members were long considered a Democratic monolith when it comes to U.S. politics, the modern-day truth is more complicated. When Trump won the presidency in 2016, he did so with 43% of votes from households that included at least one labor union member, according to the Roper Center for Public Opinion Polling. Against the vocally pro-union Biden in 2020, that percentage fell to 40%, but still represented a significant slice of the union vote. There has been a trend of union workers becoming identified more often as Republican over the last 10 to 15 years, said Kevin Reuning, an assistant professor of political science at Miami University of Ohio. There is a lot more diversity among union members than people think. Reuning told VOA that even though Trump had scant history of backing unions when he first ran for election, his willingness to tear up trade agreements that union members blame for shifting manufacturing jobs overseas probably played a big role in attracting a significant share of the union vote. For example, Trump has been able to appeal to many union voters by blasting deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was signed by former Democratic President Bill Clinton. Trump doesnt have the baggage that Democrats at least some Democrats have of NAFTA. It's important to remember that a majority of Democrats voted against NAFTA back in the '90s. But it was signed by a Democratic president, and it kind of hangs over their heads still, Reuning said. UAW head partial to Biden After Trumps team made his intention to travel to Detroit public, UAW President Shawn Fain released a blistering statement indicating that the former president would not be welcomed by his organization. Every fiber of our union is being poured into fighting the billionaire class and an economy that enriches people like Donald Trump at the expense of workers, Fain said. We cant keep electing billionaires and millionaires that dont have any understanding what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to get by and expecting them to solve the problems of the working class. By contrast, the UAW head explicitly invited Biden to visit striking union members when he announced an expansion of the strike on Sept. 22. We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line from our friends and families all the way up to the president of the United States, Fain said. Still, Bidens position with unions in the U.S. may not be as strong as it once was. Some union members were upset last year when Biden signed legislation compelling railroad workers to accept a contract that their union had voted against, preventing a strike. Among the members of the UAW, Bidens push to speed the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles is seen as a threat to jobs. Some of the skilled workers who are needed to build conventional automobiles might find themselves less in demand in a world where cars run on electric motors. Historical precedent While on paper Biden may be the more pro-union candidate, there is historical precedent for candidates of the Republican Party historically more hostile to labor being able to peel off union votes in certain circumstances. In a recent article in Compact magazine, journalist and author Michael Lind observed, [P]eople work in particular industries, and even an anti-union politician can appeal to some wage-earners by promising to preserve or create jobs in the sectors in which they toil. For this reason, in the late 19th century, most factory, mine, and railroad workers supported the protectionist, pro-industry Republican party of William McKinley, in spite of the hostility to unions shared by many Republican politicians and business elites. Even former President Ronald Reagan, whose decision to fire striking air traffic control workers in 1981 earned him the enmity of many in the labor movement, was still able to secure 46% of the vote of union households when he ran for reelection three years later. Making accusations On Monday, Trump used his social media network, Truth Social, to attack Biden and to claim that the presidents decision to go to Michigan was only an attempt to play catch-up with the Trump campaign. Crooked Joe Biden, who is killing the United Autoworkers with his WEAK stance on China and his ridiculous insistence on All Electric Cars, every one of which will be made in China, saw that I was going to Michigan this week (Wednesday!), so the Fascists in the White House just announced he would go there tomorrow, Trump said. The former president went on to attack his successor for his trade policies, his electric vehicle program, and to make evidence-free allegations of corruption, and he called on UAW members to demand that the unions leadership endorse him in the upcoming presidential election. Asked if Bidens trip to Michigan was related to Trumps announced visit, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Monday said, Absolutely not. This is a decision to visit the picket line, and it was based off his own desire. This is what the president wanted to do, to stand with auto workers. Her comments echoed those of Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who appeared on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. President Biden is doing what he has always done, which is to stand with American workers, he said. He is proud of being the most pro-union, pro-worker president, not only compared to the Trump administration, with its anti-union policies, but really compared to any modern president. One of Cambodias last independent media outlets, which was shuttered earlier this year, is set to reopen in Tacoma, Washington, in the Pacific United States. Cambodian authorities revoked the license for Voice of Democracy in February in a move that shocked press freedom advocates and the media outlets journalists. But a statement on the news outlets Facebook page this month said it will relaunch with half-hour broadcasts aired on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok beginning October 2. Voice of Democracy will operate under Pa Nguon Teang, founder and former executive director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media, which managed the outlet before it was closed. He left Cambodia more than five years ago and resigned from the center in August. He told VOA Khmer he decided to resume Voice of Democracy because he saw a need for Cambodians to access accurate information and independent journalism. The relaunch will also help promote press freedom and free expression, he said. The approach of the media outlet will be the same, but Pa Nguon Teang said the journalists reporting for him will not be in Cambodia. Nop Vy, executive director of the Cambodian Journalists Alliance, or CamboJA, said that broadcasting from overseas presents challenges. Although we now have advances in technology, social media, online communication, we cannot guarantee that local people can communicate or use all of them, he said. Still, Nop Vy said, the relaunch of Voice of Democracy has been applauded by many and is seen as an opportunity for audiences to access information. Founded in 2003, the organization had been a trusted source of information until the Ministry of Information revoked its license on the orders of then-Prime Minister Hun Sen. The order was in response to the media outlet reporting on Cambodia agreeing to send $100,000 in humanitarian aid to Turkey after last weeks devastating earthquake. Voice of Democracy reported that Hun Sens son, Hun Manet, had signed an aid order on behalf of his father. Hun Manet, who in August was endorsed as Cambodias new leader, denied that was the case and demanded an apology. Voice of Democracy sent two letters to Hun Sen expressing regret and requesting forgiveness [for] any unintentional wrongdoing. The media outlet later ran a follow-up story to say that Hun Manet had denied signing the order. But the move to revoke the license remained. Ministry of Information spokesperson Tep Asnarith declined to comment on the news that Voice of Democracy will relaunch. Please be informed that the Ministry of Information has not commented on this beside the previous decision [to revoke the license], he said via Telegram. When Voice of Democracy had its license revoked, the Cambodian Center for Independent Media created a website called Kamnotra, where it republished the media outlets old articles and to navigate the data information from the Cambodia government. The center has said that while it used to oversee the media outlet, it will not be involved in the relaunch. Chhan Sokunthea, executive director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media, said that Voice of Democracy played an important role in providing accurate and independent information. She added that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are severely restricted, especially for journalists who report on issues seen as sensitive. We see that the freedom of the press in Cambodia, especially the journalists who dare to report the truth to the public, are always threatened or harassed, she said. Cambodia has a poor press freedom record, ranking 147 out of 180 on the world press freedom index, where 1 shows the best media environment. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, which compiles the index, says the countrys independent media have long faced pressure. This story originated in VOAs Khmer Service. Australias decision not to repatriate more than 30 women and children from a detention camp in northeast Syria is facing a legal challenge. The women are the wives and widows of Islamic State fighters and have been held in custody for the past four years. The charity Save the Children is taking legal action Tuesday in Federal Court against Australias Home Affairs Department, demanding the return of the Australian citizens and their children. Campaigners have insisted the group's detention is unlawful. Many of the women have insisted they were coerced or forced into traveling to Syria. Most of their husbands are dead or in prison. Campaigners have argued the children living in the detention camp in Syria are in 'grave danger. Mat Tinkler, the head of Save the Children Australia, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the youngsters need to be brought home immediately. I know first-hand from having been there this is one of the worst places in the world to be a child," Tinkler said. "These people are living in the Syrian desert. The temperatures are extraordinary; the heat of the summer, the freezing cold of the winter. (There is) very limited access to healthcare for the children. Many of them are suffering from significant medical conditions that have not been treated adequately. So, there is no good reason why they remain there in our view. The detainees have been living in the camp in northeastern Syria since the Islamic State militant group was defeated in 2019. Earlier this year, several western countries, including France, Canada and the United States, repatriated citizens from Syria. Last year, the Canberra government brought home 17 Australian citizens from the camp but it is refusing to bring any more home. Those who have been repatriated are reported to be settling in to life in Australia. Officials have said previously that extensive support services would help them reintegrate into Australia. The Australian government has argued it does not have control over the women and children and that the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria holds complete and unfettered discretion on repatriations. Authorities in China have ordered a senior Nomura Holdings banker overseeing the Japanese firm's investment banking operations there not to leave the mainland, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. The ban comes as concerns grow among Western businesses about darkening prospects in the world's second-largest economy at a time of slowing growth, coupled with new laws that make for tougher operating conditions. Charles Wang Zhonghe, China investment banking chairman at Nomura, is prohibited from traveling outside the mainland, said the sources, who sought anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to media. It was not immediately clear when the exit ban took effect. Wang was based in Hong Kong, his LinkedIn profile showed, though his nationality was not immediately known. A Tokyo-based spokesperson for Nomura declined to comment. Wang did not respond to a Reuters request for comment sent via the LinkedIn social network. The Financial Times newspaper, which first reported the matter, citing sources, said the ban was connected to China's investigation into top tech dealmaker Bao Fan and his former colleague Cong Lin. Beijing is investigating Cong, former president of China Renaissance Holdings, which resulted in the investment bank's founder Bao being taken away in February, a development that stunned the business community. Cong was believed to be facing investigation for suspected wrongdoing while he was chief executive of ICBC International, a unit of state-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC), Reuters and some media said in February. Nomura's Wang had an overlap with Cong at the unit from 2011 to 2016, his LinkedIn page shows. Wang is assisting the authorities with their investigation of Cong, for which he needs to stay on the mainland, one of the sources said. Asked why the Nomura banker was barred from leaving, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said he did not have knowledge of the situation at a regular news briefing on Monday. Wang added, "I would like to reiterate that China has always been committed to providing a market-oriented, legalized and internationalized business environment for foreign enterprises to operate legally." Earlier this year, foreign firms were rattled by Chinese authorities' raids on U.S. consultancy firms Bain & Company and Mintz Group. Last month, Beijing fined Mintz about $1.5 million for doing "unapproved statistical work." Scores of Chinese and foreigners have been ensnared by exit bans, rights group Safeguard Defenders says in a new report. A Reuters analysis has found an apparent surge of court cases involving such bans in recent years, and foreign business lobbies are voicing concern about the trend. The European Union trade chief said on Monday the bloc had no intention of cutting ties with China even as it takes steps to lower economic dependencies and "de-risk," but China "could do a lot" to help reduce the perception of risk. Wang, who joined Nomura in 2018 after having worked at Deutsche Bank and Chinese brokerage Zhong De Securities, besides ICBC, recently attended work events on the mainland, the second source added. In August last year, he was also appointed as chairman of Nomura Orient International Securities, the bank's majority-owned securities business headquartered in the commercial hub of Shanghai. It wasnt the deadliest attack in Europe linked to the Islamic State group, but it was among the most disturbing: One evening in 2016, an assailant killed two police officers in their family home, in front of their 3-year-old son. On Monday, a trial opened in a French counterterrorism court over the attack in the Paris suburb of Magnanville. The attacker, Larossi Abballa, was shot to death by police. According to court documents, he told police negotiators that he was responding to an IS leaders call to kill miscreants at home with their families. A childhood friend of Abballas, Mohamed Aberouz, is on trial for complicity to terrorism-related murder, complicity to kidnapping and terrorist conspiracy. Aberouz, who says he is innocent, faces up to life in prison if convicted. The killings came amid a wave of attacks in France linked to the Islamic State group and had a lasting effect on police officers around France. Some moved, changed services or resigned to protect their loved ones after the Magnanville killings. All of us are watching this trial, Denis Jacob, general secretary of the police union Alternative Police Nationale, said on BFM television as the trial began. According to court documents, Abballa broke into the home of police officers Jessica Schneider and Jean-Baptiste Salvaing before they returned from work. When Schneider came home, Abballa slit her throat in the living room, with the child present. Salvaing texted her from the office to say, Im leaving, documents say. There was no response. He was stabbed upon arriving home. Neighbors called police and the attacker said he was holding the couples 3-year-old hostage, according to the documents. He told a negotiator from a special police unit that he acted because the French government was preventing the faithful from joining the caliphate and stressed that he had not targeted civilians but representatives of the French state. Police stormed the home, killed Abballa and rescued the child. The boy, now 10, has been raised by family members since, and is not expected to appear at the trial. After more than five years of investigation and multiple arrests, only Aberouz is facing trial. Charges were initially brought against two others but later dropped. Aberouz, now 30, was arrested a year after the events, when his DNA was found on the victims computer. Taking the stand at the start of Monday's trial, he told the court, I want to express all my compassion for the families of victims, according to public broadcaster France-Info. He condemned Abballa's actions and insisted on his own innocence. I hope to be listened to during the trial, he said. Aberouz initially disputed connections to IS, before acknowledging that the group corresponded to his convictions while denouncing its extremist methods, according to the court documents. He maintains that he never went to the police couples home or helped in preparing the attack. He said the DNA found in the victims home could have been the result of his shaking hands with Abballa or riding in his car in the days before the attack. Aberouzs lawyer, Vincent Brengarth, said he would plead for acquittal. There is no message in which he talks about an attack, he told The Associated Press. Aberouz was already sentenced to prison in another terrorism case, for his role in a failed gas canister attack near Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Police hope that the Magnanville attack trial sheds light on the preparations for the attack and the methods used by those who plot to attack police officers. A verdict is expected Oct. 10. Sitting in a row as the sun beats down, more than a dozen men fish from a small peninsula that has emerged along the Jhelum, one of the major rivers in Indian Kashmir. From heavy rains and flash floods earlier this year to a heat wave in September that saw temperatures in the Kashmir Valley hit peaks not seen in more than a century, the impact of the extremes of climate change are surfacing, sometimes in unexpected places. I had never set foot on the riverbed before. This is the first time all of us are witnessing the lowest water level of the Jhelum, said Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, a local produce salesman. People are engaging in various activities on the exposed surface of the river that looked threatening a few months ago. Three months ago, the Jhelums banks expanded beyond its capacity due to excessive rainfall until the last week of May. The continuous rise of the rivers water level then created panic among residents who worried that the region might see extreme flooding similar to summer 2014 when hundreds were killed and nearly a million were displaced. Dar said that after the floods in June and July, it was like the sun was reborn in August and September. Rivers, canals and streams have dried up, he said, adding that Kashmir now needs more rain. The absence of rainfall and the heat wave caused a scarcity of water in different parts of the valley, including some areas of the capital city, Srinagar. People from multiple villages through the Kashmir Valley collected contaminated water to drink. Our area already faces [a] shortage of drinking water, but this year, our problem multiplied as we faced [an] acute water shortage. We collected contaminated water from a stream and utilized it for consumption, Farooq Ahmad, a resident of the Nasirpora area of Budam district, told VOA. The water from the stream was filtered and later on boiled so that we can consume it, he said, adding that villagers requested the Jal Shakti Department a government agency that ensures a clean water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes to send water tankers to the village. But no one cared. In a recent interview with the English daily newspaper Greater Kashmir, Ashok Kumar Gandotra, chief engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, admitted that local residents are facing a drinking water crisis. Most of the sources, including the mighty River Jhelum, have almost dried up, Gandotra said. People are facing a crisis. When there is a problem in the source, how can there be no problem? he said, adding that the department is trying to meet the requirement by supplying water through tankers where there is acute storage. Aijaz Rasool, an environmentalist, attributes the rise in temperature in the Himalayan region to climate change and global warming. He noted that in September, the Kashmir Valley recorded its second hottest day for that month in 132 years, when the temperature rose to 34.2 degrees Celsius on September 12. Average temperatures in September are typically between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. Kashmir is located between two Himalayan ranges the Karakoram on the Afghanistan side and the Hindukush on the Indian side and both regions are experiencing the impact of climate change and global warming, Rasool told VOA. Glaciers are melting, rivers and streams are drying up, and our water reservoirs are getting depleted. As a result, our valley is suffering on multiple fronts. Rasool said developed and developing countries must find a way to collaborate to combat climate change and global warming. The 2015 Paris Agreement set a goal to limit the increase of global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius. According to the United Nations World Meteorological Organization, temperatures between June and August of this year were the hottest three months ever recorded. As far as our region is concerned, each individual has to play a role, along with the government, to save and conserve our water bodies such as lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, whose hydrological cycle is presently disturbed, Rasool said. Jhelum today no longer poses the flood risk it did in 2014, Rasool said, pointing out that current water levels have reached a 70-year low. Kashmirs heat wave has also damaged the horticultural and agricultural sectors, especially cash crops such as apples and saffron, considered the backbone of Jammu and Kashmirs economy. Khurshid Malik, an apple trader and farmer, told VOA that the drought ruined more than half of his crops. Apples need temperatures to stay between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius in order to maintain perfect color and size. If the temperature crosses 30 degrees Celsius, rainfall is a must, otherwise the apples will catch different kinds of diseases, including scab, and the fruit size will be small, Malik said. I believe more than 50% of the apple crop has got damaged, which surely will impact the livelihood of many people. Sonam Lotus, director of the Meteorological Department of Jammu and Kashmir, told VOA that while the heat wave lasted for 15 days until September 20, relief is on the horizon. The lower regions also received rain yesterday, and it is expected that the temperature will decrease in the coming days, he said. Wednesday, Republican presidential candidates will spar in their second debate. The venue chosen for the debate brings back the views of a former president who still serves as a conservative model to the party. VOAs Senior Washington Correspondent Carolyn Presutti brings us this debate preview. The elevation of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership shows an increasing level of shared interests between the two countries. But the enhanced ties do not mean Hanoi is drifting away from Beijing, its traditional partner, analysts say. The two countries upgraded their bilateral ties when U.S. President Joe Biden met with Vietnamese Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi in early September. Between July 25, 2013, and September 10, 2023, the countries had characterized their relationship as a comprehensive partnership, a lower level of diplomatic engagement. The two leaders underscored the need to continue deepening political and diplomatic relations, and will promote regular exchanges of delegations and engagements at all levels to strengthen mutual understanding and build and enhance political trust, the White House said in a statement about Biden and Trongs meeting September 10 in Hanoi. The diplomatic upgrade reflects a shared perception by Washington and Hanoi that both will benefit from enhanced cooperation as Beijing becomes increasingly aggressive in the region, according to analysts and independent news outlets. The New York Times described China as an important subtext for the upgrade, as Biden works to establish a network of partnerships in the region to counter aggressive action by China. Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at the ISEASYusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, told The Guardian newspaper: The influence of China cannot be overlooked. Vietnam is among the few nations in Asia prepared to challenge Chinas regional ambitions, all while maintaining open lines of communication with Beijing. The comprehensive strategic partnership is Hanois highest level of diplomatic engagement with foreign countries. The upgrade places Washington on par with Beijing in its diplomatic ties with Hanoi, which established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China in 2008. Vietnam, a communist country, also has comprehensive strategic partnerships with Russia, India and South Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called on the United States to "abandon hegemony and Cold War thinking" in her response to the Vietnam-U.S. upgrade, as reported by Reuters. "We demand that the United States, when dealing with relations with Asian countries, must respect the common aspiration of regional countries for stability, cooperation, and development, abide by the basic norms of international relations," Mao said on September 11. Balancing act Analysts say the new partnership is a remarkable improvement in U.S.-Vietnam ties, but it should not be seen as Hanois attempt to distance itself from Beijing to align with Washington. Nguyen Hong Hai, a senior lecturer of politics, social change and international relations at Hanois Vin University, said the elevation of ties means Hanoi will engage in a balancing act between Washington and Beijing. No matter how close Vietnam leans toward the U.S., the relations between Vietnam and China will not fundamentally change unless China changes it themselves, Hai said in an email to VOA Vietnamese on September 17. He added that Hanoi will do its best to balance ties with Washington and Beijing to avoid being injured by their strategic rivalry, drawing from its painful experience of siding with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The best way for Vietnam to navigate this strategic rivalry is not becoming dependent on any powers, both politically and economically, he said. Zachary Abuza, a Southeast Asia expert and professor at the National War College in Washington where he focuses on Southeast Asian politics and security issues, agreed. He said the elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties does not reflect a fundamental change in relations or orientation in Hanois foreign and security policies. The two countries have drawn closer mainly on the economic front, Abuza said. VOA Vietnamese reached out to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask what the highest-level ties with the U.S. means for its security but did not receive a response. Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung told Tuoi Tre daily newspaper that Vietnam wants to build good ties with all powers rather than picking sides. The elevation of ties with the U.S. serves Vietnams highest strategic interest of peace, stability and development, Dung was quoted as saying by Tuoi Tre. Washington rejected the notion that Beijing was a key factor in upgrading ties with Hanoi. Theres intrinsic value in the U.S. relationship with Vietnam, Marc Knapper, U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, told VOA Vietnamese. Speaking last week during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs visit to the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, the ambassador told VOA Vietnamese the two countries are aligned on goals such as net zero emissions for Vietnam. Biden and Trong did not cite China directly during their meeting, nor did their joint statement name China. Growing concern The leaders statement, however, expressed unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, in what appeared to be a reference to Chinas aggressive behavior in the resource-rich South China Sea. Knapper said the U.S. wants to ensure that no country can change the status quo in the South China Sea unilaterally, and that no country is being pressured or bullied into making unwanted decisions. We want to ensure Vietnams Coast Guard has the means to defend its interests at sea, he said. Analysts say the new partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam is unlikely to change Beijings behavior in the South China Sea. China has the military and economic strength to do what it wants, and it knows that Vietnam will not ally with the U.S. against it, said Bill Hayton, associate fellow with the Asia-Pacific program at Chatham House in London. In August, China published a new national map reasserting sovereignty over nearly the entire waters, drawing strong protests from its neighbors, including Vietnam. PHNOM PENH, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will pay his first official visit to Cambodia on Sept. 28, Cambodia's foreign ministry announced in a press statement on Tuesday. During his one-day visit to Phnom Penh, Srettha and Hun Manet will hold bilateral talks aimed at charting a course of action to further deepen and expand the extensive spectrum of mutually beneficial ties under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, the statement said. "They will also exchange views on regional and international issues of shared interest and concern," the statement added. In addition, the two leaders will take part in a handover ceremony for the Transit and Reception Center for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups in Poipet City, part of a bilateral cooperation initiative, it added. A Hong Kong court has sentenced Ronson Chan, the head of a journalists' association, to five days in prison for obstructing police. The ruling Monday on Chan, who chairs the Hong Kong Journalists Association, was condemned by media analysts as showing a further decline in press freedom in the region. It came as media organizations called on authorities to free former Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai, who marked 1,000 days in prison Tuesday. In Chan's case, undercover police briefly detained him last September after he refused to hand over the identity card that all Hong Kong residents must carry. The journalist told the court earlier that he had asked the police officer for her warrant card before complying. A government spokesperson told VOA on Tuesday that the officer involved did show Chan her warrant card. Leung Ka-kie, the magistrate hearing Chan's case, said that a fine for the incident would not reflect the gravity of the offense and that Chang had shown no remorse. The journalist was released on $3,800 bail and ordered to surrender his travel documents. In comments to reporters after the hearing, Chan said the verdict was not a surprise. "Everyone can see how the court views the case. I think justice is in our heart," he said. Chan said he hoped journalists could "stand firm" in their duty to cover news for Hong Kong. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the ruling as another "deliberate humiliation to the freedom of the press in Hong Kong." "The court decision gives grounds to Hong Kong police's harassment of journalists who are simply doing their job and shows how intolerant the Hong Kong government is towards the press," said Iris Hsu, CPJ's China representative. Chung Kim-wah is a former assistant professor at the Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Chung told VOA the case is a "reflection of the decline of press freedom and freedom of speech in Hong Kong." He added that the action appeared to be "a deliberate attempt to disturb a reporter." Separately, the government spokesperson denied that the prosecution and conviction were related to the employment of the defendant or the freedom of the press. The spokesperson said that because the proceedings are still active, "we are not in a position to comment." The court hearing came as international media organizations called for Britain to help secure the release of Jimmy Lai, the 75-year-old publisher and British citizen currently imprisoned in Hong Kong. Lai is awaiting trial under Hong Kong's national security law. He stands accused of sedition and collusion with foreign agents with charges alleging he committed the crimes through his journalism and pro-democracy activism. If convicted in that case, the founder of the now shuttered Apple Daily could face life in prison. In its email, the government spokesperson referred VOA to a statement issued by Hong Kong authorities. The statement "strongly condemned and opposed the misleading and slanderous remarks by various overseas organizations and media against the law enforcement actions and legal proceedings in respect of the cases involving Lai Chee-ying (Jimmy Lai) which constitute blatant political interference in the internal affairs of [Hong Kong] and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR." Analysts say Hong Kong has seen an "unprecedented" setback in press freedoms since it enacted the national security law in 2020. Authorities say the law was needed to restore stability, but analysts say it has created a repressive environment for media. Hong Kong ranks 140 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, where 1 shows the best environment for media. Reporters Without Borders, which compiles the index, says dozens of journalists have been detained since the law was passed, and several media outlets have closed. The authorities' statement said that residents have fundamental rights and freedoms but "such rights and freedoms are not absolute." Journalists, the statement said, "have an obligation to abide by all the laws." Iris Tong contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from Reuters. The United States says the Biden administration will seek to secure $100 million in funding for a U.N. mission to Haiti. Thousands of ethnic Armenians have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; what does it mean for the region? Emergency services worldwide are racing to recruit thousands of new volunteers. A journalist who ran a community Facebook news page was killed in the northern Mexico border town of San Luis Rio Colorado on Monday, when he was apparently caught in the crossfire of an attack aimed at police. Jesus Gutierrez ran Notiface Prensa Digital De San Luis, a Facebook page that included recommendations for local businesses as well as local news stories. Notiface confirmed his death, writing in a tribute "we think they killed the best journalist." Prosecutors in the northern border state of Sonora said Gutierrez was talking with the police officers, who were his neighbors, when they were hit by a hail of gunfire, killing one policeman and wounding the other three. They said Gutierrez's death was "collateral" to the attack on the police. San Luis Rio Colorado, located across from Yuma, Arizona, is best known as a border town where Americans go for inexpensive prescriptions and dental work. But it has increasingly been hit by drug cartel violence. At least three other journalists have been killed so far this year in Mexico, which has become one of the deadliest places in the world for journalists outside a war zone. In the past five years alone, the Committee to Protect Journalists documented the killings of at least 52 journalists in Mexico. Last year, Mexico was one of the deadliest places in the world for journalists, second only to Ukraine. Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Tuesday that a counterterrorism operation resulted in the arrest of four regional Islamic State-affiliated operatives. The areas counterterrorism department said the operation was carried out in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It identified the detainees as Afghan nationals associated with Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K. The statement said that the men plotted attacks in the city, targeting members of religious minorities and security forces. IS-K took credit for a suicide bombing of a minority Shiite mosque in Peshawar in January of this year, killing nearly 100 worshipers. Tuesday's arrests came hours after the military said its forces had raided a suspected "terrorist" hideout near the Afghan border and killed three militants in the ensuing clashes. A key militant commander was said to be among those killed in the pre-dawn raid in the Khyber border district, a former stronghold of the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The group, known as the Pakistani Taliban, routinely carries out attacks against security forces, mainly in districts lining the border with Afghanistan and elsewhere in Pakistan. Stepped up attacks by the TTP and other insurgent groups in Pakistan this year have killed hundreds of people, mostly members of the security forces. The military has confirmed the deaths of at least 220 soldiers. Pakistan says the TTP operates out of bases in Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover of the neighboring country two years ago has emboldened the militants to intensify cross-border terrorism, allegations de facto Afghan authorities reject. "We have a concern because groups like TTP do reside on Afghan soil. There are training camps on their soil, which is a concern for us," Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Kakar said in an interview aired on Monday. "But whether it is all intentional, does it enjoy the patronage of that government, that remains to be seen," he told the Turkish TRT channel. The Philippine coast guard said it removed a Chinese floating barrier that blocked access to a disputed South China Sea lagoon. A coast guard statement said it conducted a special operation to remove the barrier, which China put in place last week. The Philippine coast guard also released a video showing a diver using a knife to cut a rope attached to buoys. The action followed a statement by Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, who said Chinas barrier violated traditional Filipino fishing rights. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Tuesday advised the Philippines not to provoke or seek trouble. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Monday the disputed waters are Chinese territory. China seized control of the Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines in 2012 and claims sovereignty over most of the resource-rich South China Sea. Competing claims include those from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters Ukraine said Tuesday that Russian forces used 38 drones to attack the country overnight, and that some made it past Ukrainian air defenses and caused damage at a port in the Odesa region. Oleh Kiper, the governor of Odesa, said on Telegram that the Russian attack damaged port infrastructure in the Izmail area, which is a key part of Ukrainian grain exports on the Danube river. Kiper said the attack injured two people and damaged more than 30 vehicles. Ukraines air force said it destroyed 26 of the 38 Iranian-made Shahed drones deployed by Russia. In the Kherson region in southern Ukraine, officials said the Russian attack overnight injured at least four people. The governor of Russias Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, said Tuesday that a Ukrainian drone dropped an explosive on an electricity substation, knocking out power to several villages. Roman Starovoit said on Telegram there were no reported injuries from the attack. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. A Russian court on Tuesday rejected Kremlin critic Alexey Navalnys appeal against a decision to imprison him on extremism charges for almost two decades. On August 4, judges of the Moscow City Court convicted Navalny on extremism charges and sentenced him to 19 years in prison, ruling that his previously handed prison sentences will be served concurrently in Russia's harshest prison regime. Navalny, his allies, rights groups and Western governments say all charges are politically motivated. The first appeals court in Moscow upheld the sentence on Tuesday at a hearing held behind closed doors. Only the reading of the verdict was public. Navalny, who has accused the Kremlin of seeking to keep him behind bars for life and to keep Russians from voicing dissent, participated in the proceedings via video link. The charges against Navalny are widely seen as retribution for his efforts to expose what he describes as the pervasive lawlessness, corruption and repression by President Vladimir Putin and his political system. Navalny was Russia's loudest opposition voice over the last decade and galvanized huge anti-government rallies before he was jailed. The 47-year-old threatened the Kremlin by establishing a network of political offices across the country and a corruption watchdog that brought credible graft allegations against political elites. He was jailed in 2021 after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he had been recovering from a poisoning attack he blamed on the Kremlin. The ruling last month came a year and a half into Russia's invasion in Ukraine, which brought with it an unprecedented crackdown on dissenting voices. Navalny has repeatedly spoken out against the military campaign. Navalny, who has complained of a series of health complications and undertook a weekslong hunger strike is being held in the IK-6 penal colony, 250 kilometers (155 miles) east of Moscow. Allies say his health has taken a further hit in recent months, during which he has been in and out of solitary confinement. Ahead of the appeal, prison authorities placed Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said. In August the court also ruled to send Navalny to a special regime colony, a maximum-security facility reserved for dangerous criminals that will cut him off from the outside world. The special regime prison is a system in which inmates stay in cells either alone, in pairs or in fours. The cells have additional metal bars on windows and doors, nonstop lighting, and video surveillance. Inmates can request one or two hours of walking outside in specially fenced cubes where there is no direct sunlight. Special regime inmates are not allowed to communicate with friends or relatives and can have no visits in the first 10 years of their sentences. Some information came from Agence France-Presse. South Korea's constitutional court ruled on Tuesday the ban on sending propaganda leaflets to North Korea was unconstitutional, striking down a law passed in 2020 by the liberal party of then-President Moon Jae-in, who sought better ties with Pyongyang. The law, which subjects violators to up to three years in prison or $22,210 in fines, had come under intense criticism from rights activists and conservative lawmakers as a violation of free speech rights. The 7-2 found that a clause in the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act banning the distribution of leaflets excessively limited freedom of speech, the Court said in a summary of the ruling. The clause characterized the sending of leaflets as a potential cause of danger and serious harm to South Korean citizens, especially those who live near the border in the event North Korea retaliated by force. The court's decision to nullify the law takes effect immediately. Groups run by North Korean defectors and other campaigners had sent anti-Pyongyang leaflets, alongside food and USB sticks containing South Korean news and dramas, into the North, usually by balloons or in bottles on border rivers. The leaflets were often printed on small plastic bags, which are known to be coveted by North Koreans, with messages harshly critical of the North Korean leadership and news and information about the democratic South. North Korea reacted angrily to the practice and denounced it as an obstacle to better relations between the two Koreas. Some residents of border towns also criticized the action as stoking tension and putting their safety at risk. Thailand's new prime minister has vowed to permit the use of cannabis for medical purposes only, a little more than year after his country became the first in Asia to decriminalize weed. Some advocates in Thailand warn that banning the leisure use of marijuana could be chaotic and costly, while others say it could help bring order to the rapidly expanding industry. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had this blunt response when asked about the future of cannabis in Thailand. "For medical reasons only," he told Bloomberg. "We need the law. We need to rewrite. We have an agreement among all the 11 parties that this will be this government's policy, because the problem about drugs has been widespread lately. It will be regulated for medical use." When asked if cannabis could be regulated for leisure use, the prime minister sharply responded, "No." Srettha heads the Pheu Thai party and an 11-party coalition that leads Thailand's government. He says the coalition will introduce legislation within the next six months. The prime minister is not the only one who has voiced concern. The Center for Addiction Studies also recently called for recreational cannabis to be banned, The Bangkok Post reported. Plans to restrict the use of cannabis have prompted a mixed reaction in Thailand. Kitty Chopaka, a cannabis activist in Thailand, owns a small cannabis shop in Bangkok called Chopaka. Her store sells more than 50 cannabis strains that have different potencies and effects and caters to both Thai and foreign customers. She said she's hopeful the prime minister's comments are not to be taken literally. "What I hope it meant was that he will get rid of all those places that don't have any licenses or get rid of all illegal cannabis ... coming in from over the borders. Rather than focusing on preying on the poor and starting a war on cannabis just as much as the war on drugs," she told VOA. Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis for medical use in 2018. But it wasn't until June 2022 that Thailand's Food and Drug Administration officially delisted cannabis that does not exceed 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, from the country's narcotics list, legalizing possession, cultivation, distribution, consumption and sales. Since then, more than 1 million people have registered with the Thai government to grow the plant. Earlier this year, the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated the cannabis sector could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. Now, with the cannabis market in limbo, the economic potential for Thailand may be significantly reduced. But Jayne MacDougall, the executive director of the Phuket Hotels Association, says the regulation of cannabis will benefit tourism. "As an association, we believe to regulate the use of cannabis for medical purposes will strengthen tourism for health and wellness and support Phuket's place as a wellness hub. The availability of cannabis without regulation undermines this objective," she told VOA. "This will not be a significant factor in the rebound of tourism, nor will it be reflected in hotel bookings. We believe tourists will see this as a responsible move on the part of the Thai government that will benefit both tourism and a large community," she said. Tourism is one of the pillars of Thailand's economy. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it contributed 11.5% to Thailand's GDP. Thailand expects 28 million international arrivals by the end of this year. But Rattapon Sanrak, founder and president of Highland Network, a cannabis organization in Thailand, says regulating cannabis this way will disrupt Thai livelihoods. "How many lives would be disrupted? How many people would face legal consequences? How many jobs would be lost? The subsequent criminal activity resulting from these impacts would be significant," he told VOA. The Highland group runs the Highland Cafe in Bangkok. It is one of nearly 6,000 weed establishments that have opened throughout the country in the past year, with over 1,200 in the Thai capital alone. "Everything has progressed so far that it's become a rapidly expanding industry with a lot of people and investment involved. It's hard to imagine what would happen if the government were to put cannabis back on the controlled substances list today. Doing something like this doesn't solve any problems, it just pushes cannabis back underground, leading to one word: chaos." Tanaset Chodchinnapath and Kittichot Vasana co-manage Jackson Farm, a small cannabis farm in the Bangkok suburbs. They sell their product to licensed cannabis stores in the city, and Chopaka is one of their customers. Although Kittichot says there is concern about a cannabis ban, he says selling their homegrown cannabis for medical use will still benefit them. "We worry a bit. If cannabis becomes illegal, the underground growers will maybe have more profit," he told VOA. "Legal cannabis in Thailand has imported products from the USA, and Europe, and that product cuts our price down. It's not good. If we legalize cannabis, but if we have to improve [our cannabis] for medical purposes, [I think] it will be better. We can grow to sell our products to doctors, for the medical use," he added. Activist Kitty Chopaka says she wants cannabis to be viewed differently. "I like the idea of cannabis being in the realm of self-care. It's not recreational. It's not medical. It can be something that can be consumed depending on what kind of ailments or what uncomfortableness you have," she said. But if a ban does come into effect, she admits her suppliers and her own family will take a hit financially. "For the shop we have eight employees that are on our social security. I support over 50 farms in my shop, and one farm usually equates to a minimum of one to five families," she said. "For just one shop, we already have 100 lives that this will involve. And I will have to rethink where I send my children to school. Because right now, cannabis is the thing that is paying my kids' tuition." Just weeks ago, Abdessamad Elgzouli earned a living introducing tourists to the rugged beauty of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains and the ethnic Amazigh, or Berbers, who live here. Today, Elgzouli has a new vocation: organizing a tent camp in the town of Amizmiz, for hundreds left homeless by this month's earthquake. "For me, the past is gone," Elgzouli said as he surveyed his home, deeply fissured but still standing. "I live for today." The 6.8 magnitude quake on September 8 killed nearly 3,000 people, flattened mountain villages and demolished schools, hospitals and homes in the five provinces hardest hit. In a matter of seconds, it also wiped out a flourishing tourist economy that amounted to a windfall for this poor and underdeveloped slice of Morocco. Now, the region faces the difficult job of rebuilding as winter looms, and harsh weather promises to complicate recovery and intensify hardship for thousands of Moroccans living in tents perched high in the mountains. While the government has pledged $11.7 billion to help more than 4 million earthquake-affected people rebuild, experts suggest the fallout could be steep. Earlier this month, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated the quake exacerbating a broader economic contraction could cost Morocco up to 8% of its GDP this year. The quake also has taken on a political edge, as the Moroccan government accepted aid from only a few countries, declining offers from regional rival Algeria and former colonial power France. Critics suggest authorities were slow to respond. Morocco's king, Mohammed VI, was in Paris when the quake struck. Only a few days later did he visit a hospital in the nearby city of Marrakech, which was damaged by the quake. Authorities rebut the criticism, and Moroccans interviewed expressed pride in the king and their country's response. They point to the mountains of clothes, blankets, food and medications donated by citizens across the country, and in the diaspora. War zone "This is the way Moroccans have always been," said Anis Beri, an economics student from the northern city of Meknes, who came to the High Atlas region to join the earthquake response. Nearby, half a dozen men tossed donated rugs and mattresses from a large truck into a barbed-wire enclosure. The bedding would later be transported up narrow mountain roads to quake-affected villages, where many homes are now rubble. Fruit and vegetable seller Abdeslam Stuti flashed a peace sign at a picture of the king, plastered on one side of a truck. "We came with eight trucks full of everything people need," he said, describing a 900-kilometer journey from Morocco's northern coast to support earthquake survivors. He praised the police and gendarmes for providing logistics and escorts along the way. Bigger challenges lie ahead. Amizmiz a jumping off point for mountain tourist treks looks like a war zone. Residents pick their way through piles of rubble that pockmark many streets. On one, the pink shell of a coffee shop is bent skyward. But a honey store up the road is intact, bees buzzing over golden pots once sold to locals and tourists alike. The Al-Haouz province where Amizmiz sits, the epicenter of the quake, counts among the 15 poorest in the country. In a region where subsistence agriculture remains a top source of income and homes are still built with clay bricks tourism has been a boon. "Tourism was helping this area to develop," tour guide Elgzouli said. "It's been good business." Then came COVID-19. Amizmiz craftsman Ahmed Lawza, who sells silver-decorated furniture and mirrors to tourists, was forced to close shop. He worked in marble quarries to make ends meet. Since the earthquake, he said, "work has stopped again." Tough times ahead "The impact is going to be big enormous," predicted Bruno Dubois-Roquebert, the owner of Maroc Lodge, a boutique hotel in Amizmiz, of the economic toll. "For [a] certain period of time there will be no tourists. It will take some time before they come back." The quake damaged or destroyed many area hotels. But Maroc Lodge escaped intact. Dubois-Roquebert, a Frenchman who was born and raised in Morocco, credits sound building. On a recent day, he and friends loaded vehicles and navigated steep hairpin turns to donate bedding to families of staff living in a remote mountain hamlet. "They have everything they need for the short term," he said. "But we must not abandon these people. Because tomorrow is going to be very hard." Tour guide Elgzouli shares that sentiment. He and his family sleep outside, fearful of aftershocks. Soon after the quake, he began organizing the sprawling tent camp, which sits across from his house. Friends and clients have contacted him, offering support. "People need me. I'm doing my best to help," he said. Elgzouli is thankful his family is alive ... and for another gift. The earthquake that struck late on a Friday night knocked out the neighborhood's power. "For the first time here," he said, "I saw the stars." NEW DELHI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Over 50 students were injured on Tuesday during massive protests against the killing of two students in India's northeastern state of Manipur, local media reports said. According to officials on Tuesday, hundreds of students in Imphal took to the streets to protest against the brutal murder of two students by suspected armed men, demanding justice for the victims. The government forces used tear gas shells and smoke bombs and resorted to baton charging to disperse the crowd. The police action left dozens of protesters injured, who were rushed to the hospital. The protests were triggered after the photos of the bodies of a 17-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man surfaced on social media. The students went missing in July during the peak of ethnic violence in the state. The Manipur government has asked people to exercise restraint and allow authorities to investigate the killing of the duo. In a statement issued by the secretariat of the chief minister late on Monday night, the state government said the case has already been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Volker Turk, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, is calling for international action to bring an end to the increasingly brutal, repressive regime of Myanmars military, which toppled the countrys democratically elected government February 1, 2021. In a report submitted Tuesday to the U.N. Human Rights Council, the U.N. rights chief warned that Myanmars military junta has further expanded its assault against the civilian population. The report covers the period from April 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. We are faced here with a system of ruthless repression designed to coerce and subjugate its people and to erode a society so that the narrow interests of a kleptocratic elite are preserved, said Turk. Each day, the people of Myanmar are enduring horrifying attacks, flagrant human rights violations and the crumbling of their livelihoods and hopes. Since he submitted his last report, the high commissioner said conditions in the country have further deteriorated with senseless military attacks exacerbating the human rights crisis and imposing an unbearable toll on the people of Myanmar. Credible sources, he said, have verified a minimum of 4,108 deaths at the hands of the military and its affiliates. Three specific military tactics have been systematically directed against the civilian population: airstrikes, mass killings, and burning of villages, he said. During the reporting period, he said the military undertook 687 airstrikes, more than double the number carried out in the 14 months following the coup. The report documents 22 mass killings, with witnesses describing methods used by the military to kill and inflict pain on their victims, including burning them alive, dismembering, raping, beheading and using abducted villagers to shield themselves against attacks and landmines. This is inhumanity in its vilest form, said Turk. While anti-military armed groups also resorted to targeted killings and bombings of public places, he said the scale of these violations was not comparable to those perpetrated by the military. The report says civilian rule of law in Myanmar has vanished, noting that nearly 25,000 people have been arrested, more than 19,000 still are detained and 150 have been sentenced to death by military-controlled courts. Myanmar has not responded to the report. It was not able to participate in the Council debate as a concerned country because the United Nations does not recognize the government of the military junta as legitimate. The U.N. report condemns the militarys denial of humanitarian access and of life-saving medical care, shelter materials, food and clean water to the population following the devastating impact of Cyclone Mocha in May. It notes people in Myanmars Rakhine State, including members of the Muslim Rohingya community continue to be deprived of food, medicines, and the necessary materials to rebuild their homes and their lives. Despite this abuse of the Rohingya, the military has been calling for the return of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Rakhine State by the end of the year, despite the clear absence of conditions for safe, dignified, and sustainable returns, said Turk. The high commissioner said there were no indications that Myanmars junta will radically change and break the cycle of impunity that has characterized its operations for decades. He said his office has data confirming that foreign sources have been providing Myanmar with the heavy weaponry and other material used to kill its people. He said this deadly trade must stop. He said perpetrators of the many crimes against the people of Myanmar must be held to account, given the gravity of the situation and impunity on the ground. I reiterate my call for the U.N. Security Council to refer this situation to the International Criminal Court, he said. Organized crime gangs behind Asias so-called "scamdemic" have set up remote bases in Myanmars border area with China locations that are hard for police to reach and where the trafficking victims they use to perpetrate online scams have little hope of escape, a U.N. report said Tuesday. Billions of dollars have been scammed by powerful Chinese and Taiwanese crime groups based in the Mekong region as well as in the Philippines who bombard the internet with romance scams, extortion and investment pyramid schemes. While some crackdowns have taken place in Cambodia and the Philippines, the crime groups are refining their scams from fortified compounds under the protection of ethnic rebels in conflict-torn Myanmar, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in its report. In Myanmar, a major crime base has mushroomed around the Myawaddy region, which is separated by a small river from the western Thai border town of Mae Sot. A second cluster of compounds run along Myanmars eastern frontier with China, heading north through Shan State, through the special administered area of Wa State and up to Kokang, which borders Chinas Yunnan province. Ethnic militias in the area have an extensive history of trafficking drugs, rare wildlife and people far from the reach of Myanmars military government which is battling a widespread rebellion by pro-democracy activists. Myanmar is uniquely home to non-state armed groups that control important border areas and have a history of working with organized crime syndicates, the UNODC report said. These non-state armed groups operate numerous casinos in autonomous Special Regions and territories, and in border towns such as Tachileik adjacent to Thailand, the report said, estimating at least 20 casinos are in operation, although it is impossible to verify the real number. All the scam hubs combined are believed by international observers to have sucked in tens of thousands of people from Asia and beyond to run their cyber cons. Many of them are young, educated people who have traveled to Myanmars scam compounds believing they have been legitimately recruited for high-paying jobs in tech or internet sales. Once they realize their situation most have to pay ransoms to leave. The ransoms are sometimes paid by families, sometimes by embassies or NGOs. Others, the UNODC said, know they are going to scam before they leave their own countries, sometimes convincing friends and family to join them for a fee from the scam compound directors. The Myanmar government could not be reached for comment. However, China and some southeast Asian countries have agreed to work together to tackle the scam crisis. The scams emerged in casinos founded in Cambodia to serve Chinas thirst for online gaming and so-called junket gambling tours. With borders closed during the pandemic, the junkets ceased, and the casinos were refitted into scam parks, hastening plans that had long been in the works, the study said. Organized crime groups are converging in the region where they see vulnerabilities, Jeremy Douglas, a UNODC regional representative who contributed to the report said. Law enforcement operations against syndicates in some countries like the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into places where they see opportunity basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong, Douglas said. In Myanmar, most compounds are in or near special economic zones, the report said, which mix tourism and tax breaks for investors with large purpose-built structures with the sole objective of providing the infrastructure for large-scale online scam and fraud operations. The compounds are fortified to ensure that victims cannot escape, with metal bars on windows and balconies of offices and dormitories, and armed guards with pistols, electric whips and handcuffs are positioned at the compound entrance, the report added. Some scam workers are paid, others not, it varies from location to location and frequently depends on the victims success in generating income for the scammers. But few are allowed to take money out of the scam compounds they must spend the money they receive inside. Essentially the system relies on a lot of trafficked free labor who then must pay extra to leave. The crime groups are making money in every way possible. Evidence of abuse and torture has mounted from people who have fled the scam compounds. Camera phone videos from an apparent scam compound in Kokang filmed over recent months seen by VOA show scores of Thais with their hands tied being marched around an exercise zone by armed guards as a punishment for not meeting "sales" targets. Once youre inside, you are cut off. It becomes the only world that you know. You wake up, work repeat, a Thai woman in her late 20s who was trafficked into a scam compound in Shan State told VOA. The woman, who requested anonymity, said she was freed after three months when a ransom was paid by an individual who did not wish to be identified. The majority of people in Myanmars scam centers have crossed the border from Thailand, which is an origin and transit country for trafficking people into forced criminality, the report added. Nongovernmental organizations and embassies contacted by families or even the victims themselves via social media are able to negotiate some releases from the Myawaddy compounds by paying a ransom fee of between $3,000 to $6,000. But the UNODC said the more remote compounds in Shan State left victims a long way from help and hope. The Federal Trade Commission and 17 state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon on Tuesday, accusing the e-commerce giant of operating an illegal monopoly, thereby overcharging for goods and locking merchants into predatory agreements. The lawsuit says that Amazon crossed the line by punishing sellers with anti-discounting measures if they sold their products for less on other platforms. The FTC also said sellers have had no option but to pay for the company's logistics service if they want their products to show up in Amazon Prime, the subscription service that boasts expedited shipping and video streaming. Merchants have felt forced into purchasing more services from Amazon than necessary, including advertising packages, the suit alleges. Compelling merchants to enroll in logistics and advertising programs, "Amazon now takes one of every $2 that a seller makes," Lina Khan, the FTC chair, said Tuesday in a news briefing. Amazon has denied the accusations. "Today's suit makes clear the FTC's focus has radically departed from its mission of protecting consumers and competition," Amazon's general counsel, David Zapolsky, said in a statement. "The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazon's store," he said. Zapolsky went on to say the suit is wrong on the facts and the law. Amazon tries to get Khan recused When Khan was in law school in 2017, she wrote a paper for the Yale Law Journal on Amazon's dominance in e-commerce. The Associated Press reports that in 2021, Amazon sought to have Khan recused from agency investigations of the company because of her earlier criticism. The sprawling lawsuit represents one of the most significant legal challenges Amazon has come up against in its 30-year history. According to CBS News, Khan dodged questions over whether the FTC will try to force the site's breakup. "At this stage, the focus is more on liability," she said. Most sellers independent U.S. Senator Cory Booker on Tuesday joined a growing list of Democrats calling for Senator Bob Menendez to resign. Menendez was recently charged with taking bribes from three businessmen in exchange for benefit to the Egyptian government and interfering with investigations into the three men. Booker, the junior senator from New Jersey, becomes possibly the most significant voice to call for the resignation of his fellow New Jersey senator, as the two have been close throughout their time in Congress. Booker testified on Menendezs behalf in a 2017 trial in which Menendez was charged with corruption. Booker released a statement in which he spoke highly of Menendez as a person and colleague yet said the role of senator is one that requires much trust from the public and that it would be in Menendezs best interest to resign. Stepping down is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgment that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost. Senator Menendez has made these sacrifices in the past to serve. And in this case, he must do so again. I believe stepping down is best for those Senator Menendez has spent his life serving, Booker said in the statement. Booker joins fellow U.S. Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin, Bob Casey, Jon Tester and Mark Kelly in calling for Senator Menendez to resign. All have released statements on the matter. While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe that it is best for his constituents, and the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down, Baldwin said in a statement via X, formerly Twitter. Public service is a sacred trust. The specific allegations set forth in the federal indictment indicate to me that Senator Menendez violated that trust repeatedly, Casey said via X. Thats a breach of that trust and a burden I believe will prevent him from fully serving. He should resign, Kelly said, also via X. Ive read the detailed charges against Senator Menendez and find them deeply disturbing. While he deserves a fair trial like every other American, I believe Senator Menendez should resign for the sake of the publics faith in the U.S. Senate, Tester said in a statement on his website. Senator Menendez, who has stepped down temporarily from his role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has made clear that he plans to remain in the Senate, while also claiming he will be found not guilty of all charges once the investigation plays out. I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator, Menendez said in a statement. Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo flared anew over the weekend when some 30 heavily armed Serbs barricaded themselves in an Orthodox monastery in northern Kosovo, setting off a daylong gunbattle with police that left one officer and three attackers dead. Sunday's clash was one of the worst since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It came as the European Union and the United States are trying to mediate and finalize yearslong talks on normalizing ties between the two Balkan states. There are fears in the West of a revival of the 1998-1999 war in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and left over 1 million homeless. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia of sending the attackers into Kosovo. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied that, saying the men were Kosovo Serbs who have had enough of Kurtis terror. A look at the history between Serbia and Kosovo, and why the latest tensions are a concern for Europe. Why are Serbia and Kosovo at odds? Kosovo is a mainly ethnic Albanian territory that was part of Serbia before it declared independence. The Serbian government has refused to recognize Kosovos statehood, even though it has no formal control there. Some 100 countries have recognized Kosovos independence, including the United States and most Western countries. Russia, China and five EU nations have sided with Serbia. The deadlock has kept tensions simmering in the Balkan region following the bloody breakup of former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. What are the roots of the conflict? The dispute over Kosovo is centuries-old. Serbs cherish the area as central both to their religion and statehood. Numerous medieval Serb Orthodox Christian monasteries are in Kosovo, and Serb nationalists view a 1389 battle against Ottoman Turks there as a symbol of their national struggle for independence. Kosovos majority ethnic Albanians, most of whom are Muslim, meanwhile, view Kosovo as their country and accuse Serbia of occupying it and repressing them for decades. Ethnic Albanian rebels launched an uprising in 1998 to rid the country of Serbian rule. Belgrades brutal response prompted a NATO intervention in 1999, forcing Serbia to pull out and cede control to international peacekeepers. There are still some 4,500 peacekeepers stationed in Kosovo, a poor country of about 1.7 million people with little industry and where crime and corruption are rampant. Are tensions running particularly high now? There are constant tensions between Kosovos government and ethnic Serb residents who live mostly in the north of Kosovo and who keep close ties to Belgrade. Mitrovica, the main city in the north, is effectively divided into an ethnic Albanian part and a Serb-held part, and the two sides rarely mix. There are also smaller Serb-populated enclaves in southern Kosovo. Government attempts to impose more control in the north are usually met with resistance, and the situation deteriorated earlier this year, when Serbs boycotted local elections held the north. They then tried to prevent the newly elected ethnic Albanian mayors from entering their offices. Some 30 NATO peacekeepers and more than 50 Serb protesters were hurt in the ensuing clashes. Is there a link to Russia and the war in Ukraine? Well before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin cited the breakup of Yugoslavia to justify a possible invasion of a sovereign European country. Putin, whose troops illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, has repeatedly argued that NATOs bombardment of Serbia in 1999 and the Wests recognition of Kosovo created a precedent. He has claimed that allows Russia to intervene in Ukraines strategic Black Sea peninsula and majority Russian areas in the countrys east. Western officials have vehemently rejected Putins reasoning, saying the NATO intervention in Kosovo was triggered by mass killings and other war crimes committed by Serbian troops against ethnic Albanians. That was not the case in Ukraine before Russia's full-scale invasion. There are fears in the West that Russia, acting through its ally Serbia, is trying to destabilize the Balkans and thus shift at least some attention from its aggression on Ukraine. What has been done to resolve the dispute? There have been constant international efforts to find common ground between the two former war foes, but no comprehensive agreement has emerged so far. European Union and U.S. officials have mediated negotiations designed to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo since 2012. The negotiations have led to results in some areas, such as freedom of movement without checkpoints and establishing multiethnic police forces in Kosovo. However, the latter broke down when Serbs pulled out of the force last year to protest Pristinas decision to ban Serbian-issued vehicle license plates. After international pressure, Kurti, Kosovo's prime minister, suspended the decree but that did not bring Serbs back to the Kosovo institutions. Adding to the difficulty of finding a solution, Kosovo and Serbia both have nationalist leaders. Kurti is often accused by international mediators of making moves that trigger unnecessary tensions. Vucic, meanwhile, is a former ultra-nationalist who insists Serbia will never recognize Kosovo and says that an earlier deal to give Kosovo Serbs a level of independence must first be implemented before new agreements are made. Vucic has tacitly acknowledged Serbias loss of control over Kosovo, but also says the country wont settle unless it gains something. What happens next? International officials still hope Kosovo and Serbia can reach a deal that would allow Kosovo to get a seat in the United Nations without Serbia having to explicitly recognize its statehood. Both nations must normalize ties if they want to advance toward EU membership. No breakthrough in the EU-mediated negotiations would mean prolonged instability, economic decline and the constant potential for clashes. Any Serbian military intervention in Kosovo would mean a clash with NATO peacekeepers there, and Serbia is unlikely to move in, unless it gains some sort of Russian backing. Some Zimbabweans living in abject poverty are reacting angrily to claims by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the countrys economy is the fastest growing in the southern African region. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, where some economists and members of the main opposition say the president is being misinformed or does not understand basic economics. Camera Blessing Chigwenhembe. By Dean Murray via SWNS NASA has asked for companies to design a $1 billion space tug to crash the International Space Station back to Earth. After initially considering using Russian spaceships for the task, the space agency has this month released a request for proposal from U.S. industry for the so-called U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), a spacecraft meant to safely deorbit the ISS as part of its planned retirement. NASA explains: "The USDV is focused on the final deorbit activity. It will be a new spacecraft design or modification to an existing spacecraft that must function on its first flight and have sufficient redundancy and anomaly recovery capability to continue the critical deorbit burn." The call for designs was initiated on 20 September, with proposals due no later than 17 November. In a March press conference, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Kathy Lueders said the vehicle's cost estimate "was a little short of about $1 billion". One initial plan had been to use multiple Russian Roscosmos Progress spacecraft to guide the space station home. In 2001, Russias space station Mir was brought back to Earth using the thrusters of a small spacecraft, the Progress M1-5, to lower its orbit. However, NASA now says: "These efforts now indicate a new spacecraft solution would provide more robust capabilities for responsible deorbit. "To initiate development of this new spacecraft, NASA released the request for proposal." The Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the State Space Corporation (Roscosmos) have operated the International Space Station since 1998. Each is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station was designed to be interdependent and relies on contributions from across the partnership to function. The United States, Japan, Canada, and the participating countries of ESA (European Space Agency) have committed to operating the station through 2030, and Russia through at least 2028. At the conclusion of the International Space Station program, the station will be deorbited in a controlled manner to avoid populated areas. The safe deorbit of the International Space Station is a shared responsibility of all five space agencies through partner contributions based on mass percent ownership by the agency. In the future, the United States plans to transition its operations in low Earth orbit to commercially owned and -operated platforms to ensure continued access and presence in space for research, technology development, and international collaboration. "As with any development effort of this size, the USDV will take years to develop, test, and certify, " NASA adds. NASA explains how they will deorbit the International Space Station: The primary objective during space station deorbit operations is the responsible re-entry of the space stations structure into an unpopulated area in the ocean. The chosen approach for safe decommissioning is a combination of natural orbital decay, intentionally lowering the altitude of the station likely using current propulsive elements, and then execution of a re-entry maneuver for final targeting and to control the debris footprint. This final maneuver is expected to require a new or modified spacecraft using a large amount of propellant. Due to the high propellant requirement of this final maneuver, the Earths natural atmospheric drag will be used as much as possible to lower the stations altitude while setting up the deorbit. Once all crew has safely returned to Earth, and after performing small maneuvers to line up the final target ground track and debris footprint over an uninhabited region of the ocean, space station operators will command a large re-entry burn, providing the final push to ensure safe atmospheric entry into the target footprint. ST. PAUL, Minn. The Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone for service in 2014 will expire for most qualifying service members on October 15, 2018. The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding Minnesota service members to take advantage of the refundable tax credit before it expires. The 2014 credit is worth $120 per month, or partial month served. The department recently sent letters explaining how to claim the credit to over 1,400 service members who may qualify. Service members have already claimed more than $1 million in refunds for the 2014 credit, with an average refund of $660. To qualify for the credit, service members must meet all of the following requirements: Served in a combat zone or qualified hazardous-duty area anytime on or after January 1, 2014 Were a Minnesota resident during the time of service Received combat pay which is exempt from federal and Minnesota income tax To receive the credit, service members must send the following documents: Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone Corresponding Form DD-214 for each period of qualifying service o If still on active duty, attach Leave and Earnings statements for each month of qualifying service. Applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2018. For more information on the military tax credit and to fill out the form, visit our website at www.revenue.state.mn.us. Check out and share our video that explains who qualifies and how to claim the Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone. Tax credits for service in a combat zone are also available for 2015, 2016, and 2017. For more information, visit the Members of the Military page on our website and sign up for email updates on military credits, application deadlines, and tax law changes. For information on combat zone locations that qualify for the tax credit, visit the IRS website. Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up for our email subscription list. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations to deliver his customary speech on Russian terrorism. It was his first speech from this rostrum. This year, four of the five permanent members of the Security Council did not send their heads of state or government: China, France, the UK and Russia. Clearly, despite the rhetoric, something has gone wrong in this institution. Lets summarize President Zelenskys speech: Russia uses food as a weapon against the rest of the world and the "game", in its favor, of certain European countries. It also uses civilian nuclear reactors as weapons, as it is doing at Zaporijha. It has abducted "hundreds of thousands" of Ukrainian children, who are being re-educated at home in hatred of Ukraine, which constitutes "genocide". Russia provokes a war every decade. Today, it threatens Kazakhstan and the Baltic states. Many seats in this hemicycle would be empty if Russia were to achieve its objectives through its acts of treachery. Thank God nobody has yet imagined how to use the climate as a weapon. Natural disasters kill. They happen while Moscow has decided to kill tens of thousands of people. We must unite against these challenges. We can breathe new life into the "Rules-Based World Order" by building on the Ukrainian peace formula that I will be presenting to the Security Council shortly. I invite you all to the Peace Summit we are organizing. We cant rely on Russias word: ask Prigozhin if he keeps his promises! Slava Ukraini! All the delegations allied with the United States applauded the speech loud and clear, while the others kept a low profile. This speech calls for several comments: - The argument of using food as a weapon refers to sieges to starve populations, as in North Korea yesterday or Yemen today. This is not at all what the Russians are doing in Ukraine, where they are attacking the profits of the major US corporations (Cargill, Dupont and Monsanto) which own a third of Ukrainian crops. The use of civilian nuclear power plants as a weapon of war must be understood as having an effect only at close range. The Russians occupy the Zaporijha plant and would lose their soldiers in the event of radiation. On the contrary, it is the Ukrainian forces who are threatening them with radiation in order to expel them. Finally, Russia has never abducted Ukrainian children, but has protected them from the combat zones by moving them within its territory. The International Criminal Courts condemnation is based exclusively on the refusal to consider the accession of Crimea, Donbass and part of Novorossia to the Russian Federation as legal. - The argument of Russian expansionism may frighten the Kazakhs and Balts, but its nothing more than a trial of intent. Returning to the possible use of climate as a weapon shows an ignorance of history. The USA already used it in their war against Viet Nam, making rain for months on the Ho Chi Min trail, the Vietcongs supply route through the Laotian jungle (Operation "Popeye"). Eventually, they signed the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques - To claim, without naming them, that Poland, Hungary and Slovakia are playing into the Russians hands by banning the import of Ukrainian grain at knock-down prices is an insult to these countries. Poland, which, forgetting the massacre of over 100,000 Poles by Ukrainian integral nationalists during the Second World War, has nevertheless welcomed 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees since the start of the current war, will appreciate this. - The call to defend the "rules-based World Order" can only be taken as a challenge to the majority of UN members who are fighting, on the contrary, for a return to International Law. The Ukrainian peace plan therefore concerns only the Western camp and aims to extend the war. - President Zelenskis conclusion refers to a poem by Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861). The expression "Slava Ukraini!" had become the cry of recognition of the Ukrainian integral nationalists of Dmitry Dontsov and Simon Petlioura during the war against the Soviet revolution, when they massacred the Jews and anarchists of Novorussia. Then it became the victory cry of the Ukrainian integral nationalists of Dmitry Dontsov and Stepan Bandera when they massacred Jews, Gypsies and Resistance fighters. Finally, in 1941, it became the equivalent of "Heil Hitler! Its use today, especially at the United Nations, refers back to the post-war resolutions against Nazi propaganda, which Ukraine now opposes. The Security Council meeting that followed was scheduled to last two days. In addition to the Council members, 45 states had asked to speak. The rotating presidency fell to Albania. Albania had decided to have the Ukrainian President speak immediately after the UN Secretary General and before the Council members. It had also included the OSCE among the speakers. As soon as the debates opened, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov raised a point of order. He challenged the privilege granted to the Ukrainian President in violation of the Councils rules of procedure, and demanded that the representative of North Macedonia speak as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE only on the subject for which he had been mandated by that organization. The Albanian Chairman of the meeting, Edi Rama, after scoffing at this "grandiose" point of order, replied that there were already precedents for interventions before the Council members (although all were accepted unanimously). He concluded by observing that all Russia had to do to prevent the Ukrainian President from speaking first was to withdraw from Ukraine. In accordance with Article 33 of the Rules of Procedure, he referred the point of order to a later discussion. Sergei Lavrov took the blow. He did not leave the room. He remembered that, during the Korean War, the USSR walked out of the United Nations debates to protest the presence of Chiang Kai-sheks rebels instead of Mao Zedongs men, but Washington took advantage of the situation to get the international community to vote in favor of aid to South Korea against North Korea. Be that as it may, this incident attests to the partiality of the Albanian presidency and cannot go unchallenged. Albania has every right to be an outspoken opponent of Russia (it organized an Aria-style debate on Russian child abductions). But it violates the rules every time it presides over the Council. This was already the case on June 28, 2022. On its own initiative, it convened a meeting on the situation in Ukraine, without consulting the Council members. It invited President Zelensky to attend, authorizing him "exceptionally" to speak by videoconference. It also held a minutes silence, without reference to Council members. The following day, June 29, 2022, it chaired a meeting on the situation in Syria. On its own initiative, and without consulting Council members, it invited a US association, the Syrian Emergency Task Force, which expressed itself rudely and insulted several Council members. The debate continued with a speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres. He began by pointing out that some multilateral meetings, such as the one on the plan to safeguard the Sustainable Development Goals, are held efficiently. He then described Russias invasion of Ukraine as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law. On the judicial front, he reported that investigative teams were continuing to gather evidence of shocking and widespread human rights violations "mainly perpetrated by the Russian Federation", including the forced transfer of children. Finally, he welcomed the agreement on cereals and regretted that Russia had not renewed it. The Secretary Generals position expresses only his personal opinion. In this case, it is not based on any judicial decision and does not take into account the Russian position. The trial currently underway before the International Court of Justice, i.e. the UNs internal tribunal, will hear both sides. It will be for the Court alone to judge whether there has been a violation of the Charter, as Russia claims to have launched a special military operation to comply with Security Council Resolution 2202 ("Minsk agreements"). In any case, the Court will only rule on one question: whether or not Ukraine was massacring its own citizens before the Russian special military operation. We are talking about 20,000 citizens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky then intervened. He began his speech by asking how a state that violates the UN Charter can sit on the Security Council? He noted that the General Assembly had recognized that Russia, not Ukraine, was responsible for the war. He then presented his 10-point peace plan. This plan, which had already been presented to the G20 in Bali, does not take Russias demands into account. So, strictly speaking, its not a peace plan, but rather Ukraines demands. In passing, he asked the General Assembly to adopt, by a two-thirds majority, a modification of its statutes and deprive Russia of its right of veto. Finally, he called on all States present to participate in the "peace" conference that his country was organizing. The session chairman, Edi Rama, wondered about the current situation: a member of the Security Council is violating the UN Charter! Fortunately, despite the abusive use of its veto power, the majority of Council members ensure that its values are respected. He then gave the floor to Council members in the order of their registration. Their speeches added nothing new. None of them dared to take up Ukraines call for Russia to be stripped of its veto power. A little backtracking is in order here: when the United Nations was created, Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States and Winston Churchill of Great Britain were at odds with Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. The USA and the UK wanted to create an organization that would govern the world according to their own conceptions, while the USSR wanted it to uphold international law and prevent war. It was the Soviet conception that triumphed. The right of veto takes into account the military reality of the time. There is no such thing as a legitimate or abusive veto. Quite simply, international law cannot be respected by all if it runs counter to the interests of one of its most powerful members. The idea of depriving Russia of its veto power had never been expressed in public. Last year, however, the US State Department tested the matter with all UN member states, and it proved impossible to achieve a two-thirds majority. After his speech, President Zelensky left the room, having no time to waste listening to the other delegations. He rushed off to Washington to address Congress, as he had already done in December 2022. However, when he arrived on Capitol Hill, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told him straight out that it was out of the question. Parliamentarians have too busy an agenda," he said. Dejected, the Ukrainian president had to content himself with a meeting with the presidents of the two chambers and a few Democratic senators. The time for unconditional support is over. Like all their Western counterparts, US parliamentarians have realized that: - ammunition is in short supply, and the Western arms industry cannot compete with Russias in either the short or medium term; - the rebellion of Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin against the Kremlin has failed; - the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been extremely deadly, with over a thousand people killed every day for the past two weeks, without achieving any significant successes. Many would therefore like to negotiate a way out of the crisis or, at the very least, stop spending astronomical sums of money for nothing. Some Republicans have written to the Biden administration asking for a precise account of how the funds already disbursed have been used. Pending a response, they will not vote for another dollar. The Pentagon is therefore devising ways to divert equipment and continue the US commitment to Ukraine. It is hiding behind the possibility of blocking the federal budget in the event of a substantive disagreement between Capitol Hill and the White House. To make up for the parliamentary affront, both the Secretary of Defense and President Joe Biden granted the Ukrainian president an interview. He also visited a university, the Clinton Foundation and the Atlantic Council, and chatted with the heads of financial companies. But the fact remains: everyone has observed President Zelenskys outrages and his inability to win this war. Everyone has now been able to verify that Volodomyr Zelensky is not trying to defend his country. On the contrary, he is sending his men to die for nothing in front of the Russian defense line. Hes acting just as hard-line nationalists and Nazis always did: he doesnt hesitate to lie to his own people, to cheat, and to use every means at his disposal to provoke a general confrontation at the cost of sacrificing his own people. ISTANBUL, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Turkish archaeologists have unearthed a 350-year-old Ottoman bath during ongoing excavations in Turkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale, local media reported on Tuesday. The Hurriyet Daily News said on its website that the bath had been unearthed in Kemer village, where the ancient city of Parion was located. "The bath is the only preserved architectural structure of the Ottoman-Turkish presence in this village, dating back 350 years, hidden among the modern structures," Hasan Kasapoglu, an academic and deputy head of the excavation team, was quoted as saying. After the excavation team found two tombstones during previous excavations, it concluded that there was a bathhouse on the site. The inscriptions on the gravestones indicated that the graves belonged to the bath attendant and his assistant, which led the team to uncover the remains of the bath. Following the finding, experts in art history and restoration have secured the interior of the bath with a temporary steel structure, with plans to restore it and open it to visitors, Kasapoglu said. The Turkish baths, also known as hammams, were important in the Ottoman period not only for maintaining cleanliness but also for healing, as it was believed that the high humidity and temperature of the environment could cure many illnesses. With a history of 2,700 years, the ancient city of Parion was an important port city of the Roman Empire period, added the expert, noting that the excavation works have been ongoing in the area since 2015 by a team from Ondokuz Mayis University. MOSCOW, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has placed President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Piotr Hofmanski on the country's wanted list, local media reported Monday. "Hofmanski Piotr Jozef, Polish. Wanted under an article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation," TASS reported, citing a statement from the ministry's database. In addition to Hofmanski, the First Vice President of the ICC Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza and judge Bertram Schmitt have also been added to the wanted list. The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova on March 17 this year over an alleged war crime of unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. Italy holds state funeral for two-time former president Giorgio Napolitano. Former Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, who died on Friday aged 98, will be buried in Rome's Non-Catholic Cemetery after a secular state funeral in the chamber of deputies on Tuesday. The secluded graveyard in Rome's Testaccio district is home to the graves of Italian Communist party co-founder Antonio Gramsci as well as the English Romantic poets Keats and Shelley. Also known as the Protestant Cemetery, the graveyard is located in the shadow of the Pyramid of Cestius and has been in continuous use for more than 300 years. Napolitano, who served as head of state twice from 2006 until 2015, was the first former communist to rise to Italy's presidency. French president Emmanuel Macron and German president Frank Walter Steinmeier will be among the foreign leaders attending the funeral ceremony in the lower house, scheduled for 11.30. Speakers at the funeral are set to include Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi and former Italian premiers Giuliano Amato and Paolo Gentiloni. The ceremony, which is being broadcast live by RAI 1, will be the first time for a non-religious state funeral to be held inside Palazzo Montecitorio. Tuesday has been declared an official day of mourning in Italy, with Italian and European Union flags on all public buildings flying at half mast. For details about the Non-Catholic Cemetery see its website. Cover photo: Anthony Shaw Photography / Shutterstock.com. PRAGUE, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has approved a revised version of a 9.2-billion-euro (9.72-billion-U.S. dollar) National Recovery Plan proposed by the Czech Republic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement here Tuesday, after a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. The updated plan, which the Czech government prepared in the summer, provides an additional 2.2 billion euros to support clean energy and industry transformation in the country. Another 736 million euros will be allocated to investments in renewable energy sources, clean transport and power distribution networks. The two leaders also discussed the current migration situation in the EU. Fiala said his country is ready to contribute to the protection of the EU's external borders, and it is essential to reduce the number of economic refugees. "Our goal must be that these people do not go to Europe at all, so that they do not support smugglers and traffickers in human misery," he said. He also underlined that the Czech Republic rejects any form of mandatory redistribution of illegal migrants within the EU, calling the practice "inhumane and dysfunctional." Before their talks, Fiala and von der Leyen opened the Green Deal Summit conference in Prague. Von der Leyen said that the Green Deal, a roadmap for making the EU's economy sustainable, has delivered in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth. However, Fiala said he believes the deal has not directed the EU towards "significant progress" in innovation and economic transformation. Before the opening of the conference, a group of environmental activists protested in front of the building where the meeting was held, against the participation of certain Czech companies that they do not consider as ecological ones. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollar) Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save Microsoft Corp.s video-game head Phil Spencer might have been correct when he wrote, in a piece of corporate cringe straight out of HBOs Succession, that acquiring Nintendo Co. would be a career moment for him. Get a curated selection of 10 of our best stories in your inbox every weekend. ArrowRight Spencers dream of buying the venerable Japanese firm was revealed, alongside other confidential plans, in an accidental leak of emails related to Microsofts video-game operations recently uploaded to a federal court website. The email concerning Nintendo is dated 2020; Microsoft has acknowledged the leaked documents, but says much has changed since they were written. What hasnt changed is Nintendos undoubted attractiveness as an asset. Even after Microsoft completes the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc., it could no doubt afford the purchase. But even if Spencer somehow convinced Nintendos board to agree, and assuming such a deal cleared antitrust regulators, its hard to conclude it would be, as he wrote, a good move for both companies. Advertisement Indeed, its tricky to imagine a greater clash of cultures. Executives at the Japanese firm famously cut their own salaries rather than lay off workers during the failure of the Wii U(1); Microsoft just laid off 10,000 workers earlier this year, before reporting record revenue. The Redmond-based firm has a decades-long history of seemingly smart but ultimately poorly managed acquisitions, from Skype to Nokia. Spencer notes that the Nintendo board until recently has not pushed for further increases in market growth or stock appreciation, something that, to the despair of frustrated Nintendo bulls, is true. The video-game maker stubbornly marches to the beat of its own drum; shareholders are just one consideration. Its taking a long time for Nintendo to see that their future exists off their own hardware, Spencer also wrote. The firm has remained committed to the idea that its integration of hardware and software or in laymans terms, the idea that Nintendo games are available only on Nintendo devices differentiates it from the pack. Flying in the face of conventional wisdom is Nintendos MO; ignoring the demands in the mid-2010s that it abandon its own machines and shift to mobile gaming is the reason the company is so successful now. The Switch is in with a chance to surpass Sony Group Corp.s PlayStation 2 to become the best-selling console ever made. Advertisement Microsoft disagrees. Its less concerned about hardware, and sees the future of gaming on the cloud. Gamers can play, for example, Minecraft, the franchise it acquired in 2014, on Xbox, PC, mobile or even Switch. Most likely, the source of Microsofts interest would be Nintendos intellectual property: Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong and the host of other franchises. The value of these characters seems insufficiently factored into Nintendos share price, considering the recent success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. At least in the short run, it seems plausible that Microsoft could exploit Nintendos IP better than the Kyoto firm itself does. But Nintendo remains, as Spencer called it, THE prime asset in gaming, because of how protective it is of its properties. It hasnt released a new mainline Mario game in six years, and its nearly a decade since the last new Mario Kart . Contrast that to how Microsoft has over-exploited its one-time industry-leading IPs such as the Halo series or Gears of War. Interestingly, Spencer is not the first Microsoft executive to float this acquisition. When the US firm formed its Xbox division in the early 2000s, Nintendo was among the companies it reached out to, proposing an acquisition. It went about as well as youd expect: They just laughed their asses off, one executive said years later. Like, imagine an hour of somebody just laughing at you. That was kind of how that meeting went. Advertisement Times have changed in Japanese corporate culture since the turn of the millennium. Foreign acquisitions of storied brands are no longer unheard of, and boards are under more pressure than ever to improve returns for shareholders. The reaction, however, to an attempted Microsoft takeover of Nintendo would likely be the same as two decades ago: laughter. (When contacted, Nintendo said it was not appropriate to comment.) Share this article Share One fly in the ointment, however, might be the presence of activist investors. ValueAct Capital Partners, which built a 2% stake in Nintendo in 2020, has been holding discussions with management, though unlike some of its other dealings in Japan, the fund has not taken its push public. Another thing to note is Nintendos second-largest shareholder Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund has been building interests in video-game firms in Japan and beyond, while saying little about their purpose. After seeing one beloved Japanese asset shockingly acquired, with animator Studio Ghibli being bought by a local broadcaster, the idea that Nintendo could fall into foreign hands will concern proponents of soft power. But thankfully, it seems unlikely this deal will make it out of level one. Advertisement More From Bloomberg Opinion: Nintendo Must Plot Exit From Uncharted Territory: Gearoid Reidy Microsoft Win Shouldnt Stop Antitrust Reform: Dave Lee Is This the End for Japans Iconic Studio Ghibli?: Gearoid Reidy (1) While Nintendo continues to get positive press from this, this form of taking responsibility is hardly unique among Japanese firms. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save Heres what can happen when the surface of the equatorial Pacific gets just a little warmer: Thousands of people die as the weather changes from India to Florida. Some economies lose billions of dollars; others enjoy respite from weather-related losses. Prices of commodities such as coffee and cocoa jolt skyward. Then when the waters cool, patterns shift, with areas previously spared often experiencing calamitous hurricanes, floods or drought, and others getting a break from such buffeting forces. The whole cycle is known as El Nino-Southern Oscillation. It is made up of El Nino, the Pacifics warm phase; La Nina, the cold side; and a neutral phase in between. The US declared that the whole thing kicked off again in June, and Australia, which uses different criteria, concurred on Sept. 19. 1. What are its effects? El Ninos impact on weather in the Northern Hemisphere tends to be muted in the summer and autumn. In the Atlantic, it can produce wind shear, a sudden change in wind velocity or direction, which can halt hurricane season there; record warm ocean temperatures, however, have made for a busy storm season. The El Nino is expected to persist through February. An El Nino usually means heavy rain along the Pacific coast of the Americas, from California to Chile and across to Argentina. That could be good news for Argentina, where a record drought has worsened the countrys economic troubles. On the other hand, the last big El Nino in 2015-16 brought deadly winter floods to the US Midwest. El Nino typically produces dry weather in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Brazil. The last time, it reduced rainfall in the Indian monsoon, parching farmlands, and curbed production of cocoa in Ivory Coast, rice in Thailand and coffee in Indonesia. There were wildfires in Australia and South Africa. Advertisement 2. What causes the cycle? Share this article Share El Ninos occur for reasons unknown, although some scientists think they are a way for Earths atmosphere to shed heat into space. The Atlantic and Indian oceans have similar events but theirs dont have the far-reaching impact of those in the immense Pacific. Peruvian fishermen named El Ninos in the 1600s for the Christ child when they noticed the tropical Pacific warming around Christmas some years. The phenomenon begins with a weakening in the trade winds that push the sun-warmed waters of the equatorial Pacific into a mound in the west. Some of that water flows back east, making the eastern Pacific hotter. The phenomenon affects larger wind currents, shifting moisture-bearing storms away from some places, such as Indonesia and Africa, and toward others, including Argentina and Japan. When the heat from El Nino is spent, the ocean begins to cool. Initially, the Pacific falls into a state between the extremes, the neutral phase. If the cooling continues and sea surface temperatures fall below normal, La Nina occurs. 3. Is climate change affecting the cycle? Advertisement Some early models had suggested that as the Earth warmed, the number of El Nino events would rise. However, that doesnt seem to have happened. So far this century, La Nina has dominated the cycle. It will take more research to tease out why, weather experts say. One theory is that smoke from wildfires in Australia in 2019 and 2020 are a factor, according to Gerald Meehl, senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the US. There are so many variables influencing El Nino and its ramifications, US government meteorologist Tom Di Liberto noted years ago, isolating the role of global warming may not be possible. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2023 Bloomberg L.P. But just months later, Iron Mikes reign might finally be ending and Joyce has left Qantas as the countrys least popular CEO. Alan Joyce (left) and Mike Pezzullo at a speech by Treasurer Jim Chalmers at Parliament House in May. Credit: Alex Elllinghausen As for Briggs, the bloke who received all of those hot takes from Pezzullo on the future of the Liberal Party? Well, last we heard, he was an outside shot at succeeding Scott Morrison as member for Cook, if the former PM ever quits parliament (and at this point, it might not be until the next election). SNAKE AYES Its well documented that Greg Mirabella a former army officer, senator and, most recently, Victorian Liberal Party president packed in the backroom life a couple of months ago to pursue his dream of returning to Canberras red chamber, nominating for the partys Senate ticket for the next election. Senators James Paterson and Jane Hume cobbled together a non-aggression pact last month to take the tickets safe-as-houses first and second spots respectively, which just leaves the not-always-winnable third position up for grabs. Thats the spot left vacant by David Van, who was turfed from the Liberal Party in June after he was accused of sexual harassment which he denies and now sits as an independent. But getting the nod when the party makes its decision in November might not be a walk-up start for Mirabella, with a couple of interesting names on the list of contenders issued to party members on Monday morning. Senate hopeful and snake catcher Jarrod Bingham during his 2022 state politics tilt. Credit: Rachael Dexter Our eye was caught by Jarrod Bingham, the snake-catching (thats his actual job) former regional councillor who ran as an independent for the state seat of Melton in the 2022 Victorian election against the Liberals Graham Watt and managed to be the best of the rest behind the two major parties, outpolling the Greens. After that effort, Binghams application for Liberal Party membership had to go for approval to the state council, which probably decided that a bloke who knows how to handle dangerous reptiles would be handy to have around. Also in the mix are former Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Karyn Sobels, who brings a wealth of policy experience to her tilt at Senate glory, and former Senate candidate and Baptist sometime preacher Kyle Hoppitt, who missed out on a spot in 2019, the year Van was elected. VAN HIRE Some in the party hierarchy are daring to dream that the winner of the preselection contest might be able to get their bum onto the coveted red leather seat without first having to face the electorate. Senator David Van. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The investigation by the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service into the complaints against Van who denies them, vehemently is expected to be concluded within about six weeks, with aforementioned Liberal optimists speculating that the findings might force their erstwhile colleague right out of politics, handing the party its seat back. Its hard to know what might happen, this being the first investigation of its kind by the fledgling standards outfit, but some circumstantial evidence has emerged suggesting Van who did not respond to our invitation to discuss these matters on Monday is not planning to go anywhere. Hes looking to hire a parliamentary officer to join his team, splitting their time between his electorate office in Cheltenham and Parliament House in Canberra. If youre keen, youll need a fairly wide skill set, with political experience and a demonstrated professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality. RADIO ACTIVE In better news for local Liberals, party leader John Pesutto told the faithful on Sunday that he was working hard to establish a point of difference between his opposition and Daniel Andrews Labor government. Loading Taking their cue from the boss, Pesuttos people massive fans of this column were eager to point out, in light of Andrews rare appearances on Melbourne radio, that their own man had been positively blitzing the airwaves on Monday morning. Pesutto did a 30-minute slot with retiring 3AW mornings veteran Neil Mitchell before lobbing up on ABC Radio Melbourne for a chat with Waleed Aly, who was filling in for Raf Epstein on the stations morning show, with the Liberal leader taking talkback calls during both interviews. Probably not enough to establish Pesutto as man of the people just yet, but as he says, working hard. New York: A former aide in Donald Trumps White House says then chief of staff Mark Meadows burnt papers so often after the 2020 election that it left his office smoky and even prompted his wife to complain that his suits smelled like a bonfire. Cassidy Hutchinson, who was a prominent congressional witness against the former president before the House January 6 committee, described the burning papers in a new book, Enough, set to be released on Tuesday (US time). The Associated Press obtained a copy of the book. Suits smelled like smoke: Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Credit: AP Hutchinson was a White House staffer in her 20s who worked for Meadows and testified for two hours on national television about the White Houses inner workings leading up to and including the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Trump and Meadows tried to challenge Joe Bidens election win in several states. Both are under indictment in Georgia for what prosecutors have called an illegal conspiracy to overturn the results. Washington: US President Joe Biden has met Pacific island leaders for a second White House summit in just over a year, as part of a charm offensive aimed at curbing inroads by China into a region Washington considers strategically crucial. Before welcoming the island leaders, gathered under the umbrella of the 18-nation Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Biden announced US diplomatic recognition of two more islands nations, the Cook Islands and Niue. The United States is committed to ensuring an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, prosperous, and secure. Were committed to working with all the nations around this table to achieve that goal, Biden said at the welcoming ceremony. US President Joe Biden and Kiribatis President Taneti Maamau at the Pacific Islands Forum at the White House in Washington. Credit: AP He pledged to work with the US Congress to provide $US200 million ($311 million) more in funding for projects in the region aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, spurring economic growth, countering illegal fishing and improving public health, according to a document issued after a working lunch with the group. Al Dhaid University will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2024, announced HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Centres for desert studies and environmental research will join the university's agricultural and veterinary medical faculties, a WAM report said. The university is also planning to form alliances with two universities in the UK. He went on to say that the University of Kalba would soon join the fray and that the University of Khor Fakkan would welcome its first students within 18 months. Faculty of Agriculture Sheikh Dr Sultan stated during a phone call on the Direct Line programme, which airs on Sharjah Radio and Television: "A student in the Faculty of Agriculture cannot enrol directly in Agricultural Engineering from the first year. The first two years are taught as fundamental general education by the Faculty of Agriculture. Following that, the student focuses on crops, vegetables, or fruits. Some students select a broad major and pursue all specialisations. Personally, I am among those who have studied all specialisations." "In agricultural engineering, students study methods for highlands and mountains, as well as mechanical engineering, where they study farming tractors and learn how to repair them to become technicians," the Ruler of Sharjah, stated. They also investigate ways to divide land while keeping water resources in mind. Agricultural engineers are permitted to construct roadways between lands as part of their study. All of these disciplines are classified as agricultural engineering, but they come after two years of fundamental education, he said. British collaboration "There is also a specialisation in the Faculty of Agriculture for livestock, sheep, and poultry breeding," he added. This is referred to as 'Breeding,' not 'Engineering.' It addresses animal nutrition as well as how to care for them. Within these specialisations, students also learn how to build animal shelters. Animal treatment, on the other hand, is studied in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, another faculty of Al Dhaid University. Next to the university is a veterinary facility that accepts public-owned animals for medical treatment and care. In addition, Al Dhaid University has desert and environmental scientific studies centres. We collaborate with two British universities: the Royal Agricultural University, which will work with the Faculty of Agriculture at Al Dhaid University, and the University of Bristol, which will work with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Al Dhaid University. The University of Bristol will sign with us on behalf of the two British universities, as agreed upon between them. These sciences, God willing, will have a substantial influence." Real-world experience He said: "I have devised a plan for my sons and daughters who will study at the Faculty of Agriculture. No way am I going to have them sit around and do nothing until they graduate before putting them to work. Instead, each student will be given a plot of land on which to put their academic training into practice. They'll have the ability to cultivate fruits and vegetables with commercial value. Students will graduate with the ability to think critically and with real-world experience. Khor Fakkan University is scheduled to open in around 18 months. Eventually, Kalba University will join the fray as well.'' Knowledge is more accessible than ever He concluded his remarks by telling the students: "We advise our young generation and say to all students. This is an opportunity... Knowledge is more accessible than ever.--TradeArabia News Service HOUSTON, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The gunman, who killed 23 people at an El Paso Walmart in the U.S. state of Texas in 2019, on Monday agreed to pay more than 5.5 million U.S. dollars in restitution to claimants in the federal case. Federal Judge David Guaderrama has approved the agreement between prosecutors and Patrick Crusius, a white supremacist targeting Latino immigrants, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas. Under the agreement, Crusius will pay 5,557,005.55 dollars to victims of the shooting, one of the deadliest attacks targeting Latinos in modern U.S. history, local media reported, citing new court filings. The shooter pleaded guilty to all the 90 federal charges including hate crimes in February and was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in July. Crusius also faces a potential death penalty in a separate state case, in which he has pleaded not guilty to capital murder. The state trial date has not yet been decided. From 10 to 14 September 2023, within the framework of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), the Maldives Customs Service (MCS) hosted a delegation from the State Customs Committee (SCC) of the Republic of Uzbekistan for a study visit in the area of Post Clearance Audit (PCA). During the study visit, the MCS PCA team and the SCC delegation exchanged experiences on the specific areas of opportunity identified by the WCO experts during the previous monitoring mission, including the selection of traders for Customs audit based on risk criteria, notification of audit, trader compliance and third-party audit. Through role-play sessions, the MCS auditors showcased how an on-site audit is carried out practically in the field, allowing the SCC delegation to observe and understand documentary requirements, record-keeping requisitions, cooperation with the traders and trader-focused audit. This valuable experience also allowed the SCC to share with the MCS team their progress, including the automation efforts to issue an advance notification to the auditees electronically through the system, thus complying with the general principles of the RKC and implementing the WCO recommendations provided during the previous mission. The WCO and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) extend heartfelt appreciation to the Maldives Customs Service for their unwavering support and collaboration in making this knowledge-sharing endeavour a resounding success. For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden hosted leaders of Pacific Island countries at the White House on Monday for a summit, as the latter is still waiting to see if Washington is going to deliver the "big commitments" it has made. According to the White House, the new U.S. funding for the region that Biden announced at the summit, which still needs congressional approval, totaled 200 million U.S. dollars, including a new 40-million-dollar infrastructure investment. In his welcoming remarks, Biden mistakenly gave the sum of the new infrastructure investment as 40 billion dollars, transcripts provided by the White House showed. Although it has been corrected in the formal fact sheet, the wrong number was cited in a report by The Guardian, a British newspaper. In 2022, the White House said the United States would invest more than 810 million dollars to aid the Pacific Islands, but the U.S. Congress had yet to approve most of the funding pledges. The Biden administration's efforts to re-engage with the Pacific Islands region suffered a setback when leaders of two important countries in the region, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, chose not to attend the summit. Instead of staying in the United States to participate in the summit in Washington, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare returned to his country after attending last week's 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Also absent from the summit was Sato Kilman, prime minister of Vanuatu. Kilman was elected on Sept. 4 to replace the country's former prime minister, Ishmael Kalsakau, who lost a no-confidence vote in parliament for actions that included signing a security pact with the U.S. ally Australia. The Vanuatu parliament was scheduled to hold another no-confidence vote next week, and Kilman has to be present in parliament for the vote. Another thorny issue is the negotiation with the Marshall Islands for an extension allowing them to stay in the Compact of Free Associations (COFA) with the United States, as they have unmet demands for Washington to allocate more money to address the legacy of the massive U.S. nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s. Marshall Islanders still suffer from health problems and environmental pollution caused by the detonation of U.S. nuclear bombs. Following Monday's summit, the Biden administration pledged to address "war legacies" by spending money on identifying and destroying "unexploded ordnance" in countries, including the Republic of the Marshall Islands, but it made no mention of the nuclear testing. Commenting on the summit in general, Meg Keen, director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute -- an Australian think-tank -- said the Pacific Island region "is waiting to see if the big commitments from the United States are going to be delivered." Some analysts have noted that Washington's latest overtures to the resource-rich region are still in the early stages. "The United States is still in somewhat of a honeymoon phase in its reengagement with the Pacific islands," wrote Gordon Peake and Camilla Pohle of the U.S. Institute of Peace, a non-profit group, in a recent article published on the South China Morning Post. A lasting relationship "hinges upon mutual understanding and, when necessary, having conversations about difficult issues," they said, adding that the main challenge is "sustaining this level of engagement and fulfilling the promises it has made, especially since so much funding hinges on congressional approval." OTTAWA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday lamented the Canadian Parliament's accidental standing ovation to a veteran who fought for Ukrainian independence on behalf of the Nazi unit during the Second World War. Talking to reporters at the House of Commons of Canada, Trudeau termed the incident as "extremely upsetting." "The Speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized," Trudeau told reporters, adding "but this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians." Trudeau's remarks came amid revelation that Canadian lawmakers gave the special honor to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian Canadian, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the House of Commons on Friday as part of his visit to the country. However, two days later, it came to limelight that the man was in fact part of a Nazi unit fighting for Ukrainian independence. Speaker Anthony Rota, in his parliamentary speech on Friday, had hailed Hunka as "a Ukrainian Canadian war veteran from the Second World War who fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians" and "a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero." After the revelation, there are growing calls against Rota for stepping down from the post for extending an invitation to the former Ukrainian soldier. Amid growing anger against him, the speaker apologized to the Canadian lawmakers immediately after the opening of Parliament on Monday. Rota said he personally regrets inviting this constituent and giving him attention after Zelensky's remarks. "I am deeply sorry I offended many with my gestures and remarks," he said. "This initiative was entirely my own." "I want to really tell you that the intention was not to embarrass this House," he added. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh to Lead BRICS Parliamentary Forum Delegation in South Africa Harivansh Narayan Singh, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will lead a parliamentary delegation to the 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from September 27th to 29th. The overarching theme of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum revolves around the utilization of Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to strengthen the partnership between BRICS nations and Africa. Additionally, sources have indicated that Deputy Chairman Harivansh will actively engage in discussions on critical issues such as climate change and legislative mobilization during the event. Accompanying Harivansh on this diplomatic mission are Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Balmik and Lok Sabha MP Indra Hung Subba, who will depart for the BRICS Parliamentary Forum today. Aside from the thematic discussions, the forum will also address topics such as regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the transition to clean energy, according to sources. The BRICS Parliamentary Forum holds significant importance within the BRICS framework, exemplifying the collaborative efforts of the National Congress of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Parliament of the Republic of Bharat, the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. It reflects their shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation across various domains. South Africa assumed the BRICS Chairmanship in January 2023 as part of the rotational governance principle. The event is expected to draw approximately 250 parliamentary delegates from BRICS Member States, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The venue for this significant gathering will be Emperors Palace in Kempton Park. It is noteworthy that South Africa recently hosted the BRICS leaders' summit in August this year, where they made the historic decision to extend full membership to six new countries in the BRICS bloc starting from January 1st. These new members include Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Tirumala's Shri Venkateswara Swamy Salakatla Brahmotsavam begins today Allentown, PA (18103) Today Turning out mostly clear and cold with diminishing winds; a hard freeze is likely, a killing freeze that will end the growing season.. Tonight Turning out mostly clear and cold with diminishing winds; a hard freeze is likely, a killing freeze that will end the growing season. WEST READING, Pa. - Several new businesses are popping up or are on the horizon in West Reading. "Before I opened this, I used to have to go to Philadelphia to get this atmosphere, this whole experience," said Rick Turner, owner of Legacy Cigar Lounge in West Reading. "I wanted to bring it here." Rick and his wife, Adrean, realized their dream turning the former Chef Alan's into Legacy. "We're big on customer service so the moment you walk through that door, you'll be greeted by a cigar sommelier," said Rick. "They all went to school and they will walk you through every step." The couple wanted to create a warm environment where people could come to enjoy the finer things. "Not only do we have the freshest cigars, and wonderful libations, but we also have great food," Adrean added. "So, it's a whole experience. We call it the Legacy experience." There is no membership fee to come in and enjoy what Legacy has to offer. "The reception has been great on the avenue," Rick said. "This is something new, something different and I just hope everyone comes out to enjoy the experience." Adam Cocuzza, owner of West Reading's Nitro Bar and Say Cheese, is getting ready for the grand opening of West Reading Motor Club Friday. "I think West Reading is sort of growing up in a sense and needs a few more actual dinner places," said Cocuzza. West Reading Motor Club will be a reservations-recommended dinner spot open Wednesday through Saturday. "The menu that we'll serve at West Reading Motor Club is going to be loosely based on fine dining classics of the past, so things like Steak Diane, Lobster Newburg, those sorts of dishes," Cocuzza explained. "That won't be the exclusive food but that's where we're drawing our inspiration from." WYOMISSING, Pa. - The search continues for the person police in Wyomissing say tried to steal ATM machines. "On September 8th around 3 a.m., we received a burglar alarm at the Berkshire Mall. One of the jewelry kiosks inside the mall," said Sgt. Paul Baur of Wyomissing Police. Sergeant Baur said when officers arrived, they found that someone had broken in and stolen an undisclosed amount of jewelry from the kiosk. "A subsequent investigation showed that somebody attempted to steal one of the ATMs inside the mall," said Baur. Police said they are working to identify a White Jeep Grand Cherokee with no registration. According to investigators, officers received a call from one of the businesses in the 1100 block of Berkshire Boulevard a few days later on September 12th. "When officers arrived, they found that one of the businesses had been damaged," said Sergeant Baur. Police say someone tried to drag one of the ATMs using a tow strap. "It's possible they could be involved with other attempted thefts in the county. We're still investigating that," Baur said. Police have no suspect or suspects at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyomissing Police or Crime Alert Berks County. MAIDENCREEK TWP., Pa. - It's news that hits close to home. As I went by his house last Thursday, I thought there wasn't a lot of activity and I wondered why, said Geoff Whaling, a friend of the family. I got home and I was told there was an Anson Burkholder who had been hit on his bicycle and was horrified to realize that it was my neighbor." Police say 23-year-old Mennonite man Anson Burkholder of Maidencreek Township was killed while riding his bicycle near routes 222 and 73 last week. His neighbor says his life was taken during what should be a time of celebration and the start of a new chapter. The unfortunate part of this tragedy is that Anson and his wife would have celebrated their one-year anniversary this coming Friday the 29th. Aaron's birthday is October the 2nd and he has a two-month-old newborn, said Whaling. His neighbor says Burkholder was a hardworking family man, and the close-knit Mennonite community is rallying around those left behind. They are very self-sufficient. They come together and they help each other. I think that in this tragedy they would do the same, but I think that if people really wanted to support them, I think making a donation to the Fleetwood Mennonite Church is the way to go, he said. Geoff says it comes down to road safety and following this tragedy he hopes it doesn't happen to anyone else in the Mennonite and Amish communities. "I'm not surprised that this sort of incident and tragedy has happened. It's not the first. In fact, the owner of this produce stand was hit in a horse and buggy some ten or fifteen years ago on the same stretch of highway, Whaling said. He says he believes more needs to be done to make 222 safer for all who travel it. "I think that as they expand the highway system here in Pennsylvania, they need to take into account that we have people who are both cyclists and horse and buggy and we need to accommodate them. Allentown ranks No. 7 among cities whose residents are pondering a move out, according to Coldwell Banker Real Estate. They may want to go to Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina, or New York City, according to the real estate company. Gary, Indiana, would not be a great choice, according to Coldwell Banker's Move Meter. The midwestern town "would be on a par with your current location." The meter says the same when comparing Allentown to Newark, New Jersey, and Memphis, Tennessee. Some may be "California Dreamin'," although Los Angeles and San Diego are cities some people dream of moving to, and others want to leave, according to Coldwell Banker. Coldwell Banker said in a statement Tuesday that its Move Meter compares cost and quality of living by city. Austin, the capital of Texas, ranked highest as "the most searched destination" on the meter. The meter allows would-be movers to input two cities for a quick comparison and a computation of how far cities are from each other. What it means, if anything, might be up for debate. New York City ranked third on both lists: cities people dream of moving to, and cities people dream of moving from, according to Coldwell Banker. Other cities also made both lists, with top move-to choice Austin also ranked sixth for cities residents may wish to leave. The top 10 cities Coldwell Banker says people want to move to are, in order, Austin; Charlotte; New York; Los Angeles; Nashville; Tampa, Raleigh, North Carolina; Seattle; Atlanta, and San Diego. The Move Meter's top 10 cities for moving from are: Los Angeles; Denver; New York; Louisville; Chicago, Austin; Allentown; Seattle; San Diego, and Minneapolis. The Move Meter allows searchers to compare their current location with a dream location. When Allentown is compared to Santa Barbara, California, for example, the West Coast city's job market is emphasized. Allentown is the smallest city to make either list, with a population of about 125,000. Passenger traffic at Lehigh Valley International Airport fell 10% in August, compared to the same month in 2022, a decline airport officials said was expected. A total of 83,524 passengers went through LVIA in the month, down from 92,799 in August 2022, according to number presented to the Board of Governors of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority on Tuesday. The authority runs LVIA, Queen City Airport in Allentown and Braden Airpark in Forks Township. Problems with travel in 2022 led to changes in airline schedules this year, Colin Riccobon, the authority's director of public and government relations, said after the meeting. In 2022, travel surged worldwide as the COVID-19 pandemic eased. Flights were canceled and delayed. "Airlines have adjusted their capacity to make sure there were not a lot of disruptions this year," Riccobon said. Even with the August decline, Riccobon said year-to-date traffic at LVIA is close to 2022 numbers. Through the end of August 2023, 614,913 people had traveled through the airport, 1.6% below last year's 624,658 passenger total for the same period. Allegiant remains the top airline at LVIA, carrying 331,509 passengers year-to-date, or more than half of the total. The numbers through August include 560,942 passengers on aircraft and 53,971 who took buses to airports in Philadelphia and Newark. The summer dip is not expected to last. "We anticipate a return to more capacity being available in the fall," Riccobon said. The airport's load factor - percentage of aircraft seats occupied - was 87.2% in August, up from 81.0% in August 2019, the last full pre-pandemic year. "The seats we do get, we use," Todd Quann, LNAA's director of finance and administration, told the board. Quann also said LVIA's recovery rate since the pandemic is above that of peer airports, such as those in Harrisburg and Scranton. LVIA's new terminal connector, a $35 million project that recently opened, is working well, LNAA Executive Director Thomas Stoudt said during the meeting. The airport will also welcome a new concessions operator next month. Tailwind Hospitality will take over food service, the airport bar and gift shop. LVIA's 10-year contract with the previous operator expired after 10 years. PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) is ignoring a growing number of calls to step down. He spoke out Monday morning, insisting he maintains the trust of the people of New Jersey, three days after being indicted on federal bribery charges. "I understand how deeply concerning this can be," said Menendez. "However, the allegations leveled against me are just that, allegations." Menendez claims prosecutors got it wrong. The 69-year-old is accused of using his political power and influence to benefit three New Jersey businessmen, and the Egyptian government, in exchange for bribes. "If you look at my actions related to Egypt during the period described in this indictment, and throughout my whole career, my record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable for its unjust detention of American citizens and others," said Menendez. Investigators say they found gold bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash in Menendez's home. The senator addressed the money. "For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba. Now this may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account, based on the income that I have lawfully derived," said Menendez. While Menendez is stressing the presumption of innocence, many are calling for him to step down, including New Jersey's leading Democrats: The governor, state party chairman, members of the legislature and members of Congress. Noticeably missing from that list are U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), though the White House has weighed in. "This is a serious matter," said Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary. "Any decision that he has to make, that's certainly going to be up to him and the Senate leadership to decide." "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be the New Jersey's senior senator," said Menendez. Menendez faces re-election next year, a topic that wasn't addressed in Monday's press conference. However, Rep. Andy Kim announced he'd now run for the seat because of the charges. Meanwhile, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio says Democrats need to do more to get Menendez out of office. "Governor [Phil] Murphy should announce a successor, or at least provide a public list of candidates he would appoint from," DiMaio said. KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Tuesday it will host a hiring event at its Montgomery County Maintenance facility next week, to reach qualified candidates to fill vacancies. PennDOT says the event will be held Wednesday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Montgomery County Maintenance facility, Swede Road and Johnson Highway, Norristown, PA 19401. Applicants must enter the parking lot off Swede Road, according to a news release from PennDOT. For more information, people can call 610-275-2368. PennDOT says applicants are encouraged to view open positions on employment.pa.gov and submit their application through the employment website whether they can attend or not attend the hiring event. Prospective candidates may also view other positions on the employment website available in the Philadelphia region and statewide and do not have to live in the county for the job they are applying for. Examples of open positions include: Winter Maintenance Positions; Transportation Equipment Operator-A; Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee; Diesel Construction Equipment Mechanic; Automotive Mechanic; and Highway Maintenance Worker. If for any reason an applicant cannot complete an application on the website before the scheduled hiring event, staff with laptops will be available to help interested participants navigate the electronic application system, PennDOT said. For positions that require a Commercial Drivers License, PennDOT will conduct on-the-spot interviews for CDL operators. Driving tests may also be administered the same day. CDL operators should bring their current drivers license and medical examiner certificate to the event. Requirements for a CDL will be posted on the job description on the employment website. PennDOT says it will train an employee for a CDL if hired for the Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee position. Hunter Biden filed a civil lawsuit Tuesday against Rudy Giuliani and his former attorney, claiming they caused total annihilation of his digital privacy and violated federal and state computer privacy laws through their alleged efforts to hack his devices. In the lawsuit filed in federal court in California, Hunter Biden accuses Giuliani and Robert Costello of spending years hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from his devices. Plaintiff has demanded Defendants Giuliani and Costello cease their unlawful activities with respect to Plaintiffs data and return any data in their possession belonging to Plaintiff, but they have refused to do so, attorneys for Hunter Biden wrote in the lawsuit. Defendants statements suggest that their unlawful hacking activities are ongoing today and that, unless stopped, will continue into the future, thereby necessitating this action. Tuesdays lawsuit is the latest that Hunter Biden has brought as he pursues an aggressive legal strategy against his detractors. It comes as Republicans launch an impeachment inquiry into his father, President Joe Biden, thats also examining Hunter Bidens business dealings. Everyone involved in stealing and manipulating Hunters data should be hearing footsteps right about now, a source on Hunters legal team told CNN. MORE HUNTER BIDEN COVERAGE Earlier this month, Hunter Biden brought a similar civil suit against former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler, claiming that since leaving his White House post, Ziegler has devoted most of his waking time and energy on the effort to access devices that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden. And last week, Hunter Biden sued the Internal Revenue Service, alleging its agents illegally released his tax information and that the agency failed to protect his private records. The latest lawsuit also adds to mounting legal woes for Rudy Giuliani, who is facing multiple civil and criminal actions stemming from his actions after the 2020 election. CNN has reached out to Giuliani and Costello for comment. Hunter Bidens attorneys allege in the lawsuit that the former New York mayor has not only admitted but bragged about downloading data from Plaintiffs laptop (even though he only had a hard drive) onto his own computer; about using his own computer to access, tamper with and manipulate the downloaded data; and about maintaining multiple copies of the data for his and Defendant Costellos personal use. As an example, they pointed to an episode of Giulianis podcast Americas Mayor Live in February 2023. According to the lawsuit, in a video of the podcast, Giuliani held up a laptop computer on camera and announced: This belongs to Hunter Biden. He proceeded to brag about having copied Plaintiffs data onto his own computer and about having accessed, analyzed and manipulated the transferred data, the lawsuit states. The suit accuses Giuliani and Costello of breaking both federal and California state computer privacy laws and asks for a jury trial in the matter. Implements Mission [Green]'s Round Up for Cannabis Reform program across growing Mission dispensary footprint As of October 1, customers at Mission dispensaries can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar in support of federal cannabis reform PHOENIX, Ariz., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - 4Front Ventures Corp. (CSE: FFNT) (OTCQX: FFNTF) ("4Front" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator and retailer, announced that it has partnered with The Weldon Project , a non-profit dedicated to driving social change and furthering federal cannabis reform for those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis-related offenses. Through this partnership, 4Front has joined the non-profit's Mission [Green] Alliance , an industry-wide collaboration in support of the nationwide campaign Round Up for Cannabis Reform. The program allows customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar at the point of sale at all Mission dispensaries to donate to The Weldon Project and Mission [Green ], as of October 1, 2023. Proceeds will go toward advocacy efforts for legislative reform at the federal level, including congressional outreach initiatives. 4Front Ventures Corp. Logo (CNW Group/4Front Ventures Corp.) The Weldon Project was founded by leading criminal justice reform advocate Weldon Angelos, after serving 13 years for a low-level, non-violent cannabis-related offense. Since its founding, the non-profit has launched several instrumental advocacy campaigns for federal reform and cannabis clemency, as well as provided financial relief and support services, such as legal counsel and re-entry programs, for those impacted by cannabis prohibition. Notably, earlier this year, Weldon Angelos and The Weldon Project's advocacy efforts were influential in the compassionate release of Luke Scarmazzo, who served 14 years of a 22-year sentence for lawfully operating a medical cannabis dispensary. "We are proud to partner with The Weldon Project and Mission [Green] to advance their incredibly important initiative to support those who have been unjustly affected by the War on Drugs," said Leo Gontmakher, Chief Executive Officer of 4Front. "As an operator, it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to back organizations that challenge outdated systems and beliefs that have impacted the lives of so many Americans. The first and arguably the most important step to driving meaningful change in our industry is empowering those who have suffered at the hands of our criminal justice system while others have benefitted. We look forward to working with Weldon and the amazing team at The Weldon Project and Mission [Green] on a number of advocacy efforts, as well as being able to support the Round Up for Cannabis Reform program on an even greater level as we continue to expand our Mission dispensary network." Story continues To learn more about The Weldon Project and Mission [Green], visit https://www.theweldonproject.org/ . About 4Front Ventures Corp. 4Front Ventures Corp. ("4Front" or the "Company") (CSE: FFNT) (OTCQX: FFNTF) is a national, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator that owns or manages operations and facilities in strategic medical and adult-use cannabis markets, including California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington. Since its founding in 2011, 4Front has built a strong reputation for its high standards and low-cost cultivation and production methodologies earned through a track record of success in facility design, cultivation, genetics, growing processes, manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, and retail. To date, 4Front has successfully brought to market more than 20 different cannabis brands and over 1800 products, which are strategically distributed through its fully owned and operated Mission dispensaries and retail outlets in its core markets. As the Company continues to drive value for its shareholders, its team is applying its decade of expertise in the sector across the cannabis industry value chain and ecosystem. For more information, visit https://4frontventures.com/ . About Mission [Green] Mission [Green] is an initiative of The Weldon Project ("TWP"), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works directly with lawmakers, advocacy groups, incarcerated individuals, and the White House on a broad range of criminal justice issues and advocates on behalf of currently or formerly incarcerated drug offenders who were sentenced to prison for nonviolent drug offenses. The Mission [Green] initiative raises the bar for awareness and social justice by providing unique ways for cannabis businesses and consumers to participate in a nationwide campaign aimed to provide relief to those who have been negatively impacted by prohibition. Mission [Green]'s cannabis clemency program is designed to secure the release of those serving prison time for cannabis-related offenses, as well as to pave the road for pardons or expungements so that those who have been affected can move forward with their lives. Mission [Green] is led by socially conscious leaders who have been affected by the justice system and have firsthand experience with the issues that they are seeking to solve. Those who have been most harmed by the system are particularly positioned to develop and promote ideas that will begin to change it. You can learn more online at www.theweldonproject.org, www.projectmissiongreen.org. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/4front-partners-with-the-weldon-project-and-joins-the-mission-green-alliance-to-further-federal-cannabis-reform-301938269.html SOURCE 4Front Ventures Corp. Agnico Eagle Mines' (NYSE:AEM) stock is up by 2.7% over the past month. Given that the market rewards strong financials in the long-term, we wonder if that is the case in this instance. In this article, we decided to focus on Agnico Eagle Mines' ROE. Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders. View our latest analysis for Agnico Eagle Mines How Is ROE Calculated? Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Agnico Eagle Mines is: 12% = US$2.4b US$20b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023). The 'return' is the income the business earned over the last year. One way to conceptualize this is that for each $1 of shareholders' capital it has, the company made $0.12 in profit. Why Is ROE Important For Earnings Growth? So far, we've learned that ROE is a measure of a company's profitability. We now need to evaluate how much profit the company reinvests or "retains" for future growth which then gives us an idea about the growth potential of the company. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics. Agnico Eagle Mines' Earnings Growth And 12% ROE To begin with, Agnico Eagle Mines seems to have a respectable ROE. And on comparing with the industry, we found that the the average industry ROE is similar at 13%. Consequently, this likely laid the ground for the impressive net income growth of 54% seen over the past five years by Agnico Eagle Mines. We believe that there might also be other aspects that are positively influencing the company's earnings growth. For instance, the company has a low payout ratio or is being managed efficiently. Story continues We then compared Agnico Eagle Mines' net income growth with the industry and we're pleased to see that the company's growth figure is higher when compared with the industry which has a growth rate of 32% in the same 5-year period. Earnings growth is an important metric to consider when valuing a stock. What investors need to determine next is if the expected earnings growth, or the lack of it, is already built into the share price. Doing so will help them establish if the stock's future looks promising or ominous. If you're wondering about Agnico Eagle Mines''s valuation, check out this gauge of its price-to-earnings ratio, as compared to its industry. Is Agnico Eagle Mines Making Efficient Use Of Its Profits? Agnico Eagle Mines' three-year median payout ratio is a pretty moderate 45%, meaning the company retains 55% of its income. By the looks of it, the dividend is well covered and Agnico Eagle Mines is reinvesting its profits efficiently as evidenced by its exceptional growth which we discussed above. Moreover, Agnico Eagle Mines is determined to keep sharing its profits with shareholders which we infer from its long history of paying a dividend for at least ten years. Our latest analyst data shows that the future payout ratio of the company is expected to rise to 92% over the next three years. Therefore, the expected rise in the payout ratio explains why the company's ROE is expected to decline to 4.5% over the same period. Summary In total, we are pretty happy with Agnico Eagle Mines' performance. Particularly, we like that the company is reinvesting heavily into its business, and at a high rate of return. Unsurprisingly, this has led to an impressive earnings growth. With that said, on studying the latest analyst forecasts, we found that while the company has seen growth in its past earnings, analysts expect its future earnings to shrink. To know more about the latest analysts predictions for the company, check out this visualization of analyst forecasts for the company. 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. Film & Arts Festival featuring Handspeak Deaf Korean Performers When: Friday, 29 September 2023 - Saturday, 30 September 2023 Where: Parktown Education Campus Start time: 17:00 Enquiries: wits.news@wits.ac.za The Centre for Deaf Studies marks its jubilee with a diverse programme for all. The Centre for Deaf Studies at Wits University is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in September with a month long programme featuring a range of activities including panel discussions and social events. All events are open to people of different abilities. The Centre is the only one of its kind in Africa, and is recognised by the South African Department of Higher Education as a Centre for Excellence. An integral component the celebration is the Deaf Culture, Performance and Art programme from 25 September to 30 September 2023. The main cultural event on Friday, 29 September features Handspeak, Deaf Korean performers, as well as South African Deaf artists and films by Deaf artists. Tickets are available via Quickets. The Handspeak Korean Deaf Performers, a remarkable ensemble based in South Korea, defy conventional notions of artistic expression and communication. Comprised of talented individuals living with varying degrees of hearing impairment, this tight-knit troupe utilises sign language, expressive facial gestures, body movement, and music to convey compelling stories and emotions. Their performances span an array of genres, from contemporary dance to theater and multimedia installations, all without uttering a single word. Through their innovative and emotive work, the Handspeak Korean Deaf Performers challenge stereotypes surrounding the deaf community and demonstrate the profound potential for human expression beyond the constraints of traditional language. This extraordinary ensemble has received widespread recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to the arts and their advocacy for inclusivity. Saturday, 30 September continues with the theme of social interaction. What to see and what to do at the 2023 Fak'ugesi Festival A virtual feast of Africas best creative showcases, digital workshops, talks, music, and digital art exhibitions Get ready for an electrifying 10th-anniversary celebration of African creativity at the Fakugesi African Digital Innovation Festival. Taking place from 26 September to 1 October 2023, the festival is an unmissable event at the forefront of Africas culture and technology scene. For a decade, Fakugesi has proudly led the charge in supporting innovation in technology, art, and culture across the African continent, and is now, once again, proud to deliver an outstanding lineup geared towards bringing tech innovation to people in a fun, accessible and playful way. Fak'ugesi has been a pioneer in bridging the gap between African culture, technological innovation and creative encounters, says Eduardo Cachucho, Fakugesi Festivals Creative Director. This 10th-anniversary celebration promises to be a milestone in the journey of creativity, and we invite everyone to join us in this unique experience. The Fakugesi Festival public programme is open to everyone, with each day tailored to offer a journey like no other. The Fakugesi Conference is made for the inquisitive mind looking for engaging talks, panels and speakers, Student Day is crafted for students 18 years old and up looking for masterclasses, expo and exhibitions, while Beats brings thumping bass and dazzling pan-African and international music performances to the heart of Joburg. Lastly, the Fakugesi Family and Maker Day is back by popular demand offering a variety of activities and digital artistic content for children and their parents. This year, Fakugesi has added some exciting events to its lineup to commemorate 10 years and this years theme #MoreFlow which questions how we use digital innovation and creativity to build new worlds. In a world asking for more data, more information, more work, and more pressure, the festival is a call to search for #moreflow paths of least resistance with the most benefit, says Cachucho. As a Fakugesi ticket holder you will get to experience 8 Expo stands, 2 Jamz windows, and 6 exhibitions of digital creative work, including: HipHop 360 (50 years of Hip Hop) Two virtual reality films produced by WITS students in the TV & Film and Digital Arts departments are featured in this project. The viewers are thrust into the heart of two hip-hop videos shot in and around Braamfontein, Johannesburg - home to the largest student population in South Africa. You'll be drawn in by these 360 music videos, depicting either the shady deals of "Keys" or the heart-breaking tale of "Let Me Go." Fakugesi Trailer - Mollo Partnership Fakugesis collaboration with Mollo is set to take creativity to new heights with a first of its kind Fakugesi Animated Trailer. Tshimologongs Mollo Animation Academy and Studio develops the South African animation industry into a dependable contributor to the creative economy and opens doors for new talent. Video Here. Creation Afrique Exhibition Showcase See two outstanding VR works by the AfroCyborg delving into African spiritualism, eco-consciousness, and AI. The showcase is installed at Fakugesi ready to travel to Paris from 6-8 October for the Creation Afrique Forum Supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the forum strives to honour and showcase the newest, bravest, and most brilliant works of African innovation. AI to Amplify Explore the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and its role in amplifying creativity and innovation. Here, socially conscious individuals are invited to contribute their viewpoints to the creation of public good-focused artificial intelligence applications and products in a variety of teams that were selected from Goethe Instituts global programme. Through virtual courses and meetings, the fellowship programme broadens AI skill sets. Noga Mo Jozi Noga Mo Jozi delves into the many possible African urban imaginaries of Johannesburg with the help of AI as an iterative tool for creation. It sees African urban futures not as sci-fi but as the extension of a millennia old engagement with spiritualism, humanity, the earth, and design intersecting with technology. The exhibition by Dr Sechaba Maape (co-curator of the SA pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale), brings together for the first time in South Africa, together with AI Joburg African urban speculations from Dr Sechaba Maape, Menzi Ndlovu, Dirk Coetser, Anita Szentesi. Its showing at the Fakugesi Festival is made possible with the support of the WITS School of Architecture and Planning. The Fak'ugesi Beats Party The weeks activities at Fak'ugesi culminate in this sensational party, reigniting the energy and spirit created at the inaugural event. Returning to Johannesburg in celebration of the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival's 10-year anniversary. On Saturday, 30 September, the Beats Party takes over Braamfonteins tech hub at the Tshimologong Precinct. Live performances will feature Muzi, K Le Maestro (UK), Morena Leraba x Leeu, and COCO EM (KE), with support from Kaddy, Deniece Marz, Yolophonik, and Sis Madlisa. Prepare for a union of performance, music, technology, and digital innovation, showcasing the best in alternative talent, both local and international. To avoid disappointment, kindly note that this venue has limited capacity, so book your tickets now to secure your space! Fakugesi Ticket Options Student Tickets: Day Pass at R50, or a 4-Day Festival Pass for R200 Standard Tickets: Day Pass at R100, or 4-Day Festival Pass for R350 VIP Tickets: 4-Day Festival Pass for R600 Family Day: Family of four for just R200 Beats Party: Limited early bird tickets for R250 The full programme can be viewed via Fakugesi Festival website here. Tickets are available for purchase online at Quicket, here. South Africas meteorite heritage grow to over 50 Discovery of two meteorites are the first to be found by a member of the public on South African soil in over 40 years. As South Africa is celebrating heritage month, the countrys meteorite heritage has grown to over 50, with two recent new discoveries by a South African farmer, Gideon Lombaard. The new discoveries, which Lombaard has made in the Northern Cape Province, push the listed meteorite mark from the previous 49, to 51. Wits University geologists, Professors Roger Gibson and Lew Ashwal, were alerted to the new discoveries in 2021, when Lombaard reached out to them via Gabriel Goncalves from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil to confirm whether the rocks that he had picked up on his farm south of Pofadder on 18 September 2018 and 27 August 2021 respectively were actually meteorites. If proved correct, these would be the first discoveries by a member of the public in South Africa in over 40 years. Once we were able to examine the fragments, using a range of petrological and geochemical techniques, we were able to not only confirm that they were meteorites, but also to show that the two were distinctly different, despite being found only one kilometre apart, says Gibson. The Brierskop meteorite is a 21.19 g ordinary chondrite. The excellent state of preservation of the fusion crust distinguishes it from the more oxidised larger (90.26 g) Wolfkop stone, which is also an ordinary chondrite and which he found only 1 km away three years later. The more advanced oxidation suggests that Wolfkop belongs to an older fall than Brierskop. In August this year, the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society, which adjudicates all new meteorite submissions, formally accepted the researchersproposal that the two constituted different meteorites and that they be named, respectively, Brierskop and Wolfkop after their find sites. A meteorite is a piece of rocky Space debris that survives collision with Earth. Meteorites have been the subject of public fascination, awe, myths and even religious worship for thousands of years. They are highly sought after by museums and private collectors alike, and in recent decades have become a cosmic Rosetta Stone for scientists investigating the birth throes of our Solar system and the organic life that it hosts. Meteorites are therefore rightly classified as an integral part of our communal natural heritage, and are protected by law in South Africa. There are currently over 72,000 documented meteorites that have been collected across the world, weighing approximately 700 tonnes, says Gibson. However, while this may sound impressive, the entire meteorite collection of the world could actually fit into a cube with edges of only 6 m! The meteorite inventory is also very skewed by collections from only two regions approximately 42,000 meteorites have been collected in Antarctica via systematic searches by scientific parties in Antarctica over the last 30 years, and close to 14,000 have been collected in the Sahara Desert by nomadic tribes as an income source for selling to collectors. Despite this bias, meteorite entries exist for 122 countries globally, and some have even been retrieved from dredged sediments from the seafloor. Earth is under continuous daily bombardment by millions of rock particles from Space, as can be witnessed by anyone viewing the clear night sky in an area away from bright lights. Each meteor, or shooting star, represents a tiny dust-sized particle entering the upper atmosphere and burning up, says Gibson. In recent decades, sensor systems tracking high-energy disturbances in the upper atmosphere have established that, on average, between 10 and 50 meteorites are likely to hit Earths surface every day. Most of these would splash down in the oceans, but an increasing number of countries are starting to install camera networks (such as NASAs CAMS; seti.org/cams) specifically designed to record the trajectories of meteor fireballs that can then be triangulated to try to locate the fall site. Ground searches for fallen meteorites are becoming an increasingly popular form of citizen science. Finding meteorites is not easy, which makes Mr Lombaards twin discoveries all the more significant. Universities and museums are frequently contacted by people who believe they may have found a meteorite but almost invariably these turn out to be smelter slag, magnetite or sand-polished stones called ventifacts, all of which are quite common in the arid landscape of southern Africa. Meteorite fragments from the Asteroid Belt can be divided into two broad groups - undifferentiated meteorites, called chondrites, and differentiated meteorites that are separated into achondrites and irons. As the Sun formed and flared to life, mm-sized, spherical, frozen melt particles and dust began to coalesce into larger solid bodies that ultimately would grow into the rocky planets in the inner solar system and smaller bodies in the Asteroid Belt. The decay of radioactive elements and gravitational collapse caused these bodies to start heating up. Those that were too small to heat up significantly, or which were broken apart too soon by collisions with other bodies, are the source of chondrite meteorites. Chondrites are the oldest rocks in our Solar System, giving ages as old as 4.56 billion years. Some chondrites actually contain small particles that are even older than our Sun, says Gibson. They are snapshots of how our planet was formed. We cant drill down into the core of the Earth to directly see what it is made of, but meteorites give us a good idea of what we would find and how it all started. Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP Free Report) (TSE:BEP) had its price target trimmed by Wells Fargo & Company from $35.00 to $32.00 in a research report report published on Friday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the utilities providers stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. 888 reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Thursday, August 17th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Scotiabank assumed coverage on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Friday, June 23rd. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Mizuho decreased their target price on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners from $32.00 to $27.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $34.67. Get Brookfield Renewable Partners alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Brookfield Renewable Partners Brookfield Renewable Partners Price Performance Shares of BEP stock opened at $25.82 on Friday. Brookfield Renewable Partners has a 1 year low of $23.62 and a 1 year high of $34.40. The firms 50 day moving average is $26.74 and its 200-day moving average is $29.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.02 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP Get Free Report) (TSE:BEP) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The utilities provider reported ($0.10) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by ($0.18). Brookfield Renewable Partners had a return on equity of 1.24% and a net margin of 6.43%. The company had revenue of $719.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $798.25 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that Brookfield Renewable Partners will post 0.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. Brookfield Renewable Partners Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a dividend of $0.3375 per share. This represents a $1.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.23%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Renewable Partnerss dividend payout ratio is -225.00%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookfield Renewable Partners A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BEP. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Brookfield Renewable Partners during the second quarter worth $186,066,000. BROOKFIELD Corp ON boosted its position in Brookfield Renewable Partners by 7.5% during the second quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 73,897,686 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,179,243,000 after purchasing an additional 5,148,270 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in Brookfield Renewable Partners by 36.7% during the second quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 13,135,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $387,355,000 after purchasing an additional 3,523,830 shares during the period. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 170.1% in the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 4,530,214 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $133,552,000 after acquiring an additional 2,853,217 shares during the period. Finally, Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 563.8% in the first quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 1,782,235 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $56,100,000 after acquiring an additional 1,513,748 shares during the period. 60.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Brookfield Renewable Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. owns a portfolio of renewable power generating facilities primarily in North America, Colombia, Brazil, Europe, and Asia. The company generates electricity through hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, pumped storage, cogeneration, and biomass sources. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada and the United States. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; and merchandise freight, such as energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals and consumer, automotive, and forest products. It transports intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. The company offers rail and intermodal transportation services through a network of approximately 13,000 miles serving business centers in Quebec and British Columbia, Canada; and the United States Northeast and Midwest regions. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. 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. Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA engages in the luxury goods business in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and rest of Europe. The company operates through Jewellery Maisons, Specialist Watchmakers, and Other segments. It designs, manufactures, and distributes jewelry products, precision timepieces, watches, writing instruments, clothing, and leather goods and accessories. The company offers its products under the Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian, TIMEVALLEE, Watchfinder & Co., NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, The Outnet, and YOOX brands through boutiques and online stores. Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Switzerland. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This agreement will see Discover the World take on sales representation responsibilities for Air Malta in this strategically important market for the airline and the destination. Air Malta currently has 26 flights per week from Paris CDG, ORY, Lyon LYS and Nice NCE. France is the 3rd largest market for the airline and sits at 4th place for inbound tourism to the Maltese Islands. Discover the World's logo. (PRNewsFoto/Discover the World Marketing) (PRNewsFoto/) Aiden Walsh, Head of Airline Development at Discover the World commented. "We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air Malta to now include France. This brings the number of markets we now represent Air Malta to nine online and over 30 offline countries. With a focus on people, innovation, transparency and results, we look to further build on our past work that has continually delivered recorded growth and revenue for Air Malta." Head of France for Discover the World, Guillaume Arenas added "We are thrilled Air Malta has entrusted us with this important market, and we look forward to engaging with our trade partners. We can't wait to get started." Alan Tune, Air Malta's Head of Revenue Management and Global Sales also commented "We have deepened our cooperation with Discover the World in order to grow revenue and bring further synergies across our key sales territories in which Discover is an important pillar. This latest addition is an important milestone for our strategic partnership, and we are thrilled to have them on board for France." About Air Malta Air Malta is the national flag carrier of the Maltese Islands. Since 1974 it has played a vital role in supporting the national economic, social and cultural development of the Islands by ensuring stable and regular passenger and cargo connectivity within Europe and beyond. Air Malta is key for Malta's connectivity, currently contributing to 26% of traffic and ensuring all-year round operations to more than 20 European cities and major airports. For more information on Air Malta please visit www.airmalta.com. Story continues About Discover the World Discover the World has earned a reputation as an innovative global sales representation leader in the travel industry through a worldwide network of 85 offices in more than 60 countries. With a portfolio of over 100 clients utilizing its sales, marketing and business process outsourcing services, the work of Discover the World has a direct positive impact on the growth of its clients and trade industry partners every day. For more information about Discover the World please visit www.discovertheworld.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-malta-expands-relationship-with-discover-the-world-in-france-301938647.html SOURCE Discover the World Dell Technologies Inc., founded in 1984, is a multinational computer technology company headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. The company designs, develops, sells, and supports personal computers, servers, data storage devices, network switches, software, and other related technologies. Consumers, small businesses, and large enterprises worldwide use Dell Technologies Inc.'s products and services. Dell Technologies Inc. has achieved many key highlights and achievements throughout its history. In 2016, the company completed the most significant tech merger in history by acquiring EMC Corporation for $67 billion. Additionally, Dell has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for several consecutive years. Michael Dell is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dell Technologies Inc. He has been with the company since its inception in 1984, leading it through many changes and challenges. Jeff Clarke is the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for global operations, customer support, and supply chain management. Dell Technologies Inc. has reported healthy financial results in recent years. With average revenue in the billions of dollars and a 1 - 3% increase yearly for several years. The company's average gross profit margin stays between 25 to 35%. Depending on the year, Dell Technologies Inc. maintains debt levels either slightly below or above its current assets. Dell Technologies Inc.'s price-to-earnings ratio and price-to-book ratios are slightly below the industry average, indicating that Dell Technologies Inc.'s stock is undervalued compared to its peers. Dell Technologies Inc.'s stock performance has been strong recently but became volatile in Q1 of 2022 amid investor fears of a recession. Despite these issues, Dell Technologies Inc.'s stock price is still positive, over 80% in a five-year timeframe. Dell Technologies Inc.'s stock has also outperformed the broader market, with the S&P 500 increasing by approximately 60% over the same period. Dell Technologies Inc. operates in the highly competitive computer technology industry. The industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and intense competition. Dell Technologies Inc.'s main competitors include HP Inc., Lenovo Group Limited, and Apple Inc. One trend that is impacting the industry is the shift toward mobile computing. Consumers are increasingly using smartphones and tablets instead of traditional personal computers. This trend has led to declining sales of personal computers and increased competition in the mobile computing space. Another trend impacting the industry is the increasing importance of data privacy and security. Consumers are becoming more aware of the risks associated with data breaches and are demanding more secure devices and services. This trend has led to increased investment in cybersecurity by companies in the industry. Dell Technologies Inc. has several potential growth opportunities. One area of focus is the Internet of Things (IoT). Dell Technologies Inc. has developed a suite of IoT solutions and services that help customers manage and analyze the data generated by connected devices. This market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Another growth opportunity for Dell Technologies Inc. is the expanding market for cloud computing. The company has invested heavily in cloud infrastructure and services and has partnered with major cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. As more businesses move their computing infrastructure to the cloud, Dell Technologies Inc. is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. Despite its many strengths, Dell Technologies Inc. faces several potential risks and challenges. One key challenge for the company is the ongoing decline in the personal computer market. As consumers shift towards mobile devices, sales of personal computers are likely to continue to decline. Dell Technologies Inc. will need to adapt to this changing market to remain competitive. Another risk for Dell Technologies Inc. is the intense competition in the computer technology industry. The company faces competition from established players like HP and Lenovo and newer entrants like Google and Apple. To remain competitive, Dell Technologies Inc. must continue to invest in research and development and develop new products and services. Dell Technologies Inc. faces potential risks from changing regulatory and political environments. The company operates in many countries worldwide, and changes in regulations or political instability in key markets could impact its operations. Dell Technologies Inc. may also face increased regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy and cybersecurity issues. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage. The Specialty segment provides professional and executive Lines, marine, and surety and other, as well as specialty P&C, such as program business, specialty industrial and commercial property, excess and surplus lines, and specialty general liability coverage. The Personal Lines segment offers personal automobile and homeowner's coverages, as well as other personal coverages, such as personal umbrella, inland marine, fire, personal watercraft, personal cyber, and other miscellaneous coverages. The Other segment markets investment management services to institutions, pension funds, and other organizations. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. markets its products and services through independent agents and brokers. The company was formerly known as Allmerica Financial Corp. and changed its name to The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. in December 2005. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts. First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through three segments: Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company provides underwriting services for bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; and offers advisory services. In addition, it offers commercial and business banking for business enterprises, consumer banking, and private client and wealth management services; and capital markets, professional commercial real estate, mortgage warehouse and asset-based lending, franchise and equipment finance, and corporate and correspondent banking. Further, the company provides transaction processing services including check clearing services and remittance processing, credit cards, investment, and sale of mutual fund and retail insurances, as well as trust, fiduciary, and agency services. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. IGM Financial Inc. operates as a wealth and asset management company in Canada. It operates through Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Strategic Investments and Other segments. The company offers financial advisory services; and IG Living Plan that provides financial planning services, such as investment vehicles, insurance products, mortgage and banking solutions, and charitable giving program. It also provides mutual funds; managed solutions; IG Advisory Account, a fee-based account that enhances client experience by offering the ability to simplify and consolidate selected investments into a single account; iProfile Private portfolios, a portfolio management program for households with investments; iProfile Portfolios, a suite of four managed solutions; segregated funds; separately managed accounts; insurance products; and securities services. In addition, the company offers management and related services; global private equity, private credit, and infrastructure investment solutions; and exchange traded funds. The company was incorporated in 1978 and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada. IGM Financial Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Power Financial Corporation. United Parcel Service, Inc. is a global package delivery and logistics company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was founded in 1907 and has since become a significant player in the logistics industry. UPS operates in more than 220 countries and territories, with a network of over 500,000 employees worldwide. UPS's primary business is package delivery, but the company also provides supply chain solutions and specialized transportation services. In recent years, UPS has expanded into e-commerce, offering services like same-day delivery and order fulfillment for online retailers. In addition to its delivery services, UPS also operates a freight division that provides air and ground transportation for commercial shipments. UPS has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as alternative fuel vehicles and a carbon offset program for shipping. Fortune magazine has also named the company one of the World's Most Admired Companies for several years. UPS is led by CEO Carol Tome, who joined the company in 1995 and became CEO in 2020. Tome has extensive finance experience and served as The Home Depot's CFO before joining UPS. In addition to Tome, UPS's executive team includes Executive Vice President and President of U.S. operations, Nando Cesarone, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Kevin Warren, and Chief Financial Officer Brian Newman. UPS has reported stable revenue over the past several years. UPS's profit margins have remained steady, with an average gross profit margin of 56.4% and an operating margin of approximately 9.3%. UPS has a strong balance sheet, with total assets of $69.4 billion and total liabilities of $43.4 billion as of the end of 2022. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is higher than the industry average but within a reasonable range. UPS's valuation metrics are generally in line with industry peers, and overall, UPS's valuation suggests that the market views the company as fairly valued. UPS's stock performance has been robust in recent years, with the company's share price increasing by 33% from 2020 to 2022. This outperformed the S&P 500 index, which increased by 26% over the same period. Trading volume for UPS has been relatively stable, with an average daily volume of around 2.83 million shares. The logistics industry is highly competitive, with several large players vying for market share. In addition to traditional competitors such as FedEx and DHL, UPS competes with newer players in the e-commerce space, such as Amazon and Shopify. The industry is also subject to regulatory and political pressures, such as changes in trade policies and labor regulations. Despite these challenges, the logistics industry is expected to grow in the coming years. E-commerce, in particular, is driving demand for package delivery and supply chain solutions, and UPS is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. UPS has several potential growth opportunities in the coming years. The company's expansion into e-commerce has been a significant growth driver, and this trend is expected to continue. UPS's recent acquisition of Roadie, a same-day delivery platform, could also help the company capture more business in the rapidly growing same-day delivery market. In addition to e-commerce, UPS is investing in technology to improve its operations and customer experience. The company is testing drone delivery in specific markets and has developed digital tools to help customers manage their shipments. UPS has also announced plans to expand its presence in healthcare logistics. The company has already invested in specialized facilities and services for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and this market is expected to continue growing in the coming years. UPS faces risks and challenges like any company that could impact its future performance. One critical risk is the potential for increased competition, particularly from newer entrants in the e-commerce space. These companies may have lower overhead costs and more agile business models, making it more difficult for UPS to compete on price and speed. Another risk for UPS is the potential for regulatory or political changes that could impact the logistics industry. Changes in trade policies or labor regulations could increase costs for the company or limit its ability to operate in certain markets. Mister Car Wash, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides conveyorized car wash services in the United States. It offers express exterior and interior cleaning services. The company was formerly known as Hotshine Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Mister Car Wash, Inc. in March 2021. Mister Car Wash, Inc. was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Houston, Texas. The Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI TIAA ESG USA Small Cap index. The fund tracks a multi-factor-weighted index of small-cap companies listed on US exchanges. Holdings are screened for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. NUSC was launched on Dec 13, 2016 and is managed by Nuveen. The following companies are subsidiares of Republic Services: 3G&L, 623 Landfill Inc., 8 M Properties LLC, A D A J Corporation, A-Best Disposal Inc., ACV Enviro, ACV Enviro 1045 RE LLC, ACV Enviro CC Holding Corporation, ACV Enviro Corporation, ACV Enviro Holding Corporation, ACV Enviro MA RE LLC, ACV Enviro MD RE LLC, ACV Enviro MI Corporation, ACV Environmental Services Inc., ADS Inc., ADS of Illinois Inc., AES DE RS I LLC, AES DE RS II LLC, AES DE RS III LLC, AES DE RS IV LLC, AES DE RS V LLC, AES DE RS XIV LLC, AES DE RS XV LLC, AES Greece Solar LLC, AES Holland Solar LLC, AES Lawa'i Solar LLC, AES Monroe Solar A LLC, AES Monroe Solar B LLC, AES Monroe Solar C LLC, AES Monroe Solar D LLC, AES Monroe Solar E LLC, AES Orphan Farm Solar LLC, AES Rochester Solar LLC, AES Wawarsing Solar LLC, AWIN Leasing Company Inc., AWIN Leasing II LLC, AWIN Management Inc., Abilene Landfill TX LP, Ace Disposal Services Inc., Action Disposal Inc., Adrian Landfill Inc., Agri-Tech Inc. of Oregon, Agricultural Acquisitions LLC, Agromin OC LLC, Alabama Recycling Services Inc., Albany-Lebanon Sanitation Inc., Allied Gas Recovery Systems L.L.C., Allied Green Power LLC, Allied Nova Scotia Inc., Allied Remediation Services Inc., Allied Research Affiliates LLC, Allied Services LLC, Allied Waste Environmental Management Group LLC, Allied Waste Holdings (Canada) Ltd., Allied Waste Industries (Arizona) Inc., Allied Waste Industries Inc, Allied Waste Industries LLC, Allied Waste Industries of Illinois Inc., Allied Waste Industries of Northwest Indiana Inc., Allied Waste Industries of Tennessee Inc., Allied Waste Landfill Holdings Inc., Allied Waste Niagara Falls Landfill LLC, Allied Waste North America LLC, Allied Waste Recycling Services of New Hampshire LLC, Allied Waste Rural Sanitation Inc., Allied Waste Services of Colorado Inc., Allied Waste Services of Fort Worth LLC, Allied Waste Services of Massachusetts LLC, Allied Waste Services of North America LLC, Allied Waste Services of Page Inc., Allied Waste Services of Stillwater Inc., Allied Waste Sycamore Landfill LLC, Allied Waste Systems Holdings Inc., Allied Waste Systems Inc., Allied Waste Systems of Arizona LLC, Allied Waste Systems of Colorado LLC, Allied Waste Systems of Michigan LLC, Allied Waste Systems of Montana LLC, Allied Waste Systems of New Jersey LLC, Allied Waste Systems of Pennsylvania LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of Arizona LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of California LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of Florida LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of New York LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of North Carolina LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of Oregon LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of Rhode Island LLC, Allied Waste Transfer Services of Utah Inc., Allied Waste Transportation Inc., Allied Waste of California Inc., Allied Waste of New Jersey Inc., Allied Waste of New Jersey-New York LLC, American Disposal Services Inc., American Disposal Services of Illinois Inc., American Disposal Services of Kansas Inc., American Disposal Services of Missouri Inc., American Disposal Services of New Jersey Inc., American Disposal Services of West Virginia Inc., American Disposal Transfer Services of Illinois Inc., American Materials Recycling Corp., American Sanitation Inc., American Transfer Company Inc., Anderson Solid Waste Inc., Anson County Landfill NC LLC, Apache Junction Landfill Corporation, Arbor Hills Holdings L.L.C., Area Disposal Inc., Ariana LLC, Aries Venture Investments Company, Astro Waste Services Inc., Atlantic Waste Holding Company Inc., Atlas Transport Inc., Attwoods of North America Inc., Autauga County Landfill LLC, Automated Modular Systems Inc., Autoshred Inc., BBCO Inc., BFGSI L.L.C., BFGSI Series 1997-A Trust, BFI, BFI Atlantic Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Albany Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Delaware County Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Essex County Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Hempstead Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Niagara II Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Niagara Inc., BFI Energy Systems of SEMASS Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Southeastern Connecticut Inc., BFI Energy Systems of Southeastern Connecticut Limited Partnership, BFI REF-FUEL INC., BFI Trans River (GP) Inc., BFI Trans River (LP) Inc., BFI Transfer Systems of Alabama LLC, BFI Transfer Systems of Georgia LLC, BFI Transfer Systems of Massachusetts LLC, BFI Transfer Systems of Mississippi LLC, BFI Transfer Systems of New Jersey Inc., BFI Transfer Systems of Pennsylvania LLC, BFI Transfer Systems of Texas LP, BFI Transfer Systems of Virginia LLC, BFI Waste Services LLC, BFI Waste Services of Indiana LP, BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania LLC, BFI Waste Services of Texas LP, BFI Waste Systems of Alabama LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Arkansas LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Georgia LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Louisiana LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Massachusetts LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Mississippi LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Missouri LLC, BFI Waste Systems of New Jersey Inc., BFI Waste Systems of North America LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Oklahoma LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee LLC, BFI Waste Systems of Virginia LLC, BWC Lake Lashaway LLC, BWC Muddy Brook LLC, Bakersfield Industrial PV 1 LLC, Bakersfield PV 1 LLC, Barker Brothers Inc., Barker Brothers Waste Incorporated, Bay Collection Services Inc., Bay Environmental Management Inc., Bay Landfills Inc., Bay Leasing Company Inc., Bayside Disposal Inc., Bealine Service Company Inc., Belleville Landfill Inc., Benson Valley Landfill General Partnership, Berkeley Sanitary Service Inc., Berrien County Landfill Inc., Bio-Med of Oregon Inc., Blackhorse Farm Solar LLC, Bloomington Haulers LLC, Blue Mountain Recycling LLC, Blue Ridge Landfill TX LP, Boenker Hill LLC, Bom Ambiente Insurance Company, Bond County Landfill Inc., Borrego Landfill Inc., Borrow Pit Corp., Brenham Total Roll-Offs LP, Brickyard Disposal & Recycling Inc., Bridgeton Landfill LLC, Bridgeton Transfer Station LLC, Browning-Ferris Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries Chemical Services Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries LLC, Browning-Ferris Industries de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Browning-Ferris Industries of California Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of Florida Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of Illinois Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of New Jersey Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of New York Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of Ohio Inc., Browning-Ferris Industries of Tennessee Inc., Browning-Ferris Services Inc., Brunswick Waste Management Facility LLC, Bunting Trash Service Inc., Butler County Landfill LLC, C & C Expanded Sanitary Landfill LLC, CC Landfill Inc., CECOS International Inc., CWI of Florida Inc., CWI of Illinois Inc., CWI of Missouri Inc., Cactus Waste Systems LLC, Calvert Trash Service Incorporated, Calvert Trash Systems Incorporated, Camelot Landfill TX LP, Capital Waste & Recycling Inc., Capitol Recycling and Disposal Inc., Carbon Limestone Landfill LLC, Cefe Landfill TX LP, Celina Landfill Inc., Central Arizona Transfer Inc., Central Sanitary Landfill Inc., Central Virginia Properties LLC, Champlin Refuse Inc., Charter Evaporation Resource Recovery Systems, Cherokee Run Landfill Inc., Chilton Landfill LLC, Citizens Disposal Inc., City Carton Company, City-Star Services Inc., Clarkston Disposal Inc., Clean Venture Inc., Clinton County Landfill Partnership, Cocopah Landfill Inc., Compactor Rental Systems of Delaware Inc., Congress Development Co., Consolidated Disposal Service L.L.C., Consolidated Processing Inc., Continental Waste Industries - Gary Inc., Continental Waste Industries L.L.C., Copper Mountain Landfill Inc., Corvallis Disposal Co., County Disposal (Ohio) Inc., County Disposal Inc., County Environmental Landfill LLC, County Land Development Landfill LLC, County Landfill Inc., County Line Landfill Partnership, Courtney Ridge Landfill LLC, Covington Waste Inc., Crockett Sanitary Service Inc., Crow Landfill TX L.P., Cumberland County Development Company LLC, Cycle Chem Inc., D & L Disposal L.L.C., DTC Management Inc., Delano PV 1 LLC, Delta Container Corporation, Delta Dade Recycling Corp., Delta Paper Stock Co., Delta Resources Corp., Delta Site Development Corp., Delta Waste Corp., Dempsey Waste Systems II Inc., Denver RL North Inc., Desarrollo del Rancho La Gloria TX LP, Devens Recycling Center LLC, Dinverno Inc., E & P Investment Corporation, ECDC Environmental L.C., ECDC Holdings Inc., ECOFLO Field Services LLC, ECOFLO Holding LLC, ECOFLO Inc., ECOFLO Logistics LLC, ECOFLO Recycling LLC, ECOFLO Southeast Inc., Eagle Industries Leasing Inc., East Brookfield Main Street Solar LLC, East Chicago Compost Facility Inc., El Centro Landfill L.P., Elder Creek Transfer & Recovery Inc., Ellis County Landfill TX LP, Ellis Scott Landfill MO LLC, Envirocycle Inc., Environmental Development Corp., Environmental Reclamation Company, Environtech Inc., Envirotech Consultants LLC, Envirowaste LLC, Envotech-Illinois L.L.C., Evergreen National Indemnity Company, Evergreen Scavenger Service Inc., Evergreen Scavenger Service L.L.C., F. P. McNamara Rubbish Removal Inc., FCR Camden LLC, FCR Florida LLC, FCR Greensboro LLC, FCR LLC, FCR Morris LLC, FCR Tennessee LLC, FLL Inc., Fiorito Enterprises Inc., Flint Hill Road LLC, Foothill Sanitary Landfill Inc., Forest View Landfill LLC, Fort Worth Landfill TX LP, Forward Inc., Frankfort Environmental Development Company Inc., Frontier Waste Services (Colorado) LLC, Frontier Waste Services (Utah) LLC, Frontier Waste Services L.P., Frontier Waste Services of Louisiana L.L.C., G. Van Dyken Disposal Inc., GEK Inc., GGH North Dakota LLC, GGWM LLC, Galveston County Landfill TX LP, Gateway Landfill LLC, General Refuse Rolloff Corp., General Refuse Service of Ohio L.L.C., Georgia Recycling Services Inc., Global Indemnity Assurance Company, Golden Bear Transfer Services Inc., Golden Triangle Landfill TX LP, Golden Waste Disposal Inc., Grants Pass Sanitation Inc., Great Lakes Disposal Service Inc., Great Plains Landfill OK LLC, Green Valley Landfill General Partnership, Greenridge Reclamation LLC, Greenridge Waste Services LLC, Greenwood Landfill TX LP, Gulf West Landfill TX LP, Gulfcoast Waste Service Inc., H B Data Security LLC, HMD Waste L.L.C., Hancock County Development Company LLC, Harland's Sanitary Landfill Inc., Harrison County Landfill LLC, Honeygo Run Reclamation Center Inc., Hudson Baylor 27th Avenue LLC, Hudson Baylor Atlantic County LLC, Hudson Baylor Beacon LLC, Hudson Baylor Cape May LLC, Hudson Baylor North Gateway LLC, Hudson Baylor Tucson LLC, Hyder Waste Container Inc., Illiana Disposal Partnership, Illinois Landfill Inc., Illinois Recycling Services Inc., Illinois Valley Recycling Inc., Imperial Landfill Inc., Independent Trucking Company, Ingrum Waste Disposal Inc., International Disposal Corp. of California, Island Waste Services Ltd., Itasca Landfill TX LP, JSI Houston Transfer Station Inc., Jefferson City Landfill LLC, Jetter Disposal Inc., K & K Trash Removal Inc., Kankakee Quarry Inc., Keller Canyon Landfill Company, Keller Drop Box Inc., Kent-Meridian Disposal Company, Kerrville Landfill TX LP, Key Waste Indiana Partnership, LGS Renewables I L.C., La Canada Disposal Company Inc., Lake County C & D Development Partnership, Lake Norman Landfill Inc., LandComp Corporation, Lathrop Sunrise Sanitation Corporation, Lee County Landfill Inc., Lee County Landfill SC LLC, Lemons Landfill LLC, Lewistown Disposal Inc., Lewisville Landfill TX LP, Liberty Waste Holdings Inc., Liberty Waste Services Limited L.L.C., Liberty Waste Services of Illinois L.L.C., Liberty Waste Services of McCook L.L.C., Local Sanitation of Rowan County L.L.C., Loop Recycling Inc., Loop Transfer Incorporated, Lorain Carbon Zero Solutions LLC, Lorain County Landfill LLC, Louis Pinto & Son Inc. Sanitation Contractors, Lucas County Landfill LLC, M-G Disposal Services L.L.C., Madison County Development LLC, Manteca PV 1 LLC, Manumit of Florida Inc., Marion Investment Group LLC, Marion Recycling Center Inc., Marion Resource Recovery Facility LLC, McCarty Road Landfill TX LP, McCusker Recycling Inc., McInnis Waste Systems Inc., Meadow Landfill LLC, Menands Environmental Solutions LLC, Mesa Disposal Inc., Mesquite Landfill TX LP, Mexia Landfill TX LP, Mid America Contractors L.L.C., Mississippi Waste Paper Company, Missouri City Landfill LLC, Modern Power LLC, Modern-Mallard Energy LLC, Montana Waste Systems Inc., Mountain Home Disposal Inc., N Leasing Company LLC, NMRT LLC, NationsWaste Catawba Regional Landfill Inc., NationsWaste Inc., New Mexico Disposal Co. LLC, New Morgan Landfill Company Inc., New York Waste Services LLC, Newton County Landfill Partnership, Nichols Street Properties LLC, Noble Road Landfill Inc., Northeast Landfill LLC, Northlake Transfer Inc., Northwest Tennessee Disposal Corporation, Oahu SPE 101-19 LLC, Oahu SPE 101-2 LLC, Oahu SPE 101-4 LLC, Oahu SPE 101-9 LLC, Oakland Heights Development Inc., Obscurity Land Development LLC, Oceanside Waste & Recycling Services, Ohio Republic Contracts II Inc., Ohio Republic Contracts Inc., Oklahoma City Landfill L.L.C., Organix Solutions LLC, Oscar's Collection System of Fremont Inc., Otay Landfill Inc., Ottawa County Landfill Inc., Packerton Land Company L.L.C., Palomar Transfer Station Inc., Peltier Real Estate Company, Peninsula Waste Systems LLC, Perdomo & Sons Inc., Pinal County Landfill Corp., Pine Bend Holdings L.L.C., Pine Hill Farms Landfill TX LP, Pinecrest Landfill OK LLC, Pittsburg County Landfill Inc., Pleasant Oaks Landfill TX LP, Port Clinton Landfill Inc., Portable Storage Co., Preble County Landfill Inc., Price & Sons Recycling Company, Prichard Landfill Corporation, Prince George's County Landfill LLC, R.C. Miller Enterprises Inc., R.C. Miller Refuse Service Inc., RCS Inc., RE Community Holdings II Inc, RE Community Holdings II Inc., RI/Alameda Corp., RITM LLC, RSG Cayman Group Inc., RWS Texas Leasing Company LLC, RWS Transport L.P., Rabanco Companies, Rabanco Ltd., Rabanco Recycling Inc., Rainbow Disposal Co. Inc., Rainbow Disposal Co.Inc, Rainbow Environmental Services LLC, Rainbow Transfer/Recycling Inc., Rainbow West Florida LLC, Ramona Landfill Inc., Randy's Rentals LLC, Randy's Sanitation LLC, Re Community Delaware LLC, Re Community Great Lakes LLC, Re Community Renew New York LLC, ReCommunity Corporation, ReCommunity Farmingdale LLC, ReCommunity Kentucky LLC, ReCommunity West Corporation, Red Diamond Disposal Inc., Regional Disposal Company, Reliable Disposal Inc., Republic Dumpco Inc., Republic EES LLC, Republic Environmental Services LLC, Republic Environmental Technologies Inc., Republic Industrial and Energy Solutions LLC, Republic Ohio Contracts LLC, Republic Recycling Services of Nevada Inc., Republic Services Alliance Group II Inc., Republic Services Alliance Group III Inc., Republic Services Alliance Group IV Inc., Republic Services Alliance Group Inc., Republic Services Aviation Inc., Republic Services Blue Ridge Energy Development LLC, Republic Services Customer Resource Center Central LLC, Republic Services Customer Resource Center East LLC, Republic Services Customer Resource Center West LLC, Republic Services Digital Ventures I LLC, Republic Services Environmental LLC, Republic Services Environmental Solutions II LLC, Republic Services Environmental Solutions III LLC, Republic Services Group LLC, Republic Services Holding Company LLC, Republic Services Leasing Company LLC, Republic Services National Accounts LLC, Republic Services Organic Holding Inc., Republic Services Organic Solutions LLC, Republic Services Procurement Inc., Republic Services Real Estate Holding Inc., Republic Services Recycling of Indiana Inc., Republic Services Renewable Energy II LLC, Republic Services Renewable Energy III LLC, Republic Services Renewable Energy LLC, Republic Services Risk Management Inc., Republic Services Vasco Road LLC, Republic Services of Arizona Hauling LLC, Republic Services of British Columbia Inc., Republic Services of Buffalo LLC, Republic Services of California Holding Company Inc., Republic Services of California II LLC, Republic Services of Canada Inc., Republic Services of Colorado Hauling LLC, Republic Services of Colorado I LLC, Republic Services of Florida GP Inc., Republic Services of Florida LP Inc., Republic Services of Florida Limited Partnership, Republic Services of Georgia GP LLC, Republic Services of Georgia LP LLC, Republic Services of Georgia Limited Partnership, Republic Services of Indiana LP Inc., Republic Services of Indiana Limited Partnership, Republic Services of Indiana Transportation LLC, Republic Services of Iowa LLC, Republic Services of Kentucky LLC, Republic Services of Maryland LLC, Republic Services of Massachusetts LLC, Republic Services of Michigan Hauling LLC, Republic Services of Michigan Holding Company Inc., Republic Services of Michigan I LLC, Republic Services of Michigan II LLC, Republic Services of Michigan III LLC, Republic Services of Michigan IV LLC, Republic Services of New Jersey LLC, Republic Services of North Carolina LLC, Republic Services of Ohio Hauling LLC, Republic Services of Ohio I LLC, Republic Services of Ohio II LLC, Republic Services of Ohio III LLC, Republic Services of Ohio IV LLC, Republic Services of Ohio Transportation LLC, Republic Services of Oxnard Inc., Republic Services of PA - Environmental Solutions LLC, Republic Services of Pennsylvania LLC, Republic Services of Smith County LLC, Republic Services of Sonoma County Energy Producers Inc., Republic Services of Sonoma County Inc., Republic Services of South Carolina LLC, Republic Services of Southern California LLC, Republic Services of Tennessee LLC, Republic Services of Virginia LLC, Republic Services of Wisconsin GP LLC, Republic Services of Wisconsin LP LLC, Republic Services of Wisconsin Limited Partnership, Republic Silver State Disposal Inc., Republic Transportation Services of Canada Inc., Republic Waste Limited Partnership, Republic Waste Services of Southern California LLC, Republic Waste Services of Texas GP Inc., Republic Waste Services of Texas LP Inc., Republic Waste Services of Texas Ltd., Resource Recovery Inc., Resource Recovery Systems LLC, Richmond Sanitary Service Inc., Rincon Solar I LLC, River Recycling LLC, Roosevelt Associates, Ross Bros. Waste & Recycling Co., Rossman Sanitary Service Inc., Roxana Landfill LLC, Royal Holdings Inc., Rubbish Control L.L.C., S & S Recycling Inc., Saguaro National Captive Insurance Company, Saline County Landfill Inc., San Diego Landfill Systems LLC, San Francisco Bay Railway LLC, San Marcos NCRRF Inc., Sand Valley Holdings L.L.C., Sandy Hollow Landfill Corp., Sangamon Valley Landfill Inc., Sanifill Inc., Sanitary Disposal Service Inc., Santek Environmental LLC, Santek Environmental of Alabama LLC, Santek Environmental of Arkansas LLC, Santek Environmental of Georgia LLC, Santek Environmental of Kentucky LLC, Santek Environmental of North Carolina LLC, Santek Environmental of Pine Belt LLC, Santek Environmental of Tennessee LLC, Santek Environmental of Texas LLC, Santek Environmental of Virginia LLC, Santek Waste Services LLC, Santek Waste Services LLC, Sauk Trail Development Inc., Schofield Corporation of Orlando, Show-Me Landfill LLC, Shred - All Recycling Systems Inc., Simmons & Eastern LLC, Solano Garbage Company, Source Recycling Inc., South Trans Inc., Southeast Landfill LLC, Southern Illinois Regional Landfill Inc., Southern Tank Leasing Inc., Southwest Landfill TX LP, Springfield Environmental General Partnership, St. Paul Haulers LLC, Standard Disposal Services Inc., Standard Environmental Services Inc., Standard Waste Inc., Streator Area Landfill Inc., Suburban Transfer Inc., Suburban Warehouse Inc., Summit Waste Systems Inc., Sunrise Sanitation Service Inc., Sunset Disposal Inc., Sunset Disposal Service Inc., Sycamore Landfill Inc., Tate's Transfer Systems Inc., Tay-Ban Corporation, Tayman Industries Inc., Tervita, The Ecology Group Inc., Thomas Disposal Service Inc., Tidal Tank Inc., Tippecanoe County Waste Services Partnership, Tom Luciano's Disposal Service Inc., Total Roll-Offs L.L.C., Total Solid Waste Recyclers Inc., Trash Butler LLC, Tri-County Refuse Service Inc., Tri-State Recycling Services Inc., Tri-State Refuse Corporation, Tricil (N.Y.) Inc., Turkey Creek Landfill TX LP, US Ecology, United Disposal Service Inc., Upper Rock Island County Landfill Inc., VHG Inc., Valley Landfills Inc., Victoria Landfill TX LP, Vining Disposal Service Inc., W. Orange RD Solar LLC, WDTR Inc., WJR Environmental Inc., Warner Hill Development Company, Wasatch Regional Landfill Inc., Waste Control Systems Inc., Waste Services Group LLC, Waste Services of Alabama LLC, Waste Services of Georgia LLC, Waste Services of Hattiesburg LLC, Waste Services of Kentucky LLC, Waste Services of New York Inc., Waste Services of Tennessee LLC, Waste Services of Texas LLC, Wastehaul Inc., Wayne County Land Development LLC, Wayne County Landfill IL Inc., Wayne Developers LLC, Webster Parish Landfill L.L.C., Wellkept LLC, West Contra Costa Energy Recovery Company, West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill Inc., West County Landfill Inc., West County Resource Recovery Inc., Whispering Pines Landfill TX LP, Wilbur Woods Solar LLC, Willamette Resources Inc., Williams County Landfill Inc., Willow Ridge Landfill LLC, Wilshire Disposal Service, Winchendon Lincoln Avenue Solar 1 LLC, Winchendon Lincoln Avenue Solar 2 LLC, Woodlake Sanitary Service Inc., ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 001 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 003 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 007 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 008 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 011 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 014 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 017 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 023 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 024 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 038 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017- 044 LLC, ZPD-PT Solar Project 2017-021 LLC, and Zakaroff Services. Read More The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. MTUM was launched on Apr 16, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA) today announced that Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted approval for Vafseo (vadadustat), an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults on chronic maintenance dialysis. Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for people living with kidney disease (PRNewsfoto/Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.) The TGA approval for Vafseo is based on data from a comprehensive development program that included over 7,500 patients, including the global Phase 3 clinical program of vadadustat for the treatment of anemia due to CKD in adult patients on dialysis (INNO 2 VATE). Vadadustat achieved the primary and key secondary efficacy endpoint in each of the two INNO 2 VATE studies, demonstrating non-inferiority to darbepoetin alfa as measured by a mean change in hemoglobin (Hb) between baseline and the primary evaluation period (weeks 24 to 36) and secondary evaluation period (weeks 40 to 52). Vadadustat also achieved the primary safety endpoint of the INNO 2 VATE program, defined as non-inferiority of vadadustat versus darbepoetin alfa in time to first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, which is the composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke across both INNO 2 VATE studies. "The Akebia team continues to execute on our plan to make Vafseo available to patients globally," said John Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Akebia. "With authorization in Australia, the product is now approved in 35 countries. We also expect to resubmit our new drug application for vadadustat in the U.S. by the end of this quarter." To support the global launch of Vafseo and prepare for a potential launch in the U.S., Akebia also announced an addition to its commercial team. Akebia appointed Graham Ray as Vice President, Key Accounts, reporting to Bennett Smith, Senior Vice President, Commercial, to lead customer engagement. Mr. Ray has a track record of successful product launches, brand growth and sales operations efficiencies, expertise he gained over nearly 20 years at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Ray will be responsible for leading the sales efforts to launch vadadustat in the U.S., if approved, as well as work to maximize the value of Auryxia (ferric citrate). Story continues Akebia slightly lowered Auryxia net product revenue guidance to $170-$175 million for 2023 from $175-$180 million due to an unfavorable impact from market dynamics, volume and payor mix. Mr. Butler continued, "I'm very pleased to have Graham join the team as he shares our commitment to patients, a core value that is integral to successful customer engagement. I believe Graham can enable the company to maximize the value of Auryxia both in the time before loss of exclusivity and during the expected TDAPA period for phosphate binders. I also look forward to his contributions to the potential launch of vadadustat next year." About Akebia Therapeutics Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com, which does not form a part of this release. About Vadadustat Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor designed to mimic the physiologic effect of altitude on oxygen availability. At higher altitudes, the body responds to lower oxygen availability with stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor, which can lead to increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen delivery to tissues. Vadadustat is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vadadustat is approved in Europe for the treatment of symptomatic anemia due to CKD in adult patients on chronic maintenance dialysis. In Japan, vadadustat is approved as a treatment for anemia due to CKD in both dialysis-dependent and non-dialysis dependent adult patients. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION For safety information, view the European Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC/SmPC) for Vafseo (vadadustat) at https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/2023/20230424158854/anx_158854_en.pdf, https://products.mhra.gov.uk/ and https://www.swissmedic.ch/swissmedic/en/home/humanarzneimittel/authorisations/swisspar.html and will be available via the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration website here. INDICATION AND IMPORTANT U.S. SAFETY INFORMATION FOR AURYXIA (ferric citrate) AURYXIA (ferric citrate) is indicated for: The control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis The treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis CONTRAINDICATION AURYXIA (ferric citrate) is contraindicated in patients with iron overload syndromes, e.g., hemochromatosis. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Iron Overload: Increases in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were observed in clinical trials with AURYXIA in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis treated for hyperphosphatemia, which may lead to excessive elevations in iron stores. Assess iron parameters prior to initiating AURYXIA and monitor while on therapy. Patients receiving concomitant intravenous (IV) iron may require a reduction in dose or discontinuation of IV iron therapy. Risk of Overdosage in Children Due to Accidental Ingestion: Accidental ingestion and resulting overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Advise patients of the risks to children and to keep AURYXIA out of the reach of children. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions with AURYXIA were: Hyperphosphatemia in CKD on Dialysis: Diarrhea (21%), discolored feces (19%), nausea (11%), constipation (8%), vomiting (7%) and cough (6%). Iron Deficiency Anemia in CKD Not on Dialysis: Discolored feces (22%), diarrhea (21%), constipation (18%), nausea (10%), abdominal pain (5%) and hyperkalemia (5%). SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy and Lactation: There are no available data on AURYXIA use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. However, an overdose of iron in pregnant women may carry a risk for spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes and fetal malformation. Data from rat studies have shown the transfer of iron into milk, hence, there is a possibility of infant exposure when AURYXIA is administered to a nursing woman. To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Akebia Therapeutics at 1-844-445-3799. Please see full Prescribing Information Forward-Looking Statement Statements in this press release regarding Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.'s ("Akebia's") strategy, plans, prospects, expectations, beliefs, intentions and goals are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Akebia's expectations and plans with respect to the resubmission of its new drug application ("NDA") for vadadustat, including the timing thereof, plans to make Vafseo available to patients globally, statements about the potential launch of vadadustat in the U.S., and Akebia's revenue guidance for Auryxia in 2023 and assumptions related thereto, including statements about Akebia's ability to maximize the value of Auryxia and expectations about a Transitional Drug Add-on Payment Adjustment ("TDAPA") period for phosphate binders. The terms "intend," "believe," "plan," "goal," "expect," "potential," "anticipate," "will," "continue," derivatives of these words, and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results, performance or experience may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, risks associated with: the potential demand and market potential and acceptance of, as well as coverage and reimbursement related to, Auryxia, including estimates regarding the potential market opportunity; the competitive landscape for Auryxia, including potential generic entrants; the ability of Akebia to attract and retain qualified personnel; Akebia's ability to implement cost avoidance measures and reduce operating expenses; decisions made by health authorities, such as the FDA, with respect to regulatory filings, including the anticipated resubmission of the NDA for vadadustat; the potential therapeutic benefits, safety profile, and effectiveness of vadadustat; the results of preclinical and clinical research; the direct or indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regulators and Akebia's business, operations, and the markets and communities in which Akebia and its partners, collaborators, vendors and customers operate; manufacturing, supply chain and quality matters and any recalls, write-downs, impairments or other related consequences or potential consequences; and early termination of any of Akebia's collaborations. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Akebia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and other filings that Akebia may make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. These forward-looking statements (except as otherwise noted) speak only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Akebia does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Akebia Therapeutics, Vafseo (vadadustat) and Auryxia (ferric citrate) are registered trademarks of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. and its affiliates. Akebia Therapeutics Contact Mercedes Carrasco mcarrasco@akebia.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akebia-announces-approval-of-vafseo-vadadustat-in-australia-and-provides-commercial-update-301938187.html SOURCE Akebia Therapeutics The Weir Group PLC produces and sells highly engineered original equipment worldwide. It operates in two segments, Minerals and ESCO. The Minerals segment offers engineering, manufacturing, and service processing technology for the use in abrasive high-wear mining applications; and differentiated technology for the use in infrastructure and general industrial markets. The ESCO segment provides ground engaging tools, attachments, artificial intelligence, and 3D rugged machine vision technologies that optimize productivity for customers in mining and infrastructure markets. This segment also manufactures and distributes highly engineered wear parts, mining buckets, and lip systems; and offers aftermarket services to the mining industry. The company offers its products under the Accumin, Aspir, Bucyrus Blades, Cavex, Delta Industrial, Enduron, ESCO, GEHO, Isogate, Lewis, Linacure, Linagard, Linard, Linatex, Motion Metrics, Multiflo, Nemisys, Production Master, ProFill, Sandmaster, Synertrex, Trio, Ultralok, Vulco, and Warman brands. The Weir Group PLC was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Glasgow, the United Kingdom. Zuora, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides cloud-based subscription management platform that enables companies in various industries to launch, manage, and transform into a subscription business. The company offers Zuora platform that acts as an orchestration engine that allows customers quote-to-cash and revenue operations; and Zuora Billing that helps customers to set payment terms, manage hierarchical billing relationships, consolidate invoicing across multiple subscriptions, and tax transactions. It also provides Zuora Revenue, a revenue recognition automation solution; Zuora CPQ for configure, price, and quote various subscription options; Zuora Collect designed to/ handle the complicated function of payments associated with subscription-based businesses; Zephr, a digital subscriber experience platform for digital publishing and media industry; and Zuora Marketplace. It sells its products through its systems integrators, consultants, and ecosystem partners. Zuora, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. An official UAE delegation led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will arrive in France this week to explore further development of economic partnerships between the two countries. The visit will focus on enhancing partnerships in the sectors of trade, entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, travel, new and circular economies, education, health, energy, anti-money laundering, space, AI, and intellectual property in particular. Bin Touq will hold several bilateral meetings with French ministers, officials, and private sector representatives to further enhance the economic and trade relations between the two sides by exploring more promising investment opportunities. Private sector The Minister of Economy will also participate in a meeting with the private sector, which will also be attended by several officials from both sides, to highlight the promising investment and commercial opportunities offered by the UAE economy. It will turn the spotlight on the advantages that the UAEs business environment offers to investors and entrepreneurs, especially since French investments in the UAE continue to grow. More than 12,500 French economic licences are active in the UAE as of July 10, 2023. Bin Touq will visit some of the largest business incubators and accelerators in France, namely Station F and the Airbus Creative Center to exchange experiences and best practices in entrepreneurship, startups and technology, and to learn more about their operations. In addition, he will visit the First Abu Dhabi Bank branch in France. The UAE and France enjoy distinguished trade relations, as reflected by their non-oil trade indicators. The total volume of non-oil foreign trade between the two countries amounted to approximately AED31 billion ($8.36 billion) by the end of 2022, up 22% from 2021.--TradeArabia News Service (Bloomberg) -- Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Ltd., the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., has filed for its Hong Kong initial public offering, potentially making it among the first of the Chinese e-commerce leaders units to go public. Most Read from Bloomberg Citic Securities Co., Citigroup Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are joint sponsors of the offering, according to the preliminary prospectus posted on the stock exchange website Tuesday. The document, which confirmed an earlier Bloomberg report on the timing of Cainiaos filing, didnt provide details of the offering terms. The first-time share sale could raise at least $1 billion, people familiar with the matter have said. The Hong Kong exchange confirmed that the company can proceed with its proposed Cainiao spinoff and IPO, according to another filing Tuesday. Hangzhou-based Alibaba intends to retain more than 50% of the units shares and keep Cainiao as a subsidiary, the filing said. The application could see Cainiao pull ahead of other Alibaba units on the path to separate listings, following the parents surprise announcement in March that it would split up the business. Separately, Alibaba is putting the Hong Kong IPO of its Freshippo grocery chain on the backburner amid weak sentiment for consumer stocks in China. The tech firm is prioritizing the listings of other units, Bloomberg News reported earlier. Alibaba is in the midst of a historic overhaul, splitting up into six main units and transitioning to new leadership under recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wu. His predecessor, Daniel Zhang, stepped down as chair and CEO to focus on Alibabas cloud division, and then months later, relinquished those duties as well to take on a brand-new investment fund. Story continues Alibaba co-founded Cainiao in 2013, using it as the delivery backbone for its Chinese online marketplaces. The unit followed Alibabas footsteps into the global ecommerce arena, handling parcels for millions of merchants and brands on platforms like AliExpress and Southeast Asias Lazada. Cainiao, which means rookie or amateur in Chinese, promises to deliver packages in China within 24 hours and anywhere else in the world in 72 hours. The company now considers international express delivery a major driver for growth and serves over 100,000 merchants and brands to deliver more than 1.5 billion cross-border ecommerce parcels a year, it said in its prospectus. Revenue from Alibaba Group accounted for 30% of Cainiao sales over the past three fiscal years and average daily parcel volume increased from 0.7 million in 2017 to 4.8 million in 2023, it said. Cainiaos revenue for the three months ended June 30 rose 34% to 23.16 billion yuan ($3.2 billion). The company reported net income of 391 million yuan for the quarter, compared with a net loss of 338 million yuan the same time last year. Adjusted Ebitda, a measure of operating profit that strips out one-off items and the effects of stock awards, increased 185% from a year earlier to 1.81 billion yuan. (Updates with financial results in last two paragraphs) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. BEIJING, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) As Chinese farmers celebrate the sixth harvest festival on Saturday, local signature farm produce industry is thriving, adding a splash of color to the country's panorama of rural revitalization. Chinese President Xi Jinping has made in-person efforts to urge the effective fostering of signature farm produce, with a view to creating local job opportunities and increasing the incomes of rural residents. On his trip to south China's Guangdong Province in April this year, Xi visited a lychee orchard in a village and talked with technicians there. He learnt about their incomes and the sales channels for lychees, as well as the challenges facing the business. Xi called for the enhancing of technologies used in lychee cultivation, preservation and processing, so as to boost the sector. "Developing local characteristic industries is an important way to achieve rural revitalization. We should do a good job to boost the local specialty industry and promote rural revitalization across the board by invigorating industries," he told local cadres. One year earlier, when inspecting south China's Hainan Province, he learnt that local people had created a better life by developing the tea industry, taking advantage of the unique natural conditions there. Xi emphasized the importance of integrating ecological resources with the growth of industries, and urged efforts to "continue to expand and improve industries including organic farm produce, rural tourism and leisure agriculture." For over a decade, Xi has always had high expectations of the production and popularization of local signature products, such as peonies, tea oil, strawberries, potatoes, apples and grapes, to name a few. On many occasions, while visiting the countryside, he would carefully investigate the output of local specialties and farmers' incomes, talking with local people in greenhouses, on field ridges, among the fruit trees and in front of farmhouses. Speaking at multiple important conferences around the country, he has also stressed the necessity of properly developing these industries. In 2020, at the annual central rural work conference, he emphasized the importance of accelerating the development of rural industries. He mentioned some typical examples, including the success of the black fungus industry in a village in the Qinling Mountain area of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, as well as the daylily base in north China's Shanxi Province. At the annual central rural work conference held in December 2022, Xi noted, "The development of industries is the most important point on the agenda of rural revitalization, and supportive policies must be implemented to the letter in this regard. Particular attention should be paid to local specialties." (Source: Xinhua) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] HANGZHOU, Zhejiang/ZAOZHUANG, Shandong, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) President Xi Jinping has urged east China's Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about 7,250 U.S. dollars). Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization. "There is much to be explored and plenty of things to be done in advancing rural revitalization," Xi told villagers who were sending him off when he was about to leave Lizu, urging them to strive to create a better future of common prosperity. Later, Xi visited the Yiwu International Trade Market in Jinhua, where he learned about the operation of the market and the China-Europe freight trains. Xi urged the trade market to contribute more to expanding markets at home and abroad as well as to smoothening domestic and international economic flows. On the afternoon of Sept. 20, Xi visited the town of Fengqiao in Zhuji, which is known since the 1960s for the "Fengqiao model" that promotes community-level social governance. After learning about how this social governance model has been practiced in the new era, Xi emphasized the importance of appropriately handling disputes among the people and resolving problems at the community level. Xi later visited a canal culture park located in Shaoxing. He stressed that the Grand Canal is the world's longest artificial waterway, and the culture related to the canal is an important part of the fine traditional Chinese culture and demands proper protection, inheritance and utilization. On Sept. 21, Xi was briefed about the work of the CPC provincial committee and the provincial government of Zhejiang. He acknowledged the achievements that Zhejiang has made in various fields and made further instructions for the province. Zhejiang should take the lead in building new strengths for development through sci-tech innovation, Xi said, stressing the need for higher priority to enhancing sci-tech innovation capacity. He also demanded breakthroughs in frontier science and technology at a faster pace. Xi called for treating the real economy as the foundation for building a modern industrial system, guiding and supporting traditional industries to accelerate the application of advanced and readily applicable technologies, and promoting high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development of the manufacturing sector. It is necessary to develop the industrial and supply chains from a global perspective and constantly make China's industrial and supply chains more resilient and secure, he said. Xi called on Zhejiang to take a leading and exemplary role in promoting common prosperity. He emphasized that efforts should be concentrated on narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, as well as addressing disparities in regional development and income. He urged efforts to advance rural revitalization across the board and vigorously foster rural industries with distinctive local features. He also asked the province to explore more experience in modernizing the system and capacity for governance at the primary level. Xi asked Zhejiang to deepen reform and expand its opening-up initiatives further, focusing on key areas for reform and promoting comprehensive institutional innovations across all sectors. He emphasized the importance of steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. He called for innovative efforts to utilize foreign investment and expand foreign trade. He also underlined measures to encourage and support private businesses to involve themselves in the global industrial division of labor and resource allocation and enhance their core competitiveness. Xi asked Zhejiang to explore building modern Chinese civilization. He called for making use of various platforms, such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Asian Para Games and the World Internet Conference, to bolster cultural exchanges and communication, and boost the allure of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization. Xi also stressed upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership and strengthening and improving Party building. On his way back to Beijing, he inspected Zaozhuang on Sunday afternoon. The city boasts one of the largest concentrated areas of pomegranate cultivation in China, featuring a wide array of varieties and a fully developed industrial chain. When visiting a pomegranate orchard, Xi said that with people's lives improving, the demand for high-quality specialty products is also growing, bringing about a promising future for the pomegranate industry. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits Lizu Village while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits an international trade market while inspecting Yiwu City of Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi visited a village and an international trade market in Yiwu City of Jinhua to learn about the development of local distinctive industries, and the efforts in promoting rural revitalization and boosting foreign trade and high-quality development. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. [Xinhua/Yan Yan] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects a canal culture park in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 20, 2023. Xi inspected the city of Shaoxing in east China's Zhejiang Province on Wednesday afternoon. Xi visited an exhibition hall featuring the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance to review the evolution of the dispute resolution mechanism and learn about its innovative development in the new era. Xi also went to a canal culture park to learn about the history of ancient canals, the preservation of the Grand Canal, and the construction progress of a national cultural park featuring the Grand Canal. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the development of pomegranate industry at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Yan Yan] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Yan Yan] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local people at a pomegranate orchard in Yicheng District of Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 24, 2023. Xi made an inspection tour in east China's Zhejiang Province. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited Zaozhuang City in east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] (Source: Xinhua) FILE - The logo of Chinese technology firm Alibaba is seen at its office in Beijing on Aug. 10, 2021. Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba said Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, that it would spin off its logistics arm, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, in an initial public offering in Hong Kong, making it the first business unit to go public following a major restructuring. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) HONG KONG (AP) Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba said Tuesday that it would spin off its logistics arm, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network, in an initial public offering in Hong Kong, making it the first business unit to go public following a major restructuring. Alibaba said in a filing that it had submitted a spin-off proposal to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and that it has received confirmation to proceed. Alibaba will continue to be a majority shareholder in Cainiao, holding over 50% of the company and retaining it as a subsidiary. The company currently owns nearly a 70% stake in Cainiao, Alibabas main delivery arm that handles logistics and parcels for merchants both in China and abroad. The move comes about six months after Alibaba first announced that it would split its business into six different units. Apart from its main e-commerce business, the other five business units, which include logistics and cloud computing, will be allowed to raise external capital or spun off to go public in order to provide flexibility and maximize shareholder value. The Cainiao IPO would be the first of Alibabas business units to undergo an initial public offering. The firm recently saw a change in leadership, with new CEO Eddie Wu taking over the reins earlier this month from Daniel Zhang. Zhang, who originally stepped down as CEO to focus on heading Alibabas cloud division, has also left his position at Alibaba Cloud to start a new investment fund backed by Alibaba. The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee (PWRFC) held its latest Zoom meeting on Sunday night to discuss the campaign it has launched based on last months call to Reinstate all victimised reps and postal workers! End the CWU-Lord Falconer conspiracy at Royal Mail! Those in attendance included victimised reps and workers from delivery offices, mail centres and Parcelforce Worldwide. Royal Mail delivery trucks [Photo by Cristiano Betta / CC BY 2.0 Tony Robson from the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) gave the opening report, calling out the shameful fact that 400 union reps and postal workers remain sacked or suspended following the year-long Royal Mail disputethe biggest frame-up of workers in an industrial dispute since the 1984-85 miners strike. In April, Communication Workers Union (CWU) General Secretary Dave Ward had claimed there would be no deal with Royal Mail until victimised reps were reinstated, stating: The union leaves no one behind. But hundreds of reps and workers have been abandoned. Robson said, The call by our committee for a fightback has resonated at mail centres, delivery and sorting offices up and down the country. He cited WSWS coverage of campaigns in London, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Sheffield, with hundreds of copies of the committees statement warmly received. Postal workers described how they have been left in the dark by the CWU about their sacked reps, a situation affecting around 200 workplaces. They spoke about how the CWUs sellout agreement had violated the rights of all workers including the introduction of a two-tier workforce with new entrants on inferior terms to replace long standing postal workers, describing this as a further step towards the gig-economy and another version of P&O [ferries] fire and rehire. The sacking of reps who had refused to toe the company line was fully in keeping with the CWUs pro-company agreement which has seen the total integration of the union bureaucracy with management through Joint Working Groups, enforcing sweatshop conditions against postal workers. A Parcelforce delivery driver from London told the meeting, The claim by the CWU that the agreement cancelled Uberisation is a complete lie. Parcelforce drivers were being summoned to attend 1-2-1 meetings with management and forced to accept revised routes involving speeds ups, hiked workloads, and reduced pay. Owner drivers were being prioritised for the new routes, ensuring the company takes full advantage of their inferior pay and conditions, including pay-per-item. He explained how a workplace meeting had been organised where a manager introduced a union full-time official who explained how new working practices would be introduced. Drivers were now being threatened by management over not meeting targets. Robson said, Any opposition which threatens to disrupt their agreement is being actively suppressed by the union apparatus. He pointed to Wards CWU Live interview on September 10 where he scolded postal workers to stop moaning about Royal Mail. He sought to silence criticism over the 600 million paid to shareholders last year, while promoting the CWUs spin about mutual interest solutions which amounts to brutal restructuring and dismantling of the Universal Service Obligation (USO). Communication Workers Union General Secretary Dave Ward being interviewed on CWU Live [Photo: screenshot YouTube/CWU] A progress report delivered by Ward on the Falconer review of victimisations was a snow job. Robson explained, The CWU has only made 200 referrals to Lord Falconer, around a half of all reported cases. Ward said a substantial submission had been prepared regarding an orchestrated campaign of victimisation by senior management but the CWU had instead written a joint letter with Royal Mail to Falconer on an alternative approach which highlighted how bad some of the cases are. This heavily vetted approach is in line with the decision to appoint Lord Falconer with sole discretion over the fate of workers. Far from an impartial figure, he gave legal advice to the National Coal Board during the 1984-85 miners strike on banning flying pickets and how to recognise the scab Union of Democratic Miners. The Falconer Review was hatched at ACAS talks with Royal Mail and ex-Trades Union Congress boss Brendan Barber. The CWU worked behind the scenes with Labour to impose a contract which gave everything to the company to defeat the strike. A victimised CWU rep sacked last year on trumped up charges addressed the meeting. He is unable to even step foot on Royal Mail premises to speak to postal workers who elected him at his unit. He had been completely blanked by the CWU and the Falconer Review, with no information about his case. He added, I call this a battle against the CWU. Royal Mail is a business they are going to do everything to maximise profits, we know this. It is how we fightback against that. A discussion opened on the aims of the PWRFC in charting a way forward under conditions where postal workers confront the enormity of the CWU-inflicted betrayal. Robson and other speakers explained that the rank-and-file committee was not acting as a ginger group on Ward and company. The PWRFC was tackling head on the central issue: how to transform the disenfranchised majority into a powerful force for change, removing the unaccountable bureaucracy and prosecuting the class struggle, not appeasing the corporations. The meeting discussed the need to expand and deepen the fight for the unconditional reinstatement of all victimised reps and workers as an integral part of the fight to mobilise the rank-and-file against the rotten pro-company CWU-Royal Mail agreement. Turning to the wider significance of the Royal Mail dispute, Robson reviewed how the Sunak government had confronted the largest strike movement since the 1980s. It was able to rely on the trade union and labour bureaucracy to knife over 100,000 postal workers in the back. The trade unions collectively oversaw a wave of sell-out agreements, suppressing workers struggles even as more draconian anti-strike legislation passed onto the statute books. Robson spoke about the critical role of the International Workers Alliance of Rank- and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) in fighting to unify workers across different industry sectors and across national borders. Its work was expanding, including at UPS and at the United States Postal Service where workers are fighting the same agenda of brutal restructuring. Tom Scripps, Assistant National Secretary of the Socialist Equality Party, moved a motion in support of car workers in the United States whose 97 percent vote for all-out strike action is being blocked by the United Auto Workers (UAW) bureaucracy. The UAW is working with the Biden administration to prepare a sellout. In recognition that Royal Mail workers faced a similar line-up and as a mark of solidarity, a motion was adopted by the meeting which stated: The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee sends its solidarity to the 150,000 car workers in dispute with Ford, GM and Stellantis (the Big Three ) in the United States. The committee acknowledges the global significance of this action. It notes the attempts being made by the United Autoworkers Union to sabotage the strikeas the Communication Workers Union did with our year-long struggle at Royal Mailand sends its support to the fight of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network to stop a sellout. In opposition to the attempts made to isolate the struggle by the union bureaucracy, we pledge to popularise the Big Three strike among our friends and colleagues. The indictment of Senator Bob Menendez supplies another yardstick with which to measure the corrupt and reactionary character of the Democratic Party. The New Jersey Democrat long held one of the most powerful positions in the US Senate, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He used it to both promote the interests of American imperialism, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East, and to amass a fortune for himself, signaled by the wads of cash, totaling $480,000, and kilos of gold found in his house by federal agents. At a press briefing Monday morning, Menendez declared that he would not resign from the Senate and suggested that the indictment was in retaliation for his long record fighting for the interests of New Jersey citizens and as a supporter of Democratic Party policies on the expansion of social programs and democratic rights. Why this would lead the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, to bring a false indictment the senator did not bother to explain. Gold bars seized in a search of the Menendez residence last year. [Photo: US Department of Justice] His remarks were curiously limp, suggesting an official who is aware that he has been caught redhanded and has little likelihood of escaping from this indictment, as he did a previous corruption charge brought in 2015. That case ended in a hung jury and a decision by the prosecution not to proceed any further. There is no innocent explanation for the stash of money, stuffed into jacket pockets and other locations throughout his home, or the gold bars, with the photographs spread widely by the media. The senator did not make reference to the gold barsworth at least $50,000 apieceand his claim that he had accumulated nearly half a million dollars in cash through withdrawals from his savings account over the past 30 years is preposterous. His statement that he kept the cash for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba is a deliberate appeal to anticommunism, based on a flat-out lie. His family actually emigrated from Cuba in 1953, and Menendez himself was born in New York City on January 1, 1954, exactly five years before Fidel Castro and his guerrilla fighters marched into Havana. The senator wishes to justify his conduct by painting his family as a victim of Castroism and relying on widespread historical ignorance and a compliant media to get away with it. Whatever the fate of Menendez in the present case, the exposure of his gross corruption shows the seamy side of a political gangster who is implicated in far greater crimes than those he was charged with last Friday. In his 30 years in the US Congress, Menendez has been a ferocious right-wing advocate for American imperialism, supporting US military interventions in Iraq, Libya, Syria and now Ukraine, as well as economic sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela, Iran and Iraq, which have cut off vitally needed medicines and other goods, contributing to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths. He has stood on the right wing of the Democratic Party on many issues. During the Obama administration, he opposed the limited opening to Cuba which led to Obamas visit to Havana, and he vociferously condemned the nuclear agreement with Iran. He was one of 10 signatories of a Senate letter urging the Trump administration to pressure Ecuador to renege on the sanctuary it had offered to Julian Assange at its embassy in London, an action later undertaken by the right-wing government of Lenin Moreno. His relationship with Egypt is particularly revealing. Publicly, Menendez was a strident critic of the blood-soaked military dictatorship of Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, denouncing its brutal repression in the 10 years since el-Sisi led a coup that overthrew the countrys first elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Privately, he was on the payroll of the Egyptian dictatorship, through the three New Jersey businessmen named in the indictment. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (left) shakes US President Joe Biden's hand at the GCC+3 summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 16, 2022. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the background. [Photo: The White House] Menendez was not just one of a hundred senators. As the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he had considerable power to direct or withhold military aid to Cairo. As the New York Times explained it: Before approving arms sales to most countries, the State Departments longstanding practice is to first informally notify the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate panels that oversee foreign affairs. If those lawmakers do not sign off on the proposed transfers, the process is paused until the administration addresses their concerns. Mr. Menendez has used this authority in recent years to block shipments of materiel to countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey over human rights concerns. But the indictment indicates that Mr. Menendez, despite making repeated statements and even introducing legislative proposals denouncing Egypt over its rights record, was not using his power to force a reckoning over Egypts military aid. Egypt is the second-largest recipient (after Israel) of US military aid, at $1.3 billion annually. This largesse, doled out for more than 40 years, since the infamous surrender to Israel by then-President Anwar Sadat, has helped build up the Egyptian military into the most powerful political and financial entity in the country. The main purpose of this vast build-up is to suppress the Egyptian working class, by far the largest in the Middle East, which rose up in a powerful revolutionary explosion in 2011, only to be betrayed by the unions, the social democrats, the Islamists and pseudo-left groups like the misnamed Revolutionary Socialists. Menendez has also played an important role in the US proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. He has been chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee throughout the war, approving the operations and budget of the State Department, which included substantial financial subsidies to the corrupt regime in Kyiv. In October 2022, he called for stepped-up US military and financial support for Ukraine and intensified sanctions against Russia, declaring, I pledge to use all means at my disposal to accelerate support for the people of Ukraine and to starve Russias war machine. Menendez has also pushed for a more radical break with the One China policy, which could rapidly lead to war in the Far East. He co-sponsored with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham the Taiwan Policy Act of 2022, which would designate Taiwan a major non-NATO ally, a status similar to that of Japan, effectively giving it diplomatic recognition. None of these positions are aberrations within the framework of the Democratic Party, and they largely correspond to the policies being carried out by the Biden administration as it seeks to maintain the dominant world position of American imperialism against potential rivals like China and Russia. Nonetheless, pseudo-left groups like the Democratic Socialists of America and Socialist Alternative claim that it is possible to push the Democratic Party to the left by supporting politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In response to the latest revelations, Ocasio-Cortez called on Menendez to resign. Sanders, observing the courtesy of relations within the Senate, has not yet done so. The Democratic Party is a reactionary party of Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus, and Menendez is one of its more repellent representatives. His likely political demise will only open the Senate doors to one or another ambitious lower-ranking New Jersey Democrat, including two who came to the House of Representatives directly from the national security apparatus: Andy Kim, former Iraq director for the National Security Council, and Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot. (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc.s lucrative agreement to use Alphabet Inc.s Google as the default search engine for the iPhone includes a provision that the two tech giants will support and defend the deal against government scrutiny, a top Apple executive said at an antitrust trial. Most Read from Bloomberg Their longtime contract was renegotiated in 2016 to include the provision, Apples Senior Vice President of Services Eddy Cue disclosed Tuesday in a Washington federal court, where the US government is pressing its claim that Google operates a monopoly in the search business. Cue, the architect of the most recent version of the agreement, said the provision for a joint defense was added at Googles request. He said it was handled by company lawyers so he couldnt speak directly to why it was included. Around that time, the European Union was investigating Googles dominance in online search. During his testimony, the executive defended Apples arrangement with its tech rival, saying it was the best choice for customers to have Google as the default search engine. There certainly wasnt a valid alternative we would have gone to at the time, Cue said. I dont know what we would have done if the deal had collapsed, he said. Google first became the default option in the Safari browser in 2002. That deal has been revised several times. Cue said the contract was extended in 2021, after the Justice Department filed its initial case against Googles search dominance the year before. Google pays Apple billions of dollars for this prominent position on products like the iPhone, making the agreement of particular interest to the government. The question before the judge in the antitrust trial is whether the search giant pushed its way onto Apple devices at the expense of competitors. Story continues In his testimony, Cue stressed that Apple sees no need to develop its own search tool because Google clearly is the best option. That differs from the companys approach in other areas: It competes with Google in mapping software and voice assistants, as well as operating systems for phones and computers. The Justice Department displayed an email from 2016 in which Cue told Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook that Google CEO Sundar Pichai was not agreeing to Apples proposed revenue share. When the Justice Departments attorney asked Cue whether Apple would have walked away from the negotiation, Cue said he didnt seriously consider it, but Apple might have created its own search engine. Read More: Whats at Stake in Google Trial on Antitrust Charges: QuickTake Part of Cues testimony Tuesday was closed to the public because it involved internal company information that Apple and Google want to keep secret. Cue was expected to testify behind closed doors about Apples search arrangements with other companies, which provide the non-default options built into the Safari internet browser, according to a person familiar with the planned testimony. That includes Microsoft Corp.s Bing, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo and Ecosia. Similar to its agreement with Google, Apple gets a slice of the advertising revenue generated when users select those search engines as their main option in Safari. Last week, Apple machine learning chief John Giannandrea testified as well. The executive, who led search at Google before joining Apple in 2018, pointed to a new feature in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 the latest software that runs iPhones and iPads that lets users assign a different default search engine for private browsing. That means Apple users can switch between Google and another option more easily, according to Cue. We like our products to come out of the box and work where it feels like magic, he said. However, Apple doesnt track how many customers actually make the change to a non-Google search engine, because of privacy concerns, Cue said. The case is US v. Google, 20-cv-3010, US District Court, District of Columbia. (Updates with testimony from Apple executive.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Sign up for text message updates on the Big Three contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086. Stellantis Warren Truck workers on shift change Frustration is growing among autoworkers at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis over the ineffectual character of the stand up strikes called by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain. The UAW has ordered nearly 90 percent of its members at the Big Three to keep working without a contract, only calling out two and a half assembly plants on September 15. In a cynical move last Friday, Fain expanded the strike to GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers, which supply dealerships and have no impact on production. In a clearly pre-orchestrated decision, Fain invited US President Biden to join the picket line in his livestream Friday, which Biden has stated he will do in Michigan this Tuesday. Bidens visit, far from being a show of support for striking workers, is in reality aimed at ensuring the UAW bureaucracy has the situation under control and is putting the finishing touches on the announcement of a sellout deal at Ford. In response to Bidens claims to be the most pro-union president in history, a Toledo Jeep worker told the WSWS Sunday, The 115,000 railroad workers Biden prevented from striking might have something to say about that. Bidens claims of encouraging a win-win agreement between rank-and-file workers and the Big Three ring hollow, he continued. Tuesdays visit is a win only for Biden and Fain. Fain has presented Biden with a campaign opportunity to help secure the vote of the working class and an opportunity for Fain to further promote himself, as opposed to the UAW rank-and-file membership he claims to represent. Between the purely symbolic stand up strike, his alignment with the Biden administration and his failure to recognize the true wishes of the rank and file, Fain is proving himself to be a tool for the corporate and UAW bureaucracies, just as his predecessors did. A temporary part-time worker (TPT) from Stellantis Warren Truck in Michigan said, Biden has no business on our picket lines. He is only for the corporations. This whole stand up strike is BS, and its reckless having us workers make profit for companies who can easily dispose of us. Its in the benefit of the company and not of the people that the company makes its profits off. None of us should believe in it, and we should stand firm for an all-out strike. In a statement last week, the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network called for emergency meetings to be held at each union local for workers to discuss and vote on resolutions demanding industry-wide strike action. Ford pauses construction on Marshall EV battery plant, after Fain claims real progress in contract talks It is increasingly clear that the UAW is finalizing its preparations to announce an agreement with Ford Motor Company, one which will be completely in line with the companys demands for massive attacks on jobs and wages. On Friday, Fain claimed there had been real progress in contract talks with Ford and did not call out any more Ford facilities on strike. The corporate press and Wall Street analysts have taken this as an indication that an agreement may be announced with the company as early as this week. In Canada, the Unifor union rammed through a sellout deal with Ford over the weekend in a blatantly anti-democratic manner, concealing the contents of its deal until ratification meetings Saturday, only providing limited contract highlights and preventing workers without up-to-date email addresses from voting. The suggestion by Fain that the UAW is on the verge of winning a historic, once-in-a-generation contract from Ford on the basis of a pinprick strike is simply not credible. The UAW called out just the paint and final assembly departments of Ford Michigan Assembly on strike, with the vast majority of Fords operations and profit-making continuing uninterrupted over the past week. The shutdown had caused Ford to lose roughly 13,000 vehicles or just $47 to $61 million through last Thursday, according to a Deutsche Bank estimateequivalent to just .03 percent of Fords 2022 revenue of $158 billion. Far from Ford being on the verge of conceding to workers demands, the company is instead planning to go on the offensive against workers jobs and wages, with the support once again of the UAW bureaucracy. On Monday, Ford announced that it was pausing construction on its Marshall, Michigan, EV battery plant. Were pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall site, effective today, until were confident about our ability to competitively operate the plant, the company said in a statement, adding, We havent made any final decision about the planned investment there. UAW President Fain feigned shock and outrage at the announcement, writing, This is a shameful, barely-veiled threat by Ford to cut jobs. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles, and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom. In reality, the UAW bureaucracy is fully on board with the corporations attacks on jobs. The primary concern of the union apparatus is to secure an expanded flow of dues, with the support of the Biden administration, from low-paid workers at the EV battery plants. Ford is furthest along among the Big Three automakers in restructuring as it transitions to electric vehicle production, having reorganized its operations into units centered on EVs (Ford Model e), traditional internal combustion engines (Ford Blue) and commercial vehicles (Ford Pro). Like GM and Stellantis, Ford has been expanding EV battery operations, demanding billions in tax incentives and handouts from state and national governments, while planning to create a new, even lower wage tier at these plants. Weve got to fight together: Ford Chicago workers call for all-out strike A temporary full-time (TFT) worker at Fords Chicago Assembly Plant told the WSWS after the announcement, I think if we go on strike together, it would really push the situation forward. They would see we were very serious that were fighting for the things we need. Ive only been there a year. This is a historic strike. I would agree to an all-out strike and go full force to get what we need. Ford Chicago Assembly Plant Today we got the news while we were at work that theyre not going to strike at all. They said theyre coming together to make an agreement. I think theyre putting BS together, so we wont go on strike. Theyre trying to buy time. Theyre making us work while they come up with a plan. Another CAP worker with four years at the plant said, We need to do an all-out strike. Earlier, I heard someone got a picket assignment. Everyone was anticipating that we were going to leave at 12 o clock. Speaking on the need to unite 170,000 autoworkers in the Big Three across the US and Canada, he added, We all are one. Weve got to fight together. Were stronger together. Us being together, theres nothing we cant overcome. He spoke out on the gulf between rank-and-file workers on the floor and the UAW apparatus and management as well. Lets be honest. When we walk on the floor, all the workers operating on the jobs, coming in every day. Theyre running themselves down. They have to go to medicaltheir hands hurt, their backs hurt, etc. Injuries happen all the time on the floor. And you look around on the floor and you see these official people walking. Were on the line, and were hustling and bustling, and were getting paid the least. We pay our union dues; every employee is paying union dues every month. Wheres that money going? Thats so much money. Theyre not fighting for us. Some of them making $300,000, $400,000 every year. When we first got hired, they said it starts with us. We are first. Why is it so hard to get what we want? It irks me. And they give us 500 cars a day, we get injured come on! He also spoke out on the silence of Fain and the UAW on the struggle of Lear workers, who have voted down three UAW-backed contracts that impose poverty wages on them. My sister said the same thing, she works at Lear. She asked, whats going on? Why arent they saying anything about us? In response to rank-and-file autoworker Will Lehmans statement calling for an all-out strike, he replied, Thats exactly what I want to hear. We need to go all on strike. Theres nothing else we can do. If we do this together, instead of us being divided, we are powerful. We need more wages, we need better profit sharing, better COLA. Our cost of living is going up every year. Theres no more dollar stores. Everything is getting expensive. If we think about it, another five to 10 years, $20-25/hour, youre not going to make it. Its really bad. Minimum wage when you think about it, people are not making enough off minimum wage. Rents going up every year a $100. When you got cable, internet, all of it is going up. Every year. And Ive worked here throughout the pandemic. In response to Fain and the UAW strategy of extremely limited strikes, he added, Were being blocked. These supervisors and general managers and executives and presidents and these union officials, these guys make six figures every year. Were the ones on the floor, putting our blood, sweat and tears in. Its a lot of pressure on us, building the cars. I believe we should make top dollar for what we makeat least $40/hour. Enough is enough! UAW membershipWe have to make a stand now. We all got to come together. All our dollars are getting wasted. Theyre going where theyre not supposed to go. When we go on strike, I believe we should get what we should deserve. If it starts with us building the cars, why shouldnt we get paid more? Why not? Im definitely ready for a change. Im ready to go full throttle. A third worker with 11 years at CAP said, This is the first time Im going through something like this, but I do believe more than one company should have struck. We should have had more of a fire to get things going for us. The rich want to continue to get rich. Continuously we get in debt. The CEO of the company made almost $200 million in the last decade. Thats insane. Thats one person in the whole company. Theyve made enough to generate wealth for multiple, multiple generations. The autoworkers are going further into debt. Were making money for them hand over fist, making them richer. Im going to be candidits modern-day slavery. These guys are, the big wigs and billionaires, are exploiting us. The company is built from the bottom up, by us. Weve been building these cars, and we cant even afford them. I cant even get the lowest quality Lincoln Aviator. I cant even afford the base model. Its definitely changed the morale of the workplace. I feel like if they want to say anything about quality or anything taking a hit then they should look at the quality of our lives. The quality of the cars decreases when the quality of our lives decreases. I believe we need an all-out strike to get what we need. Last Friday, Canadas entire parliamentled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his honoured guest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskygave a standing ovation to a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran of Adolf Hitlers Waffen SS, Yaroslav Hunka. The Waffen SS played a leading role in the extermination of Europes Jews between 1941 and 1945. Government House Leader Karina Gould (left) and House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota (right) embrace Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian former member of Adolf Hitlers Waffen SS. Standing behind Hunka in the middle is his son Martin. [Photo: @karinagould] In response to an outpouring of public condemnation, Canadas political establishment has rallied round a cover story. The honoring of Hunka, we are now told, was an innocent mistake for which the House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota was solely responsible. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision, Rota said. No one, he added, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarksin which he hailed Hunka as a Ukrainian and Canadian herobefore I delivered them. The claim that Rota and Trudeau were not informed of Hunkas past is absurd. The convening of a special sitting of parliament to hear an address from Zelensky was a major political event that would have been carefully scripted. Those invited to hear Zelenskys address, let alone honored in the proceedings surrounding it, would have been extensively vetted. The Canadian parliaments standing ovation for a Nazi war criminal was a deliberate provocation. It came at the conclusion of a week of war plotting, in which Zelensky conferred with US President Biden and other top US officials and bellicose speeches were given from the floor of the United Nations by Biden, Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Fridays events were the foul outcome of the decisions now being taken by Washington and its NATO allies to escalate the war in response to the manifest failure of Ukraines much-vaunted spring/summer offensive. Biden, Trudeau and the leaders of the other NATO imperialist powers are now publicly speaking of a protracted war that they will wage for as long as it takes. To inflict what they call a strategic defeat on Russiathat is regime change in Moscow and its semi-colonial subjugationwill require their moving rapidly to introduce NATO troops into Ukraine and initiating direct conflict with Russia. The standing ovation for the Ukrainian SS veteran Hunka was meant to send the Russian government the message that there are no limits the NATO powers are not prepared to cross. This event is the culmination of an alliance between the Canadian state and the Ukrainian far right that was cemented in the immediate aftermath of World War II, when Canada opened its doors to tens of thousands of Ukrainian Nazi collaborators. This included 2,000 veterans, Hunka among them, of the specially created all-Ukrainian (senior-most officers excepted) Waffen SS 14th Galizien Division, and supporters of both wings of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). Yaroslav Hunka (front center) among Nazi Waffen-SS Galicia Division troops. [Photo: Ivan Katchanovski/Twitter or X] Ottawaworking in concert with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), which had been founded at the governments behest at the beginning of World War IIused the Ukrainian fascists as tools of its Cold War policy. In recent decades, as the Canadian government, along with Washington and its NATO partners, has worked ever more aggressively to harness Ukraine to NATO and the European Union, the alliance with the UCC and the Ukrainian far right has become ever more important to Canadian foreign policy. It is embodied in the person of Chrystia Freeland, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. The leading war hawk in the government, Freeland has been associated with the UCC since her youth. Her maternal grandfather was the editor of Krakivski Visti, the only Ukrainian newspaper allowed to appear under Nazi occupation. It championed the creation of the Waffen SS 14th Galizien Division. The Canadian parliaments applauding of Hunka is just the most egregious example of the fact that the escalation of the war has been accompanied by a systematic effort to rehabilitate Ukrainian fascism. On June 29, Stanford University provided a platform for the neo-Nazi Ukrainian Azov Battalion in an event sponsored by the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature and the Ukrainian Students Association. Insignia associated with fascism, such as the official logo of the Azov Battalion, which is deliberately modeled after the Nazis Wolfsangel symbol, were used to promote the event on campus. Last year, leading members of both of US imperialisms principal parties met with high-ranking Azov Battalion soldiers at the Capitol in Washington D.C. The rehabilitation of fascism in connection with the eruption of imperialist militarism is particularly advanced in Germany. Beginning in 2014, leading academics, with the backing of the political elite and media establishment, launched a campaign to whitewash the monstrous crimes German imperialism committed in the two world wars, including the extermination of six million Jews and the war of annihilation against the Soviet Union. From the outset, the relativization of the crimes of German imperialism was animated by the drive to revive a German weltpolitika predatory world policy. With the Ukraine war, Berlin has once again bared its fangs. Military spending has exploded as German imperialism asserts a leading role in the drive to subjugate Russia and plunder its natural resourcestasks which Berlin tried and failed to accomplish on two previous occasions in little more than a century. The same capitalist contradictions driving the ruling elites of the imperialist powers to embrace fascist mass murderers like Hunka in pursuit of their predatory ambitions are also propelling into revolutionary struggle the only social force capable of putting a stop to this madness: the international working class. Workers in every country are rebelling against the ruling elites determination to make them pay for the war and the enrichment of the financial oligarchy, resulting in the largest number of major strikes and mass protests in decades. The urgent task is to fuse these social struggles with the fight to build a global anti-war movement on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program to put a stop to imperialist war and the threat of fascism, and the capitalist system that produces them. Sign up for text message updates on the auto contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086. Join the next online meeting of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network to discuss uniting workers in the US and Canada for an all-out strike across the auto industry. Register here to attend. The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter has learned that Unifor ratified the tentative agreement with Ford Canada over the rejection by skilled trades workers and in violation of the unions own constitution. The three-year agreement for 5,600 autoworkers was declared ratified on Sunday with a slim 54 percent support. Unifor President Lana Payne at the opening of contract talks with Ford. [Photo: Unifor/Twitter] This latest information underscores that the ratification process was an anti-democratic sham aimed at passing the contract over strong rank-and-file opposition. Workers were informed of the details of the contract via an online Zoom meeting and given just 24 hours to vote via email with only self-serving highlights presented by the Unifor bureaucracy. There have been numerous irregularities reported with the email voting system. These include: workers being unable to vote, temporary part-time workers being encouraged to register on the day of the vote despite a September 14 deadline, and former and retired workers being authorized to vote. With the contract rammed through online, Unifor is now holding physical meetings to sell the ratification in the face of workers anger and disbelief. Workers at Ford Oakville Assembly were informed at an in-person meeting Monday by Unifor Skilled Trades National Director John Breslin that even though skilled trades who operate under different terms than production workershad rejected the contract, it had still been ratified. What the union basically said is that skilled trades votes dont matter because they were ignored, a Ford autoworker told the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter. Unifors constitution was not followed by the national union to push the contract through. While Canadian Detroit Three autoworkers have shown their determination to join their class brothers and sisters in the US on strike for the first time in decades and wage a joint struggle to win major gains on both sides of the border, the Unifor apparatus has worked to inject nationalist poison to divide workers and insist that the union would chart its own course. The Unifor bureaucracy sabotaged workers readiness to strike on September 18 by arbitrarily extending the contract by 24 hours and then announcing a sellout tentative agreement on September 19. The Unifor bureaucracy has worked to keep workers in the dark from the opening of contract talks last month, providing no concrete details on what was supposedly being negotiated with Ford to set the pattern for GM and Stellantis. Workers were only informed of the contents of the Ford Canada sellout on Saturdaymore than three days after the announcement of the tentative agreement and only shortly before the brief online voting window opened. The agreement, now declared ratified, provides for a meager 15 percent wage hike over three years, perpetuates the hated multi-tier wage system, offers tiny pension increases, and provides no guarantees of job security in the transition to electric vehicle production which is set to begin next year. In furtherance of this betrayal and in line with the entire anti-democratic ratification process, Unifor has not released any information on voter turnout, the breakdown of the vote between production and skilled trades, or by local union. It was only amid an outpouring of opposition by workers on social media that the union announced the contracthailed by Unifor President Lana Payne as historic and life changinghad passed by just 54 percent. Ford workers must form rank-and -file committees in each workplace to raise the demand from the shop floor for the release of full details of the Ford contract vote and an accounting of the apparent problems with the email voting system. This protest should not be limited to autoworkers at Ford, GM and Stellantis who are next in the firing line but include all Unifor members. If the union apparatus can use such anti-democratic measures against Ford, they will use them against all 310,000 Unifor members in a range of sectors from manufacturing and mining to grocery stores and the media. The fight to uncover the full result and force a revote on the sellout contract so workers can have their say cannot be limited to legal appeals within the Unifor apparatus. The basis for countermanding Unifors sham ratification process is the mobilization of autoworkers across North America in struggle against the Detroit Three and their accomplices in the Unifor and UAW bureaucracies, which are determined at all costs to push through pro-company contracts on both sides of the border. Time is of the essence for rank-and-file workers to take the initiative. Unifor is trying to move quickly to impose a sellout at GM on the basis of the pattern set at Ford. While Payne announced Monday that the company would be the next target, no strike deadline has been set. Contact the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter today with any information about the sham vote at Ford and for assistance in forming a rank-and-file committee in your workplace. Sign up for text message updates on the Detroit Three contract fight by texting AUTO to (866) 847-1086. Join the next online meeting of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committee Network to discuss uniting workers for an all-out strike across the auto industry. Register here to attend. UAW President Shawn Fain and his supporters have presented his stand up strike policy as a strategic masterstroke, designed to keep the auto bosses off guard and give UAW officials leverage to escalate strikes and ramp up pressure on companies to hand over record contracts. So far, however, the strike has not been a strike at all. Although 97 percent of GM, Stellantis and Ford autoworkers voted to walk out in unison on September 14, Fain has kept almost 90 percent of UAW members on the job, forcing workers to produce vehicles and profits for the auto companies. UAW President Shawn Fain during a Facebook Live event on Friday, September 22, 2023 [Photo: UAW] Last Friday, with Fain clad in a camouflaged shirt and workers expecting that he would expand the strike to hit some of the industrys most profitable plants, the UAW president fired off another dud: calling out 5,600 workers at 38 parts distribution centers across the country. Because these workers are at the very end of the supply chainpackaging and delivering already manufactured parts to dealerships and retailersthe walkouts will have no effect on production. Limiting the workers on strike also limits the financial pain for automakers, the financial publication Barrons said of the UAWs latest move. Losing any part of the manufacturing system is problematic, but parts and distribution arent as significant as stoppages at highly profitable truck plants. This is provoking widespread frustration among rank-and-file workers. Fain claims he wants to abolish tiers, a Michigan Ford worker said, but were divided into tiers in this strike. We cant win if some of us are out, and the rest are still building F-150 trucks for the company. Increasingly, workers are pressing for an all-out strike to break the resistance of the corporations to their demands. The immense social power of the working class arises from its relationship to the means of production. By withholding their labor power from the capitalist owners, workers can deprive the corporations of the soul source of their profits, the extraction of surplus value from workers during the process of production. The stand up strike is based on undermining this power and replacing this elemental weapon of the class struggle with middle class publicity stunts aimed at shifting public opinion, i.e., largely consumers, businesses and politicians, against the targeted corporation. Since first hearing about this, many workers have asked themselves who came up with this nonsense? A series of text messages obtained by the Automotive News from UAW Communications Director and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Jonah Furman provides some hints. In them, Furman says, the UAW is inflicting recurring reputations damage and operational chaos on the Detroit automakers. They can basically price in an all-out strike, Furman claimed, adding, If we can keep them wounded for months, they dont know what to do. First, it is complete nonsense to claim that pinprick strikes are more effective than an all-out strike, which analysts predict would cost the automakers $1 billion in the first 10 days alone. Second, the UAW has given the corporations ample time to stockpile vehicles and shift resources if need be. Association of Flight Attendants Chaos campaign Most revealing, however, is Furmans reference to creating operational chaos for the companies. In the early 1990s, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) initiated a campaign of extremely limited strikes and protest stunts, which they called CHAOS, an acronym for Create Havoc Around Our System. AFA President Sara Nelson, a leading DSA member and close ally of Shawn Fain, continues to be a firm advocate of this policy and is currently employing it in negotiations with Alaska Airlines covering 6,500 flight attendants under the motto Pay us or Chaos. In a statement issued September 22, the AFA hailed Fain for expanding the UAWs Stand Up StrikeCHAOS likeagainst General Motors and Stellantis at 38 locations across 20 states at noon today, bringing the total plants on strike to 41. Alaska Airlines flight attendants protest in Seattle on August 16, 2023 [Photo: AFA] The Wall Street Journal published an article the same day, entitled, Why Chaos has come for Detroit. In it, reporter Ben Cohen writes: The UAWs Stand Up Strike strategy was not directly inspired by any one event, but you dont have to squint to see the influence of the AFAs Chaos. The article quotes Nelson saying, They [the UAW] certainly knew about the Chaos tactics. Weve been sharing this with other unions for a long time. The inventor of CHAOS, the Journal reports, was David Borer, who was hired as the AFAs director of collective bargaining in 1987, the year after a billionaire asset stripper fired 4,000 striking TWA flight attendants, who were members of a rival union. As a result, the Journal reporter says, Borer referred to his copy of Sun Tzus 5th century BC treatise, The Art of War, and devised the strategy, which, in fact, is a policy of complete surrender. According to the unions web site: CHAOS is AFAs trademarked strategy of intermittent strikes and other non-traditional work actions. It is an integral part of our public contract campaign and the strongest weapon in our arsenal. The form CHAOS takes will be unique. Where an intermittent strike against a few flights might work best at one airline, an all-out strike for a day or a week might be the best tactic somewhere else. CHAOS is so powerful because we can adapt it to the specific facts of our campaign, keeping airline executives off balance with the element of surprise. The AFA first employed the tactic at Alaska Airlines in 1993, after failing to reach an agreement during three years of negotiations. Once the 30-day cooling off period imposed by the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton under the anti-strike Railway Labor Act expired, Alaska Airlines imposed drastic cuts in work rules, pay and pensions and trained hundreds of management personnel and scabs to replace flight attendants if they struck. Although the AFA was legally free to call out 1,550 Alaska flight attendantswho had voted by 96 percent to strikeit engaged in a series of consumer boycotts and publicity stunts, including leafleting passengers on board Alaska flights and getting flight attendants arrested for civil disobedience during pickets and a sit-in outside of company headquarters. According to the AFA, just twenty-four Flight Attendants struck seven ights, with no advance notice, over a period of nine months. Describing these strikes in a court filing, the AFA attorneys wrote: Flight attendants reported to work and then, within the hour before the scheduled departure time for the flight, announced to their supervisors and/or the gate agents that they were engaging in strike activity. The union simultaneously notified Alaska of the work stoppages. Then, usually within an hour, the flight attendants informed their supervisors that they were ready to return to work on that or any other flight not subject to an AFA work stoppage. Management responded by barring the flight attendants from returning to work, replacing unionized flight attendants with strikebreakers on nearly every flight for two months and issuing a letter warning effective immediately, any flight attendant who participates in an intermittentor chaos walkout will be discharged from service with Alaska Airlines. After assuring the courts that it would not carry out an all-out strike, a judge sided with the AFA and deemed its ineffectual protests legal under the anti-strike Railway Labor Act. Within weeks, the AFA signed a deal, which provided marginal pay increases in exchange for reducing the number of flight attendants on aircrafts, staffing and scheduling flexibility and increased productivity. The concessions granted by the AFA and other unions reduced Alaskas costs by 22 percent in just two years. In 2006, the AFA launched another CHAOS campaign as it tried to ram through concessions that would slash the wages and benefits of 9,000 Northwest Airlines flight attendants by 40 percent. Flight attendants rejected two AFA-backed contracts before the AFA narrowly pushed through a third in May 2007, which provided Northwest with $195 million in annual cuts over five years. During this period, a federal judge ruled that, under the Railway Labor Act, it was illegal for flight attendants to strike after rejecting a contract because the airline was in the bankruptcy courtsa thoroughly anti-democratic ruling that the AFA bureaucracy welcomed. The outcome of the AFAs strategy is seen in the current conditions of Alaska Airlines flight attendants, who live on an average annual salary of $24,000 to $27,000 and have been working without a new contract since 2014. A 1981 rally of PATCO strikers from the New York City area in East Meadow, Long Island The record of the AFA is no different from the rest of the airline unions, which betrayed one strike after another in the 1980s and early 1990s, including the PATCO air traffic controllers (1981), Continental (1983), Pan American (1984), United (1985), TWA (1986), Eastern (1989) and American (1993). While hundreds of thousands of airline workers saw their jobs, living standards and working conditions destroyed, the union apparatus was integrated into the structure of corporate management and saw its income soar. David Borer, the author of the trade-marked CHAOS scheme, for example, has moved onto a job as general counsel of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), where he made $293,367 last year. As craven as the AFAs policy is, the UAW bureaucracy is not confronting anti-strike laws like the 1926 Railway Labor Act, which Biden and Congress used last year to ban a strike by 110,000 railroad workers. In this case, it is the UAW bureaucracy, working with the Biden administration, that is imposing an anti-strike ban on autoworkers. If Fain cannot control rank-and-file workers, the White House would not hesitate to use repressive measures although that could quickly escalate into a direct political clash between autoworkers and the government. The outcome of the bogus strike policy will be no better for autoworkers than it has been for flight attendants. For Fain and his pseudo-left advisers, workers are nothing but extras in their tweets, Facebook postings and video clips while they work behind the scenes with Biden to impose the dictates of the corporations. But this is not a game for workers whose lives and futures are at stake. That is why power must be transferred from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor through the expansion of the Autoworkers Rank-and-File Committees Network, which issued a call last week for workers to demand the convening of local mass membership meetings so they can discuss and vote for all-out strike action. With opinion polls showing a continuing fall in support for the Labor governments referendum to entrench an indigenous assembly, called the Voice, in the constitution, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made a revealing plea for unity with the opposition Liberal-National Coalition. Speaking at the launch of the Uniting Churchs Yes23 campaign for the Voice in Sydney on Sunday, alongside Liberal politician and Yes advocate Julian Leeser, Albanese said he had secretly made a pitch for a cross-party front in March. For the first time, Albanese announced that he had met privately with Liberal leader Peter Dutton and Nationals leader David Littleproud in March to propose a joint parliamentary committee, with co-chairs from Labor and the Coalition, to oversee the drafting of legislation to govern the functions of the Voice. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigns in Norwood, South Australia on September 20 with Labor Senator Marielle Smith (left) and other Yes referendum supporters. [Photo: Facebook Senator Marielle Smith] Three polls published yesterday indicated that support for a Yes vote has dropped as low as 33 percent. This continued the trend of polls showing the Yes campaign, which the government has made absolutely central to its entire platform, headed for defeat at the October 14 referendum. Significantly, the polls reported a parallel fall in support for the Labor government itself, above all because of the cost-of-living and housing affordability crisis. The ongoing cut to living conditions, the worst since World War II, is causing immense financial stress and social problems throughout the working class, including its most vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members. For millions of working-class households, the Labor governments claim that the Voice would mean better outcomes for indigenous people is as hollow as Labors 2022 election promise of a better future. Albaneses decision to now disclose his secretive offer to Dutton and Littleproud underscores the right-wing, pro-business character of the entire Voice project, which has the backing and financial support of large sections of the corporate elite. While trying to appeal to the widespread sentiment for action to address the shocking social conditions of most indigenous people, it seeks to revamp and bolster the apparatus of the capitalist state that has been responsible for these conditions since 1901. Despite Albaneses March offer, both the Liberals and Nationals have officially called for a No vote, reflecting concern that the Voice could trigger constitutional conflicts under conditions of intensifying working-class alienation from the whole political setup. However, prominent factional leaders of both parties, like Leeser, have campaigned actively for a Yes vote. At a doorstop media conference after the Uniting Church event, Albanese also revealed that he privately spoke to Dutton last weekend to give the Liberal leader advanced notice that he would make public his March offer. Albanese said Dutton had thanked him for the courtesy. The offer of a joint parliamentary committee underlines the extent to which the Voice, although termed an advisory body, would become a key part of the existing political order. Representatives of a privileged indigenous layer of CEOs, bureaucrats and academics would be further integrated into the ruling establishment, while operating under the close supervision of the parliamentary establishment. This is in line with the proposed amendment to the Constitution. The new section 129 would state explicitly that parliamentthat is, the existing capitalist institutionwould have the final say on all matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures. As the Socialist Equality Partys statement calling for an active boycott of the referendum explains, the Voice would sit at the heart of the state apparatus of parliament, governments and the armed forces of Australian capitalism. This regime, established in 1901, has its roots in the British colonial administration that cleared the land of indigenous tribes through massacres, poisonings, disease and the herding of survivors into squalid reserves. At the Uniting Church event, Albanese again declared that a Yes vote would be a moment of national unity. By national unity he really means unity with the Coalition and the corporate boardrooms! In making a patriotic appeal, they want to put a progressive gloss on the program of austerity and US-led war, to which they are all committed, against the working class. The latest media polls show that the disintegrating support for the Voice is directly related to rising disaffection with the Labor government and the whole ruling establishment. They do not indicate a lack of support for genuine measures to address the plight of indigenous people, nor support for a small minority of right-wing racists. A Redbridge poll, published in the Guardian on Sunday, said 62 percent of respondents intended to vote No and only 38 percent Yes. A Newspoll, conducted for the Australian, produced a similar outcome56 percent No and 36 percent Yes. In the Newspoll, the biggest swing occurred among women and younger voters, who were previously the strongest supporters of the Voice. In the 18- to-34-year-old demographic, support for Yes fell another five points to 50 percent, down from close to 70 percent at the beginning of 2023. Significantly, the Newspoll also recorded a six-point fall in the satisfaction rating for Dutton, who has dog-whistled to racist elements in opposing the Voice. The official opposition leader has dropped to his lowest level of approvalminus 20since taking the post after the Coalitions election defeat in May 2022. The most revealing result came from the Australian Financial Reviews AFR/Freshwater Strategy poll. It registered support for the Voice at only 33 percent, while the No vote reached 50 percent, with 17 percent undecided. That 33 percent figure matched the four-point fall in support for the government since December, back to the near-record low level that the Labor Party obtained at the May 2022 election. The financial newspaper reported: Among those who have switched their vote from Yes to No over the past five months, the most commonly cited reason is the Voice has served as a distraction from the top two issues of voter concernthe cost of living and the cost of housing. To that could be added crucial issues not even canvassed by the poll. They include the governments accelerating commitment to the AUKUS alliance and massive military spending for a war against China, the Stage Three income tax cuts for the rich, the growing COVID toll of illness and deaths since the Labor government scrapped health safety measures, and the lack of any real measures to reverse the climate change disaster. An accompanying AFR editorial voiced anxiety. Speaking on behalf of big business, it described the decline in popular support for the Voice as alarming. It said a national tragedy was looming due to the likely Yes defeat and the Labor governments loss of gloss. The editorial warned of political instability. After winning government with a bare one-seat majority, since increased to two seats, this is a political recipe for a Labor minority government at the next election. Discontent by itself, however, will not provide a way forward for workers and youth. The deepening working-class disenchantment with the Labor government, whose policies are policed by the trade union bureaucrats, has to be transformed into a politically conscious fight against the capitalist order itself, as part of an international movement. The SEPs campaign for an active boycott of the Voice referendum is helping to chart the course for that development. As our statement says: The Socialist Equality Party will use its campaign for an active boycott of the referendum not only to champion measures to address the social plight of indigenous people, but to fight for a socialist solution to the pressing issues that confront the working class as a wholea catastrophic war, climate change and the relentless attack on social and democratic rights. Note: Under conditions of compulsory voting, which makes it a crime to urge a boycott of the vote itself, the SEP calls on workers and youth to register their opposition by casting informal ballots and join our active boycott campaign in the lead-up to October 14, that goes well beyond the individual act of voting. Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is campaigning in working-class areas for an active boycott of Labors October 14 referendum to enshrine an indigenous advisory Voice to parliament in the Constitution. The SEP opposes the Yes campaign of the government, aimed at dividing workers along racial lines and revamping the image of Australian capitalism. It is also exposing the reactionary character of the official No campaign, led by the right-wing Liberal-National Coalition. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth wing of the SEP, has taken this campaign to numbers of university campuses. IYSSE members have been distributing the SEP statement For an active boycott of Australian Labors Voice referendum! The SEP is holding a public meeting on October 1 at 2 p.m. (AEDT) to discuss the campaign. It will be in Community Room 2, Bryan Brown Theatre, 80 Rickard Rd, Bankstown, Sydney. The meeting will also be livestreamed. Register now to attend in person or online! **** Tomas, an 18-year-old unemployed school leaver in Brisbane, said young people should support and join the Socialist Equality Partys campaign for an active boycott of the Voice referendum. The boycott is a method for youth and workers to voice their widespread independent opposition, as it is being suppressed by the government, he said. This boycott involves more than just casting informal ballots. It requires active participation in the campaign leading up to the referendum on the 14th of October. Tomas Tomas agreed that the referendum itself is a political sham, as explained by the SEPs statement calling for the active boycott. He commented, The working class is given a binary option that reflects the interests of the ruling class, without a way to oppose the anti-democratic referendum within the confines of bourgeois parliamentarism. The parliament will always have a final say on all matters relating to the Voice. Tomas also saw the Voice proposal as a political cover for war. The Labor government is pushing for a Yes vote in the referendum while escalating the war drive against Russia and China, in alliance with the US. The referendum is a distraction from the increasing preparations for a world war against Russia in the NATO proxy war in Ukraine and against China in the Pacific. Coming from a working-class background, Tomas said the growing popular opposition to the Voice vote was related to the reality of the social conditions facing most people. There is a rapidly deteriorating cost-of-living crisis, with housing prices skyrocketing and social tensions deepening, while the government spends billions on war. The entire working class is facing an attack on its social conditions, placing the burden of military spending on the shoulders of the workers. He added, Albanese has described the Voice as a scheme to save money, acting in the interests of the corporate elite, which the Labor government is closely connected to. The Voice would provide an institutional vehicle for corporate projects, with support from the trade union apparatuses, as well as further incorporating a wealthy layer of indigenous elites into the state. Tomas said decades of similar promisesfrom the 1967 referendum, to land rights, black deaths in custody royal commissions, reconciliation programs and Stolen Generations apologieshad failed to improve the conditions of most indigenous people. Former Australian governments have attempted to soothe working class opposition by painting a progressive veneer without improving the lives of the indigenous people. Long-term, the working class, as a whole, has not benefitted from these previous schemes and the indigenous community still suffers tremendously under capitalism. Tomas was scathing toward the pseudo-left groups, such as Socialist Alternative, that have swung behind Labors Yes campaign. These parties are headed by a privileged stratum of the upper-middle class who seek to disorientate and divert the working class away from true socialist revolutionism into supporting the parliamentary system, he said. They have connections with the entrenched trade union bureaucracy and wish to defend capitalism, as their careers depend on it. Tomas said the active boycott campaign is related to the fight for socialism. It is closely connected to the issue of establishing an independent movement of the working class, providing the foundation for further operations in the class struggle. Undivided, the working class has the potential to take power for itself and provide a way out of the worsening conditions with a socialist reconstruction of society. The SEP also spoke to Miranda, a psychology student at the University of Melbourne. The Voice referendum is coming at a time when the Labor government is trying to posture as progressive and construct a united national front, she said. Its being held when theyre making decisions, without any real democratic process, regarding the conflicts with China and the AUKUS deal. Miranda I think the Voice is a ploy, to give the government a progressive veneer by claiming it is supposedly righting the wrongs. It serves to expand the Constitution, which defends capitalism. The Constitution already harms the Australian working class, as a whole, but especially indigenous Australians, who the government says theyre trying to help. Miranda pointed to the circumstances in which Labor was making this phony pitch. With the cost of living, the government is saying ordinary people have to make sacrifices now, but theyre putting $368 billion towards the AUKUS submarines. That just reflects where their priorities are right now. On the SEPs call for an active boycott, Miranda said: I think its a good move, because there is a push from the Yes campaign, and especially Socialist Alternative, to promote that a no vote is inherently racist. I think its important to recognise that not all differences with the referendum are due to racism. To label people who are skeptical of the Voice as racist is wrong and inaccurate. At the University of Newcastle, the SEP spoke to Shantay, a first year Education student. Its an illusion she said, the idea that ticking a yes box will help indigenous people. It is also not democratic, because you get fined if you choose not to vote between a binary choice. Shantay said that all the previous so-called progressive reforms, such as the closing the gap campaign, had only made thing worse. It is because of the capitalist system that indigenous people are in the disadvantaged situation that they are in, she said. Shantay added, the social crisis is not exclusively an indigenous question but working-class people in general. Most people in these remote areas dont have access to high quality healthcare, even things like decent food. No attention is being given to the growing homelessness crisis. Shantay supports the SEP campaign for an active boycott saying, they are using the referendum to separate people. You are being told that if you vote anything other than yes then you are blatantly racist. This is not right. The only option we have is for non-indigenous and indigenous workers to unify. What we have in common is that we are working class. In order to make a change, we have to do something, we have to fight to make conditions better for ourselves. Note: Under conditions of compulsory voting, which makes it a crime to urge a boycott of the vote itself, the SEP calls on workers and youth to register their opposition by casting informal ballots and join our active boycott campaign in the lead-up to October 14, that goes well beyond the individual act of voting. Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. On Saturday, 15,000 people in Paris and 80,000 across France took part in an antiracist protest called by to the CGT (General Confederation of Labor) union. It was the first nationwide protest called by the French union bureaucracies since the mass strikes against President Emmanuel Macrons pension cuts this spring, and the nationwide rioting this summer after the police murder of 17-year-old Nahel. Tens of thousands of people protest against police violence in Paris on September 23, 2025 The riots followed the bureaucracies shut-down of strikes against Macron, even though over 60 percent of French people wanted a general strike. Union leaders isolated striking industries and stopped calling protests, while French Democratic Confederation of Labor (CFDT) leader Laurent Berger warned of insanity he claimed was seizing France. This allowed Macron to unleash heavily-armed riot police to assault protests and impose cuts to fund his planned increase in military spending amid the NATO-Russia war in Ukraine. Even after the CFDT and CGT bureaucracies sabotaged these struggles, there is deep-rooted anger against Macrons authoritarian presidency and police-state machine among workers and youth. This year, over 8,000 people were arrested and dozens injured or maimed by police weapons. WSWS journalists who intervened in the Paris protests interviewed Santiago, who had joined the Yellow Vests in 2018. He said that he came to protest against against the police repression we have experienced recently, particularly through the case of the young man (Nahel) who was killed. It is serious what is happening now ... Santiago pointed to the link between police repression in France and Macrons arming and funding of neo-Nazis in Ukraine: We know very well that there are Nazi corpuscles, Nazi battalions [in Ukraine]. It must be denounced, it must be said. And it's true that our media, in general, minimise this kind of thing. It's true that Putin is a hateful person, there's no problem. But on the other side too, there are things that we must denounce. And that's precisely what freedom of the press is all about: being able to say everything and not just the things that interest certain States. Santiago He added, It is true that helping Ukraine is in fact maintaining the war. The military solution is not the solution. . It's death on both sides. Amine, a Moroccan youth who came to protest French support for the Israeli states attacks on Palestinians, told the WSWS: France is supposed to be a democracy but it [shows it] is not by trying to silence these struggles. However, this just delays the explosion of the people, and I believe there is a lot of anger which has been buried for quite some time and is now increasingly being expressed. Amine He also spoke on French imperialisms role in Africa, stating, African people are fed up and want to be free. France is still partly responsible for the situation in Libya [referring to the massive floods in Derna caused by infrastructure neglected since the NATO instigated 2011 war in Libya]. French imperialism has done a lot of damage to Africa, and it is a shame that today France does not recognise its wrongs and does not completely disengage from Africa. Such expressions of the growing opposition of workers and youth to imperialist war abroad and police-state repression has an entirely different class character and political orientation from the union bureaucracies call to oppose police violence on the basis of opposing racism. This is part of the continuing efforts of the French union bureaucracies and allied pseudo-left parties to present police violence as mainly an issue of race, not class. There were thus a number of slogans at the protest calling to reform the police and dealing with acts of police violence against workers and youth as the product of racist violence against minority ethnic populations in France. This was the position defended by Jean-Luc Melenchon of the pseudo-left Unsubmissive France party during the mass youth riots following the police murder of Nahel. Racist sentiment is undoubtedly rife within the French police, large sections of which vote for neo-fascist parties, and racism may have played a role in the murder of Nahel. However, police repression does not only target blacks, Arabs or other minority ethnic groups; it is meted out to opposition among workers and youth of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. French police brutally repressed yellow vest protests, which found their principal base of support among majority-white rural and suburban communities. Similarly, this year, Macron sent out armed police squads to force striking refinery and garbage workers, who also are of many different racial or ethnic origins, to go back to work. Police violence is ultimately rooted in the violence of the capitalist ruling class against the workers and youth. The French police enforces Macrons diktat against the working class, because his governments policies of imperialist war abroad must be funded by attacks on the working class at home that provoke overwhelming popular opposition. The struggle against police violence is therefore rooted in the struggle to bring down Macrons authoritarian presidency. Insofar as Frances bourgeois police-state is left intact because of the counter-revolutionary policies of the union bureaucracies and of Melenchon, the epidemic of police violence will only intensify. Youth who want to fight against racism and police violence must understand that both are ultimately manifestations of class society, and that they can only be opposed by a conscious, international struggle against capitalism and imperialist war. There is mounting opposition among youth and workers to the union bureaucracies who have worked to suppress a revolutionary mobilization of the working class against Macrons authoritarian presidency. The social dialogue of the Macron government with the trade union bureaucracies and their pseudo-left political allies is ever more deeply discredited. Elia, a high school student spoke to the WSWS, discussing the role of the union bureaucracies in the pension struggle. She said, In fact, they are the ones responsible, as they just ask the people to shut up and accept this. She also criticised the bureaucracies for denouncing workers who went on strike and youth who occupied their universities and high-schools in solidarity with calls for a general strike against Macron. She said, The actions of the people are caused by the actions of the oppressor. If the people think that it is time to demonstrate in such a way as to shout so loudly and do so many things, it is the fault of the State. KUNSHAN, China, Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22nd, Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega from the Technical University of Madrid visited Arctech and both parties have successfully joined in an agreement on deepening cooperation on the Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega visited Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez is an internationally renowned wind tunnel expert who has participated in over 70 wind tunnel studies in fields such as building aerodynamics, bridge aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, wind energy, solar energy, and has also led multiple wind tunnel experiments on photovoltaic tracker in Spain. Professor Omar Gomez Ortega is a member and treasurer of the Nation Association for Wind Engineering (ANIV) belonging to the International Association for Wind Engineering (IAWE). As an influential wind tunnel expert in Spain, he has participated in the research and development of wind tunnel engineering in over 30 civil engineering, wind engineering, aerospace, and other projects worldwide. As a leading manufacturer and solution provider of photovoltaic trackers in the world, Arctech adheres to the mission of " Empowered by Technology, Shine Forward", and always regards innovation as the fundamental driving force for enterprise development, empowering customer value, and leading industry progress. To this end, Arctech has conducted in-depth cooperation with well-known universities both domestically and internationally such as Technical University of Madrid, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University, jointly promoting the implementation and transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and accelerating the modernization process of the photovoltaic industry chain. In 2021, Arctech became the only photovoltaic enterprise in the world to have its own wind tunnel laboratory. The Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory can simulate the site environment and conduct tests from five stages: static, dynamic, CFD stability, aeroelasticity, and Aero Plus. Based on the test data, structural calculations are conducted to obtain accurate aerodynamic information on the solar tracking system, ensuring its stability. Story continues Wu Liang, Manager of Arctech Wind Tunnel Lab is demonstrating products to the two professors In 2022, Arctech established a Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Calculation Center. By selecting appropriate air turbulence mathematical models and using electronic computers as tools, various discrete mathematical methods are applied to conduct numerical experiments, computer simulations, and analysis research on various problems in fluid mechanics. An intelligent design platform for photovoltaic structural systems in complex terrains is established, providing support for Arctech to improve product solutions. Relying on its strong research and development capabilities of "integrating industry, academia, and research", Arctech has pioneered the world's leading multi-point parallel drive tracking technology, leading the technological leap of solar trackers and solutions from single-point drive to multi-point drive. The exclusive development of the "3D Geographic Information System (GIS) + Numerical Wind Tunnel CFD Simulation" application technology provides a theoretical basis and technical support for improving the reliability and structural optimization design of trackers in complex terrain. So far, Arctech Global R&D Center Laboratory has obtained the qualification of the Photovoltaic Tracker TMP Laboratory issued by TUV SUD and the laboratory accreditation certificate issued by CNAS. Professor Mikel Ogueta Gutierrez and Professor Omar Gomez Ortega highly praised the construction of Arctech Wind Tunnel Laboratory and Arctech's leading product technology. They expressed their willingness to further deepen cooperation with Arctech and jointly contribute to the world's photovoltaic development. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arctech-conducts-in-depth-cooperation-with-the-technical-university-of-madrid-on-wind-tunnel-laboratory-301938273.html SOURCE Arctech CLEVELAND, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ARCTRUST Inc, a 38-year-old, fully integrated real estate company specializing in the development, acquisition and funding of reliable properties, announced today the launch of ARCTRUST Industrial Delaware statutory trust ("DST"), a Regulation D private placement offering that seeks to raise up to $7.1 million in equity and provides 49.5% leverage, targeting a 5.07% year-one distribution for accredited investors with a minimum investment of $50,000. ARCTRUST Logo (PRNewsfoto/ARCTRUST) The offering consists of a 144,328-square-foot, single-story industrial building in Cleveland, Ohio. The building was purchased by the DST on August 16, 2023, for approximately $11.6 million. In total, over $12.1 million of capital improvements were invested into the property in 2023, which is sizable in absolute terms and relative to the purchase price of $11.6 million (or 104% recent capital improvement/purchase price). "We are very excited to make the ARCTRUST Industrial DST available to investors," said Chris Wadelin, ARCTRUST Private Capital CEO. "As we continue to expand our DST platform with this mission-critical industrial asset, it further confirms our commitment to the DST industry and our conviction that properties like these offer unique potential advantages for our shareholders, such as diversification potential, possible tax benefits and exposure to industry leading tenants. We believe the DST offers an exceptional opportunity to utilize these advantages to the benefit of everyone involved." Located on approximately 11.08 acres at 7000 Denison Avenue, the building is 100% leased to Polychem, LLC, also known as Greenbridge, a company known for serving a wide variety of industries which includes brands such as Itatools, Caristrap and Polychem Systems. Originally constructed in 1967 and recently renovated in 2022, the property contains 160 standard parking places and six ADA-compliant parking spaces in addition to the building. Story continues As the "Maker of Reliable Properties," ARCTRUST goes beyond simply aggregating properties, but instead creates value by focusing on preferred equity investments, participating debt and mezzanine funding and net lease real estate. Property types include retail, residential, industrial, medical and self-storage. ARCTRUST operates throughout the United States with a focus on the New York to Florida corridor, as well as major metropolitan areas with international airports. About ARCTRUST The ARCTRUST Group, based in Clifton, New Jersey, is a vertically integrated real estate organization that over the past 38 years has been responsible for more than 500 transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $5 billion. To learn more, visit http://arctrust.com. Contact: Rebecca Cleary Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1462 rebecca@spotlightmarcom.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arctrust-launches-dst-offering-of-ohio-industrial-facility-301939212.html SOURCE ARCTRUST FILE PHOTO: A pedestrian is reflected in the window of a branch of ANZ in central Sydney, Australia (Reuters) -Australia's corporate regulator said on Tuesday the federal court has ordered ANZ Group Holdings to pay a penalty of A$15 million ($9.63 million) for misleading customers about funds available in certain credit card accounts. The Australian lender falsely indicated to customers that they could avail cash advance from funds stated to be their 'Available Funds' without incurring fees and interest, according to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). The error resulted in customers being charged with thousands of dollars in fees while the average remediation paid was around $45 per affected account. "Many ANZ customers relied on the account information displayed by the bank and were charged fees that were inconsistent with that information," said ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court. So far, the country's fourth-largest bank has provided remediation payments of more than A$8.3 million to about 186,000 accounts that were charged with fees and interest between May 2016 and November 2018. "The court found ANZ breached the ASIC Act and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act," the regulator said. In a separate statement, the lender acknowledged the breach and agreed to further remediation for the period from November 2018 to September 2021. "ANZ accepts responsibility for what has occurred and apologises to its customers, and has addressed the issues that gave rise to the contraventions," the lender said. ($1 = 1.5576 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Himanshi Akhand and Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) Agnieszka Holland is headed to the Vatican for a screening of her migrant crisis drama Green Border , following its selection for its 27th Tertio Millenio Film Festival in November. The Polish director will also receive the festivals Special Fuoricampo Prize in the Vatican Library on November 13, ahead of the screening in the presence of top Vatican representatives. More from Deadline The news follows in the wake of a political backlash and online hate campaign against Holland and the film in Poland, where its depiction of the mistreatment of migrants on its border with Belarus has touched a raw nerve with the countrys right-wing government. News of the Vatican honor went viral in the devoutly Roman Catholic country and provoked consternation on government-affiliated media outlets. RELATED: Green Border Review: Agnieszka Hollands Humanitarian Masterpiece Offers A Harrowing Vision Of The Refugee Crisis In Europe Venice Film Festival The annual Fuoricampo prize is assigned to a film that has explored themes linked to the deepest meaning of life and shaken consciences, according to the festival the organizers. Past winners of the award, launched in 2017, have included Praveen Morchales Walking in the Wind, Paul Barakats Kairos, Rodrigo and Sebastian Barriusos A Translator, Pavel G. Vesnakovs German Lessons and Bogdan George Apetris Miracle. The Tertio Millenio Film Festival was founded by the Polish Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtya, who was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011 and later canonized as Pope Saint John Paul in 2014. The theme of the 27th edition is Harmony in Difference and takes inspiration from an address made by Pope Francis earlier this year. It has not been confirmed whether Holland will have an audience with Pope Francis but it is a possibility. The selection at Tertio Millenio, is an extraordinary vindication of the essential humanity at the heart of Agnieszka Hollands film, said Films Boutique head Jean-Christophe Simon who is selling the film internationally. It bears out our long held belief that the message of this film goes to the heart and that the film is for every human whatever are their faiths, origins or religion. The political backlash has not deterred Polish spectators from going to cinemas to see Green Border, even though some theatres have been subjected to protests by neofascist groups. Polish distributor Kino Swiat said on Monday that the film, which launched theatrically on September 22, had drawn 137,000 spectators on its opening weekend which is the best result for a Polish film in 2023. There have also been counter-protests in support of the film over the weekend. Counter-protest against far-right activists in support of Agnieszka Hollands The Green Border The film also looks set for a strong international career with territories to have recently acquired the film including Japan (Transformer Inc.), Germany (Piffl Medien), Israel (Lev Cinema), Switzerland (Trigon), MENA (Moving Turtle), Greece (Danaos Films) and Ukraine (Arthouse Traffic). Previous sales include to Spain (Vercine), Austria (Panda Lichtspiele), the Baltics (Kino Pavasaris), Bulgaria (Art Fest), Slovakia (Magic Box), Slovenia (Fivia), Hungary (Vertigo), Iceland (Bio Paradis), France (Condor), Benelux (September Films), Italy (Movies Inspired), Portugal (Leopardo Filmes), former Yugoslavia (MCF Megacom) and Czech Republic/Slovakia i(AQS) in Czech Republic/Slovakia. Deals are now closing for Latin America, China and Scandinavia. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Three-time Oscar-nominated Polish director Agnieszka Holland is going ahead with her defamation suit against Polands justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro after Ziobro refused to apologize for public comments in which he compared Hollands new film, the refugee drama Green Border, to Nazi propaganda. A court in Warsaw has upheld Hollands right to pursue the case, in which she is demanding an apology for the comments and calling on Ziobro to make a charitable donation of 50,000 Polish zlotys ($11,600) to an association that helps Holocaust survivors. More from The Hollywood Reporter Ziobro, a leading member of Polands right-wing conservative government, made the comments on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, Sept. 4, ahead of Green Borders world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Green Border is a dramatization of the real-life plight of refugees caught on the natural border between Belarus and Poland. The refugees were lured there by propaganda from Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, who cynically engineered a geopolitical crisis, promising migrants easy passage over the Polish border into the European Union. But the Polish government refused to let them in, leaving families stranded and starving in the swampy, treacherous forests between the two countries. Hollands film intertwines the perspectives of the stranded refugees, Polish border guards and activists defying the Polish government, which has sealed off the border area, to help the migrants in the forest. Without having seen the film only a trailer had been released when he posted his comments Ziobro condemned Hollands depiction of events, comparing her portrayal of Polish border guards to Nazi propaganda. In the Third Reich, the Germans produced propaganda films showing Poles as bandits and murderers. Today they have Agnieszka Holland for that, Ziobro wrote. While the defamation case proceeds, Ziobro is under the equivalent of a gag order and not allowed to publicly comment or publish anything related to Holland and her films until the dispute is settled. Mike Downey, a producer on The Green Border, told The Hollywood Reporter that two of the films actors, Maja Ostaszewska and Tomasz Wosok, are also considering taking legal action against other members of Ziobros party, Suwerenna Polska (Sovereign Poland) which has publicly compared their participation in the film to the actions of known Polish Nazi collaborators during World War II. More legal battles are coming, he said. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. A woman has turned to TikTok to share a discovery she made while abroad in Italy. TikTok user Andoeni recently shared a 14-second video on the platform, where she revealed the memorable hack she learned on her trip. One of my favourite things I learned while in Italy, the text across the screen began. Squeeze a lemon into a cup of ice, mix it with Coca-Cola. She prepared the drink in her video, squeezing the lemon onto the ice before adding the Coca-Cola. Its literally so refreshing, adds a nice touch to it, she added. I never knew lemon with Coke would be such a good mix, the TikToker captioned her video. Since it was first posted on 28 June, her video has been viewed more than 13 million times with over 6,000 comments. However, many people questioned how Andoeni had gone as long as she had without ever picking up on the trend. This has been a thing since at least the 70s, one commenter wrote. Another person agreed, writing: Ok but who didnt know this. The other day I put salt on my food. It was incredible, another commenter joked. Try salt next. Game changer. Other commenters defended Adoeni, explaining how they were also unaware of the trend. She said something she LEARNED while in Italy, not that she just invented this herself, one commenter pointed out. Most people in America dont know about this. This embedded content is not available in your region. Another person said theyve seen the trend in the US, but its not present everywhere. Ive only seen it in the midwest and I havent seen it since, they wrote. I literally didnt know this, nor have I ever heard of this lol, said someone else. I dont understand the negativity of the comment section, wrote one user, while another said: You guys have to chill likeeeeee is it a big deal that she just discovered it. In an interview with Today, Adoeni revealed that she actually discovered the trend back in 2021. I started going to Italy in 2021 and thats when I learned about it, she told the outlet. The TikToker explained that spends a few months out of every year in Italy because that is where her boyfriend lives. Id be served a lemon wedge with Coca-Cola over there, and that actually has never happened personally to me in the US, she said. She admitted that she was surprised to see her video go viral because she only filmed it after running out of ideas. I post once a day and I think that day specifically, I didnt have anything to post, she told Today. It literally took me, like, 30 seconds to record and upload it and I just kind of forgot about it. Adoeni continued: This is the first time [a video of mine went] super viral and got such haters like that. At first my instinct was, like, I wanted to respond to each of them. I was like: What the hell? You guys dont even know me. After a while, I honestly had to take a break from my phone because it was too much. People, Europeans were being so rude, just being a**holes, honestly. The Independent has contacted Adoeni for comment. After being confirmed by the US Senate earlier this month, Anna Gomez was sworn in as the FCCs fifth commissioner on Monday, making her the first Latina to hold the position in over 20 years. I am humbled and honored that President Biden and the United States Senate have entrusted me with the privilege to serve the people of the United States as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. As the first Latina to serve in this position in over two decades, it is especially meaningful to be sworn in as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. I look forward to working with Congress, Chairwoman Rosenworcel, my fellow Commissioners, and the talented and dedicated FCC staff to ensure that every person in every community, of every geography and income, has access to modern telecommunications services. I am eager to hear from all and to bring my experience in domestic and international telecommunications to serve the American people, said Gomez in a statement. More from Variety Gomez holds over 30 years of public and private sector experience to her role. Prior to the position, she served as deputy assistant secretary for communications and information and deputy administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. She first joined NTIA in 2009. In addition to being sworn in, Gomez also announced her staff which includes Deena Shetler, (acting chief of staff and legal advisor for media and international), Edyael Casaperalta (acting legal advisor for wireless, public safety and consumer protection), Hayley Steffen (acting legal advisor for wireline and space), Anna Holland (acting executive assistant). Shetler joins Commissioner Gomezs staff from the office of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration. Before joining Gomezs staff, Casaperalta worked as chief of staff for the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. Steffen transitions from the Wireline Competition Bureau, where she served as legal advisor to the Bureau Chief. Holland moves to Gomezs staff from her most recent role as staff assistant to two successive bureau chiefs of the Wireline Competition Bureau. I am elated that these dedicated talented public servants have agreed to join my office, said Commissioner Gomez. They bring extensive experience in communications policy, the Commission, and working with its broad range of stakeholders. I know they will provide outstanding advice and I look forward to getting to work with them to ensure the Commissions actions meet the needs of all people. 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. Netherlands photographer and director Anton Corbijn has been named as president of the main feature film jury for the upcoming Zurich Film Festival. Oscar-winning producer Malte Grunert (All Quiet On The Western Front) will be the jury president for the Focus competition, reserved for first, second and third features, while another Academy Awards winner, Last Men In Aleppo director Feras Fayyad will head up the documentary competition jury. More from Deadline The juries each award a Golden Eye endowed with a $27,000 (CHF 25,000). Anton presented his film Life about James Dean at ZFF eight years ago, now were delighted that the world-famous director and photographer is returning to preside over the feature film jury, said Zurich director Christian Jungen. Producer Malte Grunert and documentary film director Feras Fayya are also set to enrich the ZFF with their wealth of experience. Our competitions are dedicated to promoting the next generation, so its encouraging for all the participants that the juries are presided over by such inspirational greats from the world of international auteur cinema. Corbijn will be joined in his jury by New Zealand producer Finola Dwyer, French actress, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Finnish filmmaker Juho Kuosmanen and creative producer and VFX consultant Bryce Nielsen. The Focus jury also features Oscar and BAFTA-nominated producer Gabrielle Tana, German producer Katrin Renz, film editor Heike Parplies and Swiss actor Sven Schelker. Fayyad is joined in the documentary jury by Romanian producer Monica Lazurean-Gorgan, Swiss-Italian film editor Claudio Cea, director Crystal Moselle, Indian filmmaker and scholar Shaunak Sen The Zurich Film Festival runs from September 28 to October 8. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. "I was 3 years old when ' My Big Fat Greek Wedding ' came out, so my experience as a Greek American is indelibly tangled with the movie," the author writes. As little kids, my siblings and I all owned T-shirts that said GAP: Greek American Princess (or prince, if you were my brother). When I was in middle school, a boy in my English class asked if being Greek Orthodox meant that we believed in the Greek gods, like Zeus and Hera. On every trip Ive taken in my life, I have found an icon hidden in my luggage that my father stowed without me noticing. Currently, I have a container of olive oil sitting in my apartment that was made with olives from my familys grove in my grandfathers village in Greece. These are only a handful of the Greek American stereotypes I have experienced in my life. As the grandchild of Greek immigrants on my moms side and the great-grandchild of Greek immigrants on my dads side, I have never known a life where I wasnt immersed in my heritage. I was baptized in the Greek Orthodox church, I spent afternoons as a kid in Greek school, I was in Greek dance troupes and I attended a Greek summer camp every year. And although the Greek American community is large so this is not a particularly unique experience it nonetheless can feel a bit isolating in terms of modern media representation. Until My Big Fat Greek Wedding. I was 3 years old when My Big Fat Greek Wedding came out, so my experience as a Greek American is indelibly tangled with the movie. Greek Americans have adapted the vernacular of that movie so seamlessly that it feels like weve always recited this quote as if its scripture: There are two kinds of people: Greeks, and everyone else who wishes they were Greek. I think there was a time when I genuinely thought my mom had been the person to originate the saying, The man is the head (of the house), but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants, because she loved and referenced the sentiment so much. I was probably 10 the first time I watched the movie; I was young enough that my eyes were covered during the scenes where Ian (John Corbett) and Toula (Nia Vardalos) are at his apartment, but old enough to reckon with the mirrored image of my life being played before my eyes. John Corbett and Nia Vardalos star in John Corbett and Nia Vardalos star in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Right away, I saw a kindred spirit in Toula. She could articulate things I was experiencing long before I ever had the words for them, such as: When I was growing up, I knew I was different. The other girls were blonde and delicate, and I was a swarthy 6-year-old with sideburns. I, like Toula, was a visibly ethnic child in a primarily WASPy neighborhood in the Midwest who understood on some level that I was different from my school peers. I used to joke that my life as an adolescent mirrored that of Hannah Montana, although instead of switching between celebrity and normal-girl personas, I was leading a double life as an American at school and a Greek in the evenings and on weekends. Its a disorienting experience. But My Big Fat Greek Wedding was pivotal in my understanding of how much I love my culture and how special it can be to share my heritage with others. I have always been enamored of the love story at its center. I didnt really grow up with the ideology that I absolutely must marry a Greek; I just understood that it would probably be easier that way. After years of rom-com watching and love story reading, I still dont think there is a more beautiful and intimate expression of love in media than the scene in which Ian gets baptized into the Greek Orthodox church for Toula. It makes my heart swell every viewing, and it reinforces my belief that it would actually be very lovely to envelop a partner in my culture. My Big Fat Greek Wedding and its sequels have continued to play a sentimental role in my life throughout the years. I love to show the movie to people who have never seen it, who are usually non-Greeks. When I was 20, I lived in Athens for a few months to do an internship and take a class, and my most beloved memory of the movie is watching it in a hotel room in the small village of Koroni while my class was on a trip. My new friends and I piled onto two beds and screened it on my laptop while I translated some of the most deep-cut jokes for them. It was a perfect example of getting to teach a bit of my culture to people who wanted to learn, a platonic reflection of Ian and Toula on the small screen in front of us. Elena Kampouris as Paris, Toula and Ian's daughter, in Elena Kampouris as Paris, Toula and Ian's daughter, in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2." My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 came out in 2016, and I saw it in a movie theater in metro Detroit that was packed with at least 20 of my family members. I was a high school senior that year, deciding between going to an in-state or out-of-state college, and lo and behold, that was a major plot point in the movie. Even though Id pretty much settled on staying in Michigan by the time the movie was out, my mom still cried in the theater at how particularly poignant the story was for us. In the second movie, Ian and Toulas daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris) is deciding between staying in the Midwest for school or going to New York City. In the end, Paris is told by her very traditional, straight-from-Greece grandmother, of all people, that its OK to leave. Although I only went to college an hour away, I had a similar experience almost two years ago with my own grandmother. I decided to move to New York (cue the mental image of Toulas father Gus, played by Michael Constantine, saying, Why do you want to leave me? in the first movie) and was most nervous to tell my grandparents. But when I told them, they couldnt have been more excited for me. After all, New York is where my grandmother settled when she immigrated to the U.S. I am also her namesake, so in a way, it felt like coming home. So last week, New York is where I saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. Quite honestly, the sequels pale in comparison to the first film. In this movie, the gang travels back to Greece to visit Gus village to tend to unfinished business after his death. Although the film was incredibly cheesy, I still found myself surprisingly emotional. Perhaps it was aspects of the plot that resonated, perhaps it was homesickness, or perhaps it was feeling detached from the community that I grew up with now that I live somewhere new and far away from whats familiar. Im still reckoning with how to feel in touch with the culture that was fostered through my family now that I dont live near them. Its tough, and the third movies overall message of returning home hit me hard. So although I grew up entrenched in my cultural roots, I am feeling a bit disconnected from it these days. I think it is a form of whiplash that a lot of second- and third-generation Americans feel. As a kid, I sometimes resented being different from my peers and felt suffocated and exhausted by being Greek (a sentiment that Toula and her daughter express in all of the movies). But in my adulthood, I feel almost too Americanized. Without the pre-planned activities and traditions of my youth, I am left with the imposter syndrome of wondering if I am as Greek as I think I am. But as I figure out what it looks like for me to be Greek American in this new life I am creating for myself, it is a source of comfort that I have a movie that feels like taking my family with me wherever I go. And as Maria says to Toula in the first movie: I gave you life so that you could live it. And thats exactly what Im doing. Related... MSNBC Former Trump White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson , whose testimony before the House Jan. 6 Committee last year depicted the inner workings of a presidential administration in chaos, delivered an urgent message Monday to Republicans in Congress who continue to publicly support Donald Trump: now is the time to take a stand against him. In her first live television interview, Hutchinson was asked by MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow about Trumps sustained lead in GOP primary polls only four months out from the Iowa caucuses. Why do you think your fellow Republicans want him more than they want anybody else as their next candidate for the White House? Maddow asked. Hutchinson, while still a Republican, took issue with the phrase fellow Republicans, saying, I do not think we are part of the same Republican Party. I consider myself a Republican in the sense of Senator Mitt Romney and the Reagan Republican Party. I believe that the Republican Party needs a strong, conservative party. I do not believe that Mr. Trump is a strong Republican, she said. Ex-Trump Aide Says Rudy Giuliani Stuck His Hand Up Her Skirt on Jan. 6 Hutchinson, whose book about her experience at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue comes out Tuesday, stressed that the 2024 election is a make-or-break moment for the GOP to make it clear that the former president, who has been indicted in four jurisdictions since leaving office and has threatened to imprison his political opponents as revenge, is unfit for his old job that he tried desperately to hold onto. Now is the time, if these politicians, these men and some women that are currently in Congress, want to make the break and want to take the stand, they have to do it now. We cant wait any longer for them to do it. I dont know why they are so willing to support him. I think its extremely disappointing and it is not a hard issue to take, Hutchinson said. One reason could be that some lawmakers fear for the safety of themselves and their families if they spoke out, which is what Sen. Romney alleged, according to an excerpt from a forthcoming biography of the Utah senator published in The Atlantic this month. Hutchinson seemingly confirmed those claims in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, saying she had to move out of Washington, D.C., after her congressional testimony due to concerns about her safety. Regardless, the former Trump aide said that she would not have a clear conscience and be able to sleep at night if I were a Republican in Congress that supported Donald Trump. Were talking about a man who, at the very essence of his being, almost destroyed democracy in one day, and he wants to do it again, she warned. He wants to run for president to do it again. After Trump was impeached for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, he was acquitted thanks to Republicans in the Senate, only seven of whom casted guilty votes, Romney among them. A conviction would have barred Trump from holding office again. 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. Cavetown will return to Australia for a handful of headline dates up the east coast in February 2024. The UK indie rock and bedroom pop musician will be here supporting his latest album, worm food, which was released in November 2022. The tour will get underway on Wednesday, 21st February at the Forum in Melbourne, followed by the Roundhouse in Sydney and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Thursday, 22nd and Saturday, 24th February, respectively. Cavetown: Fall In Love With a Girl The upcoming tour is Cavetowns first Australian visit since he was here in 2020 in the wake of his Animal Kingdom mixtape. Last years worm food is Robin Skinners fifth album under the Cavetown alias, and the follow-up to 2021s acclaimed EP, Mans Best Friend. Every time I release something, I definitely put pressure on myself to make the next thing better than anything Ive ever made, Skinner told Dork in 2022. At a certain point, it gets unrealistic. That can make it difficult to keep myself focused and not get frustrated if Im putting pressure on myself. I dont think I feel pressure externally. Its all myself. Thats something Ive learnt to get better at, being compassionate. Skinner has spent the European summer playing festivals like Primavera, Glastonbury, and Rock Werchter. Cavetown 2024 Australian Tour Dates Wednesday, 21st February 2024 The Forum, Melbourne VIC Thursday, 22nd February 2024 Roundhouse, Sydney NSW Saturday, 24th February 2024 Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD You can sign up for pre-sale access now Further Reading Sorry Announce Support Acts for Debut Australian Headline Tour Allah-Las Announce 2023 Australian Tour Spice Girl Melanie C Announces 2023 Australian DJ Tour The post Cavetown Announces 2024 Australian Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. By David Lawder (Reuters) -World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Tuesday said proposed new contributions from wealthy countries combined with balance sheet changes could boost the bank's lending capacity by $100 billion to $125 billion over a decade. Banga told a Council on Foreign Relations event that the contributions would come outside the bank's normal shareholding structure and regular country contributions to the International Development Association fund for the poorest countries. They would include U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed $2.25 billion supplemental budget request for the World Bank, along with expected contributions from Germany, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Nordic countries, he said. "I believe that if all this goes through, including the U.S., we could raise somewhere between $100 billion and $125 billion of extra lending capacity in the bank, which is pretty good. Not enough, but good," Banga said. The total increase he described would include measures now underway to stretch the bank's balance sheet, such as a leverage ratio increase agreed in April that would yield $50 billion in new lending over 10 years, a World Bank spokesperson said later. The bank is also examining other ways to expand lending, including providing more loan guarantees, lending against callable capital that is pledged but not paid-in, and special bonds that can serve as hybrid capital. MISSION SHIFT Banga said he expected shareholders at the World Bank's annual meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, in October to formally adopt a new vision statement that expands its role beyond reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity to incorporate global challenges such as climate, pandemics, food insecurity and fragility. "I think the twin goals have to change to being the elimination of poverty. But on a livable planet," he said, adding that he expects support from all shareholders. Banga said that he has not yet held any discussions with the United States and China regarding a general capital increase and changes to the bank's shareholding structure. Story continues China, India and Brazil got larger shareholdings in the bank in a 2018 capital increase and would likely want more say in a future capital increase, Banga said. The former MasterCard CEO, who took over the World Bank's top job in June, has said he wants to build a "better bank" - increasing its urgency, focusing it on high-impact, replicable projects and expanding beyond its anti-poverty mission - before seeking a general capital increase from shareholders. He told the CFR event that he was impressed by the dedication and talents of the bank's staff, but its organizational structure was "dysfunctional," holding it back. Asked about the legacy of his presidency, Banga said: "I'm going to fix the plumbing ... I want people to say when I'm gone, that I left the bank working much better than what I got it." CAPITAL NEEDS Banga said G20 countries will struggle to agree with an experts' report commissioned by the group that calls for a massive capital infusion into the World Bank and other multilateral development banks to help finance the $3 trillion in annual spending needed by 2030 for climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation. But he said the bank's resources, even with moves to stretch its balance sheet, are woefully inadequate, with paid-in capital of just $22.6 billion for the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development over its 78-year history. "That is a pimple on a dimple on an ant's left cheek compared to what we need in the world," Banga said. Banga said that deeper conversations were needed on the World Bank's future funding, but added that he would "not try and put an idealistic number out there" for the size of a future capital increase. (Reporting by David Lawder; Additional reporting by Paul Grant; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) During the most recent episode of Armchair Expert, Dax Shepard and his guest, Jonathan Van Ness, got into a heated debate over anti-trans rhetoric permeating American politics. Van Ness, who is non-binary, joined the show to chat about their own podcast and Netflix series, Getting Curious, but the conversation turned sour when a debate regarding trans rights arose. I have so much love and compassion for even Trump supporters, said Van Ness, highlighting what they believes to be a lack of adequate education for those with conservative ideologies. I reject that, Shepard replied. They are conservative. They dont like how quickly the country is changing. I understand that. I can sympathize with that. They have different fears than we do. Its not because theyre dumb or uneducated. Van Ness pointed out that misinformation and disinformation plays a huge role in that especially when it comes to gender-affirming care and access to abortion. But Shepard argued that the left has just as much of a problem with misinformation as the right. He specifically mentioned the New York Times COVID-19 coverage, referring to the Gray Lady as a left-leaning publication. The New York Times isnt a left-leaning publication, Van Ness said. It absolutely is, Shepard shot back. Theyre anti-trans. They platform multiple anti-trans people, Van Ness continued. To be against trans liberation and queer liberation in the year of our lord and savior, 2023, makes you absolutely not progressive and left-leaning. How you do anything is how you do everything, Van Ness said. I think what a lot of people and what that article in the Times was pointing out is, anytime you have any questions or any pushback, you are labeled as anti-trans, Shepard said. Some people are very uncomfortable about teenagers transitioning, theyre challenging that. How do we know that the person is not going to change your mind? the Armchair Expert host argued. Then theres another counterargument. Well, if they kill themselves, then thats really fking permanent. Even to question it makes you an enemy. I dont think thats the way forward, Shepard noted. I feel like Im talking to my dad, Van Ness replied. When you have an outsized reaction to something theres a good chance that youre being exposed to misinformation and disinformation, Van Ness continued. And a lot of the rhetoric around anti-trans inclusion and just the anti-trans backlash does have a lot of misinformation and disinformation in it. If you arent personally impacted by an issue, for people who are, it is just a bit exhausting, Van Ness said. Do I wish that the trans woman athlete had access and could play and follow her dreams? I do, Shepard said. But, he said, Will I elevate her rights over women? Without cheerleading, I probably would have killed myself in high school, Van Ness reflected. And I sometimes really wrestle with my gender identity. There is like a public targeted onslaught towards queer people, Van Ness argued, to which Shepard agreed. But for me to sit here and watch Dax Shepard parrot a lot of those same things, was disheartening, Van Ness said. The thing that Im bummed about right now is that if you wanted to lay out your points where youd say this would make you supportive of the movement, if you laid out 10, if Im along for nine of them and not the 10th, you file me in this enemy category, Shepard remarked. Im not filing you in an enemy category, Van Ness said. Im just saying that it is disappointing when you realize the amount of people that think theyre really fighting or something. I definitely think a lot of people who are anti-trans are using this as a Trojan horse, Shepard said. Im a non-binary fking trans person, Van Ness said. When I talk to my dad or people who face similar things, its hard to be cool through that. Honestly, I just wanted to come to chat about my podcast, Van Ness said, clearly exhausted by the unexpected debate. Shepard said he had no intentions of getting into a debate during the podcast. Van Ness then started to get choked up saying, I could just like cry because Im like, so tired of having to like fight for little kids because they just want to be included. I have to tell you, I am very tired. And Im really sorry, an emotional Van Ness said. Van Ness then mentioned their friend who could explain why this was so fking trigger city. Im sorry it was trigger city, Shepard said. I do think we fell into it honestly. Im sure youre disappointed in me, Shepard said. Im not disappointed in you, Van Ness replied. Im just like, emotionally exhausted. The post Dax Shepards Trans Rights Debate With Jonathan Van Ness Pushes the Queer Eye Host to Tears appeared first on TheWrap. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. On Monday, Donald Trump made a campaign stop that should please all the NRA supporters, but it might not please any of the federal authorities who indicted him earlier this year. While on a gun-shopping trip with Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is rumored to be his potential running mate, he shared with the press that he wanted to buy a handgun and get some custom artwork with his face etched on the side. More from SheKnows Well, Donald Trumps legal team should know that its against federal law to purchase a gun if youre under indictment. Oops! The former presidents spokesperson Steven Cheung even bragged about his boss purchase on X, formerly known as Twitter, in a now-deleted post, President Trump purchases a @GLOCKInc in South Carolina! Cheung later ate his words and claimed Donald Trump was interested in a firearm, he swore he didnt buy the gun (and then deleted that tweet). Of course, the internet forgets nothing, and one account made sure to ask the former presidents spokesperson, Please tell us more about this Glock he bought today, along with a screenshot of Cheungs original post. President Trump doing a little shopping in South Carolina! He will protect our great Second Amendment!! pic.twitter.com/Qs6Imc8LEb Marjorie Taylor Greene (@mtgreenee) September 25, 2023 Theres even evidence of Donald Trump holding a Glock handgun while posing next to two men is that the gun he reportedly bought? And leave it to Greene to share more ammunition for federal prosecutors of Donald Trump with the gun in hand. President Trump doing a little shopping in South Carolina, she wrote. He will protect our great Second Amendment!! If the former president did buy a firearm, then he could be facing more felony charges especially if special counsel Jack Smith catches wind of the possible infraction. The Trump Tapes: Bob Woodwards Twenty Interviews with President Donald Trump Click here to read the full article. Price: $18.75 Buy On Amazon It hasnt been a great legal year for Donald Trump, so you would think his lawyers would be watching his every move. Its doubtful voters will get a straight answer as to whether the former president purchased a gun, but it does give off the sentiment that he thinks hes above the law. Before you go, click here to see the biggest presidential scandals in US History. Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton Launch Gallery: Trump's Mugshot Has Been Released & Tons of Merch Is Already Available to Buy Online Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On October 4, Google will host an in-person event in New York City where it has promised to introduce the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2. Thanks to many leaks, including some self-inflicted ones, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the companys latest devices. Heres everything you need to know about what Google could announce next week. Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro As it did last year, Google has already acknowledged the existence of its latest phones ahead of their official launch date. Following months of leaks, on September 7 the company shared a 23-second clip showcasing the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro from nearly every angle. At the same time, it went live with dedicated landing pages for its new devices on the Google Store. The company claims the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro feature the most advanced Pixel cameras yet and Google AI to help you do more, even faster. The landing page also advertises the Magic Eraser and Live Translate capabilities of the new Pixels, though those are capabilities found on Googles older devices as well. According to leaks that have been published so far, many of them sourced by developer and Android Authority contributor Kamila Wojciechowska, the Pixel 8 Pro will feature a flat 6.7-inch OLED screen with 1,344 x 2,992 resolution. For comparisons sake, the Pixel 7 Pro has a curved 6.71-inch 1,440 x 3,120 display. Its unclear why Google has seemingly decided to outfit its latest flagship with a smaller screen, but the move to a flat display may have something to do with it. According to Wojciechowska, the 8 Pros OLED panel will max out at 1,600 nits of peak brightness when displaying HDR content. It is also apparently capable of more smoothly transitioning between different refresh rates. As for the Pixel 8, its expected to feature a 6.17-inch 1,080 x 2,400 display capable of 1,400 nits of peak brightness. Additionally, the screen will reportedly sport a 120Hz refresh rate, up from 90Hz on the Pixel 7. If that information is accurate, the Pixel 8 will be noticeably smaller than the Pixel 7, which has a 6.31-inch screen. The teaser clip Google shared earlier in the month didnt show the Pixel 8 Pros display, but it did appear to confirm the Pixel 8 will be more compact than last years model. As an aside, the Pixel 7a is rumored to be Googles final a-series phone, which may explain why the company has decided to shrink the Pixel 8. Internally, both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will reportedly include a new Tensor G3 processor. Most reports suggest Googles latest in-house chip wont be a substantial upgrade over the Pixel 7 lines Tensor G2 SoC, though a faster processor, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and support for hardware-based ray tracing are among the enhancements fans should expect. As for memory and internal storage, the Pixel 8 will reportedly ship with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of base UFS 3.1 storage, while the Pixel 8 Pro will offer 12GB of RAM and 128GB of space to start. In the US, Google may allow consumers to configure the 8 Pro with as much as 1TB of built-in storage. More consequentially, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are sure to pack a few photography upgrades. To start, both phones will reportedly feature main cameras with new Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensors. The 50-megapixel GN2 is the same sensor found on the Galaxy S22 and S23. Its physically larger than the previous generation GN1 Google has used since the Pixel 6, and capable of capturing 35 percent more light than its predecessor. It also comes with a modern feature set, including the ability to capture 8K video at 30 fps and Staggered HDR photos. The latter is something Google could use to reduce the amount of time it takes to capture HDR images. since the fun with the Pixel 8 series is basically over anyway... here are the google store pages of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro (P8P 1/2) pic.twitter.com/kcWIGF1iTu kamila (@Za_Raczke) September 25, 2023 The upgrades wont stop there for the Pixel 8 Pro. Googles latest flagship will reportedly feature a new time-of-flight sensor that should improve autofocus performance. More significantly, the Pixel 8 Pros ultrawide camera may come with a more modern sensor. According to multiple reports, Google plans to use a new 48-megapixel sensor to replace the Pixel 7 Pro's aging 12MP Sony IMX386. The former is almost twice the size and, as a result, should produce more-detailed images. The Pixel 8 likely wont receive a new sensor for its ultrawide camera, but Google has reportedly equipped it with a lens with a wider field of view. For selfies, the two phones should offer about the same experience, with both devices rumored to feature a single 10.5MP front-facing camera. A few early reports suggested the Pixel 8 Pro would include a built-in infrared temperature sensor. It doesnt appear Google plans to use that component for anything photography-related. Instead, it could allow users to measure the temperature of inanimate objects. Of course, new hardware is only part of the story with any Pixel release. As in years past, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will likely ship with an assortment of software enhancements, including a redesigned camera app that offers a few new features. However, most exciting of all (if youre a sustainability nerd like me), is that there are indications Google plans to support the Pixel 8 line with up to seven years of software updates. Its unclear if the companys pledge will include seven major Android platform updates. Either way, seven years of monthly security patches would be unprecedented for an Android device, and likely prompt other companies, including Samsung and OnePlus, to extend their software coverage. Even Apple may feel pressured to support its devices for longer. That would be a major win for consumers. As for pricing, over the weekend Wojciechowska shared an official-looking Google document that suggests the Pixel 8 will start at $699, a $100 increase from the $599 the company charged for the Pixel 7 at release. The same document states the Pixel 8 Pro will start at $899, or the same price as the Pixel 7 Pro. Another leaked document indicates consumers who pre-order the Pixel 8 Pro will get a free Pixel Watch 2 from Google. Pixel Watch 2 Speaking of the Pixel Watch 2, it looks like the company will improve on a few of its predecessors more notable shortcomings. Here again, most of the pre-release information available on Googles upcoming wearable comes courtesy of Wojciechowska, who cites an internal source within the company for their reporting. The original Pixel Watch was widely criticized for its subpar battery life. From a hardware perspective, it appears Google decided to tackle that problem from two different angles. Firstly, the Pixel Watch 2 is rumored to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor. A Snapdragon chip would be a huge upgrade from the Pixel Watchs aging Exynos 9100 SoC. The new processor would not only offer significantly faster performance but much improved power efficiency too, thanks to a 4nm fabrication process. In addition to being less of a battery hog, the W5 includes support for low-power states that would further boost the Pixel Watch 2s battery life. At the same time, Google has reportedly outfitted the wearable with a battery that is about four percent larger than the one found on the current Pixel Watch. That would be a modest upgrade, but since were talking about a smartwatch, any increase in battery capacity is meaningful. Separately, the Pixel Watch 2 may include a dedicated ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, something not found on its predecessor. Details on what kind of software features the component would support are slim, but in combination with reports that Google has been working on a lost item tracker codenamed Grogu (yes, that Grogu), its not too hard to guess what the company could have in mind. At the very least, the Pixel Watch 2 could offer precision object tracking. Another nifty feature a UWB chip could enable is seamless media transfers between the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Tablet, as well as future Nest smart speakers. Thats something Apple offers with the HomePod mini and UWB-compatible iPhones, so its not hard to imagine Google implementing something similar for the sake of feature parity. Everything else After a jam-packed I/O last spring that saw Google introduce the Pixel Fold, its unlikely the company has any secret hardware that its waiting to announce next week. Still, Google probably has a few surprises planned. If Microsofts recent Surface keynote is any indication, expect Google to spend at least part of October 4 talking up its latest AI breakthroughs. Whatever the company has in store, make sure to visit Engadget that day. In addition to hands-on coverage after the event, there will be a liveblog hosted by Engadget Deputy Editor Cherlynn Low and Senior Editor Sam Rutherford. Hocus Pocus is turning 30! In honor of the films recent 30th anniversary, the Sanderson sisters will return to the big screen once again in October for a limited time. The beloved family Halloween movie debuted in theaters on July 16, 1993. Last September, Disney+ released the films sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, featuring original cast members. A third installment is reportedly in the works, according to The New York Times. Hocus Pocus will rerelease theatrically on Oct. 6 at participating theaters. For 30 years the Sanderson Sisters have been putting a spell on you, see them back on the big screen for a limited time as we celebrate Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary! The black flame candle ignites once again on October 6th tweeted the official Hocus Pocus X page. For 30 years the Sanderson Sisters have been putting a spell on you, see them back on the big screen for a limited time as we celebrate Hocus Pocus 30th Anniversary! The black flame candle ignites once again on October 6th. : @studionumberone pic.twitter.com/M3fPU9cKhm Hocus Pocus 2 | Now Streaming (@HocusPocusMovie) September 14, 2023 Hocus Pocus follows the story of the nefarious Sanderson sisters. Three-hundred years have passed since the Sanderson sisters were executed in Salem, Massachusetts, for practicing dark magic. On Halloween night, teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz), his younger sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend Allison (Vinessa Shaw) explore an abandoned house where the Sanderson sisters souls have been laid to rest. Max accidentally awakens the trio of diabolical witches. To protect the children of Salem, Max, Dani and Allison must steal the witches book of spells and lure them back into their resting place. During the films original theatrical release, the Disney movie raked in more than $44 million and received mostly negative critic reviews, but the film has managed to become a Halloween classic. Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Related Fetterman says he will return a $5,000 campaign donation "in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills" nodding to the money that investigators found stashed away in Menendez's things, according to new indictment on federal bribery charges Nathan Posner/Shutterstock; Kevin Dietsch/Getty John Fetterman Bob Menendez Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he will return a $5,000 campaign donation he received from New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez a fellow Democrat and that he'll do so "in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills," a nod to the lawmaker's recent indictment on federal bribery charges. Last week, Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were indicted following an investigation into their business dealings with three men who have ties to Egypt's government. The 39-page indictment alleges that Menendez, 69, and his wife, 56, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of bribes in exchange for protecting the three businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes and to "benefit" the government of Egypt. Some of those bribes, prosecutors say, came in the form of envelopes stuffed with cash. "Over $480,000 in cash much of it stuffed into envelopes and hidden in clothing, closets, and a safe was discovered in the home, along with over $70,000 in Nadine Menendez's safe deposit box," the indictment alleges. Menendez, who was chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the time of the indictment, has since told reporters the cash came from his "personal savings." Related: Sen. Bob Menendez, Wife Charged with Bribery After Allegedly Accepting 'Cash, Gold, a Luxury Vehicle' and More Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Nadine and Bob Menendez Speaking to NBC News, Fetterman's spokesperson said of Menendez's earlier donation: We are in the process of returning the money in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills. Fetterman was among the first in a growing chorus of lawmakers calling on Menendez to step down in light of the indictment. Related: John Fetterman Defeats Dr. Oz in Critical Pennsylvania Senate Race, Huge Win for Democrats Other Democrats junior New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Vermont Sen. Peter Welch have since also called on Menendez to step down. Julia Nikhinson/Bloomberg via Getty Images Democrat Cory Booker has called on his fellow New Jersey senator, Bob Menendez, to step down in light of new federal bribery charges New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement last week calling on Menendez to resign and saying the allegations against him were "deeply disturbing." "These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system," Murphy said. "Under our legal system, Senator Menendez and the other defendants have not been found guilty and will have the ability to present evidence disputing these charges, and we must respect the process. However, the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation." 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. Calls for his resignation come as Menendez is up for reelection in 2024. He's said he has no plans to step down. Menendez now faces a primary challenger U.S. Rep. Andy Kim who announced that he would run against the Democrat just days after the indictment was unsealed. "After calls to resign, Senator Menendez said 'I am not going anywhere.' As a result, I feel compelled to run against him. Not something I expected to do, but NJ deserves better. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity," Kim wrote on X. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Princess of Wales' latest engagement revolved around fashion and had a special connection to her father's side of the family Handout/Kensington Palace via Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage Kate Middleton in March 2023; Kate Middleton in September 2023 Kate Middletons latest fashion statement stitched into her latest engagement! On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales, 41, visited textile manufacturers in Leeds and Lancaster to learn more about the industry, strides towards greater sustainability and education for the next generation. Princess Kates first stop was AW Hainsworth, a family-owned heritage textile mill (linked to her ancestors!) in Leeds, where she wore a deep green Burberry pantsuit with a white blouse and coordinating green heels. In a probable nod to the nature of the engagement, Kate recycled and restyled a suit she first wore to Windsor Castle in March. The Princess of Wales looked elegant in emerald this spring when she welcomed Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway to Windsor Castle with Prince William. The meeting brought two future kings and queens! together, and Princess Kate looked the part in the power suit with a green pussy bow blouse. Handout/Kensington Palace via Getty Images Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway visit Kate Middleton and Prince William at Windsor Castle on March 2, 2023 Related: Kate Middleton Steps Out in Green Suit on Visit to Textile Factory Linked to Great-Grandparents Kate refreshed the look with gold hoop earrings and a matching necklace for the textile manufacturer visit on Tuesday, where her first stop had a special connection to her fathers side of the family. Her paternal ancestors were owners of a local woolen manufacturer and merchant William Lupton and Co., which was sold to AW Hainsworth in 1958. Kates great-grandfather Noel Middleton, who married Olive Lupton in 1914, was a director of the company. Noel and Olive had three sons including Peter Middleton, Kates grandfather and the dad of her father, Michael. Shortly after arriving around midday, the Princess of Wales toured the mill and met some of the company's apprentices and mentors. She heard about how they supply fabrics to a wide range of customers, from fashion and homeware brands to the Armed Forces. A holder of a Royal Warrant (which signifies that a company is a supplier to the royal family) AW Hainsworth's fabrics were used during the coronations of both the late Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and King Charles in May. Chris Jackson/Getty Images Kate Middleton arrives for her visit to AW Hainsworth on September 26, 2023 Princess Kate seemed pleased to meet Oliver, a mannequin sporting a guardsman uniform and traditional bearskin hat. The Princess of Wales knows all about what a proper uniform looks like after all, shes Colonel of the Irish Guards! King Charles named his daughter-in-law to the position (a rank reassigned from Prince William) in December 2022 during a reshuffling of royal roles following the death of Queen Elizabeth last September. Kate is widely praised for her impact on fashion lines and designers that she wears, and her latest outing highlighted the vitality of the textile sector in the U.K. economy. The princess seems to be on a suit spree and has popped in pantsuits multiple times this month. Related: Was Kate Middleton's Next Tiara Moment Just Revealed? Why She May Sport a Sparkler This Fall Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images Kate Middleton at AW Hainsworth on September 26, 2023 Last Tuesday, Kate sported a tan suit to visit Streets of Growth in east London, a charity that works to transform the lives of young people, and rocked navy at HMP High Down, a mens prison in Surrey, England, on Sept. 12. Leaning into the structured separates trend, she also wore a black blazer with trousers at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset on Sept. 19 and a charcoal blazer with a black top and pants to check out Madley Primary School in Hereford on Sept. 14. Related: Kate Middleton Is in Her Blazer Era and We've Got the Perfect Name for It! Getty Kate Middleton at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on September 18, 2023 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! Princess Kate has embraced a sleeker style since the start of the year, and one expert speculates the change was inspired by her elevated royal role. "I think this is her power moment she's easing into the Princess of Wales role and that promotion that she's had in such a beautiful way," Bethan Holt, fashion director at the Daily Telegraph, previously told PEOPLE. "She's got this big new title, and she's dressing for that job." Kin Cheung - Pool/Getty Images Kate Middleton HMP High Down on September 12, 2023 in Sutton, England For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Kerry Washington is sharing a caper from her past. In her new memoir, Thicker Than Water, Washington opens up about some hard truths and tales from her career, including the time she planned a heist to help get into character. To prepare for her role as ambitious shoplifter Niecy in 2001's Lift, the actress writes that she was tasked by the writer-directors Khari Streeter and DeMane Davis to steal something so she could "feel the adrenaline and excitement that was written into Niecy's relationship with theft." While Washington could relate to Niecy's fashion sense and ambition, she had never stolen a thing. Lift, which Washington describes as an "intimate family drama disguised as an urban heist thriller," follows Niecy, a shoplifter who works at an upscale mall in Boston. When she makes the jump from boosting clothes and credit cards to getting in on a diamond heist, her belief in whether a life of crime is worth it gets tested. LIFT, Kerry Washington Everett Collection Kerry Washington in 'Lift' Even early in her career, the actress was committed to immersing herself in the characters she played, so Washington found a deli around Times Square and got to work. It was an establishment in the heart of Manhattan, so there were cameras and other security features. "I cased the joint two days in a row, studying the position of the security cameras, noting shift changes or various employees. I bought small items each day so that they would remember me as a customer in good standing," she writes. The goal was to understand the physical responses to the rush, so she went for something small. With the prep done, Washington was ready to nab her loot: a Granny Smith apple. She went in, slipped the apple into her bag and got out of there. "Having rehearsed my getaway, I knew exactly where on Broadway I was no longer in sight of anyone working in the store, and when I reached that spot on the sidewalk, I started to run," she shares. Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington Little, Brown Spark 'Thicker Than Water' by Kerry Washington Afterward, she called the directors to share the news and offered to bring the apple in as proof. "They told me they believed me and to enjoy my bounty. So, I ate it." she writes. When filming wrapped on Lift, Washington went back to the store for snacks and told them to keep the change to make up for her heist. Thicker Than Water chronicles the personal and professional life of Washington after she discovers that her mother used a sperm donor and the man who raised her is not her biological father. It's full of touching tales from her biggest roles and the often difficult truths about her personal life that she has never shared before. Thicker Than Water is out now. Related content: Hulu dropped the first trailer for the Kirsten Stewart-produced reality series Living for the Dead on Tuesday. The show, from Scout Productions, the company behind Queer Eye, is being billed as a Gay Scooby-Doo. It assembles a team that includes a tarot card reader, a psychic and a witch, who travel the country in a camper van and, of course, fabulous outfits. The Spencer actress narrates and executive produces the series, which features queer ghost hunters Alex Le May (the tech expert), Juju Bae (the resident witch), Ken Boggle (the tarot card reader), Logan Taylor (the psychic) and Roz Hernandez (the paranormal researcher). As Juju says in the trailer while placing candles around the table, This is a pretty simple seance, as Roz chimes in, More like a gay-ance. We get glimpses of creepy antique dolls in a baby carriage, dark tunnels and the truly unnerving Clown Motel in Topanah, Nevada which, were told, cant keep employees because of the fear of this building. Kirsten Stewart (far right) and cast of Living for the Dead (Hulu) A priest also advises the group at one point, If your sixth sense is telling you to turn around, turn around. It debuts Oct. 18 on Hulu as part of the streamers Huluween programming. Per Hulu, it features the team crisscrossing the country and helping the living by healing the dead. Theyll explore some of the worlds most infamous haunted locations to push past boundaries to bring acceptance to the misunderstood living and dead. Among the spots they visit are the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee, Arizona; Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky; and The Palomino club in Las Vegas. The post Kristen Stewarts Living for the Dead Ghost-Hunting Series Struts Its Stuff as a Gay Scooby-Doo in First Trailer (Video) appeared first on TheWrap. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. It looks like Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Cerettis romance is getting serious as the actor has already introduced her to his mom. More from SheKnows Ceretti, 25, and DiCaprio, 48, were photographed in Milan, Italy on Sunday fitting in some tourist attractions between the hustle and bustle of fashion week events. In photos obtained by Page Six, the model and the Inception actor were pictured with DiCaprios mom while touring the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum. Vittoria Ceretti at The Mark Hotel before the Met Gala on May 1, 2023 in New York, New York. In the photos, the Oscar winners mom, Irmelin Indenbirken, is seen exiting the historical building with her son, his rumored girlfriend and some other friends of the actor in tow. The group kept it casual in simple outfits, a drastic change from the looks weve seen Ceretti pulling in recent weeks as she struts the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Week where DiCaprio has been supporting her. Click here to read the full article. Ceretti and DiCaprio appear to be going strong since they were first seen kissing in Spain back in August the pair have been friends for years and were even linked briefly back in 2022, according to StyleCaster before the actors fling with Gigi Hadid. Gigi Hadid attends the 76th annual Cannes film festival on May 21, 2023. An insider told Page Six that Ceretti and DiCaprio are much more than a passing fling. According to another source, Theyve been spending quite a bit of time together over the past few months, and theyre enjoying getting to know one another on a deeper level. Ceretti recently shared the runway with Hadid whose romance with the Killers of the Flower Moon actor fizzled out right around the time Ceretti and DiCaprio began getting serious. This is DiCaprios first official relationship since his August 2022 breakup with actress and model Camila Morrone after four years of dating. Before you go, click here to see celebrity couples with significant age differences. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. "It was at times extremely difficult," Martin Scorsese said of working with Miramax to produce his movies in the early 2000s Arturo Holmes/Getty Martin Scorsese attends a screening of "Personality Crisis: One Night Only" during the 60th New York Film Festival at The Film Society of Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall on October 13, 2022 in New York City Martin Scorsese had a difficult time completing two his most revered movies. As the legendary director, 80, spoke with GQ recently for a cover story ahead of the release of his latest epic Killers of the Flower Moon, the filmmaker recalled feeling frustrated by the constraints that former producer Harvey Weinstein placed upon him when he made 2002's Gangs of New York with Weinstein's former company, Miramax. I realized that I couldnt work if I had to make films that way ever again, Scorsese told the outlet. The director recalled how Weinstein, 71, tried to exert more control over the movie's budget and runtime than Scorsese felt comfortable with. If that was the only way that I was able to be allowed to make films, then Id have to stop," he said. "Because the results werent satisfying. It was at times extremely difficult, and I wouldnt survive it. Id be dead. And so I decided it was over, really. Scorsese also said his next movie, 2004's The Aviator, faced the same issues because Weinstein's Miramax co-distributed the film alongside Warner Bros. Pictures. Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Calls Out Hollywood's 'Checkered Past' with Depiction of Native American People Photo by Moviestore/Shutterstock Leonardo DiCaprio (center) in Gangs of New York And I was against that; there was a meeting, and I was forced into that position, Scorsese recalled of having to work with Weinstein again. Id already been, uh, made pregnant, as they said. And theres no way youre getting out of it." "But the shoot went well, the editing went well until the last couple of weeks of editing. And they came in and did some things that I felt were extremely mean," he added. According to GQ, both Miramax and Warner Bros. stopped funding the movie toward the end of its production, leading Scorsese to use $500,000 of his own money to finish the film. 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. Related: Martin Scorsese Teases Upcoming Movie About Jesus After Meeting with Pope Francis: Report Mario Tursi/Miramax/Dimension/Kobal/Shutterstock Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Gangs of New York' In Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese reunites with DiCaprio for their sixth project together and marks his 11th film with DiCaprio's costar, Robert De Niro. DiCaprio plays a man named Ernest Burkhart, who moves to Oklahoma in the 1920s and marries local Osage Nation woman Molly Kyle (Lily Gladstone) amid a series of murders against the area's indigenous population. The film is based on David Grann's 2017 bestseller Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Killers of the Flower Moon releases in theaters Oct. 20 and will later stream on Apple TV+. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC), the second-largest bank by assets in the U.S., saw its stock plummet by approximately 18% in 2023. Surprisingly, this drop contrasts with its U.S. megabank peers, who have managed to hold steady or even see modest gains. The reasons for the selloff are rooted in the broader banking crisis this past spring, but there is more to the story. Many attribute this unease to the short-lived banking crisis in March. The landscape for Bank of America altered drastically following this episode. Investor anticipation around funding costs morphed, and there was a shift in the perspective on examining bank balance sheets. Why are investors hesitating? In 2023, despite favorable circumstances for banking, the sector experienced significant turbulence. The chaos that unraveled in March with bank runs at SVB and Signature Bank sent shockwaves through the industry. Though initial panic has since diminished, stock investors remain wary as the crisis can be traced back to two main challenges. The first is skyrocketing interest rates. With the Federal Reserve's sharp interest rate hikes, bond portfolios felt the heat, leading to declining values. Second was decreased deposits. High interest rates, amplified competition and quantitative tightening meant reduced deposit levels. Banks were forced to offload bonds at losses to make up for the deposit outflows. Bank of America's predicament Despite its strength and resilience, Bank of America was aware of these challenges. Prior to the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes in 2022, the bank made considerable investments in low-yielding, long-term bonds. This decision backfired by the first quarter of this year as it announced over $99 billion of unrealized losses in its held-to-maturity bond portfolio. However, these challenges might be the visible part of a larger, concealed iceberg. There are some signs that suggest Bank of America's stability might not be as rock-solid as perceived. Recent audits indicate a need for alignment between the bank's financial statements and the Federal Reserve's computations. Also, the bank is still grappling with the repercussions of the liquidity crisis the sector faced earlier this year. Story continues The silver lining Under the visionary leadership of CEO Brian Moynihan, Bank of America has emerged as one of the premier banks globally. Its impressive asset portfolio, stellar credit quality and significant technological investments position it uniquely in the industry. The bank has shown commendable resilience and adaptability despite hurdles like Brexit, Covid-19 lockdowns, and the current interest rate cycle. The bank's second-quarter earnings report paints a brighter picture. With an earnings per share increase of 21% year over year and a net income rise of 19%, there are evident strengths in its financial health. Such robust results, especially in an inflationary environment, speak volumes about the management's understanding. Bank of America witnessed a rise in deposits exceeding loans, growing from $500 billion in the fourth quarter of 2019 to $1.1 trillion by the first quarter of 2022, predominantly stored as cash and investment securities. As of June 30, $800 billion in excess deposits remained, with 54% in held-to-maturity investments. The bank's deposit approach starkly contrasts with fringe banks, which suffered due to imprudent strategies. The company's second-quarter deposits stood at $1.87 trillion, a slight decrease from prior periods. A significant portion of these deposits represents core operations, making them stable. Shifts towards higher-yielding options have raised costs, yet deposit betas remain resilient, ensuring stability for significant banks like Bank of America. Bank of America's 2023 Plunge: Beyond the Surface Source: BAC earnings presentation While the upcoming quarter may see more deposit pressure, it is a transient issue. Once stabilized, Bank of America's unparalleled deposit base and banking fortresses will continue to stand tall. From a valuation standpoint, its stock trades at a little above 8 times forward earnings and 0.86 times its book value, suggesting an appealing entry point. Strengths keeping Bank of America afloat Bank of America is not just a national giant; its reach is global, with a presence in over 35 countries. This vast network offers a diversified revenue stream, tapping into various international markets. Despite the challenges, the bank has consistently grown, building a trust reservoir among its investors and customers. Innovation is at the bank's forefront, showcased when Fortune magazine crowned it the "Most Inventive Bank in North America" in 2020. The brand's solid reputation, extensive ATM and branch network and robust digital platform further cement its position in the banking sector. Potential weaknesses However, like all companies, Bank of America has its vulnerabilities. Lawsuits and controversies mark its history. For instance, the hefty settlement of around $16.65 billion in 2014 for not revealing mortgage-related costs stands out. Most of its revenue is sourced from the U.S., making it sensitive to the nation's economic fluctuations and regulatory changes. Competition from fintechs, traditional banks and other financial service providers is fierce, posing a significant challenge. In conclusion, while Bank of America faces several challenges and red flags, viewing its trajectory with a balanced perspective is essential. The bank's inherent strengths, established trust and significant market share must be noticed. Current owners may see no reason for divestment, but potential investors need to tread with caution, making sure they are not drawn in by the allure of a stock that, at this moment, seems cheaper than it should be. Takeaway Bank of America's tumultuous journey in 2023 is a vivid testament to the unpredictable nature of the financial markets. However, the very essence of investing lies in discerning potential amidst the challenges. While the bank's recent performance may raise eyebrows, stakeholders must look beyond the immediate flaws and recognize the institution's long-standing history, robust foundational strengths and unparalleled reach. Every storm has its clearing, and while the clouds currently loom, Bank of America's past resilience and inherent capabilities indicate a potential resurgence. Investors would be wise to analyze holistically, balancing risks and opportunities, before making any decisive moves. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Subbing for Chris Hayes on Mondays All In, MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan unmistakably had some fun talking about the cratering presidential campaign of right wing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis . And by the end of the commentary, Hasan sarcastically asked DeSantis, was it really worth it, Ron? And, wondering if DeSantis will try this again in 2028, Hasan noted that you really dont seem to be enjoying it. The inspiration for the commentary is DeSantis latest abysmal polling. At the beginning of the year, DeSantis was considered by some a potential front-runner in the GOP primary against Donald Trump and he polled fairly well. But now, a Politico poll has him in distant fifth place in crucial primary battleground New Hampshire. As politico put it, his campaign is now on life support.' Yes, fifth, trailing a guy called Vivek Ramaswamy who no one really even heard of back in January, Hasan chuckled. Even trailing Chris Christie. If I told you eight months ago that Chris Christie would be ahead of Ron DeSantis in a Republican primary poll, you would have laughed in my face. Hasan noted reporting that big Republican donors are beginning to abandon DeSantis, including David Sacks, who Hasan reminded viewers is the wealthy Elon Musk ally who helped launch, or should I say, botched DeSantis in his disastrous campaign launch on Twitter. (Hasan was of course referring DeSantis failed campaign launch event on Twitter Spaces, an event riddled with tech problems as well as clear evidence none of the participants, including Musk himself, knew how to even use the forum. The DeSantis campaign and Musk faced weeks of mockery over it, even from Fox News.) Continuing, Hasan noted that the DeSantis campaign is coping with the bad news out of New Hampshire by claiming it is focused on the other crucial primary state, Iowa. There is no way around it, he said. The DeSantis campaign is in freefall, that is in large part because he lacks any coherent vision for his candidacy. He was trying to just cheat it and say Im Trump without the baggage without the chaos. It turns out Republican primary voters like the baggage, and like the chaos, Hasan continued. And it turns out DeSantis is really just Trump without charisma with charm, humor, or personality. I could go on and on, Hasan added. Dismissing DeSantis as not the political giant he once pretended to be, Hasan concluded with a question for him: So I have to ask, whats it really worth it Ron? And are you going to try and do this all again in 2028? Because you really dont seem to be enjoying it. Watch the clip below: There is no way around it the DeSantis campaign is in freefall." says @mehdirhasan. "It turns out, Republican voters like the baggage and like the chaos. And turns out, DeSantis is really just trump without charisma, or charm, or humor, or personality. pic.twitter.com/HHfPKNvNXH All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) September 23, 2023 The post MSNBCs Mehdi Hasan Wonders Why DeSantis Is Even Running for President: You Really Dont Seem to Be Enjoying It (Video) appeared first on TheWrap. Ahead of this weeks second Republican debate, it now appears that former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has moved ahead of pharmaceutical bro Vivek Ramaswamy in Fox News Trump-alternative GOP primary. Prior to last months debate, which GOP frontrunner Donald Trump skipped to do a Twitter video with Tucker Carlson, Ramaswamy had seemingly become the conservative cable giants preferred Republican hopeful to go head-to-head with President Joe Biden. However, following the debate, which featured Haley blasting Ramaswamy over his lack of experience, Fox quickly touted the ex-guv as the winner and said she ran away with the show. While shes since enjoyed extremely friendly sit-downs on Fox & Friends and the primetime shows, Ramaswamy has found himself grilled at times during his Fox News hits. For instance, during a Fox News Sunday interview this month, anchor Shannon Bream noted that Ramaswamy is seen by voters as annoying while straight up asking him whats the point of your campaign? Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters Additionally, mentions of Haley on Fox News airwaves have surged since the last debate. The month prior to the event, Haley had been discussed 188 times on the network, compared to 367 for Ramaswmay, according to media monitoring service TVEyes. Since the debate, however, her name has been mentioned 444 times as of Monday morning. Coincidentally, that is the same number of times Ramaswamy has been brought up on Fox since the debate. Besides her strong debate performance, the Fox News embrace of Haley appears to coincide with her polling strength. Though she is still largely in single digits in national GOP polls, she has recently surpassed Ramaswamy in the latest surveys. Besides the conventional wisdom that she would absorb most of Ron DeSantis supporters if the struggling Florida governor were to drop out, she has also shown herself to be the strongest candidate head-to-head with Biden. (The network devoted a large chunk of airtime to a CNN poll showing Haley would beat the president by six points, while other candidates were tied with or trailed Biden.) Additionally, Haleys campaign strategy appears to largely revolve around softball sitdowns while avoiding reporters on the trail. Several campaign reporters grumbled to Confider about the candidates unwillingness to hold press gaggles or even answer journalists questions following campaign events, while simultaneously arranging sympathetic TV appearances centered on her latest press releases. Notable because DeSantis now talks to the campaign press corps and Haley never does, one reporter said, while another noted that Haley appeared carefully stage-managed. A representative for Haley did not respond to a request for comment. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Howard Stern is burying the hatchet and reached a tentative agreement with Bill Maher after the commentators bizarre complaint that Stern spoke highly of his own wife. I spoke to him over the weekend and I told him about my shock at this commentary and he was apologetic, Stern said Monday on The Howard Stern Show, per Mediaite. We talked for a while ... I said, OK, you know, listen, well move on. Well move on. So that was that. Maher was critical of Stern, a former shock jock who often espoused derogatory views about women, earlier this month for praising wife Beth Ostrosky Stern . Maher said on his Club Random podcast that Stern incessantly goes on about how much he loves his wife despite having had this other wife before Beth and that Stern shouldnt gush about his current spouse while his ex-wife can still hear it. Stern was married to Alison Berns from 1978 to 2001 and shares three kids with her. The broadcaster has been married to Ostrosky Stern since 2008. Stern rejected the unsolicited advice on his show last week and reportedly warned Maher to shut his mouth. I think Im no longer friends with him, he said, per the New York Post. Stern said on his radio show Monday that he emailed Maher to confront him about the comments. Bill wrote me and he said, Oh, Howard, I didnt know you I never got your email that you wrote me, he said, according to Mediaite. Which was strange to me because I do have the right email address. But he said, Give me your number. I want to call you. Stern (left) initially warned Maher to shut his mouth but spoke to him over the weekend. Stern (left) initially warned Maher to shut his mouth but spoke to him over the weekend. Im not going to go into details of the conversation, but I was pretty blunt, Stern added. He seemed to get it. And he was gracious. This was Mahers second unfavorable headline in September, as he briefly planned to resume filming his Real Time show despite the ongoing writers strike. The strike over fair pay, streaming residuals and more has since reached a provisional conclusion. Stern has recently abandoned his former shock-jock persona, meanwhile, and welcomed his new status as woke. The broadcaster ultimately likened his squabble with Maher to the strike itself, and said Monday that he was an invaluable figure in the political landscape. I said to him basically at the end of the conversation, I think what you do on HBO is so important, Stern said Monday on his radio show. It was like the Writers Guild. We reached a tentative agreement. So were back on good terms. Related... 'I asked the person to marry his partner. And he accepted. And now they're getting married," Parks tells PEOPLE Right Frame Photography, Santiago Felipe/Getty Phaedra Parks nearly added "ordained minister" to her roster of talents! The Married to Medicine star, who is also an attorney and mortician, got a special request to marry two of her fans after she played a big part in their sweet marriage proposal. "I love people who love me and I hate to call fans fans I just believe we are all humans and we, you know, everyone puts on their pants one leg at a time," Parks, 49, tells PEOPLE. Santiago Felipe/Getty Phaedra Parks at 2022 BravoCon on Oct. 14 2022 in New York City "But some very wonderful admirers of mine asked me to come and officiate their wedding,"The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum says of grooms-to-be David Ramdeen and Taylor Rust, who got engaged on Oahu with some virtual help from Parks. Although Parks had planned to travel to Greece to marry the couple, she ultimately couldn't make the trip due to work obligations. Related: Celebs Who Officiated Other Stars' Weddings Parks says she wanted to help counsel the couple prior to them saying 'I Do.' "Because marriage is a journey," she adds. "And it's not always a good journey. It's ups and downs. Highs and lows and ebbs and flows. So you've gotta definitely make sure you're prepared and you're basically committed to it. Not to pressure them, but it is a commitment." Per Ramdeen and Rust's wedding site, the duo are set to exchange vows in Santorini on Oct. 2. "In this classic modern love story, it all began with a lovely app called Tinder," the page reads. "As we plan for this exciting moment in a far off destination, it is our hope that you all enjoy the quality time and love with friends and family that we cherish," the text continues. "Put your fancy pants on, grab a cocktail, and lets get to creating some memories." Right Frame Photography David Ramdeen and Taylor Rust Related: Hoda Kotb Officiates Zoom Wedding for Couple Who Cancelled Their Nuptials Due to Coronavirus Parks shares that the couple originally reached out via Cameo. "I did the engagement for them. I did the proposal. I asked the person to marry his partner. And he accepted. And now they're getting married," she says of the future husbands. "I do believe love is love," Parks added. 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. Right Frame Photography David Ramdeen and Taylor Rust "And so I told them to keep in touch 'cause I wanted to know about it. I gave them my cell number. They followed me [on social media]. I followed them back. And so we talk and I've sent them Christmas cards," Parks laughs. "Well, we call 'em holiday cards because I have friends from every faith. We do holiday cards. We always do a little prayer and you know, for people just to wish them great things, good energy and all that stuff." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. savior-complex - Credit: Marshall Foster/HBO Great documentaries tend to tell messy stories in a way that somehow makes them clear, honoring the messiness all the while. Such is the case with Savior Complex, HBOs new three-part doc that digs into some contentious issues including colonialism, medical ethics, religious fervor, and the limits of activism with a flawlessly steady hand. Theres not a trace of gotcha in this tale of a white missionary, Renee Bach, who set up a malnutrition rehabilitation center in Uganda and seems to have taken on much of the treatment regimen herself despite having no formal education beyond high school. She remained defiant in the face of criticism, and even legal action, as a Uganda-based activist group, No White Saviors (which included a former white missionary who ended up facing her own savior-complex moment), made her the face of every evil committed by a white person in Africa. If youre keeping score, thats a lot of evil. Director/producer Jackie Jesko is very good at this sort of thing, and shes having a banner year. She was an executive producer on the docuseries Demons and Saviors, another nonfiction story with the potential for maximum sensationalism (possibly telekinetic woman imprisoned for killing her child!) that instead became a responsible study of exploitation, crime and punishment. In Savior Complex, working with a team that includes executive producer Roger Ross Williams (The 1619 Project), she eschews the flashy reenactments that now pervade streaming documentaries, relying instead on archive footage (Bach was an obsessive self-chronicler), original interviews, and her own keen reporting and narrative instincts. The result is a deeply troubling story that you paradoxically dont want to see end, never boring but never descending to the hyperbole employed by more than one of its subjects. More from Rolling Stone Bach was a recently home-schooled teen when she first visited Uganda in 2007, eager to help and spread the word of Jesus. I started to see malnutrition everywhere, she says in the documentary, and she soon set up Serving His Children, a Christian nonprofit that quickly moved from serving hot meals to providing medical care in a ramshackle facility. Bach brought on a volunteer registered nurse from the U.S., Jackie Kramlich, who was horrified by what she saw: an unqualified missionary performing medical procedures on child patients, including a blood transfusion, often with little or no professional supervision. Kramlich blew the whistle, while No White Saviors, which cast Bach as a sort of latter-day Josef Mengele, incited a firestorm of social media attacks (including multiple death threats). Authorities, both American (which claimed lack of jurisdiction) and Ugandan (wary of scaring away other Western missionaries), dragged their feet. The official tally of severely malnourished children who died under Serving His Childrens care is 105. Bach (who fully participated in the documentary) argues that they saved far more than that, but doesnt provide much in the way of receipts. Renee Bach in Savior Complex. Its a thorny affair, and Jesko and her team know how to let the wounds breathe. Savior Complex never hits you over the head, though it certainly knows what to do when telling moments present themselves. At one point, reading through an angry online missive, Bach shows that she doesnt know how to pronounce neocolonialism, and isnt even sure what the word means. Jesko, surely aware that such nuggets of irony dont often present themselves so readily, wisely leaves the moment in and lets it sit for a few seconds. Savior Complex doesnt need to provide a lecture, or a fifteen-minute historical sequence, on the Wests exploitation of Africa through the centuries. Everything the documentary needs is packed within its three parts, including an inherent trust in the viewer to sift through and sort out conflicting viewpoints. There are no strawmen (or women) here. There is, however, an age-old question. What exactly does God justify, or even encourage, in the eyes of believers? Bach, toeing the standard missionary line, insists her Savior compelled her to become a savior. She was obviously not without compassion. Meanwhile, in the concrete world of laws and ethics, sickness and health, life and death, she played doctor in a land she knew only as a well-intentioned if reckless visitor. She was a mzungu, the Swahili word for a white person in Africa which is used frequently in Savior Complex. She walked around with a stethoscope around her neck, and many trusted her as they would a physician. And she violated that trust. And many, many children died. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on Monday predicted that Democrats will replace President Joe Biden with Michelle Obama as the presidential nominee at next summers Democratic National Convention. (Watch the video below.) Cruz outlined his out-there theory to host Sean Hannity on Fox News after a Washington Post/ABC News poll showed Donald Trump ahead of Biden by 10 points in a possible 2024 rematch. I think the odds are very significant that next summer at the Democrat national convention that the Democrat party will jettison Joe Biden and will throw him off the ticket, and they will parachute in instead, Michelle Obama to be their candidate, Cruz said. I think theyre gonna look to Michelle Obama as the savior to come in. And I think if that happens, that would be very, very dangerous. And every time I see a Democrat or one of their puppets in the press beginning to point out the problems with Joe Biden every time that happens, the chances of that go up and up and up. Hannity asked his guest if the former first lady would want that. I dont know Michelle very well, Cruz said. Cruz said the Obama pedigree plus the favorability granted a first lady would boost Michelle Obamas viability, while possible candidates such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg would create dissension. If the Democrats pick any of those four, you tick off the other three and risk alienating their supporters, continued Cruz, who also pushed the theory on his podcast. I think Michelle Obama brings the Obama pedigree. She parachutes in with also the suit of armor of a first lady with high positives and relatively low negatives. And I think they can justify to everyone who gets snubbed, Well, look, we went with Michelle Obama instead. I dont know if she wants it. But I do think it would be much more attractive to her to come in next summer and just campaign a couple of months to the general rather than having to spend two years campaigning vigorously on the ground. Other conservative figures have made similar claims about the former first lady. But the chances of Michelle Obama swooping in to snatch the candidacy from Biden appear pretty darn slim. She said firmly in 2017 that she had no interest in running for office. Its all well and good until you start running, and then the knives come out, she said in Orlando, Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Politics is tough, and its hard on a family. ... I wouldnt ask my children to do this again because, when you run for higher office, its not just you, its your whole family. In 2016, former President Barack Obama said of his wife: Let me tell you, there are three things that are certain in life: death, taxes and Michelle is not running for president. That I can tell you. Fast-forward to 8:15 for Cruzs prediction: Related... The Virginia Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 36th year, which will take place in Charlottesville from Oct. 25-29. Netflixs Maestro written, produced and directed by and starring Bradley Cooper as legendary composer Leonard Bernstein will be the festivals opening night film. Makeup effects artist Kazu Hiro, a two-time Academy Award winner for Bombshell and Darkest Hour, will receive the VAFF Craft Award at the screening. The festivals centerpiece film will be Focus Features The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti, DaVine Joy Randolph and newcomer Dominic Sessa. Giamatti stars as a curmudgeonly teacher at a New England prep school who forms an unexpected bond with one of his unruly students (Sessa) during Christmas break. The films Academy Award-winning producer Mark Johnson (Rain Man), also the VAFFs advisory board chair, will appear for a post-screening discussion. More from The Hollywood Reporter Netflixs American Symphony, directed by Oscar nominee and six-time Emmy winner Matthew Heineman, will close out the festival. Centered on five-time Grammy-winning composer and Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Jon Batiste, the film depicts Batiste as he experiences the greatest success of his career all while he and his partner, journalist Suleika Jaouad, learn that her rare form of leukemia has returned after 10 years of remission. Heineman will receive the VAFF Directorial Achievement Award at the screening, while Batiste will perform following the screening and a post-film discussion. The festivals gala screenings include Neons Origin, with Oscar-nominated writer-producer-director Ava DuVernay in attendance; and MGM/Orions American Fiction, winner of the 2023 TIFF Audience Award, with Emmy-winning writer-producer-director Cord Jefferson on hand to receive the VAFF Breakthrough Director Award. Emmy nominee Riley Keough will also appear at the festival to support War Pony, her directorial debut; co-director Giana Gammell and writer Franklin Sioux Bob will also attend the gala screening. Acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni will receive the VAFF Changemaker Award following the gala screening of the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project. Other gala screenings include Kristoffer Borglis Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage; Todd Haynes May December, starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore; and George C. Wolfes Rustin, starring Colman Domingo. Spotlight screenings include Andrew Haighs All of Us Strangers, starring Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott; TKs Fingernails, starring Riz Ahmed and Jesse Buckley; and Sundance Audience Award winner The Persian Version, written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz. Oscar nominee Nicole Newnham (Crip Camp) will receive the VAFF Chronicler Award for her latest feature The Disappearance of Shere Hite, also a spotlight screening. The festivals lineup also includes eight international Oscar selections: 20 Days in Mariupol (Ukraine), About Dry Grasses (Turkey), Fallen Leaves (Finland), Four Daughters (Tunisia), Perfect Days (Japan), The Settlers (Chile), The Taste of Things (France), The Teachers Lounge (Germany), and Totem (Mexico). The full 2023 VAFF program will be available on Thursday, September 28. Tickets will go on sale at noon on Friday, October 6 at virginiafilmfestival.org. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. The Victorias Secret World Tour, an event that will be half fashion show, half documentary on the brands reimagined runway show, takes place Wednesday, Sept. 26. You can stream the entire event, headlined by Doja Cat , on Prime Video. More from Variety The Victorias Secret World Tour Buy Now In an interview with Harpers Bazaar, Doja confirmed shes actively working on new music and will be performing tracks off her upcoming album for the event. The Tour 23 will showcase custom looks by four designers: Colombias Melissa Valdes Duque, Japan-based Jenny Fax, London-based Supriya Lele and Nigeria-bred Bubu Ogisi. The new special will support parent company VS&Cos Tour Impact Fund, which will partner with organizations that work to advance gender equality and uplift underserved and marginalized voices in the communities of the VS20. Priyanka Chopra-Jonas serves as an ambassador, mentor and advocate for the fund. The Victorias Secret fashion show was officially canceled in 2018 with its final iteration having taken place in 2018. The documentary portion of the show is said to focus on the behind-the-scenes details of Victorias Secrets first televised fashion show since the cancellation of its signature runway show which originally aired in 2001. When the cancellation was first announced, L Brands the parent company of Victorias Secret and Bath & Body Works stated they were aiming to evolve the marketing of the lingerie brand. Stream The Victorias Secret Fashion Show on Prime Video below: The Victorias Secret World Tour Buy Now 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. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Why are falls so dangerous to seniors? Here's what you need to know. (Canva) Italian actress Sophia Loren is recovering from emergency surgery after a fall, Reuters reported. The 89-year-old Oscar winner fell in her home in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday and suffered a broken hip. Her spokesperson told Reuters the surgery "went well and now she needs to rest and everything will be resolved." The BBC also added she "sustained several 'serious fractures' to different parts of her hip and femur," and that "both Loren's sons, Carlo and Edoardo Ponti, were at her bedside." Italian actress Sophia Loren is recovering from an emergency surgery after a fall, Reuters reported. (Photo by Mairo Cinquetti/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) After Loren made headlines, safety for seniors and injury prevention is top-of-mind, especially in Canada where falls are the top cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. How often to Canadian seniors fall and who is at risk? According to Public Health, about 20 to 30 per cent of seniors fall at least once each year in Canada. Furthermore, falls account for 85 per cent of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations, and 95 per cent of all hip fractures in the country. Public Health also notes the average senior is hospitalized for about 10 days longer for falls than any other cause, and even one-third of seniors are admitted to long-term care following that hospitalization. "Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death," the federal agency warned. People who are at high risk of falling, as measured by the American and British Geriatrics Societies, are those who have: Had two or more falls within the last 12 months Sought medical attention within 48 hours of an injury following a fall Had difficulty with walking or balance Finding Balance, a program with the University of Alberta, also has an online quiz assessment available to determine whether a person is at risk of falling. Why are falls so dangerous for seniors? According to Public Health, about 20 to 30 per cent of seniors fall at least once each year in Canada. (Getty) The U.S. Centre for Disease Control estimates one out of five falls does cause a serious injury in seniors. "These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own," it said. Common injuries include: Broken bones, especially wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures Head injuries, which "can be very serious," especially to those taking blood thinners Developing a fear of falling, leading to less activity is also a harmful impact. What causes seniors to fall? Falls are the number one cause of injury-related deaths, hospitalizations and ER visits in Canadian seniors, according to injury prevention agency Parachute. In 2018, falls among older adults cost the healthcare system $5.6 billion "nearly 20 per cent of the total cost of injury in Canada." But what causes falling? The U.S. National Institute on Aging says many things, including: Eyesight, hearing, and reflex problems Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels that impact balance Conditions that cause rushed movement to the bathroom, such as incontinence Mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia Age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), problems with balance and gait, or postural hypotension Foot problems that cause pain, and unsafe footwear such as backless shoes or high heels Medications with side effects such as dizziness or confusion Safety hazards in the home or community environment How can the elderly prevent falling? There are steps seniors and caregivers can take to prevent falling and injury. (Getty) According to Parachute, a fall can have "a devastating and lasting impact on a person," as it can lead to a reduced quality of life even without injury. "A fall can cause an older adult to lose confidence and reduce their activities," the research agency explained. There are steps Canadians can take to prevent falling, outside and inside of the home. Parachute said these strategies, assessed by Public Health and Finding Balance, are key in prevention generally: Exercise: challenging your balance and building strength Getting enough sleep Taking your time don't rush Good nutrition and hydration Getting your sight and hearing checked regularly Managing medications and reviewing them regularly with your pharmacist or doctor Wearing well-fitting, sturdy shoes Considering using a cane or other mobility device if needed Maintaining proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids Inside the home, there are certain environmental factors that can be changed to help prevent a fall. Those include, according to Parachute: Proper lighting in hallways, stairs and walkways, the bedroom and bathrooms Keeping stairs free of clutter, and exterior stairs and walkways free of clutter, ice or snow Installing handrails along stairs and safety grab bars in the bathroom Checking your home for slipping and tripping hazards, and using non-slip mats Having regularly used items within reach Finding Balance also has resources available to caregivers of seniors who might be at risk, on how to help prevent falling and injury. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. The Duchess of Edinburgh likely sported the headset for a practical reason Marco Iacobucci/IPA via ZUMA Press Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attends the non-religious state funeral of Giorgio Napolitano on Sept. 26 Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh traveled to Italy for a somber reason. On Tuesday, Prince Edwards wife attended the non-religious state funeral for Giorgio Napolitano in Rome. The former president of Italy died on Sept. 22 at age 98. Sophie stepped out solo at the Palazzo Montecitorio, and Couture and Royals posted photos on X of her wearing headphones during the service. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, was likely listening to a translation of what was being said. The Duchess of Edinburgh is seated in first row with Heads of State and members of the Napolitano Family. It has been said that Sophie is representing King Charles III and is the only Royal present, the fan blog wrote. King Charles sister-in-law was just a few seats away from French President Emmanuel Macron, who welcomed the King and Queen Camilla to France for a three-day state visit from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22. Highlights of the trip included a glamorous state banquet at the Palace of Versailles plus stops at iconic Parisian landmarks like Elysee Palace and Notre Dame. Serrano/AGF/Shutterstock Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, attends the non-religious state funeral of Giorgio Napolitano on Sept. 26 Related: Who Is Prince Edward's Wife? All About Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh While Sophies trip to the funeral was not listed in the royal familys Royal Diary or Court Circular, it is customary for senior British royals to send relatives or close friends and aides to funerals on their behalf. Queen Elizabeth only rarely attended funerals, and King Charles and Prince William appear to be following the same custom by having family members represent them instead. In January, Princess Anne represented King Charles at the funeral of King Constantine of Greece while Lady Gabriella Windsor went in Prince Williams stead. Lady Gabriella, 41, is the only daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, who is first cousins with Queen Elizabeth, and Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, who goes by Princess Michael. It was a poignant choice for Prince William to ask Gabriella to represent him at King Constantine's funeral as the late monarch was a godfather to them both. Sophie and Prince Edward have stepped up into elevated royal roles during the last few years of change for the royal family, from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back from their working royal roles in 2020 and Prince Andrew giving up public life in the wake of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in 2022 and most significantly, Queen Elizabeths death last September. Related: King Charles and Queen Camilla Announce Next State Visit Find Out Which Nation They'll Host at Buckingham Palace Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward in Edinburgh, Scotland in March 2023 In March, coinciding with Prince Edward's 59th birthday, King Charles named his youngest sibling as the Duke of Edinburgh, a title that previously belonged to their father, Prince Philip. In the same sweep, Sophie became the Duchess of Edinburgh a title last held by the late Queen Elizabeth before her accession, which doubled as a thoughtful tie to her mother-in-law, who she was famously close to. Sophie and Edward visited Edinburgh for the first time with their new titles in March, with Edward calling it a "very special and slightly overwhelming day." He then referred to Sophie as "my wife and Duchess," prompting laughs from the crowd. The couple tied the knot in 1999 and are parents to Lady Louise Windsor, 19, and James, Earl of Wessex, 15. 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! Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits Gul Outdoor Therapy and Activity Centre on Sept. 14 It had been Prince Philips wish that his youngest son would receive the Duke of Edinburgh title after his death. Towards the end of his life, Prince Edward alongside Sophie represented Philip at award ceremonies for the Duke of Edinburgh volunteering program for young people, which Queen Elizabeth's husband of 73 years established in 1956. Following a brief summer break during the month of August (a tradition Queen Elizabeth observed during her record reign, which King Charles continued), Sophie was out and about on Sept. 14 visits to Gul Outdoor Therapy and Activity Centre and Stable and Wick Bakery and Farm Shop in Salisbury, England. Meanwhile, Prince Edward is currently visiting Turkey, paying a visit to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss defense and trade relations between Turkey and the U.K., Bloomberg reported. Mehmet Murat Onel/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, meets with talks with students and teachers as he visiting Kabatas Boys High School in Istanbul, Turkey on Sept. 25 For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. SASKATOON, SK, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - BHP is pleased to announce a AUD$3 million (CAD$2.6 million) three-year partnership with Indspire, a leading national Indigenous registered charity in Canada that provides bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education and training. BHPs partnership with Indspire will provide hundreds of students every year with post-secondary bursaries (CNW Group/BHP Group) This partnership will allow Indspire to expand its Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program, which provides hundreds of students every year with post-secondary bursaries creating long-term benefit for individuals, families, and communities across the country. The funding will also support multi-year travel grants for two important events for Indigenous students and educators Soaring, Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering and the National Gathering for Indigenous Education. The investment aligns with BHP's Indigenous Peoples Policy, Social Value Framework and its aspirations in Canada to have 20 per cent Indigenous representation across the operational workforce once the Jansen potash project commences production in 2026. Mike DeGagne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Indspire, said: "BHP's expanded commitment to Indspire's Building Brighter Futures bursaries and scholarships program is a meaningful commitment to empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students across the country to achieve their educational goals. "Their support for Soaring and the National Gathering will help us to create even wider circles of community, shaping meaningful change from the classroom to the boardroom. We are pleased to be broadening this significant partnership," Mike concluded. Caroline Cox, Chief Legal, Governance and External Affairs Officer at BHP said, "Part of our commitment to Canada is partnering with community organizations to deliver positive social and economic outcomes." "The work Indspire is doing to break down barriers and create new opportunities for Indigenous students in Canada is critical to a more inclusive, equitable and successful future for all. BHP is thrilled to support Indspire and those who benefit from its important work," Caroline continued. Story continues The next phase of the BHP-supported program will launch in November and run through to 2025. About BHP BHP is a global resources company with its Canadian operational headquarters in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and global business development headquarters in Toronto. BHP has a global workforce of approximately 80,000 people working in locations across Canada, Australia, Asia, the UK, US and the Americas. BHP produces commodities essential for global decarbonization, economic development and food security including copper, nickel, iron ore, metallurgical coal and is developing the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada. Further information on BHP can be found at: bhp.com About Indspire Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2021-22, Indspire provided more than $23 million through 6,612 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Metis students across Canada. Further information on Indspire can be found at: indspire.ca BHP (CNW Group/BHP Group) SOURCE BHP Group Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c8723.html Xiaomi has a habit of releasing a mid-cycle flagship phone around this time of the year, mainly catering to markets outside of China. The good news with the freshly-announced Xiaomi 13T Pro is that, unlike last year's 12T Pro, this one comes with Leica's branding and photographic enhancements. This means fans in Europe will have another Leica-branded option for their next smartphone upgrade, in addition to the earlier and more expensive 13, 13 Pro and 13 Ultra. The 13T Pro is, in fact, the global variant of China's Redmi K60 Ultra, which looks almost identical, but lacks Leica tuning and Google services. Another key difference is that the more expensive 13T Pro packs better photography hardware in order to get Leica's approval. The 24mm-equivalent main camera, for instance, is powered by a 50-megapixel sensor with a larger-than-usual 1.22um pixel size. While this is no match to the 1.6um pixels on the real flagships' 1-inch sensors, it's still more generous than what many other handsets offer, not to mention that it can achieve a 2.44um-equivalent effect by way of pixel-binning technology. You'll also find a 50-megapixel f/1.9 telephoto camera (50mm-equivalent) and a 12-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide camera (15mm-equivalent) on the Leica-branded camera island. All three cameras have access to both Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant color modes and, when in portrait mode, the telephoto camera offers a "Master-lens system" which can emulate a 35mm "Documentary" lens, a 50mm "Swirly" bokeh lens or a 90mm "Soft focus" lens. The 20-megapixel f/2.2 punch-hole selfie camera doesn't get any Leica love, but it does support night mode, portrait mode and HDR. An exploded view of the Xiaomi 13T Pro. Like the Redmi K60 Ultra, the 13T Pro packs MediaTek's flagship Dimensity 9200+ processor, with which it apparently has a 10 percent boost in both CPU and GPU performance over the 12T Pro (which had a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, also based on a 4nm process). Xiaomi paired this with a 5,000mm stainless steel vapor cooling plate the company's biggest ever for a phone, allegedly for improved thermal dissipation. Xiaomi made a sensible decision with the 6.67-inch screen here: it's flat rather than curved, which makes photo viewing, video playback and gaming so much more practical. It's also a nice AMOLED panel, featuring a 2,712 x 1,220 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 480Hz touch sampling rate, a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, DCI-P3 color gamut and support for both Dolby Vision plus HDR10+. For those with sensitive eyes, the display's fast 2,880Hz PWM (pulse-width modulation) dimming in lower brightness should induce less eye fatigue as well. This is shielded by a piece of Gorilla Glass 5, but more importantly, the entire device is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. Another noteworthy feature on the Xiaomi 13T Pro is its 5,000mAh battery, which supports 120W "HyperCharge." it only takes 19 minutes to go from zero to 100 percent, but if you're in a real hurry, even a mere 5-minute charge will apparently fill you up back to 36 percent. Such charging speeds aren't entirely new, of course, and likewise with Xiaomi's dual-chip system the Surge G1 power management chipset plus Surge P1 fast-charging chipset to ensure battery safety while prolonging its lifespan. Xiaomi 13T Pro The Xiaomi 13T Pro is now rolling out across Europe, starting from 799 euros (around $846) for the 12GB LPDDRX5 RAM plus 256GB UFS 4.0 storage model, with the top model maxing out at 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for a yet-to-be-disclosed price. There's also an identical-looking Xiaomi 13T which starts from 649 euros (around $687; 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage), with the only differences seemingly being the lesser Dimensity 8200-Ultra processor, slower 67W charging and lack of 8K video recording. Colors for both models include green or black which feature a glossy glass back, or "Alpine Blue" with a soft "BioComfort vegan leather" back. These dual-SIM devices run on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, and Xiaomi promises four years of Android updates along with five years of security patches. The company is also offering European customers one free screen repair within six months after purchase, and one out-of-warranty repair without labor cost within a year after purchase. It goes without saying that these freebies reflect Xiaomi's western ambitions, not to mention how it's strategically added more affordable options to its flagship lineup, in the hopes of putting up a better fight in the declining market. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey is refusing so far to heed the calls of others to step down from the Senate as he faces serious bribery and extortion charges, including allegations he provided highly sensitive information to the government of Egypt. During a morning press conference Monday, he denied the accusations laid out in a federal indictment unsealed Friday. As Democratic leaders across the state call for his resignation, others are stepping up to challenge him in the 2024 primary, including Rep. Andy Kim and progressive activist Larry Hamm. But with the primary election nine months away and a trial likely to drag on longer than that are there alternative or quicker options available for fellow Democrats to remove Menendez from his seat? "Most of the time when you have this situation, its not the mechanics that pressure members out, its the internal political pressure that forces members out," said Joshua Huder, senior fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University. "They lose sway within their political support back at home, they lose the support of the party, any sort of mechanisms or power that would give them the ability to get reelected sort of pushes them out." Impeachment is not an option The first federal official to be impeached in the United States was William Blount, a senator from Tennessee, for his role in a conspiracy with frontiersmen to seize land in Louisiana and the Floridas from Spain, then a U.S. ally, to transfer the territory to the British. His impeachment trial was dismissed on Jan. 14, 1799; the chamber said it lacked jurisdiction because the Senate had already voted to expel him a year and a half earlier. Story continues below photo gallery. Its dismissal of the Blount case set a precedent that still holds today a U.S. senator cannot be impeached, the U.S. Senate website says. Impeachment has generally been held for civil officers and members of the judiciary and the executive branch, said Stephen Spaulding, vice president at Common Cause, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group. More: Live updates: What Bob Menendez said in his speech to the public after indictment More: Rep. Andy Kim will fight fellow Democrat Menendez for Senate seat after indictment Expulsion While the process from impeaching Blount to the actual trial took a year and a half, the Senate managed to remove him by expulsion which requires a two-thirds supermajority vote much more quickly. A Senate committee recommended expelling him on July 6, 1797, and he was expelled just two days later with a 25-to-1 vote. Anything can move quickly in the Senate if senators want to, Spaulding said. The punishment granted in Article I, Section 5, of the Constitution has been rare: The Senate has expelled 15 members since 1789, and the 14 cases other than Blount's occurred during the Civil War for support of the Confederacy. Its a high bar, Spaulding said. U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., speaks to reporters outside the Capitol, in Washington, May 17, 2023. "Even members who are hugely unpopular, like George Santos from Long Island, are still in Congress," Huder said. The Constitution doesnt outline specific grounds needed for expulsion, but it has generally concerned cases of perceived disloyalty to the United States, or the conviction of a criminal statutory offense which involved abuse of ones official position, according to a 2012 Congressional Research Service report on removing members of Congress from office. The most recent Senate expulsion case, in 1995, involved Sen. Robert Packwood, an Oregon Republican, who resigned after the ethics committee recommended expulsion for abuse of power. In addition to the 15 senators actually expelled, the Senate considered expulsion in 15 other cases over the years. In five cases, senators resigned before expulsion could occur. In one case, the senators term expired. In seven cases ranging from embezzlement to Mormonism, the senators were not expelled. And in two election fraud allegation cases, the Senate did not take any action after concluding that it did not have sufficient evidence. The most recent case, in 1995, involved Sen. Robert Packwood, an Oregon Republican, who resigned after the ethics committee recommended expulsion for abuse of power. The only New Jersey senator recommended for expulsion was Harrison Williams in 1982, though he resigned before a Senate vote. He was convicted of nine counts of conspiracy and bribery in the Abscam FBI sting, which brought down seven members of Congress. The only New Jersey senator recommended for expulsion was Harrison Williams, in 1982, though he resigned before a Senate vote. He was convicted of nine counts of conspiracy and bribery in the Abscam FBI sting, which brought down seven members of Congress. Its unclear whether the Senate would consider this move with Menendez. New Jersey's other senator, fellow Democrat Cory Booker, has been noticeably silent since the indictment was unsealed. As of Monday, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown of Ohio were the only Democratic senators calling for Menendezs resignation. More: In exchange for illicit payoffs, Bob Menendez gave sensitive info to Egypt, indictment says More: NJ business owner with stark change in fortune is at center of Menendez investigation Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that Menendez has been a dedicated public servant and has a right to due process and a fair trial. If Menendez did choose to resign or was expelled, Gov. Phil Murphy would choose his successor to serve through the end of his term, Jan. 3, 2025. No power for recall Voters cannot have a direct say the Constitution does not include the power for constituents to recall a member of the U.S. Congress. Drafters had considered including a provision for recall in the Constitution, but language wasnt included in the final version sent to states for ratification, according to the Congressional Research Service. Senate Select Committee on Ethics Each chamber of Congress has a committee evenly split with Republican and Democratic members to investigate charges of misconduct and make recommendations. For example, in the case of former Sen. Robert Torricelli of New Jersey, the committee severely admonished him in July 2002 and wrote in a letter that he had to pay back a former donor, David Chang, the cost and interest for a television, a CD player and earrings that the businessman gave to the senator. Torricelli denied wrongdoing, but he later dropped out of his 2002 reelection bid. Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., announces he is dropping out of the Senate race during a news conference at the Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. Monday, Sept. 30, 2002. (AP Photo/Brian Branch-Price) In May 2002, Chang was sentenced to 18 months in prison for obstructing justice and making more than $50,000 worth of illegal campaign contributions to Torricellis 1996 account. Typically, if the committee has an inquiry open and a senator is indicted, the committee will pause its investigation and allow the criminal process to play out, said Donald Sherman, senior vice president and general counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group. They don't want to take action that might potentially undermine the investigation, but also, the criminal prosecutors have more compelling tools, Sherman said. Senators dont like to sit in judgment of their colleagues. In April 2018, the committee sent a letter of admonition to Menendez, finding he knowingly and repeatedly accepted gifts of significant value from [friend and donor Salomon] Melgen and used your position as a member of the Senate to advance Dr. Melgens personal and business interests. Menendez was indicted in 2015, and acquitted of all charges in January 2018 after a 2017 trial ended with the jury deadlocked. Story continues below photo gallery. The admonition letter said Menendez violated Senate rules and reflected discredit upon the Senate and ordered him to repay the fair market value of gifts he hadnt already repaid and to amend his financial disclosure reports to include the gifts. After his second indictment unsealed Friday, Menendez is so far staying put. The allegations leveled against me are just that allegations," he said Monday. I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bob Menendez refuses to resign. Could he be expelled from the Senate? The Maldives has grown in popularity as a tourist hotspot. According to the World Tourism Organization, the country welcomed over 550,000 tourists in 2020. As more people travel to the Maldives, it can be difficult to get a taste of the true culture of the destination. Check out these 10 tips for the ultimate Black travel experience in the Maldives. Experience Boduberu Art Culture A lasting touch of the African influence in the Maldives is the Boduberu art culture. This combination of rhythm and dance, introduced to the islands from Africa, is a major part of the local culture. Travelers can take a dance class or watch a traditional ceremony on the beach. Boduberu translates into Big Drum, and musicians play large percussion pieces made from coconut palm wood as locals dance to the rhythm. Visit Feridhoo Island One of the best spots in the Maldives to experience Boduberu is on Feridhoo Island. The island has a deep, African heritage. According to stories, rich kings would purchase African slaves while traveling through South Asia and free them upon their deaths. A large majority of the islands population are rumored to be the descendants of these freed slaves. Feridhoo Island is a great place to enjoy authentic Boduberu music and to learn the history of Black people in the Maldives. Get a Taste of Maldivian Cuisine Photo credit: Shaafi Ali In the past, food in the Maldives mainly consisted of fish and coconut. Both are plentiful around the archipelago, and the ingredients became staples in most meals. Over time, Maldivian cuisine evolved to include a multitude of flavors and spices. Some traditional dishes to try while in the Maldives are Garudhiya, a fish and rice stew in a coconut broth, and Mas Hani, a traditional breakfast made from chilis, tuna, onions and shredded coconut. Stroll the Beaches of Addu Atoll A heart-shaped atoll south of Male, Addu Atoll includes a string of some of the best beaches in the Maldives. The beaches are surrounded by coral reefs, unique animals, plants and birds. The atoll is home to some premier resorts including Shangri Las Villingili, Equator Village and South Palm Resort Maldives. Spend Time With the Artisans Photo credit: Jean Vella Art in the Maldives has passed down many generations of artisans. Today, the art culture in the country lives on through art galleries, craftsmen and the creation of a lacquerware called liyelaajehun. Many handcrafted items are made all over the Maldives. Travelers can visit with artisans to get an in-depth look into making boats, vases, bowls and wooden artifacts. Learn Maldivian History at Utheemu Ganduvaru Palace Utheemu is an island located north of the Maldives. Its the birthplace of one of the countrys greatest heroes, Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. The rich heritage of the Maldives is all around the island. Travelers can visit the island by boat to see the epic palace where the sultan lived before the Portuguese seized the island. Explore the City of Male Male is the capital of the Maldives and its biggest city. Being the capital, Male has a plethora of tourist, gastronomic and cultural attractions for travelers. Guests can visit the Grand Friday Mosque, the Victory Monument or go for a walk through Sultan Park. Alimas Carnival, formerly a popular amusement park, now houses an array of shops and cafes to explore. For great views and exercise, take a walk down the marine drive. Theres scenic beaches, colorful markets and friendly locals all around the Maldives capital. Dive Into Ancient Architecture Photo credit: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz The Maldives have a rich connection to religion and culture. This is in architecture and monuments across the islands. Travelers can visit ancient Buddhist temples, palaces and Islamic mosques on a trip to the Maldives showcasing the countrys expansive and diverse history. Take a Trip to the National Museum Formerly the Sultans Palace, the National Museum houses the ancient relics and artifacts of the countrys past. Many pieces were lost during a 2012 raid. However, whats left tells an intricate story of Maldivian history. The museum showcases the Maldives during different time periods. Visitors can check out exhibits representing the country under various reigns, including Arabic and Buddhist rule. Drive Across the Sinamale Bridge Photo credit: Maahid Photos The Sinamale Bridge provides beautiful views for locals and tourists. It connects the Maldives to China, and is known as the Chinese-Maldives Friendship Bridge. This 2-kilometer bridge goes from Male to Hulhumale Island and makes driving simpler for commuters. People drive through the beautiful blue archway and over the sea, symbolism representing unity and nationalism. The bridge also is one of the largest in the Maldives. It has six lanes with four reserved for four-wheelers and large vehicles. PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Octobers most exciting new books *really* run the gamut: Theres a thought-provoking memoir about loneliness, a generational saga set against the building of the transcontinental railroad and an essay collection about fatphobia and sex work. (Oh, and a new novel by two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward that we cant wait to get our hands on.) Without further ado, nine books were eager to read as we slide into spooky season. 7 New (and New-Ish) Books to Read for Latinx History Month Poet and essayist Dixons (The Incredible Shrinking Woman) second book asks the question: What does it mean to be a body behind a screen, lost in the hustle of an online world? Living alone and working 40 hours a week from home, hundreds of miles from her family and friends, Dixon begins watching videos on YouTube, listening to podcasts and playing video games just to hear another human voice. She then learns the story of Joyce Carol Vincent, a woman who died alone, her body remaining in front of a glowing television set for three years before anyone noticed. Dixon then investigates communal loneliness, asking if humans are linked by a shared loneliness, how we see the world and our place in it and how we find our way back to each other. Buy the book In the late 19th century, 10-year-old Sixiang is sold to a human trafficker after her village in China is devastated by famine. Shes taken to America, where her father immigrated before she was born. This heartbreaking generational saga from the author of the 2021 story collection Hao traces the parallel lives of father and daughter as they struggle to survive in a country thats rejecting them while also relying on their labor. Moving from the villages of China to the dawn of the transcontinental railroad and the anti-Chinese movement in California, Straw Dogs of the Universe is a meditation on courage and the tenacity of family ties. Buy the book After the tragic death of his boyfriend, Cam leaves Los Angeles and returns to his hometown of Houston, where hes thrust back into the orbit of TJ, his former best friend. For his part, TJ isnt sure how to navigate this changed version of Cam, or their estrangement. Might they find a way back to being OK again (or maybe for the first time)? Spanning Los Angeles, Houston and Osaka, the latest from Washington (Memorial) is about how the people who know us the longest can hurt us the most, but how they also set the standard for love. Buy the book Alice is the middle daughter of struggling California fruit farmers, accustomed to feeling inferior and destitute. But when her older sisters husband strikes gold in the Yukon Territory, Alice joins a wave of settlers making the dangerous trek to join them. Alice soon becomes tightly intertwined in her sister and brother-in-laws newfound fortune, as well as the beginning of a generations-long family quest for wealth. One hundred years later, in 2015, Alices great-great-granddaughter Anna grapples with moral conflict as she travels to the Klondike to bequeath her would-be inheritance to the First Nations peoples who paid the price for its creation. Djanikians (The Office of Mercy) new novel examines the American Dream and its rippling effects across generations in a cant-put-it-down, sweeping story that forces us to confront the inequities of the classic rags-to-riches tale. Buy the book The latest from two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward is a reimagining of American slavery. Annis is a young woman sold by the white enslaver who fathered her and brought from the rice fields of the Carolinas to the slave markets of New Orleans and ultimately to a Louisiana sugar plantation. As she struggles through the journey, shes buoyed by memories of her mother and stories of her African warrior grandmother. A story of rebirth and reclamation, Let Us Descend takes on grief, resilience, imagination and kinshipall with Wards dreamy-yet-gutting exquisite prose. Buy the book The bestselling author of Capotes Women turns his focus to Alfred Hitchcock in his latest. The director of North by Northwest, Rear Window and other classic films was fixated on the blonde actresses who started in his movies, but the women themselves have rarely been at the center of the story. In Hitchcocks Blondes, Leamer offers an intimate look into the lives of eight legendary actressesincluding Ingrid Bergman and Tippi Hedrenwhose stories helped propel the troubled, talented directors career forward, from Janet Leighs first marriage (when she was 14 years old) to forcing The 39 Steps star Madeline Carroll to rehearse while handcuffed and soaking wet. Buy the book In Emma Noyess (The Sunken City) adult debut, recent Harvard grad Ginny is a guys girlshes always found friendships with boys easier to form and keep drama-free. That is, until she meets Adrian, the only guy friend whos ever made her crave more than friendship. As they begin to fall for each other, Ginny threatens to destroy Adrian's belief that love isnt worth the risk, while Ginny risks exposing her struggles with disordered eating if she lets Adrian get too close. As they figure out whether they should be more than just friends, they learn important lessons about true love, self-love and growing up. Buy the book Fancy Feast is a burlesque performer, sex educator and social worker, whose debut collection of essays is about sex, communication and power. In Doing Yourself, she tackles fatphobia and dating, self-love and fantasies, while Yes/No/Maybe, brings the reader from sex parties to polyamorous relationships, contrasting the sexiness of enthusiastic consent with the devastating effects of miscommunication and entitlement. Part backstage pass, part long-form literary striptease, Naked is a powerful punch-back at a culture that wants fat people to be self-hating or sexless. Buy the book Before you book your next vacation, pick up this gorgeous coffee table book for inspiration. Margaret and Corey Bienert are the creators of A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour, which highlights unique hotels around the world. Their first book, Hotel Kitsch, celebrates dozens of one-of-a-kind hotels across the United States to Mexico, Spain and the UK. From Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, where the rooms are reached by scuba diving, to a jungle room in Iowa with fake trees and foliage that looks like something out of Where the Wild Things Are, Hotel Kitsch is a celebration of some of the worlds most creative, nostalgic and one-of-a-kind properties. Buy the book All You Have to Do Is Call Is a Powerful Novel About an Underground Abortion Network Inspired by a True Story Pulled pork mac and cheese, meatloaf, turkey dinner, and Swedish meatballs these are the four meals included in Andrew Zimmern's new frozen food line that's available in Walmart stores nationwide. It was only a matter of time before the longtime television personality brought his recipes to store shelves, with these entrees intended for families across the United States. If that concept sounds familiar to Zimmern's brand, that's because the line is inspired by the chef's iconic series, "Family Dinner." The "Bizarre Foods" host has seen it all: unexpected flavor combinations and a melting pot of cultural meals while traveling across the country and the world. In an exclusive interview with Mashed, Zimmern detailed how he is brought simple yet decadent home-cooked favorites to kitchen tables. As we head into the holiday months, the James Beard Award winner also revealed his top budget-friendly Thanksgiving hacks (how could we have forgotten about pouring cheese sauce on vegetables?!). Read more: Trader Joe's Frozen Desserts Ranked Worst To Best Zimmern Narrowed It Down To Four Meals Andrew Zimmern's turkey dinner meal on the shelf - instagram Let's start by talking about your new frozen food line. How did you narrow it down to four meals? Oh my God, with great difficulty. It started as a list of 30. The goal was number one, deliciousness; number two, affordability;, and number three, convenience. Then, we put everything through the prism of what I felt was missing in the marketplace. I've spent the last 20 years making television all over the world, but a lot of that television was here in the United States. "Family Dinner" was about half of our episodes of "Delicious Destinations," and about a third of "Bizarre Foods" all revolved around families and how they gather. I have my own family. It was pretty simple to lean in that direction, and what I saw in that space was not very tasty, wasn't very well made, and the ones that I thought rated decently were in real desperate need of an upgrade. With painstaking editing, you have to let go of foods you really love. Hopefully, these do well enough, and we can add some more [items] to the line. I'd love to get it up to about eight or 12 items, and I've got some fantastic dinners in the pipeline, but we spent about a year nailing these and our production partners were fantastic. The Swedish meatballs, being an example, I was floored that we were able to adjust the meatballs so that they were so tender and so well flavored and noodles that didn't come out like a soggy, watery mess. The mac and cheese is pulled pork, not barbecue pork. It's roasted pork and caramelized onions. It's wonderful, and we're getting such great feedback from parents and from kids. I'm thrilled. I was going to ask you if you thought the product line would expand at some point, but you said eight to 12 hopefully in the works? It all depends on how these do, and I'm hoping American families respond to them. I hope they save people time and money that they're proud to put them in front of a family member. It was really important to me, with the turkey dinner, that it was served with green vegetables with the mashed potatoes that also go with the meatloaf, which are delicious and buttery and real. The meatloaf comes with peas how my grandmother always served them even the details of grinding the vegetables the way she did for her meatloaf and glazing the top with tomato paste. In its price category, I don't think there's anything better. Zimmern Made Some Compromises Swedish meatballs ready to serve - OlgaBombologna/Shutterstock Would you say that the most difficult part of bringing the homemade meals to a frozen product was maintaining the flavor and the details? I thought that would be the hardest part. The food groups and the chefs and the scientists and the engineers who we worked with at the company that's actually creating these products, building them and packaging them and shipping them to Walmart, has such incredible skill in that arena. I was floored. I was really happy with where we got coming right out of the gate. The trickiest part is maintaining the price point, with the Swedish meatballs probably being the best example. I wanted to put a dollop of lingonberry preserves, which is how it's usually served, in a little pocket, like an oversized ketchup packet. It's the same way that the packages of frozen egg rolls include a sauce. Take the packet out, then in five minutes, it would heat up the Swedish meatballs, that packet would defrost, and you could tear it up and squeeze it into somewhere onto the bowl and dip your meatballs in the lingonberry preserves, which is very traditional. We invested so much in the quality of the meat and the quality of the noodles and of the gravy. We had no room to spare. You then do a serving suggestion. "Serve these with your favorite preserves. I do mine with lingonberry." Along the way to get to that point was a lot of discussion. [What's an] easier way to do it? Do we want to do one less meatball? No. Are we going to sacrifice all the noodles? [It's a] triage [of] decisions that led to that. When you're trying to make anything that's excellent, that's what's going to happen. When it comes down to it, would you say that is what makes these meals different from others on shelves -- the excellence and quality that you were referring to? Yes. Gordon Ramsay just launched a frozen food line, too. Do you guys have a little competition going? I don't think there's a competition. That's a fair point. I'm really excited to try them out, too. They look really delicious. It's homey comfort food, and I've been eating them nonstop for months leading up to the launch, and [I'm] making posts for my Instagram and stuff like that. Doesn't everyone hack microwave instructions? If your local editor is like, "A microwave hack," there's so much that we all do ourselves: what we choose to leave the lid on, when we choose to take it off. Do we cover it with paper toweling so it doesn't spatter? Do you not? Do you put something in the bowl you want to serve it in or do you put it in the tray of the food packaged? We all have. There's a million decisions when you take it out of your freezer, and I'm no different. I'm now packing the stuff that I came up with. It's hysterical. I never had it on my bingo card that I would be hacking my own instructions, but I'm doing less and more. Everyone's microwave has a different output [in] watts. They all perform differently. I would encourage everybody to find what works for them. Buy Your Thanksgiving Turkey Now A Thanksgiving turkey roasting in the oven - noraismail/Shutterstock In the spirit of budget friendly eating and with Thanksgiving coming up, are there any budget friendly meals or hacks that you would be able to recommend, in general, for the upcoming fall holidays? I know this sounds nuts. It's not even October. I just did my generic ideas of what I want to cook for Thanksgiving. The reason that I do that now is when turkeys roll out, and at whatever time they do in November, when they start filling up [in] great quantities, the price is going to be at peak. The turkey companies want to make their money. Right now is the time to be doing things like buying turkey, either whole, frozen, or small ones, to roast and make gravy. You can slice the meat. You can eat turkey more than one day of the year. I live in Minnesota, which is the number one turkey producing state in America. I love turkey. We make turkey sandwiches all the time, and I don't buy deli meat. Once a month, I roast a turkey, and I take the legs and I make pot pies with them, and I roast the breasts and slice them and put them in the fridge and we make turkey sandwiches. I'm specifically going to get a turkey and make my gravy and freeze it, so that I have that done ahead of time. Number one, the price is lower now for turkeys, but in addition, it's one major thing off my list and in the freezer. Cranberries are going to start showing up in the supermarket. It takes a little while. The weather needs to turn a little colder, but there are frozen cranberries. I'm talking about whole fruit -- not sweetened, just the cranberries themselves. There are going to be frozen cranberries from last year that are going to be in grocery freezers, and if you're making sauce from them, they're going to break down when you're cooking them anyway. Why not use the frozen products and save the money? They're going to be very expensive this year; the two big states that were producing cranberries had fairly dry summers. Cranberry bog production relies on water, so the price is going to go up. These are the traditional items that we have that saves time and money, because remember, you save dollars, but we're all time poor. If I can make whatever dip because my uncle loves it, and I have to have that at Thanksgiving as an hors d'oeuvre, I'm going to make it next week and throw it in the freezer. To make my pie crusts, because I needed four of them, I am going to go to my website. That's how pathetic it is. I go to my own website, because I don't make pies that often, so it's not in my head. Zimmern Has Hot Soup At The Ready On Thanksgiving New England oyster chowder ready to eat - false/Shutterstock Which pie crusts were you looking to make? All my pie crusts are on my website. There's a pate sucree, the traditional sweet pie crust that's really good. The last thing that I would say [is] at andrewzimmern.com, if you put "Thanksgiving" into the search bar, people will get my three-day "have it ready for Thanksgiving" primer. It's one of the best tools we ever put on our website. I would encourage people to look at it now, because it'll start their thinking about what they will want to do for their holiday and anything that you can do now ahead of time, even their Buy One Get One in two weeks at your local supermarket, because they're not going to be Buy One Get One the week of Thanksgiving. I assure you. Get it now and throw it in the garage. You'll save money and you'll save a trip. You mentioned a lot of traditional dishes. Are there any ideas that you have for non-traditional dishes that you think could be added to the Thanksgiving table? I never want to yuck on someone else's yum. I rotate dishes through, because there's too many favorites. I make a puree of root vegetables, of carrot, rutabaga, and sweet potato, and I season it with butter and smoked brown sugar. Some people would say that's non-traditional. To me, it's root vegetable puree. I'm seasoning it differently. That wasn't on my table last year. It's coming back this year. I always have a container of hot soup at the front door as an hors d'oeuvre, because it's cold in Minnesota. People come in, they take off their jackets and shoes. I put a mug of soup into their hands. It's usually an oyster chowder or some other New England-y seafood chowder. People can have that as they come in. Everything else I do is extremely traditional, and the reason is this: Thanksgiving and Passover are my two favorite holidays of the year, because there's no gifts and they're all about gratitude. That's my exact reasoning as well. Those are my favorite. Consequently, I've always thought of them as two sides of the same holiday. At Passover, we eat very specific foods in a very specific order because we have ... a small service at the table that goes along with it. You're eating, but you follow this story of the freedom from bondage in ancient Egypt that the Jews experienced after millennia as slaves. I also feel the same way about the Thanksgiving meal. I believe that it should be in a certain order. I believe you should have that time where everyone gets their food, if you're doing a buffet style or if you have a table that's big enough to hold all the food. I don't think I've ever seen a family that's been able to do that. When everyone sits down, we go around the table, and everyone has to name three things they're grateful for. We do have a lot of fun at Thanksgiving, and there's no "service," but it is a great time to reflect as a family on what's making us happy, what opportunities for service we have in our community, and what we're grateful for. I believe in the traditional foods that go with that. When I say "traditional foods," I'm talking about the modern American tradition. Make Zimmern's Four Cheese Mac And Cheese Mac and cheese ready to serve - Thecrimsonmonkey/Getty Images Within that modern American tradition I want to really be specific about this there are about a hundred different varietals. Thanksgiving in the Southeast is different than in the Southwest. With African-American families, Mexican-American families, Asian-American families, we have a hundred different colors of the rainbow in our country, and everybody brings their own traditions to this holiday, which has a side of ugliness to it, in terms of our treatment of the First Peoples of this country who were here before everyone else. Being in Minnesota, we try to honor that, and I always serve wild rice with blueberries and some other foods of the First Peoples here, because in Minnesota, we're so close to so many of them, and I'm privileged to have spent time with them and learned about the real stories from them. That's a big part of our experience at our table as well. I want to make sure when we're celebrating that we're understanding that we're keeping our own family traditions alive, but that we're thinking of all the people in our country. We're a fairly divided nation. Anything that we can do to bridge those divides, we need to take advantage of, and Thanksgiving is a great time of year to do it. That's a great point. The word "tradition" holds a lot of different weight for different people around. That's exactly right, and people throw it around as if there's one tradition. It really irritates me. As one of your meals is the pulled pork mac and cheese that you mentioned, what is your number one tip for a decadent mac and cheese? I try to keep my mac and cheese as simple as possible. On my website, we have a four cheese mac and cheese with breadcrumbs on top. That, to me, is as decadent as it gets. I do not put lobster in my mac and cheese, ever. That's a horrible idea. Putting in truffle oil or truffle butter is a horrible idea. The fanciest that I get is a mixture of what I'll call four more "adult's" cheeses. I make a bread crumb topping, so you get that crusty contrast to the cheesy creamy sauce that's underneath. That was one of my favorite recipes because everyone loves it. It's decadent, because you're using taleggio in there, and beautiful, ripe traditional cheeses. Put Cheese Sauce On Your Vegetables Bunches of fresh broccoli - Bukhta Yurii/Shutterstock By the way, let me tell you, in my freezer right now is a bag with about two pounds of cheese ends and pieces from cheese boards from parties of the last six months. When you put out a cheeseboard and there's half a little wheel of camembert and a four-inch square piece of fancy aged cheddar that's been sitting out for four or five hours, if it goes into your refrigerator, it's going to sprout a little mold colony faster than you can say, "Abracadabra." If you put it in the freezer and then take it out -- and it's easier even to grate when it's frozen -- with some soft cheeses, then you can incorporate it into a cream sauce and build a mac and cheese meal around it. The other day, there were people eating over at my house and I had a lot of broccoli, and I've been eating it all summer the same way with olive oil and garlic and red chili flakes and sauteing it and doing it more of an Italian style, which I love. It was a cold night here in Minnesota, and I was roasting chicken thighs and a lot of broccoli in the fridge, and I made a little cheese sauce with four, six ounces of grated cheddar. I made a little roux, put in the cheese, put in some hot milk, a little bit of nutmeg, and then poured it over the broccoli. Everyone at the table was like, "Oh my God, I haven't had this in 20 years." Green cruciferous vegetables especially have such affinity with ... It's a spectacular combination. Try it. Zimmern's Honest Opinion About Pumpkin Spice A pumpkin spice hot drink with whipped cream - Ryanjlane/Getty Images I'm definitely going to. Now that you mentioned a fall seasoning you mentioned nutmeg what are your go-to fall seasonings that you're looking towards? Anything but pumpkin spice. You're a pumpkin spice hater? No, I am a pumpkin spice "I get to not like things" person. I don't want anyone to hate on some of the stuff that I put in my mouth, which happens all the time. If pumpkin spice makes somebody happy, why wouldn't we want them to be happy? I love pumpkin pie. I saw something on a rival website ... Figures ... that really pissed me off that I wrote about in my Substack, which was a whole bunch of people chiming in that canned pumpkin is the same as roasting your own pumpkin. It couldn't be further from the truth. As someone who makes a lot of sweet potato pies and pumpkin pies all fall and up into the December holidays, it's my favorite pie, and it is like night and day. I love what happens when I put clove and ginger and nutmeg and cinnamon and a little bit of cardamom in there. I'm not a big "pumpkin spice person," which has that faint sweet thing added to it. I do like the fall sweet spices that we traditionally use in baking. They're some of my favorites. The other thing that I'm doing now ... It's weird. I'm a 12-month-a-year curry person. A cold curry chicken salad such a great lunch or dinner picnic item. Now that the weather is turning a little cooler, I've made curry at least once a week for dinner, hot traditional ones from different places in the world, whether it's Japanese curries or Indian curries or Pakistani curries or Sri Lankan curries. It's so delicious. Andrew Zimmern's new frozen food line is now available exclusively at Walmart. Keep up with his latest recipes on his website or Instagram. This interview has been edited for clarity. Read the original article on Mashed. Over the last few years, beauty brands have embraced Gen-Z culture, actively targeting college campuses all around. In response to the mass shutdown caused by the pandemic, brands have shifted their focus away from larger consumer-facing events and instead embarked on exciting tours, directly engaging with college students where they are. However, despite the brand's "commitment" to inclusivity, HBCUs still remain largely absent from these conversations. In 2023, several brands such as Clinique, Fenty Beauty, Sunday Riley and most recently Glossier have activated on college campuses. Fenty Beauty made an appearance at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. However, it raises an important question why is the focus primarily on larger HBCUs like Howard, Hampton, FAMU, NCAT, Spelman and Morehouse? While these schools may have more media attention and have larger student populations, it is crucial to prioritize representation at all levels of the HBCU student experience. This embedded content is not available in your region. This embedded content is not available in your region. Many brands that activate on college campuses or inquire with schools to set up ambassadorship programs have no experience with HBCU matriculates or have anyone on their advisory boards that have graduated from an HBCU program further than the Mason-Dixon Line. However, with the accessibility of platforms like TikTok and other social media platforms, there is no longer any excuse champion and highlight these HBCUs that many people may have never heard of. Many are not aware of what an HBCU is. This embedded content is not available in your region. A study from the NIQ reveals that in 2023, Black consumers spent a staggering $8 billion on beauty and black cosmetics. This represents a remarkable 10% increase compared to the overall market's 9% growth. Now, envision the immense potential for these brands to generate organic revenue from the 107 HBCU current students and alumni. As an alumnus of an HBCU (S/o to Paine College), which happens to be on the list of overlooked institutions, it is absolutely vital for brands to make a presence on our college campuses. Not only does this bring a surge of inspiration and hope to our current students, but it also ignites a wildfire of brand awareness that spans across generations. In the year 2023, it is simply unfathomable to actively exclude these Black institutions of higher learning from these conversations. Such a choice not only disrespects and dismisses the invaluable voices of the Black community, but also diminishes the immeasurable value that they bring to the table. The future of autonomous, driverless trucking in California might still see the light of day despite bipartisan calls for the sector to leave Americas most populous state. On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have banned heavy-duty driverless trucks in the state. More from Sourcing Journal The veto came less than two weeks after the California Senate passed Assembly Bill 316 (AB316), a measure requiring a trained human safety operator to be present any time a self-driving vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds operates on state public roads. The bill passed the Senate floor with a 36-2 vote in favor of a ban. California currently requires autonomous trucks above the 10,000-pound weight limit to have human safety drivers. Newsoms signature would have made safety monitors permanent. Assembly Bill 316 is unnecessary for the regulation and oversight of heavy-duty autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in California, as existing law provides sufficient authority to create the appropriate regulatory framework, Newsom wrote in a letter to the California State Assembly. AB316 advocates argue that having more control over the removal of safety drivers from autonomous trucks would protect California drivers and ensure job security for truck drivers. In California, legislators can override a governors veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers, but that hasnt happened since 1979. One of the most prominent backers of an autonomous trucking ban is the Teamsters, the 1.2-million-member union that recently secured a new contract for 340,000 UPS workers and whose threatened strike against Yellow helped catalyze the trucking giants bankruptcy and shutdown. Citing survey data from public policy research firm Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), the Teamsters said that as of August, 73 percent of voters supported legislation requiring human safety operators on AVs weighing over 10,000 pounds. Ahead of the veto, union members, elected state officials and public safety officials marched to the State Capitol on Tuesday urging Newsom to sign the bill. If Gov. Newsom chooses to not do the right thing, he is sending a message to California and every state in this country that technology should overrule middle-class jobs, said Teamsters general president Sean M. OBrien in a statement. The Teamsters and others bill backers argue that autonomous vehicles would eliminate jobs. This rhetoric echoes a common refrain when automation comes up in the discussion around supply chains, including warehouses and ports. One such unionized trucking company, less-than-truckload (LTL) firm, TForce Freight, recently ratified a new contract preventing it from using any robots, driverless vehicles, drones or other technology to move freight or replace drivers, clerks or dockworkers. As part of the veto, Newsom directed the states Labor and Workforce Development Agency to review and develop recommendations by 2024 to mitigate the potential employment impact of testing and deployment of autonomous heavy-duty vehicles. Opponents of AB316 have pointed to data from the Institute for Safer Trucking citing 5,788 truck crash fatalities in 2021, a 47 percent increase over 10 years. They compare that to the zero reported fatalities caused by AV trucks in more than two years of reporting and millions of miles driven on public roads. The caveat is that the driverless vehicles had a human safety operator behind the wheel. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA), which led opposition to the bill, celebrated the veto. We commend Governor Newsom for vetoing AB316. As a result, Californias safety experts can continue to evaluate autonomous vehicle technology and consider appropriate regulatory action, said Jeff Farrah, executive director for the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, in a statement. AVIA indicated that the bill would end up diverting resources away from agencies with the expertise to regulate autonomous trucks. AB316 was introduced in January by California Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Laura Friedman, Tom Lackey and Ash Kalra. I am alive because of a truck driver. I know the value of this very critical bill, and Ive been with you from the very beginning. Were not against technologywe want balance, said Lackey at the rally. We dont want AI to stand for accident investigation. Gov. Newsom, please do not let the support of technology stand in the way of people and public safety. Please dont ignore the voice of the Teamsters. AB316s language would have stopped the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from issuing testing and deployment permits to autonomous truck companies. Click here to read the full article. For nearly half a century, Bosideng has been known mostly as a Chinese down outerwear manufacturer producing for other global brands such as Adidas and The North Face. But the company recently had a major moment at Milan Fashion Week, further cementing its transition from simply a manufacturer to a veritable high-end consumer brand. At its Milan runway show, the Chinese company debuted its weightless down outerwear technology in pieces inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The show, held at La Vigna di Leonardo, the vineyard of Leonardo da Vinci, drew the likes of actress Leighton Meester , model Coco Rocha and freestyle skier and Bosideng global brand ambassador Eileen Gu. More from Sourcing Journal The show came on the heels of Bosideng being named on Brand Finances Apparel 50 2023 ranking, coming in at No. 47, up one spot from the previous year with $1.9 billion in brand value. The report applauded Bosideng for overcoming the common challenges faced by Chinese brands in the global market by connecting with consumers and establishing itself as a distinctive player. Bosideng has been in the process of repositioning itself from a manufacturer for other labels to a consumer fashion brand in its own right. The company, which owns seven of Chinas biggest and most advanced down production facilities, has designed its collections to demonstrate the companys design talent along with its craftsmanship. Coco Rocha, Leighton Meester, Zhuzhu, Eileen Gu, Ora Yang and Hubing attend the Bosideng SS24 runway show in Milan. For its Milan Fashion Week pieces, Bosideng constructed pieces with floral interlocking textures made with intricate handcrafting techniques that break away from traditional rib-like stitching. The company invested a minimum of 500 hours of work on each piece, with its craftsmen combining Italian lace with traditional Chinese Su embroidery. The outerwear pieces were made with goose down with 700-plus fill, integrated with proprietary heat- and moisture-balance systems and an exclusive high-stretch fabric. Bosideng has plenty of experience with high-end fashion, having previously done collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier and Takada Kenzo. The company has shown at fashion weeks in New York, Milan and London over the past three years, making investments that it hopes will further position it as a fashion contender. Click here to read the full article. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Yellowstone is a certified hit, and over its five seasons, the Paramount Network original has racked up millions of viewers, a devoted fanbase (with an active Reddit community) and a number of nominations and wins at award showsincluding a Best Actor Golden Globe award for Kevin Costner earlier this year. The series follows John Dutton, patriarch of the Dutton family, who are also the owners of the largest ranch in Montana. If you haven't seen the main show, think about John Dutton as a more pragmatic version of Succession's Logan Roy (Brian Cox), and running the Dutton Ranch (while thinking about its future as well) is his version of running Waystar-Royco. And just like Logan Roy, John Dutton is always dealing with the comings and goings of his ambitious adult children, in this case being Beth (Kelly Reilly), Kayce (Luke Grimes), and Jamie (Wes Bentley). Characters like Rip (Cole Hauser), Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) always find their ways into the mix as well. The series features the daily goings on on the ranch, including conflicts with the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, Yellowstone National Park, and other land developers. The success of Yellowstone has led to a number of spinoffs, and theyre often set in very specific time periods, so as to explore the history of the Dutton family, the land they control, and the lengths they've gone to in order to maintain that control. Part of the charm of these spinoffs is that while the main Yellowstone series (and presumably the upcoming sequel series) is ongoing, the spinoffs seem to have a finite and contained story to tellkeeping the storytelling contained and surprisingly on the rails (which is no offense to the main Yellowstone, but it does get a little out there at times). To keep all of these shows straight, weve created this guide for you to assist your next binge watch. Heres every Yellowstone spinoff, in order of release. 1883 (2021 - 2022) The first Yellowstone spinoff is actually a prequel series, and it follows John Dutton's ancestors as they go on the dangerous and arduous journey across the country from Tennessee to Montana, where they eventually formed the Yellowstone Ranch. The cast includes Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Isabel May, and it premiered in 2021. The miniseries is just one season that consists of ten episodes, so its an easy watch. Stream It Here 1923 (2023 - ) The second Yellowstone spinoff is also a prequel, this time set in the 1920salthough it was originally going to be set in 1932 . This spinoff is also a sequel to 1883, again following the Dutton family, but this time theyre dealing with Prohibition, the end of World War I, and Montanas Great Depression, which predated the national Great Depression nation by almost a decade. Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, Jerome Flynn, and Timothy Dalton all play key parts in the series, with Mirren and Ford starring as Dutton family members. 1923 premiered in 2022, and the series is set to run for two seasons consisting of eight episodes each, but filming for the second and last season was delayed due to the writers strike , which means the series will likely air sometime in 2024, or even 2025. Stream It Here Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023) November 2023 will see the premiere of this new spinoff. Starring David Oyelowo in the titular role, the series tells the story of real-life marshal and federal peace officer, Bass Reeves , who was one of the first Black deputy U.S. Marshals. Reeves lived from 1838 to 1910, so its likely the show will focus on the period of his career around the 1880s. The show was originally going to be intertwined with the events of 1883, but has since been reworked and now will no longer overlap; the only connection is that the show will take place within the same time period, and that Taylor Sheridan is a producer on the project. Dennis Quaid, Garrett Hedlund, Donald Sutherland, Shea Whigham, and Dale Dickey are among others in the show's impressive cast, and while its currently unclear how many seasons the spinoff will run for, the first season will be eight episodes. Stream It Here 6666 (TBD) Paramount Network Not much is known about the exact storyline of the as-of-now unfilmed 6666 spinoff, but the 6666 Ranch has been featured during season four and five of Yellowstone. A brief synopsis of the show did state that, The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world-class cowboys are born and made, as Variety reports. With Jimmy (Jefferson White) from the main Yellowstone series now situated on the 6666 ranch full time, the show could involve his character. Its likely to be set in present-day, and fun fact: Taylor Sheridan purchased the real-life 6666 ranch in 2021. 1944 Courtesy of Glacier National Park This 1923 follow-up will be set in the titular year, but it technically hasnt been announced by Paramount. However, there have been some hints and reveals about the upcoming spinoff, including when Tom Prince, an executive at 101 Studios, a production studio for Yellowstone, spoke at a town hall in Montana about the series, as TV Guide reports. Since the show is set in 1944, its incredibly possible that the show will focus on the end of World War II and how that affected Montana and the ranch. Untitled Matthew McConaughey-led series (TBD) Gary Miller - Getty Images Since the Kevin Costner-led Yellowstone will be ending, a new show is going to be taking its place. Currently, we don't know if the new spinoff will take place on the same ranch, use the same characters, or even what time period it'll be set in, but what we do know is that Matthew McConaughey will be the lead. And if you want to watch the spinoffs in real-life chronological order, heres your watching guide: 1883 Lawmen: Bass Reeves 1923 1944 Yellowstone (main series) 6666 Untitled Matthew McConaughey-led series You Might Also Like Minnesotas first-ever crossbow season is off to a roaring start, as evidenced by the nearly 800 deer that crossbow hunters have harvested since the archery opener on Sept. 16. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shared this statistic with Minnesota Public Radio News Sunday, pointing out that those 790 deer comprised around 40 percent of the archery deer harvest so far. Prior to this fall, only hunters over the age of 60 or those with disabilities could legally hunt with a crossbow during archery season in Minnesota. MDNR announced the change , which happened during the 2023 legislative session, on June 6. Crossbows are now legal for spring turkey hunting, too. Minnesota is the latest state to make this change. Northeastern states like New Jersey and Connecticut which the National Deer Association says routinely lead the nation in percentage of deer hunters who archery huntlegalized them over a decade ago. Some states have legalized crossbows in hopes of increasing deer harvest amid ballooning populations, although that strategy has varying degrees of success, MDNR big game program leader Barb Keller tells MPR News. I'm really not anticipating that our overall or total deer harvest is going to change substantially due to this. And that's based on what other states have seen that have made this change, Keller said. I do expect that we're going to have a higher archery season deer harvest, but many of those will be potentially people moving over that were traditionally firearms deer hunters, deciding instead to partake in this earlier season. That shift could result in a skewed antlerless harvest this year. Based on Minnesotas current permit allocation model, archery hunters have more access to antlerless permits than gun hunters do. That means wildlife managers will be on the lookout for a higher number of does harvested than usual, Keller said. As of 2019 crossbows accounted for more than half of the archery harvest in 11 states, C.J. Winand told OL contributor Patrick Durkin . Winand, a Maryland biologist who tracks bowhunting data, has recognized a trend over the years, and one that Minnesota might be on the forefront of right now: Crossbows usually become the archery weapon of choice within the first three years of legalization in a given state. Where does this surge in popularity come from? First and foremost, crossbows usher in a diverse user group , experts say. They make hunting more approachable for young kids, older outdoorsmen and women, hunters with disabilities, and new hunters who lack familiarity with or comfort around guns. Similarly, for seasoned gun hunters interested in transitioning into archery hunting, crossbows offer a familiar feel: a stock against the shoulder, a trigger under the finger, and a view through a scope. Despite popular opinion, our testing shows that crossbows are not more accurate than top-end compound bow at distances of 50 yards. Crossbows do, however, have an edge at greater distances . It's also generally easier for someone with little to no experience to grab a crossbow and shoot accurately; a compound bow usually requires consistent practice to maintain accuracy. Read Next: The Best Crossbows of 2023 Thanks to the new regulations, more hunters can hit the woods earlier in the calendar year, in warmer weather, for a longer season, as Keller points out. This irritates the more traditional archery crowd who insists that crossbows don't belong in regular bow seasons. But MDNR is preparing for an onslaught of crossbow hunters in the next few years, and doesn't expect a disproportionate impact on the state's deer herd. Such dire predictions from anti-crossbow hunters have not come to pass in states that have allowed crossbows in their archery seasons. We expect it to grow in popularity, Keller said of crossbow hunting in Minnesota. We'll see an increase in the number of people that are participating in that season over time. Omans Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) has inaugurated a Facility Building in Al Rusayl Industrial City, a project valued at OMR6.5 million ($17 million). The inauguration took place under the auspices of Eng Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi, CEO of Madayn, with the presence of officials from the public and private sectors, investors and business owners. This project highlights Madayns strong commitment to enhancing the sultanates thriving investment landscape in the industrial cities through its investment arm Shumookh Investment and Services, creating a dynamic live-work-play environment model. Key role Eng Musallam bin Jumaa Al Hudaifi, CEO of Shumookh Investment and Services Madayns investment arm, emphasised the key role played by the industrial sector in driving economic development, and its contribution to job creation, bolstering national income, and facilitating export growth. Al Rusayl Industrial City presents a strategic investment hub in the heart of the capital, Muscat, with its outstanding infrastructure and advanced logistics services. Currently, Shumookh oversees the management and operation of the Facility Building in Al Rusayl Industrial City, which encompasses a total construction area of 19,000 sq m and includes 200 parking spaces within the building, in addition to extra outdoor public parking, Al Hudaifi pointed out. Featuring 10 floors (one-level basement, ground floor and eight additional floors) with a rental area of 8,500 sq m, the Facility Building offers a range of facilities to the visitors and employees based at Al Rusayl Industrial City and the neighbouring areas, such as banking services, money exchange offices, travel agency, clinic, labour checkup centre, cafes, restaurants and grocery, in addition to office spaces for government and private bodies. Milestone The completion of this Facility Building marks a significant milestone for Al Rusayl Industrial City. It not only offers additional commercial and office spaces to attract investments in Al Rusayl Industrial City but also elevates the industrial infrastructure to compete on a regional and global scale, Al Hudaifi said, adding: This project is designed to create an ideal environment for the growth of Omani industries, facilitate regional and global competitiveness, attract international strategic investments and partnerships, bolster economic activity in the Sultanate, generate employment opportunities for Omani citizens, and pave the way for more service-oriented projects, all in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He said the project is another noteworthy achievement for Shumookh, highlighting the companys successful track record in delivering similar projects in locations including Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Suhar Industrial City, Samail Industrial City, and Al Mazunah Free Zone. Currently, the company is actively exploring the development of several strategic logistics projects, with further details to be disclosed in due course. It should be noted that Shumookh enjoys a track record of investing in, generating profits from, and facilitating the transition of projects to investors. Eng Mohsin bin Zahran Al Hinai, CEO of Al Rusayl Industrial City Company, stated that the Facility Building project in Al Rusayl aligns with Madayns ongoing efforts to provide more incentives and facilities, encouraging local and foreign investments, and ultimately contributing to the advancement of the national economy and the realisation of Oman Vision 2040. Al Hinai also pointed out that several key projects have recently been completed in Al Rusayl Industrial City to attract more investments into the industrial city. These projects are focused on improving the internal road network within the industrial city and enhancing its infrastructure facilities.-- TradeArabia News Service FTC chairman Lina Khan has long argued that tech companies have grown too powerful - POOL/REUTERS Joe Bidens competition tsar has accused Amazon of using punitive and coercive tactics to lock in businesses and squeeze money from Prime subscribers. Lina Khan, the 34-year-old Democratic chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has sued Amazon to block its unlawful online marketplace monopoly. The US competition watchdog and 17 states sued the company on Tuesday, claiming it had used its dominance to keep prices high and forced sellers to use its own delivery services. The FTC claimed Amazon had taken to providing biased recommendations and search results that favour its own products, even if they are lower quality than those of rivals. It claimed Amazon has gradually degraded the customer experience of its online store, littering the website with products that sellers have paid to boost even if they are of inferior quality. The regulator added sellers were routinely punished if they offered products for less on rival websites, as Amazon would reduce their visibility on its store. Sellers also need to secure eligibility for Prime delivery discounts by using Amazons own delivery services. The FTC claimed the $1.3 trillion company extracts enormous monopoly rents from everyone within its reach. Third-party businesses selling on Amazon are in some cases handing over as much as 50pc of their total revenues to the tech giant, the FTC claimed. Ms Khan said Amazon had made its service worse for the tens of millions of American families who shop on its platform and the hundreds of thousands of businesses that rely on Amazon. In a legal filing, the FTC said: Amazon has violated the law not by being big, but by how it uses its scale and scope to stifle competition. Amazon rejected the allegations. David Zapolsky, Amazons general counsel, said: Todays suit makes clear the FTCs focus has radically departed from its mission of protecting consumers and competition. If the FTC gets its way, the result would be fewer products to choose from, higher prices, slower deliveries for consumers, and reduced options for small businesses. Story continues Under Ms Khan, a legal prodigy who has rapidly gained influence with Democratic policymakers, the FTC has launched a crusade against technology giants. She had long argued that tech companies have grown too powerful: Ms Khan rose to prominence as a student in 2017 after publishing a paper called Amazons Antitrust Paradox. The paper argued Amazon should be broken up, even if it had brought down prices for consumers. The FTCs legal challenge stopped short of demanding Amazon be split up. It called for a permanent injunction to block a number of selling practices the regulator claimed are unlawful. The watchdog has already sued Amazon over claims it makes it too hard to cancel Prime membership, which offers cheaper and free deliveries. Amazon is disputing the claims. Over 200m people around the world subscribe to Prime, which costs 8.99 per month in the UK. The latest legal challenge is just one of a flurry of competition cases Ms Khan has launched against Big Tech since being sworn in as FTC chairman in 2021, although some have been thrown out. An attempt to block Microsofts takeover of Call of Duty-maker Activision in a $69bn deal was quashed by a court, although the FTC is appealing the decision. A bid to halt a takeover of a tiny virtual reality start-up by Facebook-owner Meta also failed. In a separate case brought by the Biden Justice Department, Google is fighting a lawsuit over its dominance in online search. The case is ongoing. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has also been investigating Amazons digital marketplace over concerns about its dominance. The tech giant has proposed a number of mitigations to the regulators concerns, including not using data from rival sellers to give it an advantage. The UK regulator is now consulting on the proposals. 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. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 through October 15, and it's the perfect time to reflect on people of Hispanic descent who have influenced our society. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, President Lyndon Johnson first recognized Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was later expanded to a month-long period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The date of September 15 is significant in Hispanic history because it marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on the next day, September 16, followed by Chile on September 18. What better way to learn about the Latinx experience than by reading books by authors from the Hispanic community? We partnered with Goodreads to put together this list of new releases that deserve a spot on your TBR list. From horror and romance to family drama and memoirs, there's something for everyone on this list. Related: Best Books of Fall 2023 | Best Romance Novels | Best Halloween Books for Adults Family Lore Elizabeth Acevedo (Clap When You Land, The Poet X) is one of the best voices of our time. In this novel, she delves into a Dominican American family through the eyes of the women, each of whom have a special gift. Flor's gift is to foresee a person's death. So when she decides to hold her own living wake, her family speculates about what she saw in her last dreambut Flor won't tell. The generations come together to celebrate her life as each of the women tell their own story and share their gifts. Shop Now Family Lore amazon.com $18.99 The Wind Knows My Name Five-year-old Samuel Adler leaves Nazi-occupied Austria for England after his father's disappearance. Eighty years later, Anita Diaz and her mother board a train to flee El Salvador for the U.S. When she is separated from her mother, Anita escapes to the imaginary world of Azabahar, where her story becomes intertwined with Samuel's. Shop Now The Wind Knows My Name amazon.com $16.56 Still Born Nettel's novel explores motherhood and friendship through the eyes of Alina and Laura. The two career-driven women in their thirties have different opinions on children. Laura has decided to have her tubes tied, while Alina is preparing to have a baby. Alina's pregnancy causes them to face surprising emotions. Shop Now Still Born amazon.com $24.29 The Cuban Heiress New York heiress Catherine Dohan and the mysterious Elena Palacio meet on the SS Morro Castle. Their trip to Havana is filled with danger as they fight to survive. Shop Now The Cuban Heiress amazon.com $10.99 Retrospective Film director Sergio Cabrera is struggling with his father's death, his failing marriage, and turmoil in his home country. When he travels to Barcelona for a retrospective of his work, he reflects on his family history. Shop Now Retrospective amazon.com $15.42 The People Who Report More Stress Varela's collection of interconnected stories explores topics like parenting, racism, and gentrification. The author of The Town of Babylon focuses on the stresses caused by society's inequities. Shop Now The People Who Report More Stress amazon.com $19.59 Vampires of El Norte The author of The Hacienda returns with a supernatural Western. Nena, a healer, and Nestor, a vaquero (cattle herder), must team up to defeat a horrifying force in 1840s Mexico. Isabel Canas draws on the legends of witches, vampires, and El Cucuy, a scary boogeyman in the Rio Grande Valley. Shop Now Vampires of El Norte amazon.com $19.58 Silver Nitrate The author of The Daughter of Doctor Moreau and Mexican Gothic is back with a dark thriller. Montserrat, a sound editor, and her best friend Tristan, a soap opera star, meet a cursed director and help him finish his lost film. Shop Now Silver Nitrate amazon.com $19.99 Monstrilio In this horror debut, mother Magos loses her 11-year-old son. She cuts out a piece of his lung and nurtures it into a carnivorous monster that she hides in her family's home. Shop Now Monstrilio amazon.com $20.49 Our Share of Night When a woman dies, her son and husband go on a journey to her ancestral home, where they find her demonic family called the Order. The son must face his destiny while his father tries to protect him. Shop Now Our Share of Night amazon.com $18.99 Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of Latino Hector Tobar, a Pulitzer Prizewinning author, explores what it means to be a Latino in the 21st century. He explores the Latino identity while drawing on personal experience and the experiences of his parents, who immigrated from Guatemala. Shop Now Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of Latino amazon.com $16.99 In Vitro: On Longing and Transformation Zapata revisits diary entries and essays to explore topics about fertility treatments and pregnancy that are often not discussed, including in vitro fertilization. Shop Now In Vitro: On Longing and Transformation amazon.com $16.95 Witch of Wild Things This witchy romance is a perfect Halloween read. In the Flores family, the women have magical powers. Sage returns home after her sister dies and reconnects with her high school boyfriend. They're forced to work together and find themselves reconnecting in spite of their past. Shop Now Witch of Wild Things amazon.com $15.30 First Gen Alejandra Campoverdi is a first-generation Mexican American raised by her single mother in L.A. Her memoir explores her life of contradictions, from her experience as a gang member's girlfriend to her role as a White House aide. Shop Now First Gen amazon.com $25.20 The Broke Hearts JD and Danny lost their best friend to police gunfire and years later are still reeling from his death. JD decides to enlist in the Air Force while Danny enrolls in community college, but they must come together to deal with their grief. (On sale 10/3) Shop Now The Broke Hearts amazon.com $19.99 What the River Knows Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera lives in 19th-century Buenos Aires when she learns of her parents' tragic deaths. She inherits a massive fortune and a mysterious guardianan archaeologist who takes her to Egypt in search of answers about what happened to her parents. (On sale 10/31) Shop Now What the River Knows amazon.com $17.99 Call You When I Land This new memoir by Nikki Vargas, a Columbian immigrant and travel journalist, finds the author exploring the world in search of herself. Her journey leads her to launch Unearth Women, the first international feminist travel magazine. (On sale 11/7) Shop Now Call You When I Land amazon.com $21.99 Flores and Miss Paula Rivero explores the mother-daughter bond in this heartfelt new novel. Millennial Flores and her immigrant mother, Paula, have a complicated relationship. After the death of their father and husband, their relationship becomes even more strained, until Flores discovers a note written by her mother under her father's urn. (On sale 12/5) Shop Now Flores and Miss Paula amazon.com $29.00 How to Draw a Novel Through a series of essays, Solares, author of The Black Minutes and Dont Send Flowers, explores the form of the novel. The former publisher pairs line drawings with explorations of location and characters to delve into the way a novel is formed. (On sale 12/12) Shop Now How to Draw a Novel amazon.com $15.99 You Might Also Like Design your vacation home like a pro with these tips from the experts. Southern Living Designing a vacation home may feel like a daunting undertaking, but the process should be enjoyable and full of excitement, too! If youre wondering what tasks to prioritizeas well as what to avoidduring this endeavor, keep reading for insight from pro designers. Below, they map out how to design the vacation property of your dreams like a total expert. Gather Your Inspo First As is the case with any design project, youll need to make a plan and determine how you would like a space to look and feel before you begin making any purchases. Browse through magazines, coffee table books and social media sites to collect images that resonate, suggests interior designer Katharine Rhudy, the owner of Reed & Acanthus in New Orleans. While brainstorming, keep the location of your vacation property top of mind, too, of course. Consider surrounding architecture and look for inspiration from local furniture showrooms, art galleries or hotels, Rhudy suggests. Dont Be Too Literal While youll want to play to your homes location during the design process, you dont need to do so in an ultra literal manner. Pay subtle respects to the surroundings without going overboard and becoming too thematic, comments Lauren Sullivan, the founder of Well x Design in Kingsport, Tennessee. You dont have to have a seashell lamp at a beach houseinstead focus on creating a cohesive, relaxing color palette and layering materials such as linen, rattan, and jute with antique or found objects, she suggests. Photo: David A. Land; Styling: Liz Strong Think About How Youll Use Your Space You may be planning to use your vacation home for different purposes than you would a primary residence. Overall, Rhudy says, Vacation homes are viewed as places which to escape, relax, and entertain. This means that open floor plans and outdoor spaces are often key. If youll often be hosting large groups of friends and family, Rhudy recommends keeping entertaining areas such as the dining room and great room top of mind, but if the home will primarily be just for your immediate family to enjoy, focus instead on the living room and kitchen. If youll be renting your home out to Airbnb guests when your family isnt using the space, this will impact your design decisions, too. Luckily, there is quite a bit of overlap between creating a durable vacation home for a young family and a hard-wearing vacation rental, says Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors, who plans to rent out her own space. It all comes down to making thoughtful decisions on how to maximize space. When were in residence, the guest room will serve as our shared home office, but when it's a rental a king-sized Murphy bed and adjoining powder room will maximize the amount of guests we can hostand the profit we can make, the Louisville-based designer explains. The two kids rooms will each have a set of bunk bedsgreat for my girls when they want to have a friend sleep over, but also fantastic for an Airbnb, as we'd be able to host two families, or one large one, at a time. Dont Forget To Tackle The Entryway And Make It Accessible The entryway is a key component of any vacation home. Both warm and cold weather destinations require some serious messy gear, and having a space to shake off that sand, snow or dirt and store that gear is super helpful in maintaining the rest of the home, explains Erin Stezer, owner, president, and project executive of Stetzer Builders in Houston. Its also way more enjoyable for that mess to be tucked away, so you dont have to see it! On a related note, making sure that accessibility is top of mind is also essential. You never know who will be in need of accessibility in the home at some point, Stezer says. So, first floor bedrooms, wide doorways, and ramp access to the first floor are important. Keep Guests Comfort In Mind Even if you dont plan to host guests at your vacation home every weekend, you will likely have company at some point throughout the year and will want to design your space accordingly. Flexible seating and sleeping areas are a must, Rhudy shares. Sofa beds, bunk rooms, and even blowup mattresses are handy for overflow. Catherine Brooks Giuffre of CBG Interiors in Houston offers some guidance for furniture shopping. Chaises, low chairs with deep pitches and ottomans, porch swings, pillows and throws on every piece of furniture lend the perfect nap spot, she notes. The point of a vacation is to rest and relax, even if youre hosting and entertaining! Comfortable pieces offer an excuse to recline. You wont want to worry about spills and stains, either. Rhudy advises opting for high performance, stain resistant fabrics on all upholstered pieces. Skip the carpeting, too. Wood or laminate flooring is easier to maintain and clean when the house is occupied by families with children and pets, the designer adds. Dont Solely Purchase New Items Theres no need to buy all brand new items for a second home. Why not go the vintage route or repurpose some of your existing pieces instead? Use a clever mix of antiques and contemporary furniture, suggests Lucinda Loya of Lucinda Loya Interiors in Houston. Well-traveled accumulated heirlooms and pieces from different periods that feel collected achieve a timeless design that never goes out of style. Take a look around your primary home and see if there are any unused pieces that may shine in your vacation home. Loya adds, Give them a new life in a fresh spacea fresh coat of paint can work wonders! Include An Office If You Wish The concept of designing a workspace within a vacation home may have previously seemed counterintuitive, but today, many employees maintain remote schedules and may need to log into meetings from time to time while traveling. Dont be afraid to incorporate an office into your floor plan. This is a perfect place for a pull out sofa and a wall with built-ins containing cabinets and a desk, Rhudy says. Think Outside The Box One excellent aspect of designing a vacation home is that you may feel more comfortable making choices that are a bit outside of the box. Experiment and have fun, Rhudy urges. A vacation home is the place to try something you may feel hesitant about doing in your main residence. There is no right or wrong way to go about this, either. Try creating a feature wall with a bold color or funky wallpaper, go big with art or wall sculpture, mix in an antique or vintage piece of furniture or add unique, artistic lighting, she suggests. Personal touches that reflect your tastes and interests are what make a vacation home feel special. For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. Whether youre all about #Bundall these days or youre still fighting in the trenches of Team Gabi (IYKYK), odds are youre an A-class expert on the topic of Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner. Bad Bunnywhose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasiojust dropped the music video for his latest track, Un Preview, and, um, lets just say its pretty Kendall Koded. At least, thats what fans on Stan Twitter think thanks to the music videos constant callbacks to KJs love of horses and cowboy culture. SeriouslyUn Preview is stacked with equestrian imagery thats pretty hard to ignore, as pointed out by this TikTok (its called investigative journalismlook it up): The fully Spanish song includes some spicy lyrics that describe the excitement of falling in love with someone. Here are some of the translated lyrics that seemingly parallel Benitos recent outings with The Kardashians star: Baby, Im not scared / Of trying you and falling in love again // Fuck it, mami, Ill follow your lead, ayy / Really crazy in the club, Ill get close / dancing and kiss your neck, ayy / With you, Im on fire." He raps about embracing a passionate relationship throughout the track, and while he doesnt name names, the visuals in the music video pretty much do all the talking. Case in point: Bad Bunny stands in front of a toy rocking horse, and there are masked cowboys and cowgirls grinding on each other making for an overall vibe. You get the gist. As for his budding romance with Kendall, during a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Benito expressed that he doesnt feel the need to explain his personal relationships. Im not really interested in clarifying anything because I have no commitment to clarify anything to anyone, he told the publication. I am clear and my friend Jomar is clear and my mother is clear. They are the only ones to whom I have to clarify anything. As for Juliana Dominguez from Mississippi, I have nothing I need to clarify to her. Never. About anything. He said what he said! ICYMI, catch the full video for Un Preview below: You Might Also Like When American writer Nafeesah Allen gave birth in South Africa she expected differences but her experience was still surprising. Here's what she wants new parents to know. GETTY IMAGES Every parent wants the best for their children and sometimes the best care starts at birth. Giving birth overseas can be safer and more affordable than in the U.S., and it may provide birth parents more postpartum support. Whether surrounded by extended family or for the purpose of citizenship, giving birth abroad has many pros and cons to consider. When I decided to give birth in South Africa, I knew that things would be different from my first birth experience in the United States, but I didnt realize how much. Not only were the costs much more reasonable, but I also got much more personalized care from a single provider. Unlike the big hospital practices in most U.S. cities, the midwifery practice I selected in Johannesburg was run by one female provider (although she had backup providers available). She only took on the number of pregnant people she felt she could attend through the length of their birth journey. There were no students or nurses at our prenatal appointments. My primary care provider answered questions on WhatsApp, was there at my birth, and came to my home for postpartum visits. The personalized care exceeded my expectations. The downsides, however, came with navigating the administrative burdens after birth. Knowing where to get the birth certificate, extending visas, and securing childcare for my older kid proved more complicated than I imagined. Of course, alls well that ends well, but there are lots of things I wish I had anticipated before the big birthday came. Everything from crib side paperwork to visits from relatives came as an afterthought. For parents already residing in a foreign country, the process might be simpler to manage. But if youre planning to travel to a new destination just for the birth, here are the top 7 things to ask yourself before you go. Can you work remotely? Most employers offer paid maternity and paternity leave, but not all do. So, before embarking on an overseas birth journey, it is important to know how youll fund the experience. Most medical providers may want you to be in the country about 4-8 weeks before birth and at least 6 weeks after. This means youll be floating your travel and medical expenses for around 3 months. Thankfully, some jobs will let you work remotely, and you dont have to worry about losing wages. But not all employers allow you to work outside the country or for that length of time. If giving birth outside of the U.S. is really a consideration, youll want to talk with the human resources office at your job to understand if you can work remotely, receive paid parental leave, or some combination of both. Who else is coming with you? Rarely will a birth mother travel alone for the experience. Not only would she need or want a birth companion, but all new mothers need postpartum support. In short, this is not the time to be a superwoman. Decide who is coming with you. Account for partners, parents, and even older kids. Emma Jameson, a U.S. mom who birthed in Mexico in 2018, said one perk of being so close to the U.S. was that her mom was present for the birth, too. Delivering outside of your home country doesnt mean leaving loved ones out of the process. So consider the arrangements you need to make to ensure they are comfortable in the new country. This consideration affects everything from where you stay (a normal hotel or a whole house), to childcare for older kids (babysitting or enrolling them in a local school), to the overall budget (add a translator or doula as a line item). So dont leave travel companion planning to the last minute. What to expect during birth? Andrea Thornton is a U.S. mom who has only delivered her kids abroad; first, in a private hospital in New Delhi in 2017, then another private hospital in Guangzhou, China in 2019, and last in a public hospital in Tel Aviv in 2022. Regardless of where you plan on delivering your baby, make sure you do your research and that you understand what the local practices are, she says. Find out what the hospital standard practice is for labor, birth, and directly after birth. Each country was different. In India, she had to provide everything: baby diapers, cloth wraps, pads, and even slippers that fit a larger, Western foot size. She also found that the portion sizes for meals were smaller than expected for a nursing person. Also, while her doctors spoke English, much of the cleaning and support staff didnt. That made it hard to communicate boundaries on entering the room and asking for help. In China, she got unexpected perks like a birth photographer, and her spouse had a dedicated bed in the recovery room. And in Tel Aviv, she was surprised to find that all births take place in public hospitals. Despite the promise of a private room, if occupancy is high, most women are in a shared room. Following her unexpected C-section, she was surprised that she didnt get to see or touch her baby for 6 hours. They wait until the mother is fully recovered from the drugs, before allowing skin-to-skin contact, she said. Thornton adds that this affected her daughters breathing and latching for her entire first year. While Thornton doesnt think she experienced anything worse abroad than she would have in the U.S., she counsels other birthing people to always do their research. The Cesarian rate or willingness to introduce interventions can vary significantly by country. Assume nothing about patient advocacy, birthing rooms & supplies, and support from non-physicians working in the hospital. Often, families are so focused on the doctor and the baby that its easy to forget the policies and practices that will affect the entire birthing ecosystem and care for the birthing person. Local doulas can be a particularly useful resource to help you prepare mentally and emotionally for all thats to come and to advocate for you (in the local language) when situations exceed your comfort level. How will you pay? I knew going into it that it would just be so much cheaper than giving birth in the U.S., but in the U.S. I would've had my insurance pay first; in Mexico, I had to basically put the whole thing on a credit card and get reimbursed by my U.S. insurance, Jameson explains. Luckily, the costs were affordable enough to do this, but it is normal for birth abroad to be paid out of pocket and upfront. Some hospitals may not allow the new parent or baby to be discharged until the bill is covered in full. In many places, parents can pre-pay for a certain type of care packageprivate, semi-private, or shared room - and delivery type - natural, planned C-section, birth center, home birth, medicated hospital, etc. Knowing these costs in advance can help you prepare to have cash in local currency or access to sufficient credit. You can also run estimated invoices by your insurance company for pre-approval. Last, youll want to inform your credit card company that youll be making large payments in another country so that transactions arent blocked for security reasons. Aside from basic medical insurance, its always a good idea to have emergency medical evacuation insurance should the worst-case scenario occur. With the right coverage, the new parent and baby could be safely and affordably airlifted to the U.S. or a third country with better medical facilities. What are your options for emergency care? Once you have decided on the country where you want to give birth, make sure you understand how care will escalate if things go sideways. This is particularly important if you do not speak the local language. Familiarize yourself with the country's medical facilities and birthing practices before you come. Be in touch with your chosen provider well before the trip and ask some key questions, like What is the quality of emergency care in the worst-case scenario? Can your partner come into the delivery or surgery area? Can you have a doula or birth advocate with you? What is the ICU like for you and your baby? Does the hospital have a NICU or will the baby need to be transferred elsewhere? Talk to other expats who have given birth in that country to learn about their experiences and recommendations. Remember, not all U.S.-based health insurance plans will offer global coverage. Travel abroad for birth may be viewed as elective. It is important to make sure that your insurance company will cover or reimburse for normal birth expenses, as well as any emergencies that could arise for the new parent and baby. Call ahead to be sure. Consult with insurance companies that cater to world travelers to ask about the cost of medical evacuation coverage for the worst-case scenario. What paperwork do I need to take and receive throughout the process? When babies are born, youd be surprised by how much paperwork comes along with welcoming them into the world. Before giving birth abroad, you may need to request medical visas that show that you can afford the process. That could entail proof of bank balances, financial statements, as well as confirmations of your accommodation throughout the stay. And there may be documentation that your doctor or local hospital expects you to have on hand even before the baby is bornusually a marriage certificate for biological parents, as well as passport copies. U.S. citizens will also need to get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, or Form FS-240) before applying for the babys U.S. passport. All of that requires paperwork, too. If you and your spouse are citizens of another country, there may be similar or duplicate birth registration processes needed at those embassies or consulates, too. It is important to note that, in many cases, being born in a foreign country doesnt automatically guarantee your baby citizenship there. The 'right of soil,' which means that children born abroad are automatically recognized as citizens of the country of birth (regardless of the parents' citizenship), is applied to varying degrees in around 64 countries. The paperwork to secure that is also one more thing on parents long list of to-dos. The timing to complete all these administrative processes can affect how long youll need to stay in the country after the baby is born. Where will you get birth and postpartum supplies? Disposable underwear is likely the last thing on your mind, but it becomes a much more urgent necessity as birth approaches. The same is true for nursing bras, compression socks, breast pads, nipple creams, and breast pumps. Not to mention, the baby needs a car seat, bassinet, baby formula, and diaper rash creams, too. The question is, will you bring them with you or buy them locally? Create a budget and compare prices. Dont forget the electrical voltage compatibility, so you dont blow out your beloved bottle warmers and breast pumps. Many places will have these supplies at the ready in department stores and pharmacies, but they may not be exactly like what you can get at home. Again, not all hospitals will supply some of the basics that you might be able to nab in U.S. hospitals. When it comes to essentials, bring a few with you and be prepared to make a switch to local brands and products until you can make your way back home. All the little things No matter where you birth, having a baby is a difficult task. There are many unknowns and lots of stressors along the way, especially for the birthing person. If you feel comfortable with a birth team abroad, then consider how realistic it is to spend 3-4 months immersed in their care and to truly build trust. While it might be more affordable, there can be administrative burdens and culture shocks to contend with. Traveling abroad may sound like a great idea, but it comes with its own level of uncertainty. Carefully consider where the new parent and baby will get the best overall care. Dont leave the birthing person's care (especially postpartum support) to chance. By the second trimester, youll want to know for sure where you plan to give birth, all the steps needed to make it happen, and all the postpartum arrangements that will support the entire family on this journey. Most airlines do not authorize pregnant people to fly after 34 weeks, so its best to weigh all options well before then. Last, remember to take medical records with youin hard copy and electronicallyas most physicians will expect patients, not previous care providers, to transfer vital medical information from one country to another. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents. Often associated with traffic-blocking buses, screechy megaphones and overcrowded landmarks, group tours dont exactly have the best reputation. But a new crop of travel companies is totally redefining the concept, catering to millennials and Generation Z. Leaving tour guide flags by the wayside, next-gen group trips invite solo travelers to explore remote corners of the world with small communities of like-minded people. Some getaways focus on immersive cultural experiences, while others ensure a balance of work and play. Still more enable participants to dive into a passion or hobby, or volunteer with local communities. Group tours also make it easier for people to take the leap and travel alone, by taking care of logistics and removing potential isolation from the equation. On a societal level, if you look back over the past 100 years, weve shifted away from community institutions like religious participation and workplaces and towards more individualistic experiences, so were seeing more loneliness and disconnection, Michael Youngblood, co-founder of the Unsettled travel community, tells CNN Travel. This generation, who grew up with these more individualistic institutions, are spending more time by themselves. Thats why I think more people are actively seeking group travel to belong to something and bond with others. For those yearning for more community and connection on their next getaway, weve rounded up a few of the leading small-group operators for modern travelers. FTLO Travel Island-hopping in Croatia, scaling glaciers in Iceland, mud baths in Colombia FTLO Travel (an acronym for For the Love of Travel) immerses travelers in once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Founded by slow travel advocate and entrepreneur Tara Cappel in 2016, the company strives to help solo travelers in their 20s and 30s explore the world and meet fellow adventure lovers. Offering 250 unique trips to 30 destinations and counting each year, FTLO excursions range from five to eight nights and include a maximum of 15 people the vast majority of whom join the trip solo. The FTLO team handles accommodation, transportation, activities and meals. And while every trip has some scheduled activities say, a cooking lesson with a local chef or a snorkeling tour they also leave plenty of unscheduled time to allow for spontaneity. According to the company, FTLO has seen 500% growth since 2021, reflecting a growing demand for small-group travel among independent travelers in their target age group. Sojrn FTLO Travels sister company, Sojrn, puts another spin on group travel tapping into specific interests and hobbies. Billed as adult study abroad experiences, each educational trip dives deep into a fascinating topic, such as art and architecture in Barcelona, wine in Tuscany or mental wellness in Bali. Trips last two or four weeks, giving participants time to discover a new destination and get to know their fellow travelers during hands-on activities. On a mouthwatering culinary expedition to Mexico City, for instance, gourmet enthusiasts can look forward to devouring tacos al pastor and mole poblano, cooking with experts and touring local markets. Theyll also embark on side trips to learn more about ancient agriculture systems, indigenous ingredients and traditions. Unsettled A global travel community geared towards remote workers and creative professionals, Unsettled is all about forging meaningful personal connections while embracing adventure. The idea came about in 2016 when global explorer and entrepreneur Michael Youngblood and award-winning photographer and media entrepreneur Jonathan Kalan couldnt quite find a style of group travel that met their needs. So they invented a new type of trip one that would afford a slower pace of travel, better productivity for remote work, and a chance to develop new friendships. The duo started planning small-group getaways with loosely scheduled itineraries, leaving plenty of room for serendipity and those magical unplanned moments that travel can bring. Their approach has attracted a diverse crowd, from busy professionals keen to network to creative types and freelancers seeking fresh inspiration. Most of the retreats combine a mix of remote work and offline adventures. For example, on the week-long Unsettled Thailand trip, participants have a few days to work between optional outings in Phuket before taking off on a boat for five days of diving and snorkeling. Meanwhile, on the Patagonia trip, travelers stay in the scenic mountain town of Bariloche and spend their days rock-climbing, hiking and kayaking across the vast wilderness. Each stay includes housing, a place to work (unless its an offline retreat) and lots of dinner parties, happy hours, talks and workshops that create a sense of community. G Adventures In 1990, ecotourism expert Bruce Poon Tip seized upon a fresh idea: organized trips that marry the thrill and flexibility of solo travel with the comforts and convenience of traveling in a group. He maxed out two credit cards to launch G Adventures in his Toronto garage, starting with experiences in Ecuador and Belize. Since then, the company has grown to offer over 750 tours across all seven continents. Over the years, G Adventures has launched various trip styles, from interactive treks designed in partnership with National Geographic or the Jane Goodall Institute to adrenaline-pumping active journeys, rejuvenating wellness escapes, and immersive Local Living homestays. In 2021, the company introduced Roamies by Hostelworld, geared towards 18- to 35-year-olds seeking budget-friendly group trips staying in some of the worlds top hostels. Ranging from five to 33 days, the trips include memorable adventures such as sandboarding in the deserts of Peru, cycling through the jungles of Mexico to discover a hidden lagoon, and devouring famous blue crabs at the Kep Crab Market in Cambodia. Travel Girls Getaway Travel Girls Getaways brings intrepid women together to explore new places while picking up new skills. - Travel Girls Getaways by We Are Travel Girls Growing up along the central coast of California, Vanessa Rivers learned to surf at an early age. Her passion for surfing, nature and travel has led her all over the world. Shes also launched several entrepreneurial pursuits along the way, from Summerlove Swimwear (made with recycled fishing nets) to the We Are Travel Girls community for female travelers. In 2017, she launched Travel Girls Getaways, which brings intrepid women together to explore new places while picking up new skills, learning about local culture and establishing lasting friendships. The company currently offers two itineraries, both in Africa: one to Morocco and the other to Malawi. The eight-day Malawi Safari & Charity quest takes small groups of 14 women on an impactful adventure through the country. The itinerary includes jaunts to gorgeous rural tea estates, a two-night safari in Liwonde National Park and a visit to remote Mumbo Island in Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Theres also a chance to spend time at local schools and volunteer with a community mentoring project for young women in the villages around Lake Malawi. Flash Pack Flash Pack provides upscale holidays for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. - Flash Pack As a stressed-out professional in her 30s, Radha Vyas wanted to travel more but many of her friends were tied up with work or busy starting families. While traditional group tours were an option, Vyas didnt want to get stuck on a crowded bus or take low-budget trips with 20-somethings. Seeing an opportunity to provide upscale holidays for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s, Vyas and her husband, Lee Thompson, started Flash Pack in 2014. Today, the company organizes adventures to over three dozen places, including newly added trips to New Zealand, Southern Chile, Belize, Bolivia and Cambodia. While the destinations vary, most journeys focus on active bonding experiences, such as hiking through Petra in Jordan, abseiling down Table Mountain in South Africa, or kayaking over waterfalls in Croatia. From Egypt to Portugal, Turkey to Japan, the trips ranging from four to 15 days brim with outings that youd be hard-pressed to organize independently. Activities include staying on a secret island in Finland with a private chef and boating through the wetlands of Costa Rica. A major part of Vyas and Thompsons mission is to help travelers make new friends later in life and their recipe of travel, culture and adventure seems to be working. According to the company, 98% of participants join Flash Pack trips solo and 80% say they keep in touch with their new-found friends well after their journeys. Under30Experiences Inspired by their own travels, co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared OToole started Under30Experiences in 2012 to help people travel independently without feeling lonely, unsafe or overwhelmed by logistics. Despite its name, you dont have to be in your twenties to embark on one of their three dozen trips across 16 countries. Generally speaking, however, most travelers are under 35. Theyre also looking for similar things: affordable getaways, off-the-beaten-path odysseys, authentic local interactions, personal growth and new connections. The companys vast array of tours includes month-long digital nomad retreats in Costa Rica and Colombia, to shorter escapes across Indonesia, Guatemala, Spain, Peru, Alaska, Italy and Ireland. For travelers seeking a slightly older community, Under30Experiences also runs sister brand Over30Experiences, offering higher-end, immersive journeys to Croatia, Morocco and Egypt. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com After catering to bridal customers for years through wholesale accounts like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, Gustavo Cadile decided to open his own store. He celebrated the grand opening of Altar by Gustavo Cadile in Aventura Mall on Sept. 19 by walking down the aisle in the form of a fashion show and serving guests cake and Champagne. The occasion was a full-circle moment for the Argentine, who ran his business for 25 years in New York until the pandemic brought him back to where it all began. I worked at [Aventura Mall owner] Jackie Soffers boutiques Anika and Hughie and loved the international clientele and sales experience, said Cadile of his student job while attending Miami International University of Art & Design. I told her one day I will be back to open a store. More from WWD Jonaiky Miranda, Joyce Gato, Jackie Soffer, Gustavo Cadile and Howard Weinberg. He originally envisioned servicing clients who also relocated to South Florida during the pandemic in his Miami apartment until a 1,450-square-foot space occupied by an art gallery became available in the center. He decorated with a white palette, including the marble floors he inherited, and displays photographs of models wearing his latest looks on walls. The showstopper is a custom altar with uplighting, faux flowers in silk and delicate metal chain curtains. The store carries bridal gowns and separates as well as other categories, from mother of the bride to formal eveningwear and cocktail dresses that are merchandised by color. A look inside the new Altar store. The great-grandson of a cotton magnate from Milan, and raised by a single mother in his native Argentina, Cadiles very conscious of making women feel pampered. Bridal browsing is by appointment only. The store opened with 60 new bridal styles that retail from $2,000 to $14,000, with a few pricier designs, like a $22,500 tulle corset silhouette with geometric boning, a lace overlay and intricate beading, and 25 new ready-to-wear evening pieces that retail from $750 to $3,500. Rosettes, ostrich feathered cuffs, sequins in a camouflage pattern and his signature orchid hue, which also appears inside shopping bags, are represented in the current collection. A look inside the new Altar store. Cadile still manufactures in New York but operates from a showroom in downtown Miami through Mana Fashion, a property development and platform to transform the city into an industry hub. Growth is on his mind, too, with plans for knitwear produced in Italy and a capsule trousseau named for the Spanish translation of honeymoon, luna de miel. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. I don't follow a calendar. I follow Kate Middleton's pantsuit colors. Kate Middleton is (sartorially) ready for fall and she has the pantsuit to prove it. On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales stepped out in one of her go-to outfit combinations when visiting a textile mill in Leeds that was once owned by her family. While the royal may usually reach for optic white, navy, or even beige pantsuits (with a bit of literal 70s flair) when completing her royal duties, she instead opted to ring in falls official start by wearing a deep emerald green Burberry blazer and matching high-waisted trousers during the outing. She paired the smart suit with matching green suede block heels and a breezy white V-neck blouse, and she rounded out the look by adding a simple gold chain necklace and hoop earrings. getty Related: Kate Middleton Isn't Coming to NYC With Prince William for the Most Relatable Reason In the glam department, Kate stuck with her signature bouncy blowout (complete with a side part and voluminous bangs), and she opted for a simple makeup look comprised of a glowy complexion, feathered lashes, and pink lip. This isnt the first time that the princess has worn the exact Burberry pantsuit this year she also took it for a spin when welcoming Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway to the United Kingdom back in March. getty For that occasion, Kate decided to create a monochromatic look by swapping her white blouse for a matching emerald green option that featured a button-up design and a dainty pussycat bow. She wore her brunette hair down with a side part, and she accessorized with simply silver drop earrings. For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on InStyle. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Sorry, Keanu Reeves fans, but the Canadian actor is still in a loving, committed relationship. In November 2019, Reeves was spotted holding hands with Los Angelesbased artist Alexandra Grant on the red carpet at the LACMA Art + Film Gala. While the hand-holding may have come out of the blue for someone who doesnt make their living tracking celebrity relationship statuses, Reeves and Grant have not only known each other for more than a decade, but have also allegedly been dating for years. Keep reading to learn more about Grant, from her first artistic collaboration with Reeves back in 2011 to the art book publishing company she co-founded with the actor in 2017. They met at a dinner party in 2009. In a feature published by The New York Times, it's revealed that the two first crossed paths during a dinner party a decade ago. Not long after they met, they started working together. Grant and Reeves have artistically collaborated before. Grant created illustrations for Reeves's 2011 book, Ode to Happiness, which pegs itself as "a grown-up's picture book" that is "both a meditation and a gentle tease about how we cope with life's sorrows." In 2016, the duo came together again to create Shadows, a series that "explores the real and symbolic nature of the shadow as image and figure of speech," with photography by Grant and text by Reeves. They cofounded a publishing company. In 2017, the artistic duo cofounded X Artists' Books, a small publishing house that focuses on artist-centered books. Some books that the company has published include The Artists' Prison, The Words of Others, and Oracular Transmissions. They've made public appearances together before. This past June, Reeves and Grant even attended Saint Laurent Men's spring-summer 2020 runway show in Malibu holding hands. VALERIE MACON - Getty Images Before that, the two attended 2019's MOCA Benefit at The Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles and the UNAIDS Gala at the 2016 Art Basel in Switzerland. David M. Benett - Getty Images Grant also founded the GrantLOVE Project. According to its website, the GrantLOVE Project "is an artist-owned and operated project that produces and sells original artworks and editions to benefit artist projects and arts non-profits." Since 2008, Grant has used sales from the project to raise funds for various Los Angelesbased charities or art projects. Her artwork has been featured in a lot of galleries. From her home base in Los Angeles to across the country in New York City to even the cobblestoned streets of Paris, Grant's eclectic artwork has been featured in galleries around the world. This includes the Galerie Gradiva in Paris, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, and the Harris Lieberman Gallery in New York City. Currently, some of her painted sculptures are on view at the Lowell Ryan Projects in Los Angeles. Grant spoke openly about their relationship for the first time in 2020. For the first time ever, Grant spoke publicly about her relationship with Reeves in an interview with British Vogue. I think every single person I knew called me in the first week of November, and thats fascinating, she told the outlet, referring to her and Reeves's appearance at the art gala. But the question Ive been asking in all of this is: What is the opportunity for good? David M. Benett - Getty Images Grant also touched on the first time the couple worked on publishing together for their 2011 collaboration on Ode to Happiness, in which Reeves's poems accompany Grant's drawings. The book was made as a surprise, by me, for Keanu, as a private gift, she said. All our friends sitting in the room got the giggles when I gave it to himthey said, Please publish it! So thats how we got into publishing. A close friend explained why Grant and Reeves just work together. Pal Jennifer Tilly also previously told Page Six at the American Heart Associations Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection that Keanu and Alexandra are old news. I remember a couple years ago, about a year and a half ago, [Grant] said, Keanu Reeves is my boyfriend and Im like, Wait. What? What? What? she recalled. She was so cool I thought she was a lesbian. Tilly adds, Its really astonishing to me how in the last five months, all of a sudden, she goes to an event with him and everybody goes insane, like, Its his new girlfriend, because she had gone to a lot of events with him. Its just suddenly surfaced that hes been dating her for several years. Are Reeves and Grant a good match? Tilly thinks they're perfect for each other. I saw him at her last art opening, and hes not, like, wanting the spotlight, because hes a really low-key guy, too, and I think why everybody went crazy is that theyre sort of the perfect couple, she said. I think everybody wishes that they had something like that. Its not a razzle dazzle Hollywood romance. Marc Piasecki - Getty Images She added that Grant's mystique matches Reeves's, calling her a cool, elegant woman very quiet, very low-key. Meanwhile, the acclaimed actor is a really great guy, too, but hes really lucky. On the subject of whether or not they'll ever marry, Tilly said, I dont know that doesnt seem very hip and bohemian, does it? Theyre artists. Theyre just going to do what they do. Grant said Reeves is an inspiration for her art. In a September 2023 interview with People, the artist spoke openly about her relationship with Reeves. What I love about Keanu and our exchange is that we're pushing each other to build new roads, she told the outlet. Seeing the other person's problem-solving is inspiring, like, Oh, well, okay, this one, that's a cul-de-sac. How do I try this other thing? She added, He's such an inspiration to me. He's so creative, he's so kind. He works so hard. Grant drew parallels between both of their crafts. My work is much more of a private performance, but I have a text that I interpret in the studio into a painting, into an object, she explained. He takes the text in private and then turns it into a performance in public. There's a relationship. We're both at the heart readers and researchers. We both care about people and we care about characters. Reeves has helped her make art that's happier, Grant said: I had a studio visit a few years ago, and this very kind, very high-level person said, 'I can see that your work has gotten happier. That's real. We're all human beings. We're animals. We're expressing from where we are and certainly feeling happier. I think the work is happier. Emma McIntyre - Getty Images She also talked about the benefits of forming a long-lasting relationship as a mature adult. The good news about falling in love as an adult is that I had built my own career by the time that my relationship had begun. I feel very confident in the relationship on the red carpet. I feel confident on it alone, she said. It's interdependent and independent in the best ways. As for Reeves's recent reunion with his alternative rock band, Dogstar, Grant said, I'm really proud. I am a huge Dogstar fan. I had the great pleasure of going to their first public show and because I've been listening to the latest album for quite some time, I was one of the only people in the audience who knew all the lyrics. That was really cool. It's fun. It's beyond fun. You Might Also Like News Digest | By Caroline Bourque A-list celebrities issued their fair share of apology videos in recent weeksbut for some, their carefully curated residential backdrops tell the real story. Stay in the know with our weekly roundup of headlines, launches, events, recommended reading and more. Business News By next year, any building larger than 25,000 square feet in New York will face stiff penalties for excessive greenhouse gas emissions: $268 for every metric ton of carbon dioxide above the limit, The New York Times reports. Studies estimate the measure, part of Local Law 97, could amount to $200 million per year in penalties for some buildings, and up to $900 million by 2030 as stricter caps kick in through the tiered system. The city is not alone in enacting new guidelines to curb emissions: This year, 147 bills to cut carbon emissions from buildings were introduced in 24 states, according to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, signaling a broader effort to curb the nearly 40 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions produced by buildings. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is asking a bankruptcy court to allow customers to retrieve the products they paid for prior to the companys Chapter 11 filing, Home News Now reports. The company estimates that about $6.5 million worth of products is being held at third-party warehouses, while $17 million in products is sitting at the companys North Carolina manufacturing and distribution facilities. According to the new filing, due to MG+BWs pre-petition cash crunch, logistics providers have refused to arrange delivery. The companys new motion requests that the court allow customers to pay to have their products returned or to pick them up at the companys facilities. The company did not respond to HNNs request for comment. The Art Institutes system abruptly announced last week the permanent shutdown of its eight remaining collegesin Miami; Atlanta; Austin; Dallas; Houston; San Antonio, Texas; Tampa, Florida; and Virginia Beach, Virginiaeffective September 30, Higher Ed Dive reports. The news came as a shock to faculty and students, who received an email last week citing the pandemics impact on schools with hands-on and equipment-intensive programs for the college chains closure. Once a network of dozens of colleges offering curricula in fine arts, fashion and interior design, The Art Institutes system began reducing its footprint in recent years in response to low enrollment, legal issues and financial instability. Following the closure announcement, the systems site now states that it is working with partners to ease transfers for former students. A recent study conducted by physicians from University of California Los Angeles and San Francisco underscores the grave risks posed to workers who cut and polish slabs of engineered stone, frequently incurring a deadly disease called silicosis, the Los Angeles Times reports. Though the disease has existed for centuries, the rising prevalence of engineered-stone countertopswhich have higher concentrations of silica compared to natural stonehas driven up rates of the affliction, which happens when dust from the stone builds up in the lungs and causes scarring, eventually leading to lung failure. In Californias San Fernando Valley, silicosis is rising among the community of largely Latino immigrants who make up the local fabrication industry hub, with the study finding that among dozens of workers who contracted silicosis, nearly a fifth had diedat a median age of 46. Workplace safety regulators are now attempting to draft emergency rules to protect workers, while Los Angeles County is exploring a ban on the sale and installation of engineered stone entirely. Sustainable businesses may have a leg up on the competition when it comes to the next generation of consumers, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Harvard Business Review. Surveying more than 350,000 U.S. customers aged 18 to 98, the group found that when Gen Z and millennial consumers believe a brand cares about its environmental impact, they are 27 percent more likely to purchase from it compared to older generations. In the next few years, companies could begin to feel the effects of consumers shifting sentiments: Forecasting experts predict that the purchasing power of millennials and Gen Z will surpass boomers around the year 2030. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order designed to keep insurersand by proxy, residentsfrom leaving the state in the wake of rising claims driven mainly by the increased occurrence of wildfires, The Center Square reports. After State Farm and Allstate announced that they would stop insuring new customers in the state, S&P Global reported that the move would increase housing costs, exacerbating the already high cost of living in the state and potentially prompt more residents to relocate. In citing their reasons for leaving, insurers say the state prevents them from raising their rates quickly enough to cover their losses from property claims, and fire insurance claims in particular; in response, Newsoms executive order instructs the California Insurance Commissioner to improve the rate approval process for insurers. The Tourbillon collection, created by Christofle and Lebanese glass artist Alya Tannous - Photo Credit Courtesy of Christofle Launches & Collaborations French tableware company Christofle debuted its first glassware collection, Tourbillon, in collaboration with Lebanese glass artist Alya Tannous. In creating the new line, Tannous incorporated swirling lines and bulbous forms blown by hand, ultimately producing an assortment of six styles: red and white stemmed wine glasses, a champagne flute, a water glass and two heights of candlesticks, which also double as bud vases. DIY and design influencer Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox Home teamed up with Desenio for a collection of prints inspired by Scotts Transforming Spaces video series. Spanning hand-painted still lifes, abstract painting and line art, the resulting collection includes 12 prints that Scott plans to incorporate into his own home, demonstrating how wall art has the ability to re-imagine a space. Recommended Reading Kelly Wearstler has long been one of the biggest names in the design industry, beloved for an aesthetic that seems to transcend traditional boundaries. For The New York Times, Jessica Testa checks in with Wearstler ahead of the debut of her upcoming book Synchronicity, attempting to define her enigmatic stylewhile for her part, the designer shares a glimpse of whats currently catching her eye, including the emerging uses for AI in design. The Writers Guild of America reached a deal with studios on a new contract earlier this week following a grueling monthslong strike that forced many industry members to get creative about their sources of income. For some, the design world provided the perfect temporary solution. As Adriane Quinlan writes for Curbed, many took up design jobs during the long interim: Prop fabricators became furniture-makers, set decorators took on traditional interiors, and various painters and builders of temporary scenes also turned their attention to real-world design. Now, even after the strikes end, some are deciding to make the switch permanent. Cue the Applause Dallas Market Center and creative home furnishings network ART announced that Maria Mullen, chief executive officer of Hubbardton Forge, will receive the Academy of Achievement honor at the 34th annual ARTS Awards, set to take place on January 12, 2024, during the annual Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. In addition to Mullen, dozens of honorees across several categoriesincluding retailers, manufacturers, designers and sales representativeswill also receive recognition at the upcoming event. For the full list of winners, click here. Call for Entries The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is now accepting submissions for speakers at its 2024 NextStage event, which brings together industry professionals through panels, discussions, awards and competitions. Potential speakers should possess an original point of view on a subject, along with strong storytelling skills and an understanding of the industry. Themes for next years event include wellness, sustainability, technology, and business and trends. To submit an application before the October 13 deadline, click here. In Memoriam Jan MacLatchie, a veteran brand strategist in the interior industry, passed away earlier this month at the age of 65. A native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, MacLatchie got her start in the design world when she joined the team at Artistic Tile in 1999. In the years to follow, she rose through the companys ranks to eventually become chief strategy officer, before departing to launch her own brand strategy firm in 2009. For nearly 15 years, MacLatchie solidified her place as an industry leader, consulting for a variety of lauded brands such as Crypton Fabric, Holiday House, Chris Burch, Joseph Carini Carpets and Well-Designed. Friends and colleagues remember MacLatchie for her ability to see the potential in emerging designers and artisans, helping them make their vision a reality for the betterment of the industry at large. Above all, she was an incredible lightand helped mine shine brighter, Caleb Anderson, designer and co-founder of Well-Designed, shared in a statement. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our newsletter, which recaps the weeks stories, and get in-depth industry news and analysis each quarter by subscribing to our print magazine. Join BOH Insider for discounts, workshops and access to special events such as the Future of Home conference. Living with arthritis doesnt mean you have to live an inactive lifestyle in fear of causing yourself more pain. | Adobe.com Living with arthritis doesnt mean you have to live an inactive lifestyle in fear of causing yourself more pain. In fact, Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain, per Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in the United States, 24% of all adults, or 58.5 million people, have arthritis. It is a leading cause of work disability, with annual costs for medical care and lost earnings of $303.5 billion. Engaging in a 30-minute workout five days a week can help maintain flexibility in the limbs and ensure muscles remain relaxed, the Deseret News previously reported. The CDC advises that engaging in any form of physical activity, regardless of its type, can enhance the quality of life and functionality of individuals with arthritis. If you have arthritis, its essential to find ways to work out that wont exacerbate your condition. Here are seven workouts to promote physical activity and improve your overall health while living with arthritis. What is the best workout for arthritis? 1. Swimming Exercising in water provides resistance, which can help strengthen your muscles, but its gentle on the joints. Water buoyancy also reduces the weight-bearing strain on your joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Water aerobics, which involves your upper and lower body and mid-section, is usually done in chest-deep water, lessening impact on your joints by 75% compared with traditional aerobics. Many community centers and gyms offer water aerobics classes designed for people with arthritis. 2. Walking Walking is a great way to reduce pressure in your joints at a pace that is comfortable for you. Versus Arthritis recommends taking it slow when starting out. Think about what works with your daily routine. For example, moving around the house, walking the kids to school, or arranging a walk with a friend. Adding that, Once youve got used to walking more regularly, you can choose to gradually lengthen your walks, or maybe you could walk a few more days each week. 3. Yoga The gentle stretches and postures in yoga can increase flexibility and strength. If you choose to go to a yoga studio, inform your instructor about your arthritis so they can suggest modifications for any poses that might be challenging. Yoga can also ease pain from increased joint pain due to misalignment. It can help with proper alignment of the skeleton, which helps alleviate joint pain caused by misalignment. Keep in mind that any movement can be modified to minimize pressure or pain to already achy areas of the body, per Cleveland Clinic. Emphasizing that Exercise has long been considered key to maintaining and improving joint function. It also helps strengthen the muscles around the joints so that sore and damaged joints are protected and arent overtaxed. Related 4. Strength training Using light weights or resistance bands can help build muscle strength, which supports and protects joints. Its important to learn the correct technique, so consider hiring a personal trainer or physical therapist who has experience working with arthritis patients. Harvard Health said that strength training is good for nearly everyone. Schedule workouts for times of the day when you are least likely to suffer from inflammation and pain. Avoid exercising when stiffness is at its worst, adding that you should rest at any point you feel you may be pushing yourself too hard. In some cases, water workouts may be a better choice than strength training. Exercise within a comfortable range of motion. If an exercise or movement causes significant pain, stop doing it! Discuss your options with a trainer or physical therapist, Harvard Health said. 5. Pilates Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility and balance. Like yoga, inform your instructor about your arthritis to get guidance on modifications or alternative exercises. Pilates exercises deal a lot with repetition techniques. Through repetition, endurance of these muscle groups is increased, meaning there is less load on stiff, irritated joint surfaces and overall posture and body movement gets better over time, per Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic. 6. Stretching Regular stretching can help maintain joint flexibility. This can be done daily and can be incorporated into your morning routine or done as a cool-down after exercise. The Arthritis Foundation said that you should make it a habit to stretch daily and added that stretching particularly benefits those with arthritis by lubricating joints and enhancing and maintaining range-of-motion. Stretching also helps prevent injuries when performing more intense physical activities. A defiant Sen. Bob Menendez declared Monday he would not resign and was prepared for his biggest fight yet, delivering his first public remarks after the U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan unsealed an indictment accusing the New Jersey Democrat of accepting extravagant bribes. I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jerseys senior senator, Menendez, clad in a dark pinstripe suit, told a crush of reporters in Union City, N.J., where he served as mayor in the 1980s and 90s. Menendez, who is facing his second indictment after a separate corruption case against him ended in a mistrial nearly six years ago, now stands accused of participating in a brazen bribery scheme in which he allegedly helped leak highly sensitive information to Egypts government. Addressing the three-count indictment, Menendez urged his colleagues in Congress and all New Jerseyans to wait for the case to play out before they reach a conclusion. Menendez gained a reputation as a vengeful operator after his first trial, publicly warning those who had crossed him: I know who you are, and I wont forget you. This time around, Menendez is bleeding support at a rapid pace. On Friday, hours after the indictment went public, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey demanded that Menendez resign, prompting more resignation calls from around the state. In a statement, Murphy, a Democrat, described the indictment as deeply disturbing and said the senators ability to represent the state had been compromised. To those who have rushed to judgment, you have done so based on a limited set of facts framed by the prosecution to be as salacious as possible, Menendez, 69, said Monday. Remember, prosecutors get it wrong sometimes. Sadly, I know that. Speaking in English and Spanish, Menendez a son of Cuban immigrants detailed his accomplishments in the Senate over a decade-and-a-half there, defended his handling of American relations with Egypt and said he would return to Washington this week to continue his work. Story continues My record is clear and consistent in holding Egypt accountable, Menendez said of the authoritarian nation. Those who are attempting to now malign my actions as it relates to Egypt simply dont know the facts. Menendez has already given up his powerful role as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, if temporarily. He is due to run for reelection next year, and appears likely to face a crowded field of primary challengers. On Saturday, Rep. Andy Kim, a Democrat, said he would run in the primary against Menendez. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity, Kim, 41, wrote on social media. The 39-page indictment unsealed last week said Menendez and his wife, Nadine, received hundreds of thousands of dollars, gold and a Mercedes-Benz in exchange for favors to three New Jersey businessmen and the Egyptian government. Federal agents who searched Menendezs home last year uncovered more than $480,000 in cash crammed into sometimes curious locations including closets and clothing and more than $100,000 worth of gold bars, according to charging papers. The indictment included images of the gleaming gold bars and jackets carrying Menendezs name that were covered in piles of cash. The senator is due to appear in court Wednesday. In his news conference Monday, Menendez said that over 30 years, he has withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from his savings account for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba. This may seem old-fashioned, Menendez said. But these were monies drawn from my personal savings account based on the income that I had lawfully derived. I look forward to addressing other issues at trial, he said, skipping over the eye-popping claims about gold bars in his possession. He left the news conference without taking questions. Later in the day, the number of Democratic senators who had called on Menendez to resign climbed from one to three: Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont each issued statements calling for Menendezs exit. On Saturday, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania urged him to resign. Cory Booker, a Democrat and New Jerseys junior senator, has not weighed in. His office did not reply to a request for comment. _____ "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Meghan Markle is always clad in stylish ensembles when she leaves her Montecito, California home, and weve mostly resigned to the fact that emulating her fits will cost a high percentage of our paychecks. However, the Duchess of Sussex wore chic earrings recently that are available on Amazon for just $22. Shop Now Stone Prism Hoop Earring - Labradorite/Gold amazon.com $22.00 Meghan joined Prince Harry at the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, last week where she was photographed in the stone hoop earrings. The two are not often spotted in public but made the appearance ahead of the release of Prince Harrys latest Netflix project, Heart of Invictus. picture alliance As for the jewelry, if the Duchess of Sussexs stamp of approval wasnt enough, take it from the Amazon users who gave them a five-star rating. I love them so much I bought another pair in a different color, one happy customer wrote. Fossil/Gold Opalite/Silver Rose Quartz/Gold Shop Now Rose Quartz/Gold amazon.com $22.00 Scout Curated Wears offers its newly iconic Stone Prism Hoops in a few different options. Though Meghan Markle was seen wearing the Labradorite stone with gold-dipped wire, they are also available with gemstones like opal, turquoise, and sunstone, and can be dipped in sterling silver instead of gold. Its possible that Meghan did some solid research before purchasing the earrings because Scout Curated Wears is known for more than just its stylish accessories. The company is woman-owned and donates 10 percent of profits to organizations that empower women, such as Black Girls Code and Safe Passage. The brand offers other styles of gemstone earrings, like rectangular pairs if hoops arent your thing. Shop the rest of Scout Curated Wearss storefront on Amazon to see for yourself. You Might Also Like Earlier this month, September 17th, Bear Paw Ski Bowl, Montana, thanked a crew of volunteers for replacing the control cable and aerial boots on its ski lift. The project was essential as Bear Paw only has one chair lift. From the caption: "We cannot express enough gratitude to the collaborators for replacing the control cable and aerial boots on the ski lift. Big shout out to: Jeff Bosch for his expertise, guidance, and planning of the project, as well as all the years of maintaining the electrical and communications on the lift. Douglas Hamilton consultation and building the new control panel. Carrie Aageson for procuring Whitefish Community Foundation AGL Foundation Grant to help offset the cost of materials. Red Rock Power Company and Outback Power Company for donating equipment and tools. For the lineman that gave up their Saturday to climb towers; retire the old control cable; string and clip in the new control cable. Chris Sullivan, Jacob Stewart, Hector Cordova, Parker Jostad and Dylan Westbrook. Kenneth Erickson and E-1 Towing & Auto Repair for safe storage of the material. Dave Martens, Les Kaercher Terri Kaercher, and Kerry Ward for their generosity and countless hours, committed to keeping the chairlift maintained and operating in a safe and efficient manner. You all are AMAZING! We look forward to a beautiful fall to finish this project!" Keeping ops running smoothly at little resorts like Bear Paw is a family affair. Good on all those who contributed to the resort's chairlift maintenance project. The ski area, often called "The Last Best Ski Hill," is managed and operated by a local crew of volunteer skiers. While I'd tell you to check out their website to learn more, it appears that Bear Paw doesn't have a website. Apparently, word of mouth still reigns supreme in some quiet corners of the ski industry. Bear Paw Ski Bowl Stats/Info: Vertical: 900 ft. Skiable Terrain: N/A Average Snowfall: 140 in. Lifts: 1 Trails: 24 Snowmaking: NO Night Skiing: N/A Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional skier or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. They say you learn something new every day, and for me, it was learning that there are wild panthers roaming around in Florida. But even sadder than the fact that I didn't know that is that these beautiful panthers are endangered. @National Geographic TV posted a video in mid-September that explains the situation that these panthers are in. The video begins by stating that these panthers are endangered due to the loss of habitat. Because of this, there are only about 200 of them left in Florida, though they used to roam the entire southeast. If you live in or visit Florida, chances of seeing one of these big cats are slim; they are a solitary and stealthy animal who are most active at dawn and dusk. The footage in the video came from cameras set up by conservationists who are trying to observe the panthers in their habitats. This embedded content is not available in your region. The video ends stating that these Florida panthers are the last of the breeding population of pumas surviving in the eastern United States. I loved seeing the big cats roaming in their natural habitats, especially that cute cub at the end! There weren't a whole lot of comments, although there were a few sad face and crying emojis. @Celtic_Viking_21 shared, "The way we destroy nature in the name of greed makes me sick". @travelingllama tried to be funny, "I would puma pants if I saw these in the wild". @practicing.the.paws shared a bit of good news, "@natgeotv In Southern Florida last year they reunited a lost puma cub with its Mama! Thank you for sharing!" Hopefully the conservationists will come up with ways to save the remaining population. It's sad to think that these beautiful cats may end up being gone for good. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Call Guinness World Records: On the opening night of Paris Fashion Week, Alva Chinn laid claim to becoming the first model to walk for all 10 brands that took part in the Battle of Versailles, the historic fashion event that pitted five U.S. designers against Frances top couturiers. Ive completed my bucket list, the veteran U.S. model declared backstage at the Pierre Cardin show, held in a building designed by Oscar Niemeyer that resembles a flying saucer. More from WWD Dressed in a light gold jacket with a sculptural silver buckle, Chinn was back in Paris 50 years after the charity gala that went down in history as the night that put American fashion, and African American models, on the map. Back then, she was not impressed with Cardins work. I was so turned off by the spaceships and all the accoutrement, she recalled. A visit to the Cardin retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum in 2019 made her reconsider. I was like, what an idiot I was, she said. This man did some beautiful things. These days, the brand is making headlines less for its designs than for the succession battle that is raging among Cardins 22 descendants. His great-nephew Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, who took over the running of the house following the Space Age couturiers death in 2020 at the age of 98, said the founder left a handwritten will designating him as sole heir. But other family members are challenging the validity of the document and want to sell the fashion house and other assets, and split the proceeds. Basilicati-Cardin said that, despite the looming court battle, hes as determined as ever to keep the business going. When I saw the will that my uncle wrote, my mind felt settled, he said. It became my mission. If thats what he wanted for me, thats what I have to do, so Im really focused on the creative side and traveling to meet all of our licensees. As for the rest, I think justice will take its course. His spring lineup reflected his fascination with space, which has led the brand to partner with Thales Alenia Space, the builder of satellites that gather data for environmental protection, such as observing sea-surface temperatures. Dresses and tops featured metallic applique shells and corals. We have to start thinking about how to use the oceans to guarantee our survival, Basilicati-Cardin said. Plan B is not some distant planet. Having said that, some of these outfits were fit for a Star Trek convention. Cape-back coats and dresses adorned with outsized circles channeled the futuristic vibe of Cardins heyday during the 1960s youthquake. While some of the tailored looks now look a little dated, the brands colorblock Op Art shifts still have plenty of currency. Basilicati-Cardin is also forging ahead with plans to revive Maxims, the historic restaurant that once hosted jetsetters from Jackie Kennedy to Andy Warhol. He has licensed its management to Paris Society, the hospitality group behind popular restaurants including Girafe and Apicius, with plans to reopen in mid-October. I would love to see it back to how it was in the 80s, he said. For more PFW reviews, click here. Launch Gallery: Pierre Cardin RTW Spring 2024 Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Prada, Dior and Loro Piana won eyeballs on Chinese social media for the months of July and August, according to the latest report from Bernstein. According to Bernsteins momentum score, Loro Piana, Prada, Dior, Chanel and Miu Miu were the top five players on Chinese social media for the two months. More from WWD Bernsteins ranking is based on brand-related engagement data from Baidu, WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu and Douyin. The report noted that Gucci, traditionally a power player on Chinese social media, was playing catch-up with its peers due to its creative transition, but the labels star-studded, much anticipated Sabato De Sarno debut managed to win back outsized attention online. Gucci, a lion, though hungry, is still a lion on Chinas social media, said the Bernstein report. According to Bernsteins calculation, Guccis Chinese social media engagement during Milan Fashion Week last week surpassed Prada by 20 percent, Tods by around nine times and Brunello Cucinellis by about 80 times. Based on streaming data from Weibo, Guccis livestreamed show received 63.65 million views, Pradas scored 42.39 million views and Tods garnered 13.32 million views. This prominence can be attributed to its extensive marketing on social media, which included inviting top celebrities to the show, decorating major city facades ahead of the show, and extending the show into the metaverse immediately after the live event, the Bernstein report said. Gemma Ward, Liu Wen, Vittoria Ceretti and Elise Crombez at Gucci Ancora during Milan Fashion Week on Sept. 22, 2023 in Milan. However, Chinese netizens had polarizing views about De Sarnos Gucci debut. If the new Gucci sells well, then its really over, read one post, while another said, one word to summarize the new Gucci: Miu Miu-like. The two critical comments were on Xiaohongshu that received 41,200 and 33,200 views, respectively. Guccis 2024 spring/summer collection looks like it will sell well! read another post with 31,600 views. The consensus regarding the show is neutral, as the collection is seen as practical but somewhat underwhelming. Historically, Guccis appeal has hinged on its flamboyant creativity. With its vast existing customer base, the jury is still out whether Chinese consumers will embrace Guccis latest venture into a more subdued luxury style, said Bernstein in the report. Similarly, Chinese netizens were critical of Daniel Lees sophomore collection at Burberry, mentioning additional concerns over its pricing strategy and brand awareness. [Burberry] introduced its ready-to-wear collection at a higher price, only to reduce those prices a few weeks later in-store. This has led to further negative feedback on Chinese social media, explained the Bernstein report. Despite doubling down on marketing efforts, which included a series of citywide takeovers and a star-studded front row that helped Burberry win the attention sweepstake during London Fashion Week, the British heritage brand was not able to impress picky Xiaohongshu users. Based on Bernsteins tracking data, Burberry received less than 50 percent of the total traction in seven days compared to what Gucci amassed in four days after the show. With unmatched creative energy and marketing prowess, power players such as Prada and Dior continued to lead the category that Bernstein called heavy punchers. The brands [Prada and Miu Miu] are capitalizing on the quirky quiet luxury trend. The return of Raf Simons as the creative director has always resonated well with the Chinese audience, much like John Galliano, wrote the report. With similar association to quiet luxury, which has over ten million mentions on Xiaohongshu, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton-owned Loro Piana topped Bernsteins momentum chart in recent months. During its latest spring 2024 collection pop-up event, which explored Loro Pianas affinity to Japanese craftsmanship, the appearance of traffic-driving celebrities, including Fei Xiang, Zhu Zhu and Ma Sichun, helped amplify that message on Chinese social media. Chinese celebrities Ma Sichun, Fei Xiang and Zhu Zhu at Loro Pianas spring 2024 pop-up event during Milan Fashion Week. Fei, the 1980s heartthrob, recently found renewed fame by starring in the latest blockbuster fantasy film Creation of the Gods. Fei was also the center of Chinese social media attention at Salvatore Ferragamo and Jil Sanders runway presentations. Looking at the hard luxury segment, Bernstein highlighted the strength of Longines and Omega, which made gains from the pent-up demand due to Chinas reopening and the anticipation surrounding Swatch Groups second price increase on Sept. 1, according to the report. As the go-to jeweler for Chinas new rich, Cartiers social media presence has waned this year due to the companys conscious decision to limit promotional efforts while focusing on VIP-related events instead. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. This may be the best garlic breath remedy yet. Tanja Ivanova / Getty Images We're living in the age of artificial intelligence, heading back to the moon, and on the brink of bringing back the wooly mammoth from extinction. So yes, it's safe to say that science is doing the most right now. While perhaps not on the same scale as de-extinction, a few researchers from Ohio State University are offering up one more intriguing revelation this week, publishing a research paper that declares a potential garlic breath remedy. And the antidote is something you may have stocked in your fridge. On September 19, the team from Ohio State shared preliminary findings of another garlicky study, recently published in the science journal Molecules, noting its lab found that "whole milk plain yogurt prevented almost all of the volatile compounds responsible for garlic's pungent scent from escaping into the air." To come to this conclusion, the researchers tested garlic against the "individual components" in yogurt water, fat, and protein to see which one fought off the bad breath compounds best. To do so, the team placed raw garlic in glass jars so that the smell could be detected by the human nose. While the separate components each had some effect, together the yogurt reduced 99% of "major odor-producing raw garlic volatiles," the team reported. Related: Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Rid of Garlic Breath "High protein is a very hot thing right now generally, people want to eat more protein," Sheryl Barringer, a professor of food science and technology at The Ohio State University and senior researcher on the paper, shared on the OSU website. "An unintended side benefit may be a high-protein formulation that could be advertised as a breath deodorizer in addition to its nutritional claims." The team's initial findings will likely be used as the basis of further study to analyze different proteins and how they can be formulated to combat bad breath. For now, however, Barringer stated that Greek-style yogurt is likely your best bet, thanks to its higher protein content. Just make sure to swallow a spoonful quickly after eating garlic. This also isn't the first time Barringer has gone on the hunt for a cure for garlic breath. Her previous work, the OSU website explained, has identified apples, mint, and lettuce as potential garlic combatants. One more tip from Barringer? Try frying your garlic first, as that can also reduce odor-causing compounds. So perhaps a salad topped with apples and a yogurt-mint dressing with fried garlic is in your future? Sounds pretty tasty (and very un-stinky) to us. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Sophia Loren is on the mend after a fall left her with serious injuries and needing surgery over the weekend. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Oscar-winning actress' manager, Carlo Giusti, shared a positive update, telling People, "The surgery went extremely well." "She has started the rehabilitation and slowly is recovering," Giusti added. "There is no other news at the moment." As Parade reported earlier this week, the Italian-born star was hospitalized after falling in the bathroom of her Swiss home on Sunday, Sept. 24, just four days after celebrating her 89th birthday. >>> Sign up for Parade's Trending News newsletter and we'll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments and celebrity news everyone is talking about <<< According to previous reports, the actress sustained several broken bones, including fractures to her femur and hip, which required emergency surgery to address. The initial news of her fall was announced in a social media post by the restaurant she was set to open in the Italian city of Bari this weekthe fourth in the chain of Sophia Loren restaurants bearing her name. "A fall at her home in Geneva today caused Ms Loren hip fractures. Operated with a positive outcome, she will now have to observe a short period of recovery and follow a road to rehabilitation," the translated statement explained. "Thankfully everything worked out for the best and the Lady will be back with us very soon. The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery." Loren was also reportedly set to receive honorary citizenship from the city, however, all her planned engagements for the foreseeable future have been canceled at this time. Next: 'General Hospital's John J. York Shares Optimistic Health Update Amid Cancer Battle "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Science could soon bring an animal back from the deadone whose time on Earth was cut short due to systematic human predation. Thylacines, known more commonly as Tasmanian Tigers, were carnivorous marsupials native to the islands of New Guinea and, of course, the Australian island of Tasmania. Though they died out in New Guinea thousands of years ago, Tasmanian Tigersas their name suggestspersisted on the southeastern Australian island much longer. Unfortunately, Tasmanian Tigers were seen as a threat to local livestock in the the 19th century, and a decades long bounty hunting system decimated their numbers to the point of extinction. The last known thylacine died in captivity in 1936. Despite Sasquatch-esque rumors of the thylacines survival, no confirmed specimen has ever been found since. So, scientists might try another tactic to see them againmaking one from scratch using RNA sequenced from a 132-year-old specimen. A new paper, published this week in the journal Genome Research, details how millions of RNA sequences were isolated from a specimen stored at room temperature. These sequences will give scientists unprecedented detail about the thylacines genes, as well as how proteins were made throughout its body. The RNA came from the thylacines skin and skeletal muscle tissues, and this information forms whats known as the animals transcriptome. Simply put, the genome contains information about the organism, which is then expressed by RNA, or the transcriptome. The researchers found sequences in muscles that account for how those muscles stretch and contract, while other sequences in the skin revealed information about keratinthe stuff that helps for hair, nails, and the skins outer layer. Resurrecting the Tasmanian tiger or the woolly mammoth is not a trivial task, and will require a deep knowledge of both the genome and transcriptome regulation of such renowned species, something that only now is starting to be revealed, Emilio Marmol, lead author of a study and a computational biologist at the SciLifeLab in Sweden, said a press statement. Although this is a big step toward potentially resurrecting this lost species, one that was decimated to human hunting practices, its also a huge boon for recovering RNA from other extinct animals. Previously, RNA was received from a 14,300-year-old wolf, but its body had been frozen in permafrost. Recovering RNA from a museum sample (the Stockholm Natural History Museum, in this particular case) could be good news for species whose time was cut short by human-induced extinction. In our short time on Earth, humanity has done an unprecedented amount of damage to the natural world. With some help from science, maybe we will someday be able to repair some of that damage. You Might Also Like Uber announced Tuesday that its struck a deal with Los Angeles Yellow Cab to deploy taxi fleets across Southern California. The multi-year partnership, also extending to five other SoCal affiliates, will allow traditional yellow taxis to pick up Uber passengers. The collaboration between the strange bedfellows follows similar trials in New York City and San Francisco. Uber describes the alliance as mutually beneficial for all parties. Taxi drivers, struggling to recover from pandemic losses while competing with ridesharing, get access to Uber referrals. Meanwhile, riders could see faster pickups. (They can opt out of yellow taxis in the app if they prefer typical ridesharing cars.) And, of course, Uber gains a greater supply of rides. The partnership stretches down the SoCal coast to the Mexico border. It includes 1,200 vehicles from Los Angeles Yellow Cab, San Diego Yellow Cab, California Yellow Cab, Long Beach Yellow Cab, Fiesta Taxi Cooperative, Inc. and United Checker Cab. Onboarding for taxicab drivers in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties begins this week. Once fully onboarded, drivers can start accepting trips at UberX prices. The unusual pairing follows years of contentiousness between ridesharing and traditional taxi businesses. The two sides have often been at war since the early 2010s when Uber and Lyfts existence began threatening the taxi industry. Uber claims cab drivers who took ridesharing fares in the NYC and SF pilots raked in an extra $1,767 per month from those trips alone and earned 23.8% more on average than taxi drivers who eschewed Uber. We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Uber because its a clear win-win for drivers and riders, said William Rouse, CEO of Yellow Cab of Los Angeles. We anticipate that this partnership will have a positive impact for our driver-owners as the pandemic recovery continues. No longer will drivers have to worry about finding a fare during off peak times or getting a street hail back into the city when in the outer suburbs. This look at The Vermont Pub & Brewery is the latest in a series of profiles by the Burlington Free Press on long-standing restaurants in Chittenden County. How do restaurants that date to the 20th century remain relevant, while continuing to do the things that have given them such staying power? It seems like The Vermont Pub and Brewery has anchored the corner of College and St. Paul streets in Burlington forever. In fact, the brewpub will celebrate its 35th anniversary in November, which in the competitive restaurant world pretty much does qualify as forever. Its easy to think of the business as being successful from the get-go, that its always drawn big crowds, and to some extent thats true. But there was a time The Vermont Pub & Brewery seemed like an ahead-of-its-time combination of food and brewed-in-house beer that would fail before it could flourish. Greg Noonan, founder of The Vermont Pub & Brewery with his wife, Nancy, had a successful late-1988 launch that carried the business through New Years Eve. Then, as his eventual business partner Steve Polewacyk put it, January, February and March arrived, with the cold and snow keeping customers away. We were tanking, said Polewacyk, who came from his computer-consulting job in suburban New York City to help his longtime friend with his struggling business. Noonan was brewing beer and overseeing a restaurant but had little help, so the business operation was chaos, according to Polewacyk. Elise Pecor, owner of The Vermont Pub & Brewery, and co-founder Steve Polewacyk stand on the patio of the Burlington business Sept. 14, 2023. He used his computer skills, a rare commodity in those days, to help organize the business end of things. By the time Polewacyk became co-owner in 1990, The Vermont Pub & Brewery was humming along toward its position as one of Burlingtons stalwart food-and-drink destinations. The business has endured many changes, including devastating ones. Noonan, a visionary and influential brewer, died of cancer in 2009. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 threatened The Vermont Pub & Brewery with yet another treacherous tipping point. The pandemic happened as Polewacyk stepped aside and new owner Elise Pecor stepped in. Polewacyk said Pecor comes close to matching Noonans do-it-all abilities in running The Vermont Pub & Brewery. Elise is unbelievably good. She has many tools in her toolbox. And shes good at all of them, Polewacyk said. Shes the person thats going to carry Gregs legacy into the future. Greg Noonan, the late founder of The Vermont Pub & Brewery, oversees brewing operations in a photo on display downstairs at the Burlington restaurant that opened in November 1988. The genius of Greg Noonan Polewacyk met Noonan in 1968 through a mutual friend. By the mid-1980s Noonan was telling Polewacyk about an idea he had to open a brewery/restaurant in New England. Brewpubs were rare in the United States. A few existed in California, Polewacyk said, and there was one in Northampton, Massachusetts, not far from where Noonan lived in Williamstown. Small breweries that didnt serve food were almost as uncommon, with Catamount Brewery in Vermont among the few in the region. Polewacyk knew his friend could accomplish what he wanted. He said Noonan was brilliant in many fields, including anthropology, geology, geography, Middle European history, linguistics and Irish history. In 1986 he published Brewing Lager Beer, a book that became a bible for homebrewers. Greg was unusual. Nobody really knew that about him, Polewacyk said of Noonans wide range of knowledge. He was down to earth and affable. He worked hard at being a regular guy. His multiple skills left Polewacyk confident that Noonan could run a successful brewpub. My reaction was, Go for it, Polewacyk said in a conversation on The Vermont Pub & Brewery patio with Pecor and the Burlington Free Press. Genius, Pecor added. A pint of Oktoberfest lager at The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington, shown Sept. 14, 2023. Three months becomes 35 years Noonan was eyeing a location for his business in Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Vermont. Polewacyk said Noonan settled on Burlington in part because a schoolmate of his at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, future Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle, ran the citys economic-development office. Those first flush weeks at the end of 1988 ground to a halt by early 1989. Polewacyk, who had come to Burlington for a couple of weeks to assist at the start of The Vermont Pub & Brewery, told his friend hed return for another three months to help straighten things out on the business side. Few people knew much about spreadsheets and word processing back then, Polewacyk said, so he trained pub employees to run those systems. Polewacyk pitched in wherever Noonan needed help, from building shelves to running pipes. He was Batman and I was Robin. I was his sidekick, Polewacyk said. I did a lot of stuff, but Greg was the guy. Noonan reached out to potential shareholders to inject more money in his enterprise, according to Polewacyk. There was no way I could bail on Greg at this point, he said. The Vermont Pub & Brewery looked to be on solid footing by early summer 1989, so Polewacyk planned to return to his computer-consulting work in metropolitan New York. But he remembers walking up Church Street and running into lots of people he knew, which made him realize how immersed he had become in Burlington. His planned three-month stay became three-and-a-half decades, and counting. Lunchtime customers sit on the patio Sept. 14, 2023 at The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington. Direct line to Heady Topper Vermonts beer scene grew tremendously after The Vermont Pub & Brewery opened. With more than 60 breweries, Vermont has become one of the best-known beer states in the country. Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist and Lawsons Finest Liquids are renowned around the world for the quality of their beers. Much of Vermonts beer fame began with Noonan. According to the 2019 book Burlington Brewing by Jeff S. Baker II and Adam Krakowski, Noonans wide influence on the Vermont beer scene can even be linked to one simple act: He provided the yeast former Vermont Pub & Brewery brewer John Kimmich used at The Alchemist to make what might be Vermonts most-famous beer, Heady Topper. Noonan was a teacher. He was a student and a teacher and was constantly learning and was very open about sharing that knowledge, Baker told the Free Press. Some people who become the top of their craft often will kind of horde that information, but Greg was willing to share. Baker, who spent more than a decade in the beer-and-wine industry and co-hosted the Its the Beer Talking podcast for the Free Press, said Noonan was instrumental in changing Vermont law so brewers could sell their beer to be consumed on-site. The Vermont Pub & Brewery opened the door for the modern taproom, according to Baker. Before Vermont Pub & Brewery, in Vermont if you had a brewery you sold beer to-go for consumption elsewhere; thats just how things were done. Now, travelers arrive from other states and countries to spend time at Vermont breweries. Without that, Baker said of Noonans work, we dont sit at Lawsons Finest Liquids (in Waitsfield) sipping a beer or up in Greensboro (at Hill Farmstead) or at The Alchemist in Stowe. From left to right, Barbi and Mark Kresmery of Killingworth, Connecticut, and Jim Koller of Chilton, Wisconsin, enjoy lunch at the bar Sept. 14, 2023 at The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington. Spread like wildfire Noonan was working at the Vermont Brewers Festival at Waterfront Park in Burlington in 2009 when he fell, breaking a rib. On a resulting medical visit, doctors discovered more than a ribcage injury; they found spots on his lung, which would reach his brain. From the cancer diagnosis until his death in October 2009, Noonan survived seven weeks. It just spread like wildfire, according to Polewacyk. In the weeks before his death, Noonan talked at length with Polewacyk about all the details of operating the Vermont Pub & Brewery. After those intense discussions about work, the longtime friends would tell stories and share laughs about all their adventures through the years. When Noonan died, he left Polewacyk with a hole in his heart and a business to run. The work was work, Polewacyk said. This was my best friend. He said he was unpleasant to work with for the next year or so. I basically went like this, Polewacyk said, holding his hands on the sides of his face as if he had blinders on. I just continued every system he created. It was all Gregs systems. Chicken pot pie at The Vermont Pub & Brewery in Burlington, shown Sept. 14, 2023. Someones living room Pecor came on board at The Vermont Pub & Brewery in August 2007. She took up restaurant work after studying art at what was then known as Johnson State College. Pecor said she isnt a big partier, so as a customer she always enjoyed the vibe of The Vermont Pub & Brewery. It felt more like sitting in someones living room, she said, as the taproom was busy enough so she didnt feel lonely but not so overpacked that it was hard to have a conversation over well-priced food and a good beer like the pubs signature Burly Irish Ale. I really wanted to work here. She began as a part-time host and worked her way up to manager, a job for which she displayed innate ability. Im a bit of a control freak, Pecor said, breaking into hearty laughter. Her work ethic and abilities made her a natural choice for Polewacyk to tap on the shoulder when looking for someone to succeed him as primary owner of The Vermont Pub & Brewery. He approached her with that idea in 2017, and talks got serious in 2018. Pecors husband, chef Trevor Smith, who now runs the pubs kitchen, helped her figure things out. Its a pretty big leap. I ultimately decided, with the help of my husband, if I didnt do it I would need to find a new job somewhere, because I couldnt work for someone else at The Vermont Pub & Brewery, Pecor said. It was very scary. Its still scary. Surviving the pandemic, and beyond She didnt know how scary it would be soon after becoming owner in December 2019, as Polewacyk stayed to help with the transition. Three months later, the COVID-19 pandemic closed Vermont restaurants for weeks, leaving Pecor to reinvent a business she had only just begun to run. Pecor began making changes out of necessity. She restructured the restaurants service model, instituted a contactless-pay option, created a QR-code menu (gone are the newspaper-style menus from the pubs early days, though printed menus are still available) and oversaw updates of the pubs food. For instance, the cock-a-leekie pie that evoked the British and Irish pubs Noonan was angling for with the restaurant has been upgraded and renamed the more-identifiable chicken pot pie. The business stayed strong after the pandemic, according to Polewacyk. It was all Elise, he said. Scott Gawitt is the head brewer and a co-owner with Pecor. Hes a graduate of the American Brewers Guild in Middlebury and former president of the Vermont Brewers Association. He brews exceptional beer, Polewacyk said of Gawitt. Between Elise and Scott, I am very comfortable turning the reins over to this team. If you go WHAT: The Vermont Pub & Brewery WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Monday WHERE: 144 College St., Burlington INFORMATION: (802) 865-0500, www.vermontbrewery.com Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont Pub & Brewery launched Burlington beer scene 35 years ago Andrew Clark, left, a full-time apprentice at PGT, in Venice, works with Mike Edmunds, journeyman tool and die maker and Clark's mentor. Venice High grad takes path to PGT PGT Innovations, a national leader in the window, door and garage door industry, is achieving results with its Pathway to PGTI program. The company recently welcomed Andrew Clark, a Venice High School alum, into its four-year apprenticeship program in the Tool and Die Department at the company's Venice facility. Clark is the first hire to come from the program, which aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities. The program places PGT Innovations at the forefront of the movement to provide local students with a direct pipeline to rewarding, growth-oriented jobs. Clark was introduced to PGT Innovations in 2022 as a high school senior enrolled in the Pathway to PGTI program, in which Venice High students spend two hours of each school day with part of that time dedicated to classroom training at PGT Innovations on-site training center and the rest working with a skilled mentor. The program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to develop skilled trade experience while still in school. Students also benefit from a technical education path, guided training and a viable employment opportunity after graduation. After completing the Pathway to PGTI program this year, Clark was invited back for a full-time paid summer internship in the Tool and Die Department, giving Clark access to more hands-on activities, including working on the mill and grinder, welding and learning a variety of new skills. Upon completion of his internship, Clark was admitted into the four-year apprenticeship program for the Tool and Die Department, starting Aug. 1. Clark is working with Mike Edmunds, a journeyman tool and die maker with over 45 years of experience, who will serve as his mentor. Doctors do free cataract surgeries Center For Sight recently completed its annual Mission Cataract event at its Sarasota and Naples surgery centers. Cataract surgeons Drs. David Shoemaker, William Soscia, Joshua Kim, Joaquin De Rojas, Priya Mathews, Jon Berlie and George Brinning performed free life-changing cataract surgeries in both AAAHC-accredited surgery centers. Story continues The event is funded by the Center For Sight Foundation and Operation Sight to help individuals in need receive vision correcting care, regardless of their ability to pay. The practice has been offering this service to uninsured patients through Mission Cataract for over 30 years, helping thousands of patients regain their sight, at no cost. Surgeons at SMH have X-ray vision What if your surgeon had X-ray vision? Its long been the dream for surgeons and now its a reality at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, thanks to the new xvision-spine augmented reality surgical navigation system. Created by Augmedics, the xvision system allows orthopedic surgeons to see through skin, muscle and even scar tissue straight to the bone as they perform delicate operations to correct spinal injury or deformity. Designed as wearable technology that the surgeon can use while moving freely in the operating room, the xvision system is an easy-to-wear headset with a built-in high-speed processor and a transparent augmented reality display that the surgeon looks through while operating. With a CT scan providing the necessary anatomic data, the xvision headgear can project a fully detailed 3D model of the patients spinal structure onto the surgeons retina in real time. And using carefully prepositioned markers on the patients spine, the xvisions built-in tracking system ensures the 3D model perfectly aligns with the patients real anatomy. For complex spine surgeries, where surgeons have to place screws into the vertebra with pinpoint precision, the technology is a tremendous leap forward, said Dr. Ngoc Nguyen, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in complex spine surgeries at SMH. Dr. Wadi Gomero-Cure, center, medical director of the Center for Wound Healing, heads a team of surgical, infectious disease, podiatry and nursing wound care specialists who collaborate to heal wounds that have resisted treatment. SMH opens 2nd wound healing center Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has opened an advanced wound healing center at its health care center at Blackburn Point, expanding access to specialized outpatient services to residents of southern Sarasota, Osprey, Nokomis, Venice, Englewood and surrounding communities. Now with two locations, Sarasota Memorials Center for Wound Healing combines advanced therapies, proven medical techniques and personal consultations to heal wounds that have resisted treatment for weeks, months or years. The wound care team specializes in diabetic foot ulcers, venous/arterial ulcers, burns, bed sores and other pressure ulcers, radiation-related tissue damage, bone infection (osteomyelitis), traumatic injuries and other hard-to-heal wounds. The Center for Wound Healing at Blackburn Point is located at 929 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 206, in Osprey. For referral information or to schedule an appointment, call 941-261-2111. For information about the SMH-Sarasota campus location, call 941-917-2111. The website for both is https://www.smh.com/Home/Services/Wound-Care. Expo for women Sept. 30 The SRQ Womens Expo will be held Sept. 30, 12-5 p.m., at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive. The event is about celebrating and empowering women. Come for lunch and connect with like-minded individuals, discover new products and services, and be inspired by incredible speakers. Tickets are $40. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/srq-womens-expo-tickets-695684118927. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Graduate of Pathway to PGTI hired for apprenticeship in tool and die A Canadian photographer filmed a startling interaction between a bull elk and a mid-sized sedan recently near Alberta's Jasper National Park. In the videoposted to Instagram on September 19 by John Krampla driver tries to swerve before a visibly agitated elk on the highway lowers its head and heaves toward the car with a massive set of antlers. Watch it below. "The rut is on and this Bull Elk is horny and angry," the caption reads. "Don't sit there, drive away fast and loud. This poor guy couldn't because of all the traffic." While the driver's lane appeared free of traffic, the car couldn't speed away fast enough to avoid contact with the elk, and the bull thrashed its horns against the passenger side door. It's not clear how much damage was done to the car during the elk's outburst, but similar instances in the United States have left vehicles with flattened tires and severe body damage . Followers of Krampl's Instagram page used the now-viral video as an opportunity to chastise the driver for getting too close, and to highlight other recent incidents in and around Jasper National Park . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ev5J3uKczk\u0026t=4s "I live in Jasper and this video is going viral. Thank-you for posting it, people just don't get that the animals in the Park are wild animals and they need space," wrote one Instagram user. "We just got back from being there and it was insane how many people were pulling right up to the animals or even getting out of their cars to get close up pictures or selfies," added another. Read Next: Watch: Tourists Swarm Grizzly Bear with Two Cubs in Yellowstone National Park As Krampl alluded to in his caption, elk herds are in the throes of the rut throughout much of North America at the moment. And, as his footage illustrates, they can be volatile, unpredictable, and downright dangerous this time of year. Unless you happen to be chasing one with a bow and arrow, it's best to give these antlered forest cows an extremely wide berth at all timeseven if you're observing them from the "safety" of your car. Some child care providers and the families who use them could face a crisis starting this weekend as pandemic-era emergency financial support ends Sept. 30, which is the end of fiscal year 2023. Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $24 billion in grants to help shore up child care, which was caught up in one of the most obvious crises of the pandemic as people were sent home from work, school and other activities. With the influx of money to stabilize them, care providers both centers and home-based could pay workers, bills such as utilities and mortgage and the cost of personal protective equipment like masks and sanitizers. According to Time, Some 220,000 child care programs, the majority of which were family home providers, benefited from these grants, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. At the end of 2022, the average grant award stood at $23,300 for family home providers and $140,600 for child care centers. In the wake of the aids sunset, the Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, predicts as many as 70,000 child care programs could close about 1 in 3 which translates to at least 3 million child care slots disappearing. The foundation said the removal of the funding will also directly dampen national economic activity by about $10.6 billion. Meanwhile, the nonprofit advocacy group Child Care Aware of America has said that the U.S. was short about 3.6 million affordable quality child care slots even before the pandemic. Child care is not the only pandemic boost disappearing. The student loan pause is ending, with monthly payments resuming in October. Temporary suspension of the work requirement related to those who have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp) benefits is over. And a ban on culling people from the Medicaid rolls ended in April, though some states are still working on determining who does and does not remain eligible for coverage. But child care is one of the areas in a divided Congress where theres bipartisan agreement that assistance is needed. And its also one of the areas where challenges are easy to spot. Julie Kashen, a senior fellow at the foundation, told The Washington Post that when more than 3 million children lose care, that means all of those parents are going to have to figure out something else or reduce their work hours or leave their jobs altogether. The state of child care A 2022 LendingTree study found child care costs average just under $1,000 a month nationwide and that the cost of care for children younger than 5 ate up between 17% and 20% of the average Americans yearly earnings. In some states, that percentage reached nearly 30%. The findings were based on an analysis of data from the nonprofit Child Care Aware of America and wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Care.com bills itself as the largest online platform for finding and managing high-quality family care. According to its research, 40% of the U.S. population lives in households with children, the national family median household income $91,000. It noted that 45% of families with income below $100,000 a year will spend more than $18,000 on child care in 2023, or at least 18% of their household income. The New York Times cited a survey by The National Association for the Education of Young Children conducted last October that found 43% of child care center directors and owners said theyd have to raise tuition when the grants end Sept. 30. And 27% said theyd end up cutting wages, 22% said theyd lose staff, 18% said theyd serve fewer children and 16% predicted the need to cut staff benefits. Asked the same questions, home-based providers said theyd raise tuition (37%), cut wages (29%), lose staff (17%), serve fewer children (19%) and cut staff benefits (27%). The article noted that if they dont make any cuts, the median hourly wage is about $12. In Utah, the Times talked to Jen Whyte-Frederickson, who runs Childrens Corner, started by her parents 40 years ago. She used the pandemic grant money to raise her staffs hourly wage to $15 and said shell have to raise tuition when the grant ends likely above $1,000 a month for a 2-year-old. Right now the charge is $985. Can child care be fixed? A letter signed by 995 organizations nationally dated was sent to congressional leaders in mid-September asking for at least $16 billion per year in emergency child care funding to avert a devastating decrease in the supply of care that would disrupt both families and our economy. The signers were national, state and local organizations representing children and families, child care providers and early educators, school-age after school and summer programs, small businesses and workers, civil rights and faith-based organizations, among others. Every state was represented. The letter predicts that without action, many parents will have to leave the labor force because they cant afford care. It says those most impacted are apt to be families in rural communities, low-income families and women and families of color. Even before the pandemic, families struggled to find and afford care, early educators made poverty wages, and over half of counties were child care deserts, without sufficient supply of child care. If Congress fails to act, it will leave the child care industry even worse off than its pre-pandemic precarity, the writers said. But the sector was precarious even before the pandemic, as The New York Times reported. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called child care a textbook example of a broken market. Workers are paid less than in 98 percent of other professions, but many providers cannot raise prices because parents often cant afford it. Already, half of parents spend more than 20 percent of their household income on child care. Related The Washington Post article reported that inadequate access to affordable, quality care tends to send women home from the workforce, which could lead to worsening worker shortages in industries such as nursing, teaching and hospitality, which have all struggled to refill their ranks since the start of the pandemic. The article notes that home-based child care centers, which disproportionately serve low-income and rural children, are among those at highest risk of closure. More than 97,000 licensed family child care homes have shuttered since the early 2000s, cutting the overall industry by nearly half, Department of Health and Human Services figures show. Another several thousand more are expected to go dark this year, experts say, as pandemic-era funding expires. In a perspective piece for Deseret News, Elliot Haspel wrote that without federal assistance, quality child care may become a luxury good as COVID-19 aid expires. Haspel, senior fellow at the think tank Capita and author of Crawling Behind: Americas Childcare Crisis and How to Fix It, wrote that However bad you think the child care crisis is right now, its about to get worse. The sector has lost nearly 100,000 workers from pre-pandemic levels, while thousands of programs have closed permanently and tens of thousands of classrooms sit empty. The only thing holding back a full landslide is a thin net of federal pandemic funds, but those funds expire soon. For the sake of Americas families and economy, Congress must act now beginning in the lame-duck session to permanently fix this critical infrastructure. American Enterprise Institute senior fellow and poverty studies scholar Angela Rachidi not long ago told Deseret News she agrees the need for more child care resources for low-income families remains. That existed even before the pandemic, she said. But she thinks the argument that the pandemic showed a child care shortage that reduces labor force participation is overblown. Not everyone needs child care assistance, she said, so I do not support the need for providing child care subsidies for everyone. Her report, The Safety Net During the Pandemic: Childcare, Paid Leave and Income-Support Programs, suggests that temporary help did get people through the worst of the crisis. She has said its possible that Congress could overreact and offer safety net expansions whose costs and services are not needed. Tackling the challenge Time reported that child care disruptions have become a rare issue of bipartisan agreement in Congress. Although no formal plan has been made and some Republicans are pushing to slash safety net programs many lawmakers agree that child care needs to be more accessible and affordable, with increased pay for workers. As an example of bipartisan accord, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., have started a Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Child Care Caucus to tackle issues of child care cost for families. Khanna is working on legislation to subsidize child care so families that qualify for help would pay $10 a day and those caring for the children would earn $20 an hour. Some states arent waiting for Congress to act. Several, including Minnesota, New York and Vermont, have boosted funding for early childhood efforts recently. Michigan created a partnership where family, the employer and the state share equally the cost of child care. Utah last year gave one-time $2,000 bonuses to teachers, including early childhood educators. Alabama is offering quarterly bonuses to get early childhood educators to stay in the workforce. Virginia capped parent fees with an infusion of money, though the states plan requires federal funds that may not be available. And New Mexico voters just approved a constitutional amendment to give money for early childhood education a big boost, as the Albuquerque Journal reported. A college student shared the inappropriate rant that her professor went on against an international student who had been late to class. In a TikTok video, the student, Allie, caught the moment that her professor decided to berate a Black student in their class and make outrageous remarks about his home country. She caught her college professor's racist rant against an African student who had shown up late to class. In Allie's video, she had recorded the entire ordeal, which happened over Zoom, between her college professor and another student who had shown up late to class that day. The student, whose name is Joe, was an international student and quickly became the recipient of a rather prejudiced question. In the short clip, Allie's professor can be heard giving harsh feedback to some of the other students who hadn't been on time, before zeroing in on Joe in particular. "Joe, what about you? What if I had criticisms for you, what would I say?" This embedded content is not available in your region. RELATED: Emotional Mom Shares Her Son's Last Words And People Blame Her 'He Was Weak' Confused, Joe replied that he didn't quite understand what the professor was trying to ask him. The professor went on to accuse him of being "distracted," before diverting and asking him where his parents are from. "Cameroon," Joe answered, to which his professor inquired: "Are there a lot of poor people in the country? Are you from the French or Spanish part?" When Joe informed his professor that he was from the French side, he was then asked if that was considered "the better side" of the country. The interaction didn't stop there, with Allie's college professor repeating the question of whether there were poor people in the part of Cameroon, and as soon as Joe answered that there were, his professor asked if he would give them $500. Startled by the query, Joe wondered why his teacher was asking him that. "Because you're throwing $500 away from the class if you don't pass it," the professor said, matter-of-factly. RELATED: Apartment Manager Caught Pouring Soda On 11-Year-Old Black Boy 'Makes You Wonder What People Do When Theyre Not Recorded' Allie explained that she ended up sending the video to the higher-ups at her college. After receiving an influx of comments asking if Allie had reported her professor for the inappropriate and discriminatory remarks made about the international student in her class, she confirmed that once the class had ended, she'd sent the video to the Dean and the Office of Student Affairs. "I promise I was not trying to be complicit in any way and I understand that the bystander effect is a real thing. I do regret not saying anything in the moment, but I was just so shocked that a college professor had the audacity and was so comfortable saying what he was saying to this student," Allie said. This embedded content is not available in your region. She continued, recalling that seconds before she had recorded the professor berating Joe, he had yelled at her for calling him out on his political beliefs after he went on a rant about abortion. "If nothing happens I'm going to continue to press for this teacher to have consequences because he has had a repeated history of this behavior and people have reported him over and over again," she pointed out, promising that she would continue to take this issue up with the higher-ups at her school until something is finally done. RELATED: 9-Year-Old Tells Her Mom She Doesn't Want To Look 'Big' Like Her When She Grows Up Unfortunately, many Black college students experience this kind of behavior. According to a 2023 survey of more than 2,700 current undergraduate and graduate students, it was found that nearly 1 in 3 (31%) have felt discriminated against at their institution. Feelings of discrimination were higher among students of color, and the most common types were all racial (11%) and political (10%). Allie's professor's behavior clearly exhibited racism and discrimination by not only singling out Joe but also subjecting him to prejudiced questions about his background because he was from a country in Africa. Such behavior does nothing but create an uncomfortable environment for students, especially those from marginalized communities. Situations like this highlight the importance of people standing up when witnessing injustice of any kind, and it's incredibly courageous for Allie to insist that she'll stop at nothing until this college professor is rightfully punished and appropriate actions are taken to ensure that he doesn't have the power to spew this kind of hate to any student in the future. RELATED: Man Explains How People In An Airport Enjoyed 'A Kid Being A Kid' But Only Because The Child Didn't Look Like Him Nia Tipton is a Chicago-based entertainment, news, and lifestyle writer whose work delves into modern-day issues and experiences. This article originally appeared on YourTango Get your bids ready. Getty Images They call rare whiskies unicorns. But the ability to procure exceptional bourbon and rye, while also benefiting a good cause, is something even more magical. And tonight, youre afforded the opportunity to do both. From 7:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. EST, the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, is hosting an online auction featuring some of the most cherished examples of American whiskey ever brought to bottle, with all the proceeds going to support education programs and exhibitions at the institution. Its free to enter the bidding as long as you register at artofbourbon.org before the start of the event. Heres a rundown of what youll be competing for once the lots go live The biggest prize of the bunch is undoubtedly a very special bottling of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old. This particular label of Kentucky straight bourbon needs no introduction being that its the most collectible American whiskey on the planet. In fact, a single bottle of the liquid sold at auction last year for a whopping $52,000. Related: This Bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Just Sold for a Record-Breaking $52,000 But heres the thing: this isnt just a Pappy 23. This is the Pappy 23. Its from the first batch of the liquid ever produced, bottled in 1998, the same year that Julian Van Winkle III introduced his now-legendary lineup of wheated bourbons. The whiskey is presented under a gold wax topper, which the brand did away with back in 2005. The estimated minimum bid is $30,000. Joining Pappy on the block is a 20-year-old expression of A.H. Hirsch. Bourbon enthusiasts know it as one of the most stunning and frustratingly elusive iterations of American whiskey ever brought to market. The 91.6-proof liquid, distilled in the spring of 1974, is expected to sell for at least $20,000. And that might read as a bargain compared to whats likely to be fetched by a remarkably obscure edition of George T. Stagg. This one was distilled sometime before 1917, bottled in 1928, and is presented in a tamper-proof container from that era. Another showstopper up for sale tonight is a Prohibition-era offering of I.W. Harper Rye. Produced at the historic Bernheim Distillery over a century ago, its prized for its unique vintage and unusual mashbill; rye was rarely ever bottled at this particular facility. It could be yours for as little as $6,000. If you happen to be in Louisville this evening, you can purchase tickets to the in-person event for $300. It includes bourbon tastings, a seated dinner, and front-row access to the 35 lots going under the hammer. Now in its sixth year, the event has raised over $1.2 million for the institution through these annual auctions. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. [Source] Two men are being sought out in Philadelphia for allegedly robbing two nail salons at gunpoint over the weekend. First incident: The first robbery occurred at Happy Family Salon on Girard Avenue at around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. The suspects, dressed in Muslim womens clothing, forced employees into a backroom before stealing cash and licenses from their wallets. Second incident: The second robbery occurred at Nails in the City on Aramingo Avenue a few hours later, at around 7:30 p.m. This time, the suspects shot a 43-year-old employee twice in the leg and foot before fleeing with cash. Apparent disguise: Authorities believe the same suspects are responsible for both robberies. In both incidents, the perps wore Muslim womens clothing, security videos show. More from NextShark: Armed robbers pistol-whip man to get his $60,000 Rolex at 99 Ranch in Rowland Heights They cover the face from head to toe. They cover everything, you cant see anything, the owner of Nails in the City told FOX 29. Possible targeting: Both salons are Asian American-owned businesses. Sung Park, a former police officer now with the Pennsylvania Asian American Law Enforcement Association, suggested they were targeted. It's because they lack in language barrier and also there's always a business that's highly cash transaction, Park told WPVI. And it seems like they are, unfortunately, a vulnerable population so they are targeting them. More from NextShark: FBI Warning: More Hate Crimes Targeting Asian Americans Are Likely Coming Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to call Philadelphia police at 215-686-8270. Tips may also be submitted at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or online. More from NextShark: Vogue Sparks Outrage After Kamala Harris Washed Out Cover Photo Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! 16 men arrested for filming 10,000 women bathing in hot springs across Japan Three Sheldon residents were arrested for a mob attack preceding a shooting in northern Beaufort Countys Oyotunji African Village that left one person injured but the alleged shooter is still nowhere to be found. Richard Snowten, 29; Mary Ellen Shaw, 57; and Glenn Sumpter, 60, were all charged Friday with second-degree assault and battery by mob. The accused shooter, Sheldon man Andre L. Greene, 39, is still wanted for attempted murder and various other charges. The four suspects were targeting a resident of the village the evening of Sept. 11, descending as a family mob upon the woman, said Sheriffs Office spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens. Two of the men Sumpter and Greene were armed. Greene reportedly fired multiple shots as the fight continued but instead of the targeted woman, an unrelated 47-year-old bystander was shot, Viens said. The injured man was taken to the nearby Sheldon Fire Department, where residents met with police and first responders. He was treated and released Friday from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Andre L. Greene, 39, is wanted for attempted murder following the shooting in the Oyotunji African Village. He is seen frequently in the Sheldon area, according to the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office. South Carolina law defines a mob as two or more people assembling to commit a violent crime. The second-degree felony charge indicates serious bodily injury to the victim, although the woman was not taken to the hospital, according to Viens. Snowten was released Sunday from the Beaufort County Detention Center on a $50,000 surety bond, judicial records show. Shaw and Sumpter remain in custody on $50,000 and $100,000 cash bonds, respectively. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Beaufort County dispatch at 843-524-2777 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry tip line at 843-554-1111 for a possible reward. An I voted sticker from the runoff election in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Three proposed Alabama congressional maps will give Alabamas Black voters a chance of electing their preferred candidates in two of the states seven congressional districts, a person overseeing the maps told a federal court Monday. Richard Allen, the special master assigned by the three-judge panel overseeing Alabamas redistricting process, wrote in a 44-page report that each map addresses Voting Rights Act violations found by the court in two prior maps approved by the Alabama Legislature. Each proposed plan also complies with the U.S. Constitution, the Voting Rights Act, the one-person, one-vote principle, and traditional redistricting principles, wrote Allen, a former Alabama Department of Corrections commissioner and veteran of the Alabama attorney generals office. The submission came as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a request from attorneys for the state to stop the process and allow an appeal to go forward. The U.S. Supreme Court had not ruled on the request as of early Monday evening. The Richard Allen maps, like prior proposals, would create two congressional districts the 2nd Congressional District in the Wiregrass in southeastern Alabama and a 7th Congressional District in western Alabama, including much of Birmingham. But all three maps would have significantly higher Black Voting Age Populations (BVAP) than maps approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2021 and last July. In two of the proposed maps, the Black voting-age population (BVAP) in the 2nd Congressional District comes in at 48.5% and 48.7%. In a third, it comes in at 50.1%. The configurations of the 7th congressional district have BVAPs of between 51.9% and 52.8%. Under a map approved by the Legislature in July, that plan, the 7th Congressional District would have had a Black population of 50.65%, while the 2nd Congressional District would have had a Black population of just under 40%. Richard Allen wrote in the report that the proposed districts were not drawn with a racial target. Districts were not drawn to attain any particular threshold of Black population, such as 50%, the report said. Rather, after they were drawn, districts were tested to determine how often the Black-preferred candidate would win elections within those districts. Based on simulations of 17 prior elections, the special master estimated that a Black-preferred candidate would have won elections in all three configurations of the 7th congressional district. In the 2nd congressional district, the Black-preferred candidate would win 13 to 16 of the 17 contests, depending on the map. Deuel Ross of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, representing Evan Milligan and other plaintiffs who challenged Alabamas congressional maps in 2021, said in a phone interview Monday that the proposals appeared very close to the maps the plaintiffs had proposed. We think that those plans are fair and theyre consistent with what the Supreme Court said, and the district courts said in this case, was necessary to remedy to violation, he said. A spokeswoman for Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, the defendant in the case, wrote in an email Monday evening that the office was reviewing the maps. An email seeking comment was sent to a spokeswoman for Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Monday evening. A running battle The three-judge panel U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stanley Marcus and U.S. district judges Anna Manasco and Terry Moorer ruled in January 2022 that the states 2021 congressional map had violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, banning discriminatory voting practices, by packing Black voters into a single congressional district. Citing the high degree of racially polarized voting in the state where white Alabamians tend to support Republicans and Black Alabamians tend to support Democrats the court ordered the state to draw a second congressional district with a majority-Black population or something quite close to it. The U.S. Supreme Court stayed the order for the 2022 election, but upheld the ruling in June. The map approved by the Legislature in July included new redistricting criteria that said it was important for the state to preserve communities of interest, which it identified as the Black Belt, the Wiregrass and the coastal counties of Mobile and Baldwin. The criteria, which did not include any northern Alabama communities, appeared targeted at proposed plaintiff maps that connected Mobile to districts in the Black Belt. The three-judge panel, which includes two judges appointed by former President Donald Trump, rejected the map earlier this month and ordered Richard Allen to draw new lines, accusing legislators of ignoring them. 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 state asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the ruling on Sept. 11, arguing the state was being asked to abandon traditional redistricting criteria to hit racial targets in redistricting. I dont think anything has changed in three months to change that ruling, Ross said Monday, And so our hope and expectation is that the Supreme Court is going to deny Alabamas stay. Barring a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, the parties in the case will have three days to file any objections to the proposed maps. If a hearing is needed on the objections, the judges have set a tentative date of Oct. 3 in Birmingham. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, an independent nonprofit website covering politics and policy in state capitals around the nation. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Special master submits three proposed Alabama congressional maps Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson fell short of qualifying for the second GOP presidential primary debate this week, but the seven other candidates who were there for the first debate in August will be back onstage Wednesday in California. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum , former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley , former Vice President Mike Pence , entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., have all qualified for the second debate Wednesday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, the Republican National Committee said in a statement. That means they met all three of the partys qualifying criteria a unique donor threshold, a minimum polling requirement and signed pledges that include supporting the partys eventual nominee. Former President Donald Trump , who also skipped the first GOP debate, easily surpassed the first two requirements, according to NBC News analysis. But he has refused to sign the party pledges, without which he can't qualify. Most of the candidates set to meet Wednesday passed each threshold easily, but Burgum didnt notch all of his qualifying polls until the weekend before the debate. That made him the only candidate who participated in the first debate last month to fall short of qualifying this time. A number of other GOP candidates including former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, conservative commentator Larry Elder, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson and Ryan Binkley, a pastor and entrepreneur didnt qualify for either contest. The main issue for Hutchinson and the issue that almost blocked Burgum was the polling threshold, which required candidates to hit a higher mark, in fewer polls, than the first debates criteria. Neither candidate could consistently hit 3% in national- or state-level polling. Missing out on the debate stage and the free publicity that comes with it has proved costly before. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez dropped out of the presidential race days after he failed to qualify for the first debate. Hutchinson, one of the weaker fundraisers in the field, recently told reporters in South Carolina he didnt have a specific off-ramp in mind for his presidential race. In New Hampshire, he said missing the debate would mean he would need to reflect on his campaign. But shortly after the news broke that he would miss the debate, Hutchinson said in a statement that he would continue his campaign. "I understand that the RNC and the media are trying to reduce the number of candidates, but I measure success based on the response I receive in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire," he said. "My goal is to increase my polling numbers to 4% in an early state before Thanksgiving. If that goal is met, then I remain competitive and in contention for either Caucus Day or Primary Day." He continued: "I entered this race because it is critically important for a leader within the Republican Party to stand up to Donald Trump and call him out on misleading his supporters and the American people. I intend to continue doing that." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Biden issued an executive order Wednesday that will lead to the appointment of a dedicated coordinator for long-term recovery efforts in East Palestine, Ohio, months after a train derailment spilled toxic chemicals into the community. The White House announced Bidens executive order and other measures intended to hold Norfolk Southern, whose train derailed, accountable in the wake of the disaster. Biden still has not visited East Palestine despite saying in March he planned to at some point. The presidents executive order directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to designate a coordinator for long-term recovery efforts within five days. The Coordinator will conduct a comprehensive assessment of any unmet needs that are not addressed by Norfolk Southern and would qualify for Federal assistance, according to a White House fact sheet. The Coordinator will also collaborate with the Federal, State and local governments, the private sector and voluntary, faith-based and community organizations supporting the recovery. Bidens executive order also requires that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide a report within 30 days on the status of the air, soil and water in the community and whether Norfolk Southern is complying with an order to address endangerment caused by the derailment. The order additionally requires that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide a report within 60 days summarizing conclusions from public health testing in the aftermath of the derailment. If any medical conditions have developed in the area, the agency will consider declaring a public health emergency, the White House said. The Norfolk Southern train derailed near East Palestine in February, spilling toxic chemicals into the area and raising concerns about the environment and health effects in the community. Biden has for months faced scrutiny from Republicans over his lack of a visit to the community, and the White House has provided no details on when the president might travel there despite his pledge in March to do so at some point. The White House has instead repeatedly emphasized that EPA officials were on the ground within hours of the derailment and that teams went door-to-door in the community in the aftermath of the incident to check on residents and provide information about health and environmental concerns. Biden was also in touch with state and local leaders in the aftermath of the derailment. EPA Administrator Michael Regan made multiple trips to the area, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited East Palestine to meet with local leaders and community members. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Would you pay $6,000 a year for a dating app? Tinder on Friday announced a new subscription plan called Tinder Select, an invite-only membership offered to less than 1% of users. Applicants that are accepted can unlock exclusive perks like early access to new features and a virtual badge for $499 per month, according to Bloomberg. Its the apps fourth paid tier option, joining Tinder+, Tinder Gold and Tinder Platinum. The new premium tier is going to have a relatively tiny amount of new payers but a significant impact on revenue per payer and ultimately on revenue, said Gary Swidler, chief financial officer and president of Tinder parent company Match Group, during a Citi conference earlier this month. Tinder announced a new subscription plan called Tinder Select, an exclusive, invite-only membership offered to less than 1% of users that costs $499 per month. How do you use Tinder Select? According to Tinders website, a Tinder Select membership includes: Direct messaging to people without matching first up to two times a week. A profile with an unblurred photo that is prioritized on other users' "Likes You" grid for one week. A badge that shows off access to the exclusive tier. A Select Mode that lets members see and be seen by the apps most sought-after profiles for "more exceptional connections." Early access to new features. The ability to hide advertisements and see likes sent over the past week. A 'really exciting time period for Tinder' The shift comes shortly after Bernard Kim was named CEO and the company launched turnaround efforts with Tinder, making changes to the dating app's pricing and marketing. We're rolling into this really exciting time period for Tinder, Kim said earlier this month at a Goldman Sachs conference. First half of the year, we're focused on revenue and building that foundation, getting that revenue growth to become double-digit again. And then now we can work on these great innovative features. Tinder announced a new subscription plan called Tinder Select, an exclusive, invite-only membership offered to less than 1% of users that costs $499 per month. Its not just Tinder launching more expensive subscription tiers Other dating apps have also been offering more expensive tiers in recent months. Story continues Hinge, another dating app owned by Match Group, recently added a new $49.99 tier, Hinge X, to pair with its lower-priced $29.99-per-month subscription plan, Hinge+. Meanwhile, Bumble is considering a new tier above its current $60-per-month plan while Grindr is planning to add more premium offerings, according to the Wall Street Journal. Other apps and streaming services have also been hiking rates. Music streaming service Spotify in July said it would be raising prices across its four subscription plans between $1 and $2 per month. Competitors like Apple Music, YouTube Music Premium and Amazon Music have also hiked prices in recent months. Starting early next year, Amazon plans to add advertisements to Prime Video and charge customers who want to keep their subscriptions ad-free an additional $2.99 per month Disney+ and Hulu on Oct. 12 will each raise prices for their ad-free tiers by $3, while Peacock raised its rates last month. Amazon Prime Video: Steaming service will cost you more starting in 2024 if you want to watch without ads This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tinder $500 subscription launches: Invite-only, exclusive membership PROVIDENCE A Bristol man was convicted last week of murdering his grandmother more than six years ago to get money to buy heroin, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced Tuesday. Raymond Paiva IV, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of murder, one count of conspiracy to commit murder and other charges Thursday in Superior Court, Neronha said in a news release. The victim, Eudora Gustafson, 62, had taken in Paiva and his girlfriend months earlier when they needed a place to live, The Journal previously reported. The girlfriend, then 21, has also been charged. Her case is pending. Gustafson was among the first female EMTs in Bristol, and during her funeral was recognized for her service, an ambulance serving as her hearse. Paiva smothered his grandmother, pawned her jewels On the afternoon of Feb. 10, 2017, Paiva was at his grandparents' home on Sowams Drive in Bristol, having recently used heroin and wanting to buy more, Neronha said. Soon after his grandfather left for work, Paiva attacked his grandmother in the first-floor living room, Neronha said. Paiva smothered her with a pillow and covered her head with a trash bag with the drawstring pulled tightly around her neck, he said. Paiva took his grandmothers rings, more jewelry from a bedroom safe, half-dollar coins and her checkbook before fleeing in her car, Neronha said. He then tried unsuccessfully to cash a check from the checkbook at a nearby Citizens Bank, according to Neronha. The murder was discovered after the bank called Mark Gustafson to tell him that somebody had tried to cash a check belonging to his wife, according to previous Journal reporting. Gustafson headed for the bank but the person was already gone. Then he went home and found his wife's body. A day before his wife's death, Mark Gustafson had filed a complaint with the Bristol Police Department, saying he suspected Paiva had been stealing checks and jewelry to buy drugs, The Journal previously reported. At about 7 p.m. on Feb. 10, Paiva pawned his grandmother's jewelry at a North Providence pawn shop and bought heroin in Providence, Neronha said. The Providence police apprehended him a short time later. Having been on the lookout for the stolen car, Providence officers shot and wounded Paiva and his girlfriend after they crashed into a snowbank in the city's North End, The Journal previously reported. DNA from the victim and the trash bag matched Paiva's DNA, Neronha said. Paiva also pleaded guilty to four counts of receiving stolen goods, less than $1,500; two counts of forgery and one count of obtaining property under false pretenses, less than $1,500. He is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 3. The case against Paiva's co-defendant, Selena Martinez, is pending in Superior Court. She is charged with murder, as well as other crimes. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Raymond Paiva convicted for killing grandmother, selling her jewelry In her new book Enough, former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson paints the closing days of the Trump White House as even more chaotic and lawless than she previously disclosed in her shocking televised testimony last summer. President Donald Trump lashes out unpredictably and makes wild demands. Chief of staff Mark Meadows leaks classified documents to friendly right-wing media figures and burns documents. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani gropes Hutchinson inappropriately the day of the Capitol insurrection. She also depicts major Republican figures, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stating clearly behind the scenes what they refrained from telling the American people: that Joe Biden won the presidential election and Trump lost. Hints that integrity wasnt exactly the word of the day were there from the beginning, of course. Cass, if I can get through this job and manage to keep (Trump) out of jail, Ill have done a good job, Meadows told Hutchinson in June 2020. Hutchinsons book describes her meteoric rise from idealistic Capitol Hill intern at the beginning of the Trump administration to the indispensable aide to the White House chief of staff in the presidents final year. Hutchinson, whose testimony before the January 6 committee provided the most damning inside account of Trumps actions and lack of action on January 6, describes her internal struggle about what transpired at the end of the Trump administration and how she ultimately chose to come forward and testify fully about what she saw in the West Wing. Cassidy Hutchinson's new book, "Enough". - Courtesy Simon & Schuster I think that Donald Trump is the most grave threat we will face to our democracy in our lifetime, and potentially in American history, Hutchinson told CNNs Jake Tapper in an interview Tuesday. To hear Hutchinson tell it, the Trump world felt almost like a criminal organization where loyalty was prized above everything. After one 2020 campaign rally, Meadows asked her, Would you take a bullet for him? meaning Trump. Could it be to the leg? Hutchinson tried to joke back. Meadows responded that he would do anything to get Trump reelected. After Trumps indoor, mask-free rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the height of the Covid pandemic, attendee and former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain contracted the virus and died. We killed Herman Cain, Meadows told Hutchinson and asked for his wifes phone number. A spokesman for Meadows disputed Hutchinsons account in a statement to CNN. The spokesperson said it was offensive to suggest this was Meadows initial reaction to Cains death. In the days after he was expressing exasperation that the media would blame the President for Mr. Cains death. Very different, the spokesperson said. That did little to change the White Houses attitude about masking. In fact, at one visit to an N-95 plant, Hutchinson advised Trump to remove his mask before facing the cameras because his bronzer is smearing on its elastic straps. In another instance in the frenzy after the election, visitors to the White House who tested positive for Covid were admitted regardless because Trump insisted on meeting with them. These ethical mores or or the lack thereof were taken to the campaign trail where, Hutchinson writes, Meadows met furtively with former Hunter Biden business associate Tony Bobulinski while being shielded from public view by Secret Service agents. Hutchinson didnt start truly questioning the men she worked alongside until after the election, but even then, it was late coming. As Trump watched Giulianis notorious hair-dye-leaking press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, he shouted, according to Hutchinson, Somebody make this stop! Get him off! Make him stop! But even then, she says, she didnt blame the president for any of it yet. I didnt want to blame him. I felt strongly that he should concede the election, and I worried that we were surrounding him with people who fueled his most impulsive behaviors. I knew things could get out of hand, and fast. I dont want people to know we lost, Mark Meadows emerges in the book as not only duplicitous but as a fall guy for folks who dont want to admit that Trump had lost grip with reality. Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe expressed concern about the presidents unpredictability, noting that one minute he acknowledges he lost Then hell immediately backpedal. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, left, walks with senior aide Cassidy Hutchinson before a campaign rally in North Carolina on October 22, 2020. - Tom Brenner/Reuters McCarthy told Hutchinson the same thing. They both blamed Meadows. After the US Supreme Court declined to hear the bizarre lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, full of lies and false claims about the election, Trump pushed Meadows, Why didnt we make more calls? We needed to do more. We cant let this stand. Trump continued, I dont want people to know we lost, Mark. This is embarrassing. Figure it out. Even then, when Meadows assured Trump he would work on it, Hutchinsons irritation is with Meadows for giving Trump false hope, not with Trump for demanding that his delusions become reality. Hutchinsons claim that Trump admitted to Meadows that he lost is the latest in a series of eye-witness accounts of Trump periodically admitting in private to having lost the election. Hutchinson testified to both federal investigators and the Fulton County grand jury, she writes, though she was not referenced in any of the indictments of Trump. Hutchinson describes a White House that in its final weeks had turned to utter lawlessness, with Meadows regularly burning documents in the fireplace of the chief of staffs office. After Meadows office became smoky before a meeting, former GOP Rep. Devin Nunes asked Hutchinson, How often is he burning papers? When Meadows wife came to help pack his office in January 2021, she pleaded to Hutchinson, Mark doesnt need to burn anything else. All of his suits smell like a bonfire. The Meadows spokesperson said that Hutchinsons telling was an absurd mischaracterization. Mrs. Meadows was referencing how the wood fireplace made the office smell smoky and we often started it using old newspaper. It had nothing to do with documents, the spokesperson said. On that wild day of December 18, 2020, when Trump considered proposals in the Oval Office to seize voting machines, White House deputy chief of staff Tony Ornato told Hutchinson he heard the president talk about the Insurrection Act or martial law, she writes. Hutchinson writes that at one point during the Oval Office meeting, she heard Trump screaming, I dont care how you do it just get it fucking done! Its unclear what the it referred to however. As senior staffers tried to get Meadows to return to the White House to get the likes of his onetime national security adviser Mike Flynn, former Trump attorney Sidney Powell, and former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne to leave the Oval Office, White House staff secretary Derek Lyons asked, Does the chief really need more of a reason to come back? Here it is. Martial law. Those plans, of course, did not come to fruition, and Trump looked for other avenues to overturn his election loss, pressuring Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes to flip the Peach State from Biden to Trump. That call was not good, White House counsel Pat Cipollone told Meadows, according to Hutchinson, who writes that Cipollone was listening in on the call. Testifying under oath to the January 6 committee last year, Cipollone said he had no memory of knowing about the call until he read about it in the press. In a statement to CNN, a spokesman for Cipollone denied he was on the Georgia call, noting that Cipollone was not among those Meadows introduced at the start of the call. I think Its going to go well In the weeks after the election, January 6 remained the fail-safe, and Hutchinson writes that Trump visiting Capitol Hill was part of the plan until the very end. On New Years Eve, (Meadows) asked me to talk to Tony (Ornato) about a potential motorcade movement to Capitol Hill following the presidents rally. I think the Sixth is going to go well, Trump said. Do you think its going to go well, Chief? Yes, sir, Meadows replied. I think its going to go well. Many of the stories Hutchinson tells about that day were parts of her testimony. Trump knew about the weapons his supporters were carrying Big guy knows, Ornato said, and at this point in the narrative, Hutchinson still found that news reassuring, as if it meant Trump would do something to stop it. She recounts the tell-tale moment at the Ellipse when she heard the president roaring: Take the fucking mags (metal detectors) down Look at all those people in the trees. They want to come in. Let them. Let my people in. Take the fucking mags away. Theyre not here to hurt me. Soon after, backstage at the rally, Giuliani slipped his hand up Hutchinsons skirt and up her thigh, Hutchinson alleges in the book. (Giuliani denied her allegation to Newsmax, calling it absurd.) She stormed away, filled with rage. But it was nothing compared with the rage she later felt after the Capitol was attacked and people died, Hutchinson writes. As the attack on the Capitol unfolded, Hutchinson said thoughts raced through her mind about what she needed to do and she worried it could be the beginning of a coup. We have to have a plan in place in case the worst happens. In case this is the beginning of a coup, she writes. Even this was not enough yet. Hutchinson remained part of Team Trump. Unlike White House communications director Alyssa Farah, who resigned on December 3, 2020, or deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews, who left on January 6, 2021, Hutchinson remained. Rudy Giuliani speaks from The Ellipse on January 6, 2021 - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Part of Hutchinsons rationale was that she saw herself as someone who could help maintain protocols during the final days of the Trump presidency, particularly as Meadows scrambled to get hold of a binder containing highly classified documents related to the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane investigation into Donald Trumps campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. She was shocked when Meadows gave the classified documents to two right-wing media personalities who regularly toe the MAGA line. The Meadows spokesman said that Hutchinsons account was false, and that the documents had already been declassified by Trump. The White House counsels office asked for the documents back, the spokesperson said, because they contained elements of personal information that needed to be redacted. It was not an issue of classification it was about procedural redactions, the spokesperson said. Hutchinson, however, writes that Cipollone told her the documents were still full of classified information, and he demanded their return. Before she could leave to call Meadows, Cipollone added: Hey Cass, while youre on the phone with him, can you tell him we cannot pardon Kimberly Guilfoyles gynecologist? My jaw was hanging as I turned around to look at Pat. I knew by the look on his face that he was dead serious, she writes. According to Guilfoyles testimony to the January 6 committee, she was seeking to help the son of her former gynecologist, a well-respected California doctor. We just want to protect the president The book is a journey, with Hutchinson judging herself to have been complicit in the decisions that led to January 6. After telling the story of her troubled upbringing with a largely absent and ultimately abusive father Hutchinsons story is mostly about her time working for a president she once adored. Initially, Hutchinson says, she was transfixed by Trump and how he electrified the crowds at his rallies. Working in the White House, first in the Office of Legislative Affairs and then under Meadows, she focused on her mission of helping the president and being a loyal foot soldier, she writes. Cassidy Hutchinson and Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany watch as President Trump speaks aboard Air Force One after a campaign event in Wisconsin - Tom Brenner/Reuters Numerous examples of Trumps questionable behavior are glossed over as Hutchinson, ever the loyal aide, saw them as normal at the time. That includes Trumps 2019 phone call with Zelensky that ultimately led to his first impeachment and the 2020 Atlantic story about Trump referring to American soldiers killed during World War I as losers and suckers which a former senior administration official with firsthand knowledge confirmed to CNN. In the summer of 2017, Trumps first year in office, Hutchinson was an intern in Sen. Ted Cruzs office. By 2020, she was dressing down the Texas Republican senator for showing up uninvited to Trumps arrival on a Texas tarmac, warning him that if he didnt leave it would be the last presidential event you ever receive an invitation to. Trump loyalists attack Hutchinson to this day as having tried to work for the 45th president in Florida well past January 6, 2021, and Hutchinson fully owns up to that, making clear that her break with the president and his team didnt come until Meadows fully made clear she wouldnt be part of the post-presidency a move that didnt happen until her final three days in the White House. Much of what Trump loyalists throw at her to discredit her for instance, her pleading for help in getting a lawyer she admits in Enough. The House January 6 committee made much of Hutchinson changing lawyers because of suggestions that her first, Stefan Passantino, was encouraging her to be less than truthful under oath. Hutchinson writes that Passantino discouraged her from fully cooperating. No, no, no. We want to get you in and get you out, he told her. We were to downplay my role, he explained, as strictly administrative. I was an assistant, nothing more, she writes. Stefan never told me to lie to the committee. I dont want you to perjure yourself, he insisted. But I dont recall isnt perjury. At another time he told her, We just want to protect the president, she writes. The book also explains one of the mysteries of the January 6 inquiry: With so many uncooperative witnesses, how did the committee know what to ask Hutchinson to get her to disclose her damning testimony while she was still represented by the attorney paid for by Trump world? It turns out, Hutchinson writes, that she coordinated with Farah, who is now a CNN political commentator, telling her everything she knew. Farah spoke with committee vice chair Liz Cheney, who then knew what to ask Hutchinson during the committees third closed-door deposition with her. Jobs are dangled and then withdrawn from Hutchinson as she begins to cooperate with the committee. Soon, she is shut out and then demonized by Trump world. She leaves open the question as to what might have happened historically if Trump and Meadows had trusted her and invited her to Mar-a-Lago. But Hutchinsons courageous testimony did occur, so perhaps more important to the republic today is the question of how many more witnesses with Trump-world-funded attorneys involved in current prosecutions and investigations are experiencing the same situation. This story has been updated with quotes from Hutchinsons interview with Jake Tapper For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The cold case murder of a six-year-old boy has finally been solved after nearly 40 years thanks to advancements in DNA technology, California police say. Fred Cain III, 69, was arrested at his home in Central Point, Oregon, on 18 September after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to the abduction, sexual assault and murder of Jeremy Stoner in February 1987. He waived extradition in Oregon and will now be transferred to California to face murder charges, along with special circumstance allegations of kidnapping and sodomy. Jeremys body was found on Sherman Island in Sacramento County, California, four days after he went missing from his grandparents home in Vallejo. It was believed he was strangled. When the case was first investigated, police reportedly interviewed Mr Cain - but determined another man was responsible. Shawn Melton was named a suspect after police said he appeared to have knowledge that only the killer would know. He was charged with murder and kidnapping, but the case was later dismissed after two juries could not reach a verdict. Melton died in 2000. Peter Foor, who represented Melton as a public defender in 1987, said that his client was odd and was trying to help police with theories on what could have happened, only to make himself look more suspicious. "I guess what Im saying is when Shawn walked through the door their investigation completely shut down, said Mr Foor. They actually talked to Cain once, during this investigation and they were going to follow up on it, but they didnt cause they were convinced. They were the ones telling the press they were 100 per cent convinced that he was the killer." Despite Mr Foor revealing that they interviewed Mr Cain all those years ago, the advancements in DNA research have since exonerated Melton. I am so thankful to have such dedicated cold case investigators that no matter how much time goes by they remain steadfast in their commitment to solving these horrific cases, said District Attorney Krishna Abrams. 36 years later, Fred Cain has been arrested for the murder of Jeremy Stoner (Jackson County Sheriffs Office) When Ms Abrams was elected into office in 2014, she reinstated the Cold Case Unit in order to solve homicide cases that have not yet held criminals accountable. "I hope he rots in Hell, he got what he deserves," Mr Cains niece Cris Delaney told ABC News. She reportedly also had an extremely rough childhood because of Mr Cain. "My reaction was [that I] felt horrible for this child but thankful that hes gonna get caught and hopefully put away for a long time. Records obtained by ABC also show Mr Cain has done previous time in jail for charges of sodomy, rape-by-threat and burglary. The Solano Countys District Attorney was set to hold a press conference on the case on Tuesday. American Biodiesel Energy in Harborcreek Township was gutted in a May 2011 fire that burned for nearly a full day and required dozens of volunteer firefighters to seek medical treatment. Fire gutted the American Biodiesel Energy Inc. and North American Powder Coatings building at 4680 Iroquois Avenue on May 14, 2011. More than a decade later, the 11-acre site poses immediate and potential risks to the public health and the environment, largely because of chemicals and other materials left abandoned there, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. DEP officials are now planning a taxpayer-funded cleanup of the property, located at 4680 Iroquois Avenue. The DEP announced in August that it is launching whats known as an interim hazardous sites cleanup response at the American Biodiesel property. The states Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act provides funding and authority to remediate properties where hazardous substances are believed to be located. DEP spokesman Tom Decker said the assigned cleanup contractor, Amentum Environment & Energy of Chantilly, Va., estimates the work will cost at least $1.3 million. DEP hopes to have the work finished by the end of January 2024. An exact start date was unavailable. This embedded content is not available in your region. Harborcreek Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello said Harborcreek officials have been told by DEP that the site is pretty contaminated and that remediation would carry a significant price tag. No local tax dollars will be included in this cleanup though," Pepicello said. We were told (by DEP) that there will be a full cleanup of the site, and when theyre done it will be clean and ready for whatever might be next." A legal advertisement published in the Erie Times-News in August states various hazardous materials were found and/or are still located at the site, including methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, sulfuric acid, sodium methylate, epichlorohydrin, methyl hydroxide, sodium methoxide and epoxybutane. Harborcreek Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello. According to DEP officials, the property includes one partially demolished, collapsed, and fire-damaged building as well as abandoned waste including miscellaneous scrap, large numbers of tanks, totes, and drums in various stages of degradation, and bags of powder coating materials. The Site poses immediate and potential risks to the public health and the environment including potential direct contact exposures to those substances, according to the DEPs legal ad. The May 14, 2011 fire heavily damaged the business. Investigators believe the blaze started in a front office. The fire shut down the biodiesel operation and also destroyed a powder-coatings business that the propertys owner, Lee Akerly, operated there. Akerly could not be reached for comment. State law allows the DEP to seek reimbursement/cost recovery from all known responsible persons including Akerly, since he is the propertys owner. The DEP will pursue recoupment of remediation/demolition costs, Decker said. What will the cleanup involve? The site cleanup, according to DEP, would include the following steps: Reducing/eliminating the threats to public health, safety, and the environmentposed by hazardous materials, contaminants and structurally unsound buildings on the property. Assessment of the structural integrity of buildings at the site and demolition of unsafe structures there. Conducting an inventory of all potentially-hazardous substances/waste and the property so they can be properly disposed of, in compliance with local, state and federal environmental guidelines. The cleanup is being funded primarily through the DEPs Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act fund, with some funding coming from the states Solid Waste Abatement Fund. Akerly previously said publicly that he wanted to reopen as early as 2014, and that he planned to sue several of the volunteer fire companies that responded to the fire for lost income, based on what he said were insurance claims by the departments that were later dropped. The property, though, remains vacant. DEP previously asked an Erie County judge to stop any demolition at the fire-damaged biodiesel facility until chemicals on-site could be removed/properly secured. Pepicello said cleaning up the American Biodiesel property is important to Harborcreek Township. The propertys been an eyesore in this township for the better part of a decade, he said. I just think that overall, cleaning it up helps improve an area of our township zoned for industrial use and it makes for a much brighter future for that property. Weve expressed our total support for the project to DEP. Public can weigh in on cleanup Documents and other information about the DEPs cleanup plans for the American Biodiesel site is on file at the DEPs Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville, and can be reviewed by the public Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The DEP will also take public comment regarding the cleanup through Nov. 10. Written comments can be mailed to Michael Hadden, A DEP environmental protection specialist, at the northwest regional office; the ZIP code is 16535. Comments can also be e-mailed to mhadden@pa.gov or dropped off in person at the DEP office in Meadville. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ETNflowers. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: DEP targets fire-ravaged Harborcreek industrial site for cleanup Recent news about alleged non-human bodies inspired one baker to make an extraordinary cake. Ben Cullen, also known as The Bake King, shared an Instagram video on last week of his replication. You wont believe this! The truth is out there, he captioned the clip, as he cut a slice out of the head of the alien cake. The video was also made into a fake news report, poking fun at the incident with the headline, Suspected Alien corpse turns out to be a cake. In mid-September, a previously debunked ufologist, Jaime Maussan testified under oath in Mexicos Congress about purported alien bodies. At the time, he said that extraordinary conclusions had been drawn from the two bodies, which were reportedly discovered in Peru in 2017. It was also shared that the bodies are allegedly 700 to 1,800 years old and only have three fingers on each hand. Maussan also said the bodies are not part of our terrestrial evolution. More on this Ryan Graves, an executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace and former F-18 pilot for the U.S. Navy attended the Mexico hearing. He later shared his experience, saying he was invited after participating in Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency hearing in front of a House Oversight subcommittee in July. Graves said that he thinks the Mexico hearing was an unsubstantiated stunt that discredits the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena issue. Attorneys for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen suggested in new court filings that Paganists killed Abigail "Abby" Williams, 13, and Liberty "Libby" German, 14, in a ritual sacrifice. This week, Allen's defense attorneys Andrew Baldwin and Bradley Rozzi filed a motion in which they outlined their theory that members of a Norse religion that reveres the God Odin sacrificed Williams and German in February 2017, according to documents obtained by Oxygen.com. RELATED: Attorneys For Delphi Murder Suspect Richard Allen Insist Hes Innocent And Has Nothing To Hide Baldwin and Rozzi additionally allege that law enforcement investigated suspects with potential ties to the religion, which has been hijacked by white nationalists, but stopped pursuing leads for no discernible reason. The attorneys claim there was evidence of a ritualistic killing at the crime scene but noted, "Absolutely nothing links Richard Allen to Odinism or any religious cult," according to NBC News. The defense attorneys alleged that investigators included "flat out falsehoods" and withheld other information when requesting a search warrant for Allen's home in a Franks motion also obtained by Oxygen.com. As such, the documents state, Allen's attorneys are requesting a Franks hearing a hearing in which the court determines whether a warrant was issued without probable cause in the hopes that any evidence, including hunting and utility knives, gathered during the search be thrown out. A police handout of Richard Allen Richard Allen Photo: Indiana State Police They're also seeking to have Allen transferred to a new prison, stating that the Westville Correctional Center, where he's currently incarcerated, "appears to be ripe with Odinistic connections." Evidence of Odinism in Indiana Included among the documents filed by Allen's attorneys was a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which wrote that a "racist brand of neo-Paganism, related to Odinism, spreads among white supremacists." In Indiana prisons specifically, there are Odinist ministries, according to the nonprofit. A separate report by the SPLC, cited by WRTV, suggests that there are additional Odinist groups operating in Indiana. RELATED: Delphi Murders Suspect Confessed in Jailhouse Calls "No Less Than Five Times," Prosecutors Allege in Newly Unsealed Documents The Delphi Murder Crime Scene The defense attorneys claimed that investigators also found evidence of a "ritualistic" killing at the crime scene, according to NBC News. Such signs include symbols, as well as the positioning of German's remains. An exhibits list obtained by Oxygen.com further reveals that the letter "F" was written in blood and formed in sticks at the scene. According to Fox 59, the defense attorneys suggested that the letter is associated with Pagan rituals. Due to the nature of the crime scene, the attorneys argued that Allen would not be able to carry out such acts on his own or in the timeframe that has been proposed. The girls disappeared on a hiking trail the afternoon of February 13, 2017 and were found the following evening near the Monon High Bridge hiking trail in Delphi, Indiana. RELATED: Delphi Murders Suspect Made Multiple Admissions of Guilt to Killing Two Teens in 2017, Prosecutors Say Though the defense attorneys named potential suspects, none of the individuals have been charged in the case. Richard Allen's Confession Prior to the defense attorney's recent filings, it was revealed that Allen had allegedly confessed to murdering Williams and German "no less than five times" during prison calls with his wife and mother. His attorneys argued that Allen's words shouldn't be taken at face value considering his diminished mental state. The supposed confessions were disclosed when the court unsealed documents related to the case, including one affidavit which stated that Williams and German had been murdered with a "sharp object." Allen, who was arrested in October 2022, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial date has been set for January 2024. A fugitive who had been on the run for more than two weeks since evading police in Flagler Beach was arrested Monday in Palm Coast, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. Michael Benkert, who turned 32 on Tuesday, was charged with armed trespassing, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, improper exhibition of a firearm, and resisting an officer without violence. Benkert was also a fugitive from Volusia County on several narcotics-related charges and other crimes, the Flagler County Sheriffs Office stated. Benkert was being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on $55,000 bond. Benkert's twin brother was also arrested and was being held in the county jail. The search began on Sept. 7 in the area of 620 S. Daytona Ave. in Flagler Beach after a report of a suspicious person possibly armed with a handgun. But Benkert evaded Flagler Beach Police officers and Flagler County Sheriffs deputies who also responded to help, according to the sheriff's office. Benkert managed to get away despite a K-9 and drone units helping in the hours-long search. Law enforcement then posted on social media that they were looking for Benkert and received several tips, including one on Sept. 17 that he was in the area of a McDonalds near Old Kings Road and State Road 100. Deputies responded and searched a nearby transient camp but did not find Benkert. Time ran out for Benkert on Monday. The sheriffs office joined with the United States Marshals Service and found Benkert at a Circle K near Pine Grove Drive and Belle Terre Parkway. Benkert tried to run but was quickly arrested, the sheriffs office stated. Bankert was with his twin brother, Anthony Benkert, who said he knew his brother was a wanted fugitive and said they had been staying at a home on Pittson Lane in Palm Coast. Investigators later determined that the brothers had been staying in the home after illegally obtaining a key from a vacation rental company where Anthony Benkert had previously worked. Anthony Benkert was charged with burglary of a dwelling, accessory after the fact, driving with license suspended with knowledge, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Anthony Benkert was being held at the Flagler County jail on $6,000 bond. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, who calls the jail the Green Roof Inn thanked everyone who helped in the case. You can try to hide from FCSO and our local law enforcement partners, but we will not rest until we find and arrest you, Staly stated. Now both brothers are in the Green Roof Inn. Thank you to all who sent in a tip for seeing something, saying something and our law enforcement partners for helping to locate him. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fugitive captured in Palm Coast after more than 2 weeks on the run FILE PHOTO: The logo of Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, is seen at their headquarters in downtown Santiago SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chile's Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, will meet its financial obligations despite headwinds from a series of operational problems and from high levels of debt and investments, JPMorgan said on Tuesday. Codelco's copper production fell in 2022 to its lowest level in 25 years, exacerbated in part by delays to key projects for extending the lives of its mines. The company cut its production estimate for this year to between 1.31 billion and 1.35 billion metric tons of the red metal. "We believe Codelco will be able to meet all of its financial obligations despite the elevated capex budget and operational issues it has faced that has led to reduced production and increased unit costs," JPMorgan analyst Ian Snyder said in a note. JPMorgan estimates that Chile's government will likely provide support to Codelco, which gives all its profits to the state, through direct capital injections or by a continued reduction in upstream dividends so that the company can make investments, if necessary. "That said, we do expect credit metrics to continue to deteriorate as the company will likely issue additional debt to help fund a portion of the capex budget," the note added. In August, Chile's Center for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO) said in a report that Codelco was at risk of insolvency due to rising costs and a growing debt pile stemming from projects that missed output targets. Earlier this month, Codelco's Chairman Maximo Pacheco told lawmakers that the company was "financially solid" and described CESCO's forecast as "nonsense." (Reporting by Natalia Ramos; Editing by Marguerita Choy) Hunter Biden is suing Rudy Giuliani for the total annihilation of his digital privacy and data, filing a civil suit over the former mayors involvement in disseminating information he purported to be from Bidens laptop. Defendants are among those who have been primarily responsible for what has been described as the total annihilation of Plaintiffs digital privacy, Bidens attorneys wrote in the suit. For the past many months and even years, Defendants have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from Plaintiffs devices or storage platforms, including what Defendants claim to have obtained from Plaintiffs alleged laptop computer, they wrote, noting the data actually came from a hard drive. The suit, filed in California, alleged that Giuliani violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, as well as a California law dealing with data access and fraud. The suit would leave it to a jury to determine damages and would also seize any profits made by disseminating Bidens data. Robert Costello, a former attorney for Giuliani who has recently sued the former mayor to recoup legal fees, is also named in the suit. The suit is the latest in the laptop saga, which has sent personal details of Biden, including sensitive photos, to be distributed on the internet. While Biden stops short of taking ownership of all the contents in their possession, he acknowledges some of the data is his and accuses Giuliani and Costello of manipulating his data and continuing to disperse it. Plaintiff has demanded Defendants Giuliani and Costello cease their unlawful activities with respect to Plaintiffs data and return any data in their possession belonging to Plaintiff, but they have refused to do so. Defendants statements suggest that their unlawful hacking activities are ongoing today and that, unless stopped, will continue into the future, thereby necessitating this action, Bidens team wrote. The suit is the latest from Biden, who has been more aggressive in fighting those who have accused him of wrongdoing. Earlier this month he sued former Trump White House aide Garrett Ziegler with similar claims and also recently sued the IRS, claiming two whistleblowers from the agency unlawfully released his personal tax information. And its also another blow for Giuliani, who is battling multiple defamation suits and has also been charged in a sweeping election interference case in Georgia. Giuliani has for years claimed to have all manner of damaging information that could be gleaned from Bidens laptop, including details on Bidens business dealings that could lead back to his father. But the drive, which was obtained from the owner of a Mac repair shop in Delaware where it was never reclaimed by Biden, has been reproduced numerous times, the suit alleges, with Giuliani and Costello damaging the underlying data as they sought to alter it. For the past many months Defendant Giuliani has spent many hours hacking into and manipulating data that he claims to have been obtained from Plaintiff, making copies of the data for himself and others to access and analyze, and further altering, impairing and damaging the data through his unlawful hacking and manipulation, the suit states. In public interviews and media appearances and during podcasts, Defendant Giuliani has not only admitted but bragged about downloading data from Plaintiffs laptop (even though he only had a hard drive) onto his own computer; about using his own computer to access, tamper with and manipulate the downloaded data; and about maintaining multiple copies of the data for his and Defendant Costellos personal use. Costello did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Giuliani, on X, called Bidens case a hypothetical and frivolous action and said it should be dismissed for lack of standing with costs and damages to Defendants. The suit seeks to cast doubt on some of the contents Giuliani obtained, with Biden arguing the data has been manipulated to the point its unclear what was originally on the drive. Discovery is needed to determine exactly what data of Plaintiff Defendants received, when they received it, and the extent to which it was altered, manipulated and damaged both before and after receipt, the suit states. Biden has stopped short of claiming the laptop obtained by the shop was his, but acknowledged some of the contents on the hard drive were his. This is not an admission by Plaintiff that John Paul Mac Isaac (or others) in fact possessed any particular laptop containing electronically stored data belonging to Plaintiff, the suit says, naming the owner of the repair shop. Rather, Plaintiff simply acknowledges that at some point, Mac Isaac obtained electronically stored data, some of which belonged to Plaintiff. Updated at 12:25 p.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hunter Biden is suing Donald Trump s former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani over the contents of the notorious laptop he reportedly left at a Delaware computer repair shop. In a new lawsuit filed in US District Court in California on Tuesday morning, President Joe Bidens son sued Mr Giuliani and his former attorney Robert Costello for alleged violations of computer fraud and data access over the laptop which infamously became fodder for right-wing attacks against both Hunter and his father. The suit alleges that the data claimed to have been found on the laptop was tampered with both before and after it landed in the hands of Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello leaving it unrecognisable to its apparent owner Hunter. The two men then allegedly engaged in what has been described as a total annihilation of Hunters digital privacy and data. For the past many months and even years, Defendants have dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and energy toward looking for, hacking into, tampering with, manipulating, copying, disseminating, and generally obsessing over data that they were given that was taken or stolen from Plaintiffs devices or storage platforms, including what Defendants claim to have obtained from Plaintiffs alleged laptop computer, the suit alleges. As well as Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello, three of the former New York City mayors companies Giuliani Partners, Giuliani Group and Giuliani Security & Safety are also named as defendants in the case. In October 2020 one month before the presidential election reports began surfacing about the contents of a laptop that Hunter is said to have dropped off at a Delaware computer repair store, and failed to ever collect. The hard drive infamously landed in the hands of Mr Giuliani a close ally of and personal attorney to Mr Trump who soon after became a key figure in the former presidents false election fraud claims following his loss to Mr Biden. Several photos, emails and files found on the laptop some of them showing Hunter naked and in the grips of substance abuse were then leaked to the media. In the lawsuit, Hunter claims that his data was manipulated, altered and damaged before it was copied and sent to Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello. He then accuses Mr Giuliani and Mr Costello of illegally hacking into his personal data and then tampering with and altering some of it. The illegal hacking and tampering with the data has involved further alterations and damage to the data to a degree that is presently unknown to Hunter, the suit claims. Hunter Biden was hit with gun-related charges earlier this month (REUTERS) The presidents son is asking for a jury trial in the case. Ted Goodman, Mr Giulianis advisor, responded to the lawsuit in a statement to The Independent: Hunter Biden has previously refused to admit ownership of the laptop. Im not surprised hes now falsely claiming his laptop hard drive was manipulated by Mayor Giuliani, considering the sordid material and potential evidence of crimes on that thing. The new lawsuit comes as Hunter has gone on the defence against attacks from the right and filed a series of lawsuits in recent months. Back in March, Hunter sued the owner of the computer repair shop. Then, earlier this month, he brought a lawsuit against former Trump administration White House aide Garrett Ziegler over the laptop. He also sued the IRS for unlawfully releasing his private tax information after two IRS whistleblowers came forward with information. Earlier this month, Hunter was hit with three felony gun charges following a long-running federal investigation stemming from a gun purchase in 2018. According to prosecutors, Hunter lied on the form when he was asked whether he is an an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance. The charges came after he reached a plea deal with the Justice Department back in June before the terms of the agreement fell apart before a judge. Under the terms of the deal, Hunter had agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanours for failing to pay his taxes on time in 2017 and 2018. In exchange, prosecutors would not charge with him a gun possession violation. The judge refused to accept the scope of the plea deal and the agreement which was slammed as a sweetheart deal by Biden critics fell apart, paving the way for a grand jurys three-count indictment. Beyond the federal gun case, Hunter is also under investigation for his taxes and business dealings. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey rejected calls for his resignation following his indictment on federal bribery charges, striking a defiant tone Monday in his first public comments on the allegations. "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet," Menendez said Monday in Union City, where he started his political career. "But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator." Menendez and his wife, Nadine, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. Federal prosecutors in New York alleged the couple received hundreds of thousands of dollars and lavish luxury gifts in exchange for the senator wielding his influence to benefit three New Jersey business associates and the government of Egypt. The businessmen also face charges. Menendez insisted on Monday that he has "always worked to hold accountable those countries, including Egypt, for human rights abuses," and "those who are trying to malign my actions as it relates to Egypt simply do not know the facts." The indictment said federal agents found stacks of cash hidden throughout Menendez's home during a search last year. On Monday, the senator said he has withdrawn "thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings" over the last 30 years, "which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba." "This may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal saving account, based on the income that I had lawfully derived over those 30 years," he added. Menendez said he would address the other allegations at trial. Sen. Bob Menendez speaks during a news conference in Union City, New Jersey, on Sept. 25, 2023. / Credit: KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images Menendez last week denied the allegations and resisted calls to resign, saying "I'm not going anywhere." He and his co-defendants are due in court on Wednesday. The senator did step down temporarily as the chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as required under Senate Democratic Caucus rules. On Monday, Menendez insisted he had not lost the trust of his constituents in New Jersey, despite the comments from some of the lawmakers from the state who had called for his resignation, including the state's Democratic governor, Phil Murphy. "For now, I remain focused on doing the important work I do every day on behalf of the 9 million people who call New Jersey home, including doing everything we can this week to avoid a government shutdown," Menendez said. New Jersey's other Democratic Sen. Cory Booker has not yet weighed in. Before Monday, only one Democratic senator had called for him to step down: John Fetterman of neighboring Pennsylvania. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio became the second to do so in a brief statement later in the day: "Senator Menendez has broken the public trust and should resign from the U.S. Senate." Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont was the third to call for him to resign. "The shocking and specific allegations against Senator Menendez have wholly compromised his capacity to be that effective senator," Welch said in a statement. The senator from New Jersey has served since 2006 and is up for reelection in 2024. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey announced over the weekend that he is mounting a primary challenge against Menendez. New Jersey's former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who is currently running for president, said on Sunday that he has "no interest" in running for the Senate seat in 2024. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York on Sunday joined the chorus of prominent Democratic lawmakers calling for Menendez's resignation. Calling the situation "quite unfortunate," Ocasio-Cortez said on "Face the Nation" that "it is in the best interest for Sen. Menendez to resign in this moment." In Monday's statement, Menendez said some of those calling for his resignation "because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them." "All I humbly ask for in this moment, in my colleagues in Congress, the elected leaders and the advocates of New Jersey that I have worked with for years, as well as each person who calls New Jersey home, is to pause and allow for all the facts to be presented." Menendez was indicted in 2015 on roughly a dozen charges, including bribery and conspiracy, following accusations he accepted gifts from a wealthy Democratic donor in exchange for political favors. That case ended in a mistrial. Melissa Quinn contributed to this report. Talking Heads on the return of "Stop Making Sense" Gisele Bundchen on modeling, divorce, and her true self Consumer Reports: Put to the test Its been 20 years since President George W. Bush gave the order for the American Armed Forces to invade Iraq. FOX News journalist Griff Jenkins remembers it like it was yesterday because he was on the ground with them. The Tennessee native grew up with a reverence and deep, patriotic respect for those who served. His father was a proud Marine who fought in the Korean War, though he never talked about his time in service. My mom used to always get mad at me when I would go into dads closet and play soldier with his USMC sword from his service days, but I always found that to be the coolest thing ever, Jenkins shared. Years after my father passed away, my mom gave me some old Kodak slides she found in a box that dad had taken as a young Marine traveling the world. They are among my favorite images of him to this day. Jenkins fell in love with the art of storytelling at a young age. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1993. Compelling stories met with the duty and diligence of getting the facts right and the context for people to understand is what I enjoy pursuing above all else, he explained. He built a career in radio and, from 2001 through 2003, produced Oliver Norths War Stories. Jenkins was also associate producer for Common Sense Radio with Oliver North. In 2003, he left for FOX News. Only months later, he was in Iraq . On the Ground at War It wasnt until I found myself embedded with Marine Medium Helicopter Unit HMM 268 "Red Dragons" as a cameraman during the invasion of Iraq/OIF 1 that I fully understood and appreciated the dedication and sacrifice of our heroic service members, Jenkins told WATM. Nothing changes you more than reporting in combat zones and nothing prepares you for the real thing until you are in it. There is a romanticized perception of a tough guy like you see in the movies but the reality is very different. You learn that very quickly when the bullets start to fly and you see things that are very hard to witness and process. griff jenkins reporter On March 20, 2003, the world watched as American fighting forces went after Saddam Hussein and the reports of his weapons of mass destruction. In the opening hours of the war, Jenkins and the unit he was assigned to found themselves in the southern Al-Faw Peninsula, where intelligence suggested Saddam Hussein would torch the oil fields and mount a fierce fight. Ollie and I agreed that we would ride on separate helicopters in the event that one of us did not make it so the other could tell the story. In the last moments before we lifted to head into battle the commanding officer moved me to a different helicopter than the one I was originally assigned to. That helicopter went down and everyone aboard lost their lives, including some of the first Marine casualties of the war, Jenkins said. For the next several weeks, I got to bear witness to the most courageous, compassionate and dedicated heroes America has to offer. griff jenkins iraq When Jenkins reflects on his time in Iraq, many memories stick out. Being saved by crew chief Amanda Hoenes was one of them, though during an interview, Hoenes laughingly joked that she saved herself from being the person who let the FOX News cameraman fall out of her helicopter. He also witnessed the battle for Saddams palace in Baghdad firsthand. We flew into the palace and landed in the backyard and took heavy fire from every direction to get wounded Marines out, Jenkins shared. It was the most terrifying experience of my life and it was the first flight that morning of a total of 13 trips in and out. Every time we did it, the fight got more and more intense. Though going through the experience of the invasion was terrifying and brutally horrifying, there were some lighter moments he said he cherishes to this day. After the combat operations of the invasion had subsided, we were somewhere north of Tikrit, and we learned that we would be wrapping up things and soon heading back to Kuwait. This is when North and the Marines decided it would be a good idea to indoctrinate me as an honorary Red Dragon, he laughed. This entailed them duct-taping me to a litter and taking turns shaving my head. While that might sound like an unpleasant hair-cutting experience, I can tell you it was among the greatest honors of my life. Here I had lived, breathed, sweated, bled, laughed and cried with these heroes for our short time together, yet they felt a connection to me. After four months of filming and reporting, he returned home only to go back to Iraq before the end of the year. Jenkins was embedded in combat again in 2004, 2006 and 2016. During Labor Day Weekend 2023, Jenkins was reunited with his Red Dragons for a reunion sponsored by Semper FI & Americas Fund. griff jenkins at event veterans It was great to see so many faces I havent seen since those days and catching up on life. Learning what everyone is doing and also hearing about the good and bad that has happened in the two decades since. I had never been to a military reunion before but now understand why they are so important, Jenkins said. I was a speaker and thought a long time about what I would say to them but in the end, it just came to me that I should just tell them how amazing, brave and heroic they truly are and let them hear from my perspective how important they are to me and the country. When asked what he would want people to take away from his story and experience on the ground for the Iraq War, he was direct. marine heroes Regardless of politics or opinions, there are many heroes across every branch of the military who volunteered to put their lives on the line to fight for the freedoms we share in this great nation. We must never forget their courage, dedication, sacrifice and service, Jenkins implored. My call to action is simply live your life worthy of their sacrifice. We note it every Memorial Day , but for Gold Star families, every day is Memorial Day. For me, I try every day to remember and honor the four marine heroes we lost on that first night. Maj. Jay Aubin, Captain Ryan Beaupre, Staff Sgt. Kendall Waters-Bey and Cpl. Brian Kennedy. EVANSVILLE The man who smashed his car into the Peephole Bar & Grill in February admitted under oath that he had an open case of nitrous oxide, also known as "whippets," in his vehicle at the time of the crash. Tyler Lee Wunderlich, 28, previously pleaded guilty to an infraction for "distracted driving" after the crash, though he faced no criminal prosecution. But Peephole employee Jeffrey Adams and his wife, Kelley Adams, filed suit against Wunderlich in March, seeking damages for "personal injuries, incurred medical expenses and lost wages," according to the complaint. Jeffrey Adams was inside the Peephole when Wunderlich's Chevrolet sedan barreled through the bar's patio and into the dining room on Feb. 16. Video footage of the crash showed that Wunderlich's brake lights never activated as his vehicle careened across Second Street and into the Peephole. The resulting damage forced the bar to close for three months while extensive repairs were made to the building's facade and interior. Evansville Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Anna Gray said Wunderlich passed field sobriety tests administered at the scene. But, according to public court records, Wunderlich failed a court-ordered drug test the following day, which he was required to take as part of his ongoing probation for past drug offenses. Due to Wunderlich's presumptive positive drug test result, the Adams' attorney, Neil Chapman, alleged in a civil complaint that Wunderlich was "likely operating his motor vehicle while impaired by one or more illegal drugs," and that his driving constituted "shockingly outrageous misconduct." During a recent deposition, Wunderlich stated under oath that he looked down at his phone moments before his car began drifting toward the Peephole a fact Wunderlich previously admitted when he pleaded guilty to an infraction for "distracted driving." But according to a transcript of the deposition, Wunderlich also said he had an open case of the anesthetic drug nitrous oxide inside his vehicle at the time of the crash. Nitrous oxide, which is commonly used in surgical settings, is illegal to sell or possess in Indiana if the buyer or seller intends for the gas to have an intoxicating effect. According to multiple studies, users who inhale nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas at sub-anesthetic doses report intense euphoria, drowsiness and pronounced sensory distortions. While nitrous oxide is banned for use as an intoxicant in Indiana, it is legal to sell and possess for industrial, manufacturing and cooking purposes. The use of nitrous oxide in the production of whipped cream is what led to its colloquial name: whippets. "Were there any cans of whippet(s) or other compressed air in your vehicle at the time of the crash?" Chapman asked Wunderlich during the deposition, according to a transcript. "Yes sir," Wunderlich reportedly replied. "It's used to make whipped cream." Chapman said Wunderlich claimed he had not used the compressed cans of nitrous oxide to get high, though a case of the canisters was, Wunderlich admitted, already open and inside his car when he drifted across Second Street and smashed through the front of the Peephole. Wunderlich claimed his girlfriend's family member purchased the case of nitrous oxide canisters from a smoke shop about a week before the crash. According to photos of the smoke shop's nitrous oxide products reviewed by the Courier & Press, brand names on offer included "Smartwhip" and "SupremeWhip." Smartwhip's website states that it offers a cutting-edge lineup of nitrous oxide products that are intended to be used in restaurants. "How many were in the vehicle? How many cans?" Chapman asked Wunderlich. "There was a box of 'em," Wunderlich replied. Wunderlich denied that the canisters were his, though he stated he assumed somebody had used them because the case was open, the transcript states. According to Chapman, Wunderlich claimed a member of his girlfriend's family asked for a ride to the smoke shop about a week before the crash because they wanted to make homemade whipped cream. "I'm not sure how they're used for whipped cream," Wunderlich said in response to questioning from Chapman. "You're the one who said 'whipped cream,' to be honest with you." When asked if he was aware that inhaling nitrous oxide can lead to a loss of consciousness, Wunderlich reportedly stated he was not. Throughout the deposition, Wunderlich denied ever using nitrous oxide. According to Chapman, Wunderlich had no explanation as to why he never activated his brakes when his car drifted approximately 190 feet, slammed into a light pole and then struck the Peephole. Wunderlich stated he looked down to check his phone and applied his brakes "late" just as he crashed through the front of the bar. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Adams' civil case against Wunderlich is scheduled to go before a jury on Oct. 28, 2024. Is nitrous oxide legal to purchase in Indiana? State statute outlines the circumstances under which nitrous oxide can be administered or ingested by people. Dental hygienists, dentists and doctors can administer the gas under strict supervision in healthcare settings, and patients can ingest the drug if administered by a qualified healthcare professional. While the drug is not legal to ingest for recreational purposes, selling and purchasing it falls into a gray area. Under Indiana Criminal Law and Procedure subsection 35-46-6-3, anyone who "knowingly or intentionally" uses or sells nitrous oxide with "intent to cause a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses" commits a Class B misdemeanor. Nationally, nitrous oxide is not regulated under the Controlled Substances Act, which means there are fewer restrictions on its manufacture, transportation and purchase than other anesthetic drugs, such as ketamine. In Indiana, nitrous oxide is sold legally for use in kitchens, manufacturing, and in the performance automotive industry, where it is used to increase a vehicle's horsepower. In these use cases, the gas is not intended to be inhaled. But what about self-described "smoke shops" selling cans of nitrous oxide? Would the presence of nitrous in a business that also sells smoking paraphernalia imply it's being sold for recreational purposes? In Indiana, the answer to that question would likely depend on how the product is marketed inside the store. If it is strictly sold as a food or manufacturing additive and a customer intends to use it as such, it would likely be legal to purchase. Other states have cracked down on the sale of whipped cream chargers that are designed for illicit use, especially by minors. New York, for example, banned the sale of all nitrous oxide canisters to persons under 21, though people of all ages can still purchase canned whipped cream. Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Lawsuit: Driver who slammed into Evansville bar had 'whippets' in car Lego is abandoning an attempt to make its colorful, iconic building pieces from recycled plastic bottles just two years after first announcing one of the central facets of its ongoing sustainability push. Despite the setback, the Denmark-based company reiterated its commitment to reduce its overall environmental impact, and per the Associated Press , still aims to make Legos from sustainable materials by 2032. Speaking with CNN on Monday, a Lego spokesperson claimed the companys extensive testing had revealed that replacement requires additional production steps and investment into new equipment would actually produce more pollution than Legos current operations. The PET alternative also reportedly proved not as durable or safe as existing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blocks, and didn't properly match Lego blocks' trademark "clutch power." [Related: Super Glue could make it easier to recycle plastic .] The popular toymaker first announced a new block prototype based on a recycled plastic bottle compound called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in 2021part of a project to transition away from oil-based plastics which began in 2018. Even in the prototypes reveal, however, the company cautioned it would be some time before builders could expect a more eco-friendly recycled brick to appear on store shelves. The formula reportedly required further testing and development before moving into a pilot production phase expected to take at least a year. Unfortunately, this pilot phase appears to not only take longer than expected, but ultimately fail to produce a viable replacement for the oil-based bricks. According to AP News , Lego states it is currently testing and developing Lego bricks made from a range of alternative sustainable materials, including other recycled plastics and plastics made from alternative sources such as e-methanol. Made from hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, e-methanol (aka green methanol) employs renewable energy to split water molecules during its energy production. We believe that in the long-term this will encourage increased production of more sustainable raw materials, such as recycled oils, and help support our transition to sustainable materials, the company said via AP . The backtracking comes barely a week after Lego CEO Niels B. Christiansen issued a statement ahead of the UN General Assembly reaffirming their companys commitment to climate sustainability. The pledge included an aim to make the company carbon neutral by 2050 alongside a $1.4 billion investment in sustainability-related activities. The funding is reportedly earmarked for projects such as carbon neutral buildings, increasing renewable energy production and capacity across Lego stores, offices, and factories, as well as partnering with suppliers to collectively reduce environmental impact. But while Legos PET project appears to have hit a significant hurdle, the company confirmed that a sustainable, sugarcane-derived version of polyethylene called bio-polypropylene made from sugarcane will still be used for certain parts of Lego sets, mainly accessory items such as trees and leaves. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." High-energy electrons from Earths magnetic field act like solar wind protons to help form water on the Moon. The Moon interacts with Earths magnetic field, a key piece in understanding water formation on the Moon. Learning fresh ways in which the Earth helps the Moon form water could help future explorations on the planet. Earth has so much sway in our little corner of the Solar System that the forming of water on the Moon is directly tied to its magnetic field. Now, scientists know even more about the importance of these Earth-to-Moon interactions, and have discovered an entirely new way that Earth helps form water on the Moon. In a new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoapublished in Nature Astronomyresearchers show how Earths magnetosphere helps the weathering processes along on the Moons surface, and just how important high-energy electrons are in the process of forming water. To understand the water-forming element, though, researchers first had to understand data about solar wind. Earths magnetosphere protects us from the Suns unrelenting radiation. Solar wind can affect this magnetosphere, reshaping it and creating a magnetotail pointing away from the Sun. The Moon, in turn, can spend 27 percent of its time within the taila spot that blocks roughly 99 percent of solar wind. Previously, solar wind was given nearly carte blanche credit for the forming of water molecules on the Moon. Full of high-energy particles, solar wind brings the Moon hydrogen ions, and the force of the wind kickstarts an interaction with oxygen to form water. But solar wind cant take all the credit any longer for the water, according to the studys lead author Shuai Li, planetary scientist at the University of Hawaii. The research shows that even when the solar wind isnt present, water formation is still running rampant. When the Moon is outside the magnetotail, the lunar surface is bombarded with solar wind, Li said in a news release. Inside the magnetotail, there are almost no solar wind protons and water formation was expected to drop to nearly zero. To my surprise, the remote sensing observations showed that the water formation in Earths magnetotail is almost identical to the time when the Moon was outside of the Earths magnetotail. This was a significantand unexpectedfinding. This indicates that, in the magnetotail, there may be additional formation processes or new sources of water not directly associated with the implantation of solar wind protons, Li said. In particular, radiation by high-energy electrons exhibits similar effects as the solar wind protons. Li believes that the new discovery shows that Earth and the Moon may be linked together even more intrinsically than previously believed, and in many unrecognized aspects. The data for the current study comes from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper instrument onboard Indias Chandrayaan 1 mission from 2008 to 2009. In the future, Li hopes to work with NASAs Artemis programs to monitor the plasma environment and water content in the polar region of the lunar surface. This provides a natural laboratory, Li said, for studying the formation processes of lunar surface water. You Might Also Like The three-body problem is a notoriously tricky puzzle in physics and mathematics, and an example of just how complex the natural world is. Two objects orbiting each other, like a lone planet around a star, can be described with just a line or two of mathematical equations. Add a third body, though, and the math becomes much harder. Because each object influences the others with its gravity, calculating a stable orbit where all three objects get along is a complex feat. Now, an international team of mathematicians claims to have found 12,000 new solutions to the infamous problem a substantial addition to the hundreds of previously known scenarios. Their work was published as a preprint to the database arXiv , meaning it has not yet undergone peer review. More than 300 years ago, Isaac Newton wrote down his foundational laws of motion, and mathematicians have been working on solutions to the three-body problem pretty much ever since. There is no single correct answer; instead, there are many orbits that can work within the laws of physics for three orbiting objects. Related: Math's 'hairy ball theorem' shows why there's always at least one place on Earth where no wind blows Unlike our planet's simple loop around the sun, orbits for the three-body problem can look twisted and tangled, like pretzels and scribbles. The 12,000 newly discovered ones are no exception the three hypothetical objects start at a standstill and, when released, are pulled into various spirals toward one another via gravity . They then fling past one another, moving farther away, until the attraction takes over and they once again come together, repeating this pattern over and over again. The orbits "have a very beautiful spatial and temporal structure," lead study author Ivan Hristov , a mathematician at Sofia University in Bulgaria, told New Scientist . Hristov and colleagues found these orbits using a supercomputer, and he's confident that with even better tech, he could find "five times more." related stories Scientists tried to solve the mystery of the helium nucleus and ended up more confused than ever 'The most magical equation in physics': How Paul Dirac accidentally revealed the strange world of antimatter Oddly heavy particle may have just broken the reigning model of particle physics Three-body systems are quite common in the universe; there are plenty of star systems with multiple planets, or even multiple stars orbiting each other. In theory, these new solutions could prove extremely valuable to astronomers trying to explain the cosmos. But they're only useful if they're stable, meaning the orbital patterns can repeat over time without breaking apart, flinging one of the component worlds off into space . Just because they're theoretically stable doesn't mean they'll stand up to the many other forces present in a real star system. "Their physical and astronomical relevance will be better known after the study of stability it's very important," Hristov said. Juhan Frank , an astronomer at Louisiana State University who wasn't involved in the work, is skeptical that these orbits will turn out to be stable. They're "probably never realized in nature," he told New Scientist. "After a complex and yet predictable orbital interaction, such three-body systems tend to break into a binary and an escaping third body, usually the least massive of the three." No matter what, though, these solutions are a mathematical wonder. According to Hristov, "stable or unstable they are of great theoretical interest." Turkey is the white meat that's often overlooked because it can dry out when it's cooked. If you've ever had a dry turkey burger, there's a good chance you don't want to try one again. But there's a trick to cooking juicy turkey burgers that can be a refreshing break from hamburgers. The key to ensuring turkey burgers are juicy is to avoid pressing them with a spatula or other utensil while they're cooking. This will also keep turkey burgers intact. When you press down on a turkey burger (or any burger, really) while it's cooking, you release all of the juices, which gives these burgers flavor and moisture. It can be tempting to press down on burgers to try and get them to cook faster, but this method is a flavor killer and it will likely turn you off from making turkey burgers again. Put down the spatula, and let your burgers cook undisturbed until they're ready to be flipped. Read more: The 11 Best Frozen Burger Brands Available Turkey Is A Sponge fried turkey burger - Lauripatterson/Getty Images Like chicken, turkey will absorb any flavor that it's marinated or spiced with, which means you can make some excellent turkey burgers if you play around with sauces and spices. Add several dried spices or a new rub to burgers for extra zing. Because turkey tends to be on the crumbly side, adding a binder or two to burgers is also a good idea. (It may not be necessary if you add cheese, which helps keep turkey meat together.) You can use eggs or breadcrumbs to bind loose turkey meat together and to break up the tough quality that turkey burgers tend to have. There's no accurate measurement for binders, but you want the meat to look closer to hamburger meat when raw, so add breadcrumbs or eggs accordingly. Another trick is refrigerating turkey patties for a few minutes before cooking to help solidify the meat. The Best Way To Cook Turkey Burgers turkey thighs and vegetables on grill - Lauripatterson/Getty Images Burgers made with ground turkey tend to fall apart quickly in the oven, so grilling turkey burgers is the best option. Make sure the grill is greased before adding the burgers, as turkey can stick to a grill. Another great trick is to coat each burger with a bit of flour (an old-school chef secret) to achieve that crusty texture on the outside that makes burgers so delicious as it seals in the juices. Turkey has a lower fat content than ground beef, which is why it can be on the drier side. But the more moisture you add (think of Thanksgiving turkey and how much butter is added to brown the bird and retain moisture), the juicier your turkey burgers will be. Every once in a while, throwing some turkey burgers on the grill is an excellent, healthy, refreshing alternative to beef. Read the original article on Daily Meal. A 24-year-old man has died after being shot Monday night in Wilmington's Southbridge neighborhood. The man was not identified Monday night by police. Wilmington officers were dispatched about 8:20 p.m. to the 400 block of S. Claymont St. on Monday. Arriving officers found a wounded man who was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but later died, police said. Second shooting early Tuesday About nine hours later, a 28-year-old man was shot in the city's Price Run community. That incident occurred about 5:15 a.m. Tuesday in the 2300 block of Carter St., according to police. Police did not provide a medical condition for Tuesday morning's victim, but said he was stable. Monday's incident remains under investigation, and police ask that anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Brandon Mosley at (302) 576-3646. There have been 85 people shot this year in Wilmington, 10 of them fatally, according to a database maintained by Delaware Online/The News Journal. While this figure is five more people shot this year than for the same time period in 2022, there have been two fewer people killed by gunfire in Wilmington during the same time period last year. More: Tracking gun violence in Delaware Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington shooting in Southbridge leaves man dead Monday night Man "blamed his wife" after loaded gun found in carry-on at airport A man who was cited by police for trying to pass through security at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport blamed his wife for the incident, saying she had packed his carry-on bag. The incident unfolded on Sept. 21. The man from King George, Virginia, had a .22 caliber pistol with five bullets. As he entered the security checkpoint and his bag was X-rayed, TSA found the weapon, the agency said in a news release. Police confiscated the gun. But the man told officials that it wasn't his fault: He "blamed his wife," saying that she had packed his carry-on bag and did not know that he had his loaded gun inside, according to the TSA news release. In addition to the citation from police, the man faces a "stiff financial civil penalty" from the TSA, the agency said. The maximum penalty for carrying weapons is $15,000. Civilian firearms can only be brought on a plane if they are in a hard-sided locked case in checked luggage, and declared with the airline. The loaded handgun found inside a man's carry-on bag by TSA officers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Sept. 21. / Credit: Transportation Security Administration This is the sixth firearm that the TSA has found at the airport in just three weeks, according to the airport's federal security director, John Busch. So far in 2023, 28 firearms have been confiscated at the airport, nearly matching the 29 guns confiscated in all of last year. "It is disappointing to continue to see travelers carrying their loaded guns to our security checkpoints," said Busch in the news release. "My advice is that when packing for a flight to start with a completely empty bag, and all travelers must pack their own bag, so that there are no surprises when someone gets to our checkpoint. ... There is no reasonable excuse for not knowing you are carrying an unsecured, loaded firearm in your bag. It presents a danger to everyone around you. I urge all responsible gun owners to maintain awareness of where their firearms are stored." Even more recently, a woman was stopped at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Sept. 24 for trying to carry a loaded .38 caliber revolver through security. In a news release announcing that incident, the TSA said that "so far this year," 4,000 guns have been found at security checkpoints. In 2022, the TSA confiscated 6,542 firearms, 88% of which were loaded, at 262 out of 430 airport security checkpoints across the country. The federal security director for the Pittsburgh International Airport, Karen Keys-Turner, said that it is "as if there is a gun epidemic." "We are seeing way too many travelers bringing their guns to our security checkpoints," Keys-Turner said. Newest car theft threat: carhackers Why violence is flaring between Armenia and Azerbaijan Biden to join UAW picket line in Michigan The Northland man charged with murder in the domestic violence shooting that killed his stepson, a Staley High School student, and injured the teens mother was a special education teacher who previously worked with students with behavioral issues. Steven Lester Woods has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Joseph Michael Bonacorso, according to court records. His mother, who is married to Woods, also was seriously injured in the shooting. Woods has spent the last eight years working at three school districts in the Kansas City area, according to his profile on LinkedIn, a social media network used for professional networking. Since August 2022, Woods has worked as a special education teacher at Maple Elementary School in Smithville, said Mindy Hedgecorth, a communication specialist for the Smithville School District. Upon being informed of the charges, the district placed Woods on administrative leave, she said. In a letter sent to families on Monday, Smithville Superintendent Mark Maus informed them that Woods had been arrested and charged with several serious crimes. The district said it was cooperating law enforcement as part of an ongoing investigation. It informed the families that the incident did not involve any other Smithville staff or students. The district said counselors would be available for students, staff and families affected by the tragedy. At the time Woods joined the district, the district said he had a bachelors degree in business administration from Western Governors University and was pursuing a masters degree in special education from the University of Missouri. He previously had worked for the district as a behavior interventionist, which is a non-certified position, at Maple Elementary from June 2019 to July 2021. Among the essential functions listed under the districts job description, that position involves administering programs and services for emotionally disturbed students as well as assisting in the development of procedures and training materials for district staff and ensuring that programs are compliant with established guidelines. The person in that position also is responsible for conducting workshops, training and in-service presentations to help staff develop skills and establish relationships with emotionally disturbed students. A behavior interventionist also coordinates the handling of child abuse and neglect cases through contact with school staff and outside agencies to comply with mandated requirements. Woods previously worked for the North Kansas City School District starting as a security clerk at Maple Park Middle School in October 2015, according to Susan Hiland, director of media and public relations for North Kansas City Schools. In 2016, he became a paraprofessional in-school suspension supervisor at Maple Park Middle School. From January 2018 to May 2019, Woods had the same position at New Mark Middle School. While he was with the district, he volunteered to assist in lock down training, she said. From July 2021 to August 2022, he worked as an at-risk teacher for the Center School District in Kansas City, according to his profile. The district, however, is not able to confirm past employment records, said Rick Chambers, a spokesman for the Center School District said. A check of his educator credentials with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education showed that Woods worked at Center Middle School during the districts 2021-2022 school year. The shooting The fatal shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday at a home in the 1300 block of Northeast 119th Terrace in Kansas City, North. According to court documents, Bonacorsos mother told police that she and Woods are married and that their marriage had a history of verbal abuse. Prior to the shooting, she had confronted Woods about him cheating on her and texting another woman. Woods told her to leave and as she was gathering her belongings, she saw his phone was unlocked, grabbed it and locked herself in a hallway bathroom. Woods allegedly broke the bathroom door in half and grabbed the victim, allegedly repeatedly throwing her into the bathtub and yelling for her to get out of the house, according to court documents. Another person in the house tried to intervene, but Woods allegedly went after her. She told police she barricaded herself inside her bedroom, but Woods broke through the door and punched her TV. She told police she called the stepson because she was in fear for her life and she needed him to come to protect them, according to court documents. Woods ran into his room and shut the door when Bonacorso arrived. He yelled for the victims to leave with him, the female victim told police. Woods told police he retrieved a handgun from his nightstand. He exited the room and told Bonacorso to leave his home. Woods allegedly told a detective that he shot Bonacorso when he raised a knife. After his wife fled from the house, Woods told police he grabbed a shotgun from his bedroom to defend himself. He said he was afraid Bonacorsos family would arrive before police. In 2016, Woods had shot Bonacorsos father in what was then determined to be self-defense, according to court documents. As he waited for police, Woods allegedly told a detective the shotgun had an accidental discharge as he fumbled with the safety. His wife, who had gone to the front door in an attempt to check on her son, was struck by shotgun round that had exited through the front door. Woods remained in Clay County jail on $1 million bond. There is no attorney listed for him in court records. Heres a list of domestic violence resources in the Kansas City area if you or someone you love is facing a domestic violence situation. LAHAINA, Hawaii Lahaina resident Erwin Miyamoto squinted as he pointed to a clay-colored speck far in the distance, its light blue roof barely visible against the deep cerulean of the sky. See that building? he said, standing on a hill above a Hawaii National Guard blockade near the burn zone. That was my property. Its colorful wall and roof are all that remain of the apartment complex Miyamoto managed before an Aug. 8 wildfire tore through Lahaina, killing 97 people and displacing thousands more. A second building managed by the company that employs Miyamoto also burned to the ground. Everyone who lived in both buildings survived, he said. Miyamoto and other residents returned to Lahaina to look for their belongings and assess the damage in the days after the fire, before federal officials blocked roads and set up security checkpoints accessible only to authorized workers. Lahaina resident Erwin Miyamoto on Monday. (Josiah Patterson for NBC News) On Monday, an initial round of residents displaced by the vicious wildfire began the painful journey home, marking the first time they have been allowed inside the disaster zone to see their empty properties. Cars trickled into a Hawaii National Guard security checkpoint, some carrying residents in head-to-toe protective gear, who were escorted onto their properties as volunteers stood by to help them safely sift through the wreckage. They are standing in front of a loved one and saying goodbye, volunteer Todd Taylor said. Its very important for these homeowners to look through that ash and see whats there. Leading up to Mondays re-entry, some residents had expressed trepidation not only about what they would see and what feelings would arise, but also about the safety of the ground and air even after cleanup. Others pored through weekly updates from county and federal officials who coordinated closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is overseeing the cleanup of toxic or dangerous materials. Miyamoto was not among those granted permits. The buildings he managed are deep within the disaster zone, and it will be weeks, if not months, before he is allowed to go back. Its frustrating, he said. You want to have closure. Members of the Hawaii National Guard at the checkpoint on Kaniau Road on Sept. 25, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Josiah Patterson for NBC News) Re-entry comes after nearly seven weeks of cleanup following the Lahaina wildfire. It was one of three fires that terrorized Maui that day and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, most of them homes. Darryl Oliveira, the interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, said that the agency granted permits for 23 parcels Monday and that 16 families had entered by midday. He said officials are trying to prevent potentially dangerous or toxic dust from dispersing and are asking families to tread lightly on the land. Oliveira said he expects to pick up the pace of the operation and to announce the reopening of more zones by the end of the week, with the goal of completing Lahaina re-entries within one to two months, depending on how quickly the EPA can finish cleanup. People are taken aback by the extent of the destruction, he said, adding that he saw one family pause in prayer before walking onto their property. Miyamoto followed a similar ritual when he returned to the site of his apartment shortly after the fire, before federal officials blocked off large swaths of Lahaina. He recalls taking a deep breath before he looked through the remnants of the home he shared with his wife, his adult daughter, two grandchildren and their mother, the ex-girlfriend of his adult son. The son lived downstairs in a separate unit with his current girlfriend. The family liked it that way, Miyamoto said: We were always under one roof. Miyamoto said that in finding his way around the ruins, he mapped the apartments layout in his mind, using a melted steel bed frame to locate the spot where his wife stored her jewelry in their bedroom. He hoped to find her wedding ring, but he instead discovered clumps of gold he presumed to be the remnants of her valuables. The clumps, brass metal plates and a ceramic bowl given to his wife by her grandmother were the only items to survive, he said. Gabriella Miyamoto is holding some melted metal that Erwin found near where her jewelry box would be in her bedroom. They think it could be melted jewelry. She is also holding a ring that belongs to Erwin. It has a figure of a chicken on it. (Josiah Patterson for NBC News) I dont know how the hell that thing made it, Miyamoto said of the bowl. His wife, Gabriella, has not returned to Lahaina since August, and she most likely never will, they both said. She wakes up shaking in the middle of the night from terrifying images that haunt her dreams when she tries to sleep. Gabriella no longer plays music loudly or sings along to her favorite songs. Instead, she keeps a bag packed with her few surviving belongings nearby in case another fire comes to claim her. At night, she replays her harrowing escape: the thick black smoke, the faces she saw as she tried to drive down the streets, the 2 hours she waited in traffic praying she would make it to safety. Erwin Miyamoto with his wife, Gabriella Miyamoto. (Josiah Patterson for NBC News) My dreams consume me, she said in a shaky voice. I cant live on Maui anymore. Gabriella plans to visit family in her native Mexico for a month or more while her husband tries to rebuild their life in Hawaii. He hopes to maybe buy a condo on Oahu, where Gabriella feels safe, and fly between there and Maui for work. Miyamoto said he is impatient to secure a coveted permit from the county that will allow him to return to his apartment and retrieve the diamond from his wifes wedding ring. If he finds it, they plan to have a new one forged. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday he thinks itd be very important to have a meeting with President Joe Biden to avert a government shutdown and emphasize the need to pass the GOPs border security package. Why dont we just cut a deal with the president? McCarthy, R-Calif., asked reporters who questioned why hes not willing to strike a deal with congressional Democrats this week on a short-term funding bill to keep the government open. McCarthy suggested that Biden could solve the crisis at the southern border a major sticking point for Republicans in shutdown talks unilaterally. Listen, the president, all he has to do its only actions that he has to take. He can do it like that. He changed all the policies on the border. He can change those, McCarthy said. We can keep government open and finish out the work that we have done. Wed like to hear from you about how youre preparing for a possible government shutdown, whether you might be out of work or feel the effects of shuttered services. Please contact us at tips@nbcuni.com or reach out to us here. Asked specifically whether he was requesting a meeting with Biden, McCarthy replied: I think it would be very important to have a meeting with the president to solve that issue. McCarthy and Biden did meet earlier this year as they negotiated over the debt ceiling and came to an agreement on top-line spending numbers that were meant to make the government funding process easier. But not long after striking that agreement, and amid spending complaints from conservatives, McCarthy opted to ignore the deal with Biden and try to pass bills at a lower level. "I need to be very clear, its up to the speaker to twist in the wind. I mean, seriously ... a deal is a deal," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Air Force One. "The president made a deal with the speaker and a bipartisan deal that was voted by two-thirds of House Republicans back in June." A White House official said that "nothing has changed" the shutdown crisis is one for McCarthy and Republicans to "fix," not Biden. Responding to McCarthys demands on border security, the White House pointed to Bidens request last week for a $4 billion supplemental funding request for the Department of Homeland Security to safely and humanely manage the Southwest Border. White House officials also argue that the GOPs short-term bill would dramatically cut border funding, resulting in 800 fewer Customs and Border Protection agents and officers. A shutdown, officials said, would mean tens of thousands of DHS law enforcement workers would be unpaid. So we would love to do this in a bipartisan way, but were not seeing that, Jean-Pierre said last week. What were seeing from House Republicans is wanting to defund" the Department of Homeland Security. House Republicans have struggled to coalesce behind a strategy to avert a far-reaching government shutdown set for 12:01 a.m. Sunday, which could furlough millions of federal workers and affect federal benefits for millions of other people. House conservatives demand that steep spending cuts be tied to any appropriations bills or short-term funding deal that moves through Congress. And in recent days, McCarthy has tried to make the shutdown showdown about the GOPs border security measure, known as H.R. 2. In addition to normal funding bills, McCarthy said he will try this week to pass a short-term funding bill, known as a continuing resolution, or CR, that would include the Secure the Border Act (minus E-Verify provisions) and keep the government open temporarily while talks continue. Those GOP bills would be dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate, which hopes to pass a short-term funding bill this week without controversial provisions. Its unclear whether theyll have enough time, with some GOP members likely to block a speedy vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has yet to release the stopgap bill but indicated it could come soon. McCarthy also signaled he wants to vote on a stopgap bill in the House before the Saturday midnight deadline. Itd be this week, he told reporters, without specifying details about it. He declined to engage about what the House would do if the Senate passed a short-term bill by the deadline. McCarthy made it clear he didn't support Ukraine aid in a continuing resolution, saying the issue should be dealt with separately. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A man in the U.S. complained his identity was stolen and used by a stranger for years, according to federal prosecutors who said his impersonator was a citizen of Mexico. A 59-year-old man from Tijuana lived under the U.S. citizens name since December 1992 allowing him to collect Social Security benefits and receive a California drivers license, prosecutors said. According to court documents, he lived in the U.S. without citizenship. The identity theft was discovered soon after the mans arrest on Aug. 5, 2022, when he drove into the U.S. from Mexico through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and arrived in San Diego County with three people without legal status in the U.S., prosecutors said. He was charged under the name of the U.S. citizen whose identity he stole, according to prosecutors who said an investigation revealed the mans true name and Mexican citizenship status. From 2007 through 2017 and 2019 through 2021, the man stole at least $81,185 in Supplemental Security Income benefits meant for the other man, according to a plea agreement. He was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison for misusing the American citizens identity to obtain identification documents and thousands of dollars in government benefits, the attorneys office announced in a Sept. 25 news release. McClatchy News contacted the mans defense attorney for comment on Sept. 26 and didnt receive an immediate response. This defendant pulled off this fraudulent charade for more than 30 years, and he had many victims from the man whose identity was stolen, to the courts, state and federal government, and the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden said in a statement. According to a sentencing memorandum submitted on the mans behalf by his attorney, he was remorseful when confronted by the investigators and confirmed his true identity to them. He made it clear that he did not want the government to expend resources to try the case or force his family members to testify as to his true identity, the sentencing memo says. As part of the mans sentencing, he was ordered to pay the Social Security Administration $81,185 in restitution and may be deported after serving his sentence, prosecutors said. Mom slowly killed son, stole his benefits for fast food, Victorias Secret, feds say 86-year-old used dead brothers identity since 1965, collected his benefits, feds say Mom, daughter stole over $500,000 from 92-year-old with dementia in Florida, feds say ROELAND PARK, Kan. (WDAF/NEXSTAR) More than 350 schools in the U.S. have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the Department of Education. The annual recognition is given to schools based on academic performance, or progress toward closing achievement gaps among student groups on tests, the Education Department explains. Created in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon School Program recognizes public, parochial and private learning facilities from across the country. Schools can be recognized for a Blue Ribbon School Award in one of two performance categories: high achievement as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, and greatest advancements in closing achievement gaps. US News releases latest college rankings after formula change The leaders, educators and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a release. While 420 schools can be nominated each year, only 353 received recognition this year: 313 public schools and 40 non-public schools. This year, all but four states were represented in the awards. Oregon and Vermont have not participated since the 1990s, Maine last participated in 2020, and Nevada in 2022. California boasted the most Blue Ribbon Schools with a total of 33. The states with the most Blue Ribbon Schools are: California: 33 Texas: 29 New York: 22 Illinois: 20 Ohio: 19 While California and Texas topped out the list, states in the Midwest and Northeast largely had the most schools recognized while states in the Plains and West were less-represented. This map shows the number of schools by state that received National Blue Ribbon Recognition in 2023. (Department of Education) Last year, it was Texas that had the most Blue Ribbon Schools at 31, followed by California at 29. New York, Illinois, and Ohio were also in the top five in 2022. You can find a complete list of 2023 winners here. In 40 years, the National Blue Ribbon School Program has issued about 10,000 awards to over 9,700 schools across the country. Schools in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Department of Defense Education Activity can only be nominated once every five years. They must also meet a rigorous list of requirements to qualify. Only a certain number of schools per state, set by the Department of Education, can be nominated each year by the Chief State School Officer. This means states like California and Texas which can nominate up to 35 and 26 schools, respectively will often have the most schools recognized while smaller states, like Hawaii and Rhode Island, are capped at three. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. SACRAMENTO, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill to curb book bans his most concrete policy rebuke of attacks on instruction about race and sexual orientation that have taken root in more conservative enclaves of California. Under the new law, which will take effect immediately, the state will fine schools that block textbooks and school library books for discriminatory reasons. It will also charge districts for replacement textbooks when they fail to purchase curriculum aligning with state anti-discrimination laws. That provision was added to the legislation at the behest of the Newsom administration earlier this year when the Democratic governor was dueling with a conservative school board in Southern California. The bill passed by a two-thirds margin despite opposition from Republicans and the California School Boards Association. "Remarkable that we're living in a country right now in this banning binge, this cultural purge that we're experiencing all throughout America and now increasingly here in the state of California where we have school districts banning books, banning free speech, criminalizing librarians and teachers," Newsom said in a video of him signing the bill posted on X (formerly Twitter). "We want to do more than just push back rhetorically against that, and that's what this legislation provides." Administration aides made Assembly Bill 1078 from Assemblymember Corey Jackson their main vehicle for addressing actions by a group of GOP-backed school board candidates whove leaned into cultural wedge issues since being elected last fall. Newsom has stopped short of endorsing more sweeping responses favored by some on the left, including counteracting a set of school board policies requiring staff to alert parents when their child is transgender or nonbinary. The governor angered progressives and LGBTQ advocates over the weekend by vetoing a bill that would have given preference to gender-affirming parents in child custody disputes, but has followed up by signing less controversial bills mandating that schools have all-gender restrooms and train teachers on supporting LGBTQ students. This latest signing stems from a viral moment that infuriated advocates when two school board members in the Inland Empire suburb Temecula called slain San Francisco Supervisor and gay rights icon Harvey Milk a pedophile before rejecting curriculum mentioning him. Newsom threatened to fine the district before the law was even passed, but backed down when the board approved the books months later. The new law, prohibiting schools from blocking books because of their representation of a certain race, gender or other identity group, is an uncommon incursion into California school boards ability to govern themselves. Boards did have to follow anti-discrimination laws, but those requirements lacked associated financial penalties that will now be imposed. Backed by state schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, the new law will allow the superintendent to determine whether a district has failed to comply with state curriculum laws, giving the official power to review complaints that would have first had to go through county boards of education in the past. Even when other provisions opposed by the California School Boards Association were dropped, the CSBA pointed to that expansion of state power and kept up its opposition. That will remain as long as the bill authorizes unfettered state intervention before a school district is made aware of a complaint and has an adequate opportunity to review and remediate the issue, CSBA spokesperson Troy Flint told POLITICO after the bill was amended into its final form. Few other states have passed laws punishing book restrictions with fines. Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this year signed into law the nations first prohibition of book bans, which would fine public libraries for blocking content. In this image from video provided by NASA, technicians in a clean room examine the sample return capsule from NASAs Osiris-Rex mission after it landed at the Department of Defenses Utah Test and Training Range on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020. | NASA via Associated Press A small but precious sample of material captured from the ancient Bennu asteroid was transported to one of the worlds most specialized labs on Monday after NASAs Osiris-Rex mission successfully landed a capsule carrying the extraterrestrial dust and rubble in Utahs west desert on Sunday. The sample, believed to be about a cup or so of material harvested in deep space by a vacuum-enabled robotic arm deployed by the Osiris-Rex spacecraft that plunged into the surface of Bennu back in 2020, will allow scientists to look back some 4.5 billion years and could reveal new insight into the formation of the solar system and even the origins of water and life on Earth. And the team tasked with the initial processing of the 9 ounces or so of asteroid material is part of a NASA division thats been assessing extraterrestrial material going back to the early Apollo moon missions over five decades ago. NASAs Astromaterials Research & Science Exploration division has been in operation since 1969, the year the Apollo 11 mission, the first to land humans on the moon, brought back the first geologic samples from Earths sole satellite. The material included nearly 50 pounds of rocks, regolith (essentially, lunar soil) and core samples gathered by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin while on the surface of the moon. Related On Monday, an Air Force C-17 airplane transported the Bennu sample, which remained inside a high-tech container extracted from the Osiris-Rex return capsule by gowned technicians Sunday working in a temporary clean room set up at Dugway Proving Ground, to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The sample was headed for a new laboratory designed by ARES scientists that is among more than 20 research labs used for the handling and research of ultra-rare materials samples gathered from the cosmos. In its September news letter, ARES noted its scientists were prepared and ready to begin the work of analyzing and cataloging the Bennu sample. The (Osiris-Rex) curation lab is ready to receive the samples, and we look forward to working closely with the Osiris-Rex Science team and our international partners (Canadian Space Agency and Japan Aerospace and Exploration Agency) during preliminary examination of the samples, the ARES newsletter read. Welcome to Houston, OSIRIS-REx! The asteroid sample arrived today in Texas where it will be curated and preserved by our team here at Johnson. The information collected could help scientists around the world investigate planetary formation, the origins of life, and how asteroids pic.twitter.com/8m0Yp3wqap NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) September 25, 2023 NASA reports plans to store about 70% of the Bennu material for study by scientists not yet born, using technologies not yet invented, to answer fundamental questions about the solar system with the remainder to be shared among over 200 researchers at 35 institutions around the world. The ARES scientists will complete a cataloging of the Bennu material and publish results of those efforts in about six months, according to NASA. At that time, investigators outside the Osiris-Rex science team will be able to request samples for research. The ARES team could be very busy in the coming years thanks to other NASA sample return plans currently under way. Those include additional lunar samples, thanks to the Artemis program which is aiming to land astronauts on the moon in this decade and an effort to bring samples gathered by the Mars Perseverance rover back to Terra Prime in or around 2033. The Osiris-Rex mission launched from Earth in 2016 on a journey that brought it to an orbit around Bennu in 2018. Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid, meaning it is on a path that orbits the sun. Bennus trek around the sun takes 435 days, but every six years the asteroid passes relatively close within about 186,000 miles to Earth. For reference, thats closer to Earth than the moon. Ahead of the opportunity to evaluate material from Bennu, scientists have a wealth of information gathered by Osiris-Rex over the two years it circled and observed the asteroid. One of the huge advantages of the Bennu sample, from a research perspective, is that the material is pristine when compared to samples gathered from meteorites that have crashed to Earth and been contaminated by exposure to the planets atmosphere. Beside its value to scientists as an accessible asteroid that contains material from the earliest days of the solar system, Bennu is also notable as one of the biggest known potential threats for a future collision with Earth. Research from the Osiris-Rex scientific team estimates there is a 1 in 2,700 chance that Bennu could be on a course to impact earth exactly 159 years from this weekends expected landing of Osiris-Rexs sample return capsule landing, on Sept. 24, 2182. At the Dugway command center on Sunday, Anjani Polit, mission implementation systems engineer for the Osiris-Rex mission, said that Bennus status as a potential Earth-impactor elevates the importance of the information thats already been gathered about the asteroid as well as what new insights the material sample will reveal. The planetary defense aspect is a really important aspect of this mission, Polit said. Its really important to study Bennu ... to evaluate those risks. And also learning about its material properties. What its made of ... is information we could use to deflect an asteroid whether its Bennu or another asteroid in the future, if we need to. The debacle at China Evergrande Group is heating up some of the nation's social media platforms with discussions about its fate. Some argued the penny stock is worth a punt before another bid to beat the drop. Others said bankruptcy may be inevitable. The drama took another turn for the worse when the developer's major onshore unit, Hengda Real Estate Group, failed to repay a 4 billion yuan (US$547 million) note on Monday, an obligation among US$327 billion of liabilities choking the homebuilder. It is talking to bondholders about a solution on a "non-evasion of debt" basis. The unit is already being investigated by regulators for market breaches, a transgression that cripples Evergande's ability to sell and list new bonds in offshore markets under China's capital market rules. Several former executives have been detained over missing funds, local media outlet Caixin Global reported on Monday. 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. "Not able to issue new notes means no more financing possibilities, just like no bullets to fight a war," Zhou Si, a user with 810,000 followers on Weibo, said in a post on the short-message platform on Tuesday. "If it fails to restructure its debt, the only ending for [founder] Hui Ka-yan is bankruptcy," Xiaoma, another commenter, added. Evergrande did not immediately reply to an email on Tuesday seeking comment. A call to its corporate headquarters in Shenzhen went unanswered. Its shares fell 8.1 per cent to HK$0.395 on Tuesday, adding to a 22 per cent slump on Monday. The stock has crashed by more than HK$335 billion (US$42.8 billion) since hitting HK$25.80 in July of 2020, a month before Beijing unleashed its industry-crippling "three red lines" policy. Story continues Some social media commenters see a chance to dabble in the stock, albeit with a dose of caution. "Please be cautious when you want to buy in," Xiaoheiyezhijing, a Weibo user with 629,000 followers, said on Monday. "It's okay to buy a little bit. It would be a disaster if you buy a lot." 'Plenty of time on the clock,' says Brock Silvers, managing director at Kaiyuan Capital in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout alt='Plenty of time on the clock,' says Brock Silvers, managing director at Kaiyuan Capital in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout> Brock Silvers, the managing director at Kaiyuan Capital in Hong Kong, is sanguine about the situation. Restriction of new notes would seriously complicate things, but the market does not have the full details behind it while the winding-up petition on October 30 is still a month away. "Large restructurings are often roller-coaster rides, and all parties, including regulators, want a deal here," he said. "An agreement before the [court] deadline should not be ruled out. Plenty of time on the clock." What chairman and founder Hui does in the next few days or weeks will determine if the group's US$20 billion debt restructuring proposal with friendly offshore creditors will survive in its current form and terms. Other, hostile, ones are seeking a court order in Hong Kong next month to liquidate the developer. The restructuring proposal was cobbled together over two years of negotiations with friendly creditors, who stand to lose more than 96 per cent of their money in the worst-case outcome. Several creditor meetings have been scrapped, likely delaying its timeline, while the latest curbs on offshore bond sales, vital in replacing defaulted debt, could be the killer blow. "Evergrande's difficulties in debt restructuring would be prolonged," said Tan Haojun, a financial columnist and commentator, said in a Weibo post on Tuesday. "Any violation could cause serious problems for a company with such a debt scale. It's more difficult and risky to bring Evergrande back to life." 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. DUDLEY The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has banned Glenn M. Sulmasy, the Nichols College president who is currently on voluntary leave, from its grounds after CNN reported that Sulmasy exchanged sexually suggestive texts with a student he taught while at the academy. The academy said the ban had been announced in an email sent to faculty and staff on behalf of the superintendent, Rear Admiral Michael Johnston, on Friday, the day after the CNN report, which detailed allegations of sexting with one student and making unwanted sexual comments to another. The academy also published a public statement from Johnston. Every member of the Service has the right to a safe workplace devoid of harassment, bullying, assault, discrimination, and retaliation," the statement said. "If any current or former member of the Academy community has experienced any of these behaviors while at the Coast Guard Academy, I encourage you to report it. Johnston said in the statement that the latest allegations published by CNN had not previously been reported to the Coast Guard. He said they have now been referred to the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Sulmasys attorney, Jeffrey S. Robbins, did not respond to a request for comment on the ban. Sulmasy had previously been accused of mishandling a case of sexual assault while working as an academic attorney at the service academy in New London, Connecticut. Last week, Nichols College confirmed that Sulmasy was going on voluntary leave while the college conducts an independent investigation into his time at the Coast Guard Academy. Bill Pieczynski, the college's vice president for advancement, is serving as acting president. Sulmasy was hired at Nichols in 2021 after a stint as provost of Bryant University in Rhode Island. CNN reported Friday that Coast Guard officials had contacted Bryant in 2016 to revoke their previous recommendation of Sulmasy for the job, following the results of an internal investigation. According to the CNN report Sulmasy, who had already been hired at Bryant, was then put on probation. The report did not indicate whether Bryant had made Nichols aware of concerns regarding Sulmasy. A spokesperson for Bryant University did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked Monday for updates on the Sulmasy investigation, Nichols College provided a statement: "President Sulmasy remains on a leave of absence while the College completes its investigation," a college spokesperson said. "Also, President Sulmasy is to have no contact with Nichols faculty, students or staff; he is cooperating with these arrangements." The spokesperson did not respond to a question about whether Bryant had made Nichols aware of concerns surrounding Sulmasy. "As we stated previously, by policy the College doesnt comment on personnel matters or ongoing investigations," the spokesperson said. "The College will have a reply once our investigation has concluded." Return to Telegram.com for updates to this story. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: U.S. Coast Guard Academy bans Glenn Sulmasy from its grounds A pair of New York Times best-selling authors who happen to be Indianapolis residents will talk book banning next month to benefit an anti-hunger program. Ashley C. Ford (Somebodys Daughter) and John Green (The Fault in Our Stars) will be featured at The Patachou Foundations 7th annual Speakers Forum on Oct. 24, in a conversation about the impact of banning books. John Green made Indianapolis the setting for his novels "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Turtles All the Way Down." The Ban Hunger, Not Books theme highlights the need to prioritize access to nutritious food over the expending of energy and resources into censoring or restricting access to knowledge and information found in books, organizers said. Jane Henegar, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, will moderate the discussion. This event benefits The Patachou Foundations effort to alleviate childhood hunger in Indianapolis. The event will take place at Shelton Auditorium at the Christian Theological Seminary at 6 p.m. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. Ford is the former co-host of The HBO companion podcast Lovecraft Country Radio, and the current host of Ben & Jerrys Into The Mix. John Green: Author says library controversy over teen books is bad for business, students Greens books, which include Looking for Alaska and Turtles All the Way Down, have been published in more than 55 languages, and over 24 million copies are in print. The Patachou Foundation operates the PataSchool, which serves 270,000 meals every school year, and the Food Fellowship workforce development program for high school students. Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on Twitter: @cherylvjackson. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NYT best-selling authors John Green, Ashley C. Ford to talk book bans BOSTON Health equity advocates are urging lawmakers to advance a comprehensive health equity bill to overcome racial disparities in the health care system. The omnibus bill, co-sponsored by 31 legislators in the House and Senate, aims to improve access and quality of health care. Among other provisions, the bill includes creating an executive office of equity; reducing the cost of certain medications for chronic conditions that disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities; and expanding MassHealth coverage for people regardless of immigration status. This legislation is an essential step toward addressing the failings of our health care system and the root causes of health inequities across the commonwealth, said state Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, lead sponsor of the bill, during a Joint Committee on Health Care Financing hearing on Wednesday. Members of the Health Equity Compact an organization representing more than 80 leaders of color representing hospitals, health centers and other community health organizations held a rally Wednesday urging health equity legislation Wednesday at the State House. 'Horrible tragedy': Mass. reproductive justice advocates call for comprehensive maternal care Requiring the governor's cabinet to include a secretary of equity would elevate equity with the Legislature and raise appropriate awareness of health care gaps, said Assaad Sayah, president and chief executive of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Bureaucracy worries me, said state Sen. Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington, Senate Chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. We can spend a lot of time on the bureaucracy and then we have not a lot to show. Having diverse representation in policy conversations is an essential first step versus remaining an afterthought in governance, Sayah said. The gap is huge and the conversation is large, he said. It needs to be a voice that's coming from inside at every lesson in every conversation. Uninsured residents use emergency rooms for primary care More than 80% of Massachusetts residents believe some racial groups face more health care obstacles, with 23% citing health care and insurance affordability and cost as top barriers to health equity in open-ended responses, according to a new MassINC Polling Group survey. Many uninsured Massachusetts residents overuse emergency rooms for primary care due to a lack of access to primary care physicians, said Amie Shei, president and CEO of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, in an interview before Wednesday's hearing. This is very costly and they (uninsured residents) end up delaying treatment and many times their health conditions worsen as a result, she said. Members of the Health Equity Compact held a rally Wednesday at the Statev House urging legislation to address racial inequities in health care. Dr. Jeff Hersh: Women often get the short end of the stick in the health care system Though Massachusetts has broader insurance coverage, many still dont guarantee to receive understanding, compassionate and culturally competent providers within practices that offer people respectful care, said Nancy Norman, medical director of integration for the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership. Shari Nethersole, vice president of community jhealth at Boston Childrens Hospital, said during Wednesday's testimony that language barriers and limited culturally relevant care make it difficult for immigrant families to navigate and access care. The current system of offering medical limited coverage to children and adults for undocumented immigrants creates a tiered system where even members of the same family may have access to the same level of care, Nethersole said, adding that equal coverage would ensure patients get appropriate preventive care on time. Bill would require state agencies to report health data One proposal in the package is to require state agencies to report data related to health disparities using standardized health equity data metrics. Analyzing and sharing data such as life expectancy differences between Boston neighborhoods is difficult, said Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. Standardizing data that have already been shared allows us to clearly target interventions and measure progress over time, Ojikutu said during the hearing. We need solutions that are comprehensive and encompass the entire state, even if they need increased bureaucracy. Health equity activists rally on State House steps Ahead of Wednesday's hearing, members of the Health Equity Compact an organization representing more than 80 leaders of color representing hospitals, health centers and other community health organizations held a rally to support the legislation on the State House steps. According to the MassInc poll, 96% of Massachusetts residents agree that everyone deserves an opportunity to live a long, healthy life, regardless of income, education or race. Michael Curry, co-founder of the Compact and president of Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, said the Health Equity Compact will continue to advocate to get the legislation moved favorably out of the committee by the Joint Rule 10 deadline, which is next April. It's only equitable that it passes, Sayah said. The bill is not the answer to everything, but it is an important step in that journey. This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Mass. health care activists push for more equity in bill This article was updated Friday, Oct. 13 to reflect the vote by employees to decline union representation in dealing with issues at Perdue AgriBusiness in Salisbury. Following a vote Friday, Sept. 29, workers at Perdue AgriBusiness in Salisbury decided against union representation in dealing a bevy of issues with the company that ranged from worker safety to pay issues. We appreciate the outcome of the voting process and our associates decision to maintain their direct relationship with the company. We have always strived for an environment in which a union would having nothing to offer our associates and remain committed to addressing any issues with honest and frank discussions in an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. We look forward to certification of the results," said a spokesperson for the company following the vote. Workers announced earlier in the month they planned to unionize with the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 27 Union. Workers reached out to UFCW Local 27 to form a union following several incidents that raised safety concerns among the staff. Workers also want to address wages and fairness in the workplace, according to an email sent Monday by UFCW Local 27. "We decided to unionize because we were tired of complaining and nothing being done about it, said Jo Ellen Holland, a lab technician at Perdue and member of the union organizing committee. All the traction unions are getting in the news (and) really inspired us to take that next step for ourselves. Overall, we're just hoping to gain a better work environment for ourselves and our coworkers." Holland noted the move was aimed at creating a circumstance where employees were seeking to be "happier with their jobs." Perdue Corporate Headquaters Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Salisbury, Maryland. The workers filed for a union election through the National Labor Relations Board and voting took place Thursday and Friday, Sept. 28-29 at the facility. Votes were tallied the evening of Friday, Sept. 29, and the results were announced shortly after. More on new Perdue products Chicken beer? Perdue Farms to release new flavor in time for grilling season "Perdue AgriBusiness is committed to providing a safe working environment where our associates are treated fairly in all aspects of their employment. We respect the right of our Perdue AgriBusiness associates to vote on whether they want union representation at the companys oil refinery. Next week, our associates will voice their opinion on whether they want a union or not and Perdue supports the process," a spokesperson for Perdue said in a statement. Union officials cite Perdue safety, workplace violations The company is not without safety and other workplace violations that sparked workers safety concerns, according to union officials. According to the commercial workers' union, Perdue and its subsidiaries have totaled $48 million in penalties since 2000, including nearly $700,000 in penalties for safety violations and $24.5 million in wage and hour violations, citing a violation tracker aggregated by Good Jobs First. The company also had to recently contend with a report of a 14-year-old boy, employed by Perdue in violation of federal child labor laws, who suffered a gruesome arm injury while working in a facility in Virginia last year. An employee at another Virginia facility also died in a workplace accident last year and was the second worker at that facility to die in a workplace accident in the past two years. Perdue has responded to unionizing effort with an aggressive anti-union campaign "in defiance" of federal labor law, the union argued. UFCW Local 27 filed several Unfair Labor Practice charges against Perdue for unlawfully coercing employees to vote against unionization, including by posting deceptive literature that appears to be an official notice from the National Labor Relations Board but was in fact doctored by the company. More on Perdue CEO's retirement Perdue Farms CEO Randy Day announces retirement plans after 40-plus years with company The union would have covered approximately 46 current employees in the facility at 6909 Zion Church Road in Salisbury, where workers refine oil from soybeans to produce a range of products. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Perdue employees vote against move to unionize at Salisbury facility A white supremacist group gathered in February 2023 on the pedestrian bridge leading to Daytona International Speedway holding antisemitic banners. Four people were charged in the hanging of antisemitic hate banners along a bridge over Interstate 4 in Orlando in violation of a state law passed this year to combat such hate messages, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Ronald Murray, 41, and Amanda Rains, 36, both of Cypress, Texas, were arrested last week and turned themselves into the Orange County Jail, according to the FDLE. They join two others: Jason Brown, 48, of Cape Canaveral, arrested Sept. 13, and Anthony Altick, 36, of Monroe, Louisiana, who was arrested Sept. 18. The four are accused of placing banners without permission on June 10 along a fence on the Daryl Carter Parkway Bridge in Orlando. The banners included swastika flags and racist messages directly over passing traffic on Interstate 4, according to the FDLE. We want to thank Gov. DeSantis for his support of law enforcement and for the signing of HB 269, giving us the tools to arrest this hate-filled radical, said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. This activity will not be tolerated in the greatest state in the country, Florida. HB 269, which had bipartisan support in the state legislature, prohibits a number of activities, including distribution on private property of "any material for the purpose of intimidating or threatening the owner, resident, or invitee." It has also worried First Amendment supporters who are concerned it will affect free speech protections. Speedway, neighborhoods targeted with propaganda More than a dozen people linked with the Goyim Defense League, an anti-Jewish hate group, spread antisemitic propaganda in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach in February, according to the Anti-Defamation League and reporting by The News-Journal. Hate group members stood on the pedestrian bridge over International Speedway Boulevard one Saturday and held up antisemitic banners. The group also attempted to digitally project hate speech onto the Daytona International Speedway the day before the 500, the ADL reported. Earlier this year, antisemitic pamphlets were thrown in yards and driveways in parts of Ormond Beach. The bill prohibits the distribution of onto private property any material that contains a "credible threat to the owner, resident, or invitee of such property." The law also prohibits individuals from displaying banners or projecting images onto buildings, structures, or properties without permission. The four alleged offenders in Orlando were released from the Orange County jail after posting $500 bail each. A condition of their release was that they have no contact with co-defendants in the case. ADL: 71% increase in extremist-related incidents in Florida The arrests were reported during a year that has seen a number of instances of antisemitic and hate-messaging in Florida. Extremist-related incidents increased by 71% in Florida between 2020 and 2021, according to a report released by the Anti-Defamation League in September 2022. There were 207 such incidents in the state in 2021 compared to 121 in 2020. The surge was largely due to the increased distribution of white supremacist propaganda by a network of extremist groups, including neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Those groups include the Goyim Defense League and the National Socialist Movement, the ADL stated. Hate banners posted over I-4 In the incident over I-4, investigators located a video titled Order of the Black Sun 10 June 2023 and Disney Shock & Awe. It showed people walking along the bridge with flags and using zip ties to attach banners to the span. Order of the Black Sun is a small network of neo-Nazis primarily based in Florida formed in early 2023 by long-time affiliates of Floridas white supremacist network, according to the ADL. It distributes propaganda and holds demonstrations. Brown and Altick attached a red and white striped swastika flag to the bridge, according to a charging affidavit. Altick attached a white power worldwide banner. Murray and Rain attached a banner that read Destroy ALL pedophiles with swastikas on it, the affidavit stated. Besides the FDLE, the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol participated in the investigation. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner called Florida a "law-and-order state." Todays arrest demonstrates Floridas commitment to protecting residents from attention-seeking extremists, he said. 'Political witch hunt' A defense attorney called the charges political. Murray and Rains were targets of a political witch hunt, the lawyer, Augustus Sol Invictus, who represents the two, told a Texas newspaper. Invictus, whose name was Austin Gillespie before he changed it, is an Orlando attorney who once slaughtered a goat and drank its blood as part of a pagan ritual, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Invictus is an extreme right-winger who also made an unsuccessful run for a state senate seat in 2016, according to the SLC. Invictus has also been associated with neo-Nazis. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Antisemitic banners over I-4 in Orlando lead to 4 arrests A U.S. Postal Service employee stole nearly 100 checks worth over $1 million from residents in Washington, D.C., according to federal court documents. After Hachikosela Muchimba, 43, of D.C., learned the government had strong evidence against him, he tried fleeing the U.S. on a plane bound for southern Africa, court documents say. Muchimba was arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia, with $2,000 cash in his luggage before he could board a flight to Zambia on Sept. 20, according to a memorandum filed Sept. 22 in support of his pretrial detention. The former USPS mail carrier was charged with mail theft and bank fraud in a criminal complaint, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia announced in a Sept. 22 news release. According to the criminal complaint, Muchimba stole $1,697,909.52 from mailed checks, most of which were U.S. Treasury checks. McClatchy News contacted Muchimbas defense attorney for comment on Sept. 25 and didnt receive an immediate response. How nearly $1.7 million was stolen Several months after Muchimba began working as a mail carrier at the Friendship Post Office in D.C., he stole checks between October 2021 and March 2023, the criminal complaint says. He added his name to these checks after erasing the names of the checks true payees allowing him to deposit the money in his bank accounts, prosecutors said. Muchimba was caught on surveillance footage withdrawing the stolen money from ATM machines, according to prosecutors. Three surveillance photos included in the criminal complaint show Muchimba wearing USPS clothing while withdrawing cash. During the execution of a search warrant at Muchimbas D.C. home, authorities found an ATM receipt showing he had deposited a U.S. Treasury check worth $415,173, prosecutors said. Ultimately, federal prosecutors met with Muchimba and his counsel and presented him the option of a pre-indictment plea offer after showing the evidence they had against him, according to the memo in support of pretrial detention. However, Muchimba rejected this offer and instead made plans to flee to Zambia, the memo says. Due to this attempt to leave the country, the government argued he poses a serious flight risk, the memo says. The charge of bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, while the charge of mail theft carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, prosecutors said. Postal carrier stole hundreds of checks from her mail route in Illinois, feds say Man steals $64,000 from Walmart stores across the US using sleight-of-hand, feds say Woman stole credit cards across the US by cutting locks off gym lockers, cops say Postal workers in France confiscated over 700 animal skulls being mailed to the U.S.during a seven-month span, officials said. Customs officials in Roissy-en-France, a suburb of Paris, opened a package early May 2022 and found seven primate skulls inside, the French Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes said in a news release. Over the next seven months, they continued checking the mail and found a total of 718 animal skulls, the release said. The skulls were mainly sent from Cameroon and were en route to the U.S., officials said. They were intended for collectors or for use by hunting associations as prizes and gifts, according to the release. A French customs official next to a package containing animal skulls. French officials said they seized 392 skulls from primates protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, such as chimpanzees and mandrills. Under CITES, protected animals can only be transported with specific permits. None of the seized packages had such permits, French officials said. Some packages contained entire specimens, arms or heads of primates that were destroyed for health reasons, according to the release. Trafficking protected species is one of the most profitable businesses, after drugs, arms and human beings, Gilbert Beltran, a Roissy customs official, said, per Euronews. A bag of animal skulls seized by French officials. Postal workers also confiscated 326 other animal skulls, including birds of prey, cats, monitor lizards and otters, the release said. Officials said skulls are seized on an almost daily basis, according to Euronews. The confiscated primate skulls were given to the Aix-en-Provence Natural History Museum, customs officials said in a Sept. 21 post on X, formerly Twitter. Officials also gave the other confiscated skulls to the museum, per the release. Google Translate was used to translate the news release and post on X, formerly Twitter, from the French Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes. Minors drove stolen cars across Europe in large-scale theft scheme, police say 17 US soldiers accused of smuggling drugs into South Korea by military mail, cops say Airport worker caught with loaded handgun in his backpack in New York, officials say In an extraordinary move for a sitting president, Joe Biden is expected to stand with striking UAW workers in Detroit on Tuesday, backing the union's demands for higher pay. Also in the news: Residents are slowly returning to burned areas of Lahaina and we have a look at what a government shutdown means for daily life. I'm Nicole Fallert, Daily Briefing author. Here's a guide to Travis Kelce for the Swiftie in your life. Let's get into Tuesday's news to know. Biden flexes ties with organized labor in fight for blue-collar voters President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are both visiting Michigan this week, previewing a fight for working-class voters in the 2024 election as the United Auto Workers continues its strike against the nation's three largest auto companies. Their trips reflect dramatically different ways Biden and Trump hope to win support of blue-collar voters who could swing Michigan and other Midwest states. Unlike Biden, Trump won't be walking a picket line. Instead, the former president and frontrunner to win the 2024 Republican nomination will hold a rally with current and former union members in Clinton Township, Michigan. Trump's angle: To issue a warning about what he says is the new enemy of the working class - electric vehicles, embraced by the Biden administration and a source of consternation among auto workers. Working-class voters who lack college degrees could decide whether Biden again wins Michigan and its 16 electoral votes in 2024 or whether Trump, if he's the Republican nominee, moves it back to the Republican column. Also this week: Trump will opt out of the second GOP debate for his trip to the Midwest. First of thousands of Lahaina residents return to homes destroyed by fire Residents of Lahaina will be officially allowed to return to their homes for the first time since deadly wildfires swept across the island town in August. The first zone was opened for re-entry on Monday, clearing residents and business owners who apply for vehicle passes to drive back into town. Authorities said what's "most important is getting that closure," but cautioned the area is still covered in ash and debris from the fire, and residents could encounter roadside hazards, including burned vehicles. Read more Some Lahaina residents return to city in search closure following deadly island fires More news to know now What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here. Congress is in crisis mode as shutdown could be days away Longer airport lines, hazardous drinking water, shuttered national parks: The disruptions that come with shutdowns of the federal government have only become more familiar to Americans in recent years. If congressional Republicans fail to cut a deal by this weekend, federal agencies may have to start furloughs. But every shutdown is different, and federal agencies are still parsing through the details of what another one might look like. Here are some of the ways it could impact you and your family, from child care to support for Indigenous tribes. Migrants coming to the US have overwhelmed cities Concern among American residents has been building for how to help thousands of migrants arriving in their cities who are seeking shelter and resources. The U.S. is experiencing high levels of illegal migrant entries in recent years after the COVID-19 pandemic kept many migrants from entering the country in 2020. That means more people arriving in locations across the U.S. from Staten Island to Chicago to San Diego and they're looking for a place to sleep at bus stops, outside airports and city halls. Many local residents say they want the federal government and local officials to do more to provide help to those who need it and find a better solution for future migrants hoping to enter the U.S. Read more NYC college, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, gets millions to house migrants. A 3-year-old boy found dead in the Rio Grande renewed worry and anger over U.S.-Mexico border crossings. A row of asylum-seeking migrants camp outside the Chicago Police Department's District 1 headquarters. Quick hits Why the Hollywood writers' strike is still not over The Writers Guild of America and Hollywood studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, reached a tentative deal to end the 146-day screenwriters' strike late Sunday night. While picketing has suspended, it's not quite over. Crucial steps remain for the striking writers, including a planned vote Tuesday from their union's governing boards on the tentative agreement reached with Hollywood studios. After that comes a vote from the writers themselves, who have yet to learn what gains they've won after nearly five months on strike. Read more Photo of the day: Paris Fashion Week 2023's avant-garde glamour Paris Fashion Week has returned to the runway for a sartorial serving of that stylish je ne sais quoi. Scroll through for the most glamorous collections and eye-popping looks, starting with Pierre Cardin, which showcased a suave assortment of chic geometric patterns and elegant frocks during its show on Sept. 25, 2023. A model walks the runway during the Pierre Cardin Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 25, 2023 in Paris, France. Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com or follow along with her musings on Twitter. Support journalism like this subscribe to USA TODAY here. Associated Press contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UAW strike, Hollywood strike, Biden, Trump, GOP debate, government shutdown, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, migrant: Daily Briefing MADISON A bill introduced by three Republican lawmakers would allow clerks to begin processing absentee ballots the day before Election Day, something election officials in Wisconsin have long asked for. While clerks would not be able to count absentee ballots until after the polls close under the "Monday processing bill," they could perform tasks such as ensuring the voter is not ineligible due to a felony conviction, checking that the envelope contains information like a witness signature and taking the ballot out of the envelope to run it through voting equipment. Under current law, clerks cannot begin counting absentee ballots before 7 a.m. on Election Day. In past elections, particularly in Milwaukee, the counting of those ballots has stretched late into the night or early morning and leading sometimes to a late change in who prevailed in a hotly contested statewide race. The bill would require clerks to report the total number of absentee ballots at three points on Monday and Tuesday. In 2018, incumbent Gov. Scott Walker appeared to have a lead before the late tally of absentee ballots in the heavily Democratic Milwaukee flipped the race to Tony Evers. In 2020, the later tally helped move Democrat Joe Biden over President Donald Trump, fueling the former president's false claims about election fraud in Wisconsin. In an Assembly informational hearing last week, county and municipal clerks said beginning to process absentee ballots earlier was one of their top priorities. A presentation from the National Conference of State Legislatures showed Wisconsin as one of only a handful of states that do not allow clerks to begin processing before Election Day. Committee members and the bill authors, Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, Rep. Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton, noted voters can be confused when large numbers of absentee ballots are processed late and added to the returns, sometimes changing which candidate is in the lead. "In 2018, voters in Wisconsin went to bed with one gubernatorial candidate in the lead. After the processing of all ballots was completed, the lead flipped to another candidate. In 2020, the same event took place," the authors wrote in a memo seeking cosponsors Monday. "Wisconsin voters deserve elections that can be run as efficiently as possible." More: In 2018 governor's race, Milwaukee absentee ballots took center stage. That could happen again in November. Clerks want early processing to be optional The proposal would also require communities using central count locations, like Milwaukee, Janesville and Beloit, to begin processing absentee ballots on Monday for spring and fall general elections. But some clerks asked that Monday processing be optional. Elena Hilby the clerk of Sun Prairie, which does not use a central facility to process absentee ballots said the change wouldn't help her city. "We love the fact that we are so decentralized, but then that does mean that different municipalities need different options," she said. "We're too busy on Monday, (we) couldn't even start." Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg called the bill phenomenal but also said it would be improved by making Monday processing optional or perhaps making it mandatory solely for larger cities like Milwaukee that will use it every election. Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg gives updates regarding the ballots for the general election on Tuesday November 8, 2022 at Central Count at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, Wis. Changing the law to allow processing of absentee ballots before 7 a.m. on election day would help ensure results are available before 9 p.m. on election night, she said. Thats significant for Milwaukee, which has been the target of criticism and conspiracy theories over the early morning hours it has reported absentee results in the past. Wisconsins largest city counts its absentee ballots in a single location known as central count and reports the absentee results all at once, which can change the course of elections. Woodall-Vogg said the late-night processing thats currently in place is a big deal not only in state elections but also in nationwide races because of Wisconsins status as a key swing state. As a swing state, thats a really big deal because it does result in us having what is perceived to be a big dump of results at 2 or 3 oclock in the morning, Woodall-Vogg said. And I think this would eliminate that so we would have greater trust in elections locally but also nationwide. Committee members suggest bill could be amended The bill includes other provisions that would change election procedures, including fixing a deadline in state law for sending absentee ballots that clerks and the Wisconsin Elections Commission acknowledge is impossible due to the timing of spring primary elections. The proposal also provides whistleblower protections for clerks who believe they witnessed election fraud. The bill also requires WEC to verify voters' citizenship status "as soon as practicable" by cross-checking voter registration with state Department of Transportation data. More: Elections leaders approve redesign of absentee ballot envelopes aimed at making them easier to read and complete More: Two Republican lawmakers propose adding voter ID laws to the state constitution The chair of the Assembly committee on elections, Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, said the bill would probably receive a hearing but could get amended. Two of the bill authors, Maxey and Tusler, sit on the committee. "My preference is to have as clean a bill as possible," Krug said, calling Monday processing a high priority for everyone, including Gov. Tony Evers and other Democrats. Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, called the bill "overinflated" and said provisions such as the citizenship verification have been introduced separately by Republicans in the past. She said the committee has been working to have discussions about bills "out in the open" and believes members can get to a version with more support. Krug and Snodgrass both said lawmakers are working in a "flurry" to start introducing election bills, including measures with bipartisan support. Lawmakers at last week's hearing indicated they would work across the aisle to propose legislation to address the changes clerks asked for ahead of the 2024 elections. "Last-minute law changes are stressful. They're difficult, they leave so much room for error," Diane Coenen, the city clerk of Oconomowoc, told lawmakers. "When we have all these last-minute changes, sometimes you're right on target, you're making that change, but all of a sudden you're interrupted. A flurry of things happen and you go automatically, right back to doing it the way you've done it for a number of years." Alison Dirr of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report. 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: Bill would enable early processing of absentee ballots in Wisconsin GUIZHOU, China, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The embroidered clothing of Chinas Miao ethnic group was showcased in an art exhibition at Milan, Italy on September 24. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925250684/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Hosted by the Guizhou provincial government and organized by Eachway Fashion, the exhibition featured over 100 of Guizhous Miao costumes with intricate embroidery patterns at Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024. The exquisite craftsmanship of the clothing and Miaos rich cultural heritage captivated the attention of the global fashion industry. The Guizhou provincial government and Chinese Consulate General in Milan also co-hosted a reception to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and promote Guizhous cultural tourism on the same day. More than 200 people attended the reception, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, Chinese and Italian enterprises and chambers of commerce, Milan government officials, as well as guests from the cultural tourism and fashion industries in China and Italy. Zhang Kaibin, acting consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Italy, said there are broad prospects for China-Italy cooperation, with people-to-people and cultural exchanges continuing to increase in enhancing mutual trust and understanding. He added that bilateral ties between the countries continue to be strengthened, and hoped that the citizens of the two countries will promote friendly relations and cooperation. Meanwhile, Barbara Mazzali, councillor for tourism in the Lombardy region, praised the beauty of Guizhou. "Guizhou has rich natural landscapes, waterfalls, mountains and ethnic architecture, which show the charm and aesthetics of China. I was fortunate to see the exquisite Miao embroidered clothing and accessories at the Palazzo Clerici in Milan, and learned about the rich cultural heritage and sophisticated craftsmanship of China." Maria Azzolina, president of Italy-China Association, said she was pleased that the Miao embroidery art exhibition was held at Milan Fashion Week. She looked forward to the development of cultural tourism in Guizhou and further boost China-Italy ties. Story continues During the event, the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism promoted the provinces tourism. The guests also visited the Chinese Miao Art Exhibition, and expressed their hope that such exhibitions would shape narratives in telling Chinese stories and promote Guizhou perspectives through the global stage in Milan. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925250684/en/ Contacts Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism May Mou 502428928@qq.com With the UAW strike expanding against the Big 3 automakers, its clear we are at a critical point that will determine the future path of our states most important economic sector. Not only are the futures of General Motors, Ford and Stellantis at risk, along with countless Michigan-based suppliers that help uphold the industry, our national security is put into question as well. There is a lot on the line as Biden Administration red tape forces auto companies to transition to electric vehicles. What does this mean for workers? Estimates show that over 175,000 people in Michigan are employed directly for auto companies or parts suppliers, and since building electric vehicles requires at least 30% less labor, that could mean tens of thousands of good paying manufacturing jobs here in Michigan could be eliminated. The stated goal of the Biden administration is reducing greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change. The problem is their solution to accomplish this goal is misguided, will eliminate jobs that drive our economy, and the biggest beneficiary wont be the climate, it will be China. Today, China controls 85% of the global supply of critical minerals needed to make electric vehicles. This year, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD passed Tesla as the worlds largest electric vehicle manufacturer. While American companies must play by the rules, China can get their vehicles into the American market at a lower cost by first exporting them to Mexico without a tariff, and send them into our country with only a 2.5% tariff. It wont be long before we see bumper stickers on cars that say Unemployment Made in China. It doesnt have to be this way, because we can accomplish both tasks of improving fuel economy, lowering carbon emissions, and protecting American auto jobs by using technology that already exists: hybrid vehicles. Voices from the UAW strike: GM president fires back: 'Flow of misinformation' could prolong UAW strike Studies have shown that the critical minerals needed to build one EV are enough to build as many as 90 hybrids. That one EV removes a little under 4 tons of carbon from the atmosphere per year, while the 90 hybrids would remove nearly 140 tons of carbon per year. The best part is by moving to hybrids we protect American jobs, including UAW jobs. We also wouldnt rack up hundreds of billions in new government debt to build charging stations to power EVs because hybrids dont need them. The transition to EVs isnt driven by consumers, its being imposed by government mandates that try to force consumers to buy a certain product, whether they want it or not. Completely un-American, in my book. Innovative free markets work far better than government mandates, producing great-paying jobs and profits instead of more government debt for future generations. Mike Rogers We also must consider the national security implications of this forced EV transition. Ive been fighting the battle against China for decades, and I understand what we are facing. China isnt seeking friends and allies; its seeking economic domination. If we force the American auto industry into greater reliance on China, we give China the ability to pull the rug out from under those companies by denying the export of critical minerals. UAW to GM president: Show me a Big 3 executive who'd work for union pay Does anyone in Michigan trust putting our economic future in the hands of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party? Thats exactly what Biden Administration policy is forcing on the American auto industry, threating our jobs and our economic future. We can reduce carbon emissions in a far more efficient way while protecting American jobs. The major hurdle standing in our way is Washington politicians trying to force their fanciful agenda on American workers, while putting our economic future at risk. I stand with American workers and American consumers against this shortsighted plan, which only seems to benefit China. Lets build American-made hybrids that cut our emissions while strengthening our auto industry right here in Michigan. Mike Rogers is a 2024 Republican candidate for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. He is a former U.S. Representative from Michigan, FBI Special Agent focusing on organized crime and Army veteran. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Biden EV plan hurts Michigan, helps China. Build hybrid cars instead SHELBY Students were in the spotlight at Monday's Shelby City Schools Board of Education meeting. Board members recognized 17 students who earned a perfect score on a portion of the Ohio State Test during the spring of the 2022-23 school year. "That is amazing. It's not easy to get a perfect score," Superintendent Michael Browning said. "It's a testament to the school district." Those students received a certificate of achievement from board member Scott Rose. Jackson McClain received a perfect score on eighth-grade math on the Ohio State Test. He was one of 17 Shelby students to earn a perfect score on a portion of the test. Standing to the right is school board member Scott Rose. "Those tests are hard," board member Kim Nadolsky said. "The reason you were successful was because of your strong work ethic." Board recognizes 8 student council members In addition to those students, the board recognized the eight members of the student council at the high school. "I've had good student councils before, but these guys are setting the bar pretty high," high school Principal John Gies said, noting council planned the orientation for incoming freshmen. Also recognized were a number of students who were nominated by their teachers for various reasons. As a school district, Shelby fared well on the state report card, released last Thursday. The district received an overall rating of four stars, out of a possible five, meaning it exceeds state standards. The high school welcomed two international students, who attended Monday's meeting. Franka Dittmer hails from Germany, and Ismael Sirvent Martinez is from Spain. "I think our students really enjoy when we get to bring these students from other countries," Gies said while thanking the host families. Martinez said high school in the United States is different from his experience in Spain. "I think I like it more here," he said, drawing laughter. Public forum requested for school board candidates Members of the public addressed the board on two issues. Teri Hummel asked for a public forum of the four school board candidates who are running for two seats. "I believe voters deserve transparency," Hummel said. Board President Lorie White said there has been discussion about such a forum. Browning said a date has not been set, but it would probably be in mid-October. Board members voted to set graduation for 3 p.m. May 26, a Sunday, at the high school gym. A woman asked for a date that wasn't "so close to Memorial Day weekend." She suggested a Friday night. Gies said Sunday is preferable because graduation season coincides with the postseason in spring sports. He said some students would have to miss the commencement ceremony if they were participating in the regional track meet, for example. mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 Twitter: @MarkCau32059251 Top students The following Shelby students earned a perfect score on the Ohio State Test during the spring of the 2022-23 year: McClellan DeLauder, fourth-grade math; Copper Duniver, fourth-grade math; Reagan Rodenbaugh, fourth-grade English; Isabella Britt, fifth-grade math; Kayla Lykins, fifth-grade math; Stella McNary, fifth-grade English; KC Cooke, sixth-grade math; Charles Long, sixth-grade math; Walter Downs, eighth-grade math; Alexis Kershner, eighth-grade math; Jackson McClain, eighth-grade math; Dean Medley, eighth-grade math; Maximus Miller, eighth-grade math; Ella Keller, eighth-grade English; Sawyer Eshelman, algebra; and Aryn Frangella, American history. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby City Schools Board of Education recognizes top students Local and state officials gathered Tuesday inside the Marion County Commission Auditorium to announce start dates for two key road projects in Marion and Sumter counties. Both are part of Gov. Ron DeSantis ' Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which puts $4 billion toward 20 projects statewide. Here's a recap: Interstate 75 An extra lane will be built in both directions of Interstate 75 between State Road 44 in Sumter County and State Road 326 in Marion. Construction should begin around spring 2025 and take three to four years. Funding for the project is $475 million. FDOT State Secretary Jared W. Perdue speaks Tuesday in Ocala. U.S. 301 South In Sumter County, U.S. 301 between County Road 470 and Florida's Turnpike will be widened. The $150 million project will begin construction in fall 2025 and end within three years. FDOT District Five Secretary John E. Tyler speaks Tuesday in Ocala. Reactions from state and local leaders John Tyler, secretary of Florida Department of Transportation District 5, which covers central Florida, told the audience that the state is home to close to 23 million residents and more than 137 million annual visitors. Tyler said the road projects will address congestion, improve safety and help the state accommodate future growth. FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said the transportation relief is "truly needed." He added that the vision for these projects is a combination of local and state partnership. Road improvement: Critical corridor: Marion County embarks on SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue improvement project County Commission Chairman Craig Curry noted that Marion has more than 400,000 residents, and 200 or so are moving in every week. That kind of growth is reflected on I-75. More than 100,000 vehicles pass through Marion on the interstate each day, and 25% of them are big rigs. He said the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure program is "a game changer." Lt. Patrick Riordan, spokesman for Florida Highway Patrol Troop B, which covers several counties including Marion, said at least once every nine days there's a total lane closure on I-75, and every 16 hours there's at least one lane closure due to a crash. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Start dates set for I-75 and U.S. 301 South improvements Taylor Schabusiness has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the gruesome meth-fueled murder and mutilation of her lover last year. Schabusiness, a 25-year-old married mother-of-one, was sentenced on Tuesday at the Brown County Courthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It comes two months after she was convicted on three felony counts of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilation of a corpse and third-degree sexual assault in the September 2022 death of 24-year-old Shad Thyrion. Schabusiness strangled Thyrion to death during sex after the two of them used methamphetamines and later bragged to police that she had enjoyed the ordeal. She placed Thyrions mutilated head in a bucket for his mother to find and law enforcement later discovered the victims dismembered torso, penis and carved-out organs in the basement. The convicted murderer was brought into the courtroom wearing an anti-spitting guard that covered the lower part of her face, following previous episodes in court in which she became violent toward her own counsel. When asked by Judge Thomas Walsh if she had anything to tell the court before he handed down her sentence, Schabusiness uttered only: There isnt. Judge Walsh slammed a written statement by Schabusiness father, in which he argued that the system had failed his daughter. The judge said that while he sympathised with Schabusiness struggles, her heinous actions and unpredictable behaviour warranted her to be imprisoned for life. Its not the systems job to raise peoples children. Our fight against methamphetamines is not perfect but we carry on, Judge Walsh said. To suggest that it is somehow the system that failed ... it disturbed me when I read that piece. It really starts in the home. Im convinced that its no ones fault where they came from, but it is their responsibility where they go from there. Judge Walsh also ordered Schabusiness not to have contact with the victims family and recommended in-prison mental health and drug treatment. Before the sentencing, Thyrions father Michael Thyrion gave an emotional victims impact statement in which he said he forgave Schabusiness. I forgive you for what you did to my son, Mr Thyrion said. Im going to miss Shad ... Im going to ask the judge if you can see the streets sometime, it might not be soon. Everybody makes bad choices, maybe not to this degree but I think there is a lot of hope for you. And I think you can use your time to be a better person and do good things. I know you got a heart, I wish you no harm and I hope things go well for you. Taylor Schabusiness was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Tuesday (Law&Crime) Schabusiness strangled Shad Thyrion to death and then dismembered his body (Shad Thyrion/GoFundMe) Meanwhile, Thyrions uncle Kelly Thyrion said that he hopes Schabusiness faces the same fate as serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who was beaten to death in prison after he was convicted of at least 17 murders. I dont see no reason why you should have parole, he told her. You did the most cowardly, wicked thing possible ... After Judge Walsh sentences you today, I will pray that you meet the same fate as your idol Jeffrey Dahmer. So have a great life, S***business. Prosecutors commended Michael Thyrions attitude, noting that his sons murder was one of the most egregious and incomprehensible methods of ending someones life. They said Schabusiness history of drug use and mental illnesses was not an excuse for her disturbing crimes. We saw her calmly describe what she engaged in ... at times even smirking. She told law enforcement that it happened because she liked it, it happened because she wanted to do it, prosecutors told the court. We also heard about how Shad was a good kid, how he would always kiss his dad goodbye on his way out and how he knitted and crocheted with his younger sister. Schabusiness grandmother Esther Coronado told the court as part of her witness statement that Schabusiness was once a loving mother but she relapsed into her addiction after child protective services took her son away just days after he was born. She was discharged from the hospital and left for a shelter, Ms Coronado, who now has custody of the two-year-old child, told the court. The people who were caring for the baby would bring him but only for a couple of minutes ... She was setting things up for [the baby] but they never got to come home together. The defence tried to argue that Schabusiness was once a loving mother and deserved to have her case revisited for parole in the future (Warren Schabusiness/Facebook) Ms Coronado said Schabusiness had a hard childhood following her mothers death in 2009. Shortly after, Schabusiness father married a woman who had three children of her own and didnt get along with Schabusiness. She felt like she lost her mother and now shes losing her dad because there were other children involved, Ms Coronado said. She and her brother ended up living in a basement. From a nice home that she had, she ended up living in a basement. Then in July 2021, Schabusiness brother AJ Coronado died in a motorcycle accident. Thats a lot for a young person to take in, Ms Coronado said while choking back tears. I know she was very heartbroken, it was very hard for her. Schabusiness cousin Valerie Armor, who is also a psychiatric nurse practitioner, said that the convicted murderer had experienced a lot of trauma throughout her life. Ms Armor testified that there was another side to Schabusiness a woman who once had a witty sense of humour, just like her mother, but got lost along the way. I would like her to be considered for parole. I would like her to get a chance later in life to be with her son, Ms Armor said. She is not a lost cause, she is not a monster. She does need to be punished and ... my family, we apologise to Shads family for whats happened. Schabusiness faced a mandatory life sentence following her conviction, but the judge was in charge of determining whether she could be granted the possibility of parole. I know she committed a crime, Ms Armour said. I believe she should have the opportunity to come back to society and be with her son. Her father Arturo Coronado, who is serving time following a conviction on charges of second-degree sexual assault of a child, also took the stand on Tuesday. Mr Coronado said that everyone in his family loved Taylor, but she had a dramatic personality change after she was introduced to methamphetamines by her husband and the father of her child, Warren Schabusiness. It was like night and day. She completely changed, she was a different person, Mr Coronado said. Knowing my daughter the way she was and the way I know she can still be .... Shes not the monster that shes made out to be, thats for sure. Schabusiness father Arturo Coronado, who is serving time over child rape charges, also testified in court (Law&Crime Network) Warren Schabusiness is currently serving time at FCI Oxford over a drug conviction in 2020. He appeared to stand by his relationship with his daughter in a November 2022 post on Facebook. The world doesnt know us for who we are. They dont know the struggles we struggle with, Warren Schabusinees wrote. Mental illness, post-partum, bipolar and addiction play a big part in [the] choices weve made ... Drugs should have never been given to my wife, because its the drugs that caused her to do what she did. Schabusiness defence also called pharmacist Dr James ODonnell to the stand. The doctor said that Schabusiness had likely suffered a drug-induced psychosis after taking 51 hits of methamphetamines on the day of the murder. Mr ODonnell highlighted that the phrasing often referred to smoking, but that Schabusiness had mentioned also injecting herself with meth. He said that while he wasnt sure how many grams of meth Schabusiness used, the quantity seemed extremely large. Ive never heard of that much methamphetamine use, Mr ODonnell said, adding that Schabusiness had built resistance after using meth and marijuana nearly every day. The chronic use caused constant daily injuries to the brain function and chemistry ... even without continued use, there is already chronic damage Mr Coronado claimed Schabusiness was introduced to hard drugs by her husband, Warren Coronado (Warren Shcabusiness/Facebook) Mr Schabusiness is in jail over a 2020 drug conviction (Warren Schabusiness//Facebook) During cross-examination, prosecutors noted that Dr ODonnell had not witnessed the 51 hits of methamphetamines and that Schabusiness had been the one to relay that information. Mr ODonnell said that Schabusiness had spiralled out of control after she lost her job at a Cheesecake Factory because she was always high at work or unable to work at all. Her history of bipolar, schizoaffective spectrum disorder, PTSD, major depression disorder and untreated ADHD only exacerbated the effects of her drug use, Mr ODonnell said. Schabusiness attorney Christopher Froelich had tried to delay the sentencing, previously arguing that he didnt have time to meet with his client to go over a pre-sentencing investigation report filed by the prosecution. Mr Froelich said in an amended filing on Monday that he had an opportunity to meet with Schabusiness for several hours on Friday. Ahead of the sentencing, the attorney filed his own pre-sentencing investigation report, which included pictures of Schabusiness with her son, WBAY reported. Earlier this year, Schabusiness former attorney entered a not-guilty plea for reason of insanity. The legal counsel left the case after she attacked him in court in February when the judge delayed her trial. After prosecutors honed in on the atrocious evidence they said suggested premeditation, a jury determined that she did not suffer from a mental disease or defect when she carried out the murder. During Schabusiness trial, which only lasted three days, detectives told the court about her online searches for Jeffrey Dahmer walking into court all sexy and Jeffrey Dahmers butt. Eleven days before she killed Thyrion, Schabusiness took a bizarre selfie next to a cellphone with an image of the cannibal serial killer. The most damning evidence against Schabusiness came from disturbingly graphic detail about the way Thyrions body was mutilated. His head and genitals were left inside a bucket that his mother found at her home, while his carved-out torso with a foot stuffed inside and chunks of his flesh were discovered in her basement. Schabusiness and Thyrion knew each other from middle school and had a sexual relationship before his murder. A leading think tank called on Ukraine's Western allies to show greater faith in its military decisions. It said Ukraine's decision to attack Russian positions using small groups had been right. NATO had trained Ukraine to use larger units to make more aggressive attacks on Russian defenses. Ukraine was right to drop Western-backed plans to attack Russian defenses head-on in large groups, a leading US think tank said. Instead, the experts noted, Ukraine had found success using smaller units to take on its heavily-entrenched foe. The Institute for the Study of War on Monday published the assessment of Ukrainian tactics, by analyst Nataliya Bugayova. She argued that the West needed to show more faith in Ukraine. "The Ukrainian forces have done what successful militaries do they have adapted and are now advancing. Ukraine recognized the realities of Russian defenses much faster than Western policymakers, who were expecting a rapid Ukrainian breakthrough," said Bugayova. Her argument echoes that of a US veteran on the ground, who spoke to Insider's Sinead Baker between training Ukrainian forces. "If we use American doctrine here, we would definitely have a bad time," said the trainer, who uses the callsign Jackie. Earlier in the summer Ukraine launched a counteroffensive to breach Russia's formidable defenses in eastern and southern Ukraine. Its forces uses tactics learned over months in the training camps of NATO armies. The New York Times reported at the time that they involved attacking Russian positions in large groups using complicated maneuvers. But after suffering heavy casualties Ukraine abandoned that approach. Instead it fell back on more familiar tactics involving smaller groups backed by precision artillery strikes. Bugayova wrote in a separate assessment in July that the NATO approach was flawed. "The large-scale mechanized breaches that NATO trained Ukraine's counteroffensive brigades to execute are incredibly difficult and are not the only option available to Ukrainian forces," she wrote. She argued that the Ukrainians were "not failing simply because they are using different approaches. At the time, some Western military analysts said that Ukraine had been wrong to revert to its old style, and risked dragging out the conflict. But more recently Ukraine has begun making incremental but important gains in its counteroffensive, which Bugayova attributed to its return to its tried and tested tactics. "Ukraine's ingenuity is yielding results," she wrote. "Ukraine continues to liberate its territory and people and is slowly but steadily breaking through an incredibly formidable Russian prepared defense and the Russian forces are unable to stop the advance, which is now moving in two directions," she wrote on Monday. But other analysts were more skeptical that Ukraine's counteroffensive could yield a decisive result this year. Emil Kastehelmi, a Finnish military analyst, said on Sunday that Russian defensive lines appeared to be "bending not breaking" in the area they were breached. Read the original article on Business Insider One drone blew up $7 million of Russian military gear in a single night, a Ukrainian official said. The UAV is "making hell" for occupiers, said Ukraine's digital transformation minister. Ukraine has relied heavily on drones to target Russian tanks and other key military assets. Ukraine said it destroyed more than $7 million of Russian military equipment in a single night, using just one drone. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov , shared an edited video of the drone's attacks in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Fedorov wrote: "Our secret UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] from the Army of Drones is in charge of making hell for occupiers. Russians are very afraid of this bird, and they are right. One flight and two tanks and cannon lost, costing $7 million." "This is the result of the efforts of skilled fighters and the Ukrainian drone, which the occupiers fear greatly," Fedorov said in a separate post on Telegram, according to a translation provided by the Kyiv Post. He added the attacks took place in a single night. The video claims to show soldiers from Ukraine's 92nd Separate Assault Brigade using a drone, or drones, to target a Russian T-80 and T-72 tank, as well as a D-30 howitzer, and setting them ablaze one by one. The footage shows both tanks and the piece of artillery being hit, but it doesn't specify what type of drone was used or where and when the attacks took place. Fedorov said in another post that Ukrainian drone attacks took out "a record" 205 pieces of Russian military hardware last week, including 64 cannons, 27 tanks, and 55 trucks. Ukraine has relied heavily on drones to target Russian tanks and other prized military assets. One 12-man Ukrainian drone team claimed this month to have destroyed $80 million of Russian military equipment, according to a report by the Associated Press. Ukrainian sea drones and missiles have also played a key role in striking Russian ships off the coast of occupied Crimea, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based. Ukraine has trained more than 10,000 new drone pilots this year as part of its effort to build a cutting-edge "army of drones," Fedorov told the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Russia is racing to ramp up its domestic production of drones, and has plans to build 6,000 by summer 2025, including new and deadlier variants of the Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, according to documents leaked to The Washington Post. Read the original article on Business Insider The war in Ukraine has highlighted how hard air operations are in a large conventional conflict. The war has also shown the value of dronesbig and small, cheap and expensiveto modern militaries. The US Air Force is already training to keep its drones flying by spreading out and using new tech. As the war in Ukraine unfolds, the US military is watching and learning valuable lessons. The war has underscored for the Pentagon how valuable drones will be as well as how difficult it will be to keep those and other aircraft operating in a large-scale conventional conflict. The US military is already preparing to give unmanned aerial systems more missions in a potential war with China or Russia. In exercises this summer, US airmen trained to use drones for a wider set of operations in a variety of different settings. A new way of fighting US airmen prepare an MQ-9 for takeoff on a Wyoming highway during agile combat employment training in April. US Air National Guard/Master Sgt. Phil Speck In a large-scale conflict with a near-peer adversary, like Russia or China, the US's biggest airbases and ones close to frontline would likely come under sustained attack. In response to that challenge, the Air Force is training to disperse its forces and make targeting harder for enemies. In June, US airmen landed an MQ-9 Reaper drone on a dirt runway for the first time, showcasing the aircraft's ability to operate in austere environments. During that exercise, the MQ-9 successfully carried an experimental travel pod with supplies for ground troops. The pod may not carry much, but it could deliver "critical items to austere locations," an officer involved in the test said, calling it the "Reaper Express." An MQ-9 with a travel pod at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico in June. US Air Force/Maj. Doniell Mojazza During another exercise in July, US airmen for the first time relied on satellite communications to conduct an MQ-9 Reaper mission using just a mission-control element. Normally, drone operations have a launch-and-recovery element, which oversees takeoff and landing, and a mission-control element, which operates the drone, usually from hundreds of miles away. For the July exercise, called Grand Warrior, airmen assigned to the mission-control element received training on launch and recovery procedures and then used satellite communications to conduct their missions with the help of a system called Automatic Takeoff & Land. Using only the mission-control element allowed the unit to reduce the number of personnel and amount of equipment it needed, shrinking their overall footprint. A smaller footprint means drone units can move away from main hubs and use more remote, less developed airfields. US airmen prepare to launch an MQ-9 during Exercise Grand Warrior at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico on July 21. US Air Force/Senior Airman Antonio Salfran These exercises reflect the Air Force's intention to use drones in a wider role, over longer distances, and from a greater range of bases all in keeping with its focus on Agile Combat Employment, an approach to dispersed operations that is meant to make Air Force units more flexible and harder for rivals, especially China, to track and shut down. During ACE exercises like Grand Warrior, airmen have been training on different capabilities, such as Forward Arming and Refueling Points, that allow them to quickly reposition aircraft at forward positions and simulate real-world missions, like having to relocate and set up improvised airfields if Chinese or Russian forces target their large main airbases. Landing fighter and attack jets on roads and highways is also a part of ACE that the US and its allies are focusing on, doing it with a variety of aircraft, including drones, in the US and in Europe. A cultural milestone US airmen perform pre-flight checks on an MQ-9 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam in May 2022. US Air Force/Airman 1st class Christa Anderson The US military used Reapers and drones like it extensively in its counterterrorism and counterinsurgency campaigns in the Middle East and Africa, but the war in Ukraine has shown that drones of all sizes and types are needed in modern warfare. Russia and Ukraine have used unmanned aerial systems both military-grade and modified commercial drones extensively for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare. While US troops have used drones, big and small, for years, the Pentagon is still integrating them into its formations. For the US Air Force, the growing focus on incorporating drones into its operations is a significant milestone for a service that since its founding has been oriented around human pilots. The policies and thinking of US military service branches are often guided by members of a few communities within them. For the US Air Force, fighter pilots have long been that dominant influence. Of 22 Air Force chiefs of staff, the service's highest-ranking uniformed officer, 17 have come from the fighter/attack communities. Considering that legacy, the Air Force's embrace of drone aircraft is a sign of how service leaders' mentality and expectations about the future battlefield are changing. Stavros Atlamazoglou is a defense journalist specializing in special operations and Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He has a B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University, an M.A. in strategy, cybersecurity, and intelligence from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School. Read the original article on Business Insider Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus latest pledge to Ukraine which includes $650 million over three years for 50 armoured vehicles has been met with some public pushback from Canadians and raised questions about what's expected from Canada when it comes to international obligations. The announcement brings Canada's total financial pledge to Ukraine to more than $9.5 billion since the beginning of 2022, according to the Canadian Press. In 2022, Canadians donated $201.9 million to the Red Cross's efforts in support of people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine, including $30 million from the government of Canada. An Angus Reid poll conducted in February 2023 found declining support, compared to one year prior or since the early days of the conflict, among Canadians for the government's ongoing funding of Ukraine's battle against Russian forces. In March 2022, 61 per cent of respondents supported Canada providing Ukraine with defensive weapons and gear. By February 2023, that number had dipped to 52 per cent. Add in housing and cost of living crises, and last week's multi-million dollar pledge has Canadians feeling Ottawa should be doing more to address issues at home. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) speaks during a news conference on Parliament Hill on September 22, 2023 in Ottawa as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on. (Photo by Dave Chan / AFP) (Photo by DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images) But Lucan Way, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto, notes that the estimated $9.5 billion Ottawa has given to Ukraine since 2022 is around 1 per cent of the government's overall expenditures. To many Canadians, that is worth it, especially given the threat posed by Russia through its invasion of Ukraine and threat to other NATO members, an alliance of 30 countries in North America and Europe that includes Canada. This is clearly a very aggressive anti-democratic, anti-liberal regime in Russia that will basically do anything to destroy rule-based order, so this is an important investment for Canada right now, Way tells Yahoo News Canada. He adds that Canada is a rich country that can afford to help other countries in crisis, as well as support its own. I dont think theres any evidence that somehow expenditures to Ukraine are taking a single coin away from Canadian expenditures, he says. Aside from the broader implications of allowing Vladimir Putin to violate international norms, Canada has a vested interest in Ukraine given the number of Ukrainians living in the country who still have relatives back home, Way adds. This has direct effects on peoples lives, Way says. The stakes are very high. Jack Cunningham is the program coordinator for the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History. He says Canada's financial contribution to Ukraine is an open-ended commitment and will remain that way until leadership in the region changes. "The Ukrainians are not clearly winning but they're not clearly losing either," he says. "It's going to be a long slog and we shouldn't delude ourselves on that front. The whole situation probably is not going to be rectified until we have regime change in the Kremlin." According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, of 42 international donors, Canada ranks seventh in worldwide military, humanitarian and financial commitment to Ukraine. Between Jan. 24, 2022 and July 31, 2023, the top three countries that financially support Ukraine are EU institutions with 84 billion ($119 billion CAD), the Unite States with 69 billion ($98 billion CAD), and Germany, which has pledged 20 billion ($28 billion CAD). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive for a news conference on Parliament Hill on September 22, 2023 in Ottawa. (Photo by Dave Chan / AFP) (Photo by DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images) Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are once again available to be delivered to people's homes, following last week's announcement that President Joe Biden's administration would reopen the free test program. People in Wisconsin and nationally can now order four free tests per household to be delivered by mail to their home. The revival of the free test program comes as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have risen above levels from early July, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show. In Wisconsin, COVID-19 hospitalizations are three times higher than what they were in early July, but totals remain far below previous peaks. Orders of the at-home tests will ship starting the first week of October, according to COVIDTests.gov. How do I order new COVID-19 tests? Go to COVIDTests.gov to place your order. Fill out your name and shipping address. No other information is required. You may give your email address if you want shipping updates. If you need help placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233. What kind of COVID-19 tests will be delivered? The tests are rapid, antigen COVID-19 tests that can be taken at home. The tests typically return results within 15 minutes. Will the tests be effective in detecting current COVID-19 variants? Federal officials say the tests are effective in detecting the COVID-19 variants spreading now. However, no test is perfect. False negative results are always possible, especially early in an infection when the amount of virus in an infected person's nasal passages may not be high enough to be detected by a rapid test. The Food and Drug Administration recommends repeat testing following a negative test result. When should I take a COVID-19 test? If you have COVID-19 symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get tested immediately. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, it is recommended you get tested five days after your exposure. If you test negative with an at-home test, the Food and Drug Administration recommends testing again two full days after the first negative result. If the second test results in another negative, the FDA recommends testing again after two more days. Why might my COVID-19 test show expired dates? Tests ordered through the government might show an expiration date on the box that has passed. But the Food and Drug Administration extended expiration dates for at-home coronavirus tests. The tests will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates. The FDA has a full list of COVID-19 tests with extended expiration dates on its website. This story includes information from USA Today. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to get free, at-home COVID-19 tests mailed to you in Wisconsin Alabama resident Bridgette Mathews has been arrested in connection with the unsolved 2014 murder of Charles Jackson Jr. Jackson was run over and killed in West Mobile, Alabama, in May of 2014, the Mobile County District Attorney's office said in a news release Monday. Jackson has been missing since May 23, 2014, the district attorney's office said. According to CBS affiliate WKRG, he was 33 at the time. The district attorney's office said they believed Mathews, a Mobile resident, had "run over and killed" Jackson. He was last heard from when he texted the word "Help," and his body has never been found. According to the Mobile County Metro Jail's list of inmates, Mathews has been in custody since mid-August 2023. WKRG reported that she was being held for violating probation and an escaping charge. She has now been charged with murder. Her arraignment "will be scheduled at a later date," the district attorney's office said Monday. District attorney Keith Blackwood told WKRG that Mathews and Jackson knew each other, and that there will be more arrests in the case. "We know that Mathews and the victim were acquainted with one another," Blackwood said. "We know that there are other people involved in this that knew Charles Jackson and we are continuing to investigate this. We do not expect this to be the last arrest that's made in the case." Taylor Swift attends Chiefs game with Travis Kelce's family Newest car theft threat: carhackers Donald Trump and his company violated fraud law, N.Y. judge rules NEW YORK -- An investigation is underway after a woman and a teenage girl were found dead in their Brooklyn apartment. Neighbors say last week they called the NYPD after concerning sounds came from the apartment. Sources told CBS New York that neighbors had not heard from the mother and daughter since Friday and on Monday officers were called to the second-floor apartment 1296 New York Ave., in East Flatbush for a wellness check. When officers arrived, they had to force open the door to the apartment. Inside, police said they discovered a 37-year-old woman with stab wounds and a 14-year-old girl with head trauma. They also found a dog with a bag over its head that had been suffocated. A man who lives in the building said he heard screaming and banging coming from the second-floor apartment on Friday at around 7:20 a.m. He said it was loud and very concerning, so he immediately called 911. "We heard screaming. We heard the dog whimpering," Steve Schor said. "Police came. We told them what we heard. They went upstairs. They heard music and no one answered the door. I'm terribly distraught for the family and I really hope they catch who did this." "That's just absolutely horrible. I've lived here 26 years and nothing like this has happened, so to know this is so close to home, it's vert terrifying and very disheartening," a woman added. Neighbors said the building is new and that the mother and daughter lived there for only three or four months. Police said no arrests have been made and no one is in custody. Newest car theft threat: carhackers Why violence is flaring between Armenia and Azerbaijan McCarthy may have to choose between job or help from Democrats to avert shutdown Conti Federal B-21 Weapon Loader Training Facility Will Support the B-21 Beddown Program RAPID CITY, S.D. , Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conti Federal Services, a leading U.S. government construction and engineering firm specializing in military and secure construction, has been awarded a $43,924,087 contract for the construction of a B-21 Weapon Loader Training Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District, the B-21 Weapon Loader Training Facility project is one of several major construction initiatives integral to the multi-year facilities beddown strategy for the B-21 program at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The project entails renovating the bases Pride Hangar ,which was originally built to house the B-36 aircraft, to allow for the creation of state-of-the-art weapons loader training (WLT) bays. This newly designed space will house mock-ups of an aircraft fuselage, facilitating advanced training activities related to weapons loading. Additionally, the project includes the renovation of administrative, training, and utility areas, enhancing the overall functionality and efficiency of the facility. "This contract award win shows our commitment to supporting the national defense infrastructure of the B-21 beddown program at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and furthers our partnership with the local trade community, said Ryan Kanzleiter, Conti Federal Regional Business Development Director. We look forward to continuing our commitment and collaboration with the USACE Omaha District and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of this vital training facility, further solidifying our role in shaping a safer and stronger future for our nation. With a track record of delivering high-quality construction projects, Conti Federal remains steadfast in its mission to support national security initiatives. This contract award represents further progress in the company expanding its regional presence and upholding its reputation for excellence within the industry. Story continues Work is estimated to be completed on this project by September 2025. Conti Federal is currently working on several mission-critical projects in the region in collaboration with the USACE Omaha District. These include the development of a B-21 RF Hangar Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, a DRP Formal Training Unit building renovation at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, a helicopter operations facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and an F-35 Fighter Alert Shelter at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. About Conti Federal Conti Federal Services is a leading global construction and engineering company specializing in military construction and critical infrastructure, secure construction, environmental remediation, and disaster response and recovery. With roots dating back 117 years, the company has delivered some of the most demanding projects for the U.S. federal government, on time and on budget. Conti Federal is dedicated to ensuring clients meet mission success while committing to their core values of safety, integrity, and compliance. Contact: Malkia Morton Conti Federal mmorton@contifederal.com 908.902.7617 Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. Accident la Santana: doua persoane sunt ranite Un accident de circulatie a avut loc in urma cu putin timp la Santana. Un autoturism s-a rasturnat. La fata locului au sosit o ambulanta de la serviciul de Ambulanta Judetean Arad, substatia Santana si SMURD Curtici. Vom reveni cu amanunte. UPDATE: Cadrele medicale au gasit doua victime, un barbat si [citeste mai departe] Gulftainer, a leading regional port operator and niche logistics and supply chain solutions provider, has organised a meeting with key traders and freight forwarders in Shenzhen. This was to reaffirm its desire to boost trade and logistics ties with the dynamic freight forwarding community of South China. The meeting was attended by the Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association and the Qingdao Logistics Network, who were updated on Gulftainers value proposition in its flagship trade gateways in the Northern Emirates of the country, which is Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) and Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT). In his welcome address to South Chinas freight forwarders, Andrew Hoad, Chief Commercial Officer of Gulftainer, said: Our meeting with the Shenzhen International Freight Forwarders Association and the Qingdao Logistics Network underscores our commitment to nurturing mutually beneficial trade partnerships. With our state-of-the-art supply chain and logistics facilities and strategically situated terminals, Gulftainer is ideally poised to facilitate the seamless movement of cargoes and enhance connectivity between South China and the UAE through Sharjah Container Terminal and Khorfakkan Container Terminals. We firmly believe that this event will pave the way to explore new avenues of growth and reinforce trade relations between our regions. Diverse prospects The discussions further delved into the diverse prospects presented by Gulftainer's Momentum Logistics (ML), particularly in warehousing and trucking, serving as integral components of an integrated distribution hub. The meeting resonated with a deep sense of confidence as participants deliberated the resilience of trade volume originating from Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta region, extending its reach not only to the UAE but also across the Indian Ocean region.--TradeArabia News Service thames water Customers are expected to receive a rebate of less than 7 each from Thames Water next year despite the suppliers worsening sewage failings. Thames Water was the hardest hit by financial penalties handed out by regulator Ofwat on Monday, which ordered the UKs largest supplier to return 100m to billpayers following a deterioration in its river pollution. This was by far the largest individual fine, as Ofwat said underperforming suppliers must return 114m due to failings on sewage, leaks and customer satisfaction. The money will be returned through customer bills. Ofwats latest annual performance report revealed that Thames Water recorded a 22pc increase in pollution incidents last year, as it was one of the worst performers for customer satisfaction. Yet, Thames Waters 100m rebate will offer little respite to customers, who are likely to receive an average of 6.70 off their annual bills from April, according to Telegraph calculations. Thames Water declined to comment on the figure. The rebate comes two months after the UKs largest supplier was handed a 750m lifeline from shareholders in its battle to avoid nationalisation, with bosses admitting it will need a further 2.5bn by 2030. A Thames Water spokesman said: Our customers expect a great service from us every time, and were sorry when we fail to deliver at the first opportunity. However, they said that its turnaround plan is having an impact: Our complaints fell by 28pc, the second consecutive significant year-on-year reduction and we have seen improvements in several key performance commitments including a reduction in sewage discharges, internal sewer flooding, and sewer blockages. In Mondays report, Ofwat did not rank a single one of Britains water firms in its highest leading category. Instead, it said 10 firms were average and seven were lagging. The worst performers were Anglian Water, Dwr Cymru, Southern Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Bristol Water and South East Water. Story continues Southern Water was the second-worst performing firm and was ordered to pay back 43m. The net industry rebate of 114m was offset by some companies being rewarded cash, such as Severn Trent receiving 88m and United Utilities 25m. Ofwat judges the performance of water companies in England and Wales each year against targets set in 2019 for a five-year period until 2025. Ofwat chief executive David Black said: The targets we set for companies were designed to be stretching to drive improvements for customers and the environment. However, our latest report shows they are falling short, leading to 114m being returned to customers through bill reductions. While that may be welcome to billpayers, it is very disappointing news for all who want to see the sector do better. 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. Honda Elevate is the Japanese brands entry to the mid-size SUV space, where the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor and more fight for their share. Launched recently, the Elevate is also off to a strong start it seems. The deliveries of the Honda Elevate have already started, and the carmaker has celebrated the mega delivery event for its recently launched mid-size SUV, the Honda Elevate in Chennai. The event witnessed the delivery of over 200 Honda Elevate SUVs to customers in a single day. Watch Honda Elevate Review: Mr Yuichi Murata, Director - Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. stated, We are very excited to celebrate the mega delivery event of our much-anticipated SUV, the Honda Elevate today in Chennai. Developed specifically for the Indian consumer, the Elevates bold styling and impressive interiors have gained a lot of interest in the market since its global unveiling. The overwhelming response is a testament to the trust the customers have in the product. We believe the strong entry of Honda Elevate in the Indian SUV market will open up new vistas for our brands presence in the country. We welcome all Elevate customers into our Honda Family." Honda Cars India is focusing on deliveries of the newly launched Elevate to its customers all across the country, reaffirming its commitment to providing the best-in-class products and ownership experience to customers nationwide. Also Read - 2023 Honda Shine SP125 Sports Edition Launched In India At Rs 90,567: Details The highly anticipated Honda Elevate has already made its presence felt on Indian roads. Offering a thrilling driving experience with class-leading comfort and in-cabin amenities, the Elevate is available at an introductory price ranging from Rs10.99 (ex-showroom, Delhi) to Rs 15.99 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top-variant. Designed with the concept of 'Urban Freestyler', the Honda Elevate boasts a bold and masculine design and is equipped with a powerful 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine paired with 6-speed MT and 7-speed CVT automatic transmission. Its spacious interiors and advanced safety features, including ADAS technology of Honda SENSING ensures both comfortable and stress free drive. With four grades and ten vibrant colour combinations, the Honda Elevate offers a wide range of choices to customers. Presentation on Tuesday, October 3rd at 09:00 AM PT Delray Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DPSI), the leading mobility-first enterprise services and solutions company, announced today that it will be presenting at the 16th annual Main Event on Tuesday, October 3rd at 09:00 AM PT at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Steve Smith, Chief Executive Officer, will be giving the presentation. "We know what this event means to our industry and how much people enjoy attending. Thanks to the leaders at our parent company, Freedom, who fully align with our vision, we continue to provide a conference that is much more than meetings and presentations-we're building the foundation for the coming decades as the one event in small-cap that no one can afford to miss. I am honored to host our close friends and allies for our "Sweet Sixteen" installment of the Main Event," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD Micro. We will be conducting 1:1 meetings with investors on October 3 and October 4. Event: LD Micro Main Event XV Date: Tuesday, October 3rd Time: 09:00 AM PT Register to watch the virtual presentation here. Summary of LD Micro Main Event XVI The 2023 LD Micro Main Event XVI will run from October 3rd to the 5th at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles. Presentations will run from 8:00 AM PT - 5:00 PM PT on the 3rd and 4th, with a half day on Thursday the 5th. This three-day event will feature around 200 companies, presenting in half-hour increments, and attending private meetings with investors. About DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. DecisionPoint Systems Inc. delivers mobility-first managed service and integration solutions to healthcare, supply chain, and retail customers, enabling them to make better and faster decisions in the moments that matterthe decision points. Our mission is to help businesses consistently deliver on those momentsaccelerating growth, improving worker productivity, and lowering risks and costs. For more information about DecisionPoint Systems, Inc., visit https://www.decisionpt.com. Story continues About LD Micro LD Micro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Freedom US Markets, was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the micro-cap space. Through the LD Micro Index and annual investor conferences, LD has served as an invaluable asset to all those interested in discovering the next generation of great companies. For more information on LD Micro, visit www.ldmicro.com. To present or register, please contact registration@ldmicro.com. To learn more about Freedom US Markets, visit www.freedomusmkts.com For further information on DecisionPoint Systems, Inc.: DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. Brian Siegel 346-396-8696 brian@haydenir.com https://www.decisionpt.com New Delhi: India will cut the floor price for basmati rice exports in the coming days, sources familiar with the matter said, after millers and traders complained about a sharp drop in overseas sales of the premium aromatic grain. India will lower the basmati floor price to $850 a metric ton, down from $1,200 a ton, to help millers and traders ship out the rice grade, said the sources, who didn't wish to be identified as they are not authorised to talk to media. (Also Read: Bank Holiday For Eid-E-Milad? Check City-Wise List Of When, Where Bank Branches Will Remain Closed) Last month, India fixed the floor price, or the minimum export price (MEP), for basmati rice shipments at $1,200 a metric ton. Authorities said the MEP was imposed to help New Delhi ensure that non-basmati rice was not exported as basmati rice. In July, India surprised buyers by imposing a ban on the export of widely consumed non-basmati white rice, following a ban on broken rice exports last year. "The decision to lower the basmati MEP would help farmers who were losing money on account of falling exports," said Prem Garg, president of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation. "The move will also help India retain its pre-eminent position in the global basmati rice market." Since basmati rice is not widely consumed in India, and the new season crop will start arriving in the market from next month, India would have faced a glut of the superior grade, Garg said. "A large stockpile would have hammered prices and hurt farmers and India's rice sector, so the move to lower the MEP will be quite helpful," he said. India and Pakistan exclusively grow premium, aromatic basmati rice. India ships out around 4 million tons of basmati rice to countries such as Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. "The MEP of $1,200 a ton was too steep, and that's why most millers and traders were not able to export basmati rice," said Vijay Setia, a leading exporter from the northern state of Haryana, one of India's breadbasket states. New Delhi: The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, on Monday issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. Interpol updated its website by putting out a Red Corner Notice for the Khalistani leader. According to intelligence sources, Singh is believed to be hiding in Pakistan and was a member of the pro-Khalistan terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. As per the Interpol portal, 38-year-old Karanvir Singh has roots in Punjabs Kapurthala district. Further, according to Interpol, Singh is wanted by India for criminal conspiracy, murder, offences related to the Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act, raising funds for terrorist acts, conspiracy, and being a member of a terrorist gang or organisation. A Red Corner Notice is a request to the law enforcement authorities of Interpol's member countries to find and temporarily detain a person until extradition, surrender, or a similar legal process can take place. Earlier, Interpol issued a Red Notice to all member countries against gangster Himanshu alias Bhau, who is believed to be living abroad. Giving details, a spokesman of Haryana Police said Rohtak Police succeeded in getting a Red Corner Notice issued against a most wanted accused, who is believed to have fled abroad. The Red Corner Notice against the wanted pro-Khalistani leader comes amid a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Ottawa in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim of India's hand in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi dismissed the allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. At a news conference in New York, the Canadian PM, however, failed to present any evidence to back his claim of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing. Trudeau was repeatedly quizzed on the nature of the allegations but stuck to reiterating that there were "credible reasons" to believe that India was linked to Nijjar's death. "There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is ...there is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters," Trudeau said. "We call upon the Government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter," the Canadian PM added. According to CBC News, the Canadian government invested both human and signal intelligence in a months-long investigation into Nijjars death. That intelligence includes communications involving Indian diplomats present in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, however, said no information has been shared by Canada with regard to the killing of Nijjar. "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a briefing. A designated terrorist in India, Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. Pune: A pandal dedicated to Lord Ganesh caught fire on Tuesday evening in Pune, where BJP president J P Nadda was worshipping along with the Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The fire spread rapidly over the top of the temporary structure in Lokmanya Nagar, a central area of the city. Nadda was quickly taken out of the pandal by his security personnel and no one was injured in the incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Suhail Sharma said after the fire broke out during Nadda's visit to the Ganesh pandal, "police officers at duty immediately responded with local support and fire brigade units were deployed". A fire brigade official said the blaze may have been caused by fireworks at the pandal set up by the Sane Guruji Ganesh Mitra Mandal. #WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: Sane Guruji Tarun Mitra Mandal catches fire. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/N27zSpLi7Q ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2023 Pune city BJP president Dhiraj Ghate and security personnel were seen taking Nadda out of the pandal, a replica of Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar Temple. As soon as the fire broke out, rains started in the area which helped douse the flames. DCP Sharma said the BJP president left the spot to attend 'aarti' at another Lord Ganesh pandal in the Kothrud area of the city. "The fire was successfully contained and no person sustained injuries," he added. Sharma said firecrackers set off by Ganesh mandal members to welcome the guests caused the blaze. NEW DELHI: Amid a diplomatic standoff with India over the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a top Canadian investigator has said that the investigation into the case is still not over. Speaking exclusively to Zee News, Sergent Timothy Pierotti of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said that efforts are on to gather more evidence linked to Nijjar's murder. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the killing of Nijjar a Canadian national. The statement from the top Canadian investigator comes at a time when India-Canada ties have hit rock bottom in the wake of the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim of Indias alleged hand in the killing of Sikh separatist Nijjar further fuelled the diplomatic row between the two nations. New Delhi, however, dismissed the allegations, calling them absurd and motivated. At a news conference in New York, the Canadian PM, however, failed to present any evidence to back his claim of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing. Trudeau was repeatedly quizzed on the nature of the allegations but stuck to reiterating that there were "credible reasons" to believe that India was linked to Nijjar's death. "There are credible reasons to believe that agents of the Government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is ...there is something of utmost foundational importance in a country's rule of law in a world where international rules-based order matters," Trudeau said. "We call upon the Government of India to take seriously this matter and to work with us to shed full transparency and ensure accountability and justice in this matter," the Canadian PM added. According to CBC News, the Canadian government invested both human and signal intelligence in a months-long investigation into Nijjars death. That intelligence includes communications involving Indian diplomats present in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs, however, said no information has been shared by Canada with regard to the killing of Nijjar. "We are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have received no specific information from Canada," Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a briefing. A designated terrorist in India, Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18. India, Canada Issue Travel Advisory Amid all this, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory, saying, "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution." Last week, India also issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada. On Wednesday, Indian nationals, students in Canada and those planning on travelling to the country have been advised to exercise caution. Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada have been advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen growing anti-India activities, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. New Delhi: India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today and said India won't tolerate terrorism for political gains. EAM emphasized on India's contribution to the global agenda and its voice for the developing world. He said that India's presidency of the G20 was guided by the vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', which aimed to address the concerns of the most vulnerable nations and bring them to the forefront of the G20 discussions. He also noted that India's initiative to include the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was a significant step in reforming the global governance system and giving voice to an entire continent. He urged the United Nations to follow suit and make the Security Council more representative and contemporary. Jaishankar also said that India is seen as a solution provider and a bridge builder in the global arena, thanks to its growing economy, technological developments, talent and democratic governance. He said that India's leadership is committed to putting national interests first and also believes in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family. The EAM is in New York to lead the Indian delegation at the 78th UNGA. He also met with several world leaders on the sidelines of the event, including the President of the UNGA Dennis Francis, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Egypt, Uganda, Cyprus, Guinea Bissau, Bangladesh, Samoa, Bhutan, Dominica, Guyana, and others. He also visited the Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet during his stay in New York. Jaishankar also spoke at an event titled 'South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas', where he said that the world is witnessing a period of turmoil and the dominant countries are using their economic and institutional power to influence others. He said that India is not a part of this game and instead seeks to create a more equitable and inclusive world order. New Delhi: In a daring and well-planned heist, a gang of thieves broke into a jewellery shop in Bhogal area of the national capital and looted jewellery worth around Rs 25 crore. The incident came to light on Tuesday when the owner of the shop, Sanjeev Jain, opened it after a day off on Monday. Jain told news agency ANI that the thieves had entered the shop from the terrace and drilled a hole in the wall of the strong room where the jewellery was kept. He said the entire shop was filled with dust and the CCTV camera was damaged. He claimed that the thieves had taken away everything from the strong room. "It is a big incident of burglary. Investigation underway, CCTV footage accessed," ANi quoted Rajesh Deo, DCP South-East as saying. He visited the spot along with a forensic team. He said a case has been registered and several teams have been formed to nab the culprits. #WATCH | Visuals from a jewellery shop which was looted in Delhi's Bhogal area. "We closed the shop on Sunday and when we opened it on Tuesday after an off on Monday, we saw that there was dust in the whole shop and there was a hole in the wall of the strong room... We think pic.twitter.com/kyUf8woqac September 26, 2023 Police sources said that the thieves had prior information about the shop and the jewellery and had done a recce of the place before executing the heist. They said the thieves also knew how to disable the electronic devices and avoid detection. They said the modus operandi of the thieves was similar to some previous cases of jewellery thefts in the city. The visuals from the spot showed a big hole in the wall along the staircase leading to the strong room. The police said they were examining the CCTV footage from the nearby areas to identify the suspects and trace their escape route. They said they were also questioning the staff and the neighbours of the shop to get some clues. Indore: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that the central leadership's decision to field him in the upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh is nothing less than a big surprise for him and that he will do anything to ensure his party's victory. "This is the party's order. I was told that I would be assigned work that I would not say 'no' and I would have to do it. When the tickets were declared, I too was surprised. I am the party's soldier. I will do whatever they say," Vijayvargiya told ANI. #WATCH | Madhya Pradesh election | On being fielded from Indore-1, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya says, "Although I had said that I do not want to contest in the elections, but senior leaders of the party gave me some directions the day before yesterday. I was in a conundrum and pic.twitter.com/Pwl1cSJIt6 ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2023 He said this hours after his name appeared in the second list of candidates released by the BJP on Monday. Vijayvargiya has been fielded by the party from Indore-1 constituency for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election, slated to be held later this year. The ruling BJP on Monday released its second list of 39 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh. The new list, announced hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive gathering of BJP workers in Bhopal, includes four party MPs and three Union Ministers. The BJP's second list features three central ministers - Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of State (MoS) for Food Processing Industries Prahlad Singh Patel, and Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste. While Narendra Singh Tomar will contest from the Dimni seat, Prahlad Singh Patel and Faggan Singh Kulaste will contest from Narsingpur and Niwas, respectively. On September 13, the BJP Central Election Committee (CEC) held a meeting to discuss Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh elections at the party's headquarters in the national capital. The meeting was attended by PM Modi including BJP President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other members of the election committee and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The BJP released its first list of candidates for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on August 17, revealing the names of 39 candidates. With this development, the BJP has now declared candidates for 78 out of the 230 seats in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The state is scheduled to go for the Assembly polls later this year. Through the polls, the state will elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. Blood donation is a vital act of altruism and compassion, a lifeline for countless individuals in need. Every drop of donated blood has the potential to save lives during emergencies, surgeries, or chronic illnesses, emphasizing the importance of regular contributions from willing donors. In our exclusive interview with Zee News English, Dr C Shivaram, Consultant & Head of Transfusion Medicine at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru delved into the pressing issue of blood requirements in India and how the nation is grappling to bridge the gap between needs and availability. Dr Shivaram set the stage by referring to the World Health Organization's recommendation that, "1% of a population should actively engage in blood donation to meet a country's demands. Applying this guideline to India's vast population of 1.4 billion, it becomes evident that a staggering 14 million units of blood are needed to meet our country's requirements. Astoundingly, this aligns with the figures presented by the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), highlighting the scale of the challenge." Dr Shivaram says, "While we might be meeting our blood needs with the help of relative donors, a significant gap persists." He emphasized the critical role voluntary donors play, highlighting that one won't receive blood in times of illness if they haven't contributed while they were healthy. However, rallying 1% of the population to donate blood consistently has proven to be a daunting task. Dr. Shivaram shed light on the regional variations in blood demand, emphasizing that it's notably high in major cities where complex medical procedures such as transplants and cancer treatments are prevalent. For instance, big multispecialty hospitals require a substantial amount of blood per bed each year, emphasizing the need for a stable and sufficient blood supply. Moving on, our conversation touched upon the cultural and medical factors that deter potential blood donors. While India has made strides in increasing the proportion of voluntary donors, societal challenges like poverty, illiteracy, and misconceptions continue to deter individuals from contributing. On the medical front, anemia and specific health conditions pose eligibility hurdles, reducing the pool of potential donors. Nevertheless, Dr Shivaram remained optimistic about India's potential, revealing that "approximately 45 crore people in the country are fit to donate blood. His message was clear and powerfulblood donation is a priceless gift that can save lives. He urged individuals to act today, as procrastination could cost lives tomorrow. He reminded us that what truly saves lives in an emergency is the blood on the shelf, not the blood within us, driving home the importance of voluntary blood donation." In conclusion, Dr Shivaram's insights underscore the urgent need for a collective effort to bolster voluntary blood donation in India. The power to save lives lies within each of us, and it's crucial to act without delay, ensuring a steady and adequate supply of blood for those in need. Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada outfits, political groups and farmers associations protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu have called for a bandh in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The day-long shutdown is being backed by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has announced prohibitory orders under section 144 from September 25 midnight to September midnight in preparation for the bandh. Today's Bengaluru bandh is likely to affect the transport services provided by KSRTC and BMTC. As per a statement released by the KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation, over 195 taluks in the state are grappling with drought due to insufficient rain, rendering reservoirs inadequate for use. This situation has fueled the protest against releasing 5,000 cusecs of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu daily. The KSRTC has urged its employees to refrain from operating buses in the city from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on September 26 to bolster the bandh's success. What Is Open, What Is Closed In Bengaluru? KSRTC and BMTC buses: Expected to stay off the roads in the city on September 26. Private cab services (Ola, Uber): Not available in the city on September 26. Schools & Colleges: Declared a holiday in support of the bandh; private schools will sport black bands on their arms. Restaurants & Hotels: Most will remain open, as the Hotel Owners Association retracted support for the bandh. Metro: Services will run without disruptions across the city. Emergency services: Ambulances, pharma vehicles, and essential goods-carrying vehicles will operate as usual, along with hospitals and medical stores. Calls for protests have prompted multinational firms, including Google and Walmart, to advise employees in Bengaluru to work from home on Tuesday, in an effort to minimize non-essential commuting during the strike. The 'Bengaluru Bandh' has been called in protest of the Karnataka government's decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, drawing support from farmers' groups, pro-Kannada activists, driver unions, and restaurant associations. Various opposition parties, including BJP and JD(S), have extended their support for the bandh, emphasizing the need to maintain peace during the protests while standing against the decision to release Cauvery water. Bengaluru Bandh Over Cauvery Water Row Farmers groups and pro-Kannada activists have called for a Bengaluru Bandh on Tuesday to protest against the Karnataka governments decision to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Driver unions, including those representing app-based auto-rickshaws and cabs, and restaurant associations have also announced their support to the Bandh. The call for the Bandh was initially given by the Karnataka Water Conservation Committee president, Kurubur Shanthakumar. Oppn Backs Bengaluru Bandh BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Monday said his party would extend cooperation in ensuring that the Bengaluru bandh called by various organisations protesting against the release of Cauvery water is successful. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar of behaving like agents of Tamil Nadu for complying with orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Water Regulation Committee, which the Supreme Court refused to interfere with. JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy separately said his party too would be supporting tomorrows bandh. I have asked my party workers to support the bandh. Our workers will support it. There should be no chance for any untoward incident, he said. Wont Curtail Protests: CM Siddaramaiah With protests intensifying, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said his government will not curtail them, but underlined the importance of maintaining peace. In a democracy, we (the government) will not curtail protests, but BJP and JD(S) are trying to do politics on the issue, Siddaramaiah told reporters. Stating that the government will do everything in the interest of the state, as protecting the land, its water and language is a priority, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, We will not try to control the protests, but peace has to be maintained and people should not face any difficulty. Ottawa: The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for its citizens in India asking them to "remain vigilant and exercise caution." The Canadian government has said that the decision has been taken in the context of recent developments in Canada and India and "calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media." Tensions between India and Canada have flared after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd and motivated." Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed in Canada's Surrey on June 18. The Canadian government in its travel advisory said, "In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada on social media. Please remain vigilant and exercise caution." Last week, India also issued a similar advisory for Indian nationals and students living in Canada. On Wednesday, Indian nationals, students in Canada and those planning on travelling to the country have been advised to exercise caution. Indian nationals and Indian students in Canada have been advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen growing anti-India activities, according to a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. "In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the press release. "Recently, threats have particularly targeted Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda. Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents," it added. Indian nationals and students in Canada must also register with the High Commission of India in Ottawa or the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver through their respective websites or the MADAD portal madad.gov.in. According to MEA, registration would enable the High Commission and the Consulates General to better connect with Indian citizens in Canada in the event of any emergency or untoward incident. It stated that India's High Commission and Consulates General will continue to be in contact with the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Canada. VANCOUVER, CANADA - (NewMediaWire) - September 26, 2023 - TheNewswire DeepRock Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "DeepRock") (CSE:DEEP), is pleased to announce it has entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Galileia Lithium Property (the "Galileia Property") with ANTARES MINERAIS ENERGTICOS LTDA (the "Optionor" or (Antares"), a limited company incorporated and existing under the laws of Brazil (the "Optionor"). The Galileia Property covers 6,600 hectares comprising 4 exploration permits and is in Brazil's Minas Gerais State, a mining-friendly jurisdiction. The geology shows the presence of pegmatitic bodies formed during the Brasiliano age, associated with the So Tom Formation and the Rio Doce Group, which are common geological units in south-eastern Brazil. These geological units are notable for their association with critical minerals, including lithium, niobium, tantalum, beryllium, and rare earth elements. Among these minerals, spodumene stands out as a key lithium-bearing mineral. These pegmatite bodies also extend into the Galilia Tonalite and Palmital Granodiorite, as well as various granitic rock formations. They occupy discordant fractures and typically have a thickness of a few metres. In schistose hosts these pegmatites exhibit medium to large dimensions, lenticular shapes, and zoning patterns. Tourmalines, feldspar, and muscovite features are commonly associated with these formations. A recent surface sampling program conducted on the Galileia Property by Antares detected lithium (Li) along with elements like rubidium, cesium, strontium, tantalum, and beryllium. These findings suggest the potential presence of minerals such as spodumene, amblygonite, and lepidolite that may host lithium. The highly weathered nature of surface soils and rocks in this region implies the possible leaching of elements to deeper layers over time. "In 2023 our strategic focus is on amassing a significant land portfolio in Brazil to give us the best chances for a new lithium discovery. DeepRock has now assembled 9,600 hectares of prospective ground in Minas Gerais, and we are very excited with this progress and the relationships we are developing in Brazil," commented Andrew Lee, CEO of DeepRock Minerals. He added, "DeepRock's initial lithium project, the Esperana Property, is located just 40 kilometres west of Sigma Lithium drawing substantial regional attention. We remain committed to exploring the untapped lithium potential in Minas Gerais and will continue positioning ourselves at the forefront in this endeavour." Story continues Summary of DeepRock's option to acquire a 100% interest in the Galileia Property: A due diligence period ending October 21st, 2023; A cash payment of US$25,000 to be paid on or before October 20th, 2023 to execute an 18-month exclusivity period to complete earn-in; Complete a minimum US$200,000 in exploration work in 12 months and a minimum US$300,000 in total exploration expenditures during the option period; To complete the purchase of the permits, the Company will pay the Optionor US$300,000 in cash or shares at the sole discretion of the Optionor; Additional compensation of US$800,000 (in cash or shares) with an inferred resource estimate of 5 million tonnes with a minimum average grade of 1.3% Li2O is established in a preliminary economic assessment report ("PEA"); Further compensation of US$200,000 (in cash or shares) should the resource estimate be expanded to 15 million tonnes or more with a minimum average grade of 1.3% Li2O; and The Optionor will retain a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR"). Doug Blanchflower (P.Geo.), a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. About DeepRock Minerals Inc. DeepRock Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Lee Chief Executive Officer andrew@deeprockmineralsinc.com 778-302-2257 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Neither the Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This 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 of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. New Delhi: More than 30 students, mostly girls, were hurt in Manipur's Imphal Valley on Tuesday as the police used tear gas and lathis to disperse a crowd protesting against the murder of two youths who were reportedly abducted in July, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying. The students took out protest marches soon after photos of the corpses of the two youths circulated on social media. The protesters confronted the police when security forces attempted to block them from reaching the chief minister's secretariat here, police said. The wounded protesters were taken to various hospitals. Priyanka Gandhi Slams Centre For 'Inaction' Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday criticised the Centre for its "inaction" over the gruesome crimes in Manipur and said that it should be ashamed of itself. She said that children are the most vulnerable victims of ethnic violence and it is our duty to protect them. She posted on X, "More shocking news from Manipur. Children are the most vulnerable victims of ethnic violence. It is our duty to do all we can to protect them. The horrific crimes being committed in Manipur are beyond words, yet they are being allowed to continue unabated." "The central government should be ashamed of its inaction," the Congress general secretary said. State Government Hands Over Case To CBI The two students who were killed were identified as Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17). They had been missing since July. The Manipur government issued a statement late on Monday night, saying that the case has already been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The statement said, "The state police, in collaboration with the central security agencies, are actively investigating the case to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and to identify the perpetrators who murdered the two students. The security forces have also started the search operation to nab the perpetrators." New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the G20 University Connect Finale at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, on Tuesday, and highlighted India's diplomatic and scientific achievements in the past month. He said that India's diplomacy touched new heights in the last 30 days, and that due to India's efforts, six more countries have joined the BRICS community. PM Modi also praised the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the fourth country to land on the Moon. He said that the whole world heard India's voice when it was announced that 'India is on the Moon'. This Bharat Mandapam was buzzing with activity two weeks ago. This Bharat Mandapam had become a vibrant place. I am happy that in the same Bharat Mandapam, my future Bharat is here. The world is amazed at the level at which India hosted the G20. But I am not amazedDo you know why? When youth like you take charge of making an event successful, it becomes successful," Modi said congratulating the youth for making the G20 Summit, which was hosted by India two weeks ago, a vibrant and successful event. He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia is going to invest 100 billion dollars in India, and that he had held meetings with 85 world leaders in the last 30 days. He said that in today's polarised international atmosphere, it was not a small thing to get so many countries together on one platform. He urged the youth to take inspiration from India's achievements and work towards building a better future for the country and the world. BEIJING: Dr Shi Zhengli, a celebrated Chinese virologist known as "Batwoman" for her extensive study of animal-origin viruses, has sounded a cautionary note regarding the potential emergence of a new coronavirus. Dr Shi has called for global readiness, drawing lessons from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a recent report by the South China Morning Post, Dr Shi, a leading expert in virology in China who has extensively researched bats and their role as carriers of infectious agents that can transmit to humans, has pointed to past occurrences of coronavirus-related illnesses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the recent Covid-19 pandemic, as indicators of the likelihood of future outbreaks. Chinas batwoman warns another coronavirus outbreak is highly likelyhttps://t.co/nMAoQIdz3W South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) September 24, 2023 A study by Dr Shi's team at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) assessed the risk associated with 40 different coronavirus species potentially spilling over from animals to humans. Remarkably, they identified half of these as "highly risky." Out of these, six are already known to have caused diseases in humans, while three others have exhibited evidence of potential to infect either humans or other animal species, as per reports from the Hong Kong-based daily. The studys conclusions are unequivocal, emphasizing that the future emergence of a deadly disease is almost certain, with another coronavirus outbreak seen as highly probable. This prediction is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of viral characteristics, considering factors such as population dynamics, genetic diversity, host species, and historical instances of zoonosis - the transmission of diseases from animals to humans. Despite being published in the English-language journal Emerging Microbes & Infections back in July, this alarming study gained widespread attention on Chinese social media only recently. This development aligns with reports of Beijing downplaying concerns about Covid-19. Notably, Chinese virologists have refrained from commenting on Dr. Shi's latest research, likely due to sensitivities surrounding her work at the controversial Wuhan Institute. Earlier this month, a US federal agency officially announced a 10-year ban on funding for the WIV. This decision follows US media reports suggesting the possibility of the COVID-19 pandemic originating from a Chinese lab, potentially the Wuhan Institute, which conducted high-risk gain-of-function experiments involving bat coronaviruses, according to The New York Post (NYP). However, US intelligence documents from June stated that there was no definitive evidence supporting the lab leak hypothesis, though it couldnt be definitively ruled out. Understanding the Sustainability and Future Prospects of Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE:PM) recently announced a dividend of $1.3 per share, payable on 2023-10-12, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-09-26. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's deep dive into Philip Morris International Inc's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Philip Morris International Inc Do? Philip Morris International is an international tobacco company with a product portfolio primarily consisting of cigarettes and reduced-risk products, including heat-not-burn, vapor and oral nicotine products, which are sold in markets outside the United States. The company diversified away from cigarettes with the 2022 acquisition of Swedish Match, a leading manufacturer of traditional oral tobacco products, primarily in the U.S. and Scandinavia. It diversified away from nicotine products with the acquisition of Vectura, a provider of innovative inhaled drug delivery solutions, in 2021. The firm has six geographical segments: the European Union; Eastern Europe; Middle East and Africa; South and Southeast Asia; East Asia and Australia; and Americas. Delving into Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend Performance: A Comprehensive Analysis A Glimpse at Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend History Philip Morris International Inc has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2008. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Philip Morris International Inc has increased its dividend each year since 2008. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 15 years. Story continues Delving into Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend Performance: A Comprehensive Analysis Breaking Down Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Philip Morris International Inc currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 5.41% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 5.55%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Philip Morris International Inc's annual dividend growth rate was 2.90%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 3.40% per year. And over the past decade, Philip Morris International Inc's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 4.10%. Based on Philip Morris International Inc's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Philip Morris International Inc stock as of today is approximately 6.39%. Delving into Philip Morris International Inc's Dividend Performance: A Comprehensive Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-06-30, Philip Morris International Inc's dividend payout ratio is 0.98, suggesting that the company's dividend may not be sustainable. Philip Morris International Inc's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Philip Morris International Inc's profitability 8 out of 10 as of 2023-06-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Philip Morris International Inc's growth rank of 8 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Philip Morris International Inc's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Philip Morris International Inc's revenue has increased by approximately 2.20% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 76.19% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Philip Morris International Inc's earnings increased by approximately 8.00% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 47.5% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 7.50%, underperforms than approximately 45.16% of global competitors. Next Steps Given the comprehensive analysis of Philip Morris International Inc's dividend payments, dividend growth rate, payout ratio, profitability, and growth metrics, it's clear that the company has a strong history of consistent dividends. However, the high payout ratio coupled with underperformance in growth metrics relative to global competitors raises questions about the sustainability of its dividends in the long run. Investors should therefore consider these factors carefully while making investment decisions. Remember, a strong dividend history does not guarantee future performance. Always conduct thorough research and consider the company's overall financial health before investing. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Key Insights The projected fair value for Dermapharm Holding is 62.99 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Dermapharm Holding is estimated to be 39% undervalued based on current share price of 38.38 The 58.60 analyst price target for DMP is 7.0% less than our estimate of fair value Does the September share price for Dermapharm Holding SE (ETR:DMP) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Dermapharm Holding The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 158.7m 165.3m 154.3m 147.2m 142.6m 139.7m 137.8m 136.6m 136.0m 135.7m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ -6.70% Est @ -4.58% Est @ -3.10% Est @ -2.07% Est @ -1.34% Est @ -0.83% Est @ -0.48% Est @ -0.23% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 4.4% 152 152 136 124 115 108 102 97.2 92.7 88.6 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 1.2b Story continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.4%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 4.4%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 136m (1 + 0.4%) (4.4% 0.4%) = 3.4b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 3.4b ( 1 + 4.4%)10= 2.2b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 3.4b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 38.4, the company appears quite good value at a 39% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 Dermapharm Holding 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 4.4%, 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 Dermapharm Holding Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. 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 Pharmaceuticals market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the German market. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. 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. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Dermapharm Holding, we've compiled three important factors you should consider: Risks: As an example, we've found 3 warning signs for Dermapharm Holding that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does DMP'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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the XTRA every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Exploring the Dividend Performance and Future Prospects of Ituran Location and Control Ltd (NASDAQ:ITRN) Ituran Location and Control Ltd (NASDAQ:ITRN) recently announced a dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on 2023-10-11, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-09-26. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's deep dive into Ituran Location and Control Ltd's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. Company Overview: Ituran Location and Control Ltd Ituran Location and Control Ltd is a provider of location-based services. The company operates in two segments, namely Telematics services, and Telematics products. The Telematics services segment consists of regionally- based stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) services, fleet management services, and value-added services comprised of personal advanced locater services and concierge services. The Telematics product segment consists of short and medium-range two-way machine-to-machine wireless communications products that are used for various applications, including automatic vehicle location, and automatic vehicle identification. Its geographical segments include Israel, Brazil, and Others. Dividend Analysis: Ituran Location and Control Ltd (ITRN) Dividend History of Ituran Location and Control Ltd Ituran Location and Control Ltd has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2004. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Dividend Analysis: Ituran Location and Control Ltd (ITRN) Dividend Yield and Growth of Ituran Location and Control Ltd As of today, Ituran Location and Control Ltd currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.91% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.94%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Story continues Over the past three years, Ituran Location and Control Ltd's annual dividend growth rate was -16.20%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to -13.30% per year. And over the past decade, Ituran Location and Control Ltd's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at -7.70%. Based on Ituran Location and Control Ltd's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Ituran Location and Control Ltd stock as of today is approximately 0.94%. Dividend Analysis: Ituran Location and Control Ltd (ITRN) Assessing Dividend Sustainability: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-06-30, Ituran Location and Control Ltd's dividend payout ratio is 0.27. Ituran Location and Control Ltd's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Ituran Location and Control Ltd's profitability 8 out of 10 as of 2023-06-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability. Examining Growth Metrics for Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Ituran Location and Control Ltd's growth rank of 8 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Ituran Location and Control Ltd's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Ituran Location and Control Ltd's revenue has increased by approximately 2.60% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 55.77% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Ituran Location and Control Ltd's earnings increased by approximately 76.70% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 7.56% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of -4.20%, which underperforms than approximately 79.92% of global competitors. Conclusion In conclusion, Ituran Location and Control Ltd's consistent dividend payments, combined with its profitability and growth metrics, indicate a potential for sustained dividends in the future. However, investors should monitor the company's payout ratio, dividend growth rate, and growth metrics to ensure the sustainability of these dividends. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. GRANTS PASS, Ore., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch Bros Coffee is celebrating National Coffee Day in style! On September 29, Dutch Bros will offer an exclusive "Drink More Coffee" hat at all 750+ shops. Customers who buy a hat, get any drink of their choice FREE! On September 29, Dutch Bros will offer an exclusive Drink More Coffee hat at all 750+ shops. Customers who buy a hat, get any drink of their choice FREE! "We're stoked to celebrate National Coffee Day with all our coffee loving customers," said Charles Swindler, senior vice president of field engagement at Dutch Bros. "We can't wait to see everyone rockin' their new hats while enjoying their favorite drink on September 29!" This "Drink More Coffee" hat will only be available on Friday, September 29, while supplies last! Looking for a new coffee order to celebrate with on National Coffee Day? Take a quiz here to find your next go to order! Available at participating locations, while supplies last. Plus sales tax, if applicable. About Dutch Bros Dutch Bros Coffee is a drive-thru coffee company dedicated to making a massive difference one cup at a time. Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma, it's now sharing the "Dutch Luv" with more than 750 locations in 16 states. Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, an exclusive Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Its rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish. In addition to its mission of speed, quality and service, Dutch Bros is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. Through its Dutch Bros Foundation and local operators and franchisees, the company donates several million dollars to causes across the country each year. To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com , follow Dutch Bros Coffee on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , & TikTok , and download the Dutch Bros app to earn points and score rewards! Dutch Bros Coffee has more than 600 locations in 14 states. It's a fun-loving, mind blowing company making a massive difference one cup at a time. (PRNewsfoto/Dutch Bros Coffee) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dutch-bros-celebrates-national-coffee-day-in-style-301935660.html SOURCE Dutch Bros Coffee Mexican supermarket chain adopts Infor's warehouse management solution to optimize its entire supply chain MEXICO CITY, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that El Florido supermarket chain has chosen Infor WMS (Warehouse Management System) solution to optimize its operating times throughout the supply chain. The solution will be implemented by Infor partner Cerca Technology, a leader in cutting-edge technology for supply chains in Latin America. The supermarket chain, located in Baja California Norte in Mexico, dedicated to the commercialization of meat-based products and groceries, aims to streamline the times for the assortment in stores, increase the fill rate, a key indicator that establishes the percentage of the merchandise delivered of any given order, obtain a complete visibility of the inventory, and support branches with effective sourcing. The business that began as a meat distributor grew to the point of needing to diversify its portfolio, including other product lines. This facilitated its expansion in cities including Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito, Ensenada and Mexicali, up to 50 branches. To meet the needs of all branches, the company established a logistics operator in 2016, DFL Logistics, a company that manages inventory for all logistics operations that supply all branches, for both groceries and perishable products. With El Florido's constant growth, it was necessary to implement a leading solution to digitize all processes for supply, demand planning, storage, and the delivery of orders. The challenges faced in distribution centers Due to the growth and limitations of its internal development, several errors were detected in the distribution centers such as: the existence of phantom inventory, codes that were in a transfer state, and difficulties in filling orders, among others. Therefore, the company decided to look for a solution to overcome the challenges that arose. Although its system was friendly and functional, it was overstretched to efficiently handle the expanding operation. The developers tried to find temporary solutions within the system, but this resulted in a repetitive process that affected the timing and delivery of orders. These problems became more frequent, inconsistencies began to severely impact the operation. Story continues In addition, the procedure for measuring productivity in the distribution center was very complex, making it difficult to optimize processes in the operation. All tracking was done manually and relied on basic estimating tools. This involved a considerable investment of time. How Infor WMS and Cerca Technology benefit El Florido Through references and searches, the team in charge of the project at El Florido identified all the needs to be covered with a WMS. Misael Verduzco, logistics manager of DFL Logistics, highlighted that "the use of tools such as WMS are of great help, because it takes advantage of automation, reduces operating costs, increases efficiency, improves responsiveness and decreases complexity for effective distribution center management." "We are confident that this new implementation will be successful. As inventory accuracy improves, the entire supply chain will benefit," He added. "What impressed us the most was the attention we received from Cerca Technology from the beginning. Follow-up, interest and participation were crucial in making the decision. Even when visiting our operations, they understood our needs closely, which resulted in a proposal very grounded to reality. We always felt supported." Infor WMS provides real-time information, which helps El Florido measure processes and productivity accurately, centralize procedures, and provide greater flexibility in the planning and attention of orders from its customers. Likewise, it is expected to achieve control of cargo transport units (containers) and manage the registration in its warehouses, from entry to unloading. Wilson Ortiz, manager of professional services at Cerca Technology, pointed out that "once the team knew the interface of Infor WMS, and observed that it was intuitive and easy to use, adapting to it was more seamless versus competing solutions." When referring to the future of the operation, Verduzco and his team are aware that implementation of Infor WMS is only the first step of the digital transformation to reach the performance and processes that are required and integrate a system that supports transportation management. Alejandro Luna, country manager of Infor Mexico, explains that "Infor WMS will benefit the activities of the distribution centers of El Florido in an integral way. This solution combines warehouse assortment with integrated labor management and analytics to reduce complexity and enable optimized operational execution. Infor WMS is a state-of-the-art, best-in-class warehouse operations solution around the world, designed with ease of setup and intuitive use in mind." DFL Logistics has a team of more than 210 people, while the El Florido business group, as a whole, employs approximately 3,500 people. El Florido has two distribution centers of 10,000 square meters each, where 80 percent of the space is destined to groceries and the remaining 20 percent to perishable products. The company handles a total of 2,500 SKUs in groceries and 120 SKUs in perishables. Its transport fleet has 27 vehicles, 42 boxes and 8 double-trailer equipment. Learn more about Infor WMS: https://www.infor.com/solutions/scm/warehousing/warehouse-management-system About Cerca Technology Cerca Technology is an Infor partner and a strategic ally in the implementation of logistics technology for supply chains. Over 30 years, it has implemented more than 300 cutting-edge projects for companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its clients are located in 16 countries, and it has 4 corporate headquarters in Colombia, Chile, Mexico and the U.S. Visit cercatechnology.com/en/home/ 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 www.infor.com. Press contacts Heidi Rangel - Espana | associate, media manager | hrangel@27pivot.com | (+52) 55 38975341 Magdalena Arriaga | account executive | marriaga@27pivot.com | (+52) 55 39643274 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 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/el-florido-boosts-its-supply-chain-with-infor-wms-301938635.html SOURCE Infor World-renowned contemporary Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn, son of Hollywood legend Anthony Quinn, has provided a major boost for this weeks Art be a Part fundraiser in Dubai. The leading figurative sculptor has donated a stunning creation for the Art be a Part auction on Friday night, which will raise funds for Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and Unicef India. The sculpture, aptly titled Give, portrays the hand of a man joining that of a woman, symbolising the essence of giving, and conveying a profound message of peace, hope and trust in todays world. We are thrilled that Lorenzo has joined our international community of artists, and enormously grateful that he chose to make such a generous and inspiring contribution to our fundraising efforts for Dubai Cares and Unicef, said Art be a Part founder, Medha Nanda. Quinn said: Im very happy to take my place in the community that Medha has created, giving artists an opportunity to receive value from each other, and create positive impact in coming together. I look forward to attending the event in Dubai, which I know has a thriving art scene. I felt my sculpture, Give, was an appropriate choice, as it seeks to evoke peace on our planet, which has been deeply impacted by the pandemic, and faces the threat of social tensions, wars, and famine. The artist is best known for expressive recreations of human hands. His latest sculpture was crafted using innovative materials, including resin and recycled components, reflecting a commitment by Quinn to explore new and experimental avenues in art, while promoting eco-consciousness His work is inspired by masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Rodin. His father also had a profound influence on him, both as an actor, and through his own early work in painting and sculpting architecture. The Art be a Part auction takes place at the Taj Hotel in Business Bay Dubai, which is part of the Downtown Ventures group, the main event sponsor. It will also feature work by other artists from the UAE, India, Chile, Iran, Japan, Ecuador, South Africa, Germany, Italy, US, Ukraine, Spain, Singapore and Mexico. They include 27-year-old Emirati artist Maryam Sharaf, who says her life experiences have fuelled her creativeness, and has developed a unique style characterized by the use of mediums such as acrylic, oil, and marker colours. Among those also joining the Art be a Part community to exhibit, and support the fundraiser, is Ukrainian contemporary artist, Maria Lys. She creates unique pieces using traditional painting, fluid art, epoxy resin, gold, and silver leaves to captivate viewers with color and appeal to their senses. Founder, Medha Nanda, an artist and philanthropist, said: Art be a Part aims to help upcoming artists who need a platform to be seen. Beyond that, when people are thinking of buying art, we want to be the first name that comes to mind, for adding value to their investment, beyond what they could imagine. As a community dedicated to supporting humanitarian causes, we want to provide help where it is needed most urgently, such as in areas that are under distress due to natural disaster or war. Were particularly eager to help provide to vulnerable children. TradeArabia News Service Speakers at national conference address use of AI, ML and more CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The rise of technological advancements in the home warranty industry will be a topic of discussion for leaders at the upcoming Extended Warranty and Service Contracts Innovation Conference. Increasingly, business leaders are finding that artificial intelligence, machine learning and other cutting-edge technologies are increasing efficiency and enhancing the level of value-add solutions they can provide customers. Marcone is at the forefront of adopting these new tools in the home warranty industry. "Marcone set itself apart with distribution times that previously would have been unheard of without a drumbeat of innovation or continual introduction of new technologies," said Kippy MacNulty, Vice President of Business Development for Marcone, North America's largest parts distributor for the appliance, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool and spa industries. "Recent upgrades mean we use predictive analysis to further keep inventory stocked and artificial intelligence within our warehouse to get orders processed and out the door same day." In addition, Marcone AI uses Open AI and ChatGPT to guide technicians through a range of solutions related to their specific appliance and issue. It connects them to the most likely repair needed, along with the parts required to complete it. With Marcone's 93% next-day and 100% two-day shipping, technicians facing even the most complex problems can have their customers up and running in as little as 24 hours. MacNulty will lead the conference discussion about utilizing technology alongside expert Dr. Mark R. Hatch. A sought-after author and consultant, Dr. Hatch is the CEO of two startups a nanotech and an AI startup. He also teaches digital transformation and innovation strategy at Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School. He has spoken at both the White House and United Nations and is a frequent expert quoted in U.S. news stories. Story continues Held October 17-18 at Chicago's Palmer House Hilton, the conference attracts the industry's top minds as they seek both education and inspiration. For more information, visit warrantyinnovations.com. "The stars are unlimited for warranty providers who adopt these technologies and sustain a commitment to technological Innovation," MacNulty said. "We want to empower them to move their businesses into a new era of success." About Marcone Marcone is the leading provider of premium solutions, parts and equipment for professionals serving customers on their appliance parts, HVAC, plumbing and commercial kitchen needs. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Marcone is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise operating out of 200 locations throughout North America. Offering unparalleled product breadth, know-how across our national footprint and ease of doing business via leading-edge technology, servicers prefer Marcone because we amplify what they do best: take great care of their clients with speed, reliability and accuracy. Learn more about Marcone at www.marcone.com. Media Contact: Elizabeth Davies Marcone HVAC Cell: 815.440.8768 elizabeth.davies@munchsupply.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emerging-technology-to-shape-future-for-warranty-industry-301938451.html SOURCE Marcone Employers recognize having the right people in the right place can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leaders Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval. Have a question? Submit it here. Question: A friend of mine was recently fired for not being a "culture fit?" Is this a legitimate reason for letting someone go? Gary Answer: Yes. Provided the decision is not motivated by illegal discriminatory bias., employers can and do indeed fire people who aren't a cultural fit. Employers, in many cases, rank workplace culture right next to technical competency. As employers examine the role culture plays in workplace performance, more and more they look for cultural alignment in the recruitment process. In most instances, workers don't work alone on an island. How well they engage with others affects collaboration and overall performance. If a worker is at odds with the organization's mission, it can affect morale and productivity. Employers recognize having the right people in the right place can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. The employment-at-will doctrine applies in all states except Montana. It allows employers the legal right to terminate employment with or without notice and with or without cause for any reasons not explicitly prohibited by law. Race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, and genetic information are considered illegal discriminatory criteria. In cases of termination or any adverse employment action, the burden of proof typically falls on employers to demonstrate a nondiscriminatory, legitimate business reason. I am not privy to the specifics of your friend's termination, but the employer should be responsible for clearly articulating their rationale. Many workplace elements make up culture, like work performance, personality, work style, work ethic, etc. Once a performance or behavioral fit issue arises, employers should candidly address it. Bringing awareness or making minor adjustments can often resolve cultural fit problems. However, regardless of tenure or status, employers can allow time for improvement or terminate immediately, provided they follow protocol. Story continues Similarly, employees can and do choose to resign for any reason they see fit. The employee and employer relationship can be as volatile or harmonious as any. If someone is not a fit for one situation, they may still be the ideal fit for another. Cultural alignment is critical for employers and employees in the long term. Culture is the fundamental defining element of the workplace. If the work is what an organization does, workplace culture is how the organization does it. With this in mind, organizations should be purposeful in shaping their culture. Employers and employees will rarely be an exact match, which is why each should bring flexibility and grace to their association. However, forcing a square peg into a round hole ultimately hurts both. Knowing yourself, how you work, and your workplace preferences helps you discern if an organizational culture aligns with your persona and career aspirations. Helping a co-worker Am I allowed to write a letter of recommendation? Our new, younger staffs work emails exhibit poor grammar. They've demonstrated that they can write professionally, but many have developed poor habits in exchanges with co-workers over text, Slack and email. It is most problematic when writing clients. How can I help improve their business writing? Kiris This can be a tremendous learning opportunity for you as a people manager and your direct reports. As tempting as it may be to judge younger staff for not following traditional business writing rules, this presents a great opportunity for you to guide and direct them as they grow. Start by setting up a team meeting or carving out a portion of a regular meeting. Rather than flag mistakes, approach this as a chance to share company protocol, communication expectations, and even some basic office etiquette. Afterward, make it a part of the ongoing feedback at work to keep everyone on the same page. Electronic messaging systems like texting and Slack are less formal and come under less scrutiny. So, encourage them to be mindful of the channel and the audience (clients, external stakeholders) when writing. While young and seasoned professionals must get this right, remember to bring some empathy to this common struggle. How we text a "BFF" will look and feel different than an email to a client. This conversation should be more of a dialogue than a monologue. As a people manager, you should offer guidance and feedback and invite employees to ask questions and address their concerns. If they've demonstrated they know how to write professionally, then it may be wise to focus on why it is critical to communicate professionally. In your case, email may be a vital touchpoint with your client or other external stakeholders. Learning the ins and outs of office protocol, including email etiquette, is necessary, but this rarely happens overnight. Consider partnering your newer, younger staff with seasoned team members who can help them acclimate to the work environment. When it comes to higher-profile external emails, have them check each other's work. Additionally, most email systems have spell and grammar check tools to help identify basic mistakes. Online tools and apps are also available to perform extensive grammatical reviews. Check with your HR team for insight on any professional development opportunities. There may be a few business writing courses to help your staff gain familiarity with professional tone and format. It may be helpful to show examples of professional and effective emails you have written to better set expectations. Best of luck! Staying and leaving How to quit a job and what managers should do after layoffs This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can I be fired for not fitting into work's organizational culture? EnWave Corporation VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (EnWave, or the "Company") announced today that it has signed a commercial royalty-bearing license (the License) with Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings and a leading American multi-billion-dollar supplier of foodservice, food ingredient and retail offerings. Michael Foods has also purchased a 10kW Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) machine from EnWave after conducting product development research and development over the past several months. The License grants Michael Foods the right to produce certain products using REV technology in the United States of America and provides for an ongoing royalty stream tied to the commercial sales of any REV-dried products produced and sold by Michael Foods during the term. The License is the fifty-third active royalty-bearing agreement issued by EnWave. About Michael Foods Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings, is headquartered in Hopkins, Minnesota. As a leader in foodservice and food ingredients, Michael Foods both produces and distributes an extensive portfolio of innovative egg and potato products. Our brands, Papettis, Abbotsford Farms, Simply Potatoes and Easy Eggs are valued and recognized across the country. Through a series of business building platforms and a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network, Michael Foods also offers inspirational culinary and marketing solutions while delivering supply chain efficiencies and back-of-restaurant convenience and food safety. With manufacturing locations stretching from the northeast to the southwest, our company and employees are committed to supporting our communities and sustaining the farmland essential to our business. For more information, visit www.michaelfoods.com. About Post Holdings, Inc. Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal category and also markets Peter Pan nut butters. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdoms number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. Post participates in the private brand food category through its investment with third parties in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc.. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com. Story continues About EnWave EnWave is a global leader in the innovation and application of vacuum microwave dehydration. From its headquarters in Delta, BC, EnWave has developed a robust intellectual property portfolio, perfected its Radiant Energy Vacuum (REV) technology, and transformed an innovative idea into a proven, consistent, and scalable drying solution for the food, pharmaceutical and cannabis industries that vastly outperforms traditional drying methods in efficiency, capacity, product quality, and cost. With more than fifty royalty-generating partners spanning twenty-six countries and five continents, EnWaves licensed partners are creating profitable, never-before-seen snacks and ingredients, improving the quality and consistency of their existing offerings, running leaner and getting to market faster with the companys patented technology, licensed machinery, and expert guidance. EnWaves strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with food producers who want to dry better, faster and more economical than freeze drying, rack drying and air drying, and enjoy the following benefits of producing exciting new products, reaching optimal moisture levels up to seven times faster, and improve product taste, texture, color and nutritional value. Learn more at EnWave.net. EnWave Corporation Mr. Brent Charleton, CFA President and CEO For further information: Brent Charleton, CFA, President and CEO at +1 (778) 378-9616 E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net Dylan Murray, CFO at +1 (778) 870-0729 E-mail: dmurray@enwave.net Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management's expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company's strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third-party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third-party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, 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. 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. Showcasing the compelling advantage of the Eutelsat ADVANCE solution Leveraging the unique, ground-breaking, multi-orbit GEO/LEO offering Responding to the buoyancy of the maritime connectivity market in the region PARIS & SINGAPORE, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) announces a partnership with Can Marine Systems, a prominent provider of maritime systems in Asia. The collaboration brings next-generation satellite communication services to the maritime sector across Asia, offering enhanced connectivity and capabilities for maritime businesses operating at sea (cargo shipping, passenger ferries, and offshore) in this vast region. The partnership leverages the Eutelsat ADVANCE hybrid GEO/LEO service portfolio, an innovative satellite network-as-a-service providing high-end connectivity to users through a global network of unparalleled coverage. Eutelsat ADVANCE offers a range of scalable versatile managed connectivity services that combine LEO constellation coverage ubiquity and low latency with robust GEO satellite reliability and predictable committed throughput. This unique combined offering will help Can Marine address business opportunities across Asia, tailoring solutions to customers specific needs, and reinforcing their position as a leading provider of maritime systems in the region. Lim Ding Liang, Vice President of Can Marine Systems, said: We acknowledge and appreciate the Eutelsat ADVANCE Hybrid LEO/GEO services and their alignment with our strategic future objectives, especially their seamless integration with our Canopus Suite of services. This partnership aims to further augment the reach of comprehensive connectivity services within our region, promoting growth and providing unparalleled solutions to our valued users. Cyril Dujardin, General Manager of the Connectivity Business Unit, said: "We are proud to see our managed connectivity solution, Eutelsat ADVANCE, continue to successfully expand with Can Marine. This collaboration testifies to the strong momentum of the maritime connectivity business, particularly within Asia, and further establishes Eutelsat as an indispensable player in maritime connectivity." Story continues About Can Marine Systems Can Marine Systems Pte Ltd is an innovative maritime solutions provider committed to excellence and technological progress. Founded with a vision to redefine maritime connectivity, safety, and efficiency, the team of experts, experienced across connectivity, communication systems, and navigation, ensures we meet diverse industry demands. With a comprehensive portfolio including cutting-edge connectivity, communication systems, navigation equipment, and safety solutions, we remain at the forefront of technological advancements. We prioritize ethical conduct, sustainability, and responsible practices, aiming to make a positive impact on both the environment and communities we serve. For more about Can Marine please visit https://the-canopus.com About Eutelsat Communications Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of 37 satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 68000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1100 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925848015/en/ Contacts Medias Anita Baltagi Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 abaltagi@eutelsat.com Daphne Joseph-Gabriel Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 djosephgabriel@eutelsat.com Baptiste Romeuf Tel.: +33 6 63 80 87 54 eutelsat@agenceproches.com Investors Thomas Cardiel Tel.: +33 6 99 07 86 47 tcardiel@eutelsat.com Hugo Laurens-Berge hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com Christine Lopez Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 02 clopez@eutelsat.com China's property market is mired in a crisis. Costfoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images Chinese property giant Evergrande's shares have tanked 27% so far this week. They slumped following a series of bad news over the last few days. A former Chinese central bank official told Bloomberg that China's property market could take a year to recover. Recent developments at Chinese property giant Evergrande aren't quite inspiring confidence in China's real estate market. The company's troubles have been deepening recently, which have torpedoed its share prices. On Tuesday, Evergrande's shares tanked 7% by midday, extending a slump that took the stock down as much as 25% on Monday. This means Evergrande's share price has plummeted 27% this week. Evergrande is worth about 5.3 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $678 million, now a massive fall from grace from the company's heydays in 2017 when it was worth nearly 420 billion Hong Kong dollars. Evergrande's stock has been hit by a series of bad news in the last few days. They include the cancellation of key creditor meetings this week that were announced on Friday and another notice on Monday that it would be unable to issue new debt. Late on Monday, Caixin, a Chinese financial news outlet, reported that Chinese authorities detained Pan Darong, a former chief financial official at Evergrande. Authorities also imposed restrictions on Xia Haijun, a former CEO at the property giant. Evergrande's main domestic unit, Hengda Real Estate Group, also announced late on Monday it failed to make payments on the principal and interest for a 4 billion Chinese yuan, or $547 million, bond due on the same day. The developments weighed on Evergrande shares, which have been massively volatile since the stock resumed trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange last month following a 17-month suspension since March 2022. The massive slump in Evergrande shares also suggests that the worst is far from over for China's property sector, wrote Junrong Yep, a market strategist at online trading platform IG, in a Tuesday note seen by Insider. Story continues Investment in property in China fell about 19% in August from a year ago marking its 18th straight month of decline, according to Reuters calculations based on official data released on September 15. In fact, the property sales could take as long as a year to recover, Li Daokui, a former People's Bank of China adviser told Bloomberg on Tuesday. "The property market will come back as an important driver for the economy, however the magnitude of the impact of property as a growth engine will be much smaller," Li told Bloomberg. A real estate crisis has loomed over China since 2021 Evergrande once China's second-largest developer faced a liquidity crisis in 2021 that triggered broader concerns about the country's real-estate sector. The sector, along with related industries, contributes as much as 30% to the country's GDP. Evergrande had over $300 billion worth of liabilities by the end of 2022. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in the US on August 17. China is trying to revive its property sector by stimulating consumer demand, but consumers are unlikely to be clamoring for new apartments amid record-high youth unemployment rate and slower economic growth, experts told Insider. In fact, there are way too many empty homes in China. A former top China official said there could be enough vacant homes in China to house up to 3 billion people which is nearly 10 times the population of the US. China Evergrande shares on the Hong Kong Exchange were 7% lower 40 Hong Kong cents at midday on Tuesday. Evergrande and former People's Bank of China adviser Li did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider By Scott Murdoch SYDNEY (Reuters) - A major group of offshore creditors of China Evergrande Group is planning to join a court petition to liquidate the cash-strapped developer if it doesn't submit a new debt revamp plan by next month, two sources familiar with the matter said. The creditor group holds a large portion of Evergrande offshore bonds and, if it decides to join, would add more weight to the petition filed against the developer by an investor in a Hong Kong court. Evergrande's offshore debt restructuring plan, unveiled in March, has been thrown into uncertainty after the developer said on Sunday it was unable to issue new debt due to an ongoing regulatory investigation into its main unit in China. Deepening turmoil in China's debt-laden property sector is threatening to undermine Beijing's efforts to get the sputtering economy back on more solid footing, and raising fears among investors of a spillover into the country's banking system. Evergrande has been in the process of seeking creditors' approval for its proposals to restructure offshore debt worth $31.7 billion, which includes bonds, collateral, and repurchase obligations. Under the plan, Evergrande, the poster child of China's property sector crisis, had proposed various options to offshore creditors, including swapping some of their debt holdings into new bonds with maturities of 10 to 12 years. A group of Evergrande bondholders were surprised by the firm's weekend announcement which said it was unable to issue new notes, and have been seeking meetings with the developer to seek more information, said the two sources. If Evergrande fails to submit a new debt restructuring plan by Oct. 30, that bondholders' group will support a winding-up petition -- or petition to liquidate -- already filed against the developer, said the sources, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. The group has been in favour of finding a restructuring resolution for Evergrande's debt, but the developer's weekend announcement has reduced hopes that would eventually happen, the sources added. Story continues Top Shine Global, an investor in Evergrande unit Fangchebao, in June 2022 filed a petition to liquidate in Hong Kong because it said the developer had not honoured an agreement to repurchase shares the investor bought in the unit. In July, the hearing for that winding-up petition against Evergrande was adjourned to Oct. 30, in order to wait for the result from the developer's meeting with creditors to vote on its debt restructuring plan. Evergrande needs approval from more than 75% of the holders of each debt class to approve the plan. That meeting is scheduled for mid-October. However, the latest disclosure by Evergrande puts the meeting, as well as its outcome, in doubt and it's not clear if the meeting with offshore creditors will go ahead as planned. Evergrande did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. MISSED PAYMENT The liquidation petition against Evergrande is one of the many such proceedings launched against Chinese developers as the firms failed to meet debt payment obligations after an unprecedented liquidity crunch hit the sector in 2021. Evergrande cited an analysis commissioned from consultancy Deloitte during a Hong Kong court hearing in July to say the recovery rate from its proposed debt restructuring plan would be around 22.5%, compared with 3.4% if the developer is liquidated. "At this stage, the offshore creditors are getting desperate, knowing none or little would be left for them," said KT Capital Group senior researcher Fern Wang, who publishes on Smartkarma. The liquidity crunch was triggered in part by government efforts to clamp down on high debt levels in the property sector and rein in speculation. Many of the defaulted developers have been scrambling to get their offshore creditors' approval for debt restructuring plans to avoid collapse or being forced into liquidation proceedings. Shares in Evergrande ended down 8.1% on Tuesday at their lowest level since Sept. 6, extending losses for the second consecutive day, after its main domestic unit said it missed an onshore bond repayment. The unit, Hengda Real Estate Group, said in a Shenzhen stock exchange filing late on Monday that it had failed to pay the principal and interest for a 4 billion yuan ($547 million) bond due by Sept. 25. Evergrande's stock plunged 22% on Monday, after its Sunday announcement about its inability to issue new notes. The latest developments further darken the outlook for Evergrande, which has lurched from one crisis to another since its financial woes became public in 2021 and it defaulted on its offshore debt obligations later that year. These setbacks also come as the Chinese authorities have been trying to revive homebuyers' sentiment with a raft of measures, including a reduction in existing mortgage rates. (Reporting by Scott Murdoch; aditional reporting by Donny Kwok in Hong Kong; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee, Kim Coghill and Mark Potter) FILE PHOTO: JP Morgan Chase & Co sign outside headquarters in New York By Nupur Anand NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase reorganized the leadership in its investment bank, promoting a new head in North America to succeed Fernando Rivas, who plans to retire, according to a memo seen by Reuters. Rivas, who previously ran the financial institutions group, was one of JPMorgan's lead negotiators in its purchase of failed First Republic Bank in May. He will be replaced by Jay Horine, who is currently the global industry co-head for energy, power and renewables, metals and mining (EPRM), according to the memo. Horine will also continue to be the global industry co-head of EPRM. The bank also appointed several global heads for industry groups reporting to Jim Casey and Vis Raghavan, who jointly lead global investment banking, effective immediately. JPMorgan also formed a new digital banking group run by Samik Chandarana that will draw on technology platforms, data science and artificial intelligence to serve clients, the memo said. Chandarana was previously chief data and analytics officer for the corporate and investment bank. The changes come weeks after two senior bankers departed the largest U.S. lender. Christian Oberle left to join Barclays as the head of its financial sponsors group in the Americas, and Marco Caggiano exited for Morgan Stanley as vice chair of mergers and acquisitions. JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon said in a conference earlier this month that he expects investment banking revenue to be flat. It climbed 11% to $1.5 billion in the second quarter. That performance was better than its forecast in May for a 15% decline. Here is a list of global investment banking industry coverage heads who have been elevated to global roles as part of the organizational change: INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE Healthcare Michael Gaito Technology Madhu Namburi Media & Fred Communicat Turpin ions Real Guillermo Estate and Baygual Infrastruc and Tom ture Grier Diversifie Charlie d Bouckaert, Industries Mark Marengo and Alberto Piana Story continues Energy, Jay Horine Power, and James Renewables Janoskey ,Metals & Mining Consumer & Guillermo Retail Baygual Business Dana Services Weinstein Strategic Ina De, Investors Klaus Group Hessberger and Avery Whidden Financial Jared Institutio Kaye, ns Laurent Nevi and John Purcell Regional John Investment Richert Banking (Reporting by Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Lananh Nguyen, David Gregorio and Mark Porter) By Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu HANOI (Reuters) - Some pilots have left Vietnam's restructuring Bamboo Airways in the last two months after late salary payments, according to two people familiar with the matter. About 30 foreign pilots departed in that time, or more than 10% of the airline's total pilot staff in June, according to one of the people, who declined to be identified as the information was not public. A second person said some pilots had recently quit and others were dismissed. Embattled Bamboo, Vietnam's No. 3 airline, said in a statement to Reuters it has undertaken a drastic restructuring encompassing its route network, fleet and human resources. "Bamboo Airways has reduced a number of pilot personnel recently to serve this goal," the statement said, denying that late payments of salaries were the reason behind the departures. It did not respond to questions about how many pilots had left. Many staff at Bamboo have at times had to face delays in salary payments, but this had not, until recently, affected foreign pilots who make up a large majority of the airline's pilot staff, the sources said. Messages seen by Reuters from an internal company chat forum that management uses to communicate with foreign pilots show some salary payments have been late. An Aug. 21 message from a company representative in the forum told foreign pilots they would have received on that day 35% of their monthly salary that had been due a week earlier, and they would be informed about the remainder when there was more information. A similar message was sent a month earlier. The amounts were later paid in full but foreign pilots had not received their pay for August that had been due on Sept. 15, according to information from one of the people that was current as of Sept. 25. TOUGH TIMES Bamboo said in statements to Reuters that it is operating stably and is planning to raise capital from strategic shareholders. It said one of its major financial backers, Vietnam's Sacombank, had expressed confidence in its long-term prospects and the desire to increase its investment in the airline. Story continues Sacombank has not provided comment. Bamboo's new chief executive, Nguyen Ngoc Trong, said in a letter to staff last month seen by Reuters that the airline was facing "tough times". Trong was appointed CEO in July when his predecessor resigned after less than two months in the job. In a separate statement to Reuters on Wednesday, Bamboo said it would embark on restructuring its aircraft fleet from next month to increase efficiency and optimize operating costs. "The restructuring process aims to stabilize Bamboo Airways' operations and further growth opportunities," the statement said, adding that it aims to "increase the uniformity of aircraft types in the long run", without elaborating. The prime minister earlier this month directed ministries and relevant authorities to work out measures to help the airline overcome difficulties, the statement added. Vietnam's Government Office did not reply to a request for comment. Bamboo had in 2021 flagged plans to list in the United States but it has been struggling with rapid management changes and aggressive restructuring since a former chairman was arrested in March 2022 over allegations of stock market manipulation. It was not immediately clear which companies have the biggest stakes in Bamboo. A spokesperson for Bamboo said details about its ownership would be disclosed at a later date. Bamboo, which flies both internationally and domestically, has a share of around 17% in the Vietnamese market, its then CEO told local media in March. It booked losses of 17.6 trillion dong ($722 million) last year, the government has said. Bamboo's flights continue to regularly depart, schedules at the country's two main airports show. Seven of its 30 planes, including some of those recently acquired, are currently parked for maintenance, according to tracking website Planespotters.net. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio and Khanh Vu; Additional reporting by Phuong Nguyen, Mai Nguyen and Jamie Freed; Editing by Edwina Gibbs and David Holmes) FactSet Research Systems Inc (NYSE:FDS) has recently been in the spotlight, drawing interest from investors and financial analysts due to its robust financial stance. With shares currently priced at $433.81, FactSet Research Systems Inc has witnessed a daily loss of 0.72%, marked against a three-month change of 9.69%. A thorough analysis, underlined by the GF Score, suggests that FactSet Research Systems Inc is well-positioned for substantial growth in the near future. FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS): A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths 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. FactSet Research Systems Inc has been assigned the following ranks: Each one of these components is ranked and the ranks also have positive correlation with the long term performances of stocks. The GF score is calculated using the five key aspects of analysis. Through backtesting, we know that each of these key aspects has a different impact on the stock price performance. Thus, they are weighted differently when calculating the total score. With a high profitability rank and growth rank, and a slightly lower GF Value rank, GuruFocus assigned FactSet Research Systems Inc the GF Score of 95 out of 100, which signals the highest outperformance potential. FactSet Research Systems Inc: A Snapshot FactSet Research Systems Inc, with a market cap of $16.55 billion and sales of $2.09 billion, provides financial data and portfolio analytics to the global investment community. The company aggregates data from third-party data suppliers, news sources, exchanges, brokerages, and contributors into its workstations. In addition, it provides essential portfolio analytics that companies use to monitor portfolios and address reporting requirements. Buy-side clients account for 83% of FactSet's annual subscription value. In 2015, the company acquired Portware, a provider of trade execution software. In 2017, it acquired BISAM, a risk management and performance measurement provider. In 2022, it completed its purchase of CUSIP Global Services. Story continues FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS): A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths Financial Strength Breakdown According to the Financial Strength rating, FactSet Research Systems Inc's robust balance sheet exhibits resilience against financial volatility, reflecting prudent management of capital structure. The Interest Coverage ratio for FactSet Research Systems Inc stands impressively at 10.72, underscoring its strong capability to cover its interest obligations. This robust financial position resonates with the wisdom of legendary investor Benjamin Graham, who favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least 5. With an Altman Z-Score of 5.45, FactSet Research Systems Inc exhibits a strong defense against financial distress, highlighting its robust financial stability. With a favorable Debt-to-Revenue ratio of 0.88, FactSet Research Systems Inc's strategic handling of debt solidifies its financial health. Profitability Rank Breakdown The Profitability Rank shows FactSet Research Systems Inc's impressive standing among its peers in generating profit. FactSet Research Systems Inc Operating Margin has increased (16.00%) over the past five years, as shown by the following data: 2019: 30.52; 2020: 30.53; 2021: 29.79; 2022: 29.27; 2023: 31.46; . Furthermore, FactSet's Gross Margin has seen a consistent rise over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2019: 53.78; 2020: 53.45; 2021: 50.59; 2022: 52.76; 2023: 53.33; . This trend underscores the company's growing proficiency in transforming revenue into profit. FactSet Research Systems Inc's strong Predictability Rank of 5.0 stars out of five underscores its consistent operational performance, providing investors with increased confidence. Growth Rank Breakdown Ranked highly in Growth, FactSet Research Systems Inc demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its business. The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate is 11.5%, which outperforms better than 58.74% of 681 companies in the Capital Markets industry Moreover, FactSet Research Systems Inc has seen a robust increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past few years. Specifically, the three-year growth rate stands at 13.4, and the rate over the past five years is 11.5. This trend accentuates the company's continued capability to drive growth. FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS): A Deep Dive into Financial Metrics and Competitive Strengths Conclusion With its strong financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GF Score highlights FactSet Research Systems Inc's unparalleled position for potential outperformance. This analysis suggests that FactSet Research Systems Inc is a promising investment opportunity for value investors seeking robust financial performance and growth potential. 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. There has been a 20 per cent rise in the number of women now enrolling at the Uganda Petroleum Institute to work in the oil and gas industry. This is the highest percentageover the last two yearsever witnessed in the country, as young people seek to get the qualifications required to provide technical skills to the countrys growing oil and gas sector. In total, some 4,000 Ugandan men and women are presently studying engineering at the countrys universities and technical institutes, with a growing number of the places financed directly by the government and the oil companies working in the country to ensure the countrys skill set expands to meet the sectors rising demand. Tony Kato, President of Ugandas Society of Petroleum Engineers, welcomed the increased number of students focusing on engineering and highlighted how the oil and gas boom was helping drive the numbers. He said: There is an excitement in Uganda at present around the opportunities that the oil and gas development is bringing, and we can see this in the number of young people wanting to get involved. Under our legislation, oil and gas companies are legally required to employ Ugandans and they should be holding all leadership positions by 2040. Therefore, there are huge opportunities here for the students of today to become the industry leaders of tomorrow, whatever sex they are. Although the number of female Ugandan engineers has historically been lower, women have still risen to the top in the sector in the company. For example, the Uganda National Oil Company is headed by Proscovia Nabbanja, a geologist with several degrees in petroleum sciences. A National Oil and Gas Talent Register has been established that students seeking employment can sign up to, and the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company recently paid for young Ugandans to qualify in pipeline and refinery construction. Most of the heavy lifting done in engineering, both in school and at work, is with the brain. There are therefore no gender limitations," said Diana Kakwera a Process Engineer with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. Under the governments National Content policy to upskill its young workforce, bursaries have been provided for courses including petroleum geosciences, petroleum engineering, petroleum economics and petroleum law as well as in oil and gas trades such as welding, fabrication, plumbing and installation. Specialist training institutes, such as the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba and the Uganda Technical College in Kichwamba, are also providing bespoke courses, while other Ugandan universities and colleges have started to offer internationally accredited courses. The technical-focused courses at the Uganda Petroleum Institute where the rise in women has been particularly noteworthy focuses on the oil and gas trades such as welding and electrical work. Rahma Nantogo, 24, and from Kyanja district in Ugandas capital Kampala who graduated this year from Makerere University, said: The workload was one of the main challenges we faced during this study programme but it has been an experience tailored to enable us to handle the challenges of the sector. It was hard work but it gave me the necessary expertise to carry out operations. Now I am looking forward to being part of these efforts to sustainably exploit Ugandas oil and gas. This year, the number of people employed in the oil and gas sector reached more than 12,000 people, Petroleum Authority of Uganda figures show, with 96 per cent of them Ugandans. Uganda is developing oil and gas reserves in the Albertine Graben region, with first oil due to be pumped by 2025. The 1,445-km East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is being built to transport the natural resource from Uganda through Tanzania for export. It is estimated that this pipelie will provide a boost of more than $40 billion to the Ugandan economy during the next 25 years, bringing a potentially transformative impact for Ugandans and the countrys economy at large. When production is at its peak, the Uganda government will receive an anticipated $1-$2 billion a year in revenue from the development. This is over and above the benefits that will be realised through participation of Ugandans in oil activities and linking oil and gas to other sectors of the economy. --OGN / TradeArabia News Service (Bloomberg) -- The US Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said she plans to reinstate net neutrality oversight of broadband providers that was rescinded under former president Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg Rosenworcel announced the effort Tuesday at the National Press Club, confirming an earlier Bloomberg report and kicking off a renewed fight over regulation. She is proposing the FCC take the first steps to commit to rules that would treat broadband internet as an essential service, putting it on par with water, power and phone service. The proposal largely mirrors original rules adopted in 2015 under then-President Barack Obama and adds a clause on national security to close a loophole that allows foreign adversaries to access US broadband services. In the wake of the pandemic and the generational investment in internet access, we have a window to update our policies to make sure that the internet is not only open, but fast and fair, safe and secure, she said. Now is the time for our rules of the road for internet service providers to reflect the reality that internet access is a necessity for daily life. Rules barring broadband providers from unfairly interfering with internet traffic were gutted by the FCC under Republican leadership. President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party said in their 2020 platform that they would recommit the United States to the principles of an open internet, including net neutrality. Twelve states have net neutrality provisions or laws currently in effect, but the FCC policy would create a national standard. Rosenworcel, a longtime supporter of net neutrality rules, is moving quickly after Democrats took a working majority of the five-member FCC on Monday when Anna Gomez was sworn in as a commissioner, becoming the third Democrat at the agency. The FCC had been split 2-to-2 on partisan lines from the beginning of the Biden presidency. Biden named Rosenworcel chairwoman of the FCC at the start of his term. Story continues Read more: Understanding Net Neutrality In 2017, the FCC voted to scrap net neutrality rules enacted two years earlier that barred firms such as cable giant Comcast Corp. and wireless carrier AT&T Inc. from blocking any specific content or singling out any offering for quicker or slower delivery. Ditching the rules was unpopular with voters, but the companies are likely to vigorously oppose any reincarnation of the regulations. Providers havent engaged in the behavior that the rules aim to prevent, the companies argue, such as throttling content delivery speeds and anti-competitive paid prioritization of content. The regulations also threaten to encumber a growing and successful broadband ecosystem, they say. Any effort to restore net neutrality rules would likely commence with an FCC vote on Oct. 19, followed by a monthslong process of notice and comments and then by another vote. Even if the FCC successfully reinstates the regulations, lawsuits may hold up the changes. Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr criticized the policy Tuesday, saying legal challenges to regulating the internet like a public utility wouldnt pass the Supreme Court. Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, wrote a letter to Rosenworcel Monday urging her to reclassify broadband as a telcommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act, which would allow for more government oversight. The FCCs regulatory classifications should reflect what Americans and Congress know to be true: broadband internet access service is an indispensable part of American life, Markey wrote in a letter signed by nearly two dozen other senators. From the Archive: Why Trumps FCC Tossed Obamas Net Neutrality Rules: QuickTake Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Ferrovial and Georgia Tech entered a master agreement to focus on innovation in transport infrastructure to develop a more sustainable future for mobility The agreement was formally signed at the university's campus ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrovial, a global infrastructure operator, and the Georgia Institute of Technology today announced a long-term partnership focused on advancing innovation in transport infrastructure. The partnership will allow for joint research activities, providing new educational and development opportunities for students and enabling Ferrovial to create a more sustainable future for mobility. The agreement was formally signed at the university's campus in Atlanta. Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech (left) and Andres Sacristan, CEO of Cintra Global (right) "Georgia Tech is globally recognized for its expertise in infrastructure and mobility, research, and development," said Andres Sacristan, CEO of Cintra Global. "Ferrovial understands our industry must remain agile as transportation continues to evolve. By partnering with universities like Georgia Tech, we can continue to improve the traveler experience and better serve our clients by providing new mobility solutions." Ferrovial has collaborated with Georgia Tech in research, leveraging its talent for several years. In addition to its expertise in traffic engineering, the Institute has extensive research capabilities in construction, airports, and energy, allowing for a comprehensive and diversified partnership as Ferrovial operates in all these areas. "Ferrovial is reimagining transportation, and this collaboration will enable Georgia Tech researchers and students to gain a firsthand understanding of the needs of our nation's infrastructure," said Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. "We are proud to partner with Ferrovial to drive the future of transportation and mobility, which will bring valuable technological innovation and knowledge transfer to our state." Story continues Ferrovial, through its highways business Cintra, operates five major managed lane projects across the U.S., providing traffic congestion relief to some of the nation's fastest growing regions. Ferrovial's construction division currently manages several large highway construction projects, including the Transform 285/400 highway improvement project in Atlanta. Subsidiaries Ferrovial Construction and Webber have carried out infrastructure improvements in the state of Georgia that amount to nearly $800 million. Ferrovial Airports is a leading airport investor and operator with key investments in the U.S. Through its vertiports business, the company aims to design, build, and operate the infrastructure required by eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. "Aligning with Georgia Tech reinforces Ferrovial's commitment to sustainably advancing mobility, enhancing safety, and connecting communities in Georgia, the United States and beyond," said Sacristan. About Ferrovial Ferrovial is a global infrastructure operator committed to developing innovative solutions for a world on the move. With more than 70 years of experience, its family of companies holds leadership positions in transportation infrastructure, construction, waterworks, and energy. The company operates in 15 countries, with U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas. Ferrovial employs more than 4,000 people across the U.S. and over 20,000 around the world. For more information, visit ferrovial.us About the Georgia Institute of Technology The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is a public research university developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees. Its nearly 45,000 students, representing 50 states and 149 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning. As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than $1 billion in research annually for government, industry, and society. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ferrovial-and-georgia-tech-partner-to-advance-us-infrastructure-301939143.html SOURCE Ferrovial Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2023) - First Lithium Minerals Corp. (CSE: FLM) (OTC Pink: PGPXF) (FSE: X28) ("First Lithium Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update at its 100% owned OCA project ("OCA Project") in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. The Company completed a selective geochemical surface sampling program at the Salar de Ascotan. A total of 15 brine and brackish water samples were collected directly off the surface in the salar at depths of up to 0.3 meter and in the alluvium surrounding the salar surface. Results from AGS Laboratory, Coquimbo, Chile assays of the complete sample set range from trace to 78 Li (mg/L), with the average of 42.6 Li (mg/L) and median of 57.3 Li (mg/L). Potassium assay values averaged 1,042.8 K (mg/L) with a median at 1,445 K (mg/L), and Boron averaged 705.1 B (mg/L) with a median of 1,003.3 B (mg/L). As total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations increase with depth in common hydrogeological settings of northern Chilean salars, the geochemical results are congruent with the expectation that lithium and alkaline metals should be present in higher concentrations at depth. Figure 1. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Samples, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. Number Coordinates UTM Element Sample East North B Ca Li K Na Mg (m) (m) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) AST-1 575,042 7,629,681 169.3 1,901.9 63.5 1,445.0 15,148.6 999.7 AST-2 575,765 7,629,933 166.9 1,926.5 61.4 1,454.5 14,222.4 1,007.8 AST-3 572,797 7,627,938 162.4 1,908.8 59.2 1,440.2 15,047.0 1,001.3 AST-4 572,609 7,627,646 148.5 1,788.1 54.9 1,355.9 12,865.6 964.3 AST-5 570,767 7,616,586 155.2 1,975.7 57.3 1,482.1 15,818.2 1,022.7 AST-6 570,693 7,615,647 170.3 2,153.1 60.8 1,597.4 18,454.4 1,099.3 AST-7 575,087 7,606,651 158.8 2,014.9 56.1 1,503.3 15,418.0 1,036.0 AST-8 575,278 7,605,089 171.2 2,033.4 59.8 1,532.2 14,884.9 1,043.6 AST-9 573,064 7,620,083 225.8 2,465.9 78.0 1,832.6 17,668.6 1,237.8 AST-10 572,392 7,620,570 187.4 1,989.6 65.6 1,510.4 16,353.8 1,017.7 AST-11 584,941 7,600,005 143.4 86.5 4.8 102.5 2,488.2 31.1 AST-12 581,340 7,626,179 146.9 108.8 4.9 112.2 2,624.5 34.3 AST-13 581,416 7,621,226 125.0 83.8 4.2 93.4 2,197.9 28.0 AST-14 583,239 7,623,593 134.4 89.5 4.5 101.8 2,380.7 29.8 AST-15 582,382 7,630,840 107.4 56.4 3.6 79.1 1,862.7 22.7 Average 158.2 1,372.2 42.6 1,042.8 11,162.4 705.1 Median 158.8 1,908.8 57.3 1,445.0 14,884.9 1,001.3 Story continues Source: Company reports Figure 2. Surface Brine and Brackish Water Sample Location, OCA Project, Salar de Ascotan. August 2023 Program. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3968/181869_5be1c3e7747b8b84_002full.jpg Source: Company reports The Company is advancing to its inaugural brine resource exploration program in the northeastern property areas at the Salar de Ascotan (approx. 1,775 ha), which also displayed promising geophysical characteristics based on the Transient Electromagnetic ("TEM") and Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysical surveys conducted in Q4/22 and Q1/23. Future drilling and sampling are planned to test the conceptual hydrogeologic model, enhance understanding of the controls as well as obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the lithium and alkaline metals bearing brines and sediments and their economic potential. In August 2023, First Lithium Minerals personnel met with the Quechua Cebollar Ascotan Community on the envisioned exploration activities, visited the proposed sites for a drilling program, and discussed the areas and elements of future cooperation and engagement. In September 2023, the Company applied for a regulatory environmental assessment permit and is currently in the process of applying for a drilling permit, concurrently with the drilling contractor selection. Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director of First Lithium Minerals commented: "Highs of 78 Li mg/L at surface brine and brackish water samples validate Salar de Ascotan as a strong exploration target and potential future resource. It is also important to note that samples were collected just off the surface with no shallow or auger drilling performed. Typically, such surface samples are highly diluted with only traces of lithium and alkaline metals. It is our belief Salar de Ascotan mineralization will exhibit typical hydrogeological conditions of the salars in northern Chile where deeper brine enrichment is encountered at depth. We look forward to starting our drilling program as soon as all regulatory permits are obtained, and weather conditions allow." The Company is expecting to commence a drilling program in Q4/23-Q1/24, conditional upon obtaining required government permits, licences, and agreements. The field sampling of brines and brackish water from the surface was done in accordance with generally accepted industry standards. The sampling program included Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) standard elements such as including duplicate, CRM, and blank samples. Formal chain of custody documents were prepared for every sample obtained and submitted for laboratory analysis to AGS Laboratory, Avenida La Cantera 2270, Coquimbo Chile (ISO/IEC NCh17025:2017 Standard and the ISO 900:2015 Standard). In the opinion of the QP, sample preparation, security, and analytical procedures were acceptable and results from the laboratory analyses are considered adequate. About First Lithium Minerals First Lithium Minerals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. The Company is currently focusing on exploring for alkali metals at its 100% owned OCA project comprised of approximately 9,000 ha of mineral exploration concessions located in the salars of Ollague, Carcote, and Ascotan in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. In Q4/22 and Q1/23 the Company conducted two property-wide geophysical surveys, identified two priority exploration targets for potential brine mineralization, and is currently planning its inaugural drilling program at the Salar de Ascotan pending obtaining required drilling permits and licences. First Lithium Minerals also acquired and is currently focusing on exploring for lithium and rare earth metals at its 100% owned LSL project comprised of 1,900 ha of mining claims located in the Patricia Mining Division of northwestern Ontario. Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's website: www.firstlithium.ca Qualified Person Aldo Moreno Salinas is the VP of Exploration for First Lithium Minerals and the Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Moreno is a seasoned geologist with 40 years of experience in exploration and evaluation of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, has a degree in geology from Universidad de Chile, is a member of the Chilean Professional Association of Geologists No. 437 and registered in the Public Records of Competent Persons No. 328. For further information please contact: First Lithium Minerals Corp. 77 King St. W Suite 3000 Toronto, ON M5K 1G8 Tel: 416-402-2428 Email: rob@firstlithium.ca Rob Saltsman, CEO and Director Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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 but not limited to: exploration activities, geophysical and geochemical surveys, its results and interpretation, studies and interpretations of historical exploration information, drill target definition, permitting, licences, environmental laws and regulations, changes in government regulations and laws, obtaining social licence to explore and operate, community engagements, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, general business, economic, competitive, reliance on third parties, the actual results of operations, and other risks of the resources industry. 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. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/181869 FOREWARN services will help Realtors mitigate risks and enhance safety ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Realtors and FOREWARN, LLC, a red violet company (NASDAQ: RDVT) are joining forces to promote and enhance the safety of Realtors while they're working to help buyers and sellers across Florida. Florida Realtors logo (PRNewsFoto/Florida Realtors) Florida Realtors has contracted to make FOREWARN services available at no additional cost for its 238,000 members, beginning in January 2024. FOREWARN is a leading provider of real-time information solutions for real estate agents. Available both online and through a mobile application, FOREWARN analyzes billions of data points and provides users with the ability to mitigate risks by verifying identities and validating information provided by potential clients using just a phone number. Its services allow agents to properly and safely plan for showings with a higher level of confidence. "As the largest state Realtor association in the country, we strive to provide our members with the best solutions and the most value," said Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant. "We are thrilled to empower all of Florida's Realtors with FOREWARN to address such a critical industry need in the safety of our members." Florida Realtors President G. Mike McGraw added, "Helping people with their real estate needs is so rewarding, but the reality of this business is that agents are regularly faced with unknown risks. FOREWARN helps agents to quickly verify the identity of their prospects and mitigate many of the risks related to both safety and fraud. We are pleased to equip our members with this powerful solution at no additional cost to them." "We created FOREWARN with the goal of delivering a proactive safety solution to the real estate industry to address inherent risks," said James Reilly, president of FOREWARN and red violet. "Through our discussions with Florida Realtors, it is clear that their commitment to the safety of their members is paramount. We are very pleased to partner with Florida Realtors in the offering of FOREWARN as a member benefit, ensuring that every member real estate agent in the state of Florida possesses this essential solution to mitigate risk." Story continues In January 2024, Florida Realtors' members will receive specific instructions on how to activate their FOREWARN subscription. Florida Realtors serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to 238,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors Newsroom website is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom. About FOREWARN FOREWARN offers instant knowledge through innovative solutions to ensure safer engagements and smarter interactions. Leveraging powerful analytics and a massive data repository, its solutions enable organizations to gain real-time knowledge, for purposes such as verifying identity, searching for criminal histories, and validating information. Risk assessment and due diligence at your fingertips. For more information, go to: www.forewarn.com About red violet red violet builds proprietary technologies and applies analytical capabilities to deliver identity intelligence. Its technology powers critical solutions that enable the real-time identification and location of people, businesses, assets and their interrelationships. These solutions are used for purposes including risk mitigation, due diligence, fraud detection and prevention, regulatory compliance, and customer acquisition. Its intelligent platform, CORE, is purpose-built for the enterprise, yet flexible enough for organizations of all sizes, bringing clarity to massive datasets by transforming data into intelligence. Our solutions are used today to enable frictionless commerce, to ensure safety, and to reduce fraud and the concomitant expense borne by society. For more information, please visit www.redviolet.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-realtors-to-partner-with-forewarn-in-2024-301938989.html SOURCE Florida Realtors Report grades each province and territory; sets out measurable poverty reduction road map OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Poverty in Canada is entrenched, deepening, and impacting low-income and vulnerable people in every region of the country according to Food Banks Canada's inaugural release of the Poverty Report Cards, which call for much-needed action from all levels of government. Food Banks Canada Logo (CNW Group/Food Banks Canada) According to Food Banks Canada's Poverty Report Cards, more than 42.6% of people nationally feel financially worse off compared to last year; 18.4% are experiencing food insecurity and almost 30% are coping with an inadequate standard of living. "Food Banks Canada Calls for Collective Effort from Every Level of Government" "Until now, information about poverty has been scattered across the country and difficult to compare from government to government. Now, Food Banks Canada has developed an objective way to compare the progress of every government over time, focusing on providing governments with tangible ways to improve and prioritize poverty reduction efforts," explains Phil Ozga, Chief Network and Government Relations Officer, Food Banks Canada. "Poverty in Canada cannot be resolved by focusing on one provincial government or just the federal government. We need a collective effort from every level of government in Canada, and this report allows us to see that while every government has a long way to go, some are doing more than others," he says. All Governments in Need of a Dramatic Shift The majority of governments in Canada received grades in the D-range -- with 8 out of 14 receiving a D+ or worse grade for their weak approach to poverty reduction. While Quebec is trending slightly better when it comes to supporting its low-income residents, Ozga stresses that no province is demonstrating an acceptable level of poverty reduction efforts at this time. "An overall lack of action on affordable housing, and improving social assistance lies at the heart of Canada's growing struggle with poverty and food insecurity," explains Ozga. "All governments must find a new sense of urgency and act together to combat this issue. Story continues Poverty Levels are Relatively Low Despite all other Signs Pointing to a Crisis According to Ozga, the new report shows that poverty rate levels are masking the real struggles of many people in Canada and that governments must work harder, and look beyond income measures alone, to help those who are falling through the cracks: Close to half of people in Canada feel financially worse off compared to last year. 18% (more in some provinces) are experiencing food insecurity. Over a quarter of people are living in an inadequate standard of living. Mental health is also a concerning factor with 60% of people thinking mental health issues are not getting enough attention and 30% say their mental health is impacting their ability to work. A Roadmap for Reducing Poverty "Behind every statistic is a person or a family that's struggling to put food on the table but that doesn't have to be the Canada of the future," explains Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada. "This report not only highlights the deep gaps in our current social safety nets, but it also provides a roadmap for every level of government. We can build a Canada where no one goes hungry by asking our governments to take bold and focused action where people need help most." The full series of report cards provide detailed provincial, national, and territorial analysis and statistics, along with interactive, digital maps that Food Banks Canada will update year over year to hold governments to account. Report Cards Highlights at a Glance Food Banks Canada's Poverty Report Cards paint a devastating look at the diverse ways poverty is impacting people in every province or territory in Canada: 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 Food Banks Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c4084.html Canada Green Building Council Launching this fall, this first skills training program of its kind is designed to foster more collaboration and reskill the industry as Canada transitions to zero carbon by 2050 Co-operators has earned Zero Carbon Building Design Standard certification for their new head office in Guelph, ON. Performance certifications over three years of operations. Photo by Alain Laforest. Pictured here is Edifice Jacques-Parizeau, an office building and event space in downtown Montreal owned by Ivanhoe Cambridge. It has achieved Zero Carbon Building Performance certifications over three years of operations. Photo by Alain Laforest. TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid rapidly changing regulations, expectations and growing market demand for low-carbon buildings, the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) has partnered with leading industry associations to develop free low-carbon skills training for the Canadian building sector. The first of its kind in Canada, the Low Carbon Training Program will equip professionals working in architecture, engineering, construction and commercial real estate, including building owners and operators, with a common language and understanding of low-carbon strategies and solutions, helping the sector take advantage of low-carbon building opportunities and investments. The needs of the building sector are changing quickly, increasing demand for skills in low carbon construction and retrofits. The industry can no longer afford the status quo where these skills are not integral and required, says Thomas Mueller, CAGBC President and CEO. The Low Carbon Training Program is designed to improve collaboration among leading industry associations and increase reach into the industry to effectively build knowledge and skills for low-carbon solutions. Companies who upskill their employees will have a competitive advantage in the market. Partially funded by the Government of Canada and provided to the industry at no cost, the Low Carbon Training Program was developed by CAGBC in partnership with the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Climate Risk Institute (CRI), Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) in consultation with leaders in the Canadian building sector. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses the fundamental principles of low-carbon building that can be applied to new construction and building retrofits. Story continues Customized to meet the needs of specific professionals in the sector, a variety of different courses within the Low Carbon Training Program cover topics including the business case for low-carbon building and retrofits and how carbon is being considered and measured by evolving codes and regulations during the life cycle of a building, from planning and design to construction and building maintenance and operation. Courses in the Low Carbon Training Program will begin to roll out in October and will be available for free through to March 31, 2024, and do not require any previous training in sustainability. Upskilling means technical know-how and greater collaboration Low-carbon construction and building retrofits are expected to play a significant role in helping Canada reach its 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets. According to a study led by CAGBC and Delphi Group, current investments from the government and industry will significantly expand Canadas green building economy with projections of $150B in GDP and 1.5 million jobs by 2030. In addition to growing the workforce, the sector will need to upskill with low-carbon knowledge and training to keep up with the growing demand for low-carbon projects. A series of CAGBC workforce studies conducted in 2019 and 2020 found that technical skills alone will not close the skills gap. The research underscored the need to establish a deeper understanding of the role of carbon in building design, construction and operation and to ensure stronger collaboration and communication among project teams and trades. Creating and using a common vocabulary around low-carbon concepts and solutions were identified as a necessary component. Low-carbon buildings and retrofits require more complex collaboration than traditional building projects. For many professionals, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest information and skills and to know where to start, what to focus on or whats worth the effort, says Laurna Strikwerda, Director at Canada Green Building Council and Low Carbon Training Program Project Lead. It was really important for us to work with a cross-section of industry leaders who understand the day-to-day challenges of professionals to create a program that is accessible and can benefit anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve as the building sector transitions to a low-carbon future. A well-trained workforce is key to unlocking the green economy and supporting the growth of the construction industry, says Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault. Through our Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, the Canada Green Building Council will provide thousands of workers with state-of-the-art training on sustainable building practices. This is a win for Canadian workers. Low Carbon Training Program Curriculum Overview: From Core Concepts to Specialized Training CAGBC will offer a Low Carbon Training Foundations Course to provide professionals across all industries with an introduction to important low-carbon concepts. Over five modules, this program will help establish common understanding, approach and vocabulary that will enable collaboration across all building sector professions. Other partners will offer profession-specific low-carbon training courses that dive deeper into the distinct day-to-day responsibilities and expertise of each professional group as follows: The Low Carbon Education Training Workshop for Architecture Professionals will be offered first on October 3, 2023 as part of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canadas (RAIC) 2023 Congress on Architecture. The in-person workshop will cover competencies supporting new construction and building retrofits, including climate change literacy, climate-responsive design and integrative design thinking. Online versions of this course will be available at a later date. The Low Carbon Fundamentals Course tailored for building owners and real estate professionals across development, investment, asset management and corporate roles, will provide participants with a practical understanding of low-carbon concepts. The Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) will offer one online course from 1-4 p.m. over three days, November 7-9, 2023. This course addresses GHG accounting, asset and portfolio level standards, targets and pathways, low-carbon technologies and transition plans, reporting and 3 rd -party verification. Pathway to Net Zero: Decarbonization for Building Operators explores the foundations of low-carbon building operations, including understanding building performance, decarbonization concepts and strategies, the role of building operators in implementation, and relevant case studies. This course will be available online in January 2024 through the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada. The Low Carbon Training Program for Construction Professionals provides an introduction to low-carbon building core concepts and their application to construction. The course will equip construction professionals with operation skills and knowledge to retrofit and build the low-carbon buildings. The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will offer the program online starting in November 2023 through its partner associations in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Low Carbon Training for Engineering Professionals covers guiding principles of low-carbon development. It will equip learners with collaborative decision-making, design, construction and operation skills and knowledge to retrofit and build the low-carbon buildings needed for a climate-resilient future. Offered through the Climate Risk Institute (CRI), the online course will open for training starting in October 2023. In-person sessions will be available at a later date. For more information, or to sign up to be notified about any of the Low Carbon Training Program course offerings, visit lowcarbontraining.ca The Low Carbon Training Program is funded in part by the Government of Canadas Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program and led by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC). For more information or images, or to coordinate interviews, please contact Argyle. Media contacts: Victoria Stratton vstratton@argylepr.com Associate Consultant, Sustainable Value at Argyle Riva Finkelstein rfinkelstein@argylepr.com Senior Director, Sustainable Value at Argyle About the Canada Green Building Council The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) supports and champions Canadas green building sector. CAGBC training, services and products such as LEED and the Zero Carbon Building standards help the building sector construct and operate buildings that eliminate environmental impacts, increase asset value and improve human health. By working collaboratively with our members, industry, and government stakeholders, we are building our way forward to a sustainable and low-carbon future. cagbc.org. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9539ce67-56c8-4ccf-9df1-410b65caa624 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/488d9a6d-89f4-460f-b9ba-b10e2874d1e8 The Federal Trade Commission and 17 state attorneys general on Tuesday filed a much-anticipated antitrust case against Amazon, alleging the retailing giant illegally wields monopoly power to maintain higher prices, harming customers and hurting rivals. "Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. "The complaint sets forth detailed allegations noting how Amazon is now exploiting its monopoly power to enrich itself while raising prices and degrading service for the tens of millions of American families who shop on its platform and the hundreds of thousands of businesses that rely on Amazon to reach them." Amazon didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The legal showdown comes after Amazon attorneys gave no ground in discussions last month with the FTC, both Politico and the Wall Street Journal reported. The complaint focuses on Amazon's business practices that the FTC contends block lower prices on rival sites and compel merchants to use the e-commerce company's logistics and advertising services. The FTC case relies on showing how Amazon's business practices allegedly violate antitrust laws. This is a developing story. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 state attorneys general sued Amazon Tuesday, alleging that its dominant online retail store Amazon.com is illegally monopolizing two markets. The case represents a big test for FTC chair Lina Khan, who has made taking on Big Tech the cornerstone of her tenure. At the same time, the antitrust regulator faces a big hurdle to making its case, by putting forward a novel approach to gauging harm to competitors in its complaint. The suit alleges that Amazon holds monopolies in online markets for buyers and sellers. According to the FTC, Amazon is violating US antitrust law by degrading consumer choice and blocking sellers from selling goods at lower prices elsewhere online. Our complaint lays out how Amazon has used a set of punitive and coercive tactics to unlawfully maintain its monopolies, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement. The complaint sets forth detailed allegations noting how Amazon is now exploiting its monopoly power to enrich itself while raising prices and degrading service for the tens of millions of American families who shop on its platform and the hundreds of thousands of businesses that rely on Amazon to reach them. The FTC claims that Amazon uses anti-discounting measures that hurt sellers and keep other online retailers from offering prices lower than Amazon's. It also says that Amazon's requirement that sellers use its fulfillment service to be able to access its Prime service makes it more expensive for sellers to offer their products on other platforms. The commission further claims that Amazon replaces organic search results on its marketplace with paid ads that frustrate consumers, and that the company biases its own products in search. The suit calls for a permanent injunction against Amazon to keep the company from "engaging in its unlawful conduct and pry loose Amazon's monopolistic control to restore competition." Amazon, however, refuted those claims. Story continues "The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store," David Zapolsky, Amazon senior vice president of global public policy and general counsel, said in a statement. "If the FTC gets its way, the result would be fewer products to choose from, higher prices, slower deliveries for consumers, and reduced options for small businesses the opposite of what antitrust law is designed to do. Cases in hand The latest Amazon antitrust case adds to the several that Khan, 34, is juggling against tech giants. In one case against Facebook-owning Meta, the agency under Khan tried unsuccessfully to block Meta's acquisition of virtual reality fitness company Within. The FTC is also trying to force the social media juggernaut to split apart its social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and its messaging service WhatsApp. That case was filed before Khan took over as chair. Another target: Microsoft (MSFT). In July, Khan dropped a challenge to prevent the Windows maker from completing its acquisition of "Call of Duty" developer Activision Blizzard (ATVI), after a federal court blocked the commissions request for an injunction to pause the deal. During a July hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, some Republicans pounced on Khans failures, calling her a "bully" and arguing that her leadership of the agency had been a "disaster." The Amazon litigation also marks the latest legal maneuver in a multi-government crackdown against various markets dominated by Big Tech. Agencies overseen by both the Biden administration and the Trump administration, along with dozens of US states, have filed antitrust lawsuits alleging that Meta (META), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), and Microsoft (MSFT) are wielding their market power to illegally stomp out competition. One of those cases against Google went to trial this month over government claims that Google is illegally paying companies like Apple, Samsung, Mozilla, and Verizon to secure its search engine as a default. The companies are also under new pressure to open up their platforms to competition in Europe. Earlier this month, the European Union's antitrust regulator targeted Amazon, along with Google parent Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and ByteDance, as "gatekeepers" subject to new competition rules under the Digital Markets Act. Amazon has previously come under fire in the EU over concerns that it used non-public data about third-party sellers to develop its own competing consumer products. The company has since agreed to change its business practices. This is also not the first US case against Amazon's business practices. The FTC alleged in a separate lawsuit filed in June that the company duped consumers into signing up for its Amazon Prime subscription and slowed their attempts to cancel. Prime subscriptions currently cost members $139 per year, or $14.99 per month, in exchange for free shipping and other services. Amazon generated $134 billion in sales during its most recent quarter. Its dozens of companies span industries from Amazon.com to cloud computing, electronics, publishing, entertainment, payment processing, grocery retail, package delivery, and online pharmaceuticals. 'Amazon's antitrust paradox' Khan has been thinking about Amazon for some time. She initially rose to prominence after publishing a 2017 article in the Yale Law Journal titled "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox." The article argued that modern antitrust laws weren't equipped to tackle the tech industry's anticompetitive behavior because they were too focused on pricing as a means of determining consumer harms. FTC Chair Lina Khan testifies before a House committee in July. (Kevin Wurm/REUTERS) Shades of Khans thesis run through the FTCs novel antitrust complaint. The commission argues that although Amazons comparatively competitive prices benefit consumers, writ large, its seller policies harm small business owners by favoring businesses that hire Amazon's in-house services including advertising and sellers fees. In turn, the FTCs theory goes, that harms consumers by forcing them to pay higher prices. These arguments echo lawsuits filed by the state of California and Washington, D.C., which argued that Amazons pressure on third-party sellers to sell on Amazon.com at the lowest price anywhere forced the sellers to hike prices outside of the platform. California Attorney General Rob Bonta claimed that Amazon's practice artificially inflated prices on rival retail websites such as Walmart.com (WMT), Target.com (TGT), and eBay.com (EBAY). Amazon has denied those claims, saying sellers set their own prices and that Amazon made no effort to prevent them from offering lower prices elsewhere. The case filed by Washington, D.C., was thrown out by a judge last year, and the California case is ongoing. Bonta's suit is distinct from other antitrust cases focused on Amazon's seller terms because it alleges violations under California law, rather than federal law. It also narrows the so-called relevant market, and focuses on the company's alleged punishment of seller behavior. The FTC's hurdle in its new suit is to overcome the price-centric tests that underpin antitrust law, and to overcome the defense theory that low prices promote, rather than block, competition. This is a common misconception, Boston University economics professor Florian Ederer told Yahoo Finance. It sounds like it would be pro-competitive, but it is actually anti-competitive. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance (Bloomberg) -- The US Federal Trade Commission sued Amazon.com Inc. in a long-anticipated antitrust case, accusing the e-commerce giant of monopolizing online marketplace services by degrading quality for shoppers and overcharging sellers. Most Read from Bloomberg In a complaint filed in federal court in Seattle Tuesday, the FTC and 17 states accused Amazon of engaging in a course of conduct to exclude rivals in online marketplace services and stifle competition. The company is also accused of illegally forcing sellers on its platform to use its logistics and delivery services in exchange for prominent placement and of punishing merchants who offer lower prices on competing sites. Amazon is a monopolist and it is exploiting its monopolies in ways that leave shoppers and sellers paying more for worse service, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a briefing with reporters. The stakes here are high. There is immediate harm that is ongoing. Sellers are paying $1 of every $2 to Amazon. The suit is the fourth the agency has filed this year targeting Amazon, underscoring the determination of the Biden administration to put the growing concentration of corporate power, especially among Big Tech companies, at the heart of economic policy. In a statement, Amazon said it will challenge the FTCs lawsuit in court, adding that it radically departs from the agencys mission of protecting consumers and is wrong on the facts and the law. The practices the FTC is challenging have helped to spur competition and innovation across the retail industry, and have produced greater selection, lower prices, and faster delivery speeds for Amazon customers and greater opportunity for the many businesses that sell in Amazons store, said David Zapolsky, Amazon general counsel. If the FTC gets its way, the result would be fewer products to choose from, higher prices, slower deliveries for consumers, and reduced options for small businesses the opposite of what antitrust law is designed to do. Story continues The case also represents a career-defining moment for Khan, Bidens FTC chair, who has long had Amazon in her sights. As a young law student, Khan wrote a seminal paper arguing that the existing antitrust enforcement framework was poorly equipped to tackle the potential harm Amazon poses to competition. Uncertain Remedies While the agency didnt outline specifics of possible remedies, if it wins the case it could ask the judge to restructure the company, potentially ordering it to divest its logistics operations among other business units. In a briefing with reporters, Khan declined to discuss potential remedies. If we succeed, competition will be restored and people will benefit from lower prices, better quality, Khan said Tuesday. In the suit, the FTC accused Amazon of extensive efforts to interfere with its investigation and hide information about its internal operations. Details about that accusation are redacted, but the complaint refers to the use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app, and claims Amazon prejudicially took some action the specifics are blacked out despite the agency telling it not to. Amazon shares were down 2.8% to $127.61 at 12:50 p.m. in New York, little changed from before the lawsuit was made public. The FTC and a bipartisan slate of states claim Amazon engaged in anticompetitive conduct in two markets the online superstore sector that serves consumers and the separate market for sellers. Amazons marketplace is the heart of the companys e-commerce operations. Third-party merchants, who now account for more than half of the companys online sales, pay a commission on each sale and have the option of also paying Amazon for services that range from warehousing and shipping to advertising. Merchants have complained for years about what they see as a one-sided relationship, accusing the company of arbitrarily enforcing its rules and being slow to respond when something goes awry. Among other things, Amazon bars sellers from offering lower prices on other sites, a policy the FTC says curbs online competition because it forces sellers to raise prices on competing platforms such as Walmart.com for fear of having their products buried in Amazon search results. Amazon causes American consumers to pay higher prices for goods, said Molson Hart, who sells the building toy set Brain Flakes on Amazon. The fees and advertising costs to sell on Amazon are higher than other marketplaces, Hart said. Because Amazon is by far the largest sales channel for all sellers, sellers must keep their prices high off Amazon to ensure they can continue to sell on Amazon. The FTC also alleged that Amazon unduly favors its own retail business, as well as marketplace sellers that use the companys logistics services. The FTC, which has both antitrust and consumer protection mandates, has been investigating Amazon for potential anticompetitive conduct for several years, asking questions about everything from the companys marketplace and Prime subscription service to mergers and its cloud computing arm. Top executives met with the FTCs three commissioners in August to discuss the suit, though no settlement was discussed, according to people familiar with the meetings. The majority of states that signed on to the complaint have Democratic attorneys general, though two Republicans also joined. Fewer states joined the Amazon suit than the Justice Departments antitrust case against Alphabet Inc.s Google or the FTCs earlier case against Meta Platforms Inc. Alexa, Ring In May, the agency sued the e-commerce giant in two separate cases for failing to delete data about kids collected by its Alexa speakers and illegally spying on users of its Ring doorbells and cameras. Amazon said it disagreed with the FTCs allegations, but agreed to pay $30.8 million to resolve the cases. One month later, the FTC again sued Amazon in a consumer protection case, alleging the company duped consumers into signing up for Prime membership and deliberately made it hard to cancel echoing longstanding complaints from consumer watchdogs. Amazon denies the allegations, and that suit is ongoing. Amazon has pushed the FTC to recuse Khan from its case, citing her academic work and prior statements about the company. It has also accused the agency of harassing founder Jeff Bezos and the companys Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy with document and interview requests. The FTC is separately investigating Amazons proposed $1.65 billion acquisition of Roomba vacuum maker iRobot Corp. as are European antitrust authorities. In July, the companies renegotiated the price of the deal as the regulatory reviews remain ongoing. The case is FTC v. Amazon, 23-cv-1495, US District Court, Western District of Washington (Seattle). --With assistance from Matt Day and Zoe Tillman. (Updates with details from suit, seller comment.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. HOUSTON, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEC, an energy technology focused growth private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, is pleased to announce the completion of a $215 million single-asset continuation fund transaction involving one of its portfolio companies, Estis. The over-subscribed transaction is capitalized by a consortium of new institutional investors and provides liquidity to long-standing investors in Estis. The new investors subscribed through a vehicle managed and controlled by GEC. Kline Hill Partners was the sole lead secondaries buyer in the transaction. Estis is the pioneer and market leader of High Pressure Gas Lift ("HPGL"), a disruptive artificial lift technology. Since GECs acquisition of Estis in 2019, the company has grown EBITDA by 5x driven by exponential adoption of its HPGL technology. Estis generates industry-leading artificial lift EBITDA margins, returns and free cash flow. The company is headquartered in Kilgore, Texas with 273 employees. "We are extremely proud of Estis success thus far, and the attractive returns we have generated for existing investors. We believe there is significant imbedded value in Estis going forward. GEC was thrilled with the guidance provided by Abhi Mitra and his team at UBS, who led this transaction. We are excited to be partnering with an exceptional group of new and like-minded investors in Estis," said GECs Managing Partner, Jonathan Fairbanks. "We are pleased to bring this transaction successfully to fruition, and enjoyed our partnership with GEC," said David Swanson, a Managing Director at Kline Hill Partners. "This transaction reflects new investors conviction surrounding the continued growth potential of high-quality assets such as Estis, which operate in sectors enjoying strong secular tailwinds." UBS GP Capital Advisory team served as financial advisor, and Proskauer Rose LLP served as legal advisor to GEC. Story continues About GEC GEC invests in innovative energy technology and software companies driving transformation to meet the rising demand for cleaner energy. Since its founding in 2008, GEC has completed 21 platform investments and add-ons, and created over $1 billion of equity value for its investors. For more information, please visit www.geclp.com About Kline Hill Partners Founded in 2015, Kline Hill Partners is an investment firm focused on the private equity secondary market, with industry-leading capabilities in the small-deal space. With over $3 billion in assets under management, Kline Hills funds are backed by a blue-chip investor base that includes endowments, foundations, family offices, and other institutional investors. Kline Hills platform is designed to serve the entirety of the small-deal secondary market, with capabilities spanning LP fund transfers, GP-led transactions, and secondary direct transactions focused on private equity, venture capital, growth equity, and other private investment strategies. For more information, please visit www.klinehill.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926387188/en/ Contacts Media Contact for Kline Hill Partners: Katrin Lieberwirth Stanton PRM Klieberwirth@stantonprm.com (off) +1 (646) 502 3548 (cell) +1 (646) 286 5401 Saudi Arabia is working to develop peaceful uses for nuclear energy across various fields through close cooperation with IAEA, Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has said. These include the Saudi National Atomic Energy Project and its components, among which is the project to build the first nuclear energy power plant in the kingdom, he said at the 67th session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna. He affirmed the kingdoms commitment to its national policy for atomic energy which ensures the highest standards of transparency and reliability, and the highest levels of safety, said a report in Saudi Press Agency. He said that the kingdom recognises the positive contribution of nuclear energy to energy security, as well as its social, and economic benefits. The minister said the kingdom is looking forward to operating a regional cooperation centre with the IAEA to develop human capabilities in the areas of preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies, as well as other regulatory aspects at national, regional, and international levels. "The kingdom emphasises the importance of concerted international efforts to implement the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, ensuring its universal adherence. It also affirms the significance of countering nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. In this regard, we reaffirm the importance of fully implementing Resolution 1995, which aims to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East," the minister said. He announced the kingdom's support for the Rays of Hope Initiative launched by IAEA with $2.5 million to help save lives and address the burden of cancer diseases using nuclear techniques, adding that this support comes as an extension of the kingdoms continued support for the agencys efforts and distinguished initiatives to serve humanity. The minister congratulated IAEA and its member states on the upcoming launch of the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre in Seibersdorf, scheduled to be operational in October of this year, which the kingdom took the initiative in establishing and funding it with the cooperation of other countries. Qlik Technologies, Inc. French-British mobility group has implemented a central data platform powered by Talend to improve decision-making, financial management, and infrastructure maintenance SURESNES, France, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talend , a Qlik company and leader in data integration and management, announced that Getlink , a major player in mobility infrastructure, international trade and a leader in eco-responsible transport, is leveraging Talend Data Fabric as a key driver in its Data as a Service strategy. Talend is helping Getlink integrate and manage all its subsidiary activity data within its central data platform, One Getlink. The platform enables Getlink to collect, redistribute, and democratize secure access to the company's data at scale to enrich its operations and foster innovation. "Through our strategy, we want to break down silos and democratize access to data for all our employees and leaders to encourage informed decision-making," says Morade El Fahsi, Head of Data, Getlink. "By implementing a single, central platform powered by Talend that brings together all the group's data, we ensure that we have trusted, high-quality data. This enables us to stimulate innovation and transform our data landscape to exploit its full potential while improving our operations, services, and overall performance." With One Getlink, Getlink is benefiting from a centralized data organization based on a secure, reliable, high-performance, and scalable cloud platform. Within this infrastructure, Talend orchestrates, transports, and processes all the group's data, whether structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, on-premises or in the cloud to a data lake on Azure and a data warehouse on Snowflake. Talend guarantees data quality with the Talend Trust Score, which provides visibility into any dataset's reliability. Simultaneously, a data governance team manages, monitors, and enriches the platform in close collaboration with operational staff. Story continues This approach provides Getlink with comprehensive, reliable data for use cases such as artificial intelligence, with Azure ML for processing machine learning models for enhanced predictive maintenance, and analytics with Qlik, enabling business users to create and discover insights that fuel decision making. Getlink's upcoming data platform developments will meet various business needs, including real-time consultation of data from IoT sensors to facilitate automatic planning of maintenance work. In addition, data will be made available as open data via marketplaces or a platform, thus promoting its openness and use. Finally, self-service and data literacy will be encouraged by opening data marts, automating data sharing, and training critical users for autonomous exploitation. "As companies turn to the cloud to modernize their infrastructure and manage their workloads, Data as a Service is becoming one of the most widely used options for data integration, management, storage, and analysis," says Gareth Vincent, Senior Vice President of Sales, EMEA at Qlik. "By adopting this DaaS approach with Talend, Getlink is improving the agility of data volumes, reducing the time it takes to access information, and strengthening the reliability and integrity of its data. We look forward to supporting Getlink in its strategy, especially as the combination of Qlik and Talend, with our complementary offerings, will enable us to drive innovation and deliver significant benefits to our customers." For more information on Talend and its comprehensive portfolio of solutions, visit www.talend.com . About Qlik Qlik, with the recent addition of Talend, delivers an industry-leading portfolio of solutions for data integration, data quality and analytics. This includes advancements in real-time data, AI, ML and automation. The most successful organizations are investing in data to make sense of the increasing amounts and varieties of data from diverse sources. The challenge is to effectively integrate, analyze and act on the data while ensuring its trustworthiness. With more than 40,000 active customers in over 100 countries, Qliks solutions work with virtually any data source, target, architecture or methodology, to ensure customers have the data they need, whenever they need it. 2023 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Media Contact: Craig Brophy craig.brophy@qlik.com +44(0)779 566 2888 Plan International Canada's signature youth leadership program celebrates eight years of connecting girls with decision-makers all over Canada TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - For the eighth consecutive year, global development and humanitarian organization Plan International Canada is launching its Girls Belong Here program, which provides unique professional development opportunities for girls, young women and gender-diverse youth from all over Canada. These young individuals ages 14 to 24 students, changemakers, activists and advocates in their communities step boldly into high-profile leadership roles such as CEOs, corporate executives and politicians, breaking barriers and showcasing their inherent power to lead. Standard Plan International Canada Logo (CNW Group/Plan International Canada) "As determined optimists, we've intentionally designed this program to unleash the boundless potential of young changemakers and foster a more equal and just world," says Anjum Sultana, Plan's Director of Youth Leadership and Policy Advocacy. "Girls themselves illuminate the path to a brighter, more equal future. We're here to support their incredible journey as they lead the way. We will continue to champion their leadership until we are all equal." Through Girls Belong Here, Plan has already facilitated almost 160 mentorship and skill-building experiences for close to 200 young Canadians. These have involved leaders from corporations, government, civil society organizations and academic institutions. Young people exchange knowledge and ideas with these leaders, providing their perspectives on various organizational strategies and initiatives to advance gender equality. This remarkable program demonstrates the powerful difference girls can make when they can access equal opportunities. It affirms the invaluable contributions of young women and gender-diverse youth to our society. "Girls Belong Here isn't just a program; it's a powerful movement," said Yllka Bojku, 25, a Plan Youth Ambassador. "My experience in the program last year ignited a profound sense of confidence in my potential to break barriers and forge a world where every girl knows she belongs." Story continues The Girls Belong Here program occurs twice per year in the fall to celebrate International Day of the Girl (October 11) and in the spring to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8). For the fall 2023 edition, Plan is proud to partner with the following organizations: AstraZeneca Bank of Montreal (BMO) Blackline Safety Results Canada Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York While the World Economic Forum estimates that achieving gender equality may take as long as 131 years, Plan firmly rejects five more generations of girls being denied their basic human rights simply because of their age and gender. Instead, Plan calls upon everyone to unite in a race against time and inequality to "Beat the Clock." In alignment with the organization's pursuit of a world 'until we are all equal,' the Girls Belong Here program inspires collective action in support of girls' rights. The program is dedicated to amplifying girls' voices, advocating for their rights and elevating their standing in society. Support today's young leaders as they break barriers, advocate for equality and ignite change. For more information on how to get involved in this exciting initiative, please visit: PlanCanada.ca/GirlsBelongHere. You can also watch the 2023 Girls Belong Here Highlight Video. Follow @PlanCanada and the hashtag #GirlsBelongHere on social media to see the journeys of our program participants as they #BeatTheClock to make gender inequality a thing of the past. About Plan International Canada Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries. We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We're determined optimists, and we will continue to persevere until we are all equal. Visit PlanCanada.ca for more information. SOURCE Plan International Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c2474.html Company Logo Dublin, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "COVID-19 Testing - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global COVID-19 Testing Market to Reach $5.8 Billion by 2030 The global market for COVID-19 Testing estimated at US$24.2 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$5.8 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of -16.3% over the analysis period 2022-2030. The global COVID-19 Testing market is poised for growth, with anticipated annual revenue increases projected from 2022 to 2030. This upswing follows a period of steady expansion experienced between 2020 and 2022. Diverse segments, including RT-PCR Assay Kits, Immunoassay Test Strips/Cassettes, Nasopharyngeal Swabs, Oropharyngeal Swabs, Nasal Swabs, and Other Specimen Types, contribute to the market's development. In the report, RT-PCR Assay Kits, one of the segments, is expected to exhibit a -17.1% CAGR and achieve a market value of US$3.9 Billion by the conclusion of the analysis period. Similarly, the Immunoassay Test Strips/Cassettes segment is anticipated to witness growth with a -14.4% CAGR over the next eight years. Geographically, pivotal regions like the USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa significantly influence the market's dynamics. End-users such as hospitals, diagnostic centers, and other applications are key drivers of market demand. This underscores the vital role of COVID-19 testing in healthcare and diagnostic industries. The U.S. COVID-19 Testing market is estimated at US$5.9 Billion in 2022, while China, the world's second-largest economy, is projected to reach US$56.9 Million by 2030, albeit with a -30.7% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Noteworthy geographic markets also include Japan and Canada, both anticipated to decline by -15.2% and -14.6%, respectively, during the 2022-2030 period. Germany, within Europe, is forecasted to decline at an approximate -13.9% CAGR. Story continues Distinguished healthcare players like Abbott Laboratories, Hologic Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific, amongst others, feature in the comprehensive competitor analysis. GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW Types of COVID-19 Testing Different Types of Coronavirus Tests Performance Analysis of COVID-19 Tests Rapid Tests Help in Controlling the Virus How Will COVID-19 Testing Change in 2021 Massive Testing to Become a Way of Life COVID-19 to Drive Hospital and Diagnostic Lab Revenues in 2021 COVID-19 Testing Witnesses Staggering Growth Due to Rising Incidence of Corona Virus Total Number of COVID-19 Tests Conducted in the Most Impacted Countries: As of September 1st, 2021 Total Number of COVID-19 Tests Worldwide in Select Countries: As of September 1st, 2021 Molecular Tests (RT-PCR) Occupy a Predominant Share of the COVID-19 Testing Market Select Approved COVID-19 Molecular Assay Tests Immunoassays to Witness Fastest Growth Increasing Demand for Antibody Tests How Antibody (Serology) Tests Were Approved and Developed Select COVID-19 Immunoassay Kits List of US FDA Approved Antigen Tests Nasopharyngeal/Oropharyngeal Swabs Remain Primary Sample Type Diagnostic Laboratories Constitute the Largest End-use Segment RECENT MARKET ACTIVITY Recent Launches MARKET TRENDS AND ISSUES Rising Incidence of Coronavirus Cases Drive the Need for Testing COVID-19 Most Impacted 18 Countries Worldwide: As on September 1st, 2021 Pandemic Gives Rise to Innovative Partnership Models Broader Adoption of Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Diagnostics Increasing Point-of-Care Molecular Testing Accelerated Development and Faster Adoption of New Technologies Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity in Asia and Shift of Supply Positioning for the Future Some Innovative Testing Methods for COVID-19: CRISPR Bioluminescence Testing Lab-on-chip Testing LAMpore Kits Covid-19 NudgeBox Test by DNANudge High Risk of Infection in Geriatric Population Drives COVID-19 Testing Market Expanding Elderly Population Worldwide: Breakdown of Number of People Aged 65+ Years in Million by Geographic Region for the Years 2019 and 2030 Rapid Test Kits Market for COVID-19 to Exhibit Exponential Growth Select Approved COVID-19 Rapid Tests Point-of-Care Tests Witness Rapid Growth High-Speed NanoPCR Technology Developed for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of COVID-19 Mass Community Testing Holds the Key for Effective COVID-19 Management The Need for Rapid Mass Testing Pushes for Production of Novel Testing Platforms CRISPR Emerges as Cutting-Edge Biotechnology in COVID-19 Diagnostic Market Innovations and Approvals Portable PoC Test with a Smartphone Reader Saliva Test FDA Approves First Molecular Test for Asymptomatic Patients New Molecular Test N1-STOP-LAMP LumiraDx SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Integration of Sophisticated Technology to Drive Market Growth Isothermal Amplification: An Effective Alternative to RT-PCR for COVID-19 Testing In-home Testing for Covid-19 FDA Authorizes Home Collection Option for LabCorp's COVID-19 Diagnostic Test A Rapid Genomics Strategy to Trace Coronavirus The pioneering of Rapid Genomics Digital Healthcare Gains Spotlight Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Technologies Gaining Adoption Amid COVID-19 List of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps Amazon Offers FDA-Approved COVID-19 Test Alliance of BMGF and Life Science Companies Pledge to Improve Access Ensuring the Perfect Mix of COVID-19 Testing Testing Rate & Average Turnaround Time to Results as Key Metrics Growing Significance of Pooled Testing Participation of Public & Private Sector Avoiding Supply Mismatch Recent Launches New Test Detects SARS-CoV-2 in Less Than Five Minutes New COVID-19 Test Provides Faster Results and Eliminates False Negatives New Rapid Lateral Flow Immunoassay Developed University of California Develops Rapid, Accurate Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Abbott Plans Shipment of Tens of Millions of At-Home Coronavirus Tests Costing $25 in Early 2021 Quidel Gains FDA Approval for Sofia 2 Antigen Test Improving Medicine with Innovation and Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Develop COVID-19 Testing Impact Calculator (U.S.) Nanomix Offers eLab COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Abbott Receives FDA Approval for BinaxNow Roche Introduces Elecsys SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test DnaNudge Offers CovidNudge Test Open-Source Toolkit Helps Developing Countries Meet Demand for COVID-19 Diagnostics 3M Joins Hands with MIT's Sikes Lab to Create Rapid & Affordable COVID-19 Test ZTA Biotech Announces "Breakthrough" Development with Antibody Test Molecular Diagnostics Firm QuantuMDx Group Set to Scale up Production of Rapid PCR COVID-19 Device Mologic Granted CE Mark for Rapid Antigen Test FDA Approves Abbott's COVID-19 Antigen Test AptameXTM COVID-19 Testing - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2022 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2022 (E) Global Market Prospects and Outlook US and Europe Dominate, Asia-Pacific to Witness Fastest Growth FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS (Total 547 Featured) Adaltis Srl Alfa Scientific Designs, Inc. A*STAR Experimental Therapeutics Centre AITbiotech Pte., Ltd. Altimmune, Inc. ADS Biotec, Inc. Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc. AccuBioTech Co., Ltd. Access Bio, Inc. Abwiz Bio Inc. AB Diagnostic Systems GmbH 1drop, Inc. 3B BlackBio Biotech India Ltd. Abacus Diagnostica Oy Aldatu Biosciences REGIONAL MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES US Emerges as a Major Market for COVID-19 Tests Covid-19 Test Supply Chain Issues in the US Challenges Associated with COVID-19 Testing Impact of Surveillance Testing on COVID-19 Test Supply Chain CDC Funding for Covid-19 Vaccination & Testing-Related Activities Escalating Cases of COVID-19 Lead to Spurt in Diagnostic Test Innovations Uptake of At-Home Tests Remains Modest FDA Approves 2 Rapid, At-Home Coronavirus Tests Select Point Of Care Home Tests in the US Pharmacies Now Offering Over-The-Counter Same-day COVID Tests HHS Introduces Pilot Program for Cartridge-based Covid-19 Molecular Test Kits Oura Develops New Smart Ring to Detect Covid-19 Symptoms at Early Stage (Finland) Issues with Existing Testing Options Issues with At-Home and Point-of-Care Rapid Tests Disparate Costs Continue to Plague US Covid-19 Testing With Spike in COVID-19 Cases Roiling Testing Efforts, NIH Eyes on Rapid Tests to Push Capacity Promising Technologies under RADx Program Rapid COVID Tests: Important Tool for Recovery California University Installs Vending Machines to Dispense COVID-19 Testing Kits to Students FDA Assumes Lukewarm Stance to Home Tests despite COVID-19 Testing Lag in US CMS Prioritizes Covid-19 Testing: Announces New Reimbursement Rules CMS Decreases Price for High-Throughput Technology-Based Covid-19 Testing Aging Demographics: A Major Driving Factor NIH Funding US FDA Approved COVID-19 Tests CANADA Market Analysis New Cheaper and Faster COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit Obtains Approval Canada Approves First Antigen-Based Rapid COVID-19 Test Government of Ontario Introduces Covid-19 Screening Tests at Toronto Pearson International Airport New Federal Rule in Canada for Air Passengers' COVID-19 Tests JAPAN Japan Moves to Low-Cost PCR Testing Rapid Testing Still Costs a Bomb Medical Clinics Edge CHINA China's Qingdao Embarks on Ambitious Mission to Test Entire Population of City for COVID-19 in Five Days UNITED KINGDOM Pandemic Exposes Deficiencies in the UK Healthcare System UK Opens New Vaccine Centers to Expand Asymptomatic Covid-19 Testing Mandatory COVID-19 Tests for UK-Bound Travellers Mass Testing Program for COVID-19 Mass Testing in Schools Mass Testing in Cities and Towns New `Mega Labs` to Speed Up COVID-19 Testing in Early 2021 INDIA India Hastens Strides toward COVID-19 Testing & Significantly Exceeds Testing Criteria Set by WTO Increase in Daily Tests for COVID-19 in India Indian Researchers Develop Foremost Paper-based Test to Get Handle over COVID-19 Researchers in India Successfully Develop Saliva-based Test for COVID-19 Home Kits for COVID-19 Testing in India The Rockefeller Foundation Injects New Grants to Boost Covid-19 Testing & Surveillance in India SOUTH KOREA Authorities Succeed In Successfully Evading the Virus Impact Widespread Roll Out of Testing Laboratories Yields Results AFRICA WHO Pushes for Rapid Testing to Boost Africa's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 Testing Benefits from Existing TB and HIV Laboratory Systems RDTs Arrive in African Countries For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6fzhz7 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. CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - Golden Shield Resources Inc. (CSE: GSRI) (OTCQB: GSRFF) (FRA: 4LE0) (the "Company" or "Golden Shield") is pleased to report on progress at its 100% owned flagship, 5,457-hectare, Marudi Mountain gold project located in southwestern Guyana (the "Marudi Mountain Property" or "Marudi"). The Company is pleased to announce that Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling has now commenced at Marudi North, and that 37 holes, colared on a pre-planned grid, have been completed to date (Figure 1). In addition, three trenches have been completed since the Company's August 28, 2023 news release and 269 sample results are awaited from these. Mapping and sampling work is continuing on an ongoing basis. Leo Hathaway, Executive Chairman of Golden Shield, commented: "Drilling with the Company's RC rig has transformed exploration at Marudi, and geologists are now able to map gold bearing rocks below the saprolite "cover". This has led to the broadening of the mineralized footprints of Marudi North, Success and Pancake Creek, and the three areas may well grow to amalgamate into one larger area that extends southwards towards Mazoa Hill. Additional results from Marudi North and other areas of active exploration are provided in sections below, and results to date are summarized in Table 1, below. Table 1. Summary of Golden Shield Assay Results, 2022/23 Prospect RC holes drilled / planned / total metres Trenches complete / total metres Selective grabs taken Results highlights Marudi North 37 / 35 / 1895 3 / 362 237 Trench TMN-23-69: 5m grading 1.43 g/t Au Trench TMN-23-70: 7m grading 1.69 g/t Au, incl. 3m grading 3.02g/t Au 128 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 112 grabs grade >1 g/t Au 13 grabs grade >10 g/t Au Pancake Ck. (undrilled) 478 115 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 94 grabs grade >1g/t Au 8 grabs grade >10 g/t Au IP-6 (undrilled) 0 / 30 / 0 6 / 579 12 Trench TMH-23-47: 8m grading 1.10g/t Au 7 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 5 grabs grade >1 g/t Au Success (undrilled) 6 / 502 73 Trench TMH-23-53: 8m grading 1.25g/t Au Trench TMH-23-47: 4m grading 1.11g/t Au 13 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 11 grabs grade >1 g/t Au Kimberly (undrilled) 105 4 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 4 grab grades >1 g/t Au Paunch Ck. (undrilled) 34 4 grabs grade >0.5 g/t 1 grab >1g/t Toucan 9 / 628 511 Trench TMH-23-58: 4m grading 1.09g/t Au Trench TMH-23-63: 7m grading 1.11g/t Au 28 grabs grade >0.5 g/t Au 14 grabs grade >1 g/t Au Story continues Figure 1. Marudi Mountain Property Map (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) 1) MARUDI NORTH At Marudi North, 1,895 metres have been drilled in 37 RC holes of a planned 35 hole program. In addition, three mechanically excavated trenches totaling 362 linear metres have been completed, and results from these are described below: TMN-23-69 (105m) 23m of FQ from which samples were sent for analysis. 27 continuous channel samples with an average length of 1m have been received so far and contain 5m grading 1.43 g/t gold. TMN-23-70 (135m) 92m of FQ with veinlets, disseminated pyrite up to 3% and visible gold at one location. 96 continuous channel samples with an average length of 1m have been received so far and contains 3m grading 4.90 g/t gold and 7m grading 1.69g/t gold, including 3m grading 3.02 g/t gold. TMN-23-71 (124m) 65m of FQ with veinlets, stockworks and disseminated pyrite up to 5%. Assay results from all continuous chip samples are pending. See map in Figure 2 for trench locations. At Marudi North 237 selective grab samples have been taken and, of these, 128 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 112 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 37.6 g/t gold (see Figure 2). Figure 2. Marudi North Geology and Surface Results Summary Map (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) 2) PANCAKE CREEK At Pancake Creek 478 selective grab samples have now been collected by Golden Shield geologists on north-south oriented, 100m spared gridlines. Of these, 115 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 94 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 28.4 g/t gold (see Figure 3). Figure 3. Pancake Creek Geology and Surface Results Summary Map (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) 3) SUCCESS CREEK At Success Creek 73 selective grab samples have now been collected by Golden Shield geologists on north-south oriented, 100m spared gridlines. Of these 13 assayed more than 0.5g/t gold, of which 11 returned values of more than 1g/t gold, with grades reaching 5.6 g/t gold (see Figure 4). Figure 4. Success Creek Geology and Surface Results Summary Map (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) 4) Next Steps 1) RC drilling. Once drilling at Marudi North is complete RC drilling will commence on a pre-planned grid at the IP-6 target. 2) Diamond drilling. In late October or early November, when results of the RC drilling have been received, Golden Shield will commence diamond drill testing the best of the RC anomalous areas. Results should be available in October and continue flowing to the end of Q4 2023. Figure 5. IP6, Planned RC Grid, Geology and Surface Results Summary Map (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) The Archaean host rocks are interpreted to have been cut by late feeder structures channelling gold bearing fluids which reacted with the iron bearing host to deposit gold, often in fold hinges or shear zones. Marudi is hosted in the Kwitwaro group metasediments of the southern Guyana greenstone belts. This, combined with the Company's relationships in the area, uniquely positions Golden Shield to explore this virgin greenstone belt for additional gold resources. Quality Assurance All Golden Shield sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control / quality assurance ("QA/QC") protocol which includes the insertion of blind standards, blanks as well as pulp and reject duplicate samples. Logging and sampling are completed at Golden Shield's core handling facility located at the Marudi property. Drill core is diamond sawn on site and half drill-core samples are securely transported to Actlabs Guyana Inc ("Actlabs") sample preparation and analysis facility in Georgetown, Guyana. Samples are crushed and pulverised and a 50-gram charge is analysed by Fire Assay with gravimetric finish. Golden Shield is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data referred to herein. ACTLABS Laboratories is independent of Golden Shield. Qualified Persons Leo Hathaway, P. Geo, Executive Chair of Golden Shield, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified, and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release and has verified the data underlying that scientific and technical information. Technical Information Certain data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. The Company has not undertaken any independent investigation of the drilling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. The Company considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling. About Golden Shield Golden Shield Resources was founded by experienced professionals who are convinced that there are many more gold mines yet to be found in Guyana. The company is well-financed and has three wholly controlled gold projects: Marudi Mountain, Arakaka and Fish Creek. Golden Shield continues to evaluate other gold opportunities in Guyana. This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects; and release of exploration results. Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Golden Shield, future growth potential for Golden Shield and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on 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. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of gold and other metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Golden Shield's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms. These statements reflect Golden Shield's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Golden Shield has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mineral exploration activities in Guyana; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified in the Company's public disclosure documents available on www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Comparison Details Title compareDocs Comparison Results Date & Time 8/9/2023 5:29:16 PM Comparison Time 2.59 seconds compareDocs version v4.3.300.60 Sources Original Document HNS Edit Golden Shield Updates Exploration results at Marudi and Plans Drillingv8.docx Modified Document HNS Edit Golden Shield Updates Exploration results at Marudi and Plans Drillingv8 (F+Co).docx Comparison Statistics Insertions 19 Deletions 5 Changes 42 Moves 0 Font Changes 0 Paragraph Style Changes 0 Character Style Changes 0 TOTAL CHANGES 66 Word Rendering Set Markup Options Name Standard Insertions Deletions Moves / Moves Font Changes Paragraph Style Changes Character Style Changes Inserted cells Deleted cells Merged cells Changed lines Mark left border. Comments color By Author. Balloons False compareDocs Settings Used Category Option Selected Open Comparison Report after Saving General Always Report Type Word TrackChanges Character Level Word False Include Headers / Footers Word True Include Footnotes / Endnotes Word True Include List Numbers Word True Include Tables Word True Include Field Codes Word True Include Moves Word False Show Track Changes Toolbar Word True Show Reviewing Pane Word True Update Automatic Links at Open Word [Yes / No] Summary Report Word End Include Change Detail Report Word Separate Document View Word Print Remove Personal Information Word False Flatten Field Codes Word True Golden Shield Resources logo (CNW Group/Golden Shield Resources) SOURCE Golden Shield Resources Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c2557.html A federal judge ruled Tuesday that an Atlanta venture capital firm can continue handing out grants to Black women entrepreneurs, saying a lawsuit claiming the program unlawfully excludes other races was unlikely to prevail. The ruling dealt a setback to the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a nonprofit founded by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum. We won round 1 in the fight against the anti-affirmative action activists, the Rev. Al Sharpton posted on X, formerly Twitter. Blum's group filed an appeal seven minutes after the judge's ruling, according to the court filing. "The district court denied a preliminary injunction. Its oral denial rested on one ground: that Fearless contest is speech protected by the First Amendment," the American Alliance for Equal Rights said in the appeal. "That reasoning flies in the face of decades of precedent." The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks outside the Richard B. Russell federal courthouse in Atlanta, on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. To his left in the black dress is Fearless Fund CEO and co-founder Arian Simone. A judge Tuesday refused to block a grant program the fund administers for Black women entrepreneurs, saying a lawsuit arguing it illegally excluded other races was not likely to succeed. A small player in the venture capital industry, the Fearless Fund was founded by Black women to back Black women who received less than 1% of the $215 billion in venture capital funding last year. The firm has funded new companies like restaurant chain Slutty Vegan and beauty brand Live Tinted. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Thrash Jr., who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, said the Fearless Funds $20,000 grant program is a form of protected speech under the First Amendment. Two dozen Fearless Fund supporters attended Tuesdays hearing, including Sharpton and former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. After the hearing denying a preliminary injunction, they cheered Fearless Fund founders Arian Simone and Ayana Parsons and Sharpton held a rally at the courthouse. Edward Blum, a long-time opponent of affirmative action in higher education and founder of Students for Fair Admissions, leaves the U.S. Supreme Court after oral arguments in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina on October 31, 2022. "The reality is that Black women and women of color are significantly under resourced in advancing their business endeavors," Alphonso David, of counsel to the Fearless Fund and president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, said in a statement. "There is no law that restricts grants from being issued to women of color or Black women, particularly in light of this disparity. We are pleased with this result." Story continues The lawsuit against the Fearless Fund alleging explicit racial exclusion filed in August has become a cause celebre as the affirmative action wars shift to the workplace. The Fearless Fund case is part of a growing pushback from conservative activists like Blum, who fresh off the landmark affirmative action victory over race-conscious college admissions, has set his sights on the private sector. He has taken aim at efforts to close the racial gap in corporate America. Ayana Parsons, right, and Arian Simone, of Fearless Fund, attend a news conference, Aug. 10, 2023, in New York. Though it does not apply to employers, conservative activists seized on the decision that struck down affirmative action in higher education, arguing it raises fundamental issues about how corporate America addresses workplace inequality. Since then, the nation has seen an uptick in legal challenges to DEI programs, and Republican state attorneys general have warned large employers like Microsoft and Walmart against race-conscious practices in hiring and contracting. Corporations wrestling with the implications of that ruling are urging the Biden administration to weigh in. Corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives DEI for short were already under fire from GOP leaders like Florida Gov. and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis. Republican criticism only intensified in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in June. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge refuses to block business grants for Black women in DEI case Lawmakers are back in Washington facing long odds of averting a government shutdown in just four days. Both chambers returned to work on Tuesday following the Yom Kippur holiday with two last-ditch efforts on the table to head off the standoff or at least shorten it. What both efforts have in common is they feature lawmakers searching for an end run around Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a few ultra-conservative members of his caucus. The House Speaker's efforts to make progress have failed again and again in recent weeks. Read more: How a government shutdown would impact your money: Student loans, Social Security, investments, and more The first effort is being hatched in the Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has readied a plan to give the Senate the option of passing its own bill to avert a shutdown. If successful, the bill would then be sent to the House in an essential dare to McCarthy to table a measure that would likely pass with widespread bipartisan support. "We are very close to finishing our work and hope to release text very soon," Schumer said Tuesday afternoon. The second effort is a so-called discharge petition that could allow moderate Republicans in the House to band together with Democrats. That effort faces uncertain support and a series of legislative traps lying in wait if the obscure legislative maneuver is indeed tried in earnest. It also wouldn't avert a shutdown but could shorten it. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy at the Capitol in Washington on Sept. 19. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) Either option is seen as facing long odds in the days ahead, with a stoppage seen as a foregone conclusion in some quarters and frustration mounting. Funding the government is one of the most basic fundamental responsibilities of Congress, President Biden said Monday, adding that if lawmakers dont do their job, then perhaps they shouldnt be in office. How the Senate could try to jam the House The approach likely to get the most attention in the coming days will be the Senate effort to force House Republicans' hand. Story continues Schumer set the stage for a standoff when he moved last week to end debate on an unrelated House bill on the Federal Aviation Administration. The maneuver could allow the Senate to amend that bill and likely replace it wholesale with a measure to avert a government shutdown. It remains unclear exactly what such a Senate bill would look like. On Tuesday morning, Bloomberg reported that Senate Republicans and Democrats are nearing a deal to avert a shutdown for just four to six weeks, likely pushing the standoff into November. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during a news conference at the US Capitol on Sept. 19. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The bill "will continue to fund the government at present levels while maintaining our commitment to Ukraine's security and humanitarian needs while also insuring those impacted by natural disasters across the country being to get the resources they need," said Schumer. But even if it passes, any bill would still face uncertain prospects in the House. Some lawmakers on McCarthys right flank are promising to attempt to oust him if he puts any bill on the floor that is then passed with Democratic support. Option two: A discharge petition The other option is a long-shot congressional procedure called a discharge petition. That move would theoretically allow moderate Republicans to team up with Democrats to release a bill from committee and put it up for a full House vote even over the objections of McCarthy. The prospects for a bipartisan effort gained new steam in recent days when Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) told NBC they would consider backing the idea. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) added to The Washington Post he could be onboard if I like the bill they're discharging. What gives the prospect a glimmer of hope at this point is that much of the groundwork was laid this spring during the debt ceiling fight. A broadly written discharge petition has already been put in place and has overcome hurdles at the committee level. It's even been signed by all 213 Democrats, requiring five Republicans to join to force a vote. But even if lawmakers reach a deal and force a vote, a discharge petition would require a wait of around nine legislative days meaning it wouldnt avert a shutdown but could potentially lessen it. Even then, experts have told Yahoo Finance previously that there are countermeasures Speaker McCarthy or conservative Republicans could employ to make the process even more painful or even stop it entirely. Options include forcing the bill to stop in the Rules Committee or dragging out legislative days to keep the idea on ice. All in all, few see a way out of the standoff, at least in the coming days. There is some optimism that once a shutdown begins, political pressure will increase. In a Yahoo Finance Live Interview on Monday, Strategas Asset Management portfolio manager Courtney Gelman envisioned a scenario where things begin to move when we're one to two weeks into the shutdown and the Republicans are getting more blame, that might give [McCarthy] the cover that he needs within his own party. But the prospects appear minimal until then. As Greg Valliere, chief US policy strategist for AGF Investments, wrote in a note to clients Tuesday morning, We'll stick with our odds that there's a 75% chance of a shutdown. This post has been updated. 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 Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM) recently experienced a daily loss of -3.56% and a 3-month loss of -1.12%. Despite these losses, the company reported an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of 1.16. The question that arises is: is the stock fairly valued? This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the company's valuation, inviting readers to delve into the financial intricacies of Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM). Company Introduction Grupo Simec SAB de CV is a diversified manufacturer, processor, and distributor of special bar quality (SBQ) steel, and structural steel products. With the United States, Brazil, and Mexico as its largest markets, the company's SBQ products find extensive use in engineered end-user applications. On the other hand, its structural steel products are primarily used in non-residential construction and other construction applications. As of September 26, 2023, Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM) trades at $32.79 per share, with a market cap of $5.10 billion. The GF Value, an estimate of fair value, stands at $30.4, indicating that the stock might be fairly valued. Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Understanding the GF Value The GF Value is a proprietary measure that represents the current intrinsic value of a stock. It is derived from historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line, visible on our summary page, provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded. If the stock price significantly deviates from the GF Value Line, it indicates that the stock is either overvalued or undervalued, with implications for its future return. For Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM), the stock appears to be fairly valued. This implies that the long-term return of its stock is likely to be close to the rate of its business growth. Story continues Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk. Assessing Financial Strength Investing in companies with low financial strength could result in permanent capital loss. Hence, reviewing a company's financial strength is crucial before deciding to buy shares. Key indicators like the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage offer a good initial perspective on the company's financial strength. Grupo Simec SAB de CV boasts a cash-to-debt ratio of 4034.96, ranking better than 93.02% of 587 companies in the Steel industry. GuruFocus ranks Grupo Simec SAB de CV's financial strength as 10 out of 10, suggesting a strong balance sheet. Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Profitability and Growth Investing in profitable companies, especially those demonstrating consistent profitability over the long term, poses less risk. A company with high profit margins is typically a safer investment than one with low profit margins. Grupo Simec SAB de CV has been profitable 8 over the past 10 years. Over the past twelve months, the company reported a revenue of $2.50 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $1.16. Its operating margin is 20.36%, ranking better than 93.2% of 603 companies in the Steel industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks the profitability of Grupo Simec SAB de CV at 8 out of 10, indicating strong profitability. 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 Grupo Simec SAB de CV is 16.8%, ranking better than 70.09% of 585 companies in the Steel industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is 64.2%, ranking better than 86.98% of 507 companies in the Steel industry. ROIC vs WACC Another method of determining the profitability of a company is to compare its return on invested capital to the weighted average cost of capital. Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (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, Grupo Simec SAB de CV's return on invested capital is 14.54, and its cost of capital is 10.52. Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM): A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value Conclusion In conclusion, Grupo Simec SAB de CV (SIM) appears to be fairly valued. The company's financial condition is strong, and its profitability is robust. Its growth ranks better than 86.98% of 507 companies in the Steel industry. To learn more about Grupo Simec SAB de CV 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. The $2 million contribution will support the investigation into evidence-based solutions to improve Canadians' lung health. MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - GSK is investing $2 million in research to address ongoing, new, and emerging threats to lung health in Canada. The funds will be managed and administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the Team Grants in Lung Health initiative. GSK's contribution is the largest private financial contribution to this research initiative to date. From left to right: Dr. Brian H. Rowe, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health; Renata Rea, Thought Leader Liaison, Respiratory, GSK Canada; Leandra Wells, Business Unit Head, General Medicines, GSK Canada; Dr. Mohit Bhutani, President, Canadian Thoracic Society; Sridhar Venkatesh, President & General Manager, GSK Canada (CNW Group/GlaxoSmithKline Inc.) This investment will help interdisciplinary research teams better understand biological, social, environmental, and behavioural effects on lung health. With a collective investment of $17.5 million in the Team Grants in Lung Health, CIHR and partners aim to enable researchers to develop and disseminate evidence-based solutions for better lung health and overall wellness. "GSK has been advancing respiratory disease care for more than 50 years, helping millions of patients breathe more easily. As a company committed to getting ahead of respiratory diseases, we believe it is of the utmost importance to partner in driving excellence in Canadian research," said Marni Freeman, VP & Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. "Our objective with our financial participation in the Team Grants in Lung Health is to bring life-changing knowledge and innovation with a tangible positive impact on respiratory health to Canadians and people around the world." Dr. Brian H. Rowe, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health said, "Today, we are celebrating a major contribution made by GSK. We greatly appreciate their commitment to improving lung health in Canada. Maintaining healthy lungs plays an important role in everyone's wellbeing. The respiratory health of people living in Canada continues to be threatened by viruses like COVID-19, behavioural choices including vaping, smoking and cannabis use, and environmental factors including wildfire smoke and other forms of air pollution. Thanks to support from sixteen partners, the Team Grants in Lung Health initiative brings together collaborators from across the respiratory research ecosystem." Story continues Poor indoor and outdoor air quality contributes to preventable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even deaths. Inhalation of gases and toxins resulting from smoking, vaping, radon, and air pollution can significantly impact lung health and other organ systems, such as the heart and brain. Considering these and other significant threats to lung health, such as lung cancers, the effects of vaping on health, viral infections such as COVID-19, and the impacts of climate change, there is an urgent need for strategic investment in lung health research.1 "The CIHR's Team Grants in Lung Health is the single largest investment in lung health research in the history of CIHR. The Canadian Thoracic Society is pleased to partner with the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health and the Institute of Cancer Research in this generational CIHR funding opportunity," added Dr. Mohit Bhutani, President, Canadian Thoracic Society. "We are extremely thankful to GSK for their $2 million contribution to the initiative. This major donation has helped increase the number of grants offered and made the initiative even more successful as a result. The scientific outputs that come out of this research funding opportunity will have a lasting impact on furthering our understanding of lung disease and improving outcomes for patients living, both in Canada and around the world." The Team Grants in Lung Health will support research focused on the inequitable impacts on lung health related to geographical location, social status, ancestral heritage, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and age. For example, people living in remote, rural, and northern communities are more commonly adversely affected by poor air quality caused by wildfires; women are both under-represented in research and disproportionately misdiagnosed with cardiorespiratory conditions; and Indigenous Peoples in Canada are at risk of greater exposure to toxins in their lungs due to higher smoking rates, an increased likelihood of living in crowded homes or houses with mould, and environmental factors that affect air and water quality. About the CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we believe research has the power to change lives. The CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH) is one of thirteen Institutes, with a focus on supporting research into the causes, mechanisms, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with the heart, lung, brain (stroke), blood, blood vessels, critical care, and sleep. To learn more, please visit us at https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca. @CIHR_ICRH About GSK We are a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We make innovative vaccines and specialty medicines to prevent and treat disease. Our R&D focuses on the science of the immune system, human genetics and advanced technologies. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next 10 years. Find out more at www.ca.gsk.com. SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c0023.html Funding to kick-off expansion in seven states by year-end 2023 SAN FRANCISCO & PHILADELPHIA, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StretchDollar, a startup that enables small employers to provide pre-tax funding to employee-owned health insurance, has announced its launch in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Colorado. The companys roadmap includes expansion plans to cover California, North Carolina, and Texas in 2023, with a nationwide presence in all fifty states by year-end 2024. The launch coincides with the successful completion of a pre-seed funding round that raised $1.6 million from Precursor Ventures, Elefund, v1vc, Kindergarten Ventures, and Westerly Ventures. More than 60 percent of the 5 million U.S. small businesses with less than ten employees do not offer health benefits, a historic low. Affordability is cited as a primary reason, according to a 2023 survey released by the National Federation of Independent Business. The average cost of a family health plan in 2022 was $22,400, a 45-percent increase over the last decade. "Traditional small group health plans require mounds of paperwork, strict minimum participation rates, and high premium costs. StretchDollar makes it easy for small businesses to take care of their people and have more control of their benefits budget," said Marshall Darr, StretchDollar co-founder and chief executive officer. With StretchDollar, in under 10 minutes, small employers can set a fixed pre-tax monthly stipend of their choosing that employees apply to their health insurance premiums. Employees manage the benefit on StretchDollars platform and get guidance on selecting a health plan from the individual health insurance marketplace from StretchDollars licensed brokers. This type of fixed benefit was made possible due to 2020 federal legislation that established Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), allowing employers to use pre-tax dollars to pay for employee healthcare expenses. Story continues "Smaller-sized businesses are often stuck choosing a one-size-fits-all health plan and being the go-between for employee health insurance questions," explained Kaiza Molina, StretchDollar co-founder and chief operating officer. "StretchDollar removes business owners from the middle by allowing employees to choose a health plan that fits their needs, while also giving owners more flexibility with their benefits budget. It's a win-win." Before co-founding StretchDollar in March 2023, Marshall and Kaiza helped launch and grow health insurance startup, Decent. The two also launched the lifecycle team of the small business payroll services company, Gusto. StretchDollar is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company recently added an advisor Kristen Anderson, former CEO and co-founder of Catch, a startup that offers payroll and benefits for independent workers. Enrolling in StretchDollars small business benefits is simple. Get started here: https://www.stretchdollar.com/get-in-touch. Choose a monthly benefits budget and confirm your plan. Set up your portal and invite your team to enroll. Distribute and track your benefit via the StretchDollar portal. To learn more about how StretchDollar can help your small business, visit StretchDollar.com. About StretchDollar StretchDollar is on a mission to make health benefits simpler and more affordable for the five million smaller-sized small businesses based in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Learn more at StretchDollar.com or email hello@StretchDollar.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926171731/en/ Contacts Ellen Decareau Head of Communications (ph) 512-300-3334 Ellen@StretchDollar.com Helmets to Hardhats Canada OTTAWA, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) continues to promote in-demand and well-paying career opportunities within Canadas Building Trades Unions (CBTU) to members of the Canadian military community. This summer, H2H expanded outreach initiatives to participants of the Canadian Cadet Program aged 16 to 18. As Canada addresses labour availability issues across the country, Helmets to Hardhats is engaging with an untapped demographic of youth talent to support the unionized construction industry by building the workforce of tomorrow. By collaborating with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group leadership, Helmets to Hardhats visited 11 Cadet Camps across Canada to promote the opportunities for Cadet members within Canadas 14 Building Trades Unions. Helmets to Hardhats connected with over 1,000 potential skilled trades employees of the future at Cadet Training Centres, such as: - CTC Greenwood and CTC Gagetown in Atlantic Canada - CTC Valcartier and CTC Kingston in Central Canada & - CTC Comox and CTC Brandon in Western Canada Cadets are a valuable demographic to recruit into the skilled trades. There are approximately 52,000 Cadets across Canada, and 1/3 of them will be ready to enter the workforce when they finish high school. Cadets are also honing valuable skills that future employers within the unionized construction industry will appreciate. Throughout their time as a Cadet, they are taught leadership skills, develop an appreciation for health and safety and are instilled with the military values of excellence, discipline and physical fitness. While BuildForce Canada estimates that the construction industry needs to recruit 299,200 new workers by 2032, Helmets to Hardhats understands the importance of promoting pathways to rewarding and life-long careers in the skilled trades to Canadas youth. Story continues Quotes Helmets to Hardhats had a successful first year visiting Cadet camps across Canada to promote Canadas Building Trades Unions as a viable and meaningful career option. We understand the immediate need that employers are facing to fill labour shortages, which is why we will continue to equip young Cadets with the knowledge, pre-employment safety training and direct referrals into the workforce to fill existing gaps. We look forward to building on this success with the Canadian Armed Forces in the future. James Hogarth, Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats Not every cadet chooses the CAF as a career so its really an amazing initiative that H2H can truly support the cadets in a skilled trade career opportunity as they transition out of the program. H2H helps cadets identify those skills that they gained in the program to support them outside the program. Cadet CWO Carmina Gismondi. It was an amazing opportunity for those cadets interested in the trades to learn that there is more than one skilled trade to consider. The H2H presenters were friendly, and it was nice to hear about the opportunities they offer as cadets and CAF members transition from the CAF and cadet program. Cadet WO2 Samantha Middleton Canadas Building Trades Unions (CBTU) have always been proud to support Helmets to Hardhats Canada and the important work they do to support Veterans looking to start a second career in the unionized skilled trades. Now theyre taking it one step further and engaging with military cadets to inform them of the opportunities available in the skilled trades that make use of the skillset cadets and Veterans develop during their military training and experience. CBTU will continue to support Helmets to Hardhats Canada and work with the next generation of cadets and Veterans to provide them with rewarding opportunities and address labour availability needs across Canada. Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canadas Building Trades Unions Contact information: Aidan Strickland, Director of Communications Helmets to Hardhats Canada astrickland@helmetstohardhats.ca The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has appointed Mazen Allam as its new General Manager, effective September 2023. Allam has a distinguished career in luxury hospitality and a rich understanding of the Saudi Arabian market, making him a valuable addition to the hotel's leadership team. A graduate of Prince Sultan College in Jeddah with a degree in Hotels and Tourism Management, Allam's extensive experience and track record of success make him a valuable addition to The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, further solidifying its position as a leading luxury destination in Saudi Arabia, said a statement. Allam said: "I am deeply honoured to assume leadership at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, a symbol of unparalleled luxury, and to continue my journey as part of the esteemed Marriott International brand. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our exceptional team to perpetuate Marriott's legacy of delivering awe-inspiring service, unforgettable dining experiences, and an unwavering commitment to perfection. Through our dedication to our team members, I am confident that we will attain new heights for The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, aspiring to set new standards of excellence in the luxury and premium-select segments." Allam's journey in the industry began at Le Meridien Jeddah in 2002, where he started at the front desk and swiftly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Assistant Director of Sales in 2009, thanks to his exceptional commercial acumen. In 2011, Allam joined the Rosewood Jeddah, where he played a pivotal role in elevating the property into one of Jeddah's foremost luxury destinations. He started as the Director of Sales & Marketing, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership. This culminated in his appointment as General Manager in 2018, where he continued to excel. His remarkable achievements led to a regional role as Managing Director in 2021, overseeing new development deals across the kingdom. TradeArabia News Service Mixin founder Feng Xiaodong said in a live broadcast that the company is currently able to compensate affected users up to a maximum of 50%, and the remainder will be paid back in bond tokens which the company will use its profits to buy back, PANews reported. Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in IJM Corporation Berhad implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price The top 4 shareholders own 51% of the company Using data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company Every investor in IJM Corporation Berhad (KLSE:IJM) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 51% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or 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 IJM Corporation Berhad, beginning with the chart below. See our latest analysis for IJM Corporation Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About IJM Corporation Berhad? Institutions typically measure themselves against a benchmark when reporting to their own investors, so they often become more enthusiastic about a stock once it's included in a major index. We would expect most companies to have some institutions on the register, especially if they are growing. We can see that IJM Corporation Berhad does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see IJM Corporation Berhad's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Story continues Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. IJM Corporation Berhad is not owned by hedge funds. Our data shows that Permodalan Nasional Berhad is the largest shareholder with 20% of shares outstanding. With 17% and 9.1% of the shares outstanding respectively, Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan are the second and third largest shareholders. To make our study more interesting, we found that the top 4 shareholders control more than half of the company which implies that this group has considerable sway over the company's decision-making. While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Insider Ownership Of IJM Corporation Berhad The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our information suggests that IJM Corporation Berhad insiders own under 1% of the company. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. Keep in mind that it's a big company, and the insiders own RM48m worth of shares. The absolute value might be more important than the proportional share. It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying. General Public Ownership With a 24% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over IJM Corporation Berhad. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Private Company Ownership Our data indicates that Private Companies hold 5.1%, of the company's shares. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand IJM Corporation Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Take risks for example - IJM Corporation Berhad has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future. NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. On September 22, 2023, Thomas Frank, Chief Information Officer of Interactive Brokers Group Inc (NASDAQ:IBKR), sold 28,234 shares of the company. This move is part of a larger trend for the insider, who over the past year has sold a total of 505,132 shares and purchased none. Interactive Brokers Group Inc is a leading automated global electronic broker that specializes in executing and clearing trades in securities, futures, and foreign exchange instruments. The company caters to professional traders, institutions, and financial advisors. Interactive Brokers Group Inc is known for its cost-efficient access to global markets. The insider's recent sell has raised questions about the company's stock performance and its relationship with insider trading activities. Over the past year, there have been 48 insider sells and no insider buys for Interactive Brokers Group Inc. Insider Sell: Thomas Frank Sells 28,234 Shares of Interactive Brokers Group Inc The above image shows the trend of insider trading activities. It is evident that the insider's selling activities have been consistent over the past year. This could be an indication of the insider's confidence in the company's future performance or a strategic move to diversify personal investment portfolio. On the day of the insider's recent sell, shares of Interactive Brokers Group Inc were trading at $88.94, giving the company a market cap of $9.41 billion. The price-earnings ratio stands at 17.94, which is lower than the industry median of 18.32 and the companys historical median price-earnings ratio. This suggests that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers and its own historical performance. Insider Sell: Thomas Frank Sells 28,234 Shares of Interactive Brokers Group Inc The GF Value, an intrinsic value estimate developed by GuruFocus, further supports this assessment. With a price of $88.94 and a GuruFocus Value of $104.33, Interactive Brokers Group Inc has a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.85, indicating that the stock is modestly undervalued. Story continues The GF Value is calculated based on historical multiples that the stock has traded at, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the companys past returns and growth, and future estimates of business performance from Morningstar analysts. In conclusion, the insider's recent sell of Interactive Brokers Group Inc shares, coupled with the company's valuation metrics, suggests that the stock is currently undervalued. However, potential investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider the company's financial health, market position, and future growth prospects before making an investment decision. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in Halliburton implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price 51% of the business is held by the top 9 shareholders Insiders have sold recently A look at the shareholders of Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) can tell us which group is most powerful. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 85% to be precise, is institutions. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). Losing money on investments is something no shareholder enjoys, least of all institutional investors who saw their holdings value drop by 3.9% last week. However, the 79% one-year return to shareholders might have softened the blow. They should, however, be mindful of further losses in the future. Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Halliburton, beginning with the chart below. View our latest analysis for Halliburton What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Halliburton? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. We can see that Halliburton does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Halliburton's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story. Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. Halliburton is not owned by hedge funds. Capital Research and Management Company is currently the company's largest shareholder with 14% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 11% and 8.2%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. Story continues On further inspection, we found that more than half the company's shares are owned by the top 9 shareholders, suggesting that the interests of the larger shareholders are balanced out to an extent by the smaller ones. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. 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 Halliburton While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Halliburton Company. As it is a large company, we'd only expect insiders to own a small percentage of it. But it's worth noting that they own US$135m worth of shares. It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 15% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Halliburton , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts. 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif., September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Inszone Insurance Services, a rapidly growing national provider of benefits, personal, and commercial lines insurance, announced its acquisition of Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC, out of San Jose, CA. Founded in 1960 by Roy Sanfilippo, Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC has been a trusted name in the insurance industry for over six decades. Roy's journey began as a one-man operation, supported by his family of eight children. His genuine care for people and strong relationship with both customers and insurance carriers, along with his personable nature, laid the foundation for the agency's success. Roy treated every customer, regardless of the premium size, with equal respect and dedication, making exceptional service the guiding principle of the agency. Throughout the years, the agency flourished, and Roy was joined by his sons, Rick, Dave, and Roy Jr. Their collective focus on service excellence became the driving force behind the agency's prosperity. Upholding the mantra of "service, service, and service" instilled by their father, the team at Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC has consistently delivered top-notch service to their customers, leading to an outstanding policyholder retention rate consistently above 90%, a testament to their exceptional customer satisfaction. "We're excited about the potential that Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services brings to Inszone," remarked Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services. "Their presence in San Jose underscores a significant opportunity for growth in the region. Leveraging their expertise, we aim to tap into new markets and expand our reach. This acquisition signifies not just a union of two businesses but a shared vision for future expansion and prosperity." As a result of this merger, clients of Sanfilippo & Sons Insurance Services LLC can look forward to a seamless transition, with the dedicated team continuing to serve them from their current location in San Jose, CA. Furthermore, customers will benefit from an expanded Inszone Insurance platform, providing them with access to an even wider range of insurance solutions and valuable resources. Story continues Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sacramento, California, Inszone is a full-service insurance brokerage firm that provides a broad array of property & casualty insurance, along with employee benefits solutions. With a strong, experienced management team, Inszone continues to grow organically, as well as through acquisitions. With 40 locations across California, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Utah, the company is looking to further expand throughout the United States. For more information about Inszone, please visit www.inszoneinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926416778/en/ Contacts Inszone Insurance Chris Walters CEO 714-619-5620 cwalters@inszoneins.com What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. Although, when we looked at Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Douglas Dynamics: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.12 = US$57m (US$641m - US$151m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2023). Thus, Douglas Dynamics has an ROCE of 12%. That's a pretty standard return and it's in line with the industry average of 12%. View our latest analysis for Douglas Dynamics roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Douglas Dynamics compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Douglas Dynamics. What Does the ROCE Trend For Douglas Dynamics Tell Us? Over the past five years, Douglas Dynamics' ROCE has remained relatively flat while the business is using 21% less capital than before. This indicates to us that assets are being sold and thus the business is likely shrinking, which you'll remember isn't the typical ingredients for an up-and-coming multi-bagger. So if this trend continues, don't be surprised if the business is smaller in a few years time. On another note, while the change in ROCE trend might not scream for attention, it's interesting that the current liabilities have actually gone up over the last five years. This is intriguing because if current liabilities hadn't increased to 24% of total assets, this reported ROCE would probably be less than12% because total capital employed would be higher.The 12% ROCE could be even lower if current liabilities weren't 24% of total assets, because the the formula would show a larger base of total capital employed. With that in mind, just be wary if this ratio increases in the future, because if it gets particularly high, this brings with it some new elements of risk. Story continues What We Can Learn From Douglas Dynamics' ROCE It's a shame to see that Douglas Dynamics is effectively shrinking in terms of its capital base. Since the stock has declined 18% over the last five years, investors may not be too optimistic on this trend improving either. All in all, the inherent trends aren't typical of multi-baggers, so if that's what you're after, we think you might have more luck elsewhere. One final note, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Douglas Dynamics (including 1 which doesn't sit too well with us) . While Douglas Dynamics isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. 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. The key IRS per diem rate is staying steady in the upcoming fiscal year. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) The key federal per diem rate for transportation companies will be unchanged in the federal fiscal year that begins Sunday. However, the high-low substantiation per diem is rising, though truckers use of that deduction is thought to be relatively rare. The IRS, in its statement announcing the 2023-24 rates, defined the per diem as the rate that would cover the amount or ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred while traveling away from home. The specifics are that it is made up of the special transportation industry meal and incidental expenses, which are known as the M&IE rates; the rate for incidental expenses only, which is just $5 per day; and rates for low-cost and high-cost areas using the high-low substantiation method, a tool that compensates for lodging. The M&IE rate will stay at $69 per day for travel within the continental U.S. and $74 for any travel outside of the lower 48. This will be the third year in a row that rate is in effect. While companies can offer higher per diems, the general consensus in the industry is that the deductible IRS rate is the one used to compensate drivers. If a driver does not take reimbursement for meals, a $5 per day per diem rate is in effect. That is unchanged. The rate that has gone up is the high-low substantiation, which takes into effect lodging. A trucker utilizing a sleeper berth would not be utilizing that deduction because there are no lodging expenses incurred. That figure rose to $214 from $204 for non-high-cost areas and to $309 from $297 for high-cost areas. The list of high-cost areas is a long one. Few of them are year-round but might be for a two- or three-month period; for example, Virginia Beach is a high-cost area between June 1 and Aug. 31. Several areas were added to the high-cost list this year: Yosemite National Park in California (all year); Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida; Atlanta; Missoula, Montana; Saratoga Springs/Schenectady, New York; Eugene/Florence, Oregon; and Montpelier, Vermont. Outside of Yosemite, all the other areas have limited periods with the high-cost designation. Story continues In a presentation made to the National Accounting & Finance Council of the American Trucking Associations several years ago, Troy Hogan, a director at advisory firm Katz, Sapper & Miller, spelled out how a per diem could be used to boost driver compensation. Hogans presentation ran side-by-side comparisons of a driver paid 52 cents per mile with no per diem and a driver paid 41 cents per mile with a per diem that worked out to 10 cents per mile. In the comparison, both drove 2,475 miles during the week. While the gross pay of the no per diem driver was higher, different tax considerations of the per diem resulted in a net pay of $1,032 for the driver paid a per diem and net pay of $995 for a driver who received the higher base pay but with no per diem. More articles by John Kingston Truck parts supplier FleetPride holds on to speculative debt ratings Truck drivers accessing BNSF facilities reach settlement in Illinois digital fingerprinting lawsuit TFI subsidiaries hit with EEOC lawsuit over gay workers The post IRS per diem rate for truckers staying flat in 2023-24 appeared first on FreightWaves. Mercedes Wedaa, a former housekeeper for Amazon.com Inc. Founder Jeff Bezos, filed a lawsuit against him and two companies responsible for managing his properties. The lawsuit, filed in November 2022 in Seattle, claims that she and other employees worked in unsafe and unsanitary conditions for extended 14-hour shifts without breaks. According to Wedaa, she was hired in 2019 with the requirement that she "work around a family without being seen." Trending: Until 2016 it was illegal for retail investors to invest in high-growth startups. Thanks to changes in federal law, this Kevin OLeary-Backed Startup Lets You Become A Venture Capitalist With $100 One significant issue raised in the lawsuit is the lack of readily accessible bathrooms for housekeeping staff. While the Bezos family was at home, the housekeepers could only enter the residence for cleaning purposes. Accessing a bathroom directly from the laundry door was not an option because that led to the family's living space. To reach a restroom, housekeepers had to climb out of the laundry room window, walk along a path to a mechanical room and proceed downstairs to a bathroom. This arrangement was in place for about 18 months, leading to frequent urinary tract infections among the staff because of restricted toilet access, Wedaa alleges. Ready to supercharge your investment game? Discover exclusive opportunities in the world of startups that you wont find anywhere else! Dont miss outexplore now! Click here to seize the opportunity! Wedaa's other complaints include the absence of resting spaces for housekeepers, meals consumed in laundry rooms and discriminatory treatment toward Hispanic employees. She also claims she raised concerns about the employment of undocumented workers, the lack of rest breaks and unsafe working conditions. Following these complaints, Wedaa said she was demoted and then dismissed on the grounds that she seemed "unhappy" and was negatively affecting the team's morale. She seeks back pay, benefits and an undetermined amount in damages. Story continues Bezos's attorney Harry Korrell refutes these claims, labeling them as meritless and absurd. Korrell notes that Wedaa was a lead housekeeper who made a six-figure salary and was in control of her break and meal times. He asserts that multiple bathrooms and break rooms were available to staff. In addition, he said that Wedaa filed the lawsuit after her demand for a $9 million settlement was rejected, and he insised she was terminated for performance reasons. Don't Miss: This Jeff Bezos-backed platform has made real estate investing as easy as ordering stuff on Amazon. Read how you can invest as little as $100 in its offerings. Patrick McGuigan, Wedaa's lawyer, supports his client as a "very credible person" with "compelling evidence" to back her allegations. The lawsuit contends that housekeepers were initially allowed to use a restroom in a security room, but this was later revoked for being a "breach of security protocol." A source from one of the managing companies named in the lawsuit, Northwestern LLC, claims that staff had access to break rooms with seating, tables, stocked refrigerators, a coffee machine and snacks. They add that multiple bathrooms were available near the break rooms and that when the family was not in residence, staff could also use the family kitchen and other amenities. In the midst of these competing narratives, Wedaa's lawsuit also states that she and other Hispanic housekeepers were treated differently from their Caucasian counterparts, adding another layer of complexity to a case already fraught with sensitive issues. Bezos's fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, is Mexican-American, and Korrell argues that the suggestion of racial discrimination against Wedaa is "absurd." The lawsuit is still pending, and the amount of damages Wedaa is seeking will be determined at trial. Bezos is the third-richest man in the world with a net worth of $153 billion, according to Forbes. Read Next: Discover the compelling reasons behind the staggering $110.5 million price tag of this painting and explore the world of high-value art investments. Dont miss out on the opportunity to understand the art market dynamics. 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 Jeff Bezos's Former Housekeeper Sued Him, Alleging That 14-Hour Shifts And Lack of Bathroom Access Led to Frequent UTIs; Claims She Was Only Allowed To Eat In The Laundry Room And Faced Racial Discrimination Hired To Work Without Being Seen By The Family originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. JPMorgan Chase has reached a $75 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands over a lawsuit accusing the nations largest bank of facilitating Jeffrey Epsteins sex-trafficking enterprise for 15 years, according to statements released by the bank and territory. The bank said the majority of the settlement $55 million will go toward local charities and victim assistance. Meanwhile, the remaining $20 million will cover legal fees. The bank said the settlement doesn't "involve admissions of liability," however it "regrets any association with this [Epstein], and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit heinous crimes." A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson added, "We are pleased that the USVI will use settlement proceeds to enhance the infrastructure and capabilities of their law enforcement to prevent and combat human trafficking and other crimes in their territories." The U.S. Virgin Islands said that $10 million from the settlement would create a fund to provide mental health services for Epsteins survivors. U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith said: "We are proud to have stood alongside the survivors throughout this litigation, and this settlement reflects our continued commitment to them. With this constructive resolution of this groundbreaking litigation, we look forward to helping our community move forward and to building a new relationship with JPMorgan." The U.S. Virgin Islands sued the Wall Street giant last year alleging the bank turned a "blind eye" toward Epstein's conduct and continued to finance him. The settlement comes as the case was set to go to trial in Manhattan federal court in October. JPMorgan Chase was Epstein's banker for 15 years, starting in 1998. The bank terminated him as a client in 2013. In June, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to settle a similar lawsuit filed by Epstein survivors. Story continues JPMorgan Chase said it also reached a confidential agreement with its former executive Jes Staley to resolve the bank's claims against him. The financial institution sued Staley in March saying he should be held liable for any financial damages the bank would have to pay from lawsuits related to Epstein. An attorney for Staley didn't immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment. Staley has called the accusations baseless, but expressed regret for his relationship with Epstein. Epstein was convicted of procuring a child for prostitution in 2008. He died by suicide at a Manhattan correctional center in 2019 where he was being held on federal sex-trafficking charges. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Partnership improves access to great dermatologic care AUSTIN, Texas, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Epiphany Dermatology, a leading dermatology company committed to improving access to exceptional dermatologic care, announced today it has expanded its presence in the St. Louis market through its partnership with Dr. Lee Portnoff and his team at Lee Portnoff, MD, PC. Since 1987, Dr. Lee Portnoff has built a solid reputation of providing individualized and high-quality dermatologic surgical care to patients in the greater St. Louis market. Dr. Portnoff is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon who earned his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis and completed his dermatology residency at Barnes Hospital/Washington University. Dr. Portnoff commented, "My staff and I are excited to join Epiphany Dermatology. I take immense pride and responsibility in treating our patients in the greater St. Louis market and entering this partnership will benefit our community. Epiphanys mission and values align well with what we believe incompassionate and exceptional surgical dermatology care for all our patients. I look forward to helping Epiphany maintain its high standards and provide access to dermatologic care for our community." Gheorghe Pusta, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Epiphany said, "We are excited to welcome Dr. Portnoff and his team to Epiphany. Through our interactions with Dr. Portnoff and his staff, we have been impressed by their commitment to delivering quality care and being accessible to patients in the greater St. Louis community they serve. We are pleased to find a strong cultural alignment, and this is an exciting opportunity to expand our provider network and improve access to great dermatologic care in the St. Louis market." Through this partnership, Dr. Portnoff and his staff gain additional resources to help with operations, managed care, marketing, compliance, human resources, clinical training, recruiting, IT, and many other support services. Epiphany also benefits from the clinical expertise of Dr. Portnoff and his team, as best practices are collaboratively shared across the Epiphany network. Story continues About Epiphany Dermatology Epiphany Dermatology is a rapidly expanding dermatology company, driven by a passion to improve access to high-quality dermatologic care in a values-based manner. Through its partnership with leading dermatologists across 82 locations in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming, Epiphany provides general dermatology, skin cancer care, Mohs surgery, cosmetic services, and additional dermatologic services. Epiphany raises the standard of dermatologic care by making clinical excellence accessible to all patients, promptly and in a warm and inviting environment. Epiphany Dermatology is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more details, please visit www.epiphanydermatology.com or call (512) 628-0465. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926607055/en/ Contacts Ted Emmert Chief Development Officer Epiphany Dermatology (512) 628-0465 temmert@epiphanydermatology.com Gheorghe Pusta Chief Executive Officer Epiphany Dermatology (512) 628-0465 gpusta@epiphanydermatology.com We feel now is a pretty good time to analyse Lithium Americas Corp.'s (TSE:LAC) business as it appears the company may be on the cusp of a considerable accomplishment. Lithium Americas Corp. operates as a resource company in the United States and Argentina. The CA$3.8b market-cap company posted a loss in its most recent financial year of US$94m and a latest trailing-twelve-month loss of US$11m shrinking the gap between loss and breakeven. The most pressing concern for investors is Lithium Americas' path to profitability when will it breakeven? We've put together a brief outline of industry analyst expectations for the company, its year of breakeven and its implied growth rate. View our latest analysis for Lithium Americas Lithium Americas is bordering on breakeven, according to the 3 Canadian Metals and Mining analysts. They expect the company to post a final loss in 2022, before turning a profit of US$31m in 2023. So, the company is predicted to breakeven approximately a year from now or less! We calculated the rate at which the company must grow to meet the consensus forecasts predicting breakeven within 12 months. It turns out an average annual growth rate of 45% is expected, which is rather optimistic! If this rate turns out to be too aggressive, the company may become profitable much later than analysts predict. Underlying developments driving Lithium Americas' growth isnt the focus of this broad overview, though, keep in mind that generally metals and mining companies, depending on the stage of operation and metals mined, have irregular periods of cash flow. This means, large upcoming growth rates are not abnormal as the company is beginning to reap the benefits of earlier investments. One thing wed like to point out is that The company has managed its capital judiciously, with debt making up 16% of equity. This means that it has predominantly funded its operations from equity capital, and its low debt obligation reduces the risk around investing in the loss-making company. Story continues Next Steps: There are key fundamentals of Lithium Americas which are not covered in this article, but we must stress again that this is merely a basic overview. For a more comprehensive look at Lithium Americas, take a look at Lithium Americas' company page on Simply Wall St. We've also compiled a list of pertinent factors you should further examine: Historical Track Record: What has Lithium Americas' performance been like over the past? Go into more detail in the past track record analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of our analysis for more clarity. Management Team: An experienced management team on the helm increases our confidence in the business take a look at who sits on Lithium Americas' board and the CEOs background. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks 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. Rationalstat LLC According to RationalStat new report, the Africa E-learning market is expected to reach US$ 2.4 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of more than 15% Wilmington, Delaware, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Africa E-learning Market was valued at US$ 900 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of over 15% over the forecast period of 2023-2030, according to the latest market report by RationalStat Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview Many African countries are pursuing digital transformation initiatives, such as increasing internet availability and infrastructure. This has facilitated learners' access to e-learning platforms and content. The affordable availability of smartphones and tablets has improved access to digital learning tools. More Africans can now access instructional content through their own devices. Courses from major colleges and institutions throughout the world are available on e-learning platforms. This has increased educational options for Africans, particularly those living in remote or underdeveloped areas. E-learning is regarded as an important instrument for skill development and professional development. Many Africans are resorting to online courses to boost their employability and learn new skills. According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the Africa E-learning market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including product type, technology, sector, and geography/regions (including South Africa, Egypt, Sub-Saharan, Rest of Africa) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2030. Market intelligence for the Africa E-learning market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc. In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the Africa E-learning market. It also includes the industry's current state Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc. Story continues Request A Customization- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/africa-e-learning-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Africa E-learning Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis On the basis of technology, mobile learning accounted for the most market share since it is a type of remote education acquired via the Internet or network using personal mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, via mobile apps, social engagement, and online education hubs. On the basis of sector, due to the increasing popularity of e-learning among educational establishments and learning practices, post-secondary segment accounted for the region's greatest market share. Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 0.9 billion Market Size Forecast US$ 2.4 billion Growth Rate 15% Key Market Drivers Increasing access to devices Various course availability on E-learning platforms Companies Profiled Coursera Udemy edX LinkedIn Learning Docebo S.p.A. Via Afrika Eneza Education LTD. Explore more about this report- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/africa-e-learning-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Competition Analysis and Market Structure Prominent companies and leading 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 Africa e-learning market include, In July 2020, The Indian Ministry of School Education and Literacy budgeted approximately US$7.52 billion (INR 558.4 billion) for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the Africa E-learning market growth include Coursera, Udemy, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Docebo S.p.A., and Via Afrika, Eneza Education LTD., among others. Get A Free Sample- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/africa-e-learning-market/#tab-ux_global_tab RationalStat has segmented the Africa E-learning market based on product type, technology, sector and region Africa E-learning Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Product Type Packaged Content Services Platforms Africa E-learning Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Technology Mobile Learning Simulation Based Learning Game Based Learning Learning Management System (LMS) Others Africa E-learning Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Sector K-12 Sector Post-Secondary Corporate and Government Learning Others Africa E-learning Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Region Africa E-learning Market South Africa Egypt Sub-Saharan Rest of Africa For more information about this report- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/africa-e-learning-market/ Key Questions Answered in the E-learning Report: What will be the market value of the Africa E-learning market by 2030? What is the market size of the Africa E-learning market? What are the market drivers of the Africa E-learning market? What are the key trends in the Africa E-learning market? Which is the leading region in the Africa E-learning market? What are the major companies operating in the Africa E-learning market? What are the market shares by key segments in the Africa E-learning market? Running a year End discount of 20%- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/africa-e-learning-market/#tab-ux_global_tab 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 Rationalstat LLC Belgium smart parcel locker market is expected to reach US$ 83.5 million by 2030, with an annual growth rate of more than 20.5%, market report by RationalStat Wilmington, Delaware, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market was valued at US$ 22.7 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of over 20.5% over the forecast period of 2023-2030, according to the latest market report by RationalStat Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview The rapid rise of e-commerce in Belgium and around the world has resulted in an increase in the number of shipments delivered to consumers' homes. Smart parcel lockers offer a safe and simple way to receive these packages, lowering the danger of theft or missing delivery. Smart parcel lockers allow customers to pick up their shipments at any time of day or night. This convenience is especially tempting to those who are unable to receive deliveries during normal business hours. It also avoids the need for additional delivery efforts. According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the Belgium smart parcel locker market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including type, component, technology type, application, and deployment and geography/regions (including West Belgium, Midwest Belgium, Northeast Belgium, South Belgium) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2030. Market intelligence for the Belgium smart parcel locker market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc. In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the Belgium smart parcel locker market. It also includes the industry's current state Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc. Story continues Request A Customization- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/belgium-smart-parcel-locker-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis On the basis of component, the hardware segment held the greatest share of the market in 2021 and is likely to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. On the basis of deployment, indoor deployment dominates the market since it is three times more expensive than outside deployment. On the basis of type, the modular parcel locker segment dominates the market, while cooling lockers for the fresh food segment are predicted to be the fastest expanding locker type. Report Synopsis Report Metrics Details Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 22.7 million Market Size Forecast US$ 83.5 million Growth Rate 20.5% Key Market Drivers Rapid growth of E-commerce Convenience and 24/7 Access Increasing urbanization trends Companies Profiled Cubee Lowe & Fletcher, Inc. Decatel Quadient SA GANTNER Bpost Kern Limited SwipBox Metra Vendii Lockers Dongcheng Electronic Cainiao Explore more about this report- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/belgium-smart-parcel-locker-market/#tab-ux_global_tab Competition Analysis and Market Structure Leading companies and smart parcel locker brands 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 Belgium smart parcel locker market include, In April 2023, InPost launched its new smart parcel locker system, the InPost CityBox. The InPost CityBox is a freestanding locker system that can be placed in a variety of locations, including public spaces, businesses, and residential buildings. In March 2023, Cleverbox launched its new smart parcel locker system, the Cleverbox Hub. The Cleverbox Hub is a modular system that can be customized to meet the needs of businesses and consumers. Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the Belgium smart parcel locker market growth include Cubee, Lowe & Fletcher, Inc., Decatel, Quadient SA, GANTNER, Bpost, Kern Limited, SwipBox, Metra, Vendii Lockers, Dongcheng Electronic, and Cainiao, among others. Get A Free Sample- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/belgium-smart-parcel-locker-market/#tab-ux_global_tab RationalStat has segmented the Belgium Smart Parcel Locker market based on type, component, technology type, application, and deployment and region Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Component Hardware Software Services Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Technology Type RFID Mobile Electronic Mechanical Touchpad Others Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Application Retail Government Agencies (Post Offices, etc.) Colleges and Universities Offices & Workspaces Personal Storage Device Management Parcel & Document Delivery Corporate Mailroom Logistics & Warehousing Device management Personal storage Parcel & document delivery Public Enterprises and Commercial Buildings Others (Residential, etc.) Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Type Modular Parcel Lockers Cooling Lockers Postal Lockers Asset Lockers Retail Lockers Community Lockers Distribution Lockers Laundry Lockers Others (Self-Service Parcel Locker) Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Deployment Indoor Outdoor Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Region Belgium Smart Parcel Locker Market West Belgium Midwest Belgium Northeast Belgium South Belgium For more information about this report- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/belgium-smart-parcel-locker-market/ Key Questions Answered in the Smart Parcel Locker Report: What will be the market value of the Belgium smart parcel locker market by 2030? What is the market size of the Belgium smart parcel locker market? What are the market drivers of the Belgium smart parcel locker market? What are the key trends in the Belgium smart parcel locker market? Which is the leading region in the Belgium smart parcel locker market? What are the major companies operating in the Belgium smart parcel locker market? What are the market shares by key segments in the Belgium smart parcel locker market? Running a year End discount of 20%- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/belgium-smart-parcel-locker-market/#tab-ux_global_tab 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 Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Medical Properties Trust Inc (NYSE:MPW). The stock, which is currently priced at 5.09, recorded a loss of 3.56% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 41.64%. The stock's fair valuation is $19.24, as indicated by its GF Value. Understanding 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. 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 Medical Properties Trust (MPW) Too Good To Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap Potential Risks 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 Medical Properties Trust should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 0.27. These indicators suggest that Medical Properties Trust, 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. Story continues Inside Medical Properties Trust Medical Properties Trust is a healthcare facility REIT. The company operates one segment, which owns and leases healthcare facilities. The majority of Medical's revenue is generated in the United States, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. The company considers merger and acquisition investment as a component of its operational growth strategy. It provides financing for a variety of facilities that require funds for acquisitions, sale-leasebacks, new developments, and expansion projects. Is Medical Properties Trust (MPW) Too Good To Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap Medical Properties Trust's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers A dissection of Medical Properties Trust's Altman Z-score reveals Medical Properties Trust's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress. Conclusion Despite the attractive valuation of Medical Properties Trust, the company's low Altman Z-Score suggests potential financial distress, indicating that it might be a value trap. Therefore, potential investors should proceed with caution and conduct thorough due diligence before investing. GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen . This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella speaks at the launch of the company's Bing AI search tool JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images Microsoft is hiring a project manager for nuclear technology as it looks to power its AI data centres with nuclear energy. The tech giant has invested heavily in AI, striking a $10 billion deal with OpenAI Microsoft is exploring plans to use nuclear energy to power its AI data centres as it grapples with the huge amount of energy needed to run models like ChatGPT. The company is hiring a "principal program manager for nuclear technology" to assess how nuclear energy could be used to power the data centres hosting AI models, according to a job listing posted on Thursday. Initially reported by CNBC , it says the tech giant will be focusing on using microreactors and Small Modular Reactors, which are far cheaper to build and run than larger nuclear reactors, to "power the data centers that the Microsoft Cloud and AI reside on." AI models require a huge amount of computing power to run, with analysis finding ChatGPT could cost as much as $700,000 a day to operate due to its huge server costs. The job listing suggests that Microsoft sees nuclear energy as the way to meet this spiraling energy demand. The tech giant reportedly struck a $10 billion deal with OpenAI , the makers of ChatGPT, part of which saw Microsoft provide the AI startup with the cloud services that enable the start-ups models to run. It has also folded OpenAI's technology into its Bing search engine, launching an AI-powered search tool earlier this year. There has been growing concern over the environmental impact of generative AI's massive energy use. Academic analysis has estimated that training GPT-3 produced more than 550 tons of carbon dioxide and required 3.5 million liters of water. Microsoft recently pledged to accelerate efforts to power data centers with renewable energy and reduce emissions, and plans to make its business carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider New sites at Darmstadt and Hamburg complement company's global integrated mRNA service network with pre-clinical to commercial capabilities Company's Millipore CTDMO Services now encompass all key stages of mRNA technologies, lipids, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and fill/finish, including key products and biosafety testing Expansion part of company's ongoing 1 billion investment plan to advance mRNA technologies BURLINGTON, Mass., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the first CTDMO (contract testing, development and manufacturing organization) to offer integrated services for all critical stages of mRNA development, manufacturing, and commercialization, including products and testing. The company today opened two new GMP-grade mRNA drug substance manufacturing sites in Darmstadt and Hamburg, Germany. MilliporeSigmas new large scale mRNA drug substance manufacturing facility at the companys headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. This new GMP facility is equipped with a scalable and flexible manufacturing process platform, enabling highest quality mRNA for clinical and commercial applications. "mRNA has emerged as the breakthrough technology of this century, providing great promise to not only treat, but potentially cure, a wide array of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and muscular dystrophy," said Dirk Lange, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business sector of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "We are now the first CTDMO to streamline the entire mRNA process for our clients." The new sites are part of the company's ongoing 1 billion investment to advance mRNA technologies and build its global mRNA network and capabilities, as well as through acquisitions such as AmpTec and Exelead. The 28 million investment into the new GMP mRNA drug substance manufacturing sites at Darmstadt and Hamburg adds a total of 75 new jobs, providing clients mRNA services at all scales and applications from pre-clinical to commercial. This includes analytical development and biosafety testing specifically designed for mRNA technologies. MilliporeSigma also offers differentiated PCR-based technology for clinical and commercial mRNA manufacturing, providing clients with high-quality mRNA. With this integrated offering, the company can significantly decrease complexities through streamlined and harmonized processes and enhance clients' speed-to-market. Story continues Since the 1990s, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has collaborated with researchers to ensure they have the critical components and raw materials needed to explore mRNA's potential. Its unique combination of mRNA expertise, technologies, regulatory knowledge, and product portfolios streamlines mRNA manufacturing and testing. The company's mRNA, custom and portfolio lipids, LNP and fill/finish CTDMO services are offered throughout its global network of sites in Schaffhausen, Switzerland; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and Darmstadt and Hamburg, Germany. "As a researcher working on finding cures with mRNA technology and as a believer in its curative promise, collaborating with the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has helped to advance my research in finding a cure by leveraging mRNA's promise for muscular dystrophy," said Dr. Simone Spuler, head of the Myology Lab at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint institution of the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin. The company's Millipore CTDMO Services also provide pre-clinical through commercial capabilities for monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins (mAb and r-proteins), viral vectors (VV), small molecules and high-potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPI), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as well as integrated analytical development, biosafety testing, and product characterization. Millipore CTDMO Services are part of the Life Science Services business unit, which together with the Process Solutions business is one of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's "Big 3" growth drivers. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany aims to increase its Group sales to approximately 25 billion by 2025. Around 80% of the planned sales growth is to come from the "Big 3" growth drivers. About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 28,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics. More than 64,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of 22.2 billion in 66 countries. The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare and EMD Electronics in electronics. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit www.emdgroup.com. Follow MilliporeSigma on Twitter @MilliporeSigma, on Facebook @MilliporeSigma and on LinkedIn. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/milliporesigma-to-become-first-provider-to-offer-fully-integrated-mrna-services-301937585.html SOURCE MilliporeSigma FILE - With wife Elee Reeves at his side, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves speaks in Jackson, Miss., after winning the Republican primary on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Records show Tate Reeves received a $10,000 campaign contribution from a shipping company executive in 2020, several days before the state announced incentives for a division of the company to expand its operation in Mississippi. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi announced financial incentives for a shipbuilder to expand in Gulfport in 2020, days after the president of the shipbuilder's parent company made a $10,000 campaign contribution to Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, records show. Gulf Ship LLC, which received the state incentives, is a division of the Louisiana-based ship company, Edison Chouest Offshore. The president of Edison Chouest Offshore, Gary Chouest, has given $66,000 to Reeves' campaigns since 2016, including $10,000 on Sept. 2, 2020, according to finance documents. Fifteen days later, the state economic development agency under Reeves' supervision, the Mississippi Development Authority, announced Gulf Ship would receive state incentives to expand the site it opened in Gulfport in 2006. MDA said that with the expansion, the company would build tugboats. We are grateful for our partnership with the Edison Chouest team and are excited for the continued success of Gulf Ship and its skilled workers in Harrison County, Reeves, who is now seeking reelection, said in an MDA announcement on Sept. 17, 2020. A spokesperson for Edison Chouest Offshore, Lindsay Guidry, did not respond to voicemail messages left by The Associated Press last week and on Monday and Tuesday. The AP asked Reeves campaign spokesperson Clifton Carroll whether there was any direct connection between Reeves accepting the $10,000 contribution from Chouest and the state's announcement of incentives for Gulf Ship. Carroll did not answer the question, but said in a statement Monday: This is just a distraction from his campaign from real issues like the Governors action to put $700 million into hospitals. Reeves announced a proposal Thursday to reconfigure some Medicaid funding by requiring hospitals to pay higher taxes to draw down significantly more federal money. The plan requires federal approval, and Reeves announced it weeks before the Nov. 7 election. The Democratic nominee for governor, Brandon Presley, has hammered Reeves for not expanding Medicaid to people working in jobs with modest pay and no private health insurance. Presley campaign spokesman Michael Beyer said Tuesday that Reeves' hospital proposal would reward big donors and leave rural hospitals with crumbs. Story continues Presley told the AP last week that Reeves' acceptance of a $10,000 contribution shortly before the state announced aid for a company connected to the campaign donor shows Reeves is an ethically compromised governor. I think this is just another example in the long record of his pay-to-play schemes, whether it be with the industry, whether it be with appointments to boards and commissions, Presley said. You know, the most dangerous place to be in Mississippi is between Tate Reeves and a campaign check." MDA said the Gulf Ship expansion would create more than 200 new jobs, and the state would provide assistance for other improvements to the waterfront. MDA later reported that it gave $333,000 to Gulf Ship in exchange for the company's promise to invest $1 million and create 150 jobs. MDA also certified Gulf Ship for the state's Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, which gives the company a rebate of 90% of its Mississippi payroll taxes for 10 years, as long as the company creates the promised jobs. MDA awarded incentives to Gulf Ship less than two years after a separate deal involving another Edison Chouest Offshore affiliate, Topship, fell apart. In December 2018, MDA voided its agreement to provide $36 million in grants and incentives to Topship because the company failed to provide its own investment or fulfill its promise to create 1,000 jobs to develop property on Gulfport's Industrial Seaway. In 2016, then-Gov. Phil Bryant announced Topship's intended project to a banquet room full of businesspeople and other Republican elected officials in Gulfport, including then-Lt. Gov. Reeves. The Sun Herald reported Bryant did not mention that Gulf Ship had laid off employees in Gulfport days before the incentives for Topship were announced. Jonathan Daniels, director of the Port of Gulfport, told WLOX-TV in 2019 that the Topship project crumbled because of economic problems in the oil industry. Real estate technology To reach a key financial goal in 2026, Blend Labs plans to diversify far beyond mortgage. And it is putting its new cloud-based Blend Builder platform front and center. On Tuesday, executives from the San Francisco, California-headquartered mortgage tech firm, which has yet to post a profit since going public in July 2021, shared the firms vision for growth during its first investor day. Blend Builder an initiative that started about four years ago and launched in March 2023 is a cloud banking platform designed to help businesses in the financial services industry streamline processes for mortgages, loans, deposits and accounts. We will migrate all products to Blend Builder and anchor the customers originations ecosystem on one innovative platform, Sebastian Joll, Blends head of revenue, told investors. The goal for Blend Builder is to create a unified platform that can serve all the products that a bank can offer including personal loans, credit cars, car loans, student loans and mortgages. [Our goal is ] Having a unified platform that can serve all the products that a bank can offer. Allow our customers to be there for every moment in the consumers financial lives that they want whether its their first credit card when theyre getting their first job and their first checking account to later on their car loan and later on helping them with student loans or whatever it may be all the way through when theyre retiring, Nima Ghamsari, CEO and co-founder of Blend, said. Achieving positive free cash flow by 2026 would represent a financial landmark for Blend. We are guiding to a free cash flow margin of 8% for our conservative case, 18% for the market norm, with our base case at 12%. Its the first time that were now sharing free cash flow targets. Its a testament to the success that we see in our future and with our customers, Amir Jafari, Blends head of finance & administration, told investors. Source: Blend In Q2 2023, Blend reported a non-GAAP net loss of $22.7 million in the second quarter, narrowing its financial loss compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $35.6 million in Q1 and non-GAAP net loss of $45.1 million in Q2 2022. Story continues By focusing on cutting costs and prioritizing the Blend Builder platform, executives believe the firm can reach its non-GAAP profitability goal by 2024. In April, Blend received notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that it was not in compliance with the stock exchanges bylaws, which state that a company could be delisted if its common stock traded below $1 for more than 30 trading days. Ghamsari had emphasized growing its customer base and investing in tech to help lenders save on origination costs. Blend has a mortgage market share of up to 20% as of early Q3 2023, up from 12% in Q3 2021 when it went public, according to the company on Tuesday. The mortgage firm also cut non-GAAP operating expenses to less than $38 million, from $62 million in Q3 2021. Its new product and services include an AI-powered chat tool Copilot that is aimed at executing precise tasks and deconstructing nuanced questions borrowers have. Adding assets-derived income capability to its existing Blend Income product launched Tuesday will allow lenders to have additional ways to verify more income sources far earlier in the application process, the company said. For Q3 2023, Jafari expected Blends non-GAAP net operating loss to come in between $16.5 million and $15.5 million, down from its prior guidance of a non-GAAP net operating loss of about $17.5 million and $15.5 million. Blend platform revenue is projected to be around $28.5 million and $30 million; title revenue at around $11.5 million and $12 million totaling around $40 million and $42 million in revenue. Over the next 12 months to 24 months, Blend plans to continue expansion within its customer base, move into deposits, credit cards, personal loans and adding home equity loans to improve the Blend Builder experience for its clients. In the long term, the lender shared its vision to increase partnerships with other tech vendors in the originations ecosystem and work with other industry partners like Amazon Web Services. Over the next three years, Blend aims to continue to grow market share and economic value per funded loans. The mortgage tech firm also wants to increase its non-mortgage transaction to up to 30% in 2026 from the year-end goal of 15% to diversify its platform revenue mix. As for consolidation, it will be both a tailwind and a headwind for us. And it may impact the short term. But what we believe is, our technology will win in the long term, as it has already proven to do so, Jafari said. ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Neenah (WI) Water Utility will be installing an advanced metering system for its water meters under a unique network-sharing agreement with We Energies and Landis+Gyr (SIX: LAND). Under the multi-year agreement, Neenah Water Utility will deploy more than 11,000 Landis+Gyr Gridstream RF Interpreter Register water modules for existing and new water meters. This will allow the water utility to receive interval data from all of its meters, including alerts that could help customers save on water bills. Data from the meters will be transmitted over We Energies existing Gridstream RF Mesh network operated by Landis+Gyr for electric metering in the city. "The ability to utilize an existing network for our AMI deployment not only presents cost savings for the utility but also overcomes many of the challenges a water utility faces when deploying network infrastructure," said Anthony Mach, Water Utility Director at City of Neenah. "The ability to add a two-way AMI system will also benefit our customers by providing features such as leak detection and other alerts to help manage water use and costs more efficiently." To support the Neenah Water Utility AMI deployment, We Energies is leasing access to its existing network and multi-tenant Command Center head end software through a managed services agreement with Landis+Gyr. "Water utilities lack access to both utility poles and electric service at the meter and must rely on battery-backed RF solutions that are both more costly and last less time in the field," said Chuck Yechout, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Landis+Gyr. "By partnering with We Energies and Landis+Gyr, Neenah Water Utility can access a near ubiquitous electric AMI mesh network and cloud hosted operating system, providing efficiency and cost savings." Landis+Gyr's Gridstream AMI solution provides RF network coverage for electric, water and gas advanced meters and endpoints, while also connecting smart street lights, load management switches and grid sensors. Story continues About Neenah Water Utility The Neenah Water Utility provides high quality water for all residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the City of Neenah, Wisconsin. The water supplied meets all applicable United States EPA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requirements. The distribution system contains approximately 141 miles of water main ranging in diameter from 6 inches to 20 inches. About We Energies WEC Energy Group, based in Milwaukee, is one of the nation's premier energy companies, serving nearly 4.7 million customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The company's principal utilities are We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, Michigan Gas Utilities, Minnesota Energy Resources and Upper Michigan Energy Resources. Another major subsidiary, We Power, designs, builds and owns electric generating plants. In addition, WEC Infrastructure LLC owns a growing fleet of renewable generation facilities in states ranging from South Dakota to Texas. WEC Energy Group (wecenergygroup.com) is a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500. The company has approximately 37,000 stockholders of record, 7,000 employees and more than $42 billion of assets. About Landis+Gyr Landis+Gyr is a leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions. We measure and analyze energy utilization to generate empowering analytics for smart grid and infrastructure management, enabling utilities and consumers to reduce energy consumption. Our innovative and proven portfolio of software, services and intelligent sensor technology is a key driver to decarbonize the grid. Having avoided more than 9.5 million tons of CO in FY 2022, Landis+Gyr manages energy better since 1896. With sales of USD 1.7 billion in FY 2022, Landis+Gyr employs around 7,800 talented people across five continents. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1672109/Landis_Gyr_Logo.jpg Media contact: Dan Jacobson | Regional Contact North America Senior Marketing Communications Manager dan.jacobson@landisgyr.com 320-307-7486 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neenah-water-utility-will-deploy-landisgyrs-gridstream-ami-solution-under-a-shared-network-agreement-with-we-energies-301936035.html SOURCE Landis+Gyr Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NYSE:NCLH). The stock, which is currently priced at 15.47, recorded a gain of 1.91% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 16.86%. The stock's fair valuation is $60.99, as indicated by its GF Value. Understanding 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of -0.23, and the company's revenues and earnings have been on a downward trend over the past five years, which raises a crucial question: Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings a hidden gem or a value trap? Decoding 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 Profile: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NYSE:NCLH) Norwegian Cruise Line is the world's third-largest cruise company by berths (at more than 60,000), operating 30 ships across three brands (Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas), offering both freestyle and luxury cruising. The company had redeployed its entire fleet as of May 2022. With seven passenger vessels on order among its brands through 2028 (representing 19,000 incremental berths), Norwegian is increasing capacity faster than its peers, expanding its brand globally. Norwegian sails to around 700 global destinations. Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers A dissection of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's Altman Z-score reveals Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress: The Retained Earnings to Total Assets ratio provides insights into a company's capability to reinvest its profits or manage debt. Evaluating Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's historical data, 2021: -0.13; 2022: -0.33; 2023: -0.38, we observe a declining trend in this ratio. This downward movement indicates Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's diminishing ability to reinvest in its business or effectively manage its debt. Consequently, it exerts a negative impact on its Z-Score. The Bearish Signs: Declining Revenues and Earnings One of the telltale indicators of a company's potential trouble is a sustained decline in revenues. In the case of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, both the revenue per share (evident from the last five years' TTM data: 2019: 28.67; 2020: 21.68; 2021: 0.08; 2022: 5.74; 2023: 16.54; ) and the 5-year revenue growth rate (-32%) have been on a consistent downward trajectory. This pattern may point to underlying challenges such as diminishing demand for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's products, or escalating competition in its market sector. Either scenario can pose serious risks to the company's future performance, warranting a thorough analysis by investors. Is Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap The Red Flag: Sluggish Earnings Growth Despite its low price-to-fair-value ratio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings's falling revenues and earnings cast a long shadow over its investment attractiveness. A low price relative to intrinsic value can indeed suggest an investment opportunity, but only if the company's fundamentals are sound or improving. In Steelcase's case, the declining revenues, EBITDA, and earnings growth suggest that the company's issues may be more than just cyclical fluctuations. Without a clear turnaround strategy, there's a risk that the company's performance could continue to deteriorate, leading to further price declines. In such a scenario, the low price-to-GF-Value ratio may be more indicative of a value trap than a value opportunity. Conclusion Given the declining revenue and earnings, coupled with a low Altman Z-score, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings appears to be a potential value trap. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, the underlying financial distress signals caution. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision. As always, a well-informed decision is the best decision. GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .Investors can find stocks with good revenue and earnings growth using GuruFocus' Peter Lynch Growth with Low Valuation Screener. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. TORONTO, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Economic trends and market forces are rapidly shifting towards new critical technologies that are transforming the health science sector. The commercialization and adoption of critical technologies such as 5G/advanced networks, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, robotics, quantum computing and blockchain will ensure that Ontario innovators stay competitive in the global market. To address the long-standing technology development and commercialization gaps that impede growth-stage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from being able to scale domestically, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) is inviting health science companies from across the province to apply for the Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization (LSCTC) Centre of Excellence. Supported by the Government of Ontario, the LSCTC Centre of Excellence will catalyze a globally competitive collaborative ecosystem by leveraging and building on Ontarios expertise and capabilities. Critical technologies are driving innovation and intellectual property (IP) creation globally across all health science sectors of life sciences, medtech and healthtech. "We are excited to support Ontarios health science companies to develop healthcare solutions leveraging the critical technologies. The LSCTC Centre of Excellence establishes our province as a leader in the commercialization and adoption of innovative technologies globally," said Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO of OBIO. "The LSCTC Centre of Excellence will be a hub for the advancement of made-in-Ontario intellectual property, enabling the growth of Ontarios health science sector." The LSCTC Centre provides infrastructure, commercialization, technology adoption and talent programming to Ontario SMEs and emerging ventures, including but not limited to therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices and digital health. The LSCTC Centre leverages the expertise of OBIO and its partners: HaloHealth, Linamar, L-SPARK, MaRS, NirvSystem, Recursion Canada, Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre, and Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP). Story continues "We are delighted to partner with OBIO to support health science companies with AI expertise through the LSCTC Centre of Excellence," said Naheed Kurji, member of the OBIO Board of Directors & President of Recursion Canada. "My experience taught me the importance of having a coordinated network of ecosystem players offering an easy-to-navigate set of programmatic activities and general support to enable early-stage companies to be able to scale globally." Ventures participating in the LSCTC Centre will have access to technical & commercialization support, which will accelerate business growth and capital investment, enhance productivity and create high value jobs. To access the LSCTC Centre resources, OBIO invites interested ventures to review the eligibility criteria and submit an application. About OBIO Founded in 2009, OBIO is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies that position Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the healthcare system and government. For more information, please visit OBIO.ca or contact Christina Yeh, Vice President, Programs & Strategic Partnerships, OBIO. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926036879/en/ Contacts Media: Doriane Rey Manager, Marketing & Events dorianerey@obio.ca Looking at GSH Corporation Limited's (SGX:BDX ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net buyers. That is, there were more number of shares purchased by insiders than there were sold. 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 GSH The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At GSH Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Executive Chairman Seng Hui Goi for S$173k worth of shares, at about S$0.16 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of S$0.21. While it does suggest insiders consider the stock undervalued at lower prices, this transaction doesn't tell us much about what they think of current prices. Seng Hui Goi bought a total of 6.47m shares over the year at an average price of S$0.16. 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! GSH is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Does GSH Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. GSH insiders own 73% of the company, currently worth about S$301m 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 GSH Insider Transactions Indicate? There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like GSH insiders think the business has merit. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To assist with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of GSH. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. 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. DALIAN, China, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from CRI Online: In the 2nd Exploring ChinaOverseas Travel Vlogger's Trip to Dalian held in recent days, a dozen overseas travel Vloggers, from Brazil, Korea, Madagascar, Pakistan, Romania, Thailand, Tunis, the UK, the US, and so on, came to Dalian for a 4-day immersive trip. Overseas travel Vloggers took a photo with the giant mechanic bear Beibei in the Bear Cave Street Photo by Wang Wen During the four days, these Vloggers from all around the world visited Bangchui Island, Jinshi Beach, Fisherman Pier, and other tourist sites. They may take a walk on the beach, watch the tides and waves, or get on a boat to go deep into the sea. They have come to the Wisdom Park, the Bear Cave Street, the Museum of World Musical and Cultura, the Xinyifang Intangible Cultural Heritage Cheongsam Art Space, and the EX Future Technology Museum, to experience the charm and attractiveness of the industrial art and culture in this city. They show to the world, using the cameras in their hands, how the modern Dalian looks like in their eyes. The green mountains and the blue seas, decorated by lush trees and beautiful clouds respectively, connect with each other to form a fantastic view. The peculiar and magnificent terrain has amazed all these travel Vloggers as well. Lee Barrett, the Vlogger from the UK shared that the eye-catching scenery has brought him quite a lot of good materials for posting videos: "Dalian is a city with fascinating scenery of mountains and sea. I need to record it and share it with my followers." "The fishing ban has ended in Dalian! The sea urchin meat is very thick. The more you eat, the fresher you feel. Enjoying the sea urchin while watching the sea is just fantastic, as if we are tasting the sea." Korean travel Vlogger Kim JunBum said in front of the camera while cracking open the sea urchin, sitting by the Fisherman Pier in the salty and humid breeze of the sea. Behind him, rows of boats are parked there, after their fishing journeys. Story continues This city full of romance will bring more surprises to the overseas travel Vloggers. The Thai Vlogger Xiaomao said: "I can't wait to take videos of all the beauty in Dalian and share them with more friends. I am sure they will fall in love with this city, just like I do." Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/overseas-travel-vloggers-visited-dalian-promoting-the-seaside-city-of-beauty-and-romance-to-the-world-301938727.html SOURCE CRI Online Pan-African venture capital firm P1 Ventures has reached the first close of its second fund at $25 million. The venture capital firm secured this capital from some of Africas largest industrial conglomerates and private companies, several fund of funds and general partners of global funds based in the U.S. and Europe. P1 Ventures expects to reach a final close by early next year, founder and general partner Mikael Hajjar told TechCrunch in an interview. Hajjar launched P1 Ventures in 2020 with Hisham Halbouny, who also serves as a general partner. Its first fund (a proof of concept fund, as Hajjar calls it) allocated $11 million to 24 ventures, primarily concentrating on e-commerce, fintech, insurtech, health tech, and SaaS industries. While this second fund (its first institutional fund) will still focus on these sectors, the firm is adding AI to the mix. Its first investment in this category is Zambian startup Nkoloso.ai, which gathers data and keeps track of vast tracts of agricultural land using satellite imagery and AI. Its also one of two AI startups and five portfolio companies the Dubaibased venture capital firm has backed from its second fund. Hajjar argues that the use of AI by the firm in the agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors exemplifies Africas potential to leverage this emerging technology to bypass traditional infrastructure, similar to the way mobile money in Africa surpassed the need for debit and credit card infra. Additionally, AI demonstrates how African companies may develop products with global reach. We believe that AI will be Africas next big leapfrog opportunity. So when you think how fintech transformed the continent and allowed it to disrupt the banking sector, we believe AI will do the same with sectors like retail, healthcare, and the creative economy, said the general partner. What we see beautiful in AI is the ability to export. As you know, single market and currency risk are the main risks in investing in Africa. The beauty of AI is that you have export-first businesses. Hajjar cited Egypt-born Instabug and BioNTech-subsidiary InstaDeep as examples of such African-founded software and AI businesses with customers in the U.S., Europe and globally. Story continues P1 Ventures, which has offices in Lagos and Cairo, recently began an Entrepreneur In Residence program, under which Nkoloso.ai received funding. Both partners utilize their skills and expertise as past operators to manage this venture studio, which plans to incubate four more startups in the next four years headed by founders capable of achieving product-market fit and scaling the product. During the interview, Hajjar proudly highlights his firms contrarian approach to VC investment in Africa. We go off the beaten path and back the underdogs; we invest where no one else does, he says, underscoring super early investments made from P1 Ventures first fund in startups operating within Francophone Africa markets, including Yassir, a mobility startup-turned-super app in Algeria; Chari, a B2B e-commerce platform in Morocco; and Djamo, a payments startup in the Ivory Coast. These upstarts have emerged as the most well-funded startups in their respective countries. Notably, Yassir, the firms first investment, stands out as one of the most valuable startups in Africa and the Middle East. P1 Ventures L-R: Hisham Halbouny and Mikael Hajjar. Image Credits: P1 Ventures Although most of P1 Ventures investments from its initial fund were made in the seed stage, the firm characterizes itself as multistage and occasionally engages in Series A and B investments opportunistically. It is evident that P1 Ventures likely provided small checks during subsequent stages of expansion for companies such as Yassir and Egyptian fintech MoneyFellows, owing to the limited size of its first capital. Nevertheless, it is intriguing that the firm was able to participate in these rounds. Hajjar explained that the partners institutional track record plays a significant factor. He also noted specific instances when stage and geographical arbitrage were crucial and emphasized their active involvement in assisting companies with investors for follow-on rounds, talent, and expansion strategy. Very few African GPs manage funds with that institutional track record and that allows us to have better visibility on what it takes to build category-defining businesses, especially as we look at inflection points and arbitrage across stages and geographies, the general partner said, referencing how P1 Ventures picked Chari at the pre-seed stage rather than more popular B2B e-commerce deals in Egypt and Nigeria and MoneyFellows at Series A instead of other pre-seed/seed stage fintechs at comparable price points in Egypt. On top of that, P1 Ventures was also instrumental in connecting MoneyFellows with CommerzVentures for its Series B round and Chari in several acquisitions it has made in the last two years, Hajjar remarked. Gameball, an Egyptian software company gamifying loyalty and customer retention with a client base across 70 countries, and General Atlantic-backed healthtech Reliance Health are among P1 Ventures 29 early-stage investments in 10 countries since its launch. P1 Ventures has observed that, on average, its portfolio businesses have secured 35 times more follow-on money for every dollar it has invested, even in the face of a decline in global venture capital funding. The firm, which didnt disclose its IRR, asserts that the metric stems from the significant value it contributes to its portfolio firms beyond capital. This value is primarily attributed to the partners multistage, multisector expertise and extensive networks across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Im the first Mauritanian to launch a fund; as you can appreciate, this comes with a deep sense of meaning. I know African talent is more dispersed than current VC is. I intend to be this change agent and empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Just like people took a chance on me as an emerging fund manager, its my duty now to back underdog founders and turn them into regional, if not global, winners, Hajjar stated. Also, what Africa is going through right now, we believe, is very similar to what Europe went through 25 years ago or what Latin America went through eight years ago. We believe P1 is best positioned to emerge as the premier VC just like Index Ventures did in Europe or Kaszek in Latin America. Before engaging in angel investing in 2014 and establishing P1 Ventures in 2021, Halbouny previously had a position as a partner at Man Capital, a subsidiary of Mansour Group. Man Capital had invested early in prominent companies such as Uber, Airbnb, and Bolt. He was also managing director at EFG Hermes, one of MENAs largest investment banks. On the other hand, Hajjar, a Stanford MBA graduate and engineer, held roles in Google, Zum, and Areva. Along with the partners, P1s advisory group also consists of investors and operators, including Emil Michael, the former chief business officer of Uber, and Bernard Dalle, a founding team member of London-based Index Ventures. Innovation across the African continent is booming and P1 is ideally positioned to help African entrepreneurs at the earliest stages build valuable and enduring businesses, Dalle noted. Company Logo Vaccine Packaging Market C O V I D 19 Vaccine Doses Administered In Number Per 100 People Global November 2021 Novemb Vaccine Packaging Market C O V I D 19 Vaccine Doses Administered In Number Per 100 People Global November 2021 Novemb Dublin, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vaccine Packaging Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The vaccine packaging industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom with a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.62% during the forecast period. This meteoric rise can be attributed to the soaring demand for vaccines, primarily driven by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Key players in the market are swiftly scaling up their production capacities to meet this surging global demand. Key Highlights The vaccine packaging market's expansion is being fueled by multiple factors, including the rising incidence of various viral infections and immunological disorders worldwide. The imperative need for efficient vaccine packaging facilities has been significantly amplified by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the growing awareness among consumers regarding the importance of early detection and prevention of infectious diseases has led to a surge in demand for protective vaccines, further contributing to the market's growth. Healthcare expenditures, both by individuals and governments, have been on the rise, which bodes well for the vaccine packaging market's growth. A prime example of this is China, where the National Health Commission anticipates the country's healthcare industry to reach CNY 16 trillion (USD 2.39 trillion) by 2030. This substantial investment is poised to drive the market forward. Leading vaccine manufacturers are proactively establishing robust production facilities to prepare for future pandemics. These strategic moves are expected to sustain long-term market growth. For instance, in April 2022, pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced a substantial investment of EUR 900 million (USD 618.55 million) to construct two state-of-the-art Evolutive Vaccine Facilities (EVFs) in France and Singapore. Story continues Vaccine Packaging Market Trends Emphasis on Immunization Campaigns by Governments Countries such as India, China, the United States, and various European nations have swiftly developed and acquired COVID-19 vaccines through concerted government efforts. These nations have also executed extensive vaccine distribution programs to curb the spread of the virus. As of July 2022, the Indian government administered nearly 2 billion COVID-19 vaccinations. Beyond COVID-19, governments worldwide are intensifying their efforts against other diseases like monkeypox and polio. In 2022, numerous countries experienced the spread of monkeypox, with over 47,600 confirmed cases worldwide as of August 2022, including over 17,000 cases in the United States. Governments are also fortifying vaccine supply chains for diseases like monkeypox. For example, the United States government announced in August 2022 that it would contribute approximately USD 11 million to support Bavarian Nordic in packaging its BAVA.CO Jynneos monkeypox vaccine at a U.S.-based manufacturing facility. Furthermore, funding for immunization campaigns has been on the rise. In the case of polio, the United States government's support has increased from USD 134 million in FY 2009 to USD 253 million in FY 2022. Asia-Pacific is Expected to Grow with the Highest CAGR Glass packaging manufacturers and suppliers are strategically relocating to China, India, and Brazil due to the burgeoning opportunities presented by the pharmaceutical industry in these countries, particularly in vaccine packaging. As the vaccine packaging sector in the region experiences remarkable growth alongside the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, market players are committed to securing a stable supply of pharmaceutical glass. SCHOTT, for instance, is investing nearly EUR 70 million in expanding its Indian tubing site in Jambusar, Gujarat, resulting in a more than 30% increase in the facility's overall Indian production capacity. This investment aligns with the government's vision of India becoming a global pharmaceutical hub. Additionally, the Indo-German joint venture between specialty glass manufacturers Schott AG and Kaisha anticipates selling approximately 380 million vials for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021-2022. China has pledged to make its COVID-19 vaccines a global public good, exporting and donating them to as many nations as possible. Vaccine manufacturers are also expanding their facilities across Southeast and East Asian countries to enhance supply flow management. For example, in February 2022, COVID-19 vaccine producer Moderna announced its expansion in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Malaysia to better serve Asian markets, contributing to the growth of the vaccine packaging market in the region. Vaccine Packaging Market Competitor Analysis The vaccine packaging market is highly competitive, boasting a strong presence of major players worldwide. With stringent quality requirements for packaging and the dominance of established market players, the industry maintains a moderately concentrated landscape. Key market participants are adopting various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and expansion to extend their reach and enhance production capabilities. A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Gerresheimer AG Nipro Corporation Piramal Glass Private Limited Catalent, Inc. Schott AG Becton, Dickinson and Company Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd Corning, Inc. SGD Pharma Stevanato Group For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/alku3f 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 CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 The Philippine coastguard said it removed a floating barrier installed by China at the contested Scarborough Shoal, as observers urged Beijing to avoid escalating the dispute. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his special task force on the South China Sea ordered that the cordon - at the entrance to the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal - be removed, the coastguard said in a statement on Monday. "The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk," the coastguard said, calling the shoal "an integral part of the Philippine national territory". 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. Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano had earlier on Monday said action would be taken to get rid of the 300-metre (980-foot) barrier "to protect the rights of our fishermen in the area". Beijing had defended its move, accusing the Philippines of worsening tensions by deploying a government boat that it said "intruded" into waters off the shoal "without permission" and tried to enter the lagoon on Friday. "The China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law and exercised professional restraint in blocking and driving [the Philippine vessel] away," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters in Beijing. Hu Bo, director of Beijing-based think tank the SCS Strategic Situation Probing Initiative and the Centre for Maritime Strategy Studies at Peking University, said the barrier might have been a "temporary measure" to stop Filipinos from fishing in the area. "This is part of China's long-standing policy on Huangyan Island," Hu said, using the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal. Story continues Beijing blocked Filipino fishers from entering the lagoon after it took control of the uninhabited shoal following a tense maritime stand-off in 2012 - prompting Manila to take Beijing to an international tribunal over its territorial claims in the South China Sea. The tribunal ruled in 2016 that Beijing's claims to most of the waterway were invalid, but Beijing rejected the ruling. Philippine fishing boats have been allowed to return to Scarborough Shoal since late 2016 after then-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing and ties improved. But even though the boats were given access to waters near the shoal, "they were never allowed to fish in its inner lagoon", according to Hu. Philippine fishing boats anchored near the Chinese-controlled shoal on Thursday. Photo: AFP alt=Philippine fishing boats anchored near the Chinese-controlled shoal on Thursday. Photo: AFP> A triangular-shaped chain of reefs and rocks, Scarborough Shoal is the largest atoll in the South China Sea with a lagoon spanning about 150 sq km and abundant marine resources, making it a prime fishing area. China has claimed Scarborough Shoal as part of its ancestral territory since the 1300s. Manila made a claim to the shoal as its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 1997, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The shoal is located some 220km from the Philippines and nearly 900km from China. It is also close to the Bashi Channel, gateway to the Pacific Ocean, giving it strategic importance to China, the Philippines and the United States, which has maintained a military presence in the region for decades. Hu said it was unlikely the US would directly intervene in the latest row between China and the Philippines. "The US didn't take any action in 2012 [during the stand-off] and I don't think it will do so this time." But Chen Xiangmiao, an associate researcher with the National Institute for South China Sea Studies on Hainan Island, disagreed, noting that the stakes were high because of the shoal's geopolitical significance. "I think the possibility is quite high that the US may step in if the situation continues to escalate," Chen said. Washington and Manila are set to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea later this year, while US officials including defence chief Lloyd Austin have pledged to defend Philippine vessels if they are attacked in the waterway. Tensions have been rising between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea. In February, the Philippines accused China of using a "military grade" laser light to scuttle a resupply mission to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. And last month the Chinese coastguard fired water cannon at Philippine boats on a mission to deliver supplies to troops stationed at a grounded warship on the shoal. Last week, the Philippines said it was exploring legal options, accusing China of destroying coral reefs within its EEZ in the Spratlys - a claim Beijing rejected. Dai Fan, an associate professor and director of the Centre for Philippine Studies at Jinan University in Guangzhou, said the recent confrontations were "unusual" and there could be more to come. But he said Beijing should be careful to avoid the situation turning into a wider conflict. "Behind the Philippines there is Asean, and we need to avoid any escalation that would hurt China's overall relations with the region." 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. FILE PHOTO: Qantas Airways QF100 flight, which marks the airline's 100th birthday, departs from Sydney Airport to fly over Sydney Harbour in Australia SYDNEY (Reuters) - A union for pilots employed by Australia's Qantas Airways called for the company's chairman to resign following a host of scandals that have drawn fierce criticism from travellers, regulators, lawmakers and its own employees. The Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), which represents most of Qantas's roughly 3,000 pilots, said on Tuesday it wrote to the airline's new CEO Vanessa Hudson demanding the resignation of Chairman Richard Goyder, saying morale "has never been lower". "We have totally lost confidence in Goyder and his board," AIPA President Captain Tony Lucas said in a statement. "Qantas desperately needs a culture reset but how can this happen with Richard Goyder as chairman?" Qantas declined to comment, referring Reuters to previous public comments from Goyder where he refused to quit. Goyder, who has been the airline's chairman since 2018, is not up for reelection at its annual meeting in November. With the addition of its pilots, the airline that sells three in every five Australian domestic airfares has drawn public attacks from almost every stakeholder group after a string of scandals that saw its previous longstanding CEO Alan Joyce bring forward his retirement. In a few weeks, Qantas has been accused of lobbying the federal government to stop rival Qatar Airways selling more flights to Australia, served with an antitrust lawsuit alleging it sold tickets on thousands of cancelled flights and found in court to have sacked 1,700 ground staff illegally. That has led to criticism from lawmakers, unions, investors and consumer groups, and overshadowed a record annual profit reported by the so-called flying kangaroo last month. "Qantas has a lot of work to do to repair the damage that has been done to its reputation, both in terms of workers and in terms of customers," Australian Prime Minister Albanese told reporters, asked about the pilot demand for Goyder to leave. Story continues The AIPA did not say who should replace Goyder, nor did it say what it would do if he stayed chairman. Qantas, meanwhile, warned on Monday that persistently high oil prices were driving up its fuel costs, prompting analysts to downgrade profit forecasts. Qantas shares were down 1.3% in morning trading on Tuesday to the lowest level in a year, against a 0.5% dip on the broader index.. (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Jamie Freed) City officials oppose plans to convert Midtown Center's former Walmart into mostly self-storage lockers. A plan to convert a long-vacant central city Walmart into a self-storage facility with retail storefronts is opposed by city officials. But that could change if the proposal is revised, according to Ald. Mark Chambers, whose district includes the site. Council Bluffs, Iowa-based Affordable Family Storage wants to convert 107,000 square feet of the 150,000-square-foot former Midtown Center Walmart, 5825 W. Hope Ave., into 850 self-storage units. The firm would convert the remaining space into four small- and mid-sized retail and commercial storefronts. Affordable Family Storage also would replace part of the former Walmart parking lot with green space which could eventually be a site for affordable apartments. Self-storage centers are barred at Midtown Center, and Affordable Family Storage's plans don't meet the city's criteria for providing an exception to that prohibition, said Sam Leichtling, city planning manager. The firm's proposal isn't providing enough information with its redevelopment plans, Leichtling told the Plan Commission at its Monday meeting. Even with additional details, self-storage isn't a use that would likely bring more activity to Midtown Center, he said. Brian Randall, Affordable Family Storage's attorney, said Midtown has around 50,000 square feet of vacant space in addition to the empty Walmart. He said the firm's proposal would help draw smaller retailers to the building, which has been vacant since 2016. An affiliate of Affordable Family Storage bought the property in June 2022 for $3.28 million. If the city allows the company to operate the self-storage business, it can then work to draw the retail and other commercial tenants as well as pursue plans for affordable apartments in the former parking lot, said Trent Overhue, whose family operates Affordable Family Storage. Don't just look at the self-storage use, Overhue said. "Look at the good of what we're bringing," he said. Story continues Ald. Chambers said he opposes the plan in part because a large self-storage facility would do little to help Midtown Center. But Chambers said he appreciated Affordable Family Storage's willingness to listen to his concerns and adjust its plans. He said he's open to supporting the proposal with additional changes. The Plan Commission voted to deny the company's request for the zoning exception. Midtown Center has struggled to attract retailers for years. But there have been bright spots. In 2016, Phoenix Investors LLC purchased the former Lowes home improvement store and converted it into light industrial space. It's now leased to Sellars Absorbent Materials Inc. Kroger Co. invested $2 million in 2018 to remodel Midtown's Pick 'n Save supermarket. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. 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 Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee opposes converting former Midtown Walmart to storage, retail TWYMEEG sales in Japan for the last quarter (April-June) grew 23% over the prior quarter, in line with Sumitomo Pharmas FY 2023 forecast 1 , which would represent a 90% increase over the prior year sales Company actively pursuing additional financing to initiate ALD Phase 2 Proof-of-Concept (POC) studies and execute its rare diseases strategy As of June 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 7.6 million (USD 8.2 million)2; cash runway through Q2 2025, assuming full drawdown of the existing equity-linked financing facility with IRIS The management team will host webcast conference calls on Tuesday, September 26 at: 1:00 pm CEST, Paris time (7:00 am ET) in French and 8:30 am ET, New York time (2:30 pm CEST) in English. A presentation will be available after the event on Poxel's website in the Investor section. To register for the webcast in French: click here To register for the webcast in English: click here LYON, France, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: POXEL SA (Euronext: POXEL - FR0012432516), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare metabolic disorders, today announced its financial results for the period ended June 30, 2023 and provided a corporate update. Thomas Kuhn, Chief Executive Officer of Poxel, stated: "During the first semester of 2023, TWYMEEG strong sales momentum has been confirmed, with a total growth sales amount for the year 2022 that exceeded Sumitomo Pharmas forecast by 20%, and a 23% increase for the first quarter of Sumitomo Pharma fiscal year. This trend has been key to the success of our recent debt restructuring with our lenders. Our debt restructuring, along with the potential full drawdown of a new equity-linked financing with IRIS, extended our cash runway through Q2 2025. We are now concentrating our resources to actively work on other financing options to allow us to pursue our strategy in rare diseases, which includes the launch of Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in this area, starting with adrenoleukodystrophy." Story continues First Half 2023 Key Events Commercial Update TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) For the quarter ended June 2023, TWYMEEG gross sales in Japan increased 23% to JPY 1.16 billion (EUR 7.4 million) 2 over the prior quarter sales of JPY 0.9 billion (EUR 6.2 million) 2 as reported by Sumitomo Pharma. The sales in recent quarters have accelerated due to the end of initial launch year restrictions for TWYMEEG in September 2022, which limited new products to two weeks prescriptions, and Sumitomo Pharmas commercial efforts to leverage TWYMEEGs potential. Thanks to its unique mechanism of action and safety profile, TWYMEEG can be used both as a monotherapy and in combination with other treatments, such as DPP4 inhibitors, the most prescribed treatment for Japanese Type-2-Diabetes patients, and SGLT2 inhibitors, which are growing strongly in Japan, and contribute to the increase in sales. These factors have resulted in a much higher increase in demand for TWYMEEG than expected by Sumitomo Pharma, and thus inventories are temporarily tight. Sumitomo Pharma is working diligently to increase the production and secure inventory capacity to meet this increasing demand. For its FY 2023, Sumitomo Pharma announced a forecast for TWYMEEG of JPY 4.2 billion 1 (EUR 28.9 million) 3 which would represent a 90% increase over FY 2022 TWYMEEG gross sales. For the Sumitomo Pharma FY 2023, as a conservative assumption in line with Sumitomo Pharmas forecast, Poxel expects to receive 8% royalties on TWYMEEG net sales. As part of the Merck Serono licensing agreement, Poxel will pay Merck Serono a fixed 8% royalty based on the net sales of TWYMEEG, independent of the level of sales. During Sumitomo Pharma FY 2024 (ending March 31, 2025), Poxel expects TWYMEEG net sales in Japan to reach at least JPY 5 billion (EUR 34.4 million) 3 entitling Poxel to receive 10% royalties on all TWYMEEG net sales (on which the first 8% will still be paid to Merck Serono) and a sales-based payment of JPY 500 million (EUR 3.4 million) 3 . Beyond Sumitomo Pharma FY 2024, Poxel expects to receive escalating double-digit royalties as well as additional sales-based payments upon achievement of contractually based sales thresholds. As per the debt restructuring agreements established with its lenders in March, positive net royalties and sales-based payments will be directed to Poxel debt reimbursement until the loans are fully repaid (which Poxel expects in Q2 2029, at the latest). After this time, subsequent net royalties and sales-based payments will revert back to Poxel. As part of the Sumitomo Pharmas ongoing efforts to communicate TWYMEEGs unique mechanism of action and safety profile, 9 abstracts based on Imeglimin Phase 2b and Phase 3 clinical trials were accepted for oral presentations at the 66 th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Diabetes Society (JDS), held in Kagoshima, Japan, May 11-13, 2023. A Phase 4, 52-week, Open-label, Long-Term Study of Imeglimin in Japanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Renal Impairment is currently ongoing in Japan to strengthen TWYMEEG profile in this key subpopulation, and top line results are expected in 2024. For territories not covered by its agreement with Sumitomo Pharma, Poxel is having active discussions with various potential partners for Imeglimin, in several countries. Those discussions also involve India, where local companies have received approval and have launched Imeglimin, in monotherapy only. At the date of this press release, no agreement has been established, and Poxel continues to be committed to asserting its rights in connection with its assets. Rare metabolic diseases In adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), PXL770 and PXL065 are prepared to advance, subject to additional financing, into two Phase 2 biomarker proof-of-concept (POC) clinical trials in male patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), the most common ALD subtype. The 12-week studies will evaluate pharmacokinetics, safety and potential for efficacy based on relevant disease biomarkers, such as the effect on very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), the characteristic plasma marker of the disease. In line with its mission, Poxel aims to bring therapeutic options to treat ALD, and supported the Alex Leukodystrophy Charity during their Community Weekend, which took place from April 28 th to May 1 st in Birmingham, England. This event brings together leukodystrophy sufferers and their families, alongside doctors, researchers and scientists from around the world to discuss leukodystrophies. On June 23rd and 24th, Poxel participated virtually at the ULF (United Leukodystrophy Foundation) Scientific Symposium and Family Conference in Itasca, Illinois, USA. Sophie Bozec, Poxel Senior Vice President, R&D Pharmacology and Scientific Communication presented Poxels status and plans for PXL770 and for the deuterium-modified TZD platform, using PXL065, based on robust scientific rationale and a complete preclinical package. Corporate Update On June 21 st , the Company held its ordinary annual and extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. The shareholders approved all the resolutions that were recommended by the Board of Directors, including the renewal of Mr. Khoso Baluch, Mr. Thomas Kuhn et Ms. Pascale Boissel as Board members. During the first semester, the Company pursued its corporate savings plan initiated in 2022 aiming at adapting the Companys resources to the current clinical development plan while preserving critical resources and competencies. At the date of this press release, there are 15 employees at Poxel compared to 37 at the end of December 2022. Significant Events after the Period On July 5th, Poxel was chosen as the winner of the 2023 edition of the I-nov contest for its program in ALD. Financed by the French State via the France 2030 plan, the prize of this contest includes a grant which will contribute in part4 in the financing of the two phase IIa proof-of-concept clinical studies for PXL770 and PXL065, which are ready to be launched, subject to additional funding, which the Company is actively working on. In July 2023, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted Poxel a new patent for PXL065, a novel, proprietary deuterium-stabilized R-stereoisomer of pioglitazone, which describes a specific form of PXL065 with unique properties. This recently issued patent provides additional protection through 2041, with the potential for an additional 5 years through patent term extension. In 2022, Poxel had been granted the same patent for PXL065 from the US Patent Office. First Half 2023 Financial Results (IFRS standards) Revenue EUR (in thousands) H1 2023 6 months H1 2022 6 months Sumitomo Pharma Agreement 955 83 Other - - Total revenues 955 83 Poxel reported revenue of EUR 955 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, as compared to EUR 83 thousand revenue during the corresponding period in 2022. Revenue for the first half of 2023 reflects JPY 148 million (EUR 955 thousand) of royalty revenue from Sumitomo Pharma which represents 8% of TWYMEEG net sales in Japan. Based on the current forecast, Poxel expects to receive 8% royalties on TWYMEEG net sales in Japan through the Sumitomo Pharma fiscal year 2023 (April 2023 to March 2024). As part of the Merck Serono licensing agreement, Poxel will pay Merck Serono a fixed 8% royalty based on the net sales of Imeglimin, independent of the level of sales. Income Statement EUR (in thousands) 2023 6 months 2022 6 months Revenue 955 83 Cost of sales (955) (83) Gross margin - - Research and development expenses* (2,772) (7,882) Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets (16,572) - General and administrative expenses (4,278) (4,295) Operating gain (loss) (23,274) (12,178) Financial income (loss) (2,968) (1,223) Income tax - - Net income (loss) (26,243) (13,401) *Net of R&D tax credit. In the first half of 2023, the amount of amortization and depreciation of intangible assets includes exclusively the impairment of PXL065 for EUR 16.6 million. This impairment aims to best reflect the current value of PXL065, taking into account the Company's need to obtain additional financing to pursue its development plan in NASH or ALD, its current market capitalization and the macroeconomic context in which it operates. However, the Company considers that the potential of PXL065 in its targeted indications remains unchanged and very promising. Depending on the evolution of ongoing discussions for a partnership for PXL065, the Company will reassess the value of the PXL065 asset at the end of the second half of 2023. R&D expenses totaled EUR 2.8 million for the first half of 2023, as compared to EUR 7.9 million for the corresponding period in 2022. The 2023 decrease primarily reflects the end, in 2022, of the Phase 2 DESTINY study evaluating PXL065 in NASH. R&D expenses are net of the R&D Tax Credit (CIR) that resulted in an income of EUR 0.3 million for the first half of 2023 as compared to EUR 0.9 million for the corresponding period in 2022. General and administrative expenses totaled EUR 4.3 million for the first half of 2023, unchanged compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The financial loss amounted to EUR 3.0 million for the first half of 2023, compared to EUR 1.2 million during the first half of 2022. It primarily reflected the interests attached to the Company indebtedness. The net result for the financial period ending June 30, 2023, was a net loss of EUR 26.2 million, as compared to a net loss of EUR 13.4 million in the corresponding period in 2022. First Half 2023 Cash and Cash equivalent EUR (in thousands) H1 2023 Q4 2022 Cash 7,597 13,058 Cash equivalents - - Total cash and cash equivalents 7,597 13,058 As of June 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 7.6 million (USD 8.2 million), as compared to EUR 13.1 million (USD 14.0 million) as of December 31, 2022. Net financial debt (excluding IFRS16 impacts and derivative debts) was EUR 37.7 million as of June 30, 2023, as compared to EUR 29.5 million as of December 31, 2022. On March 23, 2023, the Company finalized agreements with its lenders to restructure its existing debt facility and established a new equity-linked financing with IRIS, including an initial drawdown of EUR 3.5 million. Based on: this cash position on June 30, 2023, the full drawdown of the tranches available under the equity-linked financing with IRIS, the current research and development plan, excluding the initiation of Phase 2 clinical POC biomarker studies for PXL065 and PXL770 in AMN, and a strict control of its operating expenses, Poxel expects that its resources will be sufficient to fund its operations and capital expenditure requirements through Q2 2025. The full drawdown of the IRIS equity linked facility can be made subject to certain conditions described in the Companys Universal Registration Document. At the date of this press release and only based on the tranches already drawn5 or fully available6, the Company expects that its resources will be sufficient to fund its operations and capital expenditure requirements until January 2024. Planned Presentations and Participations at the Following Upcoming Events 12 th International Meeting on AMPK, October 5 (virtual) 7 th Annual H.C. Wainwright NASH Investor Conference, October 24 (virtual) Healthtech Innovation Days (HTID), HealthTech For Care, October 24-25 (in Paris and virtual) Next Financial Press Release: Third Quarter 2023 Results and Corporate Update, on November 8, 2023 About Poxel SA Poxel is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare disorders. For the treatment of NASH, PXL065 (deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone) met its primary endpoint in a streamlined Phase 2 trial (DESTINY-1). In rare diseases, development of PXL770, a first-in-class direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, is focused on the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TWYMEEG (Imeglimin), Poxels first-in-class product that targets mitochondrial dysfunction, is marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Japan by Sumitomo Pharma and Poxel expects to receive royalties and sales-based payments. Poxel has a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Pharma for Imeglimin in Japan, China, and eleven other Asian countries. Listed on Euronext Paris, Poxel is headquartered in Lyon, France, and has subsidiaries in Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit: www.poxelpharma.com All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Companys control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Companys control that could cause the Companys actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not endorse or is not otherwise responsible for the content of external hyperlinks referred to in this press release. Glossary You will find below a list of words and/or expressions that are used in this press release or in Poxels communication, with the aim to bring clarification and transparency: Sumitomo Pharma fiscal year runs April to March. As an example, Fiscal Year 2023 is April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024. TWYMEEG royalties: As per the Sumitomo Pharmas agreement, Poxel is entitled to receive royalties from the sales of TWYMEEG (Imeglimin) in Japan Sumitomo Pharma communicates gross sales TWYMEEG, while TWYMEEG royalties are calculated on net sales. Net sales represent the amount of gross sales to which are deducted potential rebates, allowances, and costs such as prepaid freight, postage, shipping, customs duties and insurance charges. Poxel is entitled to receive escalating royalties of 8-18% on TWYMEEG net sales from Sumitomo Pharma. Positive net royalties: as part of the Merck Serono licensing agreement, Poxel will pay Merck Serono a fixed 8% royalty based on the net sales of TWYMEEG, independent of the level of sales. All royalties that Poxel receives from TWYMEEG net sales above that 8% level are considered as positive net royalties. Net royalties will therefore be positive for Poxel when TWYMEEG net sales exceed JPY 5 billion in a fiscal year and royalties reach 10% and above. 1 As per Sumitomo Pharma FY23 forecast of JPY 4.2 billion published on May 15, 2023. 2 Converted at the exchange rate as of June 30, 2023. 3 Converted at the exchange rate as of March 31, 2023. 4 Up to 45% of the estimated eligible costs. 5 Since March 31, 2023, 2 additional tranches of EUR 600,000 each have been drawn in May and July. 6 At the date of this press release, the amount of redeemable bonds owned by IRIS is EUR 5,545,000, and the Group has the ability to drawdown EUR 1,155,000 under the additional tranches. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230925488334/en/ Contacts Contacts - Investor relations / Media Aurelie Bozza Investor Relations & Communication Senior Director aurelie.bozza@poxelpharma.com +33 6 99 81 08 36 NewCap Nicolas Fossiez, Aurelie Manavarere / Arthur Rouille poxel@newcap.eu +33 1 44 71 94 94 RonBailey / Getty Images/iStockphoto Regardless of where you live in the world, saving for retirement can be difficult. In addition to earning a salary that more than covers your bills, youll need the discipline and dedication to consistently sock that money away. Retirement Savings: Experts Say This Magic Number Is the Key and Its Not $1 Million Learn: The Simple, Effective Way To Fortify Your Retirement Mix As it can be hard for some to avoid spending money in the present to save it for a retirement that may be decades away, various strategies have been developed around the world to help. Here are some proven methods that you might be able to implement into your own retirement savings strategy. Pay Yourself First One expression you might hear the world over, but particularly in America, is to pay yourself first. All this means is that its easier to save when you put the first dollars of your paycheck toward your retirement savings rather than your bills or discretionary expenses. Then you live off your remaining funds. This takes discipline and some level of sacrifice but is one of the best ways to ensure that you are actually saving every month. Retirement Savings: 5 Expenses You Can Easily Cut, According to Experts Envelope System The envelope system involves setting aside money from your paycheck every month into envelopes representing your flexible and/or discretionary expenses. For example, you might put $400 into your grocery envelope, $100 into your dining out envelope, $125 into your transportation envelope and $75 into your clothing envelope. Once that money is spent, you cant buy anything more in those categories until the following month. Fixed, necessary expenses like rent are not generally included in the envelope system since they are required costs that dont generally change from month to month. Frugal Living The idea of frugal living is not quite as onerous as it might sound. Rather than living an ascetic, pleasure-free lifestyle, frugal living means simply living in the most cost-effective manner you can while still enjoying your life. If youre overspending on clothing or eating out, for example, you might find that you can divert some of that money to your retirement savings without diminishing the quality of your life at all. Story continues Piggy Banking Piggy banking is a user-friendly term for the strategy of creating different savings pools for your money. If youre trying to save for retirement, your kids college fund and a new home, set up a separate piggy bank or simply separate savings/investment accounts for each of these goals. Every month, put a little bit of your savings into each account. While this will make saving for each goal a bit slower, youll be more likely to hit all of your savings targets rather than funding one at the cost of others. The 30-Day Rule The 30-day rule simply enforces a waiting period until you can buy a discretionary item. The idea behind this system is that you may very well lose interest in that purchase once the impulse to buy it has passed. Minimalist Living Minimalist living is practiced in Scandinavian countries and others around the globe and runs counter to the overconsumerism some say exists in America. By living with just the necessities in life, you might be surprised how much money youre actually able to save for retirement. Automatic Savings Automatic savings has become the mantra of financial advisors worldwide, especially in the era of electronic banking. With a few simple clicks on your computer, you can automatically divert some of your paycheck to your 401(k) plan, IRA or even your general savings account. Once youve set it up, your money will automatically go to work for you every month without you even having to think about it. Family/Community Savings Pools The idea of a family savings pool is influenced by Mexican tandas, which involve a family (or community) saving as a group, with the collected amount being passed around to individuals on a rotating basis. The Kenyan harambee is a similar concept but is tailored more toward a family or community saving for a specific need. Respecting the Value of Your Money The idea of respecting your money as something of value that should be treasured rather than something you simply spend is inspired by the Japanese view of money. In Japan, cash is often given reverentially as a gift, using crisp, unfolded bills only. This practice isnt money worship as much as a reflection of the Japanese understanding of money as something that can do great things when treated well. Treating your own money as something that can grow and fund an enjoyable retirement rather than as something to provide you with instant gratification can help you build a healthy nest egg over the long run. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Retirement Savings: Try One of These 9 Proven Methods From Around the World Getting Visitors to Canada insurance has never more affordable or faster VANCOUVER, British Columbia, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Goose Insurance Services Inc., an insurance Super-App offering a simple way to instantly buy insurance, is now offering Visitors to Canada and Super Visa Insurance in response to the historic growth of immigrants and long-term visitors to Canada. According to the Government of Canada, the country welcomed 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, the highest number of new permanent residents in the countrys history. The growth has continued into 2023 with record breaking new immigrants entering Canada since 1972. Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also issues approximately 17,000 super visas to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The super visa provides a multiple-entry to eligible applicants for up to 10 years, with periods of authorized stay for each individual entry extending for up to 5 years. IRCC plans to issue up to 36,000 super visas each year by 2025 under the Family Immigration Plan. Proof of medical coverage is a requirement when applying for a Canadian super visa, and medical coverage can be expensive. Now, with the Goose Visitors to Canada and Super Visa Insurance, those applying have a new option at their fingertips in the Goose Insurance app. Goose Visitors to Canada and Super Visa Insurance is one of the most affordable plans in the market and it meets the requirements for super visa applicants. Available on the App Store or Google Play, the Goose app makes enrolling in the Visitors to Canada and Super Visa Insurance simple. The policy includes: Immediate coverage Installment payment options, policyholders can pay either in full, or in installments Up to $1 million in coverage No deductible Coverage up to age 85 Benefits include: Emergency Hospital and Medical Services, Prescription Drugs, Emergency Transportation and Repatriation and much more Story continues "Canada is experiencing an influx of immigrants that has not been seen in decades and 30% of the population is expected to be immigrants by 2036," said Omar Kaywan, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Goose Insurance. "As more people immigrate to Canada, we are also seeing an increase in parents and grandparents traveling to the country for long-term visits on super visas. Recognizing this trend, and as a company co-founded by Canadian immigrants, we sought to make acquiring medical coverage necessary for visitors to Canada and super visa applicants easier to understand and secure, and more affordable. We are excited to announce the launch of our new Visitors to Canada and Super Visa Insurance policy and look forward to serving the growing population of immigrants and long-term visitors to Canada." More information on the details of the Goose Insurance Visitors to Canada and SuperVisa Insurance policy can be found by visiting https://www.gooseinsurance.com/. About Goose Insurance Established in 2018, Goose Insurance Services takes the confusing parts out of buying insurance and makes it easier than ever to get the right coverage. And it all happens in seconds, from a single app. For more information about Goose, or to download the app, visit www.gooseinsurance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926267857/en/ Contacts Media Contact Laura Baumgartner VP Asylum PR lbaumgartner@asylumpr.com 630-299-9616 Key Insights Institutions' substantial holdings in RHB Bank Berhad implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price A total of 2 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownership Analyst forecasts along with ownership data serve to give a strong idea about prospects for a business Every investor in RHB Bank Berhad (KLSE:RHBBANK) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 72% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company. Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or 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 RHB Bank Berhad, beginning with the chart below. Check out our latest analysis for RHB Bank Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About RHB Bank Berhad? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. We can see that RHB Bank Berhad does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. It is not uncommon to see a big share price drop if two large institutional investors try to sell out of a stock at the same time. So it is worth checking the past earnings trajectory of RHB Bank Berhad, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. RHB Bank Berhad is not owned by hedge funds. Employees Provident Fund of Malaysia is currently the largest shareholder, with 41% of shares outstanding. For context, the second largest shareholder holds about 10% of the shares outstanding, followed by an ownership of 8.8% by the third-largest shareholder. Story continues To make our study more interesting, we found that the top 2 shareholders have a majority ownership in the company, meaning that they are powerful enough to influence the decisions of the company. Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too. Insider Ownership Of RHB Bank Berhad The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves. Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of RHB Bank Berhad. It is a pretty big company, so it would be possible for board members to own a meaningful interest in the company, without owning much of a proportional interest. In this case, they own around RM353k worth of shares (at current prices). It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public Ownership The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 18% stake in RHB Bank Berhad. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies. Next Steps: While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with RHB Bank Berhad . Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. 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. Complete data privacy for the first time in the AI and finance industry; new capabilities increase advisor productivity and effectiveness 10X NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RiXtrema, a New York-based pioneer in developing innovative tools for 401(k) plan and financial advisors using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science, has announced the launch of version 2.0 of its game changing AI tools, AdvisorAI and 401kAI. RiXtrema (PRNewsfoto/RiXtrema) RiXtrema's new AI tools and their extraordinary capabilities give advisors the ability to do three hours of research in just three minutes, allowing advisors to increase productivity and effectiveness 10X. They completely change how advisors will work with client statements and documents by employing advanced computer vision technology and multiple language models to deliver actionable reports to any prospect within minutes of seeing a statement. Importantly, these tools protect data privacy, a capability unique to AdvisorAI and 401kAI and new in the AI and finance industry. "With the release of AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0, advisor technology will not be the same," said RiXtrema co-founder and president Daniel Satchkov. "Our new AI model for AdvisorAI and 401kAI is strictly gated, ensuring complete data privacy for advisors. Our model sits on a server that is completely protected. Each client's data is siloed and it goes nowhere else. ChatGPT, by comparison is dangerous for privacy. When you use ChatGPT, your data is incorporated into ChatGPT, or OpenAI, and essentially belongs to the world." "If advisors thought ChatGPT was cool, wait until they try AdvisorAI and 401kAI 2.0," continued Satchkov. "Those who adopt this groundbreaking technology will leave everyone else in the dust." ABOUT THE TOOLS The new functionality revolves around analysis, recognition of PDFs, research, quick analysis of large portfolios or 401(k) plans, advanced computer vision technology and multiple language models, and data privacy. Important breakthroughs include: Story continues Ability to load any portfolio or plan menu from the PDF file. Go from a PDF of an individual statement or 408(b)(2) to a full research report in three minutes. Ability to create a detailed analysis of recent trends, fundamentals of every asset in the portfolio, and a near instant research report on a portfolio or any asset. Ability to ask economic or financial questions and receive fast and cogent answers with charts. For example: "What is the US budget deficit for the last 10 years compared to Canada, France and Japan? Please analyze the data and draw conclusions." Upload and ask questions about any prospect or client document in complete privacy (unlike ChatGPT which puts your data into their universe for everyone to access). Summarize dozens of plan document pages with one click. Get AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0 to write custom emails for a plan or an individual. Create effective calling pitches for a plan or an individual. Knows about the advisor's services and qualifications and incorporates that information into emails and pitches. The new tools give advisors AI capabilities that they can control, helping them to become a master of AI in the qualified plan space and with individual clients. AdvisorAI and 401kAI 2.0 completely change how advisors will work with client statements and documents. By employing a multi-step process involving computer vision and multiple language models, it enables advisors to deliver actionable reports to any prospect within minutes of seeing a statement. Advanced computer vision technology allows advisor to even photograph a statement or for a lead to photograph and upload. "This is much more powerful than the old school manual entry of statements or even than data aggregation, which involves passwords and access to sensitive accounts," commented Satchkov. "401kAI and AdvisorAI 2.0 do not require anything other than the ability to photograph a document, everything else is done by the model." A key 10X functionality of the tools is the ability to load any portfolio or plan menu from the PDF file. "Working with lead and client statements is notoriously difficult," stated Satchkov. "It takes time to input the data; yet more time to research and deliver a convincing pitch. AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0 deliver the whole workflow in three minutes. The work is done by a private Large Language Model specifically trained to know finance, investments and economics. Advisors simply take a photo of the statement or load a file. The 2.0 versions of our revolutionary AI solutions run a full research report on every investment and/or qualified plan and delivers up-to-the-minute analysis and relevant charts in a stunning report." MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Satchkov emphasizes the need for advisors to try these tools to understand their benefits accurately. That's why RiXtrema offers a 100% money back guarantee for 401kAI 2.0 and AdvisorAI 2.0. If unhappy with the product or unable to use it, RiXtrema will return the purchaser's money within 30 days of purchase. "I think that many people are confused by the hype around AI, by the type of hope and by the fear that clouds things," explained Satchkov. "That's why we give 30-day money back guarantees to advisors when they purchase one of our AI tools. They can just return it and we'll provide a refund. The reason is that we want people to try the products so they will understand exactly how these tools are helpful. If they're not ready to truly embrace the tools, they can come back later. But they really need to try it in order to understand what our AI tools can do for them." "When you hear talk about Large Language Models or ChatGPT replacing financial advisors, do not be worried about that," cautioned Satchkov. "Be worried about other advisors using those tools to take away your share of market." SEE THE NEW TOOLS IN ACTION: WEBINAR SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 RiXtrema is hosting a webinar on September 28 where Satchkov will demonstrate the capabilities of AdvisorAI 2.0 and 401kAI 2.0. Below are details to sign up for the event. Title: 10X Advisor Free Webinar: How To Do 3 Hours of Research in 3 Minutes Date: September 28, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm ET Register: https://RiXtrema.net/AdvisorAI_live/ SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AI EXPERT: DANIEL SATCHKOV Journalists interested in discussing AI in the finance world, are invited to schedule an interview with Satchkov. He has been building machine learning algorithms for over eight years, and has been doing data science for more than 20 years. He has a lot to say on the subject of AI. In a recent video interview with industry influential Marie Swift, CEO of Impact Communications, Satchkov explained why these new AI tools are generating so much interest with fiduciary advisors nationwide. To view the video replay, click here. ABOUT DANIEL SATCHKOV An expert specializing in financial modeling and machine learning for financial advisors and wealth managers, Daniel Satchkov is the President of RiXtrema Inc. He is a member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory's (IFCC) working group on Artificial Intelligence and Genomic Diagnostics (WG-AIGD). Prior to RiXtrema, he was Associate Director of Risk Research at FactSet (2000-2010), where he researched and developed new and innovative software products dealing with cutting-edge risk measurement and reporting. Satchkov holds Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees from the University of the Pacific, and has spoken at numerous financial conferences. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, has published widely in leading industry magazines (e.g., Journal of Asset Management, Journal of Risk Model Validation, Investment and Pensions Europe), and received the prestigious 2015 Peter L. Bernstein Award for his joint paper "Robust Risk Estimation and Hedging: A Reverse Stress Testing Approach" published by the Journal of Derivatives. ABOUT RIXTREMA, INC. RiXtrema, Inc. is a pioneer in developing innovative tools for financial advisors using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. Based in New York, NY, RiXtrema currently serves over 7,000 retirement plan advisors and financial advisors. The company's mission is to help advisors grow their businesses and comply with fiduciary regulations. RiXtrema was founded in 2010 as a quant risk management system and started serving advisors in 2015. Since then, the company has combined the best machine learning for data gathering and financial math to create actionable reports for fiduciaries. RiXtrema's products use fiduciary analytics, science-based mathematical risk assessment models, intuitive interfaces, fine-tuned searches for plans and sponsors, case studies for each RiXtrema product, science-based mathematical risk assessment models, web-based software that does not need to be installed on computers, and multi-platform support irrespective of the operating system and computer's performance. All RiXtrema products come with a money back guarantee. For more information visit https://RiXtrema.com/. CONTACT: Grace Vogelzang or Corrine Smith Impact Communications, Inc. 913-649-5009 ImpactMediaManager@ImpactCommunications.org CorrineSmith@ImpactCommunications.org Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rixtrema-launches-game-changing-ai-tools-for-401k-plan-and-financial-advisors-with-versions-2-0-of-advisorai-and-401kai-301937991.html SOURCE RiXtrema Labatt becomes the distributor across Quebec of Romeo's Gin non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails and Bockale non-alcoholic beers Romeo's Gin and Bockale will gain visibility through Labatt's extensive distribution network (grocery stores, convenience stores and licensees) across Quebec Labatt is expanding its portfolio of non-alcoholic products, which already includes Corona Sunbrew 0.0% and Budweiser Zero, to position itself as a leader in the Non-alcoholic category MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2023 /CNW/ - One week following the announcement of a new distribution partnership with Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits for its alcoholic beverages portfolio, Duvernois Creative Spirits today announced the signing of a distribution agreement with Labatt Breweries of Canada, one of the largest producers and distributors of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Canada. Effective immediately, Labatt becomes the distributor in Quebec of Duvernois' non-alcoholic portfolio, which features the Romeo's Gin non-alcoholic and Bockale brands. Labatt will now distribute non-alcoholic Romeo's Gin canned cocktails and Bockale beers in Quebec (CNW Group/Duvernois Creative Spirits) Duvernois has been a preeminent figure in the craft spirits market since 2010 and today stands out as Canada's top-selling independent domestic supplier of super premium vodka (Pur Vodka, Canada's Most Awarded Vodka) and gin (Romeo's Gin, Number 1 Super-Premium Gin Brand in Canada). This new agreement with Labatt will play a pivotal role in accelerating its growth plans beyond alcoholic beverages, consolidating the presence and visibility of its brands, both in the hospitality and retail (grocery and convenience stores) segments. This agreement also allows Labatt to broaden its non-alcoholic product portfolio and establish itself as a leader in the Non-alcoholic category. Already a leader in Quebec with Corona Sunbrew 0.0% and Budweiser Zero brands, the addition of non-alcoholic craft beers and ready-to-drink cocktails expands the offering to consumers . Recent data shared by the International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR) indicates that 78% of consumers of non-alcoholic beverages also consume alcoholic beverages. This is an increasingly democratized market with high growth potential. According to the IWSR, the Non-alcoholic category is expected to show year-over-year growth exceeding 10% every year at least until 2026 in Canada and the USA. 70% of this growth will come from non-alcoholic beer. On the other hand, non-alcoholic ready-to-drink will be the fastest growing segment. Story continues Marc-Olivier Bourgeois, Vice President, Quebec Sales at Labatt Breweries of Canada, said: We are excited to extend our partnership with Duvernois Creative Spirits by welcoming Bockale and Romeo's Gin non-alcoholic beverages to our BEES sales ordering mobile application platform. The non-alcoholic beverage category is on the rise as more consumers are adopting a sober curious lifestyle and incorporating non-alcoholic beverages in their social occasions. This addition to our portfolio, which already includes Corona Sunbrew 0.0% and Budweiser Zero, will give our customers a strong selection of brands to choose from and will please consumers seeking to discover non-alcoholic beverage options." Nicolas Duvernois, CEO and Founder of Duvernois Creative Spirits, added: "Today marks an important milestone in the history of Duvernois. As an entrepreneur at the head of a small company from Quebec, I feel immensely proud in partnering with a global leader in our industry! This historic agreement will allow our non-alcoholic Romeo's Gin ready-to-drink cocktails as well as our Bockale non-alcoholic beers to integrate a portfolio of world-class products leading us to new heights, thanks to the collaboration between our two teams of passionate professionals. About Labatt Breweries of Canada Labatt Breweries of Canada has been one of Canada's most respected companies for 176 years with roots back to 1847 in Canada, when a farmer named John Kinder Labatt first entered the business of brewing. Since then, the company has grown to include six key breweries from coast-to-coast, as well as four craft breweries, 70 brands and over 3,600 skilled craftspeople and professionals. We know that we're only as strong as the communities where we live and work, which is why we've been making positive contributions since before Confederation. Today, that dedication to supporting Canadian communities, which includes our many responsible drinking and environmental sustainability programs, is summed up in our purpose: We Dream Big to Create a Future with More Cheers. Our employees are the driving force behind these efforts, rising to the challenge time and time again to lend a hand. And with their dedication to supporting their fellow Canadians matched only by their passion for brewing Canada's best-loved beers, we know that Labatt is here to stay. About Duvernois Creative Spirits Founded in Montreal in 2009, Duvernois Creative Spirits has since been a preeminent figure in the Canadian craft spirits industry and today stands out as Canada's top-selling independent domestic supplier of super premium vodka (Pur Vodka, 2nd Most Awarded Vodka in the World) and gin (Romeo's Gin, Number 1 Super-Premium Gin Brand in Canada). In 2022, it ventured into the Non-alcoholic category though both its investment in Bockale Microbrewery and the launch of its range of Romeo's Gin non-alcoholic canned cocktails. Present in North America, Europe and Japan, its portfolio is distinguished by a desire to imagine and create innovative products of exceptional quality. Constantly evolving, it aims to inspire today and redefine tomorrow. For more information: duvernois.com Follow Duvernois Creative Spirits on Instagram @bock.ale @romeosgin SOURCE Duvernois Creative Spirits Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2023/26/c6452.html Barbara Fried arrives at court for her son's bail hearing last December. ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images Sam Bankman-Fried and his parents spoke to The New Yorker ahead of his trial next Tuesday. His parents have been accused by the bankruptcy estate of siphoning millions of dollars from FTX. Barbara Fried said the prosecutors and FTX Debtors were on a "relentless pursuit of total destruction." Sam Bankman-Fried's mom hit out at prosecutors and the FTX Debtors ahead of the crypto-exchange founder's trial next Tuesday, The New Yorker reported. In an email to the publication, Barbara Fried described the prosecutors and bankruptcy estate as "McCarthyite" and on a "relentless pursuit of total destruction." And she said they were being enabled by "a credulous public that will believe anything they say." The term "McCarthyite" refers to the senator who led a campaign targeting people with left-wing politics and spread fear of communist influence in the US during the 1950s. In modern parlance it is often used to describe exaggerated accusations and the idea of a political witch hunt against people who hold what they perceive to be non-conformist ideals. The FTX Debtors filed a lawsuit against Bankman-Fried's parents last Monday, accusing them of siphoning millions of dollars from the crypto exchange. The couple's attorneys described the allegations as "completely false" and a "dangerous attempt to intimidate" them. Emails cited in the lawsuit also said that Bankman-Fried's dad, Joe Bankman, was upset with his $200,000 salary from FTX because he thought he would be paid $1 million by his son's crypto firm. FTX also purchased a $16.4 million beachfront house in the Bahamas for Bankman-Fried's parents, lawyers said. "It takes a lifetime to build up a reputation as honorable people," Fried, a Stanford professor emeritus and cofounder of the Mind the Gap PAC, told The New Yorker. "It takes five minutes to destroy it, which they now have done." Story continues Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He could face over 100 years in prison if found guilty on all charges. "I think most parents would much rather die, frankly, than see their child accused of such horrible things," his dad told The New Yorker. While on house arrest at his parents' home, Bankman-Fried told the publication he was unaware that FTX customers' money was being used to plug holes created by trading losses from its sister trading-firm, Alameda. "Sam will never speak an untruth," Fried told The New Yorker. "I don't care what is said about me, Joe doesn't care what is said about him," she added. "Saving Sam is the major project of our lives." The FTX Debtors and Fried's attorney did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment, sent outside US working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider As lawmakers try to map a route out of the mess theyve made for themselves, Senate negotiators on Tuesday unveiled a bipartisan plan to fend off a looming federal shutdown set to start on Sunday unless Congress acts. Still, even as leaders in both chambers of Congress prepared to move ahead with efforts to address the potential shutdown, its not clear that any of the plans being discussed have a realistic chance of success. Heres a rundown of where things stand: The Senate: The newly unveiled bipartisan stopgap bill would extend current funding levels through November 17, and include $6 billion for disaster relief and $6.2 billion for Ukraine aid, both less than requested by the White House. Senate Majority Leader emphasized that the bill is a bridge, not a final destination it is simply meant to keep the government open while spending talks continue. Even so, the inclusion of funding for Ukraine could be an obstacle. While senators from both parties want to honor President Joe Bidens request for additional aid, a growing number of Republicans are expressing concerns, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who has pledged to delay any such effort. Both the Ukraine aid and the overall funding levels would be a problem for Republicans in the House, should the Senates continuing resolution pass. The measure effectively punts bigger fights on Ukraine aid and disaster relief in order to move the agreement more quickly through the Senate, as conservatives threaten to delay the bill amid objections to Ukraine funding and other issues, Politicos Caitlin Emma reports. All 100 senators have to agree to greenlight fast passage under the chamber's rules, otherwise a final vote wouldn't occur until after the shutdown deadline had passed. The Senate is planning to take a procedural vote Tuesday night on a bill that would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, and that measure could be used as a vehicle for the stopgap funding plan, which appears likely to clear the Senate sooner or later, setting up a challenge for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Story continues The House: Facing fierce resistance from his right flank, McCarthy has set aside an effort to pass a stopgap spending bill. Instead, starting Tuesday evening, the California Republican plans to bring up four appropriations bills (Defense, Agriculture, Homeland Security and the State Department), with the idea that passing them quickly will give him leverage in negotiations with the Senate and create goodwill with House conservatives, even if it wont do much to prevent a shutdown. But first the House must pass rules that would allow the bills to be debated, and its not clear that those rules will make it. Normally uncontroversial, the rule for the Defense funding bill has failed twice due to opposition from some conservatives including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who says she is a hard no on opening debate to provisions that would provide additional aid to Ukraine. Punchbowls Jake Sherman said Tuesday that House leaders think the defense rule could pass this time around, though maybe to little effect. [T]he prevailing wisdom in House GOP circles is that all four approps bills could fail this week, he added. Perhaps sensing that possible failure, McCarthy tried a new tactic Tuesday: calling for a meeting with the White House to discuss border policy. I think it'd be very important to have a meeting with the president, McCarthy told reporters, suggesting that Biden could help resolve at least some of the conflicts in Congress by making changes at the border with Mexico, and thereby open the door to the passage of a continuing resolution. "I believe in good faith, if the president wants to help secure this border, which Americans on both sides of the aisle are asking if he's willing to take some actions to even sit down with us to make some changes along that border, we can keep government open while we finish, McCarthy said. Its not clear, however, that McCarthy could deliver on that proposal, even if the White House were to agree. President Joe Biden: The White House has largely been content to sit back and watch as Republicans tear themselves up over the need to fund the government. Late Monday Biden called on Republicans to abide by the funding agreement they made in June as part of the deal to raise the debt ceiling an agreement that some conservative Republicans have sought to evade by slashing discretionary spending in 2024 as they write their appropriations bills. We made a deal, we shook hands, and said this is what were going to do, Biden said. Now, theyre reneging on the deal. House conservatives dont appear to be interested in changing course. Instead, they have reportedly pushed harder to cut spending by another $60 billion beyond levels that Democrats already said were unacceptable. The bottom line: Expect to see some frantic maneuvering in Congress over the next few days as the deadline draws closer. Whether all that activity will help avert a shutdown is still an open question. Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter. Shimano is recalling 680,000 units of its bicycle cranksets after getting 4,519 reports of the cranksets separating, including reports of six injuries that included fractures and lacerations, according to a release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The company issued the voluntary recall because the bonded crank parts, the part of the bicycle that the chain and pedals attach to for pedaling, are at risk of separating and breaking and can cause people to crash. The bikes were manufactured in Japan and distributed out of Irvine, California, through Shimano North America Bicycle Inc. The company is advising consumers that if their bicycle has cranksets manufactured before July 2019, they stop using the bicycle immediately and contact an authorized Shimano dealer to get a free crankset inspection. The recall is also in effect in Canada, where an additional 80,000 units were sold. Which cranksets are being recalled? This recall involves bikes that were manufactured in Japan prior to July 2019 and were either sold individually or through other manufacturers like Trek and Specialized. These bicycles were sold from January 2012 through August 2023 and the cranks cost between $270 and $1,500. The following cranksets are being recalled: Shimano Ultegra FC-6800 Dura-Ace FC-9000 Ultegra FC-R8000 Dura-Ace FC-R9100 Dura-Ace FC-R9100 P The models have printed Ultegra or Dura Ace logos on the arm and have the following two-letter production code on backside of the crank arm where the pedals are attached: KF, KG, KH, KI, KJ, KK, KL, LA, LB, LC, LD, LE, LF, LG, LH, LI, LJ, LK, LL, MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF, MG, MH, MI, MJ, MK, ML, NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI, NJ, NK, NL, OA, OB, OC, OD, OE, OF, OG, OH, OI, OJ, OK, OL, PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH, PI, PJ, PK, PL, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, QF, QG, QH, QI, QJ, QK, QL, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF. What is the remedy? Consumers should take their bicycle to an authorized Shimano dealer for a free crankset inspection. If their bicycle's crankset shows signs of separation or delamination, they can get a crankset replaced for free. Story continues How to start the recall process: Call Shimano toll-free at 844-776-0315 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Locate a Shimano dealer for a free inspection. Visit their website for more information on the recall. See what else is under recall: Check USA TODAY'S recall database Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the number of injuries. There are six injuries associated with the crankset. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shimano recalls bicycle cranksets after injury reports HPQ Silicon Inc. MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (HPQ or the Company) ( TSX-V: HPQ ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based materials is pleased to announce that HPQ and its Lyon-based affiliate, Novacium SAS, have signed a three-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LN INNOV SAS of Toulouse, France. LN INNOV is a French networking company with a strong presence in various sectors, including Defense. Leveraging its extensive network, LN INNOV' aims to streamline access to innovative energy projects like the one presented by Novacium and HPQ. Their goal is to connect key industry stakeholders and expedite the transition of innovative projects from the research and development phase to commercialization. "France has set the goal of becoming the world leader in green hydrogen, considered an energy carrier that will play a key role in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Novacium's new hydrogen production system will help meet these objectives, said Mrs. Nathalie MAZEAU, LN INNOV' CEO. With its experience in autonomous energy systems, LN INNOV' wishes to democratize this technology through its simplified use and logistics, essential markers for its success. The goal of this three-party agreement is to harness LN INNOV's expertise and introduce Novacium's new, environmentally friendly high-pressure hydrogen production system via hydrolysis (as detailed in the September 7, 2023, press release) to French defense industry companies. NOVACIUM TO PRESENT ITS HYDROGEN SOLUTION TO A GROUP OF FRENCH INDUSTRIALS LN INNOV' has already arranged for Novacium to be invited to present its innovative hydrogen solution at the next Energy Working Group (EWG) meeting of the Groupement des Industries Francaises de Defense et de Securite Terrestre et Aeroterrestre (GICAT), scheduled for the last week of September 2023. Story continues Novacium's hydrogen production system stands out for its capacity to re-imagine hydrogen production, simplifying it while ensuring safety and minimizing transportation requirements, said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of NOVACIUM SAS and HPQ Silicon Inc. This innovation holds significant promise for hydrogen's role as a clean and secure energy source in diverse industrial and military applications. Being invited to present our solution to such a grouping represents a significant opportunity, which we hope will open the doors to important future collaborations with manufacturers." The MOU, signed on May 15, 2023, designates LN INNOV as the exclusive French representative for a 1kW version of the hydrogen system. About NOVACIUM SAS Novacium is green technology startup based in Lyon, France started in Q3 2022. It is the result of a partnership between three of Frances leading research engineers, Mr. Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Oleksiy NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief Technical Officer (CTO), and Mr. Julien DEGOULANGE PhD, Novaciums Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), who wanted to start a new Research and Development company to develop their own technology in high added value fields connected to renewable energy, and HPQ Silicon Inc, a Canadian company, looking to expand the depth and reach of technical team in order to develop its silicon and new renewable energy projects. About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Inc. ( TSX-V: HPQ ) is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer. HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology providers PyroGenesis Canada Inc and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions. HPQ activities are centred around the following five (5) pillars: 1) Becoming a zero CO 2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our proprietary PUREVAPTM Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR) being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. 2) Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. 3) Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of Fumed Silica using our proprietary FUMED SILICA REACTOR being developed by PyroGenesis. 4) HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system. 5) Working to become the first producer of nano silicon materials from High Purity Silicon chunks using our proprietary PUREVAPTM Nano Silicon Reactor (NSiR) being developed by PyroGenesis. For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site . Disclaimers: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the securitys regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum , a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. Source: HPQ Silicon Inc. For further information contact: Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271 Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239 Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com NEW YORK, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Snowden Lane Partners, an independent, advisor-owned, wealth advisory firm dedicated to providing client-focused advice in a values-driven culture, today announced it has been included on the Barrons list of the Top 100 Registered Investment Adviser Firms, which showcases the top independent RIA firms nationally. This marks the fourth consecutive year Snowden Lane has earned the recognition, as the firm rose 18 spots from its prior standing after eclipsing $10 billion in total client assets in 2023. Snowden Lane opened its 13th office nationwide in Lebanon, New Hampshire in February and has added close to $1 billion in client assets this year. The firm currently has 137 total professionals, 75 of whom are financial advisors, across 13 offices around the country: Pasadena and San Diego, CA; New Haven, CT; Coral Gables, FL; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Baltimore, Salisbury and Bethesda, MD; San Antonio, TX; Buffalo, NY; Lebanon, NH, as well as its New York City headquarters. "Were thrilled to have earned a place among Barrons top independent firms for the fourth consecutive year," said Rob Mooney, Snowden Lanes CEO. "Everyone at our firm deserves credit for this recognition, and were very fortunate to have a team that works tirelessly to achieve each of our clients goals. Were encouraged by the progress weve made this year, underscored by this honor, and were looking forward to continuing our positive momentum." "Its gratifying to see Snowden Lanes work, and values, resonate with a publication as well-regarded as Barrons," said Greg Franks, Snowden Lanes President & COO. "As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, we will continue to be a premier destination for advisors aiming to deliver client-focused advice." Added Lyle LaMothe, Chairman of Snowden Lane Partners, "Im extremely proud of the progress our firm has made since our inception. This recognition feels particularly rewarding, as weve achieved a number of key milestones at Snowden Lane this year, and we're honored to be listed alongside so many reputable firms across our industry." Story continues This is the eighth annual Top 100 RIA Firms ranking to be produced independently by Barron's. The list evaluates firms using both quantitative and qualitative data verified by advisory firms and regulatory databases, including the assets a firm manages and the revenue those assets generate; regulatory record; staffing levels and diversity; technology spending; and succession planning. Since its founding in 2011, Snowden Lane has rapidly built a national brand, attracting top industry talent from Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, UBS, JP Morgan, Raymond James, Fieldpoint Private and Wells Fargo, among others. The firm is included in the 2022 Forbes/Shook Top RIA Firms ranking and the Financial Times named Snowden Lane to its elite FT 300 list for six straight years, recognizing Snowden Lane as one of the top independent RIA firms in the U.S. Many of the firms advisors have been recognized as Financial Times 401 Top Retirement advisors, and a number by Forbes/Shook as Forbes Best-In-State Wealth advisors. About Snowden Lane Partners Snowden Lane is a nationally branded, open-architecture, hybrid registered investment advisor and broker-dealer that provides wealth advisory services to high net-worth individuals, families, and institutional clients. Snowden Lane is led by an experienced team of industry executives, including Lyle LaMothe, Chairman of the Board of Managers, Rob Mooney, Managing Partner & CEO, and Greg Franks, Managing Partner, President & COO, who are dedicated to building a client-focused, nationally branded, boutique wealth advisory partnership. Snowden Lane is headquartered in New York City and operates an SEC registered investment adviser and a broker-dealer. Snowden Lane provides a multi-custodian, multi-currency platform, with aggregated performance reporting and leading analytical tools for clients and advisors. It further provides full operational, finance, compliance, human resources, and financial advisor transition support to its financial advisors. For more information about Snowden Lane, please visit www.snowdenlane.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926395416/en/ Contacts Kevin Santo Water & Wall snowdenlane@waterandwall.com LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Star Alliance International Corp. (OTC PINK:STAL), ("Star or the Company") has agreed to purchase 51% of AIEnglishOTG. AIEnglishOTG ("AIE") has built an Artificial Intelligence ("AI") platform ready for immediate release. The product line that has been developed includes AI technology to rapidly accelerate English language instruction with micro-learning methodologies. The Company synthesizes AI with its user experience and interface design into a highly personalized, enjoyable and user-friendly learning experience. The programming uses 20 unique proprietary engines to capture and analyze the behavioral and user data from millions of users with the program learning as the system grows. This empowers the AI platform, to provide high quality teaching on a huge scale across the globe. The interaction data between the user/learner and the AI is analyzed in real time and turned into an algorithm that is unique to each individual. This results in a change of the manner in which the software behaves automatically optimizing and individualizing it. Additionally, the AIEnglishOTG's platform will provide real-time translation in 60 languages. AIE has already developed distribution systems and partners across 15 countries throughout Asia, Latin and North America with another 17 countries in the process of being activated. The markets in Asia and Latin America have potential audiences of over 3 billion non-English speaking people. The product will be launched in these countries in October 2023. The Company solves the global teacher shortage with its unique AI that is delivered to mobiles, tablets and computers. This proprietary technology can lift students to high test score capabilities because of its positive and enjoyable platform - something traditional language tools cannot do. The Corporate team is led by Mark Emerson who is a former VP of Pearson Education wherein he oversaw International Digital English for over 8 years. Mark first entered the technology arena in 2000 and led the restructuring of Ellis, Inc. an English language technology company. After rebuilding Ellis, he sold it to Pearson Education, the largest education company in the world. Mark's expertise is in bringing together a strong team and using his knowledge of the international markets to introduce this product. Story continues Mark's team consists of very experienced professionals that are managing the software development, English language support and marketing. The team is located here in the US as well as in Asia. The countries that have distribution capabilities ready to begin throughout North, South and Central Asia including, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia, as well as North and Central America. (USA, Colombia, Mexico). These are just a few of the countries that are ready for product launch In October. Richard Carey, President and Chairman of STAL, commented, "Although outside our core business this opportunity was too good to miss out on. On a daily basis there are some 3 billion people trying to learn English around the world. But due to a shortage of qualified teachers and practice time students struggle to gain fluency. The market has been shifting away from classrooms to digital and online solutions. The market itself is expected to grow in excess of 250% and is expected to generate over 60 billion annually in revenue by 2026. AIE's artificial intelligence platform fills a huge need and void in the market." Mark Emerson, President of AIEnglishOTG stated, "This is an exciting move for the Company. Within a few weeks our never-seen-before AI will hit the market and change everything". Emerson continued, "We have created an AI that is so smart that we consider it to be ahead of the AI curve itself. Our product will launch in October, and we firmly believe it will immediately impact the English learning marketplace around the globe." About Star Alliance International Corp. Star Alliance International Corp. ("the Company", or "STAL") was incorporated in the State of Nevada on April 17, 2014, under the laws of the State of Nevada. Star Alliance International Corp is a Worldwide Holding Company with strong assets in the US, Honduras, and Guatemala. STAL's assets include gold mines in California and Honduras. In addition, Star searches out innovative new technologies that are eco-friendly including "Genesis," our environmentally safe gold extraction system. The Genesis gold and other minerals extraction system extracts minerals from oxide and complex ores much faster than other processes in an environmentally safe manner. The Company anticipates continued expansion of our efforts domestically and abroad, with a particularly keen focus on mining technologies for precious metals and rare earth minerals, as well as other innovative technologies that will enhance the value of the Company. It is STAL's goal to become a very well-rounded enterprise with planned diversification, paired with a balanced approach, ensuring the very best possible results and the highest possible value for our shareholders. Safe Harbor and Informational Statement This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Security Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statement of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) the company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the company's financial conditions or results of operations; (iii): the company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the company's statements and reports filed with the OTC Markets. The Company claims the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act for all forward-looking statements. For more information, contact STAL. E Mail: info@staralliancemines.com Web Site: staralliancemines.com Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, @staralliancein1 SOURCE: Star Alliance International Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/787339/star-alliance-international-corp-stal-agrees-to-purchase-aienglishotg Here's a look at some of Jacksonville's most notable building permits from Sept. 18-24. Jacksonville Coffee Co. coming to St. Johns Town Center Interior renovations have begun for Jacksonville Coffee Co. which will soon be doing business in the St. Johns Town Center. Details of the permit show that renovations of the 1,600 square feet of retail space will include new paint, flooring, light fixtures, and countertops. The buildout will cost $80,000 and Vulcan Construction LLC is listed as the contractor. Chipotle Mexican Grill coming to Baymeadows The City of Jacksonville has approved an interior build-out for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill. Upon completion, the property, located at 9172 Baymeadows Rd., will have 2,431 square feet of enclosed space and an outdoor patio. The cost of the project is listed at 541,275.78 and Duffey Southeast, Inc. is the contractor. New Discount Tire for San Jose area A new Discount Tire store is coming soon to Jacksonville's San Jose area. The permit, approved by the City of Jacksonville, shows the new two-story, 8,779-square-foot building will sit on .91 acres of property at 11567 San Jose Blvd. The cost of the buildout is set at $950,000, and Warwick Construction, Inc. is the contractor. Burlington Coat Factory moving to Argyle Village A new buildout for a Burlington Coat Factory has been approved by the City of Jacksonville. Slated for Argyle Village, and currently located at 6000 Lake Gray Blvd Suite 29-30, the store will soon be relocated where the now-closed Bed Bath & Beyond was doing business at 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Unit 24. The cost of the work for the new location is $838,000 and Retail Contractors of PR Inc. is doing the work. Starbucks renovation Starbucks Corporation received a permit for an interior renovation of an existing Starbucks Coffee Co., located at 9661 San Jose Blvd. It also calls for minor updates to exterior elevations on the property. The permit shows the enclosed area of the store is 1,717 square feet, which will remain the same, and the cost of the renovation is $350,000. Venture Construction Co. is the contractor for the job. Story continues Nitrogen Plant for Johnson & Johnson Vision Products Inc. A permit has been approved for Johnson & Johnson Vision Products Inc. to add a new nitrogen plant to their facility at 7500 Centurion Parkway. The building will have 6,000 square feet of enclosed space when completed. The cost of the project is listed at $6,112,485, and Turner Construction Company will be the contractor. More recent permits: More in this week's building permits Sept. 18, 2023 10799, 10801, 10803, 10805, 10807, 10809, 10815, 10817, 10819, 10821 Towns Way, townhomes, Dream Finders Homes, $2,500,000. Dream Finders Homes LLC. 11007 Development Way, Fridababy, temporary breakroom trailer installed in the parking lot, $100,000. Becknell Services LLC. 2058 21 st St. E., CSCQ-Jax, LLC, erection of new metal building and property improvements, $850,000, Racine Construction Company. 6930 Bonneval Rd., A&B Marketing, expansion into adjacent space, reconfiguration and renovation of existing space: all new finishes throughout, $728,429.07. Commercial Construction. 709 Eastport Rd., Humic Growth Solutions, modular building, $150,000, Raise And Restore, Inc. 800 Prudential Dr., Baptist Health- Paul Woodbury, renovation of Flouro imaging room and adjacent spaces, $625,000. Batson-Cook Company. 1500 Rowe Ave., City Lights Real Estate, LLC, converting child daycare to adult daycare, $20,000. Nesmith Construction LLC. Sept. 19, 2023 10787, 10789, 10791, 10793 Towns Way, Dream Finders Homes LLC, new single-family townhomes, $1,000,000. Dream Finders Homes LLC. 1086, 1088, 1090, 1092, 1094, 1096 Farwell St., CL Breeze LLC, single family 3 story townhome new construction, $1,260,000. CL Breeze LLC. 11233 Beach Blvd., Unit 7, Tienda, COU - construct 2-hour rated wall, $10,700. Nesmith Construction LLC. 5402 1 st St. W., PC Jax LLC, **Violation** Renovation of breakroom, offices and bathrooms. All fire protection requirements will be by Wiginton Fire Systems POC Kyle, $250,000. ML Construction Group LLC. 218 Church St. W., 218 W Church LLC, interior alterations, $150,000, Avant Construction Group. 3730 Dupont Ave., Homestead San Jose MF Owner LLC, construction of one modular block retaining wall on NW corner, $36,782. Associated Construction Products Inc. 924 Lane Ave. N., Unit 3, North Lane Avenue Property Owner, LLC, installing demising walls to separate three units within the industrial warehouse, $82,695. Premier American Construction Inc. 924 Lane Ave. N., Unit 4, North Lane Avenue Property Owner, LLC, installing demising walls to separate three units within an industrial warehouse, $76,795. Premier American Construction, Inc. 4888 Lenoir Ave., AVAK Hotel Group Inc., renovation of existing entry hotel portico, $20,000. Omega Construction Management Services Inc. 3649 Philips Hwy., Venture Construction Co., demolition of existing Taco Bell Restaurant, $65,000. Venture Construction Co. 3520 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Unit 4, St. Johns Square Trust, interior remodeling restaurant for 10 Second Yunnan Rice Noodles, $120,000. Nialvi LLC. 4500 San Pablo Rd. S., Mayo Clinic, interior buildout (3108 SF) on 7th Fl shell space in existing building (stabile) for call center office space and restroom, $872,976. Fickling Construction, Inc. 1314 Prudential Dr., The Avenues Mall, cosmetic interior renovation/tenant buildout for medspa mercantile space in unit 1255A, no plumbing or mechanical, $30,000. Greenland Construction Services LLC. 5890 Rocky Mount Dr., Unit TP21, Stonefield at Bartram Park Homeowners Association, bridge repair, install composite decking (Enhanced basics line) (552LF), install spindles (32LF), install top rail (84LF), $32,000. Florida Certified Contractors LLC. 4818 River City Dr., Unit 104, St Johns Town Center, landlord work to relocate LOVSAC, $535,000. VCMG, LLC. Sept. 20, 2023 10284, 10286, 10288, 10290 Element Rd., Weekley Homes, LLC, new townhome construction, $957,600. David Weekley Homes. 2637 1 st St. W., City of Jacksonville, make ADA upgrades to the interior and exterior of an existing city building, $131032.91. Warden Contracting Corporation. 7077 Bonneval Rd., Unit 450, Aegis Consulting, interior office buildout, $350,000. Building Dynamics Inc. 14286 Beach Blvd., Unit 2, Marand Builders, exterior structural steel reinforcements to support relocated AHUs at Church of Eleven 22, $58,066.02. Marand Builders. 500 Water St., Lay Duckworth Construction, CSX first-floor lobby renovation, $676,580. Lay Duckworth Construction. 7635 Timberlin Park Blvd., Bridge Ave Royale, LLC, demo existing exterior spa, $15,000. Cohen Construction Inc. 985 Charles Lindbergh Dr., LACMC.LLC, repair and replace exterior siding on metal building. Purlins, soffit, facia and studs may need to be repaired or replaced. Remove and replace the damaged sliding door with siding wall attached to current framework, $136,250. LACMC.LLC. 5110 US Hwy S., City of Jacksonville, Leachate Evaporator System, installation of evaporator system at Trail Ridge Landfill, $3,132,598. Aptim Environmental & Infrastructure, LLC. 6043 St. Augustine Rd., Tienda Casa Maya, new buildout for a massage parlor, $30,000. Landmark Builders LLC. 8275 Western Way Cir., City of Jacksonville, make interior ADA upgrades to the existing fire station, $76,741.06, Warden Contracting Corporation. Sept. 21, 2023 6930, 6934, 6994, 6995, 6998, 6999, 7003, 7007 Mirage St., Richmond American Homes, new construction single family townhome, $2,000,000 for all eight. Richmond American Homes Of Fl. 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654, 656 Celtic Dr., D R Horton, new townhomes, $1,116,000 for all eight. D. R. Horton. 9776 Kings Crossing Dr., swire properties, new building, $500,000. CCMI Corporation. 11757 Beach Blvd., Unit 9, Sunshine Boba/LOC LE, tenant build-out, $140,000. MTN Design & Build LLC. 1443 Huffingham Rd., City of Jacksonville, Fire Station # 20 ADA modifications, $50,675.54. Warden Contracting Corporation. 6620 Southpoint Dr., S., Unit 302, RL Platinum 1 LP, demo walls, patch & repair exiting walls, repaint. alteration level II for existing tenant is existing 3rd floor office space, $12,682 4834 River City Dr., Mayors Jewelers of Florida LLC, limited demolition, prep for TBO, TBO permit will be pulled later, $650,000. Sentinel General Contracting. Sept. 22, 2023 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616 Celtic Dr., D.R. Horton, new townhomes, $837,000. D.R. Horton. 1511 Zoo Parkway, Unit 500, Van Trust Real Estate, new building construction, $15,139,762 and dumpster enclosure, $20,000 10221 Beach Blvd., Avison LLC DBA Blingle OD Jacksonville, COU application, close doorway in demising firewall and install a front entrance/exit door, $13,164. J.R. McNeal Company Inc. 8255 Dix Ellis Trail, Jacksonville Portfolio Opportunity, LP, interior renovations, L23-651227, Bldg. 1, changed job cost, $1,124,500. Avant Construction Group. 8255 Dix Ellis Trail, Jacksonville Portfolio Opportunity, LP, interior renovations, L23-651227, Bldg. 2, changed job cost, $1,124,499.69. Avant Construction Group. 8255 Dix Ellis Trail, Jacksonville Portfolio Opportunity, LP, interior renovations, L23-651227, Bldg. 3, changed job cost, $1,405,624.62. Avant Construction Group. 9080 Baymeadows Park Dr., Planogramming Solutions Inc., Rebuild of a shell building ONLY; no MEP, no interior build, $280,000. Course Contracting. 7500 Centurion Parkway, Johnson & Johnson Vision Products Inc., 2GT wastes plastics addition, $20,000,000. Turner Construction Co. 5022 Gate Parkway, Unit 500, Taurus C D 119 Meridian LLC, renovation of one-story office building for U. S. corporate headquarters and storage distribution space for medical robots, $1,196,400. Dav-Lin LLC. 13111 Atlantic Blvd., Unit 3, Gecko Deco L C, existing tenant (Beaches Dermatology) expands business space into neighboring vacant tenant space, work includes MEP (unit 3&4), $160,000. Watson Construction Group. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville building permits from Sept. 18-24, 2023 This partnership will enhance the current route into a comprehensive ecosystem that provides high capacity, diverse routing options and ultra-low latency connectivity SINES, Portugal, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Start Campus, the company responsible for the development of 100% green energy ecosystems, today announced it has partnered with Colt Technology Services (Colt), the digital infrastructure company. This collaboration enables Colt to expand the footprint of its Colt IQ Network locally and globally, and make Start Campus's SINES Project its home to power the connectivity requirements of the customers. This partnership will enhance the current route into a comprehensive ecosystem that provides high capacity, diverse routing options, and ultra-low latency connectivity. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926616469/en/ The SINES Project is one of the largest hyperscale data center ecosystems in Europe, acting as a gateway between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Powered by renewable and affordable energy, Start Campus offers a 100% sustainable campus powered by 24x7 renewable energy facilities resulting in a low total cost of operations for its customers. At the southwestern edge of Europe, the SINES Project at Start Campus is a unique location for subsea cables, with multiple providers planning to land their systems there, including EllaLink, which connects Europe, South America, and Africa. The location of the Sines Project enables Portugal to act as a connectivity hub for Europe, providing access via transatlantic cable landings and Colts terrestrial network routes. "We are thrilled to partner with Colt, a company that shares our vision for sustainability," says Afonso Salema, Chief Officer Executive (CEO) of Start Campus. "This partnership will enable us to explore innovative solutions that maximize efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This partnership helps position Portugal as a leading global digital hub. We are eager to see what the future holds for this collaboration." Story continues "As Colt remains committed to bolstering our global digital infrastructure, our partnership with Start Campus marks a significant stride towards establishing the Iberian Peninsula as a pivotal global digital hub," says Carlos Jesus, VP Global Service Delivery and Portugal Country Manager of Colt Technology Services. "We are also excited to partner with Start Campus because of our shared vision for sustainability. At Colt, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is by design and embedded in everything we do, from intelligent network design to selecting our partners." In 2021, Start Campus announced the project SINES 4.0, an hyperscale data center, with a capacity of up to 495 MW, in Sines, Portugal, representing an investment of up to 3.5 billion. It will be one of Europes largest data center campuses, responding to the large international technology companies' growing demand. For more information about Colt, visit www.colt.net For more information about Start Campus, visit www.startcampus.pt About Start Campus Start Campus is responsible for the development of the SINES Project, a Hyperscaler data center campus with a capacity of up to 495 MW in Sines, an investment of up to 3.5 billion. It will be one of the largest data center campuses in Europe and meets the growing demand from large international technology companies. It will create up to 1,200 direct highly skilled jobs and 8,000 indirect jobs by 2028. It is located in Sines and will benefit from all the strategic advantages such as seawater cooling systems, access to the high voltage electrical grid, connectivity through the connection to high capacity international networks of fiber optic cables with North America, Africa and South America. SINES Project will be one of the largest data center ecosystems with 100% green energy at competitive prices in a premium location in Europe, which is the perfect gateway to Europe and the world. To learn more about Start Campus, visit www.startcampus.pt About Colt Technology Services Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose. Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to more than 60 offices around the world. The powerful Colt IQ Network connects 222 cities and 32 countries with more than 1000 data centers, 51 Metropolitan Area Networks and over 31,000 buildings across Europe, Asia and North Americas largest business hubs. Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector. Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and planet. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926616469/en/ Contacts Start Campus Editorial Contact: Afonso Vaz Pinto JLM & Associates Phone: (+351) 969-658-256 Email: avazpinto@jlma.pt Media Contact: Ilissa Miller iMiller Public Relations Tel: 1.914.315.6424 Email: StartCampus@imillerpr.com Lord Deben says scaling back key environmental policies will harm Britains hopes of becoming net zero by 2050 - David Rose Rishi Sunak is unconservative for rowing back on Britains net zero pledges, says Lord Deben, formerly one of the Governments most senior climate advisers. Three months after stepping down as chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the Tory grandee has hit out at the Prime Minister for scaling back key environmental policies. Not only does he think the decision will harm Britains hopes of becoming net zero by 2050, but he also fears it will damage business. The Government has failed the offshore wind industry, it has failed the motorcar industry, just like it once failed the housebuilding industry, says the former Conservative Minister. I am a Conservative because I think that free enterprise works and that you have to work with industry and the private sector to make this country richer and better so you can help the poorest. To run policies which actually undermine some of our biggest industries seems to me not to be conservative at all. I have been described as a rebel but I am not a Conservative rebel. I am a Conservative. It is now the Government that is rebelling against Conservatives. Fuelling Lord Debens anger is Sunaks net zero u-turn but he has also lambasted the Governments failed offshore wind auction earlier this month when not a single firm applied to build new wind farms. He is also upset with how the PM has undermined the CCC, an organisation he chaired for nearly 11 years. Such criticism may shock some Tories, particularly given Lord Debens long and distinguished career in the party. Lord Deben, then John Gummer, was first elected to Parliament in 1970 as MP for Lewisham West, and became chairman of the Conservative Party from 1983 to 1985. He was appointed secretary of state for agriculture, fisheries and food in 1989 and then environment secretary in 1993. A peerage followed in 2010 and he was appointed chair of the CCC two years later. Lord Deben's bio However, Lord Deben is as much an environmentalist as a Conservative. Story continues His anger is directly linked to the PMs decision, announced in his speech, to delay the ban on petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 and the impact that will have on the UKs emissions. The announcement came just weeks after Michael Gove, the Levelling-Up Secretary, said the 2030 target was immovable. Lord Deben says such policy reversals destroy trust in government. These changes made industry extremely cross because theyve invested billions and this will make it more difficult for them to get a proper return. Thats why he received such an attack from the whole of the motor industry. What business wants from the Government is ambition, certainty, and consistency. This change reduced the certainty, was inconsistent and not nearly ambitious enough. Sunak also relaxed the deadlines that would have made it progressively harder, and eventually impossible, to install new gas boilers in homes. Heat pumps, the main alternative to boilers were, he claimed, expensive and ineffective for many homes. The result, says Lord Deben, is a disaster for the UKs hopes of reaching net zero. Heating UK homes generates about 68m tonnes of CO2 a year nearly 20pc of the countrys total so cutting it fast is essential to meeting net zero. As for the Governments recent offshore wind auction, which lacked a single bidder, Lord Deben points the finger at former Energy Secretary Grant Shapps. The reason for that was Mr Grant Shapps, he says. He failed to listen to everyones advice about the minimum price that he would have to set for the power those windfarms would generate. The price of construction materials has risen very sharply over the past year up to a 40pc increase in everything from bricks to concrete. But Grant Shapps refused to accept that and set a price so low that they didnt get any applications. Aside from attacking the Government, Lord Deben is also quick to defend the CCC following his recent departure. The CCC is largely a Tory creation even though it was established under the Climate Change Act in 2008 when a Labour government was in power. The driving force behind it was Peter Ainsworth, then the Conservative shadow environment spokesman, who worked with Friends of the Earth and other pressure groups, first to draft the legislation and then to build cross-party support. Ainsworths work, supported by Lord Deben, saw the act gaining an overwhelming cross-party majority with only 5 MPs out of 646 voting against it. It has kept that support ever since but Lord Deben is concerned that his own party is now at risk of undermining one of its own most important legacies. It was an act invented by the Conservatives, he says. Ainsworth sold it to all the other political parties while we were in opposition. The whole idea of the Climate Change Act was that parliament voted democratically on a long-term carbon budget every five years, so we vote on the future budgets quite a way ahead. The idea was to give people and businesses security they know what is going to happen. He warns that Sunaks speech last week risks breaking that commitment. The CCCs need for a staunch political defender was evident last week when the PM listed a series of radical proposals for cutting emissions which he hinted had come from the CCC. They included a tax on meat, new levies on flying and an obligation for households to sort their rubbish into seven bins. No one at the CCC had allegedly heard of such proposals but it did little to defend itself. Lord Debens interim replacement is Professor Piers Forster, a renowned academic with little experience of the political knockabout that comes with the job. He is a brilliant man but this job really needs someone with an understanding of how Whitehall and Westminster work, says Lord Deben. No one had said these things. We cant find any suggestion of having seven bins and theres certainly no proposal not to eat meat. And theres never been a proposal from the Climate Change Committee that we should tax peoples flights. What then, is driving Downing Street to make such suggestions? The obvious suspicion is that, with by-elections looming next month, in mid-Bedfordshire and Tatton, Sunak is hoping to repeat his unexpected victory in Uxbridge last July. Then, it was the battle over Londons Ultra Low Emission Zones but next could be a scrap over the future of net zero. Unsurprisingly, this puts Lord Deben in a bind. Yet, despite all his current irritation and anger, he insists his Conservative enthusiasm remains strong. Theres no doubt that he will be rooting for the Tories at the next election. But he will be a powerful critic of any further weakening of the partys climate policy. 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. BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily: Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital On Sept 22, 27 children with congenital heart disease from Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Qinghai province arrived at Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital in Tianjin's Binhai New Area for free treatment. With ages ranging from 6 months to 16 years, they had been diagnosed with various types of congenital heart diseases when the hospital's staff conducted free congenital heart disease screening on 400 children in Qinghai's remote counties from Sept 11 to 20. These children were given the opportunity to receive free surgery at Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital. Since its establishment, Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and various social charity organizations to carry out a series of charitable projects aimed at support underprivileged children with congenital heart disease. To date, they have provided treatment to over 16,000 affected children, covering 28 provinces and 33 ethnic groups. Congenital heart disease is a congenital anomaly resulting from the abnormal development of the heart and blood vessels during fetal development. It ranks as the leading cause of death among newborns and is one of the primary causes of death in children under the age of five. Early detection and treatment are crucial in helping children with congenital heart disease regain their health. Guo Zhonghong, one of the first children to receive treatment, successfully underwent surgery, excelled academically, and became the first college graduate to emerge from the Heilongjiang Children's Welfare Institute. After graduating, she declined many well-paying job offers and chose to dedicate herself to civil affairs and charity work, contributing to the welfare of children and spreading love. Started in July 2006, the hospital has insisted on providing congenital heart disease screenings in remote counties in various provinces across China. Story continues Over the years, the screening vehicles have traveled to 18 provinces and regions, including Ningxia, Gansu, Yunnan, Guizhou, to provide congenital heart disease screenings. Their total distance covered has already exceeded 1.3 million kilometers, equivalent to circling the Earth's equator more than 32 times. Supporting underprivileged children with congenital heart disease has become an integral part of Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital's mission. President Liu Xiaocheng emphasized their comprehensive approach, from initial screening and diagnosis to evaluating surgical criteria, admission, surgery, recovery, discharge, and follow-ups. The hospital has developed a sophisticated and well-organized process. Regardless of the complexity of the cases, they make rigorous and through treatment plans. Every aspect related to the children's well-being, no matter how small, is handled with care and attention. The charitable acts of Teda International Cardiovascular Hospital not only exemplify the hospital's humanitarian spirit but also showcase the noble dedication of healthcare professionals to society, providing a perfect embodiment of medical philanthropy and social responsibility. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teda-international-cardiovascular-hospital-helps-children-with-congenital-heart-disease-301939105.html SOURCE China Daily FILE PHOTO: The Thomson Reuters logo is seen on the company building in Times Square, New York. By Blake Brittain (Reuters) - A jury must decide the outcome of a lawsuit by information services company Thomson Reuters accusing Ross Intelligence of unlawfully copying content from its legal-research platform Westlaw to train a competing artificial intelligence-based platform, a Delaware federal judge said on Monday. The decision by U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas sets the stage for what could be one of the first trials related to the unauthorized use of data to train AI systems. Tech companies including Meta Platforms, Stability AI and Microsoft-backed OpenAI are also facing lawsuits from authors, visual artists and other copyright owners over the use of their work to train the companies' generative AI software. A spokesperson for Thomson Reuters, the parent company of Reuters News, said it looks forward to presenting evidence to a jury. "This case continues to be about Ross theft of Thomson Reuters proprietary commentary, analysis, and organizational system," the spokesperson said. "We sought summary judgment on select issues because we believe the facts of the case are clear cut." Representatives for Ross did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Thomson Reuters' 2020 lawsuit accused legal research company Ross Intelligence of copying Westlaw's "headnotes," which summarize points of law in court opinions. Thomson Reuters accused Ross of misusing thousands of the headnotes to train its AI-based legal search engine. Ross said it shut down its platform in January 2021, citing the costs of the "spurious" litigation. Reuters could not establish if it did so. Both companies asked the court for pretrial wins in the case. Ross argued in part that it made fair use of the Westlaw material, raising what could be a pivotal question for legal disputes over generative AI training. Ross said that the Headnotes material was used as a "means to locate judicial opinions," and that the company did not compete in the market for the materials themselves. Thomson Reuters responded that Ross copied the materials to build a direct Westlaw competitor. Story continues Bibas said on Monday that a jury should decide fair use and other questions, including the extent of Thomson Reuters' copyright protection in the headnotes. He noted that there were factors in the fair-use analysis that favored each side. The judge said he could not determine whether Ross "transformed" the Westlaw material into a "brand-new research platform that serves a different purpose," which is often a key fair use question. Bibas also said he could not decide whether a ruling for Ross or Thomson Reuters would best serve the public interest. "Here, we run into a hotly debated question," Bibas said. "Is it in the public benefit to allow AI to be trained with copyrighted material?" No trial date has been set in the case. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Lisa Shumaker) WHEAT RIDGE, Colo., September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--All Traffic Data Services, LLC ("ATD"), a traffic data collection and analysis firm, recently announced that it has acquired Traffic Survey Specialists, Inc. ("TSS"), a Delray Beach-based provider of traffic data collection and analysis services for civil engineering firms, government transportation authorities, and commercial customers in southern Florida. The acquisition adds the thirteenth office to All Traffic Datas network of locations across the Southeast, Central, and Western regions of the US. Partnering with TSS, a trusted leader in south Florida for nearly 30 years, reflects All Traffic Datas investment in serving Florida and the Southeast. The Delray Beach office represents All Traffic Datas third office in Florida, following Jacksonville and Lakeland, and extends ATDs service capabilities across the southern end of Florida. Kevin McNally, TSSs founder, will provide the ATD team with ongoing guidance and advisory support, effective immediately. Eric Boivin, CEO of ATD, said, "Our partnership with TSS underscores our commitment to bringing best-in-class service and data collection expertise to our customers on a foundation of deep regional resources. With this acquisition, we have extensive coverage of Florida and the broader Southeast through our offices in Georgia and South Carolina." Kevin McNally, founder of TSS, said, "Together with ATD, we look forward to bringing our clients greater service capabilities and geographic depth. Our combined resources ensure we can provide the right data solutions to customers across the transportation and infrastructure landscape with speed and quality." The combined companys service offerings include tech-enabled traffic pattern surveys, average daily traffic counts, turning movement counts, origin / destination studies, safety studies and crash diagrams, Geographic Information Systems ("GIS") data collection and management, parking studies, non-intrusive radar data, and permanently installed occupancy data. The company also offers consulting services for transportation infrastructure maintenance, development, and safety. Story continues About All Traffic Data Founded in 2001 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, All Traffic Data provides traffic data collection and reporting, consulting services and transportation asset management to a multitude of civil engineering firms, state and local transportation authorities, commercial establishments and cities across the US. ATD has offices in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. For additional information, visit www.alltrafficdata.net. About Traffic Survey Specialists Traffic Survey Specialists was founded in 1994 in Delray Beach, Florida. TSS provides traffic data collection and analysis to engineering firms and transportation authorities in southern Florida. Services include traffic volume, speed, and classification counts, turning movement counts, bicycle and pedestrian counts, parking studies, and queuing observations, among other services. About Seaport Capital Founded in 1997, Seaport Capital is a lower middle market buyout firm that invests in communication infrastructure and services, business and information services and media companies (the "Focus Sectors"). Seaports senior investment team has over 100 years of combined experience investing in the Focus Sectors, and the team has worked collectively for over 15 years. Seaport typically invests $10 to $30 million of equity capital in companies generating EBITDA between $3 and $15 million, with the goal of maximizing the return on invested capital. Seaports substantial industry expertise and investing experience enable it to develop successful strategies; its relationships and team help achieve them. Nearly all of Seaports platform investments have been owned by founders or entrepreneurs seeking a collaborative institutional partner to provide the financial and operational resources to grow their businesses and execute on a successful strategic plan. For additional information, visit www.seaportcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926062727/en/ Contacts Kathleen Holohan VP, IR & Marketing Seaport Capital 212-847-8915 Kholohan@seaportcapital.com ROCHESTER The Greater Dover, Rochester and The Falls chambers of commerce will host the 2023 Tri-Chamber Community Expo & Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center at 150 Wakefield St. in Rochester. The event is open to the public and free to attend. There is no cost for exhibitors or hiring employers to have a table. It is sponsored by Northeast Credit Union. For businesses, the event offers a venue to showcase your company in a trade show format, build brand awareness and meet potential clients, according to organizers. For employers, the event offers you the opportunity to meet potential candidates for existing or future job openings. Interview areas will be available. Attendees can see whats new in various industries, find out about any new products and services being offered, network with local businesses and organizations from the tri-cities, and build their contact base. For those seeking a job or career change, the event will provide a venue to learn about various businesses from multiple industries and to see job openings available in the area. Everyone is encouraged to bring a few non-perishable food items to be donated to local food shelters. Promotional opportunities are available. For more information, or to register, visit business.rochesternh.org/events/details/tri-chamber-community-expo-job-fair-8270, call 603-332-5080 or email events@rochesternh.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Tri-Chamber Community Expo and Job Fair coming to Rochester NH It was last December when US President Joe Biden stood at a groundbreaking ceremony for a chip fabrication facility being built in Phoenix, Arizona, by the world's largest chip maker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, and described American union workers as "the single greatest technicians in the world". "American manufacturing is back", Biden declared. "The reason why business should be hiring union folks, if you don't mind my saying, is simple: They're the best in the world." His remarks elicited warm applause from the friendly audience and came in the presence of TSMC's chairman, Mark Liu, who took the opportunity to announce a second chip factory would be built in the southwestern US state. 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. The moment appeared to advance Washington's goal of reducing American reliance on foreign semiconductor facilities, many of which are located in Taiwan. But nine months on, the Arizona project - once hailed as the crown jewel of Biden's Chips and Science Act meant to make the US self-reliant in chips manufacturing - has been marred by delays, criticism and mounting scepticism. TSMC has pushed back production plans, blaming a lack of skilled labour in the US and calling Washington to fast-track visas for Taiwanese workers. Unions counter that the tech giant has invented the skills shortage as an excuse to hire cheaper, foreign labour. And while TSMC does not share Biden's love for unions, hiring mostly non-union workers through outside contractors, the company is under political pressure to negotiate with unions as Biden seeks to garner their support for his re-election campaign - pressure that has only been complicated by reports of safety issues at its first Arizona site. Story continues Amid fraught US-China relations, concern has intensified in the US and Taiwan, where many of the world's most advanced semiconductors are made, over the possibility of China attacking the self-ruled island over which Beijing claims sovereignty and has vowed to reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan produces more than 60 per cent of the world's semiconductors and over 90 per cent of the most advanced ones, while the US accounts for only about 12 per cent of global chip output. As the Arizona project faces operational and political challenges, analysts question whether the US will be able to emulate Taiwan's chip success. And even if the US somehow becomes a major player in semiconductors, some wonder who would benefit most. Most local union members have yet to take part in the project and have only now managed to begin talks on a labour agreement with TSMC. According to Brandi Devlin, spokeswoman for the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council representing 14 construction unions in the state, only about a quarter of the 12,000 workers on the TSMC site are union members. The Taiwan-based company did not sign a much-needed project labour agreement with local unions, Devlin said. "A job [of] that size and scope requires that there be agreements in place ahead of time that address many of the issues like workforce development, staffing, safety, workers and training," she added. "All of those get addressed in a project labour agreement." The TSMC factory site in Arizona, pictured in December last year, has encountered labour-related issues. Photo: Kyodo alt=The TSMC factory site in Arizona, pictured in December last year, has encountered labour-related issues. Photo: Kyodo> The American Prospect, a political magazine seeking to "advance liberal and progressive goals", reported in June that there were safety violations, worker injuries, alleged wage theft and out-of-state migrant workers at the fab site. Luke Kasper, a sheet-metal workers union representative, was quoted as describing the fab as "easily the most unsafe site I've ever walked on". TSMC has denied these reports, saying the company was "regularly audited" against industry standards. "For TSMC Arizona, our safety and injury incident rates are significantly lower than state and national benchmarks," a spokesperson said. Devlin said she was aware that union and non-union workers had filed reports with Arizona's Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Established by the US Congress in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, enforces safe and healthy working conditions for American workers. "Just like any jobs, any large job site, there's going to be issues and incidents," Devlin said. "But I don't know what the state of Arizona and TSMC are doing to resolve those issues, unfortunately." After resisting a project labour agreement for its delayed first fab, TSMC was now talking with construction unions to negotiate such a deal for its second chip facility in the state, she noted. The latter facility is estimated to commence chip production by 2026, according to a TSMC press release from December last year. "They have been talking about some of the issues that not only union workers but non-union workers are dealing with at TSMC," Devlin said, adding that no timeline had been established to conclude the negotiations. Meanwhile, the challenges befalling the company's first facility persist. It had been expected to open by late 2024. Now it is projected to finish construction by 2025. The delay stems from an "insufficient amount of skilled workers with the specialised expertise", according to TSMC. Ask labour leaders, however, and they attribute it to the company's management, not the lack of skilled American workers. Michael Dea, a business manager at the Laborers' International Union of North America's local chapter in Arizona, said "zero" workers from his union were hired to work at the TSMC site. The semiconductor giant was not a direct employer and was contracting out recruitment work, he added. "They contacted me about hiring 400 workers. And we were in good negotiations. Well, then I got a letter saying they're not interested. "Their problem is their management and supervision, not the skilled and trained workforce that I could bring to that project to help," Dea said. He described the union as hopeful that the current negotiations would help resolve these issues and produce a project labour agreement for the second fab. That said, other conflicts have flared. Last month, a union representing the state's plumbers and pipefitters filed a petition with state lawmakers after TSMC announced its intention to bring about 500 workers from Taiwan to complete the project. The union urged American politicians to "stand with labour and block TSMC from replacing more than 500 American workers", calling the plan "a slap in the face". Aaron Butler, president of the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council and business manager for United Association Local 469, a union for plumbers and pipefitters, has accused TSMC of "blaming its construction delays on American workers and using that as an excuse to bring in foreign workers who they can pay less". "While TSMC claims that these temporary workers will not replace American workers on the job, contractors and workers are being 'descoped', which is construction-speak for fired," he wrote in the Phoenix Business Journal in July. Butler said American workers "have built Intel for over 20 years", referring to another chip giant. Amid labour agreement negotiations between TSMC and the unions for the second fab, the petition against the company has been withdrawn. A rendering of TSMC's semiconductor fabrication facility in Arizona. Construction is now projected to finish by 2025. alt=A rendering of TSMC's semiconductor fabrication facility in Arizona. Construction is now projected to finish by 2025.> Devlin told the Post that what the company sought was "a very specific proprietary skill that only TSMC uses in their production". Current labour talks between the two sides include the prospect of transferring that skill to American workers, she added. As TSMC sees it, the company is building the most cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing technology in the US, saying it was in a "critical phase of handling all of the most advanced and dedicated equipment in a sophisticated facility". The company in a statement said it placed "high value" on "nurturing [the] local workforce and still actively seek to hire from within the United States". A recent TSMC post in LinkedIn invited "local trade partners" with experience in semiconductor tool installation to "ensure the success" of the Arizona project, without using the word union. Reflecting on the developments at the site in Arizona, W John Kao, president of National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, said there was going to be a "learning curve" for American workers that was not just technical but relating to a "mindset of precision" about "what's absolutely needed to go into these high-end chips". Others closely involved in semiconductors have voiced concern as to whether fabs in the US could be as successful as Taiwan's. Burn Lin, a former vice-president of R&D at TSMC, said the tech giant has had a factory in Washington state for more than a decade and enlists many local workers. "We never can make it achieve the same performance as [our] own Taiwan factory," he noted. "We can never bring it up to the same level, no matter how hard we try." Taiwanese workers, like their American counterparts, have their own frustrations. Kao said many Taiwanese voters were "nervous" about US reshoring rhetoric and were questioning whether bringing Taiwanese engineers would serve Taiwan's interests, not just America's. "Basically, are we being bullied to do something we don't want to do? What's in the best interest of the United States, we understand. But is it in our best interest?" Engineers and their families might feel "disposable" and reluctant to relocate, knowing that the US's primary objective is to create local jobs, he added. Kao contrasted the company's experience in Arizona with how the planned fabs in Germany and Japan were being "well received" as "win-win" partnerships. He said that "the engineers don't mind going" to those places. TSMC is setting up a US$11 billion fab in Dresden and a US$8.6 billion fab in Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu. Part of the disconnect between the US and Taiwan, according to observers, is how the Arizona plant is being framed in the media. The overarching message from the US, according to Tain-jy Chen, a professor at the Taipei School of Economics, appeared to be: "The reason that TSMC has to build a factory in Arizona is because Taiwan is too dangerous". "The Japanese will never say this," he said. "They will say, 'we need you because here [are] our customers, here [is] the local market'." 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. A momentous day arrived for the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and its ongoing strike with the Big Three as President Biden joined the picket lines in Michigan, just as Ford (F) announced a big update on an upcoming battery plant in the state. Biden met with UAW picketers at GM's Van Buren Township parts distribution center in Michigan. "Wall Street didnt build this country, the middle class built this country. The unions built the middle class," Biden said to UAW workers on strike. "Lets keep going, you deserve what youve earned. And youve earned a hell of a lot more than youre getting paid now." UAW president Shawn Fain joined Biden at the picket line as well, thanking the president for joining the strike, but stopped short of endorsing Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election. U.S. President Joe Biden speaks next to Shawn Fain, President of the United Auto Workers (UAW), as he joins striking UAW members on the picket line outside the GM's Willow Run Distribution Center in Bellville, Wayne County, Mich., Sept. 26, 2023. (Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS) The White House says Bidens visit was the first time a sitting president has visited a picket line in modern times. The move comes as his Republican rival, former President Trump, indicated he would be visiting the state as well. On Wednesday, Trump is expected to hold a rally with 500 former or current union members in Clinton Township, Mich. The Big Three Ford, GM, and Stellantis put out statements ahead of Bidens visit, though they did not criticize the president for joining the UAW strikes. On the first day of the strike, President Biden said UAW workers deserve a contract that sustains them and the middle class. We agree and presented a record offer, Stellantis (STLA) said on its UAW negotiations website. President Joe Biden joins striking United Auto Workers on the picket line, in Van Buren Township, Mich. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo) GM (GM) also stated that its focus is not on politics but continues to be on bargaining in good faith with the UAW to reach an agreement. Ford also issued the statement on the presidents visit, which notably is where the companys big Michigan Assembly Plant is located. Ford and the UAW are going to be the ones to solve this by finding creative solutions to tough issues together at the bargaining table. We have a shared interest in the long-term viability of the domestic auto industry, the industrial Midwest and good-paying manufacturing jobs in the US, the company said. Story continues Ford also made waves on Monday when the automaker announced that it is pausing development on its $3.5 billion battery plant in Marshall, Mich., claiming the automaker had concerns about competitively operating the plant. Ford Motor Company executive chair Bill Ford announces Ford will partner with China-based Amperex Technology to build an all-electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall, Mich., during a press conference in Romulus, Mich., Feb. 13, 2023. (Rebecca Cook/REUTERS) Ford declined to say what specifically changed in its planning, but the company stated it has not made a final decision on the planned investment at the site. Note that Ford is partnering with Chinas CATL to license CATLs LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery tech for new EVs. Ford had said in the past that it would own the battery plant, and would employ all the workers, but it is possible guidance on battery credits Ford would receive from the government changed due to Fords licensing agreement with CATL, leading to the pause in development. Nonetheless, the UAW pounced on Fords decision, claiming it was a move to punish the union and union jobs, because of the UAWs ongoing demands for higher wages. This is a shameful, barely veiled threat by Ford to cut jobs, UAW's Fain said in a statement. Now they want to threaten us with closing plants that arent even open yet. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Rich Boyer, UAW vice president and head of the union's Stellantis department, greeted workers at Stellantis' Mopar facility in Center Line, Michigan, on Friday, after the union announced it would expand its strike against Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis, owner of Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat, to include GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers. For Rich Boyer, a UAW vice president and the head of the unions Stellantis department, one issue is paramount in this round of contract bargaining, and its not wages, which have been a big focus of the outside attention. The issue is job security and putting product into these plants in this country. Thats the real issue, Boyer said. Because what good is it? You can give me a 50% raise, but if I have no job security, no place for these people to go, what does that matter? It matters nothing. Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis, which owns Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat, have all proposed wage hikes around 20% over the life of the contract; the union initially proposed 40%. Boyer was standing outside the Stellantis Mopar facility in Center Line, Michigan, on Friday, after the union announced it was expanding its so-called Stand Up Strike against the Detroit Three to include GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers, and he was fired up. Changes the company has proposed to the footprint of Mopar and impacts in other areas, including to the workers who had been at the idled Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, wont come without job losses as the company insists, he said. More: UAW members hold practice picket at Stellantis headquarters: 'No justice, no Jeeps' Boyer expressed skepticism, too, about proposals for Belvidere, including the years it would be before a battery plant might open there, if one were to go there. And even hundreds of jobs created by a battery plant and a big Mopar center wouldnt make up for the losses, he said, counting the laid-off or transferred workers at Belvidere, where 1,200 worked before the plant was idled this year. A statement earlier this month from UAW President Shawn Fain called Belvidere "a profitable plant that just a few years ago supported around 5,000 workers and their families." More: What UAW's Shawn Fain hasn't talked about could provide focus for a deal Story continues The number of affected jobs overall at Stellantis, Boyer said, would be roughly 5,400. Theyll argue that point. Theyll say that its not true, Boyer said. But the only jobs they really want to guarantee are the people who stand on the lines. When asked about Boyers statement that 5,400 jobs would be affected by the company proposals, Stellantis spokeswoman Jodi Tinson referred a reporter to comments Mark Stewart, chief operating officer for Stellantis North America, made earlier this month. More: UAW members rally for future of Trenton Engine under shadow of talks with Stellantis The United Auto Workers union has said the company proposed the right to close or sell 18 facilities, but Stewart has called that misleading, saying there would be no job losses associated with any of the changes. The company operates many older parts distribution centers, some in rented facilities, and wants to modernize them, he told reporters. As for Belvidere, Stewart said the company had proposed a very compelling commitment around jobs and a solution related to Belvidere, although he had said, when he made those comments Sept. 16, that the offer was contingent on reaching a deal before the expiration of the contract between the company and the union on Sept. 14. Its not clear whether the same proposal was offered in the latest contract proposal from the company, which Boyer said the union planned to counter. More: Stellantis says UAW strike to cause almost 370 layoffs in Ohio, Indiana On Friday, Stellantis pushed back against union positions, saying: "We presented a very competitive offer and yet never received a response. We continue to approach these negotiations responsibly and bargain in good faith." On the subject of job security proposals, Stellantis, in an email from Tinson, said the company "has emphasized product allocation and plant performance are the triggers which enable job security. To this end, the company is proposing several vehicle allocations and billions of dollars in investments over the duration of the contract." In addition, the company said it "offered workforce stability with a relevant level of production" in the United States during the duration of the contract as well as a "sustainable solution" for Belvidere with "comparable employment opportunities." For Center Line and other nearby facilities, Boyer said the company wants to shift them to what he described as a super hub in Trenton, which is in the Detroit regions Downriver area. This is a money grab. If they sell off all these places, its nothing more than a money grab, Boyer said. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: UAW VP calls possible sale of Stellantis sites 'money grab' Ecopetrol SA (NYSE:EC) has recently been in the spotlight, drawing interest from investors and financial analysts due to its robust financial stance. With shares currently priced at $11.35, Ecopetrol SA has witnessed a daily loss of 4.16%, marked against a three-month change of 16.57%. A thorough analysis, underlined by the GF Score, suggests that Ecopetrol SA is well-positioned for substantial growth in the near future. Unveiling Ecopetrol SA (EC)'s Market Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis of Financial Growth and Competitive Strengths 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. Here is a breakdown of Ecopetrol SA's GF Score: Each one of these components is ranked and the ranks also have positive correlation with the long term performances of stocks. The GF score is calculated using the five key aspects of analysis. Through backtesting, we know that each of these key aspects has a different impact on the stock price performance. Thus, they are weighted differently when calculating the total score. With high ranks in profitability, growth, GF value, and momentum, and a moderate rank in financial strength, GuruFocus assigned Ecopetrol SA the GF Score of 93 out of 100, which signals the highest outperformance potential. Understanding Ecopetrol SA's Business Ecopetrol SA is a vertically integrated oil company with operations in Latin America and the United States Gulf Coast. Based out of Colombia, the company explores, develops, and conducts production activities in various countries. Ecopetrol works as the primary operator or partner in a joint venture, in a host of assets held onshore and offshore. Along with production, the company refines and markets crude oils and byproducts produced from its fields. Crude products are moved by Ecopetrol through a series of pipelines throughout Colombia, along with a network of third-party production centers and facilities. Story continues With a market cap of $23.33 billion and sales of $37.82 billion, Ecopetrol SA has an operating margin of 37.6%. This is the income breakdown of Ecopetrol SA: Unveiling Ecopetrol SA (EC)'s Market Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis of Financial Growth and Competitive Strengths Profitability Rank Breakdown The Profitability Rank shows Ecopetrol SA's impressive standing among its peers in generating profit. Ecopetrol SA's Operating Margin has increased (13.88%) over the past five years, as shown by the following data: 2018: 33.68; 2019: 30.88; 2020: 13.57; 2021: 33.29; 2022: 38.36. Furthermore, Ecopetrol SA's Gross Margin has seen a consistent rise over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 39.97; 2019: 37.09; 2020: 25.20; 2021: 39.51; 2022: 43.95. This trend underscores the company's growing proficiency in transforming revenue into profit. Growth Rank Breakdown Ranked highly in Growth, Ecopetrol SA demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding its business. The company's 3-Year Revenue Growth Rate is 30.7%, which outperforms better than 83.76% of 862 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Moreover, Ecopetrol SA has seen a robust increase in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past few years. Specifically, the three-year growth rate stands at 33.6, and the rate over the past five years is 17.3. This trend accentuates the company's continued capability to drive growth. Unveiling Ecopetrol SA (EC)'s Market Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis of Financial Growth and Competitive Strengths Next Steps Given Ecopetrol SA's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GF Score highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential outperformance. Investors seeking to capitalize on this potential are encouraged to consider Ecopetrol SA in 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. A newly listed Granville home features English farmhouse touches. Nearly a decade ago, Carrie and Bill York transformed a Granville home into a country estate that combines an English farmhouse feel with modern touches. Now, with some bitter sweetness, they are selling the finished product for $2.25 million. "It was just a little oasis in the neighborhood," said Carrie. "It's been a wonderful home." The Yorks already lived in the Brynn Du community on the east side of Granville in 2005 when a neighborhood home built in 1989 came on the market with an unusual feature. The great room of a Granville home listed for $2.25 million includes vaulted ceilings, like much of the home. "We saw the house had seven acres," Carrie said. "We were flabbergasted that there could be a house with so much land in the neighborhood. But we also knew we had to do a lot of work." The couple bought the home and moved in the following year, after a full renovation by Ghiloni Custom Builders in Granville. The renovation added a pool, a guest suite, a screened-in porch and a finished basement area. It also updated much of the interior space, including the kitchen and the ceilings. A pool was added in 2006 during the renovation of a Granville home new to the market. "The house is very tall, with 24-foot ceilings, but there was one vaulted ceiling, in the great room, while the dining area had 8-foot ceilings. We raised ceilings everywhere to give it a feeling of airiness," Carrie said. "We love the English farmhouse feel, so we put in beams and mullion windows." More: Typical sales prices in one central Ohio city approach $1 million The result: over 6,500 square feet of finished space, with a stone-and-stucco exterior, four bedrooms, five full baths and three half baths. The library of a newly listed Granville home was renovated in 2006 to reflect an English farmhouse feel. The home includes multiple living spaces including a wood-paneled library/den with built-in bookcases, coffered ceiling and tiled fireplace that captures the old English style. But Carrie's perfect spot is half outdoors. "The porch is my favorite space," she said. "Youre looking out over the backyard. It's beautiful, listening to the running water from a fountain and there's always a family of deer in the backyard." Story continues More: Licking County suburbs lead the way in central Ohio home price hikes The yard, including a pond and flanked by trees, is what sets the home apart, said Cheryl Godard, the Keller Williams agent listing the property. "You're a little over a mile from Granville, sitting on just shy of 7 acres," Godard said. "Thats the really unique feature about this home. Youre on a lot of land, but you can literally walk to the village." A screened porch was added to a newly listed Granville home during a 2006 renovation. The Yorks are selling the home to move closer to their son in Ashville, North Carolina, but they'll miss their oasis. "My hope is somebody loves it like Bill and I did," said Carrie. jweiker@dispatch.com @JimWeiker This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Updated English farmhouse in Granville listed for $2.25 million SANTA ROSA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Homes 4 the Homeless, a US-based nonprofit organization, has joined forces with Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd, a renowned luxury tourism company based in China, to combat the pressing issue of homelessness. Homes 4 the Homeless, a US-based nonprofit organization, has joined forces with Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd, a renowned luxury tourism company based in China, to combat the pressing issue of homelessness. In an unprecedented alliance, CEO Steve Schneider and his dedicated team at Homes 4 the Homeless, headquartered in Fulton, California, have partnered with Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd to address the global homelessness crisis. Click here for a video. In an unprecedented alliance, CEO Steve Schneider and his dedicated team at Homes 4 the Homeless, headquartered in Fulton, California, have partnered with Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd to address the global homelessness crisis. Click here for a video of VESSEL Housing. A Unified Effort to Tackle Homelessness "We propose a dynamic alliance focused on reducing homelessness by constructing factory-built housing in strategic locations. Our goal is to provide secure, private, safe, and affordable homes for the countless individuals affected by the ongoing homelessness epidemic worldwide," stated Schneider. Both Homes 4 the Homeless and Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd have formalized a distribution agreement, uniting their resources and expertise internationally to address homelessness together. Recognizing a Global Opportunity "We recognize the global significance of this issue and the unique opportunity for international collaboration. By partnering with like-minded individuals, organizations, and governments, we aim to create a collective force capable of addressing the multifaceted challenge of homelessness and disaster relief," explained Schneider. Join Our Efforts "We firmly believe that, through teamwork, dedication, and innovative solutions, this collaborative endeavor possesses the potential to bring about positive change. We invite individuals from all walks of life to join our cause by visiting our website www.homes4thehomeless.org and following us on social media. Together, we can embark on this crucial mission," said Schneider. A Commitment to Transitioning Lives Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd, primarily known for its luxury tourism offerings, is significantly shifting its focus to address homelessness."We've predominantly specialized in crafting upscale accommodations for the tourism sector. Learning about the impactful work undertaken by Homes 4 the Homeless resonated with us, prompting a significant shift in our direction. We believe that everyone experiencing homelessness deserves the opportunity to move into homes that are not just shelter, but places of genuine comfort and warmth. Our commitment underlines our dedication to turning this belief into reality," expressed Mr. Shuaibin Wang, the Founder and Chief Architect at Guangdong VESSEL Cultural Tourism Development Ltd. Story continues Building on a Legacy of Impact Founded in 2018, Homes 4 the Homeless has a track record of transformative projects. In 2021, they established their first modular village, Newark Hope Village, in partnership with the City of Newark, New Jersey and Bloomberg Philanthropy. In 2022, H4H completed a Vocational Youth Training Program in collaboration with Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma-Marin, Sonoma County Probation, and others, receiving recognition from California State Senator Mike McGuire and Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore. Currently, H4H has submitted a proposal for the Fulton Valley Sustainable Living project in Fulton, California, furthering their commitment to sustainable housing solutions. CONTACT: Alex Campbell PHONE: (707) 243-8022 EMAIL: alex@homes4thehomeless.org Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-china-partnership-aims-to-combat-homelessness-301938511.html SOURCE Homes 4 the Homeless KYIV (Reuters) - U.S. businessman and philanthropist Howard Buffett said on Wednesday Western public interest in the war in Ukraine could wane in the coming year, and that he may step up his own support for Ukraine to set an example. Buffett, whose foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine since Russia's invasion and who is the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, cited the U.S. presidential campaign as one of the possible reasons why public interest could flag. "I do have concern about whether people can maintain the level of interest in (Ukraine). Particularly, in the U.S. one of the drawbacks will be the political campaign that we're going into," he told Reuters in an interview in Kyiv. The United States holds a presidential election in November 2024 and several Republican candidate hopefuls have questioned the vast military and financial aid supplied to Kyiv, calling into question Washington's future stance. Buffett said the idea that Ukraine "fatigue" could set in among the public in the West showed that Kyiv's allies should double down on their support. "It's a tougher fight, but I think it goes to the point that letting the war drag on is a huge mistake. I think the U.S. and Europe have to step up even more and help Ukraine win this war and put it to end." Ukraine is three and a half months into a Western-equipped military operation to recapture tracts of Russian-occupied land in the east and south, but has not made significant ground with the weather set to turn in the coming weeks. In some Eastern European states there are signs of more critical views over the extent of foreign military support for Ukraine, and anger among farmers who say Ukrainian food imports hurt their prices. Poland, Hungary and Slovakia have banned Ukrainian grain imports. "People have to understand that we're committed to Ukraine, we're not going anywhere, we're not slowing down, we'll step the pace up if that's what we have to do," Buffett said. Story continues Buffett, who has visited stricken areas of Ukraine on a series of wartime trips, said he expected his foundation's support to reach around $500 million by the end of this year. His foundation has helped farmers, humanitarian mine clearance efforts, and with the distribution of generators needed for mass power cuts, pontoon bridges to replace bombed bridges, and meals and food kits along the front line. Western financial and military support has been vital for Kyiv to hold its own against the army of a nuclear superpower that is the world's largest country. Ukraine's economy shrank by about a third in 2022. Millions of people have been driven from their homes by Russia's Feb. 2022 invasion and cities have been destroyed. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; editing by Alexandra Hudson) For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' Loss making companies can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad. In contrast to all that, many investors prefer to focus on companies like Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS), which has not only revenues, but also profits. While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it. See our latest analysis for Watts Water Technologies How Fast Is Watts Water Technologies Growing? Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. It certainly is nice to see that Watts Water Technologies has managed to grow EPS by 33% per year over three years. If the company can sustain that sort of growth, we'd expect shareholders to come away satisfied. One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. Watts Water Technologies maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 4.0% to US$2.0b. That's encouraging news for the company! The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image. Of course the knack is to find stocks that have their best days in the future, not in the past. You could base your opinion on past performance, of course, but you may also want to check this interactive graph of professional analyst EPS forecasts for Watts Water Technologies. Story continues Are Watts Water Technologies Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? We would not expect to see insiders owning a large percentage of a US$5.8b company like Watts Water Technologies. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. We note that their impressive stake in the company is worth US$1.1b. That equates to 19% of the company, making insiders powerful and aligned with other shareholders. Very encouraging. It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. Well, based on the CEO pay, you'd argue that they are indeed. For companies with market capitalisations between US$4.0b and US$12b, like Watts Water Technologies, the median CEO pay is around US$8.1m. The Watts Water Technologies CEO received US$7.1m in compensation for the year ending December 2022. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. While the level of CEO compensation shouldn't be the biggest factor in how the company is viewed, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. It can also be a sign of good governance, more generally. Should You Add Watts Water Technologies To Your Watchlist? You can't deny that Watts Water Technologies has grown its earnings per share at a very impressive rate. That's attractive. If you need more convincing beyond that EPS growth rate, don't forget about the reasonable remuneration and the high insider ownership. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to investing but it definitely makes Watts Water Technologies look rather interesting indeed. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Watts Water Technologies you should know about. There's always the possibility of doing well buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But for those who consider these important metrics, we encourage you to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a free list of them here. 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. Company's values and strategies elevate it among industry leaders SHANGHAI, China, September 26, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a leading global supplier of electronic components, WIN SOURCE has solidified its position among the elite with a new ranking on SourceToday's 2023 Top 50 Electronics Distributors list. WIN SOURCE landed at number 18 this year, up from number 30 in 2022, showcasing its rapid growth and influence in worldwide electronics distribution. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230921771808/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) The company attributes its high-ranking success to an unwavering commitment to customers, sustainable practices and harnessing technology. By integrating its core values into strategies across the business, WIN SOURCE has built trust and expanded its reach. "We are thrilled to be recognized among the very top electronics distributors globally," said WIN SOURCE CEO Ethan Tsai. "This achievement reflects our dedication to optimizing every aspect of the supply chain experience, from procurement to delivery and beyond." WIN SOURCE's customer-centric approach is key to its operations. The distributor can deliver quality components at competitive prices with transparency, tailored service and rapid fulfillment driving the business. A massive inventory of over 1 million SKUs ensures customers can access needed parts with ease. "Our mission is to streamline procurement for electronics manufacturers around the world," Tsai said. "By making our customers' jobs easier, they can focus more resources on the innovative products and solutions relying on our components." In addition to customer service, WIN SOURCE believes adopting sustainable practices is critical for future success. The company actively works to transform its facilities and operations to reduce environmental impact. From green buildings and energy-efficient data systems to paperless digital processes, WIN SOURCE paves the way for an eco-friendly supply chain. Employees also undergo regular training on sustainability principles and culture. Story continues Embracing emerging technologies further propels WIN SOURCE's forward momentum. The distributor harnesses data analytics and automation to enhance efficiency, insights and scalability across its growing business. "Digital transformation allows us to take customer experience to the next level while preparing our operations for the future," Tsai remarked. WIN SOURCE's measured digital approach combines automated order processing and tracking with hands-on account management. This strategy provides the benefits of an advanced platform and a human touch. As the company expands, new technologies will enable scaling up without compromising service quality or the environment. With its balanced strategy, WIN SOURCE achieved over $600 million in revenue last year a 57% increase from 2021. Its global footprint now spans six countries across North America, Europe and Asia. By joining forces with over 3,000 manufacturers, WIN SOURCE's supply network reaches all corners of the electronics industry. Tsai believes WIN SOURCE's greatest asset is its people. "Our employees drive our values every day and are the reason we continue to innovate and grow," he said. "Their expertise and dedication make a true difference for our customers and partners around the world." As a purpose-driven organization, WIN SOURCE measures success not just in revenue and rankings but in positive impacts made. Tsai concluded, "We'll always strive to be responsible global partners, empower our customers and build a more sustainable future." For more information, visit win-source.net. About WIN SOURCE Founded in 1999, WIN SOURCE provides comprehensive electronic component procurement services to manufacturers worldwide. The company combines extensive inventory, competitive pricing and robust digital tools to deliver tailored solutions through its B2B platform. WIN SOURCE has over 230 employees across six global offices and features certifications in quality management, ESD protection, aerospace systems and more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230921771808/en/ Contacts E-mail: service@win-source.net Phone: +86-755 -83957316 Website: www.win-source.net WISCONSIN RAPIDS Whats happening with businesses in the Wisconsin Rapids area? Streetwise has your answers. These roundups offer an easy way to stay up to date with whats happening on the Streetwise beat. If you know of a new business, a development or a place thats closing, send me a note at cshuda@gannett.com. If you have questions about something opening, closing or changing in the area, send me those, too, and I'll do my best to find an answer. This roundup features a few development updates, answering some community questions and sharing more information about future projects in the area. What's happening near Home Depot? Immanuel Lutheran Church and School has begun construction on the site of its future home near Home Depot in Wisconsin Rapids. As people drive by the development, a sign states "for you." The Rev. Tim Ritter, senior pastor at Immanuel, said the sign means that all people are welcome at Immanuel, and that the church is building with the community in mind. Several readers have asked about the project near Home Depot, as crews have cleared the land to prepare for development. After a congregational vote earlier this year, Immanuel Lutheran Church and School started its first phase of construction to build the church's sanctuary, gathering space with breakout rooms and administrative offices. This phase will also include an additional building called the Mission Center for events like wedding receptions and family events, as well as church special events and conferences, said the Rev. Tim Ritter, senior pastor at Immanuel. A second phase of construction will include Immanuel Lutheran School, with the church and school sharing a main entrance and administrative offices, he said. Immanuel held a groundbreaking ceremony July 23 and plans to have foundations poured in the next two months, with building construction to start soon after. Ritter said worship could begin in the new sanctuary in late 2024, although there may be a transitional period where the congregation worships in the Mission Center while items from the current church on Eighth Street will be removed to be used at the new location. Immanuel has not yet announced plans for its current church and school buildings on Eighth and 11th streets. Plans for a new church and school have been in the works for more than 20 years. According to property records, Immanuel has owned property near Home Depot since 2003. Ritter said Immanuel considered its current building and if the space could meet the growing needs of not only the congregation but of the broader community. He said the current church building, constructed in 1903, has seen some foundation problems as it has aged, and stairs leading up to the church have become a hinderance for older community members. After weighing options and costs to address spatial and accessibility concerns, the decision was clear to build, Ritter said. Building on the church's property near Home Depot also provided enough room to bring the school and church together on one campus. Story continues "The greatest reason for building our new church is to be able to better minister to the community in which we are called to serve," Ritter said. "We felt we needed a space that was welcoming, accessible and flexible enough for the variety of ministries that take place aside from our regular worship." For more information, visit immanuelrapids.com/about-us/were-moving or find Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Wisconsin Rapids on Facebook. What's happening to the former WFHR building? Halron Lubricants plans to expand its business on 25th Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids, redeveloping the property that held the former WFHR radio station, north of Halron's existing building. Crews are demolishing the radio station building ahead of the expansion. The former WFHR building is being demolished to make room for a growing business. Halron Lubricants intends to expand its business on 25th Avenue North in Wisconsin Rapids. According to the companys website, the Green Bay-based petroleum company sells, services and installs bulk lubrication equipment and vehicle hoists. The company operates one of its two lubricant distribution facilities in Wisconsin Rapids. Halron Lubricants currently operates at 611 25th Ave. N., but city property records show the company also owns the former WFHR building at 645 25th Ave. N., just north of its existing operations. Those records show both lots have been combined as one parcel at 611 25th Ave. N. Radio stations WFHR and WIRI moved to their current location at 1690 Second Ave. S. at the end of 2021. The city's Planning Commission and City Council reviewed the company's site plan and architectural documents over the last few weeks and approved plans with some conditions for construction, including adding additional signs, securing applicable permits and submitting updated renderings. According to city documents, Halron Lubricants plans to build a 25,553-square-foot commercial building. The company has outgrown its existing space and aims to expand to continue to grow and streamline operations. The expansion would almost double its space, adding to its existing 28,212-square-foot building. For more information about Halron Lubricants, visit halron.com or find Halron Lubricants Inc. on Facebook. When will development start in the former Shopko parking lot? Tidal Wave Auto Spa will build a new car wash at the edge of the former Shopko parking lot along East Riverview Expressway in Wisconsin Rapids. There's room for more developments at the edge of the parking lot of the former Shopko building. The sale of the building included up to three outlots along East Riverview Expressway. So far, one of those lots is accounted for. In March, city leaders approved plans for TWAS Properties to build a Tidal Wave Auto Spa on one of the outlots, near the existing Sudzee Car Wash. The company recently secured the permits needed through the city to begin work on the project. Last month, Josh Henderson, a marketing representative for Tidal Wave, told the Daily Tribune the company plans to start construction on the site in the spring and open late next year. The site plan the city approved earlier this year shows the car wash will include a two-lane kiosk pay station and vacuum stall that would operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and would employ 10-15 workers. According to city documents, about five or six people would work at one time. Two more outlots are currently available for development on the site, although one may be used for overflow parking, depending on the needs of the existing tenants. In March, Tom Richards, a partner with Cool Investment LLC an Arizona-based business that purchased the Shopko building in April 2022 announced Big Lots, Marshalls, Harbor Freight and Five Below will fill the building. Harbor Freight opened July 11 on the end of the building. Five Below has announced it plans to open in early winter. Marshalls told the Daily Tribune the company anticipates opening the store within the next year. Big Lots has not yet announced a timeline for opening. For more information about Tidal Wave Auto Spa, visit tidalwaveautospa.com or find Tidal Wave Auto Spa on Facebook. More: What Wisconsin Rapids restaurants do people miss the most? Here's what readers told us. More: Wisconsin Rapids Pizza Hut will close Monday. Heres when they plan to reopen at their new location. Contact Caitlin at cshuda@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wisconsin Rapids Streetwise: Development near Home Depot, WFHR demolition Bayer promotes the empowerment of Indonesian women, enabling them to make informed choices on their reproductive health to enhance a better quality of life. JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinciding with the commemoration of World Contraception Day 2023, Bayer Indonesia launched the "Bayer for Her" campaign, underscoring the imperative for Indonesian women to take proactive measures to enhance their reproductive health in pursuit of an improved quality of life. "Bayer For Her" strives to foster open dialogue on various topics of women's reproductive health and consult with medical professional comfortably. This initiative aims to provide women with access to information and education over the course of one year. Launching Bayer for Her in Indonesia on World Contraception Day 2023 during Kick Off Collaboration National Service Family Planning 2023. Left-right: Sukaryo Teguh Santoso, Plt. Deputy KBKR BKKBN; Kinshuk Kunwar, President Director Bayer Indonesia; Hasto Wardoyo, Chairman BKKBN; Jeff Lai, Country Div.Head Pharmaceuticals Bayer Indonesia Bayer together with the National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN) and the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) launched this campaign with a series of webinar activities for public and healthcare professionals. These webinars were streamed on the Bicara Kontrasepsi website (www.bicarakontrasepsi.com) and BKKBN's social media platforms. The Central Statistics Agency recorded that the total population of Indonesia in 2022 amounted 274.20 million people. Among this population, women comprised 49.5% equivalent to 135.75 million people, with the largest segment falling within the productive age group of 15 - 64 years accounting for 69.08%[1]. The ability of women to make informed choices regarding the timing and number of children play a crucial role in promoting women's empowerment and sustainable development. For this reason, Bayer in partnership with BKKBN actively collaborates in supporting nationwide seminar and webinars intended for general public, and medical professionals. It's worth noting that nearly 132 million women of childbearing age in Asia have an unmet need for modern contraception, indicating their desire to delay pregnancy but either not using contraception or relying on less effective traditional methods than modern methods[2]. Story continues Kinshuk Kunwar, President Director of Bayer Indonesia said,"Aligned with Bayer's vision: Health for All, Hunger for None, key of our missions is to empower women's health by giving them access to family planning. Family planning plays an important role in poverty alleviation and hunger reduction, as it contributes to enhance overall health and well-being, promotes access to quality education and fosters economic growth while upholding principles of justice and equality. In Indonesia, our target is to reach one million women in urban and rural areas through our sustainability program Bayer for Indonesia (BISA) by the year 2030. To date, we have successfully implemented this program in Banten, West Java and East Nusa Tenggara. The implementation of BISA will persist as an ongoing, sustainable effort. All these efforts can be realized with the collaboration with BKKBN and IBI." Myths Surrounding Modern Contraception According to UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), over half of women living in more than 50 countries worldwide are not able to make their own decisions about their reproductive rights. Myths and misinformation surrounding the use of contraception discourage women from using modern family planning methods[3]. As a leader in women's healthcare, Bayer is committed to increasing women's knowledge and awareness regarding contraception. "This year we introduced "Bayer For Her" campaign aimed at promoting openness among Indonesia women in their quest for reliable information and engaging in #ConversationsofCare concerning their reproductive health matters. These topics encompass discussion on contraception, menstrual pain, or heavy menstrual bleeding. We encourage women to have these conversations not only with their family, friends but also with healthcare professionals. This campaign will run for 365 days,"said Jeff Lai, Country Division Head Pharmaceuticals Bayer Indonesia. Through this campaign, the aspiration is that Indonesian women will be empowered to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health. Jeff added," Bayer For Her campaign will also extend its reach to include all employees of Bayer Indonesia through #EmpowerHer activities. This comprehensive program encompasses activities such as sports, the dissemination of the Bayer For Her campaign on social media, and healthy talks with specialist obstetricians and gynecologists concerning various topics of women's reproductive health". The right to family planning transcends mere contraceptive use; it pertains to an individual's ability, especially women, to exercise their right over their own bodies and make well-informed decisions[4]. Improving women's health, rights and economic status represents a significant stride toward achieving gender equality. When women take center stage in various spheres of society, including leadership roles and decision making concerning family health, their capacity to address health challenges and provide suitable solutions is also magnified. Bayer through Bayer for Her promotes the empowerment of Indonesian women, enabling them to make informed choices on their reproductive health to enhance a better quality of life. About World Contraception Day (WCD) World Contraception Day takes place on September 26th every year. The annual worldwide campaign centers around a vision where every pregnancy is wanted. Launched in 2007, WCD's mission is to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health. WCD is supported by a coalition of international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), governmental organizations and scientific and medical societies with an interest in sexual and reproductive health and is sponsored by Bayer AG[5] 120 Under Forty DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung) EngenderHealth (EH) European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC) Every Woman Every Child Family Planning 2030 Federation Latinoamericana de Sociedades de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (FLASOG) International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (FIGIJ) International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Marie Stopes International (MSI) Pathfinder International Population Council Population Services International (PSI) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Women Deliver (WD) Whispa Health About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. Reference: 1. www.bps.go.id 2. Guttmacher Institute, Abortion Worldwide 2017: Uneven Progress and Unequal Access, Susheela Singh et al, March 2018 https://www.guttmacher.org/report/abortion-worldwide-2017 3. https://www.unfpa.org/sdg-5-6 4. Ninuk Widyantoro (2012). Family Planning and Human Rights. Paper provided to UNFPA by the author. 5. https://www.your-life.com/en/for-doctors-parents-etc/about-wcd COR-PF-WHC-ID-0005-1 Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/world-contraception-day-2023-bayer-indonesia-launches-bayer-for-her-to-improve-the-reproductive-health-of-indonesian-women-301938601.html SOURCE PT Bayer Indonesia The man chosen in 1955 to become the fourth president of then-Mary Washington College was Grellet Collins Simpson, a Norfolk native who was currently the dean of the faculty at Randolph-Macon College, where he had been an undergraduate. A Chaucerian scholar with a doctorate in English from the University of Virginia, the genteel, mannerly Simpson, at the age of 46, was the personification of an ivory tower academician. Yet it was an irony of his administration that this soft-spoken scholar would be destined to direct MWC during one of the most turbulent and challenging periods in its history. By the time he arrived, harbingers of change could be seen on campus in the increased activism of the student body theretofore virtually an unknown phenomenon. Thus pressed by students, Simpson eventually acquiesced in such campus reforms as abolition of the dress code, relaxed curfews, lifting of restrictions on smoking and drinking, and more extensive visitation rights in the dormitories changes that Simpson did not necessarily favor, but generally accepted with equanimity. Additional challenges arose from events beyond the campus most notably racial integration. Although the epochal Brown decision in May 1954 had mandated an end to racial segregation in public schools, integration came slowly to Mary Washington College. It was not until almost 10 years later that the barrier to admission of black students at Mary Washington was officially removed by the board of visitors. Simpson was sensitive to criticism of the slow pace of integration at the college. By his own estimation, he held enlightened racial views as indeed he did, within the context of his time and place. He had earlier risked censure by helping to found the Virginia Council on Human Relations, a group formed to encourage a positive interracial attitude in the wake of the Brown decision. Moreover, when urged by some that the presidents of the Commonwealths black colleges be excluded from his inauguration, Simpson replied that either those presidents will be invited or there will be no inauguration. . . . I was vilified, but I won my point. Concurrently with racial integration, another challenging issue was the looming possibility of coeducation. The topic had arisen periodically through the years, with the sentiment among students and alumnae generally being opposed to the enrollment of residential males. Simpson approached the issue cautiously, as was his nature. Fundamentally he was skeptical about the need for coeducation, emphatically rejecting, in particular, the assertion that the presence of males would enhance academic quality. Thats all poppycock, he said. Girls have sense, too. The question eventually became moot in September 1969 when a U.S. District Court panel issued a ruling that outlawed gender discrimination in admissions policy at the University of Virginia, and by implication at Mary Washington as well. The following February, the universitys board of visitors decreed the removal of all restrictions on the admission of male students at MWC. Two years later, with Simpsons blessing, MWC severed its ties with UVA, to the chagrin of those (mostly alumnae) who revered the affiliation as conveying a distinctive cachet. But by then the arrangement had become pointless, as both institutions were now coeducational. The sweeping changes of the Simpson years took place against a backdrop of national turmoil generated largely by reaction to the Vietnam War. That unrest affected MWC significantly, as its students became increasingly involved in antiwar protests in the late 1960s and early 70s. But, though such activism marked a notable change in the previously sedate atmosphere on campus, it did not generate the degree of unrest (such as shutting down the institution) that characterized some other schools. Much of that was attributable to the leadership of Grellet Simpson, who did not try to quash student unrest, but rather to moderate its expression. In October 1973 Simpson announced his decision to retire at the end of that academic year by which time he would have reached the age of 65 and would have led the college for almost two decades. His decision was based partly on his declining health and, in all probability, on the strains of the unforeseen challenges he had faced. The most significant accomplishment of his tenure was doubtlessly the improvement in the quality of the academic program, both in structure and in content. Several majors were eliminated as being inconsistent with the colleges liberal arts focus, and the number of faculty with doctoral degrees was substantially increased. Another remarkable aspect of his tenure, aside from improved academic quality, was the maintenance of standards of civility amidst a time of turmoil. In achieving this, he was aided immeasurably by his gracious wife, Dorothy. An especially close couple, they made the presidents home a warm and welcoming place for faculty, staff, and students. In 1995, Simpson suffered a crushing loss when Dorothy died suddenly. In 1997, he suffered a fall that resulted in a broken hip and shoulder from which he never fully recovered. Further debilitated by diabetes and kidney failure, he contracted pneumonia and died on Christmas Eve. At his death, colleagues variously lionized him as an inspiring academic leader and as a friendly and sincere person whom people felt that they could trust. The local newspaper praised him for leading the college to a substantially higher academic level, noting also that his personality had made him well-suited to steering the institution through a time of extraordinary social change, while simultaneously helping the college community to see the world beyond the tree-shaded campus on a hillside in a small Virginia town. Simpson himself would likely have rejected such accolades, remarking on one occasion that, with regard to his presidency of the college, my coming and going is really of no consequence. He was wrong, of course, on many grounds. In truth, few people had a more pervasive, profound, and permanent influence on the development of Mary Washington College than Grellet Collins Simpson. Author and historian William B. Crawley is Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Crawley created the schools popular Great Lives lecture series, which was renamed in his honor in 2016. He wrote The University of Mary Washington: A Centennial History in 2008. Tuesday Chamber Coffee, 9-10 a.m., RVR Bank, 1005 E. 23rd St., Fremont. The 2023-24 class of Leadership Fremont will be introduced. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Letters to the Churches of Revelation, 10 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Ready for Kindergarten, 10-11 a.m., Metropolitan Community College, Room 207, 835 N. Broad St., Fremont. The program is designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Stories, art, manipulatives and sensory stations will help build the skills needed for kindergarten. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. American Red Cross blood drive, noon to 6 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 300 S. Second St., Fremont. All blood types are needed. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter CEDARBLUFFSNEB. Walk-in blood donors also are welcome. Narcotics Anonymous Steps of Freedom meeting, 1 p.m., LifeHouse, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. Pitch will be played at 6:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Supportive Singles, 5:30 p.m., San Anna Pizza and Mexican, 1945 E. Military Ave., Fremont. For more information, call 402-660-8474. Mens and Womens Bible Study, 6 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group, 6 p.m., Salem Lutheran Church, 401 E. Military Ave., Fremont. For more information, contact Tammy Flittie at 402-9814-0140 or Marlene Mullally at 402-727-9139. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Wednesday Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Mens Bible Study, 1 p.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. There will be a coin auction at 4 p.m. Aerie and Auxiliary meetings will be begin at 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Community Breastfeeding Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Three Rivers Health Department conference room, 2400 N. Lincoln Ave., Fremont. This support group is for mothers and their babies. Siblings are welcome. Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. The hotline number is 402-459-9511. Alcoholics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Thursday Mens Bible Study, 8 a.m., Lighthouse, 84 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Big Red Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fremont Eagles Club, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to noon. Sean Callahan will speak at noon. The cost of $25 covers your meal, one non-alcoholic drink and the speaker. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Eagles Club open, 3 p.m. to midnight, 649 N. Main St., Fremont. The club may stay open later or close early depending on business. The kitchen will be open from 5:30-7 p.m. The menu will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, tacos and soup. Everyone is welcome. Keene Memorial Library Lego Club, 4-5 p.m., Gallery 92 West, 92 W. Sixth St., Fremont. Lego bricks will be supplied. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Fremont Area Car Club Cruise-In, 6-8 p.m., John C. Fremont Park, Eighth and Broad streets, Fremont. Anyone with an antique, classic, muscle car, street rod or hot rod auto, motorcycle or truck is welcome. Drivers attending the cruise-in should enter from the north at 10th Street and Park Avenue, and drive between the buildings to the park. Civil Air Patrol, 7 p.m., 1201 W. 23rd St., in yellow hangar at Fremont Airport. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave. Tally Ho Toastmasters, 7-8 p.m., Midland Universitys Anderson Building, Ninth and Clarkson streets, Fremont. Everyone is welcome to learn skills in communication, self-confidence and leadership. For more information, call 402-936-3479. Classics with a Cause featuring Drive-In, dusk (about 7:30 p.m.), Quasar Drive-In Theater, 13427 N. 300th St., near Valley. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Narcotics Anonymous Back to Basics meeting, 7:30 p.m., First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 N. Davis St., Oakland. Alcoholics Anonymous big book study, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. SCOTTSBLUFF Officials have matched DNA from an arm bone recovered in 2021 near the North Platte River to a 72-year-old Scottsbluff man missing since 2016. Family members of Walter Eugene Patterson-Black reported him missing on May 15, 2016. He was last seen days before at a local convenience store and officers found his vehicle on May 17 at the YMCA parking lot. Police developed information that Patterson-Black may have gone into the North Platte River on foot and he has been believed dead. Firefighters spent days searching the river, attempting to recover his body. Police searched the area and the Nebraska State Patrols Air Wing and cadaver dogs were also used in the searches. Over the years, local agencies have searched along the river. In October 2021, a hunter setting up a goose blind on property between Melbeta and Minatare reported to authorities that he had found a human bone. A piece of cloth, believed to be a shirt, was located about 100 feet from the bone. A local forensic pathologist confirmed the bone to be human, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman said. The bone was sent for DNA comparison to items belonging to Patterson-Black that were collected during the initial investigation. In a news release, Detective Brandie Brunz said the Scottsbluff Police Department had received confirmation that the DNA profile of the bone and Patterson-Black were a match. On behalf of the Scottsbluff Police Department, our hopes are the family may now have some closure and peace knowing Gene has been located, she said. The department also thanked other agencies that had been involved throughout the investigation: the Scottsbluff Fire Department, Scotts Bluff County CERT, Air Link, Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs Office, Goshen County Search and Rescue and Kris Brock and the Tri-State K-9s. Top Journal Star photos for September 2023 Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper applauded a Biden Administration decision to increase pay across the board for employees at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, according to a Monday news release. The administration recently announced that both correctional officers and non-custody staff at FCC Florence would receive a 25% retention bonus, state officials said. In December, the senators implored the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the Bureau of Prisons to increase staff pay in an effort to address difficult working conditions at the supermax prison, which houses some of the most violent and disruptive inmates in the U.S. penal system. This essential Bureau of Prisons (BOP) workforce and their representative union have raised concerns about low pay, forced overtime, and dangerous working conditions that have exacerbated low morale, high attrition, and an inability to recruit and hire sufficient staff, the senators said in a joint letter to both agencies. We request your help in addressing these issues to ensure a safe environment for BOP staff, the surrounding communities, and the inmate population. Non-custody staff at FCC Florence including case managers, counselors, maintenance workers and teachers received a 10% retention bonus in March 2022, and correctional officers got a 20% bonus in July 2022, which helped fill some vacancies, according to the release. Still, the prison had nearly 130 job vacancies as of April. The staff shortage has often led to mandatory overtime to keep a minimum of employees on hand at all times, officials said. For too long, staff at FCC Florence have faced low pay and forced overtime that made it hard to recruit new workers and led to dangerous conditions at the facility, Bennet said in a statement on Monday. By answering our call to increase pay at FCC Florence, the Biden Administration took an important step to ensure a safe environment for BOP staff, the surrounding communities, and the inmate population. Understaffing due to unusually low wages at the only federal supermax facility is absurd, Hickenlooper said. Retention bonuses for the case managers, counselors, maintenance, and administrative staff working at FCC Florence rightly compensate Coloradans for the challenging jobs they do and will make the facility a safer and more dignified placefor employees and inmates alike. With the change of season, fall allergies and cold and flu season have landed in Colorado Springs. According to Dr. Robert McDermott with AllerVie Health, the most prevalent allergens present in Colorado during this time of year come from a variety of weeds found naturally in September. In the fall, the most common allergies in Colorado are weeds, McDermott said. Specifically, we have a high population of sage tumbleweed and ragweed. Sage pollen, in particular, will pollinate until the first hard freeze. McDermott said weather is the main contributing factor to the severity of allergy seasons. According to McDermott, due to this past springs influx of rain and moisture, the area is experiencing lingering effects of summer allergies. The moisture also contributes to the severity of fall pollen allergies. A drought year where trees, grass and weeds are under stress due to lack of water can provide for less severe pollen seasons, and conversely, a year with adequate or excessive moisture can lead to more severe pollen seasons, McDermott said, Dry, windy days can be problematic, as this will disperse and spread pollen. However, McDermott adds that an early freeze could help allergy sufferers by bringing the pollen season to an end prematurely. To mitigate symptoms, McDermott recommends keeping your bedroom window closed at night and using an air purifier. There are also many over-the-counter options available without a prescription for nasal steroids and antihistamines, which are very effective, McDermott adds. According to Dr. Bernadette Albanese, the co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health, three respiratory viruses are expected to reign during cold and flu season: influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The burden and severity of respiratory illness in our community will depend on the trends for each virus, Albanese said, In other words, we are looking at when the virus activity begins, peaks, and slows, in addition to which persons are most impacted. Albanese added the most at-risk groups to be affected by any of the respiratory viruses listed include young children, people over age 65, and people with chronic health conditions. However, anyone can get infected with these viruses and even healthy people can experience complications and can spread infection to other people, Albanese said. Related: Free Covid-19 tests again available for free through mail According to Haley Zachary, the communicable disease program manager for El Paso County Public Health, numerous prevention measures are available and effective in helping reduce and prevent the spread of illness, including: The court-martial of an Air Force Academy cadet started Monday over allegations he sexually assaulted a fellow cadet in 2021 at a vacation rental house in Tabernash on the Western Slope. Cadet Eamon McHugh and nine other cadets started drinking during the afternoon of Saturday, May 16, 2021, to celebrate receiving their class rings, a tradition for the junior class, lawyers said. The party continued into the evening with a bonfire. While sitting around the bonfire, McHugh and a female cadet started kissing, according to a photo showed during the trial. The two later went into a bedroom at the home, where the alleged assault happened, lawyers said. The woman was found later that night "crying, half-naked and disoriented," said Capt. Sarah Gaughan, for the prosecution. The cadets who were trying to help the woman were unsure what to do, so they called a sexual assault response coordinator, who instructed them to take the woman to the hospital and collect evidence, she said. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. The woman received internal and external injuries identified during the exam, Gaughan said. The cadets also took photos of red streaks on the bed sheets. The source of the possible blood on the sheets is a point of contention in the case. Private attorney Lance Wood said, in McHugh's defense, that no one knows whether the woman consented to the exchange or not. The woman has no memory of events after she went into the bedroom with McHugh, and McHugh's memory is fragmented. The other cadets had no concerns while the two were kissing on the ground by the bonfire or walking past the group of other cadets on their way to a bedroom, Wood said. The group was also not concerned when McHugh left the bedroom to ask for a condom, he said. "She was not being dragged up there," he said. McHugh's case is ongoing this week and will be decided by Judge Lt. Col. Bradley Palmer. A Colorado Springs woman was found guilty by a federal grand jury for her role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, resulting in the death of a juvenile, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado. According to officials, on Jan. 30, 2022, 58-year-old Marlene McGuire and co-defendant 52-year-old Douglas Floyd sold four pills containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to three juveniles near a fire station in the Security-Widefield area. The jury in U.S. District Court in Denver found McGuire guilty on Friday after about two hours of deliberation, according to the news release. Floyd pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, leading to the death of a minor in July 2022. According to court records, Floyd's sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 3, but has since been vacated as of Sept. 22 due to a court scheduling conflict. A new sentencing date has not yet been set. Court records indicate the juveniles were connected to McGuire and Floyd through Maria Davis-Conchie, the mother of one of the three juveniles. Investigators believe Davis-Conchie provided drugs, including Xanax, marijuana and fentanyl, to her son and two of his friends for several months before the boy's death, according to court documents. Davis-Conchie accepted a plea agreement in August of this year, pleading guilty to distribution of Alprazolam to a person under 21, according to court records. Davis-Conchie is likely facing 92 to 120 months in prison, per the plea agreement accepted. She is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing Nov. 29. The father of one of the juveniles and his stepmother found one of the three juveniles dead in his bedroom in their home. 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. Through initial investigation, police along with the deputy coroner discovered paraphernalia used to smoke fentanyl pills in the juveniles room, along with two blue pills in a bag within a drawer of his dresser, officials said. An autopsy by the El Paso County Coroners Office determined the juvenile died of acute fentanyl toxicity. Additionally, test results of more pills found at the scene showed the pills contained para-fluorofentanyl. One of the two pills also contained fentanyl, lidocaine, and xylazine, the release read. Through investigative efforts of the FBI alongside the Colorado Springs Police Department, McGuire was identified as one of the individuals who sold the blue pills alongside Floyd. Also, it was revealed that they had been engaged in a conspiracy to sell multiple other controlled substances including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and blue pills since at least May 2020. On February 21, 2022, the FBI and CSPD executed a federal search warrant at McGuires long-time residence in Colorado Springs, the release read. According to officials, law enforcement found both McGuire and Floyd inside the home. Methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and blue pills containing fentanyl were also seized from the home. The Colorado Springs Police Department is grieving with the family of the child who was killed and hopes that the successful prosecution of this case brings some measure of justice, said police Cmdr. Doug Trainer. We take the distribution of fentanyl in our community seriously. We are thankful for our federal partners at the FBI and the United States Attorneys Office who assisted with the investigation and prosecuted this case. We want to reassure our community that we will continue to fight the fentanyl epidemic alongside our federal partners. McGuires sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6, according to the release. The Colorado Springs man accused of killing his wife and son last year pleaded not guilty to all charges on Tuesday morning. On Feb. 1, 2022, David Weingarten, 30, called the police and claimed he had shot and killed his wife, Lizet Salinas-Mijangos, 26, and their 8-month-old son, George Weingarten, in their Colorado Springs home because voices in his head told him to do so. Weingarten's case has seen significant delays following his preliminary hearing in June, 2022, because of three competency evaluations that were performed on Weingarten to determine if he could stand trial. In January of this year the court revealed that all three evaluations conducted on Weingarten found him to be incompetent to stand trial, and further proceedings in Weingarten's case were delayed. Six months later, at a hearing on June 13, court records show that Weingarten was cleared by evaluators to stand trial. At Weingarten's arraignment hearing on Tuesday his attorney, Adam Steigerwald, informed the court that his client would be pleading not guilty to the eight charges he faces for allegedly killing his wife and son. The charges against Weingarten include three charges of first-degree murder, three violent crime sentence enhancements for allegedly using a violent weapon and two misdemeanor charges. Standard practice in Colorado's 4th Judicial District Court is for a trial date to be set following not guilty pleas being entered, but ongoing concerns over Weingarten's mental health again will cause delays. 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. Steigerwald informed Judge Michael McHenry that even though Weingarten didn't plead not guilty by reason of insanity, he intend to introduce evidence of Weingarten's mental state at the time, which requires a sanity evaluation to be conducted. A sanity evaluation differs from a competency evaluation because the evaluators of a sanity evaluation are tasked with determining if the defendant was insane, or knew right from wrong, at the time of the crime. A competency evaluation is only conducted to determine if a defendant is mentally sound enough to understand and participate in court proceedings. Due to concerns over how long the sanity evaluation will take to be completed, the court opted to postpone scheduling Weingarten's trial and instead scheduled a review hearing date to take place on Dec. 19. Prior to to the end of the hearing McHenry stated that if the sanity evaluation is completed before Dec. 19, something he described as a "miracle" if it were to happen, the attorneys could request to conduct a review hearing at an earlier date. Depending on the results of the first sanity evaluation the prosecution may request a second sanity evaluation to be conducted by a different expert, which could further delay Weingarten's case. Weingarten remains in custody at the El Paso County jail on a no-bond hold. Editors note: In this series, the Washington Examiner, a sister publication of The Gazette, explores the nationwide retail theft epidemic, which cost the United States close to $100 billion in 2021. Retail theft has been plaguing businesses across the country, and the compounded effects of the crimes have big economic implications for the retailers and communities involved. The growing instances of theft cost retailers nearly $100 billion in 2021, a number that illustrates the brutal economic reality of such crimes. Videos have proliferated on social media of individuals or groups brazenly entering stores and stealing merchandise before fleeing, often with little resistance. The phenomenon has grown in recent years following the onset of the pandemic, hurting retailers and prompting calls for action from lawmakers and law enforcement. The crime wave has hit both run-of-the-mill retailers and luxury stores alike, and while some might claim that the individual thefts have a minimal economic footprint, taken together, the numbers involved are eye-popping, according to industry experts. Lost product inventory, primarily driven by external theft, is referred to in the industry as retail shrink. The most recent study on how stealing and organized retail crime affect retailers was released last year by the National Retail Federation, the worlds largest retail trade association. It found that in 2021, retail shrink amounted to a whopping $94.5 billion in losses. To put that into perspective, that is nearly equivalent to the entire annual budget of the state of Florida and more than the annual expenditures of some major countries. It is also about equivalent to retail giant Targets entire revenue in 2022. And the problem appears to have grown in recent years. The nearly $100 billion in losses borne by retailers in 2021 is up from an estimated $90.8 billion the year before. Retailers surveyed as part of the study saw an average 26.5% increase in incidents of organized retail crime in 2021 from 2020. It is growing. Were seeing a lot of open and brazen acts Ive been at this for over three decades, and shoplifting and professional shoplifting is not new, but in past decades, its always been seen as more of an invisible crime, David Johnston, the National Retail Federations vice president of asset protection and retail operations, told the Washington Examiner. Johnston noted that retail theft varies in scope and scale, ranging from opportunistic shoplifters to smash-and-grab thefts to highly organized retail crime operations that involve transnational gangs. He said the uptick is now across the board, regardless of product type or price point. Beyond just the numbers, though, the crime has become increasingly more aggressive, something that is a concern for businesses that want to keep customers and employees safe while shopping. Some 80% of retailers surveyed reported that violence and aggression associated with organized retail crime increased in 2021 from the year before. That finding is anecdotally borne out by the viral videos of brazen and aggressive thefts in recent years. Now, were starting to see these large, open, brazen acts of shoplifting, which are causing more violence and threatening the safety and security of the consumer as well as the employee, Johnston said. During a company earnings call this year, Target CEO Brian Cornell addressed how retail theft not only hurts the company but also is a threat to general safety. 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. Its an urgent issue, not just for Target, but across the entire retail industry, Cornell said. It is a problem that impacts the availability of product, [that] makes shopping conditions less convenient, and unfortunately, what Im most concerned with is [that it] puts our team and our guests in harms way. But the apparently growing occurrences of retail theft dont just affect big retailers and mom and pop businesses. It has ripple effects into local communities, particularly those facing problems with poverty. Some stores that are struggling too much with retail theft have been forced to close down, closures that could be harmful to many, industry experts said. For instance, if the store in question is a grocery store, it could contribute to food insecurity in impoverished communities, they added. It absolutely does impact everyone, Johnston said, pushing back against the assertion from some that retail theft is a victimless crime. Outside of closures, retail theft can have economic consequences for neighborhoods because stores might choose to change hours or reduce their inventory of certain items, forcing businesses outside the community and causing residents to commute to another area to shop, the experts said. The thefts may also affect community services. For instance, if stores are forced to close in a community, that city might collect less in tax revenue and thus have less funding to put toward community programs and assistance, they said. When stores close down and when merchandise isnt available for sale, it has a great impact on the community services, Johnston said. He said the trend of growing retail theft was picking up before COVID-19, although as consumers became more familiar with the online marketplace during the pandemic, it provided a key avenue for thieves to steal and sell merchandise anonymously. A driver of the uptick could be people stealing because of financial needs or committing retail theft in order to finance drug addiction, according to Johnston. That has also provided an opportunity for organized retail crime groups to lure those facing such challenges into becoming boosters who enter stores to steal for them. But another reason why retail theft might be on the rise has to do with the prosecution of such crimes. Some areas have deprioritized enforcement of certain crimes in order to have law enforcement focus on more serious crimes, potentially meaning fewer consequences for shoplifting, Johnston said. So, its kind of a perfect storm, Johnston said. Its not just one thing thats gone and gotten us here to where we are today. Its a number of things. Congress has made some efforts to rein in retail theft. Lawmakers passed the bipartisan INFORM Consumers Act, and it went into effect in June. The INFORM Act requires online marketplaces, such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, to verify and validate seller information for sellers who reach a certain threshold for income and goods sold within a given period of time. Online marketplaces that fail to comply can be hit with major fines. The idea is to prevent third-party vendors from selling stolen goods over the internet by requiring the collection of identifying information. The goal of the INFORM Consumers Act is to add more transparency to online transactions and to deter criminals from acquiring stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe items and selling them through those marketplaces, the Federal Trade Commission said. As Congress prepared to return to Washington on Tuesday, a prominent member of Colorado's House delegation warned that the federal government could be barreling toward a shutdown, even as the chamber's leading Republican worked furiously to corral factions of his party. "I think until cooler heads prevail within the House Republican conference and they decide to actually govern, unfortunately, it looks like they may have manufactured a situation in which we are going to be faced with a shutdown in five or six days, with destructive consequences for Colorado and the country," Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse of Lafayette, a member of the powerful House Rules Committee, told Colorado Politics on Monday. "I'm hopeful that when we go back tomorrow, we'll be able to avoid it." It could require masterful orchestration by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the California Republican in charge of bringing together moderates and hard-liners within his party to approve a spending plan ahead of a Saturday deadline to fund the government. The House Rules Committee held a rare Saturday session to set the stage for this week's voting, as the White House began telling federal agencies to prepare for a possible shutdown over the weekend, The Associated Press reported. President Joe Biden on Saturday chided the small group of extreme Republicans who were threatening a shutdown in which everyone in America could be forced to pay the price. Military servicemen and women would continue to work without getting paid, Biden said at a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation dinner, but funding would be cut off for "everything from food safety to cancer research to Head Start programs for children." Added Biden: "Funding the government is one of the most basic responsibilities of Congress. Its time for Republicans to start doing the job America elected them to do. With its military installations and a large concentration of federal laboratories and workers, Colorado could be particularly hard-hit by a shutdown, Neguse noted. McCarthy was reportedly pushing ahead with a plan championed by a small number of lawmakers on his right flank to vote on a handful of the dozen spending bills needed to fund the government, with plans to take up a stopgap measure after that, intended to fund the government for about a month while continuing work on other appropriations measures. McCarthy's message to conservative holdouts over the weekend was blunt, the AP reported: Youve got to stop that. Neguse said McCarthy's willingness to "capitulate to this far right wing of his caucus" could prevent Congress from reaching even an interim deal to keep the government open with a continuing resolution a move several Republican House members, including U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Silt, have called unacceptable. "I didn't come to Washington D.C. just to watch things fall apart," Boebert tweeted on Friday after appearing on Newsmax to discuss her decision to stay in Washington "to avoid a government shutdown." The next day, however, Boebert told podcast host Steve Bannon that a shutdown could be ahead. 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. "It is very well possible that we will see a one-week, 10-day, 12-day, maybe a 15-day hopefully not shutdown of the federal government to get this right," Boebert said. "The outcome will be determined by what steps Speaker McCarthy ultimately takes to avert this crisis," Neguse said. "House Republicans are really on an island right now. The president, Senate Democrats and Republicans, and House Democrats have all indicated their willingness to abide by the bipartisan agreement that was negotiated by all of those same parties four months ago." Neguse said recalcitrant House Republicans have "reneged on that agreement" surrounding legislation passed in June to lift the federal debt ceiling until 2025 in exchange for federal spending caps. A handful of House Republicans led by U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida are insisting on the lower spending levels McCarthy promised in January during his race to lead the chamber, though sticking to that agreement could lead to cuts more moderate Republicans don't want, The AP reported. Still, McCarthy was considering moving ahead on the first four bills appropriating funding for the Defense Department, Homeland Security, Agriculture and State and Foreign Operations in legislative action that could chew up much of the week, though it's unclear whether he has the votes. Once approved, those bills would have to head into negotiations with the Senate, which has its own legislation and is considered unlikely to approve drastic cuts demanded by some of McCarthy's fellow Republicans. A spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn told Colorado Politics that the Colorado Springs Republican is awaiting updated bill language to see what the details are before deciding how he'll vote on possible legislation. Neguse said "the simplest solution" would be to approve a continuing resolution to keep the government funded, while negotiations continued on department-level funding. Such legislation, he said, would likely include supplemental relief funding to address natural disasters in Florida and Hawaii, as well as money requested by Biden to keep wildland firefighter pay at current levels a measure Neguse has sponsored as well as other spending. "That would be the simplest solution, and it's a solution that's, again, supported by Senate Democrats, most Senate Republicans, House Democrats and the president," Neguse said. "The Republicans, unfortunately, in the House are being held hostage by this far right wing, and until the speaker decides that it is in the best interest of the country to simply work with Democrats to craft a compromise and to keep government up and running." Neguse, who holds the No. 5 position in House Democratic leadership, added that the chamber's Democrats have been "unmistakably clear that we are always ready and willing to work in good faith with others who seek to solve the problem." If McCarthy joins with Democrats, however, he will almost certainly face a vote led by Gaetz and others to depose him from the speaker's post. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Political parties evolve and change. The Republican Party of Ronald Reagan was hardly that of Dwight Eisenhower, much less Abraham Lincoln. The modern Democratic Party bears only a faint resemblance to the assemblage led by John F. Kennedy, to say little of Woodrow Wilson. Two women may proceed to sue a Mesa County landlord for their mother's death in an apartment fire, after Colorado's second-highest court ruled the wrongful death claims do not belong in the privately run arbitration system. The owners of 3272 F Road in Clifton argued Deborah Wood's rental agreement required her and her heirs to arbitrate "all disputes arising in connection with this lease." Because Wood was only in her apartment at the time of her death thanks to the lease, they contended, arbitration was the sole way to resolve her daughters' request for compensation. Not so, said the Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel ruled on Thursday that Wood's death did not arise "in connection with" her lease. Instead, a Colorado law, the Premises Liability Act, governs personal injury claims against landowners. "The PLA applies to the daughters claims not because of the existence of the lease or any terms in the lease," wrote Judge David H. Yun in the Sept. 21 opinion, "but because the 'injury' (in this case, the death) occurred on the defendants property and resulted from the condition of or circumstances existing on that property." The attorney for property owners Steeland and Jaida McKeever said he intends to seek review from the state Supreme Court, as Colorado law does not require courts to hear personal injury claims when the landlord and the tenant have already agreed to arbitration. "This matter arises out of the lease because it is the lease itself which creates the landlord/tenant relationship," said lawyer Isaiah Quigley. The appellate panel cautioned that it was not endorsing jury trials over arbitration in all cases involving a personal injury on someone's property. Rather, in Wood's case, any connection between the rental agreement and her wrongful death was "simply too attenuated" to be covered by the arbitration clause. Case: Tolle v. Steeland, LLC Decided: September 21, 2023 Jurisdiction: Mesa County Ruling: 3-0 Judges: David H. Yun (author) Jaclyn Casey Brown Janice B. Davidson A 2019 study found that hundreds of millions of consumer agreements contain arbitration clauses, reducing access to the court system in the event of injuries. Policymakers have begun to claw back the scope of mandatory arbitration, with President Joe Biden signing a federal law last year to restrict the forced arbitration of sexual assault and harassment claims in the workplace. 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. Reforms to arbitration agreements are needed, law professor David Horton argued in 2020, to "prevent private dispute resolution from becoming a black hole that swallows an ever-expanding swath of the civil justice system." In the case before the Court of Appeals, a fire broke out in Wood's apartment in August 2020. Neighbors allegedly heard her screams, but by the time first responders found her, she had died of smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire appeared to be an air conditioning unit or possibly a lava lamp. There were allegedly no smoke detectors, sprinklers or alternate escape routes in the apartment. Wood's daughters, Faith Tolle and Grace Aragon, sued the apartment complex's owners for wrongful death. The defendants, Steeland and McKeever, argued Wood's lease required arbitration. Because the agreement committed the landlord to maintaining the premises in a safe condition and the plaintiffs were alleging the landlord failed to do so, the "entirety" of the lawsuit related to the lease. In May 2022, then-District Court Judge Lance P. Timbreza decided the wrongful-death claims fell outside of the mandatory arbitration clause. "First, the arbitration clause makes no mention of death," he noted. Moreover, the wrongful death claims were "too attenuated from the lease itself." Steeland and McKeever then turned to the Court of Appeals. "I think the bottom line to all this analysis is: Are we even here if a lease doesnt exist?" Quigley told the panel at oral arguments. "The lease explains why the decedent was on the property" at the time of her death. Wood's daughters countered that Colorado law requires property owners to protect those they invite onto their premises, and a landlord could not limit access to the courts through the terms of a lease. The appellate panel broadly agreed that the Premises Liability Act, not the lease, empowered the plaintiffs to sue for their mother's wrongful death. Damon Davis, the attorney for Wood's daughters, said he was pleased with the outcome, adding that the panel's decision also illustrated how landlords can, in fact, force arbitration of wrongful death claims. "The court did not rule out arbitrating wrongful death or premises liability claims in all cases. However, if you want to arbitrate such claims you have to put it in the contract, and here the landlord did not do that," he said. Dear readers, Today marks a landmark day in the history of the Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times. Today, we launch on multiple platforms a series that looks at how cities are responding to a new law that is supposed to provide homeless individuals a place to rest. In one sense, this is a legal- and policy-oriented story. But our intent is to define how the law and policy impact the people in our communities in very real ways. We endeavor to talk to all stakeholders and find out if the law is working the way it was intended. Podcast preview: A Place to Sleep, launching September 26 Do people without housing have a constitutional right to rest? We sent reporters across the state to see what its like to sleep in these sanctioned spaces. The journalists of Mid-Valley Media tried hard to avoid what we in the industry call parachuting in and out of stories. We wanted to be respectful of all parties, assure them that we werent callously dropping into their lives and then out in an hours time. We spent hundreds of hours, yes hundreds, reporting this series and visiting the designated sleep areas Oregon cities set up to comply with House Bill 3115. As it turns out, the cities of Linn and Benton counties have varied approaches to the new law, which took effect July 1. We went and experienced many of them firsthand. Oh, weve launched major series and tackled weighty topics before. But weve never before paired them with an ambitious podcast. Its one thing to read the words people tell us in describing their predicament or their hopes and dreams. Its another to hear it in their own voices. So what you will find in print on this and the following (at least) six Tuesdays is the first-hand experiences of reporters visiting such cities as Albany, Corvallis, Sweet Home and Lebanon. 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. But what you will find in the podcast is oh so much more. There arent enough blank pages of the newspaper to capture what we learned. So also join us at A Place to Sleep podcast on Apple and Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts, as they say. The IowaWORKS Mason City office hosts weekly hiring events on Tuesday in the job center to connect job-ready candidates with area employers who are hiring. Taking place on Tuesdays the events focus on making these connections. Employers from the local area participate and all interested applicants are encouraged to attend. Theres never been a greater time to reenter the workforce, and these weekly hiring events will help showcase the wide variety of positions available in our area, said Sara Cook, Business Engagement Consultant for Iowa Workforce Development within the IowaWORKS Mason City center. Our weekly hiring events are often the first step to reemployment or even new careers in high demand fields. IowaWORKS stands ready to help any job seeker find the connection they need to get started. WHAT: 600 S Pierce Ave, Mason City, IA, IowaWORKS Weekly Hiring Event WHEN: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9:00 a.m. to noon FEATURED EMPLOYER(S): Masterson Staffing Solutions- Charles City, IA, Branch Pure Prairie Poultry Inc-Charles City Masterson Staffing Solutions $19-21/hour-poultry processing/packaging. first shift, temp to hire long term jobs, get paid weekly WHERE: Mason City IowaWORKS 600 S Pierce Ave. Mason City, IA CONTACT For more information on the event IowaWORKS (641) 422-1524 Follow us on Facebook IowaWORKS (Mason City) IowaWORKS centers are a one-stop shop for career exploration and events, labor market information, and one-on-one assistance to help Iowans find their next career. View the full list of IowaWORKS centers here. Bunuel wrote: Which of the following can be logically concluded from the passage above? A. The staff resources required to prepare currency for analysis by the program make use of the program prohibitively expensive. B. Consumer banks will soon purchase the right to use the program on their own computers. C. The program cannot fail to identify as inauthentic counterfeit currency that has previously escaped detection. D. The authentication program has taken a number of years to develop. E. In numerous cases, authentic currency is not recognized as authentic by the program. Check the links to other Butler Projects: Data Sufficiency Butler Problem Solving Butler Sentence Correction Butler Reading Comprehension Butler Integrated Reasoning Butler This is a CR Butler Question The World Bank has developed a computer program that assesses the authenticity of world currency suspected of being counterfeit. The program contains extensive profiles of the printing techniques and components of currencies of all major nations; such profiles include chemical composition of paper, density of ink, and details in the printing plates that are invisible to the naked eye. Counterfeiters, including the best counterfeiters known from history, cannot hope to reproduce all facets of a particular nations currency.Which of the following can be logically concluded from the passage above?A. The staff resources required to prepare currency for analysis by the program make use of the program prohibitively expensive.B. Consumer banks will soon purchase the right to use the program on their own computers.C. The program cannot fail to identify as inauthentic counterfeit currency that has previously escaped detection.D. The authentication program has taken a number of years to develop.E. In numerous cases, authentic currency is not recognized as authentic by the program. PRINCETON REVIEW OFFICIAL EXPLANATION: This is an inference question, so we need an answer choice we know to be true from the argument. All we know about is the ability of one particular computer program to detect counterfeit currency, and how it does so.(A) No. We have no idea how expensive the program is, and prohibitively is extreme.(B) No. Possibly, but nothing in the argument talks about consumer banks, so this is out of scope.(C) Yes. This is the correct answer. The passage says that even the best counterfeiters cant hope to reproduce all facets of a nations currency, and that the program contains extensive profiles of all major currencies.Even if youre inclined to argue that the passage doesnt say the program contains profiles of all techniques and components, its still a better answer than any of the others.(D) No. This may be true, but the information in the passage doesnt tell us how long development of the program took.(E) No. This appears nowhere in the passage, and in fact contradicts the argument that this program works very well._________________ bb wrote: Official Solution: The requirement of using standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT in undergraduate admissions decisions has long been debated. A recent report from the National Association for College Admission Council (NACAC) recommends that more colleges consider switching to a test-optional admissions policy. Although the report acknowledges that a blanket approach cannot be applied to all colleges, it states that The Commission encourages institutions to consider dropping the admission test requirements if it is determined that the predictive utility of the test or the admission policies of the institution (such as open access) support that decision and if the institution believes that standardized test results would not be necessary for other reasons such as course placement, advising, or research. The reports agrees with the conventional wisdom that standardized tests are a strong predictor of first-year grades, and even agrees that they are a strong predictor of full four-year grades. Speaking about the SAT and ACT, the report states that The Commission is in agreement that the tests measure what they purport to measure. However, the authors recommend that overall college success be defined by a broader set of criteria than first-year grades. College success can be defined in terms of overall degree attainment, a range of GPAs, post-college employment, or progression to graduate school. When defined in this way, there are tests that may be even more predictive of overall college success than the SAT and ACT. These are the College Boards Advanced Placement exams and the International Baccalaureate Examinations. These tests have two benefits: First, they measure knowledge of portions of the actual high school curriculum. Second, there is little test prep industry around these exams, so students have less ability to buy their way to a good score. Despite the Commissions recommendations, it acknowledges that high school students may experience some disadvantages if they do not take the usual standardized tests. For example, a students PSAT scores are used in the initial screen of eligibility for National Merit scholarships. A student that skips the PSAT passes up a scholarship opportunity. Additionally, colleges themselves have an incentive to require high SAT scores: the ranking tables of major publications depend heavily on a schools average test scores. In its report, the Commission recommends that these publications stop using test scores as a measure of institutional quality. The passage implies that which of the following is not a valid reason for a college to switch to a test-optional policy? A. The college does not believe in the predictive power of standardized tests B. Standardized tests are necessary for first-year course placement C. The college has an open access policy in admissions decisions D. SAT scores are not helpful for academic advisors that help students choose first-year courses E. The college has a broad definition of student success including degree attainment and post-college employment (A) This is a reason for the college to switch to a test-optional policy. (B) Correct . If standardized tests are necessary for first-year course placement, then the college should not switch to a test-optional policy. (C) This is a reason for the college to switch to a test-optional policy. (D) If SAT scores are not helpful for course placement, then the college could switch to a test-optional policy. (E) This is a reason for the college to switch to a test-optional policy. Answer: B Hi,Please explain this question. As organizers of the Blue Ridge Rock Festival plead with fans for more time to hash out refund details, the Virginia Department of Health is investigating reports of illnesses associated with the event cut short at the nearby Virginia International Raceway. The Southside Health District an area that includes Halifax County, where VIR is located has an online survey looking into complaints of gastrointestinal illness in groups of patrons who attended the Blue Ridge Rock Festival. Even if people did not feel sick, they are still asked to compete the form. Collecting information on both those who became ill and those that did not become ill helps us identify and evaluate differences between the two groups, the survey explains. Information provided will remain confidential, according to the health department. The four-day event commenced on a rocky note Sept. 7 when a severe thunderstorm sent fans scurrying for cover. Some had to wait for hours for shuttles to arrive while heavy rain and hail poured and winds roared through the event landscape, tossing tents and creating damage. Two days later, a rainy morning eventually canceled activities for that day. A few hours following that announcement, the festival said the final day also would be shut down. By this time fans were already clamoring on social media about conditions. The Virginia Department of Health found violations surrounding sanitary conditions at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, but did not play a role in shutting down the event thats come under extreme fire from fans. At any given time, there were between two and a dozen members of the health department at the festival, Brookie Crawford, a spokesperson for the Southside Health District, told the Register & Bee. No, the Virginia Department of Health did not shut down the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, she said earlier this month when asked if the agency had any part in the decision to scuttle the final two days of the four-day run. Crawford confirmed there were violations around sanitary conditions, but did not elaborate on how many issues surfaced. The health department also received complaints about the port-a-jons and the availability of drinking water, Crawford said. The sold-out event was expected to bring 45,000 people to VIR, but about 50,000 to 60,000 showed up, Halifax County Sheriff Fred S. Clark told The Gazette-Virginian newspaper in South Boston. Late last week, festival officials urged more patience from fans. We are continually working around the clock for you, a message on Facebook stated. As one of the few true independent entities remaining, and with just one event a year, the process we are currently working through does unfortunately take additional time. Saying the regretted the the unexpected turn of events that led to the festival cancellation, the decision was made with local and state officials. It was a collective choice made in the best interest of everyones safety, including attendees, musicians and campers, the post continued. Contrary to some claims, the decision was based solely on safety concerns caused by the weather. Eluding to more details forthcoming in that respect the same message previous statements have stated the festival leaders said they would communicate more when they are able. We want you to know that we hear you and understand your concerns, the post stated. We ask for your continued patience. Delores Robinson could not afford to pay her mortgage. The 69-year-old Danville resident had just retired, leading to a reduction in income. At first, she sought loans. I had been to different banks, Robinson said during an interview Thursday morning. Her mortgage lender referred her to Telamon TRC, a nonprofit in Danville that provides help to anyone searching for a home or needing rental or mortgage assistance. Regardless of a persons income, Telamon offers those services for free, said Zhauriyah Hutchings, a certified housing adviseor with Telamon. I try to find ways to get rental assistance for people looking for housing or trying to stay in housing, to anyone who needs that help, Hutchings said during an interview at her office Thursday morning. Telamon is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as state grants. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the nonprofit also has locations in West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana and Michigan. Danvilles location is the only one in Virginia, and includes two HUD-certified housing advisors Hutchings and Harold Thomas. Telamons other services include first-time homebuyer education, budget counseling, credit repair and fair-housing advocacy for those experiencing housing discrimination. The latter includes referring clients to legal-aid providers. Hutchings lets renters know their rights as tenants and teaches clients how to be financially literate. A lot of renters do not know their rights as tenants, she said. We empower individuals and improve communities by educating them. Eviction protection is part of rental-assistance services, which include negotiating repayment plans for those behind on their rent. We usually try to work out a repayment plan with the landlord, if theyll work with us, Hutchings said. However, a majority of the time, tenants Hutchings has counseled were not evicted because they couldnt pay. Instead, they stopped paying due to unlivable conditions and got into legal trouble, she said. They cant just stop paying their rent, she said. That is when she refers them to resources including the Virginia Legal Aid Society. Hutchings, working for Telamon, worked with the city of Danville and other groups to help dozens of residents at Stratford Manor apartment complex find housing this past summer when they were forced to leave the property. Soon after Hutchings began working for Telamon in May 2022, she had very few homeless clients. From August to December last year, she counseled about a dozen unhoused people. Most of her clients were those seeking mortgage and foreclosure assistance. But this year, the number of her homeless clients surged to about 40 or 50, she said. She has assisted them with finding jobs. At least half of her homeless clients have income, she said. The others that dont have income are waiting on social security or on getting a job, Hutchings said. She tries to find transitional housing for them and obtain a voucher from the Danville Redevelopment and Housing for section 8 housing, she said. She gets most of her overall client referrals from the department of social services, rental companies, banks and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. We work with local churches as well, Hutchings added. Her goal is to serve 160 clients per year. Out of the roughly 200 clients she has counseled so far, about 175 of them have student-loan debt, she said. Student-loan deferment ends next month, which means borrowers across the country who were not required to make a payment since March 2020 must resume them in October. Its going to get scary, she said. Were expecting a surge in demand with the ending of deferment of student loans. Also, demand for services increase after the end of summer, with the holidays approaching and people having spent their tax returns on vacations, she said. That means theyre spending their paychecks or, worse, using credit cards to buy gifts. Credit-card balances go up or they may default on their debts, and rents or mortgages will go unpaid, she said. Thats when our services are requested, Hutchings said. As for Robinson, whose income dropped after she retired, she was able to get her mortgage payments decreased by more than $100 through a loan modification, thanks to Hutchings efforts on her behalf. It has been absolutely God-sent, Robinson said of the relief she was able to receive. God put her [Hutchings] in my life. But with housing costs climbing in the city, Hutchings is wary of the future. I am scared to see whats going to happen in the next year, Hutchings said. There is not enough affordable housing. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Correction After the News & Record published a story on Wednesday about shots fired on the NC A&T campus on Aug. 25, the university announced that "at least two people" fired shots in the incident and that police havent determined who was responsible for the shot that wounded one man in the leg. Joshua Nikolaus Fuentes, 20, is charged with discharging a firearm on educational property and possession of a gun on educational property but is not charged with shooting a person. The university and university police never said Fuentes shot someone, as was reported in a story Wednesday. Before N.C A&T got its new automated, robotic milking system, Corey Burgess had to wake up at 3 every morning, to be ready to milk at 4. Now, the university farms dairy coordinator doesnt have to get up and come into work until more like 6. The selling point is, you can spend more time with your family, he said. I can spend more time with my family doing this than I would normally have time to do when I had to be so strict on milking times and things of that nature. Dairy farmers, theyll work til their hands are to the bone ... this right here will give them ... and more quality time with people they love. Research Assistant Professor Lauren Mayo said A&T is sending its cows through the system twice a day but the cows can also opt for more milking whenever they please. At any point in the day or night, a cow can enter the specialized milking stall, where shell be detected by sensors. A robot arm will clean the cows teats and attach cups to suction out the milk. As it milks each cow, the system collects data about the cows condition, what she ate, and the quality of her milk. Meanwhile, the cow can munch on automatically-provided tasty grain snacks. Its kind of like a cow version of buying a candy bar out of a vending machine. I would say that most of them that are in peak milk production are at four visits a day, Mayo said, explaining the overall average for the herd is about 2.5. Burgess said he saw getting the system as a way for A&T to stand out as a pioneer and expose students to advanced agricultural technologies. A&T typically has something like 45 to 60 dairy cattle of various ages, not all of them currently producing milk, at its university farm on McConnell Road in Greensboro. The 492-acre farm is part of the universitys College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Its purposes include teaching students, conducting research and doing agricultural education outreach to farmers and communities. The university also expects to begin construction soon on a new creamery at the farm, to turn milk it produces into ice cream. Currently the universitys milk is sold as part of the larger Maola brand. Dozens of guests attended the open house A&T held for the new system last week, including at least one farmer who was already pretty much set on buying a voluntary milking system for her familys farm, but wanted to know more about what to expect including what headaches she and her family might face with it. Mayo said theyve had some issues with the vacuum compressor on the machine. Before that, she said, the biggest issue was making sure they had fully reliable internet in the barn. For the automated milking system to work, the internet has to be working all the time. We are in a sweet spot right now when everything has been happy, Mayo said. Burgess said that one issue he ran into relates to pecking order in the herd. There are some cows, he said, that are bigger in size, or have more assertive personalities. Those cows sometimes push their way to the front of the line. On the flip side, there are other cows who may be smaller or be followers with less driven personalities. A few of those cows, he said, arent keen on walking past the bully cows to go get milked, and so, even when they need the milking, they may need a little more guidance or push. Burgess said he said he has a holding pen area he can put those cows in as needed to set them up for going to into the milking system. When they get close to the robot, that close to it, 10 to 12 feet from it, they are going to go to it, he said. Those cows want to go to it. A&T keeps its cows in the barn during the day, from about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and outside on an adjacent pasture at night. The barn door stays open at night, and some of the cows come in from the pasture to use the milking system on their own during that time. As of 2013, only about 20 percent of lactating cows in the United States had any access to pasture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In research conducted by University of British Columbia, lactating cows that were given complete freedom to pick where they hung out spent a little over half their time in the pasture. The cows they studied generally chose to stay in the pasture at nighttime when it is cooler and less humid and to spend most of their daytime in the barns. Burgess said the automated milking system is nicer for the cows because it milks the cows with a consistent touch and cows prefer consistency. While voluntary milking systems have been around since the 1990s, Mayo said theyve been getting a lot more popular in the last handful of years. The economics of these systems are dependent on labor costs. Burgess said that when factoring in everything from wages to insurance to 401K plans, he expects the university will make back in seven years the more than $500,000 it spent on the system and its related equipment and installation. Ashley Robbins, the family farmer looking to purchase an automated milking system, said finding people who will milk cows is a really big problem now. Thats one of the reasons she and her family-member co-workers at Brush Creek Swiss Farms in Chatham County want to get one of these systems. We could go on trips, trade off, do things like that, that are kind of hard to do when you have to milk cows every day, she said. A 29-year-old man from Greeley, Colorado, is facing felony charges of assault with a weapon, criminal endangerment and tampering with evidence following a fight outside of an Augusta bar. According to charging documents filed Monday, Brendan David Caulder got into a physical altercation with a woman outside of the Buckhorn Bar, 120 Main St. in Augusta. Witnesses and victims told Lewis and Clark County sheriff's deputies the woman confronted Caulder in the parking lot regarding Caulder throwing a drink and cursing at a friend of hers. The woman told deputies Caulder knocked a drink out of her hand, bumped her with his shoulder and tried to strike her with a closed fist, at which point some men came out of the bar to intervene and the woman left to call 911. One man told deputies Caulder began attacking him after he intervened, striking him in the jaw and the abdomen several times. After Caulder fled the scene, the man said he noticed holes in his shirt and blood. He said Caulder stabbed him. The man was later seen at a medical clinic and received 18 stitches to close the wounds, authorities said. Witnesses said after the fight, Caulder got into his vehicle and drove away, almost striking the male victim and striking the female victim, who suffered a fractured right hand, according to court documents. Deputies stated in a sworn affidavit that Caulder was eventually located, "attempting to hide at his residence." Deputies said Caulder told them he "tossed" the knife, but it was later recovered "under a bed without a mattress in an unoccupied separate living residence near where the Defendant resided." The arresting deputy's affidavit states an investigation is ongoing. Caulder was arrested and booked into the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. He faces single felony charges of assault with a weapon, tampering with physical evidence and criminal endangerment as well as a misdemeanor charge of assault, authorities said. All charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Helena City Commission canceled all municipal elections for Nov. 7 save for one neighborhood district race during Monday's regular meeting. The city of Helena must hold the neighborhood district race come fall for the Helena Citizens' Council neighborhood district one seat after two filed as 11th hour write-in candidates. The city was nearly off the hook for an election this cycle with three city commissioners running unopposed for either reelection, or in the case of Commissioner Andy Shirtliff, running unopposed for his first full term in the seat vacated by the late Commissioner Eric Feaver. Commissioners Emily Dean and Sean Logan will return unopposed. Helena Municipal Court Judge Anne Peterson is running unopposed for reelection. And not one of the seven neighborhood districts, which elect four people to represent them on the Helena Citizens' Council, had more than four candidates file until with less than 24 hours before the deadline, Bryan Bolstad and Lori Fitzgerald filed as write-in candidates for neighborhood district one. They joined incumbents John E. Andrew, Patricia Bik and Diana Hammer, who filed before the regular candidate filing deadline of June 19, on the ballot for the lone district. Districts two and seven saw four candidates file, who will be declared elected by acclamation like the rest of the unopposed candidates. District three saw three candidates file, while district five had one. Districts four and six saw no candidates seeking election to one of the four available seats. Those neighborhood districts with empty seats on the council will be filled by appointment of the city commission, per Montana law. HCC Chairman Ben Kuiper told the commissioners during Monday's meeting that the council wishes to be involved in the process. Clerk of the Commission Dannai Clayborn said she will work with the council to create an online application form. Similarly in East Helena, incumbents Wesley Feist and Suzan Ferguson are running unopposed for reelection to their East Helena City Council seats. Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 23 to neighborhood district one, made up roughly of the south end of Last Chance Gulch and the west side south of Knight Street. The election is set for Nov. 7. Late registration begins Oct. 11, at which point voters will have to register in person at the Lewis and Clark County Elections Office, 316 Park Ave. Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins previously told the Independent Record that the city will include an insert in voters' water bills detailing the election results. Clayborn said Monday the insert is meant to be short and concise and directs city utility customers to the Lewis and Clark County Elections Office for more information. Those inserts are expected to be included in the October water bills. Similarly, Clayborn said she will work with city spokesman Jacob Garcin to create a webpage for the city's site also detailing the cancellation of races. "I think it's important to highlight opportunities for people to be involved in local government," City Commissioner Melinda Reed said. The Montana Attorney General's Office has declined to issue state guidance on how the state uses its school equalization mills, writing to counties this week that the matter appears to be on the brink of a legal fight, anyway. In a letter dated Monday to Beaverhead County Attorney Jed Fitch, who asked the Attorney General to issue a decision on the state tax funding mechanism last month, Deputy Solicitor General Brent Mead cited statements from both sides of the issue indicating impending litigation if the AG's decision did not fall their way. "As such, (the issue at hand) is more appropriately determined through an adversarial judicial proceeding, not through an Attorney General Opinion," Mead wrote. Previous AG opinions have been deferred to the courts when litigation is likely, the letter notes. Fitch said Tuesday the county commission has not yet determined how to proceed. The process referred to broadly as "the 95 mills" is an arrangement in which the state collects a pot of taxes and redistributes it across school districts so that richer and poorer districts are on similar footing. The commotion on this mechanism comes as state property assessments leaped by a median value of about 45% in the most recent state reappraisal cycle, sending counties and state officials into a finger-pointing frenzy about who is to blame for the incoming increase in property taxes. In this case, the state Legislature set up the school equalization mechanism, but Beaverhead County officials backed by the Montana Association of Counties last month contended the state has not adjusted those 95 mills as other rates have fluctuated. In their Aug. 18 letter seeking guidance from the office of Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, the Beaverhead County Commission said "it has become glaringly apparent that the state school 95 mills have been incorrectly levied for many years." AG opinions carry the weight of law unless overturned by a state district court or the Montana Supreme Court. In the decision to punt the decision, Mead's letter noted reported statements from Beaverhead County Commissioner Mike McGinley that the counties would consider litigation if the AG's office failed to adopt their position. Mead likewise raised a Sept. 18 testimony from Montana School Board Association Executive Director Lance Melton before an interim legislative committee that if the AG's decision fell in favor of the counties, his organization would likely pursue a lawsuit. "This letter declining to answer the question presented should not be construed as taking a position on the merits either in favor or opposition of any arguments raised," Mead wrote. School organizations have opposed any changes to the equalization measure because, they say, changes could leave poorer schools underfunded. "We're pleased to see there was not a ruling that would undermine this process," Melton said in a phone interview Tuesday. In the event the AG's response paves the way for litigation over the matter, Melton said the Montana School Board Association would respond in defense to the equalization mechanism, although it's ultimately a decision for the association's board. The AG's response comes less than 24 hours after Sen. Brad Molnar, R-Laurel, announced he would file a lawsuit this week challenging the state's arrangement of carrying forward the school equalization mills taking the same position as the county commissioners. Represented by Bozeman attorney and former GOP lawmaker Matthew Monforton, Molnar told reporters in an emailed statement he intends to file the case Wednesday in Yellowstone County District Court. DECATUR A sworn complaint from Decatur police accuses Eric L. Hardy of being a crack cocaine dealer who beat a customer to death because the victim owed him $400. The Decatur man appeared in Macon County Circuit Court on Monday afternoon where he was arraigned on three alternate counts of murder and a further charge of committing aggravated battery. Judge Lindsey Shelton ordered that Hardy be held in the Macon County Jail pending a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 18. The sworn complaint said that on the afternoon of Sept. 1 police were called to a home in the 1600 block of East Wood Street that was shared by several men. The gravely wounded victim, 53-year-old Marvin E. Meyer, was found in bed with blood streaming from facial injuries after a severe beating. Marvin told a DPD officer that his drug dealer, Eric Hardy, beat him up because Marvin owed Eric money, said the complaint, which was filed by Detective Jeremy Appenzeller. Marvin was transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital for his injuries but died during treatment of his injuries. DMH doctors advised Marvin suffered from blunt force trauma to the face and chest, including a hemothorax (internal bleeding), a collapsed lung and a lacerated liver. Police quote a 54-year-old witness as telling them Hardy shows up at the home each week to sell crack cocaine and Meyer was $400 behind on his payments. When Hardy arrived on Sept. 1, he told the witness and another resident to leave the living room so he would be alone with Meyer. (The witness) states he goes into his own bedroom and a fight ensues between Eric and Marvin. He then exits his room and observes Marvin on the floor with Eric repeatedly punching and kicking Marvin, said Appenzeller in the complaint. (The witness) states he then observes Eric assist Marvin off the living room floor and assists Marvin into Marvins bedroom. Appenzeller said Hardy immediately left but forgot his wallet, which also held a picture ID. The detective said the witness had confirmed that Hardy was definitely the assailant he had seen attacking the victim. A state warrant had been issued for Hardy and he was later found and arrested in Tennessee and booked into the Macon County Jail on Saturday morning. 2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park DECATUR A Decatur cocaine dealer who worked from home and kept $19,000 worth of cocaine in an air fryer in his kitchen has been sent to prison for more than 13 years. Jamaal A. Jackson, 31, took a plea deal negotiated by his defense lawyer, Douglas Johnson, and pleaded guilty to possessing illegal drugs with intent to deliver. Macon County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Geisler sentenced the defendant to 13 years and four months on that charge at a Sept. 15 hearing . The judge then agreed to dismiss a further charge of dealing in cannabis and resisting police. And, in an unrelated case, Geisler dismissed two counts of being an armed habitual criminal and two counts of armed violence. The drug bust charges date to Feb. 8, 2022, when members of the Decatur Police Emergency Response Team and the departments Street Crimes Unit, armed with a search warrant, raided Jacksons home in the 1000 block of East Elmhurst Avenue. A sworn affidavit filed by the cops said Jackson had fled to the basement where he was taken into custody after a violent struggle that left one officer needing medical treatment. Police inventoried eight pounds of cannabis in the house, packed into eight large and 37 smaller bags, along with two digital scales. Also located in the search, detectives found a copious amount of cocaine inside the kitchen air fryer, the affidavit said. This bag (containing the cocaine) had a total weight of 190.8 grams (6.7 ounces). The approximate street value of the cocaine would be $19,000. At the time of Jackson being placed in custody he had $5,780 in cash in his possession. Court records show Jackson was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2013 after pleading guilty to a charge of cocaine dealing. 2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park A shutdown of the federal government, even if only temporary, would needlessly disrupt the lives of public employees and citizens who depend on government services. But despite a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill, such a calamity remains all too possible next month. The explanation is tiresomely familiar: the obstructionism of a small band of hardline House Republicans. These dissenters last week embarrassed Speaker Kevin McCarthy by blocking consideration of a Pentagon funding bill, the second such vote in a week. Opposition from extreme right-wing members is also complicating McCarthys attempt to advance a continuing resolution, a stopgap measure to keep the government operating after Sept. 30. Ideally, McCarthy would be able to attract Democratic votes to protect the national interest, as he did in May when the House approved legislation to suspend the debt ceiling and forestall a default. That vote was a model of the sort of bipartisan compromise that should be the norm in a divided Congress. But proposals by House Republicans for a continuing resolution needed because of a lack of progress on specific appropriations bills offer Democrats little incentive to come to McCarthys rescue. The latest proposal reportedly is for a 31-day stopgap funding bill that would impose limits on spending more restrictive than what Democrats want and include measures to curb immigration. Even if Democrats were willing to support a continuing resolution, a decision by McCarthy to rely on Democratic votes probably would increase the possibility of an attempt by extreme Republicans to unseat him from the leadership role he narrowly achieved. An additional complication is the decision by former President Trump to inject himself into the shutdown debate. Trump posted this call to arms on Truth Social: A very important deadline is approaching at the end of the month. Republicans in Congress can and must defund all aspects of Crooked Joe Bidens weaponized Government that refuses to close the Border and treats half the Country as Enemies of the State. This is also the last chance to defund these political prosecutions against me and other Patriots. (In fact, its unlikely that a shutdown would interfere with the federal prosecutions of Trump. Just add that to the ever-growing pile of the former presidents lies and distortions.) McCarthy might still cobble together enough votes to win the support of a majority of Republicans for a continuing resolution. Yet if dissenters continue to stymie his efforts, the speaker should stop accommodating them and reach out to Democrats as he did when he secured an agreement with the White House on suspending the debt ceiling. By now McCarthy should have realized that placating the extremists in his ranks including by announcing a meritless impeachment inquiry into Biden only emboldens them. President Joe Biden was inaugurated Jan. 20, 2021. Imagine if someone could go back in time and inform him and his communications team that a few pivotal changes in the media would occur during his first three years in office. Rupert Murdoch, 92, announced he is stepped down as the chairman of Fox Corp. and News Corp. on Thursday. Since the 1980s, Murdoch, who will be replaced by his son Lachlan, has been the most powerful right-wing media executive in the U.S. Adding to Bidens good-luck list is Elon Musks purchase of Twitter, now rebranded as X, in October 2022, prompting millions of American users to drop the social media platform, which has become a hotbed of right-wing activity and commentary. Xs power as an influential social, political and cultural force has since continued to decline. Former President Donald Trump even originally spurned an invitation to return to X, after Twitter suspended his account in 2021. Trump has since posted one time on X, on Aug. 24. These and other incidents are good for Biden who, like all other politicians, remains somewhat reliant on the media to both get his word out and craft a positive public image. Ultimately, this luck coupled with his avoidance of news conferences might help Biden evade the intense scrutiny that all presidents face. A few other major media shifts have transpired during Bidens presidency. Fox News lost approximately 1 million nightly prime-time viewers, or about a third of its audience, between 2020 and early 2023. CNN and MSNBC ratings tanked, too, reflecting an overall decline of the cable TV news universe. Its also noteworthy that conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh died in February 2021, leaving a big void in right-wing talk radio. Many loyal Limbaugh listeners then deserted AM talk radio as a main way they get their news. More recently, Fox News fired Tucker Carlson, the host of Americas most popular right-wing cable TV news program, after Carlsons racist text messages were made public as part of the lawsuit against Fox by the Dominion Voting Systems company. Fox did regain some viewers after Carlson left. And finally this month, Project Veritas, a right-wing political group known for hiding cameras to embarrass journalists and nonprofits the group considered to be politically liberal, reportedly ended all of its investigations and fired almost all its remaining employees. Given Bidens low approval levels only 41% of Americans said that they approved of Biden in polls this month I cannot say that this chain of setbacks for conservative media platforms has helped Biden maintain or drawn in more voters and their support. Nonetheless, Bidens team has skillfully exploited the media. He has, for example, kept a relatively low public profile. In the last century, only Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon have convened fewer average annual news conferences than Biden at this point in their tenure. But Bidens luck may not last, even though he has benefited from right-wing media tumult in the last few years. And he hasnt seen the emergence of a new liberal media figure with the influence of a Limbaugh or Carlson. Its not yet clear what Rupert Murdochs departure will mean for Fox News, especially since his son, Lachlan Murdoch, is already well-established at Fox Corp. as a top executive and staunch conservative. One potentially complicating factor is that Bidens son, Hunter, is facing felony gun possession charges. So far, much of the media has avoided connecting Hunter Bidens alleged illegal activities and access peddling with Biden himself. That offers another example of Bidens good luck. HICKORY Western Piedmont Sister Cities Association is hosting its first in-person official delegation from Altenburger Land, Germany, since 2016. Due to the pandemic, the delegations previously scheduled visit in October 2020 had to be postponed. Now, the delegation is looking forward to their rescheduled Oct. 10-15 visit in celebration of their 30-year region-region partnership with WPSCA. Delegates will also be staying with local host families while they are here. As part of the delegations visit, the business delegates will be meeting with leaders in the four-county region to discuss economic and business development, emergency management services and renewable energy. There will also be three youth musicians and two music teachers traveling here as part of the delegation. They will perform for the public at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Hickory; at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at Western Piedmont Council of Governments during their official 30th anniversary time capsule burial ceremony; and at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Oktoberfest, opening up on the CommScope stage for the The Steubenville Tootlers, the popular Oktoberfest German oompah band. Another addition to the 30th-anniversary festivities will be the first beer swap and recipe exchange between Hickorys newest brewery, City Walk Brewing & Distilling, and Altenburgs oldest brewery, Altenburger Braueri. The two breweries have met virtually, exchanged their signature beer recipes, converted the measurements to adapt to each country, and these special brews will be released to the public during Oktoberfest. City Walk Brewing & Distillings sister regional brew will be called Altenburger Land Festbier and Altenburger Braueris sister brew will be called Western Piedmont Ale. Make sure to stop by City Walk Brewing & Distilling Oktoberfest weekend to participate in their beer stein competitions and be one of the first to sample this new German brew. All ingredients were shipped in from Germany and made especially for this region. WPSCA made international history by connecting four counties located within the Western Piedmont region of North Carolina (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba), together with the Altenburger Land, a region located in the central part of Germany in the former East German Federal State of Thuringia. For more information, contact Tracey Trimble, WPSCA chair and Catawba County designee, at ttrimble@hickoryfurniture.com or 704-502-5932 This week, Hickory is one of three locations scheduled for hearings on redistricting in North Carolina. While the current redistricting plan can be aptly analyzed as a partisan power grab by the General Assemblys Republican majority, its purpose and its effects are far more devastating. It is an immoral effort to dilute and silence the voices of people of color, low-income North Carolinians, and other marginalized communities, so that the General Assembly can continue its war on education and the environment, and against Black and brown folks, women, LGBTQ+ people, and the poor. Ten years ago, the dismantling of the 1965 Voting Rights Act paved the way for racialized gerrymandering in this state, and this weeks redistricting hearings are a direct result. Unfazed by the 2016 ruling that NCs voter maps targeted African Americans with almost surgical precision, along with subsequent rulings that new NC maps have been unconstitutionally gerrymandered, the NC General Assembly is hellbent on suppressing the voices of those who will challenge its hold on power. In his 2020 address to the U.S. House of Representatives, lifelong North Carolinian and civil rights leader Rev. William J. Barber II said this: Voters in North Carolina and across the South are caught in a voter suppression thunderstorm and have had to depend on costly, protracted, and difficult litigation to ensure our most fundamental rights. The situation is no different in 2023. The current redistricting effort is one more chapter in the Southern Strategy, a plan to keep voters of different races and cultures apart (particularly low-income voters), because the state legislative leaders know that when we come together, we are what Martin Luther King, Jr., called a new and unsettling force. Josh Nixon Hickory Loewen keeps a tally of sundown towns and possible sundown towns on his website. It's a long list, covering virtually every state. They proliferate less now from overt means and more through the inertia of the past and more sinister ways; by those suggesting, for example, that Blacks may be more "comfortable" elsewhere; by whispers and cold shoulders; by politicians who stoke fear by claiming that minorities bring with them crime and other problems. Still, since 2005, when Loewen's book first brought attention to the phenomenon of sundown towns, some of these places have been forced to face up to their racist past, albeit with some resistance. Advertisement "What people will say is, 'That was the old days. Why bring it up now?'" Loewen says. "I tell them two things. First, the reputation of the town lives on and makes it stay overtly white, if not all-white, until you do something until you make it un-stay. "And two, you are still legitimizing those people in the town who think it was OK the way it was." In encouraging signs, more than a dozen sundown or former sundown towns have held Black Lives Matter events. Glendale, California, is one of them. At one time in the early 20th century, the city had a Black population of less than 0.2 percent. In a city that now has more than 200,000 people, Blacks still make up less than 2 percent of the population. In September 2020, the city passed a resolution acknowledging its racist past, apologizing for it and condemning it, becoming the first city in the state to do so. "I'm grateful that there are community members who understand this is not just a piece of paper but that it comes with the energy of atonement," Tanita Harris-Ligons, the founder of the organization Black in Glendale, told the city council. "Now, do the work required behind it. Honor the contributions of the diverse community coalition and act on meaningful policies and programs that improve Black representation in Glendale on all fronts." Other cities have also officially recognized their pasts as sundown towns and vowed to move beyond them. In March 2015, the City Council of Goshen, Indiana, passed a resolution acknowledging its history as a sundown town. The following year, the mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Tim Kabat, formally apologized for his city's history and signed a proclamation to work toward racial equality. Even Anna, Illinois, held a Black Lives Matter rally in June 2020 most likely the first event of its kind in the town's history. Around 200 people showed up to march through the city streets to protest police brutality against Blacks. A Black woman from the area, Mildred Henderson, who has been marching for racial equality for decades, told the Southern Illinoisan, "I've never seen so many white people give a darn about Black people." Now That's Interesting To see if your town has a history as a sundown town, you can check out James Loewen's database. You might be surprised by what you find. The U.S. dairy herd has been trending lower since March. One explanation that I continue to hear for the decline is that record-high slaughter prices are pulling more dairy cows toward the slaughterhouse. But what seems to be getting less press is the high cost of replacement cows. There can be big differences in regional replacement cow prices, and USDA doesnt always do a great job of picking up on market prices for replacements. However, their numbers put replacements at $1,760 per head in July, the highest they have been since 2016. When I try to model replacement cow prices, there are three things that drive the price: milk price, feed costs, and slaughter prices, all with a six-month lag. Record-high milk prices in the first half of 2022 have helped push replacement cow prices up to their current level, and the relatively good milk prices in early 2023 were still supportive for replacement costs into the third quarter of this year. Feed costs are negatively correlated with replacement prices, so the high feed costs have helped hold back replacement prices. Slaughter prices, on the other hand, are positively correlated and have been helping support the replacement price. Still, the market has been extra strong this year, running $200 to $400 per head higher than the model says prices should be. My model says replacement prices should be coming down in the last quarter of this year due to the lower milk prices we saw this summer, but given how strong the market has been and the record-high slaughter prices in the third quarter, replacement prices could stay higher than the model thinks. The other issue is simply the physical availability of replacements. USDA estimates we only have 2.769 million heifers expected to calve this year, which is the second lowest on record (although the data only goes back to 2003). Negative margins for dairy farmers this summer are pushing some dairy farms to exit the business, which will likely push some replacement cows that can go to other farms. The lower milk prices should also help bring down replacement cow prices, but the model is only expecting a 10% to 15% drop in replacement cow prices for the first half of 2024. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023 September 25, 2023 Industry leaders from around the globe will gather at the gateway to Americas Dairyland when the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit returns to the U.S. for the first time in 30 years. Held October 16 to 20 in Chicago, Ill., the Summit will attract influential participants from dozens of countries for programming that explores important issues facing the dairy sector. The event will also feature a vibrant tradeshow and offer technical tours to Midwest facilities demonstrating dairy industry innovation. Showcasing Wisconsins leading farming and manufacturing practices along with its unique dairy infrastructure for a global audience is a key strategy for meeting international market and consumer demands. Exports are essential to future-proofing Wisconsins dairy industry. The upcoming summit provides a prime opportunity to educate and engage stakeholders in the work of Wisconsins world-class dairy scientists, farmers, and producers. Immersive experiences offer participants a look at how Wisconsins multigenerational dairy farmers and processors collaborate to create innovative and nutritious foods, engineer new technology, and strengthen sustainability efforts. Having these influential leaders visit Wisconsin to see how Americas Dairyland operates will help drive a better worldwide understanding of how good dairy is at sustainability and animal care. A two-day tour of Wisconsin will: Highlight state-of-the-art facilities such as the Center for Dairy Research (Madison), leaders in research and outreach education beneficial to the dairy industry supported by dairy farmer checkoff dollars, and ABS Global (DeForest), a world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services, technologies, and products. Exhibit the latest in livestock and land management with stops at Hinchley Dairy Farm (Cambridge) and Larson Acres (Evansville). Offer a taste of excellence at Klondike Cheese (Monroe) where attendees will sample award-winning varieties and learn about the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker program. Provide networking opportunities with industry leaders at an evening event at Four Winds Farm (Fitchburg), an agricultural business and event space with a focus on permaculture. From Wisconsin to the world Involvement in the IDF World Dairy Summit is directly tied to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsins (DFW) broader export initiatives. Ninety percent of the milk Wisconsin produces is made into cheese, and 90% of that cheese is sold outside the state's borders. The value of Wisconsin exports has grown by 78% over the last decade and revenue continues to rise. Currently, 15% of Wisconsin dairy is exported to more than 140 countries, with 5% of that growth occurring over the past two years. Ninety-five percent of the worlds population lives outside the U.S., and DFW knows increasing awareness of Wisconsin products is key for international markets. Recent efforts connecting cheese companies with export partners have included: Hosting international buyer missions with key buyers to give DFW exposure to 20 new distributors in those regions and opening doors with new retailers. Partnering with state and national agencies to display products from 25 different Wisconsin cheese companies in several international trade shows. Encouraging new cheese producers to export products through a presentation at CheeseCon. Supporting the Consortium for Common Food Names to protect the right to use descriptors such as Asiago and Gruyere in marketing. By identifying opportunities and connecting Wisconsin cheese companies with export partners and international audiences, we have grown from nine exporting company partners to 30 in 2023. DFW earned another $100,000 grant to further develop exports from the state, which will help achieve new goals for selling more products outside our borders. Today, Wisconsin ranks No. 1 in specialty cheese exports and No. 5 in dairy exports (cream cheese, cheese, whey products, and milk protein isolates). We will continue working closely with key partners to develop products to meet tomorrows growing global demands. Visit WisconsinDairy.org to learn more about your dairy checkoff. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023 September 25, 2023 KANNAPOLIS Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg has promoted Tina Cline to the position of assistant city manager. Cline has been employed with the city of Kannapolis since 1995, primarily in the role as director of human resources. She has also previously held the role of risk manager. Prior to joining Kannapolis, she worked for Cabarrus County in the human resources department. In her new role, Cline will oversee the operations for the customer service, human resources, finance, general services and information technology departments. Tinas institutional knowledge and long-term experience in her field made her the ideal candidate for her new responsibilities. The departments she is now responsible for serve both our employees and residents in unique ways and her skillset more than qualifies her to aid these departments as they adapt and expand with the growth of our city, said Legg. She is a native of Rowan County and is a graduate of Pfeiffer College with a bachelors degree in business administration. She also graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Government City and County Municipal Administration program. She is active in a number of nonprofit and professional human resources organizations, including serving in many leadership positions. Most recently she was president of the North Carolina Chapter of Public Sector Human Resources Association, and as president, secretary and a board member of International Public Management Association N.C. chapter, and vice president and president of the Cabarrus Personnel Association. As a member of Grace Lutheran Church, she has served as a church council member, secretary, social ministry chair, and on the personnel advisory committee. She has also volunteered with Rowan Helping Ministries, the United Way, the American Red Cross as a board member and Special Olympics as a host town coordinator. She is married to Tony and has three children and a grandchild. New human resources director Heather James has been promoted from assistant human resources director to the position of director of human resources. Heather is an immensely talented local government professional with a wide range of talents and abilities which will prove invaluable for our city as we encounter the continuing positive changes of a growing workforce, commented Legg. She is a great addition to our leadership team. James has over 13 years of local government experience in human resources. Her experience includes working for the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM), where she consulted with 540 municipalities across the state on variety of human resources-related inquiries. Prior to working for NCLM, she worked for the town of Davidson as their first human resources director. Her local government career began with the town of Oak Ridge as town clerk. She holds bachelors degrees in economics and political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a post-baccalaureate certificate in urban and economic development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a masters in public administration from Appalachian State University. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SCP), IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional (SCP) and an IIMC Master Municipal Clerk (MMC). She is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Government City and County Municipal Administration program. She is active member of the YMCA and volunteers with the Local Government Federal Credit Union Advisory Group. She is married to Matthew, and they have one daughter. Today's Homeowner looks at the challenges and offers resources for those on their journey to find housing after having been previously incarcerated. When Watts Auman, beloved community and political leader in Moore County, died at 84 on Sept. 17, I knew that I would have to write about him. But there is a problem. Whenever I have written about Watts in the past, the column turned out to be more about me than him. There is a reason. My connection with Watts and the lessons I learned from and with him have been important, perhaps life changing. So I cannot write about Watts without trying to explain how much I learned because of him. When I first arrived at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) in late 1963 and was being taken around to see the important places that airborne troops need to know, I learned that my Davidson College friend Watts Auman was commanding a team of airborne riggers. As paratroopers know, riggers are among the most important people in airborne. They pack the parachutes, new and used, and get them ready for use. A mistake could lead to a tragedy. Watts and the people under his command regularly made airplane jumps using the parachutes that they had prepared. Wattss quiet leadership made him a perfect commander of these riggers. For a short time Watts and I lived with seven other junior officers in a house at 1805 Bragg Blvd. in Fayetteville. But soon Watts completed his service and returned to the family farm near West End in Moore County. Meanwhile, I was assigned to an intelligence detachment of the Special Forces. One of my first assignments was to participate in the war games in the area known as Swift Strike as an underground spy in Moore County. Watts and his parents let me live with them for several weeks and pretend to be a part of their family. One of the first things I saw in the Auman home was a plug of chewing tobacco encased in plastic and sitting in a prominent place on the coffee table in their living room. What in the world it that? I asked. That was Kerr Scotts favorite chewing tobacco, Wattss mother explained. Terry Sanford, who ran Scotts campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1954, sent tobacco plugs to the key campaign workers like Clyde Auman, Watts father. He had been Kerr Scotts county chair and was now campaigning for a seat in the North Carolina House. I learned how much struggling farmers appreciated the roads and services that Kerr Scott had pushed through while governor. Watts led me around the farm. Although the Aumans were best known for peaches, they also farmed other crops. He showed me how to string tobacco, take it down, bind it up, and send it to market. I watched as Watts worked with the farm workers. Always quiet and respectful, but he was also demanding. It was clear that Watts had earned their respect. One day, Watts and I took a small crop of field peas to the Farmers Market in Raleigh, selling them for almost enough to cover the cost of the gas it took to there. Clyde Auman let me follow him around from event to event as he campaigned for the legislature. Like Watts, Clyde Auman was quiet and modest in a winning way. But that modesty made it a challenge to create campaign materials. Even though Moore County was still Democratic, a candidate had to be careful to appeal to traditional Republicans in the northern part of the country and to conservatives in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. But our candidate was slow to brag. In those few weeks in the Auman home, I learned more about farming and politics and the strength of humility than I did about spying. Watts leaves hundreds, maybe thousands, of Auman kin across the state and region, almost all sharing Wattss commitment to community, especially his sisters Nancy Cunningham and Laura Pitts and his brother Bob. Without Bobs suggestions for column topics and his careful reading and correction of drafts, I could not continue writing this column. For Wattss friendship and example and for my connection to his family, I will always be grateful. * * * A PBS-NC Our State feature contains three programs: Ben Long, Peaches and Fort Macon. The Peaches segment is the second of the three and includes visits to Watt Auman at the Auman Orchard in West End and Chesley Greene at the Pee Dee Orchard on Route 74 Here is the link: IT and managed services provider Logicalis has promoted Wayne Haylett to the role of global Cisco alliance director. "Wayne's extensive expertise in spearheading strategic initiatives, collaborating with sales teams to enhance pipeline and business development efforts, coupled with his exceptional understanding of the operational aspects of the Cisco business, will bring immense value to our Global Alliance team. We are delighted to welcome him onboard," said Logicalis global vice president of strategic alliances Richard Simmons. Logicalis Australia sales director Lisa Fortey said "This promotion exemplifies the exceptional talent nurtured within Logicalis Australia and underscores our commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within the organisation. "During his two-year tenure with Logicalis Australia, Wayne was able to secure a top regional partner status with Cisco, as well as achieving both the Cisco sustainability and CX specialisations. We are grateful for Wayne's dedication and expertise and congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion". Haylett joined Logicalis' South African operation in 2020 before transferring to Logicalis Australia in 2021 as Cisco engagement manager. He previously spent seven years at Nexio South Africa, culminating in the role of Cisco and network collaboration business unit manager. Haylett holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Pretoria and is a certified Cisco Customer Success Manager. "I'm excited to embark on my new journey with Logicalis," said Haylett. "As one of the six Cisco Global Gold partners, I feel a great sense of pride as I embrace my global role and actively contribute to the growth and expansion of our Cisco partnership." SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. "Take the money and run" is the name of an early Woody Allen movie and a song by the Steve Miller Band. It is also the name of a contemporary artwork by the Danish artist Jens Haaning. Or at least art is what Haaning says it is. A court in Copenhagen says it's a scam. Who's right? The background: In 2021, Haaning was commissioned by the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art to reproduce a pair of his earlier works, in which he attached paper money to large, framed canvases. The museum supplied the cash Haaning would need to make the new versions it gave him 533,000 Danish kroner (equivalent to roughly $76,000) and he signed a contract agreeing to return the currency after the four-month exhibition. What Haaning delivered, however, was not a recreation of his earlier pieces but two empty frames, which he titled "Take the Money and Run." In an email to the museum, he said he had decided to "make a new work for the exhibition," rather than duplicate his previous pieces and that he was keeping the banknotes for himself as part of his art. "The work is that I have taken their money," he told the Danish network DR. "I encourage other people who have just as miserable working conditions as me to do the same." In an interview with CNN, he denied that he was committing theft. From his "artistic point of view," he said, he had "created an art piece, which is maybe 10 or 100 times better than what we had planned. What is the problem?" What is the problem? The museum eventually sued Haaning to recover its money; last week the court ordered the artist to return the cash. Yet the museum also went along with Haaning's stunt and included the blank canvases in the exhibition. The accompanying curators' commentary called Haaning's submission "a recognition that works of art, despite intentions to the contrary, are part of a capitalist system that values a work based on some arbitrary conditions." Thus, the museum explained, "Take the Money and Run" functions "as a critique of mechanisms within the art world, but also points to larger structures in our society." Whatever that means. More than 50 years ago, the philosopher Marshall McLuhan famously declared (in an aphorism often misattributed to Andy Warhol): "Art is anything you can get away with." For nearly the whole history of human creativity, of course, that wasn't true. Talent and skill were required to produce works regarded as art, and artistic greatness required striving for truth or excellence or beauty. But over the past century, as critics, collectors, and academics genuflected ever more reverently before works that amounted to mere stunts, gimmicks, or provocations, "art" really did come to be anything the artist could get away with. A banana duct-taped to an art gallery's wall made headlines in 2019 when it sold for $120,000. But such antics are now legion in arts circles. At the Manchester Art Gallery in Great Britain, a wadded-up sheet of paper is displayed in a glass case and identified as "Work No. 88 by the English artist Martin Creed. The museum has recorded a video in which a staff member explains the significance of displaying something so insignificant. "You might come across this," she says, "and feel frustrated and think: Why is that there? Why is that considered to be art? But that response is also valuable; it's also a creative response that can't happen if this work hadn't been made." By such logic, what wouldn't qualify as display-worthy art? In recent years, museums have exhibited "art" involving pieces of dung, individuals throwing up, an American flag on the floor to be walked on, a plank of wood painted black and propped against a wall, and a messy unmade bed. As far back as 1917, Marcel Duchamp conceived of submitting a porcelain urinal, titled "Fountain," to a New York exhibition staged by the Society of Independent Artists. To their credit, the society's directors refused to display the item, regarding it as rude. A century later, anything goes the ruder (or sillier or dumber or shallower), the better. Art is anything you can get away with. Haaning says that keeping the money he was supposed to repay goes to the artistic essence of "Take the Money and Run." Whether he will fork over the money or accept the penalty for refusing to do so is still an open question. A more pertinent question is whether the art world will ever tire of all the grifting and return, at long last, to the standards of craft and intelligence it once prized so highly. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission." 100 years ago, Sept. 26, 1923 NEWTON An effort was made at an early hour last Saturday morning to rob the bank at Wheeler. Three separate charges of explosive were discharged in an effort to get into the money box of the vault, but these proved unsuccessful, as the noise made by the explosions and the ringing of the telephone bell, evidently caused the bandits to take flight. Five men were seen running down the railroad track, and although Sheriff Jones and deputies appeared on the scene from this city within a short time, no trace of the robbers was found. Saturday afternoon, four men, hiding in a lumber car in the railroad yards of the town, were arrested and put in jail. They are being held on suspicion. 50 years ago, 1973 MATTOON The city plans to push ahead with plans to install part of the $6.8 million sewer line along Rudy Ave. According to Sewer Commissioner George Wedel, "At the present time, our plans are still to go down Rudy Ave." Mayor Roger Dettro echoed Wedel's position. Residents along Rudy have asked the city to reroute section of the planned sewer line along the Kickapoo drainage ditch between 19th and 9th. A total of approximately 100 Rudy Ave. residents contributed $10 each to organize the Rudy Ave. Project, a citizens' group. The citizens group employed Ralph Glenn, a Mattoon attorney, to represent it. Tuesday's meeting was held in Glenn's office. The citizens' group had Upchurch and Associates, Inc., a local engineering firm, prepare plans for the alternate route...MATTOON Striking employees of Tube-Lok Products are in their third week on the picket line. The company, which employees approximately 140 workers, is located on East Illinois 316 in Mattoon. Ernie Frost, general organizer of Ironworkers International, said that on Jan. 11, 1973, the National Labor Relations Board conducted an election between Tube-Lok Products Co. and Shopman's Local Union 518 of the International Association of Bridge Structural and ornamental Ironworkers. The union won by a large majority and was certified by the labor board. 25 years ago, 1998 MATTOON A Lake Land College official outlines plans for use of the former Wal-Mart building at a public hearing Friday before the Zoning Board of Appeals. The college is requesting a special use permit and to have the property rezoned from industrial to C-3, service commercial. Lake Land plans to lease more than 40 percent of the building, or about 27,540 square feet, at the north end of the property across from the Cross County Mall...CHARLESTON The woman accused of soliciting the murders of county officials is asking for a new judge, claiming that the current judge is prejudiced because he was on her alleged handprinted hitlist. Kennie Lynn Burch, 52, of rural Charleston, has signed an affidavit stating that she believes Circuit Judge Gary Jacobs should be removed from the case...CHARLESTON A Charleston man pleaded guilty Friday to attempted first-degree murder for the stabbing of his stepdaughter. Charles Schoonover, 45, will face six to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for the June 8 stabbing of Kelli Waltrip. Schoonover didn't want to put the family through the trauma of a trial, said Public Defender Lonnie Lutz, who represents Schoonover. "He basically just wants to try to get the matter solved as soon as possible," Lutz said. "He remains very remorseful over what happened." Photos: 2023 Coles County new businesses Side by Side Gaming family (copy) Defense Depot plans (copy) Winery owner (copy) DHM exterior (copy) CRAFT EMPORIUM 060123-mat-nws-sports-groundbreaking_01.JPG (copy) CHARLESTON Last month, Eastern Illinois University launched a new project titled Making Meaning in a Post-Religious America, led by political science professor Ryan Burge and independent scholar Tony Jones. The Making Meaning Project will complete the largest-ever survey of Americans who are not religiously affiliated. The results of that survey will then guide Burge, Jones, and other team members in studying how these American nones explore, identify, and embrace meaning, purpose, and transcendence in their daily and collective lives. We are excited to launch this project, said Burge, assistant professor and graduate coordinator in EIUs department of political science. The nones are the fastest growing group on the American religious landscape(and) they may well be the future of American spirituality. As a former pastor, I have watched each subsequent generation GenXers, Millennials, and now GenZers drift further from organized religion, added Jones, a theologian and author based in Minnesota. Yet in spite of this, many of them continue to seek spiritual experiences, even connection to the divine. Results of their academic- and theological-based research will be communicated in books, at academic meetings, via webinars, and through media outlets. The survey results ultimately will be made available to other academicians and researchers as well, and are intended to further the study of the evolving spirituality of Americans. Burge has gained notoriety in America and internationally as a go-to expert for discussing the history, analyzing the impact, and predicting the future of organized religion in America. Jones has authored a dozen books and scores of academic and popular articles. He was a founding leader of the emerging church movement of the early 2000s, giving him insight into how and why Americans move away from organized religion. He teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and mentors young people in outdoors skills. Photos: Psychedelic churches push boundaries of religion ROBINSON An Oblong woman accused of concealing the murder of a Lerna man is now also facing a drug charge in Crawford County Circuit Court. Hiley Schulte, 52, charged with concealing the homicidal death of Ryan Waggoner, has recently received an additional charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, less than 5 grams. The new charge stems from Schulte's June 27 arrest regarding her ties to Waggoners death. Waggoner, 55, was reported missing in early June and his body was later discovered on Schultes property in July. She has not entered a plea. Schulte, whose next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 16, is one of three defendants arrested in connection with the murder of Waggoner. Angela Newcomb, 58, of Robinson, and her 25-year-old son, Lance Newcomb of Robinson, also were arrested in June. Originally, the mother and son were charged with concealment of a homicidal death and Angela Newcomb was also charged with obstructing justice. Crawford County let Lance Newcombs charge go as nolle prosequi when Cumberland County officials charged him with first degree murder following the positive DNA test results identifying the burned and dismembered body as Waggoners. He allegedly shot Waggoner to death. Lance Newcomb remains in custody in Cumberland County Jail while both the women bonded out of jail at the end of June. He was denied pretrial release on Sept. 18, when the SAFE-T Act's no cash bail provisions took effect in Illinois. Waggoner was a father figure to Lance Newcomb, and the two men had lived together in Waggoner's residence in rural Lerna in Cumberland County. Lance Newcomb is scheduled for a status hearing on Monday, Oct. 2, and his mother's next court appearance is set for Oct. 25. Both of them have pleaded not guilty. Who are they? IL children reported missing as of September 23 These are recent reports of missing children made to local law enforcement. If you think you have seen a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Q: Growing up many years ago, we were taught to let the microwave oven time out before opening the door due to radioactive waves. Is this still true of ovens built within the last 10 years? Is unplugging the toaster after use due to a fire hazard still true? E.G. Answer: Its safe to open a microwave door while its running. According to West Texas A&M University, a properly functioning microwave oven automatically turns off the moment you open the door. In a few microseconds, before the door even finishes opening, the last of the microwaves have been absorbed, the university said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said microwaves use non-ionizing radiation. That type of radiation is different from X-rays and other ionizing radiation types and do not have the same risks. Here is how a microwave heats food: Although heat is produced directly in the food, microwave ovens do not cook food from the inside out. When thick foods are cooked, the outer layers are heated and cooked primarily by microwaves while the inside is cooked mainly by the conduction of heat from the hot outer layers. Now for the second part of your question: Unplugging appliances when they are not being used is a good way to use less energy and reduce the chance of a fire, according to Unitil.com, the website of a gas and power utility in New Hampshire. Even when devices are not being used, they still use power when plugged in. The term is phantom power. To save power, its a good idea to unplug such small appliances as coffeemakers, toasters, and can openers that are not being used. Large appliances, such as stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers, and devices with clocks that have to be reset should remain plugged in. Small kitchen appliances are easy to unplug when not in use, and its a good habit to get into. While the risk of electrical fire is low when your appliances and electronics are in good working condition, why take that chance? Unplugging them is the only real way to eliminate the chances of that happening, Unitil.com said. Book donations needed The Friends of Central Library, 660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, is accepting donations of books and other media for its ongoing Lobby Book Sale area and fall 2023 book sale. All donations benefit the Central Library collections and various programs, such as the Childrens and Teens Summer Reading Programs and the Junior Library Guild subscriptions. The group is looking for used books, DVDs, CDs and other media in good condition. Of special interest are history and military books, biographies, literary classics, North Carolina and regional titles, childrens books, academic books, current textbooks and hardcover cookbooks. Donations are tax deductible and receipts are provided upon request. Books may be dropped off in bags or boxes at the first-floor information desk from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, larger donations or special collections, email FriendsofCentralLibrary@gmail.com or call 336-327-7888. Forsyth County deputies arrested a man on Monday morning who was wanted in Asheboro on a child abduction charge, authorities said. Asheboro police said they responded to a dwelling in the 1000 block of Powhatan Avenue around 6:38 a.m. Monday and talked to a woman who told them that a man had come into her house and left with her 9-year-old granddaughter. She gave authorities the name of the man. Asheboro police said they issued an Amber Alert and took out a warrant for the arrest of Darrell Milton Boyd, who is 60. Asheboro police also learned that Boyd might be in the area of Walnut Cove and contacted the Stokes County Sheriff's Office. Later Monday morning, authorities learned that Boyd was possibly in the 8700 block of Kiger Road, in Forsyth County just south of the Stokes County line. Deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office responded and found Boyd and his vehicle. The 9-year-old was found unharmed and released to the care of a parent, authorities said. Boyd was placed in the Forsyth County Jail after his arrest with bond set at $500,000. Asheboro police said the Randolph County Sheriffs Office helped in the investigation. The N.C. Insurance Department said Monday that Dr. Anne Litton White, a controversial Winston-Salem doctor, pleaded guilty Thursday to unlawfully obtaining or retaining a credit card, a Class 2 misdemeanor. White, 68, of Advance, was arrested in April and charged with identity theft and unlawfully obtaining a credit card, both felonies. Insurance spokesman Barry Smith said the identity theft charge was dismissed, and a prayer for judgment was continued. She paid court cost, and prior to going to court she paid $11,238 in restitution. White had been the operator of Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center from 2004 until the facility closed in April 2022. The closure fulfilled a N.C. Medical Board order for White to take that action or sell her practice by April 16, 2022, as part of the indefinite suspension of her medical license issued by the board in March 2022. According to the Person County arrest warrant, White used credit card and banking information of a deceased person, Pamela Dianne Shumate, to obtain and use a credit card in Shumates name. Special agents with the departments Criminal Investigations Division said White previously had been listed as an authorized user of Shumates credit card. However, the authority to use her card ceased when Shumate died in May 2006, yet White continued to renew the card, according to the arrest warrant. Under the identify theft charge, the arrest warrant listed that White unlawfully, willfully and feloniously did knowingly obtain, use identifying information, credit card and banking information (of Shumate) with the intent to fraudulently represent that the defendant was the other person for the purpose of avoiding legal consequences. The arrest warrant did not list a money amount associated with the credit card. Previous legal issues The identity theft arrest is the latest legal issue for White. In November, a Forsyth Superior Court judge ordered White to pay at least $332,000 to Bank of America Corp. for failure to meet the payment terms of her commercial business loan. Bank of America filed on Oct. 7 for a partial summary judgment against White and her former businesses of Carolina Family Medicine and Dermatology PA and Carolina Laser and Cosmetic Center. Richard Doughton, a retired special Superior Court judge, approved the partial summary judgment on Oct. 24, which includes $49,509 in attorney fees. The judge agreed to the restitution breakdown provided by the bank of $309,899 in loan principal, accrued interest of $20,164, late fee of $2,086 and additional interest accruing since May 24 at the daily rate of $63.27. Background The N.C. Medical Boards indefinite suspension of Whites medical license was issued at the conclusion of a Feb. 17-18, 2022, disciplinary hearing. The board ruled that White must wait two years before asking for her license to be reinstated and that she must tell her patients about her practices status. That two-year period began March 17, 2022. Board attorney Brian Blankenship said that because White is the sole shareholder of the practice, accordingly she must divest herself of her shares to another licensee or shut down the practice. The focus of the hearing was how White ran her practice between March 18, 2020, and May 25, 2020. White told board investigators and a board-required monitor that her practice was one of the many businesses that closed under state order during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, former employees testified and provided documentation that White saw patients during that time. White testified that before the COVID-19 pandemic, she would average between $120,000 and $150,000 in monthly billings during a typical March through May period. The board also determined that White committed unprofessional conduct by failing to comply with a 2018 order under which she agreed to pay for outside monitoring of her practice. That determination allows the board to annul, suspend, revoke, condition or limit Whites North Carolina medical license. The board also said in the report the unprofessional conduct includes the committing of any act contrary to honesty, justice or good morals as it related to a separate complaint involving an insurance claim filed by White. It was the sixth time White has been subject to a board notice of charges and allegations, the others occurring in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2017 and 2018-20. Before the Feb. 18 ruling, Whites license had been suspended for a combined 110 days since 2004, the last times from May 7-16, 2018, and from July 16-26, 2018. Her practice had been operational since the second suspension ended. Schools Superintendent Tricia McManus said Monday that she welcomes the federal governments oversight of the school districts disciplinary practices. We want to be held accountable, and were very committed to this work, McManus said at a press conference that also included representatives from local nonprofit organizations that work primarily with Black children and school justice issues. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools agreed last week to take additional steps to ensure that it is disciplining its students without racial bias after a review by the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights found what it called persistent and significant disparities in disciplinary referral and suspension rates among Black and white students. The civil-rights office launched its compliance review in 2010. The school district has resolved to take several measures, such as collecting and analyzing data; reviewing, and if necessary, revising its discipline policies; and submitting reports to the civil-rights office on the effectiveness of its efforts to narrow the discipline gap. The resolution does not mean that the school district violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funds or other federal financial assistance. McManus, who arrived in the school district in 2020, said that she wasnt aware of the review before last week or of anyone with the civil-rights office contacting the school district over the last few years. Ill be honest. My team and I have not been here very long, and we were like, What is this? McManus said of the email from the civil-rights office about the resolution. Last year, the school board approved a new code of conduct, character and support, which, in part, is meant to address the districts discipline disparities while emphasizing a more restorative and less punitive approach to student behavior. One of the goals is to better address the root of students behavior while keeping them in school. The federal review said that it wanted to see some sections of the code reviewed and possibly revised. Some of that was already underway before last weeks resolution, McManus said. According to the federal review, as recently as the 2022-23 school year Black students received 57% of discipline leading to in-school or out-of-school suspension while making up 29% of the districts enrollment. In comparison, white students received 14% of such disciplinary measures while comprising 34% of total enrollment. McManus acknowledged Monday that disparities remain. Its really good timing, McManus said of the report. This is work that we are really passionate about, and Im glad this resolution came up because its just going to make us reflect on what were doing and how to make it better. The federal government began scrutinizing the school districts disciplinary procedures in 2010. The school districts general counsel at the time, Allison Tomberlin, told the Winston-Salem Journal that such federal reviews are prompted by data, newspaper reports and a pattern of complaints. Part of the press conference Monday at The Enterprise Center on Martin Luther King Jr., Drive, gave representatives from different entities a chance to talk about what they were doing to help young Black children, particularly Black boys. Those groups include the recently relaunched My Brothers Keeper Winston-Salem and the Crosby Scholars AAMPED (African-American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams) program. Action4Equity, which advocates for equity in education, released a statement after the press conference applauding the leadership of McManus, but it agreed with the civil-rights office that the new code of conduct needs some changes. It specifically mentioned more community oversight of disciplinary practices, a review of school resource officers role in schools and ending suspensions of students in grades K-3. Our children have been victimized for years by confirmation bias, implicit bias, a lack of cultural competence and discretionary decision-making that fuels the school-to-prison pipeline and denies them access to the standard curriculum, the statement read. These dynamics contribute to the low performance of schools, rendering academic achievement gaps virtually intractable. PHOTOS: Press conference to address race-related discipline gap in schools Another statewide poll on the 2024 governor primary races this time from Meredith College has Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democrat Attorney General Josh Stein with commanding leads in their respective races. However, there were more participants unsure of who they are voting for in the March primary than either front-runner had support. The Meredith Poll, taken Sept. 16-19, found Robinson with the support of 118 of 350 potential Republican primary voters, or 34%. None of the other four Republican candidates reached double digits in support: state Treasurer Dale Folwell (13, 3%), Jesse Thomas (11, 3%), former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker (23, 7%) and former N.C. Rep. Andy Wells (11, 3%) Meanwhile, there were 155 potential voters, or 44%, said they dont know which candidate will get their vote. Poll officials said Robinson does well with all groups of Republicans, but particularly with the most conservative primary voters, older Republicans and those with less education. Former President Donald Trump has made a verbal endorsement of Robinson in June. Mark Robinson has a significant lead with just under six months until voting begins in the N.C. primary, but with many Republican voters indicating that they are undecided means that this could be a competitive primary election, said David McLennan, the polls director. McLennan said Robinsons lead could be chipped away at since his large lead reflects his name recognition, and that the other candidates are not well known to voters. The lack of name recognition could be humbling for both Folwell, a two-term treasurer from Winston-Salem who has been crisscrossing the state, and Walker, a former U.S. House member and U.S. Senate candidate. Walker is a graduate of Piedmont Bible College, now Carolina University, and was ordained at Calvary Baptist Church. In terms of the Democratic primary, Stein holds a 3-to-1 lead over recently retired N.C. Supreme Court justice Mike Morgan who entered the race earlier this month. Stein had 102 potential voters in support, or 33%, while Morgan had 35 voters at 11%. A near majority of Democratic voters at 141, or 46%, had not decided on a candidate. The poll said that although Stein is favored among most demographic groups, Morgan shows strength among Black voters, younger voters and evangelical voters. Stein has been running for the Democratic nomination for governor for quite some time and has built up a large campaign war chest, McLennan said. These apparent advantages have not guaranteed Stein the nomination with Morgan showing some strength after very little time as an announced candidate and a big deficit in fundraising. Other governor polls The latest High Point University Poll, released June 5, contains good news and sobering news for Folwell. First, the good: Folwell has the third-highest favorability rate 33% approval to 28% disapprove of the 11 elected state officials included in the poll of 1,302 respondents. The poll was taken May 12-20. Folwell was only topped by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper (49% approve, 35% disapprove) and state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler (37% to 24%). The not-so-good: 38% of respondents were either unsure of their opinion and not familiar with Folwell. The 38% was the fourth highest among the 11 officials. Meanwhile, Robinson was at 34% approve, 33% disapprove and 33% unsure/not familiar. Stein was at 35% approve, 31% disapprove and 34% unsure/not familiar. There was a similar mixed response in the spring Elon University Poll that was released in June of 1,268 registered voters. The poll found that 61% of respondents were not familiar with Folwell, compared with 37% for Robinson, 54% for Walker and 42% for Stein. In terms of favorability, the four candidates were in similar ranges when combining very favorable and somewhat favorable: Folwell 48% somewhat, 12% very; Robinson 38% somewhat, 22% very; Walker 44% somewhat, 15% very; Stein 41% somewhat, 21% very. Rhetoric heating up Walker raised the temperature on the rhetoric in the Republican governors primary race Monday during an interview with Charlotte NPR station WFAE. Walker said he expects Robinson will avoid all Republican governor debates because his campaign team wont put him on the stage and let him trip all over himself on policy issues in particular. Walker expressed concern that Robinson would not be willing to stand up to Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, on key issues. There is a reason Phil Berger never stood with (former governor) Pat McCrory, Walker said. There is a reason he never stood with (former Lt. Gov.) Dan Forest. Yet, he is the first one up the steps with Mark Robinsons campaign announcement. The question is, why? I think thats one of the reasons why Robinson hasnt said anything the last few months about anything Phil Berger is trying to do. Walker cited in particular Bergers support of a controversial casino proposition in Rockingham County that Walker actively opposes. On Tuesday, Walker spokesman Jonathan Bridges told the Winston-Salem Journal that Walker stands by his comments. Mr. Robinsons egregious statements on social media and during speeches have been well documented. The reason Mr. Walker is direct and bold is because electing the next governor of North Carolina is too important to not let voters know exactly who the candidates are. Robinsons office could not be immediately reached for comment. When asked whether he would run for Congress again, Walker told WFAE that he would not rule it out. What I feel called to do is serve the people in whatever way possible, he said. Folwell said Tuesday that Im going to let Mark Robinson be who he is, Mark Walker be who he is and I am going to be who I am. There is a green flag and a checkered flag in politics, referring to the governors race, Folwell said. The green flag hasnt dropped yet, and when the checkered flag does drop, Ill be the Republican nominee for governor. I plan to do as Ive done in the past two elections receive more votes in North Carolina than any presidential candidate. Tom Campbell with NC Spin predicted in an April blog that North Carolina Republicans will have a Come to Jesus moment about Robinsons candidacy and ultimately support Folwell. I think the treasurer is convinced, as I have often stated, that if Mark Robinson wins the Republican gubernatorial nomination it will ensure that North Carolina elects another Democrat as governor, regardless of who that person might be, Campbell said. Theres no question the outcome will be a defining moment for the GOP in North Carolina. Many of the Holshouser-Martin-Broyhill Republicans have either left the party or have been hibernating since 2017. This gubernatorial primary will draw a line in the sand, forcing those in the party to choose sides. Another potentially destructive invasive species has found its way to North Carolina for the first time. Scuba divers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated and confirmed a report of zebra mussels in a retired quarry on private property in Iredell County last week, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. We are working directly with the landowners to examine the potential path of introduction and treatment options, said NCWRC spokesperson Fairley Mahlum. The affected waterbody is isolated and not connected to other waterbodies and is contained, which is a good thing. Though their shells are the size of a fingernail, adult zebra mussels can cause big problems if they end up in the wrong place. They can quickly take over an environment and affect the health of other aquatic wildlife by disrupting the food chain and changing the chemistry of the water. They also clog public drinking and wastewater systems. U.S. utilities spend hundreds of millions of dollars per year removing the mini-mollusks from pipes. Mahlum declined to identify the property involved because it is privately owned. But it is not the swimming quarry at Carrigan Farms, a popular attraction in Mooresville, owner Doug Carrigan confirmed to the Journal. The largest U.S. concentrations of zebra mussels are in the Great Lakes area. They move between bodies of water by attaching themselves to boats, docks lifts and other aquatic equipment. Mussel eggs, meanwhile, can be transported in any water that is taken from location to location. Equipment that has been in infected waters can harbor the microscopic larvae for several days, Mahlum explained. If equipment is not fully disinfected and dried, then it can easily transfer the larvae to other bodies of water. The zebra mussel joins two invasive insects that chose the Triad for their North Carolina debut. A spotted lanternfly infestation hit Kernersville last summer, about a year after elm zigzag sawflies were discovered devouring tree leaves near the border of Stokes and Surry counties. The NCWRC offers these tips for preventing the spread of zebra mussels: Clean equipment of all aquatic plants, animals and mud. Drain water from boats, live wells, bait buckets and all equipment. Dry all equipment thoroughly. Never move fish, plants or other organisms from one body of water to another. You can read the full text of this article if you: Select an option Log In Buy Article Content & Permissions Access through Ovid A piano is a lot like a human being, says Morgan Cowell, owner of Great Plains Piano Co. Generally speaking, the first 40 years with proper upkeep and routine service are relatively maintenance-free. "Around age 60 is where you've got to begin to think about things," said Cowell, a 2011 graduate of Beatrice High School. "What do I need to replace?" Case in point: One of the pianos inside the showroom at Great Plains Piano Co., 2738 N. 48th St. a Mason Hamlin made in 1924 still creates music, but it can be made young again. "It still plays," he said. "But it needs a full rebuild, a top-to-bottom full restoration. That's why it's here. It still makes music but it's probably a third of the capacity that it was when it left the factory almost 100 years ago." It'll take time and money thousands of dollars but in that tiny brown piano, its color faded by the years, Cowell sees a piece of history. The melodies it's played. The songs it created. It's not so different from a master mechanic rebuilding a piece of American Muscle every part painstakingly procured and installed to its original state. "It's a lot like a car restoration like an old barn find," he said, comparing the difficulty in finding original parts that haven't been made for decades. It's part of the fun, said Cowell, who opened the piano shop, which employs eight other technicians, just as the world was shutting down for the pandemic. Those were tenuous times, but its bounce back is a testament to Cowell's work ethic. Being one of just a handful of piano technicians in Nebraska doesn't hurt, either. "He's a great piano technician," said Adam Schulte-Bukowinski, who maintains about 110 pianos for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Glenn Korff School of Music as well as the Lied Center for Performing Arts. "He's very ambitious and driven. That's a unique thing because he is also so grounded." These days, the only inconvenience Cowell might be having stems from the ongoing construction project on North 48th Street, which makes getting to his shop challenging. But there was a time when he wondered if opening a shop just before COVID-19 wreaked havoc was the right thing to do. "I had 150 tuning cancellations in three days," he said. "It was a scary few months. They all said they would call me when things began to open up again. True to their word, most of them did. Lincoln Public Schools resumed its contract and so did three dozen other school districts in Nebraska. Business is good, but it comes with plenty of travel. Cowell has put a 200-mile maximum on how far he'll go to tune a piano, be it for a school, church or someone's home. "We're the only people willing to go out that far," Cowell said. "And really, we should say no, but if we're saying that, these schools don't have music programs. These churches, these communities don't get to have the concerts." In hindsight, the coronavirus did wonders for the piano industry. With people shut down, isolated and working from home, that piano in the corner of the living room of so many houses became viable again. "The orders for pianos are backed up," he said. "A lot of the good piano teachers around here have waiting lists. There's recitals happening left and right. We're selling pianos all the time. We're in a boom right now. ... I think there's more pianos sold last year than the previous 10 years combined." So whatever heartburn the pandemic might have caused has more than been overcome by this worldwide piano boom. "It's definitely coming back," Cowell said. "I don't know that we'll ever reach those same levels as 50 or 60 years ago, but it seems to be in an upward trajectory." Cowell's lifelong love affair with the piano began early. The Beatrice native took lessons as a boy and eventually became pretty good so good he majored in the instrument at Nebraska Wesleyan University. And then he accidentally dropped a pencil inside a piano and the relationship took a turn he never could have fathomed. He forced his way into the front panel and saw the inner workings the strings, hammers and hitch pins and he wanted to know more. He said some of the best piano mechanics are bad pianists because they are able to view the instrument as a machine. Being inside the piano piqued his curiosity enough for him to enroll at North Bennett Street School, the Boston-based trade school that was the first in America. The school got its start in the 1800s by training immigrants in trades that would allow them to be able to find work in their new country. "I was very, very curious as to how all the different parts worked and why one piano cost $10 and one cost $100,000 even though they were the same size and the same shape," he said. The same chapter of the Piano Technicians Guild that recommended the North Bennett Street School is the chapter that he currently leads as its president. Last week, he was in Omaha at the Holland Center preparing the Steinway Model D concert grand piano that Emanuel Ax, one of the world's elite pianists, played on Saturday. Ax followed up that performance with a performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Sunday. Top Journal Star photos for September 2023 An employee at the city-operated Air Park Community Center was cited on suspicion of misdemeanor assault and fired from his post at the northwest Lincoln rec center following an altercation between the 38-year-old man and two teenage girls Sunday afternoon. Brent Lopez had called police to the rec center himself at about 3 p.m. Sunday for help removing a group of teens from the gym who had threatened his 12-year-old son, Lincoln Police Spokeswoman Erika Thomas said. Police reviewed security footage of the incident that showed Lopez's son pushing a 14-year-old girl, Thomas said, kicking off a chain of events that allegedly led to Lopez punching the girl and striking a 15-year-old girl after he tried to physically remove the 14-year-old from the premises at 4900 Mike Scholl St., Thomas said. Lopez, who grew up in the Arnold Heights neighborhood and had been a rec leader at the community center before he was fired in a phone call this week, said the soundless footage that police reviewed before citing him Sunday afternoon does not tell the whole story. I got jumped, Lopez said in a phone interview Tuesday. Lopez said tensions were already high at the community center Sunday afternoon after a child there had his pants pulled down by other children leading Lopez to warn the kids gathered at the center not to do it again. Later, he said, his 12-year-old son reported that a group of teens including the two girls had hurled threats and had pushed him. I said, You guys are gone for a week, Lopez recalled, suspending the girls from the rec center for seven days. 'Youre out of here. Youre gone. You need to go now. Get out. Instead, he said, the teens continued to lodge threats of harm, now targeting both Lopez and his son. Just threat after threat after threat after threat after threat, Lopez said, later adding: I know when a threat is a threat. And I was getting threatened. The 38-year-old who had previously texted his boss asking to leave for the day, citing feeling unwelcome in a request that was denied due to staffing needs, he said called the police for help removing the teens. But before officers got to the center, the confrontation, by all accounts, had turned physical. Lopez said he felt like he needed to get the teens out of the rec center to prevent an escalation, but when he tried to physically remove one of the teens, he said he was mobbed by a group of kids. Cellphone footage of the incident, which captures less than a minute of the ordeal, at times seems to show Lopez as the aggressor, chasing after teens who he said had mobbed him, his arms flailing. Lopez said he had chased the teens in an attempt to get them to leave. The reported actions taken by Brent Lopez are in conflict with the law and our policies," Maggie Stuckey-Ross, the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department director, said in a written statement. "The safety of the community members using our facilities is our number one priority. Police, upon reviewing surveillance footage of the incident, cited Lopez on suspicion of two counts of misdemeanor assault. Lopez said officers took him outside the center to issue him the citation in a move that Lopez said only fueled tensions between him and an angry mob of community members who had gathered there and who, Lopez said, lodged more threats as he waited for his citation. He said police later handcuffed him and indicated they planned to take him to jail, but ultimately released him. I love you guys, even if you dont believe me, Lopez said, addressing the Air Park community and, in particular, those who crowded around the community center Sunday afternoon in the immediate aftermath of the incident. I love my neighborhood. Air Park is my neighborhood. Thats where I was raised. It will always be my home in my heart, and Ive been fighting to get back there for a very long time. I am not your enemy. The incident has left Lopez, a single father of three, without a job fired from the role he called the best job I ever had and at risk of losing his home, he said. He will likely face criminal prosecution. I hate that it happened, man, Lopez said Tuesday. A lot of times I could look back and say, You could have done this, you could have done that, but things happened how they happened. I feel terrible. Still, he said, he was defending himself and his son. In that situation, when Im getting attacked and Im next to my 12-year-old son, and hes fighting too, Im gonna make sure I dont get hurt and Im gonna make sure he dont get hurt, Lopez said. Top Journal Star photos for September 2023 The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to explore and hunt on public land this hunting season. Wisconsin is home to millions of acres of public land, and the majority is open to hunting. Time spent exploring and hunting these areas alone or with family and friends creates memories that last a lifetime. Hunters can start their quest for new public hunting areas from the comfort of home using the DNRs online public lands mapping tools at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/lands. These tools provide information on state-owned properties, voluntary public access lands and more: Public Access Lands Atlas The atlas includes all DNR properties and nearly all federal and county-owned lands. Hunters should contact landowners beforehand to verify hunting is allowed. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fl/RealEstate/PAL. Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT) Hunters can use this tool to locate young aspen and alder habitat, woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting areas, pheasant-stocked public hunting grounds and public-access dove fields. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/FFLIGHT. Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) interactive map Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the VPA-HIP map provides landowners with financial incentives to open their properties year-round to public hunting access. Hunters should read the guidelines for accessing VPA properties by visiting https://p.widencdn.net/a9cip6/CoC. Learn more about VPA-HIP at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/VPA. Map of lands enrolled in Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop Law This map is especially useful for scouting locations in the central and northern forests. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/forestlandowners/opentopublicapp. Once hunters have done their preliminary research online, the next step is to scout the habitat and search for wildlife sign. The DNR recommends hunters scout multiple options in case of changing weather conditions or added hunter pressure in an area. As hunters head out to explore their public land, hunters are reminded that public lands are for everyone, and it is possible that other hunters and recreational users could be on the property. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and successful experience in Wisconsins wild spaces: Know the property boundaries and only hunt in legal areas. Follow leave no trace principles; this includes altering or cutting tree limbs. Be adaptable and have a backup plan. Be aware and respectful of other hunters, recreators and DNR staff. Follow the TAB-K rules of firearm safety to protect yourself and others: TTreat every firearm as if it is loaded. AAlways point the muzzle in a safe direction. BBe certain of your target, whats before it and whats beyond it. KKeep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.For more information on regulations, season dates, hunting hours and other helpful resources, visit the DNRs Hunters Resources webpage at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Hunt.(tncms-asset)d1e14763-e39a-514c-8bff-5bd5966e7100[1](/tncms-asset) U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin called for an indicted Democratic New Jersey senator to resign Tuesday as he battles charges for bribery and other federal crimes. Baldwin said the "deeply troubling allegations" against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J, including charges that the senator received cash, a luxury vehicle, mortgage payments and gold bars in exchange for enriching New Jersey associates and benefitting Egypt, compromises "his ability to effectively represent his constituents." "While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe it's best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down," she said. In calling for his resignation, Baldwin, who's up for reelection next year, joins a growing field of congressional Democrats seeking the New Jersey senator's ouster. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., first called for Menendez's resignation this past weekend, after the indictment became public Friday. By Tuesday morning, a dozen Democratic senators called for his ouster, including several from swing states and Republican-leaning states that are facing reelection bids in 2024. That's despite Menendez pushing back against the federal corruption charges on Monday, saying nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities found in his home was from his personal savings, not from bribes, and was on hand for emergencies. Authorities recovered about 10 envelopes with tens of thousands of dollars in cash that had the fingerprints of one of the other defendants in the case on them, according to the indictment. Rejecting calls for him to resign, the influential former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he believed he'd be cleared of charges that he took cash and gold in illegal exchange for helping Egypt and New Jersey business associates. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. He did not directly address those allegations Monday. New Jersey's Democratic leadership, including Gov. Phil Murphy, the state party chairmen and leaders of the Legislature, also called on him to resign. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Strongest Post-Election Stock Markets in History The Strongest Post-Election Stock Markets in History Voter turnout is the highest it has been in 120 years Stock gains tend to even out over time 15. 1916 presidential election 14. 1972 presidential election 12. 2016 presidential election 11. 2004 presidential election 10. 1936 presidential election 9. 1904 presidential election 8. 1908 presidential election 7. 1996 presidential election 4. 1924 presidential election 3. 1928 presidential election 2. 2020 presidential election 1. 1900 presidential election (Hanson L/Shutterstock) California's gun owners have seen yet another critical Second Amendment case go their way, with a district court judge on Sept. 22 striking down the state's restrictive ban on standard capacity firearms magazines. In the case Duncan v. Bonta, District Judge Robert Benitez, ruled that the 2016 law limiting detachable firearms magazines for handguns and rifles to be unconstitutional as it infringes on California gun owners' Second Amendment Rights. Firearms News readers will likely recognize Judge Benitez's name and already be familiar with some of the history of this case. Way back in 2017 Judge Benitez struck down the ban, which outlaws magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, as being unconstitutional. Later, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that ruling. The case later made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the court never chose to hear it. After last year's critical decision in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the high court vacated the ruling and remanded it for reconsideration. In the latest ruling, Judge Benitez did, indeed, put the new process prescribed by the Supreme Court in the Bruen ruling to work in deciding the case. "This case is about a California state law that makes it a crime to keep and bear common firearm magazines typically possessed for lawful purposes," Benitez wrote in the opinion. "Based on the text, history and tradition of the Second Amendment, this law is clearly unconstitutional." In the opinion, Judge Benitez made some compelling points that those on the other side of the gun-control debate likely didn't want to hear. "The State denies a citizen the federal constitutional right to use common weapons of their own choosing for self-defense," Benitez wrote. "There have been, and there will be, times where many more than 10 rounds are needed to stop attackers. Yet, under this statute, the State says, 'too bad.'" ..... 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 TUESDAY, Sept. 26, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Heart failure can make everyday activities and exercise tough to carry out, but yoga might be a beneficial add-on to standard care. A new study from India finds this ancient practice improves quality of life and cardio functioning. Our patients observed improvement in systolic blood pressure and heart rate compared to patients who were on medication without yoga, said lead study author Ajit Singh, a research scientist at Manipal Academy of Higher Education. (Systolic blood pressure is the first number in a blood pressure reading.) In heart failure, the heart muscle is either too weak or too stiff to pump properly. This can lead to fluid buildup, shortness of breath and other complications. How might yoga help? Yoga is a combination of mind-body techniques, which is a set of physical exercises [asana] with breathing techniques [pranayama], relaxation and meditation that can be effectively used to stimulate physical and mental well-being, Singh explained in an American College of Cardiology news release. For the study, the researchers enrolled 75 heart failure patients between the ages of 30 and 70 at a care center in South India. They had received recommended therapy for the previous six months to one year. Each had whats called left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 45%, a sign of mild to moderate dysfunction, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Patients were divided into two groups. One received yoga therapy and guideline-directed medical therapy. The other group continued with standard medical therapy without yoga. The researchers reviewed their echocardiographic measures at various follow-up times. The intervention group was led by an experienced yoga therapist, who taught breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques. Each session lasted around 60 minutes. Participants were supervised for one week at the training center before being asked to continue doing yoga at home at least five days a week for 12 months. The participants completed a quality-of-life questionnaire at enrollment, at 24 weeks and at 48 weeks of follow-up. Those in the yoga group showed improvement in endurance, strength, balance, symptom stability and quality of life. Patients improved physically and psychologically, but did not show improvement in social and environmental health. This study proves that the addition of yoga therapy to standard medical management of heart failure leads to an improvement in left ventricular systolic function and quality of life in heart failure patients, Singh said. The study is scheduled for presentation at a meeting of the American College of Cardiology Sept. 29 to 30 in Manila, Philippines. Findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Before starting a yoga routine, it's advisable to consult with your doctor. More information The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has more on yoga. SOURCE: American College of Cardiology, news release, Sept. 26, 2023 Purple ribbons will soon adorn trees in some Kenosha public parks in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The citys Parks Commission unanimously approved a request Monday evening from Womens and Childrens Horizons to allow the organizations staff and volunteers to wrap large purple ribbons around tree trunks and foliage at local parks. The ribbons, which will have with scannable QR codes with the domestic violence hotline telephone number on them, will be on display throughout October. The ribbons will be placed at Roosevelt Park, 6801 34th Ave.; Lincoln Park, 6900 18th Ave.; Cicchini Park, 6505 17th Ave.; Bullamore Park, 6800 36th Ave.; and Eichelman Park, 6125 Third Ave. Ten to 15 trees in each park will be adorned. Gillian Pagliaro, a prevention services coordinator with Womens and Childrens Horizons, said increased awareness about domestic violence is needed. I have seen an increase in domestic abuse cases, Pagliaro said, adding that the cause is a combination of everything. The reality is society is becoming more violent, she said. Pagliaro said anyone, regardless of age, education or gender, can be a perpetrator or victim of abuse. (Victims) can reach out and get help no matter the time in the day or night, Pagliaro said. Jennifer Paine, Women and Childrens Horizons executive director, told commissioners that we want to get awareness out with a visual representation. Its one thing to have a Facebook account or a card in a bathroom or in a doctors office but its another thing to see a purple ribbon on a tree, Paine said. The idea with a QR code is to allow someone instant access thats safe and secure to our website and how to contact us, including our emergency shelter. Ald. Jan Michalski said the QR codes are very smart and good addition to the idea of public awareness. Womens and Childrens Horizons was established in 1976 and is the oldest incorporated shelter in Wisconsin. Its mission is to provide support, shelter, education, training and healing services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse, their families and the community. Anyone who needs support can call the 24-hour hotline at 262-652-9900. About 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner and have reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetimes, according to data collected in the Center for Disease Controls National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey Injury. The commission also voted unanimously to allow a memorial tree with a marker in honor of Jenna Barrette to be planted at the harbor promenade. The request was made by he parents, Joe and Tammy Barrette. Barrette, 21, was killed in late July when the truck she was a passenger in crashed into the wall of a Kenosha business. By Eugene Lee The epicenter of todays political world in South Korea could well be the arrest warrant for the Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae Myung in the National Assembly. But as I have argued earlier, it is a natural outcome of much earlier events. I foresaw it coming. The blame is equally on the ruling party and the opposition party itself. It is still too early to judge who is right and wrong. However, the gravity of these events is probably historic, so Ill leave my criticism for the future. My focus here is on something else that occurred on the premises of the National Assembly on Sept. 19, namely, the Summit of Korea-Central Asia Parliamentary Speakers, during which South Koreas Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo hosted his counterparts and parliamentary delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Given the magnitude of the domestic tremors, this event has hardly been noticed. Even if the event didnt get much spotlight in the local media, it certainly attracted my attention. And it did so for several reasons. First of all, the overall format has been a very peculiar one: five Central Asian republics and South Korea. If you think carefully, getting three country officials to sit together is quite a feat for any diplomat, but here, getting all five in one go was something special. We also must remember that these countries are not necessarily eager to sit at the same table. Yet this time they did, and they did that amicably. Next, my hunch is that Central Asian republics are strongly driven towards regional integration, especially today. Every Central Asian republic was presented with a set of unique conditions after the breakup of the Soviet Union. For example, Kazakhstan is a vast country (ninth in the world by size) with China and Russia as its neighbors, running short of population just 19 million people which is even less than the populations of Seoul and Gyeonggi put together. And then there is neighboring Uzbekistan, five times smaller in size and with a population of over 36 million people. Both have very unique geographic features and resources. Plus, they still have some territorial issues that arise periodically. Once you picture these two next to each other, youll quickly understand that getting them to work together in one direction is not just pleasing but also shows a unique tendency that some chemistry is happening between all five of them. Then, there was a very loud and strong voice of a speaker from Uzbekistan Tanzilla Narbaeva representing the region and asking for an orchestrated and systemic approach in cooperation from South Korea. It is true that South Korean businesses arent taking the first steps in the Central Asian region; theyve been there since the 1990s. However, they are still grappling with cultural, political, geographic and social differences that dont let companies reap good results from their investments. For example, a subsidiary of South Koreas SK company is involved in road development in Kazakhstan. This participation has been involved in construction and now thinks of taking part in a consortium to run a network of highways. If you understand the reality and nature of the people, for Kazakhs, who roamed the open spaces of the Silk Road for centuries, paying toll fees is still culturally hard. Knowing that would keep companies away from this type of venture. However, the region is now infested by a bunch of so-called consultants from South Korea, who are often ill-advising and squandering good opportunities for cooperation. What was present at this summit was a strong call to bridge the Central Asian region and South Korea and close the gap in such knowledge by creating research centers and even universities. And finally, if we were to jump 7,000 miles or so away from Seoul to New York City to yet another important event on the very same day, Sept. 19. We would have discovered yet another summit, where U.S. President Biden was hosting all five presidents from Central Asia in a U.S.-Central Asia presidential summit labeled C5+1. I dont know to what extent these events one in Seoul and the other in New York were diplomatically orchestrated; I can only speculate. But what is clear is that Central Asia as a region is out, and it is out in a big way. Be it security or the economics of development, the region is now set to create a unique clot of multidimensional cooperation within and with the region itself. No matter what, this summit yet again confirms the words of one government official in Tajikistan, whom I had the privilege to meet a month or so ago. He said that, from now on, whenever you deal with Central Asia states, even just one of them, you have to think of them as a group, or at least keep them all as one in the back of your mind. All that tells me one thing: if Korea is to engage the world, this type of summit is a good example to learn from. Now the ball is in South Koreas hands to act upon all promises made and not miss the opportunity for bigger cooperation. But prior to that, Seoul will have to learn the intricacies of countries in Central Asia, which are now bundled together as one. Eugene Lee (mreulee@gmail.com) is a lecturing professor at the Graduate School of Governance at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul. Specializing in international relations and governance, his research and teaching focus on national and regional security, international development, government policies and Northeast and Central Asia. Federal investigators declined to blame prescribed burns at Fort McCoy for a mid-April wildfire in Monroe County, but a local fire chief is adamant that no burning should have been conducted anywhere in the area during that time. Fire investigators from the Department of Defense concluded that an April 12 prescribed burn at Fort McCoy did not cause the fire. Investigators were unable to determine if a prescribed burn conducted April 11 played a role. Fort McCoy announced the investigations results in a press release Tuesday. The investigation determined that the prescribed burns complied with all applicable standards required to be conducted by a federal military installation and that prudent measures were taken to mitigate the inherent risks associated with prescribed burns. Town of Lincoln Fire Department chief Michael Morphey said Tuesday that any burning was ill-advised. Fire conditions were extreme, and there were 40 mph winds, Morphey said. There should have been no burning that day. The fire consumed 3,200 acres, most of them woodland within the 60,000-acre military base. However, the fire skipped the installations borders in the town of Grant, where it burned private property and caused the temporary closure of Interstate 94. One family was displaced by the fire. No injuries were reported. The Monroe County fire occurred during a period when wildfires were reported in 14 Wisconsin counties, including a fire in Juneau County that burned 100 acres. According to the investigation, the April 12 prescribed burn was 1 miles away from the wildfires origin in or around McCreddens Pass. The cause remains undetermined due to evidence possibly washed away by heavy rain and snowfall. Investigators ruled out lightning, troop training and operations. Investigators concluded that Fort McCoy had sufficient personnel to manage both burns and that there were no safety concerns. Morphey said his department wasnt consulted in the fires aftermath, even though fire crews from his department battled the blaze. He said he only recently learned that Fort McCoy conducted an after-action review in May. We werent even involved, he said. We would have something to take to them. The press release says plans are under way to rehabilitate the areas impacted by the wildfire and that the U.S. Army Claims Service is adjudicating claims from those who may have suffered losses from the fire. It says Fort McCoy leadership will meet with the community in the upcoming weeks to discuss the findings and field questions. Fort McCoy is committed to the safety and protection of all people and property in and around the installation and surrounding communities and continues to improve procedures of the Wildland Fire Management Program, the press release says. Police responded to a report of shots fired around 10:20 p.m. Saturday at the 900 block of West Seventh Street in Winona. Residents in the area reported hearing anywhere from two to four shots and a verbal argument outside, according to the Winona Police Department. When officers arrived, a minivan was leaving the scene and was pulled over by police. Six people were identified in the vehicle, all of whom were involved in the incident. Police reported one of the women in the vehicle had been involved in a physical altercation outside with a woman from a residence in the area, resulting in minor injuries. During the altercation, a SIG Sauer .45 caliber pistol was fired multiple times into the air. The loaded pistol was located in the van and confiscated by police. None of the vans occupants admitted to firing it. One spent shell casing was located in a nearby front yard. Police report a vehicle in the area may have been dented by a ricochet bullet. No one was injured because of the fired shots. Police have spoken to residents in the area, including those at the residence involved in the incident; the two women involved in the altercation; and the people in the van. Most people involved in the incident ranged in age from 18 to 23 years old, but a 16-year-old was also involved. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests or changes have been made as of Monday morning, police said. A challenge to last years election for La Crosse County sheriff has been dismissed. La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge Elliott Levine handed down a Sept. 19 ruling that La Crosse County voter Mary Jo Werner had no standing to challenge the Nov. 8, 2022, election won by Democrat John Siegel. Siegel defeated Republican Fritz Leinfelder by 176 votes out of more than 54,000 cast. Leinfelders campaign sought a recount and submitted an affidavit challenging over 1,000 absentee ballots in three city wards where a significant number of UW-La Crosse students reside. Republicans nationwide have raised the issue of voting procedures that accommodate college students. La Crosse County clerk Ginny Dankmeyer argued that any questions regarding eligibility needed to be raised at the time a voter casts his or her ballot. A Nov. 18 recount changed the margin by just one vote. Leinfelder conceded the race three days later and congratulated Siegel. Werner filed the lawsuit against the county clerks office without Leinfelders involvement. She raised the issue of allegedly illegible witness signatures on absentee ballots and contended the recount wasnt conducted in the correct sequence as outlined by state statute. She asserted that her right to vote was diluted, which left her aggrieved by the recount. Levine ruled the case was moot and that Werner failed to present a justiciable controversy. The court cannot change the results of the 2022 election, thus any claims related to that election is moot and not justiciable, Levine wrote. Levine ruled Werners standing as a voter is indistinguishable from anyone else who cast a vote in the election. He cited case law that says undifferentiated, generalized grievance about the conduct of government is insufficient to support standing. Levine addressed two other questions. He ruled that Werner was obligated to first pursue an administrative claim and noted the absentee ballots at issue were in the possession of the city of La Crosse, not La Crosse County. The Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region to help rehabilitate a local home. The funding to Habitat along with the support of bank volunteers will help rehab a home in La Crosses Logan Northside Neighborhood. The three-bedroom home is a solidly built 120-year-old home. Habitat will gut and renovate the home to provide a safe, affordable place for a local family. La Crosse is full of quality houses that just need a little love, says Natalie Heneghan, Community Outreach director at Habitat. This house has been a home to La Crosse families for decades, and we are proud to transform it for the next generation of owners. This grant is part of a $7.5 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the Wells Fargo Builds program to build and repair more than 360 homes nationwide. F In 1957, nine Black students whod been forced to withdraw from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, because of unruly white crowds were escorted to class by members of the U.S. Armys 101st Airborne Division. The state Senate Chief Clerk has resigned following an investigation into an unspecified credible allegation that earlier led to his being suspended, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said Monday. Michael Queensland has denied the allegation that led his state Capitol access to be revoked on Aug. 23, said LeMahieu, R-Oostburg. In his role, Queensland, 38, was responsible for providing guidance for senators and their staff. The nonpartisan position, which the Senate elects every two years, informs senators about parliamentary procedure, facility management and legal issues and keeps the chambers records. LeMahieu wouldnt say what the allegations against Queensland were, and the Senate Clerks Office hasnt yet fulfilled a public records request seeking information about the matter. Queenslands access to the state Capitol and other state buildings was revoked on Aug. 23 at the request of the Senate Sergeants office, according to state Department of Administration spokesperson Tatyana Warrick. Republican senators were told not to discuss the matter, WisPolitics.com reported. Queensland didnt respond to a phone call and email seeking comment. After obtaining a law degree from UW-Madison, Queensland worked for the nonpartisan state Legislative Council from 2011 to 2020. He also taught agricultural business law at UW-Madison. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin called for an indicted Democratic New Jersey senator to resign Tuesday as he battles charges for bribery and other federal crimes. Baldwin said the "deeply troubling allegations" against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J, including charges that the senator received cash, a luxury vehicle, mortgage payments and gold bars in exchange for enriching New Jersey associates and benefitting Egypt, compromises "his ability to effectively represent his constituents." "While Senator Menendez enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and will have his day in court to defend himself, I believe it's best for his constituents, the American people, and our national security for the Senator to step down," she said. In calling for his resignation, Baldwin, who's up for reelection next year, joins a growing field of congressional Democrats seeking the New Jersey senator's ouster. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., first called for Menendez's resignation this past weekend, after the indictment became public Friday. By Tuesday morning, a dozen Democratic senators called for his ouster, including several from swing states and Republican-leaning states that are facing reelection bids in 2024. That's despite Menendez pushing back against the federal corruption charges on Monday, saying nearly half a million dollars in cash authorities found in his home was from his personal savings, not from bribes, and was on hand for emergencies. Authorities recovered about 10 envelopes with tens of thousands of dollars in cash that had the fingerprints of one of the other defendants in the case on them, according to the indictment. Rejecting calls for him to resign, the influential former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he believed he'd be cleared of charges that he took cash and gold in illegal exchange for helping Egypt and New Jersey business associates. Prosecutors say he met with Egyptian military and intelligence officials, passed along non-public information about employees at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwrote a letter on behalf of Egypt asking his Senate colleagues to release a hold on $300 million worth of aid. He did not directly address those allegations Monday. New Jersey's Democratic leadership, including Gov. Phil Murphy, the state party chairmen and leaders of the Legislature, also called on him to resign. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Strongest Post-Election Stock Markets in History The Strongest Post-Election Stock Markets in History Stock gains tend to even out over time 15. 1916 presidential election 14. 1972 presidential election 13. 1952 presidential election 12. 2016 presidential election 11. 2004 presidential election 10. 1936 presidential election 9. 1904 presidential election 8. 1908 presidential election 7. 1996 presidential election 6. 1896 presidential election 5. 1980 presidential election 4. 1924 presidential election 3. 1928 presidential election 1. 1900 presidential election Canadian Nazi Appearance Quite Unbelievable from Any Perspective, Insists Prof. Katchanovski Sept. 25, 2023, (EIRNS)Professor Ivan Katchanovski, of the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, gave a live interview today to Torontos CP 24TV concerning (the) standing ovation to SS Galicia Division veteran in Canadian parliament & involvement of Waffen SS division members in mass killings of Jews, Poles & Ukrainians, including execution of about 100 Jews , as well as Poles & Ukrainians in my high school in Western Ukraine, he tweeted today. The following is a close paraphrase of his interview. The reporter first read the statement from Canadian House Speaker Anthony Rota: I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them. This initiative was entirely my own, etc. This has, however, stretched the realm of credibility, in the view of many political observers. After an opening question from the reporter, who asked Professor Katchanovski what his reaction was when he first encountered this, he began: Thank you for this invitation. When I saw this, for me, this was unbelievable, to witness a veteran of the Waffen SS Division from Galicia in western Ukraine given a standing ovation in the Parliament. Because I researched this division. I researched atrocities committed by members of this division. And also there is a personal connection, because one unit which later joined this division, executed about 100 Jews, and also Ukrainians and Poles, in my high school in Ukraine. And this was published several years ago in the United States by Associated Press. So ... this was quite unbelievable to witness this event. I tweeted about this, that this was like Orwell, or quite unbelievable from any perspective. And I think this is now a major story, not only in Canada, but also in many other countries around the world. Q: How is this possible that this cannot be (have been) researched?... You obviously have a personal connection to this. And it didnt take long for a lot of people to just figure this out. So how could (there be) any excuse that no one knew this? How is that possible? Katchanovski: This is a question which I also asked, because it was quite obvious, quite indicative, when the Speaker of the Parliament announced that this is a veteran of the First Ukrainian Division, who was fighting against the Russians during World War Two. And in Ukraine, during World War Two, it was obvious that the only formation which was fighting against the Soviet Union was actually Nazi, or allies of Nazis, and in this case, I think, for me, this is still kind of quite astonishing to witness this. And the question is if anybody actually knew in advance who this person was and why he was introduced into the Parliament and given a standing ovation. And because also, not only the Canadian Parliament but also the President of Ukraine gave a standing ovation. And especially because also not only the Canadian government, not only Canadian Parliament members, but also the President of Ukraine gave a standing ovation. And this is very important for the Ukrainians. Because of the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, and since Russia uses the false claim that Ukraine is a Nazi state, to justify its invasion. So this has very significant consequences, not only in Canada, but also in Ukraine, because of the war in Ukraine. Q: ...Are there other countries talking about this as well? What has their reaction been? Katchanovski: Yes, I think in Poland, there is also a big reaction in media publications about this story. And the (Polish) ambassador to (Canada), tweeted his request for an apology from the Ukrainian and Canadian leaders for this standing ovation in the Canadian Parliament to a veteran of this SS division because members of this division were involved in the massacre of almost 1,000 Polish civilians in the village of Huta Pieniacka in the Galician region of Ukraine, and also, according to my research, and according to other documents, another unit of this division ... was actually also involved in the massacre of Poles in several villages in the Volhynia region of Ukraine and in Poland. And this is also very important for such a perspective. but in addition to this, I saw media reports in many countries of the world, including Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary, and even countries like India, this became a major story and major repercussions, and especially because of the relations between Ukraine and Poland, now inchoate because of the grain. So this is I think very important to deal with such implication of this quite unbelievable event which took place in the Canadian Parliament. Q: Absolutely. Making international headlines for all the wrong reasons.... For many years, preventing dengue fever in Honduras has meant teaching people to avoid mosquito bites. Now, Hondurans are being taught a more effective way to control the disease and it goes against everything they have learned. Recently, a small group of people cheered as Hector Enriquez freed mosquitoes from a glass jar. Enriquez did that to bring attention to a program to suppress the viral disease dengue fever. He did so by releasing millions of special mosquitoes in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa. Scientists bred the mosquitoes. The small insects carry bacteria called Wolbachia that stop the spread of the disease. When these mosquitoes reproduce, they pass on the bacteria and reduce future outbreaks. The nonprofit World Mosquito Program based in Australia launched the new plan for battling dengue. And it is being tested in more than 10 countries. With more than half the worlds population at risk of dengue infection, the World Health Organization is watching the mosquito releases in Honduras and other places closely in order to expand the plan worldwide. In Honduras, about 10,000 people are known to be sickened by dengue each year. The health organization Doctors Without Borders is partnering with the mosquito program over the next six months to release 9 million mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacteria. There is a desperate need for new approaches, said Scott ONeill, founder of the mosquito program. Dengue infection rising Scientists have made progress in recent years to reduce the threat of infectious diseases, including diseases spread by mosquitos, like malaria. But dengue is the exception: Its rate of infection keeps going up. Public health studies estimate that around 400 million people across about 130 countries get infected each year with dengue. An estimated 40,000 people die each year from it. Traditional methods of preventing mosquito-borne illnesses have not been effective against dengue. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that most commonly spread dengue are resistant to insecticides. They are most active during the day when people are not protected by bed nets. And the dengue virus is harder to control through vaccines. We need better tools, said Raman Velayudhan, a researcher from the WHOs Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Program. Wolbachia is definitely a long-term, sustainable solution. Velayudhan and other experts from the WHO plan to promote further testing of Wolbachia bacteria in other parts of the world. Wolbachia bacteria The Wolbachia bacteria exist naturally in about 60 percent of mosquitoes but not in the Aedes aegypti. About 40 years ago, scientists aimed to use Wolbachia to drive down mosquito populations. Because male mosquitoes carrying the bacteria only produce offspring with females that also have it, scientists would release infected male mosquitoes into the wild to breed with uninfected females. But they made a surprising discovery: Mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia did not spread dengue or other related diseases, including yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya. And since infected females pass on Wolbachia to their offspring, they will eventually replace a local mosquito population with one that carries the virus-blocking bacteria. This involves a change in thinking. Scientists are now replacing mosquitoes instead of killing them. ONeills laboratory first tested the replacement plan in Australia in 2011. The World Mosquito Program has run tests affecting 11 million people across 14 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Fiji and Vietnam. In 2019, a large field test in Indonesia showed a 76 percent drop in reported dengue cases after Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes were released. Scientists are still not sure how Wolbachia bacteria blocks the spread of the virus. And it is not clear whether the bacteria will work equally well against all versions, or strains, of the virus. It also is not clear if some strains might become resistant over time. Bobby Reiner is a mosquito researcher at the University of Washington. He said, Its certainly not a one-and-done fix, forever guaranteed. Raising Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes The World Mosquito Program breeds 30 million mosquitoes a week at a factory in Medellin, Colombia. Once workers confirm that the new mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia, their eggs are dried and sent off to test areas for release. The Doctors Without Borders team in Honduras recently went around Tegucigalpa to enlist local help in incubating mosquito eggs bred in the Medellin factory. They received permission to hang glass jars from tree branches that contained water and mosquito eggs. After about 10 days, the mosquitoes would hatch and fly off. That same day, workers from Doctors Without Borders released thousands of dengue-fighting mosquitoes into the air. Some of the most common questions from the community were about whether Wolbachia would harm people or the environment. Workers said that the bites from the special mosquitoes were harmless. Maria Fernanda Marin is a 19-year-old student working for Doctors Without Borders. She showed neighbors a photo of her arm covered in bites to help earn their trust. Lourdes Betancourt is a 63-year-old volunteer with the Doctors Without Borders team. She had been sickened by dengue several times and was not sure about the new plan at first. But Betancourt now urges her neighbors to let the good mosquitoes grow in their yards. I tell people not to be afraid, that this isnt anything bad, to have trust, Betancourt said. They are going to bite you, but you wont get dengue. Im Faith Pirlo. And I'm Bryan Lynn. Maria Verza and Maddie Burakoff reported this story for the Associated Press. Hai Do adapted it for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Breeding Special Mosquitoes to Fight Dengue Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________ Words in This Story jar n. a glass container that usually comes with a screw on top breed v. to raise and keep animals or plants to produce more of the same kind borne adj. carried by or spread by insecticide n. a chemical poison used to kill insects bed net n. a material that is woven to let air through but to keep things like insects out offspring n. the young of a plant or animal one-and-done adj. (informal) done once and not again incubate v. to keep eggs or very young living things in a condition that is good for growth and development hatch v. to be born from an egg A capsule carrying asteroid material captured in space three years ago has arrived safely on Earth. The American space agency NASAs Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the capsule Sunday during a pass by Earth. A parachute floated the capsule down to the surface as it landed in a restricted military area in the Utah desert. NASA officials said the capsule arrived as planned with no observable damage. Within two hours of landing, it was already inside a temporary clean room belonging to the U.S. Defense Department. The sealed container holding the samples was being flown to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It will then be closely examined in a new, specially designed laboratory. Dante Lauretta, with the University of Arizona, is the projects lead scientist. He told reporters he got so emotional after the successful sample recovery that he broke into tears. Lauretta said his team cannot wait to start examining the material. For me, the real science is just beginning." Lauretta will stay with the samples all the way to Texas. NASA's planetary science director, Lori Glaze, said she thinks the samples will be a treasure for scientific examination for years and years to come. Osiris-Rex began its mission in 2016. It reached Bennu, about 320 million kilometers from Earth, two years later. The spacecraft completed its asteroid sample operation in October 2020. Its robotic arm touched the asteroid Bennu for a few seconds to produce dust and rock samples for collection. At the time, scientists said Osiris-Rex had captured much more asteroid material than they had expected. NASA reported in 2020 that some material had spilled out and floated away during the collection process. Japan is the only other country to bring back asteroid samples from space. Those collection efforts resulted in much less material being captured. The rock and dust samples that arrived Sunday represent the largest space samples reaching Earth besides material returned by NASA in the past from the moon. Engineers have estimated the capsule holds about 250 grams of material from Bennu. But it will likely take a few weeks to get an exact measurement, said NASA curator Nicole Lunning. NASA said it plans to discuss details about the captured samples next month. Osiris-Rex is already on its way to another asteroid, Apophis, which it is expected to reach in 2029. Scientists say the asteroid samples contain remains from the building blocks of our early solar system. Researchers say the samples present-day chemistry and mineral makeup are mostly unchanged since forming about 4.5 billion years ago. This means the samples likely hold valuable data about the early development of rocky planets such as Earth. Im Bryan Lynn. Reuters and The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. ________________________________________________ Words in This Story capsule n. the part of a spacecraft that carries people and equipment asteroid n. objects made of rock and metal that orbit the sun, but are smaller than planets seal v. to fully close a container so that no air or liquid can enter or escape sample n. a small amount of something that gives you information about the thing it was taken from mission n. a flight by an aircraft or spacecraft to perform a specific task curator n. a person who is in charge of the things in a museum or at an organization The Writers Guild of America (WGA) said Sunday that it had reached an agreement with Hollywood movie and television studios. The announcement signaled that the groups five-month strike is nearing an end. The WGA is the labor group that represents writers in the United States who work on many movies and television programs. The writers group said its members will not yet return to work, but they will no longer protest or picket outside movie studios. The WGA said it reached an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television producers for a tentative three-year deal. It is called tentative, which means not certain, because it must still be approved by the WGAs leaders and members. A vote could happen this week. The WGA said its labor stoppage lasted more than 140 days. If it had gone five days longer, the strike would have been the longest in WGA history. When the new contract is approved, programs that depend on writers who have not been working could be back on television within days. Those include nightly comedy programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The news made some media experts think the actors group known as SAG-AFTRA could be close to ending its strike. SAG-AFTRA congratulated the WGA on reaching its agreement. It used words such as strength, resiliency and solidarity to describe the writers groups decision to hold out for a good deal. SAG-AFTRA added, We remain committed to achieving the necessary terms for our members. It also said it wants the studio leaders to return to the table and make a fair deal that our members deserve and demand. The writers and studio heads made their agreement without intervention from government officials. That has happened in the past. State and local government leaders congratulated the two groups on their new plan. California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was grateful the two sides have come together. One of the main issues that caused the strike was how writers are paid by streaming video services such as Netflix. Another issue was the use of artificial intelligence technology in the creation of scripts. The strike stopped production on a number of daily television programs and delayed upcoming television shows and movies that had been planned for production. The writers started their strike on May 2. Film and television actors stopped working on July 14. The two groups had not gone on strike at the same time since 1960. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press. ____________________________________________________ Words in This Story studio n. a company that makes television programs or movies tentative adj. not definite; something that could change resiliency n. the ability to recover from difficult problems\ achieve v. to do something that is difficult to accomplish through work We want to hear from you. Do you think the actors will soon get back to work as well? For more than 50 years, the State Ombudsmans Office has been a place where Nebraskans could turn to resolve problems with state government. But since mid-August, two major state agencies have virtually shut down the offices ability to help citizens. The Departments of Health and Human Services and of Correctional Services have turned off access to their case management systems, barred agency employees from responding to requests for information and sharply limited visits to state institutions. As a result, state Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said hes hearing from Nebraskans involved with both agencies, particularly those in the states prisons, who cant get their questions and concerns answered. Theres a lot of issues that are not being addressed because they are not allowed to help, he said. Its just making a bad situation worse. State Ombudsman Julie Rogers said she and her staff are continuing to take complaints from citizens concerning the two agencies and are trying to address them through whatever avenues remain open. But she said the responses are slow. Right now its taking a lot longer, she said. Were trying to figure out what information we can get. HHS and Corrections officials curtailed the Ombudsmans Office access within days after Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued an opinion concluding that two watchdog offices created to provide accountability and oversight for state prisons and the state child welfare system violated the Nebraska Constitution. Those offices the Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare and Inspector General of Corrections are housed within the Ombudsmans Office but governed by separate laws. They were created in 2012 and 2015, respectively, following serious problems within the child welfare and corrections systems. The Ombudsmans Office, officially called the Office of the Public Counsel, was launched earlier. A 1969 law created the office to impartially investigate citizen complaints about government and pursue informal resolutions of those grievances. Newer duties include handling investigations under the state whistleblower act, addressing complaints about county jails and juvenile detention centers and doing annual physical reviews of the institutions run by HHS. The office is part of the legislative branch of government, but the ombudsman is an independent officer, who is appointed for six-year terms and can only be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. Hilgers issued the Aug. 16 opinion at the request of HHS, which handles child welfare, and Corrections, which handles prisons. Both agencies have disputed the authority of the inspectors general. The agencies asked a series of questions, some of which touched on the Ombudsmans Office. The opinion did not address the Public Counsel Act nor reach any conclusions about the ombudsmans work. However, the agencies interpreted the opinion to cover that office as well. A statement from HHS said: The Attorney Generals analysis with regard to the OIG applies equally to the ombudsman. Based on that interpretation, the two agencies clamped down on access for all three offices. They made the changes even though the Attorney Generals opinion does not have the force of law. Memos sent to agency employees made it clear that staff from the three offices were only to be allowed the same access to information and to visit state institutions that is provided to the general public. All contacts were to be directed to the agencies legislative liaisons. In separate but matching statements to the World-Herald, the agencies said they had modified the process in requesting information in order to comply with Constitutional requirements. The agency will continue to respond to the ombudsmans office requests when the information is not confidential or statutorily protected. The departments most important duty is to comply with the Constitution and laws, HHS added. Hilgers office declined to comment Friday about whether HHS and Corrections acted appropriately in applying the opinion to the Ombudsmans Office or in restricting access based on the opinion. Gov. Jim Pillens office did not provide a response to questions about his agencies actions regarding the Ombudsmans Office. Both agencies said they are committed to transparency and have not limited inmates, regional center patients, group home and developmental disability center residents or juvenile offenders from contacting the Ombudsmans Office. But Rogers said state law gave the Ombudsmans Office special access to information and state institutions so staff could do neutral fact-finding concerning citizen complaints and could ensure that state government is working for its citizens, especially those vulnerable citizens who have been put in institutions. Were not here to shame or blame, she said. Were here to inform the system for improvements. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are pushing back. Earlier this month, the Legislature hired attorney Marnie Jensen, a partner at Husch Blackwell, to represent the Legislature in matters related to the Attorney Generals opinion. Speaker of the Legislature John Arch of La Vista said Jensen would analyze the opinion to help lawmakers figure out next steps. He expressed determination to continue the Legislatures responsibility to exercise oversight to ensure that government services are safe and effective for groups at risk. I dont think we should concede our powers, McKinney said. Not having any type of oversight and people to answer concerns is just bad. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023 Britain and China have finalised an agreement which will end more than 150 years of UK rule in Hong Kong. The proposal which will hand control of the colony to China in 1997 creates an island of capitalism within a communist state. In a ceremony at the Great Hall of People in Beijing the document was initialled by the UK ambassador to China, Sir Richard Evans, and the head of the Chinese negotiating team, Zhou Nan. The British Government has been asked to give its approval to the treaty which ends two years of hard bargaining between the countries. Under the accord, the Chinese authorities have agreed Hong Kong will maintain a high degree of local autonomy and keep power over its social, economic and legal systems. But China will gain control of the citys defence and foreign affairs. Britain, which has controlled the island of Hong Kong almost interrupted since 1842, has also persuaded the Chinese to leave the colony untouched for 50 years and provide a plan for its future. Blueprint Sir Richard said the joint declaration was the practical embodiment of the imaginative concept of one country, two systems. The Governor of the island, Sir Edward Youde, flew straight back from the ceremony to address a special meeting of the Hong Kong Legislative Council about the agreement. It constitutes a blueprint for a new stage in Hong Kongs development as such I commend it to this council and to the community at large, he said. The British Government has set up an assessment office to gauge the public response to the White Paper. But although the people of Hong Kong can technically reject the proposals, the declaration makes it clear any other agreement may not go so far to protect their interests. Courtesy BBC News In context The agreement was finally signed in December 1984. Control of the colony was handed over to the Chinese at midnight on 1 July 1997 after a spectacular ceremony. Prince Charles and Chris Patten the twenty-eighth and final governor of Hong Kong left the island on the Royal Yacht Britannia. They left a population with mixed feelings about the incoming regime and Hong Kongs Democratic Party already protesting against what it saw as the loss of democracy. The Provisional Legislative Council, lead by Tung Chee-hwa and picked by Beijing, was sworn in almost immediately after the handover, replacing the previous elected body. The European Unions trade commissioner called for a more balanced economic relationship with China yesterday, noting an EU trade deficit of nearly 400 billion euros ($425 billion), while also warning that Chinas position on the war in Ukraine could endanger its relationship with Europe. Valdis Dombrovskis, in a speech at Chinas prestigious Tsinghua University, said that the EU and China face significant political and economic headwinds that could cause them to drift apart. The strongest, yet not the only, headwind is Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, and how China positions itself on this issue, he said. Dombrovskis spoke before high-level economic and trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. EU leaders have expressed concern about the blocs growing trade deficit with China, which reached 396 billion euros last year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced an investigation into Chinese subsidies to electric vehicle makers, saying a flood of cheaper Chinese cars is distorting the European market. The Chinese government has called the investigation a protectionist act aimed at distorting the supply chain. Dombrovskis, in his Tsinghua address, said the probe would follow well-established rules and be done in consultation with Chinese authorities and stakeholders. The EU trade commissioner urged China to address the lack of reciprocity in the economic relationship, saying the figures speak for themselves. He said that China has created a more politicized business environment to protect its national security and development interests, resulting in less transparency, unequal access to procurement, and discriminatory standards and security requirements. Dombrovskis cited as examples a new foreign relations law and an updated anti-espionage law that has European companies struggling to understand their compliance obligations. Their ambiguity allows too much room for interpretation, he said about the laws, adding they deter new investment in China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China provides a market-oriented, law-based business environment for foreign companies. As long as the companies are operating in accordance with the law, they dont have to worry, he said. MDT/AP Philippine officials vowed yesterday to remove a floating barrier placed by Chinas coast guard to prevent Filipino fishing boats from entering a disputed lagoon in the South China Sea. They said the 300-meter-long barrier at the entrance to the lagoon at Scarborough Shoal is illegal and illegitimate. Chinese coast guard vessels laid the barrier, held up by buoys, on Friday as a Philippine government fisheries vessel approached. More than 50 Philippine fishing boats were outside the shoal at the time, the Philippine coast guard said. We condemn the installation of floating barriers by the Chinese coast guard, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said. The placement by the Peoples Republic of China of a barrier violates the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen. Ano said in a statement that the Philippines will take all appropriate actions to cause the removal of the barriers and to protect the rights of our fishermen in the area. He did not elaborate. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the shoal and its adjacent waters are Chinas inherent territory, where Beijing has indisputable sovereignty. A Philippine government fisheries vessel trespassed into the waters without Chinas permission on Sept. 22, Wang said, and attempted to intrude into the lagoon of the shoal. Chinas coast guard took the necessary measures to stop and warn off the ship in accordance with the law, which was professional and with restraint, he added. Its the latest flare-up in long-simmering territorial disputes in the busy and resource-rich waterway, most of which is claimed by China. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei are involved with China in the conflicts, which have long been regarded as a potential Asian flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China rivalry in the region. Washington lays no claim to the sea passageway, a major global trade route, but U.S. Navy ships and fighter jets have carried out patrols for decades to challenge Chinas expansive claims and promote freedom of navigation and overflight. China has told the U.S. to stop meddling in what it says is a purely Asian dispute. The Chinese barrier denies Filipinos access to the rich fishing lagoon surrounded by underwater coral outcrops, Philippine coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said. He said Chinas coast guard installs the removable barrier when Philippine fishing boats show up in large numbers near the shoal. Its an illegal and illegitimate action coming from the Peoples Republic of China, Tarriela told reporters. Definitely it affects our food security. A Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship which anchored off Scarborough on Friday and at least 54 Filipino fishing boats were ordered by four Chinese coast guard ships by radio to leave the territory, saying the Filipinos were breaching Chinese and international law. The Philippine fisheries ship insisted in its radio response that it was on a routine patrol in Philippine waters, Tarriela said. The Philippines says Scarborough Shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone, a 200-nautical mile stretch of water where coastal states have exclusive rights to fish and other resources. Those rights were upheld by a 2016 arbitration decision set up under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Ano said. China refused to participate in the arbitration sought by the Philippines in 2013, a year after a tense standoff between Chinese and Philippine ships at Scarborough. Beijing refused to recognize the 2016 arbitration ruling and continues to defy it. The 2012 standoff ended with Chinese ships seizing and surrounding the atoll. Chinese coast guard ships have also blocked Philippine government vessels delivering supplies and personnel to Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in near-collisions that the Philippine government has condemned and protested. Washington has said its obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under attack, including in the South China Sea. JIM GOMEZ, MANILA, MDT/AP Top Thai officials welcomed hundreds of Chinese tourists at Bangkoks international airport yesterday, the first day of a new visa-free entry program that officials say will boost the countrys tourism industry that was badly damaged by the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin handed out gifts and posed for pictures as his tourism minister and other VIPs greeted about 300 travelers from Shanghai. The surprised tourists were entertained by Thai traditional dancers and drummers inside the arrivals area at Suvarnabhumi Airport. We are confident that this policy will greatly boost the economy, Srettha told reporters. He said that the government plans to promote Thailands smaller cities as destinations for Chinese tourists to encourage them to stay longer and spend more. Addressing safety concerns among tourists, Srettha said it was the top priority of the authorities. There have been reports and rumors widely circulating on Chinese social media about fraud and kidnapping in Thailand. A tourist from Shanghai, who identified himself only as Dai, said he was impressed with the very lively welcome ceremony at the airport, though he noted that the immigration officer who checked his passport did not immediately know about the temporary visa exemption policy. He said he plans to stay for two weeks and visit other cities besides Bangkok, including Chiang Mai and Phuket. Peng Chunyu and Wan Yi, who arrived on the same flight, said it was a great policy for Thailand to allow visa-free entry for Chinese. The process was very smooth, said Peng. The two will stay for nine days and said they look forward to seeing Bangkoks Grand Palace, Wat Arun temple and Chinatown. The visa exemption, which also applies to visitors from the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, will be effective until Feb. 29. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said there has been about a 30% surge in accommodation and flight bookings since the policy was announced. China more than a decade ago became a major source of tourists to Thailand, with almost 11 million visitors in 2019, accounting for 27.6% of all arrivals that year before the pandemic devastated the tourist market. The government proposed the visa exemption measure due to concern that the number of Chinese tourists might be lower than expected this year because of strict visa requirements. The target number of arrivals from China had been revised from 5 million to 3 million after a report from the state Tourism Authority of Thailand that around 1.4 million Chinese tourists came in the first six months. Tourism Authority Director Thapanee Kiatphaibool said Monday that the authorities were confident the number of Chinese arrivals could hit 4 million-to-5 million after the visa-free program was introduced. Thailands economy slumped during the pandemic as its huge tourism industry virtually collapsed. The country received about 40 million visitors in 2019, and the government estimated they spent 1.9 trillion baht ($53.2 billion) an amount that plummeted by more than 99% by 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the prime minister, earlier said that Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months. He said the government aims to draw 28 million tourists and generate 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in revenue in 2023. JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOKMDT/AP The chairman of Hong Kongs leading journalist group was found guilty of obstructing a police officer yesterday in a court case that sparked concerns about the citys declining press freedom. Ronson Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and a journalist of online news outlet Channel C, was arrested last September while he was on his way to a reporting assignment. He was accused of refusing to show the plainclothes officer his identity card upon request. Chans arrest fuelled concerns about the erosion of media freedom in Hong Kong after Beijing imposed a national security law to crush dissent following the citys massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Magistrate Leung Ka-kie yesterday ruled that Chan had deliberately obstructed the officer from carrying out her duty and failed to take out his identity card in a timely manner. He kept asking the officer questions recklessly, she said. He will be sentenced later and could face a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Speaking to reporters before the hearing, Chan said he was calm. No matter how the outcome is, its not the end of the day, he said. In the crackdown following the 2019 protests, two vocal media outlets Apple Daily and Stand News have been forced to shut down and some of their top managers have been prosecuted. Two former top editors at Stand News, where Chan used to work, were tried for sedition. A verdict is scheduled for November. Pro-Beijing media outlets have attacked the association and Chan, calling the professional group an anti-China political tool in their reports. Hong Kong, once seen as a bastion of media freedom in Asia, ranked 140th out of 180 countries and territories in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index. The organization said the city saw an unprecedented setback since 2020, when the security law was imposed. But Beijing and Hong Kong authorities said the law helped bring stability back to the city following the anti-government protests in 2019. MDT/AP President Xi Jinping has urged east Chinas Zhejiang Province to strive toward writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection of Zhejiang from Sept. 20 to 21. According to a Xinhua dispatch yesterday, Xi called on the province to focus on building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and turning itself into a key example showcasing the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. During his trip, Xi visited cities including Jinhua and Shaoxing, where he inspected places including the countryside, a trade market, an exhibition hall and a culture park. On his way back to Beijing, Xi also visited cities and villages in Shandong Province. On the morning of Sept. 20, Xi inspected Lizu Village in Jinhua. There, he was delighted to learn that the annual per capita income of the village had reached 52,000 yuan (about USD7,250) Lizu Village has achieved solid progress in promoting common prosperity, Xi noted, expressing hopes that the village will make further efforts and achieve more results in advancing rural revitalization, Xinhua reported yesterday. BELOIT Three members of a northern Illinois bomb team were injured during a dynamite-related call in Beloit on Saturday, authorities reported. The Rock County Sheriff's Office requested the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department Bomb Team respond to the 10000 block of Cleophas Road in Beloit after dynamite was found in a trailer on the property, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department said. Three deputies were injured while disposing of the dynamite and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. No details were provided on the nature of the injuries, how they happened or if there was an explosion. The two agencies are "actively conducting an investigation." There were no updates Monday and a message left with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department on Monday wasn't immediately returned. Major facelifts meant to stretch the lifespans of UW-Madisons two highly coveted dorms late into the 21st century are wrapping up after nearly six and a half years. A complete overhaul of Sellery Hall, 821 W. Johnson St. including a new 11th floor and connections between the two towers that boast light-filled, two-story student lounges and updated mechanical systems is nearing the finish line this fall as the halls first major renovation in its 60-year history. Sellerys twin dorm, Witte Hall, located a block to the east, saw its nearly identical revival start in 2017 and end in August 2019. As both halls neared 50, school officials decided they needed significant modernization, both in terms of aesthetics and infrastructure. Neither had undergone a major renovation and lacked what are now considered basic amenities, such as air conditioning. Its hoped the renovation will carry Sellery Hall for another 60 years before another major project could be needed, University Housing Director Jeff Novak said. The renovations cost about $130 million, less than half of what a new residence hall is expected to cost University Housing. Both halls renovations were funded by room fees paid by UW-Madison students, not taxpayer money. (Sellery and Witte) were constructed phenomenally, and could withstand the test of time, in terms of structurally, Novak said. University Housing still will likely need a new residence hall in the coming years, as the university houses more students than the capacity limits preferred as part of UW-Madisons planned growth. Plans for a new residence hall, as well as dozens of other proposed UW-Madison facility projects, are expected to be presented later this fall. The updated design of Sellerys and Wittes additions reflects the capacity challenges Housing faces. The residence halls needed renovations, but with each holding about 13% of University Housings resident population, it wasnt possible to take an entire tower offline for construction. A group of civil and environmental engineering senior capstone students proposed the solution in 2012: Build a connector between the two towers to house new elevators, mechanics and utilities to create consistent access and power to the building and close off each floor as it was being renovated. Despite Sellery and Wittes aging facilities, the two dorms are the most requested for incoming students. That popularity is driven by the halls close proximity to State Street and Downtown Madison. Southeast campus residents wont get much of a break from major construction, though. Levy Hall, the College of Letters and Sciences new academic building, is expected to break ground across from Sellery Hall in November. New amenities Sellery Halls first floor is almost unrecognizable to its former self. Gone are the wood-paneled walls of the lobby and the computer labs of yesteryear; in their place are white walls with a front lobby desk painted Wisconsin Red and a cutout in the floor looking down to the basement to make the space feel larger than it is, Director of Housing Facilities Mike Kinderman said. A dance studio, previously located in the basement, and an art gallery remain under construction for the fine arts learning community. One thing thats remained: Signature diamond-shaped load-bearing columns in the lobby, painted over from dark wood to white and red. The new bay of elevators into the student rooms is accessible only by keycard to improve security. Once on the dorm room floors, the still-dimly lit hallways are balanced out by renovated single-gender bathrooms and a new gender-neutral one-person bathroom. Windows in each of the rooms have been upgraded for energy efficiency. The two-story lounges are the most obvious renovation. Filled with daylight coming in from floor-to-ceiling windows, the stairway between the floors allows students to interact with others from another floor instead of isolating them on their own. Facing west and south, the lounges at the highest point offer a view of the Downtown and the Capitol that, in nearby apartment buildings, would command exorbitant rent. An open-concept basement features a pool table, study areas, a sizable kitchen and miniature conference rooms, where students can connect their computers to TV screens for collaboration. Gone as part of the renovation are computer labs and cable TV hookups. Students arent watching cable TV, so it wasnt worth the money, and theyd rather have their own Wi-Fi access points instead, Novak said. Preserving a legacy As the renovations left the exteriors of Sellery and Witte largely preserved, theyre the only remaining relic, in terms of age and architecture, of an otherwise bygone era of UW-Madison history. Sellery and Witte, completed in 1963 and 1964, are the only two buildings that remain of the original Southeast Dormitory and Recreation Area. Ogg residence hall, first opened in 1965, was demolished in 2007 after its name was bestowed on a new residence hall; Gordon Commons, also originally opened in 1965, was rebuilt in 2012. Even the Southeast Recreational Facility (known colloquially as the SERF), built in the 1980s, is now just a memory as the Nicholas Recreational Center (or the Nick for short) replaced it in 2019. The vast majority of residents at Sellery and Witte are freshmen or first-year transfer students who never saw Sellery Hall as it once was. But during move-in, Housing staff got plenty of comments from parents who no longer recognize Sellery as they once knew it, Novak and University Housing Marketing Director Brendon Dybdahl said. These buildings have a lot of history and legacy too, Dybdahl said. So, to be able to keep that going for ... more generations of those students is a big deal to alumni, too, when they start sending their kids here. Theres a lot of value to that. Photos: UW-Madison's Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center A letter from an attorney representing embattled Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said the county's investigation and effort to remove him from office relies on "inaccurate and even false information." The letter, addressed to the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors and released by Hakes, criticizes the boards investigation and claims its recent meeting to discuss the matter violated Wisconsin's open meeting law. The Chippewa County Board was in closed session for about four hours Sept. 19 to discuss Hakes' conduct after a county employee reported concerns about him and the workplace. The alleged conduct has not been made public by the county. In response to an open records request filed by the Chippewa Herald seeking information about the alleged conduct, county human resources director Toni Hohlfelder responded that a redacted version of the Hakes investigation report will be made available to the paper on or after Oct. 2. The day after the county board's secret meeting, Hakes said he received a letter from the board about the matter. The contents of the Sept. 20 letter from the county are unknown. When asked for the letter, Hakes provided the Herald with a copy of a three-page response his attorney, Richard Hodsdon, sent to the county dated Sept. 21. In it, Hodsdon wrote that based on his preliminary investigation and public reports, the board was fed inaccurate and even false information, while at the same time crucial information has been withheld from you either intentionally or in an act of gross negligence by one or more officials of county government. He called the investigation a "witch hunt" and said Hakes never received written notice of any alleged misconduct or an opportunity to review or respond to the accusations, "basic rights that every American is entitled to." Hodsdon wrote that he spoke with the attorney hired by the county to do the investigation and was advised that instead of simply investigating that one matter, she was assigned, apparently by the county administrator, to conduct an 'investigation' into multiple and far-ranging matters that had nothing at all to do with the original issue. He also questioned the closed session the board conducted Sept. 19 and said it appeared the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law had been violated since no formal action was voted on in public. "My evidence indicates that after the meeting was formally closed to the public it was never re-convened in a public setting to take formal action in the form of a vote to act against Sheriff Hakes, the letter states. Hodsdon stated he is looking into other possible open meeting law violations by the board in its handling of the Hakes investigation. He referred to the original complaint against Hakes as a personnel matter for which there never was nor has there still ever been, an actual misconduct complaint. In his response, Hodsdon references apparent issues related to mandating the sheriff 'check on' and 'check off' under the stated guise of preventing a 'safety incident' and later states that the boards letter "does not even attempt to explain how the sheriff checking in on the radio or not would relate to a security incident. Hodsdons letter also references two training mandates the board wanted from Hakes. Hodsdon responded by saying: You completely lack any authority to require Sheriff Hakes to participate in any training. As a certified peace officer Sheriff Hakes has certain mandated training and he advises me he continues to meet all those mandates and his job-related training agenda easily exceeds any legal requirements." Hodsdon concluded his response by encouraging members of the board to rescind their actions from Sept. 19. A worker at Amalgamated Sugar Co.'s sugar beet receiving station at Murtaugh uses a front-end loader Monday to tidy a pile of beets along U.S. Highway 30. As the weather turns cold, sugar content in the beets will spike and the harvest will begin in full swing. Six sailors from the USS Idaho left their nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in Connecticut and boarded a jet boat bound for Hells Canyon this week during a jam-packed trip to the Gem State. The captain is at the helm, could be heard on the twin-engine Bentz boat as Capt. Randall Leslie moved over to take a turn at the controls. Its a lot different than operating a 377-foot-long submarine, but he caught on quickly, and the Snake River scenery rolling by was definitely a plus. Its absolutely breathtaking, Leslie said. This entire week has been amazing, from visiting with high school kids and veterans to doing this. While here, the crew made stops throughout the region, soaking up the hospitality, history and culture of Idaho. The goal of the excursion was to showcase the state and create a bond between the Naval crew and their new vessels namesake and residents. The USS Idaho, which is still under construction, will be commissioned next year and go into active service in 2025. Its the first Navy vessel to be named after Idaho in more than 100 years. I love the name, Leslie said. The last time it was used was in 1919 for a battleship. Its long overdue, but Im glad they waited so I could be the captain. Bruce King, who owns and operates the jet boat, was assisted by Clarkston resident Lenny Frasure on the 128-mile, round-trip tour of the deepest gorge in North America. The six submariners had never been on a jet boat or in Hells Canyon. For most, it was their first trip to Idaho. Alex Boxmeyer, who grew up in Alabama, also took a turn at the controls, saying it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His childhood memories of boating on slack water were much different than the whitewater rapids and jagged rocks along the Snake. He remembers his grandfather talking about the days before the dams were built at home, when it was still possible to float a raft down the river to the Gulf of Mexico. Now its smooth and looks more like a lake, Boxmeyer said. The 26-year-old is a junior officer on the USS Idaho submarine. He said most folks believe his job would be claustrophobic, but its just like being in a big office with fluorescent lights and no sunshine, and not nearly as bad as everyone thinks. Before enlisting in the Navy, Boxmeyer worked in the plastics industry, which was an unfulfilling job. It was a lot of people shoving money in their pockets. I just needed something with a little more meaning. The only Idaho native in the contingent was Robert Boscan, a 21-year-old Hayden resident. Wearing a bucket hat, Boscan took in the captivating beauty of the canyon without saying much. Hes easily the least talkative man on the crew, the other sailors said, but that doesnt mean hes unfriendly. Working as a sonar technician on the sub is a perfect fit for his demeanor. I chose a submarine because I thought it would be quieter, Boscan said with a smile. Forrest Bridges, a 23-year-old Georgia native, works as a logistics specialist, procuring parts and equipment for the crew. In other words, Im the supply guy, or Amazon, for the USS Idaho, Bridges said. His original plan was to become an air traffic controller, but that changed as soon as the military discovered he was color blind. Hes happy with how things turned out. I knew submarines had an elite team of people, and I wanted to be part of that, Bridges said. The beauty of Hells Canyon, the rolling hills of the Palouse and the scenery in the Idaho Panhandle were stunning to Bridges. He and the rest of the crew put on a lot of miles over the week, but the tight schedule was worth every minute, he said. This is the furthest west Ive ever been, Bridges said. Its really cool to see another part of the world not just the country the world. Much to the sailors delight, the river trip offered plenty of quick turns and slappy waves. King, a longtime skipper and Coast Guard veteran, deftly threaded the Eye of the Needle near the confluence of the Snake and Salmon rivers. Meridian resident Don Curry, a retired chief petty officer sitting in the back of the boat, was soaked by a wave but remained smiling on the rainy morning. As the jet boat made its way south, Daniel Lannigan, a 21-year-old from North Carolina, said he was thrilled to be back in the Pacific Northwest. His dad was born and raised in Spokane, and his parents met while attending the University of Idaho. Im Idaho adjacent, Lannigan said. Its gorgeous. I miss seeing this landscape and the people. I immediately called my grandpa and dad when I found out I was serving on the USS Idaho. Lannigan is a nuclear-certified machinist on the submarine. When submerged, the vessel will be underwater for 60 to 90 consecutive days with no Wi-Fi or cell service, but he doesnt mind. I love all of the people I work with, Lannigan said. I know I can depend on any one of them. It takes a special person to serve on a submarine. He is among 143 sailors who are currently conducting testing of intricate equipment and making sure everything works prior to active service at sea. The crew is authorized to say the sub can go faster than 25 knots and deeper than 800 feet, but those are about the only details of the attack vessel that can be shared. The rest is classified, Lannigan said. What they can say is the USS Idaho is a cutting-edge, high-stealth warship capable of intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, surveillance, land attacks, mine detection and sea control. The sixth sailor in the group was Phillip Alvey, of South Dakota. He is a key crew member who runs the turbines, and is also known as the power and light guy, said retired Capt. Henry Netzer, of Hayden, who helped coordinate the visit. Netzer was a submarine officer during the Cold War. Frasure, who has spent his lifetime on the river, informed the honorary Idahoans of the canyons rich history as it passed by the borders of three states Washington, Idaho and Oregon. He and King made sure the Navy crew saw five rivers in one day the Snake, Salmon, Imnaha, Grande Ronde and Clearwater. The tour took a little less than six hours, beginning with a daybreak departure from Hells Gate Marina in Lewiston. Dug Bar was the turn-around point on the southern end of the journey. As the jet boat idled, Frasure explained how a band of Nez Perce Indians led by Chief Joseph crossed the river at Dug Bar on May 31, 1877, while complying with the U.S. governments demand to leave their homeland in the Wallowa Valley. The USS Idaho crew was next headed to the White Bird Battlefield, south of Grangeville, and Frasure gave them a preview of what to expect there. On June 17, 1877, U.S. troops moved into the White Bird Canyon to strike the Nez Perce, who were sheltering in one of their winter villages. The soldiers encountered a peace party of six warriors carrying a white flag. A civilian scout shot twice at the Native Americans and the battle began. The U.S. calvary was defeated with heavy losses, and Chief Joseph and his band headed to Montana before eventually surrendering near the Canadian border. Much of the regions history is linked to Hells Canyon, such as the sinking of the Imnaha, a paddle boat in 1903. On a November day, the 124-feet sternwheeler was carrying supplies to miners in the now-extinct village of Eureka when it sank in the Mountain Sheep rapids, about 2 miles below the mouth of the Imnaha River. Luckily, no passengers died, and the only casualty was a horse, Frasure said. Under a cloudy sky, he and King pointed out several popular rock formations, such as a potato playing a piano, a dinosaur taking a drink, whale rock near Asotin, and the profile of Chief Joseph below Cook Creek on the Idaho side. Ancient petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy and a stop at Cache Creek Ranch, now owned by the U.S. Forest Service, were among the other highlights. The sailors visited a museum there and posed for a photo near an American flag overlooking the canyon. The veterans on board, including Paul Agidius, of Moscow, and Joe Deacon, of Coeur dAlene, shared memories of their time in the military. For example, Alan Griffitts, of Coeur dAlene, served as a career engineer with the Navys quieting laboratories and is the former director of the Bayview Research Base in Idaho. They are all active volunteers with the Commissioning Foundation. Netzer said all quieting improvements made on U.S. Navy submarines over the last 60 years were tested or improved at Bayview. The USS Idaho crew members visited the northern Idaho facility during their tour of the state. Frasure, who served overseas on a weapons crew with the Air Force, recalled returning to Clarkston in 1968 after being deployed in Japan and Korea for 21 months. His first stop was the Wild Goose Tavern on Clarkston Beach. I walked straight through the bar and out the back, Frasure said. Then I knelt down and dunked my head in the Snake River, and thought, Im home. I can remember that like it was yesterday. As the jet boat returned to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, King motioned for Leslie to take over. Every crew member started snapping pictures when the boss slid into the drivers seat. Leslie is the man in charge of the entire USS Idaho, which is an enormous job, Lannigan said. When the captains at the helm, its a big deal. Hes usually too busy doing other stuff and overseeing all of our operations. This is really fun to see. Leslie said he chose a career in Naval submarines for three primary reasons. After studying to be a mechanical engineer in college, he likes the technical aspects of a nuclear-powered vessel. Secondly, the missions are known as a silent service to the country, and they offer opportunities to travel all over the world. The final and perhaps most important reason is the submarine team. They are all smart and hard-working, the commander said. The people you meet out on submarines are pretty cool. Zions Bank will celebrate its 150th birthday next week. Were all invited to the party. The Twin Falls Canyon Park branch, located at 1863 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., and the Eastland branch, located at 2188 Addison Ave E., will host community celebrations on Monday with complimentary refreshments, giveaways and more. The Canyon Park event will be from noon to 2 p.m.; the Eastland event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Were proud to be part of Zions Banks 150-year legacy of local banking and celebrate this important milestone with the Twin Falls community, Renee Avram, manager of the Canyon Park branch, said in a news release Its really a celebration of our entire community working together to enhance the quality of life and strengthen our business environment. Zions Bank will host community celebrations at each of its 121 full-service branches in Idaho, Utah and in Jackson, Wyoming, through October. Zions has operated in Twin Falls since 1997. Zions was born out of one of the worst banking crises in U.S. history. The first branch opened in the Utah Territory in October 1873 after Brigham Young became concerned about a spreading financial crisis and gathered a group of prominent citizens to organize a savings bank. Over the next 150 years, Zions Savings Bank and Trust Company, its name eventually shortened to Zions Bank, grew to serve the financial needs of businesses and individuals across the Intermountain West. In 1960, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sold majority control of Zions First National Bank to Keystone Insurance and Investment Company, which later became Zions Bancorporation. Following the sale, the bank underwent a period of rapid expansion, broadening its geographic reach across Utah and into Idaho. In 2014, Zions opened its branch in Jackson. While continuing its legacy of local decision-making and community investment, Zions Bank is also pioneering technological advancements in the banking industry, the bank said in its release. The company recently completed a 10-year project to overhaul all its core processing systems the largest technology transformation in its history. Zions Bank reported $14.3 billion in average loans and $19.2 billion in average deposits, as of June 30, 2023. The bank provides jobs for more than 1,500 employees across the three states. Although Latinos are an important part of the makeup of communities around Idaho, only 7% of Idaho Latinos vote every year. Students in the Magic Valley and across the state are hoping to change that. College students in the Magic Valley and statewide are working with PODER of Idaho an organization that empowers the Latino and immigrant communities in Idaho for social, racial, gender, and economic justice with a goal to get 2,700 Latinos registered to vote every year. PODER of Idaho launched its Idaho Latino Vote Project in March to get more Latinos registered to vote and educate the community on the importance of local elections. Its important in educating the community and saying, Hey, its not just the presidential elections that affect you, its actually those local elections that can really affect you in more ways than the national elections, said Estefania Mondragon, executive director of PODER of Idaho. Students Ray, Isa and C, who declined to give their last names for the safety of their families, have been working with PODER of Idaho in the Magic Valley by sharing their personal stories with community members at events, through interviews, and by hanging up flyers around the community to promote voter registration. On the verge of a shift: Latinos look to youth for political future This is the second installment in the Diversity and Representation Series by Hispanic Affairs Reporter Megan Taros. This installment addresses Latino political engagement. Most recently, Ray and C attended Latino Fest with PODER to raise awareness of the low voting turnout Latinos have in Idaho and the impact that has on the Latino community all over the state including in their own homes. The 2016 election was the turning point for me. I remember heading back to school that day and saw this boy carrying the Trump 2016 sign and going down the hall saying that he had won, C told the Times-News. Since then, I tried having conversations with peers and people I thought were friends, and it occurred to me that some people didnt view my parents as people that deserved to be here. C also said that was the week that she knew that once she turned 18, she was going to vote and would try to change the system. To continue their work, the Magic Valley college students will be at the Hispanic Youth Leadership Summit an event led by the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs where over 800 Latino students will stop by at the College of Southern Idaho to do workshops, work on leadership skills and prepare for higher education. They will be there from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 at CSIs Student Recreation Center to help Latino students register to vote and learn about the importance of voting. Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs brings second Hispanic Youth Summit to Magic Valley As the Hispanic youth population grows in Idaho, the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs hopes to get more of them thinking about their future and connecting with mentors who can help them reach their goals. They hope through this event and their unwavering passion for voting that they can get more young people passionate too. What drives my passion for voting is knowing I can make a big difference for my community and loved ones. Because I was born in the U.S., I can drive anywhere in the world, work any job that I want, study at any college and be whoever I want, Ray said. Unfortunately, because some of my friends and family arent from the U.S., they are forced to work exhausting hours, dont have a drivers license and cant be who they want to be in this life. Ray also told the Times-News that a large percentage of Latinos dont vote, not because they don't have citizenship but because of the lack of resources, lack of knowledge about voting, and feeling like their vote doesnt matter. Where can I vote? How can I vote? What do I need to bring? What is the process like? Since our parents cant answer these questions, voting can be intimidating. I dont blame my folks for it, Ray said. New law for eligible voters? Beginning July 1, 2023, any voter registering to vote will need to provide an approved photo ID and proof of residence in order to complete the registration process. The residence address must also match the record on the approved photo ID to complete the registration process. Here are examples of an approved Photo ID: A passport or an identification card, including a photograph, issued by an agency of the United States government; A tribal identification card, including a photograph; An Idaho driver's license or identification card issued by the Idaho Transportation Department; A license to carry concealed weapons The following are examples of approved documents for proof of residency: Current proof of insurance Deed of trust, mortgage, lease or rental agreement Property tax assessment, bill or receipt Utility bill, excluding a cellular telephone bill Bank or credit card statement Paystub, paycheck or government-issued check Intake document from a residential care or assisted living facility Enrollment papers issued for the current school year by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education located within the state of Idaho Communication on letterhead from a public or private social service agency registered with the Secretary of State verifying the applicant is homeless and attesting to the applicant's residence for registration purposes. For additional questions, contact the Twin Falls County Clerk's office at 208-736-4004. Language minority voting rights in covered jurisdictions According to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, covered jurisdictions are determined by the Census Bureau based upon a formula set out in the Voting Rights Act. The most recent determinations for Section 203 were made on Dec. 8, 2021. Covered language minorities are limited to American Indians, Asian Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Spanish-heritage citizens the groups that Congress found to have faced barriers in the political process. A jurisdiction is covered under Section 203 where the number of United States citizens of voting age is a single language group within the jurisdiction: Is more than 10,000, or Is more than 5% of all voting-age citizens, or On an Indian reservation, exceeds five percent of all reservation residents; and The illiteracy rate of the group is higher than the national illiteracy rate Currently, the only county in Idaho that offers Spanish language materials is Clark County, located in eastern Idaho. Lincoln County was required to provide Spanish language support for a decade from 2010 to 2020, but their count in 2021 did not make the threshold. Lincoln County remains the only one in Magic Valley with Spanish ballots Lincoln County remains the only one in the region that provides Spanish ballots. It is required to do so under the language provisions of the Voting Rights Act. It is important that we vote in local and national elections but more importantly the local elections. The president isnt responsible for Idaho. Their job is to look after the country, Ray told the Times-News. Our governor, Brad Little, however, is responsible for Idaho and he gets to choose how we live. Our Republican Senator Lee Heider is specifically responsible for Twin Falls. He gets to choose how our folks in Twin Falls live day-to-day. Im sure that if resources and flyers explaining how to and where to vote were provided at high schools or colleges, then we would 100% see more Latinos voting in local and national elections. Early voting begins on Oct. 23. Community members can stop by the Twin Falls County Recorder's Office, on the second floor of County West at 630 Addison Ave. W. in Twin Falls. For voter registration information, stop by the Twin Falls County West or find the application online at https://elections.sos.idaho.gov/ElectionLink/ElectionLink/ApplicationInstructions.aspx. Advocates say Lincoln County is not meeting obligation to Spanish-speaking voters Lincoln County is required to provide election information in Spanish, but some of it isn't posted on the county website and some of it in other places is not translated correctly. As one of the fastest-growing states, Idaho finds itself at a crossroads in health care policy with important decisions on the horizon. The Idaho Hospital Association has been closely monitoring this evolving landscape and how voters see the issues. Recent statewide polling reveals a clear message: Idahoans are concerned about access to health care in the coming years and willing to pay to preserve those services. With the rise in population comes an increased demand for healthcare. The poll asked voters if Idaho has enough health care resources like doctors and hospitals for everyone in the next 10 years. A resounding 68% of people said no. This speaks volumes about the concerns that our citizens have regarding the future of healthcare availability. When asked about the idea of controlling health care costs and/or limiting services, two out of three Idaho voters said they want to safeguard access to services, even if it means higher costs. They understand health care is not just another resource; its a lifeline that can mean the difference between survival or tragedy. With increasing challenges to recruit and retain health care professionals in Idaho, I wonder when your family needs that lifeline, will there be a doctor in the house? Access to health care is part of a strong foundation of a healthy community. When individuals can readily access the care they need, preventative measures can be taken, early diagnoses can be made, and chronic conditions can be managed effectively, reducing the burden on the system. Quote The goal should be to ensure that quality care remains within reach for all Idahoans, regardless of location or financial status. We cannot ignore the issue of cost associated with preserving access to services. No one wants to see health care expenses spiral out of control. Thats why Idaho hospitals are investing in coordinated health care models that are demonstrating real cost savings. By catching health issues early and providing timely care, we can avoid more costly treatments. Simply cutting services is not the secret to effectively cutting costs. Its time to invest in health care infrastructure, increase the number of health care professionals, expand capacity, and improve access in rural areas. The goal should be to ensure that quality care remains within reach for all Idahoans, regardless of location or financial status. Idahoans understand there is a critical connection between health and access to care. Policymakers should take these findings to heart as they shape the future of our state. Its time to ask lawmakers to commit to creating a healthier, more resilient Idaho. A Guangdong, China-based electronics company at the forefront of the global production of headphones (wired and Bluetooth), Bluetooth speakers, drivers, and other related intelligent devices, is now proceeding with the second phase of its expansion project in the Philippines. Shenzhen Grandsun chairman and founder Charles Wu conveyed this during a meeting with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo, who was in Zhaoqing City to invite the Chinese companys suppliers to support the supply chain requirements of Grandsun by setting up complementary presence in the Philippines. Shenzhen Grandsun was one of the Chinese companies who joined the exclusive roundtable meeting on strategic projects with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit to China in January. Wu confirmed that Grandsun Advanced Electronics (Philippines) Co. Inc. (GAEPCI), which began its audio devices (headphones) production facility at the LIMA facility in Batangas during the pandemic, is now running full blast, and that two new factories in the Philippines will be opened by the end of 2025. The two new factories are expected to house additional production facilities that will be tapped for the additional production for the US and European markets of OEM and house-brands of Shenzhen Grandsuns speakers. Total investments by the Guangdong-based company in the country are expected to exceed P3 billion. Total employees by end 2023 would reach 1,000, with the company targeting to provide 8,000 jobs in the Philippines by 2028. Shenzhen Grandsun was ranked 7th globally on the Global Smart Headphone Invention Patent Ranking, behind Apple (#5) and Qualcomm (#6) and ahead of LG (#8) and Huawei (#10). Rodolfo said the complementarity of Shenzhen Grandsun in the Philippines is a good model for other possible Chinese locators to the Philippines, as it allows a top Chinese OEM and original brand manufacturer to work with Filipino talent as they address growing global requirements of their top customers specially from the EU and the US. Rodolfo, who was in the city of Nanning to head the Philippines participation in the 20th China ASEAN Expo, met with Wu in Zhaoqing to personally express to the founder of Shenzhen Grandsun, the DTI-BOIs gratitude for the confidence of the Chinese company in doing business in the Philippines during the pandemic, and lauded its long-term plan of expanding their growing audio equipment manufacturing business in the Philippines along with its Filipino executives who were previously part of the companys growth in the last 26 years in the Chinese headquarters. Rodolfo also met with Zhaoqing Mayor Xu Xiaoxiong who lauded the presence of the Philippines in showing its commitment to building relations with his city where Shenzhen Grandsun is also expanding its manufacturing footprint, along with other companies involved in food and beverage, agriculture, mining, new energy vehicle (NEV) and parts manufacturing and other industries. Zhaoqing City is also the existing site of one of the packaging facilities of San Miguel Corp. in China. Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Shenzen Grandson Electronic Co. Ltd. is expanding its manufacturing operations in the Philippines by adding two facilities that will increase its total investments to P3 billion. The Board of Investments (BOI) met with Shensen Grandsun chairman and founder Charles Wu at the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Exposition 2023 in Nanning, China to discuss company plans on stretching its capability to produce more audio products for the US and European markets. In the last five days alone, we have seen very tangible advancement in at least two investment leads generated during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s official visits, said Trade Secretary and BOI chairman Alfredo Pascual. He said the DTI and BOI ensure that the companies deliver on their investment commitments and go beyond their committed economic value-adding activities. Shenzhen Grandsun was one of the Chinese companies that attended the exclusive roundtable meeting on strategic projects with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit to China in January 2023. Wu said Grandsun Advanced Electronics (Philippines) Co. Inc. (GAEPCI), which began its audio devices production facility at the LIMA facility in Batangas province during the pandemic, would open two new facilities by 2025 to complement the existing manufacturing capacities at the four facilities. The audio product manufacturer expect local hires to reach 1,000 in 2023 and 8,000 by 2028. Shenzen Grandsun is a Guangdong-based electronics company at the forefront of the global production of headphones. It plans to complement the production of headphones by producing OEM speakers on the second phase of expansion. BOI managing director Ceferino Rodolfo said the complementarity of Shenzhen Grandsun in the Philippines is a good model for other possible Chinese locators in the Philippines. He said the investment setting in the Philippines allows a top Chinese OEM and original brand manufacturer to work with Filipino talent as they address growing global requirements of their top customers especially from the EU and the US. Shenzhen Grandsun ranked seventh globally on the Global Smart Headphone Invention Patent Ranking, just behind Apple which is at the 5th spot and Qualcomm at 6th, and ahead of LG at 8th and Huawei at 10th. The company steadily built a global reputation for exceptional audio, technology and design, winning over 70 international awards since 2015. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be traveling to Saudi Arabia next month for the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit. His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will also be visiting the Kingdom next month. This visit will further strengthen the strong, friendly, and vibrant relations that happily exist between our two countries, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Antonio Morales said, during the celebration of the 93rd national day of Saudi. Mr. Marcos will attend the ASEAN-GCC Summit, the first of its kind after an ASEAN-GCC ministerial meeting was convened in 2009 in Bahrain. Morales did not disclose details of Mr. Marcos schedule in Saudi Arabia. But if ever the President meets for a bilateral talk with King Salman or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his visit will be the second high-level visit taken by both sides since Mr. Marcos assumed office. In September 2022, Saudis Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in the Philippines to meet Mr. Marcos and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo to boost bilateral ties between Manila and Riyadh. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Manalo said they discussed the active engagement between the Philippines as well as opportunities to further economic cooperation in support of our development goals. By Shaun TANDON Washington, United States The United States said Monday it refused a request by Irans foreign minister to visit Washington last week, pointing to concerns about Tehrans record including past detentions of US citizens. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reportedly sought to travel to visit Irans consular interest section following the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They did make that request and it was denied by the State Department, spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. We do have an obligation to allow Iranian officials and other officials of foreign governments to travel to New York for UN business. But we do not have an obligation to allow them to travel to Washington, DC, he said. Given Irans wrongful detention of US citizens, given Irans state sponsorship of terrorism, we did not believe it was either appropriate or necessary in this instance to grant that request. Iran last week allowed five US citizens to leave in a prisoner swap in which the United States also arranged the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds from South Korea to an account in Qatar. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has played down speculation that the prisoner deal could lead to broader diplomatic movement, such as a resumption of talks on Irans contested nuclear program. The news site Amwaj.media first reported on Amir-Abdollahians hope to visit Washington, in what would have been the first by an Iranian foreign minister in 14 years. The report, quoting anonymous sources, said that Amir-Abdollahian had said he wanted personally to review the consular operation but that his goal may have also been to generate positive headlines. The United States and Iran broke off relations after Islamic revolutionaries seized the US embassy in Tehran and took the diplomats hostage for 444 days following the 1979 revolution that overthrew the pro-Western shah. Irans interests section in Washington is officially under the flag of Pakistan. The United States under an agreement as host of the United Nations allows in representatives of all member states but restricts the movement of officials from some nations deemed hostile to the New York City area. The previous administration of Donald Trump went even further on Iran and confined Iranian officials to a few neighborhoods in New York although the New Yorker magazine reported in 2019 that Trump also unsuccessfully sought to invite the then foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the White House. Moscow, Russia Azerbaijans lightning victory in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Moscow has stationed peacekeepers, shows that Russias influence is quickly dwindling in a region it has long considered its backyard, analysts say. Russia, which has been mired in Ukraine since the start of the assault last year, refused to intervene when Azerbaijan seized control of the Armenian-populated region of Karabakh last week. What happened in Karabakh would have been impossible without a systemic weakening of the Russian state, independent Caucasus expert Gela Vasadze said. Russia has no resources to shape the Caucasus affairs any longer. Over the past three decades Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. Following a six-week war in 2020 Armenian separatists ceded territory they had controlled for decades in a deal brokered by Russia. Moscow deployed some 2,000 peacekeepers mandated to ensure the safety of territories remaining under separatist control and prevent any new conflict. Armenia bitterly accused Russia of failing its mission when Azerbaijan last week launched a new offensive and took over the rest of the territory. Suitcase without a handle The hostilities that according to the separatists killed some 200 people followed a months-long blockade in Karabakh that Armenia said Russian peacekeepers had also failed to prevent. Azerbaijans one-day military operation ended on Wednesday with a separatist pledge to disarm and thousands of refugees streaming into Armenia. Russian peacekeepers turned out to be powerless in front of one of the parties Azerbaijan, said independent Russian analyst Arkady Dubnov. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not mince his words on Sunday, saying a security agreements with Russia had proved insufficient and suggesting he would seek new alliances. Armenia is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Moscow-led security alliance comprised of six post-Soviet states. The group pledges to protect other members in case of an attack. In recent days no one has mentioned the CSTO as if it does not exist, said Dubnov. And thats the truth it does not, he added, calling the alliance a suitcase without a handle hard to carry around and a shame to abandon. No vision for the future Moscow insisted that its peacekeepers were not to blame, vowed to ensure the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and said it was maintaining dialogue with Yerevan. But in a sign of rising tensions, Moscow on Monday accused the Armenian leadership of running to the West. The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenias multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, Russias foreign ministry said. This month Armenia and the United States held military drills, in the latest sign of Yerevan drifting from Moscows orbit. Russias assault on Ukraine has spurred other ex-Soviet countries to deepen alliances elsewhere. The leaders of five Central Asian former Soviet countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan met for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Last week US President Joe Biden met the leaders of the so-called C5 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Russia is losing its influence because it cant offer a vision for the future, being busy with territorial expansion, mythologising history, and looking for the future in its past, Dubnov told AFP. Azerbaijan has taken advantage of the fact that Russia is focused on the conflict with Ukraine, he added. Dubnov argued that Baku and Moscow were following the same logic as they sought to reshape their borders by force. The law of the strongest wins, and Moscow is leading by example. Vasadze suggested that Russia would seek to regain ground in Armenia by helping install a new government there. Of course, Russia wants to maintain its influence on Armenia, where it lost its main lever Karabakh, he said. It is now focusing on its goal to have a loyal government in Yerevan and Pashinyan is not fit for the role. Guatemala City, Guatemala Two children and four adults were found dead Monday after a river swollen by heavy rains swept away shacks built on its banks in the Guatemalan capital, authorities said. Thirteen people, including eight children, were still missing after the river tore through the Dios es Fiel (God is Faithful) informal settlement in the early morning hours, according to the Conred disaster relief agency. Hundreds of firemen, police, soldiers, and volunteers were taking part in the rescue efforts. The Naranjo river washed away six homes, built mainly of zinc sheets, under a bridge in the center of Guatemala City, Conred spokesman Rodolfo Garcia told reporters. Hundreds of needy residents of the capital constructed their homes on the banks of the river despite a municipal prohibition due to it containing residential wastewater from the capitals sewage system. Water bearing stones, soil and human waste gushed through the settlement following heavy rains on Sunday, leaving mainly just debris in its wake, an AFP reporter observed. Resident Esau Gonzalez, a 42-year-old day worker, recalled how the river took homes, neighbors belongings. Neighbors disappeared. Gonzalez told AFP the people of the community had nowhere else to go. Rent is very high. Salaries are not enough to pay rent with, he said. The river took entire families, added Marvin Cabrera, 36, a motorcycle food delivery worker. We knew the risk, (but) we are here out of necessity, he added. Iris Lopez, 27, said she hoped the government would move the community to a safer place, adding nothing remained of the rickety house of her sister, who was away visiting their mother. If she was here, she would have been taken by the river, said Lopez. Tens of thousands of Guatemalas 17.7 million inhabitants depend on precarious housing in often hazardous environments such as this one in a country with a 59-percent poverty rate. The country has a housing deficit of about two million units, according to the Guatemalan Chamber of Construction and the ANACOVI builders association. Guatemalas President Alejandro Giammattei expressed his deep concern and solidarity with the affected families, in a message on social media. The rainy season, which runs from May to November, has this year claimed 29 lives so far, affected some 2.1 million people of whom more than 10,000 lost their homes, and destroyed four roads and nine bridges. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is urging Filipinos to protect themselves from fraud and online scams by detecting and blocking scammers. CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos ) signed a memorandum of understanding with Gogolook COO Manwoo Joo yesterday (Sept. 18) at the National Cybercrime Hub in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr., CICC Highly Technical Consultant and Philippine Representative of Gogolook Mel Migrino were also present during the signing ceremony. Gogolook has created Whoscall App which has an integrated caller identification , can block calls and texts from suspected scammers and also report scam numbers. It has a database of 2.6 billion numbers from around the world. Ramos said the MOU shows the CICCs determination to combat scams and the individuals behind them. This MOU with Gogolook is a major step forward in our efforts to protect Filipinos from scam. Im happy to welcome Gogolook and their product Whoscall to the Philippines, increasing the protection of cybersecurity for the Filipinos, Ramos said. This collaboration with Whoscall underlines that fighting fraud is not a singular endeavor, but a cohesive effort. We are truly glad to have Gogolook by our side in this pivotal journey, he added. Gogolook COO Manwoo Joo was excited to partner with the CICC to combat scam in the Philippines. This collaboration is a momentous occasion that shows a joint front against scammers to help stay ahead of the evolving methods of scammers and fraudsters worldwide. With help from CICC, we can build a stronger anti-fraud network which already includes various police and government agencies from Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, he said. Whoscall, which officially launched in the Philippines last August 22, 2023, has shown notable growth since its announcement and has garnered significant traction and positive feedback from users, already making it a reliable scam detection app in the country that is free to use. Gogolook is a Taiwan-based brand which boasts a service scope covering more than 30 countries, including South Korea, Japan , Hong Kong, Thailand , Brazil and Malaysia . A Fieldale man has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a $1.3 million real estate scam. Herman Estes Jr., 40, who was on federal pretrial supervision due to an illegal firearms charge, contacted a real state agent Jan. 17, inquiring about purchasing a Roanoke County property that listed for $1.2 million, a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Virginia stated. Estes allegedly falsely represented to the agent that he was due a tax refund of $18 million, which would be transferred to his estate as part of a trust. As a result, a federal grand jury in Roanoke returned an indictment last week, charging Estes with engaging in a fraud scheme in connection with a residential real estate transaction valued at more than $1.3 million, the release stated. Although Estes pleaded guilty to the federal firearms charge against him Jan. 25, he remained on pretrial release pending sentencing. In March, Estes is accused of contacting the real estate agent and saying that his tax refund had cleared and he was ready to purchase the property, the release stated. The real estate agent prepared the cash offer for the property in the amount of $1.3 million, at the direction of Estes. Federal authorities said Estes provided a letter to the agent, dated March 29, showing he had been approved for a private loan for $1,315,000 and included a phone number for a person that Estes said managed his trust. The person approved the cash offer to the agent and the contract was ratified, and the parties proceeded to closing. Estes produced a 62-page document he claimed was from his trust and stated he dealt directly with the Federal Reserve Bank, and not public banks. He then paid with a cashiers check, that was determined to be fraudulent, in the amount of $1,307,199.43, the release stated. The check was deposited by the settlement company April 13, the deed was recorded with the Circuit Court of Roanoke County, and Estes took possession of the property. Four days later the cashiers check was returned by the bank, marked fraudulent, the release stated. Estes is charged with bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, and with committing each of the offenses while on federal pretrial release. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A wing of the Supreme Court complex situated at the Three-Arm-Zone, Abuja, was engulfed by fire on Monday September 25 morning. The fire, which started around 7am, caused panic among staff members of the court who scampered to safety. Though no human casualty was recorded, it was not clear whether the fire was probably caused by electrical malfunction in one of the offices within the administrative wing of the Court. The source confirmed that three offices, including that of Justice Mohammed Saulawa, was touched by the fire before it was eventually put off. Meanwhile, the court is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said officials are investigating the cause of the fire incident. The fire incident is the latest of many that have affected government offices in Abuja. In May 2023, fire gutted some parts of the Nigerian Air Force Base located along Airport Road in the FCT. In February 2022, there was a fire incident at the Ministry of Finance building in Abuja. In May 2020, a fire burnt a part of the Nigerian Postal Service building in the FCT. A month before that incident, a building housing the office of the accountant-general of the Federation was gutted by fire. The Federal Fire Service said Nigeria lost about N5 trillion to fire incidents in four years. The United States and Kenya on Monday September 25 have signed a defence agreement that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it has volunteered to lead an international Mission to violence-plagued Haiti. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenyas Defence Minister Aden Duale signed the accord on Monday September 25 at a meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, guiding the countries defence relations for the next five years. Signing the framework for defence cooperation between our two countries today reinforces the importance of our strategic partnership with Kenya, Austin said following the meeting, according to a readout by the Pentagon. The US defence chief underscored Kenyas role in the fight against al-Shabab, an armed group affiliated with al-Qaeda that is active in East Africa. He also thanked the Kenyan government for volunteering to take the leadership of a proposed, multinational force to Haiti, which has been struggling to respond to months of escalating gang violence. Gangs control most of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and Haitians face a barrage of attacks, including kidnappings for ransom and sexual violence. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. In October of last year, Haitis de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, called on the international community to help set up a specialized armed force to quell the violence. The request for an international mission to Haiti enjoyed the backing of the US and the United Nations, but a deployment has been stalled for months because no country had agreed to lead such a mission to the country. Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to combat gang violence. On Monday September 25, Duale said his country was ready to deploy to Haiti and cited Kenyas very long history of global peacekeeping in Kosovo, neighboring Somalia and Congo. King Mohammed VI, of Morocco, has sent a Letter to the Head of government concerning the revision of the Family Code. This Royal Letter gives concrete form to the Royal decision announced by the King in the Speech of the Throne for the year 2022, and reflects the High concern that the Sovereign never ceases to bestow on the promotion of womens issues and the family in general. In parallel with the mission entrusted to the Head of government by the King, through this Letter, the Sovereign has entrusted the preparation of this important reform, in a collective and collegial manner, to the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power and the Presidency of the Public Prosecutors Office, in view of the centrality of the legal and judicial dimensions of this issue. King Mohammed VI called on the above-mentioned institutions to closely involve in this reform the other bodies directly concerned by this issue, headed by the Higher Council of the Ulema, the National Human Rights Council, the Government Authority in charge of Solidarity, Social Integration and the Family, while also opening up to civil society bodies and players, researchers and specialists. The High Royal Instructions stipulate that the proposed amendments emerging from these broad participatory consultations are to be submitted to HM the King, Commander of the Faithful, the guarantor of citizens rights and freedoms, for approval within a maximum period of six months, before the government drafts the relevant bill and submits it to parliament for adoption. 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: Deep-learning sequence alignment algorithm and computational modeling predict stable binding interactions between Yongshi and HR1. (A) Sequence alignments between Yongshi and HR1/HR2 sequences of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV by SAdLSA . denotes the mean of predicted distance between aligned residues, and SeqID is Sequence Identity. Identical and statistically favorable amino acid substitutions are denoted by "*" and "+", respectively. The digits below each alignment indicate the probability that the predicted structure for each aligned amino acid pair will be less than 3 A, e.g., the number 6 predicts a probability score between 60 to 70%. Note that SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 have identical sequences in their HR2 regions aligned to Yongshi. (B) A structural model of two SARS-CoV-2 HR1s in complex with a single Yongshi peptide. The two HR1s are shown in the surface representation, and the Yongshi peptide is shown in ribbon backbone and licorice sidechain representations in the upper snapshot, and the same surface representation in the lower snapshot. The lower snapshot is slightly rotated from the upper snapshot to show a large positively charged surface patch of Yongshi as pointed by a yellow arrow. The color codes for amino acids are hydrophobic (white), polar (green), positive (blue), negative (red). (C) A structural model of three SARS-CoV-2 HR1s in complex with three Yongshi peptides after 100 ns of MD simulation. The upper snapshot is shown in cartoon representation for three HR1s (blue, cyan, gray), and ribbon representation for Yongshi (yellow). The lower snapshot is in the same orientation as the upper one but shown in the same representation as snapshots in (B). Credit: Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41850-7 Emory Vaccine Center researchers say they have identified the Achilles heel of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Part of the viral fusion machinery seems to stay the same among several viral variants, and this vulnerable machinery is what the antiviral peptide Yongshi targets. A peptide is a small protein or fragment of a protein. Derived from a natural antiviral peptide produced by wild boar, Yongshi (meaning "warrior" in Mandarin) can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting host cells. The scientists are now studying how to adapt the peptide for clinical use. Their research is now published in Scientific Reports. "Yongshi throws a wrench into the machine that allows SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cell," says senior author Joshy Jacob, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology at Emory University School of Medicine. Jacob's Vaccine Center lab is based at Emory National Primate Research Center. An advantage for Yongshi is that it appears to be active against all known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the recent XBB.1.16. It is also active against the related viruses SARS-CoV-1 and MERS. For comparison, monoclonal antibodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 variants have often lost activity as the virus continues to evolve and new variants emerge. "This is important because drug makers and the public in general has to catch up whenever a new viral variant takes the stage," Jacob says. "A peptide-based antiviral approach might allow us to stay ahead." The origin of Yongshi was in cathelicidin peptides, which are produced by mammals, birds, amphibians and fish and have long been studied for their antimicrobial properties. Working in Jacob's lab, former graduate student Troy von Beck tested cathelicidin peptides from several types of animals, including bats, pangolins, humans, whales, snakes, cats, koalas and wallabies. He settled on one from wild boar, which was the most active, and then modified it to reduce toxicity against human cells. Pigs are not susceptible to SARS-CoV2, and it is unclear whether their cathelicidin peptides may be partly responsible. To understand the mechanism of Yongshi's antiviral activity, the Emory researchers collaborated with computational protein-modeling experts Jeffrey Skolnick, Ph.D., and Mu Gao, Ph.D., at Georgia Tech. In a computer simulation, they identified interactions between Yongshi and part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein known as the "helical bundle." Further experiments with the Emory-based labs of Mehul S. Suthar, Ph.D., and Renhao Li, Ph.D., supported this model. Previously discovered helical bundle peptide inhibitors are expected to be cross-reactive with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and may be ineffective in vaccinated or convalescent individuals. Jacob's lab has a track record of finding antiviral peptides from the natural world. In collaboration with Indian herpetologists, his team isolated an anti-flu peptide from frog skin secretions. They later found another peptide from frogs against Zika and dengue viruses. Developing antimicrobial peptides into effective drugs has been a challenge, partly because enzymes in the body can break them down. Jacob says that further modifications to the peptide are necessary to generate a therapeutically viable product. This may include chemical modification, which could both reduce the necessary dose of peptide and improve its stability following administration. Also, Jacob suggests that mRNA technology used in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 vaccines could be a way to deliver Yongshi to patients long-term, either as a single-dose therapeutic following infection or as a prophylactic prior to infection. More information: Troy von Beck et al, A wild boar cathelicidin peptide derivative inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and its drifted variants, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41850-7 Journal information: Scientific Reports 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: American Indian and Alaska Native patients with Medicare insurance have a considerable burden of cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online Sept. 22 in JAMA Network Open. Lauren A. Eberly, M.D., M.P.H., from the Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico, and colleagues conducted a population-based cohort study from January 2015 to December 2019 to examine the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease among American Indian and Alaska Native Medicare beneficiaries (220,598 beneficiaries; median age, 72.5 years). Within the cohort, 44.8, 61.3, and 72.2 percent were diagnosed with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, respectively, during the study period. The researchers found that the prevalence of coronary artery disease was 38.6 and 36.7 percent in 2015 and 2019, respectively. There was an increase in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction, from 6.9 to 7.7 per 1,000 person-years in 2015 and 2019, respectively (percentage change, 4.79). The prevalence of heart failure was 22.9 and 21.4 percent in 2015 and 2019, while the incidence increased from 26.1 to 27.1 per 1,000 person-years, respectively (percentage change, 4.08 percent). The prevalence of atrial fibrillation was stable at 9.4 and 9.3 percent in 2015 and 2019, respectively. At least one severe cardiovascular condition was reported for half the patients, and the overall mortality rate was 19.8 percent. "The path forward requires engagement to support community-led initiatives and targeted investment in Indigenous communities to rectify historical harms and address sociopolitical determinants of cardiovascular health," the authors write. More information: Lauren A. Eberly et al, Cardiovascular Disease Burden and Outcomes Among American Indian and Alaska Native Medicare Beneficiaries, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34923 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Expression of TXNIP in LV CMCs (the middle layer of the myocardium). Immunohistochemical staining, 400. (A) control; (B) AH (38-week-old SHR rats); (C) AH (57-week-old SHR rats); (D) DM (38-week-old WKY rats with insulin-dependent DM); (E) AH+DM (38-week-old SHR rats with insulin-dependent DM). Credit: Pathophysiology (2023). DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30020021 RUDN University doctors studied what happens to oxidative and antioxidant processes in the heart during diabetes and hypertension. The work provides insight into the relationship between these processes at the molecular level and outlines possible therapeutic targets. The results were published in Pathophysiology. Oxidative stress causes damage to cells by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Normally, ROS constantly present in cell metabolism and perform several functions, including the regulation of the myocardium, the muscle tissue of the heart. However, excessive amounts of ROS damage healthy tissues through oxidation and damage all cell components. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a key regulator of oxidative stress. The role of TXNIP was recently discovered and is not yet fully understood. It is known to be involved in glucose metabolism, and protecting the myocardium from ischemia. Another important enzyme involved in maintaining oxidative balance in the body is glutathione synthetase (GS). RUDN University doctors tried to connect these puzzle pieces into a single picture and studied what happens to TXNIP and GS during myocardial damage and impaired glucose metabolism. "A large amount of data has already been accumulated that describes the participation of TXNIP and GS in the response to pathological factors of various diseases. But despite this, we do not have a clear understanding of their role in the pathogenesis of myocardial damage caused by a combination of hypertension and diabetes mellitus." "Our goal was to investigate the features of the expression of TXNIP and GS in the myocardium with these pathologies," said Anastasia Sklifasovskaya, Ph.D. in Medicine, assistant at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology named after V. A. Frolov, RUDN University. The study was carried out on rats of different ages with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes), hypertensive crises, and both diseases. Doctors from RUDN University examined the morphological characteristics of the myocardium and immunochemical parameters of the animals' blood. It turned out that the level of TXNIP increases in rats with hypertensive crises at the age of 57 weeks, in rats of all age groups with diabetes, and in the group with a combination of diseases. The same animals showed almost a two-fold increase in GS. Moreover, in younger rats (aged 38 weeks) with hypertensive crises, the level of TXNIP is significantly reduced. Doctors associated an increase in TXNIP levels with the activation of oxidative stress, and GS with activation of the antioxidant system. This allowed RUDN doctors to conclude that suppressing the TXNIP expression and increasing the production of glutathione can mitigate myocardial damage and slow down oxidative stress. "Myocardial impairment due to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or hypertension is accompanied by both oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. This allows the use of TXNIP as a marker of oxidative damage to the myocardium. Increased glutathione expression synthetases is a good prognostic sign that even under conditions of severe energy deficiency, the remaining mass of healthy cardiomyocytes continues to protect cells from death." "Studying other ways to increase the amount of glutathione can improve the condition of the myocardium and slow down the progression of heart failure," said Anastasia Sklifasovskaya, Ph.D. in Medicine, assistant at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Physiology named after V. A. Frolov, RUDN University. More information: Anastasia Sklifasovskaya et al, Myocardial Glutathione Synthase and TRXIP Expression Are Significantly Elevated in Hypertension and Diabetes: Influence of Stress on Antioxidant Pathways, Pathophysiology (2023). DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30020021 Provided by Russian Foundation for Basic Research 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 Overly broad definitions, a lack of appropriate, or any, comparison groups, among other things, in studies looking at the incidence, prevalence, and control of the conditionepidemiologyhave distorted the risks, say the researchers. This is further compounded by inclusion of poorly conducted studies into systematic reviews and pooled data analyses that end up overstating the risk yet again, they add. The likely consequences of this include, but aren't limited to, increased public anxiety and health care spending; misdiagnoses; and diversion of funds from those who really do have other long term conditions secondary to COVID-19 infection, suggest the researchers. Many after effects of COVID-19 infection include post-ICU syndromea constellation of health issues that are present when the patient is in intensive care and which persist after discharge homeand shortness of breath following pneumonia. Trouble is: these are common to many upper respiratory viruses, point out the researchers. None of the working definitions of "long COVID" used by influential health bodies, such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the Royal College of General Practitioners requires a causal link between the virus responsible for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) and a range of symptoms. Not only should comparator (control) groups be included in long COVID studies, when they often aren't, but they should also be properly matched to cases, ideally by age, sex, geography, socioeconomic status and, if possible, underlying health and health behaviors, which they rarely are, say the researchers. During the early stages of the pandemic, when SARS-CoV-2 testing wasn't widely available, studies were more likely to include a non-representative sample of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients by including fewer patients with mild or no symptoms. This is known as sampling bias, which occurs when certain members of a population have a higher probability of being included in a study sample than others, potentially limiting the generalizability of a study's findings, explain the researchers. "Our analysis indicates that, in addition to including appropriately matched controls, there is a need for better case definitions and more stringent [long COVID] criteria, which should include continuous symptoms after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and take into consideration baseline characteristics, including physical and mental health, which may contribute to an individual's post COVID experience, " they write, adding that the umbrella term long COVID should be jettisoned in favor of different terms for specific after effects. While the results of high quality population studies on long COVID in adults and children have been reassuring, they point out, the body of research "is replete with studies with critical biases" they add, setting out common pitfalls. "Ultimately, biomedicine must seek to aid all people who are suffering. In order to do so, the best scientific methods and analysis must be applied. Inappropriate definitions and flawed methods do not serve those whom medicine seeks to help," they insist. "Improving standards of evidence generation is the ideal method to take long COVID seriously, improve outcomes, and avoid the risks of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment," they include. The research is published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. More information: How methodological pitfalls have created widespread misunderstanding about long COVID, BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2023-112338 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: PrEP uptake continuum. Credit: AIDS and Behavior (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04017-z The United States has a proven treatment to reduce HIV infection risk by up to 99%. The health system just needs to get better at offering it. In 2021, the country had over 36,000 new HIV diagnoses, yet PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) is used by fewer than one in four people who would benefit from it. PrEP is preventive medicinelike statins to avoid heart diseasefor HIV-negative people who risk infection through sex or drug use. Efforts to expand PrEP use include the U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. Health officials in Philadelphia, an EHE priority area, are partnering with LDI Fellows, the Penn Center for AIDS Research, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in improving PrEP programs. "Medical provider-, clinic-, and system-level barriers have made it hard to increase PrEP knowledge, access, and uptake in communities in Philadelphia that could benefit from it," said Kathleen Brady, director and medical director of the Health Department's Division of HIV Health. "The collaboration is helping us to identify these barriers and address them." Other PrEP studies from LDI Fellows focus on people marginalized because of race or ethnicity, LGBTQ+ status, age, or substance use disorder. Normalizing PrEP, raising awareness PrEP access is inequitable: People who are Black or Hispanic/Latino are over-represented in new HIV diagnoses and women are 19% of new diagnoses, yet 10% or fewer of individuals in these groups obtain PrEP prescriptions. Why? Stigma. LDI Senior Fellow Sarita Sonalkar, MD, MPH, said that HIV and sex are often stigmatized in women. Devaluing people who use drugs, LDI Associate Fellow Maria Christina Herrera, MD, MSHP, said, "contributes to both the overdose epidemic and the HIV epidemic." Philadelphia collaborations by LDI Senior Fellow Stephen Bonett, Ph.D., RN, suggest approaches for destigmatization. One is universal PrEP counseling. "Everyone gets the info," he said. "It's just part of comprehensive sexual health services." Another is culturally relevant, humble care that acknowledges the cultural background many people bring to relationships and how little we know about others. "This puts patients and medical providers on an equal plane," Bonett said. Having health workers with lived experience in the community also builds trust. Herrera agrees: Trusted messengers reduce stigma. For people getting substance use care, certified recovery specialistspeers with lived experience and training in nonjudgmental communicationare "a surefire way to get patients to hear about PrEP." The messengers LDI Senior Fellow Dalmacio Flores, Ph.D., ACRN, works with are parents of LGBTQ+ children. Some communities have persistent stigma that particularly affects queer youth of color, he said. Flores was part of a team that surveyed 400 self-identified Black gay and bisexual U.S. males, aged 18 to 29. Family support was associated with lower stigma and higher positivity about PrEP. However, open communication with parents about sex and drugs was linked to higher PrEP stigma, possibly because of parental discomfort and cultural attitudes about HIV. The findings were published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The findings show the need for Flores' Parents ASSIST program of animated information videos, piloted over the past few years, with a randomized controlled effectiveness trial in the works. "Parents are with their young person everyday," Flores said. "They often provide health insurance, so inclusive, nonstigmatizing conversations about HIV and PrEP and normalizing insurance for health care around sexual behavior is more powerful than any public health message." Presenting PrEP as preventive, "like the pill but for gay kids," normalizes it, Flores said. Flores also helps community and religious organizations, schools, and nonprofit groups communicate with LGBTQ+ youth about sexual health. Nonjudgmental presentation of PrEP promotes interest in the treatment. Associate LDI Fellow Caroline Darlington, MSN, with LDI Senior Fellow Peggy Compton, Ph.D., RN, surveyed 233 women vulnerable to HIV infection about PrEP awareness before seeing an informational video, and their intention after the video to start PrEP within three months. Overall, 42% were aware of PrEP before, but after learning about PrEP, 63% intended to initiate. The study was part of the Just4Us trial led by LDI Senior Fellow Anne Teitelman, Ph.D., who said these results show that "awareness and knowledge are key. PrEP has been approved for 12 years, but women who haven't heard of it are hesitant, like we saw with the COVID vaccine." Many cisgendered women who know of PrEP think it is for gay men, Teitelman said, so publicizing that PrEP is established HIV prevention for anyonecis, trans, gay, straight, using or not using drugscould increase uptake. Women who reported use of prescription opioids or multiple drugs had particularly high intentions to start PrEP after hearing about it. To Darlington, who treats women with substance use disorders, this suggests opportunities for PrEP education during drug treatment. Integrating PrEP into health care With LDI Senior Fellows Sarah Wood, MD, MSHP, and Nadia Dowshen, MD, MSHP, Herrera interviewed providers about their records of prescribing PrEP or medication for opioid use disorder to people aged 16 to 29. They showed that training prescribers to be comfortable offering PrEP might correct low use in this group. Herrera plans to create a decision aid, using patient and provider input, to guide nonstigmatizing patient-provider conversations about PrEP. To integrate PrEP with family planning services, Sonalkar, with LDI Senior Fellow Shimrit Keddem, Ph.D., MPH, asked people visiting a family planning clinic how they felt about including HIV screening and PrEP discussions in their visit for abortion, early pregnancy loss, or contraception. Overall, this was "very acceptable," Sonalkar said, although for early pregnancy loss, many preferred the discussion at a later visit. Particularly helpful was information about women's HIV risks and PrEP effectiveness at lowering them. "Patients felt that the screening just opened the door to a real conversation," Sonalkar said. "They wanted frank, but private, nonjudgmental discussions about PrEP." The study called for provider training through public health departments to raise confidence about PrEP conversations. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends PrEP for people at risk of HIV infection. Sonalkar said more statements and guidelines from influential societies such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists would show that HIV screening and PrEP are essential sexual health services. Sonalkar practices universal PrEP counseling, saying, "I tell all patients about PrEP, even if they don't seem to have risks. Awareness is low, so just telling someone increases knowledge about it." Removing barriers to PrEP Using PrEP requires multiple steps: a negative HIV test, a prescription, and quarterly blood-test monitoring. Bonett evaluated Philadelphia's effort to remove PrEP barriers via low-threshold, "one-stop-shop" care from community clinics. This means "no hoops to jump through, so it's super easy to come in," Bonett said. He found the strategy connected people to housing, food, and jobs. When patients and providers must cover multiple issues in one visit, competing needs can be a barrier to integrating care. "It takes a while to go over PrEP with someone," Teitelman said. Her Just4Us randomized controlled trial in New York City and Philadelphia tested a counseling-and-navigation intervention that could help busy providers integrate PrEP into care and increase uptake in cisgender women. The results were published in AIDS and Behavior. Just4Us participants had "few resources and many challenges," Teitelman said, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, and incarceration. They were enthusiastic about the intervention, but many faced ongoing barriers such as a lack of transportation and childcare for PrEP's multiple appointments. Most people enrolled in Just4Us had insurance thanks to Obamacare, Teitelman said, but recommended blood-test monitoring might have copays. Innovations to Make PrEP More Equitable A potential solution is TelePrEP, a new Philadelphia program for providing PrEP online that Bonett is studying. From a website, individuals can schedule a telehealth appointment about PrEP, and get a mailed kit for self-collecting a sample for the required HIV test. If appropriate, PrEP prescribing and provision is online and through the mail. Researchers and PrEP providers are interested in next-generation HIV prevention products including longer-acting implants, vaginal rings, and injections. "The latest formulations have immense potential for people for whom daily medication doesn't make sense," said Herrera. "We heard a lot of interest from providers." Multipurpose products are also intriguing. Sonalkar said family planning provides lessons about integrating new technology into preventive care, such as birth control pills that contain iron supplements. She envisions options that combine PrEP with contraception by pill, injection, or implant. New products tend to be expensive, she said, so ensuring insurance coverage is vital. LDI Senior Fellow Jose Bauermeister studies these new products and said they could reshape the HIV prevention and treatment landscape. He advises, however, that they have similar issues as current PrEP formulations around cost, delivery, uptake, and persistent use, particularly in resource-constrained settings and marginalized groups. He calls for robust multisector research to increase PrEP options for effective, equitable use. Priorities raised by LDI Fellowsfair access to new products, insurance coverage for PrEP, and integrated treatment that's accessible and culturally humbleare federal and city goals, Brady said. The next few years will include working with Penn and community partners to "create an HIV prevention system that meets people where they are at and gives them the tools that they need to protect themselves and their communities." More information: Anne M. Teitelman et al, A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of Just4Us, a Counseling and Navigation Intervention to Promote Oral HIV Prophylaxis Uptake Among PrEP-Eligible Cisgender Women, AIDS and Behavior (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04017-z Donte T. Boyd et al, The Role of Family Support and Communication on PrEP Attitudes and Stigma Among Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2023). DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001832 Journal information: AIDS and Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases 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 The health care landscape has undergone rapid changes in recent years, requiring clinicians and stakeholders to consider innovative ways to provide care in traditional and non-traditional settings. The American College of Cardiology has released a workbook on home-based cardiac care that provides the cardiovascular care team with tools and resources to incorporate high-quality, patient-centered care in the home setting. Home-based care is defined as any form of medical care that takes place in the home of the patient; this includes the acceleration of virtual care seen during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased consumer demand, clinician interest and regulatory changes. While other countries have integrated home-based care models into their health care system, the United States had a significant decline in house calls and home-based care after 1997 when benefits were capped to help control Medicare costs. "While interest in and access to home-based care has grown considerably in the last few years, these services often remain underutilized, especially in the case of acute and specialty care," said Nivee P. Amin, MD, MHS, FACC, chair of the ACC Home-Based Care Workbook writing committee. "However, given the rise of chronic diseases like heart disease and many elderly people's desire to remain in their own homes as they age, it is vital that we look at every possibility for how to appropriately provide care at home. The ACC created this workbook in hopes that all stakeholders in this space might see the possibilities and benefits of increasing home-based care." The workbook examines the full spectrum of what providing home-based cardiac care in the U.S. would look like, including: Advantages and disadvantages of basic and advanced cardiac care in the home Guiding principles and objectives for developing a home-based care program Key performance indicators to measure the success of home-based care programs Other key areas the workbook covers include challenges related to home-based care, the scope of home-based health care, program considerations for home-based care and reimbursement. According to the authors, there are numerous applications for home-based care in cardiovascular medicine and its use is likely to expand in the coming years. The workbook provides a general framework of clinical scenarios where the integration of home-based care may be impactful: Elective outpatient percutaneous coronary intervention and peripheral vascular intervention Cardiac implantable electronic device placement Electrophysiology catheter ablation Home care after an acute coronary syndrome or critical limb ischemia Chronic arrhythmia management Heart failure "Many within the health care industry believe that cardiovascular care will be increasingly delivered in non-traditional ambulatory settings," Amin said. "The cardiovascular care community must consider and prepare for this eventuality. The ACC looks forward to leading this effort so that home-based care improves patient access and outcomes." More information: Learn more about the ACC Home-Based Care Workbook. 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: Nurses, health technicians and health care support workers face a higher risk of suicide than the general U.S. population does, an alarming new study shows. Researchers pointed out these workers have to perform stressful tasks while caring for ill patients and managing heavy workloads, with little control over patient outcomes. Not only that, but "health care workers' relationship roles are often characterized as having a kind of a high achievement and a perfectionistic or compulsive personality traits that can make them excessively devoted to their work and have trouble taking time off," said study first author Dr. Mark Olfson, a professor in Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry. "And all of this can contribute to poor self-care and delay them recognizing a need for help. There's also a lot of stigma that continues just around mental health care." The study, published Sept. 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association,, looked at a nationally representative group of more than 1.8 million adults ages 26 and older in data that spanned from 2008 through 2019. Health care workers were divided into six groupsphysicians, registered nurses, other health care-diagnosing or treating practitioners, health technicians, health care support workers, and social/behavioral health workersand compared them with non-health care workers. Analysis of the data showed that health care support workers, registered nurses and health technicians were more likely than non-health care workers to die by suicide. Meanwhile, doctor suicide rates were roughly the same as those in the general population, at annual standardized suicide rates of 13 for every 100,000 people. The report also found that health care work is more strongly associated with suicide risk among female workers. In previous research, Olfson also found that registered nurses, social workers and other behavioral health workers are at significantly greater risk for drug overdose death compared to non-health care workers. Past studies have examined mental health among physicians, but this new study noted that little was known about the mental health of the approximately 95% of remaining workers in the health care industry. The study also doesn't include data from the pandemic, which triggered elevated levels of stress and burnout among health care workers. Mayer Bellehsen, founding director of the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery and the Feinberg Division of the Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and their Families, both at Northwell Health in New York, said changing the health care system to better support workers would be a tall task. "There are numerous levels of change that need to be occurring, from directly addressing access and stigma around mental health to creating environments that are sufficiently resourced and supportive, with lower emphasis on productivity demands," said Bellehsen, who was not involved with the study. In addition, "more emphasis on empowering health care workers to be able to deliver the clinical care that they want, in a way that they feel is also respecting their ability for autonomy" would help, he said. As for what loved ones of health care workers can do, Bellehsen said it's important to "pay attention to changes in loved ones' emotions, behaviors and mood, and do not take it lightly if you suspect that someone is having a change in their mental health. "Make sure to reach out and ask questions around how a person is doing, including being comfortable with directly asking if somebody is having thoughts of suicide," he added. "If so, link them into resources that can help." For people who feel their lives are at risk, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number is available to call or text 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. A Polson police officer is facing allegations that he sexually abused a minor over the course of several years, according to court documents filed by the Montana Attorney Generals Office. Matthew Timm, 41, is charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of children, court filings show. If convicted, Timm faces up to 10 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine. As of Tuesday, Timm was in custody at the Flathead County jail on a $500,000 bond. He has not entered a plea to the charge yet. On Sept. 7, a Polson police detective was contacted by a resident who said they needed to report something about Timm. The caller said they found a flash drive hidden in the upper kitchen cabinets at their Polson house where Timm previously lived. It allegedly contained several videos of a minor naked or partially clothed, according to the case affidavit. The media was time stamped from 2018. Polson Police Chief George Simpson subsequently reached out to the Lake County Sheriffs Office and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations to look into the accusations. Authorities served a search warrant on the flash drive, which contained 709 images of the minor either partially naked or fully exposed, according to the case affidavit. Law enforcement also searched Timms house. They found and seized multiple electronic devices. Timm was living at the house between 2017 and March of 2023, according to the case affidavit. The minor and Timm were residing together, according to charging documents, when Timm allegedly hid cameras throughout a bathroom and captured photos of her. She reported to law enforcement the abuse lasted for several years and Timm had started touching her in a sexual manner when she was 12 or 13 years old and continued into her high school years, the affidavit reads. Timm would only touch when the two of them were alone, court documents allege. The girl indicated she wasnt sure of how long the videotaping was going on, but cameras became more and more concealed after she noticed a tablet recording in the bathroom when she was showering. She confronted Timm about the behavior and told him it needed to stop. The minor told investigators the last time she caught Timm recording her was in 2018 or 2019. Timm was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 13. On Monday, Simpson said in a phone call Timm is suspended from the department (meaning hes not on duty) and his employment investigation is ongoing. Assistant Attorneys General Stephanie Robles and Daniel M. Guzynski are prosecuting the case in conjunction with the Lake County Attorneys Office. Three Montana women made Time magazines Time100 Next list, touting them as the worlds rising stars. Actor Lily Gladstone, environmental activist Rikki Held and Missoula Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr are featured in the Sept. 25 edition of the magazine now celebrating its 100th year. Sam Jacobs, Times editor in chief, said the list was assembled through research and reporting from across the magazines global network of editors and correspondents. The list was described by Jacobs as an opportunity to show what society's future and future leaders will look like. Categories included artists, phenoms, leaders, innovators and advocates. The group reportedly sifted through hundreds of suggestions then met weekly to debate who belongs on the list. Cate Matthews, an editorial director with the magazine, said: Through this process we get to know so many extraordinary leaders who are creating change across the world. Our hope is that the list offers a glimpse into their important work. Jacobs said this years list includes dozens of people who are engineering new solutions to societys most pressing problems. They are expected to gather with others on the list in New York City in October for a dinner party. Actor Riley Keough wrote that Gladstone, 37, shows magnetism and depth on screen. In all of Lilys performances, she is able to bring a raw presence and incredible emotional history, Keough wrote. Its hard to keep your eyes off of her. She is exhilarating. Gladstone was raised in Browning and is of Blackfeet and Nimiipuu heritage. She also graduated from the University of Montana. She is now appearing in the Martin Scorsese film Killers of the Flower Moon. Keough said Gladstone, who was listed among the lists section featuring artists, is not only talented, but has an incredible work ethic and is thoughtful and kind on set. She is a star onscreen and a real light in the world off-screen, Keough wrote. Time Reporter Sanya Mansoor recounted Zephyrs censure by Republicans in the state Legislature in 2023 shortly after she said those who supported bills that would restrict gender-affirming care would have blood on your hands. Zephyr, the first openly transgender woman elected to the Montana Legislature, was banned from the House floor but continued to show up at the Capitol to represent her district and voted remotely. Mansoor noted the bill passed, but in the months since, Zephyr now widely known for her work to combat it has continued to use her national profile to champion protections for transgender Americans. The 35-year-old Zephyr was listed among the leaders on the Time list. Zephyr made note of the honor Sept. 13 and 14 on X, formerly known as Twitter. She also mentioned that Held and Gladstone were on the list as well. It's an absolute joy to represent Missoula. And all of the work however challengingalways feels light, because I know I'm fighting alongside so many amazing people to build a better, kinder world, she wrote. Rikki Held made the list for her advocacy for the environment as lead plaintiff in the Held v. Montana lawsuit involving 15 other youths in which the state was successfully sued for violating its own constitutional guarantee that it would provide citizens a clean and healthful environment. Held, 22, of Broadus, was listed in the "advocates" portion of the Time list. Jeffrey Kluger, editor at large at Time, called the ruling historic and was one that could provide a road map for similar efforts. He said Held plans to pursue a graduate degree in climate or hydrology. Her father, Steve, said in a telephone interview Tuesday that he never thought that Rikki and the other young plaintiffs winning the climate case would lead to so many things. Its been unbelievable, he said, adding his daughter shuns the limelight. I have been more excited about it than she has. Steve Held said of the Time magazine honor that Rikki Held does not take credit or claim for any of her accomplishments. It is just so not her, he said, but the effort to do the right thing is definitely 100% her. Rikki was not available for comment, her father said, adding she joined the Peace Corps and arrived in Kenya a few days ago to begin work. About 10% of Americans think the Earth is flat. In comparison, just 6% of Montanans support Sen. Steve Daines repeated attempts to unilaterally strip longstanding protections from wilderness study areas. A strange comparison, maybe, but far more people think they could sail right off Earths edge than support Daines attempts to slash protections from Montanas wild country. But should we be surprised? None of us have ever looked down on Earth from space. We have, though, spent countless hours exploring the forests, mountains, prairies, and rivers that define our lives and support our livelihoods. Weve hunted them and fished them, weve hiked and camped on them, weve floated the rivers and climbed the mountains and walked the prairies, and we know some of these places like the backs of our hands. We know the nearest honeyhole, the best elk refuge, the secret tent spot, the hidden meadow. Heck, some of us have gotten engaged out here. Daines claims that hes one of us, that he knows and loves Montanas public lands the way we do. His actions have repeatedly fallen far short of that rhetoric. While he posts about his latest buck or cutthroat, Daines has hardly ever bothered to align his policy with his rhetoric. Case in point: his latest bill would strip protections from over 100,000 acres of public lands, and hes championed it against the overwhelming objections of Montanans, just 6% of whom supported his two previous failed attempts to eliminate protections from wilderness study areas in 2017 and 2019. Daines bill targets three wilderness study areas: the Middle Fork Judith in the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, Hoodoo Mountain southwest of Lincoln, and Wales Creek south of Ovando. These are some of western and central Montanas best elk habitat, home to rare and threatened native populations of westslope cutthroat trout, and other species of critical concern. While hes pushing one-size-fits-all legislation that imperils fish, wildlife, and Montana communities, Daines is ignoring actual on-the-ground efforts to come up with common-sense solutions for the future of wilderness study areas. While he likes to pay lip service to the importance of locally driven solutions, Daines has ignored locals hard work, preferring to listen to a small sliver of special interest groups. Time and again, the senator has been perfectly teed up to support community-driven processes to shape the future of WSAs, many of which were already establishedand has kept on introducing rounds of top-down legislation cutting out existing collaborative efforts and slashing protections for huge tracts of public lands. In the wake of Daines failed 2017 attempt to jeopardize wilderness study areas, the Montana State Legislature even produced an interim report calling for locally driven processes to shape the future of wilderness study areas, informed by public testimony from recreationists, timber industry representatives, conservationists, and other stakeholders. During the process, council members repeatedly expressed a desire for Montanas congressional delegation to support a collaborative approach to determining the future of WSAs. Daines promised in writing to respect the state Legislatures findings. He has not, preferring to push one-sided legislation written in Washington D.C. Daines has tried to fool us into believing that obscure bureaucratic processes are equivalent to real local collaboratives. They are not. If bureaucracy alone determined the fate of our public lands, Glacier National Park would have long ago been flooded by a dam on the North Fork of the Flathead. Repeatedly, hes doubled down on his commitment to ignoring Montanans and force-feeding us made-in-Washington legislation, telling us the whole time that he knows whats best for us. Meanwhile, hes conspicuously rejected opportunities to support actual collaborative legislation, like the Montana-made Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, which has been hashed out over 15 years by conservation groups, timber companies, snowmobilers, mountain bikers, and more. Heres another comparison: 84% of Montanans support the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act. And lets say it again: just 6% support Daines attacks on wilderness study areas. Senator, its not rocket science. The Earth is round. Your bill is unpopular. Your responsibility is to your constituents, not your party bosses, special interest groups, or anyone else. How many times will you fail to live up to your own rhetoric before you come to your senses and start finally respecting Montanans and our public lands? In 1875 when he was 4 years old, the Guangxu Emperor acceded to the throne of China. He initiated the Hundred Days Reform in 1898, an attempt to modernize and westernize Chinese culture, politics and religion. The reform attempt failed in a coup on behalf of the emperors aunt, the Dowager Empress Cixi, and the emperor lived under house arrest until he died of arsenic poisoning in 1908 at age 37. The emperors confidential adviser at the time of the coup, Kang Yu Wei, came to Butte in 1905 as the president of the international Chinese Empire Reform Association, legions of expatriate Chinese who supported the emperors reform ideas. During the 1898 Hundred Days Reform, Kang Yu Wei managed most of the affairs of state for the nation, effectively serving as the prime minister. When the emperor was imprisoned, the dowager empress put a price on Kangs head. He escaped by hiding in Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe. Kang started the Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1899. More than 150 CERAs were established worldwide, including at least nine in Montana. The Butte chapter was organized in August 1901, with Quong Loy as the president. By 1905, the organization was actively supporting a developing army in the U.S., intended to help restore the Guangxu Emperor to power. In Butte, the young men of Chinatown, numbering about 30, spent many summer evenings in 1905 drilling and practicing army maneuvers upon a roof back from the street on Mercury just west of Main Street." Kang arrived in Butte on Sept. 26, 1905, and stayed for five days. He and his secretary and physician were met at the BA&P railroad station by the Butte City Band leading a group of about 60 Chinese merchants. He spoke to his countrymen at the CERA headquarters at 212 South Colorado St. The night before his party left Butte for Spokane and Portland, they were treated to a banquet by Quong Loy. Had an American dropped into the place he would not have been long in discovering that the better class of Chinese know a thing or two and possess the faculty for entertaining, according to the Anaconda Standard reporter who covered the event. Kang Yu Weis trip across the United States had included a visit with President Theodore Roosevelt before his group came west to tour Yellowstone National Park and visit Butte and Helena. Although Kang complimented the Chinese militia company in Butte for their efficiency and skilled maneuvers, in 1906 with financial and other troubles, the military schools were disbanded by his order. The CERA organization effectively ended with the start of the Republic of China in 1912, although its successor, the Chinese Democratic Constitutionalist Party (1911-1945) and other incarnations continued to have political influence for many more years. A medallion of the Butte Chinese Empire Reform Association was uncovered near the site of its headquarters on Colorado Street during the archaeological dig in 2007. A Muscatine man received a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison Friday in Muscatine County District Court after being found guilty on July 21 of multiple counts of sex abuse-related charges. According to a press release, George Wesley Bishop II, 45, was found guilty of second-degree sexual abuse, which carries a 25-year sentence with a mandatory 70 percent served before being eligible for parole; three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, and three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, each of which carries a 10-year maximum sentence. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively. On release, Bishop will be required to register as a sex offender. On March 7, 2022, Muscatine County Sheriffs deputies responded to Trinity Muscatine after a minor reported being sexually abused by Bishop. Based on information gathered, an investigation was conducted by the sheriffs department Criminal Investigation Division. It was alleged and evidence gathered would show that Bishop had sexually abused the minor multiple times over several years. Among the evidence gathered was several nude images of a minor. On Friday, March 11, 2022, Bishop was arrested and charged for crimes related to the sexual abuse of a minor. On July 21 he appeared before District Court Judge Tom Riedel in Muscatine County District Court for a bench trial. The sheriffs office was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department, Iowa Department of Human Services, Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation laboratory. The High Court in Nairobi has overturned the decision to rename DikDik Road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, after COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli. The Nairobi County government renamed the street to Francis Atwoli Road in May 2021 in honour of the outspoken trade unionist. A few days after the unveiling of signage by former Nairobi Deputy Governor Anne Kananu, unknown persons pulled it down and set it ablaze. However, a defiant Atwoli said the county government had reinstalled it and installed CCTV surveillance to deter vandalism. RELATED Kenyans in Agreement After Francis Atwoli Road Signpost is Pulled Down On Monday, September 25, the court ruled that there had been a lack of public participation in the renaming process. Justice Anthony Mrima declared that the decision made by the Nairobi County government on May 27, 2021, was unconstitutional because it did not seek the input of the residents before changing the roads name. The judge emphasized that if the county government chose to rename the road, it should have, at the very least, initiated a form of stakeholder engagement, as mandated by the constitution. By taking such actions, the Respondents clearly violated the constitutional principle of public participation, as delineated in Articles 10(2), 174, and 232(1)(d) and (h) of the Constitution. Justice Mrima additionally emphasized that Atwoli should have ensured that the decision to name the public road after him was in accordance with both the constitution and the law, once he became aware of it. Therefore, the decision to re-name the Dik Dik Road to Francis Atwoli Road by the Respondents is hereby quashed, the court ruled. Ezekiel Machogu, the Education Cabinet Secretary, on Monday announced the updated Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) grading system at the launch of the 2023 national examination season held at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) headquarters in Nairobis New Mitihani House. CS Machogu said the new grading system will prioritize a combination of two compulsory subjects and the top five best performances of candidates. This represents a significant shift from the previous system, which relied on performance across subject clusters. Under the previous KCSE grading system, English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, 2 Science subjects, and 2 other subjects were taken into account. However, as per the recommendations of the presidential working party on education reforms, this system disadvantaged certain students whose highest-performing subjects were excluded if they did not fall within the designated subject clusters. Under the new system, the Kenya National Examinations Council will calculate candidates KCSE mean score by considering Mathematics, English or Kiswahili, and the five other subjects in which they performed the best. Previously there were five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences and one humanity. In addition to the two mandatory subjects the Kenya National Examinations Council will consider any other five best-performed subjects. It is expected that the new reform measure will increase the number of students qualifying for universities, Diploma and TVET training at Certificate and Artisan levels, said CS Machogu. The Ministry has assured that they will offer guidance and clear instructions to both students and teachers well in advance of the upcoming examination cycle. As per the schedule provided by KNEC, the KCSE examinations are scheduled to commence on October 23, 2023, and conclude on November 24, 2023. Rehearsals for the exams are set to occur on October 19, 2023. A total of three national examinations will be conducted this year, encompassing the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade 6 students, the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Authorities in Migori County are investigating an incident resulting in the unfortunate demise of a high school student on Sunday, September 24th. According to reports, the 15-year-old Form 3 student at Bande Girls secondary school in Migori County died by suicide. The local chief, Winnie Malemba, confirmed the incident. A police incident report indicated that the girl attended a church service within the school compound, alongside other students. She is said to have slipped away from the service while it was still in progress and was later found dead inside a classroom. According to the report, the minor left a note, in which she cited harassment she had been enduring from one of the school prefects. The students body was moved to the mortuary at Migori Level IV Hospital, where it awaits an autopsy. Starting from October 2, 2023, a groundbreaking shift in the registration of individuals in Kenya will officially start, with the introduction of Maisha Namba, which will be allocated to every newborn in the country. Maisha Namba, serving as a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), will be assigned to each Kenyan citizen upon registration, typically at the time of birth. This number will serve as a lifelong personal identity, persisting from birth to death. It essentially replaces the traditional birth certificate number and can also be generated digitally by authorized personnel responsible for issuing birth certificates. Officers will undergo training to ensure proficient utilization of digital registration technologies. Simultaneously, Kenyan citizens reaching the age of 18 will be among the first recipients of a 3rd Generation electronic identity card, referred to as the Maisha Card. These individuals, along with holders of the 2nd generation identity cards, will also have the option to obtain a digital identity card to complement the electronic version. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, has explained that this initiative is a response to the evolving registration landscape, which has remained largely unchanged for approximately 30 years. It necessitates an upgrade to align with global standards and cater to the rapidly expanding digital economy. Prof Bitok says the government is leveraging on technology to enable Kenyan citizens to acquire technologically advanced, safe and secure identification documents. This will transform how Kenyans are securely registered, identified, and authenticated and how they do business, through digital registration technologies. We are therefore in the process of transitioning from a fairly manual processing of registration documents to a digital identity system, Amb Bitok said. As a result, the public will now have the opportunity to enroll through a newly developed application, which will grant them access to a range of government services on the E-Citizen platform, as well as facilitate travel and business transactions. The Government will also introduce a master database (MDB) that will serve as a centralized repository for all registration data collected by various registration agencies. These agencies encompass Civil Registration, responsible for issuing birth and death certificates, the National Registration Bureau, in charge of identity cards, and Immigration and Refugee Services. To safeguard citizen data in accordance with legal provisions, the State Department has formulated a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and submitted it to the Office of the Data Commissioner. This document will undergo ongoing updates to address emerging risks as they occur. The department has been actively involving various stakeholders in a series of awareness and public engagement sessions. These include representatives from civil society organizations, religious leaders, private sector entities, and development partners. This ongoing process will continue even after the official launch of the initiative. The State Department has been developing a new digital registration system that encompasses four key components: Maisha Namba, Maisha Card, Digital Identity, and a National Master Registration database. President William Ruto is set to officially launch these four digital registration solutions on Monday, October 2, 2023. A 32-year-old businesswoman in Embakasi, Nairobi County, is out of pocket by Sh140,000 due to a weight loss scam. Judith Mawia Munyoki shared her harrowing experience with Senior Principal Magistrate Hellen Okwany at the Makadara Law Courts. The saga started when Munyoki confided in her friend Susan Francis about her weight loss challenges. Susan assured her there was a straightforward solution, citing examples like the renowned gastric procedure, slimming tea, and other weight loss methods. Francis introduced Munyoki to a purported doctor she claimed could assist, with the condition that Munyoki paid the necessary fee in advance. Munyoki, unaware of any deceit, proceeded to send the Sh140,000 in three separate payments over six days. On the appointed day, Francis guided Munyoki to a guest house in Rongai, where she met two individuals: Mwangi Waweru, who identified himself as a doctor, and another unidentified person. Shortly thereafter, Waweru instructed Munyoki to recline on the bed for the administration of GLP-1 liraglutide (Saxenda). A prescription guide from their website suggests that the medication helps adults dealing with excessive weight and weight-related health issues in shedding pounds and maintaining a healthier weight. A flicker of doubt crept into Munyokis mind when she raised concerns about the procedure taking place in a hotel room rather than a hospital. Cunningly, the doctor explained that the hospitals rooms were fully occupied, and the procedure necessitated absolute privacy. The court heard that following a brief tummy cleansing with methylated spirit and a short massage, Waweru, Francis, and the third individual left claiming they were going to fetch the drug. Over three hours later, Munyoki came to the painful realization that she had fallen victim to a scam. In a state of panic, she promptly headed to Embakasi Police Station to report the incident. Authorities successfully located and apprehended Susan Francis and the doctor Mwangi Waweru. At the Makadara Law Courts, the suspects pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining money through fraudulent means. They appealed for lenient bail, claiming that they were just hawkers. They were granted release on a cash bail of Sh70,000 each. The case is scheduled for a preliminary mention on November 16, with the full hearing set to commence on March 27, 2024.